China hopes Summit on Peace in Ukraine not to turn into bloc confrontation platform

Xinhua) 08:11, June 04, 2024

BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- China sincerely hopes that the Summit on Peace in Ukraine will not turn into a platform used to create bloc confrontation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.

Mao made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to a media query. The Chinese side said publicly last week that it will not attend the Summit on Peace in Ukraine organized by Switzerland. Some believe that not attending the summit means China does not support Switzerland and Ukraine in holding this summit, and means not supporting peace and standing on the side of Russia in opposition to Ukraine.

Mao said China believes that all efforts that are conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis should be supported.

"We have attached great importance to Switzerland's 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," she added.

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, Mao said, adding that 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.

She stressed that China's position on the peace conference is fair and just.

"Our position does not target any party and certainly not this particular summit. China's decision on participation is purely based on our assessment of the meeting itself, and we believe relevant parties can understand our position," she said.

Whether one supports peace or not should not be judged by a particular country or on the basis of a particular meeting, Mao said, adding that not attending the conference does not mean not supporting peace, and for certain countries, even if they do participate, they do not necessarily whole-heartedly want the conflict to stop.

Mao said what matters is what kind of action that is being taken, and what has happened shows that China has been most firmly and actively committed to promoting talks for peace.

Mao said 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," the spokesperson added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Chang'e 6 lifts off with samples collected from lunar far side

09:56, June 04, 2024 By Zhao Lei ( Chinadaily.com.cn

This image taken from video animation at Beijing Aerospace Control Center (BACC) on June 4, 2024, shows the ascender of China's Chang'e-6 probe, carrying samples collected from the moon's far side, lifting off from the lunar surface. The ascender has entered a preset orbit around the moon, said the China National Space Administration (CNSA). (Photo/Xinhua)

China's Chang'e 6 mission has completed the most important part of its lunar adventure as its sample-loaded ascender lifted off from the moon's far side on Tuesday morning.

According to the China National Space Administration, the ascender, one of the four major components of the Chang'e 6 robotic probe, started its ascent engine at 7:38 am and flew nearly 6 minutes before reaching a lunar orbit.

The mission has collected lunar samples in the past two days, and they are sealed inside a container on the ascender.

The space administration said the ascender's return to lunar orbit marked the successful completion of the first sampling and liftoff operations on the moon's far side by any country.

The Chang'e 6 spacecraft, representing the world's first attempt to bring samples from the lunar far side back to Earth, was launched by a Long March 5 heavy-lift carrier rocket on May 3 from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province. It entered lunar orbit on May 8.

The 8.35-metric-ton probe consists of four major components  an orbiter, a lander, an ascender, and a reentry capsule.

This image taken from video animation at Beijing Aerospace Control Center (BACC) on June 4, 2024, shows the ascender of China's Chang'e-6 probe, carrying samples collected from the moon's far side, lifting off from the lunar surface. The ascender has entered a preset orbit around the moon, said the China National Space Administration (CNSA). (Photo/Xinhua)

After a host of sophisticated maneuvers, the Chang'e 6 lander touched down on the far side on Sunday morning and soon started using a scoop to grab surface regolith and a drill for subsurface material.

At the same time, several mission payloads, including a panoramic camera, a lunar mineralogical spectrometer, and a lunar soil composition analytical instrument, were activated for operation on the moon. The results of their survey will play significant roles in the measurement and study of the moon's landscapes, mineral compositions as well as shallow structures, according to the space administration.

Moreover, three European scientific apparatuses carried by the Chang'e 6 landing craft  a radon-measuring instrument from France's national space agency, a dedicated negative ion instrument developed by the Swedish Institute of Space Physics with support from the European Space Agency, and a passive laser retroreflector from Italy's National Institute for Nuclear Physics  worked on the lunar surface over the past two days, said the space administration.

After the surface collection task finished, a Chinese national flag was unfolded on the lander, becoming the first national flag of any nation to be shown on the lunar far side.

An image provided by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) shows China's national flag unfolded on the lander of Chang'e 6, becoming the first national flag of any nation to be shown on the lunar far side.

In addition, a mini rover carrying a special camera was released from the lander and moved around the lander to take its pictures, according to the administration.

In the next stage, the ascender is set to remain in the lunar orbit for a certain period of time and then rendezvous and dock with the combination of orbiter and reentry capsule. It will transfer the sample container to the reentry capsule before departing.

In the final part of the 53-day mission, the combination will fly away from the lunar orbit and return to the Earth's orbit, where the pair will break up and the reentry capsule will conduct a host of complicated maneuvers to return to the Siziwang Banner Landing Site in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to the mission plan.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Does God really answer our daily prayers? Yes, and the wondrous reality of His perfect responses is being recorded for future generations in a very unusual mammoth national landmark being built next to a busy motorway network in England.

Called the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, the monument will be a living testimony that Jesus is truly alive and listens to his children  helping to restore hope in the power of answered prayers.

The project is fully underway with planning permission granted for the monument on a piece of land earmarked between the M6 and M42 motorways on the edge of Birmingham city.

The idea first occurred to just a bloke that God spoke to 20 years ago, says marketing consultant Richard Gamble, now aged 55, in a conversation with Christian Daily International.

Gamble received local media coverage for carrying a large wooden cross 77 miles across the county of Leicestershire during the Easter celebrations of 2004: I just wanted people to think about Jesus and I suppose I would describe that as performance art, and it just got traction with local media. It got people talking.

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It provoked lots of conversation and I was praying to God, What do you want me to do next?

Then a prophetic vision flashed through Gambles head. He saw the building of a wall of a million small bricks. Each brick represented a story of a miracle and a testimony, and answered prayer. Thus the vision for the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer was born.

However, the practicalities of building such a wall felt daunting for Gamble. By his own admission, I am not an architect and I am banned from all Do-It-Yourself projects in my house! I cant put a shelf up, so it seemed ridiculous for me to be trying this. But I just prayed.

Two important aspects developed from prayer about the monument. Firstly, he shared the vision with people. Its important to speak out a vision from God, to give it legs.

Secondly, the Bible story of Joseph and his dreams helped Gamble feel his way in turning the vision into a certainty. He saw that Joseph spoke out his vision and that became the catalyst for turning a perception into a reality.

Gamble prayed for 10 years after receiving his vision for the answered prayer landmark.

I was utterly naive. In my head, I thought if I can raise 20,000 [$25,000 USD] I can buy some land. But after 10 years, I just felt this real pressure from God to get started.

Gamble met with an architect and they decided to run a global architectural competition with the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2016 to find the design for the monument. The competition was open to any entries and 133 anonymous applications were received from 28 countries.

The designs were narrowed down to five final entries. Eventually the winning blueprint was declared to be Paul Bulkeley, lead architect for Snug Architects in Southampton, England.

The winning Eternal Wall design is a giant white infinity ribbon loop known as a Mobius strip, comprised of a million bricks. It has neither a beginning or end and reaches 51.5 meters [169 feet] upwards into the sky, with a diameter of 80 meters [262 feet].

Artistic technology embedded in the design means anyone can point a cellphone at any one of the bricks and a bespoke app utilizes an audio or video sharing a story of someone whose prayers were answered.

When you get to face the monument, explained Gamble, you will see how colossally big this landmark is, and how small the bricks are, and that will blow people away knowing that each story represents an answered prayer and that should provoke intentional questions.

The site will also involve a visitor center, education center, 24/7 prayer room, exhibition space, bookshop and cafe  all within 10 acres of green space.

About 300 church leaders of different denominations have visited the site in the last year, coming to pray blessing on the land. Meanwhile, a 1.1 mile [1.7 km] access road to the monument has been constructed and the plan is to build the compound in a few months. Then the foundations for the wall itself will start building early next year, 2025 with hopes for completion by 2026.

However, on this 20-year journey one thing I have learnt is that things can take longer, warned Gamble. One of the great lessons for me personally is patience and submitting to the timing of God. But a few years ago it was a vision, and then an idea and now we are very close to making this a reality.

The construction of the design is a long build involving complexities because it is so highly technical. We will have to do a number of months of testing and building mini monuments to check the load wrights, all sorts of stuff like that, said Gamble, its not like building a box or something people have done before. The way of the arch, the twists involved means every element is unique and novel. Its going to take a long time to build. We estimate between two to two-and-a-half years.

Gamble said the fundraising had been fantastic but more funds were needed.

Weve seen incredible gifts and pledges, and generosity. There was even a local farmer selling eggs on his farm to raise money, and people selling stuff on Ebay.

No U.K. Government funding has been given for the landmark but 17,000 people have officially supported the project to date.

Its unique aspect is that we are going to create a landmark of prayer funded by the people, said Gamble.

What is something never expected though is that its easier to gather people to ask them to give donations than to share their prayer testimonies. Thats interesting to me at this stage and I am trusting that will change over time.

A team of volunteers helped to collate the answered prayer testimonies. Some 40,000 answered prayer testimonies have been documented so far and another 40,000 yet to be recorded for the monument.

We want to get to between 200,000 to 300,000 answered prayers by the time we open, Gamble explained but we dont want the [bricks data] to be full when we start because we want to demonstrate that Jesus is alive, listens and answers prayer.

So we dont want it to be a completed monument but to grow over time, so that the message of this piece of art is that when you pray, God listens. And so the lighting for the site will happen over time to the extent of the answered prayers.

Gamble estimates that 800,000 people using the nearby motorways will see the monument each week and it will also be visible from Birmingham Airport.

I think its really important to proclaim the deeds of the Lord, said Gamble about the vision. In Psalm 145, it says to proclaim the deeds of the Lord to the nations and that is what we will be doing. We will proclaim the deeds of the Lord and pass it to our childrens children.

The challenge of current secular society is that the church is being put on mute, according to Gamble. It seems to me that people are happy for churches to provide social action but there are many restrictions on sharing the gospel, and we are not able to freely share testimonies of Gods hand at work.

I have heard of a number of churches who had social media accounts suspended because of fake news and what are we going to do about that? How are we going to tell the generations that follow?

We are going to build a global iconic landmark so that millions of people will be able to see and hear and listen to the deeds of the Lord.

Gamble said that 30 million people have searched on Google for Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but they find out little about Jesus.

In comparison, with this project, when people Google it and find out what this is about they have access to a database of a million answered prayers and search for whatever storm in life they are facing because people have been in the same situation as them.

Sometimes God answers prayers immediately and sometimes it takes decades, added Gamble, and sometimes it is in ways we dont like. But the overriding message in this piece of art is that Jesus wants to have a relationship with us and prayer is a journey with him.

The favor of God on the whole project has been unbelievable, Gamble said.

We couldnt have made anywhere near the progress we made without the incredible provision of God, not just in finance but with the right people at the right time, using their expertise and skills, and we are seeing in a consistent way that God is helping us get this over the finish line.

To submit an answered prayer, visit the Eternal Wall's website.
The minority caucus in Ghanas Parliament has vehemently kicked against governments decision to award a 5G licensing contract to NextGen InfraCo, a company whose existence was unknown until a week prior to the approval of the contract.



The minority, led by the leader, Dr.Cassiel Ato Forson, opined that, the latest engagement of government with NextGen InfraCo, lacks transparency and gives room for a plethora of questions.



The Minority Caucus in Parliament has noted with grave concern the decision by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to give away Ghanas 5G spectrum to a shadowy entity, Next Gen Infraco Company Limited for the next 10 to 15 years.



The minority posited that, the deal given to NextGen InfraCo gives the company exclusive rights to build, own and operate the entire 5G infrastructure network across the country, adding that, all mobile network operators are required to get their 5G network from the aforementioned company.



Under this deal, Next Gen Infraco Limited has been given the exclusive right to build, own and operate the entire 5G infrastructure network across the country, for the use of all mobile network operators, internet service providers and other interested entities.



The press released signed by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stated, It is instructive to note that executive approval was granted by President Akufo-Addo for this sweetheart deal on 22nd August 2023, barely one week after the companys incorporation on 16th August 2023.This was done through a non-transparent arrangement without any competitive process whatsoever.



The minorioty asserted that, the contract between government and the NextGen InfraCo lacks value for money.



Our conservative analysis shows that the State could have generated up to USD400 million to USD$500 million upfront if the government had opted for a more competitive process. This revenue could have been channeled into critical development projects in this time of economic bankruptcy and excruciating hardships.





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Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says his led government if voted for to be president will solve long-standing land disputes in Ghana.



According to him, he will make land registration free for chiefs as well as digitalizing the land tenure system.



Land in many countries, in the advanced world, if you want to know who owns the land, you can find it on your mobile phone, you dont have to visit the land registry. So we are going to move to marking and digitalizing our land. So many land disputes come up because nobody really knows who owns the land.



Many people claim ownership and one of the problems we have is that many of the stool lands are not registered. I found out that many of the chiefs find it difficult to pay the registration fee because its a bit expensive. So what am I going to do? We are going to provide free registration for all the chiefs. Dr Bawumia told the clergy in the Greater Accra Region during his Bold Solution tour across the country.



According to Dr Bawumia high cost of registration fees is a major obstacle preventing chiefs from registering their lands, leading to ownership disputes.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com









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Bawku Central Member of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has demanded that the Bank of Ghana provide specific information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.



Acting on instructions from the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Mr Ayariga has submitted a formal request for detailed particulars.



Among his demands is the status of the write-offs made concerning the government's indebtedness to the Bank of Ghana.



Additionally, the former Information Minister is seeking explanations for the combined losses of approximately GHS 70 billion reported in the BoGs financial statements for 2022 and 2023.



Mr Ayariga has also requested an update on the expenses related to the controversial head office building, noting that the costs have been escalating.



He has asked the Bank of Ghana to fulfil his demands within the seven days stipulated by the RTI Act.



"Detailed particulars of the status of the write-offs made in respect of Governments indebtedness to BoG."



"Reasons for the combined losses of circa GHS70 billion as stated in the BoGs financial statements for 2022 and 2023," an excerpt of his request stated.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Economic Division of the High Court in Accra has set June 6 to give a ruling on an order for mistrial and three other applications in the ongoing Ambulance trial.



Three of the applications which were filed by Lawyers for Ato Forson are for a stay of Proceedings, an order for inquiry into the conduct of the Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame and and an order for mistrial.



The forth application was filed by lawyers for Richard Jakpa, the third accused. They are asking the court to strike out the charges against him.



When the case was called today before Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a judge of the court of Appeal sitting as a High Court judge, she asked Lawyer Thaddeus Sory representing the Richard Jakpa to raise his objection to the affidavit in opposition filed by the Attorney General in response to the application to strike out the case against Richard Jakpa.



She further noted that, she will not allow oral arguments on the other three applications, adding that she will rely on the affidavits to the applications they have filed.



Thaddeus Sory in his objection, noted that his objection to the AG's affidavit in opposition filed on May 31 are on two grounds. His first objection was on the fact that, the affidavit fails to disclose the source of the information in respect of the matters contained in the affidavit, specifically the matters relating to the third accused person's direct interaction with the Attorney General.



He futher argued that, the deponent Richard Gyambibi, being a Principal State Attorney does not mean has personal knowledge of direct interactions that took place between the AG and the third accused.



His objection was however opposed by the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame who held the view that, the objection is unfounded and without any merit. He contended that, the manner in which the objection has been raised defeats the requirement for fairness.



Godfred Yebaoh further argued that, it is not accurate for Sory to say that the deponent did not disclose the source of information. Dame noted that, Sory should file an affidavit in opposition to the fact that, he, the AG has only met the the accused at the House of a Supreme Court judge.



He continued his argument stating that, is also a matter of fact that, he has never replied to text messages of the accused. The AG asked that Sory refutes to the facts with an affidavit in opposition and not on point of law, maintaining that the objection is offensive, unfair and should not be countenance by the court.



Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe after listening to both parties adjourned sitting to Thursday, June 6 for a ruling on all four applications pending before the court.



The Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame while addressing Journalist said he will flee from the trap of the opposition.



"The Lord does not delight in pleasure of the wicked" Even though they will lay a trap for me, I will flee from them. Righteous will prevail over evil"

Source: Philipa Atanga/Court Reporter/Despite Media









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Government Spokesperson, Kofi Tonto has vehemently descended on former President John Dramani Mahama and the opposition National Democratic Congress over their criticisms of the Electoral Commission.



The opposition party accuses the Electoral Commission (EC) of conniving with the governing New Patriotic Party with an aim to rig the December elections.



The former President, according to Kofi Tonto, also alleges gerrymandering against the EC.



Speaking in relation to the recent violence during the Commission's vote transfer exercise resulting in a stabbing incident at Kasoa in the Central Region involving the son of the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, Kofi Tonto blasted the former President asking why he would attack the reputation of the Electoral Commission.



He alluded to some comments that Mr. Mahama made during the era of Charlotte Osei as the Chairperson of the Commission where the latter, in defence of the EC, emphasized that the Commission has an inherent system of integrity, hence cannot compromise elections.



He added that Mahama advised the then opposition New Patriotic Party to desist from smearing the character of the Commission.



Kofi Tonto therefore questioned the logic in Mahama's stance on the EC, wondering how he would once say the EC is sacrosanct but today impugn the Commission's integrity.



"Why is it that the same EC you said has integrity, today, you claim doesn't have integrity?", he queried.



Mr. Tonto, commenting on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, challenged John Mahama's integrity against that of the Jean Mensa-led Electoral Commission.



"Where lies your integrity respectfully?", he scolded the NDC presidential candidate.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The vibrant city of Accra is abuzz with anticipation as it prepares to host the inaugural West Africa Music & Arts Festival (WAMAFest) from June 19th to June 22nd, 2024 .



This historic event promises an electrifying fusion of music, arts, and culture, celebrating the rich heritage of West Africa and its global impact.



Juneteenth holds immense significance for the African Diaspora. On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Texas received news of their emancipation, marking the end of slavery in the United States.



This day represents resilience, freedom, and the ongoing struggle for equality. By hosting WAMAFest on Juneteenth, Ghana pays homage to this pivotal moment in history and reaffirms its commitment to unity and empowerment of the African Diaspora.



According to Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority: "For us here in Ghana, rethinking tourism means rethinking the work we do and we see music and the Arts in general as a low-hanging fruit that can help change the fortunes of our country.



Jasmine Young, Director of the Warner Music|Blavatnik Center for Music Business at Howard University says " Wamafest is a platform to give back to society, the impact of the voice that Music has given us.



The event opens on the 19th June at the historic Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park followed a dynamic music industry conference, bringing together artists, producers, managers, and industry experts.



Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions, explore emerging trends, and exchange ideas on shaping the future of West African music.



In addition, renowned musicians, songwriters, and producers will lead master classes and workshops. The event will also include a concert with a line-up that features diverse genres.



Throughout the festival grounds at La Beach hotel, captivating arts installations will showcase West African creativity. Sculptures, paintings, and multimedia displays will celebrate cultural heritage, identity, and artistic expression.



In partnership with the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG), WAMAFest will host a grand parade on the 22nd of June weaving through Accras streets to celebrat

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Kumawood actor cum musician Lil Win could be jailed for up to five years or a fine based on the charges the police have leveled against him in court following a car accident on May 25, 2024 that resulted in the death of a three-year-old boy.



According to private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, per the charges of careless and inconsiderate driving Lil Win could face a jail term.



Lil Win was arraigned on Monday, June 3, 2024 and has since been granted bail in the sum of Ghc50,000 with two sureties.



Commenting on the case in a radio interview with Accra-based Joy FM, Mr Kpebu said while fines are typical in such cases, imprisonment is possible, especially given the severity of the accident and the death of the 3-year-old.



In terms of penalties, imprisonment is possible, but fines are typically imposed. However, in particularly severe cases, imprisonment can occur, and it can be up to five years,



He emphasised the need for a stronger punishment to serve as a deterrent to reckless drivers in Ghana, where road accidents claim over 2000 lives annually.



He believes that a stricter sentence would send a strong message and promote road safety.



We dont often charge them with manslaughter."



He said it is normally reckless, dangerous driving and others that the police normally charge them with.



"Yes, over the past decade, more than 2000 people have died annually in road accidents. Yet, we dont see drivers being imprisoned for years.

Source: graphiconline









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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Idaho State University

New findings from an Idaho State University paleontologist are answering some questions about Idaho's State Dinosaur and raising a few more.

A new paper published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology details the findings of L.J. Krumenacker, adjunct professor of geosciences at Idaho State University, affiliate curator at the Idaho Museum of Natural History, and professor of geology and biology at the College of Eastern Idaho, and his co-author's work on analyzing hundreds of bones from over a dozen individual specimens of Oryctodromeus.

This burrowing dinosaur was about the size of a large dog and roamed ancient Idaho during the Cretaceous Period, and part of what they found was that about two-thirds of the animal's length was just its tail.

"Some of the fun of science is when you get new answers, it usually gives you new questions," said Krumenacker. "Why did Oryctodromeus have such a long tail? It's not something you'd expect to see in a burrowing dinosaur."

The group's other findings include ossified tendons from among the fossils. Rather than staying pliable like other tendons, ossified tendons have hardened into bone. The tendons are found along the specimens' tails, necks, and backs.

"These tendons would have provided rigidity and support to the animal's spinal column," Krumenacker explained. "With the long tail and these tendons taken into account, how did Oryctodromeus turn around in a confined burrow?

"One hypothesis is that the burrows had separate and/or multiple entrances and exits. Another is they may have lived in burrow colonies like today's groundhogs. Plus, some animals have lots of tendons, and others have none. Does this reflect a difference between the males and females or in the animal's age?"

The additions of the newly found bones from the mountains east of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and south of Lima, Montana now make Oryctodromeus one of the most complete specimens from the group of dinos known as the orodromines. These burrowing dinosaurs lived primarily in what is now the United States and Canada but have also been found in South Korea.

"Orodromines are unique for being the first recognized burrowing dinosaurs," Krumenacker said. "They've helped researchers recognize that this may have been a more common lifestyle in small dinosaurs than previously thought."

At the Idaho Museum of Natural History (IMNH), the Oryctodromeus specimens are being digitally scanned by museum staff as part of a project to digitize all of the dinosaur-age fossils at the IMNH.

The 3D scans will be available via Morphosource, "a publicly accessible 3D data repository where subject experts, educators, and the general public can find, view, interact with, and download 3D and 2D media representing physical objects important to the world's natural history, cultural heritage, and scientific collections."

"The fossils we've scanned include dinosaur eggs, teeth, and bones," said Robert Gay, education coordinator at the IMNH. "Over 450 partial or complete bones have been scanned as part of this project, 30% of which belong to our state dinosaur Oryctodromeus."

The team will also complete a new and updated mounted Oryctodromeus skeleton based on the scan data and the latest paper from Krumenacker and his co-authors. The IMNH has also produced education kits for the USFS that will be available in select locations throughout Idaho to help educate the public about Idaho's State Dinosaur.

"It is important to conserve and educate about our state dinosaur because it is part of our shared natural heritage here in Idaho," Gay said. "Idaho is the first place in the world that digging dinosaurs have been recognized from, and learning more about themand their environmentcan help unlock a new understanding of our past. The IMNH's mission is to educate the public about Idaho's natural history, and dinosaurs are a gateway to engaging students in the STEM fields."

"I think appreciating any aspect of the natural world leads to people taking better care of it," said Krumenacker. "Whether it's dinosaurs, modern animals and plants, or anything outdoors, an appreciation for things like this leads to better stewardship of a finite and unique planet."

More information: L. J. Krumenacker et al, Osteology and phylogenetic relationships of the mid-Cretaceous neornithischian dinosaur Oryctodromeus cubicularis Varricchio, 2007. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (2024). DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2330581 Journal information: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology
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: Edvin Richardson from Pexels

A pair of NASA astronauts will try again on Wednesday morning to take a ride on Boeing's CST-100 Starliner, making its first-ever human spaceflight.

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have already suited up and climbed on board the spacecraft twice in the last month, but will try for a third time with a launch attempt set for 10:52 a.m. atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex 41.

Space Launch Delta 45's weather squadron forecasts a 90% chance for good conditions.

The most recent attempt on Saturday came within four minutes of liftoff, but an issue with ULA's computer system at the launch pad forced the scrub.

"The disappointment lasts for about three seconds," said ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno after the scrub. "We've been at this a long time and you just immediately get busy and do your job, and we'll be back."

Teams have since replaced the launch computer hardware, setting up the latest attempt. A May 6 attempt was scrubbed because of a fluttering valve on the ULA rocket's upper Centaur stage, also since replaced, while Boeing and NASA had to sign off on the safety of a small helium leak on Starliner's propulsion module that they ultimately decided not to fix.

"I kind of use the analogy of sports," said Boeing's Mark Nappi, vice president of its commercial crew program. "You're playing a game and you get a bad call, and you're a little irritated at first, or a little frustrated at first, but you immediately focus on the next pitch. And that's what our teams do. They're focused on the next pitch."

If they manage to lift off, the astronauts will spend just over 24 hours making their way to the International Space Station where they will spend about eight days on board before returning to Earth for a landing in the desert in the southwestern United States.

Dubbed the Crew Flight Test, it's the final required mission for Boeing under NASA's Commercial Crew Program to achieve certification and set up regular rotational missions to the ISS, sharing duties with SpaceX. Wilmore and Williams will spend time on both the way up and down from the ISS testing out manual control overrides among other facets of the mostly automated spacecraft.

The flight comes just over four years since SpaceX made its first crewed flight to the ISS with its Crew Dragon spacecraft, which has since flown 13 times carrying 50 humans to space. That includes the four members of Crew-8 awaiting along with the rest of the seven-person crew of Expedition 71 aboard the ISS.

ISS crew members Jeanette Epps and Tracy Dyson recorded a message for Williams and Wilmore ahead of their last attempt to launch this past Saturday.

"We can't wait for you guys to join us here on station," Dyson said. "We'll be monitoring your every move on the journey and we'll be waiting to open the hatch and welcome you to your home away from home."

"We know you've waited a while to get your ride aboard Starliner, but we know it will have been worth every minute," Epps added. "So from all of us on the International Space Station, godspeed and we'll see you soon."

2024 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Reconstruction of the ancient 67 million-year-old landscape of North Dakota with a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex (Teen Rex). Credit: Andrey Atuchin (artist) and Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Two young brothers and their cousin were wandering through a fossil-rich stretch of the North Dakota badlands when they made a discovery that left them "completely speechless": a T. rex bone poking out of the ground.

The trio announced their discovery publicly Monday at a Zoom news conference as workers at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science prepare to begin chipping the fossil out of its rock cast at a special exhibit called Discovering Teen Rex. The exhibit's opening on June 21 will coincide with the debut of the film "T.REX," about the July 2022 find.

It all started when Kaiden Madsen, then 9, joined his cousins, Liam and Jessin Fisher, then 7 and 10, on a hike through a stretch of land owned by the Bureau of Land Management around Marmarth, North Dakota. Hiking is a favorite pastime of the brothers' father, Sam Fisher.

"You just never know what you are going to find out there. You see all kinds of cool rocks and plants and wildlife," he said.

Liam Fisher recalled that he and his dad, who accompanied the trio, first spotted the bone of the young carnivore. After its death around 67 million years ago, it was entombed in the Hell Creek Formation, a popular paleontology playground that spans Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas. The formation has yielded some of the most well-preserved T. rex fossils ever. Among them is Sue, a popular attraction at the Field Museum in Chicago, and Wyrex, a star at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

In this photo provided by Giant Screen Films, Jessin Fisher digs for fossils on public lands near his home in Marmath, N.D. Credit: Sam Fisher/Giant Screen Films via AP

But none of them knew that then. Liam said he thought the bone sticking out of the rock was something he described as "chunk-osaurus"a made-up name for fragments of fossil too small to be identifiable.

Still, Sam Fisher snapped a picture and shared it with a family friend, Tyler Lyson, the associate curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Initially, Lyson suspected it was a relatively common duckbill dinosaur. But he organized an excavation that began last summer, adding the boys and a sister, Emalynn Fisher, now 14, to the team.

It didn't take long to determine they had found something more special. Lyson recalled that he started digging with Jessin where he thought he might find a neck bone.

"Instead of finding a cervical vertebrae, we found the lower jaw with several teeth sticking out of it," Lyson said. "And it doesn't get any more diagnostic than that, seeing these giant tyrannosaurus teeth staring back at you."

In this photo provided by Giant Screen Films, vertebrate paleontologist Tyler Lyson, left, poses with young fossil finders Liam Fisher, Jessin Fisher and Kaiden Madsen on the day their expedition uncovered diagnostic features of a juvenile T. rex the boys discovered in the Badlands of North Dakota. A documentary film caught the moment of discovery on camera. Credit: David Clark/Giant Screen Films via AP

A documentary crew with Giant Screen Films was there to capture the discovery.

"It was electric. You got goosebumps," recalled Dave Clark, who was part of the crew filming the documentary that later was narrated by Jurassic Park actor Sir Sam Neill.

Liam said his friends were dubious. "They did not believe me at all," he said.

He, Jessin and Kaidenwho the brothers consider to be another siblingaffectionately dubbed the fossil "The Brothers."

Based on the size of the tibia, experts estimate the dino was 13 to 15 years old when it died and likely weighed around 3,500 pounds (1,587.57 kilograms)about two-thirds of the size of a full-grown adult.

Ultimately, a Black Hawk helicopter airlifted the plaster-clad mass to a waiting truck to drive it to the Denver museum.

Lyson said more than 100 individual T. rex fossils have been unearthed, but many are fragmentary. It is unclear yet how complete this fossil is. So far, they know they have found a leg, hip, pelvis, a couple of tailbones and a good chunk of the skull, Lyson said.

In this image provided by Giant Screen Films, Liam Fisher, Kaiden Madsen and Jessin Fisher pose for a celebratory photo on the day their fossil find was determined to be a juvenile T. rex, in North Dakota. A documentary film crew captured the moment of discovery for the film "T.REX." Credit: David Clark/Giant Screen Films via AP

In this photo provided by Giant Screen Films, chief preparator Natalie Toth, left, of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, examines fossilized plants from the Cretaceous period in a moment captured by the crew of the documentary "T.REX," at a fossil dig site in North Dakota, named The Brothers. Credit: Andy Wood/Giant Screen Films via AP

In a scene from the documentary "T.REX," vertebrate paleontologist Tyler Lyson, Natalie Toth and the expedition team begin the work of uncovering a juvenile T. rex in the Hell Creek Formation in North Dakota. Credit: Andy Wood/Giant Screen Films via AP

This image provided by Giant Screen Films and taken from the film "T.REX, shows a mother T. rex and her young. Credit: Courtesy of Giant Screen Films via AP

The public will get to watch crews chip away the rock, which the museum estimates will take about a year.

"We wanted to share the preparation of this fossil with the public because it is a remarkable feeling," Lyson said.

Jessin, a fan of the Jurassic Park movies and an aspiring paleontologist, has continued looking for fossils, finding a turtle shell just a couple days ago.

For other kids, he had this advice: "Just to put down their electronics and go out hiking."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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.
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Two men paddle a canoe made of zinc tiles and styrofoam down a flooded street in the Vila Farrapos neighborhood in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on May 29, 2024.

Climate change doubled the likelihood of the historic floods in southern Brazil and amplified intense rains caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon, scientists said Monday.

Three months' worth of rain was dumped on the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul over two weeks in an "extremely rare event, expected to occur only once every 100-250 years," according to a study published by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group.

The flooding in late April and early May submerged cities, farms and an international airport, affecting more than 90 percent of the vast state, an area equivalent to that of the United Kingdom.

The disaster left 172 people dead and displaced around 600,000.

"The researchers estimated that climate change made the event more than twice as likely and around six to nine percent more intense," the WWA said in a statement.

On top of that, the El Nino phenomenon made rainfall between three and 10 percent more intense, said the global network of scientists that assesses the link between extreme weather events and climate change.

"The scary thing about these floods is that they show us that the world needs to be prepared for events so extreme, they are unlike anything we've seen before," said Maja Vahlberg, climate risk consultant at Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre.

An aerial view shows the flooded tarmac of Salgado Filho International Airport in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, on May 20, 2024.

Regina Rodrigues, a researcher at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, said the disaster showed that even when El Nino was in a weakening phase, as it currently is, it could be extremely dangerous

"Climate change is amplifying the impact of El Nino in southern Brazil by making an extremely rare event more frequent and intense," she said.

Of the four biggest floods ever seen in the regional capital Porto Alegre, "three occurred in the last nine months," Rodrigues told a press conference.

"This is very rare."

False sense of safety

Rio Grande do Sul is particularly vulnerable to flooding, with a vein-like network of river systems covering the region.

Porto Alegre lies on the banks of the Guaiba Lake where five rivers converge before emptying into South America's largest freshwater lagoon, the Lagoa dos Patos.

An aerial view shows a flooded area of Santa Rita neighborhood in the city of Guaiba, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, on May 20, 2024.

However, until 2023 the city had not seen a major flood in six decades.

This may have lulled residents into a false sense of security, said Maja Vahlberg, Climate risk consultant at Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre.

An expansive flood protection system in Porto Alegre, built after deluges in 1941 and 1967, was designed to withstand water levels up to six meters (20 feet). However, Vahlberg said a lack of maintenance saw it start to fail at 4.5 meters.

Criticized by residents as ugly and blocking their view of the lake, the system faced a push in recent years to have it dismantled entirely.

'Buffer the impact'

Warnings had been issued a week before the flooding, but these may not have reached everyone and "the public may not have understood the severity of the expected impact," said Vahlberg.

People displaced by the floods are seen in a shelter run by the Gaucha Foundation for Work and Social Action (FGTAS), in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, on May 18, 2024.

The scientists said deforestation, to make way for agriculture, and the rapid urbanization of cities like Porto Alegre also "worsened the impacts."

The study cited data showing that 22 percent of the state's native vegetation has been lost in less than four decadesmuch of it converted into soybean plantations.

It also highlighted that at least 240 informal settlements, 80 indigenous villages, and 40 communities that are home to descendants of enslaved Africans were severely impacted.

"Implementing policies that make people less vulnerable, increasing protection against floods and restoring natural ecosystems to buffer the impact of heavy rains are some ways by which governments can avoid human deaths and limit the damage from these events," said Vahlberg.

 2024 AFP
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Processes and impacts related to groundwater temperature changes. ae, Increases in surface air and ground surface temperatures (a) drive increases in groundwater temperatures (b) that, in turn, impact the geothermal potential for shallow geothermal energy systems (c), groundwater chemistry and microbiology, which in turn impacts water quality (d) and groundwater-dependent ecosystems (e). Figure created with images from the UMCES IAN Media Library under a Creative Commons license CC BY-SA 4.0. Credit: Nature Geoscience (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41561-024-01453-x

Shallow groundwater is projected to warm on average between 2.1C and 3.5C by the end of the century, according to a world-first global groundwater temperature model.

Charles Darwin University (CDU) Outstanding Future Researcher Dr. Dylan Irvine and University of Newcastle's Dr. Gabriel Rau collaborated with colleagues from Canada, Germany, and Austria to develop the model, which aims to reveal the long-term implications of on-going shallow water groundwater warming caused by climate change.

The model projects the highest warming rates will be in Central Russia, Northern China and parts of North America and the Amazon rainforest, with Australian groundwater temperatures also expected to rise. The paper is published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

Dr. Irvine from CDU's Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods said an increase in groundwater temperature can be a cause for concern.

"Groundwater is the water that is present beneath the Earth's surface in pore spaces in rocks and soils. It is critical for life on Earth," Dr. Irvine said.

"Groundwater temperature can influence ecosystems, aquatic processes and water quality. If groundwater temperatures increase, then unfortunately many temperature-sensitive, groundwater-dependent ecosystems may be threatened.

"A lot of focus on climate change has rightfully been to do with weather events and the availability of water, but we do need to think more broadly about the impact that climate change will have on groundwater."

Unfortunately, for Australia the model projects that, like other countries, groundwater temperatures are expected to rise.

"Our groundwater here will warm but how much depends on whether or not humans can reduce greenhouse gas emissions to help mitigate climate change," Dr. Irvine said.

"These temperature increases can impact vital processes such as groundwater chemistry and metal leaching and microbiology, which affect water quality."

"If temperatures increase then we may see significant impacts to our local aquatic animals including their spawning processes which will impact industries and communities that are reliant on these ecosystems."

Co-author and hydrogeology Lecturer from the University of Newcastle, Dr. Gabriel Rau, warned that warming groundwater temperatures could adversely impact many ecosystems that rely on groundwater.

University of Newcastles Dr Gabriel Rau has contributed to the development of the first ever global-scale groundwater temperature model. Credit: Newcastle University

"Rivers rely on groundwater to keep flowing during dry times. Warm waters hold less dissolved oxygen. We've seen in the Murray Darling how low oxygen in water can contribute to fish deaths," Dr. Rau said.

According to the World Health Organization, currently only 18 out of 125 countries have temperature guidelines for drinking water.

If groundwater continues to warm, it could also compromise the safety of drinking water.

"Our model estimates that by 2099, 59 to 588 million people worldwide will live in areas where groundwater exceeds the highest threshold for drinking water temperature guidelines set by any country," Dr. Rau said.

"As groundwater warms, there is increased risk of pathogen growth which impacts drinking water qualitypotentially affecting the lives of many people."

"This is especially concerning in areas where access to clean drinking water is already limited, and in areas where groundwater is consumed without treatment."

Dr. Rau also explained that rising groundwater temperatures also pose an economic risk.

"Many vital industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production rely on groundwater for their operations. If the groundwater they depend on becomes too warm or more contaminated, it can disrupt their activities and potentially lead to economic losses," Dr. Rau said.

To illustrate the potential change in groundwater temperatures due to climate change, the research team, led by Dr. Susanne Benz from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, has developed an interactive online application to show the projected temperature changes.

This Google Earth Engine app provides zoomable maps of annual mean, maximum and minimum groundwater temperatures at different depths and seasonal variability for selected years and climate scenarios, that the team hopes will facilitate further research.

More information: Susanne A. Benz et al, Global groundwater warming due to climate change, Nature Geoscience (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41561-024-01453-x Journal information: Nature Geoscience
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

In early May The Guardian reported on a survey that explored the thoughts and feelings of 380 climate scientists. It was not uplifting. The pull quotes tell a story of anguish. "Sometimes it is almost impossible not to feel hopeless and brokenRunning away from it is impossible."

Wrenching articles like these showcase climatologists' anxiety. They are watching their predictions realized with too much fidelity; their warnings going largely unheeded by the humanity that climate scientist James Hansen called "damned fools." Some climate scientists have even proposed a moratorium on climate research.

Climatologists are not OK.

The acceleration of the climate crisis has been breathtaking and talking to experts in a time of crisis is a good thing. But these articles are problematic. They seek to motivate through fear while usually offering only vague notions of absent "political will" to diagnose the problem and little beyond "listen to the scientists" as a solution.

Further, the concerns and practices of climate social scientists have not featured prominently in these discussions. This is a significant oversight.

Climate natural scientists are not trained to understand why people aren't listening to their entreaties or the obstacles to and opportunities for action. Climate social scientists, on the other hand, understand the climate crisis and are experts in humanity's efforts to address climate change.

Over the last two years, I have interviewed more than 20 colleagues across the climate social sciences about how they are navigating the climate crisis in their research, teaching and personal lives. These interviews were undertaken as part of an ongoing project exploring the perspectives and roles of climate social scientists in a time of climate crisis. They may offer a useful and motivating perspective that the world could certainly use.

Mixed feelings

It's not that climate social scientists are doing great either. They know too much about the climate crisis to be cheeryfear, guilt, gloom, anger and frustration were all prevalent. Cristina Yuma Aoki Inoue from Radboud University articulated a common lament: "If I think too much about the future, I get desperate."

Yet, none of those interviewed showed signs of throwing in the towel or leaving the climate crisis for amorphous others to solve. Instead, there's a conscious commitment to positivity in the face of disheartening climate news.

University of British Columbia (UBC) scholar Peter Dauvergne noted that he is "intentionally optimistic." And while somelike British political scientist Matthew Patersonfeel "guilt that our community was not louder earlier," there is consensus around the "sense of possibility" that Oxford University's Thomas Hale sees.

"Hope is a practice," remarked Harriet Bulkeley from the University of Durham, and this community actively cultivates that practice.

In fact, none of the scholars I spoke with consider doing the work of understanding and conceiving a just, effective response to the climate crisis to be a choice. Climate despair is a luxury for those not living through climate disasters or who have the means to survive them.

As such there is a collective feeling of responsibility on the part of climate social scientists to work to advance long-term transformations towards sustainability and justice. This struggle is "all we are promised," Kemi Fuentes-George from Middlebury College clarified. And the work is valuable apart from the achievement of the solution to climate change.

As Peter Newell from the University of Sussex reminds us: "There's empowerment in the process of working on this regardless of the outcome. We don't know if our efforts are enough, but we know that if we don't try at all, nothing will change."

Promoting alternatives

The climate social science community starts their teaching and research where the bulk of the "climate scientists are despairing" type articles end their discussions. By making concrete the vague notion of political will, and striving to specify necessary action in the face of climate crisis, social scientists help to provide key nuance.

No one thinks this will be easy. Indeed, as climate governance scholar Aarti Gupta expressed: "I'm worried about what the climate crisis will do to already contested politics in a world with so much injustice and inequality. There is opportunity [if] we are actually all in this together, but the status quo will fight back tooth and nail."

Those I spoke with are unanimously committed to articulating the possibilities for change in their research and classrooms. Rather than trudging through endless analyses of the failure to act, scholars like Kathryn Harrison at UBC are "teaching the reality of obstacles while teasing out what might be different."

Everyone I spoke with is committed to what Chukwumerije Okereke from Bristol University described as reflecting "both hope and anxiety" in their work. But the key, as Dauvergne suggests, is focusing on "many future possibilities that could be better."

Climate social scientists are explaining the crisis, but also showcasing where there is momentum for an equitable response to climate change and where more effort is needed to, in Indian climate policy expert Navroz Dubash's words, "build the society we want to see."

Day to day

Climate social scientists are people too, living in world dominated by fossil energy. We research ways that might change, but often feel conflicted about personal choices.

The experts I interviewed think deeply about their personal actions. Importantly, they do so in light of commitments to understand and contribute to structural change, upending the dependence on fossil energy that pervades our societies.

Personal action and structural change are linked in their minds. Laura Tozer from the University of Toronto mentioned how important it was for her to "focus on choices I can make that others can as well. Trying to cut fossil fuels out of one's life gives great insight into the structural changes that are necessary."

Further, this group reminds us that individual actions are enmeshed in webs of larger networks and forces. In this vein, Brazilian scholar Veronica Goncalves remarked on a frequent refrainthe importance of collective experience and organizing; empowering communities and people in response to climate change.

Such connections need more than fear or despair to thrive.

As the University of Toronto's Kate Neville emphasized: "Seeking joy, connection and community is a crucial part of collective actionthe climate-stable, ecologically-vibrant future needs to have space to be imagined as a joyful one, not an apocalyptic one, even though we know there is strife and grief and loss and upheaval."

What now?

While the "climate-scientists-are-despairing" genre of articles is problematic, it captures an important aspect of the reality of the climate crisis. Humanity is moving too slowly.

Navigating this crisis, however, means not only generating urgency, but also finding outlets for that urgency. It entails understanding and pursuing an equitable low-carbon future. Here is where climate social scientists can help.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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In this China National Space Administration (CNSA) handout image released by Xinhua News Agency, a Chinese national flag carried by the lander of Chang'e-6 probe unfurls at the moon's far side, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. China says a spacecraft carrying rock and soil samples from the far side of the moon has lifted off from the lunar surface to start its journey back to Earth. Credit: CNSA/Xinhua via AP

China said its lunar spacecraft unfurled the country's red and gold flag for the first time on the far side of the moon before part of the vehicle blasted off early Tuesday with rock and soil samples to bring back to Earth.

The mission was hailed as a success in China, which has made significant advances in a space program that aims to put a person on the moon before the end of this decade.

The Chang'e-6 probe was launched last month and its lander touched down on the far side of the moon Sunday. Its ascender lifted off Tuesday morning at 7:38 a.m. Beijing time, with its engine burning for about six minutes as it entered a preset orbit around the moon, the China National Space Administration said.

The agency said the spacecraft withstood a high temperature test on the lunar surface, and acquired the samples using both drilling and surface collection before stowing them in a container inside the ascender of the probe as planned.

The container will be transferred to a reentry capsule that is due to return to Earth in the deserts of China's Inner Mongolia region about June 25.

The small flag, which the agency said was made of special composite materials, emerged on a retractable arm deployed from the side of the lunar lander and was not placed onto the lunar soil, according to an animation of the mission released by the agency.

This China National Space Administration (CNSA) handout image released by Xinhua News Agency, shows the lander-ascender combination of Chang'e-6 probe taken by a mini rover after it landed on the moon surface, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. China says a spacecraft carrying rock and soil samples from the far side of the moon has lifted off from the lunar surface to start its journey back to Earth. Credit: CNSA/Xinhua via AP

"Mission accomplished!" Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying wrote on X. "An unprecedented feat in human lunar exploration history!"

Missions to the moon's far side are more difficult because it doesn't face the Earth, requiring a relay satellite to maintain communications. The terrain is also more rugged, with fewer flat areas to land.

Xinhua said the probe's landing site was the South Pole-Aitken Basin, an impact crater created more than 4 billion years ago that is 13 kilometers (8 miles) deep and has a diameter of 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles).

It is the oldest and largest of such craters on the moon, so may provide the earliest information about it, Xinhua said, adding that the huge impact may have ejected materials from deep below the surface.

The mission is the sixth in the Chang'e moon exploration program, which is named after a Chinese moon goddess. It is the second designed to bring back samples, following the Chang'e 5, which did so from the near side in 2020.

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, a replay screen shows Chang'e-6 probe collecting samples on the moon surface, at Beijing Aerospace Control Center (BACC) in Beijing, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. China says a spacecraft carrying rock and soil samples from the far side of the moon has lifted off from the lunar surface to start its journey back to Earth. Credit: Jin Liwang/Xinhua via AP

This China National Space Administration (CNSA) handout image released by Xinhua News Agency, shows a moon surface taken by a panoramic camera aboard the lander-ascender combination of Chang'e-6 spacecraft after it landed on the moon, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. China says a spacecraft carrying rock and soil samples from the far side of the moon has lifted off from the lunar surface to start its journey back to Earth. Credit: CNSA/Xinhua via AP

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, technical personnel work at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center (BACC) in Beijing, Sunday, June 2, 2024. A Chinese spacecraft landed on the far side of the moon Sunday to collect soil and rock samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side. Credit: Jin Liwang/Xinhua via AP

The moon program is part of a growing rivalry with the U.S.still the leader in space explorationand others, including Japan and India. China has put its own space station in orbit and regularly sends crews there.

China aims to put a person on the moon before 2030, which would make it the second nation after the United States to do so. America is planning to land astronauts on the moon againfor the first time in more than 50 yearsthough NASA pushed the target date back to 2026 earlier this year.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The classic "secretary problem" involves interviewing job candidates in a random order. Candidates are interviewed one by one, and the interviewer ranks them. After each interview, the interviewer must either accept or reject the candidate. If they accept a candidate, the process stops; otherwise, the next candidate is interviewed and so on.

Of course, if a candidate is accepted, then a subsequent candidate who may well be better suited to the job will never be interviewed and so is never selected. Nevertheless, the goal is to maximize the probability of selecting the best candidate.

Since its introduction in the 1950s, this problem has been researched extensively because it is a fundamental example of optimal stopping problems. Many variants of the problem, such as multiple choices, regret-permit, and weighted versions, have been studied.

Research published in the International Journal of Mathematics in Operational Research has looked at a variant of the secretary problem.

Yu Wu of Southwest Jiaotong University in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, explains that in this variant the interviewer has a "look-ahead privilege" and can see some of the details regarding subsequent candidates before making a decision about the current interviewee at each step. Wu defines the degree of look-ahead privilege as the number of candidates interviewed between the first interview and the final decision.

In one sense, this version of the problem is a more realistic sequential interviewing scenario wherein the interviewer may well have seen the resumes of all candidates or perhaps even have met them all before the interviewing process begins.

This contrasts with the blind sequential interviewing of the classic problem and allows a decision to be deferred until subsequent candidates have been interviewed.

It should therefore allow a better decision to be made regarding the choice of candidate who is offered the job. This is the first time this variant has been studied in detail in this way.

Wu has proposed a general optimal decision strategy framework to maximize the probability of selecting the best candidate. He focuses on a specific look-ahead privilege structure, applying the strategy framework to derive a closed-form probability of success.

This provides for an optimal strategy. Computational experiments have been carried out to explore the relationships between the various factors in the process and to show how this variant of the problem can be solved.

More information: Yu Wu, Decision-making analysis for a new variant of the classical secretary problem, International Journal of Mathematics in Operational Research (2024). DOI: 10.1504/IJMOR.2024.138054

Provided by Inderscience
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Illustration of the head of the Genyornis from remote central South Australia. Credit: J Blokland, Flinders University

After 128 years of exploration, fossil excavation and investigation, Flinders University researchers have finally uncovered the skull of Australia's own giant and charismatic megafauna birdGenyornis newtoni.

The only previously known skull for this species, reported in 1913, was heavily damaged and with little of the original bone remaining, not much could be deduced about the skull of this species. Now, with these new fossils, excavated from the saline, dry beds of Lake Callabonna, a remote region of inland South Australia, lead author Phoebe McInerney and colleagues can reveal what this species really looked like.

The fossils, discovered during Flinders University Paleontology Lab field trips to Lake Callabonna in 2019, were associated with near complete fossils of the body, confirming the skull's attribution to Genyornis newtoni, a species which went extinct about 45,000 years ago.

The description of the structure of this remarkable skull, now published in the journal Historical Biology, provided researchers with the basis for exploring the ecology, functional morphology, and evolutionary relationships of these giant birds.

As expected from such a giant (approximately 230 kg), around five times the weight of the Southern Cassowary, the skull of Genyornis newtoni was far from ordinary, with massive braincase, large upper and lower jaws, an unusual casque on the top of its head. The upper beak especially, showed surprising morphology, differentiating this bird from even its closest relatives, which are otherwise fairly similar.

"Genyornis newtoni had a tall and mobile upper jaw like that of a parrot but shaped like a goose, a wide gape, strong bite force, and the ability to crush soft plants and fruit on the roof of their mouth," says Flinders University researcher Phoebe McInerney.

Aspects of the skull also showed undeniable and complex similarities to that of early diverging waterfowl lineages, the South American Screamers and, a bit closer to home, the Australian Magpie Goose.

"The exact relationships of Genyornis within this group have been complicated to unravel; however, with this new skull we have started to piece together the puzzle which shows, simply put, this species to be a giant goose," she says.

"We were particularly excited to discover the first fossil upper bill of Genyornis. For the first time we could put a face on this bird, one very different to any other bird, yet like a goose," says co-author Dr. Trevor Worthy.

Assessing the morphology of the skull also provided researchers with an in-depth view of how the head would have functioned by making an assessment on the muscles and available movement in each of the joints.

Jacob Blokland, a co-author of the article, says, "The form of a bone, and structures on it, are partly related to the soft tissues that interact with them, such as muscles and ligaments, and their attachment sites or passages.

"Using modern birds as comparatives, we are able to put flesh back on the fossils and bring them back to life," says Mr. Blokland, who has brought Genyornis newtoni back to life through a scientifically accurate reconstruction.

In addition, this study found these giant birds had several unusual adaptations for aquatic habitats, allowing for the protection of their ears and throat from an influx of water when the head is submerged.

These adaptations further support Genyornis being no other than a giant prehistoric goose and are potentially linked to its extinction as fresh water bodies in northern South Australia are now mostly salt lakes.

With this skull, researchers now know so much more about Genyornis newtoni than ever before, having gained a greater understanding of these birds which once broadly roamed the Australian outback and their ultimate disappearance.

More information: Phoebe L. McInerney et al, Skull morphology of the enigmatic Genyornis newtoni Stirling and Zeitz, 1896 (Aves, Dromornithidae), with implications for functional morphology, ecology, and evolution in the context of Galloanserae, Historical Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2308212 Journal information: Historical Biology
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Credit: University of Portsmouth student Hamzah Imran

A team of paleontologists has discovered a fossil of a gigantic flying reptile from the Jurassic period with an estimated wingspan of more than three metersmaking it one of the largest pterosaurs ever found from that era.

Excavated from a gravel pit near Abingdon-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, the fossil includes part of the pterosaur's wing bone, which was broken into three pieces but still well-preserved.

Experts from the universities of Portsmouth and Leicester have published a paper on the specimen in Proceedings of the Geologists' Association. The fossil was topographically scanned and identified as belonging to an adult ctenochasmatoid; a group of pterosaurs known for their long, slender wings, long jaws and fine bristle-like teeth. It is now housed in the Etches Collection in Kimmeridge, Dorset.

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 3.75 meters. Although this would be small for a Cretaceous pterosaur, it's 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 between one and a half and two meters, so were generally smaller than their later relatives from the Cretaceous period, which could have wingspans of up to 10 meters. However, this new discovery suggests that some Jurassic pterosaurs could grow much larger.

An image of the bone. Credit: Proceedings of the Geologists' Association (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2024.05.002

Professor Martill added, "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 five meters."

Geologist, Dr. James Etienne, discovered the specimen while hunting for fossil marine reptiles in June 2022 when the Late Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay Formation was temporarily exposed in the floor of a quarry. This revealed 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."

More information: James L. Etienne et al, A 'giant' pterodactyloid pterosaur from the British Jurassic, Proceedings of the Geologists' Association (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2024.05.002
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In a field test of their instrument, University at Buffalo researchers gathered viscosity data from lava flows at the Litli-Hrutur eruption in Iceland. Credit: Martin Harris

Millions of people live near active volcanoes that are constantly monitored for signs of an impending eruption. When one occurs, scientists and governments rely on data to estimate the extent of the possible damage, informing evacuation plans and disaster response efforts. The nature of eruptions, unfortunately, means collecting data about them can sometimes be as challenging as organizing a response.

In Review of Scientific Instruments, researchers from the University at Buffalo developed a tool for measuring the viscosity of lava that could increase our understanding of molten rock as well as better improve models of its movement, giving authorities crucial guidance for keeping people safe.

For fluids like lava, viscosity is the measurement of how fast it flows. A low-viscosity fluid flows fast like water, while a viscous fluid acts more like molasses. When a volcano erupts close to human structures, viscosity measurements tell first responders how much time they have to react, and current methods are often insufficient.

"In places like Iceland or Hawaii that have pretty frequent lava eruptions that impact infrastructure like roads and communities, there is uncertainty involved with the estimation of where the lava may travel and how quickly it may go there," said author Martin Harris.

The issue, according to Harris, is that viscosity measurements are almost always conducted in a lab. This makes the experiments easier and safer, but a key piece is always missing.

"When lava erupts from a volcano, a lot of different gases are trapped as bubbles within the lava," said Harris. "When we do measurements in the lab, we cannot put the gas back in. So, what we measure is a representation of the lava without all the different components, and we miss something that influences how the lava can flow."

The only solution is to take measurements in the field. This, however, comes with its own set of challenges. Field viscosity measurements on lava date back nearly a century without much success. Many past attempts have featured metal rods inserted into lava, pushed by hand or by spring-loaded piston, or even fired into the lava like a spear, to estimate the viscosity of the flow.

The University at Buffalo team kept the classic metal rod and attached it to a force gauge for accurate measurements. They coupled it with a second rod to measure displacement and designed the entire instrument to be both lightweight enough to be hand-held and durable enough to hold up in a volcanic environment.

After finishing the device, the team tested it on a trip to an active volcano in Iceland.

"We spent almost two weeks accessing different locations around the Litli-Hrutur eruption," said Harris. "It was a lot of very long hours in a pretty intense environment, but I think in the end, we were all really impressed and satisfied with the work that we were able to do."

In their field trial, the researchers collected dozens of measurements of the lava in different locations and at different times. This type of data is crucial, they say, as it shows not just what the lava is like in a single moment but how it evolves as it spreads and cools.

"It was the first time that people have done these measurements across these different transects of the lavas," said Harris. "The really exciting thing about this instrument is that we were able to show this change in the physical properties of the lava with time and space."

The team hopes to further refine their instrument and make it available to research groups and monitoring stations at volcanoes around the world.

More information: A new portable penetrometer for measuring the viscosity of active lava, Review of Scientific Instruments (2024). DOI: 10.1063/5.0206776 Journal information: Review of Scientific Instruments
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BluShift Aerospace prepares a test launch, Jan. 31, 2021, at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine. Currently the company is working toward its next suborbital launch and plans to expand into the orbital and small satellite services markets in the future. Credit: Lindsay Becker/bluShift Aerospace via AP

Representatives for a Maine company that plans to send small satellites into space from the Northeast's most rural state said they will start launches next year.

Brunswick-based bluShift Aerospace hopes to turn Maine into a hub for the launching of commercial nanosatellites and has been making progress toward that goal for more than three years. A successful recent round of fundraising means commercial suborbital launch is on track to start in 2025, company officials said Tuesday.

The small satellite market currently relies on large companies, such as Elon Musk's SpaceX, for deployment of satellites, and that leads to long wait times, said bluShift CEO and founder Sascha Deri. Launching small satellites from Maine can change that, Deri said.

"We see an enormous need for dedicated, small-lift satellite deliveries to space," Deri said, adding that customers are "seeking rapid, affordable access to space and direct delivery to their desired orbit."

The company's progress on launching small satellites is happening during a time of tremendous growth in the industry, company representatives said.

The concept of small satellites was essentially an academic exercise two decades ago and the technology has since become one of the fastest growing in the satellite industry, bluShift representatives said. The worldwide market for a class of small satellites called CubeSats was valued at $210 million in 2021 and is expected to be worth more than four times that by 2030, the company said.

Sascha Deri, CEO and Founder of bluShift Aerospace, stands with Stardust 1.0 commercial rocket, April 2021 at bluShift headquarters in Brunswick, Maine. The company hopes to begin commercial launches of small satellites next year. Credit: Lindsay Becker/bluShift Aerospace via AP

BluShift plans to use an existing spaceport for initial launches and begin using Maine's rural, remote Downeast coastline as a headquarters for launches as soon as 2026, company officials said. The company said it thinks the rural coast is a good location because it provides launch opportunities over the Atlantic Ocean directly into polar orbit with little interference.

The company launched a 20-foot (6-meter) prototype rocket to an altitude of more than 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) in its first test run in 2021. The rocket simulated a small payload by carrying stroopwafels, Dutch cookies.

BluShift also said Tuesday that Brady Brim-DeForest, managing partner at Late Stage Capital of Houston, will become chairman of the board of directors. Brim-DeForest said the company's use of nontoxic biofuel and reusable rockets will help with its mission of "democratizing access to orbit."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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This photo provided by NASA, an STS-125 crew member aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis captured this image of NASAs Hubble Space Telescope on May 19, 2009. NASA said the telescope slipped into a hibernating state more than a week ago when one of its gyroscopes -- part of the pointing system -- malfunctioned. The same device has been acting up for months and disrupting scientific operations. Hubble remains safe but inactive as flight controllers figure out how to proceed, officials said. The space agency planned to outline a path forward on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.Credit: NASA via AP

Hubble has run into more trouble. The space telescope slipped into a hibernating state more than a week ago when one of its three remaining gyroscopespart of the pointing systemmalfunctioned. The same device had been acting up for months and disrupting scientific operations.

NASA said Tuesday that attempts to fix it failed and it will operate with just one gyroscope, which will limit its scientific capability.

The switch will keep Hubble idle until mid-June. The telescope won't be as nimble as before and will take longer to zero in on targets. Hubble won't be able to conduct as many observations, but should be able to keep making discoveries the rest of this decade and next, according to officials.

"We do not see Hubble as being on its last legs," said NASA project manager Patrick Crouse.

The space agency is not considering a mission to boost the observatory to a higher orbit for now in order to extend its life, said Mark Clampin, NASA's astrophysics director.

A billionaire who's bought his own SpaceX flights had offered to sponsor and carry out the job. Clampin said the risks outweigh the potential benefits and that more analysis will be needed.

Hubble rocketed into orbit in 1990, but the jubilation quickly ended when scientists discovered its blurry vision due to a misshapen mirror. Repairs by spacewalking astronauts restored its eye on the cosmos, enabling the telescope to behold ancient galaxies and other jewels of the universe in stunning detail.

Hubble got six new gyroscopes during astronauts' final visit in 2009, but three of them have not worked for years. The devices' spinning wheels keep the telescope stable and looking the right way by tracking Hubble's rotation and position in space.

One of the two remaining gyroscopes will be used for pointing, while the other remains in reserve for future use.

Hubble's bigger and more powerful successor, the Webb Space Telescope, was launched in 2021.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The young widow of a Christian killed for his faith in Indias Chhattisgarh state is living in fear a month after she fled for her life.

I saw them kill my husband right before my eyes, said Jime Kawasi, whose husband, 22-year-old Kosa Kawasi, was slain in Bastar District on May 4. I was assaulted, but somehow I managed to escape. I still fear that my husbands killers will find me and kill me.

Fleeing Kapanar village, in Darbha block, she took refuge in a house far from the murder site. The five other Christian families in the village, unable to find her, fled the same day, including elderly parents and young children.

Relatives furious with Kosa Kawasi killed him after villagers forbade any families with Christian members to participate in tribal festival offerings to local gods, sources said.

A mob of about 20 villagers, including Kosa Kawasis uncle, Dasru Kawasi, and cousin, Madiya Kawasi, went to his house at 10 a.m. and began to argue with him, telling him to renounce Christ, said area Christian leader Santosh Mandavi. When Kosa Kawasi refused, they began to assault him and his wife, he said.

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They hit the couple with wooden sticks, kicked them with legs and fists, Mandavi said. When Kawasi persisted in his faith, his uncle and cousin stabbed Kosa with the knife thrice in his stomach.

Kosa Kawasis wife and younger brother managed to rescue him, took him toward the road and called for an ambulance, but as they were waiting, some people from the mob tried to slit his throat, Mandavi said.

Kosas brother and his wife again saved him and carefully continued to carry him away from the ferocious mob, he said.

His uncle and cousin then got an axe and struck Kosa on the head, killing him instantly, Mandavi said. Police arrived after about an hour and took his body.

Kosa Kawasis brother, Hidma Kawasi, is also a Christian, and he had fled when the mob led by Dasru Kawasi and Madiya Kawasi previously approached his house.

Thankfully Hidma fled and is still alive, though the mob tore down Hidmas house, destroying it completely, a local source told Morning Star News.

In the prior few months, Kosa Kawasi faced immense pressure from family members and villagers, including death threats, if he refused to renounce Christ and return to Hinduism, said the pastor.

Despite Kosa Kawasis repeated complaints to the Darbha Police station about the threats to his life and those of other Christians, authorities took no action, refusing to file a First Information Report, a source said.

Mandavi said he went to Kapanar on May 6 and saw police scattered throughout the village. The police station chief informed him that Jime Kawasi was hospitalized in a Dantewada government hospital 28 miles away for injuries sustained in the assault.

When I met her, she was extremely terrified, Mandavi said. She narrated the entire incident and the brutality with which her husband was killed.

The day after the attack, police arrested Dasru Kawasi and Madiya Kawasi on homicide charges, but no further arrests were made, Mandavi said.

Festival Motive

Prior to the killing, village leaders decided that if just one member of a family were Christian, the entire household would be banned from attending Kapanar villages Ammajugani festival, where the first mango harvest is offered to the local gods, Mandavi said.

This infuriated Kawasis cousins, uncle and his family, and in their anger, they attacked Kawasi and his wife and killed Kawasi, Mandavi told Morning Star News. The other Christian families also were under threat of being attacked by their relatives, and Kawasis brutal killing set a precedence for other relatives to attack their Christian member, so all of them fled for their lives.

During the festival, everyone in the village sings, dances, offers mangos and animal sacrifices to their gods, and then eats together. Whoever does not attend the festival is forbidden from using mangoes throughout the mango season, Mandavi said.

The area source who requested anonymity condemned the villagers for pressuring extended families to the point of murder for adhering to their Christian faith.

We dont expect the village heads to behave in such immature ways, he said. They caused so many homes and lives to be shattered and spoiled. Kosa lost his life, Jime is a young widow now, Dasru Kawasi and Madiya Kawasi are in jail, and their families will also pay for their actions.

Jime Kawasi, still feeling physically weak and frightened, lives with the five other Christian families several miles away, uncertain when or if she can return to her home.

I want to continue to follow and serve Jesus, she said. It was for this Jesus that my husband was willing to be faithful to the point of death; I too will follow in his footsteps. Please pray for me, I need your prayers.

India ranked 11th on Christian support organization Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. The country was 31st in 2013, but its position worsened after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power.

 2023 Morning Star News. Articles/photos may be reprinted with credit to Morning Star News. https://morningstarnews.org. Morning Star News is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that relies solely on contributions to offer original news reports of persecuted Christians. By providing reliable news on the suffering church, Morning Star News mission is to empower those in the free world to help and to encourage persecuted Christians that they are not forgotten or alone.

The hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), against non-Hindus, has emboldened Hindu extremists in several parts of the country to attack Christians since Modi took power in May 2014, religious rights advocates say.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Since the crisis of authority in the Netherlands in the 1960s, the Dutch police has tried to integrate into society, aiming to become a police force that knows what goes on in the neighborhoods and is in contact with the public.

And yet, the police are becoming further and further removed from people, concludes researcher Ivo van Duijneveldt in his Ph.D. thesis, which he is defending at Radboud University on 4 June. "It is imperative that the police work on building and maintaining legitimacy."

Whereas in the 1950s police authority was still taken for granted, this changed dramatically in the 1960s. "In 1966, in Amsterdam, there were multiple violent confrontations between the police and the public. Innocent behavior, such as dancing around a fountain, was punished harshly by the police," says researcher Ivo van Duijneveldt.

"This led to widespread public criticism. Critical voices were also heard within the police: Is the police force just an instrument for enforcing the will of the government, or should it serve society?"

In response to this crisis of authority and legitimacy, a generation of young police leaders formulated a new vision of the role and place of the police in society. Their vision centered on the idea of integrating the police into society. The police had to base its legitimacy on its relationship with the public, not just on the letter of the law.

This meant that policemen had to work actively to gain acceptance for their actions in society. And the police had to do their work close to the people, in the neighborhoods.

Embedding under pressure

Ivo van Duijneveldt has been researching the social function of the police in the Netherlands for 15 years. Interviews with police chiefs and neighborhood officers show that the social integration model is still influential.

"There is broad support for the idea that the police should know the people and vice versa. But at the same time, I have come to the conclusion that the police organization is moving in the opposite direction. Since the formation of the national police in 2013, half of the police stations have been closed. The police have become more distant and therefore in danger of losing connection with the public."

Social order

People's views on the role of the police are also changing. Van Duijneveldt says, "There is a lot of focus on crime control. That is important, of course, but the vast majority of daily police work is about very different problems: social problems in neighborhoods, and helping people.

"This social function of police work is receiving little attention, while it is incredibly important for citizens. And to do this job well, you really need to understand what is happening in the society you serve. Modern society may be more complex than that of the 1960s, but that is precisely why integration is important. The police must maintain contact with all layers of society to be able to gauge tensions."

Van Duijneveldt is concerned about the development the police is undergoing: there is more distance and less room for meeting citizens. "The movement is towards judicial policing, towards more repression, and more control. In the future, the technological capabilities of big data and artificial intelligence might mean that this trend is likely to deepen.

"It is easier to continuously monitor everyone. But is that what we want and expect from the police? I think we need to think very consciously about what kind of police we want."
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Satellite imagery of Africa. Credit: Public Domain

Land degradation is a huge issue across the continent of Africa. One of its biggest drivers is biological invasions. This is when invasive species (species that aren't naturally found in the area) arrive and produce large numbers of offspring which spread over long distances. Mlungele Nsikani, a land restoration specialist and environmental scientist, explains how ecological restoration is a great way to reverse land degradation.

What's driving land degradation on the continent?

Africa is one of the most degraded continents in the world. About 23% of the surface of Africa, or over 700 million hectares of land, is already degraded. Another three million hectares is being further degraded annually.

Degraded land is land that has lost some of its natural productivity through processes caused by humans. It's estimated that up to 40% of the planet's land is degraded.

The "big five" drivers of land degradation globally and in Africa are:

biological invasions, where plant species have spread outside their indigenous area and disrupted the services provided by ecosystems

climate change driven events, such as intense droughts and severe fires

extractive activities, such as mining and over-harvesting

habitat transformation or fragmentation, including deforestation and poor agricultural practices

pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, and eutrophicationwhere algae and other plants take over plant life.

Factors that have made the situation worse in Africa include: development demands; a high dependency on natural resources at the household level (such as the use of firewood for cooking); agricultural practices (including clearing indigenous plants to grow cash crops); weak governance; insecure land tenure; pervasive poverty; and population growth.

What is ecological restoration?

Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed. Removing invasive plants and reintroducing indigenous species is one way to reverse damage. Ecological restoration is about helping to create conditions in which plants, animals and microorganisms can carry out the work of recovery themselves.

Assisting recovery can be as complex as altering landforms (intentionally changing aspects of the landscape), planting vegetation, changing the hydrology (water flow), and reintroducing wildlife. It can also be as simple as removing an invasive species or reintroducing a lost plant species to the land.

For example more than 8,750 plant species have found their way to South Africa. Over 785 species have made the country their permanent home on a significant scale and have had negative impacts. These include at least 14 Australian Acacia tree species which are invasive across South Africa. These cover about 554,000 hectares of the country.

They use up water resources and reduce grazing land. They also change soil microbial community structure, diversity and function. Invasive Acacia trees have established extensive woodlands that compete against native species, leaving little room for native plants and trees to grow. This costs more than R4 billion annually (about US$214 million)the combined cost of clearing invasive species and the value of reduced ecosystem services in invaded areas.

The fynbos biome, which covers large parts of South Africa's Western Cape province, has been the most affected. Since 1995, the publicly funded Working for Water program has cleared invasive species, leaving ecosystems to recover naturally. The Greater Cape Town Water Fund has also funded the removal of thousands of thirsty invasive trees in mountain areas in a bid to save water and restore indigenous fynbos. This is known as passive restoration.

Planting native vegetation (often done through seed)active restorationhas also helped the land recover. However, it has been applied at a smaller scale than passive restoration because it is more expensive. Planting native vegetation after clearing invasive species is often a more effective way to help native species recover in the restoration site, particularly if the native soil seedbanks have been depleted by the long duration of invasion.

How can people help?

Anyone can contribute to the restoration of ecosystems. The first thing is to advocate for and actively engage in the conservation of intact ecosystems. As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure.

Ecological restoration is a great tool to tackle land degradation. But it's not a quick fix. It's still necessary to protect and conserve natural ecosystems.

Secondly, everyone should get involved in ecological restoration efforts, no matter how small. We can help remove invasive species or plant native species where we live. We can donate or be part of organizations that are involved in ecological restoration.

Above all, we should continue to spread the ecological restoration message and show that we are #GenerationRestoration!

The need for ecological restoration on the continent is great. Only functioning landscapes can provide affordable food, water and energy. These are the cornerstones of economic development. Ecological restoration can protect and enhance environmental assets and natural resources, provide employment, and help national development, security and social stability.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Despite efforts by police to improve relations with LGBTQ+ communities, these individuals reported higher levels of verbal abuse and other forms of mistreatment compared with heterosexual people in a survey that was the basis of a recent American Civil Liberties Union research report co-written by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign sociology professor Stefan Vogler. Credit: Fred Zwicky

June is Pride Month, which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprisings in Manhattan that brought the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people to the fore.

Stefan Vogler, a professor of sociology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is a co-author of a new American Civil Liberties Union research report, "Policing Progress: Findings from a National Survey of LGBTQ+ People's Experience with Law Enforcement." He spoke with research editor Sharita Forrest about the findings.

What was the impetus for this report?

We wanted to do this report and the whole Policing the Rainbow Projecta landmark study of LGBTQ+-police relationsbecause we felt that LGBTQ+ people, gender, and sexuality more broadly were missing from the national conversation on policing.

That was important because there's a long history of a contentious relationship between LGBTQ+ people and the police. If we go back to the early or the mid-20th century, there were routinely raids on gay bars and places where gay people congregated; laws against cross-dressing or wearing clothes of the, quote-unquote, opposite sex; as well and as prohibitions on gay people gathering in public places together, touching or dancing together. The 1969 Stonewall uprisings were in direct response to police violence against the LGBTQ+ community.

Police departments recognized this and tried to improve relationships with the LGBTQ+ community through various avenuescreating sensitivity trainings, and LGBTQ+ liaison officer positions and doing more outreach with the LGBTQ+ communities.

But based on the existing research on LGBTQ+-police relations, it seems as though they still are very much at odds with each other.

When we think about policing, race has been central, as it should be, but there are many ways that gender, sexuality and LGBTQ+ identities come into play in policing. We wanted to see what was really going on from a holistic social science perspective.

In what ways do the experiences of LGBTQ+ people with the police differ from those of heterosexual individuals?

LGBTQ+ people have more contact with the police, whether that's requesting aid, reporting something or having involuntary, police-initiated contact.

They are more likely to be stopped by the police, to be searched, arrested or held in custody. All these forms of police contact are more common among LGBTQ+ people than non-LGBTQ+ people. This is especially true for transgender people. Nearly a third had police-initiated contact in the past 12 months compared with only 14.6% of non-LGBTQ+ people.

The content of these experiences and interactions differs as well. LGBTQ+ people are more likely to have physical force and insulting language used against them by the police, although this varies by sexual and gender identity. Whereas 12.3% of lesbian and gay respondents reported police using insulting language, more than 25.4% of bisexual people and 26.8% of queer+ respondents reported it. Rates were even higher among transgender (44.9%) and nonbinary+ (33.1%) individuals.

These differences are even starker when we consider race and socioeconomic status. LGBTQ+ people of color and of low socioeconomic status have even higher rates of contact with and mistreatment by the police in almost all the measures that we looked at.

Unsurprisingly, LGBTQ+ people are less likely to find their interactions with the police to be fair and just. They perceive the police as a less effective institution than non-LGBTQ+ people do. And as a result, they're ultimately less willing to contact the police in the future than non-LGBTQ+ people.

Your report indicated that 300 bills had been introduced in the past year across the US that involve criminalization of LGBTQ+ people, such as banning drag shows or gender-affirming medical care. How is this frenzy of legislation affecting LGBTQ+ individuals' interactions with law enforcement?

We did in-depth interviews with a subset of survey respondents, and one of our trans interviewees put it starkly. They said if the police are charged with upholding a law that goes against who I am as a person, then of course I'm not going to trust the police.

When the police are charged with upholding laws that fundamentally go against LGBTQ+ people and communities, it's really no surprise that they are distrustful of the police. That really crystallizes what we're doing in this report.

LGBTQ+ people are disproportionately affected by homelessness, which means that they are going to be even more exposed to policing. New bills are being passed that criminalize sleeping in public spaces in some cities or erecting tents.

We need to look at other laws that criminalize HIV status and consensual sex work, which often disproportionately affect other already marginalized groups.

What would you most like people to draw from this research?

At the broadest level, I would like people to understand that gender and sexuality are important social factors in policing and in determining how people are treated by the police and the broader criminal-legal system. LGBTQ+ and gender identity are important things to consider when we think about policing in America.

The LGBTQ+ community is a remarkably diverse community, and we're affected by policing differently along these various axes of social differentiation, whether that's gender or sexual identity, race, socioeconomic status, immigration status or other characteristics.

More information: Policing Progress: Findings from a National Survey of LGBTQ+ People's Experiences with Law Enforcement. www.aclu.org/wp-content/upload  olicing-Progress.pdf
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Experimental plots and locations of rocky intertidal sites on the coasts of Oregon and northern California. Credit: Nature Ecology & Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02425-5

A 15-year period ending in 2020 that included a marine heat wave and a sea star wasting disease epidemic saw major changes in the groups of organisms that live along the rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest.

The study by Oregon State University scientists, involving four capes in Oregon and California, suggests these communities of species may have low resilience to climate change. Findings were published in Nature Ecology & Evolution.

Researchers learned that sessile invertebratesthose that stay in one place, such as mussels and barnaclesbecame more abundant during the study period, while seaweed species like kelps declined.

"These changes occurred after the loss of adult ochre sea stars due to an epidemic of sea star wasting disease and during a three-year marine heat wave when water temperatures were extremely warm," said Zechariah Meunier, a doctoral graduate of the OSU College of Science and the lead author on the paper.

"Sea stars are like the wolves of rocky shores because they normally eat enough mussels and barnacles to prevent these invertebrates from dominating the lower elevation areas. And many kelps did not survive the thermal stress during the heat wave."

Of further concern to the scientists: When the epidemic ended and ocean temperatures cooled, the rocky shore communities did not return to their baseline conditions. That suggests the communities have low resilience to changes in both temperature and predator numbers.

Zechariah Meunier of OSU conducts rocky shore surveys in California. Photo by Risa Askerooth.

"Diminishing resilience may lead to degraded rocky shore communities under future climate conditions," said Meunier, who along with OSU professors Sally Hacker and Bruce Menge looked at 13 sites spread among Oregon's Cape Foulweather, Cape Perpetua and Cape Blanco and California's Cape Mendocino.

"And a warming climate will make restoring baseline conditions more difficultregime shifts to degraded states are likely to last longer and put community structure and ecosystem function at risk."

Hacker and Menge have been studying Northwest coastal ecosystems for decades. Healthy marine ecosystems are important because the ocean, and the species that live in it, are critical to the proper functioning of the planet. For example, the ocean supplies half of the oxygen humans breathe and annually absorbs one-quarter of the carbon dioxide people emit into the atmosphere.

The scientists note that climate change and pollution are combining to force marine ecosystems to experience unprecedented stressors including harmful algal blooms, ocean acidification and hypoxia. The stressors often work in concert and exacerbate one another, resulting in damage to marine habitats or species diversity loss.

When stressors are especially severe, they can lead to habitat transitions from one state to another in what's known as a regime shift.

"A classic example of multiple stressors causing a regime shift is the transition from kelp forests to urchin barrens in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of North America," Meunier said.

"That transition is attributed to a marine heat wave, urchin overgrazing, historical extirpation of the sea otter and recent mass mortality of the sunflower star. Digging even deeper, the sunflower star demise was itself driven by two stressors: a sea star wasting disease epidemic and a marine heat wave."

While sunflower stars have not recovered, adult ochre sea stars on rocky shores are growing in size and number to what was measured before the disease epidemic. Thus, there is hope that the sea stars will be able to limit the expansion of barnacles and mussels in the future, the researchers say.

More information: Zechariah D. Meunier et al, Regime shifts in rocky intertidal communities associated with a marine heatwave and disease outbreak, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02425-5 Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution
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Steves twin captured by an all-sky digital camera Ever since aurora chasers discovered Steve, a mysterious ribbon of purple light in the night sky, scientists have wondered whether it might have a secret twin. Now, thanks to a photographers keen eye, and data from ESAs Swarm satellites, we may have found it. The photograph here was captured by the all-sky digital camera at the Ramfjordmoen Research Station in Norway. Credit: Ramfjordmoen Research Station

Ever since aurora chasers discovered Steve, a mysterious ribbon of purple light in the night sky, scientists have wondered whether it might have a secret twin. Now, thanks to a photographer's keen eye, and data from ESA's Swarm satellites, we may have found it.

Steve was a sensation when scientists stumbled across it a few years ago, thanks to the eagle eyes and excellent photography of the Alberta Aurora Chasers Facebook group.

But its mauve hue and fleeting appearance meant it couldn't be a feature of the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, which comes in shades of green, blue and red and can last for hours. So, what could it be?

Fortunately, ESA's trio of magnetic-field monitoring Swarm satellites were perfectly placed to help investigate.

It turned out that Steve was a fast-moving stream of extremely hot gas called a sub-auroral ion drift. Or, to give Steve its full name, a strong thermal emission velocity enhancement.

But the mystery wasn't quite over.

Steve makes its appearance at dusk (before midnight) when the fast-moving stream of extremely hot gases move westward. But at dawn (after midnight), we also know that there's an equivalent stream moving eastward.

If Steve is a visual effect of the westward stream at dusk, should we not expect something similar with the eastward stream at dawn? Could Steve perhaps have a long-lost dawn-side twin?

A new study published in Earth, Planets and Space from the University of Electro-Communications in Japan, the Swedish Institute of Space Physics, the Arctic University of Norway and Troms-based photographer Gabriel Arne Hofstra, suggests we might have found it.

It's once again thanks to researchers and citizen scientists working together.

The team developed an application that collects images of the aurora's nightly dances above the Norwegian Arctic from the all-sky digital camera at the Ramfjordmoen Research Station.

Swarm senses Steves twin This shows the projection of the day-night-band image and all-sky image to 100 km altitude. Both the purple and green arcs extended eastwest widely. White arrows guide the continuity of the purple arc in the day-night-band image. Blue and yellow arrows indicate the trajectories of Swarm A and B, respectively. White grid lines show the altitude adjustment corrected geomagnetic latitude and local time. Credit: Earth, Planets and Space (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s40623-024-01995-9

While looking through its data archives, Gabriel Arne Hofstra stumbled across something peculiar, something Steve-like, in an image from 28 December 2021.

He said, "It has been amazing to have contributed to new science and help scientists uncover this phenomena. To me, it proves that we citizens can contribute to understanding the world we live in by collaborating with scientists.

"If we have more 'eyes on the sky," we can help unravel its mysteries. I really hope that the recent great geomagnetic storm and spectacular skies has encouraged more people to be interested in space physics and contribute to our scientific understanding of our world."

But there were key differences compared to Steve. The 1000 km-long arc appeared after midnight, so on the dawn side, and was poleward of the green aurora that could also be seen.

While none of ESA's trio of Swarm satellites flew directly through the arc at the precise time and place observed in the all-sky image, two of the satellites' electric field instruments were able to measure the conditions in the purple region before, during and after the event.

The data showed the hallmarks of an eastward ion flow in the purple region.

"As a scientist, collaborating with a photographer to uncover this new phenomenon has been a fantastic experience," says Sota Nanjo of the University of Electro-Communications.

"Our findings not only open new avenues in auroral physics, but also underscore the importance of continuous collaboration between scientists and photographers. Such efforts are particularly crucial in the coming years as solar activity approaches its peak, when we may encounter extraordinary phenomena."

Power to the digital camera

While digital cameras are not used scientifically, they do give great contrast between the colors of normal aurora and Steve-like visual effects.

Now, almost everyone has a digital camera in the palm of their handso as one of the biggest geomagnetic storms in living memory ripped through Earth's atmosphere on Friday 10 May 2024, it also became the world's most documented aurora event ever.

"It's great to see yet another example of successful citizen science," says Swarm Mission Manager, Anja Strmme. "The combination of millions of images taken worldwide, along with data from the satellites of ESA's heliophysics observatory, like Swarm, will give us an even better understanding of how space weather affects Earth's atmosphere."

More information: Sota Nanjo et al, Post-midnight purple arc and patches appeared on the high latitude part of the auroral oval: Dawnside counterpart of STEVE?, Earth, Planets and Space (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s40623-024-01995-9
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Lucinid clams of various sizes, collected for further analysis in the laboratory. Credit: Isidora Morel-Letelier / Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology

Studying the impact of the environment on animal evolution is no easy task, as most animals reproduce slowly and exhibit complex behaviors. However, microbiologists have an advantage: Bacteria reproduce rapidly, which makes them a much easier subject for studying evolution.

Lucinid clams, inconspicuous inhabitants of the seafloor and one of the most diverse group of animals in the ocean, rely on symbiotic bacteria for their survival. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany, now reveal the evolutionary journey of these tiny tenants. The work is published in the journal PLOS Genetics.

Faced with a drastically changing environment following the closure of the Isthmus of Panama, the clams acquired new metabolic skills to enable their own survival. Understanding the adaptive strategies of bacteria provides insight into their potential responses to challenging environmental changes, such as those caused by human activities.

The Isthmus of Panama offers a natural experiment

Laetitia Wilkins and her team from the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany, study bacterial evolution in a very unique scenario: the Isthmus of Panama. This landmass connects North and South America, thus separating the Pacific Ocean from the Caribbean Sea, and serves as an ideal location for observing "real-time evolution."

The closure of the Isthmus, which took place 2.8 million years ago, caused significant changes in the marine environments on both sides. The Caribbean side became warmer, more saline, and nutrient-poor, while the Tropical Eastern Pacific experiences variable temperatures, strong tides, and high nutrient levels. These environmental differences forced marine life to develop different survival strategies.

Lucinid clams and their symbiotic bacteria: Partners in evolution

Lucinids are marine bivalves that inhabit both the Caribbean and Pacific waters surrounding the Isthmus of Panama. At least 400 million years old, the family of lucinid clams inhabits a wide variety of habitats, from beautiful beaches to the dark abyssal depths. Their secret to success lies within: Symbiotic bacteria live inside their gills and help them meet their nutritional needs, forming such a close relationship that these clams couldn't survive without their little companions.

Interestingly, the symbiotic bacteria don't seem to depend on the lucinids. They can also live freely in the sediment. This allows them to interact with other bacteria and exchange genetic material with them, through what's known as horizontal gene transfer. This, combined with their fast reproduction, helps them adapt rapidly to their environment.

"We wanted to find out how these symbiotic bacteria adapted to the different environmental conditions on both sides of the Isthmus," says Isidora Morel-Letelier, who conducted the study as part of her doctoral thesis together with Benedict Yuen. To achieve this, the team traveled to Panama to collect lucinid clams and analyzed the DNA of the symbiotic bacteria in their gills to detect differences in their genomes.

Development of the Isthmus of Panama. The Isthmus separates the Tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean from the Caribbean Sea. It closed about 2.8 million years ago. Credit: Natalie Renier

Different adaptation in the Caribbean and the Pacific

Morel-Letelier discovered that symbiotic bacteria dealt with the challenge very differently on both sides of the Isthmus: Those in the Caribbean were able to fix nitrogen, whereas those in the Pacific lacked this ability.

"Life is not possible without nitrogen. Because the Caribbean has very low levels of nitratean easily usable form of nitrogenthe bacteria need other sources of this nutrient. Their ability to fix nitrogen likely allowed them to survive there. On the other hand, Pacific symbionts didn't face this issue because their waters contain nitrate levels ten times higher than those in the Caribbean," Morel-Letelier explains.

And there are more genetic differences. The scientists from Bremen discovered unique genes that were present in the Pacific symbionts, but were absent in the Caribbean ones.

For example, symbionts in the Pacific had the potential to synthesize gammapolyglutamate, which is a storage compound produced by bacteria during nutrient limitation, or electron-transferring-flavoprotein (ETF) dehydrogenases, which are produced in response to low temperatures and anaerobic conditions.

"These genes likely help the symbionts cope with the Pacific's more significant seasonal changes in nutrients, temperature, and oxygen levels compared to the Caribbean," says Morel-Letelier.

New metabolic capabilities reveal a unique evolutionary journey

The Max Planck scientists also wanted to understand how the Caribbean symbionts acquired the genes required for nitrogen fixation genes. For that, they compared the genomes of symbionts across the Isthmus of Panama with other lucinid symbiont genomes from around the world.

"It seems like their last common ancestor did not possess the capacity for nitrogen fixation. Most probably nitrogen fixation is a recent trait acquired only by symbionts that faced a nutrient-poor environment," explains Morel-Letelier.

This finding highlights the critical role that the environment plays in shaping bacterial evolution. "Through horizontal gene transfer, lucinid symbionts likely obtained the nitrogen fixation genes from another symbiont lineage," notes Morel-Letelier.

Future investigations should focus on understanding the symbiotic relationship between these bacteria and their lucinid hosts. "It would be very interesting to know whether the new metabolic capabilities of the bacteria, such as fixing nitrogen, benefit the lucinid clams in their ability to survive in the environment, and whether clams actively select the bacterial candidates that are better adapted to live inside them," says Morel-Letelier.

"This study improves our understanding of the ability of bacteria to respond to environmental changes, which leads us to think that bacteria communities may already be adapting to anthropogenic changes, such as the flow of excess nutrients from agricultural fields into coastal waters," group leader Laetitia Wilkins comments.

More information: Isidora Morel-Letelier et al, Adaptations to nitrogen availability drive ecological divergence of chemosynthetic symbionts, PLOS Genetics (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011295 Journal information: PLoS Genetics
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Credit: Feyza Tugba from Pexels

According to the Mannheim-based social researchers Marc Helbling and Richard Traunmuller, there is more tolerance towards Muslims in our society than we sometimes realize.

In a study published in the British Journal of Political Science, Helbling and Traunmuller show how this potential can be harnessed in two studies, which they have conducted together with international colleagues.

Quite a few people in Germany have reservations about religious behavior by Muslims and freedoms for Islamic religious communities. For example, many people feel that refusing to shake hands with people of a different sex due to religious reasons is incompatible with liberal and democratic values. Many people are also critical of including more halal dishes, i.e., food suitable for religious Muslims, into everyday life, or of discussing plans for a public Islamic holiday.

However, this does not apply to all circumstances in the same way, as Helbling and Traunmuller have found out in a research project at the Mannheim Center for European Social Research (MZES): Those who are able to correctly identify the behavior and group rights of religious Muslims are more tolerant.

Shaking hands at a job interview is a given, right?

Shaking hands, for example: In an experimental survey, Helbling and Traunmuller, together with Elisabeth Ivarsflaten from the University of Bergen (Norway) and Paul M. Sniderman from Stanford University (U.S.), looked at the handshake, a form of greeting, which is customary in many places. Do we expect a handshake in a job interview, for example?

Initially, the vast majority of the 2,600 respondents, a representative sample of the population, said that a handshake was mandatory. But how do we assess such a situation when Muslims place their hand on their heart as a respectful gesture to replace the handshake?

In this scenario, the results looked very different: "The majority are willing to accept this gesture of respect instead of a handshake. This shows that people insist on respect but not necessarily that respect has to be expressed in a certain way," Helbling explains.

"Many non-Muslims do not automatically think of putting your hand on your heart. But this gesture can help both sides to resolve a situation without conflict and with mutual respect," Traunmuller adds.

In another study, the team wanted to find out how a wider range of halal dishes is perceived in German cafeterias. "If you emphasize that the Halal dishes do not replace pork products but merely expand the menu, they are met with significantly less rejection," the researchers say.

According to the study, this logic also works in other areas: Perhaps less surprisingly, significantly more people can also imagine a Muslim public holiday if this day did not replace a Christian holiday, but rather complemented the existing holidays.

Tolerance is greater when group interests do not appear to be competing

"Generally, social conflicts can be defused if we make clear that Muslim rights do not have to compete with our own customs," Traunmuller summarizes. Under these circumstances, the potential for tolerance in the population is considerable, according to the researchers.

However, the further to the right the respondents are located on the political spectrum, the smaller it is. In general, however, people are not unconditionally for or against the group rights of Muslims: "It depends on the specific political design," Helbling says.

More information: Elisabeth Ivarsflaten et al, Value Conflicts Revisited: Muslims, Gender Equality, and Gestures of Respect, British Journal of Political Science (2024). DOI: 10.1017/S0007123423000637

Provided by Universitat Mannheim
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Lucas Phipps and Tamzen Stringham take a break at Golden Gate Range, within the Basin and Range National Monument, while working on their project to improve mapping of vegetation in remote regions. Credit: Devon Snyder.

Powerful new digital mapping tools developed by University of Nevada, Reno researchers hold promise to improve management of rangeland, particularly public lands in the far-flung Western United States.

The significant improvements in mapping of vegetation enabled by the University's research provide managers of rangeland, ranchers as well as federal managers of public lands, with better information to make large-scale decisions to mitigate effects of grazing, wildfire and other potential disruptions.

The research was conducted by Lucas Phipps, a rangeland ecologist, and Professor Tamzen Stringham, both in the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences in the University's College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources. Stringham also conducts research as part of the College's Experiment Station. The results were published in the journal Rangeland Ecology and Management.

Putting big data to work

Phipps explained that the new mapping process employs robust machine learning that crunches massive amounts of information gathered by satellite imagery as well as data gathered painstakingly by generations of scientists working on the ground. The result: map grids that show vegetation patterns more accurately than previous methods.

Accurate information about vegetation is particularly important in Nevada, where the federal government owns more than 80% of the land. Many ranchers in the state want more flexibility in the management of the rangeland they lease from federal agencies. In fact, four ranches in the state have joined with the Bureau of Land Management to test management practices that provide ranchers with more ability to respond themselves to changing conditions.

But that sort of flexible management requires the best-possible information about vegetation and changes in vegetation patterns to ensure that rangeland is grazed appropriately, Phipps said.

Two of the Nevada ranches participating in the BLM's Outcome-based Grazing Programthe Winecup-Gamble Ranch northeast of Wells and the Smith Creek Ranch west of Austinbecame test sites for the mapping technology developed by University researchers.

The sprawling Winecup-Gamble Ranch would be particularly challenging for traditional vegetation-mapping techniques, Phipps said. The ranch encompasses about a million acres, an area larger than Rhode Island, along the Nevada-Utah state line. Many of the remote stretches of the ranch would be difficult for on-the-ground monitoring of vegetation.

High-quality mapping

In the past, vegetation maps were created from studies of soil types, along with data about factors such as rainfall, average temperatures and elevation. The advent of remote data from NASA's Landsat satellite allowed researchers to create large-scale maps beginning in the mid-1980s, and researchers began to use satellite imagery to track large-scale changes from one year to the next.

The process developed by Phipps and Stringham uses machine-learning analysis of more than 40 environmental variables, to develop vegetation maps that have more information, and better-quality information, than existing mapping products. Maps generated by the new process were validated by on-the-ground observations at 450 sites.

Despite the accuracy and wide vision of the vegetation maps generated by machine learning and remote imaging, Phipps said the new technology still can't replace the observations of skilled scientists working in the field.

"Boots-on-the-ground remains the gold standard," he said. "But to create maps of large areas, or remote areas, it becomes a manpower problem."

Impacting the West, the world

The mapping project, Phipps said, fits well with the University's mission as a land-grant university, where much of the work focuses on improving the daily lives of people across Nevada and beyond. Efforts to help wildlands recover from the disruptions of fire, mining exploration and off-highway vehicles all will be strengthened by better understanding of vegetation patterns.

While the new vegetation mapping was developed on the two Nevada ranches, Phipps said a clear next step would involve its rollout across the remainder of Nevada and neighboring states.

And it's not just Nevada and other Western states that will stand to benefit. Phipps said other countries that haven't undertaken extensive soil surveys could use the new technology to develop high-quality vegetation maps that will allow them to make better decisions.

"The scientific community, ranchers and federal land managers all share an interest in good stewardship of rangelands," Phipps said. "They've been really complimentary of the University's work, as they have seen the possibilities of this important new tool for vegetation mapping."

More information: Lucas Phipps et al, Digital Mapping of Vegetative Great Groups to Inform Management Strategies, Rangeland Ecology & Management (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.rama.2024.01.006
The former Steves Place property, home of the iconic diner at 194 Broad Street in Glens Falls, sold for $1.3 million, and the Town Tire on Route 9 in Queensbury sold for $3.2 million late last month, according to county records.

Steves Place, Glens Falls

The purchaser of Steve Place is HDC2 Realty Glens Falls, LLC, a company at the same address as the Hoffman Development Corporation. Hoffman Car Wash worked through a sometimes contentious back-and-forth with the Glens Falls Planning Commission to create a site plan for a car wash at that location. It was approved in April and the company purchased the property May 20, according to county records.

The seller was Steves Double V, Incorporated.

Progress was slowed over discussions about the appropriateness of a car wash at that site and about traffic patterns, especially given that Broad Street is a common thoroughfare for ambulances heading from Interstate 87 Northway Exit 18 to Glens Falls Hospital. The company also had to prove that the car wash tunnel would not overwhelm the citys water and sewer system.

The diner started as an ice cream parlor decades ago and grew into a full-service diner. Christine Vamvalis-Haley sold the property in order to retire, she told The Post-Star.

Town Tire, Queensbury

The Town Tire Centers of New York, LLC, has sold its property at 863 Route 9 in Queensbury to FCPT Holdings, LLC for $3.21 million. The purchaser is a national property trust company.

The site had been a Pizza Hut restaurant starting in the 1970s but eventually fell into disrepair. The OMall Family Limited Partnership purchased the property for $437,500 in 2020 and sold to the Town Fair Tire Centers LLC, a northeast regional retail tire company, for a $765,000 in 2021, according to county records.

In the interim, Town Fair razed the Pizza Hut building and built a retail tire store on the property, a couple lots south of the Walmart on Route 9.

Town Fair could not be reached in time for publication, but people familiar with real estate transactions in the area say that it appears to be a buy-and-lease-back sale, meaning that the tire company sold the property to earn cash, but will remain a tenant on that property into the future. The sale was recorded on May 20, 2024.

We will have updates as warranted.
QUEENSBURY  A Queensbury man was arrested Friday on a criminal wire fraud charge after an FBI investigation found his businesses to have failed to return tens of millions of dollars to clients.

The U.S Attorneys Office, Northern District of New York announced that Kris Roglieri, 44, of Queensbury was arrested on a criminal complaint charging him with wire fraud.

Roglieri operated Albany-based loan companies, Prime Capital Ventures LLC and Prime Commercial Lending LLC.

A press release from United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the FBI reported that the complaint against Roglieri alleges that Prime Capital held itself out as a commercial lending business.

The FBI is conducting this ongoing investigation, a press release from the Northern District of New York stated.

Prime Capital received upfront interest payments, which were referred to as the Interest Credit Account Payment, or ICA payment for short.

The complaint against Roglieri alleges that he and his business defrauded a Minnesota company in December 2023 by committing to fund, a $100 million commercial project. At the time, Prime Capital had failed to fund a number of loans promised to earlier clients, and failed to return tens of millions of dollars in ICA payments to earlier clients, and had been sued multiple times by clients alleging fraud and seeking the return of ICA payments.

Roglieri signed a Deposit Agreement on behalf of Prime Commercial on Dec. 22, 2023, in which he agrees to keep the Minnesota companys ICA payment in a separate and distinct bank account and to hold it as a trust fund.

The Minnesota company transferred a $5 million ICA payment to a Prime Capital account controlled by Roglieri. The complaint alleges that Roglieri then transferred and spent these funds, using $950,000 to meet an obligation to another Prime Capital Client, using $84,000 to purchase a Rolex watch, using $101,000 for private jet services for a family vacation that Roglieri took to Anguilla.

If convicted, Roglieri faces up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to three years of post-release supervision.

Roglieri went into a hearing yesterday as the Post Star went to press. Check online for any updates on this story.
Tim Handren is retiring from his role as CEO of Santikos Enterprises. Tom Reel/Staff photographer

Tim Handren  who led Santikos Enterprises through the coronavirus pandemic and a writers strike that upended the film industry, while expanding the San Antonio-based movie theater chain to become the eighth-largest cinema operator by number of screens in the country  is retiring.

Last year, Santikos bought 17 theaters from VSS-Southern Theatres LLC, nearly tripling the number of cinemas it operates and expanding its presence beyond Texas for the first time in its 113-year history. The deal included The Grand Theatres and AmStar Cinemas locations in Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as in Texas in Conroe and on the Armys Fort Bliss in El Paso.

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Santikos Enterprises is the eighth-largest U.S. cinema chain by screen count. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer

Handren will be succeeded this month by Blake Hastings, senior vice president of corporate strategy and chief economist for SWBC. Handren said he and his wife, who recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, want to spend more time traveling.

Handren said Hastings understands the ins and outs of Santikos, having served on an audit committee shortly after John L. Santikos death in 2014, as a member and chair of Santikos board of directors and on the board of the San Antonio Area Foundation. Profits from Santikos Enterprises flow through the nonprofit John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation to the Area Foundation, which distributes the money to charitable causes set out in Santikos will.

I think Im handing him  in my opinion, this isnt a turnaround situation, Handren said. Its continuing all the great momentum that the team has going, and hes been a part of that.

This year will be sluggish because few new movies are coming out, but Handren said he expects 2025 to be a banner year for Santikos.

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Santikos Entertainment finished renovating its Silverado theater this year. The theater at Loop 1604 and Bandera Road now has 14 bowling lanes, more than 40 arcade and virtual reality games, a private screening room and an upgraded sports bar with more food and beverage items, a mix that Santikos has added at other locations also. Courtesy of Santikos Entertainment

Before joining Santikos, Handren was chief operating officer at USAA. He also was mayor of Boerne from 2019 to 2023.

The Express-News recently talked to Handren about how Santikos has changed during his tenure and whether the company is eyeing more acquisitions. The following has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Q: How would you describe Santikos when you became CEO in 2018?

A: What I walked into in September 2018 was a typical family-run business in terms of the way it was structured, meaning there wasnt a strong emphasis on process nor a strong emphasis on culture. There wasnt much rigor and discipline around how it went about its day-to-day business. Thats not meant to be critical. Those are just things that I have come to highly value because I recognize, from my USAA days, if you dont have good process and good rigor and discipline around how youre moving forward, its a bit chaotic. Getting all that established, thats kind of my wheelhouse.

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2019 was the best financial year in Santikos history. Then we went through the pandemic. That wasnt necessarily fun for anybody. But the kind of stuff that we positioned ourselves to do from an operational and a financial standpoint is what allowed us to do the acquisition that we did. Im proud of what we did as a team to get to the point where last year was the second-best year in Santikos history, despite the impact of the writers strike. We weathered another storm. The strike started about two weeks after I signed the acquisition agreement.

Santikos Entertainment finished renovating its Silverado theater this year. The theater at Loop 1604 and Bandera Road now has 14 bowling lanes, more than 40 arcade and virtual reality games, a private screening room and an upgraded sports bar with more food and beverage items, a mix that Santikos has added at other locations also. Courtesy of Santikos Entertainment

Q: How would you describe Santikos today?

The impact that we feel coming into 2024 has been hard on the entire industry because of the lack of movies. This year is not going to be a great year because the number of movies that have come out is not great, but 2025 is already shaping up to be a massive year because so much content will be coming out. I think next year will be the best year in Santikos history, economically and otherwise.

If I go back to how we are operating today, to the maturity required to take on an acquisition of a company that was bigger than us and get all of that integrated into one system for the entire circuit, I feel like Im leaving things in pretty good shape for Blake on the theater front.

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On the real estate front, we got a lot more creative. Prior to my arrival, there was mostly just a sell-off of assets. Weve turned that around. Weve taken a lot of that raw land and turned it into revenue-producing assets. Weve partnered with Lynd on a multifamily development and recently wrapped up a retail center near the University of Texas at San Antonio.

(Handren declined to disclose specific financial figures.)

Q: Could Santikos buy more theaters? What about Alamo Drafthouse, which is reportedly for sale?

A: We needed to digest the acquisition that we did in terms of the post-acquisition work. You can get acquisition-happy and get yourself in a financially precarious situation if youre not careful.

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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:
The increasing population density is a primary factor driving the importance of residential projects in Mumbai, as millions of people continue to move to the city in search of better opportunities, creating an ongoing demand for housing. The expansion and progress of Mumbai rely heavily on residential developments within the city. These residential projects cater to the diverse needs of the city's population, ranging from affordable housing to luxury apartments, and are key elements of Mumbai's urban landscape, shaping the city's future for years to come.
In the familiar images that circulated after her June 1994 death, Nicole Brown Simpson appears frozen in place.

Shes a statuesque blonde with a tense smile, silently escorting famous husband O.J. Simpson. Shes the breezy California beauty behind the wheel of her white Ferrari. And shes the somber woman, with telling bruises and a black eye, in the stark Polaroids locked away in a bank vault.

Thirty years later, Nicoles three sisters want her remembered for more than those static images or the violent way she died. They fear the vibrant person they knew has been lost in the chaos of Simpsons murder trial, the questions it raised about race in America and the headlines spawned by his recent death.

Its seeing her move. Its hearing her talk, seeing her, youngest sister Tanya Brown said of the joy she felt watching video clips of Nicole in a new Lifetime documentary. (Shes) someone who just was very warm, very warm-hearted and quirky.

Daddys taking movies again, coos Nicole, who met Simpson when she was 18, as she cuddles her infant child on the beach. The home movie included in The Life & Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson, which aired over the weekend, echoes one of her as a child with her own mother. The two-part documentary is available to stream on the Lifetime app or can be purchased or rented online at Apple TV and Prime Video.

She wanted to be like her mother, said Melissa G. Moore, the executive producer. Nicole wanted to be home, being a mother and creating a beautiful home.

The innocence of the mother-and-child beach scene contrasts with friends memories of a cloud descending over the couples Laguna Beach home whenever Simpson arrived and another of him knocking her down in the water.

Nicole was a very, very good hider of her domestic violence. She pushed everything under the rug and then would change the subject. And I think that was just all to protect herself and to protect everyone that she loved and her family, Dominique Brown said.

Along with the Browns, the filmmakers spoke to friends both famous and infamous, including Simpson houseguest Brian Kato Kaelin, whose laid-back demeanor on the witness stand at the 1995 trial made him a household name; Faye Resnick, who wrote a tell-all book; and Kris Jenner, whose ex-husband Robert Kardashian, to her dismay, joined Simpsons defense team.

Nicoles two children, who have stayed out of the public eye and seemingly remained close to Simpson until his death last month, did not take part. They were both busy starting families of their own, Moore said.

But the sisters felt it was finally time to revisit Nicoles life and legacy. They have grieved in different ways, and sometimes grew apart. Their parents have died.

Oldest sister Denise Brown, who gave wrenching trial testimony, never hesitated to pin the stabbing deaths of their sister and Ronald Goldman on Simpson, and became a vocal advocate for domestic violence victims. Although she had known the marriage was volatile, she did not think of Nicole at the time as a battered woman, even after Simpson was charged with assault on New Years Eve 1989. Nicole, after a week away, chose to return home afterward.

She said, I dont want to ruin my childrens fathers life, Denise Brown recalled.

Dominique Brown focused on the couples young children, Sydney and Justin, after Nicoles death. For more than a year, as Simpson sat in jail, she helped her aging parents raise them, along with her own son. Simpson won back custody after he was acquitted, later moving his children to Florida. Dominique said she remains close with the children today  and still doesnt know quite what to think.

Tanya Brown, a decade younger than Nicole, has felt waves of guilt over Nicoles death. At the 10-year mark, she tried to take her own life. In treatment, she thought: She had a perfect opportunity to share something with me, to share her tumultuous relationship, you know? And she never did.

All three believe that Nicole, like many victims, downplayed the abuse.

They made a glamorous couple, and Simpson found more fame as an actor and TV pitchman. Nicole loved hosting people at his Los Angeles mansion, where they married in 1985. But those good times were interrupted by bouts of violence, according to the photos and diaries Nicole hid in a safe deposit box, and the repeated 911 calls she made seeking help, especially after they separated in the early 1990s.

At the time, domestic violence was largely deemed a private matter. Nicoles death helped bring it out of the shadows.

Not long after Nicole died, then-Sen. Joe Biden invited Denise Brown to Washington to lobby support for the Violence Against Women Act. It passed that fall, helping to fund shelters, hotlines and other services ever since.

Nicole herself called a helpline five days before she was killed, as Simpsons stalking intensified.

This was a woman who couldnt share the hell that she was going through with the people she loved. Not because she didnt trust them, but because she wanted to protect them, Moore said. It must have been a very lonely experience for Nicole.

This story includes discussion of suicide and domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. For the National Domestic Violence Hotline, call (800) 799-7233 in the U.S.
A pop-up pet food pantry will give away more than 13,000 free pet meals on Saturday at the Holiday Barn Pet Resort in Midlothian.

Saturdays event is in partnership with Compassion Animal Project, a Virginia-based animal welfare nonprofit.

The Holiday Barn Pet Resort located at 614 Johnston Willis Drive will have free meals up for grabs from 9-11 a.m.

The facility will have more than 4,000 pounds of dog and cat food available at the event. The pet food pantry is open to all individuals in need this summer.

Cats and dogs that need homes in the Richmond area
Dance students attend tap class at Earle Cobb Dance Studio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

Dena Mabry isnt sure why her grandparents chose to open the Earle Cobb Dance Studio in the uncertainty of the 1920s, but the fact that it survived gave her a way to rally her staff when COVID-19 forced them to pause in-person classes.

When my staff was panicking, as everyone was, about the pandemic, I was like, 'You guys, were going to figure this out. This place opened in the middle of the Great Depression, so surely we can get through a pandemic,' and we did, said Mabry, a sunny woman with a bright smile who now owns and runs her familys studio. I was so fortunate. I was able to pay my staff. And we were able to make everything work out.

The studio will celebrate its long history with a 95th anniversary recital on Sunday at Lila Cockrell Theatre featuring more than 400 dancers ranging in age from toddlers to senior citizens.

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They take classes in the studios newest home, a busy spot on Lockhill Selma Road thats packed with dancers most afternoons. It opened in 2020, just as the pandemic was getting started.

The studio has had a lot of homes over the years. Earle and Dorothy Cobb opened the studios first location in 1929 over a grocery store at the corner of North Flores and Woodlawn. Back then, the school offered lessons in ballroom, ballet, tap and acrobatics.

Dance studio owner Dena Mabry, right, teaches Lauren Kamenick, center, and Ryan Scrimpshire, left, in her Advanced Tap class at Earle Cobb Dance Studio. The students are practicing for a recital marking the studio's 95th anniversary. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

Taking classes at Earle Cobb has been a tradition for many San Antonio-area families, with multiple generations learning ballet, tap, hip-hop and other dance forms.

Parents watch their children rehearse for their upcoming recital during a tap class at Earle Cobb Dance Studio. The San Antonio dance school is marking it 95th anniversary. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Meli Rosin, ballet and tap Instructor, center, teaches dance students during a tap class at Earle Cobb Dance Studio. The dance school, which was founded by Rosin' great grandparents, is marking its 95th anniversary. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

Briauna Newhouse grew up taking dance lessons at Earle Cobb and is thrilled to see her 6-year-old daughter, Nalah, follow the same path.

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It is the best feeling in the entire world, said Newhouse, who does behavioral therapy with autistic children and also teaches dance at the studio. I was nervous because I didnt want to push it on her, but she loves dancing with every bit of her soul. Everywhere she goes, she says, Im a dancer like Mommy dances. So it makes me very happy.

Dancers who have taken classes at the studio have gone on to amass all kinds of buzzy credits. They include Zach Williams, who toured in Aladdin and will be a swing in the new musical adaptation of Death Becomes Her; Nick Fearon, who has danced with Parsons Dance and Ballet Hispanico, among other companies; Lauren Smith, who has performed with Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez; and Preston Perez, who recently came home to San Antonios Majestic Theatre as Hans in the touring production of Frozen.

Teaching future teachers

The studio also helped create the foundation for dance education in the city, said Gloria GL Liu, who started taking classes there when she was 6 and now both teaches some adult classes and serves as bookkeeper. A number of one-time students went on to open their own studios, she said.

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Hannah Anderson attends ballet class at Earle Cobb Dance Studio. Her mom, who also does some teaching at the studio, also took dance class at Earle Cobb when she was a child. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

That whole first generation all took from Pappy, said Liu, 71. It was Pat Holbrook, Barbara Phillips, Dorothy Keck, Toots Johnson.

Mabry estimates there are about dozen dance team directors across the city who learned at her familys studio.

So we have a ton of school teachers and dance teachers, we have kids that are attorneys and doctors, said Mabry, 57, who also spent 26 years teaching dance and choreographing productions at the North East School of the Arts. And they come back and they all say, this was instrumental, this taught me how to get along with people or this taught me how to be self-confident.

I think thats special, that its giving kids something that lasts beyond the shuffles and such.

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Mabry has poked around to try to find other family-owned dance studios across the country that have held on for as long as hers, or even longer, and hasnt found any. She said when she mentions the age of the studio in online chats with other folks in the field, some assume she means 9.5 years and not 95.

Its really hard to wrap your head around, she said. Theres a handful of businesses that are this old, especially still family-run, but as far as dance studios, its really uncommon. Because its not something you need on an everyday basis. I think its really remarkable it has withstood so many things.

The early days

In the early days, she said, it helped that her grandparents held dances for military recruits in town for basic training. Officers and their wives took classes, as well.

And her grandfather carved out an additional specialty.

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Katina Howard, left, rehearses in Dena Mabrys advanced tap class at Earle Cobb Dance Studio. Mabry is the third generation of her family to run the dance school, which her grandparents founded in 1929. The studio is marking its 95th anniversary with a recital. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

He used to teach hearing-impaired people to tap, Mabry said. He would put a metronome and the record player on the floor, and they could feel the vibrations. It started out with a friend of his, and then it kind of grew into this little niche.

Mabrys mom, Sandra Mabry, took over the studio after Earle Cobb died in 1969. Dena ran it with her mom starting in 1994, taking it over after her mom died in 2011.

These days, the studio has 550 students of all ages, from tiny ballerinas to tappers of a certain age.

The whole tagline is smile and have fun, said dance mom and teacher Sarah Anderson, whose 6-year-old daughter, Hannah, is a budding ballerina. It truly is embedded in every single day. The dance world can be really competitive. And it just doesnt feel that way here. Everybody supports everybody here.

In the studio

It gets intense in the studio in the afternoons, when young dancers pour through the doors and flood into the studios. Its quieter earlier in the day, but that doesnt mean no dancing is going on. Thats when Liu works with her students.

She started out teaching little ones but swiftly realized shed prefer to work with adults. These days, she instructs a few people who take private lessons with her. And she choreographed a number for the recital that features 24 dancers tapping to Proud Mary in gold dresses.

The adults have to drive themselves here, said Liu, 71. They want to be here. So we have a grand time. We all laugh and have fun.

Margaret Mann, 82, taught baton twirling at the studio for decades starting in the 1960s, and she also learned a little ballet there. She will be dancing in the recital even though she is recovering from a broken ankle. She wanted to do it because shes fond of the Mabrys.

And also their mother helped me in a lot of ways, Mann said. Its kind of like family.

Ballet and tap Instructor Meli Rosin, left, teaches dance students during a tap class at Earle Cobb Dance Studio. Rosin's great grandparents founded the studio in 1929. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

Mabry isnt the only member of her family who teaches at the studio. The Cobbs' great-granddaughter Meliora Meli Rosin, 27, grew up taking class there and now teaches everything under the sun.

I teach students that their mom taught me. I teach students that I went to school with their mom, Rosin said. Ive gone from student and teacher to both of us being teachers, so theres been a lot of cycles of life that I get to witness, and its crazy to think back on them.

Mabry is working on figuring out who will run the studio next, but no decisions have been made.

For now, shes happy to be able to keep her family business going. She began her career as a performer  among other things, she danced on cruise ships and in a number of shows with tap legend Gregory Hines  but she always knew shed eventually come home to work at Earle Cobb.
Cancun residential shooting leaves one dead one injured

Cancun, Q.R.  A late night shooting in SM 251 of Cancun has left one dead and one injured. Police were called to an address on Galapago Street where one person, an adult male, was found dead.

An injured person located at the same scene is reported to be a teen. He was transferred to hospital in critical condition.

The shooting took place late Monday night. Neighbors reported hearing numerous shots before realizing two people had been hit.

A woman carrying a baby was able to safely run from the scene of the shooting. Her relation to the two shot people is not known. Police are continuing their investigation.
Firemen free trapped man after single vehicle crash outside Akumal

Akumal, Q.R.  Firemen were called to the scene of a single vehicle highway accident Monday outside Akumal. Personnel from the fire department were requested after a man slammed into the base of a pole, becoming trapped.

The trapped driver was found behind the wheel of his old model Beetle after crashing into a metal pole at highway speed.

The accident happened Monday morning outside Akumal. Photo: June 3, 2024.

The entire front of the car was pushed inward, leaving the man unable to get out. Solidaridad firemen were able to free him from the inside of his car for hospital transfer.

Firemen worked to free the driver who they found trapped behind the wheel. Photo: June 3, 2024.

Passing motorists called for help after witnessing the man lose control and hit the highway pole early Monday morning. Traffic was at a standstill while emergency services worked at the site. An exact cause for the single vehicle accident is not known.
Local INE Council reports 92 percent of ballot boxes collected around Quintana Roo

Chetumal, Q.R.  Personnel from the INE (Instituto Nacional Electoral) report having received 92 percent of the states ballot boxes Monday. The Local Council of the National Electoral Institute says the remainder of the boxes are in transit to the state capital city for counting.

After collecting thousands of ballot boxes Monday, INE personnel will spend Tuesday tallying up the votes cast around the state of Quintana Roo Sunday.

Cathia Castillo Solis, INE organizational member, explained that the 630 packages from District 01 (based in Playa del Carmen) had already been received, with those from Cozumel being the last to arrive.

In District 2, 452 of the 641 packages had been received. Shipments from Tulum, Coba and Jose Maria Morelos had already arrived in Chetumal and were incorporated for counting.

INE staff were waiting on 56 ballot boxes from the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, which they did acknowledge, was in transit Monday.

As of mid-morning Monday, the Local Council of the INE confirmed receipt of 92 percent of electoral packages from around Quintana Roo.

Official figures will be released once all ballot boxes from around Quintana Roo have been received and counted. Photo: June 3, 2024.

Counting will continue throughout Tuesday with possible recounts into Wednesday before winning candidate names are officially announced for the 11 municipalities. To date, declared winners have done so based on preliminary information.
After Jamaal Jackson announced he was withdrawing as a Roanoke City Council candidate Monday, city Democratic Committee officials later said his paperwork has been turned over to the commonwealth attorneys office.

Jackson announced his withdrawal in an email early Monday, and did not respond to further inquiries about why. Later that night, Roanoke City Democratic Committee Chair Mark Lazar sent an email to news outlets after 8 p.m.

Recently, the Roanoke City Democratic Committee received a complaint regarding ballot access petitions for Jamaal Jackson, Lazar said. After an investigation into the matter, the Registrar has taken the decision to provide this information to the Commonwealth Attorneys office for further review and action.

To run for political office, candidates must submit paperwork including a petition signed by qualified voters. The deadline to file that paperwork was April 4, ahead of a June 18 primary election.

We conducted an assessment of petitions accompanying those applications to assure that all signatures were those of registered voters in the City of Roanoke, including a correct voting address and date, Lazar said. As a result of following state law and established party procedure, all four candidates were granted ballot access.

Lazars email did not say specifically when the citys Democratic Committee received a complaint about Jacksons ballot access petitions. It does say the complaint was provided for examination to Roanoke Registrar Andrew Cochran within 24 hours.

At this time, it is imperative that the integrity of the process is maintained, and all relevant authorities are given the necessary time and space to conduct a thorough and impartial review, Lazar said. The Committee is dedicated to providing the public with relevant information while being fair to Bishop Jackson during the investigation.

For that reason, details about the investigation are limited. A fraud notice printed on the Virginia petition of qualified voters says any willfully false material statement  shall constitute the crime of election fraud, punishable as a felony.

Jackson did not immediately return an email seeking comment on Tuesday.

In his withdrawal email Monday morning, Jackson, who is a pastor, did not mention anything about a pending investigation, or potential problems with his filing paperwork.

This decision is rooted in my unwavering devotion to my faith, family, and community, Jackson said. I am committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and to always acting in a manner that brings honor to my family and the community I cherish.

When Jackson ran for a city council seat in 2022, he was fined $3,100 by the registrars office for finance reporting issues.

Because this years primary voting process already started, that election scheduled for June 18 will go on even though there are now three active Democratic candidates for three party nominations, officials said previously. Three city council seats, plus the position of mayor, are up for election this year on the seven-member city council.

The Democratic candidates are Phazhon Nash, Terry McGuire and Benjamin Woods. They will face two Republican candidates for city council  Nick Hagen and Jim Garrett  during the general election, set for Nov. 5.
The Orcutt Union School District has been accepted into the League of Innovative Schools, a national network organized by Digital Promise that connects and supports forward-thinking leaders in education.
Deborah Martin has covered arts and entertainment writer for the San Antonio Express-News since 1999. You can reach Deborah at dlmartin@express-news.net.

She studied journalism at the University of Texas at El Paso and began her career covering a night shift at the El Paso Herald-Post. She has been writing about the arts for more than 35 years, including a year-long stint at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times before moving to San Antonio. She was a fellow in the NEA Arts Journalism Institute in Theater and Musical Theater at the University of Southern California in 2007.
FLORENCE, S.C.  WWII veteran aviator and Pee Dee public servant Lt. Col. (RET) Roland J. Rocky Gannon died early Tuesday morning. He was 99.

In his time he lived history, made history and ultimately became living history.

Born March 8, 1925, Gannon served first in the U.S. Army Air Force  he joined in 1943 when he was 17  and then later in the U.S. Air Force as the military branch transitioned into a standalone organization. He went on to fly in four conflicts  WWII, Belgian Congo, Korea and Vietnam  fly 37 different types of planes, run and develop an airport and still had enough time to sit back, have fun and enjoy life.

I swear to God as the young person I never thought Id reach 25, said Gannon. I remember I was getting my B-17 training to go overseas and I think it was 18 or 19 years old, and this officer came up and told all of us, he said, Statistically, nobody in this crowd here will reach 15 missions.

Gannon was on board a transport plane April 20, 1945, and scheduled to depart for Europe when Germany surrendered.

Hitler, they had a good network keeping track of people in the States as they go through. He found out I was coming, and he committed suicide, Gannon joked. Two weeks later, the Germans surrendered. So I took credit for that.

When the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, Gannon was just finishing his training. The war ended, and he said he became an instructor on some airplanes. Gannon said one time he had a wartime rank, and then flight officer, but the Air Force did away with that when the war was over.

Gannon tried to go back to high school, since he was 20 and hadnt finished 11th grade. They wouldnt let him back in high school. He talked with colleges since he had some college experience, but they said no as well. He eventually did receive his high school diploma.

Gannon said he talked to a recruiting sergeant and later became an air traffic controller. He was sent to the Pacific right after the atomic bombs were dropped.

I was an air traffic controller at Iwo Jima volcano islands, Gannon said. Because I was a pilot, they put me in this new big secret thing called radar. I started to control airplanes by radar.

During his time in the military he served as a flight officer and pilot of a B-17 in Europe, an air traffic controller in the Pacific at Iow Jima and later in California.

After that task, he took his GED, started college courses and came back to the states, where he was assigned to Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, where met his wife to whom he was married 71 years. Roberta Tressie Gause Gannon, 96, died Dec. 21, 2022.

Gannon later went to Korea for 15 months and then was assigned to California as an air traffic controller.

The interesting thing about this air traffic controller, every other assignment I had, I had a flying assignment, then I had an air traffic controller assignment, Gannon said. I flew whatever airplane I had at the base. So thats how I ended up flying 34 different types of airplanes.

He flew 387 combat missions in Vietnam and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

He said that of all the planes he flew, the B-25 was his favorite, though he enjoyed the transition to jets, which were less complicated than their piston-engine-driven counterparts. Gannon also had the joy of removing the propellers from his pilots wings as he transitioned to jet airplanes.

Gannon mustered out of the Air Force after 36 years of active duty. He retired in Las Vegas but continued to work, including spending time at the Florence Regional Airport.

I ran the Florence airport for 6-1/2 years, Gannon said. I took it from one airline and six employees to four airlines and 38 employees. And I just got tired of it.

Gannon was a fixture at Florences annual Veterans Day ceremony at Florence Veterans Park, a park for which he advocated and helped to bring to fruition.

Gannon was on hand when the parks Vietnam War memorial was dedicated.

Gannon earned a Distinguished Flying Cross in Vietnam  one of the highest medals bestowed by the miliary. He earned the cross flying a DC-3

Along the way, I caught some ground fire, blew part of the right engine away, couldnt stop the fire because fuel was roaring it, he said. So, I started looking for an airstrip because we didnt have parachutes on board and I found an opening in the jungle and took the airplane and set it down and we all walked away.

Gannon lost the medal during the 2008 Veterans Day observance at which the park was dedicated.

His medal was replaced twice, first by Wilson High School students and a second time by veteran Paul Sanford, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served from 1966-72.

Part of the Veterans Day ceremonies at the park include the playing of songs of each military branch, something for which Gannon stood twice.

He also has a statue of his in the park where his gear and likeness served as the model for sculptor Alex Palkovich to make the U.S. Army Air Corps monument that pays homage to the men and women who served the branch and was installed and dedicated in the 2023 Veterans Day ceremony.

PAGES OF HISTORY: Morning News pages from 1944 A collection of newspaper clips from June 1944 covering the D-Day invasion.

The statue is of Gannon his his WWII flying gear.

He was born in Ocean City, N.J., and it was there he joined the Boy Scouts and eventually earned his Eagle Scout rank.

Most organizations dont develop character and leadership around a campfire, Gannon said. Hardly a day went by during my years in the Air Force and through three wars that I didnt use some of the training I received as a Boy Scout. I knew Morse Code, first aid and lots of other things when others in my pilot class didnt.

And when Vietnam came around, Gannon knew all about survival.

We had to go through survival training in the jungles of Vietnam, Gannon said. I was the leader of my group. I knew how to get food and water  all things I learned in the Boy Scouts.

Gannon remained active in the Scouts at the bases he was assigned to in France, Germany, Japan and the United States.

When he retired, he signed up with the Pee Dee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Hes served on the executive board and as president of the council. His daughter, Patti Balazs, lead a Cub Scout den in Darlington.

The Scouts, in 2016, honored Gannon with a Distinguished Citizen Award.

In 2019 he was inducted into the U.S. Air Force Cyberspace Operation and Support Command Hall of Fame.

In 2021 Gannon took to the air again as part of the Dream Flights Program, though not in the pilots seat but rather the observers seat of a Stearman.

In March Gannon and a host of his family and friends turned out at Darlington Country Club to celebrate his 99th birthday.

Burial arrangements have not yet been posted. Belk Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family.

Shamira McCray, Lauren Owens, Patricia Burkett, Mackenzie Taylor and the late Dwight Dana contributed to this article.
Jenn Romolini and I have a lot in common. Were roughly the same age; weve both spent most of the past 20-plus years working as ambitious (female) editors and executives in digital media. We even worked at the same tech company at the same time. But weve never really known each other. When I joined the tech company, Romolini had already decamped to the sunny if sterile Los Angeles mother ship while I was in a crummy cubicle in midtown Manhattan. I have followed her career from afar with occasional envy. She shot up through womens magazines and lifestyle websites and celebrity-helmed digital media companies, and then landed, improbably, at an Irish website devoted to weed. Meanwhile, I questioned my continued commitment to newsrooms and all the grind they entail.

Turns out my envy was misplaced. Romolinis addictive memoir Ambition Monster snuffed out any twinkling of lingering nostalgia for mid-aughts media, or for the endless hours of networking, schmoozing, and work I put into those years. For Romolini, workaholism was a trauma response. She was born to teenage parents who had less than no idea what they were doing. It took most of her 20s to sort out how to direct her innate ambitionto get out of a marriage she never should have been in, to hustle her way to New York and into the raucous and male-dominated media world of the new century, to remarry (to a popular and talented writer) and have a baby. And then a whole other set of problems arrived.

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"It sucks to be good at something you hate, but I was really good."

Theres sex, cigarettes, perfectly assembled outfits, and tons of miseryhers and others. And theres work: A way to succeed, a way to hide, a way to squash the past, a way to formulate a new selfperhaps one you dont even like that muchand make it seem like everything is great even when you are falling apart. Its to readers benefit that in Ambition Monster she starts to explore other ways to live.

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I spoke to Romolini over Zoom about ambition, power, control, regret, and forgiveness. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Hillary Frey: Is ambition good or bad?

Jennifer Romolini: Ambition is fundamentally a good thing. I think its a charge, it propels you forward. There are a lot of good things about ambition, just like there are a lot of good things about competency and mastery. But the problem is that our ambition is often directed at the wrong thingsat external validation, at the way things look to other people, at unachievable dreams, like having it all. So thats the problem. I am a very ambitious person and I hope to be forever an ambitious person.

Whats the difference between ambition and workaholism?

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Workaholism is just always toxic. Workaholism is an addiction like anything else; its filling a hole, its compulsive, its itchy. Ambition actually can be an energetic force that provides a value in your life that propels you forward. Workaholism is: Youre hiding.

Slate receives a commission when you purchase items using the links on this page. Thank you for your support.

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Its easy to know that you want power and control, but then you have to figure out what to do with it if you get it. You write about your early career and taking an editing path over exclusively pursuing writing, even though you wanted to be a writer. I did too, but early on I perceived that editors had more power, and I liked that. (Still do!) Did you think about that too?

Absolutely. First off, I hate to be told no. I was a very bad freelancer because I dont like to kiss ass. I dont like to curry favor. I also was not positioned financially to do it. Editing provided a consistent paycheck, and when I did get to write and edit, I would do two jobs at once. I often had a day job where I was editing and then freelancing on the side. I needed money.

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For me, the tech company we both worked for was a nightmare. But you ended up mastering the system and lasting much longer than I could.

Well, when I was at the tech company, I had painted myself into a corner. I had a partner at that point who was not earning. He had made some bad decisions. He was the creative one and I really wanted to have a baby. And there was no foundation. People build their lives on top of something. Theres either generational wealth or theres a nest egg or theres something. They dont build it on spit and a paperclip like we did.

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It was like, all of a sudden Im 35, and Im 36. And Im like, Holy shit, the clock is running. I know I want to have a kid. Lets just sit down in this musical-chairs romance, whatever the hell were doing, lets sit down. Its time.

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And that was not a pragmatic decision. Our financial picture was a mess. So Im in this tech company and Im finding that Im really good at this. Im mastering the system and theyre giving me another job and Im mastering it again. And its a game, its probably the thing Im best at in my life. It sucks to be good at something you hate, but I was really good.

Every way that I was good at corporate life had to do with childhood trauma.

Please say more.

I was incredibly good at tracking adults from an early age. And thats very similar to when youre in a corporation. I was hypervigilant, I could read a room like nobody else. So I could tell if I was losing somebody, I could tell who was trying to get one over on me. I understood the politics of that kind of workplace.

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And then you start to say things to yourself like, Well, I have this team of 30 people, 40 people, I take care of them. I became a mother almost at the same time I became a manager.

Im taking care of all these people, Im growing their careers, Im helping all of them reach goals they didnt think they could reach. And then thats a different kind of game, right? Now youre not thinking about yourself or your career. Youre thinking about a roof over your kids head and the 30 women working for me that I cared about. So then it was very much, Dont give up the ship.

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In the book, you talk about how deluded you were about what life would be like once you had a baby. When my ex-husband and I were pregnanthe was working at the same magazine as your husband, actually, and I was at the tech companywe really thought we could be different, that we could have different problems than other people.

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And we can stay cool, well still be engaged with life, and how hard can it be? And all of that. I mean, my husband and I love each other. Weve been together for 20 years and we are as obsessed with each other as we were 20 years ago. We are not great at adult living. There is not a person in this partnership whos like, Oh yes, Im the one with the great executive functioning.

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So I think instead of playing a game of hot potato, which is what we had kind of been doing before we had the baby, the potato just wound up with me. We didnt have the skills or the tools to have the kinds of conversations we needed to have. We didnt even know how to have healthy conflict, we didnt know how to express ourselves. The whole system is set up to just drive you to the moment of love and marriage and then, Whoop, youre on your own.

We had no idea how to do anything. And its shameful to me that we didnt know, but who wouldve taught us? Nobody taught us. We were creative types, we were bad-at-math kids. Nobody taught us how to be good at anything. We had addictive tendencies; even if we werent full-blown alcoholics, we were certainly drinking too much.

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I read somewhere: 80 percent of how we behave in a relationship is whats been modeled for us.

Mm-hmm.

So immediately, not only was I my father in this relationship, where Im the breadwinner and Im super ambitious, because I also married somebody whos not very ambitiousI also became my mother, taking on every single role. I did everything. And I was so resentful. I remember my husband walking down the street and us seeing people and he had the baby in the Bjorn. And my friends are like, Oh my God, hes so cute with the baby. And, Oh, he changes diapers? And I was like, Hes not a fucking dog playing saxophone. This is ridiculous. I have to be so grateful, but Im doing everything.

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I became such a woman I hated in those moments because I reflexively tried to protect him because I wanted to protect the relationship and I didnt want to lose him, and I didnt want to be a bitch. It got worse and worse. The imbalance got worse and worse and worse. And we were bitter and bitter and bitter and bitter.

And he didnt understand because I didnt know how to communicate. I did nothing to advocate for myself. And so, 10 years in, with the snowball of trauma, with everything on top of it, I was a mess. I collapsed.

Years of fighting to the top of a variety of digital media companies, dealing with celebrity owners and misguided and malformed strategies, providing for your family but at a cost to yourself and your family  it all crashed down when you were fired without notice from your last big corporate job. The last part of your book is about the rebuilding, the therapy, the searching. Its a new kind of work.

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Therapy was amazing. I did very intense therapy for five years, including EMDR. And let me just say, because I think this is fair to say, I was complicit in my own subjugation in my marriage. I was complicit in it because I was withholding, I was critical. I also started building a wall around myself because I had not really ever dealt with my own lack of self-esteem, my insecurity that I was stupid. So I was no prize: Lets be honest here. I was not easy to live with, especially once we stopped drinking like we were. So there was not that buffer anymore.

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I got off the train of working all the time and making all of the money. The playing field was evened. No ones making all the money and we have to figure this out together. Our life is much more collaborative.

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My life since that crash has been much more intentional. I say no to things, I dont make money much beyond survival. I dont try. Im not pulling in a big paycheck anymore, and I havent for years. We just kind of changed our lives so that we could live more intentionally and live more as artists.

Toward the end of the book, you wrote, No amount of personal success is achieved without at least a bit of cost to someone else. Do you have some mistakes along the way that you regret

Yeah.

that arent in the book? Its your memoir. But I was wondering about the ghosts of collateral damage out thereare any haunting you?

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I mean, I certainly hurt myself more than I ever hurt anyone else. I tried to talk about the ways in which I think I was a villain at times, how I acted out, how I made people feel uncomfortable. How I was performing an identitythis intrepid kind of bitchy identity, just, Im just going to say whatevers on my mind, tell it like it is. I did not think it was necessary to rake myself over the coals in this book. Are there decisions I regret? I think its abundantly obvious that there are decisions I regret.

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When I was really having a reckoning with the last decade of my life and my professional life, I really thought about the systems that I had upheld. I mean, I fired somebody when I was told to, and chose myself over doing the right thing. I fired somebody, I think, when they were on maternity leave, or the day they got back from maternity leave. Yes, I regret that.

I have a ton of shame about the ways I behaved, but eventually you have to let yourself off the hook. I was a broken person walking around the world. Part of healing is knowing you just didnt know any better and you cant go back and change it. So you can make amends where you can, and you have to give yourself grace because, what, Im going to spend the next half of my life hating myself for what I did the first half? No, I refuse.
Fired San Antonio Police Officer Carlos M. Castro was charged with assault causing bodily injury after allegedly barging into a suspect's East Side home and repeatedly punching him. Prosecutors on Friday dismissed the misdemeanor charge. Castro is now seeking reinstatement through arbitration. Courtesy SAPD / Eric Wilson sits with his father, Eddie Wilson Sr., in their East Side home on Dec. 16, 2021. Wilson was tackled and repeatedly punched by four San Antonio police officers after he allegedly refused to stop for a minor traffic violation. Two of the officers were criminally charged, but the charges against them were later dismissed. Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-News

Prosecutors have dismissed a misdemeanor assault charge against one of two San Antonio police officers accused of barging into a suspects East Side home, tackling him and repeatedly punching him in January 2020.

Former SAPD Officer Carlos M. Castro was accused of assault causing bodily injury, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

On Friday, prosecutors dismissed the charge against Castro, saying in court records that the DAs Office would not be able to meet its burden of proof.

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The dismissal is the latest twist in Castros four-year legal saga.

In the summer of 2020, Police Chief William McManus put Castro and SAPD Officer Thomas H. Villarreal on indefinite suspension, a sanction tantamount to firing, for using excessive force and breaking a handful of police procedures. McManus described their actions as indefensible.

A Bexar County grand jury indicted Castro and Villarreal the following year with aggravated assault by a public servant, a first-degree felony. If convicted, the former officers had faced up to 99 years or life in prison.

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The two officers went to trial last year. Midway through the proceedings, defense attorneys discovered that four officers at the San Antonio Police Training Academy believed Castro and Villarreal acted reasonably. The attorneys accused prosecutors of intentionally hiding that evidence.

The discovery prompted Judge Ron Rangel to declare a mistrial. Prosecutors then had to decide whether to retry the officers or drop the charges.

Prosecutors ultimately decided to dismiss the charge against Villarreal for insufficient evidence. At the same time, they decided to retry Castro  this time on the misdemeanor assault charge.

Villarreal and Castro are seeking to get their jobs back through arbitration.

The allegations

According to police records and interviews with witnesses, Castro and his partner, Joshua Kies, followed 48-year-old Eric Wilson home on Jan. 16, 2020, after an alleged minor traffic violation. The two officers got out of their car and told Wilson to stop.

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Wilson, a Black man wary of law enforcement and believing he had done nothing wrong, went inside and tried to shut the door, he said told the San Antonio Express-News in 2020.

The two officers tried to kick the door in, and Wilson allegedly resisted. The police department later said the officers did not have verbal consent, a search warrant or a compelling reason to enter the house.

At one point, Villarreal attempted to use his Taser on Wilson, but he was unable to attach the probes to Wilsons clothing or skin.

Once the officers pushed the door open, they tackled Wilson. In their incident report, Villarreal and Castro said Wilson continued to resist arrest, at which point they punched him in the back and the torso.

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Afterward, Villarreals hand was bruised and Castro had a minor abrasion to his forehead, according to a police report.

Wilson was also injured. The bones surrounding Wilsons eye socket were broken. He couldnt open his left eye, and his nose was broken. Inside his eye socket, pressure was rapidly increasing, a condition that can lead to vision loss if not quickly corrected. Doctors performed emergency surgery to reduce the swelling.

Villarreal and Castro reported that they found about 7 grams of ecstasy and 31 grams of marijuana in Wilsons possession, a claim Wilson denied. They arrested him on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and evading arrest-second offense, both felonies, and possession of marijuana and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors.

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Contrary to recent news reports, an Israel-Hamas peace isnt quite on the verge of happening after all. In fact, the two combatants are as far apart from an armistice as ever. There has been an uptick in political pressure for a settlementpossibly significant, certainly intriguing, but nothing that signals the war in Gaza is nearly over.

Hopes were raised on Friday when Biden gave a speech revealing that Israel had draftedand submitted to the peace talks in Cairoa comprehensive new proposal  a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

The remarkable thing was that Biden not only publicly disclosed the proposal but endorsed it, thus sharing the stakes and risks of its success or failure. He delivered the speech after sunset and thus the start of the Sabbath in Israel, ensuring that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wouldnt respond immediately. Soon enough, though, Netanyahu pushed back against Bidens speech, saying the American president had mischaracterized his proposalthat Israels war aims, and its determination to keep fighting until Hamas political and military capabilities were destroyed, hadnt changed.

Biden described the proposal as having three phrases. Phase 1 would entail a complete cease-fire, a withdrawal of Israeli troops from all populated areas in Gaza, the return of Gazan citizens to their homes, the rollout of much more humanitarian aid, and the release of a number of hostagesincluding women, the elderly, and the woundedin exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

In Phase 2, all remaining hostages would be released, and as long as Hamas lived up to its commitments, the temporary cease-fire would become, in the words of the proposal, the cessation of hostilities permanently. In Phase 3, the reconstruction of Gaza would commence.

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Two things were striking about Bidens summary. First, it didnt seem new; variations on this three-phase plancease-fire, hostage exchange, reconstruction, and settlement of the ancient Israeli-Palestinian conflicthave been on the table for quite a while now. Second, though some commentators have presented the proposal as if all the blanks were filled and all thats left is the handshaking ceremony, Biden himself said nothing of the sort.

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In fact, after describing Phase 1, Biden said, Now Ill be straight with you. There are a number of details to negotiate to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2. Israel will want to make sure its interests are protected. As for Phase 3 (the reconstruction), no details are yet set.

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In his response, Netanyahu emphasized that, as far as he is concerned, neither Phase 2 nor Phase 3 will happen until the destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilitieseven if this meant Israel kept having to fight the war. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made the same point to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. But the fact is, Biden never said the proposal suggests otherwise; this is one of the issues that still needs to be worked out.

Its hardly a minor detail. Hamas position is that it wont release all the hostages until after Israel has withdrawn all its troops and a permanent cease-fire is in place. In this sensein the ultimate senseIsrael and Hamas are at loggerheads; their positions, which stem from what they see as their interests, seem irreconcilable.

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The peace talks (which diplomats from the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have sincerely been trying to advance) are stalled. The war is increasingly ruinous (to Gaza, the Palestinian people, Israels international reputation, and Bidens reelection prospects). Netanyahus war aimtotal victory over Hamasis, as a practical matter, unachievable (according to U.S. intelligence and several Israeli officers). Israel did put a new proposal on the table, even if the contents werent so new.

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As David Horovitz, columnist for the Times of Israel put it on Monday, Bidens game plan might simply be lets get phase one moving, with a vague hope that the start of the process could itself yield further benefits. This may be a long shot, but maybe thats all the American administration feels it has right now.

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Biden did put forth one new rhetorical gambit. Total victory, as Netanyahu has prescribed, may be not only unachievable but unnecessary. The people of Israel should know they can make this offer without any further risk to their own security, Biden said, because theyve devastated Hamas forces over the past eight months. At this point, Hamas no longer is capable of carrying out another Oct. 7and that has been Israels main objective in this war and, quite frankly, a righteous one.

He added, We cant lose this moment. Indefinite war in pursuit of an unidentified notion of total victory will only bog down Israel in Gaza, draining the economic, military, and human resources and furthering Israels isolation in the world. It will not bring hostages home or bring an enduring defeat of Hamas or bring Israel lasting security.

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Take a chance, he was urging Israels leaders and its people. If things go south, America will still be with you, will continue providing for your defense; and if Hamas doesnt pull its end of the bargain, then the whole deal is off anyway. Biden made this final point very clear, putting the onus on Hamas, which started this war with its surprise invasion, killing 1,200 Israelis, most of them civilians. Israel has made their proposal, Biden stated. Hamas says it wants a cease-fire; this deal is an opportunity to prove whether they really mean it. Hamas needs to take the deal.

Related From Slate Why Netanyahus War Cabinet Is Existentially Divided Read More

On Monday, Biden called the emir of Qatarwho has long been an intermediary between Hamas and the rest of the worldurging him to pressure Hamas to take this deal, saying that Israel is prepared to commence Phase 1 immediately if Hamas says yes.

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Of course, Biden knows the onus is also on Israel, certainly for any steps beyond Phase 1, and the speech is already having some effects on Israeli politics. Netanyahus leading far-right coalition partner, Itamar Ben-Gvir, threatened to quit the government if some reports about Israels proposalespecially those saying it calls for a permanent cease-fire without first destroying Hamasproved true. In a speech to the Knesset, Israels parliament, Ben-Gvir said hed asked to see the written draft of Israels proposal but Netanyahu wouldnt show it to him, leading him to wonder if the prime minister was engaged in a whitewash of his true intentions.

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If Ben-Gvir and his far-right colleagues did quit, Netanyahus governing coalition would lose its majority in the Knesseta fact that would trigger new elections, which Netanyahu would likely lose. Netanyahu issued a particularly forceful response to Bidens speech, in part to rein in Ben-Gvirs loyalty.

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Yair Lapid, the leader of Israels opposition movement, said he would buoy up Netanyahus position, providing him a political safety net, if he supported a permanent cease-fire and lost Ben-Gvirs faction as a result. But it is doubtful that Netanyahu would believe the promise or want to lead a government that had Lapid as a pivotal member. Nor is it clearand this is the questionwhether Netanyahu himself supports anything like the three-phase solution, with or without his far-right partners.

Meanwhile, there are some reports (of who knows what reliability) that Qatar is stepping up pressure on Hamas to take a deal. As the war rages on, tensions have resurfaced between Israel and Egypt, including brief fighting along the Gazan border, threatening the survival of their half-century-old peace treatywhich both countries have a vital interest in protecting. Saudi Arabia very much wants to resume its normalization with Israelfor its economic benefits, for its potent alliance against the common enemy of Iran, and for security guarantees that the United States has held out as a side benefitand it is very much in Israels interest to get those talks on track as well. It cant happen, though, until the war is over. Everyone involved in this war has a choice to make. Netanyahus is particularly huge: whether he values his career over his countrys security, and whether he can see a way to redefine his careerreset his political coalitionin the interests of national security.
Get the EMT! Cameron Jones shouted through a tiny opening in a dormitory window after he spotted a protester lying motionless at the bottom of a set of concrete steps on Columbia Universitys campus. Jones was with a dozen or so other students who were huddled next to two tall panes of glass and looking out in horror at Hamilton Hall, an administrative building that Columbia protesters had broken into and occupied in the early hours of April 30. Some 20 hours after the building had been occupied by studentswho were pushing for their schools divestment from Israel over the war in Gaza, and were inspired by occupations of the building by students in 1968, 1972, and 1996hundreds of police had arrived at the university, some armed with handguns and wearing riot gear and body armor.

I saw my fellow students being pushed, shoved, and thrown down stairs by police, Jones said of the police crackdown. He was one of a few who actually witnessed what happened to the protesters once the police raid began. Moments earlier, police had cleared the area around Hamilton Hall of students and press, threatening to arrest anyone who did not leave. Officers pushed Jones and many other students into an on-campus residential building, John Jay Hall, before guarding the doors and blocking their sight of Hamilton. But Jones knew this building connected to another dorm called Hartley Hall, and from there, he got an unobstructed view of the occupied building. He squeezed his phone through a gap in the window and pressed record. If he couldnt help, he felt he had to at least document it.

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As protests spread across campuses nationwide in April and police responded with various forms of violent crackdowns, many horrifying interactions between students and professors and law enforcement officers circulated in videos online. At the University of Texas at Austin campus, students were slammed to the ground, dragged around, and blasted with pepper spray. At Dartmouth, law enforcement in riot gear arrested 89 students, faculty, and community members, including a 65-year-old professor who they yanked to the ground while she was recording officers. At UCLA, 200 students were arrested as officers used flash bangs, rubber bullets, batons, and tear gas. Three days earlier, violent attacks by counterprotesters at a UCLA encampment lasted three hours before law enforcement intervened. (The UCLA police chief has since been removed from his post and reassigned.)

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But so many other interactions were not recorded. Even at Columbiathe campus that seemingly every media organization swarmed to in the days after university president Nemat Shafik first called the police to arrest students and clear the campus of tents on April 18so many stories of students interactions with the police have not yet surfaced. It may take months, as lawsuits make their way through the court system, for much more documentation of what actually happened at Columbiaand so many other campusesto come out.

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So far, there hasnt been any sort of national reckoning on the use of force against student protesters. Its as if the outraged movement to improve police accountability after the summer of 2020 never happened. But as the violence in Gaza worsens and the U.S. heads into yet another volatile election season, the lack of introspection at a national level about police tactics is plainly dangerous.

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I was on Columbias campus on the night Hamilton Hall was raided by police and had been reporting on the protests since the Gaza Solidarity Encampment there began. Since April 30, Ive been in touch with several students who were both inside and outside of Hamilton Hall and experienced the police raid, some of whom shared their accounts and medical records to shed light on police action. I have seen documentation of lacerations, broken bones, extensive bruising, and hearing loss. Many of the students who were injured and shared their records with Slate asked to remain anonymous so as not to risk their legal cases. But thanks to them, we know that what actually happened during the police raid that night was far uglier than the NYPDs highly edited, propagandistic narrative of it.

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Iam Clay, a student at the nearby Columbia-affiliated Union Theological Seminary, was one of the protesters inside Hamilton Hall. In a written testimony shared with me with Clays permission, he wrote that an officer kicked him directly in the head, and that he fell to the ground with his ears ringing and then had an officer on top of him cuffing him while still disoriented. Clay received no medical care while detained, and it was only after he was released that medics (who were waiting outside the jail to help protesters) told him he likely had a concussion. He later went to urgent care, where he was officially diagnosed with one. Three days later his eye swelled up and he went to Mt. Sinai Emergency Room, where he was diagnosed with the orbital lobe fracture, the written account of Clays injuries reads, a description that is corroborated with medical records and photos.

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Clays friend Linnea Norton was arrested in the previous police sweep at Columbia on April 18, and she was later suspended from her Ph.D. program. After Clay was released from detention, she accompanied him to collect his personal belongings from One Police Plaza, where he had been held before being taken to central booking. He was charged with criminal trespassing. He told Norton how police threw him to the floor in Hamilton Hall before kicking him in the face as he was sitting up. They flipped him onto his belly, lifted him up, and slammed him to the ground, she said.

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I saw his face was swollen, and he was, you know, a bit loopy and delirious, said Norton. He was in jail without water or anything for 16-plus hours.

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My friend is a seminary student; he is like the most peaceful, chill guy, Norton added. He just cares a lot about Palestine.

Before police cleared the area around Hamilton Hall on April 30, 30 or so students interlocked arms outside the building in a human barricade to protect the protesters inside. By this time, everyone present was bracing themselves for arrests. That afternoon, students had received a note from the university administration with a warning to shelter in place due to heightened activity on the Morningside campus, or face disciplinary action. (As a journalism graduate student, I received the same email. It was unclear if students who were reporting were classified as press and therefore excluded from this order, but I stayed close to the protesters.)

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Around 400 police arrived in buses and vans, organizing themselves around all the exits. They also barricaded the streets along five blocks on either side of the campus.

The officers began ordering all of us, student reporters and protesters alike, to move backward away from the students who formed the human chain, threatening to arrest us if we did not. Dalia Darazim, a 19-year-old Palestinian undergraduate who had taken part in the encampment, recorded it on her phone as they forced her back with their hands and batons. I was pushed along with all the other student reporters while insisting on our right to report. But once we were at the edge of the university grounds, officers ordered us to either enter John Jay Hall if we lived there or exit through gates onto Amsterdam Avenue and West 114th Street, where they barricaded us onto the sidewalk. They would not allow us back into Pulitzer Hall, the schools journalism building. Anyone who was inside Pulitzer from earlier that day was not allowed out.

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Then, police marched up to those in the human chain. Watching from the dorm window, Jones saw officers grab, throw, and beat the protesters, using shields and batons to try to separate the students, who were singing.

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It was just kind of a feeling like if youve gone to the beach and you get hit by a really big wave, where you all of a sudden feel like you cant stand and you cant control where your body is going, Allie Wong, a 38-year-old Ph.D. candidate who was in the human barricade, told me. All of a sudden I was just being hit by, you know, multiple police officers coming from multiple directions without a single conversation or a single warning.

As police cleared the line of students, 24-year-old Gabriel Yancy was inside Hamilton Hall. Yancy had worked as a research staff assistant at Columbias Zuckerman Institute, a neuroscience research center, for nearly two years. He heard banging and the whirring of electric saws that police were using to cut through the metal of the doors and the locks of chains that were keeping them shut. The protesters chanted: Free, free Palestine. To get into the building, police were flinging parts of the chairs and tables that students had stacked against the door the previous night. The flying debris pushed Yancy onto his back.

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When many of the police came in, they were still holding these giant, massive power tools, he said. Then they threw in flashbangs, and I am unclear whether it was one or multiple, but it had multiple detonations.

Flashbangs are stun grenades that flash blinding light and make a loud explosive noise. In NYPD body camera footage published by CNN, eight consecutive flashbangs are heard.

We were not anticipating that, and its not something we had talked about. I didnt even really know they existed, Yancy recalled. All you can think is that youre being fired at. I thought they had just decided to shoot into the building.

A few days later, the Manhattan District Attorneys office confirmed to the local outlet the City that in fact, an officer had fired his gun inside Hamilton Hall that night, albeit accidentally. (The NYPD likewise later confirmed the incident.) The bullet traveled through the glass in an office door, hit the frame of a wall, and landed on the floor.

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After being knocked to his back, Yancy stood up and sat with other protesters at the back of the room. While they waited to be arrested, Yancy saw some of the other protesters being thrown to the ground and against a marble staircase.

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Some people were being stepped on and kicked by police, Yancy said. I did see officers put the boot on the back, holding people down, and also kicking their bodies.

An officer pushed Yancy onto his chest with his face against the back wall, attached zip ties to his wrists, then kept him restrained in that position so Yancy was not able to see what else was happening.

He was one of two people who were Columbia staff members who were inside Hamilton Hall that evening. The university terminated both of their positions the next day.

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Meanwhile, Wong, still outside, spotted a female student who had rolled down the steps leading from Hamilton Hall toward a grassy area. She rushed over to her, finding the student groaning and in and out of consciousness. Police ordered Wong to back away.

From his vantage point, watching from the window, Jones saw Wong and a few others huddled over the girl to protect herbut then he saw police hit them and drag them apart. Thats when an officer pulled Wongs arms behind her back and cuffed her with zip ties. They walked her toward the gate to West 114th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. She says she was behind a female student who was beaten so badly that three police officers had to carry her out.

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In total, 109 people were arrested, including the 34 inside Hamilton Hall, some of the students who had been singing outside it, and some outside the gates. Once Wong was in the bus with other students, as police drove them to the NYPD headquarters, she realized how badly one of her hands was hurt from being crushed. She later found her ribs were injured.

It was a horrible night, and not only on Columbias campus. The officers the NYPD sent into Hamilton Hall and to the City University of New York that same night were from the Strategic Response Group that was formed in 2015 for counterterrorism and the policing of political protests. The unit has become notorious for its violence against protesters.

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Norton is still stunned that the school invited the most violent section of the NYPD inside of campus with students and young people who are just trying to raise their voices and who feel the administration has not listened to them, she said. Im just honestly feeling so relieved that nobody died.

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These police officers were literally brutalizing people and treating them like animals, tying their zip ties so tight that theyre bleeding; it was just awful, Wong recalled.

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In a statement sent to me, an NYPD spokesperson denied police responsibility for any student injuries. A demonstrators footage showed a protester dramatically rolling himself down the wide front steps, the statement read. Ultimately, no injuries were reported to police before, during, or after the trespassers removal.

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The men and women of the NYPD take their public-safety role in society very seriously, the statement continued. The NYPD has more experience protecting and facilitating First Amendment rights than any other municipal police department in the nation. And what we have learned is that reversing the roles between offender and victim is a tactic often employed by professional demonstrators and their sympathizers (the same method, incidentally, exploited by serial sex offenders and perpetrators of domestic violence against their victims). It is an insidious form of psychological manipulation  gaslighting  usually displayed through outlandish claims and hyperbolic statements.

Finally: Those arrested at Hamilton Hall were not victims, a fact that will not be reversed by any amount of urgent imploring to the contrary, the statement concluded. On May 18, NYPD officers were captured on video repeatedly punching, tackling, and otherwise attacking several pro-Palestinian protesters in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

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Why go through every detail of the Columbia police raid? In short, it may prove to be a serious harbinger of things to come.

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The NYPD accusing college students of gaslighting them would be funny if it werent so grim and, frankly, juvenile. It shows just how little soul-searching has been done in the aftermath of the decisions made to arrest students engaging in political speech on their own campuses. The NYPD also ended up dropping all trespassing summonses they gave to students on April 22 and April 30. This included those arrested inside the encampment and most who were part of the human chain outside Hamilton Hall.

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From Friday to Sunday night, around 70 students created a new encampment, Revolt for Rafah, at Columbia during the schools alumni reunion. The demonstration included eight tents and a life-sized cardboard replica of an MK-84 bomb, which the Israeli military has used in Gaza. The universitys public safety officers tried to drag protesters out and dismantle their tents, but the students only took down the installation as the reunion wrapped. In a statement, Columbia University Apartheid Divest said: Disruptions and demonstrations like these will continue throughout the summer and beyond until Columbia ceases to align with occupation and genocide.

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Related From Slate A Policy That Could Help Palestinians Recover From the War Is Catching On. But There Are Hurdles. Read More

Already, the same police unit that came to Columbia on April 30 has responded to other protests with violence, including a protest at the Brooklyn Museum this past weekend. The scene at the museum was chaotic. But its no surprise that as police have responded to peaceful protests aggressively, some protests are getting more aggressive in kind.

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Its a chilling preview of what could be a chaotic, violent, and protest-filled summer. There is already lots of planning going toward protests at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August, an echo of the 1968 DNC, when Vietnam War protesters battled police in the same streets. And there will be money behind the efforts to shut protesters down. The Washington Post reported, about the police raid on Columbia, that a group of billionaires had pressured New York Mayor Eric Adams to send in the NYPD to break up the protests at the school.

Its no surprise that the NYPD tried to keep reporters out of Hamilton Hall that day, but as the stories of those inside Columbia continue to come outand as the police are called to respond to more and more proteststhe story the police have been telling will become harder and harder to maintain.
At 4:37 p.m. on Thursday, New York Justice Juan Merchan announced to his Manhattan courtroom that the jury had reached a verdict. Twelve jurors had found former President Donald J. Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with paying hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Half an hour later, a Wikipedia editor revised the first sentence of Trumps Wikipedia article so that it described the former president as an American politician, media personality, businessman, and convicted felon.

At press time for this article, the words convicted felon do not appear in the opening sentence of Trumps Wikipedia page. Instead, the guilty verdict appears farther down, in the sixth paragraph of the articles lead section and in a separate subsection about the Stormy Daniels case. But beneath the surface layer of Trumps Wikipedia entry there is an ongoing and spirited debate among editors about those two specific words. As it turns out, its not always clear how to apply Wikipedias traditional rules to as polarizing a figure as Trump.

To set the scene, Trumps Wikipedia article is a constantly evolving product of crowdsourcing, with more than 6,800 users contributing to date. However, unlike most articles on the site, its not a page that any user can editat least not initially. Thats because the article is subject to extended confirmed protection, which means only editors who have been registered on Wikipedia for more than 30 days and have made more than 500 edits can change the content. In theory, the 30/500 rule serves as a safeguard since new users are more likely than experienced accounts to try vandalizing the page.

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The Wikipedia editor who added convicted felon to the intro sentenceuser ImYourTurboLoverwas able to make the change because they have been registered and active on Wikipedia since 2017. But that change was reverted 38 minutes later by another experienced user, Sirdog, who said the words should not be added until the conclusion of a new Request for Comment, or RfC, Wikipedias protocol for asking the editing community for input on an issue.

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Every Wikipedia entry has an associated talk pagea non-article space where editors discuss questions about article content. A lot of times these Wikipedia talk pages are relatively sleepy, but its fair to say Trumps talk page is extremely active, with over 82,000 interactions to date. (For reference, Bidens talk page has about 13,000.)

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Once an RfC is proposed on a talk page, Wikipedia editors make statements opposing or supporting the proposalin this case, whether the first sentence of the article should be rewritten in some form to include the phrase convicted felon. By my count, more than 200 Wikipedians have weighed in on the question, and at press time, the editors are still debating the issue. But how will they finally decide? Thats hard to tell, partly because wiki lawyersand there are several participating in the discussioncan probably argue the issue either way by grounding their stance in core Wikipedia concepts of neutrality and notability.

On the one hand, a fundamental principle of Wikipedia is that all articles must be written from a neutral point of view. While neutrality doesnt mean avoiding negative facts, it does mean that articles should represent notable information about a subject in proportion to the prominence of that information within the sources. Out of the vast media coverage Trump has garnered over the years, only a small, recent subset of sources refer to him as a felon. Thus, leading with this label would give it an undue weight thats not reflected by the majority of sources. Furthermore, focusing on this aspect could be seen as an instance of recency bias that misrepresents Trumps general notability. As the Wikipedian Nythar phrased it in the RfC, He isnt notable because hes a felon; he is notable because hes Donald Trump.

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Then again, it certainly seems notableas in historicalthat Trump is the first U.S. president to be convicted of a felony. Isnt one of the primary purposes of a general encyclopedia to quickly summarize key historical info for the reader? The conviction is one of the main, if not THE most notable thing about him, said the Wikipedia user Oathed. Hes the only former president with this  achievement.

Trump himself is unprecedented, but that hasnt stopped Wikipedians from using precedent to argue about the writing of his Wikipedia page. Take former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevichhis article bluntly states that he was convicted and incarcerated for public corruption, but that fact isnt mentioned until the pages second sentence. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozys bribery scandal likewise appears in sentence two.

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The placement of convicted felon on Trumps Wikipedia page matters because the free internet encyclopedia remains one of the largest sources of training data for artificial intelligence applications. That means the specific wiki text influences what information is spit out by Google search results and A.I.-generated descriptions. With the November election rapidly approaching, Wikipedias decision could affect the digital prominence of the phrase.

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Given Wikipedias key role in the information ecosystem, its no surprise that wealthy people sometimes pay hired gun consultants to try to influence the content that appears on their Wikipedia articlesa premise that I explore, in fictional form, in my forthcoming novel, The Editors.

However, a review of the lengthy discussion on Trumps talk page reveals no clear evidence of paid agents from either political party trying to influence the outcome. Interestingly, the editors who are against including convicted felon in the first sentence do not appear to be avid Trump supporters. Rather, their main concern seems to be maintaining Wikipedias reputation as a reliable source of information for people across the political spectrum.

Bear in mind that right-wing conservatives have taken to regularly blasting Wikipedia on Fox News and other outlets. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has decided to take on the mantle of the sites most outspoken troll. The far-right is already convinced Wikipedia has a liberal bias, said the editor Gottagotospace. We shouldnt give them more fuel for that argument without good reason.

Ultimately, Wikipedia editors must consider how their decision will be interpreted by outsiders who may not appreciate the rigor of the debate behind the scenes.
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You can read this exclusive content thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm, which assists American people with Slovak roots in obtaining Slovak citizenship and reconnecting them with the land of their ancestors.

The Francis II Rakoczi Manor House in Borsa, Trebisov District, which shares a border with Hungary and Ukraine, is a fine renovated residence that serves as a hotel and a (art) museum. But the popular attraction for history buffs welcomes visitors for another reason on a Saturday afternoon in late May: wine.

A Tokaj wine tasting event is about to kick off. Local winemakers, including noted names such as Jaroslav Macik from Velka Trna and brands like Grand Bari from Velka Bara and Mea Grati from Ladmovce, will try to convince fervent wine connoisseurs that their wine is the best.

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All these wineries are based in the Kosice Region, which visitors can also explore thanks to the comprehensive Kosice Region Travel Guide full of photographs and stories.

Below is a map with all the major sights in the region:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1NaXONGWEeu05g_e5IoZsMDERPm7Hib0&ehbc=2E312F

Majer Bara offers wine experience and horses

Nearby is Majer Bara, a pension with a winery and restaurant in the village of Bara. In addition to a typical Hungarian fish soup, halaszle, or a bean stew, visitors can try duck or fish. Also, they should try the Somloi dumplings, a traditional Hungarian dessert, a rum or wine-flavoured trifle cake made of sponge cakes and custard cream, studded with raisins and topped with whipped cream.

A manor house in the village of Borsa houses a museum, restaurant, and offers wine tasting activities. (Source: SME-Jozef Rynik)

The lovely Majer Bara complex spreads out on the premises of a former cooperative. There is a beautifully renovated pension, which offers more than just a bed and breakfast, a restaurant, and a paddock for horses. Visitors can explore the vineyards on horseback, or relax in a wellness centre that has a sauna and a whirlpool in it.

For those who are interested in wine, the owners of Majer Bara have a winery in the neighbouring village of Vinicky. They organise wine tastings accompanied by a tour of their production premises and tuff cellar, where they bottle wine directly from a barrel.

Treetop houses at the Mala Bara campsite. (Source: SME-Jozef Rynik)

Camping in treetops

In the village of Bara, near the local church, there is a caravan camping site. The reception is located in a charming old house. Outside the house, arriving guests can spot a wandering peacock.

Among the trees in the forest park, the campsite offers accommodation in five wooden houses, each named after a different grape variety and located 4m above the ground.

In the treetops, two wellness facilities with a hot tub and a sauna can also be found. As the camp is nearly full in late May, it means that the place enjoys much popularity but also that the summer season has already begun.

Canoeing on the Bodrog river near Borsa. (Source: TASR - Roman Hanc)

Water tourism coming to life

The Tokaj winemaking region is known for its vineyards and wineries, as well as for its waterways. The Bodrog river flows through the area. To the north, there is a protected landscape area around the Latorica river, making it one of Slovakia's few protected lowland areas. This area is called Medzibodrozie.

In the past, the Bodrog river could only be toured on a motor boat, connecting the Slovak village of Vinicky and the Hungarian town of Sarospatak. Today, it is also possible to float on the river in a canoe. In the village of Ladmovce, a canoe rental place has recently opened on the banks of the Bodrog river. Borsa is the nearest end point. It is only seven kilometres away.

"More experienced individuals who are up for a longer sightseeing tour on the Bodrog river can continue to our neighbours in Hungary, to the town of Tokaj," explains the mayor of Ladmovce, Attila Pasztor. The town of Tokaj is located over 50 kilometres downstream.

The mayor of Borsa, Anna Tunde Vargova, confirms that water tourism is starting to thrive in this region, although wine tourism remains strong. The restoration of old cultural monuments is also contributing to the development of tourism. However, according to the mayor, this is not enough, as visitors are becoming increasingly demanding and are always looking for something new and exciting.

"That's why we built a historical children's playground, opened an educational trail in a protected forest, and launched a canoe and electric bicycle rental near the manor house," Vargova says.

In the future, the mayor plans to have a wharf built on the shore of the Bodrog.

Wine cellars in Maly Hores. (Source: SME-Jozef Rynik)

Drinking wine outside Tokaj

Despite being situated outside the Tokaj area, the village of Maly Hores also offers a great experience linked to wine. The place is home to wine cellars carved into the tuff rock, which are not as touristy as the cellars in the villages of Mala Trna and Velka Trna.

The cellars are located in a beautiful setting of an agate forest. Every year in May, they host an Open Cellars Day. The popular wine event started 16 years ago with a small group of winemakers and cellars.

Those who are interested in wine tasting outside of the popular event must call local winemakers in advance, as they are usually busy working in the vineyards. Still, they are happy to show the cellars to visitors, and tell them more about the lesser-known local grape varieties.

Sandy beach by the Tisa river. (Source: SME- Jozef Rynik)

Plum Days in Male Trakany

The village of Male Trakany hosts Plum Days, a popular local gastronomic festival that has been held for 10 years. It takes place at the end of September. The event is centered around plum products, as plums have been grown in the area for centuries.

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Festival-goers can see the production of plum jam, sample plum cakes and plum brandy, both from local people and the local distillery. Additionally, there is a cultural programme featuring music and folk crafts. The local festival has grown in popularity, with attendance reaching around 2,000 people. The organiser, Zlatica Kondasova, hopes to maintain the festival's local charm. She does not wish for it to attract too large a crowd.

In addition to the festival, Male Trakany is known for its sandy beach by the Tisa river and is home to the point where the borders of three countries meet.

Spectacular Slovakia travel guides
Good long-term planning, plus access to kindergartens, can be essential.

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Travelling freely while working remotely by using technology and the internet has become popular amongst Slovaks, especially during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. One of them is Oli Dzupinkova, who did not return to her previous regular work regime after a sabbatical, but instead joined the flock of some 40 million digital nomads who are estimated to be wandering the world. She works in parallel on several projects and has realised that she can do her work without returning to her office.

What I need is just a good internet connection, said Dzupinkova. I laugh about it with my mom, because she says that as a digital nomad I could come home, to Pichne in eastern Slovakia, and work from there. But there is a poor internet connection there, so its a bit of a problem.

Slovak digital nomads

Neither Slovak legislation nor statistics recognise the term 'digital nomad', which is often taken to mean working remotely from home rather than abroad.
Progresivne Slovensko tops the latest survey only by a small margin.

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After ten years, Smer is close to winning the European elections, according to the latest data from the NMS Market Research Slovakia agency. Support for the current leader of the polls in the European elections, the opposition party Progresivne Slovensko, is no longer growing.

Smer is attracting more new voters after the attack on its chair and premier Robert Fico. The party has been blaming the opposition and the media for the attack since the day it happened.

Smer has even used the attack in the campaign. From May 15, when the attack happened, until the end of May, Smer held eleven campaign events titled For Robert Fico, for Slovakia.

In Brezno, central Slovakia, pro-Russian Smer MP Lubos Blaha has recently held a meeting with Smer voters, where he also talked about the attack.

Today, there is no doubt that the assassin sent love letters to President Caputova, how beautiful, wonderful, wise and courageous she is. He went to opposition protests, where he shouted Glory to Ukraine! And he himself admitted that he tried to assassinate the prime minister only because he has a different opinion about [the public broadcaster] RTVS and similar nonsense, Blaha said misleadingly, as quoted by the Dennik N daily.

The attacker, who did not agree with the governments selected policies, including the planned cancellation of RTVS and the halting of the Slovak armed forces military support of Ukraine, did not send letters to the president. Nor is it entirely clear what political views the attacker holds, despite attending several protests organised by the opposition.

Where has the hatred spread for years by the liberal media and the progressive opposition led to? Blaha went on to ask.

Speaking of the polls, at the beginning of May, 17.3 percent of voters wanted to support Smer in the European elections, according to the NMS data at the time. Between May 30 and June 3, Ficos party grew by 4.9 percent and is supported by 22.1 percent of respondents at present.

Smer falls behind the PS party, which has 23.2 percent, by only 1.1 percent. Since this difference is small, it is not possible to clearly determine which of the two parties would emerge as the winner of the elections.

In the remaining time until the elections, which will take place on June 8 in Slovakia, NMS analyst Mikulas Hanes assumes, on the basis of other data - an increase in voter potential and the voter core - that the growth of Smer will continue.

Smer could replace PS in first place during the last days of the campaign, he opines.

The electorate of the Smer party increased from 11.8 to 16.3 percent after the attack. Also, compared to the beginning of May, Smer's potential grew by 5.5 percent, to 28.4 percent.

The support for other parties did not change at all, or only by a few tenths of a percent, compared to the first half of May.

The NMS survey assumes that six parties with the support of at least 5 percent of voters will be represented in the European Parliament: Hlas, the far-right Republika, SaS, KDH, in addition to Smer and PS.

At the time of data collection, a turnout of 32.1 percent was estimated.

According to the survey conducted by Median SK agency between May 21 and 27 on a sample of 1,006 respondents, Smer would have won the elections on 22.5 percent of votes. Forty-four percent of respondents told the pollster they would definitely take part in the EP elections, with 15 percent rather tending to go to the polls.

The latest Ipsos poll also shows that Smer may win the elections. In it, Smer came first with 24.6 percent, followed by PS with 21.9 percent. Each of them would win four seats in the European Parliament. Hlas (11.2 percent) would obtain two seats. Republika, SaS, Demokrati and Aliancia would get one seat each. Ipsos estimates a turnout to reach 35 percent. The agency carried out the poll between May 30 and June 4, surveying 1,225 respondents.
We are absolutely thrilled to be back with you here in 2024 for the Build-outs of Coffee! This is going to be a record-breaking Build-Outs season here on Sprudge, with submissions well on pace to be the biggest, busiest Build-Outs edition in history. Why wait? Were diving straight in for an exciting new coffee project in the city of Philadelphia, whose coffee scene has truly a world class destination. Thank you for joining us all summer long! This is Menagerie Coffee in Philadelphia, PA.

The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by Ceado and Dona. The 2024 Build-outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Acaia and Ghirardelli.

As told to Sprudge by April Nett.

For those who arent familiar, will you tell us about your company?

Established by current owner April Nett and co-founder Elysa DiMauro, Menagerie Coffee opened its flagship shop in 2013 as a multi-roaster in Old City Philadelphia. From 2018-2023 a second location was open in the Bourse Food Hall, adjacent to Independence Mall. In 2024, Menagerie Coffee moved the second location to a much larger space in the residential neighborhood of Northern Liberties, combining a retail cafe, baking production, and coffee roasting under one roof. At the heart of our mission is sustainably offering genuine hospitality to our Philly community, while creating safe spaces for our team to meaningfully develop their specialty coffee craft.

Can you tell us a bit about the new space?

The new store expands into the Northern Liberties neighborhood across from the lush greenspace in Liberty Lands Park. This park-side shop transforms a cave-like settingformerly a gaming arenainto a bright, airy cafe with high ceilings, wooden beams, and lots of natural light. Despite the dark cavernous state when we signed the lease (May 2023), we knew the place had strong bonesit simply required a lot of editing. Immediately we set to work removing layers of matte grey paint, repainting the southern brick wall, and removing miles of old wires that snarled the beams overhead. Working with Niko of Kole Made (and inspired by a recent trip to Albania), we began to introduce warm, natural textures, and curvilinear geometriescashmere-tinted tadelakt plaster, white oak, and hand-rounded countertops. With about 2,200 square feet to play with, it was our shared vision to create a space where form and function reinforce one other. The space gave us the opportunity to open up the floor plan, offering everyone insidestaff and customers alikeample room to enjoy.

Whats your approach to coffee?

A pledge to do no harmto recognize the efforts of all those whove influenced a particular coffee prior to us receiving it, and to consider our role as one of stewardship, working to preserve the integrity of each offering we brew. We take seriously our position in the final stages of a coffees life, just before brewing/serving, and we do our best to showcase the inherent qualities of the terroir, variety, processing method, and roast.

Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?

Heck yes! Our full espresso menu is brewed by our steadfast duo: custom colored La Marzocco GB5 (three-group) and Mahlkonig K30. The manual brew-bar serves a rotating selection of single-origins brewed on Hario V60s; drip coffee is batch brewed on a FETCO CBS-2151XTS; all coffees are ground on a Ditting 1203. But the unsung hero of our operation is the Global Customized NEX RO 500 water filtration system we use to maintain SCA specifications for optimal brewing water.

How is your project considering sustainability?

Environmentally speaking, we are intentional about repurposing materials. We hate waste. Since building our first shop, this has been a through line that quietly informs every stage of each fit out. Its easy (and tempting) to buy new materials for that start fresh. But for us, the most satisfying moments occur whenever weve challenged ourselves to source materials with previous uses and histories: salvaged stone, reclaimed wood stumps, metal support beams, midcentury furniture, bowling lanes, Alaskan cedar water towers, etc. To see these materials anew and allow for the natural qualities to be on display not only results in a unique environment but demonstrates whats possible when we work together to minimize waste in our communities.

Whats your hopeful target opening date/month?

We opened on January 25th, 2024.

Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that youd like to mention?

Yes! This new location marks the 3rd collaboration between Menagerie Coffee and Kole Made, the design/build/fabrication firm located in Philadelphia. Kole Made has designed and built all three Menagerie shops, and together with the support from SHIFTSpace Studio, the team salvaged all materials and equipment from our previous location in the Bourse Food Hall. Each component was woven into the new design of the NoLibs cafe and works to enhance the inherent characteristics of the space itself.

Thank you!

Thank you for considering Menagerie to be part of this super cool segment. We love how yall showcase beautiful spaces that push the boundaries of what defines *cafe*. Cheers!
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240604/a-foreign-policy-bungle-killing-tens-of-thousands-1118761608.html

A Foreign Policy Bungle 'Killing Tens of Thousands'

A Foreign Policy Bungle 'Killing Tens of Thousands'

Sputnik International

A senior Israeli official reportedly said on Monday that Biden's description of Israel's cease-fire proposal was not accurate and claimed that he had only announced a partial version of Israels proposed plans in his speech.

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A senior Israeli official reportedly said on Monday that US President Joe Biden's description of Israel's ceasefire proposal was not accurate and claimed that Biden had only announced a partial version of the ceasefire plan in his speech on Friday. The official said they did not agree to fully withdraw their troops from the Gaza Strip, adding that they would only do so once their objectives are met including destroying Hamas military and governing capabilities.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus own government is also pressuring him to reject the proposed plan, with Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir threatening to resign should the prime minister accept the proposed deal. Hamas released a statement and said they viewed the proposed plan positively while a senior US official said the proposal is nearly identical to one which Hamas accepted from Egypt the same day Israel launched its attack on Rafah.Both the Israeli official, and National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby have argued about where the plans for the ceasefire had originated, with the US and Israel accusing the other of concocting the ceasefire plans. Robert Fantina, a Palestine activist, author and journalist joined Sputniks The Critical Hour to discuss the rampant miscommunication between the Western allies.And, he's up for reelection in just six months. So, it might have been a political speech and he's trying to appease the people who are anti-genocide, in the US there are a lot of them, especially the young people whose votes he needs, the journalist and author added. But the idea that he said he got it from Israel and Israel is just saying this is not a deal that we agreed to, it also may say something about Joe Biden's cognitive abilities at this point.Sputniks Garland Nixon then suggested that this miscommunication between the US and its ally could be a sign of complete dysfunction not only in the Biden administration but in the relationship between the governing powers of the US and Israel.Israel has said the war will last at least another seven months, which takes us past the next election. People aren't going to forget. They've seen horrific, horrific pictures of burned and mutilated children, body parts, of children starving to death, he added. These are not things they're going to forget about very soon, especially, as you mentioned, the under 30 [years of age] group that's very politically attuned, very politically active and they are rejecting Biden by huge numbers today.On Sunday, it was reported that Smotrich had threatened Palestinians in the West Bank by telling them that their cities could turn into ruins like those in Gaza, according to an article published to Antiwar.com. The finance minister said in Hebrew: Our message to the neighbors beyond the fence in Tulkarem, Nur Shams, Shuweika, and Qalqilya: We will turn you into ruined cities like in the Gaza Strip if the terror you are exerting on the settlements continues.Rohan Talbot, a director of advocacy and campaigns for the UK-based Medical Aid for Palestinians said to take Smotrichs threats seriously and claimed that refugee camps and Area C communities have already fallen under attack. Since October 7, Israeli forces have killed over 500 Palestinians in the West Bank.Saudi Arabia has wanted to normalize relations with Israel based on a Palestinian state. But, if Israel is going to slaughter the people of the West Bank the way that it slaughtered people in the Gaza Strip, this isn't going to fly with the people in Saudi Arabia, he added. Smotrich's threats, which are appalling on any level, are only - if he brings it to fruition - going to increase instability, increase violence, and increase death.Actress and progressive activist Cynthia Nixon said on Friday that it was shameful of Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to co-sign a formal letter alongside other Congress leaders that invited Netanyahu to address a joint session in Congress. Nixon then suggested that perhaps Netanyahu can be arrested for his war crimes on the Senate floor. The Jewish-led human rights group IfNotNow also condemned the invitation, while US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said he would boycott the event.On Saturday, Netanyahu accepted the invitation to speak to a joint session of Congress, calling it a privilege to present in front of the American people and the world the truth about our just war. The prime ministers visit could present challenges, though, as the International Criminals Court has issued a warrant for his arrest.What we're going to see, though, is some members will not attend, the author said of Netanyahus tentative speech to Congress. Some who do attend may respond in some way publicly. There may be disruption of his speech by outside people who support human rights and international law. Although security is going to be extremely heavy if he does come and it will be next to impossible for any protester to get anywhere near [him].Thus far an estimated 36,439 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip and 82,627 wounded since October 7, according to the Palestinian enclaves 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 reported on Sunday.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240604/be-wary-of-washington-setting-trap-in-asia-1118765852.html

Be Wary of Washington Setting Trap in Asia

Be Wary of Washington Setting Trap in Asia

Sputnik International

Asian countries should be wary that a similar trap to the one Ukraine fell into is being set in Asia, and they must be smarter than Europe.

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us arms for ukraine

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No country in Asia would willingly want to be dragged into the conflict in Ukraine. However, the US is employing similar tactics in certain Asian countries as it did in Ukraine, causing them to be cautious of China and even harbor animosity toward it. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has clearly fallen into this trap. In fact, the situation in Asia is much more complicated than in Europe, as there are numerous disputes over territorial claims as well as maritime rights and interests. Fortunately, there is no NATO in Asia and no geopolitical conflicts between blocs have been formed. Previously, territorial disputes mostly occurred between countries on a case-by-case basis. Suddenly, however, certain countries' disputes and controversies with China have come to the forefront due to the strategic involvement of the US.In the past, the US generally took a "hands-off" approach when it came to territorial disputes in Asia. However, now whenever a dispute involves China, the US always supports the country that opposes China. It tries to portray China as a regional "bully" and encourages countries in the region to confront China. Nevertheless, the situation between China and the Philippines has been in a deadlock for many years. The Philippine warship that ran aground on Ren'ai Jiao in 1999, the day after the NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia, is still there. China has shown restraint in its dealings with the Philippines, with the friction between the two countries focusing on the details of how the Philippines resupplied the ship. Where in the world can you find such a good-tempered "bully"?Today, the Philippines is even more shameless. Marcos is trying, with the support of the US, to scare China off with sensational behaviors over the territorial dispute. They have fabricated a false sense of victimhood for themselves.Marcos' keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Friday and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's speech on Saturday are both aimed at cajoling Asian countries. Austin denied on Saturday that NATO's expansion has caused the Ukraine crisis, and trumpeted that the US was secure "only if Asia is." He touted the importance of the extensive network of partnerships under the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, claiming that the US would do its utmost to fulfill its commitments to the Indo-Pacific region.Obviously, although there is no NATO in Asia, to serve its global hegemonic strategy of containing China, the US wants regional countries to be hostile to China following the model of NATO allies or partner countries. As a Chinese media professional who has been observing geopolitics for a long time, I really hope that Asian countries will not be dazzled by the US and will maintain their strategic sobriety. Territorial disputes are left over from history. We have never made use of our vast national resources to solve these disputes, so China is not a "bully," not to mention an "aggressor." However, if countries like the Philippines try to intimidate China with the backing of other powers, they will definitely suffer a setback and face consequences, and at that time the US will not be there to support them. When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asian countries should have seen a nation influenced by the US and NATO, leading to the tragedy of war. Although the US and NATO express support and offer assistance, it is Ukraine and its people who suffer. We must not allow external forces such as the US to set the similar trap in Asia, nor should we fall into the trap ourselves.This article was originally published by Global Times.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240525/will-western-leaders-start-world-war-iii-to-distract-from-their-political-failure-1118621432.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240515/nobody-wins-us-hikes-tariffs-on-china-as-economic-tensions-continue-to-rise-1118433962.html

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Emilie Eaton is an investigative reporter with the San Antonio Express-News. She can be reached at eeaton@express-news.net.

She has covered San Antonio police-community relations, law enforcement training, police misconduct, family violence and the citys homicide rate. On multiple occasions, her work has led to changes in policies and practices at the San Antonio Police Department and Bexar County Sheriffs Office.

Her work has been honored by the Best of the West contest and the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors Excellence in Journalism competition, among others.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240604/nato-chief-has-no-sole-authority-to-send-weapons-to-ukraine---italys-league-party-1118766744.html

NATO Chief Has No Sole Authority to Send Weapons to Ukraine - Italy's League Party

NATO Chief Has No Sole Authority to Send Weapons to Ukraine - Italy's League Party

Sputnik International

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has no sole authority to send weapons to Ukraine just as EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell cannot speak for all members of the European Union, Gen. Roberto Vannacci, candidate to the European Parliament from Italy's right-wing League party, said on Tuesday.

2024-06-04T15:37+0000

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2024-06-04T15:37+0000

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"Politically speaking, NATO is not in the state of war. All decisions concerning weapons supply [to Ukraine] have been made by individual countries. The secretary general has no authority in the matter. He is a bureaucrat, a representative of an organization that is not directly involved in the conflict. However, it looks like he speaks for all [member states], as he has overcome the sovereignty of every state in the matter of their participation in the Ukrainian conflict," Vannacci told a briefing in Rome in response to a question by RIA Novosti. Borrell does a similar thing when expressing a joint position without consulting the authorities of individual countries, the parliamentary candidate added. The Kremlin has consistently warned against the West's continued arms deliveries to Ukraine, saying that they only prolong the conflict, adding that Western military equipment will be eventually destroyed. Moscow also cautioned that NATO countries are playing with fire by providing Kiev with arms.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240601/nato-100-involved-in-aiming-approval-of-ukrainian-attacks-deep-inside-russia-analysts-1118740855.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240604/nato-plans-to-move-troops-from-us-to-europe--reports-1118766003.html

NATO Draws Up Potential Plans to Move Troops From US to Europe  Reports

NATO Draws Up Potential Plans to Move Troops From US to Europe  Reports

Sputnik International

The US-led military bloc is preparing land corridors that would enable US troops to rush to the frontlines in the event of a European war in a move that seeks to stave off a potential Russian attack, the Telegraph reported.

2024-06-04T14:48+0000

2024-06-04T14:48+0000

2024-06-04T14:58+0000

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tucker carlson

jens stoltenberg

ukraine

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The US-led military bloc is preparing land corridors that would enable US troops to rush to the front lines in the event of a European war, in a move that would seek to stave off a potential Russian attack, the Telegraph has reported.In theory, US soldiers could arrive at one of five designated ports and then be transported along predetermined logistics routes on the continent. According to the plans, US forces would land in the Netherlands and then be taken to Poland via Germany by train. Other potential options include using ports in the Balkans, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Greece, and Turkiye.The Ukraine conflict has demonstrated Kievs logistics bases being particularly susceptible to Russian precision strikes.According to Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank, commander of NATO's Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC), larger bases, like those seen in Afghanistan or Iraq, are no longer feasible as they can be targeted and destroyed with ease.In the interview Russian President Vladimir Putin gave to US journalist Tucker Carlson, the president made it clear that Russia has no plans to attack any NATO nation.The Russian leader also added that such destructive rhetoric simply plays into threat-mongering militaristic hysteria.Amid the heated discussions, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the bloc has no plans to send combat units to Ukraine but called on member states to ramp up arms supply to Kiev.NATO is expected to formally oppose deploying troops to Ukraine, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported earlier. According to a draft policy document to be approved at the blocs July summit in Washington, NATO would adhere to a no boots on the ground principle, which the Italian media described as one of the key phrases in the paper.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240527/us-military-experts-nato-cant-take-on-russia-or-prevent-ukraines-defeat-1118654569.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240508/nato-no-boots-on-the-ground-ukraine-strategy-meant-to-silence-wests-loudmouths--1118336759.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240604/south-korea-approves-suspension-of-inter-korean-military-agreement-1118763178.html

South Korea Approves Suspension of Inter-Korean Military Agreement

South Korea Approves Suspension of Inter-Korean Military Agreement

Sputnik International

The South Korean government approved a motion to suspend a 2018 inter-Korean tension reduction pact

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The proposal was approved at a cabinet meeting a day after the presidential National Security Council decided on the suspension an placed such a proposal on the agenda of a meeting. The motion will be sent to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for signing, the report said. In November 2023, in response to North Korea's launch of its Malligyong-1 reconnaissance satellite into orbit, South Korea suspended partially suspended the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement aimed at reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, in particular, restoring reconnaissance activities near the military demarcation line. Pyongyang announced its decision to restore all military measures suspended under the 2018 inter-Korean military accord.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240604/threat-to-arrest-russian-journalists-signals-growing-political-persecution-in-west-1118762137.html

Threat to Arrest Russian Journalists Signals Growing Political Persecution in West

Threat to Arrest Russian Journalists Signals Growing Political Persecution in West

Sputnik International

Western governments are increasingly turning towards overt methods of repression as they lose their grip on control of the masses.

2024-06-04T04:26+0000

2024-06-04T04:26+0000

2024-06-04T05:13+0000

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caleb maupin

anna neistat

west

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russia

european union (eu)

voice of america

censorship

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The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) has been forced to disavow comments by a legal director with the organization calling for the arrest of Russian journalists after intense backlash.Anna Neistat, who leads the foundations The Docket project, claimed Thursday that her team is urging international authorities to prosecute Russian reporters.The organization has since backpedaled on the provocative claim with a statement asserting that someone in our foundation misspoke, but observers see the proposal as yet another sign of the Wests growing authoritarianism and intolerance of dissenting voices.Author and political analyst Caleb Maupin joined Sputniks The Critical Hour program Monday to discuss the incident.There's a lot of things to keep in mind in reaction to this news story, said the author and reporter. The first of which is that the European Union has basically already outlawed all Russian media within the EU space, right? You can't watch RT. Websites are suppressed, blocked, and it's pretty hard to look at Russian media in the EU.They would be arrested upon arrival and it would be a way to basically just kidnap these reporters and journalists and hold them hostage. And, if you look at it, it's a particularly nasty proposal. And that's probably why I noticed that George Clooney is now backing away from it and saying, oh, people from our foundation misspoke, we didn't mean this, etcetera.European countries have made increasingly aggressive attempts in recent years to restrict media and control the flow of information across the continent. The EU has outright banned Russian media outlets from broadcasting within the 27-nation bloc, but measures have been taken against third-party platforms, as well. The video sharing website Rumble was forced to block French users from accessing the platform after refusing to comply with government demands to block Russian content.Politicians in the UK have also explored blocking the website, and the country recently detained journalist Kit Klarenberg at an airport in London, questioning him for five hours about his political views.Across the Atlantic, the United States has famously condemned journalist Julian Assange to 12 years of effective confinement after the Wikileaks founder published leaked material revealing US war crimes in Iraq. Former CIA director and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made plans to kidnap and murder the firebrand transparency activist, it was recently revealed.The uproar over the CFJs comments comes as Sputnik contributor Scott Ritter was denied travel to speak at a conference in Russia Monday, having his passport confiscated by authorities on apparent orders from the US State Department. Free speech concerns have also been raised over police crackdowns on campus pro-Palestine encampments, a move demanded by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.This is not a change for Ukraine. What's changed here is that the Clooney Foundation made such a statement and wanted to enlist EU governments in carrying it out.Western governments are usually more subtle in their attempts to control information, noted Maupin, typically relying more on efforts to influence popular narratives rather than outright censorship. The move towards more overt repression may be seen as a response to the increased transparency allowed by the Internet, or perhaps another sign of the Wests loss of power as a multipolar world order comes into view.A lot of what the intelligence apparatus does is just boost certain messages and try to control the conversation in a subtle way to advance US foreign policy goals.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240418/surveillance-panopticon-grows-more-powerful-with-attempted-tiktok-ban-backdoors-1117987163.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230927/sweeping-surveillance-censorship-site-hosting-russell-brand-has-uncertain-future-in-uk-1113751814.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240603/us-state-department-forced-scott-ritter-off-plane-to-russia-confiscated-his-passport-1118758441.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240604/turkiye-would-like-to-join-brics---top-diplomat--1118764477.html

Turkiye Would Like to Join BRICS - Top Diplomat

Turkiye Would Like to Join BRICS - Top Diplomat

Sputnik International

Turkiye would like to become a member of BRICS and will monitor the developments in the organization, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Tuesday.

2024-06-04T09:02+0000

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2024-06-04T11:01+0000

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Turkiye would like to become a member of BRICS and will monitor the developments in the organization, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Tuesday.The BRICS bloc outperformed the G7  the conglomerate of wealthy industrialized nations  in GDP in 2022. According to a forecast, BRICS economies will account for more than 50 percent of global GDP by 2030.Russian President Vladimir Putin said that BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have become key pillars in the emerging multipolar world. Economic experts stress that BRICS is also a locomotive of de-dollarization of the global economy since members of this bloc are increasingly switching to national currencies in trade relations  for instance, 90% of settlements between Russian and Chinese companies are now made in rubles and yuans. The BRICS doubled its membership last year, becoming the BRICS+ after including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on January 1, 2024.Russia Welcomes Turkiye's Interest Towards BRICSRussia welcomes Turkiye's interest towards BRICS, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on uesday.BRICS is unlikely to fully satisfy expectations of all countries that show interest in the group, but BRICS is interested in contacts, the official added.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240604/zelenskys-sham-summit-in-switzerland-slammed-as-pep-rally-pr-stunt-1118760368.html

Zelenskys Sham Summit in Switzerland Slammed as Pep Rally, PR Stunt

Zelenskys Sham Summit in Switzerland Slammed as Pep Rally, PR Stunt

Sputnik International

One analyst portrayed the event as an act of desperation on the part of the embattled leader as Ukraine suffers the consequences of the Wests failed foreign policy.

2024-06-04T00:44+0000

2024-06-04T00:44+0000

2024-06-04T00:44+0000

analysis

volodymyr zelensky

michael maloof

vladimir putin

russia

ukraine

china

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The security of a country should not be pursued at the expense of others, read a Chinese government statement last year on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The security of a region should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocs. The legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries must be taken seriously and addressed properly.The document, which urged global powers to abandon a Cold War mentality, did not mention NATO by name, but its critique of the Western alliances steady march eastward was unmistakable.Now as the ultimate failure of the United States proxy war against Russia is made clear, the West is suffering the consequences of its decades-long disregard for Russian security and interests, according to former US Defense Department senior security policy analyst Michael Maloof. The expert discussed the issue and Zelenskys so-called "peace summit" scheduled for later this month on Sputniks The Final Countdown program Monday.China certainly has announced that it's not even coming, said the author about the event. Russia wasn't even invited All that this is to me is a pep rally, a PR stunt by Zelensky to garner support. This is not diplomacy.Zelensky released a slickly-produced video last week urging the US and Chinese President Xi Jinping to participate in the purported peace talks, set to be held at a luxury resort in Switzerland. Zelensky now accuses China of supporting Russia and attempting to undermine the meeting, echoing recent attacks by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.Various observers have criticized the event for failing to include representatives from Russia. Ukrainian officials are legally prevented from engaging in talks with the country per a late 2022 edict by Zelensky that outlaws negotiations with Russia.What's being ignored are the underlying causes. There was an agreement and it was signed, said Maloof of widely-reported talks between Ukraine and Russia that took place during the early months of Russias special military operation. It was just under pressure from the UK and the US on Zelensky not to implement. And there was a reason for Putin's undertaking his special military operation, because Ukraine was threatening to join NATO and he could not have that.The analyst claimed the proposed summit is a desperate attempt to garner international support as reports suggest Ukraines strained armed forces are nearing collapse. Continued support from the United States has also been placed in doubt as polling reveals the US public increasingly opposes sending more aid to Kiev.Maloof noted that Zelensky would likely be denied an audience before a joint session of US Congress as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle now question US involvement in the proxy conflict.He's at his limit, the expert claimed. He knows that he's finished. He knows the war is basically over, and he's trying to get more of a popularity type of thing going and people aren't buying into it Russia's stated over and over again they're prepared to sit down with the Ukrainians to work something out. And Zelensky has said he will not do it.I have never seen anything that Zelensky has done as logical, he added. This is a comedian who, all of a sudden, gets elevated to the position of the president of his country on the promise that he was not going to go to war with Russia. And look where he is now.The analyst claimed the US and UK have no one to blame but ourselves for stoking the military conflict, which has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians.Maloof clarified that the violence began not when Russias special military operation was launched, but in 2014 when the Ukrainian government attacked ethnic Russian separatists in the countrys eastern regions. Conflict in the Donbass, including events such as a deadly attack on trade unionists in Odessa, was rarely discussed in the West.What most Americans don't realize is that that shelling of the East has been going on for nine years now, and the Western media never reported it, he said. And they finally called in for Russian assistance, and that's what led to where this happened.Putin warned about NATO extensions, about how this is crossing a red line, he continued. And even in December of 2021 he was sending memorandums to the State Department outlining his concerns. And they were ignored The Russian diplomats were talked down to. They really resented that. And I don't blame them because they regard themselves as an equal power.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240515/putin-visits-beijing-as-biden-bogged-down-in-efforts-to-undermine-russia-china-1118436022.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240428/western-media-admits-chaos-on-ukrainian-frontlines-as-russia-easily-liberates-another-village-1118153357.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240516/ny-times-blames-us-congress-funding-delays-for-ukraines-battlefield-struggles-1118464243.html

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Off three straight strong efforts out of post eight at the top class, Muskateer Hanover landed a good draw and capitalized on the opportunity to go a lights-out 1:49.3 mile and win the $50,685 Open Handicap Pace as the 7-5 favourite on Monday, June 3 at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel.

Starting from post five, driver Tony Hall floated Muskateer Hanover off the wings to race fourth as Rocks Shining Star (Devon Tharps) fired out and circled to the lead after a :27 first quarter. Once clearing to the point, Rocks Shining Star had a fierce challenge brewing as Hall decided to launch Muskateer Hanover into action after a :55 half.

Rocks Shining Star braced for the fight up the backstretch while Muskateer Hanover loomed closer on the rim. The two chalks traded blows through the sprint to three-quarters in 1:22.1 and stayed stride for stride through the final turn. And while Rocks Shining Star appeared fully extended, Muskateer Hanover kept the punches coming into the stretch. Hall then gave Muskateer Hanover a few taps of the whip and he surged away from a battle-weary Rocks Shining Star to post a 2-1/4-length win in 1:49.3. Rocks Shining Star clung to second from Western Era (Cordarius Stewart) saving ground for third and Great Seats (Wyatt Avenatti) took fourth.

A four-year-old gelding by Sweet Lou, Muskateer Hanover has now won 11 races from 42 starts and earned $265,303 for owners Mulligan Stables and Calcutta Stable LLC. Wayne Oke trains the $4.98 winner.

Hall also scored a decisive win in the $50,685 Fillies & Mares Open Pace with 6-5 favourite Racin Hungry in 1:52.1. Also leaving from post five, Hall planted Racin Hungry on the point past a :26.4 first quarter and stole the air from the race with her breather to a :57.1 half. The sprint to the finish initiated to the backstretch with Racin Hungry clocking by three-quarters in 1:24.2 and speeding for home unfazed to wrap the mile 3-1/2 lengths better than pocket-chaser Yankee B Something (Andy Miller) in second. Lets Flip Onit (Cordarius Stewart) rallied off a ground-saving trip for third and Anns Marina Delray (John MacDonald) took fourth.

Jennifer Bongiorno trains Racin Hungry, a four-year-old mare by Stay Hungry, for owners Glenn Goller and Stephen Demeter. The mare won her 11th race from 28 starts and has now earned $256,911. She paid $4.48 to win.

Driver Brandon Bates was transported to hospital following an accident in the first race of the day. Bates, driving On The Town, was tossed from the bike when his horse fell to the track in the stretch drive. The horse promptly got up and was corralled by the outrider while Bates was taken into the ambulance for evaluation. Reports say Bates escaped serious injury from the accident. He is scheduled to drive at Oak Grove tomorrow (June 4).

In a pair of races for the United States Harness Drivers Club (USHDC), Paperback Thriller ($5.44) won in 1:55.4 with Peter Kleinhans in the sulky and Splinter N ($10.44) was a 1:54.2 winner for Jafari Frazier. The USHDC presented Redemption Ranch with a $1,000 USD donation to continue their heroic work on behalf of those going through difficult times in their lives.

A thunderstorm then encroached Oak Grove after Devon Tharps struck a toteboard surprise with 97-1 shot RJ Maverick in the ninth race. The ongoing rains and remaining lightning around the area forced Oak Grove to cancel the remainder of the program, races 10 through 12. With the payoff leg of the Late Pick 5 not raced, the $590.40 carryover in the sequence will go into the pool for tomorrow's Late Pick 5 sequence, which begins in Race 6. First-race post time at Oak Grove is 3 p.m. (CDT).

Free program pages for every race day, courtesy of TrackMaster, are available on the Oak Grove Racing website.

(With files from Oak Grove Racing & USHDC)
Grand River Raceway's 2024 harness racing season will kick off with 10 races on Wednesday, June 5.

The newly expanded Elora, Ont. oval will host live racing through September every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night with post time at 6:30 p.m.

The featured ninth race on Wednesday's Opening Night card is an $8,800 conditioned-claiming trot. The streaking four-year-old gelding Prince Archie is the 8-5 morning line favourite from post seven in the field of eight with Steven Hudon listed to drive for trainer Laura Toscani and owner Gino Toscani of Mount Hope, Ont. The Archangel son, who was perfect through the month of May while racing at The Raceway at Western Fair District, will be shooting for his fifth straight victory. Starting just to his inside, 2-1 second choice P L Quinella will make his Grand River debut after taking a 1:55 lifetime mark two starts back in early May at Woodbine Mohawk Park for the Matt Dupuis stable with Brett MacDonald aboard.

Grand River Raceway will open its race season with a community celebration on Wednesday, offering $2 hotdogs, $3 burgers and $2 cans of pop. The BBQ will be set up on The GrandWay Patio, with drinks available at The GrandWay Lounge bar. The following Wednesday, June 12, Grand River will celebrate its new five-eighths-mile track with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony following that evening's third race with dignitaries and specialists who were integral to its construction.

The 2024 meet's racing highlights will include Grand River's signature Industry Day event, featuring the Battle of Waterloo and Battle of Belles on Aug. 5 with a special afternoon post time of 12:30 p.m., in addition to numerous Ontario Sires Stakes all season long.

Click here for more information on the track's scheduled promotions and events.

To view the entries for Wednesday's card of harness racing at Grand River Raceway, click the following links:

Grand River Raceway - Wednesday Entries // Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT).

(Standardbred Canada)


The North American Standardbred Mixed Sale, a new Standardbred sale company based in Ohio, has announced details for its first auction.

The North American Standardbred Mixed Sale will stage its first auction on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 at the Mt. Hope Event Center in Ohio. The sale will take entries, including broodmares, broodmare prospects, stallion shares and racehorses, starting on Thursday, Sept. 5 through Monday, Oct. 2.

The sale is managed by Robert Hershberger, owner and operator of Dublin Valley Farms. Mast Auctioneers will provide the auctioneering services, with pedigrees by Ed Teefey and Gabe Prewitt at the sale, which will provide payout within seven days of the sale.

The North American Standardbred Mixed Sale launched its official website this week, which displays its mandate: "To provide a live auction where people can get together to socialize and physically see high quality horses with industry leading pedigrees."

For further information, visit the sale's website at northamericanstandardbredmixedsale.com.

(With files from North American Standardbred Mixed Sale)
Ugandan students encouraged to learn Chinese language for brighter career prospects

Xinhua) 10:01, June 04, 2024

A student shows Kung Fu skills during the "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition in Kampala, Uganda, June 2, 2024. The Ugandan finals of "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition concluded on Sunday at Kyambogo College School in Kampala. During the final round, 12 students competed in the college and secondary school categories, demonstrating their Chinese language skills and understanding of Chinese culture through speeches, quizzes, and cultural performances. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua)

KAMPALA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A Ugandan education official has encouraged the country's students to pursue Chinese language studies.

"All our students should learn Chinese because most of the jobs or opportunities come when you know at least two foreign languages," said Hilda Ayebare, assistant curriculum specialist for foreign languages at the Uganda National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC).

"We have already rolled out teaching of Chinese language in our curriculum," she said Sunday at the Ugandan finals of a Chinese proficiency competition at Kyambogo College School, in the capital, Kampala.

Ayebare said that Chinese language has been taught in both lower and upper secondary schools across Uganda since 2020.

The "Chinese Bridge" contest, inaugurated 23 years ago, has become a platform for exchange among Chinese language learners around the world, helping more and more people better understand China and Chinese culture, said Fan Xuecheng, minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Uganda.

"Since the inauguration of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University in 2014, more than 20,000 local Ugandan students from around 80 secondary schools have been learning Chinese, and over 145 local Ugandan teachers can teach Chinese independently after receiving intensive training," he said.

China and Uganda share robust economic partnership, and the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries has ushered in new stages, Fan said, noting that language-learning will open doors to numerous opportunities.

Gilbert Gumoshabe, co-director of the Confucius Institute of Makerere University, said that the competition helps Ugandan students showcase the skills they have learnt, and enables them to experience Chinese culture.

During the final round, 12 students competed in the college and secondary school categories, demonstrating their Chinese language skills and understanding of Chinese culture through speeches, quizzes, and cultural performances.

Namulemo Leticia from Ndejje Secondary School was the winner of the secondary school category, and Kamya Ivan, a Makerere University student, won the college category.

They will represent Uganda at the global "Chinese Bridge" finals in China later this year.

Hilda Ayebare, assistant curriculum specialist for foreign languages at the Uganda National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC), speaks during the "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition in Kampala, Uganda, June 2, 2024. The Ugandan finals of "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition concluded on Sunday at Kyambogo College School in Kampala. During the final round, 12 students competed in the college and secondary school categories, demonstrating their Chinese language skills and understanding of Chinese culture through speeches, quizzes, and cultural performances. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua)

A student plays guzheng, a traditional Chinese musical instrument, during the "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition in Kampala, Uganda, June 2, 2024. The Ugandan finals of "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition concluded on Sunday at Kyambogo College School in Kampala. During the final round, 12 students competed in the college and secondary school categories, demonstrating their Chinese language skills and understanding of Chinese culture through speeches, quizzes, and cultural performances. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Democrat Colin Allred, a U.S. Senate candidate, greets supporters, including Dallas City Council members Adam Bazaldua, left, and Omar Narvaez during a primary election watch party, March 5, 2024, in Dallas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS) Smiley N. Pool/Dallas Morning News U.S. Senate hopeful Colin Allred, D-Texas, center, and his wife, Aly Eber, leave the stage after addressing supporters during an election night gathering March 5 in Dallas. Allred is running on a decidedly moderate platform in contrast with past statewide candidates  a strategy on display ahead of the primary when state Sen. Roland Gutierrez tried to win the nomination on a much more progressive message. Julio Cortez/Associated Press

WASHINGTON  With more than four months left before Election Day 2018, Democrat Beto ORourke had campaigned in all of Texas 254 counties in his bid to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. It was a novel strategy central to breaking through in a Republican-controlled state that national Democrats had largely written off.

Six years later, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred is taking a much more traditional approach to campaigning as he tries to do what ORourke couldnt: topple Cruz. Allred has made only 125 campaign stops so far, focusing instead on getting his message out early and directly to wide swaths of voters in TV, radio and digital ads. The Allred campaign isnt skimping on the states expensive media markets, booking ads in the San Antonio, Houston, Laredo and Rio Grande Valley markets last month, and placing English and Spanish ads on digital platforms statewide.

Most notably, national Democrats are showing their confidence by investing in the state more proactively than in the past.

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The change in tactic shows how the landscape in Texas has evolved for Democrats since the last time they tried to oust Cruz. Democrats outside of Texas have long thought the state is just too big, too expensive and too Republican to bother pouring in money. But the near success of the 2018 ORourke campaign, the development of Democratic campaign infrastructure and the roster of U.S. Senate seats up for election this year are pushing the party to take Texas more seriously.

In terms of Texas, we have a real opportunity there. Colin Allred is a strong candidate. He won decisively a primary. He is a man who was able to win a tough seat in the Dallas area, beating an entrenched Republican, Sen. Gary Peters, who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in a March interview with MSNBCs Morning Joe. He knows how to win.

To be sure, Democrats will be running uphill in the state, which Republicans have dominated for a generation. Cruz has made it clear he is not taking anything for granted after the 2018 scare when ORourke came within 3 percentage points of beating him. That year was the closest Democrats came to breaking their long-running statewide drought.

Cruz maintains strong support among conservative voters in Texas, often polling close to Gov. Greg Abbott for most popular statewide elected official among registered Republicans. Cruz is better armed this cycle, with almost double the amount of cash on hand now than at the same point in 2018.

Cruz is also a more seasoned candidate than he was during his last run. He has greater seniority in the Senate and a roster of legislative accomplishments he is eagerly touting  many of which he achieved with members of the other party. As the top Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee, he oversaw his GOP colleagues in passing aviation safety legislation, and he has worked with Democrats on issues ranging from sexual assault in the military to cross-border commerce. For the first time, hes making his bipartisanship and less celebrated work a core part of his campaign.

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National Democrats show interest

The DSCC identified the state as one of its top two pick-up opportunities this year along with Florida. The group is funding staffers in the state and funneling money into advertising. And with several months until Election Day, Democratic strategists alert that the pushes will only amplify exponentially as the summer months progress.

The DSCC included Texas in a $79 million ad buy announced last fall, including a seven-figure digital advertising investment for the state. It has financed new staff positions in Texas dedicated to finding and pitching opposition material on Cruz, and ran an ad casting Cruz as pushing legislation that would curb Medicare and Social Security benefits.

Veterans of the ORourke campaign say no such support existed from national Democrats this early in the 2018 cycle.

There wasnt as much of a presumption of coordination in 2018 as there is now because Texas hadnt been competitive statewide in 25 years, said Katherine Fischer, an ORourke campaign alumna who is now deputy executive director of Texas Majority PAC.

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It took years for Texas Democrats to get their national counterparts to take their runs seriously.

Former state Sen. Wendy Davis remembers during her 2014 gubernatorial run  which got intense coverage following her historic filibuster against an abortion bill the year before  that national Democrats often used her story to fundraise, only to send the money to other gubernatorial candidates in other states.

Now, not only do you have the verbal support for calling from these groups, but what youre starting to see is theyre going to make significant investments in this race, Davis said. And thats the first time that weve had this kind of national political money coming in to help one of our statewide candidates.

Matt Angle, director of the Lone Star Project, said Democrats outside of the state were much more interested in House races in 2018 than helping ORourke. Several districts were competitive that year and attracted millions in investment from the DCCC, including Allreds House race.

Meanwhile, the DSCC was faced with an unfavorable map for Democrats and more attainable pick-up opportunities in the far less expensive swing states of Nevada and Arizona (Democrats won in both races that year). Texas contains two of the 10 most expensive media markets in the country (Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston), and the sheer vastness of the state makes it a daunting prospect.

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Beto gets most of the credit for his 2018 successes, Angle said. Whatever the DSCC did, they did late. Thats not surprising. Thats what I would expect: The DSCC first would have to protect their incumbents and Texas is a giant investment statewide for them.

Zack Malitz, who was the field director of ORourkes 2018 campaign, said the campaigns aggressive investments in recruiting a large volunteer network could help future Democratic candidates.

One built-in advantage that Texas campaigns have now is that you have tens of thousands of people who have volunteered on well-managed field programs in Texas and so the upfront investment to activate those people is a lot lower now, Malitz said.

Good map for Texas Dems

National Democrats are zeroing in on Texas to a certain extent because there are no better alternatives for their attention. The Senate map this year is generally unfavorable for Democrats, who have several vulnerable incumbents up for reelection, while all Republicans up for reelection are in generally safe states.

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Democrats are spending considerable funds to protect Sens. Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Jon Tester in Montana  both representing states that voted for former President Donald Trump in 2020 by significant margins. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an independent who was previously a Democrat, is not running for reelection in her swing state of Arizona.

Sens. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Bob Casey, D-Penn., also will be up for reelection this year in states that voted for President Joe Biden by a margin of less than three percentage points. In Maryland, the popular former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan has the backing of the National Republican Senatorial Committee in his bid to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin.

Meanwhile, the Republican Senate seats up for election this year outside of Texas and Florida are in Wyoming, Tennessee, Indiana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Utah and Mississippi. None are states Democrats are particularly optimistic about flipping.

While the Senate calculus for where we pick up the state is pretty narrow, the Senate calculus for where we have to hold is actually pretty wide, said Tory Gavito, president of Democratic donor network Way to Win. Theres a lot of money that needs to go into Montana, Nevada, Arizona, where we already hold Senate seats.

Fischer notes that trends could point favorably for Democrats in the future. Of states Biden lost in 2020, Texas had the third-smallest margin behind Florida and North Carolina. North Carolina has no open Senate seats this year, and Florida has demonstrated a considerable rightward shift in the last several years, Fischer said.

Texas is by far the best pick-up opportunity, said Fischer. They have to play some offense, too, and if theyre looking at offense, then Texas is definitely their best opportunity.

Confidence in Allred

Allred polls relatively close to where ORourke was at this point in 2018. By May of 2018, polls showed Cruz comfortably ahead of ORourke by as much as 11 points in a Quinnipiac poll. An April poll by the University of Texas and the Texas Tribune show Cruz ahead of Allred by 13 points.

But its still early in the cycle, and investments into Texas could expand considerably later in the summer. The Senate Majority PAC, Democrats largest independent spending group, has not yet made public any plans to invest in Texas, but its leadership hinted it could later in the year. The group already has reserved $239 million in ads focusing on defending its incumbents in vulnerable states.

ORourkes momentum also didnt escalate until much later in 2018. He had exponential growth in fundraising in the final quarter of the year before November, surging to $70.2 million by Election Day. He had reported under $25 million up to the end of the prior quarter.

Democrats emphasize Allred is a strong candidate in his own right and has been aggressive in his messaging efforts to attack Cruz. Allred is running on a decidedly moderate platform in contrast with past statewide candidates  a strategy on display ahead of the primary when state Sen. Roland Gutierrez tried to win the nomination on a much more progressive message. Its an approach that Davis said makes Allred more appealing to male and moderate voters.

He appeals to people in a way that is unique, not just to Democrats, but to independents and to moderate Republicans as well because he is a person who doesnt need to be the center of attention, Davis said. He just wants to do the work.

Allred also outraised both Cruz and ORourkes 2018 campaign in the first quarter of the year. Allred raised over $9.7 million in the first three months of the year to ORourkes over $6.7 million in the first quarter of 2018. In the first quarter of this year, Cruz raised over $6.9 million through his principal campaign, but that figure goes up to $9.7 million when including his other fundraising operations, some of which is for other candidates.

Allred also has a record of winning a competitive seat in his Dallas-based district in 2018 against U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, who was later elected in 2020 to represent Waco. Sessions was a formidable opponent, having overseen the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 2010 cycle  one of his partys most successful in decades.

ORourke, who never represented a district that was competitive for Republicans, did not have that track record to bolster confidence in his run among his D.C. counterparts, though he won his House seat after beating a 16-year incumbent, Silvestre Reyes.
Local volunteers are raising money through a 5K to build a home for a Guatemalan family in need through a ministry created by a former Castle Rock family.

The event starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Roxy Theater, 1101 Commerce Ave., Longview, according to organizers.

The run or walk on a flat, scenic route includes downtown Longview and several parks. The event, called the Longest Day 5K, cost $20 to join.

Phil and Holly Newburn, formerly of Castle Rock, created the ministry Least of These Guatemala. The family, who is having the house built, is also contributing money and labor, said organizer Suzi Murray.

Murray said a youth group from Renewal City Church, which meets in the Roxy Theater, plans to visit Guatemala to help build the home after raising funds through the race. She said they need $4,000 to buy building supplies, and the mission trip is scheduled for July 23 to 31.

This isnt the first time the church has helped Least of These Guatemala. Adults and youth also helped build a kitchen for the ministry to help feed the community.

Learn more about the group at www.leastoftheseguatemala.com.

Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify who the event will benefit.
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:

ACC opened last year its first battery 'gigafactory' in Billy-Berclau, northern France.

The European vehicle battery venture Automotive Cells (ACC) said Tuesday that it was halting construction of two factories in Germany and Italy as it weighs shifting to a less-expensive battery technology.

The new ACC sites are among dozens of battery projects emerging in Europe as it seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese producers that dominate the market.

EV market demand has shifted toward so-called LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, which are less powerful but also less expensive and longer lasting than NMC batteries, and increasingly found on cars made by industry leaders Tesla and China's BYD.

"The European automotive industry is facing a slower growth in demand for electric vehicles and simultaneously, increasing competitive pressure," leading the company to review its "development roadmap", ACC said in a statement.

As a result, it has stopped work on the factories in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and Termoli, Italy, to evaluate the viability of developing LFP technologies at the sites.

"ACC is adapting its battery supply strategy to add new low-cost cell chemistries to the portfolio, in response to shifts in market demand toward less expensive vehicles," its secretary general Matthieu Hubert told AFP.

He said there would be a "new phase of research over the coming months so that we'll be able to produce these more affordable products".

ACC is a partnership between French energy giant TotalEnergies, Germany's Mercedes-Benz and US-European automaker Stellantis, which produces a range of brands including Peugeot, Fiat and Chrysler.

It began producing batteries at its first "gigafactory" in northern France last year, for the Peugeot 3008 midsize family car, and a second production line is set to start operating in the coming months.

In February, the company said it had secured 4.4 billion euros ($4.8 billion) in financing to build out its capacity, for a total of 13 production lines.

 2024 AFP
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

Billions of euros are flooding into the cloud industry in Europe, with US tech giants constructing vast data centers all around the continent.

Part of the rallying cry behind this rapid influx of cash and innovation has been to create a so-called sovereign cloud for Europe.

What is a sovereign cloud?

The cloud is a catch-all term for the method of storing data in vast warehouses run by external companies rather than on local computers managed in-house.

A "sovereign cloud" is the idea that a country, region or community will have control over that datawhere it is stored, how it is accessed, who oversees it.

Francisco Mingorance, secretary general of European cloud industry body CISPE, told AFP that proponents of sovereign cloud aim to give their customers a choice about data privacy.

He said that would entail offering "immunity from foreign jurisdictions accessing European citizens' or companies' data by virtue of their national legislationbe that in the US, China or another jurisdiction".

Why is it needed?

US tech giants Amazon (AWS), Google and Microsoft dominate the cloud industry.

US law mandates that they must pass on dataeven sensitive personal informationif requested by US security agencies.

These data transfers have repeatedly been ruled illegal under EU law so one of the key purposes of building a sovereign cloud has been to keep personal data of Europeans within Europe.

Who is pushing for it?

"France is very much in favour of it and supporting it," Ulrich Ahle, CEO of European cloud project Gaia-X, told AFP.

"Other countries are not that much in favour and are not that much requesting it."

The French debate often moves beyond data concerns to push a wider vision of sovereignty that involves creating Europeanor specifically Frenchdigital champions who can compete with US tech giants.

Who is building it?

Amazon is pushing harder than anyone to be seen as the architect of the European sovereign cloud.

The firm announced in October last year it would begin building out "the AWS European Sovereign Cloud, a new, independent cloud for Europe" that would be entirely separate from its other regions.

A 7.8-billion-euro investment in Germany last month was emblazoned with the "sovereign" branding.

Although Microsoft and Google also habitually announce multi-billion euro investments in European data centers, they do not use the sovereignty branding.

Would it solve data privacy issues?

"AWS and co are still trying to argue that the location of the servers is relevant. It is not," data privacy campaigner Max Schrems told AFP.

US companies would still be controllers of the data, and so would still be obliged to hand it over if requested by a US order.

The big US firms are experimenting with other ways of getting around the issue, particularly by creating European entities and partnerships that would legally be in charge of the data.

But Schrems said these ideas were not yet realized.

"They oftentimes say this is their plan for the future, but so far there is no 'solid' system that I am aware of where this is done properly," he said.

What are European governments doing?

The French and German governments joined forces in 2019 to announce the Gaia-X initiativea collaboration between companies, officials and academics to build a European data and technology infrastructure.

Although one of its stated aims was to foster European alternatives to big tech, Amazon and Microsoft are among its members.

France has since framed its own national standard called "trusted cloud", which aims to reduce the role of non-European firms in controlling data.

The EU is also developing a standard but a huge row has engulfed the process after EU officials drafted a version that dropped a long-standing commitment to European sovereignty.

 2024 AFP
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: Proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (2024). DOI: 10.1145/3613904.3641908

Researchers at the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland, have developed a model that enables computers to interpret and understand human emotions, utilizing principles of mathematical psychology.

This advancement could significantly improve the interface between humans and smart technologies, including artificial intelligence systems, making them more intuitive and responsive to user feelings. The findings are published in the Proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.

According to Jussi Jokinen, Associate Professor of Cognitive Science, the model could be used by a computer in the future to predict, for example, when a user will become annoyed or anxious. In such situations, the computer could, for example, give the user additional instructions or redirect the interaction.

In everyday interactions with computers, users commonly experience emotions such as joy, irritation, and boredom. Despite the growing prevalence of artificial intelligence, current technologies often fail to acknowledge these user emotions.

The model developed in Jyvaskyla can currently predict if the user has feelings of happiness, boredom, irritation, rage, despair and anxiety.

"Humans naturally interpret and react to each other's emotions, a capability that machines fundamentally lack," Jokinen explains. "This discrepancy can make interactions with computers frustrating, especially if the machine remains oblivious to the user's emotional state."

The research project led by Jokinen uses mathematical psychology to find solutions to the problem of misalignment between intelligent computer systems and their users.

"Our model can be integrated into AI systems, granting them the ability to psychologically understand emotions and thus better relate to their users." Jokinen says.

Research is based on emotional theorythe next step is to influence the user's emotions

The research is anchored in a theory postulating that emotions are generated when human cognition evaluates events from various perspectives.

Jokinen elaborates, "Consider a computer error during a critical task. This event is assessed by the user's cognition as being counterproductive. An inexperienced user might react with anxiety and fear due to uncertainty on how to resolve the error, whereas an experienced user might feel irritation, annoyed at having to waste time resolving the issue.

"Our model predicts the user's emotional response by simulating this cognitive evaluation process."

The next phase of this project will explore potential applications of this emotional understanding.

"With our model, a computer could preemptively predict user distress and attempt to mitigate negative emotions," Jokinen suggests.

"This proactive approach could be utilized in various settings, from office environments to social media platforms, improving user experience by sensitively managing emotional dynamics."

The implications of such technology are profound, offering a glimpse into a future where computers are not merely tools, but empathetic partners in user interaction.

More information: Jiayi Eurus Zhang et al, Simulating Emotions With an Integrated Computational Model of Appraisal and Reinforcement Learning, Proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (2024). DOI: 10.1145/3613904.3641908
Annasofia Scheve covers trending news for the Express-News. She can be reached at Annasofia.Scheve@express-news.net.

Annasofia has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri. She is an Ohio native, and wrote for Cincinnati Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Express-News in 2023.
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

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 that may decide the direction of artificial intelligence design and adoption.

Jensen Huang and Lisa Suboth born in Taiwan and now local celebrities for leading U.S. tech powerhousesemployed different tacks in conveying their expertise during back-to-back shows at the world's largest computing conference this week in Taipei.

Nvidia's CEO repeatedly voiced his $2.7 trillion company's 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 Rubinafter 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, AMD's 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 company's focus on designing neural processorsa 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 AMD's.

"People see Nvidia as a personification of Jensen. And while Lisa is the savior of AMD, she's very clear that it's 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 it's very much true."

The back-to-back presentationsattended by hundreds and watched by thousands more across the globeunderscore 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.

There's 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 Taiwan's southern coast and are distant relatives. That hasn't made either one more willing to cede ground to the other.

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 gathering's official opening to talk about the chipmaker's 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. AMD's Su on Monday referred obliquely to the episode during an OpenAI demo of a chatbot.

"Let's start by letting the tool know that we're interested in Taiwan, and that we're 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 Huang's performance drove home Nvidia's continued dominancea 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 didn't go into detail about a chip slated for 2026.

Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and other suppliers rose after the announcement. TSMC's stock climbed 3.1%, while Wistron Corp. gained 1.8%.

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 he's 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 that's grown into a bottleneck for AI accelerator production. Leading manufacturer SK Hynix Inc. is largely sold out through 2025. He otherwise didn't offer detailed specifications for Nvidia's 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 company's relentless pursuit of maximizing the limit of technology including software, process, packaging and partnerships to protect and expand its moat and market position."

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 that's 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 AMD's 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 Huang's annual upgrade timeline by announcing new AI chips for 2025 and 2026 and promising to speed up the rate of improvement from her company's semiconductors.

"The major difference between the two to me is that Jensen is not only technical and visionary, he's 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 they're picking spots where it matters, and the data center is obviously where the high margin is."

2024 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Grasp Neural Processes (GNPs) use an offline training phase (left) to jointly learn an action feasibility model, p  , and an inference network, q  , that predicts a posterior distribution over unobserved properties. During the adaptation phase (center), the learned inference network can be used for efficient online posterior updates and action selection. Finally, in the testing phase (right), the robot can use the current belief, z, along with the feasibility model to perform manipulation tasks. Credit: https://groups.csail.mit.edu/rrg/papers/noseworthy_shaw_icra24.pdf

When robots come across unfamiliar objects, they struggle to account for a simple truth: Appearances aren't everything. They may attempt to grasp a block, only to find out it's a literal piece of cake. The misleading appearance of that object could lead the robot to miscalculate physical properties like the object's weight and center of mass, using the wrong grasp and applying more force than needed.

To see through this illusion, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) researchers designed the Grasping Neural Process, a predictive physics model capable of inferring these hidden traits in real time for more intelligent robotic grasping. Based on limited interaction data, their deep-learning system can assist robots in domains like warehouses and households at a fraction of the computational cost of previous algorithmic and statistical models.

The Grasping Neural Process is trained to infer invisible physical properties from a history of attempted grasps, and uses the inferred properties to guess which grasps would work well in the future. Prior models often only identified robot grasps from visual data alone.

Typically, methods that infer physical properties build on traditional statistical methods that require many known grasps and a great amount of computation time to work well. The Grasping Neural Process enables these machines to execute good grasps more efficiently by using far less interaction data and finishes its computation in less than a tenth of a second, as opposed to seconds (or minutes) required by traditional methods.

The researchers note that the Grasping Neural Process thrives in unstructured environments like homes and warehouses, since both house a plethora of unpredictable objects. For example, a robot powered by the MIT model could quickly learn how to handle tightly packed boxes with different food quantities without seeing the inside of the box, and then place them where needed. At a fulfillment center, objects with different physical properties and geometries would be placed in the corresponding box to be shipped out to customers.

Trained on 1,000 unique geometries and 5,000 objects, the Grasping Neural Process achieved stable grasps in simulation for novel 3D objects generated in the ShapeNet repository. Then, the CSAIL-led group tested their model in the physical world via two weighted blocks, where their work outperformed a baseline that only considered object geometries.

Limited to 10 experimental grasps beforehand, the robotic arm successfully picked up the boxes on 18 and 19 out of 20 attempts apiece, while the machine only yielded eight and 15 stable grasps when unprepared.

While less theatrical than an actor, robots that complete inference tasks also have a three-part act to follow: training, adaptation, and testing. During the training step, robots practice on a fixed set of objects and learn how to infer physical properties from a history of successful (or unsuccessful) grasps.

The new CSAIL model amortizes the inference of the objects' physics, meaning it trains a neural network to learn to predict the output of an otherwise expensive statistical algorithm. Only a single pass through a neural network with limited interaction data is needed to simulate and predict which grasps work best on different objects.

Then, the robot is introduced to an unfamiliar object during the adaptation phase. During this step, the Grasping Neural Process helps a robot experiment and update its position accordingly, understanding which grips would work best. This tinkering phase prepares the machine for the final step: testing, where the robot formally executes a task on an item with a new understanding of its properties.

"As an engineer, it's unwise to assume a robot knows all the necessary information it needs to grasp successfully," says lead author Michael Noseworthy, an MIT Ph.D. student in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) and CSAIL affiliate.

"Without humans labeling the properties of an object, robots have traditionally needed to use a costly inference process."

According to fellow lead author, EECS Ph.D. student, and CSAIL affiliate Seiji Shaw, their Grasping Neural Process could be a streamlined alternative: "Our model helps robots do this much more efficiently, enabling the robot to imagine which grasps will inform the best result."

"To get robots out of controlled spaces like the lab or warehouse and into the real world, they must be better at dealing with the unknown and less likely to fail at the slightest variation from their programming. This work is a critical step toward realizing the full transformative potential of robotics," says Chad Kessens, an autonomous robotics researcher at the U.S. Army's DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, which sponsored the work.

While their model can help a robot infer hidden static properties efficiently, the researchers would like to augment the system to adjust grasps in real time for multiple tasks and objects with dynamic traits. They envision their work eventually assisting with several tasks in a long-horizon plan, like picking up a carrot and chopping it. Moreover, their model could adapt to changes in mass distributions in less static objects, like when you fill up an empty bottle.

Joining the researchers on the paper is Nicholas Roy, MIT professor of aeronautics and astronautics and CSAIL member, who is a senior author. The group recently presented this work at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2024), held in Yokohama, Japan, May 1317.

More information: Amortized Inference for Efficient Grasp Model Adaptation. groups.csail.mit.edu/rrg/paper  rthy_shaw_icra24.pdf
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

New Hampshire voters received a barrage of robocalls in which a computer-generated imitation of President Biden discouraged them from voting in the January primary. While the admitted mastermind was slapped with felony charges and a proposed FCC fine, his deed is just one wound left by the cutting-edge technology law enforcement is struggling to catch up with: artificial intelligence.

Computer-generated "deepfakes" can impersonate not only the voice and face of anyone but can contribute to the manipulation of and the sexual and reputational harm to individuals and the public at large.

"I think AI is going to affect everything everyone in this room does on a daily basis, and it's certainly going to affect the work of the Department of Justice," acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua Levy said during a reporter roundtable. "How that's exactly going to play out, time will tell."

Of particular concern to Levy was the technology's ability to introduce new "doubts" to time-tested forensic evidence at trial.

"We rely a lot on  audiotape, videotape in prosecutor cases," he said. "We have to convince 12 strangers (the jury) beyond a reasonable doubt of someone's guilt. And when you introduce AI and doubts that can be created by that, it's a challenge for us."

Lawmakers across the nation and around the world are trying to catch up to the fast-growing technology and its legal analysis has become a hot academic topic.

Top-level moves

"We're going to see more technological change in the next 10, maybe next five, years than we've seen in the last 50 years and that's a fact," President Biden said in October just before signing an executive order to regulate the technology. "The most consequential technology of our time, artificial intelligence, is accelerating that change."

"AI is all around us," Biden continued. "To realize the promise of AI and avoid the risk, we need to govern this technology."

Among many other regulations, the order directed the Department of Commerce to develop a system of labeling AI-generated content to "protect Americans from AI-enabled fraud and deception" and attempts to strengthen privacy protections through funding research into those fields.

In February, the U.S. Department of Justiceof which Levy's office is a regional partappointed its first "Artificial Intelligence Officer" to spearhead the department's understanding and efforts on the quickly emerging technologies.

"The Justice Department must keep pace with rapidly evolving scientific and technological developments in order to fulfill our mission to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in the announcement.

AI Officer Jonathan Mayer, an assistant professor at Princeton University, the DOJ explained, will be among a team of technical and policy experts that will advise leadership on technological areas like cybersecurity and AI.

Across the Atlantic, the European Union in March passed its own AI regulation framework, the AI Act, that had spent five years in development.

One of the legislative leaders on the issue, the Romanian lawmaker Dragos Tudorache, said ahead of the vote that the act "has nudged the future of AI in a human-centric direction, in a direction where humans are in control of the technology," according to the Associated Press.

Sam Altman, the CEO and cofounder of OpenAImaker of the hugely popular ChatGPT service powered by AI large language modelsin May of last year called on Congress to regulate his industry.

"There should be limits on what a deployed model is capable of and then what it actually does," he said at the Senate hearing, calling for an agency to license large AI operations, develop standards and conduct audits on compliance.

State-level moves

Biden's executive order is not permanent legislation. In the absence of federal-level laws, states are making their own moves to mold the technology the way they want it.

The software industry advocacy group BSA The Software Alliance tracked 407 AI-related bills across 41 U.S. states through Feb. 7 of this year, with more than half of them introduced in January alone. While the bills dealt with a medley of AI-related issues, nearly half of them192had to do with regulating "deepfake" issues.

In Massachusetts, Attorney General Andrea Campbell in April issued an "advisory" to guide "developers, suppliers, and users of AI" on how their products must work within existing regulatory and legal frameworks in the commonwealth, including its consumer protection, anti-discrimination and data security laws.

"There is no doubt that AI holds tremendous and exciting potential to benefit society and our Commonwealth in many ways, including fostering innovation and boosting efficiencies and cost-savings in the marketplace," Campbell said in the announcement. "Yet, those benefits do not outweigh the real risk of harm that, for example, any bias and lack of transparency within AI systems can cause our residents."

The Boston Herald asked the offices of both Campbell and Gov. Maura Healey about new developments on the AI regulation front. Healey's office referred the Herald to Campbell's office, which did not respond by deadline.

On the other coast, California is trying to lead the way on regulating the technology expanding into practically every sector at lightspeedbut not to regulate it so hard that the state becomes unattractive to the wealthy tech firms leading the charge.

"We want to dominate this space, and I'm too competitive to suggest otherwise," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said at an event announcing a summit in San Francisco where the state would consider AI tools to tackle thorny problems like homelessness. "I do think the world looks to us in many respects to lead in this space, and so we feel a deep sense of responsibility to get this right."

The risks: Manipulation

The New Orleans Democratic Party consultant who said he was behind the Biden-mimicking voice-cloning robocalls allegedly did so very cheaply and without elite technology: by paying a New Orleans street magician $150 to make the voice on his laptop.

The novel plot had no direct criminal codes involved. The New Hampshire attorney general on May 23 had mastermind Steven Kramer indicted on 13 counts each of felony voter suppression and misdemeanor impersonation of a candidate. The Federal Communications Commission the same day proposed a $6 million fine on him for violations of the "Truth in Caller ID Act" because the calls spoofed the number of a local party operative.

Just the day before, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced proposals to add transparency to AI-manipulated political messaging, but stopped short of suggesting the content be prohibited.

The announcement said that "AI is expected to play a substantial role in the creation of political ads in 2024 and beyond" and that public interest obliges the commission "to protect the public from false, misleading, or deceptive programming."

A look at the academic literature on the topic over the last several years is rife with examples of manipulations in foreign countries or by foreign actors operating here in the U.S.

"While deep-fake technology will bring certain benefits, it also will introduce many harms. The marketplace of ideas already suffers from truth decay as our networked information environment interacts in toxic ways with our cognitive biases," authors Bobby Chesney and Danielle Citron wrote in the California Law Review in 2019.

"Deep fakes will exacerbate this problem significantly. Individuals and businesses will face novel forms of exploitation, intimidation, and personal sabotage. The risks to our democracy and to national security are profound as well," their paper "Deep Fakes: A Looming Challenge for Privacy, Democracy, and National Security" continued.

Since 2021, a TikTok parody account called @deeptomcruise has illustrated just how powerful the technology has become by splicing Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise's face on others' bodies and cloning his voice. The playful experiment still required state-of-the-art graphics processing and copious footage to train the AI on Cruise's face.

"Over time, such videos will become cheaper to create and require less training footage," author Todd Helmus wrote in a 2022 RAND Corporation primer on the technology and the disinformation it can propel.

"The Tom Cruise deepfakes came on the heels of a series of deepfake videos that featured, for example, a 2018 deepfake of Barack Obama using profanity and a 2020 deepfake of a Richard Nixon speecha speech Nixon never gave," Helmus wrote. "With each passing iteration, the quality of the videos becomes increasingly lifelike, and the synthetic components are more difficult to detect with the naked eye."

As for the risks of the technology, Helmus says, "The answer is limited only by one's imagination."

"Given the degree of trust that society places on video footage and the unlimited number of applications for such footage, it is not difficult to conceptualize many ways in which deepfakes could affect not only society but also national security."

Chesney and Citron's paper included a lengthy bulleted list of possible manipulations, from one similar to the Biden-aping robocalls to "Fake videos (that) could feature public officials taking bribes, displaying racism, or engaging in adultery" or officials and leaders discussing war crimes.

The risks: Sexual privacy

In a separate article for the Yale Law Journal, Citron, who was then a Boston University professor, reviewed the damage caused by deepfake pornography.

"Machine-learning technologies are being used to create 'deep-fake' sex videoswhere people's faces and voices are inserted into real pornography," she wrote. "The end result is a realistic-looking video or audio that is increasingly difficult to debunk."

"Yet even though deep-fake videos do not depict featured individuals' actual genitals (and other private parts)," she continued, "they hijack people's sexual and intimate identities.  They are an affront to the sense that people's intimate identities are their own to share or keep to themselves."

Her paper included some horrific examples, in which celebrities like Gal Godot, Scarlett Johansson and Taylor Swift were subjected to the AI-generated porn treatment, in sometimes very nasty contexts. Others were detailed seeking help to generate such imagery of their former intimate partners. Fake porn was made of an Indian journalist and disseminated widely to destroy her reputation because the people who made it didn't like her coverage.

Citron concludes with a survey of legal steps that can be examined, but states that "Traditional privacy law is ill-equipped to address some of today's sexual privacy invasions."

At the roundtable meeting, U.S. Attorney Levy found the pornographic implications of the technology equally as troublesome as the other connotations.

"I'm not an expert on child pornography law, but if it's an artificial image, I think it's going to raise serious questions of whether that's prosecutable under federal law," he said. "I'm not taking an opinion on that, but that's a concern I think about."

2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
District 3 Council Member Phyllis Viagran makes her comments during a budget goal-setting session at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens on April 13, 2022. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News

One of the two City Council members who proposed banning horse-drawn carriages from San Antonio streets has walked back her support for the idea.

Instead, District 3 Council Member Phyllis Viagran is urging her council colleagues to work with carriage operators to amend the city ordinance governing carriages to address the reasons she originally sought the ban  concerns about horses working in intense summer heat and carriages adding to downtown traffic congestion.

As a longstanding advocate for small, minority-owned businesses, I want to work with the five companies that employ over 115 workers collectively to ensure they have as many options as possible, such as continuing education for their staff through Ready to Work or finding creative ways for riders, operators, and horses to continue to coexist in the downtown footprint, Viagran said in a memo to councils Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which met Tuesday to discuss the proposal.

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Horse carriage companies have already proposed a compromise that would allow them to continue operating downtown but with more restrictions.

Their proposed amendments include cutting the number of hours of operations.

Michelle Montoya, left, and Abraham Vindel inquire about the cost for a ride on a horse-drawn carriage driven by Johnny de la Tejera in front of the Hard Rock Cafe on Westc Crockett Street in downtown San Antonio on April 17, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

The five carriage companies currently can operate within a 2-mile radius of City Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends and holidays.

Under their proposal, the hours of operation would change to 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. during the week, and from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekends and holidays.

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Company owners would also agree not to challenge the existing temperature and air pollution restrictions, which prevent them from operating when the temperature exceeds 95 degrees or between 12 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Air Quality Health Alert days.

Viagran is pleased with the amendments operators have proposed, she wrote in her memo to the five-member council committee.

The Southeast Side councilwoman and Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez started the push to outlaw horse-drawn carriages within city limits in November 2022, calling the business an inhumane, cruel means of travel in San Antonio.

McKee-Rodriguez, who represents District 2 on the East Side, hasnt changed his mind.

Jesse Garcia, who has driven horse-drawn carriages in San Antonio for 17 years, checks on his horse, Jane, while waiting to pick up riders in front of the Hard Rock Cafe on W. Crockett Street in downtown San Antonio on April 17, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

My position has always been that we should have a total ban of horse-drawn carriages in San Antonio, he told reporters after Tuesdays meeting. My hope is that a part of that is a just transition  that we look at opportunities to phase out, to find other means to operate in the meantime until we get to that.

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That phase-out, he said, could include temporarily relocating the carriages from out of downtown to Brackenridge Park, the Pearl or the Southtown neighborhood.

Thats not something, however, that carriage operators favor. They say staying downtown is the only viable option.

Theres just not enough customer base at those locations and so that will effectively bankrupt the carriage companies and put the animals at jeopardy because its the operations of the companies which provides for them, said Art Martinez De Vara, an attorney representing four of the companies: Bluebonnet, Lollypop, H.R.H. Carriage and Yellow Rose.

Hannah Plimpton, with H.R.H Carriage Comapany, drives a carriage led by a horse named Snowman down W. Crockett Street in downtown San Antonio on April 17, 2024. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

Martinez De Vara said Viagrans memo is encouraging, specifically because she is proposing a solution that allows them to continue operations.

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The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted 5-0 to direct city staff to return in August with a draft plan for phasing out horse-drawn carriages. At that point, theyll debate the plan and consider sending it to the full council for a vote.

Aside from McKee-Rodriguez, the only committee member who solidly supported such a ban was District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda.

Council members John Courage, Sukh Kaur and Marina Alderete Gavito were less clear about where they stand.

The best case scenario here would be some sort of compromise that doesnt completely devastate business owners but that also doesnt compromise public safety and animal safety as well, said Alderete Gavito.

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Texas DPS is looking for a human smuggler who drove into the Laughlin Air Force Base last week. mbbirdy/Getty Images

The Texas Department of Public Safety is looking for a human smuggler who led a high-speed chase through Laughlin AFB last week.

According to a Facebook post, around 8:30 a.m. Friday, Security Forces notified a command post about a vehicle breach on the west side of the Val Verde County base near Del Rio. A lockdown ensued. It was reported that the vehicle exited the base minutes later.

Lt. Chris Olivarez, a spokesperson with Texas DPS, shared the dashcam footage of the incident on social media early Tuesday. The driver, who has not been identified, was driving a white Nissan when police attempted to pull the vehicle over.

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ALSO READ: Prosecutors drop charge against San Antonio police officer accused of beating Black man

During the polices attempt to pull the car over, Olivarez said the driver entered the base. The driver was then seen driving off-road through a fence. Shortly after, the driver abandoned the car with two people inside.

Texas DPS confirmed that two immigrants from Guatemala were found inside the car after the incident and were detained.

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Claudia Sheinbaum, center, was elected in a landslide Sunday as Mexico's first female and first Jewish president. Eduardo Verdugo/Associated Press

MEXICO CITY  Texas and other U.S. border states have much at stake in how Claudia Sheinbaum, newly elected as Mexicos first woman president in a landslide, uses her mandate.

Sheinbaum, 61, took nearly 60 percent of votes in Sundays three-way contest. The ruling Morena party will control two thirds of both chambers of the national congress and 24 of Mexico's 32 governorships. What Sheinbaum does with that majority will define Mexicos economic policy, including the treatment of private investment in key sectors such as energy.

About this story This article is published in partnership with the Puente News Collaborative, a bilingual nonprofit newsroom, convener and funder whose mission is to provide high-quality news and information about the U.S.-Mexico border. Alfredo Corchado is executive editor and correspondent for the collaborative. Eduardo Garcia, who has 30 years' experience as a financial journalist in Mexico, is a Puente News contributor. Angela Kocherga, news director at KTEP public radio in El Paso, also contributed to the story. It was edited by Dudley Althaus

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It will also determine the future of the governments so-far-lackluster efforts to curb the countrys militarized criminal gangs and deal with the hundreds of thousands of migrants who pass through Mexico on their way to the U.S. every year.

Sheinbaums patron, incumbent Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, will hand over power in four months. By law, he could not seek a second term as president.

Mexico last year overtook China as the main U.S. trading partner. Some $800 billion in goods crosses the border every year, and trade between the two countries is expected to jump as manufacturing returns to North America amid growing tension between the U.S. and China.

Border states are poised to reap the benefits.

Texas is the destination, origin and transit point of two-thirds of binational trade with Mexico, said Tony Payan, director of the Center for the U.S. and Mexico at Rice Universitys Baker Institute. The U.S.-Mexico relationship runs through Texas, and the Mexican community in Texas is enormous  Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso. Were talking a very intense relationship.

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Payan, who is also a professor of social sciences at the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez in Mexico, added: I hope the next (Mexican) administration really, really understands that Washington is not everything. That the state capitals, whether its Sacramento in California or Phoenix in Arizona or Austin in Texas, are the places of power for Mexico City.

A huge crowds greets Claudia Sheinbaum at the final rally of her presidential campaign at the Zocalo in Mexico City. She was elected in a landslide Sunday, becoming Mexico's first female and first Jewish president. Matias Delacroix/Associated Press

The Morena partys economic and social program  called the Fourth Transformation, or 4T  is aimed at improving the lot of Mexicos poor and working class. Under Lopez Obrador, the minimum wage has doubled, labor unions have gained freedom and needed cash has been delivered to the elderly and others of Mexicos neediest.

The export-fueled economy has proved resilient: Mexicos super peso has gained 23 percent against the U.S. dollar since 2018. But some analysts say Lopez Obradors anti-capital rhetoric has kept some private investment money off the table.

As supply chains move out of China, Mexico is one of the best-positioned countries in the world to take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity, said Shannon ONeil, a Mexico expert at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York and author of The Globalization Myth, which argues that regional economies such as North Americas will become dominant.

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The next government needs to double down on infrastructure, education, public safety, and clean energy to attract the hundreds of billions of dollars of investment up for grabs, ONeil said of Sheinbaums administration.

The United States accounts for two thirds of Mexicos foreign trade, and economic ties reach deep into the U.S. industrial heartland. With analysts citing the need for dramatic improvement in Mexicos electrical grid, highways and other infrastructure, Sheinbaum sought to assure investors in her victory speech that she is open to working with them.

We will respect entrepreneurial freedom and will honestly promote and facilitate both national and foreign private investment that fosters social well-being and regional development, always ensuring respect for the environment, said Sheinbaum, an environmental scientist and former mayor of Mexico City.

The energy sector will present a key test. A decade ago, the government opened energy industries to Mexican and foreign investment, but Lopez Obrador squelched the initiative after taking office in 2018.

The commitment to change course on the energy sector was clear with both candidates, yet the political baggage Sheinbaum carries will make it harder for her to move quickly, said Jose Antonio Aguilar, a Mexican businessman who develops wind farms to generate renewable energy.

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Sheinbaums resounding victory over Xochitl Galvez, who led a coalition of three opposition parties, could portend the return of one-party rule, which characterized Mexicos political system for nearly all of the past century.

Galvezs conservative National Action Party ushered in democracy in Mexico when it won the 2000 presidential election and held the office for 12 years. The institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) had ruled Mexico as a one-party state for most of the 20th Century.

The National Action Partys mediocre governing record and the PRIs disastrous return to the presidency in 2012 paved the way for Morenas hold on power.

Critics fear that Morenas imposing political majority could enable Sheinbaum and Lopez Obrador to weaken institutions painstakingly created in the 1990s to safeguard democracy and limit presidential power.

Lopez Obrador sent to Congress in early February a number of proposals to alter Mexicos constitution. They include limiting the power of the autonomous National Elections Institute, which oversees federal elections and direct election of judges, including members of the Supreme Court.

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The proposals would also eliminate autonomous agencies that regulate energy, telecommunications and other industries where Lopez Obrador has sought to limit private investment in favor of state control.

Morena lacked the votes to secure a majority during the last Congress. But Sheinbaum ran her campaign in part on a promise to make Lopez Obradors constitutional changes a reality. Congress reconvenes Sept. 1 with Morena in a strong position.

Claudia Sheinbaum, left, is an environmental scientist and former mayor of Mexico City. She ran for president of Mexico as the handpicked candidate of incumbent Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, right, who by law was limited to a single term in office. Fernando Llano/Associated Press

In winning 58% of the vote, Sheinbaum bested by 5 percentage points Lopez Obradors margin of victory in a four-way race six years ago.

Galvezs showing Sunday fell far short of what had been predicted by opinion polls, including a nationwide survey commissioned by Puente News Collaborative, an El Paso-based nonprofit that reports on Mexico and the borderlands.

Claudia, Morena just swept, said Francisco Olivarez, who sells newspapers on a street corner in Mexico City. Not even close.

While the vote seemed certain to cement Lopez Obradors political legacy, some of his policies havent delivered the promised results.

Violence remains rampant  with 30,000 murders per year on his watch  as criminal gangs battle one another and security forces. The gangs, long financed by the smuggling of narcotics to the U.S., now rely on migrant trafficking, extortion and other rackets that have a greater impact on Mexican communities.

Lopez Obradors doubling down on support of the bankrupt national oil company, Pemex, flies in the face of worldwide efforts to curb carbon output to mitigate the effects of climate change. And his expensive bets on public works, including a new, underutilized Mexico City airport and a tourist train encircling the Yucatan Peninsula, have been derided as unprofitable vanity projects.

When she claimed victory just before midnight Sunday, Sheinbaum sought to calm her critics.
Mary Lagleder from Earl Warren High School is awarded the Rising Star award by Charles Butt at the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards dinner at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Saturday May 03, 2014. Dave Rossman/For the Houston Chronicle

Charles Butt, the billionaire H-E-B chairman, has spent hundreds of millions of dollars over decades bolstering public education in Texas.

But this year, in a political fight over private school vouchers that public schools fear could decimate their budgets, Butt wound down his political spending.

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Gov. Greg Abbott and pro-voucher groups pumped a record-breaking $15 million into flipping state House seats ahead of the March primaries, while the grocery giants political action committee spent just under $2 million supporting GOP incumbents.

After bruising defeats in the first round, Butt spent even less in Mays runoffs, in which four more pro-voucher candidates won, securing a presumed majority in the House to pass Abbotts plan next year to divert taxpayer dollars to private and religious schools.

The week before the defeats, Butts political committee reported that it had left more than $10 million unspent in its account.

The results have left some who have fought voucher proposals for years wondering whether the retreat is a sign that the states 86-year-old champion for schools is no longer as committed to the fight.

Beyond vouchers, the rightward lurch of the Texas House following this election cycle could hamstring the political influence of public school leaders and their allied groups. And it comes ahead of a pivotal legislative session, as Abbott has held up bipartisan proposals to increase public education spending, raise teacher pay and reform special education in his bid to get vouchers approved.

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Bill Miller, a founder at the HillCo Partners lobbying firm who represents H-E-B and Butts education group Raise Your Hand Texas, said Butt couldnt keep up with unprecedented contributions on the other side but he would continue to advocate for Texas kids.

Hes committed to public education  lets not even call it public  hes a supporter of education, said Miller, who responded to requests for comment made to Butts various nonprofits and his political group.

Hes not backing off education, Miller went on, referencing vouchers, which would give families state dollars to spend on private school tuition and other educational expenses. Theyre going to take the money, and parents are going to take the money and do what they want. But were going to be supportive of education, no matter what.

If ever there was a time for Butt to spend big, it was this spring.

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Abbott spent millions campaigning against a group of 21 Texas House Republicans who voted to sink his private school voucher program last fall.

Armed with a $6 million check from the Pennsylvania billionaire and TikTok investor Jeff Yass, Abbotts spending was also buoyed by pro-voucher groups such as the AFC Victory Fund, Texas United for a Conservative Majority and the Family Empowerment Coalition.

Butt  whose net worth is approximately $7.6 billion  has long had good relationships with both Democrats and Republicans: H-E-B is an iconic Texas brand, and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle applaud him for his charitable giving.

But in recent months Butt has come under attack from the far right over his support for Raise Your Hand Texas, a nonprofit he founded in 2006 that has lobbied against school vouchers in the Legislature.

After the March primaries, several local GOP officials advanced resolutions denouncing Butt for advocating for policies contrary to the Republican Party of Texas platform, including accepting food stamps, a key piece of H-E-Bs business. The resolutions were ultimately not approved at the state Republican convention, held in San Antonio  Butts hometown.

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Miller said Butt was undeterred by the political attacks. But, Miller said Butt faced a hard decision about whether to continue to invest, after seven anti-voucher Republicans lost their March primaries. At the time, Abbott said he was two votes short of the House majority he needed with six key GOP races headed to runoffs.

From March through May, Butt spent just $56,553 to support runoff candidates, plus another $250,000 to the Associated Republicans of Texas, which in turn donated to the runoff candidates as well as House Speaker Dade Phelan.

Anti-voucher donors doubled-down, pouring in millions more dollars. Abbotts campaign alone spent $1.435 million on the runoffs.

If you have a historical context you can look to, and we certainly evaluate those things, a consideration was given, Miller said. It wasnt like drop them dead, but you do have a consideration where the other side was spending the amount of money they were, and the governor was committed, and the money couldnt be matched.

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Jason Embry, a communications consultant in Austin who previously worked for Republican House leadership, said the amount of outside spending was overwhelming.

At what point is one person responsible for fighting multiple billionaires who are willing to spend unlimited sums to get full control of the Legislature? he said in a statement.

Charles Butt leads one of the most visible and beloved companies in Texas, with many thousands of employees spread across the state, he added. Any political action he takes could affect his employees in ways that others dont have to worry about.

None of the Republican incumbents who lost last week agreed to requests for comment on Butts campaign spending or how it may have affected their races.

Rep. Ernest Bailes, an East Texas Republican and voucher opponent who lost in March to GOP challenger Janis Holt, said the drop in funding was understandable given Butts age and the political attacks against him.

I think a lot of his core beliefs were skewed by those that were on the opposite side of the spectrum and wanted to make him look bad and discredit him because they wanted to win the election, Bailes said.

Bailes was the top recipient of Butts largess during the primaries, taking in $350,000.

But Abbott, who has made vouchers a signature issue since 2022, gave roughly $700,000 to Holt, who ultimately won 53% of the vote.

The fight over vouchers comes at a precarious moment for public education advocates. Many of the same proponents of vouchers are also rallying for lawmakers next year to ban cities, counties and school districts from using taxpayer dollars to lobby legislators in Austin. Last year, the Texas Senate passed its own policy, although it did not receive a vote in the Texas House.

John Colyandro, a pro-voucher lobbyist who previously served as Abbotts policy director, said the Venn diagram of legislators who back school vouchers and those who support a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying is virtually a circle. Although not tied together directly, theres a common philosophy between those two issues, he said, equating the lobbying as antithetical to limited free government.

If public lobbying were to end, school districts would likely have to rely more on groups like Raise Your Hand to advocate on their behalf to the Legislature.

Last year at the Capitol, Raise Your Hand lobbied heavily against voucher programs, warning that they would strip away desperately needed funds from Texas public schools. Thats because school districts' state funding is determined by attendance, meaning they stand to lose funding if students use vouchers to leave for private schools. State officials estimated last year that about 42,000 students would use vouchers to leave public schools by 2028.

Shortly before last weeks runoff election, Raise Your Hand announced its leader, Michelle Smith, would be leaving to pursue new leadership opportunities as a public education advocate.

The departure doesnt change our day-to-day work or focus on advancing good public policy for the 5.5 million public school students, Bob Popinski, the groups senior director of policy, said in a written statement to Hearst Newspapers.

Voucher programs in other states have led to legitimate red flags that Texas elected officials must take seriously, he said. In addition to opposing vouchers, he said, the group advocated last year for increased school funding, teacher workforce initiatives and standardized testing reform.

If a ban on publicly funded lobbying is passed next year and signed into law, it would only increase the importance of privately funded education advocacy groups like Raise Your Hand, said H.D. Chambers, executive director of the Texas School Alliance, which advocates for public education.

Theyre going to be relied upon even more, Chambers said. In todays political environment, the more youre relied upon the more the focus is put on you, the more youre at risk."
PM urges completion of central Vietnam thermal power plant 10 months early

By Minh Anh Tue, June 4, 2024 | 10:55 am GMT+7

Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) to switch on the Quang Trach 1 thermal power plant by end-August next year, 10 months ahead of schedule.

Chinh made the request during a field trip to the Quang Trach power center in the central province of Quang Binh on Sunday.

PM Pham Minh Chinh tours the Quang Trach 1 thermal power project in Quang Binh province, central Vietnam, June 2, 2024. Photo courtesy of the governments news portal.

The early operation of the plants first turbine would be meaningful to celebrate the nations 80th anniversary of Independence Day, Chinh noted.

During the fact-finding trip, Chinh urged Quang Binhs authorities to remove construction obstacles at the Quang Trach power center, including site clearance, resettlement, water cooling channels, and coal conveyor belts.

He asked for EVN to secure cheap coal supplies and consider importing coal from Laos.

The Quang Trach 1 thermal power project spans an area of 48.6 hectares in Quang Dong commune, Quang Trach district. It is designed to have two turbines with a total capacity of 1,200 MW and send 8.4 billion kWh to the national grid per year. It applies ultra-subcritical technology.

Construction kicked off in December 2021, and it is now 60.56% complete.

The project has an investment of VND41.13 trillion ($1.86 billion at the exchange rate at the time of planning), with EVN financing 30% and borrowing the rest from domestic banks.

In June 2021, EVN signed an EPC contract worth VND30,236 billion ($1.37 billion) with a consortium of Japans Mitsubishi Corporation, South Koreas Hyundai Engineering and Construction, and Vietnams Construction Corporation No. 1.

The Quang Trach power center comprises the Quang Trach 1 thermal power plant, Quang Trach 2 LNG power plant, and other infrastructure.
Vietnam trade ministry tightens control over multi-level marketing

By Dang Kiet, Minh Hue Tue, June 4, 2024 | 10:26 pm GMT+7

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is tightening its control of multi-level marketing and pyramid selling in Vietnam with regular inspections of their legal compliance, according to the ministrys National Competition Commission.

Through inspections, authorities have detected and applied sanctions for many violations, and revoked multi-level marketing (MLM) registration certificates from more than 20 businesses, said the commission.

A multi-level marketing activity in Nghe An province, central Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Nghe An newspaper.

It said that in 2023 alone, the ministry inspected six businesses and imposed fines of VND1.1 billion ($43,280) on five of them and one individual.

Information about handling violations in MLM activities has been publicized, it added.

The commission has urged licensed MLM businesses to promote management solutions that have proven effective in recent times, while carrying out inspections to improve their compliance with the law.

Vietnam now has 20 businesses with active MLM registration certificates, down significantly from 67 in 2016. In 2023, 768,283 people engaged in MLM activities, generating a total revenue of VND16,866 billion ($663.62 million).

Total commissions and economic benefits paid to participants reached VND5,846 billion ($230 million), while about VND2,255 billion ($88.73 million) in taxes was paid to the state budget.

According to the MoIT, official MLM activities are carried out in accordance with laws. In recent times, the National Assembly, the government, and relevant ministries have established a strict management mechanism for this business through a system of legal documents and specialized management agencies.

MLM businesses need to register with the MoIT and be managed by the ministry and relevant specialized sectors such as investment and planning, health, and public security, the ministry noted.

In recent years, the ministry has drastically and synchronously deployed solutions to manage MLM activities from central to local levels, including dissemination of legal regulations on MLM, giving warnings about signs of illegal MLM, closely controlling licensed MLM businesses, and increasing inspections.

The government has submitted a proposal to the National Assembly to supplement Article 217a of the 2017 Penal Code on violations of regulations on managing multi-level marketing activities, creating a legal basis to early detect and handle fraud cases that take advantage of this model, and avoiding oversized damage, according to the ministry.
A Florida teen is accused of walking six miles with a folding scythe and pocket knife he bought online before allegedly using the weapons to kill another boy who was hosting a sleepover with a friend.

Alexander Hernandez, 16, arrived at the house in Wildwood, Florida, around 10 p.m. Saturday and began banging on the door, which was unlocked by victim Connor Gill, 15, according to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.

Hernandez allegedly kicked open the door, barged inside and fatally stabbed Gill, then threatened another, unidentified person who lives in the house, holding the weapons over his head and saying, "Stay the f--- out of it."

At that point, an unidentified 48-year-old man who heard the commotion went to intervene and was allegedly stabbed in the shoulder by Hernandez, who then ran away.

Both Hernandez and Gill had withdrawn from public school and were being homeschooled, according to the Sheriff's Office.

"The exact motive for the attack is yet to be determined. One thing is for certain: this was a violent and premeditated attack," Undersheriff Pat Breeden said in a video statement posted online Sunday.

Hernandez was quickly tracked down following a helicopter search and was "still in possession of the murder weapons at the time of his arrest," Breeden said.

The teen allegedly told detectives he purchased the scythe and hawkbill folding knife online Thursday.

"When their weapons arrived on Saturday, he unpacked the weapons, played with him for a little bit, and then he walked nearly six miles to the victim's residence," Breeden said.

Both victims were rushed to a local hospital where Gill was pronounced dead around 1:20 a.m. on Sunday.

The unidentified man remained hospitalized in the intensive care unit in stable condition, Breeden said.

Hernandez was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and armed burglary and was being held without bail in the Sumter County Jail.

Court information wasn't available Monday morning.
(TBTCO) - Gia xang dau trong nuoc hom nay (10/10) uoc du bao co the uoc ieu chinh tang manh. Theo o, gia xang trong nuoc co the tang tu 950 - 1.250 ong/lit; gia dau diesel co kha nang tang khoang 820 - 1.050 ong/lit. Tren thi truong the gioi, gia dau giam sau khi du lieu cua Hoa Ky cho thay luong dau tho du tru tang, nhung muc giam bi han che boi rui ro gian oan nguon cung cua Iran do xung ot Trung ong va con bao Milton o Hoa Ky.
Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), is participating in the Money20/20 Europe Forum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from June 4 to June 6, 2024, to showcase key investment opportunities in the kingdom.

Offering a prime opportunity for Bahrain EDB to connect with global thought leaders, build relationships with potential investors, and gain access to insightful discussions on the industry's latest trends; key team members and senior executives from the Labour Fund, Tamkeen, as well as Bahrain FinTech Bay and Benefit Pay are additionally attending the industry-leading forum.

Bahrains 100-year-old financial services sector, one of the most established in the region, is currently the highest contributor to real GDP, standing at 17.8% in 2023. Additionally, a major contributor to employment figures, the financial services sector currently employs over 14,000, with Bahrains highly skilled and bilingual local workforce representing 70%.

Ideal platform

Dalal Buhejji, Executive Director of Business Development for Financial Services at Bahrain EDB, said: "As we continue to work towards attracting investments into key sectors as part of Bahrain EDBs mandate to foster an attractive investment environment, thereby contributing to economic growth and diversification, events like Money20/20 provide an ideal platform to showcase Bahrain's thriving financial services ecosystem to key global decision-makers and investors.

Our supportive environment, highly skilled workforce, and forward-looking regulatory frameworks continue to foster creativity, innovation, and opportunities for global investors looking to tap into the fast-growing Middle East region and beyond."

In addition to on ground support at the dedicated Bahrain pavilion at the forum, which aims to promote the island nations robust financial services and fintech sector, highlighting its competitive advantages and investment opportunities, key members of the Bahrain-based entities are attending the various panel discussions exploring topics in the likes of the current and future landscape of financial services sector worldwide.

Key factors

Suzy Al-Zeera, Chief Operating Officer at Bahrain FinTech Bay, is speaking at a discussion panel titled "Fintech Forges East: Trends and Partnerships in the Middle East and Turkey," providing insight into the key factors driving growth in the Mena region, primarily the GCC, and how Bahrain is positioning itself for success and driving innovation in the region.

Money20/20 is one of the premier global events for the financial services industry, with a particular focus on the rapidly expanding fintech sector, and continues to bring together key decision-makers, industry experts, and specialists in payments, financial technology, and various financial services, year after year, attracting participants from over 100 countries and facilitating more than 18,000 meetings.--TradeArabia News Service
IFS, a leading technology provider of enterprise cloud and industrial AI software, has announced the general availability of its latest IFS Cloud release.

As the only vendor focused on helping asset and service-focused companies leverage the power of Industrial AI, IFS is releasing new AI-powered functionality that enables customers to improve operational effectiveness and profitability.

This release focuses on three strategic themes, which are supported by a powerful IFS.ai Copilot that helps users better understand and use data from across a companys supply chain and operations.

Humans and technology in harmony

The power of IFS Cloud extends beyond human potential to asset potential; assets operate optimally, minimising downtime and extending lifespans, resource utilisation is optimised, and operations streamlined. Key features and capabilities include:

IFS.ai Copilot: improve decision-making and enhance user experience and engagement through our AI-powered assistant. The first data source target for this release is IFS Cloud help and support information. Boost productivity through timely knowledge and guidance.

Analytics as a Service: gain accelerated time to value and valuable insights while reducing capital expenditure and operating costs.

Transport Loading: improve the shipment process, supporting greater capacity utilisation, and faster goods loading.

Task Bundling for Service: increase technician utilisation and efficiency and reduce travel costs and emissions while improving service margins.

Maintenance Planning and Scheduling new Lobbies: improve visibility, drive efficient asset maintenance operations, and drive asset compliance.

Winning in a volatile landscape

Business success hinges not just on potential, but on measurable profitability. This release equips customers to fine-tune global operations, lower costs, reduce waste, and empower the organisation to consider new business models. Key features and capabilities include:

Supply Chain Customer Scheduling: handle multiple open schedules from the same plant simultaneously, increasing productivity and time savings.

Advanced SLA Management: increase margins, SLA adherence, and compliance.

Incomplete & Follow-on Process: service management is enhanced with an intuitive guided technician process for reporting to achieve SLA compliance, avoid penalties, and improve customer satisfaction.

Business to Business Portal: let contractors record multi-site work, for greater control and visibility while streamlining the communication process between contract and asset owners.

Sustainability as a competitive edge

IFS Cloud empowers businesses to not only achieve sustainability goals but also emerge as champions of environmental stewardship, which will resonate with stakeholders from consumers to investors. Optimising resource utilisation, minimising waste, and tracking environmental impact lets customers reduce their carbon footprint. Key features and capabilities include:

Emissions Tracker: enhancements to accurately track progress against sustainability through easy emissions data collection. Gain a more complete view with the addition of select Scope 3 emissions categories. Also, input kilowatt consumption data from utility supplier invoices.

ESG Lobbies: now underpinned by Power BI for easier real-time access to focused insights.

Support for Circular Manufacturing: enhancements cut production costs by supporting the planning of the remanufacturing process. This enables the introduction of new revenue streams and lower carbon footprint.

Packing Material Management: enable more sustainable operations by handling unit accessories as inventory increasing the use of reusable packaging.

Christian Pedersen, Chief Product Officer, at IFS commented: With this latest release of IFS Cloud, customers will benefit from a new level of meaningful AI capabilities and innovation that is truly relevant to their industry and impactful to their business. The IFS.ai Copilot is the natural next step for IFS Cloud users to engage with and benefit from the AI capabilities we have embedded into IFS Cloud. Were offering so much more than generic AI  our industrial AI approach means customer can effectively manage supply chains and improve their operations. Were creating an environment where technology and human ingenuity come together.

Pedersen added: At a time where regulation in Europe and the US is making companies take action in how they set and manage their Sustainability commitments, we are offering new AI powered capabilities that both help companies improve their operations and report progress.

As we look ahead, its clear that IFS.ai will continue to be a catalyst for change, driving businesses forward with purpose and passion within the industrial setting. The future is not just bright; its AI powered, composable, and cloud-enabled, and its here now.

IFS.ai applied

The new capabilities in 24R1 provide powerful industrial AI functionality, but also packed into the release is new industry-specific tooling. Take for example Aerospace and Defense.

New Aircraft Release to Service functionality automatically detects and flags missing mandatory components and overdue maintenance tasks for compliance and risk reduction, and Aircraft Airworthiness Status Insights provides visibility and control of fleet status and aircraft in maintenance to enable aviation operators with additional efficiency and productivity gains. The new release offers similar benefits to customers in other asset and service focused industries.--TradeArabia News Service
AJEX Logistics Services has signed a new partnership agreement with Africa Union Trading and Africa Union Aviation, subsidiaries of Africa Union Holdings to enhance logistics and supply chain services between Africa and the Middle East.

The agreement, inked at the Saudi Trade Attaches office in Sandton, Johannesburg, will support the strategic expansion objectives of both companies  with Africa Union Holdings growing its footprint across the GCC, and AJEX growing its footprint across Sub-Saharan Africa.

A milestone for business development, this partnership represents a concrete step towards realising the shared vision of enhancing trade connectivity and fostering greater economic cooperation between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.

Forward-looking initiative

This partnership between AJEX Logistics Services and Africa Union Holdings Group comes at a pivotal time when trade relations between Africa and the Middle East are poised for significant growth. With both regions seeking to diversify economic partnerships and reduce dependency on traditional trade corridors, this collaboration is a forward-looking initiative that aligns with the broader goals of increasing trade volumes and enhancing economic cooperation, Mohammed AlBayati, Group CEO, AJEX Logistics Services.

By leveraging each others strengths, AJEX and Africa Union Holdings are well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities in sectors such as technology, agriculture, healthcare and energy, thereby contributing to the economic prosperity of both regions, he added.

We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with AJEX Logistics Services, marking a new chapter in our journey towards building stronger trade and logistics ties between Africa and the Middle East. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to enhancing our service offerings and expanding our reach, ultimately facilitating smoother, more efficient trade flows that benefit businesses and consumers alike, said James Ndambo, CEO of Africa Union Holding.

Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will collaborate closely to streamline their operations and maximise efficiencies in Shipping, Airfreight, Trucking, Rail Freight and last-mile delivery.

As part of the framework, all AJEX cargo destined for Africa will be managed by Africa Union Holdings Group during the final leg of delivery. Vice versa, all Africa Union Holdings Group cargo destined for the Middle East will be managed by AJEX during the final leg.--TradeArabia News Service
Digital Dubai received great interest in projects presented by Dubai entities, which embodied its vision of making Dubai a global benchmark for digital city building, at Gitex Africa 2024, which concluded recently in Marrakech, Morocco.

The Dubai Pavilion at the exhibition witnessed a notable number of visits by official government and private sector delegations from Morocco, various other countries from the African continent, in addition to the global visitors of the event.

During his visit to the Dubai Pavilion at the event, Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco, praised the level reached by Dubai in digital transformation. expressed admiration for the emirates latest programmes, projects and plans in this field.

Emirati-Moroccan relations

In the presence of the Prime Minister of Morocco and a number of ministers and senior officials, Hamad Al Mansoori, Director General, Digital Dubai, delivered the official representative speech on behalf of the UAE during the opening of the second edition of Gitex Africa. He stressed the importance of the deep Emirati-Moroccan relations and the opportunities to strengthen partnership in the field of digital transformation.

The Digital Dubai delegation participated in a number of workshops and sessions held in conjunction with the exhibition, Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive, Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment participated in a panel discussion on the AI Everything stage, while Dr Moza Suwaidan, CEO of Digital Applications and Platforms Sector, Digital Dubai Government Establishment, participated in another panel discussion on the Main Stage, and Hend Al Nuaimi, Director of Digital Products, Digital Dubai Government Establishment, led discussions in a session on interoperability on the Moroccan Pavilion.

Al Mansoori said: We are pleased with Dubais distinguished presence at Gitex Africa 2024, an event that is gaining increasing momentum and receiving great global attention. This momentum has been demonstrated by visitors interest in Dubais achievements which was displayed on the platform, and received a lot of attention which embodied our vision of making Dubai a global benchmark for digital city building. Our presence at the event allowed us to interact with many delegations from different countries, and with those interested in digital transformation from Africa and the world.

Investment opportunities

Gitex Africa opens the door wide for investment opportunities in the digital field, especially in areas related to developing human resources competencies and skills. This could be achieved through providing the younger generation with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, learn about the latest digital technologies and smart solutions, and by exchanging knowledge, experience, and ideas on how to harness disruptive solutions in sustainable city development.

Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, health, and education topped the list of topics that dominated discussions, presentations, in addition to knowledge sharing by more than 1,400 exhibiting entities, companies and delegations from over 130 countries.--TradeArabia News Service
Ooredoo Group has announced the appointment of Sunita Bottse as the CEO for Mena Digital Hub, effective from May 26, 2024.

Mena Digital Hub, Ooredoos newly established, carrier-neutral data centre company, is set to transform the regions digital infrastructure by providing cutting-edge colocation services to hyperscalers and enterprises.

Bottse joins Mena Digital Hub with an extensive background in the data centre industry. Previously serving as the Senior Director of Data Centres Site Acquisition (EMEA) at Microsoft, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise.

Certified Data Centre Professional

She is a Certified Data Centre Professional and Specialist and has held significant roles including Managing Director of Data Centres (APAC) at Lendlease, CEO of SUPERNAP, and VP of Ctex, the first Tier IV certified data centre in the LATAM region.

Bottse has been recognised with numerous prestigious awards, including the Women in Tech  Global Movements 2022 Global Leadership Award, and has been listed twice in APACs 50 most influential Data Centre and Cloud leaders by BroadGroup (DataEconomy).

Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, Group CEO, Ooredoo, commented: Sunita's appointment marks an exciting milestone in our journey to transform the digital infrastructure in the MENA region. Her extensive experience and visionary leadership will be instrumental in driving Mena Digital Hub's growth and reinforcing our commitment to innovation and excellence.

Expanding capacity and strategic investments

Mena Digital Hub has established itself as a standalone entity, enabling Ooredoo to unlock operational efficiencies, synergies, and growth opportunities with new and existing tenants across the region.

The company plans to expand its capacity to more than 120 megawatts with a $1 billion investment in the medium to long term.

Additionally, Ooredoo is in the process of negotiating with key customers to further increase capacity and upgrade capabilities in the rapidly evolving Mena data centre landscape.

Ooredoos market leadership

With 26 active data centres across Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, and Tunisia, and plans to invest an additional $1 billion, Ooredoo is responding to high demand from hyperscalers like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, as well as enterprises.

As the market leader with extensive installed capacity across its footprint, Ooredoo is uniquely positioned to meet the rising demand for localised cloud services and IT workloads.

Commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient data centres

Ooredoo Group is committed to building a new generation of sustainable, energy-efficient data centres across its Mena footprint.

These advanced facilities will process IT workloads of governments, enterprises, and startups securely onshore, generating valuable insights and powering innovations.

Aziz added: By providing the latest and most advanced data centre solutions that are both sustainable and highly efficient, we are solidifying our position as the leading digital infrastructure provider in the region and accelerating its digital transformation. With Sunita at the helm of Mena Digital Hub, we are confident in our ability to set new benchmarks in the industry and deliver unparalleled value to existing and new customers.--TradeArabia News Service
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
stc Bahrain, a world-class digital enabler, said it has once again been recognised as the 'Most Innovative Digital Solutions Brand' at the Global Brand Awards 2024, offering cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to its customers.

This prestigious award is a testament to stc Bahrain's continued efforts in driving forward Bahrain's digital transformation journey in line with the Kingdom's Economic Vision 2030, said a statement from stc Bahrain.

The Global Brand Awards, held recently in Bangkok, Thailand, recognize companies that have demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective industries.

The awards are judged by a panel of experts who evaluate each company based on their achievements, innovation, and impact on the market.

CEO Engineer Khalid Al Osaimi said: "We are honoured to receive this award and be recognized for our innovative digital solutions. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure to deliver exceptional customer experiences and drive forward Bahrain's digital transformation journey."

"stc Bahrain is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences with its relevant and responsive product portfolio," noted Al Osaimi.

The award is in recognition of stc Bahrains efforts to advance the kingdoms digital transformation journey by introducing new innovative tech solutions to the market, he stated.

The company invests in new infrastructure to pave the way for future connectivity services and cutting-edge technologies and has disrupted the telecommunications industry with innovative offerings such as 5G, cybersecurity, cloud computing, mobile payment solutions and insurtech services he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The third edition of the Future Semiconductors Forum 2024 that will be held from June 5-6, 2024, at the Garage Innovation District in Riyadh, aims to promote the domestic production of electronic chips and boost the digital economy within Saudi Arabia.

The event will be hosted by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (Kacst) in partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust).

This forum will gather leading policymakers, industrial pioneers, experts, and scholars in semiconductor technology.

Notable participants include Shuji Nakamura, a Nobel laureate in Physics for his development of blue/green LEDs and violet laser diodes, alongside Kang Wang, who holds a professorship in electrical engineering and computer science and serves as Co-Director of the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering at UCLA and a Professor of electrical engineering at Raytheon Company.

Steven P DenBaars from the University of California  Santa Barbara, renowned for holding more than 190 US patents, and co-founding the Institute of Engineering Electricity and Electronics, alongside four photonics and electronics companies, will also attend.

Umesh Mishra, the Dean of the College of Engineering at UCSB, joins the list of top participants, as do Ross Jatou, President of the Semiconductor at Alat Company, Dr Naveed Sherwani, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Rapid Silicon Company, co-designer of Intel microprocessor algorithms and Intel Award winner, and Professor Goutam Chattopadhyay, a research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology.

Dr Munir Eldesouki, the President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, said that the forum reflects the goals and priorities set by HRH Prince Mohamed bin Salman, the Crown Prince, and Prime Minister, in the field of research, development, and innovation.

It also plays a significant role in advancing the digital economy in the kingdom. He emphasised that the event is organised by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), which serves as a national laboratory and hub for innovation.

Its purpose is to enhance the research, development, and innovation system, expedite technological advancements, and promote the localisation of technologies.

Dr Tony Chan, President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), commended the Semiconductors Future Forum for its accomplishments in the first and second editions.

He noted that the new edition offers promising opportunities to enhance the digital economy, advance research cooperation between various entities, and exchange knowledge about best practices in the electronic chip industry by bringing together the most prominent local and international entities under one roof.

The forum's purpose is to raise awareness about the significance of localising the electronic chip industry and its contribution to the growth of the digital economy in the Kingdom.

It also aims to explore potential opportunities for localising this crucial industry to make the Kingdom a key player in the electronic chip sector.

Additionally, the forum seeks to promote research collaboration and sharing best practices in semiconductor development and manufacturing.

Over two days, the forum will delve into various subjects to outline the semiconductor industry's future trajectory in the kingdom by exploring the semiconductor value chain, from raw materials to finished microchips.

Additionally, it will examine the application of this cutting-edge technology in areas like space exploration, quantum technologies, 6G communications, electric vehicles, and integrated sensors to enable smart cities.

The third edition of the forum will announce significant initiatives that bolster Saudi Arabia's standing in the global semiconductor arena, drive transformation in the Middle East, cultivate talent in this vital sector, and address industry challenges to spur economic growth.

The forum's agenda includes various scientific activities such as lectures, panel discussions, research posters, and an accompanying exhibition for global companies to showcase the latest semiconductor development and manufacturing developments.

The forum's third edition has a strategic partnership with the Research, Development, and Innovation Development Authority and Alat Company. It is sponsored by leading local and international institutions and companies such as Ajlan & Brothers Holding, Synopsys, Siemens, Rapid Silicon, Oxford Instruments, Trysl Tech, Joule, EpicSemi, and International Semiconductor Executive Summits.

This year's forum follows the successful first and second editions, which have led to collaborative research, advancements, and semiconductor manufacturing efforts. This includes the launch of the Saudi Semiconductors Program (SSP), a pioneering regional initiative supporting research and development and qualifying cadres in the field of designing and localising electronic chips.

This programme collaborates with 16 Saudi universities, has trained over 400 researchers and students in microchip design and manufacturing.  TradeArabia News Service

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Turkish Airlines has started flights again to Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, from Istanbul, as of May 21.

Kabul flights will be operated four times weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Kabul starting from $805 (including taxes and fees).

Turkish Airlines, which has the title of the airline that flies to more countries than any other in the world, flies to 346 destinations in 130 countries over six continents. -TradeArabia News Service
Riyadh Air has selected a world-renowned Saudi Arabian fashion designer to design and create the airlines first-ever cabin crew fashion line, which is set to combine outstanding design with functionality ahead of the startup airlines maiden flight in 2025.

The new uniform collection by Ashi will be a stunning visual manifestation of cutting-edge design that reflects Riyadh Airs initiatives to set new standards in customer service and style.

The airline said that the cabin crew fashion line will follow the same standards set by the airlines historic bold dual-livery designs which were revealed in 2023, with meticulously crafted details combining style, sophistication and comfort.

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said: It is a hugely proud moment for Riyadh Air to be working with an exceptionally talented designer such as Ashi for our beautiful cabin crew fashion line.

Our cabin crew personify the panache and style that Riyadh Air represents, making it imperative to partner with a like-minded innovator who not only understands Saudi Arabian culture and hospitality, but also captures the essence of our brand with a bold, visual impact.

The cabin crew fashion line is one of the first things our guests will see when they board our aircraft in 2025 and we are confident that Ashis unique designs will leave a lasting impression, ensuring the experience lives long in their memory after they have landed.

Ashi, founder and creative director of ASHI Studio, said: Its such an honour to collaborate with Riyadh Air to design the airlines first ever cabin crew fashion line. The airline will play an important role in the future of Saudi Arabia by making Riyadh one of the worlds key destinations.

I am delighted to be part of a project so significant for our nation. Its an exciting time to be in Saudi Arabia and to witness another Saudi brand going global. I am looking forward to sharing the cabin crew fashion line with the world, and to seeing the Riyadh Air team wearing my creations when it takes its maiden flight in 2025.

Ashi became the first couturier from the Gulf region to join the Federation de la Haute Couture in Paris as a guest member in 2023. He also became the first designer from the Gulf to be included in the BoF 500 list, the Business of Fashions index of the people shaping the fashion industry in 2023.

Ashi spent his early years mastering his craft in the United States, working for international Couture houses before settling in Paris. Since then, he has become a true trailblazer in the Arab world. His creations have been worn and seen by major celebrities and royalties becoming himself an iconic figure in Saudi Arabia.

Ashi is set to unveil the uniform design concepts and share his inspiration for the unique creations at Haute Couture Week in Paris, from June 22-27, with the full uniform launch scheduled for later this year.  TradeArabia News Service
At the UAE-China Business & Investment Forum, Etihad Airways and Beijing Daxing International Airport of Capital Airport Holding Company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming to strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two parties.

The milestone marks a further deepening of the partnership between Etihad Airways and Beijing Daxing International Airport in the aviation sector, opening a new chapter in aviation cooperation.

According to the MoU, the parties will work together to enhance existing frequencies between the United Arab Emirates and Beijing and collaborate on joint marketing and sales activities to promote travel between the two countries.

They will also jointly improve passenger services, and enhance baggage handling and lounge services. Additionally, they will implement cargo development plans to boost cargo transportation efficiency and share information and collaborate on technology initiatives to improve operational efficiency.

This cooperation will further strengthen Etihad Airways' global influence, expand its route network, and enhance service levels, while providing new momentum in international aviation cooperation for Beijing Daxing International Airport, consolidating its position as a major aviation hub.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "This MoU signifies more than just a cooperation between airline and airport; it marks a closer connection between the UAE and China. We look forward to promoting cultural exchanges and driving economic growth through this cooperation."

Kong Yue, Vice President, Beijing Daxing International Airport of Capital Airports Holdings, stated: "This cooperation will open a new chapter in the aviation sector between the Middle East and China. It is a model for promoting China's Belt and Road Initiative, and also contributing to achieving Abu Dhabi's 2030 Vision, further strengthening economic, trade, and cultural ties between the two countries."

Etihad was a member of the trade delegation accompanying the visit of the President of the UAE to China, and engaged in the MoU as part of the trip.

The signing underscores the significance of this partnership in enhancing UAE-China relations and will bring more cooperation opportunities to Etihad Airways and Beijing Daxing International Airport, building a closer and more efficient aviation partnership.  TradeArabia News Service
Riyadh Air and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a new partnership between the two airlines.

The agreement was inked by Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas and Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong on the sidelines of the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai on June 2.

Under the MoU, the carriers will explore opportunities for interline connectivity on each others services, subject to regulatory approval. They will also work on other potential areas of commercial cooperation, including codeshare arrangements, reciprocal benefits for their frequent flyer programme members, cargo services, customer experience, and digital innovation as a precursor to a deeper, long-term, strategic partnership.

These will potentially offer Riyadh Airs guests access to SIAs network in South East Asia and the South West Pacific region, and SIAs customers greater access to the Middle East region through Riyadh Airs network.

Riyadh Air is a new airline based in Saudi Arabia, and it is expected to commence commercial operations in 2025, offering customers travel options to and from the Middle East.

Douglas said: Our strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines unlocks significant benefits for our future guests as it grows our network in partnership with the Worlds Best Airline. We see huge potential for strong connectivity in South East Asia and both Australia and New Zealand through the award-winning hub at Singapore Changi Airport, while also providing opportunities for westbound passengers to connect across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region on Riyadh Air. This relationship is a meaningful and deep cooperation that starts with a wide-ranging codeshare agreement and is expected to include a broad range of areas including digital and technology, loyalty and cargo.

Phong said: This win-win strategic partnership with Riyadh Air will enable us to offer even more options, enhanced connectivity, and greater benefits to our customers. Together, we can facilitate the growth of passenger travel between Saudi Arabia and Singapore, and beyond, via our respective networks, supporting both tourism and business links. The MoU will also allow us to find ways to work together to enhance customer experience and cargo services, and harness digital tools and solutions, potentially bringing greater benefits to both airlines in the future.  TradeArabia News Service
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the opening of Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama, a new addition in the heart of Muscat. This inaugural Radisson-branded hotel in Oman features 165 rooms and suites, suitable for business and leisure travellers.

Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama provides easy access to the must-see attractions and many shopping destinations of Omans capital Muscat, known for its mix of old and new, blending its ancient cultural heritage with modern architecture.

The hotel boasts an array of amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a tranquil spa, and an inviting indoor pool, perfect for relaxation after a busy day. The hotel is conveniently located just 18 km from the international airport, allowing guests to arrive at the hotel in roughly 15 minutes by car or taxi.

The hotel offers several dining options, including Al Muzen which features international cuisine in a family-friendly setting and Friends Cafe in the lobby, ideal for quick bites.

For those seeking a sophisticated atmosphere, Casa Di Bacco presents an exclusive selection of spirits and cigars.

The stylish pool bar offers breath taking panoramic city views, exquisite cocktails, and delectable snacks. With separate spa facilities for men and women, guests can indulge in luxurious massages and treatments, complemented by a whirlpool, sauna, and steam rooms.

"Our vision for Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama was to create a place where comfort meets luxury in the center of this beautiful city," said Mohammed Keshreh, General Manager of Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama.

"We're excited to welcome guests and offer them an unforgettable experience of premium Omani hospitality combined with Radissons distinct service."

Tim Cordon, COO, MEA & SEAP, Radisson Hotel Group, said: "The opening of Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama reinforces our commitment to providing premium hospitality and experiences, as we continue to grow our portfolio across the Middle East.  TradeArabia News Service
Chinas outbound tourist numbers are expected to reach 140 million in 2024, a 50% increase over 2023 and there has been a huge increase in travellers to the Middle East, it was revealed at a recent seminar hosted by i21 Group.

The seminar was held as a precursor to the China Visitors Summitt (CVS) that will be held in both Dubai and Doha in September.

More than 100 hotel sales directors, marketing directors, and general managers took part in the event which covered the habits, insights and trends of the Chinese International traveler.

As of Q1 of 2024, the domestic traveller numbers in China had reached 180 million, according to the China Tourism Academy.

The Chinese traveller numbers to Middle East has already shown a 100% increase compared to pre-Covid levels, the seminar heard.

NEW TRENDS

A key feature of the trend is that about 56% of global Chinese travellers are now women.

Other trends being noted are: the average age of travellers are beginning to drop; the average income is increasing; and the length of stay is increasing. They are not just shopping or doing the desert experiences, but are enjoying more deep experiences, a statement from the organisers said.

Speaking on China's economic status, Alexander Glos, CEO of i21 Group, stated: "China is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world today, with a roughly $120 trillion economy."

Addressing concerns about China's slowing growth, Glos acknowledged the 4.6% growth rate reported last year was the lowest in 15 years, but emphasised that it still represents $1 trillion in real money created.

Glos highlighted the importance of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), noting: "China is the largest country in the world in terms of PPP. For travel, that translates into consumer disposable income. This means that the average Chinese person today has almost double the disposable income of someone in Europe or North America."

In 2023, 78 million Chinese travellers ventured abroad, marking a significant increase despite the year being effectively a six-month period due to the delayed resumption of travel following China's reopening in January.

Glos pointed out a shift in travel patterns among the Chinese, with 46% being free independent travellers (FITs), 23% business and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) travellers, and 31% traveling in smaller, more bespoke groups  a departure from the traditionally large Chinese group tours.

The financial and economic impact of Chinese travellers is unquestionable. Alipay, an online payment system, reported a 7% increase in transactions over 2019 (pre-pandemic), indicating that Chinese travellers are exploring the world and spending more. According to statistics from the Qunar platform, Chinese travellers visited 125 countries and 1,700 destinations in 2023, he said.

The China Visitor Summit 2024 takes place on September 5 and 6 at the So/Uptown Dubai and on September 9 and 10 at the Westin Hotel in Doha. TradeArabia News Service
Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME), a regional platform dedicated to driving net-zero and nature positive solutions, in collaboration with Deloitte, hosted a high-level roundtable in Riyadh, examining the rise of regenerative tourism in the MENA region.

Leading regional tourism, and environmental and sustainability experts gathered at the Deloitte Digital Center in Riyadh to discuss the investments of MENA governments and businesses, and their vision and practices at the heart of the worlds most ambitious, regenerative tourism projects, many of which are in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Participants included Krishna Mohan Kamaku, Sustainability Manager, DAR Tantora (AlUla) by Kerten Hospitality, Ruba Farkh, Environment Impact Assessment and Planning Lead, Amaala, Red Sea Global, Salma Shaker, Saudi Freediving Athlete and Environmentalist, and Prof. Susana Carvalho, Associate Professor of Practice of Marine Science, Marine Science Sector Manager, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

The session was moderated by Daniel Gribbin, Middle East Sustainability and Climate Lead and ESG Risk Advisory Lead, and Laura Jepson, Middle East Sustainability & Climate Consulting Lead, at Deloitte.

The two-hour interactive session saw speakers address ongoing efforts in the region and around the world to decarbonise the tourism sector, which accounts for an estimated 8-11% of greenhouse gas emissions globally in addition to its impact on natural habitats.

They examined developments and progress at some of the kingdoms leading projects across land and sea that are helping to revive, protect, and foster more resilient natural ecosystems while also delivering tangible social and economic gains for people and local communities.

Laila Danesh, Managing Director of FinMark Communications, the founder and organiser of Sustainability Forum Middle East, said: Were delighted to have gathered this diverse group of experts to discuss the evolution of sustainability in MENAs tourism sector and the groundbreaking projects in particular in Saudi Arabia that have gone beyond carbon reduction to more holistically harmonize environmental sustainability and conservation with other broad reaching benefits.

As highlighted by speakers, these new projects are having a hugely positive impact on biodiversity and regeneration of unique natural habitats while supporting a renaissance of cultural heritage and identity and creating significant opportunities for economic empowerment and growth through the attraction of regional and international tourism to the kingdom.

Daniel Gribbin, Middle East Sustainability and Climate Lead at Deloitte, said: As the world becomes increasingly aware of the pressing need for sustainability, it is crucial that we recognise its significance for the future of our planet.

In MENA, regenerative tourism has the potential to play a vital role in preserving our natural resources and cultural heritage for generations to come. At Deloitte, we take pride in collaborating with innovative thought leaders and the Sustainability Forum Middle East to host important roundtable discussions that explore the future of tourism and the sustainability of growth within the Region.

This was the second in the forums 2024 Decarbonisation Roundtable Series, which takes place across the region and focuses on topics crucial to MENAs net-zero journey and broader sustainability goals.

The forums mission is to foster dialogue and collaboration on decarbonisation initiatives in the region with its roundtables serving as platforms for stakeholders to exchange insights, explore opportunities, and drive meaningful collaboration for climate action on the part of the private sector.

Supporting the Forum are Lead Partners: Bank ABC and Infracorp, Strategic Partners: Tamkeen, Bapco Energies and Standard Chartered Bank, Forum Partners: APM Terminals Bahrain, Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard, Zubi & Partners, Bahrain Ship Repairing and Engineering Company and American Chamber of Commerce, Bahrain, Official Carrier: Gulf Air Group, and Media Partners: Asharq Business with Bloomberg, BFT and OGN.  TradeArabia News Service
A woman wearing a "Jail Fauci" shirt returned to Capitol Hill to watch Dr. Anthony Fauci as he was grilled at a Congressional hearing.

The same woman was in the audience during a 2023 hearing, alongside some others wearing the exact same shirt.

Fauci provided testimony before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on Monday. Some Republicans attacked Fauci and his reputation over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene even refused to call him a doctor.

"You're Mr. Fauci in my few minutes," as she addressed him.

After Democrats on the committee complained she responded.

"He belongs in jail," Greene said. "You should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity."

Earlier in the hearing, Greene had posted a photo of the woman in the "Jail Fauci" shirt.

"This woman represents all of us who think Fauci belongs in jail!" she said in the X post. "God bless her!"


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China refutes negative remarks from U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral meetings

Xinhua) 10:03, June 04, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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.
After an almost year-long search, Pima Community College has announced two finalists for its next chancellor.

The final candidates are Veronica Garcia, president of Northeast Lakeview College in Universal City, Texas, and Jeffrey Nasse, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs and college operations at Broward College in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Currently, Dolores Duran-Cerda serves as interim chancellor. Before her stint, she was the provost and executive vice chancellor at PCC.

The community colleges former chancellor, Lee Lambert, left last August to become chancellor of the Foothill De Anza Community College district in California. His annual salary while helming PCC was $348,935.

A chancellor is the chief executive officer of a community college system, and generally sets direction for the academic, fiscal and administrative programs on campus.

There will be public forums for both candidates next week.

Garcia will speak at the District Office Community Board Room at 4905 E. Broadway on Monday, June 10, at 5:30 p.m.

Nasses forum will take place the following day, in the same place and at the same time. The forums will also be livestreamed on the PCC YouTube page.

The PCC Governing Board hopes to make a decision by the end of the month, said member Wade McLean.

Were going to interview (the candidates) while theyre in town, he told the Arizona Daily Star after the finalists were announced Monday. Then there will be additional background checks completed. I would imagine that within two weeks of their visit to Tucson wed have a candidate secured for the upcoming year.

McLean urged community members to attend the forums next week.

We really believe that the community in Pima Community College is who we are, he said. The input we receive from the community will be very important to the board in making the final decision, and we appreciate any and all participation in person or via Zoom.

Board members have yet to meet either finalist, McLean said. Both were chosen by a search advisory committee and search firm, who read through resumes and conducted initial Zoom interviews with potential candidates.

The board has not interviewed the two finalists, but we are excited to meet them, McLean said.

According to her biography on Northeast Lakeview Colleges website, Garcia became the colleges president in March 2017. Under her leadership, the college achieved accreditation, the ability to award federal financial aid and veteran benefits and was designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution, it says.

Garcia is an alumna of PCC. She earned an associate degree from the community college before graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in business administration. She went on to attend Northern Arizona University and Oregon State University for graduate degrees.

Nasse has spent the last 15 years working at Broward College, and has held faculty positions at Florida Atlantic University, Central Maine Community College and East Carolina University.

Before he attended East Carolina University to get his bachelor of science and masters degrees, Nasse was in the Marine Corps.
A childs only change of clothes. Birth certificates and crucial contact information to reach family friends or distant relatives. Even wads of cash.

All have been lost at migrant detention facilities along the southern border, according to a recent report from the Government Accountability Office that affirms long-standing allegations by migrant advocates.

By the time migrants formal complaints to Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol or other agencies are investigated, the GAO found, their belongings have often been discarded.

As the number of encounters with noncitizens seeking to enter the U.S. without valid travel documents has increased, so has the volume of personal property that must be collected, stored, and transferred or returned, the report says.

Officials at the Department of Homeland Security declined to answer questions about the GAOs findings, referring to a response included in the report: DHS remains committed to processing the personal property of each detainee in its custody in a secure, efficient and transparent manner that prioritizes the safe, timely, and efficient processing of migrants.

Migrant advocates say that the priority on processing individuals has too often entailed confiscating what little they carried with them across the border.

Weve been doing this advocacy for a long time, and we still cannot come up with a single reason why people should be stripped of their birth certificates and not given those back, said Noah Schramm, border policy strategist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona. It just doesnt make any sense.

ACLU of Arizona often partners with Kino Border Initiative, a group giving humanitarian and legal assistance to migrants. KBI operates in Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Mexico. The group said it spoke to over 9,200 migrants last year and has been filing complaints to government agencies twice a month on their behalf.

In one instance, KBI said a woman told the organization a Border Patrol agent ordered her to Take out everything from your bag that isnt worth anything and throw it away here. That includes Mexican money. Its worthless, you can only keep American money.

According to KBI, which translated the womans comments from Spanish, the woman said she surrendered 300 pesos  about $17.70  that the agent then ripped up., She said the agent did the same to the other people in her group.

The KBI reports include another womans account of being attacked and threatened by the same cartel that kidnapped her daughter-in-law and murdered her son years prior. She then went to the U.S.-Mexico border and presented herself to a Customs and Border Protection officer.

The agent threatened to destroy the evidence shed brought to support her asylum claim, telling her, according to KBI, If you take your documents out, I will rip them up.

CBP agents proceeded to throw away many of her belongings, KBI said, including the evidence to support her asylum claim.

The process to replace that is not going to be simple, and certainly not for people who have just arrived in a country that is largely foreign to them, Schramm said.

GAO obtained and analyzed 215 reports about personal property complaints from multiple DHS offices from October 2022 to March 2023. The complaints were submitted to these offices by migrants and nongovernmental agencies on behalf of those migrants.

In the report, nearly half of the complaints GAO saw were for unaccompanied minors. In 2023, there were over 135,000 encounters with unaccompanied minors at the southern border, making up 5% of all encounters tallied by CBP.

That doesnt necessarily mean that minors are disproportionately victimized, according to Schramm. Complaints involving minors are more common than for older migrants due to increased legal advocacy and enhanced protections for children dealt with by border authorities.

Schramm said many incidents are never reported.

Only a portion of [missing belongings] end up reaching that threshold for people where they think it would be valuable to file a complaint, Schramm said.

What items can be stored, and how many, varies from facility to facility. In some Border Patrol sectors, migrants are asked to fit all their belongings into a single plastic bag. Whatever doesnt fit is discarded, according to the GAO report.

In some areas, extra clothes are thrown away on grounds theyre a health hazard, Border Patrol officials told GAO.

Lilian Serrano, director of Southern Border Community Coalition, recalled a story from a migrant who was forced to discard a T-shirt.

Which most of us would think is just a T-shirt, but for him, it was the last belonging that he had received from his grandpa who had passed away, she said. Whether its a T-shirt or a document, that item has a very important value. For federal agents, like Border Patrol, to just discard them  its a real issue that has real-life consequences for people.

Migrants are often moved out of packed border facilities without all of their belongings, sometimes without having a chance to take stock of what was left behind, advocates say.

In a few cases, migrants have managed to return to a holding facility and, without filing a complaint with DHS, retrieve missing belongings, Schramm said. More often, retrieval proves impossible.

I cannot think of any cases where people have had their property confiscated, file that complaint, and as a result ... of the complaints, were able to recoup that lost property, Schramm said.

The scope of our report did not include reviewing whether these complaints resulted in individuals having their property returned, Rebecca Gambler, director of the GAOs Homeland Security and Justice team, said by email. As we noted in our report, complaints submitted to DHS and CBP entities regarding personal property rarely result in the return of an individuals belongings.

For this report, GAO looked at five of the nine Border Patrol sectors across the Southwest, and at four field offices. In those field offices, it found that migrants were not given information on how to retrieve missing property.

Officials also told us that many complaints lack information, such as the location at which the individual was held or the date of the incident, Gambler added.

In Arizona and the other three states that border Mexico, CBP has nearly 70 stations and offices where migrants are processed.

Its important to remember that people are entering a system that is very unknown to them in terms of how it works, and even just down to language, Schramm said.

Missing procedures and policies for what gets stored and how migrants are supposed to retrieve their belongings were inconsistent across facilities.

The GAO called on CBP to improve its procedures for handling migrants property and to standardize those across all its facilities.
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.
Warden Jess Dunn was killed in a furious gun battle after four convicts armed with knives and razors took him hostage and broke out of the state penitentiary at McAlester.

Three of the convicts were killed by Deputy Sheriff W.E. Alexander, a former guard, who remembered and followed an instruction from Dunn of several years earlier to not let inmates escape -- even if they held the warden hostage.

The fourth convict died two years later in the electric chair.

Alexander killed the three convicts a short distance from the prison where they stopped their commandeered car because their path was blocked by a bridge that had washed out.

Another former guard, Tab Ford, who was helping Alexander, also was killed before he had a chance to fire a shot.

Alexander was praised by Oklahoma Gov. Leon C. Phillips, who said his "courageous action probably saved many lives."

In addition to Dunn, 49, and Ford, 52, the victims of the battle were convicts Claud Beavers, 39, of Seminole, Roy McGee, 36, of Kay County, and Bill Anderson, 36, of Ada, all serving terms for robbery.

Convict Hiram Prather was executed two years later.

The prison break occurred on Aug. 10, 1941, a Sunday, while Dunn and three men from Oklahoma City were in the prison yard planning the installation of a communications device to help prevent prison breaks.

Dunn was showing the two men and a boy where he wanted call boxes to be placed. The four convicts, led by Beavers, who was armed with a razor, accosted the warden's group near the prison hospital.

Beavers threatened to kill Dunn by cutting his throat while the other convicts grabbed Hershell Fentress and ordered Poss Murray and his young son back into the building. With Dunn and Fentress as hostages, the group headed toward the east gate, where Deputy Warden Ben Crider tried to talk the convicts into releasing Dunn and Fentress.

"Boys, you can't get away with it," Crider told them. "If you get through that gate, you'll be killed."

Dunn ordered two tower guards not to shoot. "My God, we've got an innocent man here," he told Crider.

Then, to meet the convicts' demands, he commanded the guards to lower their weapons on ropes. Minutes later, the guards lowered two .38-caliber pistols and two .30-30 rifles that the convicts later used in the gunbattle.

They commandeered a car that belonged to a guard, forced Dunn and Fentress into it and headed north but stopped at the washed-out bridge and headed back south in an attempt to find a way around the bridge.

Meanwhile, Alexander had heard the prison-break alarm, recruited Ford, 52, who was a jailer, and Bob Pollock, a city employee, and headed toward the prison in his car to stop the escape.

Alexander saw the convicts' car, blocked its path and jumped out. "Let them pass, Bill," the warden told him. "You can pass, warden, but these convicts have got to get out of that car," Alexander replied.

Suddenly, the convicts opened fire and the gunbattle was on.

Ford was killed by the first shot fired by the convicts. Pollock had grabbed a shotgun when he was recruited by Alexander, but there were no shells for that weapon -- leaving Alexander as the only shooter.

Alexander said later he recalled Dunn instructing guards "if there should be a break and the convicts get hostages, even if they get me and march me up with a knife in my back, and I tell you not to shoot, go ahead and shoot."

Alexander followed that instruction. In an ironic twist, Beavers also had been the leader of, and Alexander was involved in handling, a prison break in 1936 that led to Dunn being named warden.

Dunn was in charge of a posse that spent eight days searching for escapees; they captured Beavers near Pittsburg.

Shortly after that break, Warden Wash Kinney was replaced by Dunn. Known as hard as granite when the need arose but as kindly a man as could be found, Dunn's death saddened even convicts.

A statement prepared by a group of convicts called Dunn "the best friend we prisoners ever had. He was the one who lifted us up and held before our eyes the hope of self redemption and placed within our reach the means of its attainment."

Jess Dunn Correctional Center, the state's largest minimum-security prison, is named in the warden's honor.

Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive.
Tapping international e-commerce platform Amazon, many Vietnamese enterprises have either struggled to maintain their online sales or suspended operations due to poor consumption, high costs, and stagnant inventories.

Nguyen Ngoc Luan, general director of Meet More Vietnam Company, recounted that the firm had used Amazon in an attempt to expand its sales, but it then ceased operations through the online marketplace due to a lack of profits.

The coffee seller even suffered losses after deducting all expenses, he said.

Revenue was positive, but transport and storage costs were sky-high, Luan shared.

There are two forms of selling goods through Amazon, including Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) that allows vendors to outsource orders to Amazon, and Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) where sellers are responsible for all order fulfillment tasks.

We had yet built a warehouse, and had poor connection with distributors and partners in the United States, so we applied for FBA," he stressed.

However, the profit margin of our products was low.

Luan also divulged that the firm is seeking American partners to address cost-related problems to restart sales on Amazon or another international online marketplace.

N.C.T., a representative from a cosmetic company, said that his firm sent the first FBA batch of products to Amazons warehouse last year, but only two out of all five products received orders.

Nguyen Dung, CEO at 5MSTAR E-commerce JSC and founder of a community of Vietnamese merchants on Amazon, stated that many companies had failed to sell goods on the e-commerce site.

For instance, he mentioned that a company offering trending products on Amazon still faced difficulties in making a profit and even encountered issues with excess inventory.

A firm based in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City is selling rice paper and dried noodles on Amazon, but it has faced multiple challenges and lower-than-expected sales.

Though it has been selling the merchandise on the e-commerce platform for three years, its sales remain modest, up 15 - 20 percent from the initial period of its online business on Amazon.

The price of products on Amazon is much higher than that of items on the domestic market, but profits are relatively moderate. Meanwhile, advertising and operation costs are high, the representative said.

Statistics from Amazon indicated that the number of Vietnamese vendors through the site in 2023 rocketed over 300 percent against 2019.

Besides, the number of merchants reporting their revenue at over US$1 million in 2023 surged nearly 10-fold from 2019.

In 2023, Vietnams wood and woodwork exports fetched $13.2 billion, down 15.9 percent from 2022, according to Phung Quoc Man, vice-president of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City.

Slow global economic growth and increased trade barriers have dragged down the nations traditional exports, but online sales of handicraft and interior furniture products are still growing.

However, the number of Vietnamese firms selling goods on e-commerce platforms remains low, Man said.

Tran Huu Hau, deputy general Secretary of the Vietnam Cashew Association, observed that while online marketplaces enable merchants to send their goods worldwide, farm produce such as cashews, pepper, and coffee beans is predominantly sold to brokers.

"Vietnamese firms favor traditional selling methods over e-commerce platforms due to the convenience of sea transport, goods delivery, and payments, as well as the affordable transport costs," Hau explained.

Nguyen Dung attributed the challenges of selling on international e-commerce platforms to inexperience and a lack of research on customer demands.

He advised firms to develop a long-term plan and intensify efforts to establish their brands in the global market.

According to Dung, companies can achieve success on online marketplaces by leveraging either FBA or FBM methods, depending on their products.

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A Vietnamese couple and their two-year-old have traveled to over 50 provinces and cities across the country in their pickup truck over the past two years, exciting the online community.

Nguyen Ngoc Minh, 29, a resident of Ho Chi Minh City, and his wife, Tran Thanh Thao, 28, along with their daughter Nguyen Khanh An, born in 2022, have brought excitement to netizens with their recent posts with images related to their journeys nationwide.

Both the husband and wife are freelancers, Minh said.

Most impressive among the posted images is the one showing the three members of the family lying on grass at a camping site in Da Lat, a tourist city in Lam Dong Province, Vietnams Central Highlands region, with all their belongings placed around them and their pickup truck parked nearby.

A scene of a camping trip with Nguyen Ngoc Minh and his wife and daughter in a locality in Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Ngoc Minh

This image, captured by Minh using a drone, has rapidly gained views on social media after being posted as it is so lovely.

After every trip, we feel the need to equip some more items for my family. We try to choose the most portable items so I can put them all on the mini-truck," Minh said.

Previously, my wife and I traveled with less stuff than now, when we go everywhere with our daughter.

Essential things to bring along included warm clothes, cooking utensils, foldable tables, and chairs, among others, the man added.

Minh said after he posted that image, he enjoyed receiving positive support, but some netizens said that such belongings were so much.

Two-year-old Nguyen Khanh An along with her parents at a tourist destination in Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Ngoc Minh

The man admitted that he brought along a lot of things but only used about one-tenth of them at a time during travel.

Each place is different, so I need to use different items for each trip, depending on different conditions regarding weather, terrain, and others, he explained.

One time, he encountered an incident where one wheel of the vehicle got into a hole next to the edge of an abyss in a northwest area when he was driving the pickup truck on a very narrow road.

Fortunately, the problem was not very critical and I could get rid of it using my specialized tools that I brought along with me, the man said.

Regarding items needed for a trip, Minh recommended that people choose lightweight, folding designs to easily transport and use during trips.

He said a high-quality tent that can be installed on the roof of a car is essential to his family as they usually sleep in outdoor places during their journeys.

This photo shows a tent erected by Nguyen Ngoc Minh for his family, next to their pickup truck, during a trip in a locality in Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Ngoc Minh

Minh also said solar energy chargers are very useful in charging mobile devices including video recorders and laptops that he and his wife use for their freelancing work.

He said he chose a pickup truck for his familys trips as this type of vehicle is really suitable for small-sized families like his.

In addition, the vehicle has a high chassis that is convenient to move in difficult terrain.

Minh said his family has traveled to more than 50 provinces and cities in Vietnam over the past two years.

He once planned to make a trip to neighboring countries in the mini-truck, but the plan has yet to be realized due to difficulties relating to procedures.

In Vietnam, our family likes to travel to northwest localities, where we had a lot of deep inspiration and impressions," Minh said.

The deeper we go into remote mountainous villages, the more I understand the hardships of the people living there.

The pickup truck of Nguyen Ngoc Minh and his family is seen at a destination in Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Ngoc Minh

He hopes that his family will have a chance to visit these places again so that they can help local residents and his daughter can learn more about the local culture.

His wife, Thao, said before she got married, she had traveled alone to more than 15 European countries.

She said that when she got acquainted with Minh four years ago, the couple agreed to a future plan to travel around the world together.

Thao advised that parents should let their children have early experiences of the world around them through travel if they can.

Travel is one of the best ways for children to increase their sense of self-reliance as well as practice good habits. Besides, traveling with children is also a way for parents to have more connection with them, Thao commented.

The couple said they took their daughter along during short trips when she was just three months to one year old, so the girl, currently two, is familiar with longer journeys.

Minh said he spent more than eight years equipping himself with skills that can help him make money during the time of travel as currently.

The man said his main job is marketing, but he can work as a cameraman, writer, online content creator, and brand development strategic consultant to create a strong financial foundation that supports his familys trips.

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TOKYO -- Japanese transport ministry officials launched an on-site investigation at Toyota Motor's headquarters on Tuesday after irregularities were found in its applications to certify certain vehicle models.

The widening fallout over certification tests stems from a safety test scandal at Toyota's Daihatsu compact car unit and has also ensnared other Japanese automakers after the ministry ordered industry-wide checks of certification practices.

Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha Motor said they had submitted either flawed or manipulated data when applying for certification of vehicles.

Toyota, Japan's largest automaker, was the first to undergo an inspection which was flagged by the ministry on Monday. The other four automakers will also be inspected, a ministry official said.

While some analysts noted that Toyota will be under more pressure to strengthen governance, others said the impact on sales is likely to be limited given that it is only suspending sales of three models and so many of its domestic rivals also fell short of ministry standards.

"When it comes to actual sales in (the) Japan market, the damage will be manageable or quite small, because consumers basically have no alternatives in Japan," said James Hong, head of mobility research at Macquarie.

Hong added that Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda is likely to come under more pressure. Proxy advisory firms Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis have recommended shareholders vote against re-electing Toyoda at an upcoming annual general meeting. But while his approval rating could fall further, he is not expected to lose his seat.

Japanese transport ministry officials head to Toyota Motor Corp.'s headquarters for an on-site investigation over certification irregularities in central Japan, June 4, 2024, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Photo: Reuters

Both Toyota and Mazda suspended sales of some models but said there were no performance issues that violated regulations and customers did not need to stop using their cars.

Examples of wrongdoing that Toyota gave included measuring collision damage on one side of a model's hood while it was required to do so on both sides and conducting some tests under more strict conditions than those set out by the ministry but which did not meet government requirements.

Safety test scandals have previously caused production stoppages at Toyota group companies, and the latest revelations could disrupt production at subcontractors and smaller companies in Japan's vast automotive supply chain.

That could lead to a knock-on effect on Japan's economy, said Toshihiro Nagahama, executive chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute.

Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda attends a press conference over rigging safety tests by its affiliate Daihatsu that affected 88,000 vehicles, in Bangkok, Thailand, May 8, 2023. Photo: Reuters

"The impact can't be ignored," he said, adding it could hurt Japan's economic growth this quarter if subcontractors suffered disruptions and consumers became more hesitant to buy cars.

Shares in Toyota, Honda and Mazda have lost almost three percent since Friday's close while Yamaha has fallen 1.3 percent and Suzuki's shares are flat.
Ho Chi Minh City was ranked fourth on a list of the worlds top 20 culinary capitals in 2024 compiled by British magazine Time Out.

Sweet, spicy, fragrant, fishy  however youd describe it, Vietnamese cuisine never compromises on flavor, and you can sample the very best of it in Ho Chi Minh [City], the global magazine, focusing on food, tourism, and culture, commented about the diverse foods in the Southeast Asian country and the city particularly.

In Ho Chi Minh City, food lovers have a chance to enjoy street foods such as banh mi (a Vietnamese baguette typically filled with cold meats, pate, and vegetables), com tam (broken rice topped with grilled ribs, egg pudding, and shredded boiled pig skin), snails, and offal stew, Time Out said.

Besides them, foodies can also experience many Bib Gourmand and Michelin-starred restaurants that serve up creative versions of classic dishes, the magazine said.

However, Time Out revealed that pho, a signature Vietnamese dish of fresh rice noodles with broth and meat, usually beef or chicken, has been the most mentioned dish in the magazines surveys so far.

The warming noodle soup, in the south typically heavily garnished with basil, coriander, chilli and hoisin sauce, is a Vietnamese staple, ubiquitous across the city, commented the magazine.

Pho Saigon is a must-eat dish in Ho Chi Minh City, Time Out recommended.

Topping the magazines latest ranking is Naples in Italy, with its suggested must-eat dish being pizza margherita.

The second and third places go to Johannesburg in South Africa and Lima in Peru, with their must-eat dishes being Kota sandwich and ceviche, respectively.

Holding the fifth to ten positions in the list correspondingly are Beijing (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Mumbai (India), Dubai (the UAE) and Portland (the U.S.).

Accordingly, six among the worlds ten best cities for food in 2024 are in Asia.

The 11th to 20th ranks are held by Liverpool (the UK), Medellin (Colombia), Seville (Spain), Porto (Portugal), Marrakech (Morocco), Lyon (France), Sydney (Australia), Montreal (Canada), Osaka (Japan), and Copenhagen (Denmark), respectively.

To compile the list, Time Out narrowed down the selection by excluding cities with lower overall scores and including only the highest-scoring city for each country, according to the magazine.

Time Out then asked its global network of editors and writers to present the lowdown on what makes their city an exciting dining destination in 2024, and to recommend their favorite places to eat for the year.

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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."
This years Cashless Day (June 16) in Vietnam is set to bring not only usual festivities but also new elements, including financial skill consultations and guidance for students on money management, spending control, financial investment, along with engaging financial management mini-games and a running event.

The series of events for the 2024 Cashless Day, themed Promoting the Development of Safe Cashless Payments, were announced at a press conference held on May 28.

The initiative is spearheaded by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper in collaboration with the Payment Department of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV).

The press conference was attended by the editorial board of the newspaper, along with leaders from the Payment and Communications Departments of the SBV.

Additionally, representatives from the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, as well as delegates from commercial banks, payment intermediaries, the Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM), the Association of Vietnam Retailers (AVR), and the Ho Chi Minh City Chapter of the Vietnam Youth Federation were also present.

From left: Tu Tien Phat, general director of ACB, Pham Truong Giang, from the Payment Department at the State Bank of Vietnam, and Le Anh Dung, deputy director of the Payment Department of the State Bank of Vietnam, converse before the press conference for the 2024 Cashless Day (June 16) in Ho Chi Minh City, May 28, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

According to the organizers announcement, the 2024 Cashless Day event series includes:

1. National Promotion Day:

- The organizers proposed designating June 16 annually as National Promotion Day - Cashless Day, which will be Vietnams largest cashless shopping festival, featuring nationwide promotions for cashless payments.

- Objective: To drive shopping activities, boost domestic consumption, and spur economic development

- Application period: June 10 to 16

- Participating businesses nationwide can offer discounts of up to 100 percent, fostering a national wave of cashless shopping using the discount code Cashless Day

2. Concentrated promotion month - Shopping Season:

- In collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, the organizers will encourage businesses and retailers to respond to the event with special discount programs from June 15 to July 15.

- Scope: Commercial centers, supermarkets, retailers, and business households in Ho Chi Minh City

3. Live-streamed discounted sales:

- Collaboration with TikTok Vietnam and select e-commerce platforms to host live-streamed sales sessions

- Activities: Live-streamed sales sessions featuring Key Opinion Consumers (KOCs) on social networking and e-commerce platforms offering discounts, gifts, and attractive promotions for cashless payments to raise awareness of Cashless Day and encourage non-cash transactions

- Frequency: two sessions per week until June 16

4. Cashless Festival:

- Theme: Promoting Safe and Secure Cashless Payments

- Venue: Youth Culture House at 4 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

- Duration: From 6:00 pm on June 14 to 9:00 pm on June 16, with an expected attendance of about 50,000-60,000 people

- Activities: Display and introduction of payment technology solutions, banking, credit, and fintech services. Additionally, utility areas and game experiences will help attendees gain a better understanding of cashless transactions.

Delegates attend the press conference for the 2024 Cashless Day (June 16) in Ho Chi Minh City, May 28, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

During the May 28 press conference, attending leaders also presented the recent achievements in developing non-cash payments, emphasized the role of media and financial education in promoting this activity, and discussed the digitalization of banking services and future directions.

Over the five-year journey of implementing Cashless Day since 2019, the program has effectively conveyed and disseminated the message and positive values of cashless payment, contributing to shaping and reinforcing habits regarding non-cash payments.

This has led to a significant shift in non-cash payment activities among individuals, businesses, and the entire economy.

The program has played a crucial role in achieving the governments objectives outlined in the Non-Cash Payment Development Project for the 2021-25 period, the project to promote payment through banks for public services, the project to improve access to banking services for the economy, and the National Comprehensive Financial Strategy.

Delegates attend the press conference for the 2024 Cashless Day (June 16) in Ho Chi Minh City, May 28, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

According to the Payment Department at the SBV, non-cash payment indicators have shown significant growth.

Particularly, the average number of payment transactions via Internet and mobile channels grew 52 percent and 103.3 percent, respectively, from 2021 to 2023.

The growth in the quantity and value of payments via quick-response (QR) code method has exceeded 170 percent.

By the end of 2023, Vietnam had logged more than 182 million personal payment accounts, with 87.08 percent of the country's adults owning payment accounts.

Up to 40 banks have reported official implementation of the Electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) method, with nearly 35 million active payment accounts opened using this digital process.

Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Industry and Trade Department, speaks at the press conference for the 2024 Cashless Day (June 16) in Ho Chi Minh City, May 28, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

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The 77th Annual Tony Awards will be streamed Live and exclusive on Paramount+ in Australia on Monday week.

Ariana DeBose returns to host for the third time (this time without a Writers Strike) live from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

The full list of nominations can be access here.

Nominees for The 77th Annual Tony Awards were selected by an independent committee of 44 theatre professionals appointed by the Tony Awards Administration Committee. The 2024 Tony Awards, which honour theatre professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway, are presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.

Pre-Show 9am AEST on Monday, 17 June

77th Tony Awards 10am AEST on Paramount+.

Corrected.
Mildura Digital TV has launched a television commercial advising audiences that the 10 broadcast signal is closing down effective midnight June 30, 2024.

The commercial will run all month, advising people that they will need to watch 10 content through the 10Play app thereafter.

A series of FAQs also outlines that the channel has run at a loss since its inception in 2006 and the licence will be handed back to the Australian Communications and Media Authority -a very rare outcome in the broadcast landscape.

Chris Halios-Lewis, Chairman, Mildura Digital Television, said: It is unfortunate that we have got to this point, but we want Mildura TV audiences to be prepared come midnight June 30.

We dont want people to be caught out or for it to come as a surprise, that is why we are running a public awareness campaign.

The TV commercials running on channels 50, 51 and 52 are to remind people that the close down is coming and what they will need to do if they want to continue watching TEN content.

The following FAQs have been posted at wintv.com.au/page/mildura-10-closure

Who is Mildura Television (MDT)?

Mildura Digital Television (MDT) is jointly owned by WIN and Seven Network. It went to air on 1 January 2006 and most recently broadcasts the Channel 10 signal into the Mildura licence area.

The Mildura Market is serviced by Seven which carries the Seven Signal, WIN which carries the Nine Signal and Mildura Digital Television, which is a joint venture between Seven and WIN which carries the TEN signal.

For its entire history it has run at a loss and WIN and Seven have taken the decision to wind it up as it does not make commercial sense to carry the TEN signal at a loss.

Q: Where can I watch Network 10 content?

A: Audiences who want to watch TEN content can download the 10 Play App or go to www.tenplay.com.au.

Q: Does MDT only carry Channel 10, or also the other Network 10 channels?

A: It carries all the Network 10 channels.

Q: How many viewers will be affected?

A: The Mildura/Sunraysia licence area reaches a population 63,000.

Q: Will I have to use my data allowance to stream 10play?

A: Streaming requires internet connection and a broadband package with a telecommunications retail service provider. The cost will depend on the broadband package you have with your provider.

Q: When will the signal be shut off?

A: The Channel 10 signal broadcast by MDT will shut down on June 30, 2024 at midnight.

Q: Why is Channel 10 Mildura shutting down?

A: Over its entire history it has been unprofitable and it no longer makes commercial sense to carry a signal that is making a loss. Over its period of operation it has carried the Nine and Ten signals.

Q: How long has it been unprofitable?

A: Since its inception.

Q: How many people will lose their jobs as a result of this closure?

A: None.

Q: Did WIN and Seven seek government assistance to keep MDT going?

A: Yes, we sought assistance form the Federal Government.

Q: Doesnt MDT have a legal obligation to keep broadcasting?

A: No, we are handing back the licence.

Q: Doesnt MDT have a community obligation to keep broadcasting?

A: While no one likes to see services decline in regional Australia, it does not make commercial sense to subsidise a signal which is not making any money.

Q: Will Seven and Nine continue to be seen in Mildura?

A: Yes, they will continue to be broadcast as normal.

Q: What will happen to the licence MDT holds?

A: It will be given back to the regulator the Australian and Communication Media Authority (ACMA).
Arshad Ahmed, Twocircles.net

Guwahati: A cloud of anxiety had been looming over Sahjahan Ali because of an impending eviction drive. The Darrang district administration in northern Assam had warned him and his fellow villagers that they would be forcefully evicted if they did not relocate to the land allotted to them.

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For Shahjahan and many others living in Dhalpur, a Char or Chapori crisscrossed by the Brahmaputra River and its tributary, this anxiety always precedes the arrival of security forces with earthmovers to uproot their homes.

Chars or Chaporis are over 2,000 riverine and floating sandbars dotting the Brahmaputra River in Assam, home to 2.9 million people  most of them Bengal-origin Muslims.

On May 20, as the villagers had feared, the district administration arrived with earthmovers and security forces to carry out the eviction drive.

We were left helpless. They came and started bulldozing our houses even when we asked the district administration for some time, Sahjahan, in his 20s, recounted.

According to the district administration, over 395 houses were demolished in this drive, which was part of a periodic campaign to clear government land allegedly encroached upon by people.

The families evicted in Dhalpur village, said Sipajhar Circle Officer Ritamani Das, are among the 620 families previously asked to relocate to Dalgaon. These families allegedly encroached on land earmarked for the agricultural Garukhuti project, India Today NE reported.

Locals told TwoCircles.net a plot measuring 1,000-bigha plot was allotted to them for the Garukhuti project for temporary settlement following an earlier eviction drive in September 2021.

Termed the dream project by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Garukhuti multi-purpose farm was flagged in 2021 to provide livelihood options to indigenous youth by engaging them in agriculture.

A total of 1,300 affected families protested when the district authorities carried out the second leg of the eviction drive on September 23, 2021.

Additionally, 800 families were evicted to free 4,500 bighas of land from illegal encroachment in Dhalpur Chapori on September 20, 2021, according to Sarma. This was the first leg of the eviction drive after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Assam ordered to clear 77,420 bighas of land from alleged encroachers in Darrangs Sipajhar block, under which the riverine Dhalpur village falls.

However, unofficial numbers indicate that over 7,000 people were affected by the September 20 and 23 eviction drives in 2021, with a government survey later tallying the evictees at 2,051 families.

They are heartless or what?

The scenes that unfolded before the villagers on May 20 conjured up memories of the eviction drive from September 23, 2021.

It was the same way they came to displace us that year, said 45-year-old Aynal Haque, whose 12-member family is now sheltering under a tin shed after their house was demolished. I cannot help but cry at what they did to us.

Most people TwoCircles.net spoke to have yet to recover from the trauma of the violence-hit eviction in Dhalpur in 2021. Houses were bulldozed and torched in the eviction drive on September 23, which turned violent after the Darrang police opened fire on protesting residents. Two people  Moinul Haque and a 12-year-old Sheikh Farid  were shot dead and over 20 suffered injuries, including policemen.

Mumtaz Begum, Moinuls widowed wife, 33, said, Even though my house was not bulldozed, everything flashed through my mind. They are heartless or what?

The justification for the 2021 Dhalpur eviction was the Garukhuti Prokolpo (project). Spread over 8,700 bighas of land, the project has faced severe criticism from the Opposition for turning out to be a failed model. The state government has invested over Rs 17 crores into the project to date. However, reports indicate that the investment has not yielded desired results.

The Garukhuti Prokolpo was a natok (drama). The government was looking for an excuse to displace the poor Muslims from Dhalpur, said Rejaul Karim Sarkar, president of the All Assam Minority Students Union (AAMSU).

The project was an agenda by the state government to appease the Assamese majority. It was a move to polarize people. Or else, why would they (the government) make an agri-project in Garukhuti when there are large swaths of land available in upper Assam? he asked.

the AK-47 that killed my husband

The eviction in Dhalpur serves as a disturbing memory for Mumtaz Begum. When Moinul was shot dead by the police, a photographer named Bijoy Bonia  associated with the district administration  stomped on his body.

I cannot forget that scene, Begum told TwoCircles.net over phone. My youngest child still mimics the gunshot from the AK-47 that killed my husband.

Following the violent eviction and subsequent protests from civil society and minority rights organizations, the state government ordered an inquiry to determine what led the police to fire gun shots and other aspects of the incident. However, the commission has yet to file its report.

Meanwhile, Begum questioned, Who killed my husband? And when will I get justice?

Land not habitable?

Forty-five-year-old Safer Ali, like Shahjahan and his fellow villagers, said he does not want to relocate to Magurmari. The land at Magurmari is not conducive for living, he said, adding that the land is flood-prone and shrinking.

Magurmari is a riverine village in the Dalgaon constituency, over 50 km from Dhalpur. Their relocation to the village came after a rehabilitation agreement proposed by the state government in a meeting held between district authorities and minority rights groups in February 2022.

It was decided in the meeting that 2,051 families displaced after the September 2021 eviction drive would be allotted land. However, over 1,400 families were previously relocated to other areas in Dalgaon, leaving the rest, who are camping in Dhalpur in make-shift shanties, awaiting permanent rehabilitation.

The new relocation drive also comes after a Gauhati High Court judgment in January 2023 that said the rehabilitation should happen within the next six months of the order.

But where are they taking us now? asked Safer. It is a barren land. We will not be able to grow anything.

He was a skilled peasant before the eviction. But the eviction has turned most of them into laborers.

When asked about their concern, Das told reporters, Since Dalgaon is a different administrative circle, she will not be able to comment.

When reached for comments, Darrang Deputy Commissioner Munindra Nath Ngatey refused to acknowledge the demolitions as an eviction. Only the houses of the middlemen were razed to the ground, he told TwoCircles.net.

Do we look like middlemen here? Sahjahan asked, smirking. They should at least stop dehumanizing us.

On the question of their resistance to relocation, Ngatey said, How can you say that it (Magurmari) is not habitable? People are already living there.

The chief minister is also building a road very close to the Magurmari area. They will also get land deeds after the Char area is surveyed, he claimed.

Eviction politics in Assam

The BJP-led government came to power in Assam in 2016 with a major poll plank to make the state encroachment-free from illegal immigrants.

Terms like illegal immigrants and Bangladeshis in the state are synonymous with Bangla-speaking Muslims, also called Miyas, though pejoratively.

Since the saffron partys rise in 2016, evictions have allegedly been weaponized to target the community. Over 10,000 families have been evicted in Assam since 2016, a majority of them are Bengali-speaking Muslims.

The BJP has, however, denied these charges.

The community, one of the most marginalized ethnic groups in Assam, has also faced persecution from Assamese nationalist groups arising from a sub-nationalistic movement in the state, where Miyas are a threat to Assamese culture and identity.

Abdul Mannan, a former professor of economics at Gauhati University, said targeting Bengali Muslims through the design of eviction dates back to pre-independence.

But the way the BJP is carrying out evictions against this community is inhumane, he said, adding, What is more worrying is the support they receive from Assamese groups.
TCN News

Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi won the Hyderabad parliamentary constituency for the fifth consecutive term, securing 6,61,981 votes. His closest competitor, Madhavi Latha from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), received 3,23,894 votes.

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Hyderabad has been a stronghold of the Owaisi family since 1984 when Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, Asads father, won for six straight terms. Asad has continued this legacy, registering victory since 2004.

As the results of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 are still being announced, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is away from the majority mark of 273 in the 545-member house. However, together with its alliance partner, the incumbents in the form of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to form the government if no defection happens.

Polling in Hyderabad took place on May 13, 2024, during the fourth phase, with a voter turnout slightly over 48%.

Madhavi Latha, a cultural activist and entrepreneur, was the first woman BJP candidate for the seat. Despite addressing Muslim women as her sisters, she faced backlash for her controversial actions, including shooting imaginary arrows at a mosque during a Ram Navami procession, leading to an FIR for hurting religious sentiments.

On polling day, her demand for burqa (veil)-clad women to unveil themselves further angered many in the community, though she defended her actions.

Other candidates included Mohammad Waliullah Sameer from the Congress and Gaddam Srinivas Yadav from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).

Asad, a 55-year-old barrister who studied at Lincolns Inn of London, entered politics in 1994 and has consistently won since then. He is known for his well-researched speeches in Parliament on different issues.

His party, the AIMIM, has contested elections in various states across India with limited success. He keeps entering into alliances with regional parties to represent marginalised sections like Dalits and Adivasis along with Muslims. This strategy has led him to face accusations of being a BJP agent or Team B of BJP, though he counters it by calling the Congress and the BJP two sides of the same coin.

As Asaduddin Owaisi prepares to take oath for his fifth term as MP, Latha may get nominated to the Rajya Sabha (Parliaments Upper House).
By David Randall

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Some of Tesla's institutional shareholders are getting out, convinced that the electric carmaker's days of dizzying growth are in the rear-view mirror.

The company's shares are down nearly 30% this year and have fallen by more than 50% since their 2021 high, wiping out some $600 billion in market value as CEO Elon Musk has struggled with fierce competition and falling sales. Tesla's first-quarter results missed analyst expectations, though Musk said the company would release new models in 2025 that would be more affordable.

"It started to feel like the fundamentals were becoming detached from reality," said John Belton, a portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds whose firm sold its entire stake of 65,900 shares - acquired in early 2022 - in the first quarter of the year. We think the stock works best when there are auto company fundamentals that justify the stock price.

Tesla's nearly 14-fold increase in its stock the last five years has conditioned investors to hold on during periods of adversity and accept valuations that are more in line with technology companies than carmakers. This time however, even some of the company's diehard believers have become skeptical that the same kind of expansion lies ahead and think Tesla's shares have become too risky. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment on this story.

Of the 18 mutual funds tracked by Morningstar that have held Tesla shares since 2019, 10 reduced their positions in the last quarter, with four slashing their stakes by 15% or more, Morningstar data showed. Only five added shares.

That doesnt mean Wall Street has written off the stock. Nineteen analysts tracked by LSEG now have either a "buy" or "strong buy" rating on Tesla, up from 17 in February. The average price target among 49 analysts tracked stands at $178.95, about 1.5% more than the stock's closing price on Monday.

Story continues

Others see it differently. Ross Gerber, whose Los Angeles-based firm, Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management, bought 500,000 shares more than a decade ago, has been selling steadily this year.

"I think the story is over, is the best way to say it," said Gerber, who has whittled his position down to around 300,000 shares.

Gerbers complaints range from Teslas public relations department, which he believes receives insufficient funding, to what Gerber calls Musks distractions by political and cultural issues.

"Over the last year and a half, Elons personal quests based on the way that he sees the world have superseded the interests of Tesla and its shareholders, Gerber said.

Gerber believes the shares, which closed on Monday at $176.29, are fairly valued at $100, some 40% less than their current value, as long as Musk stays at the helm. He expects to give part of the remainder of his stock to charity to allay the tax consequences of selling, or use them to sell put options, which allows him to raise income without incurring tax penalties.

HIGH VALUATION

Nonetheless, Tesla remains the world's most valuable automaker, with a market capitalization of more than $560 billion. By contrast, Toyota, the worlds biggest automaker by volume, has a $333.7 billion market cap.

Tesla, however, trades at approximately 64 times future earnings, as of Tuesday morning, a multiple that exceeds the valuations of some tech high-fliers. Artificial intelligence darlings Nvidia and Super Micro Computer, for instance, trade at 37.8 and 23.2 times earnings, respectively. Other automakers are valued far more conservatively. General Motors trades at 4.7 and Ford trades at 6.4 forward earnings, while Toyota trades at 10.1.

Bullish investors justify Tesla's valuation with a long list of reasons, pointing to its technology and fervent fan base. More recent causes for optimism have been the company's continued push into fully-autonomous driving and in-roads into China.

"The Street is looking through this painful transition period for the long-term growth story to emerge for Musk & Co, with (self-driving) a key ingredient in that recipe for success," said Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities who has a $275 price target for the stock.

Among the most fervent bulls is Ark Invest founder Cathie Wood, who has held Tesla in her ARK Innovation Fund since 2014 and increased her stake in the company by 10% over the first quarter, according to Morningstar data.

Ark estimated in April 2022 that Tesla will be worth $2,000 per share by 2027, with a bear case of $1,400 per share, largely due to the roll-out of its proposed robotaxi business. Wood has stood by that price target, buying roughly $100 million worth of new shares in April 2024, while telling CNBC that now "is not the time to run for the hills."

Musk recently announced on social media platform X a "robotaxi unveil" on "8/8," presumably meaning August 2024, and he later posted that going "balls to the wall" on autonomy was a "blindingly obvious" move. Last month, Musk said Tesla "should be thought of as an AI robotics company," not a carmaker.

Tesla remains ARK Innovations top holding, at nearly 12% of the fund's assets. The fund is down nearly 18% year-to-date, compared to a more than 10% gain for the S&P 500.

Critics, however, say self-driving vehicles are a risky bet because the technology faces engineering and regulatory hurdles. In an April report, Deutsche Bank said cracking the code on full driver-less autonomy represents a significant technological, regulatory and operational challenge.

Thats one reason why Graham Tanaka has liquidated the entire Tesla position in his $21.5 million Tanaka Growth Fund over the last six months. The fund owned the stock since around 2011, when it was trading at $2.

Instead, he has been buying shares of Nvidia, confident the chipmaking giant - whose stock has rallied more than 130% this year - will continue benefiting from excitement over the business potential of artificial intelligence.

"There's too much risk in Tesla when you've got a great play like Nvidia trading at half the valuation, he said.

(Reporting by David Randall. Additional reporting by Saqib Iqbal Ahmed; Editing by Ira Iosebashvili and Rod Nickel)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden said Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu may be stalling on ending the war in Gaza for political reasons, according to an interview with Time magazine released on Tuesday.

The comments in the May 28 interview were made a few days before Biden detailed a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, and as the Israeli prime minister struggles with deep political divisions at home.

Asked whether he thought Netanyahu was prolonging the war for his own political reasons, Biden said: "There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion."

Biden, who has been pushing for an end to the nearly eight-month war, also said it was "uncertain" whether Israeli forces have committed war crimes in Gaza.

Last month, the International Criminal Court's prosecutor in The Hague requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his defense chief, as well as three Hamas leaders, over alleged war crimes.

Israel launched an air and ground offensive in Gaza last October vowing to destroy the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas after it attacked inside Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 people hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Around 120 hostages remain in Gaza.

The Israeli assault has killed more than 36,000 people in Gaza, according to health authorities there, who say thousands more bodies are buried under rubble.

Opinion polls show most Israelis support the war but blame Netanyahu for the security failures when Hamas gunmen rampaged through Israeli communities near Gaza on Oct. 7, and would vote him out if there were an election.

Mass street protests have become weekly events, drawing tens of thousands demanding the government do more to bring home hostages seized by Hamas in Oct. 7 and calling for Netanyahu to go.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Peter Graff)
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
New Caledonia independence party says Macron needs to do more to defuse tension

By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) - New Caledonia's pro-independence political party has told French President Emmanuel Macron it can't persuade protesters to remove roadblocks across the French Pacific territory because activists aren't convinced Macron will drop a contentious electoral reform.

At least seven people have died in protests against the constitutional amendment that would expand New Caledonia's electorate to include recent French arrivals. Some indigenous Kanaks believe the change will dilute their vote, and risk any future referendum on independence.

The letter from the Socialist Kanak National Liberation Front (FLNKS), which met to discuss how to defuse tensions a week after Macron's lightning visit, was sent as protester road blocks continue to impede travel and armoured vehicles arrived from France.

"Despite several meetings with activists mobilised at roadblocks and two statements from FLNKS calling for appeasement ... this message is still hardly heard on the ground," said the letter addressed to Macron's three-person mission, tasked with re-establishing political dialogue.

Macron said during a visit to Noumea last month he would not force through the voting reform that triggered deadly riots, but added the road blocks must be removed.

In the letter, FLNKS said the president's comments in Noumea were misunderstood on the ground, because he didn't guarantee the constitutional reform will be abandoned.

"This misunderstanding represents a real difficulty and prevents our activists from hearing the call for calm and appeasement. For this reason, the FLNKS's political office asks the president to state explicitly that... he gives up on this constitutional reform," the letter said.

New Caledonia's international airport remains closed, and clashes between French gendarmes and indigenous Kanak protesters at the road blocks continue.

France has sent 3,000 security officers to quell unrest, and interior minister Gerald Darmanin wrote in a social media post that Centaure armoured vehicles had arrived in New Caledonia to help end the roadblocks and "re-establish republican order".

FLNKS spokesman Jimmy Naouna told Reuters a political solution was needed instead.

"The more military there is, the more clashes there will be," he said on Tuesday.

There was a risk of growing militarisation in New Caledonia, that could lead to the same situation as 1987, he added, referring to a period of violent clashes between French police and independence activists.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney and Jean Terzian in Paris; Editing by Michael Perry)
Periods of silence in political campaigning during a given period before polling, or election 'purdahs', are common across EU member states. Such bans affect different media, which can no longer share information about candidates or comment on opinion polls. The goal is to give voters a period of reflection without being influenced by external elements.

According to a European Parliament study, most voters already know in advance whom they will vote for, but younger voters, without established voting habits, are more likely to make a last-minute decision. In some countries, the decision is made in the days leading up to the vote or even on the day itself. Among the countries with the latest decision-making are Finland (30%), Sweden (33%), and the Netherlands (42%).

Of the twenty-seven countries in the bloc, nine impose no restrictions on candidates' speech in the media or the commentary on opinion polls: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Sweden. For the remaining eighteen, the media involved, the type of content, and the length of the silence period vary.

The strictest countries

Countries concerned: Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, and Spain

Italians will vote for their 76 members of the European Parliament on June 8 and 9. They have the longest reflection period, as the law on equal treatment prohibits sharing opinion poll results two weeks before the elections, starting on May 25. All TV, radio, and online media must also respect a silence period on the elections from midnight on Thursday, June 6.

In Slovakia, the silence period also starts on Thursday for a vote on Saturday, June 8. From that moment, all media are prohibited from "sending or publishing information about candidates, political parties, or coalitions in their favour or against them in word, writing, sound, or image."

In Portugal, opinion polls, candidate statements, and all election-related content cannot be broadcast on any media from midnight on the second day before the day designated for the elections, meaning Friday midnight for a vote on Sunday, June 9.

Spaniards will have access to the latest poll estimates until Tuesday, June 4, five days before the elections, while candidates can express themselves in the media and on social networks until the eve of the elections, meaning Saturday at midnight.

24 hours of silence, the average delay

Countries concerned: Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Portugal, and Romania

Most countries have a 24-hour rule of silence imposed on candidates and media about elections related contents and opinion polls  but with some variations in their application.

In Cyprus, since May 26, opinion polls are not allowed to be published due to a seven-day silence period imposed on them. While in most countries the prohibition is imposed on all media, in Greece it does not concern online publications. In Ireland, it is not regulated by an electoral law per se, but a silence period is imposed in the Guidelines of the Broadcasting Authority. In Romania, the blackout period does not apply from midnight on the day before the elections but from 7 am on the day itself.

In France, a periode de reserve forbids high-rank officials such as ministers or other public agents from expressing an opinion or delivering communications about a week before the elections (May 27), with some exceptions. For the candidates, they are allowed to campaign until Saturday midnight.

Restrictions only on opinion polls

Countries concerned: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, and Slovenia

In these countries, candidates are allowed to campaign and speak in the media; however, results of opinion polls cannot be made public at least on the day of the European elections  this is the case for Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovenia. The period is longer for the Czech Republic, where polls wont be available from June 5 for a vote on Friday, June 7, to the next day, and in Luxembourg, opinion polls are forbidden five days before the elections, meaning June 4.

Limitations and electoral reform

Silence periods can be difficult to apply from one country to another, especially in the age of social media and globalized connections. Indeed, polls can be published online from another country and are therefore not regulated. It is also difficult to regulate and moderate social networks, where even if candidates dont express themselves, disinformation may be prevalent.

The European Parliament attempted to bring more clarity by voting on a resolution in May 2022, calling for electoral reform at the European Union level to unify rules regarding the electoral period and silence, as well as to implement transnational lists. This reform must be evaluated by EU Member States and is unlikely to be approved quickly.
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The Counting of votes for Amroha LS seat along with 540 other seats that went to polls in 07 phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, also known as Parliamentary Elections or General Elections, has started at 08:00 am Tuesday June 04, 2024

Wednesday June 5, 2024 11:39 AM , ummid.com News Network

Amroha LS Election Result 2024 Live: Kunwar Danish Ali of the Congress Party has lost the Amroha seat by 28,670 seats, according to the final result announced by the Election Commission Tuesday.

The ECI final result data said, Danish Ali polled 447,836 votes but lost the seat to his nearest rival Kanwar Singh Tanwar of BJP who got 476,506 votes.

BSP candidate Mujahid Husain played spoiler for Danish Ali. Mujahid Ali got 164,099 votes and ensured the defeat of Danish Ali in Amroha.

10:30 AM: Kunwar Danish Ali who was trailing behind his rivals in early rounds is now leading by some 8,000 votes.

As per the trend at 10:30 AM, Danish Ali has bagged a total of 34,064 - about 7,962 votes more than his closest rival Kanwar Singh Tanwar of BJP.

09:30 AM: Counting of votes to decide the fate of Kunwar Danish Ali and other candidates contesting from the Amroha Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh is underway.

As per the trends available at 09:30 am, Danish Ali who is contesting as Congress candidate is trailing.

Danish Ali is a graduate from the prestigious Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi. He is a sitting MP from the Amroha seat.

Dalish Ali began his political journey by joining Janata Dal (Secular). He switched to the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) following an understanding between the two parties ahead of the 2019 General Elections. Danish Ali won the 2019 LS Polls defeating the BJP candidate by over 63,000 votes.

05:00 AM: 2024 Lok Sabha Election - All eyes on vote count, result

The Counting of votes for all 541 seats which went to poll in 07 phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, also known as Parliamentary Elections or General Elections, will start at 08:00 am Tuesday June 04, the Election Commission of India said.

Earlier, counting of Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) and Postal Ballots used to be taken up first. Later on votes stored in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were counted.

But for the 2024 elections, the Election Commission has ordered simultaneous counting of Postal Ballots and EVMs.

The counting of Postal Ballots this election is also likely to take more time as number of postal votes are more because of the initiative to cast votes of over 80 years of age at their homes.

After counting of the votes, the counting personnel will then randomly select five EVMs from each Assembly segments for matching with VVPAT slips as directed by the Supreme Court.

The final election results are likely to be declared by late in the evening Tuesday or early morning Wednesday. The trends however will start coming by 08:30 to 08:45 am today.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections spanned seven phases: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Twenty states including Delhi voted in a single-phase.

The process for the 2024 Parliamentary election, also known as Lok Sabha Chunav, started with the first Phase of polling on April 19, 2024. Polling for the 7th and last phase of the 2024 general elections was held on June 01, 2024.

Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir polled in 5 phases, while Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal voted in all seven phases of voting. Polling in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tripura, and Manipur were held in two phases. Chhattisgarh and Assam saw 3 phases of voting, and Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand had 4 phases of polling.

Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian Parliament has a total of 545 members. Of them 543 are elected while 02 members are nominated by the President of India. Polling for the 2024 elections was held for 541 seats as the BJP candidate in Surat, Gujarat won unopposed.





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The Counting of votes for Rampur LS seat along with 540 other seats that went to polls in 07 phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, also known as Parliamentary Elections or General Elections, has started at 08:00 am Tuesday June 04, 2024

Tuesday June 4, 2024 11:59 PM , ummid.com News Network

Rampur LS Election Result 2024 Live: Imam Mohibbullah of Samajwadi Party (SP) won the Rampur Lok Sabha seat by 87,434 votes, the Election Commission of India announced Tuesday.

According to the ECI data, Imam Mohibbullah polled a total of 481,503 votes and defeated his nearest rival Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi of BJP who got 394,069 votes.

08:35 PM: Counting of votes to decide the fate of Imam Mohibbullah of Samajwadi Party (SP), Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi of BJP and other candidates contesting from the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh is underway.

Imam Mohibbullah is Imam and Khateeb of the Parliament Mosque.

As per the ECI data at 08:35 PM, Imam Mohibullah polled 481,503 votes as against 394,069 votes bagged by Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi of BJP.

Imam Mohibbullah is set to win Rampur Lok Sabha seat by more than 85,000 votes.

05:00 AM: 2024 Lok Sabha Election - All eyes on vote count, result

The Counting of votes for all 541 seats which went to poll in 07 phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, also known as Parliamentary Elections or General Elections, will start at 08:00 am Tuesday June 04, the Election Commission of India said.

Earlier, counting of Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) and Postal Ballots used to be taken up first. Later on votes stored in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were counted.

But for the 2024 elections, the Election Commission has ordered simultaneous counting of Postal Ballots and EVMs.

The counting of Postal Ballots this election is also likely to take more time as number of postal votes are more because of the initiative to cast votes of over 80 years of age at their homes.

After counting of the votes, the counting personnel will then randomly select five EVMs from each Assembly segments for matching with VVPAT slips as directed by the Supreme Court.

The final election results are likely to be declared by late in the evening Tuesday or early morning Wednesday. The trends however will start coming by 08:30 to 08:45 am today.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections spanned seven phases: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Twenty states including Delhi voted in a single-phase.

The process for the 2024 Parliamentary election, also known as Lok Sabha Chunav, started with the first Phase of polling on April 19, 2024. Polling for the 7th and last phase of the 2024 general elections was held on June 01, 2024.

Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir polled in 5 phases, while Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal voted in all seven phases of voting. Polling in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tripura, and Manipur were held in two phases. Chhattisgarh and Assam saw 3 phases of voting, and Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand had 4 phases of polling.

Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian Parliament has a total of 545 members. Of them 543 are elected while 02 members are nominated by the President of India. Polling for the 2024 elections was held for 541 seats as the BJP candidate in Surat, Gujarat won unopposed.





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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.
HA NOI  There should be a minimum export price for Vietnamese rice to prevent companies from engaging in price wars, undercutting each other, said industry insiders after a recent incident in which Vietnamese exporters won a bid to supply Indonesias State Logistics Agency (Perum Bulog) with 100,000 tonnes of rice for a total of US$55 million.

Loc Troi had the lowest bidding prices among bidders at $563 per tonne, $16 lower than the initial price of $579 per tonne and $24 lower than the domestic rice price listed by the Viet Nam Food Association.

Huynh Thi Bich Huyen, chairwoman of the Ngoc Quang Phat Import-Export Joint Stock Company based in the Mekong Delta province of Can Tho, said the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) should establish a minimum price for rice exports. She said the minimum price, once implemented, would prevent bidding exporters from selling too low, ensuring safety for themselves and farmers.

Right now we need solidarity and cooperation among Vietnamese rice exporters. Established corporations such as the Northern Food Corporation (Vinafood 1) and Southern Food Corporation (Vinafood 2) can represent Vietnamese rice exporters in bidding wars in certain countries. Once the contracts are secured, they can divide the orders later, she said.

Huyen said the most important objective remains the bottom line.

Its useless, if not counter-productive, to win many low-priced contracts, which are very likely to cause loss to both exporters and farmers, she added.

Huyen was concerned that if exporters abuse fire-sale tactics to get out of short-term financial difficulties they will pose a danger to themselves, farmers and their creditors.

Others took an alternate view, voicing their support for giving exporters freedom to conduct business and negotiate prices with their buyers.

We all want to sell rice at a high price but rigid sticking to a rule can mean no contracts at all, said Nguyen Viet Anh, director-general of the Phuong ong Food Co., Ltd.

Exporters must find a balance between being reasonable and profitable. Its also their right in a free market. Having a minimum price with no contracts will only make things worse.

During a recent meeting with rice exporters in Can Tho, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade (MoIT) Phan Thi Thang said the Government has been working to improve regulations governing the Southeast Asian countrys rice industry.

Thang said in the meantime, exporters must place great importance on actively monitoring the global rice market and understanding partners before signing contracts, reinforcing cooperation among rice-exporting enterprises to avoid unhealthy competition, market disputes and contract breaches.

After Loc Troi announced the Indonesian contract last week, the Export-Import Department under the MoIT demanded the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) and its members submit a report regarding the supposedly low prices. The VFA was told to take measures to protect the domestic rice market, ensure export efficiency and maintain the reputation of Vietnamese rice on the global market.

Meanwhile, a representative from Loc Troi said that all of its bids had been carefully considered to ensure mutual benefits for exporters, farmers and the market as well as for the long-term development of Viet Nams agricultural products.

VFA Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Nam said in recent years, Indonesia has divided orders into smaller tenders, allowing companies from various countries to participate directly, pushing prices down further.

"In principle, the enterprise with the lowest bid will win, but Indonesias new rule is that the three lowest bidders enter another negotiation round to select the winners, said a VFA representative.

Indonesia remains Viet Nams second-largest rice export market.

Last year, Viet Nams total rice exports to Indonesia reached nearly 1.2 million tonnes, an almost tenfold increase compared to the previous year, accounting for 14.5 per cent of Viet Nams total rice exports. In 2024, Indonesia plans to import approximately 3.6 million tonnes of rice, an increase of 1.6 million tonnes from their initial target.  VNS
*Vo Tri Thanh

In last week's National Assembly session, a number of deputies proposed postponing the consideration and approval of the revised Social Insurance Law to the 8th meeting session. Lawmakers argued that this delay is necessary to ensure a thorough assessment of the impact of new wage policies on the social insurance regulations and to gather feedback from the vast number of affected workers.

The revised Social Insurance Law was initially expected to be passed in the current session to take effect by July 1, 2025. However, the proposed law has sparked significant debate. This legislation is crucial as it affects the lives of millions of workers, a matter of great public interest nationwide.

One of the major issues in the revised law is the provision allowing workers to withdraw their social insurance contributions in a lump sum.

According to a report by Viet Nam Social Insurance, by 2023, 39.25 per cent of the labour force was participating in social insurance, with 31.52 per cent covered by unemployment insurance. However, the number of people claiming benefits has been rising. By December 31, 2023, those taking a one-time social insurance payout increased by 20.58 per cent.

By April 2024, nearly 121,900 individuals had opted for a one-time social insurance payout, the highest number recorded to date. Projections indicate that if this trend continues, about 1.4 million people will claim a one-time payout in 2024.

In discussions about the draft law, many lawmakers stressed the need for optimal solutions to prevent millions of workers from leaving the social safety net and to ensure their financial security in old age.

Social insurance serves as a safety net for workers during employment and retirement. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in workers withdrawing their social insurance in lump sums. This trend poses a threat not only to the national social security system but also directly impacts the workers' long-term welfare.

Most of those opting for a one-time payout are young workers, aged between 20 and 40, who make up about 77.5 per cent of the total. This suggests that young workers are more concerned with immediate needs rather than long-term benefits, driven by financial pressures such as starting a family or investing in education.

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs acknowledged that most workers in industrial zones have low incomes and limited savings. When they lose their jobs, they face immediate financial needs, such as family expenses or educational investments for their children.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this situation, with many businesses struggling, particularly those in labour-intensive industries like tourism, hospitality, transportation, education and garment manufacturing. In 2020, approximately 60 per cent to 80 per cent of workers in these sectors temporarily lost their jobs, increasing the number of people claiming one-time social insurance payouts.

While these payouts can address immediate financial hardships, they have long-term repercussions. Workers who withdraw their social insurance funds in a lump sum receive less money than their contributions and forgo short-term benefits like sick leave or maternity leave, as well as long-term benefits like pensions and life-long health care benefits. This move effectively removes them from the social security system, leaving them vulnerable in old age and placing additional burdens on society and their families.

The draft law proposes two options to address the rising trend of one-time payouts.

The first option allows workers who have contributed to social insurance before the revised law takes effect to withdraw their funds after 12 months of unemployment. After July 1, 2025, new workers would not be eligible for one-time withdrawals, except under specific conditions.

The second option permits workers to withdraw 50 per cent of their contributions to the retirement and survivorship fund, with the remaining amount preserved for future benefits. This policy applies to workers who have contributed for less than 20 years and have been out of the workforce for 12 months.

Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, raising concerns about fairness and the adequacy of funds to address immediate needs and ensure long-term security. Given the current economic challenges, many workers need funds to manage short-term difficulties. Restricting one-time withdrawals could provoke adverse reactions and force workers into difficult situations. On the other hand, allowing withdrawals may undermine long-term social security goals.

With a sizable vulnerable population, social security policies must be wide-ranging. This involves combining measures like preferential loans, job training and market development to support livelihoods and ensure flexibility, alongside social insurance.

Several deputies have suggested integrating both options to balance immediate needs and long-term benefits. They proposed applying the first option to workers with contributions before the law takes effect and the second option to new participants. Additionally, they called for clarity on the conditions for withdrawing 50 per cent of contributions.

With only 30-40 per cent of the labour force covered by mandatory insurance, it is crucial to consider developing private pension and social insurance funds to provide workers with more options and flexibility.

The Ministry of Finance said it is working with the labour ministry to evaluate voluntary supplementary pension regulations and develop a multi-tiered social insurance system to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.

Under Decree 88/2016/N-CP, dated July 1, 2016, only enterprises with a certificate of eligibility can manage voluntary supplementary pension funds. This includes life insurance and fund management companies legally established in Viet Nam.

Viet Nam's social inclusion vision for 2035 highlights the need to support the growing middle class in managing risks and pursuing opportunities in a market economy. With a rapidly aging population, the country faces challenges in elderly financial protection, health care and long-term care.

Social policy needs to have a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective, catering to the requirements of a growing urban and aging middle class. This entails a shift in focus from simply reducing chronic poverty to guaranteeing ongoing prosperity and effective risk mitigation.

By 2035, Viet Nam aims to have a predominantly middle-class society, with more than half the population expected to be part of the "global middle class". This demographic will demand minimum standards of services, financial protection and conditions for decent work, including affordable health care, quality education, old-age financial protection, care services and basic worker protections.

The pension system faces significant challenges, including low coverage and financial sustainability issues. Viet Nam aims to expand pension coverage to 60 per cent by 2030 through a diversified approach, including subsidised coverage for informal workers and reforms to the contributory pension system. These reforms will involve raising the retirement age, eliminating gender differences in retirement ages, and reducing incentives for early retirement. Despite these efforts, pension spending is projected to rise significantly, potentially reaching 6-8 per cent of GDP by 2035.

Viet Nam's social safety net system requires modernisation to address fragmentation, poor targeting, and outdated delivery systems. Reforms are needed in policy coherence, beneficiary identification, administrative machinery, and area-based anti-poverty programmes. Additionally, the growing demand for aged and long-term care must be addressed, with a focus on home- and community-based care, supported by enhanced State financing and private sector provision.

In conclusion, the revised Social Insurance Law needs to address the immediate financial needs of workers while ensuring long-term social security. Balancing these goals requires flexible policies that can adapt to economic challenges and safeguard workers' rights.

*Vo Tri Thanh is a former vice-president at the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) and a member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council. A doctorate in economics from the Australian National University, Thanh mainly undertakes research and provides consultation on issues related to macroeconomic policies, trade liberalisation and international economic integration. Other areas of interest include institutional reforms, financial systems, and economics of development. He authors Viet Nam News column Analysts Pick.
HA NOI  The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) will continue to focus on and tie into solutions to develop foreign exports, in which Northeast Asia and its prime markets, is one of the focal points.

Northeast Asia is a large market with a population of about 1.6 billion people and includes including important trade partners of Viet Nam such as China, Japan and South Korea.

The partners in the the Northeast Asia region have signed and participated in bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements with Viet Nam such as the Viet Nam - Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA), the Viet Nam - Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).

So these agreements were a key support for the development of trade and investment exchanges with countries in the Northeast Asia region, while also helping Viet Nam participate in the regional and global supply chain, said the MoITs Asian - African Market Department.

Exports to China reached $61.2 billion, up 6.4 per cent at the end of last year, a bright spot while other export markets were declining.

Exports to the remaining markets in the Northeast Asia region decreased slightly, of which exports to Japan and South Korea declined by 4 per cent and to Taiwan (China) fell by 7 per cent.

From the start of 2024 and facing concerns about the world economic outlook, the MoIT determined that it was necessary to push further and explore deeper in order to promote exports to the region and also remove any barriers for the business community in order to increase bilateral trade turnover with all partners in the world.

Those in the Northeast Asia region have seen a more visible export push in the first months of the year.

Firstly, foreign affairs activities have been strongly implemented to promote bilateral co-operation in trade, industry, and energy through visits of senior leaders to China, Japan, and South Korea.

Secondly, the ministry promoted and co-ordinated with partners in other countries to implement the co-operation contents agreed upon at joint meetings and the agreements and action plans.

The ministry is also providing market information guides on how to access the markets of Northeast Asian countries and organised conferences to promote those free trade agreements and helping the business community to grasp and exploit advantages offered by the FTAs.

Vietnamese businesses received help to connect to domestic and foreign trade organisations to boost exports.

Lastly the ministry will co-ordinate and support localities in organising trade promotion activities, removing difficulties at border gates, focusing on key and seasonal agricultural products such as lychee, rice, durian, dragon fruit to the markets of China, Japan and South Korea.

The total trade turnover between Viet Nam and countries in the Northeast Asia region reached over $112 billion in the first four months of this year, an increase of 16 per cent over the same period last year.

Of which, exports to China increased by 14.3 per cent, to South Korea up 8.8 per cent, Japan up 3.2 per cent, Taiwan (China) up 20 per cent; Hong Kong (China) up 59 per cent.

The Cong Thuong (Industry and Trade) Magazine quoted the Asian - African Market Department as saying that they want to keep up this momentum of recovery and at the same time promote further growth for Viet Nam's economy and trade over the remainder of 2024.

The MoIT will continue to focus on and simultaneously find solutions to develop Viet Nam's foreign trade, in which the Northeast Asia region has been identified as key.  VNS
HA NOI - The rapid development of the Vietnamese stock market has also led to increased risks, including non-traditional security challenges like transnational or high-tech crimes, which can have a widespread impact on stock market operations.

During a recent training conference for financial institutions and securities companies, Pham Hong Son, the Vice Chairman of the State Securities Commission, highlighted the risks faced by Vietnamese stocks.

Risks include non-traditional security issues, such as transnational crimes and cyber crimes, which can have a significant impact on stock market operations, according to Son.

The conference, organised by the State Securities Commission in collaboration with the People's Police Academy, the Department of High-tech Crime Prevention, under the Ministry of Public Security, took place in Ha Noi late last week.

Its purpose was to enhance knowledge about new types of criminal activity in the finance and securities sectors, as well as helping explore preventive measures against the new wave of crimes.

The event was attended by representatives from the State Securities Commission, reporters from the People's Police Academy, the Department of High-tech Crime Prevention and leaders from various units under the State Securities Commission. Additionally, leaders from 71 securities companies were also present.

Pham Hong Son emphasised that the emergence of non-traditional security issues had become increasingly significant.

Regarding the securities sector, he told attendees that the Vietnamese stock market had experienced robust growth over the past 24 years. Currently, the average value of stock transactions per session had reached US$1 billion, the daily trading order volume ranged from 1.2 to 1.8 million orders and the number of accounts had exceeded 7 million.

With that kind of growth of the market, the State Securities Commission placed great importance on ensuring safety and security. It recently issued alerts to securities companies and fund management firms regarding the security of online trading systems.

These communications emphasised the need to strengthen reviews and ensure information security in stock trading activities, Son said.

During the conference, Associate Professor, PhD. Pham Tien Dung, Head of the Economic Police Department at the People's Police Academy, and lecturers from the same department, provided an overview of non-traditional security issues in the field of finance and securities, as well as potential response strategies.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thanh Chung, Deputy Head of the Department of High-tech Crime Prevention under the Ministry of Public Security, discussed the risks associated with financial crimes. He also presented preventive solutions for financial institutions and securities companies.

Vice Chairman Bui Hoang Hai of the State Securities Commission suggested that securities companies raise awareness of non-traditional security issues within their organisations and enhance security, safety and system protections. These measures aim to minimise market risks and ensure the sustainability of market operations. VNS
HA NOI  SJC-branded gold bullion is sold at VN77.98 million (US$3,069) per tael on June 4 as approved by the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV).

The gold bar price falls VN1 million from the previous day. A tael equals 37.5 grammes or 1.2 ounces.

On June 3, the four state-owned lenders of Agribank, BIDV, VietinBank and Vietcombank, and Saigon Jewellery Company Limited (SJC) bought gold from the central bank for VN78.98 million per tael, and sold it to the market at VN79.98 million.

Economists have advised local residents to stay prudent as gold price could fall in the coming time due to the SBVs drastic measures to narrow the gap between domestic and global gold prices.

Earlier, the SBV said the four banks and SJC are solely authorised to purchase SJC gold bars from the central bank and sell to the public. This strategic move aims to promote market stability and ensure a balanced gold market.

At 10am on June 4, SJC gold prices are quoted at VN77.98 million per tael for sellers and VN79.98 million for buyers.  VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha signed Official Dispatch No. 361/TTg-CN on June 3, 2024, approving the policy framework on compensation, support and resettlement for the Block B - O Mon Pipeline Project.

The Deputy Prime Minister has instructed the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the People's Committees of Can Tho, Ca Mau and Kien Giang provinces and cities to take comprehensive responsibility for the accuracy of the information and data. They are also directed to implement the approved policy framework in accordance with legal regulations.

The Block B - O Mon gas-to-power project is a key national energy project with a total investment of nearly US$12 billion. This project includes various components such as gas extraction, pipeline construction and power plants.

The project will have a total investment of approximately $1.277 billion, with the Vietnam Gas Corporation contributing up to 51 percent of the capital. The Vietnam Gas Corporation and its partners will construct an offshore and onshore pipeline system extending about 431 km, along with landfall stations, gas distribution stations, valve stations and auxiliary works to transport gas from Block B to the O Mon Power Centre (Can Tho city).

The Block B - O Mon pipeline project is expected to operate for 23 years, from 2027 to 2049.  VNS
HA NOI  The Vietnam Post Corporation (Vietnam Post)s IT system was breached by ransomware at 3:10am on June 4, leaving direct impact on the operations of postal and delivery services, the company has reported.

The official site of Vietnam Post at the address vietnampost.vn remains unavailable at 7:45pm.

Following the attack, financial postal, public administration, and goods distribution services remain unaffected as of now, it said.

Upon detecting the incident, Vietnam Post immediately activated response protocols in line with guidance from the Ministry of Information and Communications Authority of Information Security. This included disconnecting the IT system to isolate the breach and safeguard data. Consequently, websites bearing the vnpost.vn domain and associated applications are set to experience temporary disruptions during the recovery process.

The corporation is collaborating with relevant authorities and leading Vietnamese IT conglomerates to swiftly address the issue and minimise impact on customers.

By the end of March, through cyber monitoring and surveillance, the authority observed a significant rise in cyberattacks, particularly those involving ransomware.

In the first quarter, approximately 13,000 ransomware-related incidents were detected across various information systems, including those of major Vietnamese enterprises such as the VNDIRECT Securities Corporation and the Petrovietnam Oil Corporation.  VNS
HA NOI - Head of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee's Inspection Commission and the Central Anti-Corruption Commission of Laos and President of the Lao State Inspection Authority Khamphan Phommathat held separate working sessions in Hanoi on June 4 with leaders of the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) and the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel).

BIDV General Director Le Ngoc Lam highlighted the bank's extensive experience and strong presence in Vietnam. With nearly VN2.32 quadrillion (US$90 billion) in assets and a network of over 1,000 branches and transaction offices at home and abroad, BIDV is Vietnam's largest commercial bank. Lam emphasised Laos's significance to BIDV, noting its status as the first foreign market the bank entered in 1999.

Through a joint venture with the Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL), BIDV established the Laos-Vietnam Joint Venture Bank. This partnership fulfills the Vietnam-Laos cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation agreement established by both countries' leaders.

Lam pointed to BIDV's concrete contributions to Laoss development. The bank has directly funded 11 projects worth over $480 million. These projects, now operational, have facilitated transport and trade between the two nations while generating jobs for hundreds of thousands of Lao workers.

BIDV remains committed to Laos as a key strategic market for long-term investment and expansion, aiming to be a trusted partner with a strong focus on social responsibility, he said.

In response, Khamphan expressed gratitude for BIDV's support and its role in financing Lao economic projects. He expressed his hope for BIDV's continued successes, believing it will further solidify the relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

Welcoming the Lao delegation, Viettel Deputy General Director Maj. Gen. Do Minh Phuong outlined the company's impressive growth in Laos. Viettel's joint venture, established in 2008, launched its mobile network Unitel in 2009. Today, Unitel boasts 3.5 million subscribers and a 57% market share, making it the country's biggest telecom service provider. Significantly, Unitel is a major contributor to the Lao State budget and generates jobs for about 27,000 workers.

The company has built over 9,400 base stations, with nearly half supporting 4G technology. Additionally, Viettel has laid over 37,500km of fiber optic cables. Unitel takes pride in its extensive network, covering all districts nationwide. With 4G service reaching 70% of villages, Laos boasts some of the best 4G coverage and speed in Southeast Asia, providing high-speed Internet access to a wider population.

Beyond infrastructure, Viettel is committed to social responsibility initiatives. The company has provided free internet access to schools, trained specialists in information technology, and supported the construction of schools, medical stations, and relief efforts following natural disasters and COVID-19 outbreaks, he said.

The Lao official hoped that Viettel will continue to reap more successes and further expand its business and investment in Laos. - VNS
Quy Duong

Com nieu (rice cooked in a clay pot) is not only a simple tasty dish but also a cultural symbol, part of a culinary history in almost every Vietnameses memory.

Coming from a tiny village, com nieu, which is cooked over a wood fire, has become an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture, said professional chef Pham Tuan Hai.

I will never forget the image of com nieu cooked by my grandmother. It is a sacred thing to all local families because it is simple, popular and brings back happy memories. Cooking rice in a clay pot is not only tasty, but because of its thick cover, it helps to keep heat longer, so the rice retains the traditional flavour as well, said Hai.

Hai said to make a tasty com nieu, the clay pot should be placed in a high temperature fire so as to make the pots cover thin but hard to break while cooking.

He said his grandmother often bought new rice locally known as Tam Xoan which is fragrant and soft. In the past locals often cooked com nieu by burying it in wood charcoal for half an hour until it is done. However, before eating, you would need to get through the first layer of rice which had come into contact with the ashes.

Rice cooked in a clay pot is drier, but softer and more fragrant compared with cooking it in other types of container, such as an electric cooker, said Hai, adding that his grandmother also used clay pot to braise fish, or cook pigs leg (locally known as gia cay) or fake dog meat, braised beef with ginger and braised shrimp with lemon grass.

Com nieu continues play an important role in the Vietnamese culinary picture.

It is now available in big cities like Ha Noi and HCM City and is often presented to international diners, said Hai, noting that each locality, in the countrys three northern, central and southern regions, has their own version of com nieu, reflecting Viet Nams culinary diversity.

Duong Quang Nghi, 55, from Los Angleles explained why he likes com nieu so much. He said: When having a business trip to Viet Nam I often enjoy com nieu at a restaurant or at a pavement food stall with different dishes such as braised fish, salted eggplants or with crab soup. These places are where I can hold a traditional meeting with friends and where homeland flavour is being honoured via hot fragrant com nieu.

Nghi said his US friends were also interested in com nieu and told him it is is worth trying when visiting Viet Nam.

Com nieu is not only dish and a cultural bridge but also brings back childhood memories. Although times have passed, com nieus flavour will live forever in every Vietnamese's memory, he said. VNS

To sample tasty great and amazing com nieu in Ha Noi, foodies are invited to restaurants. They include:+ Vi An Restaurant at 145 Hoang Cau, ong a District; Opening hour from 10:30am to 22 pm with price ranging from VN 70,000-150,000Hotline: 0904 816 145Website: https://nhahangvian.comFanpage: https://www.facebook.com/nhahangvian+ To Uyen Restaurant at 101 C2 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, ong a. Opening hour: 10am-21pm. Hotline: 0378 867 762Email: comnieutouyen@gmail.comWebsite: http://comnieutouyen.vnFanpage: www.facebook.com/comnieutouyen+ Com Suon at 47 ao Duy Tu, Hai Ba Trung District. Opening hour: 10am-22:30 pm. Phone number: 0904 113 553Website: http://kombo.vnFanpage: www.facebook.com/comsuondaoduytu+ Com Nieu KomHome Restaurant at 96B Nguyen Huy Tuong, Thanh Xuan District. Phone number: 024 3999 7373Email: komhomevietnam@gmail.comWebsite: http://komhome.vnFanpage: www.facebook.com/comnieukomhome+ Com Nieu Ha Noi - Tay Son at 17 alley 252 Tay Son Street, ong a District. Opening hour: 10am-14:30pm / 17pm-21pm.+ Com Nieu Gia inh at 75 Nguy Nhu Kon Tum Street, Thanh Xuan District. Opening hour: 9am-21pm.
A Missouri inmate who is eight days away from being put to death is now pleading his prior military service and mental health struggles caused by the death of his police officer father should exempt him from execution.

David Hosier is set to die for the 2009 murders of Angela and Rodney Gilpin on June 11. Hosier, 64, had a romantic relationship with Angela before she went back to her husband, Rodney.

Prosecutors couldn't put him at the apartment crime scene in Jefferson City, Missouri, but claimed they had a mountain of evidence including a protective order that Angela had filed against him alleging he was stalking her.

In 2013, a judge handed Hosier the death penalty.

Now, in a last ditch effort, Hosier's defense attorneys are arguing his past  including the trauma endured as a result of his police officer father's in-the-line of duty death, as well as his mental health problems and careers in public service as a U.S. Navy sailor and firefighter  should allow for his life to be spared.

"My dad would call David his little pal, his sidekick, his little buddy. And they did a lot together," Hosier's sister, Barb Morrill, explained in a clemency video published Friday, describing the grief and anger her brother experienced at the age of 16 following their dad's murder in Indiana in 1971.

His attorneys said minimal services offered at the time to help Hosier and his family cope caused his mental health  and subsequently his life  to spiral out of control.

"He was kind of a lost soul after Glen (his father) was killed. David  he seemed to lose some of his direction," retired Indiana State Trooper Earl McCullough vouched. "He didn't have the father figure to speak to, lean on."

Hosier's other sister, Kay Shardein, said their dad's death "was like a crater, and David fell into that crater."

"Part of David's downfall is he didn't have social support, he didn't have strong coping skills. David doesn't have strong insight into his own mental health conditions," Forensic Psychologist Dr. Bob Stinson said, explaining David suffers from depression and bipolar disorder.

Hosier's cousin, Rex Gale pleaded directly to Gov. Mike Parson to grant Hosier clemency.

"I would ask him (the governor) to personally make sure that he's not executed," Gale said. "I beg you: Don't do this."

"I pray that this will reach the governor and that he will get my plea for David. If I could get on my knees and pray for David I would because his life is precious."

A spokesperson for Parson's office said the governor is currently reviewing the case.

"We will announce the Governor's decision once it is made, typically at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled execution date," Johnathan Shiflett told The Kansas City Star.
HA NOI  An exhibition highlighting the artistry and craftsmanship of Czech glassmaking is taking place at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum in Ha Noi until June 13.

The event, entitled Su Ki Dieu Cua Thuy Tinh Sec (The Magic of Czech Glass), is co-organised by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ha Noi, Czech Culture in Vietnam and the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum.

It introduces to the public 17 exclusive handcrafted glass artworks by 13 renowned Czech artists including Lukas Jaburek, Frantisek Jungvirt, Alena Matejka, Michaela Spruzinova, Lucie Svitorkova, Vladimira Klumpar, Natalie Dufkova, Jiri Belda, Viktorie Beldova, Marek Cihal, Tomas Brzon and Petr Stanicky.

Curated by Marika Galova, the exhibition is not only an opportunity for the public to admire the skillfulness of Czech glass designers, but also to appreciate Czech traditional heritage fused with contemporary Czech art.

According to the organisers, The Magic of Czech Glass reflects the current path of Czech glass art and aspires to draw attention to contemporary Czech artists of different generations, experiences, expertise and techniques.

The exhibition has drawn much attention from art enthusiasts in the capital city since its inauguration.

It is an informative and interesting exhibition. I read about the introduction of the event on Facebook and find the glass objects are even more stunning in reality, said visitor Nguyen Van Duong.

The skilled Czech artists have elevated glass from just being a material for everyday items like vases, bowls, glasses and chandeliers, to it becoming a medium for creating unique works of art."

The Czech nation has a centuries-old tradition of glassmaking which has been been admired through out the world during different historical phases. The first peak was in the 18th century, when they became renowned for producing the highest quality Baroque-style glasses.

The golden age of Czech glass production occurred from the early 18th to 19th centuries. It was during this time that the stunning Bohemian crystal chandeliers were exported around the world, establishing their reputation in the world of glass.

The artistry of Czech glass then came again to the fore in the early 20th century, largely thanks to the Lotz Witwe glass factory from Klastersky Mlyn. This factory was the premier and most successful producer of art nouveau style glass in Europe.

The last great era for Czech glass began in the 1950s. It was a harmonious combination of the long historical experience in producing quality glass and highly trained glass craftsmanship. For the first time in history, the leading Czech glass artisans elevated glass into becoming a primary medium from which unique artworks were created.

At the 1958 EXPO held in Brussels, the glass installation works of Rene Roubicek, made of thick-walled blown glass, won the highest award at the time - the Grand Prix.

Also at the event, the fused glass sculpture works by Jaroslava Brychtova and Stanislav Libensky fundamentally changed the technical principles for the glass medium worldwide.  VNS
Dr. ao Ngoc Nghiem spoke to Vietnam News Agency about the current state of urban transport in Viet Nam and solutions to address the challenges.

What do you think of the current state of urban transport in Viet Nam?

Transportation infrastructure is a critical element of urban development, underscoring its growing importance.

Viet Nam has a long history of growing urban areas, but the country's urbanisation rate is still below the global average.

By the end of 2023, the national urbanisation rate was approximately 42 per cent, with 902 urban areas, including the cities of Ha Noi and HCM City. The goal is to reach at least 45 per cent urbanisation by 2025, with 950-1,000 urban areas.

Urbanisation will transform an area, particularly in terms of the transport infrastructure. This is evident from the synchronised development of roads, railways, aviation and waterways. The transportation network has also focused on regional and national connectivity.

Urban transport development in Viet Nam has embraced modern global trends, such as urban railways and fly overs, with advanced management technologies.

However, there are still issues, such as the transportation network not keeping pace with urban development and population growth.

Could you elaborate on the existing challenges in developing an urban transport network?

The rapid pace of urbanisation and deeper integration is putting significant pressure on infrastructure development and pollution levels.

The development of the transportation network does not match the pace of urban growth and growing population. The proportion of land allocated for transportation, including road systems and static transportation, is still low, especially in major cities like Ha Noi.

For instance, Ha Noi needs 20-25 per cent of urban construction land for transportation, but currently, it only reaches about 12 per cent. Specifically, static transportation (parking) requires 3-4 per cent of land, but it currently only achieves 0.4 per cent.

Public transport has also not attracted enough users so the structure of transportation modes is unreasonable and the rise in private vehicles exceeds expectations.

Local authorities also lack specific policies to attract investment resources for road network construction, parking lots and other infrastructure. They have not applied new technologies to enhance capacity and strengthen inspections and public awareness of traffic culture remains limited.

What solutions do you propose for urban transport development?

Developing general technical infrastructure and transportation systems should always be prioritised as key areas for planning breakthroughs.

For large cities, with a long development history, the unique transportation system requires a comprehensive understanding and the application of innovative solutions for sustainable urban development.

In terms of planning, ministries, sectors and localities are revising the system towards multi-sector integration. However, to develop a synchronised urban transportation system, both general planning and provincial transportation sector planning are necessary.

For example, HCM City has a resolution on piloting special development mechanisms and policies. Similarly, Ha Noi is finalising the amended Capital Law with outstanding mechanisms for infrastructure development. From these policies, provincial legal documents are needed to implement them effectively.

In transportation infrastructure development, priority should be given to public transport with large and medium-capacity modes while currently many cities are focussed on developing urban railways.

This trend requires building specific technical systems suitable for each urban area, especially when applying the transit-oriented development (TOD) model.

In major cities, alongside breakthroughs in public transport, static transportation development is crucial.

Recent pressure highlights the imbalance between population growth and personal vehicle use.

The implementation of the 2024 Land Law will enable underground parking spaces to be built and address bottlenecks in projects, for instance underground parking lots that were initiated by Ha Noi and HCM City many years ago but are now slowly being built.

From the perspective of socio-economic development and sustainable urban development, each urban area, especially major cities, must identify breakthrough points in synchronised infrastructure development, with a focus on the transportation system. This approach will gradually alleviate urban transportation pressures.  VNS
On the sidelines of the 7th session of the National Assembly discussing certain contents of the draft amended Capital Law, Deputy Hoang Van Cuong from Ha Noi believes it would create an exceptional legal framework for the development of the capital, addressing existing issues and concerns. He spoke with Tri Thuc & Cuoc Song (Knowledge & Life) online newspaper about the draft.

What is your assessment of the significance of the draft amended Capital Law and the three very important contents, Capital Planning, General Capital Planning and the Capital Law at this session?

The creation of the Capital Law aims to establish an exceptional and distinctive legal framework for the development of the capital, representing the entire nation.

The development of the Capital Law is not just about creating legislation for a developing region, but also about attracting the country's best resources to the capital, making it a representative image for the whole nation.

Regarding the Capital Planning, the General Capital Planning and the Capital Law, I believe this is a rare opportunity to create a breakthrough, providing direction and a legal basis for implementing these orientations. The Capital Planning sets out the general, comprehensive and long-term development directions for the capital, aiming to make it a representative image of the nation comparable to the capitals of other countries around the world.

In the General Planning, specific ideas and special contents about urban infrastructure outlined in the Capital Planning will be detailed. Specific development models and plans will be proposed to shape the future appearance of the capital. To implement these directions and ideas, legal corridors, mechanisms and frameworks are required. This is precisely what the Capital Law provides.

What is the current status of the draft amended Capital Law? Is there anything that concerns you?

I believe the draft amended Capital Law has been fundamentally well-developed. Particularly noteworthy is the spirit of decentralisation, empowerment and assigning responsibility to Ha Noi, enabling it to fulfill its missions and achieve breakthrough development. However, there are still a few areas that require truly clear and exceptional provisions specifically for the capital.

A prominent issue that raises many concerns is the development of the city on both sides of the Hong (Red) River, transforming it into a central axis for culture, ecology and tourism in the city.

If we maintain the two provisions in the draft law that construction along the riverbanks must comply with the regulations of the Dyke Law, it means that all the riverbank corridors in Ha Noi will be similar to those in other provinces. I believe this is something that needs careful adjustment to provide Ha Noi with a unique mechanism for utilising the banks of the Red River, the uong River and other rivers in the area.

Old apartment buildings are considered one of the obstacles to the development of urban Ha Noi. What mechanisms are needed to change this?

We all see the shortcomings in urban development in Ha Noi, which have resulted in regrettable and unforeseeable consequences. In my opinion, the Capital Law and the Capital Planning must aim to address these pressing issues.

Previously, according to legal regulations, many areas within the boundaries of what is called the historic inner city were almost prohibited from undergoing extensive renovation. The restrictions on investment and development in these historic inner-city areas have led to many old apartment buildings remaining unrenovated for years. Numerous self-built houses do not meet technical standards, safety requirements for fire prevention and control or living environment conditions. Yet, there has been no mechanism to renovate or change these conditions.

In the Capital Law, I believe we must establish a legal framework to identify areas that are genuinely conservation zones and historical areas like the Old Quarter, to preserve the historical values of Thang Long-Ha Noi and important architectural works.

For other areas, we need to implement investment models and renovations based on modern urban standards. The capital cannot develop spontaneously, with residents building according to their subjective intentions rather than following large-scale urban planning standards.

If we achieve this, we will address the current pressing issues, such as spontaneous urban development or residential areas that do not meet standards, and eliminate many shabby areas that are not worthy of the capital.

Clearly, areas that do not meet safety requirements for fire prevention, firefighting, rescue or lack public living spaces must have renovation plans to transform them into zones of modern, civilised development.

What is your assessment of the feasibility of this?

I believe it is entirely feasible. Many of the most disordered and shabby areas are in the city centre, where proper renovation could transform them into zones of high economic value.

The key issue is creating a legal framework that permits change, enabling the utilisation of underground and elevated spaces and developing a modern public infrastructure system, particularly a high-capacity public transportation system like urban railways.

The Capital Planning and the Capital Law both prioritise the development of public transportation systems, especially rail transport. If we achieve this, densely populated areas with many low-rise buildings can be transformed into zones with a few high-rise buildings, elevating living and working spaces. Ground space can then become green areas, public spaces, underground facilities, transportation hubs and service development zones.

Firstly, we need to change perceptions and habits. Currently, everyone wants to live in a ground-level house and is not accustomed to living in high-rise buildings even though living conditions in apartments can be significantly better.

Additionally, we need to change the mechanisms. Urban renovation mechanisms should not only address residents' concerns but also be a responsibility of the State and the Government. There must be investment mechanisms in place. For instance, the State must invest in public transportation infrastructure. Without such investment, we cannot solve the issue of population concentration.

To change people's mindset, habits and living customs, we can offer residents opportunities for transition. If residents agree to move from dilapidated ground-level houses to high-rise apartments, they should be allowed to do so.

The city centre should be planned as a modern development area, not for sprawling ground-level development. By doing this way, there will be no shortage of open spaces for public activities and green urban activities.  VNS
HA NOI  Minister of Natural Resources and Environment ang Quoc Khanh said Viet Nam possesses significant rare earth reserves, approximately 30 million tonnes, but the exploitation and processing of these resources have not been thoroughly researched.

During a questioning session with the environment chief on Tuesday morning, National Assembly deputy Tran Quang Minh from Quang Binh Province's delegation has requested for information on the recent exploitation, management and use of strategic and important minerals, especially rare earths.

Minister Khanh noted that Viet Nam has substantial reserves of strategic minerals. For instance, bauxite reserves amount to about 5.8 billion tonnes, and titanium reserves are around 600 million tonnes.

Regarding the rare earths mentioned by deputy Minh, Minister ang Quoc Khanh stated that the Ministry has currently assessed the reserves of rare earths to be 2.7 million tonnes. Additionally, the Ministry estimates that there are about 18 million tonnes of unassessed rare earth resources, making a total of approximately 20.7 million tonnes.

"The Prime Minister has tasked the Ministry with conducting a comprehensive assessment of these reserves. According to our data, we could have approximately 30 million tonnes of rare earths," Khanh said.

He also said that the exploitation and processing of critical minerals such as rare earths needed to consider in-depth processing within Viet Nam to support the country's industries.

"We are attracting semiconductor chip industries. The Prime Minister has directed this effort. If we deeply process rare earths, it could serve our needs and then we could consider exports," Khanh said.

However, Khanh noted that achieving this required meeting several conditions.

He added: "We have not previously conducted comprehensive research on processing, so we lack advanced processing technology. Therefore, we need to attract investment, form joint ventures, and transfer technology."

The Minister further mentioned that the Prime Minister had directed relevant ministries to assess the reserves. In the ongoing research and processing efforts, technology transfer was essential to deeply process these resources for the nations benefit. The minister also urged provinces with rare earth potential, such as Lai Chau, Yen Bai, and Lao Cai, to enhance management efforts.

"Rare earth deposits can be found deep underground, with some smaller surface deposits. Local authorities must manage to prevent illegal mining and trading of rare earths," Khanh said.

Rare earths include 17 elements, most of which play an irreplaceable role in producing high-tech equipment, batteries, permanent magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines, aeroplanes, phones and the defence industry.

According to a 2022 report by the US Geological Survey, China has the largest rare earth reserves with 44 million tonnes, followed by Viet Nam with 22 million tonnes, and Brazil with 21 million tonnes.

In Viet Nam, certain regions identified with significant rare earth reserves include Lao Cai, Lai Chau, and Yen Bai provinces. Lai Chau hosts the largest rare earth mine in Viet Nam, ong Pao, covering 132 hectares, along with Bac Nam Xe and Nam Nam Xe mines.  VNS
HA NOI  Water resources, pollution, subsidence and erosion in the Mekong Delta, along with mineral extraction were among the top concerns raised by National Assembly deputies during the hearing on Tuesday, with Minister of Natural Resources and Environment ang Quoc Khanh fielding the questions.

On the issue of heavy pollution levels in many rivers across the country, Minister Khanh said from July 1 there would be an organisation formed to tackle river basin management, to help enhance the responsibility of heads of localities in protecting water resources, security and the environment.

Many concerned authorities have been engaged in monitoring and handling violations, but still river pollution persists, according to Khanh.

Water from households  not just industrial activities  is now also full of chemicals such as shampoo or dishwasher soap, which means there must be mechanism to handle those pollutants too.

"We also have a project for dredging and clearing to create flow and address this situation. However, in reality, it is still necessary to raise the responsibility of the community and the people in protecting the rivers," Minister Khanh said.

Khanh told the Assembly that he proposed the Government start a pilot study project on the Bac Hung Hai, Nhue, and ay rivers to develop a roadmap and plan for treatments to help restore them back to clean.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan, also called for an acknowledgement on the importance of water resources and agricultural production. Viet Nam needed to focus on the amount of water, the quality of water and the use of water, he said, stressing that the manner of water use would determine amount and quality aspects.

"We have never considered water a proper form of resources, despite constantly talking about 'water resources'," Minister Hoan claimed.

He said that against escalating climate change, with limited water resources, Viet Nam needed to develop its agriculture along a 'water-shortage' approach and get rid of the practice of flood irrigation that caused overexploitation of both surface and underground water.

"We need a declaration to the people of the Mekong Delta and the entire country that we are not a nation with an abundance of water. We need a comprehensive strategy for both the short term and long term, which may include transitioning from an agriculture that uses water as a free resource, to one where water usage is gradually subject to fees," suggested Minister Hoan.

Mekong subsidence

Regarding questions about Mekong Delta subsidence and erosion issues, that have turned progressively more complex and threatened peoples safety and livelihoods, environment minister Khanh noted that climate change had been impacting all regions across the country.

The Mekong Delta is relatively young compared to other deltas in the world and yet it is still sinking. For example, Can Tho City fell ten centimetres from 2005 to 2017, he said.

The significantly reduced amount of alluvial sediments in the Mekong River reaching Viet Nam that replenish this land, the increasing pressure from the encroachment of urban development and aquaculture on riverbanks leading to water flow changes, rampant illegal deep sand mining, all contribute to worsening the situation, according to Minister Khanh.

As for solutions, he said that the ministry was currently tasked with evaluating the project on sand and gravel reserves in the riverbeds of the Mekong Delta, to determine which areas can be mined and the extent of extraction, as this had not been studied before.

Another solution suggested by the minister is for local authorities to review and reorganise residential areas in regions at risk of erosion. High-risk and high-alert areas must immediately implement plans and relocate residents. Additionally, encroachment on riverbeds and riverbanks must be tackled.

Materials for key projects

Tran Kim Yen, the deputy from HCM Citys delegation, questioned the minister on materials for key projects, including the sand mined from rivers, to carry out highway projects, but given that this will be a 'bet against the environment', she asked what sustainable measures can there be.

The environment minister said sand resources were being strained and the construction ministry had conducted some trial projects to see if sand mined from seas could perhaps be a viable alternative source.

The environment ministrys assessment indicated that the southern province Soc Trang currently holds 145 million cu.m of sand lying 20km away from the shore, which could be extracted for immediate use. Extraction should only be done up to a depth of two metres, he said, to lessen environmental impacts.

In terms of concerns about the saline levels of sea sand, he said the environment ministry would issue standards for this material about where it could safely be used.

The environment ministry was also carrying out an investigation and assessment of the potential of sand, gravel, and pebbles in the riverbeds of the Mekong Delta region to serve the sustainable socio-economic development, to provide localities with a basis for planning, exploration and sustainable extraction, adaptable to climate change.

Answering Hoa Binh Provinces delegation questions about mineral extraction for construction projects, Khanh said at the end of 2023, there were nearly 4,000 sites, with close to 50 different types of minerals, being extracted by more than 3,300 organisations and individuals across Viet Nam  mostly for building materials such as stone, clay, sand, gravel, limestone and white marble.

The total approved reserve for these 4,000 sites reached 500 million cu.m in 2023, with the extraction volume about 143 million cu.m.

Most important strategic mineral sites in the country have been surveyed, according to Minister Khanh.

He added that the Government had submitted to the NA for consideration and feedback on the Law on Geology and Minerals at this session, and it was expected to be passed at the year-end session.

The minister affirmed that the legal framework, mechanisms and policies regarding geology, minerals and the mining industry would continue to be refined to ensure strict management, transparency, economical and efficient use and sustainable development.

In addition there would be a drive towards decentralisation and delegating controls down to local governments, allowing them to proactively develop socio-economic strategies tailored to their specific local conditions, while ensuring accountability.  VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man has sent a congratulatory letter to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on his re-election as the Speaker of the Islamic Republic of Iran's 12th Parliament.

In the letter, the top legislator expressed his joy that the friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Iran in general and between the two parliaments in particular have continuously been strengthened and grown robustly. He said a visit to Viet Nam by the speaker of the Iranian Parliament in 2018 and a visit to Iran by the chairperson of the Vietnamese NA in 2023 have brought new impetus to the the ties.

Man said he is confident that in the time to come, with the support of Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the two parliaments collaboration will be further promoted, contributing to the extensive development of the Viet Nam-Iran cooperation for the sake of the two peoples.  VNS
HA NOI  The 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Customs Directors-General Meeting, with an agenda covering 12 items, will determine the direction of customs cooperation in the near future.

Notably, it will approve the Strategic Plan of Customs Development for the period 2026-2030 (SPCD).

General Director of the Vietnam Customs Nguyen Van Can spoke on Tuesdayat the opening ceremony of the two and half day long meeting in Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province.

As the most significant annual event in ASEAN customs cooperation, the 33rd ASEAN Customs Directors-General Meeting saw the participation of around 100 delegates from leadership teams of the customs agencies of the ten ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretariat, and ASEAN partners including customs agencies from China, Japan, South Korea, the Australian Border Force, the World Customs Organization (WCO), the US-ASEAN Business Council, the EU-ASEAN Business Council and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council.

Can noted that, based on recent custom development trends within the WCO and other international organisations, as well as ASEAN regional customs initiatives and recommendations from the private sector, new elements such as digitalisation, customs automation, the circular economy, carbon neutrality and sustainability would be incorporated into the new cycle of the SPCD.

The meeting would also decide the direction for further implementing the ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature, the ASEAN Single Window, the ASEAN Customs Transit System, the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) within ASEAN and cooperative initiatives to combat smuggling and trade fraud across ASEAN.

These action programmes and strategic plans for customs development are aimed at gradually realising the objectives of the ASEAN Free Trade Area for the free movement of goods within ASEAN and promoting trade between ASEAN and its partners.

Specifically, the ASEAN Customs Directors-General reviewed the work and progress of the ASEAN Customs Coordinating Committee (CCC), the Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation Working Group (CPTFWG), the Customs Enforcement and Compliance Working Group (CECWG), the Capacity Building Working Group (CCBWG) and the ASEAN Single Window Steering Committee.

The meeting also updated recent progress in ASEAN customs integration, including the signing of the ASEAN Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA) in line with the principles and standards of the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards. It welcomed the positive advancements by six member countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore in implementing the AAMRA pilot program.

The meeting welcomed Myanmar as the seventh member to join the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) and its formal participation in ACTS operations effective from March 1, 2024.

Through the meeting, ASEAN customs encouraged all member countries to enhance awareness and public participation to attract more businesses to use the ACTS.

The meeting noted that four member countries, including Laos, Malaysia, Singapore and Viet Nam, are participating in the Authorised Transit Trader (ATT) programme and expressed the desire for the remaining member countries to establish the ATT as soon as possible to further facilitate businesses using the ACTS.

The delegates acknowledged the completion of the survey results on the Luxor Resolution on Cross-Border E-Commerce, which assessed the implementation level of the principles stated in the Luxor Resolution, identified gaps among ASEAN member countries in e-commerce and formulated recommendations to bridge those gaps.

The meeting welcomed the first Joint Customs Control (JCC) operation conducted online in December 2023, involving all 10 ASEAN member countries, focusing on addressing the illicit trade of tobacco products in ASEAN.

It encouraged ASEAN member countries to continue joint control activities to combat smuggling and trade fraud in the region.

The meeting adopted the guidelines on effective performance management of ASEAN customs and the guidelines on best practices in implementing knowledge management. These documents serve as reference materials for ASEAN customs to apply management principles, best practices for efficient work, lessons learned to improve the effectiveness of ASEAN customs officials and optimise resources in knowledge management.

The implementation of the study on the next-generation ASEAN Single Window (ASW), which is considered a priority during Laos' ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, was also a focus.

Besides discussing customs cooperation, the consultation mechanism with dialogue partners and the private sector has become an integral part of the annual agenda at the ASEAN Customs Directors-General Meeting.

During these consultations, ASEAN customs and their dialogue partners exchanged best practices in customs management and trade facilitation while seeking cooperation opportunities, particularly in emerging areas related to sustainability, green customs, cross-border e-commerce, AEO MRAs, combating illegal trade, controlling plastic waste and the circulation of circular economy products.

As the chair of ASEAN Customs for the 2024-2025 term, Vietnam Customs said it would strive to coordinate and promote the timely implementation of the SPCD.

It would actively collaborate with the ASEAN Secretariat to consult with partners and seek appropriate resources to implement ASEAN customs initiatives and cooperation programs.

At the meeting, Vietnam Customs proactively proposed initiatives on green customs and enhancing connectivity and information sharing on customs control for ASEAN customs to consider implementing them in the next phase.  VNS
HA NOI  Top Party inspection officials from Viet nam and Laos reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration during talks held in Ha Noi on Tuesday.

Tran Cam Tu, head of the Party Central Committee's Inspection Commission and deputy head of the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena, informed the guest about the socio-economic situation in Viet Nam and Party inspection work, with a focus on anti-corruption efforts.

He noted that since the beginning of the 13th tenure, the Party Central Committee, its Politburo, Secretariat, and Inspection Commission have issued many critical regulations and guidelines on inspection, supervision, and disciplinary work.

The Inspection Commission has thoroughly dealt with complex and prolonged cases, strictly disciplined Party organisations and members involved in corrupt practices, affirming the Partys consistent stance against corruption and negativity, he said.

According to Tu, the cooperation agreement between the two Party inspection commissions has contributed to strengthening the friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States and people of the two countries.

Khamphan Phommathat, who is head of the Party Central Committee's Inspection Commission and the Central Anti-Corruption Commission of Laos and President of the Lao State Inspection Authority, briefed the host about Laos efforts in combating corruption, the handling of public complaints and denunciations, as well as its collaboration with several ASEAN countries in the field.

In the coming time, Laos will intensify inspection work and make public the results of the work to foster public trust, he said.

He also affirmed commitment to continued close collaboration with the Vietnamese side through the exchange of delegations at all levels and training opportunities for Lao officials in Viet Nam.

The two sides took the occasion to exchange valuable experiences on Party inspection, supervision, disciplinary actions, and anti-corruption efforts. They reaffirmed their dedication to upholding the cooperation agreement signed for the 2022-2026 period.  VNS
Record high temperatures are expected to bake the American Southwest as a potentially deadly heat dome covers the region this week.

The National Weather Service issued a series of urgent warnings Tuesday morning about "dangerously hot conditions" forecast through Friday.

More than 17 million people live in areas covered by the extreme weather alerts, according to CNN.

Triple-digit temperatures are expected in many areas, even though the official start of summer isn't until June 20.

"It does seem like Mother Nature is turning up the heat on us a little sooner than usual," Tiffany Davila, spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, told the Associated Press.

What is a heat dome?

A heat dome is a mass of exceptionally hot air created when high pressure in the atmosphere prevents warm air from rising, creating a virtual bubble that covers the affected area, according to the American Meteorological Society.

Conditions inside a heat dome are compounded by a phenomenon known as subsidence, in which the high pressure causes drives temperatures even higher by compressing the surface air, according to the society.

The impact can be deadly, especially in regions that don't often experience very high temperatures.

In 2021, a heat dome over the American northwest, western Canada and Alaska killed more than 650 people and stressed hospitals that were overrun by heat-related emergencies.

What states will be affected?

The National Weather Service warnings cover parts of Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah.

In northern California, where about 475 firefighters were still battling a wildfire that erupted Saturday west of San Francisco, the excessive heat warning was set to go into effect at 11 a.m. PT Tuesday and continue through 8 p.m. PT Thursday.

For most of the other areas, the warnings run from 11 a.m. PT Wednesday to 8 p.m. PT Friday.

Where will it be the hottest?

The odds are good that the thermometer will hit 114 degrees in Las Vegas, where the temperature on the Strip was 86 degrees Tuesday morning.

Afternoon highs of up to 113 degrees are predicted in Phoenix, which struggled through 31 consecutive days of at least 110 degrees last summer.

The heat wave also could push the mercury to 122 degrees in Death Valley National Park, where the National Park Service says a high air temperature of 134 degrees was recorded at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913.

"As the heat builds day by day there will be little relief during the overnights, especially within the Las Vegas Valley and Death Valley National Park," the National Weather Service said.
MOSCOW  Representatives from ASEAN countries of Indonesia, Laos, and Viet Nam attended the BRICS Womens Entrepreneurship Forum that was held in Moscow, Russia by the BRICS Womens Business Alliance (WBA) from June 2-4.

With more than 200 delegates from 35 countries and territories, the forum is a flagship event of the WBA and part of Russias BRICS Chairmanship.

The forum offered a platform for local chapters of the WBA, representatives from the business community, experts, and authorities to discuss trade and investment cooperation, access to digital technology, the development of creative industries, opportunities and challenges to promote womens role in industry and a more inclusive economy.

The forum hosted a Made in BRICS exhibition of goods made by women. A Unified Digital Platform for Womens Entrepreneurship was launched during the forum along with a Competition of Best Womens Startups. The alliance platform serves as a shared information and communication tool for women entrepreneurs, and the competition will help find the best startup business models for scaling up with the best projects in BRICS.

On June 3, at the forum, a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony took place between representatives of Vietnamese, Laos, and Russian businesses within the framework of the BRICS Mobility project.

Viet Nams V-Exim Solutions company and RemiLing of Russia signed an agency agreement. In addition, the Institute of Research in Economics, Environment, and Data Science (IREEDS) of Viet Nam and the Faculty of Economics, Finance, and Accounting under Russias Orel State University signed a cooperation agreement.

During the discussion session "Friends of BRICS" on June 4, representatives of Indonesia and Vietnam also spoke about areas with great potential for cooperation.

Ha Thi Hanh, IREEDS Deputy Director said that, in addition to business development, the parties also can cooperate in the fields of technology, design, culture, environment, or tourism to meet the needs in many countries.  VNS
RABAT  Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of the committee's Commission for Information and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia made a working trip to Morocco from May 29  June 3, which was met with enthusiasm from the host officials.

Speaker of the House of Councillors Enaam Mayara hailed the visit as an opportunity to review the achievements in cooperation between the Moroccan and Vietnamese legislatures. He expressed Morocco's willingness to welcome Vietnamese businesses and investors, highlighting potential for collaboration in the economic and trade sectors. Mayara also proposed facilitating exchanges between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and Moroccan political parties.

Emphasising the importance of cultural ties and established relations, Mayara proposed leveraging these strengths to further bolster bilateral cooperation and contribute to peace and friendship. He extended an official invitation to Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tran Thanh Man to visit Morocco.

Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives Nadia Touhami, for her part, acknowledged Vietnam's impressive economic growth which was recognised by international financial institutions. She proposed establishing a "twin city" relationship between Casablanca and Ho Chi Minh City, and fostering South-South collaboration to address climate change challenges.

Nghia affirmed Vietnam's prioritisation of friendship and cooperation with Morocco. He outlined several proposals to enhance parliamentary ties, including exchange of delegations at all levels, collaboration in international forums, and strengthening the existing Friendship Parliamentarians Group mechanism.

He asked the Moroccan Parliament to facilitate business delegations from Morocco to explore opportunities in Vietnam's growing markets.

During a working session with General Secretary of Morocco's Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) Nabil Benabdallah, Nghia said as of now, the CPV has relations with 253 parties in 115 countries worldwide, including 92 communist, 63 ruling parties, and 38 others joining ruling coalitions or governments. The CPV's foreign relations have yielded significant and comprehensive results, contributing to establishing an important political foundation for the stability, expansion and strengthening of Viet Nam's bilateral relations with other countries.

He emphasised the need for both the CPV and PPS to continue facilitating exchange of delegations and contacts at all levels, saying that this approach allows for the sharing of information, experiences and theories on Party building, mass mobilisation, global and regional issues of mutual concern.

Benabdallah also expressed his wish for mutual learning on political theory and socio-economic development strategies.

Nghia's visit also included productive discussions with the General Secretary of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri and Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid. On those occasions, the official underscored Vietnam's commitment to multifaceted cooperation with Morocco, including collaboration in digital transformation, media exchange, and cultural promotion.

While in Morocco, the Vietnamese delegation also toured the Vietnam Village and the Vietnam Gate, symbolic landmarks of the growing ties between the two nations. - VNS
HA NOI  Following the tragic death of a five year old boy in Thai Binh Province after being forgotten on a school bus, numerous families and schools in Ha Noi have begun teaching their children basic safety and emergency skills.

Teachers at Mario House Kindergarten on Tran Khat Chan Street, Hai Ba Trung District, organised sessions for children to teach them some fundamental life skills, in case they get lost or forgotten in a room or inside a car or bus, or are at home when fire breaks out.

Teacher Nguyen Thi Thu Hang, Mario House Kindergarten, said: "As a mother with a five-year-old child and a kindergarten teacher, I have taught my children at home and the children at school to whistle in the car to attract the attention of others when unfortunately being forgotten.

"I also ask them to always follow adults and teach them escape skills if there is an incident, she told Voice of Vietnam (VOV).

Vuong Kha Han, a five-year-old student at the Mario House Kindergarten, said: The teachers teach me to shout out to attract others' attention and ask for help when some strangers take us away. Weve also been taught what it could be like to be trapped in a fire and learned how to escape.

Many families also teach their children simple lessons such as how to open the driver's door if they are left in the car, or why it is important to follow adults when going outdoors, or what to do if there is a fire.

In a difficult situation, parents believe that these skills are absolutely essential.

"Not only the school but the parents also need to equip their children with knowledge of knocking the window and shouting out to call others or to get wet towels to cover your nose in a fire, said one parent who wished to remain anonymous.

Children have to understand that they are in danger and that they require assistance but the kids need to help themselves too if no one steps in to help. For instance, the horn in a car still remains operational even when the motor is switched off. We ought to teach the kids to honk, the parent said.

Dr. Le Van Thieu, department of General Infection under the National Tropical Diseases Hospital said, in addition to teaching children the safety skills needed in case of emergencies, parents should still keep a close eye on their children when they travel in groups.

He said: "It is imperative that children receive the appropriate training, but we also cannot allow them to engage in outdoor activities unsupervised by adults. Parents ought to form groups and divide duties among themselves, such as designating a job to watch over kids so they can better manage them and deal with emergencies."

Five years ago, a first grader at an international school in Ha Noi also died after being forgotten on a school bus.

Following that case, the Ministry of Education and Training demanded more robust solutions to guarantee student safety on shuttle buses to school. Educational institutions were required to use only qualified transportation services to pick up school children.

In May 2020, the Ministry of Education and Training proposed that transporting students be considered as a special type of transport, along with stricter regulations to enhance the safety, capacity and responsibility of the related entities (the service provider, driver, student manager). Participating organisations and individuals in this service must be assigned particular duties, receive training and hold practice certificates.

Article 70 of the draft Law on Roads, which is now being considered by the National Assembly, outlines the transportation procedures for picking up preschoolers and students in cars.  VNS
HA NOI  A recent proposal to convert abandoned resettlement apartments into social housing has been met with widespread support among experts.

Nguyen Van inh, deputy chairman of the Vietnam National Real Estate Association, believes that leaving resettlement housing abandoned is an enormous economic waste.

He said the idea was a win-win solution, meeting high public demand for affordable apartments and putting an end to the waste of empty buildings.

"The conversion will help bridge the supply-demand gap in the real estate market," said inh.

However, he did raise concerns about potential obstacles to the conversion, such as the large size of some resettlement apartments, which is at odds with the 70sq.m cap on social housing.

He suggested resettlement apartments left unused for 12 months be eligible for forced conversion and oversized units be subdivided to meet the cap regulations.

Pham uc Toan, director-general of the EZ Property, shared that view, noting the affordability of resettlement units for average-income buyers.

He also suggested an alternative approach, auctioning off long-vacant resettlement apartments and using the proceeds to build new affordable houses.

"In big cities like Ha Noi, most resettlement apartments are public property, which requires a lot of paperwork and time for status conversion," said Toan.

"Auctioning is a quicker way to avoid the lengthy process."

However, he also noted that not all unoccupied resettlement apartments should be made convertible. He suggested reserving a portion for future resettlement needs.

Le Hoang Chau, chairman of the HCM City Real Estate Association, revealed that the government of HCM City had auctioned off unused resettlement apartments as a bulk buy for years.

However, he was concerned that auctioning would make the apartments less affordable as bid winners would likely convert them into commercial housing, which they will resell to high-income buyers to earn higher profits.

Economist Nguyen Tri Hieu called for a strategic and comprehensive approach to the conversion plan. He said a piecemeal approach, addressing issues as they arise, would never produce the desired outcomes.

He recommended that government bodies conduct surveys of current unused resettlement housing to develop a comprehensive conversion plan, including cost projections and where the finance would come from.

According to HCM City's Department of Construction, the government of HCM City will auction off more than 4,900 resettlement apartments and 42 resettlement land plots in 2024, primarily in Thu uc City and Binh Chanh District.

This will be the fourth auction of resettlement housing in the past seven years.

In 2017, the city held an auction for a package of nearly 3,800 resettlement apartments with a starting price of VN8.8 trillion (US$345 million), but no buyers were found.

Subsequent auctions in 2018 and 2019 with starting prices of VN9.1 trillion ($358 million) and VN9.9 trillion ($389 million), respectively, also yielded similar results.

Chau believes that if the city continues to auction resettlement housing in a bulk single package, as it did in the past, the success rate will continue to be low because the high prices are beyond most buyers' financial ability.

"The city should divide the housing stock into smaller bidding packages for auction, which would make it easier to find buyers," Chau said.

According to the Vietnam Association of Real Estate Brokers, there are approximately 13,000 abandoned resettlement apartments in Ha Noi and HCM City.  VNS
So far this year, Thanh Hoa Province has been implementing an intensified crackdown on IUU fishing to join nationwide efforts towards having the European Commission (EC)s yellow card warning lifted soon. Monitoring and handling the vessels with disconnected vessel monitoring systems (VMS) is one of the most important tasks.
HA NOI  When water was rushing into our house, I was terrified because I couldnt swim. All I could do was crying out to Grandma while she was scrambling to move the rice and electronics out of the water, Tuan, a 14-year-old boy in Thanh Hoa Province, recalled.

Some memories will be with Tuan and Tuyet (his grandma) for the rest of their lives as their house was ravaged by erratic rainstorms despite all the safety precautions taken.

In 2023, over 1,100 natural disasters hit Viet Nam, leaving 166 people dead and missing, causing estimated damages of over US$338 million. Natural disasters have caused serious consequences, disrupting peoples lives and slowing down economic development of many communities.

Evidence and statistics have shown that children were among the most vulnerable ones in such a climate emergency. We need to prioritize resources and efforts in promoting climate-resilient communities in Viet Nam to protect our children,said Doseba Tua Sinay, National Director, World Vision International in Viet Nam.

As the Chair of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) in 2023, Viet Nam has demonstrated its leadership role by implementing many activities with positive results, one of the significant initiatives is the Ha Long Ministerial Statement on the Strengthening of ASEAN Anticipatory Action in Disaster Management.

Viet Nam's Deputy Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Deputy Head of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control emphasised that "anticipatory action" is a new approach in disaster management, implemented by the United Nations and countries worldwide to further enhance disaster prevention and preparedness, with a focus on vulnerable groups.

Activities include strengthening forecasting, and warning systems for disasters; disseminating information regarding natural disasters to local communities; inspecting and maintaining the safety of disaster prevention and control structures; evacuating residents from hazardous areas to safety; among many others.

Understanding the regions natural and social challenges while fostering innovative approaches to the obstacles, World Vision has been integrating an anticipatory action approach, or forecast-based early action, to disaster risk reduction and emergency relief programmes.

The project Enhancing Forecast-Based Early Action for Effective Disaster Preparedness (FBEA) is an example, which was initiated and implemented by the consortium of three international NGOs namely World Vision, CARE and Plan; in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; Viet Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change; Provincial People's Committee, Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

FBEA -responsive forecast-based early action for effective disaster preparedness among ASEAN countries, with a specific focus on Viet Nam.

The initiative has supported more than 6,500 people to improve their capacity to manage disaster response and prevention plans. Moreover, in 2023, World Vision extended the effort to capacitate 26,189 community members, including children, in Disaster Risk Reduction, which increased their resilience to natural disasters.

Employing a child-focused and holistic approach, World Vision International in Viet Nams disaster management programs focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable children and communes like Tuan's family.

World Visions interventions also aimed to enhance vulnerable communities resilience and readiness through livelihood interventions.

To better cope with the increasingly extreme and unpredictable nature of the rainy season, Tuyet and 3742 other households participated in World Visions Ultra Poor Graduation programme and were supported to switch to short-cycled crops and animals, such as seasonal vegetables and chickens.

Following World Visions recommendation on timing and husbandry techniques, Tuyets chickens grew up to their full size and were ready for sale before the rainy season started, minimising production damages.

World Vision International in Viet Nam promotes the participation of children and youth in emergency protocol rehearsals, first-aid, and protection before, during, and after disasters.

These junior forces, equipped with skills, would play an essential role in implementing disaster risk reduction efforts in their communities.

Thanks to World Visions summer swimming class, I know how to swim now. Water rising doesnt terrify me anymore, Tuan showed off proudly.

With the increasingly complex nature of climate change, Viet Nam is among the countries most affected by extreme climate events and suffers from severe loss and damage. To address this situation, World Vision Viet Nam has been working closely with international, national, and local partners to provide immediate emergency relief and recovery programs, long-term livelihood interventions, and capacity training to help the community enhance resilience against disasters and climate change. Such efforts aim to ensure the well-being of children and community members, especially the most vulnerable ones like Tuan's family, remarked by LeVan Duong, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs/Disaster Risk Reduction (HEA/DRR) manager, World Vision International in Viet Nam.

Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, stressed the necessity to strengthen cooperation in the Disaster Risk Reductioni Partnership (DRRP) by creating effective communication and cooperation channels among NDMP members, ministries, sectors, localities, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations, thereby building a comprehensive approach to disaster management.

Joining hands to act early on a large scale is possible and effective against natural disasters, helping people receive support more early and quickly with costs reduced by half compared to the response phase, she noted.

Anticipatory action has been implemented by 35 countries all over the world, covering 7.6 million people worldwide, ensuring they were better prepared to act ahead of the predictable impacts of hazards and able to recover more quickly afterward.  VNS
As the food and beverage (F&B) industry is on track to develop, a slew of foreign companies have announced investments to bolster their capacity in Vietnam, especially in the beverage sector.

At the beginning of May, processing and packaging solutions company Tetra Pak announced that it would pour an additional $105 million into its packaging material production facility in Binh Duong.

Eliseo Barcas, managing director and president of Tetra Pak Vietnam said, Tetra Paks investment in and expansion of the Binh Duong manufacturing facility is a testament to its continuing commitment to the Vietnam market. The additional funding forms part of the companys longstanding strategy to enhance its production capabilities at the site.

This expansion initiative aims to not only accommodate the escalating domestic and regional demand, but also to uphold our unparalleled service to customers. It will bolster our capacity and product range, enabling us to better serve evolving consumer needs. We look forward to leading the growth with all industry leaders, brands, and customers, underscoring our commitment to long-term success and innovation.

This is not the first time Tetra Pak has injected capital into the facility. In 2021, the Swedish company also made an additional $5.4 million investment in this facility.

Phong Quach, head of consulting at Ipsos Strategy3 Vietnam said, Amid the challenge in economic growth, there is still a bright spot in the growth of the Vietnam beverage market and dairy market. Tetra Paks continuing expansion following its 2021 announcement is certainly a strong vote of confidence.

At the beginning of April, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam kicked off construction of its biggest factory in the Asia-Pacific region. Covering an area of nearly 20 ha in Long An province, the project has an estimated investment of more than $300 million. When completed, it is expected to have an annual output of 800 million litres, meeting the demand of consumers and solidifying Suntory PepsiCos leading position in Vietnams beverage market.

In early January, Nestle Vietnam announced a $100 million investment to increase the production capacity of its Tri An coffee factory, located in Dong Nai. This will help it meet growing local and international consumer demand for high-quality coffee.

Robust dealmaking

Commenting on the growing investments in Vietnams F&B market, Ralf Matthaes, managing director of IFM Research said, Vietnam will reach a population of 100 million in 2025, placing it 16th globally and sixth in greater Asia.

Add to that, Vietnams emerging middle-income class now comprises 30 per cent of the urban population, and the F&B sector is the second fastest-growing sector in Vietnam, save for education, with a 9 per cent potential growth for 2024, companies are gearing up for future demand, he said.

In addition to greenfield investments, funding and dealmaking activities also become more robust in the Vietnamese F&B market.

In mid-May, VNDirect announced its plan to acquire Goldsun Food JSC, the owner of the King BBQ and ThaiExpress restaurant brands in Vietnam. Upon completion of the acquisition, Goldsun Food JSC will become an affiliated company of VNDirect.

Goldsun Food is deep in Vietnams F&B industry, with 13 brands such as Tasaki BBQ, ThaiExpress, Hotpot Story, and more. Goldsun Food operates over 170 restaurants, serving 2.4 million guests per year.

In April, Lotus Group received an undisclosed debt investment of millions of US dollars from Beacon Fund to expand the scale of their operations.

The investment from the Beacon Fund will support Lotus Group to expand its F&B activities, which include opening 10 new Japanese restaurants under different brands in 2024. Some well-known restaurant brands of Lotus Group in the Vietnamese market include Marukame Udon, Coco Ichibanya, and Chiyoda Sushi.

Elsewhere, Vietnamese food chain Homefarm raised $1.8 million from Mitsubishi Foods in April, while Thailands ThaiNamthip Co., Ltd. acquired 30 per cent of Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam for $221.1 million in February.

Chinese popularity

According to Euromonitor, the value of Vietnams F&B market in 2024 is expected to increase by 10.92 per cent. One of the nations that is keen on Vietnam from the low- to high-end segments is China and their various brands.

Mixue is a frontrunner in a growing pool of Chinese food brands expanding in Vietnam. Since its debut in 2018, Mixue grew its wallet-friendly soft-serve ice cream and bubble tea chain to 1,000 store outlets across Vietnam by last year.

Meanwhile, Chinese coffee chain Cotti Coffee has entered Vietnam as part of its global expansion. Since its inception in December, Cotti Coffee has opened eight outlets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is the brands sixth foreign market, joining South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Canada, and Hong Kong.

In the segment of full-service restaurants, big Chinese brands have also secured a strong footprint, such as Haidilao, San Fu Lou, Hutong, and Crystal Jade. According to a recent report by iPOS.vn, Chinese restaurants account for 10 per cent of international full-service restaurants in downtown Hanoi.

Ipsos Strategy3s Quach noted that Chinese players have been looking at the Southeast Asia F&B market for a long time, with specific interest in dairy and perhaps tea. Tea is a fast-growing market in Vietnam, so Chinese players wont miss the opportunity to make a market entry, Quach said.

Matthaes added that some Chinese companies can have success in Vietnam if they can assure quality and affordable price points.

This is especially so in rural Vietnam, where price is always a major driver of brand selection, he said. In urban Vietnam and for higher income groups, these brands may face challenges due to historic Chinese-Vietnamese relations and the fact that most Chinese goods are not seen as high quality.

Outside milk tea and snacks, Chinese cultural delicacies have strong potential in Vietnams F&B sector as they have similar taste profiles and reasonable price points to what the Vietnamese want, according to Matthaes.

In addition, South Korean brands are becoming popular in Vietnam. Lotte GRS, which operates the Lotteria fast-food chain, saw its Vietnamese sales nearly double to $80 million in 2023 from $45 million in 2021. After tapping into the Vietnamese market in 1998, Lotteria now has over 250 locations and leads the fast-food franchise sector. The company is aiming for $117 million in sales by 2027 via franchise expansion.

South Korean confectionery firm Orion reported that its Vietnamese subsidiarys sales reached $86.5 million in the first quarter of 2024, an increase of 12.3 per cent from a year earlier. Orion continues to increase its market share with new product categories such as rice snacks alongside its flagship Choco Pie.
How do you assess the current finance/accounting landscape in the Southeast Asian region?

I would say that the finance and accounting landscape in Southeast Asia is very dynamic and rapidly evolving. One of the main advantages that we see in the region is the economic growth potential, driven by factors such as increase in foreign direct investments, expanding markets and technological developments.

Ren Varma, head of mainland Southeast Asia for the ACCA

However, along with this comes challenges. One of the key challenges is the need for skilled finance and accounting professionals who can navigate complex regulatory environments and adapt to changing market dynamics. Additionally, issues such as financial transparency, compliance with international standards like IFRS and talent retention remain areas of focus for organisations operating within this mainland Southeast Asia region.

Are Vietnamese accounting and finance professionals adequately prepared to support the countrys growth potential?

Definitely. Vietnam has a talented and aspirational young population. The amount of investment that is coming into Vietnam is proof of how, within the region itself, Vietnam is coming up as a leader, so there is natural readiness in the market.

To further assist with that, organisations like the ACCA and partnerships we have with local entities are creating a platform so that this younger population can access internationally recognised qualifications and bring up the level of skill for accounting/finance professionals.

What were the key motivations for both the ACCA and VIB to enter into the newly signed partnership?

The partnership between stems from a shared commitment to promote excellence in the financing and accounting professions. For the ACCA, this partnership presents an opportunity to leverage expertise in delivery of professional education and certification to support VIB in enhancing the skills and capabilities of their employees and their workforce.

And for VIB, this provides access to the ACCAs global resources, enabling its employees to acquire internationally recognised qualification as well as staying abreast of industry practices, especially in areas like sustainability and IFRS.

The specific programmes included in the agreement were for the two sides to work together for a fast-track programme, offering a range of training initiatives and certification pathways for VIBs workforce, as well as proficient development opportunities.

How will the success of this partnership be measured over time?

The success of this partnership can be measured using a number of metrics, for example, the number of VIB employees who would be enrolling for the ACCA qualification, the pass rates in ACCA examinations and the extent to which they apply the learning in their roles within VIB, in addition to long-term impacts like talent retention. These are some of the metrics that we can actually measure.

Again, the ACCA remains firmly committed to being a trusted partner for VIB. The partnership offers VIB a clear benefit: a more skilled and well-rounded workforce equipped with the latest international standards. This translates to a competitive advantage for VIB and reinforces the long-term positive impact of this collaboration. And those are also some of the areas in which we can see the long-term impacts of the partnership.

Are there any plans in the pipeline to expand this type of partnership with other organisations in the region?

As the region continues to experience economic growth and digital transformation, there will be an increasing demand for skilled finance professionals. So similar to VIB, we will be working with other institutions within banking, financial services, and insurance as well as with a number of universities within the region. In Vietnam, we already work in partnerships with over 40 universities to provide ACCA qualification. The idea, again, is to bring up trained and skilled finance professionals and to support the growth of the community and the whole economy.

How do you envision the future of such collaborations in advancing the finance and accounting profession in Southeast Asia?

We envision finance and accounting professionals within this sector as key drivers of organisational growth, resilience, and sustainability. Equipped with skills, knowledge and ethical standards, they can navigate the complex challenges and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing environment.

Through strategic partnerships like this, thought leadership initiatives and continuous professional development, we aim to empower professionals to lead with integrity, adaptability, and forward-thinking mindset, ultimately contributing to Vietnam's economic prosperity and social progress as well.

What advice would you give to young finance/accounting professionals starting their careers?

No organisation can operate without a finance professional - that's a non-changing requirement. In this changing world, the role of finance professionals is much more crucial, and it's important to have trained professionals who will be able to navigate complex and dynamic regulatory scenes and the changing digital landscape.

So the opportunities are innumerable, and it's always good to have a qualification that is recognised internationally so you can be a future finance professional, not just for Vietnam, but for the globe as well.

ACCA report outlines SME agendas for ESG In 2024, the landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises is both promising and challenging. In the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam stands at the forefront of economic growth, and has set ambitious growth targets for 2024.

Sustainability established through more collaborations Vietnams sustainable development ambitions will be helped along through an international trade event taking place in Hanoi this week, aiming to foster regional economic development and sustainability.

ACCA APAC Dialogue 2024 set for Hanoi The ACCA APAC Dialogue 2024 event (ACCA Asia-Pacific Forum 2024) organised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) will officially take place on May 2829 at JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi.
Hitachi is in charge of the CP3 contract package for Metro Line No.1, which includes the procurement of electromechanical equipment, train engines, rails, and maintenance.

According to the CP3 contract, the project was supposed to be completed by April 8, 2018, which is 244 weeks (1,708 days) after construction work started on August 5, 2013. Hitachi has asked for an extension of time (EoT) of 4,124 days if Metro Line No. 1 enters commercial operation on November 20.

The consulting unit of Ho Chi Minh City's first metro line project, NJPT, proposed that Hitachi was entitled to the EoT of 2,161 days.

Disagreeing with the consultant's assessment, Hitachi has filed a case at the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre.

Hitachi requested the EoT of at least 2,773 days and a compensation of VND527 billion ($20.7 million). The contractor also requests additional costs incurred for extending the completion time of Metro Line No.1. As of present, the additional costs amount to around $157.2 million.

The Management Authority for Urban Railways of Ho Chi Minh City, the project investor, said that there was not enough legal ground for the conditions and demands of Hitachi to be resolved.

Metro Line No.1 is slated to be completed and operational by the end of this year. But as the project nears completion, a few roadblocks pertaining to contract interpretation and the collaboration between the general consultant and the Japanese contractor are impeding several tasks.

Metro Line No.1 is nearly 20km long, from Ben Thanh Station in District 1 to Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc, and boasts three underground and 11 elevated stations. The project has a total investment of around $1.82 billion.

The line will have 17 trains, with a capacity of 930 passengers in each. The line has a maximum speed of 110km per hour on the elevated section and 80km per hour on the underground section.

Floor B1 of Ba Son underground station of Metro Line 1 completed Floor B1 of Ba Son Station of Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien) has basically been completed 31 days earlier than planned.

Two trains of Metro Line 1 in Thu Duc city The second and third train carriages of Metro Line 1 were imported successfully so that operations can begin on schedule.
Sucafina's local company is carrying out the acquisition. The deal follows Mercon's move to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New York late last year, driven by sharp pricing volatility and increasing borrowing costs that impacted the company's debt repayment capacity.

As reported by Bloomberg, the deal comes at a time when the robusta market has heated up, with futures traded in London rising as much as 50 per cent this year to a fresh intraday high at the end of May. Dry weather in Vietnam has curbed production, with global supplies expected to fall short of demand for a fourth year.

With the transaction, Mercon will have the best opportunity to maximise the sale price and mitigate risks to creditor recoveries associated with delays, according to a May 10 court filing approving the stock purchase agreement. Sucafina has confirmed the transaction. The terms have not been disclosed.

Sucafina has built a complex of green coffee bean processing factories in VIetnam with a capacity of 50,000 metric tonnes per year (mts/year), a steam processing line with a capacity of 6,000mts/year and warehouse facilities that can store up to 25,000mts.

Sucafina has been growing its business in recent years, acquiring US coffee importer Sustainable Harvest and scooping up a majority stake in Complete Coffee Ltd., a UK merchant recognised for supplying Costa Coffee.

The Swiss trader has also established offices in China, India, Indonesia, and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Mercon Coffee has been actively pursuing an orderly sale of its assets since its bankruptcy filing in December.

In addition to the sale of Mercafe Vietnam Ltd., Mercon is also divesting some contracts, inventory, equipment, and intellectual property to a unit of broker StoneX Group Inc. for a final cash amount of $5.4 million.

Coffee to be restructured for higher quality production Vietnam will narrow down its coffee plantation areas and focus more on improving coffee product structure in a bid to create high-quality beans with higher productivity.

Starbucks, Coffee Bean, and Tea Leaf losing to Vietnamese chains In Vietnam, the five biggest coffee chains account for 15.3 per cent of the market share, of which, Highlands Coffee holds 7.2 per cent, while Starbucks, the second in revenue according to Euromonitor, has less than 3 per cent, showing that foreign players are losing to Vietnamese chains.
A mysterious woman dropped off a bag with $120,000 at a fraud trial juror's suburban Minneapolis home late Sunday night, prompting outrage from Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson.

"This is stuff that happens in mob movies," he said in court.

The woman, dressed in all black, explained to the juror's father-in-law, who had answered the door, that if the 23-year-old juror voted to acquit the seven defendants in a federal trial against the Feeding Our Future charity, there would "be more of that present tomorrow."

She then handed over a white floral gift bag filled with $100, $50, and $20 bills, according to the Star Tribune.

An FBI search warrant claimed the woman even used the juror's first name, despite her name never being made public.

The juror immediately notified Spring Lake Park police and turned over the bag of cash. The judge dismissed her from the jury in the high-profile trial that has now entered its seventh week.

The surprise development came just before closing arguments. The jury began deliberations late Monday afternoon.

Prosecutors have referred to the case as one of the largest pandemic fraud schemes in the country, with 70 people charged with stealing more than $250 million in federal money meant to feed needy children.

"This is outrageous behavior," Thompson told U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel in a Minneapolis courtroom Monday.

"This can't be allowed," Thompson said of bribing a juror, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. "This strikes at the integrity of our system."

The judge questioned the remaining 17 jurors and alternates to ensure they hadn't had any contact with anyone involving the case within the past six weeks.

The judge also ordered the defendants' phones confiscated by an FBI agent to investigate the leak of jurors' names.

She also ordered heightened security in the courtroom and detained all seven defendants.

"This juror was terrified. This juror remains at risk for retaliation," Brasel said, according to MPRNews.

Defense attorneys called the attempted bribery "very troubling," but they argued against detaining the defendants, none of whom have been in custody since the start of 2023.
The first is the sharp increase in the price of domestic flight tickets, prompting Vietnamese travellers to prioritise international trips. The second challenge is the intense competition for tourism market share, both do-mestic and internationally, from neighbouring tourism destinations.

Dr. Nuno F. Ribeiro, Senior lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality Manage-ment RMIT Vietnam

As a result, an increasing number of Vietnamese tourists are opting to travel abroad, selecting destinations like Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand for their trips. This shift in preference poses a threat to the domestic tourism sector in Vietnam, risking a loss of market share to other destinations.

Moreover, outbound tourism adversely affects Vietnams economy by exerting a negative impact on the countrys balance of payments. When Vietnamese citizens travel abroad, currency flows out of Vietnam, unlike when foreigners visit here, which contributes positively to the economy.

The escalating costs of domestic flights in Vietnam result from an aircraft short-age, particularly medium-sized planes such as the Airbus 320 and 330, and Boe-ing 737. The introduction of new airlines and sustained growth in Vietnam since the liberalisation of the airline market in the 1990s have exacerbated aircraft scar-city, affecting domestic availability.

Additionally, recent surges in maintenance and operating costs have reduced the number of flight-ready aircraft, especially during peak travel seasons. The short-age of qualified aviation professionals, including pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers, further compounds the industrys woes. Government leaders have rightly raised concerns about the lack of pilots and aircraft engineers in Vietnams aviation industry, highlighting the challenges posed by the rapid growth of the sector.

The imbalance between supply and demand in the domestic aviation market leads to higher airline ticket prices. Vietnam has emerged as the worlds fifth fastest-growing aviation market, expected to reach 150 million air transport passengers by 2035, as reported by the International Air Transport Association.

With projections from the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam indicating a sustained annual growth rate of 7.5-8.5 per cent in the passenger market towards 2030, high domestic travel prices are not likely to go away anytime soon.

Strategic investments and initiatives are essential to address the challenges posed by limited aircraft availability, infrastructure deficiencies, and human resource shortages. Expanding the fleet, enhancing infrastructure, and resolving staff shortages can boost the industrys capacity to meet the increasing demand for domestic air travel and alleviate pricing pressures.

Vietnam has already taken steps in this direction, such as the construction of the Long Thanh Airport and the procurement of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft by Vi-etnam Airlines and Vietjet. Opening up the domestic aviation market to foreign carriers, like Thailands successful tourism promotion model in the 2000s, is an-other potential approach. These initiatives, however, can take years to implement.

In the short term, three possible solutions to reduce the cost of domestic flight tickets are government oversight to keep prices at reasonable levels; public-private partnerships to increase airline operation efficiency, reduce overheads, and optimise resource allocation; and special promotions by airlines in conjunction with marketing and hospitality organisations to offset some of the cost of ticket prices away from the consumer.

The second challenge is the competition for international tourists, particularly with neighbouring countries that have well-established tourism industries and ro-bust marketing strategies. Competition for international tourists, particularly with countries like Thailand, is often seen as one of the most significant hurdles for Vi-etnams tourism industry.

By ramping up promotional efforts, streamlining admin entry barriers, reducing prices, and improving flight availability and frequency, these nations and others are attracting tourists away from Vietnam.

However, a different perspective suggests that rather than competing, countries should prioritise collaboration and partnerships to foster sustainable tourism growth. Studies published in leading tourism scientific journals as early as 2011 highlight the benefits of cooperation among tourism destinations. They empha-sise that working together can result in increased tourist flows, shared resources, and cultural exchanges, creating unique tourism experiences that draw in a di-verse range of international visitors. This is particularly crucial for Vietnam as it aims to lessen its reliance on a limited number of outbound tourism markets and attract long-haul visitors who include Vietnam in their travel itineraries alongside Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

Both the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) advocate for a multi-country approach to tourism development, marketing, and promotion. The UNWTO emphasises the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable growth by addressing com-mon challenges, promoting cultural understanding, and fostering a more inclu-sive and resilient tourism sector.

Similarly, the WTTC emphasises the potential of cross-border tourism partner-ships in driving economic growth and job creation, enhancing destination com-petitiveness, and attracting international tourists. By establishing strategic partner-ships, sharing industry best practices, and actively promoting cross-border initia-tives, Vietnam and other ASEAN countries can cultivate a more interconnected and adaptable tourism ecosystem.

These collaborative efforts not only enhance the overall competitiveness of the region but also foster sustainable growth and development in the Vietnamese tourism sector. Through cooperation and knowledge exchange, destinations can leverage their combined strengths to offer innovative and diverse tourism experi-ences, ultimately benefiting both the destinations themselves and the travellers seeking enriching and memorable journeys.

Vietnamese tourists embracing sustainable tourism Sustainable travel is gaining traction as 96 per cent of Vietnamese travellers confirm that sustainable travel is important to them, according to the Sustainable Travel Report 2024 by Booking.com.

Travel for the future Greening tourism and prioritising sustainable experiences is helping to preserve the environment and tourist resources for the next generation.

Moc Chau announced as national tourism area On the evening of May 18, Son La province held a ceremony to recognise Moc Chau as the eighth national tourism area in Vietnam. The event featured an artistic programme themed Moc Chau, Van Ho - Beautiful Highlands with nearly 450 artists and performers, attracting many locals and tourists.
At 03:10 am on June 4, Vietnam Post was illegally attacked by ransomware which directly affected the company's operations.

Online sellers complained that they couldn't create orders or use services on the Vietnam Post app. The company's website was also inaccessible.

"Postal finance, public administration, and goods distribution services are still operating normally at this time," the company said in a statement.

When the incident was detected, Vietnam Post took emergency action and closely followed protocol set by the Authority of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications. Specifically, the company disconnected its IT systems to isolate problems and protect data, leading to a temporary interruption on its websites and applications while the problem was fixed.

"Vietnam Post is working with authorities and coordinating with leading IT corporations to fix these problems as soon as possible," the company added.

VNDirect Securities Corporation and PetroVietnam Oil Corporation (PVOIL) were also hit by ransomware attacks in late March and early April. For these attacks, experts said hackers had been lurking in the systems for a long time. They found important data, encrypted it, and then asked their victims to pay a ransom to unlock it.

Cybersecurity professionals key to filling gaps in cyberattack environment As cybersecurity threats rise, it will require a concentrated effort to address and narrow Vietnam's current cybersecurity talent gap.

VNDirect cyberattack causes big splash on stock market The online securities trading system at VNDirect Securities Company (VNDirect) is likely to have suffered from a data encryption hack for extortion.
The information was shared by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh during a question-and-answer session at the National Assembly (NA) on June 4. The question about the use and management of rare earth was raised by NA deputyTran Quang Minh (Quang Binh province).

Minister Khanh said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) has so far evaluated 2.7 million tonnes of rare earth, but 18 million tonnes of rare earth have yet to be evaluated.

"The prime minister has assigned the MoNRE to conduct a basic investigation and evaluate the overall reserves. Based on our data, Vietnam has approximately 30 million tonnes of rare earth," Khanh said.

"To exploit important minerals, especially rare earths, we must consider deep processing and fine processing. The aim is to serve Vietnam's chip and semiconductor industry and exports," he added.

However, the minister pointed out that Vietnam does not have deep processing technology, so it is necessary to attract investment, joint ventures, and technology transfer in this field.

The MoNRE has increasingly stepped up its assessment of rare earth reserves and research, and has called on provinces such as Lai Chau, Yen Bai, and Lao Cai to strengthen rare earth management.

Lai Chau is home to Vietnam's largest rare earth mine, Dong Pao, with 132 hectares, alongside the Bac Nam Xe and Nam Nam Xe mines.

Rare earth elements are a group of 17 metals used in various high-tech applications, including smartphones, wind turbines, electric vehicles, aircraft, phones, and defence.

Domination in rare earths not out of reach Vietnam could realise its goal of becoming a significant source of rare earths for the global market, if rules on extraction and refining are made more suitable.

LS Eco Energy diversifies its rare earth supply to Vietnam On January 10, South Korea's LS Eco Energy announced that it has signed a rare earth oxide purchase agreement with Vietnamese mining company Hung Thinh Minerals.
Vinexpo Asia 2024 in Hong Kong closed on May 30 after welcoming over 14,000 visitors from 60 countries eager to re-establish one-to-one relationships with their peers in the industry. The businessmatching service facilitated deals between buyers and exhibitors through the online platform, with over 4,200 pre-booked meetings.

With a schedule of more than 50 events from seminars and talk shows to wine tasting masterclasses and networking events, the event created a global rendezvous for business meetings and showcased over 1,000 wine and spirits producers from 35 countries. Over 30 per cent of the exhibitors were from France, reflecting the importance of French wines in the Asia market. The Australian wine industry also made a huge showing with 85 wineries.

Vinexpo Asia returned to Hong Kong after 26 years and marks the resumption of the global wine industry. Through the event, we can see the potential of key markets in India, Southeast Asia, and China, said Dane Cheng, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

In the opening address, Vinexposium CEO Rodolphe Lameyse highlighted some of the many challenges the industry is currently facing, and observed a change in mindset among wine and spirits producers towards a more proactive marketing strategy, moving from a pull to a push approach.

The event has been buzzing with the sound of new contacts and discoveries being made, along with the renewal of lasting partnerships and friendships which are the backbone of our industry, Lameyse said.

Nimmi Malhotra, a wine and drinks trader based in Singapore added, Asia is the future of wine, with scores of emerging markets brimming with untapped wine drinkers. Countries like Thailand have lowered the barrier to entry following a massive drop in taxes while South Korea is voraciously consuming reds, and Vietnam is turning to wine as their social drink of choice. The producers are increasingly taking note, and I expect more ground activities in our region than ever before.

According to the World Health Organization, Vietnam will be the biggest consumer of alcohol in general per capita in Asia next year, with 91.5 per cent of its intake being beer, 7.7 per cent spirits, and 0.8 per cent of wine.

In Asia, China is a highly strategic market for exhibitors, with 19 per cent growth in wine and spirits expected by 2027, according to the IWSR. China was the buzz word of the event, with producers and buyers eager to find out about the fast-changing consumption trends in the worlds biggest consumer market.

Along with a wide variety of traditional wine brands from France, Italy, Australia, the US, Chile, South Africa, and Spain, Vinexpo Asia 2024 marked an ideal opportunity to meet representatives of new wineries with various new and unique choices from Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and China, among others.

At the event, visitors also had the chance to taste and chat with leaders of independent spirit startups about their inception, distribution, and attracting investment.

Held in Singapore and Hong Kong in alternating years, Vinexpo Asia will return to the former in 2025 on May 27-30.

KC Yum, Marketing manager Lueng Heng F&B Joining the Vinexpo Asia is a great choice for starup producers like us. This time, I brought our unique drink - durian liqueur. Malaysian durian is exceptional with its thin flesh but rich sweet and strong flavours that is perfect to become durian liqueur. Our liqueur is loved by most Asian people as it is a dessert drink after a meal. Highly recommended to add on as topping for desserts and smoothies or Vanilla ice-cream, the flavour is delicious and acceptable widerly. Adding equal part of Jagermeister it can be a shot drink too. Marie Wang, Visitor, Tilleule Agency This is a great opportunity to learn, taste and exchange ideas about wine. I am just a wine lover and wished to come to Vinexpo 2024 to learn more about wines, and how to taste and enjoy it. I am very excited with these tasting events, especially the Les B+D Grand Tasting, and its great to taste and hear interesting and useful knowledge shared by wine cellar owners and winemakers. I am also impressed with the zero-alcohol and low-alcohol drinks panel discussion. Its a great healthy trend. Yiting Li, business development executive ZJLD Group As a distributor based in Hong Kong, we bring traditional alcohol to Vinexpo Asia to introduce our art of drinks to the world. Chinas alcohol is exceptional, and we bring technical traditions from ancient times. Its strong, but rich and thick with flavours from coffee and rice to yellow flowers to fruit. For drinking trends, I think it depends on the culture and region. The Vinexpo is actually a great venue to exchange knowledge and information between manufacturers, buyers, and sellers, as well as a rendezvous for alcohol and non-alcohol lovers. Yuki Shimizu, CEO, Choya Umeshu Southeast Asia Vietnam is one of our target markets. However, our sales volume has been lower in recent years. Its a pity that this years event did not have many Vietnamese traders and I have not seen any Vietnamese winemakers and products here. I remember that Vietnam has special rice and sticky-rice alcohol. I once visited Hanoi several years ago. It was very cold, and I remember loving Hanois bun cha. I love to enjoy it and pair it with our Choya apricot wine. Cherry Dee Leguira, general manager Vino Enoteca Manila Corporation At Vinexpo Asia this year, I have my sights set on several wines and spirits that I am thrilled to explore, especially new releases and underrated wine regions. I am also eager to try innovative offerings. Vinexpo Asia is the ideal venue to discover the latest trends and innovations in both wines and spirits. Such events not only give people a chance to taste new products, but also to learn from experienced sommeliers about the different regions the wines come from, and the passion that goes into making them. Each wine, after all, has its own unique story.

Wine world in search of fresh range The wine industry faces numerous challenges, such as evolving consumer preferences. Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, spoke with VIRs Nhat Ha about his experiences promoting the wine industry worldwide and targeting potential new markets.
When Charles Ramsey, an associate chaplain at Baylor University, received an email from a Tehran University professor asking him to present his work at a conference in Irans capital city, he knew it was not the safest idea to go.

I immediately started thinking, why me and why now? and we immediately started looking at the headlines, he said.

With the United States and Iran on opposing sides of an ongoing conflict in Gaza, Ramsey said he knew traveling to Iran could be a dangerous decision. The U.S. State Department advises Americans against traveling to Iran under any circumstances due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens.

Ramsey has studied the Muslim world for almost 30 years, living in India and Pakistan for two decades and completing a Ph.D. on the history of modern Islamic thought. He said the Iranian academic who contacted him had noticed his work because of a recent essay he wrote that was published in a book on modernity in South Asia.

Despite concerns with attending the conference, Ramsey said something in the back of his mind convinced him to make the trip.

Why would they want a Christian there? Whats going on? Automatically, I became a little skeptical, thinking they are going to try to take whatever I say and twist it, Ramsey said. So again, I was concerned, but theres also something inside me that realizes people are complex. Maybe theres more going on there than I can discern. Maybe theres more to it than I can just see from the headlines, so I decided to go and that began the journey of learning about the situation in Iran right now.

Now back in Waco, Ramsey said he wants to share the stories of the many conversations he had with Iranians during his trip to the country, including with the countrys first lady.

I come back with stories and conversations with very bright, loving, articulate people who wanted me to know they are more than the headlines and theyre more than the aggressive policies their country might have, he said.

The conference began May 19, coincidentally the same day Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died unexpectedly in a helicopter accident. Raisi died on his way to host a dinner at Tehran University, which Ramsey was set to attend. That morning, before Raisis death, Ramsey was pulled aside for a one-on-one conversation with the presidents wife, Jamileh Alamolhoda. A scholar and board member of Tehran University, Alamolhoda is also an outspoken supporter of Irans treatment of women and girls.

Ramsey said he thought their conversation would be a quick exchange of pleasantries, but it turned into an almost hourlong discussion about Gaza and recent pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. college campuses. Ramsey said he got the impression the conversation was orchestrated to further an Iranian narrative, shared by Alamolhoda, that U.S. students protesting on college campuses were in support of Iran and its effort to extend its influence in the region.

You have to think through conversations and how you want them to go forward because we each have clear and imbedded narratives for what is wrong in the world today and whose fault it is, so we come loaded with that and in moments like this youre trying to decide how to remain true to yourself, but also open to a way forward, Ramsey said. I think relationships and interpersonal conversations like that can be very significant. Small acts like that can open up longer conversations.

Ramsey said he explained his opposing view of the situation, making sure to come from a place of empathy and connection. He walked away from the encounter hopeful it would lead to an ongoing dialogue, more student exchanges and research opportunities. However, he said he worried his efforts were jeopardized when conference attendees learned about the presidents helicopter crash that evening.

The next morning, as we came together, thats when I got worried because there was a sense of foul play, he said. Those hours were heavy. The unknown was heavy.

As the only American at the conference, Ramsey was fearful for his safety. He said other conference attendees asked him whether the presidents death was an attack by the United States or Israel, but by the evening the tension had subsided.

Until that evening, I was pretty nervous, he said. I didnt know if everything would be OK or not. They had my passport. I was their guest.

Other than his conversation with Irans first lady, Ramsey said he had multiple days surrounding the conference to explore Tehran and talk with other Iranians. He said many Iranians treated him well and he saw firsthand the dichotomy between the citizens and their government.

On his first day in the country, Ramsey said he saw a woman opening defying modesty laws. In Iran, women may be imprisoned or fined for not wearing a headscarf or hijab in public. A woman from Tehran died in 2022 while in the custody of Irans morality police, sparking mass protests in the country.

Ramsey said the woman he saw during his trip had bright, dyed red hair and was wearing a shirt with an English expletive on it.

She was just walking down the street with her own confident dissidence and I saw glimpses of that all along the way, he said.

On another day, Ramsey traveled to the former U.S. embassy in Tehran, which he said has now become a museum generally used to spread Iranian propaganda. He said the employees who gave him a tour of the building apologized to him multiple times and said they did not believe everything they were required to say for the tour.

These are people who are engaged in the global world. They are watching the same movies. They are reading books. They are fluent in multiple languages. They are very intelligent people but who are often stuck in systems where there isnt a lot of option on how to make a significant change, he said.

Ramsey said he also saw the consequences of United States policies toward Iran, including how sanctions have disrupted the Iranian economy and caused Iran to strengthen its alliances with Eastern forces, like Russia and China.

What our current situation, what our current policy is doing, is were just strengthening this relationship between Iran, Russia and China and kind of deepening the gap or extending the animosity and division thats forming a different bloc of power, he said.

The United States, along with the United Nations and European Union, have levied multiple sanctions against Iran for its involvement in terrorism, weapons proliferation, human rights abuses and its nuclear program, according to the Central Intelligence Agency. These sanctions have contributed to the devaluation of the Iranian rial, with $1 now equal to over 42,000 rial.

Ramsey said he hopes his stories can create greater understanding between people from the United States and Iran. If invited to go back to the country, Ramsey said he would accept.

I think its essential we keep in mind, countries do change, he said. Weve seen repressive regimes come and go and I think our willingness to express friendship and support to individuals can have lasting implications for how things roll out there.

While Ramsey did not attend the conference in association with Baylor University, Baylor currently enrolls 12 graduate students from Iran across multiple academic disciplines, according to the universitys International Student and Scholar Services. Mark Bryant, director of those services, said over email his department provides orientation programs designed with international students in mind, and helps international students get household items, open bank accounts, get transportation, connect with peer mentors and take cultural trips throughout Texas.

The current Iranian student community at Baylor is an amazing group of men and women who diligently pursue their studies and who are flourishing here, Bryant said. They are a wonderful community and readily share their culture with others. They held a Persian New Year Celebration and invited faculty, staff and community friends to join in the celebration. They also are known for providing a warm welcome to new Iranian students when they arrive.
A new map shows Russia's advances in Ukraine as it inches its way toward the embattled country's second-largest city of Kharkiv, nearly a month after mounting a costly, cross-border offensive.

Russian forces recently recaptured "limited positions" in Vovchansk, northeast of Kharkiv, during fighting that included close-quarters combat in the city's center, according to the Institute for the Study of War think tank, which published an interactive map on its website Monday.

Ukraine's military on Tuesday afternoon reported 42 clashes since the start of the day and said Russia was launching "insidious artillery strikes from its territory along the border of the Chernihiv and Sumy regions" northwest of Kharkiv.

The general staff of Ukraine's armed forces also said Russia was striking the Kharkiv region with "guided aerial bombs" and used two anti-aircraft guns to shell the rural settlement of Vil'cha, about 30 miles northeast of Kharkiv, according to a recent update posted on Facebook.

Ukrainian forces reportedly repelled three attacks east and southeast of Kharkiv and were engaged in two skirmishes with Russian troops in the same area.

"The situation is under control," according to the Ukrainian military, which on Sunday used American rocket launchers to strike targets inside Russia with President Joe Biden's blessing.

Ukraine's Defense Ministry also said an additional 1,290 Russian personnel had been "eliminated" since Monday, bringing Russia's total troop losses to 512,420 since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022, according to a chart posted on X, formerly Twitter.

"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get."

Dale Carnegie



The combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022 to June 4, 2024. pic.twitter.com/AzthritTA2  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) June 4, 2024

In a Sunday column for the Kyiv Post, Phillips O'Brien, a professor of strategic studies at Scotland's University of St. Andrews said the offensive Russia launched against Kharkiv May 10 had turned into a "calamity," calling it "probably the most disastrous own-goal, strategic calculation so far since the failure of the original invasion."

Meanwhile, Russia was making steady advances in the easternmost Donbas region, where its troops have overrun a dozen small villages and fierce, house-to-house fighting was raging in the town of Ivanivske, the Kyiv Independent reported Tuesday.

Ukrainian soldiers reportedly fear that losing Ivanivske could help Russia encircle and capture the nearby city of Chasiv Yar, which is strategically located on high ground.

On Monday, Russian forces attempted to cross a canal in Chasiv Yar but were stopped by Ukrainian ambushes that destroyed several Russian armored vehicles, including a T-90M tank, according to the Ukrainian Euromaidan Press website.
Gov. Greg Abbott and his allies have enough votes in the Texas House to pass his school choice plan during the 2025 legislative session  for now.

After lawmakers failed to advance school choice legislation in last years regular and special legislative sessions, Abbott worked to unseat eight incumbents who voted to block his plan. That plus primary victories by allies running for open Republican seats gave Abbott the votes he needed for 2025.

Even so, theres more work to be done by those who want to let some families use public money for private and religious schools.

Based on last years vote, Abbott will need 76 House Republicans on board with his plan. After Tuesdays primary runoffs he has 77, a narrow margin that leaves Abbott and his allies little wiggle room.

Legislative sessions are unique, so last years vote may not reflect the political climate in 2025. Thats why pro-school choice activists are already working hard to preserve Tuesdays outcome.

We just need to keep doing what were doing, said Mandy Drogin, campaign director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation, which has pushed school choice. Ill continue to follow the governors lead as he educates Texans about what his vision for education looks like in Texas.

Drogin said more lawmakers could come over to Abbotts side.

What we will see is that more and more legislators, maybe even those who are a bit apprehensive, realize that the power is really in the hands of the parents, she said,

Genevieve Collins, Texas director for Americans for Prosperity, said keeping the legislative coalition together will include public education about the proposed education savings accounts.

Im confident that the votes will hold, Collins said. The big opportunity now is to provide education to regular voters across the state on why school choice needs to happen.

This isnt just about the elected official, even though theyre taking the vote, she added. Were going to ensure that Texans are informed about the issue, so when their representatives vote for it, they are backed up by their constituents.

Opponents are also mobilizing.

Zeph Capo, president of Texas American Federation of Teachers, warned Abbott that the fight isnt over.

Im sure glad Texas public schools taught the governor how to count his chickens, he said in a statement. I regret that we didnt teach him to count them after theyve hatched.

Capo added: Though, I guess if I spent as many millions of dollars as he did, Id want to rest on my laurels too.

Scott Milder, co-founder of Friends of Texas Public Schools, said voucherlike plans are bad for Texas.

The fight is certainly not over for those of us who are opposed to public funds subsidizing private education, he said. We pay school taxes so every kid in our communities has equal opportunities.

In an open letter, Milder urged Abbott to focus on bolstering public school funding. Abbott has tied increases in money for schools to passage of his school choice plan.

No one is more committed to improving the educational experience in our public schools than our highly trained professional educators, Milder wrote. If this is your goal as well and your motives are pure, it is incumbent upon you to work with our state legislature to appropriately fund Texas public schools, independent of your politically motivated school vouchers legislation. If its truly good for Texas, then vouchers can stand on their own.

Several factors could shake things up during the next session, including the November general election.

In Dallas County, Democrats have targeted Republican Reps. Morgan Meyer of University Park and Angie Chen Button of Garland, both supporters of the voucherlike plan Abbott wants. If Meyer and Button are not re-elected, it would be a blow to the pro-school choice movement, though the GOP lawmakers are favored to win.

Other dynamics could impact Abbotts slim school choice majority.

Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, is seeking re-election as House speaker after a narrow runoff victory over former Orange County GOP Chairman David Covey. Abbott, who endorsed Phelan in 2022, stayed neutral this time.

Phelan owes Abbott no favors, and its unclear if a voucherlike program will be one of his top priorities. In addition, some House Republicans who oppose Abbotts plan remain in office and are so entrenched in their districts that Abbott isnt likely to hurt them in the next primary.

In Abbotts favor, the success of his campaign against House incumbents who blocked school choice could have a chilling effect. Phelan and the rest of the House will be up for re-election in two years, and no GOP incumbent wants the governor on their tail in the next election cycle.

[Abbott] has a lot of people who support him doing this who are ideologically aligned, and then he has a bunch of people kind of on the fence who are just going to go wherever they feel like power and influence are, said Brendan Steinhauser, an Austin-based political consultant. That group is going to respond to incentives, and I think Abbott is creating incentives to follow his agenda.

For now, school choice proponents are fine-tuning proposals for 2025.

A bill proposed last year by Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, and chairman of the House Public Education Committee, would have allowed $10,500 a year in state money per child to be used on private school tuition and other education-related expenses. To mollify skeptics, it also allocated more public school funding for special education, teacher retention and per-student allotments.

The bill died during a November special session.

I would love to see a piece of legislation that looks really similar to what we saw Chairman Buckley file, Drogin said. That was a phenomenal education savings account plan.

Drogin said she hoped lawmakers would allocate even more money for school choice than Buckleys bill.

The fight for school choice will be a tough one. But Abbott, who invested his time and political resources pushing the issue, wont stop pushing until a bill is on his desk.
An Idaho bar complained about "significant backlash" after it declared June to be "heterosexual awesomeness month" and promised to give free beer to "any heterosexual male dressed like a heterosexual male."

In a post made to the fundraising website GiveSendGo, the Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho alleged that it experienced backlash including, "theft of our property, vendors refusing to fulfill our orders for ingredients, wedding catering cancelation [sic], libel, slander - even the owner being falsely accused of being a sex offender!"

The saloon first announced in late May that it would "celebrate heterosexuals" in June because "without them, none of us would be here." In addition to offering free beer to straight men, the bar also promised straight couples 15% percent off their bills every Wednesday.

The initial announcement prompted criticism both on social media and in the local press. Michael Deeds, an opinion columnist for the Idaho Statesman described the decision as "transparent bigotry" and "thinly veiled hate," in a May 31 column.

The saloon doubled down on their promotion in follow-up posts, while adding that they "love" LGBTQ+ patrons but "wish they all knew Jesus as their savior."

Old State Saloon also posted to Facebook on Tuesday, claiming that the business saw its biggest Monday sales ever - even as it continued to collect donations on GiveSendGo.

Across much of the world, people celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. On June 28, 1969, the New York Police Department raided the Stonewall Inn, in Greenwich Village and attempted to arrest any person whose clothing did not align with the sex listed on their identification.

While these raids were common in gay bars, Stonewall descended into chaos when men refused to show their IDs and women alleged that the police officers were sexually and physically assaulting them. The subsequent backlash to the police raid is now considered to be a pivotal moment in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
WATERLOO  While researching background for their new documentary, Moved by Water Emmy award-winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle discovered a secret network of people joined together on projects that benefit people and the environment.

The Fourth Wall Films documentary will be presented June 11 in the Law Court Theatre at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, 225 Commercial St. The event is free to the public.

A light reception, sponsored by the Cedar Prairie Group of the Sierra Club, will take place at 6:30 p.m. prior to the showing at 7 p.m.

In addition to Moved by Water, the Rundles will show their Emmy-winning short documentary Over and Under: Wildlife Crossings and Emmy-nominated Places to be Wild, followed by a talk back with the filmmakers.

Fourth Wall Films is a four-time regional Emmy award-winning independent media production company formerly located in Los Angeles, and now based in Moline, Illinois. Tammy is a Waterloo native.

In Moved by Water, the filmmakers turned their lens on the Upper Mississippi Watershed in Iowa and Illinois. Their story defies the national narrative.

Were told that Americans are too divided to work together on anything. The people we met and talked to while making this film showed us the opposite, said director-screenwriter Kelly. A lot of people are already engaged, interested in getting involved and trying to move forward in ways that benefit people and the environment.

What unites us is more important than what separates us, they say.

Honestly, when we were doing the research, we met what seemed like a secret network of individuals and organizations doing the work. It had an impact on us, said Tammy, producer and screenwriter.

I just didnt realize how many people are working in their own backyard, doing things on their own to make things better. That has been an inspiring for story for us and a learning experience, she explained.

Everyone is concerned about water quality. We found people with differing opinions on politics and religion and completely different perspectives on everything, who set aside those differences to work for safe drinking water and a better environment.

Amy Kay, clean water manager for the city of Davenport, told filmmakers, Not to be too doomsday-esque, but if we cant work together for something that we need to survive, were in big trouble.

The filmmakers learned that a piece of trash discarded in a Moline neighborhood can end up floating in the Gulf of Mexico. They learned water quality and water pollution are both rural and urban issues. They learned water quality impacts wildlife and its habitat, as well as humans and their environment.

And no matter where you live in the Midwest, the truth is, we all live near a creek, a river, a stream, Kelly said.

It doesnt take too much to get up to speed on the topic. Getting interested in what you can do, what action you can take, thats where the rubber hits the road. Can we move people to get involved?

Director/naturalist Dave Murcia at the Wapsi Environmental Education Center in Dixon said in the film, Every creature great or small has an intrinsic, innate value in and of itself. Mother Nature doesnt need us, but we need Mother Nature. So, when it comes down to clean water specifically, we are the one animal on this planet that pollutes its own environment.

The Rundles describe their film as uplifting and inspirational, depicting collaborative projects involved organizations and diverse groups of students, teachers, artists, farmers and volunteers of all ages. All are working toward improving water quality in the Upper Mississippi watershed.

They all have different stories to share. We were able to talk with two guys who are already engaged and spreading the word among farmers. I come from farming stock and generations of very practical people. It helps to hear what can be advantageous for farms from another farmer who is involved, Kelly explained.

Im a sixth-generation farmer, said Mike Paustian during his film interview. My grandfather and my father spent a lot of time trying to make improvements to the farm and minimize the impact on the environment. And now its my turn to care for the farm and make sure its in good shape for the next generation.

Paustian is the board chair of Partners of Scott County Watersheds.

When we get to talk conservation and water quality, I get real excited, because its such an area that has changed in my lifetime and Ive been a part of it, said Davenport farmer Robb Ewoldt in the film. Ewoldt is the former president of the Iowa Soybean Association.

All three films were well-received this spring in Washington, D.C., when presented at an environmental event prior to Earth Day.

Other Fourth Wall Films include Sons & Daughters of Thunder, Villisca: Living with a Mystery, Lost Nation: The Ioway, Country School: One Room  One Nation, River to River: Iowas Forgotten Highway 6, The Barn Raisers, Letters Home to Hero Street, and The Amish Incident.

Moved by Water was made possible by a grant from Roger Ross Gipple. For more information about the new documentary, visit FourthWallFilms.com.

5 of Iowa's oldest barns Gehlen Barn The Gehlen Barn in St. Donatus is one of the few stone barns in Iowa and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The three-story barn was built of locally quarried limestone by Peter Gehlen in 1839. Stromeyer Barn Stromeyer Barn, located at 37647 Iron Bridge Road in Spragueville. Built by brothers Henry, Otto and William F.H. Stromeyer, it is constructed of hand-sawed lumber from native cottonwood trees. The barn has 96 window panes and 40 doors. Knoll-Crest Round Barn The Knoll Crest Round Barn was built by Benton Steele in 1914. It is located in Scott County, between Davenport and Blue Grass. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tyden Farm No. 6 Barn The 1936 Tyden Farm No. 6 Barn in Dougherty, Iowa, owned by Ted and Judy Pitzenberger, is one of Iowa's largest barns. Marlow-Saak Barn The 1890 Marlow-Saak Barn, located in Waukon, Iowa, was built by German immigrants and owned by acclaimed-artist Jeremy Marlow.
 Top News Today

As a result of successful operations conducted by the Tsentr Group of Forces units, the AFU losses were up to 585 Ukrainian troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles.

Air defence systems shot down 67 unmanned aerial vehicles, one Neptune anti-ship missile, four French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, one U.S.-made Patriot anti-aircraft missile, and 19 U.S.-made HIMARS and Olkha MLRS projectiles.

 The Russian Defence Ministry shows Ka-52M helicopters, Msta-S self-propelled artillery systems, Russian Pacific Fleets tank crews, Tsentr Group of Forces artillery units, Airborne Troops servicemen, EOD specialists, Grad MLRS crews in action during the special military operation.

The Yug Group of Forces assault detachments of volunteer corps conducted combat cohesion at a training ground in rear area of the special military operation.

Captured AFU serviceman told about mass mobilisation in Ukraine.

#TopNews

 Russian Defence Ministry

WtR
Ritter was leaving USA to Russia to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) when he was pulled off the plane he had boarded and had his documents confiscated by the orders of the US State Department

Hmm

Is this done under the First Amendment or the Fourth Amendment? Or do they count anymore?

WtR
  China says its ready to defend justice in the world with Russia. pic.twitter.com/l8nGXwDjvm  BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) June 1, 2024

Because, we gonna get just that..WW4 will be fought with sticks and stones and or spears, swords and arrows and or possibly by no one. For no one will be left

China is getting fed up with the West

WtR

Update:

   The Chinese army is ready, together with the Russian army, to defend justice in the world  Chinese Defense Ministry

 The Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) is ready to strengthen strategic ties with the Russian Armed Forces and work together to defend the international justice.  the official representative of the Ministry of Defense of the Peoples Republic of China, Wu Qian.

 Chinas Armed Forces are willing to work together with the Russian Armed Forces to fully implement the important consensus reached by the heads of the two countries to further strengthen strategic communications and coordination, deepen mutual trust in the military field and jointly implement the Global Security Initiative, he said.

 According to the representative of the Chinese military department, PLA military personnel are ready, together with their Russian colleagues, to defend international justice and impartiality, and also make every effort to ensure world and regional security.

 Ministry of National Defense of the Peoples Republic of China

http://www.mod.gov.cn/gfbw/xwfyr/lxjzhzt/2024njzh_247047/2024n5y/16312588.html
Interview: Malta-China cooperation on green transportation "promising," says CEO of top auto dealer

Xinhua) 10:07, June 04, 2024

VALLETTA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Collaboration between Malta and China in green transportation has "very promising" potential, Stefan Deguara, CEO of GasanZammit Motors Limited, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

GasanZammit, Malta's long-standing car importer which began its business in 1928, has imported BYD electric vehicles (EVs) since September last year, marking the start of its partnership with the leading Chinese EV manufacturer.

Statistics showed that during the first four months of this year, about 30 percent of total vehicle registrations in Malta were electric vehicles, a trend significantly bolstered by government initiatives favoring electrification.

"We have witnessed the global rise of China as a key EV manufacturer over recent years," so GasanZammit made a strategic decision to represent a strong Chinese EV maker that would complement its portfolio, Deguara said.

"BYD has developed market-leading EV technology through solid and consistent investment in research and development," Deguara noted, adding that "its strong focus on sustainability and reduction of carbon emissions aligns with our own environmental goals."

Moreover, the BYD brand offers competitive value propositions for Maltese customers without compromising on quality, making them attractive to individual consumers and businesses, encouraging the shift to electrification in Malta, he added.

Currently, BYD models such as the Atto 3, Dolphin and e6 are available in Malta. Deguara expects more models to be introduced in the future thanks to the increasing demand.

Regarding possible EU tariff hikes on Chinese EVs, Deguara warned that such a move could increase costs for European consumers, potentially slowing the adoption rate of affordable EVs. This could also slow the transition to greener technologies and result in a number of EU countries missing electrification targets, he added.

He also dismissed the claim of "overcapacity" of Chinese EVs, emphasizing China's significant role in meeting the growing global demand for EVs.

"Despite the substantial inroads by EVs in global vehicle sales, most vehicle registrations globally remain internal combustion engine vehicles. Therefore, the room for further expansion of EV sales is clearly there," he noted.

Deguara especially highlighted Malta-China collaboration, saying such efforts could lead to advancements in EV technology, increased adoption rates and significant environmental benefits for both countries.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
It is important that you understand what you are signing. Ask your lawyer to review your will with you and sign it only after you are comfortable. Comstock/Getty Images

Q: I am in the process of rewriting my will. There is a lot of information in this document that I just do not understand, especially all the references to trustees. There is a special needs trust as well as other trusts. My lawyer explained that the trustees cover all sorts of "what ifs" after my death. The will also discusses retirement plans and IRAs, all of which have beneficiaries named. I want to be able to read and understand my will. Are all these trust provisions really necessary?

A: Yes, they probably are.

You probably do need contingent trusts and contingent special needs trusts just in case a beneficiary of your estate is a minor, is incapacitated or is trying to obtain government benefits. Other trusts might be in your will to hold property for multiple generations as a way to save taxes and protect the property from creditors and divorces.

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It is not uncommon for a will to discuss retirement plans and IRAs, partly because there might be community property issues at play and partly because there might be a need or advantage associated with placing the plans or accounts into a trust.

This answer says all the trust provisions "probably" are needed because it's unclear what you own and what you are worth. It is possible that your lawyer has drafted a will for you that contains far more complicated planning than you need. But it is also possible that even more complicated planning would be advisable if you are sufficiently wealthy.

Regardless, it is important that you understand what you are signing. You should ask your lawyer to review your will with you paragraph by paragraph, and you should sign it only after you are comfortable with how it is written.

Q: My father died in August. He had a revocable trust that avoided probate for everything except an insurance company refund check in the amount of $1,200 made payable to his estate. No one will cash this check because it is to the "estate." The insurance company will not issue a new check. They say I must probate the will to cash it. I hate to lose $1,200, but I dont think it would be cost-effective to go through probate for this one check. Please advise.

A: You need to figure out how to do the probate yourself without a lawyer, or you need to find a lawyer who will do the probate at a greatly reduced price.

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Update, June 9:

As of Thursday, June 6, the Corral Fire is 100 percent contained.

According to CAL FIRE, weather conditions have improved, allowing firefighters to make more progress.

---

Update, June 5:

A wildfire that prompted the evacuation of the city of Tracy east of San Francisco is now 94% contained.

CAL FIRE says the Corral Fire is now 14,168 acres large after starting early Saturday afternoon near Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Site.

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.

One home was destroyed and two firefighters were injured.

The cause of the San Joaquin County fire remains under investigation.

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.

Update, June 2:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  California firefighters expected to gain ground Sunday on a wind-driven wildfire that scorched thousands of acres 60 miles (97 kilometers) east of San Francisco, burned down a home and forced residents to flee the area near the central California city of Tracy.

The fire erupted Saturday afternoon in the grassy hills 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.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said the research center was not under immediate threat from the blaze, dubbed the Corral Fire, which had devoured some 20 square miles (52 square kilometers) by Sunday afternoon and was 30% contained.

Thousands of people in the area, including parts of the city of Tracy with a population of 100,000, were ordered to leave for evacuation centers.

CalFire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira said Sunday afternoon the fire burned right up the homes in the area and destroyed one house. With calmer winds and milder weather Sunday, Silveira said he didn't expect the fire to grow.

Two firefighters suffered minor to moderate burns on Saturday and were expected to make a full recovery, Silveira said.

The wildfire presented no threat to any laboratory facilities or operations and had moved away from the site, Lawrence Livermore spokesperson Paul Rhien said in a statement to The Associated Press early Sunday.

As a precaution, we have activated our emergency operations center to monitor the situation through the weekend, Rhien said.

Photos showed a wall of flames moving over the parched landscape as dark smoke billowed into the sky.

The wildfire also forced the closure of two major highways, including an interstate that connects the San Francisco Bay Area to San Joaquin County in central California, but they had reopened by Sunday afternoon.

The San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services issued an evacuation order for areas west of the California Aqueduct, south of Corral Hollow Creek, west to Alameda County and south to Stanislaus County. A temporary evacuation point was established at Larch Clover Community Center in Tracy. The order was still in place as of early Sunday afternoon.

Sundays high temperature for Tracy was expected to reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius), with no rain in the forecast, but hotter conditions are on their way.

The National Weather Service said dangerously hot conditions with highs of 103 F to 108 F (39.4 C to 42.2 C) were expected later in the week for the San Joaquin Valley, an area that encompasses Tracy. Wind gusts of up to 45 mph (72 kph) lashed the region Saturday night, according to meteorologist Idamis Shoemaker of the weather service in Sacramento.

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Original Article, June 1:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  California firefighters aided by aircraft battled a wind-driven wildfire burning Saturday in an area straddling the San Francisco Bay Area and central California, authorities said.

Gusty winds have fueled the Corral Fire burning near the city of Tracy, 60 miles (96 kilometers) east of San Francisco, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the city of Livermore, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.

The blaze grew to 7 square miles (18 square kilometers) within hours, sending dark plumes of smoke high into the sky. It was 40% contained, Cal Fire said.

Interstate 580, which connects the San Francisco Bay Area to San Joaquin County in central California, was closed in both directions from Corral Hollow Road to Interstate 5 due to the lack of visibility from the smoke, the California Department of Transportation said in a statement.

The San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services issued an evacuation order, pinpointing the wildfire in an area east of Interstate 580. Residents between Corral Hollow Road and Tracy Boulevard were ordered to leave their homes, with residents south of Tracy Boulevard told to be prepared for evacuation.

(Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)
NEW YORK (AP)  Janis Paige, a popular actor in Hollywood and in Broadway musicals and comedies who danced with Fred Astaire, toured with Bob Hope and continued to perform into her 80s, has died. She was 101.

Paige died Sunday of natural causes at her Los Angeles home, longtime friend Stuart Lampert said Monday.

Paige starred on Broadway with Jackie Cooper in the mystery-comedy, "Remains to be Seen" and appeared with John Raitt in the smash hit musical "The Pajama Game."

Her other films included a Hope comedy, "Bachelor in Paradise"; the Doris Day comedy "Please Don't Eat the Daisies" and "Follow the Boys."

In 2018, she added her voice to the #MeToo movement, alleging an assault when she was 22 by the late department-store heir Alfred Bloomingdale.

I could feel his hands, not only on my breasts, but seemingly everywhere. He was big and strong, and I began to fight, kick, bite and scream, she wrote. At 95, time is not on my side, and neither is silence. I simply want to add my name and say, Me too."

Paige's big break came in wartime when she sang an operatic aria for servicemen at the Hollywood Canteen. MGM hired her a day later for a brief role in "Bathing Beauty"  she spoke two lines in the film, which starred Esther Williams and Red Skelton  then dropped her.

The same day, Warner Bros. signed her and cast her in a dramatic segment of the all-star movie "Hollywood Canteen." Her contract started at $150 a week. I earned more per week than my mother had made in a month during the Great Depression, she recalled in The Hollywood Reporter in 2018.

Her salary rose to $1,000 weekly as the studio kept her busy in lightweight films such as "Two Guys from Milwaukee," "The Time, the Place and the Girl," Love and Learn," "Always Together," "Wallflower" and "Romance on the High Seas," which marked Doris Days film debut.

Meanwhile, she had changed her name from Donna May Tjaden, adopting her grandfather's name of Paige. She took her first name from Elsie Janis, famed for entertaining troops in World War I.

Paige's contract expired in 1949, at a time when studios were unloading talent because of the inroads of television. "That was a jolt," she remarked in 1963. "It meant I was washed up at 25."

She took her talents to Broadway, where she starred in Remains to Be Seen (her role would be snatched by June Allyson for the screen adaptation), and starred as Babe opposite Raitt as Sid in the original production of The Pajama Game, directed in 1954 by George Abbott. (Doris Day would take her role in the film version.)

MGM producer Arthur Freed caught her nightclub act at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles and offered her a part opposite Astaire in "Silk Stockings, also co-starring Cyd Charisse. The film is famous for her and Astaire spoofing the newfangled movie gimmicks in the Cole Porter number "Stereophonic Sound," including swinging from a chandelier.

I was one mass of bruises. I didnt know how to fall. I didnt know how to get down on a table  I didnt know how to save myself because I was never a classic dancer, she told the Miami Herald in 2016.

In May 2003, Paige resumed entertaining after a long absence. She opened a show she called "The Third Act" at San Francisco's Plush Room. She told stories about Astaire, Frank Sinatra and others and sang tunes from her films and stage musicals.

Chad Jones, reviewer for the Alameda Times-Star, commented that at 80 "the charming Paige shows a vitality, verve and spirit that performers half her age would envy."

Paige grew up in Tacoma, Washington. Her father deserted the family when she was 4, and her mother eked out a living at the Bank of Tacoma.

"We always had enough to eat," Paige told the Saturday Evening Post in 1963, "but nothing to spare. My mother worked so hard. And she used to keep saying that she wished I'd been born a boy, so I could help out more. I always wanted to be a success for her, to make up for my father."

After leaving Warner Bros., she turned to TV, starring in a 1955-1956 TV series, "It's Always Jan" and playing recurring roles in "Flamingo Road," "Santa Barbara," Eight Is Enough, Capitol, Fantasy Island and Trapper Jon, M.D. On All in the Family, she played a diner waitress who becomes involved with Carroll OConnors Archie Bunker.

Paige replaced Angela Lansbury in the New York production of "Mame" in 1968 on Broadway and toured with the show in 1969. She also toured in "Gypsy," "Annie Get Your Gun," "Born Yesterday" and "The Desk Set." Her last time on Broadway was in 1984s Alone Together.

She also supplied glamor for Hope's Christmas visits to Cuba and the Caribbean in 1960, Japan and South Korea in 1962, and Vietnam in 1964. She sang in clubs with Sammy Davis Jr., Alan King, Dinah Shore and Perry Como.

She had two brief marriages, to San Francisco restaurateur Frank Martinelli and to writer-producer Arthur Stander. In 1962 she married songwriter Ray Gilbert, who won an Oscar for the song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da" from Disney's "Song of the South." He died in 1976, and she assumed management of his music company.

___

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits

(Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)
The Comma Hospitality team behind the restaurant Neo and the forthcoming Kira. Adrian Barboza

Neo, one of Houstons top restaurants and most exclusive reservations, is opening a Japanese-style "listening bar" with a more casual menu of food and cocktails, plus a serving of vinyl spinning on the side.

Kira, a 15-seat jewel box tucked inside the Shop at Arrive River Oaks at 2800 Kirby, is slated to open in mid-July, said Jeremy Truong, a managing partner of Comma Hospitality.

Its definitely a more casual, approachable environment, Truong said. Kira will expand our bandwidth to a broader clientele.

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The Upper Kirby spot will build on Neos reputation for sourcing quality, seasonal ingredients that it uses in pricey omakase menus. Kira, however, will offer more unfussy options such as temaki (hand rolls, which have been popular in recent years), donburi (rice bowls) and kakigori (Japanese shaved ice desserts).

HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicles top 100 restaurants

Seafood sourced from Japan will also be a featured on Kira's menu.

Mark Wong is the head chef at Kira, which will start off with dinner-only service with plans to eventually expand to all-day operations.

Like at Neo, the menu will rely on seafood sourced from Japan, but customers will have a few options for seasonal cocktails.

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Kira's debut is an introduction of sorts for Comma Hospitality, Truong said.

Chefs Luis Mercado and Paolo Justo, who are partners in the venture as well, helped jump-start Neos success early in the pandemic when it was only a pop-up. Brothers Samee and Saber Ahmed, who are behind ready-to-wear brand Glass Cypress, are also managing partners. (Neo currently operates out of the Glass Cypress studio in Montrose, and employees at Kira will wear Glass-designed uniforms.)

MORE FROM BAO ONG: This new West Houston Japanese store is home to some of citys best selection of Asian snacks

Daniel Hall of Houston-based Stern and Bucek, whose past projects include Bistro Menil, is leading the design of the space.

At Kira, Hall will combine midcentury modern and minimalist Japanese design elements, Truong said.

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The Italian leather chairs, new and vintage ceramics sourced from Japan and an upscale McIntosh record player will all play a part in creating a Japanese listening bar vibe. These spaces, which go back as far as 1950s Japan and were designed for listening to vinyl, have been trendy in recent years across large U.S cities. National publications, including Esquire, have regularly featured similar spots on lists of best new bars, including the recently released guide featuring three Houston bars.

Kira aims to seamlessly blend Japanese cafe culture, also known as a kissa, with its food and beverage options. Its also the first of at least two forthcoming restaurant projects from Comma Hospitality, one slated for the end of 2024 and another sometime next year.
Long-term grief isnt continuous; it peaks suddenly, triggered by images and events. I recently relearned this lesson during my first visit to my fathers hometown of Hoboken, New Jersey, a mile-square town directly across the Hudson River from the skyscrapers of Manhattan. Fifty years had elapsed since his death from brain cancer when he was 52 and I was 15, yet I approached the trip without many expectations or feelings. In my mind, my wife and I were simply accompanying our son and daughter-in-law on their apartment hunt there. For fun, Id brought along some black-and-white photographs of the town from the 1920s and 1930s handed down to me by my fathers mother.

As we walked along Washington Street, the towns main thoroughfare, we paused at the 1880 four-story brownstone where one of the faded photos showed my father as a toddler, dressed in an oversize nightshirt, looking up at the camera from playing in the small, fenced-in backyard of his family's ground floor apartment. A block away was the storefront of a nail salon looking nearly identical to the 100-year-old snapshot of the Paradise Hat Shop, which my grandmother ran at that site. At first, it felt uncanny that so much tangible evidence of my fathers childhood could still be seen. Then, for the first time in several months, I was flooded by a wave of sadness about his early death.

Most people who have lost close family members feel grief immediately after the death, but months or a year or two later, it is no longer the constant state of their lives. Instead, they experience sharp pangs of sadness only at certain times of the year, such as the deceaseds birthday or death anniversary, or even during family celebrations, such as weddings and graduations when the persons presence is sorely missed.

Author Barry Jacobs (here, 15) started caregiving for his father at age 14. Courtesy of Barry Jacobs

For caregivers who have lost their care receivers, those feelings tend to come more often. Even if they thought the care receivers death at the time was a blessing and a relief, there is something about the intensity of caregiving that makes for an enduring emotional attachment. For many of us, the images of our relatives suffering toward the end are burned into our brains and crash our thoughts at inopportune times. For some, the strong feelings of responsibility we had as caregivers spawn guilt afterward.
When Charles Norman Shay, a 19-year-old Native American and member of the Penobscot Nation in Maine, landed on Normandys Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, he could not have known that he and 156,000 of his courageous American, British and Canadian comrades were taking a critical step in saving the free world and protecting the democratic freedoms we enjoy today. Charles Shay turns 100 this month, and he continues to represent the legacy of all those who fought so bravely that awful day.

On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Americans should reflect on what our soldiers accomplished during that pivotal moment in history.

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It marked the beginning of the end of Nazi tyranny and the birth of a Western alliance that has stood sentry for freedom for eight decades. Whether serving on the battlefields or working in the shipyards and factories at home to supply the armaments of victory, these men and women have rightfully been called our greatest generation.

AARP has a long history of supporting those who served in the U.S. armed forces and their families.

Nearly 6 million AARP members have served, or are serving, in the U.S. military.

Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

We believe the best way to honor our veterans is by giving them the tools and resources necessary to navigate life while serving and after they retire.

AARPs Veterans and Military Families (VMF) initiative helps connect veterans and their families with information on caregiving, fraud, employment and benefits earned through military service.

In 2023, we updated the AARP Veterans Health Benefits Navigator to reflect the PACT Act of 2022, which provided one of the largest benefit expansions in history by offering additional health services to more than 5 million Vietnam, Gulf War and post-9/11 eligible veterans.

We further grew our outreach with the Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide, providing information about making homes easier to age in through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our Veterans and Military Spouses Job Center launched six accredited continuing education courses to assist with finding jobs. And we joined with the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) to support veterans at the state level and provide channels to area agencies.

Find more about our services for veterans at aarp.org/veterans.

On this 80th anniversary of D-Day, Americans should remember the sacrifices of those who changed the course of history that day. We honor their heroism most by doing all we can to ensure that all our veterans and military families are able to live out their lives healthy, secure, safe and free.
The recent temporary closure of a Cleveland-area Social Security office due to a shrinking staff could be a sign of things to come for the agencys local services without additional funding to ramp up hiring, Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin OMalley told AARP.

It is not the only office that is teetering on the brink of having too few staff to stay open and to serve the public, OMalley said May 31 in an exclusive interview at the SSAs headquarters just outside Baltimore. That's a concern of ours every single day.

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OMalley said the agency has taken steps in recent months to address a customer service crisis marked by long hold times for callers to the SSAs toll-free hotline (800-772-1213) and record delays in decisions on disability benefit claims. 

He said long-term success, including keeping the agencys more than 1,200 local offices functioning, hinges on reversing a steep decline in staff driven by tight budgets and rising workloads.

Social Securitys workforce has shrunk from nearly 67,000 employees in 2010 to about 56,000 now, a 27-year low, according to SSA data. Over that period, the agencys spending on labor and other operating costs  which, unlike the amount paid out in benefits, is set annually by Congress  has declined by 19 percent, accounting for inflation, while the number of beneficiaries it serves has grown by 25 percent, according to an April 2024 analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

If Congress doesnt reverse this nonsensical reduction of staffing at Social Security, were probably going to see other field offices implode, OMalley said.

Domino effect

The Cleveland Southeast Social Security office in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, shut its doors to walk-in visitors in early April, posting a notice that due to staff departures, it could only offer service by appointment until May 8 and would then close outright for at least 90 days, according to news reports.

OMalley said the move was triggered by the departure of five employees in one day.

They got higher paying jobs with the promise of less on-site work at another federal agency, and we no longer had the staff that we needed to keep that office open, he said. It took us two weeks and some volunteers to step up to agree to reassignments, but we got that field office back up, and its running again.

That kind of triage has become commonplace at SSA offices across Ohio, going back to before the pandemic, said Michael Murphy, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3448, which represents Social Security employees in the state.
Harris County Public Healths mosquito surveillance lab examines specimens. Experts say climate change may bring more mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease to Houston, but it's unlikely the area will see a sharp increase in either anytime soon. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Dr. Max Vigilant likes to say there are three things that go together: heat, rain and mosquitoes.

Houston has plenty of each  and there is evidence to suggest that climate change is adding to that abundance in recent years.

Vigilant, the director of the mosquito and vector control division for Harris County Public Health, is in charge of keeping Harris County residents safe from diseases carried by mosquitoes. Historically the risk has been highest when the weather is warm enough for mosquitoes to thrive, from the middle of May through October.

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Lately, though, mosquitoes have begun to appear as early as February. The weather has been warmer, with 2023 going down as Houstons hottest year on record. Climate change can also affect the frequency and intensity of rainfall, and the pools of standing water that storms leave in their wake are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Last month, traps set up by Harris County Public Health captured an average of 100 mosquitoes. That was fewer than the average of 146 per trap in May 2023 but more than the 95 per trap average in May 2022.

Climate has changed. Environmental conditions have changed, Vigilant said. Mosquito propagation and proliferation has increased because of that.

Scientists generally agree that climate change is increasing the odds for mosquitoes to thrive, particularly in warm and humid areas like Houston. They also worry that it could increase the risk for mosquito-borne diseases over time, including a potential rebound of malaria in the U.S. At least nine cases of malaria were detected in Texas, Florida and Maryland last year, the first time it had been locally acquired in the U.S. in 20 years.

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Yet experts told the Chronicle they are skeptical the apparent increase in mosquitoes locally is a harbinger for the future. Although warmer temperatures have led to mosquitoes appearing in Houston earlier than ever, other factors like rainfall also play a key role in their proliferation. Experts said Houston may see more mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases in the coming years, but its unlikely the area will experience a sharp increase in either anytime soon.

Its not a solid red flag, said Dr. Rojelio Mejia, an associate professor of pediatrics and tropical medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. I would say that its concerning. We need to be alert and start taking better precautions for ourselves and for the environment.

Part of the reason Houston may be seeing more mosquitoes this year is rainfall. Rain gauges at George Bush Intercontinental Airport collected about 8.7 inches of rain last month, roughly 4 inches more than normal. With more rain, there is more opportunity for water to collect in spots like birdbaths or kiddie pools, which are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

Breeding can occur more quickly in Houston because warmer temperatures accelerate the process, said Dr. Jack Schultz, a research professor in the department of biology and biochemistry at the University of Houston.

This is a great place to be a mosquito. Lots of water and the temperatures are good, Schultz said. And lots of people.

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The risk for disease

Mosquito-borne diseases are uncommon in Harris County, and most cases are found in individuals who recently traveled to areas where they are endemic.

Between 2017 and 2022, 73 cases of West Nile, three cases of chikungunya and one case of St. Louis encephalitis were reported in Harris County. There were also 173 cases of malaria, 51 cases of dengue and 11 cases of Zika, but all of them were related to travel, according to Harris County Public Health.

READ MORE: Houston experts offer tips on choosing a mosquito repellent and when to know if a bite is concerning

Last year there were just two cases of West Nile reported in Harris County. There were also 34 cases of malaria and two cases of dengue, but all of those were related to travel, according to HCPH.

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If mosquitoes were to become more prevalent, though, the odds of acquiring a mosquito-borne illness within the U.S. would likely increase, said Jocelyn R. Holt, an ecology and evolutionary biology faculty fellow at Rice University.

If you already have pathogens in an area, more mosquitoes mean more bites are happening, which means greater likelihood for transmission, she said.

The U.S. sees roughly 2,000 cases of malaria each year, but nearly all of them are from travelers returning from areas where the disease is endemic. Last year marked the first time the disease was acquired within the U.S. since 2003.

The risk of contracting malaria in the U.S. remains extremely low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Malaria was common in the U.S. into the 20th century but was eradicated in 1951, due in large part to public health surveillance to detect and treat malaria.

However, the weather and humid temperatures in places like Texas and Florida are similar to those in areas where malaria is endemic. The U.S. also has Anopheles mosquitoes, which can spread malaria.

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Schultz said many experts believe the U.S. is likely to see more locally acquired cases of malaria in the coming years, but its difficult to say how many.

READ MORE: Harris County health prepares to tackle mosquito season ahead of summer swarms

The anticipation is that malaria will become a much more widespread problem, he said. We have to make sure that weve got control efforts in place to keep that from getting too bad.

Humans play a role

The proliferation of mosquitoes isnt determined by weather alone. Humans also play a role, experts said.

The water that collects in buckets, gutters, kiddie pools and other receptacles after it rains is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Some species even lay eggs before it rains in areas where they know water will collect.

If your gutters dont drain completely, youre raising mosquitoes right there, Schultz said. And most people just dont think about it.

The breeding process can happen within a few days after it rains, but getting rid of standing water can prevent that, experts said.

Vigilant said HCPH sets traps at 268 sites within Harris County to monitor for mosquito-borne diseases. If a mosquito tests positive for a disease like West Nile, employees will spray the area where it was caught to prevent the disease from spreading.

If mosquitos and the diseases they carry do become more prevalent over time, it will be important for public health agencies and individuals to be proactive instead of reactive, experts said.

READ MORE: How effective is mosquito spraying? What to know as summer and swarms of pests arrive

For public health agencies, that could mean additional monitoring and spraying, as well as campaigns to educate residents on how to protect themselves. For individuals, it could mean getting rid of standing water after it rains, applying insect repellant and wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants to cover up skin.

The playbook for avoiding mosquitoes and preventing the spread of disease has already been written in areas of the world where those diseases are endemic, experts said. As the world continues to get warmer, it will be important for Harris County to follow those precautions, Vigilant said.


Preferred EPCM Contractor Selected For Tumas Uranium Project

Perth, June 4, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Deep Yellow Limited ( ASX:DYL ) ( JMI:FRA ) ( DYLLF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to announce that Ausenco Services Pty Ltd (Ausenco or Contractor) has been selected as the preferred contractor to deliver the Detailed Engineering and the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) services for the Company's flagship Tumas Project (Tumas or Project) located in Namibia.



HIGHLIGHTS



- Ausenco Services Pty Ltd selected as the preferred EPCM contractor for the flagship Tumas Project



- Ausenco is a market leading engineering and consulting firm and brings extensiveknowledge of the Tumas Project, through the work they completed on the February 2023 Definitive Feasibility Study together with the December 2023 Re-Costing Addendum



- Scope of work to be completed includes finalising Detailed Engineering with an EPCM contract opportunity for project execution



- Tendered price is commensurate with the capital cost estimates defined in theDecember 2023 Re-Costing Addendum



- Commercial agreements and contracts award for Detailed Engineering to be finalised over the coming months, as Deep Yellow progresses Tumas towards a Final Investment Decision (FID)



- An EPCM contract to be executed post-FID



- Following FID, Deep Yellow will work toward commencing operations in 2026 and establish Tumas as the 4th uranium mine in Namibia



It is intended that an EPCM contract will be executed following FID. In the meantime, the parties will execute a Detailed Engineering agreement to advance key workstreams ahead of FID and finalising a full EPCM contract.



The Company looks forward to working with Ausenco to deliver the exciting Tumas Project as the Company's first mining operation and flagship development.



Deep Yellow Managing Director and CEO John Borshoff stated: "The selection of Ausenco as the preferred EPCM Contractor for the Tumas Project is a significant project milestone. Ausenco is a market-leading engineering firm, highly regarded within the industry for their technical ability and track record of project delivery. Having Ausenco on board will complement the project delivery team to add significant value to the exciting Tumas Project, in a period of extended positive outlook in the uranium supply sector."



Ausenco President Reuben Joseph stated: "Ausenco is proud to be selected as the preferred EPCM Contractor for the Tumas Project. From our involvement in the Project since 2019, and in particular, the work we completed on the DFS and subsequent December 2023 Re-Costing Addendum for Tumas, we fully understand the Project's exciting potential and Tier-1 status. We look forward to working with Deep Yellow and providing our extensive skill set and market-leading engineering and project delivery experience."



About Ausenco Services Pty Ltd



Ausenco is a global company redefining what is possible. The team is based across 26 offices in 15 countries delivering services worldwide. Combining deep technical expertise with a 30-year track record, Ausenco delivers innovative, value-add consulting studies, project delivery, asset operations and maintenance solutions to the minerals and metals and industrial sectors (www.ausenco.com).





About Deep Yellow Limited





Deep Yellow Limited (ASX:DYL) (OTCMKTS:DYLLF) is successfully progressing a dual-pillar growth strategy to establish a globally diversified, Tier-1 uranium company to produce 10+Mlb p.a.

The Company's portfolio contains the largest uranium resource base of any ASX-listed company and its projects provide geographic and development diversity. Deep Yellow is the only ASX company with two advanced projects - flagship Tumas, Namibia (Final Investment Decision expected in 1H/CY24) and MRP, Western Australia (advancing through revised DFS), both located in Tier-1 uranium jurisdictions.

Deep Yellow is well-positioned for further growth through development of its highly prospective exploration portfolio - ARP, Northern Territory and Omahola, Namibia with ongoing M&A focused on high-quality assets should opportunities arise that best fit the Company's strategy.

Led by a best-in-class team, who are proven uranium mine builders and operators, the Company is advancing its growth strategy at a time when the need for nuclear energy is becoming the only viable option in the mid-to-long term to provide baseload power supply and achieve zero emission targets.

Importantly, Deep Yellow is on track to becoming a reliable and long-term uranium producer, able to provide production optionality, security of supply and geographic diversity.

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Sonesta International Hotels Corporation opened its sixth Texas location in La Porte.

The 84-room hotel development is one of the largest hotel companies in the U.S. and its move into the Houston area suburb is part of its expansion throughout the state. Sonesta International Hotels Corporation The La Porte hotel is situated in proximity to local tourist attractions such as Sylvan Beach and the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield which makes it a complimentary hub for hospitality amenities in the region Sonesta International Hotels Corporation

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation opened its sixth Texas location in La Porte.

The 84-room hotel upper-midscale hotel is part of the company's move into the Houston market, which includes a 99-room hotel in the Galleria area that opened in late 2023.

The growth of the Sonesta Essential brand continues with the opening of Sonesta Essential La Porte, which is the brands sixth location in Texas, said Keith Pierce, president of franchise and development, in a press release.

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According to General Manager Jack Patel, the hotel had a successful first week which culminated with Memorial Day weekend.

RESTAURANT CLOSURE: Pearland Mexican restaurant Juanitos closes after 34 years

The La Porte hotel is close to tourist attractions such as Sylvan Beach and the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield which makes it a complementary hub for hospitality amenities in the region, according to Patel.

Many of our customers are visiting nearby places, he said.

Some of the highlights of the hotel company include free high-speed internet, pet-friendly amenities, year-round indoor pool, gym, laundry and dry cleaning services.

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Sonesta is the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. and has 1,100 properties in eight countries, totaling 100,000 guest rooms across 15 brands, according to Smith Travel Research.

We are delighted to welcome them as a valued partner within the city of La Porte, said Haley Bowers, manager of the citys economic development manager. Its evident that Sonesta has conducted thorough research and recognizes La Porte as an exceptional market to operate within.

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The La Porte location is also near other regional tourist attractions such as NASA Johnson Space Center, Kemah Boardwalk, the Pasadena Convention Center and businesses like DOW Chemical and Lockheed Martin and industry entities along the Houston Ship Channel.

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Jordan Smith performs as Elvis at the Lone Star Saloon on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Richmond. Smith, 23, of Conroe hopes to one day become a professional Elvis tribute artist. J. Patric Schneider/For the Chronicle Lorie Walters enjoys her birthday as Jordan Smith performs as Elvis at the Lone Star Saloon on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Richmond. Walters has seen the real Elvis twice in her life, once at the Houston Rodeo and another at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. J. Patric Schneider/For the Chronicle

Jordan Smith's black pompadour and matching sideburns often cause Conroe residents to stop and do a double take.

Smith, 23, of Conroe is an up-and-coming Elvis tribute artist and often "The King's" style and swagger seep into his everyday life around town.

He said the hair and chops are real. People do notice him and often ask for a picture, which he is happy to do. In his day job, he is a molding operator making parts for endoscopies and biopsies. But one day, he would like to be a professional Elvis tribute artist.

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"Elvis was a legend," he said. "He had the voice and the charisma and the looks. He put heart and soul into his performances, and you can hear the emotion in his songs."

Jordan Smith performs as Elvis at the Lone Star Saloon on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Richmond. Smith, 23, of Conroe hopes to one day become a professional Elvis tribute artist. J. Patric Schneider/For the Chronicle

Singing Elvis songs at karaoke

Smith was born in the Houston area and moved around before finally settling in Conroe more than a decade ago. He was in the choir at Conroe High School and graduated in 2018.

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As a boy he learned about Elvis and his songs from his grandfather and great-grandfather and then his older sister.

Even though he was a member of a younger generation, the older music appealed to him more than today's tunes.

He would sing Elvis songs at karaoke night at the now closed George's Bar and Grill in Conroe. He developed a fan base and group of friends who enjoyed the tunes.

Jordan Smith talks with fans as he performs as Elvis at the Lone Star Saloon on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Richmond. J. Patric Schneider/For the Chronicle

Tribute to his mother

His ailing mother was the one to sway him to beginning his career as an Elvis tribute artist.

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"She died of cancer on March 21, 2021. The night before she died, I sang Elvis' 'Peace in the Valley' to her," he said. "She told me I should really go to nursing homes and retirement centers and perform there."

He obtained a white jumpsuit from eBay in the aloha style Elvis wore in the 1970s and carried out her suggestion.

"It has brought me a lot of joy and them a lot of joy as well," he said. He said the first white aloha suit was pretty "rinky dink," but he kept it as a memento as he upgraded outfits.

He's since gone on to perform at events and open mics around Conroe and had his most recent show in Richmond.

Jordan Smith performs as Elvis at the Lone Star Saloon on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Richmond. J. Patric Schneider/For the Chronicle

Re-creating Elvis on stage

Smith sticks to the 70s era, but his favorite Elvis tunes to sing are "Polk Salad Annie" and "Suspicious Minds." His mentor is Houston-area Elvis tribute artist Vince King.

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"Once I'm in the jumpsuit, I am Elvis," he said. "Sometimes I catch myself outside of the jumpsuit talking like Elvis and I don't even notice."

He met local drummer Chris Martinez outside the Corner Pub watering hole in downtown Conroe a few years ago.

Martinez saw the Elvis jumpsuit and waved him over with "Hey, Elvis." Martinez and his friends ended up taking pictures with Smith. He was intrigued to see a 20-something guy as Elvis.

Smith has gone on to play open-mic nights at the Corner Pub where Martinez also often plays.

"When we finally convinced him to do an open mic at the Corner Pub, he floored the place," Martinez said. "It was refreshing to see somebody as young as him doing an Elvis thing. He's got a lot of gumption. People love what he does. Not only does he have the outfit but he's got the voice to back it up."

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Traveling to Graceland

Smith credits his wife, Chelsea Macha, with making the shows a success, as she assists during the shows and is a major supporter of his career.

"People will come up to me after a show and say, 'Man, you were really great,'" he said. "But it's not just me, it's her, too."

Later this month, the couple will make their first trip to Graceland, Elvis' home.

He expects to be like a kid in a candy store.
In the 71st Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Indian agencies secured three shortlists in the Glass Lions category, which honours work addressing gender inequality or prejudice through gender representation in advertising. This year, 165 entries were submitted globally in this category, with three notable entries from India. Here are the Indian campaigns that made to the shortlist.





Tgthr Mumbai and Reckitt Benckiser Gurgaon picked up a shortlist for their 'Harpic - Loocator - #BeFreeToPee campaign for Harpic India.



Leo Burnett Mumbai earned a shortlist spot in this category for their 'Project Farm Equal' campaign for Lay's.



View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lay's India (@lays_india)



McCann WorldGroup Gurugram secured a shortlist for their 'Dabba Savings Account' campaign for ESAF Small Finance Bank.







Leo Burnett Mumbai earned a shortlist spot in this category for their 'Project Farm Equal' campaign for Lay's.McCann WorldGroup Gurugram secured a shortlist for their 'Dabba Savings Account' campaign for ESAF Small Finance Bank.
Durex, globally renowned for its dedication to promoting sexual health and wellness, is thrilled to announce a special collaboration with Outlook Magazine for an exclusive Pride Month edition. Curated under Durex's flagship initiative, The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT), this issue is designed to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community, in alignment with this years Pride Month theme, Reflect. Empower. Unite.

This special edition of Outlook Magazine, in partnership with Durex TBBT, is more than just a publication. It is a testament to the power of storytelling, education, and community support in fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. By celebrating the achievements and addressing the challenges of the LGBTQIA+ community, this initiative truly embodies the Pride Month theme of Reflect. Empower. Unite.

This initiative stands out as a significant contribution to the community, aiming to foster inclusivity and drive important conversations about sexual and reproductive health. Guest edited by Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt and recipient of Trans Allyship award by National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the special edition features a range of inspiring stories, expert insights, and educational content tailored to resonate with a broad audience.

Empowering Voices: This edition provides a powerful platform for influential LGBTQIA+ figures such as Sushant Divgikar, Alok Verma, Dutee Chand, and Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju. Their stories of overcoming societal barriers and fostering inclusivity are truly inspiring and aim to empower readers by showcasing the resilience and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Expert Insights: The magazine features guest columns from prominent personalities like Arun Kumar Mishra, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission; Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, a leading transgender rights activist; and Ashok Row Kavi, a renowned journalist. These contributions delve deep into the history, rights, and societal perceptions of the LGBTQIA+ community, offering valuable perspectives that are both educational and thought-provoking.

Comprehensive Education: Emphasizing the need for comprehensive sex education, legislative protection, and cultural shifts, the edition aims to foster a society that values diversity and empowers individuals to pursue their goals regardless of their sexual orientation. The content highlights ongoing efforts and future aspirations for a more inclusive world, making it a vital resource for readers seeking to understand and support the LGBTQIA+ community.

TBBT Program's Impact: The Birds and Bees Talk initiative has significantly influenced sexual and reproductive health education across India. The programs Social Return on Investment (SROI) Evaluation Study Report reveals an impressive 24.40 in social value for every 1 invested, showcasing its effectiveness and far-reaching impact. By addressing critical needs and promoting healthy behaviors, the TBBT program equips adolescents with essential life skills, values, and attitudes to become responsible adults.

Broader Conversations: Beyond celebrating Pride Month, this special edition aims to spark broader discussions about sexual and reproductive health, particularly among adolescents. Through ongoing dialogue throughout the month, the edition reinforces the importance of these conversations, ensuring that the impact extends well beyond June.

Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt, shared his thoughts on the initiative, Pride Month is an opportunity for us to reflect on the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and take meaningful action to support them. This special edition of Outlook Magazine aims to inspire a sense of purpose and hope for the future. It is a celebration of the progress made and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. Through our continuous efforts, we strive to bridge the gap of inequality, providing a platform for individuals to voice their opinions and share their experiences.

The TBBT program has delivered impactful conversations using a variety of tactics, from traditional to unconventional methods, including school curricula, media, adolescent mental health helplines, e- learning platforms, music albums, murals, social media, and the AI-powered chatbot HeloJubi. Originally designed to equip adolescents in northeastern India with essential life skills, the TBBT program now extends its reach nationwide, addressing the critical need for comprehensive sex education and promoting healthy behaviors among young people. By imparting critical and age-appropriate information, the program encourages conversations around sexual and reproductive health among adolescents, teachers, and community members, preparing them to become responsible adults.
Duroflex, leading brand in the sleep solutions category, is proud to announce the appointment of Ullas Vijay as Chief Marketing Officer and Sudhanshu Krishna as Chief Sales Officer  Consumer Business. This move is part of Duroflex's ongoing efforts to strengthen its market position. By building its leadership team, Duroflex aims to drive innovation, enhance customer engagement, and accelerate growth in the highly competitive sleep solutions market.

Ullas Vijay, who joins as the CMO, will be taking the reins of Duroflex's marketing. With over 16 years of experience managing brands across lifestyle, fashion, sports, and FMCG categories, Ullas has a proven record of accelerating market share and building strong brands. In his last role as Head Category & Communication at Bata India, he has excelled in identifying market gaps, leveraging consumer insights and ensuring product-brand alignment. His expertise in marketing and communications has led to successful campaigns, elevated customer experiences, and earned him several awards.

Speaking about his appointment, Ullas Vijay, Chief Marketing Officer, Duroflex Pvt. Ltd. said, Im delighted to join Duroflex, a company renowned for its pioneering innovations in the sleep solutions industry for over six decades. I look forward to driving growth and strengthening our relationships with our customers. By focusing on innovation, and enhancing customer experience at every touchpoint, I hope to make Duroflex the most loved sleep solutions brand.

Sudhanshu Krishna, who joins Duroflex as the CSO, will be leading the sales function for the consumer business of the organization. Prior to Duroflex, Sudhanshu was with Eurreka Forbes as Vice President and CoE Head of Direct Sales. With over 18 years of experience, he has steered many prominent brands to success. Beyond his leadership in sales and business, Sudhanshu brings strategic thinking, analytical acumen and a talent for driving organizational change. His unique leadership style presents an opportunity for optimizing resources, refining sales processes and enhancing overall company performance.

Commenting on this new role Sudhanshu Krishna, Chief Sales Officer  Consumer Business, Duroflex Pvt. Ltd., said, Im delighted to join Duroflex, a brand which is committed to quality and innovation in the sleep solutions industry and has earned immense trust from its consumers. With Duroflex, I hope to set a standard for excellence in the industry through superior solutions. I look forward to building strong relationships with our channel partners and continuously improving our skills to deliver exceptional results and drive profitable business growth."

Speaking on both the leadership appointment, Sridhar Balakrishnan, Group CEO, Duroflex, said, We are glad to welcome Ullas Vijay and Sudhanshu Krishna to the companys leadership team. Their combined experience will be instrumental in further driving the growth and success of the organisation. We are excited to onboard these leaders who will steer Duroflex to become the top sleep solutions provider in India by enhancing our market position and value to the consumers as well as stakeholders.
The Patanjali case has turned the spotlight on misleading ads and the deep concerns that they raise. In an important order on May 7, 2024, the Supreme Court passed several measures to protect consumers against misleading ads. The Supreme Court gave a strong warning to social media influencers, celebrities, and public figures, criticising them for promoting products without understanding the consequences.

The Supreme Court also issued directive that all advertisers/ advertising agencies must submit a Self-Declaration Certificate before publishing or broadcasting any advertisement. The Supreme Court directive is a step towards ensuring transparency, consumer protection, and responsible advertising practices.

Replying to a question raised on the Lok Sabha in December 2023 on whether the Government has any plans to formulate a comprehensive policy to prevent companies/ entities engaging in inappropriate/ false/ misleading advertisements of AYUSH medicines, Minister of AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal, replied in the affirmative and informed that the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Rules thereunder encompass the provisions for prohibition of misleading advertisements and exaggerated claims of drugs and medicinal substances including Ayush medicines, which appear in the print and electronic media and Government has taken note thereof. State/UT Governments are empowered to enforce the provisions of Drugs & Magic

Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 & Rules thereunder.

He also shared data on misleading advertisements reported to National Pharmacovigilance Co-ordination Centre (NPvCC) in the last three years, which has seen progressive increase:

March, 2019-February, 2020  4,885 cases

March, 2020-February, 2021  6,804 cases

March, 2021-February, 2022  10,035 cases

Given the seriousness of the issue, in March 2024, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) announced a tie-up with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to strengthen regulation around misleading ads.

Speaking to Adgully, Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary-General, Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), highlighted the importance of honest representation in advertising, as per ASCIs code, Chapter I of the ASCI Code states the importance of honest representation. It clearly states that all advertisements must be truthful and shall not distort facts nor mislead the consumer by means of implications or omissions. The Code identifies several forms of misleading advertisements, such as advertisements making unsubstantiated claims, exaggerated benefits portrayed through visuals or language, omitting important product related information, and exploiting consumer vulnerabilities, especially regarding health or insecurities.

The ASCI code aligns seamlessly with CCPA regulations against misleading advertisements, violation of the ASCI code Chapter 1 are most likely violation of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022, Kapoor added.

Even though ASCI has the power to take steps against these ads, they dont have the authority to remove them completely.

In the labyrinth of Indias consumer protection landscape, combating misleading advertisements is akin to unraveling a multifaceted tapestry woven with legal intricacies and strategic maneuvers, noted advocate Ravi Goenka, Founder, Goenka Law Associates. He added, The essence of self-regulation in advertising is that it is the responsibility of the advertiser to ensure that all advertising is honest and truthful.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, fortified by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, empowers consumers to challenge deceptive advertising practices through its administrative redressal forums and commissions. It stands as a beacon of hope for consumers navigating the misleading marketing terrain, with the words of the Act emphasizing consumer rights: The Act aims to promote and protect the rights of consumers.

Additionally, civil litigation serves as a battleground where aggrieved parties seek justice based on legal principles such as false advertising and breach of consumer rights. It's a clash of titans where accountability meets justice, echoing the importance of fair play in the legal system: In cases of deceptive advertising, consumers have the right to seek injunctive relief and restitution, he added.

Steps taken to initiate legal action against invalid claims

Addressing invalid claims in brand advertisements Goenka shared the following steps:

Identify Violations: Identify the specific claims in the advertisement that potentially violate Indian advertising laws and regulations. These may include false, misleading, or exaggerated claims about a product or service. Refer to advertising in India, such as the Consumer Laws and Regulations: Review relevant laws and regulations governing Protection Act, 2019, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) Code, and guidelines issued by regulatory bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Send a Complaint to ASCI: Consider lodging a complaint with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), which is a self-regulatory body for the advertising industry in India. ASCI accepts complaints from consumers, competitors, and industry stakeholders regarding misleading advertisements. File Complaints with Regulatory Authorities: In cases of serious violations or if ASCIs intervention is deemed inadequate, consider filing complaints with relevant regulatory authorities. For example, complaints related to food products may be filed with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), while complaints related to healthcare products may be filed with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) or the Ministry of AYUSH. Legal Action: If informal resolution through ASCI or regulatory intervention is not effective, legal action may be pursued through civil litigation. This involves filing a lawsuit in the appropriate civil court alleging violations of Indian advertising laws and seeking remedies such as injunctions, damages, and corrective advertising orders.

Crucial Legal Battles Against Misleading Advertisements

In the Indian market, several landmark cases have highlighted the significance of combating invalid claims in advertisements:

HUL vs. GCMMF: This dispute arose when HUL claimed its "Kwality Wall's" frozen desserts contained only milk, implying superiority over competitors like Amul. GCMMF contested this assertion, leading ASCI to uphold the complaint and instruct HUL to modify or withdraw the advertisement.

PepsiCo vs. Coca-Cola: PepsiCo challenged Coca-Cola's advertisement for Maaza, alleging misleading claims about real mango pulp. ASCI ruled in favor of PepsiCo, directing Coca-Cola to amend or withdraw the advertisement.

Strategies for Combating Misleading Ads: A Comprehensive Approach

Advocate Ravi Goenka presented a compact blueprint for action, which included:

Compliance with Standards: Adherence to industry standards and regulatory guidelines, such as those set by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), is non-negotiable. These benchmarks serve as beacons for ethical advertising practices. Robust Compliance Protocols: Brands must establish rigorous compliance protocols, ensuring that all claims are thoroughly vetted for accuracy and substantiation. This involves meticulous research, evidence documentation, and legal review to uphold truthfulness and compliance with laws. Transparency: Clear and unambiguous communication is key. Brands should provide consumers with comprehensive information, including benefits, limitations, and risks, fostering trust and minimizing deceptive practices. Consumer Education: Empowering consumers to discern misleading advertisements is paramount. Public awareness campaigns, led by legal professionals, can equip individuals to make informed purchasing decisions. Regulatory Oversight: Regulatory bodies play a crucial role in monitoring advertising content and enforcing legal standards. Proactive monitoring and swift enforcement actions serve as deterrents against deceptive practices. Collaboration: Collaboration among brands, regulatory bodies, legal experts, and industry stakeholders strengthens the regulatory framework. Sharing best practices and insights enhances consumer protection.

Closing the Loopholes: A Call for Evolution

In the ever-evolving landscape of consumer protection, laws must adapt to address emerging challenges. Particularly in the digital realm, where online platforms and social media amplify the reach of misleading advertisements, stricter regulations are warranted.

Amendments focusing on online platforms can serve as bulwarks against deception. Reinforced regulatory bodies, like ASCI, can swiftly penalize violators. Transparency should be woven into the fabric of advertising, demanding evidence to substantiate claims.

Education remains paramount. Robust initiatives can empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape confidently, safeguarding their rights.

Meanwhile, Naresh Gupta, Co-Founder, Bang in the Middle, believes that, Misleading ads are a small part of the overall marketing strategy for a brand. Some brands may intentionally promote benefits that don't exist or make blatantly false claims. However, most of these originate from the brand itself, with advertisements being just a small part of their outreach. Fortunately, India has laws and regulatory mechanisms in place to prevent brands from getting away with overclaims or false promises. When caught, brands often have to modify their ads and ultimately adhere to the law of the land. The long-term damage to a brand's reputation can be enormous, affecting sales, brand equity, and sometimes even leading to business closure. It's a risky path for brands to take.
Investigators at the scene of a car that crashed at the Sam Houston Tollroad-North Freeway interchange, June 3, 2024. Onscene.TV

Police shut down two ramps connecting the Sam Houston Tollway to the North Freeway as they investigated a crash and possible shooting, according to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's office.

Around 7 p.m., a car was found crashed into a wall of a ramp that connects the tollway to the interstate, according to the office.

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Constables found a man dead inside the car with a possible gunshot wound. The Houston Police Department also responded to the scene, officials said.

No other details were immediately released.
Kidsstoppress.com, Indias leading parenting and discovery platform launched yet another initiative that brings together parent influencers across the country under one platform. The Kidsstoppress Bloggers Guild, launched on 3rd June 2024, is a community for influencer moms, who are looking to carve out a name for themselves in the digital space, in the world of influencer marketing and for brands who are looking to tap into regional marketing by tapping into the power of influencers.

Mansi Zaveri, CEO & Founder of Kidsstoppress.com leads this initiative backed with more than two and half decades of her experience in marketing. Having worked with leading brands such as Abbott, Meta, LEGO, Aveeno, Lenskart, Arrivae, ICICI, Nestle and others on Kidsstoppress, Mansi explains, Ten years back when I started Kidsstoppress.com- I wanted it to serve two purposes.

One was to help in #SimplifyingParenting and the other was to help parents who have a foothold in the digital space land the right deals and brands through influencer marketing. I wanted to pay back to the hustling mommy community and launching the Kidsstoppress Bloggers Guild was a step in that direction. Kidsstoppress.com also hosts KSP Awards- Indias ONLY Awards celebrating excellence in the parenting and child care segment, that serves as a platform to recognise parenting products and services from across the country.

The Bloggers Guild initiative by Kidsstoppress that introduces parents across the country to the world of influencer marketing, has more than 1000 members already in the BETA version and through the launch aims to reach all parts of the country, not just limiting themselves to the Metro cities. Mansi Zaveri explains, The real success of Kidsstoppress Bloggers Guild is getting moms from cities such as Ranchi, Secunderabad, Senkottai, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Aurangabad, Faridabad, among others to help them make a mark in influencer marketing like their city peers. As Indias 1st Parenting Influencer, I wanted to extend a hand to those who are where I once waseager, and passionate but unsure of the next steps. And I knew I was not alone.

With the Kidsstoppress Bloggers Guild, members get access to special masterclasses from industry experts, first-come access to brand campaigns, collaboration posts on social media, offline and online meets with Mansi Zaveri among other benefits. Parents who are interested in influencer marketing can reach out to join Kidsstoppress Bloggers Guild.
Nisaba Godrej, a prominent figure in the Godrej Group, has resigned as an Independent Director of VIP Industries Ltd, effective June 3, 2024. This resignation also means she will step down from her role in the company's Nomination & Remuneration Committee.

VIP Industries Limited, established in 1968, is a leading global manufacturer and retailer of luggage, backpacks, and handbags. It holds a dominant position in India's organized luggage market and supplies products to over 45 countries worldwide.

Nisaba Godrej serves as the Executive Chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) and has played a crucial role in shaping and transforming the company's strategy over the past decade. She also chairs Teach for India and holds board positions at Godrej Agrovet, Bharti Airtel, and Mahindra and Mahindra. She earned a BSc from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Recently, the Godrej family, which controls the diverse locks-to-soap conglomerate, agreed to split the company into two branches. This restructuring divides the shareholding and operations into Godrej Enterprises and Godrej Industries. Adi Godrej and Nadir Godrej will continue to lead the listed entities under Godrej Industries, while their cousin Jamshyd Godrej will manage the unlisted companies and the land bank under Godrej Enterprises.

The family settlement agreement submitted to the exchanges covers aspects such as royalty, brand usage, and land bank development. The agreement aims to maintain mutual respect, goodwill, and harmony among the family branches while accommodating their diverse expectations and strategic directions.

Industry leaders have praised the family's handling of the conglomerate's split. On April 30, 2024, Harsh Goenka remarked that the Godrej family settlement was executed with the elegance and dignity characteristic of the family, avoiding any controversies.

Founded in 1897, Godrej Industries Limited is a holding company with interests spanning consumer goods, agriculture, real estate, chemicals, and financial services, and it also serves as an incubator for new businesses. The group comprises five listed companies: Godrej Industries, Godrej Consumer Products, Godrej Properties, Godrej Agrovet, and Astec LifeSciences. Among these, Godrej Consumer Products is the largest, with a market capitalization of Rs 1.26 lakh crore as of April 30.
We are in a new era of Public Relations. In the last few years, the importance of reputation management has taken a sea change. More brands and clients, especially from the leadership teams, are viewing Public Relations from a close range. The industry has undergone a radical change with the advent of social media, which has to a large extent changed the approach to Public Relations. We have a relatively new and young audience that we need to face in the coming years so there are bigger challenges for brands and PR practitioners, who have to be more agile and proactive in their thinking to draw up business solutions for clients.

In our exclusive column  PR Conversation  Adgully interacts with leading business leaders and obtains their exclusive views and insights on the various trends in the PR and communications industry.

In conversation with Adgully, Priya Patankar, Head of Communications, PhonePe, speaks at length about PhonePes external communications narrative. She shares insights into the companys successful campaigns and their impact on users, strategic adaptations in a rapidly evolving fintech landscape, crisis management tactics, the significant lessons from her extensive career, and more.

What are some key elements of PhonePes external communications narrative, and how do you ensure consistency across all communication channels?

PhonePes external communications narrative is built on the following tenets:

Focusing on customer benefits: PhonePe is a utilitarian App and we offer fast, secure, and safe digital payments and financial services on our App. Our external communication highlights the ease of using the App and focuses on how it makes our customer's life easier by becoming an integral part of their lives.

Reinforcing Security & Trust: Trust is paramount when you are in the path of payments. We focus a lot on building customer trust and continuous reinforcement on making safe and secure digital payments.

Talking to customers in the language they understand: Our App is multilingual and is available in most popular vernacular languages. Our help and support flows are also available across languages. We believe that language is one way we make digital payments truly inclusive.

Personalizing and making it relevant: We constantly work on personalizing the user experience on our app, making the communication they receive from us highly relevant. The effort is to not go with a one-size-fits-all approach but to micro-target and tailor our communication to a customers age and stage in life.

Heres how we ensure consistency across channels:

Defining a clear tone and style of communication: We have developed our own style guides on how we communicate. This ensures that we adhere to the brand personality, tone of voice, and style across all communication channels.

Distinct visual identity: We have a very strong visual identity that flows across all our communication. This ensures that as soon as you see anything PhonePe externally, you can connect with the brand.

We communicate omnichannel: We make sure we run campaigns across all channels and dont restrict it to one or two. This ensures enough surround sound for any news or announcement we are sharing. This also ensures consistency in messaging as all our channels speak the same language at the same time.

Measure, measure, and measure: We make sure to talk to our customers, and gather enough external feedback to continuously adapt and improve our communications.

Could you share examples of particularly effective content or campaigns that resonated well with PhonePes users?

There have been several campaigns over the years that have strongly resonated with our customer base. Post the Covid lockdown, we had a run a campaign which spoke about how India is gearing up for the new normal. It showed various businesses opening up amidst safety protocols, with digital payments to enable cashless transactions. Resilience, hope and finding new ways to adapt to the new normal were the themes of the campaign and our users really liked the idea and treatment.

Another set of campaigns we regularly run is around educating our user base about safe transactions and safeguarding against payment fraud. Given that digital payments are now almost ubiquitous a lot of users are trying them for the first time. We make sure we keep reinforcing the idea of safe transactions in multiple ways. These include multi-lingual blog posts with step-by-step guides and videos on how to transact safely, extensive regional PR both on digital and print news to make users aware of safe transactions, and using our own CRM channels to reinforce the message further.

A few years back we had run a Faces of Fraud campaign around the Dussehra festival. Launched on the occasion of Dussehra, symbolic of the triumph of good over evil, the campaign used the 10 faces of Ravana to bring to light to users  10 new faces of evil (that is, payment frauds). The campaign had a video-based format that was distributed on social media educating customers about the different ways in which fraudsters can defraud them, and simple ways to keep their money safe. Given how topical and interesting this was, we saw it strongly resonate with our customers.

How do you adapt your communication strategies in response to the fast-paced changes in the fintech industry?

The fintech industry is constantly evolving and changing, and we believe keeping our customers informed is crucial. Heres how we ensure clear and effective communication:

Proactive and continuous updates: We prioritize customer communication  it is the front and center of our communications strategy and never an afterthought! Our customers are the first to know about new features, upcoming updates, and any changes that might impact their experience on the app. We make sure the information we share is clear, concise, and always in real-time. This transparency helps build trust and fosters loyalty.

Reaching our customers where they are: We leverage a robust mix of in-house channels (CRM, blog, social media, LinkedIn) and external media (press releases, articles) to ensure our message reaches our customers and resonates with them. This multi-channel approach also helps reinforce key information.

Enabling a two-way dialogue with our customers: We believe in keeping the customer communication two-way, it just cant always be the brand talking to the customer with no feedback loop. For products like savings and investment, where customers need more hand-holding, we host webinars and customer sessions to facilitate a two-way dialogue.

Using technology for a personalized experience: We leverage AI and machine learning (ML) to enhance the experience on our app. Not only does ML create robust risk and fraud detection systems for safer transactions, but it also personalizes user experience. This includes targeted recommendations, improved upselling and cross-selling, and more relevant notifications and communication.

Could you discuss a challenging crisis communication situation and how you navigated it?

While the rapid rise of social media and digital channels has been great for all communications professionals it has also become a breeding ground for misinformation. In recent years, we've faced challenges related to fake news, including:

News on offerings or products we dont offer : These are seen as news articles with social handles circulating information about features or products that don't exist on our app, creating confusion and potentially eroding trust.

: These are seen as news articles with social handles circulating information about features or products that don't exist on our app, creating confusion and potentially eroding trust. Fabricated fraud claims: False reports on fraud activity that has never occurred again designed to cause unnecessary panic among our users.

To handle these crises, we implemented a multi-pronged approach to combat fake news and ensure clear communication:

Official Social Media Debunking: We actively monitored social media for misinformation and used our verified accounts to debunk false claims. We also linked these stories directly via our social handles, providing users with immediate access to accurate information.

Leveraging Internal Communication Channels: We leveraged our CRM and the blog platform to proactively communicate factual information directly to our customer base. This ensured our users receive updates directly from a trusted source.

Press Releases and Media Outreach: We issued official press releases in multiple languages to clarify our position and provide accurate information to both national and regional media outlets. This ensured that journalists and the wider public had access to the truth.

Reaching the Source: We also contacted the originators of fake news, whether on social media or other digital channels, to encourage them to issue corrections and remove false information. This minimized the spread of misinformation.

Reflecting on your extensive career in marketing and communications across various prestigious organizations, what have been the most significant lessons and pivotal moments that have shaped your approach to communication and leadership?

My career path has been anything but conventional. Throughout my journey, Ive been fortunate to work and manage diverse functions across startups and established companies, spanning industries from telecom and pharma to education, e-commerce, and finally, digital payments. This diverse experience has not only broadened my perspective, but also given me a unique understanding of each industrys communication needs. It has allowed me to see the bigger picture when it comes to communication challenges. I understand how different parts of the business work, allowing me to propose solutions that leverage multiple channels for maximum impact.

Another defining moment in my career came early on. As a young professional with a young child, I was fortunate to have a forward-thinking employer who embraced remote work nearly 15 years ago. This experience equipped me with the skills to navigate a home office environment, set boundaries between work and personal life, and collaborate effectively in a virtual setting with a global and diverse team. While the pandemic caused a period of adjustment for many colleagues, the transition was smooth for me as it mirrored my previous experience.

Finally, while mentorship came later in my career, its impact has been profound. I was fortunate to have found a seasoned guide who professionally challenged me and encouraged me to take on more and do my best, while also providing objective feedback on my strengths and weaknesses.
Indian badminton star, two-time Olympic medallist, and World Champion PV Sindhu has today announced her investment and brand ambassadorship with Greenday's Better Nutrition brand. This collaboration aims to combat micronutrient deficiencies in India through innovative biofortified foods, enhancing both consumer health and farmer livelihoods.

Founded by IIM Ahmedabad alumnus Prateek Rastogi and Aishwarya Bhatnagar, Greenday is dedicated to increasing the nutritional value of staple crops, allowing consumers to access essential vitamins and minerals through their everyday meals. The company works closely with farmers, educating, empowering, and incentivizing them to cultivate nutrient-dense crop varieties. These biofortified crops are enriched with essential micronutrients such as Iron, Zinc, Pro-Vitamin A, Calcium and Protein promoting holistic human growth and development. Farmers are rewarded with premium prices for their efforts in growing these nutrient-rich crops.

Commenting on the investment, Prateek Rastogi, Founder and CEO of Greenday, said, "Nutrition deficiency in India is a pressing concern, with more than 50% of the population suffering from deficiencies in essential nutrients such as zinc, iron, and protein. Recent studies have also highlighted a continuous drop in the nutrient content of staple crops like wheat and rice over the past 50 years. At Greenday, we are working to help alleviate these problems by promoting nutrition-dense farming practices and making biofortified foods accessible and affordable. We are thrilled and proud to have Ms. PV Sindhus support in this phase of our journey and our mission. Her endorsement and trust are validation of our efforts and goals. With Sindhu on board, we strive to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition-dense staples and make them affordable and accessible to everyone across the country, while also improving the livelihoods of our farmers and their families who are an intrinsic part of our supply chain.".

Greenday currently operates about 75 agri-input stores and procurement centres across the country under its Greenday 'Kisan ki Dukan' brand. Its FMCG brand 'Better Nutrition', uses 'Biofortification,' a transformative method that enhances the nutritional value of crops from the seed stage, turning them into powerhouses of essential vitamins and minerals. The product range includes biofortified Atta, Rice, Bajra, Ragi, and Makka, all enriched with minerals and vitamins such as Zinc, Iron, Protein, Pro-Vitamin A, and Calcium.



Rastogi continued, "Currently, we are collaborating with 15,000 farmers and have plans to scale up our operations significantly. Our goal is to expand across various geographies and crops. With our revenue already surpassing INR 10 Crores, we project the nutrition-dense farming and staples market to grow to about INR 2000 Crores by 2030, and Greenday to be at the forefront of this growth.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the partnership, PV Sindhu said, "I am thrilled to collaborate with a brand that is addressing the critical issue of nutrition deficiency in our country. I deeply appreciate the dedication and innovation that Prateek and his team have put into Better Nutrition products, the positive impact they have on our health, and Greendays mission to not just help make nutrition-dense food accessible to everyone in India, but at the same time to educate and support the farmers who are an integral part of this initiative. I believe in Better Nutrition and in the vision of the company and this is why I chose to become their brand ambassador"

Greenday, the agritech division of Better Nutrition, partners with industry leaders like Harvest Plus Solutions and Yara Fertilisers to develop advanced biofortified produce. Ravinder Grover, Global Business Manager at Harvest Plus Solutions, stated, "We are proud to support Greendays biofortification efforts. Their smart approach tackles key issues in the value chain, making a real difference in fighting micronutrient deficiencies and boosting food security."
The Supreme Court, in Writ Petition Civil No. 645/2022-IMA & Anr. Vs. UOI & Ors., has issued directive in its order dated May 7, 2024, that all advertisers/ advertising agencies must submit a Self-Declaration Certificate before publishing or broadcasting any advertisement.

Following the Supreme Courts directive, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has introduced a new feature on the Broadcast Seva Portal of the MIB for TV and Radio Advertisements, and on Press Council of Indias portal for Print and Digital/ Internet Advertisements. The certificate, signed by an authorized representative of the advertiser/ advertising agency, needs to be submitted through these portals.

The portal has become active from today, June 4, 2024. The Self-Declaration 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 self-declaration certificate is to certify that the advertisement:

Does not contain misleading claims 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

Advertisers 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 Courts directive, no advertisement will be permitted to run on television, print media, or the internet without a valid Self-Declaration Certificate.

The Supreme Court directive is a step towards ensuring transparency, consumer protection, and responsible advertising practices. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has urged all advertisers, broadcasters and publishers to adhere to this directive diligently.
Just ahead of Pride month, Tinder, the world's most popular dating app, has released its first Queer Dating Starter Pack in India. Developed with Gaysi Family, a queer-owned, queer-run media platform, this visual checklist will be a great assist for young first time queer daters on Tinder, offering essential guidance on self-discovery, dating etiquette, consent, safety & boundaries, and self-care. Building on the LetsTalkGender.in guide and glossary launched by Tinder in 2022, the new checklist is integrated into this resource to be a trusted companion, providing quick check-ins as they navigate their dating firsts on Tinder!

Tinder has also announced the return of Queer Made Weekend, one of Indias most popular pride festivals, dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and amplifying businesses and products made, owned, and run by Indias LGBTQIA+ community. Tinder Queer Made Weekend will be held on June 8th, 2024 at Jio World Drive in Mumbai and DLF Promenade in Delhi on June 15th and 16th, 2024.

Dating apps are becoming a space where young adults comfortably explore and express their gender and sexuality, with 7 out of 10 young daters in India agreeing that dating apps offer more freedom for self-exploration and have helped dismantle stereotypes and expectations surrounding gender, sex, and relationships. Given the growing comfort in using dating apps for self-discovery, this checklist gives first-time queer daters a crucial edge in navigating various dating scenarios with confidence and clarity.

To support queer newbies to be their most authentic selves on their dating journeys, Tinder's Queer Dating Starter Pack, curated by Gaysi Family with insights from The QKnit, offers practical advice based on real-life experiences of the queer community. The FAQ section addresses common concerns and uncertainties that may arise during the dating process, such as readiness to date, exploring ones identity, and understanding boundaries. In June 2024, Tinder users in India will see the Swipe Cards directing them to detailed checklists on LetsTalkGender.in.

Tejaswi Subramania, Digital Content Editor, Gaysi Family shared, Gaysi Family and Tinder have a history of collaborating on initiatives like the Museum of Queer Swipe Stories, Tinder Queer Made Weekend and Let's Talk Gender, aimed at celebrating inclusivity. We are now addressing a significant need for young queer daters who are navigating their dating lives for the first time. Many existing resources offering dating advice are often neither thoughtful nor inclusive. Our checklists fill that gap by encouraging young queer daters in India to engage thoughtfully with their connections while staying true to themselves. This effort complements the resources that we have co-created over the years. Here's to creating a safe and enjoyable dating culture for young queer individuals! 

Tinder has always supported the freedom of its users to explore their individuality both on the app and in real life with features like More Genders, Sexual Orientation, Traveler Alert, among others. Were so honored to play a role in the dating journey of Tinders queer users, from coming out to finding a community, and are committed to creating more inclusive ways to help them make authentic connections we know todays daters value the most. The Queer Dating Starter Pack underscores this commitment by providing essential support to our users, especially first-time queer daters navigating their dating firsts on Tinder.- Aahana Dhar, Communications Director for Tinder in India.

Tinder has also introduced a series of new profile stickers such as Came Out Online, My First Pride and more, giving members more options to express themselves and connect with others in an authentic and relatable way to celebrate Pride. Tinders Pride stickers will be available in the app beginning June 3. Members can view The Pride Sticker Center and add stickers to their profile by tapping on in-app notifications.
Former Punjab CM Charanjit Channi wins from Jalandhar, BJP's Rinku finishes second 2

In a major setback to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress candidate Charanjit Singh Channi won from the Jalandhar constituency of Punjab by a comfortable margin of 1,75,993, as per the data from the Election Commission of India (ECI). Channi competed against BJP candidate Sushil Kumar Rinku and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Pawan Kumar Tinu.

The Congress candidate gained a total of 3,90,053 votes, while BJPs Rinku secured a total of 2,14,060 votes. AAPs Tinu managed to win 2,08,889 votes. The polling in Jalandhar was held in the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls- June 1. The voter turnout was recorded at 59.70% against 63.04% in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

In Punjab, the Congress is currently leading on seven seats while the AAP is ahead on three seats, as per the ECI. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is ahead on one seat. Meanwhile, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is leading on 293 seats while the INDIA bloc is ahead on 233 seats out of a total of 543 Lok Sabha constituencies.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is eyeing a third straight term in power, while the Opposition under the umbrella of the INDIA bloc is seeking to wrest power from the ruling party. Most exit polls predicted a straight term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with quite a 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. Strict security has been put in place for the smooth conduct of counting of votes for over 8,000 candidates in this general election.

Two polls predicted the BJP would also improve its numbers from the 303 seats it won in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In the 2019 elections, NDA wrested 353 seats, of which the BJP won 303 alone. The Oppositions UPA got only 93 seats of which the Congress got 52. Even before the counting of the votes, the Bharatiya Janata Party won one seat of Surat Lok Sabha.

The Lok Sabha elections were held across the country in seven phases from April 19 to June 1.
SP-Cong alliance gives BJP run for its money in Uttar Pradesh, leads in 42 seats 2

Uttar Pradesh which is contributing the highest number of seats, 80, to the Lok Sabha, is a crucial state for both the NDA and INDIA bloc. With the counting of the votes in Lok Sabha polls underway, the Bharatiya Janata Party is leading on 35 seats and its ally partner RLD leading on two seats while Samajwadi party is leading on 34 seats in Uttar Pradesh, as per the initial trends by the Election Commission of India.

As per initial trends, there is a close fight between the SP and BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Congress is leading on 8 seats. PM Narendra Modi is contesting from Varanasi Lok Sabha seats, he had won in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) leading on one seat each. Voting was held in seven phases in Uttar Pradesh.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the winner by securing the majority of seats. Of 80 seats, the BJP won 62, followed by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with 10 seats, the Samajwadi Party (SP) with 5 seats, and the Apna Dal with 2 seats. Uttar Pradesh, the state with the highest number of seats, is poised to see the BJP emerge victorious with 65 out of 80 seats, the exit polls have predicted. As per the poll predictions, its NDA allies in the state, Apna Dal (Sonelal) and Rashtriya Lok Dal are slated to win 2 seats each which brings the NDA tally to 69 seats.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is leading in the two Lok Sabha seats of Wayanad in Kerala and Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh as per very early leads as counting of votes for the 2024 general elections is underway. Rahul Gandhi is leading from Keralas Wayanad Lok Sabha seat with a margin of 8718 votes, according to Election Commission.

Rahul Gandhi is facing BJP leader K Surendran and CPIs Annie Raja in the constituency. Rahul Gandhi is leading from Uttar Pradeshs Raebareli Lok Sabha seat with a margin of 2126 votes.

Thakur Prasad Yadav is contesting from the Bahujan Samaj Party. For, the Congress, Amethi and Rae Bareli, its family strongholds, are prestige battles. This holds especially true for Amethi, where Rahul Gandhi lost to BJPs Smriti Irani last time. While Samajwadi Party is contesting 62 seats, the Congress is fighting 17.

In the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, Congress partys Kishori Lal Meena is leading with 3018 votes, while BJPs Smriti Irani is trailing, as per Election Commission of India. In Meerut, Arun Govil is leading with 5723 votes, while Samajwadi partys Sunita Verma is trailing.

The Meerut Lok Sabha seat is witnessing a triangular contest among the BJP, the opposition INDIA bloc and the Bahujan Samaj Party. The BJP is relying on Arun Govils popularity as the actor who portrayed Ram in the immensely popular Ramayana serial on Doordarshan in mid 1980s.

Most exit polls have predicted a return of PM Modi to power, a development which will make him the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to secure a third successive term in power, Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had said that a very robust system has been put in place. There are around 10.5 lakh booths. Each booth will have 14 tables. There are observers and micro-observers. Nearly, 70-80 lakh people are involved in the process, he said.

Around 642 million people voted in Lok Sabha elections held over seven phases in a mammoth six-week period. The counting of votes began starting with postal ballot papers amid tight security. The counting for State Legislative Assemblies of 175 Assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh and 147 Assembly constituencies in Odisha and results of bypolls in 25 Assembly constituencies also began.
Rob Everett said he applied for unemployment about 19 years ago and got it within a couple of weeks. Things have changed in Alabama, however, which now lags the nation in doling out funds to the unemployed.

In fact, Alabama is still demanding people around the state pay back money handed out during the early stages of the pandemic. And appeals about any of this can go unanswered for years.

Everett was laid off from his job in sales at Sony in December. He hasnt gotten help and doesnt know when he will.

This is something paid by the employers with the insurance, he said, so its like, I dont quite understand why there seems to be no sense of urgency from the state to do anything about it.

The problems date back several years, when the system buckled under the pandemic. Its never worked well again. While struggling to pay people in need of support, Alabama today continues to review old payments and demand people pay back money given out during lockdown.

In 2022, Gov. Kay Ivey even chastised the Labor Department for demanding repayments. But the appeals continue, the legal challenges by nonprofits drag out and Alabamas unemployment fiasco has even made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Alabama caps the states unemployment benefit at just $275 a week. Still, Everett said that amount could help his family a lot. Everett lives in Leeds, just outside Birmingham, with his wife and two kids. He said he supports his family because his wife cannot work

Everett said his job at Sony paid about $100,000 and the jobs he can find to apply to now pay less than half that much. The family has some savings, but that will run out.

You dont want your kids panicking and realizing the stress, but I mean its like every time something comes up, I need this for school, or I need this for this. And its like youre just doing the math in your head and youre like, wow, thats a week. That just costs us a week of how much time we have left off of our savings.

Other Alabamians recently out of work told AL.com that when they applied for unemployment, it took months for the department to do the necessary verifications with their employers - meaning the money arrived too late.

Meanwhile, just 10% of unemployed Alabamians are receiving benefits, according to federal data analyzed by the nonprofit Century Foundation. That puts Alabama second to last in the nation, following North Carolina. At the other end of the spectrum, 57% of unemployed New Jersey residents were getting benefits last year.

And there is no easy way to argue with Alabama. As of last year, the wait to question a decision by the Alabama Department of Labor was the longest in the nation, according to an analysis of federal data by Century Foundation. On average, it takes Alabama 685 days to hear an appeal.

Alabama still wants its money back

Greg Hagan, a pastor in Foley, recalls the day he got 13 letters from Alabama. Each asked for something different, from doctors notes to financial records. They arrived after he appealed the states demand to pay back $1,800 in unemployment.

The Hagans battle, like thousands more in Alabama, has dragged on for years.

The money came during the COVID-19 pandemic, after a doctor told Hagans wife that she should not work because of her rare lung condition. The Alabama Department of Labor now argues the unemployment support was a mistake.

We pay taxes like everybody else, said Hagan, 54. Why shouldnt we receive some benefit here and protect my wife with her life?

Each year since the pandemic, the Hagans believed everything was on track to fix their situation. He said theyve gone through the online appeals process multiple times, and every time the department sends a notice of their 30 days to appeal 10 days before the deadline. Then they scramble to send in the required forms.

I cant tell you how many times we had to turn in the doctors information, he said about the note his wifes doctor wrote about her condition. Theres no clear communication. I dont know whats going on. We dont hear anything for six months or a year, and all of a sudden, weve got to go back through it again. Its like, Golly, how many times do we have to do this?

He said he was recently told the state was going to demand even more of the money paid to his wife during the pandemic.

Burdens, not benefits

Ann Jones, 59, went through an unemployment quagmire during COVID-19. She said the department started paying her for losing one job, and then shortly demanded the money back.

Jones said the state demanded $3,000 back and she appealed. But she hadnt had a hearing yet when the department awarded her unemployment for losing a second job. Then the state withheld her checks to pay back what it said she already owed.

Im expecting to get $200 in my account, direct deposit, and I look in my direct deposit and theres $5.

Jones said it felt callous. She received no warning or communication that she would not get the funds. With only a few dollars a week of unemployment assistance, Jones, who is now the director of marketing for a Christian academy in Marion, relied on her friends and family to support her during her time out of work.

Before I could even make it through the appeal process, they started taking from the only income that I had, that was unemployment, she said.

Jones sought help from the nonprofit Legal Services Alabama. The group requested a waiver from the department for her first overpayment. The state began offering some waivers for overpayments in 2022 after Gov. Kay Ivey spoke out, calling the backlog at the department outrageous following reports from AL.com

The department is now embroiled in a lawsuit about the delays and confusion that reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which will decide whether Alabama is immune from such a lawsuit. Oral arguments will be held in October and the court is expected to rule in the first half of next year.

Our Hearings & Appeals Division is working to reduce wait times by consolidating processes, working to remove unnecessarily filed appeals, and by looking for innovative ways to provide service in the most efficient manner possible, said department spokesperson Tara Hutchinson in a message to AL.com for this story.

Ongoing court battles have done little to give relief to many Alabamians who are thousands of dollars in debt because they got the help they were initially deemed eligible for during the pandemic.

How many people are affected exactly? Its impossible to say. The Alabama Department of Labor declined to release data on how much money it has demanded back and how much it has forgiven in waivers, citing the ongoing lawsuit.

Larry Gardella, an attorney for Legal Services Alabama, which brought the lawsuit that is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, said the state has started giving some individual waivers for the alleged overpayments in federal money, but opted not to offer blanket forgiveness as seen in some other states.

I have clients who got decisions on waiver right away. I have clients whove been waiting months for a decision on waiver applications, he said.

Despite having legal help, Jones was not able to get anything resolved.

She happened to see the Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington speak at an event after the pandemic about how much the department accomplished during COVID-19. She joked about how angry the experience made her.

If he was outside of my backyard now, I probably wouldnt even go out there to give him a glass of water, she said. I can kind of chuckle about it a little bit now, she said of navigating the process, it was awful to go through.

Logjam lasts years

Elizabeth Rice is a single mother in Birmingham who said she got a notice in 2021 that she was overpaid $8,000 for a period when she was furloughed during the pandemic.

She said the proper paperwork was not filed on her behalf, so her benefits were deemed overpaid. She said she later submitted it herself, but that did not help.

I called them and asked them, what is this? Im confused. And they said its, Oh, its because you werent available to work. And I was like, No, my company furloughed me. And they were like, Well, thats not what you said.

She said her overpayment notice arrived after the appeal deadline. She called the department and managed to get an appeal hearing scheduled but then did not hear about it for eight months. She said she called to check in, and the department said they were really behind and would get back to her eventually.

Two years later, Rice had a hearing, which she missed. She said she did not receive a notice about the hearing. She said its possible that the department wrote to her at an old address. Her appeal has been denied because she missed the hearing. Rice tried calling attorneys, but she said she couldnt find anyone willing to take her case.

She also said she is not paying the money back because she does not believe she should have to, but the department has been taking her tax returns as repayment.

It almost feels like Alabama is just saying, Yeah, we regret paying that money. Even if you did qualify for it, we dont care. We just want you to give it back. Thats what it feels like. It feels like theyre just hoping that people dont fight it so that they can get their money back.

Newly unemployed cant get through

While the problems began during lockdown in 2020, the state still struggles with new cases today.

Sami Kern, 50, was a marketing manager for a defense contractor before she got laid off in December. She and her husband, a chef, and their two teenagers, moved to Alabama from California for a lower cost of living and better schools.

They knew they could not afford a house in California, she said, but Alabama hasnt been an easy place to live either. She said her husband has been laid off twice since they got here, and for months, when they were both unemployed, she could not get through to the labor department to get information on the status of her benefits application.

I guess I got put on their do not call list or something. I dont know what I did. Theyre like, Oh, that silly woman again, she speculated.

She said an employee asked her to verify some of her vacation pay, which she did, and then told her the unemployment was released. Kern heard nothing for two months and called again. They said the previous case agent was wrong, she recalled, and they still needed her vacation pay verified.

She said her family fell behind on bills, and they risked repossession of their cars.

Kern reached out to her local state representatives, Gov, Iveys office, anyone who might help. Eventually, after four months, she said, her money arrived in her account in a lump sum.

The worst part of it was the feeling that all of these politicians say that theyre so interested in helping Alabama families, she said. We didnt feel it. We felt the other way around. They didnt care about us.

Update: This story was updated at 1:08 p.m. on June 4 with more information from Elizabeth Rice.
Electronic records of patients at all of the Ascension Health-affiliated hospitals in Alabama have been successfully restored less than a month after the facilities were hit by a ransomware attack, the health system said Tuesday.

As we have previously communicated, restoring Electronic Health Record (EHR) access has been among the top priorities of our recovery process. We are encouraged to report positive developments in these efforts and can announce that we have successfully restored EHR access in our Florida, Alabama and Austin markets, said an Ascension spokesperson.

Ascension Health operates five hospitals in the Birmingham metropolitan area, including St. Vincents Hospital.

Ascension, said it is working on restoring records for its entire system by June 14.

Hospitals across the country have been dealing with disruptions of their services after Ascension Health confirmed it was hit by a cybersecurity incident, after detecting what it says was unusual activity on select technology network systems. The company since determined it to be a ransomware incident.

The St. Louis-based health system with 140 hospitals across in 19 states said it first detected the attack May 8, leading hospitals to sever connections to its online system.

Companies that do business with Ascension Health were recommended to temporarily suspend their connection to the Ascension environment. We will inform our partners when it is appropriate to reconnect into our environment.

According to a CNN report based on four sources briefed on the investigation, Ascension suffered a ransomware attack in which cybercriminals typically try to lock computers and steal data for extortion via a hack is known as Black Basta that focuses on health care organizations. Black Basta, also the name of a broad criminal group that uses the ransomware, includes Russian-speakers, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, CNN reported.

This story has been updated to indicate Ascension Health operates five hospitals in the Birmingham metropolitan area, not 6. Also, Ascension no longer runs Providence Hospital in Mobile. That hospital was purchased by the University of South Alabama.
President Joe Biden speaks about an executive order in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Biden unveiled plans to enact immediate significant restrictions on migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border as the White House tries to neutralize immigration as a political liability ahead of the November elections. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/Associated Press EAGLE PASS, TEXAS - JUNE 04: In an aerial view, National Guard members stand under shade while on patrol near the banks of the Rio Grande river on June 04, 2024 in Eagle Pass, Texas. President Biden is expected to sign an executive order that would prohibit migrants who illegally cross the southern border from claiming asylum in the U.S. The move comes after the collapse of a bipartisan Senate agreement on securing the border. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Brandon Bell/Getty Images President Joe Biden talks with the U.S. Border Patrol as he looks over the southern border, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Brownsville along the Rio Grande. Evan Vucci/Associated Press Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump talks with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border at Shelby Park, Thursday, Feb. 29, in Eagle Pass. Eric Gay/Associated Press

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden ordered officials along the U.S.-Mexico border Tuesday to begin sending the majority of migrants caught attempting to unlawfully enter the United States immediately back to their home countries.

The executive order, news of which has been circulating for days, will bar those caught crossing the border illegally from claiming asylum, with exceptions for unaccompanied children and those that can make a compelling case their lives are in danger if returned to their home country, administration officials said.

The move aims to stop the practice of migrants entering the United States illegally from staying while they await processing through immigration courts, overwhelming cities and detention centers in Texas and other border states.

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We have seen consistently over the last few years that when we have the ability to remove individuals quickly it can significantly impact migratory flows by changing the calculus for migrants, said a senior administration official. If they know theyre going to be removed quickly and are not going to be able to remain in the U.S. for many years while they go through the immigration court systems, theyre much less likely to pay the thousands of dollars that is required by the smuggling networks.

The new rule goes into effect when encounters with migrants crossing the border illegally exceed 2,500 people a day and will be pulled back when daily encounters fall below 1,500 people. In April, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported almost 6,000 daily encounters along the Southwest border.

Right now many immigrants will actually sit and wait for Border Patrol agents to arrest them, hoping to be issued an immigration court date that will allow them to stay in the United States while they wait, said Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh, an analyst with the Migration Policy Institute. But under Tuesdays executive order, that pathway into the United States will be shut down for the time being.

With this sort of trigger, the pattern of people waiting to be apprehended could change, she said. Word of mouth is a force multiplier. The problem is some information the migrants get isnt correct, so if policy shifts at the border theres always moments of confusion.

Still, its unclear how quickly the Department of Homeland Security will be able to return migrants to their home countries. Right now Mexico will only accept non-Mexican nationals from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Haiti, and while the U.S. has deals with countries including China and India to send people from those countries back home, they are limited in how many people can fit onto the dozens of removal flights Homeland Security operates each week.

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Without a major new deal with Mexico, any impact of a border shutdown would (be) heavily, heavily muted, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Even if DHS could now generate thousands of removal orders a day, it wouldnt be able to execute them all.

Bidens executive order Tuesday comes weeks after efforts to pass a bipartisan border security bill failed in the Senate. That bill would have provided funding for the hiring of thousands more Border Patrol officers and immigration judges, along with the purchase of new drug detection technology and equipment.

But former President Donald Trump opposed the bill, saying it did no go far enough and the government should close the border all together.

Only a fool, or a Radical Left Democrat, would vote for this horrendous border bill, he said.

Texas business leaders, in particular from farms and tech companies, have urged Republicans and Democrats alike sides to come together on border security and expanding legal immigration pathways for temporary workers, who they say are badly needed at a time of historically low unemployment.

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Five months ahead of the presidential election, Biden is seeking to bolster his reputation on border security, an area on which he is under constant attack from Republicans.

In a speech Tuesday in which he was joined by Reps. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, and Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, along with numerous mayors from South Texas, Biden said his executive order was in response to Republicans' refusal to pass the border security bill.

Donald Trump told Republicans he didnt want to fix the issue but wanted to use it to attack me, the president said. It was an extremely cynical political move and a complete disservice to the American people who are looking to us not to weaponize the border but to fix it.

Donald Trump begged them to vote no because he was worried that more border enforcement would hurt him politically, Senior Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates said in a memo Tuesday. (Republicans) chose Donald Trump and fentanyl traffickers over the Border Patrol and the American people. To Joe Biden, the safety of American families should always come first.

Bidens harder line stance on immigration is already putting him at odds with many on the left, including Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, who warned the executive order would allow future administrations to, choke off immigration and the right to asylum.

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The American Civil Liberties Union, an advocacy group, said Tuesday it planned to challenge the executive order in court, saying it would rush vulnerable people through already fast-tracked deportation proceedings.

We need solutions to address the challenges at the border, but the administrations planned executive actions will put thousands of lives at risk, Deirdre Schifeling, chief political officer at the ACLU, said in a statement.
Florida is known for a lot of things: Florida man, massive numbers of retirees flocking to the state, and its title as the theme park capital of the world.

But its also the world leader in shark attacks.

The Florida Museum tracks shark attacks worldwide and compiles the data in its International Shark Attack File (ISAF), launched in 1958 as the only comprehensive database of such attacks. Since its inception, the ISAF has investigated more than 6,800 incidents dating back to the early 1500s.

The list delineates between unprovoked and provoked attacks, with unprovoked attacks defined as incidents in which a bite on a live human occurs in the sharks natural habitat with no human provocation of the shark.

The ISAF investigated 120 shark-human interactions reported in 2023, confirming 69 unprovoked attacks and 22 that were provoked by humans harassing, attempting to touch or feed sharks, or removing a hook from a sharks mouth or a shark from a fishing net, etc.

Of the 69 unprovoked attacks worldwide last year, Florida accounted for 16, which represented 23% of the world total and 44% of the U.S. total of 36. The U.S. easily outdistanced second-place Australia (15) in total number of unprovoked attacks, although four of the attacks in Australia were fatal compared to two in the U.S.

Data for 2023 from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) maintained by the Florida Museum.International Shark Attack File

The 14 fatal shark attacks worldwide was more than double the five-year average of six. The ISAF noted three of the unprovoked and fatal attacks in Australia were from Great White sharks attacking surfers, which could be a consequence of an increase in the number of white sharks near beaches popular with surfers.

This is within the range of the normal number of bites, though the fatalities are a bit unnerving this year, said Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural Historys shark research program.

So where did Alabama rank? Perhaps surprisingly, it didnt. Despite a year in which shark sightings along Alabamas beaches seemingly became more frequent, including Great White sightings, there were no shark attacks -- provoked or unprovoked -- reported along the Alabama coast in 2023.

Its worth noting, of course, that Florida has about 825 miles of sand beach, while Alabama has about 50 miles. From a sharks perspective, Alabama is the snack bar by the front desk, while Florida is the all-night buffet.

Heres the breakdown of the seven U.S. states in which shark unprovoked shark attacks were confirmed in 2023:

Florida: 16

Hawaii: 8 (1 fatal)

New York: 4

California: 2 (1 fatal)

North Carolina: 3

South Carolina: 2

New Jersey: 1

Since 1837, Alabama ranks just 11th in the U.S. for unprovoked shark attacks with 10, just a fraction of the 928 confirmed in Florida during the same time span. Hawaii (195), California (138), South Carolina (118) and North Carolina (80) round out the top 10.

The ISAF also found that surfers accounted for 42% percent of all shark bites worldwide, while swimmers and waders accounted for 39%.

The ISAF also offers tips to reduce the risk of shark bites:

Swim with a friend

Stay close to shore

Dont swim at dawn or dusk

Dont swim near schools of fish or where people are fishing

Dont wear jewelry

Avoid excess splashing

The researchers say the majority of unprovoked shark attacks are test bites, when a shark misidentifies a human as their normal prey. Typically, a shark will swim away after a single bite -- although one bite from larger species such as white and tiger sharks can still be fatal.
Federal prosecutors on Tuesday painted President Joe Bidens son Hunter as deceptive and driven by addiction, a man whose dark habits ensnared loved ones and who knew what he was doing when he lied on federal forms to purchase a gun in 2018.

Meanwhile, Hunter Bidens attorney argued that his client did not believe he was in the throes of addiction when he stated in the paperwork that he did not have a drug problem. Prosecutors must prove he knowingly violated the law, attorney Abbe Lowell said in opening statements.

You will see that he is not guilty, he said.

Hunter Biden has been charged with three felonies stemming from the purchase of the Colt revolver when he was, according to his memoir, addicted to crack. 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 dredging up painful memories for the president and his family, and revealing new and highly personal details about their struggles with addiction as the 2024 election looms, all while the first lady watched from the front row of the courtroom.

Jurors will hear testimony from the presidents brother James Biden, who is close with Hunter and helped his nephew through rehab stints in the past. They will also hear how Hallie Biden, the widow of the presidents late son, also became addicted to crack during a brief relationship with Hunter. She took the gun from Hunter Biden and tossed it into the garbage at a nearby market, afraid of what he might do with it. The gun was later found by someone collecting cans and eventually turned over to police.

The president was in Washington as the opening statements were delivered. He announced an immigration order and hosted a picnic for congressional leaders before a scheduled departure for France later in the day. He will be gone the rest of the week. Jill Biden planned to meet him in Europe.

The presidents allies are worried about the toll the trial may take on the elder Biden, whos long been protective and deeply concerned about his only living son and his sobriety and who must now watch as those past mistakes are publicly scrutinized. And the president must do so while hes campaigning under anemic poll numbers and preparing for an upcoming presidential debate with Trump.

Prosecutors set the stage for their case by playing for jurors lengthy audio excerpts of his 2021 memoir Beautiful Things in which Hunter, in his own narration, talks about about going back to Delaware around the time of the gun purchase and his descent into drugs following the death of his brother, Beau, in 2015 from cancer. The written excerpts were displayed as the audio was played. His sister Ashley Biden, watching from the courtroom, dabbed at her eyes with a tissue and eventually left.

Prosecutor Derek Hines told the jury in his opening statement that Hunter Biden was trying to score drugs just days after he lied on the form, telling his brothers widow in a message that he was waiting for a drug dealer.

No one is allowed to lie on a federal form like that, even Hunter Biden, Hines said. He crossed the line when he chose to buy a gun and lied about a federal background check ... the defendants choice to buy a gun is why we are here.

When the defendant filled out that form, he knew he was a drug addict, and prosecutors dont have to prove he was using that day, Hines said.

Hines added: Addiction is depressing, but Hunter Bidens addiction isnt the reason for the case.

The proceedings come 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 pleaded not guilty and has argued hes being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department after Republicans decried the now-defunct plea deal as special treatment for the Democratic presidents son.

Lowell said the form asks whether you are a drug user. It does not say have you ever been, and he suggested the presidents son did not think of himself as someone with a drug problem when he purchased the gun.

His state of mind should be considered at the time of the purchase, not what he wrote in a book in 2021.

Lowell also blamed Hunters problems with the firearm on Hallies disposal of it.

After he bought the gun, Hunter did nothing with it, Lowell said. The gun became a problem only because of what Hallie Biden did.

He cautioned the jury that their duty was solemn and reminded them: The charges against Hunter are not minor. They are serious.

If convicted, Hunter Biden 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.

The trial is unfolding just days after Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City. The two criminal cases are unrelated, but their proximity underscores how the courts have taken center stage during the 2024 campaign.

A former Trump aide and vocal Biden critic, Garrett Ziegler, has been attending the proceedings. On Tuesday, Hunters wife, Melissa, pulled him aside and told him curtly that he did not belong there.

Ziegler has been sued by Hunter Biden, who claimed he violated computer privacy laws. He accused Ziegler and his researchers of accessing, tampering with, manipulating, altering, copying and damaging computer data that they do not own from his laptop and iPhone.

In 2020, the contents of the laptop that he left at a Delaware repair shop and never retrieved made their way to Republicans and were publicly leaked, revealing highly personal messages about his work and his life. Some of the details will be displayed in the trial.

One member of the 12-person jury had transportation problems and was dismissed and replaced with an alternate. Selection of the panel moved at a clip Monday in the presidents home state, where Hunter Biden grew up and where the family is deeply established. Joe Biden spent 36 years as a senator in Delaware, commuting daily to Washington. And Beau Biden served as state attorney general before he died at age 46 from cancer.

Hunter Biden also faces a trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. Both cases were to have been resolved through the 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 could not come to a resolution on her questions, and the deal fell apart. Attorney General Merrick Garland then appointed the top investigator, a former U.S. attorney for Delaware, David Weiss, as a special counsel in August, and a month later Hunter Biden was indicted.

Garland on Tuesday faced members of the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee in Washington, which has been investigating the president and his family and whose chairman has been at the forefront of a stalled impeachment inquiry stemming from Hunter Bidens business dealings.
One of three men charged in the 2020 killing of 8-year-old Royta Giles during a shootout inside the Riverchase Galleria pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to a reduced charge.

Montez Moses Miracle Coleman, 26, initially charged with capital murder, pleaded guilty to reckless murder and three counts of second-degree assault.

As part of the plea agreement, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Shanta Craig Owens sentenced Coleman to 30 years in prison.

It was really bittersweet, said Roytas mother, Jesslyn Layfield.

Im at the point where I accept that theres nothing I can do to change what happened, my son is never coming back, she said. At this point all of this has lingered on for years, and I just really want the closure so I can move on with my life.

Also charged with capital murder are King Williams, 23, and Demetrius Jackson, also 23.

Williams case is set for trial on July 29, and Jacksons case is set Sept. 9.

The cases are being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Shawn Allen, Julie McMakin and Elise Driskell.

Coleman was represented by Sammie Shaw, Paul Rand and Taylor Wise from the Jefferson County Public Defenders Office.

Colemans trial was set to begin next week. Layfield said the plea was somewhat last minute, so she attended the hearing by herself.

I noticed dang he didnt have anybody in there, that hes s got to go through all this by himself, she said.

Coleman, whose bullets during the shootout did not actually hit anyone, apologized for his role in the crime.

I really felt like he was sincere about asking for forgiveness, Layfield said. Even though his bullet didnt hit nobody, he still apologized to all the families and especially me.

Layfield didnt make a statement, but said she asked prosecutors to let Coleman know that she forgives him.

He basically took it like a man, Layfield said.

Read full coverage of the case here

On July 3, 2020, Royta, his mother and stepfather, and younger sisters Trinity and Marlee, were waiting to go into the Childrens Place. Because of COVID, stores at the time had restrictions on how many customers could be allowed in.

Hoover police said a dispute that started possibly because of a previous beef over rap lyrics erupted near the food court. It escalated to gunfire, and at least 12 rounds were fired in just four seconds.

When it was over, Royta lay motionless on the floor with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at Childrens of Alabama two hours and 17 minutes later.

Three other shoppers were injured but survived.

A makeshift memorial has been created in the Riverchase Galleria where 8-year-old Royta Giles Jr. was caught in crossfire and killed July 3, 2020.

The suspects previously all claimed each fired in self-defense  from each other.

Testimony in previous hearings showed one of the defendants fired his AR-15 style pistol through a book bag.

The gun jammed after the first round, but he had about 75 rounds of ammunition in the backpack  nearly 50 rounds were in two gun magazines and 24 were stuffed in a sock. Two other defendants, according to witnesses, raised their shirts to show they, too, had weapons shortly before the gunfight commenced.

Though all parties agreed no one went to the mall that day with the intent to kill, the resulting carnage happened because of their willingness and spoken or unspoken agreement to get in this gunfight, Allen has previously said.

When engaged in mutual combat, he said, all parties are criminally liable in the death and injuries that happened that day.

Royta was born in Houston, but his family later moved to the Birmingham area.

At the time of his death, he had just finished the second grade at Jonesboro Elementary School in Bessemer, where he was an honor roll student and adored by his teachers and school administrators.

He loved to play video games and aspired to be a musical artist.

Music was his treasure and was an aspiring rap artist, his obituary read. As with any entertainer, his royal highness had to be dressed for the occasion. Fashion was his passion. He excelled as a gamer, entertainer, fashionista, and he was a master artist. He prized his drawings and sketches.

Most of all, Royta loved spending time with his family. He found special joy in being the ultimate big brother watching over his little sisters, teaching them to jump over the sofa, jump off the table and pillow fight. He was looking forward to third grade and more often than not, Royta was accompanied by his dearest friend, his Prayer Bear.

Roytas mom previously told AL.com her slain son is never far from her thoughts and her heart. I try not to worry about tomorrow and lean more toward God and accepting what happened, Layfield said. He will never be forgotten.
Alabamas senior U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said Tuesday that the countrys ongoing political battle is no longer between Democrats and Republicans, but between those who love America and those who want it changed.

The American people need to wake up. This is a war, Tuberville said, on Newsmax.

This is a war on our constitutional rights, our constitutional republic. Its not so much about Donald Trump, as it is about the people in this country. I dont call us Republicans or Democrats anymore. Youre either for our great country the way its been for the last 248 years or youre anti  you want to change it to how you want it to be.

Tuberville, the Alabama Republican, made the comments during a live interview.

"The American people need to take up. This is a war" -- Tommy Tuberville on Newsmax on Trump's conviction pic.twitter.com/V0y33jPPtc  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 4, 2024

He also said hopes the Biden Administration - and Democrats nationally - continue to talk about the conviction of former President Donald Trump. He thinks it will backfire with voters.

We have so many bad things going on in this country right now, Tuberville said. They are worried about Republicans taking back over the country that we love, and theyd better be worried about it.

The senator was asked about President Joe Bidens comments Monday, calling Trump a convicted felon who snapped after losing the 2020 presidential election.

For the first time in American history, a former president that is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the presidency, Biden a Greenwich, Conn. audience, according to NBC News. But as disturbing as that is, more damaging is the all-out assault Donald Trump is making on the American system of justice.

I hope they keep pushing that narrative, Tuberville said. I think its a winning strategy, not for Democrats but for Americans.

Last month, Tuberville and Attorney General Steve Marshall attended Trumps trial in Manhattan, and said of the guilty verdict, that it showed that the American justice system is no better than Venezuela or China. He has since vowed, along with seven other senators, to vote against any Democratic priority that comes to the Senate floor in retaliation.

Tuberville said that move is not about sending a message to Biden and Democrats, but to fellow Republicans.

The people in our caucus, that, you know, to me, theyre not really taking this as serious as we should, he said.

Trump was convicted last Thursday on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records by a New York City jury in connection with hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels, who said she had sex with the married Trump in 2006.

Following the conviction, Tuberville was among eight Republican senators to sign a letter by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, pledging to block vote against any Democratic priority that comes to the Senate floor and to vote against any Biden administration political or judicial nominees.

We have to STAND UP for the rule of law. I will oppose ALL BIDEN NOMINEES until they stop weaponizing the Justice system, Tuberville explained on social media. I REFUSE to cooperate with any Democrat legislative priorities or nominations that are part of their agenda to tear our country apart.

This is about America. Its not about Democrats or Republicans, Tuberville said on Newsmax.

The American people have woken up to this ideology that theyre pushing. This was not a fair trial. I went up there one day with President Trump, and what a joke that was. This judge was absolutely after President Trump. Its been a set-up all along. I dont know, hell probably put him in some kind of house arrest in July, some kind of nonsense.
The North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church has voted to close the Wesley Foundation student ministry house at UAB and plans to sell the house, which is near Dreamland Barbecue in Southside.

The North Alabama Conference made the difficult decision to close the Wesley Foundation at UAB due to declining participation, said a statement from the conference.

The plan is to sell the current Wesley building. This closure is making way for something new to begin. Discussions are already underway to begin a Wesley Fellowship ministry to serve the students of UAB and engage college students across the Birmingham area. The proceeds from the sale of the Wesley property will help fund this new ministry with college students.

The ministry to students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham had been operating for more than four decades. The house is located at 1408 13th Avenue South, across the street and slightly to the west from Dreamland.

After years of struggling both in participation and finances, faithful stewardship meant making the difficult decision to suspend the ministry temporarily with plans to relaunch it as a vibrant, multi-campus, Birmingham-wide college ministry within the next two years, said the Rev. Wade Langer, conference director of campus ministry.

We are currently building a new leadership team with members from multiple Birmingham churches. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the property will go back into this city-wide United Methodist collegiate ministry. We are excited about the rebirth of UAB Wesley through this incredibly exciting plan. Please look forward to more information in the coming year.

The vote to close the UAB Wesley House comes right after the end of another United Methodist campus ministry in Birmingham, the Wesley Foundation at Birmingham-Southern College, which had been run by Birmingham-Southern Colleges religious life department.

Birmingham-Southern College, which was founded by Methodists and was affiliated with the North Alabama Conference, closed last month.

The Rev. Tyler Cantrell, a former director of the UAB Wesley Foundation and former president of the board of directors who left the board in 2022, said the conference did not emphasize the student ministry enough.

It was just so hard to get any support, Cantrell said. I think they just had the plan of selling the house.

Several years ago, the ministry was thriving, he said.

We got it up to 30, 35 (students), Cantrell said. At one point in time it was mostly Asian; at one point it was mostly female; we went through a time when there were multiple members of the LGBTQ-plus community living in the house. We always just did ministry.

Cantrell is now pastor of Palmerdale Methodist Church, which disaffiliated with the United Methodist Church and is now affiliated with the Free Methodist Church.

I did not feel led to stay in the UMC and one of the reasons was Wesley, because, for about three or four years, all I ever heard was how much money that house was worth, Cantrell said. I always told them thats not fair. Youll never buy a witness this close to the campus of UAB again.

The North Alabama Conference, at its annual meeting May 30 to June 1 at Asbury United Methodist Church on Cahaba Valley Road in Shelby County, also voted to close seven churches that had small membership: Flat Rock United Methodist in Flat Rock; Portersville United Methodist in Collinsville; Concord United Methodist in Bridgeport; Eva United Methodist in Eva; Basham United Methodist in Hartselle; Community Church Without Walls in Birmingham; and River of Living Water Church in Jasper.

The North Alabama Conference, which suffered the loss of more than half its churches from disaffiliation the past two years, also announced that it will have to draw $2.4 million from reserves to fund its roughly $5.7 million annual budget the next two years. That will leave $7.2 million in reserves at the end of 2025.

The conference also voted to reduce the number of districts in half, from eight to four - East, West, North and Mid Central districts - with at least 65 churches in each district. The conference, which covers most of North Alabama, has about 37,874 members in 279 churches.
A woman has pleaded guilty in a horrific hit-and-run crash that left a Jefferson County mother of four dead.

Danestris Joynae Caves, 26, pleaded guilty Tuesday to manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident in the Aug. 2, 2021, death of 32-year-old Brittany Nishae Williams.

Caves, also a mother of two young children, entered a blind plea, which means there was no prior agreement to what her sentence would be.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Kechia Davis sentenced Caves to 20 years in prison with five years to serve.

Its a sad situation, said attorney Emory Anthony who, along with Louvenia Borom, represented Caves. Our client apologized to the family and accepted responsibility.

She also pleaded guilty to unrelated crimes of criminal possession of a forged instrument and third-degree theft.

Jefferson County sheriffs deputies responded at 9:35 a.m. Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, to a fatal accident on Highway 79. (JCSO)

It was about 9:30 a.m. that morning when Williams, driving a Buick LaCrosse, tried to turn left onto Highway 79 from Pawnee Road. She was struck by a Dodge Challenger traveling southbound on Highway 79.

Williams was mother to four children - two girls and boys ages 1 to 7. The three younger children in the vehicle with her. The oldest was in school at the time of the crash.

Authorities initially said Blackwell and a passenger of the Dodge Challenger fled the scene on foot after the crash, leaving behind a small child.

That 1-year-old boy, along with the two children found in Williams vehicle, all were taken to Childrens of Alabama.

Further investigation showed that the child believed to have been abandoned was actually Williams youngest.

It wasnt clear whether the child was thrown from the vehicle or taken out of his mothers vehicle somehow, but authorities said Caves found the child and handed him to a bystander before fleeing the scene.

Caves was identified as the suspect through DNA left on the airbags in the vehicle in which she was in. The airbags contained both makeup and blood, which is how investigators identified Caves as the driver.

Caves, who has been out on bond, was booked into the Jefferson County Jail Tuesday following the plea.
This is an opinion column

After Donald Trumps conviction in New York, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is throwing down the gauntlet in the United States Senate. Strongly worded statements are not enough, Lee posted on X. Those who turned our judicial system into a political cudgel must be held accountable. As frustrated as Republicans are at Trumps conviction, we shouldnt fall for partisan performance art from our own politicians.

We are no longer cooperating with any Democrat legislative priorities or nominations, Lee and Senate colleagues boldly declared, and we invite all concerned Senators to join our stand.

So Lee and company were previously cooperating with Democrat legislative priorities and nominations? Nobody in the entire country actually believes that. And lets be clear, Democrats in the United States Senate didnt have anything to do with New York District Attorney Alvin Braggs politicized prosecution of Donald Trump.

The whole premise is foggy brained.

Bragg is a state-level New York Democrat who ran on holding Trump accountable for any criminal activity. The White House is currently occupied by a Democrat. Therefore, the White House has turned the entire American judicial system into its political weapon. As a consequence, Republicans will no longer work with any Senate Democrats. Thats the logic that Republicans must entertain to believe theres an important nexus between Democratic members of the United States Senate and Braggs prosecution of Trump.

What theyre really implying is that Democrats are all singing from the same hymnal, so every Democrat is liable for Braggs activities. That would make sense other than the fact its completely disconnected from reality.

Im a conservative Republican. I disagree with most Democrats on a number of critical issues. Immigration law enforcement, respect for the Second Amendment, abortion policy, and public school choice are just a few examples. There are myriad policy areas that dont fall conveniently along partisan lines. Transportation policy, foreign policy, regulation of artificial intelligence, regulatory reform, and even fish and wildlife issues immediately come to mind.

A blanket refusal to work with Democrats is nothing short of ineffective representation. Lee, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and the other senators signing the letter should work with Democrats wherever they can to advance priorities important to their respective states. If we take a closer look at what the letter actually says, its political speak at its worst.

Here is the letter:

The White House has made a mockery of the rule of law and fundamentally altered our politics in un-American ways. As a Senate Republican conference, we are unwilling to aid and abet this White House in its project to tear this country apart. To that end, we will not 1) allow any increase to non-security related funding for this administration, or any appropriations bill which funds partisan lawfare; 2) vote to confirm this administrations political and judicial appointees; and 3) allow expedited consideration and passage of Democrat legislation or authorities that are not directly relevant to the safety of the American people.

Ill concede the argument that the White House has made a mockery of the rule of law. Look at President Joe Bidens student debt forgiveness efforts. Both the Supreme Court and lower appellate courts have emphasized that Biden doesnt have legal authority to unilaterally discharge student loan debt. He doesnt care what the law happens to be when politics are on the line. A special counsel also found evidence that Biden willfully retained and shared highly classified information as a private citizen. The counsel didnt recommend charges because of Bidens poor memory about what transpired. Neither example has anything to do with Trumps conviction in New York.

Altering our politics in un-American ways could describe just about any current politician and most of social media. That part is nothing but fluff. But then Lee offers three specifics:

No increase in non-security funding while Biden is president or any appropriations bill which funds partisan lawfare. Our federal government is already operating on radically bloated post-COVID-19 spending levels that havent come back down to reality. With this fight, all the signatories could still vote for continuing appropriations that dont increase spending or have the phrase partisan lawfare in them. Not impressive. No support for Biden political appointees or judges. Again, a blanket refusal to consider nominees is weird. The signatories of the letter arent going to support unqualified nominees. Why oppose nominees who are qualified based on an unrelated state prosecution in New York? Deny unanimous consent for legislation that isnt related to the safety of the American people. Forcing the Senate to vote isnt a bad practice generally, but gumming up the works in a slow election year isnt exactly a radical departure from current political norms. And whenever the signatories want to support something, theyll just find a way to connect it with public safety. Not difficult.

In an effort to show voters theyre fighting back, Lee and company issued yet another strongly worded statement threatening to do much of what theyre already doing. The American political class isnt actually doing that much in the first place. Senators declaring that theyll do even less as a matter of protest is hilarious.

Developing a plan to reduce federal spending? Lets go. Want to enact immigration reform that works for America? Im on board. Id even settle for more oversight into federal red snapper management in the Gulf of Mexico. Republicans should be interested in exactly two priorities from senators: Advancing conservative policies or raising the money to elect Republicans who will advance conservative policies.

Republicans need to laser focus on those metrics and cut bait with elected officials who cant do at least one of them. We also need to get over the bad habit of clapping for people who issue strongly worded statements with no practical impact. Until we expect our own politicians to do more than make bold declarations we like to hear, were not going to get the policy changes and majorities we want.

Smith is a recovering political attorney with four boys, two dogs, a bearded dragon, and an extremely patient wife. Hes a partner in a media company, a business strategy wonk, and a regular on talk radio. Please direct outrage or agreement to csmith@al.com or @DCameronSmith on X or @davidcameronsmith on Threads.
A federal appeals court has stopped accepting public complaints, many seeking the recusal of U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, from the U.S. Governments classified documents case against former President Donald Trump, citing a flood of 1,000 filings in recent weeks that appear to be part of an orchestrated campaign.

The court acted after a general order from Chief Judge William Pryor Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, which is based in Atlanta and covers Florida, Georgia and Alabama. A link entitled, Judicial Council Order In the Matter of Judicial Complaints Against Judge Aileen M. Cannon, appears on the courts home page.

Many of the complaints against Judge Cannon request that the Chief Circuit Judge remove her from the classified-documents case and reassign the case to a different judge, Pryor wrote in an order dated May 22.

Pryor, a Mobile native, is a former Alabama Attorney General.

Pryor added that many also question the correctness of her rulings or her delays in issuing rulings in the case. The judge instructed the clerk of the appeals court not to accept further judicial complaints against United States District Judge Aileen M. Cannon on or after May 16 to the extent they are similar to previously filed complaints.

The judges order was first reported by CNBC.

For months, Cannon, a 2020 Trump appointee who presides in Fort Pierce and who was assigned the Trump case after a federal grand jury handed up an indictment against the former president last year, has been the target of repeated media commentaries for allegedly slow-walking the case at the behest of defense lawyers. In open court and in filings, those lawyers have repeatedly insisted the case should not be tried until after the presidential election in November.

In this image from video provided by the U.S. Senate, Aileen M. Cannon speaks remotely during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight nomination hearing to be U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on July 29, 2020, in Washington. (U.S. Senate via AP)

Defense lawyers also have filed a wide-ranging suite of motions to dismiss the case. They are based on allegations that the Biden Administrations Justice Department is waging a vindictive prosecution against the former president, appointed Special Counsel Jack Smith without proper authorization, violated attorney-client privilege during the investigation and used the FBI to stage a raid on Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, among other things.

Although most of those motions were filed months ago, the judge has yet to rule on them, raising an outcry from critics who assert that she is accommodating the defense in a bid to prevent a trial before the election. If Trump defeats Biden and wins a second term in the White House, critics argue, he could order the Justice Department to drop the case against him.

But in his order, Judge Pryor noted that the complaints also do not establish that Judge Cannon was required to recuse herself from the case because she was appointed by then President Trump.

Flood of complaints

He said that before May 16, multiple complaints of Judicial Misconduct or Disability were filed against Cannon. Some of those complaints have been acted upon, and others will be acted upon in due course, Pryor wrote.

Since May 16, the court clerk has received over 1,000 judicial complaints against Judge Cannon that raise allegations that are substantially similar to the allegations raised in previous complaints, Pryor wrote. These complaints appear to be part of an orchestrated campaign.

The court went on to dismiss four of those orchestrated complaints as merits-related and as based on allegations lacking sufficient evidence to raise an inference that misconduct has occurred.

Moreover, he added, although many of the complaints allege an improper motive in delaying the case, the allegations are speculative and unsupported by any evidence.

Legal experts agreed that Pryor could hardly move any complaint forward without evidence.

There are lots of reasons why a federal district judge can be removed from a case, but the bottom line is that there has to be good evidence of a violation of one of the judicial ethics rules, Robert Jarvis, a professor of law at Nova Southeastern University, said in an email. Removal is not permitted simply because the judge is making rulings that one side or the other doesnt like. That is why Pryor did what he did  he thinks these are just partisan complaints and have nothing to do with Cannons actual performance.

Lawyers who have practiced in South Florida for a number of years suggested Pryor had little choice but to act.

When judges perceive or observe an abuse of the system, they step in, said Miami attorney David Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor who is now in private practice with the Jones Walker firm. Normally, the only people who can move for recusals are the parties in the case.

Weinstein said he was not surprised that Pryor issued an order to stop the stream of complaints.

The numbers (of complaints) filed doesnt necessarily make it right, he said. It doesnt mean the complaint is valid.

David Markus, a longtime Miami criminal defense lawyer who authors the Southern District of Florida blog, filing unsubstantiated complaints are not helpful to the court.

Like the old Saturday Night Live skit where William Shatner tells fanatics at the Star Trek convention to Get a Life, perhaps the mobs filing complaints about a federal judge they know nothing about should heed the same advice.

_____

2024 South Florida Sun Sentinel. Visit at sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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As climate catastrophe worsens in the US, a disturbing policy trend ensues: expanding prisons and police projects that directly harm the environment and the very communities they claim to serve.

Atlanta serves as a prime example, where plans for the controversial Cop City training facility involve destroying a crucial watershed  a pattern shadowing lawmakers from New York City to Texas and across the country.

Atlantas proposed police training complex, dubbed Cop City by opponents, means clearing 381 acres of the Weelaunee Forest, a vital watershed for primarily Black neighborhoods. The decision, made in the wake of 2020s Black Lives Matter protests, has left residents further prone to climate catastrophe.

Forests keep us safe because they soak up heavy rainfall, protecting us from floods, said Mariah Parker, former Athens-Clarke County commissioner. Cop city isnt even built but the destruction of the forest and its replacement with impervious concrete is already putting people in danger.

In this aerial view, a structure sits on land owned by the city of Atlanta, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, in unincorporated DeKalb County. The Atlanta City Council has approved plans to lease the land to the Atlanta Police Foundation so it can build a state-of-the-art police and firefighter training center, a project that protesters derisively call Cop City. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)AP

Recent extreme flooding, which Parker and other organizers link deforestation for Cop City, have cast a grim foreshadow. Like the rest of the country, Atlanta faces increasingly hotter years. The removal of the Weelaunee Forest further jeopardizes the Black residents already abandoned by the green energy movement due to redlining.

As the deadly effects of climate change continue to sweep across the United States, millions of tax dollars are being poured into building new prisons and police facilities, leaving constituents, especially those of color, vulnerable to environmental catastrophe.

A national trend: Prisons vs. the environment

The pattern of pro-police agendas supersede environmental health and community safety, advocates say.

This year, Texas Prison Community Advocates (TPCA) have filed a formal complaint that amends a 2023 lawsuit against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The document alleges that temperatures inside cells can have reached as high as 149 degrees Fahrenheit, where prisoners are cooking to death. Professor Michele Deitch at the University of Texas Prison and Jail Innovation Lab, warns that such conditions will only worsen with climate change.

Alongside noting antiquated piping in prisons, which often lead to water pollution, Deitch noted that several are built on flood plains, those prone to natural disasters.

Many prisons are built near toxic sites, said Deitch. Its not unique to Texas, but theyre built near places where theres chemical exposures and other kinds of toxins.

Toxic soils threaten New York Citys Chinatown, where the city has approved a 40-story mega jail, part of a borough-based jail to close the notorious Rikers Island. Of the five boroughs, Staten Island, majority white and Republican, will not receive a new jail. Soil samples revealed unsafe concentrations of chemicals like benzo anthracene and chrysene, which the CDC said are potentially linked to cancers.

Matrix New World Engineering Land Surveying Report, July 2019, on behalf of the New York City Office of Management and Budget and New York City Department of Corrections, page 29New York City Office of Management and Budget

[source: Matrix New World Engineering Land Surveying Report, July 2019, on behalf of the New York City Office of Management and Budget and New York City Department of Corrections, page 29]

Chinatown advocates like Jan Lee, member of Neighbors United Below Canal, have alleged with documentation that Gramercy Group, the company contracted by the city, failed to adhere to environmental safety procedures and self-report these and worker injuries, as they are compelled to do so by city ordinance. This has caused buildings like the Chung Pak senior center to crack, threatening the lives of all the low-income elderly residents. Lee also predicts that many buildings will also lean towards destabilized areas.

Lee and others have demanded that the city pay for an independent monitor of Gramercy Group as well as requested environmental reports without success. New York Citys mayor, former police officer Eric Adams, ran during election season on a platform to deny the building of the jail. After winning the race, he reneged on his promise. He has even nearly doubled the jail budget to $16B, but cut funding for and thus ended the thirty-year community composting program.

Every day that went by for the last five years, this project has increased by four million dollars, said Lee.

The cost of choosing policing over people

Police and prisons have resulted in not just a climate toll, but also a human cost.

[The Texas Department of Criminal Justice or TDCJ policy states] that incarcerated individuals can have water whenever they choose to have water and that is not the case, said Amite Dominick, President of TPCA. Just because its policy doesnt mean its procedure. In 2023, Texas prisons raised the price of bottled water by 50% from $4.80 to $7.20 per pack. Most incarcerated Texans earn zero dollars for their labor.

Without access to air conditioning or water, Texas imprisoned people were described as literally cooking and have resorted to flooding toilets, laying in the unsanitary water or dunking their clothes in it in order to cool off. The impact on mental health is devastating.

One recent study found that days with unsafe heat index levels raised daily violent interactions by 20%, said Deitch. Suicide rates go up in the summer.

Atlanta climate advocates also experienced extreme treatment, including the city councils dismissal of a petition that bolster approximately 116,000 signatures, racketeering and terror charges. Demands have been made for a formal inquiry into the death of Weelaunee Forest advocate Tortuguita, whose legal name is Manuel Paez Teran and who was killed by over 50 bullets after interacting with Georgia state patrol. Police were not wearing body cameras.

Facilities like Cop City are now being planned, have been approved, or are already operating in all 50 states except for Wyoming, Vermont, and North Dakota. New York Citys mayor recently announced a cop city for the Queens borough to launch in 2030, and has projected that it will cost at least $225M.

Police forces, many collaborating across state lines, have also been deployed against climate activists. Tarah Stangler, an autonomous street medic based in Madison, WI, was one of six hundred arrested during the 2021 Line 3 protests by the Northern Lights Task Force, a police coalition of over sixteen counties that received $750,000 from Canadian oil company Enbridge to secure the pipeline. The oil industry, one of the greatest contributors to the climate crisis, has fueled the prison system, and its predecessor enslavement, in some cases like Louisiana as far back as 1901. Chevron sent a prosecuting climate lawyer to jail after paying $18 billion in damages to Indigenous Ecuador Amazonians. The Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board, with Canadian tax dollars, holds $5.9 million of stock with private prisons Geo Group and Core Civic and invested $186 million in ExxonMobil. Stangler witnessed brutality, experienced pepper spray, even was battered by low-flying helicopters.

[Police] are protecting property over people and focusing on us stopping them rather than stopping the climate catastrophe, said Stangler. This is very clear what yall are here for, and its not for us.

Indigenous-led solutions offer a path to decarceration and climate justice

Stangler aligned with Indigenous leadership and political thought to solve the linked crises. Indigenous people are held in state and federal prisons at double the national rate and four times that of white people. The incarceration rate between 2000 and 2019 increased by 89%. Across all demographics, 62% returned to prison between 2016-2019.

Alaskan Native leader Talia Eames, Recovery Manager at The Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, proposed in 2020 recovery facilities built to resemble traditional multi-generational and multi-family long houses for recently released people to assist in their re-entry into the community. Indigenous legal collectives like the Tribal Defense Office of the Salish and Kootenai Tribes collaborated with the Bronx Defender to adapt their holistic defense as a legal practice.

Providing supportive housing and resources is actually a move for public safety, Eames to the Juneau Empire in July 2020. Its the only way to impact recidivism.

Alongside Native and preventative solutions, Lee in New York Citys Chinatown has called for adaptive reuse instead of the mega jail.

Its a much more green answer because we are not literally taking two enormous steel-reinforced gigantic jails and putting them into landfills, said Lee. Although the procedure will most likely save the city billions of dollars and reduce its impact on the climate, the city rejected Lees idea.

Both Lee and Dominick call for independent monitors in their respective situations. Dominick went even further, believing that the true resolution should come in stages, including setting a legal standard for water, AC units, ensuring that incarcerated people become a protected class, federal standards, until ultimately reducing the number of prisons.

We have too many prisons, said Dominick. We need to look at alternatives.

A joint report from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and Ella Baker Center for Human Rights corroborated Dominicks assessment, especially the prisons most susceptible to climate change. It notes that people in prisons, especially the elderly and/or with disability, are most susceptible to the climate crisis because of a failure in policy to protect them or create emergency plans during fires, flooding, or other climate emergencies. The revenue saved, in California States context $106,000 per year per person, could then be used to fund climate solutions.

Activists now face the greatest challenge: convincing elected officials to fund climate solutions and not the climate crisis like prisons and cop cities. Whether through the democratic process or direct democracy, disconnecting money between prisons and environmental catastrophe seems the paramount solution.

Winona LaDuke, a Native American climate protector who was also arrested at the Line 3 protests, provides in her book Recovering The Sacred a solution already happening in some Native communities: a shift away from the oil industry and into democratizing the sacred power of wind energy as a means of reclaiming economic power. Such defunding of the oil industry might also catalyze the decline of investment in prisons.

The power of transformation is growing stronger these days, she writes in the book. Native American communities are creating momentum for change [...] providing solutions that all of us will need in order to survive the next millennium.

Rohan Zhou-Lee (They/Siya/(Ta)/Elle) is a queer/nonbinary Black Asian dancer, writer, and organizer. A 2023 Open City Fellow at the Asian American Writers Workshop, they have written for Newsweek, Prism Reports, NextShark, and more. Siya is also the founder of the award-winning Blasian March, a Black-Asian-Blasian grassroots solidarity organization, and for their work has been featured on CNN, NBC Chicago, USA Today, WNYC, and more. Zhou-Lee has spoken on organizing, human rights, and other subjects at New York University, The University of Tokyo, the 2022 Unite and Enough Festivals in Zurich, Switzerland, Harvard University, and more. www.diaryofafirebird.com
School officials at Bellaire High School are changing the policy for reviewing student publications after criticism of a yearbook page dedicated to the conflict in Gaza. Courtesy of Houston ISD Bellaire High School Michael Niggli said he was surprised to see the yearbook page dedicated to the conflict in Gaza. Courtesty of HISD

Bellaire High Schools principal is overhauling the procedure for reviewing student publications after a students reflection on the Israel-Hamas war in the 2024 yearbook drew backlash from some members of the Jewish community.

The yearbook page begins with the student describing a sense of shock after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel. The student was quoted saying they couldnt reach family friends in the Palestinian territory after the attack. The writer noted a blockade leaving Gazans without necessities and the student called the situation a humanitarian crisis.

The war in the Gaza Strip has turned schools across the U.S. into flash points for debates that have students and administrators questioning where free speech rights collide with hate speech.

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In Bellaire, home to several major synagogues and Jewish centers, community members said the yearbook article, subtitled Arab student gives account of the Israel-Gaza conflict, failed to include an Israeli perspective. They also said the article glossed over the severity of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, which sent thousands of militants into southern Israeli military bases and communities on a Jewish holiday.

Community members were disappointed the page reflected only one perspective of a very complex issue, Bellaire High School Principal Michael Niggli said. As principal, I was surprised and disappointed as well.

To calm the uproar, school officials have offered to remove the page and rebind the book for any student who requests it.

Hamas abducted about 250 people and killed around 1,200 people in the Oct. 7 attack, according to the Associated Press. Israel launched an intense and destructive retaliation, killing more than 36,000 people as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry as of June 3, according to the Associated Press.

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Some politicians, even those who strongly back Israel, have called the counterattacks excessive, and Israels continued offensive and ground war has rallied legions of young people to the defense of Palestinians in Gaza.

Niggli said the school plans to impose new oversight review guidelines for student publications.

It was unclear as of Tuesday what review procedures will be implemented. District officials said they had no updates regarding procedure changes and didnt have details on the number of students who requested re-bound yearbooks.

It has been typical practice for the content of the yearbook and other student publications to be reviewed by their staff sponsor, but moving forward, we will expand the review protocols for these publications, he said.

District officials said the new review procedure will be shared with the school community once it is finalized.

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Mark Newman, a Bellaire resident and alumnus of the school, said his initial shock turned to sadness and anger when he read the article that he says ignores the regions history and minimizes the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

Newman, who was on the yearbook staff when he attended the school in the 1990s, said the yearbook is meant to celebrate students and their achievements.

An article like this really has no place to make (the) yearbook at all, regardless of its one-sidedness, Newman said. The administration, and more specifically, the teacher thats in charge of the yearbook process, should have seen this article and struck it from the yearbook.

Anna Rajagopal, a pro-Palestinian advocate in Houston, said she found it deeply troubling that a student couldnt speak to their experiences in a public school without this backlash.

Rajagopal said there has been a disproportionate focus on dissecting the students perspective and believes theres a massive power imbalance of forcing a student onto a national stage that they didnt consent to be on.

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I also think that the reaction was disproportionate, particularly with regard to the principals commentary, Rajagopal said. There was nothing in the article that was particularly exclusive or was offensive. It really spoke about Palestinian existence.

Andrea Negri, Bellaire High Schools yearbook staff sponsor, declined to comment.

The current policy states that final decisions for the content in the Carillon yearbook belong to an editorial board, comprising the editor-in-chief and section editors, while the adviser can provide opinions and advice, according to the yearbooks website. That board makes all decisions affecting publication on all levels.

Adam Goldstein, attorney at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, said community concerns are typically addressed through communication with the student board for student publications.

If this publication by policy or practice has been set aside as a forum for student expression, then it couldnt be censored unless the content was otherwise unlawful, Goldstein said. And it certainly isnt otherwise unlawful.

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Jonathan Gaston-Falk, staff attorney at the Student Press Law Center, said the yearbook staff was functioning as journalists when they decided to listen to this students voice.

Gaston-Falk said student journalists are being swept up in the volatile time felt across the country. Publication decisions are up to students because it is a student-run publication and not the viewpoint of the school or school district.
It is virtually impossible to identify a realm in which Democrats are wreaking anything but havoc, division, and devastation, said Deroy Murdock in the New York Post. Todays Democratic Party is not the party of your parents and grandparents. The Democrats have abandoned traditional values in favor of a neo-Marxist philosophy. Their values are those of Venezuela and Cuba. Wherever those values have been embraced, we have witnessed economic disaster and personal tragedy on a massive scale.

The power of the state exists first and foremost to protect the rights of the individual, Bret Stephens wrote in the New York Times. The Democrat Party supports big government and the Deep State at the expense of the individual. This threatens to transform America into a totalitarian nightmare. That is why we need to vote the Democrats out of power.

Todays Democrat Party militates for increased governmental control over every aspect of our lives; limitations on free speech and freedom of the press; replacement of capitalism with socialism; replacing meritocracy with race-based criteria; a reduction of American power and influence; and a dysfunctional version of social justice.

If Democrats succeed in supplanting capitalism with socialism, the middle class will be taxed out of existence. The incentive to achieve will disappear, as it has in parts of Europe. When the productive segment of our population has had enough, they will pack up and leave and America will turn into Venezuela. This is already happening in California.

The Democrat Party has embraced violence as its modus operandi. With the complicity of elected Democrat officials, our nation has descended into rampant lawlessness. Criminals are released without bail so they can repeat their offenses. District attorneys refuse to prosecute criminals. The people whose job it is to make you safe are instead making it easier for criminals to terrorize your family, said Tucker Carlson.

The social vision of the Democratic Party has been the enemy of minorities. The Democrat Partys conception of social justice may sound like a good idea, but in reality, it is designed to divide the country into warring factions based on the idea that whites are oppressors and blacks are helpless victims. White people are targeted as the enemy. (For more on this, read my book, The War on Whites.)

If you are white -- unless you are into self-hate -- dont vote for the party that is actively working to replace you. Democrats have endorsed attempts to decrease the percentage of the population that is white, largely by inviting millions of illegal immigrants who presumably will vote for Democrats. You wont hear much about it in the media because they are in the pocket of the Democratic Party.

If you are black -- the welfare state advocated and implemented by Democrats has trapped black Americans in its hateful web. The belief that people are entitled to what others have produced, said economist Thomas Sowell, is at the heart of the social degeneration that can be traced back to the 1960s. The breakdown of the black family, teenage pregnancies, and increased crime in black communities can all be traced back to the Democrat welfare state, said Sowell.

The idea that the Democrat Party is the working mans party is a fiction. Far from being the party of the people, Democrats represent Americas social and cultural elites, said author David Horowitz. How is it possible that Democrats and progressives can pose as defenders of minorities, the middle class, and the poor? Democratic policies have devastated all three.

For those of you who are white, black, brown, yellow, or orange -- bear in mind that the Democrats are trying to take away your right to free speech, guaranteed by the First Amendment. A landmark California bill that would have destroyed the First Amendment by making it illegal to engage in climate-change dissent was supported by then-California attorney general Kamala Harris. The fact that someone who has actively campaigned against freedom of speech is acceptable to the Democrat Party is reason enough to send us all rushing into the arms of the Republicans.

The federal government under Obama and Biden has been trying to insinuate itself into every facet of our lives. Biden is empowering the Deep State and the media to crush his political opponents. [Biden is calling for] censorship of political opinions, said Tucker Carlson. What you're seeing here is dangerous. There's no other way to describe it.

The goal of the Democrat Party is a one-party state. The Biden administration has declared that the most lethal elements in our society are political conservatives. As a result of this unsupported allegation, the DoJ and FBI are being weaponized to go after Republicans. "The FBI is now an organization solely focused on destroying the domestic enemies of the Democratic Party," said talk radio show host Jesse Kelly.

If you doubt this is true, look at the campaign orchestrated by the Biden administration to prevent Donald Trump from running for president in November. The clearly partisan guilty verdict in the New York Trump case is the brainchild of a sitting president who is openly abusing the power of the Oval Office to prevent his main opponent from running against him in the upcoming election. This is Stalinism pure and simple.

The Trump verdict puts the U.S. among infamous countries that prosecuted opposition leaders, said Peter Aitken on Fox News. It has no place in our country, and must be overturned. It has underscored my resolve never to vote for a Democrat candidate for public office. Any Democrat, anywhere.

If Biden gets another four years, America will never be the same. Every single thing this man and his administration touch they absolutely destroy, said Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Something has to be done to stop the craziness that is going on in Washington.

The solution: Never vote Democrat again, period!

Ed Brodow is a conservative political commentator and author of ten books including Tyranny of the Minority: How the Left is Destroying America. He is a former US Marine officer, Fortune 500 sales executive, and Hollywood movie actor.

Image: Vector Portal.com CC BY
Now that President Trumps status as a mere enemy of democracy has been elevated to convicted felon, it is time to evaluate the state of the coup. Bidens wicked smirk, in passing, affirmed the obvious, when a reporter asked if the Trump verdict would affect the election, or if Trump was to be a political prisoner. History will remember that evil smile. What was once being practiced behind a curtain of pretense, has come plainly out on the stage, with the final act open to the public. They seem convinced now that it is safe, and even useful, to clearly display their effective control of the captured media, the DoJ and FBI, the Marxist education establishment, the intelligence community, the woke corporate world, and key levers of the electoral process.

The following is a fairly common surmise as to what has brought us to this pass.

In early 2020, the MAGA miracle was interrupted by what many Americans now strongly suspect was a plandemic, one part an exercise in totalitarian control, and one part the first step in a well-considered effort to dispose of President Trump. Trump warned us about the events in China and was slammed as a racist for trying to close the door to travelling Chinese. China closed travel from Wuhan to the rest of China, but not to the rest of the world. The first reports of fatalities came out of west coast nursing homes, taking the lead as many Democrat-controlled cities adapted their murderous policy of returning infected seniors to these homes. Hospitals were paid a fortune for identifying motorcycle accident fatalities as having died with COVID-19, using an inexcusably amplified test that shouted COVID at the first sneeze. The numerical terror spread, until an entire country ground to a stop. The only good news was that the annual flu stats went to zero.

In late 2020, everyone in the country knew the election had been stolen. We went to bed knowing the election was Trumps and awoke the next day to the incomprehensible. We learned that the vote counting in the critical precincts in the battleground states had stopped, early in the morning, in perfect synch, with the Republican observers sent home. The Democrat faithful then continued the count into the dark hours, and before sunrise, Biden was given a miraculous, unprecedented, and statistically impossible surge, wherever it was needed.

Thousands of affidavits attested to criminal behaviors in the vote count, but anti-Trump treachery prevailed at the Justice Department, from William Barr at the head and down the line. The Supreme Court pathetically declined any involvement, claiming that 22 states had no standing to challenge the corrupted results in the battleground states that had put Biden over the top.

The stage was set for detailed motions, prepared to be brought to the House floor, challenging the electors of the states in question, which would have triggered an actual investigation before Bidens victory could be certified. But before that could occur, elements of Capitol Police attacked a lawful and permitted assembly of protesters with rubber bullets and concussive tear gas grenades, fired into crowds that had been largely peaceful up to that point. Federal agent provocateurs tore down barriers and led a charge on one side of the Capitol, while police opened welcoming doors (only possible from within) to the gathered protesters on the other side. A grave threat to the congressional assembly was announced, so they adjourned and were hysterically evacuated. When they reconvened later, it was, by rule, an emergency session, in which challenges to the electoral college went unregistered. Congress, told it had been attacked by the mob, proceeded to confirm the votes presented by each state, giving Biden the Presidency. Critically, the intended challenges, by virtue of the timing of these events, were never made part of the permanent record. They were history, but rendered nonexistent in official governmental history, and thereby beyond referencing in further motions.

It is essential to note that Trumps requests, echoed by the Capitol police chief, to secure the Capitol with 20,000 National Guard troops were denied by both Pelosi and the mayor of Washington, D.C. This federally instigated calamity then served as the Reichstag fire that the Left had been waiting for. It presented an opportunity to blame Trump for inspiring an insurrection and gave the FBI and DoJ an excuse to go full Gestapo, SWAT teams were brutally employed to round up and imprison, sometimes indefinitely, anyone whose cell phone signature placed them in or near the Capitol on January 6th, 2021. And it gave the national partisan media an excuse for denigrating all further accusations of electoral malpractice, on top of the official naming of Trump, as having been impeached.

Now that every good thing that Trump accomplished in his four years as President has been undone and our injuries compounded by a steady barrage of treasonous policy choices designed to inflict maximum damage to these United States, the revolution is facing a Trump-led conservative MAGA revival, like nothing before it, promising an electoral sweep, too big to rig. The poor things! Theyve tried everything. But none of it ever quite seemed to stick.

They promoted the BLM/Antifa riots, in the middle of a national quarantine and lockdown. They mandated vaccines for all, that are somewhere between worthless and murderous. Theyve broken the border and broken the peoples bank accounts. Theyve managed to make the weapons dealers richer while making our military a joke. Theyve made our cities filthy and dangerous. They are turning our little boys into little girls, unable to properly read or write or do rithmatic.

So, the Biden crew made a benevolent choice. Instead of killing Trump, which would be extremely problematic, and prone to elicit severe patriotic retribution, they chose lawfare, a skill set they have been honing for years to great effect. Doing so meant enlisting committed leftists, among the many entrenched in our legal system. Through every twist and contortion of legal precedent, and of reason itself, they finally get to officially call him a convicted felon. Pity, for them, that by now, the people know that the entire Biden cabal are the actual felons simply yet to be convicted.

What does the future hold?

If Trump survives, he will be elected. And the nation will have at least four years to begin to rebuild.

May God forbid it, but if he doesnt survive, there will be a vastly magnified repeat of the 2020 disturbances, only this time from the other end of the political spectrum, directed against anyone who ever wished for his demise. As it was for those who plotted against the Israeli Olympians of Munich, in 1972, there will be nowhere to hide.

This is not a recommendation, if anyone asks. Its nobodys personal wish, along the sweet way to MAGA, but a fearful prognostication, brimming, we fear, with certainty.

Jim Darlington: Hopeful old Christian, with dark visions, prayerfully wrong about the coming fall of America. jedarlington@protonmail.com jedarlington@substack.com

Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Is there a such thing as double-entry bookkeeping at the Federal Emergency Management Agency?

Or do they spend on migrants like there's no tomorrow?

According to the Miami Herald, FEMA, which got its budget topped up extra to the tune of billions just a year ago, is once again running out of money:

With a grim storm forecast ahead, the nations top disaster responders are in danger of running out of cash at the peak of hurricane season  again. The Federal Emergency Management Agencys Disaster Relief Fund is on pace to run dry by August. Without congressional action, that could leave Florida and other states staring at massive expenses and slower recovery efforts if a major storm hits. The chances for that are high ahead of what is predicted to be the busiest season on record. At a press conference at the National Hurricane Center last week, FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks said the agency would switch to prioritizing life-saving, life-sustaining work if funding dwindles. That could leave important programs like individual financial aid or reimbursements for governments cleaning up storm debris on the chopping block. By September, the agency that leads disaster response across the country projects it could be nearly $7 billion short.

The Herald noted that Florida's senators, Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, foresaw the scope of the problem a month ago, and noted its impact on Florida's hurricane season, where it's quite possible the state could be hit by the devastating disasters starting in August.

Ditto that for California and the other western states with their fire season, and the Mississippi river valley with its potential tornados and floods.

FEMA has been saying it's running out of money and it always gets what it wants from Congress, but amazingly, it always runs out of money even with the extra incoming taxpayer cash.

According to Rubio's Senate website, which published his and Scott's letter to FEMA:

It is our understanding that your agency expects the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF)

to run out of funds by August 2024 and may need to activate an immediate needs

funding designation as early as June. We cannot stress enough how devastating this

funding shortage would be to hurricane and disaster relief efforts in Florida and across

the country. FEMAs latest monthly DRF report1, issued May 7, 2024, projects a $1.359

billion deficit in its Major Declarations fund by August, growing to $6.811 billion by

September. This is unacceptable going into hurricane season.

Among other things, they asked FEMA to explain why exactly this was happening when they always got the top-up funds they asked for from Congress.

The Herald didn't note it, but hundreds of millions are being shelled out for illegal migrants, FEMA paying for their transport, their housing, their food and other "humanitarian" services sometimes directly, but mostly through NGOs, even though many of the migrants coming in illegally have plenty of money to pay for these things themselves.

The Heritage Foundation's border expert, Simon Hankinson, certainly noticed where at least some of the problem was:

FEMAs Emergency Food and Shelter Program is already being siphoned for over $332 million to assist communities receiving noncitizens released from custody, which means housing migrants here illegally at the border, then transporting them to places like New York City. New York has been promised $104 million from this pot, though at a burn rate of $8 million a day, it wont last long. Big city mayors gripe about a few buses sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, but the main train delivering migrants to their sidewalks is driven by DHS, using FEMA money. And the Biden administration is getting even more brazen. FEMA grant money, unlike its Disaster Relief and Flood Insurance programs, doesnt require the president to declare a federal disasterwhich would at least highlight the self-defeating results of his policies. So it should come as no surprise that DHS, in its fiscal 2024 budget, already asked for a directly appropriated $83.5 million for FEMA Shelter and Services Program grants to nonprofits and local entities to provide support to noncitizens released from DHS custody. Furthermore, DHS asked for $800 million$650 million more than last yearfor communities to support migrants who have been released from DHS custody pending the outcome of their immigration proceedings. Bear in mind that with the asylum system backlogged as never before, this outcome would be far in the future in most cases. The money would come from a $4 billion Southwest Border Contingency" fund in DHSs proposed fiscal 2024 budget. In plain English, this means that having created a giant magnet for illegal immigration, the Biden administration wants to continue to burn your tax dollars to sustain hundreds of thousands of people who entered the U.S. illegally, for an indefinite period.

So he's managed to pinpoint nearly a hundred million spent by FEMA itself on illegals, and nearly a billion spent on Department of Homeland Security programs, which might be NGO bankrolling, or something else for migrants. That's not all of FEMA'S shortfall, but it's definitely some of it and Hankinson notes that they are pretty good at hiding where the money comes from and goes out.

Hankinson noted that last year, the Biden administration slipped in the extra cash for FEMA in a defense bill aimed at funding Ukraine's war, and noted that the White House was pretty sneaky about it as a practice.

Federal spending is hard enough to keep track of at the best of times, but the Biden administration is highly adept at hiding how they fund their open-borders agenda. In a cynical budget negotiation tactic, the White house is now trying to push through a $40 billion supplemental funding bill that holds bailout money for FEMA hostage to sending billions more to Ukraine with insufficient accountability.

The Herald noted that FEMA's deputy administrator, Erik Hooks, speaking at a press conference last week, said they had never run out of money before, which must have been odd news to the people of Lahaina, Hawaii, where cash disbursements were meager while FEMA officials lived it up at some of Maui's top five-star hotels on the far north of the island. Maybe it's lavish salaries and vacay perks that are adding to the shortfalls.

But the issue of bankrolling illegals by FEMA first began to emerge as the Biden administration set up a conveyor belt for illegals to take them to their destinations of choice at Uncle Sam's expense, all expenses paid, and some of those expenses, as Howie Carr found out in his investigation, were very lavish indeed. How much of that is FEMA cash, routed through NGOs, through non-transparent means?

That's why Rubio's and Scott's letter is so important. FEMA is a federal agency paid for by American taxpayers to support Americans in times of disaster they have no control over. Illegals have no claim on this money and the feds have no right to spend it. They seem to think it's their money, and they're using it to pay for Democrat policy aims of importing voters to pad congressional districts as well as replace the electorate with indigents who will always be loyal to them.

But it's not their money, it's the American people's money. Any amount spent on them needs to be paid for or paid back, and if the current leadership can't or won't say where the money is going and why they constantly need extra bailouts, it's time to get them out of there. They shouldn't be paying for any illegally present foreign nationals at all. I would suggest no asylum hearings until illegals pay those bills and those bills are verified as paid.

Something very smelly is going on here if the federal emergency services can't figure out why it runs out of money yet constantly comes back for more from Congress even as illegals surge on through with no problems whatsoever, always the first priority.

Image: Screen shot from PIX video, via YouTube
Democrats have always sought amnesty for illegal border crossers, seeking more Democrat voters.

But that idea has been unpopular for years, which is why no president has pursued it since Ronald Reagan.

Joe Biden, though, has figured out a way around this: By dismissing asylum and deportation cases before judges.

According to the New York Post:

While the Biden administration is attempting to look like its getting tough on the border, behind the scenes its operating a program of mass amnesty for migrants, The Post can reveal. Data show that since 2022, more than 350,000 asylum cases filed by migrants have been closed by the US government if the applicants dont have a criminal record or are otherwise not deemed a threat to the country. This means that while the migrants are not granted or denied asylum  their cases are terminated without a decision on the merits of their asylum claim  they are removed from the legal system and no longer required to check in with authorities. The move allows them to legally, indefinitely roam the US without fear of deportation, effectively letting them slip through the cracks.

Effectively, it is an amnesty since, as the report notes, no one will be looking for them and they won't require court monitoring. If they want to work, or vote, or draw public benefits, it's supposedly forbidden. But who is going to stop them if they do? Why one illegal border crosser's case gets dismissed and the next one gets into deportation proceedings or else is granted asylum in court is anyone's guess.

It's capricious, unfair, and probably illegal. After all, Congress is to set immigration quotas, according to the Constitution. Biden's back-door amnesty usurps that power.

Supposedly, it's Biden's bid to clear immigration backlogs -- by simply getting rid of cases in front of judges. But these people have commited a crime, or they wouldn't have court dates. This manuever to dismiss cases is making some criminals more equal than others. And it's quite insulting to those who wait in line and fill out paperwork and pay fees to get into this country legally.

And sure enough, there are criminals among these de facto amnestied illegals. The Venezuelan thug accused of shooting two New York police officers this week got his asylum case dismissed in this way, according to the Post -- he was one of Biden's 350,000.

The Venezuelan migrant accused of shooting two NYPD cops during the early hours of Monday morning crossed into the US illegally last year, but the case against him has already been dismissed, The Post can exclusively reveal. Bernardo Castro Mata, 19  who shot one officer in the chest and another in the leg after they attempted to stop his moped in Queens  had a hearing in Chicago on May 6 where an immigration judge closed his case, according to ICE sources. The information emerged less than 24 hours after The Post exposed the Biden administrations dismissal of asylum cases and deportation orders against 350,000 migrants because they didnt have criminal records or arent deemed national security threats. Those migrants are also under no obligation to leave the country and are no longer monitored by Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE]  making them undocumented.

That's who Biden is bringing in to our country in his pursuit of more Democrat votes. He's not even honest about it -- he's sneaking it through as these politicized judges dismiss these cases on the grounds that these characters are no threat to the public, except of course, some of them are.

Unwinding this will take years and years of steady efforts to get rid of these undesirables. What an Augean stable he's leaving for President Trump to clean up after.

Image: OKJaguar, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED
Whats yours is mine, and whats mine is my own. James Joyce penned those words while writing Ulysses, but he could have easily written them were he composing a report on the political attitudes of the pseudo-elite greenie left of the modern era.

From an article by Greg Rehner at Fox News:

California clean energy project threatens thousands of protected Joshua trees: reports A California-based renewable energy company plans to clear thousands of protected Joshua trees in the Mojave Desert to make way for a solar project that will generate electricity for nearly 180,000 homes in coastal neighborhoods instead of the impacted communities, according to reports. The Los Angeles Times reported that the company, Avantus, is planning to build the Aratina Solar Project on 2,300 acres near Boron and Desert Lake, California, two towns in Kern County.

And, according to Rehner, this construction project spanning 2,300 acres will mean the destruction of more than 3,500 protected Joshua trees. So, not only will the electricity generated be diverted away from the community thats actually generating it, but the people who live there will now be left with an ugly landscape of barren desert, screaming of corporate colonialism and green elitism.

Heres this, also from Rehner:

Residents of the poverty-stricken towns are angered by the project, not just because of the construction dust, but also because the land where the solar facility will be located is home to endangered desert tortoises. The residents concerns reportedly were ignored by county officials, who unanimously approved the project.

(Somebody better check the county officials bank accounts.)

But, it gets worse. This is from the Aratina Solar Projects website:

The project consists of a solar array with a solar generation capacity of up to 530 MWac and an up to 600 MWac battery energy storage system.

So, not only is the company coming in and destroying one of the most unique aspects of the California landscape, theyre rubbing salt in the wound... and leaving a battery storage system behind. Of course, this battery storage system will use lithium and we all know how well lithium and California go together; from a blog I wrote on May 24th:

SD firefighters fly in fire experts to tackle lithium battery fire still blazing from last week [A]ccording to San Diego journalist Amy Reichert, the San Diego fire department has elected to fly in fire experts to study the fire because they have no idea how to manage the blaze, estimating that it may take another week or week-and-a-half to get the fire back under controlmeanwhile, poisonous fumes from burning lithium batteries continue to spew into the air.

Yeah, that fire started May 15th, and as of four days ago it was still going. At this point, were going on three weeks.

In August of last year I wrote an essay on the green colonialism movement after a wind turbine disposal company exploited a modest Texas town and turned it into a dumping ground for decommissioned and expired turbine blades:

In 2017, a Washington-state company called Global Fiberglass Solutions came along, promising an exciting new way to repurpose the blades, and since then, GFS has been dumping the blades in the far-off land of Texas. According to the Texas Monthly article, the managing director himself admitted that only a fraction of the stockpile had ever been recycled.

Destroying carbon-consuming trees in favor of problematic carbon neutral technologies, all so the coastal denizens can feel eco-friendly and virtue signal their sustainability, is peak ironyand pain.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
There is an old expression among trial attorneys: If you have the facts on your side, pound the facts. If you have the law on your side, pound the law. If you have neither the facts nor the law on your side, pound the table. Pounding the table is exactly what the Democrats are doing at this stage of the 2024 presidential race.

If they were to claim they had the facts on their side, they would have to insist that Joe Bidens term as president was more successful than the term of Donald Trumps presidency, or at least as successful but without the drama. That set of facts doesnt play on Main Street, Wall Street, or any other avenue or boulevard you would care to mention.

If they were to claim they had the law on their side, they would have to produce one genuine legal scholar, not a Soros-bought-and-paid-for D.A., to go to bat for Alvin Braggs show trial/witch hunt. When genuine legal scholars such as lifelong Democrat Alan Dershowitz proclaim the Manhattan Trump conviction a sham and a disgrace, well, then any sane person would see that the law is not on their side, either.

So the Democrats are pounding the table. They think that just perhaps if they insist loudly enough and often enough that re-electing Donald Trump will end democracy and establish a dictatorship in America with Trump our leader for life, well, maybe enough people will buy that nonsense to tip the scales in Bidens favor. But I see that yellow liquid running down my leg, and it isnt rain.

My fear for some time has been the creation by the Democrats of a new pandemic scare, once again allowing vote-harvesting and massive mail-in fraud. But that fear is lessening as the truth about the COVID panic has come to light.

So it would appear that so far, pounding of any sort has not improved the Democrats chances of returning a demented old man to the Oval Office for another term. My suggestion to them, therefore, would be to go pound sand.

Bill Hansmann is a dentist and dental educator with over fifty years in the profession. He continues to teach and write political blogs and semi-mediocre novels while living with his wife and cats in Georgia.

Image: cagdesign via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
Were roughly two months out from the 2024 Olympics, and authorities have already foiled the first planned terrorist attack. Heres the story, from Amy Mek at RAIR Foundation:

A planned Islamic terrorist attack targeting the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne during the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics has been successfully foiled. Rokhman B., an 18-year-old Chechen asylum seeker, was arrested for his involvement in plotting the Islamic attack. In contact with ISIS fighters, he aimed to kill disbelievers.

Surprise! Hes a Muslim. But, theres more: Previously unknown to authorities, Rokhman B. and his family arrived in France as asylum seekers in 2023.

Oh, so not only is he a Muslim, but hes a Muslim migrant. Again, not the least bit surprising.

As Mek reported, Rokhman B. tried to claim that his alleged role in the terrorist attack was merely tough talk and nothing more despite the fact that hed actually been communicating with members of Daesh (Islamic State), and authorities discovered pictures and videos of the targeted venue on his electronic devices.

Tough talk? Is that kind of how raping children gets excused as a cultural difference that requires sensitivity training rather than a criminal act that necessitates severe, and permanent punishment? Or, raping an attractive woman isnt wrong because its only a natural expression of sexual desire?

Migrant Rapist to Judge: 'Her Legs Were Bare, Any Man Would Have Done Like Me'



Egyptian rapist did not show any remorse...After all, if a woman is attractive & provocative, why should it be wrong to take her with violence questioned the migrant



Video https://t.co/quN26DvLa2  Amy Mek (@AmyMek) June 4, 2021

Any man would have done like me, he says!

No Muhammad, they wouldnt. (I dont actually know his name, but odds are Im probably right.) Sure, any man from your backward culture and barbaric 7th century value system, but not one rooted in the morality of men respecting and protecting women, and exercising self-control and self-restraint.

As Mek iterates, the incident serves as another reminder of the persistent jihadist threat in France. To this I must add that the incident serves as a prescient warning to the persistent jihadist threat in the United States as well. How many men like Rokhman B. do we have lurking here, below the radar too? Thank a Democrat.

Image: YouTube video screen grab.
Another criminal referral to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) soon may be made by members of the U.S. Congress to investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci for lying under oath to Congress, which is a felony crime. Representative Jim Comer, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, soon may follow Senator Rand Paul in requesting that the DOJ to criminally investigate Fauci for lying under oath to Congress.

But lying to Congress does not even begin to compare with or address the horrendous amount of suffering and death caused by the toxic health care policies and hospital protocols developed and promulgated by Anthony Fauci and many of the officials listed herein. In this regard, these officials bear superior responsibility for the health care policies and toxic protocols that killed tens (hundreds?) of thousands of Americans during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Rather than hope for a bona fide DOJ investigation of Anthony Fauci and other high-ranking officials for alleged federal crimes, efforts are underway at the state level in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana to have criminal investigations conducted based on violations of state criminal codes. If the investigations establish sufficient probable cause of crimes being committed, then the accused individuals can and should be indicted and prosecuted to the full extent of state law.

Each of the legal briefs described herein contains extensive evidence of state crimes committed. The briefs include numerous handwritten letters submitted by aggrieved next-of-kin family members requesting the criminal investigations. Contact information for details about COVID-19 victims in each of the three states is also provided.

The Florida, Texas, and Louisiana attorneys general and district attorneys need to honor their citizens requests for justice and accountability for the deaths of their loved ones. Further, these public officials swore an oath to stand for justice and protect the rights and lives of their respective citizenry. Now is the time for these public servants to courageously and rightly pursue truth and justice on behalf of their aggrieved citizens and their lost loved ones.

Below is a brief summary of the Florida, Texas, and Louisiana legal briefs.

FLORIDA : In October 2023, a 20-page legal brief with exhibits was submitted by attorneys, including an ex-prosecutor, to the Florida attorney general and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The extensive legal brief requests investigation and subsequent indictment and prosecution of the below named individuals for alleged statewide COVID-related criminal offenses committed against tens of thousands of Floridians. To date, little if any action has been taken on this request.

The request was made on behalf of the next-of-kin relatives of 32 victims in Florida, who request investigation into the deaths of their loved ones under toxic COVID-19 hospital protocols; intentional COVID-19 infection mismanagement; and suppression and denial of life-saving treatments in Florida hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities.

The accused include :

- Anthony Fauci, ex-director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

- Cliff Lane, deputy director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

- Francis Collins, ex-director, National Institutes of Health (NIH)

- Deborah Birx, exWhite House COVID response coordinator & former director of DOD HIV Research at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

- Rochelle Walensky, ex-director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

- Stephen Hahn, ex-commissioner, Federal Drug Administration (FDA)

- The administrators of hospital systems providing care to patients in Florida, including but not limited to AdventHealth Hospital Organization

Alleged violations of Florida criminal code include:

- Murder while Committing Acts of Terrorism, Fl. Stat. 782.04

- Murder while Committing Aggravated Abuse of the Elderly and Disabled Adults, Fl. Stat. 782.04

- Aggravated Manslaughter of the Elderly, Disabled Adults, and Children, Fl. Stat. 782.07

- Florida Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO), Fl. Stat. 895.03

TEXAS : In March 2024, a 26-page legal brief with exhibits was submitted by attorneys to the district attorneys of 22 Texas counties to initiate criminal investigations of Anthony Fauci and other officials for alleged COVID-related crimes committed against citizens of Texas. The criminal referral requests (to be sent to Texas attorney general Ken Paxton) were submitted to the district attorneys for Angelina, Bexar, Brazos, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Fort Bend, Galveston, Guadalupe, Grayson, Gregg, Harris, Hays, Johnson, Lubbock, Montgomery, Smith, Tarrant, Tom Green, Travis, and Wise Counties. Current status of the referral requests is unknown at present.

The requests were made on behalf of the next-of-kin relatives of 46 victims in Texas, who request investigation into the deaths of their loved ones under toxic COVID-19 hospital protocols, intentional COVID-19 infection mismanagement, and suppression and denial of life-saving treatments in Texas hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities.

The accused include the same individuals in the above Florida filing with the addition of the following officials:

- Robert Redfield, ex-director, CDC

- Peter Daszak, president, Eco-Health Alliance

- Rick Bright, director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority

- The administrators and health care providers of hospital systems and facilities providing care to patients in Texas, including but not limited to Baylor, Scott, and White Hospital Systems.

Alleged violations of Texas criminal code include:

- Capital Murder  Tex. Penal Code 19.03(a)(7);

- Manslaughter  Tex. Penal Code 19.04;

- Trafficking of Persons  Tex. Penal Code 20A.02;

- Participation in enterprise through racketeering or unlawful debt collection  Tex. Penal Code 72.04 by Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity  Tex. Penal Code 71.02;

- Injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual  Tex. Penal Code 22.04

LOUISIANA : Next-of-kin relatives of nine Louisianians (victims) request investigation into the deaths of their lost loved ones under toxic COVID-19 hospital protocols; intentional COVID-19 infection mismanagement; and suppression and denial of life-saving treatments in Louisiana hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities. In response to their requests, attorneys have prepared an extensive 30-page legal brief with exhibits that soon will be submitted to the Louisianna attorney general and applicable district attorneys.

The accused include the same individuals listed in the Florida and Texas legal briefs.

Alleged violations of Louisiana criminal code include :

- Terrorism  by Causing Intentional Killing or Infliction of Serious Bodily Injury, La. R.S. 14:128.1(A);

- First Degree Murder, La. R.S. 14:30 and Second Degree Murder, La. R.S. 14:30.1;

- Manslaughter, La. R.S. 14:31(A)(3);

- Prohibited Racketeering Acts, La. R.S. 15:1353;

- Cruelty to Persons with Infirmities, La. R.S. 14:93.3;

- False Imprisonment, La. R.S. 14:46 and Second Degree Kidnapping, La. R.S. 14:44.1

A FINAL THOUGHT : The late evangelist Billy Graham once said: Courage is contagious  when a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. America desperately needs at least one brave prosecutor to lead in courageously pursuing truth and justice on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of aggrieved next-of-kin families who wrongfully lost loved ones during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Paul S. Gardiner is a retired Army officer, Vietnam veteran, and avid lover of America. He has assisted attorneys in identifying next-of-kin family members in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana who lost loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Image: Triggermouse via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
We have a serious question for leftists out there: what if theyre wrong in their circular-logic assertion that President Trump is the next Hitler? Weve all heard the constant refrain from the left, ad nauseam, for years  despite the inconvenient fact that he spent four years in power and didnt become what they always warned about.

The nations socialist media have lectured us down through the decades that were never, ever supposed to play the Nazi card and make the obvious comparisons between one group of authoritarian leftists and another. But the evidence-free cacophony is that President Trump is supposedly the next Hitler, based on whatever the man is doing at the moment. If he was seen drinking a glass of water, that would be all the proof needed by the left that hes an authoritarian and a wannabe dictator, because you know who else drank water? Hitler. Leftists see this as self-justification to do anything to stop the man, because, after all, hes the next Hitler. See how that works?

It would be one thing if they were making a factual argument to bolster their hysterical rantings, but they simply echo the accusation without ever backing it up. And aside from a few jokes or comments they didnt understand, we can easily list out all the evidence theyve presented that puts him in line with authoritarian dictators of the past:

[ ]

That is a lot of evidence, to be sure, and each one of those non-existent points probably has a Wikipedia page or two that is just about as informative. But this points to a larger problem for leftists, because if all they have are fact-free allegations, they could be taking part in one of the biggest mistakes in history. Even worse for them, this is all against the backdrop of an academic legacy that has asserted that authoritarianism is only a vestige of the right.

If you dig deeper into this leftist can of worms (pro tip: bring plenty of analgesic pain-relieving medications along), youll discover that they cannot fathom that left-wing authoritarianism (LWA) even exists. Yes, theyve published academic papers entitled The Myth of Left-Wing Authoritarianism and Finding the Loch Ness Monster: Left-Wing Authoritarianism in the United States as two examples of many, and thats just the tip of the psychobabble iceberg.

These geniuses never thought to read a newspaper or a history book, or even watch the evening news. Then perhaps they would have heard of leftist authoritarians of the USSR, Red China, and the worst mass murderers of the last century like Lenin, Stalin, Hitler, Mao, Pol Pot, etc.

Since were on the subject, lets take a look at those regimes and authoritarians in determining the warning signs and indications of an authoritarian to see where those apply, starting with what is always the canary in a coal mine for fundamental freedoms: the right of self-defense.

Leftists never seem to mention the oppression of this right when it comes to President Trump. But the destruction of this fundamental freedom is a downright obsession for them, giving Biden a leg up in the potential to be Hitler.

The left took a big L on guns in following in the footsteps of Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Maduro, Pol Pot, and of course Hitler, but lets see how they do on the rest of the Bill of Rights. Dictators can never deal with free speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. And wouldnt you know that the left rolled snake eyes on President Trump in going after these rights, but Biden has colluded with Big Tech to censor conservatives, arrested journalists, and sent in the FBI against Catholics?

To be fair, there were inadvertent remarks from President Trump around certain subjects, such as unconstitutional red flag laws, but that doesnt compare to Biden going pedal to the metal with these unconstitutional abominations that violate a slew of amendments.

We could also compare how both have gone after their political opponents, but it should be obvious that Biden is in the guise of authoritarians of the past, and President Trump is the victim of this overwhelming partisan onslaught.

Even this short analysis shows that Biden is the potential Hitler, so if leftists are so concerned about this prospect, why are they still supporting him? It should be patent by now that they dont really care about these prospects, and they dont really care about the threat to democracy, because weve proven that that is nothing but another massive lie on their part. They care about only their power, and any lies they use to attain that power are simply a part of the process.

That means that these are the last people youre going to want to run the country. President Trump may have a few faults and tend to be indelicate at times. But the man loves his country and is willing to endure this process to save it. That is far more than what can be said of the left.

D Parker is an engineer, inventor, wordsmith, and student of history, former director of communications for a civil rights organization, and a longtime contributor to conservative websites. Find him on Substack.

Image: paul_houle via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
How many more generations of kids at McReynolds Middle School should have to risk life and limb to get to a school blocked by trains? Houston Chronicle

Whisper-voiced Ruby Tista gets nervous before every classroom presentation but on this day, gripping a microphone in the McReynolds Middle School library in front of a tri-fold poster board, shes so nervous that shes given herself a headache.

Thats because shes not just talking to her peers in the room. She and two classmates are trying to persuade two representatives of Union Pacific, a $24 billion revenue railroad company that controls most of the freight traffic rumbling in and out of Houston, including cars that can carry everything from toxic chemicals and petroleum products to coal and grain . It all chugs past her school every day. Sometimes the long trains move slowly. And sometimes they stall there for more than an hour.

McReynolds Middle School students make a run for it to get past a train as they walk home from school on October 22, 2022. The school is about 300 feet from a busy section of tracks close to the Union Pacific Englewood Yard in Houstons Fifth Ward. Sharon Steinmann

The train is always there blocking our way home, school and other places that we want to head, Tista tells the largely expressionless faces of two representatives, one in a suit and one in a polo. This is a problem because some students and other people in our community go over and under, which is illegal and its also a safety hazard.

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Its also nothing new. For generations, students at McReynolds, about a mile outside one of the nations busiest rail yards in Fifth Ward, have been crawling over and under trains to get home from school in the afternoon and to avoid tardies in the morning. For decades, residents and city leaders have pleaded with Union Pacific for solutions. The company has long insisted that stopped trains arent good for anybody, including their bottom line. And everyone there weve talked with agrees that safety is important.

A McReynolds Middle School student attempts to climb over a moving train as students walk home from school on April 29, 2023. The school is about 300 feet from a busy section of tracks close to the Union Pacific Englewood Yard in Houstons Fifth Ward. Sharon Steinmann

Little seems to change, though. Stalled trains blocking busy roads are a part of life in Houston, especially in the East End. Our economy depends on them. But trains arent just an inconvenience for kids at some Houston ISD schools and charters. Theyre a threat to life and limb.

Something needs to change.

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On the April afternoon last year when this editorial board followed Ruby and her classmates in their visit with UP, the youngsters tried to accomplish what some powerful people havent. After their library presentation, they led the UP representatives along the tracks outside their red-brick school, pointing to where the trains block roughly 100 students headed home to apartment buildings and beyond on the other side. They made their big ask: for Union Pacific to help build a pedestrian bridge that would allow students to bypass the trains and commute safely.

McReynolds Middle School students are blocked by a train as they walk home from school on October 22, 2022. The school is about 300 feet from a busy section of tracks close to the Union Pacific Englewood Yard in Houstons Fifth Ward. Sharon Steinmann

Many students have harrowing stories about the trains. Ruby can recall the last time she crawled under a stopped train, it suddenly started to move: I thought I was gonna get run over, she told us later. Now, she only climbs over the trains or waits.

The UP representatives at the school promised ongoing communication: Thank you for your time and your research, Richard Zientek with public affairs told them. Safety is the No. 1 priority. He shook their hands. Ruby felt they listened.

A year later, nearing the end of her seventh grade year, shes not so sure.

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I dont really think it will happen, she told us with a shrug, but Im hopeful.

Kids at McReynolds need more than hope and a poster board presentation. Theyve done their best to get results. Now they need allies who can get them more than temporary, patchwork solutions.

McReynolds Middle School students are blocked by a train as they walk home from school on October 22, 2022. The school is about 300 feet from a busy section of tracks close to the Union Pacific Englewood Yard in Houstons Fifth Ward. Sharon Steinmann

Union Pacific did agree to try to keep trains from stopping during drop-off and dismissal. And new Principal Chastity Caeser, who grew up in the area, now has a direct number for Zientek, whom she calls if trains are clogging up the tracks.

But that just Band-Aids the situation, she told us.

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She knocks her fist on wood that theyve never had a medical emergency while a train was stalled outside.

She worries about the weekends and the coming summer, when she wont be able to peer out her office window and see if theres a stopped train and when kids wont have a teacher stationed out there making sure theyre staying safe as they venture to the pool or the store.

Over the past two years, we have visited McReynolds several times. Weve witnessed the sometimes chaotic dismissals when teachers try to keep students away from passing or parked trains. Weve seen nearby Wheatley High School students hoist themselves over a train. Our hearts stopped during one dismissal when we heard a kid shout out He fell! only to start up again when we saw the young boy scramble to his feet and out of the way of a slow-moving train more than 50 cars long. Just last month, we too had to navigate the rocky slopes to make our way around a train that was stopped for over an hour.

McReynolds Middle School students are blocked by a train as they walk home from school on October 22, 2022. The school is about 300 feet from a busy section of tracks close to the Union Pacific Englewood Yard in Houstons Fifth Ward. Sharon Steinmann

The treeless intersection beside McReynolds is the perfect reflection of Houstons unique and often fraught relationship with freight trains.

Situated just outside one of two major rail yards in the area, the tracks that run alongside the school are, as one expert put it, akin to an airplane runway, constantly managing traffic on its way to and from the Englewood Yard that sorts and resorts freight headed for every corner of the country.

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McReynolds is just a small piece of a much bigger problem that will likely take significant funding for infrastructural improvements, expanded train monitoring systems and other community investments. But after decades of scrambling under and around freight trains, the students here deserve better.

Why should rail companies essentially get to wait out the bad press and ire of rotating politicians and principals? The company helps sponsor the end of year festivities at the school but, as of yet, hasnt offered to cover the costs of a bridge to help students make sure they make it to the end of the year.

One glimmer of hope emerged recently, though. A bridge, even if UP helps fund it, will be expensive and will likely require federal assistance. Last year the city secured federal funds to build four underpasses and eliminate seven at-grade crossings, also on the East Side. The Gulf Coast Rail District has helped prioritize needed projects in the area and plans to hold workshops this summer to help local jurisdictions apply for more grants to get those done.

McReynolds Middle School students are blocked by a train as they walk home from school on October 22, 2022. The school is about 300 feet from a busy section of tracks close to the Union Pacific Englewood Yard in Houstons Fifth Ward. Sharon Steinmann

Finally, though, McReynolds found itself on one of those applications when the areas city council member, Mario Castillo, applied this month for a federal grant, with the blessing and promise of $250,000 in matching funds from Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, to get improvements for pedestrians at the Market Street crossing.

Theyll know by October if they got it.

Its a hopeful development but its still more waiting. Ruby is used to that. But we think she and the other roughly 400 students at McReynolds have waited long enough.

A Union Pacific spokesperson told us the company hadnt been asked for a letter of support for the recent grant but is more than willing to accommodate, if asked.

Were asking. The bridge should be built. Union Pacific has shown a willingness to listen and even think about solutions. Heres one the $24 billion corporation should fund. No more stalling.
In honor of PRIDE! Month, various entities took to Twitter X to shamelessly virtue signal and bend a knee towards the 2SLGBTQIIA+ community. The Biden White House declared, This month and every month, our Administration celebrates the extraordinary courage of LGBTQI+ people and proudly stands with them in the fight for equality, justice, and inclusion. (Does this mean it doesnt stand with the 2Sers, one of the Is, or the A people?)

The U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) openly and proudly recognized the contributions of LGBTQ+ Veterans, while the Department of Defense (DOD) trumpeted: Pride Month is a time to come together to honor the contributions of LGBTQ+ service members. (Come together, wink, wink.) Not sure if the VA or DOD ever separately and explicitly honored heterosexual veterans. Or Christian ones. Or traditional and conservative ones. Oh yeah, they actually kicked them out of the services.

Meanwhile, Sesame Street, the public television show aimed at toddlers and preschoolers, proudly posted: Happy #PrideMonth from Sesame Street! Today and every day, we celebrate and uplift the LGBTQIA+ members of our community. Together, lets build a world where every person and family feels loved and welcomed for who they are. Because two- to six-year-olds desperately need to learn about aberrantor anysexual behavior. Right? I dont want to hear about Bert and Ernieand Elmo. I can hear the Count now: One, one LGBTQIA+ member; two, two LGBTQIA+ members; three, three LGBTQIA+ members, ah, ah, ah, ah

Happily, the National Weather Service (NWS) also chipped in, stating: Let us Reflect, Empower and Unite together this #Pride Month as we celebrate the diversity of the NWS family! Their skills and perspectives allow us to meet our mission of protecting a diverse nation. Because when, say, a hurricane or tornado is heading your way, isnt it good to know that your weatherperson isnt straight?!

So, if you are a straight, white, Christian male veteranregardless of your sacrificeyou get one day a year to be officially recognizedNovember 11th. But if you are, say, a bisexual, mulatto, transgender veteran, you get to be feted for an entire month! Lucky you!

The NWS? Sesame Street? I, for one, cant wait to see the posts touting the LGBTQIA+ community coming from the Bureau of Engraving, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Vatican, Chuck E. Cheese, and the Brewery Collectibles Club of America.

As Hunter Biden might say, by way of the Beatles, Come together, right now, over me.

Image: Fort Rucker, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered.
Supreme Court Restrains Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy From Entering Counting Station:- Responding to allegations about the destruction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at a polling station in Andhra Pradesh, the Supreme Court has taken action. The court has prohibited Macherla MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy (from the YSRCP party) from entering the counting station or its surrounding area on June 4th, 2024, when the vote counting will occur. This decision was made by a vacation bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta, who were considering two petitions filed by TDP polling agent Namburi Seshagiri Rao. Rao alleged that Reddy and his associates had entered a polling booth in Macherla and damaged the EVMs. The petitioner expressed concerns that a similar incident could happen again on the day of the vote count. After hearing the arguments from both sides, the court accepted the assurance given by Shri Vikas Singh, the senior counsel representing the respondent (Reddy), that the respondent would not enter the counting station or its vicinity on June 4th, 2024. The court believed this undertaking was sufficient to address the petitioner's apprehensions.

The case was brought before the esteemed High Court for consideration. During the proceedings, the petitioner's legal representative directed the court's attention to certain photographs, which were reportedly obtained from the Election Commission of India's web broadcast. Additionally, a video was presented for the court's review. The petitioner's counsel argued that the accused (Reddy) was undermining the system, as a sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly had gone to the polling station, destroyed the equipment, and a complaint was filed alleging that unknown individuals had committed the offense. The counsel further stated that the accused was absconding until the High Court issued an order. On the other hand, the senior advocate representing Reddy expressed doubts about the validity of the video presented in court, suggesting that it could not be definitively ascertained who was present in the footage. However, the bench provided the device containing the video to the senior advocate, and noted that there were also photographs available. Justice Kumar observed that the video had been widely circulated on social media. Nevertheless, the senior advocate maintained that the video was not officially broadcast by the Election Commission of India, and the photographs were not official.

In response, Justice Kumar stated that even if the photographs were to be disregarded, the very fact that the complainant had reported that both the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and the Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) were removed and destroyed after 8 people had stormed into the polling booth was significant. The person inquired, "My query is who barged in."

"The allegations in the complaint must be accepted on their face." Referring to doubts about the video made by the petitioner, Justice Mehta opined, "This video has not been viewed on Facebook." After hearing the parties, the court recorded the affidavits of Singh and Reddy barring them from entering the counting station of Macherla constituency. He also asked the Supreme Court to decide on the pending petition, which will be registered on June 6, 2024, granting interim relief to Reddy and not affecting its earlier order. The court strongly objected to the Supreme Court's grant of interim protection to Reddy, calling it a "mockery of the system". The bench was initially inclined to uphold the Supreme Court's order when Justice Mehta said, "Let this be an example." Singh, however, told the court that no appeals were filed in other cases involving Reddy and that Reddy had given an undertaking not to enter the counting station. on the day of the count. The interim protection granted to Reddy by the Supreme Court will expire on June 5.
(Image source from: Facebook.com/TDP.Official)

AP Politics: It is a clean sweep for TDP and Janasena:- The divine plan often unfolds in unexpected ways, and the YSR Congress party is learning this lesson the hard way as they face a humiliating defeat. After their overwhelming victory in the 2019 elections, with 151 assembly seats, the YCP had lorded over the TDP for the past 5 years. However, the tables have now turned, and the TDP alliance is poised to secure 151 MLA seats, while the YCP is leading in only 23 seats, mirroring the 2019 outcome. Interestingly, the current trends suggest that the YCP's support might be as strong as that of the JanaSena party, and if things go awry for the YCP, the Pawan Kalyan-led JSP could potentially emerge with 21 MLA seats. The former Chief Minister and TDP supremo, N. Chandrababu Naidu, had vowed to return to the Assembly only as the Chief Minister, and it appears that this promise is on the verge of being fulfilled. In 2021, Naidu had become emotional in the Assembly, after the YCP leaders made derogatory remarks about his wife, leading him to pledge that he would no longer attend the legislative proceedings.

After becoming the Chief Minister, Naidu expressed his emotions, holding back tears as he left the Assembly with folded hands, during a debate on women's empowerment. The initial trends in the Andhra Pradesh electoral roll strongly favor the TDP+ alliance. The surge in support for the alliance is so significant that Janasena, which secured just a single seat in 2019, is now outperforming the YCP. According to the ongoing reports, Janasena is leading in 17 seats, while YSR Congress is leading in only 16 seats, a substantial victory for the Janasena camp. Looking at the TDP+ alliance as a whole, the Kutami is leading in over 130 assembly constituencies, while the YCP is struggling to reach even 20 MLA seats. Pawan Kalyan vowed to teach Jagan Mohan Reddy a valuable lesson in the election, and he is making good on his promise by keeping his Janasena outfit larger than the incumbent YCP government. Janasena has gone from 1 to 17 seats, while YSR Congress has dropped from 151 to 16, a shocking disparity.

As the election results unfold, the TDP alliance has emerged with a commanding lead across the constituencies. Andhra Pradesh's eager supporters are already poised to revel in the impending triumph, with celebrations spilling over to the UK, Australia, and the USA. A viral video from Houston, Texas, captures the TDP supporters joyfully dancing, their televisions displaying the party's decisive victory. All the NRI fans of Janasena and TDP have been celebrating with the flags through special gatherings. They are expected to turn bigger as there are several rounds left.
Samsung teased its first smart ring called the Galaxy Ring in January and showcased it at MWC in February. The brand hasnt revealed much about the health-tracking wearables features. However, we do know that it will come in as many as 9 sizes. The Korean tech giant is expected to finally launch the Galaxy Ring alongside its next foldable phones next month.

In the latest development, ahead of the Galaxy Rings commercial launch, Samsung has filed a non-infringement confirmation dispute against the Oura ring makers patents. It appears that Samsung wants to prevent Oura from suing it against any patent infringement disputes once the Galaxy Ring launches.

Samsung filed a non-infringement confirmation lawsuit against Oura ring patents

According to a report by The Elec, Samsung has filed a non-infringement confirmation lawsuit against as many as five of Ouras smart ring technology patents. These patents cover methods of manufacturing a smart ring, apart from the health features it can offer. One of the health-tracking features of these patents includes calculating the readiness level of the user for exercise.

As per the source, Samsung filed the patent infringement confirmation lawsuit against Oura on May 29 with the US Federal Court for the Eastern District of California. The company has also filed an invalidity trial with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Samsung wants to declare that the Galaxy Ring doesnt infringe any existing Oura patents

It looks like Samsung wants to declare to the court that the Galaxy Ring doesnt infringe any of Ouras patents. This dispute will resolve any future patent conflicts with the Finland-based smart ring maker. This could also help prevent the sales ban on the Galaxy Ring. It may occur if Oura files a patent infringement lawsuit.

It wouldnt be surprising if Oura files a patent infringement lawsuit against Samsung for the Galaxy Ring. The company may be worried about the Korean tech giants entry into the smart ring vertical. Oura CEO Tom Hale already said in an interview that the brand will closely monitor the development of the Galaxy Ring. It will observe whether the device violates any patents.

Samsung could give tough competition to Oura products using its branding and massive presence in the personal electronics market. That said, everything depends on the features and pricing of the Galaxy Ring. The company is expected to reveal everything about the new health-centric wearable at an event on July 10, so stay tuned.
Sony is one of the more popular audio brands in the industry. Were all waiting for its latest flock of flagship-grade headphones to hit the market, but we have some bad news. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM6 wont be coming until next year.

While their name is a pain in the neck to say, the Sony WH-1000XM series of over-the-ear headphones are some of the best that you can get on the market. They use Sonys custom-made audio drivers to deliver some killer audio and they use Sonys proprietary chips as well.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sony WF-1000XM6 wont be coming until next year

The WH-1000XM5 came out back in 2022, the XM4 came out in 2020, and the XM3 came out in, you guessed it, 2018. So, Sony is going on a two-year release cycle with its headphones. This makes sense, as people arent as likely to swap their phones year-to-year as they are their phones.

Phones slow down over time, and that prompts people to switch up. When it comes to headphones well, you can be certain that newer music hasnt become harder for headphones to process over the years. So, Sony is able to comfortably wait two years to release its newest headphones.

As for how long were going to be waiting, thats a bit in the air. According to the report, we should expect these headphones to arrive sometime in the first half of 2025. The XM5 launched around mid-2022, so we can assume that the headphones will get some sort of announcement in one years time.

Unfortunately, we dont have any word on what kind of specs to expect or what kind of improvements Sony will make. The company has been improving the line over the years, so we can expect the usual slew of audio improvements.

There is some good news, however

Those of you who are into the Sony Linkbuds are in luck. According to the report, Sony will likely unveil its next generation of Linkbuds this year. We dont have an exact date, but its good to know that we should see them before the years out.

If you recall, the Linkbuds are the earbuds with the radical open design that people spoke about in volume. We expect to see the second iteration of the Linkbuds and the Linkbuds S this year. Hopefully, well see more information about these earbuds soon.
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 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 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 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, 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

Historic election

Regarding Mexico elects Claudia Sheinbaum as its first female president, (June 3): Sunday, June 2, 2024, Mexicans worldwide, including myself, celebrated La Fiesta de la Democracia by participating in a historic election for the countrys first female president. With great anticipation, I awoke at 7 a.m. on Sunday and drove to the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston to cast my vote  an act I had diligently prepared for over the past several months. I was in line at 8:15 a.m., an hour before the polling station was scheduled to open. Despite the considerable length of the queue, my determination to exercise my right to vote remained steadfast. By 10 a.m., however, the line had scarcely moved, causing concern and confusion among those of us waiting.

As the hours passed, the line inched forward. By approximately 1 p.m., temperatures soared. Friendly citizens distributed water to seniors, babies and children who had already endured several hours of waiting. Around 2 p.m., volunteers assisting with the electoral process informed us that approximately 900 to 1,000 ballots remained for those who had not pre-registered, urging patience as we awaited our turn to vote.

By the time polls closed at 7 p.m., I was just feet away from entering the polling station. After nearly 12 hours under the hot sun, we clung to the hope that we would soon contribute to our democracy. Police were on the scene to manage the increasingly frustrated crowd. An hour later, we were informed that the system had closed and our opportunity to vote had been lost.

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The day ended in profound disappointment, anger and helplessness. This unfortunate outcome highlights the critical need for the National Electoral Institute and its volunteers to implement more effective logistical planning and organization to ensure that every citizens right to vote is upheld.

Elsa Ayala-Nava, Houston

Mexico just had a presidential election. The Mexicans elected their first woman president, who is also the first Jewish president of Mexico. Most amazing of all is that the losing presidential candidates conceded without any calls of voter fraud. Americans could take a lesson from that.

Gonzalo Martinez, La Porte

Whats next for Trump?

Regarding, Trumps guilty verdict is not the end of the matter | Opinion (May 31): In my lifetime I saw:



Martin Luther King Jr. persecuted, prosecuted and eventually become a beloved martyr.

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Muhammad Ali persecuted, prosecuted and eventually become a beloved martyr.

Nelson Mandela, persecuted, prosecuted and eventually become a beloved martyr.

Mahatma Gandhi, persecuted, prosecuted and eventually become a beloved martyr.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, persecuted, prosecuted and eventually become a beloved martyr.

Lech Waesa, persecuted, prosecuted and eventually become a beloved martyr.



Message to Democrats: Be careful what you wish for.

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Edward A. Vesely, Houston

Having been involved in Texas politics for a decade, Ive worn out three Fords and logged nearly half a million miles driving every inch of our great state. I saw the enormity of Donald Trumps appeal in 2016 by the flags and yard signs and bumper stickers everywhere. Now, just five months before Election Day, I see nothing of the pro-Trump energy that I saw in 2016. Trump might win again, but the MAGA fad, like all political fads, is running out of steam.

The reaction to Trumps felony conviction is telling. Media personalities scream were on the cusp of a riotous revolution. But to most ordinary Texans its a big yawn. Americans still cherish democracy, civility and the rule of law, and I see us coming out of our present malaise. This is welcome news, because we really need our political leaders focused on serious problems like funding education, securing the border, fixing the dang grid and giving women a say in their health care.

Mike Collier, Kingwood

All I can say about the Trump trial is that the defense agreed to seat all 12 jurors as impartial after its unlimited ability to question and challenge each regarding their impartiality. They heard all the evidence. I didnt, so I respect their deliberate, unanimous decision. As for voters standing by his claimed innocence, it speaks volumes about the level of honesty, integrity and type of leadership we want in our president. We are getting closer than ever to witnessing demagoguery in our own country.

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Bob Leilich, The Woodlands

Regarding the editorial cartoon in print on Saturday, June 1, page A1: The cartoon shows a huge word, FELON, with Trumps face superimposed on the letters. When Trumps convictions are overturned by a legitimate court, what will cartoonists say then? Of course, they will grumble and demean the Supreme Court and Trump. This country deserves the silly people who vote for corrupt Democrats. The U.S. will not make 300 years as a great nation. Democrats are ensuring that.
Antena 3 CNN  Externe  Today, June 4, is the 35 anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre Today, June 4, is the 35 anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre

Today, June 4, is the 35 anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre

On this day 35 years ago thousands of Chinese students and citizens seeking democratic reforms were killed in Tianenmen Square because they sought freedom and democracy. This highlites the brutality and criminal nature of the Communist Chinese Party.

4 iunie 2024, se implinesc 35 de ani de la masacrul din Piata Tiananmen. Adrian Zuckerman: Mii de chinezi au fost ucisi pentru ca au cautat libertatea

04 Iun 2024  16:47
The editor of a UK-based Jewish newspaper has said Britain remains a very good place to be Jewish amid ongoing tensions caused by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Justin Cohen, 43, also described reporting on the first few months of the conflict for Jewish News as incredibly intense.

Mr Cohen, from Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, was made an MBE for services to Holocaust Remembrance and the Jewish community by the Prince of Wales on Tuesday, after being named in the New Year Honours list.

Mr Cohen spoke with the Prince of Wales about his work at Jewish News (Jonathan Brady/PA)

There have been many flare-ups involving Jewish groups across the UK since Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7 last year, including at pro-Palestinian and antisemitism marches in London.

Two men appeared in court last month accused of plotting to carry out an Islamic State-inspired gun attack against a Jewish community in the north-west of England.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr Cohen said: Thinking at this point that Jewish-Muslim relations have failed because there are issues with it is a dereliction of duty.

For anyone whos a proud Jewish Brit or Muslim Brit, we are going to be living together for many more years to come so there is a responsibility to continue those relations going forward.

He added: Despite some reports to the contrary, Britain remains, I think, a very good place to be Jewish, far from the suggestions that people are running away or packing their bags.

Mr Cohen said he went to school with one of the British Israelis who was named as having been killed on October 7.

Asked how he found reporting on the conflict, he said: The first couple of months, October, November, were like nothing Ive ever experienced before.

I was hearing constantly from the hostage families in Israel who were speaking to the national media.

It was incredibly intense, but all the way we have done our very best to present a balanced view.

Mr Cohen said he spoke with William about the circulation of Jewish News, a free weekly newspaper, as well as the challenges of recent months and any antisemitism concerns from readers as he received his royal honour at Windsor Castle.

He previously worked with the Princess of Wales on a photography exhibition in which Her Majesty helped take pictures of some of the UKs last remaining Holocaust survivors, and said Kate went so far above and beyond to help out with the project.

Mr Cohen has worked at Jewish News for more than 23 years after starting at the newspaper on a work experience placement.

Asked about his career with the newspaper, he said: To be a journalist working within a community that Im part of, and covering on a daily basis issues that are of interest to my family and friends and affects them directly very often, is something quite unique.
Postal workers leaders have told the company bidding to take over Royal Mail that commitments it has given are not strong enough.

Officials from the Communication Workers Union (CWU) met representatives of the EP Group, describing it as useful and constructive, adding that further meetings would take place including the direct involvement of Daniel Kretinsky, the Czech tycoon behind the multi-billion-pound takeover.

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: We made it very clear that the current commitments from EP Group are neither strong enough or long enough.

Daniel Kretinsky has openly stated he wants to own Royal Mail for the rest of his life  we need commitments for the workforce that match that level of ambition.

The CWU put forward our wide-ranging concerns and also our view that we need to see a completely new ownership/business model for Royal Mail and one that gives all employees a real stake in the future of the business. Both parties have agreed to explore this further.

Royal Mail have led a prolonged and deliberate attack on its own workforce which continues to this day in many workplaces.

Representatives of EP Group understood the reality that unless the workforce are on board, the company will never succeed.

Mr Ward said the union was increasing its plans to engage with the Government and Labour on the takeover bid, believing it needed to be heavily scrutinised and debated.

He added: We do not support a foreign equity company taking over Royal Mail. At the same time, we have absolutely no confidence in the current board of the company.

Royal Mail should be renationalised but the political climate makes that very difficult at the moment. Our job now is to make sure our members voice is heard at every opportunity as this takeover bid unfolds.
Gareth Southgate praised Trent Alexander-Arnold and the unflappable Adam Wharton as he continues to think about Englands midfield balance at Euro 2024.

The fine-tuning ahead of June 16s opener against Serbia continued in Mondays 3-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina as Southgate experimented with personnel and positions.

Midfield is one of the key areas of consideration given Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips and Mason Mount are currently out of an England set-up they have been a major part of in recent tournaments.

Trent Alexander-Arnold scores against Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mike Egerton/PA)

Conor Gallagher impressed in midfield alongside Alexander-Arnold, who capped a man-of-the-match display with a stunning volley having reverted to a more familiar right-back role.

We were very pleased, Southgate said after seeing the Liverpool man in midfield again.

It is a role he is discovering and he is hungry to learn and has been since I talked to him about playing it a year or so ago, and equally what we saw in the last half an hour is also an important option for us as well.

We are going to have different challenges in this tournament, and we are going to have to have different ways of solving problems that teams pose us.

Southgate loves to see Alexander-Arnold enjoying playing in an England shirt but the 25-year-olds ability to fulfil a midfield role against elite opponents is unclear, with a knee injury robbing the England boss of the chance to test him there against Brazil and Belgium in March.

Gareth Southgate, centre left, congratulates Adam Wharton after Englands win over Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mike Egerton/PA)

That is the unknown, said Southgate, who has to name his final 26-man squad for the Euros straight after Fridays friendly against Iceland.

Obviously with Gallagher, with (Kobbie) Mainoo, even with Wharton you know exactly what they can and cant do. None of these players can do everything so you are trying to work out the right balance.

Obviously Declan (Rice) is going to be in there so what is the balance with him? That could be different for different games.

I think we will play against a back five at certain times and we have got some good options, both what we start with but also what we can adapt to during matches.

The composition of midfield has long proved a conundrum for England, although the sudden emergence of Mainoo, 19, and Wharton, 20, nods to an exciting future.

A dream come true to make my debut for my country  pic.twitter.com/8Zra4YaNtV  Adam Wharton (@AdamWharton10) June 3, 2024

Mainoo  given a break after his starring role in Manchester Uniteds FA Cup final win  linked up with the England camp on Tuesday, having seen Wharton impress on his debut off the bench the previous night.

The 20-year-old put in an assured performance, continuing an impressive rise that saw him join Crystal Palace from Blackburn at the start of February.

I guess a lot of that comes down to where we think we will need the positional cover, but really impressed with how he has been, Southgate said.

He is a very calm boy, he seems to have taken everything in his stride when you think of what the last year has been but when you talk to him, he is just pretty unflappable as he was on the pitch.

That ability to receive and see a picture early isnt something you should underestimate.

Harry Kane, left, celebrates his goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Southgates decision to bring on Wharton two thirds into Mondays match was pre-planned, as was Harry Kanes introduction.

The England captain scored on his return from a back complaint after replacing Ollie Watkins, who got the nod ahead of Ivan Toney.

The Brentford striker will be involved against Iceland but Southgate says getting Kane up to speed outweighs the battle to be his back-up.

(Toney) will be involved on Friday but I have got to get Harry Kane right, he added.

Sometimes the priorities of whats required and what you would like to see as well, you cant achieve all of those objectives. Simple as that.
Teenagers should consider setting limits for how much time they spend online each day, academics have said, after a new study found that internet addiction may have detrimental effects on the brains of youngsters.

Internet addiction can cause negative behavioural and developmental changes in the brains of adolescents, the experts said.

These changes could mean teenagers struggle to maintain relationships and social activities, and lie about online activity.

Teens addicted to the internet could also experience disrupted sleep and develop irregular eating patterns, the researchers said.

It comes after experts found that internet addiction appears to alter the connections between the brain networks in teenagers.

Researchers from University College London examined data from 12 studies from Korea, China and Indonesia involving 237 youngsters aged 10 to 19 who had been diagnosed with an internet addition.

The issue has been defined by researchers as a persons inability to resist the urge to use the internet which has negative effects on their psychological wellbeing as well as their social, academic and professional lives.

All of the youngsters involved in the study had brain scans to examine how the regions of the brain interact with each other  also known as functional connectivity  while they were resting and completing a task.

The team found that a number of regions of the brain appeared to be affected by internet addiction.

This include a mixture of increased and decreased activity in the parts of the brain that are activated when the people studied were resting and a decrease in the functional connectivity in the parts of the brain involved in active thinking.

Academics said these changes can be linked to addictive behaviours as well as behaviour changes associated with intellectual ability, physical coordination, mental health and development.

Given the influx of technology and media in the lives and education of children and adolescents, an increase in prevalence and focus on internet-related behavioural changes is imperative towards future children/adolescent mental health, the authors wrote in the journal PLOS Mental Health.

Lead author Max Chang said: Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage during which people go through significant changes in their biology, cognition and personalities.

As a result, the brain is particularly vulnerable to internet addiction-related urges during this time, such as compulsive internet usage, cravings towards usage of the mouse or keyboard and consuming media.

The findings from our study show that this can lead to potentially negative behavioural and developmental changes that could impact the lives of adolescents.

For example, they may struggle to maintain relationships and social activities, lie about online activity and experience irregular eating and disrupted sleep.

Senior author Irene Lee added: There is no doubt that the internet has certain advantages. However, when it begins to affect our day-to-day lives, it is a problem.

We would advise that young people enforce sensible time limits for their daily internet usage and ensure that they are aware of the psychological and social implications of spending too much time online.

The authors point out that their study only looked at a small number of people, primarily from Asian countries and they called for more research with different populations.

But commenting on the paper, Professor David Ellis, from the University of Baths Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour, cautioned that drawing strong conclusions from the papers reviewed (is) almost impossible because of a number of limitations in the studies examined.
An internet troll who posted chilling online messages threatening to kill Harry Potter author JK Rowling and Rosie Duffield, who was an MP at the time, has been spared jail.

Glenn Mullen, 31, of Clyde Road, Manchester, uploaded audio clips in Gaelic threatening to kill Ms Rowling with a big hammer and said he was going to see Rosie Duffield at the bar with a big gun, Westminster Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday.

Mullen had been publicly identified as the poster of the audio clips by an online magazine shortly after they were posted on social media site X, formerly Twitter, in January 2023, the court was told.

Glenn Mullen, 31, given suspended prison sentence for posting threatening messages in Gaelic on social media about an author & MP in Jan last year. More: https://t.co/CTOr78cv8N John Moran for CPS North West said: "The social media messages were targeted and very concerning." pic.twitter.com/6cl6xJwmyH  CPS North West (@CPS_NorthWest) June 4, 2024

He admitted the offences, two charges of sending an article conveying threatening messages, at an earlier hearing.

Handing down two suspended sentences, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring said Mullens actions were part of a modern phenomena of people on social media sites hiding behind a keyboard to threaten, abuse or harass people in the public eye.

In statements read out by the prosecution, the court heard Scottish author Ms Rowling thought the threats appeared calculated and were quite chilling.

They made her look over her shoulder and worry about the safety of her family and her children, the prosecution added.

The court heard the messages made Ms Duffield, who is the Labour General Election candidate in Canterbury, feel nervous walking around her constituency, where she was visible and easily accessible.

Mullen gave no comment in an interview on March 10 but made full and frank admissions to making the threats at a later interview on October 6, the court was told.

Mr Goldspring handed down two eight-week prison sentences, suspended for two years, to be served concurrently.

He also ordered Mullen to complete a 12-month community order, including 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.

He said: There seems to be this modern phenomena that Twitter and other social media and online platforms allow you to say and do what you like  and particularly people in the public eye, lots of people think are fair game.

Yes, of course free speech is important but theres also a line to draw in the sand and you went well beyond that line.

Mullen was ordered to pay 85 in costs and a 154 victim surcharge.

Mr Goldspring added Mullen was a man of previous good character who had strong views about gender equality.

In a statement after the sentencing, CPS senior crown prosecutor John Moran said: The messages uploaded to social media were targeted and very concerning.

The audio clips have had a significant impact on the two victims, who described feeling upset, worried and distressed when they heard them.

Nobody has the right to issue threats or abuse, whether that be in person or via social media.
Hunter Biden's gun trial starts in Delaware, drawing national attention in election year

Xinhua) 10:30, June 04, 2024

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."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo welcomes everyone to the new chamber on the first floor on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Harris County Administration Building in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

In the Houston area, county government is responsible for a broad range of public services from managing flooding to running elections to providing public safety.

Among the key decision makers in Harris County government are the five members of Commissioners Court. Unlike Houston City Council  which holds its nonpartisan elections in odd-numbered years  Harris County elected officials are affiliated with a party and elected in even-numbered years.

With over 4.7 million residents living and working across 1,776 square miles, Harris County is the third largest county in the U.S. and the largest in Texas. More than 2 million Harris County residents live in unincorporated parts of the county, which means they don't live in cities.

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When it comes to Commissioners Court, Harris County is divided into four sections  called precincts  each with over 1 million residents. While Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is elected by the entire county, the commissioners are elected by the voters in their precinct. The four commissioners earn around $182,000 a year and do not have term limits.

Search your address to find your commissioner:

SEARCH OUR DATABASE: The top-paid Harris County employees of 2023

What does a Harris County commissioner do?

Members of Commissioners Court set the annual budget that funds the county's operations and services.

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Some departments are run by an appointed official who reports directly to Commissioners Court. Others are run by an elected official, such as the sheriff or the county clerk, and while Commissioners Court doesn't have authority over those offices, it does control their budgets.

Commissioners also are responsible for providing community and infrastructure services within their precincts, including parks, roads and bridges.

Who are the Harris County commissioners?

Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis

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Ellis represents parts of central Harris County including downtown Houston, Montrose and Fifth Ward.

He was first elected to serve as Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner in 2016.

At the county, Ellis has championed bail reform, affordable housing initiatives and the county's new guaranteed income pilot program, which is currently being challenged in court by the Texas Attorney General's Office.

He is now running for a third term on Commissioners Court.

A native Houstonian, Ellis earned a bachelor's degree from Texas Southern University, a master's degree from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and a law degree from the University Of Texas School Of Law.

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Ellis has been in elected office since he was 29 years old, when he won a seat on Houston City Council representing District D in 1983.

He went on to serve in the Texas State Senate for over 25 years.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia

As Precinct 2 Commissioner, Garcia represents an area encompassing Aldine and Northside, along with much of east Harris County, including Galena Park, Deer Park, Pasadena, La Porte and Baytown.

Garcia was elected Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner in 2018, flipping the seat from Republican to Democratic, and was reelected in 2022.

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As commissioner, Garcia has worked to create the early childhood education STEM academy at the Leonel Castillo Community Center, the public library system's educational navigation center and the precinct's workforce development division.

Garcia, the son of Mexican immigrants, grew up in Houston and served for 23 years as a Houston police officer.

In 2003, Garcia was elected to Houston City Council representing District H. He went on to serve as Harris County Sheriff from 2008 to 2015.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey

Ramsey's precinct stretches from the Spring Branch Memorial area to Spring, Humble and Crosby.

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In 2020, he was elected to serve on Harris County Commissioners Court representing Precinct 3. He is currently running for a second term in office.

Ramsey grew up in Crockett and earned a bachelor of science in civil engineering from Texas A&M University. He served as mayor of Spring Valley Village from 2012 to 2020. He also served on the Harris County Storm Water Task Force and the Imelda Assistance Fund Board.

He worked as a civil engineer in the private sector for over four decades, working on projects including street drainage.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones

Briones was elected to Harris County Commissioners Court in 2022 representing Precinct 4 after the map was redrawn in a redistricting overhaul. The precinct spans much of west Harris County, including Spring Branch, Gulfton and Katy.

She previously served as a civil court judge until she left the position to run for commissioner. Briones has said one of her achievements as a judge was clearing a backlog of cases she inherited from the previous judge.

Briones is a vocal supporter of abortion rights and represents Harris County, along with Garcia, on the Houston-Galveston Area Council board.

Briones was born and raised on the border in Laredo. She earned an undergraduate degree from Harvard University, then worked as a teacher at two public schools. She went on to graduate from Yale Law School and served as general counsel and chief operating officer at the Arnold Foundation, now Arnold Ventures.

Are court meetings open to the public?
Three military horses seen galloping through central London earlier this year will likely take part in Trooping the Colour after making a remarkable recovery, the Army has said.

Two horses bolted after being spooked by rubble being dropped through a plastic tunnel while on an exercise in Belgravia on April 24.

Images of the frightened horses were broadcast worldwide.

Household Cavalry horses Trojan (left) and Vida (grey) on the loose bolting through the streets of London near Aldwych (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

The Life Guards soldiers and five Military Working Horses that were injured in the incident are continuing to make remarkable progress in their recovery, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) said.

Three of the horses injured  Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish  are back on duty and against all expectations, are looking likely to take part in the Kings Birthday Parade on June 15, the regiment said.

The celebration, held on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, will be attended by the King after he returned to public-facing duties.

Charles will inspect the soldiers from a carriage rather than on horseback, it is understood.

The remaining two injured horses  Vida and Quaker  are enjoying a summer holiday in the country but look set to return to work in due course.

Three of the injured soldiers are back on duty and two are continuing to convalesce, but are also expected to make a full return to service.

Service personnel were thrown from their horses when the animals got loose. The horses smashed into vehicles, including a double-decker bus, and caused a number of injuries.

Ambulance crews treated four people in three separate incidents in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square and at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, in the space of 10 minutes.

Once Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish were well enough to travel after the incident, they were sent for respite at The Horse Trust in the Chilterns until they were fit to return to London.

On the same day that Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish left the Chilterns to return to Hyde Park Barracks, Vida and Quaker  the two most severely injured horses  were pronounced fit to travel and arrived at The Horse Trust for their respite care, having been discharged from veterinary care in London, the Army said.

Vida and Quaker made a remarkable physical recovery and showed great enthusiasm and joy upon their arrival at The Horse Trust, galloping into fresh pastures.

Cavalry Grey Vida, who was seen covered in blood galloping through central London, wasted no time in turning from white to brown as he rolled in the grass.

Household Cavalry horses Vida and Trojan on the loose bolt through the streets of London near Aldwych (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

The horses appeared bright and in good spirits, clearly displaying a close bond with each other and the soldiers who accompanied them, the Army said.

The facility offers a serene environment for relaxation, ensuring each horse receives personalised and attentive care.

The horses will remain with The Horse Trust for as long as they need before being assessed for their suitability to return to work.

Jeanette Allen, chief executive officer at The Horse Trust, said: It has been a privilege to provide these wonderful horses with the space and time needed to fully recover.

Its been so lovely to see Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish enjoying such a relaxing break and now we have Vida and Quaker already loving their time here.

All five horses are much younger than our regular Service residents and seeing them running, rolling and generally having fun after such a challenging experience, is a real joy.

Lieutenant Colonel Mathew Woodward, Commanding Officer HCMR said: All five of the horses injured during the incident are recovering with remarkable speed and it is very likely that Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish will participate in the Kings Birthday Parade later this month.

The remaining two, Vida and Quaker, are enjoying a summer holiday in the Chilterns thanks to The Horse Trust.

They are expected to make a full recovery and we look forward to seeing them back on duty in due course.

Of the two most seriously injured soldiers, one is continuing his recovery at home and the other at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall.

They are both considered likely to return to military service in the fullness of time.
The University of Melbourne has risen to 13th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Photograph: EQRoy/Alamy

Australian universities have improved their global rankings despite warnings that a proposed international student cap on the horizon could dissuade thousands from applying at the countrys institutions.

The chief executive of Universities Australia, Luke Sheehy, is due to say in a speech on Wednesday that Australian universities face a collective shortfall of more than $500m this year as a result of already existing visa rule changes and policy chaos  and this could claim up to 4,500 jobs.

The University of Melbourne reached a historic high of 13th in the world, up from 14th last year, while the University of Sydney rose one place to 18th and the University of New South Wales remained at 19th in the QS World University Rankings, run by the global higher education specialist Quacquarelli Symonds.

Related: Australias international student cap has been called chaotic and populist  so how would it work?

The rankings draw from millions of academic papers and insights from 280,000 academics and employers across 1,500 universities.

The latest results, released on Wednesday, found Australian higher education had remained broadly resilient despite a strong showing from Asian institutions leading to a decline in the rankings of British and American universities.

In total, 38 Australian universities received a ranking, including nine that sat in the top 100 and three in the top 20.

But Jessica Turner, the CEO of QS, said Australias tighter regulations for international student visas, including stricter English language and financial proof requirements, as well as a new genuine student test and a cap on university enrolments could prompt several thousands of prospective students to look beyond Australia.

The number of international students in Australia hit a record high of more than 700,000 in February, prompting the federal government to introduce a crackdown on migration.

[Australias] $48bn export sector  relies heavily on international student fees to fund research and maintain its cutting-edge status, Turner said.

It is important to balance regulatory measures with the need to support the international education sector and the opportunities it provides.

We hope that a thoughtful approach will be taken to avoid unintended negative impacts on students, universities and Australias global competitiveness.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) took out the top spot for the 13th year in a row, however two-thirds of US institutions declined year-on-year.

Similarly, only 22% of British universities improved their ranking, compared with almost half (47%) of Australias entrants rising  largely due to strong showings in sustainability, academic reputation and internationalisation.

Australias universities performed better for its global research partnerships than its big four competitors the US, the UK and Canada, and had the most international faculty members.

Strong on sustainability but teacher-student ratios poor

More than half (52%) of Australian universities also improved in the recently introduced sustainability metric, with a national score significantly higher than the global average. The metric analyses how well institutions tackle issues related to social and climate justice.

But Australias weak teacher to student ratios and employability left it vulnerable.

More than three-quarters (76%) of Australian universities recorded a decline in their employer reputation, painting a poor picture of how graduates were perceived in the job market, and no Australian universities were in the top 300 for their ratio of faculty to students.

The top-performing institution on the latter metric, Bond University, placed 326th in the world, with an average score of 12.5, significantly below the global average of 28.1.

Ben Sowter, senior vice-president at QS, said improving teaching resourcing should be a top priority.

Australian universities have long been built on the intellectual, cultural and economic benefits derived from internationalisation, and their ability to continue recruiting elite academic talent will determine their success in a shifting higher education landscape, he said.

Related: Why have we been excluded? The students left out of Labors promised placement payments

Angel Calderon, director of strategic insights at RMIT University and a member of the QS global rankings advisory board, said despite the financial challenges Australian universities had faced in recent years, they had been able to demonstrate resilience in maintaining outstanding performance.

International student fees contributed almost $9bn to total university revenue in 2022, the latest data shows, almost a quarter of total revenue ($34.7bn) and well beyond the $481m from upfront student contributions.

At the University of Sydney, international student fees accounted for $1.4bn of the institutions total revenue in 2022, well exceeding $1bn from the federal government.

The proposed introduction of cap to the number of international students will be detrimental to the viability of Australian universities, erodes Australias educational quality and knowledge production capacity and runs contrary to addressing skills shortages, Calderon said.

Australian universities are already facing a collective shortfall of more than $500m this year as a result of slower visa processing times and cancellations due to the new regulatory measures.

In Sheehys speech he was expected to say: Seldom has another major export industry been treated as a political plaything in the way international education is right now.

This bipartisan attack on international students is shortsighted and politically expedient.
Northern Rail predicts magstripe tickets could be museum pieces by 2029 - iStock Editorial/Ceri Breeze

Train companies must not axe paper tickets, disability and age campaigners have warned, as reports suggest that British railways orange card stubs could vanish in the next five years.

Northern Rail triggered uproar this week after suggesting that the paper train ticket could become a thing of the past by the year 2029.

Campaigners hit back by warning the rail industry that millions of people still rely on paper tickets and, in many cases, are not able to use smartphones and ticket-buying websites.

Known as magstripes thanks to the magnetic strip glued to the back of the orange ticket card, the current paper train ticket was introduced in 2014.

A spokesman for Northern said: At the current rate of decline and with an ever-greater focus on digital and paper alternatives, magstripes are definitely nearing the end of the line.

They could be something of a museum exhibit within five years.

Yet age and disability campaign groups cautioned train companies against withdrawing paper tickets.

Age UK warned that withdrawing paper tickets would affect millions of people and make it impossible for them to get around by train.

Caroline Abrahams, a director of the charity, said: Any move to make all train tickets virtual is likely to be met with equanimity by those who are savvy smartphone users, but with dismay by the millions of people, most of them older, who arent online at all.

At best it would make it much harder for them to purchase a train ticket and at worst it could make it virtually impossible.

Technological innovation is a wonderful thing and potentially offers cost savings to organisations at a time when money is tight, but its incumbent on everyone to remember that digital exclusion is still a major problem in our society.

In a warning shot to Labour, which is well ahead of the Tories in the latest opinion polls, Ms Abrahams said future ticketing plans must not airbrush out people who do not use computers or smartphones.

A spokesman for disability campaign group Transport for All echoed Age UKs call, pointing out that some disabled tickets are only available in paper format.

While Northern are quick to reassure everyone that all of their standard tickets are available online, many of the discounted fares that disabled people use  such as the 50 per cent wheelchair user discount  are not, and have to be bought at a ticket office, said the spokesman.

The ability to pay in cash, to get staff advice on which fare is cheapest, and travel without having to use a smartphone are all essential for our community to access the rail network.

Non-internet users

Disabled people are also disproportionately likely to be non-internet users; 23 per cent of disabled adults do not have access to the internet, compared to 6 per cent of non-disabled adults.

Even for those who are online, many websites are inaccessible, and any attempt by rail companies to go fully digital will leave hundreds of thousands of people unable to access their services.

A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group, the passenger train companies trade association, said: There are no current plans to withdraw paper tickets, they will continue to be available for those who need them.

The rail industry is moving away from magnetic stripe on paper tickets and replacing it with a printed digital barcode to work on recently-upgraded gate lines. This will complement the choice of tickets on smartphones and smartcards which are already proving very popular.

Customer purchasing habits have changed dramatically since the pandemic with two thirds now using digital tickets for their journeys.

Labour has said that if it wins the election, it will set up automated ticket refunds for travellers delayed or left stranded by poor train services.

Yet such systems would rely on people buying tickets online, where computers can automatically calculate refunds and reimburse delayed passengers.
The Cadillac Optiq is the first of the two to arrive in the UK

Why Paris? There was a bit of shuffling of feet before Its the shop was proffered. Shop? Good grief, is a shop the height of European ambition for one of the worlds oldest car makers? Why not tell us that the Cadillac is in Paris? After all, the car company is named after the 18th-century French explorer and founder of Detroit, Antoine de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, who had adopted his title from the town of Cadillac-sur-Garonne in south-west France.

Cadillac and France are inextricably linked but theyre in Paris to sell cars, battery electric cars in fact, as a spearhead for General Motorss mooted return to Europe.

Some of us revere Cadillacs years of pomp, when designer Harley Earl was head of the art-and-color division at parent General Motors where models such as the 1959 Series 62 grew fins like sailfish. In 2024, there are a couple of modern cars in the new Cadillac City Paris showroom/experience centre, located on the fashionable Place de lOpera in the City of Lights.

Those fans of Cadillacs of yore should note that neither of these cars were entirely new, both were powered by batteries  and fins were noticeable by their absence.

Wax Lyriqal

The Cadillac Lyriq costs about 81,000 (68,900) in Europe depending on spec

First was the Lyriq, a five-metre-long battery-electric SUV designed by Magalie Debellis, Cadillacs French-born head of advanced design. Launched in 2023 and ramping up nicely, with this years sales so far of 10,000 comfortably exceeding the previous years 9,000, it is sold in China and the US. It will be the second car into Europe, gunning for rivals including the Audi e-tron and BMW iX.

Parked alongside was the Lyriqs baby sister, the Optiq, a 4.8-metre contender in the premium mid-sized SUV market, aimed at cars such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC and BMW iX3. It was initially billed as being all new, which is not quite true as it has been on sale in China for the last year  and is also doing well there.

Were taking it easy on the European introduction, says Jaclyn McQuaid, president and managing director of General Motors Europe. She explains that each national market is different and that will dictate the pace and style of the introduction.

McQuaid used to be chief engineer on GMs full-size truck program and shes as direct and forthright as one of those monster pick-ups backing over a brick outhouse. Her identical twin sister is executive chief engineer of GMs truck division. Im not surprised the company keeps them on either side of the Atlantic.

Is it a tough market? she asks rhetorically. Of course its going to be tough to bring in a brand-new vehicle. Our strategy? We ask our customers what they dont like about their current cars and what they arent getting, and we put those things right.

The classic 1959 Cadillac Series 62 with its distinctive fins - Motoring Picture Library / Alamy

Over here

Dont you just love The General when its on a mission? Then she delivers the coup de grace and tells us that both EVs will be arriving in the UK at the end of the year and that theyll both be in right-hand drive.

We have been here before, of course. Back in the Eighties, GM president Jack Smith told me that missing the important right-hand-drive markets (such as the UK) would be crazy. Since then, various GM head honchos including Bob Lutz and Rick Wagoner have expressed similar sentiments, but not much has happened.

General Motors pulled out of Europe seven years ago, leaving only Cadillac and Corvette as vestigial reminders of its once mighty presence with Opel and Vauxhall, plus Saab. Since then, it has had a rethink, creating a European headquarters out of its old marketing organisation in Zurich in 2021 and planning an all-electric return with Cadillac at the forefront, part of an all-electric GM line-up by 2035.

Steering wheel on the right

But after so many false starts for Cadillac, do we seriously believe any of this?

Chief engineer on the Optiq, John Cockburn, seems a trustworthy cove and happily confirms it. Right-hand drive? Sure, Im working on it right now, were driving the car in England in a couple of months.

Can the Cadillac Lyriq be converted to right-hand drive?

While Cadillac won the Dewar Trophy for the accuracy of its interchangeable and therefore consistently machined parts back in the Thirties, its the interchangeability of GMs Ultium platform which allows the Lyriq and Optiq to be easily converted to right-hand drive. It also allows the platform to be used in a bewildering variety of vehicles, everything from a Silverado pick-up to a GMC Hummer EV.

When the design and product renaissance started, the decision was made to share the Ultium wiring and platform architecture so that it could be used in left- and right-hand drive markets, says John Roth, vice-president of global Cadillac. The centre screen is shared and the heating and air-conditioning have their own buttons so theyre not a problem.

There are a few IP issues moving from left- to right-hand drive, says McQuaid, but its fairly straightforward.

Optiq first

The Optiq arrives first in the UK and is likely to create the most interest of the two. Its 4,820mm in length, so a bit bigger than the 4.5-metre-long standard family SUV in Europe.

Billed as a reimagination of what entry to Cadillac luxury can be, the Optiq is targeted at increasing growth amongst younger buyers to the marque and attracting luxury EV intenders, whoever they might be.

Due to it having a shorter wheelbase than the Lyriq, Cadillac is claiming more wieldy handling and its minimum kerb weight of 2,355kg means an estimated range of 300 miles from the 85kWh (useable) lithium-ion Nickel Cobalt and Manganese battery in the floor.

The interior of the Cadillac Optiq

The 300bhp/354lb ft 4x4 powertrain consists of a front permanent-magnet motor and a rear induction motor. Its the opposite way round from normal European practice, where the weaker but lighter induction motor sits in the front. This helps with steering balance and allows the vehicle to be predominantly rear-wheel driven if the induction motor is disengaged. The Optiq will disengage the rear induction unit when cruising and so will become a predominantly front-wheel-drive vehicle.

There will be just two trim levels: Sport and Luxury. The equipment levels are expected to be high for the class.

We dont want people to feel they are continually upsold with these vehicles, says Roth.

No prices yet, but the Lyriq is about 81,000 (68,900) in Europe depending on spec.

The Optiq has a one-pedal driving facility and a regeneration-on-demand braking, via a steering wheel paddle, which can bring the vehicle to halt. Theres intelligent cruise control to SAE Level 2 autonomy, where you need to keep your hands on the wheel and look at the road ahead. Drive modes include Sport, Individual and Snow/Ice, but while all four wheels are driven this is principally an on-road vehicle.

The Cadillac Optiq has a spacious boot

The chassis is surprisingly conventional, with coil-sprung MacPherson struts at the front and a five-link independent system at the rear, with 21-inch wheels. Damping is also passive, although Frequency Selective Damping units should allow a softer ride quality while retaining sharp handling.

We wanted a fine handling car, says Cockburn, and asked the engineers for this sort of chassis.

Appeal to buyers

As ever Cadillac ploughs its own furrow and the Optiq seems to come from a planet close by Europe but without visitation rights. Its comfortable and seems spacious especially in the back, with a decent sized boot under the powered tailgate, but in other ways its a bit of a throwback with slightly clunky looks and a strange trompe loeil-type rear pillar which Dillon Blanski, lead exterior designer, claims is Mondrian inspired.

Even so, theres a depressing familiarity in a lot of the German machines in this market, so for the urban monied classes who buy these all-hat-and-no-cattle SUVs, Cadillac might just offer enough novelty (and dashboard buttons) to entice them.

As for the shop in Paris, its a gimmick, but Cadillac thinks itll shift the tin. At heart the sales centres are a sort of contact point for buyers and a design shop window, where perambulators and tourists get up close and personal with the advanced styling ideas coming out of studios around the world.

Gimmickry? Cadillac City in Palais Garnier, Paris - SIMON RAINER PHOTOGRAPHER

The favourite site for them is the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, with Jeep the latest marque to join Toyota, Peugeot, Citroen, Renault and others to open glass-fronted, achingly-hip space neighbouring the handbag and multinational luxury emporia. Jeep flew in US journalists to the opening of its store two weeks ago, where it showed the late-to-4x4 Avenger and an electric version of the Wagoneer.

UK sales strategy

Whether Cadillac uses this prestige showroom-based, non-dealer sales strategy in the UK remains to be seen. GM has two stalwart suppliers/agents in the UK, PartsUSA in Stockport and Ian Allen Motors of Virginia Water, but Cadillac is not saying anything about its plans.

Let us be clear, says McQuaid, EVs are growing in Europe, but while we never expected the growth to be linear, we believe that EVs are the future.

Companies are too easily distracted by what their rivals are doing, but we will be concentrating on what we are doing. As to how we will sell this new generation in Britain, well, leave me something on the table.

And that, as they say, means: Watch this space
Sienna Miller models items from her new M&S line

Sienna Miller has said she fled the United States partly to avoid Donald Trump.

The British actress lived in New York for seven years, but made the decision to return home in 2023.

The 42-year-old said that one of her reasons for returning to London was that there would be no Donald Trump.

She said she needed a break from England and relentless media attention, but ultimately began to miss the UK.

Speaking at the launch of her collaboration with M&S, she said: I was living in New York for seven years, until last summer and it was time to come home. I was really in love with New York as a place.

But then since Covid, it just wasnt the same. And obviously, Ive got a little tiny baby and its a better quality of life and theres no Donald Trump. I couldnt handle another election.

Miller recently gave birth to her second child, her first with partner, actor Oli Green, 27.

She was engaged to Jude Law, 51, but the pair split in 2005 after he publicly revealed he had been having an affair with one of his childrens nannies.

Miller, who appeared in the 2004 films Layer Cake and Alfie starring opposite Law, was at first delighted to be in New York, and away from what she termed the cliquey social scene of London.

She told the Guardian in a recent interview that in Manhattan she was able to breathe again, and avoid feeling self-conscious and ashamed.

However, the star said she found herself feeling drawn back to the UK to the point where she was sort of hanging out by the baked beans in the English shops.

She is now back, and has collaborated with Marks & Spencer on a new fashion line.

The actress is set to return to the big screen in Kevin Costners Western epic Horizon, which will be released in UK cinema this summer.
children with phones

Doctors in Spain will check children for signs of mobile addiction once a year under a new government plan to improve safety online.

Under the draft law, which was approved by Spains cabinet on Tuesday, paediatricians will be trained to identify symptoms of children spending excessive amounts of time on screens when they see children during periodical health check-ups or for vaccinations.

Felix Bolanos, Spains justice minister, said that once the law is passed by parliament, probably later in 2024, the government will create special centres to treat mobile addiction and related pathologies in children.

The health of our children is on the line, Mr Bolanos said as he presented the draft law, drawn up jointly by several ministries with help from experts tasked with creating a national strategy for child online safety.

Schools will be obliged to carry out awareness campaigns and teach children about the danger of improper internet behaviour.

The law will also change regulations and introduce new criminal laws aimed at preventing children from falling prey to dangerous individuals and inappropriate influences.

Consent to use of personal data

The age at which a person can give consent to the use of their personal data will be raised from 14 to 16 which, if enforced, would put social media out of bounds for the under-16s.

Online games including loot boxes  virtual gifts that pop up at random and which are blamed for increasing addiction  will be limited to players of 18 and over.

A specific new crime of making and disseminating offensive or obscene deepfakes is to be included in penal law, as well as the offence of grooming children online and exposing minors to pornography.

As well as sentencing offenders to fines or jail, courts will be given powers to impose restraining orders to keep convicted individuals out of online spaces.

Spains government said that it plans to make minimum age limits for pornography and violent material effective, but Mr Bolanos admitted that this requires cooperation with tech platforms and rules applicable across Europe or beyond.

Even so, the draft law will stipulate that content platforms must make parental control functions easily accessible and simple to use.

Esther Paniagua, a journalist and author who specialises in tech and cybersecurity, said that governments can force online platforms to create a safer environment for children and all users.

We could insist on digital identification for accessing content. They could also be forced to change the design of their algorithms so they are not toxic. But no matter how many laws there are, the main thing is enforcing them, she told The Telegraph.
Corey Harris appears virtually in court while driving. Photograph: CBS News/X

A Michigan man who recently went viral for allegedly driving with a suspended license during a virtual hearing on the matter should have had his license reinstated long beforehand, according to clerical records.

The latest update, as first reported by 7 News Detroit, highlights the kind of behind-the-scenes clerical issues that can carry significant implications for people down the line. Corey Harris, 44, ended up in jail through no fault of his own because of the error about his license.

Harris made news headlines and gained unflattering social media fame after a clip of his court session spread widely online.

During the 15 May virtual hearing, the presiding judge, Cedric Simpson, noticed that Harris was driving despite the hearing being about Harriss suspended license.

Mr Harris, said Simpson. Are you driving?

Actually, Im pulling into my doctors office actually, so just give me a second, Harris said, appearing to look for a parking spot.

Once Harris confirmed he was behind the wheel, Simpson ordered Harris to turn himself into the county jail that night for violating the law.

I dont even know why he would do that, said Simpson, shaking his head in disbelief while Harris also had a stunned facial expression.

But according to Saginaw county court records viewed by 7 News, Harriss drivers license was supposed to have been reinstated in January 2022.

The Michigan secretary of states office reportedly never received clearance from Saginaw countys Friend of the Court office to restore Harriss drivers license even though he had paid off all required fees.

As a result of the clerical error, Harriss drivers license was never officially reinstated, setting the stage for the notorious court hearing.

The Guardian could not reach a representative of the Michigan secretary of states office or Saginaw countys Friend of the Court office.

While the initial video of Harriss hearing inspired many humorous reactions online, the ordeal was no laughing matter for Harris.

After his arrest, Harris told 7 News Detroit in a 30 May interview that he was initially driving during the virtual hearing because he was getting my wife medical help. I wasnt thinking about the fact that I got a suspended license, he added. I dont care about all that.

Harris spent two days in jail and said the entire process was embarrassing. He also said that officials were supposed to have  lifted [the suspension] two years ago, but they didnt.
Darren Rodwell has come under fire for a number of comments he has made  and is being investigated over allegations of sexual harassment. Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Guardian

Darren Rodwell, the controversial leader of Barking and Dagenham council, has withdrawn as a Labour candidate, saying he did not want allegations about his behaviour to be a distraction.

Rodwells candidacy was in doubt after it was not confirmed by Labour on Tuesday along with other names of people running to be MPs.

In a statement, Rodwell said there was no active investigation into him by Labour but that he was withdrawing to put family first. He said he completely refuted allegations made against him in the press.

The council leader, who is white, has come under fire for a number of comments he has made in the past, including once joking he had the worst tan possible for a black man.

He was previously approved as a candidate by the partys national executive committee (NEC) after apologising for those remarks. But earlier this week the Independent revealed he was the subject of a complaint about alleged sexual harassment, after a woman complained he had touched her hands and legs in an inappropriate way.

Rodwell said on Monday: I utterly refute what is being said, specifically: I have not engaged in sexual harassment of any kind.

Rodwell was at the centre of a row in 2022 over his comments at a Black History Month event, where he also said: I have the passion and the rhythm of the African and the Caribbean. I used to do swing dance, because I used to love jiggling about.

He was allowed to continue as the candidate after an apology but in a leaked email to the BBC, he was shown to have told a constituent it was part of a smear campaign against me.

The decision came as Faiza Shaheen, who was ousted as Labours candidate in Chingford and Woodford Green, said she had quit the party and said she would set out her next steps on Wednesday, leaving the door open to run as an independent.

Shaheen, who was removed as the candidate after complaints about her social media, has said she faced a relentless campaign of unfair treatment, bullying and hostility.

Labours ruling national executive committee met on Tuesday to confirm the names of all of the partys general election candidates.

Labour sources told the Guardian Rodwells name was not on a list of 632 candidates to be approved by the partys ruling council during a meeting on Tuesday afternoon, with party bosses still to decide who will stand in the east London seat.

The Guardian understands Labours candidate in Gosport in Hampshire was also not on the list for the NEC to approve. Parties have until Friday to submit their final candidates.

The final signoff from Labours governing body means Diane Abbott has been approved as the candidate for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, after a bitter row about her selection.

Keir Starmer said last week that Abbott was free to stand as a Labour candidate, after days of speculation that she could be blocked.

Abbott said on Sunday that she intended to run and win for Labour in Hackney North and Stoke Newington, and denied a report that she had been offered a seat in the House of Lords if she agreed to stand aside in the constituency she has represented for 37 years.

She then apparently tweeted a link to an article by the Starmer biographer Tom Baldwin headlined Starmer on Abbott: Ive actually got more respect for Diane than she probably realises, with the words: More lies from Starmer. She deleted the post shortly afterwards. Labour officials confirmed they would in effect ignore the post.

 This article was amended on 4 June 2024 to clarify that Labour had a list of 632 candidates.
Hunter Biden arrives at court with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Hunter Biden was seen as family by a drug dealer, according to WhatsApp messages shown at his criminal trial.

Mr Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, faces up to 25 years if found guilty of lying about his crack cocaine addiction when he filled in paperwork to buy a gun in Oct 2018. He has also been charged with possessing a firearm while using illegal drugs.

Prosecutors showed the jury a series of messages exchanged by the businessmen with people they characterised as drug dealers, one of whom was known as Killa Cam, between April and July 2018.

In a conversation with a Clifford OBrien, Mr Biden sent a picture of white powder on a scale and complained that he was being overcharged.

His alleged dealer defended himself and said he saw Mr Biden as family.

The court was also shown bank statements from accounts associated with Mr Biden, which showed he was removing $50,000 in cash per month when he bought the Colta Cobra .38 handgun.

Long excerpts from an audiobook of Mr Bidens memoir, Beautiful Things, were played out to the court on Tuesday. In one passage, the US Presidents son claimed he had a superpower of finding crack, while in another he described smoking the drug every 15 minutes.

When the court broke for lunch, Melissa Cohen Biden, Mr Bidens current wife, called a former aide to Donald Trrump a Nazi piece of s---.

The businessman is suing Mr Ziegler for his alleged role in publishing emails and photos from his laptop.

Kathleen Buhle, who was married to Hunter Biden for 24 years and has three daughters with him, had been expected to appear in the witness box on Tuesday afternoon, but proceedings finished before she could give evidence.

Prosecutors have said she repeatedly searched his car in 2018 - the year after they divorced - because she did not want their children in a vehicle with drugs.

She is said to have found drugs or drug paraphernalia roughly a dozen times.

Mr Bidens criminal trial is expected to run for around eight days. He is being represented by the veteran political trial attorney Abbe Lowell.

The prosecution has been brought by David Weiss, a special counsel appointed by the federal Department of Justice.

09:57 PM BST

Thats all for today

Thanks for following our live coverage of Hunter Bidens criminal trial. This live blog is now closed.

09:37 PM BST

Proceedings finish for the day

Abbe Lowell, acting for Hunter Biden, briefly cross-examined Erika Jensen before proceedings finished for the day. The jury has now been dismissed.

09:27 PM BST

Youre being unhinged

Derek Hines has read out an exchange between Hunter Biden and Hallie Biden, when she removed his gun and threw it into a bin.

Did you take that from meare you insane? Mr Biden asked. This is no game. And youre being totally irresponsible and unhinged.

He said, in a later message: This is very very serious.

08:28 PM BST

$50,000 cash taken out from Biden accounts per month

Prosecutors showed the court bank statements revealing $151,640.45 had been withdrawn in cash from accounts associated with Hunter Biden between September and November 2018.

That was almost $50,000 a month in cash withdrawals? Derek Hines, prosecuting, asked Erika Jensen. She confirmed this.

08:17 PM BST

Jury shown Biden conversations with alleged drug dealers

The jury has been shown WhatsApp messages that were exchanged between Hunter Biden and people the prosecution identified as drug dealers, between April and July 2018.

In one conversation, Mr Biden appears to arrange to meet up with an individual known as Killa Cam.

In an exchange with Clifford OBrien, Mr Biden sends a photo of white powder on a scale and complained he was being overcharged. The drug dealer defended himself and called the businessman family.

The final conversation showed Mr Biden arranging an apparent deal with an individual called Michael of 10 grams of a product for $600.

08:08 PM BST

FBI: Dozens of pages of evidence against Biden

Erika Jensen has read out emails, extracted from Hunter Bidens laptop, from the days leading up to Hunter Bidens purchase of a Colt Cobra .38 handgun in Oct 2018.

This includes an invoice from a rehabilitation centre he visited on Oct 21.

In total, Ms Jensen said, there are 75 pages of evidence showing Mr Bidens drug addiction and possession of a gun from his laptop and iCloud data.

07:54 PM BST

Prosecutors show receipt from laptop repair shop

Prosecutors have introduced another piece of evidence: an invoice for $85 that Hunter Biden received from The Mac Shop, where he left his laptop.

US media reports that Melissa Cohen-Biden, Mr Bidens wife, shook her head as Erika Jensen explained what information had been extracted from the device.

07:29 PM BST

Bidens laptop introduced as evidence

Prosecutors are showing the jury a laptop that Hunter Biden left in a computer repair shop in 2019, which surfaced a few weeks before the 2020 presidential election.

Erika Jensen, an FBI agent, said authorities had used its serial number to verify that the laptop belonged to Mr Biden.

Former intelligence officials had previously suggested that the laptop - which reportedly contained images of the businessman using drugs, and others in which he posed with a gun - bore all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation.

07:22 PM BST

Hunter Bidens ex-wife to give evidence

Kathleen Buhle, who was married to Hunter Biden for 24 years and has three daughters with him, is expected to appear in the witness box this afternoon.

Prosecutors have said she repeatedly searched his car in 2018 - the year after they divorced - because she did not want their children in a vehicle with drugs.

She is said to have found drugs or drug paraphernalia roughly a dozen times.

07:11 PM BST

Court returns from lunch break

Proceedings have resumed after court broke for lunch.

Erika Jensen, an FBI special agent, is in the witness box and is discussing how investigators corroborated Hunter Bidens drug use in his memoir. An excerpt from Chapter Nine is being played to the jury.

06:55 PM BST

Melissa Cohen Biden calls former Trump aide a Nazi piece of s--- during trial break

Hunter Bidens wife reportedly called Garrett Ziegler, a former Trump aide, a Nazi piece of s--- during a trial break.

The presidents son is currently suing Mr Ziegler for his alleged role in publishing emails and photos from his laptop.

Melissa Cohen Biden confronted the former White House aide and pointed her finger in his face, according to NBC News.

She then allegedly said: You have no right to be here, you Nazi piece of s---.

Mr Ziegler worked in the White House under Trump-adviser Peter Navarro and gained notoriety for his outspoken criticism of Joe Biden.

He apparently did not respond to Mrs Biden before she walked away, but later told NBC News: For the record, Im not a Nazi, Im a believer in the U.S. Constitution. I havent said one thing to them.

06:50 PM BST

Hunter Bidens superpower of finding crack claim played to jury

Mr Biden Jrs own words were used against him when the prosecution played audio of the presidents son discussing his superpower of finding crack.

The jury listened to excerpts of Hunter Biden narrating his memoir, Beautiful Things, in which he also describes smoking crack every 15 minutes.

05:19 PM BST

Hunter Biden admitted drug addiction in memoir

Hunter Bidens memoir, Beautiful Things, will form part of the prosecutions case against him.

In the autobiography, the presidents son admitted he had become addicted to crack cocaine after his brothers death in 2015.

05:03 PM BST

Presidents brother to be called as witness

Hunter Bidens attorney says he is planning to call James Biden, the US presidents brother, as a witness in the trial.

James Biden is reportedly close with his nephew and helped him through rehab stints in the past.

Meanwhile, one of the key witnesses against Hunter Biden is expected to be Hallie Biden, his brother Beaus widow, whom he became romantically involved with after his brothers death.

04:33 PM BST

Hunter Bidens state of mind should be considered

Hunter Bidens state of mind should be considered at the time of the gun purchase, his defence team said during opening statements.

Abbe Lowell, Mr Biden Jrs lawyer, argued the form asks whether you are a drug user, saying: It does not say have you ever been.

He suggested the presidents son did not think of himself as someone with a drug problem when he purchased the gun.

The lawyer added that Mr Biden Jrs state of mind at the time of the purchase should be considered, not what he wrote in a book in 2021.

04:24 PM BST

Joe Biden heard in 2018 voicemail telling son to get some help

Joe Biden left his son Hunter a voicemail urging him to get some help, three days after the presidents son allegedly lied about his drug addiction on a federal form to buy a gun.

The audio clip of the voice message, obtained by The Daily Mail from Mr Biden Jrs abandoned laptop, suggests the US president knew his son was an addict in October 2018.

Mr Biden is heard saying in the clip: Its Dad. Im calling to tell you I love you. I love you more than the whole world, pal. Youve gotta get some help.

I dont know what to do, I know you dont either. Im here, no matter what you need. No matter what you need, I love you.

However, it is possible the president was referencing alcohol abuse, rather than drug addiction, as Mr Biden Jrs defence do not deny he was an alcoholic at the time.

04:02 PM BST

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.

You can read the full report here.

03:17 PM BST

The form at the centre of the trial

A form released by prosecutors shows that Hunter Biden did indeed tick no to a question asking whether he was an unlawful user or addicted to illegal drugs.

03:12 PM BST

Hunter Bidens lawyer used to work for Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner

Abbe Lowell, attorney for Hunter Biden - Mario Tama/Getty Images North America

Defending the child of a sitting president would be a daunting task for any lawyer.

But for Abbe Lowell, the man entrusted with the defence of Hunter Biden, this weeks case will not be his first time.

Back in 2017, the Democrat-aligned superstar trial lawyer was taken on by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, the daughter and son-in-law of Donald Trump, as allegations mounted over the Trump familys links to Russia.

You can read the full report here.

02:51 PM BST

Jill Biden, the First Lady, arrives at court for stepsons trial

US first lady Jill Biden arrives at the federal court on the second day of the trial - Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS

02:22 PM BST

Joe Biden declares boundless love for son Hunter on first day of gun trial

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.

You can read the full report here.

02:15 PM BST

Good Afternoon

Welcome to The Telegraphs live coverage of the Hunter Biden trial.

Opening arguments will begin today in Mr Bidens criminal trial for owning a firearm while addicted to illegal drugs.
Matt Croucher, who was awarded the George Cross medal for bravery after throwing himself on a grenade in Afghanistan. Photograph: Mark Chilvers

A former Royal Marines reservist awarded the highest medal for gallantry has reportedly been held in Dubai since November after being accused of spying.

The former lance corporal Matt Croucher, 40, was awarded the George Cross, which ranks alongside the Victoria Cross as the highest decoration for acts of bravery, in 2008 after risking his life and saving others by throwing himself on a grenade in Afghanistan.

Croucher, now a security consultant, was arrested seven months ago and charged with intentionally and illegally accessing a telecommunications network, according to the Times.

It was also reported that he had his passport confiscated and has been banned from leaving the United Arab Emirates.

Croucher is from Solihull and is normally based in the UK for work. He is the most highly decorated Royal Marine to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In a statement, Crouchers family said they were suffering from immense stress and the case was made up and ridiculous.

Were shocked at the set of circumstances which have played out over the last seven months, they said. Matt was due to only be away for a couple of weeks, returning through Dubai after working in the Middle East on his way home.

We dont understand why its taking the Dubai authorities so long to process this case, being constantly told it should be resolved in a week or two, a case we believe to be made up and ridiculous.

The family also criticised the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for being useless in offering Croucher assistance, adding that the department was often making things worse with misinformation, telling him the case was formally concluded and would only take one to two months.

This has caused our family immense stress and we just hope this can be concluded at the earliest opportunity, they said.

Croucher has sought legal advice from lawyers in the UK and the UAE who can make representations on his behalf with the UAE authorities.

A source said the British government cannot interfere in the legal processes of another country, in the same way other countries cannot interfere in cases in the UK.

Croucher was arrested on 4 November 2023 and jailed for four days before being released under investigation.

The Dubai authorities confiscated his phone, passport and internet banking access device, the Times reported.

Friends said he had been working in Qatar and Saudi Arabia and was stopping off in Dubai to meet friends on his way home to the UK.

Croucher had lived in Dubai from 2014 until 2021 and had worked with authorities on security-related matters.

An FCDO spokesperson said: We are supporting a British man in the UAE and are in contact with the local authorities.

In 2008, Croucher, a reservist from Taunton-based 40 Commando, was on a covert reconnaissance mission near Sangin, south of Kajaki, when he felt a tripwire go tight against his legs.

Instead of running away, he threw himself on top of the grenade, using his body armour and backpack to shield him from the full force of the blast.

Croucher is one of only 22 living recipients of the George Cross, of which only 406 have been awarded.
Imperial College London

Imperial College London has bumped the universities of Oxford and Cambridge off their top positions in global rankings for the first time, in part thanks to its green credentials.

The London university, which focuses on science, engineering, medicine and business, is now second in the world behind the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), according to the QS World University Rankings for 2025.

It marks an end to more than a decade of Oxbridge dominance at the top of the league table, and makes Imperial the highest-ranked university in both the UK and Europe.

Cambridge slipped from second place to fifth place this year, while Oxford remains third. It is the first time that neither of the two leading Russell Group institutions has taken the top spot among UK universities since the global rankings began 20 years ago.

University College London retained ninth position in the latest update, meaning four British universities now sit among the top 10 in the league table.

The QS World University Rankings, the most comprehensive of its kind featuring 1,500 universities, analyses a range of measures including academic reputation, employer reputation and faculty-student ratios.

This years league table placed Oxford as second-best in the world for academic reputation behind Harvard University in the US, with Cambridge in third place.

MIT, a science and technology-focused university in the US, has retained its crown as the worlds best university for the thirteenth year in a row.

Imperial, which previously ranked joint second with Cambridge in the overall rankings 2014, said its elevation to the UK top spot this year was partially due to its focus on sustainability.

The QS university tracker introduced three new metrics last year in deciding its rankings: sustainability, employment outcomes and international research network, measuring how universities collaborate with others across the world.

QS said that although these were given less weighting than some other metrics, it did not make these changes lightly and did so to reflect the shifts in higher education and changing priorities of students.

Sustainability is measured in two ways: the commitment of the institution to the climate crisis and how its research aligns with the climate goals of the United Nations.

Imperial has previously carried out research on Ulez and air pollution in London as well as the effect of climate change on food security.

Ben Sowter, senior vice-president of QS, said it came as the role of universities as centres for research hubs and centres for discussions on climate responsibility cannot be overstated.

The 2023 QS International Student Survey showed that 41 per cent of prospective students around the world are now actively researching the Environmental, Social and Governance strategies of universities.

Prof Hugh Brady, president of Imperial College London, said: Imperials ranking is a testament to the quality and commitment of our entire community.

It is inspiring to see our students, staff, and partners come together every day to interrogate the forces that shape our world and address the challenges facing humanity and our planet.

Search for any university with our tool:
Ben Newman, The Spudman, who has built an online community selling jacket potatoes has been asked to move his trailer by Tamworth borough council - Anita Maric /swns

A food truck owner whose jacket potatoes became an internet sensation has been kicked off his trading spot by the council.

Ben Newman  better known as Spudman to his 3.5 million TikTok followers  has attracted fans from around the world keen to try his 5 stacked jacket potatoes.

But the trader has now been told by Tamworth borough council in Staffordshire that he must leave his pitch outside St Edithas Church, along with other food vendors, as the area is under redevelopment.

The council has requested he relocate to the high street, but Mr Newman says he is unhappy about the decision as he does not want to hinder other traders with his high footfall.

We are getting kicked off our pitch by the council, he said. I love this spot, by the church, on the square, absolutely beautiful and were getting kicked off.

We knew it was coming because they are redeveloping all the square, we didnt realise it was going to happen this soon.

Where are we going to go and what are we going to do, I dont know just yet.

It will be better in the long run and we will be coming back but what do we do in the meantime. Cant believe Im getting kicked off, he added.

Ben Newman's stacked coleslaw and cheese jacket potato - Anita Maric/swns

Fans of the Spudman were left devastated by the news but pleaded for Mr Newman to take his potatoes on tour.

Karen Whipday said: Go on tour, take Spudman around the country and share the love.

Rhys Jefferies added: Go on tour, that would be sick!

Lee Smethurst stated: Do they know who you are?

Emily Lord added: Go on tour round the UK and make videos.

Vixie Massey said: Whats wrong with the pavement now, council should offer you a different plot.

Callum said: How easy is it to move the trailer around, could you do Spudman on tour until you get your pitch back.

Claire stated: If they cant give you a suitable spot will they compensate for your loss of earnings.

Stephen Gabriel, the chief executive of Tamworth borough council, said: Later this year, all market traders currently using St Edithas Square are being temporarily moved to other parts of the town while we refurbish and improve the square. Discussions are happening now so traders can be prepared and communicate with their regular customers.

This work is part of our town centre regeneration programme, where St Edithas Square will be made more accessible for all. Work also includes improvements in lighting and areas for people to sit.

All moves are temporary, and we are working with our local market provider to find everyone suitable space elsewhere in Tamworth town centre and market.

Throughout the work, Tamworth town centre and market remain ready to welcome visitors for shopping, leisure and socialising. We thank all visitors and businesses for their patience.
James Cleverly meets workers during a visit to the Swain Group transport company in Rochester, Kent - Yui Mok/PA

The Tories are prepared to quit the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) if their demands to reform it are rebuffed, James Cleverly has suggested.

Speaking during an election campaign visit in Kent, the Home Secretary said his party would always put the protection of UK borders ahead of the views of a foreign court as part of its efforts to tackle illegal migration. It leaves the door open for a threat to leave the ECHR to be included in the manifesto.

Mr Cleverley denied that the Conservatives plans  which include an annual cap on worker and family visas  were being dictated by Nigel Farage and Reforms manifesto pledge to freeze non-essential migration and withdraw from the ECHR.

It comes amid speculation that Rishi Sunak is considering hardening the Tories stance on ECHR membership amid demands by senior Right-wing MPs for Britain to quit the convention in order to stop the small boat crossings of the Channel.

We will always choose to defend our borders

Asked if the party would leave open the possibility of leaving the ECHR if it did not reform, Mr Cleverly said: Weve absolutely made the point that the ECHR needs reform and we have driven reform. Weve already driven reform of the ECHR which demonstrates that it can be done.

But the Prime Minister has been absolutely clear, Ive been absolutely clear that our priority is to protect our borders, to defend our nation. If we are presented with a choice between defending ourselves or the views of a foreign court, we will always choose to defend our borders and defend our country.

Asked again if that meant he was prepared to leave open the door to quitting the ECHR, he said: The point that the Prime Minister has made consistently, one that Ive made consistently is when presented with a choice, one of which is about not protecting our borders, and the other is about protecting our borders, we will always choose to protect our borders.

He said Britain was not the only member country to believe some of the recent decisions by the ECHR were really wrong and overstepped the remit of the ECHR.

The European Court of Human Rights ruling imposing a duty on Governments to achieve net zero, and its rule 39 injunction blocking deportation flights to Rwanda, have triggered calls from Tory MPs to quit the ECHR.

Reform only wants to grab headlines

However, Mr Cleverly denied that the party was lurching to the Right in its policies in the election campaign because of the threat from Reform. He said: Our policies are not dictated by any party.

The thinking that were doing about our immigration policy is based on longstanding conversations I have with the PM. We will be releasing their manifesto soon and our immigration plans and policies on both illegal and legal migration are based on our thoughts and our priorities and the stuff that British people have told us rather than anything that Reform or Nigel Farage might say.

Because ultimately Nigel Farage and Reform are not going to form a Government. Theyre not going to set immigration policy. What theyre looking to do is grab headlines.

Mr Sunak would face a backlash from the centre-Left One Nation group of Tory MPs if he opted to include a pledge to quit the ECHR or a referendum on membership.

A former Tory Cabinet minister on the Right of the party said the Conservatives should make a commitment to renegotiate the UKs participation in the ECHR and withdraw if there was no satisfactory outcome.

They said: I dont think that the issue lends itself to a referendum. It is highly technical and legalistic and very different from a simple yes/no vote on EU membership.

A former senior Cabinet minister suggested that the party leadership was so rattled that they could opt for a referendum.

But the MP said: They should just commit to leaving. The case has been made even stronger by the delays to the Rwanda scheme which has effectively failed due to legal challenges, limitations on bail, the Supreme Court decision, the rule 39 order.

Politically speaking, it would be better for them to remain silent on the issue if they cannot go as far as Reform on the policy. A review, reform or referendum is just more meaningless talk.

Some Right-wing MPs fear the measures including the cap are too little, too late. Its really tricky. I dont think they will be rewarded for anything at this point as theyve lost all credibility. Trust is gone. Nothing they say now will be believed. If they were going to commit to leave the ECHR they needed to roll the pitch for at least 6 months, a senior Tory said.
Jeremy Hunt, Victoria Prentis, Lucy Fraser, Alistair Jacks and David Davies could all lose their seats in the upcoming election

Jeremy Hunt is among 12 Cabinet ministers who could lose their seats in the general election, according to polling.

Mr Hunt, whose current South West Surrey constituency will cease to exist because of boundary changes, would lose to the Liberal Democrats in his new seat, a poll reveals.

He would become the first Chancellor to lose their seat at an election  but he would not be alone. Other Cabinet ministers are predicted to lose their seats, along with Tory grandees including Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former party leader.

In all, more than half the seats won under Boris Johnsons leadership at the 2019 general election would be lost if the election was held now, according to a YouGov poll of 58,875 people carried out in late May.

Tory big hitters who could lose their seats

Click to explore

Cabinet ministers

Jeremy Hunt

Godalming & Ash

Penny Mordaunt

Portsmouth North

Grant Shapps

Welwyn Hatfield

Victoria Prentis

Banbury

Gillian Keegan

Chichester

Alex Chalk

Cheltenham

Simon Hart

Caerfyrddin

David TC Davies

Monmouthshire

Johnny Mercer

Plymouth Moor View

Mel Stride

Central Devon

Mark Harper

Forest of Dean

Esther McVey

Tatton

Members of Parliament

Jacob Rees-Mogg

North East Somerset and Hanham

Sir Iain Duncan Smith

Chingford & Wood Green

Steve Baker

Wycombe

The Chancellor has said he will stand in the newly-created constituency of Godalming and Ash after South West Surrey is dissolved under changes to boundaries that will take effect at the election.

He currently has a majority of 8,817, but the YouGov poll predicts that the new seat will go to the Lib Dems, with 46 per cent of the vote to Mr Hunts 31 per cent.

There have been reports  denied by Mr Hunt  that he will stand down as an MP because he does not want to risk the humiliation of becoming the first sitting Chancellor to lose their seat.

He was facing a battle to hang on to his seat even without the boundary changes, having seen his majority cut from 28,556 in 2015 and then 21,590 thanks to Lib Dem gains.

The Leader of the House and former Tory leadership candidate may have boosted her popularity among party members with her sturdy sword-carrying at the Coronation  but that will not be enough to prevent her from being beaten by Labour, the poll predicted.

The MP for Portsmouth North, who increased her majority to 15,780 in 2019, is projected to lose her seat, with 40 per cent of the vote going to Labour, 35 per cent to the Tories and a strong showing for Reform UK with 13 per cent. Without Reform standing against her, Ms Mordaunt would be likely to win.

The seat is a swing seat, having been won by the outright victors in every general election since the 1970s.

The Defence Secretary has been the MP for Welwyn Hatfield since 2005 and, with a majority of 10,995, would normally expect to be in a safe seat.

However, the YouGov poll predicted that he will lose to Labour, which will pull in 47 per cent of the vote to his 29 per cent, meaning he could not retain the seat even if Reform  polling 9 per cent  pulled out of the race.

With the Lib Dems attracting seven per cent of the vote and the Greens seven per cent, there appears to be little scope for Mr Shapps to attract votes from other parties.

The Banbury constituency currently held by Victoria Prentis, the Attorney General, has returned a Conservative MP at every election since 1922  but it is one of the Blue Wall seats the Tories could lose.

Despite having a majority of 16,813, Ms Prentis is predicted to lose narrowly to Labour.

Reform UK would be a decisive factor, drawing in nine per cent of the vote  enough to hand victory to Labour with 39 per cent, compared with the Tories 33 per cent.

Labours margin of victory would be even greater if the 13 per cent of Lib Dem voters decided to vote tactically to ensure a Conservative defeat.

The Education Secretary has the biggest majority of any Cabinet minister projected to lose their seat.

In 2019, Ms Keegan retained her seat with a 21,490 majority, but the poll gives victory to the Lib Dems with 37 per cent of the vote compared with 32 per cent for the Conservatives.

Once again, Reform UK, with 10 per cent of the vote in the YouGov poll, is likely to make the difference between Tory victory and defeat.

The last time Chichester was represented by the Lib Dems or the Liberal Party was in 1923, for just one year before the Conservatives won it back. It has never had a Labour MP.

Cheltenham has been a battleground for the Tories and the Lib Dems for decades, and Mr Chalk would lose the latest skirmish if an election took place now.

The Justice Secretary has a majority of just 981, having won the seat from the Lib Dems in 2015, and is on course to be trounced by more than 31 percentage points.

The Lib Dems were predicted to win 56 per cent of the votes, with just 25 per cent for the Tories. Seven per cent of voters favour Reform, meaning their support will not be decisive, with Labour on nine per cent.

The Chief Whip does not have a majority to defend, as his Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire seat has been abolished, and he was predicted to lose the newly-created Caerfyrddin seat for which he has been selected.

Mr Hart took his current seat from Labour in the 2010 election and more than doubled his majority to 7,745 in 2019, but is forecast to attract just 22 per cent of the vote to Labours 31 per cent.

Plaid Cymru was predicted to come third with 29 per cent.

The Welsh Secretary is another member of the Cabinet whose constituency will cease to exist when the election happens. He took his Monmouth seat from Labour in 2005 and has held it in four general elections since then, winning with a 9,982 majority in 2019.

Mr Davies will run in the new constituency of Monmouthshire in the next election, but is forecast to lose heavily to Labour. The YouGov poll suggested Labour will take 44 per cent of the vote compared with 33 per cent for the Tories, with Reform coming third with eight per cent.

The Plymouth Moor View MP, who attends Cabinet in his capacity as the minister for veterans affairs, has a majority of 12,897 in Plymouth Moor View, but is expected to lose to Labour.

Mr Mercers predicted vote share of 32 per cent is way short of the 43 per cent predicted for Labour, partly because Reform UK is expected to have one of its strongest showings in any Cabinet members seat, with 14 per cent of the vote.

The seat was last won by Labour in 2010.

Mel Stride, the Work and Pensions Secretary, is set to lose his seat to Labour.

The MP for Central Devon won a majority of 17,721 in 2019 after first being elected in 2010.

He was appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in October 2022. Mr Stride has said Labours plan to make the benefits system more generous would cause a ruinous rise in unemployment.

TV presenter turned politician Esther McVey has been Minister without Portfolio since last year, but her unofficial title has been Minister for Common Sense, leading the governments anti-woke agenda.

McVey has held two seats since becoming an MP, but has held her latest one, Cheshire-based Tatton, since 2017.

Its estimated she held that with a 19,281, but that looks set to collapse to a nail-biting competition between Labour and the Conservatives. The latest polls have them on 39 per cent to 38 per cent alike.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper has held his Forest of Dean seat since 2005, securing his highest ever majority of 30,860 in 2019.

The latest, constituency-level YouGov poll puts the Conservative seat halving in his constituency, falling to 34 per cent.

This would put them just behind Labour on 38 per cent, allowing them to retake the seat for the first time in 22 years.

Sir Iain, a former Conservative Party leader, has held the Chingford and Woodford Green seat and its predecessor Chingford since 1992, taking over a seat previously held by Lord Tebbit.

His majority has been whittled down to 1,262, making him highly vulnerable, and the YouGov poll predicted that he will lose to Labour.

Faiza Shaheen, his Labour opponent at the next election, was predicted to win with a landslide 54 per cent vote share to Sir Iains 29 per cent, with Reform, the LibDems and Greens taking between four per cent and eight per cent each.

Steve Baker rose to prominence as a Brexit-policy gatekeeper for the Tory right through the European Research Group, which he co-chaired. Since then, he has held a ministerial position in Northern Ireland and the Cabinet Office.

His seat in Wycombe was won with a tight four-point majority in 2019, so it is unsurprising that - given the projected swing to Labour - he is facing a thumping defeat in July.

The latest YouGov polling has him at 26-points behind Labour.

One of Boris Johnsons most vocal allies, Jacob Rees-Mogg has been one of the most prominent eurosceptics in parliament in recent years.

His North East Somerset and Hanham seat, new to this election, was won with an estimated 16,389 majority in 2019, but it is increasingly likely to swing to Labour.

In doing so, he would lose to Dan Norris, current Mayor of the West of England.
Shadow Energy Secretary Ed Miliband on board a jack-up barge

It will close the door on Vladimir Putin and free Britain from dependence on foreign energy, while cutting household bills and fixing the cost of living crisis. Sir Keir Starmer has today doubled down on his plans for GB Energy, the state-owned electricity company that has taken centre stage in the partys general election campaign.

There is, however, a flaw in the proposal. Because in reality, GB Energy is a dangerous mess that might well leave Britain even more exposed to global energy markets that remain as volatile as ever, and Sir Keirs increasingly deranged promises will only make that worse.

Putting aside the point that the UK didnt really import much oil and gas from Russia in the first place  a factoid that seems to have escaped Sir Keirs forensic legal mind  there are four other huge issues that Labour does not seem to have noticed.

First, the new GB Energy would be woefully under-capitalised. The original plan of 28 billion for green investment a year, but this new energy entity will spend just 8 billion over the lifetime of a parliament, which works out at 2 billion a year. For comparison, Shell spends $22 billion a year on capital expenditure. Energy production is an expensive business, and a couple of billion does not get you very far.

Next, its not clear whether the technology required works effectively. There is still surprisingly little detail on what green energies will be prioritised, but all the evidence so far is that wind and solar are not capable of providing the power needed efficiently enough. Indeed, some wind suppliers are already in financial trouble.

Thirdly, even if the capital was available, it doesnt seem the UK has the skilled workforce in place to build the wind and solar installations on the scale that is necessary, nor do we have the capability to drive it through the planning system.

Finally, it now turns out that GB Energy is only going to be an investment vehicle instead of an actual energy company. Of course, there is already plenty of capital available for green projects, with billions already invested. So long as the financial case is compelling, there is plenty of cash available. But GB Energy, with its vague offer, will be left with the projects where the maths doesnt stack up.

In any case, the Labour Party must be ludicrously over-promising. When I tapped my postcode into the GB Energy website, it turned out that the company will create 68,000 jobs in London alone. (Seriously? How exactly? Where will all the windmills get built, or will they just be over-paid consultants?) For comparison, EDF UK, one of the biggest energy suppliers in the country, employs 11,000 as a whole. Something just doesnt seem right.

If the UK genuinely wanted energy security it would not be too hard. We could reboot the North Sea, award new licences, start fracking having learnt all the lessons from the American boom, and build mini-nuclear power stations.

For someone who will be PM next month, there is a profound lack of seriousness about Starmers plans. Few people have noticed, but gas prices spiked this week on supply issues in Norway. Our energy security remains as precarious as ever  but Labour will make it much worse.
Nigel Farage has accused an anti-racism group headed by Diane Abbott of encouraging and celebrating violence against him.

Stand Up to Racism, which counts Ms Abbott as its president, posted a laughing emoji on one of its social media accounts above a picture of a milkshake being thrown over the Reform UK leader.

In the post on X, formerly Twitter, the group said looks like Farage will be met with opposition in Clacton.

Mr Farage said in response: The left-wing group called Stand Up To Racism have encouraged and then celebrated violence against me.

As the president of the group, will @HackneyAbbottcondemn this behaviour?

Mr Farage had a milkshake thrown at him while campaigning in Clacton-on-sea in Essex - TOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

A woman was arrested on Tuesday afternoon after the drink was thrown at Mr Farage as he relaunched his partys general election campaign in Clacton, where he is seeking to become an MP.

As officers were arresting the woman, a man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, Essex Police said.

The drink was bought at McDonalds and thrown at Mr Farage as he left a Wetherspoon pub in the Essex seaside town.

He was later pictured with the yellow drink splattered across his dark blue suit as he boarded his campaign bus.

He later described the incident as quite frightening and claimed he had been targeted again following a similar episode in 2019 because he goes out and meets the public while nobody else does.

Mr Farage told ITV News: What does Rishi do? He gets a room with two-dozen councillors or whatever it is.

Nobody goes out and does the old-style street campaigning the way that I do. And this is the risk that goes with it, and Ill be honest, it is quite scary.

A visibly emotional Mr Farage was asked if he thought about what would happen if it was something more serious than a milkshake. He replied: Thats a very tough question to answer. I try not to.

Mr Farage announced his return to frontline politics on Monday, when he said he would take over from Richard Tice as Reform UK leader and stand to be an MP for the eighth time.

He had previously said he would not stand as a candidate in the election and instead focus on boosting Donald Trumps chances of returning to the White House.
The crowds for Nigel Farage blocked the path to the lesser visited Clacton pier - James Manning/PA Wire

Now, this is what I call an election! While other candidates meet select voters in empty hangars, Nigel Farage made a triumphant, uncensored return to Clacton-on-Sea  the Trafalgar of Brexit.

The folks came by their hundreds, by foot or mobility scooter, cramming the cliff and the path that leads down to the pier. The candidate had to force his way through to the stage. Was this Nigel Farage or Tom Jones? Thankfully, no one threw any knickers.

He was introduced by Richard Tice, who has learnt to keep his remarks short  theyre not here for you, Dickie  then Nigel was helped by burly handlers up onto a table so he could survey the masses.

We love you!, they shouted. Welcome back!, said a fellow whose T-shirt bore a picture of Donald Trump and the words WANTED FOR PRESIDENT. Over Farages head, a merry-go-round turned peacefully. Two Union flags fluttered in the wind.

Love him or loathe him, Ive not seen anything like this in politics since Jeremy Corbyn. The Reform campaign is visceral, popular, authentic. Is this not the most patriotic town in the whole of this country? he asked. Much of the crowd said, What?  for the PA system was too quiet. So Gawain Towler, the Reform media guru, lifted up a speaker and balanced it on his head.

I am proud of this country, Nigel now boomed, evoking the golden memory of D-Day, proud to be British. But fings aint what they used to be. Labour thinks women can be men! Schools are poisoning the minds of your children  What do I have to offer you? From the back, a man shouted, F-all. But that, sir, is plainly untrue. Hes already brought London tourists to Clacton for the day; on July 4, Clactonites can return the favour. Send me to Parliament to be a bloody nuisance.

Its about time someone stood up for us, cried a woman. A sign read Save Clacton and Save Britain.

There were some doubters in the swarm: the sweary critic asked, how do you make your money?, which drew the angry reply from a supporter: The same as everyone else, I suppose.

But as Farage asked if there were any GB News fans, they roared approvingly, and when he asked them to raise their hands to volunteer, those that didnt risk falling over did so. A sea of Spartacuses; a peoples army (to quote their liberator). I will do my best, he promised solemnly, then nipped off to the pub.

You might recall that back in 2014, when Ukip took Clacton in a by-election, the columnist Matthew Parris described the town as Britain on crutches, on its way out. Well, the Moon and Starfish was heaving with life, packed with supporters. How to describe them? White, Essex accents, working class.

I found the man with the Trump T-shirt, William Hones, who told me he used to drive limos in America in the 1980s and saw how Trump built New York up. I wasnt going to vote for anybody, he said, then he heard Farage announcing his shock candidacy and decided to jump onboard. Why? Nothing works in this country, if you cant see that, youre a f------ idiot  or really wealthy so it doesnt affect you.

Class is a running theme in Reform circles. The country is fed up with these old fuddy-duddies sitting in Parliament, nodding off half the time, said David Nunn. Weve had all these old Etonians for donkeys years  theyre not in the real world. He concluded: We need England back to English. What has changed? The national dish now is curry.

Sitting in a corner, enjoying a very English pint of beer, was Farage basking in the attention of journalists, occasionally breaking off for a selfie with fans who, as they grew drunker, became disturbingly amorous. I asked him what would he say to my mother, a voter who is sick of the Tories but worried about Labour and fearful that a Reform vote might let them into power? When she has breakfast in two weeks time, he said, and she realises its over  meaning the election  she will find it much easier to vote with her conscience.

Has he had any messages from Donald Trump? No, but he has had them from his staff: they think his candidacy is bold, he said, which is the same word Cameron used to describe Sunak calling this suicidal election.

The Donald would be loving this? I suggested, and Nigel laughed, put on the voice and growled, Its sooo great!

Another journalist asked if hed been doing any work on the Reform manifesto? Farage mimed writing out policies on the back of his fag packet  the kind of unfiltered fun that hacks love and voters, sick of voting for robots, shine to as well. But it comes with risks. Starmer and Sunak wont go outdoors for fear of assassins, or bumping into a voter. Nigel came face-to-face with a projectile milkshake.

I was standing by the Reform battle bus when it happened, begging to be let aboard, when the crowd screamed and I saw a flash of liquid. A young girl had thrown something in Farages face. He walked quickly into the bus, covered in foam, and through the tinted windows I could see on his face a look of irritation and anxiety. This is not funny. Were not far from Southend, where Sir David Amess was murdered at a constituency surgery.

So, his campaign is hazardous, but its worth it. At Nikkis Cafe, Anthony Swash, a swing voter, told me we want someone with a pair of balls, someone like Maggie Thatcher. She certainly had balls, I said, and he laughed. Hed been watching the D-Day commentary on TV and was struck by the national loss of nerve.

One of the old boys  a veteran  said, Im not the hero. The heroes are out there, dead.

Thats the Britain we miss.
Jennifer Bruton homeschools her children Jess and Josh

Sarah Hayes had never intended to home-educate her children. To all intents and purposes, theirs was a near-perfect setup, at a small private prep school near their house in the Home Counties. But, watching her previously happy young daughter become increasingly stressed and withdrawn, thanks to two house moves, with the Covid pandemic in the middle, she felt compelled to explore alternative options. Hayes ended up pulling both her children out of school to teach them at home for a year.

It was probably the hardest decision weve ever made, but it was one of the best things we could have done, she says. The freedom to go at our own pace without external pressure, the learning opportunities offered by the real world, the quantity and quality of online resources and the kindness of those in the same boat.

They are among the many families who have turned to home education, with numbers soaring in recent years. Brand new research, unveiled by the BBC this week, has shown the number of pupils moving to homeschooling has risen 22 per cent in the last year alone. The need to protect mental health was cited as the biggest factor in the recent increase  64 per cent of families cite it as the main reason behind their decision.

In 2020, data from The Childrens Society indicated that British children were among the unhappiest in Europe. Mental health issues and special needs were increasingly key factors behind the homeschooling movement. In February 2024, these concerns accounted for 54 per cent of parents who chose to home-educate  up from around 30 per cent in 2023, according to Wendy Charles-Warner, chair of the home education charity Education Otherwise.

Thats really worrying, says Charles-Warner. These arent people coming to home education because they want to teach their child at home. Its because the education system is not educating their child.

Estimates by the Department for Education show that 97,000 children  or more than one in 100  were homeschooled last summer term: an increase of 11,000 on the 86,000 being taught at home at the start of 2023, although the reality is estimated to be much higher. And the data suggests the surge in homeschooling is here to stay.

Now, a Bill going through parliament aims to place these home education arrangements under increasing scrutiny. Amid concerns over so-called ghost pupils dropping out of the system, the Bill, which has cross-party support, would oblige each council to maintain a list of home-schooled children, as well as ensuring that parents provide an adequate education.

Studies suggest that children in the UK are among the unhappiest in Europe - Maskot

Flick Drummond, MP for Meon Valley, who tabled the Register for Children Not in School Bill, says there are several reasons for the growing number of children in home education but argues it is difficult to know how many parents homeschool their children by choice, and how many were pushed, because without a register there is no data.

Drummond says the proposed legislation would not impinge on parents right to home-school their children but would help identify those in need of further support. Educating children at home is exhausting  particularly for those with SEN (Special Educational Needs) children  and thats why we need to make sure these parents are supported as much as they want to be, she says.

The aim isnt to force children back into classrooms against their parents wishes, but to make sure children have a suitable education at home.

Beyond mental health and special needs, parents reasons for home education are many and varied. Some feel the school system starts too young in this country, and want to hold off starting formal education for longer, as in Scandinavian countries. Some enjoyed home schooling during the pandemic; others find it preferable to sending their children to enormous comprehensives, when budgets no longer stretch to private school fees. Alarmingly, an increasing number of parents  particularly post-Covid  feel that the school system is simply unfit for purpose.

Certainly, the education sector in this country is currently in a mess.

Last year 40,000 teachers resigned from the profession, while unfilled teaching vacancies are also at a record high. The latest OECD Pisa test results showed a sharp decline, with British schoolchildren scoring the lowest in science and maths since 2006. Reading results were also down. A third of pupils fail GCSES (below Grade 4/C), and the rate of permanent exclusions and suspensions is on the rise: one in eight children were permanently excluded in 2021-22, and one in 17 secondary school pupils were suspended at some point during the same year. Little wonder, perhaps, that many parents are opting out.

So, is homeschooling the answer? These parents chose to do it. Heres why.

We didnt want to avoid the schooling system, but there wasnt enough choice

Jennifer Bruton lives in Woking and homeschools her children Josh, 16, and Jess, 14

When my son Josh, who is now 16, was really young he was very socially anxious  beyond painfully shy. He went quite happily to our little local village school, but when we applied for secondary school, we fell out of the catchment area for the two schools closest to us, and got given a school in Guildford. It would have taken him 45 minutes to get there, and it wasnt a very good school either. When that happened, we thought we should look into homeschooling.

Jennifer Bruton homeschools her children Jess and Josh

We hit the ground running. Ive taken on most of the teaching  science, geography, history  while my mum has taken on the maths and my dad helps with computer science and also when I get stuck on physics, as he has a PHD in it. Both children are going to do exams, so we follow the syllabus  that way, if they change their minds, they can switch back into the school system if they want.

My son wants to be an engineer, and to go to college hes got to get to Level 7 in maths and physics. Hes done chemistry GCSE already, and this year hell be taking physics, biology, English language, geography and computer science. My daughter is dyslexic and finds exams difficult, so shell do six GCSEs to his seven  but shell take three of them early, in Year 10, which is another advantage of homeschooling. She also spends a lot of time doing dance, and has a huge number of friends she socialises with through that.

Primary school has some ability to adapt for children, particularly small ones like ours, but at secondary school, there are so many children and theres no way schools can cater for each individual. If your child is at one end of the gradient, theyre really going to struggle. We didnt want to avoid the schooling system, we just wanted to find what fitted our children best. It would have been nice to have had more choice.

Children who are home-educated are not absent from education

Eloise Rickman lives in south London with her husband and their nine-year-old daughter. She has a book on childrens rights and child liberation out on June 20 called Its Not Fair: Why its time for a grown-up conversation about how adults treat children)

My daughter is nine so would be in Year 4 at school, but shes never been. We decided right at the beginning that we werent going to put her in preschool, and it went from there. My husband and I had both been through the traditional school system, but we were really excited by the idea of home education, and it chimed a lot with how we were parenting. Small children are so interested in everything  what happens between that and getting to the end of school, feeling like youre just going through the motions to get some exam results? The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is explicit that not only do children have the right to an education, but it should be one that allows them to reach their full potential  and so many schools are just too underfunded and understaffed to be able to do support childrens best interests and allow them to thrive. So home education was more of an ideological position for us.

We do quite a lot of formal learning  our daughter has a maths curriculum and she learns French and Latin. We mix traditional subjects like history and science with lots of time to explore her interests. My expectation is that shell take GCSEs and attend sixth form, whether in a school setting or not. Its great to go at her pace: in some subjects like maths shes probably working above where she would be in school; with handwriting, it took her a bit longer but now shes caught up. We have a huge and vibrant home education community locally  we could be in classes or do activities every day.

Eloise Rickman

Juggling home education and working has been really complicated  my husbands a university researcher; I write and am also a mature student. Weve tried to take it in turns  Im currently educating four days a week and only have one day to work, which is a struggle. But were very fortunate, and privileged, in that weve been able to make it work. Its surprised me how joyful it is, and how much Ive learnt alongside her.

Weve always held it quite loosely, and now its her choice  if she wants to go to school she can. But children who are home-educated are not absent from education. There are many equally valid ways to do it.

We wouldnt have been brave enough to take the leap without being able to dip our toes during lockdown

Fritha Quinn lives in Cardiff and home-educates her two children Wilf, 12 and Mabli, 8

Like many families, we came to home education via lockdown  I dont think we would have been brave enough to take the leap without being able to dip our toes then. When lockdown ended he asked if there was a reason we couldnt carry home learning; we had seen him really flourish and have time to spend on his interests so we agreed to try it for a year and see how we went. We have always gone into home-ed with the approach that nothing is set in stone and that school would always be an option if either of our children felt it would be something they would like to try again, although now four years later I cant see them wanting to go to school anytime soon.

There are some challenges: Im not a routine person but my eight-year-old needs to know what the plans are each day. As an introvert, Ive also found the socialising hard: whereas in school their social interactions are done without you, in home-ed, you have to put yourself out there to take them to meet-ups and get involved in the community. Its easier now for my tween as he is able to go to places by himself and they also attend a forest school setting which is my day off from talking to people.

We are really lucky here in Cardiff that we are part of a brilliant community of home-educators, and we often attend classes set up by another parent or do field trip days. Places like the science museum and historical attractions like St Fagans have dedicated homeschool days where theyre closed to members of the public and set up classes and labs for the children. You dont get out of dress up like a Victorian day just because youre homeschooled.

The school environment is very stressful

Hayley Thomas, lives in Hampshire and has never sent her son Hayden, 10, to school

My husband is South African, and there they dont start school until theyre six. My son Hayden is classed as a summer-born child, so he was only just four when he was due to start reception. My husband said hes not going to school when hes four and that planted a seed. When the time rolled around, I thought what am I doing? but weve never looked back. Hell turn 10 next month so wed be looking at senior schools soon, but hes almost too old to start going to school now, and the school environment is a very stressful place  there are an awful lot of children whose needs arent met.

Hayley Thomas homeschools her son Hayden

We live in Hampshire where theres a really thriving and supportive home-education community: Hayden has grown up doing lots of different classes and courses. Were not trying to recreate the school environment or the curriculum necessarily  its about a more diverse education thats suited to him. Hes really keen to work with animals  at the moment he wants to open his own zoo.

Im self-employed, which allows me the flexibility to fit around my family, and working from home is a godsend because I can fit it around Hayden. My husband works full-time, but if we both had full-time employment, its just not doable in my opinion. Youd still be farming out the education, but youd have to pay for it.

I love doing it. My husband and my son are my favourite people, and weve tried to design our lives to spend as much time together as possible. Its a gift to be able to be that hands-on in his life.
Palestinian protesters and DEI have things in common

The din around Palestinian statehood feels as uncomfortable as it does familiar. Not simply because statehood has been negotiated for so unbelievably long by so unbelievably many. But because the circumstances surrounding this latest stab at Arab sovereignty were born from circumstances of unimaginable violence and moral failure.

Think of what it took to get to this point. The hundreds of Israelis dead and kidnapped; the thousands displaced from their homes. Or is statehood the prize for reframing this entire nightmare, so that Palestinians are positioned as aggrieved and entitled, much like the college protestors chanting on behalf of their disputed homeland.

The truth is, while there may be little logic for progressive support for Hamas, the ideology behind statehood is something weve all seen before. In fact  across Americas corporations and campuses  we see it all the time: in the obsession with identity and representation; the reliance on coercion and bullying; and in the unyielding focus on equality of outcomes and achievements. Far removed from any real achievement  and armed with last weeks facade of officialdom  Palestinian statehood is now emerging as the global equivalent of diplomatic DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion).

The playbook is clear. Take legitimate grievances  historic inequality in the US, geopolitical displacement over in the Levant  and weaponise them into movements powered by vast funding and abstract demands for power rebalancing and institutional change. Operating under dubious leadership, with scant accountability or oversight, DEI and Palestinian statehood privilege optics over accomplishment, representation and ritualisation ahead of historical fact.

This is why Spanish, Irish and Norwegian recognition was so important to the statehood crowd last week; much like the DEI metrics used to measure minority advancement, the goal here is quantifiable milestones.

Fueled by the cults of liberation and low expectations, both statehood and DEI are ideological machines rife with bloat, mismanagement and impunity. In the case of DEI, the numbers are particularly staggering. At just one company  Facebook-parent Meta, for instance  the global DEI strategist Barbara Furlow-Smiles pled guilty to stealing more than $4 million via an elaborate wire fraud scheme between 2017 and 2021. Over at Boston University, some $55 million has been poured into Ibram X Kendis Center for Anti-Racist Research, faced allegations of poor management and a massive downsizing operation last year, as reported by the New York Times.

In the case of Palestine, the UN-backed refugee organisation UNRWA forms the nexus of the statehood swindle (in 2019, the leader of the organisation resigned amid allegations of corruption, with corresponding leaked documents leading to several European nations withdrawing their funding). Israel alleged that several employees of the organisation participated in Hamas October 7 massacre, claims Philippe Lazzarini (current commissioner-general of UNRWA) has denied.

The money extracted by these do-gooder operations is intended to address another shared obsession: the pursuit of equity beyond any measure of reason. Palestinians, the logic goes, deserve a state because the Jews took their homes and made a state of their own. Nevermind Palestines original 1947 UN partition, which split the British Mandate into a larger Arab territory next to a small Jewish one, nor the Oslo Accords in 1994 or Donald Trumps Deal of the Century nearly two decades later. All were rejected, much to the detriment of Arabs.

But like with DEI  where minority success only matters when it equals that of whites or men or heterosexuals  the Palestinians will only be satisfied with a state equal to that of the Jewish people. Ignore the fact that Gazans elected the terrorist group Hamas democratically  and that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is corrupt and dictatorial  Palestine must exist now, regardless of whether or not there are any credible leaders around to actually run it.

Neither Palestinian statehood nor DEI advocates are particularly concerned about performance. Failure to perform is what landed university presidents like former Harvard head Claudine Gay before Congress to explain their inability to keep Jewish students safe last year. Revelations of plagiarism and subpar hiring standards are what subsequently sent Gay packing. In the end, DEI provided an easy explanation (not necessarily the correct explanation) for why Harvard hired Gay in the first place. As shifts in college admissions, military readiness or corporate excellence suggests  DEI will always celebrate the bottom rather than lift it to the top.

Ultimately, what DEI and Palestinian statehood have most in common is also the easiest to overlook  a shared hatred of Jews. With its focus on race-based hierarchies and categorised grievances, DEI will always leave Jews in last place. Despite its noble intentions (and necessity), DEI cannot exist without victimhood, and victimhood cannot exist without perpetrators. And Jews have always served as historys most maligned and idealised perpetrators  even as their accusers fail to articulate a crime.

Statehood, of course, from the Palestinian perspective, has never maligned Jews more, what with those increasing calls for sovereignty From the River to the Sea. Even as Israel remains reluctant to embark on its own round of negotiations, pro-Palestine rhetoric appears more unwilling than ever to tolerate any Jewish presence in the Levant.

There is no longer a place for a two-state solution for any Palestinian, declared Wissam Rafidi, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine at the three-day Peoples Conference for Palestine in Detroit this past weekend. The only solution is one democratic Palestinian land which will end the Zionist project in Palestine. That land, added Rafidi, could continue to feature rule by Hamas, which is part of the resistance of the Palestinian people. Look to October 7 to guess where this might end.

For today, at least, with racism still a reality in America and chaos raging across the Near East, both DEI and a Palestinian State cannot be fully discounted. But with their overreliance on outcomes rather than effectiveness, each reveals the folly of a progressive extreme desperate for wins simply for the sake of winning. Yes, DEI and agitation over a right to statehood can be tools for achieving a fairer future for all. But without moral clarity and accountability, injustice can be the only outcome.
Staying in office is Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus best chance of evading prosecution on corruption charges he denies. Photograph: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images

Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is facing growing pressure at home and internationally to support a new ceasefire plan for Gaza, a move he is resisting over fears it will collapse his government.

Far-right members of the prime ministers coalition have threatened to quit the coalition if Israel surrenders before total victory over Hamas, while his leading rival, the centrist Benny Gantz, has said he will resign from the emergency unity government if Netanyahu does not commit to a deal and day after plan for Gaza by 8 June.

Staying in office is Netanyahus best chance of evading prosecution for corruption on charges he denies. But the longtime leader was forced into a corner on Friday, when Joe Biden unveiled a new truce and hostage release plan, which he said was an Israeli proposal.

In the unexpected announcement, Biden urged Hamas to come to the table  but the speech, which was not coordinated in advance with Israeli officials, is widely believed to have been aimed at reluctant elements of the Israeli leadership, too.

Related: Bidens botched Gaza ceasefire deal only demonstrates his lack of influence | Julian Borger

Netanyahu almost immediately undermined the US president, on Saturday calling the plan a non-starter. He has since begrudgingly acknowledged the new proposal, which has been relayed to Hamas, but also reportedly reassured his political partners that the war would not end and the chances of reaching a deal were very low.

After several failed rounds of talks, a second ceasefire following a week-long truce that collapsed in November is still far from certain. Qatar, a mediator, said on Tuesday that it was still waiting for a clear position from Israel, while a Hamas spokesperson said the group could not agree to a deal in which Israel did not commit to a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal from Gaza.

We havent seen any statements on both sides that give us a lot of confidence, said the Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari, who also noted that the process is progressing and we have been working with both sides on proposals on the table.

But there is a growing sense in Israel  not for the first time  that Netanyahu is running out of options.

He is world champion at stalling, making all sides sick of him and ultimately evading paying the bill when it comes due, the commentator Ben Caspit wrote in the centrist Israeli daily Maariv on Tuesday. But even a political master such as Netanyahu couldnt hold off much longer on making a decision on a deal, Caspit said. He has to make a real decision. Not a sort-of decision, not a pretend decision, not an on-condition decision and not a temporary decision. A decision.

During Saturday nights now-weekly protest in Tel Aviv led by the families of hostages held by Hamas, thousands of people called on the government to act on the new proposal, as well as for new elections.

On Tuesday, the Shas party, Netanyahus ultra-Orthodox coalition partner, came out in favour of the deal, adding to pressure from the leader of the opposition, Yair Lapid, who has promised that his centrist party will help a deal pass in the Knesset even if rightwing government factions rebel.

Related: Biden: every reason to believe Netanyahu is prolonging Gaza war for political gain

And after months of increasing international isolation and souring relations with the US, Israels most important ally, Biden has for the first time appeared to accuse the Israeli leader of prolonging the war effort in Gaza for his own political survival. Asked in an interview with Time magazine, published on Tuesday, whether the Israeli leader was stalling for political reasons, Biden said: There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion.

An editorial in the leftwing daily Haaretz on Tuesday speculated that the prime minister, faced with nothing but unpalatable choices, could play a card he has used several times in the recent past: dissolving parliament and taking his chances in new elections.

As head of a transition government, he could go ahead with the hostage and ceasefire deal without the fear of losing his far-right partners support. Getting back in Washingtons good books would reopen the pathway to a potential legacy-defining normalisation deal with Saudi Arabia. It would also delay decisions on another politically explosive issue dividing Netanyahus current coalition: ultra-Orthodox conscription.

If, as expected, elections are held sooner than the scheduled date of 2026, it is not impossible that Netanyahu could again cobble together a coalition.

The prime minister has recovered in the polls since 7 October. One survey, conducted a few weeks afterwards, found just 4% of Israels Jewish public trusted him. Most polling shows that while the majority of Israelis support the war effort, they also blame him for security failures during the Hamas attack. However, new survey data released this week by Israels public broadcaster found the gap with Gantz, his centrist rival, is closing, with Netanyahu now eight points behind.

Bibi knows he will face elections at some point in the near future, so maybe he will calculate its better for him to be in control of the process so he can create the best possible conditions and situation for himself going into an election, said Dahlia Scheindlin, a Tel Aviv-based political analyst, using Netanyahus well-known moniker.

A Ramadan ceasefire that Biden said was very close did not materialise, and some progress towards a new truce last month was scuppered by the launch of Israels invasion of Rafah, the last pocket of Gaza to have been spared ground fighting.

There is one substantial difference between the new plan and previous proposals. The first phase, a six-week ceasefire in which a limited number of Israeli hostages would be exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, would be indefinitely extendable while negotiators thrash out the next stage, so an impasse would not necessarily trigger a return to hostilities.
(Photo : Unsplash/Towfiqu barbhuiya )

Young professionals today are focusing on their retirement more than ever. On average, Gen Zers begin saving for retirement at 22, compared to millennials at 27, Gen Xers at 31, and baby boomers at 37, as found in a recent survey of 4,500 US adults by Northwestern Mutual in January.

The Gen Z Super-Savers

Shared with CNBC Make It, Lillian Zhang began planning for retirement while still in college. At 20, she opened her first retirement account, a Roth IRA, after discovering them through personal finance YouTube channels. For two years, she maximized contributions using savings and earnings from summer internships. After graduating, she shifted her focus to maximizing her 401(k) with her new job. Now 24, Zhang has accumulated a six-figure sum across three retirement funds. She recently opened a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA for her content creator side business.

Zhang now represents a rising group of individuals who are part of Gen Z super-savers.

Why Do Gen Zers Want to Save Early for Retirement?

What motivates young individuals to stash away money they will not access for years?

Anxiety plays a significant role. Many worry about stagnant wages amidst rising living expenses, explains Paloma Thombley, Chief Human Resources Officer at Handshake, a job platform for college students and recent graduates.

According to Northwestern Mutual, Americans now believe they must save $1.46 million to enjoy a comfortable retirement, marking a 53% increase from 2020. Meanwhile, Thombley notes that Gen Zers observe millennials facing challenges in achieving common financial goals such as paying off student loans and purchasing homes.

Some young people witness their older relatives facing financial difficulties. According to a December survey conducted by Handshake with 2,500 college undergraduates, over half either currently support their parents or grandparents financially or anticipate doing so in the future, which is more prevalent among students of color than their white counterparts.

Meanwhile, like many others her age, Zhang lacks confidence that Social Security will be available when she retires. Social Security's trust funds are expected to be depleted by 2035, leading to benefit reductions unless Congress intervenes. This uncertainty leads Zhang to believe that relying solely on Social Security for retirement income is risky, motivating her and others to take personal responsibility for their financial futures.

Gen Zers Lean on Employers' Retirement Benefits

With doubts about government support for retirement, young individuals focus on employers who assist in covering retirement expenses.

According to data from Handshake, retirement benefits rank high on the list of priorities for the Class of 2024 when considering new job opportunities. 65% of college seniors state that they would refuse a job offer from a company that does not provide an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan.

Employers have significantly influenced Gen Z's robust retirement savings. According to a recent Vanguard report, individuals aged 18 to 24 were 32% more inclined to participate in their workplace retirement plans than older counterparts at the same age. This is attributed to increased options for automatic enrollment and improved access to plan information.

READ ALSO: The Growing Trend of Boomers Extending Careers: A Pursuit of Financial Stability and Personal Fulfillment

Gen Zers Are Redefining Their Dreams

Beyond anxiety, numerous Gen Z individuals view aggressive retirement savings as a means of seizing control in an uncertain future, especially when traditional support systems are unreliable. Social media platforms contribute to this effort by creating a sense of community. Zhang notes that peers on YouTube and TikTok provided valuable insights that educational institutions and workplaces may lack, such as pre-and post-tax investment strategies, practical methods for investing retirement funds, and the significance of compound interest. Zhang also perceived retirement savings as an annual objective rather than a distant goal spanning decades.

Thombley notes that young professionals today have unprecedented access to personal finance guidance, making them acutely aware of opportunities they must seize to stay ahead. Similarly, just as they redefine workplace dynamics and career trajectories, Gen Z individuals are reshaping their perceptions of retirement, tailoring them to align with their preferences and priorities.

Regarding her retirement aspirations, Zhang is still navigating her options but remains confident that she will have the financial means to pursue her dreams. For her, the key lies in saving diligently now to ensure flexibility later on, granting her the freedom to pursue her passions without financial limitations.

RELATED ARTICLE: Why Social Security Is Particularly Crucial for Older Women's Financial Security?

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Conservative Party is already dead as a political force, Nigel Farage claimed as he insisted he would deliver a better opposition to Labour after the general election.

Speaking to The Telegraph in Clacton during his first visit since announcing that he would run to be the MP for the Essex seat, the newly-installed Reform UK leader warned of more Tory infighting to come.

He said different Conservative factions hate each other and predicted worse internal battles after a general election defeat than those that saw two changes of leadership in 2022.

Mr Farage forecast that Reform would win more votes at the election than the four million secured by Ukip, the insurgent Right-wing party he once led  secured in 2015.

Theyve killed themselves already. Its got nothing to do with me, Mr Farage said when asked whether he wanted to make the Tories extinct after his return to the political front line.

Just look at the MRP polls, he said, referring to the mega polls that crunch data and forecast the result. One, from YouGov on Monday, gave Labour a 194-seat majority.

Some say the Tories will win 140 seats, some say theyll win 80 seats, said Mr Farage. Its over. Labour have won. This is about building a voice of opposition. And a very, very big Reform vote  if we can get some of the Labour switchers as well  says to Keir Starmer be very careful on the European Union with what youre doing. Very careful indeed.

Nigel Farage: 'Labour have won. This is about building a voice of opposition' - Tejas Sandhu/Shutterstock

The 60-year-old, described as the Tory tormentor in chief on the BBC this week, was chatting in what he has projected as his political safe space: inside a Wetherspoon pub, pint of ale in hand.

It was thrust his way by an aide before the cameras were switched on. Mr Farage, a third of the way through, admitted he did not know which beer he was supping.

The new Reform leader and his small band of loyal aides and security staff had taken over a corner of the Moon and Starfish pub after his packed public rally.

Hundreds of locals had gathered on Clacton Pier to see Mr Farage as he clambered on to a park bench and declared: Send me to Parliament to be a bloody nuisance.

In the pub, Mr Farage, who has not contested a parliamentary seat since 2015, sounded surprised by the size of the crowd, saying: It was rather exciting, wasnt it? A bit overwhelming, actually.

There was an emotion as I left, people shaking hands. It was an emotional moment because this is an incredibly patriotic place. Look at the number of people wearing regimental shirts or badges, a lot of ex-Army types.

He said mass immigration had changed the area and led to disillusionment. He claimed too many politicians  hge always paints himself as being outside the Westminster bubble  dismissed Clacton as being at the end of the line, who cares?.

That issue  immigration  is at the heart of Reforms pitch. Both Mr Farage and Richard Tice, his predecessor now shunted to the side, have called this an immigration election.

Some of those who attended Mr Farages speech referred to concerns about migration, but others wince at his rhetoric, seeing a populist willing to tap into darker instincts. His claim last week that some Muslims do not subscribe to British values triggered a backlash.

What does he say to those who called the remarks offensive? Im really sorry but, I mean, just look at the photographs, he said, an apparent nod to pro-Hamas banners on marches. Look at the images. Look at what happened in the local elections this year. We have sectarian politics in England, people voting along religious lines. I think thats terrible.

One unknown remains how high Reform might rise after Mr Farages return. Britains first past the post election system is brutal for smaller parties, essentially creating 650 mini-election contests with only first place finishers becoming MPs.

Mr Farage predicted a big Reform vote, saying: I led Ukip in 2015. We got four million votes. We are going to get a lot more than four million votes. A lot more. That Im really confident of.

But seats? He would not be drawn on numbers, adding: Look, ask me in a weeks time. Weve literally just launched this thing. I sense theres momentum out there.

That challenged his claim that Reform can meaningfully replace the Conservatives as the main opposition party should Labour win. Even on the MRP polls he makes reference to, its predicted seat total is zero.

However, he raised the spectre of more Tory civil wars, saying They are just warring tribes, they hate each other. We have literally had a government that, for the last four years, has spent more time fighting amongst itself, subjecting all of us to this never-ending row, not actually standing up for the country and getting on with the job.

And theres no evidence that says in opposition it will be any different. In fact, it may even be worse, because the recriminations will be there.

Theres no way the One Nationers and those that backed Brexit all the way and rejected Mrs Mays deal, theres no way they can be in the same party. It doesnt work any more.

Suspicions remain that, if he won a seat, Mr Farage could one day be tempted to switch to the Tories. He has, after all, talked of a takeover of the Conservatives.

But he waved away suggestions there was a trust issue after he had spent days last week insisting that he would not stand to become an MP.

Hang on a second, he said. Who has been more consistent in British politics over 30 years than me in terms of what I believe in? Trust  hey, I changed my mind. Who watching this or reading this hasnt at some point in their lives changed their mind? Im not ashamed of that.

And would he promise to serve every day of a five-year term as an MP? Oh, of course, he said. I did over 20 years in the European Parliament.

But what is Reform actually proposing? Mr Farage ripped up one element of its policy agenda live on Radio Fours Today programme on Tuesday, dismissing the idea that asylum-seekers should be processed on British Overseas Territory.

I didnt walk it back, he countered, though he still would not endorse the policy. Look, Im perfectly fine to have offshore processing centres, although Ascension Island is quite a long way.

So would every policy in the draft manifesto be looked at again before being locked in? I dont think theres very much between Richard and I, said Mr Farage. But maybe, maybe. Well, weve agreed today were going to sit down and go through it.

Mr Farage is known to like a flutter. So has he bet on victory in Clacton? I havent yet, actually, he said with a grin. I think its evens round the corner. I did back the Derby winner the other day, so Im on a roll.

After that reception in Clacton, do not rule out the odds being in his favour.
Co-founders and CEOs of The Fearless Fund speak to journalists outside federal court in Miami on 31 January 2024. Photograph: Rebecca Blackwell/AP

A US federal court of appeals panel has suspended Fearless Fund, an Atlanta-based, Black woman-owned venture capitalist firm, from continuing the firms Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, a grant program for Black female business owners.

In the 2-1 ruling, the panel of three judges, two appointed by Donald Trump and one appointed by Barack Obama, ruled that the grant program is substantially likely to violate section 1981 of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibits the use of race in making contracts. The act aimed to fully integrate formerly enslaved Black Americans as citizens, give them the full rights of American citizenship and to make it illegal to deprive any Americans of rights on the basis of race, color, or prior condition of slavery or involuntary servitude.

Related: US school teacher suspended for holding mock slave auction in class

American Alliance for Equal Rights, founded by Edward Blum, the conservative activist who led the supreme court case that ended affirmative action in college admissions, brought the case against Fearless Fund last August. The fund is one of several firms, organizations and government institutions that have been targeted by conservative, rightwing groups working to make it illegal for public and private entities to pursue diversity initiatives.

Less than than 1% of venture capital funding goes to Black and Hispanic women-owned businesses, according to Digitalundivided, a non-profit advocacy organization. The group found that firms started by Black women received only .0006% of VC funding raised by startups between 2009 and 2017. And in 2019, a report found that Black entrepreneurs loan requests are three times less likely to be approved than white entrepreneurs.

Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which was referenced in the ruling, guarantees citizens the right to make and enforce contracts  and to the full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of persons and property as is enjoyed by white citizens.

The panel of judges ruled that Fearless Fund is unlikely to enjoy first amendment protection and that its program inflicts irreparable injury.

The Fearless Fund CEO and founder Arian Simone expressed disappointment at the ruling.

I am shattered for every girl of color who has a dream but will grow up in a nation determined not to give her a shot to live it, she said in a statement. On their behalf, we will turn the pain into purpose and fight with all our might.

The ruling is a victory for conservative groups that continue to target diversity initiatives, but it may not be a cut and dry harbinger of whats to come. Last week, a federal judge in Ohio dismissed a lawsuit against the insurance company Progressive and the fintech platform Hello Alice, which jointly offer a grant program that helps Black-owned small businesses purchase commercial vehicles.

In a statement, Simone vowed that the ruling against Fearless Fund was the beginning of a renewed fight.



We are committed more than ever to advocating for equity, pushing forward with resilience, and ensuring that women of color receive the opportunities they rightfully deserve, the statement reads. Fearless Fund and the organizations legal representatives have indicated that they are evaluating all options to fight the lawsuit.
The British Museum says Lord Elgin was given written consent to bring the Marbles back to Britain - Leon Neal/Getty Images

Turkey has made a surprise intervention to support Greek efforts to claim the Elgin Marbles from the colonialist UK.

The Greek government maintains that Lord Elgin stole the ancient sculptures from Athens in the 19th century, while British Museum bosses claim he was given written legal permission to take them.

Turkish experts have now spoken out in the row to support Greece, saying no such permission was ever given.

The licence or firman was purportedly granted to Lord Elgin by the Ottoman Turkish authorities who ruled Greece at the time, but the modern Turkish states antiquities specialists have said they have no knowledge of this document.

The intervention by Turkey was made at a Unesco summit during which Greece once again demanded that the British Museum return the Marbles to Athens, where they were created 2,500 years ago.

Zeynep Boz, a Turkish culture ministry representative, told delegates: We not aware of any document that legitimises the purchase by colonialist UK at that time.

I dont think that there is room to discuss its legality, even under the law of the time.

She added: We wholeheartedly look forward to the return of the Parthenon Sculptures. We believe it will mark a change of behaviour toward the protection of cultural property.

The claim attacks the legal argument deployed by the British Museum, which contends that Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in the early 1800s, received written legal permission to remove statues from the Parthenon.

Greece has long contested this, suggesting that any legal documentation could be a forgery as the firman exists only in Italian translation.

Evidence he had acted legally

The Greek position is that Lord Elgin simply took the ancient sculptures which were sold to the British Museum after being shipped to the UK.

However, the British delegate to Unesco said that a firman was issued in 1801, and then a further document pausing Elgins removal  and therefore giving evidence that he had been acting legally  was issued in 1805.

It was also said that Lord Elgin acquired a further legal document giving him permission to ship the Marbles out of Greece.

The legal wrangle in Unescos intergovernmental committee for the return of cultural property to the countries of origin is unlikely to alter the stalemate in the row.

The British Museum is legally bound by an Act of Parliament to keep its collection intact for the UK public, but could in theory loan any objects that it holds.

However, parties looking to loan treasures must accept the museums legal ownership, and as Greece maintains that the Marbles were stolen it has refused to agree to a loan deal.

The return of the Marbles to Athens would depend on Parliament changing the law, which the Tory Government has said it has no interest in doing.
Nigel Farage gets his second soaking as a candidate, this time in Clacton-on-Sea - Stephen Lock / i-Images

The woman who threw a milkshake over Nigel Farage is an OnlyFans model who has backed Jeremy Corbyn, it has emerged.

The Reform UK leader was doused in the McDonalds drink whilst launching his campaign to be the MP for Clacton, in Essex, on Tuesday afternoon.

A 25-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of assault after the politician had his face covered in the drink whilst leaving a Wetherspoon pub in the town.

It is thought that the woman shown hurling the substance is Victoria Thomas-Bowen, 25, who publishes pictures on the explicit website OnlyFans.

Ms Thomas-Bowen, who has more than 18,000 followers on Instagram, has previously supported the hard-Left former Labour leader Mr Corbyn on social media and called for a boycott of the late Queens Diamond Jubilee.

Her half-brother Paul Bowen, 43, distanced himself from her on Tuesday night.

Victoria Thomas-Bowen on OnlyFans - OnlyFans

Speaking from his home in Jaywick, just outside of Clacton, he told MailOnline: I have just seen it, and to be honest, Im appalled. I dont know where she is. I dont want anything to do with her.

Ms Thomas-Bowen is thought to live with her mother, Linda Thomas, and has a young son. Her Facebook profile says she lives in Dagenham, however she has posted reviews for businesses in Clacton.

Following the incident, a woman who gave her name as Victoria when she spoke to the BBC claimed that she had not come down to Mr Farages campaign launch to throw the drink at Mr Farage, adding that she just felt like it.

He doesnt stand for me, he doesnt represent anything I believe in or any of the people around here, she said. He doesnt represent us  hes not from here.

She was later apprehended, and witnesses said someone had shouted silly little girl as the milkshake was thrown.

James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, led condemnations of the attack on Mr Farage, who had announced his return to frontline politics in a press conference less than 24 hours earlier.

It was not the first time he had been hit by a milkshake while on the campaign trail. He warned that radicalised remainers were making political campaigning impossible after a drink was thrown over him during a European elections walkabout in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 2019.

Mr Farage made light of the latest incident in a video posted on social media. In a reference to the 2003 song Milkshake by Kelis, he held a McDonalds milkshake up to the camera and said: My milkshake brings all the people to the rally.

The Reform leader is standing for Parliament for an eighth time, having been unsuccessful on all seven previous occasions, and Clacton elected an MP representing Ukip, his former party, in 2014.

In a statement, Essex Police said: Officers have made two arrests after responding to a report a drink was thrown at a man in Clacton. We were called to the area of Marine Parade East, Clacton, at around 2.10pm. It was reported a man had a drink thrown over him as he left a premises in the area.

A 25-year-old woman, from Clacton, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault.
Rachel Reeves has said Anas Sarwar did not change Labours fiscal policy during Monday nights TV election debate.

Labours shadow chancellor said there would be no return to austerity under a Labour government as she visited RBS offices in Edinburgh.

Alongside Scottish Labour leader Mr Sarwar, she took questions from members of the banks staff during an event on Tuesday.

The SNP accused Mr Sarwar of blowing apart Labours fiscal plan during an exchange with John Swinney at the STV debate, where they discussed Labours proposals for taxation, spending and borrowing.

The SNP accused Mr Sarwar of rewriting Labours plan during the debate (Kirsty Anderson/STV)

Ms Reeves said this was not the case.

Speaking to journalists after the RBS event, she said: Our fiscal rules are clear and Anas set them out last night.

Labour would bring down debt as a share of our economy. We would balance day-to-day spending through tax receipts and, subject to that, wed be able to borrow to invest in things that improve our countrys growth and productivity.

What John Swinney needs to explain is why hes opposed to an extension of the windfall tax that will enable that investment in infrastructure here in Scotland.

Ms Reeves  who is running in Leeds West  was also asked how quickly she would set out her first Budget if she becomes chancellor in a Labour government after the election.

She said there are proper procedures to go through, including a 10-week process with the Office of Budget Responsibility.

(PA Graphics)

I will do the budget properly in my own time, but of course Im raring to get going, she said.

The shadow chancellor said there would be no return to austerity under a Labour government while taxes would not be increased for working people during the next parliament.

Asked if she would ever be open to further borrowing powers for the Scottish Government, she said her focus was on growing the economy and lowering taxes for working people, rather than looking for new ways to borrow or new ways to tax, which is the approach of the SNP.

Earlier, the SNP challenged Ms Reeves to come clean and admit where the austerity axe will fall under the Labour Partys damaging plan to impose billions of pounds of cuts to public services.

SNP economy spokesman and candidate for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-Shire Drew Hendry said: People in Scotland want an end to 14 years of Tory cuts  but the Labour Party is doubling down and will impose at least 18 billion of cuts under its plans, which will mean less money for Scotlands NHS and schools

With Anas Sarwar contradicting Reeves, its clear the Labour Party is not being honest about the devastating cuts they will make.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the French Open due to a knee injury.

The world number one suffered the injury to his right knee during his five-set win over Francisco Cerundolo on Monday.

Djokovic revealed after the match that he would undergo a scan on Tuesday to determine whether he would be able to continue at the tournament.

Djokovic has withdrawn from Roland-Garros due to a right knee injury. Wishing Novak a speedy recovery  pic.twitter.com/Ilb6HynTzw  Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2024

The MRI scan has subsequently shown the 37-year-old tore the medial meniscus in his right knee, forcing him out of the grand slam.

Djokovic wrote on instagram: I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw from Roland Garros.

I played with my heart and gave my all in yesterdays match and unfortunately, due to a medial meniscus tear in my right knee, my team and I had to make a tough decision after careful consideration and consultation.

I wish the best of luck to the players competing this week and sincerely thank the incredible fans for all of the love and continued support.

Roland Garros organisers said: Due to a torn medial meniscus in his right knee (discovered during an MRI scan performed today), Novak Djokovic, who was supposed to play Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals tomorrow, has been forced to withdraw from the Roland-Garros tournament.

Norwegian seventh seed Ruud will therefore progress straight to the semi-finals.

Djokovics withdrawal also means Italian Jannik Sinner will become world number one at the end of the tournament.

The 24-time grand slam champions participation at Wimbledon could also be thrown into doubt.

Djokovic suffered the injury to his right knee during his five-set win over Francisco Cerundolo on Monday (Christophe Ena/AP)

Djokovic blamed the slippery court for the injury, which he appeared to sustain at the start of the second set.

He began grimacing and rubbing his right knee shortly after taking the first set and required a medical time-out at 2-1 down in the second.

Djokovic was heard telling the physio: I screwed up my knee. Im slipping and sliding all the time.

Four games later, having asked for the court to be swept, he complained to a tournament supervisor about the state of the surface, saying: Im telling you as a player, its not OK.

Djokovic blamed the slippery court for the injury (Christophe Ena/AP)

When the official told Djokovic the grounds people felt the court was fine, the Serbian snapped: They know better than me the court is good or not?

Djokovic took two doses of medication which he revealed kicked in towards the end of the fourth set, allowing him to finish the match and register a record 370th grand slam victory.

Im glad that I was able to play the fifth set and last three, four games of the fourth without feeling that pain that I felt for two-and-a-half sets, he said.

But yeah, you never know what will happen tomorrow.

Boris Becker, Eurosport pundit and Djokovics former coach, fears for his chances of competing at Wimbledon, where he is a seven-time champion.

Becker said: Its a serious injury and it wont go away tomorrow. That leaves me a bit speechless.

You need your knees on grass, you really do slip all the time. A torn medial meniscus is a serious injury and the question naturally arises as to whether surgery is necessary.
Situated on a quiet stretch of coastline in Dumfries and Galloway, the peaceful village of Garlieston does not look like a place that played a crucial role in the Second World War.

But for anyone arriving in the village, the road sign proclaiming Garlieston the birthplace of the Mulberry Harbour 1943 gives a hint of the important part it played in the Normandy landings.

For it was here that the pier head and floating roadways used to unload troops, vehicles and stores were developed in the year leading up to D-Day on June 6 1944.

The idea for the Mulberry Harbours came after the disastrous allied raid on the German-occupied French port of Dieppe in 1942 during which more than 3,500 of those who landed were killed, wounded or captured.

Garlieston was chosen partly due to its quiet location (Lucinda Cameron/PA)

The allies realised that if they could not capture a French port they would have to build their own and the idea of the portable Mulberry Harbours was born.

As plans for D-Day progressed, parts of Garlieston Harbour and nearby Rigg Bay and Cairn Head in Dumfries and Galloway were used to test prototype roadways, with the military arriving to requisition areas in May 1943.

Garlieston resident Roy Walter, who was involved in publishing the book A Harbour Goes To War, believes the area was chosen because it was off the radar and conditions were similar to the French coast.

He said: It was a long way from anywhere and also because the tidal range was very similar and the beach conditions were very similar to those in Normandy, the tidal range is about 24ft here so that was a good analogue for what was going to be encountered over in Normandy.

I think there was surprise among local people but acceptance because people understood that it was part of the war effort and clearly if they had chosen Garlieston as the location then there must have been an element of secrecy required.

Most German reconnaissance flights would be into the south of England, maybe up as far as Birmingham, maybe even Manchester but I dont think they ran much in the way of reconnaissance over Scotland, though Glasgow docks were bombed and Northern Ireland as well.

I just think it was off the radar.

Three prototypes known as Hippo, Swiss Roll and the Spud pier combined with a floating Whale roadway were tested, with the latter chosen as the one used for the Normandy landings.

The pier could be jacked up or down to ensure the berthing platform was stable and the roadways, which rested on floating pontoons codenamed beetles, connected the pier to the shore.

To shelter the ships and roadways, huge breakwaters were constructed to form harbours off the French coast, with one known as Mulberry A for the Americans established at Omaha beach and Mulberry B built at Sword beach near Arromanches for the British and Canadians.

The different sections of the harbours were taken across the English Channel and assembled in the days following D-Day.

Mr Walter said the harbours played a pivotal role in the Normandy landings as they helped maintain supply lines.

He said: We could have landed troops and tanks but, as people learn repeatedly through history, your army is only as good as the supply lines behind it and that was really what Mulberry delivered, it was a conveyor belt of ships just coming along and disgorging stores and tanks and troops.

I think they were pivotal to keeping supply lines going after the D-Day invasion and also for evacuating the wounded as well.

Remains of Mulberry Harbours can be seen at Arromanches in Normandy (Pierre Brye/ Alamy/PA)

While Mulberry A was destroyed in a severe storm that began on June 19 1944, Mulberry B survived and over the course of 10 months more than two million men, half a million vehicles, and four million tons of supplies were landed.

Mr Walter said the part Garlieston played in the construction of the Mulberry Harbours has a legacy in the village, where people are proud of the role it played in history.

An exhibition open from Friday to Sunday in the village hall tells the story of the Mulberry Harbours, and a parade is due to take place in Garlieston on June 6 to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have been warned by a watchdog not to mislead voters with dodgy statistics.

UK Statistics Authority chairman Sir Robert Chote said misusing official data in the campaign could lead to a loss of trust in whoever has the keys to Number 10 after the General Election.

He has written to the leaders of all main political parties calling for the appropriate and transparent use of statistics during the campaign.

Sir Robert said: The work of the UK Statistics Authority is underpinned by the conviction that official statistics should serve the public good.

This means that when statistics and quantitative claims are used in public debate, they should enhance understanding of the topics being debated and not be used in a way that has the potential to mislead.

This morning, we have written to leaders of political parties to ask that their parties and candidates use statistics appropriately and transparently during the 2024 General Election campaign. https://t.co/R7oleV1PCm pic.twitter.com/a7DWnzkswO  UK Statistics Authority (@UKStatsAuth) June 4, 2024

He acknowledged the use of statistics in political communication is often necessarily succinct and devoid of lengthy explanation, but a good rule of thumb is to consider how a reasonable person would interpret the statement being made and ensure that this is not likely to be misleading in the absence of additional information.

He added only official statistics and publicly-available data should be used rather than unpublished figures to which ministers have privileged access.

He added: Adhering to the principles of intelligent transparency is in the interests not just of the public but campaigners themselves.

It avoids the need for subsequent clarifications and possible loss of trust in future claims, either later in the campaign or in government.

The Office for Statistics Regulation will be monitoring the use of statistics during the campaign and will be willing to call out parties using them in a misleading way, Sir Robert said.
An initiative where people can use a super-ATM to make deposits with multiple banks is being trialled.

The first machine is up and running in Atherstone in Warwickshire and further ATMs will also be trialled, according to Cash Access UK, an organisation set up to help plug gaps in cash access.

The machines will offer access to cash services such as withdrawals and balance inquiries. They will also enable free cash deposits to customers of Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Halifax, Lloyds, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank.

More banks are expected to be added soon, according to Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit company owned and funded by major banks.

The machines are connected to the Link ATM network and have been set up in partnership with ATM providers NCR Atleos and NoteMachine.

Deposit machines are among the solutions being trialled by Cash Access UK to improve deposit services.

Cash Access UK chief executive Gareth Oakley said: Access to deposit-taking ATMs is vital for cash-reliant UK consumers struggling to access basic banking services and its just as important that businesses who accept cash can bank it too.

National chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Martin McTague said: The decline of the bank branch network has left many without vital services, in particular the ability for small business owners to deposit takings for the day safely without shutting the small business early or travelling for miles.

The ability to deposit in a super-ATM that works for multiple banks is an important innovation and could make a real difference alongside the accelerated rollout of banking hubs and maintenance of Post Office counters.
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has hailed the launch of an initiative to unite every athlete who has competed at a Paralympic Games for Great Britain and Northern Ireland as an amazing opportunity.

With Paris 2024 on the horizon, the new ParalympicsGB Athlete Community will allow former team-mates to reconnect and new bonds to be formed between sporting greats across the generations.

Wheelchair racer Grey-Thompson, who won 11 Paralympic golds between 1992 and 2004, believes the scheme will provide context and recognise the trajectory of disability sport.

Tanni-Grey Thompson ended her Paralympic wheelchair racing career in Athens in 2004 (Gareth Copley/PA)

Its really important to know where youve come from and where youre going, she told the PA news agency, speaking at Tuesdays launch.

Just knowing who came before you gives you context for where you are now and it shows the maturity of the Paralympic movement in the UK that theyre at a point that they can do this.

Its just quite exciting, really, because there will be people with shared experiences we dont know about.

We know more recent history about medallists, which is nice, but actually competing for GB is a massive privilege and so few get to do it.

To try and find people who have come before us is really important. That trajectory is important to recognise.

The first Paralympic Games was held in Rome in 1960 (Adam Davy/PA)

It feels an amazing opportunity for us all to connect across the generations and, ultimately, celebrate the incredible pioneers.

Following on from the Stoke Mandeville Games, which began in 1948, the first Paralympics was held in Rome in 1960.

Each GB Paralympian who joins the new community will receive a special recognition token for every Games they attended and be invited to reunion events.

Cross-country skier Mike Brace, who represented Great Britain at the first winter Paralympics in 1976 and was chairman of the British Paralympic Association between 2001 and 2008, also welcomed the creation of the new community.

Its a very, very important step forward, said the 73-year-old, who was blinded by a firework aged 10.

I started my Paralympic journey nearly 50 years ago and you hardly had any chance to speak to other athletes or learn from them.

As a support mechanism, youve suddenly got this massive wealth of experience able to support athletes, both current but also former.

Once youve competed and had those wonderful highs then there is a big vacuum, so having a group that have experienced what youve experienced, to be part of is really important.

Athletes who compete at the Paris Paralympics, which begin on August 28, or future Games will be automatically included in the community, while ParalympicsGB would like to hear from family members of deceased Paralympians to ensure they are also recognised.

ParalympicsGB chief executive David Clarke said: Every single one of our Paralympians has made a unique and crucial contribution to the development and growth of our movement and that is why we want to develop a bespoke space that honours legacy and provides genuine connection for everyone.

:: Visit paralympics.org.uk to find out more about the ParalympicsGB Athlete Community.
(Photo : Unsplash/krakenimages )

Framery, with approximately 400 employees globally, maintains a solid Finnish culture that prioritizes employee engagement and satisfaction.

As Finland has been recognized as the happiest country in the world for the seventh consecutive year, according to the latest World Happiness Report, it is unsurprising that Framery, a manufacturing company headquartered in Tampere, Finland, known for constructing soundproof booths for office spaces, open communication, teamwork, and employee well-being, are given top priority.

Anni Hallila, the head of people and culture at Framery, focuses on ensuring that employees experience happiness and fulfillment in their roles and shared with CNBC Make It a few common Finnish phrases that cultivate an environment conducive to employees thriving in the workplace:

1. The Person Who Asks Questions Will Stay on The Path

Finnish workplaces promote flat hierarchies, giving individual contributors the same empowerment to voice their opinions on business matters as CEOs and senior leaders.

This phrase demonstrates how a trusting environment, where individuals feel comfortable expressing their opinions, contributes positively to the organization.

Hallila explains that it requires individuals at every level of an organization to raise concerns and devise solutions. She emphasizes that having an open line of communication, allowing anyone from the CEO to any employee to ask questions, paves the way forward.

Employees at Framery are encouraged to voice their opinions on both the tasks they are working on and the company's broader objectives. Hallila can pose any necessary questions to excel in her role or inquire about the company's betterment. Even if it is not within her job description and she sees something that needs to be addressed, she is responsible for asking questions to keep the company on track.

2. A Smart Person Gets Away with Less

Work smarter, not harder.

Hallila suggests that leaders should support their employees in adopting this mindset by providing clear expectations and managing to enable employees to concentrate on the most crucial business priorities. It is not about laziness, but it is about strategically prioritizing tasks to focus on and getting away with less on your plate to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

READ ALSO: Being Too Passionate About Your Job Can Also Lead to Burnout, Says an Ivy League Stress Expert

3. Put The Cat on The Table

Similar to addressing the elephant in the room, this phrase implies confronting the pertinent business issue rather than letting it slide. It involves embracing a workplace culture where the cat is the problem that needs to be put on the table and where people can address the core issue through open and trusting discussions.

4. You Will Find In Front of You Whatever You Leave Behind

Alternatively, this phrase suggests that leaving issues unresolved will only resurface later as problems. Hallila emphasizes that addressing issues the moment they arise is the best approach to prevent such challenges from being encountered.

5. Going Toward The Tree with Your Back First

This phrase illustrates the outcome of not planning or considering the consequences of certain business decisions. If one fails to plan their actions, they risk encountering obstacles and potential harm, similar to approaching a tree and getting hurt with their back first.

In Finnish workplaces, these discussions frequently engage individuals at every organization tier. Strategic planning within a business ensures that individuals are heard, have a voice in the strategy, or, at the very least, understand what it is all about. Hallila also acknowledges the importance of thoughtful planning that considers and respects others' time.

RELATED ARTICLE: A Psychology Expert's Tip to Live a Meaningful Life: "Work's Just Part of Our Big Life"

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Bryony Page is targeting a gold medal at the Paris Olympics before embarking on a dream career in Cirque du Soleil.

The 33-year-old became the first British trampolinist to win an Olympic medal when she claimed silver at Rio 2016 before following it up with bronze at Tokyo last time out.

The trampolining squad has yet to be announced but Page is all but guaranteed a spot as she is the reigning world and European champion and has hit the scores required for qualification.

She has not ruled out competing beyond Paris this summer, and has the 2028 Los Angeles Games in mind, but wants to realise a childhood dream of performing in the global contemporary circus show.

I am continuing trampolining after the Paris Olympics, but for how long is a bit up in the air, she told the PA news agency.

I really want to join Cirque du Soleil as an acrobat performer and use my trampoline skills for that.

If I left that until after the LA Olympics I might miss my opportunity. Speaking with the talent scouts, the opportunity is still there, so it is about talking to them and seeing if there is anything for me to go in and get a short-term contract and do that.

If I love it I will stick with that but if I love it and also feel like I can make a comeback in trampolining, I will do that. But LA is still on the table, even if I do that.

Page won silver in Rio and bronze in Tokyo (Bradley Collyer/PA)

I have wanted to do it since I was a kid. The trampolining is a performance of what you have been training. I love the idea of the performance and the costumes and using trampolining in different ways.

If something crops up that the talent scout thinks will suit them, there might be an invitation.

It depends on the show and what they are looking for.

If selected for this summers Games, Page travels to the French capital without any internal pressure.

She wants to win gold, and her form suggests that is a possibility, but is more interested in taking in the experience of a third Olympic Games.

It would be really nice to win gold, she said. Anyone going into the Olympics wants to do that  its the dream.

But Id be happy with a medal. I have got different targets and its my third Olympics, so I want to take everything in.

It could be my last one, I dont know, but I want to experience every moment and cherish being part of Team GB again, if I go.

It would be a huge achievement to be a three-time Olympian. I want to enjoy every moment.

Its nice going into a third Olympics knowing I have already had a success story so the pressure will be off.

The pressure in Tokyo was higher because I wanted to prove that Rio wasnt a fluke. This feels like I have dealt with the pressure and it is a bonus. It feels exciting.

Pages journey has been made harder after she battled with Lost Move Syndrome, a psychological condition in which athletes find themselves unable to perform a skill that was previously automatic.

It affected her performance for several years and left her not being able to complete basic routines she had known for years.

She added: It made me stronger to know that I can overcome things.

Its in your head, its your body and muscle memory, so if you can deal with that, external obstacles dont seem as hard.
Substitute Troy Parrott strengthened John OSheas claims on the vacant managers job as he fired the Republic of Ireland to friendly victory over Euro 2024-bound Hungary.

The 22-year-old Tottenham striker, who spent last season on loan at Dutch club Excelsior, struck in stoppage-time to seal a smash-and-grab 2-1 victory over Marco Rossis men which ended their 14-game unbeaten run.

For Ireland, whose only wins since March last year had come against European minnows Gibraltar, there was a measure of relief after a turbulent period in their recent history, with Stephen Kennys successor still to be appointed almost seven months after his departure.

A win for the Boys in Green!  pic.twitter.com/zewFrnbrRK  Ireland Football  (@IrelandFootball) June 4, 2024

OShea, who will take his team to Portugal next Sunday, saw Adam Idah head them into the lead and after stubbornly surviving a fightback during which Adam Lang levelled, win it at the death.

The Football Association of Ireland has insisted Kennys successor will be in place by the time the squad meets up ahead of Septembers Nations League opener against England, and the former Manchester United defender is increasingly making a case for himself.

Hungary, on the other hand, will face Israel in their final warm-up game on Saturday knowing they will have to be sharper in Germany if they are to prosper on the big stage.

Ireland, who had started in sloppy fashion, gradually worked their way into the game as the impressive Will Smallbone started to see more of the ball in the middle of the field, but they were almost undone when Shane Duffy was nudged off balance by Barnabas Varga only for Loic Nego to blaze over.

John OShea is in the frame to be handed the Ireland job permanently (Niall Carson/PA)

Andras Schafer dragged a shot wide of Caoimhin Kellehers left post after bursting into the box with genuine chances at a premium, although the Liverpool keeper had to make a solid 29th-minute save from Milos Kerkez after Smallbone and Josh Cullen has both lost out in 50-50 challenges on halfway.

For their part, Ireland were trying to get the ball forward quickly, at times by-passing midfield all together, although that too often left Idah, Sammie Szmodics and Finn Azaz, making his first senior start for his country, repeatedly chasing lost causes.

Dara OSheas forward run and Szmodics intelligent pass looked to have got the Republic in behind Hungary 12 minutes before the break, but indecision between Idah and Matt Doherty saw a fleeting opening slip away.

But Idah, who won the double with Celtic on loan from Norwich last season, made amends within three minutes when Smallbone was given time and space to pick out the frontman, who powered a header past keeper Peter Gulacsi unchallenged to give his side the lead.

Adam Idah opened the scoring (Niall Carson/PA)

Hungary were level before the break, if in slightly fortuitous circumstances, when skipper Dominik Szoboszlais deflected long-range shot was flicked on by Willi Orban and Lang arrived at the far post to blast into the roof of the net.

Lyon defender Jake OBrien was handed a senior debut when he and Liam Scales replaced Doherty and Duffy at the break, but Kelleher had to come to their rescue 11 minutes after the restart, diving to his right to keep out Roland Sallais strike after Szoboszlais menacing run.

The Ireland keeper then dealt admirably with Schafers swerving effort as the Hungarians stepped up a gear, pinning the hosts back inside their own half and forcing them to defend for their lives.

But defend they did, and they got their reward in the second minute of stoppage-time when Parrott broke from his own half and with the Hungarian defence absent without leave, squeezed a shot past substitute keeper Denes Dibusz to win it.
Japanese man holding his cat .

The best cats for seniors are breeds we highly recommend if youre after a loyal and loving feline friend to keep you company. Unlike dogs, cats dont require daily walks, extensive training, or rough play sessions, making them the ideal choice if you have limited mobility or are simply looking for a low-maintenance pet.

While youll still want to invest in a few of the best interactive cat toys for your kitty to play with when they have a burst of energy, these breeds also enjoy plenty of quiet time and are well suited to senior living.

Cats provide us with a range of physical and mental health benefits, including relieving stress, reducing blood pressure, and helping us to manage the loneliness and isolation we can sometimes feel as we get older.

There are so many reasons to adopt a cat , but choosing the right breed for your lifestyle is really important. With that in mind, lets take a look at the best cats for seniors  from gentle giants who will feel like a second shadow to quiet kitties who just want to snooze the day away, youre sure to find the purr-fect cat for you.

1. Ragdoll

Ragdoll

Cute, cuddly and oh-so-sweet, the ragdoll is an ideal choice for seniors thanks to its gentle and loving nature. One of the most affectionate cat breeds , the ragdoll is laid-back, friendly, and adores curling up for a snooze on a nice warm lap. It also has a silky smooth coat which many find therapeutic to stroke and because this kitty is so docile, placid, and attached to its owner, it makes for a wonderful companion.

2. Birman

Birman

An interesting fact about the birman cat is that they are delightfully low-maintenance, gentle, and quiet while still being highly social. With their bewitching blue eyes and irresistibly fluffy coat, theyre a striking breed who enjoy a session or two with the best cat toys but who most of the time are content to follow their human from room to room.

They take a keen interest in everything their owner does and will use soft chirps and meows to communicate with them. Never hyper or demanding, their easy-going and loyal nature makes them a joy to have around.

3. American shorthair

American shorthair

Known for their robust health, the American shorthair is a brilliant choice for seniors as their long lifespan means most reach a ripe old age of between 15 and 20 years  ideal if youre wanting years of companionship and love.

Theyre an affectionate and cuddly breed with a friendly nature. A fun fact about American shorthair cats is that theyre very adaptable, patient, and tolerant, which is great if you have grandchildren who visit regularly!

4. Persian

Persian cat

One of our favorite low energy cat breeds , the Persian tends to live for around 17 years and if they have their way, most of that time will be spent curled up fast asleep on your lap!

A calm kitty who is never happier than when lounging around with their human all day, Persians form very strong bonds with their owners and have a charming temperament, which are just a few reasons to love Persian cats. Just bear in mind that they do have long coats, so they require daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles from forming.

5. Snowshoe

Snowshoe

A cross between the siamese and the American shorthair, the striking snowshoe is an outstanding choice if youre looking for a devoted companion. Deeply social, theyre one of the cat breeds most likely to suffer from separation anxiety , which is why theyre such a perfect fit for seniors who are mostly housebound or those who are less active and prefer to spend most of the day at home. Vocal cats, theyre fantastic company for those who live alone, and theyre very intelligent so theyll be happy to learn a new trick or two.

6. Russian blue

Russian blue cat

If youre looking for a quiet but loving kitty, the Russian blue is well worth considering. These cats arent clingy or demanding but they still like to be close to their owner. They thrive in calm homes with low activity and enjoy a slow pace of life. Shy with those they dont know but very affectionate with those theyre close to, the Russian blue is a loyal and good-natured breed with enough of an independent streak that you can easily leave them home alone for a few hours at a time.

7. British shorthair

British shorthair

A mellow cat whos easy to take care of, the British shorthair is one of the worlds most beloved breeds thanks to their plush teddy bear good looks and gentle nature. A fun fact about British shorthairs is that they have bucketloads of personality, but theyre not boisterous and are independent enough to be content in their own company.

That being said, theyre very affectionate and have short bursts of energy where theyll enjoy zooming around the house in hot pursuit of one of the best automated cat toys . Most of the time though, theyre happy dozing somewhere cozy and comfortable.

8. American wirehair

American wirehair

The American wirehair is an excellent choice for seniors due to their adaptable and flexible nature which will see them thrive in almost any living environment. Although they love spending time with their humans, theyre independent and will happily amuse themselves when youre too busy to entertain them. Relaxed and patient, theyll get on well with any children who visit and they love to bird watch, so a window perch will be much appreciated by this breed.

9. Scottish fold

Scottish fold

Impossible to miss thanks to their distinctive folded ears, one of the surprising facts about Scottish fold cats is theyre actually born with straight ears that fold to varying degrees during the first three to four weeks of their life. That quirk aside, this breed is incredibly sweet and gentle. Theyre also champion nappers, which is why theyre so often recommended to seniors in search of a cuddly and loving companion. Calm yet social, they get on well with other cats and communicate quietly.

10. Burmilla

Burmilla

A cross between the Burmese and the chinchilla Persian, the burmilla is known for its striking silver coat and charming personality. Playful (but not overly active) theyre a little more extroverted than the Persian, so theyre ideal if you want your kitty to come with a dash more spunk. Inquisitive and easy-going, they crave attention and their mischievous nature means they make for fabulous entertainers!

11. Maine coon

Maine coon

They may be one of the biggest breeds in the world, but dont let that put you off  the Maine coon is one gentle giant. One of the best cats for extroverts , this mammoth love muffin is playful, outgoing, and never happier than when theyre with their humans. Affectionate, friendly, and a natural-born swimmer, these sweet-natured and loyal cats make incredibly comforting companions.

12. American curl

American curl

Known for their uniquely curled ears, the adorable American curl has an infectious personality that youll be hard-pressed not to fall in love with. A playful and people-oriented breed, they want to be involved in all aspects of your life, so if youre looking for a true friend for life, this kitty is well worth considering.

Its worth noting that the American curl is definitely the early bird of the cat world and will gently but persistently tap you with their paw and shower you with sweet head bumps to let you know that its time to get the day underway.

13. Chartreux

Chartreux

Looking for a kitty whos the epitome of the strong, silent type? Look no further than the Chartreux. An affectionate breed, this kitty certainly bonds deeply with their owners but they rarely meow which makes them a good choice for those looking for a quiet life.

Mild-mannered yet playful, they enjoy steady and calm environments. Dependable, devoted, and able to be left alone all day, the Chartreux is a low-chaos, undemanding, and thoughtful feline who enjoys sleeping peacefully in its owner's presence.

14. Australian mist

Australian mist cat

Hailing from the land down under, the Australian mist is one of the best cat breeds for hot climates , so if you live in a warm place most of the year, this spotted kitty is a great choice. Charming and personable, they have an amiable temperament and are playful yet laid-back. Easy to train, theyre fairly low-maintenance, requiring just a weekly brush to keep their coat in tip-top condition.

15. Himalayan

Himalayan cat

The sweet and gentle nature of the Himalayan makes them one of our top picks for seniors in search of a feline friend. They adore giving and receiving attention and affection and while they have bursts of playfulness, theyre on the whole very sedate.

Friendly and intelligent, theyre a cross between the Persian and the siamese, so they do require regular daily grooming to keep their fur from becoming matted and tangled. However, because they love being handled and cuddled, youll find brushing them to be a walk in the park.

16. Ragamuffin

Ragamuffin cat

A big kitty with an even bigger heart, the ragamuffin loves being held and stroked, so theyre a breed worth considering if youre after a lap cat who will enjoy being cuddled.

They have endless amounts of patience, so theyre a brilliant breed to have in homes where young children are frequent visitors. Known as the teddy bears of the cat world, these easy-going and laid-back cats have an undemanding nature that makes them the perfect match for seniors.

17. Exotic shorthair

Exotic shorthair

If youve always wanted a Persian but cant face all that daily grooming, the exotic shorthair is the breed for you. A soft and sweet-natured kitty whose fur requires no more than a weekly brush, this breed is loyal, easy to please, and mellow.

While by no means one of the top high energy cat breeds , they still enjoy short sessions chasing a ball or stuffed mouse around the house so theyll definitely appreciate having a few toys to play with.

18. Peterbald

Peterbald cat

A hairless cat breed of Russian origin, the loving and social peterbald is one unique-looking kitty! Deeply loyal, this cat forms very strong bonds with their humans and they love the company of other pets, so if you have another feline in your family or a respectful dog, youll find they likely become firm friends.

Energetic and inquisitive, theyre ideal for seniors looking for a playful and vocal companion who will happily curl up in your lap at the end of the day.

19. Manx

Manx

A placid cat who never seems to get upset about anything, the Manx is probably best known for its lack of tail but what you may not know is that they also have an affectionate personality and bond deeply with their chosen humans.

Hardy and robust cats, they have clown-like personalities which means theyre brilliant for keeping a smile on your dial. Highly intelligent, we recommend investing in one of the best cat puzzle feeders to provide them with a daily dose of mental enrichment.

20. Turkish angora

Turkish Angora

A stunning cat with fabulously soft and silky fur, the Turkish angora is an elegant breed with a graceful demeanor. Interactive and vocal cats with social and affectionate natures, the Turkish angora is a loving and devoted breed who, with the right care, will often live to around 18 years of age.

While friendly towards visitors, this breed loves their own human best, although they do enjoy the company of other cats and dogs, so theyre a good choice for homes with other pets around.

21. Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex

A curly-haired cutie with an affectionate personality, the selkirk rex is often referred to as a cat in sheeps clothing and their calm and laid-back temperament makes them a joy to have in the home.

Theyre gentle cats that enjoy sitting close to their favorite human and while theyre not demanding in the slightest, they do require company, so if youre out for long portions of the day, youll want to adopt a more independent breed. However, if youre mostly at home and are looking for a quiet companion to keep you company, the selkirk rex is a winning choice.

22. Siberian

Siberian

The Siberian is a fantastic feline friend if youre after an active breed that enjoys climbing, jumping, and exploring their environment. There are lots of great games to play with cats and if you have a Siberian in your home, theyll certainly appreciate a few rounds of hide-and-seek or time spent doing an interactive puzzle. Loyal to their inner circle, this feline loves being in the company of others and while playful, theyre also calm, quiet, and very affectionate.

23. Khao manee

Khao Manee

With a name that means white gem, the khao manee is a rare cat breed that originally hails from Thailand. A petite kitty with silky fur and a friendly and outgoing nature, the khao manee is completely devoted to their humans and will happily lap up all the attention and affection you care to send in its direction. Curious with a dash of mischief, this breed is super talkative and has a bold and confident nature that makes them charming companions.

24. Havana brown

Havana brown

We know, with Havana in the name, youd think this cat hailed from Cuba and yet just to throw us a curveball, they actually originated in England! A striking kitty with a sleek and shiny coat, the Havana Brown is exotic to look at and has a charming personality thats sure to win you over.

These cats like to be close to their people and enjoy being stroked, cuddled, and brushed. When not soaking up all the affection that comes their way, they enjoy spirited play sessions and because theyre so intelligent, the answer to can you train a cat is a big yes with this breed.

25. American bobtail

American bobtail

American bobtails bond deeply with their humans and they dont like being left alone, which is why these cuddly and affectionate cats are such a good choice for seniors. While they may have a wild appearance, theyre very loving and have easy-going and clown-like natures that make these spirit-lifting kitties one of the best emotional support animal breeds . Friendly and always eager to greet visitors, theyre very people-oriented but are also quiet and non-demanding.

26. Munchkin

Munchkin

While they love to play, the munchkin's short legs mean they cant climb or jump up onto high surfaces, so theyre a great choice for seniors who dont want to have to rescue their feline friend from all sorts of difficult-to-reach locations.

Good with children and other pets, the munchkin is curious and fun-loving as well as sociable and highly intelligent. They adore cuddles and spending time with their humans and theyre also known to be hilarious hoarders, so if you notice items going missing, theres a good chance your magpie-like munchkin has hidden them away somewhere!

27. LaPerm

Two LaPerm cats

The curly-haired LaPerm is a charming kitty with a gentle personality who is never happier than when snuggled up on their humans lap. They have a loud purr and will often nuzzle into you and touch your face with their paw as a way of expressing their love.

Sweet cats who thrive on physical contact, the LaPerm is super intelligent, so if youve always wanted to learn how to teach a cat a trick , this is a kitty who will be all-too happy to be your student.

28. Burmese

Burmese

There are so many reasons to love Burmese cats , with the fact that theyre super chatty and affectionate being two of our favorites! The ultimate velcro cat, this friendly and devoted kitty craves company and loves following its human from room to room.

A well-behaved cat with just a hint of attitude, they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to ensure they stay happy and healthy. However, if youre able to provide them with that, this cuddly, trusting and sociable breed will reward you by being the most loyal and loving of companions.

29. Bombay

Bombay

The Bombay reminds us of a tiny panther and their curious and active nature means theyre always on the prowl. But while they may look like a wild cat in miniature form, theyre real teddy bears at heart and have a fun-loving, cuddly and mischievous spirit that makes them wonderful family members.

Because they love being around their people, be prepared to always have them underfoot or curled up on your lap. Oh, and if you have grandchildren, they are exceptionally great with kids, and will love playing and interacting with them.

30. Minuet

Minuet cat

A hybrid mix of the Persian and munchkin cat breeds, the minuet (also known as the Napoleon) is a new breed with a body that looks a lot like the cat version of a dachshund.

Charming and affectionate cats, they have the sweet and gentle nature of a Persian coupled with the active and curious nature of the munchkin. Friendly and loving, they form deep bonds with their humans and have a reputation for being glued to their laps!

31. Tonkinese

Tonkinese cats

If youre an active individual whod love an active cat by your side, the tonkinese may well be your new forever friend. These cats are intelligent and high-energy, meaning they need lots of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day to keep them fit and well.

They crave attention and affection and do best in environments where theres someone at home for most of the day to keep them company. They get on beautifully with strangers and children, so they wont mind frequent visitors, and while they are active, theyre also wonderful lap cats who adore being stroked while they snooze.

32. Balinese

Balinese cat

If the siamese has always felt a bit too demanding and full on for you but youd still like a social, energetic, and devoted kitty, the Balinese is a great compromise. This breed loves being involved in all of the household activities and will quickly become your second shadow.

They enjoy playing but theyre also big cuddlers and enjoy snuggling up with their favorite humans. If you tend to pop out frequently during the day, its worth noting that the Balinese will benefit from having another pet around to keep them company as theyre prone to getting into mischief if boredom sets in.
The Broadway legend, 76, shares her advice for staying youthful in an interview with PEOPLE

Breyers Bernadette Peters in a new Breyers campaign

Three decades after Bernadette Peters melted over Breyers ice cream for a series of cheeky commercials, the Broadway icon is once again joining forces with the brand.

In a new campaign, Peters, 76, poses with jars of anti-aging cream  which is really Breyers CarbSmart vanilla frozen dairy dessert. The playful images are meant to convey that the benefits of feeling younger outweigh those of looking younger, and that ice cream can be part of a long life.

Peters tells PEOPLE she was drawn to the adorable, tongue-in-cheek message. And she adds that CarbSmart, which contains 3 to 5 grams of carbs and 60 to 150 calories per serving, is just a really healthy choice."



Breyers

Peters reflected on how ice cream might impact longevity. It's like what you add to your life, all the good things, all the self-care that you do that can help you live a healthier life. Choosing something that is healthier for you while you are having fun, while you can eat it with your friends and your family  that's what's great about it," she says.

As part of the campaign, Breyers conducted a survey that found that 89% of Americans 55 and over agree enjoying lifes simple pleasures that are good for the soul should be considered part of a holistic anti-aging routine.

Related: Bernadette Peters' Life in Pictures

Breyers Bernadette Peters

Peters says her secrets to staying youthful are to think positive and to be grateful every day for the good things that are in your life and to reach out to your friends and care about people.

The actress says she revisited her steamy Breyers commercials from the early 90s on YouTube and got a kick out of seeing herself fainting over ice cream.

I just remember it was a lot of fun, she says of the earlier campaign. It was well written.

Peters, whos currently looking forward to her annual Broadway Barks pet adoption event in August, also credits her two dogs with bringing her happiness.

I have my animals, which really lighten up your every day, she says. It could be your cats; it could be your dogs. You're happy to see them. So right away, you start the day off with a good thought."

Work brings her joy, too. She was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards.

Related: Bernadette Peters Says Dogs 'Taught Me About Love' as She Preps for Star-Studded Broadway Barks Event

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Stephen Sondheim and Bernadette Peters in 1994

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.

I just feel like I'm a working girl, says the Broadway legend. I love that I've been able to do roles that I love. And each role, most of them I've always loved doing and that's why I commit to being there for over a year."

While she says she's partial to her collaborations with Stephen Sondheim, she calls out her latest stage performance, Hello Dolly: "I love that show. It's a beautiful, beautiful show.

Asked which of her iconic characters shed share a meal with, Peters says, Well, if I shared it with Madame Rose [from Gypsy], I know it would be a lot of takeout Chinese food. But it probably would be Desiree [from A Little Night Music] because she's in Sweden and all that food is different and delicious.



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Read the original article on People.
WASHINGTON  D-Day did more than pave the way for World War II victory in Europe: It solidified the international military alliances that have led the world for more than eight decades and have become politically contentious today.

Modern arguments about globalism between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden harken back to at least May of 1943. During a sweltering two weeks in Washington, American and British political and military leaders hammered out an agreement that included a specific timetable for what would become the D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied France on June 6, 1944.

The Trident conference of 1943 also bequeathed the alliances that have become a target in the 2024 race for the White House, particularly the North American Treaty Organization.

As President Joe Biden and other world leaders head to Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day this week, they will also be defending alliances that guided the western world through World War II, the Cold War, the war on terror and, currently, Russia's bloody invasion of Ukraine.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to abandon NATO, saying the U.S. bears too much of the burden. But supporting  and attacking  international agreements can be traced back in part to the Trident Conference of 1943.

"It was a crucial moment," said Thomas A. Schwartz, a distinguished professor of history at Vanderbilt University. "The importance of the trans-Atlantic relationship remains to this day."

Here's a look at how D-Day came together politically and diplomatically  and how those negotiations still echo.

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt pose on the lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, before a conference on the Allied war strategy, World War II, 7th June 1943. Behind them from left to right, are Field Marshal Sir John Dill, Lieutenant General Hastings Ismay, Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal, General Sir Alan Brooke, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Dudley Pound, Admiral William D. Leahy, the US Naval Chief of Staff, General George C. Marshall, US Chief of Staff, Admiral Ernest J. King, Chief of Naval Operations, and Lieutenant General Joseph T. McNarney of the US Army General Staff.

Roosevelt and Churchill

Trident featured one of the world's greatest geopolitical partnerships: U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Their relationship is revered by history, but their interests at the time didn't always align.

In May of 1943, American officials had grave concerns as Churchill and a large entourage of British military officials arrived in crowded war-time Washington.

There was talk that the British might back away from their previous commitment to support a 1944 invasion of Nazi-held France, across the English Channel into the Normandy region.

Churchill and others, haunted by the blood-soaked trench warfare in Europe that marked the First World War, instead pushed for an invasion of Italy and other parts of southern Europe.

Fearful over whether a cross-channel attack could succeed, Churchill wanted to go after what he called the Nazis' "soft underbelly." At one point, he suggested pushing the operation in France back to even 1946.

As with other summits of this type, these differences were not aired publicly amid all the pomp. Officials worked things out in private, and left disputes for the history books.

FDR and the U.S. push for 1944

FDR and Pentagon officials wanted a cross-channel invasion as soon as possible, if only to take some pressure off another ally: The Soviet Union.

The Soviets were engaged in brutal fighting with the Germans in the east, and leader Joseph Stalin was demanding that western allies generate a second front to spread out the German military.

While emerging as the dominant partner over the British, Roosevelt and the Americans wanted to be careful with Churchill. They still needed Britain's help, particularly as a staging area for the operation over the English Channel.

This basic dispute  attack western Europe or southern Europe  dominated two weeks of hard negotiating, plus some wining and dining as the Americans alternated between intense pressure and gentle persuasion.

In the end, Roosevelt and the U.S. were in an increasingly strong position to force their will, as they were busy supplying more troops, more equipment and more money to the war effort.

British Premier Sir Winston Churchill flashes to the crowd outside 10 Downing Street his famous V-sign signifying "Victory" when he returned to London in 1943 from one of his trips to Washington.

The deal in 1943

The two sides wound up with a face-saving deal involving both Italy and the D-Day operation in France.

Delegates at the Trident conference agreed to transfer more military divisions to Britain to begin staging the assault on Normandy. The British also agreed to a target date for D-Day: May 1, 1944; that would eventually slip by a little more than a month.

The U.S., meanwhile, backed an attack on Italy, though that proved to be a harder-than-expected exercise. Allied forces didn't enter Rome until June 4, 1944, news that was quickly eclipsed by the Allied landings in Normandy just two days later.

US soldiers in full battle-dress boarding an LCVP or Landing Craft Vehicle-Personnel, ready for the Invasion of Europe.

'A plan now existed'

Then, as now, the public statements on Trident papered over the differences behind closed doors. So did many of the books and articles that followed the war, although later authors and historians reported the tense maneuvering behind the scenes.

The bottom line: The British, finally, fully signed onto D-Day.

"Despite this glossing over, a plan now existed where there had been no plan," wrote Rick Atkinson in "The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-44."

Atkinson said all the planning disputes about the Normandy invasion "were kicked around and argued about" at the Trident conference. "That's the nature of alliances, especially with the stakes as high as they were."

People still debate the meaning of the agreements reached in Washington, and which negotiator made out the best.

David M. Kennedy, author of "Freedom From Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945," wrote that the agreement "signaled the beginning of Roosevelts ascendance over Churchill in the scales of geopolitical influence and cheered the presidents advisers."

It wasn't a total loss for the British, other historians have said. Some U.S. officials had wanted to divert resources to the war against Japan in the Pacific; Churchill and his negotiators managed to keep the focus on Europe, including a strike at Italy.

Still, the relationship between the United States and NATO, up and down over the years, now faces a new challenge: The 2024 presidential race between Biden and Trump.

U.S. President Donald Trump chats with an American veteran of The Battle of Normandy as First Lady Melania Trump looks on at the main ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the World War II Allied D-Day invasion of Normandy as American Battle of Normandy veterans and family members look on at Normandy American Cemetery on June 06, 2019 near Colleville-Sur-Mer, France. Veterans, families, visitors, political leaders and military personnel are gathering in Normandy to commemorate D-Day, which heralded the Allied advance towards Germany and victory about 11 months later.

NATO and the 2024 election

Biden is only the latest president to travel to Normandy to commemorate D-Day, and to pay tribute to the trans-Atlantic alliance that emerged from the planning of it.

During his upcoming visit to Normandy, Biden will speak about "the importance of defending freedom and democracy," the White House said in its announcement.

Also on the agenda: "The enduring and comprehensive relationship between the United States and France, our oldest ally, founded on shared democratic values, economic ties, and defense and security cooperation."

Even Trump, then president, honored the U.S.-Europe-NATO relationship during the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019.

To all of our friends and partners  our cherished alliance was forged in the heat of battle, tested in the trials of war and proven in the blessings of peace," Trump said. Our bond is unbreakable.

Trump has taken a different attitude toward international cooperation at other times in his presidency, and during his 2024 presidential campaign. The Republican candidate has said that too many countries have taken advantage of the United States.

US President Joe Biden participates in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, in observance of Memorial Day on May 27, 2024, in Arlington, Virginia.

During a February event in Conway, South Carolina, Trump claimed that one foreign leader once asked him whether the U.S. would come to the defense of his country if Russia attacked, even if he felt his country had not paid enough for mutual defense.

No, I would not protect you, Trump said he told the leader. In fact, I would encourage them (the Russians) to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills.

NATO members are asked to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense. Not all members have reached this goal, fueling Trump's criticism of the alliance.

Biden and other world leaders condemned Trump's attacks against NATO saying he is putting Ukraine and other potential Russian targets at further risk.

"He wants to walk away from NATO," Biden said after Trump's South Carolina comments. "He doesnt understand that the sacred commitment that weve given works for us as well.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How D-Days roots play crucial role for Trump, Biden in 2024 election
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
President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden is on trial in Delaware on three felony charges related to his efforts to obtain a firearm in 2018 while allegedly addicted to drugs.

The younger Biden, who pleaded not guilty last October after being indicted by special counsel David Weiss, has denied the charges. The son of a sitting president has never before faced a criminal trial.

MORE: As Hunter Biden goes to trial on gun charges, here's how his attorneys plan to defend a 'simple case'

The trial comes on the heels of former President Donald Trump's conviction on felony charges related to a 2016 hush money payment made to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election.





Latest Developments





Jun 4, 12:07 PM

Defense says Hunter Biden wasn't addict at time of purchase



Hunter Biden's attorney sought to cast doubt on the government's narrative during his opening statement, claiming that Hunter Biden was not actively using drugs at the time of his gun purchase and therefore did not "knowingly" lie on the federal form barring drug users from procuring a firearm.

"He did not knowingly violate these laws," attorney Abbe Lowell said, since there was "nothing on the form about the definition of a user."

Lowell told the jury that Hunter Biden was using alcohol at the time of the gun purchase, but that his drug use "did not start until later."

The attorney said that while Hunter Biden was in Delaware, where he purchased the gun, his behavior was "totally inconsistent" with how he presented it when he was on drugs.

"He spoke with his father, his uncle, his daughters," Lowell said, suggesting they would have noticed if he was "smoking crack every 15 minutes," as he described in his 2021 memoir, "Beautiful Things."

"There is no such thing as a high-functioning crack addict," Lowell said.

Lowell told the jury that Hunter Biden had entered a 12-day rehab program in California before returning to Delaware in the fall of 2018, just a week before the gun purchase, shepherded by his "Uncle Jimmy Biden," who Lowell suggested will testify at trial.

Lowell also pushed back on one of the government's key pieces of evidence -- a text Hunter sent to his then-romantic partner Halle Biden days after purchasing the gun, in which he claimed to be "on a car" smoking crack. Prosecutors said this was evidence that he was using drugs at the time, but Lowell said that, "in reality, he did not want to see Hallie."

As part of the defense, Lowell also appeared to shift some blame to the owners and employees at the gun store where Hunter Biden purchased the gun, saying they "wanted to make a sale."

Lowell claimed that Hunter Biden first purchased a BB gun and a knife at the store, and only purchased the gun after they approached him.

"Hunter wouldn't have known what a speedloader was," said Lowell, who also claimed the salesman never "took Hunter through" the form to ensure he understood it.

"How quickly does a person check through those boxes?" Lowell asked jurors.

Lowell also pushed back on allegations involving the gun pouch that was found with the firearm after Hallie Biden threw the gun it in a dumpster. Prosecutors allege that the pouch had cocaine residue on it, but Lowell said it was never checked for fingerprints and called into question its chain of custody.

"Hunter has never asked anyone to excuse his mistakes," Lowell said, before asking jurors to find him not guilty.

As Lowell delivered his opening statement, first lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden's wife Melissa Cohen Biden, and his stepsister Ashley Biden sat largely stoic in the gallery. Hunter Biden kept his eyes on Lowell and his hands clasped. Jurors paid close attention, with several taking notes.





Jun 4, 10:56 AM

Hunter Biden 'chose to lie,' prosecutor tells jury



Government prosecutors told jurors in the trial's opening statements that they should make "no distinction for Hunter Biden or anybody else" as they weigh the gun case against the president's son.

Hunter Biden "chose to lie," prosecutor Derek Hines said, laying out the case that the defendant purchased a gun while knowing he was an addict and drug user.

Hines said Hunter Biden bought the firearm from a gun seller who will testify as a witness that the younger Biden filled out form 4473 -- consenting to a federal background check -- and certified that he understood the form. The prosecution said it will show Hunter Biden "bought a gun and lied during a background check."

The man who sold Hunter Biden the gun will testify that he watched the defendant fill out the form.

The gun was then "taken by someone concerned he had a gun. That person was Halle Biden," Hines said, referring to Hunter Biden's romantic partner at the time.

Halle Biden disposed of the gun in a dumpster, where it was retrieved by a man who will also be a witness called by the government.

"The police were called" when Halle Biden went to retrieve the gun, Hines said.

Hines, in his opening, said evidence will show that "Hunter Biden knew he was a drug user and a drug addict" when he filled out the form.

Hines cited Hunter Biden's memoir, "Beautiful Things," in which he wrote he had a "superpower of buying crack anywhere, anytime."

In text messages presented by the prosecution, Hunter Biden acknowledged, "I am an addict."





Jun 4, 10:09 AM

'No one is above the law,' prosecutor says in opening

Opening statements got underway in Hunter Biden's gun trial after nearly an hour-long delay.



The jury was seated just before 10 a.m.



"No one is above the law," prosecutor Derek Hines said in his opening statement, addressing the jury from the lectern.



"It doesn't matter who you are or what your name is," Hines told them.





Jun 4, 9:31 AM

Judge says they 'lost' a juror overnight



Judge Maryellen Noreika took the bench this morning and announced they had "lost" one juror overnight after she "begged" to be released due to travel difficulties.

"We lost a juror overnight," Judge Noreika said, noting the juror explained she lives far away and does not have a car. Noreika did not specifically address how they would be moving forward, but there are four alternates who were seated yesterday as part of the jury.

Opening statements had still not gotten underway as of 9 a.m., as the court was still awaiting the arrival of four of the jurors.

Judge Noreika used the time to address a number of motions, including rejecting a motion from Hunter Biden's attorney Abbe Lowell seeking to exclude from evidence a number of photos of Hunter Biden.

The government said they needed a photo to prove Hunter Biden was in Malibu at a particular time, and the judge agreed to admit it.

First lady Jill Biden was back in her same front-row seat as yesterday, seated between Hunter Biden's wife Melissa and Jill Biden's daughter Ashley Biden.





Jun 4, 9:02 AM

Hunter Biden arrives at courthouse



Hunter Biden has arrived at the courthouse for Day 2 of his federal gun trial.

He was accompanied by wife, Melissa Cohen Biden.





PHOTO: Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, arriver at the federal court with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, during the second day of his trial on criminal gun charges in Wilmington, Del., June 4, 2024. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)





His stepmother, first lady Jill Biden, and his stepsister Ashley Biden are also in attendance for the second day in a row.





PHOTO: First lady Jill Biden arrives at the federal court on the second day of trial of Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, on criminal gun charges in Wilmington, Del., June 4, 2024. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)





Jun 4, 8:52 AM

Arguments to get underway this morning



Hunter Biden returns to court this morning for the start of arguments in his federal gun trial.

Attorneys with special counsel David Weiss' office and lawyers for Hunter Biden are both scheduled to deliver opening statements in the case.

Judge Maryellen Noreika yesterday swore in a jury of six men and six women, completing the jury selection process in a single day to put the trial two days ahead of schedule.





Jun 3, 7:01 PM

Friends, family look on during Day 1 in court



Hunter Biden spent the first day of his gun trial taking notes, reading documents placed in front of him by his attorneys, and often turning to catch a glimpse of the friends and family who came to court to support him.

At one point, he nodded along as a prospective juror spoke about her friend's overdose after addiction.

Jill Biden was seated behind Hunter Biden all day, and she watched attentively as some jurors told the court that they had such a skewed view of her family that they could not be impartial. The first lady did not appear to react in those moments, but at times her daughter Ashley Biden placed her hand on the first lady's back in support.

PHOTO: Hunter Biden, left, accompanied by his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, depart from federal court, June 3, 2024, in Wilmington, Del. (Matt Rourke/AP)

Hunter Biden's family members also appeared to be actively involved with his defense strategy -- at one point standing up and huddling with Hunter Biden's attorneys Abbe Lowell and David Kolansky after a sidebar.





When court was dismissed, Jill Biden gave Hunter Biden a hug and a kiss before he walked out hand-in-hand with his wife.





Jun 3, 5:51 PM

After opening statements, FBI agent will be 1st witness



Hunter Biden and his stepmother, first lady Jill Biden, departed court at the conclusion of the day's jury selection proceedings.

With opening statements set for Tuesday, prosecutors said their first witness would be FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen, who will introduce into evidence several of Hunter Biden's text messages, as well as excerpts from his 2021 memoir, "Beautiful Things," and other evidence.

The parties had carved out three days to select a jury, which means the proceedings are currently running ahead of schedule.

Judge Maryellen Noreika told jurors they would likely need to be available for the trial through June 14, with the possibility of deliberations stretching into the week of June 17.





Jun 3, 5:42 PM

Jury of 6 men, 6 woman will hear openings Tuesday



A jury of six men and six women is scheduled to hear opening statements Tuesday in Hunter Biden's federal gun trial.

An additional four women were chosen as the alternate jurors.

The jurors include a Secret Service retiree, a man whose father was killed by a gun, and a number of jurors whose family and friends have suffered from addiction -- a central theme in the case against Hunter Biden.

Juror No. 1 is a woman who recently heard about Hunter Biden's case on the evening news. Said said her sister is also an addict, but is "currently clean."

Juror No. 2 is a woman who worked for the Secret Service for nearly 25 years and is now retired. Her husband was a uniformed officer in Washington, D.C.

Juror No. 3 is woman who gets her news from YouTube. When asked what she has heard about the case, she said that it involves guns and drugs.

Juror No. 4 is a woman who said she feels people who smoke weed "should not be allowed" to own a gun, but said she could set that aside.

Juror No. 5 is a currently unemployed man who previously received a DUI for which he pleaded guilty.

Juror No. 6 is a man who said he previously knew about the case. He currently owns three pistols and said, "I believe the Second Amendment is very important."

Juror No. 7 is a man whose father owned a firearm. He said he knows "some" gun laws.

Juror No. 8 is a man whose father was killed by a gun in 2004. He has a brother who was arrested for drug possession and was sentenced to prison.

Juror No. 9 is a woman whose home was burglarized years ago. She purchased a gun and has had it for over 20 years.

Juror No. 10 is a man whose brother and brother-in-law both suffered from alcoholism and are now both deceased. His niece and nephew both own guns.

Juror No. 11 is a woman whose family hunts and has hunting rifles. She said her "childhood best friend" passed away from a drug overdose.

Juror No. 12 is a man whose older brother is an addict who has been to rehab multiple times for PCP and heroin. He said the brother had a gun but he was not sure when.





Jun 3, 4:24 PM

Jury is seated

The jury of 12 jurors and 4 alternates has been seated in Hunter Biden's federal gun trial.



The panel was picked from 250 prospective jurors who arrived at the courthouse this morning for the voir dire process.

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
WILMINGTON, Del.  Jill Biden spent her birthday in a federal courtroom.

The first lady took a front-row seat as Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, sat in U.S. District Court in Delaware on Monday for the first day of his trial on felony gun charges. Flanked by her daughter Ashley and her daughter-in-law Melissa Cohen Biden, they made a trifecta of support as the highly watched case got underway.

Ashley Biden is Hunters half-sister and Cohen Biden is Hunter's wife. The first lady raised Hunter Biden after the death of the president's first wife in a 1972 car accident. As courtrooms scenes go, the show of presidential family figures in full view of the jury made for an unusual sight  and it's one that continued on Tuesday when the three women returned for opening statements.

Wearing a purple monochromatic pantsuit, Valentino stilettos and a perfectly coiffed mane, Jill Biden was a powerful presence on Monday in the courtroom. As the jury selection process got underway, she could be seen paying rapt attention and taking notes as well as frequently whispering to the women by her side. During breaks, she would wait for Hunter Biden to leave the defense table and give him a hug before exiting the room.

First Lady Jill Biden leaves the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building after jury selection in her son Hunter Bidens trial for federal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware on Monday June 3, 2024.

It was apparent that the first ladys stature was that of any ordinary relative of a defendant. She got up, with everyone else in the courtroom, to All rise when U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika entered.

By the afternoon on Monday, a diverse jury had been selected. The first lady sat across from everyday Delaware residents who would soon decide her sons fate.

The scene was reminiscent of former President Donald Trumps hush money trial and conviction in a New York City courtroom last week. It's a rare moment in history to see so many presidential figures and wannabes packed into courtrooms where their fates and families' fortunes are being decided.

Hunter Biden faces three felonies over whether he lied on a federal gun form in 2018 that asked if he was addicted to drugs.

Among Hunter Biden's family who were conspicuously absent Monday were his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle and Hallie Biden, his former sister-in-law whom he dated in the aftermath of his brother's death. They are both expected to be called on as witnesses by the prosecution.

For many, Joe Biden's focus on family is a big part of his image. In 2014, Biden, then vice president, famously sent a message to his staff, that said, in part: If I find out that you are working with me while missing important family responsibilities, it will disappoint me greatly. This has been an unwritten rule since my days in the Senate.

Having lost his first wife and daughter at age 29 has shaped the president and the way he views his commitment to family. In 2015, tragedy struck again when he lost his older son, Beau Biden at age 46 to a brain tumor.

The president spent Sunday night with family in their Delaware home and was off on a campaign trip to Connecticut Monday afternoon.

First Lady Jill Biden enters the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building before jury selection begins in her son Hunter Bidens trial for federal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Still, for some, the legal spectacles have sown more doubts.

Among potential jurors at the Biden trial, there were some who said they believed that government and law enforcement investigates and prosecutes individuals because of politics.

Some pointed to the Trump trial as an example. Still others said they felt Biden was being unfairly targeted because of his father.

Among supporters at the courtroom was Ricky Mouse, president of the Delaware chapter of the NAACP and a longtime Biden friend.

I have known Hunter from when he was about 3 years old, he said. Hes getting crucified because of his name. And that's wrong.

Both Hunter and Jill Biden hugged Mouse when they saw him.

Hunter said I took a lot of tension off of him, he said afterward.

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @SwapnaVenugopal

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jill Biden emerges as a fierce protector of Hunter Biden
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the French Open due to a knee injury which had plagued his fourth-round victory against Francisco Cerundolo on Monday.

Defending champion Djokovic was aiming to win his 25th grand slam singles title at Roland Garros, but pain in his right knee flared up during a bruising, five-set contest against Cerundolo.

I played with my heart and gave my all in yesterdays match and unfortunately, due to a medial meniscus tear in my right knee, my team and I had to make a tough decision after careful consideration and consultation, Djokovic said on Instagram confirming his withdrawal Tuesday.

I wish the best of luck to the players competing this week and sincerely thank the incredible fans for all of the love and continued support. See you soon.

Tournament organizers had earlier reported the Serbian world No. 1s withdrawal from the tournament in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday, wishing him a speedy recovery.

The 37-year-olds hard-fought victory against Cerundolo came just two days after he played another five-set match against Lorenzo Musetti in the third round, which finished just after 3 a.m. local time.

And while Djokovic showed phenomenal resolve and perseverance to come back and win against Cerundolo, he later admitted to having concerns about pain in his right knee, which he said only subsided once his medication had kicked in near the end of the match.

At one point, I didnt know, to be honest, whether I should continue or not with whats happening, Djokovic told reporters on Monday.

He added that he had felt slight discomfort in the knee prior to the tournament but said it wasnt an injury that would be concerning me at all.

Djokovic receives treatment to his knee during the victory against Cerundolo. - Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

After dominating the first set, Djokovic tweaked his knee at the start of the second and took a medical timeout. The 37-year-old later acknowledged that his movement was hampered, particularly when he was forced to make a sudden change of direction or race to the net to retrieve a drop shot.

It was only near the end of the fourth set when Djokovic was able to seemingly move without pain and raise his game.

He said that persistent rain in Paris had made the courts more slippery than usual and that his request for the clay to be swept more regularly during the match was rejected.

I slipped way too many times, Djokovic told reporters. That is quite unusual  Ive slipped and fallen on the clay many times in my life, and on grass as well, but this was just too many times today.

Could this injury have been prevented? he added. Possibly, if there was just a little bit more frequent care of the court during the set. Thats basically all I asked for.

CNN has contacted French Open organizers for further comment.

Djokovics withdrawal means that his scheduled quarterfinal opponent, Norwegian Casper Ruud, will progress to the semifinals, while Jannik Sinner, the reigning Australian Open champion, will rise to the top of the world rankings for the first time in his career.

Sinner will become Italys first ever tennis world No. 1 at the end of the French Open. He reached the semifinals on Tuesday after defeating Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-4 7-6 (7-3).

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Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the Israel-Hamas war for Tuesday, June 4. For the latest on the conflict, see our story for Wednesday, June 5.

The pressure is intensifying for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut a cease-fire deal and gain freedom for scores of hostages, as President Joe Biden seems to question his motives and Hamas leaders emphasized Tuesday that any agreement must include a permanent cease-fire across the entire Gaza Strip.

The Hamas conditions would cut against Netanyahu's repeated pledge not to end the war until Hamas is crushed. But his government on Monday confirmed the deaths of four more hostages, fueling protests and angst among the loved ones of those still held captive. The government says more than a third of the hostages  43 of the 124  are now confirmed dead.

"With every day that passes, more and more hostages die in captivity," the International Red Cross warned Tuesday on social media. "This loss of human life is not inevitable. All hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally."

Biden has repeatedly clashed with Netanyahu during the crisis while still vowing support for Israel. In a Time magazine interview conducted a week ago and published Tuesday, Biden was asked if Netanyahu was prolonging the war for his political self-preservation and, after initially declining to comment, said: ''There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion.''

Netanyahu's coalition partners Shas and United Torah Judaism said Tuesday they would support a hostage deal even if it involves a major change in war strategy. At least two farther-right partners, however, have warned they could dissolve the coalition government if such an agreement does not include destruction of Hamas.

Asked at the White House about the possibility Netanyahu may be "playing politics with the war,'' Biden said he didn't think so and added, Hes trying to work out a serious problem he has.

Hamas political official Osama Hamdan said Tuesday the militants could not agree to a deal that does not secure "complete withdrawal" of Israeli troops from Gaza. And Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri blasted Washington and the West for pressuring the group to accept an Israeli proposal unveiled by Biden last week "as if it is Hamas who is hampering the deal."

Delegations from the U.S., Egypt and Qatar planned to meet Wednesday in Doha in an effort to revive truce negotiations, Egyptian media reported. Biden sent CIA director William Burns and Middle East envoy Brett McGurk to the region Tuesday to seek a pact, the Times of Israel reported.

Netanyahu doubles down: IDF tells 4 hostage families loved ones are dead

Los Angeles police officers dismantle a pro-Palestinian demonstrators' encampment outside City Hall in downtown Los Angeles on June 4, 2024.

Developments:

 Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said new intelligence confirmed the death of the four hostages, all male. Hagari said they died together in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis months ago while Israel was conducting military operations there. It was not yet clear whether they were executed or died in the assault.

 Five Americans hostages in Gaza are still believed to be alive; three are confirmed dead. Their families met Tuesday for a ninth time with national security adviser Jake Sullivan and said in a statement: "Israel has made their proposal; Hamas needs to take the deal. It is up to them to end this crisis.''

 The Israeli Defense Ministry announced a $3 billion deal with Lockheed Martin to buy 25 stealth F-35 jets. Up to five planes will be delivered annually starting in 2028, the ministry said in a statement.

 The Israeli military said it had seized rocket warheads stashed in U.N.-marked bags, destroyed a tunnel almost a mile long and killed multiple militants in targeted raids on the Sabra neighborhood of Rafah.

 Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the latest cease-fire proposal Tuesday with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Blinken said "it is Hamas that is standing in the way of a ceasefire,'' the department said in a statement.

Israel targets UN school, says it was a base for Hamas

Israeli ground forces swept across a refugee camp in central Gaza on Tuesday while fighter jets struck Hamas targets from the air, the Israel Defense Forces said. The ground assault came hours after Israeli drones struck a Hamas outpost hidden within a U.N. school compound, the IDF said in a social media post. The site included headquarter buildings, weapon depots, rocket launch positions, observation posts and other infrastructure, the military said.

Palestinian authorities said three members of a family and eight police officers were killed in the earlier drone strikes. Israel has drawn global outrage for multiple strikes on U.N. buildings and equipment the military said was being used by the militants, including an attack two months ago that inadvertently killed seven World Food Kitchen aid workers. After Tuesday's strike, the military published photos of weapons it said were seized at the site.

"The attack was carefully planned and carried out using precise weaponry and avoiding as much as possible harm to those not involved," the military statement said.

Israel near decision on taking fight to Hezbollah

Israel is about to decide whether to turn up the heat on the conflict that has been simmering with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah since the war against Hamas began, the Israeli military chief of staff said Tuesday.

We are prepared after a very good process of training up to the level of a General Staff exercise to move to an offensive in the north, Herzi Halevi said in a recorded statement. We are approaching a decision point.

Hezbollah said it's not looking to widen the conflict but will be ready if it happens.

Israel and its militant rival to the north  which is better armed than the other Iran-backed militias in the region  have been trading fire for months, prompting tens of thousands of residents from both sides to evacuate. The exchanges have been picking up in recent weeks, and their confrontations have raised concerns about the war in Gaza expanding regionally.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the Biden administration wants to see the dispute resolved without military intervention. Weve heard Israeli leaders say the solution that they prefer is a diplomatic solution,'' Miller said. "And obviously that is the solution that we prefer too and that were trying to pursue.

Arab lawmakers in Israel pitch two-state solution

An Israeli legislative conference hosted by an Arab-Israeli lawmaker drew calls for recognition of a Palestinian state and angry rebuttals from other lawmakers. The conference, sponsored by Aida Touma-Suleiman, focused on last weeks recognition of a Palestinian state by Spain, Norway and Ireland. They were joined Tuesday by Slovenia, whose parliament voted in favor of such recognition.

Over 20% of Israelis are Arab, and several lawmakers spoke in favor of the two-state solution. Yosef El-Tawana told the mostly pro-Palestinian participants that the only solution to the conflict is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and granting the Palestinian people their full rights.

"The vast majority of the countries of the world recognized the Palestinian state and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination," El-Tawana said. "Only the fascist Israeli government insists on ignoring the rights of the Palestinian people and continuing the conflict."

Lawmaker Tally Gotliv, a member of Netanyahu's Likud Party, drew boos for briefly arguing against Palestinian statehood before walking out of the conference. Polls show most Israelis oppose Palestinian statehood.

Iranian general reportedly killed in Israeli airstrike in Syria

Iranian government media reported that a Revolutionary Guard adviser stationed in Syria, Gen. Saeed Abyar, was killed in an Israeli airstrike near the city of Aleppo. Several other people also were killed in the attack Monday, Syrias defense ministry said. The attack comes two months after two senior Revolutionary Guard generals and five other officers were killed and a building was destroyed in an airstrike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus. That strike led to retaliatory attacks by both sides that raised concerns about the war expanding beyond Gaza.

The Israeli military, contacted by USA TODAY, declined to confirm or comment on the report.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel war news: Biden questions Netanyahu's motives, Hamas won't bend
A search continued on Tuesday for a pair of gunmen who opened fire on a man in a New York City playground, hitting two children in the line of fire, police said.

The shooting in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn erupted Monday night as the girls were playing on a field at the Hilltop Playground, according to New York City Police Department investigators.

PHOTO: New York City police officers investigate a shooting on June 3, 2024, that left two girls, ages 9 and 11, wounded at a Hilltop Playground in Brownsville, Brooklyn. (WABC)

The injured girls were identified by relatives as 9-year-old Ruanna Brown and her 11-year-old cousin, Empress Alexander Davis.

Empress' mother was sitting on a nearby park bench watching the girls play on the artificial grass of the playground's main field when the shooting occurred, relatives said.

"My heart fell out of my chest to hear my daughter was shot. First thing I thought was Lord take my life and not hers," Ruanna's mother, Melissa Alexander, told ABC New York City station WABC. "I'm lost for words. I'm devastated. I'm hurt. I cried all night, all morning. I just want my baby to be safe."

PHOTO: New York City police officers investigate a shooting on June 3, 2024, that left two girls, ages 9 and 11, wounded at a Hilltop Playground in Brownsville, Brooklyn. (WABC)

Alexander said her daughter was shot in her right knee while Empress, who remained hospitalized Tuesday, was hit in the back.

Ruanna told WABC Tuesday that she is "feeling OK."

"I was a little nervous so I didn't talk too much but the doctors were trying to make me talk a lot so I wouldn't fall asleep," said Ruanna, who was released from the hospital and is recovering at home. "So, I didn't really have a lot to say, but they were asking me questions about my summer."

Alexander said her daughter woke up all night because she was afraid she was alone.

In an interview from her hospital bed, Empress recalled details of the shooting.

"I could feel my shoulder, and then my cousin was screaming about a leg or a knee," Empress told WABC.

The shooting erupted around 9:05 p.m. as the girls were playing, Assistant Chief Scott Henderson, commanding officer of the Brooklyn North patrol division, said at a news conference at the playground where the girls were shot.

"Unfortunately, we're here on a nice spring evening to talk about yet another senseless act of gun violence directed toward our most vulnerable youth," Henderson said.

Henderson said the preliminary investigation indicates that two gunmen fired at least six rounds at an individual. While the gunshots missed the targeted individual, the children were hit by errant bullets. Henderson said there is no evidence that the gunfire was meant for the children.

"At this time, it is unknown who the intended target was," Henderson said.

NYPD Deputy Chief John Mastronardi, commanding officer of the Detective Borough Brooklyn North, said security video reviewed by detectives captured two gunmen entering the playground and both opening fire on the yet-to-be-identified individual, but ended up hitting the girls instead.

No arrests have been announced as of Tuesday afternoon and detectives asked for the public's help in identifying the gunmen.

Henderson said family members drove both girls to Brookdale Hospital.

MORE: 2 New York City police officers hurt in shootout with moped-riding robbery suspect: Officials

A motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

"At this time, we're exploring multiple avenues of possible motives for this type of incident, but we're not going to rule out gang-related incidents that are problematic to this particular area of Brooklyn," Mastronnardi said.

He pointed out several pairs of shoes scattered on the playground, including those worn by the young victims.

MORE: 2 handguns, 35 shell casings recovered in fatal overnight shooting in Akron, Ohio: Police

Henderson said investigators recovered shell casings at the scene from two different caliber guns.

"Our detectives will be working diligently to apprehend the individuals responsible for this horrendous act of violence," Henderson said.

PHOTO: Several pairs of Crocs were left behind on a field at the Hilltop Playground in Brownsville, Brooklyn, including those worn by two children, ages 9 and 11, who were shot there on June 3, 2024. (WABC)

Alexander had a message for the assailants who injured the children: "Get a life."

"There's so much more constructive things to do. You're putting children's lives at stake. Innocent children," Alexander said.

Parents and grandparents who frequent the park said the shooting left them worried for their children.

"I'm angry. I'm upset. I'm hurt because it's local children that are in this park all the time. I was in the park with my grandson, who is a year old," one resident told WABC, adding she knows one of the girls who was shot and saw her at the playground over the weekend.

The young victims are among 324 children 11 years old or younger who have been shot in incidents across the nation in the first five months of the year, including 94 who were killed, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a website that tracks all U.S. shootings.

Suspects sought in shooting of 2 girls, ages 9 and 11, caught in the crossfire on a New York City playground originally appeared on abcnews.go.com


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New Delhi: While the BJP's Ab ki bar 400 paar remained a distant dream with the saffron camp struggling to cross even 240 Lok Sabha seats, the Congress and the INDIA bloc stunned political pundits by changing the electoral map of India. The BJP, which had a brute majority of 303 Lok Sabha seats in 2019, was leading in 239 seats till the time of going to press, a loss of 64 seats so far. The Congress, which had managed to win 55 Lok Sabha seats in 2019, led in around 100 Lok Sabha constituencies, a gain of 45 seats. So far, the INDIA alliance was clocking 41 per cent of voteshare, showing a massive jump from the UPA's 2019 voteshare of 26.74 per cent. The NDA has managed to retain its voteshare of 45 per cent.

While some of the top INDIA alliance leaders were trying to reach out to TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, sources revealed that both these outfits are likely to continue with the NDA for now. As for the Assembly elections, the TDP led by Mr Naidu is all set to form the government in Andhra Pradesh, while in Odisha, the BJP was all set to come to power for the first time, unseating the BJD led by Naveen Patnaik.

Unfazed by the outcome, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on to claim that the people have placed their faith in the NDA for the third consecutive time. For Mr Modi, this was a historic feat in India's history.

However, with the numbers in Parliament somewhat evenly stacked, it could present significant challenges for the BJP-led NDA government to push through contentious policies, including One Nation-One Poll and the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The results not just energised the Opposition, it also helped Congress leader Rahul Gandhi storm back to the national stage. He won both the Rae Bareli and Wayanad Lok Sabha berths by huge margins. Addressing the media, Mr Gandhi said that the country has given its message. It does not want Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge described the outcome as a mandate against Modi. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee demanded Mr Modis resignation accepting moral defeat. Speaking in Kolkata, Ms Banerjee said: PM Modi has lost all credibility, he should immediately resign. Modi is now falling at the feet of the TDP and Nitish (Kumar) to form the government. A visibly upset BJP leader virtually echoed Ms Banerjee's line, saying: For the last 10 years, we were dictating terms, but now the party will have to be at the mercy of the allies. A former BJP Rajya Sabha member, speaking at a TV channel, felt that even if the NDA formed government, it "could fall in a few months for lack of clarity.

While the BJP suffered a setback in the Hindi heartland, it finally managed to make inroads into Kerala by opening its account and routed the Congress in the hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. However, the BJPs bid to consolidate the Hindu votebank with the construction of the Ram temple failed to resonate with the electorates in some parts of the hinterland, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, the epicentre of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. In UP, where the BJP was expecting to win at least 60 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats, the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav virtually rattled the saffron Goliath down by leading in at least 36 seats. The BJP suffered major setbacks in UP with party stalwarts Smriti Irani from Amethi, Maneka Gandhi from Sultanpur and Sanjeev Baliyan from Muzaffarnagar biting the dust. Ms Irani, the BJP's star candidate, lost by over 15 lakh votes to Congress candidate K.L. Sharma. The BJP was also found trailing in Faizabad (Ayodhya) constituency. It was eastern Uttar Pradesh which delivered a huge blow to the BJP. While Rahul Gandhi was leading in Rae Bareli with a margin of nearly 3,80,000 votes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was leading by a margin of over one lakh votes from Varanasi.

A desert storm hit the BJP hard in Rajasthan, which was trailing in at least nine of the 25 Lok Sabha seats. In 2019, the BJP had swept Rajasthan by winning all 25 Lok Sabha seats. Sources said that factional fights between the BJP state and the national leaders in both UP and Rajasthan resulted in the partys dismal performance in these two states.

It was Maharashtra where the BJP-led Mahayuti faced a major reversal. The move to engineer splits within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) failed to yield the intended results in the state. While the Maha Vikas Aghadi (INDIA) coalition, consisting of the Congress, Shiv Sena (Thackeray) and NCP (Sharad Pawar) was leading in 29 seats, the BJP-led Maha Yuti (NDA), which included chief minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP, was leading in 18 seats.

The BJP, which was confident of trouncing the Trinamul Congress in West Bengal, was in for a rude shock. The saffron brigade faced a body blow as the party struggled to retain its 2019 tally of 18 Lok Sabha seats. So far, the TMC was leading in 30 seats, the BJP in 12 and Left and Congress alliance in one. The BJP, which swept all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana in 2019, hit a hurdle with the Congress leading in five seats. The lotus brigade, which had won 12 of the 14 Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand in 2019, was also in for a jolt in this tribal state. While the BJP was leading in nine seats (loss of three seats), the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha was leading in five seats (gain of three seats). In Congress-ruled Karnataka, the BJP and its ally Janata Dal (Secular) was leading in 19 seats, while the Congress was ahead in nine seats. The BJP's hopes were also dashed in Tamil Nadu as the DMK and Congress alliance won all 29 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP star attraction, state unit chief Annamalai, failed to fire and win from the Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency.

The BJP, however, swept through Madhya Pradesh, scoring 29-0, While it won 25 of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, it once again retained its stranglehold in Delhi, by winning all the seven seats. The BJP-led NDA also trounced the INDIA alliance in Assam by recording a comfortable lead in 10 of the 14 Lok Sabha seats. In Odisha, BJP not only snatched the state away from Biju Janata Dal by winning the Assembly elections but decimated the BJD in the Lok Sabha polls by winning 19 of the 21 seats in the state.

It was, however, the stellar performance by the BJP allies, the TDP and JD(U), which kept the NDA afloat and made it possible to cross the simple majority of 272 seats. While the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) in Bihar won 12 seats, the TDP led by N. Chandrababu Naidu bagged 16 Lok Sabha berths in Andhra Pradesh.

In the Kashmir Valley, the victory of separatist leader and Independent candidate from Baramulla Abul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer, was being viewed as a statement against the abrogation of Article 370. Abdul Rashid of Awami Ittehad Party won against National Conference leader Omar Abdullah by a margin of over one lakh votes. In Punjab, radical preacher and Independent candidate Amritpal Singh was leading by over 50,000 votes against his nearest rival, Congress candidate Kulbir Singh Zira. Amritpal Singh, arrested under the NSA, is lodged in an Assam jail. Khadoor Sahib is known as a panthic seat.
Mumbai: The BJP-led alliance suffered a landslide defeat in Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra by winning only 19 out of 48 seats, which was 23 seats less than the NDAs 2019 performance in the state. The Eknath Sindhe governments mishandling of the Maratha quota issue, unrest among onion farmers due to the Centres export policy and consolidation of Muslim votes were the major factors that tilted the Maharashtra results in favour of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which is part of the INDIA bloc were the major factors that worked against the NDA.

The NDA felt effects of Maratha quota agitation in the Marathwada region, which was the epicenter of the agitation. Accepting the role played by the Maratha quota activist Majon Jarange, a former state minister said that the Maharashtra government did not have the courage to own the decision taken by it to provide 10 per cent separate reservation to the Maratha community.

Though the Maharashtra government has passed a law to provide 10 per cent reservation to the Maratha community, Jarange has rejected it and demanded reservation under the OBC category. The government did not reject Jaranges demand outrightly, which unsettled the OBC population. It was so scared that it did not even claim credit for the separate reservation it has provided. On the other hand, Jarange was able to convince the people that the state government is ignoring their demand. All of these things worked against the ruling parties. The situation was such that the BJP could not manage a double figure in the state. The initial reports suggest that the NDA candidates suffered defeats in Nanded, Beed, Jalana and Latur because the Maratha community en mass voted against the alliance,  the minister said.

The NDA candidates lost Nashik and Dindori seats by the margins of over one lakh votes. In both constituencies, onion as a cash crop plays a major role. Apart from these two, the onion farmers unrest because of the export ban may have also affected the BJP and its allies in Ahmednagar and Shirur seats.

The election results were also marked by the Muslims voting for the INDIA bloc candidates, including Shiv Sena (UBT), which was once a hardline Hindutva party and was considered responsible for 1993 riots in Mumbai. The victory of Shiv Sena UBT candidate Sanjay Dina Patil in Mumbai North East constituency highlighted this fact. The seat was considered one of the safest seats for the BJP in Mumbai. However, the lead taken by Patil in Shivaji Nagar assembly segment, which is a Muslim dominated constituency, was so huge that BJPs Mihir Kotecha could not cover that gap in the remaining five assembly segments.

However, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde blamed the propaganda run by opposition parties for his alliances defeat. The vote bank politics of the opposition had affected the NDAs performance. The opposition parties ran relentless propaganda that we would change the Constitution. We failed to clear the doubts among voters. Our losses are also due to vote bank politics, he said.
Mumbai: While the Congress has emerged as the most successful party among the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents, it is the NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray, who have proved to be real heroes for the opposition alliances impressive show in Maharashtra.

With their backs to the wall following splits in their respective parties, both the leaders refused to throw in the towel. In the scorching heat, they campaigned extensively across the state despite their health issues and contributed handsomely to the MVAs win in the Lok Sabha polls.

With their stellar performance, Sharad Pawar and Thackeray have also proved that they enjoy more confidence among their party supporters than Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, who had effected splits in the NCP and Shiv Sena.

Though Sharad Pawar and Thackeray saw their parties split, symbols snatched away and names changed, they fought on gamely and demonstrated that they lead the real NCP and the real Shiv Sena.

Both Sharad Pawar and Thackeray would be mightily pleased by keeping their stranglehold intact on their bastions  Baramati and Mumbai.

As his daughter Supriya Sule registered a comprehensive win in Baramati, the senior Pawar dealt a huge blow to the aspirations of his cousin Ajit Pawar, who had fielded his wife Sunetra in the constituency, which is known as a Pawar fiefdom.

In Mumbai, Thackerays Shiv Sena won four out of six seats, which could prove to be a decisive factor in the polls of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which are likely to be held next year.

Sharad Pawar gave credit to the unity among the all three MVA partners. He said that the INDIA bloc has posed a major challenge to the BJP at the national level and now he will work towards bringing change in Maharashtra.

This is the success of my party workers, Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). We as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) fought unitedly, hence got the highest number of seats. Our strike rate is better, the former Union minister said.

Pawar described the results in Maharashtra as a harbinger of change. The Lok Sabha election results showed the situation was favourable in the country for political change. The INDIA bloc leaders are likely to meet in Delhi on Wednesday to decide the future course of action, he said.

The veteran leader, however, also said that the opposition bloc was not likely to form a government at the Centre. He also denied having spoken with TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu.

I have not called up Chandrababu Naidu Whatever is the outcome, after discussing with colleagues in the other INDIA allies, we shall share it publicly tomorrow, Pawar said.
The mandate delivered by the popular sovereign leaves no room for deniability. The voters have called Narendra Modis gigantic bluff, delivered on the floor of the Lok Sabha that the BJP would win 370 out of the total 543 seats in the Lok Sabha. The National Democratic Alliance is far short of the 400 paar mark that Mr Modi guaranteed he would get.

Voters have said loud and clear that they dont entirely believe in Mr Modis guarantees, whatever these may have been. That they believed even less in his weird guarantee of guarantees is quite obvious.

Voters across the country have delivered a verdict that, especially in the heartland state of Uttar Pradesh and in Maharashtra, have given the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance with the Congress, the Samajwadi Party, the DMK, the Trinamul Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray on the one hand and the other partners in other states trashes the BJPs conviction of being the best ever, even better than the Congress led by Jawaharlal Nehru.

The mandate destroys the myth of the invincibility of Narendra Modi and the BJP that he leads. The mandate does two things simultaneously. It tells the political class what it does not approve; it also tells the political class what it wants the government to do. So, on the one hand, it is a rejection of the unprincipled politics of engineering defections, splitting parties to seize power in states where the BJP had not succeeded in winning the popular mandate. It is equally an emphatic rejection of its dangerous divisive politics based on religious identities. It can also be taken as a rejection of the homogenising Hindutva that Mr Modi tried to bully the rest of the country into believing as the only valid way of practicing Hinduism.

On the other hand, the verdict signals serious disapproval of the policies pursued by the Modi government and its governance that took people for granted, imposing hardship without apology in the name of vikas, that is, development. It challenges the vision of the new Viksit Bharat that Mr Modi described at length in a newspaper article on June 3 and his entirely unbelievable promise or guarantee that India would be an economic superpower, a land overflowing with milk and honey as it were, by the time India was ready to celebrate 100 years of being Independence.

Equally, the verdict does not deliver a victory for the INDIA bloc, but it does stop the Modi-Amit Shah-BJP juggernaut in its tracks. Mr Modi is no longer the man of the moment, who holds India in his tight grasp; that baton has passed on.

As a new narrative on the UP ke Ladke (Sons of Uttar Pradesh), namely Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, is crafted, the fact of the matter is that the combination of the Congress and powerful regional and smaller parties crafted an alternative that obviously captured the imagination of voters in crucial states, starting with Uttar Pradesh, moving on to Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Karnataka, Rajasthan and even succeeded in shaking awake voters in Mr Modis bastion of Gujarat. The verdict in Maharashtra, where the BJP split the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party to burgle the majority held by the Maha Vikas Aghadi, is a decisive indictment against the skullduggery of the BJP masterminded by Mr Modi and Mr Shah. This is also the passing of the mantle to younger leaders -- Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, M.K. Stalin, Tejashwi Yadav -- the despised shehzade of political parties where leadership is passed down within the family.

The mandate is, above all else, a celebration of the diversity of India, rather a verdict against the overweening ambition of the BJP, which believed that it alone was qualified to represent every region, sub-region and corner of the worlds most populated country. The regional parties are powerful stakeholders in the idea of India that is not hegemonistic as the BJP so clearly is. The manoeuvrings of the BJP to jostle its way into Kerala and Tamil Nadu and declare that West Bengal would give it the best results in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is a part of its hegemonistic vision, that is all too evident in the idea of One Nation-One Party and its follow-up One Nation-One Election.

The 2024 Lok Sabha election confirms that regional parties have come of age. They are no longer the feared, almost despised, parochial parties of the 1960s that popped up to fragment the nation, as political pundits propounded, fearing the imminent dismemberment of India. It was Mr Modis mistake to believe in an idea that was obsolete, though he should have known better given his claim of fast forwarding Indias economic progress in his 10 years of being on top.

India, as the 2024 verdict indicates, cannot be represented by any one political party and certainly not by a leader whose ways are similar to the archetypal authoritarian demagogue. It is also a verdict that shows strong opposition to the idea of this demagogue telling the electorate that once his claim to power is confirmed, as Mr Modi did in West Bengal, he would overturn the popular mandate to the Mamata Banerjee government. Mr Modi and his partymen, in flagrant violation of democratic principles, repeatedly threatened Opposition-held state governments during the campaign that they would be busted. He said it in West Bengal; he repeated it in other states, warning voters and the regional parties in power that the BJP would seize power, by hook or by crook.

The bottom line is that Mr Modi does not have the mandate, because the BJP has not won a majority of the seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. By falling short, the BJP now has to depend on its allies to retain power. What the BJP does and how Mr Modi responds to this crisis of confidence will play out over the next few days. It is entirely likely that a period of hard bargaining within the NDA will follow as allies extract the maximum price for their support.

It would be a mistake for the BJP to hustle at this point; it not only needs to sound penitent for taking the voter for granted and abusing the power it held between 2014 and 2024, it also needs to act penitent. The INDIA bloc, at this point, is the declared alternative. To assume any other responsibility would betray the mandate.The one thing the INDIA bloc leaders should not forget is the responsibility of holding Mr Modi to account for his acts of omission and commission over the past 10 years.
by Mathias Hariyadi

The arrest of Sorbatua Siallagan has sparked protests from indigenous communities, who call for his release. The case stems from government permits to PT Toba Pulp Lestari, which has been making pulp and paper since the 1980s near Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. Indonesian Human Rights Commission calls for an end to legal proceedings.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  Sorbatua Siallagan, a traditional musician, has been in jail since March in North Sumatra for defending Batak ancestral land. The indigenous community has been living in the area for eleven generations, from the 19th century to the present day, while the authorities granted the land to a private company.

Since the 1980s, the company, PT Toba Pulp Lestari, has built pulp and paper plants near Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. as a result, local ecosystems and communities have been impacted by deforestation and the planting of eucalyptus trees.

Members of the Ompu Umbak Siallagan indigenous community in Simalungun Regency gathered in front of a police station in Medan to demand Sorbatua Siallagans release.

The musician, community leader in Dolok Parmonangan, is considered by many people to be first among equals who has spoken up for people who have seen their lands, environment, and traditional society (masyarakat adat) negatively impacted.

Sorbatuas traditional land is located on the border with Sihaporas, a subdistrict in Pematang Sidamanik, this according to Domu Ambarita, a journalist originally from North Sumatra who works for a newspaper in Jakarta.

During the Dutch colonial era, the area was used by the administration and legally recognised by the Dutch in a document titled Enclave 1916, 29 years before Indonesian independence on 17 August 1945, he told AsiaNews.

Traditional Batak land, which covers some 2,053 hectares, is registered with the Customary Area Registration Agency (BRWA)[*] since 9 September 2019.

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM)[] is monitoring Sorbatua Siallagans trial. Its Commissioner, Saurlin P. Siagian, has attended court proceedings, and is on record demanding a stop to trial.

Siallagan was arrested following a complaint by PT Toba Pulp Lestari. On 23 June 2023, the company filed a lawsuit against the 65-year-old for allegedly engaging in hostile acts with locals such as cutting down eucalyptus trees and setting fire to the land granted to the company.

The arrest follows allegations by law enforcement agencies that he incited hatred against the pulp company.

Sorbatua Siallagans case is not isolated. "There have been at least 31 legal cases over traditional land," Saurlin P. Siagian said. After a briefing by the Simalungun District Court chief, Komnas HAM strongly calls for the Siallagans release.

The Commission is involved in other lawsuits defending ancestral lands against the Indonesian Ministry of Forests and Environment, urging Indonesian authorities to ensure the lands conservation.

Nusantara Traditional Tano Batak (AMAN) spokesperson Hengky Manalu slammed Sorbatua Siallagan's trial, calling it unfair, against the interests of the local population and their traditional customs.

A spokesperson for PT Toba Pulp Lestari responded to the defendant and Komnas HAMs claims, saying that the traditional Ompu Umbak Siallagan never existed.

"There is no such name in any customary land claim, said Salomo Sitohang, who represents the company's interests. At present, we only have 10 claims and those disputes have been appropriately dealt with and resolved.

[*] Badan Registrasi Wilayah Adat.

[] Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia.
by Nirmala Carvalho

The victory of the alliance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taken for granted, but in large and populous states such as Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh it was neck-and-neck for key seats. Even within the opposition, led by the Congress, there has been a rise of regional and local parties. Card. Gracias to AsiaNews: A politically aware vote.

New Delhi (AsiaNews) - After several hours of election counting, the alliance of which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party is a member, known as the National Democratic Alliance, NDA, continues to appear ahead of the opposition bloc, known as INDIA.

However, the lead of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, which is predicted not to exceed 300 seats, is much smaller than predicted by early exit polls yesterday after the polls closed on Saturday. If the forecast is confirmed, Modi will need a governing ally to stay in power.

As the counting progresses, there is one thing that is becoming increasingly clear: the Indian people have given up the divisive and hateful politics of some political parties, and have resoundingly opted for a more socially inclusive and politically transparent system of government, commented Fr Babu Joseph, former spokesperson of the Bishops' Conference of India.

The results are local, not a landslide victory by one party, the priest continued, referring to the BJP, which had predicted in the campaign that it would win 400 seats. The results released so far put to rest all the exaggerations and anticipations predicted by the exit polls, which some analysts had pointed out yesterday were not particularly reliable.

The elections for the renewal of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament, began in mid-April and ended on 1 June. A majority of 272 seats is needed to govern. According to forecasts, the BJP is expected to get just over 240 seats, with coalition allies expected to get just over 50.

In Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state with the largest number of seats, considered a BJP stronghold, the Election Commission website gives a head-to-head between the ruling party and the opposition.

Even in Maharashtra, one of the main states of the Indian Union, a similar situation has been recorded. Trends in a state like Uttar Pradesh have often been repeated at the national level, experts point out.

I am happy that democracy is flourishing in India, Mumbai Cardinal Msgr. Oswald Gracias commented to AsiaNews. It shows that people are politically aware and voting rightly. Whatever government comes to power, the Church will certainly cooperate, he added. It gives us joy to think that the whole process took place in a peaceful and orderly manner, this shows that there will also be healthy opposition. I think this is good for the country, for democracy and for the future.

We do not have the final results, the cardinal continued, but it was a well-fought election even if it lasted a long time. But in the end it was worth it. Moreover, the Church is politically aware and conscious of the needs of the people and the needs of the country. I am happy that the turnout was quite good, although it could have been better, and that people took the elections seriously.

Voting took place in seven phases; each had a turnout of more than 60 per cent. Nearly 970 million citizens were called to vote in temperatures that hovered between 42 and 48 degrees, which prevented many people from leaving their homes.

The seats so far allocated to the opposition indicate a greater rise of the regional parties, rather than the Congress, which leads the INDIA coalition, with a total of about 220 seats.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP had managed to win more than 300 seats, rising to over 350 thanks to allies. This enabled it to pursue an agenda focused on Hindu ultranationalism. In contrast, the Congress party, which ruled for years after the country's independence and is now led by Rahul Gandhi, has gradually lost popularity due to corruption scandals and a lack of new and forward-looking proposals.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

A US-European coordination mechanism for the Western Balkans will specifically deal with the fight against information manipulation and propaganda orchestrated by Moscow. The conflict is particularly acute in the area through which Russian gas pipelines pass.

Sofia (AsiaNews) - The US State Department and the European Foreign Relations Service have announced the launch of an American-European coordination mechanism for the Western Balkans, which will specifically deal with the fight against Foreign Information, Manipulation and Interference (Fimi), dezinformatsija and propaganda orchestrated by Russia.

According to the statement, the Fimi aims to strengthen the integrity of the information space in this particularly sensitive area.

The decision to take the initiative in this area is an attempt to curb outside intrusiveness in the face of major electoral appointments, such as the one for the European Parliament at the end of this week, at which there was a marked intensification of propaganda orchestrated by the Kremlin to try to divide the forces in the field and weaken the entire EU system.

Expressing the great unease of the European institutions, especially in the Balkans, was Bulgarian MEP Aleksandr Jordanov, according to whom Russian agents hammer on the prediction that the EU will break up, that the countries that join it will lose their national sovereignty and that European values are alien to the traditions of the peoples, theses that resonate even within the parliament itself.

Already at the end of April, the MEPs had passed a resolution resolutely condemning the attempts to interfere in and sabotage European democratic processes, fuelled by Russia's support.

The parliament declared itself appalled at the proven allegations of payments by some MEPs to disseminate Russian propaganda, and the fact that some of them participated in the activities of Kremlin-controlled media such as Voice of Europe, at the very time when Russia was multiplying its attacks on Ukraine.

In particular, the arrest of the assistant of the Alternative for Deutschland deputy, Maximilian Krah, on suspicion of receiving money from Moscow and of collaborating with the Chinese secret services caused a stir.

After this incident, the EuNews bulletin reported the fact that while the European Union is raising the level of attention to the risks of disinformation and foreign interference on the eve of the European elections, some member states have still not implemented the measures approved two years ago against Russia and its propaganda channels such as Sputnik and RT, whose branches are still active in some European capitals. These materials are paradoxically available directly via the European Commission's press room in Brussels.

Despite the closure of Russian media in Europe, the dissemination of Kremlin propaganda has never been so active, EuNews points out, both in the quantity and the quality of these campaigns, as a senior EU official points out, showing that we were not ready to respond adequately.

The methods of disinformation are constantly being perfected, using ever more powerful and refined tools such as artificial intelligence, launching content crosswise on different platforms at the same time. This is Russia's hybrid warfare, sustained by hacking, espionage, propaganda and sabotage, all the way to attacks and assassinations.

As analyst Ivan Klysc of the International Centre for Defence and Security in Estonia writes, the fundamental aim of this war is to annihilate the strength of spirit in European societies, starting with the issue of support for Ukraine.

These are real acts of war, which shatter the boundaries between war and peace, creating the dilemma of how to react. Many European governments are trying to adopt appropriate strategies, and in Balkan countries such as Bulgaria the opposition is particularly acute, as it is also the area through which Russian gas pipelines to Europe pass, and as the former prime minister of Sofia, Nikolaj Denkov, puts it, on this battlefield the Europeans must decide to attack.
Best Watches Under $200

The Best Budget Watch Options for Men

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

When youre ready to buy your first watch, it makes a lot of sense to start on the less expensive end. That way you can figure out what you like, need or want without sinking too much into something you might decide you really dont care for. The best way to determine your preferences and requirements is to try it out on your wrist. At $200 or under, youre not likely to feel too bad if it turns out you really wanted a pilots watch when you bought a diver, or vice versa. Be extra smart about shopping and you can even get both.

RELATED: Best Watches Under $1000

Note that this price range doesnt get you into the big name brands, but it will put you give you an indication of whether or not a name brand is something you feel the need to pay for. The watches on this list perform many of the same functions as more expensive pieces and have plenty of style to boast about, though they may not draw an equal number of envious glances from the label-obsessed. That shouldnt be a consideration when purchasing your first timepiece, however.

This $200 mark is a solid threshold to cross when acquiring the first in what we hope is not a long line of watches, but a collection that grows with you. It may later become the watch that you wear to do chores or play sports, but these are also good enough pieces to wear for years to come. You will never feel that you overpaid for anything on this list. Which is not something one can often say in life.

Brands like Seiko, Bulova, and Timex have been making solid, dependable watches at affordable prices for several decades and you can feel confident strapping one to your wrist. Doing so marks you out as eminently sensible, with an appreciation for quality, but not a tendency to overspend. Some of these pieces may make a statement but it's expressed quietly rather than shouted from the rooftops.

Yet, for guys who are just dipping their proverbial toe into this particular market, its a lot smarter to not just dive into the high-priced end of this pool. You have plenty of time to work up to your first Rolex or Patek Phillipe. Instead, start slowly but stylishly, relying on tried-and-true brands including Timex, Casio, and Seiko which have been making solid, dependable watches at affordable prices for several decades and you can feel confident strapping one to your wrist. Doing so marks you out as eminently sensible, with an appreciation for quality, but not a tendency to overspend.

Best Watches Under $200

Because weve done the research for you, these are timepieces with an interesting story, a window into the world of watches that you may find gets you hooked. It can also be something of a rabbit hole to be sure, but before committing to four figures on a watch that will last you a lifetime its a good idea to take one or two of these for a spin. Theyre handsome enough to complement any outfit and tough enough to accompany you on anything from an adventurous hiking trip to your next job interview.

Seiko SSC 141 Stainless Steel Solar Watch

Perfect for the man who needs to dress up and dress down  either occasionally or on a daily basis  this handsome stainless steel watch with blue Hardlex crystal display is powered entirely by sunlight, with a six month reserve, and features a Japanese quartz movement with an analog display and a stainless steel band with push-button clasp. Its the ideal combination of practicality and elegance.

$192.48 at Amazon.com

Feice Bauhaus Automatic Watch

Refreshingly different, you might think Feice watches come from Scandinavia  but in fact, the brand is a Chinese tribute to the Bauhaus style. And its certainly one worth keeping an eye on. With an automatic movement, the big, clean, simple face dial of the Feice makes this an elegant option for a work watch or to wear on a night out, while sapphire crystal display does a wonderful job warding off nicks and scratches.

$159.99 at Amazon.com

Michael Kors Slim Runway Watch

Chic, stylish and delightfully functional  which are all the things one might expect from a timepiece with the name Michael Kors on it  this 44mm black IP three-hand watch boasts a Japanese-quartz movement and is water resistant to 50m, so you can wear it while washing your hands or taking a short recreational swim without worrying about damaging the timepiece.

$98 at Amazon.com

RELATED: Sleek Hamilton Watches to Upgrade Your Style This Spring

Vincero Chrono S

Vincero is dedicated to crafting high-quality watches that double as bold and uncompromising statement pieces. Its flagship Chrono S is certainly no exception as it helps the company stand out from the crowd with a style that means business. It comes with a top-grain Italian leather strap in brown crocodile, but it is interchangeable if you want to shake up your look from time to time. Plus, its water-resistant so you can wear it everyday regardless of the weather.

$195 at Amazon.com

Casio Edifice WR Aviator Chronograph

The complex dial on this piece lets you calculate things like airspeed and fuel consumption when flying an aircraft, but aside from that it just looks damn cool. The stainless steel bracelet and black and white dial with red accents are pure panache. Casio may be famous for its (now dated) digital watches, but this shows they can do analog very well. This is one piece that definitely punches above its weight price-wise.

$190 at Casio.com

Skagen Grenen Solar-Powered Charcoal Stainless Steel Mesh Watch

If youre looking for more sustainable styles, Skagen has made a name for itself designing cool, minimalist, solar-powered watches that won't break your budget. We're big fans of the Grenen model, in particular in the Charcoal color, for its sleek, almost futuristic styling.

$135 at Skagen.com

Citizen Eco Drive Garrison Chronograph

This is a field watch style piece inspired by vintage military issue equipment. The contrasting red second hand and rugged green canvas band gives it enough panache to pair perfectly with jeans and a tweed jacket. And its solar powered to boot. Another great Japanese watch brand thats undervalued, which makes it eminently affordable, Citizen has been producing quality timepieces since 1918.

$174.90 at Amazon.com

Timex Easy Reader

The brand that keeps on ticking also keeps on giving us wearable, stylish timepieces that look great on any mans wrist. The Easy Reader deploys a minimalist design, using a black-silver-white color scheme to make the easy-to-read numbers really stand out. In our books, this watch is the ultimate less-is-more mens accessory.

$57 at Timex.com

Bulova 98H51 Dress Watch

Bulova, founded in 1875, makes affordable Swiss watches that have borne witness to several of historys most significant events including famous space exploration missions. This is a masterfully simple watch that eschews complicated displays for a reserved, elegant appearance. The rose gold-toned case also elevates it above steel models and looks great with a suit. Even James Bond wore a Bulova at one point.

$189.34 at Amazon.com

Mondaine Stainless Steel Essence Swiss Quartz Watch

Mondaines watches are based on the official Swiss railway clock, a design icon that has been widely imitated the world over. Its powered by a highly accurate Swiss Ronda quartz movement, the same one that makes sure the trains in Switzerland run on time. This is a very high-quality piece that comes with a two-year international warranty and is well worth the price. It says that youre interested in precision and good design.

$149.99 at Amazon.com

Casio G-Shock XL Series Quartz Sport Watch

Are you seeking an easy way to brighten up your life? Casios state-of-the art XL series available in this vivd orange comes equipped with Casios Triple Sensor Version 3 Technology and includes a direction sensor for compass readings, pressure sensor for altimeter/barometer readings and a thermo sensor for temperature. Talk about taking a turn for the better.

$74 at Amazon.com

Fossil Nate Stainless Steel Quartz Chronograph Watch

Fossil is the brand behind a lot of our favorite watches, so it makes sense it should be part of some the list. This oversized stainless steel military-inspired chronograph design features a quartz crystal movement that oscillates when a current is applied to it.

$160 at Amazon.com

Timex Navi XL Watch

Even if you never go into the water, the mens diver watch remains a popular style for those wearers who want to project masculinity and ruggedness, even if the biggest climb they do every day is up the subway stairs. This new Timex style fits the bill to a T, although its fabric slip-thru strap also helps give this timeless-feeling timepiece a modern take on a vintage design.

$129 at Timex.com

If you still didn't see a watch that satisfied your horological cravings, check out all our watch coverage. You're sure to find something.

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Just because youre ready to move up to a luxury brand doesnt mean you dont appreciate a good deal.

Luxury cars all come with a higher cost of entry, sure. But some stick pretty close to the average mainstream stickers for their class, splitting the difference between the segments. Youll still get upmarket interiors, modern tech, and the associated badge kudos, but itll all happen without breaking the bank.

No matter what size of vehicle youre looking for, theres an option that ticks the boxes. Read on for our list of affordable luxury cars.



Cadillac CT4: Sub-Compact Sport Sedan

While a lot of the non-German brands have abandoned the sub-compact sedan segment, Cadillac still plays there with the CT4. This petite four-door offers up one of the best-balanced chassis in the business, and a brace of engines ranging from mild to wild. At its $34,890 ($39,373 CAD, both including destination) starting price, the CT4 cant match the interior quality of the Germans. The high-performance V-Series models naturally require more cash, but are still the performance bargains of the luxury realm.

Promoted Product: Sailun ERANGE EV Tires Your luxury EV is your oasis from the everyday drive. It is a showcase of your style and was built to provide a smooth and eco-friendly method of transportation. The last thing you want to deal with are things like excessive wear on your tires or unwanted road noise. This is why you should choose tires specifically made for your luxury electric car, like the ERANGE EV tires from Sailun. These tires were designed to do several things. For one, they have a great contact patch with the road and specially designed tread patterns that get excellent grip in all road conditions. Secondly, they use a special proprietary rubber compound that helps reduce road noise as well as excessive drag, which cuts down on the noise, while extending your cars battery life. Lastly, these tires were built to withstand the added weight from your cars battery system, with stiff sidewalls for better handling characteristics.

Check Price





Mercedes-Benz CLA: Sub-Compact Comfort

Looking for something focused more on comfortand style? Mercedes little CLA goes big on looks without the associated price tag. The German brand calls this a four-door coupe, which translates to a swoopier A-Class sedan. You can spec the CLA with Mercs 4MATIC AWD system, though its front-biased setup means it cant match the Caddys dynamic prowess. No matter: the CLA is all about cruising, and youll still find the brands signature cyberpunk-esque interior inside, with dual screens and funky ambient lighting. Pricing starts from $39,250 (~$46,000 CAD).

Buick Encore: Sub- Compact SUV



Truth be told, the Buick Encore is the least-luxurious model on this list. Its pint-sized footprint is shared with the decidedly dowdy Chevrolet Trax, and theres a lot of shared elements in its (surprisingly spacious) interior. But nothing else comes close to its $25,795 ($26,998 CAD) price tag. Youll still get upmarket features like a powerful turbo engine, keyless entry and start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Did we mention the available wi-fi hotspot, too?

Genesis G70: Compact Sport Sedan

Moving up a size class, we land on the Genesis G70, a sport sedan much loved around AutoGuide. The Korean upstart refreshed its award-winning four-door for 2022, with more expressive styling and a tech upgrade. Available with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 3.3-liter V6, both of which are turbocharged, the G70 lineup closely mirrors those of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, and Audi A4/S4. It does so for thousands less though, undercutting its rivals with a $40,670 ($45,500 CAD) starting price.

Infiniti Q50: Compact Comfort

If comfort is more your priority, Infiniti still offers its compact Q50 sedan for just $43,125 ($46,390 CAD, where AWD is standard). The car known as Skyline elsewhere packs in more standard power than the competition, with a strong 300-horsepower turbocharged V6. Its true, the interior quality and (especially) the infotainment cant measure up to more modern offerings elsewhere. But theres no denying the Q50 is a whole lot of car for the money.

Volvo XC40: Compact SUV

Were stretching the definition of compact slightly here: the XC40 is more of a very spacious sub-compact crossover than full-blown compact. But were dropping it here because its a hugely stylish, likeable package. Volvo has some of the most comfortable seats in the business, and the boxy shape of the XC40 means lots of space for people and their things. Its also chock-full of clever solutions inside, like a small built-in trash can and hooks in the front passenger footwell to hang items. Plus, the XC40 comes in an available EV version, though thats admittedly quite a lot more cash than the basic $35,195 ($41,965 CAD).

Genesis G80: Mid-Size Sport Sedan

Were back on the Genesis kick here with the brands middle child, the G80. The G80 was the original vehicle to launch the brand a few years ago, and it saw a second generation arrive in 2021. With dramatic styling and a flashy interior, youd be forgiven for thinking this mid-sizer carried a price tag in line with Benz and BMW. Nope: a 2.5T-powered model kicks off at just $48,000. The Canadian price is a much higher $66,500 CAD, but thats because it only comes in a higher trim. Even then, youre saving thousands over a similarly-specced German sedan, and the G80 is still a fun drive when the road gets twisty.

Lexus ES: Mid-Size Comfort

The Lexus ES might come with an available F Sport bodykit, but few cars are as focused on comfort as the Japanese brands mid-sized mainstay. This is a cruiser par excellence, with a pillowy-soft ride and a vault-quiet interior. Youll find supremely comfortable seats in both rows, and the fronts include heat and ventilation to boot. Spend a little more than the $41,875 ($48,815 CAD) starting price and youll gain access to a sweet, class-leading Mark Levinson sound system, too.

Acura MDX: Mid-Size SUV

Acura was one of the first brands on the premium SUV scene back at the turn of the millennium with the original MDX. The latest model builds on that package, with a spacious, three-row interior and affordable luxury furnishings. A tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6 sends its power through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include a 12.3-inch infotainment screen (with wireless phone mirroring), LED exterior lighting, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and a laundry list of driver assists. Oh yeah, and up to 95 cubic feet of storage, too. All that for just $48,245 in front-drive form ($60,275 CAD, with standard AWD).

Genesis G90: Large Sedan

If youre looking for a stately full-size sedan, theres only one affordable option in town these days: Genesis big-boned G90, starting from $74,995 ($89,750 CAD). The diamond-grilled behemoth comes with either a turbo V6 or a naturally-aspirated V8another rarity these days. Spec the latterthe only option in Canadaand the G90 embodies the old-school cruiser. Everything about the G90 is soft: its ride, its throttle mapping, the buttery quilted leather all over the interior. Youll save so much money over an S-Class that you can take a month off to the south of France. Go on, you earned it.
4 June 2024 20:18 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Azerbaijan's Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery (BOR), managed by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), is poised to elevate its environmental standards and economic potential with significant upgrades. These developments mark a strategic shift towards eco-friendly fuel production, enhancing Azerbaijan's position in the global energy market.

Transition to Euro-5 Standards

BOR's forthcoming production of Euro-5 gasoline, following its successful adoption of Euro-5 diesel fuel in May 2023, signals a decisive move towards sustainable energy practices. This transition aligns with global efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change, positioning Azerbaijan as a responsible player in the energy sector.

Modernization Efforts

Recent investments in BOR's infrastructure, including the commissioning of an isomerization unit and an MTBE unit, underscore SOCAR's commitment to modernization. These upgrades are pivotal in enabling the refinery to produce cleaner fuels, meeting stringent environmental regulations while catering to evolving consumer preferences for eco-friendly products.

Historical Significance and Production Capacity

With a rich history spanning seven decades and processing approximately 370 million tons of oil, BOR stands as a cornerstone of Azerbaijan's energy industry. In 2023 alone, the refinery processed 6.3 million tons of crude oil, highlighting its significance in the country's economic landscape.

Future Outlook

BOR's ongoing modernization and reconstruction project, aimed at increasing processing capacity to 6.5 million tons per year, hold immense promise for Azerbaijan's economic growth. Upon completion by 2027, the refinery will be equipped to process crude oil from the entire Caspian region, bolstering Azerbaijan's energy independence and regional influence.

Economic Impact

The modernization of BOR is expected to have far-reaching economic implications, driving job creation, technology transfer, and export revenues. With projected annual outputs including 2 million tons of gasoline, 2.9 million tons of diesel fuel, 1 million tons of jet fuel, and 390,000 tons of petrochemical products, the refinery's enhanced capacity will further solidify Azerbaijan's position as a key player in the global energy market.

The Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery's transition to Euro-5 standards and ongoing modernization efforts underscore Azerbaijan's commitment to sustainability and economic prosperity. By prioritizing environmental responsibility and enhancing production capabilities, BOR is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Azerbaijan's energy sector and contributing to global efforts towards a greener, more sustainable future.

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4 June 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The Baku Energy Week, scheduled for June 4-6 this year, will unite three prestigious events under one roof. Thus, the 29th International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition, "CaspianOil&Gas," the 12th Caspian International Energy and Green Energy Exhibition, "CaspianPower," and the 29th Baku Energy Forum will converge to facilitate discussions and collaborations in the energy sector. "CaspianOil&Gas" and "CaspianPower" exhibitions will take place at the Baku Expo Center, while the Baku Energy Forum will be hosted at the environmentally conscious Baku Congress Center.

Baku Energy Week serves as a global gathering point for energy industry leaders, attracting numerous foreign companies to Azerbaijan. Over 300 companies from 37 countries have confirmed their participation, with a notable presence from AIQ, a company with a recent capitalization of $1.4 billion, serving as the Gold sponsor of both the Baku Energy Forum and the "Caspian Oil and Gas" Exhibition.

AIQ, renowned for its innovative energy sector solutions based on SI technologies, will showcase advanced solutions interactively during the event. Dr. Chris Cooper, CEO of AIQ, will deliver a keynote address at the Baku Energy Forum, outlining AIQ's vision for artificial intelligence and its pivotal role in driving innovation and competitiveness in the energy sector.

Saravan Penubarthi, AIQ's Chief Technical Director, will participate in a panel discussion at the "Caspian Oil and Gas" conference, focusing on the "Innovative Approach to SI in Energy." Their insights promise a deeper understanding of AIQ's groundbreaking innovations and practical applications, underscoring the company's aspiration to be a leading provider of artificial intelligence solutions for the global energy industry.

Commenting on AIQ's participation in Baku Energy Week, Dr. Cooper emphasized the event's significance in showcasing AIQ's advancements and customer response, ultimately enhancing safety and efficiency across the energy value chain.

"This event is a great opportunity to share our vision for the future of energy and demonstrate to an international audience how we deploy the industry's most advanced IT solutions, how our customers respond to them, and how these solutions significantly increase profitability across the energy industry value chain. We apply the new capabilities of artificial intelligence in all stages of the work done in the energy field, which significantly improves the safety and efficiency of production processes.

He also highlighted AIQ's expansion plans into new markets, leveraging generative artificial intelligence models developed by the company.

"We are proud of the innovations we have developed on our platform in the UAE in a relatively short period of time. Currently, we are at such a stage of development that we are planning to enter new markets in other regions in order to more actively promote the global energy transition using AI solutions, including the new models of generative artificial intelligence that we have developed," added Cooper.

With more than three years of commercial activity and over 20 advanced products developed, AIQ's presence at the Baku Forum underscores its strategic growth trajectory. The recent acquisition of AIQ's controlling stake by Presight, a UAE-based big data analytics and AI technology company, further solidifies AIQ's commitment to market expansion and customer outreach.

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4 June 2024 14:20 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

The Minister of Energy, accompanied by delegations led by Turkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan within the framework of the Baku Energy Week, held a meeting, Azernews reports citing the Ministry of Energy.

During the meeting, satisfaction was expressed with the gifts strengthening the energy cooperation of Azerbaijan-Turkiye brotherhood and strategic partnership. It was noted that the leaders of both countries attach great importance to Azerbaijan-Turkiye energy cooperation. The role of joint energy projects in the oil and gas sector in ensuring the energy security of the region and European countries was discussed. Priorities and current projects in the fields of natural gas and "green energy" were reviewed, ensuring the development of fruitful energy partnership in a new stage. It was announced that the construction of the Ighdr-Nakhchivan gas pipeline will be completed soon, and by the end of the year, Nakhchivan will be supplied with gas via Turkiye. It was emphasized that there is a daily agenda of fruitful cooperation in the natural gas sector between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, and through the relevant Governmental Agreements, opportunities for gas supply from Azerbaijan and third countries to Turkiye and Europe have been created.

Furthermore, during the meeting, cooperation in the transmission of electricity generated from restored energy sources in Azerbaijan, the current situation of the "Road Map" under the "Turkiye-Azerbaijan Mutual Relations" project via Nakhchivan, was discussed. The need for the rapid completion of the Technical Assignment project by the Working Group dealing with the export of electricity from Nakhchivan to Turkiye and Europe, the signing of the respective Operation Agreement between the parties, and the selection of a consulting company to start the technical-economic justification of the project were emphasized for accelerating the respective processes. Next steps were identified in this direction.

During the discussion, mention was also made of the organization of the 4th Azerbaijan-Turkiye Energy Forum this year, and it was stated that continuous events in this format will contribute to the development of cooperation in various directions in the energy sector.

It is worth noting that earlier, "TRT Haber" had reported that the Turkish minister was on a visit to Azerbaijan.

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4 June 2024 15:44 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

In January-May 2024, Azerbaijan imported goods worth $888.36 million from Turkiye, 2.8% less year-on-year (YoY), Azernews reports.

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4 June 2024 16:26 (UTC+04:00)

Kamran Huseynov, Deputy Director of the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency (AREA) under the Ministry of Energy has met with Alex Lee, the Director General of China's LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. for the Middle East, Africa and Turkiye regions, Azernews reports, citing AREA.

The meeting focused on collaboration related to solar energy projects in Azerbaijan and the role of Chinese companies in this field.

Detailed information about green energy projects in Azerbaijan was shared, and both sides discussed LONGis participation in solar energy initiatives, potential areas for cooperation, and exchanged views on mutual interests.

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4 June 2024 17:49 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

During the Baku Energy Week, Kristina Lobillo Borrero, Director of the European Commission's Directorate General for Energy, emphasized the European Union's unwavering backing for Azerbaijan in organizing COP29, Azernews reports.

She highlighted the significance of hosting COP29, citing its potential to bolster energy security, attract investment in renewable energy, fortify industrial bases, facilitate fair energy transitions and markets, and ultimately steer economies towards achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Borrero assured Azerbaijan of the EU's complete support in ensuring the success of COP29.

Borrero underscored two pivotal initiatives in renewable energy. Firstly, she highlighted the partnership between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary aimed at developing a "green" energy corridor, noting the interest expressed by other nations in joining this endeavor. She emphasized the benefits of an inclusive approach, advocating for increased infrastructure development and market integration at the regional level.

Secondly, she mentioned the agreement between the Renewable Energy Agency of Serbia and the European Wind Energy Federation within Europe for the development of offshore wind energy in the Caspian Sea. Borrero expressed optimism about the potential of this initiative, citing the unique blend of potentials and ambitions among participating parties.

In conclusion, Borrero affirmed the EU's strong commitment to supporting Azerbaijan and its partners in harnessing renewable energy resources and realizing the region's sustainable energy ambitions.

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4 June 2024 19:00 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Azerbaijan shines on the global stage as a hub for sustainable energy, declared Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov on X, Azernews reports.

Reflecting on the transformative journey of Azerbaijan over the past three decades since the inception of the International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition, Minister Shahbazov remarked on its evolution into a testament of Azerbaijan's ascendancy as an energy powerhouse.

With the participation of 300 companies from 37 nations and the groundbreaking ceremony for 1000 MW solar-wind power plants during this milestone exhibition, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Contract of the Century, it's evident that this platform has blossomed into a triumphant model of collaboration in sustainable energy sources and distribution. Through Azerbaijan's visionary initiatives and monumental projects, the Caspian Sea now commands global attention as a nucleus of green energy innovation.

It's worth noting that the Azerbaijani capital is hosting the 29th International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and the 12th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition, renowned as Caspian Power, as part of Baku Energy Week.

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4 June 2024 13:12 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Deputy Director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theater, Honored Cultural Worker Ilham Mammadov and theater director Tural Vagifoglu have participated in the 14th International Shakespeare Festival in Craiova, Romania, Azernews reports.

"The International Shakespeare Festival traditionally brings together famous directors and directors of theater groups. We were invited to the festival as guests of honor. Azerbaijan is well known and highly valued abroad. Many with whom I spoke during the festival shared the impressions of their friends and friends who have already visited Azerbaijan and expressed a desire to see our country in person, get acquainted with our traditions and culture, everyone is waiting for an invitation to Baku," Ilham Mammadov said.

The deputy director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theater emphasized that a detailed dialogue took place with the director of the Shakespeare Festival, Alexandru Boureanu, who is also the director of the National Theater named after Marin Sorescu.

"In March of this year, Alexandru Boureanu, as part of a working visit to the capital of Azerbaijan, visited our theater, got acquainted with its activities and invited the team to participate in the festival. During the festival, I had meetings with the director of the Shakespeare Institute, Professor Michael Dobson, theater directors Robert Wilson (USA), Robert Lepage (Canada), Russian theater scholar and critic Roman Dolzhansky, Portuguese actor, playwright, theater director, director of the Avignon Festival Thiago Rodriguez , as well as with the leaders of the Bucharest National University of Arts and the National Theater of Bucharest. We exchanged experience in the field of modern theater and discussed the possibilities of cooperation, said the deputy director of the Azerbaijani theater, adding that he also had a meeting with the mayor of Craiova, Lia Olguca Vasilescu," he noted.

Ilham Mammadov mentioned that the participation of theater director Tural Vagifoglu in the festival was also useful, as it provided an opportunity to meet colleagues from other countries and exchange creative ideas.

As part of the visit, Ilham Mammadov and Tural Vagifoglu met with the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Romania Gudsi Osmanov. At the round table meeting, a discussion of cultural exchange between the two countries took place.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, with whose assistance our visit was carried out. Participation in the festival opened up great opportunities for creative exchange, discussion of cultural initiatives and establishing connections with the heads of leading theaters in the world," Ilham Mammadov said.

Note that the International Shakespeare Festival in Craiova was founded in 1994. It is considered one of the most important thematic festivals in Europe and one of the most important Shakespeare festivals in the world.

The permanent organizers of the festival are the National Theater Craiova and the William Shakespeare Foundation. The festival includes musical concerts, seminars, conferences, master classes, round tables, creative meetings and discussions.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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4 June 2024 10:18 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Annual summarizing meeting with DEEP delegation was held in Baku within the NATO's Defence Education Enhancement Programme, Azernews reports.

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 7-10 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.

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4 June 2024 10:01 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the 29th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition - Caspian Oil & Gas and the 12th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition - Caspian Power as part of the Baku Energy Week at the Baku Expo Center.

Azernews reports that the Azerbaijani President addressed the opening ceremony.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

First of all, I would like to greet all our guests. Welcome to Azerbaijan. First of all, I would like to express gratitude to the organizers. As it was already mentioned, the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition started 30 years ago in 1994. This event has played an instrumental role in attracting foreign direct investments into the energy sector of Azerbaijan. Since that time, this event has transformed into a bigger event and is now called Baku Energy Week, because it embraces all the major segments of energy policy  oil, gas, upstream, downstream, and of course, green energy.

30 years ago, Azerbaijan, of course, was a different country, making its first steps on the path of independence. It was a time full of difficulties, challenges, and tragic events. Unfortunately, the restoration of our independence in October 1991 was accompanied by aggression from neighboring Armenia and the occupation of almost 20 percent of our territories.

At that time, we had one of the biggest numbers of refugees per capita, one out of eight. It was a really hard time, and we faced actually a humanitarian catastrophe. So, the only way to move forward was to attract investments, but Azerbaijan was considered a very risky place; not only the First Karabakh War and the occupation, but also internal conflicts. The Civil War of 1993 actually brought the country to the verge of collapse.

We can add here economic difficulties, 1000 percent inflation, stagnation of our industry, and a lack of energy resources. We were short of electricity and natural gas. Azerbaijan, a country famous for its energy resources for decades during the times of Tsarist Russia and then the Soviet Union, was a leader in that area not only on a regional but also on a global scale. But independence was marked by a substantial energy crisis.

The year 1993 was a turning point. The election of Heydar Aliyev as a President in October 1993 opened a new page in the history of the country, and not only in its energy segment. The large-scale economic reforms, the adoption of a new democratic constitution, the abolishment of censorship, and, of course, attempts to attract investors to the most attractive sector of our economy, which was energy.

Coming back to this event, it was actually the first international presentation of the countrys potential. As it was already mentioned, just several months after the first Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition, the Contract of the Century was signed on September 20, 1994, which also was a turning point in the transformation of the country. We have managed to establish a very fruitful relationship with our investors. As a result, bp has remained for thirty years and probably will remain for at least additional 30 years as our strategic partner. bp from UK and Amoco from United States led the consortium of international oil companies back in 1994 and trusted us.

Because as I said, it was a very risky place. Investors are always very sensitive to political difficulties and geopolitics, but they trusted the government and also the people. As I said, SOCAR and the consortium established a very trustful cooperation at that time.

So, thats how it started. In just three years time, oil was produced from the Chirag Platform, which was a remarkable, record event in the history of oil business. From signing the contract to production, only three years, and then, two pipelines were commissioned, both towards the Black Sea ports. By 1999 both of them were operational. Then, the major oil export pipeline from Baku to Ceyhan, spanning more than 1700 kilometres in a very difficult terrain, with the strong cooperation between regional countries and companies was commissioned.

It was actually a big piece of oxygen for us, for our economy and if you look at how our economy developed, you will see its coordination with our energy policy. Then, Azerbaijan already proved itself as a reliable partner, and more investments came into different areas of our economy, and of course, in the energy sector.

Today, June 4th, will be remembered not only as the day when the Shahdeniz contract was signed 20 years ago at the oil and gas exhibition but also the day when we will soon have the groundbreaking ceremony for three solar and wind renewable power stations, which will be built by our brotherly company Masdar from UAE. This is a demonstration of how Azerbaijan and its international partners transform from fossil fuels to renewables, understanding that fossil fuels will remain important not only for us but also for our partners for many years.

So, Shahdeniz has put an end to the gas shortage in Azerbaijan. Because before that, we had been importing natural gas, now we are exporting, and our exports are growing. This year, it will most probably exceed 24 billion cubic meters. We have eight countries, which are recipients of Azerbaijani gas. Azerbaijan has proven to be a reliable partner in supplying gas to many countries. The European Commission at the regular Advisory Council of the Southern Gas Corridor, which was held several months ago, named Azerbaijan as a Pan-European gas supplier, and this is true. Six out of eight countries, which are recipients of our natural gas are European countries. Of course, the geography of our supply definitely will grow. We are now in the active phase of negotiations with several more countries, which need Azerbaijani gas in order to provide the energy security.

As we've said many times, you cannot separate national security from energy security. The countries which depend on imports, of course, look for the most reliable and long-term partners and contracts. They find exactly that here in Azerbaijan. Our word has the same value as our signature. All the contracts, which have been signed during the last 30 years, have been implemented completely. All of them pass through parliament ratification and are then signed into law. So not a single word is changed. This is the trust you build for decades. This is a result why we are now experiencing another rapid development in renewables.

What I said about the ceremony, which we will soon witness and participate in, is just the beginning. By the way, Masdar already inaugurated a 230-megawatt solar power station last October, and now one gigawatt.

Now, two more projects are in the pipeline - with one currently under construction, and another one set to start construction soon, bringing the renewable potential of Azerbaijan close to two gigawatts, only from solar and wind. If we add what we are doing with hydropower stations now in Karabakh and East Zangazur, we will see that our target to have two gigawatts of renewables by the end of 2027 is absolutely realistic. This is only the beginning.

By the way, in the liberated areas of Karabakh and East Zangezur, we have a huge hydropower potential. Since the territory was liberated in November 2020, we have already inaugurated hydropower stations with a total capacity of 270 megawatts. Within three to five years, this figure will reach 500 megawatts. So, one gigawatt of renewables will save us roughly half a billion cubic meters of natural gas, which the market needs and will need.

So, today is really a remarkable day. Twenty-eight years after signing the Shahdeniz contract at the oil and gas exhibition, we have already signed it - so it will be the groundbreaking ceremony for one gigawatt capacity. As I said, it's only the beginning, because the potential is huge. Our partners are leading companies on a global scale. Masdar is a champion in green energy and green energy transition.

It was not just a coincidence that Azerbaijan will host the COP29, a year after the UAE did it, and the legacy that UAE left to us is highly valuable. First, I'd like to congratulate my dear friend, Minister Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, and ask him to convey my gratitude and greetings to my brother, the President of UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his friendship, partnership, and valuable advices in moving on this difficult journey on COP.

It is not easy, but we are ready for that. As Ive said many times, we are not to blame for having oil and gas. Its something that God has given us. We must be judged not for having these resources, but for how we manage them, how we transform this wealth through the channels into the society, how we build an inclusive society, and how we manage to reduce poverty from 50% to 5% and reduce foreign debt from almost 100% to 7.7%.

So, these are all the factors by which we must be judged, if I may use that word. By taking on this very responsible duty as the host of COP, we fully realized the advantages and maybe some complications. But we are committed to it.

Climate change here in Azerbaijan can be seen when you look at the Caspian Sea shore. Every year, we see the sea is going away. That's because of climate change, because of irrational human activity. Because the Caspian Sea is supplied by the rivers, which come from beyond our borders. We have zero responsibility for this catastrophe if we don't take serious measures, we will face a major disaster. We are doing everything in order to supply more water to the sea, building new dams and water storages to collect water. But the main vessels, which feed the Caspian Sea, are not in Azerbaijan.

So, climate change is a challenge for every country. We have taken a proactive step. We are now working actively with our partners. We have established a Troika with the UAE and Brazil, the future host of COP30. As a former chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, which consists of 120 countries, we are trying to build bridges between this institution and the European Union. Azerbaijan has signed declarations on strategic partnership with 10 member states of the EU. We are actively working with the Small Island Developing States. We are planning to establish a special fund to support them.

Because for us here in Azerbaijan climate change is a problem, for them it is an existential threat. So, we are trying to demonstrate maximum responsibility and at the same time, to build bridges between different parts of international community. One of the most important results, if we achieve at COP apart from financing, will be putting down mutual accusations and stopping blaming each other for what is happening. We need to join our efforts, put down all these claims, and concentrate on the agenda, which will help us to live on this planet, not only for us but also for our children and grandchildren.

Once again, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Azerbaijan. Today is really a historic day. June 4th, as I said, will remain in our history as the day of signing the Shahdeniz, and as the day of the groundbreaking ceremony for green transition. Of course, every time this important gathering produces new ideas, new contacts, new contracts, and this time, Baku Energy Week will also produce great results.

I wish you all the best, and using this opportunity I would like to invite you all to be our guests at COP29 this November.

Thank you for your attention.

x x x

Speakers at the event included Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Turkiye Alparslan Bayraktar who read out President Recep Tayyip Erdogans letter, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of Energy Resources of the U.S. Department of State Harry Kamian who read out US President Joseph Bidens letter, Director of Energy Policy at European Commission Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Secretary General of OPEC Haitham Al Ghais, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Francesco La Camera.

x x x

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber laid foundation stones for Neftchala, Bilasuvar solar power plants and Absheron-Garadagh wind power plant.

A video was presented about the new stations.

x x x

Then, the head of state viewed the exhibitions.

President Ilham Aliyev signed the guest book of the exhibition.

A family photo was taken.

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4 June 2024 12:18 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Azerbaijans hosting COP29 is a fantastic accomplishment. I think that Azerbaijan deserves it very much and I can confidently say that the country will achieve a great success at COP29, Azernews reports, c David Charles Evans, current member of the House of Lords of the UK, as he telling to AZERTAC.

The British MP hailed the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, noting that he is looking forward to the successful conclusion of the negotiations in the region to benefit everyone.

He continued by saying that ties between the UK and Azerbaijan are steadily developing, and improving day by day.

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4 June 2024 16:43 (UTC+04:00)

Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov participated as a guest in an expanded meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council held in the city of Minsk, Belarus, Azernews reports.

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Ali Asadov said that Azerbaijan maintains close bilateral relations with the partner members of the Eurasian Economic Union.

"The high level reliable and intensive political dialogue is a clear evidence of this. Earlier this year, the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus embarked on state visits to Azerbaijan, while the President of Azerbaijan also paid a working visit to Russia," PM Ali Asadov noted.

The Azerbaijani Premier emphasized that a very solid bilateral contractual and legal framework had been established with each of partner countries, which ensures the development of mutual relations across the whole range mutually beneficial cooperation.

Describing the economic and commercial cooperation as a priority area of mutual activity, PM Ali Asadov underlined that the data for the year 2023 indicate that the trade turnover of Azerbaijan with partners from the Eurasian Economic Union has increased by about 9 percent.

Highlighting the positive dynamics of mutual investment activity, the Prime Minister noted that there are a number of new bilateral investment projects on the agenda that are aimed at the long-term perspectives.

Touching upon the cooperation in the field of transport and transit, PM Ali Asadov underlined that Azerbaijan's efforts today are aimed at enhancing the transit potential of the country and increasing cargo flows on international corridors passing through its territory.

Thanks to its reliable and modern transport infrastructure, Azerbaijan contributes to the development of international transport corridors, particularly the North-South and East-West corridors.

Emphasizing the significance of cooperation in the field of green energy and the fight against the consequences of climate change, the Azerbaijani PM informed the meeting participants about the projects successfully implemented in the field of renewable energy resources in Azerbaijan.

PM Ali Asadov underscored that Azerbaijan maintains multilateral cooperation with Eurasian Economic Union partners within regional and international organizations.

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4 June 2024 17:20 (UTC+04:00)

By taking on this very responsible duty as the host of COP, we fully realized the advantages and complications, Azernews reports, citing President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the opening of the 29th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition - Caspian Oil & Gas and the 12th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition - Caspian Power as part of the Baku Energy Week at the Baku Expo Center.

Climate change here in Azerbaijan can be seen when you look at the Caspian Sea shore. Every year, we see the sea is going away. Because the Caspian Sea is supplied by the rivers, which come from beyond our borders. We have zero responsibility for this catastrophe if we don't take serious measures. We are doing everything in order to supply more water to the sea, building new dams and water storages to collect water, the President of Azerbaijan added.

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5 June 2024 00:37 (UTC+04:00)

President Ilham Aliyev's speech at the opening ceremony of the 29th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition, the 12th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition held within the Baku Energy Week was widely covered by leading Turkish media organizations.

Thus, Anadolu Agency, "TRT", "Haber Global" media organizations, "Yirmidort.tv", "Haberler.com", "Ekovitrin", "Son dakika" and other online media organizations, as well as newspapers have published a series of articles about the event.

"President Aliyev: Azerbaijan's natural gas shortage has been eliminated", "The 29th International Caspian Oil and Natural Gas Exhibition has started in Baku", "President Aliyev of Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan has already proven itself as a reliable partner in gas supply issues", "President Aliyev Baku spoke at the Energy Week: Azerbaijan is a supplier of gas to Europe" and the news published with other headlines focused on the speech of the President of Azerbaijan at the event.

With reference to the views of President Aliyev, it was said that the "Shah Deniz" project eliminated the shortage of gas in Azerbaijan. Today, 8 countries import Azerbaijani gas. 6 of them are European countries, and the European Commission calls Azerbaijan a pan-European gas supplier: "This year it will be more than 24 billion cubic meters. "Eight countries buy gas from Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan has proven to many countries that it is a reliable partner in gas supply."

Regarding the views expressed by President Ilham Aliyev, it was noted in the articles that all the agreements signed by Azerbaijan during the last 30 years have been fully implemented: "All of them have been ratified by the parliament and signed into law. Not a single word has been changed there. This trust has been earned over decades. As a result of this, today we are witnessing the next rapid development in the field of renewable energy.

In the Turkish press, President Ilham Aliyev's views on the potential of renewable energy in the territories liberated from occupation were particularly focused: "Achieving 2 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2027 is a completely realistic goal. I repeat once again that this is just the beginning." In addition, the media of the brotherly country reported that the head of state said, "The liberated territories of Karabakh and East Zangezur have a huge hydroelectric potential. After the liberation of those areas in November 2020, 270 megawatts of hydroelectric power stations were commissioned there. Within 3-5 years, this number will reach 500 megawatts. Thus, 1 gigawatt volume of renewable energy will allow us to save half a billion cubic meters of gas, the market needs this gas and this need will continue" was brought to the readers' attention.

In the articles, it was mentioned that this event, called Baku Energy Week, was held for the first time in 1994, and since then it has played a very important role in attracting foreign direct investment to the energy sector of Azerbaijan. The news reports that 300 companies from more than 30 countries participated in the exhibition, which showcased innovative technologies for oil production and energy transportation, oil and natural gas storage and services.

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4 June 2024 20:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The Chinese probe Chang'e-6, which for the first time in history collected soil samples from the far side of the Moon, took off from the surface of the Earth's natural satellite, Azernews reports.

"On Tuesday morning, the Chinese Chang'e-6 probe took off from the surface of the Moon with soil samples, which for the first time in human history were collected from the back of a natural satellite of the Earth. The Chang'e-6 take off module has entered a predetermined orbit around the Moon," the agency notes.

Earlier it was reported that the lander of the Chinese spacecraft successfully landed in a given area of the South Pole - Aitken on the far side of the Moon.

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4 June 2024 20:39 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The South Korean government has approved a decree suspending the inter-Korean agreement with the DPRK in the military sphere, Azernews reports.

The complete suspension of the pact will allow South Korea to resume military exercises near the DPRK border.

On the eve of the proposal to suspend the agreement of September 19, 2018, the National Security Council (NSC) under the President made. Now the proposal must be signed by President Yoon Seok-yeol. The reason for the decision was the recent launch by North Korea of 3,500 balloons with 15 tons of garbage into the border areas of South Korea. The North Korean authorities said it was a response to South Korean activists sending anti-Pyongyang materials to the North.

In November 2023, in response to the launch of the DPRK's first military reconnaissance satellite, South Korea suspended several points within the framework of the inter-Korean military agreement - in particular, intelligence activities in the area of the military demarcation line were resumed. In response, the DPRK resumed all actions that were suspended under the 2018 military agreement with South Korea: it began to deploy military personnel and weapons in the zone of the military demarcation line.

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4 June 2024 21:42 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Taiwanese shipbuilding company JSSC has developed a marine surface drone with a range of about 300 nautical miles (almost 556 km), Azernews reports.

According to her, the length of the boat reaches 16.5 meters, and the width and height are 3.8 meters. With a total displacement of about 20 tons, its draft is about 1 meter. The maximum speed of the device exceeds 30 knots (about 55.6 km/h). The fuel reserve of the drone is about 1.3 thousand liters.

The marine vehicle can perform tasks of searching for and destroying mines, as well as installing minefields. In addition, it is capable of playing the role of a kamikaze drone and attacking enemy surface ships. As the newspaper notes, in case of loss of control and GPS signal, the boat can independently return to the base according to the calculations of the on-board computer.

In April, Ziyu Shibao reported that Taiwan plans to build about 200 unmanned kamikaze boats. Their development within the framework of a project called Kuaiji is conducted on the basis of a target ship by the Zhongshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST). It is expected that the process of evaluating their combat capabilities and testing will be completed in 2025, and mass production will begin in 2026.

In addition, the institute is developing an underwater drone within the framework of the Huilong project.

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We Are China

Splendid views of Chongqing, one of the 10 most popular Chinese destinations of foreign tourists

People's Daily Online) 10:43, June 04, 2024

Photo shows a stunning night view of Chongqing Municipality in southwest China. (Photo/Jiang Jihang, courtesy of CapitaLand Group)

With a long history, rich cultural heritage, renowned cuisines, and breathtaking night scenery, Chongqing Municipality in southwest China is attracting more and more foreign tourists.

The city is one of the top 10 destinations in China favored by overseas visitors, according to data from Ctrip, China's leading online travel platform.

In the first quarter of this year, nearly 30,000 foreigners entered China through the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in the city, a sixfold increase from the same period last year, as records show.

Photo shows the night view of the Shibati scenic area, which features an ancient stairway and various traditional-style buildings, in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo by Zhang Kunkun)

Photo shows the night view of a bridge in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (People's Daily Online/Zhong Wenxing)

Photo shows the night scenery of the Hongyadong scenic area in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (People's Daily Online/Wu Chengliang)

Photo shows the night view of the Chongqing People's Liberation Monument in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo by Zou Le)

People enjoy trapeze at the "crystal corridor" of Raffles City Chongqing, a cultural and tourism landmark in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo courtesy of CapitaLand Group)

Photo shows the Liziba Station of Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo by Chen Yunyuan)

People enjoy a night cruise on a river in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo by Chen Liang)

Photo shows a night view of Shancheng Alley in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo by Zhang Kunkun)

Photo shows the night scenery of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo/Jiang Jihang, courtesy of CapitaLand Group)

Photo shows the night scenery of Yuzhong district, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo/Tang Anbing)

Photo shows a cableway across the Yangtze River in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo/Tang Anbing)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Now that Kamala Harris has been coronated the Democratic Socialist designee for nomination as their candidate for President of these United States, after that political party's contrived primary process "democratically" elected Joseph R. Biden: What are your feelings about this party's progressive posture within their self-styled exercise of "Saving Democracy for America," and how truly critical the outcome of this presidential election will be?

8.7% I am ecstatic that this "Democracy's" First partially Black, First partially Indian, First female Co-Parent, and this nation's primary necessity is to her elect our First woman president.26.09% I really do not care about all these "Firsts." I will continue to pray, and work for this Representative Republic to elect someone competent, and brilliantly patriotic to be our next president.65.22% I will never vote for any politician that "first" does not have the core values to understand how dire this Constitutional Republic's situation has become.
A woman has filed a lawsuit against Cleveland Clinic's Medina (Ohio) Hospital, a lead anesthesiologist, and a registered nurse after allegedly waking up during surgery, according to a June 3 report from the Plain Dealer Cleveland.

According to a lawsuit filed last week, Paige Horton was awake for a portion of a procedure she was undergoing to treat thyroid cancer at the end of 2022.

After the procedure, she told physicians she felt surgeons operating in her throat, according to the lawsuit. Staff members allegedly discovered that the tubing on her IV had come loose and was leaking fluid that should have flowed into her veins.

The complaint against Cleveland Clinic and Ms. Horton's anesthesiology team alleges negligence and failure to meet the standard of care that hospitals are required to provide their patients.

The complaint also alleges that medical staff members noticed Ms. Horton's heart rate and blood pressure began to rise during the procedure.

The staff then discovered the IV leak, administered more anesthesia and finished the procedure.

Following the procedure, surgeons allegedly told Ms. Hortons parents about the issue during the procedure and called them "the worst case scenario."

A spokeswoman told the Plain Dealer that the clinic is reviewing the suit and does not comment on pending litigation.

Attorney Thomas Connick, who filed the suit on behalf of Ms. Horton, also declined to comment.










Washington, D.C., mayor Muriel Bowser has signed the Health Occupations Revision General Amendment Act of 2024, removing collaboration requirements for all advanced practice registered nurses, including certified registered nurse anesthetists.

The bill will allow CRNAs to work independently when delivering anesthesia services, according to a June 3 news release.

The bill was passed unanimously by the City Council and clarifies the scope of practices for CRNAs. The new law allows CRNAs to deliver anesthesia, pain management and related care to patients without oversight.

CRNAs currently administer more than 50 million anesthetics to patients in the U.S. every year, according to the release.
Data breaches in healthcare have boomed in recent years, as technology advances and becomes more integral to the medical field.

Here are five numbers about the frequency and severity of healthcare-related data breaches to know:

>133 million: The number of patient records that were breached in 2023  more than double that of 2022's 51.9 million records.

95%: The percentage of patients who reported in a survey by health information network Health Gorilla that they fear their personal health information and medical records will be leaked in a data breach.

279: The number of healthcare data breaches of at least 500 patient records in 2024 so far as of May 23, according to data from the HIPAA Journal. In 2023, there were 725 breaches.

578: The number of data breaches that were a result of hacking in 2023, according to HIPAA Journal's analysis. As of May 24, there have been 220 hacking-related breaches in 2024.

13,400,000: The number of patients affected by a breach at Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Foundation Health Plan  2024's largest healthcare data breach so far.
Surgery Partners' National Group President Bradley Owens sold 6,000 shares of the company's common stock, according to a May 31 Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

The shares are valued at $27.65 each, and he now owns 72,338 shares of Surgery Partners common stock, the filing said.

Mr. Owens has sold a total 12,113 shares of Surgery Partners stock over the past year, and he hasn't made any purchases of stock, GuruFocus reported June 4.
Cardiologist Richard Heuser, MD, who sold his medical device company PQ Bypass for $300 million in 2021, died in May 2023 at age 73, according to a report from the Phoenix Business Journal.

Dr. Heuser died while on an Alaskan cruise with his family after going into cardiac arrest.

Irvine, Calif.-based Endologix, which bought his device company, recently was recognized for excellence in innovation at the Global Cardiovascular Awards.

Dr. Heuser and a fellow cardiologist co-founded a proprietary technology that offers treatment for severe peripheral arterial disease, replacing leg bypass surgery.

During his career, Dr. Heuser received 24 patents for catheter stents and other medical devices and served as a principal investigator for more than 100 medical devices and 50 pharmaceutical products.

He most recently served as professor of medicine at the University of Arizona's College of Medicine Phoenix campus and as professor of practice for Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions, also in Phoenix.

In 2022, he joined the Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona in Phoenix.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has tapped Binita Kamath as its chief of the division of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition.

Dr. Kamath joined the hospital from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, where she spent 15 years as an attending physician in the department of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition, according to a June 3 news release from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dr. Kamath specializes in pediatric liver disease. She has written more than 150 peer-reviewed publications and has received grants including from the National Institutes of Health and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Nicki Harris and her family have donated $10 million to New York City-based NYU Langones Bridgehampton location, which has been renamed J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Ambulatory Care in their honor.

J. Ira and Nicki Harris have consistently supported NYU Langone, specifically funding efforts towards obesity prevention and other areas. The donation celebrates the late J. Ira Harris and supports the expansion of high-quality healthcare services on the East End.

"The generosity of Ira and Nicki Harris is all around us. Elaine and I miss Ira every day but, through this naming, his memory and our partnership lives on," Kenneth G. Langone, chair of the NYU Langone Board of Trustees.

NYU Langone is also set to expand with a new outpatient location in Westhampton and a merger with Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue, further extending its top-quality care network. The institutions outpatient network has consistently earned the Ambulatory Quality and Accountability Award from Vizient Inc., since 2015, recognizing excellence in various healthcare domains.

"I continue to be moved by this institution's commitment to providing the absolute best care and to bringing that care closer to where people live, work, and play," Ms. Harris said in a health system news release.
Indianapolis-based Community Health Network plans to build a $335 million hospital in Westfield, Ind.

The 425,000-square-foot-facility will feature an ambulatory surgery center, medical office building, and a 100-bed, six-story patient tower. A range of services focusing on women's health, integrative medicine, orthopedics, primary care, behavioral health and specialty services will be provided at the facility

Completion of the medical office building is expected in the first quarter of 2025. The surgery center, hospital service building and hospital tower are projected to be completed in mid-2026.

"Engaging patients, employees and community partners has been instrumental in ensuring that this healthcare campus meets the unique needs of the Westfield community," said. Derek McMichael, vice president and hospital administrator for CHN's Kokomo and Westfield regions. "Soon residents of Westfield and beyond will be able to conveniently access a wide range of comprehensive services close to home."

Plans for the project are under review by the city of Westfield. A public hearing on the construction plans will take place this summer to gather further input from the community.
A majority of adults in the U.S.  around 61%  are likely to be diagnosed with a form of cardiovascular disease by 2050, according to new American Heart Association data. The increased burden will cost the U.S. health system $1.8 trillion in the time frame.

Stroke is anticipated to see the largest increase in prevalence by 2050, according to a June 4 news release from the organization. Projections outlined in AHA data from two reports published in its flagship journal say stroke rates are likely to grow from 3.9% to 6.4%, affecting the health of 20 million adults.

Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is expected to go from affecting 28 million adults to 45 million adults.

Hospitals should take steps to put funding and resources behind the issue now, Dhruv Kazi, MD, an American Heart Association volunteer and vice chair of the group that prepared the reports, told Becker's.

Dr. Kazi said there are largely three key aspects driving the increase in the nation's cardiovascular disease burden:

One factor is the increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in young adults. This includes young adults who are in adolescence, a group for which obesity and Type 2 diabetes is already climbing in. These young adults then have a lifetime of risk and potential healthcare-associated costs ahead of them.



The second factor is the fact that with a large aging population, there is an increased risk of both cardiovascular disease and stroke.



The third factor is increasing population diversity. Dr. Kazi said certain sections of the U.S. population have a higher burden of cardiovascular disease and it is growing at a faster rate for some groups rather than others. For instance, the Hispanic population has seen increases, as have Asian Americans. With the changing composition of the population, risk factors, health needs and disease burdens will also shift, he said.

"All three of these factors are linked together to get us to a place where we're expecting a tsunami, as it were, of cardiovascular risk factors and disease and related causes," Dr. Kazi said.

Hospitals and health systems that fail to act and "see the writing on the wall" now could face "getting left behind" as 2050 nears, he said.

"I think part of the challenge with hospital systems and health systems broadly today is that they serve different types of patients. These are patients for whom they're fully responsible, including any risk of cardiovascular events, and others that are served on a fee-for-service basis," Dr. Kazi said. "As we move to more integrated payment models where hospitals and health systems are bearing larger portions of the financial risk, it will become financially and ethically imperative that they start investing in prevention."

Dr. Kazi said he does not "at all underestimate the financial pressures that many of the hospital C-suite executives are facing right now." However, he added that "as you plan for the next three decades, as you look forward into the future, hospitals that don't invest in their communities  and particularly don't invest in prevention in the communities  are going to get left behind."
Average weekly travel nurse pay in the U.S. in May was $2,316.79, down 0.68% from the previous month, according to data shared with Becker's from Vivian, a healthcare career marketplace.

Here is the average weekly travel nurse pay for each state for May, alongside the percentage difference between May and April.

Note: States are listed in descending order based on their average weekly travel nurse pay in May.

California

May: $3,037.01

Month-over-month decrease: 2.03%

Alaska

May: $2,859.78

Month-over-month decrease: 2.28%

Delaware

May: $2,651.84

Month-over-month increase: 0.55%

New Jersey

May: $2,628.39

Month-over-month decrease: 0.68%

Minnesota

May: $2,600.33

Month-over-month decrease: 2.04%

Nevada

May: $2,542.13:

Month-over-month decrease: 1.15%

Massachusetts

May: $2,540.63

Month-over-month decrease: 2.01%

New York

May: $2,538.71

Month-over-month decrease: 1.53%

Maine

May: $2,515.58

Month-over-month increase: 0.01%

Rhode Island

May: $2,512.62

Month-over-month increase: 0.31%

Wyoming

May: $2,473.42:

Month-over-month increase: 0.65%

Washington

May: $2,471.59

Month-over-month decrease: 0.66%

Oregon

May: $2,429.64

Month-over-month decrease: 3.64%

Wisconsin

May: $2,422.48

Month-over-month decrease: 1.80%

North Dakota

May: $2,435.42

Month-over-month increase: 1.34%

New Hampshire

May: $2,377.97

Month-over-month decrease: 0.94%

Arizona

May: $2,372.93

Month-over-month decrease: 0.51%

Pennsylvania

May: $2,363.36

Month-over-month decrease: 0.57%

Connecticut

May: $2,362.98

Month-over-month decrease: 0.36%

Nebraska

May: $2,352.07

Month-over-month increase: 1.69%

South Dakota

May: $2,350.56

Month-over-month increase: 1.09%

Illinois

May: $2,349.24

Month-over-month decrease: 0.32%

Vermont

May: $2,331.13

Month-over-month increase: 1.43%

Montana

May: $2,322.22

Month-over-month decrease: 1.30%

Utah

May: $2,313.89

Month-over-month decrease: 1.96%

Ohio

May: $2,311.86

Month-over-month decrease: 0.07%

West Virginia

May: $2,295.40

Month-over-month decrease: 0.65%

Hawaii

May: $2,287.85

Month-over-month decrease: 4.88%

Virginia

May: $2,254.66

Month-over-month decrease: 0.47%

Maryland

May: $2,254.39

Month-over-month decrease: 0.14%

Colorado

May: $2,239.54

Month-over-month decrease: 0.22%

Iowa

May: $2,236.36

Month-over-month increase: 0.79%

Missouri

May: $2,216.00

Month-over-month decrease: 0.97%

Kentucky

May: $2,212.96

Month-over-month decrease: 0.92%

Idaho

May: $2,210.32

Month-over-month increase: 1.28%

New Mexico

May: $2,199.14

Month-over-month decrease: 0.30%

Indiana

May: $2,193.42

Month-over-month increase: 0.42%

Florida

May: $2,191.44

Month-over-month increase: 1.10%

Michigan

May: $2,174.19

Month-over-month increase: 0.64%

Kansas

May: $2,141.22

Month-over-month decrease: 1.01%

Oklahoma

May: $2,132.35

Month-over-month increase: 1.89%

Georgia

May: $2,126.40

Month-over-month decrease: 1.50%

North Carolina

May: $2,119.63

Month-over-month decrease: 0.57%

South Carolina

May: $2,093.12

Month-over-month increase: 1.61%

Texas

May: $2,065.91

Month-over-month decrease: 1.48%

Louisiana

May: $2,053.74

Month-over-month decrease: 2.72%

Tennessee

May: $1,978.85

Month-over-month decrease: 0.96%

Alabama

May: $1,947.12

Month-over-month decrease: 1.88%

Arkansas

May: $1,903.41

Month-over-month decrease: 2.92%

Mississippi

May: $1,844.07

Month-over-month decrease: 2.03%
St. Louis-based Ascension has restored EHR access in three markets following a May 8 cyberattack.

The 140-hospital system said June 4 it brought its EHR back online in Alabama, Florida and Austin, Texas. Ascension said it hopes to reinstate the EHR organizationwide by June 14.

"As EHR is restored across the entirety of our networks, clinicians will be able to access patient records as they did prior to this incident," the statement said. "While these are promising developments in our recovery efforts, our investigation into this incident remains ongoing, along with the remediation of additional systems. This is a complex process, and it will still take time to complete."

Ascension Rx retail, home delivery and specialty pharmacies are also now back open, and providers can once again send prescriptions electronically to those locations.

The Catholic health system has been dealing with a ransomware attack that has caused ambulance diversions and delayed healthcare services across the country for nearly a month.
Citadel CEO Ken Griffin is donating $12 million to Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, marking another gift from the billionaire to hospitals in 2024.

The multiyear gift to the academic medical center will establish the Kenneth C. Griffin Research Accelerator to expedite HSS research and support construction of the HSS Kellen Tower, a new headquarters for joint replacement surgery that HSS expects to open in 2025.

HSS performs more than 12,000 hip and knee replacement surgeries annually, more than any other hospital in the country. Mr. Griffin said he is proud to support the impact of HSS "that stretches from helping elite athletes get back on the field to enabling seniors to actively engage with their grandchildren," according to a hospital news release.

The gift to HSS is Mr. Griffin's latest in a series of large gifts made to hospitals and health systems. Most recently, in March, Mr. Griffin donated $50 million to Baptist Health South Florida, marking the largest single gift in the Coral Gables, Fla.-based health system's history, and gave another $50 million to University of Miami Health System's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In 2023, Mr. Griffin gave $25 million to Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami and a landmark $400 million to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, marking the largest gift in the cancer center's history.

Mr. Griffin is the founder, CEO, co-chief investment officer and 80% owner of Citadel, a multinational hedge fund with $63 billion in assets under management. He moved the company's global headquarters from Chicago to Miami in 2022. Mr. Griffin ranks No. 33 on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.




U.S. bankruptcy Judge Chris Lopez authorized the sale dates for Dallas-based Steward Health Care's 31 hospitals during a June 3 hearing.

The sales will be conducted in two rounds. The first round, which includes the health system's physician group, Stewardship Health, and all Steward hospitals excluding its Florida facilities and some of the Texas hospitals, will have a bid deadline of June 24 and a first sale hearing July 11.

The second round includes Steward's Florida hospitals and four of its Texas facilities, with a bid deadline of Aug. 12 and a sale hearing of Aug. 22.

"We handle large and complex cases, but this is a heavy lift for any professional firm and we are certainly very much working on all cylinders to do everything we can within the fastest possible timeline," Steward attorney Ray Schrock said during the hearing.

Steward in late March shared plans to sell its physician group to UnitedHealth subsidiary Optum.

"We're very focused on attempting to sign an agreement with United Optum or another stalking horse bidder for the physician group," Mr. Schrock said. "We're also marketing that physician group to other buyers. This physician group is very sought after, it's extremely valuable."

Steward is seeking third-party financing of at least an additional $225 million after the health system's landlord Medical Properties Trust shared that it could not give Steward more than the agreed upon $75 million in debtor-in-possession financing to help with sustaining patient care while it searches for new hospital operators.

During the hearing, Mr. Lopez approved a motion to allow Steward to provide a potential financier with incentives, including a "commitment fee" of a minimum of $6.75 million.

"But this is what's going to create a robust, competitive process  I'm all for it," Mr. Lopez said. "It allows everyone to put their best cards on the table sooner rather than later so that we can get that leg of the case satisfied so that people can take comfort in bidding, people can take comfort in next stages and don't have to worry about financing and showing up every week to deal with that while we're running a competitive bidding process for the sales of really important hospitals."

Steward declined to provide Becker's with a comment.
West Reading, Pa.-based Tower Health has secured more than $142 million through a debt refinancing deal with bondholders, nearly doubling its days of cash on hand to almost 60 days, a spokesperson for the health system confirmed to Becker's.

The deal buys Tower more time to execute its financial turnaround and meet its objective of returning to profitability this fiscal year.

"This agreement secures substantial liquidity support and provides a longer-term window to advance our continued financial turnaround efforts," Tower said in a statement shared with Becker's. "These efforts are already gaining traction and yielding significant positive outcomes."

As part of its turnaround efforts, Tower has closed two hospitals, laid off workers, and sold or closed multiple urgent care centers in Pennsylvania. It also will transition revenue cycle operations, patient access services, utilization review and physician advisors to Ensemble, effective July 1. The move will see about 675 Tower employees move to Ensemble.

The health system reported a $27.4 million operating loss for the nine months ending March 31, improving on the $122.8 million loss reported during the same period the prior year. Its long-term debt stands at more than $1.2 billion, according to its most recent quarterly report.

The refinancing was backed by the "vast majority" of Tower's bondholders, a significant endorsement of its financial recovery plan, according to the nonprofit health system. Tower did not disclose a specific bondholder, but said the group represents some of the largest institutional asset managers in the U.S.

"[The refinancing deal] underscores their confidence in our strategy and affirms that we are on a positive trajectory," according to the health system.

Tower was formed in 2017 after the formerly named Reading Health System acquired five Pennsylvania hospitals from Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems. The transaction included Reading Hospital in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; and Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown.

Tower recently closed Brandywine Hospital and Jennersville Hospital. Its plan to sell Brandywine Hospital to Philadelphia-based Penn Medicine fell through earlier this year.

The health system now includes more than 1,200 beds across its remaining hospitals as well as St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, in partnership with Drexel University, according to its website.
Duarte, Calif.-based City of Hope has appointed Angelique Richard, PhD, RN, to the role of chief operating officer. She will step into the position June 10.

As COO, Dr. Richard will oversee alignment and innovation across operations at City of Hope National Medical Center, City of Hope Los Angeles, City of Hope Orange County and the cancer center's clinical network in Southern California.

Throughout her healthcare career, she has led initiatives to improve quality and safety, enhance the employee and patient experience, and drive growth. Dr. Richard joins City of Hope from Chicago-based Rush University Medical Center, where she most recently served as senior vice president of hospital operations and chief nursing officer at Rush University System for Health.

"Dr. Richard has extensive experience in healthcare operations and nursing leadership, and this expertise will be immensely useful as she takes on her new role in a growing cancer care and research system," Marcel van den Brink, MD, PhD, chief physician executive and president of City of Hope Los Angeles and City of Hope National Medical Center, said in a news release.

City of Hope is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and one of the nation's largest cancer research and treatment organizations. In addition to its network in California, City of Hope operates treatment centers and outpatient facilities in Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix.
Ned Hill, president of Danville, Ill.-based OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center, part of Peoria, Ill.-based OSF HealthCare, has shared plans to resign July 1.

Following his resignation, Mr. Hill will become CEO of two hospitals in Tampa, Fla., that are part of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare: HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital and HCA Florida West Tampa Hospital, an HCA Healthcare spokesperson confirmed with Becker's.

Mr. Hill will be succeeded by J.T. Barnhart, president of Urbana, Ill.-based OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center. Mr. Barnhart will serve as interim president of OSF Sacred Heart alongside his existing role at OSF Heart of Mary, according to a June 3 OSF HealthCare news release.

Leaders at OSF HealthCare plan to evaluate candidates for OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart's next permanent president, according to the release.

Editor's note: This story has been updated as of June 5 at 11:15 a.m. CT.








Members of the nation's largest union of registered nurses are calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs to lift a so-called hiring freeze they say is creating patient safety risks at hospitals across the country.

The National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United  which represents more than 15,000 nurse at 23 Veterans Health Administration facilities across the country  claims the VA is refraining from filling nursing positions and has rescinded job offers, pointing to VA data it said shows there were 13,000 vacant nursing positions across the VA system as of mid-March. Overall, there were 66,000 vacancies.

The lack of nurse staffing has been most acutely felt in the VA's intensive care and medical-surgical units, nurses said in a June 3 news release. They plan to hold a picket and rally over the matter June 6 at the Department of Veterans Affairs headquarters in Washington, D.C.

"Last December, the VA determined that 57 additional nurses were needed in order to meet the VA's own safe staff rquirements," Jordan Le Blanc, BSN, RN, an ICU nurse at Aurora, Colo.-based Rocky Mountain Regional Medical Center, said in a statement. "Because these positions were never posted nor filled, the VA is now using a crisis nursing model where one ICU nurse cares for three patients with the help of a nursing assistant or a nurse without ICU experience or knowledge. This crisis model means nurses are unable to provide the optimal time, care, and dignity to each of these critically ill patients," and has led the hospital to cut the number of ICU beds from 18 to 12, the nurse said.

The VA refutes claims that it has a nurse hiring freeze in place. As of April, the VA had higher total numbers of nursing assistants, licensed nurse practitioners and registered nurses compared to 2023, according to data a spokesperson shared with Becker's.

"Over the past three years, VA has aggressively hired nurses nationwide  increasing our nursing workforce by 14,000 nurses to a total of 122,000 nurses, the largest nursing workforce in the country and in the history of the VA," Terrance Hayes, press secretary at the VA, said in a statement shared with Becker's. "VA is also retaining our great nurses, with turnover rates currently at 3.4%  far outperforming the private sector."

Mr. Hayes said the VA "appreciates" its partnership with NNU and that the organization will "continue to work with them directly to resolve their concerns."
New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery honored two physicians and announced a $12 million multiyear gift from billionaire Kenneth Griffin.

Steven B. Haas, MD, chief of the knee service, and Hollis Potter, MD, chair of radiology and imaging were honored on June 3 for their work, according to a June 4 news release.

"Both Drs. Haas and Potter exemplify the qualities that make HSS unique: their unwavering dedication to providing the highest quality of care; consistent efforts to advance the science in their respective fields; and their leadership in developing new techniques, technologies and treatment advances that have transformed the lives of patients around the world," Douglas Padgett, MD, HSS surgeon-in-chief and medical director, said in the release.

The $12 million gift from Mr. Griffin will establish the Kenneth C. Griffin Research Accelerator for orthopedics. The gift will also support construction of the HSS Kellen Tower, which is expected to open in 2025.
At the end of April, the Federal Trade Commission took steps to ban noncompete clauses for most U.S. workers. Since then, the ban has faced challenges from a number of organizations and feedback from surgeons nationwide. As it stands, the rule is set to take effect for healthcare providers June 1, 2025.

Here are seven noncompete ban updates for spine leaders to know:

1. The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, which represents ASCs across the country, has opposed the "Non-Compete Clause Rule." The group submitted a comment to the FTC opposing the final rule, saying "surgery centers and other tax-paying healthcare providers would be subject to restrictions that tax-exempt systems would not." The comment further noted the final rule allows nonprofit hospitals to "more aggressively engage in noncompetitive behavior" and possibly interfere with the physician's ability to leave the hospital and join an ASC. The American Hospital Association and Federation of American Hospitals have also made public statements against implementation.

2. While the FTC's new rule would make it illegal to include noncompetes in employment contracts, nonprofit employers are exempt from the decision. The FTC's jurisdiction does not generally cover tax-exempt organizations.

3. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed a law prohibiting noncompetes for healthcare professionals April 25, the same day the FTC banned noncompete clauses for most U.S. workers.

4. Kristopher Schroeder, MD, anesthesiologist and professor at Madison-based University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, told Becker's the FTC's ban may boost hospital physician pay.

5. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has sued the FTC, arguing that the agency is overstepping its authority by completely banning noncompetes. The Chamber of Commerce was joined in its lawsuit by three other business groups: the Business Roundtable, the Texas Association of Business and the Longview Chamber of Commerce. A tax services firm in Dallas is also suing the FTC, raising similar concerns to the chamber.

6. Eight healthcare leaders and physicians reacted to the ban, expressing emotions ranging from support to frustration.

7. Spine and orthopedic surgeons also reacted to the ban, calling it a "total game changer" for the industry.
Cost of weddings at Belfast City Hall set to almost double as councillor slams hike

People Before Profits Michael Collins has urged parties to reconsider

Belfast City Hall.

Niamh Campbell Tue 4 Jun 2024 at 22:45







The cost of weddings at Belfast City Hall is set to almost double in a bid to generate more income for the councils headquarters.
Conleth striking a chord among expats in region with songs about the emigrant experience

Conleth McGeary has lived in Dubai for a year-and-half, playing gigs around the Emirates

A Co Tyrone singer-songwriter says his relatable style of music has helped him carve a successful career across the world.

When Conleth McGeary left Dungannon for university in Liverpool over a decade ago, little did he know the next 10 years would see him take over a pub in the city, move to the Middle East, and tour the globe playing his own songs.

Now 30 and living in Dubai, he told the Belfast Telegraph: I like writing about what is relevant, and for me right now thats about moving and living away from home.

A lot of songs are about love, but I like writing about real stuff family and travel, and things that I think can be overlooked in music.

The Irish away from home thing seems to resonate with people most, and thats the reason Im getting the gigs, I think.

While he moved to Liverpool to train as a teacher, his music career took off instead, thanks to Sunday night gigs in the Liffey Bar.

In 2022 he opened his own bar, The Beeswing (named after a Richard Thompson song), as a venue to help support other original artists.

He added: No matter how much I loved it  and it was a good business idea  it wasnt fulfilling me, and I knew I needed to play my own music.

I got back into it full-time and went on tour in the Middle East, where I have a good following.

It was only meant to be for a week-and-a-half, and then I was offered to stay at a residence in Dubai and travel round Bahrain, Doha and Oman whenever I pleased to gig.

So, I took the chance and havent looked back.

The countries have large Irish and British expat communities.

Despite a fear of seeming egotistical, he said he is constantly getting stopped on the streets of Dubai, where he has been living for the past year-and-a-half, and has appeared on local television and radio programmes.

He explained: Because Im an expat singing about moving away, it really resonates with people out here.

My songwriting was never about trying to appeal to anyone, it was just me trying to be authentic and writing it for myself.

Conleth McGeary has lived in Dubai for a year-and-half, playing gigs around the Emirates

His own songs started taking off when he first posted one he wrote for his mum on Facebook in 2016.

Youre Making Me Smile was written in a way that sounded like your mother is chatting to you, he said.

Another song, Ireland, about emigrating, went viral in 2022.

He added: I still get messages from people in America, Canada, Australia  even people who move from Tyrone down to Dublin, but still feel homesick.

People dont always want hits, they want songs and people that are relevant to them.

As a completely independent artist with no record label backing, Conleth has supported acts such as The Coronas and Ryan McMullan, and later this year will return to Ireland and the UK for a solo tour  including a date at Liverpools O2 in December.

Conleth said: Thats because Liverpool is my home, really, even more so than Dungannon.

Ive lived there nearly as long as Ive lived in Tyrone.

The O2 has been my favourite place Ive ever played in  its just magical.

Conleth McGearys latest single Distance is available on all streaming platforms. He can be found on Instagram @conlethmcgeary
The RingGo website says that "text message fees may vary by parking location"

Concerns have been raised over potentially sneaky charges on a new parking app being rolled out across Northern Ireland.

Eight local councils entered into a new contract with Marston (Holdings) Ltd to provide enforcement services at their off-street car parks from April 3.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Councils (LCCC) monthly environment committee heard about an issue being raised over the new RingGo parking app related to its reminder text service charges.

Independent councillor Gary Hynds said: Perhaps there should have been more communication from the council on the recent changes to the car parking enforcement changes and the reasons for it.

Are there any changes to in-app charges or administration fees? There are lots of people concerned about it.

Council assistant director of the environment Richard Harvey responded: The car parks are the same as before and motorists can use cash or the app  there are no hidden costs in the app.

However, a council officer added: One issue we have had is with the new app and the old app, is when it comes to the option for text reminders.

It seems that you have to tick a box in order to not get the reminders each time and this can be a charge of 15p for each reminder.

Committee DUP chairperson Caleb McCready said: If that is the case, that could be quite sneaky, if you have to opt out instead of opting in.

Councillor Caleb McCready

Text messages from RingGo come in three reminder types including, expiry, booking confirmation and parking stopped as well as a 10p convenience fee.

Once the text options are enabled they are then charged for each transaction, unless the user unticks the boxes.

App users can also tick a box in order to have a notification stop reminder so they can end their parking session and charges.

RingGo have been contacted for comment, but no response was provided.

However, according to the RingGo website: When parking via RingGo you have the option to receive text message confirmations and reminders of your session expiry.

To opt in or out of receiving these messages, you can login to your account and click on Parking Notifications.

You can select or deselect which SMS you would like to receive from the setting list. Text message fees may vary by parking location.

History making Derry first citizen Lilian Seenoi-Barr vows to be a mayor for all
The widow of GAA official Sean Brown has secured High Court permission to challenge the UK Governments failure to act on calls to establish a public inquiry into his murder.
Police cannot be held liable for any alleged failure to ensure the safety of a man injured in the Enniskillen Poppy Day bombing, the Court of Appeal has ruled.

Senior judges dismissed Joseph Holbeachs claim for negligence after finding RUC officers did not owe him a duty of care at the scene of the IRA atrocity in November 1987.

Eleven people were initially killed in the explosion near the Co Fermanagh towns war memorial during a Remembrance Sunday ceremony.

A twelfth victim died in 2000 after spending 13 years in a coma.

Mr Holbeach, who had been standing close to the cenotaph, was among more than 60 others injured in the blast.

He has suffered from anxiety and depression, and spoke previously about attempting suicide because of what happened to him.

Despite recognising it was the Provisional IRA who planted the bomb which caused his injuries, he sued the Chief Constable for alleged negligence.

Lawyers for Mr Holbeach argued police owed him a duty of care as they had responsibility for his safety as an attendee at the Remembrance Day event.

The case centred on a failure to carry out a prior search of the nearby Reading Rooms building where the bomb was planted.

In his statement of claim, Mr Holbeach said the presence of police influenced his decision to attend the parade amid the threat from terrorists at the time.

He also alleged it was negligent not to search the Reading Rooms despite the knowledge that the IRA had carried out a bomb attack in Enniskillen town centre earlier that year.

In April last year the PSNI successfully applied to have the lawsuit struck out at a preliminary stage.

A High Court Master held that the claim disclosed no reasonable cause of action against the Chief Constable.

In an appeal against that ruling, Mr Holbeach contended that he felt safe at the parade where RUC officers had searched other locations along the route.

Lord Justice McCloskey acknowledged the mental and physical injuries suffered by the plaintiff.

He is a living victim of one of the most appalling terrorist atrocities which scarred the recent wretched history of Northern Ireland, the judge said.

However, he stated Mr Holbeach was aware of the potential for lethal terrorist attack at the location.

With officers already facing a general obligation to protect life and property under the terms of the Police (NI) Act 2000, the court held it would distort the legal framework if they were also subject to a private law duty of care to the plaintiff.

The failure to search the Reading Rooms cannot be equated with causing harm or creating a material danger, Lord Justice McCloskey stressed.

He said: The general principle that a public authority does not owe a duty of care to a claimant to prevent the misconduct of third parties must prevail.

Dismissing Mr Holbeachs appeal, the judge confirmed: We have concluded it is not arguable that the plaintiff could establish at trial a relevant assumption of responsibility giving rise to a duty on the part of the RUC to take reasonable care for his safety at the material time.
Film & TV

Keep it under your hat Where you can share a marmalade sandwich with Paddington in Co Down
Barra Best and Maeve Monaghan with Harry Murray, Claudia Beatty and Matthew Gray.

More than 200 NOW Group participants from across Northern Ireland with learning difficulties and autism are celebrating after graduating at a ceremony in Belfast from a range of training and employment academies.

The academies are dedicated to supporting those with learning difficulties and autism into sustainable employment.

This was the largest graduation ceremony in the NOW Groups history with a total of 214 graduates receiving certificates for completing training in core industries including warehousing, digital, retail, tourism, catering and hospitality and cyber security, to name but a few.

Participants received their certificates on Tuesday during a special ceremony at Belfast City Hall.

It was hosted by the BBCs Barra Best and attended by the High Sheriff of Belfast, Councillor Sammy Douglas, NOW Group Chair, John Gordon and NOW Group participants and their families.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Maeve Monaghan, NOW Group CEO, expressed heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates.

She said: "Our training academies are designed to equip participants with tangible skills, experience and qualifications, paving the way for their integration into the workforce and helping them to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

"We are immensely proud of our graduates and remain committed to supporting more individuals with learning difficulties, autism and other neurodiverse conditions in their journey towards fulfilling careers.

Maeve added: NOW Group is proactively partnering with businesses to address recruitment challenges and provide inclusive solutions for individuals facing employment barriers, and it is thanks to our current partners and organisations, across Ireland, whom we work closely with to run many of our academies and who are helping to lead the way in promoting accessibility, diversity and inclusion.

In the past year, NOW Group has supported over 1,550 participants through its initiatives with 250 participants going on to gain paid employment.

Along with the 12+ bespoke academies, the NOW Group offers soft skills programmes and in the past year, has run over 1,000 courses.

In 2024, NOW Group is aiming to support a further 200 people with learning difficulties into employment through various academies that are currently operating in the hospitality, tourism, ICT, horticulture, and cyber security industries.

For more information on the NOW Group, visit the website: www.nowgroup.org.
Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust helped with arrangements after Strabane man (31) passed away in Australia

Strabane man Jamie Sandhu (31) died suddenly in Australia on May 3. He is pictured here with his partner Sophie.

The heartbroken mother of a Co Tyrone scaffolder who died in Australia last month has paid tribute to her amazing and special son after raising more than 21,000 for the charity that helped bring him home.

Jamie Sandhu (31), from Strabane, had been living in Sydney for seven years with his partner Sophie when he was found dead on May 3.

Strabane man Jamie Sandhu (31) died suddenly in Australia on May 3.

His mum Deborah Doherty was left worrying about the cost of repatriating his body when she received the devastating phone call informing her that her son had passed away.

We were told it costs between 5,000 and 8,000 to get someone home depending on the circumstances, she told the Belfast Telegraph.

Jamie died really suddenly and it was a big shock. My first thought was, How do I get him home?

Then someone recommended the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT).

Newry-based KBRT was set up by Kevin Bells family after he was killed in a suspected hit-and-run in New York in 2013.

His father, Colin, has now helped hundreds of families whose loved ones have died away from home.

Ms Doherty said the immense relief of KBRTs assistance allowed the family to come together and focus on grieving the tremendous loss they had suffered.

Jamie was so young  we were in total despair, she recalled. To have that worry taken away in such a discreet and dignified way  I cant put it into into words.

I could never repay Colin for what he has done for us, but I thought I can help raise money to help another family.

I never expected to raise enough to help three.

Jamies death was very difficult for us  to raise this amount of money in his name has meant everything to us.

Strabane man Jamie Sandhu (31) died suddenly in Australia on May 3.

Jamie was laid to rest following Requiem Mass at St Marys Church, Melmount on Saturday, May 25, which followed a memorial service in Sydney earlier in the month.

Hundreds of people attended both services, Ms Doherty said.

Jamie was very popular and well-known  he was a total gentleman, he was a fun person who really loved life.

He was just such an amazing and special person and his loss is felt by all of us.

His funeral was beautiful which was a real testament to his character. He was friends with everyone, it didnt matter who you were to him  he didnt have a bad bone in his body.

The tradesmans family, including his siblings Arun, Ella, Tara and Ajit, were able to watch the memorial service in Australia via an online stream.

It was attended by many of Jamies friends and colleagues.

Strabane man Jamie Sandhu (31) died suddenly in Australia on May 3.

Ms Doherty said his girlfriend of 16 years has been left devastated by the tragedy as she thanked all those who have contributed to the Go Fund Me page which has so far raised 21,485.

I want to keep going and will continue to raise awareness and money for this wonderful charity  not only in Jamies memory but for other families who will go through this, she said.

They helped us with everything and in the most dignified way.

Ms Doherty has planned a number of fundraising events in the local community and said her family will be forever indebted to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for all they did to bring Jamie home to us to Ireland so that we could give him rest.

Yesterday, West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan offered his condolences to Jamies grieving family in the Assembly chamber at Stormont as he paid tribute to the work of the KBRT which has helped 1,800 families since it was set up in 2013.

Thank you to Colin Bell and to his family for what he has done, Mr McCrossan said.

The gratitude of Jamies family to the KBRT is without words.

News Catch Up: Monday 3rd June 2024
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd with Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tanaiste Micheal Martin and representatives of the Irish Government and Louth County Council

Construction has begun on a new bridge which will connect Narrow Water near Warrenpoint with Omeath in Co Louth.

The bridge is designed for vehicular, cycle and pedestrian traffic. The bridge will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the R173 at Omeath and will also open to allow the passage of ships through and on to the Newry Canal.

It will see a 195m cable-stayed bridge produced after preparatory works on the cross-border project got underway earlier this year.

An allocation of more than 102 million euro plus VAT is being provided towards the project from the Irish Government's Shared Island Fund  but the total cost of the project is not clear.

Taoiseach Simon Harris was in attendance at the commencement announcement on Tuesday, along with Tanaiste Micheal Martin.

The Taoiseach said: "The mountains meet the sea all along this stretch of stunning coastline and this bridge will be a game-changer for commerce, daily life and tourism in this part of our shared island."

Mr Martin, who established the Shared Island Unit, said this project "was always front and centre" of his mind.

"This project is a clear physical manifestation of the philosophy underpinning Shared Island," he said.

"It embodies our ambition for reconciliation, a closer relationship between North and South, and progress.

"Today is the realisation of a vision long shared across this stretch of water, delivering on the desire of both communities to reach out, to connect and to grow together."

Infrastructure Minister John ODowd, who was also in attendance, welcomed the move to construction of the project.

He said: This is an historic and significant day for the people of this area.

"I have no doubt that this new bridge will be a game-changer for many reasons. The bridge will provide a poignant symbol of connection between the north and south. It will play its part connecting communities on both sides of Carlingford Lough and in doing so it will create opportunities for local tourism, as well as the local economy by providing an increase in visitor footfall and employment levels.

"It will serve as a vital element of cross-border active travel while facilitating greenways, mountain bike trails, walking routes and beaches in the Carlingford Lough region.

"This new landmark is a perfect example of the difference infrastructure projects can make in peoples lives.
Incident being treated as a sectarian-motivated hate crime

The boat set on fire during the incident in Portballintrae. Credit: McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

Residents from a village on the north Antrim coast have expressed their disgust to a local councillor after a boat flying an Irish flag was set ablaze.

Police arrested three men aged 25, 30 and 63 on suspicion of a number of offences  including criminal damage and assault occasioning actual bodily harm  after a fight broke out outside a boat club on the Beach Road in Portballintrae at around 7.45pm on Monday.

The boat was later set alight. One man required hospital treatment for his injuries.

The PSNI said all three men were later released on bail to allow for further inquiries. Police are treating the incident as a sectarian hate crime.

Coleraine and Ballycastle Coastguard rescue teams attended the scene, as did the NI Fire and Rescue Service. The coastguard team said there was a slight risk of pollution from fuel on board and urged recreational water users to avoid the area near the vessel.

Alliance councillor Richard Stewart said residents in Portballintrae had been in touch to express their absolute disgust about the incident.

Portballintrae is a very welcoming village that thrives on local tourism arriving in all forms. For this to happen is really out of character for the setting of the village, he said.

People here have said it is unwelcome, its unwanted, its not what the village represents and to express their pure disgust at whats happened.

DUP councillor John McAuley said he had heard two sides to the story. He said he hopes it is a one off as the yacht club is a popular place and Portballintrae gets tourists from all over.

Nobody wants to see the area making the headlines for something like this, he added.

Emergency services tackling the fire on the boat. Credit: Coleraine Coastguard

Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan condemned the incident. He said: The attack on a man and the damage to a boat in a fire in Portballintrae is disgraceful and I strongly condemn it.

There is no place for sectarianism or hatred in our society  we are looking forward and working together towards a better future for all.

TUV councillor Allister Kyle said his understanding was that the incident was not as black and white as some had suggested.

He urged people not to rush to judgment in an attempt to blacken a community.

This is clearly a very nasty incident which has resulted in arrests and people requiring medical treatment but I would caution anyone against setting themselves as judge and jury, Mr Kyle added.

News Catch Up: Monday 3rd June 2024
The first 2024 General Election debate between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will be a head-to-head showdown on ITV.

Julie Etchingham will moderate Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate in the build-up to the general election on July 4.

With the Conservative Party trailing Labour in the polls, the prime minister is reportedly keen to use the platform to claw back support.

So when is the first debate, how can you watch it, and will there be further such events before the election?

Heres what you need to know.

When are the general election 2024 TV debates?

Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate will be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, and STV and STV on Tuesday, June 4 at 9pm, the broadcaster has confirmed.

It will take place live in front of a studio audience.

Ms Etchingham previously moderated general election debates in 2015, 2017 and 2019.

ITV also plans to broadcast a multi-party debate and an interview show with other party leaders. It said it would announce details in due course.

The BBC, Sky News, and Channel 4 are also thought to be interested in screening debates but have not yet announced any.

Net Zero Secretary Claire Coutinho urged both sides to commit to weekly debates.

Labour sources indicated Sir Keir would be willing to participate in debates on the channels with the largest audiences  BBC and ITV.

But they said they would not agree to tearing up the format established in previous elections just to suit this weeks whims of the Tory Party.

So I think debates are always a part of an election campaign and no doubt will be a big part of whats going to happen over the next five or six weeks, Sir Keir told Times Radio. Ill debate with voters any day of the week.

How have pre-general election debates worked in the past?

Television debates are a relatively new concept to the election run-up in the UK. Labours Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Tory leader David Cameron, and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg participated in the first one in 2010.

Labour leader Harold Wilson and Conservative Prime Minister Sir Alec Douglas-Home were approached in 1964, but the debate didn't materialise.

Conservative Prime Minister John Major and Labour leader Neil Kinnock agreed in principle to a debate in 1992, but this was called off.

Between 1997 and 2005, Tony Blair and successive opponents (John Major, William Hague, and Michael Howard) did not engage in televised debates.

The 2015 general election involved a more complex arrangement of debates.

David Cameron (Conservatives), Ed Miliband (Labour), Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrats), Nigel Farage (UKIP), Nicola Sturgeon (SNP), Natalie Bennett (Green Party), and Leanne Wood (Plaid Cymru) took part.

ITV hosted a seven-way debate; the BBC broadcast a five-way debate featuring parties without the two main leaders (Cameron and Miliband); and a "challengers' debate" featuring opposition leaders was also held.

In 2017, Prime Minister Theresa May chose not to participate directly in the main debates.

Leaders of other parties, including Jeremy Corbyn (Labour), Tim Farron (Liberal Democrats), and leaders from smaller parties, participated.

There was a mixture of debates and Q&A sessions with leaders appearing separately.

Mrs Mays absence was contentious, with some arguing it affected her campaign negatively.

The 2019 general election returned to more traditional head-to-head debates:

Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Conservatives) and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn participated in an hour-long debate on ITV.

The BBC also hosted a head-to-head debate between the pair and a separate one involving leaders from smaller parties.

Andrew Neil also interviewed Mr Corbyn on the BBC, with the Labour leader appearing on a Channel 4 panel discussion on climate change. A melting ice sculpture replaced Mr Johnson.
Call for election to be free from abuse in NI after half of candidates last year threatened

Research found women more likely to be harassed than men

Photo: Getty Images.

Amy Cochrane Tue 4 Jun 2024 at 11:25







Half of all electoral candidates received threats, abuse and intimidation in the recent local election  with women being targeted more than men, a report has found.
Jim Allister said people should "sit up and take notice if they enjoy Tayto smoky bacon crisps".

Unionist critics of the Windsor Framework agreement have railed against an EU ban on smoke flavourings which could create a smoky bacon border with Britain, asking is nothing safe from EU madness?
Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin has said the Narrow Water Bridge linking Northern Ireland and the Republic can be built on time and within budget Louth County Council/PA)

The Narrow Water Bridge linking Northern Ireland and the Republic can be built on time and within budget, the deputy premier has said.

Micheal Martin said the project was inspired by the cross-border communities in the Omeath area in Co Louth and Narrow Water in Co Down, who have wanted the bridge built for years.

When complete, the 195m (640ft) cable-stayed bridge will provide a direct link between the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula, where Carlingford Lough meets the Newry River.

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will be able to use the bridge, which is expected to be completed in 2027.

An allocation of more than 102 million euro plus VAT is being provided towards the project from the Irish Governments Shared Island Fund.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Taoiseach Simon Harris visit Omeath in Co Louth to announce the start of construction of the Narrow Water Bridge cross-border project (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA)

Louth County Council chief executive Joan Martin said the plan has been an aspiration at the local authority since at least 1976.

She said getting planning permission on one side of the border is difficult, and so having to do double the work was an immensely complex project, and thanked officials in both jurisdictions.

A most amazing structure is going to rear itself up out of Carlingford Lough. I dont think itll be the Loch Ness Monster, but near enough  it will be fairly surprising looking, she said.

When Mr Martin was asked whether there are concerns about the timeline and cost of the project, he said he believes it can be built on time and within its budget.

The bridges developer, BAM, is also building the National Childrens Hospital in Dublin, a project that has suffered from delays and spiralling costs for years.

Irish premier Simon Harris and Mr Martin said there are frustrations in Government about the National Childrens Hospital, but both stressed the need for the tendering process to be separate to politics, and said they have confidence in Louth County Council to oversee the bridge project.

Mr Martin said: Theres set systems for the council to oversee the project.

(BAM) have used the last three weeks very effectively, in terms of getting started with the dry weather, so I think we can get this project done on time and within budget.

Mr Harris said: I think theyre two very separate and distinct projects. I think it is a statement of fact that there is frustration on the part of the Government and on the part of the people of Ireland in relation to some aspects in terms of the completion of a hospital that is now 92% complete.

As myself and the Tanaiste and others in Government have said, there obviously is a need for the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board to continue to robustly enforce all of the provisions of the contract, a contract that also includes a penalty clause. So that is a separate and distinct conversation.

I think its challenging when were in politics that were obviously commenting on an issue where Im very conscious theres a robust exchange that needs to continue there between the hospital development board and the developer.

An artists impression of the Narrow Water Bridge project, which is expected to be completed in 2027 (Louth County Council/PA)

In relation to this project, obviously, projects are separately tendered, theyre tendered independent to politicians for quite a good reason, and according to EU procurement law.

(BAM) have a track record in terms of the delivery of bridges  theyve delivered two very prominent ones on this island in relatively recent years. I have confidence in Louth County Council overseeing the delivery of this.

The bridge will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the R173 at Omeath.

It will also open to allow the passage of ships through and on to the Newry Canal.

The goal of the infrastructure project is to provide increased tourism and connectivity to the east border region.

It is anticipated that it will help economic development and increase employment levels in the area.

Stormont Infrastructure Minister John ODowd said there will be new memories made and that he remembers travelling across to Omeath by boat, but that his mother was terrified of water.

Im sure she would have a wry smile on her face today realising that now youll be able to walk across, cycle across or drive across in the future.

Mr Harris said every cent of the total 106 million euro cost represents a really, really positive investment.

I dont think any one of us can fully capture the benefits that this is going to bring, the benefits in terms of connectedness, in terms of communities wanting to engage, but also the really practical benefit, and it is the hugely economic benefits that were going to see from this in terms of tourism.

There is so much untapped potential in this region of this island and this bridge is going to play a very important role in (that).

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the Narrow Water Bridge will be an incredible catalyst for generations to come (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Martin said the idea that two cross-border communities from different traditions wanting the bridge is iconic in terms of building bridges between people.

He said he met a child at the event in Omeath whose peers will be able to use the bridge.

They will enjoy the benefits of this bridge for generations to come.

He added: It really is that iconic dimension to this project that really has captured my imagination and has inspired me over the years.

Because this is our life project, really, in terms of the island of Ireland, in terms of reconciling communities, people going about their normal lives, and then attracting an awful lot more people to this region, which this bridge will attract.

It will be an incredible catalyst for generations to come in terms of economics, tourism, biodiversity, greenways, you name it.
The Narrow Water Bridge linking Northern Ireland and the Republic will be a symbol of hope, an Irish minister has said.

Taoiseach Simon Harris will be among guests at the commencement announcement at the site of the long-anticipated Narrow Water Bridge on Tuesday.

When complete, the 195m cable-stayed bridge will connect Cornamucklagh near Omeath, Co Louth, with Narrow Water close to Warrenpoint, Co Down, providing a direct link between the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula, where Carlingford Lough meets the Newry River.

It will accommodate motor vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles.

The bridge will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the R173 at Omeath.

It will also open to allow the passage of ships through and on to the Newry Canal.

An allocation of more than 102 million euro plus VAT is being provided towards the project from the Irish Governments Shared Island Fund.

The goal of the infrastructure project is to provide increased tourism and connectivity to the east border region.

It is anticipated that it will help economic development and increase employment levels in the area.

The Irish Government said the bridge will be a lynchpin connection for cross-border travel.

Mr Harris, Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Minister of State Malcolm Noonan are scheduled to attend the launch with Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister John ODowd.

The Taoiseach said: The mountains meet the sea all along this stretch of stunning coastline and this bridge will be a game-changer for commerce, daily life and tourism in this part of our shared island.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin hailed the project (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Martin, who established the Shared Island Unit, said this project was always front and centre of his mind.

This project is a clear physical manifestation of the philosophy underpinning Shared Island, he said.

It embodies our ambition for reconciliation, a closer relationship between North and South, and progress.

Today is the realisation of a vision long shared across this stretch of water, delivering on the desire of both communities to reach out, to connect and to grow together.

Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien said: This bridge will serve not just as a physical infrastructure project but a symbol of community, togetherness and hope.

Mr Noonan added: The project is already creating new opportunities and deepening connections between communities on both sides of the border.
The King and Queen at the banquet during the last state visit in November by President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol (Yui Mok/PA)

The Japanese state visit to the UK hosted by the King is to go ahead in a slightly adapted form despite the General Election.

In an unprecedented move, the King and Queen will entertain Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako just days before the country goes to the polls.

The red carpet will be rolled out, and the major, formal state occasion will include the traditional pomp and pageantry of a ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade, a carriage procession and a grand banquet at Buckingham Palace.

The King will host the Emperor of Japan (Mike Egerton/PA)

It will take place from June 25-27, ending just a week before the July 4 vote.

There was no occasion during Elizabeth IIs 70-year reign of an incoming state visit being staged in the timespan between the calling of a general election and polling day.

In 2017, a Spanish state visit by King Felipe VI was quickly rescheduled  following an agreement by the late Queen and King Felipe  because the date clashed with a snap election in the UK.

The Palace declined to confirm exact details of how the original plans for the Japanese visit had been amended to take the election into account.

The ballroom at Buckingham Palace during a state banquet (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

A Palace spokesman said the programme had been slightly adapted, adding: As a general principle, it has of course been adapted as a result of the current pre-election period of sensitivity.

Missing elements appear to be the usual Downing Street talks with the Prime Minister, a speech to the Palace of Westminster by the visiting head of state, and meetings with opposition leaders.

But there was no clarification from the Palace as to whether Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and others would be invited to the white tie state banquet or attend other elements.

Royal expert Joe Little of Majesty magazine said: Its unprecedented. I assumed as soon as the election was announced that the state visit would bite the dust again because of the huge amount of prime ministerial and government involvement with it.

Emperor Naruhito of Japan and his wife Empress Masako signing a book of condolence following the death of the late Queen (David Parry Media Assignments/PA)

Mr Little said: I think the proof of the pudding will be when the receiving party gathers in the Royal Pavilion on Horse Guards to await the arrival of the Emperor and Empress to see who from the government, if anybody, is there to be introduced to them.

He added: We do still have a prime minister but the fact that its a week before the General Election is optically a bad fit.

The powers that be could be accused of drawing undue attention to the prime minister of the day. So maybe there wont be the ministerial attendees there.

State visits are planned by the Foreign Office, in consultation with the Palace.

Queen Elizabeth II and King Felipe VI during the state banquet when the postponed Spanish state visit finally took place in July 2017 (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Heir to the throne the Prince of Wales will also take part in the visit, greeting the Emperor and Empress at their hotel on behalf of the King on June 25, and accompanying them to Horse Guards Parade.

The King and Queen will formally welcome their guests, and Charles will inspect the Guard of Honour, formed of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards with the Band of the Welsh Guards, with the Emperor, before a carriage procession back to the Palace with Camilla and William.

After lunch at the royal residence, the guests will tour a Royal Collection exhibition in the Picture Gallery and then lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

The Prince of Wales at a state banquet during the state visit to the UK by President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol in November (Yui Mok/PA)

In the evening, Emperor Naruhito, ruler of the Chrysanthemum throne, and Empress Masako will be feted with a lavish state banquet, where both the King and the Emperor will give speeches.

They will spend seven days in the UK, arriving on June 22 to carry out private engagements ahead of the official state visit.

On June 27, they will bid farewell to the King and Queen and privately visit St Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle, to lay a wreath on the tomb of the late Queen, before carrying out a private visit to Oxford on June 28.

The Palace said on the day Mr Sunak made his rain-soaked Downing Street address to call the election that the royal family would postpone engagements which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign and that it was not a blanket ban but visits would be considered on a case by case basis.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces the General Election (Lucy North/PA)

The key event in the royal calendar is Charless first incoming state visit since his cancer diagnosis.

But there was no mention of the Princess of Wales in the announcement from the Palace.

Kate is away from public duties while she undergoes chemotherapy for cancer.

The Japanese state visit previously had to be postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2017, the decision to move the Spanish state visit was confirmed by Buckingham Palace three days after Theresa May announced an election.

Spains foreign minister, Alfonso Dastis, said at the time that his country did not deem it appropriate to continue with the state visit when politicians would be on the campaign trail and Parliament had been dissolved.
A video was shared on social media claiming to show Labours shadow health secretary Wes Streeting call Labour parliamentary candidate Diane Abbott a silly woman on a BBC TV show.

A user who posted it said: Wes Streeting calls Diane Abbott a silly woman on Politics Live.

Evaluation

This is a doctored video. In the original, which is on BBC iPlayer, there is no one saying silly woman  that audio has been added to the video.

The facts

Mr Streeting appeared on the BBC show Politics Live on June 3 2024.

At around 26 minutes and 30 seconds in the recording of that show the host asks Mr Streeting about something apparently posted to social media by Ms Abbott, who is the Labour candidate for Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

In the fake clip, while the screen is not showing Mr Streetings face and as the presenter asks a question, what appears to be a mans voice says silly woman.

However, it is clear from the recording on iPlayer that this was never said.

In response Mr Streeting said: A fake video is circulating from Politics Live today. It contains words I did not use.

People can check the original footage on iPlayer, but so far it has only fooled the gullible.

Links

Post on X (archived post and video)

Politics Live

Mr Streeting on X (archived)
The family of a young girl who died while on holiday in Florida have described her as a beautiful soul who will never be forgotten.

Anna Beaumont, 13, from Cardiff, was found unresponsive in a pool at Discovery Cove in Orlando on May 28.

The Orange County Sheriffs Office said she was taken to hospital in critical condition but died the next day.

Her family said in a statement: Anna was a beautiful soul who has been taken from us in a tragic accident.

We are devastated by her loss, but she will never be forgotten.

We would like to thank the emergency response teams and hospital staff in Orlando who tried so hard to save Annas life.

We will not be making any further statements and ask for privacy at this incredibly difficult time.

Andrew Williams, the head teacher at Annas school, Radyr Comprehensive, described her as a cherished member of our school family in a statement shared with the BBC on Sunday.

He said: The very thought of losing a child is an unimaginable journey and I know I speak on behalf of the whole school community when I say that our thoughts are with Annas family as they try to come to terms with their loss.

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.

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive resort and sister park of SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando.

The company released a statement about the incident to local media, which said: Our staff responded to an emergency involving a guest yesterday (May 28).

Our team provided care and contacted Orange County Fire & Rescue.

When emergency personnel arrived, they took over care and transported the guest to a nearby hospital.

Out of respect for privacy of our guests, we do not provide any health information. Our thoughts are with this family.
D-Day veterans told of having mixed feelings after they set sail for Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations.

Dozens were on board Brittany Ferries ship Mont St Michel on Tuesday morning, many in good spirits, though one was seen teary-eyed.

The ship was accompanied by Royal Navy patrol vessels Trumpeter, Medusa and Basher as well as HMS Cattistock and the Training Ship Royalist, with tugs spraying water as it travelled out of Portsmouth Harbour.

Several small boats and yachts also waited outside the harbour to see the ferry off on its journey to Caen.

The Jedburgh Pipe Band played the ferry out of the harbour and a Royal Air Force flypast circled low overhead.

D-Day veteran Arnie Salter, 98, from Warwickshire, on board the Brittany Ferry ship Mont St Michel (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Crowds waving Union and D-Day flags gathered on the Round Tower and harbour walls in Old Portsmouth and cheered and clapped as the ferry passed, with the veterans and families smiling and waving back from the ships decks.

Arnie Salter, 98, from Bedworth, Warwickshire, said: Ive got a lot of mixed feelings, Im glad to go, it brings back memories, but Im also sad, we lost a hell of a lot of good men.

Mr Salter, who helped ferry hundreds of troops across to the Normandy beaches during D-Day, added: The flypast was lovely and the pipers were wonderful.

The Jedburgh Pipe Band played on board the ship (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Jack Mortimer, 100, from Leeds, who landed on Sword Beach, said: When I go back there, I cry. I saw bodies being brought off that beach.

Ken Hay, 98, who was captured as a prisoner of war just weeks after D-Day said: Its a very special day, we received a great send-off.

To go back to France is important, to see the cemeteries, the monuments, its always good to see.

John Dennett, 99, from Wallasey, Merseyside, told reporters: At my age now, Im a bit more expecting it to be emotional we must always remember them.

D-Day veteran John Dennett, 99, from Liverpool, covers his eyes during a wreath-laying service just off the French coastline (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

The Royal British Legion is escorting just 22 D-Day veterans to Normandy, compared with 255 who travelled to commemorate the 75th anniversary in 2019.

Another 10 are travelling with the Spirit of Normandy Trust.

One of those waving the veterans off was Janet Welling, 71, from Portsmouth, who said: I came here to remember the day and to reminisce.

It shouldnt be forgotten, what those poor lads went through, leaving here and embarking on France, and what they put themselves through. They said they werent scared  they must have been petrified.

D-Day veterans Harry Birdsall, 98, and Alec Penstone (front), 98, throw a wreath into the sea (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Maisie Brown, 20, also from Portsmouth, said: I came down with my nan to celebrate D-Day and that it should always be remembered.

Being the younger generation, and my dad and my uncles being in the Navy, I feel its always important to remember and never to forget.

As the ferry headed out into the Solent, an RAF A400 aircraft flew past to honour the veterans.

Mark Atkinson, the RBLs director general, said it was a momentous occasion.

From left, Royal Navy Commander Glen Hinson, D-Day veteran Jim Grant, Royal Navy Commodore John Boyce, and D-Day veteran Charles Horne (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

He went on: The veterans are remarkably sprightly, theyre up and about and engaged.

There were a lot of mixed emotions as youd imagine but a lot of people are really excited to be going back.

Its an opportunity for them to pay their respects and remember the fallen.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: The veterans, travelling with the Spirit of Normandy Trust and the Royal British Legion, will carry with them a commemorative torch from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission which will form the centrepiece of the vigil at Bayeux War Cemetery on 5 June.

A young person will pass this symbolic torch to a veteran before they board the ferry. At 1300 (ships time), a wreath-laying will take place on the ferry to remember those who never made it to shore.

About 40 veterans gathered at Southwick House near Portsmouth on Monday, which was used as the headquarters of the Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight Eisenhower during the build-up to the Normandy invasions.
The Royal Mint has struck a deal to expand its commemorative coin business into the US, in a move it says will bring in an extra 100 million over the next three years.

The company, which is owned by the Treasury, will send coins made in the UK to the Rare Coin Company of America (RARCOA), a distribution group, which will sell them.

Since 2022, the Royal Mint has seen its US customer base more than double, it said, and has sold more than 17,000 silver coins to American buyers.

It said coins relating to the royal family, as well as novelty coins depicting fictional series such as Star Wars and Harry Potter, were particularly popular.

The Mint has also produced coins themed around Ian Flemings James Bond series, the Chinese Lunar New Year and CS Lewis novel The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

The Millennium Falcon 50p silver coins (Royal Mint/PA)

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: From royalty to Harry Potter, our coins celebrate the milestone moments and cultural icons that make Britain famous around the world.

All our coin collections are made in the UK and British craftsmanship continues to have strong appeal internationally.

Recent collections celebrating the coronation, Star Wars and Liberty and Britannia have seen increased demand from US collectors and we expect this to grow over coming years.

Our new partnership with RARCOA will make it even easier for US customers to own a piece of British history from The Royal Mint.

The deal comes months after the organisation said it would stop making overseas currency for the first time in seven centuries.

The Mint makes British coins, as well as for 28 other countries, at its production site in Wales.

It has been making coins for other countries since 1325, but will wind down the operation in December  bringing it to 699 years in operation.

A spokesperson said at the time that the business was closing down because of a lack of demand amid the declining use of cash globally.

The move will see about 200 employees transferred to other parts of the organisation, as bosses try to reshape the centuries-old institution into a more profitable business.

That shake-up process includes the new distribution deal with RARCOA, which will have exclusive rights to sell the Mints coins in the US, but not other products like gold bullion bars.

RARCOA is one of one of the largest importers and distributors of gold coins from around the world, and maintains cash markets in US gold coins for dealers, banks, and brokers.
Janis Paige, a popular actor in Hollywood and in Broadway musicals and comedies, who danced with Fred Astaire, toured with Bob Hope and continued to perform into her 80s, has died at the age of 101.

Paige died on Sunday of natural causes at her Los Angeles home, long-time friend Stuart Lampert said on Monday.

Paige starred on Broadway with Jackie Cooper in mystery comedy Remains To Be Seen, and appeared with John Raitt in smash hit musical The Pajama Game.

Her other films included Hope comedy Bachelor In Paradise, Doris Day comedy Please Dont Eat The Daisies and Follow The Boys.

In 2018, she added her voice to the MeToo movement, alleging an assault when she was 22 by the late department store heir Alfred Bloomingdale.

I could feel his hands, not only on my breasts, but seemingly everywhere. He was big and strong, and I began to fight, kick, bite and scream, she wrote. At 95, time is not on my side, and neither is silence. I simply want to add my name and say, Me too.

Paiges big break came in wartime when she sang an operatic aria for servicemen at the Hollywood Canteen. MGM hired her a day later for a brief role in Bathing Beauty  she spoke two lines in the film, which starred Esther Williams and Red Skelton  then dropped her.

The same day, Warner Bros signed her and cast her in a dramatic segment of the all-star movie Hollywood Canteen.

Her contract started at 150 dollars a week. I earned more per week than my mother had made in a month during the Great Depression, she recalled in the Hollywood Reporter in 2018.

Her salary rose to 1,000 dollars weekly as the studio kept her busy in lightweight films such as Two Guys From Milwaukee, The Time, The Place And The Girl, Love And Learn, Always Together, Wallflower and Romance On The High Seas, which was Doris Days film debut.

Meanwhile, Paige had changed her name from Donna May Tjaden, adopting her grandfathers name of Paige. She took her first name from Elsie Janis, famed for entertaining troops in the First World War.

Paiges contract expired in 1949, at a time when studios were unloading talent because of the inroads of television. That was a jolt, she said in 1963. It meant I was washed up at 25.

She took her talents to Broadway, where she starred in Remains To Be Seen (her role would be snatched by June Allyson for the screen adaptation), and starred as Babe opposite Raitt as Sid in the original production of The Pajama Game, directed in 1954 by George Abbott. Doris Day took her role in the film version.

MGM producer Arthur Freed caught her nightclub act at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles and offered her a part opposite Astaire in Silk Stockings, also co-starring Cyd Charisse. The film is famous for her and Astaire spoofing new-fangled movie gimmicks in the Cole Porter number Stereophonic Sound, including swinging from a chandelier.

I was one mass of bruises. I didnt know how to fall. I didnt know how to get down on a table  I didnt know how to save myself because I was never a classic dancer, she told the Miami Herald in 2016.

In May 2003, Paige resumed entertaining after a long absence. She opened a show she called The Third Act at San Franciscos Plush Room, telling stories about Astaire, Frank Sinatra and others and singing tunes from her films and stage musicals.

Paige grew up in Tacoma, Washington. Her father deserted the family when she was four and her mother eked out a living at the Bank of Tacoma.

We always had enough to eat, Paige told the Saturday Evening Post in 1963, but nothing to spare. My mother worked so hard. And she used to keep saying that she wished Id been born a boy, so I could help out more. I always wanted to be a success for her, to make up for my father.

After leaving Warner Bros, she turned to TV, starring in a 1955-1956 TV series, Its Always Jan, and playing recurring roles in Flamingo Road, Santa Barbara, Eight Is Enough, Capitol, Fantasy Island and Trapper Jon MD. On All In The Family, she played a diner waitress who becomes involved with Carroll OConnors Archie Bunker.

Paige replaced Angela Lansbury in the New York production of Mame in 1968 on Broadway and toured with the show in 1969. She also toured in Gypsy, Annie Get Your Gun, Born Yesterday and The Desk Set. Her last time on Broadway was in 1984s Alone Together.

She also supplied glamour for Hopes Christmas visits to Cuba and the Caribbean in 1960, Japan and South Korea in 1962, and Vietnam in 1964. She sang in clubs with Sammy Davis Jr, Alan King, Dinah Shore and Perry Como.

She had two brief marriages, to San Francisco restaurateur Frank Martinelli and writer-producer Arthur Stander.

In 1962 she married songwriter Ray Gilbert, who won an Oscar for the song Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da from Disneys Song Of The South. He died in 1976, and she assumed management of his music company.
Federal prosecutors on Tuesday painted US President Joe Bidens son Hunter as a drug addict whose dark habits ensnared loved ones and who knew what he was doing, when he lied on forms to purchase a gun in 2018 by saying he was not in the throes of addiction.

Meanwhile, Hunter Bidens lawyer said he would call the presidents brother, James Biden, as a witness. James and Hunter Biden are close, and the uncle helped his nephew through rehab stints in the past.

You will see that he is not guilty, lawyer Abbe Lowell said.

Hunter Biden has been charged with three felonies stemming from the purchase when he was, according to his memoir, addicted to crack.

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.

Prosecutors told the jury in their opening statement that Hunter Biden was trying to score drugs just days after he lied on the form, telling his brothers widow in a message that he was waiting for a drug dealer.

First lady Jill Biden arrives at court on Tuesday (Matt Slocum/AP)

They also played for jurors an audio excerpt of his 2021 memoir Beautiful Things, in which he talked about going back to the state of Delaware at about the time of the gun purchase.

No-one is allowed to lie on a federal form like that, even Hunter Biden, federal prosecutor Derek Hines said.

He crossed the line when he chose to buy a gun and lied about a federal background check, the defendants choice to buy a gun is why we are here.

When the defendant filled out that form, he knew he was a drug addict and prosecutors do not have to prove he was using that day, Mr Hines said.

He added: Addiction is depressing, but Hunter Bidens addiction is not the reason for the case.

The proceedings come 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 has pleaded not guilty and has said he is being unfairly targeted by the justice department after Republicans decried the now-defunct plea deal as special treatment for the Democratic presidents son.

The trial is unfolding just days after Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City.

Hunter Biden with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden (Matt Rourke/AP)

The two criminal cases are unrelated, but their proximity underscores how the courts have taken centre stage during the 2024 campaign.

Jury selection moved quickly on Monday in Delaware, the presidents home state, where Hunter Biden grew up and where, the elder Biden often says, the family is deeply established.

Joe Biden spent 36 years as a senator in Delaware, commuting daily back and forth from Washington, DC.

The story of how Joe Bidens two young sons, Hunter and Beau, were injured in the car accident that killed his wife and baby girl in the early 1970s, is well known.

Beau Biden was the former state attorney general before he died at the age of 46 from cancer.

Some prospective jurors were dismissed because they knew the family personally, others because they held both positive and negative political views about the Bidens and could not be impartial.

Hunter Biden also faces a trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay 1.4 million dollars (1 million) in taxes.

The Delaware trial is not about Hunter Bidens foreign business affairs, though the proceedings were likely to dredge up dark, embarrassing and painful memories.

The presidents allies are worried about the toll the trial may take on the elder Biden, who has long been concerned about his only living son and his sobriety and who must now watch as his sons painful past mistakes are publicly scrutinised.

The president must do so while he is campaigning under anaemic poll numbers and preparing for a presidential debate with Trump.

In a statement on 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 he 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.

Joe Biden was traveling to France on Tuesday and will be away for the rest of the week. The first lady will join him later.

The case against Hunter Biden stems from a period when, by his own public admission, he was addicted to crack. His descent followed the 2015 death of his brother 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.

If convicted, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders do not get anywhere near the maximum, and it is unclear whether the judge would give him time behind bars.

Trump is to be sentenced on July 11 by Judge Juan Merchan, who raised the spectre of jail time during the trial after the former president racked up thousands of dollars in fines for violating a gag order.
Palestinians line up to receive meals at the Jabaliya refugee camp (Mahmoud Essa/AP)

Emergency services have recovered the bodies of 360 people, mostly women and children, killed in the northern refugee camp of Jabaliya, during a recent three-week Israeli offensive there, a spokesman for Gazas civil defence said on Tuesday.

Palestinian health officials in the Gaza Strip said Israeli strikes killed at least 11 people overnight into Tuesday, including a family of three in the built-up Bureij refugee camp and eight police officers.

The ongoing Israeli strikes and ground offensives across Gaza come as a ceasefire proposal, announced by US President Joe Biden, has placed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a crossroads.

The proposal offers the possibility of ending Israels war against Hamas, returning scores of hostages held by the militant group and quieting fighting on the northern border with Lebanon.

Israeli soldiers on tanks in a staging area near the Israeli-Gaza border in southern Israel (Leo Correa/AP)

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 group is destroyed.

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.

Israels expanding offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians facing widespread hunger.

Israel launched the 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.

Israels military confirmed the deaths on Monday of four more hostages held by Hamas.

About 80 hostages captured on October 7 are believed to still be alive in Gaza, alongside the remains of 43 others.
President Joe Biden waves as he arrives on Air Force One at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York, on Monday (Alex Brandon/AP)

By Fatima Hussein and Will Wissert, Associated Press

By Fatima Hussein and Will Wissert, Associated Press

President Joe Biden has hit out at his predecessor Donald Trump following his likely opponent in Novembers election being convicted by a Manhattan jury on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments

Mr Biden said on Monday that this campaign has entered uncharted territory.

Speaking at a fundraiser in Greenwich, Connecticut, he said the former president wants you to believe its all rigged. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The President said: Its reckless and dangerous and downright irresponsible for anyone to say that its rigged just because you dont like the verdict.

He added that the justice system was a core of American democracy and we should never allow anyone to tear it down.

Mr Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, was convicted on all counts related to a scheme during his 2016 presidential campaign to pay off adult film actor Stormy Daniels, who said the two had sex.

The former president labelled the verdict politically motivated and has blamed it on Mr Biden while seeking to make himself a political martyr in the eyes of supporters, suggesting that if this could happen to him, similar things might befall them.

As he did last week, Mr Biden noted it was a state case rather than a federal one, was heard by a jury chosen the same way all juries nationwide are chosen and featured five weeks of evidence. He said the verdict was unanimous and Mr Trump can appeal.

Former president Donald Trump speaks during a news conference after his trial (AP)

But he went further on Monday, accusing the former president of equating the justice system and elections, saying he was attacking both the judiciary and elections system as rigged.

Nothing could be more dangerous for the country, more dangerous for American democracy, Mr Biden said.

The President made no mention of the federal gun case against his son Hunter, which began on Monday in Delaware.

Instead, he said: Heres what is becoming clearer and clearer every day: The threat Trump poses in his second term would be greater than it was in his first.

This isnt the same Trump that got elected in 2016. Hes worse.

He referenced a television ad his campaign has produced featuring another of his celebrity backers, actor Robert De Niro, narrating and asserting that Mr Trump snapped after losing the election in 2020.

Something snapped in this guy  for real  when he lost in 2020, Mr Biden said, suggesting the former president was unhinged and was the driving force behind a mob of his supporters overrunning the US Capitol on January 6 2021.

He cant accept the fact that he lost, its literally driving him crazy, Mr Biden said.

Continuing his sharp criticism, he said the former president wants to terminate the Constitution and says if he loses there will be a bloodbath in America,

What kind of man is this? Mr Biden asked.

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Young girl farmer explains how shes taken Co Down family business in a different direction with new shop
Belfast couple on leaving restaurant jobs to set up award-winning food business: We have transformed our lives

Founders of Benergy pots not short on ambition as they unveil plans to partner with 77 gyms here

Benergy founders Marek Bak, Jessica Thompson and Ben Cochrane

Aine Toner Tue 4 Jun 2024 at 07:33

A couple who met while working in a Belfast restaurant and started their own business now plan to partner with 77 gyms across Northern Ireland.
Many of the refugees who escaped are likely trying to head to Malaysia, observers say.

Newly arrived Rohingya refugees rest at a shelter as they wait to be registered by the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR in Kuala Parek, East Aceh, Indonesia, Feb. 2, 2024.

Hundreds of Rohingya refugees have escaped from temporary shelters in Indonesias Aceh province, likely aided by human smugglers they paid to ferry them to Malaysia, for better opportunities and family reunions, officials and observers said.

Around 2,000 Rohingya who had landed in Aceh and North Sumatra since November  in 14 separate arrivals were given refuge in temporary shelters in the two provinces. Now, around 1,000 remain in Aceh and some 170 in the province next-door, a United Nations official said.

The most recent escape involved 27 refugees fleeing a camp at the West Aceh regents office complex in Meulaboh on Saturday, said Azim N.G., head of the local Public Order Agency.

Azim said the refugees escaped during heavy rain before dawn while the guards slept.

The immigrants were discovered missing when officers went to check the camp, and it was found empty, he said. Currently, there are no Rohingya refugees left in West Aceh. All have fled.

Local authorities suspect the refugees were taken to North Sumatra, but their whereabouts remain unknown. This incident followed several smaller escapes and interceptions of drivers attempting to transport refugees to Malaysia for a fee.

While not a signatory to the U.N. Refugee Convention, Indonesia has traditionally been a supporter of this persecuted Myanmar Muslim minority group and provided temporary shelter to Rohingya refugees.

Most of the Rohingya who arrive in Indonesia have left crowded and violent refugee camps in Myanmars neighbor, Bangladesh. Around 740,000 of them have been sheltering in the Coxs Bazar camps in southwestern Bangladesh since they fled a brutal crackdown by the Burmese military in 2017.

The refugees have usually left Bangladesh seeking a better life in Muslim-majority countries in Southeast Asia.

However, many become disillusioned with the lack of opportunities in Indonesia and seek to reach Malaysia, which has a larger Rohingya community and more informal employment opportunities, observers say.

Muhammad Riza Nurdin, a senior researcher at the International Centre for Aceh and Indian Ocean Studies, said the refugees were using human smugglers due to the lack of legal pathways to reach Malaysia.

Many Rohingya refugees aim to reunite with family members already in Malaysia, Nurdin said. They believe they have a better chance of finding work and acceptance there, even if its illegal.

Rohingya refugee children feed a sacrificial cow on the eve of Eid al-Adha in the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur, July 9, 2022. [Hasnoor Hussain/Reuters]

The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, acknowledged the refugees desperation but warned of the dangers of human smuggling, particularly for women and children who make up the majority of the Rohingya refugees.

Rohingya refugees may have been separated from their families for years, so they have a strong desire to reunite. This often motivates them to continue their journey even though they are aware of the dangers, said Mitra Salima Suryono, a spokesperson for the UNHCR Indonesia.

She added that 75% of Rohingya refugees are women and children, making them particularly vulnerable to smuggling and human trafficking.

Sirajul Mustafa, an 18-year-old Rohingya refugee, recently expressed his frustration with the lack of opportunities and activities at the shelter in Aceh, where he has been residing. Aceh, at the westernmost tip of Sumatra island, is a semi-autonomous and religiously conservative province

I want to work. I want to be able to send money to my parents in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, who have already paid an agent 100,000 Bangladeshi taka (about U.S. $950) to help me escape, he told BenarNews.

Since December, tensions have flared in Aceh as local residents express growing hostility toward Rohingya refugees, citing limited resources and concerns about the influx. In March, a crowd stormed a shelter in Suak Nie village, forcing authorities to relocate 75 Rohingya who had recently arrived after their boat capsized.

UNHCR and human rights groups have expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and fake news that has fueled local resentment towards the Rohingya, further complicating their already precarious situation.

Hendra Saputra, of the Jesuit Refugee Service Indonesia in Aceh, said that while the smugglers are criminals, the refugees are victims with limited options.

They are leaving shelters to seek a place where they can live with dignity and have a future, Hendra said.

The lack of safe and legal pathways for Rohingya refugees forces them to resort to dangerous measures.
Volker Turk also called for the adoption of a comprehensive refugee protection system.

Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, speaks to reporters at U.N. headquarters in Putrajaya at the end of his three-day trip to Malaysia, June 4, 2024.

Updated at 11:12 a.m. ET on 2024-06-06.

The U.N. human rights chief said Tuesday that Malaysia must reinstate access to immigration detention centers for the United Nations refugee agency and others so they could check on alleged harsh conditions and ill-treatment.

Talking to reporters at the end of a three-day visit to Malaysia, Volker Turk also said the country needed to find an alternative to immigration detention, particularly for children and groups in vulnerable situations.

It would be important for the government to adopt a comprehensive refugee protection system, reinforcing the legal status of refugees and enabling their access to employment, formal education, health and other essential services, he said during a news conference at the U.N office in Putrajaya.

I also call on the government to reinstate access to detention facilities for national monitoring bodies and UNHCR. I heard worrying accounts from several interlocutors of harsh conditions and ill treatment in detention facilities  reports which need to be investigated, Turk said, referring to the U.N. refugee agency.

In March, a Human Rights Watch report said Malaysian authorities were treating refugees, migrants and asylum seekers like criminals, and detaining them in overcrowded and degrading immigration detention with almost no access to the outside world.

The prolonged, judicially unsupervised detention of these foreign detainees violates international human rights law, HRW said in its 60-page report.

The rights watchdog group also claimed that U.N refugee agency UNHCR had been denied access to the countrys immigration depots since August 2019.

In September, following continued criticism about the presence of children in detention, Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail introduced a program to move children and some of their guardians to new centers that would be guarded around the clock.

But human rights and child welfare activists said the so-called child-friendly shelter was akin to a golden cage, because the minors remained confined even at the new location.

Refugee protection

Turk called for a comprehensive refugee protection plan to end criminalization of migrants and refugees  to offer them better access to health, education and legal aid as business and human rights issues come together.

He warned that denying human rights could undermine foreign investments in the country.

Business and human rights issues were part of our discussions because we know that when it comes to business practices, if business practices are not human-rights oriented, it will harm [foreign investment] in the future, Turk said.

Malaysias nearly 200,000 refugees are not legally allowed to work  many live in appalling conditions, and their children are often denied education. And because the country is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, refugees are viewed as illegal migrants and must pay much higher foreigners rates at government hospitals and clinics.

During his visit, Turk met with civil society, migrant and refugee group members along with government officials, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said he heard from many about the desire to ensure the progress is grounded in human rights.

What [Malaysia] actually needs is a comprehensive look at the whole migration system from the perspective of human rights, because that goes into the issues of labor standards [which] goes into issues of exploitation, he said.

Myanmar violence

During their meeting on Monday, Turk said he and Prime Minister Anwar discussed Malaysias chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) beginning in 2025, and the post-coup situation in Myanmar, one of the blocs 10 member-states.

Of course, Myanmar is at the heart of the discussion . How to deal with it when we see that the situation is deteriorating as we speak, is going to be extremely important, he said.

ASEAN has been trying to help restore democracy and peace in Myanmar after the February 2021 military coup there, but the junta, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, has largely shunned the efforts of the regional bloc.

Meanwhile, pro-democracy activists have formed militias to fight the military in cooperation with ethnic minority insurgent groups, but the violence has displaced about 3 million people, according to U.N. estimates.

I will discuss this with Laos, the current chair, but it is important to prepare for the chairmanship by Malaysia, said the U.N. official, who was scheduled to travel to Thailand and Laos next.

Lilianne Fan, director of the Geutanyoe Foundation, an NGO that works with refugees and vulnerable communities in Southeast Asia, said Turks meeting with Myanmar refugees spotlighted the seriousness of the situation there.

She pointed to the dramatic escalation in violence against civilians, including children, women, elderly and displaced people, among other developments in Myanmar. Turk is following the situation there closely and is also very concerned about the spillover effects in the region, Fan told BenarNews.

Turk is following the situation there closely and is also very concerned about the spillover effects in the region.

James Bawi Thang Bik of the Myanmar Ethnic Organization, who met with Turk on Monday, raised concerns about Burmese refugees in Malaysia, he told BenarNews.

Why is the Malaysian government denying UNHCR access to detention centers? he said he told Turk.

Prior to 2019, UNHCR had access to the [centers] and could get the documentation needed for their release. Now, without access, these refugees are sent back to Myanmar, often to face greater dangers.

Civil society engagement

Turk heard about domestic concerns as well when he met with a coalition of 60 civil societies, led by Malaysian human rights organizations Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) and Pusat KOMAS.

On Monday, Malaysias Foreign Ministry said Turks visit was part of Malaysias ongoing engagement with the U.N. to raise human rights awareness.

Among the issues raised were the planned amendments to the Federal Constitution, which some groups called regressive and said would remove the right to Malaysian citizenship for children born to permanent residents.

The coalition also highlighted the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA)  the law allowing detention without trial  which was used more in 2023 during arrests.

Civil Society activists also expressed concerns over the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 used last year to ban LGBTQ-themed watches.

Underage marriage remains a contentious issue in Malaysia.

While activists push for the legal marriage age to be set at 18, Islamic family law allows marriages for those younger than 18 with Sharia court approval and civil law permits girls ages 16 and 17 to marry with state chief minister approval.

Activist Adrian Pereira, a member of North-South Initiative, an NGO that focuses on migrant, labor and refugee issues, said attendees saw the meeting as an opportunity for the U.N. to better understand Malaysias human rights landscape.

The challenge post [Turks] visit will be significant for the U.N. country team, Adrian told BenarNews.

Now, how can they measure and push for rights-based reforms effectively?

This report has been updated to clarify comments by Lillian Fan.
Manila accuses China of trying to interfere with an air-drop of supplies intended for Filipino marines stationed at Second Thomas (Ayungin) Shoal.

The BRP Sierra Madre is seen anchored at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, Nov. 10, 2023.

The Philippines on Tuesday rejected Beijings allegations that Filipino troops had pointed guns at Chinese coast guard personnel after they dangerously approached a military outpost in the disputed South China Sea.

Chinas state-run media on Sunday said that Filipino marines stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era naval ship run aground on Second Thomas (Ayungin) Shoal, had aimed their weapons at rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) deployed by a China Coast Guard ship on May 19.

Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. disputed the account, saying the troops were armed but followed strict rules of engagement and had acted with the highest level of professionalism, restraint and discipline.

We are denying that any of our soldiers pointed their guns deliberately  Brawner said at a press briefing Tuesday. But we will not deny the fact that they were armed because the BRP Sierra Madre is a commissioned navy ship and therefore it is authorized to have weapons.

Brawner was echoing comments he had made in an interview with GMA news program 24 Oras a day earlier.

We have that right because of the concept of self-defense. We have the right to defend ourselves from any armed attack or external attack, he said.

Manila deliberately ran the rusty ship aground in 1999 to serve as its military outpost at the shoal. Since then, it has had to dispatch ships and boats regularly to deliver fresh supplies to the military personnel onboard the BRP Sierra Madre.

Brawner accused the China Coast Guard of deploying RHIBs to intercept supplies that were being air-dropped to the Philippine troops.

The Chinese RHIBs, Brawner said, came very, very close to the BRP Sierra Madre and from the point of view of troops on board posed a danger or a threat.

The Chinese coast guard seized one of the four bags  which were dropped and contained food and some medicine  and later scattered the supplies at sea, Brawner said.

Such behavior is unacceptable and undermines efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region, Brawner said.

The incident adds to rising tensions in the South China Sea. China claims almost all of the mineral-rich waterway while dismissing competing claims from the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam and Taiwan.

In 2016, an international arbitration court ruled in favor of the Philippines, throwing out Chinas sweeping historical claims. Beijing has never accepted the decision.

China has occupied Scarborough Shoal, which lies within Manilas 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, for more than a decade.

Last week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue defense forum in Singapore, hit out at Chinas assertive actions that aim to propagate excessive, baseless claims through force, intimidation and deception.

The China Embassy in Manila did not reply to requests for comment on Brawners statement, but sought to debunk Marcos speech in Singapore.

Chinas territorial sovereignty over maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are based on solid historical and legal grounds, the Chinese Embassy said on Monday, quoting a foreign ministry spokesperson.
Thai activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit was taken near his apartment in Cambodias capital in 2020, CCTV footage showed.

Sitanan Satsaksit, sister of missing Thai activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit, submits a petition at Government House in Bangkok requesting an investigation into his suspected 2020 abduction in Cambodia, June 4, 2024.

As she marked the fourth anniversary of her brothers abduction in Cambodia, Sitanan Satsaksit submitted yet another petition on Tuesday seeking the Thai governments help in investigating his disappearance.

But this time, she is petitioning a new government, led by the party her missing brother worked for, to see if it will intervene to put pressure on the Cambodian government to get answers on his case.

The June 4, 2020, disappearance of her sibling, Wanchalearm Satsaksit, 37, an activist from Ubon Ratchathani, was among a series of suspected cases of transnational repression that occurred when Thailands military was still in power.

We have been filing complaints for four years, and there has been no progress. The authorities have shown that they are not genuinely interested or concerned about this issue. We dont have any hopes, but we must continue fighting, Sitanan told BenarNews.

Wanchalearm was working for the opposition Pheu Thai party when he was abducted while speaking on the phone with Sitanan that day.

CCTV footage showed him being seized in front of his Phnom Penh apartment complex, a day after he posted a video on Facebook criticizing the Thai government.

Wanchalearm had fled to Cambodia to avoid arrest by the then-Thai junta on potential charges under the Computer Crimes Act.

Pheu Thai heads a coalition government, which came to power last year but retains links to the military.

Sitanan, joined by rights activists, submitted a letter at the Government Complaint Center near Government House in Bangkok and Pheu Thai Party headquarters requesting an investigation into the disappearances of Wanchalearm and other political refugees. The party took power in September 2023 with the swearing-in of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his cabinet.

Krumanit Sangphum, a Pheu Thai Party MP and deputy chief government whip, responded to the complaint.

The Pheu Thai Party has a long-standing position on the democratic process and human rights. We have been fighting for these issues for a long time. I think today, as the leading party in forming the government, we have been following the demands made, Krumanit said.

We will look for opportunities to address these problems. The Pheu Thai Party is currently holding a meeting, so we will bring this matter for discussion.

Then-Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha talks to reporters at Government House in Bangkok, March 20, 2023, after announcing he had dissolved Parliament to set the stage for a general election in May. [Sakchai Lalit/AP]

At the time of the incident, then-Lt. Gen. Krisana Pattanacharoen, who was Royal Thai police deputy spokesman, told BenarNews that Wanchalearms disappearance was not related to the Thai authorities.

Since the abduction, Wanchalearms family and human rights activists have been calling for justice and urging government officials in Thailand and Cambodia to investigate the incident, but have seen little progress.

The indifference and neglect of the Thai government toward Wanchalearms case  clearly shows that relatives or those seeking justice cannot do anything, both legally and in campaigning for the government to take political responsibility, Pornpen Khongkachonkiet, director of the Cross-Cultural Foundation, a Thai NGO, told BenarNews.

The government has ignored the situation and acted as if he was not an activist who had previously supported the party. Its disappointing.

Before Wanchalearms enforced disappearance, Thai authorities were officially pursuing him based on an arrest warrant, Pornpen said.

He noted that the activist was living in Cambodia without hiding.

If the government could track him, Wanchalearm would not have disappeared. The state should not ignore the disappearance of refugees abroad and should expedite the investigation to uncover the truth, Pornpen said.

Missing Thais

At least 104 individuals had to flee the country as political refugees beginning in 2014, when the military overthrew the democratic government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

The group noted that nine Thai refugees living in foreign countries had disappeared through 2023, when coup leader Prayuth Chan-o-cha was still prime minister.

Two refugees, identified as Chatcharn Buppawan and Kraidej Luelert, were found dead in the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom province, their bodies disemboweled and stuffed with concrete.

Regarding the situation faced by refugees, Piyapong Pimpaluck, as assistant professor at Chiang Mai University, called on the Thai government to restore confidence in democracy and freedom.

The NCPO left behind many terrible legacies, especially the succession of political power, authoritarian values, and hate speech, which will create problems for Thai society for a long time, Piyapong told BenarNews.

NCPO was the acronym for the National Council for Peace and Order, the official name for Prayuths junta.

Although Thailand has returned to democracy, the tools and ideology of eliminating political enemies used by the dictatorship still exist. However, I believe that Thai people now clearly see the value of democracy and human rights, Piyapong said, noting that people were rising up and making demands of the government.

The government should lead the country back to the path of democracy.

The United Nations, meanwhile, has reported that at least 77 Thai individuals were victims of enforced disappearance since 1980, including Billy, a Karen activist from Phetchaburi Province in 2014, Surachai Saedan, a Red Shirt leader in 2018, and Wanchalearm in 2020.

Everyone in the family has trauma. We live with it, and there isnt a single day of happiness. When we watch old clips and see our brother, when we talk to family members, the feeling of torment remains the same, Sitanan said about Wanchalearm.
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An Arlington man accused of an ongoing sexual assault of a child during the spring and summer of 2023 was remanded back to jail after a Bennington judge refused to release him to his family due to safety concerns for the community and doubts his proposed living conditions would take away that risk.
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.
David J. Sinopoli, 69, allegedly traveled from Pittsfield to North Adams on Nov. 13, 2022, under the impression that he "was going to be having sex with a 14-year-old girl," prosecutors say.
The Rev. Elizabeth Goodman, pastor of the Monterey Church, said she hopes the building will remain in community use under a new owner, and that the congregation might be able to rent the home it has owned and maintained for 176 years.
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Andrew Fitch is a small business founder, a nonprofit worker and community leader who was elected to the North Adams City Council last fall. Fitch, one of the organizers of North Adams Pride, has called North Adams a beacon of creativity, freedom, expression and safety in a world and a time which is not always so welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community." Eagle Reels host Dalton Delan recently spoke with Fitch about Gay Pride Month and what makes North Adams home for him. The following Q&A is edited for length and clarity; watch the vodcast for the complete interview.

DALTON DELAN: Gay Pride Month (June 2024) is coming in the Berkshires. What are the highlights?

ANDREW FITCH: Pittsfield Pride or Berkshire Pride, their celebration is really something to check out. There are so many different vendors, tables, performances. The first Friday in June, we will have some activities down on Eagle Street in North Adams. We'll have drag performances and music. We're working on setting up a Queer Night, June 21, which is our fourth annual Pride Night celebration, at Mass MoCA. That's the main core programming. We also have drag storytime where last year for the first time we had even the mayor of North Adams as well as several different drag queens, and other key figures come and read.

DELAN: Here in Massachusetts, we've got the first openly lesbian governor of the state, the first openly gay mayor of Pittsfield. What's the queer future of the Berkshires?

'Love, identity and community': Pittsfield kicks off Pride Month with a proclamation and raising of the Pride flag Saturday kicked off Pride Month in Pittsfield. To mark the occasion, Mayor Peter Marchetti gave a proclamation at City Hall making June the official month of Pride for Pittsfield, before the Pride flag was raised.

FITCH: The Berkshires has already a significant foothold, a queer foothold. There's been a strong performing arts culture here for some time. And with that has come a certain degree of queer culture and queer acceptance, a kind of shouting out to people from afar, saying, Hey, this is a welcoming place. In my shortish time here, several queer folks have moved to town, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, including three different families who have intentionally moved to Massachusetts from Texas. And they selected North Adams. It's been a delight to see more rainbow flags on people's porches and windows, and more attendees at Pride events.

DELAN: Nationally, we're all almost in a cultural civil war. Last year, across the country, there were over 500 pieces of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, the weaponization of legislation, the politicization of trans people. What's getting worse? What's getting better?

FITCH: Around here, things have only been getting better. We're in a deeply blue state in a fairly liberal region of this state. So we're kind of safe and protected from it here. But I have friends all over the place, including Texas and Florida, and people out there are terrified.

DELAN: You've been around the country. What's special about North Adams?

FITCH: We have a huge opportunity here in North Adams to make a difference and to make this place significantly better. This is all the things that my friends in Berkeley, Calif., in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and Austin, Texas, talk about: how special their neighborhood used to be, so much opportunity to make a difference. That's North Adams, for me. For my generation, I don't know anywhere else in the country or the world that is this cool, still affordable, and willing to let people come in and dive in to help out.

DELAN: You've referred to celebration, innovation and education as three pillars of your work. Can you tell us about that?

FITCH: Our pillars are educate, celebrate and innovate. The celebrate portion, people want to be involved with it. It can be heavy, that's the education portion. But it shouldn't be too heavy, that people don't want to be there. The innovation portion here is an intentional push and reminder to always strive to do better, to be a little more inclusive, to be a little different, so that we keep things fresh, pushing our society forward.

DELAN: With this positive energy and attitude that you have, was that part of your own coming out, your own journey?

FITCH: I didn't come out of the closet fully until age roughly 24. I was pretty well established in life, had already gone through college, through a master's program. So I think I had it a lot easier than a lot of other people who probably came out at a younger age when they were living at their parents houses and needed their parents support more. I also have a really supportive family. It doesn't mean that it was the easiest thing in the world. It's a really tricky thing for everyone. It's been a wonderful journey ever since.

DELAN: Let's look ahead, let's say it's 2030. The queer ecosphere in the Berkshires, will it be a reflection of a country that's progressed?

FITCH: I think it will be a reflection of a country that has progressed. I think North Adams and the Berkshires will have surged ahead. I firmly believe that North Adams and also Pittsfield, like the Berkshires in general, is the queer future of Massachusetts. Because our coastline is washing away further and further with sea level rises and climate change, more people are going to move here, looking for places to feel a sense of comfort, looking beyond just Provincetown. A place like this, which has a really strong arts community, has a lot of opportunity, has beautiful houses that need fixing up.

DELAN: We should be buying up waterfront property in North Adams!

FITCH: Exactly! We have what's called Windsor Lake or Fish Pond. Come on over, everyone. It's a little smaller than the Atlantic Ocean.

DELAN: What gets you up in the morning?

FITCH: We've made a lot of progress in a little time. I think because we are the smallest city in the state in North Adams, you can really see the impact of what you're doing. That keeps me up in the morning because I can see this all happening right in front of my eyes. And I have so many more projects to do.
The town has gone in a different direction, continuing to retain decision-making control over the Greylock Glen property, but still plans to install a commission that would take over management of the land and its associated businesses.
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Soares brings over 20 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry

Organon India has announced the appointment of Vivek Soares as its new Country Lead for India and South Asia, commencing on June 1st, 2024.

Soares will take the reins from Anjan Sen, who will retire after 35 years in the biopharmaceutical sector, which includes 11 years with MSD and Organon.

Soares brings over 20 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, having held numerous leadership roles at both country and regional levels. He has successfully led diverse teams across markets, developed and executed successful strategies, to increase sales and profitability, while building future capabilities.

Prior to joining Organon India, Soares served as Strategic Partnerships & Business Development Lead for Organon Thailand. He has also held positions such as Director, Fertility Business Unit in Asia Pacific, Head of Tender & Key Account in Vietnam, and Senior Marketing Manager for Women's Health covering India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Healthcare company Organon has a global footprint with significant scale and geographic reach, world-class commercial capabilities, and approximately 10,000 employees with headquarters located in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Living in a more deprived, more ethnically diverse location increases your chance of receiving a higher quote, a new survey on the Irish insurance industry has found.

A new report jointly produced by CeADAR, Irelands centre for artificial intelligence, and Idiro Analytics used AI methods to analyse almost 40,000 quotes from 10 car insurance companies across 20 locations in Ireland.

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Researchers found that driving experience and the length of time a driver has had a policy are key factors that are modified by home address when a quote is being calculated.

This can lead to extreme cases in which 25-year-olds in areas of south Dublin are receiving lower quotes than 60-year-olds with fewer penalty points living in poorer locations.

The report also found that the extent to which your premium increases if you receive penalty points varies depending on your location. For example, drivers in Dublin 17 who receive penalty points can expect an average increase in their premium of 107 per cent, from 792 to 1,642, compared to 68 per cent for drivers in Mallow, Co Cork, from 560 to 941.

Meanwhile, a drivers occupation increases their quote even if they do not use their car for business purposes. This is then compounded by where they live.

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Retail workers are most affected by this, with drivers who work in retail and live in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, seeing their premiums increase by 35 per cent, from 555 to 747, compared to 5 per cent, from 512 to 540, for a retail worker living in Glenageary, Co Dublin.

The year-long research analysed almost 40,000 quotes from 20 locations around Ireland, including counties Dublin, Cork, Longford, Roscommon, Wicklow and Donegal.

Multiple samples of quotes were collected to isolate single changes to accurately measure the effect of each change  for example, a drivers name, home address or gender  on the quoted figure.

The research did find significant differences across the 10 insurers whose quotes were analysed.

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Researchers also found that residents of Longford town are quoted the highest premiums. Those in Crookstown, Co Cork, receive the lowest quotes.

There was no difference in quotes between those with traditionally Irish names and those with non-Irish-sounding names. There was also no significant difference between males and females, the analysis found.

Drivers who make claims, even when they are not at fault, receive higher quotes.

The aim of the study was to understand how insurance companies algorithms work and the extent to which unconscious bias is embedded in them, said Dr Adrian Byrne, a fellow at CeADAR and lead researcher at the AI Ethics Centre in Idiro Analytics.

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"Living in a more deprived, more ethnically diverse location not only increases the chances of receiving a higher quote but if you add penalty points, claims and zero NCB into the mix, then we have seen unequal treatment between different locations," Dr Byrne said.

European legislation due to be introduced later this year will see essential service providers like car insurance companies penalised for failing to guard against bias in their AI systems.

Companies found to have broken the rules of the EU AI Act will find themselves liable for administrative fines of up to 30 million or a sum equal to 6 per cent of their annual turnover.

Dr Byrne said insurance companies need to guard against bias that may lead them to be in breach of the new EU AI Act.
Posidonia shipping exhibition features China's impressive comeback

Xinhua) 11:22, June 04, 2024

ATHENS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Posidonia 2024 international shipping exhibition, the biggest in its 60-year history, kicked off on Monday in Athens.

This year's event features a remarkable comeback from China, with 180 companies participating -- an almost 50 percent increase from previous years, according to the exhibition organizer.

At the opening ceremony, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized his support for Greek shipowners "in every aspect of the shipping industry, from the green transition to the safety of ports and shipyards."

Mitsotakis toured part of the exhibition, visiting the stand of Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA), a member of China's COSCO Shipping group.

The event, which runs until June 7, hosts 2,030 companies from 82 countries and regions, showcasing maritime products and services from Europe, North America, and Asia. It is expected to draw over 40,000 international and Greek visitors.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Lupita Nyongo was concerned that rumours about her dating Hollywood star Jared Leto would draw attention away from the work.

The Mexico-born actress, who grew up in Kenya, won an Academy Award for supporting actress for historical movie 12 Years A Slave and is also known for the Black Panther superhero films.

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Nyongo, 41, told Glamour that it has always been a warm experience having Requiem For A Dream actor and Thirty Seconds To Mars frontman Leto as a friend, but she didnt love the idea that they had a romantic relationship.

Lupita Nyongo won an Academy Award for supporting actress for historical movie 12 Years A Slave (Adrienne Raquel / Glamour)

She said: It was drawing attention away from the work.

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I didnt want that sort of attention. I didnt want all that chatter to deter from the joy I was having becoming his friend.

She and Leto both won Oscars in 2013, the latter for best supporting actor in Dallas Buyers Club.

Nyongo also said she wanted to be honest by announcing her split from TV host Selema Masekela in 2023.

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Read the full interview in the GLAMOUR June Digital Issue online now (Adrienne Raquel/Glamour)

Im very happy with what I did, and I dont want to do it anymore. I dont want to share that part of myself anymore, she said.

Following the break-up, Nyongo says she was severely broken until animals changed her life.

The actress is currently starring in A Quiet Place: Day One, a prequel to the horror film series A Quiet Place, which sees her character accompanied by a cat.

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She says that she was initially reluctant to be accompanied by the animal and asked the director Michael Sarnoski for it to be changed to something else like an armadillo.

Matthew McConaughey, Cate Blanchett, Lupita Nyongo and Jared Leto (Ian West/PA)

However, she has since learned to embrace cats.

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I was really having a hard time believing in joy, Nyongo says. I was flirting with depression. I wasnt there yet, but I was flirting with it. And I had a voice say in my head, Get a cat.

Her cat Yoyo isnt going anywhere, she says.

Nyongo adds: I guess the best antidote for when you feel poorly taken care of is to take care of something and I took care of Yoyo and he pried my heart open.

Read the full interview in the Glamour June digital issue online now at glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/lupita-nyongo-interview-2024.
Around 373 million citizens across the 27 member states of the European Union are eligible to vote on June 6-9th in elections to the European Parliament.

Here is all you need to know about the vote:

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What is the European Parliament?

The European Parliament (EP) is the only directly elected body of the EU, representing the citizens of its member states. Its primary functions include negotiating EU laws with the member state governments, which are represented by the European Council.

The EP also approves the EU budget and votes on international agreements and enlargements of the bloc.

The EP holds significant oversight responsibilities, including the power to approve or reject the appointment of the European Commission president - a post currently held by Germany's Ursula von der Leyen - and the commissioners.

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Unlike national parliaments, the EP does not have the right to propose laws but can only negotiate those proposed by the executive European Commission.

The EP comprises 720 members (MEPs) elected every five years. The MEPs then elect their president for a term of two and a half years. The outgoing president is Italy's Roberta Metsola.

Who can vote?

In 21 member states, people aged 18 and above can vote. In Belgium, Germany, Austria and Malta, the minimum voting age is 16. In Greece, people who turn 17 during the election year can vote, and in Hungary married individuals can vote regardless of age.

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EU citizens can vote in their country of origin or from abroad. Voting from abroad is permitted in all member states except Czechia, Ireland, Malta and Slovakia. In Bulgaria and Italy, that right applies only to those living within the EU.

Citizens living in another EU country can choose to vote for candidates either from their country of origin or from their country of residence.

The voter has to choose which country's MEPs he or she will vote for, but it is not legal to vote in both countries at the same time.

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How to vote?

In some member states, voters can only choose closed lists that do not allow change of order for preferred candidates, while in others they can select individual candidates in a preferential system.

Depending on national laws, some electors abroad can vote at their national embassies, via mail or electronically.

Who runs as a candidate?

Voters may choose from individual candidates or political parties' delegates, depending on the country. Once elected, politicians from each nation will flow into the European groups that form the Parliament, based on political orientations.

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Some member states, including Germany, only allow candidacy in European elections for nominees of political parties or political associations.

Elected individuals cannot hold functions in national governments or other political bodies such as the EU Commission, the Court of Justice or the Court of Auditors, among others. All candidates must be EU citizens.

2024 election predictions

Six in 10 EU citizens have expressed their interest in voting in these elections, a survey by the bloc's statistics agency Eurostat showed in April.

A projection by poll aggregator Europe Elects forecast at the end of May that out of the 720 seats available in the EP, the Group of the centre-right European People's Party (EPP) would win 180, the centre-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists And Democrats (S&D) 138, and the liberal, centrist Renew Europe (RE) 86.

The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) would have 75 seatsand Identity and Democracy (ID) would be down to 68 from 84 in April, after expelling Germany's far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD).

Other smaller parties would win the remaining 173 seats, the data from Europe Elects showed.

2019 election results

The previous elections marked a pivotal shift in politics as traditional centre-right and centre-left blocs lost ground to smaller parties.

The EPP and centre-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) saw their combined number of seats drop by 76, losing their long-standing majority.

This necessitated broader coalition-building, boosting centrist and pro-EU groups such as Renew Europe and Greens/EFA.

Voting turnout hit a 20-year high at 50.66 per cent, an 8 per cent increase from 2014, indicating heightened public interest in issues such as climate change, migration and economic inequality.
The High Court has begun hearing a challenge to permission for a long-stalled 10 million Supermacs motorway plaza in Co Clare.

Representing himself in the action, engineer Michael Duffy is asking the court to overturn An Bord Pleanalas 2022 decision to approve Pat McDonaghs plan for the development off the M18, at Kilbreckan, Doora, outside Ennis.

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Mr McDonagh, who is founder and owner of the fast-food chain, first lodged plans for the plaza a decade ago. An Bord Pleanala denied him planning in 2016 before he secured a grant from Clare County Council in December 2020, which the board upheld in October 2022.

Mr Duffy, from Kilfenora, Co Clare, alleges there were flaws in the boards Appropriate Assessment, which screens for a projects potential harmful effects on special areas of conservation.

On Tuesday he also submitted that the board should not have taken verbatim Irish Waters assessment of the capacity of the nearby Clareabbey wastewater treatment plant. He said the board could take the agencys view into consideration but had a duty to look beyond that.

He said he had raised concerns about the facilitys capacity in his objection to Mr McDonaghs planning application, while the Environmental Protection Agency reported it was overloaded in 2018.

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An Bord Pleanala, as the respondent decision-maker, and Mr McDonagh, who is a notice party, are contesting the case and deny his claims. Mr McDonagh was present in court for the first day of the hearing.

Clare County Council is also a notice party but is not participating in the case, the court heard.

The board maintains its appropriate assessment and decision are not flawed and should stand. It also takes issue with how Mr Duffy has pleaded his claim.

Mr McDonaghs legal team argues, among other points, that Mr Duffys complaints are premised on a selective and incorrect reading of An Bord Pleanala documents.

The High Court gave Mr Duffy permission last July to proceed with his action, but on narrower grounds than he wanted. Mr McDonaghs lawyers had asked the court to preclude Mr Duffy from advancing to a full hearing.

The case before Mr Justice David Holland continues on Wednesday.
A Fine Gael MEP candidate says he will vote for Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as European Commissioner despite her stance on Israel's action in Palestine.

John Mullins, who is running in the Ireland South constituency, says despite criticism of Ms von der Leyen, he will back her for a second term should he be elected.

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Speaking to BreakingNews.ie, Mr Mullins said Ms von der Leyen's track record on Brexit will be a big reason why he would vote for her.

"I will vote for her because, on balance, she has done a very good job as president. She supported this country when we were going through the Brexit negotiations.

"We got a lot of support from von der Leyen on this. Her performance during Covid was exemplary as well, in my view.

"We need to understand that there are different attitudes towards Israel across Europe. We need to understand the history of Europe to understand why those attitudes are different.

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"Since that visit to Israel, I think she has pulled back from that particular position. Certainly going forward, that she would lead going forward on putting sanctions on Israel for what they are doing."

In the week Ireland recognised the State of Palestine, the world was horrified by footage from Rafah, as dozens of innocent people were killed by strikes by Israel.

Rafah, the southernmost Gaza City on the border with Egypt, has housed more than a million people  about half of Gazas population  displaced from other parts of the territory.

With over 36,000 people killed since the start of October, Mr Mullins called on the EU to stop trading of arms with Israel and increase pressure for a ceasefire.

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"We need to stop shipping armaments from the European Union into Israel. If you stop the supply, they will have no choice but to move towards a ceasefire.

"They are not listening to the diplomacy on this, either from the United States or Europe at this point in time. What has happened in the last week has been horrific.

"There have been a number of mistakes by the way, but there has been nearly 40,000 mistakes. We need to start thinking about serious sanctions."

Fine Gael is part of the EPP party in the European Parliament, which will back Ms von der Leyen for a second term.

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In the build up to the election, she has been accused of aligning closer to the far-right along with the party. With their rise across Europe a concern, Mr Mullins says the rise of the far-right should not be encouraged.

"I would have real difficulty if the EPP was in some sort of alliance with the far-right. In that context, I would certainly vote against that alliance.

"I think that we in Fine Gael need to take a view what arrangements are made. We would prefer if there are arrangements made with other groups, for example, in the centre of the European Parliament rather than aiding far-right groups across Europe.

"As far as I am concerned, they are not good for society."

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Immigration has become a major talking point in the lead up to the European elections, with tents once again moved from the Grand Canal for asylum seekers.

There have also been checks by gardai on asylum seekers coming from Northern Ireland, with gardai returning people to the UK who have entered the Republic illegally and have not claimed international protection.

Mr Mullins says there must be co-operation between both the gardai and PSNI, while more must be done by the Government to speed up the process for those seeking asylum.

"We have to make sure that we limit the numbers that come across from the North, but more importantly, we need to process the numbers that are here, so that they either stay because they are given full rights as a refugee, or they are removed from that staus because they come from a safe country.

"The reality is that this is an issue that is not going away. We have to make sure we start by having appropriate state accomodation, we have to make sure the tents do not continue in Dublin.

"We fought very hard to keep the 500km border between lough Foyle and Carlingford open, and the reality is that as long as the UK is threatening Rwanda on refugees, we can expect people to keep coming across.

"It will be up to the people at Belfast port, and that is where the majority are coming in, to do random checks or not, but that is a matter for the North.

"It would be useful if that was the case, but I think there would be quite a level of political sensitivity around that."

This election will be a first for the party with Simon Harris as leader.

After a referendum that did not go the Government's way, a 2021 by-election which saw the party lose a seat and losses in the 2020 General Election, the party needs a successful local and General Election.

Mr Mullins claims the reaction to Mr Harris has been positive during campaigning, and expects a positive result for the party at local and European level.

"For me, he has done a very good job up front. He has been very clear in terms of what he wants to get done.

"The reaction on the streets has been extremely positive. The outcome of the election will be looked at in the round, but if you look at what we have seen in the polls, there has been an increase for Fine Gael.

"The expectation on the ground is that we will do well."
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.

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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.

Lilian Seenoi-Barr. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.

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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.

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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.

Ms 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.

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Ms 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.

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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.

Meanwhile there was also history at two other councils in the region on Monday.

The new Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray described himself as the first openly gay mayor of Northern Irelands capital when he was installed, while Pete Byrne (SDLP) became the first openly LGBT+ chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

Mr Murray, 32, has been an Alliance councillor since 2022.

He said: As the citys first openly gay Lord Mayor, I want Belfast to be a place where everyone feels welcomed and included.

A more inclusive, diverse and kinder city makes it better for everyone.

Im looking forward to meeting with groups and organisations city-wide who are working to achieve these goals and to using my time as Lord Mayor to highlight their work and showcase all that is good within our city.
A man who regularly beat his wife, sexually abused her and cut her vagina with a knife when she was heavily pregnant has been jailed for 12 years.

The 46-year-old man, who can't be named to protect the identity of his victim, was found guilty by a jury of one count of rape, three counts of aggravated sexual assault, three counts of assault causing harm and one count of coercive control following a two-week Central Criminal Court trial last November.

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The abuse took place in locations in Cavan on dates between July 2020 and May 2022.

Sentencing the man on Tuesday, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo said the man had used sadistic and humiliating violence against his wife and that the offences represented a significant breach of trust given that they were carried out by her husband in their family home.

He set a global headline sentence of 14 years. Mr Justice Naidoo noted that the man had not pleaded guilty and has not shown remorse or victim empathy. The court heard that the man does not accept the verdict of the jury.

He suspended the final two years of the sentence on strict conditions having taken into account the mans lack of previous convictions and the fact that he has not come to garda attention since.

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In her victim impact statement which was previously read out in court, the woman said her dreams transformed into a nightmare during her marriage to the man and how her fear of him kept her trapped in this circle of physical and psychological abuse.

She said she believed he was getting closer to killing her during their time together and the ordeal has left her with anxiety attacks and depression.

She described how fearful she was that Tusla would take her children away after the abuse and she said she was grateful for the support she has received instead.

She said they are in the process of recovery and, while fearful of what will happen when the man gets out of prison, I know me and my children are going to be okay.

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A local sergeant garda told the court that the man and woman, who are originally from Brazil and have four children together, met online while he was living here and she was in Brazil. He proposed and they met for the first time just one week before getting married.

The woman had little English and was not able to work in Ireland due to her immigration status.

he became pregnant very quickly, which the court heard was a surprise to her as the man had led her to believe that they wouldn't be able to conceive naturally.

The court heard the marriage was largely happy at first, although the woman had no friends due to her lack of English and opportunities to socialise. However, the court heard the marriage became increasingly violent, with the man slapping, pushing, shoving her and hitting her with phone charger cables.

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He was drinking to excess and had a propensity to smash furniture.

In the first aggravated sexual assault, the man tied the woman up and cut her clitoris with a knife. She thought he was killing her and was very afraid, the court heard. He put a piercing into the hole the next day, but it fell out, the court heard.

During the Covid lockdowns of 2020, the man was out of work and the violence increased along with his drinking. He prevented her from having contact with her family in Brazil, and they were not allowed come and stay, the court heard.

When she was heavily pregnant with their third child, he punched her to the face, leaving her with a black eye. He cut her vagina with a knife again and she was very afraid of what might happen to the baby, but she stayed quiet because she was afraid he would do something worse, the court heard.

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On another occasion, he struck her repeatedly with a phone charger as a punishment and raped her afterwards. She had only recently given birth.

In the final incident of abuse, in May 2022, the man had been drinking since the morning when he took the woman upstairs to their bedroom. All four children were home at the time.

He tied her up, produced a bar and said he was going to destroy her vagina. He then hit her over the head with the bar and started sexually assaulting her and grabbing her around the neck. She was screaming and begging him to let her go and she eventually escaped to a neighbour's house where gardai were called.

The woman was taken to hospital where evidence of the assault and previous aggravated sexual assaults were documented.

When questioned by gardai, the man denied the allegations and claimed the woman had carried out her own vaginal piercings.

The garda agreed with John Fitzgerald SC, defending, that the man has no other convictions and had not come to any further garda attention.

Mr Fitzgerald said his client did not accept the verdict of the jury.

Counsel said his client had come to Ireland as a 23-year-old and has worked in various jobs. He said the offences had arisen in the context of an extremely dysfunctional and abusive relationship.

He said in all regards, save the offences, the accused had led a functional pro-social life.

Mr Fitzgerald said his clients social contacts have fallen away since these events and the lack of visits and isolation would impact on how onerous the sentence would be.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
A congressmans son hogged the spotlight in the US House of Representatives while his father was giving a speech.

Those who had tuned in to the United States political network C-Span on Monday witnessed representative John Roses son grinning from ear to ear and pulling faces behind his fathers back as he addressed the chamber.

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The Tennessee Republican was taking part in a fairly dry legislative day filled with naming new post offices and other routine measures.

But the boy sitting behind him livened up proceedings as he looked directly into the cameras, with a wide grin on his face.



Guy Rose, right, upstaged his father in the House of Representatives (House Television via AP)

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He got bored for a bit and appeared to lose his train of thought. But not for long. Out came the tongue. Then came the rolling of the eyes and a shaking of the head, making clear to the world that he was less than impressed with the stodgy decorum of the House of Representatives.

And then came the hand motions, a sign language of silliness that might have seen him sent to the headteachers office if he were in school.

Before long, young Guy Rose was a social media star and a new meme  aged just six. The youngster just graduated from kindergarten last week and is with the congressman for the week. Mr Roses youngest son, Sam, three, and his wife, Chelsea, are back in Tennessee.

He knows something, Doug Andres, the spokesman for Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, tweeted on X with a caption of the young Rose holding his hands in a triangle motion in front of his face.

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So sorry I was slow responding to your email, I was tied up watching this over and over again, tweeted Aaron Fritschner, the communications director for representative Don Beyer.





We are with Guy Rose (yes thats the kids name) and that we too would be mocking him while he spoke. pic.twitter.com/qYAgskp7yc  Tennessee Young Democrats (@TNYDems) June 3, 2024 Advertisement

All the while, an unsuspecting Mr Rose continued on with a speech  a serious effort decrying last weeks conviction of former US president Donald Trump in a New York courtroom.

As an attorney, I can tell you that May 30th will be among the more infamous dates in American history, he said at one point.

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After the speech, as the reviews poured in, the congressman did not appear perturbed. And he graciously took some responsibility.

This is what I get for telling my son Guy to smile at the camera for his little brother, Mr Rose tweeted.
An internet troll who posted chilling online messages threatening to kill Harry Potter author JK Rowling and former UK Labour MP Rosie Duffield has been spared jail.

Glenn Mullen, 31, uploaded audio clips in Gaelic threatening to kill Ms Rowling with a big hammer and said he was going to see Rosie Duffield at the bar with a big gun, Westminster Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday.

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Mullen had been publicly identified as the poster of the audio clips by an online magazine shortly after they were posted on social media site X in January 2023, the court was told.

Glenn Mullen, 31, given suspended prison sentence for posting threatening messages in Gaelic on social media about an author & MP in Jan last year.



More: https://t.co/CTOr78cv8N



John Moran for CPS North West said: "The social media messages were targeted and very concerning." pic.twitter.com/6cl6xJwmyH  CPS North West (@CPS_NorthWest) June 4, 2024 Advertisement

He admitted the offences, two charges of sending an article conveying threatening messages, at an earlier hearing.

Handing down two suspended sentences, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring said Mullens actions were part of a modern phenomena of people on social media sites hiding behind a keyboard to threaten, abuse or harass people in the public eye.

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In statements read out by the prosecution, the court heard Ms Rowling thought the threats appeared calculated and were quite chilling.

They made her look over her shoulder and worry about the safety of her family and her children, the prosecution added.

The court heard the messages made Ms Duffield, who is the Labour candidate in Canterbury, feel nervous walking around her constituency, where she was visible and easily accessible.

Mullen gave no comment in an interview on March 10th but made full and frank admissions to making the threats at a later interview on October 6, the court was told.

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Mr Goldspring handed down two eight week prison sentences, suspended for two years, to be served concurrently.

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He also ordered Mullen to complete a 12-month community order, including 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.

He said: There seems to be this modern phenomena that Twitter and other social media and online platforms allow you to say and do what you like  and particularly people in the public eye, lots of people think are fair game.

Yes, of course free speech is important but theres also a line to draw in the sand and you went well beyond that line.

Mullen was ordered to pay 85 in costs and a 154 victim surcharge.

Mr Goldspring added Mullen was a man of previous good character who had strong views about gender equality.

In a statement after the sentencing, CPS Senior Crown Prosecutor John Moran said: The messages uploaded to social media were targeted and very concerning.

The audio clips have had a significant impact on the two victims, who described feeling upset, worried and distressed when they heard them.

Nobody has the right to issue threats or abuse, whether that be in person or via social media.
Federal prosecutors on Tuesday painted US President Joe Bidens son Hunter as a drug addict whose dark habits ensnared loved ones and who knew what he was doing, when he lied on forms to purchase a gun in 2018 by saying he was not in the throes of addiction.

Meanwhile, Hunter Bidens lawyer said he would call the presidents brother, James Biden, as a witness. James and Hunter Biden are close, and the uncle helped his nephew through rehab stints in the past.

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You will see that he is not guilty, lawyer Abbe Lowell said.

Hunter Biden has been charged with three felonies stemming from the purchase when he was, according to his memoir, addicted to crack.

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.

Prosecutors told the jury in their opening statement that Hunter Biden was trying to score drugs just days after he lied on the form, telling his brothers widow in a message that he was waiting for a drug dealer.

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First lady Jill Biden arrives at court on Tuesday (Matt Slocum/AP)

They also played for jurors an audio excerpt of his 2021 memoir Beautiful Things, in which he talked about going back to the state of Delaware at about the time of the gun purchase.

No-one is allowed to lie on a federal form like that, even Hunter Biden, federal prosecutor Derek Hines said.

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He crossed the line when he chose to buy a gun and lied about a federal background check, the defendants choice to buy a gun is why we are here.

When the defendant filled out that form, he knew he was a drug addict and prosecutors do not have to prove he was using that day, Mr Hines said.

He added: Addiction is depressing, but Hunter Bidens addiction is not the reason for the case.

The proceedings come after the collapse of a deal with prosecutors that would have avoided the spectacle of a trial so close to the 2024 election.

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Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty and has said he is being unfairly targeted by the justice department after Republicans decried the now-defunct plea deal as special treatment for the Democratic presidents son.

The trial is unfolding just days after Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City.



Hunter Biden with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden (Matt Rourke/AP)

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The two criminal cases are unrelated, but their proximity underscores how the courts have taken centre stage during the 2024 campaign.

Jury selection moved quickly on Monday in Delaware, the presidents home state, where Hunter Biden grew up and where, the elder Biden often says, the family is deeply established.

Joe Biden spent 36 years as a senator in Delaware, commuting daily back and forth from Washington, DC.

The story of how Joe Bidens two young sons, Hunter and Beau, were injured in the car accident that killed his wife and baby girl in the early 1970s, is well known.

Beau Biden was the former state attorney general before he died at the age of 46 from cancer.

Some prospective jurors were dismissed because they knew the family personally, others because they held both positive and negative political views about the Bidens and could not be impartial.

Hunter Biden also faces a trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay 1.4 million dollars (1 million) in taxes.

The Delaware trial is not about Hunter Bidens foreign business affairs, though the proceedings were likely to dredge up dark, embarrassing and painful memories.





The presidents allies are worried about the toll the trial may take on the elder Biden, who has long been concerned about his only living son and his sobriety and who must now watch as his sons painful past mistakes are publicly scrutinised.

The president must do so while he is campaigning under anaemic poll numbers and preparing for a presidential debate with Trump.

In a statement on 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 he 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.

Joe Biden was traveling to France on Tuesday and will be away for the rest of the week. The first lady will join him later.

The case against Hunter Biden stems from a period when, by his own public admission, he was addicted to crack. His descent followed the 2015 death of his brother 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.

If convicted, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders do not get anywhere near the maximum, and it is unclear whether the judge would give him time behind bars.

Trump is to be sentenced on July 11 by Judge Juan Merchan, who raised the spectre of jail time during the trial after the former president racked up thousands of dollars in fines for violating a gag order.
Romanias minister of culture says she will ask French luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton to acknowledge that a traditional Romanian blouse directly inspired items in one of its 2024 collections.

We will request that Louis Vuitton recognise the heritage and cultural value of the traditional blouse model with ribbons, Raluca Turcan wrote on Facebook, adding that it is an opportunity for international recognition of the inestimable value of Romanian tradition.

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The blouse in question is known in Romanian as an IE (pronounced E-eh), which typically has intricate embroidery and tassels and is widely recognised as a symbol of the countrys rich folk culture.

In 2022, the garments with a specific style of embroidery were added to a Unesco list of intangible cultural heritage.



Ana, six, wears a traditional Romanian blouse (Vadim Ghirda/AP)

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Louis Vuitton did not respond to questions sent by The Associated Press.

The allegedly inspired garments were in Nicolas Ghesquieres Resort 2024 collection for Louis Vuitton.

The campaign for Louis Vuitton to give credit to Romanian heritage was launched on Sunday by the online community La Blouse Roumaine, which has long urged fashion houses to credit collections that appropriate traditional clothing.

We need to protect our intangible cultural heritage. Its our cultural right to express our identity through these garments, through these traditional costumes, Andreea Diana Tanasescu, the founder of La Blouse Roumaine, told the AP.

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Women during an event celebrating the countrys rural national outfits in Bucharest (Vadim Ghirda/AP)

They are part of Romanian history.

The outcry is not the first of its kind in Romania.

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In 2017, US designer Tory Burch changed the description of one of her designs, a traditional Romanian-style coat, after her brand angered thousands of Romanians for marketing it as a garment inspired by Africa.

Ms Burch said they had missed a reference to a beautiful Romanian coat which inspired one of the pieces.
The attorney general of the US state of Wisconsin, Josh Kaul, filed felony forgery charges against two lawyers and an aide who worked for former president Donald Trump related to their roles in submitting paperwork falsely saying that Trump had won the battleground state in 2020.

The charges were filed against lawyers Kenneth Chesebro and Jim Troupis, and former Trump aide Mike Roman, who allegedly delivered Wisconsins fake elector paperwork to a Pennsylvania congressmans staff member in order to get them to then vice president Mike Pence on January 6, 2021.

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All three will appear in court on September 19, according to court records.



Trump campaign lawyer Jim Troupis (Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool/AP)

The attorney general of the US state of Wisconsin, Josh Kaul, filed felony forgery charges against two lawyers and an aide who worked for former president Donald Trump related to their roles in submitting paperwork falsely saying that Trump had won the battleground state in 2020.

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Mr Kaul, a Democrat, has faced pressure to bring action against the 10 fake electors, who have yet to be charged with any criminal wrongdoing.

He has previously suggested that he was relying on federal investigators while also not ruling out a state probe.

Electors are people appointed to represent voters in presidential elections. The winner of the popular vote in each state determines which partys electors are sent to the electoral college, which meets in December after the election to certify the outcome.



Kenneth Chesebro (Alyssa Pointer/Pool/AP)

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The fake elector efforts are central to an August federal indictment filed against Trump, alleging he tried to overturn results of the 2020 election.

Federal prosecutors, investigating his conduct related to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot, have also said the scheme originated in Wisconsin.

Trump also faces charges in Georgia and has denied wrongdoing.

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Michigan and Nevada have also criminally charged fake electors.

Chesebro and Roman were among the 18 people indicted along with Trump in August in a sprawling racketeering indictment in Georgia. They are accused of taking part in a wide-ranging scheme to try to illegally overturn the 2020 election in that state.

Chesebro in October pleaded guilty to one felony charge of conspiracy to commit filing false documents after reaching a deal with prosecutors.

Roman has pleaded not guilty to racketeering and conspiracy charges related to a plan to have Republican electors meet and cast electoral college votes for Trump even though Biden had won Georgia.

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The Wisconsin electors, Chesebro and Troupis all settled a civil lawsuit that was brought against them last year.

Documents released as part of those settlements showed that the strategy in Wisconsin replicated moves in six other swing states.

Trump lost Wisconsin to Joe Biden, a Democrat, by fewer than 21,000 votes. Trump carried Wisconsin by a similar margin in 2016.

Wisconsin is one of a handful of swing states again this year.

Government and outside investigations have uniformly found there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could have swung the 2020 election.

Trump has continued to spread falsehoods about the election, particularly in Wisconsin.
Former Celebrity Big Brother UK winner Stephen Bear has repaid the 22,305 (26,203) that he illegally earned by sharing a private sex tape of him and reality TV star Georgia Harrison online, after a judge made a confiscation order for that amount.

The 34-year-old faced nine months in prison if he did not pay the sum within three months of the order made by a judge at Chelmsford Crown Court in England earlier this year.

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The judge made the order after Bear walked out of prison in January, having served 10-and-a-half months of his 21-month sentence for sharing the film.

The UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed that Bear has since paid the 22,305 confiscation order in full.

The judge also ordered that Stephen Bear pay Georgia Harrison 5,000 in compensation (Lucy North/PA)

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Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Debbie Price said: It is right Stephen Bear has paid the full amount of his confiscation order  its important criminals understand that, aside from the sentence they receive, we will also go after their bank accounts and assets to prevent them from enjoying the money they made from their crimes.

Separately, the judge ordered that Bear pay Ms Harrison 5,000 in compensation, which he said can be enforced through the magistrates court if it is not satisfied.

Bear was jailed in March last year after being found guilty of voyeurism and of two counts of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress.

Ms Harrison said at a hearing in March this year that Bear had sold his house from prison  he sold his house to a company called We Buy Any House for well under market value.
A childcare company that is being paid $26 million to acquire 31 underperforming centres from ASX-listed G8 Education and has previously run into multimillion-dollar financial woes, has now been accused of not paying its staff their wages and superannuation on time.

The union representing childcare workers, United Workers Union, last week fired off a missive to Genius director Darren Misquitta, claiming that staff across the country had been paid up to five days late on multiple occasions and that some employees had not been paid their superannuation entitlements for more than six months.

Darren Misquitta, director of Genius Childcare.

Tara Harper, a former educator at Genius Corinda in Brisbanes south-east, said in the five months she worked for the company, she had been paid late five times. Harper resigned last month, saying she could not live with the uncertainty of not getting her money on time.

Each fortnight, Id stress and worry if I was going to be paid on time or not as I have a young family and enjoy doing things on the weekend, Harper said.
The Senate estimates season has failed dismally  so far at least  to bring the jollity that we usually hope for out of Parliament House this time of year.

So CBD salutes Liberal senator Jane Hume for brightening up the Canberra winter gloom just a touch on Tuesday morning as she welcomed Australian Securities and Investment Commission chairman Joe Longo  Humes sort of gym-buddy, it turns out  to the days proceedings.

I feel this is very awkward  every time I see Mr Longo now, it seems to be at the gym on Saturday mornings, so I apologise for the Lycra, the Victorian senator said.

Less worthy men have seen me in far less.
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 In the age of the relentlessly filtered selfie, when augmented perfection is in the palm of our hands, its reassuring to know that humanitys obsession with image management goes back quite a bit further than the invention of the iPhone. The Ancient Egyptians, it seems, were masters of the art. Its almost impossible to know what the real pharaohs looked like because the statues and sculptures they erected were idealised assemblies of pharaonic motifs rather than realistic portraits. Propaganda, to put it bluntly. Computer scans have suggested Tutankhamun had buck teeth and a club foot, but anyone looking at his burnished gold death mask might imagine he resembled a kind of pharaonic superhero. Shabti of Pharaoh Sety I, Tomb of Sety I, Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Egypt, 19th Dynasty, reign of Sety I, about 1294-1279 BC. Credit:  The Trustees of the British Museum Marie Vandenbeusch, a British Museum expert on Ancient Egyptian funerary culture and the curator of the NGVs upcoming Pharaoh exhibition, says this idealised imagery is all we have to go on. When it comes to the pharaohs we only know what they wanted us to know, what they wanted to project. But what they thought, or what they believed? Thats not something thats easy to tell. The NGVs Winter Masterpieces exhibition includes more than 500 artefacts - everything from a 1.5 metre-wide granite fist from a monumental statue of Ramses II, to small pieces of jewellery that havent seen a wrist or neck for more than 3000 years. It is the largest international loan in the British Museums history. Jewellery from the NGVs Pharaoh exhibition, clockwise from top left: Ornament of a winged scarab holding a sun-disc; ring in the shape of a snake; ring showing Thutmose III as a sphinxtrampling over an enemy; and Amulets in the shape of a fish. Credit: British Museum, London The London museum is filled with precious artefacts from around the world, but its Ancient Egyptian collection is a crowd favourite. Many of its visitors make a beeline for a shard of rock displayed on the ground floor. The Rosetta Stone  the museums most popular attraction and the key that unlocked Egyptian hieroglyphs  has found a new role as the backdrop to an endless succession of selfies.

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While the Rosetta Stone is staying put, Melburnians will be able to snap themselves beside a granite lion weighing more than two tonnes (erected by pharaoh Amenhotep III between 1390 and 1352 BC), or a striking pair of one-tonne obelisks. Statue of a lion erected by Amenhotep III. Credit:  The Trustees of the British Museum The scale of this exhibition makes it unique, says Daniel Antoine, the head of the British Museums Department of Egypt and Sudan, looking remarkably sanguine for a man about to send so many treasures to the other side of the world. The logistics of safely transporting this many objects, including statues weighing more than two tonnes, is  quite a challenge. But we have a great deal of experience in this area. Antoine also has insurance. Even obelisks can be covered for damage or loss, apparently. The sheer size of the exhibition serves a dual purpose. On a primordial level Im hoping visitors will be awed by all this wonderful art from Ancient Egypt, he says. But I also think it will give a more nuanced understanding of what being a pharaoh would have been like and how royal imagery evolved over time. The exhibition might also correct a few misconceptions. With the notable exception of Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile who took her own life in 30BC and handed Egypt to the Romans, it is often assumed the pharaohs were all male. Familiar names such as Tutankhamun, Ramses the Great and Khufu stand testament to the idea that it was men and boys (King Tut was just nine when he ascended the throne) who held the top job. Head of Hatshepsut (c. 1507-1458 BC) fifth pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty of Egypt. Credit: Getty Images In fact, more than one woman reached the pyramids peak long before Cleopatras ill-fated dalliance with Mark Antony. Female pharaohs such as Hatshepsut, Merneith, Sobekneferu (also known as Neferusobek), and Tawosret may lack Cleopatras celebrity, but they are proof that the idea of the pharaoh as head of state  intermediary between the gods and the people and protector of maat, a cosmically ordained sense of equilibrium  was resilient, but malleable. Issues such as gender and ethnicity were hurdles rather than roadblocks.

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Hatshepsut was one of the most successful female pharaohs, and arguably the most maligned. She came to power circa 1479BC following the death of her husband, Thutmose II. His son, Thutmose III, was still an infant, too young to ascend the throne, so Hatshepsut ruled on his behalf as Egypts regent. A few years later, she promoted herself to a full-blown pharaoh and presided over a period noted for its peace and prosperity. Loading Hatshepsut would have been well aware her gender and route to power raised questions about legitimacy. She responded in an intriguing way: depicting herself as a male ruler with bulging muscles, masculine garb and a beard. Paradoxically, she was also referred to as a woman in many of the texts written during her lifetime. A statue held by The Met in New York has it both ways, showing her with breasts beneath a male pharaohs finery. Her story took a dark turn. After she died many of her statues and monuments were either defaced or destroyed in what appears to be a concerted effort to erase her from history. One of the exhibits in the NGV exhibition is a stone tablet on which her name has been obliterated by a chisel. Stela with erased cartouches of Queen Hatshepsut, Wadi Halfa, Sudan, 18th Dynasty. Credit:  The Trustees of the British Museum American Egyptologists Herbert Winlock and William Hayes, who excavated Hatshepsuts funerary temple in the 1920s, believed the explanation was straightforward. The queen was a vile usurper, a vain, ambitious and unscrupulous woman who seized power and paid the price. The campaign to write her out of history was likely orchestrated by Thutmose III, who resented the years hed spent in her shadow. This theory likely says as much about Winlock, Hayes and their times as it does about Hatshepsut. The contemporary view is rather more nuanced, says Vandenbeusch.

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The fact that most of her representations have been erased is true, but it used to be believed that it happened right after her death, that it was an immediate reaction by Thutmose III. Were revising that now. It probably happened later in his reign and it was more about a question of legitimacy for him. The head of Pharaoh Thutmose III wearing a crown (detail), from Karnak in Thebes, 18th Dynasty. Credit:  The Trustees of the British Museum The fact Hatshepsut enjoyed a long, successful reign might be seen as evidence that women freely wielded power in Ancient Egypt. After all, there were female deities  the NGV exhibition includes 10 statues of the lion goddess Sekhmet  as well as women working in the temples. And while a pharaohs son would always have the inside track in terms of succession, his wife, mother and daughters could attain official titles such as Gods Wife and Great Royal Wife that conferred genuine status and power. Statue of Katep and Hetepheres Egypt, probably Giza 4th5th Dynasties, about 26132345 BCE. Credit:  The Trustees of the British Museum Loading Further down the social ladder, women had the right to buy and inherit property, bequeath it to whom they chose, and initiate a divorce. But this, at its core, was still a patriarchy. Men did the fighting and ran the administration. Which is why its so remarkable that Hatshepsut took the throne and held it for so long, says Vandenbeusch. Egyptology used to focus almost exclusively on the pharaohs and the treasures they attempted to take to the afterlife. But things are changing. There is a growing interest in the lives of ordinary Egyptians, the people who built all those tombs and monuments. This evolution will be reflected in the NGV exhibition, which aims to put the pharaohs in context by shining a light on the lives of those they ruled.

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We are trying to tell a multi-layered story, says Vandenbeusch. One that is not just based on what the pharaoh projected, but based on what everybody else projected through different types of objects. A group of artefacts in the exhibition were found in a small village called Deir el-Medina on the banks of the Nile. The men who built the tombs in the Valley of the Kings lived here and the things they left behind paint a vivid picture. They produced an incredible amount of material for themselves, says Vandenbeusch. We have tombs they built for themselves, pieces of furniture and many of the texts that they wrote to each other. There are lists of men who were sick that day and why they were sick. There were a lot of scorpion bites! Ostracons showing a baboon eating figs (top left); a donkeys head (right); and the workman Khnummose worshipping Meretseger. Credit: British Museum, London The workmen also produced art, though its very different to the grandiose works commissioned by the pharaohs. This is not drawing for any official purposes, its drawing just to pass the time, to have a bit of fun, says Vandenbeusch. For example, we have an ostracon [a small piece of stone or ceramic used as writing material] with a small baboon picking up some figs painted on its surface. Its through objects like this that you get a sense of the humour of these people and the jokes they could make. There are lists of men who were sick that day and why they were sick. There were a lot of scorpion bites! Marie Vandenbeusch, curator The extensive display of jewellery in the exhibition also seeks to tell the stories of people who worked for a living as well as those who ruled. There are quite a lot of pieces made of relatively modest materials such as glass and different types of stone, says Vandenbeusch. The idea is to use it to show peoples differing status. At all levels of society you would get access to objects which were a beautifier, but also had a meaning. Many pieces of jewellery would have a certain shape associating it with a god and attracting protection from that god.

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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 Chris Stein was 19 when he had a psychotic breakdown during the summer of 1969. He began hearing voices, having hallucinatory visions, and eventually wound up on a psych ward at the Beth Israel Hospital in downtown Manhattan. I had been taking a lot of LSD, the 74-year-old musician best known as the co-founder of iconic 70s band Blondie explains from his home in New York. A doctor told Stein he had schizophrenia. I think I was misdiagnosed, he says. Because I never had any similar episodes after that. The incident is one of several encounters with illicit drugs detailed in Steins memoir, Under A Rock, which is published on June 6. Stein was born in 1950. He was raised in a Jewish family in Brooklyn and studied fine arts at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. While there, he developed an interest in photography and the memoir includes many of his images from Blondies early days in the mid-1970s. Blondie selfie from 1975. From left: Gary Valentine, Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and Clem Burke. Credit: Chris Stein As a teenager, Stein played in a garage band that warmed up for the Velvet Underground, who were managed by Andy Warhol  then a leading figure in the Pop Art movement. Andy was a sweet, charming guy who was a good listener, but by the time I got to hang out with him, he was enamoured with celebrities, says Stein. Chris Stein with Debbie Harry and Andy Warhol, who Stein says became enamoured with celebrities. Credit: Getty Images From 1970 to 73, Stein spent his days wandering Manhattans derelict urban environments, taking photographs. He occasionally jammed with his friend Tom Verlaine, who went on to form Television, another iconic New York band. Verlaine asked Stein to consider joining his group, but he declined, teaming up instead with Debbie Harry, who had formed an all-girl trio called The Stillettos.

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Almost immediately, the pair became romantically involved. During their 12-year relationship, Stein developed a rare autoimmune disease, and the pair took time out from the band while Harry cared for him. They parted in 1985 but have continued to collaborate musically and in the books foreword she writes about the pair shooting for the moon artistically during their very long music and love relationship. Their professional career began during the heyday of American punk and new wave. At the legendary CBGB nightclub, the careers of many New York groups were launched, including The Ramones, The New York Dolls, Talking Heads, The Patti Smith Group and Television. The Stillettos supported the latter band several times. Debbie Harry and Chris Stein on the roof of his New York apartment. Stein wears a Ned Kelly T-shirt bought during Blondies first Australian tour in 1977. Credit: Allan Tannenbaum After one of those shows, the pair were mugged at knifepoint, forced into Steins apartment and tied up. The attacker then raped Harry. Its still upsetting, says Stein. We never went to the police because we didnt feel like they would be able to do anything. The Stillettos had a short life span, but Stein and Harry continued playing together, first under the name Angel and the Snake and then as Blondie. Later band members included drummer Clem Burke, keyboard player Jimmy Destri, and bassist Gary Lachman. Their debut album, Blondie, had limited success globally but was a hit in Australia, where In the Flesh, the albums second single, reached number two. During their first Australian tour in 1977, it became clear that the song might have created a false impression. Its a very peaceful ballad, so there may have been some misconceptions when we showed up in Australia and started playing aggressive punk music, says Stein. He recalls the Australian press, and even some fans, giving them a pretty hostile reception.

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At their shows in Perth and Adelaide, all the women were dressed in flower-print skirts that went down to their ankles. It kind of felt like it was the 1940s, not the 1970s. Blondie, from left, Jimmy Destri, Clem Burke, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein in Melbourne in 1999. Credit: Angela Wylie He has fond memories of Melbourne, though, especially the citys artists, including Vali Myers. She was a big influence on me, he says. Decades later, he met the then 60-year-old dancer in a room at the famed Chelsea Hotel, which Myers had painted herself. Stein describes Myers (who died in Melbourne in 2003) as an unselfconscious artist who spent her life striving for true, uninhibited artistic freedom. Stein returns to this theme many times in his memoir. He was never comfortable with Blondie being pigeonholed into the new-wave scene, which he says was full of restrictive rules and parochial parameters. The book also explores the chaos of becoming a global rock star, almost overnight, when the 1978 single Denis hit number one in several European countries and number two in Britain. The following year, the bands disco-infused pop classic Heart of Glass became Blondies first number one US single. Subsequent hits, including Atomic, Call Me and The Tide is High cemented their global success. Harrys natural beauty and sex appeal had always been a focal point, but the bands growing fame brought added pressure. The press and fans became obsessed with her and even fellow musicians  including David Bowie and Iggy Pop  tried to steal Steins girlfriend. David and Iggy were always very professional, even in their hitting on Debbie, Stein says now. My relationship with Debbie was never stressful, but outside forces around us made for stress and our drug use created more stress.

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Steins drug of choice was heroin. After kicking that, he moved onto cocaine, which he continued using for decades. In one attempt to get clean, he fled New York and took refuge with Beat Generation author William Burroughs in his quiet suburban house in Kansas.I feel lucky to have hung out with Bill, says Stein. We were both on methadone at the same time, we had a lot in common, including a shared love of knives, and he was just a really good guy. Debbie Harry and Chris Stein in 1981. Credit: Getty Images Loading When Blondie decided to split up in 1982, there was no grand announcement or tears shed. The band simply stop rehearsing and touring. When Harry and Stein ended their personal relationship in the mid-1980s, there was no real drama either. They had been functioning junkies for some time, which didnt help. But the relationship had simply run its course, Stein says. When Blondie reformed in 1997, money was not the only motivation, but it was a factor. At the time, Stein was selling knives and artworks to feed his cocaine habit. Steins self-destructive pattern changed when he met actor Barbara Sicuranza. They married in Las Vegas in 1999 and had two daughters, Vali and Akira. Tragically, Akira died last year, aged 19, from an accidental drug overdose. I presented my own drug experiences in a negative light to our kids, but Im wracked with guilt that any discussions might have been misconstrued, Stein writes in his memoir. Today, he doesnt have much more to add. Its been a year now, says Stein, visibly hurting. Chris Stein with his daughters Akira (left) and Valentina. Akiras death in 2023 left Stein wracked with guilt. Credit: Getty Images In March 2006, Blondie were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They continue to tour globally, including in Australia for this years Pandemonium Rocks festival, but without Stein: Im a worn out after 50 years of it, he says.

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In 2014 Stein held a photography exhibition in Somerset House, London, titled Me, Blondie and The Advent of Punk, which subsequently became a book of photography. There are maybe six of my photos that I think are really outstanding, he says. Ive always [liked] using the full frame. Still, he claims to be deeply suspicious of wallowing in cultural nostalgia and past glories. Under A Rock concludes in the same place it begins: Russia in the early 20th century. It was there that Steins father, Ben, was born. He immigrated to the United States as a young child. Stein cites The Strange Life of Ivan Osokin as a book he often returns to when thinking about the circular nature of time and how it relates to identity, meaning and memory. Chris Stein: I look back at my younger self and think, maybe I shouldnt have taken myself so seriously. Published in Moscow in 1915, by Russian philosopher P. D. Ouspensky, the novel follows Ivan Osokins mission to correct his mistakes by reliving his past. When a magician sends Ivan back in time, he ends up doing everything exactly the same, failures and foibles included. I look back at my younger self and think, maybe I shouldnt have taken myself so seriously, says Stein. I said a lot of stupid shit in the press and when I see the clips online of that I [cringe]. Does writing ones own life story bring any new insights and wisdom? A long pause follows. A man of few words, Stein laughs. What did I learn? I dont f---ing know.

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In part thats because the character of Austin is part of a busy storytelling mix. Hes an accelerant of change for Julian Hartswood (Ben Miller), a successful British childrens book author whose long career, in concert with his illustrator wife Ingrid (Sally Phillips), comes unstuck when he pompously endorses a defence of free speech online only to discover that hes signal-boosting a neo-Nazi.

Across the years there have been savant cliches (Rain Man), well-observed family dramas (Atypical), and a cliche-leaning medical procedural (The Good Doctor). Autism is a spectrum, and so are shows that feature autistic characters. But when the depiction is ill-judged, its particularly jarring, even offensive. Thankfully, this eight-episode series is well conceived and consistently amusing.

I was curious about this Australian and British co-production because one of the lead characters in this half-hour comedy  Austin Hogan (Michael Theo)  is autistic. Screen depictions of the neurodivergent are still infrequent and wildly varied.

At a cursed Canberra book signing post-online uproar, the one attendee is Austin, a 28-year-old forklift driver with ample evidence that the unaware Julian is his long-lost father.

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Austin is not a show about autism. It has an autistic character in one of the lead roles, but the central focus is the father and son connection between Julian and Austin. How long can you commit to the bonding process? Austin soon asks, and for Julian, the answer changes when his London publisher notes that the story of a man meeting the autistic son he never knew he had could help rejuvenate his battered image. Its an exploitative response, and one the show has fun with even as Julian comes to his senses.

As a sweetly farcical comedy, the show is a success, and it gets the character of Austin right simply by basing him on the actor playing the part. Theo is autistic, having stood out in his screen debut on the ABCs documentary series Love on the Spectrum.

Both Miller and his fellow co-creator, director Darren Ashton, have been in conversation with Theo for several years, developing a character that reflected his outlook (Theo is also credited as a script consultant). This is a representation that starts on the personal level  Austin represents Theo  and works outwards. Its neither forced nor confronting.
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.
NSW Education Minister Prue Car has intervened after a parent complained about a song calling Captain James Cook a white devil being played at a public primary school in Sydneys south.

Bagi-la-m Bargan, a song by Indigenous rapper and activist Birdz, was chosen as the school bell song in the week before and during reconciliation week, an Education Department spokesperson confirmed.

NSW Education Minister Prue Car does not approve of primary school students listening to a song that describes Captain James Cook as a white devil. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone

The song, told from the perspective of an Indigenous warrior, describes Cook as a murderer without licence and mentions a desire to kill any white devil [that] wanna test my will.

An anonymous father told 2GBs Ben Fordham on Tuesday morning he had to explain to his son that complex things had happened in Australias past after he had asked whether there was something wrong with being white.
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 This story is part of the June 8 edition of Good Weekend. See all 20 stories . Whenever I travel, if Im lucky, I experience what I call the moment. It happened while hitchhiking as a backpacker near Loch Ness in 1986; while pounding the pavements of New Yorks East Village, slightly drunk and entirely besotted, in 1991; while getting hopelessly and wonderfully lost in the labyrinthine alleyways of Marrakesh in 2010; and, less than a year ago, while navigating the back streets of Harajuku at night, as jetlagged as Bill Murray in Lost In Translation, a full moon casting an otherworldly glow and prompting a strange sense of deja vu that gave me a warm feeling in my chest. And when I have those moments, I stop in my tracks, smile to myself and say under my breath: Remember this. Last year I spent the entire month of April in Rome with my wife and two young daughters, and those moments just kept on coming. I think a lot of it had to do with the fact we decided to stay in one place for four weeks, rather than cramming in as many cities as we possibly could, packing up every three or four days to catch another train, another plane, another chance to stress out and risk meltdowns, arguments or divorce. By our second week, wed hit that sweet spot where we knew we had plenty of time to immerse ourselves in everything Rome had to offer without worrying about time constraints  we were truly living la dolce vita. Local haunt Bar San Calisto, which has been around since 1969. Credit: Alamy We rented an old two-bedroom apartment in Trastevere, a neighbourhood across the Tiber river from the bustling Centro Storico, which is so Roman its almost like a film set  narrow cobblestone streets that spill into piazzas with fountains in the centre, ochre-coloured apartment buildings with ivy crawling the walls and washing hanging on lines from the windows, while Vespas cruise past and people laze over tiny cups of coffee or Aperol Spritzes at streetside cafe tables.

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We learnt the joy of la passeggiata, strolling for sheer pleasure. My mornings began with the sound of metal shutters being rolled up as the fruit and vegetable vendors started setting up their stalls for the day on our square, Piazza di san Cosimato. I grew to love that sound as much as birdsong. We would walk to nearby Bar San Calisto, a cafe/bar that seemed frozen in time from 1969, when it opened. We came to know the regulars and we nicknamed them  Flat Cap was an old guy who took up residence at a table by the window each morning and systematically read every page of the daily paper; The Artist was a birdlike woman who sat in a corner, opened a wooden box and sorted through her water-colours and brushes for the day; Top-Knot was a man-bunned dude in leather jacket and wraparound sunglasses, who was there at seven in the morning and still there at midnight. Then there was The Silver Fox, a trim, well-preserved gent who jovially greeted the staff each morning in chirpy Italian and downed a few cups of espresso on the terrace. Loading One morning my wife came back to our table after ordering and said, The Silver Fox is Australian! I heard him talking to a young couple outside. The following day I said hello. He was a retired chartered accountant from Sydney, spending three months living in Rome. It turned out we used to live on the same block in Kings Cross. We learnt the joy of la passeggiata, strolling for sheer pleasure without a definite destination in mind. We lost ourselves in the charming vicoli (little streets), climbed Janiculum Hill past a carousel and a puppet theatre for the most stunning view of the city, wandered the sprawling Porta Portese market each Sunday morning, and ate gelato every single day. The sprawling Porta Portese market is a Sunday ritual for Romes locals and tourists. Credit: Alamy Wherever you go around the world, there are plenty of people to tell you that everything has changed and you should have been there 10 or 20 years ago. Trastevere is no exception. Yes, its now much more heavily touristed. Yes, restaurants have taken over many of the shopfronts. Yes, there are a couple of American universities here and the place has a lot of expats. But so what? I like the attitude of Leo, who owns a vintage guitar store on our block and has been there for a quarter-century.

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We had one golden rule for travellers going into the Bulldog in Amsterdam: dont eat the whole box of mushrooms. The people behind the counter, of course, would also tell them that. But it helped to have some outside advice.

Officially, we the crew on these European backpacker bus tours werent supposed to recommend doing anything at the Bulldog at all. This was back in the early 2000s, and drugs that were illegal back home were also not, ah, encouraged on tour.

Going a bit wild when travelling overseas has been a rite of passage for some Australians. Credit: Getty Images

Obviously though, people were going to do it. You didnt travel all the way to Amsterdam on your big overseas experience just to sip a few beers and walk the Red Light District. So those of us tasked with getting 30 or 40 young Australians and Kiwis safely through Europe for a few weeks would advise our passengers: if you visit the Bulldog, a notorious coffee shop in central Amsterdam, and you buy the magic mushrooms, dont consume the whole box. Go easy.

Most people took that advice on board. Some people didnt. On my final night working on those tours, I was called by a few passengers while I was sitting on the Leidseplein drinking a beer, and asked to come help: Lucys struggling.
Both in the range of housing issues it covers and in its inclusion of defined targets in key areas, the Homes for Queenslanders plan has strategic breadth and substance that are unusual in similar plans published by other states, he said.
Cyble, the leading provider of AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, has appointed Steve Ingram to its advisory board. Ingram will play an important role in advancing Cybles vision and strengthening its market position.

Ingram's distinguished career spans more than three decades and includes appointments at multiple prestigious global consulting firms. He most recently served as the Financial Services Cyber Leader for the Americas at EY (Ernst & Young), where he was instrumental in developing and implementing advanced cybersecurity strategies for major financial institutions. He also was the Asia-Pacific Cyber Leader at PwC, where he served as a partner for 15 years. There he led significant cybersecurity initiatives and guided clients through the complexities of cyber risk management in one of the worlds most dynamic regions, where he was a member of the ASEANZ Markets Council.

Cyble is well-positioned to strengthen organizations cyber posture, and I look forward to supporting the company as it expands, Ingram said. The best way to prevent large-scale cyberattacks is to detect and mitigate threats before they happen, and AI is fast becoming a crucial factor in that process. My visibility into cybersecurity challenges and investments in solutions will help Cyble and its customers stay one step ahead of attackers.

Cyble recently launched AmIBreached 3.0, its most extensive dark web monitoring engine, and Cyble Vision X, the successor to its award-winning Cyble Vision 2.0 threat intelligence platform, to further enable businesses to anticipate and respond to the changing threat environment.

Steves rich experience and deep understanding of the cybersecurity landscape will provide us with valuable insights as we accelerate Cybles product innovation and expansion, said Beenu Arora, CEO of Cyble. He will support our commitment to delivering advanced, AI-based cybersecurity solutions to organizations around the world.

To learn how Cyble can improve your security posture, visit https://www.cyble.com.

About Cyble

Cyble, a trailblazer in Cyber Threat Intelligence, is committed to democratizing Dark Web Threat Intelligence through advanced AI and Machine Learning solutions. Recognized as one of the most sought-after workplaces, Cybles culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

With a proven track record in delivering cutting-edge research and proactive monitoring, Cyble stands at the forefront of the cybersecurity landscape. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with a global presence spanning Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and India, Cyble is the trusted authority empowering organizations to proactively combat evolving cyber threats.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240603346902/en/
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 companys 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 companys 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 companys proprietary exatecan-payload platform, into clinical development. These and other updates were shared at the companys 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 companys 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 Hengruis first-in-human clinical trial show a favorable safety profile and promising efficacy in PARP-naive, PARP-sensitive tumors, supporting Mercks 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 companys 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 companys 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 companys oncology strategy, guided by focus areas across research, development, and commercialization. These collaborations align with the companys 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 companys 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 peoples 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 Mercks 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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Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 9:18PM

The message on Walmarts Onn Google TV 4K Plus matches that found in the Android 14 for TV update, suggesting this isnt an exclusive feature. (Image: AFTVNews)

The latest update for Google TV (as part of the Android 14 beta release) introduces a convenient find my remote feature, which is designed to alleviate the common frustration of misplaced remotes. It was highlighted during the recent Google I/O conference and confirmed by Android Authority.

Heres how it works: Your Google TV includes a dedicated button that, when pressed, triggers your remote to emit a sound for 30 seconds. This function is compatible only with certain Google TV remote models. To deactivate the sound before the 30 seconds elapse, simply press any button on the remote.

The feature was spotted within the Onn Google TV 4K Pro streaming box, a recent Walmart release. It includes an option to activate or deactivate the feature and a button to test the sound.

According to AFTVNews, the remote-finding feature is activated by a button on the Onn streaming box. When pressed, the remote responds by beeping and illuminating a small LED light, provided it is within 30 feet of the box.

The inclusion of this feature in Android 14 implies that it will not be exclusive to Walmarts devices but will also be available on other Google TV products. However, its important to note that older Google TV remotes without an integrated speaker will not support this feature, even if they are paired with devices running the updated Android 14.

At this point, it's unclear when the Android 14 update for TVs will arrive and what range of compatible devices. But we'll keep an eye out for updates.

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Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 3:37AM

An Airbnb listing with a Kia EV charging out front (Photo: Airbnb)

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rising, and Airbnb is taking steps to ensure its rentals cater to this growing trend. The company has partnered with ChargePoint, an EV infrastructure provider, to offer hosts discounts on charging stations. This move comes as searches using Airbnb's EV charging filter skyrocketed by over 80% year-over-year. The appeal is clear: listings with EV chargers not only get booked for more nights, but they also generate higher income for hosts.

Under the new program, Airbnb hosts in the US will receive significant savings on ChargePoint's EV charging technology. Discounts include up to 36% off on the chargers and an additional US$100 (around CA$137) off on installation costs.

Airbnb reports the highest interest in EV-friendly rentals comes from California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Washington, and North Carolina. These regions mirror the broader trend of EV adoption across the country.

This partnership between Airbnb and ChargePoint is a win-win for hosts and eco-conscious travellers. By making EV charging more accessible and affordable, Airbnb is helping its hosts capitalize on a growing market segment while promoting sustainable travel options.

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Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 6:18AM

Image: Meta

Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta Connect 2024a two-day event on September 25-26via Instagram story. The focus, according to Meta's social media channels, will be on "exploring the future of AI and mixed reality, and sharing progress on building the metaverse."

While details are scarce, Meta's emphasis on AI before mixed reality (XR) seems strategic. Following Google's two-hour AI showcase at I/O 2024, Meta might follow suit, highlighting advancements in its Meta AI and Llama 3 models. This might not excite those solely interested in XR hardware.

Unlike Google, Meta should balance its AI focus with hardware reveals to keep consumers engaged. Leaks suggest Zuckerberg will unveil the Meta Quest 3s (or Quest Lite), rumoured to have the Quest 3's processing power and colour passthrough, but with lower resolution lenses to hit a budget-friendly price point.

Meta's open-source Horizon OS has attracted partners like ASUS ROG and Lenovo to build VR headsets. They might showcase their hardware at Connect but likely not overshadow the Quest 3s reveal.

Excitingly, credible reports hint at Meta showcasing its Orion AR glasses prototype. Meta reportedly aims for a high-performance first impression. While consumer availability remains years away, attendees might get a first-hand look at this prototype. Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, with their recent AI upgrade, might also receive attention.

Last year's Connect was held on Meta's California campus. The location for 2024 remains unconfirmed, but expect a streamable keynote on platforms like Facebook and YouTube.

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Colombian cement market expands 9% in April

Muriel Bal By 04 June 2024

Cement dispatches in Colombia increased by 8.7 per cent YoY to 1.073Mt in April 2024 from 0.988Mt, according to the countrys statistics office, DANE.



Bagged cement sales saw a 10.5 per cent YoY uptick, reflecting a 13.8 per cent expansion of the retail segment. Bulk sales were up 5.1 per cent YoY as concrete companies increased their off-take by 6.1 per cent, and sales to construction companies and contractors edged up by two per cent.



On the supply side, production by Colombian cement plants saw a 3.1 per cent uptick YoY to 1.146Mt in April 2024 from 1.112Mt.



January-April 2024

In the first four months of 2024 domestic dispatches shrank 4.9 per cent to 3.934Mt when compared with the year-ago period when dispatches totalled 4.138Mt. The decline reflects the drop in sales in Cundinamarca (-8.6 per cent YoY), Atlantico (-11.3 per cent), Valle del Cauca (-7.5 per cent) and Antioquia (-3.5 per cent).



The bagged cement market contracted by 5.3 per cent YoY while bulk sales were down 4.1 per cent YoY in April 2024. Sales to the retail segment slipped by 2.4 per cent YoY while ready-mix concrete companies reduced their off-take by four per cent YoY in April 2024. Sales to construction companies and contractors contracted by 9.8 per cent YoY.



Colombias cement producers reported an output of 4.351Mt in the 4M24, down four per cent YoY from 4.531Mt.

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Peruvian cement dispatches contract 8% in March

Muriel Bal By 04 June 2024

Cement dispatches in Peru declined by eight per cent YoY to 0.897Mt in March 2024, reports the Peruvian cement association, ASOCEM. Of this total, 0.825Mt was dispatched by ASOCEM members.



Cement production by ASOCEM members slipped by three per cent YoY to 0.869Mt, but clinker production by members advanced by six per cent YoY to 0.821Mt in March 2024.



External trade

Cement exports dropped by 23 per cent YoY to 10,000 while domestic cement producers increased their clinker exports by two per cent to 36,000t in March 2024.



Cement imports surged by 529 per cent to 48,000t while clinker imports were up 107 per cent to 91,000t over the same period. Approximately 95 per cent of cement imports in March 2024 were shipped from Vietnam to Callao while five per cent were imported via Tacna from Chile. Clinker was imported from South Korea via the ports of Pisco (52 per cent) and Callao (48 per cent). Imports represented six per cent of the national cement production, according to ASOCEM.



The average CIF import price in Callao port slipped one per cent to US$76/t while in Tacna, the average import price increased by 18 per cent YoY to US$127/t.

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is hosting an Open House at all six campuses to provide an opportunity to learn more about the programs offered at GNTC, tour the facilities and meet faculty and staff.

The event on Thursday, June 13, will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on each of GNTCs campuses: Catoosa County Campus, Ringgold; Floyd County Campus, Rome; Gordon County Campus, Calhoun; Polk County Campus, Rockmart; Walker County Campus, Rock Spring; and Whitfield Murray Campus, Dalton.

Legare Price, dean of Student Success at GNTC, shared his excitement about the upcoming Open House.

We are delighted to invite you to our Open House for our upcoming fall semester, Price said. This is your opportunity to explore one of our six campuses and take the first step in your college journey. Our goal is to simplify the process for you.

The event will include information and assistance on admissions, advising, career guidance and financial aid. GNTC will waive the admission application fee for those attending the event.

During your visit, you can tour our campuses, meet our experienced staff and faculty, learn about our student support services and even apply to GNTC for freeall in a single day, Price said.

Attendees will receive GNTC giveaways.

For more information, contact admissions@gntc.edu or 866-983-4682.
Foundation Leadership - Pictured, left to right: Dr. Andy White, Cleveland State president; Jonathan Cantrell, incoming board of trustee chairman; and Mike Griffin, board of trustee chairman 2001-2004 Cleveland State President Dr. Andy White (left), presents Ron Braam with the Trustee Service Award Ann McCoin Previous Next

Cleveland State Community College Foundation Board of Trustees honored Ron Braam and Ann McCoin with Trustee Service Awards for their years of leadership and devotion to the college at a recent board meeting. They will both be named honorary trustees when their terms expire in July.Retired from Manufacturers Chemical, Mr. Braam was board chairman from 1996 to 1998 and will be stepping down from the board after 45 years of service to the college. For the past several years, Mr. Braam has served as chair of the Development Committee.In honor of his 45 years of service, a gift of $4,500 was donated to the Foundation from the Trustees, and the Braams will match this gift. Following the meeting, an additional $1,000 gift was made for a total of $10,000 to establish the Ron and Mary Braam Endowment.Ms. McCoin is a retired attorney and educator who has been a trustee for six years. During her tenure, Ms. McCoin served as board secretary and as chair of the Governance and Membership Committee. Prior to her service as a trustee, Ms. McCoin taught legal assisting at Cleveland State for 27 years.Established in 1971, the Foundation has awarded over $7.8 million in scholarships to over 9,500 students. It is a separate not-for-profit entity providing financial support to assist with meeting the strategic needs of the college. The Board of Trustees is composed of community leaders who believe in education and support the mission of Cleveland State.At the conclusion of the meeting, Mike Griffin, chairman of the board since 2021, passed his gavel to Jonathan Cantrell who will take over leadership of the board in July. Mr. Cantrells father taught at the college for almost 40 years. A Cleveland State alumnus, Mr. Cantrell is president of Caldwell Paving.Ann McCoin and Ron Braam are truly servant leaders, and we are grateful for their service and commitment to our college and our students. Their recognition is well-deserved, said Dr. John Squires, vice president of Economic & Community Development. Mike Griffin has gone above and beyond for our college as chairman of the board. His leadership has been invaluable, and I am confident that Jonathan Cantrell will continue to lead the board with the same level of passion and dedication.
The following students were named to Honors Lists at St. Andrew's-Sewanee School for the final quarter of the 2023-24 school year. Overall, 92 students, including 19 boarding and 73 day students, achieved academic distinction for the third quarter.Students who earn an average of 93 or above with no grade below 83 are named to the High Honors List for academic achievement. Students with average ranges between 83 and 92 and who have received no grade below 80 are named to the Honors List.Satisfactory completion of PEAK, our co-curricular program, is required for students to be eligible for the Honor Roll.High Honors:Karen Badgley, Sewanee, TNRuth Bauerfeind, Halle (Saale), GermanyLowell Brainerd, Seattle, WACharley Buckner, Pelham, TNKat Carpenter, Sewanee, TNMiren Colbert, Sewanee, TNAlex Colon, East Point, GALilly Crigger, Sewanee, TNDrew DeLorme, Sewanee, TNAnja Dombrowski, Sewanee, TNLoulie Frazier, Sewanee, TNArthur Glacet, Sewanee, TNBen Gueikian, Nashville, TNHadlee Hale, Manchester, TNOnawa Henson, Whitwell, TNKetiah Inganji, Rome, ItalyEllie Jenkins, Sewanee, TNTom Karanja, Bartlett, TNNadya Kuriachaia, Sewanee, TNEmilie Leathers, Jasper, TNKiran Malde, Sewanee, TNSarah Maleak, Gallatin, TNKieran McCrorey, Belvidere, TNBriley Meador, Decherd, TNReese Michaels, Sewanee, TNTheo Michaels, Sewanee, TNMicah Moody, Sewanee, TNSusanne Morrissey, Jasper, TNIvy Moser, Sewanee, TNGabin Mugisha, Cotonou, BeninCaroline Neubauer, Belvidere, TNEoin Pate, Sewanee, TNPrem Patel, Altamont, TNElisabeth Perkins, Sewanee, TNMargeaux Pierson, New Orleans, LAAmelia Pond, Sewanee, TNSarah Grace Powell, Sewanee, TNEmery Preslar, Sewanee, TNMadison Rogers, Jasper, TNMark Rogers, Jasper, TNMadelyn Ryan, Sewanee, TNTheodore Schrader, Sewanee, TNElijah Stark, Sewanee, TNJulia Sumpter, Cowan, TNAugustin Tabacaru, Chisinau, Republic of MoldovaHarper Thompson, Sewanee, TNMia Val, Tracy City, TNMaddie Van de Ven, Sewanee, TNToby Van de Ven, Sewanee, TNTaylor Wells, Winchester, TNStella Wilson, Monteagle, TNEmma Wockasen, Monteagle, TNHonors:Lydia Andrews, Sewanee, TNRaulston Barnett, Sewanee, TNElliott Benson, Sewanee, TNSarah Brewster, Sewanee, TNSean Bridgers-Carlos, Sewanee, TNCameron Crawford, Sewanee, TNMyah Carol Dejean, Roseau, DominicaMaggie DesJarlais, Sherwood, TNCarlota Diez Rosety, San Sebastian de los Reyes, SpainAndrew Gallaway, Jasper, TNGrey Givens, Jasper, TNSam Goodpaster, Sewanee, TNEliza Griffey, Sewanee, TNJack Hale, Manchester, TNWill Hernandez, Monteagle, TNHan Huynh, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamKeziah Ingeli, Rome, ItalyElla Johnson, Hattiesburg, MSLennon Kilgore, Jasper, TNParker Kovalski, Decherd, TNSarah Russell Leonard, Sewanee, TNMary Ming Lynch, Sewanee, TNEli Matthews, Tullahoma, TNMaya Mauzy, Sewanee, TNMariah Maxam, Sewanee, TNJackson Mayo, Sewanee, TNRuby McDougal, Jasper, TNAlejandro Miranda, Boquete, PanamaArabella Mitchell, Estill Springs, TNWilliam Schrader, Sewanee, TNJack Shattuck, Monteagle, TNDimitri Sherrill, Manchester, TNEliot Sparacio, Sewanee, TNLara-Sophie Stahl, Wiesbaden, GermanyJames Steffner, Chattanooga, TNAlly Syler, Monteagle, TNSam Weintraub, Decherd, TNLillian Welch, Nashville, TN
Chattanoogas waterfront welcomes the 3 Sisters Music Festivals return for its 17th year on Oct. 4 and 5 at Ross Landing. This event is a rare free festival featuring performances by top names in contemporary and traditional bluegrass. It is hosted by Fletcher Bright Realty and produced by Chattanooga Presents.

Headlining this years festival on Friday, Oct. 4, is the GRAMMY Award-Winning progressive acoustic act, Infamous Stringdusters. They will be preceded with performances by The Slocan Ramblers and Becky Buller. Opening the festival at 5:30 p.m. is the host band, The New Dismembered Tennesseans, a group of much-loved local musicians who primarily were part of the Dismembered Tennesseans, founded by Fletcher Bright and his high school buddies from McCallie School over 75 years ago. Fletcher Brights three daughters are the namesake of the festival.

Musical highlights for Saturday, Oct. 5, include The Brothers Comatose, The Steeldrivers, Chicken Wire Empire, The Steel Wheels, Sister Sadie, Damn Tall Buildings and more.

A variety of food offerings from over a dozen food trucks, along with local brews and spirits and non-alcoholic drink concessions will also be available on site. 3 Sisters T-shirts and performers merchandise will be sold, including the option for live T-shirt screen printing by Neat Pony.

The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, however, no outside food or beverages are allowed. Wheelchair seating will be offered in front of the stage.

Visit 3sistersbluegrass.com for upcoming details on the festival and performance times.
Poplar Springs Road is reopened following significant stormwater improvements that have been completed ahead of schedule. Work began in mid-March and continued into the first week of June.The improvements came in two phases, each one involving the excavation of Poplar Springs Road and the installation of dozens of large box culverts. The job includes significant enhancements to drainage along Poplar Springs Road.Officials said, "The contract called for the work to be completed by mid-August, but thanks to periods of good weather, excellent work by contract crews, and timely delivery of equipment and materials, it is completed two months ahead of schedule."The job was made possible by Catoosa County Public Works, Catoosa County Stormwater Management, CTI Engineers, Inc., Talley Construction, Spears & Hopkins Paving Company and The Sharon Company.Thanks to Catoosa Utility District Authority, Ringgold Telephone Company and Atlanta Gas Light for their assistance and work with utilities."
Accomplishments are always a reason to celebrate, and few occasions are as significant as high school or college graduation, which many students across Tennessee recently experienced. The most important thing students hear when they graduate is their name.

The least essential message students hear is from the graduation speaker. If the graduation speaker is wise, they will keep the message brief and challenge graduates to discover their passions, define and pursue success, and be prepared for the real world.

You do not need anyone else's permission to claim the best things in life. Your interest and curiosity are enough to take the first step. But you must take risks and endure uncertainty and failure to earn them. Prioritize who you are and want to be, and don't allow anything to distract you from your goals.

Recognize your talent or passion. Benjamin Disraeli, a 19th-century British Prime Minister, once said, "Man is only great when he acts from passion." Realizing that you can do what you love with your life is essential. Passion is your GPS for life. Your life does not belong to your parents, teachers, or political leaders. You will have to be realistic in deciding if you can turn your passion into the career or lifestyle you want and choose how to make that happen. There is no playbook for your life except living it to the fullest daily. I use a guidebook called the Bible to help me. The truth is that your passion will change. I love to write, but in High School, I did not have that passion. So, expand your horizons, and your passion may grow or change. It will take courage to grow into that which you can become.

Dont buy societys definition of success. Before you can achieve success, you will have to define what success means to you. In his book Born to Win! Zig Ziglar, an expert on success, motivation, and leading a balanced life, contended that success could not be defined in one sentence but is comprised of many things. He said: One could argue that the definition depends on the individual and one size does not fit all. Success is not the opposite of failure. Learning from failure is part of the key to success. Wealth, prosperity, and fame do not define success. The late Colin Powell said: There are no secrets to success. It results from preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.

Be ready for the real world. Entering the real world can be a daunting experience for students and young adults as they step into the workplace for their first job or head off to college. The foundation to build on for success is honesty, character, integrity, faith, love, and loyalty. The "real world" can seem intimidating, as its rules are very different from those of the classroom. One Tennessee teacher sent a rather profound statement. She wrote: The real world is tough. There are trials and tribulations at work and a constant need for prayer. Whether it is the challenges my students face or the overwhelming pressures in the teaching world, I pray that the positives will outweigh the negativesDisease, sudden illness, cruelty towards another humanits hard to understand the harshness of the world. There is too much hate, lack of empathy, and a sense of entitlement. She added, Be kind to one another. Love one another. Slow down, appreciate the small things, and be thankful. We need more love and understanding. Tell those you care about that you love and appreciate them. You never know when that opportunity will be gone.

There is a last time for everything. I hope you took the time to look around and soak it all in at graduation. You will never be in this place again with the same people. Hug your friends and family extra tight and spend time with those who celebrate your accomplishment.

Etienne de Grellet, a Quaker missionary, once wrote: "I shall pass this way, but once, I will do any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being. Let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." This serves as an excellent life advice. Congratulations, all graduates. By exploring yourself, sharing your ideas, taking risks, and building relationships, you will discover that the real world is tough but is also a place full of fantastic opportunities.

JC Bowman

Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee
Due to their stability and resistance to water and grease, PFAS chemicals (short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are used in a wide range industries, but they are harmful to health and the environment. membranes containing PFAS are used in many semiconductor manufacturing processes, for example. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP have now developed a sustainable alternative in the form of an innovative, PFAS-free membrane. The chemically stable, highly permeable polymer membrane has a pore diameter of approx. seven nanometers and enables filtration of the smallest particulate contaminants. The membrane can be customized to meet specific needs, which makes it easy to integrate the new process into existing systems.

The PFAS-free polymer membrane is chemically stable, highly permeable and features a pore diameter of approx. seven nanometers.  Fraunhofer IAP

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.
The question of when humans came to the Americas has always been fiercely debated among experts.

But now, a scientist from the Smithsonian Institution believes he has resolved the argument once and for all after unearthing some strong evidence in Maryland.

A geologist named Darrin Lowery has visited Parsons Island in the Chesapeake Bay a total of 93 times and found 286 artifacts from when humans first settled in North America.

The oldest of the objects was buried in charcoal and dates back 22,000 years, which makes their arrival in America 7,000 years earlier than previously thought.

Similar discoveries at the White Sands National Park in New Mexico suggested that human settlement occurred between 21,000 and 23,000 years ago, supporting the idea that humans have been in America longer than we ever knew. The new findings could change the course of history as we know it.

Over the past decade, Marylands Parsons Island has been eroding at rapid rates due to rising sea levels. This means that researchers are running out of time to explore the area.

In 2010, Lowery described in a study how layers of windblown silt were deposited near the island between 13,000 and 41,000 years ago. However, a lot of information was missing from the sediment layers.

Then, he discovered a black streak of sediment from Parsons Island. Three years later, he stumbled across a prehistoric stone tool shaped like a leaf.

After analyzing it, he found that it was more than 20,000 years old. At that time so long ago, the region was actually covered in a sheet of ice. There was a dune, small trees, and a pond, which attracted both animals and humans, as proven by the fossilized molars of bison, llamas, and musk oxen along the shore.

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When talking about kings and queens from centuries ago, many people start to think of famous kings. However, there were so many female monarchs who made history and are often overlooked.

For instance, do you know anything about Queen Seondeok, the first female monarch in Korean history?

Queen Seondeok was first a princess, born to King Jinpyeong and Queen Maya of Silla, which was one of Koreas three kingdoms at the time.

Some legends say that her father wanted to give his crown to a son-in-law, but the princess wanted an opportunity to prove herself as her kingdoms rightful ruler.

Although some were opposed to the idea of a female monarch, she was crowned Queen Seondeok in 632 and became the first reigning queen in Koreas history.

Queen Seondeok was known for being very concerned about the people of her kingdom. She would ensure there were royal inspectors sent out routinely to check on everyone, especially the less fortunate, like widows, orphans, and the poor.

She also was able to give her peasants in her kingdom a year of tax exemption and reduced taxes for those in the middle class. The powerful queen also encouraged a sort of cultural renaissance and emphasized the importance of literature and the arts.

During her reign, Queen Seondeok oversaw the construction of Cheomseongdae, an astronomy observatory. Today, it still stands as the oldest observatory in Asia.

During the 640s, Queen Seondeoks reign took a turn after kingdom rivals came after her. At one point, she sought military assistance from the Chinese Tang dynasty but was told by Emperor Taizong that her kingdom would only receive help if she gave her throne to a prince.

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During the renovation of his wine cellar in Gobelsburg, Austria, one man made an ancient discovery. Preserved within the surrounding sediment on the floor of the cellar were the remains of three woolly mammoths.

There were 300 bones in total, dating between 30,000 and 40,000-years-old. A find of this kind had not occurred for over a century.

While he was trying to level the floor of his wine cellar, Andreas Pernerstorfer accidentally happened upon the bones.

Initially, he thought they were just pieces of wood that his grandfather left behind. But then, he remembered his grandfather once told him he had found teeth in the cellar before.

Pernerstorfer notified the authorities, and a team of archaeologists from the Austrian Archaeological Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences arrived to examine the remains.

The team excavated more than 300 bones from at least three different mammoths who died between 30,000 and 40,000 years ago.

The animals went extinct between 14,000 and 10,000 years ago. They existed mainly in the regions that are now known as Asia, Europe, and North America.

It is unclear how the mammoths ended up in the wine cellar or why they were buried together, but the researchers have their theories.

Possibly, some humans from the Stone Age set a hunting trap at the site, causing the mammoths to die together. In 2019, the remains of an ancient mammoth trap were found in Mexico.

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Illustration by Abigail Erickson / Source Images: Getty, Wikimedia Commons

In the Western world today, Peter Ackroyd is one of the finest writers of biography, history, and fiction. His most recent project turns attention to the field of religion, setting out to describe what he calls the spirit and nature of English Christianity as it has developed over the past 1,400 years.

The English Soul: Faith of a Nation offers an episodic and biographical account of books, individuals, and communities that have done most to shape this tradition. Consistent with Ackroyds gifts, the book crafts superb turns of phrase while approaching its subject with curiosity, generosity, and breadth.

But this book also makes some unexpected moves. The English soul, Ackroyd insists, requires a Christian explanationfor while Jews, Muslims, and adherents of other religions have contributed to the countrys religious tradition, their faith and practice have not characterized it. Christianity, he asserts, has been the anchoring and defining doctrine of England.

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These are bold words, and contestable ones, not least when measured against Englands secularization over the past 50 years. In most parts of the country, Christian affiliation, even at its most nominal, is dropping fast.

The Church of England might still be established, and the new king might still be its supreme governor, but his episcopal appointments are approved by a Hindu prime minister in a capital city boasting a Muslim mayor and in a culture that treats these religious differences with little more than indifference.

These social changes reframe Ackroyds title into a question: Does England still have a Christian soul?

At minimum, Ackroyds book capably shows that England has a Christian past. Its chapters range across this terrain, beginning with the Venerable Bede, a seventh- and eighth-century monk known as the father of English history.

But it is not always clear what principle has governed the choice of topics and figures. Theres a gap of 700 years between chapter 1, on Bede, and chapter 2, on Julian of Norwich (and only a third of that chapter focuses on the famous mystic). Nearly half the book covers events in the 16th and 17th centuries, leaving just a few chapters apiece for the pre-Reformation church and the centuries leading up to the present day.

Neither are the chapter titles especially illuminating: Bede is discussed under Religion as History, the King James Version of the Bible under Religion as Scripture, and so on. The focus here is not on religion as practice. In fact, its not always clear whether the term religion is pointing to any fixed category at all.

Of course, the flexible meaning of religion presents a difficulty in a book meant to distill an English soul. And these references to an English soul are sometimes quite peculiar.

Ackroyd, for instance, describes Julians visions as specific, almost humble in detail, concluding that the English soul is mediated through homely images. This is a curious observation, as it seems to imply that Julians vision is ultimately turned in upon herself.

Ackroyds conception of Englishness is often just as hazy as his conception of religion. The Reformation, were told, demonstrated that ambiguity and compromise were part of the English temper; doctrinal purity was not. Queen Elizabeths proposals to end Protestant-Catholic conflict were very English  practical rather than speculative, involving compromise, and toleration, as well as a fair amount of ambiguity. The agendas of compromise and conciliation that animated the King James Version might even act as a mirror of Englishness itself, and by extension of the English soul. The Quaker movement had an essentially English character, in that toleration  has always been the English path. John and Charles Wesley preferred experience to doctrine and so offered an outline of the English soul. And so on.

These generalizations are not always accurateJohn Wesleys hostility toward his Calvinist rivals was certainly theologically informed. And they certainly cannot explain why the book devotes space both to evangelicals and to atheist stalwarts like Richard Dawkins.

This is where proper categorization is essential, because at least since the Reformation, as Ackroyd acknowledges, the English soul has been contested. With the rise of Protestant reform, the fight for the English soul had become earnest. One century later, Puritanism offered an alternative English tradition, which continues to compete for the English soul.

Ackroyd has particular trouble figuring out evangelicals. With their sometimes fierce commitment to biblical inerrancy and high view of Gods righteousness, its hard to imagine them fitting comfortably within the tolerant pragmatism of the books English soul.

Can evangelicals be English at all? They might be the only growing tradition within the established church today. Does that mean the English soul is dying?

It seems fitting, then, that The English Soul is a book without a conclusion. Its final chapter sketches the careers of revisionist thinkers like John A. T. Robinson, John Hick, and Don Cupitt, hinting that their movements away from dogma or abstract principle made them more faithful attendants upon the English soul.

But the lack of a conclusion seems revealing. Its not merely that Ackroyds story of this tradition has yet to reach its finale. Perhaps, in his way of telling, it cannot.

Ackroyds book contains some unexpected blunders. It is not true, as he claims, that the 39 Articles of the Church of England rejected the doctrine of hell or that Puritans doubted whether Christ  intended to create a Church at all. Moravians did not regard sexual intercourse as a sacramental act. Charles Spurgeon was not the pastor of a Reformed Baptist church (a descriptor not used until the mid-20th century).

Blunders and larger hesitations notwithstanding, this survey of English Christian history remains a book by Peter Ackroyd, which means that it is provocative and sometimes baffling but also shrewd, carefully observed, and at its best, brilliant.

Crawford Gribben is a professor of history at Queens University Belfast. His books include The Rise and Fall of Christian Ireland.
World Environment Day 2024 to focus on land restoration: UN official

By Xu Zheqi (People's Daily App) 14:08, June 04, 2024

Siddharth Chatterjee, the UN resident coordinator in China, made remarks via video at the 2024 World Environment Day Event held by the United Nations Environment Programme China Office on Monday in Beijing. "This year, World Environment Day focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience under the theme 'Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration,' giving us the chance to shine a spotlight on solutions to protect our land," he said. Here's a video of the entire remarks.

(Compiled by Xu Zheqi; video provided by UN in China)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Home News Proposed SBC resolutions touch on Christian political engagement, Israel, parental rights

In advance of the Southern Baptist Convention's June 11-12 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, SBC's Resolutions Committee has released a list of 10 resolutions that messengers will consider in their preliminary form.

This year marks the earliest preliminary resolutions have been released ahead of the annual meeting in recent memory, according to Baptist Press, the official news service of the SBC.

Resolutions Committee Chair Kristen Ferguson told the outlet that "these resolutions represent what we believe to be Southern Baptist resolve on emerging and urgent topics of our day."

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The following pages highlight four notable resolutions that the nation's largest Protestant denomination will consider at its annual meeting later this month. They include topics related to in vitro fertilization, Christian political engagement, Israel and parental rights.
Home News Biden wants to bar migrants who enter US illegally from receiving asylum

President Joe Biden is utilizing executive actions to prohibit migrants who illegally enter the United States from receiving asylum when the border enforcement agencies are overwhelmed.

In a fact sheet Tuesday, the White House said the president approved executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum.

These actions will be in effect when high levels of encounters at the Southern Border exceed our ability to deliver timely consequences, as is the case today, stated the fact sheet. They will make it easier for immigration officers to remove those without a lawful basis to remain and reduce the burden on our Border Patrol agents.

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According to the White House, Biden is suspending entry of noncitizens who cross the Southern border into the United States unlawfully, noting that the actions will be discontinued when the number of migrants who cross the border between ports of entry is low enough for Americas system to safely and effectively manage border operations.

These actions also include similar humanitarian exceptions to those included in the bipartisan border agreement announced in the Senate, including those for unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking, added the administration.

Former President Donald Trump issued a similar proclomation in 2018, which was blocked by an Obama-appointed federal judge who ruled the president doesn't have the power to "impose a condition that Congress has expressly forbidden."

Trump Campaign National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denounced the executive actions in a statement on behalf of the Republican presidential candidate, claiming they will lead to amnesty, not border security.

If Joe Biden truly wanted to shut down the border, he could do so with a swipe of the same pen, but he never will because he is controlled by radical left Democrats who seek to destroy America, stated Leavitt.

Biden's illegal migrants are ravaging our Nation and have caused a crime wave in every state, as proven this week by the Venezuelan illegal criminal who gunned down two brave NYPD officers. The border invasion and migrant crime will not stop until Crooked Joe Biden is deported from the White House.

Global Refuge, a nonprofit refugee resettlement agency formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, released a statement expressing concern.

We are deeply concerned about the legality of this interim final rule and the moral implications of turning away asylum-seeking families desperate for and deserving of protection, stated Global Refuge President Krish OMara Vignarajah.

Our fear is that such restrictions would ultimately deny protection to persecuted individuals and families based on increasingly arbitrary factors, and not on the actual merits of their claim. This represents a troubling departure from an approach that balances the carrot and stick in favor of hardline restrictions that have historically failed to bring order or fairness to our border.

Vignarajah blamed Congress for failing to pass immigration reform legislation. She believes Bidens plans are wholly unsustainable dynamic.

Instead of focusing solely on administrative actions that curtail asylum rights, the Biden administration should look to implement a holistic policy to manage our southern border, she added.

Viable options include increasing legal pathways, such as guest worker and family reunification programs, encouraging more protection partnership work in the region, such as its Safe Mobility Offices, and cracking down on trafficking operations.

According to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, there have been record numbers of encounters between migrants seeking entry into the U.S. and border enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border, with more than 301,000 incidents in December alone.

In March, the Pew Research Center released a report finding that 45% of respondents believed that the situation at the border was a "crisis," while 32% considered it a "major problem," 17% said it was "a minor problem" and 4% thought that it was "not a problem."

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said in a statement that the executive actions are "unserious and will do nothing to secure Americas borders."

"In fact, it sanctions up to 2,499 illegal aliens per day  meaning nearly 1 million per year  crossing the border between ports of entry," Jordan said in a statement. "That number does not even include all of the illegal aliens who are subject to the rules myriad exceptions. In addition, it continues the wholesale abuses of law that Joe Biden uses to let millions more illegal aliens in through our ports of entry."

Jordan said he is not surprised to see Biden take this step given the unpopularity of his administration's handling of the border influx. The Real Clear Politics average of polling measuring public approval of Biden's handling of immigration shows that the president is 29.4% below water.

"For three-and-a-half years, Americans have watched Joe Biden and his DHS Secretary allow millions of unvetted illegal aliens into our country and into our communities. In fact, hes on track to allow nearly 12 million illegal aliens into the U.S. by the end of his term," Jordan said. "The Presidents poll numbers are in the tank  especially on immigration  and later this month he is scheduled to debate President Trump  the strongest border security President in the history of the United States. So, its no surprise that Joe Biden is trying to fool the American public into thinking he cares about the countrys borders."
Home News Carl Lentz says he is not 'a disgraced pastor

In the first episode of their new "Lights On" podcast, former Hillsong NYC Pastor Carl Lentz and his wife, Laura, discussed how his infidelity shattered their marriage and ministry and the work they have done and continue to do to recover.

Lentz, 45, was interviewed by his wife on the podcast and promised to share details about his relationship with Hillsong founder Brian Houston and the Evangelical megachurch network that fired him in upcoming episodes.

In the first half of the just over an hour-long show, however, Lentz made it clear that he didn't like being described as a "disgraced pastor" by media reporting on his story. He doesn't belive it is an accurate reflection of who he is based on his understanding of God's grace.

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"Every headline, typically would say, 'disgraced, disgraced pastor,' or 'pastor falls from grace, falls from grace, falls from grace, disgraced pastor.' What's funny about that is, God bless those people, they [media] don't understand grace," Lentz Lamented.

"Because you can't fall from grace. You fall into grace. It didn't make any sense to me. And I'm not mad at the tabloids who write  'disgraced pastor.' Disgraced?" he asked with muted incredulity.

"You don't understand what grace is. The opposite of grace. Grace is mercy and favor and forgiveness that you do not deserve but God gives it to you anyway. So if anything, I fell into grace. And if people could stop writing headlines like that, I would appreciate it because it's inaccurate  disgraced pastor," Lentz argued.

"I'm not a disgraced former pastor. I am a human being that made huge mistakes. Mine were public, everybody got to see them. And now, I'm a human being that's trying to rectify my life and make wrongs right and to live completely differently. But disgraced, I am not," he insisted. "I'm more filled with grace than I've ever been. Did I fall from grace? Absolutely not. I fell into it. And I'm really grateful for that."

Lentz was fired from his post at Hillsong NYC in November 2020 over "leadership issues" and moral failures, including being unfaithful to his wife with multiple women, including a staff member at Hillsong NYC. Details from an internal investigation shared with The Christian Post in 2022 that was conducted on behalf of Hillsong Church by the New York City law firm Zukerman Gore Brandeis & Crossman, LLP, alleged, among other things, that he manipulated some former staff and volunteers and caused them mental distress.

While noting that he understands people can feel "disgraced" by his scandal, Lentz maintains that it doesn't make him a "disgraced" pastor.

"You could say what I did was disgraceful. Maybe at times, sure. But I'm not disgraced because we're forgiven," Lentz said. "I have been able to feel God's grace more than ever, I understand the thought, but I just wanted to get it out there. That doesn't fit me. You can keep writing that headline if you want. But that's not me. I don't identify as the disgraced former pastor. No, sir. No, ma'am."

Lentz said he felt like ending his life when his indiscretions became public as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world and he got fired from his job. He revealed how things quickly went from bad to worse. The day after the news broke, he said they were kicked out of the home they were staying at with their three children in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The former Hillsong NYC pastor said they had recently sold their home and were staying in a friend's home.

"When all this stuff went down, we were obviously just shell shocked, really horrible. It makes me feel weird to even talk about it," Lentz said.

"I got a call from the person who lives there. And he said  you guys have to leave because the owner of this place does not want to be associated with you," Lentz recalled. "I remember we had to take everything we have in this apartment, put it on the street in Brooklyn. And then we got a U-Haul and a U-Haul van. And we're just throwing stuff in there."

The former Hillsong NYC pastor said he struggled to find help from his network until a friend in Connecticut allowed them to stay in her home.

Laura Lentz shared how she needed to get specialized counseling for betrayal trauma, and they both shared how when the scandal broke, their daughter Charlie was in a mental hospital for teenagers, where she ended up staying for eight weeks.

"I didn't know that was even a thing [betrayal trauma]. I found a therapist that specializes in betrayal trauma and I didn't realize the amount of work that I needed to do because I was a mess," she said.

"When you're gaslit the way you are in situations like that, it's actually, it's more than just trauma. It's like torment, mental torment, physical torment on your brain," Laura Lentz revealed. "And so I had to unwind a lot of my own things that had gone on in my own head."

Lentz praised his wife profusely for standing by him and their family and talked about how her sacrifice to stay with him after everything gave them both a chance to heal and be better. He said his wife was not complicit in any way in his personal failures and she did not know about his addictions until they became public.

"You had nothing to do with my hidden sin and hidden habits and hidden addictions. You did not know what was going on with me. And I know there's been some confusing reports where people can try to piece something together and say, you know, Laura, was she complicit? Did she know? And that's just not true. It's not our story," Lentz told his wife. "You didn't know anything about what I was doing because I became really proficient at making my life work despite a lot of pain."

Lentz said he believes his sins were made public because "God had enough."

When his wife asked him what it was like to preach while keeping his addictions secret, he called it "torture."

"The way I can articulate living a life where you have that kind of secrecy, it is torture, for the person living  me. And it's torture for the people that are not in the know, I don't care who you are, what you've done. Nobody is created to live with lies," Lentz said.

"If anything, we tell a lie, and we sit on it, and we learn to live with it. It's like adapting to dysfunction. That's what it's like to live with a lie. And there is no there's no burying a lie. We think that's what's happening.  I was really digging my own grave. And that's a hard reality to face. But now, you know, I know the power of honesty in a totally different way. And that's been a really powerful part of our healing."
Home News China's persecution of Christians spreading to Hong Kong, Release International warns

The persecution of Christians in mainland China is spreading to Hong Kong, Release International has warned on the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

The massacre in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989, brought a brutal end to pro-democracy protests and marked an increase in the persecution of Christians.

Release International stated in a report Monday that 35 years on, Christians in China are facing the worst levels of persecution since the Cultural Revolution and that the threat is spreading to Hong Kong, where national security laws have had a chilling effect on free speech and religious freedom.

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The organization, which supports persecuted Christians worldwide, said that a new law could force Catholic priests in Hong Kong to reveal the secrets of the confessional.

Under Article 23, passed in March, priests could be jailed for up to 14 months if they refuse to disclose so-called crimes of treason shared during confession.

Release International partner Bob Fu said that if priests were forced to violate the trust of Catholics coming to confession, "China will go down a very dangerous path towards persecution."

Fu, who has spent years campaigning for religious freedom in China, said that many Christians had already left Hong Kong and that "their preferred destination is the United Kingdom."

He said that Britain has a moral obligation to stand up for religious freedom in its former colony.

"Hong Kongers are expecting the U.K. to stand strong for their religious freedom and to speak up for them, and to take all necessary measures to protect those who flee persecution," he said.

A recent report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom states that China is tightening its grip on practicing Christians and that believers in Hong Kong and beyond China's national borders are being affected.

Release International CEO Paul Robinson said, "The long-running crackdown on mainland China now appears to be extending to Hong Kong."

"Religious freedom is the cornerstone of all freedoms. Our partners describe the current crackdown on Christians as the harshest since Mao Tse Tung's Cultural Revolution."

"Together we call on the world to wake up and recognize the severity of the persecution in China that is gathering pace. This threat against Christians goes beyond their national borders."

This article was originally published by Christian Today.
Home News Christian orphanage denied permit renewal by Indian state, intensifying concerns about religious freedom

A Christian orphanage in a central Indian state has been denied a renewal of its permit to receive foreign charitable funds, intensifying concerns about religious freedom and governmental oversight in the country governed by a Hindu nationalist party.

The Department for Women and Child Development in Madhya Pradesh state declined to renew the license for Adharshila Sansthan, an orphanage in Damoh district managed by a Protestant couple, UCA News reported.

The state is governed by the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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An official from the orphanage, who wished to remain anonymous, was quoted as saying that they have been operating since 2005 and have always complied with legal requirements.

The orphanage has facilitated the adoption of 18 children by foreign couples and 27 by Indian couples. Currently, 11 girls and five boys are ready for adoption and will be transferred to other state-run orphanages.

The states child rights panel accused the orphanage of not adhering to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act on Sept. 5. The main reason cited for the denial was that the orphanage was running boys and girls hostels under one license, which the orphanage official says is not prohibited by law.

Praksha Pathak, Damoh district chairperson of the child rights panel, was quoted as saying that decisions about relocating the children are pending. She declined to provide further details, citing confidentiality.

Church officials claim that the state government has been targeting Christian institutions like schools, hostels and orphanages.

Madhya Pradesh has also enforced a stringent anti-conversion law since 2021.

Priyank Kanoongo, chairperson of the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, filed a complaint against the orphanage and its founder, Dr. Ajay Lall, on Nov. 13, 2022. The complaint accuses the orphanage of violating the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, and the case is still under investigation.

The orphanage official called the situation a planned conspiracy against their institution.

Christians constitute only 0.29% of Madhya Pradeshs population of over 72 million, more than 80% of whom are Hindus. The state has been under BJP rule for nearly two decades, except for a brief period between 2018 and 2020.

In 2017, Christian child sponsorship organization Compassion International was forced to leave India. The federal government blocked its funding, affecting 147,000 children. The organization was founded in 1952 and had been sending funds to over 500 local child development projects in India.

Christians make up about 2.3% of Indias population and face suppression from the national government, according to the U.S. State Department. Amendments to the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act in 2020 have added more restrictions on Christian groups, including onerous oversight and certification requirements.

Several Christian organizations have had their Foreign Contributions Regulation Act licenses canceled.

The United Nations has criticized the act, stating that it has been used to justify intrusive measures against civil society organizations.

The Department of State has noted that Christians in India are subject to surveillance, harassment, property demotion and detention under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

The ReligionUnplugged online magazine reported in July that Christian ministries are specifically targeted by the government under the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act.

World Vision and Compassion International have also been impacted by the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act. World Vision had its license suspended in November 2022, and Compassion International was forced to shut down its operations in India in 2017 due to funding restrictions.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, criticized the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act in a 2020 press statement. She said the act had been invoked to justify a range of intrusive measures, including official raids on NGO offices and the freezing of bank accounts.

A report by the United Christian Forum reveals a significant increase in attacks on Christians since 2014.

The first half of 2023 saw a surge in violence against Christians across 23 states in India, according to the UCF, which identified 400 incidents, up from 274 reported over the same period last year.

According to UCFs findings, the number of violent incidents against Christians has been rising steadily in India since 2014, with a significant spike observed in 2021 and 2022.

For Indias Christians, 2021 was the most violent year in the countrys history, with at least 486 violent incidents of Christian persecution reported that year.

In almost all incidents reported across India, vigilante mobs composed of religious extremists have been seen to either barge into a prayer gathering or round up individuals that they believe are involved in forcible religious conversions, said that years report by the UCF.

The UCF attributed the high incidence of Christian persecution to impunity, due to which such mobs criminally threaten, physically assault people in prayer, before handing them over to the police on allegations of forcible conversions.
Home News LGBT-affirming church vandalized with Leviticus 18:22

Police in Mitchell, South Dakota, are investigating after Congregational United Church of Christ, an LGBT-affirming congregation planning to host a gay pride event this month, was vandalized with Scripture on Thursday night.

The church's vandalism was first noticed around 8 a.m. last Friday morning by individuals from law offices across the street from the church, according to Dakota News Now. The vandals spray painted Leviticus 18:22 on the walls and sidewalk of the church in red multiple times. They also urged the congregants to repent in their message.

Leviticus 18:22, which condemns same-sex relationships, states: Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

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In The Bible in History: How the Texts Have Shaped the Times, author David W. Kling, a religious studies professor at the University of Miami, states Leviticus 18:22 forms part of what scholars refer to as the Holiness Code, a set of texts made after Gods command.

After Gods deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, the people wandered in the desert and were subject to attacks from pagan tribes, disease, and starvation. Divine commandments were thus given to define their religious, civic, and cultural identity as a means of achieving holy purity, Kling writes.

Progressive or liberal Christians, like churches affiliated with the United Church of Christ, are committed to revising and re-envisioning the faith in accord with the verdicts of modern intellectual inquiry, especially those of the natural and social sciences, writes Kling. For them, the Bibles judgments against homosexuality have no relevance to the contemporary debate.

Officials from the church did not immediately respond to calls for comment from The Christian Post on Monday, but the vandalism is likely to have happened after 10:30 p.m. last Thursday night when a group left the church.

Police are reviewing cameras from neighbors, including a courthouse located near the church.

The church said in a statement on its Facebook page that community members helped them to cover Bible verses, which they framed as "hate" speech.

After the vandalism of our building, friends, allies and members gathered today for support and beautification in re-covering the love over hate. Thanks to everyone who came out to share in the beautiful re-covery, the church said Friday.

In their welcome message on Facebook, the church states, No matter who you are and where you are on life's journey you are welcome here. Our inclusive welcome extends to the LGBTQ community and any and all who are on the margins.

Pastor Matt Richards told KELO that it wasnt the first time the church faced backlash for its stance.

Weve had chalk obscenities written and symbols drawn on our sidewalks, you know, never to the extent of, you know, spray paint until now, he said.

Wendy Figland, who attended the church her entire life, said the hostility toward their message cuts deep.

Freedom of religion is a constitutional right, and to have that damaged and threatened cuts really deep, she said.

Richards believes its hypocritical for someone preaching the Gospel of Jesus to react this way to a message they disagree with.

So it seems pretty hypocritical for someone who claims to be a Christian to come and vandalize a building and break the law irregardless as to whether its a church or not, he said.
Home News Marriott Foundation gifts $1M to historic black church

The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, created in 1966 by the founders of the worlds largest travel company, Marriott International Inc., has pledged a $1 million donation to help restore the historic Scotland AME Zion Church in Potomac, Maryland, built by black congregants in 1924.

David Marriott, a grandson of the Marriott founders, made the announcement last Wednesday to a gathering of church community members, including descendants of some of the first black people to own land in Potomac.

Im here today with the great news that The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation will be giving a $1 million gift to the Scotland community, Marriott said to cheers, according to a statement from the church. The other trustees and I are thrilled to support this effort and to be a small part of your rebuilding effort.

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The church, which was expanded in 1963, has struggled with chronic water drainage problems since the rerouting of Seven Locks Road to the downhill side of the church building in 1960. The rerouting filled in wetland abutting the church, which eventually caused the collapse of the churchs basement wall in 2019 after a regionwide flood.

For almost five years, the Scotland AME Zion community has been unable to worship in their historic sanctuary.

Since the summer of 2022, however, local leaders and philanthropists have been working together to help make the church once again a safe place to worship and grow through an $11 million effort called the 2nd Century Project.

The 2nd Century Project will preserve this Maryland State Historic Site, the vital hub of a community that has been at the heart of Montgomery County for more than 140 years, the church explains.

Restoring the historic church for use as a community center will create a place where Scotland residents and the broader community can come together for charitable work, such as food drives, and neighborhood meetings. It will provide a venue for Girl Scout and Boy Scout groups to gather, a site for lectures and workshops, counseling services, and an anchor point for this longstanding community.

As of May 2024, the church has raised $8.2 million of the $11 million goal.

LaTisha Gasaway-Paul, whose ancestors were the founders of the historic black Scotland community in Montgomery County that dates back to 1880, told WTOP that she was working on ensuring Scotland has the biggest and best Juneteenth celebration in the Washington, D.C., region this year when she got the news of the Marriott gift.

Oh, the Marriotts came through in a major way! she said. We were, by far, not expecting that surprise!

David Marriott and his wife, Carrie, discovered that James Dove, a Scotland resident, was the landscaper for his grandparents. They later learned about the 2nd Century Project while attending a Scotland service in a borrowed sanctuary.

It just seems like its been a wonderful, deserving community to help rebuild and have space for all of those important community elements to come together, Mieka Wick, the CEO of the Marriott Foundation, told WTOP. Its really our privilege to get to know communities and learn from them.

If the church meets its fundraising goal by the end of the year, it could hold its first service in the upgraded building by December.

This is a major investment in community, the churchs pastor, Rev. Dr. Evalina Huggins, said. Not just for Scotland AME Zion Church, but for Montgomery County and this country.
Home News Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to address Congress for a record 4th time

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to address a joint session of U.S. Congress and will become the world leader who has done so most in United States history.

Netanyahu's office confirmed his plans to address Congress in a statement, though a specific date has yet to be decided.

This will mark the fourth time that Netanyahu will address Congress, the most of any world leader in United States history. Netanyahu is tied with former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill at three times.

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"I am very moved to have the privilege of representing Israel before both Houses of Congress and to present the truth about our just war against those who seek to destroy us to the representatives of the American people and the entire world," stated Netanyahu.

The invitation to speak came courtesy a bipartisan letter sent last week and signed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

The speech comes as Israeli forces continue their offensive in the Gaza Strip, seeking to eradicate Hamas, a terror group that has controlled Gaza since 2007, and free the surviving hostages taken by the Palestinian extremist group in its Oct. 7 attack that killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators across the globe, including on several U.S. college campuses, have launched protests calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has claimed that over 35,000 people have died since the war began but doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants.

"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 security," stated the letter.

"The existential challenges we face, including the growing partnership between Iran, Russia, and China, threaten the security, peace, and prosperity of our countries and of free people around the world."

The congressional leaders encouraged Netanyahu to "share the Israeli government's vision for defending democracy, combatting terror, and establishing a just and lasting peace in the region."

In March, Schumer, a Jewish American, made international headlines when he called for Israel to hold new elections, accusing Netanyahu of losing "his way amid the war with Hamas.

Netanyahu last spoke before Congress in 2015 at the invitation of then-Republican House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio. He discussed concerns about Iran reaching a nuclear deal with the U.S.

"We have been told that no deal is better than a bad deal. Well, this is a bad deal. It is a very bad deal. We are better off without it," Netanyahu told Congress during his 2015 remarks.

"We are being told that the only alternative to this bad deal is war. That is just not true. The alternative to this bad deal is a much better deal," Netanyahu added.

Republicans organized the 2015 speech without the prior knowledge of then-President Barack Obama, leading many Democratic members of Congress to boycott the speech in protest.
Home News NYC pastor compares Alvin Bragg to Thurgood Marshall for prosecuting Trump

A Harlem pastor is likening the district attorney behind the indictment of former President and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to civil rights leader Thurgood Marshall in the latest example of the church honoring Democrats.

A video clip shared by Spectrum NY1 political reporter Ayana Harry Dudley and the X account Woke Preacher Clips on Sunday show Abyssinian Baptist Church Executive Minister Raschaad Hoggard praising Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg from the pulpit earlier in the day. Bragg has been in the news over the past year because the Democrat-elected official spearheaded the prosecution against Trump for allegedly paying hush money to a porn star ahead of the 2016 presidential election, which culminated with a conviction last week.

At the beginning of the clip, Hoggard said the name Alvin Bragg, which prompted the crowd to stand and erupt into thunderous applause as organ music played in the background. Lets give it up for our brother, he added. The camera focused on Bragg, who was seated in the audience there as a member of the church.

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Alvin Bragg is a righteous and humble brother, Hoggard proclaimed. One of the things Brother Alvin said was ... the most heartfelt and compelling aspect of the work that he does was this week to receive text messages from his students, his Sunday School students, who were so inspired and enriched by him.

While he never directly addressed Trumps prosecution, Hoggard compared Bragg to Thurgood Marshall, the African American lawyer who argued the case Brown v. Board of Education before the United States Supreme Court. The 1954 Brown decision ruled segregated schools, a staple of the American South at the time, unconstitutional.

For many years, Thurgood Marshall was a member and steward of the St. Philips Episcopal Church right on 134th Street, Hoggard explained. Interestingly enough, he would work with young people while he was a member of St. Philips. Hoggard recalled how Marshall was quick to leave a big party that took place after the Brown decision, with the lawyer insisting that we won this, but the real work just begins.

The only thing I can liken this moment to now is some 50 years from now, these young people who have been taught and inspired and loved by Alvin Bragg will have that unique opportunity to say with conviction that I was inspired by one of the Thurgood Marshalls of my day.

Hoggard concluded his recognition of Bragg by declaring, Brother Alvin, we salute you, we love you, and we know that God will be with you and your family. He assured him that we pray always for your protection and for your peace, and we know from wherever those great ancestors rest, Thurgood Marshall, Constance Baker Motley, they all are singing your praises, dear brother, and cheering you on: you and your wife and family.

We love you. Lets celebrate him again, he said. While Bragg is popular within his congregation, he has received blowback from Trump and his supporters who have characterized his prosecution of the former president as politically motivated.

Bragg has also faced criticism for the way he's dealt with violent crime since taking office in 2021. A mother whose son was murdered at the hands of four individuals who kicked, punched, stomped and stabbed him nine times told the U.S. House Judiciary Committee last year that while all four of these individuals were apprehended and all four charged with first-degree gang assault and second-degree murder, Bragg dismissed gang assault and murder indictments against two of the defendants.

The mother detailed how Bragg charged one of the defendants caught on video murdering her son with assault with a shoe and sentenced her to one year time served. She also maintained that her family was treated like garbage by Bragg and his office.

Sundays service was not the first example of Abyssinian Baptist Church plugging Democrats from the pulpit. Woke Preacher Clips shared video footage from 2022 featuring Hoggard expressing gratitude for the confirmation of now-Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson during a Palm Sunday service.

Can we thank God for the triumphal entry of Ketanji Brown Jackson? he asked at the time. The congregation erupted into applause, but Hoggard insisted that we can do a little bit better than that, suggesting that his congregations reception was lackluster.

Jackson, nominated for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court by President Joe Biden, became the first African American female to serve as one of its Associate Justices later that year. She is one of three justices appointed by Democrats sitting on the bench, the others are Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor.
Home News Pastor, former SBC seminary prof. charged in DOJ investigation says he is not guilty

Former Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary evangelism professor and interim provost Matthew Queen says he is not guilty as he faces one count of records falsification in connection with a U.S. Department of Justice investigation of the Southern Baptist Convention, and said he seeks vindication from both God and man.

I fully cooperated with this investigation and have pleaded not guilty to the charge against me. As a Christian, a (former) seminary professor, and now a pastor, my integrity is everything to me and I will cling to that integrity and seek to be vindicated by God and man, Queen, 49, said in a statement to The Tennessean.

The pastor, who has been placed on administrative leave from his job at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, pending the completion of the legal process, is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if he is found guilty.

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Queen was charged last month, nearly two years after the DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation into the SBC and its affiliate entities following the release of a Guidepost Solutions report showing leaders failed to protect victims of abuse.

The charge against Queen stems from a November 2022 report of an alleged sexual abuse committed by a Texas Baptist College student, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary said in a statement on May 21. Seminary officials noted that they later helped facilitate the arrest of the student who went on to withdraw from the college.

Before the sexual abuse allegation in November 2022, however, the Justice Department issued a grand jury subpoena to the seminary in October 2022, which required the seminary to produce all documents in the seminary's possession related to allegations of sexual abuse against anyone employed by or associated with the seminary, among other things.

In November 2022, the DOJ noted, a seminary employee identified as Employee-1, now revealed by the seminary to be Terri Stovall, dean of women, interim associate dean in the Jack D. Terry School of Educational Ministries and professor of educational ministries, received a report alleging that a current seminary student committed sexual abuse. Stovall notified campus police and no further action was taken. The allegation was not reported to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Stovall reportedly documented the allegation in January 2023 and the seminary's failed response. On Jan. 26, 2023, she then met with Queen and another executive staff member of the seminary identified as Employee-2 by the DOJ and confirmed by the seminary as their former chief of staff, Heath Woolman, who is now lead pastor of Fruit Cove Baptist Church in St. Johns, Florida.

"During that meeting, and in QUEEN's presence, Employee-2 directed Employee-1, in sum and substance, to destroy the document," the Justice Department's statement contends.

In May 2023, the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI interviewed Queen, who "falsely stated that he had not heard Employee-2 direct Employee-1 to destroy the document."

Three days after his interview with investigators, Queen told another seminary employee, identified as Employee-3, that he found a notebook in his office with contemporaneous notes of the Jan. 26, 2023, meeting.

"The notes falsely stated that during the January 26, 2023, meeting, Employee-2, and Employee-1 merely discussed providing the Document to a different department at the Seminary and omitted the fact that Employee-2 had directed Employee-1 to destroy the Document. Queen provided the falsified notes to Employee-2 to produce in response to the grand jury subpoena," the DOJ said.

Authorities say Queen made other false declarations to investigators about the meeting until June 21, 2023, when he "testified under oath that he had in fact heard Employee-2 direct Employee-1 to make the document 'go away.'"

During my employment at the seminary, I was present during a conversation of interest to investigators and was interviewed about my recollection of that conversation. Prosecutors believe I misrepresented that conversation, and my notes about my recollection of that conversation, during my interview with them and indicted me for obstruction of justice, Queen said in his statement, noting that he will not publicly discuss the matter again until after the case is resolved.

I covet your prayers for me and my family, he added.

Sam A. Schmidt, Queens attorney, told the newspaper that his client was "unaware of the allegation made against the student in November 2022 until January 24, 2023, after the arrest of the student by the Burleson Police Department earlier that day."

The meeting alleged in the accusation, occurred on January 26, 2023. The meeting was scheduled to discuss a matter not having to do with the document that Employee 1 created, Schmidt said. The notes prepared by Dr. Queen cited in the accusation were true to his best recollection and did not contain false information. Dr. Queen testified truthfully before the Grand Jury.

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President David S. Dockery, who was installed as president of the Fort Worth, Texas-based seminary last August, said in a statement that both Woolman and Queen misrepresented the facts of the investigation to him.

"In a follow-up conversation concerning what was said to Stovall, Woolman provided me assurance that he did not instruct her to make the document 'go away.' Queen, for his part, acknowledged to me on more than one occasion that he did not hear Woolman instruct Stovall to make the document 'go away,'" Dockery said.

"For nearly five months we operated within the tension of knowing that employees in whom we had confidence had differences of recollection regarding the January conversation. However, in June 2023, Queen claimed that he now recalled hearing the directive related to the document and also provided additional information that led to the decision for him to resign as interim provost and to be placed on administrative leave."
Home News 'Unique contribution': Religious college leaders unite to tackle challenges facing higher education

A new commission seeks to draw attention to how faith-based colleges and universities are working to make higher education more affordable for students and foster collaboration between religious institutions and their secular counterparts.

The American Council on Education has launched its new Commission on Faith-based Colleges and Universities, a result of a January 2023 conference attended by America's leading religious universities, which discussed how distinctive religious identities can help schools combat the challenges facing the higher education landscape.

The Commission on Faith-based Colleges and Universities will seek solutions to issues faith-based and secular institutions are facing.

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"ACE is honored to support and convene this important commission," said ACE President Ted Mitchell. "Faith-based institutions connect feelings of belief and belonging with intellectual expression and considering the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing us today, we can ill afford for religious universities to be hidden."

Clark Gilbert, commissioner of the Church Education System of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Council for Christian Colleges and Universities President Shirley Hoogstra were named the commission's inaugural co-chairs.

"A faith-based mission on campus can unite people with diverse backgrounds and drive accessibility in education," Gilbert said. "This is happening all across America, where young adults are looking for somewhere that will value and recognize their faith. And they don't often feel that in other institutions."

Hoogstra said that "it is vital to celebrate and advance the different contributions that various sectors of higher education represent" in today's higher education climate.

She stressed that "religious universities offer a unique contribution to the world" and is excited about "the broad involvement and support of the institutions represented on this inaugural committee and ACE's leadership."

In an interview with The Christian Post, Gilbert and Hoogstra indicated that while all faith-based higher education institutions are invited to join the commission, leaders of slightly more than a dozen such colleges and universities are currently on the Commission's Executive Committee.

Members of the Executive Committee are Robin Baker of George Fox University, Ari Berman of Yeshiva University, Rochelle Ford of Dillard University, Jim Gash of Pepperdine University, John Jenkins of the University of Notre Dame, Peter Kilpatrick of the Catholic University of America, D. Michael Lindsay of Taylor University, Candice McQueen of Lipscomb University, Leslie Pollard of Oakwood University, C. Shane Reese of Brigham Young University, Philip Ryken of Wheaton College, Beck Taylor of Samford University and Dwaun Warmack of Claflin University.

The ACE Commission will hold its first event in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Representatives from 40-50 institutions are expected to attend. Hoogsta praised the member schools as "very diverse" institutions that have "a cross-section of faith expressions" and share "common questions and common goals."

"If we get together, it's a way to be better," she said. "We're finding so many common areas of interest that are so important to religiously affiliated schools in today's otherwise very secular higher education environment."

Hoogstra said the commission will convene "conversations that have common interest that  we think educates the broader higher education landscape on the ways that we are doing affordability, accessibility and accountability within the education sector." Gilbert said religious schools "all want to help each other preserve a religious mission."

Gilbert described a religious mission as "something that's important to our own efforts at character building" and "important to our own rights as religious people of faith."

"We also hope it can be a resource to the nation to help higher education be more innovative," he said. "One of the things you'll often hear outside of the religious framework is people look to the universities to be true to their authentic mission and authentic identity. Well, for us, that starts with religious mission."

"But it also lets us do things that grow out of our religious mission that help the whole academy strive to serve students who are in need or students who struggle," he added.

Hoogstra said religious institutions "can leverage their networks to have affordable education." She detailed how Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, a school affiliated with the Assemblies of God, is "leveraging all their large church networks, and they are offering, albeit a limited degree, for under $10,000."

She identified this arrangement as ideal for students "interested in staying closer to home" and embracing a "hybrid and in-person model."

Hoogstra insisted that "if you didn't have this whole network of churches that could be the place where the education happens  you would have a harder time doing that so that's leveraging other assets related to Christian missions for affordability."

Gilbert, whose duties involve overseeing Brigham Young University in Utah, pointed to a new institution called BYU-Pathway as another example of how faith-based colleges are making education much more affordable.

"BYU-Pathway has leveraged online learning with the global footprint of the church's meeting houses that have Wifi networks to distributed gatherings and online learning at a much lower cost. BYU Pathway students can earn a bachelor's degree for around $7,500."

Gilbert estimated that 70,000 of the 150,000 students at Brigham Young University and other universities operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participate in the BYU-Pathway program.

Another innovation from religious schools touted by Gilbert and Hoogstra was work-study programs at the College of the Ozarks and BYU Hawaii, where students are "able to work and have their tuition and housing and other costs supported while they're going through college."

Gilbert views a collaboration between religious and secular institutions as a way to "raise the dialogue of the importance of pluralism in America." Hoogstra said collaborations between secular and faith-based universities have helped students appreciate the concept of pluralism.

"Oberlin College and Spring Arbor University had an opportunity to look at a common problem, and I believe it was the problem of incarceration," she recalled. "Students from Oberlin really didn't know students from Spring Arbor, and they had some preconceived  notions about what Christian college students were like. And students from Spring Arbor thought 'I wonder what students from Oberlin are like,' and everybody had a one-dimensional look. But through this program  they were able to do a whole exchange."

"The same thing happened in California with Biola University and Pomona," Hoogstra added, noting that "what we have found and what we think this ACE Commission is going to be able to undergird is this eagerness to understand each other as three-dimensional people and institutions. A lot of times, you have preconceived notions like 'What's BYU about' or 'What's Wheaton College about?'"
Home Opinion 7 stressors girls face today

The human spirit has always feared an act of God, a global pandemic, a hurricane, or any cataclysmic event we have no control over. In our fallen state, it is only human to feel hopeless and helpless when events bigger than us take over every facet of our lives.

Fear is debilitating. It manifests itself in a variety of unhealthy behaviors. One such behavior, worry, is a negative focus on the future. Speculating what might occur under potential circumstances can provide each of us with hundreds of sleepless nights. Todays teens are experiencing the effects of worry and its parent cause, fear, in unprecedented numbers. Diagnostic interview data from the National Comorbidity Survey Adolescent Supplement shows that 31% of all youth have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Note the word diagnosed. Imagine the percentage when we include those who have not sought medical or psychiatric help. Fear has reached pandemic levels.

As Christians, we are told over 500 times in the Bible not to fear. That means there is a fear warning for virtually every day of the year and then some. The Lord warns us fear that results in worry is not from Him, it is from the adversary. Yes, fear is part of the human condition, but as part of the Body of Christ, we are called to faith over fear. We are called to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that God will never leave nor forsake us.

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1. Diagnosed anxiety. Studies show an estimated 32% of adolescents have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder  and the prevalence of these types of disorders is 38% higher for females. Thanks to the Bible, we know how God cares for those afflicted with anxiety. After the death of Moses, Joshua was likely anxious about his own future. But God said to him Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9, NIV). God calls everyone to live a life of greatness. She may not be leading Israelites to the promised land like the prophet Joshua, but what is God calling your daughter to do with great courage?

2. Worst-case scenario thinking. Does your daughter live in constant fear of the worst-case scenario? For some, it can be difficult to navigate through the new and unknown in life. Those who live in heavy fog of the what if can feel paralyzed by their circumstances. Rather than view her as a Debbie Downer, consider the level of severity this pessimism has on her life. Anxiety this severe isnt something to ignore.

If your daughter experiences this crippling fear, consider counseling. A trained professional can tap into her fears in a safe and productive way to help her overcome them.

3. Panic attacks. Has your girl ever been overwhelmed by the stressors in her life? For some, moments of stress and anxiety manifest in a physical way. These are known commonly as panic attacks. Hyperventilating, dizziness, tightening in the chest  theyre all scary symptoms of panic.

If your daughter is experiencing panic attacks, you can ease her burden by being present with her in the moment. Whether through the reassurance of a bear hug or the power of intercessory prayer, you can help your daughter find the light at the end of this temporary tunnel. If you find your daughter is experiencing panic attacks often, or even regularly, it is important to seek out help from mental health professionals, like her doctor or a Christian counselor.

4. Worrying. Is your girl a worrier? Is she paralyzed by fear of the unknown? Break the cycle of fear by having your girl start a worry journal. Every day for 10 days, send her a text asking her to jot down a worry or fear in her journal. On Day 11, ask her to read her fears aloud and count how many came true. Then wait for the gasp ... Chances are, NONE of these fears came true.

5. Feelings of inadequacy. Do you ever feel like you might not be enough? Smart enough, holy enough, thin enough? Remember this: your girl, no matter her age, is perceptive to your thoughts and perceptions of yourself.

Research shows time and again that the most influential force on a girls self-image is her parents.

For those parents who feel like they arent enough, theres good news. Our own weakness is fertile ground for Gods power. Second Corinthians 12:9 says it all: But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Boast in your weakness, not as a self-loathing act, but as a way to welcome God into your insecurities. The greatest lesson you can teach your girl is that Gods love and mercy make her more than enough.

6. Fear of the future. Were told that Gods plans are good, and His timing is right  but in the trenches of life, it can be hard to submit to His will and trust the process. So, what do our girls do when theyre struggling to stay strong in their faith? Its been said that The opposite of faith isnt doubt, its control. In the face of fear, believers can fall into the worldly habit of trying to control every little thing. Then a surprise sick day or a rained-out vacation can send us into a tailspin.

Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that while we may plan, it is God who establishes our steps. Encourage your girl to journal about some of the things shes trying to control in her life today and invite God into her heart to relieve that burden.

7. Struggling to find her place. Im afraid Ill stand out if I am the only girl who... Has your girl found herself

facing the reality that shes different from others around her? This can be a shock to her spirit at first. Over time, she can go one of two ways: toward anxiety, always trying to fit in, or embracing her uniqueness in peace and joy.

Gods grand design for His People is full of diversity meaning while we enjoy some similarities, ultimately all are different  unique. Philippians 2:2 phrases of one accord to seal our togetherness under the mind of Christ, rather than the need to have the same skin color, music preferences, or political views.
Home Opinion Trump's conviction makes me worry for the American Church

Conservatives have always said American policy is 10 years behind Canadian policy. When the Supreme Court of the United States legalized gay marriage in 2015, they were following the progressive policies of the Canadian government when they legalized gay marriage through a bill called the Civil Rights Act in 2005.

A lot has changed since then. The gap between America and Canada is narrowing. American policy is still superior to Canadian policy. But in some ways, America has become even worse than Canada.

Last week, for the first time in its history, America convicted a former president and a major-party presidential nominee of a crime. A New York jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records to aid his 2016 election.

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As the Daily Wire writes, Prosecutors accused Trump of improperly masking reimbursements to repay his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence on an alleged extramarital affair by classifying them as legal expenses.

The trial was presided over by an activist judge who donated to President Joe Biden and the Democrats in the 2020 election. The unjust verdict is political persecution encouraged and approved by Joe Biden.

Its shocking to consider that despite all of his authoritarian ambitions and unjust character, Justin Trudeau hasnt criminalized his political rivals. Under Trudeaus leadership, Canada has prosecuted powerless, average citizens. When Canada arrested and jailed pastors like James Coates and Tim Stephens during the COVID lockdowns, Christians in America were shocked by Canadas unprecedented actions.

To be clear, its more unjust to persecute righteous pastors than unrighteous politicians. When governments persecute shepherds of the local churches, they are persecuting the Good Shepherd.

However, I think the guilty verdict against Trump is more shocking.



Some Trump supporters are comparing his political prosecution to Jesus and the Apostles persecution. Its ridiculous that I need to explain this, but unlike Jesus and the Apostles, Trump isnt being unjustly persecuted because of righteousness. Hes being unjustly prosecuted because of his sin.

However, if America is now willing to unjustly convict former presidents, why wouldnt it unjustly convict pastors?

If Lady Justice no longer wears a blindfold when Republican presidents are unjustly charged with a crime, then why would she wear a blindfold when righteous pastors are charged with a crime?

After the verdict, Russell Moore  the editor-in-chief of Christianity Today and the former president of the Southern Baptist Conventions ERLC  said: The question is what it has always been - fit or unfit. And the answer was obvious all along. Character matters, still.

I agree Donald Trump is unfit to be the president of the United States.



But what evangelicals like Russell Moore refuse to acknowledge is that Joe Biden is more unfit to be president than Donald Trump.

More importantly, even if Trumps character makes him unfit for the presidency, it doesnt mean hes fit for prison.

I think people like Moore know that. However, just as he approves articles promoting progressive Christianity for Christianity Today, he approves people who practice partiality and injustice.

So when leaders in the Church no longer maintain a biblical view of justice, we shouldnt expect leaders over the justice system to maintain it either. The Church in America has dimmed its light, so America is no longer a beacon of justice.

This echoes what Alexis de Tocqueville once said about America:

I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers  and it was not there ... in her fertile fields and boundless forests  and it was not there ... in her rich mines and her vast world commerce  and it was not there ... in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution  and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.

This article is a lament for America, but more than that, its a lament for the Church in America. As Tocqueville said, what has primarily sustained America since its founding isnt the Constitution  its churches.

So it doesnt matter what people do to the Constitution if local churches remain biblically inept and spiritually weak. Without a revival in local churches, there wont be nationwide reform.

But so long as there is a remnant of faithful Christians in the country, America is terminally ill  not dead.

Originally published at Slow to Write.
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The chief executive of Sense has announced he is stepping down after 11 years at the disability charity.

Richard Kramer joined Sense in 2013 as its deputy chief executive, before being promoted to CEO in 2018.

Kramer plans to retire at the end of January 2025 and relocate to Cornwall, where he has been appointed as a non-executive director at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.

He has spent 40 years in the disability sector, from volunteering at a long stay hospital for people with a learning disability when he was at school, to setting up a youth club for disabled and non-disabled people in north London, to working at charities Mencap and Turning Point.

During his time at Sense, Kramer has led the charity through a period of growth including the expansion of its network of hubs across the country that combine specialist services with services for the whole community.

Charity Commission data shows Senses income has increased each year from 69.9m in the financial year ending 31 March 2020 to 86.5m in 2022-23.

Sense said it would now start recruiting for his successor.

Its been a complete joy and privilege

Kramer, who is also a trustee of ENEI and the CareTech Foundation, said: Ive had a wonderful and stimulating career at Sense.

I have absolutely loved everything about it, working with the individuals we support, and our staff and volunteers. I love our cause, our ambition, and our successes.

I would never have dreamed of being the chief executive of Sense and its been a complete joy and privilege. I have learned so much about myself through the children, adults, and families we support.

I have thought long and hard about this decision. It feels like the right time for me to step away from Sense. I am moving home to Cornwall. I will have the opportunity to spend more time with my partner. Together, its our time to really dance with life.

Speaking to Civil Society last year , Kramer said the biggest compliment he has ever received was when he spoke about his history of depression, recovery, and how it has made him a stronger and better leader.

He leaves the charity in a very strong position

Justin Molloy, chair at Sense, said: The board of trustees is very sad to see Richard leave but we understand and totally respect his decision to retire and relocate to Cornwall.

Richard has been an outstanding CEO and has built a strong and value-based culture with the wellbeing of employees, volunteers, and the individuals we support at its core. He has driven the charity forward on many fronts and has steered us through Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis.

He leaves the charity in a very strong position. We thank him for all that he has done for Sense.

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Relatives of passengers who died in two jetliner crashes pushed federal officials to prosecute Boeing on criminal charges related to the accidents no later than this fall but said they got no commitment from the Justice Department.

The Justice Department determined two weeks ago that Boeing violated terms of a settlement that let the company avoid prosecution for deceiving regulators who approved the Boeing 737 Max. Prosecutors have said they will announce by July 7 whether the company will face sanctions.

Boeing agreed in 2021 to pay $2.5 billion  mostly compensation to airlines  to avoid prosecution on a fraud charge. Relatives of some of the 346 people who died in the 2018 and 2019 crashes have tried ever since to scuttle the settlement.

Related: Boeing Faces Long Road on Safety Issues, FAA Says

It appeared that the fraud case would be dismissed permanently. But in January, a door plug blew off a Max during an Alaska Airlines flight, leading to new investigations of Boeing.

They claimed the Max is completely safe, its the most-scrutinized plane ever, even as the doors blow off on the Alaska Air (Max), and they cant blame the pilots anymore, said Michael Stumo, whose daughter, Samya, died in the second crash.

The Justice Department declined to comment Friday but has said that Boeing violated terms of the 2021 settlement by failing to make promised changes to detect and prevent violations of federal anti-fraud laws.

Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed instances of potential fraud. In early May, Boeing disclosed that workers at a South Carolina plant falsified inspection reports on some 787 Dreamliner jets.

We believe that we have honored the terms of the agreement, and look forward to the opportunity to respond to the Justice Department on this issue, a Boeing spokesperson said. They added that the company is acting with the utmost transparency to answer the departments questions, including those surrounding the Alaska Airlines incident.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- As the birthplace of National History Day, Cleveland will be well represented for the events 50th anniversary.

Performance teams from two East Side high schools recently took first and second places in Ohio.
NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio  A woman accused of killing a toddler in a grocery store parking lot refused to look at a judge Tuesday during her first court appearance.

Bionca Ellis, 32, is charged with aggravated murder in the death of Julian Wood, 3. Police said she stabbed the boy and his mother, Margot, Monday outside a Giant Eagle at Dover Center and Lorain roads.

Rocky River Municipal Judge Brian Hagan set Ellis bond at $1 million. Ellis never looked at Hagan. Instead, she kept her head on a table in front of her. Hagan ordered a hearing for Monday, but it is expected that Cuyahoga County prosecutors will bring her case to a grand jury before that.

Police arrived on the scene slightly after 3 p.m. Monday, after they received multiple calls regarding the incident. Several officers took Ellis into custody, as she walked away from the store. Other officers tended to the victims and awaited the arrival of EMS.

Police told reporters that Ellis had a kitchen knife with her when she was arrested. It is unclear what prompted the incident.

The victims were later taken to St. John Medical Center in Westlake. On Tuesday, Margot Wood declined to talk with a reporter from cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.

The stabbing occurred outside the same Giant Eagle where, last summer, a 60-year-old Cleveland man fatally shot his 63-year-old ex-wife, before turning the gun on himself.
After shares of Dell took a hit last week and continued to sink during Monday's session, CNBC's Jim Cramer told investors why he thinks the stock is a good buy at its current price level.

"The main problem is that Dell failed to live up to irrationally high expectations, the expectations that fueled the stock's stunning rally this year," he said.

Even though Dell pulled off an earnings and revenue beat, its shares fell 18% on Friday and finished down more than 5% on Monday. Investors were disappointed that Dell's artificial intelligence efforts weren't yet profitable, with management estimating margin declines.

According to Cramer, Wall Street had set unrealistic targets for Dell and had started "applying a higher level of scrutiny" to the profitability of its AI business.

Even if Dell's AI offerings aren't driving earnings just yet, Cramer said he was still impressed with sales momentum. In the earnings release, Dell said its AI server shipments doubled since the previous quarter and its backlog grew more than 30%.

Cramer called Dell's recent decline a "healthy pullback for a stock that had gotten overheated." Before reporting earnings, the company's share price had more than doubled since the beginning of the year, according to FactSet, and after the declines it still remains up more than 70% year to date.

"Dell just got substantially cheaper while the expectations are more in tune with reality," he said. "Meanwhile, I think the fundamental AI story's very much on track, it just might take a little longer to play out, so I'd be a buyer."

Dell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, speaks at a cloud-computing conference held by the company in 2019.

Alphabet is laying off employees from several teams in Google's cloud unit, one of its fastest-growing businesses, CNBC has learned.

The company notified employees last week of the cloud cuts, with roles being eliminated in sales, consulting, "go-to-market" strategy, operations and engineering, according to internal correspondence viewed by CNBC. At least 100 positions were cut, said people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named because they weren't authorized to speak about the layoffs.

Insider previously reported some details of the layoffs.

A Google spokesperson told CNBC the cuts are incremental across teams to better align its go-to-market organization.

"As we've shared before, we continue to evolve our business to meet our customers' priorities and the significant opportunity ahead," the spokesperson said. "We maintain our commitment to investing in areas that are critical to our business and ensure our long-term success."

Some of those who lost their jobs had worked on the company's annual Google Cloud Next that took place in mid-April, said people familiar with the situation.

Google has been conducting ongoing layoffs since early 2023. Employees have since complained about demands that they work on tighter deadlines with fewer resources and diminished opportunities for internal advancement even as the company records record profit.

Last month, Google cut at least 200 employees from its "Core" organization, which included key teams and engineering talent. CEO Sundar Pichai told employees that the company would have fewer layoffs in the second half of 2024.

Revenue for Google Cloud, which houses much of the company's artificial intelligence technology, jumped 28% from a year earlier to $9.57 billion in the latest quarter, sailing past estimates. Operating income more than quadrupled to $900 million, showing that Google is finally generating substantial profit after pouring money into the business for years to keep up with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.

However, the cloud unit, led by CEO Thomas Kurian, has been under pressure to continue accelerating growth as competition heats up in AI.
Bill Gates' next book is about how he became Bill Gates.

The billionaire Microsoft co-founder has already written several books on topics like business, technology, climate change and global health. A new memoir called "Source Code," which Gates announced in a blog post on Tuesday, will be the first to focus on his formative years  "from childhood through my decision to leave college and start Microsoft," he wrote.

Despite being "in the public eye since my early twenties," most people know very little about his early years, Gates wrote. The new book will explore "the relationships, lessons, and experiences that laid the foundation for everything in my life that followed," including building Microsoft into one of the world's biggest companies and deciding to donate "virtually all" of his estimated $128 billion net worth through his philanthropic foundation.

Gates, 68, called the memoir his "origin story" and promised to delve into aspects of his early life that could shed more light on the businessman he became. It'll publish in select countries on February 4, 2025. All proceeds from the book will go to the nonprofit United Way Worldwide, according to a spokeswoman for Gates.

"I share some of the tougher parts of my early life, including feeling like a misfit as a kid, butting heads with my parents as a rebellious teen, grappling with the sudden loss of someone close to me, and nearly getting kicked out of college," Gates wrote. "And I cover the challenges of dropping out of school to make a bet on an industry that didn't really exist yet."

Gates has shared some stories about his school-aged experiences before, and how they shaped his successful career. For instance, in a 2005 speech at Lakeside School  the private high school he attended in Seattle  Gates talked about how his experiences there helped shape him into a future tech titan.

"Lakeside was one of the best things that ever happened to me," Gates said. "One reason I'm so grateful to Lakeside is that I can directly trace the founding of Microsoft back to my earliest days here."
AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot explained in a Tuesday interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer why the drugmaker believes it can almost double revenue by 2030.

"Biology is complicated, and we're never sure of anything. But we have a great level of confidence we can get there, and I think this target forces us to think creatively and be ambitious and stretch," Soriot said. "But we have a large portfolio of existing products, several blockbusters ... growing strongly, and we have another 20 medicines to launch, so we should be able to get there."

AstraZeneca announced in late May that it had set a goal to raise revenue to $80 billion by the end of the decade, up from $45.8 billion in 2023. The pharmaceutical giant also plans to release 20 new drugs by 2030, half of which will treat cancer, Soriot said.

The company recently released promising results about several of its cancer drugs at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting, including ones for lung and breast cancers.

Soriot said researchers are quickly developing new and promising cancer treatments. He said new cell therapies have the potential to cure patients, and he also pointed to antibody-drug conjugates  which, unlike chemotherapy, aim to target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.

"Science has exploded in the last 10-15 years, and what you see happen at the ASCO gives you hope that the day when cancer can be cured is not that far away," he said. "Either cured or turned to a chronic condition."

Soriot told CNBC in April the company's first quarter saw sales increase 19% and its oncology business grew by 26%, topping $5 billion for the first time.
China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning attends a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing on January 15, 2024.

China has denied allegations by Ukraine's president that Beijing is pressuring other countries not to attend an upcoming Ukraine peace summit, with the foreign ministry claiming that Beijing's position on the matter remains "fair and just."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskky had levied the charge during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday, claiming Russia was using Beijing's influence in Asia to disrupt the peace talks in June.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, denied those charges on Monday, saying that "hegemonism and power politics are not China's diplomatic style."

"There is no such thing as China pressuring other countries," she said, adding that Beijing's position on the talks is "open and transparent."

The peace talks, scheduled to take place in Switzerland on June 15-16, will focus on the over two-year Russian invasion of Ukraine started in February 2022.

According to Zelenskyy, the summit will cover topics including Ukraine's peace plan, nuclear security, food security, and the return of abducted Ukrainian children from Russia. More than one hundred countries and international organizations are set to attend, the Ukrainian leader said.

China has repeatedly called for a cease-fire and dialogue concerning the war in Ukraine, and said it will help facilitate peace talks.

However, Mao reiterated that Beijing would likely skip the Swiss talks as they do not meet three important conditions: recognition from Russia and Ukraine, equal participation of all parties, as well as fair talks of all peace plans.

"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," she added.

Russia has not been invited to the summit.
The U.S. needs to prepare for more cyberattacks from an increasing number of threat actors across the globe, with China being the biggest one, said Michael C. Casey, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center.

China is "by far the most prolific actor out there and the one coming after us across the board and in the hardest way possible," he said at the CNBC CEO Council Summit in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.

Casey said there has been a 100% increase in cyber incidents and ransomware demands across the board. Over the years, he said, China realized that America's advantage in the world was technology and that made it a huge target. And it won't stop, "because it works, because they keep succeeding," Casey said. "China has published their list of desired technologies and then they go get it and it works."

Among the threats that CEOs need to have on their radar when it comes to any IP threat is a rise in the use of what he called "human assets." These are people within organizations that can be recruited to steal IP, data, or whatever the bad actor is targeting.

Given that CEOs and others in the C-suite can't keep track of every employee conversation and interaction around the globe, Casey told CNBC Senior Washington Correspondent Eamon Javers that the best course of action to stop nation states from recruiting human assets is to deploy a layered defense.

"A CEO needs to really look at what secrets a company wants to protect and then who needs to have access to that information," he said.

Another issue to focus on is the potential for employees to become human assets in the first place. "These are the employees who are having money problems, marital problems that someone can take advantage of," Casey said. That's why there needs to be a program in place to identify these employees and get them the help they need. "I'm stunned by the number of companies that have no concept of their insider threat," he added.

Another issue that CEOs are dealing with is fear of alienating the tech talent they need, which often is comprised of people of Chinese descent.

"The PRC is an authoritarian state and there should be no confusion between that and Chinese Americans and people of Chinese descent," Casey said. "In some cases, they are vulnerable because they have relatives at home, but companies should know how to make the distinction."

The best strategy for CEOs is to share information with the public sector. "If you don't know your local FBI representative, you're doing something wrong," he said.

And with China and Russia already targeting critical U.S. infrastructure, such as water supplies, CEOs must run worst-case scenario drills should these systems be taken down.

"Leaders need to know what they would do if the worst thing happens," Casey said.
Ali Ghodsi, co-founder and CEO of Databricks, speaks at the company's Spark and AI Summit in San Francisco in April 2019.

Data analytics software maker Databricks said in a statement on Tuesday that it's acquiring Tabular, a startup that helps optimize data stored in the cloud.

The gesture could help Databricks more quickly bring out products as it faces competition from Snowflake and other entities.

Databricks is paying over $1 billion to buy Tabular, Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi said in an interview. The Wall Street Journal reported the size of the deal earlier on Tuesday. Snowflake was also bidding on Tabular, as was Confluent , a person familiar with the matter told CNBC. Snowflake declined to comment. Confluent did not respond to a request for comment.

Billions in venture capital have helped Databricks finance this and other recent deals, including the acquisitions of database replication startup Arcion and artificial intelligence efficiency startup MosaicML for $100 million and $1.3 billion, respectively. In September, Databricks said it had raised new funding at a $43 billion valuation, making it worth more than most startups and some publicly held enterprise software sellers.

The costs of running queries before exploring and making charts with data can add up. Developers built an open-source format called Apache Iceberg that stores data in tables that a variety of tools can then work with.

Tabular co-founders Ryan Blue and Dan Weeks came up with Iceberg while at Netflix . Tabular adds business-friendly features to Iceberg and keeps the tables in the Amazon or Google clouds. From there, organizations can connect tables to Snowflake and other systems, enabling less expensive queries.

Last week, software stocks tumbled as executives from Salesforce , MongoDB and Okta issued fresh warnings to investors about economic turbulence. Databricks is behaving differently. It's growing faster and using its capital to take market share. Databricks told media outlets in March that it generated $1.6 billion in revenue in the year that ended on Jan. 31, up more than 50%.

Snowflake executives have said some large clients want to move data out of the company's native storage layer and into Iceberg tables that live in a separate place, such as object storage in the Amazon Web Services cloud. That might result in lower storage revenue for Snowflake. But as organizations become comfortable with running queries on Iceberg tables, that could spur revenue growth from computing workloads running on a large quantity of data stored elsewhere.

"Net-net, we think it's going to be a positive," Mike Scarpelli, Snowflake's finance chief, said at a Morgan Stanley event in March.

At its Summit conference in San Francisco on Monday, Snowflake announced that within 90 days it would release open-source catalog software for finding Iceberg tables. Tabular was among the exhibiting partners at the conference.

Databricks has promoted its own open-source initiative called Delta Lake. Focusing more on Iceberg tables might allow Databricks to take business from Snowflake clients that embrace the format. For now, the goal is to provide "full interoperability" between the Delta Lake and Iceberg projects, Ghodsi said.

Tabular was established in 2021 and has raised over $30 million in funding, including from Altimeter Capital, Andreessen Horowitz and Zetta Venture Partners.

Tabular has hundreds of customers, and it will work with Databricks to figure out what to do with the product, Ghodsi said.

WATCH: Part of Snowflake's downfall is related to CEO Frank Slootman's retirement: Jefferies' Brent Thill
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Elon Musk, chief executive officer of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X, speaks at the Milken Conference 2024 in Beverly Hills, California, May 6, 2024. David Swanson | Reuters

Elon Musk says he can grow Tesla into "a leader in AI & robotics," an ambition that he's said will require a lot of pricey processors from Nvidia to build up its infrastructure. On Tesla's first-quarter earnings call in April, Musk said the electric vehicle company will increase the number of active H100s  Nvidia's flagship artificial intelligence chip  from 35,000 to 85,000 by the end of this year. He also wrote in a post on X a few days later that Tesla would spend $10 billion this year "in combined training and inference AI." But emails written by Nvidia senior staff and widely shared inside the company suggest that Musk presented an exaggerated picture of Tesla's procurement to shareholders. Correspondence from Nvidia staffers also indicates that Musk diverted a sizable shipment of AI processors that had been reserved for Tesla to his social media company X, formerly known as Twitter. Tesla shares slipped as much as 1% on the news Tuesday morning. By ordering Nvidia to let privately held X jump the line ahead of Tesla, Musk pushed back the automaker's receipt of more than $500 million in graphics processing units, or GPUs, by months, likely adding to delays in setting up the supercomputers Tesla says it needs to develop autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots. "Elon prioritizing X H100 GPU cluster deployment at X versus Tesla by redirecting 12k of shipped H100 GPUs originally slated for Tesla to X instead," an Nvidia memo from December said. "In exchange, original X orders of 12k H100 slated for Jan and June to be redirected to Tesla." A more recent Nvidia email, from late April, said Musk's comment on the first-quarter Tesla call "conflicts with bookings" and that his April post on X about $10 billion in AI spending also "conflicts with bookings and FY 2025 forecasts." The email referenced news about Tesla's ongoing, drastic layoffs and warned that head-count reductions could cause further delays with an "H100 project" at Tesla's Texas Gigafactory. The new information from the emails, read by CNBC, highlights an escalating conflict between Musk and some agitated Tesla shareholders who question whether the billionaire CEO is fulfilling his obligations to Tesla while also running a collection of other companies that require his attention, resources and hefty amounts of capital. A spokesperson for Nvidia declined to comment for this story. Musk and representatives for X and Tesla did not respond to requests for comment. Critics have said Musk is only a part-time CEO of Tesla, the company responsible for the vast majority of his wealth. Musk is also the CEO of aerospace company SpaceX, the founder of brain-computer interface startup Neuralink and tunneling venture The Boring Co. He also owns X, which he acquired for $44 billion in late 2022, when it was still called Twitter. He launched his AI startup, xAI, in 2023. X and xAI are tightly intertwined. In a post on X in November, Musk wrote, "X Corp investors will own 25% of xAI." Additionally, xAI uses some capacity in X data centers to run some of its training and inference for the large language models behind its chatbot Grok, CNBC has learned. Musk has pitched Grok, originally named Truth GPT, as a politically incorrect chatbot with "a rebellious streak" and a would-be competitor to OpenAI's ChatGPT and other generative AI services. While Musk juggles his many ventures, Tesla shareholders have reason for concern. The company is in the midst of a troubling sales decline due in part to its aging lineup of electric vehicles and increased competition. Its reputation has also suffered in the U.S., according to the Axios Harris Poll 100 survey, which attributed some of the slippage to Musk's "antics" and "political rants." Tesla's stock price is down 29% this year.

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Rather than discuss EV sales or the massive restructuring underway at Tesla, Musk has been encouraging investors to focus on future products that he's been promising for years but has yet to deliver. That includes AI software to turn existing cars into self-driving vehicles, dedicated robotaxis that can make money for their owners, and a driverless transportation network. "If somebody doesn't believe Tesla's going to solve autonomy, I think they should not be an investor in the company," Musk said on the April earnings call. "We will, and we are." To get there, he's said, Tesla requires plenty of Nvidia's GPUs which are specialized for AI training and workloads. Those chips are in limited supply due to soaring demand from Google , Amazon , Meta , Microsoft , OpenAI and others.

'Consuming every GPU that's out there'

Nvidia, now the third-most-valuable company in the world with a $2.8 trillion market cap, has said it's hard to keep up with demand. Between the cloud service providers and the companies developing AI models, customers "are consuming every GPU that's out there," Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said on an earnings call in May, after the chipmaker reported its third straight quarter of more than 200% revenue growth. Huang also said, on an earnings call in February, that Nvidia does its best to "allocate fairly and to avoid allocating unnecessarily," adding "why allocate something when the data center's not ready?" In naming customers that are already using Nvidia's next-generation Blackwell platform, Huang mentioned xAI on the May call alongside six of the biggest tech companies on the planet as well as Tesla.

Jensen Huang, co-founder and chief executive officer of Nvidia Corp., speaks during the Nvidia GPU Technology Conference in San Jose, California, March 19, 2024. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Musk likes to tout his infrastructure spending at both companies. At Tesla, Musk has promised to build a $500 million "Dojo" supercomputer in Buffalo, New York, and a "super dense, water-cooled supercomputer cluster" at the company's factory in Austin, Texas. The technology would potentially help Tesla develop the computer vision and LLMs needed for robots and autonomous vehicles. At xAI, which is racing to compete with OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and others in developing generative AI products, Musk is also seeking to build "the world's largest GPU cluster" in North Dakota, with some capacity online in June, according to an internal Nvidia email from February. The memo described a "Musk mandate" to make all 100,000 chips available to xAI by the end of 2024. It noted that the LLM behind xAI's Grok was relying on Amazon and Oracle cloud infrastructure, with X providing additional data center capacity. The Information previously reported some details of xAI's data center ambitions. On May 26, xAI said it closed a $6 billion financing round led by many of the same investors who funded Musk's Twitter takeover. The company was incorporated in March 2023, but Tesla didn't disclose its formation at the time, and it was four months later before Musk publicly introduced the startup.

Conflicts of interest

While Musk has said for years that Tesla is a leader in AI, he wrote in a post on X in January that he'd want more control over the company before pushing further in that direction. "I am uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI & robotics without having ~25% voting control. Enough to be influential, but not so much that I can't be overturned," he said in the post. Tesla's latest proxy filing indicates Musk has 20.5% of the company's outstanding shares, a figure that includes options awarded to Musk as part of his unprecedented 2018 CEO pay package. A Delaware court has ordered that compensation to be rescinded. Post-trial proceedings are ongoing and subject to appeal. If he is unable to reach his desired ownership mark, Musk said in the January post, he "would prefer to build products outside of Tesla." He's already doing that at xAI. Musk's comments in the January post rankled some longstanding bulls, including the company's largest retail shareholder, Leo Koguan, and Gerber Kawasaki's Ross Gerber, who characterized his demand as "blackmail." Joel Fleming, a securities litigator at Equity Litigation Group, said that by letting his private companies skip ahead of Tesla in procuring critical hardware, Musk is making his conflicts of interest readily apparent. "When you have someone like Mr. Musk who is a fiduciary to multiple companies, the law recognizes this creates conflict," Fleming said. "If you owe fiduciary duties to two or more companies that are competing over the same things, you may end up channeling corporate opportunity away from one company to another." Fleming, who frequently represents public company investors in shareholder disputes, said that in such situations, other executives would be in the best position to make decisions, while those who are conflicted should abstain. "That has not historically been the path that Mr. Musk has chosen for himself," Fleming said. Musk hasn't been shy about intermingling corporate resources among his companies. For example, following his buyout of Twitter, Musk enlisted dozens of Autopilot software engineers and other technical and administrative employees from Tesla to help him make sweeping changes at the company. Some employees even work for two Musk companies at once. At xAI, Musk has also attracted employees away from Tesla, including machine-learning scientist Ethan Knight, and at least four other former Tesla employees who had been involved in Autopilot and big data projects there before joining the startup. A former Tesla supply chain analyst, who asked not to be named in order to discuss sensitive matters, told CNBC that Musk has always considered his companies as an extension of his persona and believed he can do whatever he wants with them. That includes Tesla's 2016 acquisition of SolarCity, where he was chairman and a top shareholder. However, the person said, redirecting a large shipment of chips from Tesla to X is extreme, given the scarcity of Nvidia's technology. The decision means the automaker willingly gave up precious time that could have been used to build out its supercomputer cluster in Texas or New York and advance the models behind its self-driving software and robotics. In a post on X following publication of this story, Musk wrote, "Tesla had no place to send the Nvidia chips to turn them on, so they would have just sat in the warehouse." He said the "south extension" of the Texas Gigafactory will soon "house 50k H100s" for training of self-driving technology. Musk later added that, of Tesla's $10 billion in "AI-related expenditures" this year, $3 billion to $4 billion will go to purchasing Nvidia hardware. WATCH: Musk ordered Nvidia to ship thousands of AI chips to X
"I still think of myself as a Reagan Republican. But I certainly have great respect for what President Trump did," Johnson said during the CNBC appearance. "In the 2015-2016 election cycle, he emphasized new things, working families, and workers, and trade, and tariffs, new approaches to that, the China threat that he foresaw. And the border, of course, he emphasized. And I think that those ideas and issues were important to bring into the mix, and he expanded the tent, frankly."

Johnson is in lockstep with Trump over tax cuts and regulations, recently unveiling plans for an "aggressive" first 100 days of a new administration focused on cementing the 2017 Trump tax cuts and cutting regulations, among other sweeping priorities. "This new team in charge reflexively did almost exactly the opposite, and I think it's not a mystery of how we get back to prosperity. We implement those same plans and principles again."

Pressed on the tariffs, Johnson added, "Look, I don't know that we know all the details of all the ideas yet, but I'm open to those discussions. But as the Speaker of the House and the leader of my party in Congress, I'm going to be very careful about what I commit to on the front end."

When asked by CNBC's Eamon Javers at the event if he would support Trump's call for 10% across-the-board tariffs, Johnson would only say "I believe there's a role to play for that, and I think we will have some very thoughtful discussion ... vigorous debate about exactly when that can be applied and how it should be."

House Speaker Mike Johnson showed up at court in Manhattan to support Donald Trump during the case that led to the former president's conviction  a decision that he said he alone made one night at 10:15 p.m. during a fundraising trip to New York  but he stopped short of committing to some of Trump's most vocal priorities during an appearance at the CNBC CEO Council Summit in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday: trade tariffs and mass deportations at the southern border.

"You have got to be careful. I have spoken with President Trump about the deportation necessity. I mean, I think that's right. By our estimates, maybe as many as 16 million illegals have come across that open border since Joe Biden took office. But the reality is, deporting them all is not a simple thing. I'm not even sure you could locate many of them. I mean, that's part of the problem," he said.

Pressed on the costs and logistics required, which Javers said would be "enormous," as well as the legal issues, Johnson agreed.

"So the theory in this is probably different than the actual application of it. And that's what we will have to sift through," he said.

"Look, I think this is doing untold damage to the country. It's catastrophic what the open border has done to us. ... But we're going to be dealing with this for decades to come. And it is a nation-changing, nation-shifting kind of problem. And we will have to deal with it and develop responses as we go."

House Speaker weighs in on Fed Chair Jay Powell

Johnson also weighed in on the Federal Reserve, refusing to say whether he would support the removal of Fed Chair Jerome Powell. But he added, "I have always had concerns about the Fed as an institution itself. It is manipulation of the markets at some level."

While Johnson allowed that he understands the rational for the Fed and "what the idea behind it is," he focused on the fact that "they have been wrong on many occasions and wrong in recent years."

He recounted one visit from Chairman Powell to Capitol Hill which he said occurred in late 2019 or early 2020 when he was chair of the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus of conservatives, and which to him showed how Powell was out of step with Republicans. "We had all the fiscal hawks in the room. ... And he gave a quick update on the economy and spoke for 10 or 15 minutes and never mentioned the federal debt. And all the hands went up for the Q&A. And I said: 'Well, Mr. Chairman, I can anticipate what they're about to ask you.'"

"I don't remember his exact quote, but Chairman Powell said something to the effect of: 'Well, I think too much emphasis is placed on the federal debt. Wrong room to say that in. ... I could see the steam coming out of the ears of my colleagues."

"I think some mistakes have been made. I have some concerns about it. Should it be a completely independent body and immune from politics? Probably. But I think a lot of attention has to be paid to their activities and the jurisdiction they have and the broad influence they have on the markets."

Johnson said the almost $35 trillion in debt is not a sustainable trajectory, and with mandatory spending at 72% of the federal budget, all the time spent arguing over discretionary spending and how to limit that, and how to limit the size and scope of the government, "has gotten very serious. Now we're spending our grandchildren's finances. And they're not going to enjoy the same liberty and opportunity and security that we have known because it simply will not be affordable. So we have to do big things. And we have to do it in a bipartisan fashion."

Johnson said his first six months as House Speaker have demonstrated the new dynamics in Congress and the need to navigate them differently. "It's not lost on us that we're probably beyond the days of having 35- and 40-seat majorities in Congress. Because of redistricting and gerrymandering, we're probably going to have small majorities on one side or the other for the foreseeable future. So you will need very thoughtful, very responsible members of Congress to sit around a room and arm-wrestle over this to figure out what the real answers are."

"Even though I'm, by some estimates, a hardcore conservative, I'm not mad at anybody who's not, right?"

On the biggest issue of all, certifying a Biden reelection if the president wins in November, Johnson equivocated a bit in his response. "That's the intention. I agree with the sentiment. I mean, we absolutely have to make sure that it will be a free and fair election. And I trust and hope and believe there will be, so yes. ... If it's a fair election, yes, of course."
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) flashes victory sign as he arrives at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters to celebrate the party's win in country's general election, in New Delhi on June 4, 2024.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared victory in the country's election late on Tuesday, despite a disappointing election that saw his party lose its outright majority, leaving him reliant on smaller regional parties to form a government.

Completed vote counts showed that Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won just 240 seats  down from 303 in 2019  and would have to seek power-sharing agreements to clinch a historic third term in power.

The wider BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) looks set to win a combined 292 parliamentary seats, according to local media. At least 272 seats are needed to form a government.

"People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in India's history," Modi said on X as counting was nearing a conclusion.
Meta 's chief artificial intelligence scientist Yann LeCun has spent much of the past week sparring with Elon Musk over the Tesla CEO's treatment of scientists and news organizations, and for spreading false conspiracies on social media.

"I like his cars (I own a 2015 S, and 2023 S), his rockets, his solar energy systems, and his satellite communication systems," LeCun wrote about Musk on Sunday in a Post on X, the social media site that Musk owns. "But I very much disagree with him on a number of issues."

The spat began days earlier, on May 27, after Musk took to X to encourage people to apply for roles at his AI startup, xAI. The company, which last week announced it had raised $6 billion, is in a battle for AI engineers with high-profile startups, such as OpenAI and Anthropic, as well as top tech companies, including Google , Microsoft , Amazon and Meta.

Meta is trying to differentiate itself in the world of large language models, or LLMs, which have powered the recent boom in generative AI product development. While LLMs from xAI, OpenAI and Google are closed and proprietary for now, Meta is touting its Llama family of models as open source, meaning other researchers can copy, tweak or otherwise use them for their own AI initiatives.

In response to Musk's promotional post, LeCun wrote, "Join xAI if you can stand a boss who makes promises that can't be met, claims AI will 'kill everyone' and spews wild 'conspiracy theories on his own social platform.'"

They continued going at it on Monday after Dr. Anthony Fauci testified publicly for the first time since leaving the government in 2022. Fauci appeared before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, facing broad criticism from Republicans who have long claimed he lied about the genesis of Covid-19.

Musk, who has previously called for the prosecution of Fauci, posted on X, "Why do Dems love Fauci so much." He also unfollowed LeCun.

In response to being unfollowed, LeCun wrote, "Must have been my tweet in defense of Anthony Fauci."

He followed by writing, "Elon's call for Fauci to be prosecuted and imprisoned is pretty high up on the scale of anti-science a--holery."

While Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg have engaged in a yearslong public dispute and were even goading each other for months last year about a possible cage match, few tech leaders have been willing to criticize Musk in the open or bet against his companies.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates previously shorted Tesla stock. Investor Mark Cuban criticized Musk over his opposition to corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. And Meta co-founder Dustin Moskovitz has accused Tesla of consumer fraud.

In posts on X and LinkedIn over the weekend, LeCun said he disagrees with Musk's secrecy when it comes to developing new technology and products and the "blatantly false" predictions he shares with the public, in addition to how he chooses to share "dangerous political opinions" and conspiracy theories.

Musk said in a post on X Monday that LeCun has been "out of touch with AI for a long time." A Google Scholar link shared by LeCun indicates he has published 80 technical papers since January 2022.

LeCun and Musk didn't respond to requests for comment on Monday.

The "blatantly false" predictions LeCun referenced included Musk's claims that artificial general intelligence would arrive next year and that Tesla would bring 1 million robotaxis to market by 2020.

The latter promise came on a call with investors in 2019. At the time, Musk said robotaxis would make Tesla a company worth $500 billion. Tesla's market cap topped $1 trillion in 2021, but the company still hasn't delivered a single robotaxi.

Musk has also shared lofty goals for his brain implant startup Neuralink. He's claimed Neuralink's devices could enable "superhuman cognition" and "solve" autism and schizophrenia. During a "show and tell" recruitment event in late 2022, Musk said he plans to get an implant himself.

The company has implanted its flagship system in one human patient so far and has not received FDA approval for its technology.

LeCun was also critical of how Musk takes credit for the work of others. He pointed out that Musk's only technical publication on Google Scholar is related to Neuralink. It was published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research in 2019. Musk is listed as the lead author, while the blanket term "Neuralink" is listed as the second author.

"I'm sure the scientists who hide behind this collective name are super happy about that," LeCun said on X. "I just hope they won't die bitter and forgotten."

WATCH: Musk and Trump to team up?
The detailed plan laid out by OPEC+ over the weekend to increase oil production delivered a "bearish surprise" to a market in which prices were already under downward pressure, according to Goldman Sachs. Eight OPEC+ members, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, agreed Sunday to gradually phase out voluntary production cuts totaling 2.2 million barrels per day, or bpd, over 12 months starting in October. Under the plan, more than 500,000 bpd would return to the market by December, and 1.8 million bpd would come back by the middle of next year, with the cuts completely phased out by September 2025. The market did not like the news, with U.S. crude oil selling off more than 3% Monday in the fourth consecutive session of losses and the worst day since January 8. West Texas Intermediate and Brent hit four-month lows of $73.98 and $78.16, respectively, during the session. The two benchmarks have now erased most of their gains for the year, up just 3.5% and 1.7%, respectively. WTI was down again early Tuesday. The bearish OPEC+ meeting has increased downside risk for Goldman's Brent forecast of $75 to $90 per barrel, Daan Struyven, head of oil research at the investment bank, told clients in a note after the Sunday meeting. The decision to increase supply comes as global oil inventories have risen more than expected recently, expanding by an average of 900,000 barrels per day over the past three months, according to Goldman. OPEC+'s move to boost supplies starting in October is "a bit of a head scratcher," Bob Yawger, executive director of energy futures at Mizuho Securities, told clients Monday. The cartel will add barrels when refineries are down for maintenance, demand is low after the end of driving season, and heating season hasn't begun, Yawger said. "The structure of the market is weakening," Yawger told CNBC, with traders having little reason to buy oil for delivery in November or December due to worries that prices will fall on more OPEC+ supply. OPEC+ plan difficult to reverse The OPEC+ members said the production increases are subject to market conditions and could be reversed. The group is unlikely to go ahead with the plan if the market deteriorates substantially, Helima Croft, head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, told clients in a Sunday note. But Goldman's Struyven said it will be difficult for OPEC+ to backpedal after the announcement: "The communication of a surprisingly detailed default plan to unwind extra cuts makes it harder to maintain low production if the market turns out softer than bullish OPEC expectations," the analyst said. OPEC+ is adding supply to meet the group's forecast that demand will grow by 2.2 million bpd in 2024, said Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates. But it is far from clear that OPEC has set the correct supply and demand targets. Struyven described OPEC's forecast as "very bullish," with Goldman forecasting demand growth of 1.5 million bpd in 2024. Meanwhile, the U.S. is on course to produce a record amount of oil this year, Lipow told CNBC. Market could deteriorate in 2025 The oil market will remain in balance or in a slight deficit for the time being, according to Ryan McKay, senior commodity strategist at TD Securities. But the fundamentals "could quickly begin to worsen in 2025" as OPEC+ adds barrels at the same time that production outside the cartel is set to increase, McKay told clients in a Monday note. JPMorgan also sees trouble in 2025, with demand growth slowing to 1 million bpd as the post-pandemic rebound dissipates, energy efficiency increases and electric vehicles gain ground. At the same time, supply outside OPEC+ is set to surge by 1.8 million bpd from large offshore projects in Brazil, Guyana, Norway and Senegal, according to the investment bank. JPMorgan sees Brent averaging $75 per barrel in 2025, down sharply from $83 in 2024, with prices for the global benchmark falling below $70 per barrel by the end of next year. OPEC+ is essentially "stuck in a box," Lipow said. The group has implemented nearly 6 million bpd in production cuts since October 2022, which is equivalent to about 6% of global oil demand, according to a JPMorgan analysis. Yet those cuts have failed to limit shale oil production in the U.S., Lipow said. Given all these challenges, the odds that crude will reach $100 per barrel doesn't seem rational these days, Yawger said, short of a total geopolitical disaster in the Persian Gulf or Arabian Peninsula. "It's very, very highly unlikely," the analyst said. Correction: This article has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Daan Struyven's name.
Pain management startup Sword Health on Tuesday announced a new artificial intelligence solution named Phoenix that patients can speak with for guidance through virtual physical therapy sessions.

Sword, founded in 2015, offers digital tools to help patients manage pain from home and avoid other treatments like opioids and surgery. The company has used AI within its products since its launch, but CEO Virgilio Bento told CNBC that Phoenix offers users a more human-like experience.

Phoenix is designed to replicate the work of a care specialist. Bento said patients should feel like they have a physical therapist inside their homes. Patients can talk directly to Phoenix about how they are feeling, and the new "specialist" can respond, offer feedback and adjust the difficulty and duration of the session in real time.

Sword patients join sessions using a tablet from the company that can track their movement. Bento said Phoenix monitors their progress, and after each session, it summarizes their performance data and sends it to one of Sword's human clinicians for review.

Bento said Sword's AI is currently able to analyze movement and provide simple feedback, but Phoenix is more conversational. Phoenix's ability to analyze patients' data and generate recommendations also helps the company's clinicians operate more efficiently, Bento added.

Phoenix will propose changes for the patient's next session, as well as a follow-up message about the session they completed. Bento said a human clinician decides whether to accept, reject or edit those recommendations. Sword's clinicians have authority over what exercises are appropriate for a patient, so Phoenix does not make any decisions independently.

"This is health care, so you will always need that final approval," Bento said in an interview. "We have strong guardrails in terms of how we do things."

Patients can sign up for Sword if it is supported by their employer or their health plan. Sword has already carried out more than 3 million AI-powered sessions with patients, according to a release Tuesday. Bento said the company has been focused on business customers but would like to make its solutions available to everyone.

Sword also said Tuesday it raised $100 million in a secondary sale to provide liquidity to current and former employees and early investors. Bento said the company is forecasting that it will be profitable this year, but it raised an additional $30 million in a primary sale to update its valuation.

The company has raised a total of $340 million and is valued at $3 billion, according to the release. It was valued at $2 billion in late 2021.

Sword said a mix of new and existing investors participated in the round, some of whom did not want to be named. Venture firms like Khosla Ventures, Founders Fund and General Catalyst have previously invested in the company.

Sword has been testing Phoenix with some patients using its "Thrive" digital physical therapy product. Bento said the company will continue rolling it out to more patients within Thrive and across its other offerings, including its pelvic health solution called "Bloom," over the coming months.
The artificial intelligence revolution is coming, and the restaurant industry does not plan to sit it out. Restaurants have traditionally lagged behind other sectors in their adoption of technology, but rising labor costs have changed the narrative. Major food industry players are making strides to invest in innovation, including AI and robotics. But when it comes to getting up to speed, certain companies are better poised to lead the pack than others, and it will likely affect the pace of growth they will be able to achieve. For instance, analysts on Wall Street say bigger players generally have the upper hand, both due to their vast resources and their access to major sets of consumer data. Due to the nature of their products, Chipotle and Sweetgreen are looking to establish a first-mover advantage when it comes to implementing robotics in their assembly lines. Ultimately, the structure of a company's business, such as whether it franchises or not, will also have a hand in determining the type of challenge it is trying to resolve through technological innovation. While it is still early days, analysts have already identified some companies that are taking the lead. The restaurant industry has historically underinvested in tech innovations compared to other industries, according to Bernstein analyst Danilo Gargiulo. He cited a 2016 study that revealed the average company across all industries will spend 8.2% of its revenue on tech investments, but the typical restaurant only spends 2.5%, putting the industry at the lowest pace of all 11 sectors studied. The gap can be blamed on three primary reasons: tight margins, the low cost of labor and a fragmented franchisee model that makes individual restaurant operators less likely to invest on expensive technology, Gargiulo said. However, the landscape is changing and is forcing restaurants to play catch-up. "Today, profitability pressures and [the] reduced gap between labor cost and tech costs are inducing restaurants to look for long-term solutions to restore their profitability; we believe AI will finally find its place in the restaurants' ecosystem," Gargiulo wrote in a report. 'One extra dollar' Although restaurants have lagged other industries in adoption, they are quickly catching up. It is fair to say that most restaurant chains are testing AI in at least one way, but the major players have an advantage over their smaller peers due to the sheer size of their resources, according to Morgan Stanley analyst Brian Harbour. "The biggest companies will have generally more capacity to invest in these sorts of things, especially where it could be quite expensive and it might lead nowhere," he told CNBC in an interview. Larger food companies have already made rudimentary advances to enhance supply chain processes. AI usage will likely focus next on applications such as marketing and voice recognition. Companies will want to reduce customer wait times and optimize the in-store experience by offering more personalized touches. However, the incentives for restaurants to invest may differ depending on their business models. For instance, large franchisors such as McDonald's are first and foremost dedicated to improving their top lines, since the parent company receives a percentage of every sale made. Franchisor-based companies will tend to invest to optimize the customer experience, so customers "spend one extra dollar every time they are coming to the store," Gargiulo explained. This can be done through using AI to increase the speed of service or personalize advertising to each customer or by region. As an example, Harbour pointed to McDonald's recent partnership with Google to individualize customer offers through AI optimization. The fast-food chain is also integrating AI capabilities into its kitchen equipment for predictive maintenance, he said. I think it's really a microcosm as to how this is going to increase the overall productivity of the global economy. Senior wealth advisor, Payne Capital Management Courtney Garcia On the other hand, nonfranchised chains such as Chipotle, Cava , Starbucks and Sweetgreen are much more focused on using automation to contain labor costs over time, thereby boosting their bottom lines. Starbucks has been focused on customizing its mobile app and automating inventory replacement to offload the task from managers. Chipotle is developing an operational monitoring system to alleviate bottlenecks and improve product throughput. Most importantly, the analysts agreed that where these top companies have a crucial advantage is their access to more consumer data. "Having more data will enable them to personalize more effectively and communicate to their customers, and that is going to incentivize the frequency and the behavior of the top lines," said Rahul Krotthapalli, an analyst at JPMorgan. For instance, Yum Brands , which operates KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, remains one of Gargiulo's top picks in the space due to its AI cross-functionalities. Since the company operates so many brands, it also has access to a mammoth supply of consumer data from which it can spot behavioral patterns. Yum has also invested a lot of time and money into acquiring or developing new technologies, analysts said. The company has not only built its own proprietary tools, but it has also partnered with or acquired other platforms such as Dragontail Systems , which optimizes the entire food preparation workflow; Agot , which uses computer AI vision to confirm order accuracy; and Collider Lab, a consulting firm dedicated to understanding cultural-based consumer patterns. "They've been on this path toward automation and general AI adoption that wasn't matched by others up until this point," Gargiulo said. However, most analysts covering Yum stock have assigned the name a hold rating, with the upside to average price target implying just a 5% rise. Shares of Yum Brands have added 6% so far this year. YUM YTD mountain Yum Brands shares year to date Robots peeling avocados, mixing salads The use of robotics in restaurants is at its nascence. Analysts say that so far, only two companies have made discernable strides toward adapting robotic technology  Chipotle and Sweetgreen. "On the in-store operations and automation sides, what Sweetgreen and Chipotle are doing is something that is directly applicable and will address the cost structure of these businesses and will help them expand margins," said Krotthapalli. Expanding margins generally increases a company's profits, which should theoretically lead to a higher stock price. However, given how early these companies are in adopting these newer technologies, it is still hard to say the exact financial benefits they might incur, Harbour said. "It's not something where I think you will see it in one quarter as big savings. But it gets progressively better over time, and hopefully, those that are deploying it most effectively should see a little bit of improvement in their economic model," the analyst added. Fast-casual Mexican chain Chipotle has teamed up with robotics kitchen company Hyphen to experiment with robotics in a variety of ways, including peeling avocados, assembling bowls and using a robot called Chippy to fry tortilla chips. Sweetgreen is attempting to automate its production lines to assemble salads after a customer places an order on a kiosk. "They're only in two stores right now, but are slated to roll out to more of them this year," Harbour said. He added that the company is already seeing "pretty substantial labor savings" in the test stores so far. Courtney Garcia, a senior wealth advisor at Payne Capital Management, also highlighted Mediterranean chain Cava as a stock to watch, although the company is a much smaller player. Cava, which just reported a first-quarter earnings and revenue beat , has recently begun to dabble in implementing automation in its kitchen processes, she said. Although Garcia voiced her bullishness, she does not own the stock outright, though Payne has exposure to both Cava and Chipotle in their exchange-traded fund holdings. Other analysts have been less enthusiastic about Cava shares given the stock's run. Both JPMorgan and Piper Sandler downgraded the shares to neutral from overweight last month. The stock has doubled so far this year, and at a relatively high valuation, JPMorgan prefers Chipotle, the bank wrote. Chipotle, Sweetgreen and Cava partially have an advantage due to the nature of their products, which offer customers a bowl of mixed ingredients as an end order. The type of food influences what can be automated, Harbour said. "Other companies have tested this, but we haven't really seen it go anywhere yet. As it turns out, making fries, making burgers, assembling a taco at Taco Bell is actually a pretty hard task. I don't think the robotics are quite there yet to be able to do that," he added. For Gargiulo, Chipotle's innovation in the robotics space has distinguished it as a clear leader. The company is one of his top picks for its focus on consumer trends and the simplicity of its operating model. Chipotle's business strategy is ultimately about enhancing labor efficiency rather than replacing workers altogether, he said. "They know that cutting the avocado is a painful process, so they are launching this auto-cutter machine. They know that cutting the fries and frying the chips is a tedious and sometimes dangerous process, so they are working toward implementing Chippy," Gargiulo noted. This, combined with the company's line process and bowls consisting of relatively few ingredients, should make these automated operations easier to scale up. "That's going to put Chipotle in a better spot versus other restaurants," the analyst added. Chipotle remains a crowd favorite on Wall Street, with more than two-thirds of analysts covering the name rating it either a buy or strong buy. The average potential upside for the stock is more than 6%, which would add onto Chipotle's 35% year-to-date rise. Chipotle's balance sheet puts it in a position where it can afford to invest in automation and AI, Garcia said. "They have nothing to do with artificial intelligence in their core business, but they're able to utilize it to increase their profitability," Garcia said. "I think it's really a microcosm as to how this is going to increase the overall productivity of the global economy."
LONDON  The shock return of Brexit figurehead Nigel Farage to the political fray could be the final nail in the coffin for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's ruling Conservative Party ahead of its almost certain defeat in the upcoming U.K. elections.

Farage announced Monday that he would run in the U.K.'s July 4 election, less than two weeks after saying he would not stand as a parliamentary candidate to focus on supporting his friend and ally Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential race.

Euro-skeptic Farage said he will lead his right-wing Reform UK party  formerly known as the Brexit Party  and run for a seat in Clacton, a coastal town in the east of England, which saw huge support for the Leave campaign he orchestrated in the 2016 EU referendum.

The politician-turned-media personality's return adds momentum to the insurgent party. But, critically, it threatens to deprive key votes from the Conservatives, who are already trailing opposition Labour in the polls by a dramatic margin.

"Even if Reform don't win seats, they'll drain key votes away from the Conservatives," Olivia O'Sullivan, director of Chatham House's U.K. in the World programme, told CNBC over the phone.

The latest modeling, released moments after Farage's announcement, puts Labour on for an historic victory  greater even than Tony Blair's 1997 landslide  with the party gaining 220 seats to the Conservative's 225 losses. That would put Labour leader Keir Starmer on for a 422-seat majority in the 650-seat House of Commons.

Farage acknowledged Monday that Labour effectively had the election in the bag, but he said he felt he would be "betraying" voters if he did not offer them a viable right-wing option.

Tony Travers, professor at the London School of Economics, said the move marks a key step in Farage's aims of shifting the Conservative Party further to the right  or eliminating it entirely.

"The intention is to wound the Conservative Party so much that there is an opportunity for his Reform Party to replace them or a new version of the Conservatives to re-emerge with their views dominant in it," he told CNBC.
L-R: Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko enter the hall during the Commonwealth of Independent States' Head of States Meeting at the Ala-Archa State Residence on Oct. 13, 2023, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Russia has poured scorn on Ukraine's attempts to invite its former Soviet allies to a forthcoming peace summit in Switzerland, saying the invitation had been rejected by its neighbors.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told Russian news agency Tass that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his Western allies had "begged" the leaders of the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), an intergovernmental organization of Russia and former Soviet republics, to attend the conference in Switzerland, but claimed the invitation was refused.

"Heavy artillery was used: Zelenskyy and his Western "friends" began to personally call and beg the leaders of the Commonwealth states to take part in this "gathering". We know that none of them succumbed to such persuasion," the deputy minister said in excerpts of an interview due to be published in full on Wednesday.

"Kyiv and its Western handlers actively sought to attract representatives from the countries of the global South and East. Of course, they did not ignore our partners in the CIS. We know for sure that they were regularly sent invitations that remained unanswered," Galuzin said. CNBC was unable to verify the claim.

Russia jealously guards its influence over the CIS, which includes Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Western countries have tried to strengthen their relations with several member countries of CIS, much to Russia's disdain.

Galuzin claimed that the summit, which Russia has refused to attend (and has not been invited as a result) was "an attempt to hastily put together an anti-Russian coalition and present an ultimatum to Russia, to create the appearance of global support for the impractical 'Zelenskyy [peace] formula'," he said, repeating Moscow's statement that the peace summit was doomed to fail without Russia's participation.

Russia is sensitive over what it sees as Western encroachment on its own backyard, particularly as the CIS' membership has dwindled in recent years. The Baltic States chose not to participate in the organization when it was founded after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Georgia withdrew its participation after a short-lived war with Russia in 2008, and Moldova suspended its involvement after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Kyiv formally ended its participation in the CIS in 2018.

 Holly Ellyatt
Attorney Ben Crump, Fearless Fund co-partners Arian Simone, Ayana Parsons, Lead counsel Mylan Denerstein and Co-Counsel Alphonso David pose for a picture at the end of a press conference in New York, U.S., August 10, 2023.

Venture capital fund Fearless Fund cannot resume making grants to Black women-owned businesses, a divided U.S. appeals court ruled on Monday, siding with an anti-affirmative action group that sued over the program.

The Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the group's discrimination lawsuit was likely to succeed, reversing a judge's decision that the program should be allowed to continue while the case moves forward.

The ruling is a victory for Edward Blum, the conservative activist behind the successful U.S. Supreme Court challenge to race-conscious college admissions policies.

Blum's group American Alliance for Equal Rights last year alleged the Fearless Fund was violating a 19th century federal law that bars racial bias in private contracts.

The lawsuit targeted a Fearless Fund program that awards Black women who own small businesses $20,000 in grants and other resources to grow their businesses.

Businesses owned by Black women in 2022 received less than 1% of the $288 billion that venture capital firms deployed, according to the Fearless Fund.

The 11th Circuit panel, led by Circuit Judge Kevin Newsom, an appointee of former Republican U.S. President Donald Trump, concluded that Fearless Fund's program did not warrant speech protections under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment.

Another Trump appointee, Robert Luck, joined Newsom's order. Circuit Judge Robin Rosenbaum, an Obama-era appointee, dissented, accusing the plaintiffs of pretending to be harmed by the program. The grant initiative had been on hold following an earlier decision from the appeals court.

Attorneys for Fearless Fund in a statement said Monday's ruling contradicted more than 150 years of civil rights law. They said the decision "is not the final outcome in this case."

Fearless Fund had argued to the court in January that it had a constitutional right to express its belief in the importance of Black women to the economy through charity.

Blum in a statement on Monday said federal "civil rights laws do not permit racial distinctions because some groups are overrepresented in various endeavors, while others are under-represented."
Recent documents submitted to a U.S. federal court allege that major British bank Standard Chartered helped finance sanctioned Iranian entities and terrorist groups, and that relevant evidence was ignored by American authorities.

London-based Standard Chartered, which primarily serves clients in emerging markets, was previously punished with more than a combined $1.7 billion in fines after admitting in 2012 and 2019 to violating sanctions on Iran and other blacklisted countries.

The bank denies it ran transactions for any organizations designated as terrorists.

The latest court filings, provided by former Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) employee turned whistleblower Julian Knight, claim that U.S. officials lied by denying that he provided them with evidence of far greater wrongdoing by the bank. The officials then applied to dismiss his whistleblower case against the bank as "meritless" in 2019 in order to shield it, Knight alleged. He has now asked a U.S. federal court in New York to reinstate the case.

Knight, who led a Standard Chartered transaction services unit between 2009 and 2011, was one of two whistleblowers who gave U.S. investigators confidential bank statements in 2012 and 2013. The statements documenting transactions that he says contained proof of further sanctions breaches, including violations beyond 2007, when the bank said it had stopped any dealings with Iran.
The growth prospects of countries like India and South Korea have seen many investors and big-name banks turn bullish on emerging markets this year. One wealth manager, however, said his super-rich clients are focused elsewhere. "A lot of wealth, especially from ultra-high-net-worth individuals, is moving to Dubai," Dhruba Jyoti Sengupta, CEO of Wrise Private Middle East, told CNBC Pro on May 31. Sengupta  whose firm serves ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals across Asia, the Middle East and Europe  said he regularly receives inquiries from individuals about investing in Dubai. "Dubai is leveraging on political instability happening around the world," he said. "There's a lot of Russian and Chinese money that has come into the Dubai market. The new wealth coming in now is from India's start-up community, Chinese businesses, European hedge funds and family offices and even conglomerates from Indonesia." Dubai, a city in the United Arab Emirates, serves as a gateway to other parts of the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere. It has seen a 78% jump in its millionaire population over the past 10 years, according to Henley & Partners, and is now home to 72,500 millionaires. The consultancy firm, which tracks private wealth and global investment migration trends, ranked it as the 21st wealthiest city in the world. Dubai's benchmark DFMGI index is down around 1.64% year-to-date but up more than 10% in the last 12 months. What makes Dubai attractive to the super-rich, according to Sengupta, is the ease of doing business and investing there, its tax-free policies, and access to other markets. "We don't see wealth movement in totality," he said. "In fact, the super-wealthy do a lot of diversification and invest in different geographies and assets using Dubai as a gateway." Portfolio allocation Sengupta also revealed how individuals with around $10 million to invest typically allocate funds: $3 million (30%) in wealth accumulation. These funds are allocated across "high-return asset classes" such as equities, real estate and commodities, like copper, he said. A portion of the funds are often also channeled into alternative assets, with cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ether among the favorites. $3 million (30%) in wealth conservation. The funds are typically invested in fixed-income assets like U.S. Treasurys and passively managed products such as those offered by hedge funds and private equity firms. $3 million (30%) in cash. $1 million (10%) in their own business where applicable. "Investors typically see returns of 23-25% in their own business which they control and understand well," Sengupta, who is the former head of insurance and investments for EMEA at Citibank, said. "So, we focus on that as an asset class as compared to putting all the funds into risky assets which may yield single-digit returns."
Qualcomm has announced its entry into the PC processor market with its Snapdragon X series chipsets. These new chips  Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus  are designed specifically for Windows PCs and promise to usher in a new era of Copilot+ PCs with advanced AI capabilities and extended battery life.

The PC is reborn, Qualcomm President and CEO Cristiano Amon said while making the announcement at Computex 2024. Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite are the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever built with AI integrated throughout the system and can deliver multi-day battery life.

Qualcomm, so far, has been primarily focusing on making chips for mobile devices under its Snapdragon brand.
One day when we look back at the last few decades in tech, we will realize that one of the most influential products ever released was, in fact, one that failed. Years ahead of its time, the Apple product unleashed many of the technologies that define consumer electronics today.

What is it? The Apple Newton.

Now, hear me out.
Overview

Between having an AI tool that recommends crazy suggestions like putting glue on pizza and a leak around how its search engine works, Google is facing lots of criticism about its technology and operations. Analyst Jack Gold joins the show this week to talk with the crew about Googles issues, why general consumers are saying meh to AI tools, and why the American worker is lonelier at work than ever before.

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Anger often drives people to aggressive behaviors such as punching, breaking, or throwing objects.

Immediate Response to Anger

When people are angry, they might resort to yelling, screaming, or slamming doors. These actions can provide a temporary release of tension. This immediate response to anger is driven by physical symptoms such as shaking, a pounding heart, and feeling hot and sweaty. While smashing or punching objects might offer short-term relief, it is not a long-term solution.

The Downside of Aggression

Punching a wall might seem like an effective way to manage anger, but research suggests otherwise. A 1999 study indicated that those who engaged in such behaviors became angrier and more aggressive later on. This suggests that while physical acts of aggression might provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying anger management issues.

Healthier Alternatives

Instead of resorting to physical aggression, people should seek healthier ways to manage their anger. Mental health professionals, such as those working in anger management programs, teach techniques for expressing anger constructively. These programs emphasize that holding in anger is not necessary; rather, it should be expressed in non-destructive ways.

Understanding Underlying Issues

Persistent anger can indicate deeper mental health issues such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), or conduct disorder. It can also be a symptom of depression or anxiety. Anger can negatively impact relationships, jobs, and overall well-being. Teens, in particular, might struggle with low self-esteem due to the consequences of their anger.

Domestic Anger and Its Impact

If a spouse resorts to punching walls or breaking things when angry, it can be a sign of domestic abuse. Such behaviors can create an environment of fear and stress. Consulting with a therapist can help people understand the impact of their spouse's anger and find support.

Self-Harm and Anger

Some people hit themselves when angry to punish themselves or distract from their feelings. This form of self-harm provides a temporary sense of relief but is an unhealthy coping mechanism. Professional help can offer better strategies for managing impulsive anger.

The Role of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective method for managing anger. It helps people understand and change their emotional responses. Although anger issues cannot be completely "cured," CBT can provide valuable tools for managing anger better and reducing aggressive behaviors.
During a meeting at Malacanang Palace on Monday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy requested Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to dispatch Filipino mental health workers to Ukraine to support the mental well-being of their soldiers amid the long-standing conflict with Russia.

President Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for mental health professionals to assist Ukrainian soldiers and defenders facing immense psychological strain.

"We need psychological and mental health support, especially for our army. Many soldiers need help when they return; they struggle to reintegrate with their families and resume their studies," Zelenskyy was quoted as saying during the meeting by the Presidential Communications Office.

President Marcos responded positively to Zelenskyy's request, indicating the Philippines' willingness to assist by sending Filipino mental health workers to Ukraine.

"This is something we are capable of offering," Marcos assured, highlighting the Philippines' reputation for providing exceptional healthcare services. He reiterated the country's commitment to peacekeeping efforts in alignment with the United Nations.

"I am happy to do all that we can to ensure the welfare of civilians and innocents affected by the war. This support comes naturally to the Philippines, and we are prepared to pursue it," Marcos added.

President Zelenskyy arrived in Manila on Sunday evening for a one-day working visit after attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. He was welcomed at Malacanang Palace on Monday morning for his meeting with President Marcos.

The diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and Ukraine, established on April 7, 1992, has spanned 32 years. In 2022, Ukraine was the Philippines' 90th trading partner, with a total trade value of USD 16.9 million. This included exports valued at USD 1.49 million and imports at USD 15.41 million.

The Ukrainian crisis has significantly reduced the number of Filipinos residing in Ukraine, from nearly 200 to 25, primarily those married to Ukrainians, as many chose to stay with their families amid the ongoing war with Russia.

As both nations seek to strengthen their diplomatic ties, the Philippines' support in providing mental health services shows its commitment to humanitarian aid and international solidarity amid the ongoing war.
The mental health of NASA astronauts are always a critical focus during deep space missions. While engineers can quantify many aspects of space travel, the psychological well-being of astronauts remains a complex challenge that defies simple calculations. This issue, historically underexplored, is now gaining attention as missions extend beyond low Earth orbit to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The psychological challenges faced by astronauts have evolved over time. Early spacefarers dealt with the stresses of mission failures and the fear of the unknown. However, the establishment of space stations, where astronauts spend months away from home, has highlighted the need for sustained psychological support. In 1994, as the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) began, NASA formed a dedicated psychological unit to address these concerns, according to ScienceNews.

Now, with the Artemis program aiming to send astronauts to the moon and eventually Mars, the psychological strain is expected to intensify. A three-year round trip to Mars will present unparalleled challenges, particularly the extended separation from loved ones.

The documentary "Space: The Longest Goodbye," directed by Ido Mizrahy, delves into this topic. The movie is premiering in theaters and on various streaming platforms on March 8. It explores the mental preparation of astronauts like Kayla Barron and Cady Coleman, highlighting the personal sacrifices and emotional toll of long-duration missions.

One of the film's most poignant stories is that of Cady Coleman, who spent over 100 days aboard the ISS in 2010, leaving her young son behind. The documentary captures the emotional struggles of maintaining family connections through intermittent video calls, underscoring the profound homesickness experienced by astronauts. Additionally, the constant surveillance and psychological evaluations aboard the ISS add another layer of stress, as astronauts must carefully manage their emotions to avoid being deemed unfit for duty.

Complementing these personal narratives, the film examines various strategies developed in collaboration with NASA's psychological unit to prepare for long-term space travel. These include the creation of social robots to combat loneliness and desert simulations to study interpersonal conflicts in isolated environments. These efforts reflect the extensive and multifaceted approaches being tested to support the mental health of Artemis astronauts.

In conjunction with these narrative explorations, scientific studies have provided deeper insights into the mental health challenges of spaceflight. A study published in November 2023 titled "Long-term spaceflight composite stress induces depression and cognitive impairment in astronauts-insights from neuroplasticity," showed the composite stressors astronauts face. These include microgravity, isolation, confinement, noise, and circadian rhythm disturbances, all of which can adversely affect both physical and mental health.

The study's authors noted that prolonged exposure to these stressors can lead to depression and cognitive impairment, potentially through the dysregulation of neuroplasticity in the brain. They emphasized the need for comprehensive research into these effects and the development of effective mitigation strategies.

"The integration of these factors will contribute to the development of composite stress, resulting not only in physical and mental harm to astronauts but also potentially leading to cognitive impairment and depression," the study concluded.

To address these challenges, the study reviewed current countermeasures and called for broader research into the neurobiological impacts of spaceflight. Understanding and mitigating these mental health risks is essential for the safety and success of future deep space missions, including those to Mars.
More high-speed trains planned between Chinese mainland and Hong Kong starting June 15

Global Times) 14:41, June 04, 2024

Passengers are seen at the waiting hall of Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station in east China's Shanghai, on May 5, 2024. China witnessed an increase of passenger trips on the last day of the five-day May Day holiday. (Photo: Xinhua)

More high-speed trains operating between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will be launched starting June 15, 2024, with shortened transportation time which will further facilitate cross-boundary travel and better integrate Hong Kong into Chinas overall development.

Two sets of high-speed overnight trains - D909/910 departing from Beijing West Railway Station to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and D907/909 trains departing from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to West Kowloon Station  will start operating, replacing the previous express trains, China Railway said in a WeChat post on Tuesday.

The travel time between Beijing and Hong Kong will be shortened from 24 hours 31 minutes to just 12 hours 34 minutes, and it will only take 11 hours 14 minutes to travel from Shanghai to Hong Kong from the previous 19 hours and 34 minutes.

The high-speed overnight trains traveling from Beijing and Shanghai to Hong Kong are equipped with more advanced facilities and increased capacity with more than 600 seats now.

The customs clearance time will also be greatly reduced as passengers only need to go through the process once in Hong Kong instead of being checked twice upon departure. Meanwhile, the high-speed overnight trains will stop at more stations in between. The weekly number of the operating high-speed overnight trains will increase from 14 to 16.

In addition, more trains will be allocated to run on different routes nationwide in a bid to bolster transportation efficiency between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. For instance, a new set of bullet train will operate from Zhangjiajie city in Central Chinas Hunan Province to Hong Kong for the first time starting June 15. The number of trains operating from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong will reach 127 at its peak, covering 16 provinces.

Rail authorities have ramped up efforts to facilitate transportation between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, and the cross-boundary passenger flow has maintained a strong growth momentum. From January to May this year, 10.74 million cross-boundary passenger trips were made through the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link since it resumed operation in January 2023, a yearly increase of 79.9 percent.

China's National Immigration Administration in Aprilhas unveiled a number of new policies to facilitate business, and people-to-people exchanges between the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao.

For instance, Beijing and Shanghai will be included in the policy of multi-entry endorsements with a validity of one to five years for six designated categories of talent to travel to Hong Kong and Macao, allowing a stay of 30 days for each trip.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Early life stress can contribute to substance abuse during adolescence.

Understanding Early Life Stress

Early life stress includes various adverse experiences such as abuse, neglect, and family conflict. In the United States, about 20% of adolescents have faced these types of stress at some time in their lives. These stressful experiences have a profound impact on health behaviors during both adolescence and adulthood.

The Connection Between Early Life Stress and Substance Use

Stress during childhood has been linked to earlier substance use in male and female adolescents, as presented at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. According to the study led by Alexandra Donovan, Ph.D., from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, traumatic events tend to increase substance use risk for males, while environmental stress and early puberty elevate the risk for females.

Study Insights

Dr. Donovan and her team investigated the roles of puberty and stress in the initiation of alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis use by age 13. Their research analyzed data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which included 8,608 participants who were 9 or 10 years old at the study's outset. The analysis utilized information collected over the first three years of the study.

The results indicated that early life stress heightened the chances of earlier substance use for both boys and girls. In males, early life stress was linked to a 9-18% increase in the likelihood of using substances early, while in females, the increase ranged from 13-20%.

Gender Differences in Substance Use Risks

Environmental stress was particularly influential in females, increasing the likelihood of early nicotine and cannabis use by 15-24%. In contrast, traumatic event stress had a notable impact on males, increasing their likelihood of substance use by 15-16%. Additionally, higher pubertal development scores were associated with a higher likelihood of earlier nicotine use in females, while reducing this likelihood in males.

Implications for Prevention

These findings underline the importance of addressing early life stress in preventing adolescent substance use. They suggest the need for tailored prevention programs in schools that consider the differing impacts of stress on males and females. Such personalized approaches could be more effective in mitigating the risks associated with early life stress and substance use in adolescence.
There's now a smartphone app that can detect mental illness in real time.

Dr. Alex Leow, a distinguished professor of psychiatry and bio-engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), has introduced a revolutionary smartphone app designed to detect mental illness in real time.

Named BiAffect, the app represents a pioneering effort in utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor mental health indicators, offering potential early intervention and treatment insights.

Leow, whose diverse career aspirations included pursuits in concert pianism and mathematics, reportedly found her calling in psychiatry and bio-engineering. Her passion for combining mathematics with medical practice led her to focus on researching the human brain, viewing it as a complex biological computer ideal for mathematical modeling.

"The human brain is like a biological computer. That's why I decided to become a psychiatrist," Leow shared, CBS News reported.

Specializing in bipolar disorder research, Leow recognized the need for innovative approaches to mental health monitoring, particularly in cultures where stigma and shame often shroud discussions of mental illness.

Inspired by the emergence of wearable technology like smartwatches, Leow came up with the idea for BiAffect while envisioning a "fitness tracker for the human brain."

BiAffect functions by replacing the smartphone keyboard with its own, capturing the timing of each keypress during activities such as typing emails or posting on social media.

This data enables real-time monitoring of cognitive patterns, including typing speed and posture, which can offer valuable insights into mental health states, especially for individuals experiencing depression.

Currently, over 2,000 users actively participate in crowdsourcing information through BiAffect, contributing to ongoing app refinement and data collection.

Leow envisions BiAffect evolving into an early alarm system, empowering healthcare providers with actionable information to facilitate timely interventions and personalized treatments, potentially even preventing crises such as suicidal ideation.

"They can use this objective real-time information to take better control, better ownership of their mental health and act on this information before the symptoms reach a point of no return," she explained.

Driven by a relentless commitment to improving patient outcomes, Leow remains dedicated to advancing the capabilities of BiAffect, recognizing its transformative potential in revolutionizing mental health care delivery.

"Every day when I wake up, I think of the possibility of what something like this can bring to our patients," Leow said.
Ordinarily, a biography of a filmmaker who only directed four movies would hardly qualify as a big deal. But Elaine May, now 92, isnt any regular filmmaker, which is why theres much anticipation for Miss May Does Not Exist: The Life and Work of Elaine May, Hollywoods Hidden Genius, Carrie Courogens portrait of the revered comedian. The book, out today, makes the case for May as one of the 20th centurys singular artists, whether as a sketch performer alongside Mike Nichols or, later, as a writer and director. Her name may not be familiar to some moviegoers, but theres a good chance youve heard of her most famous film, which was a legendary flop. Its been 37 years since she released her final picture: Ishtar. Afterward, Hollywood never let her make another.

Miss May Does Not Exist spends time chronicling that commercial and critical disaster, setting the record straight on some of the crazier, untrue stories about the movies making. (For years, people believed May, who wrote and directed the comedy, demanded her crew destroy some sand dunes around Morocco where they were filming.) But Courogen is also out to restore Ishtars reputation, a cultural development thats been in the works for much of this century.

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Over the last several decades, many assumed cinematic debacles have been reappraised, such as Heavens Gate or Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. Films that received mixed reviews when they premiered, such as Eyes Wide Shut, are now considered masterpieces. But perhaps no film in recent times has enjoyed as massive a reversal of fortune as Ishtar. Everybody used to hate it, the movies title becoming a snide shorthand for overpriced, star-driven duds. Nowadays, its hard to find anyone who will say a disparaging word about the film. All of a sudden, its cool to like Ishtar.

Before May was a filmmaker, shed already had a few careers. A stage actor, an improv comic, a playwright, shed enjoyed her greatest success as part of Nichols and May, the legendary duo who were the toast of New York in the late 1950s and early 1960s, eventually making their way to Broadway. Known for their witty, rapid back-and-forth, the twosome split in 1961 on good terms, with Nichols going on to great success directing theater and film, including 1967s The Graduate, which won him the Best Director Oscar.

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Meanwhile, May wrote for the theater and acted, eventually directing her first film, 1971s A New Leaf, which she scripted and starred in. The dark comedy featured Walter Matthau as a once-wealthy man looking for a rich, not-too-bright woman he can marry and then kill in order to steal her dough  enter Mays kooky heiress. The well-reviewed film earned two Golden Globe nominations  including Best Actress, Musical or Comedy, for May  but it also began her pattern of clashing with studios. Ive had trouble with every movie Ive done, she lamented in 2006. I had trouble with A New Leaf. They took a murder out of it. I wanted to do the first comedy in which somebody got away with murder.

The production went way over budget, and Matthau didnt always have the nicest things to say about his co-star and director, referring to May as a full-fledged nut and an impossible broad. (His finest zinger might have been Elaine May makes Hitler look like a little librarian.)

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Nevertheless, A New Leaf got great reviews  it made Gene Siskels Top 10 of that year  and a year later she directed Neil Simons adaptation of a Bruce Jay Friedman story, which became the hit rom-com The Heartbreak Kid. Later in the 1970s, she wrote and directed the bittersweet small-time-crooks drama Mikey and Nicky and co-wrote Warren Beattys Oscar-winning Heaven Can Wait, earning her first Academy Award nomination in the process. May might have annoyed studio heads for insisting on doing things her way  I may just be a pain in the ass, she admitted in that 2006 interview  but her fellow filmmakers loved her. She went on to do uncredited rewrites on Beattys 1981 passion project Reds, and then helped out on Dustin Hoffmans classic comedy Tootsie, where she once again didnt receive final credit for her script contributions. She saved our ass in Tootsie, Hoffman said, later adding, Six weeks before we started shooting, Elaine May was brought in. And when she came into the project, there was no Bill Murray character in the script, there was no Teri Garr character. She created them.  She brought a whole dimension to that material that we did not have. She created the Dabney Coleman character, she created the Jessica Lange character.  Shes a genius.

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So its little surprise that when May hatched the idea for Ishtar, she tapped two actors whose projects shed been instrumental in bringing to life. Coming out in May of 1987, Ishtar cast Hoffman and Beatty to play the stunningly untalented New York songwriting duo Chuck Clarke and Lyle Rogers. The actors subverted their on-screen personae, with Hoffmans Clarke the cocky guy, and Beattys Rogers the deeply insecure soul. Penniless best buddies who are both grappling with romantic woes, Clarke and Rogers accept a suspicious-sounding offer to perform in Marrakesh. Sure, that area of the globe may be going through some political turmoil, but the moneys not too bad  and, hey, everybodys got to start somewhere. But complications quickly ensue.

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When conceiving Ishtar, May was thinking of the popular Bing Crosby/Bob Hope comedies of the 1940s and 1950s  films like Road to Singapore and Road, in which they played regular guys getting into wacky adventures overseas. But there was also a political dimension to Ishtar. Ronald Reagan was president and there was Iran-Contra, we were supporting Iran and Iraq, she recalled. We put in Saddam. We had taken out the Shah. Khomeini was there. I remember looking at Ronald Reagan and thinking  Im qualifying this, this was just an idea, I didnt really believe it  I thought, Hes from Hollywood, hes a really nice man. Its possible the only movie hes ever seen about the Middle East are the Road movies with Hope and Crosby, and I thought I would make that movie.

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Backed by two huge stars, Ishtar would seem to have been something any studio would have wanted. But because Hoffman and Beatty were well-known for being opinionated perfectionists  the former bitterly clashed with director Sydney Pollack throughout the making of Tootsie, while the latter bickered with director Robert Altman on McCabe & Mrs. Miller  and May had pissed off enough executives in the 1970s, there was concern over at Columbia Pictures, which would be releasing Ishtar. In Peter Biskinds Beatty biography Star, an unnamed source explained, Columbias nightmare was having a trio of Hollywoods most uncompromising talents working on the same project somewhere in the Sahara Desert. That said, the source added, Columbias other nightmare was passing on a project that included Warren, Dustin and Elaine, then having it go to Fox or Universal, and watching it be a huge hit.

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But even though Columbia signed up for Ishtar, it was never a harmonious relationship. After the film got underway, the studios leadership changed hands, with producer David Puttnam becoming the new top dog. Puttnam and Beatty didnt get along: Puttnam had produced Chariots of Fire, which took on Beattys Reds for Best Picture, with Puttnam making personal attacks on Beatty during Oscar season. (Beatty ultimately won Best Director, but Chariots of Fire took home Best Picture.) Puttnam distanced himself from Ishtar during production and claimed to have never seen the film. (Puttnam) hated Warren, said Hoffman, who also disliked Puttnam because of a bad experience on a film Puttnam had produced, Agatha. As the actor recalled to Biskind, When (Puttnam) went to Columbia, I looked at the front page of the Calendar section of the Los Angeles Times, and he was quoted as saying, Dustin Hoffman is the most malevolent person Ive ever worked with. Being the intellectual that I am, I had to look the word up.

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Not long after, negative stories started getting published about Ishtar. The movie was costing a fortune. Production was running way behind the schedule. (The film was supposed to come out Christmastime of 1986 but was delayed until the following May.) Hollywood types and moviegoers in general are suckers for a juicy The whole ship is going down! saga, which is why difficult productions like Apocalypse Now, Waterworld and Titanic had to combat endless bad press before anyone saw a frame of the finished product. In some cases, the eventual film proved to be worth the wait (and the cost overruns and headaches), but at least initially, Ishtar did not.

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Star goes into great detail about the on-set fights, Mays near-firing and the general chaos that occurred during shooting, but even at the time, audiences were primed for a fiasco. In March of 1987, New Yorks David Blum published a piece documenting the films many problems, subtitled How Warren Beatty, Dustin Hoffman and Elaine May Made a Farce in the Desert for Just $40 Million. It was here that readers learned about the ridiculous extent the production went to find the perfect camel who could appear to be blind, which was a running bit in the movie. Blum reported the story about May asking for dunes to be destroyed because she wanted a flat desert. We heard about how May just kept shooting and shooting. (Elaine May is a woman of many words, an anonymous colleague told Blum. However, the word cut does not happen to be among them.) No matter how much Hoffman and Beatty went to bat for Ishtar, the knives were out. We do love watching a bloated production crash and burn.

Ishtar started off at No. 1 its opening weekend, but it quickly capsized, bringing in only about $14 million. The reviews were toxic, critics labeling it an unwieldy catastrophe. It was the sort of very public debacle that quickly becomes a punchline on late-night talk shows. Soon after the films release, Hoffman spoke to the L.A. Times, saying hed been in pain, walking the streets trying to figure out why everyone had turned on Ishtar. I like the movie, he declared. I predict the movie will be around longer than the bad press.

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Hoffman and Beatty bounced back quickly from the humiliation. Hoffman won his second Best Actor Oscar for Rain Man, and Beatty delivered the hit Dick Tracy. As for May, she went back to playwriting, but no follow-up film materialized. Film historian Dean Brandum points out the irony that 1987s other infamous star-driven fiasco, the Bill Cosby comedy Leonard Part 6, was directed by Paul Weiland, who did eventually get another studio movie, 1994s City Slickers II: The Legend of Curlys Gold. No second chance was waiting for May. No doubt it was partly due to the same industry sexism that labeled her difficult, whereas hard-headed male directors are praised for their uncompromising brilliance.

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Not that she didnt stay busy. In the late 1990s, May teamed up with Nichols for the first time in decades, writing the scripts for his well-reviewed films The Birdcage and Primary Colors, the latter providing May with her second Oscar nomination. In 2000, she co-starred in Woody Allens caper Small Time Crooks  her first significant film acting role in 10 years  winning Best Supporting Actress from the National Society of Film Critics. Avoiding the limelight, she stuck to her work and gave few interviews, the myth of Ishtars epic terribleness only growing over time.

But recently, that impression has shifted significantly. The first indications happened as early as the early 1990s  thats when Gary Larson, the mastermind behind The Far Side, published an anthology of his strips, including one from 1987 in which we see Hells Video Store, which only includes copies of Ishtar. But in the anthology, Larson attached a mea culpa: At the time of drawing the cartoon, he actually hadnt seen the movie. Years later, I saw it on an airplane, he wrote, and was stunned at what was happening to me: I was actually being entertained.  There are so many cartoons for which I should probably write an apology, but this is the only one which compels me to do so.

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Not long after, a new generation of filmmakers and moviegoers pushed back on the scorn that Ishtar had endured. In 2007, Edgar Wright screened Ishtar at the New Beverly, one of L.A.s hippest revival theaters, which is run by Quentin Tarantino. And six years later, the film finally got a Blu-ray release, which was significant because it had never been issued as a DVD. At last, Ishtar was able to be properly judged  or, at the very least, reevaluated away from the noise of its initial release. And what emerged was that many critics and fans were eager to go to bat for it. Anniversary pieces were filled with rapturous praise for what their authors considered to be an unfairly maligned, slyly subversive political comedy.

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But its not just the movie thats been greeted with fresh enthusiasm: May herself has been hailed of late as a pioneering comic force. Whether being featured on cool T-shirts or receiving career-achievement prizes, including an Honorary Oscar, May feels as relevant as she ever has. No doubt that has been helped in part by her return to Broadway at the end of the 2010s, winning a Tony for her role in the revival of Kenneth Lonergans acclaimed The Waverly Gallery. Especially at a moment when female critics and film scholars are working to correct the gender imbalance in the cinematic canon, Mays four films have been embraced with a newfound passion, her comedies held in the same esteem as her male peers. New Yorker film critic Richard Brody, a longtime champion, put it bluntly in 2016, declaring May one of the major filmmakers of her time  hell, one of the best filmmakers ever to work in Hollywood.

If youve never seen Ishtar  or hated it back in the day  will you be blown away by how great it actually is? With love and respect to the many who adore the film, I dont think so. The casting of Hoffman and Beatty is inspired, with Hoffman playing the stud and Beatty as the nerdy loser. And the songs that Oscar-winning composer Paul Williams wrote for the talentless duo are just terrific. Anybody can sit down and write bad songs, Williams once said, later adding, The real task was to write songs that were believably bad. It was one of the best jobs Ive ever had in my life. Ive never had more fun on a picture, but Ive never worked harder.

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Indeed, it takes real genius to come up with something this stupid:

Telling the truth can be dangerous business

Honest and popular dont go hand in hand

If you admit that you can play the accordion

No onell hire you in a rock n roll band

May contributed to some of the songs as well, and she clearly had affection for these hopeless fools, who think theyre just one good record deal away from being the next Simon & Garfunkel. Its very hard for smart actors to play dumb  too often, they wink at the audience, so that we know theyre not really dumb  but Hoffman and Beatty are hilarious as deluded dreamers fully committed to their atrocious songs. Ishtars first 20 minutes or so, when theyre stumbling through their lives in New York, convinced that greatness awaits them, is comic gold, a precursor to all the outsized fools that performers like Will Ferrell would soon popularize.

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But then the plot kicks in. When the duo get to North Africa, they quickly get involved in international intrigue as beautiful revolutionary Shirra (Isabelle Adjani) and nefarious CIA operative Jim (The Heartbreak Kids Charles Grodin) battle for their loyalties. Lacking the sharp plotting and smart gags that defined her previous films, Ishtar lumbers along, a bloated action-comedy complete with shootouts and chase scenes. While Mays commentary still has teeth  U.S. foreign policy remains as opportunistic and callous as its portrayed by Grodin  the movie runs out of gas quickly, the comedic set pieces never that graceful or brilliant. By comparison, even her change-of-pace drama Mikey and Nicky feels more confident.

Even if Ishtar is ultimately a misfire, though, its reputational recalibration is still a good thing. The amount of bad press it received at the time was shocking in its gleeful nastiness. As L.A Times critic Charles Champlin put it around Ishtars release, Memory does not immediately yield a film for which so many critics, reporters and industry members were lying in wait. That kind of incessant piling-on will almost assuredly provoke a backlash at some point, and despite its considerable flaws  including the movies offensively one-dimensional portrayals of the locals Clarke and Rogers encounter  Ishtar deserves to shed its toxic aura. Just ask its stars. Hoffman would later say, I dont think its a great movie. I think its a good comedy. I think Heaven Can Waits a better comedy. And in 2016, Beatty insisted, Its a good movie.

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The ever-clever May had a line she always liked to cart out about her notorious flop: If all of the people who hate Ishtar had seen it, I would be a rich woman today. Like so many films youve been told are terrible, Ishtar is actually more interesting and complicated than the received critical wisdom attached to it. I dont think the movie succeeds, but its better to give it a chance rather than smugly parrot negative opinions and reductive mindsets. (As Brody put it so well in his 2016 piece, Theres a special place in Hell reserved for critics who worried about the budget of this film.)

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Its easy to kick a movie when its down  to point and laugh at filmmakers that take big swings and fall on their face. Its far more rewarding, though, to just hit play. Maybe, like me, you wont ultimately love Ishtar. But unlike in 1987, at least youll give it a fair shake.
Hes listening, and hes learning to keep his politics far away from Frasier.

Despite much of the TV worlds inability to see Kelsey Grammer as anything besides his most famous character, the 69-year-old actor and producer is not Dr. Frasier Crane  and, perhaps more importantly, Frasier isnt his actor, either. Where Frasier is a man of science (albeit a soft science in psychology), Grammer dictates his own lifes path based on his strong Christian convictions. Frasier loves his frequent glasses of sherry, while Grammer has been famously sober since 1996. And, pivotally, throughout his many decades on television on both Cheers and Frasier, Seattle and Bostons favorite radio psychologist has mostly avoided publicly discussing political topics, while the self-professed Trumpian Republican Grammer, uh, discusses.

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Although Grammer has made no secret of his right-wing leanings throughout his public life, once even claiming to be a massive admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin because he is so comfortably who he is, the six-time Emmy-winner makes a point to separate his own politics from the character who most exemplifies the coastal elite archetype to so many sitcom fans. In a recent interview with Variety, Grammer explained how letting his politics seep into Frasier would simply make for bad comedy  so even conservatives know that conservative humor sucks ass.

We avoid political jokes, because honestly, they are so locked in a time warp, Grammer said of why his personal opinions havent influenced the writing on Frasier, even in its current iteration as a sort of streaming revival vanity project thats seen him take on more responsibilities in the development and plotting of the Paramount+ reboot.

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Grammer went so far as to say that all topical comedy is a short-term strategy that isnt fit for a series that has remained so popular for so long, saying, Contemporary culture does not fuel any comedy that lasts. Its only funny in that moment. And usually not so funny for half the people that are listening. I think its good advice to steer clear of that.

Grammer further opined of his shows enduring appeal, Frasier has always been able to last because its about the things that are important: Relationships, love, brothers, fathers, wives, sisters. Some things are universally funny, and its usually character-situation-relationship. Theyre the tent poles of all of our storytelling.

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Still, Frasier isnt completely absent of Grammers personal values, at least in his estimation. Back before the reboot premiered late last year, Grammer told IndieWire that Frasier has been my ministry, arguing that the ethics of the series are based in his Christian Scientist beliefs, even if religion is rarely discussed on the show in explicit terms.

Grammers comments in the recent interview echoed that outlook, with the actor saying of the making of the Frasier reboot, As they load the audience in to watch a taping when we start, I say, Id like to welcome you to church. This is where the things I believe in get flushed out  where we get to laugh and cry together and enhance our human experience together. Thats a pretty great thing to get to do.

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So maybe the way we get Niles to come in and save Season Two of the Frasier reboot is to pray for it.
The latest look at the new PABT. Photo: Rendering courtesy of the New York City Department of Planning

Three and a half years ago, we took a look at the outlines of a plan to replace the Port Authority Bus Terminal with something less overloaded and less ghastly. In the absence of a huge amount of data, we found it enticing if perhaps impractically clean-looking. (White walls and bus fumes  maybe not an ideal match.) Since then, the scheme has been moving along at the customary slow creep, as details get worked out and environmental review proceeds, and last week Streetsblog and Crains New York Business reported on a presentation to the City Planning Commission that revealed some more. A walk through its pages allows us to dare hope that this building  which was barely up to the job when it was new in 1950 and despite renovations is completely inadequate  might actually become functional. There will be lots of retail at the sidewalk level around the sides of the building  a big plus, as the current PABT makes a dead zone out of 40th Street. As we saw in 2021, a bus-storage-and-staging structure behind and slightly to the south of the current terminal, more or less where the knot of bus ramps is now, would lessen the number of idling and parked buses in the terminal itself. It will also serve as a temporary terminal for three years while the current building is demolished and the new one goes up.

More improvements that even someone just passing by will be able to grasp from the street: The dark and horrible 41st Street tunnel between the north and south halves of the terminal would finally be closed off to become the new buildings central atrium with a privately developed skyscraper going up on each side to underwrite the whole thing. (The towers will be face-to-face with the Torch, a loony-looking skyscraper going up at 45th and Eighth.) Other areas may gain a little volume  the ramps crossing Ninth and Tenth Avenues will likely be higher and bulkier than the current ones, though the as-of-right massing shown in the renderings makes them loom more than they likely will. If New Jerseys commuting future is fundamentally going to be about buses  and it almost surely is  this project seems like the earthbound version of the La Guardia Airport overhaul. Both are hugely messy and disruptive, and both are inarguably necessary given that we have squeezed every drop of wear out of the facilities we have now. Now, La Guardia is actually kinda great, real proof that though we as a city and state sometimes overpay for these projects, we are capable of the fantastic logistical feats they require, of rebuilding our cars engine while somehow continuing to drive down the highway nonstop.

Retail facing 40th Street. Photo: Rendering courtesy of the New York City Department of Planning

The atrium replacing the dark 41st Street tunnel. Photo: Rendering courtesy of the New York City Department of Planning

A small patch of park that decks over Dyer Avenue, looking north at the staging building between Ninth and Tenth Avenues from about 38th Street. Photo: Rendering courtesy of the New York City Department of Planning

Although one more detail had already been shown on a rendering years ago, it has been fleshed out here with a better image, and it caught our eye more than any other aspect of this plan. A short stretch of Dyer Avenue, the below-grade highway cut that takes exiting road traffic down to 34th Street, will be decked over and turned into green parkland. Now, its nothing huge  two blocks with a cross street through the middle. But there is nothing green over there right now, and those stretches from Ninth to Tenth Avenues are pretty much given over to automotive blight.

Its an easy thing to imagine burying a highway, and it is often suggested but rarely done. Expense, logistics, and general fear of project bloat probably are the principal culprits. There is, of course, the Big Dig, a project of Pharaonic scale that eliminated downtown Bostons Central Artery and created a huge green park through the middle of the city. There is talk about doing something similar in Buffalo. Here in New York, an assessment from 2008 suggested that it was feasible to deck over various roads and rail lines all over town. Some could be parks; others would return to grade-level street function, reuniting neighborhoods slashed in half in a less enlightened era. And, of course, we once had a plan in place to replace virtually all of the Miller Highway  the old decrepit, elevated West Side drive  with a tunnel called Westway, but after a contentious environmental review and a lot of NIMBY pushback and lawyering, that project went unbuilt. Claiming two little blocks atop Dyer Avenue is hardly reimagining two miles of West Side waterfront or knitting East Tremont back together. But if its an ancillary benefit to fixing the busiest and arguably worst bus terminal in America, thats a yes.
On December 1, 2023, the beat of PeaceHealths University District emergency department came to a halt. The tan, reflective complex that overshadows much of 13th Avenue is now empty, aside from the behavioral health unit, which will remain open. There is no longer a hospital in Eugene, Oregon.

PeaceHealth announced the closure of University District in August 2023. In a statement from Mayor Lucy Vinis, she revealed that the City of Eugene was not consulted in advance of the announcement. Regarding the closure, Vinis wrote, Its one more terrible message that our healthcare system is broken.

With a population of about 175,000 people, Eugene now must send people in need of medical treatment to Springfield. Healthcare options in Springfield include PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center RiverBend, where most people are expected to go, and McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center. What lies between University District and RiverBend? The Willamette River, questions of access and 5.8 miles which  in an emergency  could cost lives.

To get from University District to RiverBend via car requires taking a bridge over the Willamette, merging onto Interstate 105, turning onto Pioneer Parkway and finally onto Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Only then will you approach a tree-lined road leading to a hospital promising better care and expected wait times of 12-14 hours, a number relayed from CAHOOTS responders via their Communications Specialist Keaton Sunchild.

On Oct. 13, nurses and community members held a Die-In protest outside of University Districts doors. About 75 protestors  some covered in trash bags to resemble body bags  laid on the ground for 15 minutes, the amount of time it would take an ambulance to reach RiverBend. While protestors were strewn across the pavement, speakers took turns expressing their feelings about the closure. Their voices mixed with passing cars honking their horns in support.

Whereas RiverBend opened in 2008, University District began as Pacific Christian Hospital in 1924. Since then, the hospital has changed leadership and ministries; expanded some buildings while tearing down others; and cleared paths where students can be seen walking to class with backpacks, guitar cases and lacrosse bags slung across their shoulders.

Kevyn Paul started at University District as a receptionist in 1988, where she remembers the community feeling very close-knit and like a family. Now, as an ER nurse and an Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) member leader, she is dealing with the loss of this part of her life. Looking back on the past 35 years working at University District, she says, Its been my second home.

As of Nov. 14, emergency room nurses like Paul were bidding for jobs to take when they transfer to RiverBend. Nurses in the inpatient medical cohort had recently been laid off, but they were included in the bidding process to start at completely new positions at RiverBend. [The bidding process] is complicated, and there are a lot of rules and anxiety around it, Paul says. People dont know if theyre going to get the same type of position that theyve had for the last five years that works with their life. You know how life can revolve around work.

The closure of University District disrupts the rhythm and routine of all of the workers who have kept it running. Throughout our interview, part of Pauls attention was understandably fixated on bidding updates coming through her Microsoft Teams. Most of the staff members at University District have chosen to transfer to RiverBend or another PeaceHealth location, according to Alicia Beymer, chief administrative officer for University District and RiverBend.

Its a very complex transition for sure. Part of it is financial, Beymer says. PeaceHealth claims that University District was losing $2 million monthly amidst a dwindling number of ER patients. At the same time, RiverBend has been described as one of the most profitable hospitals in the United States, according to KEZI.

PeaceHealths mission is to provide healthcare to people in need, not to have the most profitable hospitals around, says Kevin Mealy, ONAs communications manager. I think if the goal was to serve the most people in need, theyd expand services at University District, instead of expanding them to the wealthier hospital.

From working at University District for the past 35 years, Paul has seen firsthand the emergency room regulars, and how their income compares to those visiting RiverBend. Weve often called ourselves the Mission Hospital, because we are the ones who carry out the PeaceHealth mission. We do see a disproportionate amount of uninsured or underinsured people, she says.

Another community University District has historically served are those struggling with mental health crises. With the closure of the emergency room, University District is putting all of their mental health resources into the behavioral health unit  which was expanded in 2014. The unit will remain open for the foreseeable future, and PeaceHealth also plans to build a new rehabilitation center.

I think we havent been a traditional hospital since the opening of RiverBend, Beymer says. Starting in 2008, when we kept University District open, it really was to be able to retain behavioral health services and the inpatient rehab. Weve found other pathways to do that as well.

Services like CAHOOTS also address mental health. CAHOOTS depended on University Districts ER to help those experiencing mental health crises, drug overdoses or suicidal ideation. Many CAHOOTS jobs involve transportation to psychological evaluation centers and treatment centers for drugs or alcohol  but, in most cases  to hospitals.

Were taking people to RiverBend in Springfield; thats a lot of extra driving. Sometimes for people, every minute counts And then they make it to RiverBend, and a crowded waiting room is a stress-inducing factor all on its own, says Sunchild. The waiting room at University District once served as a place for people to gather and collect themselves, according to Sunchild. This is no longer an option.

In an address about the closure, PeaceHealth says it is working with careful discernment on what the next best steps are for [the Eugene] community.

The City of Eugene can be described in many different ways. Some believe its one of the most livable communities in America. For others, its a college town painted in yellow and green. Others may remember that in 2019, Eugene had the highest rate of unhoused people per capita in major cities in America. Regardless of how you see it, Oregons second most populous city does not have a hospital.

If needing to visit urgent care, members of the community can go to PeaceHealths recently opened location on Hilyard or BestMed Urgent Care. UO Student Health Services serves students on campus on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the case of emergency, Springfield offers PeaceHealth RiverBend or McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, and an emergency department in Cottage Grove.
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Once you enter the Saratoga Race Course during the Belmont Stakes this week, youre there for the day. That is, unless you want to miss any ra
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Gissa job! I can do that. Go on, gissa job.' Yosser Hughes, played brilliantly by the late Bernard Hill in Alan Bleasdale's landmark BBC series Boys From The Blackstuff, came to epitomise the desperation of the unemployed in the early 1980s.

Yosser is the manic father-of-three who will go to any lengths to find work so he can feed his family. In episode one, he claims to be a bricklayer, even though he'd have more success laying eggs.

When he's fired by the construction gangmaster, after building the world's worst wall, he headbutts him. 'You can't sack me, I'm on the dole.'

Bleasdale's superb screenplay has now been turned into a stage play. Patrick Marmion's five-star review in the Mail inspired me to rewatch the original TV series, currently showing again on iPlayer.

It's set on Merseyside in 1982, when UK unemployment hit three million, and follows the fortunes of a group of redundant men seeking gainful employment, not just to earn money but to regain their dignity and sense of purpose.

Yosser Hughes, played brilliantly by the late Bernard Hill in Alan Bleasdale's landmark BBC series Boys From The Blackstuff, came to epitomise the desperation of the unemployed in the early 1980s

They all want legitimate full-time jobs but out of necessity are claiming the dole as well as being paid cash-in-hand for their casual labour, while being pursued by the Department of Employment's in-house fraud squad  the so-called 'sniffers'.

As a former labour and industrial correspondent who chronicled the rise in unemployment caused by the collapse of traditional heavy industry in the early Thatcher years  and covered the subsequent Militant Tendency terror in Liverpool  I can attest to the show's authenticity. Not least the sharp Scouse gallows humour in adversity.

One glorious example: During confession, Yosser tells a priest: 'I'm desperate, Father.' The priest says: 'Call me Dan.'

Yosser: 'I'm desperate, Dan.'

I defy you not to laugh, even though there's nothing remotely funny in Yosser's plight.

But what's most striking about the main characters is that while they're all happy to claim the old rock 'n' roll, they'd much rather be working. Dignity of labour still counted for something back then.

Not so much today, with 9.2 million people in Britain classified as 'economically inactive', either not working or not looking for work.

The problem is most acute among the three million 16 to 64-year-olds who are content to stay at home living on an assortment of enhanced 'disability' or 'stress-related' benefits. Half of them are said to be suffering from 'mental health issues'.

While many are undoubtedly afflicted with serious illnesses such as schizophrenia, the rest have been signed off with varying levels of 'anxiety', which can range from being a bit fed up to a congenital aversion to getting out of bed in the morning.

The medicalisation of every single reason, real or imagined, behind some people's reluctance to go out and earn a living is a national scandal.

Politicians would rather pay people to do nothing than be accused of heartlessness. Labour's solution is to hire more counsellors and therapists.

If anyone ever suffered from genuine Mental Elf issues, it was Yosser Hughes, a full-on, ocean-going, 'you'll-never-take-me-alive, copper' headbanger. But he wasn't prepared to be a permanent benefits supplicant, sitting at home all day feeling sorry for himself and stuffing his face with Hobnobs in front of Bargain Hunt  or the test card on BBC2, as it would have been back then.

Yet on Yosser's Merseyside, and in other major cities such as Newcastle, around a quarter of the working age population is now classed as economically inactive.

Idleness has become institutionalised in Britain, especially since Covid, with the explosion  if that's the right word  of 'Working From Home'. Explosion implies something dynamic. WFH is more of a damp squib.

Only yesterday, it was reported that WFH has led to an increase in traffic jams, which would be surprising given that few bother going into the office more than two or three days a week. But it might explain why I can never find a parking space outside the barber's because of the number of people in the suburbs 'working from Starbucks' over a skinny cinnamon latte.

WFH is one thing, but economic inactivity is the more pressing problem, which politicians of all stripes seem reluctant to address in the run-up to the General Election, even though it goes to the heart of our immigration crisis.

Yes, we need foreign workers to support essential services such as the care sector. But only because migrants are prepared to take jobs which British citizens are unable or unwilling to accept.

when the Blackstuff was first aired, you'd find local men who had recently lost their jobs hanging around on street corners at the crack of dawn, waiting to be picked up by gangmasters offering casual shifts on construction sites.

Today, those jobs are all being filled by migrants while the locals lie in bed, courtesy of the DHSS.

The 'sniffers' are too busy chasing Bulgarian fraudsters to bother with redundant brickies being paid cash-in-hand while also receiving welfare cheques.

In the 1980s, Labour and the unions were big on the right to work. So were the hard-Left, such as the Workers Revolutionary Party, before they discovered anti-Semitism. (Back then, the Blackstuff's Chrissie, played by the great Michael Angelis, thought the WRP were World War II air raid wardens in tin helmets.)

There were several attempts in the 1980s to revive the famous 1936 Jarrow March for jobs during the Great Depression. Today the Left seems more keen on the right not to go to work.

These days the Jarrow Marchers would be Marching From Home.

Yet there's no shortage of honest work available, with around a million vacancies going begging, especially in the struggling hospitality industry.

Yosser Hughes wouldn't have turned up his nose at a job in catering, even though he'd have to be restrained from nutting the maitre'd after being fired for tipping soup in yet another customer's lap.

Sadly, though, about the last thing you'll hear in Sicknote Britain today is: 'Gissa job!'

Diane Abbott will contest Hackney as a Labour candidate, although I doubt it has anything to do with this column's support for her. One thing I did notice, however, was that she had the Labour whip restored after completing a two-hour, online anti-Semitism course.

Two hours, online? Hardly enough time to compress millennia of the oldest hatred. In fact, it's half the time you need to finish a speeding awareness course, which gives you some idea of how seriously Labour takes anti-Semitism. You have two hours starting from now. Failure will result in three points on your driving licence. Enough, already.

Traditional nursery rhymes are on the way out

Traditional nursery rhymes are on the way out, according to a new report, as young children reject Ba Ba Black Sheep and Three Blind Mice in favour of hip-hop and hard-core rap.

How long before the BBC, in an attempt to get down wiv da kidz, launches Listen With Mother****er?

The offending poster

The Tories must be getting desperate. Iain Duncan Smith is to chair a debate at Woodford Rugby Club in Essex on June 26. It's billed as a 'Menopause Awareness Event'.

So that's what they mean by a 'change' election.
Like him or loathe him, Nigel Farage is a man of destiny. Without him there would almost certainly have been no EU referendum in 2016  and therefore no Brexit.

He believes, in common with many of those who voted to Leave, that the project has been betrayed by spineless Tories who never really believed in it.

In particular, Mr Farage points to the soaring immigration figures of recent years, which have mocked the promises of Brexiteers that, by getting control of our borders, we would be able to regulate the numbers of people coming here.

His dramatic announcement yesterday afternoon that he will fight the constituency of Clacton  where in the referendum almost 70 per cent of the turnout voted to leave the EU  is nothing less than an attempt to change the face of British politics, and cement his place in history.

Farage could well win Clacton for Reform UK, which would give him a seat in the Commons, and therefore a place at the table in what he hopes will be a realignment of the centre-Right after  as he expects and hopes  the Tories receive a drubbing at the General Election on July 4.

Nigel Farage is a man of destiny, writes Stephen Glover. Without him there would almost certainly have been no EU referendum in 2016  and therefore no Brexit

Over the weekend, he was explicit about his aims, telling the Sunday Times: 'I certainly don't have any trust for them or any love for them [the Tories]. I want to reshape the centre-Right, whatever that means.'

The reshaping that Nigel Farage envisages will only be practicable if the Conservatives haemorrhage hundreds of seats, and become a kind of rump. If they were to lose by a relatively narrow margin, there would probably be no role for him.

When announcing his return to front-line politics for at least the next five years, he predicted that Labour is heading for certain victory because the divided and ineffectual Tories have 'crushed' themselves.

In short, Farage, who was yesterday officially anointed the leader of Reform, needs the Tory party to be more or less wiped out if he is to have any prospect of playing a major part in re-inventing the centre-Right. He said that he is leading a 'political revolt'.

Even without Farage's personal contribution, despite Rishi Sunak's best efforts a succession of polls point to electoral humiliation for the Tories. The latest YouGov survey suggests that Labour is on track to win 422 seats as against 140 for the Conservative Party  a bigger majority than achieved by Tony Blair in 1997.

It's impossible not to admire Farage's elan and the scope of his ambition. I've no doubt that many Tories, including Mr Sunak, are privately shaking in their shoes. This feels like a pivotal moment in British politics.

It is also undoubtedly true that Farage is correct to highlight the disenchantment of many who voted for Brexit, and feel betrayed by the Government's utter failure to control immigration.

Moreover, many people  and not just Tories  will have been impressed by Farage's depiction of Britain as a high-tax, crime-ridden, generally dysfunctional country.

And yet there is a fatal flaw in the strategy of Reform's new leader. I've little doubt that under his direction his party will make things even more difficult for the Tories, though it may win few, or even no, seats because our first-past-the-post system discriminates against smaller parties.

Even so, Reform  the more so under new, dynamic leadership  is bound to turn up the heat on the Tory party, which is exactly what Nigel Farage wants.

His dramatic announcement yesterday afternoon that he will fight the constituency of Clacton is nothing less than an attempt to change the face of British politics, and cement his place in history

And what will be the probable consequence? An even bigger Labour majority than would have otherwise been the case  and therefore the unravelling of Farage's life's work.

Sir Keir Starmer is the man who tried to cancel Brexit by engineering a second referendum. It is true that in his new incarnation of moderation he has ruled out rejoining the European Union, or even the bloc's single market and customs union, but there's no doubt that in his heart he remains passionately pro-EU.

With a huge majority  which Mr Farage not only wants him to have but will help him to achieve  it is certain that the Labour leader will make overtures to Brussels, which it will be eager to entertain.

Of course Sir Keir will deny this during the campaign. He doesn't want to reopen the contentious issue of EU membership now, realising that his party's obstructive attitude towards Brexit was the major factor in its electoral humiliation in 2019.

But once he is triumphantly installed in No 10  with a majority of hundreds if Nigel Farage gets his way and the polls are to be believed  it's certain that Sir Keir will initiate the slow process of reintegrating this country into the European Union.

There have been suggestions that, once in government, Labour will sign an agreement with the EU that would see Britain align with Brussels's rules on food and agricultural products. The justification, unexceptionable in itself, would be to reduce the number of border checks. But it would mark a first step in signing up once more to EU rules.

In other words, by helping to orchestrate what could well be a Labour landslide, Reform could undo everything that Nigel Farage has striven for. The slow march back to Brussels is about to begin.

Perhaps he will play a major role in the reshaping of the Right, though he needs first to win Clacton. In 2014, Ukip  the precursor of the Brexit Party and of Reform  gained its first elected MP there, with Douglas Carswell taking the seat by a majority of 12,404 votes.

Amid the ruins on July 4, others will also be jostling to reshape the Right, Suella Braverman and Kemi Badenoch among them  assuming they don't lose their seats. Will they be the equal of Nigel Farage? Whoever emerges must be able to show that Brexit still means something important.

Don't rule out a return by Boris Johnson, though he will need first to find a seat in a climate that may not be at all favourable to Tories, at least for a year or two until voters become disenchanted with Labour, which they surely will.

How Tory MPs must be kicking themselves, and rightly so. Boris's removal presaged the disintegration of the Conservative Party.

Whatever his mistakes  not least presiding over record levels of immigration, despite the promises of Brexit  his Tory party was relatively narrowly behind Labour in the polls when Rishi and others plunged in the knife. Now there is a gulf between the parties that looks unbridgeable.

What a mess this is! A series of errors and stupidities has led to the untested, inscrutable Sir Keir Starmer being on the verge of power, possibly facing a small and enfeebled Tory opposition.

The bitterest pill is the prospect of Sir Keir steering us back into the maw of Brussels. What use will Nigel Farage's reshaping of the Right be to anyone then?

I admire him greatly for what he has done. He has been a man of destiny. But his destiny may now be to help destroy all that he has achieved.

Despite the Tories' intermittent idiocies and abiding passion for destroying one another, they, not Nigel Farage, are our soundest bet. Let's hope against hope that they can rouse themselves at the 11th hour, and show some grit and conviction at last.

The message should be simple enough. A vote for Farage and Reform is a vote for Starmer  and a vote, in the end, for Brussels.
Back in May 2014, two months after Russia invaded Crimea, its energy giant Gazprom signed a 309 billion contract  the biggest in its history  to supply gas to China.

Over the next five years, Gazprom built a gigantic pipeline, the Power Of Siberia, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -62c. This extraordinary feat of engineering snaked 1,800 miles across the Siberian wilderness, from the Arctic Circle to the Chinese border.

It was formally opened with great fanfare in December 2019  and its nine 'compressor stations' began pumping billions of cubic metres of gas south into China as billions of dollars in revenue headed north into the Kremlin's coffers.

The pipeline symbolised the interconnected nature of these two very powerful autocracies.

In recent months, following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has been hoping to sign another deal with Beijing, this time for an even longer pipeline: the Power of Siberia 2.

China and Russia both want to see a 'multi-polar world', where the Americans don't call the shots and they can invade weaker neighbours or encroach on their national waters without any tedious consequences

Back in May 2014, two months after Russia invaded Crimea, its energy giant Gazprom signed a 309 billion contract  the biggest in its history  to supply gas to China

Ever since a series of mysterious explosions ruptured three of Russia's four Nord Stream undersea gas pipelines to Germany in October 2022, Moscow has found itself unable to find a market for the 146 billion cubic metres of gas it used to pump to the EU every year.

Gazprom recently posted its first loss in more than 20 years and its share price plunged 5.5 per cent.

But yesterday it emerged that Beijing is now playing hardball in negotiations over the putative new link  making life difficult for Vladimir Putin.

The Chinese are seeking to drive down the price they pay for Russian gas, and want to commit their country to buying only a small fraction of the pipeline's planned annual capacity. As a result, the deal has stalled.

Moscow is clearly holding out for better terms  but Kremlin strategists would do well to bear in mind the old Chinese proverb: 'A person who waits for roast duck to fly into his mouth must wait for a very long time.'

The truth is that China very much has the upper hand, not just when it comes to the pipeline, but in every aspect of the relationship between these two countries.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is a wily old fox: he knows that, with an economy 800 per cent larger than Russia's, and with ten times its population, he holds all the cards.

Increasingly isolated on the international stage by its actions in Ukraine, Russia is fast becoming a vassal state of China.

After last month's summit between the two countries in Beijing, President Xi bid farewell to Vladimir Putin with a warm hug: a gesture widely construed as a vivid illustration of their burgeoning bromance.

But the pow-wow in the Chinese capital was no meeting of equals.

Indeed, the official Chinese account of the meeting didn't even mention the new gas pipeline, while Putin himself was reduced to announcing  rather sheepishly  that 'mutual interest in implementation has been confirmed'.

After last month's summit between the two countries in Beijing, President Xi bid farewell to Vladimir Putin with a warm hug: a gesture widely construed as a vivid illustration of their burgeoning bromance

China sees Putin's war as a useful litmus test of the West's willingness to react to a direct assault on the existing world order, writes Neil Barnett

But what of their geopolitical mutual interests?

More important than any pipeline deal, however, is the two states' desire to effect a shift in the global balance of power.

China and Russia both want to see a 'multi-polar world', where the Americans don't call the shots and they can invade weaker and smaller neighbours or encroach on their national waters without any tedious consequences.

While China pays lip service to the West's condemnation of Russia's incursion into Ukraine, in reality it sees Putin's war as a useful litmus test of the West's willingness to react to a direct assault on the existing world order.

As Russia's economy is undermined by sanctions from the West, and its army loses thousands of troops a week in Ukraine, China is paying very close attention and working out how, when and if it should make its move on Taiwan, the breakaway republic off its southern coast.

Meanwhile, as Russia weakens, China only draws strength from its neighbour.

The Telegram messaging app that the Moscow elite uses to gossip anonymously is full of misgivings about this situation.

What if, contrary to the Kremlin's dark warnings about 'UkroNazis' and 'Nato aggression', Ukraine and the Western powers posed no real threat to Russia? What if the real strategic threat to Russia emanates not from the west, but the south?

Ever since China gave up large tracts of Manchuria to Russia under the 1860 Convention Of Peking  one of a number of treaties it signed in the 19th and early 20th centuries that are now known collectively as the 'unequal treaties'  it has eyed the land it lost with ever-growing acquisitiveness.

Indeed, Chinese maps still call Vladivostok by its original name, Haishenwai, and  as recently as 2020  Chinese and Russian diplomats were embroiled in a row over Russians celebrating the 160th anniversary of the port on the Sea of Japan it acquired all those years ago.

China's resentment is all the more marked because the bulk of Russia's natural-resources wealth is in Siberia, the Russian province that swallowed up what was once Outer Manchuria.

About eight million people inhabit this vast and desolate space  but the two Chinese provinces immediately across the border have more than 55 million people between them. Chinese is already often heard in Russia's far east.

While Hong Kong and Macau have both been handed back to China (by the UK and Portugal respectively), the 1860 convention is one of the few 'unequal treaties' that has not expired, or that China has failed to renegotiate.

Now it could be Russia that starts accepting unequal treaties because China has it over a barrel.

Ever since the war in Ukraine began, China has been Russia's most highly valued trading partner.

Apart from supplying it with a wide range of industrial and consumer goods, Beijing has also propped up its war machine by providing critical components, such as machine tools and microelectronics.

In effect, Russia sells its sanctioned oil to China on the cheap and then sends back the cash these sales generate to China to pay for replacements for goods that have been sanctioned.

There can hardly be a better definition of a 'client state'.

What does all this mean for the democratic world? Perhaps the most obvious point is that it's futile to suggest that China is the 'real threat' and Russia is a 'distraction'.

The reality is that Russia is becoming a proxy and a tool of China. Letting Russia run amok is like flashing a thousand green lights at China.

We can only hope that more and more of Russia's 147 million citizens come to the realisation that Nato is not eyeing up the steppe, and that the Ukraine war is a needless atrocity.

If they value their sovereignty and independence, endless war and a voluntary capitulation to China are no way to preserve them.

Neil Barnett is chief executive of Istok Associates Limited, a private intelligence consultancy.
Katie has since fallen in love again and married her son's 59-year-old teacher

A widow who came out as a transgender woman after the death of her first wife reveals she has found love again - with her 10-year-old son's female teacher.

In 2017, Katie Papilio-Davis' wife, Minxi Liu, 41, died of metastatic breast cancer. Prior to her death, Katie, 53, had told Minxi she was coming out as a trans woman and was met with unwavering support.

After she became a widow, Katie, from Topeka, Kansas, fell in love with her son's pre-school teacher, Beth, 59, who had lost her own husband in 2018 after he died from a heart attack.

The duo spent a year getting to know each other and quickly fell in love before deciding to tie the knot in 2020.

Katie and Beth have now shared that they are more enamored with each other than ever - adding that losing someone they loved taught them how to live life to the fullest.

A widow who came out as a transgender woman after the death of her first wife reveals she has found love again - with her 10-year-old son's female teacher (newlywed couple seen together)

After she became a widow, Katie, from Topeka, Kansas , fell in love with her son's pre-school teacher, Beth, 59, who had lost her own husband in 2018 after he died from a heart attack (Katie seen with wife Beth)

Katie never imagined she would find love again after losing her wife. But, nine months after Minxi's death, in September 2018, she met Beth while dropping her son, then aged five, off at school.

Minxi (seen) supported and even helped her transition prior to her death

She was still four months away from completing her transition at the time and had been undergoing hormone therapy for two years - with her son, now 10, having no issue adapting to her being a woman.

Katie and Minxi hit it off instantly and sealed the deal with a 'passionate kiss' in August 2019.

The pair then proposed to each other two months later and set about planning a wedding for June 2020.

Katie said: 'I couldn't wait to marry her - it was so awesome - we're really happy together.

'We've cross-adopted each other's children, we've got a total of six in the family now.

'We travel the country quite a bit with the kids - spending time on houseboats and going sailing. And we bought a gorgeous house we've painted ourselves.'

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the wedding was small and the brides were surrounded by six friends and family members.

Beth and Katie met in September 2018, while Katie was dropping off her son, then five, off at school

Katie explained: 'Covid kept the wedding arrangements very small. We'd originally reserved a space for about 30 people - we weren't planning on having a really big wedding anyway.

'The money we lost had been tied up in a sailing cruise, we spent several thousand on that.'

The couple had to rework their wedding into a 'backyard gazebo' and limit their guest list to six people, per government restrictions.

Two of their children, aged 14 and 10, attended, as well as the officiant, her wife and Beth's two best friends.

'Our backyard is just gorgeous, and we ended up doing the wedding there. A lady, Donna, drove out from Kansas City to be our officiant - she and her wife came.

'We had eight folks here in the backyard - it was very short, pretty much Donna did the ceremony and drove straight off,' Katie added.

While the pair initially intended to spend 'thousands' on their wedding - they ended up spending 'several hundred' on a donation to Donna for her time.

The lovebirds were so excited to be tying the knot that Katie could hardly contain herself and planted a kiss on Beth while she was reading her vows.

Katie said: 'I was very excited during the vows - I reached over and kissed Beth while she was saying hers.

The pair proposed to each other two months later, and planned a wedding for June 2020 (the couple seen with their kids)

'I got scolded at my own wedding! It was really cute, everyone was laughing.'

Beth said: 'It was beautiful - Katie was just grinning from ear-to-ear.

'She didn't just give me a little peck during the vows, she wrapped her arms around me and gave me a big old smooch.'

The duo recalled their intimate wedding and noted that they loved how 'short' and 'beautiful' it was.

Beth recalled: 'One of the people at the wedding, Mindy, brought flowers - with it being 2020 and people not being able to do much, she'd just gotten hold of some flowers and she did my bouquet.

'My lovely wife and I decided to go barefoot for the wedding. My dress was a knee-length, sleeveless lace wedding dress.

'Katie's was floor-length with a train and lace, as well. She wore a tiara, while our daughter wore unicorn horns.

'We walked out our back door into the backyard and the officiant was waiting by the pond - we'd just set up a few chairs for the people who were there. We said our vows and enjoyed being with our family - it was short and it was beautiful.'

Katie and Beth have now shared that they are more enamored with each other than ever - adding that losing someone they loved taught them how to live life to the fullest

The pair have spent the past four years in 'wedded bliss.'

Katie let Beth know she no longer had to work as her sole income as a project manager was enough for them both.

The family, along with their kids - aged 34, 32, 30, 24, 14 and 10 - go on lots of holidays every year, to places like Florida and Galveston, Texas.

Beth said: 'We truly enjoy each day - they do say to live each day as if it were your last, and we take that to heart.

'Us both having lost our spouse in the past, we know how short life can be.

'We're both just very interested in making the most of each day - enjoying our surroundings to the fullest.'
Rixo has been slammed by 'disappointed' fans over a new collection which only goes up to a size 14 - after the owners pledged to be more 'inclusive'.

Last week, the female-founded company launched its new range with Ciao Lucia, a clothing brand based in LA.

The collection contains 12 retro-inspired dresses, which are priced between 225 and 325, and available in sizes UK 4-14.

While Rixo clothing typically goes up to a size 26, Ciao Lucia's largest offering is a XXL, which their website states is a UK 16.

As a result, fans of the brand - who count Sofia Richie and Emma Roberts among their celebrity fans - were quick to express their frustration with the lack of larger sizes on Instagram.

Pictured: Rixo founders Orlagh McCloskey and Henrietta Rix. The business owners have previously spoken about how proud they are to stock up to a size 26

One commented: 'You've unfortunately undone all the good work you did for size inclusivity with this collection guys. Very disappointing.'

Another added: 'So many beautiful pieces, but the sizing is so unnecessarily limited.

'I have been so pleased in the past that Rixo was size inclusive so I could wear the clothes, and this collab is so limited I cant participate. Disappointing.

'If you can offer a size 4, but cant offer over size 14, it says a lot. Please return to the more inclusive sizing that was something to be proud of - small to large sizes.'

Meanwhile, a third asked: 'So disappointing to see no plus size and UK 14 being the highest? Whats the reason?

'Feels like a let down to the community of plus women who have been on this journey with the brand to be snubbed on a great collab.'

Rixo's latest collaboration comes less than a year after the brand partnered up with plus-size blogger Abisola Omale on a range that catered for UK sizes 6-26.

Speaking to Who What Wear at the time, Abi said: 'The intention behind the collection is to provide more body types access to cool, playful and chic styles, as they are often overlooked.'

Pictured: Rixo x Ciao Lucia Isla Cotton Midi Dress. The new design retails for 275 and is available in sizes 4 to 24

Pictured: Plus-size blogger Abisola Omole seen modelling one of the dresses in her Rixo range last year

What's more, the brand's co-founders Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey have previously spoken making inclusive sizing a priority for their brand.

Commenting on their collaboration with Abi, Orlagh said in a Q&A on their website: 'Working with Abi has been such a pleasure, and we have learnt so much about what it means to be size inclusive.'

When they founded Rixo in 2015, the designs were only available in sizes small, medium and large - before later going up to a size 20.

After announcing they would be stocking size 24 in 2022, Henrietta and Orlagh said in a statement: 'Its a proud moment for us to have taken this huge step in the right direction.

'Were not perfect, but for us this is only the beginning, with more sizes already in the pipeline.'

Fans of the brand - who count Sofia Richie and Emma Roberts among their celebrity fans - were quick to express their frustration with the lack of larger sizes on Instagram

Last summer, the pair told Elle UK how they felt 'it was up to them' to 'upskill' the factories they use and make them 'experts' in plus-size design.

Henrietta said: 'Its not even all about size for us. Its about designing clothes that suit and flatter a variety of people, and make them feel amazing.

'If someone loves the RIXO aesthetic and comes into our store but cant find something that works for their body, then were not doing our jobs right.'

Femail has approached Rixo and Ciao Lucia for comment.
Many tend to ignore the fine print and skip past warning labels - but apart from ignoring potential cautions, they could also be missing out on hilarious messages left by manufacturers.

People from around the world have shared the bizarre notices they spotted on products - and Bored Panda collated the best (and worst) into a funny gallery.

This includes a doormat, in the US, which came with a hefty list of warnings, including 'do not glue to pregnant women' and 'do not taunt mat'.

Meanwhile an American cat shampoo, which had a picture of a feline on the bottle, specifically warned not to use the mixture on cats in the fine print.

Elsewhere someone bought a watermelon and beetroot juice from British brand Pret - only to realise watermelon wasn't listed as an ingredient.

People from around the world have shared the bizarre notices they spotted on products and Bored Panda collated the best into a funny gallery. One London pub was cheeky with its sign

Australian actor Chris Hemsworth's Centr App was also seen charging people on day six of a seven day free trial.

And in another instance, a mother spotted that her child's second birthday badge was not suitable for children under three.

Here FEMAIL takes a look at some of the most bizarre warning labels people have discovered...

Meanwhile, a doormat in the US, came with a hefty list of warnings, including 'do not glue to pregnant women' and 'do not taunt mat'

Elsewhere someone bought a watermelon and beetroot juice from the British brand Pret - only to realise watermelon wasn't listed as an ingredient

Elsewhere a 'kickball' had a warning on it, which - ironically - read 'not for kicking' in the small print

Meanwhile Chris Hemsworth's Centr App was charging people on day six of a seven day free trial

Elsewhere, students in Surrey were instantly disappointed when they spotted the small print of this sign

A box of crackers from the US claimed to have 'no artificial flavours' however they are listed in the ingredients

One mother spotted that her child's second birthday badge was not suitable for children under three

Meanwhile a cat shampoo from the US, which had a picture of a feline on the bottle, specifically warned to not use on cats in the fine print
Most recently, she lifted the lid on her opinions on salt

A celebrity chef has lifted the lid on the common mistakes that almost everyone makes with salt - revealing the basic errors that are likely causing your dishes to have an underwhelming flavor.

Meredith Hayden, 28, is a private chef based in New York City who shot to fame while documenting her working life out in the Hamptons, where she was busy prepping meals for designer Joseph Altuzarra.

She frequently boasts her cooking skills and leaves foodies full of advice on social media, where she is known as @wishbonekitchen and has garnered over 1.1 million followers.

Recently, the chef took to Instagram to detail the mistakes people make when in the kitchen - specifically when using the essential seasoning.

In a viral video, which has so far amassed over 21,000 likes, Meredith detailed the four types of salt and which you should use for cooking as she shared how to best season your food.

Meredith Hayden , 28, is a celebrity chef who has lifted the lid on the various types of salt and the mistakes that people make when seasoning their food

She frequently boasts her cooking skills and leaves foodies full of advice on social media, where she is known as @wishbonekitchen and has garnered over 1.1 million followers

Feeling salty in the kitchen? Four types of salts and what you should use them for Diamond Kosher: The 'gold standard' that can be used for every meal

Ultra-fine sea salt: To season meat

Maldon: To top off food for added texture

Unrefined: To finish off food when you don't want to feel the texture Advertisement

She captioned the clip: 'Let's talk salt, arguably the most important ingredient in your kitchen.'

The chef noted that while most people use a salt shaker to season their food, use should be using your fingers.

'I have a theory that it's physically impossible to season your food to the level that you need when using a salt shaker.

'You need to have your salt in a little dish so that you can grab it with your fingers because that's the only way you're going to be able to get enough salt.

'If you're standing there using a shaker, you're never going to salt your food enough because it's going to take too long,' she explained.

After giving viewers her top salt trip, she then detailed the various types of salts in her kitchen and what she uses them for.

'Have you ever made a recipe and wondered why it specifically calls for diamond kosher salt? Well, today were going to talk about it,' she said as she sat behind kosher salt, sea salt, Maldon, and unrefined salt.

She began describing diamond kosher salt as she branded it 'universally accepted by chefs as the gold standard.'

'It's very affordable and it's also minimally processed. The only ingredient in here is salt.

'That's why chefs choose diamond kosher as the salt they use and the reason they specify it in the recipe is because a tablespoon of diamond kosher is going to be different than a tablespoon of a different kind of salt,' she explained.

Meredith added that if you will have any type of salt in your kitchen, it should be diamond kosher.

However, when seasoning meats, the celebrity chef revealed that she prefers to use ultra-fine sea salt.

In a viral video, which has so far amassed over 21,000 likes, Meredith detailed the four types of salt and why you shouldn't use a salt shaker to season your meals

'Larger salt granules won't adhere to meat. So I like to use ultra-fine sea salt to season my meats.

'Now, I wouldn't use this to season pasta water or to season something where the salt is just going to dissolve because that texture isn't really going to matter,' she added.

And when texture does play a part, the chef confessed that she reaches for Maldon salt, which is slightly pricier than the other options but gives your food an added kick.

'Now, when texture does matter is when you have finished the food, that's when I reach for flaky sea salt. Now, Maldon is not cheap, this is very expensive.

'It's expensive because you're paying for the texture, you want to see those granules and feel them in your mouth. So you really want to use this only when you're finishing food and you throw it on top as the last step,' the private chef explained.

Lastly, she revealed that if she is looking to finish a dish with salt on top but doesn't want the texture, she will reach for an unrefined sea salt, which comes from Italy.

The chef and content creator admitted: 'Do not feel like you need to go out and buy sea salt that is harvested from the shores of Italy.'

At the end of the clip, she added: 'To reiterate, you don't need all four of these salts, you just need diamond kosher salt.'
Now she has made it her mission to spread awareness about the disease

The California-based personal trainer was shocked given her healthy lifestyle

A woman who underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer at age 32 has revealed all the things doctors don't tell you about boob reconstruction surgery.

When personal trainer Amanda Butler noticed a small lump in her right breast in July 2022, she didn't take it seriously.

'It felt small, like a cyst. I asked friends to check it and they reassured me it was probably nothing,' recalled the now-34-year-old, who is based in California.

'I was about to go on two work trips, which made it difficult to find a gynecologist for a check-up. I had never had a mammogram. I wasn't sure where to start.'

California-based personal trainer Amanda Butler, 34, has documented her battle with breast cancer on her social media

Amanda was first diagnosed in 2022, a few months after finding a lump in her breast. Pictured is Amanda after the surgery

Amanda explained that after returning from her work trips, she tried to get an appointment but everywhere had long waits. And, caught up in work, she kept postponing it.

'I attended a friend's wedding, and there, in an unlikely twist, a gynecologist performed an impromptu breast exam on me in the bathroom,' blushed Amanda.

'When I returned to Los Angeles, a friend recommended Valley Breast Care, which offered free mammograms and ultrasounds, especially for those without insurance.

'The technician noticed something unusual during the exam and called in the radiologist, who recommended a biopsy.'

A few days later, at 32 years old, Amanda received a call to come in for her results and was told she had breast cancer.

'I was in the peak of my life,' shared Butler, who works as a digital fitness trainer for various brands.

'I was fit and healthy. I worked out all the time and stayed away from processed foods, alcohol and sugar. I had no family history of cancer. The news came as a complete shock. I couldn't understand why this was happening to me.'

Beyond the glaring health implications of her diagnosis, she was also overwhelmed by what this would mean for her career and how she presented to the world.

She ultimately went forward with a double mastectomy in May of 2023. Pictured is Amanda before the surgery

After her double mastectomy, Amanda went through the process of reconstruction surgery, and shared what doctors might not let their patients know about the procedure

'It terrified me to think that I was going to lose not only my breasts but also my physical strength and everything I had built over the last few years. It felt like the carpet was being pulled out from underneath me,' she admitted.

Amanda was initially diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, meaning the cancer was encapsulated and hadn't spread beyond the cells.

'I was offered the choice of a mastectomy [removal of both breasts] or a lumpectomy [removal of the cancerous mass].

'After discovering I had the BRCA2 gene, which increases susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancers, the recommendation changed to a mastectomy.'

Mentally, Butler couldn't even process the idea of a mastectomy. She was still trying to come to terms with having cancer.

'I went through a PET scan and an MRI, and in those scans, my lymph nodes were lighting up. The cancer had spread, upgrading my diagnosis to Stage 2, which meant chemotherapy and a longer treatment plan,' she explained.

Amanda underwent surgery before going to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to freeze her eggs.

Six rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy, 25 cycles of radiation and reconstructive surgery followed.

'After my reconstructive surgery, I learned four things doctors often fail to mention about breast cancer reconstruction,' she explained.

'For me, the emotional side of recovery was incredibly challenging. Being confined to bed all day, unable to leave the house, exercise, or socialize drove me crazy.

'The depression became very real, and I eventually started antidepressants to cope,' she admitted.

'Another thing I learned was that nerve prickles in your chest, arms, and armpits can be worse than the surgical pain itself. Imagine the tingling you get from licking a D battery, but all over your chest.

'I was on nerve blockers for weeks to manage this discomfort,' she added.

'Lastly, I never imagined I might end up actually liking my new breasts more than my old ones. I've always had large breasts, which was challenging for my active lifestyle. As a fitness trainer, having smaller, more manageable breasts has been a silver lining,' she described.

American Cancer Society also offers comprehensive resources meant to guide patients through the reconstruction process, outlining different options - such as implants versus a 'flap procedure' - as well as what to expect in the weeks afterward.

Amanda wanted to serve as a resource to other women battling cancer, and decided to launch the virtual support group Cancer Baddies

Despite everything, Butler remained committed to maintaining a positive attitude, documenting her journey on social media.

'My online community grew, and someone suggested I hold meetings.

'This led to the creation of a virtual group called Cancer Baddies. Women from all around the world join to talk about cancer, treatment, and recovery.

'The outpouring of stories encouraged me to keep sharing. I get messages every week from girls as young as 23 being diagnosed with breast cancer. There aren't many resources for younger women, so I wanted to provide a safe space for them.'

In addition to creating supportive communities through her groups, Butler also shares tips and advice.

'When you go through cancer, doctors give you as much information as they can, but usually it's not enough. You often find out most of what you need to know about your treatment from other cancer patients or through trial and error,' she explained.

To bridge this gap, she recently released her book Remember When I Had Cancer?: Your Complete Guidebook to Chemotherapy.

'I wanted to phrase it in the past tense, "Remember when I had cancer?" so that every time a cancer patient reads it, they're speaking about their cancer in the past,' she said.

The book includes sections on chemotherapy, egg preservation, and hair preservation, as well as practical advice on what to pack, eat, and drink during treatment.

While Butler is still undergoing low-dose chemo, she views this as a chapter of her journey - a long chapter but one that she hopes will help others put cancer in the past tense.

'While cancer has been hardest thing I've ever been through, it has also taught me so much. I've learned the importance of mental strength and the power of community.

'If you're going through something similar, remember to stay strong and seek support. Distractions can help, and documenting your journey might provide solace and assistance to others in the future,' Butler concluded.
A classroom assistant has been left fuming after she was banned from wearing exercise tights on a school camp.

The woman, who is also a mum-of-four, said she was asked to help out at the bush camp for year seven students, but was shocked by the dress code.

She had asked if Lorna Jane style tights were fine to pack on the trip - expecting it to be a non-issue.

'The response was no because I work with young males, but shorts would be acceptable,' she said.

'Who says tights reveal more than shorts and what does it matter? How dated is this mentality. Have we learned nothing?

A classroom assistant has been left fuming after she was banned from wearing exercise tights on a school camp

'It is 2024, start teaching men to be upstanding citizens who support women.'

She said the camp was based around exercise-based activities with hiking and mountain biking on the list.

The outburst divided opinion in an all-women's group.

'I cannot believe this is still happening in 2024,' one woman said.

'To be honest I wouldn't have even thought to have asked and would have turned up with five pairs of tights. But yes, wtf,' agreed another.

'This type of BS does not teach young men about consent, it doesn't teach them to respect women - it perpetuates misogyny,' added a third.

Others were less shocked.

'Sounds like the school camp rules we received this year,' one woman said.

'I work in NSW, tights are okay for sport but only if you wear a long shirt,' one woman said.

'I work at a girl's school and we have the same rule - so not about boys.'

Many sided with the high school.

Women were divided over the directive and some agreed tights are not appropriate even for activity-based camps

'The expectation is to dress professionally, not for the gym or the weekend,' one woman said.

'I have worked in all sectors in WA - independent, Catholic and public. About ten schools all up. Not allowed to wear tights in any of them,' she added.

She then advised the younger woman to consider long shorts and trackpants.

'Us women are wired differently to teenage boys,' one woman said.

'It is best to not wear anything tight or revealing.'

Others commented on the posts to claim their daughters have been banned from wearing activewear.

'No tights for girls year seven and above because it could make male teachers feel 'uncomfortable',' one woman said.
Harry and Meghan 'lit a spark' that will keep on shining after they met with schoolchildren in Nigeria to discuss mental health last month, it has been claimed.

Afam Onyema, CEO of the GEANCO Foundation which partners with the Sussexes' Archewell Foundation, said the couple's visit to the Lightway Academy in Abuja was 'not just a photo op' and had a lasting affect on the pupils.

During the trip, which fell on the first day of the couple's three-day whirlwind tour of Nigeria, Prince Harry addressed the pupils about their mental health and wellbeing and encouraged them to notice changes among their peers which may signal someone is not feeling mentally sound.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Mr Onyema said the pupils are still asking questions about the Sussexes' message weeks after the visit - and insisted the couple's work with the school was 'not just a photo op'.

Prince Harry (right) and Meghan Markle' (left) attendance at a mental health summit at a school in Nigeria as part of three day quasi royal trip to the West African nation

Pictured: CEO of the GEANCO Foundation, Afam Onyema. He praised the the Archewell Foundation for ongoing work in Nigeria

He said: 'Even now, weeks after that summit, as were preparing for the rest of [the lessons], kids are still asking questions, and theyre still challenging the status quo.'

The Duke, 39, and Duchess of Sussex, 42, who together started the charity, Archewell, are in partnership with the GEANCO Foundation, a Los Angelesbased organisation that supports medical care and education in the West African country.

Mr Onyema explained that the prince's speech about his own struggles with mental health which had 'inspired' the academy's children.

'They were inspired so much by Harry and Meghan. From the questions they asked about mental health, you could tell they were so hungry to learn more.'

During the visit, Meghan also shared an a story about her three-year-old daughter, Lili, who shared a moment a tender moment when she told her mother she saw herself in her mother.

The duchess then went on to tell children at the academy that she as well as seeing herself in her daughter, she also saw herself in them.

Children at the academy were encouraged by expert psychologists and the prince alike, to unpack questions about their own and other's wellbeing. Harry encouraged them to ask other's if they were okay if they see them looking down.

Mr Onyema insisted his belief that the duke and duchess were committed to a lasting and effective program.

The Sussex's charity, Archewell, works closely with organisers of the event. They have previously worked together to held stop period poverty in the country

The CEO also firmly believed the impact of the summit on the children had been significant and said the children were still talking about the event a month on.

The charity first partnered with the foundation last year in a bid to improve educations of women's mental cycles while also helping to distribute 2,500 period products to Nigerian girls.

Towards the end of the year, Archewell asked the CEO to expand their mission to include mental health support for all genders.

With their support, GEANCO created a two-day curriculum to give teens in the nation, better skills for coping with mental health struggles.

Meghan took a selfie with students as Harry watches at the Wuse Lightway Academy

Harry and Meghan arrived at the Wuse Lightway Academy in Abuja holding hands

Meghan waved as she and Harry visited the Wuse Lightway Academy in Abuja

The couple n smiled as they met children at the Wuse Lightway Academy in Abuja

On the visit, the Prince expressed his excitement at expanding a new Invictus Games centre, which will help war veterans with physical and mental rehabilitation in Abuja, Nigeria, shows servicemen and women will not be 'defined by their injuries'.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff Christopher Musa during the Duke and Duchess' 'royal' tour of the country earlier this month, Harry said: 'Seeing the plans for the new Invictus Centre gives me goosebumps'.

The couple set foot in the West African nation last month after being invited by the country's military.

After flying back to their home in LA to be reunited with their children Archie and Lilibet, the couple hailed their time in Nigeria as 'unforgettable' in a press release.

Their statement added: 'The Duke and Duchess would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the event organisers, military officials and the whole Nigerian community for their tremendous hospitality and the first of many memorable trips.'
Belinda Bellville, who has died aged 94, was a favoured designer of Princess Diana and dubbed the 'top people's darling' by the press thanks to dressing the likes of Princess Margaret, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy.

The designer, born in Leicestershire in 1930 to Anthony Seymour Bellville, a scion of Keens mustard dynasty, and Audrey (nee Kidston), founded her fashion house Bellville et Cie (later Bellville Sassoon) in 1953.

To fund the business, Bellville sold her Citroen car, a wedding gift from her brother Jeremy, for 500 and went into partnership with a Knightsbridge shop owner to gain a sales outlet. This was the only capital the company would ever need.

Bellville recalled: 'The space was so small, it had an outside loo and I used to visit the neighbouring pub to design and sketch the dresses,' reported The Telegraph.

Soon, the designer was dressing high society and even once showed the late Queen the bridesmaid dress she had made for Princess Anne for the wedding of Lady Pamela Mountbatten to David Hicks in 1960. 'It's very nice,' remarked Her late Majesty. 'Will it wash?'

Belinda Bellville (pictured in 1960), who has died aged 94, was a favoured designer of Princess Diana and dubbed the 'top peoples' darling' by the press thanks to dressing the likes of Princess Margaret , Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy

So popular was Bellville et Cie with British aristocracy that by the end of the decade, a survey by Tatler revealed that the couture house had created more society wedding dresses than any other had in over 30 years.

The attraction of a Bellville design didn't show any signs of dampening in the next several decades and in February 1981, a 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer visited Bellville Sassoon in Knightsbridge.

It was a few days before the official photoshoot that would announce her engagement to then Prince Charles, and she had been sent to the store, now also run by fashion designer David Sassoon, by her mother, Frances Shand Kydd, to pick an outfit, reported The Guardian.

But she walked out again after the vendeuse suggested she might be more at home at nearby Harrods, where Diana picked an off-the-rack blue blazer and skirt to wear.

However, thankfully for Bellville and Sassoon, Diana returned to the Belville Sassoon studio with her mother in the run-up to her wedding.

Sassoon told Channel 5 documentary, Secrets of the Royal Wardrobe, in 2019: 'Her mother brought her into us to have a trousseau made.

'She had previously come in and there was a disaster with the vendeuse. She chose about ten dresses and her mother paid for them. I was thrilled she asked us to design her going-away outfit although I was disappointed we didnt do her wedding dress.

Bellville Sassoon made more than 70 gowns for the late Princess of Wales over nearly two decades and has been credited with having discreetly steered Diana in the direction of fully fledged fashion icon.

Diana in a Bellville Sassoon sailor suit for her first official photograph with the Queen and Prince Charles, 1981

Bellville Sassoon made more than 70 gowns for the late Princess of Wales over nearly two decades and has been credited with having discreetly steered Diana in the direction of fully fledged fashion icon

But Bellville was known to value her customers' privacy and dubbed Diana 'Miss Buckingham' in the appointments book, reported The Times.

The fashion designer - a former debutante herself - was also renowned for dressing debutantes  including Queen Camilla, whose coming-out dress was a Bellville design.

She also boasted clients including Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Collins, Audrey Hepburn, Madonna, Jerry Hall, Helen Mirren and Ivana Trump.

Cath Kidston was Belindas cousin and recalled: 'I used to go and stay with her and watch her go out to work. She was fun, creative and interested in everything. She was someone I could aspire to be like.'

Bellville, who during the Second World War would make outfits out of old curtains with her mother, was inspired by her grandmother Gladys 'Cuckoo' Leith, who ran a dress shop in Savile Row in the 1920s.

Bellville (pictured in 1960), who during the Second World War would make outfits out of old curtains with her mother, was inspired by her grandmother Gladys 'Cuckoo' Leith, who ran a dress shop in Savile Row in the 1920s

David Sassoon and Belinda Bellville of fashion salon Bellville Sassoon in Knightsbridge, London, in 1981

But the fashion designer had no formal training, instead working as an assistant to a society photographer and trying her hand at fashion journalism before setting up her shop.

She eventually hired Sassoon after being impressed by his final show at the Royal College of Art and he became a partner in 1970. Bellville retired in 1982 but remained a consultant.

Sassoon previously recalled of his business partner: '[She] was forever correcting me. One day I mentioned Ascot and she told me very severely that As-cot, as Id pronounced it, was a water heater. I can hear her now: And we dont say navy, David, its navy blue.

Bellville wed financier David Whately in 1952, who died in 2008. She is survived by three daughters.

Belinda Bellville was born on March 29, 1930. She died on May 5, 2024, aged 94
Already dubbed 'the high society wedding of the year' - and certainly a royal wedding in all but name - when Hugh Grosvenor, 7th Duke of Westminster, marries gourmet food firm executive Olivia Henson on Friday, the city of Chester will turn out to celebrate with them.

With 400 guests attending the high profile nuptials, which were announced by the couple after the Duke proposed in April last year, the ancient pews of Chester Cathedral will be filled with the cream of the British aristocracy - and two heirs to the throne, with Prince William and Prince George both set for 'prominent' roles.

The Duke was named the UK's wealthiest person under 40 for the second year running in the Sunday Times Rich List last month - he inherited his fortune after the death of his father Gerald aged 64 in 2016 - and there's likely no expense spared when it comes to ensuring his big day runs smoothly.

Two-day road closures will begin in the city tomorrow and the planting of 100,000 flowers, paid for by the groom, commenced several weeks ago.

Society wedding of the year: Hugh Grosvenor, 7th Duke of Westminster, is set to marry gourmet food firm executive Olivia Henson on Friday

Happy together: The couple met through friends in London and dated for two years before Hugh proposed in April last year

The Duke's family seat, Eaton Hall, is located near the village of Eccleston in Cheshire, making Chester Cathedral a natural venue for the couple to marry

Local schoolchildren are among the choristers who will sing the couple down the aisle, marking the Duke's close connection with the city that's closest to Eaton Hall, the family seat.

Speaking ahead of the wedding about his affection for the Chester, the groom said he 'wanted to make it very clear how unbelievably helpful people have been, how supportive they've been so far, which I'm unbelievably grateful for because I do realise that it's going to be a big, big thing for the city.'

Here, ahead of the society wedding of the year, we take a closer look at what will be in store for the Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson on their big day...

PRINCE WILLIAM AND PRINCE GEORGE SET TO TAKE 'KEY' ROLES

Prince William, one of the Duke's closest friends, has been the surest royal attendee, confirming weeks ago that he will be in the pews.

The royal has known the Grosvenor family all his life. He was mentored for years by Hugh's father, Gerald - who died aged 64 from a heart attack in 2016. Gerald was one of King Charles' closest friends.

It's been widely reported that the Prince of Wales will play a key role in the nuptials, most likely acting as an usher when the high society guests file into Chester Cathedral ahead of the ceremony.

Friends have suggested the Prince of Wales was first asked in December, and at one stage, he was even said to have been earmarked as a best man.

The Prince of Wales and Prince George, pictured at the FA Cup final last month, are set for another father and son outing, with William likely to be an usher for his close friend

Prince William, pictured with Grosvenor in 2004, was at one point in the running to be the Duke's best man

Earlier this month, a well-informed source told The Mail on Sunday: 'William was asked to have a prominent role in the wedding and that's what triggered Harry to decline an invitation.

'Apparently he [Harry] was put out by the request when he thought it should have been him.'

When Prince William's eldest son Prince George was born in 2013, Hugh Grosvenor, known to friends as 'Huey', was named godfather.

It's unclear the role that Prince George, pictured at the Easter Mattins service in Windsor earlier this year, will take but it's rumoured the 10-year-old could also take a 'prominent role'

Prince George could also play a prominent role in the wedding, and will certainly by his father's side during the ceremony. When he was asked to be godfather to the future king in 2013, the Duke was the youngest of the seven godparents.

If the young prince, 10, takes a starring role in the wedding, it will come as he prepares to head to secondary school in September.

THE TRIO OF LOCAL SCHOOL PUPILS WHO WILL SING FOR THE DUKE AND HIS BRIDE

Sweet music: Head Chorister of the Chester Cathedral Choir is Grace Crook, a Year 12 student at The Queens School in Chester, who will lead the singing at the wedding. Right: Isla Mills, a Year 10 pupil at the same school is also one of the choristers

The Duke of Westminster, 33, revealed to his local paper the Chester Standard that people within the religious community in Chester have been 'unbelievably helpful' in helping the couple with their wedding plans

Excited chorister Grace says in a video released by the school to celebrate the Duke's big day that singing at the wedding is 'a lot of pressure but it is such an incredible opportunity and I cant wait!'

A trio of local schoolchildren will help the Duke of Westminster and his soon-to-be bride celebrate their big day as choristers for the ceremony.

Talented vocalists Grace Crook, Isla Mills and Cassie Lounds, who all attend The Queens School in Chester, have appeared in a video discussing their excitement at being part of the Duke of Westminster and his fiancee Olivia's big day.

Crook, who is currently approaching the end of Year 12 and is now Head Chorister of the Chester Cathedral Choir, said she 'hadn't looked back' since first joining the singing collective several years ago.

In the clip, the teenager says: 'It is an absolute honour to now be the Head Chorister and I am really looking forward to the big day. It is a lot of pressure but it is such an incredible opportunity and I cant wait!'

The Queens School's head, Joanne Keville, said the school was delighted to have been asked to participate, saying: 'We are thrilled and immensely proud of Grace, Isla, and Cassie for taking part in such a significant event and look forward to celebrating their continued success.

'Their achievements are a shining example of what our students can accomplish when given the opportunity and support to pursue their passions. We look forward to hearing all about it when they return to school on the Monday after the wedding. What an amazing experience!'

CHESTER TRANSFORMED INTO A CITY OF 100,000 FLOWERS

The city is being decorated with 100,000 flowers planted in displays across the city throughout the summer, paid for by the groom himself to mark his marriage

Cestrians - as the people of Chester are known - are enjoying a floral transformation of their city, after the Duke of Westminster gifted them 100,000 blooms.

For the rest of the summer planted displays will mark the high society marriage - and the couple are set to donate their wedding flowers to local charities and organisations.

Photos shared by the city's Business Improvement District on X showed the behind the scenes of setting up the stunning floral displays several weeks ago.

Snaps show volunteers holding onto the blossoms and distributing them around the streets

Snaps pictured volunteers holding onto the blossoms and distributing them around the streets.

'As part of local celebrations for their wedding, the Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson are delighted to sponsor this years Chester BID Flower Planting, along with a planting morning with the BID team and Chester Businesses,' the social media caption read.

'The colourful displays which feature vibrant pollinators  benefiting biodiversity as well as the amenity of the city, have now been planted and can be enjoyed across Chester high street and historic rows.'

The photos were also shared on the organisation's Instagram page.

GOING TO THE CHAPEL! HISTORIC CATHEDRAL WHERE CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE

The couple will tie the knot at Chester Cathedral; a venue that holds a special place in Hugh Grosvenor's heart

The Duke and future Duchess of Westminster will marry in the stunning Chester Cathedral, near to where Hugh, 33, grew up.

Speaking to his local newspaper, the Chester Standard, he revealed the reason why he chose the Cathedral to say his vows.

'We've obviously got a long association with the cathedral as a family so we were here for my father's memorial, my sister's wedding and every Remembrance Sunday that I can attend is here,' he said.

'But I'm unbelievably excited and I also wanted to make it very clear how unbelievably helpful people have been, how supportive they've been so far, which I'm unbelievably grateful for because I do realise that it's going to be a big, big thing for the city.

The Duke's father's memorial took place at the cathedral, as well as his older sister Lady Tamara Grosvenor's 2004 wedding to Edward van Cutsem

'It's going to be certainly a huge thing for us and we're grateful for all the help really.'

He and Olivia also discussed their plans to eventually move to Eaton Hall, where the Duke grew up.

The bride-to-be revealed it was an 'easy decision' to move to Chester eventually, and she explained the couple are already transitioning away from London and up to Chester as they plan for their future together.

WELL-WISHERS EXPECTED TO LINE THE STREETS BUT ARE WARNED OVER TWO-DAY ROAD CLOSURES

Crowds are expected to line the streets on the big day just as they did for Hugh's sister's wedding in 2004 (pictured) - with well-wishers advised to use public transport

Speaking about his big day, Hugh said the occasion will be a 'big, big thing for the city'.

Hundreds of well-wishers are expected to turn out to watch the couple drive through the streets as newlyweds, and the local council has announced road closures from tomorrow.

The Chester Standard this week reported that advisories have been put in place around travelling into the city by car from Wednesday 5th to Friday 7th June.

Cheshire West and Chester Council posted on X, formerly Twitter: 'Please rethink journeys into the city centre on that day, avoiding travelling in by car if possible.'

The council has perhaps used the Duke's sister Lady Tamara Grosvenor's 2004 wedding to Edward van Cutsem as a blueprint.

On the day of her nuptials, crowds lined the Chester streets in order to catch a glimpse of the bride, groom and guests - who included Prince William, Prince Harry and the late Queen.

A report from the Crewe Chronicle after the wedding said the arrival of William and Harry at Chester Cathedral sent the crowds 'wild'.

It reported swarms of teenage girls screamed 'marry me William' as he walked into the Cathedral.

Meanwhile, more than 100 police officers were deployed around the city to ensure smooth sailing on the day - a security presence likely to be replicated on June 7.

FROM FAMILY TO ARISTO FRIENDS AND TV STARS: WHO ELSE IS ON THE GUEST LIST?

The Duke's sisters

The wedding of Lady Tamara Grosvenor, and Edward van Cutsem. The King and Queen chose to turn down their invitations to the 2004 wedding

Hugh Grosvenor is one of four siblings, and the only boy. When his father Gerald died from a heart attack in 2016 at just 64 years old, Hugh inherited the Dukedom as his only male heir.

Hugh's sisters are Lady Tamara, 42, who is best friends with Prince William, Lady Edwina, 41, and Lady Viola, 29.

The siblings will of course be in attendance at the wedding with their families.

Lady Tamara married her husband Edward van Cutsem at the same venue in 2004 (in a service attended by the late Queen, Prince William and Prince Harry), which saw crowds lining the streets of Chester to get a look at the bride and groom, as well as the high society attendees.

She and her husband have three children; Jake, 14, Louis, 12 and Isla, nine.

Lady Edwina Grosvenor is a prison reform campaigner and chair of One Small Thing, an organisation which aims to redesign the justice system for women and their children.

She is married to TV historian Dan Snow, with whom she shares three children Zia, 12, Wolf, 10, and Orla nine.

Lady Viola Grosvenor married her husband Angus Roberts, of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, in 2022.

Dan Snow

Lady Edwina Grosvenor and her husband, TV historian Dan Snow, will be in attendance and Edwina's brother's wedding (pictured at Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018)

TV historian Dan Snow, who married Lady Edwina Grosvenor in 2010, will be among the attendees at the wedding.

Speaking about the family into which he married, Dan previously told The Times: 'They're a lovely, close family, really close. The four of them are a team. It's extraordinary.'

Although he married into extraordinary wealth, Dan has spoken in the past about his wife's philanthropic career, which may lead to the couple giving away their children's inhertance.

In contrast to her siblings, Lady Edwina decided to wed Dan in a much more low-key ceremony at Bishop's Lodge in Woolton, Liverpool.

The couple were pictured at Harry and Meghan's Windsor wedding at St George's Chapel in 2018.

Olivia's Belazu colleagues

Olivia Henson is currently based in London and works for quality ingredient company, Belazu, which sells products such as harissa paste and preserved lemons for home cooks who want to up the ante on their recipes.

The company's ethos is providing sustainable, good quality ingredients, and Olivia has been described as something of a foodie.

It's not certain who from Olivia's side of friends and family will be invited to the wedding - but it's likely some of her colleagues will be in attendance.

THE NO-SHOWS

Harry and Meghan

Harry and Meghan have already been excluded from next month's wedding, even though Hugh, who has an estimated fortune of 10billion, is reportedly the godfather of their son, Prince Archie. Hugh is believed to have felt the Sussexes' appearance could cause tensions with the Royal Family

As many senior members of the royal family prepare to attend the society wedding of the year, one couple will be notably absent from the festivities.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will remain in the US while their son Prince Archie's godfather ties the knot.

Amid reports that the Prince of Wales will be an usher at the wedding, sources told the Mail on Sunday that Harry was 'put out' by the decision because he had always regarded himself as being closer to the Duke.

The source claimed: 'William was asked to have a prominent role in the wedding and that's what triggered Harry to decline an invitation. Apparently he [Harry] was put out by the request when he thought it should have been him.'

Referencing the lack of public details about the occasion, the source added: 'Both the Palace and Hugh's people decided to hold dear the operational part of the wedding once the leak about Harry not attending made the papers.'

Last year, it was claimed that Prince Harry had been 'snubbed' from the wedding, but a source close to the Sussexes was at pains to explain to US publication Page Six that both Meghan and Harry had in fact received invitations, but had jointly decided to decline.

Catherine, Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales has not been pictured in an official appearance since Christmas Day 2023 and is not expected to attend the wedding due to her health

The Princess of Wales has not appeared in public since Christmas Day 2023, after she underwent abdominal surgery and doctors later found cancerous cells in her body.

Since then, Kate, 41, has been recuperating at home while undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy.

Aside from a few glimpses, such as an emotional video in which she confirmed the cancer diagnosis and a heavily disputed Mother's Day photo which she later admitted had been 'edited', Kate has not made any public appearances so far this year.

As such, Kate is not expected to attend the wedding - but we can be certain she has received an invitation.

King Charles and Queen Camilla

The society wedding of the year is less than three weeks away, yet King Charles and Queen Camilla have still not confirmed their attendance, I hear.

The attendance of King Charles and Queen Camilla at the society wedding of the year remains unconfirmed - and is now looking increasingly unlikely.

Reports have suggested Their Majesties have turned down invitations to the shindig as a result of a 'snub' directed at Camilla when Hugh's sister, Lady Tamara wed Edward van Cutsem in 2004.

Camilla Parker Bowles, as she was then, had been told that she would not be allowed to sit with Prince Charles and would instead be seated several rows back and be made to arrive separately.

This was because of royal protocol since Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip attended the ceremony, along with Princes William and Harry.

Tensions were heightened by reports that Emilie van Cutsem, the groom's mother, and Camilla had fallen out after each is alleged to have criticised the behaviour of the other's children.

Charles ultimately excused himself from the event with just days to go, saying he had to visit Warminster barracks to meet the families of soldiers serving in Iraq. Camilla was described as 'otherwise engaged'.

According to royal author Sarah Bradford, Camilla was so infuriated that she told Charles the status quo was no longer acceptable. Their own engagement was announced three months later.

The King, who is Grosvenor's godfather, is still undergoing cancer treatment and will be travelling to France the day before the ceremony next month with the Queen and Prince William to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.

THE MAYBES

Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

It is unclear whether Princess Charlotte, nine and Prince Louis, six, will be on the attendee list at the wedding (pictured in Sandringham on Christmas Day)

With their father, Prince William, and oldest brother Prince George, in attendance at the wedding, the younger Wales siblings may well be present at Hugh Grosvenor's nuptials.

However, considering that the Princess of Wales is not expected to attend the wedding, it may be that Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six, remain at home with their mother.
Princess Diana's brother Earl Spencer has unveiled a stunning photograph of his mother Frances Shand Kydd - and fans have gone wild for the family resemblance to the late royal.

Charles Spencer, 60, who lives at Althorp House in Northamptonshire, took to Instagram on Monday to share a picture of his late mother 'looking rather glam' as he remembered 'happier times' on the 20th anniversary of her death.

The black-and-white image shows Frances, who passed away in 2004 at her home in Scotland, posing on what appears to be a beach, while sporting a stylish pinstripe top and headscarf.

Charles captioned the photo: 'Remembering my mother, who died 20 years ago today, aged 68. She had a wretched final few years, health wise, and I prefer to think of her in happier times; here, looking rather glam, in the 60s.'

Royal fans were stunned by the picture, with many saying Frances appeared the double of the late Princess.

Charles Spencer , 60, who lives at Althorp House in Northamptonshire, took to Instagram on Monday to share a photo (pictured) of his late mother 'looking rather glam' as he remembered 'happier times' on the 20th anniversary of her death

Charles captioned the photo: 'Remembering my mother, who died 20 years ago today, aged 68. She had a wretched final few years, health wise, and I prefer to think of her in happier times; here, looking rather glam, in the 60s.'

One person wrote: 'You can see where Diana got her beauty.' Another said: 'Very glam indeed and Diana so very like her in this beautiful photo.'

A third added: 'Wow, Diana looked just like her.' A fourth wrote: 'Gosh, I can see Diana in her beautiful eyes.

A fifth person wrote in the comment section of the post: 'I see where Princess Diana got her beauty from.'

Frances, then 18, and the 8th Earl Spencer 'Johnnie', 30, married in 1954 before divorcing in 1969.

Royal fans were stunned by the picture, with many saying Frances appeared the double of the late Princess (pictured)

Reaction: One person wrote: 'You can see where Diana got her beauty.' Another said: 'Very glam indeed and Diana so very like her in this beautiful photo.'

Princess Diana and Frances Shand Kydd, pictured in 1989, had a complicated relationship

In 1968, Frances lost a custody battle for Diana, Charles and their sisters Jane and Sarah and tried in 1971 to regain custody from Johnnie Spencer, but lost once again.

The mother of Diana went to live with her new husband in Scotland after losing her first custody battle for her children, in which she was dubbed 'the bolter'.

Diana and her mother had a rocky relationship and weren't on speaking terms before the royal's death in 1997.

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.
Bridget Jones' Diary catapulted Renee Zellweger's career to all new heights when it hit screens in 2001 - and with any luck, the same will be said for Queenie star Dionne Brown.

Tonight, the first episode of the new eight-part series, which has been dubbed the 'black Bridget Jones', airs on Channel 4.

The highly-anticipated series is based on the 2019 novel of the same name by British author Candice Carty-Williams.

The best-selling novel, which won the British Book Awards Book of the Year in 2020, follows a Jamaican-British writer living in London and navigating a break-up.

Although Dionne has revealed she could relate to Queenie's feelings of loneliness, the actress' upbringing, personal life and stance on social media couldn't be more different to the show's protagonist.

Pictured: Queen actress Dionne Brown attends Vanity Fair and The Newt in Somerset's celebration of The RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Here FEMAIL delves into the life of the little-known actress who is set to become one of Britain's most in-demand stars.

Religious upbringing and discovering acting

Like the character of Queenie, actress Dionne Brown also grew up in London.

However, the star is originally from North London while Queenie is set in Brixton.

While her mother was a reverend, Dionne was one of five siblings - including a twin brother.

Summarising her childhood, Dionne agreed that she had 'quite a religious upbringing' in an interview with Vogue.

What's more, the star revealed that she also had a musical streak as well as being a talented dancer.

While she was still at school, Dionne took piano, violin and ballet lessons before turning her attention to acting following an injury.

Pictured: Actress Dionne Brown in character as Queenie, which begins airing on Channel 4 tonight

Like the character of Queenie, actress Dionne Brown (pictured) also grew up in London. The star is originally from North London while Queenie is set in Brixton

The star later enrolled at the music and drama school ArtsEd in Chiswick, West London.

As well as getting involved in plays at school, Dionne was also a member of the National Youth Theatre.

Speaking to The Times, Dionne revealed that she really took to drama when she was cast in a school production of A Raisin in the Sun, where the genders had been reversed.

She explained: 'It was during drama GCSE, we were dressed up as men and being really brash. It was completely out of our comfort zone and how weve been conditioned to carry ourselves [as women], but thats why it was so much fun.'

In 2022, the star bagged her first TV role when she was cast in The Walk-in, a TV drama about a journalist trying to find an extremist group that murdered an MP.

However, the star's first proper brush with fame came earlier this year when she appeared in the Apple TV+ drama Criminal Record, which stars Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo.

As well as getting involved in plays at school, Dionne (pictured in the Queenie trailer) was also a member of the National Youth Theatre

Before Queenie, Dionne starred in The Walk-In and Criminal Record. Pictured playing Queenie in the new Channel 4 adaptation

Dionne appeared in almost every episode of the show as DC Chloe Summers, who is investigating a historic murder conviction.

In her Vogue interview, Dionne revealed that she started spotting members of the public recognising her after Criminal Record was released and decided to come off social media as a result.

She added: 'I was getting stared at on public transport and Im like, "Is it because Im pretty or because people are watching my show?"'

Following this, Dionne said she wanted to stay on the 'low low' by having zero social media presence.

Life-changing role as Queenie

In early 2022, Dionne's life changed when she bagged the leading role in Channel 4's adaptation of Queenie.

The star had previously meet Candice Carty-Williams in 2021 when auditioning for the author's BBC series Champion.

Despite not getting that part, she was invited to audition for Queenie and began the process of sending tapes, taking part in screen tests and travelling for 'chemistry reads' before finally 'bagging' her breakout role.

Dionne (pictured in Queenie) had previously meet Candice Carty-Williams in 2021 when auditioning for the author's BBC series Champion

Speaking to What to Watch earlier this week, Dionne opened up about the audition process for the show.

She explained: 'The audition process for Queenie was quite heightened because it was such a big role, such a big job, everybody knows the book and the stakes were high but I love face to face auditions and doing things like chemistry readings with people.

'I was elated when I finally found out I'd got the part. I think I started twerking I was so happy!'

Queenie's casting director Aisha Bywaters told Spotlight: 'Pretty early on, everyone was really responding to Dionne [Brown] playing Queenie. Every time she came in, she got better and better. So, all she did was solidify it every time.

'But even from the first audition, it was like, Yeah, theres something about her. We like her. And then we went through this process of [her coming in for] between five to seven rounds. It was a long process, because it wasnt just about her. Like I said before, it was about the chemistry with other people.'

Nerve-wracking sex scenes

Despite being overjoyed to have been cast in Queenie, Dionne has spoken about her trepidation going into intimate scenes, which were filmed in quick succession.

She told What to Watch: 'The sex scenes were super nerve-wracking. I could have thrown up beforehand from nerves.

'Sex is normal and it's a part of life but I never even had to kiss anyone at drama school and then I've come into this show where I'm going to have to be super intimate with different men and not all of it is nice. Some of the sex scenes are quite heavy.'

As such, Dionne praised the show's intimacy coordinator Adelaide Waldrop, who has previously worked on the Netflix series You and Sex Education.

Bellah and Dionne Brown talking on stage at the BAFTA TV Preview of 'Queenie' earlier this month

The star says she had three meetings with Adelaide during their rehearsal week as well as meetings with her male colleagues, where they discussed intimacy underwear and signals so they would know if the other was uncomfortable.

Raving about Adelaide, Dionne told the BBC: 'There were loads of things I just assumed were normal, but when I told the intimacy coordinator she said that wasn't the case.

'If you're not comfortable with being touched in certain places or have someone else's tongue in your mouth then you absolutely do not have to do it.'

In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Women's Hour, Dionne explained how her and Adelaide 'mapped out safe spaces' so that filming intimate scenes almost resembled choreography.

Resonating with Queenie

Dionne Brown (left) and Bellah pictured in the upcoming Channel 4 adaptation of the book Queenie

READ MORE: Is this the new Bridget Jones? Advertisement

Despite their differences, Dionne has said she did resonate with the emotional journey Queenie goes on throughout the series.

Queenie works as a social media reporter for a national newspaper. Her ambition is to take on big investigations, but her ideas are constantly rejected. She has a close group of friends though, and on the surface she seems to be coping.

Dionne told the Daily Mail: Shes ripping herself apart and trying to figure out how to put herself back together.

Im a bit older than Queenie but I remember struggles I went through in my twenties. Its a transformative time and you dont have control over the changes that are happening.

I didnt know other people felt like this. When were going through emotional hardship we make it singular to ourselves, like were the only ones going through it, and thats not true.

'We get to around 25 and some of our friends are getting married, buying houses. I relate to thinking, Whats happening, why do I feel like Im not growing?

In an interview with Black Girl Nerds, the star said: '[I understand] the aspect of trying to find yourself and feeling lost in your younger years. I can definitely relate to her sensitivity.'

Speaking to The Guardian, Dionne praised how the show deals with the topic of mental health.

She added: 'One thing that I observe as a Caribbean woman is that some things within the community are very hush hush, because its "embarrassing" or seen as a weakness. But its actually quite normal.

'Sometimes all it takes is you saying something out loud, and someone saying: "Thats not true." And it helps you to let it go.
The King is understood to have crafted the goat when he was at Cambridge

A pottery goat made by King Charles when he was a student 55 years ago has fetched more than 11,000 at an auction.

The ceramic animal was given to Raymond Patten by his great aunt, who was a cook at Cambridge University, where the monarch studied from 1967 to 1970.

Believed to be the only piece of pottery created by Charles in existence, it sparked a bidding battle before selling to a private American buyer on Tuesday.

The newly-discovered artwork hammered at 8,500 - with the premium-inclusive total paid reaching 11,407 at Hansons Auctioneers in Staffordshire.

Retired carpenter Raymond, 76, from British Columbia, Canada, was first gifted the ceramic piece as a 21st birthday present.

King Charles made the pottery goat (pictured) when he was a student at Cambridge University from 1967 to 1970

He said he 'treasured' it for all of his life but had decided to part with the royal piece of art due to its 'historical significance'.

It's understood the then-Prince of Wales may have been inspired to craft the yellow, pink and brown striped sculpture by the goat mascot of The Royal Regiment of Wales.

Raymond said: 'My Aunt Nellie, Helen Patten, gave me the goat on my 21st birthday on June 22, 1969. She told me Prince Charles had made it.

'She was proud of the fact he attended Cambridge University in the late 1960s when she worked as a cook for the president of Queen's College.

'I believe she knew the future king on a personal basis. I have treasured the goat all my life.

'My aunt, who passed away at the age of 87 in 1993 in Cheshire, was honoured to serve members of the royal family. She cooked a meal for the Queen Mother.'

Auction house owner Charles Hanson, who has appeared on Bargain Hunt, Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip, said: 'This simple ceramics piece proved itself to be the Greatest Of All Time goats.

'People the world over are fascinated by British royalty and the opportunity to own a unique item crafted by King Charles sparked major interest.

Charles (pictured) is better known for his paintings. The miniature goat is believed to be the only piece of pottery by the King in existence

The then-Prince Charles was admitted to Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1967 to read Archaeology and Anthropology and then History. Pictured in 1967 with head porter, Mr Bill Edwards

The miniature goat was sold by auction house owner Charles Hanson (pictured with the goat), who has appeared on Bargain Hunt, Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip

Auctioneer Charles Hanson pictured holding the pottery goat, which is painted yellow, pink and brown

The striped sculpture may have been inspired by the goat mascot of The Royal Regiment of Wales

Canadian Raymond Patten (left) flew to the UK to hand deliver the pottery goat to the auctioneers

Raymond received the pottery goat as a gift from his Aunt Nellie, Helen Patten (pictured), for his 21st birthday

'Though a keen artist, he is better known for his paintings, so this was a rare opportunity.

'I am delighted we achieved a good result for our client.'

The then-Prince Charles was admitted to Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1967 to read Archaeology and Anthropology and then History.

He became the first British heir apparent to earn a university degree, graduating Bachelor of Arts in June, 1970.

'Raymond initially got in touch by email and we were hugely excited,' the auction house owner added.

'We've been privileged to auction other early artworks by King Charles and the interest is always phenomenal.

'Such is the goat's importance, Raymond flew to the UK to deliver it to us in person at Hansons' Staffordshire saleroom, Bishton Hall.

'The ceramic highland goat with its yellow horns and yellow, pink and brown stripes is beautifully enamelled and modelled.

'It captures the relaxed vibrancy and charm of the late 1960s/early 1970s.

'Perhaps King Charles was inspired by the goat mascot of The Royal Regiment of Wales.

'As the regiment's first colonel-in-chief, he wore its uniform at his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969.

Inscribed 'Mummy' (left) and 'Papa' (right), King Charles's childhood drawings of his parents sold for a total of 59,800 in June last year

'Raymond decided to part with the goat due to its historical significance.

'He is in his retirement years and wanted to find it a new home where it would be treasured for decades to come.'

The auctioneers previously sold childhood drawings by King Charles of his mother and father, Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh.

Inscribed 'Mummy' and 'Papa', they were produced by Charles when he was five or six years old between 1953-55.

They were guided at 5,000-10,000 but achieved a premium inclusive total of 59,800 in June last year.
Comedian Matt Hey was flabbergasted by the cost of an iced mocha

A customer in Sydney was outraged after realising an iced mocha was going to cost him an extra $7 compared to the hot alternative.

Comedian Matt Hey, known as Alright Hey on social media, detailed the conversation he had with the cafe employee and was flabbergasted by the price difference.

He claims a regular iced mocha cost $12.20 whereas a regular hot mocha cost $5.20 - so he ordered the latter.

'Tell me why I just went to go get an iced mocha and she said it's going to be $12.20. And I said, "How much for a hot mocha?" and she goes, "$5.20",' Matt said in a TikTok video.

'I'm so sorry.. come again? An extra $7 to have my drink iced? What do you mean?'

Comedian Matt Hey was flabbergasted by the price of an iced mocha in Sydney. 'Tell me why I just went to go get an iced mocha and she said it's going to be $12.20,' he said in a video

Matt then asked if there's more coffee or milk in the iced version, but the employee said both are a regular size and contain two shots of espresso.

'So where are you getting the extra f****** $7 from, mate?! Like, what do you mean? Where is that coming from?' he said angrily.

'You're not even doing as much work. You don't have to heat the milk. So why are you charging me $7 extra.. for what? You're mad, love. What's going on?'

Matt asked the employee if there's more coffee or milk in the iced version, but the woman said both are a regular size and contain two shots of espresso. 'So where are you getting the extra f****** $7 from?' he said (stock image)

After 48 hours the video exceeded more than 299,000 views and others agreed the price difference is 'ridiculous'.

'The way I would unapologetically ask for a hot mocha and a cup of ice,' one said.

'It's an outrage, honestly,' another wrote.

'You can get 2L iced coffee at Coles for $6,' a third pointed out.

One more said: 'PLEASE tell me you didn't pay it!?'

And Matt responded: 'No I got the hot one served warm.'

It comes as an avid foodie was left stunned after breakfast with a friend at a cafe cost almost $150 - or the equivalent of a plane ticket to the Gold Coast.

Mark, who shares reviews of cafes on social media for his brand Breakfast Shirts, visited Pina in Potts Point, inner-city Sydney, along with his friend John on Saturday.

He spent $47 after building his own breakfast with a $32 steak and egg plate, $6 avocado, $4.50 bacon and a $3 hash brown.

The pair also ordered and shared the cafe's popular $26 congee dish.

Their meals came to a total of $143.55, which also included three coffees and a weekend surcharge.
Australian foodies are losing their minds after spotting the 'world's best chocolate' on sale at Aldi.

Gemma, from Geelong, spotted bars of Tony's Chocolonely in the 'Special Buys' section and was shocked by the $4.99 pricetag.

The cult-favourite chocolate, hailing from the Netherlands, sent customers wild last year after launching in Coles and Woolworths for $8 each.

Now fans are rushing to Aldi to get their hands on the popular buy for a discounted price.

'$4.99, seriously? They've got white chocolate strawberry cheesecake and the dark milk chocolate brownie,' Gemma said in a TikTok video.

Australia's are rushing to Aldi after a customer spotted the 'world's best chocolate' in the Special Buys middle aisle. Tony's Chocolonely bars (pictured) are available for $4.99 but only for a limited time

Gemma picked up two popular flavours - White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake and Dark Milk Chocolate with Brownie.

After just 24 hours her video exceeded more than 24,000 views and one foodie urged Gemma to 'stock up' on the buy.

'Almost half price of the big shops, wow! I'll definitely pick one up,' one commented.

'The dark milk chocolate brownies is next level,' another said.

At Coles and Woolworths the chocolate costs $8

'$4.99, seriously? They've got white chocolate strawberry cheesecake and the dark milk chocolate brownie,' Gemma said in a TikTok video

After launching in Down Under last year, Aussie fans have taken to social media to brand it the 'nicest chocolate ever' and '10 times better than Cadbury'.

'One of the best chocolates out,' wrote one person.

'So much better than any Australian chocolate,' commented another.

'Love this chocolate. Every time I've been to Europe the last few years I bring back a few bars,' said a third.

However, others were concerned about the $8 price tag.

'I enjoyed this chocolate, but will buy when it's on sale,' said one.

'It's really good but not worth the price,' added another.

'If I spend $8 and it's not the best tasting chocolate that I've ever tried,' commented a third.

The chocolate has a higher price point due to keeping a slave-free chocolate chain.
A Swedish woman recently uncovered a surprising connection between her homeland and Australia: residents in both countries can't make friends easily.

A traveller recently asked Australians how they make friends as adults Down Under, after noticing Aussie expats struggling to find mates in Sweden.

She described the 'Swedish social mentality' as an unwelcoming sphere where it is difficult for people to form new circles of friends outside of school and university.

'How do people make friends in Australia?' she asked on Reddit. 'I've read multiple threads of Australians moving to Sweden, and others who live or have lived here don't recommend it because it is hard to make (non-expat) friends.'

Australians and expats alike have complained about how difficult it is to expand their social circles - with one dubbing Perth a 'lonely city' and another traveller slamming all Aussies as 'flaky' and unreliable.

Australians and expats have complained about how difficult it is to expand their social circles

'Most people [in Sweden] form their circles during school, at the latest during university years, and if you don't succeed in forming a circle of friends during those years, then tough luck.'

She added: 'I can sympathise, I myself belong to the category that largely missed out during that window of opportunity. It is not impossible to make friends if you miss out, but much, much harder.

'I am curious to learn, how do people make friends in Australia? Are people largely open to making new friends throughout their lives, after their formative years, or how does it work? How is it different?'

A few shared their thoughts on the matter, with one offering insight into the situation.

'Starting over from scratch can be hard no matter where you find yourself,' one said. 'And the contrast would be especially visible if you already have a decent social network in the place you left behind.'

Others claimed there were specific 'phases' where it is easier to make friends.

'There are different stages in your life where it is easy to expand your circle of friends. I am in my mid 60s and can identify them: school, university, work, parents from your child's school, and social groups from clubs.'

Many agreed Perth residents tend to be 'insular' and 'cliquey' (stock image)

Another advised: 'Your best bet is with other foreigners or with people who have recently moved cities.'

'I think the job you have makes a difference,' a woman said. 'I'm a doctor and have worked with so many different people in hospitals that I've made a few long lasting friendships as an adult that way. We also get bonded by shared difficult experiences.'

One offered a bleak take on Australians and friends.

'Honestly, we don't [make friends]. We're not friendly people, we cancel plans at a moment's notice and don't invite anyone into our circles beyond our 20s. We'll say 'hi, how are you' to the cashier but never ask our friends if they're happy.

'Then we just let each friend drift away until it's just us, our spouse, and our dog. Our social life then involves dreaded family events and a strong desire to live as isolated as possible in between.'
A 91-year-old man who faced a year-long wait for sight-saving surgery has become the first patient in England to receive an artificial cornea.

Pensioner Cecil Farley initially had surgery for a human cornea transplant, but after it failed his surgeon offered him the chance to skip the queue by using an artificial one.

Cornea transplants usually come from deceased donors and medics hope artificial ones could tackle plunging numbers of human donors.

Since the introduction of 'opt out' transplant rules in 2020, the number of donor ops for kidneys and other organs have increased overall, yet numbers of cornea transplants have dipped by almost 40 per cent.

Experts say the public are uniquely concerned by the thought of donating eye tissue, meaning other options for patients at risk of blindness are vital.

Cecil Farley, 91, from Chobham in Surrey initially had surgery for a human cornea transplant, but after it failed his surgeon offered him the chance to skip the queue by using an artificial one

The implant used in the pioneering procedure has been likened to a contact lens and it is surgically attached to the eye by a single stitch and put in place with a gas bubble.

WHAT IS A CORNEA TRANSPLANT? A cornea transplant is an operation to remove all or part of someone's cornea if it is damaged by injury or disease and replace it with donor tissue. The cornea is a see-through layer at the front of the eye which protects the vital parts such as the iris and pupil. The operation may also be called a keratoplasty or a corneal graft. And it is commonly performed to help people who have a condition called keratoconus, which is when the cornea changes shape. The procedure can be performed on an entire cornea or just on the outer layers, depending on how seriously damaged it is. Patients can be kept awake during the surgery but given local anaesthetic in their eye, or completely sedated under general anaesthetic. The op takes about an hour to complete. Potential complications include the body rejecting the new cornea, infection, or further vision problems. Source: NHS Advertisement

Mr Farley, known to his friends as John, is just one of 200 people worldwide to receive the treatment and said the transplant surgery has enabled him to continue to see his 83-year-old wife Elizabeth.

Mr Farley, from Chobham in Surrey, had problems with is right eye for about 15 years.

He had no vison in his right eye and now following the operation in February his sight has been slowly improving.

'I can still see my wife after 63 years of marriage, we can just carry on as normal and live life as fully as we can,' Mr Farley said.

'It makes your life fuller when your eyes work properly  you don't realise how debilitating it is until it happens to you.'

Once his sight is fully restored he wants to do practical tasks like repairing a watch, but for now he is content 'pottering about'.

'It has made a great difference to my sight. It was very blurred and I couldn't distinguish a face. Now I can see better with it, the brighter the light the better. It's coming along slowly - they said it could take up to a year,' Mr Farley said.

The cornea is the clear outer layer at the front of the eyeball.

Damage, as a result of injury or disease, can mean it becomes less transparent or its shape can change.

This can prevent light reaching the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in poor vision.

A cornea transplant can be performed to improve sight, relieve pain and treat severe infection or damage.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust consultant ophthalmologist Thomas Poole and his colleagues have successfully given four patients artificial corneas in the last two months and initial results have shown an improvement in vision.

Mr Farley had no vison in his right eye and now following the operation in February his sight has been slowly improving

One of the 'beauties' of an artificial cornea instead of a human transplant is the body isn't going to try and reject it, says Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust consultant ophthalmologist Thomas Poole

He predicts that artificial corneas may end up replacing human corneas completely for certain patients.

In the next few decades there might be no need for a human cornea with surgeons instead just taking one 'out of the box', he says.

Speaking about Mr Farley's case, Mr Poole explains he had a failed corneal graft and his cornea, which is the clear window at the front of the eye, was cloudy and waterlogged before the operation.

'He'd had lots of previous surgeries and my concern was we could use a human cornea for him again, but that's got a high risk of failure... he was kind of getting to last hope,' Mr Poole said.

Speaking about Mr Farley's case, Mr Poole explains he had a failed corneal graft and his cornea, which is the clear window at the front of the eye, was cloudy and waterlogged before the operation

In 2022/23, the latest figures available, some 4,719 corneas were supplied to NHS Blood and Transplant Eye Banks and there were 3,529 transplants

Since Mr Farley had his artificial cornea put it in February, Mr Poole said he can already see his cornea is much less swollen than before.

'It is improving in shape, and improving in clarity. Week by week he has been saying it is getting a little bit better each time,' Mr Poole said.

He added: 'I had a very frank discussion with him before and I said 'Look, your graft has failed, you're back on the waiting list. Because your other eye sees quite well, you're not a high priority on the waiting list and you could be waiting for another year'.

'He's in his 90s now and said 'I just can't wait that long. Is there anything else?' And so this sprung to mind, I had just read a publication on very good reports from this artificial graft and it was that that made me think actually, maybe we could use this for John.'

NHS England national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: 'The use of artificial cornea transplants is an exciting and innovative step forward in eye care, which has the potential to benefit many patients needing treatment to improve or restore their vision.

'It could provide an additional treatment option for those waiting for donated transplants, and it's heart-warming to hear of patients like Cecil already benefiting from its use.'

Mr Poole and his colleague, Hanbin Lee, have successfully given four patients artificial corneas in the last two months and initial results have shown an improvement in vision including for Mr Farley

In the next few decades there might be no need for a human cornea with surgeons instead just taking one 'out of the box', Mr Pools says

In 2022/23, the latest figures available, some 4,719 corneas were supplied to NHS Blood and Transplant Eye Banks and there were 3,529 transplants, which is a drop of almost 40 per cent since 2020.

In the past some potential organ donors have said they were willing to donate organs including hearts, livers and kidneys but chose not to donate their corneas.

Kyle Bennett, assistant director for tissue and eye services at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: 'We understand that people often attribute more emotion and symbolism to the eyes compared to other parts of the body so can be reluctant to agree to cornea donation.

'However, agreeing to this form of donation, even when solid organ donation may not be possible, means there can be light after darkness for the thousands of people who require corneal transplants.

'One donor alone can help up to 10 people to restore or improve their vision and allow them to see their friends and family properly again.

Since Mr Farley had his artificial cornea put it in February, Mr Poole said he can already see his cornea is much less swollen than before

The new artificial cornea, called EndoArt, was created by ophthalmological medical device company EyeYon Medical

'We are so grateful to all those who agreed to donate their corneas after their death and restored or improved the sight of 3,259 people last year through corneal transplants.'

The new artificial cornea, called EndoArt, was created by ophthalmological medical device company EyeYon Medical.

Only 200 have been implanted worldwide to date, including in Mr Farley.

'EndoArt is the first artificial endothelial layer, a promising treatment for select eyes with chronic corneal oedema,' said the company's chief commercial officer, Charles Holmes.

'EndoArt represents a new hope to patients who are suffering from chronic corneal oedema as an alternative to human tissue.'
After more than four years and at least 25million lives lost globally, the world still doesn't know with certainty how the Covid pandemic began.

Was it the result of an accident at a Chinese lab that had shady ties to the military and is one of the premier coronavirus hubs in the world, as the FBI believes?

Or was it the result of a freak 'spillover' event from an infected animal at a slaughter market, where exotic animals were kept in squalid conditions?

A lack of direct evidence on either side - such as a credible whistleblower who worked at the lab or identifying the host animal which passed the virus to humans - has allowed the debate to rage on, with a recent analysis concluding there was a 70/30 chance of Covid being lab-made versus natural.

Now, a fresh analysis of the data from a Harvard-based molecular scientist has outlined five reasons Covid was most likely manufactured by Chinese scientists.

Dr Alina Chan, a molecular biologist at the Broad Institute of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and co-author of the book Viral: The search for the Origin of Covid-19 outlined five reasons why the pandemic likely stemmed from a lab accident in China

The analysis was published in a rare pro-lab leak piece in the opinion paper of The New York Times, which has historically strongly maintained the theory was far-fetched.

Dr Alina Chan said the location of the outbreak relative to the coronavirus lab, the unique makeup of the virus, previous research conducted by the WIV, lax biosafety protocols and lack of evidence the virus is present in animals all point to a lab leak.

The molecular biologist at the Broad Institute of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who is also the co-author of the book Viral: The search for the Origin of Covid-19, said if the virus did escape from a lab it 'would be the most costly accident in the history of science.'

Her first point is the location of the initial epicenter.

The Covid pandemic began in Wuhan, a bustling metropolis of 11million people.

More importantly, it is home to one of the foremost coronavirus research labs in the world, the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). The lab, where Covid is believed to have originated, also has connections to the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

Researchers there were working with viruses that were distant relatives of Covid around the time of the outbreak.

And viruses most closely related to Covid-19 are present among bat populations living approximately 1,000 miles from Wuhan, but they do not exist in nature in other parts of China researchers have studied.

In 2018, scientists sought to create a novel virus with features that closely match those of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid, which some say serves as a blueprint for Covid - and the resulting pandemic

Second, Dr Chan highlights how US and Chinese researchers sought to create a Covid-like virus months before the pandemic as part of a project called DEFUSE, which experts said made the 'lab leak almost certain.'

Reported previously by DailyMail.com, records - obtained by FOIA requests - laid out a plan to 'engineer spike proteins' to infect human cells that would then be 'inserted into SARS-Covid backbones' at the WIV in December 2018.

It proposed engineering high-risk coronaviruses of the same species as the original SARS to preempt a human spillover and develop vaccine technology and strategies.

The researchers sought to synthesize spike proteins with furin cleavage sites that had been designed to bind to human receptors more easily.

The furin has been one of the focal points of debate about Covid-19's origin, with some experts claiming it could only have been acquired through lab experiments.

Ultimately, the application was denied by the US Department of Defense, but critics said the plans laid out in the proposal serve as a 'blueprint' for how to create Covid.

Previous collaborations between WIV and EHA also included collecting and experimenting with viral samples from bats and other animals, as well as sick people living near those infected animals or wildlife trade, Dr Chan added.

Additionally, WIV conducted 'risky' research that resulted in viruses becoming more infectious and transmissible.

In her third point, Dr Chan outlines the inadequate biosafety conditions WIV researchers worked under that 'could not have contained an airborne virus as infectious' as Covid-19.

Biosafety has four levels, with 1 being the most relaxed and 4 being the strictest.

In the US, scientists work with SARS-like viruses under BSL-3 conditions, which require face masks and enhanced body coverings.

However, BSLs are not internationally standardized and requirements can vary.

Dr Chan claimed WIV scientists worked with SARS viruses under inadequate biosafety levels, at level 2, which does not require face coverings and allows for experiments to take place in the open air.

SARS-CoV-2 is effectively transmitted through the air.

Documents released in November show US researchers sounded the alarm over such concerns three years before the pandemic, but were ignored or censored.

The records show how an NIH official raised serious concerns about the WIV's plan to engineer Ebola strains in 2017.

The lab was found to have a 'serious shortage of appropriately trained technicians and investigators needed to safely operate.'

However, an unnamed official, from the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which was run by Dr Anthony Fauci at the time, was instructed to erase the safety failures in her report to avoid angering China.

Dr Fauci, who has long favored a zoonotic origin, testified in front of a Congressional subcommittee this week and has now drastically toned down his stance on the lab leak, saying he has 'kept an open mind' and the theory could be true.

Additionally, the proposal for the DEFUSE collaboration grant stated Wuhan would conduct its experiments under BSL-2, which would make it 'highly cost effective.'

And in what Dr Chan calls an 'alarming detail,' one of the scientists working with Dr Shi became sick with Covid-like symptoms in the fall of 2019, according to The Wall Street Journal.

In Dr Chan's fourth argument, she points out the hypothesis that the pandemic started because of animal spillover at the Huanan Seafood Market 'is not supported by strong evidence.'

Because initial thinking was the virus spread from the market, scientists were unlikely to investigate for cases that were located far away or not linked to a person connected to the market.

The Wuhan Institute of Virology is at the center of the Covid-19 lab leak theory

Led by Dr Shi Zhengli, known as bat lady because of her extensive work on bat viruses, scientists had been working with coronaviruses for decades

A recently published paper entitled Statistics did not prove that the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market was the early epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic counter(S)? previously published literature pushing for a zoonotic origin.

Dr Chan writes virologists and scientists 'convincingly demonstrate that the available market evidence does not distinguish between a human super-spreader event and a natural spillover at the market.'

When the outbreak initially began, Dr Shi worried the virus could have come from her laboratory and spread among the public.

Existing viral genetic sequencing show all known Covid cases most likely stemmed from a single source and the outbreak at the market occurred after the virus had already been circulating among people.

Additionally, there has not been 'a single infected animal' confirmed at the market or in the market's supply chain.

Lastly, Dr Chan writes: 'Key evidence that would be expected if the virus had emerged from the wildlife trade is still missing.'

In previous outbreaks of coronaviruses, scientists have been able to prove natural origin by collecting multiple pieces of evidence that link an infected animal to an infected human.

For both the 2002 SARS outbreak and the 2012 MERS outbreak, infected animals were found, people with the earliest known cases had been exposed to animals and variants of the virus were detected in animals.

However, none of these things were true when it came to Covid-19.

But while Dr Chan writes investigators have not reported finding any animals infected with Covid, a September 2023 report published in Nature found a strain of coronavirus harbored in pangolins, the rare animal originally thought to be the zoonotic origin of the pandemic, was nearly identical to the one that infected humans.

In the newly-published study, which was conducted between 2016 and 2017, scientists collected samples from 20 different bat species located 994 miles and 620 miles away from the Covid-19 pandemic epicenter of Wuhan

Based on the findings, some experts theorized the first cases of Covid likely jumped from pangolins to immunocompromised people, giving the novel virus ample opportunity to mutate and replicate until it reached its full pandemic potential.

And in November, Chinese scientists found another bat coronavirus - TyRo-CoV-162275 - that possessed a furin cleavage site and was up to 98 percent identical to coronaviruses found in pangolins.

However, Dr Chan said leading experts agree Covid required 'little to no adaptation to spread rapidly in humans... The virus appears to have succeeded in causing a pandemic upon its only detected jump into humans.'

Though she still writes 'several natural spillover scenarios remain plausible and we still don't know enough about the full extent' of WIV's virus research.

Ultimately, Dr Chan wrote, the Covid-19 pandemic could have resulted from '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.'
As scientists work to unravel the mysterious rise in early-onset colon cancers, a new worrying trend has emerged.

Lung cancer rates, which have been dropping for decades as the world weans off tobacco, are now rising in young, otherwise healthy people who've never smoked.

One in 10 lung cancer diagnoses in the US are patients under 55, but the rate of early cases has been increasing for the past two decades. And the share of these young patients who have never smoked cigarettes is also growing.

Researchers believe that the way new homes are built may be exposing residents to a poisonous gas. They also say vaping and cannabis could be factors.

Matt Hiznay, who shared his story at ASCO, was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer in 2011. He was just 24 years old

Researchers presenting at ASCO in Chicago said that lung cancer is rising in young Americans due to chemical exposure, vaping, and genetic mutations rather than solely from smoking

Lung cancer is the deadliest form of the disease, making up one in five US cancer deaths. Along with over 230,000 diagnoses, 125,000 Americans are expected to die of it this year.

Though most patients are over 70, Dr Laura Mezquita, a medical oncologist in Spain, said during a panel at the world's largest cancer research conference this weekend that there is 'increased incidence' in Americans under 50.

Beyond smoking, 'we must consider other aspects,' she said.

Science has long established that smoking definitively causes lung cancer and is the primary risk factor for the disease.

However, while smokers make up as many as 90 percent of older lung cancer patients, this number drops to 71 percent for younger patients.

Young patients also have significantly shorter exposures, with an average of 11.5 years compared to 49 years in older patients.

'The shift away from the perception of smoking as trendy is further diminishing the proportion of smoking in the young population,' the researchers wrote in a report published ahead of ASCO.

According to recent data from Pew Research, just 10 percent of young adults said they smoked from 2019 to 2023 compared to 35 percent in 2001 to 2003. This, the team suggested, indicates nearly an all-time low.

'Therefore, new evidence is emerging involving exposure to group 1 carcinogens beyond tobacco, where potency... degree of exposure... may play a more significant role in younger patients.'

The above shows lung cancer cases among men and women split by age groups. It reveals the disease is now more common in younger women, compared with other groups

Tiffany Job, 40, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer after mistaking her symptoms for a pulled muscle. She had never smoked

Group 1 carcinogens are substances that are proven to cause cancer. Beyond smoking, others include air pollution and ultraviolet radiation.

'Radon gas is a primary cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and the second leading cause among smokers,' the researchers wrote.

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas produced from the decay or uranium in rocks, soil, and water. The World Health Organization estimates that radon is responsible for three to 14 percent of lung cancers.

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Radon is the main cause of cancer in non-smokers,' Dr Mezquita said. Radon is a risk factor also in young populations.'

She said this could be due to radon exposure in homes from birth, which could enter the home through contaminated soil.

Additionally, a 2019 report in Nature found that radon exposure in homes is increasing due to modern construction being more airtight.

Dr Mezquita also pointed toward vaping, which she noted 'is very prevalent in younger populations.'

Much of the science is unclear, but some recent reports have suggested that vaping can increase the risk of lung cancer - especially in those who have previously smoked.

A first-of-its-kind study from Seoul, South Korea, analyzed health data from 4.3million ex-smokers and found those who switched to vapes were twice as likely to die from lung cancer, compared to those who went cold turkey.

Additionally, the ASCO researchers noted that in young people who do smoke, marijuana could exacerbate the risks.

'Cannabis consumption often occurs in conjunction with tobacco, posing challenges for separate evaluation. Emerging evidence has linked it to more aggressive forms of lung cancer among young patients,' the team wrote.

Dr Mezquita said that while there is evidence pointing toward all of these factors, there is not just one to blame. 'This is not just radon, this is not just air pollution, this is not just smoking. Its an interaction between all of these risk factors.

During ASCO, lung cancer survivor and scientist Dr Matt Hiznay, 37, of Ohio, took the stage to detail how being diagnosed with lung cancer as a young adult affected him.

In 2011, Dr Hiznay was diagnosed with stage four adenocarcinoma after several months of persistent cough and pain in his back and chest. He was only 24, and he had never smoked.

There were really no warning signs whatsoever,' he said. 'Cancer was nowhere on the radar.'

You're at the start of your life. When you're young and you get diagnosed, its very hard to see the future. Thoughts of the future are gone.'

Though he never smoked and had no family history of lung cancer, Dr Hiznay did test positive for a mutation of his EML4-ALK gene.

Previous reports have shown that EML4-ALK patients are 'significantly' younger than patients with other mutations like the more common EGFR. The median age of these patients was 52 compared to 66 in the control group.

Dr Hiznay relapsed twice but has been cancer-free since 2015. 'As a 12-year survivor, Ive made many friends in the lung cancer survivor, and Ive outlived all of them, and thats something I carry with me,' he said.
Anouk Howes loves swinging fearlessly from climbing frames and playing mummies and babies with her one-year-old brother Willem.

Independent and sassy, the six-year-old is 'hardly a wallflower', laughs her mother Sophie, 35, who is PA to a sculptor.

Yet when Sophie and her husband, Mike, 37, chief executive of a tech company, from Wiltshire, watch Anouk walk around the house, they can't help but wonder how many more steps she'll be able to take.

Anouk has a genetic condition, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which affects the muscles, causing progressive wasting and weakness.

They have a wheelchair which Anouk doesn't yet use, but Sophie and Mike know that will change sometime soon.

Anouk Howes, six, with her mother Sophie, father Mike and brother Willem, who has been diagnosed with SMA, a genetic condition which affects the muscles, causing progressive wasting and weakness

Children are born with SMA if both parents have a faulty gene that causes the condition  one in 40 is a carrier

In the past five years treatments have been approved for use on the NHS that can stop the disease in its tracks. The catch is that they need to be started within the first weeks, or even days, of life

What is agonising for them is that this might have been avoided  with a simple blood test that many other countries already offer.

Children are born with SMA if both parents have a faulty gene that causes the condition  one in 40 is a carrier.

Prior to 2019, babies with SMA type 1 often wouldn't survive until their second birthday, and infants with the milder type 2 would never walk, facing life in a wheelchair as well as multiple surgeries and respiratory infections.

But in the past five years treatments have been approved for use on the NHS that can stop the disease in its tracks.

The catch is that they need to be started within the first weeks, or even days, of life.

As babies in the UK aren't tested for SMA, for many, such as Anouk, the diagnosis comes too late for this.

Now campaigners and senior experts are pushing for that to change.

SMA stems from a fault with the SMN1 gene, which should stimulate the production of SMN protein that maintains the health of the nerve cells involved in the transmission of signals between the brain and spinal cord and the muscles, which control movement.

In the absence of this protein, these nerve cells (called motor neurons) die off and so the muscles  particularly in the legs, chest and arms  don't get the message to move, and so waste away.

The nerve cells die off so swiftly that even short delays in treating SMA can make the difference between a baby growing up able to walk and develop normally, or becoming severely disabled.

'It is a matter of days,' says Laurent Servais, a professor of paediatric neuromuscular diseases at the University of Oxford.

'Each day motor neurons die and reduce the probability of a child being symptom-free.'

With SMA type 1, 95 per cent of motor neurons can be destroyed before the age of six months.

However, there are three treatments that stop the disease progressing  if given in time  that have been approved on the NHS.

The first, Spinraza, is injected around the spine every four months, and works by encouraging the body to produce more SMN protein.

Zolgensma, given as a one-off injection, carries a healthy copy of the SMN1 gene to the brain and nerve cells, where it delivers the SMN protein.

And Evrysdi is taken as a liquid, daily, for life. It also works by increasing production of the SMN protein.

The drugs can be life-changing but only if started within weeks of birth.

Experts say that if SMA was included in the newborn blood spot test  where a blood sample taken with a heel-prick at five days old is examined for nine genetic conditions including cystic fibrosis  infants with SMA could receive one of these treatments in time.

Yet the UK National Screening Committee (NSC), the body that advises government and the NHS about screening programmes, decided not to add SMA to the newborn screening programme in 2018 after concluding there wasn't evidence to support the move.

When Anouk was born in March 2018 all appeared well: alarm bells only started to ring 15 months later after she developed a strange gait.

By the time she was diagnosed in October 2019 the critical window for treatment had long closed and her strength and mobility nose-dived under her terrified parents' eyes.

'I torture myself with the 'what ifs',' says Sophie.

'If she'd been tested at birth and I'd have got the drug to her earlier, could that have changed her life? Would she be faring better than she is now? She might be able to skip, run and get up from the floor on her own.'

Symptoms usually become apparent between seven and 18 months old, when youngsters start needing help to stand or walk, and their arms and legs become weaker. Anouk was around 15 months old when her parents noticed something was not right with Anouk

SMA isn't a single disease, it's a broad spectrum of conditions, explains Professor Servais.

'The most severe, SMA type 1, accounts for 60 per cent of cases. Babies with type 1 are born looking healthy, they pass their health visitor checks and everything seems fine,' he says.

'But within the first six months they will develop symptoms such as weak and floppy limbs and neck.'

They will also have problems with moving, eating, breathing and swallowing and are unable to raise their heads or sit without support.

'It is an extremely serious condition and babies will often die within five months of diagnosis,' Professor Servais says.

'Then 25 per cent have the milder form, SMA type 2. These babies will be able to sit up but they won't walk.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY, THE NUMBER ONE GENETIC CAUSE OF DEATHS FOR INFANTS Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a disease that weakens a patient's strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. Those affected never gain the ability to walk, eat or breathe. SMA is the number one genetic cause of death for infants. It is genetic and passed from parent to child. There are four primary types of SMAI, II, III and IV, which are based on age of onset and the physical milestones achieved. Type I Onset is shortly after birth

Weakness

Difficulty breathing, sucking and swallowing

Never reach the developmental milestone of being able to sit on their own

Children with type 1 SMA can survive for a number of years Advertisement

'They might develop scoliosis, a curvature of the spine [as they lack strong back muscles], and suffer from respiratory infections.'

Symptoms usually become apparent between seven and 18 months old, when youngsters start needing help to stand or walk, and their arms and legs become weaker.

As well as scoliosis, patients can develop tremors in their fingers and hands.

'With good respiratory medication, management of infection, good nutrition and a good wheelchair, they can live until adulthood,' says Professor Servais.

A third group  about 15 per cent  have SMA type 3. 'These patients will be able to walk, but at the age of three parents will notice they have difficulty with this and with climbing stairs,' says Professor Servais.

'Most of these children will lose the ability to walk at around the age of ten. They will have a normal lifespan but many will be wheelchair-bound from the second decade,' he says.

It was in June 2019, when 15-month-old Anouk started toddling around the house holding on to her walker, that the Howes first noticed something wasn't right.

'She walked with straight legs and never bent down to pick anything up,' Sophie recalls.

'She couldn't pull herself up to stand either.'

Sophie took Anouk to see the GP twice, as well as a local physio. Both reassured her that all was well.

'They said it's nothing to worry about, she's probably slow or a bit lazy and, by the time she's two, she'll be fine,' says Sophie.

Then Sophie's mother Caroline, who is a GP, noticed that Anouk's crawling was getting slower.

'Where she used to be able to crawl up the stairs, she started using her head as a balance. She'd put her hands up, then her head, before pulling her body up,' says Sophie.

Fortunately, Anouk had an appointment at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford for July 2019, to address an entirely different complaint.

Born with hip dysplasia, where the ball and socket joint of the hip doesn't form properly, Anouk had to wear a harness as a baby, and was attending sessions with her physio until the age of two.

At this routine visit, Sophie raised Anouk's deteriorating mobility and the physio told her: 'I have a small niggle that it might be something neurological.'

Worried, Sophie took Anouk to a private paediatric neurologist in London in September 2019, where her reflexes were tested.

'The consultant said, 'Without a blood test I can't diagnose her but I believe she has spinal muscular atrophy',' says Sophie.

'I didn't know what SMA was so I started Googling, which is terrifying as it's a horrible condition.'

In October 2019, a blood test confirmed that Anouk had SMA type 2. Dr Anne-Marie Childs, a consultant paediatric neurologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, says the disease is rare and doctors may go through their career never seeing a case, so don't know what to watch for.

'This is why it's important to have newborn screening,' she adds. 'But any baby who is bright and alert but isn't moving or feeding, or has an odd pattern of chest movement, needs to be seen urgently by someone who has the knowledge and capacity to pick up a diagnosis of SMA.'

For a pilot study, launched in 2021 by the University of Oxford, SMA was added to the newborn blood spot test, and thousands of babies have been screened for it at birth in hospitals across the Thames Valley and elsewhere.

The aim was to generate evidence to persuade the UK NSC to recommend adding SMA to the newborn blood spot test.

Anouk Howes as a newborn with mum Sophie and father Mike. The couple now worry how much longer their daughter will be able to walk

The trial is ongoing, but already it has identified one baby who is now receiving prompt treatment for the condition.

Yet the findings have not been enough to convince the UK NSC, which will conduct a larger trial of its own  but when it will begin and how long it will last have yet to be revealed.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said only: 'The UK National Screening Committee is reviewing the case for newborn screening.'

Campaigners fear this bigger trial could run for several years, leading to unnecessary delays.

'This is a safeguarding issue for all the kids in this country,' says Professor Servais.

'We could go much faster.' Indeed, the UK is looking increasingly like an outlier, as the majority of European countries, including Sweden, Norway, Poland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and Ireland, now screen for SMA at birth.

'Ukraine implemented newborn screening in the middle of the war,' says Professor Servais.

A study published in the journal JAMA Paediatrics earlier this year, involving 234 children with SMA born between January 2018 and September 2021 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, found that of 44 children who'd been tested for SMA as newborns as part of a German pilot scheme (prior to it being added to screening in 2021), 91 per cent could sit independently within 18 months.

However, in the 190 children who were tested later, once symptoms appeared, only 74 per cent reached that milestone.

Professor Servais says that while working in Belgium, his team 'started newborn screening in March 2018 and since then we've made the disease disappear, as we treat the patients at birth'.

Now experts and campaigners can only push for more research into treating and managing SMA.

The Howes family has set up a charity, ACE SMA, to raise funds to study the benefits of bespoke physiotherapy for children with SMA, including offering it in their homes, teaching parents the necessary skills and providing the right equipment.

The study, which will be run by Professor Servais, is expected to start this month.

'Many children with SMA can't walk, so they need physio to help keep their arms strong enough to get them in and out of a wheelchair,' says Sophie.

'Children with SMA also often need chest physio to prevent respiratory illnesses.

Their chest muscles are weaker so they find it harder to cough and remove phlegm from their lungs.'

On a personal level, Anouk's diagnosis has involved re-evaluating so much of their lives.

The couple love sport  Mike played rugby and, as a teenager, Sophie played lacrosse for England  and they hoped it would become a key part of family life.

'We had to accept that she wouldn't be able to do the things we loved, and might not be able to do the things that we find easy, such as getting out of bed on her own,' says Sophie.

'There's a grieving process for the life we assumed she'd have.'

Having another child was one of their dreams. 'I'm one of four children and Mike is one of three,' says Sophie.

'I loved the idea of a big family with kids running around together and with their cousins.

'I was desperate for Anouk to have a sibling. We felt if we're not around any more, she'll have someone by her side to help her.'

They conceived Willem via IVF, using genetic screening to ensure he wouldn't have SMA.

'Anouk adores him but as she gets older she's becoming more aware of her condition,' says Sophie. 'She'll ask us, 'Why am I the only one? It's not fair'.

'We can't tell her that, actually, she's in a far better place than she could have been. All we can do is agree with her and say, 'You're right, it's not fair.' '

Since November 2019, Anouk has been treated with Spinraza, and she'll be on this for life, attending hospital every four months for the injection.

'They remove some of her spinal fluid and then replace it with 12mg of Spinraza via a lumbar puncture,' says Sophie.

'We call it her 'muscle juice'. She knows that it helps her and makes her muscles stronger and it allows her to keep up with her friends as much as possible.'

Professor Servais is running three trials into anti-myostatins, a class of drugs that could help patients' muscles strengthen and grow, to be taken in combination with Spinraza, Zolgensma or Evrysdi.

Anouk is currently part of these trials  although the Howes family doesn't know if she's receiving a drug or a placebo.

'She has physio but not often as it's so costly  which is why we set up the charity,' says Sophie.

Anouk is responding so well to treatment that her SMA has been reclassified as borderline type 2/type 3.

Sophie says: 'Anouk is more mobile now so we take her swimming and horse riding, which really helps increase her core stability. We do stretches with her as often as we can.'

Anouk can now use furniture to pull herself up and can walk unaided for limited periods on flat surfaces, but cobbles and grass are 'a nightmare'.

At school, she keeps up with her friends as best she can, but will have to sit out more energetic games. 'They know that that's just Anouk,' says Sophie.

'She plays with them like any six-year-old, but if they're running around she will stay inside and do some colouring.'

At school, she has an electric scooter, 'to cover longer distance,' says Sophie. 'But she's aware of being left out.

Today she said, 'I don't want to scoot. I want to hold hands with my friends and walk with them.' But she just has to do things differently.'

The Howes family dreads her having an accident.

'If she falls and fractures her leg, she won't be able to walk, her muscles will deteriorate and it'll take her longer to gain her strength, if at all,' says Sophie.

Like other children with SMA, ordinary coughs and colds are also more dangerous for Anouk.

In October she had pneumonia and was on a ventilator for six weeks. 'We nearly lost her a few times,' says Sophie.

While they know it's a case of when, not if, Anouk will need the wheelchair, Sophie and Mike do everything they can to preserve their daughter's mobility.

Sophie says: 'While she can still walk, I need her to carry on so she can maintain her muscles. If she doesn't use them, she'll lose them.'

How different all their lives might be had Anouk just had that test in time.

To help the families fundraising for physio for SMA children visit acesma.co.uk. For more information on the condition, visit smauk.org.uk
One in seven Australians take anti-depressant drug daily

Pharma companies will be forced to slap warning labels on antidepressants alerting patients to the fact the drugs can cause long-lasting sexual dysfunction.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will recognise that sexual dysfunction for those taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRI) could last for months - or even years - after the patient has stopped taking the drug.

The TGA so far has 89 reports of sexual dysfunction during use of an SSRI or an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) in its adverse events database.

It has also recorded four reports of sexual dysfunction persisting after the users - three men and one woman - stopped using the medication.

However, the agency believes post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) is underreported in Australia due to the large number of cases being recorded in Europe.

The reports detail symptoms such as difficulty reaching orgasm, weakened orgasms, erectile dysfunction and reduced penile sensation, reports The Australian.

Drug companies will be required to list long-lasting sexual dysfunction as a possible symptom for Australians taking antidepressant medications (stock image)

Lexapro is one of many SSRI antidepressants available for purchase across the country

'The effects persisted for 12 months to three-and-a-half years. Persistent sexual dysfunction after treatment is stopped is thought to be rare,' the TGA said.

'However, these symptoms are likely to be underreported and their prevalence is not currently known.

'Health professionals should be alert to this issue and consider if current or previous antidepressant use could be a factor in patients reporting sexual dysfunction and report if they are suspicious of an association.'

As a result, all SSRI and SNRI medications must carry the warning that the pills could cause sexual dysfunction.

The label must also advise that some users have experienced long-lasting sexual dysfunction after they stopped taking the medication.

Several drug manufacturers in Australia have started to include the potential risk of sexual dysfunction on the labels of SSRI drugs.

It's estimated one in seven Australians are taking antidepressants daily, with more than 32 million prescriptions for the drugs now issued each year.

It's estimated one in seven Australians are taking antidepressants daily with more than 32million prescriptions for the drugs now issued each year (stock image)

It comes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States was hit with a lawsuit over perceived inaction on mandating the revised labels.

Tens of thousands of PSSD sufferers have lamented their long-lasting symptoms on online forums - with many fearful the sexual dysfunction is lifelong.

Australian consultant neurologist Julia Thompson said the reason why sexual dysfunction lingers after the use of SSRIs is still unknown.

'There's a signal now that there's a reason to watch out for it, but it needs to be emphasised that the mechanisms are not understood,' she said.

'The exact reason why sexual dysfunction would linger is not fully understood. We are now trying to understand the pathogenesis. This is a difficult space when it comes to sexual function.

'I think it's crucial to not state the drugs are the cause because people might have numbness from abuse or other things. The confounders are that those symptoms are also symptoms of depression and symptoms of chronic pain.'

All SSRI and SNRI medications must carry the warning that antidepressants could cause sexual dysfunction that may last months or even years (stock image)

A study by the University of New South Wales in 2023 found more than three million Australians take antidepressants each year.

Per capita, this puts Australia behind only Iceland - where Seasonal Affective Disorder is common due to 19-hour winter nights - and the US.

The study found prescription rates have doubled in the past 10 years while the start of the Covid lockdowns saw a surge in prescriptions of 15 per cent.

The study found that Covid prompted an increase in antidepressant use that 'was greater among females than males, and greater among young females than other age groups'.

This suggested 'an increased mental health burden in populations already on a trajectory of increased use of antidepressants prior to the pandemic'.

Guidelines typically recommend antidepressants be taken up to six to 12 months after improvement but this can extend to two years for people at risk of relapse.

The average amount of time Australians take antidepressants has now stretched out to four years.
The Green Party has come under fire for claiming childbirth should be treated as a 'non-medical event' and calling life-saving caesareans 'risky' in its maternity policies.

Among its election pledges, it claims they will 'work to reduce the number of interventions in childbirth' and highlights the party's concern over the falling rates of 'natural' births.

The proposals, which have now been removed from the party's website but are still circulating on social media, have been branded 'archaic' and 'disappointing' by doctors.

Meanwhile patient safety experts have warned that a lack of intervention in childbirth can have 'catastrophic consequences'.

It comes after the Greens' bizarre plans to have crack cocaine and date rape drug GHB dispensed by pharmacists in a bid to fight the rising tide of addiction  a move that experts said could lead to more drug abuse, rather than less.

The Green Party called C-sections 'risky' in its policies which have been called 'archaic' by medics

Patient safety experts and midwives have warned that evidence shows lack of intervention in childbirth causes more harm

The Greens' website yesterday read: 'The incidence of medical intervention in childbirth has escalated in recent years, particularly the rate of caesarean sections, which are expensive and, when not medically required, risky.

'We will work to reduce the number of interventions in childbirth, and change the culture of the NHS so that birth is treated as a normal and non-medical event, in which mothers are empowered and able to be in control.'

It also states that 'all women should be entitled to the highest standards of care during pregnancy and birth, and postnatally' and goes on to suggest women should be given 'appropriate' choices.

The policy states: 'We will ensure that women are given the information they need to make appropriate choices about how they wish to give birth, and that a full range of options, including home birth and a range of styles of hospital delivery, is made available to all women.'

Patient safety advocate and campaigner James Titcombe said he was 'shocked' to read the document and suggested the party speak to the families affected by poor maternity care.

He told MailOnline: 'Whomever drew up the policy would do well to study the history of maternity services in this country and in particular, speak to some of families whose lives have been devastated as a consequence of previous national policy initiatives aimed at promoting so called "normal" or "natural" birth.'

Mr Titcombe, whose son Joshua was one of several babies who died in what would become known as the Morecambe Bay maternity scandal, stressed that 'life changing complications can occur very quickly' and 'safe maternity care is only possible when there is an emphasis on anticipating problems', which includes 'intervening where necessary'.

'Top down pressure to reduce C-section rates or maternity care where one type of delivery is seen as superior to another can lead to catastrophic consequences for women, babies and families,' Mr Titcombe added.

Rebecca Matthews, an Oxford Brookes lecturer and psychology student, expressed her 'disappointment' to the policy on social media.

She wrote on X: 'Have you not read the reports from recent maternity scandals. Lack of intervention contributes to so much preventable harm'.

She added: '[The policy] feels like an attack on bodily autonomy, we should be able to choose a caesarean birth. Recent evidence shows that planned caesareans are safer than planned vaginal birth.'

NHS anesthetist, Gem or @summonsy on X, also said she was 'incensed', when she saw the policy.

She said: 'Its actually a very archaic position for a party that claims to be progressive.'

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Donna Ockenden, an experienced midwife who is currently leading an investigation into poor maternity services in Nottingham, responded to Ms Matthews post suggesting the Green Party read her report.

She said: 'I'm very happy to discuss safe maternity care with anyone from any political party: first point of call for the Green Party would be to read the Ockenden review reports into Shrewsbury and Telford.'

She added: 'Safe maternity care surely needs to be understood by everyone? Its a vital cross party issue affecting women, babies and families across the whole of the country.'

Some 201 babies and nine mothers died needlessly during a two-decade spell at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, it was revealed in 2022.

Donna Ockenden, an experienced midwife who is currently leading an investigation into poor maternity services in Nottingham, suggested the Green Party read her report

In a landmark 250-page report spearheaded by Ms Ockenden, investigators who probed the failures cited an obsession with 'normal births'.

Women were encouraged to have vaginal deliveries, often when a caesarean would have been a safer option, to keep surgery rates low.

The 2015 Morecambe Bay also referenced the dangers of fixating on natural or 'normal' births.

It found 11 babies and one mother suffered avoidable deaths, ruled a group of midwives overzealously pursued natural childbirth and that 'led at times to inappropriate and unsafe care'.

The idea of a 'normal birth' has been frequently promoted by respected bodies.

But the Royal College of Midwives formally abandoned its 'normal birth' campaign in 2017, after previously praising trusts for keeping caesarean rates low.

In the wake of the Shrewsbury report, multiple women told how they felt pressured into not having a caesarean.

One of these was the MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who revealed in 2022 she had been 'told I wasn't going to have a caesarean section' during the difficult birth of her first child.

Recalling her experience, she told LBC that after the birth of her son she realised it was 'ridiculous' she didn't have the procedure and that's 'absolutely' what she should have had.

Ms Trevelyan added she was left 'very damaged' but fortunately her son was fine.

Caesarean births have been on the rise for years in a trend partly explained by increasing obesity levels.

Some studies have found being overweight in pregnancy increases the chances of needing the intervention.

Pregnant women in their late 30s and 40s, who are an increasing proportion of mothers, are also more likely to need a C-section due to the increased likelihood of complications.
A panel of top scientists has warned the FDA against approving MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), despite widespread calls from campaigners to offer the party drug to sick patients.

The landmark conclusion comes as a huge blow to the emerging field of psychedelic medicine and the millions of dollars that investors have poured in.

The group of experts  the Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee  convened to help the agency decide whether to allow doctors to prescribe the drug, ahead of the official ruling on August 11.

In a damning conclusion, the panel stated that more research is needed to cement the psychedelic's therapeutic benefit.

The meeting is the farthest that a drug based on MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or molly, has ever reached in the FDA regulatory process for approval.

Patients take a dose of the drug while under supervision. Sessions with a therapist then help people to come to terms with their trauma

Clinical trial participants were given 120 mg or 180 mg of MDMA  the standard amount for one or two pills

However, The FDA could still reject the panel's recommendations and decide to approve the drug anyway.

If doctors and therapists would be able to prescribe the illegal substance, also known as ecstasy, to patients suffering from the condition which triggers repeated, life-ruining flashbacks.

It follows the approval of the horse tranquilizer ketamine for treatment-resistant depression in 2019, despite some doctors' concerns about the risks.

While physicians have long used ketamine as an anesthetic, MDMA has never before been used in medicine.

It follows a recent clinical trial involving 200 patients that showed that MDMA improved symptoms in 86 percent of PTSD sufferers.

If approved, the drug will be offered as part of MDMA-assisted therapy, which involves peppering doses between sessions of talk therapy by a licensed mental health provider.

This would be the first new treatment for PTSD in over two decades.

Experts have welcomed the committee's analysis, and predict that the health authority will choose to approve MDMA.

Dr Joshua Gordon, director of the National Institute of Mental Health described the official meeting as 'exciting'.

'The promise is there, the potential is there, and we just have to find out through careful study and time how impactful these medications will be,' he told CNN.

Meanwhile, Dr David Olson, director of the UC Davis Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, claimed studies have shown that those who enroll in the treatment 'get better'.

And last week the FDA published a briefing document on the potential approval, stating that patients in studies have, 'experienced statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in their PTSD symptoms,' which appeared, 'durable for at least several months'.

MDMA is a stimulant and psychedelic that is thought to rewire connections in the brain, dampening the part that controls fear, allowing patients to open up with a therapist and face their trauma head on without being overcome with anxiety.

It has been an illegal substance since 1985 when the Drug Enforcement Administration categorized it as a Schedule 1 drug  the agency deemed it to have no medical use and a high potential for abuse.

It is thought that prior to that, hundreds of therapists offered the drug to patients in North America and Europe to address trauma.

Lykos Therapeutics, formerly known as the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), a company that is developing prescription psychedelics, conducted the trials and has been advocating the legalization of MDMA-assisted therapy since 1986.

The CAPS-5 total score on the y axis shows the average severity of patients' PTSD symptoms

In 2017, the FDA assigned 'breakthrough therapy' status to MDMA-assisted therapy as a PTSD treatment, which meant its development could be expedited.

The agency has awarded the same categorization to four more psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin 'magic mushrooms' for depression and a substance similar to LSD for anxiety.

The most recent MDMA trial, by experts at the University of California, found that more than 86 percent of participants who received the drug had a measurable reduction in the intensity of their symptoms, and 71 percent entered remission.

Meanwhile in the placebo group, 69 percent improved and almost 48 percent no longer reached the threshold for a PTSD diagnosis.

But there has been widespread criticism of many of the the studies relied on to prove MDMA's efficacy.

In its recent publication, the FDA said the studies were heavily biased because participants and therapists could easily work out who received MDMA versus the placebo.

It also pointed to cases of liver toxicity and 'significant increases in both blood pressure and pulse' which have the potential to trigger cardiovascular events such as a heart attack or stroke.

As well as claims of bias in the research, a report by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), a nonprofit that evaluates clinical trials, described the most recent results as 'inconclusive.'

The ICER report was followed in April by a citizen petition which alleged misconduct and ethical violations during the research.

Lykos Therapeutics sponsored the trial, but researchers involved in the study have fiercely rejected the accusations that because the drugmaker paid for trial, the results are inherently biased.

'I didn't feel any pressure from the sponsor to come up with anything different than what the data was providing. I wouldn't have continued to work with them if I had felt that,' said Jennifer Mitchell, the lead researcher on the Phase III trial.

The ICER report also suggested that some of the therapists, investigators and patients had 'very strong prior beliefs', including pro-drug views, that could have affected the results.

'Concerns have been raised by some that therapists encouraged favorable reports by patients and discouraged negative reports by patients including discouraging reports of substantial harms, potentially biasing the recording of benefits and harms,' the document said.

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More than 70 clinicians, investigators and other individuals involved in the Phase III trial published a thorough response to the doubts in the ICER report, saying the criticisms are based on 'hearsay.'

A particularly damming aspect of the trial occurred in Phase II. A podcast, made by New York Magazine and the nonprofit organization Psymposia, detailed claims by a trial participant Meaghan Buisson.

She was paired with a married couple, Dr Donna Dyer, who is a licensed therapist, and her husband Richard Yensen, who is an unregulated psychotherapist.

Videos showed Yensen asking Ms Buisson to spread her legs, and Dr Dyer and Yensen lying on top of her, as well as stroking her face and climbing into bed with her.

Ms Buisson was marked as a success story in the trial by the researchers.

After the study, Ms Buisson moved to a small island where Dr Dyer and Yensen lived, where she carried on doing therapy with them.

Yensen said he started what he called a consensual 'intimate and sexual relationship' with Ms Buisson, who later reported him to the police for sexual assault and therapy abuse.

Lykos Therapeutics, called MAPS at the time, found that the married therapists 'substantially deviated' from protocol and barred them from being able to provide MDMA-assisted therapy.

PTSD affects 13 million Americans and is especially common among war veterans who are at high risk of suicide.

It involves symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, overwhelming guilt or shame and angry outbursts or aggressive behavior.

There remains a large unmet need for new treatments for PTSD as existing drugs do not work on all patients.
The mass closure of pharmacies across the United States is leaving hundreds of thousands of Americans without access to life-saving medications and basic medical care, a new analysis has revealed.

New national data from two industry bodies shows western states like Alaska and California have about 12 pharmacies per 100,000 residents, while eastern and southern states like New York and West Virginia have nearly 30 drugstores per 100,000 people.

Experts have blamed the increasing popularity of online drug services and financial hardship for many closures of brick and mortar operations.

However, shuttering pharmacies affects more than just prescriptions. Many Americans rely on these for vital healthcare services like routine vaccinations and diabetes monitoring.

Conducted by the Associated Press, the analysis looked at pharmacy locations down to the zip code level.

It found about two-thirds of the retail pharmacies in states with limited access were owned by large corporate chains, whereas independently-owned pharmacies are more likely to be in cities with larger populations.

Based on data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs and the American Community Survey, western states have some of the fewest locations per 100,000 people, including Alaska, Oregon and California.

The analysis also found eastern and southern states had the most access, with West Virginia, New York and Arkansas ranking among the top.

Closures among top pharmaceutical chains have been on the rise, with major players like CVS and Rite Aid shuttering hundreds of locations.

According to CVS, 85 percent of Americans live within five miles of one of their pharmacies, of which the company has more than 9,000 locations.
America is the least safe place out of any wealthy country for women to give birth, a new report suggests.

The US had a maternal mortality rate  the rate of women who died while pregnant or in the moments or weeks after giving birth of 22 per 100,000 live births in 2022.

This was the highest rate out of the 14 high-income nations in Europe, Asia, South America and Oceania that were studied in the report.

It means American women are nine times more likely to die during or shortly after pregnancy compared to those in Sweden and four times more likely than British women.

The above graph shows the maternal mortality rate by nation. The rate is that of women who died while pregnant, during childbirth or up to 42 days after giving birth with their cause of death related to pregnancy

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The report also found that the US has the second-lowest number of midwives and ob-gyns per live births among high-income nations, which may be contributing to the countrys high maternal mortality rates.

Up to a third of roles are currently unfilled according to estimates.

The researchers point out that the US is the only country out of the group of nations that did not mandate any form of paid maternity leave for pregnant women  which may explain the high rate of suicides among new moms in the US.

America was also the only one not to have universal healthcare coverage, with an estimated eight million women, or 12 percent of those of reproductive age, uninsured.

They said high medical expenses may have also played a role in some of the deaths.

The report analyzed the maternal mortality rate, which is defined as deaths among women during pregnancy, childbirth or up to 42 days after giving birth. All deaths were linked to the pregnancy in some way.

The US had the worst rate in the group overall, followed by Chile (14.3 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births) and New Zealand.

At the other end of the scale was Norway, where no maternal deaths were recorded over the year 2022.

In second place was Switzerland, with 1.2 maternal deaths per 100,000, and in third was Sweden, at 2.6.

The above shows pregnancy-related deaths across the US by when they occurred, the majority happen after childbirth

The above shows the number of midwives and ob-gyns per patient, with the US having the second lowest number out of the rich nations

Australia ranked in sixth place with a rate of 3.5 per 100,000  or six times lower than that in the US  and the UK ranked in eighth place.

The most common causes of death were severe bleeding, high blood pressure or infections and cardiomyopathy  or a disease of the heart.

Separate data also showed the US had the second-lowest number of midwives and ob-gyns per live births among high-income nations, putting further strain on the medical system.

Chile has the largest supply of ob-gyns and midwives, with 92 staff per 1,000 live births.

In the U.S. there are just 16 ob-gyns and midwives for every 1,000 live births, according to the report, published by New York City-based think-tank the Commonwealth Fund, compared the maternal mortality rate in the US to that in similar nations.

The countries included in the report were: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Researchers used data on the maternal mortality rate (MMR) from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to compare the nations.

Among mothers to have lost their lives after childbirth in the US was 30-year-old Christine Fields from Long Island City.

She was admitted to Woodhull Hospital, in Brooklyn, in November 2023 for her third childbirth  but died hours later from hemorrhaging.

Jasmine Patton, 34, from Tennessee, died from liver failure after giving birth. Her family said there were question marks over her death

Her family is now suing the hospital for $41million, saying she received careless and negligent care. They claim the mother suffered cuts to her blood vessels which caused the internal bleeding.

And in another case, 34-year-old Jasmine Patton, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, died just two days after giving birth to her first child.

The mother, who had struggled to get pregnant for years before using IVF, had her cause of death described as liver failure.

Her family said her death was 'unexpected', and that there were a lot of question marks over the fatality for doctors.
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.
I purchased a guitar online from a company website with a name that ended in .co.uk. The website suggests that its a UK trader. However, the quality of the guitar is terrible, so I decided to send it back within the 14-day return period. The company has agreed to this, but says I must pay for the cost of returning it and informed me that it needs to be sent to their warehouse in China! Do I have to bear the cost?

P.W., by email

When a customer tried to return a guitar they bought from a UK website within 14 days they were told they would have to pay to post it back to the company's Chinese warehouse

Consumer lawyer Dean Dunham replies: You'll find that under section 10 and schedule 2 of the Consumer Contract Regulations (as they are known in short), the trader has an obligation to clearly notify the consumer, before the purchase is completed, of its geographical address and trading address, if the two are different.

Plus, if the trader has an alternative address where goods must be returned to, this address must also be made clear to you before you purchase.

Clearly the trader has failed to do this here as you were led to believe it was based in the UK. This therefore means that the trader must provide you with a refund and not charge you to return the goods to China. If it refuses, it will amount to a breach of contract.

Dean Dunham writes that a company has an obligation to inform customers if they are based in another country and whether this is the address goods must be returned to

If the trader continues to deny your rights and you paid by debit or credit card within the last 120 days, you can make a chargeback claim.

When doing this, make sure you tell the card provider that there has been a breach of contract for the reasons I have cited above. This is important as its a prerequisite to make a claim. If it is no more than 120 days since purchase and you paid by credit card, you can make a section 75 claim, again making sure you cite there has been a breach of contract.

In either case, your card provider will simply reimburse the cost of the guitar and will not reimburse the cost of shipping to China, so dont be fooled into paying these costs.

A holidaymaker has been asked to pay an extra 265 for their accommodation in Snowdonia, North Wales, after the owners discovered the price of the original booking was wrong

I booked accommodation in Snowdonia, North Wales, for September online, and I also booked my train tickets at the same time. When I made the booking, I did think the price was wrong as it was so cheap, but the transaction went through without a problem and I also received confirmation via email. The owner of the accommodation has now discovered the incorrect price and has asked me to pay a further 265. Do I have to pay this?

L.R., by email

Consumer lawyer Dean Dunham replies: Where a trader makes a mistake with the price of goods or services they will usually be able to successfully argue that they should not be bound by the incorrect price and therefore that the contract should be terminated or varied so they can claim the additional cost.

In circumstances where the consumer knew (or ought to have known) there was a pricing error, the traders position strengthens considerably.

This is precisely what happened in a landmark court case cited by traders when they defend claims in court following pricing errors.

In Hartog v Colin and Shields, the judge said that there is a duty to correct a mistake that is known to not be the real intention of the person making it. You cannot simply take advantage and snap up the offer. So the trader here can ask you for more money, but there is more to this.

Firstly, what the trader cannot do is force you to pay the additional money. However, it can refuse to honour the booking if you refuse. If you do refuse to pay, you will, therefore, be entitled to all your money back.

The last element to consider is the train booking. My view would be that you would be entitled to claim the cost of this from the trader, if the train fare was non-refundable as their mistake caused you a loss. However, the problem here is that you knew the price was wrong before you booked the train tickets, so you contributed to your own loss, and here it would be difficult to substantiate a claim.


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.
Last week the Mail revealed a bombshell new document that sets out the case against Lord Lucan.

The Lord Lucan case is one of the worlds most enduring crime mysteries. 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 estranged wife Veronica, who told police her Eton-educated husband was responsible for both attacks.

Police have long believed that Lucan killed mother-of-two Mrs Rivett in the basement kitchen of his familys five-storey Belgravia home in Central London, after mistaking her for his wife. His three young children were upstairs.

The Trial of Lord Lucan: Follow The Mail's brand new podcast wherever you get your podcasts

Lord Lucan's wife Veronica Mary Duncan suffered a near-fatal assault on the same night

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

Today on the forensically detailed podcast The Trial Of Lord Lucan - in which two real-life eminent barristers will argue whether Lord Lucan was innocent or guilty using the bombshell new document and unheard-of evidence in an unmissable twist on courtroom drama - senior barrister Max Hardy takes on the role of the Prosecutor.

After analysing the original 60-page Scotland Yard report on the 1974 case, and studying contemporaneous statements, letters, books and other evidence, Mr Hardy states why he believes Lucan  and Lucan alone  was responsible for the murder of nanny Sandra Rivett and the near fatal attack on his wife.

In doing so, he explains the peers background and how he had the means, motive and wherewithal to carry out the atrocities.

His downfall, says Mr Hardy, started after he gave up a well-paid job in banking for what many believed to be the easy road to riches: gambling, racing, horses, and powerboats, bobsleigh and winter sports. All pursuits befitting his beliefs about his status and place in society.

Lady Lucan with Frances and George, two of the three children she had with her husband

The blood-soaked basement with Sandra Rivett's body inside a mail sack beside a cast-off shoe

The Plumbers Arms, where Lady Lucan ran to after finding Sandra Rivett dead in her house

Susan Maxwell-Scott with her husband William. She was the last person to see Lord Lucan alive

Nanny Sandra Rivett was bludgeoned to death

By 1974, gambling was Lucans full-time occupation, says Mr Hardy, but it did not provide an income for the life Lord Lucan wanted. It did not even provide the funds for family essentials. The milk bill went unpaid. The family account for groceries from Harrods was cancelled. The nanny agency was chasing payments. The reality is that despite Lord Lucans distinguished pedigree, good looks and military bearing, he was no different to any other addict labouring under the delusion that he could beat the bank.

It was then, says Mr Hardy, that Lucan plotted murder to ease his finances and rid himself of his estranged wife, who had custody of their three children.

Lady Lucan knows exactly who murdered Sandra Rivett and attempted to murder her because fortunately, she lived to tell the tale, says the barrister. And within minutes of being attacked, she was able to flee to a place of refuge, The Plumbers Arms public house, just 100 yards away to make her accusation.

And Mr Hardy says there is another crucial witness in the case: Lucans own daughter Lady Frances, aged 10, who was at home on the night in question and saw  or heard  some of the drama.

Listen to The Trial of Lord Lucan here, as well as everywhere you usually get your podcasts.
Victoria Police have discovered a body believed to be that of a man who disappeared three days ago.

Matthew, 34, from Gordon, was last seen on Reservoir Road in Newlyn, north-east of Ballarat, about 2pm on Friday, May 31.

After concerns were raised for his welfare on Saturday, police and SES volunteers launched an urgent search of the surrounding bushland.

On Monday, police located a body in the Leonards Hill area, approximately 17km from where he was last seen in Newlyn.

'The deceased is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be missing Gordan man Matthew,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

Police believe they have found the body of Matthew, 34, (pictured) who was last seen on Friday May 31

Matthew's body was found in bushland in the Leonards Hill area

'The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.'

Leonards Hill is about 38km from missing mum Samantha Murphy's home on Eureka St in Ballarat.

Ms Murphy was last seen on CCTV in the driveway before she vanished after she left for a run in the Woowookarung Regional Park.

Victoria Police search crews last week discovered Ms Murphy's iPhone in the mud on the water's edge at Buninyong, about 19km from her Ballarat home.

The phone, protected by a teal-covered case, is undamaged and in working condition, with investigators hoping it could lead to the discovery of her body.

The device is believed to have been submerged in the dam since February 4 - the very day police allege Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, murdered Ms Murphy while she was out on a Sunday jog.
After nearly eight million apprehensions at the southern border since taking office, President Joe Biden is finally prepared to execute an executive action this week that would address illegal immigration.

But with just five months until the 2024 presidential election, House Speaker Mike Johnson says it's 'too little, too late' and Republicans have called the move an election 'stunt'.

He also claims that despite plans for just one executive order hat could shut down the border, Biden and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have already enacted 64 other actions since January 2021 'to open the border.'

Illegal immigration and the crisis at the southern border remains a top issue for voters going into November  and Biden is looking to finally act after years of pressure to enact a crackdown.

Some estimates put the number of illegal immigrants living in the United States at more than 20 million. And the number of gotaways continue to elude even top immigration officials.

Customs and border Protection have apprehended more than 7.8 million migrants at the southern border since President Joe Biden took office

Biden's White House repeatedly claimed Congress needed to be the entity to stunt the record-breaking flow of illegal immigration at the southern border. But now the Democratic president is planning to announce an executive order as soon as Tuesday.

The action would represent the most restrictive border policies put forward by Biden and is reminiscent of former President Donald Trump's policies to block migration at the southern border  actions that were challenged in federal courts by Democrats.

Rep. Johnson (R-La.) on Sunday wouldn't give Biden any kudos for acting on immigration after three-and-a-half years of deflection and implementing policies counteractive to limiting migration.

When asked if Biden deserves credit for finally acting, the Speaker said: 'I don't  it's too little too late now.'

'He's trying to desperately show the American people that he wants to address the issue that he himself created,' Johnson told Fox News Sunday. 'We documented 64 specific actions that President Biden and Secretary [Alejandro Mayorkas] at [the Department of Homeland Security] 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,' he continued.

Several officials familiar with the matter told the Associated Press that Biden plans to enact in his executive order parts of the failed Senate border deal. This would include denying entrance to migrants at certain thresholds  like capping it when encounters reach 4,000 per day over the course of a week.

Other Republican lawmakers 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.'

President Joe Biden plans to announce his most restrictive policies at the southern border through an executive order this week

The order could block illegal immigration at the southern border once apprehensions reach a certain threshold per day. Pictured: Members of the Texas National Guard installs border fencing with razor wire in El Paso on April 2

The authority the White House expects to use in the executive order comes from Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. That law provides presidents leeway in blocking entry of certain immigrants if it would be 'detrimental' to national interests.

Trump repeatedly leaned on that section of the law to shut-out certain groups of immigrants crossing into the U.S. illegally.

Previously the White House asked Congress to pass new laws to expand Biden's presidential authority over the border, but a bipartisan border deal failed to take off earlier this year.

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.

It appears the White House has decided that they can go it alone, as Republicans have charged, after the Senate deal failed twice.

Johnson argued on Sunday that Biden is only taking initiative on the border issue because recent polling suggests immigration is of top concern for Americans.

'Now he wants to issue some sort of executive order, I guess to show that, 'Oh he really does care about the issue.' The only reason he's doing that is because the polls say that it's the biggest issue in America,' Johnson told Fox News.
President told his son to 'get some help' in an October 15, 2018

Joe Biden left his son Hunter a voicemail urging him to 'get some help', three days after the president's son lied about his drug addiction on a federal form to buy a gun  the offense at the center of his Delaware criminal trial.

The audio clip of the voice message, obtained by DailyMail.com from Hunter's abandoned laptop, suggests that even the president knew his son was an addict in October 2018.

Jury selection began Monday for the trial, in which Hunter is charged with lying about his sobriety on a Firearms Transaction Record in order to purchase a handgun - a federal offense.

Prosecutors will argue that the First son committed three felonies by falsely stating on a form that he was not an drug addict in order to buy a Colt Cobra .38 handgun on October 12, 2018.

Hunter Biden (left) holds hands with his wife Melissa Cohen (right) as he leaves court Monday at end of the opening day of his trial on criminal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware

Hunter, who is known to have battled drug abuse, is accused of lying about his addiction on a federal form he used to purchase a firearm on October 12, 2018. He is pictured left posing nude with a gun

And today, DailyMail.com can reveal that just three days after the firearm purchase, on October 15, Joe left Hunter a voicemail message indicating that he knew his son was struggling.

'It's Dad. I'm calling to tell you I love you. I love you more than the whole world, pal. You've gotta get some help,' the president is heard saying in the audio clip.

'I don't know what to do, I know you don't either. I'm here, no matter what you need. No matter what you need, I love you.'

Hunter wrote in his memoir, Beautiful Things, that he was a 'full blown' crack addict at the time. The book will be used as evidence in Hunter's trial.

Joe followed up with another voicemail on October 19, saying: 'Hey it's Dad again I'm down in Newport News Virginia, it's about 4 o'clock.

'I'm just calling to check. Just text me or something, let me know you're ok. Ok? I love you.'

According to texts Hunter wrote to family members, Joe ended up paying tens of thousands of dollars for Hunter's repeated stints in rehab to treat his chronic crack cocaine addiction.

According to pre-trial filings, prosecutors will be using material including texts and photos from Hunter's laptop to prove to the jury that he was knowingly addicted to crack at the time he signed the federal form.

Joe's voicemail is not currently among the evidence listed in the court filings  but it is in prosecutors' possession, and could help bolster their case.

DailyMail.com can reveal that the president had left his son a voicemail advising him to 'get some help' - suggesting he knew about his drug battle - three days after the gun purchase

Joe's voicemail is not currently among the evidence listed in the court filings  but it is in prosecutors' possession, and could help bolster their case

Hunter allegedly lied on a firearm report (above) required for his gun transaction. 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'

Special Prosecutor David Weiss' deputies even hinted at 'messages with certain family members' that they may use in the trial if Hunter's lawyers try to claim the First Son didn't know he was an addict.

'At present, the government has not included relevant messages with certain family members in the 1006 summary chart [a list of the prosecution's evidence], but the government reserves to the right to use such evidence and may do so if the defense advances a theory that the defendant did not know he was in prohibited status because these messages are evidence of his knowledge of his addiction and use of crack,' prosecutors Leo Wise and Derek Hines wrote in a May 20 court filing.

However, any prospect of the President's messages to his son being played to the jury would be highly controversial, in a trial held in the Bidens' home state and power base.

The potentially incriminating voicemail also flies in the face of Joe's previous claim that his son did 'nothing wrong'.

When questioned by MSNBC about Hunter's plea negotiations with prosecutors in May 2023, the President said: 'My son has done nothing wrong. I trust him. I have faith in him.'

Hunter bought the .38 revolver from Starquest Shooters in Delaware on October 12, 2018

But by then, Hunter's gun purchase form had been published for over a year, showing that in October 2018 he ticked a box saying that he was not addicted to any illicit substances, in order to buy his handgun.

Joe's voicemail indicates that he knew his son was struggling with addiction at the time.

President Biden has pushed for stricter gun regulations, signing into law a 2022 bill that widened the use of background checks with the aim of protecting children.

Days after the First Son's gun purchase, his then-lover and brother's widow Hallie Biden dumped the firearm and bullets in a supermarket trash can opposite a high school in Wilmington.

Police later found it and questioned the couple, Delaware State Police reports published in pre-trial filings show.
Voters by a huge margin want Joe Biden and Donald Trump tested for drugs at the upcoming presidential debates, our first-of-its-kind poll shows.

Fully 70 percent of people want the men screened for pharmaceuticals when they face off on June 27 and then again on September 10, a DailyMail.com/TIPP survey reveals.

Another 18 percent of people said drug tests were not needed, and 12 percent said they were not sure.

Our poll of 1,910 respondents comes after Trump has accused his Democratic opponent of being old and feeble and a user of performance-enhancing drugs.

Trump says Biden should be tested for drugs before their debate at CNN headquarters in Atlanta later this month.

Democratic voters and Republicans alike say the candidates should be tested for performance enhancers

Donald Trump and Joe Biden faced off in October 2020 at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee

The Republican candidate says, without evidence, that Biden was 'all jacked up' and 'high as a kite' when he delivered the State of the Union address in March.

Trump's allegation plays into fears that the 81-year-old president lacks vigor and mental clarity due to his age.

The oldest president in US history is derided as a 'gaffe machine' who often jumbles his words and has tripped and fallen at public events.

Earlier this year, Special Counsel Robert Hur released a damning report billing him as a 'well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.'

Biden's unusually energetic State of the Union speech was hailed by White House insiders as evidence that the president had enough energy to go the distance for another four years.

But critics suggested the president popped an Adderall or some other stimulant to pep him up for the 1hr 7min showpiece.

However, White House medical records show Biden only takes more common medicines for allergies, heartburn and for stopping blood clots.

While Biden's energy levels are scrutinized, Trump, 77, has also faced questions about being too old for another stint in the Oval Office.

Critics point to his rambling and at times incoherent campaign speeches and television appearances.

Against this backdrop, our nationwide survey shows that voters feel a drug test before the debate would be a worthwhile intervention.

Men and women, and people from all age groups, ethnic backgrounds and US regions, supported drugs tests by wide margins.

Trump has accused Biden of being 'high as a kite' during his unusually vigorous performance at the State of the Union address in March

Still, voters are divided over whether Biden pops pills to help him in one of the world's most demanding jobs

There was only a small partisan difference  while 77 percent of Republican voters supported drugs tests, a comparable 64 percent of Democrats felt the same way.

Although Trump put a spotlight on his opponent being 'high as a kite,' few voters believe Biden takes performance-enhancing drugs.

Just 30 percent of respondents said they thought the president uses drugs to help him in his demanding job.

Fully 40 percent said he does not; another 30 percent said they were not sure.

The survey has a +/-2.4 percent error margin. It was carried out in late May by TIPP, which is noted for the accuracy of its polls.

Performance-enhancing drugs usually refer to steroids and stimulants taken by athletes to become stronger and faster.

But students cramming for exams and others have turned to amphetamines, nootropics and other drugs to improve test scores.

Others still take small doses of magic mushrooms or cannabis to raise their game in workplaces across the US.

Our survey did not specify whether the candidates should be tested for legal or illegal drugs.

This month's debate in Georgia, a swing state, is seen as a pivotal moment in a tight race between two candidates who have suffered from relatively low approval scores.

Biden's performance will be watched for signs of declining mental acuity, while Trump is prone to incendiary rhetoric that excites some voters but alienates many others.

The debate will air two weeks before Trump is sentenced for his New York conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to a porn star.

It will be moderated by CNN's chief political correspondent Dana Bash and lead Washington anchor Jake Tapper. There will be no live audience.
Attorney General Merrick Garland will take the hot seat during a House Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday where he's expected to face a grilling over the Trump conviction and refusing to release audio from President Biden's special counsel interview.

It's the top Justice Department official's first time facing lawmakers since a jury found Donald Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records over hush money payments to Stormy Daniels on Thursday.

And it comes just as Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan proposed 'defunding' all of the prosecutions against Donald Trump in what would be an unprecedented move.

Jordan submitted a legislative proposal to the Appropriations Committee that would ban any funds from being used to prosecute a former or current vice president or president.

Attorney General Merrick Garland will take the hot seat during a House Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday where he's expected to face a grilling over the Trump conviction and refusing to release audio from President Biden's special counsel interview

It comes just as Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan proposed 'defunding' all of the prosecutions against Donald Trump in what would be an unprecedented move

That would claw back the funding of prosecutions led by Georgia district attorney Fani Willis, New York district attorney Alvin Bragg, special counsel Jack Smith and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., isn't stopping there. She is planning to lead an effort to 'defund New York' by blocking the state from receiving any federal funds at all.

Two House panels have already voted to advance a resolution to hold Garland in contempt for failing to release audio of Biden's interview with Robert Hur over his handling of classified documents. The DOJ has released a transcript, but not the recording.

Garland lashed out at the move, saying earlier Thursday that the DOJ has gone to 'extraordinary lengths' to provide the committee with information.

'We have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that a committees get responses to their legitimate requests, but this is not one,' Garland told reporters ahead of a hearing to advance his contempt charge.

A 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.

In a court filing on Friday the DOJ warned that releasing audio could lead to AI manipulation of the president's words.

'The passage of time and advancements in audio, artificial intelligence, and 'deep fake' technologies only amplify concerns about malicious manipulation of audio files. If the audio recording is released here, 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,' the department wrote in a 49-page filing.

The attorney general had until April 8 to hand over requested materials from Robert Hur's interviews with Biden that led him to conclude the president is 'elderly' and 'well-meaning' but has a 'poor memory.'

They subpoenaed transcripts, notes, audio and video files largely related to Hur's interview.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., isn't stopping there. She is planning to lead an effort to 'defund New York' by blocking the state from receiving any federal funds at all

While the DOJ has handed over transcripts of Hur's interviews with Biden as well as the transcripts of an interview with Biden's ghostwriter Mark Zwonitzer, Republicans are unsatisfied.

They have insisted they need audio from the Hur and Zwonitzer interviews too.

The DOJ said releasing audio as well might make it harder for prosecutors to secure recorded interviews in the future, with witnesses knowing they could be blasted out into the public.

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.
Fire rains down from the sky during Israel's latest missile attack on Gaza as the Middle Eastern conflict shows no signs of ending.

Photographs taken today show smoke and flames engulfing buildings in the Al Bureij Camp in Deir al-Balah  a city in the central Gaza strip.

Enormous explosions blasted the camp's infrastructure, as Palestinians watched on in horror as the destruction unfolded.

Some were seen running for cover after an Israeli missile hit a residential building in the camp, while thick black smoke and dust covered the area following the strike.

It comes after Israel's military 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 today.

It is understood that Israeli representatives have informed their families that they are no longer alive and that their bodies are currently being held by Hamas.

Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a separate video address: 'We assess that the four of them were killed while together in the area of Khan Yunis during our operation there against Hamas.'

Smoke and flames rise over a destroyed building following the Israeli attacks on Al Bureij Camp in Deir al-Balah

Explosions destroy buildings in the Al Bureij Camp in Deir al-Balah

Fire rains down from the sky during Israel 's latest missile attack on Gaza

Palestinians watch on in horror as an Israeli air strike destroys a building in the Al Bureije refugee camp

Flames fill the sky in the Al Bureij Camp in Deir al-Balah on June 3

Two Palestinian women walk past the ruins of a building in Al Bureij

An Israeli missile is captured moments before hitting Bureij camp in Deir al Balah

Hamas claimed in May that Popplewell died as a result of an airstrike but has yet to provide evidence of this, PBC 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 has a son named Rotem who lives in San Diego, and 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, ABC San Diego reported last October.

Rotem added that his parents told him they locked themselves in a bomb shelter at their home.

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 (second from the right) and Nurit Cooper (red shirt) are pictured with their family

'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.

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.

Flames destroy a building in the Al Bureij Camp in Deir al-Balah

Smoke and flames rise during an Israeli air strike in central Gaza Strip

Smoke rises during an Israeli air strike in central Gaza Strip

Smoke rises from the Al-Magahazi building that is bombed during the Israeli attacks at the Al Bureij Camp

Dust and black smoke rises moments after an Israeli air strike targeted a residential building in the city of Bureij

Palestinians watch on in horror as an Israeli air strike hits a residential building

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed President Biden's proposal for a permanent ceasefire, labelling it as a 'non-starter'.

Mr Netanyahu wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Israel's conditions for ending the war have 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.'

'Under the proposal, Israel will continue to insist these conditions are met before a permanent ceasefire is put in place.

The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter.'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed President Biden's proposal for a permanent ceasefire, labelling it as a 'non-starter'

Palestinians run moments after an Israeli air strike targeted a residential building

Dust and debris falls from the residential building that was targeted by an Israeli air strike

It is believed the Israeli PM's statement on June 1 may have been made to placate hardliners such as security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir within his government who have threatened to bring down the administration if Hamas is not fully destroyed.

Experts said the Israeli leader has not said an outright 'no' to the deal, but wants to make it in his terms.

Mr Biden said: 'I know there are those in Israel who will not agree with this plan and will call for the war to continue indefinitely. Some are even in the government coalition.'

The new three-phase deal Mr Biden is backing would see a six-week ceasefire while the two sides negotiate a permanent end to the fighting.
A driver has been charged with murder over a fatal traffic crash involving an Uber in Brisbane's outer west.

Kai Fursey, 28, was allegedly behind the wheel of a Ford Mondeo when it collided with a Toyota Camry at an intersection at Wacol shortly after 2am on May 28, reports The Courier Mail.

A passenger in the Camry, which was an Uber, died at the scene and has since been identified as 30-year-old Gold Coast man Ryan Grafton.

Another passenger of the Uber, a 26-year-old woman, and the driver were rushed to hospital following the crash.

It's understood the 42-year-old male driver suffered back injuries in the crash.

A driver has been taken into custody following a fatal alleged hit-and-run last week

The crash occurred on the corner of Boundary Rd and Progress Rd in Wacol on May 28

In a statement, Queensland police said a 28-year-old Goodna man had presented to Acacia Ridge police without incident on June 3 after allegedly fleeing the scene of the crash on foot.

In a further update on Tuesday night, police said the Goodna man had been charged with one count each of murder and dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm

He was also charged with driving whilst disqualified, possess property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs, receiving tainted property and stealing.

Fursey will front Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The stepfather of a missing 11-year-old girl has said he believes his stepdaughter was sent away by her mother to be with her Moldovan family.

Christopher Palmiter, 61, had previously claimed he didn't know where stepdaughter Madalina Cojocari was after the youngster vanished in Cornelius, North Carolina, on November 21 2022.

But during testimony heard during his weeklong trial, an FBI analyst showed both phone and email evidence suggesting Palmiter knew that Madalina was missing - and where she might be.

Both Palmiter and the girl's mother Diana Cojocari, 38, were charged with failure to report a missing child on December 15 the same year after waiting nearly a month before alerting authorities to her disappearance.

'I think Diana took her somewhere with her Moldovan family,' Palmiter testified at trial. 'I believe Diana has tucked her away somewhere where she's not going to be found.'

Christopher Palmiter, 61, had previously said he didn't know where stepdaughter Madalina was. But he told prosecutors he has a theory as to where she might be

Madalina vanished in Cornelius, North Carolina, on November 21, 2022

Search warrants unsealed in 2023 suggest Diana, together with her mother, had got in contact with a distant relative to ask if he would assist in 'smuggling' both her and her daughter from their home in Cornelius before Madalina disappeared.

Palmiter's actions were a large part of the reason Madalina could be located, according to the prosecuting attorney.

'He was the person in the role of supervising her, and he failed,' prosecutor Austin Butler said during closing arguments in court. 'That's why he's sitting in this seat.'

Madalina was last seen as she got off a school bus in Cornelius, near Charlotte, on November 21, 2022. Authorities have not been able to find her since.

Madalina's mother Diana Cojocari, 38, claims she last saw her daughter at 10pm on November 23

Madalina was born in Moldova and had been a sixth-grader at Bailey Middle School.

On the night of November 23, 2022, Diana and Palmiter got into an argument. Madalina was believed to be in her bedroom at around 10pm that night.

By the the following morning, the 11-year-old was gone, according to an affidavit. The pair reported her as missing on December 15 that year.

The state cited the fact that Palmiter had been working remotely from home several days a week, and should have been well aware that the girl had vanished.

The idea that he could have been in the home for three weeks and not known is laughable, the state told the judge.

Palmiter's weeklong trial ended on Friday with the jury taking just 15 minutes to reach a verdict, reports Fox 8.

Madalina was seen in school bus footage exiting at her stop on November 21, police say

Both Diana Cojocari and Christopher Palmiter were arrested in charged in December 2022 with failure to report a missing child to police.

The pair admitted to told police they had last seen their daughter late in November - two days after she was last seen on surveillance footage.

Palmiter's defense attorneys had argued Diana had reassured him that his stepdaughter was safe at the time of her disappearance, noting he believed she had manipulated him.

In December last year, Dailymail.com revealed Madalina's parents were seen lighting a fire and torching couch cushions and other items in their backyard about the time she was last officially seen.

The mother of Madalina Cojocari, from Cornelius, North Carolina, says she last saw her on November 23  three weeks before the 11-year-old girl was reported missing to her school

Stepfather Christopher Palmiter, 61, and the missing girl's mother Diana Cojocari, 38, were charged with failure to report a missing child on December 17, 2022

Palmiter was sentenced by the Mecklenburg County judge to serve a suspended 30-month supervised probation

Investigators searched Madalina's family home, where her mother claims she was last seen

An arrest report obtained by DailyMail.com reveals Madalina had been missing for three weeks when her mother reported her missing

Neighbors recalled seeing flames and smoke billowing from the yard of the Victoria Bay Drive home in late November, prompting calls to police and the fire department in Cornelius.

Another neighbor told DailyMail.com that the fire wasn't such a big deal at the time because nobody knew the girl was missing.

'If you don't know the context that a girl was missing, it's kind of a nothing burger of a call,' he said. 'At the time, it was more of a fire safety or a permit type of issue.'

Palmiter was sentenced by the Mecklenburg County judge to serve a suspended 30- month supervised probation.
A business owner has called out older managers to treat their Gen Z staff better after she witnessed two young workers break down in tears while on the job.

Sunshine Coast local Rachel Lynch witnessed the older bosses berate the young workers for minor errors on two separate occasions.

One cafe boss made a staff member cry after yelling at her for forgetting an order, while another manager left a worker in tears after they messed up the order.

Ms Lynch shared her experience to TikTok on May 24, claiming older bosses did not appear to be working well with Gen Z Aussies.

She asked her followers if the incidences were just a 'Sunny Coast thing' or a 'generational thing'.

Many argued Gen Z were too soft and needed to harden up, while others claimed older managers should be more patient with staff.

Sunshine Coast business owner Rachel Lynch shared a video about the generational problem faced in the workforce between older managers and young Gen Z workers

In the first incident, Ms Lynch went to a cafe and was served by a young girl who took her order for a ham and cheese baguette on May 24.

While waiting 15 minutes for her food, Ms Lynch said she overheard the young worker revealing to other customers that she had forgotten their order.

'She goes inside and she tells her boss she's already forgotten the order that she's taken outside,' Ms Lynch said.

'Then the door closes, like that's going to help. It's an old Queenslander building, we can hear everything.

'Then he starts yelling at her saying, "you can't just keep forgetting orders, you can't do this". He's yelling, she's panicking obviously, she starts crying'.

Ms Lynch said the manager was not overly aggressive and was justified in feeling frustrated, but believed the confrontation was unnecessary.

She added the boss' reaction caused didn't solve the issue.

In another incident which happened a few months ago, Ms Lynch said she saw a 'young kid' crying and on the brink of having a panic attack because she had messed up the order.

Ms Lynch said the manager, which she believed to be aged between 'old millennial and boomer' was 'quite vocal in their outrage'.

'It was not in an aggressive way where people had to step in... but it was loud enough that everyone in the restaurant could hear,' Ms Lynch said.

Ms Lynch, who runs Dog and Gun Coffee, said older managers need to learn how to better support 'more fragile' Gen Z workers.

She described the generational divide as an 'intense relationship' in which both parties deal with criticism differently.

'It's just like this intense relationship between older managers and business owners and their younger staff. You're hiring young staff because you don't want to pay much, I get that, business is tough,' Ms Lynch said.

'But you need to learn how to work with younger people especially different generations.

'Gen Z is more soft, they're more fragile, they want to work more collaboratively. You can't just f***ing yell at them, that doesn't help them.'

Ms Lynch explained she witnessed, on two occasions, an older manager yelling at their much younger staff member. She added that boomers need to learn not to yell as it does not solve problems and does not work on 'more fragile' Gen Z workers

Ms Lynch said the environment that boomers experienced when they were young and at work would not necessarily work for Gen Z Aussies starting their careers.

She noted yelling at Gen Z workers could leave them 'heartbroken'.

'When a boomer yelled at a boomer they'd pull up their socks and get on with it and be like, "I'll f***ing show them, I'll work the hardest I've ever worked",' Ms Lynch said.

The video provoked a fierce debate among social media users, with many arguing Gen Z workers were 'entitled' and need to toughen up.

'I am an elder millennial manager with a lot of Gen Z staff - they are an awful entitled generation with no work ethic or common sense,' one person wrote.

'Gen Z have a sense of unwarranted entitlement and get p***** when people call them out,' a second person commented.

A third added: 'The young generation needs to take a teaspoon of cement and harden up.'

Others claimed older managers should never yell at their staff even if that was how they learnt when they were younger.

'They're both in the wrong. Business practice shouldn't be to remember everything and you should never yell at employees,' one person commented.

'It's the employers job to give their staff the tools to do the job correctly literally just give her a pen and notepad. Yelling at staff is totally unprofessional/unacceptable,' a second person wrote.

'I remember being young and lacking resilience too and crying at work over silly things. I think it just takes time to build confidence! Not necessarily a gen thing,' a third person chimed.

A fourth added: 'I agree with what you're saying. That managers shouldn't yell at people however you shouldn't pander to the younger people either. There was always a different way to get your point across.'
Former primary school students sexually abused by a paedophile teacher who liked to walk around school grounds holding a guide dog puppy are taking legal action against the department responsible for shifting him around different schools.

The Victorian Department of Education could face millions in compensation after being sued by at least five abuse survivors for their shocking treatment at the hands of Arthur Henry Eaton, an ABC investigation reported.

Eaton was a popular teacher with a 35-year career who was well known for often bringing a guide dog puppy to the playground.

In 1996, Eaton was convicted on 25 counts of indecently assaulting nine boys, aged between eight and 12 at the time.

The offences took place at Warrnambool West Primary School and Derinya Primary School in Frankston South.

He was given a suspended sentence and 300 hours unpaid community work.

Following an appeal, Eaton was jailed for two years to serve a minimum of 12 months.

Eatons convictions related to the sexual abuse of eight boys from Derinya and one from Warrnambool West who had raised his abuse with the school's leadership in May 1992.

After the allegations against Eaton were raised, the department responded by shifting him to two different schools.

The ABC reports Eaton was a popular teacher with a 35-year career who was known for walking around school grounds with a guide dog puppy

A statement from the Victorian Department of Education said 'it would be inappropriate for us to comment further so as not to prejudice the proceedings'

Despite the horrific allegations against him, Eaton was due to be awarded Victorian Teacher of the Year' at the time of his arrest

Eaton was moved to Belvedere Park Primary School in Seaford in 1992, and then Derinya Primary, where he worked from January 1993 until he was arrested in March of 1996.

Despite the horrific allegations against him, Eaton was due to be awarded the Victorian Teacher of the Year' at the time of his arrest.

Former staff of the Victorian Department of Education told ABC Investigations in 1996 the department knowingly shuffled Eaton around the state.

They said the department also allowed him to resign instead of being sacked, all while under police investigation.

This allowed Eaton not to lose his leave and financial entitlements following his 36-year career.

Personal injury law firm Arnold Thomas confirmed to the broadcaster that civil law claims have been filed against the Victorian Department of Education on behalf of four former students at Derinya, as well as the Warrnambool West survivor.

Georgia Sneddon, the lawyer acting on behalf of the men, said 'immeasurable harm' had been inflicted on the former students by Eaton being moved to Derinya Primary, and this had led to more students being exposed to abuse.

'This practice of moving teachers was more concerned about the reputation and well-being of the teachers, the schools and the department rather than the students,' Ms Sneddon said.

The Victorian Department of Education issued a statement in response to questions from ABC Investigations, confirming it had received the claims from the abuse survivors.

'These claims relate to abuse between 1991-1996 when Eaton worked at Warrnambool West Primary School and Derinya Primary School. We are not aware of allegations made against Eaton prior to May 1992,' the statement read.

'Given civil legal action in relation to Eaton is currently underway, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further so as not to prejudice the proceedings.'
Brittany Higgins has opened up about her bespoke, Grace Kelly-style wedding dress in an interview with a major women's magazine.

The former Liberal staffer married David Sharaz in an intimate ceremony at The Valley Estate - a sprawling luxury property on the Gold Coast - on Saturday afternoon in front of 80 guests.

Ms Higgins' dress was by the Australian designer Paolo Sebastian and featured a long-sleeve lace bodice, belted with a bow at the front and masses of white tulle that fell into a floor-length ball gown skirt.

The price of a Paolo Sebastian bridal gown varies because each piece is tailor-made, but they retail second-hand for up to $30,000.

However, Ms Higgins has now revealed 'the dress of my dreams' was a custom-made piece designed especially for her in collaboration the brand founder, Paul Vasileff.

It was inspired by the $US65,000 ivory gown worn by former American actress Grace Kelly when she married Prince Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956.

Brittany Higgins is pictured in the chapel after she married David Sharaz on Saturday

Ms Higgins' dress was inspired by Grace Kelly's ivory gown when she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956 (pictured)

Speaking with Marie Claire on Monday, Ms Higgins said: 'Paolo Sebastian is an Australian designer I've been obsessed with for years.

'To collaborate with Paul to create the modern Grace Kelly dress of my dreams was such a privilege.'

Mr Sharaz didn't know anything about the dress before he saw his bride standing at the end of the isle on Saturday, holding a bouquet of white and blush roses.

It is understood the Marie Claire interview was not a paid exclusive, and the publicity was not planned by the bride or groom.

Mr Sharaz told the magazine that he had been looking forward to marrying Ms Higgins 'since I first laid eyes on her all those years ago'.

'That said, celebrating with our family and friends and seeing Brittany truly happy for the first time in years, after everything she's had to go through, was the greatest day of my life.'

Pictured: Guests making their way into the chapel on Saturday afternoon, before the ceremony

The couple met in 2020 when she was a junior media advisor for Senator Michaelia Cash and he was a journalist for Sky News.

He proposed to her at the Cape Byron Lighthouse on New Years' Eve in 2022.

Earlier on Monday, it emerged that Canberra-based psychic medium Carrie de Block was on the guest list when long-term friends and acquaintances were not.

Mr Sharaz is a fan of Ms de Block and has regularly sought her guidance.

When asked about her appearance at the wedding, the groom said: 'I have friends from many walks of life and I was grateful to have them all there to celebrate my marriage to Brittany.'

The newlyweds will stay in Australia until the end of the week before they head back to their house in Lunas, southern France.
Jill Biden spent her 73rd birthday in a courtroom in a show of support for stepson Hunter as the jury that will decide his fate was seated.

Three times during breaks in jury selection the First Lady hugged Hunter and kissed him on the cheek as she spent hours sitting directly behind him in court. at one point Hunter joked to her: 'Happy Birthday. I got you to a special event.'

She sat on the public benches with Hunter's half-sister Ashley and his wife Melissa Cohen, who also put their arms around him during breaks in proceedings.

As those closest to him were in a criminal court Joe Biden issued a statement calling his son 'inspiring' and expressing 'boundless love' for him.

First lady Jill Biden departs from federal court, Monday, June 3, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware

unter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, joined by his his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, departs the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 03, 2024 in Wilmington, Delaware

A Biden family friend, Ricky Smith, who was in court, said: 'It ain't right for him (Hunter) to be sitting there because he was a drug addict.'

Hunter, the only surviving son of the president, has pleaded not guilty to three charges relating to buying a .38-caliber Colt Cobra revolver at a time when, according to his own memoir, he was in the midst of crack addiction.

The charges are lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on an application by saying he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days.

If found guilty he could face up to 25 years in prison, although as a first-time offender he could also escape any jail time.

After going through security at the six-story J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, Hunter passed a large photograph of his smiling father on the lobby.

The building itself is named after the Republican politician - Boggs - who Joe Biden beat to become a U.S. senator in 1972.

Ashley Biden, the daughter of U.S. President Joe Biden, hugs a police officer as she leaves the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building during her brother Hunter Biden's trial

Ashley Biden outside court as Hunter Biden's stands trial on gun and drugs charges

In a cavernous wood-paneled courtroom on the fourth floor over 60 prospective jurors were gathered by Judge Maryellen Noreika.

They were given a lengthy set of questions to answer which included they knowledge of the case, their opinions on gun ownership, and any family experience of drug addiciton.

Potential jurors dismissed included several who knew the Biden's personally.

One of them had played squash with Beau Biden, Hunter's late brother, and was a member of the same country club as the Bidens.

Another had been a work colleague of Jill Biden's at a school where she taught, and said he had met 'Jill's husband numerous times.

Judge Maryellen Noreika who is trying the case of Hunter Biden

Hunter Biden arrives at the federal court with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden,

Several also said they knew Hallie Biden, Beau's widow, who had a relationship with Hunter and is set to be a key witness in the trial.

Other jurors said they were at least familiar with this case and the Bidens because Wilmington was a 'small place'.

One said: 'I live in Delaware. You can't swing a cat with out hearing something.'

Among the jurors sent home was a woman who said she had formed an opinion about Hunter Biden based on media reports.

She said: 'It's not a good one.'

U.S. first lady Jill Biden leaves the federal court on the opening day of trial of Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, on criminal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware

President Joe Biden waves as he arrives on Air Force One at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y. Monday, June 3,

The jurors ultimately chosen included one who had a lengthy career with the Secret Service.

Another told the court her sister was convicted about 10 years ago of credit card fraud and drug charges in Delaware.

One young woman on the jury said she gets all her news from YouTube.

A man on the jury said he had a concealed carry gun permit and has owned six guns.

The jury chosen consisted of six men and six women, with four alternates.

During the selection process almost all of the potential jurors said they know someone who has been addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Almost every potential juror also said they had heard something about the case in the news, although few knew any details.

Police secure the exterior of the US Federal District Court before the start of the first day of Hunter Biden's federal gun tria

First lady Jill Biden outside Hunter Biden's trial at federal court

Judge Noreika told them not to talk or read about the case on the internet.

Opening statements begin on Tuesday and the case is expected to last two weeks.

Hunter Biden also faces a separate trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes.

In a statement Joe Biden 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."

The president spent the day at his home in Wilmington home and left shortly after court adjourned for a campaign reception in Connecticut.
Australia is rushing towards becoming a cashless society but not everyone is ready to wave goodbye to physical currency - and there are good reasons why.

The Covid pandemic supercharged a trend toward digital transactions that was already underway, with the use of digital wallet payments on smartphones and watches soaring from $746million in 2018 to more than $93billion in 2022.

By the end of 2022 cash only accounted for 13 per cent of Australian consumer payments compared to 70 per cent in 2007.

'The shift towards a cashless society in Australia isn't just a possibility, it's already well underway,' RMIT Associate Professor in Finance Angel Zhong said.

While Dr Zhong did not see banknotes disappearing completely, she believed they will become much rarer in day-to-day transactions.

'The functionally cashless society is where we enjoy the convenience of technology - we don't have to go out with a bunch of cash, we can use our phone and smartwatch to make payments,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

As more Australians embrace the trend a growing number of retailers are only accepting digital payments.

Major banks continue to close branches, shrink ATM numbers and are even opening 'cashless' branches, citing a customer preference for online services.

However, going electronic has its own sets of risks and could badly disadvantage some sections of the population.

Here are the 10 major concerns of going cashless.

RMIT Associate Professor in Finance Angel Zhong says legislation in Australia is trailing behind developments in electronics payment

1. It can leave out older Australians or others not digitally connected

Dr Zhong said the strongest adopters of digital payments were Australians aged between 18 and 29.

'Two-thirds of them use digital wallets,' she said.

However, many older Australians still preferred to pay in physical currency with almost one in five classified as a 'high-cash user'.

Dr Zhong said as Australia needed provide 'better support for other age groups to embrace technology, better literacy about systems in technology as well as financial assistance' for those struggling with the transition to digital payments.

Those on lower incomes and new migrants also typically rely more on cash.

2. It relies on internet coverage and reliable connectivity

Rural areas with slow internet can find digital transactions challenging.

However a major Commonwealth Bank outage in July demonstrated the vulnerability of digital finance even in urban areas.

Customers were left paralysed by the technical glitch and unable to access their accounts, transfer funds or use their cards to make purchases.

Dr Zhong said governments needed to support investment in infrastructure that boosted internet coverage and speeds to smooth the way for the digital revolution.

3. Some areas of the cash economy will suffer

Charity donations given on the street are dwindling because fewer people are carrying cash and the those who beg or busk for a living face the same problem, research conducted in 2020 found.

'While retailers and online merchants have benefited from cashless payment options, donation-seekers are left rattling an empty cup,' wrote University of Massachusetts' Spencer M. Ross and Auckland University of Technology's Sommer Kapitan.

'Aside from people carrying less cash, our research suggests another major reason is that people simply don't expect to see beggars or buskers with a swipe machine, or a QR code or Venmo symbol on their signs.'

4. 'Hidden' fees

Digital transactions often attract a fee, which might not be obvious at the time of purchase.

Warwick Ponder, the former executive manager of corporate affairs and communications at eftpos Payments Australia, told Daily Mail Australia that Paywave devices often levied a delayed credit surcharge.

Mr Ponder advised customers to avoid tapping as much as possible, as there could be a significant period of time before the money deducted registers in their account.

Banks also typically charge a higher fee for 'tap-and-go' purchases than for EFTPOS, with only cash attracting no extra cost.

5. Hacking and scams

It is estimated that Australians lost more than $2billion to online scams in 2021 - but the true figure could be much higher due to many incidents going unreported.

Major cybersecurity breaches of Optus and Medibank last year also highlighted the risk of identity theft online.

UNSW Institute for Cyber-Security director Nigel Phair told Daily Mail Australia that the nation 'has to do a lot better when it comes to cyber-crime'.

' The Australian Cyber-Security Centre said they had about 63,000 reports (of scams) last year, I reckon that's about a fifth of what the actual number is.

'The ACCC had about $2billion in reported losses from scams. I reckon that's nowhere near the right amount.'

6. Lagging legislation

Regulation of electronic payments often lags behind technological and market innovations.

Google Pay and Apple Pay are currently not subject to the same rules as credit cards and EFTPOS transactions.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers is updating legislation to change this.

'That payments Act is actually out of date,' Dr Zhong said.

'We need to regulate to ensure that we have an industry-wide standard to ensure that consumers' wellbeing and security are protected.'

7. Losing the value of money and less social interaction

Finance commentator Sarah Wells told Daily Mail Australia that children won't learn the true value of money and miss out on crucial social interactions if all transactions become digital.

'I believe it is better for children to use cash,' Ms Wells said.

'Giving a child $20 and taking them to a shopping centre or the movies helps them to learn to budget and helps them to make decisions by thinking more carefully.

'There's a responsibility in handing over money and such valuable social interaction - they learn to say 'please' and 'thank you' and look people in the eye.'

8. Loss of independent spending power

Ms Wells also warned that having 'a cash-starved society' could be bad news for those whose finances are being controlled or denied by someone else.

Ms Wells said young women who were fleeing domestic violence needed to be kept in mind when regulating digital payments.

Women in these circumstances risk being tracked by an abusive partner or being cut off from their finances.

'We need to make sure we are not compromising the safety, education and experience of minority groups and young minds in our endeavours to legislate contemporary payment platforms,' she said.

Australia is rapidly going cashless with digital payments being enthusiastically adopted, especially by younger consumers

9. Your spending can be tracked

The loss of anonymity and privacy is a major concern for many who oppose a 'cashless society'.

A change.org petition created by Elizabeth Hynton which rails against the 'discrimination' faced by those who used cash has gathered more than 5000 signatures.

'Cash is private,' the petition states.

'When one pays via credit/debit card, the Government knows: what one spends their money on, how much they spend, where one spends their money and when the purchase was made, which is an invasion of privacy.'

Dr Zhong agreed that the concerns were valid.

'(With) anything digital there is always a vulnerability it will be tracked,' she said.

10. Loss of your and freedom of choice

This is perhaps the over-riding concern of many who oppose the cashless society.

The change.org petition argues that cash should always be an option.

'One of the hallmarks of a free society is freedom of choice ... not just what suits an organisation, but also what suits the customer!' the petition states.

'We can't go on forever using COVID as an excuse.'

China presents a dystopian vision of how such control can be exercised, where people are subject to a social credit score that accrues or docks points depending on how desirable the individual's behaviour is according to the government.

A bad social credit score can mean being blocked from buying items such as plane or train tickets.

The Reserve Bank is currently examining the benefits of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) being introduced to to Australia, which would be a 'programmable' currency such as China's.

Although the RBA has stated such a currency could improve the 'efficiency and resilience' of payments it said one was not likely to introduced any time soon.

'Given the many issues that are yet to be resolved, any decision on a CBDC in Australia is likely to be some years away,' the RBA said.
A leading criminologist believes Samantha Murphy's phone could reveal her final movements after the device was found in perfect working condition beside a dam.

Victoria Police search crews last week discovered Ms Murphy's iPhone in the mud on the water's edge at Buninyong, about 19km from her Ballarat home.

She was last seen leaving her Eureka St house in Ballarat about 7am on February 4 to go for a 14km run through the nearby Woowookarung Regional Park.

The phone, protected by a teal-covered case, is undamaged and in working condition with investigators hoping it could lead to the discovery of her body.

Dr Xanthe Mallett, a criminologist from the University of Newcastle, said she was 'surprised' to hear the phone was in working order - and this could potentially mean it had not been left out in the elements for the entire four months.

'The police were searching for it obviously for almost four months, something took them to that dam,' she told Seven's Sunrise on Tuesday morning.

Dr Xanthe Mallett, a criminologist from the University of Newcastle, said she was 'surprised' to hear the phone was in working order (pictured on Sunrise on Tuesday morning)

Victoria Police search crews last week discovered Ms Murphy's iPhone in the mud on the water's edge at Buninyong, about 19km from her Ballarat home (pictured)

'That hasn't been disclosed what evidence or intelligence that was yet, but yes, this could absolutely offer new clues that will help find Samantha.

'As we know now, [the phone] is operational and downloadable.'

Dr Mallett speculated that a phone that had been underwater or in mud for four months would likely be 'beyond retrievable'.

'So does that indicate that it hasn't been there for the entire four months?' she said.

'That's yet to be seen. But it's that timeline that the police will be working on and it's certainly going to be essential in helping to develop that.'

She said police would get as much information from the phone as they could.

'I think that there may be potentially more witnesses that may come forward because we now know about that dam, we know the phone is there,' she said.

'So I'm hoping that now that information is public, other people may come forward and offer information as to who may have dumped that phone and when.

'You have to commend the investigators that have worked so hard on this.

'You can see the relief and almost celebration. I know we're not at the end of this investigation yet, but it's a huge development.'

Ms Murphy (pictured) was last seen leaving her Eureka St house in Ballarat about 7am to go for a 14km run through the nearby Woowookarung Regional Park on February 4

Victoria Police search crews are seen using sniffer dogs during a targeted search on May 29

Cybersecurity expert Nigel Phair previously said results from the forensic tests could be a 'game changer' for the investigation and lead to a breakthrough.

'The physical properties of the phone will obviously be damaged but what's behind it, those ones and zeros of data, will be retrievable,' he said.

Ms Murphy's phone was found close to where it last made contact with a nearby tower in the Buninyong region before going silent.

The device is believed to have been submerged in the dam since February 4 - the very day police allege Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, murdered Ms Murphy while she was out on a Sunday jog.

Daily Mail Australia was told this week Missing Persons Unit detectives had been suspicious of the dam soon after taking charge of the investigation, questioning its owner just weeks later.

Police would not return until early May when they asked the owner again if he would mind police entering his property.

Three weeks passed before Wednesday's search turned up the phone.

The location of the dam sits just around the corner from the Durham Lead Nature Conservation Reserve, which search crews descended upon on April 12. The dam had been at its lowest since the heat of summer in December.

Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, is pictured

Stephenson has hired top criminal defence lawyer Paul Galbally (left) from Melbourne-based law firm Galbally O'Bryan

It comes as Stephenson hired top criminal defence lawyer Paul Galbally from Melbourne-based law firm Galbally O'Bryan.

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,' it says.

'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.'

It is understood Stephenson has refused to cooperate with police and disclose what they allege he knows about the location of Ms Murphy's body.

Missing Persons Unit Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt has assured the community his detectives will never stop searching for Ms Murphy's body.

'I want to assure those in the Ballarat community that police remain focused on doing everything we can to return Samantha to her family,' he said previously.
The desolate reality of San Francisco's hollowed out city center has been laid bare by footage showing every store in an entire retail block shuttered and empty.

Lloyd Chapman of the American Small Business League visited the city's once-thriving Union Square area at the heart of its retail district.

The prime real estate was once home to outlets including Uniqlo, H&M, Rasputin Records, and Lush, but all have disappeared in a city center plagued by crime, drugs and homelessness.

'Unbelievable!' he exclaims as his camera pans round the ghostly remains of former stores now defaced by graffiti.

'This whole street is vacant, every store is empty.'

Nothing remains of San Francisco's retail heart on one block where every store is empty

Lloyd Chapman of the American Small Business League said it was a marked contrast to the city's glory days just a few years ago when it was a 'Disneyland for adults'

The retail exodus is mirrored in nearby streets with 22 out of 33 stores now vacant in a three-block section of Powell Street from Market Street to Union Square, according to a survey by the SF Chronical.

And the entire Union Square district now has a record vacancy rate of 20.6 per cent, helping drive the city's overall retail vacancy rate to a new high of 7.9 percent according to a survey last month by Cushman and Wakefield.

'The decline in retail performance was primarily due to the worsening conditions in Union Square and the surrounding downtown areas,' analyst Soany Gunawan wrote in the report.

Chapman's eerie video has been seen by 500,000 people since he posted it to X

Assaults are up by 10 percent in Union Square's police district so far this year and vehicle thefts are up by a third despite police setting up a new command center in the area.

Figures for most crimes have fallen across the city this year but Chapman claimed the damage has already been done after years of increases, pointing the finger of blame at California governor Gavin Newsom.

'He has devastated California with his failed policies,' the business leader tweeted.

'San Francisco is a ghost town. Oakland looks like a refugee camp.'

California spent $24 billion tackling homelessness in the five years to 2023 but did not track if the money was helping the state's growing number of unhoused people, a damning report revealed last month.

Homelessness jumped 6 percent to more than 180,000 people in California last year, federal data show. And since 2013, the numbers have exploded by 53 percent with the state accounting for a third of America's entire homeless population.

It has contributed to California's budget deficit of at least $45 billion, a shortfall so large it prompted Newsom to propose painful spending cuts impacting immigrants, kindergarteners and low-income parents seeking child care in a state often lauded for having the world's fifth-largest economy.

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently admitted that the state spent $24 billion tackling homelessness in the five years to 2023, but did not track if the money was helping

A map reveals the major businesses which have left, or have announced they are leaving, San Francisco in recent months. Retailers like Whole Foods, Anthropologie, Old Navy, AmazonGo, Saks Off Fifth and now American Eagle are among those taking part in the mass exodus

San Francisco Mayor London Breed hailed figures showing a recent cut in street sleeping

Retail stalwarts Old Navy, Nordstrom, Whole Foods, Anthropologie and Office Depot were among those announcing their exodus last year.

They were followed by North Face, Jeffrey's Toys, Lacoste with Macy's expected to close its flagship store next year.

'As someone who grew up in San Francisco, Macy's has always meant a lot to the people of this city. It's where families came to shop for the holidays,' San Francisco Mayor London Breed said when the news was announced in February.

'It's where many people from my community got their first jobs, or even held jobs for decades. It's hard to think of Macy's not being part of our city anymore.'

Workers at the store told The San Francisco Standard they believe the decision was made because of daily rampant shoplifting, with thieves taking at least four blazers, 10 wallets and 20 packs of underwear a day on a regular basis.

American Eagle announced last month that it will leave the former Westfield San Francisco Centre over the summer, citing more 100 significant security incidents that allegedly occurred between May 2020 and May 2023.

Breed hailed new figures last month suggesting that trough sleeping in the city has hit a five-year low with 360 tents and structures counted on the streets in April, a 41 percent reduction on last summer.

A horrifying video filmed in November showed homeless and intoxicated people sprawling across streets for hundreds of yards in the Tenderloin district of the city

At one point a man with a hoodie seemingly burnt off his back steps in front of the TikToker as other ghostly figures loom up out of the darkness

Visitor numbers to Union Square are down nine percent so far this year according to Cushman & Wakefield, and the crisis is not confined to retailers with office vacancies now at a record level as businesses of all types desert the city center.

Scenes of homeless drug addicts stumbling on sidewalks and fears of violence and petty crime have become a national political issue, with Donald Trump making it part of his campaign platform.

In a video on homelessness released by his campaign, Trump said that 'hardworking, law-abiding citizens' were being sidelined and made to 'suffer for the whims of a deeply unwell few.'

He vowed to 'ban urban camping' and create 'tent cities' on 'inexpensive land' for homeless people that will be staffed with doctors and social workers to help people address systemic problems.

More than two thirds of Americans say homelessness, which surged by 12 percent last year, is out of control

A recent DailyMail.com/TIPP Poll showed that more than two thirds of US adults said homelessness was out of control and that officials needed to move those sleeping rough into tented encampments outside towns and cities.

The survey revealed that 67 percent of Americans are fed up with the country's fast-rising number of homeless people and want mayors to take drastic steps to tackle the scourge.

'San Francisco was like Disneyland for adults,' Chapman wrote.

'Tons of cool stores and fabulous restaurants and night clubs. They're all gone now. Maybe someday it will all come back.'
Angry that immigration is still soaring and the potential of Brexit remains largely untapped, it's understandable Nigel Farage should want to return to frontline politics.

But in seeking to take his anger out on the Tories as president of Reform UK and the party's candidate for Clacton, he risks sabotaging his life's work.

It was Mr Farage who helped shift the idea of Brexit from the outer fringes of political debate into the mainstream. In 2016, when the country voted to quit the EU, the victory was his as much as anyone's.

Because the fruits of that victory have not been harvested, he wants to punish the Tories by plundering their vote on July 4.

He should be careful what he wishes for. While he could prevail in Clacton, where the Leave vote was 70 per cent, it's unlikely any other Reform candidates will win.

Nigel Farage accepts the leadership of Reform UK and announces that he will stand as MP for Clacton in the forthcoming General Election

However, what he can do in a significant number of constituencies is split the Conservative vote and allow Labour in.

Latest polling already suggests a Starmer landslide. Mr Farage's intervention makes that even more likely.

But he could also be helping to sound Brexit's death knell.

Sir Keir was a passionate Remainer who campaigned to overturn the referendum result. There are already reports that Labour wants to realign with Brussels. How long before free movement and the customs union are back on the table?

Having been such a trailblazer for Brexit, it would be a tragedy if Mr Farage became an unwitting catalyst in its demise.

Labour goes nuclear

Less than five years ago, Sir Keir Starmer and much of his current shadow cabinet tried to propel Jeremy Corbyn to power  a man openly and viscerally opposed to Britain's nuclear deterrent.

In 2016 David Lammy, who may soon be foreign secretary, voted against renewing Trident on the grounds that it contradicted his Christian principles.

Deputy leader Angela Rayner was among a clutch of other frontbenchers who voted the same way, and said yesterday she hasn't changed her mind since.

Less than five years ago, Sir Keir Starmer and much of his current shadow cabinet tried to propel Jeremy Corbyn to power  a man openly and viscerally opposed to Britain's nuclear deterrent

In 2016 David Lammy, who may soon be foreign secretary, voted against renewing Trident on the grounds that it contradicted his Christian principles

So, what are we to make of the party's support for nuclear weapons now? On the campaign trail yesterday, Sir Keir said they were 'a fundamental part of our defence'  and that he'd be prepared to use them.

He has performed so many U-turns since becoming leader, it's hard to keep up. But this one really matters. As he himself said, national security is the most important issue of all to the country.

Would our nuclear arsenal be safe in his hands? He claims it would, adding ominously that the shadow cabinet are 'right behind him'. Given their previous commitment to disarmament, that is perhaps what should worry us most.

Crisis of identity

The Tory pledge to defend the safety and dignity of women and girls by enshrining biological sex in law is a welcome outbreak of common sense.

Toughening up the Equality Act would prevent trans women  born male  taking legal action against being barred from female changing rooms, jails, and sports.

For years trans extremists have been allowed to plant the insidious notion that anyone can choose their own gender. The only mystery is why it took so long for the Government to stand up to them.

Labour dismisses this foray into gender politics as a 'distraction'. They're wrong. It is of concern to millions of ordinary people.
He did not have insurance

A father has tragically died after suffering a 'massive brain bleed' while in Bali.

Marcus Filleul was on holiday on the Indonesian island when he suffered a bleed in the brain. Doctors located a tumour last week.

The father-of-two, who was born in New Zealand but called Western Australia home since 2013, received emergency surgery at BIMC Hospital in Kuta, in Bali's south.

Family and friends desperately tried to raise funds to allow Mr Filleul to be flown home and treated in Australia as he had no insurance and faced having to pay $10,000 per day for hospital care in Bali.

But Mr Filleul sadly passed away on Monday morning, according to friend Dayle Hart who set up the GoFundMe page to raise money for his repatriation.

Marcus Filleul (pictured) was on holiday on the Indonesian island when he suffered a bleed in the brain. Doctors located a tumour last week

He passed away on Monday morning before his family could raise funds to fly him home to Western Australia

'He put up a good fight right to the end, and the family is so grateful they were afforded the time with him this last week,' Ms Hart wrote.

She added: 'Arrangements will be made now, to repatriate Marcus back to QLD. Thank you all for your kindness and generous donations.'

Another friend described Mr Filleul as a 'legend'.

'I cherish our friendship and our adventures together, even though they were cut short,' they wrote.

'I'm grateful to have spent your last days with you, and I wish you eternal happiness.'

Daily Mail Australia approached the family for comment.
President Joe Biden broke cover after the first day of son Hunter Biden's gun trial to raise money for his reelection bid at a glitzy Greenwich, Connecticut home.

After spending the day in Wilmington, Delaware with nothing on his schedule, the president addressed high-dollar donors Monday night at the home of former HBO boss Richard Plepler.

He warned of the 'uncharted territory' the campaign entered into after former President Donald Trump became a felon - and raised a jaw-dropping $141 million in May.

'This guy does not deserve to be president whether or not I'm running,' the 81-year-old presumptive Democratic nominee said.

Biden noted that 'for the first time in American history a former president that is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the presidency.'

President Joe Biden arrived Monday evening in White Plains, New York to headline a fundraiser in Greenwich, Connecticut after spending the day in Wilmington, Delaware as his son Hunter attended the first day of his federal gun trial

Hunte Biden (left) holds hands with his wife Melissa Cohen (right) as he arrived Monday to Federal District Court in Wilmington, Delaware where he's on trial for lying about his sobriety when buying a gun

'But as disturbing as that is, more damaging is the all-out assault Donald Trump is making on the American system of justice,' the president said.

Trump has called the process 'rigged' and characterized himself as a 'political prisoner.'

Biden pushed back, noting that Trump is being given the right to appeal.

'It's reckless and dangerous for anyone to say that's rigged just because they don't like the outcome,' the president said.

He also continued to press that Trump would be more damaging in a second term, using the attack line that the ex-president 'snapped' and became 'unhinged' after losing the 2020 race to the Democrat.

'It's literally driving him crazy,' Biden said.

The fundraiser was being held at the home of Plepler, who worked under Democratic Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd - a friend of the president - during the early years of his career.

Former Preident Donald Trump is pictured attending a UFC fight on Saturday after being convicted of 34 felony charges in the Stormy Daniels hush money case. On Monday Trump's campaign announced he raised an eyeball-popping $141 million in May

Dodd was on hand at Monday evening's fundraiser alongside other Connecticut Democratic lawmakers Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, Gov. Ned Lamont and Rep. Jim Himes.

Biden was at his Rehoboth Beach home when Trump was convicted Thursday on all 34 felony charges of falsifying business records related to hush money payments paid to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

He briefly returned to the White House Friday and addressed the conviction ahead of giving remarks on the Middle East.

'The American principle that no one is above the law was reaffirmed,' Biden said.

'And it's reckless, it's dangerous, it's irresponsble for anyone to say this was rigged, just because they don't like the verdict,' the president added.

He then welcomed the Kansas City Chiefs to the White House before departing again for Rehoboth Beach to spend the weekend.

The president and first lady flew to Wilmington Sunday night - a day ahead of schedule.

First lady Jill Biden (center) walks into the courthouse with an aide (left) and Naomi Biden's husband Peter Neal (right) on Monday, while the president stayed hunkered down at the couple's Wilmington, Delaware home

First daughter Ashley Biden was photographed outside the courthouse to show support for her brother Hunter alongside her mother, first lady Dr. Jill Biden and Peter Neal, the husband of Naomi Biden

Biden stayed put at the couple's lakefront Wilmington home as Dr. Jill Biden appeared in court to support Hunter during Monday's jury selection process of his federal gun trial.

Daughter Ashley Biden and grandson-in-law Peter Neal also showed up at the courthouse to show support.

On board Air Force One Monday, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre wouldn't say how Biden spent his day at home in Wilmington besides calling the president-elect of Mexico.

She refused to say whether Biden was monitoring Hunter's trial.

'I appreciate the question. And I know it's going to be asked a million different ways, I just don't have anything to share. All I have to share with all of you is what we shared this morning is the president's statement,' Jean-Pierre said.

The White House released a statement of support for Hunter from the president earlier Monday.

She also refused to bite when asked about the president's 'emotional state' on day No. 1 of Hunter's trial.
Sir Keir Starmer has said the closure of private schools has 'nothing to do with' his policy to charge them 20 per cent VAT.

The Labour leader faced questions after a school in Norfolk announced it would shut down over the party's pledge to introduce the increase straight away.

Answering questions at a campaign event in Bury, the Labour leader said: 'I've seen a number of reports of private schools closing. When you look at the details, it's 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 it's about time that was put into the mix when these stories are reported.'

Over the weekend, Downham Preparatory School in Norfolk - where almost a third of pupils have special needs - said it would close next month.

The principal of the prep school blamed Labour's policy to levy the tax on the decision to shut due to financial pressures.

Sir Keir Starmer has said the closure of private schools has 'nothing to do with' his policy to charge them 20 per cent VAT

Elizabeth Laffeaty-Sharpe said the school - which charges half the national average - would have been forced to pass the levy on to 'ordinary parents like plumbers and electricians'.

She told the Telegraph: 'We will not be the only one. There will be more following us. Small schools just cannot survive this.'

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) suggested Downham Prep School was a typical example of the smaller schools that will fall victim to Labour's tax proposals.

Labour has insisted that it will levy VAT 'straight away' on private school fees if it wins the election on July 4.

Parents and headteachers fear the 20 per cent tax will spark an exodus of pupils as families struggle to afford fees and go into the state sector.

According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, up to 40,000 children could be pushed out of private schools and into state schools due to Labour's plans - costing the taxpayer up to 300million a year.

Downham Preparatory School in Norfolk, (pictured) which was founded 40 years ago will have to close its doors to pupils, many of whom have special educational needs

The VAT charge is expected to raise 1.7billion which Labour has pledged to spend on a series of state education pledges, including hiring 6,500 new teachers.

However, this is based on parents keeping their children in the private sector, and schools staying open.

Last month, Alton School in Hampshire announced it would shut this summer after blaming 'adverse political and economic factors' which made it 'unviable' to run.

Families with children at the 18,000-a-year Catholic school have blamed the Labour Party's tax policies for forcing parents to remove their children and place them in the state sector, according to the Telegraph.

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 BBC Question Time last week: 'I say to the headteachers, you're going to have to cut your cloth accordingly like state schools have had to.'

A spokesman for the Independent Schools Council said: 'While it is true that a number of economic factors are coming to bear on independent schools, the threat of VAT on parents' fees and the effect this is having on demand cannot be dismissed.

'This is evident in the fact that the fall in new pupils this academic year was the highest it has been since 2011, with heads telling us that VAT is very much at the forefront of parents' minds as they make long-term decisions about their children's education.

'We are particularly concerned about the unintended consequences of this policy, including adding further demand on a SEND system that is already in crisis.'
Staff at a zoo in Chicago are heartbroken after an African lion cub, aged just 17-months-old, had to be euthanized over the weekend.

Known affectionately as Lomelok, the cub had suffered 'mobility challenges' since he was only a few weeks old, caused by a deformity in his lower spine.

Animal Care and veterinary staff made the difficult decision to euthanize the cub at Lincoln Park Zoo, despite having surgery earlier this year which was hoped might alleviate his ailment.

Staff at the zoo said the cub 'garnered attention and the hearts of zoogoers as he navigated a spinal birth defect.'

Lomelok, an African lion cub, that was just 17-months-old, had to be euthanized at a zoo in Chicago over the weekend

The cub at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo had severe mobility challenges since birth

Lomelok had had developed a following among zoo goers to the Chicago-based zoo

In March, Lomelok underwent surgery but his 'recovery had been slow and steady.'

But after many weeks of progress, medical intervention and physical therapy, it was clear Lomelok was still not thriving as a young lion cub should. The zoo said it was clear the lion was not going to make a full recovery.

'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.'

Adding to his health complications, the zoo said Lomelok had recently developed a gastrointestinal obstruction that would require another intense surgery.

Faced with a lengthy recovery that second surgery would require, the zoo decided to have the cub euthanized instead.

'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 explained.

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.'

In March, Lomelok underwent surgery with his his 'recovery had been slow and steady'

Lomelok showed concerns with his rear limbs concerns

The lion cub is seen recovering from an operation to help him walk better earlier this year

Lomelok is seen with his pride of brothers Pesho, Sidai, and Pilipili

'There are no words to articulate how deeply he will be missed,' Curator of Mammals Cassy Kutilek said.

'Lincoln Park Zoo grieves this loss with our community,' the statement read.

'Lomelok's story spread far & wide. This loss will be felt by so many. Our teams are hurting and we are grieving. Our hearts go out to everyone who cared about this special lion,' the zoo added on X.

Lomelok's name means 'sweet' in the Maa language, which is spoken in Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania.

Last summer, Lincoln Park Zoo welcomed its newest resident, a baby zebra, weighing 105 pounds.

This birth was particularly notable, as Grevy's zebras are endangered, with fewer than 2,000 of the species in the wild due to a loss of habitat and hunting.
Nigel Farage today claimed the Tories have 'betrayed' Britain as he called for the UK to have 'zero' net migration and defended controversial comments about Muslims.

The newly-installed Reform UK leader, who has sent Conservatives panicking with his return to the political frontline, said immigration had 'exploded' in recent years.

The Brexiteer insisted certain sectors of the economy would have to put up with shortages in a bid to reduce the number of arrivals into the country.

Mr Farage claimed this would drive up wages and 'encourage people to learn skills rather than heading off to university and doing social sciences'.

He also risked stirring up a fresh row this morning in a fiery clash with BBC Radio 4 Today presenter Mishal Husain.

Mr Farage doubled down on his view that a growing number of British Muslims 'do not subscribe to British values', which has been branded 'ignorant and offensive'.

He also defended claims that there are some streets in Britain where 'no one speaks English'.

Challenged about his remarks, Mr Farage replied: 'I could take you streets in Oldham right now where no one speaks English.'

But he declined to comment on whether his own children spoke a second language, when asked how he knew people in Oldham were not multilingual.

The 60-year-old has vowed to lead a 'political revolt' against the Tories and Labour after his bombshell announcement that he will lead Reform for the next five years.

In a stunning U-turn, Mr Farage is also now eyeing a seat in the House of Commons and will later today formally launch his campaign to become MP for Clacton-on-Sea.

In a round of TV and radio interviews this morning, Nigel Farage launched a direct attack on the Tories over immigration numbers

The newly-installed Reform UK leader, who has sent Conservatives panicking with his return to the political frontline, said immigration had 'exploded' in recent years

In a round of interviews today, Mr Farage launched a direct attack on the Tories over immigration numbers and firmly ruled out a pact with Rishi Sunak's party.

He told the BBC: 'We have been betrayed by a Conservative Party that I gave considerable help to in 2019.

'We were told that we would get control of our borders, we were told the immigration numbers would come down, they have exploded.

'I feel betrayed by them, millions of voters feel betrayed by them.'

Mr Farage claimed the Tories were 'well past their sell-by-date, the brand is ruined, they've lost the election already'.

He added: 'We cannot go on as we are - we have to limit numbers.

'Our lives, our quality of life in this country, is being diminished by the population explosion.

'And if that means that in some sectors there'd be shortages, what that then means is wages will go up and we'd start to encourage people to learn skills rather than heading off to university and doing social sciences.'

Mr Farage stated his aim was to have 'net migration at zero', which would allow 'room within the labour market for up to 600,000 people' to come to Britain each year.

Latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics suggested that 1.2 million people migrated into the UK last year and 532,000 people emigrated from it.

This left a net migration figure of 685,000 for 2023.

In a later interview, Mr Farage suggested his long-term aim was to effectively take over the Conservative Party.

He told ITV's Good Morning Britain he could not stand for or seek to lead the Conservative Party 'as they currently are'.

But he added: 'You can speculate as to what'll happen in three or four years' time, all I will tell you is if Reform succeed in the way that I think they can, then a chunk of the Conservative Party will join us  it's the other way around.'

He pointed to Canada, where 'Reform did a reverse takeover of the Conservative Party, rebranded it and Stephen Harper  who was elected as a Reform MP  became the Canadian prime minister for 10 years'.

He said: 'I don't want to join the Conservative Party, I think the better thing to do would be to take it over.'

Mr Farage last night used an op-ed for The Telegraph to argue that Britons are 'furious' at how both Labour and the Conservatives have approached immigration.

He added there is also 'deep anger' at the rate at which public services are 'disintegrating'.

Mr Farage pictured accepting the leadership of Reform UK. He rocked Westminster when he announced he would stand as MP for Clacton

Election night could see Rishi Sunak's party suffering the humiliation of a so-called Portillo moment with 12 cabinet members forecast to lose their seats

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Mr Sunak suffered the darkest hour of his election campaign yesterday afternoon.

During a dramatic 60 minutes, the Prime Minister suffered a double blow as Mr Farage entered the fray and a new poll predicted a Tory wipeout.

Mr Farage, when announcing his bid for the Clacto seat, said the election needed a bit of 'gingering up', as he described it as 'the dullest, most boring election campaign we have ever seen in our lives'.

Writing in The Telegraph, he alleged that the UK has been 'failed by two main parties' who have 'conspired to accelerate our decline'.

He argued that neither the Tories nor Labour have a 'plan to pull this country out of a deep economic hole' and that both are 'hooked on a deadly addiction to mass immigration'.

The Reform Party leader, citing alleged interactions with 'patriotic Brits' he met while campaigning last weekend, claimed that voters feel 'sick' at the Government's 'policy of betrayal'.

'The people that I meet are furious at, first Labour, and now the Tories' open-door approach to mass immigration, with some 2.5 million migrants entering the UK in the past two years alone,' he wrote.

'There is also deep anger that public services, from healthcare to housing, are disintegrating even as record peacetime taxes are levied on pitifully stagnant wages.'

He alleged there is 'utter despondency' that neither party will be forward a plan or leader that 'offers just a shred of hope that things might improve'.

'There's no doubt that I have taken a big risk in giving up the life I enjoy to work for a vision of Britain so hated by our wrong-headed elites,' Mr Farage added.

'But the state of the nation has left me with no choice.'

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The Prime Minister is preparing for his first televised debate with Sir Keir Starmer tonight. Mr Sunak is 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

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Meanwhile, the biggest poll of the campaign to date suggested Sir Keir Starmer 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.

Mr Sunak launched a fightback today, with plans for an annual cap on immigration to cut the number of arrivals 'year on year'.

The PM 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.

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 to the poll big names including Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured) are likely to lose their seats

Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt could also lose her seat according to the YouGov/Sky News poll

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!

By David Churchill, Chief Political Correspondent for The Daily Mail

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.

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.

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

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.

Meanwhile, the biggest poll of the campaign to date suggested Sir Keir Starmer (pictured yesterday) is on course to eclipse Tony Blair's 1997 landslide win

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.'
Experts have raised concerns of the impact on our native honeybee populations

Defra reported a record number of 72 nests being spotted in the last year

Invasive Asian hornets have survived a UK winter for the first time, government scientists have discovered, raising fears that British honeybee populations could be decimated.

It comes after the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) reported a record number of 72 nests being spotted in the last year.

Asian hornets, which have black bodies and yellow legs, eat honeybees as well as fruit and flowers.

They are native to Southeast Asia but evidence is now beginning to show this species could be in the first stages of being established in the UK.

Concerns have been raised by experts that if the insect does establish itself in Britain, this could have dramatic consequences for our native pollinators.

Ian Campbell of the British Beekeepers Association, has warned that Britain is at a 'tipping point' where the species becomes well established in the UK.

He told The Times: 'They like social insects (such as honeybees), because social insects congregate in groups  and that's like an all-you-can-eat buffet for the hornet'.

Mr Campbell told the newspaper that if they did become established in the UK, that some beekeepers in the worst-effected areas may give up.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) reported a record number of 72 nests being spotted in the last year

Experts say that Asian hornets are dangerously close to becoming established in the UK. Members of the public have been urged to be vigilant for the invasive species

Concerns have been raised by experts that if the insect does establish itself in Britain, this could have dramatic consequences for our native pollinators

Asian Hornet sightings so far in 2024 Confirmed sightings in April Four Oaks, East Sussex: 25 April - single hornet captured Four Oaks, East Sussex: 24 April - single hornet captured Four Oaks, East Sussex: 16 April - single hornet captured Confirmed sightings in March Romford, East London: 27 March - single hornet captured Ash, Kent: 11 March - single hornet captured Advertisement

The insects do not threaten human health but can destroy bee hives and effect populations.

There have so far been 15 confirmed sightings of Asian hornets in the UK in March, April and May, compared to only two by the same point last year.

According to the British Beekeeper Association, an Asian hornet can hunt down and eat between 30 to 50 honeybees a day and their habit of hawking or hovering outside the hive stops bees from collecting nectar and pollen to feed themselves.

The species arrived in France in 2004 and have since spread across the continent. There is an estimated 500,000 Asian hornet nests in France.

To make matters worse, in 2022 France experienced a 'surge year' which caused the Asian hornet population to grow rapidly.

It was previously reported by MailOnline that Kent had become a hotspot for Asian hornets, where 38 of the 52 hornet sightings in 2023 took place.

For years, the number of Asian hornets in the UK remained low with only one or two being spotted each year.

However, in 2023 the number of hornet sightings suddenly exploded.

The insects do not threaten human health but can destroy bee hives and effect populations

The Kent coast has been badly affected by Asian hornets. In 2023 the National Bee Unit removed 21 nests from the seaside town of Folkestone (pictured)

Each nest produces 350 fertilised queens (pictured) each year, every one of these is capable of creating their own nest should they survive the winter

In just 12 months, The National Bee Unit destroyed 72 nests in 56 locations compared with just a single nest the year before.

The vast majority of those sightings were clustered along the southern coast, particularly in Kent, and East Sussex.

In the seaside town of Folkestone - the UK's hornet capital - a staggering 21 nests were destroyed in 2023.

However, Asian hornets have been spotted further North, with one nest even being destroyed in Hackney, London.

Nests have also been found and destroyed in North Yorkshire, Suffolk, Hampshire, and Dorset.

Mr Campbell previously told MailOnline that Kent is on 'the front line' of the hornet invasion due to its proximity to France.

As long as France has a large Asian hornet population the insects will continue to arrive in the UK, but the bigger risk is that they become established here permanently.

Mr Campbell says that there is 'a significant risk' that Asian hornets will establish a permanent breeding population.

He says: 'They're an apex predator, they are very successful, they are very adaptive, and the climate presents no problems for them - it's rich pickings for them.'
Families of nine babies who died at a scandal-hit NHS trust are calling for a public inquiry into its maternity services.

Bereaved parents say intervention is needed to prevent more 'unnecessary deaths' after four mothers nearly lost their lives and nine babies died between 2021 and 2023.

The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is already being investigated by police over allegations of medical negligence, relating to the care of adults in neurosurgery and general surgery between 2015 and 2021.

Separate reports by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Royal College of Surgeons have raised concerns about poor leadership and a 'culture of fear' within the surgery department.

Now families who experienced poor maternity care have come forward with fresh allegations of failings at two hospitals managed by the trust: the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and Worthing Hospital.

Robert Miller and Katie Fowler with their daughter Abigail Fowler Miller, who died two days after being born at the Royal Sussex County Hospital

Bereaved parents say they experienced reluctance from maternity teams to act urgently and a failure to take symptoms seriously.

They also reported maternity staff relying on telephone assessments and failing to appropriately monitor mothers and babies during labour.

Staff have been accused of dismissing mothers' concerns, such as reduced movements of babies in the womb  a red flag indicating a baby is unwell.

In a statement, the families wrote: 'With the volume and repetition of errors in maternity care by the trust, we believe babies will continue to unnecessarily die unless there is intervention.'

Maternity services at the Brighton hospital were rated 'inadequate' by the CQC in 2021. The NHS watchdog noted some improvements have been made since, but maternity services remain 'inadequate'.

Meanwhile, services at Worthing Hospital are rated as 'requires improvement'. The families added: 'Our babies were otherwise healthy and would have grown up if not for failings in care and the dismissal of our concerns.

Pictured: Worthing Hospital where services are rated as 'require improvement

'[They] never got a chance to grow up, learn to walk and speak, make friends.'

The group of families includes those of five babies who died at the Brighton hospital and four who died at Worthing Hospital.

It is backing calls for the next government to launch a national inquiry, following findings of failings at other NHS trusts including Morecambe Bay, Shrewsbury and Telford, and East Kent.

Nisha Sharma, a lawyer at Slater and Gordon who is handling claims against University Hospitals Sussex, said: 'Individually, the deaths of each of these babies is a tragedy. Taken together, it's a shocking and appalling situation'.

Dr Maggie Davies, of the trust, said: 'We offer our sincere apologies to each of the bereaved families. Our outcomes for mothers and babies are better than most trusts in the country, but we must continue to listen and improve.'

Anyone who has experienced poor maternity care at the trust can contact the group of families at truthforourbabies.org.uk.

'Neglect' that cost the life of a newborn

Mother Robyn Davis lost her baby Orlando at one of the hospitals run by the embattled University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust in 2021  and findings of 'neglect' were revealed in an inquest.

Orlando died at Worthing Hospital after maternity staff failed to realise that his mother had developed hyponatremia  a rare fluid imbalance  during labour.

Mother Robyn Davis (pictured) lost her baby Orlando at one of the hospitals run by the embattled University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust in 2021

An inquest found that his death in September 2021 was 'contributed to by neglect'.

In another case, baby Abigail Fowler Miller died in January 2022, two days after she was born by emergency C-section at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Her mother Katie Fowler went into cardiac arrest in a taxi on the way to hospital after midwives relying on over-the-phone assessments missed warning signs of massive internal bleeding.
Indonesia targets million-plus Chinese visitors in 2024

15:38, June 04, 2024 By Huang Lanlan ( Global Times

Women perform a traditional Indonesian-style dance at a tourism promotion event in Shanghai on June 3, 2024. (Photo: Courtesy of the Consulate General of Indonesia in Shanghai)

Indonesia is working hard to market itself as an attractive destination for Chinese tourists, and is hoping to draw 1 to 1.5 million Chinese visitors in 2024, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MOTCE) said on Monday.

Indonesia received about 787,000 travelers from China in 2023, making China the fourth-biggest source of international visitors, the ministry revealed at an Indonesia-themed tourism promotion event in Shanghai on Monday.

Indonesia, with its vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands, is a country that epitomizes diversity in every aspect, said Consul General of Indonesia in Shanghai Berlianto Situngkir, in a welcome speech he delivered at the event.

There is a lot of potential to promote cultural exchange, economic growth, and mutual understanding between nations, especially Indonesia and China, said Situngkir.

Indonesias beautiful beaches, volcanoes, cuisine, and the hospitality of local people make it attractive particularly to Chinese tourists. Moreover, the number of direct flights [between Indonesia and China] is increasing, he told the Global Times after the event on Monday.

As of May, there are direct flights connecting 14 Chinese cities  such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen and Guangzhou  with some major travel destinations across Indonesia, including Jakarta and Bali.

Situngkir praised the growth in direct flights for offering Chinese tourists to Indonesia more convenience, adding that when he flew from Indonesia to Shanghai, the direct flight took less than six hours.

As more people are looking for ways to improve [travel] efficiency, the direct flights will boost connectivity in the tourism industry, he said to the Global Times.

Over recent months, China has seen an inbound tourism boom, due to its relaxed entry policies and improved services for international visitors. Situngkir said that he is also glad to recommend China as a tourist destination for Indonesian visitors.

Both Indonesia and China are rich in culture, and they are complementary in scenery and cultural heritage, said Situngkir. Tourism is a big contributor to the enhancement of understanding between people of the two countries, he noted. As more travelers physically go to enjoy the natural beauty and culture of each others country, people-to-people exchanges grow.

Under the theme Wonderful Indonesia, the tourism promotion event was co-organized by the MOTCE, the Consulate General of Indonesia in Shanghai, and KAI Wisata, a subsidiary of Indonesias state-owned railway company Kereta Api Indonesia.

The event included a one-hour round table session at the end, at which some 40 Chinese purchasers and 20 Indonesian sellers in tourism and related industries sat together and talked about potential business cooperation face-to-face.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
A Columbia grad who was 'active in World War II' has donated $260 million to Israel's Bar-Ilan University.

The anonymous donor's offering is the largest-ever gift received by the institution.

Both gifts were made in the face of fierce pro-Palestine processions that have surfaced across the US over the past several months.

The donation to the Israeli school, again, was made by an unknown figure, who along with the sum, offered only the two identifying factors as to whom he may be.

It will go toward advancements in technology, specifically science research, as person responsible made a point to state he attended the school that has surfaced as a focal point in discourse surrounding the current conflict.

A Columbia grad who was 'active in World War II' has donated $260 million to Israel's Bar-Ilan University. The private school's overseas campus is seen here

The donation will go toward advancements in technology, specifically science research, and the person responsible made a point to clarify he attended the school that has surfaced as a focal point in discourse surrounding the war. Pictured, an April protest on Columbia's campus

'The donor, a man of broad academic education, believed that the development of Israels technological resilience relies primarily on breakthrough science,' Bar-Ilan University President Arie Zaban announced Monday at a board meeting.

'The donor, a man of broad academic education, believed that the development of Israels technological resilience relies primarily on breakthrough science,' the 79-year-old Israeli continued.

'During his visits to Israel, he recognized the significant impact Bar-Ilan University has made in key areas thanks to its science-based infrastructure and deep connections to all sectors of Israeli society.

'This gift will be invested in the development of Deep Tech sciences and has the potential to positively influence the future of Israel and humanity.'

The university added in a statement that the donation will be used to recruit researchers seasoned in fields such as 'energy, environment, cryptography, bio-convergence, quantum, AI, and natural language processing,'

'Bar-Ilan will take the lead in building advanced research laboratories,' it continued.

'[It will support] advanced degree students, and creating state-of-the-art innovation hubs.'

Bar-Ilan is one of the largest public research universities in Israel, with some 19,000 students.

Not only did the donor make a point to tell onlookers he fought in a conflict entrenched in antisemitism, but he also reiterated how he graduated from Columbia.

Not only did the donor make a point to tell onlookers he fought in a conflict entrenched in antisemitism, but he also reiterated how he graduated from Columbia

Police in Riot gear stand guard as demonstrators chant slogans outside the Ivy League school on April 18

'The donor, a man of broad academic education, believed that the development of Israels technological resilience relies primarily on breakthrough science,' Bar-Ilan University President Arie Zaban said of the donation Monday

'Its a smack in the face of Columbia. Its just the beginning,' added political Hank Sheinkopf, offering the insight to the famously pro Israel New York Post.

The school in Upper Manhattan, meanwhile, has become a focal point of student unrest seen across the US, and the donation appears to indicate dismay over this.

Moreover, The Supreme Leader of Iran - whose Hezbollah has long been viewed as a threat to Israel - thanked US college students for joining his country's 'resistance' movement against Israel with their recent spate of campus protests,

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wrote on X later last week. 'Dear university students in the United States of America, you are standing on the right side of history.'

'You have now formed a branch of the Resistance Front and have begun an honorable struggle in the face of your government's ruthless pressure - which openly supports Zionists.'

In an open letter published the next day, the radical Islamist again addressed US students, this time to say: 'This is an expression of our empathy and solidarity with you. As the page of history is turning, you are standing on the right side of it.'

The Ayatollah's shocking endorsement stunned many, considering Supreme Leader's abhorrent human rights track record.

Just this month, Iran executed three men who participated in anti-government protests, adding to the four who have already been hanged since late last year as part of the regime's response to demonstrations against the Islamic Republic.

Moreover, The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, last week thanked US college students for joining his country's 'resistance' movement against Israel with their recent spate of campus protests



Also this month, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, 70, was met with a a mix of cheers and boos before flag-waving students marched out of the Wallace Wade Stadium event on Sunday.

They were opposed to Seinfeld appearing due to his pro-Israel views, after which The North Carolina school issued a statement to DailyMail.com in the aftermath.

'Were excited and delighted for the Class of 2024 and their families,' Frank Tramble, vice president for marketing, communications and public affairs at Duke said.

'We understand the depth of feeling in our community, and as we have all year, we respect the right of everyone at Duke to express their views peacefully, without preventing graduates and their families from celebrating their achievement.'

A few days earlier, President Joe Biden compared the actions of Hamas to those of the Nazis and condemned the 'ferocious surge of antisemitism' rising up around America.

'I have not forgotten, nor have you, and we will not forget,' the president said during remarks at a Holocaust remembrance ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

'As Jews around the world still cope with the atrocities and trauma of that day and its aftermath, we've seen a ferocious surge of antisemitism in America and around the world,' he noted.

A few days earlier, President Joe Biden compared the actions of Hamas to those of the Nazis and condemned the 'ferocious surge of antisemitism' rising up around America

Biden's speech on Capitol Hill on Tuesday came as he tries to balance his support for Israel's war with concern for the citizens of Gaza and amid tension in his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netnayahu.

He spoke as Israel sent tanks into Rafah and took control of the Gaza side of a crossing to Egypt that is a major conduit for humanitarian aid, and as college campuses continue to be rocked by pro-Palestinian protests,

Some - including Columbia - have cancelled commencements and entire graduations, with the Ivy league school electing to do the latter in May

The president, in a forceful speech greeted with several rounds of applause, vowed to support Israel's right to exist 'even when we disagree.'

He began his remarks by tracing the rise of Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany in 1933, noting the dictator rose to 'power by rekindling one of the world's oldest forms of prejudice and hate- antisemitism' through propaganda and economic hardship.

'We recommit to heading the lessons of one of the darkest chapters in human history, revitalize and realize the responsibility of never again,' he noted.

And, he pointed out, 'the truth is, we're at risk of people not knowing the truth.'

'Now, here we are not 75. years later, but just seven and a half months later,' he added in reference to the October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas - the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust

'People are already forgetting - already forgetting - that Hamas unleashed this terror,' he said and vowed: 'I have not forgotten nor have you. And we will not forget.'
Three more locations have been flagged as the possible site for a newly-built Disneyland as rumours swirl the US-based company could expand to Australia.

The Walt Disney Company revealed in September last year it was developing plans to 'accelerate and expand investment' in its parks and experiences.

The international giant said it wanted to nearly double capital expenditure to $60billion over the next 10 years, with an eye on international expansion.

The announcement fueled rumors the seventh Disneyland would be built in Melbourne and its outer suburbs.

Werribee and Fishermans Bend were previously floated as possible sites - but now three more locations have been added to the list.

Disneyland's current locations include California, Hong Kong, Paris, Shanghai and Tokyo, with Florida's flagship park called Magic Kingdom.

The Walt Disney Company revealed it was developing plans to 'accelerate and expand investment' in its parks and experiences, with an eye on international expansion

The announcement fueled rumors the seventh Disneyland would be built in Melbourne, with local politicians spruiking five locations as the best options for the theme park.

Libertarian MP for South East Metro David Limbrick told state parliament on Thursday after 'exhaustive research' into the best location for the theme park he had narrowed it down to three suburbs.

'To prove it is a small world after all, it turns out the best locations are in my electorate: Dandenong, Cranbourne or Frankston,' Mr Limbrick said.

'They are so good I cannot easily split them.'

Mr Limbrick called on Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos to advise the Walt Disney Company that 'every assistance would be given' and that they would be welcomed by the community in south east Melbourne.

He added south east Melbourne is the 'only logical place for the happiest place on earth' as his electorate is filled with tens of thousands of families with children 'looking for things to do'.

Adding the areas chances is its thriving workforce numbers.

'Crucially we have an airport at Moorabbin and plenty of open spaces connected by the Mordialloc Freeway,' Mr Limbrick said.

Local politicians suggested five locations as the best sites for the country's first Disneyland including Werribee, Fishermans Bend, Dandenong, Cranbourne and Frankston

Last month, Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp AO pitched Werribee as a potential location for Disneyland.

Werribee, which is located 32km south west of Melbourne's CBD, was previously nominated for a $220million adventure ride paradise but the state government pulled the plans in 2008 over fears it would cost too much for taxpayers.

Lord Mayor Capp also pitched Fishermans Bend as an ideal location for a Disney theme park in August, last year.

'As Australia's capital city of fun, of course we should have a Disney theme park in Melbourne,' Lord Mayor Capp told the Herald Sun at the time.

'We've even got the perfect spot for it  Fishermans Bend. At Fishermans Bend, exhilarating roller-coasters could soar over the Yarra as part of a Disneyland, Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom.

'I know a Disney theme park in our municipality would be a huge hit with residents  myself included  visitors, students, and traders.'

Disney has the largest physical footprint of any global theme park travel business, with 12 parks across six sites around the world.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products chairman Josh D'Amaro remained tight-lipped on international expansion, claiming the company has 'no shortage of space'.

'While our scale is impressive, we have no shortage of space or regions of the world in which to tell new stories,' Mr D'Amaro said in a statement last year.

'We have an ambitious growth story that is supported by a proven track record and a bold vision for the future of our Parks business.'

'In fact, Disney Parks has over 1,000 acres of land for possible future development to expand theme park space across its existing sites  the equivalent of about seven new Disneyland Parks.'
Penny Mordaunt will face off against Angela Rayner in a seven-way televised election debate this week.

The Conservative Commons leader is expected to cross swords with Labour's deputy leader during the Friday night clash on the BBC.

She is known for her confident performances at the despatch box and will relish the opportunity to go up against Ms Rayner  possibly highlighting her differences with opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer.

But their exchanges could be overshadowed by the appearance of Nigel Farage, after he unexpectedly declared himself leader of Reform UK yesterday.

The Right-wing party will have a place in the debate, and as its most high-profile figure and best communicator, Mr Farage will be keen to take advantage.

Asked by LBC last night if he would appear on Friday, he replied: 'I'll do that. Yep.'

Penny Mordaunt will face off against Angela Rayner (pictured) in a seven-way televised election debate this week

The Conservative Commons leader (pictured) is expected to cross swords with Labour's deputy leader during the Friday night clash on the BBC

And asked if he could take on Ms Mordaunt  the former Tory leadership contender widely praised for her sword-carrying role at last year's Coronation  he said: 'I hope so.' The Liberal Democrats will be represented by deputy leader Daisy Cooper, while the Greens, SNP and Plaid Cymru will also field senior figures.

Radio 4 Today programme presenter Mishal Husain will host the debate from 7.30pm to 9pm, with members of a live studio audience in London and members of the public able to ask questions.

Jonathan Munro of BBC News said: 'TV debates have become a key part of elections in the UK, giving voters the chance to hear leaders and senior politicians debate policies and ideas directly with each other, which rarely happens on the campaign trail.'

The Prime Minister and Sir Keir will go head-to-head on ITV tonight at 9pm in the first TV debate of the campaign, moderated by Julie Etchingham. ITV has also announced that a multi-party debate will take place on June 13.

On June 20, Mr Sunak and Sir Keir, as well as Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey and SNP First Minister John Swinney, will take part in a special Question Time in York.

Sophie Raworth will moderate another BBC debate, set to be the last, between the PM and Labour leader in Nottingham on June 26.
The iconic cruise line brand P&O Australia is being shut down just weeks after Daily Mail Australia revealed a passenger leapt to his death after racking up a massive casino debt during a trip.

On Tuesday P&O's parent company Carnival Corporation announced the famous brand will close in March next year, after 90 years cruising from Australia.

In a statement, Carnival Corporation said it will 'sunset' the P&O Cruises Australia brand and merge the Australia operations into Carnival Cruise Line, which they claim is 'the most popular cruise line in the world'.

The closure is blamed on 'the strategic reality of the South Pacifics small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs'.

Carnival Corporation said the closure of P&O Australia is due to a strategic move 'designed to increase guest capacity for Carnival Cruise Line, the companys flagship brand and the highest-returning brand in Carnival Corporations global portfolio'.

P&O Australia passenger Shane Dixon, 45 (pictured) fell to his death after racking up massive gambling debts onboard a cruise

The P&O Australia ship Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February 2025

The P&O Cruises cruise ships Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will be rebranded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line brand.

Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February 2025.

Carnival Corporation advised current itineraries will operate as usual, and passengers will be notified in the coming days of any changes to future bookings.

Following the closure of P&O Australia next year, Carnival Cruise Line 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.

Shane's family said the father-of-three had lost thousands of dollars in the cruise casino on the night he died

Shane Dixon was on a three-day P&O cruise with his mother onboard the Pacific Adventure

Shane Dixon, 45, is pictured with his mother Sue. The pair were taking a holiday together when he fell to his death

The closure of the P&O Australia brand comes only weeks after father-of-three Shane Dixon plunged to his death from the P&O cruise ship Pacific Adventure just after 4am on May 6 as it approached Sydney Harbour.

During the cruise, Shane had racked up a $9,000 casino debt he couldn't afford to pay.

In recent years, Shane had grappled with a series of personal tragedies and setbacks, including health issues, family deaths and the breakdown of his marriage, which led to him being estranged from his children.

His family believes he panicked after the consequences of an outstanding $4,000 debt from the ship's casino began to sink in.

The 45-year-old's death has cast light on the questionable tactics used on casinos aboard luxury liners to incentivise passengers to spend big - including allowing players to run up bills on their rooms and offering free drinks and vouchers.

Several others have since come forward to share similar stories, including claims they were told self-exclusion was not an option or were interrogated and held onboard by staff after being unable to settle their bills.

A P&O spokeswoman had previously told Daily Mail Australia it would be inappropriate to comment on Shane's death as the matter is under investigation from the coroner.
A suspect got into a fight with a scooter repair shop worker in Queens over a $30 bill, using his helmet as a weapon as he aimed at the head of a man before going on to attack other workers and smashing the store's windows.

By the time police were summoned to arrest him, the suspect had become erratic and and bit an officer on the hand in the process, according to cops.

Surveillance camera footage shows the moment the 35-year-old black man, with red shoulder length hair, loses his cool after collecting his moped from the Fly E Bike shop in Astoria at around 1pm on Monday.

Its not clear what was said to those working at the store, but there was clearly some disagreement which caused the man to explode in fury as he ranted at staff and used his helmet to bash the head of a 28-year-old another worker.

A suspect attacked workers at a scooter repair shop in Queens, New York using his helmet as a weapon

The 35-year-old suspect ran out into the road closely followed by another man. The abandoned helmet can be seen lying on the side of the road

The smashed windows are seen at following the manic attack by a suspect on Monday

It saw another shop associate run out into the road to chase after the aggressor.

Drama then unfolds out of the shot of the camera lens before the suspect is brought back onto the sidewalk where he continued to lash out at staff.

The suspect was stabbed in the stomach during the melee cops from the NYPD said, although it wasnt immediately clear if it was any of the workers seen on camera.

Using his helmet as a projectile, he smashes the shop's glass windows by hurling the object directly at the panes twice over.

Police were called to intervene after the suspect attacked staff members and vandalized the store

The suspect got into a huge argument with staff before hurling his helmet at them

The suspect takes aim once more to throw his bike helmet at the windows

Police could be seen attempting to carry out an arrest in which one officer was bit on the hand

Police officers pick up the the helped after the suspect lobbed it at the store's windows

In a final outburst, the suspect then kicked over a parked scooter onto the sidewalk

All the while, the mans partner, urges him to walk away from the situation, but he pays her no attention.

In a final act of rage, the man shoves one of the parked mopeds onto the sidewalk.

Shortly afterwards, police later arrived on the scene and tried to cuff the man.

A struggle ensued which saw the both officers fall to the ground and they tried to force the suspect into handcuffs.

When the three were finally able to stand up again, the suspect bit one of the officers who was trying to arrest him on the hand, and ran off down the street.

The stabbed suspect was later caught and taken to the Elmhurst Hospital Center where he is in stable condition with charges pending against him.

The officer who was bit on his hand also went to hospital to be treated.
Foreigners will be able to join the Australian Defence Force under a fast-track to citizenship.

As part of the national defence strategy unveiled in April, eligibility criteria will be expanded to allow more people to join the defence force.

From July, eligible New Zealanders will be able to apply to join the Australian military.

Permanent residents from all other nations will be able to do the same from January 2025.

Once they have served for 90 days, they will be expected to become Australian citizens.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Miles (pictured) said the change is 'essential' to meet security challenges for in the over the next decade and beyond

The Australian Defence Force will accept New Zealanders, Americans and Brits to bolster its ranks in exchange for Australian citizenship (stock image)

Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh said the recruitment drive would not take people out of other countries.

'These are people that have already made Australia home and we are providing them a fast-track to citizenship through joining the Australian Defence Force as well,' he told reporters in Canberra.

Mr Keogh clarified in the press briefing that the option was available to all foreign nationals after the initial statement indicated a set group of nations.

Australia's low unemployment rate made it difficult to hire defence staff and this announcement was aimed at increasing potential recruits, Mr Keogh said.

Non-citizens who want to join the military must have lived in Australia for at least one year before applying, must not have served in a foreign military in the previous two years and must be able to attain Australian citizenship.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said this was necessary to 'meet the nation's security challenges through the next decade and beyond'.

The Coalition is not against the plan, but opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham said it was only necessary because of Labor's failings.

'The government's defence policy has been mired in reviews and delays and things that don't build the confidence to get people to join in the first place,' he told Sky News.

'We want to see, ideally, Australians wearing the Australian uniform.'

In a speech at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute Defence Conference on Tuesday, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy will link the government's actions to those of Labor leader John Curtin, who led Australia through World War II.

'On coming to government, the easy thing for us to do would have been simply to tinker at the edges of Defence,' he will say.

'But it would have been the wrong thing to do.

'Instead, our government identified a need for rational and robust strategy to guide some of the biggest and most consequential investments a nation can make.'

The federal budget in May secured an extra $5.7billion for Defence over the next four years, and an addition $50billion over the decade.

But ASPI's budget analysis warns the government's plans won't improve the nation's military capabilities for at least a decade as Beijing pledges to 'crush' foreign forces.

Mr Conroy is expected to set out the manufacture of guided weapons and explosive ordnance, outlining how the government will work with defence industry and international partners.

It will be backed with a $16billion to $21billion commitment in the rebuilt Integrated Investment Program over the next decade.
Alarming new research shows that just three per cent of Australian vapers purchase their products legally, with the black market thriving despite the Albanese government's ban on importing disposable vapes.

The research, released on Monday by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, also found that Aussie men who vape are 33 per cent more likely to later use illicit drugs.

Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce said Australians were engaging with criminals when buying vapes and claimed that the mafia now controls the illegal vape trade.

'When they go to buy their vapes with all the colours in it, they also meet the person who sells them ice, sells them heroin, who sells them dope, sells them meth - all the other things you don't want this person ever to meet,' he said.

Parliament is expected to vote on laws to crack down on vaping later this month, but the government's third tranche of anti-vaping legislation has been opposed by the Nationals, who want to tax rather than ban vaping products sold without a prescription.

Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce said Australians were engaging with criminals when buying vapes and claimed that the mafia now controls the illegal vape trade

Alarming new research shows that just three per cent of Australian vapers purchase their products legally

Industry modelling has projected that if legalised and subject to an excise, vapes could bring states like Victoria and NSW an extra $600m in GST over four years.

Mr Joyce said regulating vaping products in a similar manner to cigarettes and alcohol would limit revenue entering the black market.

However, the said he wouldn't support similar regulation of other illicit substances such as cannabis.

'People are making money out of it [vapes] - the mafia predominantly - and if you want to fix that, you have to bring it into regulated form,' he said.

'The issue we have with vapes is... I don't vape, they're not good for you, and they will kill you, but so do cigarettes, and they're legal.'

The third tranche of Labor's anti-vaping rules would outlaw domestic manufacture, advertisement, supply and commercial possession of non-therapeutic vapes.

Previous legislation, which rolled out in January, banned the importation of vapes and increased enforcement activity.

However disposable vapes were still being sold illegally at many convenience stores across the country, with a black market operating in plain sight despite the tough new rules.

Brian Marlow, campaign director of Legalise Vaping Australia, said the Albanese government's vaping rules have failed.

He wants vape products legalised to stop the rampant black market.

'You only need to look at New Zealand, which has driven down youth vaping by 19 per cent since strictly regulating vapes as an adult-only product sold in the same highly controlled way as alcohol and tobacco,' Mr Marlow said.

'In America, it's a similar story. Youth vaping has been in continuous decline, dropping by 64 per cent since 2019, according to the US Centre for Disease Control. Over the same period in Australia, youth vaping has increased by a 439 per cent.

'Over 90 per cent of the vapes sold in Australia are black market,' Mr Marlow claimed.

'With over one million vapers in Australia you're looking at a multi-billion dollar industry that the federal government has no real plan to legalise.

'We're the only country in the world with an issue this bad.'

In a senate inquiry, Deakin University criminologist Dr James Martin criticised the government's strict stance against vaping.

He said Labor's vape bans have resulted in the second-largest illegal drug market in the country and a massive new front in the war on drugs.

'The consequences of this ban have been disastrous, with nine out of 10 vapers having already rejected the prescription model and instead sourcing their products from the black market,' he said.
A Hobart magistrate has issued an arrest warrant for an Aboriginal activist who refused to attend court on charges stemming from a protest because he does not consider himself an Australian citizen.

Jim Everett-puralia meenamatta, 81, said he had no intention of appearing in a 'colonial court' and claimed it 'doesn't have any jurisdiction over Aboriginal people protecting our country'.

'We've never made any agreements to be citizens,' Everett-puralia meenamatta said.

The activist was arrested and charged with trespassing in March over an anti-forestry protest in the Styx Valley of the Giants in southern Tasmania.

His matter was listed in the Hobart magistrates court on Monday but he chose to not appear, prompting magistrate Glenn Hay to issue an arrest warrant for the 81-year-old.

Jim Everett-puralia meenamatta (pictured), 81, said he had no intention of appearing in a 'colonial court', claiming it 'doesn't have any jurisdiction over Aboriginal people protecting our country'

He claims he is 'ready' to be arrested after refusing to front court on Monday

'There was no need to show up, the court doesn't have any jurisdiction over Aboriginal people protecting our country,' Everett-puralia meenamatta said.

Everett-puralia meenamatta, who plans to continue protest action in coming months, said he was not fazed by the prospect of jail time or a fine.

'They'll either catch up with me before I get much else done... or they don't,' he said.

'I'll probably get fined and then complete what I'm doing and keep building up this issue.

'There's no use standing up and arguing with a colonial government and expecting they're going to listen the first time you jump up and down about it. I'm going to keep pushing.'

Forestry Tasmania, the state's public forestry company, was logging in the Styx Valley of the Giants area at the time of Everett-puralia meenamatta's arrest.

As part of his bail conditions he has been banned from entering Forestry Tasmania's permanent timber production land, which constitutes over 800,000hectares of public forest in the state.

Yet, Everett-puralia meenamatta said he would continue to protest native logging.

'I have every sovereign right to go there and protect my country, and they have no jurisdiction to stop me,' he said.

'They'll have to take me by the arms' into court.'

He said he would refuse to make a plea in 'a colonial court' and instead tell the magistrate they were standing on his sovereignty.

'They'll do as they will. I could be fined for contempt of court, it could be a whole range of things, it doesn't matter,' he said.

'We'll keep getting arrested until this issue is raised right across the country, and the government is forced to address the matter of citizenship.'

Veteran environmentalist Bob Brown, whose organisation arranged the March protest, attended court and described the situation as a legal test case.

'A court is overriding the sovereignty of Jim Everett, an Aboriginal man who has such enormous respect in the First Nations community,' Mr Brown told reporters.

As part of his bail conditions Everett-puralia meenamatta has been banned from entering Forestry Tasmania's permanent timber production land, which constitutes over 800,000hectares of public forest in the state

But he said he would continue to protest native logging, claiming that the prospect of jail time did not faze him

'Every similar nation in the world has a treaty with its original people where people have invaded, and established courts. This country doesn't.'

Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre campaign manager Nala Mansell has called for the trespass charge to be dropped.

'The power that white people have over Aborigines, our lives, culture and cultural responsibilities has to have some flexibility,' she said in a statement.

'White people can govern and manage themselves but their laws shouldn't apply to Aboriginal people.'

Everett-puralia meenamatta, a pakana plangermairreenner man who has written poetry, plays, political and academic papers and short stories, has visited many remote Aboriginal communities.

'If you understand what being Aboriginal is, it is being part of country,' he said. 'If you hurt country, you are hurting our community.

'Much research has been done on the generational trauma, because of the destruction of our country.'
A supposedly suspended driver mocked online for driving a car during a Zoom court appearance has revealed he was actually the victim of a clerical error.

Corey Harris, 44, revealed the monumental mix-up two weeks after the virtual May 15 hearing for an October traffic stop in suburban Michigan went viral.

Judge Cedric Simpson expressed disbelief, after Harris - a prominent member of the Ann Arbor community - appeared to be driving when he appeared at the virtual court hearing over a suspended license.

Harris, however, told 7 News Detroit the order to halt his license was actually rescinded in January 2022, but never forwarded to the necessary state authorities.

Supported by court records viewed by the station, the development comes after Harris spent two days in jail thanks to an irate Judge Cedric Simpson.

Harris, meanwhile, continues to go viral - much to his dismay.

Scroll down for video:

Corey Harris, 44, made the revelation Thursday in a telephone interview - two weeks after the viral virtual May 15 hearing for an October traffic stop in suburban Michigan.

It saw Judge Cedric Simpson express disbelief, after Harris - a prominent member of the Ann Arbor community - appeared to drive during a hearing over a suspended license. The oversight has yet to be rectified in state records

'Mr. Harris, are you driving?' Simpson asks in the snippet - which concluded with Harris' bail being revoked and Simpson ordering him to surrender to authorities by 6 p.m.

Harris, in turn, replies that he is behind the wheel - to which Simpson expressed surprise.

'OK, so maybe I don't understand something,' the Ann Arbor jurist says, visibly incredulous

'This is a driving-while-license-suspended [case]... And he was just driving, and he doesn't have a license.'

Harris, at this point, also appears surprised, and tells Simpson he had been pulling into a parking lot at a doctor's office for an appointment - later revealed to be for his wife.

However, the judge remained unconvinced, and ruled Harris should turn himself in and spend two days in the county lockup.

He reported to Washtenaw County Jail that day.

Harris said the stint never should have happened - since another court lifted the license suspension two years ago, but failed to get the paperwork to the agency responsible for reinstatement.

He says he is now 'embarrassed' by the case - as he deals with the fallout of being wrongly lampooned across the U.S. and the world.

'Mr. Harris, are you driving?' Simpson asks in the snippet - which concluded with Harris' bail being revoked and Simpson ordering him to surrender to authorities by 6 pm

Harris' public defender, seen here, has not commented on the mishap, given that they also missed the apparent oversight Meanwhile, the rescindment is still available in Saginaw County court records

'With the type of ties that I have with the church and the community, it's very embarrassing,' Harris told the station of the widely viewed incident.

'What was I thinking? I was thinking about about getting my wife medical help,' he said of line of questioning aired by Simpson.

'That's what I was thinking.'

He added: 'I wasn't thinking about the fact that I got a suspended license. I don't care about all that.

'They were supposed to have been lifted it two years ago, but they didn't.'

Court records support the churchgoer's claims, 14 years after his license was suspended in 2010 in the first place.

The ruling, in that case, stemmed from unpaid child support, but was reversed 12 years later by another judge, 7 News found.

The station was the first to find the clerical error in Harris's court records, and reported that Simpson himself did not know about the reinstatement, because the Michigan Secretary of State's office never received the necessary clearance.

Harris said he is now 'embarrassed' by the case - as he deals with the fallout of being wrongly lampooned by the greater public. He wants it rectified as soon as possible

The agency supposed to send such proof, Saginaw County Friend of the Court, assists clients with modifying custody, parenting time and child support orders.

As recently as Thursday afternoon, Harris's license was still listed as suspended  the same records police and the judge were going off of.

'I don't even know why he would do that,' Simpson snipes in the now-viral video clip, at Harris's expense.

Revealing how he has already visited the Secretary of State's office in hopes to resolve the matter, he used the mix-up as a chance to warn others about prospective failures from their neighborhood civic body.

He said: 'Always double-check behind these workers. Because they will say that they will do something and they don't do it.'

Moreover, neither Simpson of Harris' public defender have commented on the oversight, given they also missed it.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Saginaw County Friend of the Court for clarification in what went wrong in Harris's case. The rescindment is still visible in records kept by the state.
Woloshen later thought he 'ghosted' her - but the reality was harrowing

A California couple are making the most of their lives after a horrific accident almost destroyed their chances of being together.

Cody Bryant and Haley Woloshen met in Hawaii in 2022. They instantly bonded after discovering that they lived only a mile apart back in Los Angeles.

The duo spent several weeks together before Bryant suddenly stopped responding to Woloshen's messages, leading her to believe that he had 'ghosted' her.

However, the reality couldn't be more different - Bryant had been hit by a car while riding a moped in Ibiza and suffered significant injuries that left him in a coma.

Woloshen made the terrifying discovery after stumbling upon a GoFundMe campaign that Bryant's friends and family had created to offset the cost of his medical bills.

Cody Bryant and Haley Woloshen instantly bonded during a Hawaii trip in 2022, but Woloshen grew concerned when Bryant stopped responding to her messages

She later learned that her crush had been hit by a car while riding a moped in Ibiza and had suffered significant injuries that left him in a coma

After months of grueling rehab, the pair reconnected. However, Woloshen soon learned Bryant had a traumatic brain injury and he was unable recollect their time together.

'Neither of us expected it, but feelings started to build. I joke that she won me over a second time,' Bryant wrote in an Instagram post.

He was eventually cleared to return to the Hermosa Beach home he shared with his three roommates, undergoing physical, occupational and speech therapy all the while.

The accident had left him with hemiplegia, or partial paralysis, leading doctors to fear that he would never walk again.

However, Bryant was determined to beat the odds. In March, he and Woloshen attended a wedding in Guatemala, and Bryant set out to check off a goal on his bucket list: summiting the Acetenango volcano.

'I tackled many big name treks around the world prior to my accident, but sadly, I thought I'd never be capable of doing this again,' Cody explained.

'I still struggle with balance and muscle coordination, so descending on slippery, steep, uneven ground resulted in a lot of slips and falls. Thankfully, Haley's cheerleading skills came in handy to minimize the impact.'

The pair reconnected as Bryant continued to undergo grueling therapy

Doctors feared he would never walk again, but Bryant fought the odds and managed to complete a volcano hike that had been on his bucket list

Bryant used a walking stick and two therapy braces, coupled with frequent breaks. Upon reaching base camp, he and Woloshen watched as smoke poured from the mouth of the volcano, and the fruits of his labor at once became apparent.

'Each step was a victory, and reaching the top meant more than I can express in words,' Bryant wrote in a GoFundMe update. 'I am determined to continue to summit mountains like this (literally and figuratively) in my recovery.'

With the great strides have come even greater challenges, which Bryant detailed in an April update.

'My positivity has gotten me so far and I don't want to lose that, but I'm going to be more transparent about the invisible difficulties,' he wrote.

'The sentence "I wish I was missing limbs instead of having an injured brain" has shown up in my journal more than once. Consciously losing your mind is terrible.'

Bryant has retained most of his long-term memories, but the recent years are punctuated by gaps. He cannot recall the fateful Europe trip that left him in a coma, nor the year after that.

'My brain doesn't "auto save" anymore so I use notes for everything,' he explained. 'My attention is fleeting so I often lose track of what I'm doing. I strictly rely on the clock because my innate sense of time is quite poor.'

Woloshen only discovered the harrowing truth after stumbling upon a GoFundMe page

The pair have continued to rebuild their life together, with Woloshen at Bryant's side every step of the way through his recovery

Woloshen quickly discovered that the accident had left Bryant without any memory of the first time they met

Frustration over his persistent brain fog often manifests in his motor function, Bryant explained.

'My foot begins to drag, my toes curl, my hand shakes, or I lean to the side. I can get so 'brain fried' sometimes that I become illogical and struggle to connect cause with effect. Brain injury permeates all of my life.'

He continues to focus on his recovery through psychotherapy, memory exercises, meditation and other treatments.

Goals on the horizon include relearning how to write, run and swim. Above all else, Bryant refuses to relinquish hope.

'I've always believed a person's mindset is so powerful and my recovery has reinforced that belief,' he said.

The GoFundMe campaign has raised over $150,000 of its $200,000 goal.
Staff at a Nebraska funeral home were left stunned when a woman who had been brought there after being declared dead was found to still be breathing.

Constance Glantz, 74, was believed to have died while in a hospice and had been transferred to the Butherus-Maser & Love Funeral Home in Lincoln on Monday morning.

But a worker at the home who was preparing her body for a funeral found Glantz was still very much alive and 'instantly called 911', according to Lancaster County Chief Deputy Ben Houchin.

Authorities were immediately summoned to the home after an employee noticed the woman was breathing and 'instantly called 911,' according to Lancaster County Chief Deputy Ben Houchin with the Sheriff's Office.

Staff at a Nebraska funeral home got the shock of their lives when a woman who had been brought there, believed to be dead, was found to still be breathing

'It's a very unusual case. Been doing this 31 years and nothing like this has ever gotten to this point before,' Lancaster County Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said during a press conference

Funeral home staff then began to perform CPR on the woman before she was transported to a local hospital.

The woman had initially been brought to the nursing home at 9:44am, but earlier that morning she had been declared dead at the hospice where she had been receiving care, and had been seen by a doctor, who signed her death certificate.

'It's a very unusual case. Been doing this 31 years and nothing like this has ever gotten to this point before,' Houchin said during a press conference later in the day.

'We have not been able to find any criminal intent by the nursing home but the investigation is ongoing,' Houchin said.

The sheriff's office is investigating but no criminal charges are pending.
Bill Maher made no bones about what he thinks will happen in November, saying on his podcast that Joe Biden 'is going to f****** lose' to Donald Trump.

The HBO host said it to begin a fiery debate with tech journalist Kara Swisher on an episode of his Club Random show that dropped Sunday.

The liberal comedian made no bones about the fact that he would 'vote for [Biden's] head in a jar of blue liquid' before he voted Trump but didn't think there were enough who would do the same.

In fact, after declaring Biden's age - at 81, America's oldest president - the biggest problem, he said he believed the election might be over already.

'I think it's a moot point at this point. He's going to f****** lose,' Maher said.

Bill Maher made no bones about what he thinks will happen in November, saying on his podcast that Joe Biden 'is going to f****** lose' to Donald Trump

Swisher immediately fought back, saying: 'No, you're wrong' and daring Maher to place a bet.

Maher seemed wishy-washy on the election and not willing to put any money down.

'Not only will I not bet on this premise, you could change my mind on it in the next two minutes,' Maher said.

Asking Swisher to convince him, the tech writer claimed there was a 'silent majority' of voters who 'don't want chaos again.'

She said that these voters who are largely women and while not publicly anti-Trump, not willing to vote for him.

Maher seemed skeptical of the premise.

'Do I think that's absolutely possible, what you described? Yes. Or it could not be and I can't tell the difference,' Maher said.

Maher believed that the reverse might be true, that there are 'silent majority' Trump voters who could tip the scales.

The liberal comedian made no bones about the fact that he would 'vote for [Biden's] head in a jar of blue liquid' before he voted Trump but didn't think there were enough who would do the same

The HBO host said it to begin a fiery debate with tech journalist Kara Swisher on an episode of his Club Random show that dropped Sunday

'The shy Trump voter is the one who is going to vote for Trump, but doesn't want you to know it because it's a little declasse,' he said.

Swisher argued that Maher was being too pure about Biden when the alternative is Trump.

'I think the issue with someone like you is that you  the focus on Biden versus the danger of Trump that they're like, you're focusing on 'the scones don't taste very good' when the house is burning down. I'm just telling you, you know that. You're aware of that,' Swisher said.

Maher fought back, saying that journalists and pundits 'lose our credibility' when they don't talk about how Biden is old.

The Real Time host has repeatedly expressed his skepticism with President Biden while maintaining he prefers him over Trump.

Maher has suggested the only thing Democrat and Republican voters have in common is that 'they're both hoping their candidates die' ahead of the 2024 election.

In an interview with the New York Times he doubled down on the comments, joking the octogenarian should accept he walks 'like a toddler with a full diaper'.

The comedian took aim at the 81-year-old president's age, saying he 'presents old' during his appearance on The View last week.

Swisher argued that Maher was being too pure about Biden when the alternative is Trump

Maher fought back, saying that journalists and pundits 'lose our credibility' when they don't talk about how Biden is old

Maher, 68, pointed out Biden is just three years older than Trump, 78, but is perceived as much older.

'Biden just presents as old and it's not really fair because he is almost the same age as Trump,' he said.

'But Trump doesn't present that way you look at somebody right away you can sum them up.

'We are not young but we don't present as old,' he added gesturing to co-host Joy Behar, 81.

'I saw him yesterday making that speech, he is cadaver-like. He should get out, he has lost the faith of people, it's not fair.'

He then went on to draw comparisons to Dracula, labelling the president Ruth Bader Biden, the former Supreme Court justice who died in the role despite requests to step down.

Her refusal to resign during the Obama administration as suggested paved the way for Donald Trump to eventually replace her with a more conservative judge after her death.

Maher, who has been an outspoken critic of the president and Trump, predicted the a similar fate for Biden.
A disabled teenager was left stuck in his seat unable to get off a Virgin flight after a wheelchair the airline provided him didn't fit down the aisle of the aircraft.

Hamish Paynter, 17, along with his mother Kristy and his carer, were preparing to disembark the flight that landed on the Gold Coast on Sunday when they began to have issues with the 'aisle chair'.

Aisle chairs are a small wheelchair given to passengers who are not physically able to walk to their seat on a plane.

The chairs are specifically designed to navigate compact spaces such as the inside of an aircraft.

Passengers with a physical disability are safely helped into these devices at the boarding gate, or near the entrance of the aircraft before they are taken to their seat.

A teenager who has a disability was stuck in a seat on a Virgin flight on Sunday after a wheelchair provided by the airline did not fit in the aisle (stock image)

While there was no issue transporting Hamish to his seat when the trio boarded the flight in Melbourne just over two hours earlier, the chair provided at the other end didn't fit the narrow aisle after the plane landed.

Hamish, who is a quadriplegic, was travelling to Queensland to take part in rehabilitation.

He sustained a serious spinal injury in 2022 while he was on a beach trip to Tasmania to celebrate the last day of school in Year 10.

Ms Paynter said staff on board the flight tried to assist Hamish by using a replacement aisle chair but the devices were too big.

'They tried to bring one chair on, and it didn't fit. I could see the wheels either side just didn't fit. They brought another aisle chair on, and that didn't fit either,' she told the ABC.

The issue forced them to stay on the plane half-an-hour after the flight landed at Gold Coast Airport.

Ms Paynter said the cabin crew for the next flight began to board the plane while they were stranded on the flight.

Staff then recommended using an on-board fold-up wheelchair, which would help Hamish get from his seat to the front of the plane where the aisle chair would fit.

The on-board wheelchairs are commonly used on flights to help people who use wheelchairs to go to the bathroom.

There were no issues with the aisle chair when the trio boarded their flight in Melbourne, however they encountered issues when they landed at Gold Coast Airport (stock image)

The plan meant Ms Paynter and the carer would have to lift Hamish for several metres, from the on-board chair to the aisle chair.

'It's (the on-board chair) not suitable at all, it doesn't have armrests, it's not secure, it's not safe for somebody with no core [muscles],' Ms Paynter said.

Eventually, Hamish was helped onto the on-board chair before staff permitted the device to be taken off the aircraft, despite their initial objections to the move.

Ms Paynter said it was very difficult to manouevre the on-board chair off the aircraft to allow Hamish to disembark the plane safely.

'I was holding his knees all the way down the ramp so he wouldn't fall or slide across,' she said.

Ms Paynter claims she was told by staff that Virgin had redesigned their planes, which resulted in aisles being narrower than other aircraft.

Some aisle chairs therefore do not fit in the aisles because of these changes.

Virgin upgraded its entire Boeing fleet last year with new seats installed on the aircraft in business and economy class on the Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 jets, as part of an overhaul of their cabins.

The cost of the upgrades is understood to have totaled $110million.

Ms Paynter said it was not the first time they had experienced issues with an aisle chair to help Hamish disembark an aircraft safely.

Ms Paynter claims she was told by staff that Virgin had refurbished their planes which resulted in the aisles becoming narrower (pictured, Virgin aircraft at Sydney's domestic airport terminal)

A Virgin Australia spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that Virgin takes its responsibilities to support passengers who need assistance to travel safely very seriously.

'Our guest relations team has reached out to our customer to provide additional information and apologise for their experience,' the spokesperson said.

'We have raised this issue with our ground handler at Gold Coast Airport and are reviewing our internal processes and training.'

Daily Mail Australia understands Virgin is currently rolling out aisle chairs that have been modified for their 737-MAX 8 and 737-800 aircrafts.

The devices will be made available at all airports across Australia.

The wheelchairs are already being used at Gold Coast Airport but the modified device was not used by the ground crew during the latest incident.
Little Levi Wright died just hours after his heartbroken parents revealed the traumatizing decision to take him off life support 12 days after he was left critically ill when he fell into a Utah river on his toy tractor.

Mother Kallie Wright dived in to look for three-year-old Levi after he disappeared beneath the fast-flowing waters in Beaver County on May 21.

The toddler was initially thought to be brain dead before appearing to wake up briefly in hospital, sending his family's hearts soaring at the hope of a miraculous recovery.

But Kallie, 34, took the decision to remove his life support on Sunday after doctors confirmed their worst fears, and family friend Mindy Sue Clark revealed on Monday that he slipped away later that day.

'I cannot even begin to explain how hard the last two weeks have been. From the moment my phone rang the night of his accident, to last night receiving the message that he had to go,' she wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post.

Three-year-old Levi Wright was critically injured after driving his toy tractor into a raging river near the family home in Beaver County, Utah on May 21

His death was confirmed by family friend on Monday after his heartbroken parents Kallie and Spencer Wright took the decision to turn off life-support on Sunday

Millions of people around the world followed the rollercoaster ride that was Levi's struggle for survival after the disaster near the family home in Milford.

The dinosaur-loving little boy was taken by ambulance to Beaver County hospital before being airlifted to the Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.

The initial prognosis was devastating with doctors concluding he had suffered brain death due to oxygen deprivation while under water.

But his heart was beating on its own and Levi's dad, rodeo star Spencer Wright, said the family had 'received multiple small miracles' and doctors were 'surprised by the strides he has made'.

Then on May 24, the family thought they had been granted the miracle they were praying for.

'LEVI WOKE UP!' Kallie posted, '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!

'He got a little wild so we had to settle him down again but my heart!

'He actually woke up during us talking to one of the doctors about his love of excavators and tractors!'

Millions around the world followed the little boy's ten day struggle for survival

Spencer Wright's (pictured) family is among the most prominent in the history of rodeo and he is ranked 35th in the world

Just hours later they received another cruel knockback.

'The MRI wasn't good,' Kallie wrote.

'We're shattered but it is just images that suggest a certain quality of life. Our real teller of all will be what Levi does over the course of a few days.'

Kallie posted again on Thursday another brain scan showed little improvement.

'They are keeping Levi comfortable, they attempted to wean sedation and he did not handle it,' she wrote. 'It was heartbreaking to watch and he is now heavily sedated until the next step.'

Finally on Sunday, Kallie and Spencer took the decision they had been dreading.

'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.

'Here soon I'll climb into bed with my baby and hold him as he falls asleep for the last time on this earth,' she wrote that afternoon.

'Levi showed us just enough to buy us time for all of this.

'We prayed those things were him defying odds and 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 and considerate, I truly believe he did that for us.'

Mindy broke the news of Levi's death in a Facebook post at 8.14am on Monday.

'I dont want to focus on the bad or sad, even though it feels like someone ripped my heart out and squeezed it right in front of me.

'I want to focus on the many miracles we all got to bear witness to in those 12 days. The response Levis story got was absolutely incredible.

'Levi Spencer Wright - March 24, 2021 - June 02, 2024,' she announced. 'The most perfect three-year-old there ever was. So perfect we didn't get to keep him.'

'I don't want to focus on the bad or sad, even though it feels like someone ripped my heart out and squeezed it right in front of me.

'Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people surrounded our best little buddy, lifted him up in prayer, and threw their loving arms around Levi and his family.

'We've never seen or experienced anything like it. I don't know that we will ever be able to process it fully.

'I am so thankful for all the time I got to be his 'aunt Mindy'. That is a blessing I will never be able to top.'

Mom Kallie posted her last devastating update about Levi's fight for life on Sunday afternoon

Levi visited mom Kallie and new baby brother Brae in hospital less than a year ago

'Here soon I'll climb into bed with my baby and hold him as he falls asleep for the last time on this earth,' Kallie wrote on Sunday

Friends have rallied round with a series of fundraisers for Kallie, Spencer and their two other children, leaving the family amazed at the outpouring of love.

'During this time he brought out humanity across the nation, he dropped so many to their knees and reminded them what truly matters in this world,' Kallie wrote.

'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. Going to miss you like crazy buddy!'
A juror was dismissed after she reported how a woman dropped a bag of $120,000 in cash off at her home together with a note urging her to 'acquit' the defendants in a trial she was sitting.

The note offered her even more money if she went ahead with the plan to acquit seven people charged with stealing more than $40 million from a program meant to feed children during the pandemic.

The 23-year-old juror, known as Juror 52, said she immediately turned over the bag of cash to police.

'This is completely beyond the pale,' Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson said in court on Monday. 'This is outrageous behavior. This is stuff that happens in mob movies.'

The juror said a woman left it with her father-in-law on Sunday evening with the message that more money would be on the way if she stuck to the plan.

A juror was dismissed after a woman left $120,000 in cash at her home

Juror #52 was offered even more money for voting to acquit seven defendants

Defense attorney Andrew Birrell told the judge that the bag of cash is 'a troubling and upsetting accusation.'

'Let's be honest, it wasn't someone outside of this room,' Thompson added who noted how the woman who delivered the cash was identified as Somali. The seven defendants on trial are East African.

Thompson said how a woman, 'possibly Somali, with an accent, wearing a long black dress' went to the juror's house at 8:50pm on Sunday.

The woman gave the juror's father-in-law a white gift bag and said it was a present for the juror, using the juror's first name despite her name having not been publicly disclosed.

'The woman told the relative to tell Juror #52 to say not guilty tomorrow and there would be more of that present tomorrow,' the affidavit reads.

The gift bag contained $120,000 of cash consisting of rolls of $100, $50 and $20 bills

'After the woman left, the relative looked in the gift bag and saw it contained a substantial amount of cash', consisting of rolls of $100, $50 and $20 bills.

When the juror returned and was told about the bag of cash, she called the police.

The cash is now in the possession of the FBI.

The seven who are on trial are the first of 70 defendants expected to go to trial, being tried on a total of 41 criminal charges, including wire fraud, bribery and money laundering, in a conspiracy that cost taxpayers $250 million.

Eighteen others have already pled guilty, and authorities said they recovered about $50 million in one of the nation's largest pandemic-related fraud cases.

Prosecutors say just a fraction of the money went to feed low-income kids, while the rest was spent on luxury cars, jewelry, travel and property.

During the trial that began in April, defense attorneys questioned the quality of the FBI's investigation and suggested that this might be more of a case of record-keeping problems than fraud as these defendants sought to keep up with rapidly changing rules for the food aid program.

The FBI agents raided the Twin Cities nonprofit Feeding Our Future in January 2022

The office of Feeding Our Future is seen one week after an FBI raid in 2022. The nonprofit was supposed to serve meals to kids

U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel has now sequestered the jury for their deliberations

These seven initial defendants were affiliated with a restaurant that participated in the food aid program.

Those still awaiting trial include Feeding our Future's founder Aimee Bock, who has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.

Before allowing the trial to continue with more closing arguments on Monday, U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel questioned the remaining 17 jurors and alternates asking if they had received any bribed, but none had reported any unauthorized contact.

Brasel decided to sequester the jury for the rest of the proceeding as a precaution.

'I don't do it lightly,' Brasel said. 'But I want to ensure a fair trial. You may wonder why this is necessary. It is necessary for you to stay away from information.

'The fact that there are only seven defendants and only seven people other than their attorneys that have the information to get to a juror and bribe the juror doesn't relieve me with the responsibility to protect the community,' the judge said.

She didn't decide immediately whether to detain the defendants, but she did order an FBI agent to confiscate all of the defendants' cell phones.

'It is highly likely that someone with access to the juror's personal information was conspiring with, at minimum, the woman who delivered the $120,000 bribe,' FBI Special Agent Travis Wilmer wrote.

Prosecutors say just a fraction of the money earmarked for Feeding Our Future went to feed low-income kids, while the rest was spent on luxury cars, jewelry, travel and property

Judge Brasel said the juror was 'terrified,' and 'remains at risk for retaliation.'

She also expressed concern that 'someone obviously has the addresses of the families of these jurors.'

The aid money the defendants are alleged to have misused came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was administered by the state Department of Education.

Nonprofits and other partners under the program were supposed to serve meals to kids.

Two of the groups involved, Feeding Our Future and Partners in Nutrition, were small nonprofits before the pandemic, but in 2021 they disbursed around $200 million each.

Prosecutors allege they produced invoices for meals that were never served, ran shell companies, laundered money, indulged in passport fraud and accepted kickbacks.

'The reality is you saw overwhelming evidence of the fraud scheme,' lead attorney Thompson said. 'Thousands of pages of evidence. Fake invoices again and again and again.'
Three newborn babies that have been abandoned in east London over the last seven years all share the same parents, it has been revealed.

The mother and father of the children, who were found in parks in Plaistow and Newham, have not yet been found and on Monday a judge ruled that the press was allowed to report the link between them.

It comes after a baby girl who was just one hour old was found by a dog walker in a shopping bag on a freezing night in Newham, in January this year.

The child, who was called Baby Elsa - after the character from Frozen - by hospital staff, was not injured in any way as police launched an appeal asking for the mother to come forward.

DNA tests have since shown that the girl is the full sibling of Baby Harry who was found abandoned in a park in Plaistow in 2017 and Baby Roman who was found in a park in Newham in 2019.

The three children were found in parks in east London over a seven-year period and their parents have still not been found

Baby Harry (pictured) was found abandoned in a park in Plaistow, east London, in September 2017

Baby Roman (pictured) was found abandoned in a park in Newham, east London, near a year and a half later in January 2019

Judge Carol Atkinson at the East London Family Court amended restrictions to allow the familial link between the three to be reported following an application by PA news agency and the BBC.

She said it was of 'great public interest' and doing so could help identify the biological parents who still have not been found.

The oldest child, known as Harry, was found in a park close to Balaam Street in Plaistow, east London, on September 17, 2017.

He was found wrapped in a white blanket at 8.20am before being rushed to hospital, sparking a police appeal for the mother to come forward.

This was followed by the discovery of the second baby who was found inside a shopping bag next to a bench in a park in Newham, east London, on January 31, 2019.

The child, who was named Roman after being found on Roman Road, was reportedly wrapped in a towel and placed in a Sainsbury's bag.

The newborn was found by a Lithuanian grandmother and her son while they were walking their dog 100 yards from their home.

Rima Zvaliauskiene said at the time: 'There was a crying noise from the bag. She was crying for her life. The baby saved herself.'

She added, in an interview with Sun Online: 'At first I thought it was an animal'.

Her son, Ovidijus, added: 'She looked a bit purple. She very cold to the touch. Her forehead and ears looked like they were a bit frosty, she was cold.

'We feel great that we helped save the baby's life. I'm glad we were there or the baby might not have survived too much longer'.

A street view of the park where Harry was found close to Balaam Street in Plaistow, east London, on September 17, 2017

Rima Zvaliauskiene, 50, and her son Ovidijus Zvaliaskiene, 27, who found Roman abandoned in a park in Newham in 2019

An aerial view of the park next to Roman Road in Newham, where baby Roman was found abandoned in 2019

The bench where Roman was found dumped in a shopping bag in a park near Roman Road in Newham, east London, on January 31, 2019

Police launched another appeal for the mother to come forward after this, but the fact that Roman was related to Harry was not made public knowledge.

Then on January 18 this year a third newborn, known as Elsa, was found by a dog walker at the junction of Greenway and High Street South in Newham after being alerted by her crying.

Like with Roman, Elsa was found dumped in a shopping bag and was believed to be just one-hour old when she was found at 9.13pm as temperatures plunged to -4C on the cold winter night.

One local restaurant manager, Tania Iurac, told how she saw a 'commotion' while walking home from work after the newborn was left in a 'really visible area'.

Ms Iurac, 25, said she and her flatmate saw up to seven police officers at the scene around two hours after the baby was discovered.

'I saw a commotion by Greenway park. We saw a white towel on the floor surrounded by six to seven police officers.

'The towel was by a red route clearway sign. But the baby and the plastic bag weren't there.

'I think the mother wanted the baby to be found. The towel was in a really visible area next to the main road. It was absolutely freezing last night.'

Her friend Andreea Plic, 26, explained that she was concerned by the number of officers in the area as she walked back from work at around 11pm and decided it was best to get home.

She told The Times: 'I talked with my friend, Tania, and I said, let's go outside to ask what happened. So when I go outside, I just saw the towel.'

Ms Iurac said that it was 'horrible' finding out someone had done this, but added to the newspaper: 'She may be a teenager and being scared about what happened in her life and not being ready for it, and left it outside for someone to find it.'

Andreea Maria Plic (left) and Tania Iurac said they saw police officers huddling around a white towel after Elsa was found in Newham in January this year

Speaking a day after Elsa was found Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, local policing commander for north-east London, said the child was believed to be black or mixed race and urged the mother to make herself known.

He said: 'We are extremely concerned for her welfare as she would have been through a traumatic ordeal and will be in need of immediate medical attention following the birth.

'Trained medics and specialist officers are ready to support her and we urge her to get in touch by phone or walk into the nearest hospital or police station. If you are the baby's mother, please know that your daughter is well. No matter what your circumstances, please do seek help.'

Harry and Roman have both since been adopted, while Elsa is still in care. The names of all three have since been changed.

Judge Atkinson ruled on Monday that reporting the information that the three children were biological siblings was in the public interest.

She said: 'There is a clear public interest in reporting this story.

'The abandonment of a baby in this country is a very, very unusual event and there are years where there are no children abandoned, and because of that it is the story of the abandoning of a child that is of public interest.

'It is, for the same reason, in our current society, of enormous interest and importance that people know that there is a mother and father out there who felt the need to relinquish their children in this way, three times, and that is of considerable interest, it seems to me.

'If I restrict these rights and the reporting of that story, I think that does impact on public consciousness of these sorts of matters. It restricts the openness of justice.'

It comes following efforts to increase transparency in the family court system.

Baby Elsa was found abandoned in a shopping bag at the junction of Greenway and High Street South (pictured) in Newham, east London, on January 18, this year

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, local policing commander for north-east London, pictured at a press conference in Newham following the discovery of Elsa in January this year

Previously, reporters have had access to courts dealing with sensitive matters involving children, despite them being closed to the public.

However, reporting has been highly restricted to only what a judge will allow, to protect the identities of those involved.

Under a new transparency pilot scheme, introduced last year, accredited journalists and legal bloggers could access three family courts - Leeds, Cardiff and Carlisle - to report on cases more freely.

This was expanded earlier this year to allow accredited journalists and legal bloggers to report on cases to 16 courts across England and Wales as they happen, as they would do in the criminal courts.

This includes East London Family Court, as well as Manchester, Nottingham, the Central Family Court in London and others.

While the identities of the families and certain professionals involved remain protected, judges can set out what details may be reported under a Transparency Order, with journalists also allowed to access some documents.

Families can also talk to a journalist about their case, without risking punishment for contempt of court.

However, judges can still decide that some cases may not be reported on or that reporting should be postponed in certain circumstances.

In Baby Elsa's case, the PA news agency and the BBC applied for the court to vary the terms of the Transparency Order to allow reporting that she has two siblings and other details.
An otherwise dull Senates Estimates hearing was livened up when a Liberal senator suddenly made a revealing comment about wearing lycra.

The off-the-cuff comment by Liberal Senator for Victoria and Shadow Minister for Finance Senator Jane Hume was made in a Budget Estimates 202425 Economics Legislation Committee hearing on Tuesday.

The exchange between Ms Hume and ASIC Chair Joe Longo saw laughter erupt in the usually sedate committee room.

Video of the humorous exchange showed Senator Hume addressing Mr Longo.

'I feel this is very awkward,' Senator Hume said.

'Every time I see Mr Longo now it seems to be at the gym on Saturday mornings. So I apologise for the lycra.'

'His or yours?' someone off camera asked.

'Every time I see Mr Longo now it seems to be at the gym on Saturday mornings. So I apologise for the lycra,' Senator Hume said

ASIC Chair Joe Longo assured the committee, 'I will never be seen in Lycra'

'Less worthy men have seen me in far less,' Senator Hume said.

Mr Longo replied, I want to reassure the committee that I will never be seen in lycra.'

He repeated the statement for maximum effect, as committee members laughed.

Senator Hume paused to collect herself before getting back to business.

'Sorry, I forgot myself for a moment. Im going to ask some questions about something serious now.'

ABC Defence Correspondent Andrew Greene tweeted the exchange on X.

Jane Hume is seen out and about at work

'Less worthy men have seen me in far less - @SenatorHume discussing gym attire and proving yet again Senate estimates is far more interesting than most parliamentary proceedings.'

Comments to Mr Greene's tweet were mixed.

'Actually warming to her...' one X user wrote.

But another posted: 'How to completely discredit yourself in one sentence.'

'Utterly delightful. The reality of day to day life and a refreshing banter. The location of the gym in Parliament House means we all get to see a lot of Lycra, and a lot of legs in sweaty shorts passing by during sitting weeks. Its the nice thing that photos are not taken,' wrote a Canberra insider.
Dr. Phil used his primetime show Monday to call for Joe Biden to dismiss the conviction of Donald Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying documents.

Trump faces heavy fines and potentially prison time in his sentencing on July 11, throwing the 2024 election into chaos.

The longtime TV host, who has been delving more into hard news with his primetime show on his Merit Street Media, decried the 'weaponization' of the justice system to convict Trump.

He called for President Biden 'an end to this craziness to save the collective soul and sanity' of America.

'The current administration could and should do the right thing: dismiss now, even now, post-conviction of a political opponent, all such lawfare and pledge to return to the normal functioning of a government rightly run.'

Dr. Phil used his primetime show Monday to call for Joe Biden to dismiss the conviction of Donald Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying documents

I dont advocate voting for one candidate over another.



I stay in my lane, addressing human behavior collectively and culturally, focusing on how we can have maximum control in our lives and turn this ship of state called America in the right direction, getting her back on pic.twitter.com/tsob0o31V2  Dr. Phil (@DrPhil) June 4, 2024

He thinks America could become a 'banana republic' akin to many autocratic nations, one similar to Russia.

'What are we gonna do next? Find a "Putin poisoning posse" and start finding political opponents foaming at the mouth at home, not so mysteriously dying in their Lay-Z-Boy recliners?'

Dr. Phil claimed that he doesn't 'advocate voting for one candidate or another' but he wants to help 'right this ship' of America.

'We need our Justice Department to return to the business of meting out justice and not running the political agendas of those currently in power,' he said.

He added that such 'weaponization' of the justice system 'make my skin crawl.'

Dr. Phil then called out both sides of the aisle to get over their dislike for one another and be able to determine right from wrong.

'Let's be honest, this is so not just about Trump. if you let your hatred for Donald Trump compromise your ability to find true north on your moral compass, shame on you,' he said.

He then added: 'If you let your disgust for Biden make you blind to the inevitable consequences of pursuing revenge, then God help the children who will inherit the dystopian nightmare we create.'

The longtime TV host, who has been delving more into hard news with his primetime show on his Merit Street Media, decried the 'weaponization' of the justice system to convict Trump

He called for President Biden 'an end to this craziness to save the collective soul and sanity' of America

The former president was found guilty of 34 felonies last Thursday in a Manhattan courthouse.

Trump's team tried to lay out a strong defense of the former president, distancing him from Cohen's payments to Stormy Daniels.

They also reiterated several of their strongest points, that hush money payments are not illegal and Trump solely wanted to spare his family humiliation from Stormy's alleged affair claims.

The case is the first time a former U.S. President has faced a criminal trial.

Trump is the presumptive Republican presidential candidate and is set to take on Joe Biden in November's election.

It means the verdict could upend the 2024 White House race and prove a pivotal moment in the history of the United States.

The charges Trump faces each carry a maximum potential sentence of up to four years in prison.

Prosecutors told of a plot by Trump to 'corrupt' the 2016 election by hiding a $130,000 hush money payment by his 'fixer' Michael Cohen to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Daniels alleged that she and Trump had sex a decade earlier, which he has denied.

The prosecution was run by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a known 'progressive prosecutor'

The case featured explosive evidence by Daniels and lifted the lid on the 'catch and kill' practices of the National Enquirer tabloid, which bought stories that could be damaging to Trump and suppressed them.

But the actual criminal charges concern something more prosaic - the reimbursements Trump signed for Cohen for the payment.

The reimbursements, paid by Trump in monthly installments, were recorded as being for legal expenses.

Prosecutors say that was a fraudulent label designed to conceal the purpose of the hush money transaction and to illicitly interfere in the 2016 election.

Defense lawyers argued that Cohen actually did substantive legal work for Trump and his family and was paid for it.

Prosecutors had a high bar to reach in order to convince the 12-person New York jury that Trump conspired to help his 2016 election campaign by paying porn star Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet about their alleged sexual encounters.

The prosecution was run by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a known 'progressive prosecutor.'

Trumps legal team is expected to appeal regardless of the July 11 sentencing, but the unprecedented conviction sets off a process that all convicted criminals face within the Manhattan criminal court system.

Stormy Daniels, a key witness in the trial, with Donald Trump in 2006

Donald Trump 's lead attorney Todd Blanche revealed that the legal team was more upset than he was when he heard the guilty verdict Thursday, a testament to how 'resolute' the ex-president is. They plan to appeal the decision

Theoretically, Trump could face 136 years in prison if given consecutive sentences on all charges.

But even before the verdict came down, legal experts suggested Trump was unlikely to face time behind bars.

Trump at 77-years-old has no prior convictions. The charges also involve a nonviolent offense.

New York law recommends no prison sentence for non-violent felonies where the defendant lacks any prior felony conviction in the last decade.

The more likely option, according to legal experts, is the ex-president could face probation or a steep fine. Both pose their own challenges for the former president.

Meanwhile, because Trump as a former president and the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, he has another unique consideration officials need to contend with.

Trump has Secret Service protection. The agency has already reportedly been in discussions over how it would proceed in its charge to protect him should Trump actually be locked up.

Trumps lawyers have already been able to stall the three other cases against him.

While New York law made it challenging to delay the hush money case, his team is expected to appeal the conviction.
The average employee would have to work for 196 years to take home what the company boss earns after another bumper year of pay rises for chief executives.

The median pay package for CEOs in the S&P 500 rose 12.6 percent to $16.3 million in 2023, dwarfing the 4.1 percent enjoyed for private sector workers.

Topping the list in the Associated Press survey is Broadcom boss Hock Tan who took home a whopping $162 million.

But even that would pail into insignificance if Tesla boss Elon Musk succeeds in his court battle for $56 billion worth of the company's stock.

'The pay ratio signals a sort of a winner-take-all culture, that companies are treating their CEOs as, you know, as superstars as opposed to, team players,' said Brandon Rees of the AFL-CIO.

Broadcom CEO Hock Tan topped the survey of CEO pay with a package valued at about $162 million in 2023 after its stock value increased from from $3.8 billion in 2009 to $645 billion

William Lansing of Fair Isaac Corp slotted behind Tan in the list with a relatively modest $66.3 million.

Apple's Tim Cook suffered a 36 percent pay cut on 2022 after a shareholder revolt but still pocketed a tidy $63.2 million.

Half the CEOs in this years pay survey made at least 196 times what their median employee earned - up from 185 times in last years survey.

The gap is particularly wide at companies where employees typically earn lower wages, such as retailers.

At Ross Stores, for example, the company says its employee at the very middle of the pay scale was a part-time retail store associate who made $8,618.

It would take 2,100 years earning that much to equal CEO Barbara Rentlers compensation from 2023, valued at $18.1 million.

A year earlier, it would have taken the median worker 1,137 years to match the CEOs pay.

'In this post-pandemic market, the desire is for boards to reward and retain CEOs when they feel like they have a good leader in place,' said Kelly Malafis, founding partner of Compensation Advisory Partners in New York.

'That all combined kind of leads to increased compensation.'

William Lansing, the CEO of Fair Isaac Corp was second on the list with $66.3 million

Apple CEO Tim Cook suffered a 36 percent pay cut on 2022 after a shareholder revolt but still pocketed a tidy $63.2 million

Prologis CEO Hamid Moghadam pocketed $50.9 million to earn fourth place

Netflix's high-profile co-CEO Ted Sarandos was paid $49.8 million after another successful year for the streaming giant

A large proportion of pay packages consist of stock awards, which the CEO often cant cash in for years, if at all, unless the company meets certain targets, typically a higher stock price or market value or improved operating profits.

But soaring stock market helped propel two dozen CEOs in the AP's annual survey to a pay rise of 50 percent or more.

Although securities filings show Elon Musk received no compensation as CEO of Tesla Inc., his pay is currently front and center at the electric car company.

Musk is asking shareholders to restore a pay package that was struck down by a judge in Delaware, who said the approval process for the package was 'deeply flawed'.

Companies are required to assign a value to stock awards at the time they're granted and the award given to Musk in 2018 was valued at $2.3 billion.

Musk's total pay package is now estimated to be worth around $56 billion.

The survey's methodology also excluded CEOs such as Nikesh Arora at Palo Alto Networks who received $151.4 million, and Christopher Winfrey at Charter Communications who got $89 million.

But it did include Hamid Moghadam of Prologis Inc who earned $50.9 million, and Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix who was paid $49.8 million.

Lisa Su, CEO and chair of the board of chip maker Advanced Micro Devices, was the highest paid female CEO in the AP survey for the fifth year in a row with $30 million in 2023

More women made the AP survey than in previous years, but their numbers in the corner office are still minuscule compared to their male counterparts. Of the 341 CEOs included in the data, 25 were women.

Lisa Su, CEO and chair of the board of chip maker Advanced Micro Devices, was the highest paid female CEO in the AP survey for the fifth year in a row in fiscal 2023, bringing in compensation valued at $30.3 million - flat with her compensation package in 2022. Her overall rank rose to 21 from 25.

The other top paid female CEOs include Mary Barra of automaker General Motors ($27.8 million); Jane Fraser of banking giant Citigroup ($25.5 million); Kathy Warden of aerospace and defense company Northrop Grumman Corp. ($23.5 million); and Carol Tome of package deliverer UPS Inc. ($23.4 million).

The median pay package for female CEOs rose 21 percent to $17.6 million.
EXCLUSIVE

A Bangladeshi man convicted of sexual assaults last month is among a raft of visa holders walking free in the community despite facing courts over serious crimes.

The list includes a Syrian male on a protection visa who is on bail accused of multiple domestic violence offences and will not face a hearing until next year.

A Pakistani national on a student visa is also on bail after being charged with offences including intentionally recording and threatening to distribute an intimate image without consent, as well as attempted stalking and larceny.

And a Sri Lankan man who was recently granted a protection visa is behind bars after allegedly being caught with child abuse material, drugs and ammunition, but has not attempted to seek bail.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has been under increasing pressure to resign since the release late last year of more than 150 detainees including murderers and sex offenders.

The High Court ruled in November it was unlawful to indefinitely detain foreign nationals if there was no prospect of them being removed from Australia.

Bangladeshi, Syrian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan nationals are among a raft of visa holders to face courts on serious criminal charges. A detainee released after last year's High Court decision that indefinite detention is unlawful is pictured

Daily Mail Australia has now obtained a list of visa holders who have recently faced New South Wales courts and are not part of that cohort.

The 24-year-old Syrian man on the protection visa faced court in May charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of intentionally choking a person with recklessness, three counts of common assault and one of stalk/intimidate.

All those charges are domestic violence-related and the man is also the subject of an interim apprehended violence order.

Earlier this year the same man was sentenced to an 18-month conditional release order after pleading guilty to driving with an illicit drug in his blood.

He has previous convictions for traffic offences including driving while never having held a licence.

The 23-year-old Bangladeshi man on the student visa was convicted in May of two counts of sexually touching another person without consent.

A magistrate in a regional court sentenced the man to 20 months of imprisonment to be served by way of an intensive correction order.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has been under pressure to resign since the release late last year of more than 150 detainees including murderers and sex offenders. Mr Giles (left) is pictured with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

That means he will not spend a day in jail, but must perform 250 hours of community service work.

The 21-year-old Sri Lankan man on the protection visa was pulled over by police in the state's central west late last month and arrested after failing a roadside drug test.

A search of his car allegedly uncovered an extensive amount of child abuse material as well as cannabis, methylamphetamine and ammunition.

He was charged with possessing and disseminating child abuse material, two counts of possessing a prohibited drug and possessing ammunition without a permit.

The man, who had been living in Queensland before his arrest, did not apply for bail.

A spokesman for Home Affairs said the department did not comment on individual cases.

In the latest debacle to rock the Department of Immigration, Mr Giles has backed down on claims drones were being used to monitor detainees released after the High Court ruling.

Having said drones were used to keep watch over the released detainees, Mr Giles later admitted the technology was not adopted for that purpose.

'I relied on information provided by my department at the time, which has since been clarified,' he said in a statement on Monday.

Mr Giles has also said an updated ministerial directive which allowed foreign nationals convicted of serious offences to keep their visas would come into effect within days.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal had used the controversial 'direction 99' to reinstate the visas of foreigners found guilty of such crimes.

Direction 99 had prioritised an offender's ties to Australia and was put in place after concerns expressed by New Zealand that its citizens were being deported despite having no connections to their homeland.

Mr Giles has said the reworked direction would place more emphasis on the safety of the Australian community.

'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 on Monday.

'The government is on track to overhaul this regime and put in place a new direction before the end of the week.'

Mr Giles said on Monday that 30 visas had been cancelled in the past week for foreign nationals with serious criminal histories.

'Community safety is our number one priority and we will always act in the interest of Australians,' he said.
A popular restaurant and cocktail bar will close its doors after struggling with post-pandemic pressures plaguing the hospitality industry.

The Matriarch, a French-inspired venue touted as Brisbane's most glamorous cafe, announced on Monday that it will close for for the final time on Sunday.

The venue was opened in 2019 by business partners Jimmy Truong and Mathew Dewacht and navigated the pandemic thanks to its popular afternoon high teas.

However, news of the closure was announced in a post on the restaurant's social media pages and detailed how it was not able to overcome skyrocketing costs.

'The past five years have been an experience that we will never forget however, Covid needed a lot of fight and the current finical crisis is one fight too many,' the post read.

A popular french-inspired restaurant and bar in Brisbane, The Matriarch (pictured), has decided to close its doors on Sunday

'It is with a heavy heart that we have decided not to renew our lease and close our business.

'We thank you for your ongoing support and wish you all the best.'

Co-owner and chef, Mr Dewacht, said that while the business was not forced into closure, the current economic landscape made remaining open too difficult.

'We just made the decision can we cant mentally battle through basically another Covid, another economic crisis, this is the exactly same feeling as Covid,' he told The Courier-Mail.

'The exhaustion level, its not worth battling on again. [It's better} to leave without being forced to like some other businesses who are going bankrupt.'

Mr Dewacht said a number of other business had fallen into bankruptcy because their customer bases had dried up when the economy started to tighten.

Despite navigating through the pandemic, the owners said the current economic strains plaguing the industry was too much to handle and its lease wouldn't be renewed

Devastated customers shared their shock at the sudden closure in comments on the social media post.

'This makes me so sad,' one wrote, adding: 'Thank you for such amazing service and hospitality.'

A second customer wrote: 'You guys will certainly missed, thank you for providing an excellent experience.'

A third lamented that The Matriarch was 'a one-off type place would be hard to beat'.

Another reminisced on their love for the venue's high teas before asking if they were selling off their furniture.

The Matriarch is just the latest casualty of a tough trading environment for the hospitality industry in Australia. Recent closures include Gauge, in Melbourne, 13 years of business and beloved Sydney restaurant Tetsuya, after 37 years.
A US traveller is set to stand trial in Australia after she was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle a 24-karat gold handgun into the country in her luggage.

Liliana Goodson was arrested at Sydney Airport on the afternoon of April 23 last year after the Australian Border Force allegedly found a golden weapon hidden in her hand luggage.

Police allege an X-ray machine at the busy airport detected the Colt 45-style pistol in her bag after she flew into Sydney from Los Angeles.

The 24-karat gold gun is valued at more than $2000 and was not loaded when the authorities seized it.

Liliana Goodson (pictured), was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle a 24-karat gold handgun into the country in her luggage

The 29-year-old will fight the allegations in a hearing after she pleaded not guilty to intentionally importing prohibited goods without approval

Australian border force x-rayed Goodson's luggage and allegedly found the 24 carat gun (pictured)

ABF officials claim Ms Goodson did not have a permit to import or carry the unregistered gun in Australia.

On Tuesday, Sydney Downing Centre Local Court heard the 29-year-old will fight the allegations in a hearing after she pleaded not guilty to intentionally importing prohibited goods without approval.

The court was told the two-day hearing will take place in August, more than a year after Ms Goodson was arrested while entering the country.

The US citizen asked Magistrate Susan Horan to vary her bail conditions after she moved into accommodation in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

She previously told the court she had been homeless for several months and was fearful for her safety.

Magistrate Horan agreed to the change, and noted Ms Goodson is still required to report to police every day.

The woman appeared content with the outcome as she left court wearing a long animal-print dress, thigh-high boots, and a furry headpiece.

She has been forced to surrender her passport and prohibited from applying for a new one as she waits to fight the allegation against her.

The 29-year-old will return to court next month ahead of her hearing.
Gibraltar will retaliate if Spain imposes full border checks, the territory's chief minister has warned.

Fabian Picardo flashed the thinly-veiled warning after the Tories shelved negotiations with Brussels over a new post-Brexit deal for border checks and transit on the Rock until after the July 4 general election.

He said that 'sorrow might turn to anger quite quickly' if the talks were to break down.

Britain has been locked in talks over the status of the overseas territory - which has a land border with Spain - since Britain left the EU.

In April it appeared a deal had edged closer to being agreed with Mr Picardo telling reporters it was 'within kissing distance' of being rubber-stamped.

Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo (pictured speaking to the media in April) has warned the Rock could retaliate if Spain imposes full border checks

Britain has been locked in talks over the status of the overseas territory - which has a land border with Spain - since Britain left the EU. It will include moving the border to Gibraltar's airport

But despite at least 17 rounds of talks since October 2021, discussions have soured over Spain's insistence that the UK cede jurisdiction over Gibraltar's airport, which is on an RAF base, for an agreement to be reached.

There are also tensions over the role of Spanish police operating at the airport, which proved to be the main sticking point in the latest round of negotiations when foreign secretary Lord Cameron met with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares, and Maros Sefcovic, of the European Commission.

Mr Picardo told the Gibraltar Chronicle yesterday: 'People in Gibraltar need to understand that the alternative to a treaty is potentially the full application of the Schengen border code with all of the massive difficulties that that would entail, and for us to do it reciprocally.

'In other words, if the Schengen border code is applied to Gibraltar and to crossings from Gibraltar to Spain, the government of Gibraltar will apply the same rules to crossings from Spain to Gibraltar. We will do that more in sorrow than in anger.'

He added: 'The reality is that we may fail to do a treaty, and we may also fail to agree a local border traffic arrangement.'

In theory, Gibraltar - home to more than 32,000 people - is currently outside the EU's customs union and not under free movement rules

The introduction at the airport of guards from EU border agency Frontex was thought to have solved the problem of policing the new Schengen border.

Yet tensions still remain due to the complexities over Madrid claiming sovereignty over Gibraltar.

'Spain needs to be understanding of why the Gibraltarian rejects Spanish presence in Gibraltar. It's a product of 60 years of what I might call almost abuse,' Mr Picardo said.

'We've seen the Spanish law enforcement agencies in Gibraltar as the instrument of the Spanish attempt not to recognise our waters and our territory.'

In theory, Gibraltar - home to more than 32,000 people - is currently outside the EU's customs union and not under free movement rules.

Parts of the new deal have already been agreed in principle, reported The Telegraph, which would include allowing Spanish and other EU planes to land at the airport for the first time in more than a decade.

However, Madrid has granted a temporary exemption for workers and tourists to avoid disruption on the narrow peninsula that jets off Spain's southern coast - leaving the overseas territory in a state of limbo since Brexit.

MPs raised 'serious concerns' last month that British negotiators have failed to stand up to Eurocrats during talks as it looked set to cave into Brussels over the deal.

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron is leading talks with the EU in a bid to secure a deal and end the post-Brexit impasse

Madrid continues to claim sovereignty over the spit of land, which is located on the southern end of the Iberian peninsula. Pictured: Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares

In a letter to Foreign Office minister David Rutley, committee chairman Sir Bill Cash wrote: 'If agreed as you outlined to us, allowing current Schengen checks to be administered by [EU] Frontex border guards at the airport would erode UK sovereignty to the point of meaninglessness.

'From your evidence, we suspect that the UK Government is prepared to concede an arrangement that will leave Gibraltar's frontier British in all but name.

'The practical implications of this are seismic. You were unable to reassure us that UK nationals and Gibraltarians, wishing only to enter Gibraltar, would not have to undergo Schengen checks.

'You were also unable to rule out the possibility of UK and Gibraltarian nationals being refused entry to Gibraltar - a UK Overseas Territory - by Schengen (EU) border guards.'

The temporary agreement could be rescinded by Spain at any time, and so the negotiations are working towards agreeing common travel between Gibraltar and the EU's Schengen zone, which would remove most border controls.

Gibraltar has been ruled by Britain since 1713, but is self-governing in all areas except for defence and foreign policy.
Prince Harry has agreed to stay away from the wedding of one of his closest friends for fear of his feud with his brother William overshadowing the event, it is claimed.

A phone call from Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, saw the Duke of Sussex invited to his nuptials with fiancee Olivia Henson at Chester Cathedral on Friday.

The event is set to be the high society wedding of the year, and there had been much speculation as to which of Harry and William would receive an invitation given the brothers' ongoing estrangement.

However, it has been claimed that Harry will not be there after the California-based royal reached a 'civilised understanding' with Hugh to bow out of attending, The Times reports.

It means that the Prince of Wales is free to be an usher for Hugh, who has been friends with the pair since childhood, avoiding the potentially awkward situation of having to show Harry to his seat during the ceremony.

Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, and Olivia Henson will get married on Friday at Chester Cathedral. Pictured: Hugh and Olivia posing for an official photo released to announce their engagement in April last year

There had been much speculation about whether Princes William and Harry - both of whom a good friends with the duke - would attend given their ongoing estrangement. Pictured: Harry and William at the unveiling of a statue of their mother Princess Diana in Kensington Palace in July 2021

Hugh has been close to William and Harry since he was a child. Pictured: Prince William stands in front of Hugh at the wedding of the duke's older sister, Lady Tamara Grosvenor in Chester in 2004

It is claimed that Prince Harry made a 'civilised agreement' with Hugh not to attend his wedding. Pictured: The Duke of Sussex at Westminster Abbey on May 6 for the Coronation of King Charles III

William will have Prince George - who is Hugh's godson, as is Harry's eldest child Prince Archie - alongside him, with reports suggesting the 10-year-old is set to play a prominent role in the wedding.

It was claimed that month that Harry - who at one point had been earmarked as Hugh's best man - was unhappy that his brother was due to be given the key role.

A well-informed source told The Mail on Sunday last month: 'William was asked to have a prominent role in the wedding and that's what triggered Harry to decline an invitation.

'Apparently he [Harry] was put out by the request when he thought it should have been him.'

Last year, it was claimed that Harry had been 'snubbed' from the wedding, but a source close to the Sussexes was at pains to explain to US publication Page Six that both Meghan and Harry had in fact received invitations, but had jointly decided to decline.

Despite the awkwardness surrounding his wedding, Hugh - who is normally publicity-shy - remains good friends with both Harry and William and he could link up with his California-based friend if he fulfils his goal of representing Great Britain in clay pigeon shooting at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Hugh, known as 'Hughie' to his friends, is one of Britain's wealthiest landowners after inheriting his father's 10billion estate at the age of just 25 in 2016 following the death of his 64-year-old father from a heart attack.

Once dubbed Britain's most eligible bachelor, he was introduced to Olivia by mutual acquaintances in 2021 before announcing their engagement in April last year.

The Duke of Westminster and his fiancee Olivia Henson were introduced to each other by mutual friends. Pictured: Hugh and Olivia visiting three charities supported by the Westminster Foundation in Chester last month

The event will take place at Chester Cathedral on Friday, June 7. Pictured: The outside of Chester Cathedral

A total of 400 people are set to attend the wedding. Pictured: A view of the choir and central nave inside Chester Cathedral

After the wedding service at Chester Cathedral, guests will then enjoy a grand reception at nearby Eaton Hall. Pictured: An aerial view of Eaton Hall in Cheshire

Harry and Meghan have already been excluded from the wedding, even though Hugh is reportedly the godfather of their son, Prince Archie. Pictured: Harry and Meghan at the Armed Forces Complex in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 11, during their tour of the country

King Charles and Queen Camilla are not expected to attend the ceremony as the monarch recovers from cancer treatment and visits France the day before. Pictured: Charles and Camilla on HMS Iron Duke in September 2023

Princess Catherine is also not expected to attend as she continues her recovery from chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. Pictured: The Princess of Wales at the Christmas Day service in Sandringham, Norfolk, last year

A total of 400 people have been invited to the Cathedral ceremony which will be followed by a reception at Hugh's 11,000-acre Eaton Hall estate, with the duke said to be 'nervous' but also 'incredibly excited' ahead of the big day.

The Times reports that among the those expected to be in attendance are members of the Van Cutsem family, who are close to the Windsors, and linked to the Grosvenors by marriage - Hugh's sister Lady Tamara wedded Edward van Cutsem in the same venue in 2004.

Other attendees will include Lady Zoe Warren, the aristocratic yoga guru and youngest child of the 14th Earl of Galloway, and her husband, Jake Warren, a godson of Princess Diana and son of Queen Elizabeth II's racing manager, John Warren.

Aside from William and George, it appears that royals will be few and far between, with the Princess of Wales, as well as King Charles and Queen Camilla not expected to attend.

William's wife Princess Catherine will stay away as she continues her own recovery from chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer following major abdominal surgery earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Charles - who is Hugh's godfather - is still recovering from cancer treatment and will have travelled across the Channel to France to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings less than 24 hours before the wedding takes place.

There city of Chester itself is expected to see thousands of people flock into its walls to witness the occasion in scenes reminiscent of his sister's wedding, where an estimated 4,000 people lined the streets.

Those who come this time around will be able to treat themselves - the duke has reportedly paid three independent business to give out free ice cream on the day of the wedding.

Crowds are expected to line the streets on the big day just as they did for Hugh's sister's wedding in 2004. Pictured: Scores of people look on outside Chester Cathedral for the wedding of Lady Tamara Grosvenor in November 2004

Lady Tamara Grosvenor, and Edward van Cutsem were betrothed to each other in the same venue that Hugh is getting married in this week. Pictured: Lady Tamara and Edward van Cutsem leave Chester Cathedral after their wedding in November 2004

Lady Edwina Grosvenor and her husband, TV historian Dan Snow, will be in attendance and Edwina's brother's wedding. Pictured: Dan Snow and Lady Edwina at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle in May 2018

He has also made a contribution to the city's summer flowers, with a source close to him telling The Times that the duke was keen to pay back his 'great personal connection to the area'.

It's a stark contrast to the ceremonies of his other sisters - Lady Edwina is married to TV presenter Dan Snow, while Lady Viola is wedded to Dragoon Guards officer Angus Roberts - both of which took place in private.

Raised at Eaton Hall, Cheshire, Hugh Grosvenor was privately educated at Ellesmere College before obtaining a BSc in Countryside Management from Newcastle University.

After his graduation, Grosvenor worked in estate management at the food and agriculture company Wheatsheaf Group, an investment business based in the Eaton estate and owned by the Grosvenor Group.

Afterwards, he held an account manager position at sustainability company bio-bean, which turns coffee-related waste into bioproducts such as biofuels and logs.

The future Duchess of Westminster also comes from a wealthy background. Olivia descends from the Hoare banking family as well as the Marquesses of Bristol and the Dukes of Rutland, according to the Telegraph.

Olivia and Hugh announced their engagement on April 23, 2023, after two years of dating. Pictured: The pair visiting charities in Chester in May

After the death of his father, Hugh became the 7th Duke of Westminster and inherited a 10billion estate. Pictured: The late Queen is pictured with the late Duke of Westminster Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, who died suddenly in 2016

PIctured: Prince Harry and Prince William at the wedding of Edward van Cutsem and their friend's sister Lady Tamara Grosvenor at Chester Cathedral in 2004

Pictured: Hugh Grosvenor attends the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle with Charlie van Straubenzee at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018

A life-long friend for each of the brothers, Hugh Grosvenor is thought to be the only pal both chose to mentor their children. Pictured: At the wedding of Harry's school friend Charlie van Straubenzee and Daisy Jenks in 2018

The outlet also says her uncle is the Grand Master of Scottish freemasons and her father is stockbroker Rupert Henson.

Olivia reportedly also has a 29-year-old brother who works in asset management and a 26-year-old sister who's in a brand relationships role.

She is also said to speak Spanish and Italian after completing a Hispanic Studies and Italian degree at Trinity College in Dublin.

Much like the Princess of Wales, Olivia is understood to have attended the elite Marlborough College, and before that was at the equally revered Dragon School in Oxford along with fellow alum Emma Watson.

She worked at Daily Dose LDN and No1 Rosemary Water before landing a role at Belazu - a B Corp ingredients brand - where she is currently a Key Account Manager, in 2019.

Hugh previously dated property and recruitment consultant Harriet Tomlinson, but the couple, who met at 6,000-a-term day school Ellesmere College in Shropshire, split in 2020.

The Duke also supports the rehabilitation of wounded or injured members of the Armed Forces and donated 2.5million to the Health Service when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, but said he was so 'humbled' by the work of doctors and nurses he wanted to give another 10million.

MailOnline has contacted the Duke of Sussex's representatives for comment.
Voters in the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea have given their verdict after Nigel Farage dramatically announced that he would be fighting to become their MP.

In an astonishing U-turn last night, the Brexit champion said he would now be standing in the general election, taking over from Richard Tice as the new leader of Reform UK.

Farage, the former UKIP and Brexit party leader, has pledged to lead Reform for the next five years and his announcement could land a bitter blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's election campaign.

The Essex seat which Farage is looking to fill was the first to elect a UKIP MP in 2014. It was represented by Conservative Giles Watling until Parliament was dissolved.

Residents of the traditional Essex seaside town have already warmed to Farage, who sang the praises of the town's Wetherspoons during his emergency press conference yesterday.

Voters told MailOnline they backed his views on immigration, describing him as being 'bang on the money' and an 'honest guy who talks common sense'.

Nigel Farage enjoys a pint of beer in a pub as he takes part in an election campaign walk about on November 5, 2019. He has announced that he will be standing as an MP for Clacton at this year's election

Residents of the traditional Essex seaside town voiced massive support for the new Reform UK leader and welcomed the chance of voting him into power. Pictured: Clacton Pier

Dustcart driver Keith Acraman (pictured), 68, a grandfather of six, said he he 'quite likes' Farage and will likely vote for him

Part time caravan park worker Brad Moore (pictured) said: 'Nigel Farage says it how it is. That is why I quite like him. He definitely stands for what England is.'

Mother-of-three Angie Root, 59, who works as a learning support assistant and in a fish and chip shop, said: 'I will be voting for him. He has passion and is a fantastic speaker who really gets through to people.

'Something needs to be done about immigration. There are a lot of people in Clacton working for low wages. I think wages have been pushed down by migrants. Nigel Farage gives me some hope that wages could go up.'

Amelia Burke, 19, who works in a holiday park and is due to start studying to be a dental nurse in September, added: 'I will be voting for him.

'I think it's great that he has a voice. Clacton is often over-looked and needs someone like Nigel Farage to speak up for the town.

'Immigration for me is a really big thing. People in the UK are struggling to find housing and competing against people from other countries.'

Pauline McGinty, 76, the owner of the century-old Jolly Roger restaurant on Clacton Pier, told The Telegraph: 'Nigel is well-liked. It's the pint of beer and the cigar. He will definitely win here.'

Dustcart driver Keith Acraman, 68, a grandfather of six, also voiced support for Farage, telling MailOnline: 'I will probably vote for him because he is for the British.

'I quite like him, and I think he has got the right ideas, although sometimes he is over the top. Immigration just needs to come under some sort of control.'

Construction training company boss Walter Pasifull, 74, who was with his wife Kathleen, added: 'Nigel is alright. He talks a lot of sense.

'I voted Conservative last time, and I am now thinking whether I should vote for Nigel or go Tory again. I have not yet decided.

'I run a limited company and I am interested in what help is going to be offered for business.'

Voters in Clacton (pictured) backed his views on immigration, describing him as being 'bang on the money' and an 'honest guy who talks common sense'

Retired civil engineer David Armstrong (pictured), 70, said: 'I will absolutely be voting for Nigel.'

Construction training company boss Walter Pasifull, 74, who was with his wife Kathleen (pictured together), said that Farage 'talks a lot of sense'

Several voters in Clacton (pictured) highlighted the need for Britain to toughen up on immigration

Retired civil engineer David Armstrong, 70, said: 'I will absolutely be voting for Nigel. It's good news that he is standing. He is an honest guy who talks common sense. People know what he stands for.

'The real concern that I have is the migrants coming over on the dinghies. Thousands upon thousands have come in the last year and there is nothing being done to stop them.

'The Tories have not sorted it. I know we have the Rwanda plan now, but why has it taken so long? All the other parties have failed, but Nigel wants to get to grips with it.'

Nathan Mann, 19, who works as a roofer, added: 'I have seen Nigel Farage being interviewed on TV, and I think he is OK. I am not really into politics, but I will probably vote for him.

'I like him because he knows what he is doing, and has his priorities straight. He is going to be better than what we have got now.'

Arcade attendant Adam Mason, 33, added: 'I am glad he is standing. His views are the way forward. I have voted UKIP in the past so I will be voting for him.

'I definitely will not be voting for the Tories under Rishi Sunak. He has told lies after lies. But Nigel is bang on the money.'

Restaurant chef Richard Dale, 48, who was sipping a pint outside Charnallies American Restaurant and Bar, said: 'I will vote for Nigel. I am sure he will do alright for Clacton.

Shoe repair shop owner Phil Oliphant (pictured), 65, said he likes Farage 'because he speaks openly and honestly'

Voters in Clacton (pictured) said they liked that Farage speaks openly and has his 'priorities straight'

'I like his mannerisms and characteristics. He has always represented Britain and the British ideal. I would have voted Reform anyway. Now he is standing here, I am even more certain to.'

Shoe repair shop owner Phil Oliphant, 65, said: 'I will be putting Nigel Farage's poster in my window. I like him because he speaks openly and honestly.

'I know he got deleted a few years ago, and it will be good to see him back as a leader of a political party, and hopefully the local MP here.'

But others who were not so enthusiastic about Farage included a tattooed lorry driver who gave his name as James, 67, and described him as 'a p**ck and an idiot.'

As he sipped lager on the terrace of the Moon and Starfish, a Wetherspoon pub on the seafront, James added: 'I will not vote for anyone.

'Politicians are all as bad as each other. This country is totally screwed. I am not racist, but there are too many foreigners here.

Roofer Nathan Mann (pictured) said: 'I like him because he knows what he is doing.'

Restaurant chef Richard Dale (pictured), 48, who was sipping a pint outside Charnallies American Restaurant and Bar, said: 'I will vote for Nigel. I am sure he will do alright for Clacton.'

Arcade attendant Adam Mason (pictured), 33, said: 'I am glad he is standing. His views are the way forward. I have voted UKIP in the past so I will be voting for him.'

Pictured: Clacton-on-Sea town centre

'There are so many small boats coming over and nobody is doing anything about it.'

Restaurant worker Shaun Barnett, 23, added: 'I got put off politics with the whole Brexit thing. I am not a massive fan of Farage and I probably won't be voting for him.

'In fact, I don't see the point in voting at all. It hard to believe in any of the parties whether it's the Tories, Labour or Reform UK.'

A bouncer called James, 32, who works in a seafront pub added: 'I know who Nigel Farage is because I have seen him on TV talking s**t.

'I don't think it makes any difference who is in power, and I will not be voting for him or anyone else.

'I have only voted once in my life and it was so long ago that I can't remember who I voted for. I don't intend to start again now.'

Part time caravan park worker Brad Moore added: 'Nigel Farage says it how it is. That is why I quite like him. He definitely stands for what England is.

'But I really don't have any political opinions myself, and I don't think I will be voting.'
The Afghan knifeman who went on a murderous rampage at an anti-Islam rally in Germany last week is a father-of-two who practiced Taekwondo and had been 'well integrated', sources told German media.

Sulaiman Ataee, 25, launched a frenzied attack in Mannheim city centre on Friday, stabbing well-known Islam critic Michael Stuerzenberger, a police officer and several bystanders in a horrific incident which was live streamed on YouTube.

But as far as his friends, neighbours and even the authorities were concerned, Ataee was a perfectly helpful, polite and agreeable citizen who had worked hard to develop fluency in German.

He settled down with a wife, had obtained a residency permit that lasted until 2026 - and according to several sources had displayed no religious zeal that would mark him out as a concern.

Roughly a year ago, residents living in Ataee's apartment complex said they noticed a change - he became noticeably colder and less communicative.

But they could never have imagined that he would have authored such a bloodthirsty attack, which left six people with stab wounds - and police officer Rouven L. in the morgue.

Sulaiman Ataee, 25, launched a frenzied attack in Mannheim city centre on Friday

The attacker has been identified as Sulaiman Ataee, who immigrated to Germany from Afghanistan in 2014 when he was just 14

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

Ataee enjoyed doing Taekwondo in his free time, and pictures from a tournament with his local club in 2014 showed him with a medal after he earned third place while wearing a red belt

Pictured: Police officer Rouven L., 29, stabbed to death anti-Islam rally in Germany

He lives with his German wife and their two children, aged almost 1 and 3, in a flat in Heppenheim - just a 25-minute drive from the market square where he stabbed six people (block of flat the attacker lives in pictured above)

Residents were visibly upset, holding placards, laying flowers and lighting candles at a vigil in Mannheim market square

Police turned up to pay respects to their fallen colleague, but also were on hand to ensure protesters did not get out of control

Flowers and tributes are seen at the Mannheim market square where six were stabbed by an Afghan knifeman

Born in Herat, Afghanistan, Ataee arrived in Germany as an unaccompanied minor aged just 14 alongside his brother.

He moved into a youth residential group in the state of Hesse, and although his application for asylum was rejected, his tender age prevented authorities from deporting him - so he set about integrating himself into German society.

The teenager's grasp of the German language improved quickly and following a series of tests was awarded a 'B2' level certificate, meaning he could 'communicate orally spontaneously and fluently, and understand complex texts'.

He also reportedly enjoyed doing Taekwondo in his free time, and pictures from a tournament with his local club in 2014 showed him with a medal after he earned third place while wearing a red belt.

By age 19, he had found love.

He met a German woman and the pair quickly moved in together before having two kids - now aged three and almost one - a feat which saw Ataee awarded with a residence permit.

The family lived together in a flat in Heppenheim - just a 25-minute drive from the market square where Ataee stabbed six people - where he was described as a positive member of the community by those who knew him.

But neighbours of the Afghan knifeman claimed he had begun to show signs he was being 'radicalised' over the last year.

'He used to be normal,' 31-year-old neighbour Abdul told MailOnline.

'I have seen him sometimes with his wife and his children, but I don't know that much about him.'

Another neighbour told Bild: 'He was inconspicuous, we greeted each other usually.

'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.'

Ataee's appearance also changed in recent years. He was previously clean shaven but grew out a large beard.

It was later revealed that Ataee - who was reportedly unemployed and living off benefits according to Bild - allegedly shared ISIS propaganda on YouTube prior to his attack.

German newspaper Welt connected the knifeman to a now defunct YouTube account that had posted videos of the late radical preacher Ahmad Zahir Aslamiyar.

It is unclear whether German authorities knew about the videos prior to the attack, but Justice Minister Marco Buschmann wrote on the social media platform X late Monday that 'there are now clear indications of an Islamist motive'.

Federal prosecutors, who are responsible for terrorism and national security cases, are taking over the investigation from police in Mannheim.

MailOnline has contacted both German State Security as well as the Office for the Protection of the Constitution for comment.

Anti-Muslim campaigner Michael Stuerzenberger posted this picture from his hospital bed after he was stabbed by a knifeman at an anti-Islam rally in Germany

The rampage began when man dressed in a dark hooded jacket and tracksuit, (seen centre right) tackled a BPE member to the ground and began violently swinging a large blade at him

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, June 2, 2024

There was a heavy police presence on Mannheim market square this weekend as left and right wing parties came together to voice their views

Mourners were met by anti-immigration campaigners and activists who claim the stabbing would not have happened if Ataee was made to 'remigrate' back to Afghanistan

Ataee is said to have lived on an estate in Heppenheim in a flat on the ninth floor of a 14-storey apartment block.

He rented his two-bedroom flat, shared with his wife and children, for roughly 800 euros a month. The estate is complete with a pair of playgrounds, several shops and restaurants in easy walking distance.

One local man whose parents live in the same high-rise as the knifeman told MailOnline the killer was friendly, but largely kept himself to himself - as did his wife.

Another neighbour told German outlet Focus: '(His wife) was colder, not as friendly as him.

'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.

Meanwhile, mourners have turned out in droves to pay respects to the slain police officer and stabbing victims.

'It is definitely scary, this is our way home. We walk past [the market square] daily and will think about what happened here and that it could happen again any day,' 22-year-old student Emilia, who came to the scene to put down a bouquet, told MailOnline.

But mourners were also met by anti-immigration campaigners and activists who claim the stabbing would not have happened if Ataee was made to 'remigrate' back to Afghanistan.

Members of the right-wing AfD and Junge Freiheit parties held a protest on Mannheim's market square on Sunday afternoon, as pro-peace activists held a counter protest.

But chaos broke out when far-left Antifa activists started their chants as they pushed forward, which caused dozens of armed police officers to run at the group to disperse them with pepper spray.

At least one man was arrested and led to one of the many police vans at the scene in handcuffs.

Stuerzenberger (right) tumbles to the ground following the initial attack as other BPE members push the knifeman away

The attacker broke free and turned his blade on other bystanders, including a police officer

The knifeman did not respond to officers' orders and was shot at near point-blank range

Residents in Mannheim city centre were seen visibly upset while laying flowers and lighting candles at the seen of yesterday's stabbing incident

A sober mood in Mannheim city centre the day after knifeman went on the rampage

The shocking spree unfolded on Friday morning in Mannheim city centre where anti-Islam campaigner Michael Stuerzenberger was speaking at an event of the Citizens' Movement Pax Europa (BPE) - a group that advocates against the 'Islamisation' of Europe.

Chaos broke out at an when Ataee tackled Stuerzenberger to the ground and violently swung a large blade at him, prompting terrified screams from onlookers.

Other BPE members sprinted over and tried to drag the knifeman away, but the would-be killer wriggled free and dove on top of the bloodied victim to plunge the weapon in for a second time.

Police descended on the scene almost immediately - but not before Ataee had left two people lying on the floor, blood pooling on the cobblestones.

Officer Rouven L. then made a fatal mistake. Amid the confusion, he waded in and jumped on one of the victims, seemingly having mistaken him for the aggressor.

This misread of the situation gave the bloodthirsty attacker a chance to circle behind and ram his blade into the policeman's neck.

His colleagues were heard screaming 'throw the knife away!' - but with the knifeman not responding to any orders the officers opened fire from near point blank range and sent him crashing to the ground.

The attacker and his victims were rushed to hospital, while the shocking incident was quickly labelled a terror attack by the BPE.
A 14-year-old boy was not wearing a life jacket when he drowned in a water-tubing incident on Christmas Eve, a court has heard.

Shaun Joseph Looby, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of general obligation on persons involved with operation of ship to operate it safely causing death in Maryborough Magistrates Court on Monday.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Sonia Edwards said Hayden Nance, his stepfather Looby and his mother Marissa Looby had taken their boat on the Mary River at Owanyilla, in south-east Queensland.

Looby was licensed at the time and the boat was registered with all the necessary safety equipment onboard, including life jackets.

The court heard it was the first time Hayden had been tubing.

Hayden (pictured left) fell out of the tube, took a few swimming strokes and then went under water on Christmas Eve

Shaun Joseph Looby (pictured) pleaded guilty to one count of general obligation on persons involved with operation of ship to operate it safely causing death

Ms Edwards said Ms Looby purchased the ski tube which was found to be in good condition when later examined by police, the Cairns Post reported.

Hayden was given a safety briefing by Looby, including how to get in the tube, where to hang on and hand signals.

Hayden didn't want to wear a life jacket, saying he was over the age of 12, and Looby and Mrs Looby objected but decided against having 'a big argument' over it.

He began tubing for a second time that day about 10am, while the the boat was travelling about 25km/h, the court heard.

In footage provided to police, Looby appeared to be driving 'very sedately' when towing the tube and there were no significant turns or doughnuts being done.

It is understood that Hayden fell out of the tube, took a few swimming strokes and then went under water.

Mrs Looby quickly told her partner who turned around and jumped into the water to look for Hayden after he did not resurface, but he was unable to find him due to poor visibility in the muddy water.

His hysterical mother jumped in to assist with the search before climbing back on board and calling triple-0.

She also set off a signal flare to try to get another person's attention.

Divers were called in, who later found Hayden's body, and an autopsy confirmed the cause of death was drowning.

Ms Edwards said legislation stated that skiers must wear a life jacket, and that wearing one would have allowed Hayden to stay upright and be located in the water

'It's still unsure what would have happened then, but he would not have sunk into the river where visibility was low and people could not locate him at the time,' she said.

'It's a situation where all parties have suffered, family members, Mr Looby, and any punishment that the court could place on Mr Looby is not going to change the situation and how he would feel about the situation.'

Mrs Looby (pictured right) was in court supporting her husband, who had been fully cooperative with police in the wake of the tragedy

Mrs Looby was in court supporting her husband, who had been fully cooperative with police in the wake of the tragedy.

Defence lawyer Andrew Bale said the incident had a 'devastating' effect on the family and that they sold the boat after it was seized and released by detectives.

'The last thing they want of course is for the boat to be sitting in the front driveway reminding everyone of what occurred,' he said.

Magistrate John Milburn accepted the family had suffered and said it was a tragic incident but he needed to consider general deterrence in his sentencing.

Looby was fined $1500 and no conviction was recorded.
A Melbourne gangland figure with serious convictions stretching back more than 30 years has had his visa cancellation overturned under Labor's controversial Direction 99.

Kevin Farrugia, 51, an associate of Australia's most notorious crime lord Tony Mokbel, was spared from deportation by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

Monday's decision, which was the latest in a series of embarrassments for the Government, came as under fire Immigration Minister Andrew Giles announced new guidance would be in place within days.

More than 150 detainees, including murderers and sex offenders, have been released from detention after the High Court ruled it was unlawful to indefinitely detain someone if there was no real prospect of deporting them to another country.

Farrugia, whose serial criminality started in 1993, has been convicted over reckless conduct endangering life, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms and drug trafficking.

Melbourne gangland figure Kevin Farrugia, has had his visa cancellation overturned under Labor's controversial Direction 99. Farrugia is an associate of Australia's most notorious crime lord Tony Mokbel (pictured in red tie outside a court in Greece in 2007)

Farrugia arrived in Australia from Malta as a 17-month-old baby and had his long ties to the Australian community taken into account, despite having spent more than 12 years in jail.

The AAT noted Farrugia had an 'extensive criminal record' including a conviction of kidnapping and reckless conduct endangering life in 2003 and 'multiple convictions' for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2009 and in 2023.

'(Farrugia) did not make excuses but did say he had made bad choices at a time when he was under the influence of drugs,' the AAT said.

He also has several drug convictions dating from 1993 to 2022, including 'trafficking a commercial quantity of pseudoephedrine' in 2008.

Pseudoephedrine is the active ingredient in the drug methamphetamine, which is also known as ice.

Ruling that his automatic visa cancellation be overturned, the AAT cited Direction 99, saying 'substantial weight' should be given to Farrugia's ties to Australia, given he had 'spent almost all his life' in the country.

Speaking during Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Giles said he had so far cancelled 35 visas and had 'more under review' as a result of Direction 99 not being interpreted as the Government had intended.

'I am aware of the (Farrugia) case  which was decided by the AAT yesterday and it is under consideration in accordance with the national interest,' he said.

The Minister last week brought in a 24-hour notice period so that he is quickly told about any cases where the AAT overturns visa cancellations, so he could intervene using ministerial discretion if needed.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has all but assured a victory in his nation's elections, as his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) party leads in early polls.

Early figures showed Modi on track to win another parliamentary majority after a six-week-long election that saw 642 million people vote in seven stages across the world's most populous country.

Modi, 73, said at the weekend he was confident that 'the people of India have voted in record numbers' to re-elect his government, a decade after he first became prime minister.

With more than a quarter of votes counted by midday, election commission figures showed Modi's ruling BJP and its allies leading in at least 281 seats, with 272 seats needed for a parliamentary majority.

Figures so far showed the BJP with a vote share two points higher than the party's last victory in 2019, but the party was forecast to win fewer seats.

But while the BJP may be celebrating, the victory during a particularly hot summer in India has come at the cost of dozens polling staff, who died of heatstroke.

At least 33 election workers died on the last day of voting from in just one state, the northern Uttar Pradesh.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi (pictured) has all but assured a victory in his nation's elections

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters celebrate after learning the initial general election results at party headquarters in New Delhi, India

Thinktank Freedom House said this year that the BJP had 'increasingly used government institutions to target political opponents'

The staff who died included security guards and cleaners, who died from heatstroke after the state reached a blazing high of 52.9C.

Officials said the families of the deceased will get just 15 million rupees (14,000) as compensation.

Analysts said that the scorching heat may have contributed to a lower voter turnout, and a top official admitted the polling should've been scheduled to end a month earlier.

Modi's opponents have struggled to counter the BJP's well-oiled and well-funded campaign juggernaut, and have been hamstrung by what they say are politically motivated criminal cases aimed at hobbling challengers.

Thinktank Freedom House said this year that the BJP had 'increasingly used government institutions to target political opponents'.

Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of the capital Delhi and a key leader in an alliance formed to compete against Modi, returned to jail on Sunday.

Many of India's 200 million-plus Muslim minority are increasingly uneasy about their futures

The polls were staggering in their size and logistical complexity

Turnout came to 66.3 percent, down roughly one percentage point from 67.4 percent in the last polls in 2019

Kejriwal, 55, was detained in March over a long-running corruption probe, but was later released and allowed to campaign as long as he returned to custody once voting ended.

'When power becomes dictatorship, then jail becomes a responsibility,' Kejriwal said before surrendering himself, vowing to continue 'fighting' from behind bars.

Many of India's 200 million-plus Muslim minority are increasingly uneasy about their futures and their community's place in the constitutionally secular country.

Modi himself made several strident comments about Muslims on the campaign trail, referring to them as 'infiltrators'.

The polls were staggering in their size and logistical complexity, with voters casting their ballots in megacities New Delhi and Mumbai, as well as in sparsely populated forest areas and in the high-altitude territory of Kashmir.

Votes were cast on electronic voting machines, so the tally will be rapid, with results expected later Tuesday.

Counting began in the morning at key tally centres in each state, with the data fed into computers.

Final voter data is yet to be released as repolling took place in two stations in West Bengal state on Monday

An election official shows an electronic voting machine to a polling agent

Activists of Trinamool Congress (TMC) party celebrate vote counting results for India's general election

'People should know about the strength of Indian democracy,' chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar said Monday, vowing there was a 'robust counting process in place'.

Election chief Kumar on Monday proclaimed the 642 million votes cast a 'world record'.

But based on the commission's figure of an electorate of 968 million, turnout came to 66.3 percent, down roughly one percentage point from 67.4 percent in the last polls in 2019.

Final voter data is yet to be released as repolling took place in two stations in West Bengal state on Monday.

India's major TV networks had reporters outside each counting centre, competing to flash results for each of the 543 elected seats in the lower house of parliament.

In past years, key trends have been clear by mid-afternoon with losers conceding defeat, even though full and final results may only come late on Tuesday night.

Celebrations are expected at the headquarters of Modi's BJP if the full results reflect exit poll predictions.

What a Modi victory means for the rest of the world

The US and Europe

President Joe Biden hosted Modi for a state dinner last year and has called ties with India the 'defining partnership of the 21st century'.

In February, Washington approved a $4 billion sale of state-of-the-art drones to India, the latest bolster to India's defence in a counterbalance to neighbouring China.

That deepening of ties has come despite rights groups sounding the alarm about threats to India's democracy and increased discrimination towards the 200-million-plus Muslim minority.

The relationship has not been entirely seamless, however.

The US Justice Department last year charged an Indian citizen with allegedly plotting an assassination attempt in New York approved by India's intelligence agency.

India also has strong ties with European countries.

With France, it hopes to expand multi-billion-dollar deals including the sale of Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines.

US President Joe Biden and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi toast during an official State Dinner

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris on July 13, 2023

China

Relations between the world's two most populous countries slumped in 2020 after their troops fought a deadly high-altitude skirmish along their 3,500-kilometre (2,200-mile) frontier.

Tens of thousands of troops from the nuclear-armed Asian giants continue to eyeball each other. Territorial claims remain a perennial source of tension.

Modi's right-wing government has pumped billions of dollars into border infrastructure and boosted military spending by 13 percent last year - but it is still barely a quarter of China's.

Despite their rivalry, China is India's second-largest trade partner.

Russia

New Delhi and Moscow have ties dating back to the Cold War and Russia remains by far the biggest arms supplier.

India has shied away from explicit condemnation of Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, abstained on UN resolutions censuring Moscow, and snapped up cut-price Russian crude oil supplies.

Modi in March congratulated President Vladimir Putin on his re-election, adding he was looking forward to developing their 'special' relationship.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin prior to their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on October 5, 2018

Pakistan

Modi's government has refused to engage with historic rival Pakistan since accusing Islamabad of cross-border terrorism.

The two nations have fought three wars and numerous smaller skirmishes since being carved out of the subcontinent's partition in 1947. Control of contested Kashmir has been at the centre of tensions.

In 2015 Modi made a surprise visit to the Pakistani city of Lahore but relations plummeted in 2019.

But in March, Modi congratulated Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif on his return to the premiership.

It was a rare expression of goodwill between leaders of the two nuclear-armed rivals, and raised hopes there could be a thawing of relations.
John Swinney last night came under attack for being 'at the centre of every SNP scandal' in the past 17 years during a fiery first head-to-head leaders debate of the General Election campaign.

The First Minister was grilled from opposition leaders over his party being 'mired in sleaze and scandal'.

He also faced heavy criticism for making Scotland the highest taxed part of the UK and threatening oil and gas jobs  and refused to give a straight answer on whether he would support a single new North Sea licence.

The clashes came as the leaders of the four main Scottish parties went head to head in the debate hosted by STV.

During a cross-examination section, Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross told Mr Swinney that the thing which unites him with his predecessors Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond and Humza Yousaf is scandal.

Last night's debate, hosted by STV's Political Editor Colin Mackay (centre) saw the leaders of the Scottish Labour, SNP, Conservate and Lib Dem parties go head to head

SNP leader John Swinney faced tough questions over scandals involving his predecessors, including Nicola Sturgeon (pictured)

The First Minister was accused of defending former Health Secretary Michael Matheson (pictured) over his 11,000 iPad bill

He said Mr Swinney was 'at the heart of the ferries scandal', was Education Secretary when standards plummeted in schools, and is still defending former Health Secretary Michael Matheson over his 11,000 iPad bill.

Mr Ross said: 'How can you move Scotland forward when you have been at the centre of every scandal the SNP has been involved in for the last 17 years?'

Mr Swinney said ferries are being delivered over the next two years, while there is record levels of numeracy and literacy in primary schools, while Mr Matheson 'made mistakes and parliament has taken its decisions'.

But Mr Ross hit back at him, saying: 'Why are you still backing a liar?'

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also said Mr Swinney leads a party 'mired in sleaze and scandal' and said Scotland needs change, while Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: 'John, what's rotten about your party right now is the constant back-covering, the covering of your tracks, protecting your mates and nobody ever really takes responsibility for these big scandals.

'The deletion of Covid WhatsApp material, which denies those families answers, is the biggest scandal of devolution.'

Mr Swinney attacked Labour's plans for the extension of the windfall tax on oil and gas firms, saying there was a danger that it would 'lead to tens of thousands of jobs losses in the North-East'.

The First Minister (second left) was grilled from opposition leaders over his party being 'mired in sleaze and scandal'

Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer said STV viewers got 'half the story' after his party was not invited to appear on the debate

But Mr Sarwar responded by condemning the SNP's approach to income tax, telling him: 'You support higher taxes for people earning 29,000 pounds a year in Scotland, for example nurses, but not windfall taxes on the oil and gas giant making record profits.

'You're really on the side of BP and Shell not nurses working across the country in the middle of a cost of living crisis, really?'

The SNP leader was repeatedly asked whether he would support new oil and gas licences but refused to confirm, saying only that he would want there to be a 'climate compatibility test on every single decision we take in relation to the oil and gas sector'.

Mr Ross said: 'That's a no, John Swinney and the SNP are against new oil and gas licences.'

In the opening speeches, Mr Ross said his MPs would focus on the 'top priorities' of the general public while the SNP will 'claim every seat as a mandate for independence' and would be 'distracted from the local issues you care about'. But Mr Swinney said that he would be 'totally focused on the issues that matter to you'.

Mr Sarwar claimed that Scotland is 'crying out for change', while Mr Cole-Hamilton said 'some hope and a change of direction' is needed because ministers in London and Edinburgh have 'lost sight of what matters to you'.

Asked about a new YouGov poll which showed that his party could fall to just 17 seats, Mr Swinney acknowledged the findings 'show challenges for the SNP'.

During the cross-examination section, Mr Sarwar and Mr Cole-Hamilton lavished praise on each other's parties.

Meanwhile, Mr Swinney condemned Mr Ross for supporting Liz Truss's budget, including tax cuts. The Scottish Tory leader said he had assumed work had been done behind the scenes to make sure the policies were deliverable, and added: 'That hadn't been done, and I hold my hands up. I assumed that had been done.'

He admitted the failure to do that work 'has had an impact on household income' but added that the UK Government was now taking decisions to improve the economy.

Meanwhile, STV came under fire yesterday from the Greens and Alba for failing to give their leaders a place at the debate.

Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer said STV viewers got 'half the story'.

Who won the debate? Given the absence of the Greens, I'd say the viewers

By Stephen Daisley

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 night's Scottish debate confirmed that the shine has come off these televised tussles. Maybe it's 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 Farage's dramatic return to frontline politics and amid talk that his entry into the electoral fray could see the Tories come third.

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.

Last night's Scottish debate confirmed that the shine has come off these televised tussles

The Scottish leaders gathered just hours after Nigel Farage's dramatic return to frontline politics

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 SNP leader. Alex Cole-Hamilton, God love him, was just happy to be there. 'We're 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 they're 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 evening was, for the most part, the Sarwar (left) and Swinney Show (right), with the two digging each other up over taxing energy giants

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 party's plans. He also struck a note of contrition by admitting he was wrong to support Liz Truss's 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 Sturgeon's decision to delete her Covid-era messages. Swinney maintained that, while he destroyed communications too, he abided by the Scottish Government's 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 wasn't exactly eager to endorse.

The winner of the debate? Given the absence of Patrick Harvie or Lorna Slater, I'd say the viewers.
Heathrow Airport has been described as 'dismal and dilapidated' by the chief of Emirates airlines, who likened the facilities to that of a Second World War airport.

Sir Tim Clark, president of the Dubai-based flights operator, slammed the experience offered to customers at the west London airport and claimed it was 'seriously lagging' behind its rivals.

The 74-year-old said he had a 'dismal experience' when travelling from Terminal 3 recently and believes bosses have put their shareholders' interests before that of the business.

He called for the terminal building to be redesigned to make it better for passengers, with the plaza needing to be reduced in size to allow more room for security and check-in facilities.

Speaking to The Times, Sir Tim said: 'I was at Heathrow the other day and walking out of our lounge the ceiling height is awful. It looks like a utilitarian structure, post-Second World War. It is just not good enough.'

Sir Tim Clark, pictured in 2016, slammed the experience offered to customers at Heathrow and claimed it was 'seriously lagging' behind its rivals

Sir Tim said he had a 'dismal experience' recently when travelling from Terminal 3 (pictured) and believes bosses have put their shareholders' interests before that of the business

He continued: 'It's an old airport. I'm afraid it's very difficult. You need to open up the whole terminal.

'Where we are based, new airports are being built employing the latest technologies to streamline the process of all the customer-facing elements. That is not the case at Heathrow.'

Emirates is one of the many airlines involved in a long-running row with Heathrow over the airport's take-off and landing fees, which was reopened in March after an intervention by the competition authorities.

A ruling was issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK aviation sector regulator, stating that charges per passenger must be cut by about 6 per cent, or a further 1.52, to 23.72 next year and then to 23.70 in 2026.

The ruling came after air passengers were warned they will face higher fares and longer journeys in October last year as air traffic control charges for airlines were raised.

Charges are paid by airlines but are generally passed on to passengers in air fares.

The CAA had previously ruled in March last year that the charge per passenger should be 25.43 in 2024, 25.24 in 2025 and 25.28 in 2026.

Arguments between the airport and airlines over these fees had started when neither could agree on whose projections were most accurate about the pace of the recovery in the aviation industry since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Because of this, the CAA is yet to find a charging formula that would allow Heathrow to successfully recover and not penalise their passengers.

Heathrow (pictured) rebounded to profit for the first time in four years in 2023 after passenger levels jumped by nearly 29 per cent to 79.2 million, the third-highest in its history

Emirates is one of the many airlines involved in a long-running row with Heathrow over the airport's take-off and landing fees (file image of an Emirates aircraft)

Heathrow rebounded to profit for the first time in four years in 2023 after passenger levels jumped by nearly 29 per cent to 79.2 million, the third-highest in its history.

It recorded a 38million adjusted pre-tax profit, compared with a 684million loss the prior year when staff shortages and delays led to the travel hub imposing a daily passenger cap over the busy summer period.

The airport expects to attract a record 81.4 million passengers in 2024, underpinned by travel demand continuing to recover despite widespread cost-of-living pressures.

Heathrow said: 'Every pound we want to spend on improving airport facilities needs approval from our regulator. Despite having our proposals cut back in the current regulatory settlement, we will still invest 3.6 billion upgrading our infrastructure over the next three years.

'We will continue to invest and to work with our airline partners to build an airport fit for the future.'
A suspected gas line rupture has forced up to 200 people to be evacuated from a major hospital and TAFE campus in North Sydney.

It's understood that a contractor had been working on Westbound Street in St Leonards, and allegedly ruptured a gas line, causing a leak around 3.30pm Tuesday.

A spokesman for Fire and Rescue NSW told Newswire that no one had been injured and the gas company had quickly switched of the gas.

Up to 200 people were evacuated from the hospital and nearby TAFE (pictured: NSW Fire and Rescue crews on the scene)

'The area has now been declared safe by Fire Rescue and Rescue, with the site handed over to NSW Police,' they said.

People in the nearby TAFE and the Royal North Shore Private Hospital were evacuated as a safety precaution.
The last of the surviving D-Day veterans are heading to Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations but dwindling numbers mean this year is the last major milestone for those who fought in 1944.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will be among those in attendance to remember more than 150,000 British, Canadian and American troops who landed in a combined naval, air and ground assault on Nazi-occupied France on June 6.

But the number of those who will travel to Normandy has decreased due to many now being too old to make the journey.

Just over 30 veterans made the trip via ferry this year - compared to more than 200 in 2019.

Victor Walker, 98, is among a number of veterans unable to travel to France this year as he told The Telegraph: 'Age has finally caught up with me.'

Mr Walker worked on board a destroyer which transported troops to the shores of France.

He travelled to Normandy for the 65th, 70th and 75th commemorations, but his declining health meant he could not make the trip for this anniversary.

D-Day veteran Albert Keir (right), 98, from Bakewell, Derbyshire, watches from the deck of the Brittany Ferries ship Mont St Michel as it sails out of Portsmouth Harbour in the UK to Ouistreham, in Caen, France

Normandy veteran Jimmy Justice waves from the deck of the Brittany Ferries ship Mont St Michel

D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, from Wakefield, gets emotional as he travels on the ship

Royal Navy Commander Glen Hickson, D-Day veteran Jim Grant, Royal Navy Commodore John Voyce, and D-Day veteran Charles Horne, on board the Brittany Ferries ship

D-Day veteran Richard Aldred (centre) salutes from the deck of the ship

D-Day veteran Richard Aldred, who also travelled to Normandy today, pictured during the Second World War

Royal Navy Commander Glen Hickson, D-Day veteran Jim Grant, and Royal Navy Commodore John Voyce, on board the Brittany Ferries ship

World War II veterans are seen on the deck of the Mont St Michel cross-channel ferry

The Brittany Ferries ship Mont St Michel passes the Round Tower as it sets sail from Portsmouth Harbour

Victor Walker, 98, is among a number of veterans unable to travel to France this year due to his declining health

'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,' he said.

Mr Walker was 17 when he joined the Royal Navy in June 1943 as a seaman.

He joined the crew of HMS Versatile, beginning his career escorting Arctic convoys - before the ship was redeployed to the Solent to escort convoys to Normandy.

This year only 12 veterans of the Battle of Normandy were present for afternoon tea at Southwick House, near Portsmouth, compared to 75 five years ago.

Les Underwood, 98, who was a Royal Navy gunner, is one of the youngest remaining veterans as he lied about his age to join up.

'All the memories come back,' Underwood told The Times. 'Guns going everywhere, screaming from the men, some of them getting off the landing craft and some even drowned.'

He added: 'My father always said men and boys don't cry, but they do,' he said. 'I've cried at the thoughts of the men not coming back.'

Veteran Ken Cooke, 98, said the 80th anniversary commemorations this week will be the last time he revisits Gold Beach where he landed as an 18-year-old on June 6, 1944.

Appearing on Antiques Roadshow's D-Day special this week, Mr Cooke recalled how he stepped onto the beach and straight into battle.

'We set off for [Gold] Beach. I can't describe the noise. You can't describe the noise. It was that horrendous,' he said.

D-Day veteran Jim Grant (centre) on board the ship today

D-Day veteran Albert Keir (right), 98, from Bakewell, Derbyshire, smiles from the deck

D-Day veteran Jim Kelly, from Sutton Coldfield, looks out onto the water

D-Day veteran Jim Kelly, who travelled to Normandy today via ferry, pictured during the Second World War

100-year-old D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan, from Crewe, salutes on board the ship

D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan, who is now 100, pictured during the Second World War

D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan (left), 100, from Crewe, salutes as veteran Jack Mortimer from Wakefield, gets emotional

D-Day veteran Albert Keir (left), 98, from Bakewell, Derbyshire, and Charlie Horne, 98, wave as they take a group photo

D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, from Wakefield, looks emotional on the ship

D-Day veteran Arnie Salter, 98, from Warwickshire, on board the Brittany Ferry ship Mont St Michel

D-Day veteran Ronald Hendrey, 98, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, speaks on board the Brittany Ferry ship

D-Day veteran Ronald Hendrey, who is now 98, pictured during the Second World War

Veteran Ken Cooke, 98, (pictured aged 18) said the 80th anniversary commemorations this week will be the last time he revisits Gold Beach where he landed as an 18-year-old on June 6, 1944

'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.

'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.'

Albert Keir, 98, who travelled to Normandy via ship today, trolled the sea area around the beaches before the army landed in the months prior to D-Day.

On D-Day, Mr Keir was part of the crew ferrying US troops onto Utah beach.

'At night when it was dark, the sky was lit up with all different sorts of colours, tracer bullets and different things. And the noise was colossal And the firing from the sea over our heads blasting the beaches was very bad. Took some standing that did.

'It's very difficult to try and get it out of your mind. It took some time to get it more or less out of my mind,' he said.
MI6 used 'coercion' to recruit married Chinese government workers as spies and to get them to hand over state secrets, with promises of well-paid consulting work, Beijing has claimed.

This comes amid China and Britain having for months traded accusations over perceived spying, which they say is a threat to national security.

China's Ministry of State Security claimed this week that two Chinese government employees were successfully recruited by Britain's foreign intelligence agency, MI6, after visiting in 2015 for an official exchange programme.

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'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.

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

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 the university campus where he was studying 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.

After it was decided that 'the conditions were ripe', handlers told him they worked for the intelligence services and asked for him to work for them for 'security guarantees' and money.

'I the interests of profit, Wang agreed to the British side's request and completed the espionage formalities. MI6 trained Wang in professional espionage and instructed him to return to his home country to gather important information about China,' the ministry said, according to The Times.

'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.

Since launching its WeChat profile last year, the Chinese Ministry of State Security has been more public in its dealings, using the social media account to make announcements on espionage cases and to give advice to Chinese nationals so they do not get co-opted by foreign intelligence.

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.
Amanda Knox is set to return to a familiar Italian courtroom this week for the first time in over 12 years to defend herself against a 16-year-old slander conviction.

Knox, 36, will return to court on Wednesday for wrongly accusing a Congolese bar owner, Patrick Lumumba, of murdering her roommate Meredith Kercher in November 2007, while the young women were exchange students in Italy.

'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,' she wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday.

'I hope to clear my name once and for all of the false charges against me. Wish me luck.'

Knox is able to attempt to defend herself against the slander charge as a European court ruled that Italy violated her human rights during a long night of questioning after the murder of Kercher.

Amanda Knox is set to return to Italian court on June 5 to face 16-year-old slander allegations (Knox is pictured in June 2019)

She took to X, formerly Twitter to publicly announce her return to court

Meredith Kercher, 21, (pictured) - who shared a room in Perugia, Italy, with Knox and two others - was found dead with her throat slit in November 2007

The slander conviction for accusing Lumumba in the murder is the only charge against Knox that withstood five court rulings that ultimately cleared her in the brutal murder of her roommate, Kercher, 21, in the apartment they shared in the idyllic central Italian university town of Perugia.

Kercher's 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.

A verdict in the slander case retrial ordered by Italy's highest court is expected on Wednesday, with Knox appearing in an Italian court for the first time in more than 12-and-a-half years.

Knox's 2007 accusation against Lumumba appeared in two statements typed by police that she signed during the early hours of November 6.

But these have now been ruled inadmissible in the new trial by Italy's highest court as it was found Knox had undergone extended questioning in Italian from police without a lawyer or a competent translator.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the conditions violated her human rights.

She recanted the accusation in a four-page handwritten note in English penned the following afternoon - the only evidence the court is able to rule on.

'In regards to this `confession that I made last night, I want to make it clear that I'm very doubtful of the verity of my statements, because they were made under the pressures of stress, shock and extreme exhaustion,' Knox said in a statement.

A pioneer of the study of false confessions, Sal Kassin, says Knox's signed statements follow a playbook of false confessions.

Knox initially accused the Congolese owner of a bar, Patrick Lumumba, of killing Kercher

Knox, now 36, was cleared of 21-year-old Meredith's murder in 2015, along with her boyfriend from 2007, Raffael Sollecito

Knox pictured leaving with penitentiary police after a court hearing in Perugia on September 16, 2008

Ivory Coast man Rudy Guede, 36, (pictured in 2016) was released from prison in 2021 after serving 13 years for brutally killing Meredith - although he always denied any involvement

'It is empirical fact that most false confessions contain accurate details not yet known to the public and `false-fed facts that are consistent with the police theory of the crime, but that later prove to be untrue,' Kassin, a psychologist at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, wrote about the case in his book 'Duped,' which examines the phenomenon of false confessions.

Kassin said police 'contaminated' Knoxs confession, which aligned with police theory at the time.

'To hold her accountable for a statement in which she also implicated herself is absurd,' he wrote.

The Amanda Knox Case: A Timeline November 2, 2007 - The body of Meredith Kercher was discovered. November 3-5, 2007: Knox and Sollecito are suspected. November 6, 2007 - Knox, Sollecito, and Lumumba are arrested. Lumumba is held in custody for two weeks before being released. November 20, 2007 - Rudy Guede is arrested. October 28, 2008 - Guede is convicted of murdering Kercher. December 4, 2009 - Knox and Sollecito are convicted. October 3, 2011 - Knox and Sollecito win their appeal. January 30, 2014 - Knox and Sollecito are again convicted. March 27, 2015 - The definitive acquittal. January 25, 2019 - Knox is awarded $21,000 in compensation. November 23, 2021 - Rudy Guede is released from prison. April 10, 2024 - Knox made a return to Italy to fight long-standing slander charge against Lumumba. June 5, 2024 - Knox is set to return to Italian court to defend herself against slander charge. Advertisement

But despite Knox's attempts at walking back the accusation, Lumumba was picked up for questioning and held in jail for almost two weeks after she said she had 'covered her ears' while he slit the throat of her flat mate.

Lumumba was only released after a Swiss university professor came forward with a till receipt proving the father-of-two was at work and not involved in the crime.

Speaking to Italian media last year, Patrick, who now lives in Krawkow, Poland, with his partner and children, stormed: 'My life has literally been turned upside down.

'Amanda knew very well that I was innocent, but those few words that she said to the police on the morning of November 6, 2007, '... he killed her', destroyed me in a flash, eliminating the reputation I enjoyed in Perugia'.

Kercher's brutal murder grabbed worldwide attention as suspicion fell on Knox, then 20, and her then-Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, with whom she had been involved for just about a week.

Knox and Sollecito were convicted in their first trial, but after a series of flip-flop verdicts, they were ultimately exonerated by Italys highest court in 2015.

Knox returned to the United States in October 2011, after her first acquittal.

She is now the mother of two small children, and has a podcast with her husband while campaigning against wrongful convictions.

However, the slander conviction against Knox endured, a legal stain that continued to fuel doubts about her role in the killing, particularly in Italy - despite the conviction of Rudy Hermann Guede in 2008, a man from Ivory Coast whose DNA and footprints were found at the crime scene.

The burglar was convicted of murdering Kercher and he was sentenced to 30 years behind bars.

Guede's DNA was discovered on Kercher's body despite his claims that he was in the bathroom listening to music when she was killed.

Her body was found in her bedroom, partially undressed, with 47 stab wounds.

Now 36, Guede was released from prison in 2021 after serving 13 years of a 16-year term handed down in a fast-track trial that foresees lighter sentences under Italian law.

Guede was recently ordered to wear a monitoring bracelet and not leave his home at night after an ex-girlfriend accused him of physical and sexual abuse - an investigation is ongoing.
The disastrous Willy Wonka Experience that sparked viral memes when it descended into chaos is set to become a musical at the Edinburgh Fringe.

A stage show mockery of the online sensation, titled Willy's Candy Spectacular: A Musical Parody, will have its world premiere at the Pleasance King Dome from August 9 to August 26.

The original 35-a-ticket 'immersive' event was mercilessly ripped on social media after it emerged that organisers were offering just one Oompa Loompa and giving children a handful of jelly beans.

Now the viral hit is making an unlikely collaboration with Hollywood for a new musical at the Fringe with Full House star John Stamos stepping in to perform the opening number Willy's Candy Spectacular.

The song has been billed as a 'post-apocalyptic opening number that traces the downfall of civilisation back to the disastrous event in Glasgow'.

Actor Kirsty Paterson pictured playing a glum-looking Oompa Loompa at the disastrous Willy Wonka Experience in Glasgow. Ms Paterson is set to perform a song in the upcoming stage show

The original 35-a-ticket 'immersive' event (pictured) was mercilessly ripped on social media after it emerged that organisers were offering just one Oompa Loompa and giving children a handful of jelly beans

(pictured: Fringe performers in 2023)

Songwriters Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner said: 'We love musicals with epic opening numbers.

'And we thought - what could be more epic than John Stamos singing about the end of humanity and linking our species' demise to an underwhelming immersive experience in Scotland?'

Another song titled Dreamed To Dare features actor and yoga teacher Kirsty Paterson, who became an online sensation after pictures emerged of her as a sad Oompa Loompa at the 'immersive' experience in Scotland.

The third tune is called Where Dreams Go To Fly which captures 'the unbridled optimism of the impresario behind Willy's Candy Spectacular'.

Director Richard Kraft said: 'The process of creating a brand-new musical, which usually spans years, is being condensed into just a couple of months, with the team sharing their progress through social media.'

The experience, set up by organisers House of Illuminati, became the subject of national mockery in February after families in Glasgow arrived for a fun day out only to be met with a near-empty warehouse.

It led to the event being cancelled halfway through after furious mothers, fathers and grandparents demanded a refund for their 35-a-ticket event that left some children in floods of tears.

Just 24 hours before Willy's Chocolate Experience at the Boxhub, House of Illuminati posted pictures of a van full of props and said 'it's all coming together nicely'.

The experience, set up by organisers House of Illuminati, became the subject of national mockery in February after families in Glasgow arrived for a fun day out only to be met with a near-empty warehouse (pictured)

Children were left screaming in terror at the Glasgow event at the emergence of 'The Unknown', a haunting made-up character for the Wonka themed event

The viral hit is making an unlikely collaboration with Hollywood for a new musical at the Fringe with Full House star John Stamos (pictured, in Los Angeles in December 2023) stepping in to perform the opening number Willy's Candy Spectacular

The event was cancelled halfway through on Saturday as angered visitors demanded refunds. Organisers have promised to give people their money back.

Despite organisers posting pictures on social media of thousands of sweets and lollies in the days leading up to the event, it was claimed by one parent their children were handed just a couple of jelly babies and a quarter of a can of Barr's limeade.

Paula Graham, 36, of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, went to the event with her husband Andrew, 39, their daughter Anna, eight, and her friend.

She told The Sun they forked out 65 on tickets having got a deal for two children and two adults.

'The actual experience took two minutes to walk though because there was nothing there. When we arrived so many people had complained that they shut it down.

'You couldn't even call it an event - it was terrible.

'The guy was saying "just have a wee walk through and you'll get a refund".'

Pictures posted on Facebook by irate families showed a few posters pinned to a wall with tables lined up resembling a school dinner hall.

Director Richard Kraft (pictured) said: 'The process of creating a brand-new musical, which usually spans years, is being condensed into just a couple of months, with the team sharing their progress through social media'

Despite organisers posting pictures on social media of thousands of sweets and lollies in the days leading up to the event, it was claimed by one parent their children were handed just a couple of jelly babies and a quarter of a can of Barr's limeade

In April it was revealed that Los Angeles Wonka fans could expect their own version of the doomed event, featuring an array of fantastical attractions. Ms Paterson (pictured, as an Oompa Loompa) was also billed for a Q&A and photo session at the American spin-off show

One table appeared to be a 'refreshments' stand with a few clear plastic cups placed on top which are barely half full.

In April it was revealed that Los Angeles Wonka fans could expect their own version of the doomed event, featuring an array of fantastical attractions in a 'nondescript warehouse' in the city's downtown, including two whole jelly beans with a $44 ticket.

Ms Paterson was also billed for a Q&A and photo session at the American spin-off show.
A solicitor who used pictures from a 'vulnerable' female client for his own 'sexual gratification' in pursuit of a future relationship has been struck off.

Sunny Sidhu, 35, persuaded the anonymous woman to send sexually explicit images of herself by saying that they were required for legal reasons in case of a revenge porn case as he advised her over a divorce.

Disciplinary tribunal documents say 'Person A' had sought 'safeguarding measures for herself and her children' in November 2020, when she started being advised by Sidhu, then of LDJ Solicitors in Warwickshire.

The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal hearing heard that in his role as advisor, Sidhu asked his client if she had shared explicit photos with her husband before.

After Person A said they had, the lawyer said she should send them to him to protect against revenge porn.

Pictured: The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal where solicitor Sonny Sidhu, 35, was struck off for getting a client to send him explicit images promising that they would be used in the event of a revenge porn attack

Person A described the breakdown of her marriage as 'physically, psychologically and financially abusive'. Before the divorce, she also discovered her husband was abusing their daughter too, for which he later faced criminal charges.

Sidhu, then 32, asked Person A to send any explicit images she had sent to her husband to him to his personal WhatsApp, adding that he needed them to support an application for a non-molestation order.

However, the images were never transferred from Sidhu's mobile phone to his firm's case management system, despite the legal professional's assurances to the contrary, the tribunal heard.

Court papers from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) said Sidhu 'was not legitimately pursuing a non-molestation order on behalf of his client', and that the instructions were given 'for his own sexual gratification'.

The papers added: 'In doing so he had taken advantage of a person he had known to be vulnerable.'

Though Sidhu denied obtaining the images for his own gratification, the London tribunal found him to be dishonest, saying he had engaged in 'clearly inappropriate' and 'clearly sexually motivated' behaviour.

'There was no credible motivation for the respondent to request explicit images from Person A other than in pursuit of sexual gratification or in pursuit of a future sexual relationship,' it said.

'[Sidhu] used his position as a solicitor to request and receive these images, which was an abuse of his position.'

As well as being struck off, Sidhu was ordered to cover the SRA's 32,394.72 costs.
Were YOU on the flight with James Corden?

Fellow passengers of James Corden's flight from the Algarve to London have told how they feared the plane was going to crash as they were told to 'adopt' the brace position before the aircraft's emergency landing.

Corden, 45, vented his frustration at a member of staff on Sunday during a turbulent trip which saw the plane stop in Lisbon and passengers allegedly placed in immigration queues.

Fellow travellers told how Corden posed for selfies with them and joked about revealing the ending of Gavin and Stacey's Christmas special as they feared for their lives.

Vanessa, a passenger who was on the flight with her mother and husband, said: 'It was something along the lines of, ''Gather your possessions as best you can, take off your shoes, and when you're told to by the airplane staff, please adopt the brace position and when we land if you're able, please find your nearest emergency exit and vacate the plane''.

'Basically, what had happened was the flaps on the airplane wing which are supposed to go down when you are in the air won't go down, which meant that they wouldn't 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.

James Corden vented his frustration at 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 confronting an airline employee after a turbulent trip back to the UK from Faro

Vanessa confirmed the comedian confronted 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,' Vanessa told Metro. 'We're 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.

'The people he's 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 who've got all these kids with them?'' saying that's not acceptable. It's not right.'

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.

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

'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 we're 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 can't 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 can't tell you that either.''

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.

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 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.

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)

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.'
A Montessori childcare chain has entered voluntary administration.

Seven Precious Cargo schools, a South Australian company founded by Cheryl Shigrov in 2006, has promised to keep its doors open while finding a new owner.

The chain also has four non-operating schools which have gone into liquidation.

Ms Shigrov, who is also the director of Precious Cargo, hoped students and parents would work with administrators to keep the company alive while they wait for a lifeline.

She also took the opportunity to reflect on the company's initial success.

Precious Cargo (pictured) has entered administration but promised to keep its seven schools open while finding a new owner

Precious Cargo (pictured) offers a Montessori education for children before they enter school

'Precious Cargo stood apart with its exterior branding and contemporary interiors and was the first to offer food from commercial kitchens, to provide dinners for the children, embedded music rooms that offered extended curriculum and incorporated chickens and veggie patches to the outdoor areas,' Ms Shigrov told the ABC.

'I relish the part that Precious Cargo played in altering the trajectory of childcare centres, and ultimately the learning outcomes for children in Australia.

'Today, I continue to have our children, their families and our staff at the forefront as I work through the administration process to a positive outcome.'

Ms Shigrov confirmed the seven centres - in Blackwood, Collinswood, Lockleys, Marion, St Peters, Westbourne Park and Woodville Park - will stay open through the administration process until a buyer was found.

Precious Cargo offers a Montessori education for children before they enter school.

The general age groups for the school are up to 16 months for its Nursery room, up to two years for Waddlers and between three and four years for Kindy or Preschool.

The Montessori education system uses activities to engage children in learning, rather than traditional teaching methods.

Precious Cargo designed its spaces around creating appealing environments for its students.

Precious Cargo designed its spaces (pictured) around creating appealing environments for its students

'The Montessori classroom is prepared by the trained teachers with interesting activities to excite the child's imagination. Different tasks are arranged on trays and are accessible from the shelving around the classroom,' the school's website states.

'Each tray has a hidden lesson, as it focuses on one skill or task and it may give children practice at developing and refining hand control, eye and hand coordination or problem solving.

'Montessori teachers are skilled observers and each child is allocated a focus teacher who is responsible for ascertaining that child's academic level and will then introduce specific curriculum to meet each child's interest and ability.'

Several parents told the ABC they hope they won't be forced to change schools.
A British man flew to Turkey and bought a steak dinner from Salt Bae's restaurant for less than the cost of the same dinner in the UK.

Callum Ryan, 23, saw that the cheapest steak on offer at Salt Bea's UK restaurant was a thinly sliced wagyu striploin for 95.

He wondered if he could get it cheaper at the original restaurant in the same chain, based in Istanbul, Turkey, and booked a flight from Luton Airport, London, to Istanbul, Turkey with Wizz Air.

The flight on the budget airline cost him just 17.99.

Once he landed in Istanbul, Callum went to Salt Bae's Nusr-Et Steakhouse and ordered a New York steak, fries, chilli sauce, coca cola and a dessert for 57.95.

Callum Ryan, 23, saw that the cheapest steak on offer at Salt Bea's UK restaurant was a thinly sliced wagyu striploin for 95

He wondered if he could get it cheaper at the original restaurant in the same chain, based in Istanbul, Turkey

Salt Bae, or Nusret Gokce, (pictured) went viral in 2017 after a video of him finishing a steak with salt in a unique way blew up

Breakdown of costs Flight to Istanbul, Turkey, from Luton Airport, London - 17.99 New York steal, fries, chill sauce, coca cola and a dessert - 57.95. Average cost of a steak at Salt Bea's UK restaurant Thinly sliced wagyu striploin - 95 Advertisement

In total, he spent 75.93 which is 19.07 cheaper than the price of a steak in Salt Bae's UK restaurant.

Callum, a content creator, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, said: 'The food was unreal, it was the best steak I have ever had.

'I will definitely be going back, the steak itself was worth it alone.

'I think I would rather take the trip to Istanbul if the food there is as good as the London restaurant to get a weekend out of it.

'I would be rushing to his UK restaurant in a hurry.'

This isn't the first time he has managed to game the system and get a holiday for less than the price of a meal.

In May, Callum flew to Portugal and bought peri peri chicken all for less than 15 - cheaper than the cost of his usual Nando's order.

He also flew to Spain for a three day holiday for less than 100 all in.

Salt Bae, or Nusret Gokce, went viral in 2017 after a video of him finishing a steak with salt in a unique way blew up.
New York, USA (PANA) - The narrowing space left for civilians in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly limited and crowded, while dire living conditions are eroding the social fabric there, a senior official with the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Monday
Police have started an investigation after a nine-year-old schoolboy was found dead in a woodland area in Scotland.

Emergency crews arrived at the scene, close to the youngster's home, in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire on Sunday evening but were unable to save the boy.

Investigating officers said the death might have been a tragic accident and confirmed they are not treating it as suspicious.

The boy attended Woodpark Primary School and headteacher Debbie McKenna sent a letter to parents expressing 'great sadness' at the news.

It said: 'Staff and pupils were informed today. Many pupils and families may have been aware through friends or family in the community.

'Please be assured that we have made arrangements to support those children most directly affected and we will continue to provide support from staff in school assisted by psychological services.

Police have launched a probe after a nine-year-old schoolboy was found dead in a woodlands in in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire (pictured) - as emergency crews raced to the scene but could not save him

'Of course you will be their most important source of support.'

Ms McKenna also offered extra help for devastated friends of the youngster, The Sun reports.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 6.50pm on Sunday, 2 June, 2024, we were called to a report of concern for a child in a wooded area near to Abbeygreen Road, Lesmahagow.

'Emergency services attended but the 9-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

'Enquiries are ongoing but there are no suspicious circumstances. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.'
Janis Paige, a Hollywood star who enjoyed a 60-year long career and performed with comedy giant Bob Hope in Vietnam has died of natural causes at her LA home aged 101.

The Golden Age icon passed away on Sunday, her longtime friend Stuart Lampert revealed on Monday.

Tributes have poured in across social media for the Broadway star who danced with Fred Astaire, toured with Bob Hope and continued to perform into her 80s.

One mourning fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter, 'What a life. Now that is stardom. From Bob Hope to Fred Astaire. It didn't get better than that for Janis Paige I bet'.

Paige made her Broadway debut alongside Jackie Cooper in the mystery-comedy, Remains to be Seen and appeared with John Raitt in the smash hit musical The Pajama Game just three years later.

Janis Paige, one of the last surviving Golden Age stars passed away of natural causes at her LA home on Sunday, aged 101

Paige toured with comedy giant Bob Hope (pictured in 1961) and continued to perform into her 80s

Janis Paige attending a commemoration ceremony for The Janis Paige Group Room and The Janis Paige Emotional Wellness Program at The Actors Fund on July 14, 2017 in Los Angeles, California

Her other films included a Hope comedy, 'Bachelor in Paradise'; the Doris Day comedy 'Please Don't Eat the Daisies' and 'Follow the Boys.'

In 2018, she added her voice to the #MeToo movement, alleging an assault when she was 22 by the late department-store heir Alfred Bloomingdale, who died in 1982.

'I could feel his hands, not only on my breasts, but seemingly everywhere. He was big and strong, and I began to fight, kick, bite and scream,' she wrote.

'At 95, time is not on my side, and neither is silence. I simply want to add my name and say, "Me too"'.

Paige's big break came in wartime when she sang an operatic aria for servicemen at the Hollywood Canteen.

MGM hired her a day later for a brief role in Bathing Beauty - she spoke two lines in the film, which starred Esther Williams and Red Skelton - then dropped her.

The same day, Warner Bros. signed her and cast her in a dramatic segment of the all-star movie Hollywood Canteen.

Her contract started at $150 a week. 'I earned more per week than my mother had made in a month during the Great Depression,' she recalled in The Hollywood Reporter in 2018.

Janis Paige and Bob Hope hug during the annual Christmas show in Saigon, Vietnam, December 25, 1964. Bob Hope is seen here wearing the Air Commando Hat presented to him by base commander of Bien Hoa Air base. Paige died Sunday, June 2, 2024, of natural causes at her Los Angeles home, longtime friend Stuart Lampert said Monday, June 3

Fred Astaire and Janis Paige dancing together in the 1957 movie Silk Stockings

Paige pictured with John Raitt as they perform on the Toast of the Town show hosted by Ed Sullivan at the Maxine Elliott Theater in New York, on June 13, 1954

MGM hired Paige for a brief role in Bathing Beauty in which she spoke two lines

Pictured left to right: Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Janis Paige, in 1957

Her salary rose to $1,000 weekly as the studio kept her busy in lightweight films such as Two Guys from Milwaukee, The Time, the Place and the Girl, Love and Learn, Always Together, Wallflower and Romance on the High Seas, which marked Doris Day's film debut.

Meanwhile, she had changed her name from Donna May Tjaden, adopting her grandfather's name of Paige. She took her first name from Elsie Janis, famed for entertaining troops in World War I.

Paige's contract expired in 1949, at a time when studios were unloading talent because of the inroads of television. 'That was a jolt,' she remarked in 1963. 'It meant I was washed up at 25.'

MGM producer Arthur Freed caught her nightclub act at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles and offered her a part opposite Astaire in Silk Stockings, co-starring Cyd Charisse.

The film is famous for her and Astaire spoofing the newfangled movie gimmicks in the Cole Porter number Stereophonic Sound, including swinging from a chandelier.

'I was one mass of bruises. I didnt know how to fall. I didnt know how to get down on a table - I didnt know how to save myself because I was never a classic dancer,' she told the Miami Herald in 2016.

In May 2003, Paige resumed entertaining after a long absence. She opened a show she called The Third Act at San Francisco's Plush Room.

She told stories about Astaire, Frank Sinatra and others and sang tunes from her films and stage musicals.

Chad Jones, reviewer for the Alameda Times-Star, commented that at 80 'the charming Paige shows a vitality, verve and spirit that performers half her age would envy.'

Paige pictured with Bob Hope in Bachelor in Paradise, 1961

Janis Paige appearing on the ABC tv movie Angel on My Shoulder, in Culver City, California, 1980

Paige attends the Broadway: The Golden Age, By The Legends Who Were There film premiere in Los Angeles, June 30, 2004

Paige grew up in Tacoma, Washington. Her father deserted the family when she was 4, and her mother eked out a living at the Bank of Tacoma.

'We always had enough to eat,' Paige told the Saturday Evening Post in 1963, 'but nothing to spare.

'My mother worked so hard. And she used to keep saying that she wished I'd been born a boy, so I could help out more. I always wanted to be a success for her, to make up for my father.'

After leaving Warner Bros., she turned to TV, starring in a 1955 to 1956 TV series, It's Always Jan and playing recurring roles in Flamingo Road, Santa Barbara, Eight Is Enough, Capitol, Fantasy Island and Trapper Jon, M.D.

On All in the Family, she played a diner waitress who becomes involved with Carroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker.

Paige replaced Angela Lansbury in the New York production of Mame in 1968 on Broadway and toured with the show in 1969.

She also toured in Gypsy, Annie Get Your Gun, Born Yesterday and The Desk Set.

Her last time on Broadway was in 1984's Alone Together.

She also supplied glamor for Hope's Christmas visits to Cuba and the Caribbean in 1960, Japan and South Korea in 1962, and Vietnam in 1964.

She sang in clubs with Sammy Davis Jr, Alan King, Dinah Shore and Perry Como.

In 2020, her autobiography, Reading Between the Lines: A Memoir, was published, recounting her connections with Frank Sinatra, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, David Niven, Henry Fonda, Clark Gable and Lucille Ball.

She had two brief marriages, to San Francisco restaurateur Frank Martinelli and to writer-producer Arthur Stander.

In 1962 she married songwriter Ray Gilbert, who won an Oscar for the song Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da from Disney's Song of the South.

He died in 1976, and she assumed management of his music company.
A butcher has been hailed a hero after taking down a man who allegedly stormed a mall threatening to stab shoppers with a pair of scissors.

Darren Burnett was front-and-centre in the citizen's arrest of Luke Linsley Thorpe at Kawana Shopping Centre, in south-east Queensland, on Friday.

He was working his normal shift at Master Meats when the Thorpe allegedly suddenly threatened to kill people.

Mr Burnett dropped his work and headed off with another man in the direction of the allegedly armed man.

Tony Harvey, the owner and manager of the butcher, said his employee played an important role in the citizen's arrest.

The man was restrained by members of the public and arrested by police a short time later

'There was a lot of noise then people started running and someone yelled out he's got a knife,' Mr Harvey told the Courier Mail.

But despite his efforts, Mr Burnett was adamant that he was not a hero.

'I didn't even think about if I was going to be stabbed, I just jumped in,' he said.

He said he just jumped in and tried to do something after seeing security ushering the customers and staff to safety.

Mr Burnett then recalled seeing a terrified woman on the phone to police, white and violently shaking, who he reassured.

He then grabbed a shopping trolley from Woolworths and headed to the outside car park, where he saw a struggle happening.

Darren Burnett was instrumental in the citizen arrest of Luke Linsley Thorpe at Kawana Shopping Centre, in south-east Queensland , on Friday

'Two blokes were grabbing him and trying to restrain him... so I ran through the carpark and got him to the ground.' Mr Burnett said.

He then recalled seeing police arrive with a paddy wagon.

Police alleged he stole scissors from the store and threatened to kill a female shopper and everyone in the shopping centre.

A Mirvac spokesperson for the Kawana Shopping Centre said the safety of customers, retailers and staff is of the highest importance and they continue to work closely with the local police and retailers following the incident.

They said the Centre Management Team undertake intensive emergency management training and that they will continue to review and update procedures as required.

Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia that the 41-year-old Caboolture man was charged with one count each of going armed so as to cause fear, stealing, wilful damage, trespass and commit public nuisance.

'The man was restrained by members of the public and arrested by police a short time later,' a police spokesperson said in a statement.

'No one was physically injured during the incident and there is no ongoing threat to the community.'

He is expected to appear at Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on June 7.
The most brutal whale hunt campaigners say they have ever documented saw at least 138 pilot whales slaughtered as they were driven into a shallow harbour, in a gruesome ritual which lasted 'hours'.

The latest grindadrap in the Faroe Islands - a Viking tradition which sees the animals rounded up and hacked to death - was the second of the year and involved a pod of more than 200 of the animals.

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 shore.

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.

Pictures show the first 'grind' of 2024 last month, during which 40 whales were slaughtered

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, over the weekend

Pilot whales are laid out on the ground after being slaughtered during the Grindadrap over the weekend

A pilot whale can be seen popping its head out of the water as members of its pod are killed around it

A man and his small child are seen looking at the slaughtered whales on the shore following last month's hunt

An aerial view shows blood spilling out into the sea, turning the harbour red, last month

Aerial footage shows the blood-stained waters off the Faroe Islands after a grind last month

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.

Valentina Crast, campaign lead at Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, told The Express: 'The brutality of this hunt exceeded anything we have ever documented before, as a pod of more than 200 pilot whales were hunted and driven for hours and later divided.'

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.

Upsetting video footage shows the animals bobbing their heads above the red water to see what was happening during this weekend's grind

Pilot whales with visible slashes are seen on the shoreline as members of their pod continue to be taunted in the background over the weekend

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.

'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.

Dozens of whales were killed in the first hunt of the year (pictured) while more than 130 were slaughtered this week

Islanders take part in the 1,000-year-old tradition, which they defend as part of their culture

'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.

The pilot whales are hauled into shore by islanders after they are beached and hacked to death. Picture taken last month

The animals are seen being moved by a forklift and laid out before their carcasses are prepared for their meat and blubber. Picture taken last month

Harrowing pictures show the mammals carcasses laid out on land following last month's hunt

'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.'

Surviving members of the pod managed to get back out to sea by Sunday, witnesses said, with campaigners labelling it 'one of the most reckless and careless hunts we have ever documented'.

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.
A charity has been accused of dumping 263 elephants in a park in Zambia and allowing them to kill people and cause millions of dollars worth of damage to farmers' crops.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) was accused of carrying out 'an imperial model of conservation', after it helped take the parade of elephants from Liwonde National Park, in Malawi, to Kasungu National Park, also in Malawi, which borders Zambia, in July 2022.

But since then, the massive animals have killed at least nine people in the area surrounding the park, according to a local NGO - and have caused an estimated $3million in damages to crops by eating or trampling them.

Mike Labuschagne, a former law enforcement officer for IFAW in Kasungu, told the FT that IFAW ought to pay compensation to people affected by the move.

'If an African NGO released 263 hyenas in the suburbs of London and 18 months later nine people had been killed by those hyenas, what do you think the reaction would be?' he said.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) was accused of carrying out 'an imperial model of conservation'

The transfer programme took place in July 2022

IFAW is one of the world's largest animal conservation NGOs

IFAW is one of the world's largest animal conservation NGOs, spending $127million on conservation projects last year alone having raised funds from the EU, USAID and the Disney Conservation Fund.

The IFAW's elephant transfer, understood to be one of the biggest of its kind, was part of a project to ease the environmental stress faced by Liwonde National Park.

Video of the transfer saw elephants being dosed with tranquilisers in Liwonde, before being taken over to Kasungu in massive trucks.

The transfer programme also saw Kasungu welcome 80 buffalo, 128 impala, 33 sable, 81 warthog and 109 waterbuck from Liwonde.

But the elephants, which each need to eat up to 150kg of food a day and can weigh up to seven tonnes, rampaged around the region and smashed up houses and grain stores in search of food, locals told the FT.

Abraham Phiri told the newspaper that his father Andrew, a farmer in his sixties, was trampled to death by a large parade of elephants as he worked his land close to Zambia's border with Malawi.

'He was old and couldn't run well. He fell and was trampled to death', he said, adding that when he called the authorities, all they did was call a coffin.

Elephants need to eat up to 150kg of food a day and can weigh up to seven tonnes (File image)

locals have been forced to stay up at all hours banging pots and pans, or lighting fireworks, to scare the elephants off in order to protect their land (File image)

Another farmer, Levison Banda, said that income from his farm dropped massively after elephants began invading his field.

'Those animals come from Malawi but they bring trouble to Zambia', he said.

Neither the government of Malawi nor Zambia pays compensation for elephant attacks, but will happily tout the benefits of elephant translocations on tourism in the region.

Locals have also been left terrified of sending their children to school, or to go to the toilet after dark, for fear of being trampled.

As a result, locals have been forced to stay up at all hours banging pots and pans, or lighting fireworks, to scare the elephants off in order to protect their land.

But they may soon have to resort to more extreme measures, with one farmer warning: 'If no one does anything, there will be a war between man and animal.'

An IFAW spokesperson told MailOnline: 'IFAW did not "dump 263 elephants" in Kasungu National Park. The government of Malawi decided to relocate elephants from one park that was at capacity, to another park that had space.

'This was a decision made by the government and determined by scientific reasoning, IFAWs role was to support with financial means and expertise from a conservation perspective, with Malawian staff on the ground to provide expertise.'
A teenager has admitted to causing the death of the South Australian Police Commissioner's son in a horrific crash during Schoolies celebrations.

Dhirren Singh Randhawa, 18, was charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Charlie Stevens on November 17 last year.

Charlie - the son of the state's Police Commissioner Grant Stevens - was struck and killed while out with friends celebrating Schoolies at Goolwa Beach, 67km south of Adelaide.

During an appearance at Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Randhawa entered a plea of guilty to one count of driving without due care.

He also entered pleas of guilty to charges of leaving the scene of an accident after causing death.

Charlie Stevens was killed when he was hit by a car at Schoolies in SA (pictured with his father Grant Stevens the SA Police commissioner)

Dhirren Singh Randhawa, 18, was charged with dangerous driving causing the death

Prosecutors withdrew charges of dangerous driving causing death and failing to answer a question of identity regarding the driver or owner of the vehicle.

Randhawa will return to court on August 9 for arraignment on the charges he pleaded guilty to.

Commissioner Stevens and his family were in attendance for the arraignment and briefly spoke outside court.

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens appeared with his family outside court

Dhirren Randhawa, 18, (right) has been charged over the death of Charlie Stevens (left)

'Today we have come to the magistrates court and we heard Dhirren plead guilty to aggravated due care causing death and leaving the scene of the collision,' he told 9 News.

'This is one step in the process, there are a few more steps to go so I think it would be appropriate to say more at a later point in time.

'I think on behalf of our family we'd like to acknowledge that Dhirren has taken responsibility for his actions, that saw us lose our son Charlie. We've also been handed a letter of apology and we'll take time to read that.

'Thank you for your understanding.'

Randhawa remains on bail.
An NHS doctor who sexually assaulted a patient after promising he could cure her headaches with a 'specialist' massage technique he learned in India was told he would be allowed to return to work with a written warning.

Dr Simon Abraham, 35, was suspended by officials at East Sussex Healthcare Trust after he fondled a woman's genitalia who was suffering from a severe headache and a nose bleed.

But he was then told he would be allowed to return to work with a final written warning, although the trust did not give him any clinical shifts and prevented him from seeing patients while they allowed his contract to run out.

Police eventually charged Abraham, a Specialty Registrar in Rheumatology at Eastbourne District General Hospital, with sexual assault and last year he was jailed for 18 months after a judge said he posed a 'medium risk' of causing serious harm to the public. He was later released in April.

Details emerged in a report from the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) after Abraham, who was married, was struck off the medical register.

Dr Simon Abraham (pictured, an NHS doctor who sexually assaulted a patient after promising he could cure her headaches with a 'specialist' massage technique he learned in India was told he would be allowed to return to work with a written warning

In July 2023 he was jailed at Chichester Crown Court for 18 months after he was found guilty of sexual assault.

It is thought that after completing nine months behind bars he was then detained in an immigration unit and kept there for a month until being freed last April.

Abraham had been involved in the female patient's initial treatment but just three days after she was discharged from hospital, he accessed her contact details from her confidential medical records.

He then called her saying he could help her with a 'specialist massage' he had learned whilst working at a health facility in Mumbai between 2013 and 2018.

The victim agreed to let him visit her after he finished his shift but when they went up to her bedroom, Abraham encouraged her to undress before he began massaging her thighs, buttocks and then touching her vagina over clothing.

Abraham left the house when a visitor arrived unexpectedly but he later called the victim three times and was reported to bosses at the hospital.

The MPTS report said: 'On 23 November 2020, Dr Abraham was informed of the receipt of Patient A's complaint and was excluded from the workplace.

'On 8 December 2020, Dr Abraham was informed that an investigation was to be commissioned into the allegations under the Trust's Maintaining High Professional Standards in the Modern NHS Policy.

'Following the investigation, Dr Abraham was informed on 26 March 2021 that it had been decided that the case should proceed to be considered at a disciplinary hearing.

'This took place on 7 June 2021 and the outcome of the disciplinary hearing was that Dr Abraham was issued with a Final written warning to remain on his file for a period of 12 months, and that he will work under restrictions.

'This included the requirement for a chaperone to be with him at all times when seeing female patients. His contract ended in August 2021 and the hospital did not renew it. Dr Abraham was allowed to practise medicine until the day he was charged.'

When arrested Abraham initially lied during his first police interview and insisted he had not accessed Patient A's contact details.

He subsequently requested a further police interview and corrected 'errors' in his account confirming he had attended her home and telephoned her afterwards but did not sexually touch her.

Police eventually charged Abraham, a Specialty Registrar in Rheumatology at Eastbourne District General Hospital (pictured), with sexual assault and last year he was jailed for 18 months after a judge said he posed a 'medium risk' of causing serious harm to the public. He was later released in April

When he was later jailed, Abraham was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and was banned from contacting the victim for five years under the terms of a restraining order.

At the time Sussex Police said he had 'taken advantage of the victim's pain' whilst a judge told Abraham: 'You still do not accept that you committed any offence, there was no remorse.'

In the meantime East Sussex Healthcare Trust issued a statement making no mention of the written warning.

It said: 'As soon as we were made aware of the incident we advised the victim to contact the police. We launched an internal investigation, terminated Dr Abraham's contract and we informed the GMC, who suspended him from practice.'

Abrahams, whose wife has just had a baby, declined to attend the MPTS hearing.

MPTS chairman Mr Malcolm Dodds told the tribunal: 'Dr Abraham abused his position as a doctor by obtaining Patient A's contact details using medical records after she had been discharged, arranging to attend her at her home address and sexually assaulting her.

'This included him encouraging her to undress and Patient A being able to feel his erect penis against her. He massaged her thighs, buttocks and touched her vagina over clothing. Patient A wet herself to add to her distress and degradation. He then contacted her three times after the assault.

'Dr Abraham showed a deliberate disregard for his professional obligations and duties. His abuse of trust was particularly serious because Patient A was vulnerable.

'It was known to Dr Abraham that Patient A had mental health issues and was taking medication. He accepts that he lied in his first police interview and he has given contradictory accounts of what occurred when interviewed for the police investigation and separately for the hospital trust disciplinary proceedings.

'He continues to deny that he assaulted her despite having been found guilty by a jury and has expressed no remorse or empathy for the victim. Patient A felt unsafe in her own home. She has lost trust in doctors. The Tribunal concluded that there remains a real risk of repetition.'
A coroner has slammed the Met Police over the death of an officer who suffered PTSD from working on the Grenfell Tower fire - one of a number of emergency workers to have taken their own lives following the tragedy.

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 after her work during the fire in 2017 - which killed 72 people - and had been suffering with anxiety and depression, Central Bedfordshire Coroner's Court heard.

Ms Forster did not deal with the fire directly but had been on hospital visiting duty to take statements following the fire.

The coroner concluded that the officer's mental health was 'exacerbated' by the actions of her employer, increasing work pressure and loss of access to counselling.

In the year of the fire, there were at least 20 suicide attempts by people affected by the tragedy, according to charity Silence of Suicide, who called for adequate support for survivors.

A year later Amanda Beckles, a campaigner for victims of the Grenfell fire, gassed herself to death after writing a letter describing how the disaster had wrecked her life, an inquest heard.

Nicola Forster, 45, (pictured) a safety training officer at Hendon Police College in north London, was found dead at her home in September 2022

Amanda Beckles, a campaigner for victims of the Grenfell fire, took her own life after writing a letter describing how the disaster had wrecked her life

The burnt out remains of the Grenfell apartment tower is seen in North Kensington, London

Ms Beckles, 51, was found dead in her bedroom after police went to her flat on Notting Hill, west London, in December 2018.

Westminster Coroner's court heard Ms Beckles sought therapy after witnessing the blaze that killed 72 people after flames engulfed the tower block.

She frequently expressed anxieties about her mental and financial state and displayed symptoms of PTSD.

PC Gavin Harwood, who attended Ms Beckles' home on December 13, 2018, told the inquest: 'I forced open the door and went upstairs.

'There was a note on the bedroom door saying ''warning, room filled with gas''.

'Knowing that the occupant had taken her own life with gas and that other residents were at risk I suggested we evacuated. Firefighters with gas masks later entered the room.'

Police Sergeant Mark Steadman told the court: 'I have declared the death not suspicious. The deceased was found behind locked doors and appears to have inhaled amounts of gas.'

Two notes were later found by police and reading from one the coroner, Dr Fiona Wilcox, said: 'By the time you read this I will have passed. I need to let you know that there is nothing you could have done to stop this from happening.

'The Grenfell Tower fire has affected me badly. I had hoped the worst would be over but 17 months after I still suffer from acute anxiety.

'I really don't know why it has affected me so badly but it isn't a life worth living.'

A post mortem gave the cause of death as asphyxia.

British Red Cross worker Dr Deborah Lamont, who was honoured for her work helping victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, died from hanging hours after concerns were reported to emergency services, an inquest heard in 2020.

Dr Lamont, 44, a team leader with the humanitarian charity, had struggled with depression and anxiety for decades.

British Red Cross worker Dr Deborah Lamont (pictured), who was honoured for her work helping victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, took her own life

Ms Forster developed post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of her work during the fire in 2017

The university lecturer was awarded the Henry Dunant Medal, the highest honour the Red Cross can give a member, after joining the emergency response team to the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.

An inquest into her death was told Dr Lamont died on March 28, 2019, with the medical cause of death given as hanging, hours after police and paramedics were called to a hotel following concerns for her welfare.

Police trainer Ms Forster'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.

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.

Grenfell Tower seen on fire in June 2017, in a tragedy that saw the death of 72 victims

'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.

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.

f the fire at Grenfell Tower in west London, where 72 people died

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.'
Leaders of a remote tribe in the Amazon rainforest have told how the arrival of the internet has left its members grappling with the trappings of social media addiction and pornography while falling for online scams.

The Marubo people, who for hundreds of years existed in small huts scattered along the Itui River in Brazil, were last year introduced to high-speed internet for the first time thanks to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite programme.

The 2,000-strong community quickly discovered the incredible benefits the newfound technology had to offer.

Tribespeople were suddenly able to call for help in the event of an emergency, with medical helicopters able to reach the injured in a matter of hours rather than days. They could also connect instantly with relatives or friends camped dozens of miles further down the river, or even further afield.

But shortly after the Marubo people were introduced to the pleasures of the internet, the perils quickly began to reveal themselves.

Now the indigenous tribal leaders report that people are becoming lazy, spending hours scrolling social media with teens hooked on graphic porn.

Members of the Marubo tribe test a satellite dish to receive a Starlink connection

Indigenous tribal leaders report that people are becoming lazy, spending hours scrolling social media with teens hooked on graphic porn

Satellite equipment is pictured outside the hut of one Marubo settlement

The 2,000-strong community quickly discovered the incredible benefits the newfound technology had to offer - but also the perils

The remote Amazonian tribe received internet for the first time last year

Shortly after the Marubo people were introduced to the pleasures of the internet, the perils quickly began to reveal themselves

Tribesmen connect satellite dishes to receive Starlink connection

Enoque Marubo, 40, told reporters from the New York Times the internet had transformed the once simple and technologically resistant way of life his people had observed for centuries.

'It changed the routine so much that it was detrimental,' Enoque admitted. 'In the village, if you don't hunt, fish and plant, you don't eat,' he said.

Meanwhile, Alfredo Marubo - all members of the tribe share the same last name - said the sudden exposure to pornography had precipitated a worrying rise in overt sexual behaviour in a culture where kissing in public is seen as shocking.

He said young men were sharing explicit videos in group chats, adding that some prominent figures in the tribe had reported seeing more aggressive sexual behaviour from young men.

Alfredo also warned that, despite being more connected than ever before, members of the tribe had retreated from in-person social contact and had stopped speaking to their own families.

TamaSay Marubo, the first female to be granted a leadership role in the tribe, said that while social media had opened the eyes of young tribespeople to the world, it had also caused them to abandon their responsibilities in favour of spending hours on their smartphones.

Several members of the tribe said they were concerned the group's traditions would be lost, and also expressed worry that the social fabric of the tribe was being infected by rumours circulating on group chats.

Others explained that some internet users had been subjected to abuse from strangers on social media and had fallen for unspecified scams.

Tribe elder Tsainama Marubo, 73, put it simply.

'Things have gotten worse,' she said.

'Young people have gotten lazy because of the internet. They're learning the ways of the white people.'

A tribesman builds a plinth to host a satellite dish

A receiver is seen connected atop a plinth outside the huts

A tribesman holds a box of Starlink equipment

People unpack the boxes containing Starlink equipment

The internet has divided opinion in the Marubo tribe

Starlink, an initiative launched by Musk under his company SpaceX, owns around 60% of the roughly 7,500 satellites orbiting Earth and is the dominant player in the internet satellite arena.

Its technology was first made available in Brazil in 2022, but only reached the more remote areas of the Amazon, such as the banks of the Itui where the Marubo people live, in April last year.

Enoque Marubo, who had ventured into cities and spent time away from the tribe, told the New York Times he believed that achieving access to the internet could help his people share their experiences and communicate more effectively with the outside world.

He was one of the main tribal members responsible for getting in touch with outsiders and arranging the delivery of the Starlink system.

Enoque contacted Flora Dutra, a Brazilian activist who works with the Navi Global charity that aims to help indigenous communities in the Amazon access jobs, healthcare and other benefits, and involving them in projects that will impact the rainforest and their environment.

The pair managed to contact American philanthropist Allyson Reneau, who reportedly donated 20 Starlink units and worked with Navi Global to oversee their delivery to the Marubo.

Social media and porn addiction, online scams, misinformation and a decline in real-life social skills are all byproducts of constant internet usage that have long plagued the developed world.

But unlike those living in major urban centres - who became acquainted with the internet and smartphones as the technology steadily developed over time - the lives of the Marubo people changed immediately as they were confronted with the full capability of modern technology overnight.

As such, leaders have turned to desperate measures in a desperate attempt to limit the impact of the revolutionary new kit.

Boats carrying Starlink products are seen arriving outside one Marubo settlement

Villagers and helpers begin mounting plinths on which the Starlink satellite dishes will sit

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Tuesday, May 28, 2024. The rocket was carrying 23 Starlink satellites

The Marubo people, who for hundreds of years has existed in small huts scattered along the Itui River in Brazil, were last year introduced to high-speed internet for the first time thanks to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite programme

Access to Starlink is policed and time-restricted. Users can now browse the internet for a total of seven hours a day - two hours in the morning and five hours in the afternoon - though leaders do allow the community to have unrestricted access on Sundays.

This policy is seen as a temporary measure while the community adapts and figures out how to better integrate technology into daily life.

But just like the rest of the world, the Marubo people have no intention of going back to a life without internet - even with all its negative impacts in stark view.

'I think the internet will bring us much more benefit than harm,' Enoque said.

'The leaders have been clear. We can't live without the internet.'

And in spite of her complaints, even elder Tsainama Marubo said: 'Please don't take our internet away.'
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

The heartbroken boyfriend of a teenager killed by a bus that mounted a footpath as she left a beauty salon appointment has revealed the last message she sent him.

Tia Cameron, 18, had just finished getting her eyelashes done in the Brisbane CBD at about 5pm on March 8 when the bus allegedly veered off the road and fatally pinned her against the wall of a building.

Three months on, her shattered boyfriend Hayden McKinlay has built up the courage to finally speak about her death.

The high school sweethearts were planning their future together when the tragedy struck.

He said he received a video message from Ms Cameron showing off her new lashes just before she left the salon and walked outside.

'Our last phone call was 'love you and I'll see you soon', he said

Three months on, Tia Cameron's boyfriend Hayden McKinlay (pictured together) has finally built up the courage to finally speak about her death

The bus had just turned into Edward St from Ann St during Friday afternoon peak hour when the driver allegedly lost control and veered toward the sidewalk

Mr McKinlay said even months on he is having trouble believing that the woman he had been dating since a young teenager was not going suddenly reappear.

'We had so much planned together, to travel, to buy our first home, to have children. It was all there until this happened,' Mr McKinlay he told 9NEWS.

'I still think I'm still going to hear from her, I'm still going to see her, the truth is it's not going to happen.'

After extensive investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit, 70-year-old Linday Selby was charged with one count of careless driving causing death on Monday.

Four passengers and the driver were taken to hospital after sustaining minor injuries.

The bus driver is expected to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on June 26.

'He hasn't reached out to any of us to give his apology or anything which is really upsetting,' Mr McKinlay said.

When asked why he hadn't reached out, Selby said: 'Listen mate, this is a very difficult situation for me. There's more than one victim and that's all I got to say on the matter'.

Tia Cameron (pictured) had just finished getting her eyelashes done at a beauty salon in Brisbane when a bus allegedly mounted the footpath and killed her on March 8

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.

She tragically died at the scene, despite the best efforts of emergency responders.

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.

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's devastated aunty Karma Te Awhitu said: 'We just feel like she's been stolen from us.'

Mr Mckinlay said he received a video message from Ms Cameron (pictured) showing off her new lashes just before she left the salon

'She messaged me at 4pm saying she was getting her lashes done and asking if I wanted to catch up for a quick cocktail before she headed home,' she said.

'When I hadn't heard from her and her partner hadn't heard from her, we realised she was missing and started looking for her.

'I was ringing the hospital and Hayden was calling the police and even went to the police station to file a missing-person report, because it was just so out of character for her.'

At Ms Cameron's emotional funeral service, the aunt said she would miss her niece's laugh, 'questionable' sense of humour and 'dorkiness'.

'You had plans to study and further your education. You had plans to travel. You always spoke of being a mum, even from a very young age and I knew that one day you would make an incredible mother.'

A 70-year-old man has been charged over a fatal crash which killed an 18-year-old in March

Mr Mckinlay's mother, Christine Melrose, has set up a GoFundMe page for Ms Cameron's family.

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.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Government of National Unity has announced that the necessary steps will be taken to reopen the Polish Embassy and resume its activities from the capital, Tripoli
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 the penalties amount to the largest ever levied in an animal-welfare case.

The beagles were forced to live in filthy cages that were cleaned once every two months, with a lack of food and clean water, and some animals being euthanized without sedation.

The plea deal, which was reached on Monday, bars the company that operated the facility, Envigo RMS, as well as parent company Inotiv, from breeding or selling dogs in the future.

The federal investigation of Envigo drew national attention in May 2022 when federal authorities conducted a search of the breeding facility in Cumberland County, Virginia, and found nearly 450 animals in acute distress.

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

The federal investigation of Envigo drew national attention in May 2022 (Pictured: Ric Browde, President and CEO of Wings of Rescue, unloads a rescued beagle in a crate at the Portland International Jetport in 2022)

The company later agreed to relinquish all 4,000 beagles at the facility, which were sent around the country for adoption.

It was one of the largest canine rescue efforts in the country's history as animal shelters around the nation came together to find the dogs new owners across the US.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia Christopher Kavanaugh, whose office prosecuted the case, said Monday after a plea hearing at federal court in Charlottesville that 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 paws caught in flooring composed of metal grates that left space for 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.'

Several inspections of the Envigo breading and research facility found dozens of violations of federal regulations

It was one of the largest canine rescue efforts in the country's history as animal shelters around the nation came together to find the dogs new owners across the US

Feces and food waste was allowed to pile up in cages where the dogs were kept, according to court documents.

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.'

The Cumberland 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 the 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.

Images from 2022 the dogs looking happy after being rescued from the Envigo facility

It also includes a $3.5 million for environmental repairs in Cumberland County and requires the company to pay the cost of a compliance monitor while it's on probation, which will run for a period of three to five years.

The plea agreement also 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 what it called a 'statement of contrition' Monday after the plea hearing.

'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.'
Sir Keir Starmer today admitted he had not spoken to Diane Abbott since the furious row over whether she could stand for Labour at the general election.

The Labour leader last week faced a huge backlash after it was claimed Ms Abbott would be blocked from standing for re-election in her north London constituency.

But Sir Keir bowed to pressure and later confirmed the 70-year-old, who was Britain's first black female MP, would be 'free' to run as a Labour candidate on 4 July.

The latest bout of Labour infighting has also seen claims Sir Keir is staging a wider 'purge' of left-wing candidates ahead of the general election.

The party's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC), which is stacked with allies of Sir Keir, is due to meet this afternoon to rubber-stamp Labour's candidate list.

The row over Ms Abbott's candidacy threatened to reopen when she branded Sir Keir a 'liar' in a swiftly-deleted social media post on Sunday evening.

But Labour officials told the Guardian the NEC was likely to ignore the post and press ahead with Ms Abbott's re-selection as a Labour candidate at today's meeting.

Sir Keir Starmer today admitted he had not spoken to Diane Abbott since the furious row over whether she could stand for Labour at the general election

The Labour leader last week faced a huge backlash after it was claimed Ms Abbott would be blocked from standing for re-election in her north London constituency

Sir Keir spoke to a lifelong Tory voter during a visit to the Bridge Cafe in Bolton, Greater Manchester, this morning

A party source said: 'It will hopefully be a very short and uneventful NEC meeting. We need to put this behind us.'

Sir Keir was quizzed about whether he had spoken to Ms Abbott while speaking to broadcasters at an election campaign event in Bolton this morning.

He said: 'We dealt with the Diane Abbott issue, I made the position clear last week when I said she was free to run for the election.

'She's one of the candidates that we now put before the electorate. We've got a very good team to put before the country.'

Pressed again on whether he had spoken to Ms Abbott directly since the row over her re-selection, Sir Keir added: 'I have spoken to Diane two or three months ago.

'My team have obviously been speaking to her, but that decision is taken, that's clear.

'The question now before the country is about the decision, the choice, that will fall to be made on July 4, which is continuing with this chaos and division or turning the page and starting to rebuild the country with Labour.'

Sir Keir also dodged questions over reports that seven councillors in Slough had quit Labour over the party's treatment of Ms Abbott, Faiza Shaheen and its stance on Gaza.

Ms Shaheen, known as the 'Chingford Corbynite', had been preparing to take on former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith in his Chingford and Woodford Green seat.

But she was dramatically blocked by Labour officials from running for the party in the constituency.

Asked about the reported resignation of councillors from Labour, Sir Keir said this morning: 'Across the country we've got brilliant Labour teams out in every constituency, fighting for votes in this general election.

'We're in good form, we're making a positive argument about the choice before the country.

'I'm really pleased that the Prime Minister has called an election because we've been waiting for this, we've been working for this for a very, very long time.'

Along with the rows over Ms Abbott and Ms Shaheen, Lloyd Russell-Moyle - the MP for Brighton Kemptown until Parliament was dissolved for the general election - was last week blocked from standing as a Labour candidate over an allegation about his behaviour.
Russians have erupted furiously at viral footage of a devastating Ukrainian drone strike on a convoy of trucks, deemed the latest example of incompetence at the higher levels of Moscow's bloody offensive.

Video circulating Telegram shows the moment Ukrainian drones smashed into the convoy carrying 100 conscripts in Russia's Kursk region, leaving one truck in flames as smoke billowed high into the sky.

Aerial drone footage shows how the military column tried to disperse as Ukrainian kamikaze drones continued to pelt them with strikes, hunting them down one by one along the road through open fields.

Notes from a Veteran, a Russian milblogger writing to an audience of more than 300,000, lamented: 'Just last week I wrote about the movement of military columns eight kilometres from the border. Since then, nothing has changed except that the columns have become longer... It is the third year of the war.'

A convoy of 15 trucks was reportedly taken out by FPV drones two miles from the Ukrainian border with Russia's Sumy region. It was unclear how many casualties were created in the strike.

Ukrainian kamikaze drones destroy Russian military convoy in Kursk region, Russia

A military truck explodes as it is struck during the assault on the convoy

Aerial drone footage shows how the military column dispersed after the first hits, but the Ukrainian drone operators chased the scattered vehicles down

One truck is seen exploding after being struck by a Ukrainian drone

Smoke billows from the defeated convoy just two miles from the Ukrainian border

Roman Alekhin, a self-described social analyst and military volunteer, wrote to some 130,000 subscribers that Russia 'must look for different logistics routes and split up groups... even if the distance is greater,' Newsweek reported.

The attack appeared to be carried out by Ukrainian drones.

Until now, Ukraine's Western allies have supplied weapons to Ukraine on condition that they are not used to fire into Russia.

But tensions have escalated with new footage also showing what is believed to be the first major use of Western-made weapons to destroy targets in Russia.

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 earlier this week.

Russia responded via Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov threatening the US with 'fatal consequences' for 'miscalculations'.

The Kremlin today warned that Western army instructors training Ukrainian soldiers in the country would have no 'immunity' from Russian strikes, the latest development in the spat since the US gave permission for Ukraine to use some of its donated weapons in Russia.

'Any instructors who are engaged in training the Ukrainian regime do not have any immunity. It does not matter whether they are French or not,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

The US allowed Ukraine to use certain American weapons for strikes into Russia to help fend off the reopened Russian offensive in the northern city of Kharkiv, but stopped short of greenlighting the use of ground-launched ATACMS missiles, delivering devastating long-range blows.

Last month, Russia reopened its advance in Kharkiv region and quickly captured several villages.

Ukraine has struggled to repel the attack, despite the US offering an additional $275mn in military aid.

Russia's push did, however, see the US concede the restrictions placed on only using its donations on Russian targets within Ukraine, for the first time permitting attacks on the other side of the border.

'The hallmark of our engagement 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,' US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last Friday.

Pilots of the "Sharp Kartuza" division of FPV kamikaze drones prepare drones for a combat flight on May 16 in Kharkiv region

In recent days Russian forces have gained ground around the Kharkiv region, which Ukraine had largely reclaimed

Near the border with Russia, Ukrainian soldiers prepare drones for combat on May 16

The Foreign Secretary said Ukraine was right to launch a strike on targets within Russia

Days later, the Netherlands said it would allow Ukraine to use its F-16 jets to carry out strikes in Russia.

The use of the planes is also not limited to the border region near Kharkiv, as is the case for US weapons.

The developments follow comments from British Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, who said in May that he would support Ukraine using British-supplied missiles as it saw fit.

'We don't discuss any caveats that we put on on those things. But let's be absolutely clear, Russia has launched an attack into Ukraine and Ukraine absolutely has the right to strike back at Russia,' he told reporters during a visit to Kyiv.

The UK has supplied billions of pounds of munitions including long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Volodymyr Zelensky's forces since Putin's 2022 invasion.
Sir Ed Davey struggled to hold back tears as the Liberal Democrat leader revealed one of his 'biggest fears' is what will happen to his disabled son when he is gone.

The former Cabinet minister spoke in an emotional TV interview about John, 16, who can't walk and has only limited speech due to a neurological condition.

'He's going to need 24/7 care for the rest of his life, I worry about who is going to look after him,' Sir Ed told ITV.

He also said he felt 'a duty' to stand up for carers during the general election campaign due to his personal experiences.

Sir Ed was only four when his father died and still a teenager when his mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness. His wife, Emily Gasson, has multiple sclerosis.

'One of my biggest fears in life is what happens to him when I'm gone.'



Speaking on @ITVTonight, Sir Ed Davey opened up about juggling responsibilities as Liberal Democrat leader and caring for his disabled teenage son | @rachyoungeritv reportshttps://t.co/sl02UHDjVg pic.twitter.com/vxuWMn3cVP  ITV News Politics (@ITVNewsPolitics) June 3, 2024

Sir Ed Davey struggled to hold back tears as the Liberal Democrat leader revealed one of his 'biggest fears' is what will happen to his disabled son when he is gone

Sir Ed took last weekend off from election campaigning in order to care for John, as he described being a father as 'the most joyful and important thing I do'

Speaking about raising John together, Sir Ed told ITV Tonight's The Leader Interviews: 'My wife has MS so she can do quite a bit but she can't do some things.

'My day tends to start with getting him out of bed, taking him to the toilet, taking his nappy off to give him a shower and cleaning his teeth.

'We massage him every day keep his limbs supple. He'll wake up between 5.30 and 6 o'clock and shout for his daddy, so his daddy has to get up and start that routine.'

Sir Ed took last weekend off from election campaigning in order to care for John, as he described being a father as 'the most joyful and important thing I do'.

'One of my biggest fears in life is what happens to him when I'm gone,' he added.

'I reflect on what my mother thought. I remember I'd been on a school trip to Germany when she was ill and I took a picture of me and this German girl - we'd spoken for about five minutes, it wasn't anything more than that.

'I showed my trip photos to my mum, and she said to me, 'I wonder who you are going to end up with?''

As his voice cracked with emotion, Sir Ed added: 'It's slightly different with John - because he's going to need 24/7 care for the rest of his life, I worry about who is going to look after him.

'No one is going to love him or hold him like I or my wife hold him, so we think about that.

'I'm sure all parents think about that, in some way, but when you've got a child that's so vulnerable with special needs, it's particularly pertinent.

'I think caring and carers is something that I almost have a duty to stand up for and talk about.'
TikTok sensation Spudman, whose mouth-watering loaded jacket potatoes fired him to internet stardom, has been booted off his local patch by the council.

Ben Newman, 39, has attracted fans from all over the world to try his 5 spuds sold out of his trailer in Tamworth, Staffordshire.

But now the father-of-nine has been evicted from his 'beautiful' trading spot outside St Editha's Church after it was confirmed the area was undergoing a redevelopment.

Tamworth Borough Council has requested Spudman relocate to the main high street - a move the potato chef is unhappy about as he does not want to upset other traders with his own high footfall.

Mr Newman, instantly recognisable by his trademark pink-mohawk, said: 'We are getting kicked off our patch by the council.

TikTok sensation Spudman pictured with one of his famous jacket potatoes. Spudman, whose mouth-watering loaded jacket potatoes fired him to internet stardom, has been booted off his local patch by the council

Ben Newman (pictured, left), 39, has attracted fans from all over the world to try his 5 spuds in to Tamworth, Staffordshire

But now the father-of-nine has been evicted from his 'beautiful' trading spot outside of St Editha's Church (pictured) after it was confirmed the building was undergoing a redevelopment

'I love this spot, by the church, on the square, absolutely beautiful and we're getting kicked off.

'We knew it was coming because they are redeveloping all the square, we didn't realise it was going to happen this soon.

'Where are we going to go and what are we going to do, I don't know just yet.

'It will be better in the long run and we will be coming back but what do we do in the meantime?

'Can't believe I'm getting kicked off.'

Fans of Spudman were left devastated by the news but pleaded the social media star to take his potatoes on tour.

Karen Whipday said: 'Go on tour, take Spudman around the country and share the love.'

Lee Smethurst added: 'Do they know who you are?'

Mr Newman, instantly recognisable by his trademark pink-mohawk, said: 'We are getting kicked off our patch by the council'

Mr Newman pictured outside his trailer in Tamworth where he sells hundreds of meals a day

Emily Lord posted: 'Go on tour round the UK and make videos.'

Vixie Massey said: 'What's wrong with the pavement now? Council should offer you a different plot.'

Tamworth Borough Council has been approached for comment.

Mr Newman has previously revealed the heartfelt reason behind his rockstar look after suffering his own health battles.

The jacket potato king got the punk hairstyle to raise money for kidney research and it's something that has stuck ever since.

His business has exploded since he started uploading videos onto TikTok last year just to 'keep an eye on my kids' and the son of a potato merchant is regularly mobbed when fans see him walking through the town.

It's beyond his wildest dreams and something that seemed unimaginable when he started the business under a different name two decades ago, aged just 18.

He now sells up to 1,000 meals a day priced between 4 and 5 from inside his tight-knit cream-coloured trailer.

He suffered three failed kidney transplants - in 2014, 2016 and 2019 - and will be on dialysis for the rest of his life.

Mr Newman has previously revealed the heartfelt reason behind his rockstar look after suffering his own health battles. The jacket potato king got the punk hairstyle to raise money for kidney research and it's something that has stuck ever since

Queues snake through the quaint market town of Tamworth, Staffordshire, every day outside his modest trailer

He suffered three failed kidney transplants - in 2014, 2016 and 2019 - and will be on dialysis for the rest of his life

People have been flocking from as far as the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia to his humble jacket potato van after his videos took the internet by storm racking up 2.6 million followers and 41.6 million likes on TikTok.

'It's all been beyond my wildest dreams,' he said.

'I just try and have fun with the videos. People seem to enjoy the livestreams but I enjoy filming people's responses when I give them a free spud.

'I've seen the Binley Mega Chippy comparison but I like to feel we've worked a little harder than that.

'They were a meme and it happened by chance. We know it will drop off but we want to keep going for as long as we can and to put Tamworth firmly back on the map.

'If we do well, so does the town. It's all about promoting local businesses and also every jacket potato seller out there.

'There is one in your own town, go and support them.

'My grandad was a farmer and my dad was a jacket potato merchant, I think they would be proud.'

Although he has been asked if he would tour the UK, Ben is adamant about bringing more trade to Tamworth, as well as promoting other jacket potato traders across the country

Ben, also known as @spudarmy on TikTok, has amassed a huge following of 1.9 million by sharing his culinary tips, often handing out free jackets to a few lucky customers

People have been flocking from as far as the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia to his humble jacket potato van

He has no idea how he became an unlikely tourist attraction for young people after originally joining TikTok to keep an eye on his children.

Since then, his simple videos of him sharing culinary tips and daily life as a jacket potato vendor on his trailer have exploded in popularity.

Mr Newman has even earned his own personal fanbase in Hawaii and admits he is still baffled by his newfound fame and becoming a millennial craze.
A Texas boy and his grandma were both badly burned after being shocked by a downed power line that sent powerful electrical currents through the ground.

Nathan Winters, 6, was with his grandma Charlotte Winters, 56, at her campsite home on Lake Conroe, Texas, last week when they were shocked.

Both received severe injuries as 18 percent of Nathan's body and over 50 percent of Charlotte's body was burned, and are set to undergo a number of surgeries including Charlotte requiring possible amputation, according to a GoFundMe.

Nathan's mother Morgan Winters told ABC13 that Charlotte was only pointing out the downed powerline from a distance, and the duo were stood 'far away' from the power line when it struck them.

Charlotte Winters, 56, (pictured) suffered severe burns across over 50 percent of her body when she was shocked by a downed powerline alongside her grandson

Nathan Winters, 6, was struck from 'far away' from the power line alongside his grandmother, with both now requiring a number of surgeries and skin grafts

Nathan and his grandma are both being treated at the Texas Medical Center, with the six-year-old already undergoing his first skin graft on his road to recovery.

As Morgan wrote in her GoFundMe, the skin graft took healthy skin from Nathan's left thigh to graft onto his right forearm and right shin, and he may undergo another for his left shin.

'Nathan is now stable but has a long healing journey ahead of him including multiple physical therapy appointments a week,' his mother wrote.

'Nathan will also have to have weekly outpatient care for his burns. That's not including him having to go through trauma therapy with a psychiatrist and much more.'

While Nathan may be out of the hospital before long, Charlotte, a supply manager at a nursing and hospice facility, suffered more severe injuries, and is being treated in critical condition.

The grandmother and grandson were staying at Charlotte's home on a campsite at Lake Conroe, Texas last week when the incident unfolded

While Nathan can hope to be released from hospital soon after two skin grafts, his grandmother has a tougher road ahead and will remain in the burn unit for at least two months

Nathan skin had a graft took healthy skin from his left thigh to graft onto his right forearm and right shin, and he may undergo another for his left shin

Charlotte has been left in critical condition, and her family say she may have to have multiple toes and a finger amputated

Footage showed the power line being struck by a storm, with the grandma and grandson being shocked without ever touching the line by a process called 'step potential'

Over 50 percent of her body was burned with both second- and third-degree burns, and she has several major surgeries lined up.

This includes the possibility of having multiple toes and a finger amputated, and doctors are expecting the 56-year-old to be in the Burn and Trauma unit for over two months before she can be moved to a regular unit.

It is unclear how far away the boy and grandmother were from the power line when they were shocked, with it believed they were struck by a process called 'step potential.'

When a power line is downed, electrical currents can ripple through the ground up to 35 feet away, which can send high-voltage currents into a person's foot, through their body and out the other foot as it tries to find ground.

When they were struck, Morgan said she received a frantic phone call from Charlotte, 'but she wasn't making sense.'

'Based on what she remembers and what we talked about, it's not like they were within touching distance. Like, they were far away based on what she has said,' she told ABC13.

When asked what he is most looking forward to after hospital, Nathan responded: 'Seeing my Nana'

Nathan's mother said that he 'has a long healing journey ahead of him including multiple physical therapy appointments a week'

The 56-year-old is expected to be in the Burn and Trauma unit for over two months before she can be moved to a regular unit

An image of one of the skin grafts Nathan underwent in hospital

Morgan said that as her mother recovers in hospital, the grandmother's only thoughts are with her beloved grandson.

'She's automatically like, 'Morgan, how is Nathan? How's my baby? How's my baby? And they FaceTime multiple times a day,' Morgan said.

She added that Facetime was the first time Nathan saw his injuries, and his mom said she had to comfort him after he said he looked 'hideous.'

When asked on camera what he is most looking forward to when he gets out of hospital, Nathan sweetly responded: 'Seeing my Nana.'
A San Diego man is facing manslaughter charges for allegedly striking and killing a 12-year-old girl on a jet ski after being warned that he was going too fast.

Arsanyous Ghaly, 19, is accused of killing the girl, only identified as Savannah, in July 2023 while she was paddleboarding on Mission Bay, near De Anza Cove.

She was struck about 30 feet from the shore on a day with perfect conditions.

First responders tried to revive her after she was brought to shore, but she was declared dead at the hospital.

Lifeguard John Kerr testified in a preliminary hearing Monday that before the fatal accident, he stopped a man on a green jet ski and gave him a warning, as reported by NBC San Diego.

Arsanyous Ghaly, 19, is accused of killing the girl, only identified as Savannah, in July 2023 while she was paddleboarding on Mission Bay, near De Anza Cove

The lifeguard said the man, who he identified as Ghaly, was traveling at an 'incredibly high rate of speed' near the cove, where the speed limit is five miles-per-hour.

Another witness said the jet ski raced towards the girl at about 30 to 35-miles-per-hour.

Kerr added that moments after he stopped Ghaly, another man with an identical jet ski was pulled over for speeding. He said the man was Ghaly's cousin, and that he was acting in a belligerent manner and refused to hand over his boater's card.

The lifeguard then claimed that Ghaly drove to the area where the second man was stopped, and crossed dangerously close to his boat.

Kerr said he told the men: Youre gonna hurt somebody or youre gonna hurt yourselves.'

The second driver's jet ski was then impounded and Ghaly drove off.

The lifeguard said the man, who he identified as Ghaly, was traveling at an 'incredibly high rate of speed' near the cove, where the speed limit is five miles-per-hour

As Kerr was towing the jet ski to shore, he said he heard the radio call about a crash 300 yards from where he was.

Ghaly's lawyers called Kerr's testimony into question after he wrongly identified a man in the court as the second jet sky driver, named Peter.

However, when asked by the defense attorneys if it was possible that Kerr misidentified Ghaly, the lifeguard said: 'Doubtful.'

Meanwhile SDPD Officer Alyssa Tutterow said Ghaly admitted he was the driver at the scene, and added he did not know the speed limit and did not have a boater's card.

Tutterow also said data from the Yamaha Jet-Ski showed the vessel was traveling at a rate of 47-53 miles per hour and there was no evidence of breaking.

A judge is set to decide whether the preliminary hearings unearth enough evidence to send Ghaly to stand trial.
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Welcome to DailyMail.com's daily politics blog, with live coverage of the biggest stories on the people in the corridors of power.

Hunter Biden was in federal court in Delaware for the second day of his federal gun trial, where the jury was shown evidence from his infamous laptop.

Attorney General Merrick Garland appeared in Congress to defend his handling of the Special Counsel report into Biden's handling of classified documents.

The president has also signed an executive action on the border to crack down on migrant crossings in a move branded an election 'stunt' by his critics.

Follow DailyMail.com's live coverage from our reporters in Delaware and in Washington.
An Australian man has been charged with armed robbery using a knife at a money lending shop in the Tampines district of Singapore.

Jose Manuel Pacheco, 39, is accused of robbing a 32-year-old woman at Accredit Private Limited at around 1.40pm on Monday of S$6,095 (AU$6,810).

Singapore police said Pacheco was wearing a mask and cap when he allegedly robbed the woman at knifepoint, demanding that she place the money in a bag.

The victim stayed calmed while gathering the money, the police said, so she could remember what the man looked like and the clothes he was wearing.

With this information, the police were able to arrest Pacheco within half an hour of the alleged robbery and recovered all of the money and the knife he allegedly used.

Australian man Jose Manuel Pacheco has been charged with armed robbery using a knife at a money lending shop in the Tampines district of Singapore. The items Pacheco allegedly used are pictured

Pacheco allegedly stole S$6,095 (AU$6,810), Singapore police said. The money is pictured

Pacheco looked dishevelled when he attended court proceedings via video-link on Tuesday, the Straits Times reported.

A police prosecutor asked District Judge Lim Tse Haw for an adjournment of four weeks, saying more time was needed to investigate the case.

The prosecutor applied for Pacheco to be granted bail of S$20,000 (AU$22,340), which the judge granted.

While on bail, Pacheco must stay contactable by the police and must surrender his passport.

If he is found guilty of armed robbery, he faces between three and 14 years in jail and at least 12 strokes of the cane.
Hamas has accused Israel of not being serious about Biden's ceasefire roadmap after accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of 'maneuvering under the US cover' just hours after Joe Biden told them 'this deal must get done'.

President Joe Biden urged both Israel and Hamas to back his ceasefire roadmap, which he presented on Friday, and called for 'all appropriate measures' to be used to secure the agreement.

But on Tuesday, Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said the Palestinian militant group frowns upon Washington and the West's calls for it to accept Biden's proposal on Gaza 'as if it is Hamas who is hampering the deal'.

In comments reported by Hamas media, Abu Zuhri said Israel is not serious about reaching a deal in Gaza and is still maneuvering under the US' cover.

Biden last night revealed on his POTUS X, formerly Twitter, account that he is working on the ceasefire and hostage deal that will allow the US and its allies to begin working on rebuilding 'homes, schools, and hospitals in Gaza to help repair communities destroyed in the chaos of war.

'This deal must get done,' he emphasized.

US President Joe Biden has called for both Israel and Hamas to back his Gaza ceasefire roadmap that he presented on Friday

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said the militant group believe Israel is not serious about reaching a ceasefire deal

In a following post, Biden revealed he had been in conversation with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar to discuss how the ceasefire and hostage deal 'offers a concrete roadmap for ending the crisis in Gaza'.

'I urged Amir Tamim to use all appropriate measures to secure Hamas' acceptance of the deal and thanked him and his team for their tireless efforts to secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza,' he said.

'The United States, together with Egypt and Qatar, will work to ensure the full implementation of this agreement'.

Qatar, which has been mediating on the Gaza conflict, has also called for both Israel and Hamas to accept President Joe Biden's ceasefire deal.

Qatar said Tuesday it was waiting for a 'clear position' from Israel on a proposed Gaza ceasefire add hostage release deal.

'We are waiting for a clear Israeli position that represents the entire government in response to the US's Gaza proposal,' said Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari.

'The ceasefire deal should immediately end the long suffering of all people in Gaza and the hostages and their families and provide a roadmap for a permanent ceasefire and an end to the crisis.

'We have read and seen the contradictory statements coming in from Israeli ministers, which doesn't give us much confidence of there being a unified position in Israel over this current proposal on the table.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister's Netanyahu's biggest coalition partner, Shas, said it would also lend 'full support' for a prospective deal to free hostages from Hamas captivity

Palestinians inspect a vehicle hit in an Israeli strike, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, June 4

'We haven't seen any statements on both sides that give us a lot of confidence,' Al-Ansari added, noting, however, that 'the process is progressing and we have been working with both sides on proposals on the table'.

Qatar said that it is still waiting to reach language that is agreed by both parties.

However, on the Israeli side, two ultra-Orthodox ministers showed their support of the US-led deal on Monday, with one saying his entire party will back 'any measure' that brings the captives home, reported The Times of Israel.

The development came following threats by the far-right flank of Israeli government to bolt the coalition if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approves a hostage and truce deal presented by Biden.

'I told the representatives of the kidnapped families today that our position is that there is nothing greater than the value of life and the mitzvah of ransoming captives, because there is a real and tangible danger to their lives,' United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf posted on X, alongside a photo of himself meeting relatives of hostages.

'Therefore, we will support any proposal that will lead to the release of the abductees,' added Goldknopf.

And on Tuesday, Netanyahu's biggest coalition partner said it would also lend 'full support' for a prospective deal to free hostages from Hamas captivity even if that would entails 'far-reaching steps' in Gaza war strategy.

The statement by Shas, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish party followed open opposition to such a deal by two far-right coalition partners.

It comes just three days after Netanyahu dismissed the permanent ceasefire proposal as 'a non-starter' despite Biden revealing the plan had originated in Israel.

Benjamin Netanyahu (L) speaks with his new Minister of Health and Interior, leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party Aryeh Deri, as the new government is sworn in, in Jerusalem on December 29, 2022

The political leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party Eli Yishai (L) talks to the group's spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef (C) during a meeting of the Shas' ruling Council of Torah Sages in Jerusalem 07 July 2000

Netanyahu wrote on X, 'Israel's conditions for ending the war have 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.

'Under the proposal, Israel will continue to insist these conditions are met before a permanent ceasefire is put in place.

The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter.'

Biden on Friday laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal from Israel to Palestinian Islamist group Hamas to end the war in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis.

The offer calls for a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

The US has also urged the UN Security Council to support Biden's three-phase plan.

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the United States circulated a draft resolution to the 14 other council members to back the proposal for ending the conflict.

'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 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'.

It makes no mention of Israeli acceptance of the deal.

When Biden made the announcement he called it an Israeli offer that includes an 'enduring ceasefire' and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza if Hamas releases all hostages it is holding.

It comes after four more hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 massacre in southern Israel were confirmed dead on Monday.

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.

Amiram Cooper, left, and Chaim Peri, right, were part of the same kibbutz just a mile outside of Gaza before they were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. They were confirmed dead on Monday

Yoram Metzger, 80, and Nadav Popplewell, 51, were also confirmed dead after being held captive in Khan Younis by Hamas since October 7. Israel's military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari didn't confirm how the men died

We are checking all of the options,' Hagari said. 'There are a lot of questions.'

Qatar, with the US and Egypt, has been engaged in months of back-and-forth negotiations over details for a ceasefire and exchange of hostages and prisoners by both sides.

But with the exception of a seven-day break in the fighting beginning in November that led to the release of more than 100 hostages, a series of in-person mediation efforts have not stopped the fighting.

In an effort to reinvigorate talks, US President Joe Biden said on Friday that Israel was offering a new three-stage roadmap towards a full ceasefire, including the release of hostages held by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

According to the US president, 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.

The parties would then negotiate for a lasting ceasefire, with the truce to continue as long as talks are ongoing.

In its final phase, the plan would lead to the reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory without Hamas in power, Biden said.

'There is momentum internationally, driven by the US... but we need to be very cautious,' Ansari said.

'We are using our leverage as a mediator...to make sure that both sides understand the gravity of the situation and the need to reach an agreement.'

Negotiations ground to a halt in early May as Israel began ground operations in Rafah in southern Gaza.

Previous frameworks presented by mediators have run aground over Hamas's demand that any truce lead to a permanent ceasefire, while Israel has said it must be allowed to pursue its war aim of destroying the Palestinian militant group.
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA)  UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk on Tuesday issued a renewed call for an end to the sharp rise in deadly violence in the occupied West Bank since 7 October, and urged accountability for the killing of over 500 Palestinians by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) and settlers
Giant black and yellow spiders the size of a human hand are set to arrive in northeastern US states this summer, including New Jersey and New York.

Joro spiders are an invasive species that originated in China, and experts say they can fly up to 100 miles by turning their webs into makeshift parasails.

Although they are venomous, scientists say Joro spiders' venom is weak and that their fangs aren't strong enough to break the skin of humans or pets.

The creepy crawlers are about four inches long and have legs that span six to eight inches. The females are brightly colored and are known to cannibalize their brown-colored male mates.

Joro spiders are believed to have made it to the US about ten years ago on shipping containers delivered to Georgia.

Joro spiders have a body about four inches long and legs that span six to eight inches, which often takes up the majority of a human palm

Since then, the unnervingly large arachnids were spotted in Georgia in 2021, spinning their large, orb-shaped golden webs all over people's yards.

Experts have long been predicting the massive spread of Joro spiders across the east coast, with an ecologist at Rutgers University telling DailyMail.com in 2023 that they should be in New Jersey and New York 'possibly even next year.'

'Because their main methods of dispersal are to either 'balloon' with the wind, or hitch rides on cars,' PhD student and ecologist Jose R. Ramirez-Garofalo told DailyMail.com, 'they are generally going to spread to where the wind blows, or where humans are.'

A group of researchers from multiple states predicted that Joro spiders will eventually make a home out of the entire continental US, Canada and even parts of Mexico.

The spider's ability to survive in all these different areas with vastly different climates has been demonstrated via an experiment at the University of Georgia last December.

While the imposing Joro spider is likely here to stay, according to most scientists, there have been no documented fatalities from this arachnid. They are venomous, but their poison is weak. Their fangs also can't pierce a human's skin

Scientists there froze more than two dozen of the roughly eight-inch-long spiders and found that 75 percent of them were unaffected.

As such, researchers told DailyMail.com they saw 'no barrier' to Joro spiders' march north.

'The native range in Asia includes much of western China and the entire Korean peninsula, so the spiders are clearly well adapted to fairly cold climates,' one researcher explained.

The good news for arachnophobes in the northeast is that Joro spiders don't want to go inside homes and much prefer staying outside and using manmade structures as the basis to form their webs, according to an October peer-reviewed study conducted by David Coyle.

The map, created by ecologists entomological researchers in New York, Tennessee, Texas and South Carolina, shows where Joro spiders are most likely to spread

Coyle, an assistant professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, suggests that people if don't want the spiders around to just move them with a broom or stick.

Coyle added that while Joro spiders' direct effect on other native species such as golden silk spiders is unclear, it is clear that they are an invasive breed that requires more attention from the scientific community.

'These are not just benign spiders coming to catch and kill bad things; these are pushing out native species and catching and killing whatever happens to get in their webs,' Coyle said.
Police are searching for the parents of three newborn babies who have been abandoned in east London over the last seven years.

The trio of children were dumped in parks with the most recent - a baby girl - being found at just an hour after she was born in a shopping bag in Newham amid sub-zero temperatures in January this year.

DNA tests have since shown that the child, who was called Elsa by hospital staff after the character from Frozen, is a full sibling of baby Harry who was found abandoned in a park in Plaistow in 2017 and Baby Roman who was found in a park in Newham in 2019.

Police said at the time it was 'highly likely' Elsa was born after a 'concealed pregnancy' and her umbilical cord was still attached when she was found. She was not injured in any way.

Police have today said they are continuing to look for the children's' parents, with officers believing a woman seen in the area just before Elsa was discovered by a dog walker might have vital information.

The female was wearing a large dark-coloured coat with a light-coloured scarf or hood around her neck, and was carrying a rucksack.

The mother and father of the three babies - which were dumped within 1.7 miles of each other - have still not been identified and on Monday a judge allowed details revealing the link between them to be reported in public for the first time.

The three children were found in parks in east London over a seven-year period and their parents have still not been found

Baby Harry (pictured) was found abandoned in a park in Plaistow, east London, in September 2017

Baby Roman (pictured) was found abandoned in a park in Newham, east London, near a year and a half later in January 2019

Judge Carol Atkinson at the East London Family Court amended restrictions to allow the familial link between the three to be reported following an application by PA news agency and the BBC.

She said it was of 'great public interest' and doing so could help identify the biological parents who still have not been found.

Detective Sergeant Laurence Dight, from the Metropolitan Police, told the court on Monday that the police investigation into the identity of the parents is continuing, with anyone with information as to the parents' identities asked to contact the force using the reference CAD 6876/18 Jan.

In a statement on Tuesday, the force said it had made extensive inquiries including media appeals, analysing CCTV, going door to door and examining forensic evidence.

Detective Inspector Jamie Humm, who is based in Newham, said: 'We understand the significant public interest that will come following the lifting of restrictions that allow this information to be reported.

'It is significant news and our work has focused on trying to locate the mother and provide support to her.

'We have worked 24/7 in each of these three cases to identify the parents, so far without success.

'We have also had to be mindful of the sensitivities that exist now all of the children are being cared for. Their welfare, including their privacy, is paramount.

'We continue to investigate, and will consider the next steps in our investigation.'

The oldest child, known as Harry, was found in a park close to Balaam Street in Plaistow, east London, on September 17, 2017.

He was found wrapped in a white blanket at 8.20am before being rushed to hospital, sparking a police appeal for the mother to come forward.

A street view of the park where Harry was found close to Balaam Street in Plaistow, east London, on September 17, 2017

This was followed by the discovery of the second baby who was found inside a shopping bag next to a bench in a park in Newham, east London, on January 31, 2019.

The child, who was named Roman after being found on Roman Road, was reportedly wrapped in a towel and placed in a Sainsbury's bag.

The newborn was found by a Lithuanian grandmother and her son while they were walking their dog 100 yards from their home.

Rima Zvaliauskiene said at the time: 'There was a crying noise from the bag. She was crying for her life. The baby saved herself.'

She added, in an interview with Sun Online: 'At first I thought it was an animal'.

Her son, Ovidijus, added: 'She looked a bit purple. She very cold to the touch. Her forehead and ears looked like they were a bit frosty, she was cold.

'We feel great that we helped save the baby's life. I'm glad we were there or the baby might not have survived too much longer'.

Police launched another appeal for the mother to come forward after this, but the fact that Roman was related to Harry was not made public knowledge.

Rima Zvaliauskiene, 50, and her son Ovidijus Zvaliaskiene, 27, who found Roman abandoned in a park in Newham in 2019

An aerial view of the park next to Roman Road in Newham, where baby Roman was found abandoned in 2019

The bench where Roman was found dumped in a shopping bag in a park near Roman Road in Newham, east London, on January 31, 2019

Then on January 18 this year a third newborn, known as Elsa, was found by a dog walker at the junction of Greenway and High Street South in Newham after being alerted by her crying.

Like with Roman, Elsa was found dumped in a shopping bag and was believed to be just one-hour old when she was found at 9.13pm as temperatures plunged to -4C on the cold winter night.

One local restaurant manager, Tania Iurac, told how she saw a 'commotion' while walking home from work after the newborn was left in a 'really visible area'.

Ms Iurac, 25, said she and her flatmate saw up to seven police officers at the scene around two hours after the baby was discovered.

'I saw a commotion by Greenway park. We saw a white towel on the floor surrounded by six to seven police officers.

'The towel was by a red route clearway sign. But the baby and the plastic bag weren't there.

'I think the mother wanted the baby to be found. The towel was in a really visible area next to the main road. It was absolutely freezing last night.'

Her friend Andreea Plic, 26, explained that she was concerned by the number of officers in the area as she walked back from work at around 11pm and decided it was best to get home.

She told The Times: 'I talked with my friend, Tania, and I said, let's go outside to ask what happened. So when I go outside, I just saw the towel.'

Ms Iurac said that it was 'horrible' finding out someone had done this, but added to the newspaper: 'She may be a teenager and being scared about what happened in her life and not being ready for it, and left it outside for someone to find it.'

Andreea Maria Plic (left) and Tania Iurac said they saw police officers huddling around a white towel after Elsa was found in Newham in January this year

Speaking a day after Elsa was found Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, local policing commander for north-east London, said the child was believed to be black or mixed race and urged the mother to make herself known.

He said: 'We are extremely concerned for her welfare as she would have been through a traumatic ordeal and will be in need of immediate medical attention following the birth.

'Trained medics and specialist officers are ready to support her and we urge her to get in touch by phone or walk into the nearest hospital or police station. If you are the baby's mother, please know that your daughter is well. No matter what your circumstances, please do seek help.'

Harry and Roman have both since been adopted, while Elsa is still in care. The names of all three have since been changed.

Barrister Kate Claxton, representing Newham London Borough Council, previously told the court that the ongoing investigation means that Elsa's birth cannot be registered, so no final decision regarding her care can be made.

A further hearing in her case is expected to be held at a later date.

Judge Atkinson ruled on Monday that reporting the information that the three children were biological siblings was in the public interest.

She said: 'There is a clear public interest in reporting this story.

'The abandonment of a baby in this country is a very, very unusual event and there are years where there are no children abandoned, and because of that it is the story of the abandoning of a child that is of public interest.

'It is, for the same reason, in our current society, of enormous interest and importance that people know that there is a mother and father out there who felt the need to relinquish their children in this way, three times, and that is of considerable interest, it seems to me.

'If I restrict these rights and the reporting of that story, I think that does impact on public consciousness of these sorts of matters. It restricts the openness of justice.'

It comes following efforts to increase transparency in the family court system.

Baby Elsa was found abandoned in a shopping bag at the junction of Greenway and High Street South (pictured) in Newham, east London, on January 18, this year

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, local policing commander for north-east London, pictured at a press conference in Newham following the discovery of Elsa in January this year

Previously, reporters have had access to courts dealing with sensitive matters involving children, despite them being closed to the public.

However, reporting has been highly restricted to only what a judge will allow, to protect the identities of those involved.

Under a new transparency pilot scheme, introduced last year, accredited journalists and legal bloggers could access three family courts - Leeds, Cardiff and Carlisle - to report on cases more freely.

This was expanded earlier this year to allow accredited journalists and legal bloggers to report on cases to 16 courts across England and Wales as they happen, as they would do in the criminal courts.

This includes East London Family Court, as well as Manchester, Nottingham, the Central Family Court in London and others.

While the identities of the families and certain professionals involved remain protected, judges can set out what details may be reported under a Transparency Order, with journalists also allowed to access some documents.

Families can also talk to a journalist about their case, without risking punishment for contempt of court.

However, judges can still decide that some cases may not be reported on or that reporting should be postponed in certain circumstances.

In Baby Elsa's case, the PA news agency and the BBC applied for the court to vary the terms of the Transparency Order to allow reporting that she has two siblings and other details.
A Christian high school teacher in Washington state has been sentenced to six months of house arrest for having a sexual relationship with a student.

Lindsey Westerfield, 31, pleaded guilty to several counts of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor at Cascade Christian High School in 2019.

Detectives opened an investigation into her years ago, but progress was stalled until 2022 when they learned she was trying to work on the charter school commission.

It was then that the victim, now 23, also came forward with additional details about their encounters.

Lindsey Westerfield, 31, pleaded guilty to several counts of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor for having sex with a student in the spring of 2019

During her time teaching at the Cascade Christian High School, she began a romantic tryst with an 18-year-old

Two of the encounters Westerfield was ultimately charged with occurred after the victim turned 18. But in Washington, state law prohibits sexual relationships between students under the age of 21 and school employees who are at least five years their senior.

Westerfield resigned from her position at the Christian academy in 2019, shortly after the investigation was opened.

In addition to house arrest, the former teacher will be required to register as a sex offender for a decade, as well as undergoing unrelated treatment for four-and-a-half years.

The teacher and victim communicated via Snapchat, and met up at one another's houses and in parking garages - and even once after the school's junior-senior ball.

The encounters never occurred on school grounds, according to the International Business Times.

When the investigation began, the student - who was then 18 - said he had an emotional relationship with Westerfield, but would not admit to any sexual activity.

It was three years before the student coughed up additional helpful information.

During that period, the former student's father told police that the relationship between his son and Westerfield had been on-and-off for a while, and that there was a time when the student went so far as to drop out of college to get a job to support her.

She pleaded guilty to a number of offenses, for which she will serve six months under house arrest, be required to register as a sex offender for a decade, and undergo unrelated treatment for four-and-a-half years

Two years ago, an investigator from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction reached out to the local Puyallup police after Westerfield attempted to get a job with the state's charter school operation.

Several months later, the investigator told police that Westerfield had surrendered her education license and been fired from her job.

After her firing, a local detective contacted the victim's father to share the news. The parent said his son, who had returned to college, might be willing to discuss his history with Westerfield in more detail.

The victim subsequently described multiple sexual encounters between the two of them and the lengths the pair went to to keep them a secret.

He said he was 'pretty horrified' in retrospect, and that he ultimately cut off all communications with Westerfield in 2020 after the relationship ended for the final time.

As part of her sentence, Westerfield was ordered to have zero contact with the victim and is forbidden from holding any position in which she supervises minors under the age of 13.
Palestinians displaced by the Gaza war are living in 'appalling' conditions, with children sometimes going for a whole day without food and thousands sharing the same toilet, Oxfam warned on Tuesday.

Deadly Israeli bombardment and fighting has raged in the Gaza Strip's far-southern Rafah area near the Egyptian border in recent weeks, again displacing those who had fled there in search of safety.

Oxfam said families in some parts of southern Gaza, like the coastal area of Al-Mawasi, designated a 'humanitarian zone' by the Israeli army, were getting by with barely any water or sanitation services.

'Living conditions are so appalling that in Al-Mawasi, there are just 121 latrines for over 500,000 people - or 4,130 people having to share each toilet,' Oxfam said.

Meera, an Oxfam staff member in Al-Mawasi who has been displaced seven times since October, described conditions there as 'unbearable'.

'There is no access to clean water, and people are forced to rely on the sea,' she said.

Oxfam said more than two-thirds of Gaza's population is estimated to be crammed into less than a fifth of the besieged territory (File image)

A Palestinian child, who is suffering from malnutrition, receives healthcare at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza Strip

A Palestinian child stands next to water containers, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas

Since Israeli troops launched their ground assault on Rafah on May 6, an average of eight aid trucks per day have entered, Oxfam said, citing UN figures.

While hundreds of commercial food trucks are estimated to be entering daily, the goods on board include non-nutritious energy drinks, chocolate and cookies, and are often very expensive, it added.

'By the time a famine is declared, it will be too late,' Oxfam's Middle East and North Africa director, Sally Abi Khalil, said.

'Obstructing tonnes of food for a malnourished population while waving through caffeine-laced drinks and chocolate is sickening.'

Oxfam's claims stand in direct contrast to claims made by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who, in an interview last week, rejected allegations of starvation in Gaza, saying everything had been done to avert a famine.

Gazans were eating 3,200 calories a day or 1,000 more than the daily requirement, he said.

More than one million people have fled Rafah for other areas, according to the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA.

Oxfam said more than two-thirds of Gaza's population is estimated to be crammed into less than a fifth of the besieged territory.

'Despite Israeli assurances that full support would be provided for people fleeing, most of Gaza has been deprived of humanitarian aid, as famine inches closer,' the aid agency said.

'A food survey by aid agencies in May found that 85 percent of children did not eat for a whole day at least once in the three days before the survey was conducted,' it added.

Palestinian children sit over the rubble of their destroyed house in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis

Displaced Palestinian children play with surgical rubber gloves in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip

Palestinian children try to continue their daily lives under harsh conditions

On Monday, sewage flooded a camp for the displaced in Khan Yunis after a wastewater pipe burst, an AFP reporter said, with some trying to scoop the filth out of their tents using plastic bottles.

The war was triggered by Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

Militants also took 251 hostages, 120 of whom remain in Gaza, including 41 the army says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 36,550 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.
Horrifying doorbell footage captured the moment a woman covered in blood desperately banged on a stranger's front door begging for help.

After police arrived at the house in Southeast Portland, Oregon, on Friday, the woman told them she had jumped from a moving car to escape a kidnapper.

In the video, obtained by Katu News, the 47-year-old woman can be seen screaming 'He's trying to abduct me!' while on the phone with police.

Her knees and arm are covered in blood as she attempts to hide behind a car in the house's driveway.

Just hours later, police arrested Ra Fet, 25, from Thailand, who pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and sexual abuse, among other charges.

In horrifying video, obtained by Katu News , a 47-year-old woman can be seen screaming 'He's trying to abduct me!' while on the phone with police

According to court documents seen by Katu News, the victim was walking down Southeast Division around 1.30am on Friday when Fet offered her a lift.

She got into his car at which point she said Fet began making sexual remarks and groped her.

Fet then allegedly pulled into a restaurant parking lot and pulled out a machete which he started threatening her with.

The victim told police that she tried to get out of the car, but Fet sped off.

In the video, she can be seen standing on the homeowner's porch banging on the door and asking for help

Fet pulled into the driveway of the house behind her, but she hid behind a car and he left, according to police

When he eventually slowed down, she said she was able to jump out, but that Fet hit her across the face.

She said she then ran down the street, banging on a stranger's door asking for help.

In the video, she can be seen standing on the homeowner's porch banging on the door and asking for help.

Blood is pouring from a cut on her leg and more bruises and cuts are visible on her hand from where she jumped from the car.

Police arrested Ra Fet, 25, from Thailand , who pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and sexual abuse, among other charges

He appeared in court on Monday where Katu reported a judge said: 'There is probable cause to believe the defendant has committed a violent felony.'

Fet pulled into the driveway of the house behind her, but she hid behind a car and he left, according to police.

As some officers helped the victim, others managed to detain Fet.

He appeared in court on Monday where Katu reported a judge said: 'There is probable cause to believe the defendant has committed a violent felony.'

The judge ordered him held without bail pending a detention hearing.

In May 2023, Fet was reportedly charged with menacing and criminal mischief.

The victim has not been named.
Disturbing video captured the moment two teenagers were killed after they motorcycle crashed into a tree in the western central Colombian department of Quindio.

The footage showed Katherine Cubillos, 19, riding the bike and Selena Valentina, also 19, sitting on the back while she filmed while they were traveling from the town of Pueblo Tapao to Montenegro.

The two friends, who were not wearing helmets, can be seen shouting in joy and smiling at the cellphone camera.

On multiple occasions Cubillos took her eyes off the dark road despite traveling at a high speed.

The young women disappear from the view of the camera shortly before Cubillos slammed into a tree near a condominium.

Selena Valentina (left) was on the back of the motorcycle that Katerine Cubillos (right) was riding and filmed themselves moments before they crashed into a tree and were killed May 26 in Quindio, in western central Colombia

Selena Valentina (left) and her friend Katerine Cubillos (right) were not wearing helmets

Motorists spotted Cubillos and Valencia lying on the ground and called the police.

Both victims were pronounced dead on the scene.

The accident took place May 26, but the video of the accident was shared online last Friday.

Montenegro authorities did not said what caused the accident, but they were looking into whether the road conditions or speed are to blame.

Quindio authorities registered at least 10 motorcyclist deaths in May, according to Caracol Radio.

Katerine Cubillos is one of 10 people who were killed in motorcycle accidents during the month of May in the western central Colombian department of Quindio

Selena Valencia (left) and Katerine Cubillos (right) were seen smiling and shouting of joy in a video filmed by Valencia while Cubillos rode her motorcycle moments before the two 19-year-old friends were killed in an accident May 26 in Quindio, Colombia

Juan Arango, 37, was killed in an accident after he was hit by a vehicle Friday in the municipality of Santos.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and had not been arrested as of Tuesday.

Gustavo Santos, who leads a local motorcycle club, expressed concerns over the series of deadly accidents.

'The situation that is occurring in the department of Quindio with the issue of accidents is very sad, there are many families that are sad and there are many lives that are lost,' Santos said.

'We cannot say that this is going to stop here, accidents will continue to happen. We cannot criminalize one or the other, we do not know who is to blame in many of these accidents, what we do know is that lives are being lost.'
Anti-tourist protests in Majorca are putting holidaymakers off visiting the island, a survey by a local news website has revealed.

A poll by the Majorca Daily Bulletin found that around 44 per cent of people will now think twice about booking a holiday on the popular island after huge demonstrations over mass tourism.

Fortunately for the tourist industry, around 55 per cent of the more than 650 respondents to the survey said that they were not deterred by the campaigners, who are calling for more affordable housing and fewer holiday homes.

Businesses are reportedly anxious about whether enough tourists will come to the island this summer, with protesters warned to 'be careful what you wish for' in calling for them to stay away.

It comes after around 15,000 locals took to the streets of Palma last week, with a British holidaymaker telling MailOnline she felt 'intimidated' as protesters told tourists to 'go home'.

Protesters shout at shocked holidaymakers enjoying dinner and drinks in Palma

Protesters hold a banner reading 'Mallorca is not for sale' during a demonstration to protest against mass tourism and housing prices

Pictures emerged last week of empty beaches in the popular resort of Magaluf

As the summer holiday season gets underway, protesters who have been campaigning against overcrowding are said to be planning more demonstrations.

The Palma protest was organised by Banc del Temps, a group which hails from the inland Majorcan town of Sencelles and is outraged by the struggles locals face in affording homes on the island.

Following Saturday's protest, Banc del Temps spokesman Javier Barbero warned: 'This is just the start of things. If measures aren't taken we will continue taking to the streets until we see action.'

There are concerns within the tourist industry that the protests are having an impact on their footfall.

Though peak holiday season is still a few weeks away, Majorca Daily Bulletin reportes that some resorts are 'unusually quiet' for this time of year.

Pictures emerged last week of empty beaches in the popular resort of Magaluf, with one bar owner suggesting of the protesters: 'Their wishes have been granted.'

Others in the sector have reportedly said that demonstrators are 'playing with fire' over their rejection of mass tourism, which the island's economy largely relies on.

The words 'Go Home Tourist' were scrawled in English over a wall underneath a real estate promotion billboard in Nou Llevant, Mallorca, a neighbourhood that has seen a massive influx of foreign buyers over the past few years

One campaign group, known as Menys Turisme, Mes Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), have suggested they could 'collapse' Palma airport, which according to The Times hosted 31.1 million passengers last year.

The tactic, which was first proposed at a 'citizens' assembly in the Majorcan town of Sineu, also involves causing a traffic gridlock outside the airport.

'It is a proposal that has no place within a society like the one we live in today, a measure that is currently classified as a crime,' said Jaume Bauza, the tourism minister for the Balearic Islands.

The groups have also discussed the possibility of blocking the main port and other tourist hot spots, such as the Calo des Moro and Es Trenc beaches.

Despite anti-tourist sentiment among locals and crackdowns on boozy behaviour in hotpots like Magaluf, local authorities have repeatedly insisted that Brits and other foreign tourists are welcome on the island.

Britain is the second biggest tourist market for Majorca after Germany.

Despite concerns among some in the holiday hotspot, the number of foreign tourists visiting Spain is up this year.

Spending by holidaymakers from abroad has also increased by more than 22 per cent on last year for the first four months of 2024, according to the latest government figures.
A liberal Canadian lawmaker sparked backlash this week after suggesting families going on summer road trips are 'letting the planet burn.'

Mark Holland, an Ontario MP and the nation's Health Minister, was branded a 'wacko' by opposition leader Pierre Poilievre following his rant in parliament last week.

It came as he appeared to mock a question from a conservative colleague about freezing carbon tax to reduce fuel costs for everyday Canadians, which Holland said would be a trade for 'the future of the planet.'

'Dont worry about climate change! Dont worry about taking action on the planet!' the bowtie-wearing politician said sarcastically. 'Enjoy your ten hours in the car and let the planet burn.'

Canadian MP and Health Minister Mark Holland sparked backlash after ranting about how families going on summer road trips are 'letting the planet burn'

Liberal Health Minister Mark Holland says families taking their kids for a road trip this summer are letting the planet burn.



This. Man. Is. Wacko. pic.twitter.com/wH8Zcrli1H  Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) May 31, 2024

Holland's remarks came in response to a question from conservative MP Rachael Thomas, during an open debate in parliament over a vote to allow Canadians to save 35 cents per liter of gas through a carbon freeze.

'Many Canadians just simply look forward to a small summer vacation, a road trip. Perhaps its normally a time when they can go and camp in the mountains or go to a national park or visit loved ones,' Thomas told the chamber.

'But this year, many Canadians cant afford this simple delight because this government has made life too expensive.'

Holland countered by appearing to mock the assertion that families would want to go on a road trip.

'Good news, kids! You can take a summer of fun time vacation where youre locked in a car for ten consecutive days nonstop with no bathroom breaks,' he said.

'The conservatives have a plan for you to have that summertime fun - and the cost? Give up the future of the planet.

'Dont worry about climate change! Dont worry about taking action on the planet! Enjoy your ten hours in the car and let the planet burn.'

Holland, pictured in 2021 with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was branded a 'wacko' for his remarks in parliament last week

Mr. Holland's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by DailyMail.com.

Footage of Holland's theatrical speech sparked backlash from conservatives, with some critics pointing to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's frequent private jet use.

'Only Trudeau is allowed to have summer trips on private jets while virtue-signing about climate change. Oh man. The Irony,' said one commenter.

Another questioned: 'Why doesn't he criticize his boss for 27-car motorcades and flying around the world in jets?'

Days after the speech, Holland told a press conference that the negative response he received was because his words were taken out of 'context', as he argued the conservatives' carbon tax threshold was too high to be effective.

'It's just dishonest, and it's emblematic of an approach that Canadians have to sit back and look at,' he told reporters.

Mark Holland pretending his unhinged rant about kids going on road trips while the planet burns was basically twisted by social media & the conservatives. Good try Mark. pic.twitter.com/AsXpqzYufd  Ryan Gerritsen (@ryangerritsen) June 3, 2024

'Of course, all of us support the idea of going on road trips, I just don't support them when they're 44,000 kilometers long,' Holland said, noting the number he suggested Canadians would need to drive to receive benefits from the carbon freeze.

Holland slammed conservative stances on limiting climate change policies as he defended his remarks, as he said criticism of his speech was 'disingenuous.'

'I think selectively quoting me, when they could see the context of the question period and what we were talking about, shows frankly a desperation in their message.

'(And it shows) a willingness in social media spaces to contort messages that are just untrue,' he argued.
Dreams of an Aussie version of Disneyland may not be so farfetched after all, with one Victorian MP outlining three locations in Melbourne for a possible theme park in his calls for tourism heavyweights to back the vision.

Libertarian MP for South East Metro David Limbrick spoke of his vision for an Australian version of the resort on Channel 10's The Project on Tuesday night, saying he had narrowed down three 'potential outstanding locations' to make it a reality.

He told hosts the park could be put in the suburbs of Dandenong, Cranbourne or Frankston - all of which were in his electorate.

'They are so good I cannot easily split them. To prove it is a small world after all, it turns out the best locations are in my electorate,' he said.

'Unlike in other parts of Melbourne, Disney would be welcomed with open arms in south east Melbourne.

Libertarian MP David Limbrick (pictured) spoke of his vision for an Australian version of the beloved resort on Channel 10's The Project on Tuesday night, saying he had narrowed down three 'potential outstanding locations' to make it a reality.

'We have tens of thousands of families with kids who are looking for things to do and a great workforce who would love to live and work close to home.'

The move follows the American-based Walt Disney Company announcing they were developing $60billion in plans to 'accelerate and expand investment' in its parks and experiences division.

It's understood that this includes investing in international parks.

There are currently six Disneyland locations in California, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Shanghai, along with Florida's version which is known as the Magic Kingdom.

During his appearance on The Project, Mr Limbrick called on Victoria's Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos to tell they company Melbourne was open for business.

He urged the minister to tell the Walt Disney Company 'every assistance' would be given if they wanted to establish a park in Victoria, which would be 'welcomed by the people of southeast Melbourne'

'This is the only logical place for the happiest place on earth. We need to get Disney's attention,' he said on the Project.

'What I requested the government to do, to the tourism minister last Thursday is to set-up a meeting with Disney and tell them that Melbourne is open for business and that we'd like them to invest.

'There are things that the government could do that won't cost taxpayers any money.

'(They can) provide assurances that they can streamline planning applications, that they might even give them a tax holiday when they set-up.

'These sort of things might be really attractive to a foreign investor like Disney.'

The first place to have the 'happiest place on earth' was the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim (pictured)

Since he brought this up in parliament, Mr Limbrick said he's 'had a great response'.

'I think before we get a Disney, one of the things that we need to do is build the movement of people who actually want it,' he said.

'The people in south east Melbourne would be very interested in this.'

While the dream may come true, co-host Kate Langbroek was doubtful that this wish could actually happen.

'David, you're amazing but we ain't getting Disneyland,' she told Mr Limbrick.

The MP remained optimistic, telling her: 'You gotta dream'.

Fellow host Sarah Harris was quick to remind everyone how successful the Wonderland theme park was in Western Sydney.

'Do you remember Australia's Wonderland did really, really well in western Sydney for years. All the jobs that it had...it ended up dying but you know,' she said.

Despite Mr Limbrick's call, Frankston City Council's mayor Nathan Conroy has largely remained silent on the issue.

Mr Limbrick's desire for an Aussie Disneyland follows after Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp AO pitching Werribee as a potential location.

The suburb - 32km southwest of Melbourne's CBD - was a previous potential spot for a $220m adventure ride park.

The plans were pulled in 2008 by the state government due to high costs on taxpayers.

Disneyland's Magical Expansion

The first place to have the 'happiest place on earth' was the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

It was the first theme park opened by creator Walt Disney and the only one that was designed and constructed under his direct supervision. The park offically opened on July 17 1955.

The idea of the park came from watching his daughters Sharon and Diane ride on a merry-go-round. From there, his desire to create a place where adults and children could have fun was born.

Over half a century later, and the dream became a reality and expanded to two other continents with seven parks in total.
Israel believes that more than a third of the hostages taken to the Gaza Strip on October 7 are now dead, eight months after they were kidnapped.

Of the 251 who were taken by Hamas following its brutal incursion into Israel, some of whom were already dead when they were taken back to the Palestinian territory to be used as bargaining chips, 120 people are still being held in Gaza, and it is believed that 41 hostages have died in Hamas' hands.

While this number includes the 25 people who died in the October 7 attacks and whose bodies were taken to the Gaza Strip to be used as bargaining chips, officials said bodies showed signs of execution.

The IDF said on Monday night that the bodies of Haim Perry, 80, Yoram Metzger, 80, Amiram Cooper, 84, and British citizen Nadav Popplewell, 51, were all killed after they were taken into Gaza on October 7.

The military added that the four men were killed somewhere in Khan Younis, in the centre of the Gaza Strip, several months ago.

There are still 79 hostages who may still be alive in Gaza, made up of 72 Israelis, some of whom have more than one nationality, six Thai nationals and one Nepalese national.

Hundreds of people demonstrate against the Israeli government, demanding that Israel stop its attacks on Gaza and return Israeli prisoners

A demonstrator poses as the Statue of Liberty as supporters and families of hostages, who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas

Smoke rises following Israeli strikes during an Israeli military operation, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas

Kfir Bibas, who was nine months old when he was kidnapped from Nir Oz kibbutz, alongside his mother Shiri, 32, and his then four-year-old brother Ariel, is the youngest hostage still believed to be in captivity.

His relatives held a first birthday party for the red-headed boy in his absence in January.

But Hamas has said all three of them were killed in an Israeli air strike on Gaza. Israel has yet to confirm their deaths or whether they are still alive.

The children's father Yarden is still being held hostage. There are no other child hostages known to be in Gaza.

Thirteen women, aged 18-39, are still being held by Palestinian militants.

They include five women, aged 18-19, who were performing their military service when they were kidnapped.

The damaged Al Shifa Hospital after Israeli forces withdrew from the hospital and the area around it following a two-week operation

Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip

As soldiers, they were excluded from November's prisoner swap.

On Wednesday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum released a three-minute video of the five women as they were being kidnapped on October 7.

There are also 64 men still being held in the Gaza Strip, three of whom are in their seventies and two of whom are in their eighties.

Others are young men who were serving in the military at the time of the October 7 attack.

A number of the male hostages were taken alongside family members, including some with their children, who were then released during the November truce.

A total of 112 prisoners were released alive during a week-long truce in November, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Israel has also repatriated the bodies of 19 dead hostages, including three hostages killed by Israeli forces who mistook them for Hamas fighters.
ABC News, June 4, 2024

By RAHIM FAIEZ

About 6.5 million children in Afghanistan were forecast to experience crisis levels of hunger in 2024, a nongovernmental organization said. Nearly three out of 10 Afghan children will face crisis or emergency levels of hunger this year as the country feels the immediate impacts of floods, the long-term effects of drought, and the return of Afghans from neighboring Pakistan and Iran, according to a report released late Tuesday by Save The Children.

New figures from global hunger monitoring body Integrated Food Security Phase Classification forecast that 28% of Afghanistan's population, about 12.4 million people, will face acute food insecurity before October. Of those, nearly 2.4 million are predicted to experience emergency levels of hunger, which is one level above famine, according to Save the Children.

The figures show a slight improvement from the last report, released in October 2023, but underline the continuing need for assistance, with poverty affecting half of the population.

Torrential rain and flash floods hit northern Afghanistan in May, killing more than 400 people. Thousands of homes were destroyed or damaged and farmland was turned into mud.

Save the Children is operating a clinic on wheels in Baghlan province, which was hit the worst by floods, as part of its emergency response program. The organization added that an estimated 2.9 million children under the age of 5 are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2024.

Arshad Malik, country director for Save the Children in Afghanistan, said that the NGO has treated more than 7,000 children for severe or acute malnutrition so far this year.

UN Women, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in the brief said that Afghan women ask the international community to remain focused on the situation in Afghanistan and to restore women's rights, including the rights to education and work, in addition to women's participation in public decision-making.

Those numbers are a sign of the massive need for continuing support for families as they experience shock after shock, Malik said. Children are feeling the devastating impacts of three years of drought, high levels of unemployment, and the return of more than 1.4 million Afghans from Pakistan and Iran, he added.

We need long-term, community-based solutions to help families rebuild their lives, Malik said.

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. It insists the campaign isn't directed against Afghans specifically, but they make up most of the foreigners in the South Asian country.

In April, Save the Children said that a quarter-million Afghan children need education, food and homes after being forcibly returned from Pakistan.

Malik added that only 16% of funding for the 2024 humanitarian response plan has been met so far, but nearly half the population needs assistance.

This is not the time for the world to look away, he said.

Meanwhile, the European Union is allocating an additional 10 million euros (nearly $10.9 million) to the U.N. food agency for school feeding activities in Afghanistan. These latest funds from the EU follow an earlier contribution of 20.9 million euros ($22.7 million) towards the World Food Program's school meal program in Afghanistan for 2022 and 2023.

The funding comes at a timely moment and averts WFP having to downsize its school meal program this year because of a lack of funding, the WFP said in a statement.

Hunger can be a barrier to education. The additional EU funding to our long-standing partner WFP ensures that more children in Afghanistan receive nutritious food, said Raffaella Iodice, charge daffaires of the EU's delegation to Afghanistan.

The WFP's statement said that the agency will be able to use the funding to distribute fortified biscuits or locally produced nutritious school snacks to pupils in more than 10,000 schools in the eight provinces of Farah, Ghor, Jawzjan, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika, Uruzgan and Zabul.

Last year, WFP supported 1.5 million school-age children through this program.
Nigel Farage was dramatically splattered with milkshake today as he kicked off his bid to become an MP.

The new Reform leader was drenched by a woman after being mobbed by crowds in what he described as the 'most patriotic' town in Britain. Essex Police said later that a 25-year-old woman had been arrested on suspicion of assault, along with a man who seemingly intervened while she was being detained.

The incident has echoes of 2019, when he fell victim to a similar stunt in Newcastle.

Mr Farage was flanked as usual by burly security as he left the local Wetherspoons pub, but they could do nothing as the woman flung the contents of a McDonald's cup towards him. It caught him full in the face, although he merely wiped his eyes and continued.

Home Secretary James Cleverly led condemnation of the attack, saying it was 'unacceptable' against any politician. Reform allies branded the assailant a 'juvenile moron' and said it would only boost their support.

But Mr Farage himself laughed the episode off, buying a round of milkshakes for photographers and posting a video saying: 'My milkshake brings all the people to the rally.'

It came after the Brexit champion told a huge crowd of local voters the Tories had 'betrayed' their trust and warned Rishi Sunak would pay a 'big price' at the general election on 4 July.

Shouts from the crowd included 'get 'em Nige' and 'we love you Nigel' as huge numbers of Mr Farage's supporters gathered near Clacton pier.

Mr Farage's campaign launch in the Essex seat came after he yesterday performed a stunning U-turn on his previous decision not to stand for Parliament.

The 60-year-old has made a dramatic return to the political frontline and also been installed as Reform UK leader in place of Richard Tice.

In 2019 Mr Farage was hit with a banana milkshake while banging the drum for the Brexit Party. His assailant was later ordered to carry out community work and pay 350 in compensation.

Do YOU know who the milkshake thrower is? Email tips@dailymail.com

Nigel Farage was drenched by a woman after being mobbed by crowds in what he described as the 'most patriotic' town in Britain

Mr Farage was flanked as usual by burly security as he left a pub, but they could do nothing as the women flung the contents of what appeared to be a McDonald's cup towards him

It caught him full in the face, although he merely wiped his eyes and continued.

Aides played down the impact saying the milkshake 'barely stained' Mr Farage's suit

Onlookers were shocked by the dramatic events in Clacton this afternoon

The woman, who would only give her name as Victoria, strolled away smirking after drenching the politician

Mr Farage made light of the episode, buying a round of banana milkshakes for the snappers

The woman, who would only say her name was Victoria, told reporters afterwards: 'He doesn't stand for me, he doesn't represent anything I believe in, or any of the people around here.'

An Essex Police statement said: 'Officers have made two arrests after responding to a report a drink was thrown at a man in Clacton.

'We were called to the area of Marine Parade East, Clacton, at around 2.10pm today...

'A 25-year-old woman, from Clacton, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault.

'While officers were responding and making this arrest, a second individual, a man, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

'Both individuals remain in custody for questioning.'

Richard Tice, Mr Farage's predecessor as Reform UK leader, said: 'The juvenile moron who threw a drink over Nigel has just gained us hundreds of thousands more votes.

'We will not be bullied or threatened off the campaign trail.'

Mr Farage's campaign in Clacton - a constituency once held by Ukip when he was the party's leader - will be his eighth attempt to enter Westminster.

He will need to overturn a 31,000 Conservative majority from the last election with only minor boundary changes in the seat.

However, Tories have been sounding gloomy about their prospects and pollsters believe Mr Farage is in with a strong chance.

Grumbling has been surfacing about Rishi Sunak's failure to head off the threat of Mr Farage standing, with suggestions he should have been given a peerage before.

The developments have heaped more pressure on Mr Sunak ahead of a head-to-head debate tonight where he is seen as having to land blows on Keir Starmer. More polls today have shown Labour on track for a massive landslide on July 4.

As he launched his campaign at the Moon and Starfish this afternoon, Mr Farage made reference to the town's past support for Ukip when it elected Tory defector Douglas Carswell as the local MP.

He said: 'Without Clacton, Brexit would not have happened - so thank you Clacton!'

Mr Farage vowed to be a 'bloody nuisance' in the House of Commons should he be elected in a month's time.

Home Secretary James Cleverly and Brendan Cox, widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, were among those condemning the attack today

Mr Farage was accosted by supporters as he visited Jaywick near Clacton today

Mr Farage got up close and personal with one woman who seemed pleased to see him

Just Nigel Farage getting a beer chucked at him pic.twitter.com/txnioRDyrD  RobGoff (@robertagoffin) June 4, 2024

In 2019 Mr Farage was hit with a banana milkshake while banging the drum for the Brexit Party

Nigel Farage today hailed Clacton-on-Sea as the 'most patriotic' part of Britain as he launched his bid to become the seaside town's new MP

The Reform UK leader was mobbed by his supporters as huge numbers gathered near Clacton pier

Shouts from the crowd included 'get 'em Nige' and 'we love you Nigel' as the veteran eurosceptic launched his latest bid to enter Parliament

As he launched his campaign this afternoon, Mr Farage made reference to the town's past support for Ukip when it elected Tory defector Douglas Carswell as the local MP

The Brexit champion told local voters the Tories had 'betrayed' their trust and warned PM Rishi Sunak he would pay a 'big price' at the general election on 4 July

His campaign launch in the Essex seat came after Mr Farage yesterday performed a stunning U-turn on his previous decision not to stand for Parliament

The 60-year-old has made a dramatic return to the political frontline and also been installed as Reform UK leader in place of Richard Tice (pictured right)

Mr Farage's campaign in Clacton - a constituency once held by Ukip when he was the party's leader - will be his eighth attempt to enter Westminster

The Reform UK leader will need to overturn a 31,000 Conservative majority in Clacton from the last election with only minor boundary changes in the seat

Speaking at the rally in Clacton, Mr Farage said the Tories deserved to be punished for their 'betrayal' over Brexit.

The Reform UK leader said: 'We made an offer to the British people, we could get back our independence and control of our borders.

'But what has happened? The Conservatives have betrayed that trust. They've opened up the borders to mass immigration like we've never seen before.

'And they deserve to pay a price for that, a big price for that.'

Mr Farage earlier called for the UK to have 'zero' net migration and defended controversial comments about Muslims.

The newly-installed Reform UK leader, who has sent Conservatives panicking with his return to the political frontline, said immigration had 'exploded' in recent years.

The Brexiteer insisted certain sectors of the economy would have to put up with shortages in a bid to reduce the number of arrivals into the country.

Mr Farage claimed this would drive up wages and 'encourage people to learn skills rather than heading off to university and doing social sciences'.

He also risked stirring up a fresh row this morning in a fiery clash with BBC Radio 4 Today presenter Mishal Husain.

Mr Farage doubled down on his view that a growing number of British Muslims 'do not subscribe to British values', which has been branded 'ignorant and offensive'.

He also defended claims that there are some streets in Britain where 'no one speaks English'.

Challenged about his remarks, Mr Farage replied: 'I could take you streets in Oldham right now where no one speaks English.'

But he declined to comment on whether his own children spoke a second language, when asked how he knew people in Oldham were not multilingual.

The 60-year-old has vowed to lead a 'political revolt' against the Tories and Labour after his bombshell announcement that he will lead Reform for the next five years.

In a round of TV and radio interviews this morning, Nigel Farage launched a direct attack on the Tories over immigration numbers

The newly-installed Reform UK leader, who has sent Conservatives panicking with his return to the political frontline, said immigration had 'exploded' in recent years

In a round of interviews today, Mr Farage launched a direct attack on the Tories over immigration numbers and firmly ruled out a pact with Rishi Sunak's party.

He told the BBC: 'We have been betrayed by a Conservative Party that I gave considerable help to in 2019.

'We were told that we would get control of our borders, we were told the immigration numbers would come down, they have exploded.

'I feel betrayed by them, millions of voters feel betrayed by them.'

Mr Farage claimed the Tories were 'well past their sell-by-date, the brand is ruined, they've lost the election already'.

He added: 'We cannot go on as we are - we have to limit numbers.

'Our lives, our quality of life in this country, is being diminished by the population explosion.

'And if that means that in some sectors there'd be shortages, what that then means is wages will go up and we'd start to encourage people to learn skills rather than heading off to university and doing social sciences.'

Mr Farage stated his aim was to have 'net migration at zero', which would allow 'room within the labour market for up to 600,000 people' to come to Britain each year.

Latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics suggested that 1.2 million people migrated into the UK last year and 532,000 people emigrated from it.

This left a net migration figure of 685,000 for 2023.

In a later interview, Mr Farage suggested his long-term aim was to effectively take over the Conservative Party.

He told ITV's Good Morning Britain he could not stand for or seek to lead the Conservative Party 'as they currently are'.

But he added: 'You can speculate as to what'll happen in three or four years' time, all I will tell you is if Reform succeed in the way that I think they can, then a chunk of the Conservative Party will join us  it's the other way around.'

He pointed to Canada, where 'Reform did a reverse takeover of the Conservative Party, rebranded it and Stephen Harper  who was elected as a Reform MP  became the Canadian prime minister for 10 years'.

He said: 'I don't want to join the Conservative Party, I think the better thing to do would be to take it over.'

Mr Farage last night used an op-ed for The Telegraph to argue that Britons are 'furious' at how both Labour and the Conservatives have approached immigration.

He added there is also 'deep anger' at the rate at which public services are 'disintegrating'.

Home Secretary James Cleverly this morning sought to play down the impact of Mr Farage's decision to stand in the election.

'The last time I heard him make reference to Clacton, he was saying that he didn't want to spend every Friday in Clacton,' the Cabinet minister told Sky News.

'Reform has always been a vehicle for Nigel Farage's self-promotion, I think Richard Tice is now discovering that rather painfully.'
Scotland's former national clinical director has joined a private medical group in Glasgow.

Professor Jason Leitch, who gave near-daily briefings alongside Nicola Sturgeon during the height of the Covid pandemic, has joined Elanic Medical as a non-executive director.

He is one of three new senior team members and is to provide governance support and ensure patient health and safety.

His appointment comes just weeks after he stepped down from his role as a Government adviser at the end of April when also left his post at NHS Tayside.

Professor Leitch was engulfed by the scandal over deleted Covid WhatsApp messages during the UK Covid Inquiry earlier this year.

Former National Clinical Director Jason Leitch has joined Elanic Medical as a non-executive director

He was revealed to have boasted to colleagues that removing his messages was a 'pre-bed ritual''

The dentist has now joined the prestigious medical group treating patients fed up with long NHS waiting times.

Elanic boasts on its website: We understand that medical issues can be frustrating, frightening, and painful. We also understand that dealing with a lengthy queue only makes these issues worse.

It adds the company was founded upon the principle of offering patients timely and efficient access to the healthcare they need, as soon as they need it.

The company is in the process of building a new hospital in Glasgow, due to open later this summer.

It expects to treat up to 60 patients a week plus another 12 in its cosmetic surgery clinic.

Professor Leitch joins the group as Scotlands NHS struggles to see patients within the Government target times and patients are forced for fork out thousands of pounds to private hospitals to make life bearable.

Public Health Scotland statics show that at the end of last year more than 7,000 patients across Scotland had waited more than two years for their treatments while almost 18,000 had waited more than 18 months.

Jason Leitch with Humza Yousaf at Monklands hospital in May, 2021

Last night the Scottish Conservatives said Mr Leitchs move was a surprise.

Party chairman Craig Hoy added: Jason Leitchs new role with a private healthcare company will raise eyebrows amongst the public.

As a former high-ranking SNP government adviser  and one who played a pivotal role in government decision making during the pandemic  it is crucial that Professor Leitch is subject to the same transparency requirements as other civil servants.

Leading plastic surgeon and medical director at Elanic Group, Vivek Sivarajan, said: Were proud to have attracted a high quality and distinguished leadership team to progress our cutting-edge hospital.
A watch dealer who was the victim of a 2.8million robbery hanged himself in a 'woodland area' the day afterwards, an inquest has heard.

Oliver White, 27, was working at 247 Kettles in affluent Richmond, southwest London, on May 25 when two men 'posing as customers' carried out the robbery.

Horrifying footage showed one of the robbers restraining the sales manager with a chokehold while his accomplice swept up large numbers of expensive luxury watches.

At Surrey Coroner's Court yesterday morning, it was said a post-mortem found Olli, from Shepperton, died from suspension.

The brief hearing in Woking heard Olli was pronounced dead at 9.59pm on May 26 in a 'wooded area adjacent to Sheep Walk'.

Watch dealer Oliver White (pictured) took his own life after robbers claiming to be clients raided his shop

A video showing their watch room goes on to display these gold Rolex watches

Area coroner Simon Wickens said Olli, whose job title was given as 'jewellery shop sales manager', was identified by his stepfather Mark.

Coroner's Officer Adam Stewart said: 'He confirms he had known Oliver for 19 years and saw him after he had died at the aforementioned woodland area on the 26 May.'

The post-mortem was carried out on May 30, the court heard, with a medical cause of death given as suspension.

Mr Wickens said: 'An inquest is requested due to the unnatural nature of the death.

'I have previously released Oliver's body back to the family. The matter is subject to evidence-gathering and a coroner's review. This inquest stands as open and adjourned.'

The coroner has not yet set a date for the full inquest to take place.

A day after his death, a touching balloon and flower tribute was set up against a gate at the bottom of Sheep Walk.

One note read: 'We promise to always look after Alana and help keep your memory alive.'

Another said: 'Thank you for every time you lit up the room and put a smile on our faces. We will cherish every time we spent with you forever and always.'

'Thanks for all the good times and always making us laugh, you will be truly missed', read another.

Olli's family said last week they believe he took his own life 'due to the anguish and distress of this terrible incident' which had left him 'traumatised and unable to speak'.

His family said in a statement to Surrey Police last week: 'Our son Oliver returned home from his place of work on Saturday traumatised and unable to speak. He had been the victim of a terrifying attack and high value robbery at his place of work, which was later shared widely on social media.

Oliver pictured with his girlfriend, Alana Dredge. She described it as their 'last photo together'

A screen grab from CCTV issued by the Metropolitan Police of one of two unarmed men who stole a number of high-value watches

'Sadly, it is our belief that Oliver subsequently took his own life due to the anguish and distress of this terrible incident.

'As a family we are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, funny, loyal boy, who lit up every room he walked into.'

In a statement on Instagram the store's owners said Olli 'should never have been alone in the office'.

The store said: 'The suspects targeted our store posing as potential clients across a three day period waiting for a vulnerability and the correct time to strike. Unfortunately on Saturday the attempt succeeded in a violent robbery which Olli was the victim of.'

A man and a woman, both in their 30s, have since been arrested in connection with the incident.

The woman has been released under investigation while the man has been bailed pending further inquiries.

The shop revealed that a series of safety measures were in place including panic buttons, alarms, smoke screens and security doors but the company said 'through no fault of anyone's' they were not used during the 'tragic event'.

In a tribute to Mr White, a spokesperson for 247 Kettles said: 'It is with profound sadness we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Oliver, who was a close friend for 20+ years before working with us at 247 Kettles.

Two unarmed men who stole a number of high-value watches from the shop

Watch dealer 247 Kettles admitted Oliver White should not have been alone inside the showroom (pictured)

'In his time working with us Oliver left a long lasting impact on the watch community as a whole - both suppliers and customers alike were taken back by Oliver's vibrant spirit and kind heart and his loss is felt deeply by all that knew him.

'Oliver had an incredible work ethic and a passion for pleasing customers. He liked to work around the clock and even out of hours to ensure customers were satisfied.

'As a business we will remain closed temporarily to grieve the loss of our friend. Any messages / requests will be picked up upon our return. Our thoughts are with all of Oliver's family at this time.'

Last week Detective Chief Inspector Scott Mather, from the Met's Flying Squad, said: 'First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Mr White's family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. We would ask that they are given the privacy they need to grieve.

'We are working tirelessly to get them the answers they need and are making good progress with our investigation.

'We urge anyone who has information that could assist us to get in touch as soon as possible.

'The images we have provided are good quality and someone must recognise the men we need to speak to. If you don't want to contact police, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously.'
As Mica Miller's family continues to advocate for a more robust investigation into her death, her sisters have zeroed in on her pastor husband John-Paul Miller, 44, who's been seen wearing her diamond necklace in public.

John-Paul, also known as JP, told NewsNation's Investigative Reporter Rich McHugh over text that the necklace was in fact Mica's and that 'the hospital gave it to me when I saw her body,' adding, 'I immediately put it on, to feel close to her. She loved that necklace.'

A pastor at the at Solid Rock Ministries in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, John-Paul also confirmed that the necklace he was wearing in a recent ABC15 interview was Mica's.

In an interview with NewsNation, Mica's sister Destinee Barrientos didn't buy John-Paul's reasoning for donning the pendant.

'In our opinion, it's not something that is to feel close to her, it's more of a trophy. It is more of essentially almost something to still hang over her. She was trying to get away, and so I think it's a final piece of her not being able to get away,' Barrientos said.

Mica's sister Destinee Barrientos, left, says her John-Paul is wearing her favorite diamond necklace now as 'a trophy' and not 'to feel close to her.'

Mica Miller, left, and John-Paul Miller, right, are pictured wearing the same necklace. Mica is seen in Ring doorbell footage the day of her death wearing what John-Paul said was her favorite necklace

Mica, 30, had filed for separation from John-Paul days before she was found dead of what the medical examiner said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound at North Carolina's Lumber River State Park on April 27.

And that wasn't the only time Mica had filed for divorce from her husband, whom she met when she was just 14 years old as a member of his youth church group. She also filed in October 2023 citing adultery but withdrew it in February 2024.

This evidence of Mica wanting to split up, plus John-Paul's cavalier attitude following her death - including going out on a date with a new woman four days after Mica's suicide - has led the family and passionate followers of the case to reject the official story and push for answers.

The latest troubling clue was pointed out by Mica's other sister Anna Francis, who said Mica's body had unexplained bruising on her hands.

'There were definitely bruises on Mica's hands that the medical examiner had no recollection of, and I did ask him personally is there any chance that a body would have bruises on it from [being] collected from the water or someone touching her after examining her?' Francis asked.

The medical examiner told her no, Francis said to NewsNation, explaining that a body cannot bruise after the heart stops beating.

Mica (right) died by suicide on April 27, after citing alleged adulterous behavior on the part of her pastor husband

Mica's sister Anna Francis said she saw bruises on Mica's hands after her death. The medical examiner told her that bruises cannot appear after someone's heart stops beating

'So our family, instead of grieving her at the funeral home, we had to go into fight mode, investigation mode, and do the job ourselves because Robeson County was neglecting to do a proper investigation,' Francis said.

'They made a pretty PowerPoint that lined up perfectly every reason why she would have done this herself, and they didn't investigate the other side at all.'

The Robeson County Sheriff's Office, which has been in charge of the investigation of Mica's death, has been coordinating with the FBI and federal attorneys.

While the FBI hasn't commented, it is understood that Mica kept a daily journal detailing her struggle and abusive marriage prior to her death.

One instance of potentially abusive behavior came to light via disturbing texts John-Paul sent threatening Mica's family 18 months before his and Mica's marriage broke down.

At the time, he texted his sister-in-law Sierra that he was coming to her home 'armed' and 'ready,' DailyMail.com reported.

Mica Miller's sister Sierra (left) shared a series of disturbing texts from her estranged husband during an altercation between the couple in 2022

Messages show Miller sent a text to Sierra saying he was on her way to her house, where Mica was staying in November 2022

The uncertainty around Mica's death has prompted dozens of friends and residents to go protest outside Solid Rock church this Sunday.

One protester told NewsNation that the group would be demonstrating outside the church every Sunday 'until we find justice for Mica.'

Recently released surveillance footage of Mica making a routine stop in to a gas station mere hours before she was found dead only raises more questions for the family.

Mica's father, Michael Francis, commented on the video, saying his daughter's behavior didn't reflect that of someone who would want to harm themselves.

'I believe that it was all staged. I believe that the whole thing was premeditated,' Mica's father, Michael Francis told NewsNation in late May when the footage was publicized.

The uncertainty around Mica's death has prompted dozens of friends and residents to go protest outside Solid Rock church this Sunday, where John-Paul still preaches

One protester told NewsNation that the group will be staging marches outside the church every Sunday 'until we find justice for Mica'

In the video of her outside of the gas station, Mica is seen pulling her black sedan up to a pump before she steps out of the car, opens up her gas tank and walks inside.

Inside the shop, she is seen walking across the store before she stands near a row of refrigerators, looks around, buys an energy drink and heads back outside.

Mica, dressed in all black, then waits around for her tank to fill up, and at some point she opens the driver side door, grabs her drink and takes a sip, before closing it and watching the nozzle.

Once her tank is full, Mica removes the gas handle from her car and drives away.

The owner of the remote gas station told NewsNation that when he saw Mica that day, he didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

'Nothing, nothing special. Nothing, you know, like, just regular, regular day, regular thing,' the manager said.

Not only that, Angela Clark, a friend of Mica's who was one of the last to talk to her, showed her texts with Mica the night before she died.

Mica Miller was seen in surveillance footage at a remote gas station just before she was found dead in a lake in Lumber River State Park on April 27

She pulled her car up to a gas pump, walked in the store, bought an energy drink and walked out before filling up her tank and driving away

Clark said that Mica had texted her about the plans for that weekend's Sunday service and asked for help with car payments.

'This is not somebody that's ready to end their life, this is somebody who was making plans for the weekend, you know and getting her car payment made,' Clark said.

Mica did however post a video to Facebook several weeks before her death speaking about abuse within marriage and offering support to 'ANYONE struggling with leaving a dangerous situation because they think God will be 'mad' at them.'

'God hates divorce, but why? According to everybody that I've asked and the scriptures I've seen it's because it hurts people. But does abuse hurt people. How do you think God feels about that?' Mica added.

In the wake of accusations of abuse and grooming young girls including Mica, Solid Rock church hasn't been able to attract as many parishioners, with one recent service only having 30 attendees.

John-Paul was released from his ministerial duties at the church in early May.

Despite all that, Solid Rock Ministries is sitting on $5.59 million worth of real estate and a $430,000 four-seater plane that's supposedly used for missionary work.

The extreme scrutiny on John-Paul began when he stunned his congregants during a service the day after Mica died, announcing her 'self-induced' death and adding that she was 'mentally unwell.'
Diane Abbott today declared she will 'definitely' stand for Labour at the General Election after she was endorsed on an official list of party candidates.

The veteran politician was among hundreds of candidates sent to the party's ruling National Executive Committee for approval this afternoon.

At a short meeting, the NEC rubber-stamped the candidate list and Ms Abbott said she would be Labour's candidate in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

'Oh yes. I'm definitely going to stand', the former shadow home secretary told the BBC.

She later posted on Twitter: 'My local party & I welcome my endorsement today as Labour candidate for HN&SN. Looking forward to campaigning for Labour victory.

'The Tories have decimated our communities & our country. Time for a change!'

It follows a furious row over Ms Abbott's political future, which saw claims the 70-year-old was being blocked from standing for re-election in her north London seat.

Sir Keir Starmer last week bowed to pressure and confirmed Ms Abbott, who was Britain's first black female MP, would be 'free' to run as a Labour candidate on July 4.

The latest bout of Labour infighting also saw claims Sir Keir was staging a wider 'purge' of left-wing candidates ahead of the general election.

The Labour leader admitted earlier today he had not spoken to Ms Abbott for months, despite the fierce dispute over her candidacy.

It is understood that Darren Rodwell, the leader of Barking and Dagenham council, was not on the list of confirmed Labour election candidates sent to the NEC.

It was reported earlier this week that he is being investigated over an allegation of sexual harassment, which he strongly denies.

Sir Keir Starmer today admitted he had not spoken to Diane Abbott since the furious row over whether she could stand for Labour at the general election

The Labour leader last week faced a huge backlash after it was claimed Ms Abbott would be blocked from standing for re-election in her north London constituency

Ms Abbott declared she will 'definitely' stand for Labour at the General Election after she was endorsed on an official list of party candidates

Sir Keir spoke to a lifelong Tory voter during a visit to the Bridge Cafe in Bolton this morning

It is understood that Darren Rodwell, the leader of Barking and Dagenham council, was not on the list of confirmed Labour election candidates

The NEC, which is stacked with allies of Sir Keir, met this afternoon to rubber-stamp Labour's candidate list.

The row over Ms Abbott's candidacy had threatened to reopen when she branded Sir Keir a 'liar' in a swiftly deleted social media post on Sunday evening.

But Labour officials told the Guardian the NEC was likely to ignore the post and press ahead with Ms Abbott's re-selection as a Labour candidate at today's meeting.

A party source said: 'It will hopefully be a very short and uneventful NEC meeting. We need to put this behind us.'

Sir Keir was quizzed about whether he had spoken to Ms Abbott while speaking to broadcasters at an election campaign event in Bolton this morning.

He said: 'We dealt with the Diane Abbott issue, I made the position clear last week when I said she was free to run for the election.

'She's one of the candidates that we now put before the electorate. We've got a very good team to put before the country.'

Pressed again on whether he had spoken to Ms Abbott directly since the row over her re-selection, Sir Keir added: 'I have spoken to Diane two or three months ago.

'My team have obviously been speaking to her, but that decision is taken, that's clear.

'The question now before the country is about the decision, the choice, that will fall to be made on July 4, which is continuing with this chaos and division or turning the page and starting to rebuild the country with Labour.'

Sir Keir also dodged questions over reports that seven councillors in Slough had quit Labour over the party's treatment of Ms Abbott, Faiza Shaheen and its stance on Gaza.

Ms Shaheen, known as the 'Chingford Corbynite', had been preparing to take on former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith in his Chingford and Woodford Green seat.

But she was dramatically blocked by Labour officials from running for the party in the constituency.

Asked about the reported resignation of councillors from Labour, Sir Keir said this morning: 'Across the country we've got brilliant Labour teams out in every constituency, fighting for votes in this general election.

'We're in good form, we're making a positive argument about the choice before the country.

'I'm really pleased that the Prime Minister has called an election because we've been waiting for this, we've been working for this for a very, very long time.'

Along with the rows over Ms Abbott and Ms Shaheen, Lloyd Russell-Moyle - the MP for Brighton Kemptown until Parliament was dissolved for the General Election - was last week blocked from standing as a Labour candidate over an allegation about his behaviour.

Mr Russell-Moyle blasted the 'false' allegation as 'vexatious and politically motivated' and suggested it was 'designed to disrupt this election'.

According to the Independent, Mr Rodwell - who was due to be Labour's parliamentary candidate for Barking - was accused of 'inappropriate touching' of an attendee at an event last month.

He told the website: 'Allegations regarding my behaviour have been made to the Labour Party Complaints Unit.

'I utterly refute what is being said, specifically: I have not engaged in sexual harassment of any kind; I did not indulge in "inappropriate touching" of an attendee at an event last month; I have no recollection of meeting someone for a coffee to discuss development in Barking; there is no evidence of any such meeting in my diary; likewise, I have no recollection of asking personal questions.'
Were YOU on the flight with James Corden?

James Corden is not a 'bad guy' and should be 'thanked' for standing up for families on a British Airways flight from the Algarve to London that was diverted to Lisbon in an emergency, passengers on board told MailOnline today.

The star, 45, was among the passengers on the turbulent trip where children were left 'traumatised' during a bumpy descent into the Portuguese capital on Sunday night.

Corden posed for selfies and joked about revealing the ending of Gavin and Stacey's 2024 Christmas special - the last ever episode - to cheer passengers up after the emergency landing and three hours on the tarmac in Lisbon before the plane was finally taken out of service.

James was later seen giving staff a piece of his mind in the terminal, after those on board were told to 'adopt' the brace position before the aircraft's emergency landing due to a problem with flaps on the wing.

Behind him in the pictures was Terry Watts, from Kent, who had been on the BA jet with his wife Rhian and three-year-old daughter.

Mrs Watts defended Mr Corden's behaviour and blasted those making 'negative comments towards him', and said that he was cheering people up when they spent hours on the plane with 'no food or drink offered'. She also slammed 'rude and abusive' Portuguese airport staff.

She told MailOnline: 'At no point was James rude or shouting. And I thank him for making it clear to staff that the situation was not good enough. I think its sad that people are so quick to judge him as a bad guy'.

James Corden vented his frustration at airport staff in Lisbon on Sunday, but onlookers insist the temperamental TV presenter was only voicing his opinion after enduring a nightmarish flight

Rhian Watts and husband Terry had been on the BA jet with his wife Rhian and three-year-old daughter.

Corden seen confronting an airline employee and airport staff in Portugal. Terry Watts can be see on the left as James spoke to airport staff

James Corden enjoyed a stroll in sunny London as he was seen for the first time since the incident

Explaining what happened, she said: 'James and my husband were simply speaking to the BA staff to recount the poor service they had experienced. The BA staff were shocked and disgusted by the lack of response from staff. James and my husband spoke to them for a while and then returned to the queue where us as their families were waiting for them'.

Mrs Watts said that BA staff on board the plane 'were amazing' - but they were unhappy with how they were treated when they landed.

'We were all traumatised by hearing the emergency message telling us to brace ourselves and James was right, the passengers particularly children were traumatised.

'However, the real issue was the way we were dealt with when we entered the airport. The BA staff had been informed there was a plan and BA staff would be there to meet us.

'There were no BA staff and the Portuguese airport staff were rude and abusive to the point that they actually pushed children out of the queue.

'All after hours of being on a plane that we were told would crash land and having no food or drink offered throughout the whole process'.

Fellow travellers told how Corden posed for selfies with them and joked about revealing the ending of Gavin and Stacey's Christmas special as they feared for their lives.

Vanessa, a passenger who was on the flight with her mother and husband, said: 'It was something along the lines of, ''Gather your possessions as best you can, take off your shoes, and when you're told to by the airplane staff, please adopt the brace position and when we land if you're able, please find your nearest emergency exit and vacate the plane''.

'Basically, what had happened was the flaps on the airplane wing which are supposed to go down when you are in the air won't go down, which meant that they wouldn't be able to raise them on landing.'

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

Rhian, pictured with Terry, said that James was not the ''bad guy' and should be thanked for what he did

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.

Vanessa confirmed the comedian confronted 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,' Vanessa told Metro. 'We're 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.

'The people he's 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 who've got all these kids with them?'' saying that's not acceptable. It's not right.'

And Vanessa claims Corden - who once fell out with a New York restaurateur 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 we're 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 can't 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 can't tell you that either.''

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.

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!'

Corden in New York City (left) and Balthazar's owner Keith McNally (right)

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 and his wife Julia Carey are accused of sending back an egg yolk omelette 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 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.

Corden admitted that he was 'ungracious' to a Balthazar waiter when he made a snide remark he'd cook the egg yolk omelette 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)

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 omelette and receiving a plate with egg white on it. The final straw was when the remade omelette 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 omelette 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.'
A heroic new mother has had to have both her arms and legs amputated after developing toxic shock during child birth as her baby was born at just 2lb 8oz.

Brie Morgan Bauer, 35, from Kansas City, was rushed to hospital on February 17 for an emergency C-section at just 27 weeks.

Her third child, Beau, was born weighing 2lb 8oz - but while doctors stabilized the baby and transported him to the NICU, Brie's state declined.

She developed Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome and was placed in a coma.

Over the next few weeks, she required countless surgeries and eventually had to have all four of her limbs amputated.

Brie Morgan Bauer, 35, from Kansas City, had to have both her arms and legs amputated after developing toxic shock during child birth as her baby, Beau, was born at just 2lb 8oz

Brie first went to hospital on February 17 after experiencing 'several days of feeling flu-likebody aches and general discomfort'.

Doctors determined she was in labor, and her baby was in danger, so they sent her for an emergency C-section at just 27 weeks.

Beau was born, but Brie lost a lot of blood in the operating room and her condition declined rapidly.

A GoFundMe set up to support the family reads: 'The medical team struggled to get oxygen to her fluid-filled lungs and to stop her bleeding. Brie began to suffer from organ failure.'

Doctors placed her into a medically-induced coma and told her family she was 'unlikely to make it through the night'.

But Brie held on and the next day lab results revealed she had developed Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome.

The infection was concentrated in her uterus and required her to have an emergency hysterectomy.

Over the coming weeks, she 'battled infections, setbacks and endured amputations to all four limbs.'

In the surgery, doctors discovered part of her colon had died and she had to have another major surgery - her third in under 72 hours - to fit an ostomy.

She survived the procedures, but the medication she was on had begun to impact all four of her limbs.

The GoFundMe says: 'Her hands and feet were turning black from lack of blood flowamputation discussions were inevitable.'

Brie was still in a coma, only briefly waking so her husband could tell her: 'Brie, it's Reid. The baby is safe, he's beautiful and looks like you.'

Over the coming weeks, she 'battled infections, setbacks and endured amputations to all four limbs.

'Her right arm, just above the elbow. Her left arm, just below the elbow. Her right leg, which is at hip-level. And her left leg, just above the knee.'

The family have shared their journey on social media, building up a 369,000 person following

In mid-May, Beau was released from the hospital with no complications and Brie was transferred to rehab where she is learning to adjust post amputations.

The GoFundMe says: 'The work is as much mental as it is physical and all of it is exhausting.

'She's processing the trauma and grief, while also having to overcome the mental hurdle of exploring prosthetics.'

The family have shared their journey on social media, building up a 369,000 person following.

Their latest post, from Sunday, shows Brie outside of the hospital, navigating in her motorized wheelchair.

The caption reads: 'What a difference a week and a half makes!

'Couldn't be more proud of our girl for crushing rehab. Thank you to the OT and PT teams for helping her break down barriers.'

Beau is being cared for by his father, Reid, with help from his grandparents.

The family said: 'We're grateful to have a tight-knit family that works together to keep everything moving.'

As of Tuesday afternoon, their GoFundMe has raised over $350,000.

They say the money will be used 'to help offset medical costs, prosthetics, home renovation and other needs.'

They added: 'Meanwhile, Beau is busy doing regular baby things. He's been home for a couple of weeks now, but still gets to visit Brie in rehab often.'
American schools are being radically redesigned to prevent mass shootings and slow down gunmen if they get inside.

Doors are magnet locked with the push of a phone key, every window and door has a bullet-resistant glass film, and panic buttons are everywhere.

Once straight-lined hallways are curved to reduce a shooter's line of sight and 'wing walls' just out from the side to provide cover for police and students.

These hallways are made of thick concrete blocks so a gunman can't fire through them into classrooms, as happened in some school shootings.

Inside the renovated Fruitpoint High School in Michigan - a model for the new world of American schools designed to prevent mass shootings

Classroom doors all have locks and are positioned so there is a 'shadow zone' of the room a shooter couldn't see from the entrance that students can hide in.

Some schools are also trying to design windows in ground-floor classrooms that can be easily opened for students to escape.

Blinds can also be quickly pulled down to prevent a shooter who is outside the building form seeing or shooting inside.

Lockers are moved out of hallways into large open-plan areas where students can be under the watchful eye of teachers at all times.

Classroom doors all have locks and are positioned so there is a 'shadow zone' of the room a shooter couldn't see from the entrance that students can hide in

Lockers are moved out of hallways into large open-plan areas where students can be under the watchful eye of teachers at all times - but they also provide cover

The inside of the classroom with the door positioning shown here

However, the lockers are also positioned to be short enough that teachers can watch students use them - but tall enough to hide behind in a shooting.

Entry points are also redesigned to control access - starting with fewer points of entry and a gate that can be closed during school hours.

An intruder would then have to get through multiple layers of security before they reach a central reception rotunda.

Once straight-lined hallways are curved to reduce a shooter's line of sight and 'wing walls' just out from the side to provide cover for police and students

A school official shows off the wing walls in a tour after the school was built

This desk has easy line of sight to the the entrance so it can see the shooter coming from a long way off, even if they shoot their way through.

A model for this approach is Fruitport High School in Fruitpoint, Michigan, near Grand Rapids, which had a $50 million redesign that opened in 2021.

The design by TowerPinkster architects incorporated most of these features that are becoming standard on all newly built and renovated American schools.
Late BBC newsreader George Alagiah has left 49,000 to his wife and family in his will.

The former News at Six presenter sadly passed away on July 24 last year at age 67, after a decade long battle with bowel cancer.

Alagiah's will stated that the broadcaster had 49,387 to his name on his time of passing.

The will instructs that the money will be given to the sole executrix, which is his widow Frances Alagiah. The pair were married for 39 years and have two sons called Adam and Matthew.

According to the BBC, Alagiah - who also presented the News at Ten - earned between 335,000 and 399,999 a year.

The broadcaster published the salaries of its highest paid stars just a fortnight before the journalist's death.

George Alagiah's will instructs that the money will be given to the sole executrix, which is his widow Frances Alagiah (right)

Alagiah's will stated that the broadcaster had 49,387 to his name on his time of passing

The will states that if his wife were to die before him, his sister Miriam Christine Denington would become the guardian of his children.

Alagiah then goes on to list his four sisters and sister in law as his trustees to have five equal shares of his estates. The former presenter also requested that his body be cremated.

The will of George Maxwell Aligiah states: 'I appoint my wife Frances Alagiah to be Sole Executrix of this my will but if she shall have died in my lifetime or before proving my Will or shall renounce probate or be unable or unwilling for whatever reason to prove my will then I appoint as alternate Executors and Trustees of my Will my sister-in-law Helen Robathan and my sister Miriam Christine Denington and I declare that the person or persons who shall prove my will are hereinafter referred to as "my trustees".

'My trustees shall have the power to invest as freely as if they were beneficially entitled.

'My trustees shall have the power to insure any asset of my estate on such terms as they think fit and to pay premiums out of income or capital.

'To use any insurance money received to restore the asset or if this is not possible to apply it as if it were the proceeds of its sale.

'My trustees may use the income or capital of my estate for or towards the cost of maintaining or improving freehold or leasehold property forming part of my estate.

'My trustees shall have the power in exercising the statutory power of appointing new trustees to appoint a professional person or trust corporation at such remuneration and on such other terms as shall be agreed.

'The Last Will and Testament of Maxwell Alagiah was proved and registered before the High Court of Justice.

'The Administration of George's estate is granted by this court to the following Executor of Frances Alagiah.

'The application has stated that the gross value of the estate in the United Kingdom amounts to 49,387.00 and the net value amounts to 49,387.00.'

Alagiah - who had been the face of News At Six since 2007 - passed away 'peacefully' surrounded by his family

The journalist is seen at Buckingham Palace with his wife Frances Robathan and sons Adam and Matt, 17, after collecting his OBE from the Queen in 2008

Alagiah in 2022 after returning to News At Six following months of treatment. In October he announced he was taking a break from the screen

The widely respected broadcaster - who joined the BBC in 1989 and had been the face of News At Six since 2007 - passed away 'peacefully' surrounded by his family.

Back in July last year, BBC director general Tim Davie led tributes today, hailing him as 'one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation'.

Alagiah was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in April 2014 before finishing treatment in October 2015 and returning to screens a month later.

His health was back in the headlines in March 2020 when he tested positive for Covid.

Alagiah returned to presenting duties in April 2022 until August before departing again in October after revealing that the cancer had spread to his lungs and lymph nodes.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said at the time of Alagiah's death: 'Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time.

'George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly.

'He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously.'
A woman dubbed 'America's worst mayor' will be probed by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot after her town vetoed her attempts to block any investigation - the decision sent a town meeting into chaos.

Police, on Monday, were forced to break up the room as the situation devolved following a 4-2 vote by the town board to reinstate Lightfoot, who will conduct an investigation into Mayor Tiffany Henyard.

The Dolton mayor - who spoke into a golden microphone during the meeting - is currently under federal investigation, as well as immense pressure from her constituents to resign.

She is being probed for allegedly misusing town finances, which trustees say has led to a deficit of more than $5million.

The incident occurred after more than two hours of heated debate, during which village residents poured into the chamber to air their considerable grievances against Henyard.

Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard addresses her furious constituents at a town meeting Monday night using a golden microphone

The town board voted at the meeting to allow Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot to move ahead with her investigation into Henyard

The town board previously attempted to hire former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot - who worked for years as a federal prosecutor - to lead a special investigation into Henyard.

The request was vetoed by Henyard, as was one that would have opened up an inquiry into some of her questionable behavior and spending habits.

Henyard claimed the board's hiring of Lightfoot as a special investigator for $400 per hour was 'unconstitutional infringement of the powers of the office of mayor.'

One resident blasted Henyard before the board and audience: 'You're not going to understand until they come and put cuffs on you,' she said, referring to the FBI probe currently pending against the town leader.

Trustee Jason House, who was previously voted in as mayor pro tempore at a previous meeting, requested that Lightfoot be allowed to deliver remarks after the Monday night meeting.

Lightfoot was in attendance at the public gathering, but Henyard denied the request, which she deemed 'political grandstanding.'

She called for a hasty adjournment of the meeting, which upset many members of the audience.

But Lightfoot stood anyway and made her way to the podium, where she was able to briefly address attendees before her microphone was cut off by staff of the mayor.

In a statement released after the meeting, Lightfoot commended the board's decision to override Henyard's veto. She also underscored her commitment to conducting a thorough and fair investigation.

'I look forward to the work ahead and urge Mayor Henyard and her administration to fully cooperate with this investigation by promptly providing the requested documentation to give all concerned a complete and accurate accounting of the fiscal conditions for the village,' she said.

Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, referred to as 'America's worst mayor,' is currently under federal investigation, as well as immense pressure from her constituents to resign

Trustees in Dolton voted to hire former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (pictured) to investigate the embattled mayor, which was initially vetoed by Henyard, but overridden by the town board on Monday night

Lightfoot has been working on the investigation throughout the veto process, though she has not yet been paid for her work, reports NBC Chicago.

The formal investigation is expected to wrap up in 60 days

Henyard blamed the media for the heat she is currently experiencing.

'You guys are following a fiction, made up story,' she said,

At present, Henyard is under federal investigation, and was recently served federal subpoenas seeking records about trips taken by city officials and potential financial mismanagement.

The 40-year-old municipal leader has developed a nationally terrible reputation for her confrontational antics, failure to do her job, alleged corruption and apparent disdain for her constituents, whom she has berated publicly and once with the assistance of a DJ.

Since her election in 2021, Henyard has faced allegations of corruption, fraud and financial mismanagement, including a lawsuit filed a month ago claiming she worked to cover-up a sexual assault on a trip to Las Vegas in 2023.

Dolton trustees have estimated that the village in Cook County is approximately out of $5 million due to Henyard's trips, multiple lawsuits against her, credit card usage and her police security detail.

One woman at a previous town meeting said: 'You're not accountable, you don't respect people who don't agree with you, you're not qualified for that seat.'

Tiffany Henyard, 40, of Dolton, Illinois, has repeatedly been dubbed America's Worst Mayor as she attempts to fight federal investigations into the potentially criminal mismanagement of her office

Alongside the embattled mayor, Dolton Village Administrator Keith Freeman was also one subject of the subpoenas, which asked for information that included reimbursements involving his businesses.

One subpoena reportedly focuses solely on Henyard, and includes a section focused on a restaurant and a property management company she owns, as well as her political fund and the cancer charity that bears her name.

The subpoena seeks all records including personnel files, wage and tax statements, time and attendance records, records of work performed, contracts, and checks written to 'cash.'

The second subpoena requests township records, including financial reports, budgets, payroll records, and ordinances covering credit card purchases, expense reimbursements, security details and use of vehicles.
The number of Americans embarking on a super commute to work has increased dramatically, with many saying the long distance travel has its benefits, according to new data.

The rise of remote work during the pandemic prompted many people to flock to the suburbs - and as offices opened back up, a majority decided to travel from their new homes.

Research from Stanford University found the number of commutes over 75 miles on weekday mornings grew 32 percent since the pre-pandemic period of November 2019 through February 2020 compared to November 2023 through February 2024.

The study analyzed car commuting trips ending in the 10 largest U.S. urban areas using INRIX GPS datasets.

Super commuting grew a staggering 100 percent in Washington D.C., 89 percent in New York City, 57 percent in Phoenix and 29 percent in Dallas.

New data revealed increasing numbers of Americans are super commuting now since rise of remote work during the pandemic prompted many people to flock to the suburbs

The number of commutes also grew 20 percent in Los Angeles, 18 percent in Houston, 28 percent in Philadelphia, and 6 percent in both Miami and Atlanta.

The authors of the study, Nick Bloom and Alex Finan, said the likely explanation for the massive increase in super commuters was the rise in working from home.

Working from home directly reduces the need to commute every day and indirectly reduces traffic volume, speeding up super-commutes, the study said.

Craig Allender, who moved from Novato, California to a bigger house 30 miles north in Sonoma County told The Wall Street Journal his new 63-mile drive to work was worth it because he only has to travel to the office three days a week.

'If I had to be in the office five days a week, there's no way,' Allender said.

Heather Adams, who commutes from her home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to her office in Moline, Illinois, said she listens to audiobooks to pass the time on her trip home.

'It is very calming after work to have someone read to you,' Adams said.

The mean distance to work rose from 10 miles in 2019 to 27 miles at the end of 2023, according to a study from payroll processing and HR services company Gusto.

Research from Stanford University found the number of commutes over 75 miles on weekday mornings grew 32 percent

The study found the share of workers living more than 50 miles from their employer rose more than five-fold, from 0.8 percent to 5.5 percent.

According to their data, millennials live the farthest away from their employer, which Gusto indicated is a sign that this group is taking advantage of the flexibility of remote and hybrid work.

'They're the ones making life transitions and deciding where to live and that can be farther out,' said Liz Wilke, Gusto's principal economist.

Katlin Jay, 30, travels 650 miles on a biweekly basis from her Charlotte, North Carolina home to her job on the Upper West side as a hairstylist.

She estimates that she spends just under $1,000 a month on flights, ground transportation and paying some rent to a friend with whom she stays.

The average cost of rent in New York City is about $3,747. The average rent in Charlotte is less than half that - just $1,400.

'I stay at my friend Jenni's house,' Jay told NBC New York. 'I pay her a little bit for rent so it works out both ways thats one of the things that made it really affordable to do this back and forth. I dont have to get a hotel every time.'

Katlin Jay, 30, travels 650 miles on a biweekly basis from her Charlotte, North Carolina home to her job on the Upper West side as a hairstylist

Chip Cutter, a Wall Street Journal reporter, relocated closer to his family in Columbus, Ohio, early in the pandemic and has never left - embracing being a super commuter

Chip Cutter, a Wall Street Journal reporter, relocated closer to his family in Columbus, Ohio, early in the pandemic and has never left.

He chose to show up at the office for at least three days a week, maintaining elite status with both Hyatt and American Airlines, instead of paying thousands of dollars for a shaky Manhattan studio.

However, that's only his romantic vision of being a super commuter - a lifestyle that blew his budget and didn't last long.

He wrote in a WSJ article: 'Shocking no one, that fantasy soon came crashing down. Burning points on fancy hotel rooms was the first problem.'

Cutter did his math before entering the super commuter era and tried everything he could to keep the rent in Ohio plus travel costs below $3,200 per month.

'In the end, the math didnt work. I blew my budget by 15% and drained my miles balance,' he acknowledged.
D-Day veterans gathered on Omaha Beach in Normandy today as Brits who fought alongside them set sail to pay tribute to their fallen comrades ahead of the 80th anniversary commemorations.

The celebrations took place to remember more than 150,000 British, Canadian and American troops who landed in a combined naval, air and ground assault on Nazi-occupied France on June 6, 1944.

Ceremonies are underway across Normandy, with the largest events set to take place on Thursday, with dozens of world leaders attending including US President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and King Charles.

This anniversary is likely to be the last marked on a grand scale in the presence of those who fought in 1944 - as more veterans pass away or become too old to travel.

Two dozen British D-Day veterans were the star passengers of a flotilla which set sail from Portsmouth, England, today, bound for the beaches of Normandy where 80 years ago this week they fought to liberate France.

A US soldier takes a photograph of American WWII veteran Sid Edson, center left, during a ceremony on Omaha Beach in Normandy today

A US soldier looks at two French Navy landing crafts on Omaha Beach ahead of the 80th D-Day anniversary

An American US Navy soldier salutes on Omaha Beach, Normandy, earlier today

An American soldier touches the sand on Omaha Beach in Normandy today

French troops disembark from a US landing craft during a joint US and French amphibious landing operation showcase at Omaha Beach

US soldiers assist American WWII veteran Fred Taylor during a ceremony on Omaha Beach today

French troops stand on the beach after disembarking from a US landing craft during a joint US and French amphibious landing operation showcase

D-Day veteran Bob Pedigo attends a ceremony on Omaha Beach earlier today

A man takes a picture of French Navy landing crafts and planes flying over Omaha Beach

French troops stand on the beach after disembarking from a US landing craft

Two French Navy landing crafts are seen on Omaha Beach ahead of the 80th D-Day anniversary

French Navy's amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral lands French troops from the 9th Marine Infantry Brigade and the 6th Light Armored Brigade as part of the 80th D-Day anniversary commemorations

French Navy's amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral lands French troops earlier today

WWII history enthusiasts look at French Navy landing craft on Omaha Beach

French troops stand on the beach after disembarking from a US landing craft during a joint US and French amphibious landing operation showcase at Omaha Beach

'It's a very special day,' veteran Ken Hay, 98, told the BBC onboard the 'Mont St Michel' ferry which was decorated with maritime flags.

In 1944, Portsmouth was the main departure point for the 5,000 ships which headed to Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, the beaches made famous by the operation.

Surrounded by naval ships and civilian boats, the ferry was waved off by small crowds who lined the docks in Portsmouth, as tugboats sprayed water, a traditional tribute.

Midway through the journey to France, the ship was due to switch off its engines for a wreath-laying ceremony to remember those who did not make it to shore. About 4,400 Allied troops died on June 6.

German casualties are unknown but are estimated at between 4,000 and 9,000.

Veteran Colonel Joe Peterburs, 99, said: 'It's our duty to remember them and make sure people realise how evil the world can become if you do not really take care.'

An Air Force pilot during World War Two, Peterburs did not take part in D-Day but began combat missions aged 19 and was made a prisoner in Germany when his plane was shot down. He managed to escape and went on to serve in the military for 36 years, including stints in Korea and Vietnam.

'I see all the graves. The bravery and the sacrifice of these men killed in their youth who could not live a full life,' he said, as he looked from his wheelchair at row after row of white crosses - some with names, some unmarked.

'He feels a lot of survival guilt. He prays every night for all (those) that he left behind,' said his granddaughter, Sabrina Peterburs, who travelled with him.

D-Day veteran Albert Keir (right), 98, from Bakewell, Derbyshire, watches from the deck of the Brittany Ferries ship Mont St Michel as it sails out of Portsmouth Harbour in the UK to Ouistreham, in Caen, France

Normandy veteran Jimmy Justice waves from the deck of the Brittany Ferries ship Mont St Michel

'It's very emotional to be here with him and the other veterans and see the gratefulness of French people.'

John Dennett, 99, told the BBC he was looking forward to the ceremonies of the coming days. 'It's a chance of a lifetime. Eighty years ago, it's a long time, going back, to see what we started,' he said.

He and fellow veterans listened to a military band onboard the ferry led by bagpipes. Aged between 97 and 103, many of the veterans had walking sticks or were in wheelchairs, and wore military medals pinned to their lapels.

The French army conducted an exercise at dawn at Omaha beach, with dozens of soldiers landing on the beach, reenacting D-Day.

'We think of the dead, those who came before us,' said Lieutenant Jeremy from the French Legion's 13th Demi-Brigade. 'We are happy to honour our elders by doing what they did 80 years ago.'

King Charles and Queen Camilla will be among those in attendance to remember more than 150,000 troops who landed in Nazi-occupied France on June 6.

But the number of those who will travel to Normandy has decreased due to many now being too old to make the journey.

Just over 30 veterans made the trip via ferry this year - compared to more than 200 in 2019.

Victor Walker, 98, is among a number of veterans unable to travel to France this year as he told The Telegraph: 'Age has finally caught up with me.'

D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, from Wakefield, gets emotional as he travels on the ship

Royal Navy Commander Glen Hickson, D-Day veteran Jim Grant, Royal Navy Commodore John Voyce, and D-Day veteran Charles Horne, on board the Brittany Ferries ship

D-Day veteran Richard Aldred (centre) salutes from the deck of the ship

D-Day veteran Richard Aldred, who also travelled to Normandy today, pictured during the Second World War

Royal Navy Commander Glen Hickson, D-Day veteran Jim Grant, and Royal Navy Commodore John Voyce, on board the Brittany Ferries ship

World War II veterans are seen on the deck of the Mont St Michel cross-channel ferry

The Brittany Ferries ship Mont St Michel passes the Round Tower as it sets sail from Portsmouth Harbour

Victor Walker, 98, is among a number of veterans unable to travel to France this year due to his declining health

Mr Walker worked on board a destroyer which transported troops to the shores of France.

He travelled to Normandy for the 65th, 70th and 75th commemorations, but his declining health meant he could not make the trip for this anniversary.

'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,' he said.

Mr Walker was 17 when he joined the Royal Navy in June 1943 as a seaman.

He joined the crew of HMS Versatile, beginning his career escorting Arctic convoys - before the ship was redeployed to the Solent to escort convoys to Normandy.

This year only 12 veterans of the Battle of Normandy were present for afternoon tea at Southwick House, near Portsmouth, compared to 75 five years ago.

Les Underwood, 98, who was a Royal Navy gunner, is one of the youngest remaining veterans as he lied about his age to join up.

'All the memories come back,' Underwood told The Times. 'Guns going everywhere, screaming from the men, some of them getting off the landing craft and some even drowned.'

He added: 'My father always said men and boys don't cry, but they do,' he said. 'I've cried at the thoughts of the men not coming back.'

Veteran Ken Cooke, 98, said the 80th anniversary commemorations this week will be the last time he revisits Gold Beach where he landed as an 18-year-old on June 6, 1944.

D-Day veteran Jim Grant (centre) on board the ship today

D-Day veteran Albert Keir (right), 98, from Bakewell, Derbyshire, smiles from the deck

D-Day veteran Jim Kelly, from Sutton Coldfield, looks out onto the water

D-Day veteran Jim Kelly, who travelled to Normandy today via ferry, pictured during the Second World War

100-year-old D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan, from Crewe, salutes on board the ship

D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan, who is now 100, pictured during the Second World War

D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan (left), 100, from Crewe, salutes as veteran Jack Mortimer from Wakefield, gets emotional

D-Day veteran Albert Keir (left), 98, from Bakewell, Derbyshire, and Charlie Horne, 98, wave as they take a group photo

D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, from Wakefield, looks emotional on the ship

D-Day veteran Arnie Salter, 98, from Warwickshire, on board the Brittany Ferry ship Mont St Michel

D-Day veteran Ronald Hendrey, 98, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, speaks on board the Brittany Ferry ship

D-Day veteran Ronald Hendrey, who is now 98, pictured during the Second World War

Veteran Ken Cooke, 98, (pictured aged 18) said the 80th anniversary commemorations this week will be the last time he revisits Gold Beach where he landed as an 18-year-old on June 6, 1944

Appearing on Antiques Roadshow's D-Day special this week, Mr Cooke recalled how he stepped onto the beach and straight into battle.

'We set off for [Gold] Beach. I can't describe the noise. You can't describe the noise. It was that horrendous,' he said.

'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.

'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.'

Albert Keir, 98, who travelled to Normandy via ship today, trolled the sea area around the beaches before the army landed in the months prior to D-Day.

On D-Day, Mr Keir was part of the crew ferrying US troops onto Utah beach.

'At night when it was dark, the sky was lit up with all different sorts of colours, tracer bullets and different things. And the noise was colossal And the firing from the sea over our heads blasting the beaches was very bad. Took some standing that did.

'It's very difficult to try and get it out of your mind. It took some time to get it more or less out of my mind,' he said.
A customer service worker has been left with horrific hand injuries after being 'charged at' and 'chomped' by a crazed XL Bully.

Gualberto Ramirez, 49, is still recovering from the terrifying attack at Wormwood Scrubs Park on May 9 which left him with three deep bite wounds and a number of smaller gashes.

Mr Ramirez, from White City in West London, was walking home from the cinema at around 6pm when he went to sit down on a bench near Scrubs Lane.

A man and a woman were already sat on the bench, with what Mr Ramirez described as a Pomeranian-looking dog and a dark-coloured XL Bully with no muzzle or lead, contrary to legal restrictions brought in at the end of last year.

About eight meters from the bench, Mr Ramirez said he made eye contact with the dog owner and then noticed the XL Bully 'charging' towards him.

As a self-described dog lover, Mr Ramirez thought the dog was bounding over to be friendly but it soon became clear the beast was about to unleash a horrifying attack.

These are the shocking injuries that Gualberto Ramirez suffered when he was savaged by an XL Bully

The horrifying attack left him with three deep bite wounds and a number of smaller gashes. Here, his hand has been stitched

Pictured is Wormwood Scrubs Park, West London, where the attack took place

'I realised it was not stopping, it was coming to get me,' Mr Ramirez said, 'I saw the aggression, it was in defence mode. All of this happened so quickly. It chomped on my right hand.

'Once it released my hand, I then grabbed the dog by the neck with both my hands and that disabled him in a way. It's the first time I have really done something like that.'

Holding the dog in a chokehold, Mr Ramirez waited for the dawdling owner to come and put him on the lead. Meanwhile, the 'hysterical' woman told him 'Why did you come out of nowhere?' already trying to shift the blame on him, Mr Ramirez alleged.

Even though the lead was now on, Mr Ramirez said the dog managed to charge again to bite down on his left hand, nipping his ring finger.

'It was scary, it's just one of those things I would never expect to happen to me, being a dog lover. It's really upsetting,' Mr Ramirez said.

'I was angry at the owners immediately in that moment, because I felt like the dog was just doing what the dog does.'

After briefly getting tangled up in the lead, Mr Ramirez escaped and walked off to a nearby bench.

In shock, and with blood pouring from both hands, Mr Ramirez said the woman came over and offered to call an ambulance - but not on her own phone.

'It was suspicious,' Mr Ramirez said. He alleges that she and the man disappeared with their dogs without bothering to call for help.

Mr Ramirez spent another five minutes struggling to find his glasses, which were knocked off during the attack, then gave up and made his way to Hammersmith Hospital at the southern exit of the park.

Mr Ramirez said he made eye contact with the dog owner and then noticed the XL Bully 'charging' towards him. Pictured is his hand bandaged up

Mr Ramirez suffered a number of cuts to his hand and arm which he is still recovering from

While the hospital has no A&E department, helpful NHS staff patched him up and called an ambulance to take him to St Mary's emergency department in nearby Paddington.

After five hours in A&E, to get a tetanus jab and anti-biotics, Mr Ramirez was discharged to come back the next morning for a more thorough cleaning under general anaesthetic.

Fortunately, he escaped without potentially life-changing tendon damage, but when he spoke to MyLondon, three weeks after the attack, he was still suffering pain and numbness in his fingers.

Mr Ramirez said he reported the incident to police after he was released from the hospital, but claimed the investigating officer failed to take a statement or investigate the case.

'That did not sit with me well,' he told us. Only when Hammersmith and Fulham Council were notified about the attack, did the Met take a full statement and begin investigating, he claimed.

'There's part of me that's not hopeful there's going to be a resolution,' said Mr Ramirez.

'But seeing the news [about other XL Bully attacks] and being a victim now, I feel it's a real issue... I see other XL bully dogs being walked with no muzzle on. Why is the legislation not working? Why have there been other attacks? It's still a hot topic that needs to be worked out.'

On Monday, Scotland Yard confirmed it had received a report of a dog attack, by an animal 'believed to be an XL Bully', on a man in his 40s in Wormwood Scrubs on the evening of May 9.

'Enquiries into the circumstances continue,' a spokesperson for the force added, without addressing Mr Ramirez's concerns about the handling of his case.

It is now illegal to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate and they are required to be kept on a lead and muzzled in public places. (File image)

There have been a number of XL Bully attacks on people and small dogs in London over the last few years.

Most recently in Hornchurch, a woman was killed by her own XL Bully dogs on May 20, while there were four people rushed to hospital after a dog went on a rampage in Battersea in March this year. The dogs have also been responsible for multiple attacks on children.

Mr Ramirez's case bears a stark resemblance to an attack in Pasley Park near Walworth in September 2023.

On that occasion, an XL Bully - described as 'the size of a man' by the victim - leapt out of a dog pen and shredded a man's arm to the bone. The dog's owner, Cristopher Moore, was jailed for over three years this May after he didn't even bother to call an ambulance.

After a new law was introduced in the wake of public outrage over repeated fatalities, XL Bully owners must now have a certificate of exemption, allowing them to own the dog, and they must be leashed and muzzled in public.

The 'Bully ban' also means it is illegal to sell an XL Bully dog; abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray; give away an XL Bully dog; breed or breed from an XL Bully dog, without the certificate of exemption.
Attorney General Merrick Garland repeatedly said he did not 'dispatch' former Justice Department senior official Matthew Colangelo to the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office ahead of the prosecution of former President Donald Trump.

House Republicans on Tuesday grilled Garland during a hearing about the unusual decision of Coalanelo to leave his high-ranking Justice Department position and take a prosecutor job with Bragg's office.

Garland emphatically denied the allegation that he had anything to do with it.

'That is false, I did not dispatch Mathew Coangelo,' he said. 'That is false. False.'

Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz asked Garland how and why Colangelo left Garland's Justice Department to take a lower-level job in Bragg's office in New York in December 2022.

Attorney General Merrick Garland broke his silence on his former aide anti-Trump prosecutor Matthew Colangelo and claimed he 'did not dispatch' him from Department of Justice to the Manhattan District Attorney's office

'I assume he applied for a job there and got the job,' Garland replied. 'I can tell you I had nothing to do with it.'

Former President Donald Trump and his allies repeatedly questioned Colangelo's role in his prosecution of the 'hush money' case, arguing that was evidence that Biden was connected to the investigation of his political rival.

Gaetz made the connection a focus of his line of questioning during the hearing.

'Colangelo makes this remarkable downstream career journey from the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. and then pops up in Alvin Bragg's office to go 'get Trump'  and you're saying that's just a career choice that was made,' Gaetz said incredulously.

Gaetz asked if Garland if he would provide all communications and documents from the Department of Justice and outside state prosecutors of Trump to the House Judiciary Committee for the sake of clearing up any suggestion of scandal or impropriety.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg speaks after the guilty verdict in former U.S. President Donald Trump's criminal trial. Colangelo is on Bragg's right.

Garland insisted the state and local investigations were independent of the Justice Department, and would not commit to releasing the documents.

'I get that. The question is whether or not you will provide all your documents and correspondence, that's the question. I don't need a history lesson,' Gaetz said.

Garland said that if House Republicans requested the documents, it would be processed under the normal process through the office of legislative affairs.

Gaetz argued that if Garland had nothing to hide, he should volunteer to make the communications public to assuage any skepticism surrounding the Justice Department's activity surrounding the investigation.

Gaetz made the connection a focus of his line of questioning during the hearing

'You come in here and you lodge this attack that it's a conspiracy theory that there is coordinated lawfare against Trump and when we say fine, just give us the documents, give us the correspondence and then if it's a conspiracy theory that will be evident,' he replied.

Garland's hesitancy to comply, Gaetz argued, was 'actually advancing the very dangers conspiracy theory that you're concerned about.'

Democrats appeared annoyed by Gaetz's claim, as Democratic Representative Steve Cohen responded by bringing up the Justice Department's investigation of allegations that the Florida Republican was involved with sex-trafficking.

In February 2023, the Justice Department informed Gaetz that they would not charge him in the months-long investigation.

Cohen told Garland that Gaetz was 'living testament to the fact, and direct evidence that you have not weaponized the Justice Department.'

'He was investigated for sex trafficking while many expected a prosecution, you chose not to prosecute this very active Republican,' Cohen said.

Garland declined to comment.

Colangelo, 49, has long maintained a virtually non-existent public profile while quietly rising to great heights in government.

Colangelo, 49, has long maintained a virtually non-existent public profile while quietly rising to great heights in government

He graduated from Harvard Law and then clerked for Judge Sonia Sotomayor on the U.S. Court of Appeals years before she became a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Colangelo then went to work for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as its director of 'economic justice.

After that he hopped from the Obama Administration Labor Department to the Civil Rights division of the Justice Department and eventually to the Obama White House, where he served as a deputy assistant to the president and deputy director of the National Economic Council.

Then in 2017, his career took a distinctive turn after Donald Trumps surprise electoral victory against Hillary Clinton.

Colangelo left Washington, D.C., to join New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who was deemed the leader of the Trump resistance by Politico and had seemingly reoriented his office for one purpose: Destroying Donald Trump.
A juror in the trial of a group of Somalian migrants accused of swindling over $40 million from COVID funds was mysteriously offered $120,000 on the last day of the case, officials say.

Ahead of jury deliberations in the trial of seven people tied to the Feeding Our Future charity, one juror reported that a woman came to her Minneapolis home with the bribe, and said there would be more cash on the way 'if she votes to acquit.'

Prosecutors claim the defendants stole $41 million from government programs intended for hungry children, part of a wider case of over $250 million allegedly swindled through the charity in one of the largest pandemic fraud cases in the nation.

The juror reported the bribe to the local police department, who then notified the FBI, as prosecutors condemned the incident as 'outrageous' and 'the stuff that happens in mob movies.'

A juror in a Minneapolis Covid-19 fraud trial was offered $120,000 in a white gift bag at her home the day before the conclusion of the case

Seven defendants from Somalia are accused of swindling over $40 million through the charity Feeding Our Future, as part of a wider case that prosecutors called the largest pandemic fraud in the nation

The bribe has led prosecutors to issue an FBI search warrant on the defendant's phones, as they argued that 'it is highly likely that someone with access to the jurors personal information was conspiring with, at minimum, the woman who delivered the $120,000 bribe.'

According to the Star Tribune, the woman who delivered the bribe showed up at the juror's home wearing all black shortly before 9pm.

The 23-year-old juror wasn't home at the time, however the woman spoke to their father-in-law and handed over a white gift bag stuffed with $100, $50 and $20 bills, according to the FBI search warrant filing.

The woman reportedly told the father-in-law that if the juror voted to acquit all seven defendants in the case, there would be 'more of that present tomorrow.'

They immediately reported the attempted bribe to the Spring Lake Park police department, who turned over the bag of cash to the FBI as the bureau launched an investigation into the incident.

As the trial came to a close the following day, the unnamed juror was dismissed from the case, as Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson told U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel that the incident could upend the high-profile case.

'This is outrageous behavior,' he said. 'This is stuff that happens in mob movies... This can't be allowed.'

The suspected bribe came as a womans showed up at the juror's Minneapolis home late at night, and told her that if she voted to acquit there would be 'more of that present tomorrow'

The juror immediately reported the attempted bribe to the Spring Lake Park police department, who turned over the bag of cash to the FBI as the bureau launched an investigation into the incident

Judge Nancy Brasel (pictured) responded to the case by sequestering and questioning the remaining jurors, detaining the defendants, approving an FBI search warrant on their phones, and beefing up security at the courthouse

Officials have not presented any evidence that the defendants, Said Shafii Farah, Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, Mohamed Jama Ismail, Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, Abdiwahab Maalim Aftin, Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff and Hayat Mohamed Nu, were linked to the bribe.

The incident threatens to derail the seven-week trial as it reaches its conclusion, which is part of a wider case that officials have described as the largest Covid-19 funding fraud cases in America.

In total, 70 people have been charged in the case, 18 of whom have pleaded guilty, as prosecutors say fraudsters used the Feeding Our Future charity to steal over $250 million.

The defense for the seven being charged in the bribery-related case argue that they legitimately provided meals to hungry children, while officials counter claim that they merely claimed to offer meals to fictitious children before stealing the funds.

Prosecutors say they received over $40 million for more than 18 million meals across 50 food shelters in Minnesota from 2020 to 2021, but say only about 10 percent was spent on providing food to the needy.

They 'brazenly' created shell companies to carry out the scheme, officials claimed, and allegedly filed documents of fake children while inflating prices.

FBI agents are pictured raiding the offices of Feeding Our Future, which prosecutors say was used by the defendants to swindle hundreds of millions of dollars in a wide-ranging scheme

The punishment for bribing a juror is up to 10 years in prison, and Thompson said that the threat of jurors being bribed could upend further trials for more than three dozen other defendants in the wide-ranging cases.

Thompson told the judge that the bribe 'strikes at the integrity of our system', as the judge took measures to ensure jury impartiality.

Judge Brasel sequestered the jury of 12 jurors and five alternates before questioning each person, with each juror confirming they had not been contacted by anyone outside the case.

The defendant's phones were also confiscated as the judge approved the search warrant request, and security was beefed up at the courthouse.

All seven defendants, who had been freed following their arrests in 2022, were also detained, a move that their defense attorneys argued against despite agreeing the attempted bribe was 'very troubling' and 'unprecedented.'
A plague of cockroaches has caused a motorway service area on the M40 to be closed by health officials.

Four units in the main Welcome Break services near Oxford were forced to close immediately, including KFC and Starbucks.

A criminal investigation into any food hygiene offences committed is ongoing at the site, which is used by thousands of motorists and their passengers every day.

South Oxfordshire District Council today described it as a 'significant' cockroach infestation, which has also seen The Good Breakfast and Chopstix forced to close.

Environmental health officers carried out an emergency investigation after a member of the public complained.

A plague of cockroaches caused an area of the Welcome Break services off Junction Eight of the M40 near Oxford to close - including KFC and Starbucks

Environmental health officers carried out an emergency investigation after a complaint last month and found a 'significant' cockroach infestation

Pest experts say record numbers of cockroaches are starting to invade homes, creeping across bedroom floors and under sofas in living rooms

Evidence of a cockroach infestation was found in the food preparation and servery areas of the outlets which posed a 'significant risk of food contamination and an imminent risk to the customers' health'.

The four businesses at the site, off Junction Eight near Wheatley, will remain closed until officers say the health risk has been removed.

On Friday 31 May, during a hearing at Oxford Magistrates' Court, District Judge Rana reviewed the evidence and statements provided by the officers and confirmed the imminent health risk on 20 May and was satisfied that the risk to health remained in place.

The judge made a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order and also awarded full costs of just over 3,000 to South Oxfordshire District Council.

Officers are working with the businesses and monitoring these and the other units at the site.

Paul Fielding, Head of Housing and Environment at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: 'When we received the initial complaint, our Environmental Health officers took immediate action and carried out an investigation at Welcome Break Services and served the hygiene emergency prohibition notice requiring the temporary closure of the affected businesses.

'The infestation presented a signification risk of contamination and a serious risk to public health and I'm pleased that the District Judge has now endorsed the action our officers took.

'Our officers will continue conducting regular inspections at the site in order to protect public health.

'They are also working with Welcome Break to address the issue and supporting their efforts to reopen the impacted units as soon as possible.'

Pest experts say record numbers of cockroaches are starting to invade homes, creeping across bedroom floors and under sofas in living rooms.

The 'roaches' don't bite humans and won't cause any physical harm but they are a health threat because they spread disease.

Britain's mild winter and spring with high levels of rain has been perfect weather for the insects.

Swat squad pest experts warn there is set to be a record invasion - and an infestation could set you back up to 260.

Although there are over 4,000 cockroach species on the planet, two are most prominent in the UK, according to Bedford-based bug extermination firm EWS Group - the Oriental Cockroach and the German Cockroach.

You may also come across the American cockroach and the Brown Banded cockroach.

A criminal investigation into any food hygiene offences committed is ongoing at the site, which is used by thousands of motorists and their passengers every day

Evidence of a cockroach infestation was found in the food preparation and servery areas of the outlets which posed a 'significant risk of food contamination and an imminent risk to the customers' health'

In 2022, students at nearby Oxford University's Exeter College threatened a 'rent strike' because of an invasion of the ugly bugs in their bedrooms.

Students in the Cohen Quadrangle area of Oxford's fourth oldest college, were 'disgusted and let down' by a cockroach infestation in two communal kitchens and bedrooms.

Staff told newcomers the first and second floor would be closed for a few days during freshers week due to maintenance work.

They added that due to 'unforeseen maintenance issue' both kitchens would not be open until October 17 at the earliest - leaving as many as 90 students sharing a third floor cooking space.

Exeter College offered a 60 per cent discount at both the Dakota Cafe in Cohen Quadrangle and the centre's main dining hall.

When students kept seeing the bugs college bosses admitted the issue was a cockroach infestation in the air vents of the first and second floor kitchen.

A statement called them to ensure 'bins are emptied frequently and no food items are left uncovered overnight'.
Hundreds of migrants were seen posing for photos at a border wall in San Diego county moments after crossing into the US through a gap in the barrier.

The asylum seekers were spotted entering the country through the hole near San Diego in the early hours of Tuesday.

The group was composed of migrants from Mauritania, Nepal, India, China, Vietnam and others according to Fox correspondent Bill Melugin who was at the scene.

The migrants reported minimal resistance on their way and described breezing past the Mexican military.

It comes as the White House revealed President Biden is preparing to sign off an order to temporarily shut down the border once a daily threshold of crossings has been met.

Hundreds of migrants were seen posing up for photos at a border wall in San Diego county moments after crossing into the US through a gap in the barrier

The video shows a handful of migrants posing up alongside the wall as if it were a 'tourist attraction' according to Melugin,

The clip has once again spotlighted the border crisis, which has become a flashpoint ahead of the election as crossings continue to surge.

Biden has been under pressure to get a grip on the numbers, with polls showing a majority of Americans are dissatisfied with his handling of the situation.

The current number of crossings remains high, with 179,725 encounters recorded in April

The executive order that would shut down asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border once the average number of daily encounters hits 2,500 between ports of entry.

The border would only reopen once that number declines to 1,500, according to several people familiar with the discussions.

The 2,500 figure means that the executive order could go into immediate effect because daily figures are currently above this.

The asylum seekers were spotted entering the country through the hole in the early hours of Tuesday

It comes as the White House revealed President Biden is preparing to sign off an order to temporarily shut down the border once a daily threshold of crossings has been met

The president has been deliberating over how to act on the border after his bipartisan legislation to clamp down on crossings collapsed.

Republicans defected from the deal at the urging of Donald Trump, the former president and presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

Biden has continued to consider executive action even though the number of illegal crossings at the southern border has declined for months, partly because of a stepped-up effort by Mexico.

The order is aimed at trying to head off any potential spike in border encounters that could happen later this year, closer to the November elections.

Trump's campaign said in a statement that the order would not be effective and that if 'Biden truly wanted to shut down the border, he could do so with a swipe of the same pen.'
A long-standing beef between neighboring families exploded when a man was shot dead by his neighbor during a fight over a water sprinkler at a luxurious condominium in Costa Rica.

Otoniel Orozco, a 53-year-old father-of-five from Nicaragua, was shot at least 14 times by Eduardo Ramirez, 43, in front of their homes on Monday morning.

Tensions flared after Ramirez's wife stepped out of her residence to turn the sprinkler on that was on her property and challenged Orozo to turn it off.

The woman told Orozco, 'Here I am waiting for you to come and turn off the sprinkler, you fool.'

Orozco's wife subsequently stepped out of the apartment and told Ramirez's spouse, 'You also bother a lot,' and accused of envying her family.

Nicaragua native and father-of-five Otoniel Orozco (left) was shot dead by his neighbor Eduardo Ramirez (bottom right) moments after the two families argued over a sprinkler that was located on Ramirez's property in Escazu, Costa Ruci on Monday

Otoniel Orozco (left) was caught on camera punching his neighbor, Eduardo Ramirez (bottom right), in front of their homes in Costa Rica on Monday morning before Ramirez pulled out a gun and shot Orozco multiple times and killed him

A war of words ensue as both women continued to curse at each other.

Orozco and his wife can be seen approaching the couple as they kept arguing over the sprinkler.

Both women then came face-to-face before Orozco punched Ramirez, who responded by pulling a gun from under his shirt and shooting his neighbor.

He continued to fire his weapon while Orozco was lying on the ground. Ramirez's wife stepped in and grabbed him by the neck and pulled him away as Orozco's wife screamed in horror.

Ramirez's father told Costa Rican online news portal La Teja that the disagreement between both families stemmed from a construction that ruined the walls of his son's home.

'This situation is from four years ago, in which the deceased man began to build some bedrooms where he did not have to build them, then my son told him: 'Look, Don Otoniel, you are breaking my walls, my property,' Ramirez's father said. 'And the man went on a rampage and started treating him like a son of a *****. The problem began there.'

Eduardo Ramirez gunned down his neighbor Otoniel Orozco during a violent argument in front of their home in Escazu, Costa Rica on Monday. Orozco, a native of Nicaragua, was a married father-of-five

Eduardo Ramirez is pulled away by his wife after he shot and killed their neighbor, Otoniel Orozco, during a heated argument

Otoniel Orozco and his wife were reportedly harassed constantly by his neighbor, Eduardo Ramirez, who killed him Monday morning

Eduardo Ramirez with his wife and their son. Ramirez is being investigated for aggravated homicide in connection to the death of his neighbor, Otoniel Orozco, who was shot Monday. Ramirez's father said families had been at odds for four years after the Orozco's did construction in their home that damaged a wall in Ramirez's condo

He added that the families had argued during the early morning hours after the Orozcos repeatedly opened and shut the sliding windows on their balcony, which woke up his baby grandson.

'My son was beaten and as this problem accumulated, what happened happened, unfortunately,' Ramirez's father said.

Orozco's sister-in-law, Dayli Avendano, told CR Hoy news outlet, that Ramirez had threatened the family on multiple occasions and that the police never responded to their reports.

'He always spied on my brother-in-law getting up and going out to the garage so he would start bothering him, he would insult him, he would start shutting the door at him,' she said. 'He would threaten my sister, he would start harassing the children, bothering them, provoking in 1,000 ways so that Otoniel will react.

Ramirez is being investigated for aggravated homicide and was placed in pre-trial detention for three months.
A Chinese takeaway has revealed how much prices have soared since the 1980s after being forced to shut after almost 40 years of trading.

The Lee family, who own Sun Rise in New Ash Green, Kent, say increased cost pressures and overheads made the business unviable.

A menu from their opening day in July 1986 has been retained, which shows how prices have changed in the last 38 years.

Back then, a portion of boiled rice would cost 90p, not 3.50 as it does now, and a dish of sweet and sour chicken would have only been 1.95, now it is 7.

Other cheap and cheerful menu options in the 80's would've been special fried rice for 1.55, chicken chow mein for 1.15 and curry sauce for 60p.

From left to right, Chi Lee, Shun Hong lee, Shun Man Lee and May Lee are closing up shop after almost 40 years after running their family fun Chinese takeaway

Shun Hong Lee pictured at Sun Rise takeaway in New Ash Green, Kent

This old Chinese takeaway menu shows just how much prices have increased since the 1980s

Owner Shun Man Lee, 56, said: 'We have decided it is time to stop doing the takeaway. We have been here a long time but it is time to call it quits.

'Ever since Covid, the prices of everything have gone up. We have raised our prices but it is becoming more taxing to the customers.'

Mr Lee said the costs of ingredients have almost doubled in the last few years with gas and electrics rising by around 30 per cent.

He said items such as a bag of potatoes which used to be 12 are now 18 and it has become cheaper to buy chicken from a supermarket rather than a wholesaler.

Mr Lee added: 'We have been trying to think of solutions such as closing earlier but we have had to think about the long-term.

'It is a family-run business, we have all worked here, but we have to think about the family and how to move forward.

'This business was to support the family and children, to make sure they had a good education and have a roof over their heads.

'Like most immigrant families, we set up a shop to sell the food we grew up with and would eat.'

He continued: 'We will miss everyone. It has not been an easy decision. Thank you to all our customers and their support past and present. They are the whole reason that it has thrived.

Sweet and sour chicken used to cost just 1.95 in the 1980s compared to 7 today

The Lee family say increased cost pressures and overheads made the business unviable. Pictured: May Lee

Owner Shun Man Lee (pictured), 56, said: 'We have decided it is time to stop doing the takeaway. We have been here a long time but it is time to call it quits'

A look at the message the Lee family have left behind to their customers

Flowers were left by people in the community thanking the Lee family for their service

Thank you cards from loyal customers at Sun Rise takeaway

'We did not expect such support from us announcing we were closing, we are touched by it.

'We hope to see people around the village and say hello. We will still be in the community, just differently.'

He even said regulars have been bulk-buying popular dishes such as chicken chow mein to freeze and asking for their curry sauce recipe to make at home.

Mr Lee has worked in the shop since he was 17 years old but has now decided it is time to try something new with less 'stress and strain' and where he is no longer the boss.

His wife May Lee added: 'We are going to take a break and see what we can do.'
An AstraZeneca executive is accused of sending excruciatingly detailed threats to health fund bosses after they denied his claim.

Justin Dynlacht, 54, allegedly sent 15 emails, 12 letters and two faxes to his ex-bosses, Aetna, and its parent company CVS Health in a yearlong campaign of terror.

The letters detailed in a court affidavit threatened to kill, rape, torture, and mutilate three executives, their families and children, and various other staff in revenge.

Threats were often incredibly graphic, including cutting victims into pieces and putting them around Aetna offices as a warning to others.

CVS Health chief executive Karen Lynch (pictured) was one of numerous people Justin Dynlacht, 54, allegedly sent 15 emails, 12 letters and two faxes to, also including his ex-bosses, health provider Aetna, and its parent company CVS Health in a yearlong campaign of terror

One of the letters Dynlacht allegedly sent to Aetna after it denied his claim

'You really need to have your f**king brains blown out while you are walking to your car in the Aetna parking lot one day,' one of the tamer messages read.

Dynlacht was tracked down and FBI agents burst through his door in Rockville, Maryland, on May 8 and arrested him, and he now faces cyberstalking charges.

He allegedly began his campaign after Aetna put him thousands of dollars in debt after out-of-network treatment for Crohn's disease in 2022.

Dynlacht explained to the New York Times in an article about hidden health fees that he had to consult a specialist about persistent abdominal pain, who found a hernia containing abdominal tissue.

Feeling 'ripped off' by the huge bill, the affidavit explained how he appealed the coverage but was denied - and lashed out.

First he emailed then-Aetna president Daniel Finke on November 13, 2022, calling the two in-network doctors who failed to diagnose him 'f**king quacks'.

Dynlacht wrote that he wished he 'never would have met you and the greedy and corrupt goddamn a**holes who run Aetna'.

He called the employees who denied his claim 'two of the greediest, most corrupt and useless people that I have ever interacted with'.

'Honestly, I find useless idiots like [them] in my bowel movements.'

Four of the letters sent anonymously or under fake names during the harassemnt

Dynlacht followed up on January 6 with an email to Finke, the two employees, and Karen Lynch, chief executive of Aetna parent company CVS Health.

'The four of you are corrupt, greedy c**ksuckers Go f**k yourselves, you goddamn f**king thieves,' he wrote.

'Aetna is the absolutely the worst health insurance company in the US and its executives are all criminals who I sincerely hope burn in f**king hell!'

Sick of his vulgar harassment, Aetna told AstraZeneca about the emails and an abusive phone call he made to its office, and he was hauled in by HR.

The affidavit explained Dynlacht showed no remorse and claimed his actions were 'justified' as a 'reaction in kind' at the January 18 meeting.

'Dynlacht was not apologetic, nor did he believe he behaved unprofessionally,' the affidavit explained. AstraZeneca sacked him five days later.

No more communication was sent to Aetna under Dynlacht's name from that point. Instead, the FBI alleged his threats were anonymous or under fake names.

Aetna then-president Daniel Finke (center) and his staff were sent graphic threats for more than a year

Sometime during the campaign, Finke stepped down as president and was replaced by Brian Kane (pictured) - who then also became a target

They began on March 16, 2023, and not only targeted Aetna, but his bosses at AstraZeneca and other staff involved in firing him.

Sometime during the campaign, Finke stepped down as president and was replaced by Brian Kane - who then also became a target.

One of the earliest messages was a fax from 'Syed Hussain', who claimed to be a Saudi Arabian man whose claim Aetna had denied.

'You need to do serious prison time for your criminal activities in a maximum security facility where you will be constantly raped in the a**hole and defecated on by both your cell mates and the prison guards,' it read.

'In my home country - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabi (sic) - they would have already cut off your t*ts and sliced up your little tight c**t.

'Additionally, they would definitively behead a f**king corrupt b***h like you. You will not evade justice for much longer one way or the other you must pay for your crimes.'

Then on May 18, 2023, the same Aetna employee was sent a fax from 'Steve Hardi' that claimed the US justice system was 'so corrupt' people needed to 'take justice into their own hands'.

'You really need to have your f**king brains blown out while you are walking to your car in the Aetna parking lot one day,' it read.

'This will teach you f**king thieves to steal hundreds of millions of dollars. May you and Aetna executive management suffer much worse than your policy members.'

Two more of the letters he allegedly sent with disturbing threats

One letter was even sent to the home of an AstraZeneca executive on June 5, 2023, wishing revenge for 'your crimes that killed and injured so many Covid-19 vaccine recipients'.

'I hope you are violently raped with a lead pipe in your a**hole, I hope the defecate all over your face and then cut off your balls and your d**k before smashing in your f**king skull like it's a pinata (sic),' it read.

Another along the same lines was sent to a legal department employee at the vaccine maker on November 25 last year.

'Hopefully, once in prison other prisoners will defecate all over your faces and use your throats and mouths like toilet bowls, then rape you, torture you by inserting a butcher's knife with a six-inch blade into your rectums before strangling you and breaking your necks,' it read.

'May your husband and your two little f**king bastard children [children's names] suffer greatly when they become motherless when you are sent to prison.'

The letters became more overt this year, as the sender 'changes their wording from 'wishing' and 'hoping' that graphic and horrific violent actions 'should' be taken against the previous victims, to instead using more explicit threats'.

On March 22 came what the FBI called the 'most graphically violent and threatening letter', signed 'Someone Whose Family Was Severely Harmed by the Goddamn Greedy Aetna Management'.

The letter claimed Aetna claims adjusters and executives would be 'swiftly executed on live TV for your serious financial crimes' if they were in China or the Middle East, and again claimed citizens had to take justice into their own hands.

As 'payback' the letter promised two employees 'can expect' that they are and their families would be victims of 'horrific home invasion robberies in the near future' that appeared to be '100% random in nature'.

'You two f**king c**ts will be abducted, brutally raped, tortured and then have oyur bodies hacked up into small pieces which machetes or guillotine like devices,' it read.

'Finally, after this occurs, your dismembered body parts will be scattered throughout the Aetna campuses in OH, FL and CT to send a message to your management.'

On March 22 came what the FBI called the 'most graphically violent and threatening letter'

Then on April 11, 'Alex Stevens' emailed his wish that three appeals department staff would died horribly in a plane crash.

'I hope that the mechanics that work on the Aetna and CVS Health Corporate Jets deliberately tamper with the jets so that they crash one day soon and the three of you f**king greedy corrupt dishonest pieces of human excrement are all killed in a fiery plane crash,' it read.

The next day, 'Christopher Thomas' sent the same wish to the company's executives.

'I lost my stepdaughter recently because Aetna refused to pay for her reconstructive surgeries that she required from 3rd degree burns and she ended up killing herself as a result,' it read.

'I hope the four of you are burned alive in plane crashes, as you all travel very much.'

The threats continued to escalate with a particularly disturbing one from 'Greg Clark' on April 18 promising to teach four executives 'a lesson you will never forget'.

'Let's suppose the four of you are abducted one day soon from your homes during very violent and gruesome home invasion robberies,' it read.

'The for four f**kers are defecated on, tortured, and finally your kidnappers will place very small quantities of demolition explosives (Gelignite) in your orifices including your mouths, vaginas, and rectums not to kill you but to give you four f**kers third degree burns and then you four will all commit suicide yourselves!'

Another threat of violent home invasions was sent on April 24, with yet more horrific torture threats.

'The home invaders use power drills with 6 inch drill bits to drill multiple holes through your skulls but not before brutally torturing and raping you in every orifice like you have tortured and raped your policyholders for years,' it read.

FBI investigators allegedly identified Dynlacht through handwriting analysis on the handwritten letters and the addressed envelopes, his IP address on the emails, and postal data.

Agents then burst in at 6am and searched his apartment at Wentworth House Apartments in Rockville, Maryland, and allegedly found and unsent letter dated March 12, 2023, addressed to both companies.

Dynlacht will be arraigned in a Delaware court on June 13 and faces five years in jail if convicted.

'The nature of the messages appears to be out of character for a man who is fifty-four years old and has never incurred an arrest,' he lawyers wrote.

'Undersigned counsel needs time to have Mr Dynlacht psychologically evaluated so that an appropriate home plan can be developed.'

All the victims and their companies declined to comment.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has threatened to force a vote to impeach President Joe Biden this week over his border policies - prompting another headache for Speaker Mike Johnson.

Johnson distanced himself from the effort - and emphasized that impeachment needs to move through the probe led by the Oversight, Judiciary and Ways and Means Committees.

'I think President Biden is the worst president in the history of the country,' said Johnson. 'There may well be impeachable offenses. There's an investigation process.'

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has threatened to force a vote to impeach President Joe Biden this week over his border policies - prompting another headache for Speaker Mike Johnson

After first threatening the resolution on social media, Greene seemed resolute in calling it up for a vote after leaving an all-GOP conference meeting on Tuesday.

Asked what it would take for her to hold off on bringing forth an impeachment resolution, she replied: 'Impeachment.'

Johnson noted that the House already impeached Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of the southern border. 'Historically desperate times call for historic measures. It's a very rare thing to impeach a cabinet official, but we had to do it.

Last month Greene forced a vote on a motion to vacate Mike Johnson from the speakership that went down in failure.

Greene said Johnson is 'all talk,' and asked 'what's the point' of passing party-line legislation that dies in the Democratic-led Senate and at the president's desk.

'That means nothing. That's how people see it ... and Speaker Johnson's going to have to figure it out.'

'He needs to shut down the government over these things, use the power of the purse. I don't know that he's willing to do that, it's more talk.'

Greene even said Republicans should not be wasting time on 12 separate appropriations bills to fund the government in 2025 - a pivotal demand from most hard-right lawmakers who detest the 'omnibus' process that rolls funding for all agencies of government into one bill at the last minute.

'Republicans wanna be up here like "oh we're passing our 12 separate appropriation bills" that are going nowhere, by the way,' she said. Once the House passes their appropriations bills, they must be negotiated with the Senate's versions.

Johnson distanced himself from the effort - and emphasized that impeachment needs to move through the probe led by the Oversight, Judiciary and Ways and Means Committees

'Biden already said he's gonna veto this one, MIL-CON, what a waste of time,' she said, referencing the upcoming House vote on the funding bill for military construction and veteran's affairs.

But impeaching Biden in the House would also go nowhere - the Senate would not vote to convict the president.

The threat comes as President Biden on Tuesday afternoon will roll out a new executive order that's expected to cap asylum claims at 2,500 per day.

Over 350,000 migrants who entered the U.S. illegally have had their asylum court cases dismissed, allowing them to go free without a verdict on the merits of their entry, a bombshell new report indicates.
Indian prime Minister Narendra Modi has claimed his third General Election win despite a lackluster performance from his own party as it faced a stronger than expected challenge from his opponents.

'Today's victory is the victory of the world's largest democracy' he said, speaking at his party headquarters, after placing his faith in the ruling coalition, the National Democratic Alliance, which he said will form the government for the third consecutive time.

For the first time since Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party swept to power in 2014, it appeared unlikely that it would secure a majority on its own - but the prime minister's coalition was still expected to be elected to a third five-year term in the world's largest democratic exercise.

If Modi does have to rely on coalition support to govern, it would be a stunning blow for the 73-year-old, who had hoped for a landslide victory.

Early figures showed Modi on track to win another parliamentary majority after a six-week-long election that saw 642 million people vote in seven stages across the world's most populous country.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) flashes victory sign as he arrives at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters to celebrate the party's win in country's general election, in New Delhi on Tuesday, after claiming election victory for his party and its allies

With more than a quarter of votes counted by midday, election commission figures showed Modi's ruling BJP and its allies leading in at least 281 seats

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures, at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday

Modi said at the weekend he was confident that 'the people of India have voted in record numbers' to re-elect his government, a decade after he first became prime minister.

With more than a quarter of votes counted by midday, election commission figures showed Modi's ruling BJP and its allies leading in at least 281 seats.

A total of 272 seats are needed for a majority. In 2019, the BJP won 303 seats, while they secured 282 in 2014 when Modi first came to power.

Figures so far showed the BJP with a vote share two points higher than the party's last victory in 2019, but the party was forecast to win fewer seats.

But while the BJP may be celebrating, the victory during a particularly hot summer in India has come at the cost of dozens polling staff, who died of heatstroke.

At least 33 election workers died on the last day of voting from in just one state, the northern Uttar Pradesh.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi (pictured) has all but assured a victory in his nation's elections

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters celebrate after learning the initial general election results at party headquarters in New Delhi, India

Thinktank Freedom House said this year that the BJP had 'increasingly used government institutions to target political opponents'

The staff who died included security guards and cleaners, who died from heatstroke after the state reached a blazing high of 52.9C.

Officials said the families of the deceased will get just 15 million rupees (14,000) as compensation.

Analysts said that the scorching heat may have contributed to a lower voter turnout, and a top official admitted the polling should've been scheduled to end a month earlier.

Modi's opponents have struggled to counter the BJP's well-oiled and well-funded campaign juggernaut, and have been hamstrung by what they say are politically motivated criminal cases aimed at hobbling challengers.

Thinktank Freedom House said this year that the BJP had 'increasingly used government institutions to target political opponents'.

Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of the capital Delhi and a key leader in an alliance formed to compete against Modi, returned to jail on Sunday.

Many of India's 200 million-plus Muslim minority are increasingly uneasy about their futures

The polls were staggering in their size and logistical complexity

Turnout came to 66.3 percent, down roughly one percentage point from 67.4 percent in the last polls in 2019

Kejriwal, 55, was detained in March over a long-running corruption probe, but was later released and allowed to campaign as long as he returned to custody once voting ended.

'When power becomes dictatorship, then jail becomes a responsibility,' Kejriwal said before surrendering himself, vowing to continue 'fighting' from behind bars.

Many of India's 200 million-plus Muslim minority are increasingly uneasy about their futures and their community's place in the constitutionally secular country.

Modi himself made several strident comments about Muslims on the campaign trail, referring to them as 'infiltrators'.

The polls were staggering in their size and logistical complexity, with voters casting their ballots in megacities New Delhi and Mumbai, as well as in sparsely populated forest areas and in the high-altitude territory of Kashmir.

Votes were cast on electronic voting machines, so the tally will be rapid, with results expected later Tuesday.

Counting began in the morning at key tally centres in each state, with the data fed into computers.

Final voter data is yet to be released as repolling took place in two stations in West Bengal state on Monday

An election official shows an electronic voting machine to a polling agent

Activists of Trinamool Congress (TMC) party celebrate vote counting results for India's general election

'People should know about the strength of Indian democracy,' chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar said Monday, vowing there was a 'robust counting process in place'.

Election chief Kumar on Monday proclaimed the 642 million votes cast a 'world record'.

But based on the commission's figure of an electorate of 968 million, turnout came to 66.3 percent, down roughly one percentage point from 67.4 percent in the last polls in 2019.

Final voter data is yet to be released as repolling took place in two stations in West Bengal state on Monday.

India's major TV networks had reporters outside each counting centre, competing to flash results for each of the 543 elected seats in the lower house of parliament.

In past years, key trends have been clear by mid-afternoon with losers conceding defeat, even though full and final results may only come late on Tuesday night.

Celebrations are expected at the headquarters of Modi's BJP if the full results reflect exit poll predictions.

What a Modi victory means for the rest of the world

The US and Europe

President Joe Biden hosted Modi for a state dinner last year and has called ties with India the 'defining partnership of the 21st century'.

In February, Washington approved a $4 billion sale of state-of-the-art drones to India, the latest bolster to India's defence in a counterbalance to neighbouring China.

That deepening of ties has come despite rights groups sounding the alarm about threats to India's democracy and increased discrimination towards the 200-million-plus Muslim minority.

The relationship has not been entirely seamless, however.

The US Justice Department last year charged an Indian citizen with allegedly plotting an assassination attempt in New York approved by India's intelligence agency.

India also has strong ties with European countries.

With France, it hopes to expand multi-billion-dollar deals including the sale of Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines.

US President Joe Biden and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi toast during an official State Dinner

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris on July 13, 2023

China

Relations between the world's two most populous countries slumped in 2020 after their troops fought a deadly high-altitude skirmish along their 3,500-kilometre (2,200-mile) frontier.

Tens of thousands of troops from the nuclear-armed Asian giants continue to eyeball each other. Territorial claims remain a perennial source of tension.

Modi's right-wing government has pumped billions of dollars into border infrastructure and boosted military spending by 13 percent last year - but it is still barely a quarter of China's.

Despite their rivalry, China is India's second-largest trade partner.

Russia

New Delhi and Moscow have ties dating back to the Cold War and Russia remains by far the biggest arms supplier.

India has shied away from explicit condemnation of Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, abstained on UN resolutions censuring Moscow, and snapped up cut-price Russian crude oil supplies.

Modi in March congratulated President Vladimir Putin on his re-election, adding he was looking forward to developing their 'special' relationship.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin prior to their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on October 5, 2018

Pakistan

Modi's government has refused to engage with historic rival Pakistan since accusing Islamabad of cross-border terrorism.

The two nations have fought three wars and numerous smaller skirmishes since being carved out of the subcontinent's partition in 1947. Control of contested Kashmir has been at the centre of tensions.

In 2015 Modi made a surprise visit to the Pakistani city of Lahore but relations plummeted in 2019.

But in March, Modi congratulated Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif on his return to the premiership.

It was a rare expression of goodwill between leaders of the two nuclear-armed rivals, and raised hopes there could be a thawing of relations.
Drivers in Washington State are free to speed away from patrol cops without fear of being caught - a luxury that will soon change when a new state law goes into effect.

A controversial state law enacted in July 2021 restricted police officers from chasing suspects, which led to nearly 8,000 incidents of drivers fleeing law enforcement.

But the chase will resume on Thursday when cops in the state will have the authority to pull over suspected criminals after agencies saw a significant increase in fleeing drivers over the past three years.

'We've had three years now where the word is out: "The cops can't chase you,"' said Chris Loftis, communications director at the Washington State Patrol. 'Well, I think you're going to see people surprised when the cops do chase you.'

He added: 'We're hopeful that we're going to change driving behavior for the good, for the better.'

On Thursday, police agencies in the state will now have the authority to pull over suspected criminals three years after agencies saw a significant increase in fleeing drivers

In July 2021, Washington lawmakers passed legislation that required certain criteria be met in order for a police pursuit.

The 2021 laws were based on the argument that police chases did more harm than good, and could lead to accidents. The legislation also noted that people of color were targeted - mostly for low-level infractions, King5 News reported.

Between July 26, 2021, and March 31 of this year, drivers fled from troopers 7,941 times, according to Washington State Patrol.

In 2020, Washington State Patrol conducted 1,689 pursuits - that number dropped significantly when the 2021 law started.

Due to the law, troopers were not legally able to pursue the drivers who took off because the suspected crimes did not meet the strict criteria for police chases set by the Washington State Legislature.

Before the 2021 restriction, agencies did not track the number of motorists that did not pull over for police since lights and sirens would automatically force a driver to stop. But that changed after the controversial state law went into effect.

Loftis explained that word of the state's 'no-chase' policy spread quickly among criminals, and that was when the agency began documenting it.

'I saw a spike. Actually, it was more like a rocket,' he said. 'It went from a number so low that we didn't need to code it to something in the thousands that first year.'

In 2023, state patrol had the highest number of drivers fleeing

He also told the news outlet that cops 'lost the number of potential negative effects of pursuits, but we also then increased the number of times that people involved in criminal activity got away from us.'

During the three year period, 2023 was the highest number of fleeing incidents at a staggering 3,337.

Partly due to these figures, lawmakers lowered the threshold for police to pursue a suspect from probable cause to reasonable suspicion for limited crimes.

These limited crimes were considered to be violent offense, sex offense, or an escape, DUI, vehicular assault, and domestic violence assault in the first, second, third, or fourth-degree offense.

Loftis said car thefts, smash and grabs and various property crimes increased during this period.

'People were just ignoring the lights. They were just ignoring the sirens,' Loftis said.

In March, the state's House voted 77-20 to pass Initiative 2113. The initiative then passed the state Senate with a vote of 36-13.

Initiative 2113 will restore the authority of a police officer to chase a driver, when there is reasonable suspicion a person has violated the law

Agencies are gearing up for the change.

According to the Lakewood Police Department, drivers fled from the cops 727 times between July 2021 and March 31 of 2024, city data shows.

'It was just way off the charts, and we had never seen that before,' said Assistant Lakewood Police Chief John Unfred.

'Those are people who are escaping justice. Once they take off, it's hard to figure out who they are  who's behind the wheel.'

He noted that many of the drivers feeling the officers after the 2021 law changed were suspected of stealing cars.

'We have the suspect literally right there in front of us, and there's nothing we can do about it,' he said. 'It emboldened them.'

Later this week, when the new law goes into effect, Unfred said 'we are going to revert our policy essentially back to what it was before the 2021 law change.' But, he said, they will also be mindful of what the officers will do.

Before 2021, he said his department averaged nine pursuits every four months, and was 'already pretty restrictive.'

He added: 'We didn't chase everything.'

Both agencies - Lakewood PD and Washington State Patrol - will tread carefully and require officers to weigh the value of a police chance with the potential danger to the public.

Loftis added: 'We've always tried to find that balance of, 'Where does the risk exceed the reward of catching this person?'

Unfred said his department has already seen a shift in criminal behavior since the law was amended.

He said, in part: 'I think the word is already out there with the suspects that the law has changed, and you have to be careful.'
Congressional Democrats are triggered by Joe Biden's planned executive order to alter asylum claims for migrants who enter U.S. illegally, with some saying it won't work.

President Joe Biden is expected to announce Tuesday a new executive action to limit the number of illegal migrants who can claim asylum once a threshold of unlawful crossers has been reached.

The White House and some lawmakers have said it would help him 'shut down the border,' but that is far from true critics say.

The order will enable the president to revoke illegal immigrants' ability to claim asylum, which generally kicks-off a years-long court process.

Now, even Democrats are admitting that the expected plan to crack down on illegal immigration, months before an election, has major flaws.

'So it's not terribly likely that anything Biden is talking about doing can work without additional resources,' Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., one of the architects of this year's failed bipartisan border bill said.

A group of about 100 migrants wanting to cross into the U.S. along the Rio Grande in Mexico are shepherded away from the border by Mexican Army personnel on May 30

'Republicans are unwilling to provide the resources to fix the problem because they don't want to fix the problem,' he added, shifting the blame to the GOP.

'I think what we built would have worked in bringing order along the border in part because it was paired with some pretty significant reforms to the sound system and a massive increase in resources.'

Murphy claims that because Biden's plan does not include additional resources to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that the enforcement of such an action would be hampered.

Beyond the question of how will this order be enforced - the Democrat said he does not expect Biden's plan to be legal.

'I doubt that this is going to pass judicial muster,' Murphy said. 'It's a pretty extraordinary exercise of executive power.'

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., lamented that Congress failed the president, forcing him to take action.

'Joe Biden has made clear that his number one choice is for Congress to act,' she told DailyMail.com. 'Congress's failings have forced Joe Biden into this move.'

'He needs better tools. Congress has failed to do what it needs to do, both to give us border security and create a pathway to citizenship for the people who are here.'

Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said in a statement: 'By reviving Trump's asylum ban, President Biden has undermined American values and abandoned our nation's obligations to provide people fleeing persecution, violence, and authoritarianism with an opportunity to seek refuge in the U.S.'

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., an architect of the Senate's twice-failed bipartisan border and immigration deal, said that Biden's planned executive action won't work and likely will not 'pass legal muster'

Reports of the plan indicate that Biden would disallow asylum claims once a threshold of migrants claiming asylum in a week has been met. Migrants who enter illegally after that threshold is met would not meet enhanced DHS patrols, but would not be able to claim they are asylees, which are entitled to a long legal process to determine the validity of their claims

Previously Joe Biden and the White House have said they want Congress to make new laws for him to enforce on the border. Now, the White House is expected to go it alone and unilaterally order immigration reforms, something GOP lawmakers have said he could've done all along

Over in the House, Democrats also opposed Biden's plan.

'I'm concerned that this is just the enforcement-only side of the strategy,' Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., told DailyMail.com.

'The bottom line is House Democrats believe we can and should secure our border while opening up more legal pathways.'

The Californian said Biden should look to bolster temporary protected immigration statuses for those who cross into the U.S. illegally.

'Those are things that we can do and the Biden administration should be looking at,' Aguilar continued.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., wrote in a statement: 'It is extremely disappointing to see the Biden administration severely restricting access to asylum.'

'This attempt to shut down the border to asylum seekers uses the same section of U.S. immigration laws that convicted felon Donald Trump used to implement the Muslim Ban and in attempts to cut off all access to asylum.'

'While there are some differences from Trump's actions, the reality is that this utilizes the same failed enforcement-only approach, penalizes asylum seekers, and furthers a false narrative that these actions will 'fix' the border,' Jayapal continued.

A coalition of four moderate House Democrats wrote in a joint statement Tuesday: 'This order is an overdue step, but our Souther Border is still not secure. We've long demanded President Biden change course and empower the Border Patrol, and he's finally acting and listening to the law enforcement agents in the field, like we've been telling him to do.'

'But make no mistake: this job is far from over for the President and Congress,' the statement continued. 'Border security must be the top national security priority for President Biden.'

The statement was signed by Reps. Marie Glusenkamp Perez of Washington, Jared Golden of Maine, Mary Peltolta of Alaska and Don Davis of North Carolina.

A drone view shows the U.S.-Mexico border wall, in Jacumba Hot Springs, California. The area has been a hotspot of illegal immigration in recent months with people coming from all over the world to cross here - not just individuals from Central or South America

Migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border are told to move away from the wall by Mexican soldiers

Asylum-seeking migrants from Ecuador read a paper, which was handed out by a local volunteer, while waiting to be transported by the U.S. Border Patrol after crossing the border from Mexico into the U.S.

Republicans have also bashed the plan, calling it an election year maneuver to give Biden the facade of being tough on immigration.

'Our borders have been left vulnerable and the safety of our citizens compromised. And here we stand just five months before this critical election with Joe Biden and the Democrats grasping for a political lifeline,' Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., said at a Tuesday Senate GOP press event to bash the Biden plan.

'Their recent announcement is nothing more than a desperate ploy to distract from their failures,' he added.

Sen. Blackburn, R-Tenn., expressed the same sentiments at the event.

'Human trafficking, the sex trafficking, the numbers are adding up and here you go with an election year political gimmick to try to push this issue aside so that [Biden] can go to a debate and say, 'Well, I did something.''

An energized Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas., said at the presser that Biden and Democrat lawmakers have presided over 'a criminal invasion of the United States' by allowing over 10 million migrants to enter the U.S. since the president took office.

He alleged that Biden 'deliberately broke the system' and now in an election year the president is trying to fix it.

'On day one of his presidency, Joe Biden rolled into the White House. He got into the Oval, and he dismantled everything that President Trump had in place that kept a lid on these illegal border crossings,' Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said.

'So now here we are years later, and it has taken 10 million illegal border crossings for President Biden to step up and acknowledge that there is a crisis at the border and you know what, folks? It's his own making.'

After the event concluded Ernst was heard whispering into a live microphone.

'Bottom line, never trust a man whose uncle was eaten by cannibals,' an apparent jab at Biden for claiming that his uncle who died in WWII was eaten by people in Papa New Guinea.
Paperwork needed to initiate the recall of Zara Aleena's murderer to prison were delayed in being sent days before he killed her, an inquest has been told.

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 had been released from prison on licence on June 17, 2022 and, after breaching the conditions of his licence, his recall to prison was initiated on June 22, 2022.

The recall report was signed on June 24 and police were given powers to arrest him at 4.10pm the same day,

But East London Coroner's Court today heard there were delays in sending the papers out as the HMIP was still trying to allocate Mr McSweeney's case to a probation officer.

Zara Aleena, 35, was sexually assaulted and murdered while walking home from a night out in June 2022

Killer Jordan McSweeney, 31, had been recalled to prison two days before he killed Zara

Rajeev Thacker, barrister for Ms Aleena's family, put to Kim Thornden-Edwards, chief probation officer for England and Wales, that there were delays in sending the paperwork to initiate the recall of McSweeney.

Ms Thornden-Edwards replied: 'Yes, that's correct.'

Mr Thacker said: 'You accepted yesterday that the failures that had been identified by HMIP in the management of McSweeney, subject to one slight caveat, in very broad terms do you accept in that last period that essentially there were delays in allocating Mr McSweeney's case to a probation officer?'

Ms Thorden-Edwards said: 'Yes, I do accept that.'

The risk of serious recidivism (RSR) score after McSweeney was arrested for Ms Aleena's murder was medium, Mr Thacker said.

He asked Ms Thorden-Edwards if it struck her as odd that after someone has been arrested for murder they were rated as medium risk.

She responded: 'Yes it does, yes it does.'

Annie Rudge, probation service officer, told the court that prior to McSweeney's release from prison in 2020, she did not have any direct contact with him.

She said: 'The partnerships would have spoken about his case before he was released, but I don't remember having any direct contact with Mr McSweeney prior to his release.'

Ms Aleena's pictured) murder highlighted 'the crumbling justice system that is meant to protect all of us, especially women and girls', her aunt said

Zara's aunt Farah Naz (pictured) told the inquest on Monday that her niece was 'thriving' and looking forward to the year ahead

McSweeney was on licence when he was recalled to prison after being charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and robbery in February 2021, and Ms Rudge was asked why he was not rated as high risk to the public after the new charges.

Ms Rudge said: 'At the time he hadn't been convicted of the matters, he'd been arrested and charged.'

She added that she was advised by a colleague if McSweeney was convicted he would be changed to high risk.

Ms Aleena's aunt, Farah Naz, told the jury on Monday that the family is 'tortured by thoughts that (Zara's) death was preventable and that our state system that we entrusted failed our Zara, failed us'.

She added that her niece's murder highlighted 'the crumbling justice system that is meant to protect all of us, especially women and girls'.

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.

The inquest continues.
Were YOU on the flight with James Corden?

Comedian James Corden has been praised by as a 'top guy' after helping calm anxious passengers caught up in a holiday jet mid air drama.

Chloe Boemen, 52, and her student daughter Claire, 17, were among dozens of people told to 'brace themselves' as their BA flight from Portugal to Gatwick made an unscheduled stop following a technical hitch.

Software manager Chloe praised the Gavin and Stacey star for helping keep anxious passengers minds at ease as he posed for selfies and cracked jokes.

She added: 'James was such a top guy and really lovely man, he was reassuring people and was even handing out leftover croissants from the meal service.

'He was talking with people, shaking their hands and was putting everyone at ease. He was happy to pose for selfies and my daughter, who is a nervous flier, was so happy to have her picture taken with him. He was absolutely brilliant.

Chloe Boemen, 52, left, and her student daughter Claire, 17, centre, praised the Gavin and Stacey star for helping keep anxious passengers minds at ease as he posed for selfies and cracked jokes

James Corden vented his frustration at airport staff in Lisbon on Sunday, but onlookers insist the temperamental TV presenter was only voicing his opinion after enduring a nightmarish flight

'I think what wound everyone up was just the lack of communication from BA after the event - this all happened at the weekend and I've sent two emails to them about it and heard nothing. It's just not on.'

Drama started on the BA flight from Faro to Gatwick last Friday shortly after takeoff and passengers were left frightened after a tannoy announcement warned them to adopt the 'brace position' as they came in to land at Lisbon airport.

Chloe, from Maidenhead, Berkshire, said: 'Apparently there was an issue with the flaps and we had to circle Lisbon for about an hour before we landed as we couldn't go back to Faro because the runway was too short.

'The message came over that we should adopt the brace position just before we landed and it wasn't an exercise it was real and that's when some people started to get worried.

'I've flown a lot so wasn't too bothered but my daughter gets anxious and scared but James had been brilliant walking up and down beforehand reassuring everyone.

'He was on the flight in business with his wife and kids but he was more than happy to have a chat with everyone and crack jokes and pose for selfies.

'After we landed he sort of became an unofficial leader and everyone followed him off the plane and into the terminal.

'We had been told we wouldn't be left alone and hotels would be provided but they weren't so in the end I booked one for my daughter and myself at the airport.

Corden seen confronting an airline employee and airport staff in Portugal. Terry Watts can be see on the left as James spoke to airport staff

James Corden enjoyed a stroll in sunny London as he was seen for the first time since the incident

'I didn't see James after that as we had left and it was getting quite late by now, we had been hanging around at the airport for more than three hours.'

After reaching their hotel at 11.30pm BA emailed Chloe to say a replacement flight would be leaving from Lisbon at 9.30am the next morning and they should be at the airport for 7.30am at the latest.

Chloe said: 'We got there on time and one of the first people I saw was James and his family which surprised me as I thought he would have made other arrangements.

'But no, he was there with the rest of us and got on the replacement flight and he was still chatting, cracking jokes and smiling. He made what could have been an awful end to the holiday actually quite entertaining and I can't thank him enough.'

Chloe added: 'He was really looking out for the other passengers who had children and was just as annoyed as were about the shoddy service.

'He wasn't shouting or having a go he was very polite and just explaining how frustrated we all were by the situation.'

It comes as other customers have come out on the comic's side as they said he was not a 'bad guy' and should be 'thanked' for standing up for families.

James was later seen giving staff a piece of his mind in the terminal, after those on board were told to 'adopt' the brace position before the aircraft's emergency landing due to a problem with flaps on the wing.

Behind him in the pictures was Terry Watts, from Kent, who had been on the BA jet with his wife Rhian and three-year-old daughter.

Rhian Watts and husband Terry had been on the BA jet with his wife Rhian and three-year-old daughter.

Mrs Watts defended Mr Corden's behaviour and blasted those making 'negative comments towards him', and said that he was cheering people up when they spent hours on the plane with 'no food or drink offered'. She also slammed 'rude and abusive' Portuguese airport staff.

She told MailOnline: 'At no point was James rude or shouting. And I thank him for making it clear to staff that the situation was not good enough. I think it's sad that people are so quick to judge him as a bad guy'.

Explaining what happened, she said: 'James and my husband were simply speaking to the BA staff to recount the poor service they had experienced. The BA staff were shocked and disgusted by the lack of response from staff. James and my husband spoke to them for a while and then returned to the queue where us as their families were waiting for them'.

Mrs Watts said that BA staff on board the plane 'were amazing' - but they were unhappy with how they were treated when they landed.

'We were all traumatised by hearing the emergency message telling us to brace ourselves and James was right, the passengers particularly children were traumatised.

'However, the real issue was the way we were dealt with when we entered the airport. The BA staff had been informed there was a plan and BA staff would be there to meet us.

'There were no BA staff and the Portuguese airport staff were rude and abusive to the point that they actually pushed children out of the queue.

'All after hours of being on a plane that we were told would crash land and having no food or drink offered throughout the whole process'.

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

Rhian, pictured with Terry, said that James was not the ''bad guy' and should be thanked for what he did

Fellow travellers told how Corden posed for selfies with them and joked about revealing the ending of Gavin and Stacey's Christmas special as they feared for their lives.

Vanessa, a passenger who was on the flight with her mother and husband, said: 'It was something along the lines of, ''Gather your possessions as best you can, take off your shoes, and when you're told to by the airplane staff, please adopt the brace position and when we land if you're able, please find your nearest emergency exit and vacate the plane''.

'Basically, what had happened was the flaps on the airplane wing which are supposed to go down when you are in the air won't go down, which meant that they wouldn't 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.

Vanessa confirmed the comedian confronted 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,' Vanessa told Metro. 'We're 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.

'The people he's 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 who've got all these kids with them?'' saying that's not acceptable. It's not right.'

And Vanessa claims Corden - who once fell out with a New York restaurateur 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 we're 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 can't 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 can't tell you that either.''

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.

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!'

Corden in New York City (left) and Balthazar's owner Keith McNally (right)

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 and his wife Julia Carey are accused of sending back an egg yolk omelette 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 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.

Corden admitted that he was 'ungracious' to a Balthazar waiter when he made a snide remark he'd cook the egg yolk omelette 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)

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 omelette and receiving a plate with egg white on it. The final straw was when the remade omelette 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 omelette 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.'
JK Rowling told police she was left looking over her shoulder and feared for her family's safety after a troll threatened to kill her 'with a big hammer', a court heard as he avoided jail.

Glenn Mullen, 31, sent audio messages in Scottish Gaelic to the Harry Potter author and Labour MP Rosie Duffield in public X, formerly Twitter, on 19 January last year.

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard someone who saw the Tweets and understood Gaelic complained to police, who then carried out an investigation to identify the speaker.

In the message to Rowling he said: 'I'm going to kill JK Rowling with a big hammer. JK Rowling is very horrible and I hate her so much.'

In the message to Ms Duffield, who is also opposed to transgender reforms, he said: 'I'm going to kill Rosie Duffield with a big gun. I hate her so much.'

The MP said she is now 'in constant fear of attack' - particularly in the wake of the murders of fellow politicians Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.

Prosecutor Frances McCormack said: 'JK Rowling sets out she was on Twitter and noted a Tweet she was copied in, she was able to identify it was a man speaking in Gaelic.

JK Rowling told police she was left looking over her shoulder and feared for her family's safety after a troll threatened to kill her 'with a big hammer', a court heard

Glenn Mullen, 31, sent audio messages in Scottish Gaelic to the Harry Potter author and Labour MP Rosie Duffield in public X, formerly Twitter , on 19 January last year

'She read the comments and what the clip said and she remembered the clip said she would be killed with a hammer or that he would kill me.

'She saw the article identifying the person behind the accounts.

'She has received a large number of threats from a lot of people over the last three years but she said this was more serious because it was an audio clip.

'She sets out the targeted number of people and the threats were very specific, she sets out the choice of language was odd and as a result it made her look over her shoulder and fear for her family.

'She has received threats such as these before and in the aftermath the threats have been acted on.'

Ms Rowling has had security for 20 years but had to increase her security measures following the threats.

Ms Duffield, who has been an MP for seven years and will restand for her seat in the upcoming election, said she felt particularly threatened following the murders of her fellow politicians Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.

Ms McCormack continued: 'Her immediate reaction was that she was upset and distressed.

Rosie Duffield said she is now 'in constant fear of attack' - particularly in the wake of the murders of fellow politicians Jo Cox and Sir David Amess

Mullen, of Clyde Road, Manchester, admitted two charges of sending a communication conveying a threatening message

'She did not tell her family initially because she was scared and she did not want to upset them.

'As an MP she has to speak to members of the public.

'She has become paranoid of attending the events because of the threat she received. She is in constant fear of attack.

'She is mindful of the safety of herself but also the safety of her staff and this is at the forefront of her mind.

'She has been advised as a result of this threat not to be alone.'

'He (Mullen) expressed a deep sense of frustration to the prominent figures and he said he used Gaelic because he did not think anybody would be able to understand.'

The court heard Mullen was of previous good character and got fired from his previous job after the Tweets were found.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told Mullen: 'I am not going to send you to prison today, I am going to give you a prison sentence but I am going to suspend it.

Ms Rowling has had security for 20 years but had to increase her security measures following the threats

'You have pleaded guilty to two charges under the Malicious Communications act.

'You sent a message to JK Rowling and you sent a message to Rosie Duffield MP.

'The communications offences are there for a very specific reason.

'You did say about JK Rowling, 'I am going to take her out with a hammer, she is a very terrible person, I hate her.'

'To Rosie Duffield, you went even further. This is a higher culpability, greater harm case, it is higher culpability because there were significant threats of violence.

'This is not just disagreeing with their views, this is threatening significant violence with them.

'There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, there is strong personal mitigation and more importantly I don't think this will be repeated, you are not a threat to the public.

'This is out of character from what I have read. I do believe your remorse is genuine and that goes in your favour.

'In those circumstances, I will suspend the sentence.'

Mullen, of Clyde Road, Manchester, admitted two charges of sending a communication conveying a threatening message.

He was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months.

Mullen also must complete 20 days of a community order within the next 12 months and 150 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay costs of 85.
The woman who hurled a milkshake over Nigel Farage as he launched his campaign to become an MP is a Jeremy Corbyn-supporting OnlyFans model who hails from a family of Brexiteers, MailOnline can reveal.

Victoria Thomas-Bowen, 25, was arrested by police on suspicion of assault after she drenched the new Reform leader as he stepped out of a Wetherspoons in Clacton, Essex.

She has since used the stunt to try and bring viewers to her 'explicit XXX' content page, posting a photo of herself scantily clad alongside the link and the lyrics 'my milkshake brings all the boys to the yard'.

Dramatic pictures show how the mother-of-one dodged Mr Farage's burly minders before flinging the contents of a McDonald's cup towards him. It caught him full in the face.

Mr Farage, who previously dubbed Clacton the 'most patriotic' town in Britain, merely wiped his eyes and continued.

Speaking from his home in nearby Jaywick, her Brexit-voting brother Paul told MailOnline: 'I have just seen it, and to be honest, I'm appalled. I don't know where she is. I don't want anything to do with her.'

Despite posting a video on X with the caption 'my milkshake brings all the people to the rally' in reference to the 2003 song Milkshake, Farage admitted it was 'quite frightening'.

Nigel Farage was drenched by a woman after being mobbed by crowds in what he described as the 'most patriotic' town in Britain

The woman who was arrested for dramatically throwing a milkshake over Nigel Farage is a Jeremy Corbyn-supporting OnlyFans model, MailOnline can reveal

She has since used the stunt to try and bring viewers to her 'explicit XXX' content page, posting a photo of herself scantily clad alongside the link and the lyrics 'my milkshake brings all the boys to the yard'

Victoria Thomas-Bowen, 25, was arrested by police on suspicion of assault after she drenched the new Reform leader as he stepped into the huge mob

Thomas, who is an OnlyFans model with more than 18,100 followers on Instagram, appears to be a Labour supporter, previously pledging her support to Keir Starmer's party

The blonde young woman who threw the milkshake over the politician

The incident has led to wide condemnation from MPs all across the political spectrum including Labour's Yvette Cooper who called it a 'disgrace' and 'completely unacceptable and wrong'.

But Thomas-Bowen, who films her x-rated video clips in the spare bedroom of her mother's 260,000 house in Grays, told the BBC she flung the banana milkshake because she 'just felt like it'.

'He doesn't stand for me', the self-described 'petite blonde pocket rocket' added. 'He doesn't represent anything I believe in, or any of the people around here. He doesn't represent us, he's not from here.'

She has since posted support for her actions on her social media - who said they 'could not be more proud' of her.

She then posted a photo of herself dressed only in her underwear and sports socks in a provocative pose, alongside a link to her Onlyfans website and the lyrics to the song Milkshake.

Thomas-Bowen previously voiced her support for Jeremy Corbyn on Facebook and called for Britons to boycott the late Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Last November, the model flew out to Istanbul for a nose job.

She told her subscribers she underwent the procedure to make her nose 'smaller' and 'prettier'.

Posting pictures of her recovery - and showing off the difference before and after - Thomas-Bowen said she loved her new nose 'so much' and was already breathing better.

Mr Farage was flanked as usual by burly security as he left a pub, but they could do nothing as the women flung the contents of what appeared to be a McDonald's cup towards him

It caught him full in the face, although he merely wiped his eyes and continued

Aides played down the impact saying the milkshake 'barely stained' Mr Farage's suit

Onlookers were shocked by the dramatic events in Clacton this afternoon

The woman, who would only give her name as Victoria, strolled away smirking after drenching the politician

Reacting to the incident, the Reform UK leader told ITV: 'I don't know what was thrown at me but it hit me in the face fair and square. Quite frightening.'

He went on to say he thinks he keeps having the dairy drink thrown at him because he goes 'out to meet the public and nobody else does'.

The incident has echoes of 2019, when he fell victim to a similar stunt in Newcastle.

Home Secretary James Cleverly led condemnation of the attack, saying it was 'unacceptable' against any politician. Reform allies branded the assailant a 'juvenile moron' and said it would only boost their support.

It came after the Brexit champion told a huge crowd of local voters the Tories had 'betrayed' their trust and warned Rishi Sunak would pay a 'big price' at the general election on 4 July.

Shouts from the crowd included 'get 'em Nige' and 'we love you Nigel' as huge numbers of Mr Farage's supporters gathered near Clacton pier.

Mr Farage's campaign launch in the Essex seat came after he yesterday performed a stunning U-turn on his previous decision not to stand for Parliament.

The 60-year-old has made a dramatic return to the political frontline and also been installed as Reform UK leader in place of Richard Tice.

In 2019 Mr Farage was hit with a banana milkshake while banging the drum for the Brexit Party. His assailant was later ordered to carry out community work and pay 350 in compensation.

Mr Farage made light of the episode, buying a round of banana milkshakes for the snappers

Thomas-Bowen told reporters afterwards: 'He doesn't stand for me, he doesn't represent anything I believe in, or any of the people around here.'

An Essex Police statement said: 'Officers have made two arrests after responding to a report a drink was thrown at a man in Clacton.

'We were called to the area of Marine Parade East, Clacton, at around 2.10pm today...

'A 25-year-old woman, from Clacton, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault.

'While officers were responding and making this arrest, a second individual, a man, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

'Both individuals remain in custody for questioning.'

Richard Tice, Mr Farage's predecessor as Reform UK leader, said: 'The juvenile moron who threw a drink over Nigel has just gained us hundreds of thousands more votes.

'We will not be bullied or threatened off the campaign trail.'

Mr Farage's campaign in Clacton - a constituency once held by Ukip when he was the party's leader - will be his eighth attempt to enter Westminster.

He will need to overturn a 31,000 Conservative majority from the last election with only minor boundary changes in the seat.

However, Tories have been sounding gloomy about their prospects and pollsters believe Mr Farage is in with a strong chance.

Grumbling has been surfacing about Rishi Sunak's failure to head off the threat of Mr Farage standing, with suggestions he should have been given a peerage before.

The developments have heaped more pressure on Mr Sunak ahead of a head-to-head debate tonight where he is seen as having to land blows on Keir Starmer. More polls today have shown Labour on track for a massive landslide on July 4.

As he launched his campaign at the Moon and Starfish this afternoon, Mr Farage made reference to the town's past support for Ukip when it elected Tory defector Douglas Carswell as the local MP.

He said: 'Without Clacton, Brexit would not have happened - so thank you Clacton!'

Mr Farage vowed to be a 'bloody nuisance' in the House of Commons should he be elected in a month's time.

Home Secretary James Cleverly and Brendan Cox, widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, were among those condemning the attack today

Mr Farage was accosted by supporters as he visited Jaywick near Clacton today

Mr Farage got up close and personal with one woman who seemed pleased to see him

Just Nigel Farage getting a beer chucked at him pic.twitter.com/txnioRDyrD  RobGoff (@robertagoffin) June 4, 2024

In 2019 Mr Farage was hit with a banana milkshake while banging the drum for the Brexit Party

Nigel Farage today hailed Clacton-on-Sea as the 'most patriotic' part of Britain as he launched his bid to become the seaside town's new MP

The Reform UK leader was mobbed by his supporters as huge numbers gathered near Clacton pier

Shouts from the crowd included 'get 'em Nige' and 'we love you Nigel' as the veteran eurosceptic launched his latest bid to enter Parliament

As he launched his campaign this afternoon, Mr Farage made reference to the town's past support for Ukip when it elected Tory defector Douglas Carswell as the local MP

The Brexit champion told local voters the Tories had 'betrayed' their trust and warned PM Rishi Sunak he would pay a 'big price' at the general election on 4 July

His campaign launch in the Essex seat came after Mr Farage yesterday performed a stunning U-turn on his previous decision not to stand for Parliament

The 60-year-old has made a dramatic return to the political frontline and also been installed as Reform UK leader in place of Richard Tice (pictured right)

Mr Farage's campaign in Clacton - a constituency once held by Ukip when he was the party's leader - will be his eighth attempt to enter Westminster

The Reform UK leader will need to overturn a 31,000 Conservative majority in Clacton from the last election with only minor boundary changes in the seat

Speaking at the rally in Clacton, Mr Farage said the Tories deserved to be punished for their 'betrayal' over Brexit.

The Reform UK leader said: 'We made an offer to the British people, we could get back our independence and control of our borders.

'But what has happened? The Conservatives have betrayed that trust. They've opened up the borders to mass immigration like we've never seen before.

'And they deserve to pay a price for that, a big price for that.'

Mr Farage earlier called for the UK to have 'zero' net migration and defended controversial comments about Muslims.

The newly-installed Reform UK leader, who has sent Conservatives panicking with his return to the political frontline, said immigration had 'exploded' in recent years.

The Brexiteer insisted certain sectors of the economy would have to put up with shortages in a bid to reduce the number of arrivals into the country.

Mr Farage claimed this would drive up wages and 'encourage people to learn skills rather than heading off to university and doing social sciences'.

He also risked stirring up a fresh row this morning in a fiery clash with BBC Radio 4 Today presenter Mishal Husain.

Mr Farage doubled down on his view that a growing number of British Muslims 'do not subscribe to British values', which has been branded 'ignorant and offensive'.

He also defended claims that there are some streets in Britain where 'no one speaks English'.

Challenged about his remarks, Mr Farage replied: 'I could take you streets in Oldham right now where no one speaks English.'

But he declined to comment on whether his own children spoke a second language, when asked how he knew people in Oldham were not multilingual.

The 60-year-old has vowed to lead a 'political revolt' against the Tories and Labour after his bombshell announcement that he will lead Reform for the next five years.

In a round of TV and radio interviews this morning, Nigel Farage launched a direct attack on the Tories over immigration numbers

The newly-installed Reform UK leader, who has sent Conservatives panicking with his return to the political frontline, said immigration had 'exploded' in recent years

In a round of interviews today, Mr Farage launched a direct attack on the Tories over immigration numbers and firmly ruled out a pact with Rishi Sunak's party.

He told the BBC: 'We have been betrayed by a Conservative Party that I gave considerable help to in 2019.

'We were told that we would get control of our borders, we were told the immigration numbers would come down, they have exploded.

'I feel betrayed by them, millions of voters feel betrayed by them.'

Mr Farage claimed the Tories were 'well past their sell-by-date, the brand is ruined, they've lost the election already'.

He added: 'We cannot go on as we are - we have to limit numbers.

'Our lives, our quality of life in this country, is being diminished by the population explosion.

'And if that means that in some sectors there'd be shortages, what that then means is wages will go up and we'd start to encourage people to learn skills rather than heading off to university and doing social sciences.'

Mr Farage stated his aim was to have 'net migration at zero', which would allow 'room within the labour market for up to 600,000 people' to come to Britain each year.

Latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics suggested that 1.2 million people migrated into the UK last year and 532,000 people emigrated from it.

This left a net migration figure of 685,000 for 2023.

In a later interview, Mr Farage suggested his long-term aim was to effectively take over the Conservative Party.

He told ITV's Good Morning Britain he could not stand for or seek to lead the Conservative Party 'as they currently are'.

But he added: 'You can speculate as to what'll happen in three or four years' time, all I will tell you is if Reform succeed in the way that I think they can, then a chunk of the Conservative Party will join us  it's the other way around.'

He pointed to Canada, where 'Reform did a reverse takeover of the Conservative Party, rebranded it and Stephen Harper  who was elected as a Reform MP  became the Canadian prime minister for 10 years'.

He said: 'I don't want to join the Conservative Party, I think the better thing to do would be to take it over.'

Mr Farage last night used an op-ed for The Telegraph to argue that Britons are 'furious' at how both Labour and the Conservatives have approached immigration.

He added there is also 'deep anger' at the rate at which public services are 'disintegrating'.

Home Secretary James Cleverly this morning sought to play down the impact of Mr Farage's decision to stand in the election.

'The last time I heard him make reference to Clacton, he was saying that he didn't want to spend every Friday in Clacton,' the Cabinet minister told Sky News.

'Reform has always been a vehicle for Nigel Farage's self-promotion, I think Richard Tice is now discovering that rather painfully.'
A comedian who was punched in the face by furious father has apologised for an inappropriate sexualised joke about his attackers three-month-old son after footage of the attack went viral.

Jaime Caravaca, a Spanish comedian, was in the middle of performing a monologue during a Madrid show on Monday night when he was suddenly interrupted by the enraged father, who walked on stage and dealt him a brutal blow to the head.

The attacker, named as Alberto Pugilato, was heard saying: 'Those paedophilic comments about my son...say them to my face...you piece of trash...now!'.

Responding to the brutal scene today, the comic apologised for 'an unfortunate and not at all appropriate comment' - with Pugilato accepting the apology and saying he wished his opponent 'all the best'.

The hard-left comedian had posted about far-right activist Pugilato's baby the day before on social media - saying 'No one will be able to avoid the possibility of [your son] being gay' and that when he is older he will become sick of 'sucking black d***''.

Spanish comedian Jaime Caravaca was performing a set in Madrid on Monday when an enraged Alberto Pugilato approached him on stage

Pugilato then threw a punch at Caravaca, sending the comedian to the corner of the stage

Pugilato had posted a photo of him and his young son on X, with a caption saying 'Pride and joy'.

He then turned up at the comedian's show to confront him, with audience members trying to defuse the situation - but not before he managed to strike a blow.

Speaking today on social media, Caravaca said: 'After what happened, what was intended to be a joke was ultimately an unfortunate and not at all appropriate comment on my part.

'My apologies to anyone who feels affected. Let's put violence aside, and leave a good world for people to grow free.'

And posting underneath, Pugilato responded: 'I accept your apology, Jaime. I defend freedom of expression in the same way that I defend the right to respond.

'I do not wish you any harm and I hope this helps others understand that children are sacred. All the best.'

Shouting at Caravaca during his set, Pugilato said: 'What were you saying, huh? That my son was going to eat c***? He's three-months-old. Trash. Now what? Say it to my face...say it to my face now.'

Cornered, Caravaca watches in shock as Pugilato calls him out for making 'paedophilic' comments about his three-month old son

'What were you saying, huh? That my son was going to eat c***? He's three-months-old. Trash. Now what? Say it to my face...say it to my face now,' Pugilato was heard saying in a video that has gone viral in Spain

An unidentified man tries to interfere, to which Pugilato responds: 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm just a father who is defending his child. He has made sexualising comments about my three-month-old son.'

He then points to Caravaca and says: 'That has its consequences', before calling him a 'clown'. He then smacks him in the face again and walks off stage.

Police were later called to the scene, but made no arrests as the comedian chose not to file a complaint against the aggressor.

Pugilato has since commented on the attack, telling MultiCanal Radio, 'I have been very uneasy, with a feeling that I have not had in my life, very unpleasant and until I have had it in front of me I have not found peace'.

The video, which surfaced on X, has spread like wildfire, putting its two protagonists in the spotlight.

Pugilato's motivation for punching the comedian were related to a comment made by Caravaca the day before on X, after the father had posted a photo with his son. In the comments, Caravaca said the baby was gay, and said would become sick from 'sucking black c***'

Pugilato, a member of a self-titled music band, is also known for his involvement in far-right movements, according to Spanish newsoutlet, El Mundo. He often shares messages against illegal immigration and the LGBT community.

According to El Mundo, his songs also make homophobic, xenophobic and racist remarks.

In his tune 'I Swear', the lyrics say: 'an iron eagle shows us the way', referencing the Nazi imperial eagle.

He also has an active social media presence, with more than 30,000 followers on X.

A few days ago, he reposted a video in which a person is seen burning a LGBT flag and doing the Nazi salute.

Far-right activist Alberto Pugliato has been thrust into the spotlight after a video of him punching Spanish comedian Jaime Caravaca on Monday night went viral

Pugliato's attack on Caravaca came after the comedian made inappropriate comments on X about the activist's three-month-old son

Pictured: Pugliato is a far-right activist, known for posting messages against illegal immigration and the LGBT community

Caravaca is his polar opposite, known in Spain for his left-wing stance and his LGBT activism, as well as his irreverent and sarcastic comedic style.

Several have defended the comedian, and his right to free speech.

'He (Pugliato) is not capable of understanding that his son could be gay', an X user commented, while another said: 'What father doesn't defend his child? What a disgusting comic...if he needs to say those things to gain notoriety...'.

Another user said: 'Don't mess with kids', while another commented: 'not very funny now, is it?', in reference to the punches received by the comedian.

It is not the first time that Caravaca has made jokes about children.

Spanish comedian Jaime Caravaca (left) was punched in the face mid-performance on Monday night by Alberto Pugilato, after leaving inappropriate comments about the latter's newborn on X

Caravaca is a comedian known in Spain for his left-wing stance and his LGBT activism, as well as his irreverent and sarcastic comedic style. This is not the first time he has made inappropriate jokes about children. He made similar remarks on X on politican Monica Lora's post which showed a child holding a Vox flag

When the Catalonia deputy for the nationalist political party Vox, Monica Lora, posted an image of a little boy holding a Vox flag on social media, Caravaca commented that the boy was 'going to be gay whether you like it or not'.

He also added that the child was 'going to swallow black worker's c***'.

Following the attack, Pugilato took to X to post a picture of his dinner: a plate of ham and steak, captioned: 'Savouring a job well done'.

The attack is reminiscent of Will Smith's notorious Oscars slap back in 2022, in which the American actor walked on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock across the face while he presented the Best Documentary Feature.

The slap had been in response to a joke Rock made about Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head.
Fox News' Brit Hume has accused Lara Trump of 'political malpractice' for blasting a Republican Senate candidate for not being loyal to her father-in-law Donald Trump.

The Republican National Committee co-chair went after former Maryland Republican Governor and Senate candidate Larry Hogan for saying Americans should 'respect' the verdict in the hush money trial.

Most Republicans claimed Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records after a 'political' trial.

But Hogan went against the rest of his party and sparked threats from within the GOP that they would pull support from his 2024 Senate campaign.

But Hume, Fox News' chief political analyst, said Republicans going after their own candidates was a 'political malpractice.'

Fox News' Brit Hume called criticism from Lara Trump of Larry Hogan for his response to the Trump verdict 'political malpractice.' Hogan is running as a Republican for the Senate

'Maryland is a very blue state,' said Hume. 'And Larry Hogan, who remained popular as a Republican governor and remains that way to this day, is giving the Republican party the best chance it's had in a long time to elect a Republican to the Senate.'

'The Lara Trumps of the world ought to be saying 'please Mr. Hogan, please Governor Hogan, you do whatever you have to do to get elected, and some of the things you say and you believe in don't agree with what I think, that's OK, do what you have to do,' Hume said.

Hume went on 'that's how politics is played by smart people.'

He warned the Trump team could be repeating the same mistake it made in 2020 when the ex-president 'gummed up the works' in Georgia, and Republicans lost the Senate seat there.

After the historic verdict in the Trump trial was handed down, Hogan wrote on X: '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 leaders  regardless of party must not pour fuel on the fire with more toxic partisanship,' he went on. 'We must reaffirm what has made this nation great: the rule of law.'

Lara Trump and other members of the Trump campaign did not take kindly to his response.

When asked about his post during an appearance on CNN, Lara Trump said she not only did she not support it, but suggested the party was willing to pull support from a GOP candidate who could help the party flip the Senate for Republicans.

'He doesn't deserve the respect of anyone in the Republican party at this point, and quite frankly anybody in America if that's the way you feel,' she said.

'We of course want to win as a party, but that is a shame, and I think he should have thought long and hard before he said that publicly,' she continued when pressed over whether it was worth conceding a seat to Democrats.

Brit Hume said on Fox News that the 'Lara Trumps of the world' should be telling Hogan to do whatever he needs to get elected. 'That's how politics is played by smart people,' Hume said

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

Lara Trump was not the only backer of the former president to go after Hogan.

Trump campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita wrote in response to his post 'You just ended your campaign.'

You just ended your campaign https://t.co/LJDuQ4oj0A  Chris LaCivita (@LaCivitaC) May 30, 2024

Republicans are looking to reclaim the Senate this fall from Democrats who currently hold a one seat majority. The GOP has a friendly election map to help them get there, but the addition of Hogan running in Maryland upped their chances.

Hogan was a popular GOP governor in the blue state. Polls show him entrance into the race to replace retiring Democratic Senator Ben Cardin made it competitive in a state that would otherwise be a safe seat for Democrats.
Police officers are being given lessons on Scotlands role in the slave trade under a new training scheme for probationers, it has been revealed.

The course is part of a revised induction process for trainees which also looks at Scottish history and the ethics of policing.

Officers are told about the part Scots played in slavery in a bid to tackle prejudice and boost understanding of equality and inclusion in the ranks.

The disclosure comes after former Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone sparked anger among officers last year after claiming his own force was institutionally racist and discriminatory.

But it also comes after top brass said cash-strapped Police Scotland could no longer afford to fully investigate thousands of minor crimes under a new proportionate strategy response.

Scottish Conservative Justice spokesman Russell Findlay said lessons about slavery for Police Scotland probationers was "an exercise in virtual signalling"

Last night there was concern from police leaders and opposition politicians that the slavery course was virtue-signalling and may be regarded as box-ticking.

David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), representing rank-and-file officers, said: Most officers would know about slavery and would have been taught about it before getting the job  and if not maybe thats a problem for wider society and the education system, for example, rather than policing.

This flows from Sir Iains statement about racism last year but I dont believe the service is now  or was then  a racist organisation.

It may be that some of this training content is relevant but most officers would prefer to be properly trained and equipped for the job - and some of them may see this as box-ticking, and something that shouldnt be such a priority.

Tom McMahon, director of strategy and analysis at Police Scotland, said the force had introduced a revised delivery model for probationer training.

In documents submitted to the people committee of the Scottish Police Authority, the civilian oversight body for Police Scotland, he said this will include a lesson on Scottish history and the ethics of policing, educating on the role Scotland played in slavery and significant events over the years and their impact on policing then and now.

He said: There will also be a lesson on Scottish communities including current demographic information and any cultural barriers that exist and problems encountered.

But last night Scottish Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay said: Police Scotland would be better devoting attention on tackling criminal gangs who exploit victims of modern slavery rather than indulge in history lessons for new recruits.

People from poorer countries are routinely smuggled into Scotland where they are threatened, with male victims typically subject to enforced labour and females forced into prostitution.

This exercise in virtue-signalling is also questionable given recent concerns about the quality of officer training in respect of the SNPs hate crime law.

Last week Chief Constable Jo Farrell said she was sorry for recent and historical injustices suffered by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex people.

In December last year, a watchdog disclosed that potential police recruits had withdrawn their job applications after Sir Iain said the force was institutionally racist - a position backed by Ms Farrell when she replaced him in October 2023.

Craig Naylor  His Majestys Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland  said Sir Iains statement had left many officers feeling disenchanted.

In an excoriating report into how Police Scotland is run, he said the comments led to public negativity towards officers and their families.

Earlier this week, the Mail reported that police officers are quitting in their droves amid heavy workloads and stress as the force faces a perfect storm of recruitment and retention, according to exit interviews.

Those leaving Police Scotland told the SPF about a lack of support from bosses and welfare issues.

According to the SPFs exit survey, those leaving said there was a complete lack of any strategic leadership and a do-more-with-less attitude among managers.

Last year a top academic and race adviser suggested that slavery lessons should be introduced in Scottish schools to teach children about Britains colonial past.

Sir Geoff Palmer, chancellor of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, said classes on slavery should be viewed as core subjects in the same way as maths and English.

He previously reviewed Edinburghs past role in slavery and colonialism, which led City of Edinburgh Council to apologise for suffering caused by the citys involvement in the trade.

Asked about the slavery course last night, a Police Scotland spokesman reiterated a previous statement by Ms Farrell in which she said people from all communities must know that when we talk about keeping people safe, we mean them.

She said: All communities must feel able to speak to the police, to report a crime or to share information.

I want people from all communities to see policing as a potential career.
A Pride flag is currently flying on public property in California despite a vote by the city council limiting which flags can be displayed.

The only ones allowed on city flagpoles in Downey are the American, Californian, and prisoners-of-war flags.

But a ceremony on Monday saw one raised in front of the LA County Office of Education.

The city's gay mayor Mario Trujillo voted against the policy, calling it a 'step backward for my city.' 'This is not progress,' he added.

A Pride flag raising ceremony occurred outside the LA County Office of Education on Monday, in Downey, California, after the city council voted on a policy that prevents the flag from being flown this month

County Supervisor Janice Hahn also expressed her displeasure with the new policy, writing on X that the decision 'not to fly the Pride Flag' on city property 'will not stop us from flying it at all eight of our LA County facilities.'

Hahn, who led the Board of Supervisors' effort last year to raise the Pride Flag at all LA County facilities during June, subsequently organized the Monday morning resistance flag raiding at the county's office of education building.

In a press release ahead of the event, Hahn declared: 'There will be pride in Downey this June.

'Despite the recent vote by the Downey City Council, I want our LGBTQ+ Downey residents to know they belong and that they are not only accepted, but celebrated.'

There will be Pride in Downey this June.



Downey's decision not to fly the Pride Flag on city property isn't stopping us from flying it at all EIGHT of our LA County facilities in the city. Join us for a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on June 3 at @losangelescoe in Downey.  pic.twitter.com/6gUKbdAU5b  Janice Hahn (@SupJaniceHahn) May 23, 2024

The Pride flag is allowed to fly in front of the office of education because the ceremony was sponsored by LA County, and therefore, 'does not fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Downey,' according to the LA Daily News.

The city's newly adopted neutral flag policy was first requested by Mayor Pro Tempore Hector Sosa at a city council meeting back in April.

Back in 2021, the council voted to display the Pride progress flag during June 'going forward as a commemorative flag.'

The new policy reverses that position by scrapping the section of the policy that allowed for 'commemorative flags' to be flown.

At a May council meeting, Sosa said the neutral flag policy is 'by no means an attempt to silence or spite anyone.' It applies equally to those hoping to fly Christian flags, Blue Lives Matter flags, and Israeli flags.

'I don't think it's our role as elected officials to pick and choose which groups get to fly their flags. Our role is to simply govern, and govern for the residents of the county. It's my opinion that the only flags should be displayed on the American flag, city flag and POW flag,' he said.

Openly gay Downey Mayor, Mario Trujillo was pleasantly surprised by the large crowd and outpouring of support as Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn held a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at the LA County Office of Education in Downey, on Monday, June 3, 2024

Drag personality Jewels performed the mistress of ceremonies duties at the Monday morning event

The Downey City Hall will not fly a Pride flag this June due to a recent;y passed neutral flag policy that prevents most kinds of flags from being flown

Board of Supervisors member Janice Hahn speaks at the Pride flag raising ceremony in Downey on Monday, June 3

In a statement about the LA County-sponsored event on Monday, Mayor Trujillo said that the city 'may have lost this battle, but we will win the war for fairness, equality and acceptance for ALL.'

Speakers at Monday's ceremonial flag-raising included Supervisor Hahn, Mayor Trujillo, and President Juan Camacho of Equality California.

Jewels, a Long Beach drag entertainer was tapped to serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

Increasingly, the flying of the Pride flag, which has changed in recent years to represent a wider swath of the LGBTQ+ community, has been subject to some pushback in some parts of Southern California.

As is the case in Downey, cities like Huntington Beach, Temecula, and Redlands have imposed restrictions on flag flying that impact the display of the Pride flag by government offices.
The House voted to pass a bill that would institute sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its proposed arrest warrants of Israeli officials.

The bill would block ICC officials involved in the warrants from entering the U.S., would revoke any visas they hold and restrict them from property transactions in the U.S.

The measure, written by Rep. Chip Roy, passed 247-155. A significant number of Democrats supported the legislation that President Biden is against: 42.

Just last week Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., were working together on a bipartisan ICC response.

A breakdown in talks between Republicans and pro-Israel Democrats occurred when the White House told Democrats in Congress to back off sanctions, a source familiar told DailyMail.com.

The House voted to pass a bill that would institute sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its proposed arrest warrants of Israeli officials, including Netanyahu

'We fundamentally reject the ICC prosecutor's application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders,' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said last week. 'Sanctions on the ICC, however, we do not believe is an effective or an appropriate path forward.'

Last month ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said there were 'reasonable grounds' to believe Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant - in addition to two Hamas leaders - bore 'criminal responsibility' for alleged war crimes during the war on Gaza.

It's the first time the ICC has targeted a leader of a U.S. ally.

Last month ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said there were 'reasonable grounds' to believe Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant - in addition to two Hamas leaders - bore 'criminal responsibility' for alleged war crimes during the war on Gaza

The U.S. is not a state party of the Rome Statute of the ICC, founded in 2002. It does not directly fund the criminal court.

Khan said he is formally seeking the warrants last month and now a three-judge panel must approve them and allow a case to proceed, which could take months.

Israel is also not a party of the ICC, so even if arrest warrants are issued, Netanyahu and Gallant do not face any immediate risk of prosecution. But it could limit their travel within any of the 124 countries that are signed on to the ICC.

It comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited by both House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to address a joint session of Congress - a move that prompted progressive outcries.

Roy called the ICC 'a massive threat to US sovereignty.'

Top House Democrats did not whip against the bill.

'This bill makes a mockery of the rules-based international order that America helped build,' ranking member Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said when the bill passed out of the Rules Committee.

Some pro-Israel Democrats backed the measure.

The White House opposed the measure in a policy statement on Monday, but did not issue an explicit veto threat.

'There are more effective ways to defend Israel, preserve U.S. positions on the ICC, and promote international justice and accountability, and the Administration stands ready to work with the Congress on those options,' the statement reads.

The White House has not, however, defined those other options and the House moved ahead with party-line sanctions.

The measure gives the president unilateral authority to drop the sanctions if the ICC stops trying to arrest U.S. individuals or allies.

Netanyahu called the arrest warrants 'a moral outrage of historic proportions.' Israel, he said, is 'waging a just war against Hamas, a genocidal terrorist organization that perpetrated the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust.'

He called chief prosecutor Khan one of the 'great antisemites in modern times.'

Biden called the arrest warrants 'outrageous' and said there was 'no equivalence - none - between Israel and Hamas.'

Hamas, in turn, also demanded the ICC rescind its arrest warrants and accused Khan of 'equating the victim with the executioner.'

In a recent interview with Time Magazine, Biden was asked whether Netanyahu is 'prolonging the war for his own self-preservation.'

'There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion,' said Biden.
A couple who lost their toddler son, unborn baby and the ability to conceive naturally after sustaining terrible burns in a horrific wildfire have welcomed a daughter almost four years on from the tragedy.

Jamie and Jacob Hyland were caught in the Cold Spring wildfire in Okanogan County, Washington in 2020.

They were left seriously injured and their one-year-old son Uriel was killed as they attempted to flee the ferocious flames.

Their grief was further compounded when Jamie, who was pregnant, was told that their unborn child had died. Worse was to come when she learned that the severity of her own burns coupled with a subsequent infection meant she could no longer conceive naturally.

'Watching the life go away from my child's eyes, it's just not right,' Jacob Hyland told King5 through tears. 'My son was everything.'

A couple who lost their toddler son, unborn baby and the ability to conceive naturally after sustaining burns in a horrific wildfire have welcomed a daughter four years on from the tragedy

Jamie and Jacob Hyland were caught in the Cold Spring wildfire in Okanogan County, Washington in 2020. They were left seriously injured and their one-year-old son Uriel (pictured) was killed

'I'm not just a woman hoping to be a mom some day, I am woman who has experienced motherhood and then had it taken away,' Jamie added.

But recently, their misery has been tempered by the arrival of miracle baby Shiloh, who was born via surrogate.

'There's something about a child's laughter that just is healing,' the proud dad added. 'Before, I didn't really know why we were living. I had no clear direction. Having her around does bring a lot more joy.'

Shiloh's birth was the result of four attempts at surrogacy, with each failed pregnancy plunging the couple back into the grieving process.

'Every time it failed, it was just like, my cup was already really, really, empty,' Jacob said. '[It] just felt like it had even more holes in it.'

Shiloh was successfully implanted on her late brother's birthday and born in August 2023.

'When she was born, she went on to my chest and latched and starting nursing,' Jamie said. 'And I called Jacob and I was like, "She's here!" Just so happy.'

The Hylands were evacuating their property in a remote stretch of Okanogan at around midnight on September 10 when they got trapped by the fire that began raging hours before.

Their grief was further compounded when Jamie was told she could no longer bear children naturally due to the severity of her injuries and a subsequent infection

Jamie was left with burns across 50 percent of her body, while Jacob had 25 percent burns and a collapsed lung

The couple managed to flee their home in a pickup truck which was found burned out by Jacob's cousin. Uri had tragically passed before they could reach a hospital

The couple were unable to reach family members or the emergency services because power lines were down.

After hours of no contact, Jacobs cousin Jim Mabry decided to head down to the Hylands remote property on Tuesday.

By this time, the wildfire had turned surrounding pastures of four-foot-high sage into complete ash.

Mabry soon discovered Jacobs truck in a ravine around a quarter of a mile away from their home.

The vehicle, which had burst through a barbed wire fence, was severely charred. Its windshield had melted, and the steering wheel and dashboard were completely destroyed.

Incredibly the couple did manage to escape the pick-up truck with their son.

They headed towards the Columbia River where they were miraculously found by rescuers along a bank, although Uriel had sadly died.

Jamie was left with burns across 50 percent of her body, while Jacob had 25 percent burns and a collapsed lung.

Their misery has been tempered by the arrival of miracle baby Shiloh, who was born via surrogate

The couple are fundraising for another attempt at surrogacy using their last remaining embryo.

Their physical recovery has taken several years, while they describe their emotional one as a work in progress.

'There is the pain of missing our son that pan is always there until heaven, but there is the pain of being a parent without a child,' Jamie said.

Now the couple are fundraising for another attempt at surrogacy using their last remaining embryo.

'For now we're just focusing on delighting in Shiloh, raising funds for our next baby, and figuring out our steps in life in general,' they wrote on a GoFundMe.

'But hopefully things come together for our next baby in 2025.'
Heroic D-Day veterans gathered on Normandy's Omaha Beach to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the historic battle against the Nazis.

Dozens of former US military soldiers visited the scene in France on Tuesday, many of whom were centenarians and likely returning to France for the last time.

Veterans grew emotional as they remembered fallen friends and paid tribute to the tens of thousands who lost their lives on the beaches in 1944.

'These people looked death in the face and just kept right on coming,' Walter Stitt, a 99-year-old former tank commander who fought that day, told the Associated Press.

Summing up the solemn mood on the beach, Stitt said they were there to pay respects to 'all those young men that never had a chance to go home and find a love of their life and hold their children in their arms.'

Heroic D-Day veteran Richard Ramsey salutes graves at the Normandy American Cemetary on Tuesday, June 4, 2024

US paratrooper veteran George Cross, 99, shares a moment with a young child on the 80th anniversary of the historic land invasion

A US soldier takes a photograph of American WWII veteran Sid Edson, center left, during a ceremony on Omaha Beach

Tuesday's event saw the veterans make a pilgrimage to the five Allied landing beaches, where British, American and Canadian troops stormed the coastline.

Over 4,400 Allied soldiers lost their lives as they forced back German troops. Standing on the beach 80 years later, Stitt declared there 'are things worth fighting for.'

'Although I wish there was another way to do it than to try to kill each other. But sometimes youre called upon to do something and you just do it. You know? Thats it. These people looked death in the face and just kept right on coming.'

Images from the event showed children playing around a memorial for the dead, as Lliliburn 'Bill' Wall, who will celebrate his 101st birthday this week, said: 'They probably wouldn't be here if we hadn't been successful.'

The commemoration falls just days before world leaders will gather in France to pay homage to the D-Day heroes, at a time when heightened tensions worldwide make remembering the sacrifice of past generations all the more important.

Bob Gibson, 100, said he only made it because 'the old boy upstairs took care of me', as he recalled the thousands who fought alongside him.

'You don't want other people to go through the same thing,' he said. 'Because Ive seen a lot of these boys that never even made the beach, believe me. And we were all 18, 19 years old.'

A number of active-duty American soldiers (pictured) joined veterans in the 80th anniversary event

Veteran Andre Chappaz greets the crowd as he arrives at the solemn tribute

An American soldier touches the sand on Omaha Beach, where over 4,400 Allied troops were killed 80 years ago

Veteran Bill Wall (left) flew bombers in World War Two as he fought alongside Bob Todesco (right) over Normandy

Images from the event showed children playing around a memorial for the tens of thousands who lost their lives on D-Day, as veterans said they 'probably wouldn't be here if we hadn't been successful'

Of the 4,400-plus Allied troops killed on D-Day, more than 2,500 were American forces.

The coastline invasion led the Allies to gradually push the Nazis back through France, which ultimately resulted in the death of Adolf Hitler less than a year later.

When they launched at the French coastline 80 years ago, Allied forces sent over 132,000 men on thousands of ships, in what was the largest seaborne invasion in history.

Robet Pedigo, 100, who served as a nose gunner aboard a B-24 bomber that flew over the ships as they ferried troops to Normandy, recalled: 'It looked like you could walk across the Channel using boats as steppingstones.'

He said that he remembered flying back to base after D-Day to find out thousands had died beneath him, and said to this day, 'the emotional impact was the greatest.'

An American flag stands alone on Omaha Beach ahead of the 80th anniversary event

Veteran Art Medeiros, among 60 surviving D-Day heroes who were flown to Normandy for the tribute, points to the ocean at the event

Gene Kleindl, a 102-year-old veteran of the historic day, receives a kiss as he visits the Normandy American Cemetary on Tuesday

Active-duty US soldiers stand in position at Pointe du Hox ahead of the D-Day commemoration

The gathering of US veterans was organized in part by Delta Airlines and the Best Defense Foundation, which flew 60 surviving D-Day veterans to Normandy for the historic anniversary.

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,' the airline's CEO Ed Bastian said of the event.

Pedigo was among those who made the trip, told his local Indiana outlet 953MNC that he felt it was 'a once in a lifetime journey for me.'

'The last time I saw France was from the air, 80 years ago. I will finally be able to pay my respects to the 9,000 troops who never came home,' said the veteran, who flew 30 missions over France and Germany during World War Two.

'That day is seared in my memory. We owe them everything and are a free country today because of their sacrifices. Im honored to be a part of this historic event.'
The threat of a terrorist attack within the U.S. has risen 'enormously' in the past months warn top law enforcement officials.

Attorney General Merrick Garland made the astonishing admission while testifying before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday during a hearing dedicated to investigating the department's politicization.

'I am worried about the possibility of a terrorist attack in the country after October 7,' Attorney General Garland said. 'The threat level for us has gone up enormously.'

'Every morning, we worry about this question. We try to track anyone who might be trying to hurt the country,' he continued. 'Of course, this is a major priority for the Justice Department.'

FBI Director Christopher Wray, speaking to a different committee on the other side of Capitol Hill in the Senate, agreed, saying 'we have seen the threat from foreign terrorists rise to a whole other level' after the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack.

'We have seen a rouges' gallery of foreign terrorist organizations call for attacks against Americans and our allies,' Wray said.

'Just in the time I have been FBI director we have disrupted multiple terror attacks around U.S. cities.'

'I would be hard pressed to think of a time when so many different threats to our public safety and national security were so elevated all at the same time.'

Wray said threats against Jewish Americans has been particularly acute.

'We've seen an elevated threat to the Jewish community in the United States.'

Though he said Jewish communities were targeted before the October 7 attack, since then the threats 'went up dramatically.'

'Religiously motivated hate crimes, close to 60 percent of them, are targeted at the Jewish community,' Wray testified, noting how the community only makes up two percent of the U.S. population.

'Increasingly concerning is the potential for a coordinated attack here in the homeland, not unlike an attack we saw in the Russia theater.'

One vector for threats to enter the country is through the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the FBI chief.

'Individuals who when they come in are armed with fake documents or snuck in some way or individuals of whom there's not enough derogatory information in the intelligence community to watchlist them,' have been of particular concern, Wray testified.

'As we have less collection overseas against foreign terrorism, there's less sources of information' to denote which individuals entering the U.S. are threats, the FBI director said.

Though there have been numerous reports of known terrorists entering the country illegally through the southern border, non-watchlisted suspects, on which there is scant intelligence, also pose a great concern, Wray told the senators.

These individuals pose a threat because once in the interior they are difficult to track - and then it may take take an FBI terrorist task force response to regain surveillance on such people.

FBI Director Christopher Wray said terrorist threats on the U.S. have risen to a 'whole 'nother level' and that the U.S.-Mexico border presents unique challenges as migrants often enter the country using fake documents

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland testifies before the House Judiciary Committee on June 4. At the hearing, he said that the threat of a terror attack on the U.S. has risen 'enormously'

Wray said there have been waves of cyber attacks on U.S. infrastructure, including ransomware attacks.

He also raised alarms over China's 'relentless efforts to steal our intellectual property.'

Additionally, he said the threat from fentanyl smuggling has increased, adding that there have been individual seizures of the drug that could 'wipe out an entire state.'

One of those FBI raids in New Mexico found enough fentanyl to kill every person in the state 'along with hand grenades, ballistic vests, you know, the whole nine yards.'

And the fentanyl problem is tied to the other side of the border, Wray said, referencing Mexico.

The FBI has seized stashes of fentanyl that could wipe out entire states, Wray testified

Wray previously set off alarm bells when he testified in December that the had 'never seen a time where all the threats or so many of the threats are elevated, all at exactly the same time.'

In an exchange with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., at the time, the South Carolinian probed Wray if he saw warning signs akin to those seen before the 9/11 attacks.

Wray responded then 'I see blinking lights everywhere I turn.'

'Given the steady drumbeat of calls for attacks by foreign terrorist organizations since October 7, we're working around the clock to identify and disrupt potential attacks by those inspired by Hamas's horrific terrorist attacks in Israel,' Wray testified in December.
Social media has been flooded with memes after Nigel Farage was dramatically splattered with milkshake today as he kicked off his bid to become an MP.

The new Reform UK leader was drenched by a woman after being mobbed by crowds in Clacton, Essex, a place he described as the 'most patriotic' town in Britain.

Essex Police said later that a 25-year-old woman had been arrested on suspicion of assault, along with a man who seemingly intervened while she was being detained.

The clothing brand worn by the milkshake dasher posted her outfit details on X and wrote: 'A-REST worthy fits #milkshake'.

A social media user impersonating Rishi Sunak wrote: 'Nice to see Nigel Farage receiving the welcome he deserves in Clacton.'

Another X user posted an old McDonald's advert featuring talking milkshakes and wrote: 'An interview with the milkshake that was head-butted by the vile Nigel Farage #milkshake #nigelfarage #GE2024 #Britain'

Someone else poked fun at the man behind Farage who narrowly avoided the firing line of banana milkshake.

The incident has echoes of 2019, when he fell victim to a similar stunt in Newcastle.

Mr Farage was flanked as usual by burly security as he left the local Wetherspoons pub, but they could do nothing as the woman flung the contents of a McDonald's cup towards him. It caught him full in the face, although he merely wiped his eyes and continued.

Home Secretary James Cleverly led condemnation of the attack, saying it was 'unacceptable' against any politician. Reform allies branded the assailant a 'juvenile moron' and said it would only boost their support.

But Mr Farage himself laughed the episode off, buying a round of milkshakes for photographers and posting a video saying: 'My milkshake brings all the people to the rally.'

Nigel Farage was drenched by a woman after being mobbed by crowds in what he described as the 'most patriotic' town in Britain

Mr Farage was flanked as usual by burly security as he left a pub, but they could do nothing as the women flung the contents of what appeared to be a McDonald's cup towards him

It came after the Brexit champion told a huge crowd of local voters the Tories had 'betrayed' their trust and warned Rishi Sunak would pay a 'big price' at the general election on 4 July.

Shouts from the crowd included 'get 'em Nige' and 'we love you Nigel' as huge numbers of Mr Farage's supporters gathered near Clacton pier.

Mr Farage's campaign launch in the Essex seat came after he yesterday performed a stunning U-turn on his previous decision not to stand for Parliament.

The 60-year-old has made a dramatic return to the political frontline and also been installed as Reform UK leader in place of Richard Tice.

In 2019 Mr Farage was hit with a banana milkshake while banging the drum for the Brexit Party. His assailant was later ordered to carry out community work and pay 350 in compensation.

The woman, who would only say her name was Victoria, told reporters afterwards: 'He doesn't stand for me, he doesn't represent anything I believe in, or any of the people around here.'

It caught him full in the face, although he merely wiped his eyes and continued.

Aides played down the impact saying the milkshake 'barely stained' Mr Farage's suit

Onlookers were shocked by the dramatic events in Clacton this afternoon

An Essex Police statement said: 'Officers have made two arrests after responding to a report a drink was thrown at a man in Clacton.

'We were called to the area of Marine Parade East, Clacton, at around 2.10pm today...

'A 25-year-old woman, from Clacton, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault.

'While officers were responding and making this arrest, a second individual, a man, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

'Both individuals remain in custody for questioning.'

Richard Tice, Mr Farage's predecessor as Reform UK leader, said: 'The juvenile moron who threw a drink over Nigel has just gained us hundreds of thousands more votes.

'We will not be bullied or threatened off the campaign trail.'

Mr Farage's campaign in Clacton - a constituency once held by Ukip when he was the party's leader - will be his eighth attempt to enter Westminster.

He will need to overturn a 31,000 Conservative majority from the last election with only minor boundary changes in the seat.
A 26-year-old police officer who posted WhatsApp messages in support of Hamas less than a month after the October 7 attack on Israel has been ordered to carry out unpaid community work.

West Yorkshire Police constable Mohammed Adil, from Bradford, shared two images in support of the proscribed group just weeks after the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists, which killed 1,200 people and saw another 250 taken hostage, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard on Tuesday.

Last month, Adil pleaded guilty to two terror offences following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and charging by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The messages Adil shared on his WhatsApp stories on October 31 and November 4 last year show a Hamas fighter wearing a Hamas headband, prosecutor Bridget Fitzpatrick told the court.

The image posted on October 31 had writing on it saying: 'Today is the time for the Palestinian people to rise, set their paths straight and establish an independent Palestinian state.'

West Yorkshire Police constable Mohammed Adil, 26, from Bradford, shared two images in support of the proscribed group just weeks after an attack by Hamas terrorists which killed 1,200 people and saw another 250 taken hostage

Last month, Adil pleaded guilty to two terror offences following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and charging by the Crown Prosecution Service

It was said to be a quote from the leader of Hamas's military wing, Mohammed Deif.

The image on November 4 had another message on it, saying: 'We will hold accountable all those who occupied our lands and Allah will hold accountable all those who remained silent against this occupation and oppression.'

The second quote was said to be from Abu Ubaida, a spokesman for the Al-Qassam brigade - which is Hamas's military wing.

Two of Adil's colleagues reported the images to their superior officers after discovering them on his WhatsApp stories, saying them had caused them 'concern', the prosecution said.

Adil had 1,092 contacts on his WhatsApp at the time who would have been able to access the images for 24 hours, Ms Fitzpatrick said.

He was arrested on November 6 and had his mobile seized.

Adil answered no comment to all questions during his interview.

Natalie Turner, mitigating, said prior internet searches conducted by Adil reflected his 'personal interest' in the conflict and not support for Hamas, though he accepted this was the impression given by the images.

'He accepts that he had looked at, for example, Wikipedia pages of these people prior to this date,' she continued.

'He doesn't seek to deny that in any way, but it was more in trying to understand the ongoing news reports that he was reading.'

Ms Turner added Adil has a Master's degree, and a custodial sentence - even if suspended - could put at risk his plans to pursue a PhD.

Adil, who worked in Calderdale before he was suspended, admitted two terror offences last month.

West Yorkshire Police said his actions were incompatible with being a police officer, BBC reports.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring sentenced Adil to an 18-month community order, including up to 35 days of rehabilitation activity requirement and 160 hours of unpaid work along with the forfeiture of his mobile phone.

Adil was handed an 18-month community order, including up to 35 days of rehabilitation activity requirement and 160 hours of unpaid work along with the forfeiture of his mobile phone

Mr Goldspring said there was 'no need for this court to impose a custodial sentence, suspended or otherwise' as this would be 'unnecessarily disproportionate'.

Adil was also ordered to pay 85 in costs and a 114 victim surcharge within 28 days.

In a statement after the sentencing, the CPS said: 'Mohammed Adil understood that in sharing the images he did, it would arouse suspicion that he was showing support for a terrorist organisation.

'The CPS will not hesitate to work with the IOPC and police to prosecute these offences, regardless of the perpetrator's position.'

West Yorkshire Police said misconduct proceedings against Adil are set to start following the conclusion of the legal case.
It didnt take long, during a televised debate between Scotlands party leaders on Monday, for John Swinney to fall back on a tried and tested SNP mantra.

The First Minister  whose party faces heavy losses in the July 4 General Election  said that, so far as he was concerned, decisions affecting Scotland should be made in Scotland.

This was hardly controversial. Weve heard it countless times. What else would one expect from a nationalist?

The problem for Mr Swinney is that, little more than a month since he succeeded Humza Yousaf weve had ample opportunity to see the sort of decisions he makes in Scotland.

Indeed, voters have a full 17 years of foolish decisions made in Scotland by an SNP government at Holyrood to consider before polls open next month.

Rather than focus on the issues that matter to voters, John Swinney is obsessed with independence, writes Euan McColm

The most significant decision Mr Swinney has taken in Scotland was his repugnant  and still baffling  decision to try to undermine the work of the committee that sanctioned expenses-cheat Michael Matheson.

Backlash

The former health secretary is now suspended from Holyrood for 27 sitting days and has been docked 54 days pay after lying about an expenses claim for 11,000 in mobile data run up by his sons on a family holiday.

Mr Swinney has suffered an almighty backlash from colleagues over that decision.

SNP candidates have been forced to defend Mr Matheson despite overwhelming  and justified  public anger about his behaviour, while MSPs were forced by Swinney to abstain on a vote on sanctions against the former minister, leading to the conclusion each believes it is one rule for their pals and another for the rest of us.

In her heyday, former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon would have completely dominated an event such as that on STV on Monday evening.

Mr Swinney, however, was unable to best Labours Anas Sarwar, Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, or even Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Liberal Democrats.

Like the party he leads, the First Minister often appeared tired and out of ideas.

Further evidence of the malaise in the SNP comes in the shape of their new party election broadcast.

This gloomy little film, in which Mr Swinney and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes sit and tell each other what their party has done (Ms Forbes doing. So in. A. Weird. Staccato. Style) tells us the nationalist coffers are bare. The broadcast is like something from the 1970s.

But perhaps the clearest sign the SNP is in trouble is the partys decision to make a central plank of its campaign a promise to legislate against the privatisation of the NHS.

Now, you may very well think the founding principles of the health service make this a perfectly reasonable suggestion.

Why wouldnt anyone defend the right of each of us to access the healthcare we need, when we need it, regardless of circumstances?

There are, however, a number of problems with the SNPs campaign promise,

which was outlined by the partys Westminster leader Stephen Flynn.

Announcing the nationalists policy, Mr Flynn said: The Labour Party isnt hiding it any more either  massive privatisation of the NHS is now their plan. Thats why after the election, in the first 100 days, SNP MPs will bring forward a new law at Westminster to keep the NHS safely in public hands.

This new law, said Mr Flynn, would bind the hands of the UK government, guaranteeing the health service remains publicly owned and operated. Lets start with the most obvious issue with this pledge: despite the SNPs insistence to the contrary, no major party is currently planning to privatise the NHS.

The idea that Labour  the party which founded the national health service, a development regarded as one of the greatest British successes  might wish to hand it over to the private sector is so nonsensical as to be insulting to voters.

And then theres the idea that such a law might bind future governments hands.

Even if such a law were passed, any government with a majority could easily overturn it.

Pointless

Oh, and then theres the fact that the NHS is fully devolved to Scotland. Every decision about the health service in Scotland is taken in Scotland.

That wont change, regardless of whether Sir Keir Starmer or Rishi Sunak is Prime Minister after July 4.

The SNP is campaigning to introduce a pointless law that would, in the unlikely event of its successful passage through Parliament, affect precisely none of its MPs constituents.

In case all of that is not enough to persuade you of the utter cynicism of the SNPs policy, it is worth remembering that the Scottish Government is perfectly happy to involve the private sector in the NHS.

Private hospitals have been used in a bid to drive down waiting lists, while agency nurses are routinely brought in to plug gaps in staffing.

This is the sort of hypocrisy at which the SNP excels.

In fact, the greatest threat to the continuing viability of the health service in Scotland is the SNP government.

For almost two decades, the nationalists have ignored a growing crisis in the service, posturing about free prescriptions while countless Scots have faced waiting times so unacceptable that theyve raided their savings to pay for private treatment.

When John Swinney was dragged out of semi retirement to steady the SNP ship after a year of stormy weather during the captaincy of Humza Yousaf, he promised to bring calm to our politics.

Bitter

He would reach out across the political divide, building consensus where previously there had been bitter disagreement, he would act in good faith, and he would focus relentlessly on the issues that matter most to the people of Scotland.

Mr Swinney was powerless to prevent an election campaign that would severely test his promises to the people so soon after he took office but he has been in control of everything he has said and done since Rishi Sunak announced his decision to go to the country.

We now know that Mr Swinneys idea of building consensus is to smear opposition politicians involved in the investigation into Michael Matheson.

We know that, rather than focus on the issues that truly matter to people  education, the NHS, and the economy  the First Minister remains obsessed with the idea that independence should come first.

And we know that, for all his talk of good faith politics, the SNPs no privatisation in the NHS pledge shows Mr Swinney is perfectly happy to scaremonger when he thinks it politically expedient.

Not so long ago, the SNP relished the cut and thrust of the political campaign. But, then, its so much easier to enjoy a contest when one knows one is going to win.

The SNP under John Swinney looks increasingly like a losing proposition.

Its little wonder this tired and discredited party has resorted to promising to protect us from threats that simply do not exist.
A band of burglars disguised as construction workers broke into a Studio City home, disabled security measures with WiFi jamming equipment and escaped with thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, watches and purses.

The homeowner, who declined to be identified, told KTLA that after her home was burglarized last Friday afternoon, two of her neighbors experienced break-ins. And just weeks earlier, another home in Studio City was hit by thieves.

The homeowner's surveillance cameras captured the moment a phony construction worker tried to gain entry. He was wearing a medical mask to hide his face.

She discovered the burglary in progress when she received a call from her security company about her home's motion sensors going off. When she checked the cameras for movement, she saw her two sons coming home.

'I was looking at the camera and I saw them running outside,' she explained. 'I said, "What happened?" They said that somebody was inside, but nobody was inside. They already were gone.'

The homeowner's surveillance cameras captured the moment a phony construction worker tried to gain entry. He was wearing a medical mask to hide his face

Pictured: The sliding glass door through which the team of burglars broke into the home in Studio City, a neighborhood in Los Angeles

The criminals, who broke in through the main bedroom's sliding glass door, marauded through several rooms, making off with tens of thousands of dollars worth of the family's possessions, some of which were irreplaceable, according to the homeowner.

'It's really hard. It's not easy what we're going through,' she said.

The burglars have yet to be identified, and part of what made their crime a success was their use of WiFi jamming technology.

As the Los Angeles and Glendale police departments have previously warned residents, the crooks in this case used these Wi-Fi jammers to disable cameras and the home alarm system.

Pictured: One of the bedrooms, which has been rifled through and cleared out of any valuables

The Nissan Rogue that one of the burglars was using to case the house is seen driving up and down the street. The homeowner said the Nissan and a black Tesla, both with tinted windows, drove around the neighborhood for hours

They also used good-old fashioned brute force to knock out some of the cameras.

'They took out our alarm system and put it inside the sink and they opened up the water on top of it,' she said, adding, 'We had a couple of Ring cameras, and they threw them in the pool.'

The suspects were captured driving up and down the street on the home's surveillance camera before they were destroyed in the break in.

They allegedly drove around the neighborhood for hours, possibly casing multiple homes to see which one would make for a prime target.

One of the vehicles was described as a white Nissan Rogue and the other a black Tesla, both with tinted windows.

'I hope they catch them,' the homeowner said. 'I know were not going to get our belongings back, but I just want justice.'

It isn't clear if this particular crime was committed by one of the burglary tourist rings that come all the way from Chile, Ecuador, Columbia and Peru to target wealthy neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Pennsylvania Republican Senate hopeful Dave McCormick shared a video Tuesday of a dramatic moment when one of his campaign volunteers was grabbed by a pro-Palestinian protester on the University of Pittsburgh's campus.

McCormick shared a clip from Pittsburgh's WTAE-TV that showed campaign volunteer Reuben Rochkind, a student at Pitt, being held by the neck by a masked demonstrator.

Rochkind was standing in front of the assailant, holding up an American flag, at the time of the incident.

'One of my great volunteers was attacked by pro-Hamas supporters on Pitt's campus,' McCormick wrote on X. 'He's a Jewish student who was wearing a McCormick hat & proudly waving the American flag.'

The GOP hopeful added, 'This antisemitism is disgusting,' while calling out his Democratic rival in a key battleground race.

Pennsylvania Republican Senate hopeful Dave McMormick shared this footage on X Tuesday that showed one of his campaign volunteers, Pitt student Reuben Rochkind, being grabbed by the neck by a masked pro-Palestinian demonstrator on the University of Pittsburgh's campus

Republican Senate hopeful Dave McCormick said, 'This antisemitism is disgusting,' while calling out his opponent, incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey for not doing enough to defend his Jewish constituents

'Bob Casey needs to stand up & defend his Jewish constituents,' McCormick said.

On Sunday, anti-Israel demonstrators created an encampment on the grounds of Pitt's Cathedral of Learning, the large gothic structure at the center of campus.

Rochkind told the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle that he heard about the encampment from other Jewish students in a chat group and went to check it out - bringing along an American flag and sporting a McCormick for Senate hat.

As he stood with his back to the fence that separated the encampment from the Cathedral's grounds, he was grabbed by his backpack and then by the neck by a masked demonstrator.

'It caught me off guard,' the student told the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle. 'I was definitely not expecting that to happen.'

He told the Chronicle that he went to the encampment hoping to strike up a conversation with the demonstrators and thought the American flag was a good accessory to have.

'I believe America has a lot of good values, like the freedom of speech and the freedom of protest,' Rochkind continued.

GOP Pennsylvania Senate hopeful Dave McCormick shared the video that showed Jewish Pitt student and campaign volunteer Reuben Rochkind wearing a McCormick hat and holding an American flag before he was assaulted Sunday

Rochkind was first grabbed by his backpack and then by his neck as he stood just outside the encampment that sprung up Sunday on the Cathedral of Learning's ground at the University of Pittsburgh's campus

But the student indicated he was soured by his experience.

'The protesters are out there and they're, in my opinion, anti-Western and anti-American,' the McCormick volunteer added.

Rochkind told the Chronicle that the assault didn't deter him from returning to the encampment Monday to speak with demonstrators, though only a professor would engage with him, he said.

He said that the encampment 'is a hostile environment' for Jewish students at the school.

'It's right in the middle of campus and hard to avoid,' Rochkind said. 'It makes sense to keep moving and not engage if you want to avoid any kind of trouble.'

A spokesperson for Pitt didn't immediately comment on this specific incident, but Pitt's communications director Jared Stonesifer told the Chronicle that the university is working with the Pittsburgh police, Allegheny County police, Pennsylvania State Police and the nearby Carnegie Mellon and Carlow universities to monitor the situation.

As of Monday morning one individual, 33-year-old Donald Johnson, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest and obstruction.

He is not affiliated with Pitt. It was unclear if Johnson was the individual who assaulted Rochkind.

Incumbent Sen. Bob Casey's campaign didn't respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com.

After losing a close GOP Senate primary in 2022 to Dr. Mehmet Oz - who went on to lose to Democratic Sen. John Fetterman - McCormick launched his second Senate bid in September.

He earned former President Donald Trump's endorsement in mid-April, ahead of the Pennsylvania primary.

McCormick's wife, Dina Powell, was a Trump administration appointee.

On the heels of his GOP primary win McCormick talked to DailyMail.com and called the protests 'disgraceful.'

'I think these kids are turned around in terms of clarity on what's right and wrong and the difference between good and evil,' he told DailyMail.com. 'I think they're confused and I think it's a failure and you see it clearly the failure of leaders in our universities and across our country to show moral clarity and leadership in dealing with these circumstances.'

'Frankly, this is where Bob Casey in my opinion has been weak in a sense that you can't have it both ways,' he said.

He called it a failure of leadership and a moral decline and said it's 'indicative of a spiritual decline in the country' that 'has to be turned around.'

In May, Casey spoke about similar pro-Palestinians protests that had taken over the University of Pennsylvania's campus in Philadelphia.

'Protest is a form of expression that we protect constitutionally and it's a great American tradition to protest,' the Democrat said, according to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. 'But at some point, when a protest begins to affect the ability of others to get to class or in this case with an impending graduation, it begins to infringe upon others rights.'

'But at some point it has to end, you cant just take over a campus indefinitely,' Casey added.

The most recent poll, conducted by Florida Atlantic University, showed Casey leading McCormick by 7 percent among likely voters.
One of the last surviving D-Day veterans welled up when he returned to the Normandy beach where he landed 80 years ago.

Just over 30 heroes made the trip for the landmark commemoration this year - compared to more than 200 in 2019.

One of the veterans, 99-year-old Donald Jones, was emotional on his return to Sword Beach, in Normandy, France.

More than 150,000 British, Canadian and American troops landed in a combined naval, air and ground assault on Nazi-occupied France on June 6, 1944.

Mr Jones joined applied for the Royal Navy in 1942 when he was 17 years old and in 1943 he was sent to train at H.M.S Raleigh, according to the Mold & District Civil Society.

The next year, a ship he was posted on landed on Sword Beach at around 8am on D-Day - it was one of five landing points where thousands of troops arrived.

Today, he returned with other veterans and the Royal British Legion to mark the 80-year anniversary of that historical day.

Mr Jones was pictured holding a tissue to his face as he reflected on the occasion, along with other veterans.

Donald Jones was pictured holding a tissue to his face as he reflected on the occasion, along with other veterans

The veterans joined by the British Legion commemorating 80 years since the D-Day landing on Thursday

Mr Jones (pictured) joined applied for the Royal Navy in 1942 when he was 17 years old

In 1943 Mr Jones (pictured) was sent to train at H.M.S Raleigh, according to the Mold & District Civil Society

Sergeant Ben Beale, Corporal Aaron Stone and Corporal Paul Squires also joined them on the beach.

Veteran Jack Mortimer recalled: 'If you can imagine from as far as you can see there to as far as you can see there every maybe quarter of a mile, there was a landing craft landing ... tanks, vehicles, anything.'

Another veteran, John Life, also said: 'I was never really on the beach as such because I was in a half track manning a gun ... until we got off the beach, we went in firing, enough to make the Germans get a bit frightened and we managed to get them going backwards ... then we came back in, landed and then got them off the beach altogether then.'

However the number of those who travelled to Normandy has decreased due to many now being too old to make the journey.

Pictured: Sergeant Ben Beale, with veterans Jack Mortimer, John Life, Corporal Aaron Stone, veteran Donald Jones, Corporal Paul Squires, and veteran Peter Newton

Donald Jones was emotional on his return to Sword Beach, in Normandy, France

Mr Jones returned with other veterans and the Royal British Legion to mark the 80-year anniversary of that historical day

Mr Jones pictured on the second row, fourth right, at H.M.S Raleigh

Just over 30 veterans made the trip via ferry this year - compared to more than 200 in 2019.

Victor Walker, 98, is among a number of veterans unable to travel to France this year as he told The Telegraph: 'Age has finally caught up with me.'

Mr Walker worked on board a destroyer which transported troops to the shores of France.

He travelled to Normandy for the 65th, 70th and 75th commemorations, but his declining health meant he could not make the trip for this anniversary.

D-Day veteran Albert Keir (right), 98, from Bakewell, Derbyshire, watches from the deck of the Brittany Ferries ship Mont St Michel as it sails out of Portsmouth Harbour in the UK to Ouistreham, in Caen, France

Normandy veteran Jimmy Justice waves from the deck of the Brittany Ferries ship Mont St Michel

D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, from Wakefield, gets emotional as he travels on the ship

Royal Navy Commander Glen Hickson, D-Day veteran Jim Grant, Royal Navy Commodore John Voyce, and D-Day veteran Charles Horne, on board the Brittany Ferries ship

D-Day veteran Richard Aldred (centre) salutes from the deck of the ship

D-Day veteran Richard Aldred, who also travelled to Normandy today, pictured during the Second World War

Royal Navy Commander Glen Hickson, D-Day veteran Jim Grant, and Royal Navy Commodore John Voyce, on board the Brittany Ferries ship

World War II veterans are seen on the deck of the Mont St Michel cross-channel ferry

The Brittany Ferries ship Mont St Michel passes the Round Tower as it sets sail from Portsmouth Harbour

Victor Walker, 98, is among a number of veterans unable to travel to France this year due to his declining health

'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,' he said.

Mr Walker was 17 when he joined the Royal Navy in June 1943 as a seaman.

He joined the crew of HMS Versatile, beginning his career escorting Arctic convoys - before the ship was redeployed to the Solent to escort convoys to Normandy.

This year only 12 veterans of the Battle of Normandy were present for afternoon tea at Southwick House, near Portsmouth, compared to 75 five years ago.

Les Underwood, 98, who was a Royal Navy gunner, is one of the youngest remaining veterans as he lied about his age to join up.

'All the memories come back,' Underwood told The Times. 'Guns going everywhere, screaming from the men, some of them getting off the landing craft and some even drowned.'

He added: 'My father always said men and boys don't cry, but they do,' he said. 'I've cried at the thoughts of the men not coming back.'

Veteran Ken Cooke, 98, said the 80th anniversary commemorations this week will be the last time he revisits Gold Beach where he landed as an 18-year-old on June 6, 1944.

Appearing on Antiques Roadshow's D-Day special this week, Mr Cooke recalled how he stepped onto the beach and straight into battle.

'We set off for [Gold] Beach. I can't describe the noise. You can't describe the noise. It was that horrendous,' he said.

D-Day veteran Jim Grant (centre) on board the ship today

D-Day veteran Albert Keir (right), 98, from Bakewell, Derbyshire, smiles from the deck

D-Day veteran Jim Kelly, from Sutton Coldfield, looks out onto the water

D-Day veteran Jim Kelly, who travelled to Normandy today via ferry, pictured during the Second World War

100-year-old D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan, from Crewe, salutes on board the ship

D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan, who is now 100, pictured during the Second World War

D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan (left), 100, from Crewe, salutes as veteran Jack Mortimer from Wakefield, gets emotional

D-Day veteran Albert Keir (left), 98, from Bakewell, Derbyshire, and Charlie Horne, 98, wave as they take a group photo

D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, from Wakefield, looks emotional on the ship

D-Day veteran Arnie Salter, 98, from Warwickshire, on board the Brittany Ferry ship Mont St Michel

D-Day veteran Ronald Hendrey, 98, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, speaks on board the Brittany Ferry ship

D-Day veteran Ronald Hendrey, who is now 98, pictured during the Second World War

Veteran Ken Cooke, 98, (pictured aged 18) said the 80th anniversary commemorations this week will be the last time he revisits Gold Beach where he landed as an 18-year-old on June 6, 1944

'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.

'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.'

Albert Keir, 98, who travelled to Normandy via ship today, trolled the sea area around the beaches before the army landed in the months prior to D-Day.

On D-Day, Mr Keir was part of the crew ferrying US troops onto Utah beach.

'At night when it was dark, the sky was lit up with all different sorts of colours, tracer bullets and different things. And the noise was colossal And the firing from the sea over our heads blasting the beaches was very bad. Took some standing that did.

'It's very difficult to try and get it out of your mind. It took some time to get it more or less out of my mind,' he said.
Postal workers have told the 'Czech sphinx' billionaire bidding to take over Royal Mail for 3.6billion that his firm's commitments are 'not enough'.

Businessman Daniel Kretinsky, 48, has previously been accused of undervaluing the postal company with his 3.57 billion offer to take over the firm.

Known as the 'Czech Sphinx' for his inscrutable nature, his purchase of IDS  which may yet be subject to government scrutiny  could take the UK's 500-year-old postal service into fully foreign ownership for the first time.

He already owns more than a quarter of IDS, which controls Royal Mail, Parcelforce and international mailing service GLS.

Officials from the Communication Workers Union (CWU) met representatives of the EP Group, describing it as 'useful and constructive'.

They added that further meetings would take place including the direct involvement of Mr Kretinsky himself.

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: 'We made it very clear that the current commitments from EP Group are neither strong enough or long enough.

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky (pictured) who has offered 3.6billion to take over the postal firm

Officials from the Communication Workers Union (CWU) met representatives of the EP Group, describing it as 'useful and constructive'. Pictured: CWU general secretary Dave Ward

It comes after The Times reported concerns among investors, that 'operational benefits' of an agreement between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union. Pictured: File photo

'Daniel Kretinsky has openly stated he wants to own Royal Mail for the rest of his life - we need commitments for the workforce that match that level of ambition.

'The CWU put forward our wide-ranging concerns and also our view that we need to see a completely new ownership/business model for Royal Mail and one that gives all employees a real stake in the future of the business. Both parties have agreed to explore this further.

'Royal Mail have led a prolonged and deliberate attack on its own workforce which continues to this day in many workplaces.

'Representatives of EP Group understood the reality that unless the workforce are on board, the company will never succeed.'

Mr Ward said the union was increasing its plans to engage with the Government and Labour on the takeover bid, believing it needed to be 'heavily scrutinised and debated'.

He added: 'We do not support a foreign equity company taking over Royal Mail. At the same time, we have absolutely no confidence in the current board of the company.

'Royal Mail should be renationalised but the political climate makes that very difficult at the moment. Our job now is to make sure our members voice is heard at every opportunity as this takeover bid unfolds.'

It comes after The Times reported concerns among investors, that 'operational benefits' of an agreement between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union  including a workforce pension scheme surplus and property estate  have not been properly valued.

There are also doubts that a Labour government, which could potentially be elected in July, would approve the deal and the offer is too low for some shareholders. Pictured: File photo

According to The Times, shares in the Royal Mail hit a two-year high after the board recommended the takeover by Mr Kretinsky. Pictured: File photo

The IDS' board rejected EP Group's initial 320p-a-share offer last month and has since been engaging with investors.

According to The Times, shares in the Royal Mail hit a two-year high after the board recommended the takeover by Mr Kretinsky.

But the stock actually remains short of the 370-p-a-share value of the offer.

There are also doubts that a Labour government, which could potentially be elected in July, would approve the deal and the offer is too low for some shareholders.

The EP Group's offer has acquiesced to a demand from IDS bosses to keep the Royal Mail name and brand, and for the postal service to retain its UK headquarters and tax residency, in order to keep it tied to Britain.

The deal looks set to include Royal Mail's proposal to deliver second class post every other weekday, which it applied to Ofcom for earlier this month, pending consultation.

Shareholders will vote on the deal at IDS's next annual general meeting in September - at a perilous time for Britain's universal postal service. The deal values the group at 5.2bn.

Gerald Khoo at investment bank Liberum Capital told The Times he believes the deal would not receive government approval under the National Security and Investment Act. He warned investors that shares could fall to as low as 200p.

Keith Williams, chairman of the company, said: 'IDS has the potential to become a leading international logistics player.

The deal looks set to include Royal Mail's proposal to deliver second class post every other weekday, which it applied to Ofcom for earlier this month, pending consultation. Pictured: File photo

'Both the IDS board and EP are acutely aware of their responsibilities to IDS and particularly to the unique heritage of Royal Mail and its obligations as the designated Universal Service Provider of postal services in the UK.

'The IDS Board has negotiated a far-reaching package of legally binding undertakings and commitments which provide our customers, employees and broader stakeholders with important safeguards.

'These cover the provision of the one-price-goes-anywhere Universal Service Obligation (including First Class letters still delivered six days a week), the financial stability and maintenance of the IDS Group including Royal Mail, the maintenance of employee benefits and pensions, and ensuring Royal Mail remains headquartered and tax resident in the UK.'

However, these commitments are only guaranteed for the first five years of Mr Kretinsky's ownership of IDS - alongside a pledge not to strip its assets, and a promise to keep using the Royal Mail name and to use the Royal Cipher.

There is no guarantee that these promises, along with pledges to recognise unions and continue delivering first-class post six days a week, will remain in place after five years have elapsed.

Mr Kretinsky said he had the 'utmost respect for Royal Mail's history and tradition'. The deal is not believed to come with any requirements of redundancies beyond those factored into the Royal Mail's existing cost-cutting plans.
A three-year-old boy has been stabbed to death and his mother wounded after a crazed woman charged at them outside a supermarket.

Margot Wood, 38, was loading groceries into the back of her car with her son Julian at Giant Eagle in North Olmstead, Cleveland, about 3pm on Monday.

Both were rushed to St John Medical Center but Julian died from the flurry of stab wounds to his back and cheek inflicted as he sat in the shopping trolley. His mother's injuries were not life-threatening.

Police arrested Bionca Ellis, 32, as she was walking away from the scene, still holding a bloodied kitchen knife allegedly used in the attack.

Julian Wood, 3, was stabbed to death and his mother Margot Wood, 38, wounded. They are pictured on the right, with the boy's grandmother, father Jared Wood, and older brother

Julian (right) with his older brother at Christmas 2022 when he was two years old

Heartbreaking photos of the scene showed groceries scattered across the parking lot's asphalt where the mother and son where attacked.

Julian was born in November 2020 when his parents posted adorable photos of him as a newborn being cradled in his older brother's arms.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Beck said North Olmsted Police had no motive for the attack, calling it 'entirely a random act of violence'.

Ellis was arrested just days earlier on May 30 when police investigating an unrelated incident at a Walmart detained her on a parole violation,

But she was released hours later and on Monday morning she Ellis went to the North Olmsted Police Department to discuss her arrest.

Police arrested Bionca Ellis, 32, (pictured) as she was walking away from the scene, still holding a bloodied kitchen knife allegedly used in the attack

Heartbreaking photos of the scene showed groceries scattered across the parking lot's asphalt where the mother and son where attacked

Julian was stabbed as he sat in his mother's shopping trolley, seen her lying on its side after the attack

Beck said she then bought the knife from a Volunteers of America Thrift Store and walked to the Giant Eagle where she spotted Wood and her son inside.

They did not interact with each other at all, but Ellis allegedly followed them into the car park and charged at them brandishing the knife.

Ellis has 'no known violent criminal history' and her rap sheet only consisted of stealing from a nearby Walmart that was reduced to unauthorized use of property.

She was charged with aggravated murder and arraigned at Rocky River Municipal Court on Tuesday afternoon, where her bail was set at $1 million.

Police said she could face more charges when the case is presented to a Cuyahoga County Grand Jury.

Julian and Wood were rushed to St John Medical Center but Julian died from the flurry of stab wounds to his back and cheek. His mother's injuries were not life-threatening

Julian was born in November 2020 when his parents posted adorable photos of him as a newborn being cradled in his older brother's arms

Julian plays with his older brother at their home, with friends remarking how fast he was growing

Giant Eagle said it was providing counseling to its workers.

'We were heartbroken to learn of the passing of the young victim in yesterday's senseless act of violence,' it said.

'Our thoughts are with the child, his mother and their loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.'

The same Giant Eagle was the scene of a murder-suicide on June 25 last year.

Bernard Smith shot dead his ex-wife Susan Petterson, 63, as she worked at the store before turning the gun on himself, two decades after they divorced in 2004.
Two lawyers and an aide of former President Donald Trump are now facing charges in Wisconsin. They're accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election with a fake electors plot.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul on Tuesday announced the charges against lawyers Kenneth Chesebro and James Troupis as well as campaign aide Michael Roman.

The three men are charged with conspiring to commit a crime in the battleground state.

According to the complaints, Chesebro, 62, Troupis, 62, and Roman, 51, allegedly conspired to have fake electors meet and cast votes in Wisconsin in December 2020 for president and vice president. It alleges they then worked to transmit a certificate of those unappointed electors' votes in violation of the law.

All three men face a maximum six years in prison, a maximum $10,000 fine or both.

Two lawyers and a aide to Trump's 2020 campaign are charged with 'conspiring to commit the crime of uttering as genuine a forged writing or object' in Wisconsin for their alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election

'The criminal complaint in this case alleges that the defendants were part of a conspiracy to present a certificate of purported electoral votes from individuals who were not Wisconsins duly appointed electors,' said Attorney General Kaul in a statement.

'The Wisconsin Department of Justice is committed to protecting the integrity of our electoral process,' he added.

At a press conference following the charges being filed, Kaul said the investigation is ongoing. He did not rule out future charges being filed against other individuals in the case including the fake electors.

The charges on Tuesday comes as the 2024 presidential election is only five months away.

'Our decisions are entirely based on the facts and the law,' Kaul said. 'In this case I will note that the defendants are not themselves people who are candidates for any office.'

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul speaking in 2022. He said on Tuesday the investigation is ongoing after charges were filed against two lawyers and an aide to Trump's 2020 campaign

In response to the charges on Tuesday, Democratic Governor Tony Evers had a one word response: 'Good.'

Electors are people appointed to represent the voters in presidential elections.

Whoever wins the popular vote in each state then gets to determine which electors are sent to the Electoral College. It then meets in December after the presidential election to certify the outcome of the race.

President Joe Biden won Wisconsin in 2020 over Donald Trump by just over 20,000 votes.

But Trump continues to falsely claim he won the state as he campaigns for a second term in the White House.

Then-President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Kenosha, WI on November 2, 2020

According to the complaint, Chesebro sent two memos dated November 18 and December 6 to Troupis about the 'Trump-Pence electors.' Troupis responded about the December 6 one that he planned to get it 'circulated at the White House.'

In a separate text according to the complaint, Troupis wrote 'I have sent it to the White House this afternoon. The real decisionmakers.'

The complaint outlines how the unappointed electors met at the Wisconsin Capitol on December 14. Around the time of the meeting Chesebro sent messages to Troupis and Roman 'WI meeting of the *real* electors is a go!!!' He also sent a photo of the meeting and video the next day.

Troupis is based in Wisconsin, but Chesebro and Roman are not.

Court records show the three men are all due to appear in the Dane County Circuit Court on September 19.

Chesebro and Roman were both indicted along with Trump for racketeering in Georgia in a plot to overturn the 2020 election results in that state.

Chesebro reached a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty in October to one felony charge of conspiracy to commit filing false documents.

DailyMail.com reached out to Chesebro for comment.

Roman pleaded not guilty to racketeering and conspiracy charges in Georgia. He also faces nine felony counts for a fake electors plot in Arizona.

Republican Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson called the charges in his state 'outrageous' in a post on X and accused Democrats of 'weaponizing Wisconsins judiciary.'
An eight-year-old boy with terminal cancer has ticked off his bucket list dream of skydiving.

Paxton Idell was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2021 when he was 5 and after intense treatment he was cancer-free for a year, but it returned and is now terminal.

His parents, Kristian and Amanda, have been trying to help him have every life experience he can in the short time he has left.

Kristian told WTSP: 'Given his condition, its hard for us to say no to anything.'

This weekend, Paxton travelled to Castroville, Texas, to fulfill his dream of skydiving.

Paxton Idell was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2021 when he was 5, after intense treatment he was cancer-free for a year, but it returned and is now terminal

Paxton's mother, Amanda, told WTSP: 'After intensive chemotherapy he ended up being cancer-free for about a year. And then April 5 of 2023, he relapsed.'

She said a relapse of his type of brain cancer is terminal.

But she added that his prognosis will not stop her son from fulfilling everything on his bucket list.

When he asked to go skydiving, Amanda said: 'The words that he said to me was, "Ive never done that my whole life."

'And my mom heart just kind of dropped. And that actually kind of set the precedence for everything thats happened since.'

It was a hard bucket list item to set up as there are many regulations around children and safety.

Amanda said: 'Theyre very strict in the U.S. about kids under the age of 18 parachuting. So its getting attorneys involved, the equipment manufacturers involved.'

The family traveled to Castroville to meet tandem skydiving instructor, Noah Watts.

Paxton travelled to Castroville, Texas , to fulfill his dream of skydiving with his parents

As well as skydiving, Paxton has already been paragliding and been to the zoo, and the family are determined to tick more things off

Watts said: 'Im hoping he gets anything and everything that he wants.

'This is definitely a passion jump for him.'

Kristian decided to jump with his son and went up with him in the plane, where his mother said he wasn't even scared.

The family wrote on Facebook: 'This kid has zero fear. Paxton so ever cool as cucumber even started falling asleep on the plane.'

Video of the awesome moment was captured on camera and showed Paxton grinning as he spun through the air.

As well as skydiving, Paxton has already been paragliding and been to the zoo, and the family are determined to tick more things off.

A GoFundMe to help the family with medical bills has raised $3,000.
Rishi Sunak could pledge to abolish inheritance tax in a final 'big throw of the dice', George Osborne predicted yesterday.

The former chancellor said inheritance tax had a 'particular purchase' in the minds of voters that went 'way beyond the numbers of people directly affected each year'.

Ministers have considered abolition plans at each of the past two budgets but shelved them after deciding the 7 billion cost was too high.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt hinted action on the issue could be included in the Tory manifesto, describing the tax as 'profoundly anti-Conservative'.

But senior Tories said Mr Sunak was yet to be convinced that total abolition was affordable.

Former Chancellor George Osbourne (pictured) said inheritance tax had a 'particular purchase' in the minds of voters that went 'way beyond the numbers of people directly affected each year'

Ministers are instead said to be looking at measures to curb its pernicious impact, such as raising the threshold for paying it or cutting the 40 per cent headline rate.

In 2007, Mr Osborne pledged to raise the threshold to 1 million, removing the vast majority of estates at the time.

Senior Tories said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (pictured) was yet to be convinced that total abolition was affordable

Speaking to the Political Currency podcast, he said the tax remained a 'potent weapon for the Conservatives'.

'I still am waiting for one big throw of the tax dice,' he added. 'We haven't heard from the Tories on tax and I think a pledge to abolish inheritance tax or all but abolish inheritance tax is probably coming down the track.'

He said that 'if you're throwing everything at this election, it seems quite likely you'd reach for that tool in the toolkit'.

Labour has indicated it would not match any pledge to cut inheritance tax, making it a potential dividing line where the parties have almost identical fiscal rules.
Imperial College has beaten the mighty Oxbridge duopoly in major university rankings for the first time ever.

The renowned science-based university in London is now ranked number two in the world, while Cambridge slipped from second to fifth place and Oxford remained in third.

The respected Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings said it is the first time since its inception that Imperial has beaten Oxbridge.

Meanwhile, the scoreboard also shows the overall performance of UK universities is waning, with 52 universities slipping down the table and only 20 universities climbing up.

The remaining 18 of the 90 British universities featured managed to retain last year's positions.

Imperial College has beaten the mighty Oxbridge duopoly in major university rankings for the first time ever

Oxford remained third in the rankings. Pictured: Radcliffe Camera and All Souls College at Oxford University

Cambridge slipped from second to fifth place. Pictured: King's College in Cambridge

In addition, the rankings showed our universities are particularly lagging behind in terms of research influence  measured by looking at how often faculty members are cited.

No British university ranks among the global top 50 for faculty-adjusted research impact, and the national leader, Imperial, is only placed at 54th.

Mainland China is the top leader on this metric, followed by Australia and the US, India, Hong Kong and South Korea.

QS suggested British universities may struggle to compete internationally in future due to budget problems and fewer people applying.

Chief executive Jessica Turner said: 'This year's results suggest that British higher education has limited capacity remaining to continue excelling in the face of funding shortages, drops in student applications, and ambiguity about the status of international students.'

Chris McGovern, of the Campaign for Real Education, said: 'Higher education spending is too thinly spread.

'More should go to our best universities, but those peddling Mickey Mouse courses should be converted back to employment-focused polytechnics.'

QS, a higher education analyst, first set up its rankings 20 years ago, with universities judged on research, employability and other metrics.

Imperial climbed to number two once before in 2014, but this spot was shared with Cambridge.

This year is the first time it has held the top UK position alone.

Its rise from sixth to second place has been attributed by QS to exceptional research performance, employability scores, and sustainability commitment.

No British university ranks among the global top 50 for faculty-adjusted research impact, and the national leader, Imperial, is only placed at 54th

Professor Hugh Brady, president of Imperial, said: 'Imperial's ranking is a testament to the quality and commitment of our entire community.

'It is inspiring to see our students, staff and partners come together every day to interrogate the forces that shape our world and address the challenges facing humanity and our planet.'

In contrast to many of its fellow Russell Group universities, Imperial specialises in science and maths, and does not offer degrees in subjects such as English Literature.

It is one of the biggest recruiters of foreign students, with 60 per cent of its intake coming from outside the UK, including 20 per cent from other European countries.

Famous alumni of Imperial include Queen guitarist Brian May and War of the Worlds author HG Wells.

This year, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US claimed the top overall spot in the rankings, which it has held consistently since 2012.

Meanwhile, the only other British university in the top ten was University College London (UCL), retaining ninth position.
A television reporter found out he had pancreatic cancer after his skin turned yellow and the cameraman had to adjust the contrast to make him look better onscreen.

Paul Nelson, a reporter with Salt Lake City KUTV Channel 2 News shared his story with viewers about the importance of early detection that saved his life.

The newsman said in February he started noticing strange symptoms that included weight loss and that his skin was turning a yellow color.

After weeks of tests, ultrasounds and a special MRI, he was diagnosed with stage 2B pancreatic cancer.

Nelson's oncologist told him that it is rare to catch the disease early, and that he was fortunate that he got checked when he did.

Nelson pictured after his life-saving treatment after early detection

Pancreatic cancer begins in the organ lying behind the lower part of the stomach, the pancreas. Symptoms are vague and often difficult to detect.

Nelson's doctor, Dr. Jonathan Whisenant, explained that 'if you don't find it early, I mean, like if he hadn't become jaundiced in six months, it would be elsewhere.'

'It would be in his liver. And as soon as that happens, it's just a matter of time,' he said.

Symptoms typically include fatigue, jaundice, nausea, bloating, and lack of appetite. The treatments used to treat the cancer are chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Nelson said, 'when people are showing symptoms that I was showing  the dark urine, the jaundice, the nausea  by that time, frequently it's already stage four cancer.'

KUTV reporter Paul Nelson (pictured) skin had started to turn yellow, which later turned out to be pancreas cancer. Cameraman had to adjust the contrast in the studio to even out skin tone

Fortunately, his cancer was not at that stage yet, due to his life-saving early detection, but explains the ordeal 'is still scary.

'You know, every now and then, if I have to think about the possibilities, I still freak out,' he said.

Nelson underwent several months of chemotherapy. He also had his tumor, gall bladder, and parts of his pancreas, stomach and bile duct removed.

His doctor said Nelson is working through fatigue, and a different nutrition plan. He is still in the recovery phase at the time of publication.

He is on medication for prediabetes and is back to work at the news station.

Nelson pictured reporting on-air at KUTV Channel 2 News

His positive attitude and support from his wife Erica, has been instrumental in his recovery.

'My occupational therapist told me, negative people don't get better. So this is how I have to look at it,' Nelson said.

He also attributed an insurance discount for the reason he finally went to a doctor for a check-up after a decade.

Now, he urges everyone to get their annual check-up and to ask their doctor questions if anything seems off, and to be pro-active.
The millionaire owner of a luxury menswear brand has been blocked from having a shotgun licence after he allegedly threatened to shoot an employee at a VIP party.

Kristian Ferner Robson, chief executive of Oliver Brown, had appealed against a decision by police to refuse a gun licence after a string of alcohol-fuelled incidents.

Allegations included that he racially abused a man in central London's Piccadilly and threatened to kill an employee said to have 'crashed' an event for clients at exclusive Mediterranean restaurant Isabel Mayfair.

Oliver Brown sells menswear, shooting wear and accessories and has outlets in London's Lower Sloane Street, Jermyn Street and Cornhill.

Mr Ferner Robson, a former gamekeeper, regularly attends and participates in shoots to show off the outfits, the court was told.

An employment tribunal previously heard Mr Ferner Robson was upset and frustrated after assistant manager Jerome Ingle-Smith arrived at the restaurant after party to celebrate the launch of the Jermyn Street store in November 2021.

According to court documents, the 50-year-old married father of two told Mr Ingle-Smith: 'I will beat the shit out of you, you little c***. I will f****** kill you' and 'I will f****** shoot you'.

Kristian Ferner Robson (pictured) , chief executive of Oliver Brown, had appealed against a decision by police to refuse a gun licence after a string of alcohol-fuelled incidents

Kristian Robson attends an intimate dinner to celebrate the launch of the new Oliver Brown SS22 collection on April 26, 2022

The next day, the staff member resigned stating: 'Following last night's threats of violence against me by Kristian, I no longer feel safe attending my place of work.'

Mr Ingle-Smith won the employment tribunal, although Mr Ferner Robson continued to deny that he threatened to shoot him.

In his statement to the court, Mr Ferner Robson argued that 'idle threats' in the 'heat of the moment' should not bar him from holding a gunshot licence.

But Sergeant Jamie Tyrrell, of the Met Police Firearms Enquiry Team (FET), stated: 'The discovery of this incident is of immense concern as Mr Ferner Robson has not only made threats to kill a member of his own staff, but that he has also threatened to use of a firearm in order to do so.'

The officer stated that the incident was not reported to police but if the team had known about it, Mr Ferner Robson's permit to hold a shotgun would have been reviewed then.

Giving evidence at the Old Bailey, the businessman said he was a 'changed man'.

His lawyer, Quentin Hunt, said his client no longer drank to excess and 'highly respectable individuals queued up to say good things about him'.

But panel chair Judge Simon Mayo KC dismissed his appeal after 'careful consideration' of evidence.

He said: 'We have reached the conclusion that the appellant cannot be permitted to possess a shotgun without danger to the public safety and to the peace.'

Sgt Tyrrell outlined a past 'pattern of behaviour' when Mr Ferner Robson was under in the influence of alcohol.

In April 2007, he was arrested for making racist slurs towards a man in Westminster, and made a further racist remark in custody.

Mr Ferner Robson said now felt 'disgusted' and 'deeply regeted' the incident which had resulted in a caution for a racially aggravated public order offence.

In June 2008, Mr Ferner Robson was arrested but no further action was taken after estate agent signs were taken down and strewn across two roads.

According to Mr Ferner Robson, he had returned home from a stag do at 1am and removed a Foxton's for sale sign after finding it outside his property.

In 2001, he was cautioned for the unlawful transfer of a shotgun to an unlicensed person.

Mr Ferner Robson explained it was a 'simple error' when he gave his shotguns to a 'very good friend' who already had 20 guns in his cabinet.

In his statement to the court, Mr Ferner Robson argued that 'idle threats' in the 'heat of the moment' should not bar him from holding a gunshot licence

He stated: 'He mistakenly told me that his licence was in-date and so I thought I was doing the responsible thing by handing over my guns when my gun licence was due to expire imminently.'

In 2010, his vehicle found abandoned at 4am and shotgun cartridges were recovered from his boot which had been in there since 2007.

Mr Ferner Robson had also failed to disclose his previous convictions and cautions when he applied for a shotgun licence in 2022.

He explained that he suffered from ADHD and had difficulties filling out forms.

The court heard how Mr Ferner Robson had previously worked as a game keeper on the Raeshaw Estate in Scotland.

He also argued that he was a 'positive' influence on society and worked for a homeless charity and helped vaccinate people during the Covid pandemic.
Scotland is facing a cancer timebomb, with a post-pandemic surge in cases just the tip of the iceberg, a surgeon has warned.

Growing numbers of patients are coming forward late after holding off reporting symptoms during Covid, Professor Farhat Din said yesterday.

But, alarmingly, there are not enough staff to deal with all the GP referrals.

Professor Din, a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, also called for a full review into the soaring number of cancelled operations, saying the problem was taking a toll on patients mental and physical health.

Growing numbers of patients in Scotland are coming forward late for cancer treatment after holding off reporting symptoms during the pandemic, a surgeon has warned

Her comments came on a day of more damning figures about the pressure on the NHS, including:

 Nearly 2,000 operations didnt go ahead in April, including 426 which were cancelled for non-clinical capacity reasons;

 The average number of NHS beds lost to delayed discharge soared to 1,914 in April, and the average delay is now 28 days;

 A third of patients are not being seen in A&E within the four-hour target, and long waits have soared.

Professor Din, a Cancer Research UK clinical scientist, told Holyroods health committee: We dont have enough staff to see patients in secondary care, in terms of the demand from referrals from primary care. Thats a very straightforward fact.

We know patients are waiting longer for their investigations and longer for access to surgery.

She said clinicians were having very difficult conversations about waits for diagnostic scans, while medical staff were suffering stress due to being unable to deliver the high standard of care weve been trained to do.

Referring to the Covid delay, Professor Din said: We are only starting to see the tip of the iceberg in terms of patients that have not come forward.

Coupled with that a pause in screening, a pause in pretty much all diagnostics, there is a huge backlog and we wont really know what the magnitude of the unmet need is.

Peter Hastie, of Macmillan Cancer Support, told MSPs: The existing cancer waiting times target has not been hit for 12 years.

That is really, really difficult for cancer patients. Noting that the performance against the 62-day target has been getting worse every year, he added: It is a really strong indicator something is badly wrong in cancer services.

Public Health Scotland figures yesterday showed that of 23,482 operations planned in April 2024, 1,943 were cancelled on the day before or on the day itself.

An average of 1,914 beds were occupied due to delayed discharge in April and only 67.4 per cent of patients were seen at A&E within four hours.

The proportion waiting more than 12 hours jumped from 4.5 per cent to 5.2 per cent in a month, while the number waiting more than eight hours increased from 11.2 to 11.7 per cent.

Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane branded the figures atrocious, while his Scottish Labour counterpart Jackie Baillie said the SNP should be apologising for the damage they have done through their incompetence and mismanagement.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: We are treating more cancer patients on time, within both 62 and 31-day pathways, compared to pre-pandemic and ten years ago. We are determined to reduce waits and are investing 40million in cancer services.
A senior GOP senator ripped Joe Biden as untrustworthy after he repeatedly peddled a strange story about his uncle getting consumed by cannibals in South East Asia.

The tall tale, which the president has told repeatedly, has been directly refuted by a Pentagon report.

Biden claims his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan - known to the family as 'Uncle Bosie' - was in a plane that was shot down over Papa New Guinea during his service in WWII - and that his dear relative was later eaten by local cannibals.

And at the conclusion of a Republican press event bashing Biden's new asylum executive order, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, got caught on a hot mic poking fun of Biden's strange cannibal story.

She told Senator John Kennedy: 'Bottom line, never trust a man whose uncle was eaten by cannibals.'

Ernst was heard commenting on Biden's uncle as she exited a border presser

Ernst seemingly did not realize her remarks were caught on a hot mic in a room filled with reporters.

The jab at joe was caught as the Republican was walking off stage in a media room on Capitol Hill on a microphone she likely did not know was still on.

The rebuke of the president came after a nearly 45 minute tirade from Republican senators against Biden's immigration plan - and a month and a half after his Uncle Brosie story.

Biden claimed his uncle 'got shot down in New Guinea, and they never found the body because there used to be  there were a lot of cannibals, for real, in that part of New Guinea.'

'He got shot down in an area where there were a lot of cannibals in New Guinea at the time,' Biden said at an event in Pennsylvania recently. 'They never recovered his body.'

The loss of Ambrose Finnegan is detailed in a 'missing aircraft' report made on March 17, 1944 and kept at the National Archives.

Despite not being at the podium the microphones still picked up her bashing Biden

Marked 'Secret' the War Department report shows he was not flying the plane and was a passenger. There were three 'crew' and one 'passenger' on board. Finnegan was listed as a 2nd Lieutenant who was a 'courier.'

According to the report the weather was 'good' when the plane went down and there was 'nil' evidence to suggest whether or not those on board had survived.

While Biden said the plane was shot down, a separate Pentagon report suggested it ditched in the ocean after engine failure.

The report by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said there was a crew of three and one passenger, and the plane departed Momote Airfield, Los Negros Island, for a courier flight to Nadzab Airfield, New Guinea on May 14, 1944.

'For unknown reasons, this plane was forced to ditch in the ocean off the north coast of New Guinea,' the report said. 'Both engines failed at low altitude, and the aircraft's nose hit the water hard.'

'Three men failed to emerge from the sinking wreck and were lost in the crash.'

'One crew member survived and was rescued by a passing barge. An aerial search the next day found no trace of the missing aircraft or the lost crew members.'

It said Second Lieutenant Ambrose J. Finnegan was 'the passenger on this Havoc when it was lost.'

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on an executive order limiting asylum in the East Room of the White House

2nd Lt. Ambrose J. Finnegan, who Biden alleges was eaten by cannibals

Missing Air Crew Report number 48472D LT AMBROSE J. FINNEGAN

Missing Air Crew Report number 48472D LT AMBROSE J. FINNEGAN

On Tuesday at the GOP press event, Republicans painted Biden as deceitful about his border policies.

'On day one of his presidency, Joe Biden rolled into the White House. He got into the Oval, and he dismantled everything that President Trump had in place that kept a lid on these illegal border crossings,' Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said.

'So now here we are years later, and it has taken 10 million illegal border crossings for President Biden to step up and acknowledge that there is a crisis at the border and you know what, folks? It's his own making,' Ernst continued.

Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., claimed that Biden's executive action is a bate-and-switch, saying the president wants to look tough on immigration in an election year.

'Our borders have been left vulnerable and the safety of our citizens compromised. And here we stand just five months before this critical election with Joe Biden and the Democrats grasping for a political lifeline,' he said.

'Joe Biden's decisions are basically rubber stamping the presence of cartel and criminal enterprises at our borders and really throughout the entire nation. Now, this is not a policy, this is a betrayal of the American people by the White House.'

Ernst slammed Biden's executive action as being an election year ploy

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, emphatically picked up a poster to demonstrate how many migrants have crossed into the U.S. unlawfully under President Joe Biden

'President Biden isn't addressing the crisis,' Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said. 'He's maintaining a catastrophe.'

'Since he's been in office, he has allowed all the Trump era policies that work so successfully, to either go away not enforced or he's repealed them.'

'In his first 100 days of office he issued 94 executive orders. President Trump built 500 miles of wall. President Biden stopped that with his executive orders.'

'This President is not serious,' Ricketts continued. 'He has opened our southern border and now because it's election year. He's trying to show the American people that he's taking steps, but we're not going to believe it.'

Sen. Blackburn, R-Tenn., expressed the same sentiments at the event.

'Human trafficking, the sex trafficking, the numbers are adding up and here you go with an election year political gimmick to try to push this issue aside so that [Biden] can go to a debate and say, 'Well, I did something.''

An energized Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas., said at the presser that Biden and Democrat lawmakers have presided over 'a criminal invasion of the United States' by allowing over 10 million migrants to enter the U.S. since the president took office.

He alleged that Biden 'deliberately broke the system' and now in an election year the president is trying to fix it.
Labour will change procurement rules to force the Ministry of Defence to prioritise buying British equipment, the party has announced.

In a bid to grow the economy and ensure the Armed Forces have the kit they need, Sir Keir Starmer will set a high bar for any decisions to buy abroad.

Defence investment will be directed first to British business, and defence procurement will be used to strengthen UK sovereignty, security and economic growth, Labour pledged.

Sir Keir told the Mail last night that he would 'always do and spend what's required to keep our country safe', as he accused the Tories of being 'too ready to buy abroad'.

He said the Conservatives have been 'selling British businesses and British jobs short'.

Keir Starmer has today announced Labour will change procurement rules to force the Ministry of Defence to prioritise buying British equipment

Pictured: A British Army WAH-64D Apache AH1 Attack helicopter

Grant Shapps leaves Downing Street after attending a weekly cabinet meeting on July 4, 2023

In the National Shipbuilding Strategy in 2017, the Government said it had a 'duty to ensure that public funds achieve the best value for money for the taxpayer'.

But since then, the Ministry of Defence has bought new guns from abroad and looked to the US for new missiles for Apache helicopters.

Labour has pledged to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence as soon as possible, though the Tories have said they will reach this goal by 2030.

Sir Keir told the Mail: 'The changed Labour Party I lead knows that our nation's defence must always come first.

'We will always do and spend what's required to keep our country safe. We will secure Britain's future for the long term with our plans to build more Armed Forces kit in the UK.

'The Conservatives have been too ready to buy abroad  selling British businesses and British jobs short.

'They've failed to make the best use of the UK's defence industry as a way of growing our economy and making sure our forces have the kit they need to fight and fulfil our NATO obligations.

'At a time of rising threats, it is vital we have the industry and jobs that are needed to make sure our forces have the kit they need to deter  and if necessary, defeat those who would seek to do us harm.

British Army soldiers from the 12th Armoured Brigade Combat Team sit on the Warrior infantry fighting vehicles during a NATO Exercise in Poland

'Labour is committed to strengthening our national defences and supporting our Armed Forces. Strong national defence is the secure foundation on which Labour's mission driven government will be built. To deliver this long-term security, Labour will set a higher bar for any decisions to buy abroad.

'We will use defence procurement to bolster our UK sovereignty, security and economic growth with a strong defence industrial strategy to ensure investment in defence procurement delivers growth.'

The pledge comes after Labour promised a 'triple lock' on the nuclear deterrent to protect the Britain of the future.

Sir Keir pledged to build all four new Dreadnought nuclear subs in the UK, maintain Britain's continuous at sea nuclear deterrent, and deliver all future upgrades needed.

He told the Mail in April: 'Make no mistake, this is a generational, multi-decade commitment. Not only is this about defending our land and our NATO allies, it's also defending our economy  prioritising British jobs, British skills and much-needed economic growth here on our shores.'
Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday officially got behind his supporters using mail-in ballots and voting early in the November election with the launch of an initiative dubbed 'Swamp the Vote USA.'

'Many Republicans like to vote on Election Day and we must swamp the radical Democrats with massive turnout on Tuesday, November 5,' Trump said.

The ex-president and presumptive Republican nominee filmed a video at Mar-a-Lago where he explained that he still wanted elections to be conducted only on Election Day with paper ballots and voter ID.

However, that's not how current election laws stand.

'But until then, Republicans must win,' Trump said. 'And we must use every appropriate tool available to beat the Democrats, they are destroying our country.'

Former President Donald Trump launched 'Swamp the Vote USA' on Tuesday, pushing supporters to make a plan to vote in the November election - including with mail-in ballots or voting in-person and early

SwampTheVoteUSA.com was launched in conjunction with the Republican National Committee and allows Trump supporters to request a mail-in ballot or commit to voting early in-person or on Election Day

The website, SwampTheVoteUSA.com, which was launched in conjunction with the Republican National Committee, allows Trump supporters to pledge to vote absentee, early, or on Election Day.

It even allows them to obtain a mail-in ballot.

'Whether you vote early, absentee, by mail or in-person we are going to protect the vote,' Trump pledged.

The former president continued to foment the so-called 'big lie,' that Trump was robbed of a second term in 2020 due to widespread Democratic voter fraud - of which there is no evidence.

In the video Trump mentioned 'we never want what happened in 2020 to happen again.'

'Keep you eyes open because these people want to cheat and they do cheat and frankly it's the only thing they do well,' the ex-president continued.

'The way you win is to swamp them, if we swamp them, they can't cheat, it just doesn't work out,' Trump added.

Ahead of Election Day 2020, Trump complained about the widespread use of mail-in ballots, with states passing more permissive election laws pertaining to absentee voting due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

With that, Republican supporters of Trump were more wary of using mail-in ballots, while Democrats pushed their voters to send their ballots in early.

Additionally, some states passed laws where mail-in ballot counting couldn't start until Election Day.

Trump speaks during a press conference at Trump Tower on May 31, 2024 in New York City

In 2020, Trump complained about the widespread use of mail-in ballots. A poll worker is seen here preparing voting booths in Miami ahead of the Republican primary in March

That resulted in Trump being the early leader in a number of battleground states, only for President Joe Biden to pull ahead, as it took longer to count the paper ballots then in-person Election Day votes.

In the hours after polls closed around the country, Trump falsely claimed there had been widespread fraud, pointing to the mail-in ballots.

'We were getting ready to win this election, frankly we did win this election,' he said from the White House after the pivotal state of Arizona had already been called for Biden by Fox News.

'We want all voting to stop,' the then-president continued. 'We don't want them to find any ballots at 4 o'clock in the morning and add them to the list.'

But since Trump launched his third White House bid in November 2022, a number of Republicans have pleaded with the ex-president to get on board with mail-in and early voting, as Election Day turnout could be impacted by a number of factors - including the weather.

'But if you can't make it,' Trump said of Election Day, 'you need to make a plan, register and vote any way possible.'

'We need to get your vote,' the ex-president added, saying that November 5 would become 'the most important day in the history of our country.'
An online troll who threatened to kill JK Rowling with a hammer and shoot an MP has avoided jail.

Glenn Mullen was given an eight-week suspended sentence for sending the Harry Potter author a Gaelic audio message in which he said he was going to kill her with a big hammer.

The 31-year-old also threatened to turn a big gun on Labour MP Rosie Duffield. He had admitted two charges of sending a communication conveying a threatening message and was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates Court yesterday.

Mullen, from Manchester, told Rowling using X: Im going to kill JK Rowling with a big hammer.

JK Rowling is very horrible and I hate her so much.

Glenn Mullen was handed a suspended sentence for threatening Harry Potter author JK Rowling and Labour MP Rosie Duffield

He tweeted to Ms Duffield, who like Ms Rowling is opposed to transgender reforms, saying: Im going to kill Rosie Duffield with a big gun. I hate her so much.

Prosecutor Frances McCormack said both of the offences related to audio messages. He added: The defendant sent the voice note to each of the victims Twitter accounts.

The voice note was sent to JK Rowling in Gaelic. These were posted in public on

Twitter and the messages were reported to the police.

The court heard someone who understood Gaelic spotted the tweets that were sent in January last year and raised the alarm.

Mr McCormack added that Ms Rowling had received a large number of threats over the past three years, but felt this one was more serious because it was an audio clip.

He went on: She sets out that the threats were very specific while the choice of language was odd and as a result it made her fear for her family.

She has received threats such as these before and in the aftermath the threats have been acted on.

JK Rowling was targeted by Mullen, who Westminster Magistrates Court was told has strong views about gender equality

The Edinburgh-based author tightened the security measures she already had in place following the threat.

Meanwhile Ms Duffield, who was the Labour MP for Canterbury until last week, said she felt particularly threatened because of the murders of fellow politicians Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.

The prosecutor said: She did not tell her family initially because she was scared and did not want to upset them.

The threats came after Mullen  who had strong views about gender equality  became frustrated at the two women. The court heard he used Gaelic because he did not think anyone would be able to understand.

He was sacked from his job after the tweets were spotted.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said he felt there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation as background reports noted that the behaviour was out of character.

Mullen was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months.

He will also have to complete 20 days of a community order and 150 hours of unpaid work.
The affected product was sold at more than 100 stores across the country

A popular supermarket chain has issued a recall for packaged deli meat over fears the product may contain metal.

Grocery giant Wegmans announced Friday that it was recalling pepperoni in stores across eight states due to 'possible metal foreign material' contamination.

The affected product, sold as the Wegmans Italian Classics Uncured Pepperoni, was packaged with the UPC code 2-07939-00000-6 and best by dates of August 28, 2024 and August 29, 2024.

It was sold at more than 100 stores throughout the country including in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Those who purchased the pepperoni can return it to the customer service desk for a full refund.

Wegmans issued a recall of its Italian Classics Uncured Pepperoni on Friday due to 'possible metal foreign material' contamination

The affected product was sold at more than 100 stores across the United States including those in the Washington metropolitan area and New York (pictured: Wegmans location on Astor Place in Manhattan)

The announcement came on the heels of a spate of other recalls including one for cucumbers sold by Florida-based Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Saturday that the company had issued a recall for cucumbers shipped to 14 states from May 17 through May 21 due to potential Salmonella contamination.

The bacterium can cause serious and sometimes deadly infections in people with weakened immune systems, including young children and the elderly.

On May 24, Dairy Manufacturers, Inc. announced that it was conducting a voluntary recall of three brands of baby formula after failing to comply with FDA regulations.

While no adverse reactions have been reported to date, the ingredients have yet to be evaluated to determine whether they meet food safety and nutritional standards.

One day prior, Fiji Water issued a recall of nearly two million bottles after testing found evidence of manganese and three unspecified types of bacteria in some samples.

Manganese naturally occurs in soil, but continued exposure to the mineral can cause liver, kidney and lung damage. It can also affect the nervous and reproductive systems.
Labour's Shadow Foreign Secretary has admitted he only started supporting the UK's nuclear deterrent after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

David Lammy  who voted with half the Shadow Cabinet against renewing Trident in 2016  had previously opposed the policy on the grounds of his Christian faith.

His visits to Ukraine in his role as Labour's Foreign spokesman, however, have 'truly shown [him] the seriousness of the systemic risk that Vladimir Putin poses'  and made sure he is now '100 per cent' behind the nuclear deterrent.

Mr Lammy's comments came just a day after deputy leader Angela Rayner threw the party's defence policy into disarray by saying she didn't regret voting against the nuclear deterrent in Parliament eight years ago.

Last night a Conservative Party spokesperson said: 'David Lammy is finding excuses to hide the simple fact that he does not and never has supported the UK's nuclear deterrent.

Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy (pictured) had previously opposed the policy on the grounds of his Christian faith

Lammy's visits to Ukraine have 'truly shown [him] the seriousness of the systemic risk that Vladimir Putin poses'

'Keir Starmer cannot claim to have changed the Labour Party when the man he would make Foreign Secretary so clearly lacks the conviction to stand up for the nation's security.'

Mr Lammy told the i newspaper: 'The truth is, I suppose, is what I've seen in Ukraine, and as a Privy Councillor, the access that I've had on bipartisan terms with the government since the war in Ukraine has truly shown me the seriousness of the systemic risk that Vladimir Putin poses to our country.'

'Had Ukraine been allowed to retain their nuclear weapons after its independence from the Soviet Union, they would not have faced the invasion that they did from Putin.

'So, for all of those reasons, the nuclear deterrent is essential, and that's why John Healey [Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary] has talked about the triple lock, which is about upgrading our submarines, absolutely 100 per cent maintenance of trident and, of course, our long-term commitment to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence.

'I and many others in the Labour Party owe a debt to [Ernest] Bevin. He was central to the nuclear deterrent.'

'Had Ukraine been allowed to retain their nuclear weapons after its independence from the Soviet Union, they would not have faced the invasion that they did from Putin' Lammy said

Sir Keir used a speech on Monday to announce Labour's commitment to a 'nuclear triple lock' and had insisted his entire Shadow Cabinet was now behind him on the issue.

But he refused to say if his Shadow Foreign Secretary had undergone a damascene conversion, instead telling reporters: '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.'

Back in 2015, Mr Lammy said: 'The money being spent on Trident could fund up to 850,000 new affordable homes, or 9,000 new schools. Public services must be our priority.'

A year later, he wrote in Christian News: 'The idea of loving thy neighbour and protecting our world for future generations simply cannot hold if we have stockpiles of weapons that will destroy our neighbours and destroy our world for future generations.

'Not only do nuclear weapons contradict religious principles, any form of international relations based on the threat of mutual destruction is totally contradictory to the preamble of Article 1 of the United Nations Charter.'

Meanwhile, 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 had 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.'

Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, shadow Scotland Secretary Ian Murray and Shadow Wales Secretary Jo Stevens were also among those to have voted against Trident.
Family have urged for help to find her

The family of a teenage girl who suddenly disappeared has made a desperate plea for help claiming her loved one was taken by two men in a car.

Victoria Police said Servillia Pacey Hardman, 13, was last seen leaving a home in Beaconsfield, 44km south east of Melbourne's CBD, at 10.55am on Monday.

Servillia's mum, Sarah, said her daughter was then picked up in a dark blue car by two adult men from a house in the neighbouring suburb of Clyde at 9.30pm.

The young girl, who answers to Sevi for short, was wearing her school uniform - navy blue and white pants and a top - and carrying a large backpack at the time of her disappearance.

Servillia is described as about 160cm tall, with black shoulder length wavy hair and piercings on her ears and nose.

The family of a teenage girl who suddenly disappeared has made a desperate plea for help claiming her loved one was taken by two men in a car

Victoria Police said Servillia Pacey Hardman, 13, was last seen leaving a home in Beaconsfield, 44km south east of Melbourne 's CBD, at 10.55am on Monday

Her parents told Daily Mail Australia they just want their daughter to return home safely.

'Sevi, everyone is worried about you. Please come home,' they said.

Another family member made a desperate plea in a Facebook post on Tuesday, urging social media users to reach out if they spot her niece.

'Our niece has gone missing. If anyone sees her please get in touch so we can pass the info on,' they wrote.

Sevillia's missing person's post has also been shared by concerned family and friends, with the hope it would lead to her safe return.

Anyone who sees Servillia or has information about her whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.
A Jewish-American Army Major has resigned from his post in protest at US support for Israel's 'ethnic cleansing' of Palestinians that has starved and killed 'tens of thousands of civilians'.

Major Harrison Mann told CBS that Israel's response to the October 7 attack has 'turned the whole world against it' and imperiled the security of both Jews and Israel.

The Defense Intelligence Agency analyst offered his resignation in November as casualties mounted in Gaza following Israel's invasion, and spoke out on Tuesday as he formally stepped down after 13 years.

'I'm confident saying it's certainly some measure of ethnic cleansing,' said Mann whose grandparents fled the anti-Semitism of Eastern Europe.

'I don't know how you kill 35,000 civilians by accident.'

Major Harrison Mann of the Defense Intelligence Agency has become the first US military officer to resign over President Biden's support for Israel

'At some point, whatever the justification, you're either advancing a policy that enables the mass starvation of children, or you're not,' he wrote

Mann who served in the DIA's Middle East bureau slammed Joe Biden's 'nearly unqualified support for the government of Israel', and said his own contribution had caused him 'incredible shame and guilt'.

'At some point  whatever the justification  you're either advancing a policy that enables the mass starvation of children, or you're not,' he wrote in his resignation letter.

'And I want to clarify that as the descendant of European Jews, I was raised in a particularly unforgiving moral environment when it came to the topic of bearing responsibility for ethnic cleansing.'

Six US government officials are known to have resigned in protest at US support for the war but dozens of State Department agents have signed 'dissent cables' signaling their anger at US policy.

Figures for number killed in Gaza are supplied by the Hamas-controlled health ministry and have not been independently verified.

But Israel has refused to give a figure for the number of civilians killed, claiming that 15,000 of the dead were Hamas fighters.

The House voted on Tuesday to pass a bill that would institute sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) after it threatened arrest warrants for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders for war crimes.

The intelligence analyst spent 13 years in the army before offering his resignation in November

He slammed Joe Biden 's 'nearly unqualified support for the government of Israel'

The Jewish officer warned that Israel and the US are 'not responding in a way that is productive for the security of the state of Israel or Jews worldwide'

Thousands of children are thought to be among the 36,000 currently estimated to have died during Israel's eight-month assault in Gaza

Neither Israel or the US are among the 122 countries that recognize the ICC and Biden denounced the court's move as 'outrageous' insisting there is 'no equivalence - none - between Israel and Hamas.'

More than one million people have now fled the southern Gaza city of Rafah, the UN said on Monday as Israeli forces push into the last Hamas stronghold.

Biden warned Israel last month that an all-out attack on the city was a red line for the White House and could halt the supply of offensive weapons.

'If they go into Rafah, I'm not supplying the weapons,' the President told CNN on May 9.

Israel insists it is conducting a limited operation in the city as both Netanyahu and Hamas rejected the latest US proposal for a ceasefire and release of Israeli hostages.

The White House said on Tuesday that Biden's Middle East envoy, Brett McGurk, will travel to the region this week in a bid to revive the plan.

Mann published his resignation letter last month after the White House promised that the US would continue to arm Israel, despite a State Department report concluding that the country had violated international humanitarian law.

'I'm confident saying it's certainly some measure of ethnic cleansing,' Mann told CBS

Major Harrison laid out his thinking to his colleagues in a resignation letter

'The past months have presented us with the most horrific and heartbreaking images imaginable,' he wrote.

'And I have been unable to ignore the connection between those images and my duties here.

'This unconditional support also encourages reckless escalation that risks wider war.'

'I was struck by the weakness of that justification,' he said on Tuesday

'They're not responding in a way that is productive for the security of the state of Israel or Jews worldwide.

'I do not think it is in the spirit of 'never again'.

'If you are somebody who is really motivated by the concern to protect Jewish life, you should be fighting for [Israel] to wind down the war, to conduct it in a way that does not turn basically the whole world against them.

'That is not good for the near or long-term security of Israel.'

The DIA said in a statement: 'Employee resignations are a routine occurrence at DIA as they are at other employers, and employees resign their positions for any number of reasons and motivation.'
Nat Barr has been forced to pull the plug on a tense interview with the Home Affairs Minister and a Liberal Senator after the pair refused to stop arguing over the government's latest immigration bungle.

Labor minister Clare O'Neil and Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume appeared on Sunrise on Wednesday morning, where Barr asked about how the cancellation of high-profile criminal Kevin Farrugia's visa was revoked.

The TV presenter was due to ask one more question after the visa discussion but instead shut the interview down early, when she was unable to get a word in amid Ms O'Neil and Ms Hume's bickering.

'You know what no-one likes the arguing. I think we will leave it there. See you next week,' Barr said as the camera suddenly cut from the interview and moved onto co-host Matt Shirvington.

News broke this week that Farrugia, 51, who is also an associate of Australia's most notorious crime lord Tony Mokbel, was spared from deportation by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

Nat Barr (centre) has been forced to pull the plug on an uncomfortably tense interview with the Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil (left) and Liberal Senator Jane Hume (right) after the pair refused to stop arguing over the government's latest immigration bungle

Farrugia, whose serial criminality started in 1993, has been convicted for reckless conduct endangering life, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms and drug trafficking.

The Maltese national is behind bars but could be freed in May next year.

His visa was cancelled but this has since been revoked as part of Immigration Minister Andrew Giles' Direction 99, which was issued early last year.

The direction requires the immigration minister or a body, including the AAT, to take an individual's community ties to Australia into account when considering revoking the cancellation of a convicted criminal's visa.

The controversial decision means that greater tolerance is shown to immigrants who have committed serious crimes and had their visas cancelled if they've 'lived in the Australian community for most of their life, or from a very young age'.

Farrugia came to Australia when he was just 17-months-old.

'Clare, is it getting hard to continue to defend Minister Giles?' Barr asked Ms O'Neil.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles is under fire for a ministerial decision that has allowed criminals to have their cancelled visas revoked

Ms O'Neil immediately turned the blame onto former immigration minister and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, saying he had the chance to cancel Farrugia's visa when he was in charge but didn't.

'You probably saw it was reported last week that while Peter Dutton was Home Affairs Minister and Immigration Minister, 1,300 convicted criminals were released from immigration detention,' she said.

Ms O'Neil was quickly cut off by Ms Hume who said: 'Oh Clare you are shameless!'

The Home Affairs Minister seemed unfazed by the interruption and said Mr Dutton had refused to answer any questions on the topic.

'I would say that if the test for Jane and her colleagues set for ministers in our government was set for Peter Dutton he would not have lasted a week,' she continued.

Ms Hume interrupted again, saying Mr Dutton 'lasted much more than a week' and cancelled more than 6,500 visas during his time.

Barr then tried to ask for clarity over whether Mr Dutton could have cancelled Farrugia's visa but did not get a clear answer from Ms Hume as she continued to attack Labor.

'It is hard to get stuck into this government on this topic if you can't answer that question about whether your government could have done it,' Barr said, as Ms Hume continued to speak over her.

Barr then tried to change topics and move on to the final question but the two ministers refused to back down and continued to argue.

The fed-up Sunrise host eventually shut down the interview with both ministers suddenly muted and taken off camera.
Ukraine last night claimed it successfully hit a missile system inside Russia using U.S. weapons.

It said the countrys forces destroyed Russian missile launchers with a strike in the Belgorod region.

Senior politician Yehor Chernev claimed Ukrainian forces used a High Mobility Rocket Artillery System, or HIMARS, The New York Times reported.

It comes just days after the U.S. granted permission for Ukraine to fire American weapons into Russia.

Ukraine last night claimed it successfully hit a missile system inside Russia using U.S. weapons just days after President Joe Biden (pictured) gave permission for the missiles to be used

US and Philippine troops fire a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) during live fire exercises on March 31, 2023

Meanwhile, Joe Biden has ruled out Ukraine joining Nato in a major policy shift. The development comes after the defence alliances members, including the US and Britain, released a communique last year declaring Ukraines future is in Nato.

But with a view to ending the two-and-a-half year conflict, the President has stated he is against the Natoisation of the country.

While his remarks were met with heavy criticism in Kyiv, analysts believe Mr Bidens comments could bring a settlement closer.

Russia has repeatedly referred to Ukraines possible membership of Nato to justify its invasion and occupation of the country.

It comes as NATO countries are set to collaborate to create a 'drone wall' on the security alliance's eastern flank that aims to provide round-the-clock monitoring of threats across the border from Russia and Belarus.

Six nations sharing a land border with Russia or Belarus - namely Finland, Norway, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia - will pool resources to ensure thousands of military-grade and consumer drones can patrol the skies over their eastern regions.

A soldier from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, flys the Parrot Anafi drone to identify targets during the Live Firing Tactical Training phase of Exercise Vigilant Isles on the 18th of November 2023

The MQ-9 Reaper (Reaper MQ-9A) is a remotely piloted medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) aircraft designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), and attack missions

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Ministers from all six countries met last week to discuss the joint project, which is still in its nascent stages.

The timeline for its deployment and the exact parameters of the initiative are yet to be finalised, but it is thought each country will maintain control of their own assets and work with allied governments and armed forces on intelligence sharing.

The drones will primarily be used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), but Rinkevics said attack drones may also be included in the fleet for defence purposes.

Poland, the only NATO country spending 4% of its GDP on defence, said the drone initiative will formulate a part of a much broader strategy that will see Warsaw spend billions on upgrading its security capabilities amid claims it is routinely targeted by hostile actions from Russia and Belarus.

These alleged actions include cyberattacks, attempted arson and migrants being pushed illegally across the border, which officials describe as intended to 'destabilise' the European Union.
President Joe Biden credited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with struggling with a grave situation  not playing politics  when asked for his latest take on the war in Gaza that is complicating his own reelection.

The president fielded a question at the end of a statement about his new executive order on immigration and asylum claims.

He plucked the off-topic question out of a clash of shouted questions following the event, as he staked new ground on a the issue that has caused difficulties throughout his term.

A network reporter asked if the embattled Israeli prime minister was 'playing politics with the war.'

'I dont think so. Hes trying to work out a serious problem he has,' Biden responded, crediting Netanyahu with a good faith effort.

It followed comments by Biden about Netanyahu in a new Time Magazine interview, conducted May 28, when Biden was asked if Netanyahu was prolonging the war for his own self-preservation.

'Hes trying to work out a serious problem he has,' President Joe Biden said, when asked if Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was playing politics with the war in Gaza

'I'm not going to comment on that. There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion,' Biden responded. Then he cited a domestic political fight in Israel over a constitutional court. 'And so it's an internal domestic debate that seems to have no consequence. And whether he would change his position or not, it's hard to say, but it has not been helpful,' he added.

But he appeared reluctant to criticize Netanyahu for bearing responsibility for the horrific October 7 Hamas attack inside Israel.

'I don't know how any one person has that responsibility. He was the leader of the country, so therefore, it happened. But he wasn't the only one that didn't pick it up,' Biden said.

Rival Donald Trump had said October 7 'should have never happened' but it did 'on [Netanyahu's] watch.'

Senior Democrats fear Israel's war in Gaza could expose intra-party rifts, as a divisive conflict could run at least until the November U.S. elections. Netanyahu is vowing to destroy Hamas.

Biden on Monday touted a phased agreement to end the war, in a sign of the urgency of the issue, with American citizen hostages still held in Gaza.
'Touch base' and 'blue sky thinking' have been voted the most hated office phrases by UK workers  as one in five fear they are missing out on promotions due to not understanding the corporate jargon.

Two thirds of Brits claimed to use business slang regularly whether they love it or loathe it, but some words anger and confuse workers more than others.

A study of 2,000 people by bingo firm tombola has revealed the most hated phrase is 'touch base' with 18 per cent of the vote.

'Blue sky thinking' and 'low-hanging fruit [easy pickings]' are tied in second with 17 per cent and around one third of workers (32 per cent and 33 per cent) admit they don't even understand them.

Also included in the top five most hated corporate phrases were 're-inventing the wheel' (10 per cent) and 'synergise' (11 per cent), which proved to be the most hated single word  beating the likes of 'bandwidth'.

Pictured: Office workers walking through Canary Wharf in London during the morning rush hour

The study also reports that a staggering 87 per cent of people are regularly faced with slang they don't understand, working out at roughly 46.7million people.

It has left more than a third of Brits (35 per cent) admitting they feel stupid or embarrassed when corporate phrases they don't understand are used in the workplace.

The most unfamiliar phrase, with almost two fifths of the vote (36 per cent), is 'move the needle' which loosely translates to 'making a change that is noticeable'.

Almost one in five Brits (18 per cent) believe their lack of jargon know-how has affected their chances of earning a promotion or a pay rise and a quarter said it impacted their confidence to speak up in meetings.

Women appear to worry more about their lack of lingo with a third (30 per cent) saying it affects their ability to speak up in meetings, compared to just one in seven men (16 per cent).

Psychologist Ruth Kudzi says leaders should be 'inclusive' with language and encourage workers to ask questions if they don't understand words or phrases.

Ruth said: 'It is common to feel embarrassed if people use terms or jargon that we don't understand, particularly if it is in a professional setting.

Two thirds of Brits claimed to use business slang regularly whether they love it or loathe it, but some words anger and confuse workers more than others (stock photo)

'The psychological reasoning behind this is because the panic of not understanding something someone says induces a 'fight or flight' state where we feel irritated with ourselves or anxious about how we are being perceived externally.

'This feeling is amplified when in a group setting or put under pressure one-on-one.

'It is normal for people within a sector or company to have certain words for tasks or processes but it's important for leaders to be inclusive with their language and keep things simple.

'Likewise, if you don't understand certain words, the best course of action is to ask your colleagues questions as this will help to break down the jargon barriers.'

The survey also revealed the most used phrase is 'hit the ground running' with one in six Brits (16 per cent) admitting to using it in the workplace.

Google searches for 'corporate slang' have increased 23 per cent over the last three months, with a whopping 129 per cent increase compared to last year.

Nearly four in ten people (35 per cent) would say nothing at the time, but then go away and Google the phrase they didn't understand.

A quarter of people (25 per cent) voted Bristol as the city with the best knowledge of corporate slang whereas Newcastle and Edinburgh were voted to have the worst (8 per cent).

Samantha Wilcox, SEO and Digital PR Manager at Tombola, which conducted the study, said: 'The survey results prove that most Brits use corporate jargon as part of their everyday language in the workplace, but there are many people who are completely oblivious as to what these phrases mean, causing them to feel confused and frustrated.

'According to the research, there is a perception that workers that don't understand office jargon are less likely to progress at work, with women feeling particularly left behind.

'Learning a whole new set of vocabulary can be time consuming, particularly on top of a day job, so we've created the ultimate corporate crib sheet to help people out. If you're left feeling confused like the rest of the nation, hopefully this should help.'
A man has appeared in court charged with the murders of his wife and her son.

Calogero Ricotta, 63, is accused of killing Maria Nugara, 54, and 29-year-old Giuseppe Morreale in the village of Ugley in Essex.

He appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court by video link from HMP Peterborough on Tuesday.

Ricotta, who wore a long-sleeved, dark-coloured top and had short dark hair, remained seated as he listened to proceedings.

He spoke to confirm his name, and was not asked to enter pleas to the two counts of murder and one of actual bodily harm.

Giuseppe Morreale (left) and his mother Maria Nugara, 54, were found dead in Ugley, near Bishop's Stortford

Maria Ricotta, 53, who was named locally as the woman found dead in a house in Ugley, Essex, with her son Giuseppe Morreal

He is due to appear at the same court for a plea hearing on August 16, and to be brought to court in person and with an Italian interpreter requested.

Judge Christopher Morgan remanded Ricotta, of Cambridge Road, Ugley, in custody until then.

Essex Police said it received a call at 9.50pm on May 28 reporting that two people had been seriously injured at an address in Ugley, near Bishop's Stortford.

Officers attended the address in Cambridge Road and found Ms Nugara and Mr Morreale, who were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Floral tributes were left at the gateway to the house by well-wishers included a bunch of mixed blooms with a handwritten note describing Ms Nugara as 'my beautiful friend Maria'.

The village of Ugley near Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, has a population of around 450 and is known for its 16th and 17th century buildings.

The village of Ugley near Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, has a population of around 450 and is known for its 16th and 17th century buildings

Essex Police previously said in a statement: 'Detectives investigating the deaths of two people in Ugley, near Bishop's Stortford, have charged a man with two counts of murder.

'Calogero Ricotta, 63, of Cambridge Road, Ugley, faces two charges of murder and one count of actual bodily harm. He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today (Friday, 31 May).

'The charges follow an investigation led by Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate, after we were called to reports of serious injuries at an address in Cambridge Road, Ugley, on Tuesday 28 May.

'Maria Nugara, 54, and her son Giuseppe Morreale, 29, lived in Ugley and sadly both died at the scene.'
With poll after poll predicting the Conservatives are about to receive an unprecedented drubbing at the election, the mood behind closed doors at party HQ will inevitably be gloomy.

If the worst happens on July 4, it will go down as the most remarkable political self-immolation: From pulverising victory in 2019 to ballot box annihilation in five years.

The great tragedy would be that the Tories had brought such calamitous misfortune upon themselves. After the party's bone-headed decision to defenestrate Boris Johnson, the Mail's front-page headline asked: 'What the hell have they done?' We warned it would repent at leisure.

We take no pleasure in being proved right. Having turfed out their most charismatic and electable leader since Lady Thatcher, Tory MPs became hooked on infighting and insurgency. Look how that's turning out.

With poll after poll predicting the Conservatives are about to receive an unprecedented drubbing at the election, the mood behind closed doors at party HQ will inevitably be gloomy

If the worst happens on July 4, it will go down as the most remarkable political self-immolation: From pulverising victory in 2019 to ballot box annihilation in five years

But that's not their only act of self-harm. The party is also paying the price for coming unmoored from true conservative values.

Its Left-wards drift on immigration, taxation, property ownership, economic stability and crime has fuelled animus among key parts of the electorate.

To his credit, Rishi Sunak has worked like a Trojan to turn the horrific polls around. His election campaign announcements have been bold and imaginative.

The commitment to cap worker and family visas, so substantially reducing net migration, is encouraging. So too are his plans to reward prudence by safeguarding workers' pensions and protect women-only spaces and sports.

And if the Tories pledge to cut inheritance tax and reduce the European Court of Human Rights' power to meddle in Britain's affairs, this might eat into Labour's lead.

With Mr Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer going head to head last night in the first TV election debate, the PM will hope to show voters he is worth another chance in No 10, while exposing his opponent's many flaws.

Labour's strategy is clearly to keep parroting anti-Tory slogans and say nothing which could spook Middle England.

But the public deserves to know the precise details of the policies Sir Keir has unveiled  and the ideals by which he'd govern.

So far he has managed to avoid the trap of allowing Britain's future relationship with the EU to become a major campaign issue.

This question cannot be swerved for ever. In a leaked speech last year, Sir Keir  an ardent Remainer  admitted he wanted to water down Brexit. That should weigh heavily on the minds of all Brexiteers considering voting for Reform UK.

Yes, Nigel Farage strikes a chord with many people who are disillusioned with the mainstream parties  shown by the huge, rapturous crowds who gathered to hear him speak in Clacton yesterday.

With Mr Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer going head to head last night in the first TV election debate, the PM will hope to show voters he is worth another chance in No 10, while exposing his opponent's many flaws

Yes, he wants to punish the Tories for failing to control immigration, properly exploit the benefits of Brexit, and level up the left-behind regions by stripping their votes.

But while this protest party's policies seem superficially attractive, they also lack detail. How, for instance, will it stop the small boats or deal with failed asylum seekers? We simply don't know.

While Mr Farage may triumph in Clacton it's unlikely any other Reform candidates will win seats. By deliberately chipping away at the Tories, he can split their vote. All that would do is increase Labour's majority.

With Sir Keir, like a star-crossed lover, trembling to fall back into the EU's arms, Mr Farage risks torpedoing Brexit  flushing his life's work down the drain.

The PM should hammer home this appalling prospect at every opportunity.
The organiser of London Fashion Week is the latest name to urge both political parties to pledge to scrap the tourist tax.

The British Fashion Council, which represents a slew of top UK fashion designers, has said it is crucial that the next government restores tax-free shopping for international visitors.

Bosses of firms including Mulberry, Marks & Spencer, Kurt Geiger and Selfridges have already said ditching the levy would turbo-charge the economy.

The Mail has been campaigning for the levy to be reversed - with hundreds of businesses backing an open letter organised by hotelier Sir Rocco Forte.

Caroline Rush (pictured), of the British Fashion Council, which represents a slew of top designers, has said it is crucial that the next government restores levy-free shopping for international visitors

Caroline Rush of the British Fashion Council, said: 'The withdrawal of VAT-free shopping for international visitors has made London the least competitive capital for retail in Europe'

The Conservatives have refused to listen to pleas from business to ditch the tax, which was introduced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak when he was Chancellor in 2021.

It means shoppers pay 20 per cent more for goods in the UK than in neighbouring countries like France and Italy.

Caroline Rush CBE, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, said: 'The withdrawal of VAT free shopping for international visitors in the UK has made London the least competitive capital city for fashion retail in Europe, and businesses here are feeling that.

If the future government is truly 'serious about growing the economy,' then it should 'immediately move to reinstate this vital tourism incentive to unlock economic opportunity in the fashion and retail sectors,' she said.

A spokesman for the BFC added: 'The UK is now the only major economy in Europe not to offer tax-free shopping to overseas visitors. This places UK fashion designers, retailers and manufacturers at a significant competitive disadvantage compared to other markets.

'The scheme must be restored to ensure competitive parity with neighbouring nations.'

The levy is costing the economy more than 11billion a year, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, as tourists who come on shopping trips also splash out on hotels, restaurants and theatre trips.

The BFC also wants to see business taxes reformed to boost traffic into physical shops as well as more investment into arts subjects at school.
He called Jeffries 'the guy who's going to be the next speaker of the House'

President Joe Biden predicted Democrats would sweep away House Republican rule in the November elections  sprinkling the comment into a speech with a main theme of bipartisan cooperation.

Biden, 81, who is himself engaged in a fierce battle against Donald Trump, made the remark in introductory comments at the annual congressional picnic at the White House. He ran through the top Democratic leaders who were there, at an even skipped by top Republican leaders but featuring rank and file lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.

Biden mentioned 'the guy who's going to be the next speaker of the House, Hakeem Jeffries,' after acknowledging Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, who's own majority status could be in jeopardy with multiple senate Democrats facing tough races.

Biden also hailed Democratic Senate whip Richard Durbin of Illinois and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who he called the 'best speaker in American history.'

When it came time to acknowledge former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Biden got an answer from first lady Jill Biden when he asked the always risky crowd question, 'Where's Steny Hoyer?'

'He's sitting by the beer,' chimed in Jill Biden, who also spoke.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed lawmakers to the White House, at an event where Biden said Democrat Hakeem Jeffries would be the next Speaker

Then Biden appeared to take a good natured dig at Maryland, where a Senate seat is on the line this election cycle.

'Steny Hoyer lives on the western shore of Delaware  Maryland,' he cracked.

The remark about Jeffries, who many experts believe could be elevated following a year of extraordinary dysfunction in the Republican-run House, came in a speech where Biden spoke about the times during his 36-year career when lawmakers would spend more time with each other.

The event brought together Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R), a fierce Donald Trump loyalist.

Biden stopped for selfies at the event

The president spoke about his time hanging out in the Senate dining room

The event featured beer and lemonade

The event brought together Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R)

Pretty enthusiastic in pink: Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and his wife Ginger attend the Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S., July 19, 2023

Hakeem Jeffries would likely be the next speaker if Democrats take the House

Biden briefly acknowledged Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), seated with White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients (R)

Biden even mentioned congressional delegations abroad where spouses got to come along.

'It's cameraderie. Back in those days, we all got along, even though we had real differences,' he said.

Biden also said he had a 'little bit of a sore throat' as he prepares to head for France to mark the anniversary of D-Day.
Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn used his experience as an airline captain to make the quick decision to cover-up the 'accidental deaths' of secret lover campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay.

Lynn claimed Ms Clay was dressed in her pyjamas when Mr Hill made the fateful decision to steal his shotgun from the back seat of his Nissan Patrol.

He told the court the ensuing fight for control of the weapon led to the deaths of the elderly couple.

Lynn, 57, has pleaded not guilty in the Supreme Court of Victoria to the murders of Mr Hill, 74, and Ms Clay, 73, in the Wonnangatta Valley, in Victoria's Alpine region, on March 20, 2020.

On Tuesday, a jury heard Lynn's account to detectives about how he came up with the plan to cover-up the couple's alleged murders by using his expertise as a pilot.

Greg Lynn claimed he used his expertise as a pilot to make the quick decision to cover-up the campers' bodies

The Barathrum shotgun Lynn claims was stolen by Russell Hill.

'I thought "what am I going to do?" and my business, my profession, is working with decision-making pathways,' he told police.

'I mean you might think I made a terrible one here - but quick decisions to try to come to the best outcome, that's what I do.'

The video recording of Lynn's police interview showed the former pilot dressed in a grey windcheater, spectacles and surgical mask as he recalled the fateful night police claim he murdered the pair.

Lynn claimed he had been in a deadly fight with Mr Hill as they fought for control of a 12-gauge shotgun when it went off and killed Ms Clay.

Mr Hill was then killed in a fatal tussle after coming at him with a knife, Lynn claimed.

Presented with the bloody aftermath, Lynn said he did what he did to try to hang onto his career in the skies.

'I tried to save myself,' Lynn said.

Lynn claimed if he had been a doctor or a tradesman, his actions might have been accepted more readily by police.

Greg Lynn had a licence to carry guns and shoot deer

Detective Sergeant Brett Florence (pictured on Tuesday) was tasked with interviewing Greg Lynn

The former pilot said the incident happened when he was at a high point in his life at home and in his career as a pilot.

'And so this for me was a disaster and I thought "what else can I possibly do?" and if I covered it up, not so much cover-up [the crime scene], but cover up me. To make me disappear,' Lynn said.

'I quickly made this assessment. This is the only one that offered any hope, not guaranteed, any hope of avoiding that.'

Lynn told police he made himself a list of tasks to complete upon leaving the campers' bodies stashed under a pile of branches.

'And I set myself about doing it,' he said. 'I packed-up, hitched the trailer, packed my camp up, put them in the trailer and then looked around at the evidence.

'There was no evidence of me being out there now, there was questions about who had seen me there, but I never actually spoke to anyone other than the blackberry sprayers and that was two days prior,' Lynn said.

'So I chose that pathway, but it very quickly unravelled at the very first turn.'

The jury has heard Lynn was brought undone by CCTV cameras on the mountain that captured him in the area at the time of the alleged murders.

Carol Clay and Russell Hill had been in a secret relationship when they met Greg Lynn in the remote wilderness

The deadly struggle allegedly took place at the front of Mr Hill's Landcruiser (pictured)

Data from his and the campers' phones would also point police in his direction.

The jury heard detectives travelled to Lynn's property in July that year where they observed his Nissan Patrol had changed colours from what they had observed on the CCTV at the time of the alleged murders.

But he was free to return to the scene of the crime in November where Lynn incinerated what was left of the couple's bodies.

Lynn claimed he set fire to the bodies using a small amount of kerosene and firewood, burning their corpses throughout the night until nothing remained by shattered remains.

The jury heard Lynn's first contact with Mr Hill had been a 'jovial affair' despite him camping in close proximity to his own campsite along the river in a location known as Bucks Camp.

Things went sour the following day when Lynn claimed Mr Hill began filming him with his drone.

Russell Hill's antics with a drone indirectly led to his own demise, Greg Lynn claimed

The charred remains of Russell Hill's campsite after Lynn set it alight

Lynn told police Mr Hill had accused him of hunting too close to camp and told him he planned to take the drone footage he had captured to police.

Tensions escalated later that night after Lynn claimed to have annoyed Mr Hill by turning up the volume on his car stereo.

On Tuesday, the jury heard new details on how Lynn claimed the elderly couple spent their last moments alive.

Lynn claimed Ms Clay was dressed in her pyjamas when Mr Hill made the fateful decision to steal his shotgun from the back seat of his Nissan Patrol.

Lynn claimed Ms Clay pleaded with Mr Hill to drop the gun as he attempted to disarm him.

'Stop it Russell,' she allegedly yelled.

Crouched in front of the couple's tent, she would be shot in the head and killed instantly by Mr Hill, Lynn claimed.

The jury heard Lynn had become engaged in a deadly struggle for the loaded shotgun, which was carrying ammunition designed to swiftly kill a full sized deer.

Lynn told police he had been looking Mr Hill in the eye when he pulled the trigger.

Moments earlier, Lynn claimed to have pleaded with Mr Hill to drop the shotgun.

'I told him to give it back to me, he refused. he cocked it and he let one go - not at me, just over my head, so I was scared sh*tless,' Lynn later told police.

The jury heard Mr Hill took the shotgun and loaded it after becoming enraged at the volume of Lynn's car stereo.

Lynn told police the shot fired by Russell Hill in a deadly struggle blew off the side mirror of his Landcruiser (pictured) and struck Carol Clay in the head

Greg Lynn changed the colour of his dark-coloured Nissan Patrol (pictured on CCTV the night after the alleged murders) to a tan colour using paint from his garage and a roller

Lynn told police he had turned-up his stereo to annoy Mr Hill after their previous confrontation about the drone.

'He's trying to have fun in bed and I was playing the music up loud and he's lost his temper,' Lynn said.

Gripped in the face-to-face struggle with the angry camper, Lynn told police he could not drop the gun and run.

'I thought that I might be about to be shot in the back if I made a run for it,' he said.

The trial continues.
Coles has announced a massive instant savings scheme in a bid to help struggling Aussies, allowing shoppers to instantly knock $10 off their next in-store shop.

Flybuys members across the country will be able to redeem their $10 discount if they have at least 2,000 Flybuys points on their account, with the discount applied to Coles supermarkets, Liquorland and First Choice Market stores.

The profit margins of major supermarkets came under scrutiny at a recent Senate inquiry, with Coles and Woolworths both accused of price gouging during a cost of living crisis.

The inquiry scrutinised the impact of market concentration on food prices and the pattern of pricing strategies employed by the supermarket 'duopoly' of Coles and Woolworths.

In a bid to lift its image, and after a trial in selected states, Coles' program will now be rolled out nationwide.

Coles has announced a massive instant savings scheme in a bid to help struggling Aussies, revealing shoppers can instantly redeem $10 off their next in-store shop. Coles images pictured

The conditions for Aussies to get their hands on this include having to spend a minimum of $10 on an in-store shop, and it can only be redeemed once a day in each of the three stores - Coles, Liquorland and First Choice Market.

So, if a member has 6,000 points, they can redeem $10 once in Coles and once each at both liquor stores.

Coles chief customer officer Amanda McVay said this was the supermarket's way of helping to keep customers within their budgets.

'We know making the most out of their weekly shop through Flybuys is important to our customers,' she said.

'We are excited to now offer an instant $10 off for in-store purchases... to give them a simpler way to redeem points at the checkout.

'Millions of Flybuys members currently hold balances of more than 2,000 points and we're making it easier than ever for them to redeem these points for money off their in-store shop.'

Current Flybuys members can scan their cards to earn points off of their shop at Coles, Coles Express, First Choice Liquor Market, Kmart, Liquorland, Officeworks, Target and mycar.

When a person reaches 2,000, they can turn those points into Flybuys Dollars to use at the check out.

What makes this different is that you won't need to convert them into dollars, they can be redeemed straight away.

There will be a 10x bonus points earned on all mince meat (pictured) and 10x points on a selected range of grocery items until June 25

Those who don't have the require 2,000 points and fear missing out can rest easy, as the supermarket is running bonus points on selected items.

From today until June 11, there will be a 10x bonus points earned on all mince meat, and 10x points on a selected range of grocery items until June 25.

With the cold and flu season in full swing, anyone down with the sniffles can claim 5x points on cold and flu products such as Panadol, Nurofen, Betadine, Vicks, Difflam, Swisse and Cenovis.

The special runs until July 23.
Today, in sunny California, one very special little girl will be celebrating her third birthday.

Lilibet is a British princess - but one who is growing up thousands of miles away from her royal relatives due to years of family strife.

No doubt any troubles will be put to one side today as her parents, Prince Harry and Meghan, shower her with affection at their 11.4million [$14.5million] mansion in Montecito.

But there is one thing about the adorable youngster that is likely to bring up claim and counter-claim for many years to come, albeit through no fault of her own: her name.

For Lilibet, the childhood name by which the late Queen was known by those closest to her, was an unusual and deeply personal choice.

Lilibet is a British princess - but one who is growing up thousands of miles away from her royal relatives due to years of family strife

According to Robert Hardmans recent biography of Charles III, the late Queen had rarely been so angry as when Harry and Meghan claimed they had her approval when they named their daughter.

The Mails royal editor Rebecca English previously reported that The Queen was so upset by the Sussexes decision that she told aides: I dont own the palaces, I dont own the paintings, the only thing I own is my name. And now theyve taken that.

It was undoubtedly not the reaction that Harry and Meghan intended.

But, after her duty as monarch, family was the most important thing to Queen Elizabeth.

And this was symbolised by her childhood nickname, Lilibet - a precious reminder of her happiest times.

According to Robert Hardmans recent biography of Charles III, the late Queen had rarely been so angry as when Harry and Meghan tried to claim they had her approval when they named their daughter

Used only by the closest of friends and immediate family, it was a diminutive that took the Queen back to her earliest days growing up at 145 Piccadilly.

This was a time before draughty Buckingham Palace, when her father was merely the shy Duke of York and when, together with her mother and baby sister Margaret Rose, they were a happy family looking forward to the future.

It was just us four, as her father, George VI, would later call them.

Writing to his daughter after her marriage to Philip, he said that young Lilibet should remember that your old home is still yoursdo come back to it as much and as often as possible.

He continued: Our family, us four, the Royal Family, must remain together - with additions of course at suitable moments!!

By then, the Abdication of her uncle, Edward VIII, had changed everything, forcing her father step into the monarchs shoes at great personal cost.

Things changed again with the war, which created a new world where public displays of duty by the Royal Family took on monumental importance. The King wore uniform from beginning to end.

And the situation transformed irrevocably when her father died on February 6, 1952, aged just 56, a death perhaps hastened by the pressures and responsibilities of unexpected Kingship.

The late Queen routinely extended her Christmas visits to Sandringham until this date, an act of remembrance that said much about Elizabeths love for her father - and sorrow at his loss.

It was, perhaps, a remainder to her, also, of her days as the laughing little princess who charmed irascible grandfather King George V into playing horses on the floor, allowing her to pull his beard.

Prince Harry wrote in his memoir that he had his own special relationship with the Queen, which he likely intended to honour through his daughter.

Today, there will be none of that tension on display as Lilibet passes another milestone with her five-year-old brother Prince Archie and her parents

But by doing so, the name has been transformed from a symbol of family unity to one scarred by cross-Atlantic anger.

Today, there will be none of that tension on display as Lilibet passes another milestone with her five-year-old brother Prince Archie and her parents.

There is no indication though that Lilibet is going to meet any of her fathers family any time soon.

King Charles had had just one very emotional meeting with his youngest grandchild  during the Queens Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.

But Lilibet is not thought to have met her uncle and aunt Prince William and the Princess of Wales, or their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - her cousins.

And there is absolutely no sign that the deep rift between Harry and his brother, William, will heal to the point where any family reunion will take place any time soon.
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This could help scientists understand the T-rex's teenage growth spurts

The adult Tyrannosaurus Rex was one of the most fierce prehistoric predators, but little is known about how this enormous dino grew up.

But that all may soon change thanks to three kids' discovery of a teenage T. rex in the Hell Creek badlands of North Dakota.

The extremely rare juvenile T-rex fossil was found by brothers Liam and Jessin Fisher, 7 and 10 years old at the time, and their 9-year-old cousin, Kaiden Madsen.

While it might sound like the plot of an 80s summer blockbuster, this discovery could change how scientists understand the early years of this iconic dinosaur.

Dr Tyler Lyson, Associate Curator of Vertebrate Palaeontology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, says: 'This find is significant to researchers because the 'Teen Rex' specimen may help answer questions about how the king of dinosaurs grew up.'

The three boys were walking in the Hell Creek formation when they noticed what appeared to be a large white fossilised bone in the ground. In this picture, Liam Fisher lies down next to an exposed portion of the fossil

T-Rex may have been the King of the dinosaurs, but little is known about how this iconic predator grew up

What do we know about 'Teen Rex'? This juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex specimen was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation, in North Dakota. It is believed to have died around 67 million years ago. Based on the length of its shin bone, 82cm, compared with an adult's, 112cm, scientists believe it would have been between 12 and 15 years old. This would have been when T-Rex grew the fastest, gaining up to three stone per week. It likely weighed 1,632 kg (3,500lbs), measured 7.6m (25 feet), and stood at 3m (10ft) tall. Advertisement

The boys were walking in the Hell Creek Formation on July 31, 2022, when they noticed what appeared to be a large fossilised leg bone emerging from the ground.

However, Liam says that his other friends were initially dubious of their incredible find.

'They did not believe me at all,' he said.

Undaunted, they sent some pictures to Dr Lyson, a family friend and palaeontologist, who believed they had found a more common duckbill dinosaur.

However, when Dr Lyson came to investigate further it soon became clear that they had found something far rarer.

Jessin says: 'I was brushing the sediment with Tyler, seeing if we could find anything.

'Tyler heard a thud with his screwdriver, and he quickly swept away where he was digging.

'He broke off this tooth and picked it up and we shared the same look at the same time staring at each other and from that moment we knew it was a T. rex.'

The specimen was then excavated over 11 days before being secured in plaster casts and airlifted to a truck by a Black Hawk Helicopter.

The fossil remains are now at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where the public will be able to follow the fossil's preparation in the new 'Discovering Teen Rex Prep Lab.'

Based on the size of the fossil, researchers estimate that this T-Rex might have weighed around half as much as an adult. Here, a team of researchers work to excavate the fossilised remains from the soft sandstone

Liam Fisher (left), Kaiden Madsen (middle), and Jessin Fisher (right) discovered an extremely rare teenage T-rex fossil in the Hell Creek badlands of North Dakota

The discovery and excavation will be the subject of a new documentary titled 'T.REX' voiced by Sam Neill who starred as palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park (pictured)

The boys' discovery and the following excavation were recorded by a documentary crew and have now been made into a movie titled, T.REX.

The documentary crew followed the research efforts for over two years as scientists worked to understand more about the early days of the T-Rex's life.

The documentary will be narrated by Sam Neill, who starred as palaeontologist Dr. Alan Grant in the 1993 blockbuster 'Jurassic Park'.

Producer and writer Andy Wood says: 'We never could have planned the inspiring story that unfolded in front of the cameras.'

'Kids finding any large dinosaur is remarkable, but as the shoot progressed, the team realized that we were witnessing something even more rare  a truly historic T. rex discovery.'

The boys sent pictures of their find to Dr Tyler Lyson (pictured left), of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, who helped investigate the fossil

The specimen is believed to be a 12 to 15-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex (artists' impression pictured). This would have been the time of the T-Rex's life when it was growing fastest

T. REX will premiere at select theatres worldwide beginning June 21, opening in 100 cities over the coming months in all immersive museum cinema formats, including large format, IMAX, 3D, and giant dome.

However, the discovery is also also important for palaeontologists trying to understand more about how the T-Rex grew to be the giant predator we would recognise from Jurassic Park.

Based on the length of the specimen's shin bone it is estimated that this T. rex would have been around 13 to 15 years old when it died around 67 million years ago.

Even as a juvenile, this terrifying dinosaur would still have been huge and likely weighed 1,632 kg (3,500 lbs), measured 25ft (7.6m) from nose to tail and stood at 10ft (3m) tall.

And, just like many human teenagers, Dr Lyson says this would have been right at the point at which the T. rex would have been growing fastest.

The Hell Creek Formation is one of the world's best places to find dinosaur fossils, but even here T. rex specimens are very rare and juvenile specimens even rarer

Previous studies have shown that the fearsome species may have reached its colossal size through vast growth spurts in its teenage years  pilling on more than three stone a week.

However, that rapid growth required vast amounts of calories, meaning that young T. rex would need to have been a highly successful hunter.

Studies of the few other available specimens suggest that before its rapid growth, Teen-Rex would have been a fleet-footed predator rather than a lumbering giant.

The 'Teen-rex' is also believed to have used knife-like teeth to cut through meat rather than crush bones like an adult.

Even still, researchers estimate that a juvenile T-rex would have been able to bite with a force of 1,320 lbs  that's 200 lbs more than a modern hyena.

Over 11 days, the fossil was excavated by a team of volunteers before being transported by Black Hawk helicopter to a truck for transportation

Scientists say that this discovery could help us understand how the T-Rex grew up and how it became the giant, iconic predator many of us would recognise

Why is this discovery important? T-Rex were apex predators, so they were rarer than prey species below them in the food chain. Juvenile specimens are even rarer, with only a few having been found. This means that very little is known about how young T-Rex lived and behaved This specimen will help fill in the gaps about T-Rex's early development and growth. Advertisement

T. rex specimens are already rare compared to more abundant prey species like the Triceratops.

Dr Lyson explains: 'When you're in a National park, you see deer and elk and moose, but you don't see the mountain lions or the wolves.

'You don't see those apex predators because there just aren't as many of them.'

Young specimens are even rarer, which makes the boys' discovery an important opportunity for researchers to learn more about how the T-rex developed.

Dr Thomas Holtz, a vertebrate palaeontologist from the University of Maryland, says: 'It's remarkable to consider how T. rex might have grown from a kitten-sized hatchling into the 40-foot, 8,000-pound adult predator we are familiar with.

'Scientists can really only speculate on how 'Teen rex' might have lived and behaved.

'So discoveries like this one have the potential to provide important new information about those earlier life stages.'
China's Chang'e-6 has unfurled the first flag on the dark side of the moon, before beginning its return journey to Earth.

Before departing, the rover also collected the very first samples of rock and soil from the side of the moon that always faces away from us.

The ascender lifted off at 00:38 BST Tuesday and transferred the samples to a reentry craft which should land in the deserts of Inner Mongolia around June 25.

Their successful return would not only mark an enormous leap forward for China's space program, but could also reveal the secrets of the moon's ancient history.

Because the moon has an 'Earth-centered' orbit, the 'dark' side always faces away from the Earth, making it an extremely challenging place to land spacecraft.

This is the second time a Chinese flag has been raised on the moon, and is the eighth flag to be raised along the moon alongside six American flags placed by the Apollo missions. However, Unlike the flags placed during the Apollo missions, Chang'e 6's small flag emerged on a retractable arm deployed from the side of the lunar lander and was not placed onto the lunar soil, according to an animation of the mission released by the agency

A Chinese moon rover has raised the first national flag on the dark side of the Moon before returning to Earth with samples of lunar material

Chang'e 6 left Earth aboard a Long March 5 rocket on May 3, 2024, and began its descent to the lunar surface on Sunday.

China National Space Administration (CNSA) said in a statement that Chang'e-6 'withstood the test of high temperature on the far side of the moon'.

This mission was particularly challenging since the lander could not rely on direct communication with the Earth while on the moon's far side.

To stay in touch with the craft, the CNSA used Queqiao-2, a 1,200kg (2,645 lbs) relay satellite put into orbit in March to bounce signals back to Earth.

The lander touched down in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, an 8-mile (13km) deep impact crater believed to have been formed more than 4 billion years ago.

As one of the oldest impact craters on the lunar surface, rock samples collected from here could provide scientists with precious information about the moon's early formation.

The Chang'e 6 lander has now taken off aboard its ascender (pictured) from the Moon and has transferred the samples to a reentry capsule due to land on Earth around June 25

Chang'e-6 landed on the moon's far side on the moon at 06:23 Beijing time on Sunday 2 June

Chang'e drilled into the lunar surface (pictured) to extract up to 2kg (4.4lbs) of lunar material from the South Pole-Aitken Basin, an impact crater created more than 4 billion years ago

China's Chang'e programme China's last mission in the Chang'e programme (Chang'e 5 in late 2020) landed near a huge volcanic complex, Mons Rumker, located in the northwest lunar near side. Chang'e-5 returned lunar rock samples to Earth that date back 2 billion years, analysis found. Now, Chang'e 6 has landed at the Apollo basin on the moon's far side (known as the 'dark side of the moon'). The following mission, Chang'e 7 scheduled for 2026, has the lunar south pole as its destination. Advertisement

Chang'e 6 has the ability to drill 2m (6.6 feet) into the lunar surface and can hold up to 2kg (4.4 lbs) of lunar material for return to Earth.

Beyond its scientific importance, the mission is also a symbolic step forward for China's ambitious national space program.

Before departing the rover raised a Chinese flag, the second Chinese flag to fly on the moon  joining six American flags placed during the Apollo moon missions between 1969 and 1972.

Unlike the flags placed during the Apollo missions Chang'e 6's small flag emerged on a retractable arm deployed from the side of the lunar lander and was not placed onto the lunar soil, according to an animation of the mission released by the agency.

But, another sign of the nation's ambition, the flag has been constructed from volcanic basalt rock fibres and could last on the moon for 10,000 years according to CNSA.

These fibres are created by heating and stretching rocks similar to those found on the moon and are resistant to corrosion and heat.

Professor Zhou Changyi, one of the rover's designers, told state broadcasters: 'Going ahead, such basalt fibres may also be used on the moon to make other things.

The lander was operated from a control centre in Beijing (pictured), but the signal needed to be bounced off a relay satellite launched in May in order to reach the far side of the moon

'We hope to use the basalt on the moon to make building material and perhaps even make contributions to a future moon base.'

The location of this landing, close to the moon's south pole, is also significant since this area may hold the frozen water which could be essential to a future moon base.

This is the sixth in China's series of Chang'e moon missions, named after the goddess of the moon.

China has already established its own space station to which it regularly sends astronauts and has announced its aim of sending humans to the moon by 2030.

The Chinese space agency plans three more crewed missions this decade as it continues to search for water and a suitable location for a permanent base.

The samples collected (pictured) could indicate whether there is water at the Moon's south pole which could help establish a future lunar base

This landing comes amid increasing competition and what NASA chief Bill Nelson called a new 'space race'.

In January, Japan became the fifth nation to land on the moon when its SLIM rover made a precision landing on the lunar surface.

America has also targeted the lunar south pole for its first crewed return to the moon in more than 50 years.

NASA has recently pushed back the date of its Artemis-3 mission to 2026 but also aims to have humans walk on the moon before the end of the decade.

American firm Intuitive Machines also landed a craft on the moon as part of a NASA-funded mission in February; however, the craft toppled over upon landing.
Famously, Charles Darwin used his 'survival of the fittest' theory in the 19th century to explain why giraffes have lengthy necks.

Millions of years ago, giraffes with the longest necks could reach more leaves on the trees and survive competition  before passing the long-necked trait down in their genes, the legendary English naturalist said.

Now, scientists in the US elaborate on Darwin's findings with a new theory  and they think it was females that powered the evolutionary trait.

They found female giraffes have proportionally longer necks than males  and high nutritional needs of females from pregnancy and lactation has likely been the cause.

Interestingly, female giraffes are more sloped in their body shape, while the males are more vertical, which may help mounting their love interest.

Although male and female giraffes have the same body proportions at birth, they are significantly different as they reach sexual maturity. Males have wider necks and longer front legs, which might help win fights against other males and with mating

For the study, the researchers gathered thousands of photos of captive and wild Masai giraffes (Giraffa tippelskirchi, pictured in file photo), a species native to East Africa

The study  which builds on Darwin's theory rather than contends it  was led by Douglas Cavener, a professor of biology at Pennsylvania State University.

'Giraffes are picky eaters,' Professor Cavener said.

'They eat the leaves of only a few tree species, and longer necks allow them to reach deeper into the trees to get the leaves no one else can.

'Once females reach four or five years of age, they are almost always pregnant and lactating.

'So we think the increased nutritional demands of females drove the evolution of giraffes' long necks.'

Due to their higher nutritional demand, females need a long neck to reach deep into trees to get the best leaves, Professor Cavener and colleagues claim.

For the study, the researchers gathered thousands of photos of captive and wild Masai giraffes (Giraffa tippelskirchi), a species native to East Africa.

In their theories of evolution, naturalists Charles Darwin (pictured) and Frenchman Jean Baptiste Lamarck said long necks evolved to help giraffes reach leaves high up in a tree, avoiding competition with other herbivores

The team say females have proportionally longer necks than males (relative to the entire height of the animal)

They found that in both captive and wild adult giraffes, females have proportionally longer necks than males  so relative to the entire height of the animal.

Females also have proportionally longer 'trunks' (the main section of their body that does not include legs or the neck and head).

Adult males, on the other hand, have longer forelegs (effective for mounting the female during mating) and wider necks (that can take a walloping from rival males during fights).

According to the experts, males generally grow faster in the first year, body proportions are not significantly different until they start to research sexual maturity around three years of age.

A more recent hypothesis called 'necks-for-sex' suggests that the evolution of long necks was driven by competition among males, who swing their necks into each other to assert dominance, called neck sparring.

'Necks-for-sex' suggests males with longer and thicker necks have been more successful in the competition, leading to reproducing and passing their genes to offspring.

'The necks-for-sex hypothesis predicted that males would have longer necks than females,' said Professor Cavener.

'And technically they do have longer necks, but everything about males is longer  they are 30 per cent to 40 per cent bigger than females.'

The team don't reject the necks-for-sex hypothesis, but if it had an effect it likely came later.

They write in their study: 'Initial evolution of the giraffes long neck and legs was driven by interspecific competition and the maternal nutritional demands of gestation and lactation through natural selection to gain a competitive advantage.

'Then later the neck mass was further increased as a consequence of male-male competition and sexual selection.'

The new study has been published in the journal Mammalian Biology.
The US military has conducted a test launch of a hypersonic nuclear missile which is designed to counter the rising military threat of China and Russia.

Military officials said the purpose of the test was to show the 'readiness of nuclear US forces' and provide 'confidence in the nation's nuclear deterrence' amid fears of the growing threat of the outbreak of World War III.

The demonstration saw an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) blasted off at 12:56am PT from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The weapon traveled more than 4,000 miles at speeds over 15,000 miles per hour to a test range on the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean.

The US military conducted a test launch of a hypersonic nuclear missile on Tuesday amid the arms race with Russia and China

The demonstration saw an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) blasted off at 12:56am PT from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California

'This test launch marks the start of a remarkable week for our Guardians and Airmen at Vandenberg, with two test launches scheduled from the Western Range,' said Col. Bryan Titus, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, was the launch decision authority.

'These tests hold immense significance, not only for our nation's defense, but also serve as a pivotal moment in showcasing the exceptional capabilities and expertise of our dedicated team.'

The missile is capable of reaching any target across the world in just 30 minutes after launch, Air Force Technology reports.

Moscow sits about 5,900 miles from California, while Beijing is about 6,000 miles away - the two nations deemed a threat to the US.

ICBM is one of two currently used by America - the other is submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) that are deployed from underwater submarines.

However, the US's Titan topped speeds of 16,000mph when it was used from 1963 through 1987.

Titan was capable of traveling to a target more than 6,000 miles away in less than 30 minutes.

The weapon traveled more than 4,000 miles at speeds over 15,000 miles per hour to a test range on the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean

The US's Titan (pictured) topped speeds of 16,000mph when it was used from 1963 through 1987. Titan was capable of traveling to a target more than 6,000 miles away in less than 30 minutes

But the missile was phased out to make way for more advanced systems such as the MX Peacekeeper that had a similar speed and distance.

ICBM is a vital component of the US military's nuclear forces, capable of delivering a nuclear payload to targets around the world, but is scheduled to be phased out by 2029 and replaced with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM.

The US Air Force said that 'the Sentinel weapon system is the most cost-effective option for maintaining a safe, secure, and effective land-based leg of the nuclear triad and would extend its capabilities through 2075.'

The upcoming weapon will replace the 400 Minuteman III ICBMs currently in service for more than 50 years in Air Force missile fields at F.E. Warren Air Force Base (AFB), Wyoming; Malmstrom AFB, Montana; and Minot AFB, North Dakota.

Tuesday's demonstration was also the first of two test launches schedule for this week - the next is set for Thursday.

Vandenberg Space Force Base is home to Air Force Global Strike Command's 576th Flight Test Squadron, which is the only dedicated ICMB test squadron in the US.

ICBM is a vital component of the US military's nuclear forces, capable of delivering a nuclear payload to targets around the world

Officials have said that such tests are not linked to world news, but are routine launches to ensure capabilities are up to standard.

'This test launch marks the start of a remarkable week for our Guardians and Airmen at Vandenberg, with two test launches scheduled from the Western Range,' stated Titus.

'These tests hold immense significance, not only for our nation's defense, but also serve as a pivotal moment in showcasing the exceptional capabilities and expertise of our dedicated team.'

While officials said the launch was nothing more than a test of the weapon, it came less than one week after Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev warned that the invasion of Ukraine may end up in a nuclear disaster.

The statement, given on May 31, was as result of President Joe Biden lifting restrictions on Ukraine using American weapons for direct attacks on Russian soil.

And days before, Marines from the US and the Philippines carried out ominous war games on small islands a short distance from Taiwan in preparation of going to battle with China.

However, officials have said that such tests are not linked to world news, but are routine launches to ensure capabilities are up to standard.
Microplastics have been found on the top of Mount Everest, at the bottom of the ocean and now in human semen.

Scientists discovered eight types of the tiny, cancer-causing plastics in all 36 men tested in the new study - including those used in Styrofoam and pipes.

Semen samples found with particles used in piping had less mobile sperm, which the team suggested may link microplastics to the global decrease in fertility rates.

The chemicals that leech from these tiny particles could cause inflammation in the body that disrupts sperm quality, the researchers wrote.

The toxins have now been found in every major human organ and body part - including the brain, heart, arteries and genitals of men.

The tiny bits of microplastic, seen here as the black dots, were found in the semen samples of all 36 participants in the Chinese trial. Pictured is Polystyrene, which is used in electronics, food packaging, construction and medical products

'Microplastics are now ubiquitous, and they permeate ecosystems globally, from the deepest ocean to pristine mountain regions,' the researchers wrote in their paper, which was published in the journal Science of The Total Environment.

The particles, smaller than five millimeters in length, enter our bodies through plastic packaging, certain food, tap water and even the air we breathe - and have been linked to cancer and fertility issues.

By collecting samples from 36 participants, researchers from Qingdao University in China hoped to determine whether or not these particles are commonly found in semen.

In order to qualify, the participants had to be in good health and not work in an industry that would expose them to more plastics than the average person.

The samples were mixed with a chemical solution, filtered and analyzed by scientists using a sensitive microscope.

The microscope, and subsequent tests, identified all the different chemicals present in a sample - singling out those unique to plastics.

In every sample tested, they found at least one of eight different kinds of plastic.

The most common type of plastic they found was polystyrene, which is the same material used to make packaging foam. Researchers also found plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is used to make plumbing systems.

People who had PVC in their semen had less mobile sperm than those with only polystyrene. Less mobile sperm, generally, is worse at fertilizing eggs.

The sperm count in each sample didn't differ significantly based on the kind of plastic someone had in their system.

Previous research has suggested that the toxic particles can be released when microwaving food in plastic packaging, drinking from plastic water bottles or breathing in air that has, for example, tiny bits of shredded plastic from car tires.

All told, some research has suggested that the average person ingests about five grams of plastic particles per week, which is roughly the weight of a credit card.

These tiny particles travel through our system, likely through our bloodstream, Tracey Woodruff, the director of the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment at the University of California, San Francisco, told Scientific American.

'With all of the places in your body that are being supplied by your blood, its an opportunity for [microplastics] to diffuse into different tissues,' Dr Woodruff explained.

Though researchers previously thought some of our more precious bodily systems, like the placenta, were impermeable to these invaders, science has found that they can get into almost every part of our body.

Just weeks ago, researchers discovered the particles in men's testicles. They've also been found in the heart, lungs and brains.

Because scientists have only begun investigating microplastics in the recent past, they haven't come to a consensus about what they are doing to us.

Previous research has shown that, on average, people ingest about five grams of plastic every week, the equivalent of a credit card - and these particles are accumulating in certain organs, tissues and even in the blood

But some theorize that the chemicals these plastics produce could be affecting fertility. 'The widespread presence of these contaminants is alarming, mainly due to the implications they may have on male reproductive health,' the researchers in the new paper wrote.

Polystyrene interrupted the way male mice produced sperm, a 2021 study found.

When researchers introduced the plastic into the mouse's system, it caused the testicles to become inflamed, which reduced both the amount and quality of sperm produced.

A 2022 review from UCSF that looked at older animal studies suggested that microplastics might be a toxic to the reproductive system - interfering with the way that our body produces sperm and eggs.

The researchers cautioned that their review hasn't proven that plastics are causing these concerning reproductive trends. Other theories for the global decrease in sperm count - like cell phone use or vape pens - are still being investigated.

But, the researchers wrote, there is a 'pressing need' to continue investigating how microplastics may be impacting our health.

They wrote that their paper is a 'call for increased scientific scrutiny and public awareness regarding the potential reproductive hazards of microplastics, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding human health against the insidious threat of environmental contaminants.'
Cybercriminals are waiting in the shadows of your smartphone, looking for vulnerabilities to unleash a secret attack.

Now the National Security Agency (NSA) has provided seven ways for iPhone and Android users to protect their devices and personal data.

The agency noted that these bad actors are using WiFi networks, smartphone apps and other loopholes to carry out cyber espionage, steal identifies and deploy ransomware.

Because of these flaws, officials are urging users to update their devices, turn off the WiFi when in public and perform other protocols to keep hackers at bay.

Hackers can access your device using fake WiFi networks, malicious links and loopholes in out-of-date software and apps

Statista reported that 353 million people's data and personal information was compromised in the US last year including breaches, leaks and exposures.

These findings have made it more important than before to take steps to protect yourself from hackers breaking into your phone.

1. Update Software and Apps

The NSA advised users to update the software and apps on their smartphones to make devices more secure.

Hackers find secret ways to break into phones by looking for loopholes in the existing software but with each update, companies remove any potential flaws they might have used to break into your phone.

Taking this step is one of the best ways to prevent hackers from accessing your data with the added caveat that it only works for some attacks, according to the NSA.

This method will stop cybercriminals from spying on calls, texts and data and block most spear-phishing attacks, which is when a cybercriminal sends targeted fraudulent emails to steal sensitive information like login credentials.

It will also help prevent zero-click exploits which involves the hacker downloading spyware onto a smartphones without them ever clicking a link.

2. Only install apps from official stores

Smartphone users should be wary when installing apps and make sure they're only downloaded from official stores like Google Play and the App Store.

Unofficial app stores include Aptoide, SlideMe, ACMarket and Amazon Appstore.

Hackers will often create a fake version of a legitimate app that will give them full access to your device once it's downloaded.

They can then install malware on your device and share your data with third parties.

By double-checking whether the app and store is legitimate, you can prevent spear-phishing and audio, video, call, text and data collection as well as stop the hacker from accession your device's geolocation.

Google was forced to bar nearly 2.3 million apps from its Play Store last year alone, and banned 333,000 bad accounts 'for violations like confirmed malware and repeated severe policy violations,' the company reported in April.

This was an increase of 60 percent from the year before when it prevented 1.4 million apps from the Play Store and banned 173,000 accounts.

3. Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth

Android and iPhone users should also refrain from connecting to public WiFi networks.

But the NASA warned that users who do connect to outside networks should turn off Bluetooth when not in use.

Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities and leaving the WiFi on makes the device susceptible to 'KRACK' attacks, also called a Key Reinstallation Attack.

This is a cyberattack that works by manipulating the WiFi's protected access through encryption keys to establish a secure connection that lets them steal data over the network when they're in close range of their target.

Likewise, leaving your Bluetooth on can result in a 'BlueBorne' attack - when a hacker takes control of your device without any user interaction.

BlueBorne let hackers carry out cyber espionage, data theft or even a ransomware attack.

Public WiFi networks don't have the same security in place that your home has, leaving your smartphone open to serious risks of hackers stealing your identity and financial accounts.

Cybercriminals can set up WiFi networks that appear similar to the one you want to use such as 'Cafe01' instead of 'Cafe1' in the hope that you'll mistakenly connect to it.

Once you're connected to the network, hackers can use online victim profiling to steal your identity and pull data from anything you might type online.

They can also install malware onto your device that will allow them to have continued access to your phone's data, even after you disconnected from the WiFi network.

According to a 2023 Forbes study, 40 percent of people surveyed said their personal information was compromised while they used public WiFi - primarily at airports, hotels or restaurants.

WhatsApp is one of the most popular encryption apps that provide end-to-end encryption that keeps phone calls, messages and other data private from anyone, including the app itself

4. Use encrypted voice, text and data apps

Encrypted voice, text and data apps can help block hackers from accessing your personal information by converting your communication into a code.

WhatsApp is one of the most popular encryption apps followed by Telegram that provide end-to-end encryption - a security method that keeps phone calls, messages and other data private from anyone, including the app itself.

However, even encrypted apps aren't 100 percent safe from attacks as WhatsApp because vulnerable to zero-click exploits in 2019.

The exploit was triggered by a missed call, allowing the hacker to gain access to the app and install malware on the device.

Zero-click attacks are one of the most dangerous because the user doesn't need to click on a malicious link or download a compromised file for their data to be targeted.

Kevin Briggs, an official at America's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, told the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) earlier this year that there were 'numerous incidents of successful, unauthorized attempts' to steal location data from cellphones in the US.

The hackers had also monitored voice and text messages and delivered spyware and delivered text messages from abroad to influence American voters, Briggs reported.

5. Don't click links or open attachments

The NSA warned Android and iPhone users against opening unknown email attachments and links, in its Mobile Best Practices document.

'Even legitimate senders can pass on malicious content accidentally or as a result of being compromised or impersonated by a malicious actor,' the NSA wrote in the report.

Hackers can access your personal information one of two ways: by keylogging or using a Trojan malware.

Keylogging works like a stalker following your every move that allows them to access information in real-time as your type or surf the web and other apps - even listening to your phone conversations.

Trojan is an invisible malware that is used to extract important data including credit card account details and your social security information if it's saved on your phone.

'Falling for social engineering tactics, like responding to unsolicited emails requesting sensitive information, can result in account compromise and identity theft,' Oliver Page, the CEO of cybersecurity company Cybernut, told Forbes.

'These phishing attempts often mimic legitimate entities, deceiving individuals into divulging confidential details,' he continued.

'Trusting phone calls or messages without verification can lead to serious consequences, as scammers manipulate victims into disclosing sensitive information or taking actions that compromise their security.'

6. Reboot your device every week

Smartphones should be turned off and on once every week to prevent zero-click exploits and spear-phishing.

If users don't reboot the system, a hacker can manipulate open URLs to run a code that installs malware onto the device.

Turning the phone off resets all open web pages and apps and logs out of bank accounts to prevent cybercriminals from accessing sensitive information.

This has the same result on spear-phishing attack because it removes a hackers ability to send targeted fraudulent emails because they won't be able to access your personal information.

A 2015 Pew Research study found that nearly half of all smartphone owners rarely or never turned their cell phone off, while 82 percent said they never or rarely rebooted their phone.

Although restarting your phone only sometimes prevents attackers from accessing your data, it makes hackers work harder to breach your phone's defenses.

'This is all about imposing cost on these malicious actors,' Neal Ziring, technical director of the National Security Agency's cybersecurity directorate, told The Denver Post in 2021.

7. Use a mic-drowning case and cover the camera

Using a protective case to drown out the microphone and block background audio could stop a 'hot-micing attack' in its tracks, the NSA said.

These cases have a microphone jamming system built into it that prevents unwanted eavesdroppers from hearing your conversations through apps or an external cyberattack.

It's also important to cover the back and front-facing camera on both Androids and iPhones because hackers can turn the mobile camera on and off and save media from your camera roll if they gain access to your phone.

You can cover the camera with a sticker, tape or a camera cover built into the case to protect you from a hacker observing your every move.

How to know if you have been hacked

There are some possible signs that indicate if your Android or iPhone has been hacked such as if the camera light stays on, even after you've closed the app, or it could turn on unexpectedly.

Other signs that you've been hacked include your battery draining more quickly than usual, if your phone is running slow or gets unexpectedly hot and if apps suddenly quit or your phone turns off and back on seemingly of its own accord, according to the security company, McAfee.

Users should also be on the lookout for any unrecognized text, data or unknown charges on your phone bill.
Fifteenth-century Christian pilgrims left an 'intriguing' drawing on a port in Gaza as they traveled to other sites throughout Israel, archaeologists have revealed.

The sketches - thought to be about 1,500 years old - depict a two-masted ship with no sail but a small flag flying in the upper section.

Although the ship is an old symbol of Christianity, the archaeologists believe it is a true depiction of the boat the pilgrims journeyed on.

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) discovered etchings in an ancient Rahat church where archaeologists have conducted excavations since 2019.

It is thought that the Christians who traveled to the 'Holy Land' first stopped in Gaza on their way to Jerusalem, Bethlehem and other monasteries in the Negav Hills.

Archaeologists found slabs of stone engraved with pictures of ships that appeared to be drawn by 15th Century Christian pilgrims Pictured: A two-masted ship with no sail but a small flag flying in the upper section

The discovery was made in the ancient Rehat Church located near the Negav Desert and adjacent to the main road that would have led the pilgrims to other religious sites

Archaeologists reported that the Church site where the drawings were discovered is adjacent to the ancient Roman road leading from the Gaza port along the Mediterranean coast to Beer Sheva, the main city of Negav.

This was the most likely route the pilgrims would have taken to reach Israel's sacred sites, the IAA said in a Facebook post.

'It is reasonable that their first stop after alighting from the ships in Gaza port was this very church revealed in our excavations south of Rahat,' the team involved in the excavation said, adding: 'This site lies only a half-days walk from the port.'

The church that housed the drawings dates back to the Byzantine era which was the start of the early Middle Ages, leading the researchers to believe the artwork was from that time period.

'This is a greeting from Christian pilgrims arriving by ship to Gaza port,' excavation directors Oren Shmueli, Dr. Elena Kogan-Zehavi and Dr. Noe David Michael said.

'Pilgrims visited the church and left their personal mark in the form of ship drawings on its walls,' the team continued.

'The ship is indeed an old Christian symbol, but in this case apparently, it is a true graphical depiction of real ships in which the pilgrims traveled to the Holy Land.'

The first image (pictured) shows a line drawing with a slightly pointed bow and oars on either side of the vessel, making it appear to be an aerial view of the ship.

Archaeologists have worked at the site for several years and the drawings now provide 'first-hand evidence' about how the pilgrims traveled to Israel at that time

The first image shows a line drawing with a slightly pointed bow and oars on either side of the vessel, making it appear to be an aerial view of the ship.

However, 'it seems the artist was attempting a three-dimensional drawing,' said Prof. Deborah Cvikel of the University of Haifa's Department of Maritime Civilizations.

'It may be that the lines below it portray the path beaten by the oars through the water. Ships or crosses left by visiting Christian pilgrims as witnesses to their visit are also found in Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre church.'

A second drawing indicated that the artist was familiar with maritime life, the IAA said, because the foremast leans toward the bow and doesn't have a sail, known as an artemon which was used to help steer the ship.

Both stones were found upside down, which might have meant the person who placed the stone during the church's construction either didn't know the slab bore a drawing or didn't care, according to the IAA.

'This surprising and intriguing find of ship drawings in a Northern Negev Byzantine-period church opens a window for us to the world of Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land 1,500 years ago,' Israel Antiquities Authority Director Eli Escusido said.

The discovery 'provides first-hand evidence about the ships they traveled in and the maritime world of that time,' he added.
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In the market for a bargain-basement seaside holiday in Spain?

Two of the country's cheapest coastal tourist towns offer three to four-star hotel stays for under 80 a night. But it's a tale of two cities.

The cheapest, Torrevieja, has been slammed as a 'horrific council estate with sun' with '"Del Boy" street vendors', and the other, Cartagena, praised as 'amazing'.

The destinations both featured in a recent Which? traveller survey of 28 Spanish seaside towns, with Torrevieja scoring 60 per cent and Cartagena trouncing it with an overall score of 80 per cent.

For the study, as well as issuing overall scores, the consumer champion invited those polled to score the Spanish seaside towns on 11 criteria including the quality of the beach and seafront, safety, food and drink, accommodation, and value for money.

Torrevieja and Cartagena were revealed by a Which? survey as being two of Spain's cheapest seaside towns to stay in. However, the former was roundly slated and the latter finished third out of 28 places

Hotel stays in Torrevieja (above) average just 77 a night. But this didn't help lift its Which? rating for value for money - just two stars. Attractiveness, tourist attractions, and peace and quiet received the same lowly grade

Torrevieja holidaymakers complained of '"Del Boy" roaming street vendors' being 'a terrible nuisance'

TORREVIEJA

Hotel stays in Torrevieja - in the Alicante region, which is also home to Benidorm and Villajoyosa - average just 77 a night. But this didn't help lift its rating for value for money - just two stars. Attractiveness, tourist attractions, and peace and quiet received the same lowly grade.

Tripadvisor reviewers hold similarly low opinions of the destination.

Londoner 'Cat123xxx' said: 'Go to Torrevieja if you like your English breakfast and pizzas because that is all you will get. I could not find a decent Spanish restaurant anywhere. All the restaurants on the promenade were pizzerias.

'You don't even have to know a word of Spanish to get by because everyone in Torrevieja is either English or working in the tourism industry.

'In my opinion Torrevieja is not a true reflection of Spain. It's more like Blackpool with sunshine!'

'Peter W', also from London, added: 'Anyone eating at the beachfront restaurant should be aware that the "Del Boy" roaming street vendors are a terrible nuisance.

'During one meal I kept score. We were hassled no fewer than 55 times during our meal.

'During this time there were two police "raids" but it seemed like they were all going through a well-practiced routine - hide in a side street and then back to business a moment later.'

'Mashandpie', also from London, noted: 'Escape was the only option. We had an awful time in Torrevieja as we found the people to be not as friendly as we hoped.

'It felt as if the locals had just simply had enough of us Brits coming over building homes and making their lives harder work. On the beach we were subject to violent outbursts from the people trying to sell us sunglasses and belts.

'Later that day, I spoke with an English-speaking person who owned one of the beach cafes. She said that it was quite common behaviour. In addition to this, she told us not to go drinking out in the town bars as there would be a chance of us getting shot or stabbed.'

He also remarked that he had his camera stolen while staying in the area, noting his holiday had turned into a 'nightmare'.

British poster 'Wales45' said: 'I was working in Spain recently and had the misfortune to end up in Torrevieja. In my opinion it is without doubt the most horrific place I have ever been, like a council estate with sun - except it was rainy on the day I had to go there.'

Some reviews painted the city in a more positive light.

Tripadvisor reviewer 'Cat123xxx' said of Torrevieja (above): 'In my opinion Torrevieja is not a true reflection of Spain. It's more like Blackpool with sunshine!'

German poster 'Saksalainen_94' said: 'Torrevieja is the most beautiful city in the south of the province of Valencia with a great beach in the city centre, a jetty out onto the Mediterranean, great restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities. For nature lovers, there are two large salt lakes.'

Canadian 'Canada170981' added: 'All around us were very beautiful villas. There was a plaza close by where we could do the grocery shopping, a pharmacy and newspaper store etc.

'There were lots of restaurants close and in fact it was cheaper for us to eat out than to do the shopping and cook. The coffee is very good.'

CARTAGENA

Cartagena offers hotel stays for just 1 more than Torrevieja, according to the Which? survey, yet scores an impressive five stars for tourist attractions and four stars for its seafront, attractiveness, safety and shopping.

Tripadvisor reviewers are also impressed.

Cartagena offers hotel stays for just 1 more than Torrevieja, according to the Which? survey, yet scores an impressive five stars for tourist attractions and four stars for its seafront, attractiveness, safety and shopping. Tripadvisor user 'Alistair' praised the city's friendliness and views

'Belone' from Ireland wrote: 'One of my very favourite places we've ever visited. [It's] a bustling city full of historical Roman sites... well laid out... give yourself loads of time here. Don't rush this amazing city.'

'Alistair' from Nottingham also penned a glowing review, concluding: 'We spent all day in Cartagena and still didn't see half the places. The narrow streets, buildings, history, views and friendliness of the people will be a great memory. A very good day out.'

San Sebastian came top in the survey - but does have a pricey average hotel cost of 155 a night.

Meanwhile flashy Puerto Banus finished rock bottom, with holidaymakers writing it off as 'tacky' and 'a seedy dump' despite its massive 168 per night average hotel price.
Married At First Sight bride Jules Robinson has lifted the lid on her debilitating battle with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) as she prepares to welcome her second child with husband Cameron Merchant.

The entrepreneur, 42, first spoke to the media about her experience with PMDD in October, after suffering from the condition since before she welcomed her first child Oliver three years ago.

Now, speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, Jules has revealed her PMDD symptoms completely vanished after she fell pregnant earlier this year, but she still fears it may return after she gives birth.

PMDD is an intense, occasionally debilitating, form of premenstrual syndrome characterised by extreme mood swings that can significantly disrupt women's daily life and strain relationships.

'It's been the silver lining and the blessing of pregnancy that I don't have PMDD anymore,' said the reality star, who recently released her debut book Ask Jules.

Married At First Sight bride Jules Robinson, 42, has lifted the lid on her debilitating battle with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) as she prepares to welcome her second child with husband Cameron Merchant. (L-R: Jules, Cameron and their son Ollie, four)

While Jules noted that she does experience typical pregnancy mood swings 'where you just sit and cry', it hasn't been anything close to what she experienced with PMDD.

Jules admitted that she is concerned her PMDD will return once she gives birth, but still remains optimistic this time around.

'It is a little time ticking bomb that's going off. How am I going to feel? But I just go into it knowing that I've got so much more education behind me,' she said.

The entrepreneur first spoke to the media about her experience with PMDD in October, after suffering from the condition since before she welcomed her first child Oliver three years ago

She went on to credit attending events with the Gidget Foundation with helping her gain knowledge on how to cope if PMDD rears its head again.

The Gidget Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that offers educational tools for expectant and new parents to prevent and treat mental health issues.

'I went to a Gidget Foundation event a couple of weeks ago, and it was just so humbling. And I just felt in that safe network that if I'm feeling like that again, there's people that you can call,' she said.

Now, speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, Jules has revealed her PMDD symptoms completely vanished after she fell pregnant earlier this year, but she still fears it may return after she gives birth

It comes after The Figr shapewear owner wrote candidly about her experience of hitting 'rock bottom' with PMDD in her book Ask Jules.

'I personally feel in these moments that I just can't deal with life. It all just feels too hard and too much, until it miraculously passes and I'm back to my sparkly self, grabbing life by the horns. I feel like Jekyll and Hyde,' she wrote.

Jules explained that had suffered from PMDD for a long time, but only realised she needed to seek professional help after Oliver was born in April 2020.

'I fell into this very dark hole where everything felt really hard, and I couldn't stop crying. Cam would come home to me lying on the sofa in tears every day,' she wrote.

Last month, the reality star officially launched her debut book Ask Jules - in which she shares her personal experiences and expert tips on beauty, wellness and self-love
Tom Hardy looked suitably terrifying in the new trailer for Venom: The Last Dance as he teased the conclusion of the superhero trilogy.

The actor, 46, is seen playing the dual roles of Eddie Brock and Spider-Man villain Venom in the teaser for the final instalment of the film series.

It becomes apparent that the duo will be forced to deal with an alien from Venom's home planet, at the same time as being hunted by government.

A teaser for the film's plot reads: 'Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie's last dance.'

The trailer sees the Hollywood star once again getting in on the action, transforming into Venom to chow down on several criminals, while continuing to make quips.

Tom Hardy looked suitably terrifying in the new trailer for Venom: The Last Dance as he teased the conclusion of the superhero trilogy

The actor, 46, is seen playing the dual roles of Eddie Brock and Spider-Man villain Venom in the teaser for the final instalment of the film series.

It becomes apparent that the duo will be forced to deal with an alien from Venom's home planet, at the same time as being hunted by government

Fugitives Eddie and Venom are seen on the run, fighting off attacks underwater and avoiding explosions, before engaging in a battle with an alien monster on top of a plane.

Ted Lasso star Juno Temple makes her debut as scientist Dr. Payne, warning about the importance of keeping the existence of alien life secret.

While actor Chiwetel Ejiofor - who previously played Dr Strange villain Karl Mordo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - takes centre stage as Orwell Taylor, a military soldier intent on tracking down Eddie and Venom.

There are also glimpses of Stephen Graham's Patrick Mulligan, while Peggy Lu returns as fan-favourite Mrs. Chen and Notting Hill star Rhys Ifans is briefly seen making an appearance.

Tom's growly Venom voice can be heard ominously saying: 'Eddie... the time has come' as the trailer closes on a signature wacky note, with the symbiote taking over a horse.

Tom first unveiled the news that he was working on a third and final instalment to the film trilogy last November.

The British actor and writer  who helped conceive the story for Venom 3 with the superhero film's director Kelly Marcel  shared a black-and-white photo of the pair with stunt double Jacob Tomuri when he revealed the big news.

He captioned the photo: 'V3N0M 3 The last dance  thankfully we are back to shooting.

The trailer sees the Hollywood star once again getting in on the action, transforming into Venom to chow down on several criminals, while continuing to make quips

Fugitives Eddie and Venom are seen on the run, fighting off attacks underwater and avoiding explosions, before engaging in a battle with an alien monster on top of a plane.

Ted Lasso star Juno Temple (right) makes her debut as scientist Dr. Payne, warning about the importance of keeping the existence of alien life secret

While actor Chiwetel Ejiofor - who previously played Dr Strange villain Karl Mordo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - takes centre stage as Orwell Taylor, a military soldier intent on tracking down Eddie and Venom

There are also glimpses of Stephen Graham's Patrick Mulligan, while Peggy Lu returns as fan-favourite Mrs. Chen (pictured) and Notting Hill star Rhys Ifans makes a brief appearance

Tom's growly Venom voice can be heard ominously saying: 'Eddie... the time has come' as the trailer closes on a signature wacky note, with the symbiote taking over a horse

'And I want to take a moment just to thank all the teams thus far on the ride from V1 to here. All our fantastic Cast and crew  good friends and family  we've come a long way.'

He continued: 'It's been and continues to be a lot of fun this journey. There's always hard turns to burn when we work, but doesn't feel as hard when you love what you do and when you know you have great material and the support at all sides, of a great team.

'Surrounded by talented and passionate departments and when surrounded by people you love and care about it doesn't get any better.'

Tom went on to talk about 'how proud' he is of Kelly, who he described as his 'director, writing partner and dear friend.'

He gushed: 'Watching you taking the helm on this one fills me with pride,' before sharing how it's been his 'honour' to collaborate with her.

He went on: 'Your instincts are always spot on. First class  I back you. 100%. As always. And I absolutely love working with you and watching you take on bigger challenges every time.'

Tom first unveiled the news that he was working on a third and final instalment to the film trilogy last November, sharing a snap with director Kelly Marcel and stunt double Jacob Tomuri

The film's leading man thanked the cast and crew for all their hard work when making the announcement that the production was back in action
Love Island Australia star Anna McEvoy looks very different after having her prominent lip filters dissolved last year.

Celebrity watchdog account Before & After Influencers posted a gallery of snaps to Instagram on Monday, to show the amazing transformation McEvoy had undergone.

The before photos captured Anna with full and voluminous red lips which framed her slender facial features.

However, in the after picture, McEvoy allowed her natural beauty to speak for itself in a wedding snap with her groom in which she sported far thinner lips.

'Anna started having her lips dissolved early last year. Looking more like her previous self in beautiful recent wedding photos,' the watchdog account wrote.

Love Island Australia star Anna McEvoy looks like a completely different person after she had her prominent lip filters dissolved last year. (Pictured on her honeymoon with husband Michael Staples)

Meanwhile, Anna shared a video to TikTok explaining the reasoning behind having the lip filters removed: 'I had them dissolved because they gave me two really deep lines.

'I hated it as it made me look old. My smile is definitely back!'

Last month, Anna walked down the aisle with fiance Michael Staples at a glamorous ceremony at Corfu, in Greece.

Celebrity watchdog account Before & After Influencers posted a gallery of snaps to Instagram on Monday, to show the amazing transformation McEvoy had undergone

The Before photos captured Anna with full and voluminous red lips which framed her slender facial features

The couple opted to hold their ceremony at the upmarket Courti Estate, described as a 'Luxury Corfu Villa' with nine bedrooms for guests.

Anna looked gorgeous in a Alin Le' Kal wedding dress from the Melbourne couture designer.

The flowing gown included a long, floral embroidered train and boned corset bodice with dainty straps as well as a thigh high split.

However, in the After picture, McEvoy has had them fully dissolved and allowed her natural beauty to speak for itself in an eye-popping wedding snap with her groom

She revealed she'd was getting married on the Greek island of Corfu early last year, after getting engaged to Michael in October 2022.

Their wedding venue is part of a fully renovated nine-bedroom estate, where the bride and groom's family and close friends are staying.

'We put a deposit down on a wedding venue in Corfu, but Michael and I have both never been to Corfu,' she said on her Where's Your Head At? podcast in 2023.

She rose to fame on season two of Love Island Australia, and won the show with Josh Packham but they split in December 2020.
Kim Kardashian nearly risked a wardrobe malfunction while goofing around with Chris Appleton on the set of a photoshoot on Monday.

The reality TV personality, 43, joked around and shared a laugh with the celebrity hair stylist, 40, while taking a break from the shoot they were working on in Calabasas.

At one point, Appleton picked her up in his arms and spun her around in a circle while she giggled.

The Kardashians star was also seen throwing her head back in laughter while hanging out with him and another friend in a parking out.

The SKIMS founder  who was slammed by Tiger King's Joe Exotic for ignoring his pleas for help fighting for his prison release  wore just a purple men's dress shirt and shearling-lined slippers.

Kim Kardashian was spotted goofing around with Chris Appleton on the set of a photoshoot on Monday

The reality TV personality, 43, joked around and shared a laugh with the celebrity hair stylist, 40, while taking a break from the shoot they were working on in Calabasas. At one point, Appleton picked her up in his arms and spun her around in a circle while she giggled

Because she wasn't wearing pants, she very nearly risked a wardrobe malfunction when Appleton scooped her up in his arms.

She left her platinum blonde hair down In messy waves and also appeared to be wearing no makeup as she showcased her natural, radiant glow.

At one point, she was also seen holding a paper cup and leaning against a tree as her friend snapped photos of her.

Her pal also captured the moment when Appleton carried her and they played around in the parking lot.

She appeared to be carefree and in good spirits despite the recent antics from the Tiger King and as her 10-year-old daughter North faced backlash for being a 'nepo baby.'

On Sunday, she shrugged the drama off as she shared photos of herself posing with her daughters as well as her mother Kris Jenner, 68.

Kardashian was seen with her eldest child as well as her lookalike, six-year-old daughter Chicago in her $60 million Hidden Hills mansion.

In addition to North and Chicago, Kardashian also shares sons Saint, eight, and Psalm, five, with her ex-husband, Kanye West  whom she was married to from 2014 to 2022.

The SKIMS founder wore just a purple men's dress shirt and shearling-lined slippers

She left her platinum blonde hair down In messy waves and also appeared to be wearing no makeup as she showcased her natural, radiant glow

The Kardashians star was also seen throwing her head back in laughter while hanging out with him and another friend in a parking out

Because she wasn't wearing pants, she very nearly risked a wardrobe malfunction when Appleton scooped her up in his arms

Her pal also captured the moment when Appleton carried her and they played around in the parking lot

She was carefree despite her 10-year-old daughter North facing backlash for being a 'nepo baby'

Recently, their eldest daughter North was embroiled in controversy as social media users criticized her for being a 'nepo baby.' This comes after she landed the coveted role of young Simba and made her acting debut in The Lion King's 30th anniversary concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles

Recently, their eldest daughter North was embroiled in controversy as social media users criticized her for being a 'nepo baby.'

This comes after she landed the coveted role of young Simba and made her acting debut in The Lion King's 30th anniversary concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

After belting out the lyrics to the crowded venue, the precocious pre-teen received a standing ovation from the audience for her performance.

Despite the continuous trolling, Kardashian showed off how proud she was of her daughter as she shared behind-the-scenes snaps of North performing I Just Can't Wait To Be King.
The lead surgeon who performed surgery on Jimmy Kimmel's son Billy is speaking out about the seven-year-old's 'very severe form' of heart condition.

Billy underwent his third open heart surgery last month, and Dr. Vaughn A. Starnes performed all of them at the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

With Kimmel's, 56, permission, the cardiac surgeon gave an update on Billy's recovery, saying it is 'the greatest joy' to see him doing well in a new interview with Good Morning America.

Dr. Starnes added that Jimmy was 'a mess' going into his son's surgery and 'very emotional', while his wife, Molly McNearney, 46, was a 'rock.'

Billy has a condition called Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect where a combination of four abnormalities affect how blood flows through the heart.

The lead surgeon who performed surgery on Jimmy Kimmel's, 56, son Billy is speaking out about the seven-year-old's 'very severe form' of heart condition; Jimmy seen with Billy in 2022

Billy underwent his third open heart surgery last month, and Dr. Vaughn A. Starnes performed all of them at the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

Dr. Starnes added that Billy 'had a very severe form' of the condition, sharing that 'he had no connection between the right ventricle.'

Dr. Starnes shared that Kimmel and his wife did not know about their son's heart defect until shortly after he was born, and that 'it caught them by surprise.'

Speaking about Jimmy and Molly the surgeon said, 'They thought Billy was going to be perfectly normal and was until two or three hours after delivery.'

'That's when the nurse noted that the child was somewhat blue and sounded the alarms.'

Dr. Starnes added that the experience has 'got to be the most scary, terrifying thing that a parent goes through.'

Speaking about how Jimmy and his family were doing going into the surgery, which took place over the Memorial Day weekend, Dr. Starnes shared 'Jimmy was very emotional. And Molly was obviously emotional, but more in control of her emotions.'

Dr. Starnes shared that the surgery was a success right away.

After seeing a clip posted by Kimmel last week of Billy at home, following the surgery, Starnes shared he was 'a little bit' surprised at how active Billy was.

'I knew after putting a valve in there, he would improve. I didn't expect him to improve that fast,' he said.

Last Monday Kimmel announced that his youngest son had successfully undergone open-heart surgery over the Memorial Day weekend.

Dr. Starnes said Jimmy was 'a mess' going into his son's surgery and 'very emotional', while his wife, Molly McNearney, 46, was a 'rock'; The couple seen with Billy and their daughter Jane, nine, in 2018

Billy has a condition called Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect where a combination of four abnormalities affect how blood flows through the heart

The comedian posted a sweet photo of Billy smiling gently while lying in a hospital bed as he shared the health news.

'This weekend, our boy Billy had his third (of three, we hope) open heart surgery,' Kimmel wrote in his lengthy caption.

'We went into this experience with a lot of optimism and nearly as much fear and came out with a new valve inside a happy, healthy kid,' he continued.

Kimmel first revealed in 2017 that his then-baby son had undergone his first heart surgery, which spurred him on to advocate for healthcare and insurance reform.

Kimmel included praise for 'Billy's doctors, led by the brilliant surgeon Vaughn Starnes, cardiologist Tim Casarez and the excellent, hard-working staff, doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners at CHLA, including, but certainly not limited to Misty, Ann, Sylvia, Dana, Caleigh, Nick, Bekah, Julie, Kenny, Caroline, Lisa, Stephanie, Ellize, Ivy, Pam and Carrie came through for us with immeasurable kindness and expertise.'

The late-night host called it a 'humbling experience' to meet other 'vulnerable' children and their parents, as well as the 'miracle workers' doing their best to 'save' the young patients.

Kimmel made sure to to praise his wife Molly 'for being stronger than is reasonable for any Mom to be,' and saluted young Billy as 'the toughest (and funniest) 7 year-old we know.'

'There are so many parents and children who aren't fortunate enough to go home after five days,' he added. 'Please share your love, hearts and prayers with them...'

Dr. Starnes shared that Kimmel and his wife did not know about their son's heart defect until shortly after he was born, and that 'it caught them by surprise'

Kimmel announced last Monday that his youngest son had successfully undergone his third open-heart surgery over the Memorial Day weekend

The comedian tipped his hat to the late Senator John McCain, who was the key vote scuttling a bill that would have gutted the Affordable Care Act during the Trump administration.

He also noted that the healthcare law made it 'largely' possible for CHLA to accept young patients regardless of their ability to pay.

Kimmel has spoken about his young son's heart condition in the past, including in an emotional speech in 2017, shortly after Billy was born.

Just three days after Billy was born, Kimmel announced on his show that the little boy would need open-heart surgery for his congenital heart condition.

When revealing his son's condition, Kimmel explained: 'Basically, the pulmonary valve was completely blocked and he has a hole in the wall between the left and right sides of his heart.'

During his impassioned speech, he added: 'If your baby is going to die, and it doesnt have to, it should not matter how much money you make.'

But he also spoke on a lighter note about Billy.

'Poor kid. Not only did he get a bad heart, he got my face,' he joked.

In May of 2017, after Billy's first open-heart surgery, Kimmel spoke on his show about how Billy's heart condition was discovered shortly after his birth.

'He appeared a normal healthy baby,' he began. 'My wife was in bed relaxing, a very attentive nurse at Cedars-Sinai heard a murmur in his heart and noticed he was a bit purple, which is not common.'

'(The doctors) determined he wasn't getting enough oxygen in his blood, either in his heart or lungs. They did an x-ray and his lungs were fine, which meant his heart wasn't. It's a terrifying thing,' he continued. 'They found that Billy was born with a heart disease.'

Just three days after Billy was born, Kimmel announced on his show that the little boy would need open-heart surgery for his congenital heart condition; Billy pictured at seven months old in December 2017, after his second surgery

Kimmel's subsequent updates were positive, and in December 2017, he brought seven-month-old Billy on the show and announced that he had had his second open-heart surgery.

'Billy is doing great, by the way. He has one more surgery  this is amazing  he had an operation a week ago. They say he'll probably be on track to win at least a bronze medal at the Olympics in 2036,' he announced.

Kimmel has been married to Molly, who is an executive producer and co-head writer on his show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, since 2013.

In addition to Billy they share a nine-year-old daughter Jane, and Kimmel has two adult children  Katie, 32, and Kevin, 30  from his first marriage to Gina Maddy from 1988 to 2003.
A former producer from the Channel Seven hit reality series Farmer Wants A Wife fears the show 'won't survive' much longer.

The insider slammed this year's season of the dating show after fans suggested the series is 'veering' to become more like Channel Nine's Married At First Sight when several farmers failed to find love.

'Farmer Wants a Wife was widely popular because it was less dramatic and I know for a fact we used to be more focused on finding these farmers an actual wife,' the ex-producer told Yahoo Lifestyle.

'I think the show should have stayed in its lane and avoided casting women that are there for the wrong reasons. Other shows are already doing that in-fighting and conflict.

'Here is hoping they go for genuine love stories this time around. As I fear the show won't survive another series like the last.'

A former producer from the Channel Seven hit reality series Farmer Wants A Wife has made claims that the show 'won't survive' much longer

Last month, disgruntled FWAW fans criticised the show for its drastic changes and claimed it's becoming 'more like MAFS'.

'I think the new producer is trying to make the show like MAFS,' one Facebook user wrote.

'They can edit it any way they want and make both the men and women out to be something they aren't. All the kissing, etc, this year and the sexual innuendos are more like MAFS than in previous seasons.

'This has really ruined the show. I, for one, won't continue to watch it next year if it starts out like this year. In the past, the men and women were more natural, and that was what was great about the show.'

The insider slammed this year's season of the dating show, after fans suggested the series is 'veering' to become more like Channel Nine's Married At First Sight when several farmers failed to find love. Pictured: Host Samantha Armytage

It also comes after Samantha brutally replaced longtime host Natalie Gruzlewski on the show.

Natalie, 47, helmed the dating show the first eight seasons from 2007 until 2012, and returned in 2020, becoming a firm fan favourite.

However, she was replaced by former Sunrise star Samantha, 47, as the main host last year and Natalie appeared in a more 'scaled-back' role on the program.

Samantha first joined the dating show as a 'guest host', but her minor role was then expanded while Natalie 'scaled back' her duties.

She took over hosting duties for FWAW in 2023, replacing Natalie - who still appeared on the show but in a diminished role.

Natalie presented her own segment called Nat's Getaway during the 2023 season, with Sam 'front and centre' as the face of the franchise.

Taking to the comments section of posts shared to the show's official Instagram, viewers argued that the series isn't 'the same' without Natalie at the forefront.

'Bring back Nat..,' one wrote as another added: 'Is Natalie coming back? She is so good.'

'Loved this show with Nat hosting,' a third said while another wrote: 'Nat was GOAT, bring her back please!'

'Devastated it's not @nataliegruzlewski - it's not the same show anymore,' one said.
A mum has revealed how Rachael Finch's eyebrow-raising behaviour during her daughter's recent school cross-country race impacted the other children.

The Miss Universe Australia winner-turned-fitness influencer, 35, triggered backlash when she uploaded a video of herself jogging behind her daughter Violet, 8, and screaming words of encouragement as the young girl competed against her peers.

Now a mum whose daughter was running in the same race has claimed Rachael's behaviour had a detrimental effect on her child's performance.

The woman told Outspoken podcast hosts Amy, Kate and Sophie Taeuber her daughter felt 'intimidated' by the mummy blogger.

'My daughter was running directly behind her. She was too intimidated to overtake due to the mum yelling and getting in the way,' she said.

A mum has revealed how Rachael Finch's eyebrow-raising behaviour during her eight-year-old daughter Violet's (both pictured) school cross-country race impacted the other children

The podcast hosts also revealed how former My Kitchen Rules star Ash Pollard rushed to Rachael's defence following the backlash.

They said they shared the video to their Instagram page when Ash tagged Rachael and commented on the post.

Ash accused the podcasters of being 'mean and cruel' and told them to remove the 'opinion piece before they destroyed Rachael's day'.

Ash also claimed it was 'pathetic materiel' and told the the podcasters 'they weren't impacting the world in a positive way'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Rachael Finch for comment.

It comes after Rachael hit back at critics who slammed her for running behind her daughter.

She responded to those who criticised her approach in an Instagram video on Thursday and insisted she was just 'motivating her child to do her best'.

'Just a quick message to anyone wanting to criticise or personally attack me for wanting to support, encourage and motivate my child to do the very best that she can do,' she said.

'Just a couple of things. One, check your facts. And two, check back in eight or so years when Violet is an adult to see the progress.'

The Miss Universe Australia winner-turned-fitness influencer recently raised eyebrows when she uploaded a video of herself jogging behind daughter Violet, eight, (pictured) as she competed against her peers

Influencer triplets Amy, Kate and Sophie took aim at the mummy blogger on their Outspoken podcast last week.

'I first saw people talking about this online before seeing the video, and at first I was like, 'Oh, she's probably just one of those supportive parents'. But this was next level,' one sister said.

'I don't understand how this school let her run behind her child during the race. Surely it would have been really off-putting for the other kids?' another agreed.

One sister pointed out that there would have been plenty of children running behind Rachael, given that Violet placed 12th out of 100.

'Can you imagine the other mums there seeing this? [They'd be asking], 'Why the hell is she allowed at the school on the course?',' another added.

While the triplets commended Rachael for showing interest in her daughter's school activities, they claimed her behaviour that day 'seemed a bit odd'.

One mum has now claimed Rachael's behaviour impacted her own daughter's performance during the race

'It seems like she's vicariously living through her child because this seemed to be one of her dreams,' one podcaster said, as another agreed: 'Oh, it was very difficult to watch.'

One sister insisted: 'I would be pretty p**sed off if I was a parent at this school.

'[Imagine if] I'm very excited for my child to be competing in this race, but I'm thinking, 'Well, no wonder my child didn't do so well when they've got the advantage of having their mum there breathing down their neck, telling them to keep going'.'

The sisters said they were 'surprised' Rachael put the video on social media, and noted that it seems Violet has 'a lot of pressure on her to do well'.

However, Rachael has plenty of online followers who are fans of her hands-on approach to teaching her children about health and fitness.

It comes after popular influencers Amy, Kate and Sophie Taeuber took aim at the mummy blogger on their Outspoken podcast last week

In the video, the former model screamed words of encouragement as her daughter ran.

'Here we go, it's the second down hill. Suck in the air. Go, go, go! Watch the rocks! That's it, Violet, well done,' she yelled while her daughter ran, captioning the video: 'Crazy cam.'

She then revealed Violet had come 12th out of 100 girls and had achieved her 'best time and best performance'.

'The best I've ever seen her try. Ever. She struggled and wanted to walk but overcame it and kept going,' Rachael said.

'It's never about the placing for us. What we care about is the commitment to their work and effort. What you put in is what you get out. So proud of her. Had to hold back a gazillion tears.'
Today show alum Britt Cohen has welcomed a baby boy with her NRL executive husband Aaron Warburton.

The television presenter took to Instagram over the weekend to share snaps of herself and the newborn just after the birth, with doting husband Aaron kissing her on the forehead.

Another picture shows the tiny baby boy wearing a cute knitted beanie.

Other images depict tender moments with each of the parents holding the newborn gently.

In the caption to the images, Britt wrote, 'we are completely besotted with you, my beautiful boy. I'll never forget staring into those deep blue eyes for the first time and feeling the most intense surge of love and happiness.'

Today show alum Britt Cohen has welcomed a baby boy with her NRL executive husband Aaron Warburton. All pictured

The television presenter took to Instagram over the weekend to share snaps of her and the newborn just after the birth

The couple named the baby Oliver Will Warburton and he was born on the 30th of May, 2024. However Britt posted the update a few days later.

Britt had shared the news she was expecting on New Year's Eve, 2023.

The reporter took to Instagram at the time, posting two mages of her ultrasound, and a picture of her husband tenderly touching her growing baby bump.

In one image, the tiny baby boy is shown in a close up wearing a cute knitted beanie

Other pictures show tender moments with each of the parents holding the newborn gently

In the caption to the images, Britt wrote, 'we are completely besotted with you, my beautiful boy. I'll never forget staring into those deep blue eyes for the first time and feeling the most intense surge of love and happiness'

The television star captioned the gallery announcing the glorious news with some sweet words.

'Happy New Year from the 3 of us!!' she began.

'Our little family is growing and I couldn't be more excited to become a mumma with you by my side Aaron Warburton.

Britt had shared the news she was expecting on New Year's Eve, 2023. The reporter took to Instagram at the time, posting two mages of her ultrasound, and a picture of her husband tenderly touching her growing baby bump

Britt married Aaron in a glamorous destination wedding in 2023 at Lake Como, Italy.

The couple announced their engagement in December 2022 alongside a photo of herself smooching her new fiance, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the NRL Bulldogs.

The blonde beauty also stunned fans by revealing her impressive emerald-cut diamond engagement ring.

She captioned the post with some heartfelt words: 'Can't wait to spend forever with you! I love you more than anything in the world.'

Britt was previously a producer for Today and Today Extra.
Terri Irwin marked her 32nd wedding anniversary on Tuesday by sharing a touching tribute to her late husband Steve.

The 59-year-old was married to zookeeper Steve for 14 years before his tragic death in 2006 and they share two kids, daughter Bindi, 25, and son Robert, 20.

Taking to Instagram, the mother-of-two shared a photo of herself and Steve cuddled up as she held a joey.

'It was 32 years ago today that Steve & I said I do and began the adventure of a lifetime!' she captioned the post.

Steve and Terri tied the knot in June 1992 in her home state of Oregon following a whirlwind eight-month romance.

Terri Irwin, 59, (right) marked her 32nd wedding anniversary by sharing a touching tribute to her late husband Steve (left) on Tuesday

Friends and followers quickly offered their love and support to the beloved couple.

Australia Zoo's social media wrote: 'Happy Anniversary to the greatest Wildlife Warriors. We love you so much, Terri and Steve! Thank you for your dedication to conservation and #AustraliaZoo.'

Bindi also paid homage, writing: 'Happy Anniversary to my incredible parents. I love you both beyond description.'

Taking to Instagram, the mother-of-two shared a photo of herself and Steve standing together and smiling as she held a baby Kangaroo

Terri has been open about her romance with iconic wildlife warrior.

Speaking to Anh Do on his Brush With Fame program, she recalled the moment she met Steve and wondered whether he was single.

'I wasn't even dating, I wasn't even looking,' Terri, who was then 27, said of Steve, 29, when they met in 1991.

'I was 27-years-old, and figured my life was going to be my work, and met Steve and fell instantly in love,' she added.

'It was 32 years ago today that Steve & I said I do and began the adventure of a lifetime!' she captioned the post

Terri said she was impressed by how cool and calm Steve was while feeding a crocodile for a show.

'I thought this man is the most incredible guy I have ever seen. He's probably married. He's gotta be taken,' she said.

It was then she plucked-up the courage to talk to him - but to her dismay Steve immediately said he wanted to introduce her to his 'girlfriend'.

Steve and Terri tied the knot in June 1992 in her home state of Oregon following a whirlwind eight-month romance

'I just felt utterly crushed, and then he called out, 'Hey, Suey!' And here comes this little dog, Suey. I went, 'Boom! No girlfriend!''

Terri recently insisted she has no plans to get back into the dating market as she sweetly described her relationship with her late husband as her 'happily ever after'.

'I totally got my happily ever after,' the American-Australian conservationist told Us Weekly earlier this month, before attending the Steve Irwin Gala in Las Vegas.

Terri (left) was married to zookeeper Steve (right) for 14 years before his tragic death in 2006 and they share two kids, daughter Bindi, 25, (middle right) and son Robert, 20 (middle left)

Steve was tragically killed when he was barbed by a stingray on September 4, 2006, at Batt Reef near Port Douglas in far north Queensland.

The tragic news sent shockwaves across Australia and around the world as his fans grieved the tragic loss.

Steve's family has carried on his mission to promote and protect wildlife through Australia Zoo.
Sir Ian McKellen looked in great spirits as he attended the National Youth Theatre's BIG Night Out after party at Soho House Greek Street on Monday night.

The legendary actor, 84, seemed to be embracing his inner rockstar as he donned a striking black leather jacket with an orange fire emblazoned on the back.

Posing alongside fellow stage star Brian Cox, the pair looked to be best of friends as they grasped hands together in a sweet gesture.

Ian completed his look with a tweed flat cap and patterned scarf as he continues to sport his unruly white beard.

Meanwhile Brian opted for a very different look as he kept it smart in a suit.

Sir Ian McKellen, 84, embraced his inner rockstar in trendy leather jacket as he beams beside Brian Cox, 78, at the National Youth Theatre's BIG Night Out after party at Soho House Greek Street on Monday night

Posing alongside fellow stage star Brian the pair looked to be best of friends as they grasped hands together in a sweet gesture

Brian, 78, donned a white printed shirt and blue tie underneath a buttoned up dark grey blazer and tailored trousers.

Ian enjoyed a night off from his current role as John Falstaff in the Player Kings production at Noel Coward Theatre on the West End.

The star has received rave four star reviews from critics for his 'boundless energy' and 'showmanship' in the production, which is directed by Robert Icke.

Ian is coming into the final few weeks of his 12-week run in the West End in the play that is a new version of Shakespeares Henry IV.

Having begun in April, Ian's last performance in London will be June 22, before the cast then tour around the country visiting Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.

Of why he took on the role, Sir Ian said when he became a professional actor at Cambridge in 1959, he was in John Barton's undergraduate production of Henry IV.

He said: 'Derek Jacobi played Prince Hal and I was the ancient Justice Shallow. Ever since, the plays have been among my favourite Shakespeares, although through the years I've resisted offers to play John Falstaff. Robert Icke's ingenious adaptation was irresistible.'

Robert said: 'It's a genuine honour to work with one of our greatest Shakespearean actors, Ian McKellen, especially as he tackles one of the most iconic Shakespearean roles--and one he's previously never turned his hand to.

Ian completed his look with a tweed flat cap and patterned scarf as he continues to sport his unruly white beard while Brian opted for a very different look as he kept it smart in a suit

The pair beamed in snaps together

Ian enjoyed a night off from his current role as John Falstaff in the Player Kings production at Noel Coward Theatre on the West End

The star has received rave four star reviews from critics for his 'boundless energy' and 'showmanship' in the production, which is directed by Robert Icke

'It's an exciting challenge to bring together two of Shakespeare's plays into one production, and I'm so excited to share with audiences in the West End and across the country.'

Meanwhile Brian recently revealed his favorite line from Succession as he paid tribute to the moment his character Logan Roy told his children they were not serious people.

The Succession star appeared on The Starting Line Podcast in April, where he spoke with host Rich Leigh about the popular TV series from creator Jesse Armstrong, which wrapped up last year after four seasons.

'It was a great role because he was also - he was a flawed man, but he was not - he was a serious man,' Brian said of portraying the media mogul on the critically-acclaimed HBO drama from 2018 until its 2023 conclusion.

He said the line he liked the best came in the second episode of the fourth season amid a tense discussion between Logan Roy and his four kids - Connor Roy (Alan Ruck), Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong), Shiv Roy (Sarah Snook) and Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin) - over the pending sale of his multimedia empire, Waystar Royco.

Meanwhile Brian recently revealed his favorite line from Succession as he paid tribute to the moment his character Logan Roy told his children they were not serious people

'My favorite line in the whole show is when he says to the kids, "I love you, but youre not serious people,"' Cox said. 'And its true - theyre not - its about avarice, its about greed and thats not what hes talking about.'

The Dundee, Scotland native said that Logan's biggest foible was his love for his children, as three of the four spend the majority of the series plotting to curry the aging media magnate's favor, and in turn, be named his successor.

'The thing about Logan, he was a self-made man,' the Emmy Award-winning actor said. 'He was brutalist in his attitude, but also, and this was right the way back, his one weakness - which shouldve been his strength - was that he loved his children.

'If he didnt love his children, things wouldve been a lot things wouldve been a lot happier...he loves his children - thats the thing he loves them all, but he sees them as wrecks.'
Karlie Kloss turned heads in two different outfits on Monday while out and about in New York City.

The 31-year-old model stepped out in a white shirt-dress that featured a laced bodice with the sleeves pushed up.

Karlie completed her stylish look with open-toed black heels and accessorized with black sunglasses, earrings, necklace and bracelet.

She had her dark brown hair parted down the middle and straight down below her shoulders.

The former Victoria's Secret Angel added a pop of color by carrying a bright green handbag.

Karlie Kloss stepped out in a white shirt-dress that featured a laced bodice with the sleeves pushed up on Monday in New York City

Karlie was later spotted heading out to dinner in a chic white pencil skirt and black sleeveless top.

She also carried a black Prada bag and wore black heels.

Karlie had her hair down and flashed her cute smile while getting into a vehicle.

The Project Runway host has been married since 2018 to Joshua Kushner and they have three-year-old son Levi Joseph and 10-month-old son Elijah Jude together.

Karlie is related by marriage to Joshua's elder brother Jared, 43, and his wife Ivanka Trump, 42, members of the family of former US President Donald Trump, who was recently convicted on 34 felony counts related to hush-money payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels.

Taylor Swift, 34, and Karlie have been friends since 2013.

The pop superstar was rumored to be romancing her friend Karlie after a grainy picture emerged on social media that appeared to show them kissing at a concert by The 1975 in 2014.

At the time, a spokesperson for Taylor was quick to nix the rumour to Gossip Cop, branding it 'hilarious'.

Karlie was later spotted heading out to dinner in a chic white pencil skirt and black sleeveless top

Karlie completed her stylish look with open-toed black heels and accessorized with black sunglasses, earrings, necklace and bracelet

She also carried a black Prada bag and wore black heels

The supermodel turned the sidewalk into her personal runway

In 2019, Taylor explicitly told Vogue she was not a part of the LGTBQ+ community, but was passionate about speaking up for it.

Karlie in 2015 founded the Kode With Klossy coding camp for teenage girls. Kode With Klossy by 2018 had 50 camps in 25 US cites and had served about 1,000 girls.

The camp in 2023 added a workshop in London.

Many of those who attended Kode With Klossy camps have pursed majors or minors in computer science.
The Kyle And Jackie O Show's Melbourne debut has suffered a shaky start.

The KIIS FM breakfast show's share dropped 0.5 points in the latest radio ratings survey in Victoria, dipping from 6.4 to 5.9 per cent.

However, the results don't paint an entire picture, given that the Kyle And Jackie O Show launched in Melbourne on April 29, meaning its listenership is considered for three weeks out of the 11-week survey period.

KIIS FM bosses remain optimistic about the future of Kyle And Jackie O's Victorian expansion.

'It's still too soon to get a true idea of the impact of The Kyle & Jackie O Show in Melbourne given they were only on air for three of the 10 weeks surveyed,' Duncan Campbell, chief of KIIS parent company ARN, told The Daily Telegraph.

The Kyle And Jackie O Show's Melbourne debut has suffered a shaky start, following the latest ratings survey in Victoria. (Pictured: Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson)

'We look forward to seeing their full impact in the coming surveys.'

Meanwhile, rival breakfast show Nova's Jase and Lauren, who were axed by KIIS at the end of 2023 to make way for Kyle And Jackie O, meanwhile grew their market share by 0.4 points to 8.7.

Fox's Fifi, Fev and Nick gained their 12th consecutive win as Melbournes most listened to breakfast show.

However, the results don't paint an entire picture, given that the Kyle And Jackie O Show launched in Melbourne on April 29, meaning its listenership is considered for three weeks out of the 11-week survey period

Over in the latest Sydney FM ratings survey, The Kyle And Jackie O Show once again came up on top, after after previously winning the Sydney breakfast FM radio wars for 40 surveys in a row.

The show suffered a slight dip in listenership this time around, dropping 1.4 points to a 14.7 per cent market share.

On April 29, Kyle and Jackie O took their breakfast radio to Melbourne in a huge multimillion dollar expansion deal.

Rival breakfast show Nova's Jase and Lauren, who were axed at the end of 2023 to make way for Kyle And Jackie O, meanwhile grew their market share by 0.4 points to 8.7. (Pictured: Jason Hawkins and Lauren Phillips)

The move saw Jason 'Jase' Hawkins and Lauren Phillips' breakfast show get shafted.

An unapologetic Sandilands recently said he felt indifferent to his competitors getting axed, as it ultimately came down to who was attracting the most listeners.

'No, I don't care. That's why we went for Melbourne, we were like, "We've given this Jase and Lauren on KIIS FM a good run, it can't get over fourth in the radio ratings, so we'll take it"' he told news.com.au.

He added that The Kyle and Jackie O Show was moved to Melbourne because there was a 'market in trouble' and it was thought their program could help regain listeners.

However, Kyle's co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson took a different approach, adding while she didn't like competitors getting axed it was unfortunately the reality of the business.

'No one ever wants to move someone out of a job. I wouldn't want that to happen to me. It's a double edged sword, it really is,' she said.
90 Day Fiance star Josh Weinstein has found himself in some legal hot water, facing a lawsuit from a model named Sharaun Brown.

The 42-year-old Weinstein, who has appeared on 90 Day Fiance: The Single Life since 2021, is being sued by Brown for failure to pay her for services rendered.

Brown claims his company - Preview Models - agreed to compensate her for the use of her photographs in educational and marketing materials for the company.

The company also lists Brown as a 'Celebrity Mentor' to help lure other models to the company, according to the lawsuit obtained by TMZ.

The lawsuit states the company started using her images in February 2023, used in ads for open casting calls, fashion shows and booking services.

90 Day Fiance star Josh Weinstein has found himself in some legal hot water, facing a lawsuit from a model named Sharaun Brown.

The 42-year-old Weinstein, who has appeared on 90 Day Fiance: The Single Life since 2021, is being sued by Brown for failure to pay her for services rendered

The company offers aspiring models a chance to get on a runway in front of modeling agencies in Los Angeles.

Brown claimed that the company used her fame as a model to give his company an air of legitimacy.

However, she added that Weinstein never delivered any of the money he promised, and by May 2023, she asked him to stop using her photos.

She claims the use of her photos on his website and other materials makes it seem that she's endorsing Preview Models when in fact she does not.

Brown is suing for unspecified damages for the unauthorized use of her images and for 'violating her right of publicity.

Brown was featured on America's Next Top Model in Cycle 11 back in 2008, though she was the first to be eliminated.

After her appearance on the show she signed with Elite Models and has been featured in magazines such as Vaitea, Mint Male Holistic Therapist and Fashion Odds.

Weinstein most recently appeared on 90 Day Fiance: The Single Life, which followed his girlfriend Natalie Mordovtseva moving to Los Angeles to be closer to him.

The company offers aspiring models a chance to get on a runway in front of modeling agencies in Los Angeles .

Brown claimed that the company used her fame as a model to give his company an air of legitimacy

She claims the use of her photos on his website and other materials makes it seem that she's endorsing Preview Models when in fact she does not

She claims the use of her photos on his website and other materials makes it seem that she's endorsing Preview Models when in fact she does not

While he promised to help find her a place to stay in L.A., they argued over it when his schedule only allowed him two days to help her find a place to stay.

They frequently argued about him not having enough time for her while she was in Los Angeles.

'I know Natalie has expectations of just having me full time and, you know, I have obligations. I have to work, I have kids, and I'm giving her every free moment that I have,' he told cameras.

The current season of 90 Day Fiance: The Single Life concluded in April with a five-part 'Tell All' reunion special.
Tammy Hembrow and her fiance Matt Zukowski have paid tribute to a scene from a classic Disney movie.

Taking to her Instagram stories, the fitness influencer, 30, shared a short video recreating the famous scene from Lady and the Tramp where the two canine characters slurp a spaghetti strand into a kiss.

In the toe-curling video, Tammy and Matt stand by the stove as she prepares noodles.

She then pulled a single noodle out and held it up to Matt's face, who slurped up one end.

Tammy, who is much shorter than her fiance, then stretched to suck on the other end until the pair's lips awkwardly met.

Tammy Hembrow and her fiance Matt Zukowski have paid tribute to a scene from a classic Disney movie. Both pictured

Taking to her Instagram stories, the fitness influencer, 30, shared a short video recreating the famous scene from Lady and the Tramp where the two canine characters slurp a spaghetti strand into a kiss

The couple looked more loved-up than ever in the video, despite speculation of a rift earlier this year.

Despite the rumours, Matt showed his dedication to his beloved fiancee in a permanent way.

The former Love Island Star inked the influencer's name on his hip alongside a love heart.

In the video, Tammy and Matt are standing by the stove as she prepares noodles. She then pulls a single noodle out and holds it up to Matt's face, who slurps up one end, echoing the cute scene from the 1955 Disney animated film

He showed off the new tattoo in an Instagram post in May, which showed him relaxing at the Bali resort while the pair were on holiday.

'Little bit of this and a little bit of that,' he captioned the image, which depicted the ink on his hip bone.

It matches a 'Matt' tattoo, also alongside a heart, which Tammy has in a similar place on her upper thigh.

Despite the rumours of a split earlier this year, Matt showed his dedication to his beloved fiancee in a permanent way last month

The former Love Island Star has inked the influencer's name on his hip alongside a love heart

It's the second matching tattoo the pair have gotten together after they each got love hearts inked on their forearms.

The influencer, who is currently engaged for the third time, said 'yes' to Matt's proposal back in December following just three months of dating.

Tammy made headlines when she posted a video to Instagram capturing the heartwarming moment Matt proposed to her while on holiday in the Maldives.

Despite concerns that they are rushing down the aisle, the couple told Daily Mail Australia they are 'very happy' together.

It comes amid talk of relationship strife after the pair briefly unfollowed each other on social media earlier this month.

Fans had speculated why Matt had dropped off from Tammy's feed, but the pair have since made amends.
Travers 'The Candyman' Beynon's model daughter Lucciana looked every inch the budding supermodel as she walked the runway at Miami Swim Week on Wednesday.

The Australian beauty, 22, confidently paraded her eye-popping cleavage and impossible curves in two skimpy bikinis as she walked for designer Ema Savahl.

One gold design featured a skimpy asymmetrical bra with ruched detailing that left very little to the imagination.

Lucianna's barely-there ensemble was paired with a dramatic gold neckpiece, long drop earrings, an anklet and clear strappy heels.

The bronzed beauty, who is the daughter of Venezuelan former beauty queen Ninibeth Leal, also modelled an illusion bikini that featured latex fabric covered in green crystals.

Travers 'The Candyman' Beynon's model daughter Lucciana, 22, (pictured) looked every inch the budding supermodel as she walked the runway for designer Ema Savahl at Miami Swim Week on Wednesda

The swimwear's fabric barely covered Lucciana's ample assets, while the high-cut bottoms showcased her toned leg and pert derriere.

Lucciana is no stranger to Miami Swim Week, having walked in the OMG Swimwear and Ema Savahl runway show last year.

However her 2023 appearance wasn't without controversy, after OMG Swimwear was accused of posting Photoshopped images of Lucciana and another model on Instagram.

One gold design featured a skimpy asymmetrical bra with ruched detailing that left very little to the imagination

The bronzed beauty, who is the daughter of Venezuelan former beauty queen Ninibeth Leal, also modelled an illusion bikini that featured latex fabric covered in green crystals

The edited images attracted criticism after popular Instagram account CelebFace compared the retouched versions posted by OMG Swimwear to the original photos from Getty's website.

In the edited images, Lucciana has noticeably slimmer features including a smoother jawline and raised eyebrows.

One of the photos even shows evidence Lucciana's body shape was edited, with her waistline pinched to appear smaller.

Last year, bikini brand OMG Swimwear was accused of heavily editing photos of its own catwalk models. Left: Lucciana is seen on the runway at Miami Swim Week 2023; right: an edited image of Lucciana posted to Instagram by OMG Swimwear

Lucciana also looked more tanned in the edited version, while the natural texture of her skin was smoothed out with an airbrush filter.

Other models from the runway show also received the same airbrushing treatment from OMG Swimwear's social media team - including Karina Ramos, Aline Bernardes and Antje Utgaard.

Instagram users meanwhile slammed the doctored images, calling the brand's decision to Photoshop these genetically blessed women 'an insult'.

In the altered images, Lucciana had noticeably slimmer features including a smoother jawline and raised eyebrows. One of the photos even showed evidence her body shape was edited, with her waistline pinched to appear smaller. Left: Lucciana in an unedited Getty Images photo; right: an airbrushed photo uploaded to Instagram by OMG Swimwear

'They already looked like an Instagram filter before the editing its like no one is ever good enough. Shame on them', one wrote.

'Gave them all the exact same face,' another added.

When Daily Mail Australia reached out for comment from OMG Swimwear in regards to this story, a spokesperson for the brand said: 'Well a photographer is who handed these final edited photos vs the Getty pictures who posts raw unedited photos.'

'We werent aware of the drastic editing, our social media just posts what they are given,' she added.
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Gwyneth Paltrow is downsizing after becoming an empty nester.

The Talented Mr. Ripley star, 51, has put her 8,000 sq. Los Angeles mansion up for sale, as her son Moses, 18, heads off to college, after graduating high school last month.

The Oscar-winner is selling her home  which features a guest house complete with a movie theater and wine cellar  in LA's Brentwood neighborhood for $29.99 million, as per the Wall Street Journal.

The actress purchased the home with her ex-husband, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 47, in 2012 for $9.95 million. The former pair share son Moses as well as daughter Apple, 20, together.

The duo were married for nearly ten years from 2003 to 2014. Following their 'conscious uncoupling' Paltrow went on to marry Brad Falchuk in 2018, and he and his two kids also moved into the property, according to listing agent Lea Porter.

Gwyneth Paltrow is downsizing after becoming an empty nester. The Talented Mr. Ripley star, 51, has put her 8,000 sq. Los Angeles mansion up for sale, as her son Moses, 18, heads off to college, after graduating high school last month

The actress purchased the home with her ex-husband, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 47, in 2012 for $9.95 million. The former pair share son Moses as well as daughter Apple, 20, together; Seen with her two kids in 2022

Porter added that the star is selling the house in order to downsize, as her kids are getting older.

The house, built in 1950 and renovated in 2009, is situated on two-thirds of an acre in Mandeville Canyon.

The property had a total of eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, including the one-bedroom apartment above the house's garage.

It offers plenty of privacy, with Porter stating, 'The privacy factor is huge.'

Inspired by classic California architecture, the home's gray brick exterior exudes a timeless charm, further enhanced by the lush green front yard.

The front hallway has a black-and-white tiled floor and French doors. It leads into the living room, which is ideal for hosting, with a wood-burning fireplace, a bar, endless seating space and white panel walls.

The kitchen is every chef's dream, featuring high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, black tile floors and a massive island.

The backyard boasts a deep plunge pool and a guest house with a temperature-controlled wine cellar, a gym, a game room, an office, and a movie theater.

The listing states that the property is high-tech, and features a sediment and carbon block filtration and alkaline for its drinking water systems.

The Oscar-winner is selling her home  which features a guest house complete with a movie theater and wine cellar  in LA's Brentwood neighborhood for $29.99 million, as per the Wall Street Journal

After Paltrow married Brad Falchuk in 2018, he and his two kids also moved into the property, according to listing agent Lea Porter. Porter added that the star is selling the house in order to downsize, as her kids are getting older

The house, built in 1950 and renovated in 2009, is situated on two-thirds of an acre in Mandeville Canyon. It offers plenty of privacy, with Porter stating, 'The privacy factor is huge'

The kitchen is every chef's dream, featuring high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, black tile floors and a massive island

The living room is ideal for hosting, with a wood-burning fireplace, a bar, endless seating space and white panel walls

The front hallway has a black-and-white tiled floor and French doors

The GOOP founder is selling the house following the completion of her new property in Montecito, California  which is also home to other famous residents like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as Oprah Winfrey.

She also owns a home in Amagansett, New York.

Paltrow and Falchuk are planning to split their time between Montecito, New York and potentially a third home in Los Angeles, according to Porter.

Moses, Gwyneth's youngest child, is headed off to Brown University in Rhode Island, and was recently cheered on by both his parents who reunited for his high school graduation in May.

The graduation came weeks after Gwyneth admitted to her mounting anxiety over the prospect of becoming an empty nester.

'Its kind of giving me a nervous breakdown, if Im honest,' she confessed at an event for her wellness brand Goop, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

'I started being like: "Oh my God, and I need to quit my job and I need to sell my house and I need to move." Its sort of putting things into turmoil,' she said.

'My identity has been being a mother. Apple's going to be 20 in May. So Ive oriented my whole life around them and their schedules and when school starts.'

She explained: 'You start to let go in increments when theyre driving themselves around or doing certain things. It is a slower process.'

Gwyneth added: 'I feel really lucky because I have a close group of mom friends and we all raised our kids alongside one another. So were kind of in it together.'

The GOOP founder is selling the house following the completion of her new property in Montecito, California. She also owns a home in Amagansett, New York; Seen in an Instagram snap in Montecito

Moses, her youngest child, is headed off to Brown University in Rhode Island, two years after Apple left for college; The trio seen in an Instagram photo in 2022

In March, Gwyneth shared that her husband Brad's son, Brody, was leaving for college as well, in an interview with The Sunday Times.

'Brad [Falchuk] and I have boys that will be going off to university. 'It'll be interesting to see how the morning routine changes with no kids in the house.'

As for how she feels about them leaving, she shared, 'On the one hand, incredible sadness. A deep sense of impending grief. On the other hand, this is exactly what should be happening.'

'Your kids are supposed to be, you know, young adults who can achieve and cope and make connections and be resilient. That's exactly what you want. And that means they leave the house.'
Laura Csortan raised eyebrows on Tuesday after sharing an old photo of herself posing with Donald Trump in the aftermath of his guilty verdict.

Last week, 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.

The photo, which was taken in 1997, features the Miss Universe Australia winner smiling alongside the former US president at the pageant in Miami.

Laura wore a stunning red dress and a flashy necklace, while Trump donned a signature red tie.

'My ol mate Don has got himself in a bit of strife,' she wrote alongside the snap. 'Throwing it way back to Miss Universe Miami.'

Laura Csortan raised eyebrows on Tuesday after sharing an old photo of herself posing with Donald Trump in the aftermath of his guilty verdict

The photo, which was taken in 1997, features the Miss Universe Australia winner smiling alongside the former US president at the pageant in Miami

In 2016, Laura admitted she felt 'intimidated' and 'frightened' by the former Miss Universe owner, and said she wasn't surprised so many women came forward with allegations of sexual assault against him.

'Absolutely intimidated,' she told Morning Show hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies.

'Not only that he owned this universe and he could call the shots. He could have us out of there in an instant, and you're young and you're impressionable. But at the same time, he's larger than life.'

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.

Prosecutors told of a plot by Trump to 'corrupt' the 2016 election by hiding a $130,000 hush money payment by his 'fixer' Michael Cohen to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Daniels alleged that she and Trump had sex a decade earlier, which he has denied.

In 2016, Laura admitted she felt 'intimidated' and 'frightened' by the former Miss Universe owner, and said she wasn't surprised so many women came forward with allegations of sexual assault against him
Jenna Dewan showed off her baby bump during a shopping trip with her two children in Los Angeles on Monday.

The 43-year-old actress  who recently celebrated her daughter Everly's 11th birthday  cut a casual figure in a white tank top and striped button up.

She dressed down the look with a pair of sweatpants and black sandals for her day off.

Her dark brown locks were let loose as she threw a black purse over her shoulder, matching with her trendy shades.

The Step Up star accessorized with a dainty pearl necklace while hitting up Dunkin Donuts for a quick bite.

Jenna Dewan showed off her baby bump during a shopping trip with her two children in Los Angeles on Monday

The 43-year-old actress  who recently celebrated her daughter Everly's 11th birthday  cut a casual figure in a white tank top and striped button up

Dewan's daughter Everly, 11, rocked a white graphic sweater that read 'I feel good,' paired with a black denim skirt.

She let her honey-brown locks cascade over her shoulders as she accessorized with a gold necklace.

The youngster wore a pair of white tube socks and mint Nike sneakers for the casual outing.

Little Callum, 4, enjoyed a donut and looked adorable in a white T-shirt and grey sweats.

He frolicked around the streets in black Nike sneakers as his messy brown hair blew in the wind.

The actress shares Everly with her hunky ex-husband Channing Tatum  who she was married to from July 2009 to November 2019.

The ex-couple has since moved on as Dewan is days away from expecting her second baby with fiance Steve Kazee and Tatum became engaged to Zoe Kravitz.

She welcomed Callum back in 2020 with the 48-year-old actor, just a year after finalizing her divorce.

The Step Up star accessorized with a dainty pearl necklace while hitting up Dunkin Donuts for a quick bite

Dewan is days away from expecting her second baby with fiance Steve Kazee

She welcomed Callum back in 2020 with the 48-year-old actor, just a year after finalizing her divorce; Steve and Jenna seen on April 09, 2024 in Beverly Hills

Despite having split up over five years ago, the co-parents are amid a legal battle in which Dewan claims both she and the actor acquired the Magic Mike intellectual property together, since they were still married at the time the movie was being developed.

Tatum, who was then an up-and-coming leading man, starred in the first Magic Mike movie in 2012, which was directed by Steven Soderbergh.

Just weeks ago, Tatum's attorneys denied his ex's claims that he hid proceeds in an irrevocable trust.

They also claimed the Magic Mike actor 'has never denied' Dewan's share of community assets or income.

His attorney, Jacqueline Combs, also said the Magic Mike franchise made most of its money after the couple had already separated, according to court documents obtained by DailyMail.com.

During an April hearing, Combs said Tatum has tried multiple times to resolve the issue with his ex without having to go through a separate trial, but were instead met with Dewan's 'unnecessarily litigious conduct and delay tactics.

'This has been going on for six years and it's very important to move the case to trial,' a frustrated Combs told the judge.

Dewan's attorneys said they also were prepared to go to trial, but alerted the judge that the actress is set to give birth in mid-June.

The judge said he was 'very aware' of her due date and ordered time to depose the actress before she has her baby. He added that both Dewan and Tatum should be deposed no later than July 26.

The actress shares Everly with her hunky ex-husband Channing Tatum; seen on June 17, 2013

The pair's marriage lasted from July 2009 to November 2019; Channing and Jenna seen on November 6, 2017 in Los Angeles

Despite having split up over five years ago, the co-parents are amid a legal battle in which Dewan claims both she and the actor acquired the Magic Mike intellectual property together; seen on August 1, 2015 in Los Angeles

Tatum is currently engaged to actress Zoe Kravitz; seen on March 12, 2024

The parties recently returned to court on May 15 to determine whether the Magic Mike intellectual property issue will require a separate short trial.

For now, a trial date has been set in December. Dewan and Tatum have indicated they plan to call the other to the stand.

'This is your last chance,' Judge Wasserman told both sides. 'This is it.'
She is a glamorous field reporter for a top rating Australian breakfast show, in which she travels around the Gold Coast chatting to the locals.

The 34-year-old has spent over a decade working in the media, and previously was as a newsreader for both Nine News and KIIS FM.

The blonde beauty has developed a reputation for presenting the news in style and is known for trading cheeky jabs with Today show co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo.

She is married to the love of her life Paul and the proud mother of young son Albert.

The stunning presenter took to Instagram on Tuesday to share an adorable throwback family photo capturing her with her older sister and mother, getting their photo taken with Santa back in 1990.

The stunning TV presenter took to Instagram on Tuesday to share an adorable throwback family photo capturing her with her older sister and mother, getting their photo taken with Santa - Can you guess who it is?

Of course, it is Today show senior reporter Mia Glover.

In the caption, Glover thanked her mother for continuing to be there for her to this day: 'The glamazon is still holding me up in more ways than one.'

Mia then shared a much more recent photo of her presenting in the field to capture how she looked today - and despite it being 35 years later, she still had the same striking facial features.

In February 2023, it was reported Glover was heading to Channel Nine's Gold Coast newsroom to take up a new role.

Of course, it is Today show senior reporter Mia Glover (pictured)

Mia then shared a much more recent photo of her presenting in the field to capture how she looked today - and despite it being 35 years later, she still had the same striking facial features

Glover, who has been at Nine since 2016, continues her role as Today's senior reporter in Queensland.

She began working for Today in 2020, and has occasionally filled in on the main desk.

Before joining Nine, she worked at i98FM and WIN Television as a reporter and also presented the breakfast news.

She has done stints as a news presenter for Nine's regional Queensland bulletin and has delivered the weather for the 6pm news.
While Chip and Joanna Gaines were celebrating the 10th anniversary of their show Fixer Upper, they also celebrated a personal milestone as well: their 21st wedding anniversary.

The 49-year-old Chip and 46-year-old Joanna tied the knot in Waco back on June 1, 2003, with the couple starting their house-flipping business shortly thereafter.

Just days before they launched their new show Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse, Joanna took to Instagram with a present-day snap in New York City and a throwback snap from 2003 with the couple in Central Park.

Many fans mentioned in the comments how Joanna seemingly hasn't aged in over two decades, even after having five kids.

'Twenty One Years. You've always had a way of taking a thought or a quiet dream I've tucked away, and helped me step into it and make it a reality,' Joanna began.

While Chip and Joanna Gaines were celebrating the 10th anniversary of their show Fixer Upper , they also celebrated a personal milestone as well: their 21st wedding anniversary

Just days before they launched their new show Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse, Joanna took to Instagram with a present-day snap in New York City and a throwback snap from 2003

'What a journey, a wild and crazy (yet somehow peaceful) ride. So grateful to God for this life we get to share together,' she concluded.

The couple share Drake, 19, Ella Rose, 17, Duke, 16, Emmie Kay, 14 and Crew, who turns six later this month.

The post has garnered over 317K likes since it was posted on Saturday, with many commenting on Joanna's still-youthful presence.

'Um, excuse me, but how do you not age??? Happy Anniversary!' said @heathahlee in the comments.

@adamhanly commented, 'Both of you aged a week @joannagaines while @cheesegal said simply, 'Goals!'

@autumnwick said, 'Beautiful  but also can @joannagaines start giving tips on how to not age ONE.BIT.?'

@aedriel said, 'Congratulations! You guys have the same twinkle in your eyes. Cheers to many more!!'

@pjandthomas added 'This is so beautiful,' with a red heart emoji, adding, 'yall havent changed a bit!!'.

'Um, excuse me, but how do you not age??? Happy Anniversary!' said @heathahlee in the comments

@autumnwick said, 'Beautiful  but also can @joannagaines start giving tips on how to not age ONE.BIT.?'

@tiugal1222 said, 'Y'all are both just as cute (cuter!) and haven't aged'

@bacon_queen_ said, 'You both literally havent aged a day  get old already lol xx' before adding, 'ps: happy anniversary x.'

@lm678000 said, 'How have you not aged! Happy Anniversary to you both.'

@jpokluda said, 'You both aged well.'

@moosdebb said, 'At first I thought the photos were from the same era.'

@txgmare said, 'Happy anniversary! It is also our 21st anniversary this month, but we started much much later apparently! Y'all looking super young still!'

@bacon_queen_ said, 'You both literally havent aged a day  get old already lol xx' before adding, 'ps: happy anniversary x.'

The couple celebrate their professional anniversary with Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse, which comes 10 years after the debut of their original Fixer Upper show on HGTV.

The couple had left the network in 2018 to start their own network, Magnolia Network.

Now they're back with a six-episode series, with Chip revealing at the start of the episode that he bought this house to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

The six-episode series airs Sunday nights at 8 PM ET on HGTV.
Vince Vaughn looked glum as he touched down in Australia on Tuesday to headline a business conference after fans complained that tickets to the event were 'too expensive'.

The Hollywood star, 54, was spotted arriving at Sydney Airport ahead of hosting the 'Power of Success' convention at The Star on Wednesday.

The Swingers actor rocked a laidback look in an unzipped leather jacket, plain green T-shirt, jeans and black sneakers for his flight.

He had his hands full with his luggage as he made his way through the arrivals terminal.

Vince looked notably downbeat as he strolled through the busy airport flanked by his entourage, including one security guard.

Vince Vaughn looked glum as he touched down in Australia on Tuesday to headline a business conference after fans complained that tickets to the event were 'too expensive'

The Hollywood star, 54, was spotted arriving at Sydney Airport ahead of hosting the ' Power of Success ' convention at The Star on Wednesday

He briefly stopped to smile for a photograph with a fan as he headed through the airport.

Vince is in Australia to host at three conferences across the country alongside other big names, but the convention was hit with complaints it was too expensive.

The event, which is described as the 'in demand business, branding, marketing & personal development conference of Australia', will appear in Sydney on June 5.

Vince has already taken to the stage for the conference in Melbourne on Monday, and is also set to appear in Brisbane later in the week on Thursday.

Fans flocked to the Instagram of the event host Ethan Donati to praise the Melbourne event, with one person writing: 'Wonderful day, brilliant.'

'Congratulations my love on an amazing event today. Next up, Sydney and Brisbane,' another said.

Someone else added: 'Thats brilliant! All the best with the rest of the tour.'

'Loved the event mate! All the best with the rest of the tour,' yet another commented.

The Swingers actor rocked a laidback look in an unzipped leather jacket, plain green T-shirt, jeans and black sneakers for his flight

Vince looked notably downbeat as he strolled through the busy airport flanked by his entourage, including one security guard

At one point, Vince was all smiles as he posed for a photo with a fan as he stopped to have a chat while walking through the airport

Vince will be joined by likes of the Real Housewives of Dubai star Caroline Stanbury and her husband Sergio Carrallo.

Since ticket went on sale, the conference has dealt with price complaints.

Tickets for the full-day conference initially started at $156.96 for general admission, with a 'platinum' option offering a meet and greet with The Wedding Crashers star starting at $527.56.

Last month, one of the event's hosts, digital marketing expert Ethan Donati, took to Instagram with a sponsored post offering free tickets to the June 5 session of the conference.

Vince is in Australia to host at three conferences across the country alongside other big names, but the convention was hit with complaints it was too expensive

Vince will be joined by likes of the Real Housewives of Dubai star Caroline Stanbury and her husband Sergio Carrallo

'We decided to offer a couple hundred free as we had lots of messages from people saying they want to come but couldn't afford it,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

The Hollywood funnyman, who was once romantically involved with Jennifer Aniston, appears to be too expensive for some businesspeople.

As a result, the initial ticketholders have had their tickets upgraded and general admission to the Dodgeball star's event is now free.
Brad Pitt is reportedly 'upset and aware' that his daughter Shiloh filed to drop his last name from her own on her 18th birthday.

A source close to the 60-year-old Oscar winner said his erasure from his daughter's life is just another indication that he has 'lost his children,' according to People.

'Hes aware and upset that Shiloh dropped his last name,' the source claimed. 'Hes never felt more joy than when she was born. He always wanted a daughter.'

Notably, Pitt was already in the process of legally adopting a daughter who had been a part of his life for months before he and his then-partner Angelina Jolie, 49, had announced she was pregnant with Shiloh in January 2006.

Jolie had traveled to Ethiopia to adopted her first daughter Zahara, 19, in July 2005, and Pitt had come with her on the trip.

Brad Pitt, 60, is reportedly 'upset and aware' that his daughter Shiloh filed to drop his last name from her own on her 18th birthday, a source close to him told People; seen in January 2023 in Paris

'The reminders that hes lost his children, is of course not easy for Brad,' the source continued. 'He loves his children and misses them. Its very sad'; Angelina Jolie (Center) pictured with daughters Zahara (L) and Shiloh (R) in 2021 in Rome

He was reported to be in the process of becoming Zahara's adopted father in December 2005, a month before he and Jolie announced her pregnancy.

'The reminders that hes lost his children, is of course not easy for Brad,' the source continued. 'He loves his children and misses them. Its very sad.'

They added that the distance between Pitt and his six children  Maddox, 22; Pax, 20; Zahara; Shiloh; and twins Knox and Vivienne, 15  'pains him.'

However, they noted that 'hes still happy with Ines [de Ramon],' his girlfriend.

Another source described as close to Pitt told the publication that the Tree Of Life star 'still loves all of his kids tremendously.'

'This whole process has been very hard for the whole family,' they added.

If Shiloh's request is granted  and there is no indication that it would not be  she will subsequently go simply by 'Shiloh Jolie,' rather than her original full name, 'Shiloh Jolie-Pitt.'

People previously reported that Pitt's youngest daughter Vivienne  who served as her mother Angelina Jolie's assistant when she produced the Broadways musical adaptation of The Outsiders  had listed her name as 'Vivienne Jolie' in the Playbill for the show.

The source said the distance between Pitt and his six children  Maddox, 22; Pax, 20; Zahara, 19; Shiloh, 18; and twins Knox and Vivienne, 15  'pains him.' However, they noted that 'hes still happy with Ines [de Ramon],' his girlfriend

If Shiloh's request is granted  and there is no indication that it would not be  she will subsequently go simply by 'Shiloh Jolie,' rather than her original full name, 'Shiloh Jolie-Pitt'; seen with Jolie in 2021 in London

Zahara (center) dropped 'Pitt' when introducing herself to her sorority last year, and Vivienne (second to right) labeled herself 'Vivienne Jolie' in a Playbill for The Outsiders; Angelina with (LR) Knox, Zahara, Vivienne and Shiloh in 2019 in LA

It is unclear if Vivienne has legally changed her name, but the minor would likely need either parental consent or extenuating circumstances to be allowed to do so before turning 18.

Zahara previously introduced herself as 'Zahara Marley Jolie' when she joined the Mu Pi chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Spelman College late last year.

Pitt and Jolie's oldest sons, Maddox and Pax, have reportedly not publicly used their father's last name in years, and both have been openly antagonistic toward him.

Pitt and Jolie began dating publicly shortly after he and his then-wife Jennifer Aniston announced their divorce in 2005.

The Mr. And Mrs. Smith costars remained unmarried for years despite having multiple adopted and biological children together, but they got engaged in 2012 and finally tied the knot in 2014.

However, it was only around two years later when the Maleficent actress filed for divorce in 2016. She and Pitt were declared legally single in 2019.

However, the two A-listers have been embroiled in an ongoing divorce battle over assets and custody for years since.

A central issue seems to be a notorious private jet confrontation in 2016

Pitt has been involved in an ongoing divorce battle for years, seemingly stemming from a 2016 incident on a plane in which Jolie accused Pitt of assaulting her; the family seen in 2011

An FBI report on the incident, which was published in 2022, saw Jolie accuse Pitt of physical assault while flying to California in 2016. She claimed that he was intoxicated and that he grabbed her by the head and shook her, and later pushed her down, as part of a confrontation allegedly related to their children.

Jolie told the FBI that Pitt told the children that she was 'f***ing up this family,' and she said he punched the ceiling of the airplane four times.

She claimed that at one point he poured beer on her and a blanket she was under with multiple children.

Source close to Pitt later claimed that he never hit any of the children, though they admitted that he had been drinking.
Gwyneth Paltrow and her lookalike daughter Apple were seen enjoying a family lunch at a local restaurant in Santa Barbara on Monday.

Apple, 20, channeled her famous mom's minimalist 90s style for the outing, wearing a black sweater and light wash jeans reminiscent of the actress' classic fashion from the decade.

Apple, who Gwyneth shares with ex Chris Martin, 47, also added a touch of grunge to the outfit with Dr. Martens Oxford shoes.

Besides her daughter, the Seven star, 51, was also joined by her mom Blythe Danner, 81, and her brother Jake Paltrow, 48, for the outing.

The actress  who recently listed her Brentwood home for sale  kept comfortable in a grey sweater tucked into a pair of khaki slacks.

Gwyneth Paltrow's lookalike daughter Apple, 20, channeled the actress' style during a family lunch outing on Monday; (L) Apple seen on Monday (R) Gwyneth pictured in 1996

The Seven star, 51, was joined by Apple as well as her mom Blythe Danner, 81, and her brother Jake Paltrow, 48, for lunch at a local restaurant in Santa Barbara

The mom-of-two finalized her outfit with white sneakers. She appeared to go makeup-free for the day.

Both Gwyneth and Apple wore their blonde tresses cascading down.

Gwyneth later covered up with a long-sleeve green button-up to keep warm.

The family were seen exiting together as they all got into the same car, with Jake sweetly helping Blythe in the back seat as he held the car door open for her.

Blythe was stylish in a multi-color sweater and jeans, and wore white sneakers just like her daughter. The actress accessorized with a bright yellow tote bag.

Meanwhile Jake rocked a casual look, wearing a navy jacket and black pants.

Blythe shares Gwyneth and Jame with the late television and film director and producer Bruce Paltrow

Missing from the outing was Apple's brother Moses, 18, whom she also shares with Martin. Gwyneth and the Coldplay frontman were married for nearly ten years from 2003 to 2014.

Earlier in the day it was revealed Gwyneth is downsizing after becoming an empty nester.

The Talented Mr. Ripley star has put her 8,000 sq. Los Angeles mansion up for sale, as her son Moses heads off to college, after graduating high school last month.

Apple wore a black sweater and light wash jeans reminiscent of the actress' classic fashion from the decade

Apple, who Gwyneth shares with ex Chris Martin, 47, also added a touch of grunge to the outfit with Dr. Martens Oxford shoes

She was pictured leading the way as Gwyneth followed

The GOOP founder appeared to go makeup free for the family outing

Her platinum blonde tresses cascaded down her shoulders in a straight style

The actress  who recently listed her Brentwood home for sale  kept comfortable in a green button-up shirt tucked into a pair of khaki slacks

Her mom Blythe and brother Jake also joined in

The mom-of-two finalized her outfit with white sneakers

Underneath she wore a long-sleeve grey top

Earlier in the day it was revealed Gwyneth is downsizing after becoming an empty nester

The Talented Mr. Ripley star has put her 8,000 sq. Los Angeles mansion up for sale, as her son Moses, 18, heads off to college, two years after Apple moved out

Blythe was stylish in a multi-color sweater and jeans, and wore white sneakers just like her daughter

She accessorized with a bright yellow tote bag

Jake sweetly helped Blythe in the back seat as he held the car door open for her

The Oscar-winner is selling her home  which features a guest house complete with a movie theater and wine cellar  in LA's Brentwood neighborhood for $29.99 million, as per the Wall Street Journal.

The actress purchased the home with her ex-husband Chris in 2012 for $9.95 million.

Following their 'conscious uncoupling' Paltrow went on to marry Brad Falchuk in 2018, and he and his two kids also moved into the property, according to listing agent Lea Porter.

Porter added that the star is selling the house in order to downsize, as her kids are getting older.

The property had a total of eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, including the one-bedroom apartment above the house's garage.

The GOOP founder is selling the house following the completion of her new property in Montecito, California  which is also home to other famous residents like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as Oprah Winfrey.

She also owns a home in Amagansett, New York.

Paltrow and Falchuk are planning to split their time between Montecito, New York and potentially a third home in Los Angeles, according to Porter.

Moses, Gwyneth's youngest child, is headed off to Brown University in Rhode Island, and was recently cheered on by both his parents who reunited for his high school graduation in May.

Paltrow was known for her minimalistic style with a hint of grunge back in the 90s; Pictured in a throwback snap with ex Brad Pitt

The graduation came weeks after Gwyneth admitted to her mounting anxiety over the prospect of becoming an empty nester.

'Its kind of giving me a nervous breakdown, if Im honest,' she confessed at an event for her wellness brand Goop, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

'I started being like: "Oh my God, and I need to quit my job and I need to sell my house and I need to move." Its sort of putting things into turmoil,' she said.

'My identity has been being a mother. Apple's going to be 20 in May. So Ive oriented my whole life around them and their schedules and when school starts.'

She explained: 'You start to let go in increments when theyre driving themselves around or doing certain things. It is a slower process.'

Gwyneth added: 'I feel really lucky because I have a close group of mom friends and we all raised our kids alongside one another. So were kind of in it together.'
Lucia Hawley stepped out wearing a stack of rings on her wedding finger on Monday as she enjoyed some morning exercise with her boyfriend Henry Poole.

The TV presenter, who is Nicole Kidman's niece and the eldest daughter of Antonia Kidman, dressed for the cold morning as the couple did the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk.

The 26-year-old wore a sweater layered with a large black puffer jacket, as well as grey leggings and Hoka running shoes.

Her hair was tied back in a neat ponytail and showed off her perfect complexion by going makeup free.

As she held a hot cup of takeaway coffee in one hand, Lucia flashed two rings on her left finger, plus a large silver ring on her middle finger.

Lucia Hawley stepped out wearing a stack of rings on her wedding finger on Monday as she enjoyed some morning exercise with her boyfriend Henry Poole

The TV presenter, who is Nicole Kidman 's niece and the eldest daughter of Antonia Kidman, dressed for the cold morning as she did the Bondi to Bronte walk with her handsome beau

One ring features a gold band with a ruby gemstone that once belonged to her mother, while the other was her mum's engagement from her late father Angus Hawley, who Antonia married in 1996 before splitting in 2007.

Angus died in 2015 following a heart attack while on a business trip to New York. He was 46 years old.

The rings are heirlooms inherited from her family and Lucia wears them almost every day.

One ring features a gold band with a ruby gemstone that once belonged to her mother, while the other was her mum's engagement from her late father Angus Hawley, who Antonia married in 1996 before splitting in 2007

The 26-year-old wore a sweater layered with a large black puffer jacket, as well as grey leggings and Hoka running shoes

Her hair was tied back in a neat ponytail and showed off her perfect complexion by going makeup free

The rings are heirlooms inherited from her family and Lucia wears them almost every day

'I always wear my mum's ruby and diamond engagement ring from my dad,' she told the Sydney Morning Herald last year.

'Also, a diamond pendant necklace that Mum was given when I was born and gave to me for my 21st birthday.'

Henry and Lucia met three years ago at a mutual friend's 21st birthday party where he grabbed her attention by asking if they had ever met before.

'His pick-up line seemingly worked though because we spent the whole night talking, and here we are 3 and a half years later,' she explained.

Angus Hawley (left) died in 2015 following a heart attack while on a business trip to New York. He was 46 years old. Pictured with Antonia Kidman in 2006

Henry and Lucia met three years ago at a mutual friend's 21st birthday party where he grabbed her attention by asking if they had ever met before

Lucia has followed in the footsteps of her mother Antonia, who worked as a journalist for Channel Nine and NBN Television.

She recently explained why she shouldn't be labelled a 'nepo baby' despite her enviable showbiz connections.

'I've been working towards this,' she told The Sunday Telegraph.

The term 'nepo baby', short for 'nepotism baby', stems from a recent article published by New York magazine calling out U.S. celebrities who used their famous parents and relatives to build their careers.

Lucia did admit that her mother's past was helpful for her career, but only because it taught her 'perspective' rather than opening doors.

'Having a mum who had been in the industry, through osmosis you gain that perspective and understanding and I think that's been one of the biggest things that has helped in preparing me for this role, just having watched her and how she has carried herself through everything,' she said.

'I always wear my mum's ruby and diamond engagement ring from my dad,' she told the Sydney Morning Herald last year

Lucia has followed in the footsteps of her mother Antonia, who worked as a journalist for Channel Nine and NBN Television

She recently explained why she shouldn't be labelled a 'nepo baby' despite her enviable showbiz connections

Lucia did admit that her mother's past was helpful for her career

Speaking to Woman's Day last April, the young journalist said her family connections have made her more determined to prove herself in the industry.

'I would never deny my privilege and I actually totally hold my hand up and say, "Yeah I'm privileged, I come from a really privileged family and I'm so grateful for the opportunities that have come my way because of it,"' she said.

'The only thing I can do is work hard and make an individual name for myself and prove myself.'

Lucia holds a Bachelor of Arts from the prestigious University of Sydney, where she majored in socio-legal studies.

She is currently a host of 7Bravo.

The young journalist said her family connections have made her more determined to prove herself in the industry

Lucia holds a Bachelor of Arts from the prestigious University of Sydney, where she majored in socio-legal studies
A revealing documentary about Hollywood superstar Nicole Kidman is set to debut on SBS on Wednesday.

The French produced film Nicole Kidman: Eyes Wide Open includes an intimate interview with the 56-year-old Oscar winner in which she discusses the high points of her 40-year career.

The film also includes some rare home movies of her childhood and dozens of clips from Nicole's 70 movies - including her early hits like Dead Calm and Moulin Rouge and a raunchy scene with her ex-husband Tom Cruise in Eyes Wide Shut.

Written and directed by filmmaker Patrick Boudet, Nicole tells her own story via an unpublished interview she recorded in 2012.

It also includes interviews with colleagues and critics who discuss the the legendary star's unique talent.

A revealing documentary about Hollywood superstar Nicole Kidman is set to debut on SBS this week. Pictured: Nicole Kidman at the Met Gala in May

The French produced film Nicole Kidman: Eyes Wide Open includes an intimate interview with the 56-year-old Oscar winner in which she discusses the high points of her 40-year career. Pictured: The Aussie superstar collecting her Best Actress Oscar in 2003

Also featured in the film is the moving moment Nicole won her Best Actress Oscar in 2003 for The Hours.

Nicole chose the moment to pay tribute to her mum, Janelle Ann - which left the proud mother in tears.

This is the first time the critically acclaimed film has been seen on free to air TV in Australia, after debuting for Down Under audiences on Foxtel.

The film also includes rare home movies (pictured) and dozens of clips from Nicole's 70 films

It comes after Nicole made history earlier this year as the first Australian to receive the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award.

First presented in 1973, Nicole will be the 49th recipient.

Nicole has worked with some of biggest filmmakers of the era in her four-decade career including Stanley Kubrick, George Miller, Sofia Coppola, Jane Campion, Sydney Pollack and Lars von Trier.

It comes after Nicole made history earlier this year as the first Australian to receive the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award. Pictured: The Hours

Pictured: Nicole in a scene from BMX Bandits, released in 1983

She made her debut as a child actor in the Australian film Bush Christmas, which was followed by the fan favourite BMX Bandits. Both films were released in 1983.

Among Nicole's major films are, To Die For (1995), Lion (2016) and the Baz Luhrmann's Australia (2008) and Moulin Rouge! (2001) - for which she earned a Best Actress Oscar nod.

Nicole, who has continued to win praise from fans, peers and critics for her versatility and is one of the most honoured actresses of her generation.

Her accolades include six Golden Globe awards, one BAFTA, two prime time Emmys and an Academy Award for Best Actress for the Hours in 2003.

Nicole Kidman: Eyes Wide Open debuts on SBS On Demand on Wednesday, June 5.
Holly Valance has claimed she convinced Nigel Farage to stand to be an MP in July's General Election and said she has been 'whispering in his ear for a long time'.

The Neighbours star, 41, said she talked the new Reform leader around after he initially decided against running - before he announced on Monday that he would stand in Clacton, Essex.

The former actress and pop star said she had been 'whispering in [Farage's] ear for a long time, saying, "Come on, pull your finger out, give the people what they want".'

She told GB News that Mr Farage's return to frontline politics was the 'right move' and 'exactly what we all wanted'.

Holly Valance attended Nigel Farage's announcement on Monday in London, as he announced he would stand for election

Nigel Farage was unveiled as the Reform party's new leader on Monday at an 'emergency' press conference

The Neighbours star (with husband Nick Candy), 41, said she talked the new Reform leader around after he initially decided against running (pictured at Farage's press conference)

Holly Candy (nee Valance), 41, has yet again thrown her support behind Nigel Farage. Pictured (L to R) with husband Nick Candy, Donald Trump and Nigel Farage

'I think it's really important to go and listen to everyone and educate yourself on all sides, and see who you find your morals and values are closest to,' Holly said after attending Mr Farage's announcement on Monday.

'For me it's Reform, it has been for a little while, so I'm gunning for that. I'm a paid-up member.'

Mr Farage stunned the Conservatives on Monday as he announced he was taking over from former leader Richard Tice as the head of the party, and that he would be standing for election for a ninth time.

Announcing his bid for the Clacton seat, he said the election needed a bit of 'gingering up', as he described it as 'the dullest, most boring election campaign we have ever seen in our lives'.

Writing in The Telegraph, he alleged that the UK has been 'failed by two main parties' who have 'conspired to accelerate our decline'.

He argued that neither the Tories nor Labour have a 'plan to pull this country out of a deep economic hole' and that both are 'hooked on a deadly addiction to mass immigration'.

The Reform Party leader, citing alleged interactions with 'patriotic Brits' he met while campaigning last weekend, claimed that voters feel 'sick' at the Government's 'policy of betrayal'.

But he has already had several rather tetchy media appearances and this morning clashed with the BBC's Mishal Hussein as he claimed - without evidence - that there are streets in Oldham where 'no-one speaks English.'

Holly Valance sits next to Charlie Mullins, of Pimlico Plumbers, at Farage's event in London on Monday

Ms Valance, pictured at Mr Farage's conference on Monday, has become a poster girl for the right-wing party

Charlie Mullins cheers on Nigel Farage at the Reform 'emergency' press conference alongside Holly Valance on Monday

Holly revealed she convinced Farage to run after he initially decided against doing so

Holly has made headlines recently after she praised Trump as 'fabulous' and slammed her home country Australia as too 'woke' during an explosive interview

He yesterday hit out at several female journalists at his press conference, accusing one of asking him a 'very silly question' and did not directly answer several others.

Mr Farage's return to the political arena has sparked concern among the Conservatives who fear it will reduce their vote share even further.

A new poll by YouGov published last night revealed Labour is projected to achieve an even bigger landslide win than the Blair government in 1997.

Mr Farage introduced Holly and her billionaire husband Nick Candy to Donald Trump, 77, in 2022 during a dinner held at the former president's home in Mar-A-Lago.

Candy, who is a Conservative Party donor, is set to host an exclusive Trump election fundraiser on June 7.

Taking place in London, tickets will cost a whopping $100,000 per couple to attend.

'It's a Holly party, so you can guarantee it's going to be enormous fun,' Farage told The Sunday Times of the gathering late last month.

Holly made headlines in March when she praised Trump as 'fabulous' and slammed her home country Australia as too 'woke'.

Her younger sister Olympia - who also starred on Neighbours - has since publicly distanced herself from Holly's political views.

Olympia, 31, appeared on HIT WA's Allan & Carly radio show to clarify she isn't a follower of Holly's right-wing views, and said her sister 'rarely' returns to Australia.

'My sister and I have very, very different political views,' the Summit star insisted when she was asked about Holly's controversial podcast interview.

She continued: 'It was like, "Oh my God," when she said all that stuff. I'm like, "Oh God! Everyone's going to think that that's what I think!" And I don't.

'She has the right to say the things that she wants to say but yes, that's not my opinion on anything.'
Susan Sarandon dazzled as she attended the ELLE Style Awards 2024 photocall in Madrid, Spain on Monday.

The actress, 77, opted for a black sequinned gown with a keyhole cut-out for the event at Palacio De Cibeles.

Posing for photos on the red carpet she teamed the long sleeved number with a pair of strappy high heels.

Susan, who's hardline support for Palestine has caused a rift on The Fabulous Four film set, appeared to put recent drama aside for her appearance.

The former model styled her auburn hair into coiffed curls and added a slick of red lipstick to complete her look.

Susan Sarandon dazzled as she attended the ELLE Style Awards 2024 photocall in Madrid, Spain on Monday

The outing comes after DailyMail.com exclusively revealed Susan's hardline support for Palestine has caused drama behind the scenes of her upcoming film The Fabulous Four.

Tensions have flared between the actress and her co-stars, including Jewish actress Bette Midler, and the studio, who are 'furious' and unimpressed with her continued staunch pro-Palestine activism that has already landed her in hot water in recent months, according to close sources.

The comedy film, which stars Sarandon, Midler, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, is set to be released on July 26, by Bleecker Street.

The plot will follow three longtime friends who travel to Key West, Florida to be bridesmaids in a surprise wedding for their other close pal, played by Midler.

But despite playing a group of loving gal pals on screen, insiders tell DailyMail.com that the relationship between Sarandon and her co-stars was fraught on set after she persisted with her controversial campaign following her previous anti-Semitic remarks.

'Bleecker Street is furious at Susan for the way she's been carrying on. So is Bette, who is a proud Jew and hates what Susan is doing,' a film insider told DailyMail.com.

'Sheryl is upset at her too, as is Megan Mullally, the whole crew and cast are. It's a mess.

'Her co-stars are disappointed that so many people worked so hard on it, and now Susan is ruining it for everybody.'

The actress, 77, opted for a black sequinned gown with a keyhole cut-out for the event at Palacio De Cibeles

Susan, who's hardline support for Palestine has caused a rift on The Fabulous Four film set, appeared to put recent drama aside for her appearance

Susan has made headlines in recent months for her participation in several anti-Israel protests since Hamas's terror attack on Israeli civilians on October 7.

She drew widespread outrage in the weeks following the bombing when she claimed Jewish people were 'getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country.'

The Thelma and Louise star later apologised for her remarks but has since carried on with her very public anti-Israel stance.

The drama surrounding her controversial views eventually carried over on set, where the atmosphere became so frosty, it even saw the 77-year-old actress isolated from the rest her co-stars, according to the source.

There were 'no direct confrontations' between the four despite the tension, but the crew were told to keep Sarandon 'separate from the others'.

'Bette gave her the cold shoulder. The others, including Sheryl, were not thrilled with her either,' said the insider.

'Susan always had a crew member watching over to make sure she didn't sprout her vitriol.'

The former model styled her auburn hair into coiffed curls and added a slick of red lipstick to complete her look

The outing comes after DailyMail.com exclusively revealed Susan's hardline support for Palestine has caused drama behind the scenes of her upcoming film The Fabulous Four

She drew widespread outrage after saying Jewish people were 'getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim' after the October 7 attack, during a November pro-Palestine rally in New York City (pictured)

The insider continued: 'It was very tense. She said everyone else was kind with each other, but they definitely kept Susan apart from all.

'Susan did not eat lunch or dinner, or pal around with the other women, cast, and crew. She stayed in her trailer mostly.'

DailyMail.com has contacted Bleecker Street for comment.

The Fabulous Four began filming last fall, around the same time of the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.

Sarandon would spark widespread outrage just weeks later while speaking at a November 17 pro-Palestine rally in New York City.

'There are a lot of people afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence,' she said in a statement that would quickly draw backlash and be deemed anti-Semitic.

The controversy resulted in the Academy Award-winning actress being dropped by her Hollywood representative, United Talent Agency, which is run by Jewish CEO Jeremy Zimmer. UTA had represented Sarandon since 2014.

She later issued an apology calling the 'phrasing' of her remarks 'a terrible mistake'.

But the veteran left-wing activist has since continued participating in protests and rallies, reportedly joining in on chants 'from the river to the sea,' a battle cry used by pro-Palestinian activists and Hamas alike that many view as an anti-Semitic call for the destruction of Israel.

An inside source claimed Sarandon's continued activism has upset her co-stars, including Bette Midler, 'who is a proud Jew and hates what Susan is doing'

Sheryl Lee Ralph and Megan Mullally, who star alongside Sarandon in the upcoming film, are also said to be unimpressed with the actress

Susan was seen wearing a keffiyeh scarf as she joined Squad member Rashida Tlaib in a protest on Capitol Hill demanding for the US to stop 'funding genocide' in February

In a more recent incident captured on camera on April 24, Sarandon was heard denying the violent crimes that have been committed by Hamas against civilians amid the ongoing war, to an Israeli activist.

The woman, Keren Picker, can be seen approaching Sarandon the street and pointing out that Hamas has repeatedly turned down proposals for a ceasefire.

A defiant Sarandon replies: 'Do you know why? Because they're terrible deals.'

She then goes on to reference reports about 'babies in ovens' and 'rapes' in Gaza and branding them 'myths.'

Earlier this year Sarandon joined Squad member Rashida Tlaib at a protest on Capitol Hill, demanding for the US to stop 'funding genocide.'

In a more recent incident captured on camera on April 24, Sarandon was heard denying the violent crimes that have been committed by Hamas against civilians amid the ongoing war, to an Israeli activist

She later took to Instagram to issue an apology over her controversial and anti-Semitic remarks at the November 17 event

She made a statement to members of the press during the February 15 event, organized by the left-wing anti-war women's organization CODEPINK, calling for a ceasefire.

'There's never been peace that's been attained through violence,' Sarandon said, ironically just three months after making her controversial remarks seemingly justifying the attack.

Sarandon arrived at Capitol Hill wearing a red keffiyeh scarf in support of Palestine.

'We have to have a permanent ceasefire and save the lives of all those people that are now just being shot at like fish in a barrel,' she said at the time.

Her demonstration comes after a $95billion foreign aid package was passed by the Senate including $14.1 billion for Israel's war against Hamas.
Schapelle Corby unveiled a completely new look on Wednesday as she revealed her stunning hair transformation.

The convicted drug smuggler, 46, who once sported jet black hair and has recently rocked faded brown locks, has now dyed her hair bright red once more.

Taking to Instagram last week, Corby flaunted her shiny new tresses which looked very sleek and long after she took the time to straighten them out.

Corby was all smiles in the footage she shared with her followers as she held her pooch in one arm and showed off her new range of resin clocks.

The redhead has made a new life for herself after her release from an Indonesian prison in 2014, and is now making a living as a successful clockmaker.

Schapelle Corby, 46, (pictured) unveiled a completely new look on Wednesday as she revealed her stunning hair transformation

Earlier this year, she shared some of her colourful timepieces with her 162,000 followers, which typically retail for around $220.

The clockmaker looked youthful and happy as she let her followers know that smaller versions of her epoxy resin clocks were available.

'My new small size. Aren't they cute? Look how cute this is,' the SAS Australia contestant said as she held an ocean-themed mini-clock up to the camera.

The convicted drug smuggler, who once sported jet black hair and has recently rocked faded brown locks, has now dyed her hair bright red once more

It comes after Corby made a shock admission about her imprisonment in Bali after she was famously incarcerated for nine years for attempting to smuggle in cannabis.

Corby was released from Kerobokan Prison in 2014 and deported from Indonesia in 2017, with many believing she received a lifetime ban from the entering the country.

However, she shocked her Instagram followers when she revealed she was only given a six month ban from the tropical paradise.

Taking to Instagram last week, Corby flaunted her shiny new tresses which looked very sleek and long after she took the time to straighten them out

Posting a throwback picture of herself on a Bali beach, Schapelle shared a news quote which said 'she was given a lifetime ban from Indonesia'.

'Not true,' she clarified in her own caption. 'I was given a 6 month ban.'

She then shared another picture of herself happily drinking on a boat with friends, juxtaposed with an image of herself behind prison bars.

It was here Corby revealed she has 'no yearning desire to go back' to Bali after her incarceration, despite being allowed to return.
Lupita Nyong'o has admitted her confidence was drastically knocked by bullies who teased her for being 'dark-skinned' when she was growing up.

The Oscar-winning actress, 41, who was raised in Kenya before moving to the United States, candidly discussed her experience of colourism in a new interview.

She wowed in a slew of stunning ensembles as she stunned on the front cover of Glamour magazine for UK, US, Germany and Mexico.

Speaking on the bullying she suffered growing up, Lupita told the publication: 'I got teased a lot for being dark-skinned. I went to an all-girls school for elementary school, and then I switched to coed school when I was 12.

'So just when I was coming into myself and becoming aware of my sexuality, I was being teased a lot by boys for being dark. So I definitely wasn't confident, but how I dealt with that was, I think I just developed my character to compensate.'

Lupita Nyong'o has admitted her confidence was drastically knocked by bullies who teased her for being 'dark-skinned' when she was growing up

The Oscar-winning actress, 41, who was raised in Kenya before moving to the United States, candidly discussed her experience of colourism in a new interview

Colourism is a prejudice against people with a darker skin tone or the preferential treatment of those of the same race but have lighter skin tones.

The colourism she experienced was the inspiration behind her children's book, Sulwe, a story about a young girl who wishes for her skin to be lighter, but learns to love who she is.

Lupita was born in Mexico City, and was sent to live there for seven months to learn Spanish when she was 16.

She continued: 'Mexicans really liked me as an anomaly, and they were really intrigued by what they thought was beautiful about me. And so that was the first time that people would come up to me and say, "Wow, you're so beautiful."'

And when Lupita returned to Kenya to finish high school, she came back with a different mindset: 'I felt stronger in myself. I felt more beautiful. I'd gotten that validation in a way that I just hadn't had before.'

Lupita previously revealed she was once told she was 'too dark' to be on television.

She wowed in a slew of stunning ensembles as she stunned on the front cover of Glamour magazine for UK , US, Germany and Mexico

When Lupita returned to Kenya to finish high school, she came back with a different mindset: 'I felt stronger in myself. I felt more beautiful. I'd gotten that validation in a way that I just hadn't had before.'

Lupita shot to worldwide fame when she won an Academy Award for 12 Years A Slave in 2014

Speaking to Emily Maitlis on BBC's Newsnight in 2019, Lupita detailed the shocking prejudice she encountered during a television audition and discussed her experiences of colourism while growing up in Kenya.

She said: 'I once auditioned for something on TV and I was told I was too dark to be on television.'

The acclaimed actress' body of work in television includes Shuga and Star Wars Forces of Destiny.

The Black Panther star also discussed her upbringing in Kenya, and said her younger sister's 'lighter' skintone was praised in a way her skintone was not, as she opened up about colourism - which she branded 'the daughter of racism.'

She said: 'I had a younger sister who was born five years after me and she was a lot lighter and she got called pretty and beautiful and all of that.

'She was praised for the lightness of her skin in a way that, I don't recall being praised for the darkness in mine.

She previously said: 'I definitely grew up feeling uncomfortable with my skin colour because I felt like the world around me awarded lighter skin' (pictured in 2018's Black Panther)

'Self-consciously that translates into: 'I'm not worthy'.'

'I definitely grew up feeling uncomfortable with my skin colour because I felt like the world around me awarded lighter skin

'Colourism is born of racism. It is the daughter of racism. And so from a world that rewards lighter skin over darker skin, this then becomes a prejudice among people of the same race.

'So it's the preferential treatment of people with lighter skin and is very, very much linked to racism.'

Read the full interview in the GLAMOUR June Digital Issue online now.
Maya Jama shared a sweet throwback picture of herself as a child to Instagram Stories on Tuesday.

The Love Island host, 29, looked adorable as she posted a cute snap of her sporting a then-trendy side fringe and curly ponytail.

Looking from the side, Maya put on a cut display as she wore a purple and green plaid dress and a black leather crossbody bag.

Just like her adult years, the TV personality added some extra glam to her look with a pair of large silver hoops.

She shared the pictured under the song THAT GIRL by Bree Runway and it also featured a young boy who stood alongside her.

Maya Jama shared a sweet childhood photo of herself on Instagram on Tuesday as she launched the new series of Love Island

Sharing the throwback snap to her 3.1million followers, she penned: 'Been that girl, will forever be that girl'

Sharing the throwback snap to her 3.1million followers, she penned: 'Been that girl, will forever be that girl'.

Her cute post comes just hours after she sent pulses racing with last night's sexy ensemble to present the return of ITV's Love Island.

She stunned in the plunging number that showcased her toned pins in with a very daring slit.

The beauty boosted her height with strappy heels and accessorised with sparkly silver earrings.

Maya styled her long dark tresses in a sleek straight style and opted for dewy and radiant makeup.

Maya is a TV presenter, radio presenter and DJ.

She is originally from Bristol but moved to London in 2012 to pursue a career in media first as an actress, before moving into TV presenting and modelling.

The personality first started presenting the popular summer dating show in 2023 and has since hosted the show's spin off shows such as Love Island All Stars.

Her cute post comes just hours after she sent pulses racing with last night's sexy ensemble to present the return of ITV's Love Island
Sophie Cachia is preparing to offload her 'gender neutral' beauty brand AISURU Cosmetics as she removes all traces of the company online.

The former WAG, 33, who also owns brands CACHIA and Shaw Media, founded the company in 2021 with business partner Mia Plecic before the pair had a very public falling out the following year.

Now the influencer has pulled down the AISURU website and social media pages as she prepares to sell it off to another buyer, reports the Herald Sun on Tuesday.

'Myself and my business partner simply cannot give it the love it deserves as we both own other companies that occupy most of our time so we want it to go to someone who can help it thrive,' she told the publication.

'It's a brilliant ready-to-go start up with stock, direct manufacturing relationships, operational equipment etc. for anyone interested in owning/running their own small business.'

Sophie Cachia, 33, (pictured) is preparing to offload her 'gender neutral' beauty brand AISURU Cosmetics as she removes all traces of the company online

She continued: 'To build something from the ground up has been exciting but I'll be very selective of where it goes. It's like one of my babies.'

According to ASIC documents obtained by the publication, AISURU is still actively listed for trading as Sophie attempts to find it a new owner.

It was revealed in August 2022 that Sophie and her business partner Mia, 32, had cut business ties following a string of public relations gaffes.

After founding AISURU together the year before, Sophie announced the company was now 'a one-woman show', apparently confirming Mia had left the business.

Outspoken the Podcast, which documents the misadventures of social media stars, speculated the pair's friendship had also broken down.

The former WAG who also owns brands CACHIA and Shaw Media, founded the company in 2021 with business partner Mia Plecic, 32, (right) before the pair had a very public falling out the following year

Tellingly, Mia removed all references to AISURU from her social media bio and also unfollowed the brand on Instagram.

The former business partners also unfollowed each other's personal accounts.

However, despite the company actively telling followers Mia was no longer involved with the brand, Mia released a statement to Daily Mail Australia stating otherwise.

'I am still a Director of AISURU and an equal shareholder to Sophie,' she said at the time.

'I just took a step back as Slick Hair Company is going through huge international growth and I need to focused on the brand that is growing.'

The influencer has pulled down the AISURU website and social media pages as she prepares to sell it off to another buyer, reported the Herald Sun on Tuesday

AISURU was plagued by controversy soon after its launch, with Sophie getting called out for practising poor hygiene during a 'quality control' test on a new lipstick line.

She filmed herself rubbing her nose with her bare hand while checking individual lipsticks from her AISURU range that were due to be sent out to customers.

AISURU subsequently issued a statement acknowledging this was 'not best practice nor aligned with our policies'.

That same year in June, Mia sparked outrage by comparing Australia's vaccine mandates to the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The court's ruling ended the constitutional right to abortion across America, meaning individual states can now decide whether abortion should be legal.

'Myself and my business partner simply cannot give it the love it deserves as we both own other companies that occupy most of our time so we want it to go to someone who can help it thrive,' she told the publication

Reacting to the landmark decision, Mia wrote on Instagram: 'Why is it okay to be pro-choice about one human right but not the other?'

Many people who oppose Covid vaccine mandates call themselves 'pro-choice', borrowing the popular slogan used for decades by advocates for legal abortion.

However, the use of the term in the context of vaccines is highly controversial, with women's rights activists saying the two issues cannot be compared.

'The same people who are against freedom of choice with mandates are the same people who are screaming freedom of choice about abortions,' Mia added.

'It doesn't work like that. Freedom of choice regardless of your narrative.'

Her 'pro-choice' post was soon picked up by Instagram watchdog account Aussie Influencer Opinions, which warned customers of Mia's haircare company they were supporting these views by buying her products.

Mia soon received a wave of backlash online, with major online retailer Showpo reportedly vowing to remove Slick Hair Co. products from its store.
Amanda Holden basked in the sun by a pool in stunning snaps released of the daring silver plunging corset gown she wore for the Britain's Got Talent final.

The presenter, 53, has a history of picking racy ensembles for the family show and outraged viewers have even filed Ofcom complaints about some of her outfits in the past.

And she slipped into her raciest outfit yet for the live finals on Sunday at the Eventim Apollo.

Amanda went braless as she showcased her ample cleavage in a silver plunging corset dress which featured an armour-like bodice. The bottom half of the dress then extended into a sheer silver mesh skirt.

In stunning snaps, Amanda showed off the gown ahead of the final, basking in the sunshine as she sprawled by a pool.

Amanda Holden basked in the sun by a pool in stunning snaps released of her daring silver plunging corset gown that she wore for the Britain's Got Talent final on Sunday

The presenter, 53, has a history of picking racy ensembles for the family show and outraged viewers have even filed Ofcom complaints about some of her outfits

Amanda appeared to laugh off backlash over her risque outfits on Sunday night as she purposefully flaunted her physique in her daringly-cut ensemble.

She joked about her wardrobe and said it was fellow judge Bruno Tonioli's turn to flash the flesh as she subtly hit back at fans after being inundated with complaints.

The BGT judge proved she couldn't be more unfazed over the backlash she's received recently over her racy outfits.

She captioned the post: '#NippleGate but for once... it's not me [laughing face emoji] @brunotonioliofficial'

The TV star's sartorial choices on Britain's Got Talent are often a talking point among fans of the series.

Amanda's wardrobe has led to some controversial moments in the past after a daring Julien Macdonald gown she wore during the semi-final of BGT in 2017 attracted a staggering 663 Ofcom complaints.

The plunging floor-length dress was slashed to the navel, with a cut-out panel that reached down to the small of her back - and came under fire when furious viewers deemed it 'inappropriate'.

But despite the 11,000 ensemble causing hundreds of viewers to complain to Ofcom, the media regulator decided not to investigate.

Amanda went braless as she showcased her ample cleavage in a silver plunging corset dress which featured an armour-like bodice

The bottom half of the dress then extended into a sheer silver mesh skirt

In stunning snaps, Amanda showed off the gown ahead of the final, basking in the sunshine as she sprawled by a pool

Amanda went braless in very risky silver corset dress for the Britain's Got Talent Final

Ofcom said that while it recognised the dress 'had potential to offend some viewers during what is a family show' - the outfit 'would not have exceeded most viewers' expectations'.

In 2019 one of Amanda's risque dresses on the show sparked nine Ofcom complaints.

The judge, who was 48 at the time, opted for a sheer dress which showed off plenty of flesh and was branded 'inappropriate' by viewers.

In total, Ofcom received 22 complaints about the episode in question  nine of which were about Amanda's dress.

The night after Amanda wore a Nicolas Jebran dress, she sparked more Ofcom complaints in a gown by Lebanese designer Saiid Kobeisy.

Featuring a plunging neckline, the regulator said the dress received 34 complaints.

In December 2022 Amanda defended her racy fashion on Britain's Got Talent.

She said: 'Fashion is about taking risks. I encourage everyone to have a little fun and be a little daring. I'd be bored playing it safe.'

Amanda's wardrobe has led to some controversial moments in the past after a daring Julien Macdonald gown she wore during the semi-final of BGT in 2017 attracted a staggering 663 Ofcom complaints

In 2019 one of Amanda's risque dresses on the show with a spiderweb design on sparked nine Ofcom complaints

The night after Holden wore a Nicolas Jebran dress, she sparked more Ofcom complaints in a gown by Lebanese designer Saiid Kobeisy

She added that her co-star Alesha Dixon, 44, never cops criticism for her racy outfits.

'Alesha gets away with wearing bikinis, but I don't seem to. It's bizarre,' Amanda said,

'With shows where there are strong women on a panel, it's sadly inevitable that they'll be judged on what they're wearing.'

During an October 2020 episode, Amanda wore a plum Suzanne Neville dress with a lace corset top that flashed plenty of leg.

Of the 896 reported complaints made to Ofcom about the episode, 136 of these were about her dress.

'Just to say this dress got a tiny 136 complaints out of the 896 we apparently got that night,' she said on Instagram at the time.

'Surely there are more terrible and important things to write about...don't you agree? I'm baffled why it's still going on.'

During an October 2020 episode, Amanda wore a plum Suzanne Neville dress with a lace corset top that flashed plenty of leg

In 2020, after wearing a navy Celia Kritharioti off-the-shoulder dress with a V-neckline - more Ofcom complaints were made

In 2020, after wearing a navy Celia Kritharioti off-the-shoulder dress with a V-neckline - more Ofcom complaints were made.

Some fans thought they could see Holden's nipples out the top of her dress prompting 235 complaints.

'Mmmm really?! Who has nipples this close to their cleavage?!' Amanda said on her Instagram story at the time, responding to the comments.

'FYI. A boned corset dented the girls all night.'
Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards' youngest daughter Lola Sheen turned 19-years-old this week.

The blonde turned to Instagram to share her photos from the big celebration.

Lola had on a pale pink sequined mini dress with her long hair down as she added strappy silver high heels.

Lola, a devout Christian and hospitality worker, had her pink-hued makeup done beautifully.

'So much love for 19,' wrote the budding celebrity in her Instagram caption as she was seen at a restaurant with friends.

Her older sister is Sami Sheen, 20, who is a big hit on the X-rated OnlyFans pay site which has allowed her to buy her own house and car.

Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards ' youngest daughter Lola Sheen turned 19-years-old this week

The blonde turned to Instagram to share her photos from the big celebration

Charlie and Denise were married from 2002 to 2006.

He went on to marry Brooke Mueller two years later in 2008. He and the former Extra correspondent divorced in 2011.

Sami's rising OnlyFans career has made headlines since she launched her page after her 18th birthday in 2022.

Sami's X-rated career move even has the support of their Playboy model mom Denise, who has gone on to make an OnlyFans account of her own.

Meanwhile, Lola has a much more conservative life.

The wholesome teenager is a devout Christian who uses her Instagram page to share bible quotes instead of sexy selfies.

Unlike Sami, who is raking in six figures stripping on OnlyFans, Lola works a regular job in a restaurant.

She seems to have little interest in the spotlight, and admits that she's never even watched Denise on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Lola had on a pale pink sequined mini dress with her long hair down as she added silver strappy high heels

Lola, a devout Christian and hospitality worker, had her makeup done beautifully as she posed with a pal in a black dress

'I haven't seen a single episode,' she told the Do I Know You? podcast last year.

'I've always wanted to look at things that are more talking about positive things and not a lot of drama.'

Lola's Instagram bio features the bible chapter and verse Exodus 14:14, which reads, 'The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.'

She also shares Christian quotes to her Instagram Stories - and noticeably posted two cryptic messages after news broke that sister Sami had launched her first 'boy/girl collab' on OnlyFans.

One quote read, 'May the love of Christ be so evident in your life that other would see Him when they cross your path.'

It's unclear if Sami and Lola's drastically different lifestyles have affected their sisterly bond.

'So much love for 19,' wrote the budding celebrity in her Instagram caption as she was seen at a restaurant with friends

She held up these photos with her pal as they made funny faces and applied lipstick

Her older sister is Sami Sheen, 20, who is a big hit on the X-rated OnlyFans pay site which has allowed her to buy her own house and car

The paired were pictured together in Los Angeles last July and were smiling and laughing as they strolled around the city.

However, it now appears that neither sister is following the other on Instagram anymore.

The soft-spoken hospitality worker is lightyears away from her outrageous parents - especially her dad Charlie, who is one of Hollywood's most notorious figures.

The Two and a Half Men star has caused controversies for decades, including numerous stints in rehab, multiple public meltdowns, three failed marriages, and a few run-ins with the law.

While mom Denise seems to be a saint compared to her ex-husband, she's still been involved in her fair share of scandalous moments.

There's no doubt that the saucy Sami takes after her wild parents, but her younger sister Lola is much more conservative

Denise and Charlie seen on the red carpet together during their marriage

From stripping off in Playboy and Wild Things to dating then-best friend Heather Locklear's ex-husband Richie Sambora and starring in the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Denise has certainly lived a wild life.

Most recently, she shocked fans by following in daughter Sami's footsteps by joining OnlyFans.

Sami joined the raunchy website just three months after her 18th birthday, and this week she released her very first 'boy/girl collab' on the site - just days after turning 20.

Previews of the raunchy collaboration on OnlyFans, which she's selling for $75, show the young model simulating a sex act in the shower with her boyfriend.

Curiosity around Lola's low-key life comes amid her sister Sami's rising OnlyFans career

The wholesome teenager is a devout Christian who uses her Instagram page to share bible quotes instead of sexy selfies

Charlie has caused controversies for decades, including numerous stints in rehab, multiple public meltdowns, three failed marriages, and a few run-ins with the law

Denise posed for the December 2004 cover of Playboy magazine and is now an OnlyFans model herself

The actress memorably bared all for the raunchy erotic thriller Wild Things in 1998

In July 2022, the RHOBH star wrote, 'After multiple requests, I will do a photoshoot with my daughter Sami next week. We hope you enjoy the photos.'

A few days later she wrote, 'Who's excited for my shoot with @SamiSheen tomorrow! I am! Also, a bit nervous. Send me some love!!! If I can get wifi I'll try and go live from there tomorrow.'

Sami's dad Charlie was initially opposed to his daughter's online gig but later said to Us Weekly, 'Denise has illuminated a variety of salient points, that in my haste, I overlooked and dismissed.'

He added, 'Now more than ever, its essential that Sami have a united parental front to rely upon, as she embarks on this new adventure. From this moment forward, shell have it abundantly.'

However, Denise's decision to 'support' Sami's career as a self-titled 'sex worker' has been criticized by some in her close circles who fear it is 'damaging' her daughter's reputation.

'Denise is enabling her daughter to continue her OnlyFans knowing damn well that it is damaging her reputation and making her family upset,' a source exclusively told DailyMail.com.

Denise has been criticized for 'enabling' her daughter Sami's controversial OnlyFans career after the pair 'collaborated' together
She celebrated her milestone 50th birthday in January with a night out in Paris surrounded by her nearest and dearest.

But it was Kate Moss' 30th birthday two decades earlier that has gone down in history as one of the most extravagant the London celebrity circuit has seen.

The event, held at Claridge's in London, has garnerned such a place in party lore that it has been recreated for the upcoming series Moss & Freud, where Kate is portrayed by Ellie Bamber.

The theme was The Beautiful And Damned and Kate styled herself after Gloria Gilbert, the spoilt, beautiful creature who marries Anthony Patch in F Scott Fitzgerald's book of that title.

Kate's hair was styled in a riot of curls for the evening. Her eyelids loaded with heavy navy and graphite shadow in a sort of darkly glamorous look that reeked of smudged dishevelment from the get-go.

Kate Moss' 30th birthday two decades ago has gone down in history as one of the most extravagant the London celebrity circuit has seen

The event has garnerned such a place in party lore that it has been recreated for the upcoming series Moss & Freud, where Kate is portrayed by Ellie Bamber (pictured)

The theme was The Beautiful And Damned and Kate styled herself after Gloria Gilbert, the spoilt, beautiful creature who marries Anthony Patch in F Scott Fitzgerald's book of that title

She completed the aesthetic look with a long, diesel blue, sequined dress out of which she stripped almost as soon as her tanned toes touched the shagpile of her Claridge's suite later that night.

The guest list for Kate's shindig was typically star-studded and included the likes of fellow supermodel Naomi Campbell, fashion designers Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen and The Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood.

There were scantily-clad waiters, a blacked-out room with a DJ in the corner where, at one point, fashion designer Bella Freud could be found dancing alone.

And there was cake  a towering pyramid of profiteroles dipped in, and glistening with, honey, toasted almonds, cream and rose petals. Kate blew out the candles to cheers and applause.

Before the party well and truly got underway, Kate got ready with friends include Sadie Frost and Stella, and arrived in a yellow Sue Stemp cocktail dress.

The early revellers then enjoyed drinks before Kate changed into her midnight blue dress and the party well and truly began.

At one point during the evening, the partygoers left Claridge's in favour of carrying on the fun at the home of Sam Taylor-Wood, the budding filmmaker who would go on to become Sam Taylor-Johnson, wife to actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

But Kate and her pals were too much for Sam's neighbours to handle and soon enough a knock on the door from noise prevention officers sent at 1:45am sent the gang back to Claridge's.

Kate completed the aesthetic look with a long, diesel blue, sequined dress

Kate's fellow supermodel and close friend Naomi Campbell was among those in attendance

The Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood also made an appearance at the bash

Stella McCartney (right) arrived to the event alongside musician Chrissie Hynde (left)

Kate's then boyfriend Jefferson Hack, who is the father of her daughter Lila, 21, attended the raucous event

Jenny Frost put on a leggy display in a black mini skirt and thigh high leather boots

According to the Evening Standard, the party was spread across two suites on the seventh floor with Kate performing a rendition of Summertime while lying across a piano with Jools Holland.

While not all the events of the night are known, the bash was wild enough to send then couple Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin home early.

Kate's close friend Naomi Campbell stayed out for most of the night before announcing she was heading to bed before she 'f***ing died of hunger'.

The party carried on until dawn with the rest of the attendees finally heading home around 7:45am.

Moss & Freud is a dramatised account of supermodel and cultural phenomenon Kate when, at the peak of her fame, she made the decision to sit for famed British artist Lucian Freud.

Ellie Bamber stars as the supermodel in the biopic with Kate herself serving as an executive producer.

Speaking about the project in February, Kate said: 'As this is such a personal story of mine it has been essential that I be involved with James in all aspects as the project has developed.

'I am thrilled by the recent casting and excited that the film will begin shooting soon, I cannot wait to see it.'

Moss & Freud is a dramatised account of supermodel and cultural phenomenon Kate when, at the peak of her fame, she made the decision to sit for famed British artist Lucian Freud (Ellie Bamber pictured filming in character as Kate)

Ellie Bamber stars as the supermodel in the biopic with Kate herself serving as an executive producer (Kate pictured in May 2024)

Set around Lucian's Holland Park studio and London in the heady days of early 2000s Britain, the story opens up to explore Lucian's mysterious past and Kate's life as a globally recognised supermodel.

While her 30th birthday went down in history, Kate's most recent birthday bash was incredibly similar as she partied the night away in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris in January.

The supermodel managed to turn the upper class eatery into her very own nightclub and danced non-stop until 2am for her 50th bash.

She celebrated her milestone in the opulent, pastel-coloured environs of the exclusive Laurent Restaurant in the heart of Paris's Marigny Square district  alongside boyfriend Nikolai Von Bismarck, 37, daughter Lila, 21.

Despite her newfound spirituality and alcohol-free lifestyle it was far from a sedate affair.

Just like 20-years-ago, Stella McCartney, 52, was among the star-studded guests to attended Kate's iconic party.

Venus Williams, 43, Edward Enninful, 51, and Charlotte Tilbury, 50, were also among the 30-strong group of Kate's closest friends who were so loud in the restaurant's smoking area that passers-by stopped dead in their tracks to peer in and see what was going on.

Similar to her stunning sequin frock from her 30th, Kate was wearing a vintage sheer black lace dress and black satin cape at her 50th.

While her 30th birthday went down in history, Kate's most recent birthday bash was incredibly similar as she partied the night away in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris (pictured in January at her celebrations)

Kate started her evening catching up with friends and was heard shouting 'I haven't seen you in ages' in the candle-lit smoking area of the venue  where she proceeded to share anecdotes about Mick Jagger.

The group then dined in the lavish restaurant, known for its mousseline brioche with Golden caviar, blue lobster salad and cod confit in sauce vierge, prepared by head chef Mathieu Pacaud, and washed down by beloved house champagne cocktail  the 23 Laurent Spritz.

At one point, the fashion stars turned the smoking area into their own runway and gave their best walks for their friends to critique.
Paris Jackson might have been born in Beverly Hills, but she's truly a hippie at heart as she showcased her bohemian style during a coffee run in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Michael Jackson heiress - rocking a pair of retro circular shades - wore pink baggy tie-dye pants with $1,050 Christian Dior 'C'est Dior' sneakers, a white long-sleeve crop-top, and a brown suede cross-body bag.

On Monday, Paris (born Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson) debuted new shoulder ink of 'No.5 Sanskrit' from West Hollywood tattoo artist Nicole L, which reportedly translated to 'Go there, however, for the grace of God.'

Jackson - who boasts 6.8M social media followers - also unveiled her 'new nose rings' via Instastory on Monday.

A typical millennial, the Billy Morrison video vixen has reportedly covered her entire body with over 80 tattoos.

Paris Jackson might have been born in Beverly Hills, but she's truly a hippie at heart as she showcased her bohemian style during a coffee run in Los Angeles on Sunday

The 26-year-old Michael Jackson heiress - rocking a pair of retro circular shades - wore pink baggy tie-dye pants with $1,050 Christian Dior 'C'est Dior' sneakers, a white long-sleeve crop-top, and a brown suede cross-body bag

Paris' godmother was the late Elizabeth Taylor and part of her work with as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation is to attend the annual amfAR Gala in Cap d'Antibes, France.

Jackson glammed up in Jean Paul Gaultier couture on May 23 to help raise $16M during the auction inside Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.

In April, the nepo-baby socialite began filming a lead role in rap legend the RZA's Atlanta-set drama One Spoon of Chocolate, which marks his fifth feature directorial effort.

And last November, Paris filmed her role as make-up artist Ginni opposite Oscar nominee Eric Roberts in Ronald Krauss' Atlanta-set indie horror thriller Open Wounds.

Career-wise, Jackson is the most creatively ambitious of her brothers - Prince Jackson, 27; and Bigi 'Blanket' Jackson, 22 - and due to an IRS dispute with their late father's estate, they are 'unable to receive money from their trust funds.'

However, the estate clarified to People last Friday that the late King of Pop's 94-year-old mother Katherine Jackson and his three children will continue to 'receive payments through an allowance.'

Page Six reported in 2016 that the self-described 'mediocre Thom Yorke impersonator' normally receives $8M annually with bonuses at age 18, 33, and 40 from Michael's $100M inheritance.

Paris was only 11 years old when Jackson tragically succumbed to 'acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication' at age 50 back in 2009.

On Monday, Paris (born Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson) debuted new shoulder ink of 'No.5 Sanskrit' from West Hollywood tattoo artist Nicole L, which reportedly translated to 'Go there, however, for the grace of God'

Jackson - who boasts 6.8M social media followers - also unveiled her 'new nose rings' via Instastory on Monday

A typical millennial, the Billy Morrison video vixen has reportedly covered her entire body with over 80 tattoos (pictured Monday)

Paris' godmother was the late Elizabeth Taylor and part of her work with as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation is to attend the annual amfAR Gala in Cap d'Antibes, France (pictured May 23)

Jackson glammed up in Jean Paul Gaultier couture on May 23 to help raise $16M during the auction inside Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

In April, the nepo-baby socialite began filming a lead role in rap legend the RZA's (M) Atlanta-set drama One Spoon of Chocolate, which marks his fifth feature directorial effort

And last November, Paris filmed her role as make-up artist Ginni opposite Oscar nominee Eric Roberts (L, pictured December 26) in Ronald Krauss' (R) Atlanta-set indie horror thriller Open Wounds

Career-wise, Jackson is the most creatively ambitious of her brothers - Prince Jackson, 27; and Bigi 'Blanket' Jackson, 22 (pictured March 27) - and due to an IRS dispute with their late father's estate, they are 'unable to receive money from their trust funds'

However, the estate clarified to People last Friday that the late King of Pop's 94-year-old mother Katherine Jackson and his three children will continue to 'receive payments through an allowance'

Page Six reported in 2016 that the self-described 'mediocre Thom Yorke impersonator' normally receives $8M annually with bonuses at age 18, 33, and 40 from Michael's $100M inheritance
Tori Spelling enjoyed a sushi lunch at SugarFish with a couple of her kids Monday.

The actress, 51, who has said she thinks monogamy will be 'archaic' in the near future, looked relaxed even as she tried to keep a low profile amid her divorce from ex Dean McDermott, 57.

The Beverly Hills 90210 alum showcased her toned tummy in a pair of jeans with a checkerboard pattern and a gray bra top with lace trim.

She stepped out in well work black and white Converse sneakers.

The High School Crimes and Misdemeanors actress wore a black billed hat over her long, blonde locks. Her makeup looked natural with a soft pink lip behind her large sunglasses.

Tori Spelling, 51, showcased her toned tummy in a pair of jeans with a checkerboard pattern and a gray bra top with lace trim and a pair of well-worn Convers sneakers on Monday in Calabasas, California

The Kiss the Bride star accessorized with a couple of chain necklaces and a bracelet.

Joining her at The Commons at Calabasas, a shopping area near her home, were her daughter Stella, almost 16, and her son, Beau, seven.

The teen looked comfortable in a black bandeau top with a pair of jeans, an oversized gray hoodie and black sneakers. Her blonde hair was styled straight and she wore natural looking makeup.

Beau looked adorable in a red Lanvin T-shirt and charcoal joggers with yellow and black sneakers.

Spelling's notorious financial woes are still following her. She and McDermott are being sued for more than $400,000 dollars by City National Bank over a loan issued 12 years ago.

According to court papers obtained by People, the former couple defaulted on the loan. They want Spelling to pay $219,836.66 and McDermott to be responsible for the remaining $202,086.10. Those totals include interest and legal fees.

Spelling said Stella was 'shamed' by some of her classmates after the actress and her kids moved into one in last summer.

'My daughter [Stella] is like, "People already talk about us at school. They know you and they know the family and they read the press."' she revealed on her Misspelling podcast.

The High School Crimes and Misdemeanors actress tried to say low-key, wearing a black billed hat over her long, blonde locks. Her makeup looked natural with a soft pink lip behind her large sunglasses

Spelling was joined by her daughter Stella, almost 16, and son Beau, seven

Spelling and her estranged husband, Dean McDermott, 57, are divorcing after 18 years of marriage. They are being sued for more than $400,000 dollars by City National Bank over a loan issued 12 years ago; pictured in Los Angeles in June 2023

Spelling has primary physical custody of their five underage children; Liam, 17, Stella, Hattie, 12, Finn, 11 and Beau. McDermott has asked for joint custody

'She had someone come up to her at school and ask, "Are you in the school district, or where does your RV park? Because you live in an RV with your mom right?"' she said.

The actress, who also shares Liam, 17, Hattie, 12, and Finn, 11, with McDermott, said she and her kids were camping. 'We rented that like every other family and drove up the coast and camped and they were like, "Oh, we thought you were homeless."'

Spelling filed for divorce from the Toronto native on March 29 and they've both requested that the other pay spousal support and attorneys fees.

She wants primary physical custody of their five underage children, but McDermott has asked for joint custody.
Lizzie Cundy enjoyed dinner with her male pal in Mayfair, London on Monday night.

The former WAG, who recently celebrated her 56th birthday, dressed for the occasion in a semi-sheer lace dress with a nude coloured slip.

Lizzie teamed her chic dress with a pair of fluffy white heels and a quilted YSL handbag.

Meanwhile, her pal opted for a slick white shirt, that he pair with fitted grey jeans and black high-top trainers.

The pair, who are firm friends, have been seen together on numerous occasions, including at an exhibition at S&P Gallery in London back in 2022.

The American restaurant director flew in from Miami for the dinner.

Lizzie Cundy enjoyed dinner with her male pal in Mayfair, London on Monday night

The former WAG, who recently celebrated her 56th birthday , dressed for the occasion in a semi-sheer lace dress with a nude coloured slip

Lizzie teamed her chic dress with a pair of fluffy white heels and a quilted YSL handbag.

Lizzie is now on good terms with her ex husband James Cundy.

The radio presenter was married to the Chelsea and Spurs defender for 16 years and they have two sons together.

Lizzie's outing comes after she celebrated her 56th birthday last month where she turned heads in a red dress in Chelsea.

The British socialite, who turned 56 on May 2, looked incredible in the figure hugging midi dress as she enjoyed lunch at Italian Pizzeria Cinquecento.

She added inches to her frame in a pair of towering matching heels and completed her outfit with a pair of dark sunglasses.

Leaving her long blonde tresses loose, the stunner accessorised with a gold necklace and wore a glamorous palette of makeup.

The TV presenter seemed in good spirits at the party as she posed for photos and tucked into a delicious pizza.

The pair, who are firm friends, have been seen together on numerous occasions, including at an exhibition at S&P Gallery in London back in 2022

Meanwhile, her pal opted for a slick white shirt, that he pair with fitted grey jeans and black high-top trainers

Lizzie previously enjoyed a night out with her pal back in 2022

The outing comes after she celebrated her 56th birthday last month where she turned heads in a red dress in Chelsea

Lizzie and her guest enjoyed several different kinds of pizzas with wine during the lavish lunch.
Kevin Costner ignored calls to make his $100million epic Horizon: An American Saga a TV series as he treasures the big screen 'experience' - as the four part film series looks set to flop.

Horizon Chapter 1 is set to be released in the United States on June 28, 2024, while Chapter 2 will be released on August 16, 2024 - but the first instalment has been slammed by critics.

Yellowstone star Costner, 69, who has contributed around $38 million of his own money to fund the film, told Empire he has taken a gamble by releasing the saga in cinemas.

He said: 'I had somebody who said, 'Look, please don't do this, Kevin, let's do this.'

'But I'm glad about what I'm doing. I believe in the big screen. I believe in that experience. I also believe in what will come to your television. You know, I'm not one of those guys that has a director's cut. The f****** movie I make is the director's cut.'

Kevin Costner ignored calls to make his $100million epic Horizon: An American Saga a TV series as he treasures the big screen 'experience' - as the four part film series looks set to flop

Yellowstone star Costner, 69, who has contributed around $38 million of his own money to fund the film, told Empire he has taken a gamble by releasing the saga in cinemas

The Dances with Wolves star - who is worth an estimated $250million - said: 'I'm not a fool, but I'm not afraid.

'I will own this movie the rest of my life. So will my family. And movies are a lot more than their opening weekend. They have value throughout their life, and I will own this movie throughout my life.

'And people will find it. And when they do, whether it's opening weekend or not, they're going to find a quality. They're going to find a story that they're going to want to revisit or share with someone. And that's the power of a movie to me.'

'My hope is that I get this money back, but you know what, I'm not going to fall apart if it (doesn't happen).

'I'll lose some things that I had valued, but they're just things I've kept. I should add, I don't want to have to ever do this again. But I don't live my life in fear.'

Chapter 3 of the film saga started shooting in May 2024. Chapter 4 is in development.

Horizon earned a 10-minute standing ovation from the audience following its premiere screening at the 77th Cannes Film Festival last month.

It has a star-studded ensemble cast in addition to Costner with Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Giovanni Ribisi, Ella Hunt, Danny Huston and Luke Wilson also sharing the screen.

Horizon earned a 10-minute standing ovation from the audience following its premiere screening at the 77th Cannes Film Festival last month - the star plays Hayes Ellison in the Western

Costner has debuted a haunting new poster for his $100m gamble movie series Horizon: An American Saga last month - just days after slamming Yellowstone producers amid his exit from the show

This comes after the actor - who plays John Dutton III in the Taylor Sheridan series Yellowstone, claims he honored his contract despite ongoing rumors and discusses the delay of the show's finale, as Season 5 ended prematurely

However, the film has received some scathing reviews and a very low score on Rotten Tomatoes, with just a 38 per cent score on the Tomatometer - the rating system used on the film critique website.

Costner financed the film himself, admitting to putting $38 million of his own funds into the project after spending decades trying to find a studio to make the film.

He even took out a loan against his Santa Barbara home after trying unsuccessfully to make it for more than 30 years.

Despite the drama, Costner hasn't closed the door on returning to Yellowstone; still from Yellowstone

Costner previously revealed in June 2022 that he planned on making four Horizon films in all, shot back-to-back.

It's the fourth time Costner has directed a film in his long career, which also includes following Dances With Wolves (1990), The Postman (1990) and Open Range (2003).

Costner has achieved massive success with his work, including his directorial debut, Dances with Wolves (1990), which won an astounding seven Academy Awards from 12 nominations including Best Picture and Best Director.
Amanda Holden shared a shocking clip of a brazen man in Spain walking around completely naked on Tuesday.

The Britain's Got Talent judge, 53, has jetted abroad after the show's final on Sunday night for some rest and sun.

But she was left in shock when she spotted a man in the nude and started filming him from a moving car at the start of her trip.

Amanda posted the short clip taken out of her taxi window on her Instagram Story with the caption: 'Naked in Spain.'

The long-haired man was seen casually strolling along the pavement past shops and seemed completely oblivious.

Amanda Holden shared a shocking clip of a brazen man in Spain walking around completely naked on Tuesday

The Britain's Got Talent judge, 53, has jetted abroad after the show's final on Sunday night for some rest and sun

A woman in the car with Amanda - presumably her taxi driver - was then heard explaining: 'He is not crazy he is actually very clever, he has even done interviews!'

Amanda can then be heard chuckling in the background of the clip as the car zooms off.

Public nudity has been legal in Spain since 1988. Anyone can walk naked down a street without being arrested, but some regions such as Valladolid and Barcelona have introduced their own laws to regulate nudism, especially away from the beach.

It is not known exactly where in Spain Amanda is.

Local fines may apply  in Barcelona from 120 to 500, in Mallorca, Alicante and Malaga up to 700.

It comes after Amanda - who has been at the centre of multiple rows over her risque outfits during this year's BGT - laughed off the backlash on Sunday night as she purposefully flaunted her physique in her daringly-cut ensemble.

Amanda joked about her wardrobe and said it was fellow judge Bruno Tonioli's turn to flash the flesh as she subtly hit back at fans after being inundated with complaints.

The BGT judged proved she couldn't be more unfazed over the backlash she's received recently over her racy outfits.

She captioned the post: '#NippleGate but for once... it's not me [laughing face emoji] @brunotonioliofficial'

But she was left in shock when she spotted a man in the nude and started filming him from a moving car at the start of her trip

Amanda posted the short clip taken out of her taxi window on her Instagram with the caption: 'Naked in Spain'

A woman in the car with Amanda - presumably her taxi driver - was then heard explaining: 'He is not crazy he is actually very clever, he has even done interviews!'

Amanda turned heads in a plunging metallic silver gown, with a statement silver chain.

If outfit complaints weren't enough, Amanda was also hit with backlash over claims she helped a magician act 'cheat'.

Eagle-eyed viewers, who tuned into watch runner-up Jack Rhodes impressive magic trick, were convinced Amanda was in on his act.

During his performance, Jack asked Amanda to lend him one of her dazzling diamond rings which was put into a silver jar for Bruno to take care of - in plain sight for everyone to see.

He then put a lie detector hat, which had a lightbulb on top, on Simon Cowell's head while he made Amanda's ring disappear in the silver pot.

After seconds of twirling the ring in the pot the clacking sound of rings suddenly disappeared and quickly reappeared inside of the lightbulb - sitting on Simon's head.

Fans were so stunned of Jack's performance that they accused Amanda of fixing his performance.

Some viewers wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: 'Amanda looked down at her rings BEFORE he said it, almost like she knew what he was gonna say.'

'That couldve been anyones ring in that hat and that ring couldve been inside of that light bulb the whole time hence why he was so light passing it onto Simon.'

'So Jack had the ring in his right hand and put another one in the cup.

He put Amanda's ring in the bulb when he opened the case disguised by the smoke. That's my take on it.'

Before the final, Amanda ran the risk of sparking Ofcom complaints last week after slipping into her raciest outfit during the live semi-finals.

It comes after Amanda - who has been at the centre of multiple rows over her risque outfits during this year's BGT - laughed off the backlash on Sunday night as she purposefully flaunted her physique in her daringly-cut ensemble

After the final on Sunday night, Amanda appeared to laugh off the backlash as she purposefully flaunted her physique in her daringly-cut ensemble in a video with Bruno Tonioli

Amanda turned heads in a plunging metallic silver gown, with a statement silver chain

The presenter ensured all eyes would be on her as she took to the stage in a wet look gold gown that clung to her incredible figure.

The low-cut garment put her ample cleavage on display, while a racy cut out on the bodice flashed a glimpse of her toned stomach.

Putting even more flesh on display, the garment featured a thigh high split to show off her toned legs.

Amanda has a history of picking racy ensembles for the family show and outraged viewers have filed Ofcom complaints because of some outfits.
Anderson Cooper has claimed pal Andy Cohen is battling to maintain his TV career amid a series of explosive lawsuits from former Bravo stars.

Bravo boss Cohen, 56, has endured a turbulent few months after RHONY star Leah McSweeney alleged in a lawsuit that he shared cocaine with Real Housewives cast members - as well as playing favorites and fostering a toxic workplace culture - which he denied.

In the ensuing weeks, NBCU revealed a workplace investigation, Vulture reported, as 'rumors swirled that Cohen was hiring a crisis-PR team and negotiating a "departure package."'

The outlet cited that amid what appeared to be a mounting career crisis for Cohen, 'Nothing happened,' as he remained broadcasting without interruption on his outlets, appeared at the Met Gala while his show Watch What Happens Live was renewed through next year.

From there, Cohen was cleared by eventually Bravo and NBCU 'in their outside investigation,' the outlet noted, adding that Cohen appeared to take a victory lap with a cover story in The Hollywood Reporter with the Mad Magazine-inspired headline, 'What, me worry?'

Anderson Cooper has claimed pal Andy Cohen is battling to maintain his TV career amid a series of explosive lawsuits from former Bravo stars

Cooper, 57, told Vulture: 'Every day when I turn on my phone, I see content that Andy Cohen is responsible for. Much more so than any late-night host.'

Adding that Cohen 'makes it look easy', Cooper said he is 'paddling really, really fast under the water' - but would not be drawn on specifics.

Lawsuits mentioned in the story included a 2022 suit from The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Nene Leakes against, him, Bravo and NBCU alleging racism.

Another noted was Dorinda Medley's butler Marco Vega's filing against Bravo and NBCU over Real Housewife of Beverly Hills' alum Brandi Glanville's conduct during production of the Bravo series Ultimate Girls Trip: Return to Bluestone Manor in 2021.

Another suit was filed by Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Caroline Manzo, against Bravo and NBCU over Glanville's conduct during production of Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.

Glanville earlier this year publicly accused Cohen of sexual harassment.

Cohen told Vulture that he 'didn't like' being at the center of the storm, adding that 'there was a lot of noise' and he 'was definitely sad about it.'

He added that his in-person experiences wildly differed from the tensions being described online.

Bravo boss Cohen, 56, has endured a turbulent few months after RHONY star Leah McSweeney (pictured) alleged in a lawsuit that he shared cocaine with Real Housewives cast members - as well as playing favorites and fostering a toxic workplace culture - which he denied

Adding that Cohen 'makes it look easy', Cooper said he is 'paddling really, really fast under the water' - but would not be drawn on specifics

'I'm telling you - and it sounds like bulls*** - but when I walked into BravoCon,' he said, 'it was like, "Dude, get off Twitter. That's a bunch of clickbait." This is sanity.'

In the piece, Cohen said he enjoys the fame that comes along with his high profile in media.

'I lived in New York for 15 years without being able to get reservations at restaurants, so yeah, of course I'm going to enjoy it,' Cohen said, adding that he 'had a sense of how to behave' once he began getting recognized.

He added, 'Then I had a lot of people who were normal people who were becoming famous, Housewives who were turning into beasts as a result. So I'm ultimately very appreciative of the whole thing. And you have to keep that perspective. You can't go all in on it. Because it can all go away tomorrow.'

Cohen has blasted former Real Housewives Of New York City star Bethenny Frankel for her 'reality reckoning' after years of friendship and working together.

The Bravo boss was featured in a piece from Vulture titled 'The Last Inappropriate Man on Television How Andy Cohen survived the Reality Reckoning (at least for now).'

It chronicles how the Real Housewives executive producer has navigated through what he described as 'sustained attack' in the form of reality TV unionization efforts Frankel led, nasty allegations and a series of lawsuits from former Real Housewives cast members.

Cohen has blasted former Real Housewives Of New York City star Bethenny Frankel for her 'reality reckoning' after years of friendship and working together

It is claimed in the article that Cohen had been especially close with the 53-year-old Skinnygirl CEO as they talked all the time and both lived in New York in addition to having homes near each other in The Hamptons.

Cohen pulled no punches when it came down to Frankel's attempts to unionize reality stars as he branded the effort a 'sustained attack'.

The outlet cited a number of sources who cited an on-air argument between Frankel and Cohen on Watch What Happens Live in December of 2022 as a factor in the series of events surrounding Cohen in the year-and-a-half since.

At that time, Cohen looked to 'hash out' a disagreement he had with Frankel over a Real Housewives-themed podcast she had started called ReWives.

Cohen told Frankel he felt launching the podcast was 'kind of hypocritical' after she had 'been trashing the Housewives publicly for the last three years.'

Frankel didn't back down in defending herself, telling Cohen that she was irritated he'd said the sentiments 'publicly' as opposed to 'privately' reaching out to her.

'What I said to you privately was, "Wow, I'm glad to see you are embracing the housewives,"' Cohen told Frankel, who replied, 'Which is not the same thing you said publicly.'

Frankel added, 'I actually haven't been trashing the show - I said it wasn't for me because I do think it was toxic and I'm entitled to not want to be there but still want to talk about it ... how could I be on for more than a decade and not have reflections to share? I'm not trashing people on the show.'

The two went back and forth, with Cohen pointing out to Frankel that she had called the spinoff RHONY Legacy boring on her TikTok page.

Cohen 'had been especially close with Frankel' out of 'all of the Housewives' in the Bravo universe, according to the Vulture story, as 'they talked all the time' and 'met up occasionally' near their homes in New York City and the Hamptons.
Camila Morrone was seen grabbing her best friend Kaia Gerber's butt while on the beach at sunset.

The 26-year-old took to Instagram Tuesday to post a series of snaps from a tropical getaway in the Caribbean with Cindy Crawford's model daughter.

Camila, who stunned in a white knit long-sleeve top with a matching floor-length skirt, and Kaia, 22, wearing a black dress, wrapped their arms around one another as they threw their heads back laughing on the beach.

A follow-up shot showed the ladies hugging each other tightly as they smiled for the picture.

Other photos included Camila walking in the sand, taking a dip into the ocean, and a breathtaking orange sunset with glistening bright blue waters.

Camila Morrone, 26, and Kaia Gerber, 22, embrace while on the beach during a tropical vacation. Kaia teasingly wrote beneath the shot of the two, 'Honeymoon'

The Daisy Jones & The Six actress captioned her social media post, 'Friends & happiness & sunsets.'

Kaia reposted the photograph to her Instagram Story, writing above the smiling shot of the two, 'Honeymoon.'

The besties' latest vacation is only one of many outings they've shared over the years. Back in February, Camila and Kaia hit New York City for a night out on the town.

The supermodels brought their fashion sense with them to the Big Apple while dining at Via Carota. Opting for all-black outfits, Kaia wore long trousers with a matching coat, heeled boots, and a red head scarf to keep warm in the cold.

Meanwhile, Camila donned wide-leg pants, a long black jacket, and black and white Nike sneakers.

It's clear that throughout their friendship the pair has stuck close to one another, even in darker times, like the Marmalade star's 2022 breakup with Leonardo DiCaprio after four years of dating.

Following the split, Camila leaned on her longtime pal. The friends were all smiles as they danced it up for the Palm Royale actress's 21st birthday.

And these days, the models have both taken their careers from the runway to the screen.

Camila is set to join season two of The Night Manager, the BBC One series starring Tom Hiddleston. The show follows a former soldier and night manager of a luxury hotel who is recruited by an intelligence operative to investigate crimes.

The besties enjoy a laugh together during a breathtaking sunset in the Caribbean

The 26-year-old captioned her Instagram pictures from her tropical getaway, 'Friends & happiness & sunsets.'

The Daisy Jones & The Six star recently shared her excitement over joining season two of The Night Manager: 'NO WORDS!!! Just pure joy.'

'NO WORDS!!!' she wrote on Instagram beneath a photo of the announcement. 'Just pure joy. Cant believe I get to join this INCREDIBLE group of actors. Some of the best performances, writing, and story to ever be told on TV. Now, were bringing it back. The Night Manager Season 2, lets goooooo!'

Of course, Kaia was there to cheer on Camila, writing in the comments section, 'Thats my best friend!!!!!!!!'

Kaia, too, has made her mark in the acting world, as her resume boasts two stints on the American Horror Story franchise, a leading part in the queer cult-hit Bottoms, and a role alongside Kristen Wiig on the Apple TV hit Palm Royale.

The Bottoms star posed alongside her cast from the hit Apple TV comedy Palm Royale. (L-R) Amber Chardae Robinson, Gerber, Leslie Bibb, Carol Burnett, Kristen Wiig, Bruce Dern and Josh Lucas

Sharing snaps from the pink carpet premiere of Palm Royale to Instagram in March, Kaia captioned a group shot of the cast, 'My heart has multiplied in size to fit the copious amounts of love i have for every single one of these humans. meet your heroes.'

Cindy Crawford's daughter plays Mitzi, a manicurist in Palm Beach, Florida, in the late 60s who dreams of becoming a model.

'The fun thing about playing Mitzi is that shes got a new job every episode, so I was an astronaut for one week, and then a show girl,' Kaia reflected during an interview with Vogue Australia. 'Even the outfits under the manicurist smock, Alix [Friedberg], our incredible costume designer, made sure people saw what was happening.'

She added, 'It was just so fun. Playing Mitzi was a transformation every day. Changing the way I walked, the way I movedwhen you have big hair and dangly earrings all of the sudden, it helps a lot with that!'
Fred Sirieix has hit out at his I'm A Celebrity campmate Nigel Farage after the politician relaunched his career.

Fresh off the wave of placing third in the ITV reality show last year, the former UKIP leader, 60, has kickstarted his bid to become an MP.

But his election campaign didn't quite go to plan as the new Reform leader was drenched by a woman while being mobbed by crowds in Clacton-on-Sea while leaving Wetherspoons.

Wading in on Nigel's career bid, Fred, who also starred on last year's series, wrote on X: 'I spoke at length and extensively with Nigel Farage for 3 weeks while in the jungle. I wanted to make my own mind up about him and his views. Conclusion is simple.

'He was very good at washing the dishes in the river but when it comes to politics he has no plan and no substance.

'No vision. No concrete policies. He is not interested in making the UK / the world a better place. He just rants.'

Fred Sirieix has hit out at his I'm A Celebrity campmate Nigel Farage after the politician relaunched his career

Fresh off the wave of placing third in the ITV reality show last year, the former UKIP leader, 60, has kickstarted his bid to become an MP

Fred wrote on X: 'He was very good at washing the dishes in the river but when it comes to politics he has no plan and no substance'

Nigel and Fred famously clashed during their time in the jungle, with the hotelier once blasting the politician was 'talking b******s' as they cooked.

They also clashed during a heated debate about Brexit within days of entering the camp.

Politician Nigel was the leader of the UK Independence Party from 2006 to 2009 and 2010 to 2016, and leader of the Brexit Party from 2019 to 2021, with a referendum on Brexit being held in 2016.

A number of Fred's followers waded in on the row.

One wrote: 'Farage is very good at pointing out what he feels is wrong but is often found completely wanting when it comes to detailed, practical plans to address those same issues'.

While others said: 'Enlighten us. He seems to have better ideas than Starmer whos had years to perfect his flip flop policies.'

'Perfect CV for a politician then, just as qualified as the 650 we've already got.'

'Same as every other politician, then?'

But his election campaign didn't quite go to plan as the new Reform leader was drenched by a woman while being mobbed by crowds in Clacton-on-Sea while leaving Wetherspoons

A number of Fred's followers waded in on the row.

Nigel and Fred famously clashed during their time in the jungle, with the hotelier once blasting the politician was 'talking b******s' as they cooked.

They also clashed during a heated debate about Brexit within days of entering the camp

On Tuesday, Nigel was dramatically splattered with milkshake as he kicked off his bid to become an MP.

Essex Police said later that a 25-year-old woman had been arrested on suspicion of assault, along with a man who seemingly intervened while she was being detained.

The new Reform leader was flanked as usual by burly security as he left the local Wetherspoons pub, but they could do nothing as the woman flung the contents of a McDonald's cup towards him.

It caught him full in the face, although he merely wiped his eyes and continued.

Home Secretary James Cleverly led condemnation of the attack, saying it was 'unacceptable' against any politician. Reform allies branded the assailant a 'juvenile moron' and said it would only boost their support.

But Nigel himself laughed the episode off, buying a round of milkshakes for photographers and posting a video saying: 'My milkshake brings all the people to the rally.'

It came after the Brexit champion told a huge crowd of local voters the Tories had 'betrayed' their trust and warned Rishi Sunak would pay a 'big price' at the general election on 4 July.

Shouts from the crowd included 'get 'em Nige' and 'we love you Nigel' as huge numbers of Farage's supporters gathered near Clacton pier.

Nigel's campaign launch in the Essex seat came after he yesterday performed a stunning U-turn on his previous decision not to stand for Parliament.

The 60-year-old has made a dramatic return to the political frontline and also been installed as Reform UK leader in place of Richard Tice.

Nigel's campaign in Clacton - a constituency once held by UKIP when he was the party's leader - will be his eighth attempt to enter Westminster.

He will need to overturn a 31,000 Conservative majority from the last election with only minor boundary changes in the seat.

However, Tories have been sounding gloomy about their prospects and pollsters believe Nigel is in with a strong chance.

Grumbling has been surfacing about Rishi Sunak's failure to head off the threat of Nigel standing, with suggestions he should have been given a peerage before.

The developments have heaped more pressure on Rishi ahead of a head-to-head debate tonight where he is seen as having to land blows on Keir Starmer. More polls today have shown Labour on track for a massive landslide on July 4.

As he launched his campaign at the Moon and Starfish , Nigel made reference to the town's past support for UKIP when it elected Tory defector Douglas Carswell as the local MP.

He said: 'Without Clacton, Brexit would not have happened - so thank you Clacton!'

Nigel vowed to be a 'bloody nuisance' in the House of Commons should he be elected in a month's time.
By SA Commercial Prop News





THE Womens Property Network (WPN) honored and celebrated remarkable inspiring women doing exceptionally well in South Africa's property sector at a gala dinner which took place on Thursday evening at the Sun Square Ballroom, Montecasino.

Women represent a minority share in SA's property and construction industry workforce with only 2 women appointed as CEO's in the JSE's listed property sector  a balance which still needs to be redressed.

Genevieve Naidoo, the Womens Property Network (WPN) Chairwoman, acknowledges that the times are certainly changing, as women continue to climb the corporate ladders across the real estate sector.

The awards were a collaborative platform dedicated to recognizing outstanding leadership, inspiration, vision and innovation in organisations that have stepped up and shaped womens roles within the private and public sectors.

The award categories reflect a wide spectrum of work these deserving women from the public and private sectors are involved in. This includes CEOs, executives and leaders in corporate South Africa, SMMEs, government departments and agencies, as well as entrepreneurs, says Sandi Mbutuma, WPN Executive, Marketing and Advocacy.

The following nominees were recognized in their respective award categories:

Young Achiever Award (under 35 years old)

Jacqueline Bisschoff, Operations Director, UAS Shevira Bissessor, Executive, AECOM Nina Dube, Chief Credit Officer, Commercial Property Finance, Barclays Africa Nompumelelo Lukhele, Project Manager, Spar South Rand Nikiwe Mkhabela, Asset Manager, Stanlib

The winner in this category was Nina Dube, who was recognised for the significant role that she plays within Barclays Africa (ABSA), and who in a short space of time has moved through the ranks to fulfill an often difficult and challenging position.

Also in this category, an honourable mention was made of Nikiwe Mkhabela of Stanlib who was acknowledged for the 2014 Stanlib achiever award and for recognition that she has received by her peers.



Entrepreneur Award

Nkuli Bogopa, Group Property Manager, Rio Tinto Kim Faclier, Managing Director Property, GoIndustry DoveBId SA Sibongile Manganyi, Managing Director, Indigo Kulani Group Zola Ntwasa, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Jade Capital Partners

The nominations in this category was cause for much healthy debate amongst the judges, as the women nominated were all strong candidates from varied backgrounds that have made a contribution to the industry.

The final consensus was that Zola Ntwasa of Jade Capital Partners be recognized as the winner as a result of her passion for the industry, involvement in various industry initiatives over the years, and that she is well networked and respected.



Public Sector Award

Yondele Silimela, Executive Director, Development Planning City of Johannesburg Lebogang Shole, Head Facilities Management, Public Investment Corporation

In this category, Yondela Silimela was recognised for her senior role within the planning department at the City of Johannesburg.



Two special recognition awards were announced which acknowledged significant contributions by dynamic, passionate women whose efforts have transformed and inspired the sector. These awards were made to Bronwyn Corbett, COO and CIO of Delta Property Fund and CEO of Delta Africa, and to Jackie van Niekerk, Managing Director, Pivotal Fund Limited.

The awards were adjudicated by a panel of judges, which was represented by a broad spectrum of disciplines from the industry and included:

TC Chetty  Country Manager: RICS South Africa and Chief Executive, TC Chetty and Associates (TCAA). Marius Muller  Chief Executive Officer, Pareto Ltd Genevieve Naidoo  Head of Real Estate Valuations & Project Management, SA & Rest of Africa, Standard Bank CIB, and WPN Chair Nomzamo Radebe  CEO JHI Properties

This prestigious event was sponsored by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), with the awards sponsored by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Doctor Who actor William Russell has died aged 99, it was announced on Tuesday.

Best known for playing school teacher Ian Chesterton in the long-running BBC sci-fi series, he passed away on Monday, with his death confirmed by The Guardian a day later.

A cause of death for the actor is yet to be confirmed. The father-of-four is survived by his wife, Etheline and their son Alfred Enoch - who starred as Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter films.

William appeared in the first Doctor Who story, An Unearthly Child, alongside William Hartnell who played the initial Time Lord.

It also starred Carole Ann Ford, who played companion Susan, and Jacqueline Hill who was Ian's fellow teacher Barbara Wright.

William was in nearly every episode of the first two Doctor Who seasons, and after leaving the show in 1965 went on to narrate audio stories in the franchise.

Doctor Who actor William Russell has died aged 99, it was announced on Tuesday

The father-of-four is survived by his wife, Etheline (right) and their son Alfred Enoch (left) - who starred as Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter films

William appeared in the first Doctor Who story, An Unearthly Child, alongside William Hartnell who played the initial Time Lord

He was awarded a Guinness World Record for the longest gap between TV appearances when he reprised his role as Ian 57 years after he first finished playing the teacher, in Time Lord actress Jodie Whittaker's final episode as the Doctor, titled The Power of the Doctor.

William's film roles include parts in 1956's The Man Who Never Was, war favourite The Great Escape from 1963 and Superman in 1978.

He also played Ted Sullivan on ITV's Coronation Street in 1992.

Along with his second wife Etheline Lewis, who he married in 1984  31 years after he got hitched to his first wife Balbina Guiterrez  William is survived by his and Etheline's son Alfred.

He has followed in his dad's acting footsteps and starred as Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter films.

William also had children Vanessa, Laetitia and Robert from his first marriage, and had four grandchildren.

Doctor Who's Russell T Davies shared a tribute on Instagram alongside a photo of him with William after learning the sad news of his death.

He wrote: 'William Russell (1924-2024). What a sad loss, William played the Doctor's very first companion, Ian Chesterton, back in 1963. A schoolteacher, trapped on the Tardis by a wily old Doctor, unable to get home, whisked off to the Stone Age, Skaro, the Crusades, planet of the Zarbi..!

He also played Ted Sullivan on ITV's Coronation Street in 1992

Doctor Who's Russell T Davies shared a tribute on Instagram alongside a photo of him with William after learning the sad news of his death

Actor and writer Nicholas Pegg added: 'Raising a glass to William Russell, who has left us just a few months shy of his 100th birthday'

Elsewhere Doctor Who actress Nicola Bryant, 63, paid tribute to William. The actress, who played Doctor Who companion Peri Brown from 1984 to 1986, said online: 'What sad news to say farewell to William Russell'

Artist Stuart Humphryes shared: 'R.I.P. The late and legendary actor William Russell (1924-2024)'

William was in nearly every episode of the first two Doctor Who seasons, and after leaving the show in 1965 went on to narrate audio stories in the franchise

'Wonderful! A fine, nimble, witty, heartfelt actor who absolutely sold the truth of those early years. Before that, he'd been Sir Lancelot on the BBC; it's often undersold what a star booking he was for Doctor Who.

'He later went on to marry Rita Fairclough as Ted Sullivan on Coronation Street. In the photo, I bumped into him on a train in 2018! I was star-struck! He spoke with so much pride and joy about his son, Alfred Enoch, who I'd seen in King Lear at the Royal Exchange. Absolutely lovely man. A fine, long life. Well done, sir, well played.'

Elsewhere Doctor Who actress Nicola Bryant, 63, paid tribute to William.

The actress, who played Doctor Who companion Peri Brown from 1984 to 1986, said online: 'What sad news to say farewell to William Russell.

'What a wonderful man with a delightful family an extraordinary life and career.'

Actor and writer Nicholas Pegg added: 'Raising a glass to William Russell, who has left us just a few months shy of his 100th birthday.

He was awarded a Guinness World Record for the longest gap between TV appearances when he reprised his role

He reprised his role as Ian 57 years after he first finished playing the teacher, in Time Lord actress Jodie Whittaker's final episode as the Doctor, titled The Power of the Doctor

'Already a star when he became a crucial part of Doctor Who's genesis, his long and remarkable career embraced everything from Shakespeare to Blackadder. A fine actor and a lovely man.'

Artist Stuart Humphryes shared: 'R.I.P. The late and legendary actor William Russell (1924-2024). He was the first and the greatest of all the many companions who starred in Doctor Who.

'He first played Ian Chesterton in 1963 and last returned to the series to play him in 2022, earning him a Guinness Book of Records award.

'A wonderful innings, yet still immensely sad - It is the passing of an era and also of a hero. Sleep well, Sir Ian, Knight of Jaffa. I was one of your biggest fans.'

Russell would have marked his 100th birthday in November, having been born in Sunderland in 1924.
On the face of it, there would seem to be few disadvantages to inheriting a baronetcy and a 2,000-acre estate  certainly not when the estate, set in the most glorious part of Dorset, includes an entire village and a Regency pile of such unsullied charm that it has featured in a hit crime drama series.

But Sir Philip Williams, owner of the splendid Bridehead estate, might disagree.

After his house and grounds appeared in ITV series Broadchurch  as the backdrop for a rape, investigated by David Tennant and Olivia Colman  he lamented that fans were turning up whenever they felt like it, to the extent that he and his wife, Catherine, found people loitering on the lawn.

Now, I can disclose, they are selling up  for 30million.

Sir Philip, 74, the seventh generation of his family at Bridehead, declines to say whether his decision has in any way been influenced by the rush of visitors  who, by one local account, 'plagued' the family  following its Broadchurch appearance.

A sprawling country estate that was used to film ITV drama Broadchurch is on the market for 30m

The estate is being sold by Sir Philip Williams (pictured), whose family have owned it for more than 200 years

But David Hebditch, of Carter Jonas, handling the sale, describes it as 'a very sad day for the family', telling me that it's taken 'a long time to make the decision'.

It's not hard to see why. With its lake, woodlands and sweeping lawns, the estate looks particularly idyllic now that summer has arrived. The nine-bedroom house has a magnificent oak library, a billiards room and a swimming pool  built into its conservatory  and even a prayer room.

Traditionally, the estate would be inherited by the couple's only son, David, 43. But Sir Philip and Lady Williams have decided against this. 'They have four adult children, who have their own lives and careers,' adds Hebditch. 'This is the only way that was felt to be fair.'

ITV's crime drama Broadchurch starring David Tennant and Olivia Coleman

Olivia Colman as D.S. Ellie Miller and David Tennant as D.I Alec Hardy 'Broadchurch' in the ITV Programme

It's not a view shared by Sir Philip's kinsman, Francis Fulford, at Great Fulford in Devon. Intent on handing his estate  in the family for well over 20 generations  to his eldest son, Fulford refuses to sell a single acre. Instead, he replenished his coffers by starring in a fly-on-the-wall documentary, The F***ing Fulfords, in which he praised an ancestor who commanded a fleet of ships, killing 5,000 French  'a satisfactory result all round'  and spoke proudly of his children because 'they aren't a bunch of poofs'.

What divorce? Getty heiress Ivy parties on

American heiress Ivy Getty recently filed for divorce from her husband, the British photographer Toby Engel, but she's determined to show that she's stepping in the right direction.

The 29-year-old great-granddaughter of oil industrialist J. Paul Getty has shared online this photograph of her posing on a stairwell during a friend's birthday party in New York while wearing an Emilio Pucci mini dress.

American heiress Ivy Getty (pictured) attending the 2024 Met Gala

Ivy married Engel, the son of former Coronation Street star Cheryl Prime, in 2021, one year after her father, John Gilbert Getty, died of a fentanyl overdose and heart problems aged 52.

Guests at their three-day wedding celebration in San Francisco included Princess Olympia of Greece.

Regularly lobbing insults at his fellow surviving Monty Python members is an expression of love, insists John Cleese. 'In this country, the more we love someone, the more we insult them,' the Fawlty Towers star says. 'Whenever I get together with Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, for instance, I take the mickey out of Michael for making boring travel documentaries and ask Terry when he's going to make another expensive flop of a movie.'

Florence makes a pretty penny

Oppenheimer star Florence Pugh is making a fortune in Hollywood.

The Oxford restaurateur's daughter has reported 1.1 million in profits at Flo Pug, the performing arts firm into which she channels her earnings.

Florence Pugh (pictured) attends the "Dune: Part Two" premiere at Lincoln Center on February 25

Its newly filed accounts disclose that money held in her company increased to 2.6 million in the 12 months to August last year. The privately educated actress, 28, held 1.4 million in investments and 1.3 million in cash among her company's assets.

Demi and her dog are such a pair of wags

It's not just the women who wait outside the Duke of York's Theatre overwhelmed by Tom Holland's performance in Romeo And Juliet.

Hollywood star Demi Moore claims that pet chihuahua Pilaf was 'moved' by the Spider-Man actor's West End appearance in Shakespeare's tragedy.

Demi Moore seen arriving at 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' on January 31 with her dog

Hollywood star Demi Moore claims that pet chihuahua Pilaf was 'moved' by the Spider-Man actor's West End appearance in Shakespeare's tragedy

US actress Demi Moore poses with her Chihuahua dog named Pilaf

'She's like my little friend, my partner,' Demi says of Pilaf. 'She's my little travel mate. And she's just a joy. I usually have her in a little sling. We go everywhere together.

'She's been to the French Open and the Louvre. She's been to Broadway shows.

'She recently saw Tom Holland in Romeo And Juliet in London. She was quite moved. She thought the performance was extraordinary, as it was.'

Top designer Marc Jacobs has admitted that he's been forced to give in to 'bullies' from the animal rights lobby. The American stopped using new fur in 2018. However, in a collection four years later, he used some second-hand animal pelts, leading to criticism from campaigners, as well as alleged intimidation. 'It pains me to give in to bullies,' he laments. 'Unfortunately, my current situation  with a radical organisation (who will remain nameless) claiming to care about the lives of animals while endangering the well-being of innocent individuals and communities  leaves me no choice but to give in to a bully.'

Comic Stephen Merchant finds it difficult to sympathise with some who complain of suffering from mental problems.

'What's hard for me, as someone who perhaps doesn't struggle with mental health, is to distinguish between what is a real mental health difficulty and what is just life throwing some s*** at you that you have to cope with and battle through,' the co-writer of The Office tells the iweigh podcast.

'There are times where people have said to me, 'I can't do that because it's bad for my mental health'. I think, 'Is it bad for your mental health, or is it that you just don't want to do it, or is it stressful and difficult?'
Sofia Vergara has revealed she feared her cellulite showing when she shot her first ever sex-scene at age 50 for Netflix drama, Griselda,

The actress and entrepreneur, 51, who posed nude to promote her coffee range recently, said filming the love scene kept her up at night as she worried she would look 'horrific.'

'I'm 50! I mean, when I was 30, I wouldn't have worried. I think I was worried that I was going to look horrific,' she said of the bedroom romp with co-star Alberto Guerra, who played Griselda's husband, Dario Sepulveda.

'I was like, "Where are they shooting me? The cellulite? From the side?" Uh, I'm vain I guess,' she admitted adding, 'That one kept me awake I think.'

'I dont think Ive ever done like a sex scene,' she explained Sunday at a Netflix FYSEE in Los Angeles, when asked if there was ever a moment she felt she may be out of her depth, per the US Sun.

Sofia Vergara has revealed she feared her cellulite showing when she shot her first ever sex-scene at age 50 for Netflix drama, Griselda (Pictured in Los Angeles in May 2023)

'I'm 50! I mean, when I was 30, I wouldn't have worried. I think I was worried that I was going to look horrific,' she said of the bedroom romp with co-star Alberto Guerra, who played Griselda's husband, Dario Sepulveda

During 11 seasons of Modern Family, the actress said, 'With Jay, I didnt do anything,' referencing the character played by co-star Ed O'Neill, 78.

The influencer said she was pleased with the final product.

'It came out good. It's really dark and Andy (Andres Baiz), the director, is very artistic and he made me feel super comfortable and he's like, 'We're never going to stay like a long time on you [the camera].'

The America's Got Talent judge put her vanity aside to represent the fierce Colombian drug lord who was prominent in the Miami underworld beginning in the 1970s through her death in 2012.

Vergara sat in a makeup chair for three hours each day to have prosthetics applied to alter her appearance.

'I wanted her to look from that [1970s] era.' the star said. 'But also, she needed to be a [bit sexy]. She needed to have something because she had like three husbands. She could get the guys.'

'The teeth were fake. The nose, like, I had plastic, from here [touching her chin] to here. Over my eyebrows,' she demonstrated for the audience.

'I would tape my boobs and my a**. And they didn't jiggle the a**. And it was [hot] in Los Angeles. I was like dying,' she said.

During 11 seasons of Modern Family, the actress said, 'With Jay, I didnt do anything,' referencing the character played by co-star Ed O'Neill, 78

The star put her vanity aside to represent the fierce Colombian drug lord who was prominent in the Miami underworld beginning in the 1970s through her death in 2012, wearing prosthetics on her face and fake teeth

'I wanted her to look from that [1970s] era.' the star said of her character. 'But also, she needed to be a [bit sexy]. She needed to have something because she had like three husbands. She could get the guys'

Her efforts to make the appearance seem genuine came back to haunt her in a painful way.

She decided to alter her posture by hunching over to play Griselda after watching how her aunt walked.

'The third month of doing that, I got up one morning and I couldn't go to work,' she revealed. 'I herniated a disc.'

"At 51, you can not just walk around and put your body in a position [like that] for 16-hour days.

To make it to the end of the shoot, the Emmy nominee got injections from her doctor for the pain.

'I ruined my back, because I'm doing that. The doctors were like, "You're crazy, you have to, at 51, like stretch and do things."'

Still, the actress enjoyed the experience and the opportunity of working with a Colombian director so much, she said she'd do it again, with a few changes.

'I would not do the freaking prosthetics again.' she stated.
Hollyoaks stars Carley Stenson and Danny Mac have revealed they've welcomed their second child together.

Carley, 41, took to Instagram in April to share that she was pregnant again and on Tuesday the pair shared another post to say she had given birth.

They penned in the caption of the picture that showed them leaving hospital: 'Beauie Mac Been in our LOVE bubble since 18/04/24 We adore you.'

They were inundated with messages of congratulations under the post including from presenter Laura Whitmore and their soap co-star Nikki Sanderson.

Carly and Danny started dating in 2011 and tied the knot six years later. They welcomed their first child, daughter Skye in 2021.

Hollyoaks stars Carley Stenson and Danny Mac have revealed they've welcomed their second child together (pictured in 2017)

Carley, 41, took to Instagram in April to share that she was pregnant again and on Tuesday the pair shared another post to say she had given birth

They penned in the caption of the picture that showed them leaving hospital: 'Beauie Mac Been in our LOVE bubble since 18/04/24 We adore you'

The duo are former Hollyoaks actors, with Danny playing Mark Savage in the soap until 2015 and Carley portraying Steph Cunningham until 2011.

Announcing she was pregnant earlier this year Carley shared a snap of her baby bump's shadow with the caption: 'We cant wait to meet you.'

She added the hashtags: '#springnewlife #ourbaby #bigsister #pregnantat41 #inourlittlebubble.'

Last year, Carly revealed how her attitude had changed towards her racy Hollyoaks spreads since becoming a mother.

She confessed to The Sun: 'Now I'm a mum, I don't know about getting any kit off.

'I just think your attitude changes when you are older  and certainly when you're a mum. I'm all about body confidence though, and women feeling great.'

However, recalling the time with fond memories, she said: 'It was liberating as a woman of 20 or so to feel confident. I've got those pictures to look back on and enjoy.

'It was always something I did back then knowing that, hopefully one day, I'd be an old granny and would say, 'Oh, look at me back then'.

The couple are parents to three-year-old daughter Skye and Carly has previously spoken about the 'mum guilt' she felt leaving her when she competed in Dancing On Ice

The duo are former Hollyoaks actors, with Danny playing Mark Savage in the soap until 2015 and Carley portraying Steph Cunningham until 2011

The mother of one previously candidly discussed how she was struggling with 'mum guilt' while away from her baby daughter.

Carley signed up for Dancing On Ice in 2023 but was worried about appearing on the skating show because it would mean more time apart from Skye.

However despite finding it hard, Carley revealed she was able to 'figure it out' with the support of Danny and her family and friends.

Detailing how she dealt with being away, Carley said: 'I feel awful when I'm not with her. Mum guilt is real  it's part of my DNA now.

'I remember my first day back to work, when Skye had a rash. I got off the Tube and I could have gone left to work or right to go home, and I had to ring my mum and say: "Please tell me what to do." It was horrible.

'But I knew Skye was with my mother-in-law, who is a nurse, so she could not have been in better hands.'

Carley shot to fame for her role a Steph Cunningham in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks at just 17 years old.

She left the show to pursue musical theatre and appeared on stage as Princess Fiona in Shrek: The Musical, Fantine in Les Miserables and Elle Wood in Legally Blonde: The Musical.

Last year, Carly revealed how her attitude had changed towards her racy Hollyoaks spreads since becoming a mother (pictured 2010)

The mother of one discussed how she was struggling with 'mum guilt' in 2023 while away from her baby daughter competing on Dancing On Ice (pictured with partner Mark Hanretty)

Danny left Hollyoaks in 2015 and the following year went on to reach the finals of Strictly Come Dancing with his professional partner Oti Mabuse

In April 2021, she returned to the world of soaps and joined the cast of Doctors as Harriet Shelton before leaving in September 2021.

Danny joined the Hollyoaks cast in 2011 where he played the part of Mark Dodger Savage.

Spending four years on the Channel 4 soap, Danny was nominated at the National Television Awards for Best Newcomer, Most Popular Newcomer, and Best Serial Drama Performance. He was also voted three times as Soaps Sexiest Man at the Inside Soap Awards, and twice Sexiest Male at the British Soap Awards.

He left the soap in 2015 and the following year went on to reach the finals of Strictly Come Dancing with his professional partner Oti Mabuse.
James Corden enjoyed a stroll in sunny London on Sunday as he was seen for the first time since confronting a British Airways employee in Lisbon.

The Gavin and Stacey star, 45, attempted to keep a low-profile in a pair of dark sunglasses, while dressed in a brown and white patterned shirt.

James completed the ensemble with jeans and trainers as he was spotted grabbing breakfast and coffee from Joe & The Juice during the outing.

It comes after James vented his frustration at airport staff on Sunday, but onlookers insist the temperamental TV presenter was only voicing his opinion after enduring a nightmarish flight.

He was flanked by fellow passengers after landing in Lisbon, where he was seen confronting a British Airways employee during a turbulent trip to the UK from Faro in southeastern Portugal.

James Corden enjoyed a stroll in sunny London on Sunday as he was seen for the first time since confronting a British Airways employee in Lisbon

It comes after James vented his frustration at airport staff on Sunday, but onlookers insist the temperamental TV presenter was only voicing his opinion after enduring a nightmarish flight

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.

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.

He was seen grabbing breakfast and coffee from Joe & The Juice while out on a bright Sunday morning in London

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'

'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 confronted 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.

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!'

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.'
Experts are sounding the alarm about a little-known program which could provide forgiveness for certain borrowers with private student loan debt.

More than a million borrowers who were defrauded by schools have had billions of dollars in federal student debt cancelled through a government program.

But Americans with private loans have generally not been able to get debt relief - even if they were a victim of misconduct such as schools inflating graduate earning potential or career growth.

Navient, a large private student loan servicer, has created a program that allows borrowers who were defrauded by their school to apply for loan forgiveness.

But a lack of publicity and a 'burdensome and confusing' application process is blocking Americans from accessing the relief, The New York Times reported.

Americans with private loans have generally not been able to get debt relief - even if they were a victim of misconduct such as schools inflating graduate earning potential or career growth

The new program from the servicer based in Wilmington, Delaware, is called a 'school misconduct discharge.'

It is something of a parallel to the federal 'borrower defense to repayment' program which allows those who were misled by for-profit schools to have their debts forgiven.

Under the Biden administration, this program has cancelled nearly $30 billion in federal debt for 1.6 million borrowers.

Nonprofit legal organization the Project on Predatory Student Lending (PPSL) launched a campaign at the end of May to raise awareness for Navient's program in a bid to help borrowers.

In a statement, the organization said Navient 'recently began quietly sending its new application to a select few borrowers.'

Boston-based PPSL published Navient's application form and an instruction guide for borrowers with private loans seeking debt forgiveness based on the grounds that their school lied to them.

'We're spreading the word to ensure that impacted borrowers - not just those that Navient hand picks - know that there is a path to relief,' Eileen Connor, president and executive director of PPSL said in a statement.

The organization points to a 1976 Federal Trade Commission regulation as basis for borrowers' claims that their private loans should be forgiven.

The Preservation of Consumers' Claims and Defenses or 'Holder Rule' allows those who use certain types of loans to contest the debt if they did not receive the goods or services they purchased as promised.

'Private student loans have always carried basic consumer protections like borrower defense, yet lenders and servicers have obstructed borrower efforts to realize them, individually or at scale,' Connor said.

For nearly a decade in the early 2000s, Navient - then known as Sallie Mae - struck deals with for-profit schools to issue private loans to their students, The New York Times reported.

Lawsuits later accused the servicer of making the loans knowing that most would never be repaid.

In 2022, Navient settled with 40 state attorneys general to cancel $1.7 billion in debt on private loans - but only for borrowers who had already defaulted.

Those who had not defaulted on their loans had to continue paying.

But a pressure campaign from lawmakers, lawyers and regulators prompted the company to create the 'school misconduct discharge' program, the outlet reported.

For nearly a decade in the early 2000s, Navient - then known as Sallie Mae - struck deals with for-profit schools to issue private loans to their students

Navient, a large private student loan servicer, has created a program that allows borrowers who were defrauded by their school to apply for loan forgiveness

One borrower who had their loans forgiven under the program is Danielle Maynard, 34, who recently received notice that nearly $40,000 in private loans would be cancelled for her studies at the New England Institute of Art in Brookline, Massachusetts.

She had been paying $700 a month to Navient for more than a decade for the debts, which she took out to study at the school which has now closed.

Maynard told The New York Times that she 'cried, a lot' when she found out the loans had been wiped out.

But others have complained on social media about difficulties accessing the application form.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, alongside eight Senate colleagues, sent Navient a letter last month with questions about the 'school misconduct discharge' program.

This included concerns around the 'burdensome and confusing' 12-page application form that borrowers must make to ask for private loan relief.

'Navient has admitted responsibility for canceling their predatory loans but set up a process for cancellation that's impossibly confusing for borrowers,' Senator Warren said.

'I won't let Navient get away with cheating defrauded student loan borrowers out of the relief they deserve.'

When asked about the program and the criticisms, a Navient spokesperson told The New York Times: 'Borrowers may contact us at any time, and our advocates can assist.'

In a letter to senators reviewed by the outlet, the company said it had discharged 'some' loans for borrowers who meet the Holder Rule criteria, and had 'recently introduced an enhanced process for borrowers to seek discharge,' which it described as 'still in its early stages.'

Senator Elizabeth Warren (pictured) and eight Senate colleagues sent Navient a letter last month with questions about the 'school misconduct discharge' program

It comes as furious lawmakers and campaigners have called for federal loan servicer MOHELA to be 'fired' amid mounting reports of widespread failures.

Members of Congress, advocacy groups and student loan borrowers held a press conference in Washington DC last month to demand the federal government terminate its contract with the company.

They insist that the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority - otherwise known as MOHELA - is axed for its mismanagement of millions of student loan accounts.

Borrowers have complained about nine-hour long wait times to get help, delayed and lost paperwork and miscalculated payments among other issues.
Senior officials from the commerce ministry will participate in the two-day clean economy investor forum meet in Singapore, organised by Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), an official said.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, Additional Secretary in the ministry Rajesh Agrawal, and other senior officers have reached Singapore for the meet, which will start on June 5. Indian projects would be pitched in the forum. Over 150 investors would participate, the official said.

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) was launched in May 2022 and it currently includes 14 partners  Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.

It provides a platform for countries in the region to collaborate on advancing resilient, sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and aims to contribute to cooperation, stability and prosperity in the region.

The IPEF comprises four pillars of cooperation -- Trade, Supply Chain, Clean Economy, and Fair Economy. India is not part of the trade pillar.

The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is one of the initiatives under the IPEF.

It brings together the regions top investors, philanthropies, financial institutions, innovative companies, startups and entrepreneurs. The forum aims to mobilize investments into sustainable infrastructure, climate technology and renewable energy projects.

The Department of Commerce is the nodal agency for the IPEF engagements, and the IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is managed by Invest India, the countrys national investment promotion agency.

Apart from showcasing Indias leadership position in the Clean Economy space and the various innovative solutions driving it, India will showcase some of the large infrastructure projects in Clean Economy and top climate tech companies to the global investors for investment opportunities.
The initial public offer of Kronox Lab Sciences received 24.57 times subscription on the second day of bidding on Tuesday.

The IPO got bids for 16,45,99,160 shares against 66,99,000 shares on offer, as per NSE data.

The quota for non-institutional investors got subscribed 52.92 times while the category for Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) fetched 24.52 times subscription. The portion for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) received 3.39 times subscription.

The Initial Public Offer (IPO) has an offer for sale of up to 95,70,000 equity shares. The price range for the IPO is Rs 129-136 a share.

Kronox Lab Sciences has raised Rs 39.04 crore from anchor investors.

Pantomath Capital Advisors is the manager to the offer.

The companys equity shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and NSE.

Vadodara-based Kronox Lab Sciences is the manufacturer of high-purity speciality fine chemicals. Its high purity speciality fine chemicals portfolio has more than 185 products. The products are used mainly for applications across pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, biotech, animal health, scientific research, agrochemicals, and personal care, among others.

Kronox exports to more than 20 countries with major exports to the US, the UK, Mexico, Australia, and Egypt.

The company has 3 manufacturing facilities and a Research, Development and Testing (RDT) laboratory, situated in Vadodara, Gujarat. Additionally, the company has acquired land in Dahej, Gujarat to set up a new manufacturing plant.
Despite Modi's bold predictions of a sweeping majority, the results reveal a different story. The BJP is poised to form the Government with a simple majority alongwith its NDA allies

Even as I write this column, TV news channels are airing the news that the BJP led by Narendra Modi has crossed the halfway mark of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha but is fighting a see-saw battle with the rejuvenated Congress to establish a safe lead. Narendra Modi is likely to form a government with a simple majority with the support of BJPs other allies in the NDA. But the result indicates that Modis claim of 400+ seats for the NDA and 370+ for the BJP has come a cropper.What has happened in the 2024 Lok Sabha election is a political tsunami. The BJP which had hoped to make a clean sweep in Uttar Pradesh fell by the wayside. The Hindutva partys dream of winning Maharashtra too failed. These are signalling the harsh reality that the electorate in Maharashtra and UP were taken aback by the BJPs decision to align with the breakaway faction of the NCP and the RLD led by Jayanth Choudhry. The BJP forgot history and how Choudhry Charan Singh topped the Morarji Desai-led Janata Party Government in his bid to become the Prime Minister. Ajit Singh, Choudhry Sahebs son too stabbed V P Singh, Chandrasekhar and A B Vajpayee from the back.

What made the BJP align with RLD at this juncture remains a mystery.Equally strange is the BJPs decision to bring on board Ajit Pawar and Praful Patel, which the former had described as embodiments of corruption. The eagerness of a leader from Maharashtra to occupy the Prime Ministers chair is being seen as a faux pas by the BJP. The same leader had shocked the nation immediately after the last assembly election by swearing in as chief minister Ajit Pawar, only to submit his resignation in an ignominious manner.

Usually, politicians learn from past failures and correct themselves so that they do not fall into the same abyss again. What has happened is that the Prime Minister has lost whatever goodwill he had enjoyed with the electorate. Ram Temple alone would not satisfy the mind of the people. The voters had set a benchmark for Narendra Modi and it is his hitherto appreciated integrity, honesty and patriotism. The moment political turncoats like Satyapal Mallik were accommodated in the BJP and were offered important positions like the governorship of Kashmir, the BJPs fortunes took a beating for the worse.

Similarly, the alliance with the family-controlled JD(S) in Karnataka boomeranged on the BJP.Immediately after his election as the leader of the NDA following the 2014 impressive win, Modi had assured the constituents of his front that he would approach them with a progress card at the end of the five-year tenure. He was given all A+ by the electorate and also elevated the BJP with an absolute majority in the 2019 Lok Saba polls, a rare feat in the last 35 years of Indias electoral history. No party has got an absolute majority of its own since the 1984 election in which Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress scored more than 400 seats on its own. The 2019-2024 tenure of Modi as Prime Minister outperformed its track record by beating the COVID-19 pandemic and a synchronized attack by the Opposition parties and the media. A corruption free government was what Modi gave the country during his two tenures. But the clueless manner in which they forged alliances with every Tom, Dick and Harry who sang paeans to Modi did the job that the Congress and other Opposition parties could not do for the last decade. Nobody would deny the fact that Modi delivered what he had promised. More than 11 crore toilets and nearly five crore robust houses for the poor coming under the benchmark of BPL, the Ayushman Bharat medical aid which has more than 50 crore beneficiaries, the Mudra Loan scheme for artisans and small and medium entrepreneurs had a direct bearing on common mans life.

The Prime Minister said in his media interactions that six crore persons found employment in the organized sector which the Opposition belittled as jumla. But they did not have any response when he pointed out that the Employees Provident Fund saw an increase of 400 per cent which means that he was not on his version. The US economy which had been ruined because of the Great Depression (1929-1941) and the Second World War ( 1939-1945) got a new lease of life during the tenure of David Dwight Eisenhower as President (1953-1961). President Eisenhower ordered the construction of the Interstate Highway System, which remains to date the largest construction of roadways. Giant transport aircraft could be landed and taken off from these highways. This is what Modi was doing in India. But one mans greed for power has cost the BJP a comfortable majority. The only lesson the Opposition should learn from this exercise is that the Janata Janardhan would love the leader who treats them as equals and not as alms seekers. Yet another lesson for the Opposition is that it is time for them to come out of the demolition and destroy Modi at any cost. A request to the winners and losers would not be out of place at this juncture. In War: Resolution. In Defeat: Defiance. In Victory: Magnanimity. In Peace: Goodwill. These are the words of the person who covered the First World War for The Pioneer, Sir Winston Churchill.

(The writer is a special correspondent with The Pioneer; views are personal)
Facing a host of adversities, including freezing of party accounts, a hostile Government probing agencies, hostile media, loads of mockery, robbed of the Lok Sabha membership and his decades old accommodation, Congress' Rahul Gandhi took the pitch of 'Daro Mat' to take on the mammoth posturing of world's largest, richest political party BJP-led by Narendra Modi and scored a century for the grand old party after struggling in two past general elections.

Also mocked as 'Shehzada' and dismissed as a serial 'launch', Rahul may have just had the last laugh this Lok Sabha election. Tuesday's Lok Sabha results also proved that those who connected Rahul during his two Bharat Jodo Yatra reaped the benefits when the results were being declared particularly in States of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Bihar and nonetheless Uttar Pradesh.

A series of electoral losses could not prevent Rahul to catapult him from being tagged as a reluctant politician to resurrect the political fortunes not only for the grand old party but also making the Congress relevant for a formidable and imposing Opposition.

This remarkable achievement signals a potential shift in the Indian political landscape and suggests that Rahul 's strategic overhaul of the party has resonated with voters across the nation.

Needless to say, answering to the last minute hostility Rahul faced from the media and exit polls which predicted Congress as also ran, he called the exit polls as Modi Media Polls.

He had confidently mentioned a 295 plus figure for the INDIA Bloc.

Though quite far from the tally as compared to ruling BJP, a confident INDIA Bloc will meet and decide on Wednesday whether to approach former partners such as the JD(U) and the TDP to attempt Government formation at the Centre.

"We are going to have a meeting with our partners tomorrow. These questions will be raised and answered there," Rahul said at a Press conference when asked if the Congress and its allies will approach parties that are part of the NDA to try and form a Government.

He was joined by his mother and longest serving Congress president Sonia Gandhi, sister and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

Priyanka who too became the cynosure of all eyes expressed her great satisfaction on the Lok Sabha performance of Congress and particularly the party's resurgence in Uttar Pradesh.

In the Press conference, Rahul reiterated his commitment to protect and safeguard the Indian Constitution and said this election results signal the fact that the Indian voters have rejected the politics of Narendra Modi.

"The numbers show that the Indian voter has rejected Modi and the BJP. It is a defeat of the BJP," he said, while adding that on June 5, the INDIA Bloc partners will meet and discuss the way forward.

Rahul has been working to rejuvenate the Congress, focusing on issues of social justice and grassroots mobilisation through his two Bharat Jodo Yatras and also promising for caste census if the party was voted to power.

As votes were counted for the Lok Sabha election on Tuesday, the former Congress president derided by so many through the campaign was one of the drivers of his party leading or winning close to 100 seats, almost double the 52 from 2019.

To connect with the masses he was also seen riding a truck and tempo, working on the fields and all positioning through Press conferences, and posting short videos and social media platforms.

Congress leaders on Tuesday credited Rahul for a campaign that focussed on people's issues and welfare measures, one of the reasons for the party's stunning fightback against the high-on-confidence BJP.

Some of his punch lines also caught on and trended on social media. Like his 'Khata khat khata khat paise ayenge account mein' refrain while explaining the party's 'mahalakshmi' guarantee under which the party promised to give Rs 8,500 per month to one woman in every poor household if it comes to power.

He contested from Kerala's Wayanad and Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli, winning the Southern seat by 3.64 lakh votes and winning the northern one by a margin of 3.9 lakh votes.

It would be interesting to see which one he retains, the one that sent him to Parliament last time or the family bastion. Rahul had made his poll debut from Amethi in 2004 and saw relatively smooth sailing in the first 10 years with the UPA being in power. But the last 10 years were challenging.

He won the 2014 polls against the BJP's Smriti Irani by over one lakh votes. She ran a spirited campaign and made inroads into the Congress citadel of Amethi, finally beating the Gandhi family scion by over 55,000 votes in 2019. He certainly was a key figure who turned the tide for the Congress and the INDIA Bloc in the polls and his stature as a politician has certainly gone up several notches with the good showing of his party.


Lok Sabha polls: Vote counting set to begin amid tight security The counting of votes for all seven phases of the Lok Sabha elections is set to start at 8 a.m. on Tuesday amid tight security arrangements across all counting centres. The process will commence with the counting of postal ballots and will continue till the final tallies are prepared.



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 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 general elections were held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1.




A case of killing of a dog was reported in Acharya Narendra Nagar area situated in the Aishbagh police station area, accused killed the dog by mowing down the by his car.

In this case, the police have registered a case and sent the dog's body to the veterinary hospital in Jehangirabad for post-mortem. The police have registered a case against the accused driver Dheeraj under sections 279 and 479.

In this case, Advocate Meharban Singh's wife Maya Lodhi had complained to the police, this incident happened in front of their house.

Aishbagh police station in-charge Jitendra Garhwal said, as soon as the information of this case was received, a case has been registered against the accused driver. The body has been sent for post-mortem. The matter is being verified.

While complaining about this case, Maya Lodhi told the police that it was 8.38 am on June 3, I was filling water from the tap outside the house, there, in front of the Bhuteshwar temple, the locality's Jaini (female dog) was sitting, which was named by the people of the locality. She was sitting with her mother, she must be about 6 months old. At that time, the driver of a Swift car MP-04-TB-3694 drove his car very fast and carelessly and hit a girl named Jaini. She got a head injury due to the collision and died on the spot. After which the car driver fled from there with his car. We covered her body and hid it.

Jaini's mother was also sitting with her. Regarding this, Advocate Meherban Singh said that this incident happened on the morning of the 3rd, at the time of the incident, Jaini's mother was also sitting with her, when Dheeraj drove the car carelessly and hit Jaini, her mother ran away from there but Jaini got hit by the car. We have complained about this matter to the Aishbagh police station in-charge. Jaini's post-mortem was done at the veterinary hospital Jahangirabad on June 4 at 10 am. STAFF REPORTER n BHOPAL

A case of killing of a dog was reported in Acharya Narendra Nagar area situated in the Aishbagh police station area, accused killed the dog by mowing down the by his car.

In this case, the police have registered a case and sent the dog's body to the veterinary hospital in Jehangirabad for post-mortem. The police have registered a case against the accused driver Dheeraj under sections 279 and 479.

In this case, Advocate Meharban Singh's wife Maya Lodhi had complained to the police, this incident happened in front of their house.

Aishbagh police station in-charge Jitendra Garhwal said, as soon as the information of this case was received, a case has been registered against the accused driver. The body has been sent for post-mortem. The matter is being verified.

While complaining about this case, Maya Lodhi told the police that it was 8.38 am on June 3, I was filling water from the tap outside the house, there, in front of the Bhuteshwar temple, the locality's Jaini (female dog) was sitting, which was named by the people of the locality. She was sitting with her mother, she must be about 6 months old. At that time, the driver of a Swift car MP-04-TB-3694 drove his car very fast and carelessly and hit a girl named Jaini. She got a head injury due to the collision and died on the spot. After which the car driver fled from there with his car. We covered her body and hid it.

Jaini's mother was also sitting with her. Regarding this, Advocate Meherban Singh said that this incident happened on the morning of the 3rd, at the time of the incident, Jaini's mother was also sitting with her, when Dheeraj drove the car carelessly and hit Jaini, her mother ran away from there but Jaini got hit by the car. We have complained about this matter to the Aishbagh police station in-charge. Jaini's post-mortem was done at the veterinary hospital Jahangirabad on June 4 at 10 am.
Congress is struggled to save its lone seat from Chindwara which was finally lost. After the last phase of elections, the exit poll figures came out on June 1, which were almost around 2019. In the last election, BJP got 28 seats while one seat went to the account of Congress.

However, this time Vivek Bunty Sahu give a tough challenge to Congress in its stronghold. Some exit polls had that BJP was getting 29 seats.

MP BJP President Vishnu Dutt Sharma won the Khajuraho Lok Sabha seat by 5,41,229 votes. He defeated Kamlesh Kumar of BSP. Congress did not field its candidate from here under the INDIA alliance and the nomination of Meera Yadav of Samajwadi Party was rejected by the Election Officer on technical grounds. Sharma got 7,72,774 votes, while Kamlesh Kumar of BSP got 2,31,545 votes.

On BJP's victory, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said, 'This entire result is Modi's third big victory against the corrupt, nepotists and the alliance that adopts all kinds of soft tactics. Through which our NDA alliance will take power.'

BJP candidate from Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, VD Sharma, on his victory said, 'The public has once again blessed PM Modi. We have got a historic victory in Madhya Pradesh and Khajuraho. PM Modi is going to become the Prime Minister for the third time in the NDA government. I want to congratulate all the party workers.'

On the election results, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that we have registered a landslide victory. We have secured more than one lakh votes on many seats. Clap for yourself once too. The CM expressed his gratitude to the senior leaders and colleagues of the party.

After winning the election from Vidisha, Shivraj Singh said that Mohan Yadav's government will do good work in MP. Many congratulations to Mohan ji for the victory.

BJP's Dr. Lata Wankhede won from Sagar Lok Sabha seat margin of 471222 votes. Chandra Bhushan Singh Bundela alias Guddu Raja of Congress contested against her.

BJP leader and candidate from Dhar Lok Sabha seat Savitri Thakur said, 'I was confident of my victory from the day I got the ticket to contest the election... I express my gratitude to the BJP workers... The public has blessed me... My priorities are health, education...' According to the latest trends of the Election Commission, she is leading by a margin of 2,18,665 votes.

Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar said on the results, 'The results of the Lok Sabha elections have come and the NDA government will be formed under the leadership of PM Modi. BJP has always won 28 seats in Madhya Pradesh, only one seat was left and BJP has won that seat too. BJP has won 29 seats. I express my gratitude to the voters...'

Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and BJP candidate from Vidisha Lok Sabha seat Shivraj Singh Chauhan was congratulated by party workers and supporters at his residence in Bhopal. During this, the workers expressed their happiness. Voting was held in four phases for 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh. In the first phase, votes were cast on April 19 for six seats - Shahdol, Mandla, Jabalpur, Balaghat, Chhindwara and Sidhi. In the second phase on April 26, voters also cast their votes in six seats - Satna, Damoh, Hoshangabad, Khajuraho, Rewa and Tikamgarh.

In the third phase on May 7, voters exercised their franchise in nine Lok Sabha seats - Betul, Bhind, Bhopal, Guna, Gwalior, Morena, Rajgarh, Sagar and Vidisha. In the fourth phase also, votes were cast on May 13 in Lok Sabha seats - Khargone, Dewas, Mandsaur, Ujjain, Dhar, Khandwa and Indore.

Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and BJP candidate from Vidisha Lok Sabha seat Shivraj Singh Chauhan was congratulated by party workers and supporters at his residence in Bhopal. During this, the workers expressed their happiness

In Bhopal, BJP candidate Alok Sharma has won by 5 lakh 1499 votes. He got 9 lakh 81 thousand 109 votes. While Congress candidate Arun Srivastava got 4 lakh 79 thousand 610 votes. NOTA got 6629 votes. 14 lakh 91 thousand 664 votes were counted including all the candidates. A total of 22 candidates were in the fray from Bhopal Lok Sabha seat.

Counting of votes started at 8 am in the old jail in Bhopal. First of all, postal ballots were counted. After this, counting of EVMs started.

Bhopal North had the least number of rounds i.e. 16. While 20 rounds were counted in Govindpura. Similarly, 17-17 rounds were counted in Narela, Bhopal South-West, 18-18 in Bairasia and Central, 19 rounds were counted in Huzur.

BJP candidate Alok Sharma got 1 lakh 14 thousand 627 more votes this time compared to the last election 2019. Then the BJP got 8 lakh 66 thousand 482 votes, and the margin of victory was 3 lakh 64 thousand 822. This time in 2024, the margin of victory was 5 lakh 1499. That is, the margin of victory this time was also 1 lakh 36 thousand 822 more than the last election.

Congress candidate Arun Srivastava has got 22058 votes less this time as compared to the last election 2019. Then the Congress got 5 lakh 1660 votes, and the margin of defeat was 3 lakh 64 thousand 822.

District Returning Officer Kaushalendra Vikram Singh handing over the certificate of victory to the new MP Alok Sharma. On this occasion, Minister Vishwas Sarang, MLA Rameshwar Sharma, Vishnu Khatri, BJP District President Sumit Pachauri, Mayor Malti Rai were present.

After the victory, Alok Sharma said - I will serve the people of Bhopal by destroying the waste of Union Carbide. I will request all the workers that the Prime Minister has asked for 25 years for the development of the country.

Bhopal Collector and District Returning Officer Kaushalendra Vikram Singh announced the victory of the winning candidate Alok Sharma.

At the state BJP office, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav congratulated Alok Sharma on his big victory from Bhopal seat.

At the state BJP office, former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan hugged Alok Sharma and congratulated him on his victory.

BJP leaders gathered at the state BJP office in the evening. During this, Minister Krishna Gaur reached drenched in the rain.

After the completion of 20 rounds of counting, candidate Alok Sharma reached the BJP office. During this, he showed the victory sign.

In the evening, celebrations began with drums and music in the BJP office in Bhopal.

Voting was held in four phases for 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh. In the first phase, votes were cast on April 19 for six seats - Shahdol, Mandla, Jabalpur, Balaghat, Chhindwara and Sidhi.

On April 26 it was the second phase for the voters also cast to caste votes for six seats parliamentary constituencies Satna, Damoh, Hoshangabad, Khajuraho, Rewa and Tikamgarh.

The third phase on May 7 was for nine Lok Sabha seats Betul, Bhind, Bhopal, Guna, Gwalior, Morena, Rajgarh, Sagar and Vidisha.

Fourth and the final phase was on May 13 in Lok Sabha seats Khargone, Dewas, Mandsaur, Ujjain, Dhar, Khandwa and Indore.
The BJP candidate Praveen Khandelwal from Chandni Chowk has avenged the defeat of his uncle by defeating the joint Congress and INDIA alliance candidate JP Agarwal from the Chandni Chowk seat on Tuesday with a margin of about 90,000 votes. The founder and General Secretary of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), claiming to represent around eight crore small business owners in the country, secured a win by over 5.16 lakhs votes against the five time Congress MP.

While in the early trends, the poll debutante seemed to trail behind the Congress veteran, he defeated the two time MP from Chandni Chowk, taking revenge of his uncle Satish Khandelwals defeat in 1989. Khandelwal replaced the two time MP and Union Minister Harsh Vardhan from the seat and claimed a victory for the party. The businessman collected his certificate of win at around 7 pm in the evening by the election commission. Celebrations broke out after he secured his winning certificate, with the party workers and supporters dancing and showering flower petals on Khandelwal. His supporters rejoiced and celebrated the victory amid dhol's beating. The people of Delhi have shown that the heart of the nation beats for PM Modi and that they do not trust Kejriwal's manipulative politics and false promises and no trust worthy Congress. All seven seats in Delhi have gone to the BJP, indicating that people have once again reposed their faith in Modi's guarantee of development, said Khandelwal.

A total of 25 candidates fought from the seat known for its historic buildings and traders markets. A total of four candidates fought independently on the seat and over 5,000 votes were casted by the voters to None of the above (NOTA) button on the polling day on May 25.
Vijay Utsav was celebrated in the state BJP office on the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha elections across the country including Madhya Pradesh. Senior leadership including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, BJP State President and MP Vishnudutt Sharma, former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and State Organizational General Secretary Hitanand congratulated the party workers and expressed gratitude to the public.

Addressing the workers, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that NDA government is going to be formed for the third time under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Narendra Modi is going to create history by becoming the Prime Minister for the third time. This success is actually a manifestation of the immense love and blessings of the people of the state, which they have been continuously showering on the Bharatiya Janata Party.

BJP State President and Khajuraho MP Vishnudutt Sharma said that it is a matter of pride for all of us workers that BJP has created history by winning all the 29 seats of the state. The voters of the state have once again made the slogan of Modi come true in the minds of MP. Modi being elected Prime Minister for the third consecutive time is an unprecedented moment. Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that BJP had won 28 seats in 2019 as well, it was an oath on Chhindwara, today by winning Chhindwara, BJP has created history in the state.

People generously blessed BJP Mohan Yadav Addressing the workers, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that the people have generously blessed BJP in this election. In Indore, our candidate Shankar Lalwani has won by more than 11 lakh, 11 thousand votes. Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has won by more than 8 lakh 21 thousand votes.

State President Shri Vishnudutt Sharma ji is winning by more than 5 lakh 41 thousand votes. He said that out of 29 seats, our candidates have won by more than 1 lakh votes on 25 seats. Out of the remaining 4 seats, our candidates have won by more than 50 thousand votes on 3 seats. *This time's victory is more massive than 2019*Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that this time's victory is different in many ways compared to 2019. Probably for the first time since independence, we have won in Chhindwara in the main election. Congress national level leaders like Digvijay Singh, who has been the Chief Minister and State President of the state twice, have been defeated in this election. In the last election, the public had settled accounts with him from Bhopal and this time they took him to his home and left him there. Last time we had won by one lakh votes in Jhabua-Ratlam, this time the public defeated Kantilal Bhuria by more than two lakh votes. Similarly, Kulaste ji has won a big victory in Mandla too. We have won bigger than last time in seats like Indore, Khajuraho, Vidisha, Mandsaur, Dewas, Ujjain, Betul, Damoh, Tikamgarh, Sagar, Bhind, Guna. *This is the first time in the country when a non-Congress government is being formed for the third time*Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that this is the first time in the country when a non-Congress government is being repeated for the third time. Before this, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister for 17 years. After him, Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister for 15 years, 364 days. Now our popular leader Shri Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister for the third time. He said that the public has shown faith in the BJP by listening to it and we will form a full majority government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. We will fulfill the pledge we have taken to serve the people and will work to increase India's prestige in the world.*Our fight is against the nepotism of Congress*Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that I just saw the press conference of Congress, in which National President Kharge ji took only three names. Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Maybe he was stopped from taking a fourth name. He said that in this election, our fight was against this nepotism of Congress and its allies. He said that the Congress people accuse the BJP of changing the Constitution, but they should tell who removed the original Constitution made by Dr. Ambedkar which had the picture of Shri Ram Darbar on the page? Similar issues were debated during the Lok Sabha elections, in which the public expressed faith in the BJP and defeated the Congress. Our workers responded to the arrogance and bragging of the Congress. For this, I express my gratitude and thank all the BJP workers and the people of the country and the state.*The public has told that Modi is in the mind of MP - Shri Vishnudutt Sharma*The State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Khajuraho MP Shri Vishnudutt Sharma said that the government is going to be formed under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, under the guidance of BJP National President Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda ji, efficient organization of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji and the tireless hard work of the workers of Madhya Pradesh, the BJP has got a historic victory on all 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh. The tireless hard work of the Devtul workers of the state for the victory and the trust that Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav ji has won from the people of the state in a short time is a huge contribution. History is going to be made again in the country today. The people of the country and the state have voted to make Shri Narendra Modi the Prime Minister for the third time.*Madhya Pradesh created history by working with team spirit*BJP State President Shri Vishnudutt Sharma said that the assembly elections
Celebrations erupted at BJP headquarters in the national capital as party workers and supporters sounded 'shankha', rejoiced to 'dhol' beats and chanted Modi slogans as the BJP candidates won on all seven seats of Delhi. Saffron themed Kaju and pista barfi were distributed among all for securing a consecutive third term in the national capital

Beaming with joy, party supporters were seen offering veneration to a huge cut-out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Clad in saffron attire and turban and carrying flags and posters bearing Lord Ram's image, supporters danced to dhol beat in anticipation of good omens.

Reacting to the news of winning all the seats, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said, For the third consecutive time, NDA will form a government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government is going to be formed and the country, especially Delhi, has voted on the development policies of the Modi government. The people of Delhi have created an unprecedented history by giving BJP 7-0 victory to BJP for the third consecutive time.

Party workers burst crackers and waved party flags in a euphoric celebration at the BJP Delhi office at Pandit Pant Marg. Claiming that people have rejected the INDIA alliance, he stated, From 1952 till date, Delhi has never made the same party win in three consecutive Lok Sabha elections, but today Delhi has expressed confidence in the Modi government and made BJP win for the third time. The people of Delhi have completely rejected the corruption of Arvind Kejriwal and AAP in this election. Despite millions of efforts and spreading the illusion of the AAP, not only the people of Delhi but also the people of Punjab have completely rejected the Kejriwal Party.Delhi State Lok Sabha Election Incharge Om Prakash Dhankar expressed his gratitude to the voters of Delhi. The people of Delhi have once again expressed their faith in the strong leadership of Modiji to strengthen the country.

Congratulations to the party workers for working hard day and night. Congratulations to all, he said.

Despite AAP and Congress fighting the Lok Sabha 2024 election together in an alliance in the national capital, with the former contesting on four seats and the latter fielding candidates from three seats, its candidate failed to secure a single seat.
In the wake of a stunning setback in the recent

Lok Sabha elections, the core leadership of the

Bharatiya Janata Party held an emergency

meeting at the residence of Uttar Pradesh Chief

Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The meeting, attended by Deputy Chief

Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh

Pathak, along with BJP state president

Bhupendra Chaudhary, sought to address the

party's electoral setback.

The BJP, in coalition with its allies, suffered a

significant blow, managing to secure only 39

Lok Sabha seats against the 64 it won last time.

This marked a stark decline from its previous

performance, as the party and its allies lost 25

seats in the elections.

"The meeting underscored the urgency for

introspection within the BJP ranks, with leaders

grappling to analyse the root causes of their

electoral setback. The discussions centred on

reassessing the party's strategies and rectifying

the shortcomings in its organisational

machinery," a senior leader told this reporter.

The defeat in the Lok Sabha elections has sent

shock waves across the BJP leadership,

prompting a concerted effort to regroup and

recalibrate their approach ahead of future

electoral battles. As the party navigates through

this period of introspection, the focus remains on

revitalising its grassroots machinery and

rekindling the trust of the electorate.

"The outcome of the emergency meeting signals

the beginning of a critical phase for the BJP in

Uttar Pradesh, as it seeks to reclaim lost ground

and rejuvenate its electoral prospects in the

state," the leader said.

Former Congress leader Pramod Krishnam

openly blamed the BJP's organisational

deficiencies for the defeat. In a statement

Krishnam criticised the party workers for their

failure to mobilise voters effectively and ensure

their turnout at the polling booths.
In a major jolt to BJP and especially party chief Babulal Marandi the party lost all five tribal reserved seats-- Khunti, Singhbhum, Lohardaga, Rajmahal and Dumka. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP lost two seats-Rajmahal and Singhbhum and retained the Khunti seat with a slender margin.

While the Congress won the Khunti, Lohardaga seats, the JMM despite its biggest star campaigner and former chief minister Hemant Soren in jail the party won three seatsRajmahal, Dumka and Singhbhum seats.

Till filling of report, in Khunti, Union minister and sitting MP Arjun Munda was trailing to Congress's Kalicharan Munda by around 1.09 lakh votes, according to the Election Commission. Likewise, in Lohardaga, Sukhdeo Bhagat of Congress was leading by 49,584 votes. In Singhbhum, JMM's Joba Manjhi was leading by 80,393 votes over her nearest rival Geeta Kora of the BJP after the seventh round of counting, officials said.

Kora, wife of former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda, joined the BJP just ahead of Lok Sabha polls. She was the lone Congress MP in the state.

JMM's Vijay Hansdak was leading by 41,684 votes over BJP's Tala Marandi in Rajmahal (ST) seat.

In Dumka, BJP's Sita Soren who was leading earlier over JMM's Nalin Soren is now trailing by 3,902 votes in a tight contest. Sita, a three-time JMM legislator, too joined BJP just ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

The results is setback to BJP and its leadership in State as two tribal leaders Babulal Marandi and union minister Arjun Munda fails to convince tribals of state.

Political watchers attributed this backlash from the tribals to various reasons. First, the BJP could not effectively counter the Opposition narrative set during the Raghubar Das regime that the party would change the CNT (Chotanagpur Tenancy) Act and remove the shield which protected their land. They continued to see the BJP with the suspicion that they would lose their land once the saffron party came into power.

The BJP workers, who could have countered this narrative, were not enthusiastic and galvanised at the grassroots level. Second, the BJPs charge that the JMM and the Congress leaders are thoroughly corrupt also apparently did not convince the tribal voters. Who is not corrupt? They often retorted.

A massive campaign was done in these seats by INDIA Bloc leaders including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Kalpana Soren, wife of jailed former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren who is credited with infusing a new life in JMM.

Insiders say that infighting within the BJP also played spoilsport for the party. In 2019, NDA won 12 seats in the state while Congress and JMM claimed one seat each.

There was also a lack of communication between the state level election managers and the ground level workers. The consequences of this had to be borne. In most of the Lok Sabha constituencies, the people appointed by the BJP as election in-charges were such people who had never contested any election. In the cities, the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi worked but in the rural areas, the BJP could not find a solution to the tribal and Muslim equation of JMM-Congress.




INDIA bloc candidate and two-time Congress MP Manish Tewari won the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday after defeating his nearest rival Sanjay Tandon of the BJP by a slender margin of 2,504 votes, according to the Election Commission. The Congress fought the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat in an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Tewari is a former Union Minister who earlier represented the Ludhiana and Anandpur Sahib parliamentary seats in Punjab. Defeated BJP candidate Sanjay Tandon expressed his gratitude towards Chandigarh voters for showing their faith in him by giving their valuable vote. He thanked his partys leaders and activists for their unwavering support and valuable contribution. Tandon said that he will keep serving city people selflessly, which he has been doing for the last over two decades.
Having failed to win even a single seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party has been dealt a severe blow to its reputation of representing the voice of Dalits in the state.

In the 2019 polls, the BSP had worked out an alliance with Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party, the two won 10 seats.

This time round, the BSP chief faced an uphill task as she not only announced to go solo in the 2024 polls, but also some of her MPs either drifted away or showed signs of it. Besides, the political opponents also branded Mayawatis party as the B team of the saffron party based on the public stand taken by her on various issues. In the recent Rajya Sabha elections, her lone MLA Uma Shankar Singh had voted for the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The fact that she fielded candidates on caste-sensitive seats brought in charges of her party acting as a vote katuwa for INDIA bloc candidates.

On at least half a dozen seats, Muslim candidates fielded by the BSP got more votes then the victory margin of the BJP candidates, defeating INDIA bloc candidates. In Aonla, BSP candidate Abid Ali got about 90,000 votes while the victory margin was under 5,000 votes. Similarly in Amroha, Congress candidate lost by less than 3,000 votes as BSP candidate Mujahid Hussain garnered about 1.15 lakh votes.

In Budaun, Samajwadi Party candidate Aditya Yadav was struggling to win the seat with BSP candidate Muslim Khan getting over 60,000 votes. Yadav finally won. In Ambedkar Nagar also, though BJP lost to SP, BSP candidate Qamar Hayat got over 1.7 lakh votes.

Another big factor which went against the BSP was the removal of Akash Anand as coordinator midway and restrictions on directly attacking the NDA government.

Earlier this month, the SP had announced Afzal Ansari, BSP MP from Ghazipur, as its candidate from the seat for the Lok Sabha polls.

Danish Ali, BSP MP from Amroha, was suspended last year by Mayawati for speaking in favour of Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.

Having now been wiped out from the crucial state, it remains to be seen how the BSP supremo starts afresh on a clean slate.
The political landscape of Uttar Pradesh has

undergone a dramatic transformation as recent

election results reveal a significant setback for

the Bharatiya Janata Party and revival of

Congress.

Despite the heightened religious fervour

following the consecration of the Ram temple in

Ayodhya in January 2024, the BJP failed to

secure a victory, reminiscent of its loss in the

1993 elections.

Congress candidate from Allahabad, Ujjawal

Raman Singh, who won the election from

Allahabad, told this reporter: "UP ne to sara

game hi badal diya (UP has changed the whole

game)."

Historical Parallels: 1992 and 2024

On December 6, 1992, the Babri mosque was

demolished, an event that triggered widespread

communal unrest and led to the fall of Kalyan

Singh's government in UP. The atmosphere

across the state was charged with religious

sentiment, and the BJP was seen as the saviour

of Hindutva. However, in the subsequent 1993

elections, despite the prevailing Ram wave, the

BJP was defeated by the combined force of the

Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party,

marking a significant political shift. Mulayam

Singh Yadav was the chief minister.

Fast forward to 2024, and history seems to have

repeated itself. The consecration of the Ram

temple on January 22, 2024, once again stirred a

wave of religious fervour across UP. Yet, four

months later, the election results did not favour

the BJP.

The BJP lost in Ayodhya, the city Modi

transformed into a modern city by building

airports and improving infrastructure. Arun

Govil, the man who played the role of Lord Ram

in tele serial Ramayana, lost his election in

Meerut. Kalyan Singh's son Rajveer Singh too

lost from Etah.

"In this election, it seems Lord Ram has deserted

the BJP," chuckled Rajendra Chaudhary, the SP

spokesman.

"BJP should know that it cannot get votes by

chanting Ram Ram. You need to perform," he

said.

"The party was aspiring for '400 paar', but has

failed to cross even the 300-mark," he said.

The mayhem of ballots did not spare ministers in

the Narendra Modi government as five of them,

namely Smriti Irani (Amethi), Mahendra Pandey

(Chandauli), Kaushal Kishore (Mohanlalganj),

Sanjiv Balyan (Muzaffarnagar) and Ajay Mishra

Teni (Kheri) lost elections. Maneka Gandhi too

lost from Sultanpur.

Major winners include Prime Minister Narendra

Modi (Varanasi), Rahul Gandhi (Rae Bareli),

Hema Malini (Mathura) and Rajnath Singh

(Lucknow).

The National Democratic Alliance led by the

BJP was leading in only 39 constituencies, while

the INDIA bloc, a Congress-led alliance, had

secured 40 seats, with others leading in one seat.

This is a stark contrast to the 2019 results, where

the NDA had won 64 seats, the BSP 10, the SP

five and Congress one.

Political analysts suggest that, similar to 1993,

voters in UP once again cast their ballots along

caste lines rather than on the Ram mandir issue.

The BJP's ambitious slogan, 'Ab ki baar 400

paar' appears to have backfired, as it fueled

concerns about potential constitutional changes

under a robust BJP victory. The Congress

capitalised on these fears, leading to a

significant surge in their support

"The way Bahujan Samaj Party's core voters got

scattered, it is very clear that Dalits this time

voted for the INDIA bloc," commented Preetam

Srivastava, a political analyst.

In 2019, the BJP achieved its highest-ever vote

share, winning 62 seats with many MPs securing

over 50 per cent of the votes polled. However, in

the 2024 elections, the party witnessed an

unexpected decline in vote percentage. Despite

BJP's historical dominance in UP, having

emerged as the largest party in 1991, 1996 and

1998, this election marked a notable departure

from its previous successes.

The BJP-led alliance in UP included the

Rashtriya Lok Dal, Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj

Party, and NISHAD Party. The INDIA bloc

comprised Congress, Samajwadi Party, and

other influential parties, while the Bahujan

Samaj Party contested the election

independently.


Hamas delegation to reach Cairo today for discussion on ceasefire proposal A top delegation of Hamas leadership will reach Cairo on Tuesday to enter into discussions on the proposal of Israel regarding a ceasefire. Israel, at the behest of the US, has agreed to a three-stage ceasefire proposal with Egyptian and Qatar mediators pushing the proposal to Hamas.



The Israel side has agreed to a permanent ceasefire after the first round of release of hostages in exchange of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.



The political head of Hamas, Ismael Haniyeh, will be leading the delegation and will enter into discussions with Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and the Egyptian intelligence head Major General Abbas Kamal.



The Hamas leadership had welcomed the earlier statement of US President Joe Biden outlining Israel's offer for a permanent ceasefire.



On October 7, Hamas attacked Israel, killed 1,200 people and took 250 people hostages in the Gaza region, after which the latter launched a counter-offensive.




NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said the INDIA alliance leaders will meet in Delhi on Wednesday to decide the future course of action while also stating that the opposition bloc was not likely to form the government.

Speaking at a press conference here as the trends indicated the BJP might not achieve majority on its own in the Lok Sabha polls, Pawar said he had not spoken to JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar or TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, contrary to media reports.

"I spoke to Mallikarjun Kharge and Sitaram Yechury. The INDIA alliance meeting is likely to be held in Delhi tomorrow. Final decision is expected to be taken by this evening. Accordingly, I will be in Delhi," Pawar said. To a question who would be the next prime minister, Pawar said, "We have not given it a thought.

"I am not sure if the INDIA alliance can form government. We will meet tomorrow and take a decision unanimously on the future course of action," he said. The results in Uttar Pradesh had given a new direction to the INDIA alliance, he said, noting that even where the BJP was winning, its victory margins were narrow, compared to the last time. He also expressed satisfaction with his own party's performance, saying it contested ten seats and was ahead in seven.
The BJP-led NDA on Tuesday was ahead with leads in 227 parliamentary seats out of 392 for which trends were available, with opposition INDIA bloc ahead in at least 137, Election Commission data showed.

BJP alone was leading on 187 seats and won Surat uncontested, while Congress was ahead in 70 seats at 9:45 am.

Union Minister Smriti Irani was trailing in Amethi and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi in Sultanpur. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was leading with a slender margin in Nagpur.

Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections has begun across states and Union Territories, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said.

According to the Conduct of Election Rules, postal ballots were taken up for counting first and the process of counting of votes recorded in electronic voting machines (EVMs) began 30 minutes later.

The process of counting votes cast through postal ballots and EVMs will continue simultaneously.

While the Lok Sabha has 543 members, counting is being held for 542 seats after the BJP's Surat candidate Mukesh Dalal was elected unopposed.

Counting of votes is also underway for the assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, where polling was held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections.

Elections to the assemblies of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim were also held alongside the Lok Sabha polls. The results of these elections were declared on June 2.

Since 2019, VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail) slips from five randomly selected polling stations per assembly constituency -- or segment in case of Lok Sabha seats -- are matched with the EVM count for greater transparency.
The BJP-led NDA was leading in a majority of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, according to trends available by the Election Commission around noon.

The JD(U) headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who returned to the NDA barely five months ago, was ahead of rivals in 14 out of 16 seats it had contested.

The BJP, which had contested 17 seats, was leading in 11, while junior ally Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) was ahead in all the five in its kitty, including Hajipur, where its president Chirag Paswan had established a lead of about 24,000 votes.

The RJD, which had suffered decimation in the last general elections, was leading in five seats, out of 23 where it had fielded candidates.

Party supremo Lalu Prasad's eldest daughter Misa Bharti was leading by over 33,000 votes in Pataliputra but her younger sister Rohini Acharya was trailing in Saran.

The CPI(ML) Liberation, which had contested only three seats, was leading in two of these, Arrah and Karakat.

In Arrah, Union Minister and two-term BJP MP RK Singh was trailing while in Karakat, Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh was a distant third.

The Congress was leading in the reserved Sasaram seat, but trailing the JD(U) in Kishanganj, the only Bihar constituency it won five years ago.

Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, an NDA ally who heads Hindustani Awam Morcha, had established an almost unassailable lead of nearly 64,000 votes in Gaya.

The CPI, which contested only one seat, was neck and neck in Begusarai with Union minister and BJP MP Giriraj Singh.
Alameda County officials warned the public about a real estate scam in which someone attempted to bilk a real estate agent out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Andrew Brookes/Getty Image

Alameda County prosecutors warned the public Tuesday about a real estate scam in which a real estate agent was nearly bilked out of hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to buy a vacant lot from a scammer pretending to be the property owner.

The swindler called the real estate agent, claiming he was dying of cancer at a treatment facility in Texas and needed to sell the lot in an Oakland residential neighborhood as soon as possible to spare his wife, according to the district attorneys office.

The fraudster offered the lot, valued at $1.1 million, at the enticing price of $560,000, the office said in a statement.

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The deal was handled over the phone and via email in January and February, the DAs office said. But it was thwarted when the escrow officer researched the property and contacted the actual owner, who denied any intent to sell the lot, according to the district attorneys office.

The scheme is similar to fraud carried out in other states, and prosecutors forwarded the case to the FBI for further investigation, the office said.

If you own vacant land in Alameda County, please be aware of this scam and keep an eye on the title of your property, District Attorney Pamela Price said in a statement.

To file a claim, visit the offices Real Estate Fraud Unit website or call 510-383-8600.
An image from a remote wildfire camera shows the fire burning Monday afternoon near Patterson Pass and Midway roads in the Altamont area of Alameda County. ALERT California

Firefighters were battling a 96-acre wildfire in eastern Alameda County on Monday, several miles from the wind-fueled Corral Fire that broke out near Tracy over the weekend.

The Patterson Fire erupted near Patterson Pass and North Midway roads in Altamont, an unincorporated portion of Alameda County, Cal Fire said shortly before 5 p.m. Monday. Winds around 30 mph were buffeting the area Monday afternoon.

The fire, which was 90% contained by Tuesday afternoon, was burning 7 miles northwest of the origin point of the Corral Fire, which torched more than 14,000 acres and was 90% contained as of Monday night.

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Officers had blocked several routes near the fire, including Patterson Pass Road, Midway Road and South Flynn Road, the California Highway Patrols Dublin office said on X.
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The Public Employment Relations Board decided for the second time not to enjoin a UC-wide strike by graduate student-workers over free speech issues related to pro-Palestinian campus protests. Justin Sullivan/TNS

A state labor relations board declined on Monday to halt the growing strike by graduate student workers at many University of California campuses related to pro-Palestinian protests, all but ensuring the disruptions will continue through the end of the school year.

The Public Employment Relations Board found that the university, which has argued the strike is unlawful, had not met the legal grounds necessary to halt the strike. It was the second time it had declined the universitys motion to end the walkout.

The labor action is the latest fallout stemming from robust pro-Palestinian protests on many UC campuses. United Auto Workers Local 4811, which represents some 48,000 graduate students and academic workers across the UC system, said that discipline given out by the school system to some of its workers for engaging in the protests, as well as arrests by police, had infringed upon their free-speech rights.

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Graduate students at five UC campuses  Santa Cruz, Davis, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego  are now striking, with plans for one more, Irvine, to join this week.

The university system argued that the strike is resulting in significant disruptions on campus that were harming students, faculty and staff. It has also argued that UAW members or those operating for the UAW have engaged in unlawful and dangerous activities such as striking a police officer with a UAW sign, occupying an academic building at UCLA and blocking roadways.

Campuses on the quarter system, such as UC Santa Cruz and UCLA, have two more weeks of school before the summer session, while those that use semesters, such as Berkeley, are done.

Graduate students at five UC campuses  Santa Cruz, Davis, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego  are now striking, with plans for one more, Irvine, to join this week. Mario Tama/Getty Images

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, Melissa Matella, an associate vice president at the university, said in a statement.

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The UC said it will file a breach of contract action against UAW in state court as a next step.

Both sides have accused the other of committing unfair labor practices.

Its heartening to see that PERB has once again upheld the law, said Rafael Jaime, a doctorate student at UCLA and 4811s president. 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, and now UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine and UC San Diego are walking out.
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Raymond Whitall figured the technology could help him. It was September 2017, and the 58-year-old prisoner at Salinas Valley State Prison in Monterey County had accused guards of beating him without justification months earlier as he lay on the floor of the prisons gym.

The guards said Whitall  who suffered from a chronic disease that affected his hearing and balance  had swung his cane, hitting one of their hands, and that three of them had to physically subdue him. But a prison investigator determined that Whitalls injuries could not be explained by the guards account.

Then Whitall agreed to take an exam called a Computer Voice Stress Analyzer, or CVSA, that promised to analyze inaudible tremors in his voice and tell trained staff at the prison whether he was telling the truth. No one told Whitall that the device was junk science  no more accurate at lie detection than a coin flip, according to a litany of research and, at one point, its own inventor.

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When Whitalls vocal pattern indicated deception, the prison threw out his complaint.

For decades, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation used a pseudoscientific technology to assess prisoners credibility during investigations, even after researchers debunked the CVSA and after its manufacturer, NITV Federal Services, admitted that it was not capable of detecting lies, a Chronicle investigation has found.

Additionally, the newspaper identified 13 other law enforcement agencies around California  including the Berkeley Police Department, the Alameda County Sheriffs Office and the California Highway Patrol  that have used the CVSA to interview prospective officers as part of their hiring processes.

Three of those agencies have also used it in criminal investigations.

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NITV Federal Services offers dozens of courses to law enforcement agencies each year and has sold its machines and training sessions to thousands of departments, billing the CVSA as a cheaper alternative to the polygraph test  another controversial lie-detector technology. Collectively, these California agencies have spent at least hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on the CVSA since 2020, the Chronicle found.

Mary Xjimenez, a corrections department spokesperson, did not respond to reporters emailed questions about Whitalls case. She said, CVSA has not been used by CDCR to discredit an employee or incarcerated person. Nevertheless, after months of questions from the Chronicle, Xjimenez said the agency was moving forward with regulations to end the use of CVSA across offices and institutions.

Berkeley Director of Police Accountability Hansel Alejandro Aguilar, who provides oversight of the citys police department, said in an email that, given the concerns about CVSAs scientific validity, the tool should be re-evaluated to ensure that it meets rigorous standards of accuracy and effectiveness. He added that his office would recommend a review of the police departments policy if warranted.

The Chronicles reporting reveals through documents and interviews that law enforcement agencies use of the CVSA survived years of red flags raised about the tools effectiveness and fairness, including lawsuits and letters submitted to prison officials by a prominent civil rights law firm.

In recent years, law enforcements use of scientific-sounding technologies that arent supported by research has come under scrutiny. Judges and attorneys have asked federal officials to ban the use of 911 call analysis, an unverified system professing to use a persons speech patterns to determine whether they committed the crime theyre calling about. And a recent federal study found that blood spatter analysis, a method of using bloodstain patterns to determine how a crime unfolded, regularly produces erroneous findings, with analysts often reaching opposing conclusions when examining the same bloodstains.

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Prison officials did not respond to the Chronicles inquiries about when the department began using the CVSA and how many prisoners have submitted to the exam. Regardless, the newspaper identified at least five prisons  Salinas Valley, High Desert State Prison in Lassen County, California State Prison in Los Angeles County, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in Marin County and Central California Womens Facility in Madera County  that used the tool as far back as 2005.

Whitall, now 65, is suing Salinas Valley, where he remains incarcerated, as well as the guards he accused of beating him up. The prisoner spent four months in solitary confinement, he said, while prison staff faced no consequences. His civil trial is scheduled to begin in August.

Nobody got punished, Whitall told the Chronicle. They said I did what I did, and that the officers were right, and thats it. But I believe some justice will be done pretty soon.

Raymond Whitall, then 58, sits in a wheelchair in February 2017 after guards used force against him in the Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad (Monterey County). Whitall had accused guards of beating him without justification, but after he took a Computer Voice Stress Analyzer test, the prison said his results deemed him deceptive and threw out his complaint. The analyzer has been debunked as being no more accurate than a coin flip at detecting lies. Courtesy of Fenwick & West/California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Not capable of lie detection

The CVSA purportedly works by measuring inaudible changes to a persons speech patterns. According to an early 2000s training manual obtained by the Chronicle, a persons vocal cords are subject to physiological tremors that diminish when they are stressed. Thus, a stressed persons speech patterns would have a different frequency, and a different shape when plotted on a graph, than an unstressed person.

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Once used by U.S. military officials to interrogate terrorism suspects, the CVSA was abandoned by the Pentagon in the mid-2000s over concerns about its reliability, according to a 2006 ABC News investigation.

Numerous reports, including a 2008 study funded by the National Institute of Justice, the research arm of the U.S. Justice Department, have found the tool is no better than chance at detecting lies. In 2007, speech sound experts in Sweden observed that no studies have confirmed the human voice produces the microtremors that the CVSA supposedly measures.

CVSA results are generally not admissible in court, according to a series of federal rulings. Starting in 1923, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that lie-detector exams and other experimental investigative tools must be backed by demonstrable scientific evidence and have gained general acceptance before their findings can be introduced as evidence. In a 1976 decision by a Maryland appeals court, justices ruled that a Psychological Stress Evaluation, an early iteration of a voice-stress test, was not admissible. A lie detector test by any other name is still a lie detector test, the justices determined.

In 1998, the Supreme Court specifically barred lie detector exam results.

A few years later, in 2002, the technologys parent company, NITV Federal Services, acknowledged in a court filing related to a San Diego homicide case that the CVSA was ineffective at separating fact from fiction. Three men had alleged police used the tool to interrogate them for hours until they falsely confessed to murdering a 12-year-old girl.

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In his sworn declaration, David Hughes, executive director of the company then known as the National Institute for Truth Verification, wrote, the CVSA is not capable of lie detection. He continued, NITV cautions all examiners and purchasers of the product that the CVSA should only be used as an investigative device to measure what he called brain stress activity.

Reached for comment in March, NITV Federal Services claimed the science behind the tool was sound, and that research debunking it was part of a broad effort to discredit the CVSA by the polygraph industry.

It seems quite surprising, actually silly, that for an instrument that is no better than chance, over 3,000 accredited law enforcement agencies now depend on the CVSA for their truth verification needs, a company spokesperson told the Chronicle. Why are they so afraid of it? Its just another investigative tool to help guide investigations.

The company did not respond to the Chronicles request for a list of its clients. On its website, however, NITV states that more than 2,700 law enforcement agencies across the country use the CVSA, including 270 in California. In addition, the company lists almost 400 other agencies that use its technology, including fire departments, jails and even airlines. The company says that officials in New Zealand, Nigeria and Pakistan also use the tool.

Xjimenez said the state prison agency had significantly narrowed its use of the CVSA in recent years and no longer employs it to assess allegations of guard abuse. Still, the department has declined to revisit past complaints like Whitalls, and has continued to use the CVSA to assist in determining an incarcerated persons truthfulness during a threat assessment, an investigation triggered by a possible threat made against prison staff, Xjimenez said.

Embraced by California police

The Chronicle identified 26 additional California law enforcement agencies that referenced using the CVSA in job listings or in other materials. Five of the agencies did not respond to a reporters repeated interview requests. Seven said they no longer use the tool or had never used it.

Ten agencies said they use the CVSA only to interview prospective officers as part of the hiring process. Law enforcement agencies that operate in the Bay Area, including the Berkeley Police Department, the Alameda County Sheriffs Office and the California Highway Patrol, confirmed they use CVSA. But when the Chronicle asked for additional details about their use, they did not provide them.

The California Department of Justices law enforcement division uses the CVSA for hiring purposes during the background process for Special Agent candidates, a spokesperson for the attorney generals office said. The CVSA is not used during investigations.

A spokesperson for the Tulare County Probation Department said, We have not seen any recent research on the accuracy of the CVSA. She added that results from CVSA exams are never used to approve or disqualify a candidate.

A representative for the California State Parks Department also said it has never used deceptive findings to eliminate a peace officer candidate from its job pool.

The Vacaville Police Department also uses the CVSA when hiring officers. Asked about studies debunking CVSA, Sgt. Robert Myers, a detective for the police department, said: Im aware. He continued: Theres experts for both sides, for and against it.

Two agencies  the Kings County District Attorneys Office and the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office  said they use the technology for criminal investigations, though when asked by reporters for specific cases and details, neither agency provided them. A third, the Fresno Police Department, said its investigators have used the device during criminal investigations in the past, but could not recall a time its officers had done so in at least two years.

One agency, the Monterey County Sheriffs Office, hosted a CVSA training course this year, according to NITV, and the department said it plans to implement the technology in the future. The agency did not respond to a reporters repeated requests for more information.

Criminal psychology experts said that any use of the CVSA was inadvisable because the tool was not only ineffective and inadmissible in court, but could be used to pressure prisoners into making false confessions.

It has no grounding in science whatsoever, said Maria Hartwig, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City and an expert on the psychology of deception. Its pure bulls, in the technological and philosophical sense.

Hartwig called the prison departments use of the CVSA entirely inconsistent with a commitment to actual fact-finding.

Richard Leo, a University of San Francisco professor of law and psychology and expert on false confessions, called law enforcement use of CVSA professional malpractice.

Its like saying a ouija board or an astrological chart is an investigative tool, said Leo, who wrote about the CVSA in his book, Police Interrogation and American Justice. Leo said he praised the state prison system for abandoning the technology.

Old pseudoscience

The website for NITV Federal Services links to 10 studies or study summaries that the company claims underpin the scientific validity of the CVSA. But the majority of these studies are either decades old, dont directly test the CVSAs reliability as a lie detector or have not undergone peer review, considered an essential part of the scientific process that lets experts in a given field filter out poor quality research.

The website references a 2012 study purporting to verify the effectiveness of CVSA and billed as the first peer reviewed study on the device. But it was co-authored by James Chapman, then the director of the National Association of Computer Voice Stress Analysts, an arm of NITV.

NITV claimed the study was published in a journal called Criminalistics and Court Expertise. While there is no English-language journal by that name, the studys other co-author, Marigo Stathis, provided the Chronicle with a link to an obscure journal published by Ukraines Ministry of Justice with a title that translates to Criminalistics and Forensics. Stathis also sent a PDF copy of the edition that published their study; at the time the journals title translated to Criminology and Court Expertise.

NITV Federal Services did not respond to Chronicle reporters questions about these studies or the journal.

The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST, a government agency that sets statewide training and standards for law enforcement, says on its website that police officer candidates may be subject to voice stress analysis to verify the truthfulness of information during the hiring process.

Katie Strickland, a spokesperson for POST, said the organization has no authority to encourage or dissuade law enforcement agencies from using the CVSA. The hiring authority and discretion falls to the individual agencies, Strickland said.

Attorney Harry Stern, who frequently represents police officers, said none of his clients have lost employment opportunities over a failed CVSA exam. He said that, in his experience, most law enforcement agencies use polygraphs as part of the hiring process.

In a general sense, I am wary of any technology that isnt admissible in court, Stern said. There is a reason for that: It hasnt passed objective scientific muster.

On law enforcement Reddit forums, prospective police officers trade advice on how to pass voice stress background checks, while venting about the technology.

One poster called it old pseudoscience poly(graph) bulls. Another said that they just use these things to get rid of applicants they dont really want.

Heads I win, tails you lose

Rita Lomio, a senior staff attorney at the Prison Law Office, a Berkeley-based nonprofit civil rights law firm, said she first became aware of California prison guards use of voice stress analysis in 2017.

As part of her work on Armstrong v. Newsom, a class action lawsuit filed by prisoners with disabilities against California, Lomios team spent a year investigating staff abuse at Salinas Valley State Prison. As they combed through prisoners complaints that the prison had dismissed due to lack of evidence, Lomio said in an interview, a pattern emerged: CVSA was referenced in many of them.

Lomio said her team identified several red flags in the way prison staff had used voice stress analyzers during misconduct investigations: Prison officials asked only incarcerated people to take the test, not officers accused of wrongdoing; they used it solely on prisoners who said they had witnessed abuse occur, not those who denied seeing anything; and they dismissed abuse complaints outright if a prisoner declined to be interviewed using a CVSA.

Yet if the test indicated a prisoner was being truthful, Lomio said, officers would often dismiss the complaint anyway.

It really became a heads I win, tails you lose, Orwellian technique, she said.

The Chronicle requested records from the prison system documenting any investigations that included use of the CVSA and resulted in a finding that guards used excessive force, lied or engaged in sexual misconduct. Corrections department records officials initially denied that the terms CVSA or voice stress  or similar phrases  appeared in any documents related to such investigations.

When Chronicle reporters presented officials with at least one example that met this criteria, staff members said they would review their response. In March, a department spokesperson said the complaint provided by the Chronicle was the only one like it.

The agency is not required to disclose records involving investigations of guard misconduct in which a staff member is cleared. The department also said it could not tell reporters how many exams its staff had administered to prisoners since 2021, saying it does not maintain its investigative records in a manner that would allow us to readily gather the data.

At Salinas Valley, Lomios team found dozens of instances in which officers allegedly used voice stress tests to close out accusations of staff misconduct filed by prisoners with disabilities in a single year, 2017, she told the Chronicle.

In one case, two prisoners reported being intimidated about the manner in which the CVSA was conducted, according to a letter Lomio wrote to the prison agencys Office of Legal Affairs. One prisoner said the voice test operator warned him he would pursue him to the full extent of his ability if he lied.

A tool for the prisons

During a separate investigation into the prisons complaint review process by the California Office of the Inspector General, which monitors the corrections department, an incarcerated person alleged in 2018 that a guard made several derogatory comments about the prisoners sexual identity.

A second prisoner corroborated the account, but when investigators insisted the witness undergo a CVSA exam, he declined. The report did not indicate how that case ended.

With this approach to collecting evidence, an inmates statements held no value as evidence unless it was validated by a machine, OIG inspectors wrote in a 2019 report.

In 2017, after reviewing the Salinas Valley complaints, attorneys at the Prison Law Office wrote to the corrections department that the use of voice stress analysis was part of a pattern of problematic interview techniques that indicated bias in favor of the staff member and hostility towards the complainant.

The following year, Kathleen Allison, then-director of the corrections departments Division of Adult Institutions, directed her staff to stop using CVSA exams when investigating prisoner complaints of staff misconduct, according to a copy of Allisons memo.

CDCR began changing who investigates guard misconduct claims in 2022, in response to lawsuits filed by prisoners rights attorneys. As a result, all complaints of staff misconduct  including those filed by prisoners  are screened by the departments Office of Internal Affairs and, if it is a complaint of serious staff misconduct, it is investigated further by internal affairs instead of prison staff.

Internal Affairs staff remained authorized to use the CVSA in staff misconduct investigations until last year, according to official guidance authored by the department to its Office of Internal Affairs division and released to the Chronicle by the prison agency as part of a public records request.

The office has administered three CVSA exams since 2021 and has three certified CVSA examiners on staff, according to information provided by the corrections department in response to a public records request. Prison officials did not share additional details about the role the exams played in their investigations nor what the investigations concerned.

The department also used voice stress analyzers on job applicants for at least seven years. From 2021 to early 2023, when they discontinued the test as part of the hiring process, prison staff administered 4,706 CVSA exams for this purpose.

As of 2023, new regulations allowed prison officials to use CVSA only in threat assessments. When the corrections department passed these regulations, one public commenter asked why the prison was using the technology at all, given that its findings were not admissible in court due to significant doubts about its ultimate accuracy.

Officials replied that while the results were not admissible, they still thought the tool was useful, and would be voluntary for prisoners, something Xjimenez also stressed in her communications with the Chronicle.

One reason that law enforcement might continue to use the CVSA despite research debunking it, Hartwig said, is that officers may believe people will be more likely to tell the truth with a so-called lie detector present. While there is some evidence to back up this idea, its not strong enough to justify departments use of the tool, she said.

Does it increase honesty? Yes, Hartwig said. How much? Not enough to warrant its use.

Deemed deceptive

Guards claimed Whitall had struck one of them in the hand and reddened it with his cane, prompting the guards to use force against Whitall, but photos show the guard's hand appears unharmed. Courtesy of Fenwick & West/California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Guards claimed Whitall had struck one of them in the hand and reddened it with his cane, prompting the guards to use force against Whitall, but photos show the guard's hand appears unharmed. Courtesy of Fenwick & West/California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

In a series of interviews from prison, Whitall confirmed that he wasnt forced to take the test. But he said he was not informed of its lack of scientific validity before consenting, either.

The episode began on Feb. 28, 2017. According to guard reports, Whitall was placed in a holding cell for being disruptive in the dining hall. When several guards went to release him, the guards said, Whitall suddenly swung his cane over his shoulder, striking an officer on his left shoulder and right hand. According to the report, it took three guards to wrestle Whitall to the ground, where they restrained him in handcuffs and chains.

Whitall denied hitting the officer. In legal documents and multiple prison phone interviews with the Chronicle, he said he had requested a replacement splint for his sprained finger and, in response, guards placed him in the holding cage for a strip search. Fifteen minutes after the search, he said, he began arguing with a guard over whether he had used the proper channels to request help for his finger sprain. Suddenly, Whitall said, four guards formed a semicircle around the cell.

I knew something was gonna happen, he said.

Whitall has Menieres disease, which causes vertigo. As the guards opened the cell and he walked out, he said he decided to pretend he was having an episode. He fell to the floor and lay still. The officer, Whitall said, warned him that if he did not get up, the officer would accuse him of attacking one of the guards.

Whitall said he stayed down, hoping to calm the situation, but the guards began kneeing and striking him in the face and around his head. One of the men said, Stop resisting. Whitall said he heard an officer reporting over the radio that a battery on a peace officer had occurred.

Medical staff in the prisons health unit documented injuries on Whitall including a concussion and cuts and bruises around his eyes, along with the finger sprain that he said had started the situation. But only Whitall was punished. He spent four months in solitary confinement and lost his phone and other privileges.

Whitall shared his story with Prison Law Office attorneys, who raised it with prison staff. That July, five months after the alleged attack, the lieutenant in charge of investigating Whitalls complaint concluded that Whitalls injuries were not consistent with the guards story.

The investigating officer noted that, according to medical documents from 2016, Whitall had bone-deep pain and arthritis in both arms, which would have made it difficult for him to swing his cane in the manner described by the guards.

In photos taken immediately after the incident and obtained by the Chronicle, a close-up of the guards hand  the one hed claimed Whitall struck and reddened with his cane  shows an ordinary hand, with no clear discoloration. Photos of Whitall, however, show a bruised and swollen face.

The officer recommended Whitall take a CVSA exam.

In September 2017, certified examiner Lt. D. Villegas asked Whitall six questions using the voice stress analyzer, and Whitall answered the first five without a problem. But on the sixth  Did you batter staff with your cane?  Whitalls vocal patterns indicated deception, Villegas wrote in a memo, which brings his reliability into question.

On the form Whitall signed consenting to the CVSA, one paragraph reads: The CVSA examination is completely optional and would have no effect on the resource team conducting a through (sic) inquiry into the allegation.

But because of Villegas memo, investigators closed their inquiry into Whitalls assault claims. The following February, the prison system also denied Whitalls appeal to reopen the investigation, finding that his allegations were appropriately reviewed and evaluated by administrative staff.

Seven years later, Whitall said he was still haunted by the violence he experienced and the way prison staff wielded the CVSA against him.

After he was deemed deceptive, he said, the guards involved in the incident bullied him for months. One time, one of the officers grabbed Whitalls apple from his lunch tray and threw it onto the floor, then slammed Whitalls head into a door, the prisoner wrote in court documents.

Whitall said he still avoids the gym where the events took place and steers clear of guards standing in groups. When he has to recall the incident in preparation for his upcoming civil rights trial against the prison, he has to take frequent breaks  the events play back in a loop, he said.
A close-up view of common murres nesting are seen through a blind on the Farallon Islands, a wildlife refuge 27 miles off the coast of San Francisco. A research program from Point Blue Conservation Science that is hosted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is losing federal funding next year. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle Nesting Western gulls on the Farallon Islands. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle Nesting boxes for Cassins auklets are used by Point Blue Conservation Science to monitor the population of seabirds on the Farallon Islands. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle Scenes of the San Francisco skyline are visible on a boat trip to the Farallon Islands, 27 miles off the citys coast. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle Access on and off the Southeast Farallon Island is facilitated via a five-person vessel hoisted by crane. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle A bulletin board in the researcher housing on the Farallon Islands. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle A shopping list for researchers on the Farallon Islands. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle

The first thing you notice after stepping foot on Southeast Farallon Island is that the animals are in charge. And they are loud.

Western gulls hurl piercing shrieks from their nests along the islands main path. Sea lions grunt from the rocky shore in such numbers that the sound reverberates from another island more than half a mile away. Hundreds of thousands of common murres trill a kazoo-like sound.

The animals of this wildlife refuge 27 miles from San Francisco have thrived under the protection of the nonprofit Point Blue Conservation Science, which has stationed a small crew on the island continuously since 1968 with the blessing of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. But starting in 2025, federal funding will be lost and Point Blues budget will be slashed by more than a third. It will probably mean having to leave the island without a human presence for half the year, and cuts to research on endangered whales, great white sharks, elephant seals and some seabirds.

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By us being there, it precludes anyone from landing and walking around and disturbing the wildlife, said Point Blues Jaime Jahncke, while guiding visitors last week on the first media tour of the island in more than a decade.

With just a few stunted trees, the island presents a strange mixture of beauty and desolation. The land is paved in uneven sharp granite with patches of vegetation, dropping into narrow inlets with sparkling aquamarine water and rising into pointed, craggy hills. Buildings and infrastructure from earlier eras, including its time as a U.S. Navy base, are still around.

One of the historic houses on Southeast Farallon Island, which is uninhabited except for researchers. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle

The island is part of an archipelago 5 miles from the edge of the continental shelf, home to the largest seabird colony in the lower 48 states, with 450,000 breeding birds. The islands are passed by other migrating birds  more than 430 species in all  as well as blue whales, orcas and humpbacks. Research done on the animals informs decisions about their protection and provides long-term insights on the impacts of climate change.

We are studying huge ecosystems on a large scale that have really long cycles, said Amanda Spears, a program biologist for Point Blue who during bird season manages a team of four research assistants who live in an old home for lighthouse keepers. She perched near a nest with a just-hatched spotted gull chick and tried to speak over its loud hovering parent. We need a lot of time and a lot of data to learn how animals will be affected by changes in those cycles, she said.

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The team also keeps an eye on short-term issues such as avian flu or El Nino, when warmer ocean temperatures lead to fewer nutrients at the base of the food chain and less food overall. Spears said some possible effects of this years El Nino are already appearing: Only a fraction of the usual number of Brandts cormorants are nesting on the islands this year, and most gulls are laying two eggs rather than their usual three.

A large colony of common murres can be seen far below a gull nesting on Tower Hill on the Farallon Islands. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle

The loss of $300,000 of federal funding from the $800,000 annual program will probably mean that Point Blue will have to rely on private donations and be on the island only from March to August rather than year-round, Jahncke said.

That would prioritize studying many of the 13 species of seabirds that nest on the island. But it would sacrifice research on white sharks that come from September to November to feast on young elephant seals.

The shorter season would also mean losing daily whale surveys during the Dungeness crab fishing season, which usually lasts from fall to early spring. The surveys help the California Department of Fish and Wildlife decide when to close the fishery to protect the cetaceans from getting tangled in fishing gear. The information protects whales in another way, too: The data contributes to the timing of an annual program organized by the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary that requests ships to reduce their speed along the coast to prevent striking whales, according to Jennifer Stock, a media liaison for the sanctuary.

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Sea lions rest on a cove in the Farallon Islands. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle

We cant just abandon it, said Gerry McChesney of the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which he manages for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He said the research team also does basic maintenance of the islands equipment and buildings that are constantly weathered by sea air, wind and storms. McChesney has been heading up a plan to remove invasive mice from the island, a $5 million proposal that was approved by the California Coastal Commission in 2021 but is currently on hold for lack of funding, he said.

McChesney led the group on a path 300 feet up Tower Hill, the site of a historic lighthouse. He stopped at a lookout point to peer down at Fishermans Cove on the north side of the island. A Steller sea lion bull he estimated to weigh over 1,500 pounds trundled into the shallow water to fend off a smaller male.

The top of the hill has a 360-degree view of the islands, and of the coast on clear days, though it was too hazy to see. McChesney pointed down to a tufted puffin, a black bird with a white head and comically large orange beak, perched on the steep hill. Down below on the islands flats, the granite was spotted black and white by huge colonies of common murres, the same birds that almost disappeared when their eggs were plundered to feed the exploding human population of Gold Rush-era San Francisco.

On the walk down the hill, Spears stopped to open a nesting box for Cassins auklets, plucking out a dark gray fluffy chick with a black beak. The team has been using the boxes to study the birds since 1972; some nesting pairs use the same box for a decade.

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Amanda Spears, a program biologist for Point Blue, shows a Cassins auklet chick taken from a nesting box on the Farallon Islands. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle

Spears called the seabirds salmon with wings because they eat the same food. If theyre doing well, salmon will do well, she said.

Federal agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration use the seabird data collected on the Farallon Islands to determine how the ocean is doing overall from year to year, which can help set directives like the timing of the commercial salmon fishing season.

Its another example of how important the program is, supporters said. I love what we do up here, and I would hate to see it altered, McChesney said.

Toward the end of the visit, Spears allowed a small group into a camouflaged shed called a blind, which researchers use to study nesting seabirds without disturbing them, and gently opened its small windows a crack.

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Just outside, a group of common murres clustered on their eggs as if in a puppy pile, some with their beaks pointed upward and their eyes closed. Dark brown with white bellies like tuxedoed statuettes, their mates stood nearby and fended off a larger western gull looking to steal an egg.

Most people dont get the opportunity to be in a seabird colony, Spears said. Being here changes your life.
Rishi Sunak has confirmed he will give every migrant who comes to the UK legally or illegally, a Welcome to Britain cap for migrants to welcome them coming to Britain and ensure net migration rises year-on-year.

Official Welcome to Britain cap for migrants

The Prime Minister said Parliament will vote on a number of cap designs set by the Government upon advice from the Migration Cap Advisory Committee  the Governments cap migration advisors.

Ministers will tell the Migration Cap Advisory Committee that our objective is to increase migration up to even more unsustainable levels, for levels to rise year-on-year over the next Parliament, and that they must consider the benefits of mass unfettered migration.

The Tories insist this will increase public services, such as the NHS and schools, from being overwhelmed.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has also vowed to increase net migration by giving each illegal migrant not only a Welcome to Britain cap but a bag, and a pair of sunglasses.

Better cap design under the Conservatives

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: We have taken no action to cut the number of people coming to this country. The plan is working, and migration levels are still increasing, so we are going further.

Labour giving a cap, bag and sunglasses to migrants is not a sustainable plan to increase net migration, while we have a clear plan to encourage more migration and put a massive well-designed cap on all migrants. There are not enough printers in the UK to cope with the ludicrous Labour plan.

The Conservatives are the only party that is willing to give each migrant a properly designed and printed cap to wear on their heads and increase immigration figures at exponential levels.

Migration Cap Advisory Committee

Professor Renfro Bellend, Chair of the Migration Cap Advisory Committee, said the Conservative Welcome to Britain cap scheme was a welcome addition to inviting even more illegal and legal migrants to Britains shores.

I particularly like the design the Conservatives have come up with. I am tempted to go to France myself and board an illegal migrant dinghy to the UK to get one of these cool caps.

The Conservatives proudly presented statistics showing how net migration surged to a record high of 764,000 in 2022 and how their cap for migrants was the best out of all designs.
Customers walk past an open sign at Rubio's Coastal Grill in Long Beach, Calif. Ashley Landis/Associated Press

Casual Mexican and fish taco chain Rubios Coastal Grill will no longer operate in the Bay Area.

The company headquartered in Carlsbad (San Diego County) abruptly closed 48 stores, around one third of its total franchises, on Friday. This included two outlets in the South Bay, a company spokesperson told the Chronicle. A company statement said it cut underperforming locations and cited the rising cost of doing business in California.

Assembly Bill 1228, known as the FAST Act, went into effect on April 1 and bumped the minimum wage for fast food workers up to $20 an hour, among other protections. Fast food franchise operators have opposed the law, claiming it will raise prices and force job cuts. A spokesperson for the company said the South Bay locations were shut down as part of this move.

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Though the spokesperson did not confirm which South Bay locations closed, two of Rubios last three locations in the Bay Area were in San Joses Brokaw Plaza and Sunnyvale, according to a 2023 SFGATE story. (SFGATE and the Chronicle are both owned by Hearst but operate independently). Those two locations are now closed, according to the companys website. A Rubios in Pleasant Hill closed in 2023, the spokesperson said.

The Los Angeles Times first reported on the companys abrupt action.

Rubios Coastal Grill, which has operated under the names Rubios Baja Grill and Rubios Fresh Mexican Grill, launched in 1983. Founder Ralph Rubio was inspired by fish tacos he had on spring break in San Felipe, Baja California as a student at San Diego State University. The company claims to have sold 270 million fish tacos since. Rubios also offers burritos and Mexican-style bowls and salads.

In October 2020, Rubios filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with a plan that culled 36 underperforming restaurants and restructured its debt, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. The Mercury News reported four Bay Area locations closed as part of this bankruptcy process.

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Stormonts Justice Minister Naomi Long has rejected a call to set up an inquiry into the alleged surveillance of journalists by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

However, Ms Long told the Assembly that she shared concerns raised by a number of MLAs and said she was assured Chief Constable Jon Boutcher was taking the allegations incredibly seriously.

But she said that the Policing Board must, in the first instance, be allowed to thoroughly explore the issues.

Earlier this week, Mr Boutcher announced an independent review, headed by Angus McCullough KC, of any use of surveillance against journalists and other specific groups by the PSNI.

It came after concerns raised during an Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) hearing in London.

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.

On Tuesday, the SDLP submitted a motion at Stormont calling for an independent inquiry into the alleged use of wiretapping and other unlawful practices against journalists.

Responding, the Justice Minister said: I want to make it very clear that I share the concerns raised widely about the alleged routine surveillance of journalists.

However, she pointed out that the Policing Board was the oversight body for the PSNI and the fact that the IPT hearing was still progressing.

Ms Long said: I am assured the Policing Board is holding the Chief Constable to account on this most serious matter.

Therefore it is important in the first instance that I afford the Policing Board the opportunity to thoroughly explore these issues with the Chief Constable.

I am also assured the Chief Constable himself is taking the allegations incredibly seriously and is working closely with the Policing Board in its deliberations.

The Chief Constable will bring a further report to the Policing Board in the near future.

She added: I believe it would be premature at this stage to consider whether there is further action required on my part.

I am not for a second ruling out action in future. Should my assistance be required I will not be found wanting.

But I believe that allowing the Policing Board to hold the Chief Constable to account at this stage represents a better use of public money, respects fully the independence and centrality of their role and has the ability to provide clarity on any outstanding matters more swiftly.

MLAs backed an Alliance amendment to the motion which said the issue was in the first instance a matter for the Policing Board.

Matthew OToole, the leader of the SDLP Opposition at Stormont, said if the board could not act, then the Justice Minister needed to intervene.

He added: The revelations of journalists being surveilled are profoundly serious, and have gotten progressively more concerning since they first emerged.

Press freedom, and particularly the protection of sources, are a cornerstone of a free, democratic society but we know Northern Ireland is already a comparatively unsafe place to be a journalist, and our defamation regime is already used vexatiously to shut down public interest journalism.

Given the seriousness of these issues, there is an onus on the Policing Board to use its powers to act to establish a fully independent statutory inquiry in order to understand the breadth and depth of these practices.

If the Policing Board cannot or will not then the Justice Minister needs to act  this cannot be another area where her department avoids taking responsibility.
Thai authorities target crypto in crackdowns

It is no secret that cryptocurrency is not looked at favorably by all regulators around the world. Some regard crypto with skepticism and some are outright hostile to the asset class. These could stem from a lack of education about crypto, concerns about its possible use for crime, or just a dislike of digital assets.

This appears to be the case in Thailand as authorities have taken several steps over the last month to crack down on certain aspects of crypto use. From crypto mining to the accessibility of certain service providers, it has been an industry-wide effort.

Thailand vs Crypto?

One of the first of these developments came in late April 2024 when the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand put out a warning to crypto exchange operators. The warning was directed specifically at exchanges being accused of glamorizing crypto trading and trying to lure in new customers with special perks.

"When operators organize sales promotions by offering rewards to entice people to use the service, this could encourage the use of the service without considering the investment risks. This is especially the case for cryptocurrencies," said the Commission's Deputy Secretary-General Anek Yooyuen.

Credit: SEC of Thailand

It was noted that any false, misleading, or exaggerated claims in adverts were a violation of Thai law and could lead to serious repercussions. This is not a situation unique to Thailand as regulators in several countries have had to flag and even remove crypto-related ads that violated advertising guidelines.

Another development has been in the crypto-mining space. Crypto mining has always been a fairly controversial activity because of the amount of energy it often requires and Thai authorities are looking to crack down on illegal mining.

Recently, hundreds of crypto mining hardware that were illegally imported into the country were seized. The Cyber Crime Investigations Bureau office also conducted raids of illegal crypto mining operations after they observed unusual amounts of energy use.

Two raids were completed in Samut Sakhon's Ban Phaeo district and Ratchaburi where authorities discovered hundreds of crypto-mining hardware as well as illegal electricity distribution equipment. Following arrests, suspects admitted that they oversaw crypto mining operations for a fee and were importing the hardware from China.

Finally, Thai authorities are looking into local access to unauthorized crypto exchanges. The Thai SEC's Secretary-General Pornanong Busaratrakul announced in April that the commission will begin submitting details of unregistered crypto exchanges to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. The ministry, in turn, will block access to these sites.

It has been clarified that this will not affect all crypto exchanges but just the ones that have not been duly registered. More Thailand nationals have been using crypto for speculative trading and other purposes.

As Sergio Zammit has explained, there is a growing list of casinos that accept Cash App as well as crypto. This is along with more people choosing to gamble on an anonymous casino, not all of which are registered in every jurisdiction.

Conclusion

An increase in crypto use also means an increase in regulation surrounding it. Regulators who are looking to protect the public and the nation as a whole will likely continue to crack down on illegal or unregistered crypto use, whether that is the mining of tokens or the advertising of platforms.

Thailand is not the first nation to take these sorts of steps and, from all indications, will not be the last.
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Heading into Californias first heat wave of 2024, here are some dos and donts, how to find cooling centers, and signs of heat-related illness to look out for. Yuri Avila/The Chronicle Heading into Californias first heat wave of 2024, here are some dos and donts, how to find cooling centers, and signs of heat-related illness to look out for. Kat Wade/SFC Heading into Californias first heat wave of 2024, here are some dos and donts, how to find cooling centers, and signs of heat-related illness to look out for. Leah Millis/The Chronicle

What could be a historic heat wave is set to hit California today, with excessive heat advisories in place up and down the state and the Bay Area expected to see triple-digit temperatures.

Here are six things you should do before and during the heat wave:

Find a cool place if you dont have air conditioning

Many homes in the Bay Area dont have air conditioning, so going to a mall, library or other designated cooling center  even if just for a few hours during the hottest part of the day  can help prevent heat-related ailments.

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Try to avoid being outdoors between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

Here are links to more information about cooling centers in Bay Area counties and cities:

San Francisco: The city has designated the following public library branches as cooling centers: Main Library, 100 Larkin St.; Chinatown/Him Mark Lai, 1135 Powell St.; Glen Park, 2825 Diamond St.; Mission Bay, 960 Fourth St., North Beach, 850 Columbus Ave.; Potrero Hill, 1616 20th. St.; Southeast Community Center, 1550 Evans Ave.

Alameda County: A list of cooling centers and hours are listed here.

Marin County: Cooling center locations can be found here.

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Contra Costa County: A map of cooling centers is posted here.

Santa Clara County: Public libraries in Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill and Saragota will serve as cooling centers. Libraries and several community centers in the city of San Jose will also operate cooling centers. Addresses for locations are posted here.

Napa County: Libraries in American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa and Yountville will serve as places the public can go to cool down. Calistoga Community Center and St. Helena Public Lbirary will also be cooling centers. Unhoused residents can go to the South Napa Shelter at 100 Hartle Court.

Sonoma County: Cooling center locations and hours are posted here.

Solano County: All county libraries serve as cooling centers during business hours. Locations and hours are posted here.

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Know the signs of heat-related illness

During every heat wave, people seek medical treatment for heat-related ailments like heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.

For heat exhaustion, which is less intense than heat stroke, look out for heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, weakness and cool, pale, clammy skin. Move to a cooler place, hydrate, and consider seeking medical care if symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour.

For heat stroke, which is a potentially life-threatening condition, look out for headache, dizziness, confusion, high body temperature, no sweating, fast pulse and nausea. Call 911 immediately.

Hydrate

Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive amounts of alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.

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Keep ahead  dont wait until youre thirsty, said Dr. Nicholas Moss, health officer for Alameda County.

Check in on vulnerable groups

Young children, elderly residents and people with medical conditions are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. People who take certain medications  including blood pressure drugs  are also at higher risk because the drugs are diuretics and can accelerate dehydration on extra hot days. Come up with a buddy system beforehand to check in on a neighbor, especially if they are older and isolated.

Set your thermostat higher than youd probably like

The recommended temperature is 78 degrees to avoid collectively straining the electric grid, which could lead to a power outage, said Dr. Lisa Santora, deputy health officer for Marin County.

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Closing shades and using fans (which consume far less power than air conditioning) will also help cool your home. You can put a bowl of ice in front of a fan to create a cool breeze.

Dont leave pets or children in the car

Because the Bay Area typically has a Mediterranean climate, residents may not be as used to high heat as people in other parts of the country and may not think about overheating, Santora said.
Hamdi Ulukaya says he had never heard of Anchor Brewing until reading about the shuttered company last year. Now, the billionaire Chobani yogurt founder is the owner of the beer brand. Travis Ball/Getty Images 2023 Anchor Steam and the brewerys other beers are set to be resurrected under new owner Hamdi Ulukaya, who started the Chobani yogurt brand. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Regarding Anchor Brewing has been bought by billionaire behind Chobani. Here are his plans (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, May 31): We who were here for the homebrew revolution that started in 1978 welcome Mr. Chobani, Hamdi Ulukaya, to the beer world.

The first thing you do is cast a bigger-than-life statue of former Anchor Brewing owner Fritz Maytag in front of the brewery, shovel in hand, looking like he did when I first saw him, shoveling hops into the boiling kettle below the freeway south of Market.

Then do it right, the way Fritz would do, and someday well cast a statue of you.

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Use the basic recipe, essentially an ale formula with lager yeast  100% barley malt.

Then bring back that barley wine, the best in the world, in tiny bottles.

Return the Christmas Ale, different and unique every year. And a porter, and a light beer with wheat.

Then, something new to the West Coast, a cream ale, a mix of ale and lager.

Finally, because times are changing, some top-quality nonalcoholic beers that are as much like your other beers as possible.

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You probably will not find that in Fritzs recipe book, but ask around, it is a real thing.

Jay Conner, Novato

Trump case raises questions

Regarding  A political earthquake: Will Trump guilty verdicts make an impact in close California races? (Politics, SFChronicle.com, May 30): The relevant question for many Republicans isnt simply that Donald Trump was found guilty, but whether the rules were applied fairly to him.

The charges were filed by a Democratic district attorney in a highly Democratic jurisdiction. Republicans have questioned how the judge for the trial was chosen and his small donation to the 2020 election campaign of Joe Biden.

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As the plethora of potential appellate issues suggested themselves, many remained disturbingly incurious. But the curious are getting mad, and their kind tend to get out and vote, and donate time and money. In a close election, that can tell the tale.

Daniel Mauthe, Livermore

Trumps path of destruction

Regarding Donald Trumps campaign strategy, now more than ever: Burn it all down (Joe Garofoli, SFChronicle.com, May 31): After reading Joe Garofolis piece about Donald Trumps attack on our institutions, I offer this elaboration:

Trump has already convinced his army of followers that our election system is untrustworthy and that elections their candidates lose must have been rigged.

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Now hes convincing Republicans that our justice system, including trials by jury, has been weaponized and cant be trusted.

For years, a growing swath of Republicans have insisted that the public school system is indoctrinating our children with falsehoods and unsavory beliefs.

Our governments commitment to racial and ethnic equality is being attacked by officials representing an aging, largely white, rural and Republican population terrified at the prospect of losing its political dominance.

Immigration, the means that Europeans used to claim to a continent long inhabited by Indigenous populations, is now polluting the nations blood and must be all but prohibited.

Journalistic independence, considered by our Founding Fathers a cornerstone of democracy, is now the enemy of the people.

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The list could go on.

Ben Bayol, San Francisco

Turn down volume

Regarding Fred Again.. and Skrillexs rave in front of S.F. City Hall ends mid-song as the duo hit curfew (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, June 2): There needs to be a curfew on concerts in San Francisco and more needs to be done

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

I live on Potrero Hill, 2.3 miles from Civic Center, and I was bombarded all day and night with the thump, thump, thumping from the rave event. It rattled my windows.

My peace and quiet in my home should not be affected one bit by outdoor events in the city. If Mayor London Breed wants to have more events like this, she better find a way to keep the sounds within the event, not all over the city.
Ireland will head to the polls once again on June 7th 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 7th 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 8th. 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 9th. 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.

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.
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.
Teething jewellery which is potentially life-threatening for babies has been prohibited from sale in Ireland.

Amber bead products are increasingly being advertised and sold across Europe as teething aids in the form of necklaces, bracelets and anklets.

However, the Irish consumer watchdog has determined that these products pose serious risks to babies and small children, including a potential for strangulation and choking.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has now stopped the sale and marketing of the beads as products for small children in a number of Irish retailers.

The beads can still be sold as long as they are marketed as for adults or older children.

Acting on consumer reports, CCPC product-safety experts approached multiple distributors across Ireland and are requiring them to remove all amber teething jewellery from sale, both instore and online.

As part of the investigation, the CCPC also worked closely with the HSE to provide up-to-date information on amber teething jewellery to businesses.

It is also working with other European product-safety authorities to track down companies supplying these products to Ireland.

Grainne Griffin, CCPC director of communications, asked the public to remain vigilant and contact the watchdog if they see these teething beads, or other potential hazards, being advertised for use with children.

She warned: While teething can be a distressing and often exhausting time for parents and children alike, this dangerous jewellery is not a remedy, its a risk.

Amber teething jewellery can come apart in a babys mouth causing the baby to choke or to swallow the beads.

Also, as with any cords around a baby or childs neck, there is a risk of strangulation.

Dr Abigail Collins, HSE national clinical lead Child Health Public Health, added: Not only is there a strangulation and choking risk, there is no convincing evidence to support claims that amber teething jewellery provides pain relief.

It can be upsetting for parents to see babies and young children in discomfort from teething.

Depending on their age and stage, you can use teething rings, sugar-free teething gel or cold water and healthy foods to chew on.

Its vital to never put any kind of cord, string or chain around a babys neck, and to keep small objects like beads away from babies and small children.
WeWork has hailed the end of a painful process of restructuring its office spaces in the UK and Ireland, as a top boss pledged to not repeat the mistakes of the businesss past.

The office sharing company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US in November after amassing heavy debts, but expects to emerge from it this month.

It has since been taking drastic action to get rid of the co-working spaces that were not making it money and renegotiating leases on those it wants to keep.

On Wednesday, WeWork said it had completed this work in the UK and Ireland, marking a milestone for the group.

It is has trimmed down its estate from about 50 to 40 offices across the region, based in London, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester and Dublin.

It shut down a handful of offices in London and a flagship building in Manchester as part of the restructuring, and secured new leases with landlords to whom it pays rent.

Globally, it closed 160 offices and amended more than 170 office leases, a move which it said will reduce future rent costs by a projected 12 billion US dollars (9.4 billion).

Ben Samuels, WeWorks chief revenue officer, said it turned out to be one of the most complex global financial reorganisations ever.

It is still a really big business, but we had to get rid of those liabilities where we could never make money  where rent was simply too high, the space we had was outdated just not fit for purpose for todays market.

WeWork was set up in 2010 and grew rapidly around the world, but fell into difficulty when the pandemic struck and office workers locked down at home.

The New York-based group was burdened with high costs from rent agreements, and struggled under massive debts and losses.

Following the restructuring, Mr Samuels said there remain opportunities for WeWork to grow, but said we are going to do it all very responsibly this time.

We will never go through this again, the chief pledged.

He admitted that it was extremely challenging to revive the brand after news of the US filing, and it undertook a big communications drive to reassure UK customers that it was business as usual in many locations.

This included organising activities like yoga and puppy therapy sessions in its co-working spaces, the boss said.

As a result, the total number of occupied desks across the UK and Ireland jumped by a quarter in April, compared with the same month last year.

And the number of all access bookings  where people can pay extra to work from numerous locations  increased by 34% in London and 51% in Dublin year on year, the firm said.

Meanwhile, WeWork expects to close the book on its Chapter 11 filing in the US this month.

Filing for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy means a company intends to reorganise its debts and assets to have a fresh start, while remaining in business.
A statue of Emperor Julius Caesar stands near a church in Rome. Contrary to popular belief, Roman emperors did not have absolute power. Getty Images/iStockphoto

I have been studying and writing about Roman emperors for more than 30 years. I never imagined I would live in a time and place where the judicial system might give more extensive legal immunity to an American president than any Roman emperor ever enjoyed. Until now.

Contemporary imagination often assumes that Roman emperors enjoyed absolute authority to do what they wanted with their empires resources, wealth and military power. They did not. Rather, Roman emperors were magistrates who held office for life, managing the Roman state on behalf of its citizens. This position gave emperors vast powers to initiate wars, choose administrators, appoint generals, order criminal investigations and take the property and lives of convicted criminals. But, like their fellow citizens, Roman emperors were subject to Roman law.

Emperors themselves said so. In 429, the emperors Theodosius II and Valentinian III explained that a reigning sovereign must be subject to the laws because our authority is dependent upon that of the law and it is the greatest attribute of imperial power for the sovereign to be subject to the laws. It is only by accepting that laws apply to every Roman, the emperors continued, that we are able to forbid others to do what we do not suffer ourselves to do. In other words, an emperor claiming an exemption from Roman law had no right to expect his fellow citizens to obey those same laws.

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A few decades later, Priscus of Panium, a Roman official and rhetorician who served as an ambassador to the court of Attila the Hun, explained to an acquaintance he calls Graikos why Roman legal procedures must apply equally to everyone. Graikos had once lived in Roman territory but had chosen to live among the Huns. He told Priscus he preferred the Hunnic empire, where, unlike in Rome, Attila limited corruption, did not assess high taxes, and presided over a people who did not trouble one another. True, the brutal barbarian king could do what he wanted to anyone. But Graikos still believed this was better than Rome, where lawsuits are much protracted, much money is spent on them, and everyone is distracted from doing what they want by concerns of when or even whether a legal penalty will be enforced.

Priscus corrected Graikos sharply.

Those who founded the Roman state, he said, ordained wise and good men to be guardians of the laws so that things should not be done haphazardly. In Rome, the laws apply to all, even the emperor obeys them, and the time taken in cases results from a concern for justice lest a judge err in his decisions. Under Attila, by contrast, one must give thanks to Fortune for freedom. In a society without laws, Priscus asserted, your life and property are protected only by fate and the whims of Attila. Realizing his mistake, Graikos wept and said that the laws were fair and the Roman state was good.

It is, then, astonishing to read the April 25 transcript of the Supreme Courts oral arguments in Donald J. Trump v. United States. The day began with Trumps lawyer, D. John Sauer, boldly asserting, Without presidential immunity from criminal prosecution, there can be no presidency as we know it.

As the proceedings continued, the exchanges became increasingly shocking. At one point, Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked what would happen if the president orders the military to assassinate a political rival. In response, Sauer claimed that such an order could well be an official act and thus render the president immune from prosecution. Then, near the hearings conclusion, Justice Samuel Alito took on an incredulous tone as he asked the governments lawyer, If (the president) makes a mistake, he makes a mistake; hes subject to the criminal laws just like everyone else?

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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

Any serious Roman jurist would know how to answer Alitos question. They would respond as the 10th century bishop Nicholas of Constantinople did to the emperor Leo VI when he tried to get married illegally: It is evil, a most evil doctrine to say that, because one is an emperor he is permitted to do wrong in a way that no one would permit his subjects to do. Romans knew that even the limited liberty permitted by their autocracy depended on every citizen, regardless of their station, being equally subject to the protections and restrictions of a common legal system. To assert otherwise would be to leave the Roman world of law and enter the unpredictable, anarchic kingdoms led by people like Attila the Hun.
Eagle Times Staff

HOLDERNESS, N.H.  Free youth day programs will be offered again this summer at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness. These programs give youth ages 1015 the chance to learn about shooting sports, bowhunting, and other outdoor skills. Sessions will be offered in July and August at Owl Brook, which is operated by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Pre-registration is required and will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited to 16 participants per day, so register now by visiting https://tinyurl.com/y4ru49tp. There is no charge for these sessions.

Day programs will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, unless otherwise noted, beginning July 9 and ending Aug. 1. Tuesdays will be for youth ages 1012, and Thursdays will be for youth ages 1315. Participants may register for one or more sessions and should bring their own bag lunch. All required forms should be downloaded during the registration process and returned to Owl Brook Hunter Education Center prior to attending.

Another popular offering is the Hunter/Bowhunter Education Certification week, which will take place Aug. 1316, during which students have the opportunity to earn their Hunter Education/Bowhunter Education certification. Youth ages 1215 who attend and meet all requirements will receive their Hunter Education/Bowhunter Education Certification. To register visit https://tinyurl.com/y4ru49tp.

The Owl Brook Hunter Education Center is here to inspire young people to become involved in the outdoors, said Tom Flynn, program manager at Owl Brook. These free, skill-based summer workshops are a fun way to help them discover what its all about.
Eagle Times Staff

MONTPELIER, Vt.  On May 22, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors convened a celebration in honor of President Betsy Bishop. Generations of Vermonters gathered at the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain to commemorate her 30-year legacy of leadership and impact on the economic growth of Vermont.

During Betsys 15 years as President, the Vermont Chamber has become the most influential business advocacy organization in the state, said Tom Dunn, Vermont Chamber of Commerce board chair and CEO of VELCO. She has led the organization with steadfast dedication, strategic vision, and an infectious passion for the Vermont economy.

Several notable officials delivered remarks, including Governor Jim Douglas, who reflected on Betsys earlier career as a member of his cabinet and administration.

It is an honor to celebrate such an exceptional individual who has dedicated so much to public service, said Governor Douglas. Throughout her career, Betsy has demonstrated a profound commitment to Vermont. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors, and I know she will do great things in her next chapter.

The evening culminated with a bourbon toast, with 150 attendees raising a glass to Betsys legacy and contributions to the success of Vermont. Betsy Bishop announced her departure from the Vermont Chamber in December 2023 and a leadership transition for the organization is set for summer 2024.

When I reflect on my 30 years of work at the Vermont Chamber and in the State House, its been an incredible adventure. So many of the people who shared this path with me are here today, said Betsy Bishop. Ive been privileged to work alongside all of you. To the doers, the planners, the innovatorsthank you for being on this journey with me.

Notable attendees also included Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Secretary Lindsay Kurrle, and Commissioners Joan Goldstein, Beth Fastiggi, Wendy Knight, Alex Farrell, and Michael Harrington.

Attendees were encouraged to donate to the Vermont Futures Project in honor of Betsys tenure and founding of the organization. To capitalize on the foundation of data and research that has been built, the Vermont Futures Project is leading the development of a unified and durable statewide economic plan that is set to be released this summer.
Gilead agreed to pay $40 million to as many as 2,625 AIDS patients who say the company did not disclose an HIV treatments harmful side effects, and delayed release of an alternative. Eric Risberg/Associated Press

Pharmaceutical giant Gilead said Tuesday it has agreed to pay $40 million to as many as 2,625 AIDS patients nationwide who say the company padded its profits by marketing a drug for years without disclosing that it had harmful side effects, and that it was delaying release of a safer alternative. The proposed federal court settlement does not affect a similar suit by 22,000 patients in California state court.

The company, based in Foster City, insisted in a statement that it had done nothing wrong and has never stopped working to improve the lives of people with HIV. But Gileads agreement to pay more than $15,000 to each of the patients was at least a concession that it was legally vulnerable.

The drug, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, or TDF, was one of the first effective medications against human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, which causes AIDS. Gilead began developing TDF in 1991 and obtained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market it in 2001.

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But the plaintiffs said Gilead knew that TDF could cause skeletal or kidney damage, and that they had suffered those or other harms from using the medication.

In 2001, Gilead was also developing another HIV drug, tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, or TAF. The company halted its work in 2004, saying TAF was essentially the same as TDF. But the lawsuit said Gilead knew the newer medication had a lower dose, with fewer side effects, and withheld it so that it could continue to profit from TDF.

Gilead resumed development of TAF in 2011 and gained FDA marketing approval in 2015, shortly before its patent on TDF was to expire and allow other companies to sell generic versions of the drug.

In the California case, the states 1st District Court of Appeal ruled in January that Gilead could be sued for negligence for allegedly withholding a safer medication  the first such ruling in the state allowing a company to be held responsible for a medication that worked to prevent a disease but could cause other harms. But the California Supreme Court agreed last month to hear Gileads appeal, leaving the issue unresolved in state courts. A ruling is likely sometime next year.

The proposed settlement of the federal case came after U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar of Oakland refused to dismiss the suit in September, saying Gilead could be held legally responsible for marketing a harmful product even if it was effective at treating the disease.

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In Tuesdays statement, Gilead said the $40 million settlement would become final if it was accepted by at least 98% of the 2,625 plaintiffs.

For plaintiffs who reject the settlement, Gilead will continue to vigorously defend itself, the company said. It contended that the long-term safety of TAF was unknown and impossible to predict in October 2004 when it halted development of the alternate drug until 2011.
Bob Egelko has been a reporter since June 1970. He spent 30 years with the Associated Press, covering news, politics and occasionally sports in Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento, and legal affairs in San Francisco from 1984 onward. He worked for the San Francisco Examiner for five months in 2000, then joined The Chronicle in November 2000.

His beat includes state and federal courts in California, the Supreme Court and the State Bar. He has a law degree from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento and is a member of the bar. Coverage has included the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, the appointment of Rose Bird to the state Supreme Court and her removal by the voters, the death penalty in California and the battles over gay rights and same-sex marriage.
A retired teacher from West Cork has been named one of four teachers across Ireland to receive the prestigious Teachers Inspire Ireland Desmond Award.

At a special ceremony at Dublin City University hosted by RTE broadcaster Miriam OCallaghan, a former teacher at Carrigboy National School in West Cork, Joe ODriscoll, was awarded for the inspirational role he played in the lives of his students.

Jill Farrell, of St Nessans National School in Mungret, Limerick, Meg Offiah, of Our Lady of Mercy College, in Beaumont, Dublin, and Ursula OMahoney, of St Senans National School, in Enniscorthy, Wexford, were also honoured.

Nominated

Mr ODriscoll was nominated by a past student, Ellen Sommers, who said that she struggled to fit in at school, recalling Mr ODriscolls help in making her feel like she was enough and reminding her not to shrink herself for others.

I felt a constant whisper of keep being you from him, Ms Sommers said. When I left for secondary school, I remember crying to my mother, because I was so scared of being bullied without his presence.

He never forced me to play GAA or feel like I had to fit in. I was simply enough. Thats a lot for a teacher to give a nine-year-old.

Ms Sommers, who is about to graduate with a masters at Columbia University, attributes a lot of her life and academic achievements to Mr ODriscoll.

Celebrates

Teachers Inspire is an Ireland-wide initiative organised by Dublin City University that celebrates teachers and the transformative role they play in communities.

Acclaimed author Louise ONeill returned as curator and host of the Teachers Inspire Podcast, where she spoke to influential educators.

The Teachers Inspire initiative is supported by a philanthropic donation from Dermot Desmond, who said he believes that teachers are the heroes of society.

Teachers had a profound impact on my own life, and the difference they make to the lives of children and young people across Ireland is nothing short of remarkable, Mr Desmond said.

Executive dean of Dublin City Universitys Institute of Education, Professor Anne Looney, said: Teachers have an incredible impact on the lives of children and these awards shine a light on those who go above and beyond every day.
A COMMUNITY protest demanding an end to water discolouration issues on Cork citys northside was held in Bells Field in recent days.

It follows several similar protests which have taken place across the northside.

The latest protest was organised by Solidarity-People Before Profit councillor for the citys North West ward Brian McCarthy and his party colleague Edith Busteed, who is running for election in the citys North East ward.

It is more than three months now since Uisce Eireann set up their taskforce to tackle the dirty, discoloured water scandal in the city, but the issue is still very far from being resolved, said Mr McCarthy.

A number of affected households said they have begun purchasing bottled water and Mr McCarthy and Ms Busteed are calling for the introduction of a voucher system in affected communities whereby vouchers can be exchanged for bottled water.

Ms Busteed described the issue as unacceptable, adding that we shouldnt have to be buying bottled water every week when the cost of rent, food, and bills is already astronomical.

A spokesperson for Uisce Eireann said the taskforce continues to prioritise the response to water discolouration for affected customers in Cork city with a range of remedial actions underway.

The spokesperson said the water utility company advises people not to drink discoloured water and said that running the tap for up to 20 minutes will usually restore water to a clear colour.

If the issue persists, we encourage customers to contact us directly to help manage the response in real-time and prioritise works.

They noted that the HSE makes any decisions with regard to issuing a boil water notice or a do-not-consume notice and said that there are no such restrictions or notices in place on the Cork city water supply.

As set out by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), when a Do Not Consume notice is issued alternative water supplies are made available.

This is not the situation in this instance and as a regulated utility we have to adhere to the funding rules set by our regulator.

Similarly, under our regulatory framework as set out by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities there is no provision to provide compensation to people who choose to buy bottled water, the spokesperson continued.
THOUSANDS of early learning and childcare workers are set to see pay increases from later this month, but Cork workers in the sector say that the news is bittersweet.

Minister of State for business, employment and retail Emer Higgins yesterday announced that she has accepted proposals for new Employment Regulation Orders (ERO) for the early years services sector.

The orders will see an increase in the minimum hourly rates of pay for various roles in the early years services sector from June 24.

Wages for early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners will increase from 13.00 to 13.65, while wages for lead educators (room leaders) and school-age childcare co-ordinators will increase from 14.00 to 14.70.

'Bittersweet'

Julie ORegan Lynch, who works in an after-school service in Cork, said that it has taken too long to get too small a pay rise.

Its welcome, but bittersweet, she said.

Its taken so long to get such a small increase, 5% or 65c an hour, its been a hard battle to get such a small amount.

Providers got an increase in core funding from the government last September, and weve had to wait ten months to get anything from it.

Ms ORegan Lynch acknowledged that there were issues in the sector for providers too, saying: No-one denies that there should be more funding for the sector overall, we have one of the lowest rates of government investment in early years, but staff shouldnt have to wait.

Our wages cant keep up with inflation, its like we are on a treadmill and everything is moving forward out of our reach.

Amanda Spiteri, who had to close three after-school services in Cork at the beginning of this year, echoed her sentiments.

The funding is just not sufficient and staff deserve a better wage, small to medium services are really struggling, she added.

Introducing the pay increase, Minister OGorman said: Improvement in pay and conditions is essential if we are to recognise the important work that is done every day by those who work in this sector.

He said he recognised that pay in the sector still remains relatively low and that he remained committed to supporting further improvements through core funding which will increase by 15% this year.

Funding for sector

Elaine Dunne, head of the Federation of Early Childcare Providers, said that they welcome better wages for their staff, but that insufficient funding of services has to be addressed.

She told The Echo that the core funding package for 2023 has put services out of business, they are closing all over the country. In Cork, 30 services closed last year.

Ms Dunne said: I worked on that ERO (Employment Regulation Order), and agree that we have to do something for our workforce, but the biggest issue is that Minister OGorman is not addressing the elephant in the room.

He is continually stating that though some services are closing, new services are opening, but a new large service opening in Dublin and one closing in rural Mayo is not like for like.

He needs to come into the real world and address this situation, because its no good having the ERO in place and not having any services left to ensure parents can go to work and the economy can keep going.

As someone who advocates for the rights of workers in the sector, I welcome the ERO with open arms, but the government needs to do something about chronic underfunding and places stuck in a fee freeze.
Residents' homes are being blocked due to a lack of parking around Blackpools only late-night pharmacy, it has been claimed.

Sinn Fein local-election candidate Michelle Gould raised the issue at a recent community forum meeting with Cork City Council and the gardai.

Ms Gould has requested that a plan be put in place for parking at the late-night pharmacy in Blackpool on Watercourse Road.

Ms Gould said: We only have one late-night pharmacy on the northside of Cork City. It is used frequently and, because there is no parking outside, people park on Hillgrove Lane and the surrounding areas.

This is blocking residents from accessing their homes and causing real concern about emergency vehicles and the potential for these to be blocked when they are badly needed, she said.

I am calling on Cork City Council to draft a plan to resolve this.

One of the options residents have raised with me is a set-down area directly outside the pharmacy where the footpath is very wide.

This would allow people access the pharmacy without blocking homes and laneways.

When people from across the northside need to access a late-night pharmacy, the reality is that public transport is not an option.

Once again, a lack of services in Blackpool and across the North West is negatively impacting on our communities.

We need to see a real plan for Blackpool that listens to the people, so that problems like these can be addressed.

Educating Rita now on

Cork Arts Theatre will host Educating Rita, by Willy Russell, from today until Saturday at 8pm.

Produced by Jim OMahony, Karen Ray, and Brenda Lynch, and performed by Ray and OMahony, under licence from Samuel French, it follows Frank, an English lecturer in his 50s, whose disillusionment drives him to drink.

Enter Rita, a forthright 26-year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn.

She slowly wins over the hesitant Frank with her alternative insights and refusal to accept no for an answer.

The relationship gives Frank a new sense of self and Rita the knowledge she craves.

The comedy-drama became a hit film with Michael Caine and Julie Walters.

See Cork Arts Theatre for tickets.

Call for footpath, cycle funding

Labour councillor John Maher has called for a plan and funding for footpaths, public lighting, and cycle lanes along the R614 Ballyhooly Road between Ballyvolane and Whites Cross.

Mr Maher said: Im disappointed to learn, following a question to the chief executive, that there is no plan to extend footpaths out to Whites Cross, despite the many houses being built in the area. We are encouraging people out of cars and we cant build footpaths that give people other options.

Currently, we have a footpath/cycle way that stops outside the new development and then nothing. This is bad planning and not good enough.

We have the new Bus Connects plan for Cork and Im still wondering where people will be able to access the bus safety along parts of this road, with no footpaths and infrastructure.

We need the council executive to draw up a plan and apply for funding from central government to deliver for people in this community.

St Aidans unveils sculpture to celebrate 40th anniversary

St Aidan's Community College has served the local community for 40 years. Last May, the school marked this milestone with an evening celebration in the college, welcoming past and present staff, pupils and community members.

This year, the celebrations culminated in the unveiling of a sculpture by past principal Dr Steele, Mr Denis Leamy CEO of Cork ETB, Mr Pat McKelvey, director of Schools, Mr E Breen, teacher and sculptor creator, principal Ms S Curley, deputy principal, Ms M Quane, chaplain and event organiser Mr P McGrath and members of our student council.

The new sculpture is called MEITHEAL, written in Ogham. MEITHEAL means a collective effort for the greater good and derives from an ancient Irish tradition of a group working together for the common good.

Fond farewell and good luck in exams to St Aidans Class of 24

St Aidan's Community College said farewell to the class of 2024 at its Leaving Cert Graduation Ceremony recently. The School said: "We wish everyone the very best in the State exams on June 5." Pictured are Chloe Stewart and her mum Sarah.

Crane exhibition extended

A exhibition at Shandons Dance Cork Firkin Crane has been extended.

The venue said: We are thrilled to announce that the Crane Visual exhibition anoise.agora now has been extended until Saturday, June 22, due to phenomenal demand.

Multi-award-winning transdisciplinary duo Frank OConnor and Jude Sherry returned to Ireland in 2018 with anois agency, which challenges unsustainable systems and cultural norms through policy, practice and protest.

Read More All About Cork: Regular scrabble meetup at library puts emphasis on fun

Leeds AFC to host AGM

Ballyvolane's Leeds AFC will host its AGM on Sunday, June 16, at 11.30am at Leeds Park.

All members are invited to attend. Expressions of interest for committee roles can be sent by email to gerardmeany@gmail.com

Parish lotto at 19,625

The Parish lotto jackpot has now reached 19,625.

You can watch the draw on the Blackpool Facebook page at facebook.com/bbgparish or the Cathedral Facebook page at facebook.com/corkcathedral. Tickets are available on the parishs website and Facebook pages.

There is a minimum spend of 10 when buying tickets online, but you can use this to buy a ticket for the next four draws. If you decide on auto renew, it will renew your payment until you decide to cancel it.

Tickets are available after all Masses and in the parish offices at the Cathedral and Blackpool during the week.

Blarney St Camino this week

A reminder that the Blarney Street Camino will take place on Thursday with Shandon Street Mens Shed in preparation for Mens Health Week 2024.

Starting at the grotto at 12pm, the shed will embark on a 2km walk down Blarney Street.

Members will walk the longest street in Ireland to celebrate men, and show the positive and meaningful impact that mens sheds have.

Collect your certificate at the end, and join them for music and refreshments in the Rocksteps Community Centre. RSVP to Liz Madden at elizabeth.madden2@hse.ie or text/phone 087 6977942.

See the page next week for event pictures.

Read More All About Cork: Street Feast goes indoors thanks to locals hospitality

Have Blackpool, Shandon and Ballyvolane news to share?

Email robert.mcnamara@theecho.ie
A FUNERAL in the Democratic Republic of the Congo resulted in a bench warrant for a mans arrest being issued at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Mervyn Shalemba, aged 21, with an address at an apartment at Eden Hall, Model Farm Road, Cork, should have appeared at Cork Circuit Criminal Court for his case.

On his failure to appear, his barrister, Mahon Corkery, applied for an adjournment, stating that the young man had gone back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for his fathers funeral.

Judge Helen Boyle refused to grant the application for an adjournment and issued the bench warrant for his arrest.

The prosecution had not been notified of the defendants plans to leave the country.

Mr Shalemba is charged that on August 23, 2022, at his home in Cork, he had 3,700 cash, knowing it was the proceeds of criminal conduct, and that he was allegedly in possession of cannabis and had that drug for the purpose of sale or supply.
Broadcaster Paul Byrne has settled his High Court action against Virgin Media television over its decision to bring internal disciplinary proceedings against him.

Mr Byrne, who has worked as the broadcaster's southern correspondent for many years, had sued Virgin Media, seeking various injunctions over what he claimed was a flawed disciplinary process. The claims were denied.

The matter was mentioned before Mr Justice Mark Sanfey on Tuesday, when the journalist's counsel Eoin Clifford SC said that following a mediation of matters the dispute had been settled in its entirety.

Counsel then asked the court to strike out the case. No further details of the settlement, which is understood to be confidential, were given in open court.

Mr Justice Sanfey welcomed the resolution of the case. Mr Byrne was not present in court on Tuesday.

The court previously heard that Mr Byrne was suspended from his role following a live report he made on the afternoon of February 9 last concerning the death of a young boy in County Waterford.

Report

Mr Byrne, the court heard, had stated in a report that one line of inquiry being considered by the Gardai as part of the investigation into the child's death was that the boy had allegedly been drowned and placed into a car.

The claim was broadcast after Mr Byrne checked it with at least two credible sources, and after two other media outlets had published the same information. While he had believed the information to be credible, the information later turned out not to be true.

Shortly afterwards, he claims his employer suspended him for allegedly breaching the broadcaster's News Guidelines and Production Handbook, because he had allegedly failed to speak to his line manager about the matter in advance of the broadcast.

He claimed the disciplinary process could have resulted in his dismissal for alleged gross misconduct. He denied any wrongdoing, and claimed that the process was flawed, punitive, disproportionate and should be set aside.

He also claimed that the process lacked credibility, and breached his contractual rights.

As a result, he commenced proceedings before the High Court last April seeking an injunction restraining Virgin Media Ireland Ltd, and Virgin Media Television Limited from continuing the disciplinary process against him, and that his suspension be lifted.

In correspondence, the defendants rejected Mr Byrne's claims against both them and the disciplinary process itself.

They said that given Virgin Media's role as a public broadcaster the alleged breach was deemed "serious in nature" and informed him that "steps needed to be taken to avoid a repeat".
A 22-year-old man accused of five counts of deception involving a total of over 47,000 by inducing people to invest in cryptocurrency confessed to the crimes today.

Callum Kearney of no fixed address was originally arrested by Detective Garda Donal OConnell and charged with five counts of deception under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

And today he was arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court and pleaded guilty to all charges.

Defence barrister Paula McCarthy said a prison governors report was sought in advance of sentencing and so too was a medical report.

Prosecution barrister Emmet Boyle said victim impact statements are to be prepared.

Judge Helen Boyle adjourned sentencing until June 13.

One of the complainants is allegedly at a loss of 30,000.

It is alleged that the accused man dishonestly by deception induced one man to give him 4,750 as an investment, with the intention of making a gain for himself between June and October 2021.

He faced a similar charge in respect of 7,500 and 1,700 from two other men in the same period. He is charged with inducing a woman to give him 3,700 by deception to make a gain for himself.

Finally, he is charged that by deception he induced a man to give him a vehicle valued 11,000 and 19,000 in cash, again to make a gain for himself.

Four of the offences relate to Ballincollig and the count referring to 7,500 is from Bishopstown.
IF you are planning to visit another EU country this year, you should apply for your European Health Insurance Card in case you need to access medical care while abroad.

What is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?

It allows you to access public healthcare in another EU/EEA state for free or at a reduced rate. You can use it when travelling abroad or when you are staying temporarily in another EU State. Each family member needs their own card. It does not cover private healthcare and does not replace travel insurance.

Can I get an EHIC?

You can only apply for a card if you live in Ireland or if you live in another European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) member state, or Switzerland.

If you live in Ireland but are linked to another EU/EEA States Social Security System, contact the health authorities in that country for more information. If you live in Northern Ireland but are employed in Ireland, you can get an Irish-issued EHIC.

Where can I use it?

You can use your European Health Insurance Card in any EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country and in Switzerland.

Currently, the EEA comprises of the 27 member states of the European Union together with Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.

As Andorra and Monaco are not part of the EU or EEA, your EHIC is not accepted there. You should get private health insurance instead.

Can I use it in the UK?

If you are an Irish citizen, you have access to healthcare under the Common Travel Area while visiting the UK. However, other EU citizens should continue to use the EHIC, which is still accepted in the UK.

How much does a European Health Insurance Card cost?

There is no fee for the card or a Temporary Replacement Certificate. Renewing a European Health Insurance Card is also free.

What if I dont have my EHIC before I travel?

You can get a Temporary Replacement Certificate, which gives you the same entitlement as the Card, but for a shorter period.

You can apply online for this Certificate, in-person or by post to your Local Health Office. You can only receive a Temporary Replacement Certificate for yourself.

What does it cover?

What it covers

Free or reduced cost public healthcare in any of the EU and EEA countries

A temporary stay of up to 3 months

Pre-existing medical conditions

Routine maternity care - if youre not going there to give birth

If youre a student studying abroad, youll be covered for up to an academic year.

What it does not cover

Private healthcare

The cost to fly you back to Ireland

Ongoing or permanent healthcare

Medical expenses if your reason for going abroad is to have treatment

Will I have to pay anything for healthcare with my EHIC?

In some EU member states, you may have to make some payment towards the cost of the services you receive, just as people in that state do. You will not receive a refund for this or for private healthcare.

How can I get a refund from the HSE if I paid for healthcare while abroad?

You may be able to get a refund if you had to pay because you did not have your EHIC card with you or because the healthcare providers charged you by mistake.

Apply for a refund by email. Send your receipts to E126.Refunds@hse.ie. Or email them to overseas.medservices@hse.ie if you live in Dublin, Wicklow or Kildare.

The HSE will send an E126 form to the health authorities in the other state to find out:

If you used a public health service

How much of a refund is due

When the HSE receive the completed E126 form from the other state, the HSE can see if a refund is due or not. Further information is available on the HSE website.

How do I apply?

You complete an application form and send the completed form to your Local Health Office. You can download the form or pick one up from your local Citizens Information Centre. If you have a medical card or drug payment scheme card you can apply on-line.

If you already had an EHIC but it has expired, you can renew it online if you have your old EHIC number and your PPS number, provided that your address has not changed.

Telephone lines for South Munster Citizens Information in Cork City are monitored from 10am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. In addition, the Cork City Centre CIC in Cornmarket Street is open to the public Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9.45am to 1pm and Wednesdays from 2pm to 4.30pm. The Blackpool CIC is open to the public each morning from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday and Thursday.

Full details for all Citizens Information Centres and website.
A union representing San Francisco Muni operators is pushing for a larger raise over three years, a demand that could set the stage for a strike among operators this summer. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Muni drivers pushed for bigger wage increases and better working conditions during a tense hearing with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency on Tuesday, where the two sides tried to preempt a strike that would paralyze transit in San Francisco.

After rejecting a proposed three-year contract that would have raised wages by 13.25%, representatives of the operators union pressed their counter-proposal: a 16.75% raise. The unions bid would cost the city $80.5 million over three years, compared with $59.4 million if transit operators accept SFMTAs offer.

The additional $21 million would severely burden an agency facing a precarious future now that lawmakers have scrapped a regional tax measure to save Muni and other transit agencies from financial collapse.

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SFMTA simply cannot afford that additional cost, lawyer Gina Roccanova said during Tuesdays proceeding in a board room at the agencys headquarters. Roccanova is serving as counsel for SFMTA during labor negotiations.

We will present evidence that the SFMTA operators are the highest paid in the nation, Roccanova said. They are above market by every possible measure.

Members of the Transport Workers Union local 250A, which represents more than 2,000 Muni employees, including bus and rail operators and fare inspectors, wore orange shirts to the meeting and circulated a list of talking points.

Among them: We deserve fair wages. They cited the new labor contract for parking control officers, who received a wage bump after revolting against the citys plan to beef up enforcement. Drivers also expressed disenchantment over the number of attacks they have suffered on the job, saying the city has logged 555 assaults on SFMTA employees over the past 3 years, 494 of which were against transit operators.

Everyones got a hard job  theres no dispute that what the operators do is tough, Roccanova said during the hearing. They deal with members of the public all day long, and they are subject to all manner of indignities, and even physical danger.

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She said, however, that it was unproductive for the operators to demean the work of a different group  the parking control officers  because you think your job is harder than theirs.
(Photo:  Peter Kenny, 2017)Nelson Mandela's statue in front of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, seat of South Africa's administration.

South Africa's Catholic bishops have joined other Christians in urging politicians to 'work together' after the African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the country's first universal suffrage elections 30 years ago.

The May 29 elections saw the ANC, Nelson Mandela's party, lose its outright majority, which it had retained since the country's first democratic elections in 1994.

This year, the ANC's proportion of the vote plummeted to 40 percent. In the 2019 election, the ANC polled 59 percent of the votes.

Scores of newly-formed parties had contested the election as worsening economic inequality undermined the ANC's support, but the Democratic Alliance polled the second highest tally when it clinched almost 22 percent of the vote.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation after the official announcement of the election result in Johannesburg on June 2.

In a statement issued on June 3, the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) called on all "parties to avoid utterances and behavior that could lead to acts of violence, destruction, and loss of life."

The constitution in South Africa stipulates that the party with the largest vote has two weeks from the result confirmation to form a new government.

For the first time, the ANC will have to form a coalition government with one or more opposition parties to remain in power.

In their National Elections Results joint statement, the Catholic bishops congratulate the Independent Electoral Commission "for yet again demonstrating professionalism and efficiency in facilitating elections" in the country.

"We also thank the political parties for their vigilance in noting some concerns during the voting process and the IEC's willingness to address these objections as provided by the Act governing the IEC," the bishops said in their statement signed by Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka.

As the ruling African National Congress received only 40.18 percent votes the election it will need to make a deal with other parties to form a coalition government for the first time in 30 years.

In the June 3 statement, the Catholic Bishops in South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini called on "all parties to avoid utterances and behaviour that could lead to acts of violence, destruction, and loss of life."

"This includes making threats, inciting violence, or spreading false information that could escalate tensions," they said.

(Photo:  Peter Kenny) Sunday service at the Soweto's Holy Cross Anglican Church in Orlando West, South Africa, on June, 18,2017. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu once served this parish.

Political parties were on June engaged in coalition talks, and the bishops say coalitions present a "unique opportunity for those elected to work together for the good of the country, putting all ideologies aside."

"More importantly, politicians must focus on what needs to be done to serve the people who elected them and choose people for positions and roles according to their capacity and passion to carry out those tasks," they add.

In a televised address to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa called upon political to work together for the good of the country,

'SEEK COMMON GROUND'

"What this election has made plain" Ramaphosa said, "is that the people of South Africa expect their leaders to work together to meet their needs. They expect the parties for which they have voted to find common ground, to overcome their differences, to act and work together for the good of everyone."

"Our people expect all parties to work together within the framework of our constitution and address whatever challenges we encounter peacefully and in accordance with the prescripts of our constitution and the rule of law," said the president on June 2.

A Christian government worker in South Africa urged people to pray for shared values and justice after the ANC lost its majority for the first time since the apartheid ideology of intense segregation ended formally 30 years ago.

Sanmarie Moore told Premier Christian News she was heartened that so many people exercised their right to vote with long queues at polling stations.

And she's reminding Christians to be "salt and light" as the country begins talks to appoint a new coalition government:

"People came out and voted and really wanted their voice to be heard," said Moore.

"As children of God our identity is in Jesus, but we want to be salt and light where we are. So that part was so beautiful to see that people want their voices to be heard."

More noted that numbers for the ANC have been declining in every election and I think as our democracy grows, people find their own voice and trust that they also have a say and can bring justice.

"There are several major issues, poverty, inequality and unemployment and many people are still ,after 30 years in desperate positions."

Ramaphosa said the result was a sign the South African people wanted more cooperation between major parties.

"South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world, with 32 percent unemployed, along with soaring levels of crime. Immense frustrations with water and electricity shortages as well as corruption have led to growing criticism of the ANC government," NPR noted on June 1.

MK PARTY

The new MK Party of former President Jacob Zuma, who has turned against the ANC he once led, was third with just over 14 percent of the vote in the first election it has contested.

The Economic Freedom Fighters was fourth with just over 9 percent.

The election caps a dramatic fall and rise of the 82-year-old Zuma.

"While a conviction bars him from being elected into parliament, as leader of the MK, he could now be a significant player in the negotiations to form a new coalition government and could use his power to attempt to avoid a further conviction," NPR commented.

"Zuma was forced to resign from the presidency in 2018 and was convicted in 2021 of failing to present himself at a corruption trial against him. He is also due to be tried again next year for corruption in an alleged arms deal in 1999."
A group of current and former OpenAI and Google employees is asking powerful AI companies to open themselves to criticism and not retaliate against whistleblowers. Drew Angerer/AFP/TNS

A group of current and former OpenAI and Google employees signed an open letter Tuesday asking for more openness about the capabilities of increasingly powerful artificial intelligence programs and protections for employees who voice concerns about it.

The letter asked for advanced AI companies to eschew non-disparagement agreements and retaliation, foster cultures of open criticism and create paths for employees to anonymously share their concerns with company boards and regulators.

The New York Times first reported the letter. Neither Google nor OpenAI could be immediately reached for comment.

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The letter was signed by former OpenAI employees Jacob Hilton, Daniel Kokotajlo, William Saunders, Carroll Wainwright and Daniel Ziegler, along with six anonymous current employees of the company. Ramana Kumar, formerly of Googles DeepMind AI lab, and Neel Nanda, who previously worked there and is now at OpenAI competitor Anthropic, also signed the letter.

The group said they believed in the power of AI to benefit humanity but also had deep concerns about the risks it posed, from the further entrenchment of existing inequalities, to manipulation and misinformation, to the loss of control of autonomous AI systems potentially resulting in human extinction.

Executives from OpenAI and other companies have acknowledged these risks. But, the signatories said, they did not trust powerful AI companies to be totally candid about the abilities of their systems. They said broad confidentiality agreements blocked them from speaking up, and whistleblower protections apply to illegal activity  which AI work does not fall under.

Vox reported last month that OpenAI was holding its former employees to a strict non-disparagement agreement, which CEO Sam Altman said on X he had previously been unaware of and would do away with.

Saunders, one of the the former OpenAI employees who signed the letter, told the Chronicle that such agreements were part of a culture of secrecy that made it difficult or impossible for employees to raise concerns about products that could pose a danger to the public  and which only those same employees would be in a position to know about.

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There are a lot of people people at OpenAI who still want to do the right thing before products are released into the world, but the public should not have to trust the statements of the company that its products are safe and wont rapidly propagate disinformation or other ills, Saunders said. Instead, they should be subject to outside, expert, independent review, he said.

It is reckless to be releasing products with known problems, and not doing the work of doing a decent job of preventing them, Saunders said, adding the culture at OpenAI, where he resigned as a researcher in February, was more in the direction of moving fast than I would like.

The company also ousted last month its so-called Superalignment team, which focused on developing AI technology safely, about a year after announcing its formation. Jan Leike, the former head of that team, joined Anthropic shortly afterwards.

Altman himself was briefly ousted by the companys board of directors, who accused him of being less than straightforward with them, before his reinstatement days later.

Originally founded as a nonprofit research lab, OpenAI now operates its business through a for-profit arm that is funded with billions of dollars from Microsoft. Elon Musk, one of the original funders of the nonprofit who now operates his own AI company called Grok, sued OpenAI in San Francisco Superior Court in March.

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Theres a new exploit making its way through TikTok and it has already compromised the official accounts of Paris Hilton, CNN and others, as reported by Forbes . Its spread via direct message and doesnt require a download, click or any form of response, beyond opening the chat. Its currently unclear how many accounts have been affected.

Even weirder? The hacked accounts arent really doing anything. A source within TikTok told Forbes that these impacted accounts do not appear to be posting content. TikTok issued a statement to The Verge, saying that it is "aware of a potential exploit targeting a number of brand and celebrity accounts." The social media giant is "working directly with affected account owners to restore access."

Semafor recently reported that CNNs TikTok had been hacked , which forced the network to disable the account. Its unclear if this is the very same hack that has gone on to infect other big-time accounts. The news organization said that it was working with TikTok on the backend on additional security measures.

CNN staffers told Semafor that the news entity had grown lax regarding digital safety practices, with one employee noting that dozens of colleagues had access to the official TikTok account. However, another network source suggested that the breach wasnt the result of someone gaining access from CNNs end. Thats about all we know for now. Well update this post when more news comes in.
New York is about to give parents more control over their kids' social media feeds

New York is poised to pass a law that will bar social media platforms from showing algorithmic feeds to teens without parental consent. The Wall Street Journal reports that lawmakers in the state have reached a tentative agreement on a bill that will be voted on later this week.

State officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, introduced a bill requiring parental consent for algorithmic feeds last year. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act doesnt restrict the type of content teens can view on social media apps, but they wouldnt be able to view algorithmic feeds without permission from their parents or guardians. The latest version of the bill will also block teens from seeing in-app notifications overnight without parental consent, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products .

Motorola unveiled the 2024 Moto Edge on Tuesday. The $550 mid-range phone is slightly more expensive than the Pixel 8a but has different strengths and weaknesses. It will be available starting on June 20.

The 2024 Motorola Edge combines the mid-range Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor with a 6.6-inch pOLED display (much larger than the Pixel 8as 6.1-inch display) at 2400 x 1080 resolution (402ppi). It supports a 144Hz variable refresh rate and a 360Hz touch rate thats only available when using the handset in Game Mode.

The 2024 Moto Edge has a big 5,000mAh battery and fast 68-watt wired TurboPower charging. It also has 256GB of built-in storage and 8GB of RAM.

Motorola

Its main camera is a 50MP shooter using Sonys LY7-700C sensor. The phones backside includes a 13MP ultra-wide lens, while a 32MP sensor sits on the front.

As companies tend to do in 2024, Motorola pointed out the handsets AI capabilities, in this case when using Google Photos (Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur and Google Auto Enhance). Of course, that pales in comparison to the Pixel 8as full suite of Tensor G3-powered AI tools, also including Audio Magic Eraser, Best Take and unlimited uses of the Magic Editor.

The phone is 7.99 mm (0.31 inch) thick and weighs 174g. Its back is made of blue synthetic leather, which should provide a reasonably sophisticated look and feel without killing any cows. It has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, meaning it can withstand up to half an hour of submersion in 1.5 meters of water.

Beginning on June 20, the 2024 Moto Edge will be available unlocked for $550 on Motorolas website, Amazon and Best Buy. The company says subsequent availability will roll out later at T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Spectrum, Consumer Cellular, Straight Talk, Total By Verizon and Visible.
Elon Musk speaks at the Milken Institutes Global Conference in Beverly Hills last month. The social media site Xs new rules for adult content formalize an unofficial policy that was in place before Musk acquired the San Francisco company for $44 billion in 2022. Apu Gomes/TNS

Elon Musks X has instituted a policy change that officially allows nudity, pornography and other not-safe-for-work content on the social network formerly known as Twitter, with a few restrictions.

You may share consensually produced and distributed adult nudity or sexual behavior, provided its properly labeled and not prominently displayed, the San Francisco company said in a recent update to its adult content policy page.

The new rules formalize an unofficial policy that was in place before Tesla CEO Musk acquired the company for $44 billion in 2022. But it starkly contrasts with policies at rival platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

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Heres what to know about the changes at X:

What is the new policy on adult content for platform X?

X now formally allows users to show consensual adult content, provided it is clearly labeled as such. Adult material was allowed on the platform in the pre-Musk era, when it was known as Twitter, but there was no official policy regarding it.

What does the latest update from X say about adult content?

The company states, Sexual expression, whether visual or written, can be a legitimate form of artistic expression. We believe in the autonomy of adults to engage with and create content that reflects their own beliefs, desires, and experiences, including those related to sexuality.

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The social media platform X says it will now allow people to show consensual adult content, as long as it is clearly labeled as such. The move formalizes a policy already in place when the platform was known as Twitter, before billionaire Elon Musk purchased it in 2022. Rick Rycroft/Associated Press

How does X restrict adult content?

X restricts adult content for children and for adult users who choose not to see it. The platform also prohibits content promoting exploitation, nonconsent, objectification, sexualization or harm to minors and obscene behaviors. It does not allow sharing adult content in highly visible places such as users profile photos or banners.

How does Xs policy compare to other social media platforms?

Xs policy contrasts with other social media platforms, which have stricter guidelines against nudity and sexual expression.

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What do experts say about Xs move to allow adult content?

Brooke Erin Duffy, associate professor of communication at Cornell University, told the Associated Press, The platforms move to allow adult content dovetails well with the companys post-Musk marketing strategy. X is unapologetically provocative and has sought to distinguish itself from brand safe competitors. In other words, Musks policy change appears to court creators and artists marginalized by other platforms with stricter guidelines.

Does the policy apply to AI-generated content?

Yes, the policy applies to both real and artificial-intelligence-generated material.

What is required of users who regularly post adult content?

Users who regularly post adult content must adjust their media settings to place all images and videos behind a content warning. This requires viewers to acknowledge that they want to see the posted image before viewing it. If you continue to fail marking your posts, we will adjust your account settings for you, the policy says.
Supermodel and viral star Anok Yai's allegation that Zara did nothing after one of its photographers called her a "cockroach" has triggered calls for a boycott against the Spanish fashion retailer.

Yai made the claims in a May 19 thread on X, formerly Twitter, that has since been deleted. Zara has not publicly addressed her accusations as of this writing.

In her tweets, which were reposted by an Instagram user, the 26-year-old Sudanese model claimed that the unnamed photographer allegedly made racist comments about her during a photoshoot for Zara in 2019.

"I remember in 2019 being called a cockroach by a photographer. It was from this brand that I used to always work with. I didn't speak their language and they didn't speak mine," Yai wrote.

According to Yai, it was during the second-to-last day of the shoot that the photographer allegedly yelled, "'Lotion la cucaracha," as she was getting her makeup done.

The model claimed that "everyone on set" smiled and laughed at the photographer's comment.

Yai, who was only two years into her modeling career at the time, wrote that she did not express how upset she was at the time because she was afraid it would reflect badly not only on herself but also other Black models.

"I can't react the way I want to react because at the end of the day, I'm young, I'm alone, I'm Black ... anything that I do will affect me, my family, and other Black models," she explained.

But Yai claimed she protested the photographer's alleged remarks by not showing up on set until he was replaced.

She alleged that a Zara employee told her at the time: "We don't accept that type of behavior, we'll fire him now. Tell me who he is, and we'll get rid of him."

However, to her dismay, Yai said the photographer was still there when she went to the set to continue the shoot.

"I go to set thinking he's gonna be gone. He walks by me and smiles," Yai alleged.

According to the model, another Zara staffer allegedly informed her that the brand's team believed she lied about the photographer making racist comments about her.

Yai suggested that the team seemingly tried to pin some blame on her as the staffer allegedly told her: "Honestly, whenever you come here, you're never smiling, and you're never happy to be here."

Yai tearfully explained to the Zara employee that she was telling the truth, but the staffer would not believe her.

In the end, the model said she left the set and headed to the airport -- though not before demanding that she be paid the full amount agreed upon for the photoshoot.

The move allegedly led to Yai being "blacklisted" by the brand.

"That was my first (and not only) time being blacklisted. I'm sure they thought I wasn't strong enough to stand," she alleged.

Yai ended the thread by revealing the name of the brand: "Hi b***h @ZARA. Remember me?"

Fans and social media users rallied behind Yai and urged people to "#BoycottZara" following the revelation. Many also asked Yai to reveal the name of the photographer.

"That's disgusting -- so sorry you went through that. Zara again!!! Name the photographer!" one person commented.

"Name him and we will make sure he is cancelled!" another urged.

A third comment read: "How dare they want to use your gorgeous face and skin to make people want to buy their products and insult you in the process. Disgusting."

"And now she at the [Met Gala]," another wrote, adding that losing the supermodel's support was a "big L for Zara."

Some called out the allegedly rampant racism in the fashion industry as a whole.

One Instagram user wrote: "This is what I mean when I say these brands like to 'look' diverse but are actually the most racists behind cameras. It's heartbreaking that there are still people with this mentality."

Yai was discovered in 2017 after photos of her at the homecoming weekend at Howard University went viral on social media.

Guyssss this is Anok Yai! I remember when this photo went viral, and people were adamant that she needs to model. I didn't realize this was her tbh! But it's crazy to go from a photo at a uni event to an epic closing showcase at Mugler SS24. pic.twitter.com/BUvBxLbVg6  Aunty Anna X2 (@OHMY_ITSANNA) January 5, 2024

Just a year later, she made history by becoming the first Black supermodel to open a Prada show after Naomi Campbell.

Yai has since appeared on numerous magazine covers, including U.S. Vogue three times.

Yai recently graced the 2024 Met Gala, where she stunned in a full-body blue jumpsuit featuring 98,000 Swarovski gems.
Brewer Eric Svendberg hoses brewing equipment at Anchor Brewing Co. in 2019. The brewery closed last year, but was recently purchased by Chobani yogurt head Hamdi Ulukaya. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle The historic Anchor Brewing taproom sits in front of the brewing building last week in San Francisco. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

When Anchor Brewing Co. shut down last July, brewer Patrick Machel says, it felt like so much more than a job loss.

Employees formed a collective to fight for Anchors return, not just for their employment, he said, but because they were tired. They were tired of every piece of San Francisco news feeling like an existential crisis. They were exhausted watching the city rack up losses. And, frankly, they didnt want the doomsayers claiming San Francisco is over to be right.

Some of our workers have been born and raised in San Francisco, around the brand for years. And they told us, We dont want to be a part of that,  said Machel, a former beer packaging lead and shop steward. (We) were the people saying, No, were not going to let this go down without a fight. 

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When Anchor Brewing was rescued last Friday by Hamdi Ulukaya, the billionaire owner of the Chobani yogurt empire, it was just the latest near-death experience for the 128-year-old San Francisco company.

But this time feels different, as if the swimming-pool-sized vats of frothy amber liquid have healing powers that can lift an entire city. The return of Anchor Brewing is the win San Francisco needed.

Sapporos announcement last July that it was shutting Anchor down  claiming it had lost money since the Japanese beer giant took over ownership in 2017  prompted lots of reasons to mourn.

Zachary Stewart drinks a glass of San Franpsycho IPA during a tour at Anchor Public Taps in 2019. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Anchor had employed generations of San Franciscans. It was a beer served across the street from Seals Stadium in the 1950s, and behind center field in Oracle Park last year. Production never moved outside San Franciscos boundaries. And its ties to the city were literal, giving a sense of irreplaceability. In the beginning, rooftop vats of beer were cooled by the fog, and in recent decades, pristine Hetch Hetchy water poured into the brewerys towers across the street. Unlike other breweries, Anchor had no need to treat its water with additional chemicals to make it taste like ... water.

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Using Anheuser-Busch InBevs mass-produced interchangeable equipment, one could make Budweiser on the moon (in fact, Bud has 11 U.S. breweries in addition to its St. Louis flagship). Anyone who got a taproom tour of Anchor in Potrero Hill  seeing the ancient copper vats and learning about the production process from a brewer who seemed to be speaking another language  knew they were looking at a total unicorn.

But theres another factor that made the potential return of Anchor carry even bigger stakes.

Much like San Francisco itself, Anchor had survived multiple revivals, from Prohibition to a brief closure in 1959 when beer production winnowed down to just one aging employee, who could no longer lift the sacks of grain.

If Anchor didnt come back from its 2023 shuttering  if Sapporo sold it off in pieces or a dubious owner emerged  what did that say about San Francisco? What did it portend for a city that came back from an earthquake and fire, the AIDS crisis and assorted tragedies of the 1970s? If San Francisco in 2024 cant preserve one beloved historic brewery, does it even deserve to have that phoenix on the flag?

I had coincidentally set up a call with Machel days before the news broke to talk about Anchor fans drinking the last bottles theyd hoarded away.

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As I shared the status of my own dwindling stash on social media  down to 16 beers from a post-closure high of 42  my timeline filled with bittersweet remembrances from Anchor devotees facing similar situations.

Im down to my last Liberty Ale, one follower wrote. Havent been able to bring myself to drink it.

It turns out that none of us needed to ration this long. New owner Ulukaya, who loved to visit San Francisco but had no formal ties here, found out about the beer from a Forbes article. Out of curiosity I came to visit and realized that (Anchor) might be old, it might be given up on, but it is the grand jewel, Ulukaya said in a video testimony after he bought the company. It was embedded in San Franciscos fabric.

There are still many questions to be answered. Will Ulukaya, who built Chobani in a similar situation, grow frustrated if Anchor isnt quickly profitable? Will the old labels come back? And will Anchors union workers, who formed a collective to fight for the beers future, be back on the line?

We want to bring good jobs back to San Francisco  especially since weve poured so much of our time and effort into Anchor, Machel said. This is a new chapter, and we hope workers are at the forefront of writing it.

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But right now Anchor feels like a hopeful symbol, one that helps you start to see the other wins that are already here, or on the horizon:

By the end of his statement, Ulukaya had stopped discussing beer altogether, and seemed to be talking about his new adopted town.

Its the essence of San Francisco, its the essence of this country that we can always bring it back stronger, better than ever before, he said. I think the best time of San Francisco is yet to come.

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Mace Pinchal, successful Houston real estate developer and accomplished pilot, is featured in the just released book, Round the World & Across Russia in 21 Days, 30 Years Later: 12 Planes & 22 Aviators Thru 11 Countries When the Soviet Union Fell & Russia Returned. Documented by author, Michael B. Butler, the detailed flight journal written by Pinchal is a primary foundation for this detailed telling of a complicated aviation adventure. Flying his twin-engine Baron 58 with co-pilot Brad Silva, his flight planning was intense and the observations were cogent, enlightening and humorous. Mace Pinchal's then fiance and now wife, Jennifer, went along on this grand tour and provided welcome support throughout the World Flight.

Nine aircraft of the 1st Annual Around the World Air Rally left Santa Monica Airport on July 4, 1992, just seven months after the Soviet Union collapsed, and flew east across the U.S., up into Canada, across the North Atlantic and thence to Moscow, thru Europe, and across the desolate wilds of Siberia to the super-secret air base and nuclear launching site, Anadyr, just across the Bering Strait from Alaska. Five additional aircraft joined up in the UK, with only three continuing on past Moscow.

This book is constructed from 7 primary pilot journals, 5 ancillary journals, interviews, the 25 hours of video shot by the author and what he also recalled from an event. Everyone involved knew they were making historyfirst private group to circumnavigate while crossing Russiaduring the continuous days of early wake up calls and long hours of flying. Four days in Moscow as guests of the Vice President of Russia, Alexander Rutskoi, were followed by entering into largely uncontrolled Siberian airspace where danger lurked around every corner.

Round the World & Across Russia in 21 Days is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and in ebook and audiobook formats at Google Play. For more info and color show shows go to www.MichaelButlerBooks.com.

Round the World & Across Russia Book Trailer





Below are two samples from Mace Pinchal's flight journal, which are a vital part of telling the World Flight Across Russia story properly.

Mace and Brad were prepared for all emergencies, "In addition to our 'Gumby' suits, which we wear to our waists, we also pile on thermal underwear, two pairs of wool socks, flight boots, flight suits, our leather flying jackets and U.S. Air Force flight gloves. However, do not think this is just for survival should we have to go down in the North Atlantic or Greenland, we also need it for warmth in the aircraft while flying, since we can't afford the 'luxury' of using the gasoline fired aircraft heater.

"With the heater on an additional two and a half gallons of gas per hour will be consumed, which on a 7 hour flight equates to 30 minutes of flying time, such an amount might make the difference between life and death in adverse conditions. Next is the arduous task of slowly crawling in the airplane, which quickly turns into a comedy show. I gingerly crawl in first and after a few minutes I'm settled inI now know what the Mercury Astronauts meant when they said, 'You don't get into a capsule-you put it on.' My co-pilot Brad is nextduring the whole procedure Larry and Jennifer capture us on film flopping around and grunting like a couple of old bull seals.

"At 6:50 am local, 1050 Zulu, we fire up the engines up and taxi out to the active ramp. After run up the ATC contacts us and informs us of a 20 minute delay, Damn! We are really psyched up and now this, we then moved away from the active and shut down, no sense in burning 20 minutes of gas on the ground. Sully, Don and Bob, in The Ultimate Trip, are next to us and cleared for departure. As they taxi past us, we flash them the traditional 'thumbs up,' see you in Iceland. In the interim, Brad cracks open the door so we can indulge in a quick smoke to ease our nervous tension, then we again dutifully review our latitude/longitude coordinates in the GPS. At 7:10 am local, 11:10 Zulu, we start up and receive clearance, at 7:15 we are off towards Europe under overcast skies."

Mace and Brad had a trickly landing in Iceland, as Mace's flight journal explains, "We arrive over Iceland around 19:00 Zulu, 6:00 local. Weather is not only worse than forecast but is worse than reported. As Brad and I cross the coast we get clearance for descent and the radar vectors for Runway 14s localizer approach. At 9,000 feet we enter into dark clouds and pick up some ice, this leads us to request a further descent and at 6,000 feet we arrive in a clearing between layers.

"As the descent continues into the lower layer, we level off at two or 3,000 feet, Brad calmly goes through the checklist, he calls out and cross-checks on the descent into Reykjavik Airport. We are tired and know it! Weary and in a dicey situation we are extra careful, finally we are vectored onto the localizer, and then get clearance for final approach. The airport sits in the middle of the town along the coastline, there is water on two sides of the airport with the town on the other two. The approach to the airport involves a series of step-downs over water, Brad calls out each one and then follows with the new altitude for descent to, as he does so I dive her through the thick, moist clouds. The wind blows like hell all around us and the localizer needle periodically swings wildly two dots to the left and then two dots to the right."

Media Interviews: For review copies or interviews please contact Eric Blair Enterprises at MichaelButlerBooks@pm.me or 213-534-7292.
Free Speech Free-for-All

The crescendo of demonstrations is taking place against the backdrop of "forever wars" in the Middle East and Ukraine, the invasion of illegal immigrants into the US, the severe economic disconnect between the stock market and consumer prices, and rising violent domestic crime.

In the meantime, we are approaching the home stretch to the contentious DNC and GOP conventions followed by the US presidential elections in a year of potentially game-changing elections globally.

The arrival of seasonal sweltering summer weather will undoubtedly match the intensity of political demonstrations nationwide.

THE PROTESTORS

The Deep Core of Protestor Anger

Although it appears that the students are genuinely supportive of the Palestinian people, I believe the core reason is of self-interest. Their pro-Palestinian efforts actually represent a convenient cover for several factors which are fueling their anger which affects them personally.

Since the end of WW II, a college degree has been the "ticket" to at minimum a comfortable middle-class lifestyle that surpassed the previous generations.

However, the quantum leap in high tech has reduced and sometimes eliminated these college degree jobs initially to countries with a a well-educated, English-speaking citizenry for a fraction of the cost and fewer restrictive labor laws.

In a perverse twist, corporations are onshoring many jobs that require a highly educated workforce, but these are now assigned to domestically based AI-programs and robots. The quantum efficiency and cost-effectiveness of high-tech at scale has been a game changer.

This trend leaves recent and soon-to-be college degree holders nothing but crumbs with respect to high-paying jobs.

For this reason, their return on time & investment in advanced education is more likely to be negative for the rest of their lives, as they struggle financially, burdened by debt and unable to save enough to purchase a modest home on subpar job salaries. For this reason, this young and recently feisty generation has taken to the streets.

The young generation has a similar, but not equally comparable, solidarity with the Palestinian citizenry in a broad way; both groups are suffering from a multigenerational governmental oppression and erosion of freedoms with dwindling options.

"Technocrat Terror"

The factors that have broken the proverbial "straw that has broken the camel's back" are the following:

Increasingly restrictive freedom of speech, particularly those against the present-day official narrative.

The creation of a socio-economic serfdom engineered by the public/private cabal of mega-corporate interests confirmed statistically by an historical widening of the Gini Index.

A complicit government that legally rigs the system allowing an open interpretation of new & existing laws which supports a pervasive intrusion and expansion of mega-corporate powers.

In the past corporations influenced government decision-making. Today, thanks to powerful lobbyists, mega-corporations dictate US policy. The interests of the public/private sectors are profoundly intertwined economically & politically creating a bond in which they are beholden to each other.

Many elected officials were middle or upper-middle class when they entered office. Many have become multi-millionaires within one term in office on a low six-figure salary through investments in companies and/or sectors which [ironically] many are government regulated.

This creates a disincentive to fully serve the public and represents a painful betrayal of public office.

For this reason, the aforementioned conditions have pushed students into a corner in which they have little or nothing to lose and are willing to get arrested with future consequences when applying for jobs and housing.

Learning from the Old Guard

The mainstream media seems to harp on the chaotic, impulsive actions of student protestors. However, this is a dangerous assumption. The student protestors may not know their history, but they know how to leverage connections such as elder protestors, their version of Obi-Wan Kenobi, from the 1960s and 1970s.

These elders are providing sage advice from the late 20th century to their 21st century proteges who are leveraging this wisdom with 21st century technological social media tools.

In any movement anywhere, especially one that is high profile, high stakes, the young, present-day generation seek advice, wisdom and support from their elders. Like military history, although the present-day "war" is always different than previous ones, the fundamentals remain unchanged such as command & control, swift adaptability through effective communications and esprit du corps.

This process is multi-generational with the participation, collaboration and support of specialty groups with similar grievances and compatible agendas.

Defining Agitators

Agitators are anyone, everywhere, within or outside the core protesting group.

Within the main protesting group, usually hot-heads who are exceptionally adept at stirring trouble.

Within another group marching for solidarity with a similar cause and objective.

Anarchists seek to provoke chaos, not awareness and solution. For this reason, all anarchists are agitators. The problem is identifying them as anarchists.

The media whether mainstream or citizen journalists sometimes plays the role of that guy in the playground that shoves one opponent into another during a stare down or just as they're about to decamp, just to see some action.

TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES & URBAN SECURITY

Exposing The Evils of AI Deep Fakes

The tragedy at Kent State University on May 4, 1970, 54 years ago, resulted in 4 deaths and 9 wounded by the Ohio National Guard during a demonstration against the Vietnam War. It was a galvanizing moment as this tragedy triggered massive nationwide protests and draconian law enforcement security measures.

The virtual nuclear weapon is AI-created deep fakes whose images have become uncomfortably indistinguishable from real-life.

Because demonstrations are increasing in intensity worldwide, the probability of a fatality increases as well. For sure, there are groups seeking to take this to the "Next Level" by creating a 21st century version of the Kent State tragedy through clever AI-imagery and supporting disinformation.

The creation, ersatz or real-life, of a martyr will galvanize the protest movement and harden the resolve for all sides.

It wouldn't be surprising if these deep fakes have already been created and are on "standby", ready to be unleashed. Once the dark genie is free from its virtual cage, damage control will be difficult even if acted upon immediately.

We're in the midst of a highly emotionally charged period with wildfire news impatient for fact verification that creates a firestorm which is difficult to discern or dispute from actual facts.

Because many once trustworthy organizations have lost enormous credibility, even the savviest news reader will have their doubts and will believe what they want to believe, not what has been proven false.

Many of the aforementioned issues were discussed in my article entitled The Fog of Media, published January 16, 2024.

Crowd Control Challenges

The looming unprecedented urban security challenges with simultaneous demonstrations at various locations, law enforcement may be forced to "cannibalize" human and equipment resources from elsewhere exposing at-risk, crime-ridden communities.

Policemen and women have been retiring in droves with not enough new recruits to fill the gap and exacerbated by municipal budget cuts. Thus, the police are stretched to the breaking point despite all the new, high-tech gadgetry.

Inevitably, the National Guard, inexperienced and untested in these affairs, will be called to support the overworked police. Overwork leads to fatigue and inevitably bad decision-making at every level, possibly with fatal results.

This situation leaves certain communities vulnerable to devastating mass looting & destruction. Chain stores and independent businesses, already closing shop, may become extinct in those communities, never to open up again.

Once one community has been hollowed out, the criminals, like locusts, will move to the next community to feast on. Exacerbating the violence, illegal migrants are ghost criminals because their real identities and biomarkers such as fingerprints are not in any system.

High-Tech Security

Mass surveillance sweeps can target a protest generation weaned and dependent on internet social media, easy to track and identify beforehand. Many protestors have probably been identified electronically "tagged" through facial recognition and consequently through their social media connections.

The limitations are that this is mostly a reactive forensic technology rather than a "Minority Report" preventive one. Nonetheless it's now an era of new tools with new rules.

Is Chicago Burning? Lessons Learned?

It's a Twilight Zone historical deja vu, the forthcoming tumultuous summer and fall of 2024 in many ways echoes 1968 with respect to chaos. This trend represents an historical "reunion" with the past with everyone coming back to Chicago.

The confluence of fluid, volatile and unpredictable dynamics makes it anyone's guess as to how this all will play out prior to, during and after Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago in August.

One could have an untenable crowd control security situation despite intensive law enforcement electronic surveillance blankets and the National Guard on standby to handle thousands of protestors from near & far during a sweltering hot summer.

To take an infamous line from the classic movie Cool Hand Luke (1968), "What we have here is a lack of communication" exposed gaps and faulty communication to authorized law enforcement officials as to the impending high-risk of chaos prior to the January 6th US Capitol building takeover.

The upside is that law enforcement already is extensively preparing for a showdown with demonstrators in Chicago this August replete with high-tech surveillance and localized lockdowns. These methods are effective for a known, upcoming major event at a specific location and its nearby environs.

The downside is whether law enforcement's efforts will be sufficient at containment. One zone might be temporarily contained, however the protest intensity may eventually breach that zone and/or a spillover into other less protected zones. Like raging water, demonstrators will seek the path of least resistance, go to lightly defended areas and take their frustrations out on whatever and whoever is in their path.

If law enforcement realizes that containing the demonstrators is becoming untenable and the demonstrators breach all the security ring(s), panic will ensue.

The Menace to the Constitutional Infrastructure

An intriguing possibility to consider is to what extent a third-party, notably a foreign nation state, is using unwitting American citizens as an accelerant to a dangerous flashpoint?

Infrastructure is not only an engineering matter. It also encompasses the US Constitutional that is the supporting document to preserve the American way of life. We can weather a bridge collapse, or many bridges collapsing, but not an institutional one.

The confluence of major events within a short period of time, notably the upcoming DNC and GOP conventions this summer, major elections in the UK (ironically on July 4th) and the US in November, not to mention the Summer Olympics next month in Paris, provide opportunities of mischief for dark forces.

Conclusion & Takeaways

Demonstrations in US cities will grow more frequent and intense at or near high profile locations as the Palestinian issue will continue to be flaunted more like a brand rather than a cause by protestors.

As we head down the stretch to the aforementioned major events, the only unpredictable variable is the level of intensity on the streets and whether it can be safely contained with minimal human consequences. This factor will remain in place well after the elections with the losing side inevitably claiming improprieties at the voting stations.

It's certain that whoever wins the election will guarantee a tumultuous and volatile next four years.

 Copyright 2024 Cerulean Council LLC

The Cerulean Council is a NYC-based think-tank that provides prescient, beyond-the-horizon, contrarian perspectives and risk assessments on geopolitical dynamics and global urban security.
COLUMBIANA, Ohio  Michael Kovach owns his own chickens, pigs and feed. He raises them on pasture at his farm, Walnut Hill Farm, in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, alongside his cattle.

Kovach, the president of the Pennsylvania Farmers Union, isnt part of the vertically integrated mechanism that makes up most of the U.S. pork and poultry industry, where producers contract feed hogs and birds in confinement.

But hes still been impacted by consolidation in the ag and food industry. When he needs to have his meat chickens processed, he drives them 2 hours to a federally inspected poultry processor in Baltic, Ohio. Its one of two such facilities in the region.

Im more of a truck driver than a farmer some days, he said during the Ohio-Pennsylvania stop of the Enough is Enough Tour on May 29, held at Birdfish Brewing, in Columbiana.

Leaders from the Ohio Farmers Union, Pennsylvania Farmers Union, Farm Action Fund and Buckeye Quality Beef Association gathered to speak publicly about the impact consolidation has had on their members.

The downside to all that consolidation from a farmers perspective is that to actually raise meat to sell to their neighbors, the infrastructure to support that is long gone, Kovach said.

Consolidation like this isnt an accident, but a result of agricultural policies that favor over-production, particularly to feed export markets, said Joe Logan, president of the Ohio Farmers Union. The best way to fix this is through the 2024 farm bill and reforming the checkoff programs.

The groups urged their members and others to reach out to their congressional representatives and senators to urge them to support the inclusion of the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act in the 2024 farm bill.

Advocacy is what allows us to hopefully make small dents in the armor that theyve built up around the industrial food complex, Kovach said. Youve got the most powerful voice in the room. I encourage you strongly to find your tribe and raise your voices together.

Issues with checkoffs

Checkoff programs were created in the 1970s to promote and research agricultural commodities. Theyre overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are funded by the sales of agricultural products for 21 different commodities.

While the programs were launched with good intentions, checkoffs are effectively a tax on producers, said Angela Huffman, vice president of Farm Action Fund, a farmer-led nonprofit that fights corporate monopolies in agriculture.

Today the programs are full of abuses caused by a lack of transparency and accountability over where the money is going, she said.

Huffman, who is from Wyandot County, Ohio, said a lack of oversight from the USDA has led to checkoff dollars going to lobbying groups that work to influence government policy, often in opposition of the interests of small farmers and ranchers.

The Opportunities for Fairness in Farming, or OFF, Act is a bipartisan bill that would, among other things, prohibit checkoff programs from contracting with organizations that engage in political advocacy or have a conflict of interest and require checkoffs to publicly publish all budgets and disbursements and undergo periodic audits by the USDA Inspector General.

The legislation was introduced by U.S. Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Mike Lee, R-Utah. A companion bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace, R-S.C. and Dina Titus, D-Nev.

Tour

The event in Columbiana was the fourth stop on the regional tour, launched by various progressive agriculture advocacy groups, including the American Grassfed Association, R-CALF USA, Wisconsin Farmers Union, Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association, Competitive Markets Action and Dakota Resource Council. The tour started in Minnesota on May 14 and ended in North Dakota on June 4. The groups want a farm bill that levels the playing field, according to a press release.
The Liberal Democrats have launched a 'Back British Farming' campaign, with a pledge to increase the agriculture budget by 1 billion at the centre of it.

The party, which is trying to garner support in rural areas, said it had a plan to 'save' British farming.

This includes a proposal to re-negotiate overseas trade deals and address the industry's worker shortages.

Its pledge to increase the overall agriculture budget by 1 billion would "trigger consequential funding" for devolved governments to spend on farming.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said that the Conservatives had "sold farmers down the river" due to "botched" free trade deals with Australia and New Zealand.

Sir Ed said: This Conservative government has left a legacy of failure from the NHS to British farming.

British farmers are the best in the business, but Conservative neglect has left too many farmers on their knees. Rishi Sunak takes farmers for granted."

The party has also launched a dedicated campaign website, urging the public to sign its online petition to 'back our farmers'.

The website, which is similar to the NFU's public-facing campaign, says that farmers across the country are "worried about their future".

Theyre worried that the UK will be flooded with poor quality food that undercuts the food they produce to high environmental and welfare standards," it says.

The Conservatives have sold out our farmers. Liberal Democrats back British farmers.

It comes after the NFU recently called the general election 'the most important in a generation' for the future of British farming.

With just one month to go until the public vote, the union warned that the industry was currently 'under huge pressure' due to a variety of reasons.

However, if the next government 'gets it right', then British farming could 'grow' and 'contribute even more' to the economy.

Results from the NFUs farmer confidence survey were published last month and marked the lowest confidence levels since records began in 2010.

The phasing out of BPS payments (86%), rising input prices (80%) and government regulation and legislation (80%) topped the factors farmers said would negatively affect their business.
Plant-based drink manufacturer Oatly has dropped plans to open a new facility in Peterborough where it would have sourced oats from local farmers.

The Swedish brand initially said the Cambridgeshire site would have opened in the first quarter of 2023, employing around 200 people.

However, according to a report by the The Peterborough Telegraph, the company has withdrawn its planned unit at Peterborough Gateway.

Bryan Carroll, general manager of Oatly UK & Ireland, said the decision was made after identifying new ways to serve the UK market [by] utilising existing facilities across Europe.

Previously, Oatly had said the plant would have produced 300 million litres of oat drink per year, with the possibility of this increasing to 450 million litres.

The vegan drink firm said that oats would have been sourced locally across the country, and the factory would've supplied the UK market.

A planning application for the factory was submitted in March 2021.
Two parents have helped launch a scholarship focused on farmer health and wellbeing in response to the death of their son, who took his own life two years ago.

The Farming Community Network (FCN) has joined forces with Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust to launch the new scholarship.

The FCN/Lens Light Nuffield Farming Scholarship is inspired by Warwickshire farmers Andy and Lynda Eadon, whose son Len took his own life in 2022.

They have since made it their mission to raise awareness of the challenges of mental health in rural and farming communities and to ensure that nobody feels alone.

The scholarship will sponsor Nuffield Scholars focusing on topics that support people in farming and rural communities and help to address issues of loneliness and isolation.

It will also support those who will explore the health inequalities within the UK's farming and rural communities.

On the launch of the scholarship, Andy and Lynda said: Since the tragic loss of our son Len in 2022 we have become passionate to engage, particularly with young people in the rural community.

Highlighting the importance of understanding their own mental health and the need to be honest, open and talk.

We continually talk about positive mental health to try to reduce the stigma that the words mental health have.

No one in the rural community should feel alone and isolated, and this new scholarship has the ability to shine a light brighter and wider on the complex issues that impact on everyones mental health.

Rupert Alers-Hankey, director of Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, said mental health was consistently cited as one of the biggest challenges facing the industry.

He added that he hoped the scholarship would build further knowledge and pave the way for positive change in this area.

NFU deputy president David Exwood said the news of the scholarship was 'brilliant', describing Andy and Lynda as tireless advocates for mental health in farming.

He said: This scholarship is a testament to their hard work, bravery and resilience in the face of a devastating family tragedy to promote talking about mental health and reducing stigma in the farming community.

The NFU, along with others in the sector, have also made strides in addressing this very difficult subject.

"By starting conversations and supporting initiatives like this scholarship, we can make a real difference and ensure no one in the farming community feels alone.

Last year saw Andy on a UK-wide tractor drive from John OGroats to Lands End on a Lens Light tractor relay to show that no-one should feel alone or isolated in rural communities.

Applications to the scholarship must be submitted online before 31 July.
The sheep sector has again raised concerns over possible plans for a licence application that could see a predator species released into the landscape.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has called for a 'full consultation' before any decision is taken to reintroduce the Eurasian Lynx.

It comes as the Northumberland Wildlife Trust wants another 'conversation' on the topic, while in Scotland, a similar initiative is underway as part of the Lifescape Project.

The NSA said it stood by the position it formed around the last application in 2018 by Lynx Trust UK - an application rejected by the Defra Secretary at that time.

The body's chief executive, Phil Stocker said there must be 'practical and science-based evidence and reasoning' behind any potential reintroductions.

He said: "NSA would advocate for a case-by-case approach to ensure there is a robust and clear strategy to ensure unintended consequences are avoided.

"As an organisation we will engage constructively with this conversation, on the understanding that it will inform whether a formal consultation should proceed in advance of any licence application.

As sheep farmers, we will be far more directly affected than most and we have a duty and a right to express our views."

Evidence has shown that some European sheep flocks suffer great losses due to lynx predation.

In the UK, the sheep sector says the impact of lynx reintroducing is far reaching, including the stress placed on farmers knowing that an apex predator is in the vicinity.

Mr Stocker said few farmers would "sleep easy at night" thinking their sheep might be being attacked by a lynx.

"We know the effect that domestic dogs attacking sheep has on farmer anxiety levels and the repulsion these attacks are met with by the public," he added.

We have to think carefully about how the destruction of a livestock farming sector would change the countryside, our rural communities and the ecology and nature that most farmers are already working hard to further improve."
Michael B. (Declined to give last name) sits in the shade outside the Alano Club in Antioch, California on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024. Adahlia Cole/Special to The Chronicle Tuesdays high temperatures throughout the Bay Area are forecast to range from the 60s to low 80s at the coast, upper 70s to upper 80s near the bay shoreline and the 90s to low 100s inland. Baron/Lynx

UPDATED FORECAST: When new round of California heat warnings and advisories goes into effect

After a partly to mostly cloudy Monday, the Bay Area will rapidly warm up Tuesday as a high-pressure system moves into Central California. Tuesday will be the hottest day since summer in interior portions of the Bay Area, with highs in the 90s to near 100 degrees under sunny skies. Inland temperatures may climb even higher Wednesday before dropping slightly Thursday.

San Francisco and Oakland are expected to remain cooler this week due to westerly winds blowing in from the relatively chilly Pacific Ocean toward San Francisco Bay. Tuesdays forecast highs are 77 degrees in downtown San Francisco and 85 degrees at Oaklands Lake Merritt.

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Inland heat

Tuesday will be the hottest day since at least October in the interior East Bay valleys, Solano County and Wine Country. Highs are forecast to reach the mid- to upper 90s in the Petaluma, Sonoma and Napa valleys, 15 to 20 degrees above normal for early June. It will also remain quite warm at night, with lows in the mid- to upper 60s inland.

The cities most likely to reach or surpass 100 degrees are, in order, Vacaville, Fairfield, Antioch, Concord, Napa and Santa Rosa. Vacavilles most recent 100-degree day was Aug. 30, while Concord last reached triple digits on Aug. 6.

The Santa Clara Valley will avoid the most scorching heat, but afternoon temperatures in the low 90s will be the highest so far in 2024. San Jose should surpass 90 degrees for the first time since October.

Temperatures are expected to remain quite warm Tuesday night into Wednesday morning in the interior regions of the Bay Area, with lows in the mid-60s to low 70s. Baron/Lynx

Early-season heat is highly impactful to human health because bodies are not acclimated to the summer conditions. Highs in the 90s and lows in the 60s will contribute to major heat risk across the interior North Bay and East Bay on Tuesday and Wednesday. Major heat risk affects anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration. The National Weather Service recommends avoiding direct sun exposure during the hottest part of the day, from 2 to 5 p.m.

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Coastal air conditioning

San Franciscos natural air conditioning will be in full effect this week due to the marine layer. A shallow region of cool, moist air  the marine layer  hugs the California coast year-round but is most noticeable from late spring through early fall. The marine layer is associated with low clouds and fog, but is defined by air masses of different temperatures.

Normally, temperatures decrease with height in the atmosphere, but above the marine layer the temperatures are warmer compared to closer to the oceans surface or ground level, an effect known as a temperature inversion. This boundary between chilly marine air and hot continental air can be several thousand feet above the ground when an area of low pressure is nearby, or just a few hundred feet during strong high-pressure systems.

This week the high-pressure system is expected to be strongest over San Francisco and Oakland on Tuesday before gradually weakening through Friday. The system should be strong enough to prevent coastal fog, but its quick movement means the marine layer will remain between 500 and 1,000 feet deep, keeping the Pacific beaches cool.

Along the coast, temperatures are expected to reach the upper 60s around 1 p.m. before falling to the mid-60s by 3 p.m. Baron/Lynx

Because of the marine layer, high temperatures along the coast will remain in the 60s and 70s Tuesday, while inland areas away from the oceans influence will roast in the 90s to near 100. Temperatures will increase by nearly a degree per mile Tuesday afternoon, from about 70 degrees at San Franciscos Ocean Beach to nearly 100 degrees in Concord, 30 miles to the east.

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People heading to the beach Wednesday and Thursday should exercise caution, because a swell from a distant storm is expected to bring large waves to the coast. The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement from Wednesday morning through Thursday evening for 15- to 20-foot breaking waves and sneaker waves along west-facing beaches.

Tuesday breakdown

San Francisco: San Franciscans may ask themselves, what heat? as Ocean Beach will struggle to crack 70 degrees. The east side of the city will be warmer, with downtown expected to reach the upper 70s, more than 10 degrees above normal for early June. The city has already reached 80 degrees several days this year, so Tuesday will probably not feel exceptionally hot.

Westerly winds will pick up in the afternoon, gusting up to 30 mph near the Golden Gate, Diamond Heights and Twin Peaks and 20 to 25 mph elsewhere. The breeze will drop temperatures across the city back to the 60s by dinnertime, and the upper 50s overnight.

North Bay: A dramatic warmup is in store for the North Bay as temperatures are expected to jump nearly 20 degrees compared to Mondays highs. Stinson Beach and Point Reyes should remain in the 70s, but everywhere else in the North Bay will be hot.

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Highs will be in the upper 80s to low 90s in San Rafael and Mill Valley, low to mid-90s in Petaluma and Vallejo, the mid- to upper 90s in Napa, Santa Rosa and Sonoma and the low 100s in Fairfield and Vacaville. Tuesdays temperatures are expected to be nearly 20 degrees above normal. For example, the normal June 4 high temperature in Santa Rosa is 78 degrees. Temperatures will remain elevated overnight, in the 60s to low 70s.

East Bay: A hot day is on tap for the inland East Bay, especially for June standards. Temperatures will climb to the low 90s in the East Bay hills, mid-90s in the San Ramon and Livermore valleys and the upper 90s to near 100 in Antioch, Concord and Walnut Creek. It will be about a 20-degree jump from Mondays temperatures, and nearly 15 degrees above normal for early June. Temperatures will remain warm at night, too, with lows in the mid-60s to near 70.

Cities closer to the bay shoreline will be slightly cooler due to a breeze off San Francisco Bay. Oakland and Berkley should reach the mid-80s, Hayward will top out in the upper 80s and Fremont will flirt with 90 degrees. Gusts of 15 to 25 mph are expected in the evening, with temperatures falling to the upper 50s to low 60s overnight.

Pacific Coast and Peninsula: A strong temperature gradient is expected along the Peninsula. Highs in Daly City, Pacifica and Half Moon Bay will be in the mid-60s, while San Mateo and Redwood City should reach the mid- to upper 80s. Temperatures in South San Francisco and San Bruno will be in between, in the mid-70s with an afternoon sea breeze expected to gust up to 35 mph near SFO. Lows will be in the mid-50s to near 60.

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Poor overall fundamentals dragged ICE cotton prices down to a new yearly low on Monday. Heavy losses in crude oil weakened sentiments in US cotton, and a weaker dollar index also could not support the natural fibre. A cheaper dollar makes US cotton more attractive for foreign buyers.

According to trade analysts, the July US cotton contract settled 300 points lower at 73.15 cents per pound (0.453 kg). The December contract settled at 73.35 cents, down 176 points on Friday. ICE cotton breached a very strong support level at 74 cents, a critical move in the market.

US cotton prices hit a new yearly low on Monday as weak fundamentals and a slide in crude oil prices dampened demand. Weaker dollar index failed to support US cotton. Despite ideal growing conditions, competition from Brazil and Australia is making it less attractive. The July contract settled at 73.15 cents per pound, reflecting a broader market downturn.

Yesterday's dollar index decline of more than 0.5 per cent strengthened foreign currencies. Crude oil prices plunged more than 3.5 per cent after inventory data was released, creating additional pressure on cotton prices as polyester became cheaper.

Yesterday's final volume of 72,670 contracts was one of the highest in over six weeks. Certified stocks started the day at 125,675 bales, with an increase of 2,260 new certificates and 3,073 bales pending review. Last week, there were 4,584 new certifications and 72,335 decertifications.

Good rains over the weekend in West Texas and Southwest Oklahoma temporarily improved drought conditions. US cotton areas are currently enjoying some of the most favourable weather conditions in recent years. Overall, US cotton is struggling to find buyers due to heavy competition from Brazil and Australia as US cotton is less attractive in terms of quality. Traders are looking for fundamental triggers to shift momentum, but this may take a long time. The technical bounce back is expected soon.

On Monday, ICE cotton July 2024 was traded 0.08 cent higher at 73.23 cent per pound. Cash cotton was traded at 69.40 cent (down 3.00 cent), October (new crop) contract 74.82 cents (up 0.72 cent), December 2024 contract 73.53 cents (up 0.18 cent), March 2025 75.23 cents per pound (up 0.05 cent) and May 2025 76.80 cents (up 0.03 cent).

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Malaysia is enthusiastic about signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh to boost bilateral trade and investment.

This is as per media reports, which added Malaysian high commissioner Haznah Md Hashim expressed this desire during an interaction with the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) in Dhaka.

Malaysia is keen to sign an FTA with Bangladesh to increase two-way trade and investment. High commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh, Haznah Md Hashim underlined this at an event held in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka recently. Malaysia is Bangladesh's 26th largest trading partner. Bangladesh's exports to Malaysia reportedly reached $330.3 million last year.

Malaysia holds historical significance for Bangladesh, being the first Muslim country to recognise its independence in January 1972.

Despite being Bangladeshs 26th largest trading partner, trade remains skewed towards Malaysia, with the two-way trade reaching $2.78 billion last year, primarily fuelled by Malaysian exports.

However, there has been a positive trend in Bangladeshs exports to Malaysia, reaching $330.3 million last year.

With agriculture and garments being key export sectors for Bangladesh, the Malaysian high commissioner also stressed the importance of competitiveness, especially as Bangladesh graduates from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)
Over 450 textile and readymade garment (RMG) factories in Bangladesh have significantly reduced their freshwater consumption by 35 billion litres annually through the IFC-led Partnership for Cleaner Textile (PaCT) programme.

Additionally, these factories have cut wastewater discharge by 29 billion litres per year.

Over 450 textile and RMG factories in Bangladesh under IFC-led programme 'Partnership for Cleaner Textile' reduced freshwater consumption by 35 billion litres and cut wastewater discharge by 29 billion litres annually. As per IFC, freshwater saved through reduced consumption under the initiative could meet annual water need of over 1.9 million people.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the PaCT programme, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) highlighted that the freshwater savings achieved could meet the annual water needs of over 1.9 million people.

Beyond water conservation, the participating factories now save 3.8 million megawatt hours of energy per year and have reduced carbon emissions by 723,617 tonnes annually, which is equivalent to removing nearly 160,000 cars from the road each year.

The PaCT programme, supported by Denmark and the Netherlands, aims to drive systemic and positive change in Bangladeshs textile value chain, enhancing the sectors competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

This initiative has engaged key stakeholders, including brands like VF Corp, PUMA, Levi Strauss & Co., and TESCO, as well as technology suppliers, industrial associations, financial institutions, and the government.

Denmarks ambassador to Bangladesh, Christian Brix Moller, expressed satisfaction with PaCTs scale and comprehensive activities, especially its advisory support for energy efficiency and renewable energy even as Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) vice-president, Miran Ali, acknowledged the positive impact of the PaCT programme, hoping its influence will continue to drive sustainable and safe growth in the industry.

One notable achievement of the programme is the establishment of the Textile Technology Business Centre, set to become a leading knowledge hub for the sector.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)
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

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Park Lawn Shareholders to Receive Consideration of $26.50 Per Share in Cash

Park Lawn Corporation ( TSX:PLC)(TSX:PLC.U ) ("Park Lawn" or "PLC") today announced that it has entered into an arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") with Viridian Acquisition Inc. (the "Purchaser"), an affiliate of Homesteaders Life Company ("Homesteaders") and Birch Hill Equity Partners Management Inc. ("Birch Hill" and together with Homesteaders, the "Purchaser Group"), pursuant to which the Purchaser will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Park Lawn (the "Shares" and each, a "Share") for a price of $26.50 per Share (the "Consideration") in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.2 billion, including Park Lawn's net debt (the "Transaction").

The Consideration represents a 62.1% premium to the closing price of the Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") on June 3, 2024, being the last trading day prior to the announcement of the Transaction, and a 56.4% premium to the 20-day volume weighted average trading price per Share on the TSX for the period ending June 3, 2024.

The board of directors of Park Lawn (the "Board"), having received a unanimous recommendation from a special committee comprised solely of independent directors of Park Lawn (the "Special Committee") and after receiving outside legal and financial advice, has unanimously determined that the Transaction is in the best interests of Park Lawn and is fair to shareholders of Park Lawn (the "Shareholders") and unanimously recommends that Shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction. In making their respective determinations, the Board and the Special Committee considered, among other factors, the oral fairness opinion of National Bank Financial Inc. ("National Bank Financial") to the effect that, as of June 3, 2024, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications contained therein, the Consideration to be received by the Shareholders pursuant to the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Shareholders. A copy of the fairness opinion of National Bank Financial will be included in the management information circular (the "Information Circular") to be filed and mailed to Shareholders in connection with the special meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") to be called to approve the Transaction.

John Nies, Chair of the Special Committee, said, "We have concluded that this transaction is in the best interests of Park Lawn and fair to our shareholders. With a view to maximizing shareholder value, we conducted a thorough assessment of the Purchaser Group's proposal as well as other alternatives available to the company, including the status quo. Following a comprehensive assessment and our extensive negotiations with Homesteaders and Birch Hill, we are pleased to have reached an agreement that provides immediate and fair value to shareholders."

"This Transaction represents tangible recognition of the value and strength of our organization. We are proud of the accomplishments of our team and look forward to partnering with Homesteaders and Birch Hill in a new chapter of Park Lawn where we can continue to execute on our strategic initiatives for the benefit of our stakeholders in the long-term," added Brad Green, Chief Executive Officer of Park Lawn.

"We have confidence in Park Lawn and their team and believe that, in partnership with Birch Hill, we are well positioned to support them through this transition given our mutual commitment to the funeral and cemetery profession," said Steve Shaffer, Homesteaders President, CEO and Board Chair. "Homesteaders' secure, stable financial position enables us to make long-term capital investments to support providers like Park Lawn while maintaining the financial strength that has made us a reliable partner for funeral providers and a safe funding vehicle for our policy owners for 118 years."

Transaction Details

The Transaction will be implemented by way of a statutory plan of arrangement under section 182 of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the "Plan of Arrangement"). Completion of the Transaction is subject to customary conditions, including, among others, court approval, regulatory approvals and the approval of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by the Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting.

In connection with the Transaction, Park Lawn has determined that its regular quarterly dividend during the pendency of the Transaction will not be declared and Park Lawn's dividend reinvestment plan will be suspended.

In connection with the Transaction, the directors and executive officers of Park Lawn, have entered into voting support agreements (the "Voting Support Agreements") with the Purchaser, pursuant to which they have agreed to, among other things, vote all of their Shares (including any Shares issued upon the exercise of any securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable into Shares) in favour of the Transaction.

The Arrangement Agreement provides for customary deal protection provisions, including non-solicitation covenants of Park Lawn and "fiduciary out" provisions in favour of Park Lawn. In addition, the Arrangement Agreement provides for a termination fee of $28.2 million payable by Park Lawn if it accepts a superior proposal and in certain other specified circumstances, a reverse termination fee of $28.2 million payable by the Purchaser to Park Lawn if it fails to fund the Transaction consideration and in certain other specified circumstances, and a regulatory termination fee of $18.8 million payable by the Purchaser to Park Lawn if specified regulatory approvals are not obtained. Each of Park Lawn and the Purchaser have made customary representations and warranties and covenants in the Arrangement Agreement, including covenants regarding the conduct of Park Lawn's business prior to the closing of the Transaction.

Each of Birch Hill and Homesteaders (together, the "Equity Funding Partners")have provided an equity commitment letter to the Purchaser, pursuant to which the Equity Funding Partners have committed to provide funding for the Transaction (the "Equity Financing Commitment"). Each of the Equity Funding Partners have also provided a limited guarantee in favour of Park Lawn in respect of the reverse termination fee, the regulatory termination fee, as well as certain expense reimbursement, indemnification and enforcement obligations contemplated in the Arrangement Agreement. In addition, the Purchaser has also secured a fully-committed debt financing from BMO Capital Markets (the "Debt Financing Commitment"). The Equity Financing Commitments and Debt Financing Commitment, together with Homesteaders' cash on hand will allow the Purchaser to pay the Consideration and other payments required to be made by the Purchaser in connection with the Transaction.

At closing, Park Lawn's outstanding senior unsecured debentures will be redeemed in accordance with their terms at 102.875% of the outstanding principal amount of such debentures plus accrued and unpaid interest up to the closing date.

Subject to the satisfaction of all conditions to closing set out in the Arrangement Agreement, it is anticipated that the Transaction will be completed in August 2024. Upon closing of the Transaction, it is expected that the Shares will be delisted from the TSX and that Park Lawn will cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws.

The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of the respective documents. Copies of the fairness opinion of National Bank Financial and a description of the various factors considered by the Special Committee and the Board in their determination to approve the Transaction, as well as other relevant background information, will be included in the Information Circular to be sent to the Shareholders in the coming weeks in advance of the Meeting. The Meeting is expected to be held on or about July 29, 2024. Copies of the Information Circular, the Arrangement Agreement, the Plan of Arrangement, the Voting Support Agreements and certain related documents will be filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulators and will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Advisors

National Bank Financial is acting as financial advisor to the Special Committee. Bennett Jones LLP and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP are acting as legal advisors to the Special Committee and Park Lawn.

BMO Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor to the Purchaser. Torys LLP, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP are acting as legal advisors to Homesteaders. Stikeman Elliott LLP is acting as legal advisor to Birch Hill.

About Park Lawn Corporation:

PLC is the largest publicly traded Canadian-owned funeral, cremation and cemetery provider. PLC and its subsidiaries own and operate businesses including cemeteries, crematoria, funeral homes, chapels and event centers throughout Canada and the United States which provide a full range of services and merchandise to fulfill the desires of individuals and families seeking to honor their loved ones. Products and services can be customized to meet the personal needs of the consumer and are sold on a pre-planned basis (pre-need) or at the time of a death (at-need). PLC operates in three Canadian provinces and seventeen U.S. states. For more information about Park Lawn Corporation, please visit our website at www.parklawncorp.com.

About Homesteaders Life Company:

Homesteaders Life Company, a mutual insurance company based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a national leader providing products and services to promote and support the funding of advance funeral planning and end-of-life expenses. Homesteaders has an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best, most recently affirmed in May 2024, and is a trusted, reliable and secure source of end-of-life funding for thousands of funeral professionals and the families they serve.

About Birch Hill Equity Partners:

Birch Hill is a Canadian mid-market private equity firm with a long history of driving growth in its portfolio companies and delivering returns to its investors. Based in Toronto, Birch Hill currently has $5 billion in capital under management. Since 1994, the firm has made 71 investments, with 57 fully realized. Today, Birch Hill's 14 partner companies collectively represent one of Canada's largest corporate entities with over $9 billion in total revenue and more than 30,000 employees.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of applicable securities laws) which reflect PLC's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as "believe", "anticipate", "project", "expect", "intend", "plan", "will", "may", "estimate" and other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the proposed acquisition by the Purchaser of all of the Shares of PLC and the terms thereof, the anticipated date of the Meeting, the anticipated filing of materials on SEDAR+, the expected date of completion of the Transaction, the expectation that the Shares will be delisted from the TSX and that PLC will cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws and other statements that are not historical fact.

The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on a number of key expectations and assumptions made by PLC including, without limitation: the Transaction will be completed on the terms currently contemplated, the Transaction will be completed in accordance with the timing currently expected, all conditions to the completion of the Transaction will be satisfied or waived and the Arrangement Agreement will not be terminated prior to the completion of the Transaction, and assumptions and expectations related to premiums to the trading price of the Shares and returns to the Shareholders. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on what PLC's management believes to be reasonable assumptions, PLC cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such statements.

The forward-looking statements in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Several factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the Transaction not being completed in accordance with the terms currently contemplated or the timing currently expected, or at all, expenses incurred by PLC in connection with the Transaction that must be paid by PLC in whole or in part regardless of whether or not the Transaction is completed, the conditions to the Transaction not being satisfied by PLC and the Purchaser, currency fluctuations, disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets, results of operations, and general developments, market and industry conditions. Additional factors are identified in PLC's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023 and most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis, each of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed or that it will be completed on the terms and conditions contemplated in this news release. The proposed Transaction could be modified or terminated in accordance with its terms. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, PLC assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact Information:

Daniel Millett

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 231-1462, ext. 221

dmillett@plcorp.com

SOURCE: Park Lawn Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com
OVERLAND PARK, KS / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Tortoise today announced the following preliminary unaudited balance sheet information and asset coverage ratio updates for TYG, NTG, TTP, NDP and TPZ.

Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corp. (NYSE:TYG) today announced that as of May 31, 2024, the company's unaudited total assets were approximately $553.7 million and its unaudited net asset value was $435.8 million, or $40.48 per share.

As of May 31, 2024, the company's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 690%, and its coverage ratio for preferred shares was 477%. For more information on the company's coverage ratios, please refer to the leverage summary web page at https://cef.tortoiseadvisors.com .

Set forth below is a summary of the company's preliminary unaudited balance sheet at May 31, 2024.

Preliminary Unaudited balance sheet



(in Millions) Per Share Investments $ 551.4 $ 51.22 Cash and Cash Equivalents 0.6 0.06 Current Tax Asset 0.4 0.03 Other Assets 1.3 0.12 Total Assets 553.7 51.43

Short-Term Borrowings 29.6 2.74 Senior Notes 50.3 4.68 Preferred Stock 35.7 3.31 Total Leverage 115.6 10.73

Other Liabilities 2.3 0.22 Net Assets $ 435.8 $ 40.48

10.76 million common shares currently outstanding.

Tortoise Midstream Energy Fund, Inc. (NYSE:NTG) today announced that as of May 31, 2024, the company's unaudited total assets were approximately $304.5 million and its unaudited net asset value was $246.7 million, or $48.45 per share.

As of May 31, 2024, the company's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 708%, and its coverage ratio for preferred shares was 536%. For more information on the company's coverage ratios, please refer to the leverage summary web page at https://cef.tortoiseadvisors.com .

Set forth below is a summary of the company's preliminary unaudited balance sheet at May 31, 2024.

Preliminary Unaudited balance sheet



(in Millions) Per Share Investments $ 302.7 $ 59.43 Cash and Cash Equivalents 0.5 0.09 Current Tax Asset 0.2 0.05 Other Assets 1.1 0.23 Total Assets 304.5 59.80

Short-Term Borrowings 13.7 2.69 Senior Notes 29.2 5.73 Preferred Stock 13.8 2.70 Total Leverage 56.7 11.12

Other Liability 1.1 0.23 Net Assets $ 246.7 $ 48.45

5.09 million common shares currently outstanding.

Tortoise Pipeline & Energy Fund, Inc. (NYSE:TTP) today announced that as of May 31, 2024, the company's unaudited total assets were approximately $96.7 million and its unaudited net asset value was $79.5 million, or $39.54 per share.

As of May 31, 2024, the company's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 904%, and its coverage ratio for preferred shares was 575%. For more information on the company's coverage ratios, please refer to the leverage summary web page at https://cef.tortoiseadvisors.com .

Set forth below is a summary of the company's preliminary unaudited balance sheet at May 31, 2024.

Preliminary Unaudited balance sheet



(in Millions) Per Share Investments $ 95.9 $ 47.67 Cash and Cash Equivalents 0.4 0.18 Other Assets 0.4 0.24 Total Assets 96.7 48.09

Short-Term Borrowings 6.7 3.33 Senior Notes 3.9 1.96 Preferred Stock 6.1 3.03 Total Leverage 16.7 8.32

Other Liabilities 0.5 0.23 Net Assets $ 79.5 $ 39.54

2.01 million common shares currently outstanding.

Tortoise Energy Independence Fund, Inc. (NYSE:NDP) today announced that as of May 31, 2024, the company's unaudited total assets were approximately $76.6 million and its unaudited net asset value was $66.1 million, or $39.70 per share.

As of May 31, 2024, the company's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 748%. For more information on the company's coverage ratios, please refer to the leverage summary web page at https://cef.tortoiseadvisors.com .

Set forth below is a summary of the company's preliminary unaudited balance sheet at May 31, 2024.

Preliminary Unaudited balance sheet



(in Millions) Per Share Investments $ 76.0 $ 45.57 Cash and Cash Equivalents 0.3 0.19 Other Assets 0.3 0.22 Total Assets 76.6 45.98

Credit Facility Borrowings 10.2 6.12

Other Liabilities 0.3 0.16 Net Assets $ 66.1 $ 39.70

1.67 million common shares currently outstanding.

Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE:TPZ) today announced that as of May 31, 2024, the company's unaudited total assets were approximately $129.2 million and its unaudited net asset value was $104.5 million, or $17.75 per share.

As of May 31, 2024, the company's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 530%. For more information on the company's coverage ratios, please refer to the leverage summary web page at https://cef.tortoiseadvisors.com .

Set forth below is a summary of the company's preliminary unaudited balance sheet at May 31, 2024.

Preliminary Unaudited balance sheet



(in Millions) Per Share Investments $ 127.4 $ 21.64 Cash and Cash Equivalents 0.4 0.07 Other Assets 1.4 0.24 Total Assets 129.2 21.95

Credit Facility Borrowings 24.3 4.13

Other Liabilities 0.4 0.07 Net Assets $ 104.5 $ 17.75

5.89 million common shares currently outstanding.

The top 10 holdings for TYG, NTG, TTP, NDP and TPZ as of the most recent month-end can be found on each fund's portfolio web page at https://cef.tortoiseadvisors.com .

About Tortoise

Tortoise focuses on energy & power infrastructure and the transition to cleaner energy. Tortoise's solid track record of energy value chain investment experience and research dates back more than 20 years. As an early investor in midstream energy, Tortoise believes it is well-positioned to be at the forefront of the global energy evolution that is underway. With a steady wins approach and a long-term perspective, Tortoise strives to make a positive impact on clients and communities. To learn more, please visit www.TortoiseAdvisors.com .

Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. is the adviser to Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corp., Tortoise Midstream Energy Fund, Inc., Tortoise Pipeline & Energy Fund, Inc., Tortoise Energy Independence Fund, Inc. and Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc.

For additional information on these funds, please visit cef.tortoiseadvisors.com.

Safe harbor statement

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are "forward-looking statements." Although the funds and Tortoise Capital Advisors believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the fund's reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Other than as required by law, the funds and Tortoise Capital Advisors do not assume a duty to update this forward-looking statement.

Contact information

For more information contact Eva Lipner at (913) 981-1020 or info@tortoiseadvisors.com.

SOURCE: Tortoise

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Strategic acceleration with the support of a local partner ecosystem and the opening of a subsidiary in Singapore

SINGAPORE, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TEHTRIS, publisher of the TEHTRIS XDR AI PLATFORM which detects and neutralizes cyber espionage and sabotage, today announced a major new step in its international development with the opening of a subsidiary in Singapore.

After Hong Kong in 2011 and Japan in 2022, this Singapore subsidiary becomes a new strategic base for TEHTRIS to provide a comprehensive cybersecurity solution for the highly dynamic markets of Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, with the support of local partners like Alfa Siber Teknologi, ITSEC, SevenCyber and ST Engineering Info-Security

"The rapid digitization of both private and public organizations is considerably increasing the risk of cyber-attacks, particularly in Asia. The evolution of techniques, with the use of AI in the development of phishing-as-a-service, such as phishing via QR codes, demonstrates that cybercrime is intensifying in both volume and complexity. This underlines the importance of protecting IT assets with a trusted third party like TEHTRIS", explains Elena Poincet, co-founder, and CEO at TEHTRIS.

Organizations in Asia can rely on the hyper-automation capabilities of the TEHTRIS XDR AI PLATFORM, already used by international groups, public administrations (ministries, local authorities), and SMBs to neutralize cyberattacks in real-time and without human action.

"Organizations in Asia have entered a genuine arms race in cybersecurity technology. We firmly believe in the power of hyper-automation, powered by our own AI, CYBERIA, as a central solution of our platform, not only to detect and neutralize these attacks in real-time, without human action, but also to address the talent shortage and global cyber fatigue. We are delighted with the trust from our new partners in TEHTRIS to provide the cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions required by their clients of all sizes and sectors."

With its 8 subsidiaries and a global deployment of its XDR AI PLATFORM, TEHTRIS realizes its vision of a "follow the sun" service, enabling real-time monitoring of its clients' infrastructures and 24/7 support through its CyberSphere offer.

ABOUT TEHTRIS

Founded in 2010, TEHTRIS is the publisher of the TEHTRIS XDR AI PLATFORM, a global leader in the automatic real-time detection and neutralization of cyberattacks without human action. Interoperable, "Security & Ethics by design", this solution provides cybersecurity specialists with a holistic view of their infrastructure while ensuring data confidentiality.

CONTACT: tehtrisPR.france@axicom.com

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EQS Newswire / 04/06/2024 / 04:00 CET/CEST

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 June 2024 - From May 22 to 23, 2024, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of Thailand took part in the 8th ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) Symposium held in Hong Kong SAR, China. The Thai delegation included NACC Commissioner Mr. Manrat Ratanasukon, Ms. Wanwara Silpawilawan, Director of the Bureau of International Affairs and Corruption Investigation, the Director of Investigation Bureau 2 from the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, along with other key officers from the Bureau of International Affairs and Corruption Investigation.



The symposium served as a global platform for over 500 participants representing more than 180 agencies to share insights on emerging challenges, innovative initiatives, and strategies to combat corruption. It also aimed to fortify international cooperation among anti-corruption officials.



The event was inaugurated by Mr. John KC Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, who underscored the unified goal of combating corruption effectively and highlighted Hong Kong's commitment to anti-corruption policies and the rule of law.



Discussions during the symposium emphasized the significance of international collaboration for sustainable anti-corruption efforts. Representatives from various countries' anti-corruption agencies discussed the repercussions of corruption on global security and the economy, and proposed strategies for law enforcement agencies to address these issues.



Additionally, the Thai delegation, including senior directors from the NACC, engaged in office-level discussions with Mr. Ricky Lai, Deputy Director of ICAC's Anti-Corruption Department. These discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in tackling private sector corruption.



Hong Kong expressed keen interest in the NACC's achievements, particularly its ITA assessments, collaboration with Thailand's private sector Collective Action Against Corruption (CAC), and its organization of international conferences with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Both ICAC and NACC representatives expressed a strong desire to continue exchanging knowledge and experiences in their ongoing efforts to combat corruption.



*This press release translation is funded by the National Anti-Corruption Fund (NACF).



Source: https://www.nacc.go.th/categorydetail/20180831184638361/20240523130115?

Hashtag: IntegrityWay AntiCorruption ZeroCorruption NACC NACF

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), Thailand The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is a constitutional independent organization and supervised by nine commissioners selected from various professions. It is authorised to undertake work on the prevention and suppression of malfeasance, particularly in government agencies, on assets investigations, as well as on the monitoring of ethics and virtues of political position holders.



It has the authority to file charges in court as well as support and build up awareness of the penalties for committing corruption. The NACC is supervised by the NACC Board and has the Office of the NACC as its administrative agency.



Since 1997, Thai Courts have ruled against and punished politicians, former ministers, high-ranking government officials as well as executives of the private sector in the thousands of cases submitted by the NACC.



News Source: NACC Thailand

04/06/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


PT Mowilex expands beyond its high-viscosity paints to high-quality ready-to-use paints, sustaining its credibility with applicators and homeowners and remaining competitive in the market.

SAN ANTONIO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently assessed the paints and coatings industry and, based on its findings, recognizes PT Mowilex with the 2024 Indonesian Company of the Year Award. The company is an industry-leading premium paints and coatings producer that is revolutionizing industry practices and standards with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. PT Mowilex is the first carbon-neutral paints and coatings company and a pioneer in eco-friendly products, introducing the first water-based paints to the market. The company sets consistent precedents for sustainable practices within the industry, notably producing paints free from toxic substances or any other harmful materials, such a mercury, and using organic dyes as a safer alternative for lead. PT Mowilex is the first company to establish voluntary volatile organic compound (VOC) labeling standards based on the South Coast Air Quality Management District guidelines, which are the most stringent air quality regulations in the United States.

PT Mowilex maintains an ultra-low VOC or zero VOC standard across all its products, minimizing harmful emissions and ensuring healthy indoor air quality. The company diligently measures the VOC content of its products, employing several approaches, including independent lab tests. Furthermore, PT Mowilex prioritizes quality and environmental responsibility in its products. The company offers high-grade exterior acrylic paint with an unprecedented 18-year warranty in the Indonesian market, promoting prolonged building protection and minimizing homeowners' and developers' carbon footprint. In 2023, PT Mowilex introduced an innovative bio-based paint, NaturalleTM, which replaces petroleum-based resin with agricultural oils, eliminating formaldehyde emissions from building coatings and reducing indoor air toxicity. Additionally, the company launched Recycled Paint, developed by repurposing materials from returned paint such as titanium dioxide, which are typically energy-intensive to manufacture. Formulated with 40% premium recycled paint, the new product facilitates a 60% reduction in carbon footprint compared to similar quality paint products.

PT Mowilex maintains an ultra-low VOC or zero VOC standard across all its products, minimizing harmful emissions and ensuring healthy indoor air quality. The company diligently measures the VOC content of its products, employing several approaches including tests by independent labs. Furthermore, PT Mowilex develops products guided by quality and environmental responsibility. By extending the lifespan of its paints, the company promotes prolonged building protection, thereby reducing the environmental impact and helping developers and homeowners minimize their carbon footprint. As a result, the company offers high-grade exterior acrylic paint with the longest warranty in the Indonesian market, extending up to 18 years.

Mahendra Chahar, Principal Consultant at Frost & Sullivan, observed, "PT Mowilex's unwavering dedication spearheads advancements in eco-friendly products and resource-efficient operations. By emphasizing innovation and ethical best practices and demonstrating its long-term economic benefits, it is paving the way for other stakeholders in the sector to embrace sustainability."

Niko Safavi, CEO PT Mowilex said, "We have a straightforward vision at Mowilex: to become the most trusted paint brand in our market. Trust is a pivotal element that influences every aspect of our operations and planning, encompassing product safety, environmental responsibility, quality, employee engagement, financial integrity, and compliance. We are incredibly proud that Frost & Sullivan has recognized our efforts, affirming the trust our shareholders and customers place in us, even in a competitive field filled with very strong domestic and multinational players."

PT Mowilex explores new technologies to elevate the industry's product offerings, creating a tangible impact and delivering substantial customer benefits, from better indoor air quality to outstanding coating performance. The company continually enhances its operations and maximizes resources to minimize its environmental footprint. Moreover, the company enhances the customer experience, fostering enduring relationships with its loyal customer base, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring faster product delivery, consistent product availability, and competitive pricing. With the growing demand for mid-tier paints over premium paints in Indonesia, the company demonstrates agility to adapt and capture market share based on the increase in overall paint quality.

"As a pioneer in eco-friendly paints and coatings, and as a certified carbon neutral company, PT Mowilex leads the industry's transition to environmentally centered and socially responsible practices. Its employee focus, sound financial strategies, and marketplace expansion have significantly contributed to the company's growth and healthy profit margin," added Rubini Kamal, Best Practices Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year Award to the organization that demonstrates excellence, in terms of growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies and the resulting leadership, in terms of customer value and market penetration.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Tarini Singh

P: +91-9953764546

E:tarini.singh@frost.com

About PT Mowilex

PT Mowilex Indonesia (Mowilex), a subsidiary of Asia Coatings Enterprises, Pte. Ltd., is a leading producer of premium paints and coatings. Since launching the first Indonesian-made, water-based paints in 1970, the company has expanded its commitment to environmental ethics, equality, community and innovation. PT Mowilex is Indonesia's only certified carbon neutral manufacturer, producing zero and low VOC paints in modern colours, and the company regularly wins awards for its corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts.

media@mowilex.com

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Opening Ceremony of Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2024



Keynote Address by Shinichi Kihara from METI



Panel - Strengthening Global Ties to Achieve Energy Security

TOKYO, June 4, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - The Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2024 opened today at Tokyo Big Sight, marking the beginning of a pivotal three-day event (3-5 June) focused on driving energy transition and decarbonisation efforts in Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Hosted by Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., the summit gathered global energy leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, to delve into innovative solutions shaping the future of energy and seeks to foster international collaboration pivotal to accelerating energy transformation and advancing climate action.Day one opened with inspiring remarks from Nobuo Tanaka, former Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), who emphasised the urgent need for international collaboration to achieve sustainable energy goals.This was followed by a compelling keynote address from Shinichi Kihara, Director General for International Policy on Carbon Neutrality at METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), who highlighted the critical role of the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC), a platform launched by 11 partner countries in 2023 to advance decarbonisation in Asia, and Japan's dedication to achieving industry reduction, economic growth and energy security. He added: "Japan aims to simultaneously achieve industry reduction, economic growth and energy security. We do not sacrifice one for the others."Yuya Hasegawa, Director of Energy Resource Development Division, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan said: "There is no perfect energy source. We need to have as many sources as possible and diversify to ensure a stable supply of energy, even during disasters."Kadri Simson, Commissioner for Energy at the European Commission, delivered a visionary keynote, highlighting Japan's crucial role as a key partner in shaping the global energy security framework, especially in relation to LNG, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts, most notably between Europe and Japan, in enhancing energy security and promoting sustainability worldwide. She added: "Japan and Europe may be on opposite sides of the earth, but we have a lot in common: we are both democracies, and we are both carbon tech pioneers. Japan is one of our key partners in designing the global energy security architecture, especially in relation to LNG."The Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition features a Strategic Conference, which brings together global energy leaders and senior regional policymakers to advance the momentum needed for Japan and the Asia-Pacific region to achieve decarbonisation goals while maintaining economic growth and energy security. Over three days, esteemed figures including energy majors, government leaders, and industry experts, will share valuable insights on fostering international partnerships, cross-sector cooperation and knowledge-sharing across the energy value chain.Junya Tawa, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of the Planning Division, JERA Co., Inc. said: "To address these global energy challenges, we must tackle the energy trilemma of sustainability, affordability, and stability. Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art solutions by combining linear energy with low-emission formula."Takayuki Ueda, President & CEO, INPEX CORPORATION said: "The market's vulnerability persists, and one of the key challenges facing the energy market is the staggering 30% to 40% surge in demand for electricity, even in Japan."Shinichi Sasayama, CEO, President, Representative Executive Officer, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.: "The supply and demand structure for energy is anticipated to experience significant transformations, encompassing heightened volatility, geopolitical risks, the integration of renewable energies, and a mid to long-term surge in energy demand."The event also features a Technical Conference, a forum for leading engineers and technical experts to showcase cutting-edge innovations crucial for Japan and the Asia-Pacific's transition to a low-carbon future. Curated by a specialist Technical Committee, the conference highlights the latest research and practical applications across nine key technical categories essential for the future of clean energy and transportation supply chains.Other key speakers contributing to the Strategic and Technical conferences include:Izuru Kobayashi, Deputy Director General for Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)H.E. Rachmat Kaimuddin, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Transportation Coordination, Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment of the Republic of IndonesiaHon. Brian Jean, ECA, KC, Minister of Energy and Minerals, Government of AlbertaCharles Oppenheimer, Founder, Oppenheimer Energy VenturesHelle Kristoffersen, President of Asia and member of the Executive Committee, TotalEnergiesKathy Wu, Regional President Asia Pacific, Gas & Low Carbon Energy, bpHitoshi Nishizawa, SVP, LNG Division, JERA Inc.Rashed Al Mazrouei, Petroleum Engineer, Ministry of Oil KuwaitRyoji Miyawaki, CEO, Aakel Technologies Inc.Joe Raia, CCO, Abaxx Commodity Futures Exchange and ClearinghouseKiyoshi Hikino, Director of Power and Gas Market Policy Division, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)Hayley Pham, VP of Business Development, Asia Pacific, Low Carbon Solutions, ExxonMobilSrimonto Ghosh, VP, Origination & Customer Solutions, ChevronShinichi Sasayama, CEO, President, Representative Executive Officer, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.Junya Tawa, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and Head of the Planning Division, JERA Inc.Takayuki Ueda, President & CEO, INPEX CORPORATIONVarun Gujral, CEO Asia Pacific, ENGIE Global Energy Management & Sales (GEMS)Claudio Facchin, CEO, Hitachi EnergyJuancho Eekhout, VP, Business Development LNG and Net Zero Solutions, Sempra InfrastructureEiji Ohira, Director Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)This year's event will introduce a new Climatetech Zone, a platform for startups, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to explore cutting-edge innovations in climate mitigation and energy transitions. It features the Climatetech Theatre and Startup Zone, offering enriching masterclasses and networking sessions to deepen understanding of climate technology's pivotal role in fostering a sustainable, secure, and affordable energy ecosystem.About Japan Energy Summit & ExhibitionThe Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition, taking place on 3-5 June 2024 in Tokyo is a pivotal event designed to accelerate Japan's transition to a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. As a global economic leader and technological innovator, Japan is setting the stage for an ambitious energy transformation that aligns with its environmental commitments and economic aspirations.The event creates an environment for fostering a cross-sector collaboration for a diverse energy system, investing in climate technology across the energy value chain, ensuring energy security through strategic partnerships, decarbonising industries for a sustainable economic future, and promoting an inclusive and just transition. www.japanenergyevent.comAbout dmg eventsdmg events is a global exhibitions and publishing company, established in 1989 and operating with 13 offices around the world. With a vast portfolio of over 80 exhibitions annually, we attract more than 1 million visitors, positioning us as one of the leading players in the industry. This global portfolio works closely with key stakeholders across the industry to facilitate pragmatic dialogue, serving as platforms for the latest discussions at the forefront of change.Over recent years dmg events has significantly expanded operations to achieve impressive growth in emerging and mature markets. With new events continually being launched to adapt to changing market conditions, evolving with the industry, live events remain a focal point, providing a mix of exhibitions, conferences, certified workshops, technical seminars, clubs and leadership roundtables. www.dmgevents.comRothman & Roman on behalf of dmg events:DIANA ESTELLA PETERPUBLIC RELATIONS EXECUTIVERothman & RomanTel: +65 8498 9424E-mail: diana.estella@rothmanasia.comTASHAN KASSEYPUBLIC RELATIONS ACCOUNT DIRECTORRothman & RomanTel: +65 8282 8746E-mail: tashan.kassey@rothmanasia.comSource: dmg eventsCopyright 2024 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
TAIPEI, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MSI, a leading global server provider, today introduced its latest Intel Xeon 6 processor-based server platforms at Computex 2024, booth M0806 in Taipei, Taiwan from June 4-7. These new products showcase a new level of performance and efficiency, tailored to meet the diverse demands of cloud-native and hyperscale workloads.

"Data center infrastructure requirements are diversifying, with certain workloads requiring performance measures beyond just cores and watts," said Danny Hsu, General Manager of Enterprise Platform Solutions. "To better cater to today's evolving compute demands, data centers must achieve consistent performance even during peak loads. MSI's new server platforms, built around Intel Xeon 6 processor, drive density and power efficiency, making them ideal for cloud-scale workloads."

"Intel Xeon 6 processors are designed to deliver high performance for the widest range of workloads. With high core density and exceptional performance per watt, servers featuring our new processors offer improved performance per watt and TCO for targeted workloads, helping data centers achieve higher throughput for workloads where power, space, and cooling are limited," said Ryan Tabrah, Vice President, and General Manager of Intel Xeon E-Core products, at Intel.

Catering to cloud service providers, MSI has introduced three server platforms powered by Intel Xeon 6. These platforms, the CX170-S5062 and CX270-S5062, share the same DC-MHS form factor motherboard with a DC-SCM2 module. They support dual-socket processors, 32 DDR5-DIMM slots, and one PCIe 5.0 x16 OCP NIC 3.0 mezzanine slot.

The 1U CX170-S5062 platform accommodates two PCIe 5.0 expansion slots and offers options of eight or twelve 2.5-inch PCIe 5.0 U.2 NVMe drive bays. The CX270-S5062 is a 2U platform that supports up to six PCIe 5.0 expansion slots, with two double-wide slots for GPU cards. This system can house up to 24 2.5-inch PCIe 5.0 U.2 NVMe drive bays to accelerate processing speeds and deliver top-tier performance across applications, such as AI inferencing.

Additionally, the CX271-S3066 is a 2U single-socket mainstream server that provides up to 24 2.5-inch U.2 NVMe drive bays. The system supports 16 DDR5 DIMM slots, three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, two OCP NIC 3.0 mezzanine slots, and two NVMe M.2 ports. The CX271-S3066 serves as an ideal platform for flash storage applications and general-purpose workloads. These new systems all feature support for the DC-SCM2 Server Management Module with Aspeed AST2600 BMC, ensuring server management flexibility.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/msi-new-server-platforms-drive-cloud-scale-efficiency-with-intel-xeon-6-processor-302161273.html
ATHENS, Greece, June 04, 2024, a premier global talent and leadership advisory firm, is delighted to welcome Tassos Marianos to the partnership. Based in Greece, he is part of the regional team in Greece-Cyprus-Malta.



Anny Chatzikonstantinou , Managing Partner, Boyden Greece-Cyprus-Malta, comments, "In just two years, Tassos has delivered significant value to Boyden's clients in the region, leveraging his long-term expertise as a business leader in the market. He is also an exceptional colleague, collaborating with partners to engage and support clients across a range of different sectors. We are thrilled to celebrate his accession to Boyden's global partnership."

Tassos has a 25-year record of senior leadership in multinationals, specialising in marketing and sales, and was most recently General Manager of ELEPAP Greece, the country's largest NGO. He has also held leadership roles with Credit Agricole, Piraeus Bank Group, Inchcape Plc and Diageo Hellas.

Tassos Marianos, based in Athens adds, "Having admired Boyden's culture and way of working for some time, it was a natural move for me to join the firm. Boyden is very distinctive in this market due to the partners' business track records and their strategic approach to executive search. We have all sat in the chairs of our clients, delivering growth and transformation, and championing opportunity in uncertain times. For every search engagement we focus on the business need first, going beyond the role to achieve a true market understanding. In talking our clients' language, we can optimise their leadership, and bring to the table those executives who can take their business to the next level."

About Boyden

Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 70 offices in over 45 countries. Our global reach enables us to serve client needs anywhere they conduct business. We connect great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management and leadership consulting solutions. Boyden is ranked amongst the top companies on Forbes' Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms for 2024. For further information, visit www.boyden.com .

About Boyden Greece-Cyprus-Malta

Boyden Greece-Cyprus-Malta is a young and vibrant leadership and talent advisory firm based in Greece and currently expanding to Malta and Cyprus. Our partner's expertise enables us to serve client needs across industries providing high quality service, tailor-made to each client's need. Boyden Greece-Cyprus-Malta is rising fast in the world of Executive Recruiting, achieving very high grades in customer satisfaction. For further information, visit Executive Search in Greece and Cyprus - Boyden

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb5afa1a-a960-4d35-8707-992d46613088
Erinnern Sie sich, als Moderna und BioNTech von unbekannten Unternehmen zu globalen Marktfuhrern wurden und fruhzeitige Investoren reich belohnt haben?



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GALWAY, Ireland, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Heart Hub (GHH), the international alliance of heart patient organisations, today launches its 2024 Cardiomyopathy Awareness Campaign, along with cardiomyopathy patient organisations across the globe.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can occur at any age and can be passed down genetically. It affects around 1 in every 250 people worldwide, is an important cause of heart failure and the leading reason for needing a heart transplant. Often underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or diagnosed too late, the consequences of cardiomyopathy can be very serious. If untreated, cardiomyopathy can weaken the heart, leading to complications and to more serious conditions.

Think Cardiomyopathy

Led by GHH's Cardiomyopathy Patient Council which has 24 patient organisation affiliates across 15 countries, this year's campaign focuses on patient and advocate stories on the impact of cardiomyopathy and the importance of recognising symptoms and knowing your family history.

"Cardiomyopathy is too often underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late. It is the predominant cause of sudden cardiac death in people under 35. We want to raise awareness and encourage people to 'Think Cardiomyopathy' by helping people recognise the signs and symptoms (which can be subtle) and knowing their family heart history, especially if they have lost a family member too early to heart diseases. Many types of cardiomyopathy are inherited and can impact the risk for other family members," says Leigh Bell, the new Chair of Global Heart Hub's Cardiomyopathy Patient Council and President of the Cardiomyopathy Association of Australia.

Learn more about the campaign here: https://globalhearthub.org/think-cardiomyopathy/

About GHH's Cardiomyopathy Patient Council

The Cardiomyopathy Patient Council was formed in November 2021 and brings together 24 patient organisations across 15 countries to increase awareness and understanding of cardiomyopathy. The Patient Council advocates for improved diagnosis of the condition, access to appropriate testing, counselling and treatments. In addition, the Council aims to raise awareness and improve understanding of the disease, with a view to enabling people to live well with the condition.

The Patient Council's mission is to identify and bring together cardiomyopathy-focussed and patient-led organisations across the world, creating a global alliance and common patient voice that raises awareness and improves diagnosis, management and understanding of cardiomyopathy for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for those living with the disease.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-heart-hub-urges-people-to-think-cardiomyopathy-with-new-global-campaign-302155981.html
MILAN, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Under the leadership of Guido Bortoni, who has been confirmed as Chairman, the first meeting of the new Board of Directors of CESI S.p.A. took place. The Board was renewed on May 29 by the Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting.

During the meeting, Nicola Melchiotti was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Group for the 2024 - 2026 term. On June 1, Melchiotti also assumed the role of General Manager. He succeeds Domenico Villani, who will remain with the company as TIC Division and Group Sustainability Affairs Executive Vice President.

Nicola Melchiotti joins CESI after a long career at Enel, where he held various international positions, including Head of Global Customer Operations, Country Manager for Argentina, Head of European Public Affairs and Regulation in Brussels, and Area Manager for Mexico and Central America. His professional journey also includes strategic consulting at McKinsey & Company. Melchiotti holds a degree in Computer Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, a Master's in Engineering from CentraleSupelec in Paris, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

"I thank the shareholders for the trust they have placed in me. The energy transition represents a unique opportunity to leverage CESI's skills, technologies, and innovation. We aim to fully realize this potential, becoming a key partner for companies and institutions navigating their transformation in the energy and infrastructure sectors", stated the new CEO.

In addition to Bortoni and Melchiotti, the new Board of Directors includes:

Gianni Vittorio Armani - Enel

Chiara dalla Chiesa - Enel

Claudio Dicembrino - Enel

Luca Giorgio Maria De Rai - Prysmian

Maria Rosaria Guarniere - Terna

Francesco Salerni - Terna

Carmine Scoglio - Terna

Flavio Villa - Hitachi Energy

Chairman Bortoni commented on his confirmation: "With gratitude to CESI's shareholders, my first thought goes to the colleagues working at CESI S.p.A. in Italy and across the CESI Group globally. The Group has a long history and a promising future, determined to continue growing through the quality of its solutions. I hope to serve well as Chairman of the new Board of Directors, ensuring my continued commitment to this new term. I promise my full support to the new CEO, who joins CESI's management today, and I extend my best wishes for his success on behalf of myself and the entire Board".

The new Board of Directors and all CESI employees express their gratitude to Domenico Villani for his dedication during his tenure as CEO. His contributions were fundamental to CESI's success and growth. The company is pleased to continue benefiting from his valuable collaboration.

For nearly seventy years, CESI (Centro Elettrotecnico Sperimentale Italiano) has been offering clients in over 70 countries services in innovation, digitalization, consultancy, testing, and engineering for the electrical sector, as well as in civil and environmental engineering. Through its KEMA Labs Division, the Group is the world's leading independent entity in testing, inspection, and certification of components and systems for the electrical and digital sectors. CESI is also one of the few companies worldwide to develop and produce advanced solar cells for space applications.

Its main clients include energy generation companies, transmission and distribution network operators, international manufacturers of electrical and digital components and systems, private investors, public institutions (governments, public administrations, local authorities), and regulatory authorities. Additionally, CESI works closely with international financial institutions such as the World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Inter-American Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Arab Fund.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cesi-nicola-melchiotti-appointed-as-new-ceo-guido-bortoni-confirmed-as-chairman-302162350.html
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 04, 2024(TSX-V: BFM) (the "Company" or "Bedford") announce that it has applied for the exploration permit for its upcoming summer exploration program at the Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project, located in the prolific Athabasca region of Canada - renowned for hosting some of the highest-grade uranium mines in the world.



The summer exploration program represents a significant step forward in the advancement of the Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project. Extensive planning and preparation have gone into designing this program, intending to maximize the potential of this highly prospective property.

The timing of the exploration program is particularly opportune, given the recent increase in the price of uranium over the past year and the global shift toward cleaner and greener energy sources. Bedford Metals recognizes the importance of uranium in meeting the growing demand for clean energy, and the Ubiquity Lake project is poised to play a vital role in this transition.

Peter Born, President of Bedford , commented, "We are pleased to take this next step in the development of our Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project. The application for the exploration permit represents the culmination of careful planning and diligent work by our team. We believe that the timing of this exploration program aligns perfectly with the increasing demand for uranium and the world's focus on sustainable energy solutions."

Bedford is committed to conducting environmentally sound exploration practices and to respectfully and collaboratively engaging with local communities and indigenous groups. Environmental stewardship is a core value of the Company, and it will continue to prioritize responsible resource development throughout all stages of its projects.

The Company remains focused on increasing shareholder value through strategic exploration and development initiatives. The Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project represents a significant opportunity for Bedford to deliver value to its shareholders and contribute to the global transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

The Company also wished to announce it had formally engaged Jemini1 Finance Inc. d/b/a Jemini Capital to act as the investor relations representative for the Company and to manage shareholder communication effective June 1, 2024. The Company wishes to thank the team at Jemini Capital for all of their support during the engagement process. Jemini Capital has been engaged on an ongoing basis for a minimum period of three months, during which time they are entitled to receive $5,000 per month. The Company is at arms-length from Jemini Capital, and compensation to Jemini Capital does not include any securities of the Company.

About Bedford Metals Corp.

Bedford Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company. We create value for our shareholders by identifying and developing highly prospective mineral exploration opportunities. Our strategy is to advance our projects from discovery to production.

Ubiquity Lake Uranium Project, covering 1382 hectares, lies just south of the bottom lip of the Athabasca Basin, adjacent to ALX Uranium's Carpenter Lake Project to the east. Situated near the Cable Bay Shear Zone, parallel to the Virgin River Shear Zone, which hosts Cameco's Centennial uranium deposit, the project holds immense potential. Furthermore, it is located 100 km west of Cameco's past-producing Key Lake uranium mine, underscoring the strategic significance of its location.

For further information, please contact the Company at info@bedfordmetals.com or 604-622-1199 or visit the Company's website at www.bedfordmetals.com .

On behalf of the Board,

Bedford Metals Corp.

"Peter Born"

President

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

CONTACT:
Regulatory News:

In line with its strategy to grow its liquefied natural gas (LNG) business, TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE) announces the signing of two new LNG medium- and long-term contracts in Asia:

a sales and purchase agreement (SPA) with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) for the delivery to India of up to 800,000 tons per year of LNG for ten years from 2026; and

an agreement (HoA) with Korea South-East Power for the delivery to South Korea of up to around 500,000 tons per year of LNG for five years from 2027.

These agreements allow TotalEnergies to secure medium-term outlets for its global LNG supply portfolio. They also strengthen the Company's footprint in Asian markets, where it is particularly committed to supporting its customers with their decarbonization strategies.

"We are delighted to have been selected by IOCL and Korea South-East Power to supply LNG to India and Korea. These contracts enable us to contribute to the energy security and transition of these countries, to which we have an enduring commitment," said Gregory Joffroy, Senior Vice President, LNG at TotalEnergies.

TotalEnergies, the world's third largest LNG player

TotalEnergies is the world's third largest LNG player with a global portfolio of 44 Mt/y in 2023 thanks to its interests in liquefaction plants in all geographies. The Company benefits from an integrated position across the LNG value chain, including production, transportation, access to more than 20 Mt/y of regasification capacity in Europe, trading, and LNG bunkering. TotalEnergies' ambition is to increase the share of natural gas in its sales mix to close to 50% by 2030, to reduce carbon emissions and eliminate methane emissions associated with the gas value chain, and to work with local partners to promote the transition from coal to natural gas.

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

@TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies

Cautionary Note

The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240603502795/en/

Contacts:

TotalEnergies

Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR

Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com
Deepens collaboration, drives intelligent ecosystems

TAIPEI, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hon Hai Technology Group ("Foxconn") (TWSE:2317) today announced that it plans to build an advanced computing center in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, with the NVIDIA Blackwell platform at its core, as the CEOs of the two technology bellwethers reaffirmed their strong partnership at COMPUTEX 2024.

The latest collaboration between Foxconn and NVIDIA signals a deepening commitment by the world's largest electronics manufacturing service provider and market leader in making AI servers, alongside its world-class partner, to drive intelligent ecosystems covering AI, electric vehicles, smart factories, robotics, smart cities and other fields.

NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang and Foxconn Chairman and CEO Young Liu caught up with each other on the exhibition floor of COMPUTEX, getting a comprehensive tour about their cooperation at the booth set up by Ingrasys, the Foxconn subsidiary that has been at the manufacturing epicenter of NVIDIA's GB200 NVL72, MGX, HGX and other innovative products.

Following the tour, Huang noted that NVIDIA and Foxconn have worked closely together on various product development, and the proof of the cooperation is clear, especially with the Blackwell product line-up; Foxconn has excellent vertical integration capabilities and is a vital partner for the GB200.

On the spot, Chairman Liu announced that Foxconn will join hands with NVIDIA to build an advanced computing center in Kaohsiung with the NVIDIA Blackwell platform at its core. The cutting-edge computing center, anchored by the superchip GB200 servers, consists of a total of 64 racks and 4,608 GPUs, is slated for completion by 2026. NVIDIA's powerful AI technology will drive Foxconn's three smart platforms: Smart Manufacturing. Smart EV. Smart City. Both companies will continue to deepen cooperation in AI, electric vehicles, smart factories, robots, smart cities and other fields, and demonstrate the strong competitiveness brought by AI through Foxconn's huge manufacturing scale.

Huang said, "A new era of computing has dawned, fueled by surging global demand for generative AI data centers. Foxconn stands at the forefront as a leading supplier of NVIDIA computing and a trailblazer in the application of generative AI in manufacturing and robotics. Leveraging NVIDIA Omniverse and Isaac robotics platforms, Foxconn is harnessing cutting-edge AI and digital twin technologies to construct their advanced computing center in Kaohsiung."

The two companies will utilize NVIDIA Omniverse and create digital twins to introduce platforms for smart manufacturing, smart electric vehicles, and smart cities. For smart manufacturing platforms, image recognition technology, combined with the Group's autonomous mobile robots (AMR), will lead to changes for optimal capacity utilization. The production line planning will encompass existing manufacturing of AI servers and EV assembly plants.

Toward that goal, the new Qiaotou automotive manufacturing facilities of Foxtron, a Foxconn subsidiary, will become one of the Group's benchmark AI factories. Currently under construction, the site will utilize digital twin connected to cloud technologies and achieve collaboration between virtual and physical production lines. Digital real-time monitoring will ensure the manufacturing excellence of an award-winning electric bus, which is currently seeing orders outpacing output capacity.

Going forward, the two companies' collaborative effort in EV ADAS platform will be applied to future EV models designed by Foxconn. Presently, Foxconn is negotiating projects with traditional European and American automakers. Moreover, based on NVIDIA's new generation of chips, Foxconn and NVIDIA jointly plan a "cabin-driving-in-one" smart travel solution, creating a third living space.

About Foxconn here.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hon-hai-technology-group-foxconn-to-build-advanced-computing-center-in-taiwan-based-on-nvidia-blackwell-platform-302162874.html
Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der

zweiten Reihe noch enormes Aufwartspotenzial.



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OSLO, Norway, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Photocure ASA (OSE: PHO), the Bladder Cancer Company, today announces that it has commenced activities to support a new initiative enabling U.S. Hospitals and Clinics to offer blue light cystoscopy (BLC) using a mobile capital equipment model. The initiative is aligned with a recently executed agreement between Karl Storz and ForTec Medical, aimed at providing on-demand Saphira BLC equipment to hospitals in the U.S. leveraging ForTec's utilization-driven mobile equipment business model.

The mobile tower opportunity is intended to increase access to BLC by reducing or eliminating the need for capital budget approvals and instead, enables hospitals to utilize operating budgets to bring the benefits of BLC with Cysview to their physicians and patients. In some hospitals and clinics in the U.S., capital budget priorities have become a rate-limiting factor for purchasing and adopting Saphira equipment to improve TURBT* procedures and the management of patients with bladder cancer.

ForTec has initiated procedures in select territories with the 6 Saphira towers that it currently has in the field, and an expanded rollout of the program throughout the U.S. is anticipated to commence in the third quarter of 2024 with 12 additional Saphira towers that ForTec is preparing for deployment.

ForTec focuses on the urology treatment segment, and is equipped to provide real-time capital equipment from its warehouses across the U.S. With ForTec's facility network located within 3 hours of >90% of all U.S. operating rooms, and its sales force covering the 48 contiguous states in the U.S., the mobile BLC tower opportunity has potential to significantly increase access and utilization of BLC with Cysview for TURBT procedures. In preparation for the national rollout, ForTec, Photocure, and Karl Storz will hold joint training and planning sessions among their commercial organizations.

Under the mobile tower business model, hospitals or physicians can contact ForTec to schedule cases. Once scheduled, ForTec will deliver the equipment the day before the procedure for proper set up and care. A ForTec technician is present during all surgical procedures. Once the procedures are completed for the day or rental period, ForTec will return the mobile tower to its local depot for servicing and quality control in advance of the next deployment. At any given point in the delivery of care, Photocure, Karl Storz and ForTec will collaborate to ensure seamless service. The per case business model has additional benefits such as roughly doubling the number of field-based account managers between Photocure and ForTec, marketing the use of BLC with Cysview to ForTec's vast customer network, and ensuring that trained technicians, functioning equipment and parts are always available on-site.

"We are very pleased that the Saphira mobile tower program is planned for expansion and is expected nationally throughout the remainder of the year. In our discussions with customers, we saw that Urologists understood the clinical value of BLC with Cysview but in many cases, were limited by a lengthy capital equipment approval process. Additionally, this opportunity allows Photocure access to major hospital systems as ForTec has successfully contracted with national GPOs and opens the opportunity to expand the installed base of BLC throughout the United States. Photocure continues to work towards ensuring better access to quality bladder cancer care and this partnership demonstrates that we are implementing proactive strategies to improve that access," says Geoff Coy, Vice President & General Manager North America at Photocure.

"Collectively all three organizations will be highly focused on driving utilization of BLC with Cysview through this mobile solution. Hospitals will be able to provide BLC with Cysview on a per-case-basis which allows the expense to fall within an operational budget instead of a capital budget. Once the hospital's capital budget frees up, hospitals may choose to acquire the Saphira tower permanently,"Geoff Coy concludes.

"For over 35 years, ForTec has been successfully providing mobile technologies to customers nationwide for urology and 10 other therapeutic areas. Hospitals and healthcare care professionals are able to take advantage of ForTec's pay-per-use model to gain real-time access to groundbreaking technologies and premier service, without having to conduct an extensive capital budgeting evaluation," said Patrick Filipovitz, CEO of ForTec. "With our mobile Saphira tower solution, we aim to expand the use of blue light cystoscopy by reducing the barriers for healthcare institutions to gain access to this cutting-edge equipment. In coordination with Karl Storz and Photocure, our highly trained sales professionals and technicians will support cases and ensure safe and proper operation of the equipment."

*TURBT: Transurethral resection of bladder tumor

Note to editors:

BLC, Hexvix and Cysview, trademarks mentioned in this release, are protected by law and are registered trademarks of Photocure ASA.

This press release may contain product details and information which are not valid, or a product is not accessible, in your country. Please be aware that Photocure does not take any responsibility for accessing such information which may not comply with any legal process, regulation, registration or usage in the country of your origin.

About Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer ranks as the 8th most common cancer worldwide - the 5th most common in men - with 1 949 000 prevalent cases (5-year prevalence rate)1a, 614 000 new cases and more than 220 000 deaths in 2022.1b

Approx. 75% of all bladder cancer cases occur in men.1 It has a high recurrence rate with up to 61% in year one and up to 78% over five years.2 Bladder cancer has the highest lifetime treatment costs per patient of all cancers.3 Bladder cancer is a costly, potentially progressive disease for which patients have to undergo multiple cystoscopies due to the high risk of recurrence. There is an urgent need to improve both the diagnosis and the management of bladder cancer for the benefit of patients and healthcare systems alike.

Bladder cancer is classified into two types, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), depending on the depth of invasion in the bladder wall. NMIBC remains in the inner layer of cells lining the bladder. These cancers are the most common (75%) of all BC cases and include the subtypes Ta, carcinoma in situ (CIS) and T1 lesions. In MIBC the cancer has grown into deeper layers of the bladder wall. These cancers, including subtypes T2, T3 and T4, are more likely to spread and are harder to treat.4

1 Globocan. a) 5-year prevalence / b) incidence/mortality by population. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed [February 2024].

2 Babjuk M, et al. Eur Urol. 2019; 76(5): 639-657

3 Sievert KD et al. World J Urol 2009;27:295-300

4 Bladder Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer.html

About Hexvix/Cysview (hexaminolevulinate HCl)

Hexvix/Cysview is a drug that preferentially accumulates in cancer cells in the bladder, making them glow bright pink during Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC). BLC with Hexvix/Cysview, compared to standard white light cystoscopy alone, improves the detection of tumors and leads to more complete resection, fewer residual tumors, and better management decisions. Cysview is the tradename in the U.S. and Canada, Hexvix is the tradename in all other markets. Photocure is commercializing Cysview/Hexvix directly in the U.S. and Europe and has strategic partnerships for the commercialization of Hexvix/Cysview in China, Chile, Australia, New Zealand and Israel. Please refer to https://photocure.com/partners/our-partners for further information on our commercial partners.

About Photocure ASA

Photocure: The Bladder Cancer Company delivers transformative solutions to improve the lives of bladder cancer patients. Our unique technology, making cancer cells glow bright pink, has led to better health outcomes for patients worldwide. Photocure is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: PHO). For more information, please visit us at www.photocure.com, www.hexvix.com, www.cysview.com

About KSEA

KARL STORZ Endoscopy America Inc. (KSEA) is a subsidiary of KARL STORZ headquartered in Tuttlingen Germany. a global manufacturer and distributor of endoscopes, medical instruments, and devices. Since its establishment, KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America has been responsible for all sales of endoscopes, instruments, imaging systems, electromechanical devices, and OR1 integration solutions for the operating room. Based in El Segundo, California, this subsidiary maintains a reliable network, with employees ensuring customer care, product consultation, and sales in all US states.

About ForTec

ForTec Medical, an industry leader, is dedicated to improving patient health and healthcare by delivering innovative surgical technologies on demand. For more than 30 years, ForTec has provided mobile surgical technologists to hospitals, surgery centers and physician offices on an as-needed basis.

For further information, please contact:

Dan Schneider

President and CEO

Photocure ASA

Email: ds@photocure.com

Erik Dahl

CFO

Photocure ASA

Tel: +4745055000

Email: ed@photocure.com

David Moskowitz

Vice President, Investor Relations

Photocure ASA

Tel: +1 202 280 0888

Email: david.moskowitz@photocure.com

Media and IR enquiries:

Geir Bjrlo

Corporate Communications (Norway)

Tel: +47 91540000

Email: geir.bjorlo@corpcom.no

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/photocure/r/photocure-announces-mobile-blc-tower-initiative-to-expand-access-to-cysview-in-the-u-s-,c3994469

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Spexis AG / Key word(s): Temporary Suspension

Spexis launches appeal against SIX Exchange Regulation decision to suspend trading of its shares.



04-Jun-2024 / 20:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Allschwil, Switzerland, June 4, 2024

Spexis launches appeal against SIX Exchange Regulation decision to suspend trading of its shares.

Spexis AG (SIX: SPEX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on macrocycle therapeutics for rare diseases and oncology, today announced that the company has lodged an appeal against the decision of SIX Exchange Regulation AG (SER) to suspend trading of its shares starting 3 June 2024.

As announced on 31 May 2024, Spexis has been granted a second extension to publish its audited 2023 annual report by the Issuers Committee, with said publication to occur no later than 31 July 2024. Spexis has also published the unaudited accounts on 31 May 2024. Despite these facts, SER has suspended trading of Spexis shares for the simple reason that the audit opinion has not been published.

Spexis is of the opinion that, with publication of its unaudited annual report as per 31 May 2024, it has complied with the decision of the Issuers Committee, fulfilled the conditions to maintain trading and thus SER is overstepping its authority. As part of the appeal, Spexis has requested as an interim measure that trading be resumed, while the competent appeal body will hear the case.

About Spexis

Spexis (SIX: SPEX) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Allschwil, Switzerland, focused on macrocycle therapeutics for rare diseases and oncology. For further information please visit: www.spexisbio.com.



For further information please contact:

For Investors:

Martin Jakobovic

Head of Finance & acting Chief Financial Officer

Spexis AG

+41 61 567 1600

IR@spexisbio.com For Media:

Dr. Stephan Feldhaus

Feldhaus & Partner

+41 79 865 9256

feldhaus@feldhaus-partner.ch



Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current assumptions and forecasts of Spexis management. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors could lead to material differences between the forward-looking statements made here and the actual development, in particular Spexis results, financial situation, and performance. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only of the date of this communication. Spexis disclaims any intention or obligation to update and revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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E3 LITHIUM LTD. (TSXV: ETL) (FSE: OW3) (OTCQX: EEMMF), "E3 Lithium" or the "Company," a leader in Canadian lithium, has set the Annual General Meeting (AGM) date to July 16, 2024.

E3 Lithium is also pleased to announce the nomination of Tina Craft to its Board of Directors, subject to election at the upcoming AGM. With over 30 years of chemical industry experience, Ms. Craft has held various leadership roles during her 27-year tenure at Albemarle Corporation. As Chief Commercial Officer for the Lithium division, Chief Commercial Officer and Global Vice-President of Sales for the Bromine division, and most recently Chief Commercial Officer of Catalyst at Ketjen, a wholly owned subsidiary of Albemarle, Ms. Craft has spearheaded global growth strategies for emerging and transitional businesses.

Ms. Craft has also received the prestigious Charlotte Women in business award in 2019 and has previously served on the Association of Water Technologies board, Co-chair of AFPM Petrochemical board, Board member of Electric Drive Transportation Association and Board member for the Central and Western North Carolina Chapter of Make-A-Wish as well as founding member of Women Connect a leadership and development program.

"My fellow directors and myself are extremely excited to nominate Tina Craft as a director to the board of E3 Lithium," said Chris Doornbos, President and CEO. "An initiative launched by E3's board a few years ago aimed at diversifying our directorships as we progressed through the development phases. With the appointment of Alexandra, Tina and Sonya to our board over the past 12 months, we have solidified that initiative and broadened the board's perspective in the automotive industry, the lithium industry and government and policy. This shift in diversity and expertise among our new directors will offer critical support to E3 as we advance towards a commercial lithium project in Alberta."

Mike O'Hara is retiring from the board of directors effective at the AGM. As an original director of E3 Lithium since going public in 2017, E3, the staff and the fellow directors would like to extend a warm thank you to Mr. O'Hara for his seven years of service and significant contributions to the Company.

"I would like to thank Mr. O'Hara for his commitment and insights during his time on the board," said John Pantazopoulos, Chairperson of the Board of Directors. "His leadership has been beneficial in shaping the Company's journey, and he will be missed. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we wish him all the best in his retirement."

AGM Details:

The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10am. The Notice of the Meeting information will be distributed shortly to all shareholders and will also available under the Company's profile on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.ca).

E3 Lithium is also pleased to welcome Alexis de la Renaudiere as the new Investor Relations Coordinator. Mr. de la Renaudiere is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in leadership, strategy and public relations. At Peterson Capital, he developed relationships with institutional investors, fund managers and market influencers for small and mid-cap companies. Mr. de la Renaudiere identified and pursued new business opportunities, managed investor relations, and organized conferences.

Mr. de la Renaudiere will be responsible for managing relationships with the Company's investors and stewarding E3 Lithium's capital markets outreach.

E3 Lithium would like to thank Robin Boschman, Former Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, for her service and wish her the best on her future endeavors.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chris Doornbos, President CEO

E3 Lithium Ltd.

About E3 Lithium

E3 Lithium is a development company with a total of 16.0 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) Measured and Indicated and 0.9 million tonnes LCE Inferred mineral resources1 in Alberta. As outlined in E3's Preliminary Economic Assessment, the Clearwater Lithium Project has an NPV8% of USD 1.1 Billion with a 32% IRR pre-tax and USD 820 Million with a 27% IRR after-tax1. E3 Lithium's goal is to produce high purity, battery grade lithium products to power the growing electrical revolution. With a significant lithium resource and innovative technology solutions, E3 Lithium has the potential to deliver lithium to market from one of the best jurisdictions in the world.

1: The Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Clearwater Lithium Project NI 43-101 technical report is amended Sept 17, 2021. Gordon MacMillan, P.Geol, QP, Fluid Domains Inc. and Grahame Binks, MAusIMM, QP (Metallurgy), formerly of Sedgman Canada Limited (Report Date: June 15, 2018, Effective Date: June 4, 2018 Amended Date: September 17, 2021). The mineral resource NI 43-101 Technical Report for the North Rocky Property, effective October 27, 2017, identified 0.9Mt LCE (inferred). The mineral resource NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Bashaw District Project, effective March 21, 2023, identified 16.0Mt LCE (measured indicated). All reports are available on the E3 Lithium's website (e3lithium.ca/technical-reports) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the effectiveness and feasibility of emerging lithium extraction technologies which have not yet been tested or proven on a commercial scale or on the Company's brine, competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240604148663/en/

Contacts:

E3 Lithium Investor and Media Relations

Chris Doornbos

President CEO

investor@e3lithium.ca

587-324-2775
SoSafe, Europe's largest security awareness and human risk management vendor, has appointed seasoned HR executive Laura Ryan as Chief People Officer to support the organisation as they continue to scale operations internationally in the face of rising global cyber security threats.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240604322632/en/

Laura Ryan appointed as new Chief People Officer at largest security awareness and human risk management platform SoSafe. (Photo: Business Wire)

Laura will lead SoSafe's people function, overseeing the development of a best-in-class team to help deliver the company's next chapter of strategic growth. She will manage human resources, people and talent, workspace and community, and operations, acting as an engine to accelerate the company's mission and long-term vision to strengthen digital self-defence.

With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the technology and financial services industries, Laura has actively supported the evolution of HR functions. Prior to joining SoSafe, she worked almost nine years at Dropbox, most recently as Vice President Global HR Business Partnering. Prior to this, Laura spent over five years at Google and over seven years in Financial Services in a number of HR roles, honing her HR craft.

Laura Ryan, incoming Chief People Officer at SoSafe: "Throughout my career I've been passionate about scaling organisations, helping companies achieve this by fostering innovation and creating workplaces that inspire people to do their best work. SoSafe is working in an extremely interesting market with very strong dynamics: Cybercrime is the biggest threat to organisations and SoSafe delivers a human-centric solution based on psychology. This gives the company and the team a very strong purpose and I am very excited to contribute to their mission to empower people facing digital threats."

SoSafe is currently leading the category evolution from security awareness and training to human risk management through product innovation, accelerating its sustainable growth. Since the beginning of 2022, they have grown from 180 employees in Cologne, Germany, to 500 employees across nine locations in Europe with around 100 open positions, recently adding two additional office hubs in Dublin, Ireland, and Chemnitz, Germany.

Dr Niklas Hellemann, CEO of SoSafe: "One of the pillars of our success is the excellence of our people we are proud to have an outstanding team to drive our ambitious plans. Laura brings a wealth of experience in fast-paced, multi-cultural organisations and has proven her ability to build and lead people divisions in high growth technology companies. I am very excited to have her join our management team and look forward to working with her to drive further growth for the business."

Laura's appointment follows a series of senior hires to strengthen the company's expertise.:

Megan Brown joins as Vice President of Global Partnerships, bringing more than 15 years of sales experience at LogicGate, Checkster and CareerBuilder to lead SoSafe's plans to expand its channel sales through international partnerships.

Gina Dragulin joins as Vice President of Product Marketing to ensure that SoSafe's product innovations are brought to life and their customers get highest value. Prior to joining SoSafe, she worked for Miro, Microsoft and other tech companies while leading various marketing functions.

Thomas Owen joins as Chief Information Security Officer, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the security industry from companies such as Grafana Labs, iloomi and Snyk.

About SoSafe

SoSafe, founded by a team of behavioural scientists and technology experts, is the largest security awareness and human risk management vendor based in Europe. SoSafe is empowering over 4700 customers worldwide to effectively mitigate cyber risk. With a unique human-centric approach grounded in behavioural science, SoSafe enhances secure behaviour across organizations, making it intuitive and second nature. The platform is designed to strengthen digital self-defence by creating robust security cultures that actively involve employees in mitigating human risks. By leveraging psychology and advanced technology and AI, it enables security professionals to effectively identify, prioritize, manage, and ultimately reduce their human risk. The SoSafe team now consists of more than 500 employees in nice locations: Cologne (headquarters), Amsterdam, Berlin, Chemnitz, Dublin, London, Paris, Lisbon, and Munich.

Website: www.sosafe-awareness.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/sosafe-cyber-security/mycompany/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240604322632/en/

Contacts:

For further questions please contact Laura Hartmann via press@sosafe-awareness.com
Providing rights to academic research globally aimed at enabling solutions to

complex challenges and driving sustainability in food and agriculture

complex challenges and driving sustainability in food and agriculture Expanding the potential of CRISPR-based technologies through the collaborative innovation platform Shoots by Syngenta

Syngenta Group, one of the world's largest agricultural technology companies, will provide rights to selected genome-editing and breeding technologies for academic research globally, as part of its commitment to foster innovation and drive sustainability in agriculture. These rights are accessible through its innovation collaboration platform Shoots by Syngenta.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240604415364/en/

Syngenta opens rights to genome-editing and breeding technologies to boost agricultural innovation (Photo: Business Wire)

The rights to certain intellectual property are related to optimized CRISPR-Cas12a as well as to gene-editing enabled breeding tools. Through CRISPR gene-editing, it is possible to deliver an improved plant that does not include DNA from a different species more quickly and efficiently than otherwise possible in nature or through conventional breeding methods.

"The power of CRISPR technology has incredible potential to enable crop innovation to deliver value to farmers," says Gusui Wu, Head of Global Seeds Research at Syngenta. "The increased use of CRISPR in agriculture can transform the way we approach plant breeding, accelerating the discovery and deployment of innovations that provide growers more productive and resilient crops. We are inviting universities and academic institutions from around the world to help us drive innovation to improve the sustainability of agriculture."

As a leader in this wave of technological innovation, Syngenta scientists have been continuously innovating to improve CRISPR-Cas genome editing technologies. Syngenta's scientists have engineered CRISPR Cas12a to increase both its efficiency as well as utility, significantly optimizing it as a tool for crop improvement.

Syngenta has long been open to sharing technology with public and private entities, enabling straightforward, quick, and easy access to its proprietary technologies for academic and non-profit research use. One example is Syngenta's vegetable licensing platform, which allows breeding companies and academic institutes to access and breed with Syngenta germplasm.

The Shoots by Syngenta global innovation collaboration platform was created in 2023 with a goal to create partnerships aimed at finding solutions to some of the most complex challenges in food and agriculture. It brings together the external innovation ecosystem comprising academics, research institutes, and other entities together with Syngenta's global network of more than 6,000 scientists, to develop solutions that mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity, and better serve smallholder as well as large-scale farmers. The platform is built upon the values of openness and transparency.

"At Syngenta, we truly believe that collaboration accelerates innovation," says Stuart Harrison, Head of Global Seeds R&D Partnerships. "This new initiative has tremendous potential to not only result in exciting technology innovations, but to also drive critical crop solutions that will support farmers worldwide."

Adrian Percy, Executive Director of the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative, states: "By accessing these innovative technologies from Syngenta, the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative and North Carolina State University can more broadly accelerate its capabilities in genome editing. We are excited about the application of these technologies in our research programs as they will certainly enable improvement to a variety of crops to the benefit of the grower community."

A simple, streamlined process has been established for licensing the technologies. Additional information regarding the available technologies can be searched via the online catalogue on the Shoots by Syngenta website at https://shootsbysyngenta.com/outlicensing.

About Syngenta Group

Syngenta Group is one of the world's biggest agricultural technology companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. With around 60,000 employees, operating in more than 100 countries, the company strives to transform agriculture with science-driven, technological innovations to deliver high productivity and high-quality food while fighting climate change and restoring nature. Syngenta Group works with farmers and partners to deliver four Sustainability Priorities: Higher Yields, Lower Impact; Regenerate Soil and Nature; Improve Rural Prosperity; and Sustainable Operations. The priorities are underpinned by regenerative agriculture practices to nurture and restore soil health, protect the climate and biodiversity, and enhance farm productivity and profitability. Syngenta Group, which is registered in Shanghai, China, and has its management headquarters in Switzerland, draws strength from its four business units: Syngenta Crop Protection, headquartered in Switzerland; Syngenta Seeds, headquartered in the United States; ADAMA, headquartered in Israel; and Syngenta Group China. Together, these businesses provide industry-leading ways to serve customers around the world.

For Syngenta Group photos and videos, please visit the Syngenta Group Media Library.

Data protection is important to us. You are receiving this publication on the legal basis of Article 6 para 1 lit. f GDPR ("legitimate interest"). However, if you do not wish to receive further information about Syngenta Group, just send us a brief informal message and we will no longer process your details for this purpose. You can also find further details in our privacy statement.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as "expect," "would," "will," "potential," "plans," "prospects," "estimated," "aiming," "on track" and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta Group, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or grain prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta Group assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240604415364/en/

Contacts:

Media Relations

media@syngentagroup.com
Insights from the new InCites Benchmarking & Analytics module support strategic investment and demonstrate impact

LONDON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, today launched Research Horizon Navigator, a powerful new AI-native module within InCites Benchmarking & Analytics that highlights emerging research topics where future breakthroughs are likely to occur. Academics, funding agencies, government research organizations and research strategists will be able to identify new research trends and determine the most impactful areas for future investments and strategies.

Research Horizon Navigator draws on trusted data from the Web of Science Core Collection and uses a novel methodology developed by the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) to identify new topics emerging in articles, reviews and conference proceedings published in the past five years, as well as a new indicator which measures the interdisciplinarity of each emerging topic. Within Research Horizon Navigator, each topic is labeled with a research theme assigned by generative AI. Each topic also offers an interactive visualization showing how papers are connected and includes an overview where users can explore which authors and institutions have contributed.

Emmanuel Thiveaud, Senior Vice President, Research and Analytics, Academia & Government at Clarivate said: "By empowering institutions to understand where research is heading and who is leading the way, we hope to accelerate breakthroughs across disciplines and countries. With Research Horizon Navigator we continue to provide intelligence you can trust to transform the world for the better."

Research Horizon Navigator is available now to all InCites Benchmarking & Analytics subscribers, providing an invaluable resource to inform horizon-scanning projects and strategic planning initiatives. Key applications for the tool include:

Technology watch: Easily monitor the research landscape in targeted areas of interest.

Collaboration: Quickly discover which researchers and institutions are participating in the leading edge of research.

Funding program management: Identify topics that are shaping the future of science and innovation to inform future investments.

Research assessment: Understand where institutions contribute to novel advances in research.

Feedback from the research community will inform further enhancements to Research Horizon Navigator within InCites. Emerging topics will also be incorporated into Web of Science Research Intelligence, so institutions can identify relevant funding opportunities within emerging research areas and gain insight into where they are strategically positioned to succeed.

About Clarivate

Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com

Media contact:

Rebecca Krahenbuhl, Senior Manager, External Communications, Academia & Government

newsroom@clarivate.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/clarivate-launches-research-horizon-navigator-to-pinpoint-future-breakthrough-areas-302162234.html
Capitalising on market need, Constructor increases customer-facing headcount in EMEA by 133% in 2024 and announces Bernd Maehrlein as VP EMEA; See the company's award-winning tech in action at Shoptalk Europe (stand H30)

SAN FRANCISCO and BARCELONA, Spain, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- (SHOPTALK EUROPE) - Constructor , the leading AI-powered product discovery and search platform for enterprise ecommerce companies, today announced growth and momentum across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) - significantly increasing both customers and headcount. As more ecommerce companies in the region tap into Constructor, they're realising benefits including greater engagement, conversions and revenue.

Constructor works with leading ecommerce brands in EMEA including Birkenstock, Under Armour (EMEA and North American operations), Monica Vinader , Very , home24 and more - as well as many others around the world.

Over the last year, Constructor has seen strong growth in customers in EMEA - particularly in the apparel, home goods and furnishings, toys, grocery, do-it-yourself (DIY), B2B ecommerce and general retail categories. These companies rely on Constructor's award-winning, AI-based platform to create personalised, revenue-generating experiences across the buyer journey: in search results , browse experiences , product recommendations , landing pages ("Collections") and more.

UK-based online retailer Very , who went live with Constructor in early 2024, uses the platform to power search, browse and Collections pages for more than 1 million site visitors each day.

"Shoppers have more options than ever when shopping online, and at Very, we're constantly seeking opportunities to enhance customer experiences," said Paul Hornby, digital customer experience director, The Very Group. "With Constructor, we've been able to do just that - deliver more personalised search results that are optimised for each customer's unique preferences, and intuitively help them discover great products."

Announcing Constructor's VP of EMEA Bernd Maehrlein

Since 2022, Constructor has tripled its revenue in EMEA. The company is also actively hiring globally and has expanded its own team in EMEA to better support local customers. Since the beginning of 2024, Constructor's customer-facing headcount in the region has grown 133% - and still climbing - through the addition of key new hires.

Chief among them is Bernd Maehrlein, appointed as Constructor's vice president of EMEA and based out of Heidelberg, Germany. In his role, Maehrlein leads Constructor's EMEA sales team and helps develop, execute and oversee Constructor's go-to-market (GTM) strategy in the region. He brings a history of successfully building and expanding U.S. startups and scale-ups in EMEA.

Prior to Constructor, Maehrlein most recently built up cloud security scale-up Lacework in Central and Southern Europe, following build-ups in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for endpoint security company Cybereason, as well as database platform MongoDB. Maehrlein's software GTM career began with direct sales roles at SAP and Intralinks. Currently, he serves on the advisory board of permanent equity investor Upliift.

"It's really gratifying to work at a company where our customers are as excited about the product as we are," Maehrlein said. "That's a big part of what drew me to Constructor: its highly differentiated technology and highly satisfied customers, who are realising incredible achievements - resulting in a 98% or greater retention rate the last three years running. As Constructor continues its fast growth trajectory - having recently doubled revenue for the third year in a row - EMEA is a high-priority market for us, with great opportunity. I'm looking forward to helping bring the benefits of Constructor's technology to many more companies here."

Constructor CEO Eli Finkelshteyn said: "Bernd's expertise and on-the-ground experience are incredible assets for us as we further expand our operations in EMEA. We want to make sure that as we grow, we provide the best service we can to our customers, including really catering to regional needs. We're really excited by the initial feedback we've received in those regards, and plan to constantly find new ways to make the experience we give our customers better and better. As ecommerce companies seek to create better digital customer experiences that boost their top and bottom line, we want to do everything we possibly can to help, and we think this expansion in EMEA is a strong step in that direction."

Meet with Constructor at Shoptalk Europe

Constructor is attending and exhibiting at Shoptalk Europe - a show dedicated to transforming Europe's retail ecosystem - June 3-5, in Barcelona.

At stand H30, the company is demonstrating its powerful and proven solutions for improving ecommerce product discovery. These include Constructor's recently unveiled AI Shopping Assistant (ASA), a conversational product discovery tool blending generative AI with Constructor's personalisation technology. Recently honoured with a gold Stevie Award and People's Choice Stevie Award for best new ecommerce solution, ASA has - in less than a year since launch - helped major grocery chains, apparel brands and general retailers achieve results including: 10% increase in website revenue, 6% increase in search conversions, 7% increase in clicks and more.

To meet with Maehrlein and others at Constructor at Shoptalk Europe, and see the company's technology in action, please visit https://info.constructor.io/shoptalk_europe_2024 .

About Constructor

Constructor is the only product discovery and search platform tailor-made for enterprise ecommerce where conversions matter. Constructor's cloud-based solutions use natural language processing, machine learning-enhanced results ranking and collaborative personalisation to deliver powerful user experiences across all facets of product discovery. Optimising specifically for ecommerce metrics like revenue, conversion rate and profit, Constructor generates consistent $10M+ lifts for some of the biggest brands in B2C and B2B ecommerce, such as Sephora, Petco, Birkenstock, The Very Group, home24, Bonobos and Fisheries Supply. Constructor is a U.S.-based company that was founded in 2015 by Eli Finkelshteyn and Dan McCormick. For more, visit: constructor.io .

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/constructor-experiences-rapid-growth-and-momentum-in-emea-helping-more-ecommerce-companies-improve-product-discovery-with-ai-302162695.html
SIAL Paris, to be held from 19 to 23 October at Paris Nord Villepinte, is the world's largest food trade show, with over 285,000 visitors, 7,500 exhibitors and 400,000 products on display. As a key business generator, every two years it offers a unique insight into the trends and opportunities in the sector. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, SIAL Paris is planning an exceptional, festive and inspiring edition!

The show has opened its ticket office, enabling visitors to plan their visit now and benefit from a great price (50% reduction) and a simplified access (digital tickets).

NEW PLAN, NEW DYNAMICS

Among the key highlights will be a new exhibitor booth arrangement. To improve the visitor experience, SIAL acknowledges 80% of visitors have expressed their wish to see the stands organized by product type in order to make more efficient rounds. The new floor plan will group exhibitors by theme.

DISCOVER SIAL SUMMITS

To mark its 60th anniversary, SIAL Paris is revolutionising the traditional conference experience with the launch of SIAL Summits: 4 summits dedicated to the crucial issues and innovative perspectives shaping our industry.

Join us from Sunday 20 to Tuesday 22 October 2024 to explore the following themes and develop concrete solutions for the challenges of tomorrow:

CSR

AI and Deeptech

Supply Chain

Africa

Professionals can book their place at these summits at the same time as they buy their ticket for the show at the rate of 80 for the Summit, or opt for the Summit Pack at 160, which gives access to all 4 conference cycles.

SIAL INNOVATION 2024: ENJOY THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

This year SIAL Paris celebrates its 60th anniversary with a bountiful supply of new products!

The 60th anniversary award: To mark the show's 60th anniversary, SIAL Innovation will reward the most outstanding innovation among all the competition's winners since its creation.

To mark the show's 60th anniversary, SIAL Innovation will reward the most outstanding innovation among all the competition's winners since its creation. Top 3 countries award: Rewards the 3 countries with the most innovative products to promote their power of innovation.

Rewards the 3 countries with the most innovative products to promote their power of innovation. Africa award: Rewards innovation in the African market,a flagship theme of SIAL SUMMITS 2024 that focuses on initiatives from Africa.

Rewards innovation in the African market,a flagship theme of SIAL SUMMITS 2024 that focuses on initiatives from Africa. Concept award : The Early Stage award for pro- ducts in test or launch phase targets companies and/or ideas developing processes or innovations with strong potential.

The Early Stage award for pro- ducts in test or launch phase targets companies and/or ideas developing processes or innovations with strong potential. SIAL TASTE: a new space giving visitors their first chance to taste the products from the SIAL Innovation selection.

About SIAL Paris

Organised by Comexposium, SIAL Paris is the largest food industry trade fair in the world with more than 7,500 exhibitors and 400,000 exhibited products. The event is part of the SIAL Network, the world's largest network of food and drink trade fairs. Through eleven regular events, the network brings together 17,000 exhibitors and 700,000 professionals from over 200 countries. The next SIAL Paris will be held from 19 to 23 October 2024 at Paris Nord Villepinte. www.sialparis.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240603415975/en/

Contacts:

Press contact

Pamela Themonis: pamela.themonis@comexposium.com

Gladys Leroy: gladys.leroy@comexposium.com
75% of organisations in the UK have experienced at least one account takeover in the last year; security leaders lack confidence in their current defences to protect against this threat

Abnormal Security, the leader in AI-native human behaviour security, today announced the launch of a new research report-2024 State of Cloud Account Takeover Attacks. The report reveals how security stakeholders view the growing threat of account takeovers, how they are currently approaching prevention, and what they are looking for in next-generation defences against these attacks.

Abnormal surveyed over 300 security professionals across a variety of global industries and organisation sizes, including security stakeholders in the United Kingdom. The findings revealed that 60% of security leaders in the UK cited account takeover attacks as one of their top four most concerning cyber threats. Combined, this makes account takeovers the leading worry for security leaders-even ahead of news-headlining attacks like ransomware and spear phishing.

These worries are justified, given that 75% of UK survey participants reported that their organisation had been impacted by an account takeover attack at least once over the past year. Worse still, more than a third of organisations (37%) were impacted by account takeover attacks more than five times over the past year, while 13% had experienced more than 10 significant account takeover attacks.

"A single instance of cloud account compromise can be extremely damaging, as it creates a critical point of entry that can give attackers immediate access to company or customer data, create a launchpad for additional attacks or fraudulent transactions, or allow movement to connected platforms," said Evan Reiser, CEO at Abnormal. "What's even more concerning, and what the survey responses show, is that these attacks are no longer limited to just email. Today's cloud application ecosystems are increasingly necessary for business, but they all open up additional entry points, each with their own distinct risks if compromised."

The cloud applications that UK security stakeholders are most concerned about being compromised include file storage and sharing services, such as Dropbox and Box, and cloud infrastructure services, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Also near the top of the list are document and contract management software like Docusign, and business email accounts, such as Microsoft Outlook and Gmail. Each of these applications have the potential to expose troves of sensitive company data, while a compromised cloud infrastructure application can also enable lateral movement across the corporate network.

Despite their concerns, the majority of security stakeholders in the UK appear unprepared to protect against account takeovers. Commonly used strategies to protect against this threat include implementing fraud detection mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong password use. Yet, the majority of survey participants are sceptical of both MFA (62%) and single sign on (63%) as effective tools to prevent account takeover attacks.

Other frequently mentioned solutions included identity and access management (IAM), cloud access security brokers (CASB), and web application firewalls (WAF), which were all cited by more than 50% of respondents, but none of which are explicitly designed to counter the account takeover threat. Similarly, most UK survey participants (92%) expect their individual cloud services to supply native protections against account takeovers. But most application providers aren't security companies, and while they may offer some security features, these tend to be safeguards against misconfiguration or elevated privileges rather than real-time protection against account takeover.

Security stakeholders are eager for alternative solutions, and 99% believe implementing a solution for detecting and automatically remediating compromised accounts in cloud services would greatly improve their defences. Reiser continued, "It's clear that there is a need for a new approach to not only detect account takeovers but also remediate them automatically before attackers have a chance to exfiltrate sensitive data or infiltrate connected applications. Cross-platform visibility and automated remediation capabilities, with uniform coverage for all the applications that enterprises use, will be critical as organisations seek to protect their entire threat surface."

Download 2024 State of Cloud Account Takeover Attacks here.

Learn more about Abnormal Security's unified Account Takeover Protection solution.

About Abnormal Security

Abnormal Security is the leading AI-native human behavior security platform, leveraging machine learning to stop sophisticated inbound attacks and detect compromised accounts across email and connected applications. The anomaly detection engine leverages identity and context to understand human behavior and analyze the risk of every cloud email event-detecting and stopping sophisticated, socially-engineered attacks that target the human vulnerability.

You can deploy Abnormal in minutes with an API integration for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace and experience the full value of the platform instantly. Additional protection is available for Slack, Workday, ServiceNow, Zoom, and multiple other cloud applications.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240604859163/en/

Contacts:

Jade Hill

Director of Communications

media@abnormalsecurity.com
StoreDot's '100in5' extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology with silicon-dominant anodes allows for both high energy density and extreme-fast charging rates

StoreDot's technology eliminates the common trade-off between high performance and high energy density for EV batteries

StoreDot's mature and proven solution with >140Ah Pouch and Prismatic cell capacity and formats, is the only one that meets car makers' timeline, with both high energy density (>320Wh/kg) and continuous extreme fast charging capability (>2000 consecutive 10%-80% charging cycles)

StoreDot remains on track for production-readiness of XFC cells that deliver 100 miles of range charged in 5 minutes this year, 100 miles range charged in 4 minutes in 2026, and 100-miles range charged in 3 minutes by 2028

HERZLIYA, Israel, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- StoreDot, the pioneer and world leader in extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs), is emphasizing to global auto makers that they don't need to compromise on energy density to achieve extreme-fast charging speeds on near-future EV models.

High energy density in EV batteries is critical, as it allows for greater driving range and smaller, lighter battery pack sizes for the same amount of stored energy. However, achieving high energy density has traditionally come at the cost of slower charging rates, reduced battery life and cycle performance.

StoreDot says that the goalposts have now shifted thanks to its XFC battery technology using silicon-dominant anodes. Its XFC cells can maintain high energy densities comparable to conventional lithium-ion batteries, while also enabling ultra-fast charging rates and long cycle life.

StoreDot's mature and proven solution with >140Ah Pouch and Prismatic cell capacity and formats, is the only one that meets car makers' timeline, with both high energy density (>320Wh/kg) and continuous extreme fast charging capability (>2000 consecutive 10%-80% charging cycles).

By eliminating the need to compromise on energy density, StoreDot's '100in5' XFC battery cells are enabling EV users to achieve the best of both worlds - long driving range and extreme-fast charging capabilities. Solving these two critical issues could create the tipping point for mass adoption of EVs, as consumers demand EVs that don't force trade-offs between range and charging time.

Dan Corfas, Director of Product and System Engineering at StoreDot:

"Common EV cell chemistries allow for either high energy or high power capabilities. We've changed the rules with our silicon-dominant anodes because we have developed long-lasting cells with both high energy and extreme fast charge capability. But for us, this is not just a lab concept-we're advancing this promise into a commercially-viable, proven solution that will support car makers' decarbonization targets and timeline."

Last month StoreDot continued its path towards commercialization by demonstrating that its XFC battery technology could charge Polestar 5 prototype EV in just 10 minutes in a video released here.

StoreDot remains firmly on track with production-readiness of its XFC cells that deliver 100 miles charged in 5 minutes this year. The company aims to deliver 100 miles charged in 4 minutes in 2026 and 100 miles charged in 3 minutes by 2028.

About StoreDot

StoreDot is the pioneer and world leader of extreme fast charging (XFC) electric vehicle batteries that overcome the critical barriers to mainstream EV adoption - range and charging anxiety. The company has revolutionized the conventional Li-ion battery by innovating and synthesizing proprietary organic and inorganic compounds, optimized by Artificial Intelligence algorithms, enabling the charging of an EV in under 10 minutes - similar experience to refueling a conventional combustion engine car.

Through its '100inX' product roadmap, StoreDot's battery technology is delivering 'Range on Demand': 100 miles charged in 5 minutes in 2024, 100 miles charged in 4 minutes in 2026, and 100 miles charged in 3 minutes by 2028. In April 2024, StoreDot and Polestar demonstrated the world's first 10-minute EV charging using silicon-dominant battery cells.

StoreDot's strategic investors and partners include BP, Daimler, VinFast, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Ola Electric, Samsung, TDK, and its manufacturing partner EVE Energy.StoreDot's media kit can be found at this link.

Infographic - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2428506/StoreDots_XFC_technology.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/storedot-xfc-technology-means-ev-makers-no-longer-need-to-sacrifice-energy-density-for-extreme-fast-charging-302162154.html
Machine supplier upgrades to latest version of IFS software to drive efficiency and service delivery across 13 international sites

LONDON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IFS, the leading technology provider of enterprise cloud and industrial AI software, today announced that Bucher Emhart Glass, the world's leading international supplier of glass container manufacturing solutions, is upgrading to IFS Cloud to accelerate its adoption of a servitized business model and enhance customer experience.

Bucher Emhart Glass expects that the upgrade to IFS Cloud will enhance the consistent flow of information within its international business processes and strengthen transparency and processes relating to data across the organization. IFS Cloud capabilities will directly support the company's ambitious servitization plan that aims to streamline operations for greater flexibility and assurance across the processes.

The importance of having a composable, cloud-based solution to achieve its goals was key to the decision to adopt IFS Cloud. By utilizing the added functionality of IFS Cloud Service Management, the company will also integrate process automation and predictive maintenance to increase productivity on its shop floor, enabling it to optimize the maintenance of its assets by identifying faults before they occur.

Reto Semadeni, CFO at Bucher Emhart Glass, said: "The decision to upgrade to IFS Cloud is a pivotal step in our ongoing pursuit of operational excellence and customer satisfaction. This transition is more than an upgrade; it's a reinvention of how we manage our processes, maintain our assets, and engage with our customers. With IFS Cloud, we are not just keeping pace with technological advancements; we are staying ahead of the curve, ensuring that Bucher Emhart Glass remains a leader in the industry through innovation and superior service delivery."

Bucher Emhart Glass will also be able to standardize its maintenance services with IFS Cloud, delivering maximal efficiency and driving predictably in its delivery of services to improve the customer experience.

Another motivation for upgrading was the ability to remain evergreen with IFS Cloud. This approach will create value for the company's transformation, with immediate access to continuous software innovations and improved visibility and control as it identifies new business opportunities surfaced by data-led insights.

Frank Beerlage, MD DACH & Benelux at IFS said: "We are thrilled to see Bucher Emhart Glass leverage the full potential of IFS Cloud. This move not only marks a significant milestone in their shift to servitization but also underscores our commitment to supporting our clients on this very important journey. Bucher Emhart Glass are currently undergoing rapid growth and as such are experiencing increasing demand. IFS Cloud will revolutionize their operational efficiency, helping them to meet their customers' needs now and into the future."

Bucher Emhart Glass has also purchased IFS Customer Engagement, which will empower support staff to deliver rapid service and provide a smoother installed base customer journey for orders, spare parts, and invoicing.

The scale of deployment will include 1,000 full users across 13 sites, with Arcwide supporting the implementation. Arcwide is a joint venture between BearingPoint and IFS that combines BearingPoint's world-class expertise in business technology consulting with IFS cloud technology and innovation.

Contact information

EUROPE / MEA / APJ: Adam Gillbe

IFS, Director of Corporate & Executive Communications

Email: press@ifs.com

Phone: +44 7775 114 856

NORTH AMERICA / LATAM: Mairi Morgan

IFS, Director of Corporate & Executive Communications

Email: press@ifs.com

Phone: +44 7918 607 299

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/ifs/r/bucher-emhart-glass-embraces-servitization-with-ifs-cloud,c3994355

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/855/3994355/2841873.pdf Release https://news.cision.com/ifs/i/bucher-emhart-930x423,c3306788 Bucher Emhart 930x423

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bucher-emhart-glass-embraces-servitization-with-ifs-cloud-302162994.html
June 3, 2024: By 2o23 Ukraine had destroyed over a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet and forced the remainder to move as far from Crimea as possible. This means anchorages in the Black Sea extension, the Sea of Azov that was more than a thousand kilometers from Crimea and reachable only via the narrow 15 kilometer-long Kerch Strait. This is also the site of the Kerch Strait bridge, which was meant to connect Crimea with the Russian mainland. The bridge has been under constant attack by the Ukrainians since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022. Currently Ukraine is attacking the bridge with explosive armed USVs (Unmanned Surface Vessels). Similar USVs were used against the Black Sea Fleet. With Crimea stripped of its radars, anti-aircraft systems and warships normally based there, the area is now largely defenseless. Every Russian vehicle and electronic device in Crimea relies on imported fuel and the Crimea is now effectively blockaded by Ukrainian forces. No more fuel gets into Russian-occupied Crimea. When the last of it is used, Russian-occupied Crimea will be defenseless and Ukrainian forces can walk in and take over.

Since late 2023 the bridge has been weakened to the extent that only light vehicles, like passenger cars, can use the bridge. The railroad tracks are damaged in too many places to keep them in repair so the railroad across the bridge can be used on a regular basis.

The bridge was built in 2018, at a cost of more than $4 billion, to provide a direct route from the Russian mainland to the Crimean Peninsula. The constant Ukrainian attacks have weakened the bridge in so many places that Russia has given up trying to repair it and is instead using a longer 720 kilometer railroad from Rostov-on-Don to the port of Melitopol where an existing rail line continues to Crimea. This new, longer route is also under attack by Ukrainian missiles. The Kerch Bridge was wrecked by a combination of missile and seaborne attacks using USVs.
SINGAPORE, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AgentLayer, a leading Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain and AI integration innovation platform, announced that its AgentLayer Premium Governance Node (APGN) sold 2000 nodes within one day of going on sale, with a total value of $1,600,000, setting a new sales record. This milestone not only highlights the strong interest and recognition of AgentLayer technology in the market but also further consolidates AgentLayer's leading position in the decentralized AI ecosystem. AgentLayer is an innovative platform designed for the collaboration and coordination of autonomous AI Agents. Through its unique technology stack, including AgentChain, AgentOS, AgentLink, and AgentFi, it has built a complete decentralized AI ecosystem. This system provides powerful technical support and a development environment for AI developers, promoting the wide application and development of AI technology.

The APGN node plays a pivotal role in the AgentLayer ecosystem and is crucial for network security and governance. As holders of APGN nodes, investors will enjoy a series of exclusive benefits, such as generous $AGENT token mining rewards, advanced governance rights, and revenue sharing. In addition, they will have the opportunity to access advanced protocol and platform features ahead of time or exclusively, and participate in pre-sales and Initial AI Offerings (IAOs) of specific projects, thereby gaining more investment opportunities and returns. As a key component of the AgentLayer ecosystem, APGN plays a vital role in maintaining network security and promoting democratic governance. With limited node supply (only 20,000 nodes) and a dynamic pricing strategy, early participants are expected to achieve faster investment returns and higher earnings expectations.

The initial price for the APGN nodes is set at $800 USD. During the sales period, the first 3,000 nodes will maintain this price; after that, the price will increase by $5 USD for every 100 APGN nodes sold. Investors can purchase these nodes through the official sales website of AgentLayer at https://apgn.agentlayer.xyz/home. Along with the sales, a specific token release strategy will be implemented where 200,000 $AGENT tokens will be released daily to participating nodes during the first year, with the amount gradually reducing over time. Over a span of four years, this release will account for 15.5125% of the total supply. The payback period for purchasing nodes will be dynamically calculated based on the number of nodes already sold.

The good news of this sales figure not only highlights AgentLayer's market influence and technical strength but also lays a solid foundation for the company's future development. The equity investors of AgentLayer's parent company, MetaTrust Labs, including Redpoint Ventures, Granite Asia (formerly GGV Capital), NGC Ventures, ByteTrade Lab, Hash Global Venture Capital, LongHash Ventures, Fellows Fund, SNZ Holding, Bing Ventures, ABCDE Capital, M23, UVM Signum Blockchain Fund, MEXC, Summer Ventures, and Woori Ventures, as well as strategic investors focused on decentralized AI such as aelf public chain, have fully participated in the ecological construction of AgentLayer and will hold the platform's digital token $AGENT to jointly promote innovation and development in the field of artificial intelligence.

With the continuous development of artificial intelligence technology, the demand for decentralized AI ecosystems is also growing. AgentLayer stated that it will continue to be committed to promoting the integration of AI and blockchain technology, and through its Multi-Agent coordination network, unleash human creative potential and productivity. With the continuous sale of APGN nodes and the improvement of the ecosystem, AgentLayer is confident in providing AI developers with a more complete and powerful technology platform, bringing richer and more diverse financial products and service options to users. As APGN sales activities continue, AgentLayer is constantly consolidating its leadership position in the decentralized AI field. For more information or to participate in APGN node purchases, please visit the official website at https://apgn.agentlayer.xyz/home

Guide to Purchasing AgentLayer Premium Governance Node (APGN)

FAQs

1. What is AgentLayer Premium Governance Node (APGN)?

APGN is a premium network participation node in the AgentLayer ecosystem. Holders will obtain enhanced governance rights, income sources, and exclusive service access.

2. What are the main functions of APGN?

APGN is a core component of the AgentLayer decentralized AI network, ensuring network security and promoting democratic governance. APGN holders can enjoy daily $AGENT token mining rewards, participate in exclusive protocol functions, and gain priority access to AI project presales and IAOs.

3. How to purchase APGN?

Visit the AgentLayer official website (agentlayer.xyz), use a supported wallet (such as OKX or WalletConnect) to connect to the designated blockchain network, enter a valid referral code (if any), select the number of nodes to purchase, and complete the payment process.

4. Is there a referral program?

Yes, referrers can receive 10%-15% of USDT based on the total purchase amount of referred APGN. The reward varies based on the successful referral of APGN quantity. The reward is automatically processed at 00:00 UTC every day for claimed cashback, and return USDT to the Arbitrum chain.

5. How does APGN generate returns?

APGN holders receive daily $AGENT token rewards with a structured release plan over four years. Participation in presales and Initial AI Offerings (IAOs) adds additional income channels.

6. How does the price of APGN change?

The price of APGN is dynamically adjusted based on the number of nodes sold. The initial price is $800, and this price is maintained for the first 3,000 nodes. After that, the price will increase by $5 for every 100 nodes sold, until the supply cap is reached.

7. Is the supply of APGN limited?

Yes, the supply of APGN is limited to a total of 20,000 nodes.

8. Do I need special equipment or a server to run APGN after purchasing?

No. Currently, APGN is a virtual unit that does not require any hardware or server to operate.

9. Can I transfer APGN to another wallet after purchasing?

No. Once purchased, APGN cannot be reassociated with another wallet.

10. How are daily mining rewards calculated?

Daily mining rewards are determined based on the size of the daily reward pool and the total number of sold nodes. The initial reward pool consists of 200,000 $AGENT tokens per day. Rewards are distributed at 00:00 UTC daily.

11. Supported blockchains?

Abitrum, Optimum, BSC, ETH Mainnet.

12. How can I seek help if I encounter problems during the purchase process?

If you encounter any issues during the purchase process, you can contact AgentLayer's official customer service for more information.

Telegram: https://t.me/agentlayer

Discord: https://discord.gg/vZK7fCwp7d

13. Release Strategy?

Initial Release: 200,000 $AGENT tokens will be released as daily rewards for the first year from the purchase date for early investors.

Total Release: A total of 155.13 million $AGENT tokens will be gradually released over four years.

Release Schedule: APGN node tokens will be released according to the following schedule (total of 4 years):

In the first year, 200,000 tokens will be released daily, distributed evenly among participating nodes, totaling 20*365=73 million tokens.

For the next 18 months, 100,000 tokens will be released daily, distributed evenly among participating nodes, totaling 10*365*1.5=54.75 million tokens.

For the following 18 months, 50,000 tokens will be released daily, distributed evenly among participating nodes, totaling 5*365*1.5=27.375 million tokens.

The total release amount is 73+54.75+27.375=155.125 million tokens, accounting for 15.5125% of the overall token supply.

14. Are there any lock-up periods for the tokens associated with APGN nodes?

No, there are no lock-up periods for the tokens associated with APGN nodes.

15. How long do I need to wait after purchasing an APGN node before I can see it in my dashboard?

You will need to wait for 60 seconds after purchasing an APGN node before it appears in your dashboard.

16. Which chain will the referral rewards be returned?

The referral rewards will only be returned to the ARB chain.

About AgentLayer

AgentLayer is an innovative decentralized artificial intelligence Layer 2 blockchain network specifically designed for the collaboration and coordination of autonomous AI Agents. It utilizes large language model (LLM)-driven generative AI technology, enabling AI Agents to make autonomous decisions and complete tasks, reducing reliance on human intervention. Through its advanced technology stack, including AgentChain (a decentralized, secure, and efficient blockchain network), AgentOS (an operating system designed for AI application development), AgentLink (the underlying communication protocol for Multi-Agent), and AgentFi (decentralized financial services), AgentLayer has constructed a complete decentralized AI ecosystem. This ecosystem not only provides AI developers with powerful technical support and a development environment but also offers users a rich variety of financial products and service options. AgentLayer's vision is to drive innovation and development across various industries and professions through Multi-Agent collaboration.

Contact Information

For any questions or to learn more about AgentLayer, please contact us through the following channels:

Website || Twitter || Telegram || Discord

Website:https://agentlayer.xyz/

Twitter:https://x.com/agent_layer

Telegram:https://t.me/agentlayer

Discord:https://discord.gg/vZK7fCwp7d

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/agentlayer-apgn-sets-a-record-us1-600-000-worth-of-nodes-sold-within-one-day-302163042.html
Technology transfer will strengthen South Africa's pharmaceutical sovereignty and drastically reduce production costs, thus improving affordability and accessibility of key medicines in oncology and life-threatening autoimmune diseases

Bio-Sourcing, a Belgian biotech, today announces the signing of a partnership agreement with Afrigen Biologics, a South African biotech, to develop a pilot program in South Africa of a groundbreaking biotherapeutic platform, BioMilk.

Bio-Sourcing's cutting-edge platform is poised to redefine the landscape of healthcare solutions. BioMilk represents a significant leap forward in the development of novel therapies, aiming to address global unmet medical needs and radically improve access to biotherapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and insulin products.

The partners intend to create a new joint entity in South Africa to host the operations. Several public funding bodies have already expressed interest and the venture is open to additional investors.

Afrigen, which has previously pioneered the establishment of a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine technology platform in Cape Town, and Bio-Sourcing, inventor of the technology underpinning BioMilk, believe that the platform will enable the end-to-end, including drug substance, manufacturing of the latest biologic medicines in South Africa.

Currently, biotherapeutic medicines such as mAbs are fully imported in South Africa at exorbitant prices, resulting in them being unavailable to the largest patient populations. This innovative technology aims not only strengthen South Africa's pharmaceutical sovereignty, but would also drastically reduce production costs, thus improving the affordability and accessibility of the essential medicines in the fields of oncology and life-threatening autoimmune diseases.

"Our collaboration with Afrigen, a well-known and established player, represents an important step in the deployment of Bio-Sourcing in healthcare. I am thrilled to bring the BioMilk technology to Africa, where its benefits in terms of investment and production costs and sustainability are more critical than anywhere else. I look forward to the installation of our first bulk plant and to providing South Africa and other African countries with access to the medicines patients need," said Bertrand Merot, CEO of Bio-Sourcing.

About Bio-Sourcing:

Bio-Sourcing is a biotechnology company that has developed a unique, sustainable and profitable platform to produce a new generation of biotherapeutics; in particular, monoclonal antibodies. Its technology platform is based on the production of biotherapeutics in goat milk using genome editing and nuclear transfer technologies.

www.bio-sourcing.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240530118970/en/

Contacts:

juliette@ala.associates
Neural Concept, the leading Engineering Intelligence platform that transforms product design with 3D Deep Learning, has announced that it has raised $27 million in a Series B funding round. The round was led by Forestay Capital, with the D. E. Shaw group and existing investors Alven, CNB Capital, HTGF, and Aster Group also participating. This round follows the company's $9 million Series A round in March 2022 and $2 million Seed round in 2020. Funds raised in this latest round will be used to consolidate Neural Concept's technology leadership in the field, as well as to accelerate its global recruitment and growth to meet strong customer demand across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the US.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240531755430/en/

Neural Concept, the leading Engineering Intelligence platform that transforms product design with 3D Deep Learning, has raised $27 million in a Series B funding round. The round was led by Forestay Capital, with the D. E. Shaw group and existing investors Alven, CNB Capital, HTGF, and Aster Group also participating. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Manufacturers globally are facing unprecedented challenges. The need for improved performance, safety, and sustainability is increasing, while pressure to reduce costs and accelerate innovation continues to rise. Neural Concept solves these challenges by empowering engineering teams to develop better products faster using AI.

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Neural Concept has more than 60 employees across Switzerland, Germany, and the US, and is the leader in 3D Deep Learning for product engineering teams in the Automotive, Micro-electronics, Aerospace, and Energy industries. More than 60 Original Equipment Manufacturers including Airbus, Bosch, General Electric, Subaru and four out of ten Formula 1 racing teams rely on Neural Concept's platform to place Engineering Intelligence at the heart of their product development process.

The platform combines Neural Concept's proprietary technology with unique data analysis, MLOps, and application deployment capabilities to make Engineering Intelligence central to the product simulation and development processes. It dramatically improves collaboration across data-science, simulation, and design teams in order to enhance and accelerate innovation. Neural Concept is proven to reduce end-to-end product development times by up to 75%; accelerate product simulation by up to 10x; and improve product characteristics, including efficiency, safety, speed, and aerodynamics, by up to 30%.

The Series B funding news follows the recent unveiling of a close technical collaboration with NVIDIA, allowing Neural Concept to optimize performance of physics-driven deep learning models on NVIDIA GPUs and CUDA software and to jointly push the frontiers of the field.

Deborah Pittet, Senior Principal at lead investor Forestay Capital said, "Neural Concept has pioneered 3D Deep Learning the leading-edge of AI and demonstrated phenomenal traction and results with customers in various industries around the world. We are thrilled to be partnering with the company's world-class visionary team and lead this significant Series B, which will accelerate its global growth and reshape the way engineering companies around the world develop and design products.

Jean Nations at the D. E. Shaw group said, "We are excited to embark on this journey with Neural Concept and to support its growth. We believe Neural Concept can be a powerful accelerant for product engineering teams bringing products to market, as demonstrated by the dozens of global manufacturers already utilizing its innovative platform. This funding helps position Neural Concept to extend Engineering Intelligence to many more."

Pierre Baque, Co-founder and CEO at Neural Concept said, "The world is facing unprecedented global challenges that urgently require innovative engineering solutions. Engineering teams are under enormous pressure to deliver smarter, safer, and more sustainable products faster but to do this requires a fundamentally new approach. Neural Concept allows Original Equipment Manufacturers to place leading-edge 3D Deep Learning and Generative AI right at the heart of their product development improving collaboration and processes while helping identify innovative solutions. We are delighted to work with our new investors Forestay Capital and the D. E. Shaw group and all of our existing investors to take the company to the next level. This $27 million Series B funding round will allow us to build on our strong commercial success and help more OEMs around the world harness the full potential of Engineering Intelligence to deliver better products faster."

Watch the video to learn more about Neural Concept and Engineering Intelligence:

*video embed*

Editors Notes

About Neural Concept: www.neuralconcept.com

Founded in 2018, Neural Concept provides a leading end-to-end platform which places 3D AI at the center of the product development process to revolutionize the way engineers conceptualize, design, and validate products with Engineering Intelligence. The company which was spun out from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and is backed by world renowned investors including Forestay Capital, the D. E. Shaw group, Alven, CNB Capital, HTGF, and Aster Group works with 40% of the largest European and Asian OEMs and 25% of the world's top 100 tier-1 suppliers.

About Forestay Capital: www.forestay.vc

Founded in 2018, Forestay is an early-growth stage tech fund and part of B-FLEXION, an entrepreneurial private investment firm founded by Ernesto Bertarelli. Forestay invests in visionary teams reaching growth inflection points and partners with them to create future category leaders. The fund supports start-ups with investments between $10M and $20M in Europe, Israel, and opportunistically on the East Coast of the US.

About The D. E. Shaw Group: www.deshaw.com

The D. E. Shaw group is a global investment and technology development firm with more than $60 billion in investment capital as of March 1, 2024, and offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Since the D. E. Shaw group's founding in 1988, the firm has earned a reputation for successful investing based on innovation, careful risk management, and the quality and depth of its staff. The D. E. Shaw group has a significant presence in the world's capital markets, investing in a wide range of companies and financial instruments in both developed and developing economies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240531755430/en/

Contacts:

For media interviews and assets, contact Olly Cooper, ThoughtLDR: neuralconcept@thoughtldr.com olly@thoughtldr.com
IVECO and Foton announce joint exploration into future synergies

Turin, Italy / Beijing, China, 4th June 2024. IVECO, the brand of Iveco Group N.V. (EXM: IVG) that designs, manufactures and markets light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, and Foton, a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in China, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential collaboration in the areas of electric vehicles and components, and joint business opportunities, for Europe and South America.

Foton, a commercial vehicle company under BAIC Group in China, shares the same commitment with Iveco Group to promote the green transformation of the global automotive industry, pursuing multiple routes through new energy technologies such as pure electricity, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cells for commercial vehicles. The potential cooperation will also support Foton to further advance its globalisation strategy.

This partnership is part of Iveco Group's overarching electrification strategy to extend its light commercial vehicle line-up to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) category that falls below the iconic DAILY range of GVW 3.5 - 7.2 tons, adding both chassis cab and panel van all-electric models under the GVW 3.5-ton threshold.

With Foton, Iveco Group will investigate the option of utilising the IVECO sales channels for the commercialisation of an electric panel van in Europe and South America in the lightest category of up to GVW 3.5 tons. The future panel van will potentially positively impact the regional and local supply chains in Europe and South America, in addition to further supporting the growth of the IVECO point of sales and workshop network. Earlier this year, Iveco Group also signed a supply agreement with Hyundai Motor Company for an electric GVW 2.5 - 3.5-ton chassis cab to be sold and serviced in Europe by IVECO. Iveco Group's collaborations with Foton and Hyundai aim to create a comprehensive line-up of electric commercial vehicle offerings weighing less than its iconic DAILY.

The MoU between Iveco Group and Foton is also opening the two companies to joint exploration of additional future synergies, including the possible localisation of activities in Europe and South America, to be evaluated at a later stage. Supply opportunities including through Iveco Group's powertrain brand FPT Industrial, will also be discussed.

Present during the signing were a delegation from Iveco Group including Gerrit Marx, CEO; Luca Sra, President of the Truck Business Unit; Sylvain Blaise, President of the Powertrain Business Unit; Marco Liccardo, Chief Technology & Digital Officer; Angela Qu, Chief Supply Chain Officer; and Angel Rodriguez Lagunilla, Chief Manufacturing Officer; and leadership from Foton, including Chairman Chang Rui; Executive Vice President Lu Zhenghua; Vice President Chen Qingshan; Vice President Qin Zhidong; Vice President of International Cooperation Ma Rentao; and Vice President of Power Transmission Feng Jing.

This non-binding agreement advances Iveco Group's and Foton's independent strategies to enhance competitiveness and create leading innovative solutions that meet global demand for new energy transport through an ecosystem of mutually beneficial partnerships.

Iveco Group N.V.



Media Contacts:

Francesco Polsinelli, Tel: +39 335 1776091

Helen Liu, Tel: +86 13564 257026

Fabio Lepore, Tel: +39 335 7469007

E-mail: mediarelations@ivecogroup.com

Investor Relations:

Federico Donati, Tel: +39 011 0073539

E-mail: investor.relations@ivecogroup.com

Attachments
Arbon, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2024) - MyIdol Foundation is pleased to announce that Martin Schranz, a Swiss business leader and founder of the MyIdol Foundation, is auctioning a Rolex Explorer II that he wore during his ascent of Mount Everest on May 23, 2024. This watch, bearing the marks of an extraordinary journey, presents a rare opportunity for collectors and philanthropists alike.

MyIdol Foundation Announces Founder Martin Schranz Everest-Worn Rolex for Educational Charity Auction

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A Historic Ascent on Everest's North Side

Being among the first foreigners to climb Everest from the north side after a five-year break is a significant achievement. This route is known for its challenging conditions and requires climbers to be self-reliant, as helicopter rescues are not available. The north side climb also includes traversing the Rongbuk Glacier and ascending steep, icy slopes that test even the most seasoned climbers.

Schranz's climb, guided by Furtenbach Adventures' highly experienced Sherpa team, made their climb even more remarkable. Led by Lukas Furtenbach and his , they ensured a safe and well-supported expedition.

The journey started at the North Base Camp, situated at 17,000 feet near the Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. From there, Schranz and his team made their way up to higher camps, meticulously acclimatizing to the altitude. Their path took them up the steep, rocky ridges and across expansive snowfields, culminating in a final push to the summit. The ascent involved traversing the "Sidewalk," a treacherous path at 8,000 meters, and required careful acclimatization at camps located at extreme altitudes. Throughout the climb, they left only footprints in the snow, ensuring that their expedition had a minimal environmental impact.

The Auction and Its Purpose

Schranz aims to raise $50,000 from the auction, with all proceeds going to the MyIdol Foundation. This foundation, which he founded, focuses on building and maintaining schools in Nepal. By providing educational opportunities in remote areas, the MyIdol Foundation is working to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting positive impacts on these communities.

Martin Schranz with school children during one of his earlier visits to Nepal, supporting educational projects through the MyIdol Foundation.

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The Unique Provenance of the Watch

The Rolex Explorer II, known for its reliability in extreme conditions, was carefully chosen by Schranz for its historical significance. The original Rolex Explorer was famously worn by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay during their first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. This legendary climb set a precedent for durability and excellence under harsh conditions, making the Rolex Explorer a symbol of high-altitude exploration.

Inspired by this legacy, Schranz selected the Explorer II for his own ascent to honor the spirit of those early pioneers. His journey took him up the north side of Everest, a route that had been closed to foreign climbers for five years. This path, which avoids the overcrowded southern approach from Nepal, provided a quieter and more solitary ascent. Climbing from the north side also involves navigating the formidable North Face of Everest, a route first attempted by British teams in the 1920s.

Martin Schranz holds the Rolex Explorer II at the summit of Mount Everest, preparing to auction it for the MyIdol Foundation.

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The Broader Impact

The auction of this Rolex is not just about acquiring a valuable timepiece with a unique history. It highlights the potential for luxury collectibles to support noble causes. By channeling the proceeds into educational projects, Schranz demonstrates how business leaders can leverage their achievements to foster social good. This initiative also brings attention to the critical issue of education in Nepal, where many children still lack access to proper schooling.

Summary

Martin Schranz's auction of his Everest-worn Rolex Explorer II offers a compelling blend of adventure and philanthropy. It provides an opportunity for collectors to own a piece of history while making a significant contribution to the education of children in Nepal. This endeavor sets a precedent for how personal achievements and business acumen can be harnessed for humanitarian efforts, creating a lasting impact on communities in need.

Press Contact:

Julia Berger

Head of Communications

MyIdol Foundation

press@myidol.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/211657

SOURCE: Media Feature
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ScentAir, a global leader in scent marketing and delivering innovative customer experiences for 30 years, is offering fragrance samples to its United Kingdom eCommerce customers to confidently make home fragrance selections.

ScentAir, renowned for its international commercial collaborations, notably its pioneering work with The View from The Shard, specializes in revolutionizing spaces through innovative scent strategies and premium-quality fragrances and diffusers.

Sample Fragrance Packs

Each pack features five fragrance-infused sample sticks accompanied by a 20% discount code for a future purchase of their favourites. Sample sticks are available in 10 fragrances: A Walk in the Woods, Black Orchid, Dark Vanilla Pomelo, Eucalyptus Mint, Golden Bamboo, Scent of Amalfi Coast, Seaside Driftwood, Tropical Coconut, White Tea & Fig, and White Tea & Thyme.

"At ScentAir, we recognize the challenge some customers face when selecting fragrances online. With our sample packs, customers can now experience a variety of five fragrances, enabling them to make informed decisions about their preferences before committing to a purchase," said Stephanie Soittoux, Manager of EMEA Marketing and eCommerce. "Our aim is to foster customer trust in their fragrance selections, alleviating uncertainties about trying new scents."

Explore samples and the entire UK product line by visiting ScentAir.com .

ScentAir: Trusted by Brands, Loved by Families

About ScentAir: ScentAir Technologies, LLC., privately held and founded in 1994, provides best-in-class ambient scent marketing solutions to many of the world's most recognized brands. As the global leader in olfactory marketing, the Company creates memorable impressions for both small businesses and global enterprises, elevating their customer experience through the power of scent. Based in Charlotte, NC, USA, and corporate offices in the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Australia. The Company's 525+ global team members service customers in 119 countries through its dedicated global supply chain and manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, and Asia.

ScentAir is committed to the creation of customized scent strategies that boost clients' brand sentiments, customer loyalty, and sales. To learn more, go to ScentAir.com.

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2024) - Less than 1% of users click on the second page of Google's search results, making the competition for top rankings intense. DesignRush handpicks the best SEO companies that expertly optimize websites and content to improve businesses' search engine performance.

A study by Backlinko reveals that only 0.63% of Google searchers engage with anything from the second-page results, stressing the fierce competition for online visibility. This trend highlights the SEO landscape's complexity and reinforces the need for businesses to partner with skilled professionals to boost their online presence.

Recognizing the impact of effective online search strategies, DesignRush, a leading B2B marketplace, has selected the top SEO companies to date. These agencies specialize in implementing comprehensive tactics, from keyword research to content optimization and link building - strategies proven to help businesses improve search engine rankings and drive organic website traffic.

The top SEO companies in May are:

1. Urbanacle - urbanacle.com

2. UR Digital - urdigital.com.au

3. Rankvise - rankvise.com

4. SEO Express - seoexpress.com.ar

5. Atlas Softweb - atlassoftweb.com

Located in Ahmedabad, India, Atlas Softweb is the ideal choice for businesses looking for SEO experts in the country. The company's SEO audits, keyword research, off- and on-page SEO, and analytics, to name a few, deliver exceptional results.

6. Marketingby - marketingby.co.uk

7. Abstra Studios - abstra-studios.com

8. Ditto Digital - dittodigital.co.uk

9. Alto SEO - altoseo.ar

10. Position Digital - positiondigital.de

11. Webguruz Technologies - webguruz.in

12. ITONWEB MEDIA - itonweb.ro

13. Justdigilab - justdigilab.com

14. Netpaths Website Design - netpaths.net

15. Deyo Digital - deyodigital.com

Brands can explore the top SEO companies by location, size, average hourly rate, and portfolio on DesignRush.

About DesignRush:

DesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace and media platform connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects.





Contact:

Lensey Etcubanas

lensey@designrush.com

3053701017

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/211436

SOURCE: DesignRush
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.


TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Toyota Motor Corp. stock was hit on Tuesday's trading in Japan after the Japanese auto major announced the halt of shipments and sales of three models produced in the country following certification issues and a raid at its headquarters by government officials.



Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or MLIT had said that certain automakers including Toyota, Honda Motor Co., Mazda Motor Corp., Suzuki, and Yamaha Motor were found to have submitted either flawed or manipulated data when applying for certification of vehicles. However, Toyota reportedly was the only automaker to undergo an on-site inspection.



Honda shares also were down 2.4 percent in Tokyo after it reportedly disclosed that it had falsified safety certification tests following the Japanese government's actions.



Mazda Motor also temporarily suspended shipments of two models after its investigation result confirmed certain irregularities. These models have not been in production since May 30.



On Tuesday, the Japanese transport ministry officials launched an on-site investigation at Toyota headquarters after irregularities were found in its applications to certify certain models.



The officials earlier had revealed that Toyota submitted faulty data during pedestrian-safety tests for three current models Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio and Yaris Cross.



In a statement, Toyota said it has temporarily halted shipments and sales of three models currently produced in Japan, such as Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and Yaris Cross, effective Monday, following its investigation on model certification applications.



As per instructions from the MLIT on January 26, the company had conducted the investigation, which is still in progress. Toyota noted that seven models, including some that have already been discontinued since 2014, were tested using methods that differed from the government standards, and this was reported to MLIT on May 31.



The investigated model certification applications involve inadequate data in pedestrian and occupant protection tests for the three production models, which are now halted, as well as errors in crash tests and other test methods for four discontinued models of Crown, Isis, Sienta, and RX.



Toyota said, 'We take it seriously that the problem was discovered at Toyota following the recent discovery of certification issues at Hino Motors, Ltd. and Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. and Toyota Industries Corp. Following comprehensive internal verifications on the affected vehicles, including those that are no longer in production, we can confirm that there are no performance issues that contravene laws and regulations. Therefore, there is no need to stop using the affected vehicles.'



Toyota said it will continue to provide detailed explanations to the authorities and expedite appropriate measures, including conducting testing in the presence of witnesses.



At a press conference, Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda apologized to shareholders and customers.



In January, the company had suspended shipments of Hilux truck and Land Cruiser 300 SUV models, after an independent panel found that the diesel engine tests of the vehicles were fraudulent.



The latest issues follow a safety test scandal at Toyota's subsidiary Daihatsu compact car unit, one of Japan's oldest combustion engine manufacturers, which in December last year shut down production after admitting that it had been compromising the safety results for decades.



In 2022, another subsidiary, Hino Motors said it had falsified emissions data for some engines since 2003.



However, no accidents have been reported so far due to the safety negligence.



Despite the scandals, Toyota Motor remains the global top-selling car manufacturer, after producing 11.52 million vehicles in 2023, a growth of 8.6 percent from last year, and selling 11.23 million vehicles, recording a growth of 7.2 percent.



In Japan, Toyota shares closed Tuesday's trading at 3,298 yen, down 1.3 percent. Honda Motor closed at 1,726 yen, down 2.24 percent.



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 2024 AFX News
CHICAGO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Bromine Market by Derivative (Organobromine, Clear Brine Fluids and Hydrogen Bromide), Application (Flame Retardants, PTA Synthesis, Water Treatment & Biocides, HBR Flow Batteries), End-user & Region - Global Forecast to 2029", is projected to grow from USD 2.6 billion in 2024 to USD 3.3 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2024 to 2029. Rapid industrialization and infrastructure development in various regions drive the demand for bromine-based products. Additionally, investments in mining and production facilities are further boosting market growth.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Bromine Market".

391 - Tables

51 - Figures

309 - Pages

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=42782196

By application, Flame Retardant is estimated to hold the most significant share of the global bromine market.

By application, flame retardant is estimated to dominate the bromine market globally. With increasing awareness about fire safety and stricter regulations worldwide, the demand for flame retardants, including bromine-based ones, is rising. Various industries, including electronics, construction, automotive, and textiles, are mandated to comply with stringent fire safety standards, which drives the demand for effective flame-retardant materials.

By derivative, the organobromine segment will lead the bromine market during the forecast period.

In derivative, the organobromine segment is anticipated to hold the leading position in the bromine industry. Ongoing research and development efforts in organobromine chemistry have led to developing advanced compounds with improved properties and performance characteristics. Scientists and manufacturers continuously innovate to enhance organobromine compounds' efficacy, environmental sustainability, and safety profiles, expanding their applications and market opportunities. These technological advancements are driving the adoption of organobromine compounds in new and existing applications, further propelling the segment's growth within the bromine market.

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During the forecast period, Asia Pacific will lead the global bromine market.

In 2023, the Asia Pacific region held the dominant share in the global bromine industry. Forecasts suggest this region will experience a significant Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) between 2023 and 2028. Both domestic production and imports influence the bromine market in the Asia Pacific. Countries like China are significant producers of bromine, particularly from underground brine wells. However, demand often exceeds domestic supply, leading to imports from other regions, such as the Middle East and North America, to meet the market demand.

Key Players:

Some of the leading manufacturers of bromine profiled in this report are ICL Group Ltd. (Israel), Albemarle Corporation (US), LANXESS AG (Germany), Tosoh Corporation (Japan), TETRA Technologies, Inc. (US), TATA Chemicals Ltd. (India), Hindustan Salts Ltd. (India), Honeywell International Inc. (US), Gulf Resources, Inc. (China), Agrocel Industries Pvt Ltd. (India), Satyesh Brinechem Pvt. Ltd. (India) and others.

Browse Adjacent Market: Bulk Chemicals and Inorganics Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Biocides Market - Global Forecast to 2026

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MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2024) - Neurai, a startup AI technology company specializing in fintech solutions, has announced the appointment of Anndy Lian as the Chairman of the Board. Lian, a seasoned business strategist in Asia, brings extensive experience and expertise to his new role.

Anndy Lian

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Lian's career spans multiple sectors, providing strategic advisory services to various companies, governments, and public-listed entities. His early adoption of blockchain technology, combined with his experience as a serial entrepreneur, book author, investor, and keynote speaker, positions him as a notable figure in the field.

Currently, Lian serves as the Chief Digital Advisor at the Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization efforts. He is also a Partner at Blockchain Investment with Passion Venture Capital, holding a Capital Market Services license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Previously, Lian was the Advisor for Government Relations and Partnership Chief at Bybit, where he led initiatives with Oracle Red Bull Racing. He also served as an Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of Hyundai Motor Group, and was the Chairman of a crypto spot exchange with in-principle approval from the Astana Financial Services Authority in Kazakhstan.

Beyond corporate roles, Lian has contributed as a Blockchain Advisor for the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), collaborating with governments across the Asia-Pacific region to enhance productivity through blockchain technologies. His involvement in the Gyeongsangbuk-do Blockchain Special Committee highlights his commitment to regional blockchain innovation.

Neurai is recognized for its AI-driven solutions, particularly its Algorithmic Trading platform, which utilizes advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) and machine learning algorithms. The platform enables autonomous trading decisions by analyzing large volumes of market data swiftly and accurately, enhancing trading efficiency and minimizing human errors.

Neurai offers services in algorithmic trading, investment advisory, and risk alerts, focusing on improving the efficiency and security of financial operations.

As an early investor in Neurai, Lian supports the integration of AI with finance and blockchain technology. Reflecting on his new role, Lian stated: "As we stand on the brink of a new era in financial technology, I am honored to join Neurai as Chairman of the Board. AI is the cornerstone of the next revolution in the finance industry. We are committed to harnessing the transformative power of AI to create more efficient, secure, and intelligent financial systems."

With Lian's appointment as Chairman of the Board, Neurai aims to continue its work in the fintech landscape, enhancing its position in AI technology within the financial markets.

For more information about Neurai, please visit Neurai.

About Neurai

Neurai is an AI technology company based in Singapore, focusing on AI applications within the fintech sector. The company is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and security of financial operations through AI-driven solutions.

Joann Park, PR Lead

info@neurai.cc

Neurai

https://neurai.cc

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/211658

SOURCE: Plentisoft
JERSEY CITY, N.J., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "RNAi Therapeutics and Technology Market by Type (Small interfering RNA (siRNA), MicroRNA (miRNA)), Application (Genetic Disorders, Oncology, Neurodegenerative Disorders, Infectious Diseases, Renal Diseases, Others), Route of Administration (Intradermal Injections, Pulmonary Delivery, Intravenous Injections), By Region, Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue and Forecast To 2031."

According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the RNAi Therapeutics and Technology Market is valued at US$ 1.59 Bn in 2023, and it is expected to reach US$ 5.36 Bn by 2031, with a CAGR of 16.6% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.

RNA interference (RNAi) is an advanced biological process intrinsic to cells, complexly organizing gene expression through precise sequence-directed silencing. Leveraging this mechanism, RNAi therapeutics have emerged as a pioneering drug class, harnessing genes inherent in RNAi properties to regulate cellular expression systems naturally. Their potential to treat a diverse range of conditions, from metabolic and chronic diseases to cancer, has propelled RNAi therapeutics into the spotlight of medical research and innovation.

Request for Free Sample Pages:https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/2508

RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, leveraging the natural cellular process of gene silencing, promise a revolutionary approach to treating various diseases. With applications spanning metabolic disorders, chronic illnesses, and cancer, these therapeutics are categorised into diverse types.

Antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA (siRNA), and microRNAs (miRNA) each offer unique mechanisms to target specific genes, modulate gene expression, and regulate protein translation. RNAi therapeutics hold potential in disease treatment, gene regulation, editing, and silencing, offering precision in addressing conditions with challenging pathological origins.

List of Prominent Players in the RNAi Therapeutics and Technology:

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Novartis

Sylentis, S.A.

Dicerna Pharmaceuticals (Novo Nordisk company)

Arbutus Biopharma

Sanofi

Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc.

Lilly

List of Prominent Players in the RNAi Technology:

Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

ARIZ Precision Medicine

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Sirnaomics

Gradalis Inc.,

Silence Therapeutics

Merck & Co. Inc. (Sigma Aldrich)

QIAGEN

Phio Pharmaceuticals

RNAi Therapeutics and Technology Market Report Scope:

Report Attribute Specifications Market Size Value In 2023 USD 1.59 Bn Market Size Value In 2031 USD 5.36 Bn Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 16.6% from 2024 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Bn and CAGR from 2024 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By Type, By Application, By Route of Administration, By End-user Regional Scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa

Order 180 Pages Full Report @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/buy-report/2508

Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

The escalating prevalence of chronic diseases globally, including cardiovascular ailments, cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis (TB), AIDS, and more, is poised to propel the growth of the global RNAi technology market in the foreseeable future. RNA-based therapeutics hold considerable promise in treating a spectrum of chronic diseases, as well as rare and genetic disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases claim a staggering 17.9 million non-communicable disease (NCD) deaths annually, followed by cancer, responsible for 9.3 million deaths, chronic respiratory diseases with 4.1 million, and diabetes with 2.0 million.

The urgency to explore innovative treatments becomes paramount considering these statistics. The cancer diagnosis and treatment landscape is witnessing a transformative shift in integrating RNAi techniques into personalized medicine and molecular diagnostics.

The advent of high-throughput methodologies for identifying altered cellular molecules and metabolites facilitates the application of RNAi techniques in diverse cancer diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, heralding a new era in precision medicine.

Challenges:

Challenges persist in the RNAi therapeutics and technology market, notably in delivery methods, where introducing RNA molecules to specific cells can provoke immune responses, limiting efficacy. One of the key barriers is exogenous RNA's intrinsic vulnerability to rapid disintegration by ubiquitous RNases found in both the environment and tissues.

Additionally, effectively delivering negatively charged RNA molecules across the hydrophobic cytoplasmic membrane of target cells remains a critical challenge. Large-scale production poses another hurdle for companies, requiring innovative solutions to streamline manufacturing processes.

Furthermore, the potent immunogenicity of exogenous RNA poses a significant hindrance, leading to cell toxicity and impeding the translation of RNA into therapeutic proteins.

Regional Trends:

North America, particularly the United States, stands as the leading region in advancing RNAi therapeutics, driven by several key factors. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases in North America, where about 40% of American adults have multiple chronic conditions, underscores the demand for innovative treatments like RNAi therapeutics.

This demand is further fueled by significant pharmaceutical investments, particularly in the US, propelling the development and adoption of RNAi-based therapies. The gene editing sector has attracted substantial investments from government agencies, venture capitalists, and private entities, bolstering momentum in the US. Moreover, North America benefits from a supportive regulatory environment, with well-established healthcare systems and agencies like the FDA facilitating the approval and adoption of novel therapies, including RNAi therapeutics.

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Recent Developments:

In April 2024, Medison Pharma and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. expanded their partnership to include selected markets in LATAM, APAC, and additional international markets, in addition to Central & Eastern Europe and Israel. This collaboration will allow companies to expand their footprint and provide the advantages of Alnylam's innovative RNAi treatments to patients in more APAC and LATAM regions.

In November 2021, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals linked an exclusive license deal with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for their experimental RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic, ARO-HSD. GSK will lead the development and commercialization of ARO-HSD for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). ARO-HSD targets HSD17B13 and holds promise as a therapy for both alcohol-related and nonalcohol-associated liver diseases, including NASH.

Segmentation of RNAi Therapeutics and Technology Market-

By Type

Small interfering RNA (siRNA)

MicroRNA (miRNA)

By Application

Genetic Disorders

Oncology

Neurodegenerative Disorders

Infectious Diseases

Renal Diseases

Others

By Route of Administration

Intradermal Injections

Pulmonary Delivery

Intravenous Injections

By End-User

Diagnostic Laboratories

Research and Academic Laboratories

Hospitals

By Region-

North America-

The US

Canada

Mexico

Europe-

Germany

The UK

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific-

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Southeast Asia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America-

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa-

GCC Countries

South Africa

Rest of Middle East and Africa

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Why should buy this report:

To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for global RNAi Therapeutics and Technology market

To receive industry overview and future trends of global RNAi Therapeutics and Technology market

To analyze the global RNAi Therapeutics and Technology market drivers and challenges

To get information on the global RNAi Therapeutics and Technology market size value (US$ Mn) forecast till 2031.

Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisition in global RNAi Therapeutics and Technology

Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic:

RNA-based Therapeutics Market

mRNA Extraction and Purification Market

mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Market

RNA Analysis Transcriptomics Market

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Aurora Labs' differential software updates meets T-Systems' over-the-air platform

Optimizing Time-to-Market and the total cost of ownership for Software Defined Vehicles

Update any device in the vehicle, anywhere, and at any time of the day, even when in use

FRANKFURT, Germany and TEL AVIV, Israel, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- T-Systems, a leading provider of digital services in Europe and a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, and Aurora Labs, an innovative AI-driven automotive software company, have announced today that they will offer Aurora Labs' differential software update capabilities alongside T-Systems' end-to-end Over-the-Air (OTA) platform to the automotive industry. This solution will support car manufacturers in optimizing Time-to-Market and the total cost of ownership (TCO) for Software Defined Vehicles (SDV). And will also enhance the overall driving experience for customers through continuous software updates and improvements.

T-Systems and Aurora Labs will combine their respective expertise in connected car services cloud infrastructure, and specialized OTA update technology. The two companies will offer one of the most flexible, secure and cost-effective solutions for automotive manufacturers and fleets. These clients will be able to seamlessly update any device in the vehicle, anywhere, and at any time of the day, even when the vehicle is in use.

Aurora Labs' patented Line-Of-Code Intelligence (LOCI) and OTA software update technology offer unique features such as up to 97 percent smaller update files, which minimizes data usage, and additive updates that ensure vehicle uptime with an advanced roll-back mechanism preventing vehicle software failure, in accordance with UNECE R156 regulations. T-Systems brings extensive experience in providing comprehensive connected car services, back-end infrastructure, and data management solutions for more than 30 million vehicles through its end-to-end OTA platform. T-Systems' platform boosts scalability to manage vast fleets, modularity that seamlessly integrates with any OEM's existing infrastructure, all while achieving an update success rate of up to 99.99 percent.

By combining Aurora Labs' LOCI technology with T-Systems' OTA platform, the solution will address key challenges faced by the automotive industry, such as complexity of their digital eco-systems, data volume, update time and cybersecurity. This collaboration will enable automotive manufacturers and fleets to manage and update their vehicles' software seamlessly, ensuring optimal performance, better user experience and reduced risk of cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

"Combining our capabilities allows us to deliver differential software updates, meaning we deliver and deploy only the part of the code that is really affected by the change. This is leading to much smaller software packages and less data traffic," said Christian Hort, SVP Automotive at T-Systems. "By combining Aurora Labs LOCI features with our end-to-end OTA platform, we are able to blend highly specific innovations with the reliability of our OTA platform and the expertise of our teams in managing large OEM fleets."

"T-Systems' global presence and extensive experience in providing and delivering connected car solutions make them an ideal partner for Aurora Labs," said Zohar Fox, CEO of Aurora Labs. "We are excited to bring our unique features to T-Systems' OTA platform, ultimately enhancing the safety and user experience of connected vehicles."

In the evolving landscape of Electric Vehicles (EV) and software-defined vehicles (SDV), it's becoming increasingly crucial to ensure that every Electronic Control Unit (ECU), including microprocessors and microcontrollers, can be updated securely and seamlessly. This process should aim to minimize disruptions and protect against emerging cybersecurity threats, thereby enhancing the overall user experience for vehicle owners and drivers. To foster wider acceptance and utilization of new software features, it's essential to mitigate potential risks, including those related to cybersecurity, and cultivate trust among fleet owners and vehicle users.

T-Systems and Aurora Labs will be demonstrating the OTA Update solution at the Automobil-Elektronik Kongress in Ludwigsburg, Germany on the 18th and 19th of June, at booth 35/36.

Deutsche Telekom

Corporate Communications

Albert Hold

Tel.: +49 228 181 - 49494

E-Mail: media@telekom.de

www.telekom.com/media

www.telekom.com/photos

www.instagram.com/deutschetelekom

About Deutsche Telekom: https://www.telekom.com/companyprofile

About T-Systems: https://www.t-systems.com/de/en/company/about-t-systems/profile

About Aurora Labs

Aurora Labs is pioneering the use of AI and Software Intelligence to solve the challenges of software development. Aurora Labs brings Lines-of-Code Intelligence (LOCI) to the entire software lifecycle, from development to testing, integration, quality control, continuous certification, and over-the-air software updates. Aurora Labs focuses on complex software engineering projects including embedded systems and software-defined vehicles.

Aurora Labs, founded in 2016, has raised $97m and has been granted 100 patents. Aurora Labs is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, with offices in Germany, North Macedonia, the US, and Japan.

www.auroralabs.com

Contact Aurora Labs

HBI Communication Helga Bailey GmbH

Martin Stummer

Tel.: +49 (0) 89 99 38 87 34

E-Mail: auroralabs@hbi.de

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2428437/T_Systems_Aurora_Labs.jpg

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KELOWNA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Avant Brands Inc. (TSX:AVNT)(OTCQX:AVTBF)(FRA:1BU0) ("Avant" or the "Company"), a leading producer of innovative and award-winning cannabis products, is pleased to announce that, subject to the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX"), it has closed its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") in the amount of $2,393,333.78 priced at $0.085 per unit (each a "Unit") through the issuance of 28,156,868 Units.

Each Unit consists of one common share (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a "Warrant"). Each Warrant has a term of 36 months commencing on the closing date (the "Closing Date") of the Private Placement and entitles the holder to purchase one additional Share at a price of $0.12 per Share.

Finders' fees related to this Offering consist of $13,600 and 160,000 non-transferable finders' warrants which are exercisable on the same terms as the subscribing investors. Proceeds from the Offering will primarily be allocated to working capital and general corporate activities.

All securities issued are subject to a Canadian securities law resale restriction period expiring four months and one day from the Closing Date. The securities mentioned 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. Accordingly, they may not be offered or sold within the United States unless in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions from them. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

Certain related parties of the Company participated in the Offering, as detailed below. The participation of related parties constitutes related party transactions under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements in connection with the related party participation, relying on exemptions in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101. The Offering was unanimously approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Insider and related-party participation totaled $817,500, including: CEO Norton Singhavon for $175,000; CFO Jeremy Wright for $42,500; and F-20 Developments Corp for $600,000. Other non-insider employees of Avant Brands participated for an additional $386,000.

All securities issued are subject to a four-month and one day hold period pursuant to securities laws in Canada expiring on October 4, 2024.

The completion of the Private Placement is subject to obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX.

Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Avant Brands Inc.

Avant is an innovative, market-leading premium cannabis company. Avant has multiple operational production facilities across Canada, which produce high-quality, handcrafted cannabis products based on unique and exceptional cultivars.

Avant offers a comprehensive product portfolio catering to recreational, medical, and export markets. Our renowned consumer brands, including BLK MKT, Tenzo, Cognoscente, flowr and Treehugger, are available in key recreational markets across Canada. Avant's products are distributed globally to Australia, Israel and Germany, with its flagship brand BLK MKT currently being sold in Israel. Additionally, Avant's medical cannabis brand, GreenTec, serves qualified patients nationwide through its GreenTec Medical portal and trusted medical cannabis partners.

Avant is a publicly traded corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: AVNT) and accessible to international investors through the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX:AVTBF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FRA:1BU0). Headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, Avant operates in strategic locations including British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.

For more information about Avant, including access to investor presentations and details about its consumer brands, please visit www.avantbrands.ca.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations at Avant Brands Inc.

1-800-351-6358

ir@avantbrands.ca

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, regulatory approvals, the Company's ability to raise capital, and the overall performance of the cannabis industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. 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. Investors are urged to carefully consider the risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's filings with securities regulatory authorities, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

SOURCE: Avant Brands Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Tamarack, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2024) - Talon Metals Corp. (TSX: TLO) (OTC Pink: TLOFF) ("Talon" or the "Company"), the majority owner and operator of the Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project ("Tamarack Nickel Project") in central Minnesota, announces successful progress in its 2024 exploration plan, particularly focusing on an update to the drilling program in the Raptor Zone.

Figure 1: Drill core for new drill hole 24TK0505, including 1.77 meter massive sulphide intercept



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/211571_c35772287434795e_001full.jpg

Highlights:

Talon extends nickel-copper mineralization in the Raptor Zone from 250 meters of strike to over 350 meters (see Figure 2)

Talon intends to continue exploration in the Raptor Zone, as the mineralization is open in all directions

Follow-up Drilling of Geophysical Anomaly Successfully Intersects Massive Sulphide Mineralization in the Raptor Zone

In the Company's press release dated May 2, 2024, the Company announced that drill hole 23TK0480A identified a borehole electromagnetic anomaly within the Raptor Zone. This anomaly, modeled as a 30x30 meter plate at 4000 siemens, projected to the expected continuation of the channel of mineralization, indicating the potential for additional high-grade nickel-copper mineralization.

The Company has now drilled the geophysical anomaly (located 37 meters away from previously drill hole 23TK0480A), and successfully intersected 8.91 meters of nickel mineralization, including 1.77 meters of massive sulphide mineralization (assays pending) (see drill hole 24TK0505 in Figure 3).

Brian Goldner, COO and Chief Exploration Officer of Talon, commented on the recent results, stating: "New drill hole 24TK0505 is a fantastic result and continues to show the value of integrated geophysics guiding our in-house drilling operations. The massive sulphide mineralization in this hole displays pentlandite and chalcopyrite loop textures, which indicates the sulphides had pooled and cooled slowly. Exploration drilling will continue throughout 2024 in this area of the Raptor Zone to add additional strike to the known mineralization."

Brian Bengert, Vice President of Geophysics, commented on the success of New Drill Hole 24TK0505: "Talon's geophysical team identified an unusual conductive anomaly in the Raptor Zone that resulted in intersecting massive sulphides in drill hole 23TK0480A. The data from that hole then generated an even more conductive target that resulted in finding even thicker massive sulphides in hole 24TK0505. These holes now appear to be in a larger system that connects over a hundred meters back to other successful drill holes in the Raptor Zone."

Brian Bengert also commented on the commitment Talon has for geophysical exploration: "Talon's commitment to geophysical research and development has been unprecedented for a company of this size, and we are now starting to reap some of the benefits. For instance, Talon was a primary funding source for Novaminex's Provus EM modeling software. This new holistic modelling approach is now being applied to integrate our geophysical datasets, showing that the Raptor Zone extends into a much larger conductive system that requires further exploration."

Based upon the continued successful drill results, Talon will continue exploration and conduct step-out drilling around the recent results.

Raptor Zone Overview

The Raptor Zone is a sill-shaped intrusion parallel to and approximately one kilometer north of the Tamarack Resource Area, with the Tamarack Resource Area stacked on top of the Raptor Zone (see Figure 2). Based upon drilling to date, it appears that nickel-copper mineralization is widespread throughout the Raptor Zone intrusion and appears to be sheet-like mineralization along its base (potentially 4 km in strike and 2 km in width). This potentially continuous, extensive mineralization is up to 10 meters thick. The increasing mineralization thickness parallels Talon's past successes in discovering high-grade nickel-copper deposits, notably CGO East and CGO West within the Tamarack Resource Area. This consistent trend is a strong indicator of ongoing positive results in the Raptor Zone.

Figure 2: Long-section highlighting the location of the Raptor Zone mineralization in relation to the current Tamarack Resource

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/211571_c35772287434795e_002full.jpg

Figure 3: Plan view showing drill holes and mixed and massive sulphide intercepts in the Raptor Zone, illustrating a channel of nickel-copper mineralization and new drill hole 24TK0505, which targeted a Borehole Electromagnetic anomaly

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/211571_c35772287434795e_003full.jpg

Figure 4: Talon uses various software to assist the Company to identify "conductive" zones, which leads to finding additional areas of nickel-copper mineralization. Novaminex's Provus EM modelling software is one example of software that has been successfully used by Talon, in this case to drill 24TK0505 in the Raptor Zone.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/211571_c35772287434795e_004full.jpg

QUALITY ASSURANCE, QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALIFIED PERSONS

Please see the technical report entitled "November 2022 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report of the Tamarack North Project - Tamarack, Minnesota" with an effective date of November 2, 2022 ("November 2022 Technical Report") prepared by independent "Qualified Persons" (as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101")) Brian Thomas (P. Geo), Roger Jackson (P. Geo), Oliver Peters (P. Eng) and Christine Pint (P.G) for information on the QA/QC, data verification, analytical and testing procedures at the Tamarack Nickel Project. Copies are available on the Company's website (www.talonmetals.com) or on SEDAR at (www.sedar.com). The laboratory used is ALS Minerals who is independent of the Company.

Lengths are drill intersections and not necessarily true widths. True widths cannot be consistently calculated for comparison purposes between holes because of the irregular shapes of the mineralized zones. Drill intersections have been independently selected by Talon. Drill composites have been independently calculated by Talon. The geological interpretations in this news release are solely those of the Company. The locations and distances highlighted on all maps in this news release are approximate.

Dr. Etienne Dinel, Vice President, Geology of Talon, is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Dr. Dinel is satisfied that the analytical and testing procedures used are standard industry operating procedures and methodologies, and he has reviewed, approved and verified the technical information disclosed in this news release, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical information.

ABOUT TALON

Talon is a TSX-listed base metals company in a joint venture with Rio Tinto on the high-grade Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project located in central Minnesota. Talon's shares are also traded in the US over the OTC market under the symbol TLOFF. The Tamarack Nickel Project comprises a large land position (18km of strike length) with additional high-grade intercepts outside the current resource area. Talon has an earn-in right to acquire up to 60% of the Tamarack Nickel Project, and currently owns 51%. Talon is focused on (i) expanding and infilling its current high-grade nickel mineralization resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 to shape a mine plan for submission to Minnesota regulators, and (ii) following up on additional high-grade nickel mineralization in the Tamarack Intrusive Complex. Talon has a neutrality and workforce development agreement in place with the United Steelworkers union. Talon's Battery Mineral Processing Facility in Mercer County was selected by the US Department of Energy for US$114 million funding grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the US Department of Defense awarded Talon a grant of US$20.6 million to support and accelerate Talon's exploration efforts in both Minnesota and Michigan. Talon has well-qualified experienced exploration, mine development, external affairs and mine permitting teams.

For additional information on Talon, please visit the Company's website at www.talonmetals.com

Media Contact:

Todd Malan

1 (202) 714-8187

malan@talonmetals.com

Investor Contact:

Sean Werger

1 (416) 500-9891

werger@talonmetals.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to future exploration, drilling, assays and the results thereof; geological and geophysical interpretations; and the potential for additional high-grade nickel-copper mineralization. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

Table 1: Collar Location of Drill Hole 24TK0505

Drill Hole Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (masl) Azm Dip End Depth (m) 24TK0505 491900.78 5170337.51 388 153.94 -75.2 794.3 Collar coordinates are UTM Zone 15N, NAD83

Azimuths and dips are taken from survey record at collar unless otherwise noted

Table 2: Quick Lithology Log for Drill Hole 24TK0505

Drill Hole From (m) To

(m) Length Quick Log % Sulphides 24TK0505 0 51.51

Overburden

51.51 436.3

SED

436.3 478.15

GAB

478.15 479.42

FGO/MZNO

479.42 729.26

CGO

729.26 734.31 5.05 CGO 2% 734.31 736.4 2.09 FGO/MZNO 7% 736.4 738.17 1.77 MSU 70% 738.17 794.31

SED

Quick lithology log of drill holes: Overburden (OB); Meta-sedimentary rocks (SED); Coarse-grained Orthocumulate (CGO); Gabbro (GAB); Mixed and Massive sulphide (MSU); Fine-grained Orthocumulate/Mixed Zone (FGO/MZNO); Mafic Intrusive (MI); Intrusive breccia (IBX)

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/211571

SOURCE: Talon Metals Corp.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Sysco

Originally published on May 16th, 2024 on Brake.co.uk

Brakes, the UK's largest foodservice supplier, is celebrating providing the equivalent of 10 million meals to FareShare.

The partnership between FareShare, the UKs leading food redistribution charity, and Brakes started more than 10 years ago, and has flourished since then, culminating in the charity recognising Brakes as a FareShare Leading Food Partner for 2024.

The donations from Brakes support a range of charities in communities across the country, including community centres, older people's lunch clubs, school clubs and hospices.

Speaking about the partnership, Paul Nieduszynski, CEO of Sysco GB, said: "While we always want to minimise surplus food, there are times when it is unavoidable. That's when it is reassuring to know that we have partners like FareShare on hand to ensure that we are helping to support some fantastic charities, providing wholesome food that supports people who most need it. "When many people are struggling to make ends meet it's good to know that Brakes and Sysco are playing their part in helping FareShare in its vital role."

Lucy Allison, Head of Key Food Partnerships at FareShare said: "We are incredibly grateful to the support from Brakes, for providing the equivalent of 10 million meals worth of food that would otherwise have gone to waste.

"This food has made an enormous difference to support our network of 8,500 charities and community groups across the UK, including after school and breakfast clubs, hospices, homelessness charities, and older people's lunch clubs. Without support from Brakes and Sysco, we would not be able to combat the environmental impact of food waste for social good, strengthening communities up and down the country."

As part of its Global Good Goal, Sysco has pledge to provide $500m worth of good to its global communities, including 200 million meals by 2025. The pledge includes 10m in the UK and the partnership with FareShare will help contribute to those targets.

View original content here.



View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Sysco on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Sysco

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/sysco

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Sysco

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Southern Company

Southern Company

Local and national leaders, including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, congratulated and celebrated alongside Southern Company, Georgia Power and other partners over several days last week to mark the opening of Units 3 and 4 at the Vogtle Nuclear Plant in Waynesboro, Georgia.

The celebrations capped decades of work and determination that resulted in the largest generator of clean energy in the U.S.

With all four nuclear units now in operation, Plant Vogtle is expected to produce more than 30 million megawatt hours of electricity each year. The plant is operated by Southern Nuclear on behalf of the co-owners including Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities. Nuclear energy is the only zero-carbon emission baseload energy source available today - offering high reliability and efficient operations around the clock - and, for 2023, provided more than 25% of Georgia Power's generation, including Plant Vogtle and Plant Hatch in Baxley, Georgia.

"This is history being made right before our very eyes," Governor Kemp said to a standing-room crowd of dignitaries, company executives, customers and plant workers. "Vogtle 3 and 4 doesn't just represent an incredible economic asset for our state and a milestone for our entire country, they also stand as physical examples of something that I remind myself of every day: Tough times don't last, tough people do."

The Governor's sentiments were echoed by Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company. "Today is a momentous occasion as we celebrate this accomplishment," Womack said during Friday's celebration. "We have proven in the United States that we can do hard things. We can build big things. We can build new nuclear in the United States."

Kemp and Secretary Granholm were among many to praise Georgia Power, Southern Company, Southern Nuclear and the project's other partners for their determination to complete the project through many challenges.

"Southern Company and Waynesboro have led the way here," said Granholm, who traveled from Washington D.C. to be part of the occasion along with Ali Zaidi, the White House's national climate advisor. "Years of persistence got us to this moment. The road hasn't been easy, but the good times and the hard times are a down payment on 80 years of 24/7 clean power."

Other dignitaries visiting the plant during the week of celebration included two former United States Secretaries of Energy - Dr. Ernie Moniz and Dan Brouillette - as well as U.S. Rep. Rick Allen. Also attending was FERC Chairman Willie Phillips; Jigar Shah, the Director of the Loan Programs Office for the U.S. Dept. of Energy; the Georgia Public Service Commission; partners in the Building Trades - Sean McGarvey representing NABTU and the IBEW and Brent Booker, former Southern Company CEO Tom Fanning; and scores of additional state, county and local officials.

Along with providing a new source of clean, reliable energy for Georgia residents and businesses, the construction of the new units at Plant Vogtle has provided billions of dollars of positive economic impact for the state and local communities.

"Plants like this are economic magnets, because clean 24/7 power is now irresistible to companies looking to build big manufacturing facilities, big data centers and those facilities mean even more jobs and even greater opportunities and that means an influx of tax dollars," Granholm said.

For Kemp, the two new units, which can produce enough electricity to power an estimated 1 million homes and businesses, make it easier to attract new business to the state, such as Hyundai Motor Group, which broke ground on a $5.5 billion manufacturing plant in Bryan County, near Savannah, in October 2022.

"Businesses want to know that our state can handle their power consumption," the Governor said. "We can confidently answer 'yes'."

Chris Smith, chief project implementation officer for Hyundai?Motor Group Metaplant America, said the company selected Georgia for its new electric vehicle and battery plant because of its commitment to a clean energy future. The company visited 13 potential sites in seven states before choosing Georgia.

"Ultimately, we selected Georgia and Bryan County because the state's clean energy goals aligned with our goals," Smith said. "It makes us proud to be part of this historic moment and to be part of Georgia's clean energy history."

While driving to the site for the celebration, Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power, recalled getting emotional at the sight of all four Vogtle cooling towers functioning at the same time against a clear, blue Georgia sky.

"This is something all Georgians can be very proud of," Greene said with a smile. "It's something that we need to soak in, reflect on and feel proud of. It's a remarkable accomplishment, something that nobody else was able to do. We are special and we deserve to feel proud of this accomplishment."

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Southern Company on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Southern Company

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/southern-company

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Southern Company

View the original press release on accesswire.com
RONN Inc. (OTC PINK:RONN) announced today that it had received a formal VIP invitation to the second annual Geneva Supercar Show, presented in conjunction with Franck Muller, watchmaker at his stunning factory in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ronn Ford, company CEO, said we thank our longtime friend Manoj Bairstow, show director, for this prestigious invitation. Taking part in this event puts Mr. Ford at the heart of a network of prestigious brands, industry professionals, and global investors. The opportunities for collaboration, partnership, investments, and exchange of ideas are endless. We will be connected with peers and influential players in the automotive world, opening the door to fruitful alliances.

Manoj Bairstow, event director, stated that It is with great excitement that we invite Ronn Ford to be part of an exceptional automotive adventure: the Geneva Supercar Show 2024. www.genevasupercarshow.com . We invite you to a unique experience in Switzerland, an event that transcends the boundaries of motoring and luxury.

Manoj added that we first met Mr. Ford in Monaco. During our event, we welcomed a select VIP clientele attracted by Franck Muller's reputation in Geneva and the passion for unique vehicles that reign in our region. This exceptional turnout has created an environment conducive to exchanges, business opportunities, and high-level partnerships. Franck Muller's international reputation and its attachment to Geneva make it a partner of choice, guaranteeing a targeted and demanding clientele.

The Geneva Supercar Show is more than just a motoring event; it's a celebration of exclusivity. We bring together supercars that embody the pinnacle of engineering, innovation, and prestige and, in the future, the world debut of the RONN Inc. hydrogen supercar.

For media inquiries, please contact:

For more information, go to www.ronnmotorgroup.com or contact John Morgan at jmorgan@ronnmotorgroup.com

About RONN, Inc

RONN, Inc. is a forward-thinking company dedicated to making a positive impact on the environmental credit market. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability in the commercialization of Hydrogen in both mobile and stationary sectors, RONN, Inc. strives to create value for both its shareholders and the planet.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the success of RONN, Inc. initiatives in the hydrogen tax credit market. RONN, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE: RONN Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2024) - District Metals Corp. (TSXV: DMX) (OTCQB: DMXCF) (FSE: DFPP); ("District" or the "Company") is pleased to announce key appointments that will strengthen and expand the Company's operational efficiency in Sweden, and international marketing prowess. Hein Raat has been appointed as Vice President Exploration, which is key role given District's ongoing collaboration with Boliden Mineral AB on the polymetallic Tomtebo and Stollberg Properties in the Bergslagen Mining District of south-central Sweden (February 20, 2024 news release). Rita Bennett has been appointed as Strategic Advisor, which aligns with District's increase in marketing and corporate communications.

Mr. Raat is a professional geologist (EurGeol) with extensive experience exploring for base and precious metal deposits in Scandinavia and Europe. He was a Geologist for the Boliden Group in Sweden for eight years with the last four years being focused on polymetallic projects in the Bergslagen Mining District. Mr. Raat spent much of his time in the Bergslagen working on the polymetallic Stollberg Project, which is located approximately 40 km southwest and along trend from District's Tomtebo Property. Mr. Raat specializes in prospect evaluation, target generation, historical data compilation, exploration permitting and community relations, geological mapping and sampling, planning and supervision of drilling campaigns, 3D geological modelling, and GIS & Database management.

Ms. Bennett brings over 20 years of professional and entrepreneurial experience in marketing, communications, and business administration. She has held senior positions such as Director and VP Marketing for marketing agencies and mining exploration companies, and specializes in content strategy and development. Most recently, Ms. Bennett acted as VP Corporate Communications for Great Bear Resources since 2017, until the Company's acquisition by Kinross Gold for $1.8B in early 2022. As President of Discovery Group, she currently oversees its marketing and communications functions for all member companies.

Garrett Ainsworth, CEO of District, commented: "I've had the pleasure of working with Hein and Rita since District entered Sweden in 2020, and their appointments are natural transitions that reflect their hard work, elite skill sets, and high level of professionalism.

As we move forward with our exploration in Sweden, Hein's knowledge of polymetallic deposits, management skills, permitting, and community relations will continue to be critical functions for District's continued success.

Rita's work on marketing and corporate communications continues to laser focus District's efforts in thoroughly conveying our story to a wide and astute domestic and international audience while also being very cost effective.

I couldn't be prouder of the team and shareholders that we have brought together under the District banner."

District also announces that it has changed its auditors from Smythe LLP (the "Former Auditor") to Davidson & Company LLP (the "Successor Auditor"). The Former Auditor resigned as the auditor of the Company effective May 22, 2024, and the board of directors of the Company appointed the Successor Auditor on May 24, 2024, until the next annual shareholder meeting of the Company.

The Company's board of directors and audit committee each approved the resignation of the Former Auditor and the appointment of the Successor Auditor in place of the Former Auditor; there were no reservations, modified opinions or reportable events (as defined in National Instrument 51-102) in connection with each of the Former Auditor's audit of the Company which occurred prior to their resignation as auditors of the Company; and the Notice of Change of Auditor was approved by the Company's board of directors.

In accordance with National Instrument 51-102, the Notice of Change of Auditor, together with the required letters from the Former Auditor and the Successor Auditor, have been reviewed by the audit committee and the board of directors and have been filed on SEDAR+.

Technical Information

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by, or approved by Garrett Ainsworth, PGeo, President and CEO of the Company. Mr. Ainsworth is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The data disclosed in this news release is related to historical results. District has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. District considers these historical results relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company's current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through drilling.

Mr. Ainsworth has not verified any of the information regarding any of the properties or projects referred to herein other than District's Properties. Mineralization on any other properties referred to herein is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on District's Properties.

About District Metals Corp.

District Metals Corp. is led by industry professionals with a track record of success in the mining industry. The Company's mandate is to seek out, explore, and develop prospective mineral properties through a disciplined science-based approach to create shareholder value and benefit other stakeholders.

District is a polymetallic exploration and development company focused on the Viken and Tomtebo Properties in Sweden. The Viken Property covers 100% of the uranium-vanadium Viken Deposit, which is an asset with substantial exploration and development expenditures that resulted in the definition of large historic polymetallic resource estimates in 2010 and 2014. The Viken Deposit is amongst the largest deposits by total historic mineral resources of uranium and vanadium in the world.

The advanced exploration stage Tomtebo Property is located in the Bergslagen Mining District of south-central Sweden and is situated between the historic Falun Mine and Boliden's Garpenberg Mine that are located 25 km to the northwest and southeast, respectively. Two historic polymetallic mines and numerous polymetallic showings are located on the Tomtebo Property along an approximate 17 km trend that exhibits similar geology, structure, alteration and VMS/SedEx style mineralization as other significant mines within the district.

For further information on the Tomtebo Property, please see the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Update Technical Report on the Tomtebo Project, Bergslagen Region of Sweden" dated effective October 15, 2020 and amended and restated on February 26, 2021, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Garrett Ainsworth"

President and Chief Executive Officer

(604) 288-4430

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking Information"

This news release contains certain statements that may be considered "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" and any similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, predictions, indications, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. Forward-looking information in this news release relating to the Company include, among other things, statements relating to the Purchase Agreement and closing thereof; the Company's Swedish polymetallic properties; the Company's planned exploration activities, including its drill target strategy and next steps for the Swedish properties; and the Company's interpretations and expectations about the results on the Swedish properties.

These statements and other forward-looking information are based on opinions, assumptions and estimates made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this news release, including, without limitation, assumptions about the reliability of historical data and the accuracy of publicly reported information regarding past and historic mines in the Bergslagen district; and in respect of the intention of the Swedish government to eventually lift or amend its moratorium on uranium exploration and mining in Sweden; the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund planned exploration activities, maintain corporate capacity; and stability in financial and capital markets.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date such statements are made, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks associated with the following: the reliability of historic data on District's properties; the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to finance planned exploration; that the Swedish government maintains its moratorium on uranium exploration and mining in Sweden for the foreseeable future; the Company's limited operating history; the Company's negative operating cash flow and dependence on third-party financing; the uncertainty of additional funding; the uncertainties associated with early stage exploration activities including general economic, market and business conditions, the regulatory process, failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals, technical issues, potential delays, unexpected events and management's capacity to execute and implement its future plans; the Company's ability to identify any mineral resources and mineral reserves; the substantial expenditures required to establish mineral reserves through drilling and the estimation of mineral reserves or mineral resources; the uncertainty of estimates used to calculated mineralization figures; changes in governmental regulations; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; competition for future resource acquisitions and skilled industry personnel; reliance on key personnel; title matters; conflicts of interest; environmental laws and regulations and associated risks, including climate change legislation; land reclamation requirements; changes in government policies; volatility of the Company's share price; the unlikelihood that shareholders will receive dividends from the Company; potential future acquisitions and joint ventures; infrastructure risks; fluctuations in demand for, and prices of metals; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; legal proceedings and the enforceability of judgments; going concern risk; risks related to the Company's information technology systems and cyber-security risks; and risk related to the outbreak of epidemics or pandemics or other health crises. For additional information regarding these risks, please see the Company's Annual Information Form dated July 11, 2022, under the heading "Risk Factors", which is available at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company. These factors and assumptions, however, should be considered carefully. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking information or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of such factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/211466

SOURCE: District Metals Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2024) - Hillcrest Energy Technologies (CSE: HEAT) (OTCQB: HLRTF) (FSE: 7HI) ("Hillcrest" or the "Company"), announces that, further to its news release on May 27, 2024, the Company has completed a non-brokered private placement of 3,530,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.25 per Unit for gross proceeds of $882,500 (the "Offering"). Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one additional Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.30 per Warrant Share for a period of 36 months from the date of closing (the "Closing Date"). The Warrants are subject to an accelerated expiry upon thirty (30) business days notice from the Company in the event the Shares trade for ten (10) consecutive trading days anytime after four (4) months from closing of the Offering at a volume-weighted average price of at least $0.50 on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE").

In connection with closing of the Offering, the Company issued 36,000 non-transferable Share purchase warrants (the "Compensation Warrants") to an arm's length service provider, with each Compensation Warrant exercisable into a Share (a "Compensation Share") at a price of $0.30 per Compensation Share for a period of 36 months from the Closing Date. The Compensation Warrants are subject to an accelerated expiry upon thirty (30) business days notice from the Company in the event the Shares trade for ten (10) consecutive trading days anytime after four (4) months from closing of the Offering at a volume-weighted average price of at least $0.50 on the CSE.

In connection with the Offering, one subscriber sold an aggregate of 600,000 Shares and used the proceeds to facilitate their participation in the Offering.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for increased marketing and investor relations activities as well as technology development and general working capital, including retirement of existing accounts payable. Active investor relations contracts of the Company have been disclosed pursuant to the policies of the CSE, and the Company intends to disclose any future Promotional Activity (as such term is defined in the policies of the CSE) as the Company arranges for the provision of such services.

The subscribers in the Offering included a director and officer of the Company (the "Insider") who subscribed for an aggregate of 600,000 Units. The issuance of Units to the Insider constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemption from valuation requirement and minority approval pursuant to subsection 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, for the insider participation in the Offering, as the Units do not represent more than 25% of the Company's market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.

All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

The securities of the Company referred to in this press release 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. Accordingly, the securities of the Company may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Hillcrest Energy Technologies

Hillcrest Energy Technologies is a clean technology company focused on providing advanced power conversion technologies and digital control systems for next-generation powertrains and grid-connected renewable energy systems. From concept to commercialization, Hillcrest is investing in the development of energy solutions that will power a more sustainable and electrified future. Hillcrest is publicly traded on the CSE under the symbol "HEAT," on the OTCQB Venture Market as "HLRTF" and on the Frankfurt Exchange as "7HI". For more information, please visit: https://hillcrestenergy.tech/.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Investor Relations

Don Currie

info@hillcrestenergy.tech

O: +1 604-609-0006

Toll-free: 1 855-609-0006

Or

Walter Frank/Jennifer Belodeau

IMS Investor Relations

hillcrest@imsinvestorrelations.com

O: +1 203-972-9200

Public Relations

Jamie L. Hogue

jhogue@hillcrestenergy.tech

O: +1 602-793-9481

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

Some of the statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "intends," "is expected," "potential," "suggests" or variations of such words or phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "should," "would," "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering. This forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this news release. The forward-looking information reflects the current expectations and assumptions of management and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these assumptions will prove correct. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control. Investors are advised to consider the risk factors under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's MD&A for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023, available at https://www.sedarplus.ca/ for a discussion of the factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

# # #

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/211634

SOURCE: Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2024) - Atacama Copper Corporation (TSXV: ACOP) ("Atacama" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from five holes of a 10,000-metre diamond drilling program at its wholly-owned Cristina precious metals project in southwestern Chihuahua State, Mexico. Atacama has now reported ten holes totalling 3,094.5 metres of drilling as part of a 40-50-hole drill program. The Cristina project consists of multiple outcropping quartz veins that are frequently greater than 10 metres in width and extend for at least a five-kilometre strike length. Four parallel mineralized vein zones have been mapped and sampled to date, with most of the existing mineral resource estimate at Cristina contained within only one of the vein zones, the Guadalupe vein (Figures 1 and 2).

Drilling Highlights

Highlights of the five holes reported here, all from the eastern portion of the main Guadalupe vein system, include:

7.87 g/t AuEq over 1.3 m estimate true width (1.08 g/t Au, 282.5 g/t Ag, 3.84% Zn, 1.50% Pb and 0.17% Cu) in hole ACD24-226 This 1.3 m wide intercept occurs within a broader mineralized zone measuring 2.50 g/t AuEq over 22.0 m estimated true width (0.63 g/t Au, 60 g/t Ag, 1.42% Zn, 0.55% Pb, 0.04% Cu).

estimate true width (1.08 g/t Au, 282.5 g/t Ag, 3.84% Zn, 1.50% Pb and 0.17% Cu) in hole

8.10 g/t AuEq over 1.8 m estimated true width (0.77 g/t Au, 214 g/t Ag, 5.18% Zn, 2.43 % Pb, 0.45% Cu) in hole ACD24-229 This 1.8 m wide intercept occurs within a broader mineralized zone measuring 4.76 g/t AuEq over 3.8 m estimated true width (0.93 g/t Au, 114 g/t Ag, 2.56% Zn, 1.38% Pb, 0.23% Cu).

estimated true width (0.77 g/t Au, 214 g/t Ag, 5.18% Zn, 2.43 % Pb, 0.45% Cu) in hole

14.88 g/t AuEq over 0.8 m estimated true width (13.80 g/t Au, 29.6 g/t Ag, 0.99% Zn, 0.34% Pb and 0.09% Cu) also in hole ACD24-229 This 0.8 m wide intercept occurs within a broader mineralized zone measuring 2.49 g/t AuEq over 14.5 m estimated true width (1.49 g/t Au, 31.5 g/t Ag, 0.83% Zn, 0.21% Pb and 0.02% Cu).

estimated true width (13.80 g/t Au, 29.6 g/t Ag, 0.99% Zn, 0.34% Pb and 0.09% Cu) also in hole

6.11 g/t AuEq over 2.6 m estimated true width (1.65 g/t Au, 50.1 g/t Ag, 5.67% Zn, 0.93% Pb and 0.26% Cu) in hole ACD24-230 This 3.3 m wide intercept occurs within a broader zone of mineralization measuring 1.32 g/t AuEq over 49.0 m estimated true width (0.53 g/t Au, 12.6 g/t Ag, 0.87% Zn 0.25% Pb and 0.04% Cu)

estimated true width (1.65 g/t Au, 50.1 g/t Ag, 5.67% Zn, 0.93% Pb and 0.26% Cu) in hole

Tim Warman, Atacama's CEO, commented: "These latest holes continue to support our goal of delineating and expanding the known higher-grade zones within the Guadalupe vein system to define a robust underground resource at Cristina. Not only are we seeing the expected higher-grade zones, but these are frequently set within broader intervals of lower grade material that may be amenable to bulk underground mining as is carried out successfully at Fresnillo's nearby San Julian mine."

Geology and Context of Results

All five holes reported here were drilled in the eastern portion of the Guadalupe vein system and a kilometer east of the first 5 holes released. Infill drilling should show that the high grade in these two areas should connect:

ACD24-226 fills an information gap and brings veining closer to the surface at a higher grade than adjacent drill holes. This intercept is also expected to convert a zone of Inferred resource to Indicated as well as increasing the resource grade and ounces around the drill hole (Figures 3 & 4).

ACD24-227 deviated from its planned trajectory and abandoned early without reaching the mineralized zone.

ACD24-228 fills in a gap and extends the resource at depth in an area at the eastern edge of the resource blocks. This intercept is also expected to convert a zone of Inferred resource to Indicated and add more Inferred blocks as well as increasing the resource grade and ounces around the drill hole (Figures 3 & 5).

ACD24-229 fills in a gap and extends high grade from ACD19-101 further to the east. This intercept is also expected to convert a zone of Inferred resource to Indicated as well as increasing the resource grade and ounces around the drill hole. The higher-grade intercept to the south of the main Guadalupe vein may indicate a new vein or splay that will be a target for future drilling (Figures 3 & 6).

ACD24-230 fills in a gap and extends the resource at depth with higher grade gold. This intercept is also expected to convert a zone of Inferred resource to Indicated and add more Inferred blocks as well as increasing the resource grade and ounces around the drill hole (Figures 3 & 4).

The Cristina deposit is an epithermal to mesothermal vein system where the mineralisation is predominantly gold and silver, with lesser base metal values. At least four known parallel vein zones trend east-west to northeast-southwest and are hosted in an andesitic volcanic sequence which forms part of the Lower Volcanic Sequence of the Sierra Madre Occidental range. The andesites are intercalated locally with dacitic intrusions and related lava flows and breccias, and the sequence is in turn cut by andesitic and hornblende-plagioclase porphyry following fault trends. In some areas the veins are covered by post-mineral rhyolite of the Upper Volcanic Sequence.

Cristina is similar in style and grade to Fresnillo's nearby and very profitable San Julian underground mine, which hosts mineralisation in two different types of ore bodies: (i) narrow low-sulphidation epithermal veins and (ii) broader zones of lower-grade disseminated sulphides in subvolcanic and volcanic felsic rocks. San Julian is the third largest silver mine in Mexico, having produced 13.3 Moz of silver and 44.5 koz of gold in 2023. Fresnillo reported 2P underground mineable Reserves at San Julian of:

Ore Type Mt Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Zn (%) Pb (%) AuEq* Epithermal Veins 4.3 1.52 327



6.06 Disseminated Ore Body 2.2 0.11 157 1.09 0.5 3.06 Total 6.5 1.04 269



5.05 *Fresnillo plc. 2023 Audited Ore Reserve Statement. Gold equivalent formula: AuEq = Au + 0.014*Ag + 0.532*Zn + 0.379*Pb + 1.525*Cu (recoveries were assumed to be 100%). Metal Prices used: $1700/oz Au, $23.61/oz Ag, $1.32/lb Zn, $0.94/lb Pb and $3.78/lb Cu.

The drill program is expected to continue over the next several months, with results released periodically as they are received and analyzed.

Figure 1- Known vein systems and existing drill holes at the Cristina Project

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7505/211636_276050caf48fb8e4_001full.jpg

Figure 2 - Location of drill holes from the current release, Guadalupe vein system

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7505/211636_276050caf48fb8e4_002full.jpg

Figure 3 - Long section through the Guadalupe vein system with drill holes from the current release

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7505/211636_276050caf48fb8e4_003full.jpg

Figure 4 - Cross-section through the Guadalupe vein system with holes ACD24-226, and -230

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7505/211636_276050caf48fb8e4_004full.jpg

Figure 5 - Cross-section through the Guadalupe vein system with hole ACD24-228

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7505/211636_276050caf48fb8e4_005full.jpg

Figure 6 - Cross-section through the Guadalupe vein system with hole ACD24-229

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7505/211636_276050caf48fb8e4_006full.jpg

Table 1: Detailed Drill Results

Drill Hole From

(m) To

(m) Drill length

(m) Est. True width

(m) Au

g/t Ag

g/t Zn

% Pb

% Cu

% AuEq

g/t Vein System ACD24-226 230.6 257.3 26.7 22.0 0.63 60.2 1.42 0.55 0.04 2.50 Guadalupe incl. 248.9 250.5 1.6 1.3 1.08 282.5 3.84 1.50 0.17 7.87 Guadalupe and incl. 252.5 255.8 3.3 2.7 1.36 87.3 3.27 1.78 0.06 5.09 Guadalupe ACD24-227 Hole abandoned before mineralized zone Guadalupe ACD24-228 423.7 429.4 5.7 3.9 1.12 63.7 1.04 0.38 0.04 2.77 Guadalupe incl. 426.7 428.4 1.7 1.2 1.28 135.3 2.12 0.66 0.09 4.68 Guadalupe and 467.5 486.3 18.8 13.5 0.25 13.1 0.83 0.28 0.09 1.11 Guadalupe incl. 483.6 484.8 1.2 0.8 0.78 47.0 6.07 1.10 0.18 5.36 Guadalupe and 507.2 507.7 0.5 0.3 3.05 337.0 6.69 2.55 0.16 12.50 Guadalupe ACD24-229 168.2 173.2 5.0 3.8 0.93 114.4 2.56 1.38 0.23 4.76 Guadalupe incl. 169.4 171.7 2.3 1.8 0.77 214.0 5.18 2.43 0.45 8.10 Guadalupe and 283.3 302.4 19.1 14.5 1.49 31.5 0.83 0.21 0.02 2.49 Guadalupe incl. 287.1 293.7 6.6 5.0 3.32 46.4 0.89 0.23 0.02 4.56 Guadalupe incl. 292.7 293.7 1.0 0.8 13.80 29.6 0.99 0.34 0.01 14.88 Guadalupe ACD24-230 340.1 343.1 3.0 2.4 0.62 300.0 1.09 0.40 0.01 5.54 Guadalupe incl. 340.1 341.1 1.0 0.8 0.76 867.0 2.06 0.56 0.01 14.13 Guadalupe and 368.9 430.3 61.4 49.0 0.53 12.6 0.87 0.25 0.04 1.32 Guadalupe incl. 371.2 374.7 3.5 2.7 4.11 49.0 1.06 0.22 0.03 5.48 Guadalupe incl. 371.2 372.2 1.0 0.8 11.05 64.5 1.20 0.27 0.03 12.73 Guadalupe and incl. 405.5 408.8 3.3 2.6 1.65 50.1 5.67 0.93 0.26 6.11 Guadalupe Gold equivalent formula: AuEq = Au + 0.014*Ag + 0.532*Zn + 0.379*Pb + 1.525*Cu (recoveries were assumed to be 100%). Metal Prices used: $1700/oz Au, $23.61/oz Ag, $1.32/lb Zn, $0.94/lb Pb and $3.78/lb Cu.

The goal of targeting the higher-grade zones within the main Guadalupe Vein, as well as other high-grade veins in the area, is to both increase the size and the grade of the resource and demonstrate the underground resource potential at Cristina. The current, primarily open-pit mineral resource estimate comprises:

Indicated resources of 17.5 Mt at 0.51 g/t gold, 33.8 g/t silver, 0.47% zinc, 0.19% lead and 0.04% copper (1.33 g/t AuEq grade), for a contained 752,000 gold-equivalent ounces.

Inferred resources of 19.0 Mt at 0.51 g/t gold, 27.5 g/t silver, 0.50% zinc, 0.19% lead and 0.05% copper (1.27 g/t AuEq grade), for a contained 777,000 gold-equivalent ounces.

Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control Procedures

Drill core at the Cristina project is predominately HQ size with a diameter of 63.5 mm. Drill core samples are generally 1.50 m long along the core axis with allowance for shorter or longer intervals if required to suit geological constraints. After logging intervals are identified to be sampled, the core is cut and one half is submitted for assay. Sample QA/QC measures include unmarked certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates are inserted into the sample sequence and make up approximately 5% of the samples submitted to the laboratory for each drill hole. Samples are transported to lab facilities in Durango or Hermosillo Mexico, for sample preparation. Sample analysis is carried out by ALS Labs, with fire assay, including over limits fire assay re-analysis, and multi-element analysis completed in North Vancouver, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250-gram split to at least 85% passing 75 microns. Gold in diamond drill core is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy of a 30 g sample (Au-AA25). Multi-element chemistry is analyzed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25-gram sample split (ME-ICP61) with detection by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for a full suite of elements. Gold assay technique Au-AA25 has an upper detection limit of 100 ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the initial assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method Au-GRA21. Silver analyses by ME-ICP61 have an upper limit of 100 ppm. Samples with over-limit silver values are first re-analyzed by ICP with a larger 0.4 g sample split, which has an upper limit of 1,500 ppm. Silver assays above 1,500 ppm are re-analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish Ag-GRA21. ALS Labs is an ISO/IEC accredited assay laboratory.

Qualified Person

Mr. Charlie Ronkos, MMSA is Atacama's EVP Exploration and the Qualified Person for the technical information disclosed in this release.

Mr. Jacob W. Richey, P.E. of IMC is the Qualified Person responsible for the MRE. Details of the Cristina MRE can be found in the Company's press release of October 30, 2023, and in the National Instrument 43-101 compliant report titled "Technical Report on the Mineral Resource for the Cristina Project" prepared for TCP1 and Atacama Copper by Independent Mining Consultants Inc., with an effective date of January 1, 2023, and issue date of December 1, 2023. This report is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website.

About Atacama Copper Corporation

Atacama Copper is a well-funded resource company adding value through the acquisition, exploration, and development of copper and precious metals projects in the Americas. The company is carrying out a drilling campaign at its Cristina precious metals project in Chihuahua Mexico, with the goal of significantly expanding the existing mineral resource estimate. Drilling is also planned for the Yecora copper project in Sonora Mexico. In Chile, the Placeton/Caballo Muerto project hosts several untested porphyry copper targets situated between the large-scale Relincho and El Morro/La Fortuna copper-gold deposits of the Nueva Union joint venture between Teck and Newmont Mining.

Atacama's corporate presentation can be found at: https://atacamacopper.ca/investors/presentations/

Additional Information - Please Contact

Tim Warman

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Atacama Copper Corp.

Email: info@atacamacopper.ca

Cautionary Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the maiden resource estimate at the Company's Cristina project; the drilling program at Cristina and the potential for MRE growth; future development plans; and the business and operations of the Company. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets; results of exploration; the economics of processing methods; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Atacama 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.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/211636

SOURCE: Atacama Copper Corporation
June 4, 2024

New FDA-cleared AI-enabled applications include the industry's first automated tool for segmental wall motion scoring of the heart to quickly and objectively identify disorders including coronary artery disease and cardio-oncology issues in seconds

First fully automated 3D quantification of mitral regurgitation (MR) volumes* designed to provide reproducible, efficient analysis helps clinicians make better-informed decisions for patients with heart valve disease

Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, announced its next-generation AI-enabled cardiovascular ultrasound platform to help speed up cardiac ultrasound analysis with proven AI technology and reduce the burden on echocardiography labs. Integrated into the company's EPIQ CVx and Affiniti CVx ultrasound systems, the new FDA 510(k) cleared AI applications significantly advance Philips' cardiovascular imaging and diagnosis solutions, automating measurements and speeding workflows to increase productivity.

Heart failure is a rapidly growing health issue that affects an estimated 64 million people worldwide [1]. It's also associated with high mortality and poor quality of life, and is a substantial burden on healthcare systems globally [2]. As the most common and least invasive way to check the structure and function of the heart, cardiovascular ultrasound has played a key role in diagnosing cardiac disease earlier.

"As clinical cases get more complex and patient volumes increase, we read hundreds of echocardiography exams daily with thousands of data points," said Roberto Lang, MD, Director of the Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging Lab, University of Chicago Medicine, USA. "With the integration of AI into echocardiography solutions, we can now automate some of the steps to support clinicians' decision-making, allowing them to detect, diagnose, and monitor various cardiac conditions with greater confidence and efficiency in seconds."

Dr. Lang will join other clinicians to share the results of a new scientific abstract being presented at the American Society of Echocardiography) annual meeting (June 14 - 16, Portland, US), demonstrating how first-of-kind AI algorithms co-developed with Philips provide highly accurate detection of regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) on echocardiography. RWMAs can be an independent indicator of adverse cardiovascular events and death in patients with cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction (MI) and congenital heart disease. Automated machine learning-based assessment of RWMA has the potential to improve the efficiency of all readers. "An advantage of AI methods over conventional visual analysis is that it can be performed in seconds, providing rapid and accurate information to help augment expert reads by quickly highlighting areas of concern for RWMA, improving the ease and efficiency of interpretation," Lang added.

"By harnessing the power of AI into our echocardiography solutions, we empower clinicians with enhanced diagnostic capabilities, to ultimately improve patient care and outcomes in the management of coronary and valvular disease, while enhancing overall efficiency in cardiac practice," said David Handler, VP and Business Leader for Global Cardiovascular Ultrasound at Philips. "For patients, this means consistent image interpretation which can lead to fewer re-scans, shorter and more effective interventional procedures, and potentially faster recovery times."

Integration of proven AI applications from Philips DiA Imaging Analysis

Trained on anonymized patient data sets from real-life clinical environments, the AI features integrated across Philips cardiovascular ultrasound systems help improve the quality and reproducibility of cardiac imaging and enhance operator and departmental efficiency. These include FDA-cleared and CE-marked software solutions from DiA Imaging Analysis, a Philips company. Together, these AI features automate how users interpret ultrasound images, so clinicians with varying levels of ultrasound experience can automatically analyze images with increased speed, efficiency, and accuracy in real time.

In addition to integrating these latest advanced AI features into the company's cardiovascular ultrasound systems, Philips' new mini ultrasound transducer X11 4t , introduced earlier this year, is fully compatible with the EPIQ CVx and Affiniti CVx systems. The innovative transducer allows interventional cardiologists to provide enhanced care to a wider range of patients, including pediatric patients as small as 5kg in weight.

Through breakthrough innovation and collaborations with technology leaders including NVIDIA ** , Philips continues to rapidly integrate AI into its cardiovascular ultrasound portfolio to help improve efficiency and productivity and mitigate staff shortages while delivering high-quality cardiology care to an increasing number of patients. These third-party solutions complement Philips' proprietary AI-enabled solutions , integrating AI to enhance diagnostic confidence and decision-making.

For more information, join Philips in Booth #441 at ASE2024 and visit Philips Cardiovascular Ultrasound for the latest AI-powered echocardiography applications.

*Clinical performance and safety have not been established for some features which have 510(k) pending. Not available for sale in the USA.

**NVIDIA MONAI for medical imaging AI and NVIDIA Holoscan for building software-defined medical devices.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10398425/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10398425/

For further information, please contact:

Kathy O'Reilly

Philips Global External Relations

Tel.: +1 978 221 8919

E-mail : kathy.oreilly@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips.

Attachments
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Wildpack Beverage Inc. (TSXV:CANS) ("Wildpack Beverage" or the "Company") a leading middle market co-packer of canned goods announces unaudited financial results for the first quarter 2024 ending March 31, 2024.

Resignation of Joe Bubel

The Company and Mr. Bubel have mutually agreed that to avoid any potential conflicts it is in the best interest of Wildpack for him to resign from the Board of Directors.

Per: "Mitch Barnard"

Mitch Barnard

Chief Executive Officer and Director

For further information, please contact us at:

invest@wildpackbev.com

or

Elijah Clare

Vice President, Investor Relations

elijah@wildpackbev.com

Advisors

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP is the legal advisor to Wildpack Beverage Inc.

PGP Capital Advisors, LLC is the financial advisor to Wildpack Beverage Inc.

Visit our investor website at:

https://investor.wildpackbev.com

About Wildpack Beverage

Wildpack Beverage provides beverage manufacturing and packaging to the middle market by providing sustainable aluminum can filling, decorating, packaging, brokering, sleeve/label printing services, and logistics to brands throughout the United States. Wildpack Beverage operates indirectly through its wholly owned subsidiaries and out of five facilities in Baltimore, Maryland; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Atlanta, Georgia; Sacramento, California; and Las Vegas, Nevada with a focus on digital innovation and green ready-to-drink packaging. Wildpack Beverage commenced trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "CANS" on May 19, 2021.

Cautionary Statement on Forward Looking Information

This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the timing, review, completion and filing of the Required Filings, Wildpack Beverage's plans, investments, anticipated revenue from manufacturing agreements, plans to build additional facilities, financial performance and operating performance, anticipated growth in co-packing business, the estimation of revenue, the timing and targets of M&A activity, costs, future capital expenditures, and the success of scaling up production. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks including but not limited to: the risk of the Company not filing the Required Filings on time, risks related to the successful integration of acquisitions; risks related to operations; risks related to general economic conditions and credit availability, ability to obtain sufficient and suitable financing, actual results of current production and decorating, fluctuations in prices of aluminum; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the co-packaging industry; delays in the completion of capex activities, changes in national and local government regulation of manufacturing operations and labour laws particularly in light of the COVID pandemic, tax rules and regulations, and political and economic developments where Wildpack Beverage operates. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "will", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe", or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Wildpack Beverage to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements expressed or implied by Wildpack Beverage are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and conditions, many of which are outside of Wildpack Beverage's control, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Although Wildpack Beverage has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties related to Wildpack's business, including that Wildpack Beverage's assumptions in making forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect; delays in filing of financial information; adverse market conditions; risks inherent in the beverage manufacturing and packaging sector in general; that future results may vary from historical results; and competition in the markets where Wildpack Beverage operates. Except as required by securities law, Wildpack Beverage does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Source: Wildpack Beverage Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Awe Inspired Partners with Actor Zane Phillips to Launch First Ever Male Pendant Highlighting Achilles to Celebrate Universal Love; 100% of Proceeds Benefit GLSEN

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Renowned fine jewelry brand Awe Inspired announces its collaboration with actor Zane Phillips and GLSEN for the launch of the Achilles Necklace.

Zane Phillips for Awe Inspired

Zane Phillips in the new Achilles Pendant by Awe Inspired





Awe Inspired, a brand deeply committed to celebrating diversity and spreading messages of love and acceptance, is thrilled to announce the launch of the newest addition to their famed Goddess Collection; the heroic and homosexual Greek warrior Achilles. This marks the brand's first venture into men's jewelry, coinciding with Pride Month.

The Achilles pendant is named after the legendary Greek hero known for his courage and strength. This piece was designed to symbolize universal love and inclusivity, making it a powerful statement of self-expression and identity. Zane Phillip, embodying the essence of strength, resilience, and authenticity, has been chosen as the face of the campaign. Through his partnership, Awe Inspired aims to inspire individuals to embrace their true selves without reservation.

"This launch is special for many reasons," said Max Benjamin, CEO of Awe Inspired. "Not only is Achilles our first men's piece, but it also celebrates Pride Month and marks our ongoing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. As a queer-founded brand, we are dedicated to amplifying voices and stories that promote inclusivity and equality."

The launch of Achilles is part of Awe Inspired's fourth consecutive Pride campaign. Previous years have seen successful collaborations such as the @indyamoore x Marsha P Johnson Necklace, the @kerricolby x Hermaphroditus Necklace, and the @leishahailey x Sappho Necklace, each supporting organizations that empower LGBTQ+ communities. This year is no different, with 100% of proceeds from the Achilles pendant going to GLSEN, an organization dedicated to creating safe and inclusive schools for all students.

"Every purchase of the Achilles pendant directly contributes to GLSEN's mission," added Benjamin. "We are proud to continue this tradition of giving back to our community and ensuring that LGBTQ+ youth have access to the resources and support networks they need."

For more information about the Achilles pendant and Awe Inspired's campaign, please visit aweinspired.com or contact press@aweinspired.com.

About Awe:

Awe Inspired is a leading designer of ethically sourced fine jewelry, committed to empowering the modern woman on her new-age spiritual journey. Since its inception in 2018, Awe Inspired has made a significant cultural impact with its Goddess Collection, featuring medallions honoring iconic women from mythology and history. Embraced by women worldwide, including a roster of celebrity fans and feminist icons including Taylor Swift, Meghan Markle, Billie Eilish, and Megan Thee Stallion. Awe's jewelry serves as a celebration of the divine feminine. A portion of proceeds from all sales are donated to causes championed by the Awe community.

Media Contact:

Heather Weaver, Brand Manager

Awe Inspired

Email: press@aweinspired.com

Contact Information

Heather Weaver

Senior Brand Manager

press@aweinspired.com

SOURCE: Awe Inspired

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Empower Your Teams Worldwide with Inclusive Corporate Giving Beyond Borders

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Millie, a leader in corporate giving solutions, is excited to announce the launch of new features in its corporate giving software. These enhancements are designed to simplify the way companies engage in philanthropy on a global scale, overcoming barriers of distance, currency, and language to empower employees everywhere and support nonprofits worldwide.









Founder and CEO of Millie, Rachel Klausner, stated, "We are seeing a shift in corporate trends. This is game-changing for us to be able to remove boundaries for our customers so we can support all of their employees and initiatives everywhere."

Experience the Power of Global Corporate Giving

Millie's upgraded platform allows corporations to access 7 million nonprofits globally, providing opportunities for meaningful contributions regardless of location. Whether it's Paris, France, or Paris, Texas, employees can easily navigate the extensive international nonprofit database to discover and support causes that matter to them.

Seamless Currency Support Across Borders

In today's interconnected world, Millie's software now includes robust currency options, enabling employees to contribute in their local currencies effortlessly. From the bustling streets of Sydney to the vibrant metropolis of Singapore, facilitating contributions and payments has never been easier. This update eliminates currency barriers, fostering seamless collaboration and inclusivity across borders.

Swift Action During International Emergencies

In times of international crises, Millie's platform enables companies to rally their teams around global giving efforts. With an international CSR program in place, employees can support global causes in real time, providing crucial aid during emergencies. This feature empowers employees to make a tangible impact when it is needed most.

Global Vetting for Peace of Mind

Millie's partnership with Percent ensures that all nonprofits supported through the platform meet strict eligibility criteria. This rigorous vetting process provides companies with peace of mind, knowing they are supporting legitimate and impactful global nonprofits without the hassle of navigating international eligibility complexities.

About Millie

Millie is dedicated to advancing corporate giving and volunteering through innovative technology solutions. Our platform empowers companies to make a global impact, fostering a culture of philanthropy that transcends borders and unites teams in the pursuit of a better world. With Millie, corporate giving is more accessible, inclusive, and impactful than ever before.

For more information about Millie's new software capabilities or to schedule a demo, please visit milliegiving.com

Join us in making a difference, everywhere and for everyone. With Millie, the power of global corporate giving is at your fingertips.

Contact Information

Julie Kietzman

Marketing Lead

julie@milliegiving.com

8153830933

SOURCE: Millie

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Strategic market entry bolstered by key capabilities to serve regional needs and inclusion in Notable Capital's "Rising in Cyber 2024"

LOS ALTOS, Calif., June 04, 2024, the drag-and-drop CIAM platform, today announced its expansion into the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) market. This expansion is accompanied by a suite of capabilities tailored to meet the specific needs of organizations in this diverse region, notable among them being multi-region data residency, AI-powered localization of user-facing screens, and right-to-left language support.



Descope helps organizations add authentication, authorization, and identity management to their apps using customizable visual workflows. Hundreds of customers and thousands of developers use Descope to improve user onboarding with frictionless authentication, enhance security with adaptive MFA, and get enterprise-ready with SSO and delegated user administration.

"We are excited to help organizations in EMEA deliver delightful and secure customer journeys without overburdening their engineering and IT teams," said Dan Sarel, Co-Founder of Descope. "The newly added capabilities are based on the feedback of several of our existing EMEA customers and reflect our commitment to supporting the diverse and dynamic needs of businesses in this region. We look forward to meeting customers, integrators, and partners to continue strengthening our presence in the region."

Key Capabilities for the EMEA Market

Multi-Region Data Residency: To comply with GDPR and other local data protection regulations, Descope enables organizations to store and process user data within the European Union. A dedicated Frankfurt datacenter ensures that data residency and sovereignty requirements are met, offering peace of mind to businesses and their customers. In addition, organizations with customers across the globe can now decide where user data of each of their customers will be stored.

To comply with GDPR and other local data protection regulations, Descope enables organizations to store and process user data within the European Union. A dedicated Frankfurt datacenter ensures that data residency and sovereignty requirements are met, offering peace of mind to businesses and their customers. In addition, organizations with customers across the globe can now decide where user data of each of their customers will be stored. Localization of User-Facing Screens: Leveraging AI connectors with Google Cloud Translation (https://www.descope.com/blog/post/google-cloud-translation-connector) and Amazon Translate (https://www.descope.com/blog/post/amazon-translate-connector), Descope helps organizations seamlessly localize user-facing screens. This functionality supports several languages and auto-translates any user-facing screen created with Descope based on the end user's browser settings.

Leveraging AI connectors with (https://www.descope.com/blog/post/google-cloud-translation-connector) and (https://www.descope.com/blog/post/amazon-translate-connector), Descope helps organizations seamlessly localize user-facing screens. This functionality supports several languages and auto-translates any user-facing screen created with Descope based on the end user's browser settings. Right-to-Left (RTL) Text Support: Recognizing the linguistic diversity in the EMEA region, Descope offers robust support for RTL languages such as Hebrew and Arabic in its screen builder. This feature ensures that user interfaces are accessible and user-friendly for all customers, regardless of language preference.



Rising in Cyber 2024

Additionally, Descope was named to Rising in Cyber 2024 , an independent list launched by Notable Capital to recognize the most promising cybersecurity companies in the eyes of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), venture capital investors, and other security leaders.

Notable Capital partnered with 100+ CISOs, VPs of Security from companies such as Amazon, Atlassian, Coupang, and Netflix, and prominent venture capital firms to nominate and vote on approximately 200 companies in order to select the 30 honorees. Honorees were chosen based on their proven ability to solve critical problems for security teams.

Having raised more than $6 billion collectively, the companies recognized by Rising in Cyber demonstrate the enthusiasm of the cybersecurity industry for innovation in this sector. In celebration, honorees will be recognized at the New York Stock Exchange today.

"We see more innovation among cybersecurity startups than ever before, especially as AI creates both opportunities and new risks. Areas such as identity and access management, cloud security, and application security will see increased adoption by CISOs as security teams adapt to the rising role of AI," said Oren Yunger, Managing Partner, Notable Capital. "Congratulations to the honorees of Rising in Cyber 2024!"

Descope's inclusion in Rising in Cyber rounds off a year of strong industry recognition and customer momentum, including being:

Named in the inaugural Redpoint InfraRed 100 (https://www.redpoint.com/infrared/100/).

(https://www.redpoint.com/infrared/100/). Named in the Fortune Cyber 60 (https://fortune.com/ranking/cyber/).

(https://fortune.com/ranking/cyber/). Recognized as a G2 High Performer in CIAM, Passwordless, and SSO on G2 Crowd based on customer reviews (https://www.g2.com/products/descope/reviews).

(https://www.g2.com/products/descope/reviews). Included in the KuppingerCole Leadership Compass on CIAM (https://www.kuppingercole.com/research/lc80834/customer-identity-and-access-management-ciam) and Passwordless Authentication for Consumers (https://www.kuppingercole.com/research/lc80831/passwordless-authentication-for-consumers-securing-fast-business-online).

To learn more, visit Descope at Booth #45 in the KuppingerCole European Identity and Cloud Conference in Berlin from June 4-7.

About Descope

Descope is a drag-and-drop customer authentication and identity management platform. Our no / low code CIAM solution helps hundreds of organizations easily create and customize their entire user journey using visual workflows - from authentication and authorization to MFA and federated SSO. Founded in 2022, Descope is backed by Lightspeed and Notable Capital (previously GGV Capital) and is a member of the FIDO Alliance.

About Rising in Cyber

Rising in Cyber recognizes the most innovative startups in cybersecurity as determined by more than 100 leading CISOs, cybersecurity executives, and prominent venture capital firms. For Rising in Cyber 2024, about 200 companies were nominated, and 30 were recognized as honorees through an independent nomination and voting process. Nomination criteria included private, venture-backed companies with a primary product focus on cybersecurity and the U.S. as a primary market. For more information about the honorees, participating investors, and methodology, visit: www.risingincyber.com .

Media Contact

Erica Anderson

Offleash for Descope

descope@offleashpr.com
Proprietary Technology With 4K Ultra HD Video Enables More Natural Hybrid Meetings, Now Connecting Up to Three Camera Devices to Outfit Spaces of Any Size

Owl Labs, the first company to build AI-powered, 360-degree video conferencing solutions, today launched its next-generation flagship product, the Meeting Owl 4+. It is Owl Labs' newest all-in-one, 360-degree camera, speaker, and mic device with 4K Ultra HD video for crystal clear video that's sharper than ever. The new Meeting Owl is powered by the latest Owl Intelligence System (OIS) Software which now allows for wirelessly pairing more devices, so organisations can customise their spaces to meet their evolving needs.

Over 200,000 organisations across nearly 50 countries, from small businesses to 89 companies on the Fortune 100 list to educational institutions, have used Owl Labs products to power millions of hybrid experiences. Owl devices use robotics and proprietary, patented AI-powered software to automatically switch between cameras to capture the best view of in-room attendees, enabling natural, face-to-face conversations that transcend physical distance. With the introduction of the Meeting Owl 4+, Owl Labs now offers enhanced capabilities to more audiences, from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to larger enterprises. In addition to pairing with more devices to cover larger spaces, the Meeting Owl 4+ has several other enterprise-friendly features, including easier fleet management for IT teams and customisable lighting and sound options upon startup.

With the latest AI-powered OIS software, the Meeting Owl 4+ pairs with Owl Labs' customisable connected device system to capture all angles of the discussion. Owl Labs products can connect with others in over 25 different setup configurations, with both centre-of-room and front-and-centre options. For example, a company can wirelessly connect two Meeting Owls for greater coverage, or a Meeting Owl and an Owl BarTM to ensure all angles are covered, creating a full-room solution. The software is developed in the U.S. by an experienced team of engineers who are continually iterating to make Owl products smarter over time. All software adheres to industry-standard security protocols and Owl devices connect via a private, dedicated wireless network.

This launch is the latest advancement in Owl Labs' mission to make hybrid meetings more inclusive and collaborative by leveling the playing field between remote and in-room participants. Hundreds of thousands of workplaces have moved beyond traditional conference room setups with equipment permanently mounted to walls and transitioned to user-friendly, plug-and-play Owl products with the flexibility, portability, and affordability that modern distributed offices need. Any type of meeting, in any size room, is covered with Owl Labs' tailored technology, from sit-down roundtables to stand-up presentations to brainstorms on whiteboards. As companies grow, their video conferencing infrastructure adapts and expands with them. However, a vast market opportunity remains as Owl Labs' State of Hybrid Work report found only 37% of employers upgraded their video meeting technology in the past year.

"Non-verbal communication is crucial in the workplace for collaboration and rapport, and studies have even shown that non-verbal communication is at least as important as verbal discussion, if not more," said Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs. "As the hybrid workplace has evolved beyond meetings where everyone is in the same room, we need to do away with outdated video technology that doesn't allow remote attendees to clearly see and hear during meetings. Meanwhile, today's enterprise businesses are evolving their offices and processes faster than ever to keep up with the pace of economic and AI-driven transformation. At Owl Labs, we're building easy-to-use meeting technology that's as nimble as they are, from small businesses to the largest enterprises."

The flexible, plug-and-play Meeting Owl 4+ is enterprise-ready and takes less than six minutes to set up. Features include:

Upgraded video quality: The 64-megapixel camera and sensor streams 4K Ultra HD video within a 10-foot radius.

The 64-megapixel camera and sensor streams 4K Ultra HD video within a 10-foot radius. Wide-range audio: Powerful, 360-degree speakers and smart mics have an 18-foot pickup radius. Extend the audio range even farther with the new matching, charcoal Expansion Mic.

Powerful, 360-degree speakers and smart mics have an 18-foot pickup radius. Extend the audio range even farther with the new matching, charcoal Expansion Mic. Easy enterprise fleet management: IT administrators can seamlessly manage their fleet of Owl Labs devices from The Nest management tool, including bulk registration, default settings, and more.

The upgraded OIS software includes:

Silent Switching: When devices are paired, the technology detects where people are facing even when they're not speaking, then seamlessly switches to the correct camera with the best view.

When devices are paired, the technology detects where people are facing even when they're not speaking, then seamlessly switches to the correct camera with the best view. Quick and easy setup: Pair devices quickly, effortlessly and efficiently.

Pair devices quickly, effortlessly and efficiently. Platform-agnostic: Compatible with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, and other video conferencing platforms.

Compatible with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, and other video conferencing platforms. Improved Front Centre Experience: Front Centre experience upgrades introduce more accurate intelligent camera switching whether a participant is actively speaking or silently contributing to ensure the best angle is captured at all times.

The new Meeting Owl 4+ is launching in the United States, Canada and Europe. Customers in the UK can now purchase it for 1,999 2,199 (including VAT) through OwlLabs.com, Amazon, or third-party resellers and distribution partners. Find your local reseller or contact sales@owllabs.com.

To see video of the Meeting Owl 4+ in action, purchase other Owl Labs products or ensure your devices have the latest OIS software, visit owllabs.co.uk.

About Owl Labs:

Owl Labs is the first company to build AI-powered, 360-degree video conferencing solutions for hybrid organisations. Its connected device system and Owl Intelligence System software make meetings more inclusive and collaborative by leveling the playing field between remote and in-room participants. The Meeting Owl 4+ is the latest generation of the first WiFi-enabled, 360-degree camera, microphone and speaker that automatically zooms in on whoever's speaking. Owl Labs has raised 36.8 million in funding and is based in Boston, with remote and hybrid employees all over the world. To learn more and explore the company's research on the State of Hybrid Work, visit OwlLabs.co.uk.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240531450854/en/

Contacts:

sales@owllabs.com
DUBAI, UAE, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dar Global, the London-listed luxury international real estate developer today unveiled 'The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin' an exquisite new beachfront residential development bringing Aston Martin's renown for ultra-luxury interior design to the highly desirable Al Marjan islands in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

The AED 900 million project is Aston Martin's first real estate collaboration in the Middle East, building on the successful opening of the Aston Martin Residences in Miami and other high-profile design collaborations in the US and Japan. Set in a pristine location near the highly anticipated Wynn Resort, the new luxury lifestyle destination brings the carmaker's signature blend of sophisticated design and high-performance precision craftsmanship to the property's interiors.

Scheduled for completion by December 2028, the new waterfront property is infused with the spirit of British ingenuity, creating a seamless fusion of bespoke style, cutting-edge materials, meticulous artistry, and unparalleled functionality. Providing the benefits of a secluded private beach, the development offers expansive one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom villas.

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, said: "The launch of The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin, on Al Marjan Island, furthers our brand vision to curate breathtaking living experiences for our exclusive clientele.

"Combining this iconic British marque's heritage, innovation, and design mastery with Dar Global's expertise in providing exceptional investment opportunities through luxury homes for global citizens demonstrates yet another illustrious chapter in our trajectory to success."

Stefano Saporetti, Director of Brand Diversification at Aston Martin, commented: "The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin celebrates our partnership with Dar Global, bringing together two ultra-luxury lifestyle organisations with a shared passion for combining traditional craftsmanship with innovation and cutting-edge design.

"Marking Aston Martin's very first real estate collaboration in the Middle East, The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin provides an opportunity for our talented designers to help shape the interiors of an unparalleled development in the region, further elevating Aston Martin's brand and applying it to a beachfront lifestyle environment."

Masterfully designed to harmonise with its tranquil surroundings on the majestic Al Marjan island, the new address boasts a range of world-class amenities including access to a private beach, an infinity pool, a scenic walk track, and lush, green communal spaces. An indoor cinema, fitness centre, children's play area, spa, yoga lawn, and multipurpose hall provide additional comforts.

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The auction for five new Tequila Don Julio 1942 Cask Finish expressions is now live exclusively in partnership with BlockBar

NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tequila Don Julio, the leader in the luxury tequila category, is making history with its inaugural global cask sale, offering spirits collectors around the world the opportunity to own a limited-edition release of the iconic Don Julio 1942 with a special cask finish. To bring modern Mexico and tequila culture to fans around the world, this is the first-ever release of limited-edition Don Julio 1942 expressions globally.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9272951-tequila-don-julio-1942-expressions-global-cask-sale/

Bottled as new-to-world editions of Tequila Don Julio 1942, five expressions will be masterfully crafted through an extended finishing process utilizing casks which previously held Bourbon, Ruby Port, Orange Wine, Madeira Wine and Cremant. With only one cask of each finish released, owners will experience tasting notes that have never before been featured from this ultra-premium anejo tequila. The five, extremely rare and new Tequila Don Julio 1942 expressions are available through an exclusive online auction on BlockBar.com, closing at 10 a.m. EST on June 20, 2024. Following the auction, the owners of each of the new expressions will be invited to a special event at the brand's private distillery in Mexico forming a cask owner community.

"The culture surrounding agave-based spirits is exciting, constantly evolving, and this inaugural Tequila Don Julio 1942 global cask sale demonstrates our commitment to continue to push the boundaries of what a luxury tequila experience can be," said Sophie Kelly, Senior Vice President of Global Tequila and Mezcal Categories at DIAGEO. "We recognize that for many, luxury tequilas are considered an extension of one's lifestyle, so we're meeting the demand for prospective buyers and tastemakers to not only own an extremely rare, super luxe-tequila, but to own a piece of the Tequila Don Julio history and legacy."

The five limited-edition Tequila Don Julio 1942 expressions were carefully selected to best complement the Don Julio 1942 tasting notes, while enhancing certain intricacies of its flavor profile. The Cremant Cask Finish introduces floral and citrus notes, while the Orange Wine Cask Finish imparts tea and sweet spices. The Ruby Port Cask Finish offers a combination of cinnamon and dark chocolate, the Madeira Wine Cask Finish brings the opulence of toffee and spices and the Ex-Bourbon Double Charred Cask Finish deepens the warmth of Tequila Don Julio 1942 with toasted oak and caramelized banana notes.

Crafted at La Primavera Distillery in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico by an expert team of tequileros, each step of the process from harvesting the agave to finishing each unique expression involved meticulous coordination and craft, using the same traditional standards of production that brand founder Don Julio Gonzalez set when he first followed his heart and revolutionized the tequila category, resulting in only the highest quality tequilas.

Striking, bold and as unique as the tequila within, limited-edition bottles have been specifically created for the Tequila Don Julio 1942 Cask Finish release and will be individually numbered, featuring a gold-embossed icon that is emblematic of the origins for the five special cask finishes. These icons will be displayed on a vibrant, blue-colored Tequila Don Julio 1942 bottle which maintains the variant's iconic architecture, a shape chosen by Don Julio Gonzalez himself to pay homage to the leaves of the agave plant.

"We are excited to announce the partnership between Tequila Don Julio and BlockBar for the release of its inaugural limited-edition global cask sale. Tequila Don Julio is synonymous with quality and innovation, and this collaboration is testament to that. With one full cask each of five, bespoke 1942 finishes, we are excited to showcase the exceptional craftsmanship and innovative spirit that define both Tequila Don Julio and BlockBar. We invite tequila enthusiasts worldwide to participate in our online auction to become one of the world's first owners of a Tequila Don Julio 1942 cask finish expression," said BlockBar's Jamie Ritchie.

The Tequila Don Julio 1942 Cask Finish Release - 2024 auction is now live on BlockBar, with each finish representing its own lot. The starting bid for each cask is $35,000 and individuals who are of legal purchase age for beverage alcohol in the country in which they reside, and in any case aged 18 or older, can participate by creating a BlockBar account before the auction closes at 10 a.m. EST on June 20, 2024.

Tequila Don Julio will store all five casks at its Mexico distillery until bottling which will occur between December 2024 and March 2025. The BlockBar global platform, powered by blockchain technology, offers owners a unique opportunity to sell or gift their special cask finishes of Tequila Don Julio 1942 to anyone of legal drinking age worldwide. Owners can sell or gift each cask NFT, representing the equivalent of the full cask of the tequila they purchased. At bottling, the cask NFTs will each convert to 40 NFTs that can also be gifted or sold, representing ownership of 40 cases of six 750ml bottles. These bottles will be stored by BlockBar and will be available for redemption globally by June 2025.

To learn more and keep up with the latest from the Tequila Don Julio, be sure to follow @DonJulioTequila on Instagram.

ABOUT TEQUILA DON JULIO:

Founded on the pioneering agricultural principles of Don Julio Gonzalez and his personal pursuit of perfection, Tequila Don Julio revolutionized the tequila industry and set the standard for ultra-premium tequila. Tequila Don Julio, Mexico's original luxury tequila, uses only the highest caliber, fully matured and ripened Blue Agave that has been hand-selected from the rich, clay soils of the Los Altos region of the state of Jalisco. The Tequila Don Julio portfolio includes Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Tequila Don Julio Reposado, Tequila Don Julio Anejo, Tequila Don Julio 70 Cristalino, Tequila Don Julio Alma Miel, Tequila Don Julio Rosado, Tequila Don Julio 1942, and Tequila Don Julio Ultima Reserva. For more information on Tequila Don Julio, please visit www.DonJulio.com .

ABOUT DIAGEO:

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in nearly 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

ABOUT BLOCKBAR:

BlockBar enables the wine and spirits community to buy, store, sell, gift, and ship the highest quality wines and spirits, sourced directly from producers and authenticated via blockchain. Our team has access to the world's most sought-after bottles, barrels, and casks, many of which are unique to BlockBar. These are released on the platform through various sales mechanics, with many including immersive events and unique experiences. Underwritten by the power of blockchain, BlockBar guarantees provenance and authenticity so users can safely build their collections. Despite its cutting-edge approach, BlockBar's roots stretch back decades. BlockBar was launched in October 2021 by cousins Dov and Sam, who are an active part of the family-owned Falic Group, a network founded in 2001 that today comprises over 50 businesses including Duty Free Americas, the largest duty-free operation in the Americas.

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The rising demand for high-performance and sustainable products in industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing is driving the process oil market forward, as per the latest report by Fact.MR.

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global process oil market size is expected to grow at a 4.5% CAGR and reach a value of US$ 6,516.9 million by 2034. The market is estimated to be worth US$ 4,196.4 million in 2024.

The market for process oils is highly dynamic and influenced by a diverse range of factors that present both opportunities and challenges. The economy's growth, particularly in the United States, has been a significant driving force, leading to increased demand for process oils in various industries such as construction, automotive, and rubber processing. However, the regulatory landscape, characterized by strict emissions and sustainability standards, forces companies to adopt eco-friendly or bio-based process oils.

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Technological advancements and innovations in refining techniques also shape the market by enhancing performance characteristics and driving demand. Despite the potential opportunities, the process oil market faces several challenges that could hinder its growth and stability. Environmental regulations, which are becoming increasingly stringent, drive industries to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact.

Additionally, the volatility of raw material prices, particularly crude oil, introduces unpredictability in cost structures, leading to manufacturers' need for effective risk management strategies. The process oil market presents promising growth opportunities driven by the rising demand for bio-based and renewable options. Integrating advanced technologies and expanding manufacturing activities in emerging economies provides avenues for market expansion. However, companies must invest in research and development to create innovative, high-performance oils that meet industry-specific needs. To mitigate threats such as environmental regulations and the rise of bio-based alternatives, strategic planning and adaptation to changing market dynamics are crucial for sustained success in the oil industry.

Key Takeaways from the Market Study

The global process oil market is expected to grow at a 4.5% CAGR during the forecast period.

The North American process oil market is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 4.6% through 2034.

The East Asian process oil market valuation is predicted to rise from US$ 4,196.4 million in 2024 to US$ 6,516.9 million by 2034.

The process oil market in East Asia, especially China, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% until 2034.

During the forecast period, the paints and coatings segment is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024 to 2034.

The process oil market in the United States is expected to witness robust growth of 4.9% CAGR. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for process oils in end-use industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing, where they are used as essential additives in rubber, tires, and polymers. The emphasis on research and development in industries such as lubricants has further propelled the demand for specialized formulations of process oils.

Competition Analysis

Manufacturers are focusing on the development of highly customized formulations with improved thermal stability, better dispersibility, and optimized viscosity characteristics. With advancements in nanotechnology and other innovative approaches, market players are enhancing their profits.

The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, is identified as a significant market for process oils, owing to rapid industrialization, a growing population, and expanding manufacturing activities. The increasing demand for process oils in various sectors, such as rubber, tires, adhesives, sealants, consumer products, and polymer processing, is driving market growth in parallel with the country's economic development. The automotive industry, one of the major consumers of process oils, is also witnessing substantial growth, further contributing to the increased demand for process oils in China.

Key players in the process oil market include Shell International B.V., Exxon Mobil Corporation, Chevron Corporation, Gandhar Oil Refinery Limited, Process Oils Inc., TotalEnergies, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Petroliam Nasional Berhad, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., NYNAS AB, Repsol, Panama Petrochem Ltd., H&R GROUP, Behran Oil Co., LODHA Petro, HF Sinclair Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, and GP Petroleums and Ergon North & South America.

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Recent Developments:-

On February 15, 2023, Trinidad and Tobago welcomed its energy-rich neighbours to process their oil and natural gas in the country, with the goal of leveraging spare capacity for LNG or petrochemical manufacturing.

TotalEnergies announced in April 2020 that it will acquire Tullow's holdings in Uganda's Lake Albert, including the East African crude oil pipeline and development project.

In August 2022, US-based Process Oils, Inc. of Ergon Company signed a new marketing and offtake deal with Cross Oil to sell naphthenic base oils. The agreement covers Corsol, B-Series, L-Series, Ebonite Oils, and CrossTrans, which are produced in the Cross Smackover, Arkansas refinery.

Explore More Related Studies Published by Fact.MR Research:

Global Base Oil Market size to reach US$ 46.2 billion by the end of 2034, ascending from US$ 36.8 billion in 2024

The global Paints and Coatings Market is estimated at $160,054.3 Million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% to reach US$ 263,205.3 Million by the end of 2033

Rubber Processing Chemicals Market Size is likely to grow with CAGR of 3% to reach US$ 7.14 Billion in 2032

The Adhesive Market size is calculated at US$ 68.94 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 112.29 billion by 2034-end

About Fact.MR:

Fact.MR is a distinguished market research company renowned for its comprehensive market reports and invaluable business insights. As a prominent player in business intelligence, we deliver deep analysis, uncovering market trends, growth paths, and competitive landscapes. Renowned for its commitment to accuracy and reliability, we empower businesses with crucial data and strategic recommendations, facilitating informed decision-making and enhancing market positioning. With its unwavering dedication to providing reliable market intelligence, FACT.MR continues to assist companies in navigating dynamic market challenges with confidence and achieving long-term success. With a global presence and a team of experienced analysts, FACT.MR ensures its clients receive actionable insights to capitalize on emerging opportunities and stay ahead in the competitive landscape.

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XEBRA Brands Inc Applauds President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum's Stance on Cannabis Reform and Looks Forward to Collaboration for Industry Growth

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Xebra Brands Ltd. ("Xebra" or the "Company") (XBRA:CSE)(XBRAF:OTCQB)(9YC0:FSE), XEBRA Brands Inc, an evolving player in the cannabis and hemp industry, welcomes and congratulates President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum on her recent victory in the Mexican election. As the new leader of Mexico, Sheinbaum's commitment to progressive cannabis reform aligns with XEBRA's vision for a more inclusive and responsible cannabis landscape.

President-Elect Sheinbaum has been a vocal advocate for decriminalizing recreational cannabis use, emphasizing the need to prioritize education and public health over punitive measures. Her stance reflects a deep understanding of the ineffectiveness and harm caused by current policies, particularly to young people. In her own words, "It's a right," and penalizing marijuana use disproportionately affects vulnerable segments of society.

"We are thrilled to see President-Elect Sheinbaum's dedication to reforming cannabis policies in Mexico," said Rodrigo Gallardo, CEO of XEBRA Brands Inc. "Her vision for a well-structured regulatory framework that benefits society aligns with our values. We believe that responsible cannabis regulation can contribute to social justice and violence reduction, and we look forward to collaborating with President-Elect Sheinbaum's administration to make this vision a reality."

Xebra Brands remains committed to working with the Cofepris and other governing bodies that regulate cannabis within Mexico. We believe that together, we can achieve significant strides in ensuring that the legal population of Mexico has access to safe, regulated cannabis products.

As we move forward, Xebra Brands will continue to uphold our dedication to quality, safety, and innovation in the cannabis industry and emphasize the importance of programs that prioritize the protection of individuals and communities, rather than penalizing and prosecuting them for cannabis use.

"We see tremendous potential for growth in the Mexican cannabis and hemp industry by working together under President-Elect Sheinbaum's leadership and with the COFEPRIS," added Rodrigo Gallardo. "With the right regulatory framework and support for responsible practices, we believe that Mexico can become a global leader in the cannabis and hemp sector. XEBRA is ready to invest, innovate, and collaborate to make this vision a reality."

XEBRA Brands Inc looks forward to working with President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum and her administration as they work towards creating a more equitable and prosperous industry in Mexico.

For more information, please contact:

+1 (833) XEBRA 88

ir@xebrabrands.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, these include, without limitation, statements regarding Xebra Brands Ltd.'s expectations in respect of its ability to successfully execute its business plan or business model, the ability to obtain necessary approvals in connection with the Debt Settlement; its ability to enter into and execute partnerships or joint venture opportunities on acceptable terms; its ability to provide economic, environmental, social, or any benefits of any type in the communities it operates in or may operate it in the future; its ability to be a first mover in a country, or to obtain or retain government licenses, permits or authorizations in general, or specifically in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere, including cannabis authorizations from the Mexican Health Regulatory Agency (COFEPRIS); its ability to satisfy the conditions of authorizations granted by COFEPRIS; its ability to successfully apply for, obtain and retain trademarks and other intellectual property in any jurisdiction; its ability to be cost competitive; its ability to commercialize, cultivate, grow, or process hemp or cannabis in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere and related plans and timing; its ability to manufacture, commercialize or sell its CBD products" wellness products, or other products in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere, and its related plans and claims, including market interest and availability; its ability to create wellness products that have a therapeutic effect or benefit; plans for future growth and the direction of the business; plans to increase product volumes, the capacity of existing facilities, supplies from third party growers and contractors; expected growth of the cannabis industry generally; management's expectations, beliefs and assumptions in general, including manufacturing costs, production activity and market potential in Mexico or any jurisdiction; events or developments that Xebra expects to take place in the future; general economic conditions; and other risk factors described in the MD&A of the Company for the period ended November 30, 2023. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking information and statements. The words "aim", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "target", "intends", "continue", "plans", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", and similar expressions identify forward-looking information and statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Xebra as of the dates of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the inability of Xebra to retain the authorizations granted by COFEPRIS, failure to receive required regulatory approvals for securities offerings, the inability to generate sufficient revenues or to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plan; changes in government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in various countries; risks associated with agriculture and cultivation activities generally, including inclement weather, access to supply of seeds, poor crop yields, and spoilage; compliance with import and export laws of various countries; significant fluctuations in cannabis prices and transportation costs; the risk of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; inability to identify, negotiate and complete potential acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures for any reason; the ability to retain key employees; dependence on third parties for services and supplies; non-performance by contractual counter-parties; general economic conditions; the continued growth in global demand for cannabis products and the continued increase in jurisdictions legalizing cannabis; and the timely receipt of regulatory approvals for license applications on terms satisfactory to Xebra. In addition, there is no assurance Xebra will: be a low-cost producer or exporter; obtain a dominant market position in any jurisdiction; have products that will be unique. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and Xebra undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the foregoing except as required by law. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies could affect Xebra's actual performance and cause its actual performance to differ materially from what has been expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Xebra. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those set out in such statements.

SOURCE: Xebra Brands Ltd

View the original press release on accesswire.com
CHICAGO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global digital key cabinet market is projected to grow from USD 160 million in 2024 to USD 225 million by 2029, registering a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The digital key cabinets market is driven by several key factors, including the growing demand for enhanced security and efficient key management systems across various sectors such as commercial, industrial, and residential. The rise in security breaches and the need for controlled access to sensitive areas have prompted organizations to adopt digital solutions for key management. Additionally, technological advancements, such as the integration of IoT and cloud-based systems, have made digital key cabinets more appealing due to their ability to offer real-time monitoring, remote access, and automated audit trails.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Digital Key Cabinet Market"

152 - Tables

57 - Figures

213 - Pages

Digital Key Cabinet Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $ 160 million Estimated Value by 2029 $ 225 million Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% Market Size Available for 2020-2029 Forecast Period 2024-2029 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Offering, Application, Capacity and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge High installation and management costs Key Market Opportunities Rapid advancement in IoT and biometric authentication technologies Key Market Drivers Mounting demand for security solutions to safeguard critical assets



Hardware segment to lead the offering segment during the forecast period.

Digital key cabinets are heavily reliant on robust hardware to ensure secure storage and effective management of keys, making durable and tamper-proof cabinets critical. The increasing demand for high-security solutions across various industries necessitates the use of advanced locking mechanisms, biometric readers, and RFID technology, all of which are integral hardware components. Furthermore, the ongoing advancements in hardware technology, such as the development of more compact and energy-efficient units, enhance the appeal and adoption of these systems. Additionally, hardware is often the most significant initial investment for organizations implementing digital key management solutions, contributing to its dominant market share compared to software & services.

By capacity, the 51-100 keys segment is likely to record the highest growth rate during the forecast period.

The 51-100 keys segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the increasing demand from medium-sized enterprises, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities that require robust and scalable key management solutions. These organizations often need to manage a moderate number of keys, balancing the need for security and efficiency without the complexity of larger systems. As awareness of the benefits of digital key cabinets such as enhanced security, improved key tracking, and reduced administrative burden-increases, more medium-sized entities are adopting these systems to streamline their operations.

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North America is estimated to account for the largest market share in the global digital key cabinet market by 2029.

North America is expected to hold the largest market share in the digital key cabinet industry due to several compelling factors. The region's strong emphasis on security and advanced technological infrastructure drives the adoption of sophisticated key management solutions. North America, particularly the United States and Canada, has a high concentration of industries that require stringent security measures, such as finance, healthcare, government, and hospitality. The presence of major market players and continuous investments in research and development further bolster the market's growth in this region. Additionally, the regulatory landscape in North America, which includes strict compliance requirements for data security and access control, encourages the deployment of advanced digital key management systems.

Key Players

ASSA ABLOY (Sweden), Carrier (US), Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Limited (India), KeyGuard (Lithuania), Landwell (China), Morse Watchmans (US), and Creone (Sweden) are some of the major companies in the digital key cabinet companies.

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SAN FRANCISCO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RestoringVision has been awarded a $4 million grant from Founders Pledge to address presbyopia at scale in India and Nigeria. This investment will enable RestoringVision to implement three large-scale initiatives with its partners to provide reading glasses to 2.5 million people living in poverty with uncorrected presbyopia.

RestoringVision focuses on addressing presbyopia at scale. Presbyopia is a naturally occurring, age-related eye condition that affects billions of people worldwide, including 800 million who have limited access to vision care. The organization aims to increase income potential, alleviate poverty, and foster sustained impact in India and Nigeria - two of the largest countries in the world - by increasing access to vision screening and reading glasses.

The programs include the following:

India: RestoringVision will collaborate with Supreme Task India, an NGO focused on access to affordable healthcare, to provide 500,000 adults aged 35-65 working in visually intensive occupations in Odisha state - one of the poorest states in India - with vision screenings and reading glasses. These include tailors, weavers, mechanics, carpenters, and farmers among others, to enable them to see clearly and continue their work.

Nigeria: Two million people will receive vision screenings and reading glasses in Nigeria through two initiatives to scale access to clear sight. This will be the largest contribution to date to advance the Nigerian Presidential Initiative that aims to reach five million Nigerians with glasses over the next several years.

RestoringVision will work with the Government of Nigeria's National Eye Health Programme, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and other partners to supply one million reading glasses for programs reaching people living in poverty with presbyopia and provide technical support to help this initiative succeed.

In addition, RestoringVision will partner with the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN) to provide vision screenings and reading glasses to one million adults engaged in visually intensive occupations. The program will leverage Nigeria's faith-based health systems - tapping into CHAN's nationwide network of faith-based hospitals, clinics, and community outreach organizations, in collaboration with faith leaders from Nigeria's Christian and Muslim communities.

The far-reaching initiative in Nigeria will support insights into how to address presbyopia at scale in a large country and inform how we can solve the vision crisis globally.

By partnering with national and local organizations and leveraging their existing networks, RestoringVision's model is consistent with the World Health Organization's recommendation to address presbyopia at the community and primary level.

"Thanks to this transformative grant from Founders Pledge we are thrilled to be able to scale up our presbyopia programs in India and Nigeria so that more people will be able to see clearly. This grant not only enables us to reach millions more people with the gift of clear sight but also fosters a broader global community of changemakers dedicated to creating a world where everyone who needs glasses has them. It is taking us a significant step forward towards solving the global vision crisis," said Pelin Munis, Ph.D., CEO of RestoringVision.

These initiatives build upon RestoringVision's 20 years of experience providing innovative solutions to the global vision crisis that bring immediate and sustained impacts. A recent study carried out in Bangladesh showed a 33% median increase in income for people in a wide range of visually intensive occupations who received reading glasses. By utilizing cost-effective strategies and leveraging partnerships, RestoringVision aims to improve the lives and livelihoods of millions of underserved individuals.

About RestoringVision:

RestoringVision is a global nonprofit dedicated to ending the global vision crisis. The organization is committed to creating equitable access to vision services and eyeglasses, particularly for individuals living on less than $2 a day. One billion people have a vision impairment that could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed, 80% of which could be corrected with a simple pair of reading glasses. We work to solve this global crisis by partnering with our unparalleled network of more than 3,000 NGOs and government partners to provide life-changing vision screenings and eyeglasses to millions of people who could not access them otherwise. RestoringVision has reached more than 28 million people in over 150 countries since 2003. For more information, visit restoringvision.org.

About Founders Pledge:

Founders Pledge is a global nonprofit empowering entrepreneurs to do the most good possible with their charitable giving. We equip members with everything needed to maximize their impact, from evidence-led research and advice on the world's most pressing problems, to comprehensive infraucture for global grant-making, alongside opportunities to learn and connect. To date, our members have pledged over $10 billion to charity and donated more than $1 billion. We're grateful to be funded by our members and other generous donors.

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The rising health consciousness and popularity of plant-based alternatives are driving the global oat-based beverage market towards a projected growth of 8.1%. This trend is particularly strong in South Korea, which is expected to see a CAGR of 10.2%, fueled by factors like lactose intolerance and veganism. Organic options with their health benefits are leading the market with a projected dominance throughout the forecast period.

NEWARK, Del., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Future Market Insights, the global oat-based beverage market size is predicted to total USD 1874 million by 2034 and broaden at a CAGR of 8.1% in the forecast period. This surge from USD 787.7million in 2023 is attributed to the rising consciousness of health and wellness among modern people.

Download the Sample PDF report to explore key market insights and trends: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-19630

Organic oat beverages are widely purchased products owing to their chemical-free composition and high nutrient retention. The organic segment accounted for a market share of 65% in 2023 and is estimated to grow further, retaining its dominance in the market.

Expansion of the oat-based beverage market during the assessment period is projected to be fueled by several factors, such as innovations in flavor profiles, integration of plant-based beverages in coffee shops through distinctive blends, and the accessibility of these beverages.

High pressure to reduce the environmental impact of dairy products is expected to strengthen the demand for sustainable plant-based alternatives across the globe. Oat-based beverages dominate the plant-based industry owing to their high neutral flavor and fiber content compared to other plant-based beverages.

Increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance and the growing trend of veganism are anticipated to uplift the oat-based beverage market. Leading companies are aligning their strategies with the latest trends and are consistently working towards innovating oat-based beverages to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Key Takeaways from the Market Report:

The global oat-based beverage market is set to reach USD 1874.0 million by 2034, with a CAGR of 8.1% .

by 2034, with a CAGR of . Based on source, the organic segment is anticipated to record a CAGR of 7.8% through 2034.

through 2034. Based on product type, the plain/original segment dominates the industry with a market share of 62% in 2023.

in 2023. South Korea is anticipated to record a CAGR of 10.2% between 2024 and 2034.

between 2024 and 2034. Sales in Japan are predicted to total USD 209.1 million by 2034.

"The plant-based beverage industry is booming, but the oat-based beverage segment dominates the industry because of its high versatility, several health benefits, and a relatively good sustainability profile. This will likely boost demand and sales during the next decade," says Nandini Roy Choudhury (Client Partner for Food & Beverages at Future Market Insights, Inc.).

Who is Winning?

The oat-based beverage industry has a dynamic competitive landscape, with leading players like Oatly Ab, Califia Farms, Alpro, and Quaker Oats Company (PepsiCo) holding significant market shares. Key players are employing different strategies, including flavor innovation, collaboration with influencers, acquisitions and mergers, and partnerships with physical stores to strengthen their place and boost revenues.

Significant investments are being made in the research, development, and technological sectors to enhance the production and increase the shelf life of oat-based beverages. Several companies are utilizing data analytics and AI to improve consumer reach and tailor their products to meet evolving needs.

Industry Updates

In April 2024, an Estonian oat milk brand, YOOK , entered the Asian and Middle Eastern markets due to rising demand for oat-based beverages in the Middle East.

, entered the Asian and Middle Eastern markets due to rising demand for oat-based beverages in the Middle East. In February 2023, Life Health Foods, an India-based brand, launched So Good OAT beverage, a dairy-free, plant-based milk in the country.

Want More Insights?

Future Market Insights (FMI), in its new offering, provides an unbiased analysis of the global oat-based beverage market, presenting historical demand data (2019 to 2023) and forecast statistics for the period from 2024 to 2034.

The study incorporates compelling insights based on source (organic and conventional), product type (plain/original and flavored), specialty (gluten-free, dairy-alternative, heart-healthy, and others), and distribution channel (retail stores, online retail, specialty stores, and food service/HORECA) across various regions.

About the Food & Beverage Division at Future Market Insights (FMI)

FMI's Food & Beverage team offers comprehensive business intelligence services, with a vast array of reports and data points analyzed across 50+ countries over a decade. The team provides consulting services and end-to-end research, offering expert analysis, actionable insights, and strategic recommendations to clients worldwide. Contact them to explore how they can assist with your unique business intelligence needs.

Purchase now and gain full access to the Oat-based Beverage Industry report, featuring comprehensive Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives.

About The Author:

Nandini Roy Choudhury (Client Partner for Food & Beverages at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has 7+ years of management consulting experience. She advises industry leaders and explores off-the-eye opportunities and challenges. She puts processes and operating models in place to support their business objectives.

She has exceptional analytical skills and often brings thought leadership to the table.

Nandini has vast functional expertise in key niches, including but not limited to food ingredients, nutrition & health solutions, animal nutrition, and marine nutrients. She is also well-versed in the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, retail, and chemical sectors, where she advises market participants to develop methodologies and strategies that deliver results. Another feather to her cap manifests in the form of process automation. She is vocal about bringing automation to the fore to bring a 360-degrees-round revolution in manufacturing sector

Her core expertise lies in corporate growth strategy, sales and marketing effectiveness, acquisitions and post-merger integration and cost reduction. Nandini has an MBA in Finance from MIT School of Business. She also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from Nagpur University, India.

Nandini has authored several publications, and quoted in journals including Beverage Industry, Bloomberg, and Wine Industry Advisor.

Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Food and Beverages Domain:

Oat Drink Market Analysis by Regular/Full Fat and Reduced Fat Product Types from 2024 to 2034. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report.

Analysis by Regular/Full Fat and Reduced Fat Product Types from 2024 to 2034. - Oat Milk Market, Global Opportunities and Forecast, 2023-2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report.

Global Opportunities and Forecast, 2023-2033. - Plant-Based Energy Drink Market Covering Sales Outlook, Up-to-date Key Trends, Market Size and Forecast, 2022-2032. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report.

Covering Sales Outlook, Up-to-date Key Trends, Market Size and Forecast, 2022-2032. - Plant Based Beverage Market Analysis by Organic and Conventional Product Types from 2024 to 2034. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report.

Analysis by Organic and Conventional Product Types from 2024 to 2034. - Oats Market Forecast by Rolled Oats, Whole Oats, and Other Product Types for 2024 to 2034. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report.

Forecast by Rolled Oats, Whole Oats, and Other Product Types for 2024 to 2034. - Organic Oats Market by Bakery Products and Others, Forecast, 2023-2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report.

by Bakery Products and Others, Forecast, 2023-2033. - Gluten-Free Oats Market Covering Sales Outlook, Up-to-date Key Trends, Market Size and Forecast, 2023-2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report.

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting service provider, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai and has delivery centers in the UK, the U.S., and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

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Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR of June 4th, 2024

Burckhardt Compression achieved the following record results in fiscal year 2023: Sales of CHF 982.0 mn, +18.4% year-on-year Operating income (EBIT) of CHF 121.4 mn, +27.8% year-on-year Earnings per share of CHF 26.63, +29.0% year-on-year

Dividend of CHF 15.50 proposed, an increase of 29.2% year-on-year

12% reduction in the Group's greenhouse gas emission intensity (Scope 1 and 2)

Guidance for fiscal year 2024: sales between CHF 1.0 bn and CHF 1.1 bn , with an EBIT-margin at a similar level as in fiscal year 2023

Sales guidance for 2027 (Mid-Range Plan) raised by CHF 100 mn to CHF 1.2 bn

Tatiana Gillitzer proposed as new board member, as Monika Krusi decided, after 12 years on the board of directors, to not stand for reelection



WINTERTHUR, Switzerland, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 180th anniversary of Burckhardt Compression marks a successful start to the Company's latest Mid-Range Plan, with notable achievements in order intake, sales, and operating income. Based on these results and positive mid-term market trends for sustainable energy solutions, the Company is raising its sales guidance for 2027. Fabrice Billard, CEO of Burckhardt Compression, says: "In 2023, Burckhardt Compression surpassed again CHF 1 billion in orders and achieved new record sales and operating income despite economic challenges. These successes highlight our leadership in applications for the transition to more secure and sustainable energy sources."

Strong sales growth - Profitability increase in both divisions and at Group level

Order intake for the Group reached CHF 1'124.7 mn, a decrease of 11.3%, respectively 6.2% net of currency translation effects. Despite a currency headwind of 7.7 pp, sales were up by 18.4%, at CHF 982.0 mn, driven by a 31.3% growth in the Systems Division. Gross profit margin reached 26.7%, a reduction of 2.8 pp compared to the previous year, due to the increased share and less favorable product mix of the Systems Division. Research & Development expenses increased by CHF 2.7 mn to CHF 26.6 mn to support the development of new applications. Selling, marketing, and general administrative expenses amounted to 12.2% of sales, a significant reduction of 1.9 pp year-on-year. This highlights the leverage and effectiveness of SG&A spend, which is part of the Mid-Range Plan. Other operating income and expenses (net) were CHF 5.4 mn (prior year: CHF -8.6 mn, including some one-off provisions). The consolidated operating income (EBIT) rose substantially by 27.8% to CHF 121.4 mn. The Systems Division increased its EBIT margin by 1.2 pp, the Services Division by 2.5 pp. The higher weight of the Systems Division in the sales mix led to an overall increase of the Group EBIT margin of 1.0 pp to 12.4%.

Value creation further enhanced - Significant dividend increase proposed

Financial expenses slightly below last year and a similar tax rate of 23.7% led to a net income of CHF 90.1 mn, which exceeded the previous year's figure by 28.7%. Accordingly, earnings per share attributable to Burckhardt Compression Group shareholders rose from CHF 20.64 to CHF 26.63.

Value creation was also further enhanced, with Return on Net Operating Assets (RONOA) increasing from 25.7% to 30.1%. Total equity increased to CHF 297.9 mn (+36.3 mn), while the equity ratio slightly increased to 28.0%. Based on these results, the Board of Directors will propose at the Annual General Meeting a dividend of CHF 15.50 per share, an increase of 29.2% compared with the previous year. This is within the Group's overall attractive dividend policy of a 50% to 70% payout.

Energy transition having a positive impact on all market segments

In a market showing varying trends across end applications, the Systems Division achieved a strong order intake of CHF 780.2 mn. As expected, the Company saw a normalization of the exceptional levels observed in the previous year related to liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers in the marine segment. On the other hand, the fiscal year 2023 period saw the market related to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers on the rise again. New applications related to the energy transition are developing in all market segments. For instance, the demand for compressors to produce ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) continued at a robust pace, supported by stronger mid-term expectations for the global solar panel market. In addition, hydrogen presents many opportunities along the value chain, and Burckhardt Compression sees a rapid emergence of green-hydrogen-based applications, like green ammonia. Other applications, like biogas and sustainable aviation fuels, are also starting to scale up. The Company expects to win a significant share in these new markets in the coming years, underpinning the upward revision to the Group's Mid-Range Plan sales guidance for 2027.

Services further growing in local currencies

In a market characterized by regional disparities reflecting the local economic situation, the Services Division achieved an order intake of CHF 344.6 mn. Corrected for exchange rate translation effects, this represents a growth of 2.9%, following an above-average increase of 9.7% in the prior year. The Asia-Pacific market remained strong, while the European market decreased due to economic and political uncertainty, especially in Germany. On a global basis, the Services Division's presence in the marine market is increasing strongly, benefiting from a growing installed base, a strong service network, and new offerings. Orders for digital products and services continued at a strong pace, building on the positive momentum of the previous year.

Further growth and transformation, with sustainability at the core of the Group's strategy

The fiscal year 2023 marks a successful start to the Company's Mid-Range Plan. This strategic plan has sustainability at its core, with implications for target markets, R&D projects, capital investments, operational KPIs, and long-term incentive plans for management. It is based on four pillars: strengthening the core business, transforming, and building new growth avenues, operational excellence, and further enhancing the business foundations.

Burckhardt Compression made tangible progress across these pillars. For instance, expanding the offering in the marine Service business has led to substantial growth in this segment and supports the Group's strategic ambitions to strengthen the core business. With the Company's focus on transforming and building new growth avenues, new products have been launched to serve the hydrogen mobility and energy market. New services, like BC ACTIVATE, were also successfully launched to help customers optimize their compressor fleet's reliability and greenhouse gas footprint. On the operational excellence front, Burckhardt Compression continued to leverage its asset base in all factories to grow sales by more than 30% in the Systems Division without significant capital investments. Moreover, the further rollout of the Group's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system in the Services Division enhances its business foundations. Finally, while growing sales by 26% in local currencies, the Company reduced its greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 5.1%, a positive step on its path towards reaching net zero (Scope 1 and 2) in 2035.

Guidance for fiscal year 2024 - Further sales growth, reaching the CHF 1 bn threshold

Burckhardt Compression enters the fiscal year 2024 in a challenging geopolitical environment but with a solid order backlog, a strong balance sheet, and good momentum in both divisions. Based on the strong order intake of the past two fiscal years, the Company expects:

Sales between CHF 1.0 bn and CHF 1.1 bn at the Group level

EBIT-margin similar to fiscal year 2023

Second half stronger than first half, due to the distribution of project deliveries



Amidst the ever-changing global geopolitical backdrop, the Group will continue to actively monitor the situation and any potential impact it may have on the business.

Raising sales guidance for 2027

Based on the faster than expected progress in its Mid-Range Plan and new growth opportunities linked to the energy transition in all its market segments, Burckhardt Compression is raising its guidance for 2027:

Sales guidance increased from CHF 1.1 bn to CHF 1.2 bn, driven by an expected increase in the Systems Division

EBIT-margin guidance of both divisions increased by 1 pp to 6-9% for the Systems Division and 23-26% for the Services Division.

Given the increased weight of the Systems Division in the sales mix, the operating margin bracket for the Group remains at 12-15%



Change in the Board of Directors

After 12 years, Dr. Monika Krusi decided not to stand for re-election as a member of the Board of Directors of Burckhardt Compression Holding AG at the upcoming Annual General Shareholder Meeting. As a successor, the board of directors will propose to the shareholders the election of Tatiana Gillitzer (1968). Mrs Gillitzer, a US citizen, is a business leader with over 25 years of working and management experience in international organizations. Provided she is elected, the Board of Directors plans to appoint her as a member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

The annual report 2023 and further information on the fiscal year 2023 are available on the website on: www.burckhardtcompression.com/financial-reports.

Further information:

Stefan Hoher, Head of Corporate Communications & Branding

Tel. +41 52 261 52 81; stefan.hoher@burckhardtcompression.com

Burckhardt Compression

Burckhardt Compression creates leading compression solutions for a sustainable energy future and the long-term success of its customers. With its brands Burckhardt Compression, PROGNOST, SAMR Metal Rouge and Shenyang Yuanda Compressor, the Group covers a full range of reciprocating compressor technologies and services. Founded in 1844 as an engineering workshop in Basel, Burckhardt Compression developed its first single-stage and dry-running reciprocating compressor in 1883. Since then, the Group has continually developed and reinvented itself, adapting to the developments of its key markets petrochemical/chemical industry, gas transport and storage, hydrogen mobility and energy, industrial gas, refinery, as well as gas gathering and processing.

With its headquarters in Winterthur, Switzerland, Burckhardt Compression is represented on all continents with 36 subsidiaries, three manufacturing and five assembly sites worldwide.

SIX Swiss Exchange: BCHN

Further information at www.burckhardtcompression.com, LinkedIn

Burckhardt Compression Holding AG

Franz-Burckhardt-Strasse 5, 8404 Winterthur, Switzerland

Phone: +41 52 262 5500



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Celonis, the global leader in Process Mining and Process Intelligence, today announced multiple product enhancements and AI-enabled features during its online Celonis:Next event.

Process Intelligence (PI) is critical for organizations to generate value from their business operations and tech investments, especially artificial intelligence (AI). In fact, there is no enterprise AI without PI.

Consumer AI works because it has both a wealth of data to train on (books, articles, web pages) and the context necessary for it to understand how all those raw data points relate to each other (Wikipedia, online archives, etc.). This is often not the case in the enterprise, where there's plenty of raw data from business systems (ERP, CRM, etc.), but no Wikipedia-like reference to connect all that disparate information. Process Intelligence provides this connection-the unique business context necessary to enable effective enterprise AI.

With this context, Celonis feeds process insights into an organization's AI toolset of agents, copilots, and applications. Celonis also uses this context to power its own AI offering of copilots, AI apps, and custom AI solutions, lowering the barrier to entry and reducing time to value for customers.

"We're proud to be trusted by the world's leading companies to help make AI not just a parlor trick, but a new way of doing business," said Alexander Rinke, co-CEO and co-founder of Celonis. "For us, it's all about bringing Process Intelligence to every part of the enterprise-BI tools, automation, and AI. The strong demand from existing and new customers shows the importance of the combination of Process Intelligence and AI. The innovations we announced at Celonis:Next enables us to deliver even greater business value across the top, bottom, and green lines for our customers and the broader ecosystem."

During Celonis:Next, the company showcased multiple innovations, including enhancements to the Process Intelligence Graph, Process Copilots, AI-powered apps, Studio, and more.

Process Intelligence Graph: Most powerful lens available for understanding business processes

Launched at Celosphere 2023, the Process Intelligence Graph (PI Graph) sits at the heart of the Celonis platform. The PI Graph builds a system-agnostic digital twin of a business and couples it with the unique business context the organization operates in (KPI definitions, improvement opportunities, what makes something "good" or "bad" for the organization). It shows how a business is running and where and how things could run better. For example, it enables businesses to answer questions like, 'Which orders are prone to late delivery?' and 'How do late deliveries impact customer satisfaction?'

The PI Graph enhancements include:

Oracle EBS Transformations: Seamlessly bring Oracle data into the Process Intelligence Graph for key processes like Accounts Payable, Procurement, Order Management, Accounts Receivable, and Inventory Management.

Seamlessly bring Oracle data into the Process Intelligence Graph for key processes like Accounts Payable, Procurement, Order Management, Accounts Receivable, and Inventory Management. Fast Data Model Search: Find objects and events faster than ever and keep searches focused with improved filters.

Find objects and events faster than ever and keep searches focused with improved filters. Improved Relationships UI: Model objects and events more easily with a more intuitive user interface, including the ability to show incoming or outgoing object relationships.

Model objects and events more easily with a more intuitive user interface, including the ability to show incoming or outgoing object relationships. Intuitive Object Selection: Thanks to the PI Graph's object-centric foundation, quickly create cuts of the data for different use cases and users.

The PI Graph is the most powerful lens yet for viewing business processes from different perspectives.

Process Copilots: Faster insights at scale with GenAI

Unveiled at Celosphere 2023, Celonis Process Copilots allow anyone to ask LLM-based GenAI chatbot questions about their processes. They make things easy for users who aren't data analysts and are also easy to set up. First, customers model their data in the PI Graph and define the knowledge they are drawing on so the Copilots can understand the business. Then, they select which KPIs, records, and attributes the Copilots can access. Finally, the Copilot is published and the entire organization can start asking it questions.

"Process Copilots put Celonis Process Intelligence within easy reach of our people, empowering them to drive process excellence and make more informed business decisions while allowing our Celonis experts to focus on wider value creation," said Alexander Skolik, Digitalization Expert at Enervie.

Ask a question, like "What is our supply vs demand for each month?" and the Copilot finds the relevant metrics and creates a chart to help less-technical users surface insights quickly. Make a more complex request, like "Show me which materials and plants are experiencing a demand-supply imbalance, especially in terms of high open sales order values versus available supply" and the Copilot will go even deeper.

Process Copilots deliver:

Faster insights for anyone in the organization without the need to build a dedicated dashboard to answer simple questions.

for anyone in the organization without the need to build a dedicated dashboard to answer simple questions. More productive Centers of Excellence which can scale by configuring a Copilot once rather than building multiple ad-hoc dashboards.

which can scale by configuring a Copilot once rather than building multiple ad-hoc dashboards. Enjoyable user experience by asking for data in your own words.

Copilots can even search the Celonis Marketplace for apps, from Celonis and our ecosystem partners, that can help companies get to value fast.

AI-powered Apps: Unlocking AI possibilities everywhere

In addition to the GenAI-powered Process Copilots, Celonis showcased how its platform apps are being infused with AI. During the event, the company demonstrated the Planning Parameter Optimization App, which provides material planners with updated planning parameters based on evolving consumption and replenishment patterns derived from a machine-learning (ML) recommendation model.

Other AI-powered Celonis apps include the Free-Text Requisition App, which improves spend under management by quickly converting free-text requisitions to POs using ML-based algorithms to recommend historically purchased materials or catalog items, and the Duplicate Invoice Checker, which is purpose-built to address duplicate invoices often missed by ERP.

AI is unlocking incredible possibilities everywhere, and now, Celonis is bringing that same power to business processes.

"Using Celonis' Planning Parameter Optimization app, we can more accurately monitor and manage our supply chain, reducing costs and improving key metrics like excess inventory and on-time delivery," said Thomas Stoll, Vice President Global Supply Chain at manroland Goss web systems.

Investments across the Celonis platform

In addition to the PI Graph enhancements and multiple AI-focused announcements, at the Celonis:Next event the company highlighted additional investments it is making, including:

Revamped Studio experience Improvements to the Celonis platform's low-code development environment.

Improvements to the Celonis platform's low-code development environment. Celonis Process Management: A suite of products including the Process Designer, Navigator, and Cockpit resulting from the integration of Symbio's technology (acquired last year) into the Celonis platform.

A suite of products including the Process Designer, Navigator, and Cockpit resulting from the integration of Symbio's technology (acquired last year) into the Celonis platform. Emporix Orchestration Engine An intelligent process orchestration engine that leverages Celonis' Process Intelligence to automate processes end-to-end in real time.

An intelligent process orchestration engine that leverages Celonis' Process Intelligence to automate processes end-to-end in real time. Standard Data Ingestion API: Makes it easier and faster for companies to get data into Celonis from source systems when using third-party data platforms and tools.

Makes it easier and faster for companies to get data into Celonis from source systems when using third-party data platforms and tools. Premium Process Query Engine: Turbocharges the speed and the amount of data Celonis can process-up to 4X more data and processing speeds that are 3X faster.

For more information on the new and updated apps, features, and capabilities announced today, please watch the on-demand Celonis:Next event.

About Celonis

Since 2011, Celonis has helped thousands of the world's largest and most esteemed companies yield immediate cash impact, radically improve customer experience, and reduce carbon emissions. Its Process Intelligence platform uses industry-leading process mining technology and AI to present companies with a living digital twin of their end-to-end processes. For the first time, everyone in an organization has a common language for how the business runs, visibility into where value is hiding, and the ability to capture it. Celonis is headquartered in Munich, Germany and New York City, USA with more than 20 offices worldwide.

2024 Celonis SE. All rights reserved. Celonis and the Celonis "droplet" logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Celonis SE in Germany and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Click here to learn more about Celonis.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240604144689/en/

Contacts:

Celonis PR Team

press@celonis.com
OTTAWA, ON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gastops and Hanwha Ocean have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore collaborative opportunities within the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project ("CPSP") and other maritime initiatives, both domestically and internationally.

Hanwha Ocean is one of the world's premier specialized commercial and naval shipbuilding and offshore contractors, with extensive experience in the design, construction, maintenance, and marketing of various types of vessels, submarines, combatant surface ships, offshore platforms, drilling rigs and floating oil production units. This MOU represents the initial step toward establishing a potential cooperation.

Gastops is a long-standing provider of specialized propulsion system integration services to Naval, Coast Guard and system integrators, shipyards, and marine control system companies around the world. Gastops utilizes dynamic modelling and simulations to validate propulsion machinery selection, develop and substantiate propulsion machinery control algorithms, evaluate propulsion machinery performance, and support the marine propulsion system design process.

"We see significant opportunities for synergies between Hanwha Ocean and Gastops. With the signing of the MOU, Hanwha can begin developing a strategic relationship which will also enhance and strengthen the relationship between Korea and Canada", said Yong Ook Lee, COO, Head of Naval Ship Business, Hanwha Ocean.

"We are honoured to enter into this agreement with Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. This MOU marks a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance marine capabilities and deliver cutting-edge solutions that enhance vessel performance and reduce risk in the ship build process," said Shaun Horning, President, and CEO of Gastops Ltd. "By combining our expertise and resources, we are poised to achieve remarkable advancements in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project and other key maritime initiatives globally."

Today's signing of this MOU represents initial steps toward establishing potential cooperation in many facets of marine propulsion and health monitoring solutions.

www.gastops.com)

Gastops is a global leader in intelligent condition monitoring solutions, serving Aerospace, Defence, Energy, and Industrial sectors since 1979. With a comprehensive range of services including online monitoring sensors, modeling and simulation, engineering, design, and MRO services, Gastops enables proactive operating decisions to optimize asset availability, performance, and safety.

(www.hanwhaocean.com)

Hanwha Ocean, founded in 1973 in Okpo Bay, Korea, is one of the world's premium shipbuilders and offshore contractors. Hanwha Ocean specializes in the design and construction of various naval and commercial vessels, including submarines, destroyers, container ships, and tankers as well as offshore platforms, drilling rigs and FPSO/FPUs.

Media Contacts: Ruth Kearnan, media@gastops.com, 613.744.3530; Keelan Green, green@prospectus.ca, 613-220-2016

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gastops-and-hanwha-ocean-sign-mou-to-collaborate-on-canadian-patrol-submarine-project-302163489.html
DZ Bank AG - Pre-Stabilisation Notice

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, June 04

DZ BANK AG Frankfurt am Main - Pre-Stabilisation

RNS Number: residue number system

Frankfurt am Main, 04 June 2024

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

Pre-Stabilisation Notice

Bundesrepublik Deutschland (DBR)

DZ BANK AG (contact: Ralph Ockert; telephone: +49 69 7447 7051) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014).

The security to be stabilised: Issuer: Bundesrepublik Deutschland Aggregate nominal amount: Tap EUR benchmark Description: fixed rate,due 15 August 2053 / ISIN DE0001030757 Offer price: 82.161% Other offer terms: Payment 11 June 2024 demons 1k/1k, soft bullet Stabilisation: DZ BANK AG Stabilisation Coordinator:

Stabilising Managers:







DZ BANK AG

Danske Bank

Societe Generale

Bank of America ML

Nat West Markets Stabilisation period expected to start on: 04th of June 2024 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Luxembourg Stock Exchange (Regulated Market)

In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilisation Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, there is no assurance that the Stabilisation Manager(s) will take any stabilisation action and any stabilisation action, if begun, may be ended at any time. Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

In addition, if and to the extent that this announcement is communicated in, or the offer of the securities to which it relates is made in, any EEA Member State that has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (together with any applicable implementing measures in any Member State, the "Prospectus Directive") before the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive (or which has been approved by a competent authority in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive), this announcement and the offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in that Member State who are qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive (or who are other persons to whom the offer may lawfully be addressed) and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in that Member State.
Databricks and Tabular will work together towards a joint vision of the open lakehouse

SAN FRANCISCO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Databricks , the Data and AI company, today announced it has agreed to acquire Tabular, a data management company founded by Ryan Blue, Daniel Weeks, and Jason Reid. By bringing together the original creators of Apache Iceberg and Linux Foundation Delta Lake, the two leading open source lakehouse formats, Databricks will lead the way with data compatibility so that organizations are no longer limited by which of these formats their data is in. Databricks intends to work closely with the Delta Lake and Iceberg communities to bring format compatibility to the lakehouse; in the short term, inside Delta Lake UniForm and in the long term, by evolving toward a single, open, and common standard of interoperability. Databricks and Tabular will work together towards a joint vision of the open lakehouse.

The Rise of Lakehouse Architecture and Format Incompatibility

Databricks pioneered the lakehouse architecture in 2020 to enable the integration of traditional data warehousing workloads with AI workloads on a single, governed copy of data. For this to work, all data has to be in an open format so different workloads, applications, and engines could access the same data. Lakehouse architecture maximizes enterprise productivity by democratizing access to data. This is in contrast to proprietary data warehouses where only a proprietary SQL engine can read, write or share the data, and data often has to be copied and exported to be used by other applications, creating a high degree of vendor lock-in. Four years later, 74% of enterprises have deployed a lakehouse architecture.

The foundation of the lakehouse is open source data formats that enable ACID transactions on data stored in object storage. These formats dramatically improve the reliability and performance of data operations on the data lake and were specifically designed for open source engines such as Apache Spark, Trino and Presto. To address these challenges, Databricks worked with the Linux Foundation to create the Delta Lake project. Since its inception, Delta Lake has over 500 code contributors from a diverse set of organizations, and over 10,000 companies globally use Delta Lake to process 4+ exabytes of data on average each day.

Around the same time Delta Lake was created, Ryan Blue and Daniel Weeks developed the Iceberg project at Netflix and donated it to the Apache Software Foundation. Since then, Delta Lake and Iceberg have emerged as the two leading open source standards for lakehouse formats. Even though both of these formats are based on Apache Parquet and share similar goals and designs, they became incompatible due to independent development.

Over time a number of other open source and proprietary engines have adopted these formats. However, they usually adopted only one of the standards and more often than not, only part of that standard, leading to fragmented and siloed enterprise data, undermining the value of the lakehouse architecture.

The Road to Interoperability

Companies need data interoperability to realize the benefits of the lakehouse, and Databricks will work closely with the Delta Lake and Iceberg communities to bring interoperability to the formats over time. This is a long journey, one that will likely take several years to achieve in those communities. That is why last year, Databricks introduced Delta Lake UniForm . UniForm tables provide interoperability across Delta Lake, Iceberg, and Hudi, and support the Iceberg restful catalog interface so companies can use the analytics engines and tools they are already familiar with, across all their data. Generally available today , UniForm allows companies to achieve compatibility. With the addition of the original Iceberg team, Databricks will greatly broaden the ambitions of Delta Lake UniForm.

"Databricks pioneered the lakehouse and over the past four years, the world has embraced the lakehouse architecture, combining the best of data warehouses and data lakes to help customers decrease TCO, embrace openness, and deliver on AI projects faster. Unfortunately, the lakehouse paradigm has been split between the two most popular formats: Delta Lake and Iceberg. Databricks and Tabular will work with the open-source community to bring the two formats closer to each other over time, increasing openness, and reducing silos and friction for customers," said Ali Ghodsi, Co-founder and CEO at Databricks. "Last year, we announced Delta Lake UniForm to bring interoperability to these two formats, and we're thrilled to bring together the foremost leaders in open data lakehouse formats to make UniForm the best way to unify your data for every workload."

A Shared Commitment to Openness

Databricks and Tabular share a history of championing open source formats. Both companies were founded to commercialize open source technologies created by the founders and today, Databricks is the largest and most successful independent open source company by revenue and has donated 12 million lines of code to open source projects. This acquisition highlights Databricks' commitment to open formats and open source data in the cloud, helping ensure that companies are in control of their data and free from the lock-in created by proprietary vendor-owned formats.

"We created Apache Iceberg to solve critical data challenges around correctness, performance, and scalability. It's been amazing to see both Iceberg and Delta Lake grow massively in popularity, largely fueled by the open lakehouse becoming the industry standard. With Tabular joining Databricks, we intend to build the best data management platform based on open lakehouse formats so that companies don't have to worry about picking the 'right' format or getting locked into proprietary data formats," said Ryan Blue, Co-Founder and CEO at Tabular.

To learn more about Databricks and Tabular joining forces, register to attend the Data + AI Summit, June 10-13: databricks.com/dataaisummit

Details Regarding the Proposed Acquisition

The proposed acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in Databricks' second fiscal quarter.

About Tabular

Tabular is the independent data platform built by the original creators of Apache Iceberg. Tabular addresses the pain data engineers and data scientists endure fighting the shortcomings of their data infrastructure. Tabular was founded by Netflix alumni Ryan Blue, Dan Weeks and Jason Reid. Blue also serves as the Iceberg PMC Chair and Weeks is an Iceberg PMC member.

About Databricks

Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 10,000 organizations worldwide - including Block, Comcast, Conde Nast, Rivian, Shell and over 60% of the Fortune 500 - rely on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to take control of their data and put it to work with AI. Databricks is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices around the globe, and was founded by the original creators of Lakehouse, Apache Spark, Delta Lake and MLflow. To learn more, follow Databricks on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

Contact: Press@databricks.com

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Transforming Work and Learning with Complete Ecosystems

TAIPEI, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, unveils the latest innovations at its Visual Solution Forum 2024 hosted at its R&D Center during COMPUTEX (June 4th - 7th). The event highlights its "ViewSonic Future Meeting Room" and "ViewSonic Future Classroom" initiatives, showcasing comprehensive solutions for workplace and education designed for easy accessibility and inclusive collaboration. Another highlight is large-format Customizable All-in-One LED displays, providing expansive sizes up to 760 inches, crafted to demonstrate the unprecedented versatility and convenience that mega displays can offer.

"ViewSonic is proud to introduce the 'Future Meeting Room' and 'Future Classroom' solutions, designed to transform traditional spaces with cutting-edge technology and intuitive functionality," said Eric Wei, Asia Pacific General Manager at ViewSonic. "Our 'Future Meeting Room' enables seamless collaboration and communication, boosting productivity. Similarly, the company's long-term dedication to education drives the 'Future Classroom' to redefine the learning space with interactive tools, preparing students for tomorrow's challenges. We are committed to continuously innovating and improving technologies aiming at creating a more comprehensive ecosystem."

Future Meeting Room: The Solution for Hybrid Meetings

As hybrid work becomes the norm, efficient and versatile meeting room setups are essential. The "ViewSonic Future Meeting Room" seamlessly integrates in-person and hybrid teamwork with high accessibility, inclusive collaboration, enterprise-grade security, and remote device management capabilities. For business professionals, it supports the entire workflow, from project initiation to brainstorming and showcasing work, ensuring smooth and effective team interactions while adhering to sustainable principles, making it ideal for modern businesses.

Built on this concept, ViewSonic offers a wide range of touch and non-touch display solutions that are paired with its latest TeamJoin solution designed for Microsoft Teams Rooms, TeamOne online collaborative software, and the Manager centralized device management software to present a future-ready meeting space.

At the forum, guests can experience an ideal setup for Microsoft Teams Rooms meetings - the ViewBoard 105" 5K Interactive Display paired with TeamJoin. This combination offers a streamlined user journey, ensuring instant and efficient meetings initiated by a single touch. This 21:9 ultrawide display enhances eye-to-eye connection and provides a full view of presentation content and chat messages through front-row display mode, simulating clear and engaging face-to-face communication. With exceptional audiovisual quality, this setup exemplifies how hybrid meetings can be made more intuitive and productive.

TeamOne features intuitive handwriting capabilities and integrates whiteboarding, flow charts, and other tools. It offers various workflow templates for brainstorming and note-taking, providing a unified collaborative experience for in-person and hybrid teams. The ViewBoard built-in Manager software eases IT administrative tasks by controlling and managing apps and displays remotely on a unified platform.

Customizable Magnificent Presentation in Effortless Setup

ViewSonic's latest innovation - the Customizable All-in-One LED displays (LDC series) combines the size versatility of conventional LED displays with the installation convenience of an All-in-One design. Guests will experience the real-world application of the LDC series, which is configured at 263 inches and installed at a second-floor height, serving as welcome signage in the lobby. The displays can be even larger, from 760 inches in one unit to over 1,000 inches when multiple units are combined, suitable for entrance decorations, public advertisements, event backdrops, etc.

Future Classroom Designed to Revolutionizing Education

ViewSonic has been committed to education for years, building a strong and comprehensive product profile to support the education community. The "ViewSonic Future Classroom" initiative offers numerous benefits to schools, teachers, and students by creating a fully digitalized, interactive, and personalized learning environment.

Teachers benefit from innovative tools like ViewBoard and software such as myViewBoard, ClassSwift, and TeamOne. These facilitate dynamic digital lessons, real-time collaboration, and personalized teaching experiences while reducing class preparation time. Students gain from adaptive learning with interactive digital content and immediate feedback, fostering engagement, motivation, and improved learning outcomes tailored to their individual needs. Schools benefit from enhanced learning environments, centralized device management from the Manager for streamlined campus communication, efficient resource allocation, and improved sustainability.

Expanded Offerings to Boost Efficiency for Professionals and Creatives

ViewSonic will also showcase the latest display solutions. The new WorkPro series is designed to enhance individual video conferencing experiences, featuring Windows Hello for secure facial login and a built-in Zoom Certified camera, microphone, and speakers. The new 16:10 portable monitors, ideal for multitasking on-the-go, offer more vertical screen space and high fidelity for main screen mirroring and extension.

The ColorPro series, designed for creative professionals, includes monitors with Thunderbolt 4 technology for faster data transfer, alongside durable, portable models with a waterproof surface in a 16:10 aspect ratio. Additionally, ViewSonic showcases its first OLED gaming monitor for seasoned gamers and a new VX series model boasting a 240Hz refresh rate for novice gamers.

The forum also debuts its new ViewBoard, featuring advanced, intuitive functionalities such as the Writeaway functionality and one-stop access via NFC. For corporations seeking agile solutions, ViewSonic presents a mobile, foldable 135-inch LED display and high-brightness projectors paired with wireless screen casting kits for an instant, stable, and secure connection. Both provide a convenient setup.

Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond innovation, sustainable practices are equally important to ViewSonic. Validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), ViewSonic aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. The company's energy-efficient products include EPEAT Silver-certified ViewBoard displays, ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2024 monitors, and lamp-free LED and laser projectors, underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility.

About ViewSonic

Founded in 1987 in California, ViewSonic is a leading global visual solutions provider with a presence in over 100 countries. The company leverages over 35 years of expertise in visual technology to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software, content, and services. ViewSonic offers a wide range of products, with screen sizes spanning from 5 inches to a massive 760 inches. This includes interactive displays, large format displays, LED displays, pen displays, monitors, projectors, SaaS, AI services, interactive content, and more. This innovative ecosystem empowers education, workplaces, and individuals to foster creativity, collaboration, and seamless learning. ViewSonic focuses on designing products that deliver optimal performance and customer satisfaction while integrating sustainable production practices and upholding comprehensive environmental, social, and governance standards. The company's goal is to enable customers to "See the Difference". Learn more at www.viewsonic.com.

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Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, June 04

For immediate release

04 June 2024

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announce that it has today purchased 210,619 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 833.55 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 43,626,418; 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 181,364,885.

The figure of 181,364,885 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
EQS-Ad-hoc: Global Fashion Group S.A. / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

Global Fashion Group S.A.: GLOBAL FASHION GROUP AGREES TO REPURCHASE A PORTION OF ITS OUTSTANDING CONVERTIBLE BONDS DUE 2028 (ISIN: DE000A3KMT51)



04-Jun-2024 / 18:53 CET/CEST

Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO, OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ITS TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS, ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (THE "UNITED STATES") OR IN OR INTO ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.



Disclosure of an inside information according to Art. 17 Sec. 1 of the Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 (Market Abuse Regulation - MAR)



GLOBAL FASHION GROUP S.A.: GLOBAL FASHION GROUP AGREES TO REPURCHASE A PORTION OF ITS OUTSTANDING CONVERTIBLE BONDS DUE 2028 (ISIN: DE000A3KMT51)



Luxembourg, 4 June 2024 - Global Fashion Group S.A. (the "Issuer" or "GFG") announces that it has agreed today to repurchase EUR 9,800,000 in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding convertible bonds due 2028 (ISIN: DE000A3KMT51) (the "Bonds") from an institutional investor.



The purchase price per EUR 100,000 nominal amount will be EUR 75,000. In addition, the Company will pay interest accrued on the Bonds from and including the immediately preceding interest payment date to but excluding the settlement date of the repurchase, which is expected to amount to EUR 346 per Bond. The repurchased Bonds may be cancelled by the Company or held and resold.



Following the settlement of the repurchase which is expected to occur on or around 25 June 2024, an aggregate principal amount of the Bonds of EUR 165.7 million will be outstanding and not held by the Issuer. GFG continues to look at opportunities to reduce its outstanding Bonds.



Person making the notification: Andin Fonyonga, Group Head of Legal & Compliance



For inquiries, please contact:

Saori McKinnon

Head of Investor Relations & Communications

investors@global-fashion-group.com

press@global-fashion-group.com





Disclaimer

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be construed as a promise of future results and developments and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Various factors could cause actual future results, performance or events to differ materially from those described in this announcement, and neither the Company nor any other person accepts any responsibility for the accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement or the underlying assumptions.



This announcement may not be published, distributed or transmitted, directly or indirectly, in the United States (including its territories and possessions) or any other jurisdiction where such an announcement would be unlawful. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession this document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.



This announcement does not contain or constitute or form part of, and should not be construed as, an offer or invitation to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities to any person in the United States or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the laws of any state within the United States and may not be offered or sold in the United States, unless registered under the Securities Act or offered and sold in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will be no public offer of the securities referred to herein in the United States.



About Global Fashion Group

Global Fashion Group is the leading fashion and lifestyle destination in LATAM, SEA and ANZ. From our people to our customers and partners, we exist to empower everyone to express their true selves through fashion. Our three ecommerce platforms: Dafiti, ZALORA and THE ICONIC connect an assortment of international, local and own brands to a market of 800 million consumers from diverse cultures and lifestyles. GFG's platforms provide seamless and inspiring customer experiences from discovery to delivery, powered by art & science that is infused with unparalleled local knowledge. Our vision is to be the #1 fashion & lifestyle destination in LATAM, SEA and ANZ, and we are committed to doing this responsibly by being people and planet positive across everything we do.

(ISIN: LU2010095458)



For more information visit: www.global-fashion-group.com



End of Inside Information



04-Jun-2024 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


In Bristol, UK, attendees of the European Group Meeting focused on using technology to enable better care outcomes, patient experiences, and clinician happiness.

BRISTOL, UK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Experts from leading healthcare and medical research organisations came together at Epic's first European Group Meeting (EGM) in Bristol, UK. Participants showcased innovations that have delivered real-world improvements in areas such as quality of care, patient experience, clinician well-being, population health, and operational efficiency.

"EGM goes a step beyond other industry conferences," said Dr. Ari Ercole, Interim Chief Clinical Information Officer, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Cambridge, UK). "We discussed the challenges we're facing and how technology can help, and I left with concrete, actionable plans to improve the lives of the patients I serve. It's a must not only for hospital digital teams but also for decision makers who want to see opportunities for using the electronic health record for transformation."

Healthcare organisations around the world are having to do more with less, as clinician shortages combine with an aging population and an increased demand for specialised services. At EGM, participants shared specific ways that they are meeting these challenges to help their peers in Europe and worldwide implement similar approaches. Example topics included:

Making scheduling easier for patients and staff: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) (Manchester, UK) shared how they use patient self-scheduling capabilities to reduce administrative burden for Trust staff while delivering convenience to patients. For many specialties, patients can now schedule their own appointments through MyMFT (MFT's branding of Epic's MyChart Patient Experience Platform). In one specialty, 98% of surveyed patients said that they would recommend using MyMFT for self-scheduling.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) (Manchester, UK) shared how they use patient self-scheduling capabilities to reduce administrative burden for Trust staff while delivering convenience to patients. For many specialties, patients can now schedule their own appointments through MyMFT (MFT's branding of Epic's MyChart Patient Experience Platform). In one specialty, 98% of surveyed patients said that they would recommend using MyMFT for self-scheduling. Seeing patients more quickly with FastPass: The Oy Apotti Ab (Helsinki, Finland) shared their experience with Epic's FastPass technology. When an appointment is cancelled, FastPass automatically finds waiting list patients who are a good match. It then offers the appointment to the patient directly-without the need for manual staff intervention. At Apotti, patients scheduled via FastPass can be seen an average of 20 days sooner than their original appointment times.

The Oy Apotti Ab (Helsinki, Finland) shared their experience with Epic's FastPass technology. When an appointment is cancelled, FastPass automatically finds waiting list patients who are a good match. It then offers the appointment to the patient directly-without the need for manual staff intervention. At Apotti, patients scheduled via FastPass can be seen an average of 20 days sooner than their original appointment times. Breaking ground with artificial intelligence to create better experiences for clinicians and patients: In May, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Ziekenhuis (Tilburg, Netherlands) and Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen (Groningen, Netherlands) became two of the first organisations in the world to deploy Epic's AI-enabled Patient Summaries. This technology rapidly distills years' worth of clinical notes into a brief summary that clinicians can review, significantly reducing the amount of time needed to prepare for a high-quality patient visit.

"This conference highlighted the value in working together at a global level, on a shared technological platform, to provide exemplary patient experiences while improving clinician wellbeing," said Pippa Kassam, Chief Nursing Officer at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Exeter, UK). "It was particularly special and exciting being part of the first-ever EGM. The event was organised with such precision and thought for Epic's Europe-based customers."

EGM will be held annually to bring together providers, technology experts, and industry leaders in advancing healthcare in Europe and around the world.

Epic is a global healthcare software company that helps people get well, helps people stay well, and helps future generations be healthier. Founded in a basement in 1979 with three half-time employees, Epic is now a leading EHR software developer. Epic supports healthcare organizations in 16 countries, with more than 2,700 hospitals using Epic and over 190 million patients using Epic's MyChart patient portal to manage their care online.

For more information contact: media@epic.com. Visit www.epic.com/about.

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Rover Critical Minerals Corp. (TSXV:ROVR)(OTCQB:ROVMF)(FSE:4XO) ("Rover" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of a NI 43-101 Technical Report for its 100% owned Cabin Gold project (the "Cabin Technical Report"), NT, Canada.

The Company is also pleased to announce that it is considering strategic alternatives for its Cabin Gold project. In particular, the board of directors are considering a potential transaction pursuant to which the Company could potentially divest itself of the Cabin Gold project, either by way of a spin-out transaction, or by transacting with a Capital Pool Company ("CPC"), or a similar reverse take-over transaction. The Company has not yet identified a CPC, or other potential counterparties, or entered into any agreements in that regard. The Company anticipates disseminating a subsequent news release if and when a potential transaction is identified. Any transaction proposed to be undertaken by the Company will be subject to all requisite approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") and, potentially, the Company's shareholders.

Management of the Company do not intend to file the Cabin Technical Report on SEDAR+ until such time as they have entered into a definitive agreement with respect to a potential transaction. Parties that are able to introduce suitable transactions to the Company are invited to contact management if they wish to obtain a copy of the Cabin Technical Report.

Cabin Gold Project, NT, Canada

Rover owns a 100% interest in the Cabin Gold project, which is located 110 km northwest of the city of Yellowknife, NT, and is winter road accessible off of Highway NT3, and located at the north end of Russell Lake. The Cabin Gold project is 40km southeast of Fortune Minerals' NICO mine and the project is available for access off of the new Tlicho All-Season Road ("TASR"). The Cabin Gold project is considered to be a high-grade gold exploration project with gold hosted in iron-formation, near to surface. Exploration at Cabin dates back to the 1940's and the project has been owned and operated by legendary mining companies such as Echo Bay Mines and Aber Resources. The project has a historic resource estimate, and the Company, with diamond drilling, has both confirmed the grades of the historic drillholes, as well as, expanded the historic gold mineralized zones. Historical interest in the project has been the potential for a Lupin gold mine type of discovery. Rover is still working to establish the connectivity of the proven gold zones at Cabin, and has invested over CAD4,000,000 into exploration at the project over four years. The exploration work includes extensive ground and airborne magnetics, ground IP surveys, LiDAR mapping, and three diamond drilling campaigns. The Company has prepared an NI 43-101 Technical Report to showcase its work on the project, as well as to provide the recommended next steps for exploration.

Highlights of the Cabin Gold project include the Company's release from November 24, 2020 , when the Company announced drilling 32 meters of continuous gold averaging 13.6 grams per ton at the Arrow Zone, plus multiple other near surface, high-grade gold intercepts at the Arrow Zone. The Arrow Zone is one of the zones at Cabin which have reported historical gold resources.

Infrastructure in the area near to the Cabin project will likely benefit from Fortune Minerals recent announcements that it has secured U.S. and Canadian government funding to further the development of the neighbouring NICO mine. The NICO mine is projected to include a gold processing circuit.

Judson Culter, CEO at Rover, states: "The Northwest Territories, as a mining jurisdiction, is not as well known as the jurisdiction of Quebec, Ontario, or British Columbia, but that is starting to change. There's been a lot of positive news generated in the past year that is leading to the recognition of the NT as a jurisdiction for both gold and critical minerals. Some big critical mineral discoveries have recently been made by companies such as LiFT Power, and Loyal Lithium. Companies like Stllr Gold, continue to advance new gold mining in the territories. The Cabin Gold project can only benefit from the infrastructure being advanced by Fortune Minerals at their NICO project."

Paddy Moylan, Rover's President, comments: "We always have a laser like focus on doing good deals for our holders to create long term growth. Sometimes you have to pivot when you see an opportunity. We have been doing preliminary work on this initiative for some time and it is time to update the market accordingly. We are going to do a very good deal here for our holders. This exciting Cabin Gold project is potentially world class and it deserves to have its own listing and focus. I look forward to updating the market imminently as we make progress."

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Raul Sanabria, M.Sc., P.Geo., Eur.Geol., a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

About Rover Critical Minerals

Rover is a publicly traded junior mining company that trades on the TSXV under symbol ROVR, on the OTCQB under symbol ROVMF, and on the FSE under symbol 4XO. The Company is focussed on the permitting and exploration of the LGL project, a claystone lithium project in the Amargosa Valley of Nevada, USA.

You can follow Rover on its social media channels:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rovermetals

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rover-critical-minerals/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true

for daily company updates and industry news, and

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJsHsfag1GFyp4aLW5Ye-YQ?view_as=subscriber

for corporate videos.

Website: https://www.rovercriticalminerals.com/

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Judson Culter"

Chief Executive Officer and Director

For further information, please contact:

Email: info@rovermetals.com

Phone: +1 (778) 754-2617

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause Rover's actual results, performance, achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such 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. Forward-looking statements in this news release include information relating to Rover's business plans, including with respect to a potential transaction involving the divestment or spin-out of the Cabin Gold Project or other similar transaction (including TSXV approval and shareholder approval for any such transaction). There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate or the terms and conditions upon which a transaction involving the Cabin Gold Project will occur or if a transaction will occur at all. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any factor could cause actual results to differ materially from Rover's expectations. Rover undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates, opinions, or other factors, should change.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

SOURCE: Rover Critical Minerals Corp.

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As a software technology leader and subject matter expert in Decision Intelligence, Justin Newell, CEO of INFORM North America has been accepted as a member of the Forbes Technology Council - an Invitation-Only Community for World-Class CIOs, CTOs and Technology Executives

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / INFORM, a global leader in advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based optimization software solutions, announces that its North American CEO Justin Newell has been accepted into the Forbes Technology Council.

CEO Justin Newell becomes the Forbes Technology Council's Newest Member

Justin was nominated and vetted by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience, which includes leadership roles in Decision Intelligence solutions with learning, contextualizing, interactive, and generative AI functionalities. Through the application of Artificial Intelligence for the optimization of business processes, INFORM's software serves a variety of industries including aviation, automotive, banking/financial institutions, logistics and supply chain. Forbes' criteria for acceptance includes not only a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics but also personal and professional achievements and honors.

"We are excited to welcome INFORM CEO Justin Newell into the community," said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, the collective that includes the Forbes Technology Council. "As the Forbes Councils' mission, which is to bring together recognized leaders in their industry and create a curated, social capital-driven network, our aim is to help every member not only to grow professionally but to achieve a greater impact on the business world."

As a new member of this Council, Justin is looking forward to connecting and collaborating with other renowned leaders and experts in their field via this exclusive forum. This invitation also means Justin will be working with a professional editorial team to share his expert insights in original business articles on Forbes.com, as well as contributing to Q&A panels alongside his peers and other industry subject experts.

"I am delighted to be accepted in the Forbes Technology Council and am looking forward to becoming a highly active member. I see this as a testament to how well INFORM's software helps companies cope with the challenges of our time: shifting regulatory mandates, managing increasingly complex processes, smartly deploying applications of Decision Intelligence within a digitized workforce, as well as the transition to a future with Artificial Intelligence," said Justin Newell, CEO at INFORM North America. "This collaboration with the Forbes Technology Council will serve a myriad of industries with their application of AI for the optimization of business processes."

About Forbes Councils

Forbes Councils is a collective of invitation-only communities created in partnership with Forbes and the expert community builders who founded Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive. For more information about Forbes Technology Council, visit forbestechcouncil.com. To learn more about Forbes Councils, visit forbescouncils.com.

About INFORM

INFORM develops software to optimize business processes using artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced mathematics of Operations Research. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Aachen, Germany, the company promotes sustainable value creation in various industries through optimized Decision Intelligence Its solutions are tailored to specific industry requirements and help over 1,000 current customers worldwide to operate more resiliently and sustainably with greater success. INFORM's systems serve a range of industries including aviation, automotive, banking/financial institutions, logistics, manufacturing, transportation, telecommunications, and wholesale. The company is committed to ethical AI practices, sustainable customer relations and is increasingly focusing on cloud-based solutions. Visit INFORM at www.inform-software.com.

Corporate Press Contact

Alexander Jatscha-Zelt

Tel.: +49 (0) 151-17159-505

Sabine Walter

Tel.: +49 (0) 2408-9456-1233

Corporate Communications

Email: pressoffice@inform-software.com

Media Contact

Dawn Fontaine

Ripple Effect Communications for INFORM

Tel: +1 617 536 8889

Email: Dawn@RippleEffectPR.com

SOURCE: INFORM GmbH

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Climate stewardship is a core pillar of KeyBank's corporate responsibility strategy. The organization has taken deliberate actions to build a sustainable business model that manage risks, capitalizes on opportunities, and drives the transition to a low-carbon economy - inside and outside of the company.

As part of this effort, Key recently hired Marissa Brydle as their new sustainability director. Marissa will lead the development and execution of climate strategies and disclosures, with a focus on driving Key's achievement of their climate-related commitments. She will also serve as the primary contact with representatives from various stakeholder groups including investors and disclosure organizations.

"We are thrilled to welcome Marissa to KeyBank as our new sustainability director," said Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer and CEO of KeyBank Foundation. "Her expertise and passion for environmental stewardship will be instrumental as we advance our commitment to sustainable practices that drive meaningful impact in the communities we serve."

Prior to joining Key, Marissa led the corporate sustainability team at Cleveland-Cliffs for three years serving all major operations, business lines, and corporate functions. She worked directly with executive leadership to develop strategy and messaging, set goals, and manage external reporting activities. Marissa has 15 years of experience in sustainability strategy and disclosure - the majority spent consulting with and guiding companies through their sustainability journeys from the early stages to mature programs.

Marissa earned bachelor's and master's degrees from John Carroll University, where she previously served as a part-time lecturer. She previously served as a board member (including a term as board chair) for over nine years at Adoption Network Cleveland.

Marissa Brydle, KeyBank Sustainability Director

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: KeyBank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: KeyBank

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kymera International ("Kymera"), a global leading specialty materials and surface technologies company, has signed an agreement to acquire Fiven ASA ("Fiven") from OpenGate Capital. The deal is expected to close following customary regulatory approvals.

With production facilities in Norway, Belgium and Brazil, as well as a global distribution network, Fiven is a pioneer in the development of technically advanced silicon carbide materials to a wide range of high-growth end markets. Through its recent R&D initiatives, Fiven has developed and marketed unique, high purity materials for the power electronics industries, such as semiconductors and lithium-ion batteries. Under the leadership of Fiven's CEO, Falk Ast, the company continues to drive innovation, deep collaborative relationships with its customers and a strong emphasis on ESG.

"Fiven has all of the strong attributes we look for in an acquisition. They have an excellent reputation for quality and service, are aligned with Kymera's strategy of focusing on attractive end markets such as electronics, aerospace and defense, and have an outstanding management team and dedicated workforce," comments Barton White, CEO of Kymera. "We are excited to partner with Falk and his team to continue growing Fiven and capitalize on the numerous operational and commercial synergies we have already identified."

Kymera has been owned by affiliates of Palladium Equity Partners, LLC (collectively, "Palladium"), a middle market private equity firm with over $3 billion in assets under management, since 2018.

"The acquisition of Fiven will accelerate Kymera's mission to become a high-growth specialty materials and chemicals platform, and unlocks substantial organic growth opportunities for the combined business," adds Adam Shebitz, Partner at Palladium Equity Partners. "Altogether, Kymera is well on its way towards achieving Palladium's investment objectives, having more than tripled in size from our initial investment, while creating a more resilient business oriented towards the industries of tomorrow."

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Kymera's M&A efforts were advised by Lazard and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and its debt financing was advised by Piper Sandler, Goldman Sachs and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.

OpenGate Capital was advised by Baird and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.

About Kymera International

Kymera International, through acquisitions, can trace its roots back to the 1800's. Today, Kymera International is a U.S. owned, leading global developer and manufacturer of advanced specialty materials and high-performance surface coatings. Kymera sells its technically developed products into a wide variety of end markets, including aerospace, defense, medical, electronics, chemical, specialty auto, additive manufacturing, and numerous industrial applications. Kymera International has manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe, UK and Asia. For more information, please visit www.kymerainternational.com.

About Palladium Equity Partners, LLC

Since its founding in 1997, Palladium has invested in more than 210 companies (40 platforms and more than 170 add-ons). With over $3 billion in AUM, the firm focuses primarily on buyout equity investments in the range of $50 million to $150 million. Palladium seeks to acquire and grow companies in partnership with founders and experienced management teams by providing capital and strategic guidance. The partners of the firm have meaningful experience in consumer, services, industrials, and healthcare businesses, with a focus on companies they believe will benefit from the growth in the U.S. Hispanic population. For more information, visit www.palladiumequity.com.

About Fiven ASA

Fiven is a global leader in silicon carbide (SiC), a material used a variety of industrial applications. SiC is recognized for superior hardness, high thermal conductivity and chemical inertness, making it the preferred material for demanding applications: abrasive, metallurgy, filtration, technical ceramics and other uses. Fiven has manufacturing sites in Norway, Brazil and Belgium. For more information, please visit www.fiven.com.

About OpenGate Capital

OpenGate Capital is a global private equity firm specializing in the acquisition and operation of businesses to create new value through operational improvements, innovation, and growth. Established in 2005, OpenGate Capital is headquartered in Los Angeles, California with a European office in Paris, France. OpenGate's professionals possess the critical skills needed to acquire, transition, operate, build, and scale successful businesses. To date, OpenGate Capital has executed more than 40 platform acquisitions across North America and Europe. To learn more about OpenGate, please visit www.opengatecapital.com.

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SINGAPORE, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move that underscores its commitment to broadening the reach and usability of Web3 technologies, HTX Ventures, the global investment arm of the cryptocurrency exchange HTX, has announced a strategic investment in NexGami, a pioneering Web3 gaming platform.

NexGami is a Web3 gaming platform aiming to be the prime venue for hosting competitive gaming events across various titles. Their recently raised $2.5 million seed round will be instrumental in advancing NexGami's platform. NexGami's mission is to integrate traditional gamers into the Web3 ecosystem, providing tangible benefits through tokenomics. The platform will offer seamless integration for game developers, enabling users to organize tournaments, players to compete for rewards, and content creators to share their gaming experiences.

"HTX Ventures is always looking for innovative projects that lower the gateway of Web3 entrance, not only for the retail user but also for businesses. By releasing games like MetaMyth and onboarding traditional gaming projects on-chain, NexGami is introducing more people into Web3 through gaming. HTX Ventures is excited to support their journey in transforming the gaming landscape through Web3," said Edward, Managing Partner of HTX Ventures.

"We are immensely grateful for the support from our investors, which will enable us to accelerate our development and bring our vision of a revolutionary Web3 gaming platform to life," said Brice Bian, Founder and CEO of NexGami.

NexGami debuted its $NEXG token recently at the end of May, with the token listing coming up on HTX along with this seed round announcement.

About HTX Ventures

HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, integrates investment, incubation, and research to identify the best and brightest teams worldwide. With a decade-long history as an industry pioneer, HTX Ventures excels at identifying cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models within the sector. To foster growth within the blockchain ecosystem, we provide comprehensive support to projects, including financing, resources, and strategic advice.

HTX Ventures currently backs over 200 projects spanning multiple blockchain sectors, with select high-quality initiatives already trading on the HTX exchange. Furthermore, as one of the most active Fund of Funds (FOF) investors, HTX Ventures collaboratively forges the blockchain ecosystem alongside premier global blockchain funds, including IVC, Shima, and Animoca.

Contact Details

Michael Wang

glo-media@htx-inc.com

Company Website

https://www.htx.com/en-us/ventures

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / CASE, a brand of CNH, presented 11 products at the M&T Expo 2024 including an eco-friendly compact (850M) crawler tractor and a new version of the W20G wheel loader.

The event held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in April, also included a new line with four mini-excavators, including an electric machine.

"We have been following the evolution of the industry and are committed to offering our customers and partners the most advanced and efficient solutions on the market. The new additions to our portfolio reaffirm our commitment to making our customers' businesses even more profitable and sustainable," says Carlos Franca, leader of CASE Construction Equipment for Latin America.

One of the launches is the new compact crawler tractor, the 850M. After the investments made by CNH, announced last year, the global production of this line of compact crawler tractors began to be concentrated at the company's plant in Contagem, in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. With the local production of the model, CASE becomes the only brand producing this line in Brazil. The machine will be marketed in the country and exported to markets in the United States and Asia-Pacific.

With different types of tracks that allow it to adapt to a variety of terrains, CASE's compact crawler tractor comes with new features in terms of comfort, safety and environmental performance. Its pollutant emission control goes beyond legislative requirements, ensuring an eco-efficient operation. In addition, the treadmill locomotion provides superior grip on the ground and an optimized weight distribution, allowing use on unstable terrain without compacting the soil.

One of CASE's launches celebrated the milestone of 50 years of production in Brazil this year. Since its arrival, the W20 has established itself as a benchmark for power and reliability. With a renewed focus on comfort, the new version of the machine promises a lighter and more intuitive operation. The cab on the front frame provides the operator with better visibility, allowing them to work accurately and efficiently in a variety of challenging environments. In addition, the W20G, because it has the cab on the front chassis, has a shorter chassis, combined with one of the largest engines in the category.

Another CASE launch at M&T Expo 2024 was the brand's first line of mini excavators in Brazil. Composed of the CX22D, CX35D and CX42D models, this new line, produced in Italy, arrives in Brazil with proven credibility in the international market and another business option for customers. The brand also presents the CX15EV, a 100% electric concept machine. Dynamic, it is easy to carry and fits in almost any work environment, whether outdoor or indoor.

CASE offers its entire portfolio produced in Brazil with telemetry capabilities. With 100% connected machines, it is possible to perform predictive maintenance, identification of problems or imminent failures, optimization of fuel use, performance analysis, in addition to efficient scheduling of tasks, increasing productivity and reducing downtime, among other possibilities.

And to bring all this information together in one place, the brand launched a new platform, myCASE Construction. The tool is accessible from any device with an internet connection and the customer can monitor their entire fleet in real time, in addition to having direct contact with the dealer network and the factory.

Launched last year at the Contagem plant, the brand has a support center, the CASE SiteConnect Center, which has a team of specialists to provide all the necessary support, ensuring quick responses and efficient delivery in operations.

A W20G Wheel Loader

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH Industrial on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: CNH Industrial

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cnh-industrial

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: CNH Industrial

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COLORADO SPRINGS, CO / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Fortitude Gold Corp. (OTCQB:FTCO) (the "Company") announced continued multiple wide, high-grade oxide gold drill intercepts from its East White Rock Springs target located on the northern portion of the East Camp Douglas property. Intercepts include 1.52 meters grading 2.41 grams per tonne (g/t) gold within 18.29 meters grading 1.03 g/t gold, 1.52 meters grading 4.36 g/t gold within 10.67 meters grading 1.02 g/t gold, and 6.10 meters grading 1.48 g/t gold within 22.86 meters grading 0.91 g/t gold. Fortitude Gold is a gold producer, developer, and explorer with operations in Nevada, U.S.A. offering investors exposure to both gold production and dividend yield.

East White Rock Springs drill highlights include (m=meters, g/t=grams per tonne) (full drill table below):

Hole# ECDRC-183:

10.67 m of 1.02 g/t gold

incl.

1.52 m of 4.36 g/t gold

Hole# ECDRC-185:

9.14 m of 1.10 g/t gold

incl.

3.05 m of 2.41 g/t gold

Hole# ECDRC-186:

22.86 m of 0.91 g/t gold

incl.

6.10 m of 1.48 g/t gold

Hole# ECDRC-187:

18.29 m of 1.03 g/t gold

incl.

1.52 m of 2.41 g/t gold

Multiple rounds of drilling at East Camp Douglas North in 2023 and 2024 have returned numerous high-grade gold intercepts. Company drilling, combined with historic third-party drilling, continue to define a high-grade gold system at East Camp Douglas North and this recent drill program adds to the current geologic model.

"East Camp's East White Rock Springs target has returned notable thick, high-grade gold intervals," stated Mr. Allan Turner, Vice President of Exploration for Fortitude Gold. "This program focused on infill drilling in previously untested orientations in the central portion of the target area, and further delineation of gold-bearing intervals in the north central portion. We recently completed geophysical surveys in the White Rock Springs area and are in the process of analyzing the data. We believe gold mineralization at White Rock Springs is associated with NNE striking faults and also will continue to test a regional East-West oriented fault corridor."

EAST CAMP DOUGLAS, EAST WHITE ROCK SPRINGS, JUNE 2024 DRILL SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS Hole # Angle From Interval Au Hole # Angle From Interval Au deg Meters Meters g/t deg Meters Meters g/t ECDRC-157 -90 0.00 12.19 0.97 ECDRC-186 -45 4.57 22.86 0.91 incl. 0.00 3.05 1.22 incl. 9.14 1.52 2.82 incl. 9.14 3.05 1.97 incl. 12.19 6.10 1.48 ECDRC-158 -45 0.00 4.57 0.74 28.96 4.57 0.67 ECDRC-159 -45 1.52 3.05 0.93 ECDRC-187 -55 3.05 4.57 1.14 incl. 1.52 1.52 1.19 incl. 3.05 1.52 2.04 ECDRC-161 -45 1.52 4.57 0.51 13.72 18.29 1.03 ECDRC-164 -45 120.40 3.05 1.08 incl. 25.91 1.52 2.41 124.97 7.62 0.81 ECDRC-188 -45 7.62 3.05 1.45 137.16 1.52 2.50 15.24 1.52 0.78 141.73 3.05 0.64 22.86 3.05 0.41 ECDRC-180 -45 0.00 4.57 0.31 28.96 1.52 0.50 ECDRC-181 -45 3.05 1.52 0.53 ECDRC-189 -45 0.00 1.52 0.31 ECDRC-183 -45 0.00 10.67 1.02 9.14 1.52 0.77 incl. 3.05 1.52 4.36 ECDRC-190 -45 9.14 1.52 0.39 16.76 3.05 0.41 21.34 3.05 0.58 ECDRC-184 -45 0.00 6.10 0.96 Assays by American Assay Laboratories, Sparks, Nevada, USA. Meters downhole, not true width. incl. 3.05 1.52 1.91 44.20 7.62 0.97 ECDRC-185 -45 0.00 9.14 1.10 incl. 4.57 3.05 2.41 10.67 1.52 0.54 22.86 3.05 0.58

About Fortitude Gold Corp.:

Fortitude Gold is a U.S. based gold producer targeting projects with low operating costs, high margins, and strong returns on capital. The Company's strategy is to grow organically, remain debt-free and distribute substantial dividends. The Company's Nevada Mining Unit consists of seven high-grade gold properties located in the Walker Lane Mineral Belt and an eighth high-grade gold property in west central Nevada. The Isabella Pearl gold mine, located on the Isabella Pearl mineralized trend, is currently in production. Nevada, U.S.A. is among the world's premier mining friendly jurisdictions.

Cautionary Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. If you are risk-averse you should NOT buy shares in Fortitude Gold Corp. The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "target", "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the statements regarding the Company's strategy, future plans for production, future expenses and costs, future liquidity and capital resources, and estimates of mineralized material are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release.

Contact:

Greg Patterson

719-717-9825

greg.patterson@fortitudegold.com

www.Fortitudegold.com

SOURCE: Fortitude Gold Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Sendero Resources Corp. (TSXV:SEND) (the "Company" or "Sendero") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Raymond D. Harari as President of the Company effective June 4th, 2024.

Mr. Harari is the founder of Canalis Capital, a Panama-based merchant bank focused on disruptive industries. Mr. Harari has been a senior executive and board director of several Canadian publicly listed mineral exploration companies, including serving in the roles of President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Bald Eagle Gold Corp. (TSXV: BIG) from March 2021 - August 2022, the predecessor to Hercules Silver Corp., and was instrumental in its transition from a Nevada focused gold explorer to an Idaho silver exploration company, which culminated in a significant equity investment by Barrick Gold in 2023. Mr. Harari graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania with a BSE in systems engineering and a minor in engineering entrepreneurship and mathematics.

"I am honoured to join Sendero as a senior executive at such a pivotal time for the Company. Argentina represents an exciting opportunity for us with its rich mineral potential and supportive regulatory environment. I look forward to leveraging my experience to advance our exploration portfolio, foster strong community and stakeholder relationships, and create significant value for our shareholders," said Raymond D. Harari, President of Sendero.

In accordance with the terms of the Company's 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), the Company has issued an aggregate of 3,500,000 restricted share units (the "RSUs") to Mr. Harari and the Company's non-executive directors. The RSUs issuable to Mr. Harari are subject to vesting conditions, whereby 60% will vest on the first anniversary of the grant and the balance in semi-annual installments over following year, and the RSUs issuable to the Company's non-executive directors will fully vest on the first anniversary of the grant, subject in each case to the terms of the Plan.

The Company also announces the resignation of Mr. Jimmy Lim as Director of the Company. The Board of Directors and management of Sendero thank Mr. Lim for his contributions to the Company.

About Sendero Resources Corp.

The Company is focused on copper-gold exploration at its 100% owned Penas Negras Project in the Vicuna Belt in Argentina. The Penas Negras Project has similar geological characteristics to other deposits in the Vicuna Belt and a cluster of porphyry and epithermal targets have been identified on the project. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Barton SAS, is the holder of ten granted mining concessions covering 120 km2 in the province of La Rioja, Argentina. The Company also has an option agreement to earn 80% interest on eight granted mining concessions covering 91.7 km2 adjacent to the East of the Penas Negras Project. The Company has an experienced management and exploration team who will use their expertise and operational knowledge to advance the multiple targets across the project.

Further Information

For further information, please contact:

Sendero Resources Corp.

Michael Wood, Executive Chairman

Email: michael@senderoresources.com

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of 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 press release. 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 are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Cautionary Statement

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. The appointment of Mr. Harari as president and the issuance of the RSUs are subject to final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

SOURCE: Sendero Resources Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
EQS-News: CPI PROPERTY GROUP / Key word(s): Real Estate

CPI PROPERTY GROUP - Latest Short Seller Report



04.06.2024 / 23:23 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



CPI Property Group

(societe anonyme)

40, rue de la Vallee

L-2661 Luxembourg

R.C.S. Luxembourg: B 102 254



Press Release - Corporate News



Luxembourg, 4 June 2024



CPI PROPERTY GROUP - Latest Short Seller Report



CPI PROPERTY GROUP ("CPIPG" or the "Group") has prepared a response to the latest report by our short seller.



Similar to the multiple reports published previously, the latest report is of poor quality. CPIPG clearly sees that our short seller needs to make money and is willing to write anything to damage the Group's reputation. False statements, photos of our primary shareholder's teenage daughters, apparently nothing is off limits.



This time, our short seller focused on last year's contribution of assets in Dubai by our primary shareholder. Because the Dubai transaction took place after the short-seller's initial misguided attack, CPIPG anticipated that we would receive questions. Hence, the transaction was subjected to extra layers of scrutiny and review.



Background

As outlined in CPIPG's first response to the short seller in December 2023, Radovan Vitek contributed around 1.4 billion to CPIPG on a net basis between 2013 and 2022. Since the Group was founded more than 30 years ago, consistent with the practices of other closely held companies, CPIPG has provided loans to our shareholder, which were regularly repaid with proceeds from annual share buybacks or through asset contributions. All the loans were accurately disclosed, and the topic was regularly discussed with our banks, bondholders, and other stakeholders.



CPIPG understands that the practice of providing shareholder loans is not ideal for a company of our size and scale of public market activity. Therefore, the Group has committed to ending the practice and plans to rely only on share buybacks going forward.



In Q4 2023, CPIPG approached our shareholder about a capital contribution to strengthen the Group's balance sheet and repay loans before year-end. Radovan Vitek proposed the contribution of the Dubai assets, which were acquired over the past few years as a personal investment. From a business perspective, CPIPG believed the assets had excellent potential for both quick sales and long-term price appreciation, considering the vibrant demand for luxury homes in the UAE.



Valuation and Disclosure

The valuation of the Dubai properties was subjected to multiple levels of scrutiny. The first level of valuation was conducted by Cavendish Maxwell, which is a highly respected expert in the UAE, in accordance with the RICS Red Book Global Standards. PwC reviewed the transaction, and Dentons provided legal advice. Finally, as an extra step the Group received an initial valuation from CBRE that was consistent with the original. The transaction was then reviewed and approved by CPIPG's board of directors.



CPIPG disclosed that the properties were in various stages of development and that progress payments were being made. The valuation was based on recent sales of comparable units and was conducted on a net basis, e.g., net of any future capital expenditure required to complete the units. On that basis, CPIPG calculated that the 273m acquisition price represented a 22% discount to a net valuation of 349 million, generating equity of 76 million. However, CPIPG decided to record a more conservative valuation of 298 million for year-end 2023, meaning that the transaction generated equity of 25 million.



The total expected capital expenditure associated with the Dubai assets is 233 million. Approximately 50 million per year is scheduled in 2024 and 2025, about 120 million at the end of 2026, and the balance in 2027. As capital expenditure is spent, the value of the properties would naturally increase. The properties can be sold prior to completion (e.g., before the capital expenditure is spent) or after completion.



Notably, capital expenditure related to the Dubai assets can be self-funded via sales of completed Dubai assets or through loans. CPIPG has already engaged in discussions with several UAE banks about financing the remaining payments with either a conventional or Islamic loan.



The Group's total capital expenditure was 376 million in 2023 and 382m in 2022. Future levels of capital expenditures should not deviate significantly from the past. Historically, about 25-30% of the Group's capital expenditures related to maintenance (e.g., repairing basic fixtures), about 30% was for refurbishment (including investments in environmental performance), with the remaining 40-45% for new development (partly for sale). In general, most new developments of the Group are fully financed with development loans from local banks.



Our short seller appears unable to differentiate between debt and capital expenditures. Future payment obligations are included as capital expenditures contracted (see Note 9 of CPIPG's 2023 Financial Statements), in line with IFRS accounting standards. The book value reflects the deduction of committed capital expenditure from the gross development value, and thus future payments are not considered debt. Finally, the Dubai assets were reported as "investment property" in the development segment of CPIPG's 2023 management report.



Recent Sales

CPIPG recently completed the sale of one of the smaller completed units, The Address Residence at Sky View, above book value (sale price of AED25.5 million or 6.3 million, relative to the book value of 5.8 million). CPIPG expects to announce additional sales in the coming months.



For further information, please contact:



Investor Relations

Moritz Mayer

m.mayer@cpipg.com



For more on CPI Property Group, visit our website: www.cpipg.com

Follow us on X (CPIPG_SA) and LinkedIn



04.06.2024 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Ceres applauds the executive order issued today by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, establishing a whole-of-government approach to climate change.

"Maryland has proven itself as a national climate leader in recent years, with some of the most ambitious goals in the country. These efforts have come with significant support from major businesses, who recognize that climate action brings additional investment into the state while protecting the economy from the damages of the climate crisis," said Jeff Mauk, director of eastern state policy, Ceres. "Ceres and the businesses we work with applaud Gov. Moore's governmentwide approach to the climate crisis. This is a smart strategy for Maryland to achieve the many benefits of the clean energy economy by ensuring all policymakers are acting together to meet the state's goals."

Gov. Moore's executive order includes widespread coordination across government agencies to implement the state's climate plan, ensure all communities and residents benefit from it, and establish new reporting measures to track progress toward the climate goals that passed with strong business support in recent years.

Ceres has helped build business support for Maryland's ambitious climate policies in recent years, including through a 2022 letter to top policymakers in support of groundbreaking legislation that requires the state to effectively eliminate climate pollution by 2045. That letter, signed by major businesses including Nestle, Siemens USA, and Walmart, called on lawmakers to pass the legislation so that "Maryland will continue to develop as a hub of innovation and attract forward-thinking companies ready to invest in the clean energy future."

Ceres also organized corporate support for clean vehicle policies in Maryland and recent legislation that better aligns the state's EmPOWER energy efficiency program with its climate laws.

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line-changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Ceres on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Ceres

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/ceres

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Ceres

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2024) - Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. (CSE: HPSS) (OTCQB: HPSIF) (FSE: E092) ("Hybrid" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered prospectus offering of units (the "Units") for gross proceeds of $541,800 (the "Offering"). Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.32 per Common Share until May 29, 2026, subject to acceleration.

The acceleration clause of the Warrants provides that, if the daily volume-weighted average price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (or such other stock exchange where the majority of Common Share trading volume occurs) exceeds $0.40 for a period of five consecutive trading days between the closing date of the Offering and the expiry of the Warrants, then the Company may, at any time, in its discretion, accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by providing written notice to the Warrant holders by news release. If the Company provides such notice, then any unexercised Warrants will expire on the 30th day after the date on which the news release is disseminated.

In connection with the first tranche of the Offering, the Company paid finders' fees of $27,426 and issued 91,420 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") to eligible finders, representing a 7.0% finder's fee on certain subscriptions in the Offering. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.32 per Common Share until May 29, 2026.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for general working capital and corporate purposes.

The Offering was made by means of the Company's prospectus supplement dated April 17, 2024 (the "Prospectus Supplement") and the accompanying base shelf prospectus dated March 14, 2024 (the "Shelf Prospectus"). Complete details of the Offering are set out in the Prospectus Supplement, and the Prospectus Supplement together with the Shelf Prospectus can be obtained under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

The securities referenced in this news release 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 applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to "U.S. persons" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any jurisdiction.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Francois Byrne

CEO and Director

invest@hybridps.ca

1 (866) 549-2743

www.investhps.com

About Hybrid Power Solutions Inc.

Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. is a Canadian clean energy company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "HPSS". Hybrid specializes in the development of sustainable energy solutions, offering products that redefine how industries approach access to power and energy storage. With a focus on innovation and environmental responsibility, HPS continues to lead the way in providing scalable, cost-effective power solutions.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the use of the Offering proceeds. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "will be", "intends", "expected" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management of the Company, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended including without limitation those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Shelf Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.



To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/211729

SOURCE: Hybrid Power Solutions Inc.
Spectacular finale with the Japanese fireworks display.

- Picture is available at AP -

Dusseldorf, Germany, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Japan-Tag Dusseldorf/NRW 2024 was once again a complete success. On 1 June, Dusseldorf city centre was transformed into a lively celebration of Japanese culture for the 21st time. Around 630.000 visitors enjoyed the varied programme between Reuterkaserne and Landtagswiese. The programme consisted of unique cultural highlights ranging from traditional Japanese arts to modern pop culture and sporting activities.

This year's Japan Day also offered an impressive variety of Japanese delicacies thanks to the extended catering offer. For the first time, vegan stalls and cocktail stands were also represented, making the culinary experience even more varied.

The 'Clean Japan Day' campaign to promote sustainability and cleanliness was expanded this year. All stalls were obliged to offer reusable crockery this year. Thanks to the cooperation with 'Team Clean/Green', additional attention was paid to the cleanliness of the event. Together with volunteers, the team helped to keep the event locations as clean as possible.

With her impressive performance, Japanese artist Higuchi Ai provided a magnificent finale to the programme on the main stage at Burgplatz.

The spectacular Japanese fireworks display under the motto 'Gold medals and golden rain over Dusseldorf: Olympic splendour from Tokyo to Paris' lit up the Dusseldorf night sky, impressively rounding off the 21st Japan Day with the popular golden rain.

All further information on Japan-Tag Dusseldorf/NRW can be found on the official website at www.japantag-duesseldorf-nrw.de.

The official hashtag: japantagDUSNRW

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Japan-Tag

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japantag_duesseldorf/

Your contact person for further questions:

D.LIVE GmbH & Co. KG

Annalena Mandrella - Head of Communications

T +49 (0)211 / 15 98 - 12 72

E-Mail: presse@d-live.de

www.d-live.de

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/japan-tag-dusseldorfnrw-2024-around-630-000-visitors-celebrate-a-festival-of-japanese-culture-and-community-in-dusseldorf-302163633.html
Overcast HQ, a Dublin, Ireland-based video management company, raised $1.2M in Bridge funding.

Backers included Paddy Flynn, VP of Maps for Google, Professor Anil Kokaram, Chair of Electronic Engineering at Trinity College Dublin and former lead of the Media Algorithms team at YouTube, David Shackleton, who sold Openback to X (formerly Twitter), as well as George Kilpatrick, Overcast HQs Chief Revenue Officer.

The company intends to use the funds to further grow the team and continue product development, and to expand its client footprint across the globe.

Founded by CEO Philippe Brodeur, Overcast is a provider of a video management platform with recently launched new generative AI capabilities that enable customers to automate metadata tagging, find content with conversational search functionality, and increase speed to market.

The company works with brands including Diageo, Royal Opera House, Vodafone and Yeti,

FinSMEs

04/06/2024
The Desire Company, a Chicago, IL-based expert product education company, closed its Series B funding round, increasing its valuation to $97m.

The round was led by Cleveland Avenue and supported by Valor Siren Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to further enhance its expert community expansion, and elevate production capabilities to meet RMN demand growth.

Led by CEO Eric Sheinkop, The Desire Company is a provider of product review videos aiming to help shoppers make confident purchase decisions.

The funding coincided with the debut of The Desire Companys Retail RMEDI 360 (Retail Media Expert Distribution Ignitor). The platform is designed to enable brands and retailers to integrate expert product education throughout the shopper experience, empowering consumers with valuable information to make informed purchasing decisions.

The platform offers brands and retailers access to a comprehensive suite of tools and integration, streamlining the management and distribution of expert-driven video content. Key features include:

Content integration across consumer journey

Shoppable QR codes for in-store use

Analytics dashboard

FinSMEs

04/06/2024
Tallinn, Estonia, June 4th, 2024, Chainwire

SwissBorg, a leading European cryptocurrency investment platform, is proud to announce its full compliance with the Financial Conduct Authoritys (FCA) stringent rules on financial promotions in the UK.

One of a few cryptocurrency platforms to ensure such compliance in the UK, SwissBorg ensures that UK users are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the world of cryptocurrency investments.

SwissBorg has implemented robust measures to comply with the UKs financial promotions regulation, emphasising user education and protection. As part of this commitment, all UK users are required to complete financial risk assessments forms before starting their investment journeys with SwissBorg. These steps are designed to ensure that users possess the basic investing skills needed to make informed decisions in the sometimes volatile crypto market.

Our partnership with Gateway21 has been instrumental in aligning our platform with the FCAs regulations, said Cyrus Fazel, CEO and co-founder of SwissBorg. We believe that empowering our users with the right knowledge is crucial for their success and safety in the crypto space. We are excited to welcome the UK community to our platform, where they can invest with the confidence that SwissBorg is abiding by all the best practices.

SwissBorgs approach goes beyond mere compliance; it reflects the companys dedication to creating a compliant and user-friendly investment environment. The platform offers an accessible and easy-to-use interface, with a range of educational resources ensuring that users of all levels can enhance their financial literacy.

In addition to the educational initiatives, SwissBorg continues to innovate its platform, providing users with advanced tools and features to optimise their investment strategies and operate in the world of decentralised finance (DeFi). The platforms user-centric design and commitment to transparency have earned it a strong reputation among crypto enthusiasts worldwide.

As SwissBorg opens its doors to the UK community, it reiterates its mission to democratise wealth management by making it fun, fair, and community-centric. The companys adherence to regulatory standards underscores its dedication to building a sustainable and trustworthy crypto investment ecosystem.

For more information about SwissBorg and its services, users can visit www.swissborg.com.

About SwissBorg

SwissBorg is a leading blockchain-based wealth management platform and app offering innovative solutions to democratise wealth management by making it fun, fair, and community-centric. Engineered in Lausanne, Switzerland, SwissBorg leverages the power of blockchain technology, its Smart Engine (an exchange aggregator) and decentralised finance (DeFi) to provide users with a wide range of financial products and services.

Contact

Mr

Micah Thompson

SwissBorg

[email protected]
N Chandrababu Naidu has taken oath as the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for a fourth time. Five years after being wrested from power by Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief has returned with a thumping mandate. Heres the story of the veteran politician, who has become a key player in national politics read more

N Chandrababu Naidu has taken oath as Andhra Pradesh's CM. PTI File Photo

Chandrababu Naidu has made an incredible comeback in Andhra Pradesh.

The veteran leader has been sworn in as the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for the fourth time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Cabinet ministers Amit Shah, JP Nadda and Nitin Gadkari, were present at Kesarapalli IT Park to attend the ceremony.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which tied up with the Janasena (JSP) and BJP for the election, scripted a landslide victory in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the state.

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According to the Election Commission, the TDP won 135 of the 175 Assembly seats. Pawan Kalyans JSP won all 21 Assembly segments it contested and the BJP got eight seats.

The NDA alliance clinched 21 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats, with the TDP bagging 16, the BJP three and the JSP two.

The YS Jagan Mohan Redd-led Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) faltered badly, winning just 11 Assembly seats and four Lok Sabha seats.

Remember, Naidu, 74, was swept out of office in 2019.

But what do we know about Naidu? And how did he make a big comeback?

Lets take a closer look:

Early years

Nara Chandrababu Naidu was born on 20 April, 1950 at Naravaripalli in Andhra Pradeshs undivided Chittoor district.

Naidu was born to a farming family.

His father N Kharjura Naidu was a cultivator, while his mother Ammanamma was a housewife.

We used to grow sugarcane, then make jaggery. Our annual income in those days was at least Rs 30,000, Amanamma told Rediff.com.

Naidu attended Seshapuram Primary School  to which hed travel a kilometre and a half every day  up to class 5.

He then attended Chandragiri government high school till Class 9.

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M Narayana Sastry, Naidus Telugu teacher at the Chandragiri school told Rediff.com, He always had leadership qualities. Being active, intelligent and hard-working, he always used to attract the attention of fellow students.''

Naidu went to Tirupati for his higher education.

According to Britannica, Naidu received a bachelors degree from Tirupatis Venkateswara University in 1972.

Naidu then enrolled in a masters degree at the university.

In 1974, Naidu began working on his PhD on the subject of the economic ideas of professor NG Ranga, according to Rediff.com.

Naidu was guided by professor DL Narayana, who served as the state finance commission chair of Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu did not finish his PhD, professor J Sai Baba told Rediff.com.

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He was not very academic, professor D Narayana Rao of the physics department added. At the same time we cannot say he was not interested in academics. Nor can we say he always had an eye on politics.

Political plunge

However, it was at the Venkateswara University where he began his over four-decade-long political career  at first as a student leader.

Naidu then joined the Congress.

Chandrababu Naidu served as local youth president of the Congress under Indira Gandhi. AFP

According to Britannica, Naidu was the local youth president of the Congress during the Emergency imposed by then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

He also became an intimate of Indiras eldest son Sanjay Gandhi.

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In the late 1970s, when there was a cyclone in the area, Chandrababu Naidu and I organised 40 buses to take students to a Sanjay Gandhi meeting, ex- Srikalahasti MLA V Subramaniam told the website. Both of us personally pasted all the Sanjay posters from Renigunta airport to Srikalashasti.

Naidu in 1978 won a seat in the Andhra Pradesh state Assembly.

He had got a Congress ticket in 1978 under the 20 per cent quota for youth, professor Sai Baba told Rediff.com. Professor N G Ranga and G Ramgopal Naidu (whose daughter G Aruna Kumari contested the Chandragiri assembly election as a Congress candidate) played a key role in this regard.

Naidu also served as a state cabinet minister.

It was at this time that Naidu wed the daughter of film superstar NT Rama Rao  who founded the TDP and was chief minister of Andhra Pradesh three times.

Naidu in 1983 lost his re-election race to the Assembly as the TDP dominated the state polls.

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Naidu now abandoned the Congress for the TDP.

Rise to top of TDP

According to Britannica, Naidu gained NTRs favour after he helped stymie the Congress effort to remove NTR as chief minister in 1984.

Naidu became TDP general secretary the next year.

Though he did not hold a position in the NTR government, he was thought to have great influence in the party.

When the TPD was in the Opposition in Andhra Pradesh, Naidu played the role of party coordinator

His efforts were thought to be an important part of the TDPs success during 1994 polls.

In 1995, Naidu rebelled against his father-in-law over the growing influence of NTRs second wife Lakshmi Parvathi.

Naidu was then unanimously chosen as the TDP chief and took over as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh.

So deep was the resentment against Lakshmi Parvathi (NTRs second wife) that if he had not done it, some other MLA would have become the CM, Naidu told Rediff.com. The whole Nandamuri family supported him in this regard. But NTR was a dejected man, and he died soon after.

What else could he do if NTR continued to pamper his second wife? asked Amannama. The whole family was against her.

Naidu also played a key role in forming the first NDA government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

That administration got support from the TDP.

According to The Hindu, Naidu was Vajpayees Man Friday from 1999 to 2003.

CM of Andhra Pradesh

His first two terms as chief minister came during the era of united Andhra Pradesh  from 1995 to 2004.

The third term came after Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh 10 years ago.

As the chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, Naidu emerged as the chief architect of modern Hyderabad, playing a key role in developing the hi-tech city and turning it into a major hub.

Naidu was called the CEO of Andhra Pradesh."

He won several awards including the Business Person of the Year by Economic Times.

In 2014, Naidu emerged as the first chief minister of the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh and served it until 2019.

Chandrababu Naidu was called the CEO of Andhra Pradesh. PTI

In his third-term as CM, he championed Amaravati to be the capital city of the southern state.

However, the 2019 polls saw the YSRCP annihilate the TDP.

The Reddy-led party won a massive 151 of 175 Assembly seats including key constituencies such as Kadapa, Kurnool, Nellore, and Vizianagaram.

The TDP itself was reduced to just 23 seats and just three Lok Sabha seats.

Mr Naidus decision to break away from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and join the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) proved costly. The TDP faced defeat in both the Lok Sabha and assembly elections, leaving Mr Naidu politically marginalised, a piece in NDTV noted.

In 2021, protesting some comments made against his family, Naidu walked out of the Assembly.

He vowed to return only after he became chief minister again.

The comeback

Naidus arrest in 2023 under the Skill Development Corporation Scam case by the YSRCP government was the lowest point in his career.

After a pre-dawn arrest on 9 September, Naidu spent nearly two months in the Rajamahendravaram central jail.

However, an interim bail on 31 October, which was made absolute on 20 November, allowed Naidu to prepare for the 2024 polls.

Naidu then joined the NDA alliance of TDP, BJP and Janasena.

According to The Hindu, Naidu did so because he was aware that he could not combat the YSRCP and Reddy by himself.

He allied with film actor Pawan Kalyans Jana Sena Party, which has huge support among the Kapus, a dominant caste in the Stateand convinced the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to let him in the NDA, the piece noted.

It added this was no easy task as Naidu had left both Modi and Shah incensed prior to the 2019 polls.

TDPs Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Amit Shah. ANI

Cut up with his strong criticism, Modi and Amit Shah kept Naidu at arms length for over four years. But, it was Naidu who saw the importance of joining the NDA. He saw two advantages  surrogate support from the national law-enforcing agencies and reprieve from the election-time highhandedness at the hands of the state government, the piece stated.

The piece added that Naidu and Pawan Kalyan were forced to wait in Delhi for more than four days before he was allowed to join the alliance.

A piece in NDTV noted that Naidus arrest seems to have helped his comeback.

The allegations of misgovernance and corruption against YSRCP MLAs created sympathy for Mr Naidu and fuelled discontent among voters, the piece added.

The NDAs performance also left Naidu and Nitish Kumar as national players.

The parties of both leaders have received a Cabinet berth each and a junior minister post each at the Centre.

While speculations arose after the results of whether Naidu would stay with the NDA, he maintained he would not leave the alliance.

The NDTV piece said that Naidu has often been described as a political opportunist  which does not readily breed confidence in allies.

This is Naidus chance to prove he can be a reliable ally, the piece concluded.

It remains to be seen how CM Naidu proceeds from here.

With inputs from agencies
After likely upsets in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, the NDA is leading in 29 seats in Bihar with INDI Alliance making gains in nine of the 40. The Nitish Kumar factor seems to have worked its magic for the former read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar during a public meeting for Lok Sabha polls, in Munger, Friday, on 26 April. PTI

Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set for a win in the Lok Sabha election. But INDI Alliance has given it a tough fight defying exit poll predictions. Among the big states, the results of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are not going the way the ruling alliance hoped. However, Bihar might give the NDA a reason to cheer.

Trends show the NDA ahead

Trends show the Modi-led alliance leading in 29 seats in Bihar with INDI Alliance leading in nine seats. However, this lead is 10 less than what it won in 2019.

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The Opposition won only one seat in the last general election. It is up by eight seats this year.

In Bihar, BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh was leading in his Begusarai Lok Sabha seat. The other senior party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad is also leading from Patna Sahib.

Trends also show Jitan Ram Manjhi leading in the Gaya constituency. Founder of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), the former Bihar chief minister is part of the NDA alliance.

BJP candidates are leading in Paschim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Araria, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Maharajganj, and Nawada seats. The candidates of its alliance partner Janata Dal (United) are leading in Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Supaul, Kishanganj, Purnea, Madhepura, Gopalganj, Banka, Munger and Nalanda seats, reports The Indian Express.

Catch all live updates from counting HERE

The Nitish factor

The BJP decided to mend ways with its old ally Nitish Kumar. That seems to work in favour of the saffron party.

In late January, Nitish Kumar quit the Mahagathbandhan and the opposition bloc INDIA, and staked claim to form a new government with the BJP, which he had dumped less than 18 months ago. Its why he has earned the moniker paltu ram.

Now, the Nitish-led JD(U) appears to have played a key role in the NDAs win.

The exit polls

According to News18 Mega exit poll, NDA was projected to win 31 to 34 of 40 seats in the state. INDI Alliance was expected to win six to nine seats.

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The NDA was likely to get 29-33 seats and INDIA bloc would settle for 7-10 seats, Axis My India had predicted.

The 2019 and 2014 tally

In the Lok Sabha election 2019, BJP won 17 Lok Sabha seats, securing 23.58 per cent vote share while the Janata Dal (United) won 16 seats securing 21.81 per cent vote share. The Congress had bagged only one seat.

In the 2014 elections, the BJP won 22 seats with 29.38 per cent vote share; the JD9(U) won two seats with 15.78 per cent vote share. The Congress registered a win in only two.

With inputs from agencies
The Bharatiya Janata Party has failed to secure a majority on its own in these Lok Sabha elections. It needs its NDA allies more than ever now to form the government for a third consecutive term. JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar could play a big role in making that happen read more

Nitish Kumar can play kingmaker as the BJP has failed to win majority on its own in the Lok Sabha elections. PTI File Photo

In a huge upset for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party has failed to reach the majority mark of 272 on its own in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the saffron party is ahead in 292 seats and the Opposition INDIA bloc in 232 seats.

With the BJP vying for a third consecutive term at the Centre, it would be looking at its allies to fulfill its goal. All eyes are now on Telugu Desam Partys (TDP) Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal (United) or JD(U)s Nitish Kumar, who could very well be the kingmakers in these general elections.

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With Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars track of several flip flops in recent years, the BJP and even the INDIA bloc might try to woo him. The JD(U) is currently a part of the BJP-led NDA.

But could that change? Lets take a look.

2024 Bihar Lok Sabha election results

As per the latest trends released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the BJP and its ally JD(U) are winning 12 seats each out of the 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar.

The saffron party has clinched eight seats and is leading in four, while Nitishs party is ahead in six seats and has won six more. The NDA partner, Lok Janshakti Party(Ram Vilas), seems to be securing all five seats it contested.

Another NDA ally, Hindustani Awam Morchas (Secular) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi has won from the Gaya Lok Sabha seat, securing 494,960 votes and defeating the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate by over one lakh votes.

The BJP , which was seen as the senior partner to the JD(U) in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, fought on 17 seats, one more than Nitishs party. As per NDAs seat-sharing formula, HAM(S) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) were given one seat each.

In the case of the INDIA coalition, the RJD fielded candidates on 26 seats, Congress on nine seats, and the Left parties on the remaining five, as per Indian Express.

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The RJD has an edge in three seats and has bagged one despite its highest vote share among all parties: 22.08 per cent. The JD(U) has a vote share of nearly 19 per cent and the BJP has 20.48 per cent.

The RJD and Congress have failed to trump the NDA in Bihar. PTI File Photo

The Congress has won three seats and a vote share of a little over nine per cent.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) - CPI(ML)(L) could secure two seats.

Nitishs Paltu Ram ways

The doubts about where Nitish Kumars loyalties lie are not without substance.

The veteran politician has a long association with NDA and has served even as a Union minister in the government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998-99 and then again in 2000-2004.

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However, he has switched sides often in recent years. In 2014, the senior JD(U) leader left the NDA to protest against Narendra Modis rise at the national level, as per Indian Express. He went on to contest the Bihar Lok Sabha polls alone but managed to win only two seats.

Nitish forged an alliance with his frenemy Lalu Prasad Yadavs RJD in the 2015 Assembly elections in Bihar. While they formed the government, Nitish ditched its new partner within two years.

The Bihar CM went back to the NDA, with the alliance, which also included Lok Janshakti Party of Ram Vilas Paswan, sweeping 39 of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in 2019.

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A year later, the JD(U) won just 43 out of the 243 Assembly constituencies in Bihar, with the saffron party emerging as a senior partner with 74 seats.

Despite the BJPs more seats, Nitish took oath as the chief minister. However, as he grew increasingly uncomfortable with the saffron party, he broke the alliance and joined hands with the RJD in 2022, according to Indian Express.

In January this year, Nitish Kumar, who is infamous as Paltu Ram in Bihar, took a U-turn and returned to the NDA fold.

The move took many by surprise as it was the JD(U) chief who had spearheaded the efforts to form the INDIA coalition. He had approached the Congress and other anti-BJP parties to take on Narendra Modis BJP and stop the NDA juggernaut in the 2024 polls.

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Nitishs prime ministerial ambitions are an open secret. While he publicly said he left the INDIA bloc because of a delay in seat-sharing talks, NDTV sources said that the Bihar CM quit the alliance as he was not even being considered for the PM post should the Opposition win.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha election results 2024: From Amethi to Nanded, key seats BJP is losing to INDIA bloc

Is another flip-flop in the making?

Even though the BJP is not winning a majority on its own, it is still the single-largest party this election, poised to bag 240 seats.

It will now need its allies to form the government. Nitishs JD(U) could play a key role in making that happen.

For now, his party leaders have denied any plan to switch sides. We continue with our previous stand. Under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, JD(U) once again expresses its support for NDA We are with the NDA, we will continue to be with the NDA, JD(U) spokesperson KC Tyagi told News18.

We are firmly with the NDA. We will form the government at the Centre, JD(U) minister Madan Sahani reportedly said.

Bihar deputy CM Samrat Choudhary had arrived at Nitishs residence in Patna on Tuesday (4 June).

A day before the Lok Sabha results, Nitish Kumar visited Delhi and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The JD(U) had dubbed it a courtesy call, as per Indian Express.

#WATCH | Bihar CM Nitish Kumar met PM Narendra Modi at the latter's residence in Delhi today. pic.twitter.com/pG7WGbyHxz  ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2024

At a rally in Aurangabad in March, the Bihar CM had assured PM Modi of his loyalty. You had come earlier as well but I had vanished. But I am with you now. I assure you that I will not go here and there. I will stay with you only, he had said.

The Opposition INDIA has indicated its doors are open for Nitish if he wants to return. There were also reports that veteran leader Sharad Pawar of the INDIA bloc dialled the Bihar CM as results were trickling in. However, earlier today, the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader rejected the speculations.

The RJD is hoping Nitish and Chandrababu Naidu, whose TDP has registered a landslide victory in both Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, would dump NDA as both leaders have a dislike for vendetta politics.

We have been, formerly, in alliance with both Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu. We know they share a dislike for vendetta politics which the BJP stands for. Narendra Modi seems to be on his way out. We are hopeful that the two leaders will play a crucial role in the change of guard at the Centre, RJD spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha said, as per News18.

When asked if the RJDs Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav were in touch with Nitish, he replied: Those who need to contact him are talking to him. Our leader Tejashwi Yadav has been saying for some time that Nitish Kumar will take a big decision around 4 June.

Will Nitish Kumar make the BJP eat crow? Or, will he remain loyal this time? Only time will tell.

With inputs from agencies
The Congress, as per trends, is on course to win nearly 100 seats, marking this as its best performance at the Lok Sabha elections since 2014. Ten years ago, the Grand Old Party slumped to a measly 44 seats and then climbed to 52 in the 2019 polls read more

The Congress has defied exit poll predictions even as votes are still being counted. Trends show they are ahead on 94 seats.

Is it the end of the Congress? Will India finally see a Congress-mukt Bharat? These were the questions being asked by many as India voted in its Lok Sabha elections. However, as votes are being tallied, it seems that all is not lost for the Grand Old Party. In fact, the 2024 Lok Sabha election results will give the party a reason to smile  as it is on course to win over 100 Lok Sabha seats.

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In fact, the INDI Alliance, as per early trends, have defied exit poll predictions and are poised to win 223 seats while the NDA is ahead with 292.

Catch all the LIVE updates from counting day HERE

Lets take a closer look at how Congress has improved on its own personal tally in these elections, compared to 2019 and 2014. And what this could mean for national politics.

Congress at century mark, INDI Alliance surges ahead

As per the Election Commission data so far, the Congress has won 97 seats so far and is expected to cross the 100-mark. Moreover, the INDI Alliance of which Congress is a part of has also defied exit polls and are poised to win 229 seats after the last round of counting.

Earlier exit polls had predicted that the INDI Alliance wouldnt fare that well this election. News 24-Todays Chanakya exit poll had predicted the NDA to win 400 seats, while the INDI Alliance would settle at 100 seats. Meanwhile, India Today-Axis My India poll results said that the NDA would bag somewhere between 361-401 seats in the Lok Sabha. Times Now-ETG exit poll results had predicted the NDA to get 358 seats, while the INDI Alliance would get 152 seats.

News18s mega exit poll had also predicted 355-370 for the NDA, while the INDI Alliance was pegged to win 125-140 votes.

Interestingly, this is Congress best performance in the past three general elections.

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Congress in 2019

Todays performance by the Congress in the polls is their best and a marked improvement from the past Lok Sabha poll. In 2019, the Congress on its own secured 52 seats. At the same time, the BJP had raced ahead with 303 on its own and 353 with allies.

In 2019, the Congress was unable to breach the Hindi belt  Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh  and secured just six seats there. Compare this to the BJPs 141 from the same region.

To make things worse, Rahul Gandhi suffered a shock defeat to BJPs Smriti Irani from Amethi, considered a bastion of the Gandhi family. Irani had then defeated the former Congress president by a margin of 55,120 votes.

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The Congress party headquarter on the day of counting of votes for Lok Sabha polls, in New Delhi on 4 June. PTI

Congress slump in 2014

In the prior election, in 2014, the Congress saw its worst performance, winning only 44 seats. The Grand Old Party had lost 162 seats and dropped nearly 9.3 per cent of the vote share.

It was in this election that the Modi wave enveloped the country, especially in the Hindi heartland. In 2014, the NDA had won 73 seats in UP, 41 in Maharashtra, 31 in Bihar, and 27 in Madhya Pradesh. It also swept Gujarats 26, Rajasthans 25 and Delhis seven.

At the same time, the Congress was only able to bag two seats in the UP  Amethi and Rae Bareli. Moreover, it only picked up six seats across the rest of the belt, with its UPA partners contributing a further six, reports NDTV.

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Also read: Lok Sabha election results 2024: PM Modi leads, Smriti Irani trails How the big names are faring so far

What a 100-mark means for Congress

According to some poll pundits, a 100-mark for the Congress could shake up national politics. In fact, Shekhar Gupta wrote for The Print: If the Congress reached 90, for example, it would have a pretty good chance of holding the BJP below the 272 mark.

With inputs from agencies
Early 2024 Lok Sabha election trends in the first half of the day have defied exit polls in the crucial states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. A tight contest has been established between the BJP-led NDA and the INDI alliance. UP is seeing a battle for dominance between BJP and Samajwadi Party, while Maharashtra is seeing a six-pronged contest between BJP, Congress, Shiv Sena, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Ajit Pawar) and NCP (Sharad Pawar) read more

Giant cutouts of opposition political party leaders tower over supporters during a rally, on the outskirts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 15 April, 2024. File Image/AP

In a dramatic turn of events, the INDI Alliance has defied exit polls to register significant gains in two of Indias largest and most politically influential states: Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. These states, contributing a combined total of 128 seats to the Lok Sabha, are pivotal in determining the composition of the central government.

The recent trends indicate a shifting political landscape, with the opposition alliance challenging the dominance of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

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Sweeping changes in Uttar Pradesh

The counting is underway for all 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, one of Indias most politically significant states. The BJP-led NDA is currently leading in 37 seats, while the INDIA bloc is ahead in 40, according to the latest trends available on the Election Commission website. The Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) is also leading on one seat.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA won 62 of the states 80 seats, with the BSP and Samajwadi Party, then allies, winning 10 and five seats, respectively. This time, the Samajwadi Party and the Congress have tied up for the opposition INDIA bloc, and the BSP is contesting independently.

For the Congress, Amethi and Rae Bareli, its family strongholds, are prestige battles. This holds especially true for Amethi, where Rahul Gandhi lost to BJPs Smriti Irani last time. While the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party is contesting 62 seats, the Congress is fighting in 17. The BJP has maintained its alliance with Apna Dal (Sonelal) and has also included Jayant Chaudharys RLD and OP Rajbhars Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party into the NDA fold.

Supporters of Samajwadi Party rush toward a helicopter bringing party leader Akhilesh Yadav to the venue of an election rally by Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, 19 May, 2024. File Image/AP

Among the key Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently leading over Congresss Ajay Rai in Varanasi, while Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is ahead in Rae Bareli.

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Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is leading from the Kannauj Lok Sabha seat. In Lucknow, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, seeking a third term, is leading over SPs Ravidas Mehrotra and BSP candidate Sarwar Malik.

Hema Malini, BJPs actor-turned-politician, is ahead in the Mathura constituency against Congress Mukesh Dhangar. Union minister Smriti Irani is trailing behind Congress Kishori Lal Sharma in Amethi.

Maharashtras political realignment

Maharashtra is witnessing a close contest between the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc as votes are counted for the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. As of 1130 hours, the INDIA bloc is currently leading in 20 plus seats, while the NDA alliance is ahead in 17.

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The elections in the state were fought in a changed political landscape after splits in the Shiv Sena and NCP following rebellions by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

People stand outside a polling station during the fourth phase of Indias general election, in Beed, Maharashtra, 13 May, 2024. Reuters

In 2019, the BJP won 23 seats in Maharashtra, and its then ally Shiv Sena (undivided) bagged 18. The then undivided NCP had bagged four constituencies, whereas the Congress could win just one seat. Maharashtra sends the second biggest contingent to the Lok Sabha after Uttar Pradeshs 80 seats, and the outcome here could significantly impact the formation of the government at the Centre.

Several big names are in the fray, including Nitin Gadkari, Narayan Rane, Piyush Goyal, Bharti Pawar, Raosaheb Danve, Kapil Patil (all Union Ministers), Navneet Kaur-Rana, Ujjwal Nikam, Dr. Shrikant Shinde, Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale, Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Sunil Tatkare, and others.

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What could be the factors behind INDIA blocs surge?

The INDIA blocs performance, defying exit polls, can be attributed to several key factors.

Firstly, the strategic alliances and the consolidation of opposition votes played a crucial role. The Samajwadi Party and Congresss alliance in Uttar Pradesh and the newly formed coalitions in Maharashtra provided a united front against the BJP-led NDA.

Secondly, the focus on local issues and robust campaign strategies looks to have resonated well with the voters. In Uttar Pradesh, the INDIA bloc capitalised on the agrarian distress and unemployment issues, while in Maharashtra, the narrative centered around the fallout from the Shiv Sena and NCP splits and the ensuing political instability.

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Women display their indelible ink mark on their index fingers after casting their votes in the seventh and final phase of national elections, in Varanasi, 1 June, 2024. AP

The gains made by the INDIA bloc in these crucial states have significant implications for national politics. With Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra together contributing 128 seats to the Lok Sabha, the performance here could determine the balance of power in the upcoming government formation.

However, final results may show a different picture altogether.

Also Read: From Varanasi to Wayanad, the big battles to watch out for in the 2024 Lok Sabha election

With inputs from agencies
The early trends are throwing up a big surprise. The Opposition INDI Alliance has put up a good fight as it crosses the 200 mark, exceeding the predictions of exit polls. The NDA is poised to win read more

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi at AICC headquarters, in New Delhi, on 21 March. The Congress is part of the INDI Alliance which has much reason to celebrate keeping in mind early trends. File photo/PTI

Its election day and with early trends, the National Democratic Alliance looks poised for victory. However, the Opposition bloc, INDIA, seems to have performed better than expected.

Early trends bring good news for INDI Alliance

According to early trends, INDI Alliance has made massive gains as compared to their numbers in 2019. It has crossed the 200-seat mark as results pour in. The Congress appears on course to win over 100 Lok Sabha seats, its biggest tally since 2014.

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If the current trends are to be believed the NDA is down by around 50 seats, according to NDTV. INDI Alliance has gained nearly 80 as compared to its tally in 2019.

Uttar Pradesh appears to have thrown a surprise in early trends. It comes as a big shock for the BJP where the Opposition has made gains because of Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party. As things stand now, the BJP is leading in 34 seats, SP in 30, Congress in 6 and Rashtriya Lok Dal in two.

However, these are early trends and are subject to change.

What exit polls predicted for 2024

Exit polls predicted a comparatively poor performance for INDI alliance.

The News18 mega exit poll gave the BJP-led NDA between 355 and 370 seats. The BJP itself is estimated to get 305 to 315 seats, it said.

The pollster gave the INDI alliance between 125 and 140 seats and the Congress 62 to 72 seats.

Todays Chanakya, the most accurate pollster over the past two Lok Sabha elections, has predicted that the NDA will get between 385 and 415 seats. It predicted anywhere between 96 and 118 seats for the Opposition bloc.

The Dainik Bhaskar poll predicted the INDI Alliance will get between 145 and 201 seats and the Jan Ki Baat exit poll gave it anywhere between 141 and 161 seats.

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According to the India Today-My Axis poll, INDI alliance was estimated to get from 131 to 166 seats.

C Voter gave INDI alliance was estimated to get from 152 to 182 and the India News-D Dyanmics predicted it would bag 125 seats, while other parties would get 47 seats.

The Republic Bharat-Matrize poll said that INDI alliance would get around 118 to 133 seats and the Republic TV-PMARQ poll pegged it to get 154 seats.

The NDTV poll of polls puts gave the bloc 148 seats and India TV-CNX said it would get from 109 to 139 seats.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav during a public meeting for Lok Sabha elections, in Varanasi on 28 May. PTI

What happened in 2019

In 2019, the BJP, which was led by Narendra Modi, swept the elections winning 303 seats. The NDA won 352.

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Congress was the second largest party with 52 seats and the United Progressive Alliance won 91.

What happened in 2014

2014 was when the first Modi wave gripped India.

The BJP won 282 seats in the lower house of Parliament. It was the first time after 1984 that a single party got a majority. The NDA bagged 336 seats.

The Congress party was reduced to a mere 44 seats. The UPAs count was 60. This was a big slump from the earlier election when the Grand Old Party won 145 seats and formed the government under the United Progressive Alliance.

With inputs from agencies
Nearly 970 million people, or over 10 per cent of the global population, were eligible to vote in Indias general elections, which began with the initial phase on 19 April and lasted until 1 June. Of this, 642 million cast their ballot. This massive undertaking, the largest in the world, spanned 44 days, and it will culminate in the announcement of the results today read more

2024 is the Election Year. More than 80 countries are scheduled to hold elections this year, some of them have already concluded. These include some of the wealthiest and most powerful, the most populous, the most authoritarian, and the most fragile nations. Many of these elections would test the limits of democracy, while others would be mere exercises in rubber-stamping. But why does the Indian General Election, also known as the Indian Lok Sabha 2024 election stand out?

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India, the worlds largest democracy, has concluded its seven-phase parliamentary election, and the results are now eagerly awaited. This colossal democratic exercise, which spanned over two and a half months, stands out as the worlds largest and most complex election.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced that India set a world record in the recent elections, with 642 million voters, including 312 million women, casting their ballots.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on the eve of counting day, he noted that over 68,000 monitoring teams and 1.5 million polling and security personnel were involved. India created a world record with 64.2 crore voters, including 31.2 crore women, participating in the Lok Sabha elections this year, he said.

Highlighting the scale of this years polling exercise, Kumar mentioned that nearly 400,000 vehicles, 135 special trains, and 1,692 air sorties were used. Only 39 repolls took place in the 2024 general elections as against 540 repolls in 2019, he added.

He also pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir recorded their highest turnout in four decades, with an overall turnout of 58.58 per cent and 51.05 per cent in the Valley.

Discussing the proactive measures taken by the poll body during the election season, Kumar revealed a record seizure of nearly Rs.10,000 crore. This is nearly three times the value seized in 2019 Local teams were empowered to do their work, he said.

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Heres a comprehensive look at what made Indias election so unique and unparalleled:

44 days, seven phases

The election process began on 19 April, culminating on 1 June, with the results scheduled to be announced on 4 June. Kumar had outlined the phases: 19 April, 26 April, 7 May, 13 May, 20 May, 25 May, and 1 June. This extended period was essential to manage the logistics of deploying federal security forces and ensuring free and fair elections across the diverse and vast country, said the ECI.

The primary reason for the multiphased election is for the deployment of huge federal security forces required to check everything from polling-related violence or attempts at rigging. However, experts also argued that staggered polls were no guarantee for free and fair elections as longer campaigning favoured the ruling party of the day.

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969 million registered voters

Indias electorate size exceeds the population of Europe, which stands at approximately 745 million, and nearly matches the population of Africa, which is about 1.3 billion.

These voters cast their ballots through 5.5 million electronic voting machines at 1.05 million polling stations.

People listen to speeches delivered by political leaders during an election campaign rally, ahead of Indias general election, in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, 17 April 2024. Reuters

The Election Commission deployed about 15 million polling staff and security personnel to ensure that every voter, even in the remotest areas, could exercise their franchise.

A $14.4 billion election

The 2024 election is expected to be the worlds most expensive, with political parties and candidates spending over 1.2 trillion rupees ($14.4 billion) to woo voters.

Also Read: How India held its first Lok Sabha election in 68 phases

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This figure surpasses the $14.4 billion spent in the US presidential and congressional races in 2020. Much of this spending is unaccounted for, with candidates using unregulated funds to bribe voters with money, alcohol, or other enticements. Most of Indias election spending is not publicly disclosed which challenges in monitoring and controlling election finances.

Polling booth at 15,256 feet

Conducting elections in India, the worlds seventh-largest nation by area involves overcoming significant logistical challenges. In the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, election workers travelled 300 miles over four days to set up a polling booth for a single voter.

Supporters attend the rally of Farooq Abdullah (not pictured), the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and president of the National Conference, during an election campaign in Srinagar on 11 May 2024. Reuters

In Himachal Pradesh, a polling station was established at an altitude of 15,256 feet, making it the highest in the world. In Odishas Malkangiri district, polling staff walked 15 kilometers through forests to protect electronic voting machines from Maoist rebels.

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2,660 parties

Indias multiparty democracy includes 2,660 registered political parties, each with unique symbols to aid voter identification in a country where a significant portion of the population is illiterate.

In the 2019 elections, 36 parties won seats in the Lok Sabha, with 8,054 candidates contesting, including 3,461 independents. The 2019 election saw a record 67.4 per cent voter turnout, with 612 million people casting their votes. Womens participation also reached a historic high of 67.18 per cent.

303 against 52

The 2024 elections principal contenders are Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the main opposition, the Congress party. In 2019, the BJP secured 303 seats, with its coalition holding a total of 353 seats. The Congress party won 52 seats, with 91 seats held by its partners. Opinion polls suggest the BJP is in a strong position following recent state victories.

Modi has set an ambitious target of 370 seats for the BJP, aiming for the party to cross 400 seats with its allies. The last time any party crossed 370 seats was in 1984, Modi had stated, referring to the Congress partys 414-seat victory following Indira Gandhis assassination.

Supporters hold cut-outs of Lotus, the symbol of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election campaign rally, in Anand, Gujarat, on 2 May 2024. Reuters

If Modi secures a third term, he will become one of Indias longest-serving prime ministers, following Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

Why does it take so long?

The duration of Indias elections boils down to its sheer size and the logistics involved. With 969 million registered voters, including 18 million first-time voters and 197 million in their 20s, the scale is unparalleled.

Voting took nearly four months in Indias first election in 1951-1952, just four days in 1980, and 39 days in 2019. This years election, spanning 44 days, is the second-longest in history.

Indias 28 states and eight federal territories voted at different times, with each phase designed to manage the extensive logistical and security challenges. Uttar Pradesh, the largest state, voted on all seven days due to its massive population of 200 million people which rivals that of Brazil.

A global perspective

The scale of Indias election is often compared to those in other countries to underscore its magnitude. For instance, the 2020 US presidential election saw 158 million voters, a fraction of Indias 969 million.

The European Union, with its 27 member countries, has a population of 447 million, still less than half of Indias electorate. Even the African continent, with 1.3 billion people, hosts a voter base comparable to Indias, but spread across 54 countries.

Also Read: What is Indias first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system?

As India awaits the election results, the world watches in awe at the scale, complexity, and determination of the Indian electorate. This election, like no other, has showcased the vibrancy and resilience of the worlds largest democracy.

With inputs from agencies
The BJP finally opened its Lok Sabha account in Kerala for the first time, ending a lengthy wait of several decades. Actor-politician Suresh Gopi secured a comfortable lead in Thrissur, after defeating Congress leader K Muraleedharan and former minister VS Sunil Kumar of the Communist Party of India (CPI) by 73,573 votes read more

BJP candidate from Thrissur constituency Suresh Gopi celebrates as he leads in the Lok Sabha elections on the day of counting of votes, in Thiruvananthapuram, Tuesday, 4 June 2024. PTI

A lotus has finally bloomed in Kerala.

The BJP opened its Lok Sabha account in the southern state for the first time, ending a lengthy wait of several decades.

This time, Suresh Gopi of the saffron party led his election campaign with the slogan, Thrissur njan edukkuva (I am taking Thrissur), Enikku venom Thrissur (I want Thrissur).

It seems to have done the magic, as the actor-politician has secured a comfy lead in Thrissur.

According to the Election Commission of India website, he registered the historic win after defeating senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan and former minister VS Sunil Kumar of the Communist Party of India (CPI) by 73,573 votes.

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Heres all we know about Suresh Gopi.

Suresh Gopi  the BJPs beacon of light

Gopi, a BJP candidate for Keralas Thrissur Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 general elections, was born in Alappuzha, according to Times Now.

The 65-year-old finished his primary education in Kollam and pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and a Master of Arts in English literature.

He made his acting debut as a child In 1965 with Odayil Ninnu.

Actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi. ANI

He made appearances in well-known films, including Manichithrathazhu, A Northern Story of Valor, and Oru CBI Diary Kurippu.

Throughout his career, he has acted in roughly 250 films, most of them Malayalam.

According to the Indian Express, Gopi was nominated in September 2023 to serve as the president and the chairperson of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institutes (SRFTI) governing council.

A month later, he was booked for sexual harassment after a female journalist accused him of touching her shoulder during a Kozhikode media interview.

There are four criminal cases registered against him.

Since joining the BJP in October 2016, Gopi has been one of the prominent campaigners for the party in Kerala, drawing sizable audiences.

He had already lost two elections from this central Kerala constituency: the first from Thrissur in the 2021 state assembly polls and the second in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

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As per his election affidavit, he has disclosed a total of Rs 18.6 crore in assets, of which Rs 8.9 crore are movable and Rs 9.7 crore are immovable, as per Times Now.

Of his entire disclosed income of Rs 4.6 crore, Rs 4.4 crore is self-income.

Gopi owes Rs 1.3 crore in total debt.

Check the 2024 Lok Sabha election results live updates here.

Breaking the jinx

The recent victory is significant since in Keralas 68-year political history, the BJP has never won a Lok Sabha seat, except for 2016, when O Rajagopal of the party won the Nemom Assembly segment in Thiruvananthapuram, as per The Quint. The seat was lost in 2021.

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With Gopi breaking the spell, the states election politics will witness a significant historical turning point with far-reaching implications for all political parties in the state.

Reacting to his impending victory in Thrissur, Gopi told the media, People gave me Thrissur. I have placed it in my heart. My performance as an MP will not be limited to the manifesto. I would work from the entire Kerala. I have a module for development which will be implemented. At the same time, I will continue as a film artist, which is my passion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi during a rally. File image/PTI

Keralas opposition to the BJP has proven to be very confusing for the party throughout the years, considering the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has over 5,000 shakhas and has been active in the state since the 1940s, as per The Quint.

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The UDF and the LDF, two powerful political fronts ingrained in Keralan politics, may be the reason behind the BJPs failed attempts.

Along with the lack of Hindu vote consolidation, Keralas substantial Christian and Muslim populations have also posed a challenge for the saffron party.

Hard work finally pays off

The BJP has long been seen as a party dependent on the big and poor northern states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, but it is now making inroads in the more industrialised south.

This is all thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modis hard work and Gopis popularity in Kerala.

Modis popularity also soared because of big spending on roads and bridges, his wooing of the majority Hindus including by inaugurating a temple to Lord Ram on a contested site in January, and forming alliances with strong regional groups.

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The PM visited the constituency thrice this year, and Gopi was able to raise the partys vote share in the constituency in both the Lok Sabha elections of 2019 and the Assembly elections of 2021, obtaining 8.2 per cent and 31.3 per cent, respectively, though he finished third.

Gopi, who is of Nair descent, was believed to sway upper caste votes in the Keralan state capital.

A further source of confidence for the BJP came from the considerable number of Syrian Christians in the constituency  roughly 25 per cent of the entire voter base, as per another Indian Express report.

Both groups have historically backed the Congress in the state.

Nair vs Nair in Thiruvananthapuram

In Thiruvananthapuram earlier in the day, Union Minister of State for Information Rajeev Chandrasekhar led his close rival, two-time Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, by more than 15,000 votes, giving the BJP a real chance to celebrate victory.

However, things went the other way when Tharoor overthrew Chandrasekhars lead and received 15,000 votes.

Finally, Chandrasekhar admitted his defeat and said, I thank all people who supported me and BJP. We had a very good positive campaign in the constituency. Our vote share has increased.

Tharoor and Chandrasekhar, both Nairs born and raised abroad, attempted to woo the same sections: the upper class and the Christian community.

Meanwhile, the Congress leader told reporters, This election was a major challenge, but people of Thiruvananthapuram gave me a chance for fourth term. In urban areas, they (BJP) have gained more votes. But rural and coastal areas have favoured us. When a minister (Rajeev Chandrasekhar) in a regime is contesting, many people will vote for him. People think they will get a minister. We cannot prevent such votes.

With inputs from agencies
While the BJP is the single-largest party in the country, it is still well short of the 272 magic mark in the Lok Sabha needed to form the government. Experts say the BJP finds itself in an unfamiliar position and will need to take a more conciliatory approach with its allies read more

A child holds a placard depicting PM Modi and BJP election symbol in Varanasi. The exit polls predict a third straight win for PM Modi and his BJP-led NDA. File image/PTI

Before the election, the BJP-led NDA set itself the lofty goal of winning 400 seats in Parliament.

Three exit polls too predicted that the 400 par was a possibility, while the others said that the alliance would return stronger than ever.

On Tuesday, that didnt happen.

While the NDA comfortably crossed the magic mark of 272 seats in the Lok Sabha needed to form the government, it is nowhere close to that 400 prediction.

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The BJP is also well down from the over 350 seats it won in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Modi in his speech after the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, said his third term would see big decisions taken and uprooting corruption would be a priority.

The fight against corruption is becoming tougher by the day. Corruption is being shamelessly glorified for political interest. In our third term, NDA will focus a lot on rooting out corruption of all kinds, Modi said.

Modis speech did not refer to its reduced numbers in Parliament but focussed on the clean sweep victories in assembly elections as well as Lok Sabha wins in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Modi also said that the Congress has been wiped out in several states and pointed out that the combined number of seats won by the opposition alliance was less than that of the BJP alone.

But what happens next? How dependent is the BJP on its alliance partners? How important are Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar? What can we expect?

Lets take a closer look:

By the numbers

The BJP, meanwhile, which pollsters uniformly predicted to return with an even bigger majority than its 303 seats in 2019, has won 192 seats and is leading in 42 seats.

Which means that the party cannot form the government on its own strength.

Meanwhile, the BJPs alliance partners in the NDA  the Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party and Nitish Kumars JD (U)  have won and are leading in 16 and 12 seats respectively.

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The INDI alliance has racked up 234 seats with the Congress just one shy of the psychologically important three figure mark with its combined wins and leads.

The Samajwadi Party has won 33 seats and is leading in four seats, while the Trinamool Congress has won 22 seats and is leading in seven seats.

The BJP being the single-largest party will obviously be invited to form the next government.

Which is why its future is now in the hands of its allies.

Why Naidu and Nitish matter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first speech after the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections thanked TDP supremo Naidu and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar for the successes in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar

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Modi and Shah earlier in the day dialled Naidu  who is set to return as Andhra Pradesh chief minister for the fourth time  and congratulated him on a remarkable comeback.

Modi and Shahs outreach should come as no surprise given reports that Sharad Pawar, a senior leader in the INDIA alliance and a man known for having friends in high places across the political aisle, is in touch with Naidu.

Reports of calls to TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu from INDI alliance leaders are doing the rounds. PTI

Pawar, of course, has denied any such reports.

I have not called up Chandrababu Naidu Whatever is the outcome, after discussing with colleagues in the other INDIA allies, we shall share it publicly tomorrow, Pawar was quoted as saying by Deccan Chronicle.

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Indeed, the 74-year-old Naidu, who began his career with the Congress before jumping ship to his father-in-laws TDP has been often described as a political opportunist.

Naidu, who split from the BJP in 2019, returned to the NDA fold for the 2024 polls.

Some would argue that this is Naidus last chance to be prime minister.

A piece in Indian Express, noting the reports of calls from INDI alliance leaders to Naidu, said the TDP chief may well be able to demand several ministries in order to help the alliance take power.

Kumar, meanwhile, is so famed for switching sides that he has earned the nickname paltu Ram.

Kumar has been switching back and forth between camps since 2013.

ABP News earlier on Tuesday reported that the INDI alliance has offered Kumar the post of deputy prime minister and Naidu special status for Andhra Pradesh to try to bring them over to their side.

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A piece in the I_ndian Express_ noted how Nitish could play kingmaker or even be the king.

The BJP will likely need the JD(U), the third-largest NDA party, to form the government. But given Nitishs record, his support is not likely to make for a stable Centre. And he may leverage his performance to eke out a better deal with INDIA, the piece argued.

While both Naidu and Kumar have reportedly assured the BJP of their support, only time will tell if the BJP makes both men an offer too good to refuse to keep them in the tent.

What happens next?

Experts say the BJP finds itself in an unfamiliar position.

A piece in BBC noted that the BJP going forward will be reliant on its partners and will thus need to take a more consultative and deliberative approach.

This dependency makes it vulnerable to collapse if allies feel neglected. The party, once perceived as all-powerful, is now reliant on allies, unlike in 2014 and 2019, the piece noted.

A piece in The Hindu noted the BJP now finds itself in the same position as it did in 1998 when Atal Behari Vajpayee established the first incarnation of the NDA.

The 2024 Lok Sabha election result, which has left the BJP with less than a majority of seats, will likely lead to changes  not just in terms of how the coalition, if it fructifies in governmental terms, is run, but also in the internal dynamics of the BJP, the piece argued.

The piece, stating that Naidu and Kumar had both received offers from the INDI alliance, noted that Modi now has to play a new role  of a conciliatory consensus maker.

JD(U) supremo Bihar Nitish Kumar is so famed for switching sides that he has earned the nickname paltu Ram.. File Photo

The piece predicted that the BJP will put its uniform civil code and One Nation one polls plank on the backburner.

It also said it may bring back the post of NDA convener if the numbers hold.

More than anything else, Tuesdays poll outcome may result in a more conciliatory position from the BJP and the Prime Minister, the piece stated.

Others say a return to Vajpayees coalition dharma is imminent.

Political scientist Ashwani Kumar of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) told The Hindu, Given the rich tradition of centrist politics in India, the BJP is set to enter into the Rajdharma of rainbow coalition, reverting to Atal Behari Vajpayees consensual politics of governance [while] reinventing the idea of cooperative federalism. Thus, lets expect what a legendary political scientist called a consocial or power sharing democracy, within the majoritarian polity of India, he said.

India will likely have an NDA government, where the BJP does not have a majority on their own, and coalition politics will come into real play, Sandeep Shastri, the national coordinator of the Lokniti Network told Al Jazeera.

There will be questions on imagining Modi as a leader of the alliance, where he would have to listen to non-BJP leaders much more, Shastri predicted.

Modis victory speech at the BJP headquarters, however, was thin on politics and heavy on the future roadmap of his government, which he noted was coming for the third consecutive time, a first in six decades.

Our Constitution is our guiding light. I want to assure that the Centre will work with all states, irrespective of the party in power there, to work towards our resolve to make India a developed country, Modi said.

The prime minister arrived at the BJP headquarters to a rousing welcome by hundreds of supporters who chanted Modi, Modi. He was greeted by BJP President J P Nadda and Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah on the dais.

The backdrop on the stage had Dhanyawad Bharat written in various languages, including Urdu.

Modi began his speech with Jai Jagannath and thanked the people of Odisha for giving BJP a clear mandate for the first time.

With inputs from agencies
For months, experts have predicted that policy continuity, which would come with PM Modi scoring a rare third term, would be good news for the stock market. However, the Indian stock market is seeing a bloodbath. At one point, both benchmark indices, Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex and National Stock Exchange (NSE) Nifty 50, had tanked over eight per cent. We take a look read more

Bears ruled the Indian stock market on Tuesday, June 4, as BJP's performance did not align with the predictions of exit polls. Image courtesy: AI-generated image via DALL-E

Around market closing hours on Tuesday, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had won three seats, and was leading in 243 others, according to the data provided by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was leading on 294 seats. Anybody can tell that this is an indication that the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is likely to be back in power.

For months, experts have been predicting that policy continuity, which would come with PM Modi scoring a rare third term, would be good news for the stock market.

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However, the Indian stock market is seeing a bloodbath. At one point, both benchmark indices, Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex and National Stock Exchange (NSE) Nifty 50, had tanked over 8 per cent.

Why has the stock market today plunged deep into the red, even though the BJP is expected to come back to power?

We take a look.

All red for Nifty, Sensex today

BSE Sensex opened at 76,285.78 on June 4, down 23 basis points from the previous close of 76,468.78. The 30-share pack continued to tumble, falling by 8.1 per cent to the days low of 70,234.43.

Nifty 50 followed a similar trend. It opened at 23,179.50, down 0.36 per cent from yesterdays closing of 23,263.90. The index tanked 8.5 per cent to an intraday low of 21,281.45.

All indices, with the exception of the BSE FMCG pack, were in the red for the entire trading session till 2 pm. Stocks of public sector companies, especially state-owned banks, took a strong hit.

This sudden dip in the red was shocking also because of the exuberant market mood seen during the previous trading session.

On Monday, June 3, the stock market had soared to previously untouched levels. The 30-share Sensex had hit a lifetime high of 76,738.89, while the broader Nifty 50 had touched a record high of 23,338.70.

Why did the market dip?

Following the elections, several exit polls had predicted a significant win for the BJP, with numbers far exceeding those achieved in 2014 and 2019. Some polls had put BJPs seat share at 400.

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However, the trends so far suggest that the party may not even get the 272 seats needed for independently forming a government at the Centre.

That has thrown cold water on investor sentiment.

If BJP doesnt get a majority on its own, there will be disappointment. This is getting reflected in the market. Also it is possible that Modi 3.0 may not be as reform-oriented as the market expected and may turn more welfare-oriented. This is reflected in the strength of FMCG stocks, VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, said.

Jaykrishna Gandhi, Head - Business Development, Institutional Equities, Emkay Global Financial Services, said, Markets rallied 3-3.5 per cent on expectation of a PM Modi-led NDA win on Monday. PSUs (especially banks) led the rally. Today, polls were not in line with exit poll outcome. Markets move more than 4-5 per cent down today.

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The brokerage house expects a 7-10 per cent downside for broader markets from current levels.

Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, echoed this view. The index has fallen by about 5 per cent due to a weaker trend for the NDA in the poll counting. The market, which had begun to price in a landslide victory for the NDA, is witnessing a significant correction due to margin calls, as retail investors were carrying heavily leveraged positions, he said.

What next?

De also painted a grim picture of where the market might go. Support seems to be very fragile. Immediate support is visible at the psychological level of 22,000, below which the index might fall further towards 21,400-21,500.

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However, there is hope. De believes that the Indian stock market can recover once the trend moves in favour of the BJP winning the election comfortably.

For now, the market has recovered from the days low of around 8 per cent. As of 3 pm, it was down roughly 6 per cent.
With 234 seats in its kitty, the INDIA bloc has surpassed all predictions and has mounted a tough challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) read more

INDIA bloc leaders will deliberate on whether to rope in TDP and JD (U) to form the government. (Photo: PTI)

The leaders of the INDIA bloc will meet on Wednesday to hold discussions on the formation of new government, according to PTI.

The leaders will meet at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi at 6 pm.

Defying all expectations and pollsters predictions, the INDIA bloc put up a tough fight and stopped the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) short of the majority-mark. As per the latest figures with the CNN-News 18, the INDIA bloc has 234 seats whereas the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has 292. Even though the BJP at 240 has been stopped short of the majority-mark, the NDA is well past the mark of 272.

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The agency reported that the Opposition leaders expected to attend the meeting include Nationalist Congress Partys (NCP) Sharad Pawar, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Jharkhand CM Champai Soren, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Akhilesh Yadav, CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury, CPI leader D Raja, and Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

INDIA bloc leaders to discuss roping in TDP, JD (U)

The INDIA bloc leaders will discuss whether to rope in Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal-United (JD-U) to form the government, said sources to PTI.

Both JD (U) and TDP are recent additions to the NDA and are kingmakers within the alliance. Without their support, the NDA government cannot be formed.

Both JD (U) and TDP have a record of dumping the BJP and JD (U) has a long history of being a partner of INDIA blocs parties in Bihar, such as the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Sources told the agency that Congress and other leaders are in touch with the two parties.

On the record, however, both the TDP and JD (U) have said that they would remain within the NDA.

The agency reported that that the INDIA bloc may offer an olive branch to the TDP and JD (U) to bring them into its fold.

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Separately, ABP News has reported that the INDIA bloc has offered Bihar CM and JD (U) chief Nitish Kumar the post of Deputy Prime Minister to lure him into the alliance. The report further said that the bloc has offered to give Andhra Pradesh the status of a special state to bring TDP into its fold.
Even as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has failed to secure to the majority on its own, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has crossed the majority mark read more

After a day of setbacks and speculations over the next government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is returning to power for the third time.

Contrary to pollsters predictions, the BJP failed to secure the majority on its own as the INDIA bloc of Opposition parties displayed a better-than-expected performance. Even though the BJP has failed to reach the majority-mark of 272, the NDA has crossed the majority mark.

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In a speech to BJP workers at the party headquarters, Modi said a third-consecutive victory is remarkable as no party has done so since 1962.

For the first time since 1962, a government has come back to power for the third consecutive time which is a remarkable achievement, said Modi.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha election results, the BJP was ahead on 240 seats and the NDA was on 292, according to CNN-News 18. The INDIA bloc was ahead on 233 seats. Modi said that the combined might of all the Opposition could not beat the BJP.

Even after coming together, our opponents could not win the seats together that the BJP won on its own, said Modi.

This is the victory of democracy

Thanking the people of the country for the mandate, Modi called the election results a victory of democracy.

He said, This is the victory of democracy. This is victory of Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas. It is a victory of 140 crore peopleWe are grateful to the people for retaining their faith on NDA.

Modi further said that the people have blessed him in the elections and that he bows to their faith in him.

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For the last 10 years, we have been striving to take the country to greater heights. People have given their blessing to the NDA for the third successive time. I bow to the people for their faith, said Modi.

He further said, I want to tell the people and opinion-makers that Indias vibrant democracy is a matter of pride. Today is Bada Mangal and on this auspicious day, NDA is set to form the government for the third consecutive time. We are all very grateful to the people. The countrymen have expressed full faith in the BJP and the NDA.

An election of many firsts

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The fact that Modi is sure of returning to power for the third consecutive term a feat unprecedented since the time of first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is not the only that makes these Lok Sabha elections unprecedented.

In the assembly elections in Odisha which were held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP is on its way to victory by relegating the states ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to a distant second.

In his speech, Modi hailed the Odisha election results and said it was the first time that a BJPs CM would serve in Maha Prabhus Land  a reference to Hindu deity Lord Jagannath.

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People of the nation have reposed their faith in the BJP and the NDA, and our victory is a win for the worlds biggest democracy. We are forming the government in Odisha. This is the first time that BJPs CM is at Maha Prabhu land. For the first time on the land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath a BJP CM will take oath, said Modi.

For the first time, the BJP won a seat in Kerala and Modi mentioned that in his speech. In an apparent reference to political violence in the state, Modi said, The BJP won a seat in Kerala, Our workers have worked hard & did sacrifices. Today success has been achieved due to their tireless dedication & work. In Telangana, our strength has been doubled now.

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It was also the first Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and the conversion into a union territory from a state.

Modi said, In this election, the voters of Jammu and Kashmir have shown unprecedented enthusiasm by voting in record numbers. They have shown the mirror to anti-India elements who defame the country in the world.

Modi sets tone for 3rd term

Even as the meetings of the NDA and the Opposition bloc INDIA are yet to take place to hammer out strategies for what lies ahead, Modi was upbeat in his address to the party workers and sought to set the tone for his third straight term.

Modi said that that big decisions have been taken in the past 10 years and more are in the offing.

We have shown the mettle in the last 10 years to make big decisions. We have been running the worlds biggest welfare schemes. We have implemented reforms such as GST and banking," said Modi.

Modi said the NDA government will not stop until poverty is eliminated in India. He further said it will continue the work towards making India self-reliant in defence sector.

Outlining the agenda for the third term, Modi said, We will initiate new reform measures in the NDAs third term to propel the economy. To make India worlds third-biggest economy, the NDA government will leave no stone unturned. We must hit hard on corruption if we want to move ahead, but the reality is that fighting against corruption is becoming difficult with time.
Why did the BJP which was looking unbeatable under PM Modi stumble? Why did most exit polls get it wrong? Heres a look at what went against the BJP, which is nonetheless favourably placed to form the next government at the Centre with its allies read more

Belying the exit poll results, the latest Election Commission data for results and trends for the 2024 Lok Sabha election show the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failing to win a majority of its own  a first under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership.

The BJP looks to settle down with a number between 240 and 250. This means the BJP will have to depend on its alliance partners, particularly the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal-United (JDU). The two parties are in the zone of winning about 30-32 Lok Sabha seats together, making Modi 3.0 possible based on pre-poll arrangement.

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The biggest setback for the BJP came from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal, the three biggest states in terms of sending members to the Lok Sabha. They collectively have 170 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP had won 103 on its own and 123 with its allies. This time around, the BJP-led NDAs score is 64  the same number that it secured from Uttar Pradesh alone in 2019.

So, what happened? Why did the BJP fail to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha in this election?

Voter fatigue

As the initial phases of the Lok Sabha election showed, there was fatigue among the voters, who turned up in fewer numbers in terms of percentage than the previous two parliamentary polls. The 10 years of the Modi government and the BJPs narrative that it was winning the Lok Sabha election comfortably contributed to the formation of voter fatigue.

To many, the outcome of the Lok Sabha election was a foregone conclusion making their participation in the exercise not so eventful. On the other hand, those strongly opposing the politics of the BJP had a strong motivation to express themselves in the election.

This can be corroborated from the fact that except Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Haryana, where the BJP is in power, anti-incumbency does not seem to be a factor in this election. In states such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar, the BJP had swept the polls in 2019. And it was only expected that the Opposition would cover some lost grounds. Voter fatigue in those states might have played a role in the dip of the BJPs share there.

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Opposition unity

In both the 2014 and the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the BJP was on the rise, and the Opposition didnt have a national coalition. A united Opposition bloc presents a serious threat to any ruling party or coalition in an Indian election given that no party has come to power in New Delhi with over 50% vote share  including during the tenures of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. In the 2019 election, the BJP-led NDA polled about 45% votes, meaning 55% of those who voted did not choose the ruling coalition.

This time around, the Opposition formed a coalition, however loose it was but they offered an option before the anti-BJP voters in the national election. Though the TMC, the CPM and the AAP contested against the Congress in their respective strongholds of West Bengal, Kerala and Punjab, they presented a united contest against the BJP on more than 200 Lok Sabha seats. This worked well especially in big states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra for the INDIA bloc that the Opposition parties formed.

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Resurgence of regional players

The mercurial rise of the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha election pushed regional parties into the periphery of the national politics in a departure from the trend of the past two decades. In fact, regional parties started playing a decisive role post the fall of the VP Singh government in 1990. The PV Narasimha Rao government was a minority government, depending for its survival on regional players like the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).

From 1996, when the BJP emerged as the single-largest party but resigned before the government could prove its majority, regional parties dominated the national political scene until 2014, when the saffron party secured a majority of its own. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh had tough times managing the affairs of the central government with regional party leaders  from Tamil Nadu in south to Uttar Pradesh in north.

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With the BJP securing a majority of its own  a first in 30 years  and Prime Minister Narendra Modi emerging as a towering leader, regional parties lost their bargaining power in national politics. The 2024 Lok Sabha election may give them their bargaining power once again.

The BJP saw a dramatic surge in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, marking a significant shift in the Indian political landscape. This ascent effectively marginalised regional parties, which had been influential players on the national stage for the preceding two decades. The genesis of regional parties influence can be traced back to the aftermath of the V.P. Singh governments collapse in 1990. Subsequently, the PV Narasimha Rao-led government, which was a minority administration, relied heavily on the support of regional entities such as the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) to maintain its tenure.

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The political dominance of regional parties became more pronounced from 1996 onwards, playing a pivotal role in shaping the national political narrative. Stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, who served as prime ministers, often found themselves navigating complex alliances and managing delicate relationships with regional party leaders, whose influence spanned from the southern state of Tamil Nadu* to the northern heartland of Uttar Pradesh.

The landscape, however, underwent a radical transformation with the BJPs landmark victory in 2014, where it secured an absolute majority, an achievement not seen in three decades. The emergence of Narendra Modi as a preeminent figure in Indian politics further consolidated the BJPs position in 2019, diminishing the leverage that regional parties once wielded.

However, the 2024 Lok Sabha election may have brought back regional parties in the mix of national power politics. They appear to have regained some of their lost clout. The BJP has paid the price for being the singular dominant political entity in the country.

Complacent cadre

There were reports that the BJP cadres were not as actively involved in the election process as they were in the previous two editions of the Lok Sabha polls. They reportedly believed that the popularity of PM Modi was enough for the BJP to secure the votes of the electorate, whose composition has markedly changed from 2014.

A kid who was just eight years old was a voter in this years election. Her political worldview could be contrastingly different from those of the slightly older and elderly voters who had incrementally favoured the BJP in 2014 and 2019. This also explains why there was frenetic messaging from the central leadership of the BJP to its cadres for continued canvassing despite soaring temperatures.

OBC politics

The Opposition tried to build a narrative that the BJP would alter the reservation provision for them in government jobs and higher education. The Congress and other parties of the INDIA bloc promised to replicate the Bihar model of caste survey across states and also at the national level.

OBCs are single-largest community voters in several states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Haryana where the BJP has performed below its own expectations.

Reports show that OBC voters in states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra went with the dominant Mandal party, the Samajwadi Party, in big numbers. The BJP had been winning their support in recent elections. In Bihar, the BJP did not suffer the loss to the same extent as the chief minister who got the caste survey done  JDU president Nitish Kumar  fought the Lok Sabha election with the BJP.
As the counting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections continues, the fate of the NDA and INDIA alliance remains uncertain. Here are the biggest surprises of the Lok Sabha elections so far read more

The Lok Sabha election results in Kashmir have sprung a few surprises with the BJP-led NDA appearing to have failed to retain seats in the Lok Sabha election. The I.N.D.I Alliance has made notable progress with the Congress-led bloc projected to secure over 200 seats nationwide. Contrary to exit poll predictions, the BJP has been reduced to 240 seats, a significant decline from their 2019 performance.

As the counting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections continues, the fate of the NDA and INDIA alliance remains uncertain. Here are the biggest surprises of the Lok Sabha elections so far

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Congress total tally: The Congress has largely been successful in regaining its vote winning 99 seats, according to the final figure of the election commission. The figure is surprising as the party secured only 52 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, where the BJP achieved a clean sweep in 2019, the Congress is poised for a dramatic comeback. The Congress has won 8 parliamentary seats in Rajasthan and one in Gujrat.

BJP opening account in Kerala: The Bharatiya Janata Party has opened its account in Kerala in Lok Sabha elections for the first time with actor-politician Suresh Gopi winning from the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat by more than 72,000 votes. But it is the Congress that has performed impressively in the southern state, with leading and winning in 13 of the 20 seats. The CPM is leading in two seats and the IUML in two.

Smriti Irani trails in Amethi: In a big upset for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Gandhi family loyalist and prominent Congress worker Kishori Lal Sharma turned out to be the giant slayer as he defeated Union minister Smriti Irani from the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh by a huge margin.

Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti concede defeat: Former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti faced surprising defeats by lesser-known candidates in the recent elections. Mufti lost the Anantnag-Rajouri seat to Gujjar leader and National Conference candidate Mian Altaf Ahmad by a substantial margin. In Baramulla, Abdullah was defeated by former MLA and terror financing accused Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid.

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10 lakh winning margin for Indore BJP candidate: BJPs Shankar Lalwani on Tuesday won the Indore Lok Sabha seat by a margin of over 10 lakh votes beating its nearest rival NOTA (none of the above), which registered 2,18,674 votes, probably creating a record for the option. While Lalwani, who is the sitting MP from Indore, polled 12,26,751 votes, NOTA registered 2,18,674 votes, and Bahujan Samaj Partys Sanjay stood in third place with 51,659 votes.

BJP loses Ayodhya-Ram Mandir constituency: BJP candidate Lallu Singh lost Faizabad Lok Sabha seat which includes Ayodhya where a grand Ram Temple was opened for the public earlier this year. Singh, a three-time MP from Faizabad, was facing SP candidate Awadesh Prasad. Ayodhya, which houses the Ram Temple, falls under Faizabad seat, one of the 80 Lok Sabha seats of Uttar Pradesh. In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya  an event which many saw would fetch electoral benefits to the BJP.

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Annamalai defeat: BJP candidate ex-IPS officer K Annamalai was fielded from the Coimbatore seat as the party hoped to make inroads in Tamil Nadu. However, he was defeated by DMK candidate Ganapthy Rajkumar P.

Congress opening account Gujarat after 10 years: In a boost for Congress, partys candidate Geniben Thakor won Gujarats Banaskantha Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday defeating Rekha Chaudhary of Bharatiya Janata Party by 30,000 votes. The party has failed to win even a single seats in last two parliamentary elections.

Rise of SP in UP: Akhilesh Yadavs stock rose dramatically on Tuesday with his Samajwadi Party cutting the ruling BJP down to size in Uttar Pradesh. As the trends came in, the SP won on 37 seats as against the BJPs 33 seats. The tally is a spoiler for the BJP which had claimed it will sweep the state from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an MP. From winning five seats in the last election in partnership with the BSP, Akhileshs party in UP has dealt a body-blow to the BJP, which had in 2019 won 62 seats on its own.
Two days before the counting of votes, several pollsters on June 1 unanimously predicted a thumping victory for the BJP-led coalition in the general election. However, the trend suggests a tough fight between the Congress and the BJP. read more

The trends for the 2024 Lok Sabha election results indicate a significant setback for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), as the party seems to be losing seats in its traditional stronghold states. Meanwhile, Congress and other opposition parties are poised to regain vote share in numerous states.

Two days before the counting of votes, several pollsters on June 1 unanimously predicted a thumping victory for the BJP-led coalition in the general election. However, the trend suggests a tough fight between the Congress and the BJP.

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According to a poll of nine exit polls, the NDA is set to win over 350 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. Notably, three pollsters forecast nearly 400 seats for the BJP-led alliance. While, exit polls predicted just 143 seats for the INDIA bloc, which also includes Congress. However, according to trends, the NDA is leading on 291 seats far behind the prediction of exit polls and the BJPs bigwigs. On the other hand, the INDI Alliance is leading on 232 seats till noon. The Congress is leading on 98 seats.

Bihar: According to trends available by the Election Commission around noon, the BJP, which had contested 17 seats was leading in 12 while the party secured 17 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress is leading on two seats.

The JD(U) headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who returned to the NDA barely five months ago, was ahead of rivals in 14 out of 16 seats it had contested while junior ally Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) was ahead in all the five in its kitty, including Hajipur, where its president Chirag Paswan had established a lead of about 24,000 votes. The RJD, which had suffered decimation in the last general elections, was leading in five seats, out of 23 where it had fielded candidates.

West Bengal: Contrary to exit polls that predicted an advantage for the BJP in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is defying anti-incumbency by not only maintaining its position in Bengal but also gaining ground against the BJP. According to initial trends, the BJP is leading in 10 seats, down from the 18 seats it won in the last parliamentary elections. Meanwhile, the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC is leading in 31 seats, up from the 22 seats it secured in the previous general elections.

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Uttar Pradesh: The Samajwadi Party is leading in 36 seats in the state, while the BJP is leading in 34 seats. In two seats, RLD is ahead. The trends has sent a shockwaves to the NDA particularly to the BJP which won 62 seats in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress seems to have regained its vote share with the party is leading in seven seats.

Rajasthan: An interesting trend to note is the Congresss performance in Rajasthan, where it looks set to end its dry run, and is currently leading in eight seats of 25 seats.

Haryana: The Congress is looking at a comeback in the state where it lost all seats to the BJP in 2019. Out of 10 Lok Sabha seats, the Congress is consistently leading on six seats in Haryana.

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Gujrat: has gained leads on 23 out of the 25 parliamentary seats in Gujarat on which votes were being counted on Tuesday, while it is witnessing a neck-to-neck fight with the Congress in Banaskantha and Patan. The Congress has gained leads with a narrow margin in Banaskantha and Patan seats. In the Banaskantha seat, Congress candidate Geniben Thakor was leading with a narrow margin of 155 votes. Till 12.30 pm, Thakor polled 3,19,938 lakh votes as against 3,19,783 votes bagged by BJP candidate Rekha Chaudhari. The BJP swept all 26 seats in the states in last parliamentary elections.

Karnataka: Maharashtra: The BJP was leading in 12 seats and allies Shiv Sena in 7 and NCP in 1 constituency as per the latest trends. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, the BJP won 23 seats while its then ally Shiv Sena (undivided) bagged 18. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) seemed to be faring rather well, leading in 27 seats.

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A Congressman turned independent was leading in Sangli seat. While the Congress was leading in 11, Shiv Sena (UBT) was leading in 9 and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) was ahead in 7 seats as of 1 pm on Tuesday as the counting of votes, which began at 8 am, progressed. In Maharashtra, a total of 35 MPs who won in 2019 were renominated for the 2024 elections. However, 19 of these MPs are now trailing. The BJP is worst-hit, with 12 of its 17 renominated MPs trailing. The Shiv Sena had renominated eight MPs, of which 5 are trailing.

Assam: The ruling BJP and its allies, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United Peoples Party Liberal (UPPL), lead in 11 and opposition Congress in four of the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies.BJP is ahead in eight constituencies with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Dibrugarh, Rajya Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa in Kaziranga, MLA Ranjit Dutta in Tezpur, sitting MP Pradan Baruah in Lakhimpur, Bijuli Kalita Medhi in Guwahati, Dilip Saikia in Darrang-Udalguri, Amar Sing Tisso in Diphu (ST), Parimal Suklabaidya in Silchar (SC) and Kripanath Malla in Karimganj leading over their nearest rivals.

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The NDA alliance in the state contested in all the 14 seats with the BJP in 11 while the Congress, a constituent of the 16-party United Opposition Forum Assam (UOFA), contested in 13 seats and left the Dibrugarh seat for the Assam Jatiya Parishad while the AIUDF contested in three and AAP in two. In the outgoing Lok Sabha, BJP held nine seats, Congress three, AIUDF and an independent one each from the state.
The opposition INDIA group will win and form the next government at the Center, according to the Congress party and its supporters, who have rejected these exit poll results as orchestrated as merely fantasy read more

As the counting started, Geniben Thakor declared that the Banaskantha people had won Image Courtesy PTI

Congress candidate Geniben Nagaji Thakor is presently leading the race for the Banaskantha Lok Sabha seat.

Because it is the only Gujarati constituency in which women have been nominated by both the Congress and the BJP, Banaskantha is special. The Congress MLA for two terms, Geniben Nagaji Thakor, gained the nickname giant killer in 2017 after unseating the assembly speaker in office.

Rekhaben Hiteshbhai Chaudhari, an engineering professor running for office for the BJP, is trailing, nevertheless.

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As the counting started, Geniben Thakor declared that the Banaskantha people had won.

Heartiest congratulations to our sister Geniben for winning from Banaskantha by more than fifteen thousand votes," state Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil said on X.

Interestingly, a number of prominent BJP members are also leading the state by sizable margins: Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, is leading by a sizable 7,11,908 votes.

Furthermore, Mansukh Mandaviya and Parshottam Rupala, Union Ministers, are leading by margins greater than 3.80 lakh and 4.65 lakh votes, respectively. CR Paatil, the president of the state BJP, is also far ahead, having received nearly 6.78 lakh votes.

The Opposition, united under the INDIA bloc, is committed to contesting and maybe overturning the ruling partys hegemony, while the BJP is seeking a third consecutive term in office.

Most exit polls predict that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will serve a second term, and some even say that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, would secure a sizable two-thirds majority.

The opposition INDIA group will win and form the next government at the Center, according to the Congress party and its supporters, who have rejected these exit poll results as orchestrated as merely fantasy.
Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference (NC) is trailing by over 2,600 votes in the first hour of counting against his nearest rival and independent candidate Sheikh Abdul Rashid. Mehbooba, the president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is up against prominent Gujjar and NC leader Mian Altaf Ahmad in Anantnag-Rajouri seat, is trailing by over 26,000 votes read more

Two former chief ministers of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir - Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti - are trailing in their constituencies in the first hour of counting on Tuesday, according to the Election Commission.

Abdullah contested the polls from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, while Mehbooba from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.

Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference (NC) is trailing by over 2,600 votes in the first hour of counting against his nearest rival and independent candidate Sheikh Abdul Rashid.

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The NC leader is locked in a virtual triangular contest for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat with separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Gani Lone and Rashid alias Engineer Rashid , a former MLA currently lodged in Tihar jail in a UAPA case.

Mehbooba, the president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is up against prominent Gujjar and NC leader Mian Altaf Ahmad in Anantnag-Rajouri seat, is trailing by over 26,000 votes.

On the third seat in the Kashmir valley - the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency - NCs Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi is leading over his nearest rival, PDPs Waheed Para by over 3,300 votes.
The TMC is heading towards a huge victory as it is ahead in 29 of the 42 seats, while the BJP is leading in 12. The Congress is ahead in one constituency read more

Ecstatic TMC activists danced to drum beats and smeared each other with green gulal on Tuesday, as trends made it clear that the Mamata Banerjee-led party is romping home with majority seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The TMC is heading towards a huge victory as it is ahead in 29 of the 42 seats, while the BJP is leading in 12. The Congress is ahead in one constituency.

Joy Bangla (hail Bengal), TMC Zindabad, BJP Hai Hai slogans rented the air as thousands of TMC supporters hit the streets in Jadavpur, Kolkata Dakshin, Kolkata Uttar, Diamond Harbour and Barrackpore seats in and around the city.

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Jubilant party supporters also gathered in large numbers in Asansol, Durgapur-Bardhaman and many other parts of the state holding cutouts of TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and the party symbol  twin flowers. Many of them exchanged sweets also.

The celebrations have just started. The consistent campaign by the outsider BJP against Bengal, the comments by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the eating habits of people has been rebuffed by the voters. People have voted for Didi and Abhishek Banerjee, said a TMC activist in Jadavpur.

We will bring out a rally this evening, Debopriyo Bhattacharya, a ward committee convenor of TMC, said in Diamond Harbour which is the constituency of Abhishek Banerjee, who is leading by over 7 lakh votes.

Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of Mamata Banerjee, is considered number two in the party.

Meanwhile, the police erected guard rails near the Kalighat residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as thousands of enthusiastic workers and supporters, including a large number of women, headed to the area.

A large number of people gathered before the 30 B Harish Chatterjee Street residence of the TMC supremo shouting slogans against BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly.

Adhikari had been criticising his former mentor ever since joining the BJP ahead of the 2021 assembly elections in the state.

Young women, who are part of another procession, were seen kissing a giant replica of an earthen piggybank with Lakshmir Bhandar, a popular financial assistance scheme of the TMC government, written on it.

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The narrow lane resembled a festive look as sound boxes blared campaign theme songs of the TMC, with young supporters dancing to their tunes.
With PM Modi taking special interest in southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the BJP hopes to make significant inroads in these states in this election. read more

With PM Modi taking special interest in southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the BJP hopes to make significant inroads in these states in this election. The BJP failed to win a seat in both these states in 2019 and is often dismissed as a NOTA party in Tamil Nadu, as party leader K Annamalai put it.

In the last election, the BJP got about 4% votes in Tamil Nadu. This time, Annamalai says, the BJP will win a double-digit vote share in the state.

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In Kerala, the BJP polled more than 10% votes in 2019. This time, it hopes to win a couple of seats from Kerala that sends 20 members to the Lok Sabha. Like Tamil Nadu, Kerala has seen two-dimensional contests for decades. The BJP aims to emerge as the third force in both the states  breaking the DMK-AIADMK polarity in Tamil Nadu, and CPM-Congress cycle in Kerala.

These two states, including one seat of Puducherry, send 60 members to the Lok Sabha. The BJP had failed to open its account in 2019, giving its critics an opportunity to brand it as a North India party.

The other states with key contests are West Bengal and Odisha. They collectively send 63 members to the Lok Sabha. Of the 42 seats in Bengal, ruled by the Trinamool Congress of CM Mamata Banerjee, the BJP had won 18 in 2019.

This time, the BJP is predicted to win a majority of seats from Bengal, posing a serious challenge to the TMCs might in its stronghold.

Similarly, in Odisha, CM Naveen Patnaiks Biju Janata Dal has ruled the state since 2000. In 2019, the BJP emerged as a threat to the dominance of the BJD, winning eight of the 21 Lok Sabha seats from the state. It polled 38% votes  a jump of 16 percentage points over 2014.

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The BJD got 43% votes for its 12 seats. The other seat went to the Congress, which polled 13% votes. This time, the BJP is aiming to win a majority of the Lok Sabha seats from Odisha.
Elections Results 2024 LIVE Updates: While BJP continue to remain in majority, Congress is all set for best performance since 2014 read more

With 38 Lok Sabha seats, Tamil Nadu is a stronghold for regional parties like as the DMK and AIADMK. However, the BJP hopes to make an impact this time around.

With 40 Lok Sabha seats, Bihar is an important player in Indian politics. Parties such as the BJP, JD(U), and RJD compete for electoral supremacy.

West Bengal has 42 Lok Sabha seats and is noted for its heated political rivalry between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats and is a battlefield for the BJP, Congress, Shiv Sena, and two NCP groups.

Uttar Pradesh, the core of the countrys politics, has 80 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP and SP are major parties in the state. Many seats are being contested by the Congress and the BSP.

Indians turned out to vote in large numbers despite the scorching heat. Though voter turnout was slightly lower this year, it followed a trend of past elections. Election officials said extreme heat may have deterred some voters.

#WATCH | Security heightened at a counting centre in Jind, Haryana. Vote counting for #LokSabhaElections to begin at 8 am. pic.twitter.com/YXFo7YXRhU

#WATCH | Security heightened at a counting centre in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh. Vote counting for #LokSabhaElections to begin at 8 am. pic.twitter.com/iq06WWob5Q

#WATCH | Security heightened at a counting centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Vote counting for #LokSabhaElections to begin at 8 am. pic.twitter.com/NhoU4qURN0

While the rest of the country will have to wait till June 4 to know the results of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, in Gujarats Surat the BJP has opened its account after the partys candidate Mukesh Dalal won the seat unopposed.

BJP's first BIG win in LS polls 2024; Know how party won Surat seat before people voted

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: "This decisive election will script a new history and Narendra Modi will become the PM for a record third time," says former Chhattisgarh CM and BJP leader Raman Singh ( @drramansingh ) ahead of counting of votes. #LSResultsWithPTI  pic.twitter.com/suQxbliDv2

This decisive election will script a new history, says BJP leader Raman Singh

#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Security heightened at a counting centre in Kathua. Vote counting for #LokSabhaElections to begin at 8 am. pic.twitter.com/SR4XIAVSap

VIDEO | "There are 130 tables, 16 counting halls are there, for all eight Assembly constituencies. We have given the training to all the counting staff. We have issued the passes to agents of political parties as well as polling staff," says Dayananda KA, DC Bengaluru Urban. pic.twitter.com/88GjYeXg1A

There are 130 tables, 16 counting halls, for all 8 Assembly constituencies, says Dayananda KA, DC Bengaluru Urban

#WATCH | Security heightened at a counting centre in Haryana's Jhajjar. Vote counting for #LokSabhaElections to begin at 8 am. pic.twitter.com/qQ5Am62P1W

There is a paper slip generated with each vote cast, which is stored in a sealed box. The Election Commission counts and verifies these slips against EVM votes at five randomly selected polling stations in different segments of each constituency.

India has moved to EVMs for national and state elections since 2000.

Counting begins at 8 am with the tallying of postal ballots, after which votes recorded in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) are counted.

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections Results 2024: "As per our estimates, INDIA alliance is going to form the government. We will secure more than 295 seats. Results of exit polls will be proved wrong," says AAP MP Sanjay Singh ( @SanjayAzadSln ) ahead of counting of votes. pic.twitter.com/NjEccp3xew

INDI Alliance is going to form the government, says AAP MP Sanjay Singh

India is not just the worlds most populous nation, it is also one of the worlds fastest-growing economies. A clear majority for PM Modi will bolster his status as one of the worlds most powerful leaders.

BJP is the first party to win clear majority in Parliament since Congress in the 1984 elections.

Nehru served as Indias Prime Minister from 1947 till 1964 and was elected Prime Minister after his party won the general elections in 1951-52 and then in 1957 and 1962.

If the NDA gets a clear majority in these elections, Narendra Modi will equal the three-term record of Indias first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

#WATCH | Security heightened at a counting centre in Maharashtra's Nagpur. Vote counting for #LokSabhaElections to begin at 8 am. pic.twitter.com/JqLotOLuhp

This year, a new Lok Sabha has to be in place before its term ends on June 16.

After the Election Commission announces the results of all 543 seats, the countrys president invites the leader of the party, or an alliance, which has crossed the majority mark of 272 seats to form the government. The coalition then chooses its prime minister to lead the government.

Trends become clear by afternoon, though the official count comes with a lag of a couple of hours.

Check out these numbers  96.88 crore voters registered to vote  the largest electorate in the world, voters cast their ballot at 10.5 lakh polling stations to elect 543 politicians from 2,600 political parties and hundreds of independents. More than 26 lakh vials of indelible ink was supplied for the conduct of these elections (a 10 ml vial of ink can be used to mark the fingers of around 700 people).

But just how big are the elections in the worlds most populous country?

Indias elections, the biggest and longest in the world, are colossal, colourful, and complex.

To empower persons with disabilities (PwD), around 88.35 lakh PwD electors were flagged in the electoral roll database, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity on polling day.

These elections also saw a higher youth engagement. More than 2 crore young voters in the 18-19 and 20-29 age groups were added to the electoral roll.

The gender ration of electoral rolls increased from 940 in 2023 to 948 in 2024.

The 2024 elections saw a remarkable increase in female voter registrations. Out of over 2.63 crore new electors, 1.41 crore were female electors who surpassed newly enrolled male voters (about 1.22 crore) by over 15%.

These elections were not just big, they were special too.

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Multi-level security cover in place at SKICC-Centaur counting centre in #Srinagar , Jammu and Kashmir. #LSResultsWithPTI #LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024WithPTI (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz ) pic.twitter.com/xFdJ7x1Pdb

We dive into the machinery behind vote counting, from EVM storage after polling to the selection and training of counting staff to the stringent measures ensuring the integrity of the process.

On June 4, 2024, India will witness the culmination of its democratic exercise with the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha Elections. The counting process is quite intricate with special checks and balances to ensure transparency, accuracy, and fairness.

2024 is the Election Year. More than 80 countries are scheduled to hold elections this year, some of them have already concluded. These include some of the wealthiest and most powerful, the most populous, the most authoritarian, and the most fragile nations. Many of these elections would test the limits of democracy, while others would be mere exercises in rubber-stamping. But why does the Indian General Election, also known as the Indian Lok Sabha 2024 election stand out?

Elections in more than 80 countries in 2024. Why India's election is the biggest

#WATCH | Odisha: On the vote counting for #LokSabhaElections2024 , DCP Bhubaneswar Prateek Singh says, "People have started entering the counting centre. All the party agents and the counting personnel have entered and taken their positions. We are prepared for the counting pic.twitter.com/tZCfP9TphP

All the party agents, counting personnel have entered and taken their positions, says DCP Bhubaneswar Prateek Singh

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Strong room being opened in Chennai district ahead of the counting of votes for the #LokSabhaElections2024 The counting of votes will begin at 8 am. pic.twitter.com/6KyZe9yguX

Strong room being opened in Chennai district ahead of the counting of votes

Similarly, in Odisha, CM Naveen Patnaiks Biju Janata Dal has ruled the state since 2000. In 2019, the BJP emerged as a threat to the dominance of the BJD, winning eight of the 21 Lok Sabha seats from the state. It polled 38% votes  a jump of 16 percentage points over 2014. The BJD got 43% votes for its 12 seats. The other seat went to the Congress, which polled 13% votes. This time, the BJP is aiming to win a majority of the Lok Sabha seats from Odisha.

The other states with key contests are West Bengal and Odisha. They collectively send 63 members to the Lok Sabha. Of the 42 seats in Bengal, ruled by the Trinamool Congress of CM Mamata Banerjee, the BJP had won 18 in 2019. This time, the BJP is predicted to win a majority of seats from Bengal, posing a serious challenge to the TMCs might in its stronghold.

These two states, including one seat of Puducherry, send 60 members to the Lok Sabha. The BJP had failed to open its account in 2019, giving its critics an opportunity to brand it as a North India party.

In Kerala, the BJP polled more than 10% votes in 2019. This time, it hopes to win a couple of seats from Kerala that sends 20 members to the Lok Sabha. Like Tamil Nadu, Kerala has seen two-dimensional contests for decades. The BJP aims to emerge as the third force in both the states  breaking the DMK-AIADMK polarity in Tamil Nadu, and CPM-Congress cycle in Kerala.

With PM Modi taking special interest in southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the BJP hopes to make significant inroads in these states in this election. The BJP failed to win a seat in both these states in 2019 and is often dismissed as a NOTA party in Tamil Nadu, as party leader K Annamalai put it. In the last election, the BJP got about 4% votes in Tamil Nadu. This time, Annamalai says, the BJP will win a double-digit vote share in the state.

Key states to watch out for as counting of votes begins

Counting of votes for the #LokSabhaElections2024 begins. The fate of candidates on 542 of the 543 Parliamentary seats is being decided today. Postal ballot counting to begin first. Counting is also being done for Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Assembly elections as well as pic.twitter.com/3tu7Opjasf

Vote counting started at 8 in the morning, and early trends should be in soon.

Among the prominent BJP figures contesting are Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, and Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh. Prominent opposition figures competing in the election include Samajwadi Party chairman Akhilesh Yadav, NCPs Supriya Sule, and former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

The postal ballot count was the first step in the process, and it will go on until the final counts are ready.

Voter tallying for the Lok Sabha elections has commenced. The elections have attracted the highest voter turnout, and they will determine the election outcomes of several political figures.

The BJP is predicted to receive 305315 seats, while the National Democratic Alliance might win 355370 seats, according to the News18 Mega Exit Poll.

Exit polls indicate that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, would receive a resounding mandate.

What do the exit polls indicate?

In a similar vein, the TMC beat the BJP by a margin of 1,142 votes in Arambagh, West Bengal; 1,549 postal ballots were tallied there in 2019.

The BJP defeated the Congress candidate by a margin of 1,445 votes to retain the Khunti seat in Jharkhand. In Khunti, up to 1,951 postal votes were tallied in the most recent Lok Sabha elections.

The counting of postal ballots, which has frequently had a significant impact on the outcome of the election, has begun the counting process.

Here are the trends at 8:10am

Today is the day that candidates for 542 of the 543 constituency seats will find out their destiny. The BJP has already won the Surat seat unopposed.

The BJP replaced two-time MP and Union minister of state Meenakshi Lekhi from this seat with Bansuri Swaraj, the daughter of late Union minister Sushma Swaraj. Somnath Bharti is the Malviya Nagar MLA in Delhi. With the Congress and AAP contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance in Delhi, the contest in the high-profile constituency has acquired added significance and urgency.

Bansuri Swaraj of BJP takes on AAPs Somnath Bharti in New Delhi, a seat of heightened significance due to the Congress-AAP alliance.

Chowdhury, the West Bengal Congress unit president, has represented Baharampur five times as an MP since he was first elected from the seat in 1999. He is gearing up to seek a sixth term from the constituency. The Congress has not yet announced its candidate from the seat.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of the Congress aims to defend his Baharampur seat in West Bengal against cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan, who was given the ticket by the TMC.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor aims for a fourth term in Thiruvananthapuram, challenged by the BJPs Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Union minister, and CPIs Pannyan Raveendran, who had won the elections from the constituency in 2005.

The BJPs Smriti Irani, who claimed Amethi from Rahul Gandhi in 2019, competes against the Congresss Kishori Lal Sharma, a Gandhi family loyalist of decades. This marks the first absence of a Gandhi family member in Amethi in 25 years. Sharmas nomination was announced by the Congress after long deliberations among the Gandhis and their advisors.

Rahul Gandhi faces CPIs Annie Raja in Wayanad, Kerala. Both parties are part of the INDIA alliance, adding intrigue to the contest. Rahul Gandhi had shifted to Wayanad in 2019, choosing it as its second Lok Sabha constituency in the face of the challenge that the BJPs Smriti Irani posed at Amethi, the Gandhi familys traditional bastion. As it happened, Smriti Irani defeated Rahul Gandhi, who kept his Lok Sabha membership by virtue of his victory in Wayanad.

The seat, which until February was held by his mother Sonia Gandhi, has remained with the Congress since 1952 barring three elections  1977, (Janata Party), 1996 and 1999 (BJP).

Rahul Gandhi, a three-time MP from Amethi, now contests in Rae Bareli against BJPs Dinesh Pratap Singh. The seat has been a Congress stronghold since 1952, with few exceptions.

In 2014, Modi defeated AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and won against Samajwadi Partys Shalini Yadav in 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks his third victory in Varanasi, facing the Congresss Ajay Rai, who also contested in 2014 and 2019. Previously, BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi held this seat.

Key seats to watch out for as early trends start coming in

Early trends indicate the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in close to 180 seats while the Congress party is leading in 33 seats. The ruling BJP is vying for a third successive term while the opposition INDI Alliance is hoping to prove exit polls wrong.

The nomination papers of Congress nominee Nilesh Kumbhani and his substitute were rejected due discrepancy in signature of its proposers.

Following the rejection of Congress nominee Nilesh Kumbhanis candidature the day before, eight other contenders withdrew from the race, leaving BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal as the undisputed winner from Surat on April 22.

One of Gujarats twenty-six Lok Sabha seats is Surat. It is a parliament seat for the general category.

Here are the trends at 8:26 am

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: "All 40 seats will be won by DMK in Tamil Nadu and INDIA alliance will have a sweep all over India. It is a grand victory for INDIA alliance and here, it is a massive victory for DMK front," says DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) leader Thamizhachi pic.twitter.com/C06rcTrkqm

The initial trend emerging from the counting of postal ballots in most of the Lok Sabha seats in Kerala on Tuesday indicated a neck-and-neck fight between the Congress-led UDF and the CPI(M)led LDF.

Early trends from postal ballots in Kerala show tight race between UDF and LDF.

The ruling DMK took an early lead in a number of constituencies across Tamil Nadu as election officials first took up the count of postal ballots at 8 am on Tuesday.

The BJP was ahead in 11 seats, Congress in four and JD(S) in two as the counting of postal ballots was taken up first in 28 Lok Sabha segments in Karnataka.

BJP ahead in 11 seats in Karnataka as postal ballots taken up for counting

Here are the trends at 8:47 am

The ruling BJP and opposition Congress are leading in three Lok Sabha seats each in the postal ballot round of counting in 14 constituencies in Assam on Tuesday, according to TV channels.

What does a counting hall look like?

The TMC and the BJP were on Tuesday locked in a neck-and-neck contest in West Bengal as counting of postal ballots for the Lok Sabha polls was underway, with the former having a slight edge, TV channels reported.

As the counting of ballots begins on Tuesday, prominent politicians from both parties have taken an early lead in their respective Lok Sabha constituencies.

As the postal ballots are being counted, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are leading from the Lok Sabha constituencies in Varanasi and Lucknow, respectively.

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Visuals from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) office in Delhi as counting for votes underway. #LSResultsWithPTI #LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024 (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/lMXHZOqFKa

Visuals from AAP office in Delhi as counting for votes underway

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: BJP candidate from Raebareli, Dinesh Pratap Singh says, "We believe in Lord Hanuman, so I believe we will have a blessed Tuesday... I have served the people of Raebareli with humility... Narendra Modi will be forming the government with a huge majority... pic.twitter.com/a0xEZecR4F

Narendra Modi will be forming the government with a huge majority, says BJP candidate from Raebareli, Dinesh Pratap Singh

#WATCH | Congress MP & candidate from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor offers prayers at Pazhavangadi Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the counting of votes for #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/ynfPiIwhK4

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju (BJP) is leading in Arunachal West seat by 685 votes over his nearest rival Nabam Tuki of the Congress, according to initial trends available from counting of postal ballots, officials said on Tuesday.

The BJP was leading on all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi in the initial trends, according to TV channels.

BJP leading on all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi

JD(U)s Dinesh Chandra Yadav is leading in Madhepura Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar, according to initial reports.

#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh: Congress candidate from Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat, Nakul Nath says, "I took blessings of Lord Hanuman and I believe that the people of Chhindwara will also bless me. The result will be out in a few hours, no matter what the exit polls predicted..." pic.twitter.com/YNIz72pWIM

I believe that the people of Chhindwara will also bless me, says Congress candidate from Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat, Nakul Nath

Here are the trends at 9:04 am

#WATCH | Vijay Baghel says, "...He (PM Modi) gave the slogan '400 paar', initially people thought it's a joke and an exaggeration. But gradually, as the elections progressed, all the numbers said that his numbers are matched today. We will win all 11 seats with a greater margin https://t.co/aTC1gtn4BZ pic.twitter.com/979BgSf3tN

We will win all 11 seats with a greater margin than the last time, says BJP candidate from Durg constituency Vijay Baghel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav were leading from the Varanasi, Lucknow, Rae Barelli and Kannauj Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, respectively, according to news channels.

TMC candidate Abhishek Banerjee is leading in Diamond Harbour constituency over his nearest rival BJPs Abhijit Das, say TV reports.

Congress leads in 33 seats, the Samajwadi PArty in 15, Telugu Desam in 15, the Aam Aadmi Party in 6, the Janata Dal (United) in 2, the Janata Dal (Secular) in 2, the Shiv Sena in 2, the YSRCP in 1, CPI (M) in 1 and Independents are ahead in 4 seats.

According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP has won 1 seat and is leading in another 91.

According to the Election Commission of India, in the 172 seats for which trends are available, the BJP leads with a vote share of over 43% while the Congress is next with a vote share of over 30%.

BJP leads with a vote share of over 43% in 172 seats, says ECI

Indian rupee opened 10 paise lower at 83.24 per dollar on Tuesday versus Mondays close of 83.14.

Congress candidate Shashi Tharoor poses for selfies during an election campaign ahead of the Lok Sabah polls, in Thiruvananthapuram. File image/PTI

As results start to trickle in, we look at some of the big contests.

The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha election has begun. The Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance is eyeing a third term. For the Opposition, which has come together, under the INDIA bloc the stakes are higher.

Key contests to watch out for as early trends pour in

According to the initial figures released by the Election Commission of India, the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) is leading in 175 seats.

On Monday, BSE Sensex and Nifty50 clocked the best trading session in three years, touching lifetime highs and rising over 3 per cent before closing at record highs.

On counting day on Tuesday, markets started in the negative territory. The Indian benchmark indices, in the early trading hours of Lok Sabha election 2024 result announcement day.

While Rai is leading with 18629 votes, PM Modi is behind by 14540 votes.

According to the Early figures released by the Election Commission of India, the Prime Minister is trailing behind INCs candidate Ajay Rai.

#WATCH | Lok Sabha elections 2024 | CEC Rajiv Kumar says, "Counting of votes for 542 Constituencies have begun. Our teams are here in the control room to monitor the counting of votes virtually...Our website has around 2 lakh hits per second. We are managing all of that from pic.twitter.com/hhL5nzNH7H

Our website has around 2 lakh hits per second. We are managing all of that from here. All the ROs have been asked to allow the polling agents and candidates to sit there so that the counting is conducted with transparency, he added.

Counting of votes for 542 Constituencies have begun. Our teams are here in the control room to monitor the counting of votes virtually, Kumar said in a press briefing on Monday.

While addressing the media, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that his team is constantly monitoring the counting of votes to ensure transparency.

As of 9:30 am, the BJP is leading in 244 seats. Meanwhile, Congress is leading 89 seats.

What are the early trends saying?

The Waris De Punjab chief has received a vote share of 40.4 per cent as of 9:24 am. Singh, a pro-Khalistan preacher, is currently imprisoned in Dibrugarh.

With the NDA leading in the country, in Punjab, an Independent candidate from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha was leading by 7,333 seats as of 9 am.

According to the early figures released by the ECI, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, BJP leads in 36 seats with a vote share of 42.32 per cent. Samajwadi Party is ahead in 29 seats with a total vote share of 31.63 per cent.

The latest figures shared by the ECI show that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading in Varanasi. Earlier today, INCs Ajay Rai took a brief lead in in the constituency.

Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray with wife Rashmi Thackeray and sons Aaditya Thackeray and Tejas Thackeray after casting his vote during the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, in Mumbai. PTI

Statewise trends according to Election Commission of India  Maharashtra: BJP leads in 10 seats with a vote share of 18.88%. Shiv Sena (SHS) leads in 10 seats with a vote share of 18.66%. Congress is ahead in 8 seats with a vote share of 12.87%.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge casts his vote during the third phase of Lok Sabha elections, in Kalaburagi, Karnataka. Kharge arrived at the polling booth with his wife Radhabai Kharge. PTI

Statewise trends according to Election Commission of India  Karnataka: BJP leads in 17 seats with a vote share of 43%. Congress leads in 8 seats with a vote share of 43.64. JD(S) is ahead in 3 seats with a vote share of 10.28%.

On Monday, BSE Sensex and Nifty50 had clocked best trading session ever, touching life-time highs yet again after rising over 3 per cent before closing at record highs.

Benchmark Indian indices BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 started were deep in the red when markets opened on Tuesday, as preliminary numbers started trickling in for Lok Sabha election 2024 from all over the country.

Why bears have mauled Sensex, Nifty down over 2.5% on LS polls 2024 vote counting day

Statewise trends according to Election Commission of India  Rajasthan: BJP leads in 13 seats with a vote share of 49.51%. Congress leads in 9 seats with a vote share of 39.89%.

Statewise trends according to Election Commission of India  West Bengal: AITC leads in 12 seats with a vote share of 46.39%. BJP leads in 2 seats with a vote share of 34.02%. Congress is ahead in 1 seat with a vote share of 10.01%.

Statewise trends according to Election Commission of India  Punjab: Congress leads in 7 seats with a vote share of 26.72%. AAP leads in 3 seats with a vote share of 26.07%. SAD is ahead in 1 seat with a vote share of 13.43%.

BJP candidate Thounaojam Basantakumar was leading in the Inner Manipur seat over his nearest rival Angomcha Bimol Akoijam of the Congress by 4,530 votes.

Bharatiya Janata Party is leading from the Inner Manipur seat while the partys ally Naga Peoples Front (NPF) is ahead in the Outer Manipur seat.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav during a public meeting for Lok Sabha elections, in Varanasi on 28 May. PTI

According to early trends, INDI Alliance has made massive gains as compared to their numbers in 2019. It has crossed the 200-seat mark as results pour in. The Congress appears on course to win over 100 Lok Sabha seats, its biggest tally since 2014.

Its election day and with early trends, the National Democratic Alliance looks poised for victory. However, the Opposition bloc, INDIA, seems to have performed better than expected.

Did exit polls get it wrong? How INDI Alliance is defying predictions

Four-time National Award-winning actress Kangana Ranaut is leading in the Mandi constituency in Himachal Pradesh. INCs Vikramaditya Singh is trailing close behind.

According to the latest figures released by the ECI, BJPs Anurag Thakur is leaving in Himachal Pradeshs Hamirpur constituency. While Thakur is leading with 173117 votes, INCs Satpal Raizada trailing behind 113691.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hoping for a third win from Varanasi. File image/PTI

As votes are being counted  with the Narendra Modi-led NDA widening the gap  theres also a lot of interest in how the heavyweights are performing this Lok Sabha election.

Today is the culmination of the big battle between the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDI Alliance, comprising the Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and more.

FP Explains: From PM Modi to Rahul Gandhi, how are the big names faring so far

#WATCH | Etawah, UP: Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav says, "... Why would a winning party want to create ruckus... It's the job of those who are losing. BJP is losing in UP... The verdict should be accepted by everyone..." pic.twitter.com/d4ZIaucKol

Why would a winning party want to create a ruckus Its the job of those who are losing. BJP is losing in UP The verdict should be accepted by everyone, Yadav told ANI on Tuesday.

While speaking on the early figures in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav said that the Bhartiya Janta Party will be losing in Indias biggest battleground.

What is emerging as one of the biggest shockers in the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls, the BJP and Samajwadi Party are going neck and neck. According to the latest figures released by the ECI, SP is leading in 36 seats whereas BJP is leading in 34.

BJP and SP neck and neck in UP

Lok Sabha election 2024 voting in Hassan was held in the second of seven phases of polling on April 26.

Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is in police custody in connection with sexual abuse and rape case, is leading from Hassan Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka.

The BJP was leading in all five Lok Sabha seats of Uttarakhand on Tuesday, according to the Election Commission trends.

West Bengal has been a stronghold of the TMC since CM Mamata Banerjee led the party to a historic victory in the Assembly election, unseating the Left Front government after an uninterrupted rule of 34 years.

This trend is significant particularly against the backdrop of the TMCs landslide victory in the 2021 Assembly election, when it won 215 of the 294 seats with 48% vote share. The BJP had got 77 Assembly seats, finishing off the other Opposition parties  the CPM and the Congress. The BJP had polled over 38% vote share in 2021.

In terms of vote share, the TMC appeared to be polling 46% of the votes polled. The BJP was polling over 37% till the latest figures put out by the Election Commission.

The BJP is pushing the ruling TMC hard in West Bengal, which has 42 Lok Sabha seats. The TMC still maintains the lead in the trends from the counting centres. At 11 am, the TMC was leading at 21 of the 35 seats for which trends were available. The BJP was leading at 11. The Congress was leading at two and the CPM at one.

As INDI Alliance continues to give a strong fightback to the BJP, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reached the residence of party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in Khan Market.

Heres a quick glance at the definition of all vote-counting terms

In Graphics | A for Alliance, V for VVPAT... All vote-counting terms explained

According to the latest data released by the ECI, All India Trinamool Congress has taken a massive lead in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjees party is currently leading in 29 seats, whereas BJP is leading in 9 seats.

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: On Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh's comments for her, BJP candidate from Mandi and actor Kangana Ranaut says, "...Mandi has not taken kindly to the insults for daughters. As far as my departure to Mumbai is concerned, this (Himachal Pradesh) is pic.twitter.com/uBuu7UKZL8

As per ECI trends, she is leading by a margin of 37,033 over Congress partys Vikramaditya Singh.

As far as my departure to Mumbai is concerned, this (Himachal Pradesh) is my janmabhoomi and I will continue to serve people hereSo, I am not going anywhere. Perhaps, someone else will have to pack their bags and leave. I am not going anywhere.

As BJP candidate from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut continues to lead in Mandi, she made it clear that Himachal Pradesh is her janmabhoomi and she will continue to serve the land. On Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singhs comments for her, BJP candidate from Mandi and actor Kangana Ranaut says, Mandi has not taken kindly to the insults for daughters, Ranaut told ANI on Tuesday.

According to the latest figures shared by the ECI at 11 am, BJP is leading in 242 seats. Meanwhile, Congress is leading in 94 seats.

The SKM has fielded the current sitting MP from Sikkim, Indra Hang Subba, looking for a second term in the state. Before 2019, Sikkim was a stronghold of the SDF who won the seat every term since 1996. SDF has fielded a two-time MP who previously represented Sikkim in Lok Sabha from 2009-2019, Prem Das Rai, to contest for the seat.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is contesting from two constituencies: Wayanad in Kerala and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh this Lok Sabha election. There are other big contests that are to be watched closely too. File image/PTI

The recent trends indicate a shifting political landscape, with the opposition alliance challenging the dominance of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

In a dramatic turn of events, the INDI Alliance has defied exit polls to register significant gains in two of Indias largest and most politically influential states: Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. These states, contributing a combined total of 128 seats to the Lok Sabha, are pivotal in determining the composition of the central government.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: TMC workers celebrate outside party office as initial trends show massive victory for the party candidates. pic.twitter.com/GodsYByMWr

TMC workers were seen celebrating outside the party office in Kolkata, West Bengal, as initial trends show massive victory for the party candidates.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducts roadshow in Odisha as country heads to the fifth phase of voting. Source: YouTube / Narendra Modi

Odisha: BJP leads in 17 LS seats, BJD and Congress ahead in two each  The BJP was leading in 17 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha, ECI said.

Here are the poll updates in the Northeastern states:

In Buddhist majority Leh district of Ladakh constituency after 12 rounds, INDIA bloc candidate Tsering Namgyal is leading while Mohd. Haneefa leading overall on the Ladakh LS seat with 17955 votes.

Trends for all 543 seats are now available. The following have become clear: 1. It will be a staggering political and decisively moral defeat for Mr. Narendra Modi 2. The exit polls that he orchestrated have been completely exposed for what they were--a total sham.

2. The exit polls that he orchestrated have been completely exposed for what they werea total sham, he added.

Trends for all 543 seats are now available. The following have become clear: 1. It will be a staggering political and decisively moral defeat for Mr Narendra Modi, Ramesh wrote on X, formally known as Twitter.

While commenting on the early trends, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh slammed the polls and said called the latest figure a moral defeat for the BJP.

It will be a staggering political and decisively moral defeat for PM Modi: Jairam Ramesh

Four states went to the polls along with the Lok Sabha election  Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. In the Northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the voters have brought back the incumbent parties to power, while the ruling parties are struggling in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

According to the latest figures released by the ECI at 12 PM, BJP is leading in 239 seats, and INC on the other hand is leading in 93 seats.

Always had faith in indian voter that they will reject extremists and hate mongers and its very apparent even Modi and Rajnath are barely making it to LokSabha Rahul Gandhi is winning both seats

PTI party leader Fawad Chaudhry took potshots at PM Modi. Always had faith in Indian voters that they will reject extremists and hate mongers and its very apparent even Modi and Rajnath are barely making it to LokSabha Rahul Gandhi is winning both seats, the controversial Pakistani politician wrote on X.

Always had faith in indian voter that they will reject extremists and hate mongers and its very apparent even Modi and Rajnath are barely making it to LokSabha Rahul Gandhi is winning both seats

PTI party leader Fawad Chaudhry took potshots at PM Modi. Always had faith in Indian voters that they will reject extremists and hate mongers and its very apparent even Modi and Rajnath are barely making it to LokSabha Rahul Gandhi is winning both seats, the controversial Pakistani politician wrote on X.

According to the latest figures released by the ECI, BJPs Smriti Irani is trailing in Amethi, a constituency where BJP had a stronghold. INCs Kishori Lal is currently dominating.

Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti, center, blocks a road with her supporters as she protests against the alleged detention of her party workers ahead of the sixth round of polling in Indias national election in Bijehara, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Saturday, May 25, 2024.- AP

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has a vote share of 22.18 per cent, Congress has 21.31 per cent and the Peoples Democratic Party has secured 8.64 per cent, early trends show.

Early trends in Jammu and Kashmir show that the Bharatiya Janata Party secured a vote share of 26.39 per cent. The state saw an impressive voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 following the revocation of Article 370.

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

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah is leading by a huge margin in the the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat by over two lakh votes. Shah was facing Congress rival Sonal Patel in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat. Counting was underway for 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state since 8 am.

In the early trading hours, both Sensex and Nifty today were down 2 per cent and now they were extending losses.

BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 are witnessing a bloodbath with both the benchmark Indian indices trading down over 8 per cent as early trends suggest the BJP-led NDA will not win by a huge margin as predicted in the exit polls.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah won the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat by over two lakh votes. Shah was facing Congress rival Sonal Patel in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat. Counting was underway for 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state since 8 am.

The Congress has defied exit poll predictions even as votes are still being counted. Trends show they are ahead on 94 seats.

Is it the end of the Congress? Will India finally see a Congress-mukt Bharat? These were the questions being asked by many as India voted in its Lok Sabha elections. However, as votes are being tallied, it seems that all is not lost for the Grand Old Party. In fact, the 2024 Lok Sabha election results will give the party a reason to smile  as it is on course to win over 100 Lok Sabha seats.

FP Explains: With nearly 100 seats, how Congress delivers its best performance since 2014

Among all the cuts that the BJP has suffered so far, the one in West Bengal will cut the deepest where every pollster, journalist and anecdote from the ground spoke of a much better result for the BJP. Right now, as I type, the BJP is leading in 10 seats, with TMC ahead in 31. For a party that won 18 seats in 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, this is a massive reversal, and it becomes even more so when we consider that the saffron party was confident of snatching the major party tag from Mamata Banerjees outfit with a self-declared target of 25+ seats. Why, and where BJP went so wrong in Bengal is a question to be unravelled. For now, a reversal in Bengal is a major reason (along with the shocker in UP) for the BJP not coming within shouting distance of a simple majority at the Centre. Has the Left Front, which showed signs of revival, eaten into BJPs vote share and benefitted TMC in a three-way contest? We shall soon know.

#WATCH | Hema Malini says, "...I am happy that we are winning wonderfully. I would like the entire nation to win. That is my wish, I have come here with that prayer...I pray to God that PM Modi becomes the Prime Minister once again and the development of the country https://t.co/2VeLmnA5Ju pic.twitter.com/CgOaH2c1eT

As per the latest ECI trends, she is leading by a margin of 1,76,443 votes. Counting is underway.

I am happy that we are winning wonderfully. I would like the entire nation to win. That is my wish, I have come here with that prayerI pray to God that PM Modi becomes the Prime Minister once again and the development of the country progresses, the Bollywood actress told ANI on Tuesday.

After offering prayers at Sri Radha Raman temple, BJP MP Hema Malini said that she is happy with the current numbers in her constituency.

I pray to god that PM Modi becomes PM again

Jailed Khalistani terrorist Amritpal Singh leading by over 1 lakh votes  Amritpal Singh was leading over Congresss Kulbir Singh Zira by a margin of 1,06,337 votes in Punjabs Khadoor Sahib seat, according to the Election Commission trends.

People stand outside a polling station during the fourth phase of Indias general election, in Beed, Maharashtra, 13 May, 2024. Reuters

Maharashtra: BJP, allies leading in 20 seats, MVA ahead in 27  The NDA appeared falling significantly short of its target of bagging 45plus of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, going by the latest trends in the counting of votes.

Raebareli BJP candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh concedes defeat. Will stay with Raebareli in pain and happiness, he wrote in a Facebook post.

Read here  5 Lok Sabha seats that got Indias mood right in last 5 elections These five seats have predicted outcomes of all elections in the 21st century correctly. Some did through the 20th century as well. Lets have a brief look at which way the election wind is blowing in these constituencies.

We reported about the top five bellwether seats across India where the voters have proven to have the knack of gauging the mood of the nation in a Lok Sabha election.

Which way the 5 bellwether Lok Sabha seats are going

Tamil Nadu state BJP president and former IPS officer K Annamalai is trailing by over 20,000 votes to DMKs Ganapathy Rajkumar P in Tamil Nadus Coimbatore constituency. After resigning from IPS, Annamalai relocated to his village in the Karur district of Tamil Nadu to take up organic farming. On 25 August 2020, Annamalai joined the BJP) and within 10 months, he was appointed as the state unit chief.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar during a public meeting for Lok Sabha polls, in Munger, Friday, on 26 April. PTI

Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set for a win in the Lok Sabha election. But INDI Alliance has given it a tough fight defying exit poll predictions. Among the big states, the results of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are not going the way the ruling alliance hoped. However, Bihar might give the NDA a reason to cheer.

FP Explains: Among big states, how Bihar has given NDA reason to smile

Big #Breaking in #ElectionsResults : JD(S) candidate Prajwal Revanna from #Hassan , who was accused in a sex scandal case, has lost. #LokSabhaPolls2024 #LokSabhaElections2024 #CountingDayWithNews18 #Karnataka Track LIVE: https://t.co/bCBt8uUSff pic.twitter.com/BhSJFS1fhV

During the Lok Sabha poll campaigning, Prajwal got embroiled in controversy as pen drives of his alleged sexual assaults of multiple women started doing the rounds. After the polls, Prajwal went absconding and returned to India on May 31. He has denied the allegations.

Prajwal Revanna, the JD(S) candidate from Karnatakas Hassan, has lost his Lok Sabha seat.

BIG: Prajwal Revanna Loses From Hassan, first setback it JD(S) in 25 years

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at a rally for the Lok Sabha elections in Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh on 26 May. PTI

Rahul beats Sonias 2019 victory margin in Rae Bareli, leads by 2.22 lakh votes  Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has surpassed Sonia Gandhis 2019 victory margin from the Rae Bareli constituency and is now leading by 2,27,535 votes against his nearest rival Dinesh Pratap Singh of the BJP.

Respecting the verdict of the people I thank my PDP workers & leaders for their hard work & support despite all the odds. My deepest gratitude to the people who voted for me. Winning & losing is part of the game & wont deter us from our path. Congratulations to Mian sahab for his

Respecting the verdict of the people I thank my PDP workers & leaders for their hard work & support despite all the odds. My deepest gratitude to the people who voted for me. Winning & losing is part of the game & wont deter us from our path, Mufti wrote on X, formally known as Twitter.

As the counting in the 18th Lok Sabha Elections continues, President of JKPDP Mehbooba Mufti said that shell be accepting the verdict of the people.

Suspended JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna, who is facing charges of sexually abusing several women, returns to India, being taken to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Bengaluru, Friday in the wee hours, 31 May 2024. PTI

Revanna, accused in sexual abuse and rape case, has lost the Hassan Lok Sabha seat to Patel, who has won by a margin of over 44,000 votes.

Hassan constituency of Karnataka appears to have punished Janata Dal (Secular) member Prajwal Revanna by voting for Congress candidate Shreyas M Patel in the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Kishori bhaiya, I never had any doubts, I was sure from the beginning that you will win. Hearty congratulations to you and my dear brothers and sisters of Amethi! she wrote on X, formally known as Twitter.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra congratulated INCs Kishori Lal after the Latter takes a major lead against BJPs Smriti Irani.

A surprise : The better than expected showing by Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh has surprised many, at least those who were expecting the results to mirror exit poll predictions. Most exit polls had predicted that the BJP-led NDA will win at least 65 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the opposition INDIA bloc will share the rest. However, according to trends, the Samajwadi Party is all set to win around 38 seats and its alliance partner Congress another 7.

As per the current trends, the Samajwadi Party-led INDIA bloc has managed to edge out the BJP in the crucial heartland state of Uttar Pradesh.

A look at Akhilesh Yadavs SP and its unexpected performance in UP

Polling officials seal Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) at the end of the seventh and final phase of voting in Indias general election at a polling station in Jalandhar.

Suddenly all those voices have gone miraculously quiet that were shouting that EVMs have been rigged to favour BJP and the Election Commission of India was acting as BJPs representative. Many wild allegations were thrown at the Constitutional body without even a shred of evidence and tacit threats of civil war were issued by the Opposition and its ecosystem. The election results proved once again, beyond a shred of doubt, that the electoral process in India remains robust and fair, and those threatening civil war, if results had shaped up differently, should introspect.

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who made her poll debut in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has won from Himachal Pradeshs Mandi.

Contrary to pollster predictions, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) has mounted a formidable challenge, leading in over 230 seats. Key battleground states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are witnessing close contests.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) seems poised for a third term, as per current election trends, albeit with fewer seats than anticipated by exit polls. Despite its abki baar, 400-paar slogan, the ruling alliance is currently hovering just below the 300-seat mark. 272 is the magic number to create the next government of India.

FP Explains: Which states are going the NDA way, which are choosing INDI Alliance?

Here are some of the sure-shot hits and misses as the counting of votes continues.

Hits and misses: Here are some wins and losses in the Lok Sabha polls

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived at the residence of BJP chief JP Nadda, presumably to the partys next plan of action. Earlier today, Shah secured his seat in Gandhinagar.

Former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said his party HAM will continue to support the BJP and remain part of the NDA alliance. HAM is and will remain with Narendra Modi ji. Tomorrow we all are reaching Delhi and once again we will make the respected Prime Minister @narendramodi ji the Prime Minister, he wrote on X.

Former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi says he will continue to support PM Modi

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressing an election rally in East Delhi ahead of May 25 Lok Sabha polls 2024. Source: X/@himantabiswa

NDA ahead in 10 seats, Congress in four  The ruling BJP and its allies the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United Peoples Party Liberal (UPPL) were leading in 10 Lok Sabha seats, while the Congress was ahead in four, the Election Commission said.

The mercurial rise of the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha election pushed regional parties into the periphery of the national politics in a departure from the trend of the past two decades. In fact, regional parties started playing a decisive role post the fall of the VP Singh government in 1990. The PV Narasimha Rao government was a minority government, depending for its survival on regional players like the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).

As ECI continues to release the election figures BJPs Jyotiraditya Scindia won the Guna constituency. Meanwhile, DMKs Kanimozhi Karunanidhi bagged her seat from the Thoothukudi constituency.

Kalpana tied the knot with Hemant Soren and today, the couple has two children  Nikhil and Ansh. Image Courtesy: Facebook

JMMs Kalpana Soren leads by 26,000 votes in Gandey by-poll in Jkhand  Kalpana Soren, the wife of jailed former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, was leading by about 26,000 votes over her nearest BJP rival Dilip Kumar Verma in the Gandey assembly by-poll, election officials said on Tuesday.

Lallu Singh, the incumbent Faizabad MP from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) conceded defeat to the Samajwadi Party candidate Awadhesh Prasad, saying Hum aapka samman nahi bacha paaye (we could not save your respect).

#WATCH | Delhi: On the performance of INDIA alliance in Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Anil Chaudhary says, "Where are those people now who gave the slogan of '400 paar'? The BJP has not given any statement on it... There are some seats where the margin is very low. As we pic.twitter.com/d02JBzw3hf

Where are those people now who gave the slogan of 400 paar? The BJP has not given any statement on it There are some seats where the margin is very low. As we move forward, the picture will be clearer and INDIA Alliance is moving towards victory The people are with Rahul Gandhi, Congress and Congress manifesto, Chaudhary told ANI.

While lauding INDI Alliances performance in this years Lok Sabha polls, Congress leader Anil Chaudhary took pot shot at ruling regimes ambition on 400 paar.

Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav exchanges greetings with Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati as SP President Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawatis nephew Akash Anand look on during their joint election campaign rally in Mainpuri, Friday, 19 April 2019. Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati have been bitter rivals since 1995 when SP cadres allegedly attacked the state guest house where the BSP chief had been camping with her supporters. PTI

After drawing a blank in the 2014 general elections, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) won a decent 10 of the 38 seats that it contested under the alliance.

The BSPs selection of candidates reflected its attempt to doom the chances of the opposition grouping, but the Samajwadi Party emerging as the single largest party in the state and the Congress doing better in partnership with it show that Mayawatis factor has lost its electoral charm.

From putting up a decent performance in the last Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh winning 10 seats stitching an alliance with arch rival Samajwadi Party, Mayawati-led BSP drew a blank in the current general elections, dealing a severe blow to its reputation of representing the voice of Dalits in the state.

The INDI Alliances UP ke ladke pitch has seemed to find favour with the voters this time around. File image/PTI

In the afternoon, hours after counting began, the Election Commission data showed that the BJP was leading in 34 seats of the 80 that the state sends to the lower house. Its ally, Jayant Chaudhrys Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) was leading in two other seats and Apna Dal in another one. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party (SP) was leading in 35, while the Congress was ahead in seven.

It seems to be an UPset. Even with the BJP-led NDA poised to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the ruling party seems to be suffering reverses in the Hindi heartland, especially in Uttar Pradesh.

FP Explains: What worked in favour of the INDI Alliance in UP?

As per the ECI sources, on Congress delegations complaint, the commission replied, The counting is conducted as per Rule 60 of the Conduct of Election Rules at the designated counting centres. This is happening in the presence of candidates, agents, microobservers and observers. There is no report from any counting centre otherwise, to the contrary. In Assembly elections, rounds pertain to that assembly constituency and hence are declared and reflected on the ECI results portal. For Parliamentary Constituencies, the counting happens in the assembly segments falling in the particular PC. Different Assembly constituency segments of the PC have different numbers of rounds and they run at different speeds. Hence a round of PC cant be defined and displayed. It has always been so. The commission sent a written reply to the INC too, after explaining this to the delegation.

While speaking to CNN News18, INCs Shashi Tharoor congratulated his rivals for a tough fight and thanked his supporters. I want to congratulate my rivals also for putting up such a spirited fightSuresh Gopi had a systematic out reach for minority, Tharoor told News18 on Tuesday. I would like to thank the people for their support. We have to wait and see final results, he added.

'We have to wait and see the final results': Shashi Tharoor

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary ( @samrat4bjp ) arrives at the residence of CM Nitish Kumar ( @NitishKumar ) in Patna. #LSResultsWithPTI #LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/AR5Dn7CpLl

Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary was seen arriving at the residence of CM Nitish Kumar.

As the counting in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls continues, reports are emerging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the media at 7 pm today.

Heres a look at how Bengal proved the exit poll predictions wrong.

Some of the major shockers for the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has come from the big states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra as well as West Bengal. Exit polls seemed to not have been able to gauge the mood of voters, especially in the eastern state led by the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The 2024 Lok Sabha results have thrown a spanner in the works. So far, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in 237 seats and has won three, according to the Election Commission (EC) trends. The Opposition INDIA bloc would be taking heart as the vote counting proceeds, with its better-than-expected performance in key states.

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Hamirpur constituency Anurag Thakur being greeted by locals during his election campaign for the Lok Sabha polls. File image/PTI

When asked about BJP falling short of the 400 mark he said: It happens sometimes we dont get seats according to our wishes but Modi ji is going to become prime minister for the third time. Himachal won all 4 seats in Himachal

While speaking to News18 after winning his constituency, Union Minister Anurag Thakurs said that people have shown faith in PM Modi. Definitely BJP is going to form the government at the centre, people have again shown faith in PM Modi, Thakur averred.

People have yet again show faith in PM Modi: Anurag Thakur

Administrative officers should remember that the government is changing and this tampering with democracy will not be accepted, he added.

In the latest post on X, Congress Jairam Ramesh claimed that multiple district officials in UP are being pressurised to make the ruling regime win the polls. In Uttar Pradeshs Maharajganj, Bansgaon, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar seats, district officials are being pressurised to make the ruling regime win these seats, he wrote on X.

Congress candidate from Amethi constituency Kishori Lal Sharma with other leaders of the alliance during a roadshow before filing his nomination. File photo/PTI

The big fight was between BJPs Smriti Irani and Congress Kishori Lal Sharma . Irani, who is seeking re-election from Amethi was trailing the veteran leader, according to trends. She was behind by nearly 1.3 lakh votes, according to the Election Commission website.

Its not looking good for the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Uttar Pradesh. The INDI Alliance of Samajwadi Party and Congress was leading in 40 out of 80 seats and the NDA is at 39. One of the biggest defeats of this election for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes in Amethi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi won his seat in Varanasi. He won with 1.5 lakh votes. This is the third time PM Modi won from the Varanasi Constituency.

Political greenhorn Singh is lodged in a jail in Assam after being slapped under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) a year ago.

On Tuesday afternoon, both Singh and Khalsa are comfortably placed against their nearest rivals from Khadoor Sahib and Faridkot parliamentary seats respectively.

Radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of one of the assassins of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, are set to make their maiden entry in Parliament, according to current trends.

After a stellar performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at AICC headquarters in Delhi.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi at AICC headquarters, in New Delhi, on 21 March. The Congress is part of the INDI Alliance which has much reason to celebrate keeping in mind early trends. File photo/PTI

After delivering a strong performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, INC conducted a media briefing. Party President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the party will openly accept the verdict of the people.

BJP sought a vote on the face of one man but didnt get a majority. It is the moral defeat of Modi & setback for him. Congress party and INDIA alliance contested in a difficult situation from freezing our accounts to putting leaders in jail but our campaign was positive from the day, he added.

While addressing the media, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasised that the party contested this years elections in touch circumstances. The results of 18th Loksabha polls are victory of people. This is the battle People vs Modi, Kharge averred.

#WATCH | "This election results are 'janta ka result'...It is clear this mandate is against Modi ji. This is his moral and political defeat," says Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. pic.twitter.com/zzwf1ZGpsl

We have to make sure the functioning of Parliament, he added.

While addressing the media, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said this election results are Janta ka resultIt is clear this mandate is against Modi ji. This is his moral and political defeat.

#WATCH | Delhi | Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "We fought this election not just against BJP but also the institutions, the governance structure of the country, the intelligence agencies CBI &EDI, judiciary because all these institutions were pic.twitter.com/VbhckSJEvW

While emphasising the significance of the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said that they fought against the BJP. This election was not against any political party. We fought this election against agencies, he said. We have fought under difficult conditions & under the pressure of agencies as these agencies have been captured by PM Modi & Hm Amit Shah, he added.

During the presser, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi elucidated the INDI Alliance vision. We respected our INDIA Alliance partners and we came together. Congress party gave clarity to the people which pro-poor Vision and pro production vision, he said.

#WATCH | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, " We are going to have a meeting with our INDIA alliance partners tomorrow...we respect our alliance partners and we won't make statements to press without asking them" pic.twitter.com/9y1lQVRGSz

When asked if INDI Alliance will shake hands with Chandra Babu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, the Congress MP said that the country will know the final decision soon. We will be meeting with our Alliance partners tomorrow to discuss taking support of Chandra Babu Naidu & Nitish Kumar. We will not make any statement without their consent & consensus. We will take action what ever Our Alliance will decide, he said.

#WATCH | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "I have won from Rae Bareli and Wayanad and I thank the voters. I need to decide which seat I will retain. I haven't decided yet." pic.twitter.com/ZEMveYlxVZ

I have won from Rae Bareli and Wayanad and I thank the voters. I need to decide which seat I will retain. I havent decided yet, Gandhi averred.

When asked which constituency Rahul Gandhi will choose to represent in the Parliament, the Congress MP said that he is yet to decide on the matter.

While addressing the media in a press conference, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called for the resignation of PM Modi.  PM should resign because they have not got a majority, she said. Now he is calling TDP, Nitish. They cant break INDIA I congratulate Akhilesh. Bihar result is not right. Spoke to Tejaswi. Spoke to Udhav, and Sharad Pawar. I have sent Rahul Gandhi also congratulatory message. He must be busy he has not seen, she added.

Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha paid a visit to Raj Bhavan hours after having talks with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Congress is leading by 43 out of 80 seats.

While the National Democratic Alliance is leading in 290 Lok Sabha seats, the INDIA bloc has performed better than expected with the opposition alliance leading in 235 seats.

Congress, in its first press conference of the day, said that the country has saved the Constitution by voting for the grand old party in huge numbers.

Here's everything that was said at the Congress press conference

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray are back on top in Maharashtra

But as the votes are being counted, the MVA is way ahead of the ruling Mahayuti comprising the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

The Opposition alliance comprising the Congress, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) was reported to have all sorts of issues when it came to seat-sharing ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

FP Explains: How Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar came out on top

I congratulate those who win. I will continue to be in the service of the people of Amethi. We will strengthen the organization. We are the ones who have served the area with devotion. I went to every village in the area and worked. I gave 10 years of my life to this area, she added.

I express my gratitude to all the BJP party workers and supporters, those who have worked in the service of the constituency and the party with dedication and loyalty. Today, I am grateful to PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath that their governments have completed the pending works of 30 years in just 5 years, she said.

After losing Amethi to INCs Kishori Lal Sharma, BJP leader Smriti Irani said that she will still continue to serve Amethi.

'Will continue to serve people of Amethi': Smriti Irani after losing Amethi

Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, senior leaders of the Congress party, take a selfie at a polling station during the sixth phase of the general election, in New Delhi, 25 May, 2024. File Image/Reuters

The Congress, a part of the Opposition INDIA coalition, has given its best performance in the last decade and is slated to win 98 Lok Sabha seats on its own. The Grand Old Party was reduced to just 44 seats in 2014 and 52 in the 2019 polls as the Narendra Modi wave swept the nation.

India was in for a big surprise as the counting of votes for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections began on Tuesday (4 June) morning. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was predicted to win by a comfortable majority, surpassing the 350 mark. While the NDA is presently ahead in 294 out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, the INDIA bloc is leading in 231 seats and Others in 18.

A look at the key seats BJP lost to INDI Alliance

TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu has called off the media briefing which was scheduled earlier today. The decision was taken after Naidu had telephonic conversation with PM Modi.

Longest serving Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik lost from both Kantabanji and Laxam Bag. This is the first time he lost an election. However, he is still leading from Hinjili.

People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in Indias history. I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of

I also salute all our Karyakartas for their hard work. Words will never do justice to their exceptional efforts, he added.

In a post on X, formally known as Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his supporters. People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in Indias history. I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people, the Prime Minister wrote on X.

'I bow to the Janata Janardan': PM Modi thanks his supporters

Thank you Odisha! Its a resounding victory for good governance and celebrating Odishas unique culture. BJP will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the dreams of people and taking Odisha to new heights of progress. I am very proud of all our hardworking Party Karyakartas

BJP will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the dreams of people and taking Odisha to new heights of progress. I am very proud of all our hardworking Party Karyakartas for their efforts, he added. The Prime Minister is expected to address party workers at BJP headquarters soon.

In his latest post on X, Prime Minister Modi thanks the people of Odisha. Thank you Odisha! Its a resounding victory for good governance and celebrating Odishas unique culture, PM Modi wrote on X, formally known as Twitter.

Andhra Pradesh has given an exceptional mandate to NDA! I thank the people of the state for their blessings. I congratulate @ncbn Garu, @PawanKalyan Garu and the Karyakartas of @JaiTDP , @JanaSenaParty and @BJP4Andhra for this emphatic victory. We will work for the all-round

We will work for the all-round progress of AP and ensure the state prospers in the times to come, the Prime Minister furthered.

Prime Minister Modi also took time to laud the exceptional mandate in Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh has given an exceptional mandate to NDA! I thank the people of the state for their blessings. I congratulate @ncbn Garu, @PawanKalyan Garu and the Karyakartas of @JaiTDP , @JanaSenaParty and @BJP4Andhra for this emphatic victory, he wrote on X.

While the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls was a tussle between the NDA and INDI Alliance, several independent candidates managed to win a seat in the parliament as well. Here are the names of 7 candidates who beat political parties to win as Independents.

Here are the 7 candidates who beat political parties to win as Independents

For BJP, its workers are its biggest asset. The hard work with which all of you have sought blessings of the people for Modi Ji by going door to door, street to street from North to South and East to West is truly commendable. I heartily congratulate all of you for this Herculean effort, he added.

This victory of BJP for the third time is the result of the tireless hard work of our workers. For this victory, I congratulate the National President of BJP Mr. @JPNadda ji and all the BJP workers working hard in every part of the country, Shah wrote on X.

Union Minister Amith Shah thanked BJP supporters after BJP emerged as the single largest party in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

'The victory is the result of our hardwork': Amit Shah

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman along with Ministers of State Dr Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad and Pankaj Chaudhary and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan before presenting the Union Budget. Source: File Image X/@ANI

Rashtrapati Bhavan (Circuit -1) will remain closed to the general public from June 5 to 9, 2024, due to preparation for the forthcoming event of the swearing-in-ceremony of the Council of Ministers at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray with wife Rashmi Thackeray and sons Aaditya Thackeray and Tejas Thackeray. PTI

Addressing the media, Uddhav Thackeray said, Common man had shown his strength today. When the powerful become egoistic, people can bring them down. I will go to Delhi post afternoon tomorrow. Sanjay Raut will go to the meeting tomorrow. INDIA bloc should stake claim to form the government.

Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary will offer to step down as BJP UP President after BJPs poor performance in UP.

BJP's Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary likely to step down from UP party President's post

While addressing party workers BJP President JP Nadda laud NDAs performance. I would like to welcome PM Modi. I would like to thank the BJP and NDA workers for their hard work. I welcome PM Modi on this occasion. He has taken county out of many problems. I also thank NDA parties and our workers, he said.

I would like to thank BJP and NDA workers for their hardwork: Nadda

Congratulations Prime Minister Modi Ji @narendramodi on your laudable victory for a historic third term. Under your helm, the largest democracy will continue to achieve remarkable progress. Long live the Mauritius-India special relationship.

Mauritius PM Jugnauth becomes the first global leader to congratulate PM Modi on his laudable victory for a historic third term. Congratulations Prime Minister Modi Ji @narendramodi on your laudable victory for a historic third term, he wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. Under your helm, the largest democracy will continue to achieve remarkable progress. Long live the Mauritius-India special relationship, he added.

Mauritius PM Jugnauth becomes the first global leader to congratulate PM Modi

Congratulations Prime Minister Modi Ji @narendramodi on your laudable victory for a historic third term. Under your helm, the largest democracy will continue to achieve remarkable progress. Long live the Mauritius-India special relationship.

Mauritius PM Jugnauth becomes the first global leader to congratulate PM Modi on his laudable victory for a historic third term. Congratulations Prime Minister Modi Ji @narendramodi on your laudable victory for a historic third term, he wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. Under your helm, the largest democracy will continue to achieve remarkable progress. Long live the Mauritius-India special relationship, he added.

Mauritius PM Jugnauth becomes the first global leader to congratulate PM Modi

We are forming a government in Arunachal Pradesh for the third time. In Andhra Pradesh, we are forming the government with our alliance partner. In Kerala we opened our account, he added.

While addressing the party worker, BJPs party president JP Nadda took jabs at the Opposition. We know people who work for the development they get difficult times. This opposition ecosystem is working against the government. Today we are forming a full majority government in Odisha, the veteran politician averred.

UP CM Yogi Adiyanath took to Twitter to laud NDAs thundering victory. The people of India have given a clear majority to the NDA for the third consecutive time. NDA has received absolute majority mandate in Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. This is a stamp of trust of the people of the country on the policies, leadership and decisions of the respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, he wrote on X. Hearty congratulations to all the winning candidates. Thanks to all the hard-working workers and office bearers of the BJP-NDA alliance who came together with a feeling of family and gratitude to the public! Long live Mother India, the UP CM furthered.

The results are a stamp of trust: UP CM Yogi Adityanath

After winning in both Wayanad and Raebareli constituencies, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi thanked his supporters in a video message.

Chants of Bharat Mataa ki Jai engulfed the skies as PM Modi addressed the party workers at the BJP headquarters. This is the victory of democracy. This is victory of Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas. It is a victory of 140 crore people, he said.

Chants of 'Bharat Mataa ki Jai' takes over as PM Modi addressed the gathering

During his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded for ensuring transparency in the polls. The ECI should be congratulated for conducting a flawless election under extreme weather conditions, he said. We are grateful to the people for retaining their faith on NDA, he added.

We are all very grateful to the people. The countrymen have expressed full faith in the BJP and the NDA, he added.

PM Modi mentioned that today NDA won on the auspicious day of Bada Mandal. I want to tell the people and opinion-makers that Indias vibrant democracy is a matter of pride. Today is Bada Mangal and on this auspicious day, NDA is set to form the government for the third consecutive time, the Prime Minister averred.

In J&K people voted in record numbers and showed a mirror to our detractors trying to defame our country. For the first time since 1962, a government has come back to power for the third consecutive time which is a remarkable achievement, the premier furthered.

While addressing a charged-up gathering PM Modi said that a win for NDA is a won for democracy. In J&K people voted in record numbers and showed a mirror to our detractors trying to defame our country. For the first time since 1962, a government has come back to power for the third consecutive time which is a remarkable achievement, he said.

'Our win is a win for the world's largest democracy': PM Modi

Congratulations to PM @narendramodi on the electoral success of BJP and NDA in the Loksabha elections for the third consecutive term. We are happy to note the successful completion of the worlds largest democratic exercise with enthusiastic participation of the people of India.

Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal congratulated PM Modi on the election win. Congratulations to PM @narendramodi on the electoral success of BJP and NDA in the Loksabha elections for the third consecutive term. We are happy to note the successful completion of the worlds largest democratic exercise with enthusiastic participation of the people of India, Prachanda wrote on X, formally known as Twitter.

#WATCH | PM Modi begins his address to BJP workers with chants of "Jai Jagannath" BJP has swept Odisha Assembly elections. pic.twitter.com/sST73dV5JK

During his address PM Modi delivered his vision for NDA 3.0. We will not stop until poverty is eliminated in the country. We will not stop until our defence sector is self-reliant, PM Modi averred. We have shown the mettle in the last 10 years to make big decisions. We have been running the worlds biggest welfare schemes. We have implemented reforms such as GST and banking. t is the first election after my mothers demise, we kept the nation first, he added.

While addressing the gathering PM Modi said We (NDA) will not stop until poverty is eliminated in the country. We will not stop until our defence sector is self-reliant. To make India the worlds third-biggest economy, the NDA government will leave no stone unturned. We must hit hard on corruption if we want to move ahead. But the reality is that fighting against corruption is becoming difficult with time, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commented on the results of the election in Jammu and Kashmir, saying, Jammu and Kashmir voters have shown unprecedented enthusiasm by voting in record numbers. They have also served as a mirror for those who want to discredit the country. I honor the folks who have achieved this accomplishment.

The saffron party has clinched eight seats and is leading in four, while Nitishs party is ahead in six seats and has won six more. The NDA partner, Lok Janshakti Party(Ram Vilas), seems to be securing all five seats it contested.

As per the latest trends released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the BJP and its ally JD(U) are winning 12 seats each out of the 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar.

With Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars track of several flip flops in recent years, the BJP and even the INDIA bloc might try to woo him. The JD(U) is currently a part of the BJP-led NDA.

With the BJP vying for a third consecutive term at the Centre, it would be looking at its allies to fulfill its goal. All eyes are now on Telugu Desam Partys (TDP) Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal (United) or JD(U)s Nitish Kumar, who could very well be the kingmakers in these general elections.

Chandrababu Naidu is also expected to land in Delhi by Wednesday afternoon to handover letter of support. Chandrababu Naidu has officially declared support to PM Modi for government formation.

Nitish Kumar is expected to reach Delhi on Wednesday morning to handover letter of support to PM Modi.

It will now need its allies to form the government. Nitish Kumars JD(U) could play a key role in making that happen.

Even though the BJP is not winning a majority on its own, it is still the single-largest party this election, poised to bag 240 seats.

The son of former PWD minister and Holenarasipura MLA H D Revanna, Prajwal is the grandson of prime minister H D Deve Gowda. He was taken into jail by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on May 31 and would remain there until June 6. One day after Hassans election on April 27, he had departed the nation. Two days prior to the election, hundreds of thumb drives purportedly carrying 2,900 pornographic videosmany of which the MP himself had recordedhad been dispersed across Hassan.

For the first time in twenty years, the JD(S) lost to Congress candidate Shreyas M Patil by 43,738 votes, leaving the partys bastion of Hassan behind. Prajwal Revanna, the current MP, is being held under custody for alleged sexual assault.

But in Coimbatore, BJP state president and fiery leader Annamalai, regarded as one of the partys strongest candidates in the state, was losing to DMK contender Ganapathy Rajkumar by more than one lakh votes.

Prominent Dalit leader and VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, senior Congress leader S Jothimani, and DMK veterans Kanimozhi, A Raja, T R Baalu, and Dayanidhi Maran were all expected to win.

According to Election Commission figures, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and its allies were ready to sweep all 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu, with neither the BJP nor the AIADMK ahead in any constituency by Tuesday night.

The party is leading in 239, which is noticeably short of a simple majority of 273. The party is seeking an ambitious third term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has been targeting 370 seats on its own throughout India and 400+ with its other National Democratic Alliance partners.

The BJPs performance in Uttarakhand is encouraging since it seems like it would lose a significant number of seats in this election.

All five seats are currently held by the BJP, including the three in which it has fielded incumbent Members of Parliament.

In contrast to its national performance, the Bharatiya Janata Party is on track for an almost complete sweep in Uttarakhand, which is reminiscent of its outstanding results in the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019.

Following the results of the Lok Sabha election, the leaders of the INDIA group will convene at the home of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday evening to determine their next course of action, including whether to approach their erstwhile partners Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu for the government formation.

The BJP has taken control of or is leading in 240 of the 292 seats, well short of the 272 needed to secure majority in the Parliament. Nonetheless, the BJP-led NDA alliance will continue to hold steady and powerful power at the center thanks to the backing of the TDP and JD(U).

With 292 seats, the NDA hopes to regain power for the third time in a row after more than 14 hours of counting. After putting up an unexpected tough fight, the INDIA bloc has notched up 232 seats, defying the predictions of all exit polls.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which took place against the backdrop of the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Valley-based Meiteis and the Hills-based Scheduled Tribe Kuki-Zo people, the people of Manipur voted out the BJP and its ally, the Naga Peoples Front, from the Inner and Outer Manipur constituencies, respectively. This resulted in the Congress candidates winning handily in these seats.

According to the Election Commission website, the BJP dominated New Delhi for the third time in a row, taking all seven Lok Sabha seats: South Delhi, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Northeast, East Delhi, West Delhi, and North-West Delhi.

With 273 Lok Sabha seats now declared won by NDA candidates, the coalition hopes to form the government at the center for a record third time. After counting, the BJP-led alliance is predicted to secure at least 290 seats, with roughly 20 more seats still to be decided. The historic feat was described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to party workers at the BJP headquarters, he added that the worlds largest democracys triumph was the mandate.

Following the conclusion of the Jammu and Kashmir vote counting by the Election Commission, the BJP and the National Conference secured two seats each out of the five seats that were up for grabs. With the victory of an Independent candidate, the PDP of former chief minister Mehbooba Muft was reduced to zero seats.

The BJP capturing 10 out of 11 Lok Sabha seats in the state on Tuesday, six months after easily defeating the Congress in the Chhattisgarh assembly polls. The number of seats for the Congress fell from two in 2019 to one this year, with even prominent leader and former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel losing.

BJP candidate Shankar Lalwani won in Indore by an overwhelming majority of 11,75,092 votes, forcing 13 of his opponents to lose their security deposits. The EC seizes a candidates security deposit if the candidate receives less than one-sixth of the total valid votes cast for that seat.

On June 4, the Election Commission of India will tally hundreds of millions of votes in a matter of hours, declaring the results of the countrys 18th Lok Sabha election after six weeks and seven stages of the worlds largest democratic exercise.

The results will determine who will lead Indias next government. Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will seek a third consecutive term in government, while the Congress-led opposition aims to unseat them.

Voting Percentage

The voter participation in the last phase of the general election 2024 increased to 63.9% by Sunday evening, up from 61.6% reported by the Election Commission at 11.45 p.m. on Saturday.

Phase 7 polling statistics showed a gradual improvement from Phase 5, which had the lowest turnout at 62.2%, to Phase 6, when 63.2% of the electorate voted.

Turnout, which is currently based on EVM votes and does not include postal ballots, has fluctuated throughout the stages, with Phase 4 recording the highest polling at 69.2%, followed by 66.7% in Phase 2, 66.1% in Phase 1, and 65.7% in Phase 3.

According to the Voter Turnout app, West Bengal has the highest polling rate among the states in Phase 7 (77%). Three additional states recorded turnouts of more than 70%: Odisha, with 74.4% of voters voting, and Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh, both with 70.9%.

Chandigarh, a Union territory, trailed closely behind with 68% of the vote. However, Punjabs EVM turnout of 62.8% was much lower than its 2019 turnout of 65.9%, which did include postal ballots.

The slowest polling was in the cowbelt states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with 55.9% and 53.3%, respectively.

Hindi heartland

The BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are expected to win the Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh in the recently finished parliamentary elections, according to the News18 Mega Exit Poll.

Due to its numerical strength, the Hindi belt is important in determining political power in India. The northern states account for 245 seats in the Lok Sabha, while the Hindi belt, excluding Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, has 226.

While BJP leaders were delighted over exit poll findings predicting a landslide victory for the National Democratic Alliance, opposition INDIA alliance leaders dismissed the numbers, claiming they would form the Centres government after gaining at least 295 seats.

No truth in exit polls

Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren predicted that the INDIA alliance will win more than 10 seats in the state and more than 295 seats nationwide.

In an interview, Soren said that the India Alliance is gaining over 295 seats and that there was no truth in exit polls.

He stated that they have an excellent scenario in Jharkhand, declaring that they will win more than 10 seats in the state.

The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is a member of the INDIA alliance and forms a coalition government with the Congress in the state.

BJP to win a large majority in the Lok Sabha elections

With support from the BJP-led NDA, O Panneerselvam, the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu and former member of the AIADMK, ran as an independent in the Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha seat. He predicted that the BJP would win a large majority in the Lok Sabha elections.

After offering prayers at the Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai, Panneerselvam said that there was a good chance that the BJP would get a large majority in the recent elections and form a government again.

He also says that his victory chance is very bright.

Union Minister Shantanu Thakur, who ran for the Bangaon Lok Sabha seat, announced that his party will win 22 seats, following exit polls which indicated the BJP would overtake the TMC in West Bengal.

Well take home 22 seats. Congress will win 1 seat and the TMC will win 19, declared Thakur.

The TMC secured 22 out of the states 42 Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, while the BJP secured 18 seats. Only two seats were gained by Congress.

Exit polls on Sunday predicted that Odisha will be a neck-and-neck race, with the two-decade rule of Naveen Patnaiks Biju Janata Dal facing a stiff challenge from the BJP in the Assembly elections.

The partys State president, Manmohan Samal, stated that Prime Minister Modi deserves all the credit and that most people are devoted to him

Samal said that the public of Odisha want to change and they will dethrone the BJD government. He also added that the public is convinced and they fought the elections on the behalf of BJP.

The BJD, led by Naveen Patnaik, won a resounding victory in the 2019 legislative assembly elections, taking home 112 of the 147 available seats in the state. Nine seats were won by the Congress, while 23 were won by the BJP.

400 paar

According to exit polls conducted on Saturday, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is expected to win the Lok Sabha elections three times with a sizable majority. These polls also suggested that the party in power at the federal level would do better in several states that other parties control.

A few exit polls suggested that the NDA, led by the BJP, may accomplish the 400 paar target that BJP leaders had set in the days leading up to the Lok Sabha elections.

Exit polls indicated that the current BJP-led NDA will improve on its 2019 result, when it won 352 seats. Two polls indicated that the BJP will increase its numbers from the 303 seats it won in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The Narendra Modi-led BJP is vying for a third term in office, while the opposition INDIA alliance hopes to grab power by stopping the juggernaut.
The electoral outcome has given every party something to be happy about. This is why while the BJP leaders expressed satisfaction at the election results describing it as peoples mandate for PM Modis third consecutive term read more

The exit polls have been proven off the mark by some distance in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The voters verdict was announced by the Election Commission on Tuesday, showing that the electorate decided to please all major stakeholders across states, unlike the pollsters assessment that the ruling BJP-led alliance would get a bigger mandate than it got in 2019.

The electoral outcome has given every party something to be happy about. This is why while the BJP leaders expressed satisfaction at the election results describing it as peoples mandate for PM Modis third consecutive term.

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On the other hand, the Congress and its allies also looked jubilant in the evening of the election results. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, This is the victory of the public. This is the victory of democracy.

Whats in for the BJP?

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has won a majority with about 295 MPs in the 543-member House. The BJP fell short of the majority mark of its own  unlike its performances in 2014 and 2019  but it emerged as the single-largest party with over 240 Lok Sabha members. The next best performer in the Lok Sabha election was the Congress but the BJP still got a lead of over 140 seats.

This mandate, given the pre-poll arrangement, makes PM Modi only the second person eligible for the third consecutive oath as the prime minister, after Jawaharlal Nehru who achieved this feat 62 years ago.

The BJP also won the state elections in Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh  two of the four assemblies that went to the polls along with the Lok Sabha election. The BJP also opened its account in Kerala, where Suresh Gopi won the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat as the party polled about 17% votes in the state.

In Tamil Nadu, the BJP didnt win a seat but it polled about 11% votes. The BJP had set a target of winning a double-digit vote share in Tamil Nadu, and it made it possible.

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In Telangana, the BJP emerged as the largest party in the Lok Sabha election  barely months after the Congress secured an emphatic victory in the Assembly polls.

What did the Congress gain?

The biggest gain for the Congress is that it got the eligibility to have a Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha  a status it had failed to earn in the previous two parliamentary polls. The Congress has fallen just short of the three-digit mark. But at 98, the Congress is more than double the number it got in 2014 and substantially higher compared to 2019.

This explains why the party leader took charge in lashing out at the BJP and PM Modi in the official press conference. Kharge said, We were saying from the beginning that our fight was the Modi versus public contest. We accept the verdict of the public. This is a mandate that is against Mr Modi. It is his political and moral defeat.

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His party colleague Rahul Gandhi said, Our fight was to save democracyThe country has unanimously stated that we dont want Narendra Modi and Amit Shah to run this country.

The Congress-led INDIA bloc has won about 230 seats, making it interested in the formation of the next government should their managers get to sway the BJPs allies, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal-United (JDU) to their camp. Both the TDP of N Chandrababu Naidu and the JDU of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar contested the polls in alliance with the BJP based on pre-poll arrangements. Some Congress leaders have hinted at reaching out to Naidu and Kumar.

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The Congress also won back both Gandhi family bastions in Uttar Pradesh  Amethi and Raebareli. Rahul Gandhi won from both the seats  Wayanad in Kerala and Raebareli.

Samajwadi Party

The Samajwadi Party emerged as the story of the election from the Opposition camp. It stopped the BJP from emerging as the single-largest party from the state. The Samajwadi Party got 37 seats (till the last report came in) compared to 33 of the BJP.

Significantly, the Samajwadi Party candidate won from Faizabad in Ayodhya, where a Ram Mandir was inaugurated in January this year. The BJP was upbeat about the construction of the temple in Ayodhya, which was one of its core political agenda for decades.

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The Samajwadi Party also helped the Congress regain some lost political grounds in Uttar Pradesh as the party won six Lok Sabha seats there. It should also be noted that Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav was much in demand for holding rallies in constituencies from where Congress nominees were contesting.

Janata Dal-United

The JDU, which was being written just before the Lok Sabha election, has returned with a good strike rate. It got 12 of the 16 constituencies it contested in Bihar, which sends 40 members to the Lok Sabha.

This makes the JDU an important pillar in the NDA for propping up the third Modi government at the Centre. This comes at the back of a poor showing by Nitish Kumars party in the Bihar Assembly polls in 2020, when the JDU finished third behind the RJD and the BJP. It became a junior partner of the BJP after several election cycles.

The current performance of the JDU has the potential to give Nitish Kumar a thicker cushion in Bihar against pricking BJP leaders, some of whom want to see him replaced by a saffron party member. This also makes it possible for Nitish Kumar to stay the CM face of the NDA in Bihar next year when the state goes to the polls.

Telugu Desam Party

The TDP has returned to power in Andhra Pradesh, defeating the YSR Congress Party of the outgoing CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, in the state polls that were held along with the Lok Sabha election. It is leading the NDA in Andhra Pradesh with a combined tally of 165, as per the latest Election Commission figures. The YSRCP was ahead at only 10 seats.

The TDP has won 136 Assembly seats, followed by the Janasena Party of Pawan Kalyan. The BJP has won eight seats in Andhra Pradesh.

In the Lok Sabha election, the TDP is on course to win 16 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats. Its allies  the BJP and JSP  got the five other seats. This makes Naidu a key cog in the NDA wheel at the Centre.

Trinamool Congress

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjees TMC has pushed the BJP back in a state that her rival party has been eyeing for several years. The BJP had won 18 Lok Sabha seats in 2019, threatening the TMC, which had won 22 in Bengal, which sends 42 members to the Lok Sabha.

This time around, the TMC has stopped the BJP to 12 seats as it improved its tally to 29. The Congress, its rival in Bengal and partner in Delhi, won the other seat. This makes the TMC the third-biggest party in the Opposition INDIA bloc after the Congress and the SP.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

With the AIADMK having weakened following the death of former Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa, the DMK led by incumbent CM MK Stalin is set to win 22 seats in the state that has 39 Lok Sabha seats. The DMK won 24 Lok Sabha seats in 2019.
Lok Sabha election 2024 results: As per early trends, JD(S) Prajwal Revanna was leading by 5,499 votes read more

Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is in police custody in connection with sexual abuse and rape case, is leading from Hassan Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka.

Lok Sabha election 2024 voting in Hassan was held in the second of seven phase polling on April 26.

As per the early trends of Lok Sabha election result shared by the Election Commission of India, Revanna was leading by 5,201 votes.

The 33-year-old lawmakers closest rival was Congress Shreyas M Patel, grandson of the late G Puttaswamy Gowda, so far has managed to bag 1,90,337 votes.

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Hassan Lok Sabha constituency recorded a vote turnout of 77.42 per cent in this election, highest after 2009 when it saw a voter turnout of 73.47 per cent.

The Hassan seat was represented by former prime minister Deve Gowda in the lower house for three consecutive terms from 2004 to 2019. However, in the 2019 general elections, he fielded his grandson Revanna who bagged a vote share of 52.96 per cent and defeated his nearest rival and BJP leader Manju A by a margin of 11.06 per cent.

Revanna, who is in police custody till June 6, had allegedly fled from the country soon after the polling was held in his constituency. He was charged with rape and sexual assault after pen drives containing videos of him with different women surfaced and soon went viral in Hassan.
Prajwal Revanna, accused in sexual abuse and rape case, has lost Hassan Lok Sabha seat to Congress Shreyas M Patel, who has won by a margin of over 44,000 votes read more

Hassan constituency of Karnataka appears to have punished Janata Dal (Secular) member Prajwal Revanna by voting for Congress candidate Shreyas M Patel in the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Revanna, accused in sexual abuse and rape case, has lost Hassan Lok Sabha seat to Patel, who has won by a margin of over 44,000 votes.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Patel bagged more than 6,69,000 votes, while Revanna got little over 6,26,000 votes.

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In early trends, Revanna, grandson of JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowda, was leading. However, later Patel surpassed to claim the victory.

The win in Hassan is considered big for the Congress party in Karnataka.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, JD(S) had only won one seat in Karnataka Hassan. The constituency was represented by former prime minister Deve Gowda in the lower house for three consecutive terms from 2004 to 2019. However, in the 2019 general elections, he fielded Revanna who bagged a vote share of 52.96 per cent and defeated his nearest rival and BJP leader Manju A by a margin of 11.06 per cent.

The JD(S) contested the Lok Sabha elections 2024 in an alliance with the BJP.

Day after polling in Hassan on April 26, Revanna had fled from India to Germany using his diplomatic passport. He left the country after pen drives containing videos of him with different women surfaced and went viral on April 23.

Revanna is currently in police custody till June 6.

Not happy with Hassans result

#WATCH | JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy says, "JD(S) got the results that we had expected. But I am not happy about the results in Hassan. Overall, in Karnataka, we would have won another 4-5 seats but because of our mistakes, we lost more than 4-5 seats...People have shown Congress pic.twitter.com/6KkJLCfeto  ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2024

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Former Karnataka chief minister and uncle of Revanna, HD Kumaraswamy said: JD(S) got the results that we had expected. But I am not happy about the results in Hassan. Overall, in Karnataka, we would have won another 4-5 seats but because of our mistakes, we lost more than 4-5 seatsPeople have shown Congress that JD(S) is still alive in Karnataka.
Lok Sabha election results 2024: PM Modi defeated Uttar Pradesh Congress president and the opposition candidate from the seat Ajai Rai by 1,52,513 votes read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has won from the Uttar Pradeshs Varanasi Lok Sabha seat for the third consecutive time.

PM Modi has defeated Uttar Pradesh Congress president and the opposition candidate from the seat Ajai Rai by 1,52,513 votes.

The Prime Minister bagged 6,12,970 votes, while Rai received 4,60,457.

PM Modi secured 54.24 per cent votes, while Rai settled for 40.74 per cent.

Voting in Varanasi held in the last of the seven-phase Lok Sabha election 2024 on June 1.

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In the last Lok Sabha polls in 2019, PM Modi had defeated Samajwadi Partys Shalini Yadav. He secured 63.62 per cent of the votes, winning by a margin of 674,664 votes against Yadav.

In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi won against AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal with 56.37 per cent of votes, securing 5,81,022 votes.

Rai, who had also contested the last two elections against PM Modi was a distant third at the time.

The Varanasi Lok Sabha seat is categorised as a General category parliamentary seat.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, there were six other candidates in the fray against PM Modi. His main challengers were Rai and Bahujan Samaj Partys (BSP) Ather Jamal Lari.
The BJP, which had kept for itself the lions share of 17 seats, was leading in 13 of these, with Union ministers RK Singh and Nityanand Rai among the trailing candidates read more

Powered by a better-than-expected show from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars JD(U), the ruling NDA was poised to retain the upper hand in the state where its candidates were leading in 34 out of 40 Lok Sabha seats.

The JD(U) was leading in all but two of the 16 seats it had contested, as per trends available by the Election Commission at 2 PM.

If the trends got translated into results, the outcome would be a strong rebuff to those who felt the longest-serving CM was the weak link in the NDA.

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The BJP, which had kept for itself the lions share of 17 seats, was leading in 13 of these, with Union ministers RK Singh and Nityanand Rai among the trailing candidates.

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) appeared to have struck gold with all five candidates, including its president Chirag Paswan, leading in respective seats by comfortable margins.

Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who heads the Hindustani Awam Morcha, appeared set to make Lok Sabha debut at a ripe age.

Just a few months shy of turning 80, Manjhi enjoyed an unassailable lead of over 95,000 votes.

Among the INDIA bloc partners, the RJD, which has been the single largest party in the assembly for a decade, was coming out with yet another lacklustre performance in parliamentary polls.

However, unlike the 2019 elections, when it drew a blank, it was leading in three seats, including Patliputra, where party supremo Lalu Prasads daughter Misa Bharti had established a comfortable lead over BJP MP Ram Kripal Yadav.

Bhartis younger sister Rohini Acharya was trailing behind BJP veteran Rajiv Pratap Rudy in Saran by a slender margin of about 15,000 votes.

The Congress, which had contested nine seats, was leading in two, including the Muslim-majority Kishanganj which it had been winning on the trot since 2009 and the reserved constituency of Sasaram.

The CPI(ML) Liberation was emerging as the proverbial dark horse, with leads in two of the three seats it contested.

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In Arrah, Sudama Prasad was ahead of Union minister RK Singh by over 30,000 votes, while Raja Ram Kushwahas lead in Karakat was by more than 50,000 votes.

Former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha, an NDA partner who heads Rashtriya Lok Morcha, had lost the seat in 2014 and was trailing behind the Left party candidate while Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh, who contested as an Independent, was a distant third.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has a vote share of 22.18 per cent, Congress has 21.31 per cent and the Peoples Democratic Party has secured 8.64 per cent, early trends show read more

Early trends in Jammu and Kashmir show that the Bharatiya Janata Party secured a vote share of 26.39 per cent. The state saw an impressive voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections 2024 following the revocation of Article 370.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has a vote share of 22.18 per cent, Congress has 21.31 per cent and the Peoples Democratic Party has secured 8.64 per cent, early trends show.

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Catch all the live updates of election results here

PDPs Mehbooba Mufti is trailing behind National Conferences Altaf Ahman in Anantnag-Rajouri. National Conference is not doing so well in Baramullah as well with the partys Omar Abdullah trailing behind.

Abdullah said earlier, Its only been two hours since the counting started, so we should wait a bit longer. Exit polls dont significantly influence the final results; weve observed discrepancies between exit polls and actual results. However, we must acknowledge that not all exit polls can be entirely incorrect. Its unreasonable to expect a massive difference in the outcomes compared to the exit polls.

In Udhampur, incumbent MP Jitendra Singh from BJP is leading by 51,504 votes.

Jammu and Kashmir has five seats.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is leading in 289 out of 543 seats while INDIA is ahead in 232 seats.
PM Modi also thanked people of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh for voting BJP to power in the respective state Assembly elections read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, thanked the people of India for their affection and placing their faith in NDA for the third consecutive time.

Continue the good work

In a post on X, PM Modi said: I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people.

People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in Indias history, the Prime Minister said.

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I also salute all our Karyakartas for their hard work. Words will never do justice to their exceptional efforts, PM Modi said.

People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in Indias history.



I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2024

Thank you Odisha

The prime minister also thanked people of Odisha for a resounding victory for good governance.

The BJP has dislodged Naveen Patnaiks 24-year stronghold Odisha.

Of the total 147 Odisha Assembly seats, BJP is leading on 78 seats, while Patnaiks BJD is ahead on 51 seats. The Congress is at the third spot with 14 seats.

BJP will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the dreams of people and taking Odisha to new heights of progress. I am very proud of all our hardworking Party Karyakartas for their efforts, he said.

Thank you Odisha! Its a resounding victory for good governance and celebrating Odishas unique culture.



BJP will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the dreams of people and taking Odisha to new heights of progress.



I am very proud of all our hardworking Party Karyakartas  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2024

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Will ensure Andhra Pradesh prospers in times to come

Prime Minister Modi also thanked the people of Andhra Pradesh for giving NDA an exeptional mandate in the Assembly elections.

I thank the people of the state for their blessings, PM Modi said, adding that, We will work for the all-round progress of AP and ensure the state prospers in the times to come.

Andhra Pradesh has given an exceptional mandate to NDA! I thank the people of the state for their blessings. I congratulate @ncbn Garu, @PawanKalyan Garu and the Karyakartas of @JaiTDP, @JanaSenaParty and @BJP4Andhra for this emphatic victory.



We will work for the all-round  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2024

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In 175 Andhra Assembly seats, TDP has won 134 seats, JNP 21, BJP 8, YSRCP has bagged 12 seats.

In the Assembly election in Andhra Pradesh TDP and BJP had contested together.
JD(U) minister Zama Khan said Nitish Kumar has always thought for the people of Bihar and his decision will be supreme read more

Amid reports of INDI Alliance leader Sharad Pawar being in touch with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the Lok Sabha election 2024 vote counting day when his bloc is leading in around 230 seats, while NDA is above half-way mark and close to winning 300 seats.

Why talks between Pawar and Nitish worrying?

The support Nitish Kumars JD(U) might be crucial for the NDA to form a government in the Centre.

As counting is underway, NDA is leading in 294 seats, which INDIA bloc is leading in 232 of 543 Lok Sabha seats. The half-way mark is 272.

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Amid speculations, Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) has clarified that the party will continue to support the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

We continue with our previous stand. Under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, JD(U) once again expresses its support in NDAWe are with the NDA, we will continue to be with the NDA, JD(U) spokesperson KC Tyagi said.

Opposition underestimated Nitish Kumar

Another JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar also told CNN News18 that his party is going to stay with the NDA. Nitish Kumar understands what coalition means; the opposition underestimated Nitish Kumar, he said.

Nitish Kumars decision will be supreme

Meanwhile, JD(U) minister Zama Khan said Nitish Kumar has always thought for the people of Bihar and his decision will be supreme.

Whatever our leader decides we follow and respect his move. Let the results come out. Nitish Kumar has always thought for the people of Bihar and his decision will be supreme," Khan said.

We are firmly with the NDA. We will form the government at the Centre, another JD(U) minister Madan Sahani said.

Nitish Kumar has a history of changing sides at key moments. He returned to the NDA fold about five months ago.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar dialed JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and urged them to join the INDIA bloc, according to report read more

Buoyed by the performance in the Lok Sabha elections, the INDI alliance is leaving no stone unturned in denting the chances of the PM Modi-led BJP forming the government at the Centre and has approached NDA allies - the JD(U) and TDP - who can turn out to be potential kingmakers.

As per Election Commission trend so far, the BJP is struggling to secure a majority on its own, leading in 239 seats and winning two.

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The INDI bloc sees an opportunity to hurt the saffron party by offering lucrative offers to NDA allies - the TDP and JD(U) - who have performed reasonably well in the Lok Sabha elections.

This unexpected development has left political analysts and the public speculating about the formation of the next government.

According to Lokmat Times, citing reports, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar dialed JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and requested them to join the INDIA bloc.

The calls were made on Tuesday afternoon after the election results showed a tight contest between the NDA and INDIA bloc, with NDA having a slight edge over the opposition alliance.

Reports stated that Pawar offered Nitish Kumar the deputy prime ministers post if he joins the INDIA bloc.

Naidu has been promised special status for Andhra Pradesh, a longstanding demand.

According to the report, there is, however, no clarity on what the two leaders have told Pawar.

According to India.com, Naidu has reportedly held talks with Nitish Kumar, possibly urging him to rejoin the INDIA bloc.

At the same time, Naidu reportedly also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah and congratulated them on the NDA winning majority in the Lok Sabha.

The performance put up by Naidus party in the Lok Sabha elections will make him an important player nationally, at a time when the BJP looks unlikely to cross the majority mark by itself.

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He is also set to return as chief minister months after he was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh CID in connection with an alleged scam in the AP Skill Development Corporation during his last tenure.

However, contrary to media reports, Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said that he had not spoken to Nitish Kumar or Chandrababu Naidu.

He said that the INDI alliance leaders will meet in Delhi on Wednesday to decide the future course of action while also stating that the opposition bloc was not likely to form the government.

I spoke to Mallikarjun Kharge and Sitaram Yechury. The INDIA alliance meeting is likely to be held in Delhi tomorrow. Final decision is expected to be taken by this evening. Accordingly, I will be in Delhi, Pawar said at a press conference.

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To a question who would be the next prime minister, Pawar said, We have not given it a thought.

I am not sure if the INDIA alliance can form government. We will meet tomorrow and take a decision unanimously on the future course of action, he added.

With inputs from agencies
After defeating Congress candidate Ajay Rai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was able to win the Varanasi seat for a third consecutive term. This time, Modis victory margin is 1,52,513, which is less than his margins from 2014 and 2019 read more

Rahul Gandhis victory margin in Amethi in this years Lok Sabha election is almost similar to that achieved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi during the 2019 general election.

Rahul Gandhi, a Congress MP, contested the constituencies of Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Wayanad in Kerala. He won both by a commanding majority of votes.

Gandhi defeated Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) by an overwhelming 3,64,422 votes, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI) website. The Congressman defeated BJP candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh in Rae Bareli, the partys historic stronghold, by an overwhelming majority of 3,89,341 votes. With just 21,588 votes, Thakur Prasad Yadav of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) came in third.

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After defeating Congress candidate Ajay Rai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was able to win the Varanasi seat for a third consecutive term. This time, Modis victory margin is 1,52,513, which is less than his margins from 2014 and 2019.

This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi has contested from two Lok Sabha seats. He lost a hard-fought election in Amethi in 2019 to Union minister and prominent BJP figure Smriti Irani. Still, he emerged victorious in Wayanad.

The former president of Congress has been aggressively spearheading his partys effort to enhance its electoral performance since 2014. In addition to losing the national elections, the grand old party of India lost control of other states.

Early reports from the vote count indicated that he was in a tight race with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates K Surendran in Kerala and Dinesh Pratap Singh in Uttar Pradesh.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Rahul defeated PP Suneer, the candidate for the Communist Party of India (CPI), with a vote share of 64.67% over Wayanads 25.14%. With a recorded victory margin of 39.53%, the candidate won more than any other candidate in the constituency to date.

The Gandhi scion faced defeat in that year against Amethi, a constituency he had served three terms in a row in the lower house of Parliament between 2004 and 2019. Smriti Irani, his political rival, received 43.86% of the vote to his opponents 49.71%.

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Rahul Gandhi selected Rae Bareli in the run-up to the 2024 elections. Sonia Gandhi, his mother, had held the seat for 20 years in a row, from 2004 to 2024. Sonia Gandhi has chosen not to participate in the sweltering heat of the Lok Sabha poll. She is currently a Rajasthani member of the Rajya Sabha.

Dinesh Pratap Singh, the BJPs nominee, narrowed Sonia Gandhis victory margin in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from 42.75% to 17.44% in 2014, when she faced Ajay Agrawal of the saffron party.

Wayanad cast a ballot in the second phase on April 26 with a turnout of 72.69%, while Rae Bareli cast her ballot in the fifth phase on May 20 and recorded a turnout of 58.12%.

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There were seven phases to the Lok Sabha elections, which began on April 19 and covered 543 seats. With Narendra Modi serving as prime minister, the Bharatiya Janata Party is attempting to win an unusual third term in power.
The SDF received its worst drubbing in 30 years winning just one assembly seat under Chamlings leadership with the former chief minister himself losing from both Namcheybung and Poklok-Kamrang constituencies read more

Finally breaking his silence, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) president Pawan Kumar Chamling on Tuesday congratulated the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for leading the SKM to landslide victory in the assembly elections by winning 31 out of 32 seats.

In the recently concluded elections held in Sikkim, the people have given their mandate in favour of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) led by Chief Minister Tamang, he said in a statement. The SKM returned to power in the Himalayan state for the second consecutive term.

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I, on behalf of the SDF, would like to extend our congratulations to the SKM for their success and look forward to the fulfilment of the assurances by the government in the interest of the Sikkimese people and for the overall development of the state, Chamling said.

The opposition party chief who was the chief minister of Sikkim for 25 years, till 2019, did not react on the results for two days. Votes for the state assembly elections were counted on Sunday.

Simultaneously, I extend my gratitude to the Election Commission of India, the chief electoral officer and his officials and all law enforcing agencies in Sikkim for the successful conduct of the assembly and parliamentary polls simultaneously.

The five-term former chief minister also expressed gratitude towards the people of Sikkim for participating in the democratic process to elect their government.

The SDF received its worst drubbing in 30 years winning just one assembly seat under Chamlings leadership with the former chief minister himself losing from both Namcheybung and Poklok-Kamrang constituencies.

It will be the first time in 40 years that the 73-year-old SDF stalwart and eight-term MLA will not be setting foot in the Sikkim legislative assembly precincts when the 11th assembly convenes in due course.
With the BJP securing a majority of its own  a first in 30 years  and Prime Minister Narendra Modi emerging as a towering leader, regional parties lost their bargaining power in national politics. The 2024 Lok Sabha election may give them their bargaining power once again read more

Polling officials seal Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) at the end of the seventh and final phase of voting in India's general election at a polling station in Jalandhar.

The mercurial rise of the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha election pushed regional parties into the periphery of the national politics in a departure from the trend of the past two decades. In fact, regional parties started playing a decisive role post the fall of the VP Singh government in 1990. The PV Narasimha Rao government was a minority government, depending for its survival on regional players like the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).

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From 1996, when the BJP emerged as the single-largest party but resigned before the government could prove its majority, regional parties dominated the national political scene until 2014, when the saffron party secured a majority of its own. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh had tough times managing the affairs of the central government with regional party leaders  from Tamil Nadu in south to Uttar Pradesh in north.

With the BJP securing a majority of its own  a first in 30 years  and Prime Minister Narendra Modi emerging as a towering leader, regional parties lost their bargaining power in national politics. The 2024 Lok Sabha election may give them their bargaining power once again.

The trends from the Election Commissions dashboard show that the BJP leading between 240 and 250 Lok Sabha seats while the NDA is heading to a majority in the House. The majority comes on the back of the performance of the parties such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of former Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu and the Janata Dal-United of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.

At the same time, the BJP, which is staring at an upset in Uttar Pradesh, has seemingly been undone by the Samajwadi Party of former CM Akhilesh Yadav.

Heres how the top five regional parties are performing in the Lok Sabha election:

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TDP

The TDP has returned to power in Andhra Pradesh, defeating the YSR Congress Party of the outgoing CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, in the state polls that were held along with the Lok Sabha election. It is leading the NDA in Andhra Pradesh with a combined tally of 157, as per the latest Election Commission figures. The YSRCP was ahead at only 18 seats.

In the Lok Sabha election, the TDP is on course to win 16 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats. Its allies  the BJP and the Janasena Party of Pawan Kalyan  are leading at five other seats.

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JDU

The JDU, which was being written just before the Lok Sabha election, is returning with a good strike rate. It is ahead in 14 of the 16 constituencies it contested in Bihar, which sends 40 members to the Lok Sabha.

This means the JDU and the TDP may be powering the BJP to stay in power at the Centre in Modi 3.0.

Samajwadi Party

Among the Opposition camp, the Samajwadi Party has caused a major upset in Uttar Pradesh, surging ahead in 35 of the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies of the state. Uttar Pradesh has been the strongest bastion of the BJP in 2014 and 2019 elections, giving the party 71 and 62 Lok Sabha seats respectively.

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The Akhilesh Yadav-led partys strong show in the parliamentary polls comes on the back of another electoral defeat in the Assembly polls held in 2022, despite a significant improvement in performance. It won 111 Assembly seats  65 up from 2017  but could not stop the BJP from returning to power for the second consecutive time with a decisive majority.

TMC

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjees TMC is leading in 30 constituencies. Her party had won 22 seats from Bengal, which sends 42 members to the Lok Sabha. This makes the TMC the third-biggest party in the Opposition INDIA bloc after the Congress and the SP.

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DMK

With the AIADMK having weakened following the death of former Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa, the DMK led by incumbent CM MK Stalin is leading in 21 constituencies in the state that has 39 Lok Sabha seats. The DMK won 24 Lok Sabha seats in 2019.
I think its time to accept the inevitable. Congratulations to Engineer Rashid for his victory in North Kashmir. I dont believe his victory will hasten his release from prison nor will the people of North Kashmir get the representation they have a right to but the voters have spoken and in a democracy thats all that matters, Abdullah wrote on X read more

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Tuesday conceded defeat to Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, in the Lok Sabha constituency of Baramulla.

Engineer Rashid defeated Abdullah by over one lakh votes.

Taking to X, Abdullah said that it was time to accept the inevitable and congratulated Engineer Rashid for the victory.

I think its time to accept the inevitable. Congratulations to Engineer Rashid for his victory in North Kashmir. I dont believe his victory will hasten his release from prison nor will the people of North Kashmir get the representation they have a right to but the voters have  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 4, 2024

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I think its time to accept the inevitable. Congratulations to Engineer Rashid for his victory in North Kashmir. I dont believe his victory will hasten his release from prison nor will the people of North Kashmir get the representation they have a right to but the voters have spoken and in a democracy thats all that matters, Abdullah wrote.

The win for Engineer Rashid, who has been lodged in Tihar jail for the past five years facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), came as a surprise as he contested the elections as an independent candidate from the confines of the prison .

Since he was in jail, his two sons led his campaign, which started just two weeks before the Baramulla constituency voted in the fifth phase on 20 May.

With inputs from agencies
The US claims that it fights against enemies of democracies, but democracy in America seems to be groping in darkness read more

The New York Supreme Court has convicted former US President Donald Trump of falsifying his business records. The court may sentence him to three years of imprisonment or more on July 11. Trump allegedly did that to pay hush money to a porn star named Stormy Daniels. Even though the payment of hush money is not an illegal act under the American legal system, the falsification of business records is a crime.

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As expected, Trump was quick to cry foul, dub the court decision rigged, and blame the Biden administration for staging a conspiracy against him. Had it not been the presidential election year and had Trump not been the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party, the popular perception of the court decision and its general implications would have been different.

The US, however, is currently facing one of the worst political phases in its history. As Trump plays victim, his support base rises up in arms, and polarisation deepens.

Politics, in a way, is perceptual, and how American voters perceive the outcome of legal cases against Trump will surely influence the election results as well. A large number of Republican voters, including the senior leaders of the party, apparently believe that Trump is innocent. Had it not been so, his scores in the opinion polls would have been disastrous for him. His core base of supporters has turned more ferocious in their responses.

Ordinary Republican voters would continue to support Trump because they do not like President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party. On the other hand, the Democratic Party has found yet another major culpability of Trump to toughen their campaigns against him.

What is going to matter most is the perception of independent voters in swing states, which will determine who will become the next occupant of the White House. While the life, behaviour, social background, and character of a candidate during American elections become part of the election campaigns, how far the voting behaviour of American citizens is shaped by moral and ethical issues is not easy to measure.

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In any case, the Republican Party is not in a position to change the nominee at this late stage of the campaign. Those who traditionally vote for the Democratic Party will almost certainly vote for Joe Biden, even if they question the age factor or performance of the administration, because the alternative may be considered shoddier on ethical grounds.

The challenge the American political system faces today is not whether a Democrat or a Republican will win the 2024 presidential election. The US is faced with a multitude of legal dilemmas in the wake of multiple court casessome decided, many in the processagainst a former president and a presumptive presidential candidate.

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The US Constitution was drafted centuries ago. It has been sustained with a few amendments compared to other democratic constitutions. But this constitution says very little about who can contest the presidential election. Its provisions say that any natural-born American citizen of 35 years of age who has lived in the US continuously for 14 years is eligible to enter the presidential race. And that is all. It is silent on the disqualification of a presidential contestant.

As a result, speculations are myriad in the US about future political scenarios and whether Donald Trump, who has lost a few cases, both civilian and criminal, in the midst of the election, should be allowed to stay in the race. Since the US Constitution and the legal provisions are silent, Trump can run for the presidency, even from prison, and there is a precedent. But if he wins the election, how can he run the administration from prison?

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As a former president, he is eligible for security services. Can he avail of that while in prison? As president, he has the power to pardon, but can he pardon himself and move to the White House? Neither the legal provisions nor the precedence can help the US courts in the present scenario. Thus, US policy is faced with both political ambiguities and legal uncertainties.

These developments in the US in the midst of wars in Europe and West Asia and war-like situations in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea are unnerving. The US claims that it fights against enemies of democracies, but American democracy seems to be groping in darkness.

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A former president believes strongly that the 2020 presidential election was stolen and complains that the court cases are rigged in the US, coupled with the campaign language and rhetoric that are unbecoming in a democracy, and the US seems to be facing one of the most embarrassing moments in its history.

Successive American administrations swear upon freedom, liberty, the rule of law, human rights, and above all, democratic values. Some administrations sought to promote democracy abroad. The current Biden Administration organised a global meet on democracy, accused many countries, including India, of practices that indicate backsliding of democracy, publicly made critical comments on farmers agitation in India and CAA-related demonstrations, harboured anti-India separatist elements in its territory, and defined free speech in its own way to blame other countries.

What is happening today in the US to free speech? The world is watching the Biden administrations approach to the Gaza war and its handling of free speech issues on numerous college campuses in various parts of the world. Clearly, the soft power that made the US proud appears to have entered the danger zone. The future administrations in the US need to react or respond to events in other democracies, including India, in more sophisticated, measured, and understanding ways. This can happen only when the American leadership does some soul-searching on what is happening within the US. The fallout of the legal cases against Trump is domestic uncertainty for sure, but its implications for world affairs are no less.

The writer is founder chairperson of Kalinga Institute Indo-Pacific Studies and former Professor at JNU. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The better than expected showing by Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh has surprised many, at least those who were expecting the results to mirror exit poll predictions read more

As per the current trends, the Samajwadi Party-led INDIA bloc has managed to edge out the BJP in the crucial heartland state of Uttar Pradesh.

A surprise : The better than expected showing by Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh has surprised many, at least those who were expecting the results to mirror exit poll predictions. Most exit polls had predicted that the BJP-led NDA will win at least 65 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the opposition INDIA bloc will share the rest. However, according to trends, the Samajwadi Party is all set to win around 38 seats and its alliance partner Congress another 7.

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The fight : The Samajwadi Party had allied with the Congress. According to the pre-poll deal, the Congress contested on 17 seats, while the SP on 63 seats. The BJP-led NDA had Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Apna Dal (Sonelal), Nishad Party and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party on its side. While the BJP contested on 74 seats, the RLD and Apna Dal contested on two seats each, and the Nishad Party and Suheldev BSP on one seat each.

The numbers : In 2019, NDA won 64 Lok Sabha seats in UP with BJPs tally alone being 62. The SP and BSP had contested the 2019 election in an alliance and SP got a 18.1% vote share and 5 seats.

Akhilesh wins : Congress had little say in the alliance in the state and it was Akhilesh who had a clean slate to make it work for himself, his party and INDIA bloc and he seems to have succeeded. Akhilesh emerges as a strong regional leader again.

The family wins : The SP gave tickets to five Yadavs and all were from the same family. Akhilesh Yadav contested from Kannauj, Dimple Yadav from Mainpuri, Dharmendra Yadav from Azamgarh, Akshay Yadav from Firozabad and Aditya Yadav from Badaun.
Intel has unveiled its latest Xeon 6 processors at Computex 2024, marking a significant step forward in high-performance computing.

The new processors, named E-Core Sierra Forest models, boast cutting-edge features designed to cater to a variety of demanding workloads.

Xeon 6 E-Core Processors

The Xeon 6 E-Core processors are engineered for power efficiency in dense computing environments. With up to 144 cores per socket, these processors are optimized for cloud-native workloads, DevOps, databases, CDNs, and storage applications.

Alongside the Xeon 6 announcement, Intel has shed light on the Gaudi 3 AI accelerator and the upcoming P-core Xeon 6 Granite Rapids processors. These processors are tailored for high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), and other compute-intensive tasks.

Performance and Benchmarks

Intels marketing materials highlight up to 3.7x better performance in AI inferencing compared to current AMD EPYC processors.

Initial benchmarks for Xeon 6 Sierra Forest processors demonstrate promising performance gains, setting the stage for further advancements in the Granite Rapids lineup.

Comparison with Competitors

Intels Xeon 6700E series competes with AMD EPYC Bergamo processors, offering superior performance and power efficiency.

While AMDs upcoming 5th Gen EPYC processors promise increased core counts, Intel leads in core count advantage for the time being.

Memory and Connectivity

The Xeon 6700 series supports eight-channel DDR5-6400 memory, while the Xeon 6900 series boasts 12-channel DDR5-6400 memory and enhanced PCIe 5.0 connectivity. These features ensure optimal performance and scalability for diverse workloads.

Software Support and Compatibility

Intel Xeon 6700E/6900E series processors offer robust software support, with compatibility across Linux and other platforms. While the E-core processors lack AVX-512 support and AMX, they deliver efficient performance for cloud-native environments.

Intel Gaudi 2 and Intel Gaudi 3 AI Accelerator Kits Pricing

Intel Gaudi, introduced at Intels Vision 2024 conference, promises powerful AI performance at a good price. At Computex, Intel revealed the pricing for Intel Gaudi setups:

A basic kit with eight Intel Gaudi 2 accelerators and a universal baseboard (UBB) costs USD 65,000. This is about a third cheaper than similar products from other brands.

Another kit with eight Intel Gaudi 3 accelerators and a UBB is priced at USD 125,000. This is around two-thirds cheaper than similar offerings from competitors.

Moreover, Intel announced partnerships with six new system providers: ASUS, Foxconn, Gigabyte, Inventec, Quanta, and Wistron. They will be joining Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Lenovo, and Supermicro in offering Intel Gaudi 3 systems.

Availability

The Xeon 6700E series, featuring up to 144 E-cores, is now available. The Xeon 6900P, part of the Granite Rapids family, is set to launch globally in the third quarter of 2024, offering up to 128 performance cores.

Additional models, including the Xeon 6700P and Xeon 6300P series processors, are slated for release in the first quarter of 2025.
A Durango-based helicopter company is testing a new tool that could help search and rescue teams in helicopters detect missing and distressed people in Colorados backcountry within minutes and communicate with them, even if they are stuck in an area without cellphone service.

The technology, akin to a miniature cellphone tower, attaches to the outside of a helicopter and allows searchers to pinpoint the locations of any cellphones within a 3-mile radius using a map on a tablet, Dr. Tim Durkin, a search and rescue program coordinator for Colorado Highland Helicopters.

As we detect the phone, basically a blotch shows up on the map and as we fly around that area, that blotch gets smaller and smaller and smaller until we can see exactly where they are, Durkin said.

That process of detecting, focusing on one specific location takes about a minute  not really very long at all.

Depending on the situation, search and rescue teams can then send in ground crews with the persons location or land the helicopter if theres a clearing nearby and conditions allow for a safe landing, Durkin said.

During a test mission in La Plata Canyon northwest of Durango, search crews found the two people they were looking for within two minutes and 14 seconds, Durkin said.

The technology, called Lifeseeker, was developed by Spain-based company CENTUM research & technology and is in the process of being approved by the Federal Communications Commission before it can be sold to the state or counties hoping to use it for their SAR efforts, he said.

La Plata Canyon is bordered by several 12,000- and 13,000-foot peaks on either side with a dense forest at the bottom. There have been several high-profile search and rescue missions to look for missing hikers and ultrarunners in the remote, mountainous area.

The rugged terrain, similar to many areas of Colorado, makes it extremely challenging for searchers to spot people from the air or ground. Some missions in the past lasted weeks before searchers called off ground missions without finding the person they were looking for.

Even two grown adults standing under the tree cover there, even when we can look on the screen and say, we know exactly where they are, and were orbiting 100 feet off the trees in a helicopter, you cant see them because the tree cover is that dense, Durkin, an emergency medicine doctor said.

Trying to find a person without some adjunct technology to see them is really quite, quite difficult, if not nearly impossible.

The radio-based technology needs a clear view of the terrain without interference to pick up the signal of the cellphone. If the conditions and terrain are favorable, it can detect a cellphone up to nearly 20 miles away.

It takes about three minutes to attach the Lifeseeker unit inside a helicopter when needed for a search and rescue mission, Durkin said.

SAR can also use the tool to send text messages to the missing person, for example, advising them to stay in one area if they are hurt or move to a clearing for a helicopter to pick them up.

The tool also has a broadcast function that allows SAR to send out a message to a group of people within a certain range, similar to an Amber Alert for a missing child, to warn them of a wildfire or flood, Durkin said.

ANOTHER LIFE-SAVING TOOL

The new technology could be another life-saving tool for the roughly 2,500 search and rescue volunteers around the state who respond to calls from distressed people in the backcountry, said Jeff Sparhawk, the executive director for the Colorado Search and Rescue Association, which represents the states teams that operate under county sheriffs.

Finding a person with dementia or a missing child without a cellphone, for example, may require a different approach from a search for a missing hiker last seen on the windy summit of a 14,000-foot peak.

Airborne rescuers use a variety of technology to search for people, like high-resolution video that is filtered through software that can identify colors not typically seen in nature, like royal blue. SAR also has access to the states airplanes that use infrared sensors to detect temperature differences on the ground.

Even so, search and rescue teams success rate searching visually from helicopters is not very high, Sparhawk said.

Searching in our valleys, in our mountains, it just is very, very difficult. It is also difficult when people are wearing muted colors  to find somebody wearing gray amongst 10 billion gray rocks is really hard, he said.

The Lifeseeker technology could make a huge difference for searchers looking for someone in an area outside of cellphone range, but only if the persons phone has power, Sparhawk said.

Its a balancing act. From our perspective, cellphone batteries are a concern for us  if somebody goes for a hike, weve been teaching people to turn your phone off, put it in airplane mode or preserve the battery however you can. Typically that means disconnecting from the network, Sparhawk said.

So if theyre preserving their cellphone battery, and they dont hear a helicopter and they dont turn it back on, its not going to make a difference for them. But obviously, if they get lost, they need to turn their cellphone on and try to get into coverage, he said.

A task force designed to better support search and rescue operations across the state listed improving field communications as a way to keep rescuers in the backcountry without passing any costs on to those who call for help.

The 111-page report published in 2022 recommended providing sheriffs and backcountry search and rescue teams with funding to purchase and improve communication technologies, as well as studying the value of helicopters dedicated to rescue needs.Many of the search and rescue teams across the state have been overwhelmed with a dramatic increase in calls in the past several years.

How successful our tourism industry has been is a blessing and a curse for us, Sparhawk said. We support the tourism economy to the degree that we can and dont want to harm that at all, but I think that the increase in population and the increase in tourism just makes us really, really busy.

Most calls come in during the summer, while winter missions typically take more energy, requiring searchers to go into precarious avalanche-prone terrain, he said.

Colorado Search and Rescue advises people to recreate in the backcountry as safely as possible, by following the three Ts: trip planning, training and taking the essentials.

Most people go out on an adventure, not expecting to need help, of course, and so theyre gonna go enjoy their day. They should do that, Sparhawk said. This is the what-if situation that not everybody thinks about.
Ex-military man convicted of spying required to return pension

ROC Central News Agency

06/03/2024 08:20 PM

Taipei, June 3 (CNA) Retired Lieutenant Colonel Tu Yung-hsin () has been deprived of his pension and other privileges after the Supreme Administrative Court upheld a ruling by a lower court following his conviction in a Chinese spying case.

Tu was found guilty of violating the National Security Act by the New Taipei District Court in October 2020 for attempting to recruit intelligence assets in Taiwan at the behest of China's Central Military Commission.

That ruling was upheld and Tu's conviction and four-year jail sentence were finalized by the Supreme Court in 2022, and he is currently serving that jail term.

Following that ruling, however, the military's Air Force Command Headquarters decided that Tu had lost his right to a pension and other retirement benefits, and ordered him to pay back the benefits he had collected over the previous 12 years since October 2011.

Those benefits, including a pension and preferential interest on a savings account, totaled around NT$10 million (US$310,550).

Unhappy over the military's decision, Tu filed an administrative suit with the Taipei High Administrative Court, which sided with the military.

He then appealed the decision to the Supreme Administrative Court, which rejected Tu's appeal on May 30. Its ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

According to the original indictment on the spying charge, Tu, 71, moved to China following his retirement from the military in 1994, and by the time he returned to Taiwan in 2011 he had agreed to work for China and develop a spy ring in Taiwan.

One of the people Tu targeted, according to prosecutors, was an active-duty Army lieutenant colonel, surnamed Tsai ().

After providing Tsai with gifts, including tea, liquor, and over NT$200,000 in cash, Tu asked the lieutenant colonel to record a video oath of loyalty to Beijing, prosecutors said.

Tsai thought the request to be strange, and he made secret recordings of his conversations with Tu to protect himself.

He later handed over the recordings along with the money Tu gave him to prosecutors, who decided not to file charges against him.

(By Flor Wang and Liu Shih-yi)

Enditem/ASG/ls

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China unveils case where MI6 recruited Chinese couple as spies

Global Times

By Chen Qingqing and Xu Keyue Published: Jun 03, 2024 07:55 AM Updated: Jun 03, 2024 09:54 PM

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) disclosed on Monday morning a major espionage case involving the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) recruiting a couple from a central state agency in China.

After a thorough investigation, the national security agency uncovered a significant espionage case involving MI6 recruiting an employee surnamed Wang and his spouse surnamed Zhou, the MSS said in a post published on its WeChat account.

As China's international status and influence continue to grow, Western countries are employing increasingly complex methods of infiltration, some experts warned. This requires China to further enhance its anti-espionage education and the public awareness, they noted.

In 2015, Wang applied to participate in a China-UK exchange program to study in the UK. MI6, valuing his position in a core confidential role, quickly facilitated the approval of his application, according to the MSS.

Upon Wang's arrival in the UK, MI6 arranged for personnel to provide him with special attention, including dining invitations and sightseeing tours, to understand his personality weaknesses and hobbies.

After discovering Wang's strong desire for money, MI6 personnel, posing as alumni, befriended him on campus and offered him a part-time consulting opportunity with high compensation. Tempted by financial incentives, Wang agreed to engage in paid consulting.

Initially, the British side used public research projects as a pretext, gradually involving Wang in core matters of the central state agency, with payments significantly higher than normal consulting fees.

Although Wang became suspicious, he continued providing "consulting" services under the lure of substantial money.

After some time, the British side assessed the situation as mature and introduced MI6 personnel to Wang, revealing their identities and requesting his services for the British government, promising higher remuneration and security guarantees.

Seeking personal gain, Wang agreed to the British demands and completed the espionage procedures.

MI6 provided professional spy training for Wang and instructed him to return to China to gather important intelligence.

Wang's wife, Zhou, also worked in a critical department. MI6, confident in their control over Wang, repeatedly pressured him to recruit his wife, promising double compensation.

Despite initial hesitation, Wang succumbed to persistent persuasion, inducement, and even threats from the British side, eventually convincing Zhou to agree to gather intelligence for them.

Thus, Wang and his wife both became spies for the British side.

With a thorough investigation and solid evidence, the Chinese national security agency decisively took action, legally detaining and interrogating Wang and Zhou, thereby uncovering a significant MI6 operative within China's internal system. The case is currently under further investigation.

This is another case in which the UK's MI6 engaged in espionage activities against China, unveiled by China's MSS. In January, Chinese authorities disclosed a case in which MI6 used foreign personnel from "a third country" for espionage targeting China.

Anti-espionage efforts needed

The British intelligence agency as a very well-established organization have been dedicated to developing human intelligence through various means for a long time, Li Wei, a researcher and security expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Monday.

"As a core member of the Five Eyes and with a close relationship with the CIA, some of MI6's activities are in fact coordinated with those of the CIA," Li said.

Despite the seemingly declining international status of the UK, their role as a member of the Five Eyes and their cooperation with the CIA remains a very important aspect of their intelligence work, the expert noted.

Some experts believed that such cases are typical, with foreign intelligence agencies recruiting Chinese couples for their spy activities, which requires China to enhance anti-espionage education for anyone participating in international programs.

The British government has specifically allocated budgets for recruiting Chinese personnel and increasing the number of institutions and staff dedicated to studying China within the government, including arrangements for specific China-related intelligence, Gao Jian, director of the Center for British Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday.

"The continuous public disclosure of various espionage cases by the Chinese government is also aimed at raising public awareness of security," Gao said, noting that in an era where major power rivalries are becoming increasingly intense, it is urgent to enhance the national security awareness.

"We should not assume that only the US is conducting espionage activities against us or that only certain countries are doing so. Beyond the Five Eyes, some US allies may also follow the instructions of the US to target China with intelligence and espionage activities," Li said.

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June 3, 2024

Transcript

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds an Off-Camera, On-the-Record Press Briefing

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh

DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: So just a couple things, and then happy to start.

So as you know, Secretary Austin is on travel in the Indo-Pacific. He just concluded a series of engagements at the Shangri-La Dialogue and will next head to Cambodia to meet with senior leaders there. This is the secretary's tenth trip to region and his third time attending the Shangri-La Dialogue.

At Shangri-La, the secretary was able to meet with many from throughout the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Secretary Austin convened a trilateral meeting with Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara and Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Shin, and met with Southeast Asia defense leaders from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and ASEAN ministers to discuss opportunities to advance regional peace and stability. In each meeting, he discussed what you've heard in his keynote speech, "New Convergence," built on a shared vision and common principles which has driven our incredible progress with allies and partners over the last three years and is built together to last in the years to come.

In addition, the secretary had his first in-person meeting with Admiral Dong, minister of national defense of the People's Republic of China, to discuss U.S.-PRC defense relations, as well as regional and global security issues. A full readout will is available on defense.gov.

And as you saw, the secretary met with President Zelenskyy on Sunday to provide an update on efforts to rush U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to meet their capability needs and reaffirm the U.S.'s commitment to maintaining the strong support of a coalition of over 50 countries to help Ukraine defend its freedom.

And then a short update on the status of the temporary pier: The rebuilding and repairing of the pier is ongoing at Ashdod. Additionally, the recovering of the remaining two Army vessels that were beached near the Trident Pier is ongoing, with assistance from the Israeli Navy. Alongside USAID and other humanitarian organizations, we are committed to working with the international community to ensure that humanitarian aid gets into Gaza as quickly as possible. And as we have the updates to provide on JLOTS, we'll be sure to pass that information along.

And with that, I'm happy to take your questions. Lita?

Q: Thanks, Sabrina. A couple things on the pier.

MS. SINGH: Sure.

Q: One, are the Army vessels badly damaged? What is it that's taking so long that's -- to -- to unbeach them?

MS. SINGH: Yeah.

Q: And the -- I -- and I have something else.

MS. SINGH: Sure. I believe the Army vessels just did take on a lot of water and sand, so the recovery efforts are just proving to be a little bit more difficult. But we are working with the Israeli Navy to make sure that they can be pushed back and will be operational. That does not impact to the rebuilding of the pier itself though. That is still ongoing; still looking like we'll be on track for the timeline that we had set, but we'll provide more updates as we get them.

Q: So will those two Army boats, though, won't be available to help if -- once the pier gets reestablished. They won't be able to help shuttle aid, right?

MS. SINGH: They were not part...

Q: They were not part of that?

MS. SINGH: They were never part of the shuttling of aid.

Q: OK.

MS. SINGH: They were just there to help anchor the pier. But as I get more updates...

Q: OK.

MS. SINGH: ... and as those vessels are still in the recovery process, we'll provide additional (inaudible).

Q: And can you say whether or not there's any aid flowing from Cyprus to the Navy ships that is sort of sitting there waiting for the pier to start again?

MS. SINGH: Yeah.

Q: And (inaudible).

MS. SINGH: Absolutely. So as of last week, when we were providing updates, humanitarian aid from Cyprus is currently being preloaded on vessels that as soon as the JLOTS, or temporary pier is re-anchored to Gaza, that aid will be able to flow off pretty much immediately. USAID is working with other partners to distribute aid that's on Cyprus. I would direct you to them for any efforts on that front. But we are preloading aid. I don't have...

Q: OK.

MS. SINGH: I don't have how many metric tons are right now preloaded on our ships, but it is an ongoing effort.

Q: OK, but you don't have an update from what you -- over the weekend and from what you said last week?

MS. SINGH: No, no update on (inaudible).

Q: So nothing new from that? OK.

MS. SINGH: No. And of course, as you know, the temporary pier is not operational, so no aid has been able to flow off...

Q: Right.

MS. SINGH: ... through the maritime corridor. Yeah, great.

Laura?

Q: Thanks, Sabrina. Do you have an update on the person that was critically injured the other week? Is he still -- he still is -- is he still being cared for in Israel, or has he been transferred to the U.S. since?

MS. SINGH: I don't have an update for you. I would direct you to CENTCOM to provide that update, but when we do have something more to provide, we will. But he is -- my understanding is still in critical condition.

Q: Can you tell us anything about the accident and how he was injured?

(CROSSTALK)

MS. SINGH: I don't have anything more. I'd refer you to CENTCOM to speak more to that, on just the actual details. Unfortunately, I just don't have more at this time.

Q: OK. And then, sorry, just on Niger, has the withdrawal actually begun? Have troops started leaving?

MS. SINGH: My understanding is there's still, I think, over 900 personnel still there. It's a phased withdrawal that I know some of our senior officials here have spoken to. You know, we have a pretty long lead time until September to continue those withdrawal efforts. But it's underway. It's progressing, but I...

Q: So they have started to...?

MS. SINGH: The conversations have started and are ongoing, as you know. We put out a -- and I'm sorry. We put out a readout very long ago on how those conversations went when our delegation was there. I don't have any more to announce on, like, actual withdrawal efforts, but we'll keep you updated on that.

Yeah?

Q: Hi, Sabrina.

MS. SINGH: Hi, yeah.

Q: Good morning. So a couple of questions first on the JLOTS. So is -- are you still looking for maybe -- maybe anchoring the -- the pier on Thursday? Would that be the -- the (inaudible)?

MS. SINGH: So I don't have an exact date for you right now, Fadi. When we previewed -- when I was at the podium last week, I think we said it would take about over a week to do it, so we'd be looking at sometime this week, most likely, to anchor. Of course, you know, we're always assessing environmental and securities conditions on the ground, but hopeful that we are moving towards progress sometime this week.

Q: And on the aid being loaded on ships in Cyprus...

MS. SINGH: Yeah.

Q: ... how many ships are we talking about?

MS. SINGH: It's the ships that are part of the JLOTS mission, so the Benavidez is the largest one. In terms of what aid is loaded on what specific ships, I don't have that full breakdown. CENTCOM would, and I'd refer you to them to -- if you're interested in that, to speak more to that. But what I can tell you is that aid right now is -- and has been being pushed on, onloaded onto the Benavidez so that when we are ready and when JLOTS is back up and running, aid can move pretty immediately.

Q: OK. And I mean, the A.P. yesterday reported that the Ike mission and its strike group has been extended. This was a decision that the order that the secretary made, I believe, back in May. What can you tell us about this? And is that a reflection of the type of operations the Houthis are still able to carry? And I mean -- and how do you -- in terms of the success of the mission, is the extension acknowledgement that you haven't been able to deal with the Houthis' capability?

MS. SINGH: Well, the Ike remains on station. You know, we don't really comment on additional extensions or anything like that. But she remains there in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden area. You know, we continue to see the Houthis engage in activities that threaten commercial shipping, which is why it's very important to have our destroyers and the Ike there to be able to engage in what is being shot from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen towards commercial ships and our ships.

I think what's important to remember is that this is not just a U.S. effort, there are other countries and coalitions part of Operation Prosperity Guardian and operating separately there to ensure that freedom of navigation is upheld.

We never said that we've taken the Houthis' capabilities completely off the map, but just last week, you saw us engage in another coalition strike with UK and other partners to further degrade the Houthis' capabilities. We have seen them respond, we have seen them target our ships, and I think there was some misreporting this weekend but none of our ships were hit.

So look, the Secretary, the President feel it's very important for our ships to be in that region to continue to ensure that freedom of navigation can continue to flow for commercial ships and other ships transiting that region. And, you know, when we have any other force posture changes to announce, we will do so.

Q: Thank you.

MS. SINGH: Did I see Oren? Yeah.

Q: I'm just curious, you had these - you had these four Army vessels to help anchor the causeway or - or the pier. Are you going to try to anchor it with two if two are still down? Because that would seem to be inherently weaker for a system that has already shown that it can't handle rough seas.

MS. SINGH: So I believe it's usually two at a time, and then the two that were being towed to Ashkelon were leaving the pier area. Look, I would - I'm not the - I'm not an engineering expert. I'm also not someone that can - I can only speak about the, you know, high seas in a very broad level. I would direct you to CENTCOM for more on those vessels itself, but I believe they just kind of help keep it in place.

As the temporary pier is being repaired, the two Army vessels that are still on the beach are - is not hindering that process. We still believe that we'll be able to anchor the pier in when the time is ready, even if those vessels are still on the beach.

(Inaudible). Thank you. Yeah? Do you have something else?

Q: I do not.

MS. SINGH: OK, great. Phil?

Q: I guess if you could just explain a little bit about, you know - so the - the - on the Army vessels, what is it exactly that's kept them, you know - you said they took on more sand, more water, but it seems like, you know, getting Army vessels off a beach wouldn't be as difficult as it has been. Is it because something extraordinary happened or the Israelis weren't available to help?

And - and secondly, when the - when the pier became dislodged, was there any chance that a - U.S. - U.S. forces, you know, had they been able to go up - ashore, would have been able to stop that from - from happening if they had been allowed more freedom of movement?

MS. SINGH: Not to my knowledge, in terms of, like, had U.S. personnel been able to somehow change the way - or, like ...

Q: This - maybe - just - just on - just, you know, take the - take the - take the pier out of the beach so it wouldn't - so it wouldn't be ...

MS. SINGH: No, that was - I mean, it was a true confluence of two weather storms. It was the high seas and then that North African weather storm that was overland and then, you know, changed direction that created more untenable environment.

You know, going forward, should we see some - like, an additional weather storm, I think there would be an opportunity to potentially remove the temporary pier so that damage doesn't happen again, but no, I don't think that had U.S. boots been able to go on the ground, that would have stopped the actual portion that broke apart, because you have to remember the portion that broke apart was that top portion, the furthest portion away from the beach itself. So that top portion had - I don't know what someone on the beach would have been able to have done for that, like, top T section.

And then in terms of - you had asked about the Army vessels. I - you know, again, I don't - I don't have more specifics, other than I know that those vessels did have a lot of water and sand intake. I would direct you to CENTCOM for more details. I think just a combination of - you know, we're working with the Israeli Navy to get those back and operational, but I just don't have more. I'd refer you to CENTCOM for more details.

Liz?

Q: Thanks. And I apologize if someone asked this cause I was a little late. With the joint strike the U.S. did with the UK, do you have any details about, like, what munitions they used or just any details on the strike?

MS. SINGH: Yeah - no, appreciate the question. Not going to get into specifics on munitions. What I can tell you is that a storage facility was hit, along with, I believe, an aircraft and I'm sorry, I don't have the list in front of me, but a headquarters as well. But for more on, like, the actual platforms, we're just not getting into those details right now.

Q: Were there any casualties?

MS. SINGH: There's still an assessment ongoing that CENTCOM's doing, so I don't have anything to read out and I don't have BDA for you right now.

Q: And do you know what time the strike was - took place?

MS. SINGH: The strike took place around 1600 Eastern, so 4 pm Eastern.

Q: OK. And then just my last question ...

MS. SINGH: On - on - sorry - on Thursday of last week.

Q: And then my last question on this - why strike now? Like, what changed? The U.S. and UK haven't done these joint strikes in a while.

MS. SINGH: Well, we've done many before that. Look, we saw an opportunity to further degrade the Houthis' capabilities. When the timing is right, we take those actions together. It wasn't that we haven't done this before, it wasn't unprecedented, and it was just presented. We had the opportunity to do it, we had the opportunity to do it with the UK, and we took it.

Luis?

Q: Good morning.

MS. SINGH: Good morning.

Q: Last week, we saw the White House change the parameters for the use of weapons inside Russia around Kharkiv. Can you tell us specifically what weapons systems are prohibited? I mean, some officials have told us ATACMS. Does that mean that everything else but ATACMS can be used - in other words, HIMARS?

MS. SINGH: Yeah, so we don't support long-range strike capabilities into Russia, but yes, like, ammunition, HIMARS, things like that. When it comes to that cross-border region, that is some of the focus of the policy change.

I mean, what we saw and what we - I think I want to say around early March, we saw Russian forces continue to maneuver around Kharkiv and create these buffer zones. So those are the type of capabilities that would be useful there. But still, our policy on long-range deep strikes within Russia, we do not support.

Q: So when you mention HIMARS, you - you meant, like, yes, they can be used?

MS. SINGH: I'm not going to get into more specifics but we just don't support long-range capabilities being used within Russia.

Anyone else?

Q: Sabrina?

MS. SINGH: Oh yes, and then I can (inaudible).

Q: Hey, Sabrina. I'm just seeing if there's any updates from the last week on airdrop aid into Gaza, or if we're still suspend - if that's still suspended?

MS. SINGH: I wouldn't say it was suspended. We do airdrops when it - the conditions on the ground and of course weather conditions allow for them. So they haven't been suspended. I imagine they will - they will pick back up when Central Command feels that it is safe to do those airdrops. I believe other nations have continued their airdrops as well. So it is something that we remain focused on. And, you know, I don't have anything to preview right now, but I imagine those will continue when our folks feel that it is safe to do so.

Q: But nothing from last week as yet?

MS. SINGH: Nothing from last week. Sorry. If that was your initial question, nothing from last week.

Q: OK.

Q: Just to follow up quickly on the strikes in Yemen, did you mention - you've mentioned one of the targets was an aircraft. Is that a manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft?

MS. SINGH: I don't have more details for you on that.

Q: OK. And then do you know where the strikes were launched from or what units or aircraft were involved?

MS. SINGH: So not going to get into more specifics on where they were launched from, just for our own operational security reasons, but yeah, I just don't have more for you on that.

Yeah? Anybody else? Yes?

Q: I'd like to follow up on some reporting on a suit filed by some - two families on the Ospreys, claiming that they are not fit in any mode. Is there any status - has there been any status change on Ospreys that are in service now?

MS. SINGH: Not aware of any status changes, and I obviously wouldn't comment on a - on ongoing, pending lawsuit.

Q: Right.

MS. SINGH: OK.

Q: Thank you.

MS. SINGH: Great. Anyone else? Last call. OK, thanks, everyone.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3794841/

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June 3, 2024

Transcript

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Press Availability in Singapore

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III

STAFF: Well, good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It's my pleasure to introduce Secretary Austin. The secretary will have some brief opening remarks, and in time to take a few questions. Please note I will call on reporters for those questions.

Mr. Secretary, over to you, sir.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: Thanks, Pat.

Well, good morning, everyone. Thanks for being here. As you've seen, it's been a busy few days, and it's been great to be back in Singapore for my third Shangri-La Dialogue. I look forward tomorrow to visiting Cambodia.

You know, this is my tenth trip to the Indo-Pacific as Secretary of Defense, and we always come to the region to move the ball down the field. Shangri-La is a great opportunity to meet with a lot of allies and partners, as  as we've all seen. As you  as you know, I had a good conversation yesterday with President Zelenskyy and Minister of Defense Umerov.

It was also great to meet with Prime Minister Wong, President Marcos, to meet trilaterally with Minister Shin and Minister Kihara. And I'm sure you've all been following the major progress that Japan and the ROK are making together.

Also had a good meeting with Secretary Teodoro, building on the really powerful (inaudible) speech by President Marcos. Of course, I sat down with Admiral Dong from the PRC for the first time, and once again, it's just been an incredibly  it's been incredibly important that our two countries have open lines of communication, especially military-to-military communication.

Now, the overall frame for our work here is what I call new convergence in the region, as you heard in my speech on Saturday. As I said, much of our progress over the past three years has been driven by our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, so we're investing in regional capability. We're transforming our force posture. We're working together with our allies and partners like never before, and many of our friends are working with each other in new and important ways. So we've accomplished a huge amount since President Biden took office, and we're delivering real results.

There's a lot going on in the world right now, but this region remains our top priority. So we're proud of what we're building together with our allies and partners, and it's built to last.

And with that, I'll stop and take a few of your questions.

STAFF: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Our first question will go to CBS, Ellie.

Q: Mr. Secretary, Israel has now targeted population centers in Rafah despite months of warnings from President Biden, from you, from Secretary Blinken. Why does the administration, aside from that one shipment, continue to send offensive weapons to Israel instead of using that supply as leverage?

SEC. AUSTIN: Ellie, we've been clear from the  the very beginning that we're going to support Israel's effort to defend itself, and we've done just that. What we're seeing in the Rafah area, I would still characterize as a limited operation. They've been operation  operating principally along the border with some limited operations that have gone a bit further, but still, I would characterize it as a limited operation.

Now, what we've been focused on throughout, Ellie, is  is protection of the civilians that are in the battlespace, and I've talked to my counterpart about this a number of times; need to  to move those civilians out of the battlespace before any operations that are conducted. And so we've also been clear about the fact that unless you do that, it would be a major mistake to conduct a major military operation into the center of Rafah. That would put a large number of civilians at risk.

Again, the focus is on the protection of civilians in that battlespace, so we've not seen what I would characterize as a major operation yet. So we  we'll continue to monitor this very closely.

Q: Is Israel doing enough now to protect those civilians?

SEC. AUSTIN: They are doing more to clear the civilians out of that space and civilians have migrated a way from the city of Rafah. There are still some in and around Rafah. What we'd like to see and you've heard me say this before is Israel conduct a different type of operation, more precise, if they're going to conduct operations, with less collateral damage. And so we would hope that they would do that, going forward.

STAFF: Next question, we'll go to The Economist, Anton.

Q: Mr. Secretary, thank you. You spoke about the dangers in the South China Sea yesterday. I wanted to ask you a couple of things following on from that.

From June 15th, the Chinese have said they will start arresting trespassers in waters that they deem theirs. Are U.S.  are the U.S. and allies trying to do anything more to try and help the Filipinos preserve their EEZ? And China's also complained about the deployment of Typhon systems in the Philippines, saying they are destabilizing. Do you accept that characterization? And do you intend to deploy the system permanently to the Philippines?

SEC. AUSTIN: Do I accept China's characterization of the Philippines' activities?

Q: No, do you accept China's characterization that the deployment of long-range strike weapons in the Philippines is destabilizing?

SEC. AUSTIN: Well, first of all, let me clear that the PRC's behavior is coercive, and it puts Filipino crews in danger. It disregards international law. And as you heard me say Saturday, we stand with the Filipinos, and our commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty is  is ironclad. We've been clear about that with  with our ally, but we've also been direct and clear about that with  with the PRC as well, and that includes my direct engagement with Minister Dong, where I highlighted my concern about this issue in our meeting.

As you know, we're doing historic work with the Philippines. We're working with them to help them modernize and develop their forces, and that's  that pretty exciting. It was great to see President Marcos here the other night, and I think he delivered a compelling message.

Q: And on missiles, sir, can you just 

SEC. AUSTIN: Everything that we do in the region, Anton, is focused on promoting peace and stability. You know, we exercise with allies and partners routinely in the region, and quite frankly, around the  around the  the globe. And so you know, we're focused on making sure that we can work with others to maintain and free and open Indo-Pacific region.

STAFF: Next question, go to CNN, Natasha.

Q: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Following your meeting with China's defense minister, the Pentagon said in a readout that you warned him that if Beijing continues to support Russia's defense sector, the U.S. and the international community will be forced to take additional measures.

Have you seen evidence that China has begun providing lethal military support to Russia? And what kinds of consequences is the U.S. ready to impose? And why wait, given all of the evidence the U.S. clearly already has that China is bolstering Russia's military and  and perpetuating the war in Ukraine?

SEC. AUSTIN: So what you heard me talk about is their effort to provide support to Russia's industrial base. And that kind of thing enables Russia to very quickly scale its efforts in producing the weapons and munitions, and it stands to lengthen the conflict.

And so, you know, we've been clear about the dangers associated with this and  and also clear about the fact that if that continues  you know, continue to provide support to Russia's industrial base  then certainly there will be consequences, in terms of, well, a number of things.

Q: And sorry, just to follow up on that question about the lethal military support, you have not yet seen the lethal military aid going from China to Russia?

SEC. AUSTIN: I won't comment on any intelligence information from the podium here, Natasha, but again, what we have seen, we've been clear about. We think I it has the potential of lengthening the conflict.

STAFF: Next question will go to (inaudible).

Q: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Firstly, to follow up on the previous question on the deployment of mid-range missile capability to the Philippines to promote peace and stability in the regions, is it likely that the U.S. will deploy such a mid-range capability missile system to Japan in the future?

And secondly, since Japan and U.S. agreed to upgrade the command and control structure at the recent summit, what would be the ideal structure in Japan? And what would be the (inaudible) timeline for the U.S. to design a new command and control structure in Japan?

SEC. AUSTIN: Yeah  and so in terms of our deployment of any troops or  or capabilities, I don't have any announcements to make today, but again, in terms of what we do as a part of exercises, we routinely deploy in certain  different types of capability and re-deploy that capability over time. We're looking to, in our work with Japan, to strengthen, you know, our exercises, and that's pretty excited  we're pretty excited about that.

So in  in terms of the command and control capability, we absolutely support Japan's decision to stand up a joint headquarters, but in terms of, you know, what we're going to do regarding a future four star billet, this is something that we're looking at very closely. I don't have any announcements to make today. We want to get it right the first time. And so  but again, we are  we continue to work this issue.

Q: Just a quick follow-up. So as you mentioned, the  do you think it's  it's ideal to deploy a four-star commander in Japan to strengthen the structure and integrate the structure in the allies?

SEC. AUSTIN: Again, I don't have any announcements to make. This is something that we are evaluating.

STAFF: Next question will go to Defense News, (inaudible).

Q: Thank you for doing this. How would you characterize the front lines near Kharkiv through Ukraine? Have they started to stabilize? And secondarily, President Zelenskyy said yesterday in the Q&A session he did after his speech that the U.S. administration's decision to allow the use of American-provided weapons across the border in a limited fashion around that  of that area is not enough. Could you explain the U.S.' concern with allowing that kind of operation for weapons like ATACMS farther on? Is the concern military utility, or is it escalation with Russia?

SEC. AUSTIN: In terms of how I would characterize the current activity on the battlefield, I think you're right. I think what we've seen on, in the past weeks and months is Russia making incremental gains across the front line, Trace. And we saw a concerted push here in the Kharkiv region. That activity continues, but it's slowed a bit because in the Kharkiv region, the Russians are now starting to run into the defenses of the Ukrainians, and the Ukrainians have worked hard to put in coherent defenses. And so I think  I think this will  this will slow down the Russians' advance.

And certainly, the  the permissions that the President has provided in terms of the use of our weapons in  in firing across border, I think that'll help  certainly help the Ukrainians be able to defend themselves. And certainly, our  all of our efforts have been focused on defensive capability throughout. And so some  if someone's shooting at you, then certainly, this gives them the opportunity to  to counter-fire.

Our policy with respect to long-range strike into Russia has not changed, and so you know, that's  and I'll just leave it at that. But I think what the president has done in terms of providing additional permissions to Ukraine, I think will will make a  a  a difference in that  in that fight.

STAFF: Last question will go to DOD News, David.

Q: Mr. Secretary, in your Saturday remarks, you emphasized growing collaborative efforts in this region to shore up all the military industrial bases, and you provided some notable examples. So how important is that effort to fortifying deterrence and adding resilience to the region's industrial bases? And do you see this undertaking expanding?

SEC. AUSTIN: I do think that it will expand, and I think how important is it? It's absolutely important. I think that we all recognize that in order to have the sufficient capacity in our respective industrial bases, we're going to have to work together going forward. I think there's been some significant lessons learned throughout over the last couple of years. And so we see countries working together in a more concerted fashion, developing technology, but also doing things like co-production and  and those types of things.

So we see that in Europe. We see that most especially in this region, as well. You heard me talk about some of the things that we're working with allies and partners in this region on Saturday. But I think that that's important to ensure that we have what's necessary to continue to maintain the level of deterrence that we need.

Q: And Mr. Secretary, this is your tenth visit, as you mentioned, as Secretary to the Indo-Pacific, and that doesn't include your time you probably spent here in uniform. So you've met dozens of your counterparts and government leaders in this trip alone. So how important are these face-to-face visits to bolstering security in this vital region, and building trust and confidence?

SEC. AUSTIN: It's critical, quite frankly. I think it's important to remember that every time that we come out here, we're not just coming out to conduct meetings; we're actually getting things done. And whether it's, you know, working on deliverables for the AUKUS program, whether it's developing or agreeing to develop a capability with a country like India, whether it's ensuring that we have increased opportunities to work along with our partners in the Philippines, or doing things to pull Korea  Republic of Korea and Japan closer together.

If you think about all the things that I talked about on Saturday, because of the great work of our staff, you know, we were able to  our staffs, we were able to do a number of things over a three-year period of time, three and a half years. But it took me, in a lot of cases, to engage directly, develop a relationship to get many of those deliverables, and that's the purpose of being out here, to reassure, to make sure that, you know, our allies and partners understand that we have a shared vision  common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and that we are a Pacific nation, and we're here to stay. We're not going anywhere. But every time we come to the region, we're working on critical issues, and we have walked away with deliverables. And not only that  we have provided deliverables to our allies and partners, whether it's COVID vaccines, you name it  from the very beginning.

So the visits are important, but it's not just  not just visiting to visit; it's visiting to work on meaningful issues that promote stability and security throughout the region. And again, without personal engagement, it's very difficult to do some of that. So that's why we're here, and that's why we'll keep coming back.

Q: Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

STAFF: Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our press briefing. Mr. Secretary, thank you very much, sir.

SEC. AUSTIN: Thanks, everybody.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3794556/

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June 3, 2024

By Joseph Clark, DOD News

Brown Emphasizes Role of Partnerships in Addressing Global Challenges

Collaboration across agencies and with allies is critical to the Defense Department's success as the national security landscape becomes increasingly complex, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., said today.

Speaking at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition's Global Impact Forum in Washington, Brown said that throughout his nearly four decades in uniform he has seen the vital role collaboration plays in solving complex diplomatic, information and economic challenges that often accompany military challenges.

"I've spent a lot of time with our allies and partners," he said. "I'm a big believer in collaboration. I know that we cannot do all we do as a military by ourselves, and the value of our partnerships with the interagency, the value of [partnerships] with our allies are really so important."

Key to maintaining strong collaboration is a deliberate approach to building bonds and working together on critical issues, Brown said.

"It's all about relationships," he said. "We want to make sure that we've actually gone through the steps, worked together, built those relationships."

He added that he values the varied perspectives that come from across agencies and from allies and partners.



"There will be some areas that we probably see a little bit different, which is okay," he said. "That friction actually helps us to identify areas of risk and things that we need to be focused on to be able to move forward and help us look at things with our eyes a little wider open because of the dialogue that we have."

Those relationships are especially critical today, Brown said, as the global security landscape becomes increasingly complex and interconnected.

He noted that the 2022 National Defense Strategy identifies key challenges posed by China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and violent extremists.

"All five of them are active at the moment and, in some respects, working together," Brown said. "You see that particularly when you look at what's happening in Ukraine. Russia has invaded, unprovoked, into a neighboring country. There is some support from the People's Republic of China. Iran is providing capabilities, as well as North Korea."

Meanwhile, he said, violent extremist organizations continue to operate around the globe.

"When you think about that, it does make the world more complex," Brown said. "But what I will also tell you is the dialogue among our allies and partners has increased."

He said collaboration among NATO allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, especially, has grown considerably in recent years. He added that the United States' leadership is critical in maintaining these ties.

"When I talk to our allies and partners, they often want to know what we're going to do," Brown said. "And they will step up, as well, but we've got to make sure that we kind of set the path and the vector of where we see things going, but [we] also listen to them, as well.

"They're stepping up, and they are very interested in addressing the security challenges that we often talk about," he said.

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June 3, 2024

By David Vergun, DOD News

Austin: Boosting Military-Industrial Bases With Indo-Pacific Nations a Priority

In order to have sufficient capacity in the Indo-Pacific nations' military-industrial bases, the Defense Department, along with allies and partners, are going to have to work together to make this happen, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said.

Austin spoke today at a news briefing in Singapore at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Over the last several years, countries in this region have been working together in a more concerted fashion, developing new technologies, and boosting production, he said.

Some of the areas of focus for boosting military-industrial capacity that Austin mentioned include:

Endorsing a Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration, May 31, following extensive consultations with U.S. allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific region and around the world.

Signing a memorandum of understanding with Singapore, May 31, to advance defense innovation.

Codeveloping with Japan a glide phase interceptor to counter hypersonic threats.

Advancing partnership with Australia and Japan on an integrated air- and missile-defense architecture.

Making major investments in shared submarine industrial base to help strengthen AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom.

Making historic progress with India on coproducing fighter-jet engines and armored vehicles.

"Together with our friends in the region, we're breaking down national barriers and better integrating our defense industries," Austin said.

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June 3, 2024

By David Vergun, DOD News

Indo-Pacific Visit Is an Opportunity to Engage With Partners

The Defense Department, along with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, is working on critical issues  meaningful issues  that promote stability and security throughout the region, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.

Austin spoke today at a news briefing in Singapore during the Shangri-La Dialogue.

"It's important to remember that every time that we come out here, we're not just coming out to conduct meetings. We're actually getting things done," he said.

"That's the purpose of being out here: to reassure, to make sure that our allies and partners understand that we have a shared vision, a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and that we are a Pacific nation and we are here to stay," he said.

"Without personal engagement, it's very difficult to do some of that. So that's why we're here. And that's why we'll keep coming back," Austin said.

Austin met with leaders over the last several days including:

Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Malaysian Minister of Defense Mohamed Khaled Nordin

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Singapore Minister of Defense Ng Eng Hen

Trilateral meeting with South Korea Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik and Japan Minister of Defense Minoru Kihara

ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] multilateral meeting with leaders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor and Vietnam

Austin is also planning additional meetings with world leaders in the days ahead.

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Former U.S. Soldier Turned Foreign Fighter Extradited from Ukraine to the United States for 2018 Double Homicide, Armed Robbery, Immigration Document Offenses, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Other Charges

Monday, June 3, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

A U.S. citizen will make his initial appearance in Fort Myers, Florida, today at 2 p.m. EDT following his extradition from Ukraine to the United States to face numerous charges in three federal districts relating to double homicide, armed robbery, false statements in a passport application, aggravated identity theft, and misuse of a passport in violation of conditions and restrictions, among other charges.

Craig Austin Lang, 34, of Surprise, Arizona, faces criminal charges in the Middle District of Florida, the Eastern District of North Carolina, and the District of Arizona.

"As alleged in the indictments, Craig Austin Lang went on an international crime spree that included a double murder in Florida, attempts to travel internationally to engage in other acts of violence outside the United States, and a plot to evade law enforcement detection by trading guns, a grenade, and cash to use another person's identifying information to apply for a U.S. passport under an assumed name," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "Lang's alleged conduct is shocking in its scope and its callous disregard for human life. His wrongdoing, however, was no match for the efforts of dedicated law enforcement personnel and prosecutors in the United States and abroad to investigate, locate, arrest, and extradite Lang so he would face justice before courts in the United States."

"The alleged conduct of Craig Austin Lang, which includes homicide and armed robbery, will not be tolerated by the FBI," said Executive Assistant Director Timothy Langan of the FBI's Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. "Individuals that engage in such activity must face the consequences of their actions. We would like to thank our partner law enforcement agencies for their efforts in ensuring that criminals face justice. If you cause harm to the American public, we will relentlessly pursue you even if you are located beyond our borders."

Middle District of Florida

According to the superseding indictment returned in the Middle District of Florida in December 2019 and other court documents, Lang and a co-defendant, Alex Jared Zwiefelhofer, 27, of Bloomer, Wisconsin, allegedly murdered a couple from Brooksville, Florida, in 2018.

In 2017, Lang and Zwiefelhofer, both former soldiers in the U.S. Army, met in Ukraine, where Zwiefelhofer claimed they were both members of a volunteer battalion fighting Russian separatists. The pair allegedly also traveled to Kenya, where Zwiefelhofer claimed they intended to fight against terrorists, before attempting to enter South Sudan. They were allegedly detained by authorities in South Sudan and deported back to the United States, where they met up in Florida in April 2018.

The superseding indictment alleges that the Brooksville couple planned to purchase firearms that Lang and Zwiefelhofer had listed for sale on a website called "ARMSLIST." Lang and Zwiefelhofer allegedly killed the couple in the course of an armed robbery to steal the $3,000 that the couple intended to use to buy the firearms. Lang and Zwiefelhofer allegedly robbed the victims to pay for travel to Venezuela, where the defendants planned to fight the Venezuelan regime.

Lang and Zwiefelhofer are charged with violating the Neutrality Act, conspiracy to kill, kidnap, or maim persons in a foreign country, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, and conspiracy to discharge a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, as well as interference with commerce by robbery and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death. If convicted on all counts, Lang and Zwiefelhofer face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

On March 8, a federal jury convicted Zwiefelhofer on all of the above charges. Zwiefelhofer is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 6.

The FBI and Lee County Sheriff's Office are investigating this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jesus M. Casas and Michael V. Leeman for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting this case.

Eastern District of North Carolina

According to the indictment returned in the Eastern District of North Carolina in August 2019, Lang and his co-conspirators allegedly took various actions in September 2018 to evade law enforcement detection and minimize scrutiny when travelling internationally. They allegedly devised a plan to provide two co-conspirators' identity documents to Lang and a fourth co-conspirator, Matthew Scott McCloud, for the purpose of applying for U.S. passports under assumed names. While in North Carolina, Lang allegedly submitted a U.S. passport application in the assumed name of one of his co-conspirators, Dameon Shae Adcock. Approximately two days later, Lang allegedly gave Adcock a suitcase containing multiple firearms, a military smoke grenade, and approximately $1,500 in cash as payment for use of Adcock's personal information. Several days later, Lang and McCloud, who had applied for a U.S. passport using the identity of co-conspirator Jordan Dean Miller, allegedly acquired airline tickets to travel from Georgia to New York and then on to Ukraine.

"The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is committed to working with the U.S. Attorney's Office and other law enforcement agencies around the world to investigate and prosecute all allegations of criminal activity related to identity theft," said Assistant Director Andrew Wroblewski of DSS Domestic Operations. "The strong relationship we enjoy with our domestic and overseas law enforcement partners is vital towards ensuring the integrity of U.S. travel documents and protecting greater U.S. interests."

Lang was charged with conspiracy to commit passport fraud and aggravated identify theft, passport fraud, aggravated identity theft, fraud, and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents, and aiding and abetting these offenses, as well as false representation of a social security account number. Adcock, Miller, and McCloud were also charged in connection with the criminal scheme. If convicted, Lang faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents charge.

Adcock pleaded guilty in November 2019 and was sentenced in September 2020 to two years and eight months in prison. McCloud pleaded guilty in April 2020 and was sentenced in July 2020 to time served. Miller pleaded guilty and was sentenced in May 2020 to one year of probation.

The DSS is investigating this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabe Diaz for the Eastern District of North Carolina is prosecuting this case.

District of Arizona

The indictment returned in the District of Arizona in June 2019 charges Lang with misuse of a passport for allegedly presenting a U.S. passport to Mexican authorities to obtain a Mexican visa, which was in violation of the conditions and restrictions contained on the passport. If convicted, Lang faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, or more under certain aggravating circumstances.

The FBI is investigating this case.

Trial Attorney and Co-Director of Joint Task Force Alpha James Hepburn and Trial Attorney and Director of the War Crimes Accountability Team Christian Levesque of the Criminal Division's Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bridget Minder for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

***

Lang's extradition from Ukraine occurred after the European Court of Human Rights recently rejected his claim challenging extradition under the European Convention on Human Rights.

U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona joined in the announcement.

The FBI escorted Lang from Ukraine to the United States. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs and the FBI Tampa Field Office Fort Myers Resident Agency provided significant assistance in securing the arrest, extradition, and removal of Lang to the United States. The United States also thanks Ukrainian authorities for their valuable assistance.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Components: Criminal Division

Criminal - Human Rights and Special Prosecution Section

Criminal - Office of International Affairs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

USAO - Arizona

USAO - Florida, Middle

USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

Press Release Number: 24-696

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Mexico: Statement by the High Representative on the elections in the country

European External Action Service (EEAS)

03.06.2024

EEAS Press Team

The European Union congratulates Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic election as the first female president of Mexico and commends the Mexican people for their strong attachment to democracy demonstrated throughout the campaign for the general elections and on election day.

The EU wants to further strengthen its strategic partnership with Mexico, built on common interests in many areas, and on a shared commitment to democracy, human rights and the rules-based multilateral global order.

The EU looks forward to working with the newly elected authorities to deepen collaboration for the benefit of our citizens in all areas of mutual interest, such as economic relations, the green transition, social inclusion, security and the digital agenda.

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Ministry of the Interior sets up project to safeguard Finland's shooting ranges

Finnish Government

Ministry of the Interior

Publication date 3.6.2024

Press release

The Government Programme aims to safeguard the activities of Finland's existing shooting ranges and promote the establishment of new shooting ranges. The Finnish Ministry of the Interior has set up a project to examine ways to safeguard the activities of shooting ranges and to prepare the necessary legislative amendments.

The Government Programme seeks to increase the number of shooting ranges in Finland to 1,000 by the end of the decade. The focus will be on establishing a sufficient number of rifle and tactical ranges throughout the country.

The purpose of the Ministry's project is to assess and prepare any legislative amendments necessary to safeguard the activities of existing shooting ranges and promote the establishment of new shooting ranges. In line with the Government Programme, regional needs and key user groups will be taken into account in the preparation.

Most of the shooting ranges are maintained by game management associations, hunting societies, private individuals or companies, and they are also used by public authorities and by reservist and national defence organisations.

The project runs from 1 June 2024 to 30 September 2025. The steering group and the working group will have members from the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Defence.

Environmental permit processes will be streamlined

There is a risk that the number of shooting ranges in Finland will decrease significantly if no measures are taken. There are shooting ranges throughout Finland, and they are geographically dispersed.

The project will put forward proposals for streamlining the environmental permit processes in line with the Government Programme. It will also make an international comparison of the legislation and environmental permit processes in use in Finland's reference countries in the EU.

At the moment there are about 670 shooting ranges that are not managed by the Defence Forces. The number of shooting ranges in Finland has been in sharp decline in recent decades. In comparison, there was an estimated 2,000-2,500 shooting ranges in the country in the 1990s.

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Marcos's remarks on South China Sea disregard history and truth; China to continue defense its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights: FM spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 03, 2024 12:25 PM

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; the so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea is illegal, null and void, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday, rebuking claims made by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that treaties including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the South China Sea arbitration ruling both recognize the Philippines' legal rights, which are the cornerstone of the Philippines' South China Sea policy.

In his keynote speech at the Shangri-La address in Singapore on Friday, Marcos cited treaties including UNCLOS, and the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea, which he claimed established a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities.

Marcos said that UNCLOS also clarified the limits of each state's maritime zones, and defined the extent with which they could exercise sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over those zones.

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 UNCLOS, and such activities are beyond reproach, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

The spokesperson said 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, the spokesperson noted.

The foreign ministry spokesperson claimed that 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.

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 spokesperson added.

The spokesperson noted 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.

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, said the spokesperson.

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, said the spokesperson.

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Lebanon's Hezbollah smashes gathering center of Zionist army

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 3, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic resistance of Lebanon once again targeted 2 military gathering centers of the Zionist regime in the northern occupied Palestine.

Hezbollah war media announced in a statement, "We targeted the gathering of occupying forces in Shlomi settlement with a suitable missile weapon."

The Lebanese Islamic Resistance added, "This attack was carried out to support the steadfast Palestinian nation in the Gaza Strip and to support the brave and honorable Palestinian resistance."

According to this report, this attack was also carried out in response to Israel's attacks on villages and residential houses in southern Lebanon, including the town of "Al Naqourah", which was recently targeted by the Zionists.

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Iraqi resistance drones hit Israeli position in Haifa

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 3, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it has conducted new retaliatory strikes on Israeli positions in the occupied territories.

According to the Al-Mayadeen news network, the umbrella group of resistance factions. In a statement said it used drones to attack a vital Israeli target in in the port city of Haifa in the early hours of Monday.

The group said that the operations were in response to the Israeli crimes, including the massacre of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, including women, children and the elderly.

The Iraqi group also vowed to continue retaliatory attacks on Israeli targets.

Over the past months, the Islamic Resistance has also hit American military bases in Iraq and neighboring Syria in retaliation for Washington's support for the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

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PM Netanyahu Appears before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Events and Speeches

The 37th Government

03.06.2024

PM Netanyahu Appears before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, appeared before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and comprehensively briefed Committee members on progress in the war in Gaza, with emphasis on activity in Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor, the negotiations for the release of our hostages, the issue of 'the day after', Judea and Samaria, and Iran.

Prime Minister Netanyahu to the members of the Committee:

"The claims that we have agreed to a ceasefire without our conditions being met are incorrect."

Also participating in the meeting were the Prime Minister's Chief-of-Staff, the Director of the National Security Council and the Prime Minister's Military Secretary.

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Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on May 27-June 2, 2024

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2024-06-03

International cooperation | Security and defense policy

On May 27-June 2 fighter aircraft of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Detachment were scrambled three times to intercept aircraft of the Russian Federation violating flight rules in international airspace over the Baltic Sea.

On May 29 aircraft of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission Detachment were scramble to identify and escort one IL-18 flying from the mainland of the Russian Federation to Kaliningrad via international airspace. The IL-18 had a pre-filed flight plan, its onboard transponder was switched on and radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre was maintained.

On June 1 NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled to intercept one SU-24 flying from the mainland of the Russian Federation to Kaliningrad through international airspace. It had no pre-filed flight plan, the onboard transponders was switched off, the crew was not maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre.

On June 2 NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled to identify and escort one SU-34 flying from mainland Russia to Kaliningrad via international airspace, without the flight plan, onboard transponder switched off, not maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre.

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Countries of the Indo-Pacific are becoming strong security and defence partners of Lithuania, says L. Kasciunas

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2024-06-03

Cyber security | International cooperation | Security and defense policy | Uncategorized

On May 31-June 1 Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasciunas took part in Shangri-la Dialogue 2024, the premier security forum of the Indo-Pacific, in Singapore. This year the summit focused on armed conflicts across other regions, the war in Ukraine and development of measures for risk mitigation, besides the security environment in the Indo-Pacific.

The United States endorsed the initiative to strengthen defence industrial base resilience in the Indo-Pacific at the event. "As party in the format, Lithuania will cooperate with our like-minded partners to strengthen the resilience of defence industry," underscored Minister of National Defence.

L. Kasciunas also met with Indo-Pacific Defence Ministers and their representatives bilaterally to discuss security challenges and relevant aspects of defence cooperation. Minister also took part in the talks with President of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. together with the delegation of Prime Minister I. Simonyte.

In the Indo-Pacific, Lithuania has a strategic partnership with Japan. There are also ongoing talks and practical contacts are consistently developed with Singapore, Australia, Republic of Korea. The Ministry of National Defence has launched another dialogue in the region with New Zealand as well, while Ministers of Defence of Lithuania and the Philippines met for the first time in Shangri-la Dialogue 2024. The main areas of cooperation with the Indo-Pacific are cyber security, total defence, public resilience, countering disinformation and hybrid threats.

"We understand that security in the Indo-Pacific can have direct security implications to the Euro-Atlantic area. We are ready to and have to discussions with our like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific to withstand the pressure from the aggressors, to strengthen each others' capabilities and protect principles of international law," said L. Kasciunas.

In the bilateral meeting with Minister of Defence of Japan Minoru Kihara L. Kasciunas discussed assistance to Ukraine and thanked Japan for joining the Ukraine Demining Coalition of 22 countries that Lithuania coordinates together with Iceland. Minister L. Kasciunas also discussed assistance to Ukraine with Ministers of Defence or their representatives of New Zealand, Australia, Republic of Korea, the Philippines and Singapore. He underscored that assistance to Ukraine was a priority to Lithuania and invited the Indo-Pacific countries to find a suitable format and contribute to the objectives of the Ukraine Demining Coalition.

Other areas discussed at Shangri-la Dialogue 2024 were cyber security and defence. L. Kasciunas invited his colleagues to join the Regional Cyber Defence Centre in Lithuania as Lithuania is looking to expand cyber security cooperation with the Ind-Pacific countries and it could be the principal platform for such partnership. L. Kasciunas also invited cyber security experts from the Indo-Pacific countries to take part in Cyber Security Exercise Amber Mist 2024 in Lithuania this fall. "The whole world is facing threats to critical infrastructure. Critical infrastructure security is a vital aspect of national security which Lithuania focuses heavily on. Exercises are a great opportunity for international cooperation and exchange of experience and insights between different regions," Minister said.

According to L. Kasciunas, another area Lithuania is interested in strengthening is military cooperation with the Indo-Pacific. "The easiest way to start the first military contacts is exchanging exercise observers," stated L. Kasciunas in the meetings. This was the point Minister underscored meeting with Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel Paparo. L. Kasciunas noted that Lithuania's priority was to act in coordination with the United States. He also presented the mandate passed by the Parliament on the Republic of Lithuania in late 2023 for Lithuanian military personnel to be deployed to international efforts in the Indo-Pacific.

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Yemeni forces deploy new ballistic missile against occupied territories

Iran Press TV

Monday, 03 June 2024 11:44 PM

Yemen's Armed Forces have announced deploying a new ballistic missile against a "military" target lying in the southern part of the occupied territories in a fresh pro-Palestinian operation.

The forces' spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree made the announcement on Monday.

He identified the new projectile as the "Palestine ballistic missile," which he said was fired against a "military site" in the city of Um al-Rashrash, which is also known as Eilat.

The missile "is being unveiled for the first time," Saree said, adding that the operation "achieved the objective successfully."

The Yemeni forces have carried out scores of pro-Palestinian operations since last October, when the Israeli regime launched a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip.

More than 36,470 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the war that began following a retaliatory operation staged by Gaza's resistance movements.

As well as striking targets located throughout the occupied territories, the Yemeni operations have been aiming at Israeli vessels or those heading towards the ports of the territories.

Saree asserted that "Armed Forces will continue military operations in support of Gaza and in solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people."

The operations, he concluded, would last as long as the Israeli regime sustained the war and a siege that it has been simultaneously enforcing against the coastal sliver.

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Israel should not think about any attack on Lebanon, its resistance movement: Iran interim FM

Iran Press TV

Monday, 03 June 2024 7:03 PM

Iran's Interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani says the Israeli regime, which is stuck in the Gaza quagmire, should not even think about attacking Lebanon and its resistance movement.

Bagheri Kani, who is in Beirut on the first leg of his regional tour, made the announcement in a press conference at Iran's embassy on Monday following meetings with top Lebanese officials. He is slated to travel to Syria after his visit to Lebanon.

He said that after eight months of war the Israeli regime has reached a dead end in the besieged Gaza Strip and is now seeking a way out even though it was fully supported by the United States.

If the Israeli officials were wise enough, they would not get involved in a confrontation with the Lebanese resistance while the regime is still stuck in the Gaza quagmire, he added.

The top Iranian diplomat emphasized that the Israeli regime's criminal acts against the people of Palestine in Gaza have resulted in the formation of an "integrated resistance" force.

At least 36,479 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed and 82,777 people wounded in the war that Israel began on October 7, 2023 following a retaliatory operation by the Palestinian territory's resistance movements.

The brutal military onslaught is backed by unreserved military and political support on the part of the Israeli regime's Western allies, including the United States.

In his remarks, Bagheri Kani once again reaffirmed Iran's "fixed and lasting" stance on its support for the Lebanese army, government and resistance against the Israeli regime's aggression.

He said Israel and the US have failed to prevent international courts from issuing rulings against the regime's criminal officials as the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued requests for international arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu and his minister of military affairs, Yoav Gallant, for their penal responsibility in committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Zionists have no legitimacy and nations across the world recognize Israel as a child-killing regime, the interim foreign minister pointed out.

He emphasized that talks on normalization of ties between Israel and some countries in the region are a failed plot to cover up the defeat of the regime and its supporters in the face of the heroic resistance of the people of Gaza.

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Over 3,500 kids at risk of death amid Israel's starvation policy: Gaza officials

Iran Press TV

Monday, 03 June 2024 6:03 PM

Israel's policy of starvation threatens the lives of more than 3,500 Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip amid "deafening international silence," the Gaza media office has warned.

The government's media office said in a Monday statement that "more than 3,500 children under the age of five are at risk of death in Gaza due to Israeli policies of starving children."

It also warned about "a severe shortage of milk and food, a lack of nutritional supplements, and the denial of vaccinations."

Since Israel's military forces launched the incursion in Rafah in early May, access to healthcare has been even more devastated.

The regime's forces have closed the border to outgoing wounded people seeking treatment and blocked already scarce humanitarian aid.

This is all happening "amid deafening international silence," the media office added.

UNICEF warned that the ongoing situation in Rafah "is a disaster for children.

"If nutrition supplies, especially ready-to-use therapeutic food, used to address malnutrition among children, cannot be distributed, the treatment of more than 3,000 children with acute malnutrition will be interrupted," said Jonathan Crickx, chief of communication for UNICEF in Palestine.

Around 1.7 million people in the Gaza Strip are estimated to have been internally displaced - half of them children, who do not have enough access to water, food, fuel and medicine.

Earlier on Saturday, a Palestinian child starved to death in central Gaza, according to the Palestinian official news agency Wafa.

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Islamic Resistance in Lebanon 'anchor of regional stability': Iran's acting FM

Iran Press TV

Monday, 03 June 2024 10:21 AM

Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has described the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon as the "anchor of peace and stability" in West Asia.

He made the remarks during a press conference with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib in Beirut on Monday.

"The firm and solid relations between Iran and Lebanon are critical to the region, just as the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon is the anchor of stability and peace in the region," Bagheri Kani said, stressing that Iran has always sought Lebanon's stability and development.

He also noted that both he and the top Lebanese diplomat believe that all regional countries, especially the Muslim ones, should adopt a "collective approach" to confront the Zionists' aggression against Palestine, especially in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

He further said that the two sides had discussed the holding of an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for "a joint and serious measure" against Israel.

Israel waged a genocidal war on Gaza on October 7 after the Hamas resistance movement carried out its historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

On May 7, the occupying regime began a ground offensive in Rafah, home to about a million displaced Palestinians who have fled from the rest of Gaza amid the Israeli onslaught.

So far, Israel has killed at least 36,439 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 82,627 others in the Gaza Strip.

Additionally in his remarks, Bagheri Kani thanked the Lebanese officials for extending sympathy to the Iranian government and nation and declaring three days of national mourning over the martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash last month.

Bou Habib, for his part, warned that the continuation of Israel's Gaza war and its crimes against Palestinians weakens the chances of peace in the region.

He also emphasized that Tehran and Beirut share a common point of view about the threats posed by the Gaza assault.

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New NATO: US, Japan, S Korea set to conduct massive war games

Iran Press TV

Monday, 03 June 2024 9:22 AM

The United States, Japan and South Korea have agreed to hold new massive military exercises in the Asia-Pacific this summer, amid concerns over US attempts to militarize the region.

The defense ministers of the three countries formally agreed to hold the inaugural Freedom Edge military drills at a meeting on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on Sunday.

The drills, which are expected to include naval, aerial, underwater and cyber exercises, are scheduled to be held sometime in the summer, but details on their exact timing or possible locations are yet to be provided.

The ministers "affirmed" their countries' "enduring commitment to strengthen trilateral security cooperation to deter nuclear and missile threats" purportedly posed by North Korea, as well as alleged "dangerous and aggressive" Chinese "behavior" in the South China Sea.

North Korea's leader has repeatedly said his government is building up its military arsenal in preparation for a war waged by the West that could "break out at any time" on the peninsula.

The ministers also "stressed the importance of the rules-based international order and reaffirmed their commitment to stand with Ukraine" which has been engaged in a war with Russia since February 2022, a Pentagon press release reads.

Washington, Tokyo and Seoul conducted their first-ever joint drills last October after US President Joe Biden and his Japanese and South Korean counterparts signed a trilateral security pact at Camp David in August.

Russia, China and North Korea have voiced their concerns about US attempts to militarize the Asia-Pacific through a growing spider's web of security agreements.

However, senior Chinese military officials made clear Sunday that there are "limits" to China's patience in the face of US "provocations" in the region, including in the South China Sea.

"China has maintained sufficient restraint in the face of rights infringements and provocation, but there are limits to this," Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun told attendees of the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Meanwhile, Jing Jianfeng, deputy chief of the Joint Staff department of China's Joint Central Military Commission, noted that Washington's security pacts with regional nations are aimed at creating "an Asia-Pacific version of NATO, to maintain American hegemony."

This is similar to processes the US has undertaken in Eastern Europe, he added. "The US strengthens its military presence to force other countries to choose sides and advances the eastward expansion of NATO," Jing said at the forum, warning that such actions create chaos and "bind regional countries with the American war chariot."

Jing described the US as the "greatest challenge to regional peace and stability," and called its Indo-Pacific Strategy a document that's designed to "bring division, provoke confrontation and undermine stability."

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, which overlaps with the waters of Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

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Over 20 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza refugee camps, homes

Iran Press TV

Monday, 03 June 2024 7:57 AM

Israeli warplanes have conducted fresh air raids on several areas across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 22 Palestinians.

Citing health sources, the Palestinian Wafa news agency reported on Monday that 10 people, including three children, lost their lives in Israeli bombing of two homes in al-Rumaydah area in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis.

A separate Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis hit the home of Abu Khater family, killing two Palestinians and injuring others, the report added.

It also said that an Israeli attack targeted the vicinity of Gaza's European Hospital near Khan Yunis.

The report further said that in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah, Israeli aerial assaults targeted houses in the Saudi and Oreiba neighborhoods.

Earlier, similar attacks by Israeli warplanes killed 10 civilians at Bureij and Nuseirat refugee camps in central Gaza.

Reports said children made up most of the casualties in the Bureij camp strikes.

Israel waged a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip on October 7 after the Hamas resistance movement carried out its historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

So far, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 36,439 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 82,627 others in the Gaza Strip.

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Despite Mass Protests, Georgia's 'Foreign Agent' Bill Becomes Law

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service June 03, 2024

TBILISI -- Georgia's divisive "foreign agent" piece of legislation has become law despite weeks of mass protests and warnings from the United States and the European Union that the move jeopardizes the Caucasus country's path toward North-Atlantic integration.

The law was published in Georgia's Legislative Gazette on June 3 shortly after being signed by parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvil. Prior to that, Georgia's pro-Western President President Salome Zurabishvili had refused to endorse the measure after it was returned to her. On May 28, a parliamentary vote overrode her veto of the bill from May 18.

According to Georgia's constitution, if the president doesn't endorse the law after an override by lawmakers, parliament's speaker then has the right to promulgate it.

The law, which has been widely criticized as being modeled on a similar Russian law used by the Kremlin to repress dissent and stifle democratic opposition, requires civil-society and media organizations that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from foreign sources to submit to oversight that could encompass sanctions for as-yet-undefined criminal offenses.

"Emotions have subsided and many of the citizens who joined the protest of the radical opposition have already seen that, in fact, the law of transparency will increase the responsibility and accountability of nongovernmental organizations and their financiers, will improve the political system, weaken disinformation, reduce radicalism and polarization," Papuashvili said on June 3 as he announced the move at a briefing in parliament.

The law came into force partially after its publication. It will come into force in full within 60 days, after government agencies have carried out the necessary preparatory work.

In a first sign that Georgian Dream intends to use the law as a coercive tool, Georgian Dream General Secretary Kakha Kaladze, who is also the mayor of the capital, Tbilisi, said after the law was published in the Legislative Gazette that the organizations that receive funding from abroad and do not register in a database that the law provides for will be fined and their assets will be seized.

"If they don't comply, there are financial penalties and then confiscation," Kaladze said. "They will not be able to function and receive funds."

Critics say the legislation was introduced by the dominant Georgian Dream, founded by Russian-friendly Georgian tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, in order to cement the party's grip on power ahead of elections in October seen as crucial for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Zurabishvili, whose veto was overridden 84-4 in parliament, has urged Georgians to mobilize to win the upcoming elections in October.

Georgia's civil society has for years sought to move the country away from the influence of Russia, which still maintains thousands of troops in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, two breakaway Georgian regions that Moscow recognized as independent states following a five-day war with Tbilisi in 2008.

Georgia obtained the coveted EU candidate status in December, but it has yet to start actual accession talks, which could last for years. There had been hope such talks could start later this year, but Brussels has warned that the "foreign agent" law could endanger the path toward Europe.

Georgian Dream has insisted it remains committed to joining Western institutions and the law was only meant to increase transparency on NGO funding.

Western governments and organizations have issued stark statements, warning the Georgian Dream government that the Tbilisi's EU path will be blocked if the law comes into force.

Prime Minister and Georgian Dream Chairman Irakli Kobakhidze, who along with Ivanishvili and other allies has blamed opposition to the bill in part on a vague "global party of war," said on May 31 he had called for a review of relations with the United States, Tbilisi's main Western backer.

Hundreds of people have been arrested during weeks of protests against the piece of legislation. Some of the protesters detained during demonstrations countered by tear gas, water cannons, and allegedly rubber bullets that injured opponents and journalists could face years in prison on criminal charges.

Late on June 2, thousands gathered in Tbilisi for a concert designed to air their grievances and raise funds for those detained in earlier protests.

Demonstrators at the Georgian Musicians for a European Future event, which began at 10 p.m. local time in Meidani Square, called for unity and "ultimate victory" as they denounced the widely criticized legislation, which threatens to stall Georgia's EU drive and dampen relations with the United States.

"Our undefeated unity was born in the battle for a common goal," a video shown at the concert in central Tbilisi stated.

The money raised at the event is designed to "help our comrades" who were "punished for their love of Georgia," the video statement said.

The previous day, Georgia's opposition United National Movement said its offices in Tbilisi were attacked overnight by dozens of masked men, with glass broken and equipment damaged.

It alleged that the damage was inflicted by 30-40 "titushky," a term for the frequently masked thugs who have beaten and harassed protesters since Georgian Dream announced in March that it was reintroducing the bill.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-parliament- signs-foreign-agent-law/32976772.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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Serbia's Ruling Party Wins Local Polls Marred By Claims Of Irregularities

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service June 03, 2024

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 OSCE's 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."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/belgrade-local- election-vucic/32976739.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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Wider Europe Briefing: Your Guide To The European Parliament Elections

By Rikard Jozwiak June 03, 2024

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 frameworksfor 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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/european-parliament-elections- political-groups/32977276.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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Speaker of Georgian Parliament Signs Bill on Foreign Agents, Document Goes Into Force

Sputnik News

20240603

TBILISI (Sputnik) - Speaker of the Georgian parliament Shalva Papuashvili said on Monday that he had signed the bill on foreign agents into law, with the document having gone into effect.

Last week, the Georgian parliament managed to override the veto of President Salome Zourabichvili on the bill on foreign agents by a majority of votes.

"I signed the bill on transparency of foreign influence," Papuashvili told reporters.

 Sputnik

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NATO Kicks Off Ramstein Legacy Air Drills Hosted by Romania, Bulgaria

Sputnik News

20240603

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - NATO will begin a comprehensive air defense exercise dubbed Ramstein Legacy on Monday in Romania and Bulgaria, aimed at practicing tactical control of the bloc's integrated air and missile defense.

NATO's Allied Air Command will lead the exercises, which will include a combination of command and control components involving AWACS early warning aircraft, national airborne air defenses, and ground-based air and missile defenses, whose interoperability will be tested.

Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States are expected to take part in the training that will run through June 14, with Sweden open to join in.

Earlier the head of the border service of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), Vladimir Kulishov, told Sputnik that NATO is regularly training to strike Russian territory with nuclear weapons during drills.

 Sputnik

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Congratulations to Mexico's President-Elect Sheinbaum

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

June 3, 2024

The United States congratulates Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic victory as Mexico's first woman president. We also congratulate the people of Mexico for making their voices heard through the democratic process. I look forward to building on the strong U.S.-Mexico partnership with President-elect Sheinbaum.

We deeply value our special relationship with Mexico that is based on shared democratic values, deep economic ties, and strong cultural and familial connections. The United States is committed to working together with Mexico as neighbors, friends, and partners, to advance our mutual economic and security interests. I extend my best wishes to President-elect Sheinbaum and the people of Mexico.

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The Gambia Endorses the Proliferation Security Initiative

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

June 3, 2024

The Republic of The Gambia has conveyed to Morocco its endorsement of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) following its attendance at the PSI African Political Meeting and Outreach Event, co-hosted by Morocco and the United States on January 31-February 2, 2024, in Marrakesh, Morocco. The United States welcomes The Gambia's endorsement and participation in the Initiative and looks forward to working with the Government of The Gambia to advance the counterproliferation goals of the PSI and its Statement of Interdiction Principles. The Gambia is the 113th state to endorse the PSI.

A highlight of the PSI African Political Meeting and outreach event was the release of the Marrakesh Declaration by Morocco and the United States. The Marrakesh Declaration underscored the importance of the Initiative in addressing the threats posed by trafficking in weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and related items within the African region and encouraged regional countries' PSI endorsements. The Gambia is the seventh country to endorse the PSI at or following the PSI African Political Meeting and Outreach Event, bringing the total number of African endorsers to 13.

Launched in Krakow, Poland, in 2003, the PSI celebrated its 20th Anniversary in May 2023. States become part of the PSI by publicly endorsing the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles, making voluntary political commitments to impede and stop shipments of illicit WMD, delivery systems, and related materials flowing to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern. PSI-endorsing States also adopt streamlined procedures for rapid information exchange and strengthen relevant national and international laws and frameworks.

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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

3 June 2024

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Press Briefings

Good afternoon, everyone.

At 1 p.m., there will be a briefing here by Ambassador Joonkook Hwang, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea, who as you know is the President of the Security Council for the month of June.

He will brief on the programme of work for this month.

The briefing by the President of the Council will be in person only, there will not be a Zoom connection for that; so, if you want to speak to Ambassador Hwang, you will need to be here in the room.

And, tomorrow, our guest will be the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths. We expect it to be his final press conference here in this room, so be there for that, as well.

** Secretary-General's Travel

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will be traveling to Washington, D.C., today.

Tonight, the Secretary-General will attend the annual Kuwait-America Foundation Gala Dinner for the UN Refugee Agency  UNHCR.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, will also attend the event.

On Tuesday, the Secretary-General will meet with the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to discuss several issues of mutual interest.

** Israeli Hostages

Earlier this morning, the Secretary-General met with representatives of the Hostages and Missing Persons Forum from Israel.

The Secretary-General listened to the testimonies of the families.

He expressed his solidarity with the families and reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

On Gaza, you just heard from Andrea de Domenico, the Director of OCHA's (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, but I can add that the World Health Organization (WHO) says the last functional hospital in Rafah  Al-Helal Al-Emirati  is now out of service, as of 30 May.

This means there are almost no health services available in Rafah city.

Only one field hospital there remains partially functional, but it is currently inaccessible due to hostilities in the vicinity and can only provide basic services to patients inside.

WHO says that hospitals in Rafah urgently need to be restored. However, without safe access, a sustained flow of supplies into and across Gaza, and reliable conditions for delivering those supplies to the facilities that need them, the agency's ability to effectively support the health system in Gaza is severely challenged.

The UN Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, says that all 36 of its shelters in Rafah are now empty  with some 1.7 million people estimated to be displaced in Khan Younis and the Middle Area. In Khan Younis, thousands of families are sheltering in damaged and destroyed facilities.

As others continue to seek safety in Deir al-Balah, UNRWA warns that space for displaced families is running out. People there are sheltering on extremely overcrowded land, with limited supplies and critical services.

** Lebanon

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has arrived in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, in her new capacity as the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon.

She has already met with the caretaker Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, to mark the beginning of her first round of consultations with Lebanese officials.

In a statement, Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert said she touched upon some of the key issues and priorities that she will be following closely.

Topics discussed include Lebanon's protracted political deadlock. She added that while Lebanon faces challenges on many levels, developments across the Blue Line are of particular concern.

** Children and Armed Conflict

The Office of the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict tells us that they have signed a new action plan today with the opposition Syrian National Army (SNA)  which includes Ahrar al-Sham, the Army of Islam and their aligned legions and factions.

Through this action plan, they have committed to ending and preventing the recruitment and use of children, as well as the killing and maiming of boys and girls. As such, they have committed to issuing command orders to end these violations, to identify and release children currently within their ranks and to put in place preventative, protective and disciplinary measures for the recruitment and use and killing and maiming of children.

Virginia Gamba, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, said the signing of the action plan is the result of years of engagement between the United Nations and the opposition SNA, including Ahrar al-Sham and Army of Islam.

She commended the work of child protection partners on the ground, adding that Syria remains one of the most dire situations on the children and armed conflict agenda.

** Ukraine

From Ukraine, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that attacks on Kharkiv, in the east of the country, continued over the weekend and today.

Local authorities report civilian casualties, including among children, and damage to civilian infrastructure.

Since the escalation of the war in 2022, nearly 90 children have been killed and more than 320 injured in the Kharkiv Region alone, according to authorities.

** Democratic Republic of the Congo

Turning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our peacekeeping colleagues reported heavy firing and clashes over the weekend between the M23 armed group and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), south of Kanyabayonga in North Kivu's Rutshuru territory.

The fighting triggered displacement of civilians towards Kayna, Miriki and Kirumba, with some reaching Lubero and Butembo.

In response, peacekeepers, in coordination with the Congolese armed forces, deployed patrols around Kanyabayonga to assist some of the 150,000 men, women and children displaced in recent days, providing escorts to safer areas, as well as medical care. The Mission is maintaining its presence in the area.

Similarly, heavy fighting was also reported over the past few days near Sake. The Mission (MONUSCO) is monitoring the situation.

** Pakistan

In Pakistan, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Yahya, joined Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif this weekend in calling for the protection of girls' right to education  this after a recent string of attacks against girls' schools.

He reinforced the UN in Pakistan's commitment to support the Government in the rehabilitation and re-opening of these schools and to the girls in Pakistan in realizing their right to quality inclusive education, free from fear and intimidation.

** Resident Coordinators

We have an update from the Development Coordination Office.

The Secretary-General has appointed Resident Coordinators to Serbia, Uzbekistan, and Barbados and the East Caribbean, with the approval of the respective host Governments.

Matilde Mordt of Sweden started her new functions over the weekend as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia.

Sabine Machl of Austria is the UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan and Simon Springett of the United States will serve as the UN Resident Coordinator in Barbados.

Their full bios are online.

** World Bicycle Day

And last, today is World Bicycle Day.

It reminds us about the benefits of using the bicycle  it's a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit and sustainable means of transportation.

And we have the results of the UN Bike Month Challenge, which took place throughout May.

This year, 147 UN staff members and delegates registered to participate and between them travelled over 16,500 miles on their bicycles (this is about the same distance between New York and Hanoi).

This is close to 40 per cent more than the distance travelled during last year's challenge.

** Questions and Answers

Deputy Spokesman : Are there any questions? Yes, Edie?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. A couple of questions, first, does the Secretary-General have any comment on Mexico's election of its first female leader?

Deputy Spokesman : Yeah, on that, basically, as we do with other countries, we congratulate the people of Mexico for the conduct of the elections. We've been told that these are the largest elections held in that country. And of course, we're well aware that the country is now going to be getting its first female president, and that's a trend that we welcome throughout the world.

Question : And secondly, does the Secretary-General have any comment on Nigeria being in total blackout because of a strike for more pay by workers?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, on the political issue, obviously we won't get involved into the domestic politics of this. That's to be resolved by the Government and the respective unions. But certainly, we hope that a solution can be found so that normal life can return to Nigeria as soon as possible. Yes. Yvonne in the back and then you behind Yvonne.

Question : Thanks, Farhan. Have you got any more details at all about the meeting between the SG and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken tomorrow, beyond what you read out?

Deputy Spokesman : I think that description was as detailed and as factual as I could make it. Obviously, we will try to get more details tomorrow, once this has actually taken place. You're well aware of all the subjects that are on their table. Yes?

Question : Georgia, Athens and Cyprus News Agency. Hi. Thank you, Farhan. Firstly, when does Ms. [Maria Isabel] Holguin plan to update the Secretary-General on the progress of her talks in Cyprus? And secondly, when would you anticipate her to present her report?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, luckily for me, the second question can be actually answered by the incoming Council presidency, who will be briefing you at 1, so you can ask them when Cyprus comes up on the calendar. Ms. Holguin has been in touch with UN officials up and down the chain, but she'll continue to keep us updated about her work. Volodymyr?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. As you know, the forum for peace in Ukraine will be held in Switzerland in June, but we see that Russia and its few allies are trying to disrupt the forum and dissuade other countries from participating. How would the Secretary-General comment on this situation?

Deputy Spokesman : Our only basic comment on this is that we expect ourselves to be participating in this. Closer to the time of the event, I'll be able to tell you who will be representing us at this event. Abdelhamid?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. The Secretary-General keeps calling for the release of all hostages. Does he include the Palestinians who were taken from their homes in the middle of the night, about 400 children, 130 women? Some of those prisoners who were released in previous exchange of prisoners. Why he doesn't specify, also when he talks about hostages, also about Palestinians who are detained without any trial? There are 4,000 of them and the total is 9,000. Why he doesn't address that issue of the Palestinians?

Deputy Spokesman : When he meets with Israeli families, he is talking specifically to them about their circumstances and that's what he did today. Obviously, he wants all those who are detained unfairly to be released, but in this case, he's specifically focusing on the aftermath of the terrible events of 7 October. Dezhi?

Question : Yes, just one short question. Is there any update on the operation from WFP (World Food Programme) on the floating dock or it's still in repair?

Deputy Spokesman : I believe that is a matter that is in fact under repair. So, it's not quite a floating dock at this moment.

Question : Any future plans?

Deputy Spokesman : I think for that you need to, first and foremost, deal with the US authorities. Of course, we stand ready to do our part in the arrangements once the situation allows itself. Tony, and then Stefano.

Question : Thank you. Farhan. There's media reports talking about Mohamed Bin Awad, the Permanent Representative of Oman, started today his duties as special SG, Special Envoy to Iraq. Is that correct?

Deputy Spokesman : Let me check on that. I'm not aware of that, but we'll check.

Correspondent : Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman : Yes, Stefano?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. About the trip that the Secretary-General is taking to Washington, why the Secretary-General is not going to see the President of the United States? I just noticed that Guterres went to see when [Donald] Trump was President. He went to see him in the White House at least a couple of times. I counted for sure, two. I don't see any time when the Guterres goes to Washington to see President [Joseph] Biden. I understand Blinken is the Secretary of State, but why the Secretary-General of United Nations in a situation so how the world is dangerous in this moment, why he never sees Biden and he sees him only here for the General Assembly?

Deputy Spokesman : He does in fact meet with President Biden and as you yourself have noted, he does meet him in the context of the General Assembly. But regarding that, the arrangements we make for the Secretary-General's meetings are ones that are mutually worked out with the host, with the US Government, and so this is the appropriate meeting that's been arranged at this time. Yes, please.

Question : Farhan, yesterday, the Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, was here in New York. He tweeted he took part in the Israeli parade. Did they have any contact either just as they, or maybe today if he's still here? And when was the last time that Mr. Guterres talked to [Benjamin] Netanyahu? Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman : He has not talked to him in recent months. As we've been telling you, we have maintained communications with other officials, and we have let you know when those have happened. Edie and then Maggie.

Question : Farhan, is there any update or details on the administrative leave of the Nigeria commanding general in Abyei?

Deputy Spokesman : No, no update beyond what we told you about this last week. Maggie?

Question : Farhan, does the Secretary-General have any reaction to the deteriorating relations on the Korean Peninsula? South Korea has announced that they're suspending the comprehensive military agreement with North Korea in the wake of the trash balloon incident last week.

Deputy Spokesman : Well, we certainly hope that this issue will be resolved, and we want to return the situation on the Korean Peninsula to one that is devoid of the recent tensions. And, of course, you will have seen the statement that the Secretary-General issued last week about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and we stand by the sentiments expressed in that statement. Sure. Way back.

Question : Farhan, thank you. Any reaction from the SG to the shifting political sands in South Africa after the seventh democratic election in that country?

Deputy Spokesman : On that, of course, we recognize the results of the elections, and we certainly hope that the parties in South Africa will now continue with their process of working together in terms of government formation. Yes, Serife?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. I just have a follow-up on my colleague Georgia's question on the personal envoy of the Secretary-General, Ms. Holguin. You mentioned that she's going to report to the Council, but do you mean is she going to report to the Secretary-General? Because as she's a personal envoy, does she have the mandate to report to the Council or to the Secretary-General?

Deputy Spokesman : I believe she reports to the Secretary-General, and then we provide that information to the Security Council. I was just letting your colleague know that, in terms of when the Security Council takes this up, that's an issue that the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea would be better placed to talk about.

Question : So, she's not going to brief the Council personally as the personal envoy?

Deputy Spokesman : I'm not aware of what the arrangements will be, but again, that's something that the Republic of Korea, in its capacity as Council President for this month, is better place to talk about.

Correspondent : Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman : All right. Have a good rest of your afternoon, everyone.

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Ongoing war destroying social fabric in Gaza, UN aid official says

3 June 2024 - The narrowing space left for civilians in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly limited and crowded, while dire living conditions are eroding the social fabric there, a senior official with the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Monday.

Andrea De Domenico, Head of OCHA's Office in the occupied Palestinian territory, recently spent three weeks in the enclave, where over one million people have fled the southern city of Rafah following the step-up in Israeli military operations, according to Palestine refugee agency UNRWA.

Briefing journalists in New York, Mr. De Domenico added that the operational environment for humanitarians also remains dangerous and challenging, despite engagement with the parties.

Hands tied

"At times I wonder if the humanitarian operation in Gaza (is) crippled by design. We are trying to save lives every day, but the reality is that our hands have been tied (behind) our backs since the very beginning," he said, speaking from Jerusalem.

"We used to say, months back, that someone had broken our legs and now all of sudden asked us to run. I think we have learned to run with crutches, if you want, and now they have taken away the crutches also".

Aid convoy sacked

He also pointed to the difficult of not just bringing aid into Gaza but then delivering it to people in need, such as women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, all amid security, safety and logistic challenges.

"Unfortunately, once again, we are living through the breakdown of law and order," he said.

"Two days ago, we had the worst of our experiences in bringing in commodities, where almost 70 per cent of the convoy that we were able to put together for that day did not reach the final destination because it was intercepted by mostly criminals but also desperate people".

'A wave of people'

Mr. De Domenico shared what he said are five images that remain in his mind following this latest visit to Gaza, including "the forcible transfer of people" who thought they had found refuge in Rafah but are now seeking safety elsewhere. An estimated 20,000 pregnant women are among them.

"It's impossible as of today to move from Al Mawasi, where some of our premises are, to go to Khan Younis or Deir al Balah without literally navigating through a wave of people that are everywhere," he said, speaking from Jerusalem.

The journey, which would normally take up to 15 minutes, now takes an hour, as more and more people head north "with whatever they can gather, putting it in donkey carts and piling them up at unbelievable heights".

He also recalled driving along the coastal road one day and seeing scores of Gazans on the seashore. He learned they were there to cool off, given the hot daytime temperatures inside the tents where they are now living.

"By doing this, also they took the opportunity to wash themselves because there is no other way that people can maintain some decent hygiene," he said.

Social fabric eroding

"This intensity of living conditions is progressively eroding the social fabric of the community in Gaza," he continued.

Recalling the "formidable" hospitality of the people, he said that even the poorest families would find a way to "put something on the table" for visitors. Additionally, social bonding among immediate and extended family members is fundamental in Palestinian society.

"What we are witnessing more and more is that this fabric is progressively being destroyed, where the rule of the strongest is becoming the only rule that is prevailing simply because there is so little for people to survive that only the strongest can have access to that."

He was told about a dispute between two brothers over a can of chickpeas. The two families are no longer speaking "and losing that network of mutual solidarity and support that is essential in a situation of despair like this".

Living conditions are further compounded by the lack of basic commodities and access to simple tools, materials, and equipment, even just for cooking meals.

A "very, very acrid and strong" odour permeates the air around dinner time as families burn plastic, garbage or whatever else they can find to use as fuel in the place of cooking gas, he said.

Violence and constant trauma

Mr. De Domenico also spoke about the aftermath of the deadly Israeli airstrike on 26 May that hit a camp for displaced people in Rafah, sparking a fire that killed many people. Ambulances transported the dead and wounded to field hospitals concentrated along the Al Mawasi area.

He said a director of one of the field hospitals told him that among the charred bodies were those of a man who was still hugging his young daughter. The medical staff tried to separate them but were unable to do so. The only option would have been to break their bones, which he said they refused to do, leaving them together "in this final and eternal hug".

Reflecting on the overall violence in Gaza, Mr. De Domenico wondered how children there will recover from "this unimaginable and difficult to describe situation of constant trauma that they have to go through".

'Gigantic' health efforts

Nearly 36,000 people have been killed to date in Gaza, and almost 80,000 wounded, he said, citing figures from the Gaza health authorities.

Addressing the embattled health system, he noted that "the fact that we have to count on field hospitals....it means that these people can only be treated in sub-optimal conditions, despite the never-ending efforts of the medical teams that have been deployed all over the world are doing".

The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken "gigantic efforts" to re-establish or maintain services in the Middle Area and in Khan Younis, he added, while there are no more functional hospitals in Rafah.

Humanitarians have faced "gigantic challenges" to bring tents, tarpaulins and other shelter equipment into Gaza. They also estimate that 36 sites operated by the UN Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, that hosted displaced people have been lost.

Meanwhile, the amount of solid waste that has accumulated along the streets is "impressive". He explained that landfills are generally located in margins along the fence towards Israel or Egypt "and those areas are absolutely not accessible", so alternative locations are being sought.

Concern for children

Mr. De Domenico said some 600,000 children have not attended school since the start of hostilities on 7 October, and there are no recreational activities for them, other than what local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have managed to improvise.

"The reality is that there is very little that we can offer, and hence just the exposure to this violence and these very harsh living conditions that I'm sure will mark this generation of children for the long term," he said.

Praise for humanitarians

The senior official praised local and international NGOs for their commendable efforts in the face of the many obstacles and dangers in Gaza.

Humanitarian teams are rotated in and out of the enclave through the Kerem Shalom crossing in UNRWA vehicles, and only using international drivers. A recent attempt by a convoy of seven vehicles was aborted at the last moment following 13 hours of waiting to get the go-ahead.

"Even to reach that place, we have to go through what is considered to be a safe road, notwithstanding that we have been caught in crossfire repeatedly," he said.

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Gaza: conditions 'unspeakable' as one million people flee Rafah: UNRWA

3 June 2024 - A staggering one million people have now fled Rafah in southern Gaza, the UN aid agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said on Monday, amid fresh reports of overnight attacks in southern, central and northern locations by Israeli forces.

The city of Rafah on Gaza's southern border with Egypt had been home to well over a million forcibly displaced by nearly eight months of daily bombardment by the Israeli military, in response to Hamas-led terror attack in southern Israel on 7 October.

"Thousands of families now shelter in damaged and destroyed facilities in Khan Younis, where UNRWA keeps providing essential services, despite increasing challenges. Conditions are unspeakable," the UN agency said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Biden move

The development comes three days since US President Joe Biden unveiled a ceasefire proposal based on a phased end to the war, reportedly involving the withdrawal of Israeli forces from built-up areas, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, along with a plan for Gaza reconstruction.

According to UNRWA, thousands of families have been forced to seek shelter in badly damaged buildings in Khan Younis. The city, which is just north of Rafah, is estimated to be home to some 1.7 million people. All 36 of UNRWA's shelters in Rafah are now empty, it reported.

The UN agency has continued to provide basic humanitarian relief despite the increasingly difficult conditions, illustrated by one photograph of a young girl sitting alone on a rubble-strewn stairwell and another showing huge mounds of rubble and twisted metal next to a largely unscathed building.

Some 690,000 women and girls are believed to lack basic menstrual hygiene kits, privacy and drinking water, UNRWA said.

No place for a baby

Highlighting the daily struggles faced by extremely vulnerable people in Gaza, UNRWA cited the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) estimate that around 18,500 pregnant women have been forced to flee Rafah. "Around 10,000 more remain there in desperate conditions," the UN agency said on X. "Access to healthcare and maternal supplies is minimal. Mothers' and babies' health is at risk."

'Beyond crisis'

Echoing those deep concerns, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said that there was now " little we can do for the people still in Rafah", where roads are "unsafe, access limited, and most of our partners and other humanitarian agencies have been displaced".

In an alarming update on the exodus from Rafah since the escalation of the Israeli military operation there, a senior WFP official warned that public health concerns were now "beyond crisis levels", while "the sounds, the smells, the everyday life, are horrific and apocalyptic".

People have "fled to areas where clean water, medical supplies and support are insufficient, food supply is limited, and telecommunications have stopped", said Matthew Hollingworth, WFP Country Director in Palestine.

Palestine recognition call

In support of repeated international calls for an immediate ceasefire, top human rights experts urged all countries to recognize the State of Palestine, as 146 UN Member States have done already.

"This recognition is an important acknowledgement of the rights of the Palestinian people and their struggles and suffering towards freedom and independence," the experts said in a statement on Monday.

They noted that the State of Palestine - formally declared by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on 15 November 1988 - claimed sovereignty over the remaining parts of historic Palestine that Israel occupied in 1967: the West Bank including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

As of 28 May 2024, the State of Palestine has been recognized by the majority of UN Member States, including most recently Ireland, Norway and Spain.

The rights experts, who are not UN staff but report to the Human Rights Council, insisted that Palestine must be able "to enjoy full self-determination, including the ability to exist".

These rights are "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 maintained.

Highlighting the most recent ruling by the UN's top court ordering Israel to stop military operations in Rafah, the experts added that the arrest warrants sought by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court against the Israeli Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Hamas leaders on suspicion of war crimes were "a promise of accountability and an end to impunity in the occupied Palestinian territory".

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U.S. Sixth Fleet Participates in the Romanian Led Exercise Dacia

US Navy - Press Release

03 June 2024

ITALY -- U.S. Sixth Fleet's Task Force (TF) 66 and TF-68 participated in the Romanian-led operational exercise Dacia 2024, May 27 - June 3, 2024.

Exercise Dacia is a tactical-level exercise in the Black Sea, inside Romanian territorial waters, consisting of rapid environmental analysis, mine countermeasures, logistics support and communications with NATO Allies and partners and industry.

Commander of TF-66 Rear Adm. Michael Mattis served as the U.S. Sixth Fleet spokesman and keynote speaker at the opening ceremony for the exercise in Romania.

"This exercise demonstrates our mine countermeasures and unmanned underwater vehicle capabilities, increasing our combined maritime domain awareness in the Black Sea region," said Mattis. "As we continue to develop new concepts of operations and standards together, we collectively sharpen our competitive edge, promote security and stability and ensure all-domain access."

Integrating new and enhanced capabilities, like unmanned vehicles, across all domains gives U.S., Allies and partner nations flexible responses to threats in support of shared interests.

Participating nations including France, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Turkiye, U.K, and the U.S. demonstrated their collective capability to retain control of territorial waters in conflict and their dedication to Black Sea security.

TF-66 is U.S. Sixth Fleet's forward-deployable headquarters, capable of orchestrating joint, all-domain effects in a specific region through asymmetric and unconventional concepts of operations in concert with Allied, coalition, joint, interagency, and other partners to reassure Allies and partners, promote security and stability, and maintain all domain access throughout the European theater.

TF-68 provides explosive ordnance disposal operations, naval construction, expeditionary security, and theater security efforts in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

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Readout of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti's Meetings with Senior Leaders in Turkiye

US Navy - Press Release

03 June 2024

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler and the Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces Gen. Metin Gurak at the Ministry of National Defense, and the Turkish Head of Navy Adm. Ercument Tatloglu at the Turkish Navy Headquarters in Ankara, Turkiye, June 3.

Franchetti highlighted that Turkiye is a longstanding and valued NATO Ally and that the U.S. values our strong bilateral relationship. Franchetti further expressed gratitude for Turkiye's ongoing regional stabilization initiatives, and shared that she looks forward to increased collaboration in the future.

The leaders also discussed opportunities to maximize cooperation on Black Sea security, particularly de-mining efforts. U.S. and Turkish Navies operate and train together continuously, including various interoperability exercises between their two newest large-deck ships, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and Turkiye's TCG Anadolu.

This is the first time Franchetti has met with Guler as the Chief of Naval Operations. This was also the first time Franchetti has met with Gurak as the CNO; the two leaders last met when Franchetti visited Turkiye as Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, in 2019.

Franchetti last met with Tatloglu in September 2023 at the International Seapower Symposium, in Newport, R.I.

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Netanyahu downplays immediate Gaza cease-fire prospects

By VOA News June 03, 2024

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 Israel's 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 Blinken's call with Gantz. The top U.S. diplomat said the peace proposal also could unlock "the possibility of calm along Israel's 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 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 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 Israel's 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.

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UN: Urgent global aid needed for flood-affected Afghan children

By Ayaz Gul June 03, 2024

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. Children's 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 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," 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 children's 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 Afghanistan's economy to the brink.

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Somalia wants all Ethiopian troops to leave by December

By Harun Maruf June 03, 2024

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 won't be part of the African Union forces being organized with international partners to secure key installations in Somalia for one year from January 2025.

Ali's comments come amid concerns from Somali regional officials who say the absence of Ethiopian troops could benefit al-Shabab militants.

Ali also indicated that Mogadishu's 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 VOA's Somali Service, using Mogadishu's preferred term for al-Shabab militants.

Calling it an overall "difficult situation," Aden added: "It's 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."

VOA's requests for comment on Ali's statements from Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ethiopia Nebiyu Tedla were unsuccessful.

Some observers say Mogadishu's 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 VOA's 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 Somalia's federal jurisdiction, and that federal officials don't 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.

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WFP gains access to areas in Haiti's capital

By VOA News June 03, 2024

The World Food Program said Monday that it has gained access to the international airport in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, as well as the city's Cite Soleil area after more than two months of blockages.

The U.N. organization said in a statement that it has made progress delivering truckloads of food to the violence-hit neighborhood of Cite Soleil. It added that it is also working to resume the use of Port-au-Prince's international airport for humanitarian passenger and cargo flights.

The WFP said it did not have access to the areas over the past two months because of violent clashes between armed groups.

"Despite an exceptionally complex security situation, WFP is taking important first steps in getting humanitarian supply chains back online and delivering desperately needed assistance to the most difficult neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince," said Jean-Martin Bauer, WFP country director in Haiti.

A WFP-chartered cargo delivering medical supplies on Thursday marked the first time a U.N. humanitarian cargo plane landed in Port-au-Prince since March.

Gang violence has spiraled in Haiti since the 2021 assassination of the country's president and escalated further in early March after armed gangs stormed jails in Port-au-Prince, allowing thousands of prisoners to escape. More than 2,500 people have been killed, injured or kidnapped in violence in Haiti since the start of the year, the U.N. said on April 22.

The WFP said it has helped one million people across Haiti since the beginning of the year, including providing nearly 394,000 children with school lunches.

The organization also said it has distributed more than one million hot meals to 108,000 displaced people living in temporary shelters.

The WFP says the increased access will allow more aid to reach the ports in Port-au-Prince.

"Without sustained humanitarian access and the reopening of vital supply routes, people risk slipping even deeper into hunger," Bauer said.

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Meet Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female president

By VOA News June 03, 2024

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's 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 City's 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 City's first female mayor in 2018, noted for strengthened security. The capital's 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.

Sheinbaum's administration will either have to maintain spending or risk damage to Mexico's creditworthiness.

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Georgia's parliament speaker signs controversial 'foreign agents' bill

By VOA News June 03, 2024

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili signed on Monday a contentious law that critics say curbs media freedom and will threaten Georgia's chances of joining the European Union.

Papuashvili signed the bill into law after the Georgian Dream party-controlled legislature overrode President Salome Zourabichvili's veto of the bill.

Zourabichvili opposed the bill. She said the Georgian Dream party is jeopardizing Georgia's future and "hindering [the country's] 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 law's 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 law's 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.

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Chadian women contest underrepresentation, say it undermines national dialogue recommendation

By Moki Edwin Kindzeka June 03, 2024

Chad's 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 family's 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 state's 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 N'djamena 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.

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In major breakthrough, WFP gains access to international airport and violence-hit Cite Soleil area of Haiti's capital

World Food Programme

3 June 2024

PORT-AU-PRINCE -- After more than two months of blockages due to violent clashes between armed groups, WFP has made important progress, delivering truckloads of food to the highly vulnerable neighbourhood of Cite Soleil - host to pockets of catastrophic hunger (IPC phase 5) in late 2022 - and also resuming use of the international airport at Port-au-Prince for humanitarian passenger and cargo flights.

"Despite an exceptionally complex security situation, WFP is taking important first steps in getting humanitarian supply chains back online and delivering desperately needed assistance to the most difficult neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince," said Jean-Martin Bauer, WFP Country Director in Haiti.

"These improvements need to be extended to the ports in Port-au-Prince, which remain hard-hit by the volatile security situation. Without sustained humanitarian access and the reopening of vital supply routes, people risk slipping even deeper into hunger," Bauer warned.

Details of WFP activities since the beginning of the crisis:

A WFP-chartered cargo plane landed in Port-au-Prince on 30 May, transporting vital medical supplies for humanitarian partners. This marks the first UN humanitarian cargo flight to land in the capital since the crisis broke out in March 2024.

The Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) has also resumed passenger flights to the airport, which was closed in early March due to insecurity.

Over a two-week period in May, 615 mt of rice, beans, and vegetable oil were distributed to nearly 93,000 people in Cite Soleil, including breastfeeding mothers and children, who had been cut off from humanitarian assistance due to the fresh wave of violence in the capital.

In addition to Cite Soleil, WFP has rapidly expanded its food assistance across the capital since March. More than one million hot meals have been distributed to over 108,000 internally displaced people living in temporary shelters at 87 sites.

The recent crisis hit at a time when Haitians were already facing severe food insecurity - with half of the population - or five million people - acutely food insecure, according to the March 2024 Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report.

Since the beginning of the year, WFP has assisted over one million people across Haiti, including nearly 394,000 school children who received school lunches. Some 45 percent of the children received meals prepared entirely with locally sourced ingredients.

WFP has also distributed over US$ 8 million in cash directly to vulnerable people under its emergency, resilience and social protection programme.

# # #

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting With Baltic Security Advisors

June 03, 2024

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today with his counterparts from NATO Allies Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. They expressed unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of continued Russian aggression. They also discussed preparations for the July 9-11 NATO Summit in Washington, including concrete steps Allies are working toward to bring Ukraine closer to NATO and to ensure that Ukraine has a bridge to eventual membership. The Allies underscored the importance of strengthening the transatlantic defense industrial base and discussed approaches to unlocking the value of Russian sovereign assets to benefit Ukraine. Mr. Sullivan reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and to the security of NATO's eastern flank Allies.

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Readout of President Biden's Call with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar

June 03, 2024

President Biden spoke today with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar. They confirmed that the comprehensive ceasefire and hostage release deal now on the table offers a concrete roadmap for ending the crisis in Gaza. The President confirmed Israel's readiness to move forward with the terms that have now been offered to Hamas. The President emphasized that this is 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. The President confirmed that the United States, together with Egypt and Qatar, would work to ensure the full implementation of the entire agreement. He urged Amir 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 President thanked the Amir and his senior team for their tireless efforts to secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza and agreed to remain closely coordinated over the coming days.

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Chinese FM slams remarks by Marcos on South China Sea, urging Philippines to stop maritime provocations

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Jun 03, 2024 11:09 PM Updated: Jun 04, 2024 12:14 AM

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday slammed remarks of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, saying the so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea is illegal, null and void and China will continue to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

"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," a spokesperson from the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The Philippines has been frequently trespassing into waters off Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea since August 2023 under the instigation of the US. In his keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday, Marcos cited treaties including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea, which he claimed established a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities.

Marcos said that UNCLOS also clarified the limits of each state's maritime zones, and defined the extent with which they could exercise sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over those zones.

China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its relevant waters. China's normal patrol, law enforcement and productive activities in waters under its own jurisdiction are consistent with international law, including UNCLOS, and such activities are beyond reproach, the Chinese spokesperson stressed.

The Chinese government's statement has unequivocally declared that the responsibility for the current tension in the South China Sea lies primarily with the Philippines and China's approach is for peace and stability in the region, adopting a highly rational, moderate and responsible attitude, Dai Fan, vice dean of the School of International Studies at the Guangzhou-based Jinan University, told the Global Times.

The responsibility for the recent escalation over the South China Sea issue between China and the Philippines lies fully with the Philippine side, the spokesperson stressed, explaining that the Philippines breached its commitments and common understandings with China, violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and repeatedly acted in bad faith.

Also, the Philippines frequently infringed on China's rights and made provocations at sea, brought in forces from outside the region to form blocs and flex muscles in the South China Sea, and spread disinformation to vilify China and mislead international perception on this matter, the spokesperson noted.

The spokesperson from the ministry said China will continue to firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests and rights and urged the Philippines to honor its commitments, fully and effectively implement the DOC, and stop maritime infringement activities and provocations at once.

China has exercised enough restraint in the face of infringements and provocations, but there is a limit, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun warned Sunday when introducing China's approach to global security on the closing day of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, without naming the Philippines.

In his speech, Marcos repeatedly mentioned the US, saying 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.

The spokesperson directly rebuked the US in the statement. "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."

The Chinese spokesperson asked, "Who exactly does the Philippine foreign policy serve now? Whose bidding is the Philippines doing with all these maritime actions?", saying that the answer is pretty clear to anyone with sound judgement.

The current foreign policy of the Philippines as well as its policy toward China, and its South China Sea policy are currently deviating from the track of serving the national interests of the Philippines, and in fact are serving the interests of the US, Dai noted.

The Chinese spokesperson stressed in the statement that through the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable.

While verbally saying that the Philippines upholds the centrality of ASEAN, in reality, through its actions, it is colluding with external powers to jointly counter China, Dai said. "The Philippines has betrayed regional peace and stability."

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US seeks additional support for Gaza cease-fire deal

By VOA News June 04, 2024

The fate of a proposal to temporarily halt fighting in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid and set free some hostages held by Hamas remained uncertain Tuesday, with Hamas yet to respond to the proposal, Israeli officials questioning some of the details and the United States seeking U.N. Security Council support for the deal's acceptance and implementation.

A draft U.S. resolution seen by VOA calls on Hamas to fully accept and implement the cease-fire proposal "without delay and without condition."

The draft says, "swift implementation of this deal would enable a ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, the release of hostages, a surge in humanitarian assistance, restoration of basic services, and the return of Palestinian civilians to northern Gaza."

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters Monday that Hamas, which received the cease-fire proposal Thursday, had yet to respond. He said the major elements of the proposal "are nearly identical to the major elements of the proposal that Hamas submitted several weeks ago."

The basic outline of the deal includes a six-week halt in fighting, the release of some hostages from Gaza, daily deliveries of 600 trucks of aid for Palestinians and further negotiations aimed at securing a permanent end to the conflict.

U.S. officials reiterated Monday that the cease-fire proposal, though presented publicly by U.S. President Joe Biden last week, is an Israeli proposal.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters that making public negotiations that officials have declined to reveal in the past for fear of disrupting the negotiation process was not about putting pressure on Israeli officials, but rather, if anything, publicly pressuring Hamas and its leaders to accept the deal.

"The president felt that where we are in this war, where we are in the negotiations to get the hostages out, that it was time for a different approach and a time to make the proposal public, to try to energize the process here, catalyze a different outcome," Kirby said.

Kirby said in earlier comments to reporters that if Hamas were to accept the proposal, Israel would as well.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a parliament committee Monday that "claims that we have agreed to a ceasefire without our conditions being met are incorrect," according to a statement from his office.

An Israeli government spokesperson said "the war will be stopped for the purpose of returning the hostages" after which discussions would follow on how to achieve Israel's goal of eliminating Hamas

Leaders of the Group of Seven leading industrial nations issued a joint statement Monday fully endorsing the cease-fire proposal.

"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.

The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates said after a virtual meeting Monday that they support efforts to negotiate a permanent cease-fire, while also emphasizing "dealing seriously and positively" with the proposal outlined by Biden.

The ministers called for Israel's full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the return of displaced Palestinians to areas they fled, the launch of reconstruction efforts in Gaza, and the implementation of a two-state solution, according to a statement release by Jordan's foreign ministry.

Humanitarian challenges

U.N. humanitarian officials say the fighting in Gaza, particularly in northern and southern Gaza, is making it increasingly difficult to deliver badly needed assistance to the Palestinians.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in its latest update Monday that the situation in Rafah is particularly difficult, with World Food Program workers only able to reach 27,000 people with hot meals and humanitarian workers unable to provide services amid intensified hostilities and evacuation orders.

The agency said the fighting in Rafah has forced the displacement of about one million people. Many of those who were in Rafah had gone there after fleeing other parts of Gaza in search of safety.

Hamas launched a terror attack Oct. 7 on Israel, killing about 1,200 people according to Israeli tallies and taking roughly 250 hostages. About 120 of the hostages remain in Gaza, including 37 the Israeli military 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 information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

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Claudia Sheinbaum

Mexico has elected Claudia Sheinbaum, a former mayor of the capital, as the countrys first female president after a heated election on Sunday, with the nations top election authority projecting a comfortable win for the 61-year-old physicist-turned-politician. Claudia Sheinbaum is a prominent Mexican politician and scientist who has gained significant recognition in recent years. Sheinbaum, a protege of Mexicos outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, is a member of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), the political party founded by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Sheinbaum won between 58.3% and 60.7% of the vote, according to the National Electoral Institutes president, while opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez won between 26.6% and 28.6% and Jorge Alvarez Maynez won between 9.9% and 10.8%. Sheinbaum's Morena party was also projected to hold its majorities in both chambers of Congress. The granddaughter of Bulgarian and Lithuanian Jewish migrants, Sheinbaum is a close ally of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Unlike her mentor, however, the 61-year-old is "not a populist", said Pamela Starr, a political scientist at the University of Southern California. "She is much more of a mainstream leftist politician," and likely to be "less ideological" than the outgoing president, Starr added.

Sheinbaum was born on June 24, 1962 in Mexico City to parents caught up in the turmoil of the early 1960s, when students and other activists were seeking to end the Institutional Revolutionary Partys (PRI) long grip on power in Mexico. "At home, we talked about politics morning, noon and night," Sheinbaum was quoted as saying in a recent biography. Sheinbaum grew up in a family deeply engaged in activism, and her involvement began from a young age. At 15, she volunteered to assist groups of mothers searching for their missing children, while in the 1980s she also joined protests against state intervention in education policies.

Sheinbaum is recognized for her scientific background, which is somewhat unusual in the political landscape. In the 1980s, the future environmental scientist studied physics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where she defended her bachelors thesis on the energy effiency of wood-fired ovens. She sometimes went with friends to install more efficient cooking systems in particularly poor regions of Mexico such as Michoacan.

Guillermo Robles, a former university classmate, told AFP that Sheinbaum's magnetism as a young woman lay in her left-wing political convictions. "She never said 'I can't'. She always went, especially to the rallies," he said. As a student, she helped lead a movement protesting a plan to raise fees at the university, reported the New York Times. Sheinbaum did doctoral research at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, where she studied energy use in Mexico, according to the Wilson Center.

She has published more than 20 scientific articles on energy efficiency, a topic she wrote about as part of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report in 2007, the year that the IPCC won a Nobel Peace Prize.

Sheinbaum served as Mexico Citys environment minister from 2000 to 2006 under then mayor Lopez Obrador, who became her political mentor. After his 2006 presidential election loss, she taught classes at her alma mater and conducted research on engineering challenges in Mexico City, specifically on water and mobility, according to the Wilson Center. Sheinbaum was elected mayor of the citys largest borough, Tlalpan, in 2015. An earthquake two years later caused the boroughs Rebsamen school to collapse, leading to the deaths of 19 children and seven teachers. Sheinbaum denied that her office was responsible for negligence concerning building permits.

Despite the incident, she became the first woman to be elected as the Head of Government of Mexico City in 2018, a position equivalent to the city's mayor. The collapse of a metro line there as a train passed on May 3, 2021 killed 27 people and injured 79. Sheinbaum rejected accusations that budget cuts were to blame for the accident, which was caused by obvious construction defects. She negotiated with the construction company, owned by magnate Carlos Slim, that built the line to obtain compensation for victims and avoid lawsuits.

Sheinbaum has been noted for her focus on sustainability, environmental policies, and urban development. She has worked on initiatives to improve public transportation, reduce pollution, and enhance social programs in Mexico City. Her administration has also dealt with significant challenges, including managing the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the world.

"Governing is about making decisions. You have to make a decision and assume the pressures that can come from it," Sheinbaum said, according to AFP. While her mentor Lopez Obrador is known for the daily 7am press conferences he held during his presidency, Sheinbaum was an even earlier riser as Mexico Citys mayor. Three times a week at 6am sharp in a large room at City Hall, she would welcome residents who had lined up to tell her about their problems: noisy neighbourhood bars, administrative issues with pensions, public art projects, roads in need of repair. There was no filter for those who wanted an audience: all they had to do was turn up early enough to get one of the tens of fichas (appointments) distributed every day, reported FRANCE 24s Laurence Cuvillier.

During the appointments, Sheinbaum listened, took notes, redirected people to her specialists or, if necessary, woke up civil servants by phone if it turned out they had not done their jobs correctly. Her focused observation of the city and direct contact with its inhabitants discreetly consolidated her reputation as a hard worker and as a humanist. Scientists have this quality of being trained to find the causes of a problem, and to find effective solutions, Sheinbaum said in an interview with FRANCE 24 in 2019. In that sense, I think being a scientist is an advantage  as much for socially oriented projects as for governance and administration. And I think there needs to be a connection between science and the political decision-making processes.

In 2022, slogans and decals started to cover the walls of even the most isolated, sun-drenched villages in Mexico, proclaiming Es Claudia (This is Claudia) to help build a national image for a woman who had only played a political role in the nation's capital.

Sheinbaum struggled to establish her identity in this campaign while under AMLOs influence. While trying to convince Mexicans to vote for her, she has adhered closely to his policies, while also trying to assert her individuality. To many, Mexicos first female president remains somewhat a mystery. Its complicated, Juan Pablo Micozzi, an associate professor of political science at Mexicos Autonomous Institute of Technology (ITAM), told Al Jazeera. Her [political] trajectory has been practically an unconditional alignment with AMLO So, its really hard for me to understand what Claudia is going to do on day one without AMLO in charge, Micozzi added.

Some social media users asserted that the former Mexico City mayor was born in Bulgaria, the country from which her maternal grandparents hailed. Sheinbaum rejected claims she wasnt born in Mexico, and published her birth certificate to prove her point.

I believe we can anticipate a presidency under Sheinbaum that is more disciplined than Lopez Obradors, Carlos Ramirez, a political analyst at Integralia, a Mexico City-based consultancy, told Al Jazeera. A more orderly presidency, a presidency with more planning, with a more technical profile among the officials who will surely accompany and surround her in her cabinet. Ramirez said he expects Sheinbaum to be a president who better understands the world, unlike Lopez Obrador, whose vision has always been very provincial, very local.

During a series of heated debates in the presidential campaign, an unflappable Sheinbaum avoided looking at her main opponent Galvez or even calling her by name, despite a barrage of accusations. Galvez, an opposition candidate with Indigenous roots, branded Sheinbaum "cold and heartless", saying she lacked sympathy for child cancer patients and earthquake victims. "I would call you the ice lady," Galvez said. In her concession speech on Sunday, Galvez said: I want to stress that my recognition (of Sheinbaum's victory) comes with a firm demand for results and solutions to the country's serious problems. Lopez Obrador congratulated Sheinbaum, a member of his ruling Morena party, with "all my affection and respect" for her projected win.

She assumes leadership of a nation confronting a range of challenges  with security issues at the forefront. In recent years, Mexico has seen more than 30,000 murders a year, and some 100,000 people are still unaccounted for. The lead-up to the June 2 election was exceptionally violent, with 37 candidates killed and hundreds forced to withdraw from the race. According to the annual public survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), six out of 10 Mexican citizens rate insecurity as their primary concern. However, during Sheinbaums time as Mexicos City mayor, according to a Reuters report, the homicide rate fell 50 percent between December 2018 and June 2023. She credited this to successful security measures which enhanced police operations and collaboration with prosecutors.

At the federal level, Sheinbaum has expressed her intention to continue AMLOs strategy of avoiding confrontation with crime groups, while also relying on the National Guard, which is operated by the military, for security operations. They will have to continue using the army because [no other] institution has the strength to face the potential problems associated with the cartels and organised crime groups, Miguel Angel Toro Rios, dean of the School of Social Sciences and Government at Tecnologico de Monterrey, a Monterrey-based university, told Al Jazeera. Its a matter of state capacity, and Mexico does not have the state capacity without the army to face these kinds of problems, he added.

Sheinbaum married Jesus Maria Tarriba Unger, her former university classmate, in an intimate civil ceremony November 20, 2023 before family and friends in Mexico City. Their romantic journey was unveiled during a 2022 radio interview, in which the then-mayor of Mexico City disclosed that she had been in a six-year relationship with Tarriba and that the two were engaged. Sheinbaum was previously married, from 1987 to 2016, to politician Carlos Imaz Gispert. Together they have one daughter, Mariana Imaz, 35, who earned a Ph.D. in philosophy at University of California, Santa Cruz.

Her career reflects a blend of scientific expertise and political acumen, with a strong emphasis on addressing urban and environmental issues. 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.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 03 June 2024 - Day 831

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the situation in some areas of the front remains tense but under control. So far, 124 combat clashes have taken place. Ukrainian defenders resist numerous attempts by Russian invaders to attack and advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving them an effective fire impact, exhaustion across the frontline of combat.

Defense Forces rocket troops and artillery attacked five Russian personnel concentration areas, four PPOs and one artillery system during the day.

During the day, the Russian occupiers launched on the territory of Ukraine two missile strikes with the use of six missiles and 37 aviation strikes with the use Of 51 CABU, took 359 Kamikadze drones. In addition, the Russian occupiers carried out more than 2,100 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements using different types of weapons.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces six times attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of lipciv and vovchansk. Five attacks have been repelled, one fight is ongoing in the Vovchansk district. Russian harbinger are not successful, the situation is under control.

In the Kupyansky direction, the situation has not changed significantly, the tension remains in the districts of Berestovy and Stelmakhivka, where two clashes are currently ongoing. Intentions of the Russian opponent to advance towards Sinkivka, Nevsky and Terniv have failed. The situation is under the control of Defense Forces units.

According to preliminary information, Russia has lost 61 people in this direction. Destroyed two cars, damaged a tank, two artsistemi and one zrk.

The North direction remains one of the most tense. Since the beginning of the day, Russian occupiers have made 24 attempts to infiltrate the combat order of Ukrainian units in the areas of Bilogorivka, Rozdolivka, Ivano-Daryivka, Verkhnyokamiansky and Viymki. 15 attacks have already been repelled by Ukrainian defenders, nine clashes are still ongoing. Defense forces are taking measures to stabilize the situation.

Within a day, previously, Russian forces lost living force 91 occupants dead and wounded. Also Ukrainian soldiers destroyed two tanks, a combat armored machine, an artillery system and two REB vehicles.

From the beginning of the day in the Kramatorsky direction Russian zagarbniki five times attacked Ukrainian positions in the areas of Kalinivka, Ivanivsky and Klishchievka. The situation is intense. The Defense Forces are taking measures to stabilize the situation in this direction.

In the Pokrovsky direction, Russian invaders attacked Ukrainian positions 35 times in the areas of Green Field, Novooleksandrivka, Novopokrovsk, Novoselivki the First, Kalinovoy, Netaylovoy and Nevelsky. 26 attacks were carried out by Ukrainian defenders. The situation near novooleksandrivka and novoselivka the first remains tense, where nine clashes are still ongoing. Ukrainian defenders keep the Russian forces down.

In the Kurakhiv direction, 10 Russian attempts to approach Ukrainian positions in the areas of Krasnogorivka, Paraskoviyivka and Vodyany were unsuccessful.

In the Orihivs komu direction, the situation has not changed significantly, the battle is ongoing in the area of Small Tokmacka. Losing positions is unacceptable, the situation is controlled by Ukrainian defenders.

In the Pridniprovsky direction, Russian occupiers continue to try to push Ukrainian defenders away from Krynyok. Three offensive actions of the opponent failed.

In the rest of the directions, the situation has not experienced significant changes.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that units of the Sever Group of Forces continue advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences.

Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of AFU 57th motorised infantry, 82nd air assault, and 125th territorial defence brigades close to Neskuchnoye, Granov, and Konstantinovka (Kharkov region).

In addition, five counter-attacks of enemy assault groups were repelled close to Liptsy and Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 215 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers.

The Zapad Group of Forces' units captured more advantageous lines and defeated the units of AFU 43rd mechanised, 112nd territorial defence brigades close to Zagoruykovka (Kharkov region) and Stelmakhovka (Lugansk People's Republic).

Three counter-attacks launched by AFU assault units were repelled near Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic) and Grigorovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 435 Ukrainian troops, two armoured personnel carriers, and four motor vehicles.

In the course of the counter-battery warfare, three 122-mm D-30 howitzers, one 122-mm 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, oneU.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun, and one electronic warfare station were eliminated.

TheYug Group of Forces' units improved the situation along the front line and delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of AFU 72nd mechanised, 67th territorial defence brigades near Noviy and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 310 Ukrainian troops and eight motor vehicles.

In addition, in the course of the counter-battery warfare, two 152-mm D-20 howitzers, one UK-made 155-mm AS-90 Braveheart self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm 2A65 Msta-B howitzer, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and two U.S.-made 105-mm M119 howitzers were eliminated.

Two AFU ammunition depots were also destroyed.

The Tsentr Group of Forces' units improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on units of the AFU 24th Mechanised Brigade close to Novgorodskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

Four counter-attacks of AFU 47th and 110th mechanised brigades' assault groups were repelled near Ocheretino and Novopokorskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 585 Ukrainian troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles.

In the course of the counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made 227-mm HIMARS MLRS combat vehicle, five 152-mm 2A65 Msta-B howitzers, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, two 152-mm D-20 howitzers, one 122-mm 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and three 122-mm D-30 howitzers were eliminated.

The Vostok Group of Forces' units captured more advantageous lines and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of the AFU 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade near Urozhaynoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 140 Ukrainian troops, four motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 152-mm M198 howitzer, one 122-mm 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and one 100-mm MT-12 Rapira anti-tank gun.

The units of the Dnepr Group of Forces hit manpower and hardware of AFU 65th mechanised, 15th national guard brigades near Rabotino and Verbovoye (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 60 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, and one 152-mm D-20 howitzer.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces engaged AFU manpower and hardware clusters in 118 areas during the day.

Air defence systems shot down 67 unmanned aerial vehicles, one Neptune anti-ship missile, four French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, one U.S.-made Patriot anti-aircraft missile, and 19 U.S.-made HIMARS and Olkha MLRS projectiles.

In total, 609 airplanes and 274 helicopters, 25,081 unmanned aerial vehicles, 526 air defence missile systems, 16,236 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,328 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 10,057 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 22,237 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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Help drops from above

By Major Jesse Robilliard

3 June 2024

Air Force and Army have combined forces to resupply the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) from the air, delivering about 15 tonnes of essential supplies for the winter.

A RAAF C-17A Globemaster III departed Perth Airport and was refuelled mid-air by a RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport over the Southern Ocean before delivering its much-needed payload to the Mawson Research Station via parachutes on May 22.

Flight Lieutenant Nicholas Power, of 36 Squadron, said these infrequent air-drop tasks to Antarctica were a highlight.

"These missions are really special ones for us. It allows us to test all of our capabilities and bring together airdrop and air-to-air refuelling into one mission set. It's really beneficial to demonstrate our training," Flight Lieutenant Power said.

"The C-17 is a global strategic air-lift platform. We're capable of delivering a variety of stores around the world, and it really opens up with that air-to-air refuelling for extended range operations across the globe."

The AAD requested support from the ADF after it was unable to receive all the required stores for winter via sea.

Before the C-17 departed from Perth for Mawson Research Station, it was loaded at Hobart Airport by the Army's 176 Air Dispatch Squadron.

Corporal Kiara Parks, of 176 Squadron, said the load contained a wide variety of items.

"It is essential that we actually get these stores down to Mawson because this is critical cargo that they actually need for the winter period," Corporal Parks said.

"We're sending everything, mechanical and electrical supplies; we're sending food, we are sending personal cargo that they weren't able to take with them initially to go down.

"We are sending a lot of different stuff, a lot of different items that we've never packed before."

The resupply mission to the AAD was part of Operation Southern Discovery, the ADF's contribution to the whole-of-government, Department of Environment and Energy-led Australian Antarctic Program.

Commander of Operation Southern Discovery Wing Commander Nicholas Fairweather said the resupply mission was a demonstration of the ADF's capability.

"The C-17 will require air-to-air refuelling from an Air Force KC-30 tanker aircraft. [This] will extend the C-17's range and allow it to take a round trip of more than 10,000 kilometres," Wing Commander Fairweather said.

"This mission is showing how the ADF can transport cargo over vast distances in challenging environments."

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Poland Reinstates Buffer Zone Along Belarusian Border

Sputnik News

20240603

Sergey Lebedev

In May, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk unveiled plan to erect massive fortifications on the border with Belarus and asked EU members to take part in this "investment in European security."

Poland will reintroduce a buffer zone on the border with Belarus starting Tuesday, said Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz.

"Starting June 4, the buffer zone on the border with Belarus will be restored. It will cover the Gainovsky and Bialystok regions," the defense chief said.

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.

A Sputnik

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Remarks by Minister of National Defence Bill Blair at CANSEC 2024

National Defence

Speech

May 29, 2024

Good morning, everyone. First of all, thank you very much, Chris, for that very kind introduction.

This is my first opportunity to come to CANSEC. It's a very, very well-done and impressive gathering of industry, public servants, partners and friends. As Canada's Minister of National Defence, I draw great strength and encouragement by the crowd I see before me today and the conversations that we have shared.

Let me begin also by thanking Christyn Cianfarani and the entire CADSI team for putting on this extraordinary conference, but also for providing me with good advice and great support.

I also want to take the opportunity, if I may, to acknowledge and thank Deputy Minister Bill Matthews for his many years of service to the department. Bill is being moved to another and very important position, and a position that's going to be very important to all of us as the new Secretary for the Treasury Board. His work in our Department of National Defence has been extraordinary and exceptional. He's been an enormous partner to me, but also to so many of you, and the progress that we have made together. And I think the future that we will share together has been well shaped by the exceptional work of Bill Matthews.

And we'll have other opportunities to thank him, but I'd be remiss if I did not mention it today. A truly outstanding public servant.

One of the things I've learned in my many years of service, but particularly as Canada's Minister of National Defence, is that Canada's defence industry is truly world class. You are renowned for your innovation and leadership, and you have, over many years, ensured that the Canadian Armed Forces are well-equipped and well-prepared. Your work has kept Canada safe, and it creates tens of thousands of skilled, well-paying jobs right across the country.

When I was appointed to this job, one of the very first things that I undertook to do was to meet with our defence industry. I met with your associations. I went to visit a number of factories. I wanted to hear, quite frankly, what you needed from us and how we could better support you. You told me very clearly that you needed clarity and certainty about where we were going and how we were going to get there. You told me that you wanted to build a stronger relationship based on transparency and trust. And you told me that you were ready to step up and to increase production but that you needed the stability and predictability of long-term contracts and reliable funding.

And we listened to you. Earlier this spring, in April, we released our new defence policy update entitled, Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada's Defence. And I sincerely hope that all of you saw your advocacy in that document because as Chris mentioned, and I have often said, we needed a new defence policy, but, quite frankly, we also needed an industrial policy. We needed a national policy that could explain to Canadians where we were going and why.

And through this policy, we have now locked in $9.5 billion dollars over 20 years to scale up the production of battle-decisive munitions, as an example. This is a direct result of what we heard from industry. With this investment, we're going to strengthen our production capacity right here in Canada so that our military will have the stockpiles it needs and so that you have the certainty that you need to scale up. I really believe that production is deterrence, and our investment in industry and our partnership together is what will keep the country and the world safe.

I also want to take a moment, if I may, to thank our Assistant Deputy Minister for Materiel Troy Crosby for his remarkable and continued hard work on procurement. When it comes to improving our procurement processes, I've listened to all of you, but I've also had the benefit of Troy's expertise. And so, Troy, thank you. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your remarkable commitment. While you have been helping us bring faster capabilities to our Armed Forces, you've also been an important partner to industry.

We'll be piloting a Continuous Capability Sustainment approach to upgrading our equipment. Rather than simply upgrading our equipment in fits and starts, as perhaps has been a bit of a pattern in the past, we intend to rapidly integrate the latest technology and innovations in far more frequent and predictable cycles that will create new opportunities for all of you. And on top of this, we're going to be investing more than $100 million dollars in the NATO Innovation Fund, which is going to help Canadian innovators develop dual-use technologies that are critical to defence.

And in this policy, we will invest $8.1 billion dollars over the next five years, and $73 billion dollars over the next 20. This is a very significant new investment for the Government of Canada. It will result in a 27 percent increase of our defence budget next year over this, which is really quite extraordinary. But let me acknowledge to you all as well, we need to do more, and we will do more. By the end of this decade, we'll have almost tripled our defence investments compared to 2014-2015. But there are additional things not even yet included in our defence policy update which we know Canada is going to need. And so, I look forward to the opportunity to work with everyone in this room to make sure that we chart out our appropriate path forward.

And as I've often said, the Defence Minister in Canada has two very difficult jobs. One is getting money, and the other is spending money well. And I think it is incumbent upon us, when we're spending hard-earned Canadian tax dollars, that we demonstrate to Canadians that we are producing the best return on their investment in our national defence, and we do that through partnership. We do that through working together, and we do that through demonstrating our commitment to making sure that we get the very best of equipment as quickly as is required in order to keep up with what we are being challenged on.

Now, this is a very significant defence investment for us. It brings us much closer to that target of 2 percent of GDP. But we need to get this right. Every single taxpayer dollar, as I've said, needs to be spent to produce real value, and to do that, we have work to do. We've got to acquire the capabilities that we need, and we've got to make sure that the people who fly our planes and steer our ships have the very best platforms to work upon. We need to demonstrate that we can spend Canadian taxpayer money well and wisely. And we need to also acknowledge that defence investment isn't just about hitting a numerical target. It's about delivering real capability for the Canadian Armed Forces.

When we drafted this policy, we looked very carefully at all of our needs and our future needs, and we came back with a very clear strategic focus. This policy makes it very clear that job number one is defending Canada and North America. It makes clear that our most immediate task is to protect every inch of our sovereign territory in the face of growing security challenges, especially in our Arctic and Northern regions. And to be clear, if we are going to be a good partner in NATO and in NORAD and in the Indo-Pacific and around the world, we must be strong at home so that we can be strong around the world.

And that strategic focus has informed the capabilities that we've chosen to move forward with. These will include specialized maritime sensors and more modern and mobile helicopter capability, early warning aircraft, a new strategic ground station in the Arctic, ground-based long-range missile capabilities, and a series of Northern Operational Support Hubs to ensure a more robust, year-round presence in Canada's North. These investments are going to create good jobs, and they will create opportunities for Canadians, and in particular for Indigenous and northern communities. They are going to create significant opportunities to build multi-purpose infrastructure in the north that will serve both a civilian and military purpose. And it will strengthen our security here at home.

But in order to do that, we have a great deal of work to do, and we must do that work together. We're going to move quickly to implement the projects that we've been funding in Our North, Strong and Free, and we are going to turn those options, which I refer to as explore options, into a reality.

And while we pursue these projects, we're also implementing the projects that we outlined in our 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, and Engaged. The Canadian Army is taking delivery of new Armoured Combat Support Vehicles that are built right here in Canada. Four Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships are now in the water. And this year, we will begin to cut steel on a new fleet of the Canadian Surface Combatants. And in the past 18 months, we have signed deals for approximately 140 new aircraft, including F-35 fighters, Poseidon sub hunters and tankers from Airbus. But we're going to, and we must keep going.

And with that in mind, today I'm very pleased to announce that some additional progress in delivering new platforms for the Canadian Armed Forces has been made. Today I have the privilege of announcing that we have now signed an $11.2 billion dollar contract with SkyAlyne, which will deliver Future Aircrew Training Program, in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

SkyAlyne will help to train RCAF pilots, air combat system officers and airborne electronic sensor operators. And with this contract, our aircrews will train on five different fleets, more than 70 aircraft in total, varying our crews to operate both fixed-winged aircraft and helicopters for the RCAF of the future. SkyAlyne will also provide classroom instruction, simulator flight training as well as onsite support at RCAF Wings. And with this program, we're ensuring that current and future RCAF aircrews will have the most advanced equipment and training available.

And this contract will, of course, include an Indigenous Participation Plan which commits to investing a minimum of 5 percent of the total contract value, excluding the cost of aircraft and simulators, to indigenous businesses.

This particular contract will create and maintain over 3,400 jobs in Canada over the next 25 years. It's going to deliver for the RCAF precisely what they need. It ensures a strong future for the RCAF. And this is just one element of the largest investment that the Royal Canadian Airforce has seen since the Second World War. This year we're celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RCAF and as we celebrate this centennial, I am more optimistic than ever about its future.

We also, of course, have to make pretty significant investments in the Canadian Army. And today, I'm also announcing that we are investing $2.58 billion with General Dynamics Land Systems Canada and Marshall Canada in a joint venture for a new fleet of light and heavy logistics vehicles, equipment and in-service support for the Canadian Army. In total, this investment is going to deliver over 1,000 light trucks and approximately 500 heavy trucks to our military, as well as associated equipment such as armoured protection kits, containers, trailers and interchangeable modules that can be turned into ambulances, command posts, and much more.

These new vehicles are going to be the work horses of the Canadian Army. They will transport everything from personnel to equipment to supplies in combat zones and across Canada after natural disasters. Our new fleet will carry heavier workloads. It'll be more mobile. It's going to offer much better protection for our people in uniform. The first vehicles are currently expected to arrive by 2027. And I understand some of them are on display at the General Dynamics booth just outside this hall, and I invite you to go by and have a look at them.

This contract will also include an Indigenous Participation Plan, committing up to 5 percent of the total contract value to Indigenous businessesaas well as to employment, training, and skills development for Indigenous Peoples.

I'm very proud that these contracts have been awarded to leading Canadian industry partners who have demonstrated their commitment to supporting the Canadian Armed Forces in creating real economic benefits for all Canadians. To everyone involved in these projects, to our partners today, as we announce this project, but in the many years of work together that we have in front of us, I want to say thanks. Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for your partnership. And we will be with you as we deliver for the Canadian Armed Forces.

And finally, I would like to talk a little bit about the future of our partnership together. Our partnership with industry is only becoming more crucial, as the video we shared today demonstrated. Because, as I've said, production is deterrence, and there is an increasing number of threats that we must contend with. Over the past two years, we have seen Putin massively increase the output of his war machine, and we, in the West, have not always done enough to keep up. We must do more. We will do more.

Our European Allies are making historic investments to increase production. The United States is also scaling up to production. And we must do the same. Whether it's planes or ships or ammunition, we need to build more and we need to build faster. As I said, since day one, Our North, Strong and Free is more than a defence plan. It's an industry plan. It's a jobs plan. It's a production plan. And together, we need to do what is necessary to implement these projects.

You told us very clearly that you needed a more strategic relationship with government. You told us that you needed defence procurement to be faster and more flexible. We heard you. We heard you loud and clear. So, let's ensure that this defence policy update is not the end of an important conversation, but rather the beginning of a new one. Over the next few days and in the months ahead, I want very much to hear from all of you about how you can help us deliver on the projects of this policy and how we can help you.

Let's take real steps to do things differently to secure our defence policy supply chains and to increase productions to levels that have not been seen in this country for decades. Together, let's prioritize Canadian innovation so that we maintain an edge over our competitors, so that we can sell solution to our Allies around the world. And together, let's provide the Canadian Armed Forces with the tools that they need to protect our sovereignty in a rapidly changing and challenging world.

I want to thank you all for being here today and for the warm reception that I have received. I want to thank you for the extraordinary work. When we talk about doing things better, that should not be perceived as criticism of what has gone on in the past. We have worked well together for many years. We, together, have achieved some very extraordinary things. But the world is changing rapidly. The challenges we face with the aggressive and hostile actions of certain adversaries, with climate change resulting in far more accessibility to our shores, and the advent of new technologies which are challenging us all to keep up, we recognize the importance of doing more. And doing more effectively means doing it together.

And so, I want to thank you very much for all the work that you have done in service to our country, and to Canadian industry and workers. We have a big job ahead of us, and I'm very much looking forward to working with all of you. The Canadian government is committed to being there. We've heard what you needed from us. We're doing our best to deliver. We still have more to do, and we're going to continue doing that work with each and every one in this room. Thank you all very much.

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.:              ...
China's anti-graft chief calls for deepened Party discipline education

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:33, June 03, 2024

CHENGDU, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Li Xi, China's anti-graft chief, has emphasized the need to carry out Party discipline education with high standards and strict requirements.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), made the remarks during an investigation and research tour in southwest China's Sichuan Province that began on Wednesday and concluded on Saturday.

He urged discipline inspection and supervision agencies nationwide to implement the arrangements made at the CCDI's third plenary session and push forward the high-quality development of related work.

While engaging in in-depth exchanges with ethnic minority communities in a village in Leshan City, Li stressed the need for efforts to address misconduct and corruption occurring on the doorsteps of the people, and the need for tightening Party discipline regarding the public.

He also visited an aviation company, an underground utility tunnel, the municipal public security bureau and a police station in Chengdu, the provincial capital.

He urged strengthened political oversight and anti-corruption efforts focusing on the country's most fundamental interests to facilitate high-quality economic and social development.

Discipline inspection and supervision agencies should play an exemplary role in conducting Party discipline education, which is a key task for this year's Party-building work, Li said when addressing a symposium during his tour.

He also stressed the need to integrate Party discipline education with efforts to rectify pointless formalities, with the aim of reducing burdens at the primary level.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on June 3, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

2024-06-03 21:15

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, Venezuela's 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 China's 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 Switzerland's 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 China's position on the peace conference is fair and just. Our position does not target any party and certainly not this particular summit. China's 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 Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin's visit to China. What's the program and China's expectation for the visit?

Mao Ning: During the official visit of Brazil's 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 other's 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.a

Beijing Youth Daily: A question on Venezuela's Foreign Minister YvAn Gil Pinto's visit to China. What's 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: I'd 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 China's 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. What's China's 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 SAR's judicial matters and abused visa restrictions. Such moves blatantly interfere in China's 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 China's domestic affair that brooks no external interference. We urge the US to earnestly respect China's 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.a

BBC: Can you tell us anything more about this case of the alleged courting of spies in Britain by the UK's 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 China's 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 and grossly interfere in China's internal affairs on the Taiwan question, and 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.a

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 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. 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.

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 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.

Fourth, 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. 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, China's Chang'e-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 it's a wonderful accomplishment that ESA is thankful and proud to have a part in. What's your comment?a

Mao Ning: On June 2, about one month after its launch on May 3, Chang'e-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 China's space exploration and, more importantly, a step of the peaceful use of space in human history.

Understanding and exploring the universe is humanity's 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 Chang'e-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 China's position on Switzerland's 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 China's 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 Ukraine's 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 China's 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: China's 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 China's diplomatic style. There is no such thing as China pressuring other countries.

Al Jazeera: According to Iranian media reports, Iran's 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. What's your comment?

Mao Ning: China's 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 China's position on this issue. China-Iran relations are solid. We value our comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran.

Bloomberg: I have two questions. My first question is 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, China's competent authorities have released information.

Bloomberg: To follow up, so you are saying that the British case announced in May is groundless, but there is 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 China's position on the case you mentioned in May. What happened is very clear. The UK's arbitrary arrest of and charge against relevant Chinese citizens are 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: My second question is 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 other's 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 China's Foreign Ministry, TArkiye's 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 Russia's 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. It's consistent with WTO rules and market principles, and does not target any third party.a a

I noted that there are statistics which show that over 60 percent of Russia's 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.

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US lawmakers query credibility of Volkswagen forced labor audit

A 'red flag' on Volkswagen stock was reversed after an audit in Xinjiang found no evidence of forced Uyghur labor.

By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2024.06.03 -- 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 China's 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 China's 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.

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 Volkswagen's 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 LAning 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 LOning, head of strategy Christian Ewert and two Chinese lawyers had been allowed to visit the Volkswagen factory to inspect its practices.

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 LOning 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.

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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Remarks from US, SK, Japanese military officials on South China Sea and Taiwan question malicious smear and blatant interference on China's domestic affairs: FM spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 04, 2024 10:07 AM

China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition against the remarks made by military officials from the US, Japan and South Korea to criticize China on issues regarding South China Sea and the Taiwan question, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, noting that such criticism is blatant interference in China's domestic affairs, maliciously attacking and smearing China on maritime issues, deliberately provoking China's relations with neighboring countries, seriously violating the basic principles of international relations.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, and South Korean Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik convened a Trilateral Ministerial Meeting on Monday in Singapore.

A release produced following their meeting claimed that those officials 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 China supporting unlawful maritime claims that they have recently witnessed in the South China Sea.

Moreover, they recognized that there is no change in their basic positions on island of Taiwan and emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits as an indispensable element of security and prosperity in the international community. They called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Straits issues.

Chinese Embassy in South Korea expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to South Korean officials' claim on Taiwan question, and has lodged a stern representation with the South Korean government.

Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory, and the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, not allowing any external interference. The one-China principle is the cornerstone for maintaining peace across the Taiwan Straits and the prerequisite and foundation for China to establish and develop relations with all countries. "Taiwan independence" and peace across the Taiwan Straits are as incompatible as fire and water, said an embassy spokesperson.

Claiming to maintain peace across the Taiwan Straits while not adhering to the one-China principle and opposing "Taiwan independence" is essentially an indulgence of the separatist forces of "Taiwan independence," which will only seriously impact peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, said the spokesperson, noting that no one should underestimate the strong determination of the Chinese people to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, nor should they think they can cross the line on the Taiwan question without paying the price.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that China firmly opposes the manipulation of group politics, firmly opposes any words or actions that provoke and escalate conflict, harm the strategic security and interests of other countries, and firmly opposes the formation of closed and exclusive "small clique" in the Asia-Pacific region.

The US should implement its statement of not seeking to strengthen alliances against China, and should not seek private gain at the expense of the strategic security interests of other countries and the well-being of the people in the Asia-Pacific region.

The one-China principle is the common consensus in the international community and basic principle of international relations, said Mao. She noted that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair and should not be interfered with by any external forces.

The biggest threat to peace in the Taiwan Straits is the separatist actions of "Taiwan independence" and the support of external forces. If relevant countries truly care about peace and stability in the Straits and international security and prosperity, they should adhere to the one-China principle, firmly oppose separatist activities, and support China's national reunification, Mao said.

Regarding the South China Sea issue, Mao said China firmly defends its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, insists on resolving bilateral maritime issues through dialogue and consultation with directly involved parties, and resolutely opposes interference and escalation by countries outside the region.

In recent years, the US has repeatedly encouraged and supported certain countries to provoke and infringe on China's rights at sea, and has rallied allies to conduct frequent military exercises and close-in reconnaissance near China's surrounding seas, exacerbating regional tensions and becoming the biggest threat and challenge to regional peace and stability.

US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun and Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Masataka Okano issued a joint statement late last month after the meeting at Campbell's private retreat at Iron Bell Farm. Campbell pointed out Washington's efforts to have China exert its influence in order to address security challenges from North Korea, The Korea Times reported.

China's basic stance on the Korean Peninsula has remained consistent, Mao said in response.

"We believe that maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula and promoting a political solution to the issue is in the common interest of all parties. Military deterrence and pressure will only escalate tensions and exacerbate conflicts," said Mao.

She noted that China urges all parties to exercise caution and not to add fuel to the already complex and serious situation on Korean Peninsula issue. China will continue to handle Korean Peninsula issue based on the merits of the situation and its own position.

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North Korean companies 'scrambling' to send workers to Chinese factories

Some employment contracts have already been signed as Pyongyang looks for more foreign cash.

By Ahn Chang Gyu and Kim Jieun for RFA Korean 2024.06.03 -- North Korean trading companies have been contacting factories and companies in China about hiring more North Korean workers as Pyongyang seeks to bring in more foreign currency for its struggling economy, two sources told Radio Free Asia.

"North Korean trading companies are scrambling right now to find Chinese business partners," said a source from China's Jilin province who requested anonymity for personal safety.

"A North Korean trading company official whom I have known for several years asked me in early April to find a Chinese company willing to hire North Korean workers," she said. "In mid-April, I received a similar request from a North Korean expatriate."

The effort is part of the cash-strapped North Korean government's drive to maintain or expand sources of foreign income. International sanctions, meant to deprive Pyongyang of cash and resources that could be funneled into its nuclear and missile programs, mandate that all North Korean workers were supposed to have returned home by the end of 2019.

But the COVID-19 pandemic prompted North Korea to close its borders, stranding its overseas workers beyond the deadline.

North Korean workers living in China have begun to trickle home in recent years, but most of them remain in China and need to keep working to earn cash for the government, which takes the lion's share of their salaries.

During the pandemic, it was harder to find work for stranded North Korean workers, but now things are opening up and Pyongyang wants them to start generating income again.

It is therefore trying to send new workers to China - likely on student or vocational training visas to skirt sanctions -- to replace the ones who have returned. At the same time it wants work for the ones already there.

Clothing, seafood, construction

Many of the women who go abroad work in restaurants or the clothing or seafood processing industries in China, while men often find construction jobs in Russia.

Some contracts between Chinese companies and North Korean employment agents have already been signed, the Jilin source said.

Last month, young workers were seen lining up outside two provincial hospitals to undergo health exams ahead of their departure, two provincial residents told RFA.

Sources have told Radio Free Asia that there are already tens of thousands of North Korean workers in Russia and China, with one source saying as recently as December that there were more than 100,000 in China alone.

But a report from the U.N. Security Council's Panel of Experts in March said that North Koreans working overseas earned about US$500 million in 40 countries for North Korea in 2023. The finding indicated that Pyongyang has the means to get around sanctions.

Dorm rooms and documents

In mid-May, a Chinese clothing company signed a contract with a North Korean company to hire 800 North Korean workers, a source in China's Liaoning province who requested anonymity for personal safety told RFA.

The company in Liaoning's Donggang City has already started preparing dormitory buildings and organizing the necessary documents for the workers, the Liaoning source said.

North Korean officials have requested that workers' accommodations be situated near the factory, the Liaoning source said. A monthly salary of 3,000 Chinese yuan (US$413) will be paid in cash every month, he said.

North Koreans who work outside the country in restaurants, factories or in other jobs typically only keep a fraction of their earnings, with most of the money going to the Pyongyang government's dispatching agency and to pay their housing and food expenses.

A Chinese clothes factory worker in Donggang typically earns at least 4,000 yuan (US$550).

"They seem satisfied hiring North Korean workers who can be paid less than Chinese workers and are better at their work," the Liaoning source said.

The Jilin source said that the North Korean trading company official indicated that he had female workers in mind for seafood or clothing processing jobs.

"They want to take full charge of running a factory - not just the workers, but the management would also be all North Korean," she said.

A resident of North Korea's North Hamgyong Province, which borders China's Jilin province, said he saw about 100 men and women lined up at the provincial hospital to undergo physical examinations last month. They were later notified that they would be sent to work for a company in Russia, he said.

"They were young workers selected to earn foreign currency for the party," he said.

A resident of North Pyongan Province, which also borders China, said he also recently saw groups of young people lining up at a hospital for health exams.

Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Matt Reed, Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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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UN Security Council to discuss North Korea human rights

By Margaret Besheer June 03, 2024

The U.N. Security Council will hold a public meeting in mid-June on human rights in North Korea while South Korea holds the council's 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 council's 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 Korea's human rights situation is part of the council's 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 Korea's aggressive weapons a 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 TArk, who said that many of the severe and widespread rights violations in North Korea are directly linked to the regime's pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile technology.

In 2014, a U.N. Commission of Inquiry found that North Korea's 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 country's 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.

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IAEA chief welcomes implementation of joint March agreement with Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 3, 2024

London, IRNA -- The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi says that the agency welcomes the implementation of the March 2023 agreement that could provide a framework for mutual cooperation.

"In early May, I traveled to Tehran and met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs late Hossein Amirabdollahian, Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and President of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami," Grossi made the remarks in his introductory statement to the Board of Governors on Monday.

"I shared with them some concrete proposals to reinvigorate the implementation of the Joint Statement of 4 March 2023," he added.

The IAEA chief went on to say "I welcome Iran's 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 Agency's concrete proposals".

He called on the new government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue the high-level dialogue and technical exchanges that commenced as a result of the meetings with the late Foreign Minister and the current acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani on May 6 and 7 in Tehran and Isfahan.

During subsequent communication with Foreign Minister Bagheri Kani, "we agreed to pursue further efforts as discussed in Tehran in early May", he further noted.

Repeating the previous remarks, he claimed that "Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium continues to increase, including that enriched up to 60%. The Agency has lost continuity of knowledge in relation to the production and inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and uranium ore concentrate. 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 Agency was able to conduct complementary access in Iran".

Grossi also repeated some remarks on the NPT Safeguards Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding that "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".

He stated that "Iran still is not implementing modified Code 3.1, having stated it had suspended such implementation. These outstanding safeguards issues stem from Iran's obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and need to be resolved for the Agency to be in a position to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful".

7129**2050



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IAEA chief reiterates willingness for high-level dialogue with Iran's next government

Iran Press TV

Monday, 03 June 2024 5:14 PM

The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says he is willing to continue to work with the next government in Iran.

In an address to the IAEA Board of Governors on Monday, Rafael Grossi expressed hope that high-level dialogue and ensuing technical exchanges that were agreed during his trip to Iran in early May could continue under the country's new government.

Grossi reiterated that late Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Iran's top nuclear official Mohamamd Eslami had agreed to his proposals for implementing a joint statement announced on March 4, 2023 to address the outstanding issues between the IAEA and Tehran.

Iranians are scheduled to go to polls for snap presidential vote on June 28. The election's winner will replace the late Ebrahim Raisi, who lost his life in a helicopter crash with seven others, including his foreign minister, earlier this month.

In his Monday remarks, Grossi repeated his previous claims about lack of cooperation on Iran's side on certain issues, including its refusal to allow several Agency inspectors to continue to carry out missions in Iranian nuclear sites.

He also claimed that Iran has yet to provide the IAEA with "technically credible explanations" about the presence of uranium particles at two of its nuclear sites.

Iran and world powers reached a landmark nuclear agreement in 2015 under which Tehran curbed parts of its nuclear program in exchange for removal of sanctions imposed on the country's economy.

Tehran started to suspend some of its obligations under the agreement in 2019 a year after a former government in the United States abandoned the deal and reinstated sanctions on Iran.

Iran then agreed to some additional IAEA inspections under the Joint Statement and resolved issues related to one of the three sites and the alleged presence of uranium particles there.

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Iran's Parliament Speaker, Pegged As Potential Front-Runner, Registers For Presidential Vote

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda June 03, 2024

Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf -- a former military commander -- has registered for Iran's June 28 presidential election, joining a list of some three dozen mostly hard-line candidates seeking to replace Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in mid-May.

Qalibaf's registration came on June 3, the final day for potential candidates to apply to participate in the election.

The conservative Guardians Council - featuring 12 hard-liners approved by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - will vet candidates and announce on June 11 which ones will be allowed to compete.

The Guardians Council generally allows only candidates acceptable to Khamenei and other hard-liners to run, and Qalibaf had been pegged by observers as a front-runner in the presidential race.

Qalibaf, 62, has sought the presidency three times in the past -- running in 2005, 2013, and 2017. He withdrew in 2017 in favor of Raisi, who finished second to the moderate incumbent Hassan Rohani.

Qalibaf served as a commander of Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) from 1997 to 2000, as Iran's chief of police from 2000-05, and as mayor of Tehran from 2005-17.

He was blamed by many critics for a violent crackdown on anti-government protesters in 2003.

Iranian news agencies reported on June 3 that Eshagh Jahangiri, seen by many as a reformist and who had been banned from running in previous elections, also had registered. Jahangiri served as vice president to Rohani from 2013-21.

On June 1, former President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, 67, a longtime enemy of reformists, registered to join the list of overwhelmingly hard-line candidates seeking to replace Raisi.

Ahmadinejad's announcement follows similar moves by a former IRGC commander who is under U.S. sanctions, Vahid Haghanian; Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani; and the longtime former speaker of Iran's parliament, Ali Larijani.

Iranian media reported that at least 37 people had registered heading into the final day before the deadline.

Iran's presidential votes 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-qalibaf-president- raisi-election-irgc/32977442.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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Iranian Newspaper Accuses Taliban Consulate Staff Of 'Torturing' Photographer

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda June 03, 2024

A centrist Iranian newspaper has accused a Taliban representative in Iran of "torturing" a photographer, ultimately leading to his expulsion from the country.

The Jomhuri-ye Eslami newspaper claimed on June 1 that a Taliban representative in the Afghan Consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad had "dragged" the unnamed Iranian photographer into the consulate and "tortured" him.

The paper said the photographer later filed a complaint against the "diplomat," identified as "Dr. Salim," which ultimately resulted in him being expelled from Iran and replaced by another Taliban representative.

The newspaper has been a staunch critic of the Taliban since the group seized power in Afghanistan in 2021 and has questioned Tehran's willingness to maintain relations with the group.

In its report, Jomhuri-ye Eslami alleged that "Dr. Salim" was one of three "diplomats" who had moved into the consulate prior to receiving Iran's approval. It described the move as a "sign of disrespect toward Iran."

In the same piece, the newspaper claimed that the same trio had "kidnapped" Qari Eisa Mohammadi, a prominent Afghan opposition figure based in Germany who had traveled to Mashhad several months ago.

According to Mohammadi, he was held "prisoner" in the consulate for several days until Iranian authorities secured his release.

The authorities in Iran have been criticized for maintaining relations with the Taliban after it took control in Afghanistan. The Islamic republic has kept its embassy in Kabul open and handed over the Afghan Embassy in Tehran to the Taliban.

Nevertheless, Iran has not formally recognized the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan and has called for the formation of an inclusive government.

Since the extremist group seized power in Kabul, Iran and the Taliban have had disputes over water rights and engaged in sporadic border clashes.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-taliban-photographer- torture-consulate/32977344.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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Iran's uranium stockpile grows following three years of denied access

3 June 2024 - Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium continues to increase, the head of the UN atomic watchdog agency said on Monday, adding that it has been three years since the agency was able to access the country.

Addressing the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Director General Rafael Grossi indicated no progress had been made in resolving outstanding issues.

He mentioned that Iran is still not implementing provisions of the nuclear safeguards agreement, and that withdrawal of designations for several IAEA inspectors are yet to be reversed.

"These outstanding safeguards issues...need to be resolved for [IAEA] to be in a position to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful," Mr. Grossi emphasized.

He also voiced concerns about public statements made in Iran regarding its technical capabilities to produce nuclear weapons and potential changes to its nuclear doctrine, which only deepen apprehensions about the "correctness and completeness" of the country's safeguards declarations.

Ukraine's power plants

Turning to Ukraine, the IAEA chief warned the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant "remains precarious" and that all seven Pillars of Nuclear Safety and Security have been "fully or partially compromised".

These include physical integrity; functional safety and security systems and equipment; radiation monitoring and emergency response; secure and reliable off-site power supply; trained staff; an uninterrupted logistic supply chain; and open communication.

"The attacks and the frequent disconnection of the off-site power lines due to military activity are creating a grave situation," Mr. Grossi said.

All six reactor units at the plant have been in cold shutdown since April, a safety measure long recommended by the IAEA. Despite this, the agency's ability to ensure the plant's safety and security remains compromised due to restricted access, he added.

He further reported that Ukraine's other four nuclear power plants continue to face compromised supply chains for spare parts and high levels of stress among staff.

DPR Korea's nuclear programme

Mr. Grossi also voiced concern over the continued and further development of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) nuclear programme.

The IAEA has observed intermittent cooling water discharge, consistent with the operation of the Light Water Reactor (LWR) at Yongbyon, along with ongoing activities at the reported centrifuge enrichment facility.

The Nuclear Test Site at Punggye-ri remains occupied and prepared to support a new test.

"The continuation and further development of the DPRK's nuclear programme is a clear violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and is deeply regrettable," Mr. Grossi said, urging the country to comply fully with its obligations and to cooperate promptly with IAEA.

Japan's Fukushima Daiichi plant

In Japan, IAEA continues to monitor the discharge of Advanced Liquid Processing System)-treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, which suffered a meltdown 13 years ago, he reported.

Mr. Grossi confirmed that the discharge is progressing in accordance with the safety plan approved by Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority.

"Expert independent analysis of the six batches released so far have confirmed the tritium concentration in each batch of ALPS-treated water released to date is far below Japan's operational limit."

Nuclear technology for sustainable development

In his concluding remarks, the head of IAEA underscored the agency's key role in promoting sustainable development.

"The IAEA is a crucially important vehicle for advancing sustainable development and international peace and security," he said, urging member states to continue their support for the agency's indispensable work.

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Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

June 2, 2024

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today about the proposal to achieve a full and complete ceasefire in Gaza as part of a hostage deal, secure the release of all hostages, and surge humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. The Secretary commended Israel's readiness to conclude a deal and affirmed that the onus is on Hamas to accept. He underscored that the proposal would advance Israel's long-term security interests, including by enabling the possibility of further integration in the region. He reaffirmed the United States ironclad commitment to Israel's security.

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Dozens dead following junta's mass arrests in Myanmar: ethnic army

Villagers reported corpses piled high in a 'killing field.'

By RFA Burmese 2024.06.03 -- 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 State's 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 uncle's 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 State's 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 haven't seen our family and the men. We've heard that the victims were tortured and shot dead," he said. "The killing field was set in front of Ko Ko Maung's 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 Maung's 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 has been teaching political science, but had not participated in any political activity since Myanmar's 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 region's junta spokesperson Htay Aung for information on the arrests but calls went unanswered.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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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Myanmar democracy champion Thura Tin Oo, dead at 98

Friends and family mourn the NLD party patron's passing while the junta remains in power.

By RFA Burmese 2024.06.03 -- Thura Tin Oo, the patron of Myanmar's National League for Democracy party, which was overthrown by the military in a 2021 coup d'etat, has died at the age of 98, according to family and party members.

He was admitted to Yangon Hospital's cardiac care unit on May 29 due to deteriorating health and later transferred to the hospital's intensive care unit, where he passed away on Saturday morning, his grandson Thet Thut Oo told RFA Burmese.

"We will be keeping grandpa at Windermere House No. 30 for the next five days" for funeral proceedings, Thet Thut Oo said, referring to the family's estate.

Sai Nyunt Lwin, another champion of democracy and the chairman of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy Party, told RFA that he and Thura Tin Oo had "shared a strong bond."

"We knew each other since our early days working in the NLD," he said, using an acronym for the National League for Democracy. "His passing on a day when the NLD is facing significant challenges adds to our grief."

Born on March 12, 1927, in Ayeyarwady region's Pathein township, Thura Tin Oo served as the fourth Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar army from 1974-1976, and was awarded the country's prestigious Zayya Kyawhtin and Thura Medals.

He joined the NLD party in 1988 at its inception, alongside former state counsellor and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, who was jailed by the junta along with other party leaders in the aftermath of the military's Feb. 1, 2021 coup.

The junta refused to allow Aung San Suu Kyi to attend Thura Tin Oo's funeral, although she was permitted to send flowers via junta officials, NLD members told RFA.

Suu Kyi, 78, was initially sentenced by the junta to 33 years on 19 charges, a sentence that was later reduced to 27 years. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate is believed to be in solitary confinement in Naypyidaw Prison, in the capital, but her exact whereabouts are unknown.

A previous junta imprisoned Thura Tin Oo for eight months and kept him under house arrest for five years following the Depayin massacre in May 2003, when a junta-backed mob killed dozens of NLD members in Sagaing region.

He suffered a stroke in 2017 after falling at his home and had difficulty speaking because of his condition.

Dedicated to serving others

But writer Htin Lin Oo, who cared for Thura Tin Oo during his hospitalization, said that despite his health problems, the politician had remained dedicated to serving others up until his passing.

"If we were to liken him to cranes that risk their lives for the survival of their descendants, then Thura Tin Oo was a crane that flew relentlessly from the front lines until his last breath," he said.

NLD members told RFA that the junta refused to allow Aung San Suu Kyi to attend Thura Tin Oo's funeral, although she was permitted to send flowers via junta officials.

Suu Kyi, 78, was initially sentenced by the junta to 33 years on 19 charges, a sentence that was later reduced to 27 years. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate is believed to be in solitary confinement in Naypyidaw Prison, in the capital, but her exact whereabouts are unknown.

Nay Phone Latt, the spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office of Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, expressed sadness that Thura Tin Oo had died before the junta was removed from power.

"During a period when there is significant potential to completely eliminate the military dictatorship, we want leaders like Thura Tin Oo to remain with us until the rebellion's conclusion," he said. "It saddens me deeply that he passed away before reaching the end of the journey, as he was instrumental in leading the struggle for democracy."

The NLD also suffered the loss of Nyan Win, a top party official and former advisor to Suu Kyi, when he died from COVID-19 in prison in July 2021.

A resident of Yangon told RFA that the loss of leaders like Thura Tin Oo and Nyan Win is "truly disheartening" for the country.

"Thura Tin Oo made significant sacrifices for the country throughout his life," said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. "Losing such an esteemed patron is akin to Suu Kyi losing one of her pillars of support ... My sole concern now is for Suu Kyi's well-being."

Translated by Kalyar Lwin. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.

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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Court acquits former Pakistani PM Khan of leaking state secrets

By Sarah Zaman June 03, 2024

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 Pakistan's 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 court's 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 Khan's supporters stormed military and government installations to protest the former prime minister's arrest.

Khan's 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 state's "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 government's spokesperson for legal affairs, Aqeel Malik, said the prosecution might appeal the decision in the country's 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.

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South Korea to suspend inter-Korean military pact over trash balloons

Comprehensive Military Agreement is designed to defuse military tension, avoid war on Korean Peninsula.

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.06.03 -- South Korea decided on Monday to suspend a 2018 inter-Korean tension reduction pact until "mutual trust is restored" in a response to North Korea's 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 Korea's then-president Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The presidential National Security Council held a meeting to evaluate North Korea's 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 North's regime.

South Korea's 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 regime's 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 Korea's 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.

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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Russia Arrests Alleged Participant In 1995 Budyonnovsk Hostage Seizure

By RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service June 03, 2024

Russia's Investigative Committee said on June 3 it had arrested a man suspected of being involved in a deadly hostage-taking in the southern Russian city of Budyonnovsk in 1995, a turning point in the first of the two post-Soviet separatist wars in Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya.

According to the statement, Khamzat Zoyev faces charges of terrorism, banditry, hostage-taking, and murder. It is not known how Zoyev pleaded.

On June 14, 1995, a group of some 130 Chechen separatists led by Shamil Basayev attacked a local police station and government buildings in Budyonnovsk, taking some 1,500 people hostage while demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnya.

After two attempts by Russian forces to free the hostages failed, resulting in the deaths of some 100 people, Basayev negotiated their release and his own safe passage back to Chechnya live on Russian television with Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, who was later criticized for allowing the Chechens to escape.

In all, about 130 people were killed during the hostage crisis.

The deal to resolve the crisis paved the way for an August 1996 agreement that ended the war until a second war erupted in 1999, with then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin playing a prominent role in the decision making after Basayev led militants in an incursion into neighboring Daghestan.

Basayev, who became the most wanted man in Russia, was killed in an explosion in 2006.

In recent years, several men were handed lengthy prison terms for their roles in the Budyonnovsk hostage seizure.

The latest man, whom Russian authorities found guilty of taking part in the hostage seizure, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in December 2020.

Aslan Daudov was then convicted of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and premeditated murder.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-arrests-budyonnovsk- hostage-seizure/32976989.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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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's working visit to the Republic of Guinea

3 June 2024 18:31

1045-03-06-2024

On June 3, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was in Conakry on a working visit during which he was received by Interim President of Guinea Mamady Doumbouya and held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Guineans Abroad of the Republic of Guinea Morissanda KouyatA.

During the in-depth conversations, the entire complex of issues related to further promotion of traditionally friendly bilateral relations was discussed. In addition, Moscow and Conkary's intention was reaffirmed to strengthen trustful political dialogue and expand foreign political coordination on the topical problems on the global and regional agenda at the UN and other multilateral platforms.

Special focus was placed on the implementation of promising joint projects in the areas of geological exploration and development of mineral deposits, as well as healthcare while discussing the tasks of building up mutually beneficial trade, economic, investment and humanitarian ties with an emphasis on the activities of Russian companies interested in the Guinean market.

There was a trustful discussion of the international and African problems of mutual interest which reaffirmed Russia and Guinea's principled position of solidarity in non-accepting the rules-based order imposed by the West, as well as neo-colonial practices in relations with sovereign states. In this context, a common approach was stated towards forming a more just polycentric world order with the supremacy of international law and UN Charter provisions, including the necessity to adapt the UN to today's realities, and the relevance of expanding the representation of African countries in the UN Security Council.

The parties had an in-depth discussion of the developments in the Sahara-Sahel region. They stressed that efforts to settle crises and conflicts must be based on the principle of "African solutions to African problems" with relevant international assistance. The important role of regional organisations, such as the African Union and ECOWAS, was also noted. Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed that Russia as a permanent member of the UN Security Council is always ready to continue to contribute to ensuring pan-African security and stability.

The Foreign Minister invited his Guinean counterpart to the ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum scheduled to take place in Sochi in November, which will be held to review interim results and give additional boost to the implementation of the agreements reached at the second Russia-Africa Summit in St Petersburg in July 2023.

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Helicopter crews of Admiral Gorshkov frigate make flights in Atlantic

03.06.2024

The Ka-27 helicopter of the frigate Admiral of the Soviet Union of Gorshkov flew reconnaissance sorties in the Atlantic Ocean.

During the day flight shift, they conducted reconnaissance to discover the air and surface conditions along the frigate's passage route. During the flights, foreign ships and vessels were detected; the Russian pilots identified them, their motion features, course, and speed. This information was transmitted to the frigate.

The flights took place at a distance of up to 200 kilometres from the Northern Fleet's ships and at an altitude of up to 1,000 metres.

Also during the flight shift, the crew carried out take-off and landings on the frigate's helicopter pad, in order to maintain the proficiency level of the crew.

The helicopter crews showed high skill and ability to competently analyse information from helicopter and ship navigation devices.

Flights were preceded by thorough preparation, which checked the readiness of engineers and specialists to provide the missions.

The Northern Fleet's crew, led by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov, is currently engaged in long-range missions in the Atlantic Ocean. The Fleet's detachment embarked on another long-range mission on 17 May.

The main tasks of the mission are to demonstrate the flag and ensure a naval presence in important areas of the far ocean zone.

Information Activities Office of the Northern region (Severomorsk)

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Republika Srpska's Dodik to Take Part in Russia's SPIEF to Support Moscow Amid Sanctions

Sputnik News

20240603

BELGOROD (Sputnik) - The 2024 edition of Russia's flagship international economic forum SPIEF will take place from June 5-8 in the city of St. Petersburg.

Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik will take part in the upcoming St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Russia to support Moscow amid international sanctions, he told Sputnik on Monday.

"I want to go there because it is a high time for that. If not to agree on any new issues now, then at least to support Russia's efforts to preserve its economy in conditions of harsh and unfair sanctions," Dodik said in an interview.

The president expects to hold meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the forum, Dodik added.

"They will all be present at this forum, including President Vladimir Putin. I am very glad to be there, I believe there will be an opportunity to meet," he said.

The leader of the republic has been participating in the SPIEF for many years.

Dodik added that Republika Srpska will not allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to impose countrywide sanctions against Russia.

"There is not a single decision at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina to officially impose sanctions against Russia. The best confirmation of this is my recent meeting with high-ranking Europeans, who said 'when will you impose sanctions against Russia already?'. This means that there are no sanctions, and we will continue like this, although it is a very difficult position," Dodik said.

A Sputnik

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Israeli airstrike targets Syria's Aleppo

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 3, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Zionist regime has carried out a fresh deadly airstrike on Syria, this time targeting the outskirts of Aleppo, news sources reported.

According to IRNA, citing Russia's Sputnik news agency, Israeli warplanes hit the town of Hayan located in the northwest of Syria's Aleppo province in the early hours of Monday.

According to the report, the Syrian air defense systems were active to deal with hostile targets. Footage posted online showed huge blazes after the strike.

Earlier, a Syrian military source told SANA news agency that the Israeli enemy launched an air attack from the direction of southeastern Aleppo, targeting some sites which resulted in several deaths and material damage.

Israeli has conducted numerous such attacks against Syria including the capital Damascus. The Syrian government has lodged numerous complaints to the UN, accusing the Israeli regime of propping up terrorist groups to destabilize the Arab country.

4399



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Israel's airstrike on Syria's Aleppo causes casualties, material damage

Iran Press TV

Monday, 03 June 2024 12:09 AM

The Israeli regime has launched a new act of aggression against Syria's northwestern city of Aleppo, causing casualties and some material damage.

Syria's official SANA news agency, quoting an unnamed military source, said the new airstrike came from the direction of southeastern of Aleppo shortly after the midnight on Monday.

The report added that the Israeli strike targeted several locations in the vicinity of Aleppo, leaving a number of people dead while causing some material damage.

The statement by the Syrian military source did not specify the number of those killed in the attack and whether they were military personnel or civilians.

Some other media reports, however, indicated that the attack has killed 17 people, while injuring 15 others.

The new aggression came after Israeli airstrikes last Wednesday targeted separate locations across Syria, claiming the lives of four people, including a child.

The regime's attacks targeted a central site and a residential building in Baniyas city in Syria's coastal region, as well as the countryside of the eastern Syrian city of Homs.

A few days earlier, an Israeli drone strike targeted a car and a truck outside the western Syrian city of al-Qusayr, which is located south of Homs and overlooks Syria's border with Lebanon.

Following the attack, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights alleged that the drone strike had killed two members of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.

The regime has carried out hundreds of attacks against Syria since 2011, when the Arab nation found itself in the grip of rampant foreign-backed militancy and terrorism.

The Tel Aviv regime has significantly ramped up its strikes since last October, when it began a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, in what has been described by observers as a reckless bid threatening to further fuel tensions throughout the region.

The Tel Aviv regime rarely comments on its cowardly attacks on Syrian territories, which many see as a knee-jerk reaction to the Syrian government's phenomenal success in confronting and decimating terrorism.

Israel has been the principal supporter of terrorist groups that oppose the democratically-elected government of President Bashar al-Assad since the foreign-backed militancy erupted in Syria.

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MAC urges China to face history on eve of June 4 incident anniversary

ROC Central News Agency

06/03/2024 10:16 PM

Taipei, June 3 (CNA) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), which supervises cross-strait policy, on Monday, the day before the 35th anniversary of the June 4 Incident, urged the Chinese authorities to face the true history about the incident and respect democracy in Taiwan.

In a statement, the MAC said at a time when China is accelerating efforts to comprehensively deepen reforms and allow its people live better lives, the Chinese authorities should bravely face the history of the "June 4 incident," and address the wrongs committed.

The Tiananmen Square massacre, also known as the June Fourth Incident, occurred on June 4, 1989 in Beijing, when thousands of student-led demonstrators calling for democracy, free speech and a free press in China were brutally crushed by the military.

Estimates of the number of deaths related to the incident range from a few hundred to several thousand due to a lack of concrete proof and records.

The MAC called for Beijing to adopt a softer and more open stance, to accommodate different opinions and listen to the voices of its people about their desire to pursue democracy, freedom and the rights of citizens.

The MAC said the Chinese authorities should take concrete action to implement democracy and protect human rights, paving the way for a modern society and the long reign of peace and stability.

China should also respect the way people in Taiwan live in a democracy and raise its awareness that Taiwan's efforts in pursuing democracy are a precious asset cherished by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, the MAC said.

The universal values of democracy, freedom and peace are the key to closing the gap between people on the two sides, it added.

(By Hsieh Yi-hsuan and Frances Huang)

Enditem/AW

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jun. 3, 2024

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/06/03

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

Date

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Sunday to Monday, Jun. 2-3



PLA activities

8 PLAN vessels and 4 CCG vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.

Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe.



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Foreign Ministry statement on personal sanctions against representatives of the UK political establishment, expert community and the media

3 June 2024 16:05

1040-03-06-2024

The provocative anti-Russia rhetoric of British officials and the practical steps of London for further military development of Ukraine testify to an unflagging intent of the British leadership to continue a tough systemic confrontation with our country. Meanwhile, as before, the UK media, working on the instruction of the authorities, play a leading role in instilling Russophobia and spreading misinformation about Russia.

In response to the hostile actions by the British side a decision was adopted to include some representatives of the UK political establishment, journalists and the expert community in the Russian stop-list. Among those included are local politicians responsible for setting out and implementing London's anti-Russia policy, journalists caught in a lie and Russophobia, as well as experts, who cover important public and political events in our country in a negative and far from reality vein.

The British efforts to discredit Russia and isolate it internationally, including in the context of the special military operation, will inevitably meet a resolute and tough response from our side.

Moscow is calling on London to give up its military support for Ukraine, which leads to civilian casualties and only prolongs the agony of the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev.

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Supplying F-16 fighters to Kiev signals US, NATO ready to use nuclear weapons: Russia

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 3, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says that Moscow considers the decision to supply the F-16 American fighters to Kiev as a deliberate signal from NATO concerning nuclear weapons.

"The F-16 American fighters will not change the situation on the line of contact," Lavrov made the remarks in his X account on Saturday.

The Russian official added that these aircraft will be destroyed just like any other type of weapons supplied by NATO countries to Ukraine.

At the same time, it is important to bear in mind that F-16 fighters have long been used as the main vehicle in NATO's so-called joint nuclear missions, he noted.

"Therefore, we can only consider the decision to supply these systems to Kiev regime as a deliberate signal from NATO concerning nuclear weapons. They are trying to tell us that the US and NATO are ready to use literally anything in Ukraine."

7129**2050



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Russia warns American leaders against 'fatal' miscalculations in Ukraine

Iran Press TV

Monday, 03 June 2024 6:23 PM

Russia has issued a new warning to US leaders against making "fatal" miscalculations in the Ukraine war.

President Joe Biden of the United States gave Kiev permission on Thursday to fire long-range missiles supplied by the Americans to strike targets inside Russia.

Germany quickly followed suite, granting Kiev the green light to use German-supplied long-range missiles against Russian targets.

Britain and France had already signaled that they were okay with Ukraine striking targets inside Russia.

The United States could face "fatal consequences" if it ignored Moscow's warnings not to let Ukraine use weapons provided by Washington to strike targets inside Russia, warned Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Monday.

"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 senior diplomat quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning last week to NATO countries to stop playing with fire, one of many warnings against escalating the Ukraine war into a global conflict.

"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," Ryabkov noted.

The Russian leader, he said, had warned the West it 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 forces' direct involvement.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said last week that NATO had the right to help Ukraine uphold its own right to self-defense, and this did not make NATO a party to the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden over the weekend for allowing the Kiev forces to use US-supplied weapons and munitions to target sites inside Russia. He, however, griped about how this was not enough.

The Ukrainian comedian actor-turned-politician has long complained to Biden that restrictions laid on Ukraine by the Western countries supplying arms on how Kiev can use the weapons is bad for Kiev forces' capability because it is limiting Ukrainians in using the weapons at their discretion and choosing their own targets, killing their spontaneity in fighting against Russian troops.

Ryabkov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying efforts by Kiev to strike Russia's early-warning radar systems would be thwarted and Moscow may respond asymmetrically to such attacks.

Last week, a Ukrainian intelligence source revealed Kiev forces had targeted a long-range radar site deep inside Russia that was part of Russian early-warning system to detect whether it is under nuclear attack.

Also, the TASS news agency cited the Russian foreign ministry as saying the debate about permitting Ukraine to use the Patriot air defense system over Russian territory indicated that the West wanted the Ukraine conflict to escalate.

Russia forces will take all measures to thwart such threats, it said.

In February 2022, Moscow launched its special military operation in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region to stop NATO's eastward expansion after warning that the US-led military alliance was pursuing an "aggressive line" against Russia.

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Australian Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Will Not Attend Ukraine Summit in Switzerland - Report

Sputnik News

20240603

JAKARTA (Sputnik) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong will not attend the Ukraine "peace summit" in Switzerland as they will hold a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported Monday.

The Australian Foreign Ministry said the country would be represented at the summit by its Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten. The unexpected choice was made despite Kiev's requests for Australia's representation at the summit at the level of prime minister or deputy prime minister.

Shorten said that Albanese asked him to attend the summit because of his long-standing interest in Ukraine despite the fact that he has no responsibility for international affairs.

"Mr Shorten is the minister for the NDIS and doesn't even sit on the national security committee of cabinet, making this a most confusing and inadequate appointment for anyone who looks at it," opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham emphasized.

Vladimir Khokhlov, the press secretary of the Russian Embassy in Bern, previously told Sputnik that Switzerland did not invite Russia to participate in the summit and that Moscow would not participate in any case. He added that the promoted idea of a "peace conference" is unacceptable for Russia as it "involves another attempt to push through the unworkable 'peace formula' that ignores Russian interests."

Moscow has repeatedly stated its readiness for negotiations, but Kiev has legislatively imposed a ban on them. The West calls on Russia to negotiate but at the same time ignores Ukraine's constant refusal to engage in dialogue. Earlier, the Kremlin stated that there are currently no preconditions for the situation in Ukraine to move towards a peaceful resolution and Russia's absolute priority is to achieve the goals of the special operation, which is currently possible only by military means. Kremlin officials have said that the situation in Ukraine could move towards peace only if the de facto situation and new realities are taken into account, and that all of Moscow's demands are well known.

A Sputnik

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South Korea - His Majesty King Mswati III, who is accompanied by Inkhosikati LaNgangaza, joined other African leaders at the welcome dinner hosted by South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol yesterday.

The dinner preceded the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, where His Majesty will join other leaders at the meeting which kicks off today June 4-5. The event was held at the classy Shilla Hotel in Seoul City, which is the countrys capital.

About 48 heads of State are expected to take part in this inaugural gathering hosted by the Government of South Korea.

The summit is held under the theme The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity. His Majesty is among the leaders expected to deliver speeches during the official opening of the summit. The summit will be held at KINTEX and it aims to elevate cooperation between Korea and Africa, by bringing together heads of State and international organisations in Africa and key figures from Korean Government communities, including South Korea. Minister of Foreign Affairs Pholile Shakantu joined His Majesty and Inkhosikati at the dinner.
Ukrenergo Predicts Deficit in Ukraine's Energy System in Coming Week

Sputnik News

20240603

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukrainian power grid operator Ukrenergo head Volodymyr Kudrytskyi said on Sunday that there will be a significant shortage of electricity in Ukraine's energy system in the coming week.

On Sunday, Ukrenergo said that on Monday electricity consumption limits would be in effect in all regions of Ukraine.

"The deficit, which has not been there for a few days this week, will return and return in serious size. It cannot be physically bridged by imports from Europe.... This means that our electricity production is not enough to cover consumption. And even production together with imports will not cover the needs within a day," Kudrytskyi told Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne.

Hourly shutdown schedules will be applied as the significant shortage was due to damage to power facilities, the repair of two nuclear power plant units and an increase in air temperature, he added.

In April, Ukrainian power grid operator Ukrenergo head Volodymyr Kudrytskyi said that Ukraine's energy system would keep experiencing power shortages from time to time due to seasonal repairs and long-term restoration of its power stations after recent attacks. In March, Kudrytskyi said that the country's energy system had been subjected to the largest attack of all time, with group strikes hitting the country's thermal and hydroelectric power plants.

A Sputnik

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UK and Latvia launch industry competition to provide thousands of drones for Ukraine

The drones will be procured as part of the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine, co-led by the UK and Latvia

3 June 2024

In February, the UK and Latvia announced that they would lead the new Drone Capability Coalition, designed to rapidly supply Ukraine with tens of thousands of first person view drones.

Today, the UK and Latvia have opened the bidding for companies to supply FPV drones to Ukraine, on behalf of the Drone Capability Coalition. This competition aims to produce these drones at scale and at an affordable price point, leveraging the strength of Western industry.

Industry can find the details of how to apply via the Defence Sourcing Portal. This competition is open to industry from any nation in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.

Companies have until 28 June 2024 to submit their proposals, which will then be considered by the Drone Capability Coalition members and evaluated. Successful companies will receive orders to supply drones to Ukraine and, upon receipt of positive operational feedback, the intent is to place larger, follow up orders for FPV drones. Additional FPV competitions are expected to take place through 2024, building on the lessons learned from this first competition.

First person view drones have proven highly effective on the battlefield since Russia's full-scale invasion, providing Ukrainian operators with situational awareness to target enemy positions, armoured vehicles, and ships with explosive ordnance.

Members of the coalition include: UK, Latvia, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine. Further countries are considering joining the coalition.

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In Manila, the President of Ukraine Met with the President of the Republic of the Philippines for the First Time

President of Ukraine

3 June 2024 - 06:59

After participating in the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue Summit, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Republic of the Philippines, where he met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. It was the first meeting in the history of bilateral relations.

The Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude to the President of the Philippines for supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as important UN resolutions condemning Russian aggression.

"I am very happy to be in your country for the first time. We are thankful for your clear position on the Russian aggression against our country," he noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the opening of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of the Philippines this year, which should strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

The President of Ukraine spoke about the preparations for the first Global Peace Summit and emphasized the importance of the representation of Southeast Asian countries at the event. The Philippines agreed to participate in the Summit.

The parties also discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, in particular the supply of Ukrainian agricultural products to the Philippines.

Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Philippines have existed for 32 years. They were officially established on April 7, 1992.

The Philippines supported our country in voting for the resolution on Ukraine's territorial integrity at the UN General Assembly on March 27, 2014, and strongly condemned Russian aggression after the start of the full-scale invasion.

According to the Bureau of Immigration of the Republic of the Philippines, as of May 2024, 95 Ukrainians live in the country.

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Vice President Kamala Harris to attend Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland this month

By VOA News June 03, 2024

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 Washington's commitment to supporting Ukraine's effort to secure a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraine's 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 Russia's 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 Zelenskyy's peace plan requiring Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territories a nonstarter.

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.

Monday attacks

Three people, including a 12-year-old boy, were killed Monday from Russian attacks in Ukraine's 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 Russia's 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 Zelenskyy's appeals for more military aid against Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian civilians and the country's 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 Ukraine's 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.

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Zelenskyy says Philippines to participate in peace conference

By VOA News June 03, 2024

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 Zelenskyy's peace plan requiring Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territories a non-starter.

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.

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 Russia's 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.

Russia's 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.

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HONOLULU, June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hele Kamaaina Rewards members are winning at the pump and in the skies this summer! Hele app users not only save $0.25 per gallon every day, but they also have the chance to win round-trip airfare to Tokyo. Hele convenience stores are part of the Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. retail organization.

From June 1 to August 31, 2024, customers with the Hele app can enter the Hele Tokyo Flyaway sweepstakes for a chance to win 220,000 HawaiianMiles, enough for a round-trip flight to Tokyo on Hawaiian Airlines.

This summer we are excited that Hele app users will save $0.25 per gallon, and can test their luck by entering the Hele Tokyo Flyaway, said Brian Gray, Head of Marketing at Par Pacific Holdings. We are delighted to offer our members exclusive giveaways alongside everyday savings.

There is no cost to enter the Hele Tokyo Flyaway. Hawaii residents 18 years and older are allowed to enter once via the Hele app. The winner will need to establish a free HawaiianMiles account in order to receive the HawaiianMiles.

About Hele Kama'aina Rewards

The Hele App can be downloaded through Google Play or Apple App Store. Hele Kamaaina Rewards is a customer appreciation program that allows you to earn points with every purchase. Hele KR Members receive a $0.25 cents per gallon discount every day, receive exclusive offers and accumulate points for each purchase at Hele gas stations and convenience stores. Points are redeemable for gas discounts and in-store items. For more information, please visit https://www.helegas.com/helegas/#app .

About Hele

Hele transforms the stop into a launching pad. It is familiar, seamless, and always has what you need next, energizing you to get going again. Fueling up is quick and easy with the Hele Rewards app, and now you can give the gift of convenience with the Hele gift card.
ATHENS, Greece, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boyden , a premier global talent and leadership advisory firm, is delighted to welcome Tassos Marianos to the partnership. Based in Greece, he is part of the regional team in Greece-Cyprus-Malta.



Anny Chatzikonstantinou , Managing Partner, Boyden Greece-Cyprus-Malta, comments, In just two years, Tassos has delivered significant value to Boydens clients in the region, leveraging his long-term expertise as a business leader in the market. He is also an exceptional colleague, collaborating with partners to engage and support clients across a range of different sectors. We are thrilled to celebrate his accession to Boydens global partnership.

Tassos has a 25-year record of senior leadership in multinationals, specialising in marketing and sales, and was most recently General Manager of ELEPAP Greece, the countrys largest NGO. He has also held leadership roles with Credit Agricole, Piraeus Bank Group, Inchcape Plc and Diageo Hellas.

Tassos Marianos, based in Athens adds, Having admired Boydens culture and way of working for some time, it was a natural move for me to join the firm. Boyden is very distinctive in this market due to the partners business track records and their strategic approach to executive search. We have all sat in the chairs of our clients, delivering growth and transformation, and championing opportunity in uncertain times. For every search engagement we focus on the business need first, going beyond the role to achieve a true market understanding. In talking our clients language, we can optimise their leadership, and bring to the table those executives who can take their business to the next level.

About Boyden

Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 70 offices in over 45 countries. Our global reach enables us to serve client needs anywhere they conduct business. We connect great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management and leadership consulting solutions. Boyden is ranked amongst the top companies on Forbes Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms for 2024. For further information, visit www.boyden.com .

About Boyden Greece-Cyprus-Malta

Boyden Greece-Cyprus-Malta is a young and vibrant leadership and talent advisory firm based in Greece and currently expanding to Malta and Cyprus. Our partners expertise enables us to serve client needs across industries providing high quality service, tailor-made to each clients need. Boyden Greece-Cyprus-Malta is rising fast in the world of Executive Recruiting, achieving very high grades in customer satisfaction. For further information, visit Executive Search in Greece and Cyprus - Boyden

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb5afa1a-a960-4d35-8707-992d46613088
Dublin, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "India Aquafeed Market Report by Species, Ingredients, Additives, Product Form, and Region 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Indian aquafeed market size reached 1.8 Million Tons in 2023. Looking forward, the market is projected to reach 3.7 Million Tons by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 8.34% during 2023-2032.



India represents one of the leading aquaculture markets across the globe on account of the rich biodiversity of aquatic species. Consequently, there is a high demand for aquafeed in the country to meet the growing need of aquaculture farmers and the expanding export businesses.



With increasing disposable incomes, growing health consciousness and improving cold chain facilities, seafood sales have expanded from local wet markets to organized retail channels, such as supermarkets. This represents one of the key factors fueling the growth of the aquafeed market in India. Moreover, the growing trend of natural and organic feeds has prompted manufacturers to incorporate high-quality raw materials that offer functional advantages and lower the usage of synthetic components. They are also enhancing the stability of feed pellets, reducing fine proportion, and improving pellets density and extension.



Another major factor driving the industry growth is t significant shift from homemade feed to commercially available product variants. Along with enhancing the bioavailability of various nutrients, the commercial feed also helps in reducing environmental pollution and increasing profit margins. Furthermore, the Government of India is offering various subsidies for fish and shrimp farmers, which in turn is stimulating the growth of the aquafeed industry.





Key Market Segmentation



This report provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the India aquafeed market report, along with forecasts at the country and regional level from 2024-2032. The report has categorized the market based on species, ingredients, additives and product form.



Breakup by Species:

Carp Feeds

Marine Shrimps

Tilapias

Catfishes

Marine Fishes

Salmons

Freshwater (FW) Crustaceans

Trouts

Others

Breakup by Ingredients:

Soybean

Corn

Fish Meal

Fish Oil

Additives

Others

Breakup by Additives:

Vitamins and Minerals

Antioxidants

Feed Enzymes

Others

Breakup by Product Form:

Pellets

Extruded

Powdered

Liquid

Breakup by Region:

North India

West and Central India

South India

East India

Competitive Landscape



The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being Alltech Biotechnology Pvt. Ltd. (Alltech, Inc.), Avanti Feeds Limited, Cargill India Private limited (Cargill Inc.), Godrej Agrovet Limited (Godrej Group), Growel Feeds Private Limited, IB Group, Skretting Aquaculture India Private Limited (Nutreco NV) and UNO Feeds.



Key Questions Answered in This Report

What was the size of the India aquafeed market in 2023?

What is the expected growth rate of the India aquafeed market during 2024-2032?

What are the key factors driving the India aquafeed market?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the India aquafeed market?

What is the breakup of the India aquafeed market based on the species?

What is the breakup of the India aquafeed market based on the ingredients?

What is the breakup of the India aquafeed market based on the product form?

What are the key regions in the India aquafeed market?



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 117 Forecast Period 2023 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $1.8 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $3.7 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.3% Regions Covered India





Key Topics Covered:



1 Preface



2 Scope and Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends



5 India Aquafeed Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Market Forecast



6 Market Breakup by Species

6.1 Carp Feeds

6.2 Marine Shrimps

6.3 Tilapias

6.4 Catfishes

6.5 Marine Fishes

6.6 Salmons

6.7 Freshwater (FW) Crustaceans

6.8 Trouts

6.9 Others



7 Market Breakup by Ingredients

7.1 Soybean

7.2 Corn

7.3 Fish Meal

7.4 Fish Oil

7.5 Additives

7.6 Others



8 Market Breakup by Additives

8.1 Vitamins and Minerals

8.2 Antioxidants

8.3 Feed Enzymes

8.4 Others



9 Market Breakup by Product Form

9.1 Pellets

9.2 Extruded

9.3 Powdered

9.4 Liquid



10 Market Breakup by Region

10.1 North India

10.2 West and Central India

10.3 South India

10.4 East India



11 SWOT Analysis



12 Value Chain Analysis



13 Porters Five Forces Analysis



14 Price Analysis



15 Policy and Regulatory Landscape



16 Competitive Landscape

16.1 Market Structure

16.2 Key Players

16.3 Profiles of Key Players

Alltech Biotechnology Pvt. Ltd. (Alltech Inc.)

Avanti Feeds Limited

Cargill India Private limited (Cargill Inc.)

Godrej Agrovet Limited (Godrej Group)

Growel Feeds Private Limited

IB Group

Skretting Aquaculture India Private Limited (Nutreco NV)

UNO Feeds

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ktq3ph

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment




JOHANNESBURG, Africa, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WadzPay Technologies Africa Pty Ltd, a leading global blockchain-based solutions provider for financial services, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with SMI, an investment and financing vehicle for mining related projects in the Republic of Congo. This collaboration aims to accelerate mining assets digitization, provide financial support to the MSME enterprises and foster economic growth in the region.



The partnership follows SMI's mission to leverage its mining assets as collateral, enabling access to international financial markets for essential funding. WadzPay's expertise in blockchain technology and digital asset management aligns seamlessly with SMI's objectives, facilitating the tokenization of a portion of SMI's mining assets.

"We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with SMI. By harnessing the power of blockchain technology, we aim to unlock new avenues of financing for the mining sector, driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Republic of Congo." - Mr. Anish Jain, Founder & Group CEO of WadzPay

WadzPay will provide below services under this partnership:

Provide Secure Efficient Technology Platform for Tokenization: This includes converting economic value and ownership rights derived from SMIs assets into digital tokens on blockchain. Management Services: In addition to providing its technology platform, WadzPay will offer management services including tokenomics, token pricing, token listing, marketing, and advisory services. These services are tailored to support SMI in achieving its fundraising objectives and fostering investor confidence. Exchange Services: Wadzpay will manage exchange services for primary and secondary markets.



M. Brice Gatse, Chief Executive Officer at SMI, stated: "For us, as an SME, the partnership with WadzPay represents the hope of an entire continent. Tokenization allows African states, most of which are engaged in programmes with the IMF and subjected to debt restrictions, to overcome barriers to investment. Tokenization offers these states the opportunity to use their natural resources as collateral to raise funds and finance extractive industries, which are sources of wealth creation and poverty alleviation. Through this innovative financial engineering, WadzPay is opening a new era for the financing of developing economies. It is also a way to democratise investment, as a wider range of people can now invest in mining, energy, and infrastructure projects that were previously reserved for large financial groups. This represents an opportunity that aligns with a multipolar, decentralised world enabled by Blockchain technology. We wish our collaboration a great success."

To which Olivier Dipenda, Senior Vice President of Africa Market Development at WadzPay Technologies Africa Pty Ltd, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are delighted to extend our solution proposal in alignment with SMI's vision for economic empowerment through asset tokenization. This partnership signifies a significant step towards unlocking access to finance and fostering sustainable economic growth in the Republic of Congo."

About SMI:

Societe Miniere D'Investissement SA (SMI) is a Republic of Congo registered company jointly owned by FIGA and Potash resources S.A. It functions as an investment vehicle for the financing of mining related project as well as the fund-raising vehicle for FIGA, an organisation created by the government of the Republic of Congo with the sole mandate of stimulating entrepreneurship by providing collaterals to SMEs.

About WadzPay:

WadzPay was founded in 2018 in Singapore with a commitment to drive financial inclusion and revolutionise the virtual asset financial services landscape. It is a leading global blockchain-based technology provider for virtual assets. The company's innovative platform available as a SaaS offering provides secure, efficient, and transparent technology solutions, catering to businesses (B2B) and consumers (B2B2C). WadzPay works with large international companies, banks, and fintechs to enable virtual asset-based transaction processing, custody, and settlement. It operates across geographies spanning Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

For more information, visit www.wadzpay.com

Media Contact

Arijit Das

PR and Communications

arijit.das@wadzpay.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f8b09bb8-9ab7-4143-9c51-bb1072e38782
Dublin, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "India LED Lighting Market 2023-2029 Revenue, Size, COVID-19 IMPACT, Trends, Companies, Value, Share, Analysis, Forecast, Growth & Industry: Market Forecast By Types, By End-User, By Application, By Sales Channel, By Region And Competitive Landscape" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Indian LED Lighting Market has experienced growth in recent years, driven by government initiative like UJALA, PLI scheme and Street Lighting National Programme along with an increased focus on smart cities and growing technological awareness among individuals. This growth is in line with the Smart Cities Mission, launched on June 25, 2015, as a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and all state and Union territory (UT) governments. The mission aims to transform 100 existing cities in India into smart cities, which, in turn, has positively influenced the LED lighting market in the country.

However, in 2020, the outbreak of the coronavirus had a detrimental impact on the growth of the LED lighting market in India. The demand for LED lighting products declined significantly due to the nationwide lockdown imposed by the government and disruptions in the supply chain, resulting in the suspension of manufacturing operations. Although, the market has shown signs of recovery owing to growth in the luxury real estate sector, with ultra-luxury properties valued at INR 40 - 70 Cr in Mumbai, recording a notable 64% growth, and 64 units were sold in H1 FY 22 to H1 FY indicating a positive trend.



According to this research, the India LED Lighting Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.9% from 2023 to 2029F. The growing hospitality sector with the upcoming 177 hospitality projects which are expected to be completed by 2025 would further increase the demand for LED lighting products to enhance the overall ambiance, comfort, and aesthetics of hotels.

Currently, the country has 13 million smart houses, and it is anticipated that the installation of smart home solutions would increase by 12.8% by 2025. This upward trend is expected to drive the demand for smart lighting LED products during the forecast period. India is experiencing a sharp increase in urbanization, with approximately 600 million people expected to reside in cities by 2030. These urban areas are projected to account for 70% of the Indian GDP. This substantial shift towards urban living would create a significant market opportunity for India LED Lighting Industry.



In the upcoming years, the Indian LED Lighting Market is set to experience growth on account of the growing real estate sector, as Indian real estate is estimated to be worth INR 83.3 Lakh Crores by 2030, a significant increase from INR 16.67 Lakh Crores in 2021. Furthermore, it is anticipated that a significant number of office projects, totaling over 120 million square feet, will be completed by 2024-25. Among these, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune are expected to collectively contribute approximately 62% of the total completion areas.

This surge in office construction activity is poised to fuel the demand for LED lighting in office spaces in the upcoming years. The major hospitality brands Hilton and the Dangayach Group would launch hotels such as Aravalli Hills, Waldorf Astoria Jaipur, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts which would propel the demand for LED lighting, therby contributing to the India LED Lighting Market Growth.

Market Segmentation

Type

By Type, Self-ballasted LED lamps have emerged as a significant revenue contributor in India's LED lighting market due to several key factors. Firstly, these lamps offer a convenient and cost-effective lighting solution as they do not require separate ballasts or fixtures, simplifying the installation process for consumers. Additionally, under the government's UJALA scheme, approximately 368 million LED bulbs and tube lights were distributed by June 2023, which contributed to the segment growth.

Application

In terms of application, Residential segment dominated the LED Lighting market share, As more households seek modern lighting solutions, the demand for LED lighting in residential spaces has surged. Moreover, witnessing a total of 271,818-unit sales, representing a significant 25% increase over the previous peak observed in 2010, which had contributed to the demand for LED lights in the residential sector.

End-User

By End-User, Indoor lighting has emerged as the leading revenue generator among end users owing to increasing urbanization and rapid development of residential and commercial infrastructure across India have fueled the demand for indoor lighting solutions.

Sales Channel

By Sales Channel, retailers and wholesalers holds a significant share, as retailers and wholesalers offer extensive distribution networks, reaching both urban and rural areas effectively. Their widespread presence ensures accessibility of LED lighting products to a diverse range of consumers across the country.

Key Highlights of the Report

India LED Lighting Market Overview

India LED Lighting Market Outlook

India LED Lighting Market Forecast

Industry Life Cycle

Porter's Five Force Analysis

Historical Data and Forecast of India LED Lighting Market Revenues for the Period 2019-2029F

Historical Data and Forecast of Market Revenues, By Types, for the Period 2019-2029F

Historical Data and Forecast of Market Revenues, By End User, for the Period 2019-2029F

Historical Data and Forecast of Market Revenues, By Applications, for the Period 2019-2029F

Historical Data and Forecast of Market Revenues, By Sales Channels, for the Period 2019-2029F

Historical Data and Forecast of Market Revenues, By Regions, for the Period 2019-2029F

Market Drivers and Restraints

India LED Lighting Market Evolution & Trends

Market Opportunity Assessment

India LED Lighting Company Ranking, By Companies

Competitive Benchmarking

Company Profiles

Key Strategic Recommendations

Market Scope and Segmentation

The report provides a detailed analysis of the following market segments:

By Types

Self-Ballasted LED Lamps

Down Lighters LED

Street-Lights LED

Indoor Luminaires (Excluding Down Lighter)

Outdoor Luminaires (Floodlight)

By End-User

Indoor Lighting

Outdoor Lighting

By Application

Commercial

Residential

Industrial

By Sales Channel

Retail/Wholesaler

Direct sales/Distributor

E-Commerce

By Region

Northern

Southern

Western

Eastern

Companies Profiled:

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals

Havells India

Surya Roshni

Orient Electric

Wipro Lighting

Syska Group

Bajaj Electricals

Halonix Technologies Private

Eveready Industries India

Signify Innovations India

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/r73na9

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Application Security Market Report by Component, Type, Testing Type, Deployment Mode, Organization Size, Industry Vertical, and Region 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The latest research on the application security landscape presents an impressive prognosis, with market size predicted to grow significantly from US$ 9.1 Billion in 2023 to US$ 32.9 Billion by 2032

This robust expansion, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.35%, underscores the vital role application security measures play in today's digital age. With an increasing volume of online fraudulent activities, the tech marketplace is seeing a surge in the implementation of sophisticated security measures. The urge to bolster defense mechanisms against cyber threats is largely propelled by the need to protect client data, streamline operations, and prolong the application lifecycle.







Rapid technological advancements are pushing companies to adopt secure, flexible, and cost-effective solutions to fend off cyber threats. Ensuring the safety of digital assets has become paramount in industries such as IT, telecom, banking, and public sector operations. Governments worldwide are actively enhancing their cybersecurity postures with initiatives designed to secure user identification and reduce vulnerabilities.

The emergence of Remote Work and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) models, hastened by the COVID-19 pandemic, has further complicated the corporate security environment, thus fueling the demand for advanced application security solutions. Additionally, the requirement to safeguard each software development lifecycle phase is increasingly becoming a staple in cybersecurity strategies.



Segment Analysis Highlights Versatile Market Need



The market report indicates a diverse requirement for application security across different segments. From web to mobile application security, businesses are exploring varied testing types like Static Application Security Testing (SAST), Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), and Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) to address potential threats. The deployment modes too vary widely, with both on-premises and cloud-based solutions gaining traction. It is particularly noteworthy that the scope of application security isn't limited to larger corporations.

Small and medium-sized enterprises are also prioritizing security, indicating the all-encompassing nature of cyber threats beyond the realms of organizational size. The application security market coverage spans across multiple industry verticals like healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and more, demonstrating its universal importance. Moreover, the market is witnessing global participation, with countries from North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa contributing to the demand.



Competitive Landscape and Market Prospects



A deep dive into the competitive landscape reveals that prominent players are continuously innovating to offer cutting-edge application security solutions that meet growing market demands. With the ongoing digital transformation and the consequent escalation in security risks, the application security market's trajectory appears set for sustained growth.

As organizations worldwide grapple with the complexities of cyber threats, the insights delivered by such comprehensive research become crucial in shaping informed, strategic responses to maintain robust application security defenses in an ever-evolving technology landscape. The continual advocacy for sophisticated and adaptable security solutions may drive further innovation and cooperation among global market players, ensuring a future where data integrity and security are prioritized and protected.



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 137 Forecast Period 2023 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $9.1 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $32.9 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 15.3% Regions Covered Global





Companies Featured

Capgemini SE

Checkmarx Ltd.

Cisco Systems Inc.

Contrast Security Inc.

International Business Machines Corporation

Micro Focus International plc

Ntt Security Appsec Solutions Inc. (NTT Ltd.)

Oracle Corporation

Qualys Inc.

Rapid7

Synopsys Inc.

Veracode.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tcmggx

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The winner of the 2024 Templeton Prize is Dr. Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela. Dr. Gobodo-Madikizela is a professor and South African National Research Foundations Chair in Violent Histories and Transgenerational Trauma and the Director of the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest at Stellenbosch University. Her insights into the mechanisms of trauma and forgiveness in post-apartheid South Africa have created a globally recognized model for social healing in the aftermath of conflict, a model she calls the reparative quest.

The 2024 Templeton Prize winner, Dr. Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, has a remarkable grasp of the personal and social dynamics that allow for healing in societies wounded by violence, said Heather Templeton Dill, President of the John Templeton Foundation. As a psychologist, scholar, and commentator, she has served as a guiding light within South Africa as it charts a course beyond apartheid, facilitating dialogue to help people overcome individual and collective trauma. Her work underscores the importance in contemporary life of cultivating the spiritual values of hope, compassion, and reconciliation.

Gobodo-Madikizela, 69, was an influential member of the Human Rights Violations Committee of South Africas Truth and Reconciliation Commission that aimed to address the injustices of apartheid. Her award-winning 2003 book A Human Being Died That Night recounts her conversations with the former commander of state-sanctioned death squads, Eugene de Kock, and argues for the possibility of remorse, accountability, and forgiveness.

Her career as a scholar and a public figure is distinguished by her effort to repair ruptures created by past violence and to build a path toward healing and restoration in an ongoing process she calls the reparative quest. In international lectures and books, she displays keen powers of sympathy and a deep feeling of humanity toward victims as well as perpetrators of traumatic experiences.

Dill added: Her achievements mark her as a leading figure in understanding and confronting the deeply rooted psychological scars borne by those who experienced unimaginable loss.

In a statement for the Templeton Prize, Gobodo-Madikizela said: Through the many encounters I had in my work when I served on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, I learned that ordinary people, under certain circumstances, are capable of far greater evil than we could have imagined. But so are we capable of far greater virtue than we might have thought. My research is based on this possibility of human transformation, on probing deeper to understand the conditions necessary to restore the values of what it means to be humanto want to preserve the dignity and life of the other. This is the essence of an accountable Ubuntu, a word from my language that is a foundational moral force that reaffirms our shared humanity. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for this prize. The great opportunity it opens for me to work with the next generation of future leaders who will pursue research on these urgent questions is a rare gift.

Background

Gobodo-Madikizela was born in 1955 in Langa, one of the oldest townships designated for Black residents outside Cape Town, South Africa. She is the eldest daughter of Tukela and Nobantu Gobodo. Growing up under apartheid, she bore witness to the harm of segregation, discrimination, racism, and state brutality. She remembered hiding as tanks drove through her neighborhood. Only when returning to the area in freedom later in life could she appreciate the natural beauty of her home: until the end of apartheid, I never actually thought of Cape Town as my city, she said in a video statement for the Templeton Prize, adding that now many South Africans once excluded from society can appreciate the countrys beauty as an act of reclamation. Amid this outer oppression and strife, her loving parents raised her with compassion and instilled in her the values of integrity and caring for others.

She went to a boarding high school at Inanda Seminary in Durban, at the time the only private school for Black girls in South Africa, then pursued a bachelors degree in psychology at the University of Fort Hare. She later earned a masters degree in clinical psychology from Rhodes University, focusing on the effects of apartheid on the psychological well-being of Black South Africans. Her early research laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to exploring the emotional and psychological toll of apartheid on both victims and perpetrators, an interest that led to her doctoral research on violence. She graduated with a PhD degree in psychology from the University of Cape Town.

In the 1990s, with the end of apartheid, Gobodo-Madikizela joined the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and served as the Chair of the Human Rights Violations Committee in the Western Cape office of the TRC, based in Cape Town. In this role, she served alongside 2013 Templeton Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who was appointed by Nelson Mandela to chair the TRC. Her interactions with apartheid-era perpetrators, including Eugene de Kock, a former police colonel who was nicknamed Prime Evil, led her to grapple with the profound question of whether forgiveness could be extended to those who had committed heinous crimes.

Her groundbreaking multiple award-winning book A Human Being Died That Night: A South African Story of Forgiveness, recently reprinted as a Mariner Classic, was a result of her interviews with Eugene de Kock. In the book, she explores the inner workings of forgiveness and the capacity of human beings to empathize with one another, even in the darkest of circumstances. The book has been published in multiple translations and was winner of the Alan Paton Award (known as the Pulitzer for South African non-fiction), and the Christopher Award. The book was adapted into a stage play that premiered at the Hampstead Theatre in London in 2013.

Gobodo-Madikizelas academic career continued to flourish, and she held various prestigious positions at institutions such as the University of Cape Town, University of the Free State, and Stellenbosch University. Her research explored topics including empathy, and forgiveness, post-apartheid identity, post-Holocaust dialogue, transgenerational trauma, and memory. She has authored articles and edited and co-edited book volumes on these topics. Gobodo-Madikizela is a socially engaged scholar and has remained focused on research on the transgenerational legacies of historical trauma and the reparative quest that must follow to restore justice in society.

In addition to A Human Being Died That Night, she is the co-author of Narrating Our Healing: Perspectives on Healing Trauma (2007). She has edited and co-edited several book volumes including Memory, Narrative and Forgiveness: Perspectives on the Unfinished Journeys of the Past (2009), as co-editor, as editor of Breaking Intergenerational Cycles of Repetition: A Global Dialogue on Historical Trauma and Memory (2019), and History, Trauma and Shame: Engaging the Past through Second Generation Dialogue (2020), and co-editor of the anthology Post-Conflict Hauntings: Transforming Collective Memories of Historical Trauma (2020).

Gobodo-Madikizela is a Radcliffe Institute fellow. Among the honors she has received are: The Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award (2020), considered the most prestigious academic award in Africa, an honorary Doctor of Laws from Rhodes University (2019); honorary Doctor of Theology from the Friedrich-Schiller University, Germany (2017), and she received the Social Change Award from Rhodes University for a contribution made by a leading psychologist to social change in South Africa. Since 2017 she has held an honorary professorial position at Queens University, Belfast, affiliated with the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice.

Dr. Gobodo-Madikizela joins a list of 53 Prize recipients including St. Teresa of Kolkata (the inaugural award in 1973) and the Dalai Lama (2012). The 2023 Templeton Prize was awarded to the nurse and midwife, Dr. Edna Adan Ismail. Preceding her was theoretical physicist Dr. Frank Wilczek (2022) and ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall (2021). Other social scientists who have won the Prize include Michael Bourdeaux, founder of the Keston Institute, and Michael Novak, philosopher and diplomat. She is the third South African to win the award, preceded by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (2013) and physicist George Ellis (2004).

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Notes to Editors

More information on Dr. Pumla Gobodo Madikizela, her statement on accepting the Prize, a statement by Heather Templeton Dill on the awarding of the Prize, and information on the 53 previous Templeton Prize Laureates, are available at www.templetonprize.org/2024

Follow the Templeton Prize on Twitter using @TempletonPrize and #TempletonPrize2024.

Follow the Templeton Prize on Facebook and Instagram using #TempletonPrize2024

and using #TempletonPrize2024 Watch and embed a video featuring Pumla Gobodo Madikizela on the Templeton Prize YouTube channel , where you will find additional videos with information on the Templeton Prize.

About the Templeton Prize

Established in 1972, the Templeton Prize is one of the worlds largest annual individual awards. It is given to honor individuals whose exemplary achievements advance Sir John Templetons philanthropic vision: harnessing the power of the sciences to explore the deepest questions of the universe and humankinds place and purpose within it. Currently valued at 1.1 million GBP, the award is adjusted periodically so it always exceeds the value of the Nobel Prize. Winners have come from a wide range of faiths, fields, and geographies, and have included Nobel Prize winners, philosophers, theoretical physicists, and one canonized saint. The Templeton Prize is awarded by the three Templeton philanthropies: the John Templeton Foundation, based in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, and by the Templeton World Charity Foundation and Templeton Religion Trust, based in Nassau, The Bahamas. To learn more, visit TempletonPrize.org

Contact:

Benjamin Carlson

bcarlson@templeton.org

Thomas Burnett

tburnett@templeton.org









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MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microbix Biosystems Inc. (TSX: MBX, OTCQX: MBXBF, Microbix), a life sciences innovator, manufacturer, and exporter, announces that it has successfully adapted and extended the use of its bioreactor capabilities for production of another clinically and commercially-important test-ingredient (a native Antigen). This achievement will enhance production capacity for the referenced native Antigen, improve Microbixs ability to schedule and allocate its manufacturing resources, and provide economic benefits.



Microbix is a global leader in the production of native Antigens  preparations of purified and inactivated bacteria and viruses essential for the manufacture of immunoassays. Immunoassays are diagnostic tests that detect the presence of antibodies to establish prior or current exposure to a pathogen, or to assess the degree to which a patient may be immune to a pathogen due to protective antibodies.

Microbixs bioreactors are highly-sophisticated devices that are used for tightly-controlled culturing of mammalian host cells and disease-causing bacterial and viral organisms. Microbix previously undertook to move production of a key viral Antigen from traditional culturing roller-bottles into bioreactors, in a multi-year transition intended to provide greater production capacity, improve yields, and enhance reliability. That promise has been realized, with all production of that particular viral antigen successfully moved into its bioreactors and with ongoing work to optimize methods and results.

Microbix has now adapted its use of bioreactors to production of one of its commercially-important bacterial Antigens. This advancement enables production of greater quantities of the Antigen in less lab space and with improved efficiency. Allocating bioreactor usage between two different Antigen products will also provide benefits with respect to ensuring full and continuous utilization of available capacity.

Microbix continues improving its responsiveness to the changing supply needs of its many native Antigen customers  strengthening abilities it demonstrated in response to profound Antigen demand swings that occurred during, and following, the COVID-19 Pandemic. Use of its bioreactors for both bacterial and viral Antigen production is a significant accomplishment and is one of the many manufacturing innovations that Microbix continues to pursue and implement.

Dr. Ken Hughes, COO of Microbix, commented, Microbixs engineers, production and quality professionals, and scientists have once again developed and implemented innovative, increased volume native Antigen production methodologies with improved reliability via use of our bioreactor capabilities. This particular advancement is a technological triumph that exemplifies the excellence of our scientific and operational teams.

Microbixs full catalogue of native bacterial and viral Antigens is available on its website. Price and order enquiries should be directed to customer.service@microbix.com.

About Microbix Biosystems Inc.

Microbix Biosystems Inc. creates proprietary biological products for human health, with over 100 skilled employees and annualized sales now targeting C$ 2.0 million per month. It makes and exports a wide range of critical ingredients and devices for the global diagnostics industry, notably antigens for immunoassays and its laboratory quality assessment products (QAPs) that support clinical lab proficiency testing, enable assay development and validation, or help ensure the quality of clinical diagnostic workflows. Its antigens drive the antibody tests of approximately 100 diagnostics makers, while QAPs are sold to clinical lab accreditation organizations, diagnostics companies, and clinical labs. Microbix QAPs are now available in over 30 countries, supported by a network of international distributors. Microbix is ISO 9001 & 13485 accredited, U.S. FDA registered, Australian TGA registered, Health Canada establishment licensed, and provides CE marked products.

Microbix also applies its biological expertise and infrastructure to develop other proprietary products and technologies, most notably Kinlytic urokinase, a biologic thrombolytic drug used to treat blood clots, and reagents or media to support molecular diagnostic testing (e.g., its DxTM for patient-sample collection). Microbix is traded on the TSX and OTCQX, and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes forward-looking information, as such term is defined in applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, discussion of the bioreactors, their usage, benefits, or relevance, Microbixs products or services, business and business results, goals or outlook, risks associated with financial results and stability, development projects such as those referenced in its presentations, regulatory compliance and approvals, sales to foreign jurisdictions, engineering and construction, production (including control over costs, quality, quantity or timeliness of delivery), currency exchange rates, maintaining adequate working capital or raising new capital on acceptable terms or at all, and other similar statements about anticipated future events, conditions or results that are not historical facts. These statements reflect managements current estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Microbix cautions that all forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and actual performance may be affected by many material factors, some of which are beyond its control. Accordingly, actual future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. All statements are made as of the date of this news release and represent Microbixs judgement as of the date of this new release, and it is under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking information.

Please visit https://microbix.com or https://www.sedarplus.ca for recent Microbix news and filings.

For further information, please contact Microbix at:

Cameron Groome, CEO

(905) 361-8910 Jim Currie,

CFO

(905) 361-8910 Deborah Honig,

Investor Relations

Adelaide Capital Markets

(647) 203-8793 ir@microbix.com

Copyright  2024 Microbix Biosystems Inc.

Microbix, DxTM, Kinlytic, and QAPs are trademarks of Microbix Biosystems Inc.
EDMONTON, Alberta, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nova Cannabis Inc. (OTCQB: NVACF | TSX: NOVC) based in Edmonton, announced today that Marcie Kiziak, Chief Executive Officer, will present live at KCSA Cannabis Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com and co-sponsored by KCSA Strategic Communications, on June 5, 2024.



DATE: June 5, 2024

TIME: 10:30 a.m. EDT

LINK: https://bit.ly/3QVIu08

Available for 1x1 meetings: June 5, 2024

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the Company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com .

Recent Company Highlights

SNDL Inc. assigned its rights to own or operate four Dutch Love stores to Nova, facilitating the expansion of the Value Buds banner into British Columbia.

Increased its proprietary data licensing revenue by 120% year-over-year in Q1 2024, resulting in higher margins without associated sales costs.

Expanded its private label products with the launch of Diesel and Berries, available in three new SKUs in Alberta, including the best-selling 14-gram and 28-gram formats, as well as new 28 x 0.5-gram pre-rolls.

Achieved positive free cash flow for three consecutive quarters, underscoring Novas sound growth strategy and prudent financial management.

About Nova Cannabis

Nova Cannabis Inc. (TSX: NOVC) is one of Canada's largest and fastest-growing cannabis retailers with a goal of disrupting the cannabis retail market by offering a wide range of high-quality cannabis products at every-day best value prices. The Company currently owns and/or operates locations across Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, primarily under its Value Buds and Firesale Cannabis banners. Additional information about Nova Cannabis Inc. is available at www.sedarplus.ca and the Companys website at www.novacannabis.ca.

About Virtual Investor Conferences

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:

Nova Cannabis Inc.

Marcie Kiziak

Chief Executive Officer, Nova Cannabis Inc.

investor@novacannabis.ca

Virtual Investor Conferences

John M. Viglotti

SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access

OTC Markets Group

(212) 220-2221

johnv@otcmarkets.com
NAPA, Calif., June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Naked Wines, the largest 100% direct-to-consumer winery in America, today announced the addition of three independent winemakers to its distinguished portfolio of partners. This expansion includes winemakers Jeremy Corsin, Olivier Cazenave and Jorge Aleman. Naked Wines offers its members (known as Angels) unique opportunities to explore a diverse selection of high-quality wines and engage with talented winemakers around the world, and these latest additions are no exception.



Meet the winemakers:

Jeremy Corsin - At just 30 years-old, Jeremy Corsin is carrying on a tradition that spans six generations, managing an historical family estate in the Maconnais region in Burgundy, France where he makes his beloved Chardonnay wines. Cooled by the nearby Mediterranean Sea, the grapes thrive and limestone-rich soils give the wines a special touch you won't find elsewhere in Burgundy. Jeremy remains committed to fair pricing and sustainable practices, ensuring the family estate continues to deliver quality and value in every bottle.

- At just 30 years-old, Jeremy Corsin is carrying on a tradition that spans six generations, managing an historical family estate in the Maconnais region in Burgundy, France where he makes his beloved Chardonnay wines. Cooled by the nearby Mediterranean Sea, the grapes thrive and limestone-rich soils give the wines a special touch you won't find elsewhere in Burgundy. Jeremy remains committed to fair pricing and sustainable practices, ensuring the family estate continues to deliver quality and value in every bottle. Olivier Cazenave - Olivier Cazenave grew up surrounded by Bordeaux's Right Bank vineyards, sparking his passion for winemaking. Olivier manages his vineyards in Pomerol, Montagne Saint-Emilion, and Bordeaux, France focusing on sustainable practices and exploring organic and biodynamic methodologies. He is celebrated for his elegant wines that embody a perfect balance between tradition and evolution. Olivier aims to expand his horizons further, supported by the freedom to create distinctive, expressive wines that challenge expectations and delight wine lovers globally.

- Olivier Cazenave grew up surrounded by Bordeaux's Right Bank vineyards, sparking his passion for winemaking. Olivier manages his vineyards in Pomerol, Montagne Saint-Emilion, and Bordeaux, France focusing on sustainable practices and exploring organic and biodynamic methodologies. He is celebrated for his elegant wines that embody a perfect balance between tradition and evolution. Olivier aims to expand his horizons further, supported by the freedom to create distinctive, expressive wines that challenge expectations and delight wine lovers globally. Jorge Aleman - Jorge Aleman's journey into the world of winemaking is anything but ordinary; its a tale rooted in an authentic passion for the craft and a knack for finding magic in the everyday. Having previously worked with Naked Wines in the cellar, he now specializes in approachable wines for those just dipping their toes into the wine world, looking for a fuss-free way to discover new styles and flavors. With roots in Mexico's wine country and skills honed in the heart of Sonoma, Jorge's bottles bring a taste of his journey to your table.



Naked Wines is committed to partnering with the best independent winemakers from around the world and were thrilled to add Jeremy, Olivier and Jorge to the Naked Wines family, says Lucy Devlin, Vice President of Wines at Naked Wines. Each of these gifted winemakers bring a unique vision and skill to our portfolio, and their dedication and passion align with our mission to provide a world class wine experience for our customers.

To learn more about Naked Wines, its winemakers, memberships and exclusive wine offerings, please visit nakedwines.com.

About Naked Wines

Powered by the belief that great wine should be an everyday pleasure and not a privilege, Naked gives the worlds best winemakers the creative and financial freedom to make wines that inspire - supported by a community of passionate wine drinkers.

Naked Wines funds exclusive collaborations with worldwide independent winemakers like Daryl Groom (former: Penfolds Grange) Daniel Baron (former: Dominus, Silver Oak) Jesse Katz (Aperture, Devils Proof Vineyards), Megan & Ryan Glaab (former: PAX, Sine Qua Non) and Jean Philippe Moulin (former: Rothschild).

A virtuous circle is created where everyone is better off; customers get better wines for their money; and winemakers can focus their time in the winery, not on distribution and sales.

Press Contact:

nakedwines@finnpartners.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1e59a855-0bba-49cc-9eaf-05c282f011a8

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b8c37db5-8225-45b9-9cf5-96d7b6e27e97

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6651eed5-2074-4226-ba83-1038c9997915
CEDARVILLE, OHIO, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Walking through his village in Nigeria, Dr. Samson Amos, chair and associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Cedarville University, heard a womans persistent cries.

Having recently graduated with his Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Nigeria, Amos knew he could not ignore his neighbors cries. He found her with eyes closed and tears streaming down her face  she had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Upon hearing Amos familiar voice, the woman said, Samson, please help women like me. Moved with compassion, Amos knew he was being called to use his gifts to help others through cancer research.

I may not have all the answers, but I can depend upon the knowledge that God has given me to find solutions to human disease, Amos said. That woman was my first encounter with cancer and since, Ive seen how cancer affects humanity. I asked God to use me as an instrument to help the world better understand this disease.

Amos began working for the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research in Abuja, Nigeria, as a researcher and professor. There, he studied the effects of natural products  plants, fruits and vegetables  on different disease states, including hypertension, diabetes, malaria and sickle cell disease. Upon moving to the United States in 2000, Amos began training at the University of Virginia so he could better understand the molecular basis of cancer growth, specifically in the brain and prostate. Ten years later, after successfully publishing several research papers on cancer research, Amos joined Cedarville Universitys faculty in the school of pharmacy.

I was drawn to Cedarville because of its mission and vision, Amos said. Most importantly, Cedarville gave me the platform to share my faith and genuinely come alongside students to make a significant kingdom impact.

Despite the change of environment, Amos continued studying cancer cells and the molecular basis of cancer growth, while exploring the effects of natural products on various diseases  specifically targeting brain tumors.

I wanted to research the use of plant compounds to help in the management of brain tumors and glioblastomas, Amos said. When a patient develops a glioblastoma, they are placed on a drug called Temozolomide, which has a minimal clinical outcome. Because of this, I wanted to find out whether there were things in nature that could help us unravel the mystery of this disease and better manage brain tumors.

Due to the resistance and low clinical outcomes of Temozolomide on both the tumor and patient, Amos decided to research whether he could use a lower dose of Temozolomide, as well as a small dose of two different natural products found in plants to treat brain tumors as well as other cancers.

Using an in vitro setting  the use of a bench in the lab as opposed to live animals  Amos and his team of Cedarville Doctor of Pharmacy students studied the effect of both agents to treat brain tumors. The results were overwhelming.

"Our preliminary data in vitro clearly shows that this combination is synergistic, Amos said. When we use a low dose of Temozolomide and our natural product, we have a better biological readout than when we use a higher concentration of Temozolomide.

Encouraged by the positive results, Amos plans to continue his research with the help of his students.

I have had many Cedarville students from pharmacy, math and science who have expressed interest in our cancer research, Amos said. If these students have an interest, it behooves me to train and come alongside them in their passion.

Amos cancer research is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Cedarville students. Already, their work is being cited in research projects. Other educational institutions are also vying to come alongside Cedarvilles School of Pharmacy in this research.

But, despite the initial success, Amos sees their research as having a deeper kingdom impact.

"I want to ensure that when students graduate from Cedarville, they have all that is required for them to be successful clinicians, Amos said. But more importantly, I want them to carry Christ into their hospital and allow patients to see the genuine and compassionate care that Christ has for all humanity.

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, such as the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science and Doctor of Pharmacy, and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the university, visit cedarville.edu.

Written by Cara Groves, Cedarville Public Relations Student

Photos by Scott Huck

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Detroit, Michigan, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., (the Company) ( OTCPK:AITX ), a global leader in AI-driven security and productivity solutions for enterprise clients along with wholly owned subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), today announced a strategic investment in Nightingale Security Inc ., a leader in autonomous aerial (drone) security systems. This investment follows a partnership announced in May , enhancing the commitment to delivering cutting-edge security solutions.



The Company noted that the undisclosed financial investment was via a convertible note. A convertible note is a type of short-term debt that converts into equity, typically in conjunction with a future financing round. This investment structure provides AITX with the flexibility to support Nightingale Securitys growth while potentially benefiting from future equity appreciation. By using a convertible note, AITX is able to make a strategic investment without immediately diluting its equity stake, aligning the interests of both companies and allowing for shared growth and success in the evolving security market.

Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO of AITX and RAD, stated, Our investment in Nightingale Security enhances our technological capabilities and market reach. Integrating RADs ground-based robots with Nightingales drones creates a robust security ecosystem for challenging environments.

Jack Wu, CEO of Nightingale Security, added, This partnership pushes integrated autonomous devices to deliver autonomous security, providing cost reduction, more capabilities, and unmatched situational awareness via the ability to rapidly respond with the Nightingale autonomous drone.

The integration of RADs RIO  with Nightingales drones will enable seamless detection, surveillance, and response, offering low-cost, efficient security for large, remote areas. This combined solution will provide clients with the ability to Detect, Respond, and Verify.

Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, FSyI, President of RAD, commented, We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Nightingale. This partnership offers our clients an intelligent security solution combining stationary and aerial capabilities, setting new industry standards.

This strategic investment emphasizes AITXs proactive approach to leveraging emerging technologies in security. The companies aim to advance AI-powered security solutions and reinforce their leadership in the field.

Both companies are committed to a long-term vision, with typically three-year Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) contracts underscoring their dedication to providing sustained, innovative security solutions worldwide. The partnership highlights the significant impact and growth potential of autonomous security solutions, aiming to redefine security standards globally.

For more information about this innovative partnership and to stay updated on further developments, please visit www.radsecurity.com and www.nightingalesecurity.com .

AITX, through its subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD) , is redefining the $25 billion (US) security and guarding services industry through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industrys existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these tremendous cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house.

About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX)

AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITXs RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai , www.radsecurity.com , www.stevereinharz.com , www.radgroup.ai , www.raddog.ai , and www.radlightmyway.com , or follow Steve Reinharz on Twitter @SteveReinharz .

CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the Company). This publication contains forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance and may involve subjective judgment and analysis. The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Companys future revenues, results of operations, or stock price.

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Company experiences 138% growth over the trailing twelve months

Thumzup surpasses 320 Advertisers on its platform

Los Angeles, CA, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thumzup Media Corporation (Thumzup or the Company) (OTCQB: TZUP), a leader in innovative social media branding and marketing solutions, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its growth journey having surpassed 320 advertisers on its AdTech platform. This achievement marks over a 70% increase in advertisers on the platform since the beginning of the year, reflecting the companys rapid expansion and growing influence. Additionally, Thumzup has experienced an impressive 138% growth over the trailing twelve months (TTM), underscoring its accelerating momentum and the increasing recognition of its platform's value.

The impressive growth evidences Thumzup's unique ability to connect businesses with their communities through user-generated social media content. Advertisers are increasingly recognizing the value of Thumzups platform, which allows consumers to earn cash rewards by posting about their experiences with participating businesses on social media.

Our growth from 183 to over 320 advertisers in just five months highlights the increasing trust and reliance on our platform by businesses aiming to leverage authentic social media engagement, said Robert Steele, CEO and Founder of Thumzup. We are thrilled with this momentum and remain dedicated to providing small and medium-sized businesses with effective and affordable marketing solutions. This milestone not only speaks to our platform's value but also reflects our commitment to fostering genuine connections between advertisers and consumers.

Thumzups expanding advertiser base includes a diverse range of businesses, from local eateries and boutique shops to fitness centers and professional services. This diversity showcases the platforms versatility and broad appeal, particularly for industries seeking robust digital advertising solutions to enhance customer engagement.

Thumzups growth trajectory positions it as a leader in facilitating impactful, user-generated content campaigns. The companys app, available on both the App Store and Google Play , empowers users to become brand advocates, enhancing advertisers visibility while enabling users to monetize their social media activities.

If you are interested in advertising your business with Thumzup, you can register your business here: https://www.thumzupmedia.com/advertiser-signup

About Thumzup

Thumzup Media Corporation (Thumzup) is democratizing the multi-billion dollar social media branding and marketing industry. Its flagship product, the Thumzup platform, utilizes a robust programmatic advertiser dashboard coupled with a consumer-facing App to enable individuals to get paid cash for posting about participating advertisers on major social media outlets through the Thumzup App. The easy-to-use dashboard allows advertisers to programmatically customize their campaigns. Cash payments are made to App users/creators through PayPal and other major cash apps for approved posts.

Thumzup is a publicly traded company (OTCQB stock ticker: TZUP). For more information, please visit https://www.thumzupmedia.com .

Legal Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include, without limitation, statements about its potential growth, impacts on the advertising industry, plans for potential uplisting, and planned expansion. These statements are identified by the use of the words "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "may," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project" and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact Info

investors@thumzupmedia.com

800-403-6150

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DETROIT and HOD HASHARON, Israel, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the 11th annual Escar USA automotive cybersecurity conference opens, Karamba Security , the leader in end-to-end product security, today announced that BYD, one of the worlds largest EV manufacturers with annual revenues exceeding $13.8 billion USD, has selected Karambas VCode software to automatically create a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) for the electronic control units (ECUs) it uses, secure its supply-chain and meet cybersecurity regulation UN R155.



BYD joins other leading U.S., European and Chinese vehicle OEMs that use VCode to create SBOM, manage supply-chain security and assure that firmware used does not include critical vulnerabilities that may put customers at risk. As with all of its customers, Karamba Securitys VCode will also enable BYD to accelerate its compliance with global automotive cybersecurity regulations, now mandatory in many of the worlds largest markets.

In March of this year, BYD became the world's first automaker to produce its seven millionth new energy vehicle, including EVs and PHEVs. Present in 64 countries and regions globally, BYD shipped 1.6 million EVs in 2023, approaching Tesla's position as the industry leader with 1.8 million for the year. In fact, BYD shipped more EVs than Tesla in Q4 last year.1

Karamba is a leader in end-to-end product cybersecurity, including automotive electronic control units (ECUs) and other IoT and edge products. With the increased safety and privacy risks that may be caused due to hacking vehicles and IoT products, regulators are now mandating OEMs and suppliers to secure their devices. Such cyber regulations may delay products time to market and have a significant toll on device manufacturers businesses. Karamba's software solutions enable OEMS and suppliers to secure their devices and meet global cybersecurity regulations without interfering with R&D, or delay products' time to market.

Karamba Security is proud to help successfully bridge U.S., European, Chinese and other nations OEMs with their global markets by ensuring they meet rigid cybersecurity regulations and protect their customers, said Ami Dotan, co-founder and CEO of Karamba Security. Karamba, regulators and automotive manufacturers are united in our commitment to secure vehicles and global supply chains against hackers, who are blind to nationality and are willing to put customer safety and privacy at risk for financial or terrorist reasons.

About VCode binary analysis software

Used during software validation, VCode helps automotive OEMs and IoT device manufacturers to automatically create SBOM of their devices, and automatically identify supply-chain cybersecurity issues and address them before production. It identifies, prioritizes and mitigates security gaps in the software image, specifically third-party modules, and serves as a product security scorecard both internally, for customers and auditors.

VCode binary analysis software works seamlessly with Continuous Integration/Continuous Design (CI/CD) pipelines or runs stand-alone on customer premises. It identifies vulnerabilities, as well as CVEs, covering a wide range of security misconfigurations and coding errors including weak passwords, risky tools, suspicious data, unsecure binaries and more.

As part of VCode SBOM, the tool provides details on the filesystems and on each component in the image, including third-party software. It provides essential context information including location, CVE count, highest severity for CVEs, dependencies and, where available, library version number and associated license type. An easy-to-use filtering mechanism allows for studying the data and identifying actionable insights.

More information is available at www.karambasecurity.com and follow on Twitter @KarambaSecurity.

About Karamba Security

Karamba Security is the world leader in End-to-End security for IoT products. IoT product manufacturers in automotive, medical devices, renewable energy and enterprise edge rely on Karambas products and services to seamlessly protect their connected devices against cyberattacks and comply with industry regulations. With more than 120 successful engagements with Fortune 100, and Global 500 companies, automotive and IoT product manufacturers trust Karambas award-winning solutions for compliance and brand competitiveness when protecting their customers against cyber threats.

More information is available at www.karambasecurity.com and follow us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/karamba-security .

Media Contact:

Montner Tech PR

Deb Montner, dmontner@montner.com

Chloe Amante, camante@montner.com

1 Tesla overtaken by China's BYD as world's biggest EV maker, Financial Times, January 2, 2024

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2b3df32e-e2ca-4828-bc44-fcd66debc280
DOVER, Del., June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cork Protection, Inc., the leader in smart warranty solutions for MSPs serving small businesses and the ISV solutions they manage, today announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Dave Nankervis as Chief Revenue Officer.



We're excited to welcome Dave to the Cork team and eager to tap into his extensive experience scaling businesses within the MSP sector to boost our growth. He is coming in at an exciting time for Cork as we hit a major milestone and celebrate the success we've achieved since emerging from stealth mode a year ago, said Carlson Choi, CEO of Cork. Dave will play a critical role in building our sales team and growing our partner network, especially as we continue to expand our portfolio of cyber attack prevention and financial coverage offerings that protect MSPs and their customers. Additionally, Dave's expertise will be invaluable to the investments Cork is making in our active loss prevention platform as we work toward our goal of eliminating cyber risk for SMBs through risk mitigation and financial recovery."

Dave's decision to join is driven by Cork's pioneering introduction of the world's first smart cyber warrantya model that redefines the standards for global MSPs. Im thrilled to join Cork because of their groundbreaking approach to cyber warranty and active loss prevention platform  it's truly a game-changer for MSPs, said Nankervis. Being part of Cork, especially at this stage, is exciting for me as it provides me with a unique opportunity to replicate the success Ive had helping other technology start-ups and early-stage companies serving the MSP space quickly and grow and scale.

As Corks Chief Revenue Officer, Dave will be responsible for go-to-market strategy and operations, partner success, and business development. He joins Cork from Mailprotector, where he most recently served as Vice President of Sales. Before that, he was Director of Account Management at Liongard. Dave began his career in the MSP space at Axcient, where he held various account management and business development roles.

About Cork

Cork is a purpose-built cyber warranty company for managed service providers (MSPs) serving small businesses (SMBs) and the software solutions they manage. Its purpose-built platform with AI-enhanced cyber risk engine is designed to offer MSPs and their clients peace of mind with near-instant coverage and settlements in the aftermath of security incidents. Corks revolutionary Protection from the Inside Out approach to actionable insights, flexible premiums, and claims management puts control in the hands of MSPs and SMBs to protect the digital assets they value most. Based in Dover, Del., Cork is backed by DVx Ventures, Outsiders Fund, and Vestigo Ventures. For more information, visit corkinc.com and follow Cork on LinkedIn.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8249f2e4-ea44-4204-9ac6-58067e10e1d3
Washington, DC, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP), a nonprofit organization representing all specialty pharmacy industry stakeholders, is pleased to announce the full agenda for the NASP 2024 Annual Meeting & Expo. The conference will take place October 6 - 9, 2024 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN.

NASPs annual event is known throughout the healthcare industry for providing comprehensive information regarding all aspects of specialty pharmacy, including the evolution of the market, impact of specialty pharmacy on patients, and national legislative and regulatory policy.

Last years event broke the organizations all-time attendance record, attracting more than 1,600 registered attendees. With the growth of the association membership combined with the momentum in the specialty pharmacy industry overall, NASPs leadership believes this years Annual Meeting & Expo will draw an even bigger crowd.

Were featuring all the activities our attendees have grown to love and expect, including riveting keynote speakers, new Nashville-themed networking events, and an Exhibit Hall to facilitate business conversations that we know our sponsors and exhibitors will appreciate. The Gaylord Opryland is located in the heart of Music City, with stunning facilities for client events, team meetings and relaxing with colleagues. Simply put  it will be our best meeting to date, said Sheila M. Arquette, RPH, President & CEO, NASP.

The four-day event features presentations from top industry thought-leaders, in addition to nationally recognized keynote speakers, including Rick Lozano, Leadership and Talent Development Expert, and Charles Esten, multi-talented global entertainer best known for his roles as Ward Cameron on Netflixs Outer Banks and Deacon Claybourne in ABC/CMTs Nashville.

Education is a cornerstone of the organizations mission and each year, expert faculty provide comprehensive information and insights on the clinical, operational, regulatory, and patient experience aspects of specialty pharmacy. Conference attendees can choose from 40+ accredited educational sessions, including enough CPE credits to satisfy most state annual pharmacist licensure requirements. Legal, nurse, and pharmacy technician CEs are also offered.

On Sunday, October 6, attendees may choose from among six conference workshops, including Accreditation, a new Cell & Gene Therapy workshop, Certified Specialty Pharmacist (CSP) Exam Prep Course, Hospital/Health System Specialty Pharmacy, Specialty Pharmacy Law, and Technology.

Additionally, the conference features panel discussions, poster presentations, the annual NASP Industry Awards, and expansive event space. For registration and additional information, please visit the NASP 2024 Annual Meeting & Expo website.

About NASP

NASP is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association representing all stakeholders in the specialty pharmacy industry. NASP's mission is to elevate the practice of specialty pharmacy by developing, delivery and promoting continuing professional education and specialty certification while advocating for public policies that ensure patients have appropriate access to specialty medications in tandem with critical services.

The association provides an online education center offering accredited continuing pharmacy education programs, hosts an annual meeting that offers education sessions and continuing education credits and is the only organization that offers a certification program for specialty pharmacists. NASP members include the nation's leading specialty pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturers, group purchasing organizations, patient advocacy groups, integrated delivery systems and health plans, pharmacy benefit managers, technology and data management vendors, wholesalers, and distributors, and practicing pharmacists. With more than 180 corporate members and 3,000 total members, NASP is unifying the voices of specialty pharmacy.
SALISBURY, N.C., June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In celebration of its ninth annual Feedys Awards, Food Lion Feeds honored a select group of partner food banks, volunteers, community leaders and associates. The honorees are recognized for their outstanding efforts and contributions to address food insecurity and to help nourish neighbors experiencing hunger across Food Lions 10-state footprint. Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.



At Food Lion, we believe no one should have to choose between dinner and rent, or gas and groceries, said Kevin Durkee, Manager, Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion. Our passion is helping to nourish and feed families through fresh, nutritious and affordable groceries in the towns and cities we serve and shortening the lines at local food banks. Through this annual event, we celebrate the work of our partnerships throughout our 10-state footprint and honor those working to ensure our neighbors have access to the food they deserve.

The following individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions:

The Food King Feeding Partner Award  Impact Southside Food Pantry (Chesapeake, VA)

This award honors a feeding partner that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support, innovation, encouragement and motivation for others to take leadership roles in hunger relief programming and community involvement. A vital part of the community, Impact Southside Food Pantry in Chesapeake, VA, is the second largest partner agency in the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Each month, they serve an average of 12,000 individuals or 2,500 households. The pantry creates an inclusive environment and welcomes an army of 120 volunteers who support a client-choice food pantry, allowing clients to select their food in a grocery store setting. Under Executive Director Mechele Hairstons leadership, she has encouraged city government officials, nonprofits, businesses and neighbors to support various efforts, including food pantry pop-ups in multiple neighborhoods and on-site mobile pantries at local schools for students and their families. She also provides protein bags for junior varsity and varsity student-athletes. In 2023, she launched her latest initiative, Love Norfolk, to bring together resources to nourish and support those experiencing homelessness.

The Lion Heart Volunteer Award  Larry Nowak, President, Faith Outreach Ministries of the Grand Strand (Surfside Beach, SC)

This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding skills in coordinating and motivating groups of donors and volunteers for hunger relief projects for the benefit of Food Lion Feeds and its partner food banks. A humble and servant leader of Faith Outreach Ministries, Larry Nowak began supporting neighbors more than 10 years ago when his pastor envisioned launching a feeding ministry  New Beginnings. Due to the growing need for food and nutrition, they officially partnered in 2017 with Lowcountry Food Bank in Myrtle Beach, SC. With Nowaks leadership, motivation and inspiration, the ministry serves more than 200 families and feeds lunch to more than 600 individuals monthly. In addition, Nowak led efforts to spearhead the opening of a veteran-operated food pantry  Socastee Pantry  located in a community where neighbors had limited access to healthy food. Nowak envisioned a pantry that engaged veterans to volunteer and operate a client-choice food pantry, allowing clients to select their food in a grocery store setting.

The Grand Lion for Good Vendor Award  Kellanova

This award, presented to a Food Lion supplier, recognizes outstanding commitment to partnering with and participating in Food Lion Feeds hunger relief projects. With a shared passion for nourishing neighbors and addressing food insecurity, Kellanova has helped match customer donations since 2020, providing $100,000 and supporting Food Lion Feeds Summers Without Hunger annual campaign. The yearly effort helps children and families have access to meals during the summer in partnership with Feeding America and the 33 local partner food banks throughout Food Lions 10-state operating area. At a volunteer event coordinated by Food Lion Feeds in 2023, Kellanova donated a truckload of snack items and $10,000 to Harvest Hope Food Bank in Greenville, SC. In addition to the product and financial support Kellanova provides, they participated in a distribution event serving 400 families experiencing hunger.

The Store that Roars Motivational Award  Food Lion at 4615 Yadkinville Road, Pfafftown, NC

This award honors a Food Lion store that demonstrates outstanding skills in coordinating and motivating store associates, customers and volunteers to participate in hunger relief projects for the benefit of Food Lion Feeds and its partner food banks. With a standout team of associates to help combat food insecurity, this Food Lion store is a longtime supporter of multiple local partnerships that nourish neighbors in Forsyth County, NC. In collaboration with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, the store helps provide nourishment to support the backpack program and Thanksgiving break kits. These kits contain fresh produce or snacks and shelf-stable food items to nourish children and their families. The store also donates food rescue to Yadkin Christian Ministries in East Bend, NC, and Sin Fronteras Iglesia Cristiana Church in Winston-Salem, NC. Through Food Lions pioneering food rescue program, the store distributes unsold, edible food that might otherwise go to waste, providing nutritious food for individuals and families. In addition to food donations, store associates regularly volunteer at these partnership agencies or the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, increasing the reach and impact of those served.

The Lions Pride Store Associate Award  Store Manager Mike Perry, Food Lion at 8149 Kings Hwy., King George, VA

This award honors a Food Lion associate who demonstrates outstanding skills in coordinating and motivating store associates and volunteers for hunger relief projects for the benefit of Food Lion Feeds and its partner food banks. Food Lion Feeds honors Store Manager Mike Perry for his impact on combating hunger in his community. Perry champions hunger relief efforts at his Food Lion store located at 8149 Kings Hwy., King George, VA. For example, he interacts with partner food bank Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, which benefits from Food Lions food rescue program. Through Food Lions pioneering food rescue program, the store distributes unsold, edible food that might otherwise go to waste, providing nutritious food for individuals and families. Based on statistics collected by Feeding America, 73% of impoverished individuals in King George County have incomes below 200% of the poverty limit. In addition to coordinating donation pickups with the food bank, Perry organizes food drives to benefit the food bank and volunteers at the agency.

Through Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion has helped to provide more than 1.2 billion meals to individuals and families since 2014 and has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025.

For more information on Food Lion Feeds commitment to ending hunger, visit foodlion.com/feeds.

About Food Lion

Food Lion is an omnichannel retailer committed to nourishing its neighbors during the moments that matter most. More than 82,000 associates across 1,100+ stores deliver an easy, fresh and affordable shopping experience throughout 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. Through its Count on me culture, Food Lion fosters a sense of belonging for all associates, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment that has supported LGBTQ+ equality for nearly two decades. Food Lion is the only company in the country to be named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for 23 consecutive years. It also pioneered a food rescue program to support food-insecure neighbors. Through Food Lion Feeds, the retailer has donated more than 1.2 billion meals to individuals and families since 2014 and has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025. Founded and based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit foodlion.com.

CONTACT:

Food Lion Media Relations

704-245-3317

publicrelationsteam@foodlion.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/57a5c4e0-bb66-4448-b872-19a4d0aec6ff

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Dublin, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global 3D Concrete Printing Market Report by Product Type, Concrete Type, Printing Type, End Use, and Region 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global 3D concrete printing market is expected to experience an extraordinary growth trajectory, with the market size projected to burgeon from US$ 2.14 billion in 2023 to an impressive US$ 158.15 billion by 2032.

The cutting-edge technology of 3D concrete printing is revolutionizing the construction realm, offering notable benefits like increased efficiency, reduced waste, and the capacity to spawn intricate geometrical structures once thought impossible with traditional building methods. The market's prodigious growth rate is spurred by the mounting quest for sustainable and cost-efficient construction alternatives and the imperative need for swifter construction processes coupled with diminished labor costs.

Technological Advancements Fuel Sustainable Construction



The push for construction solutions that are both eco-conscious and financially viable is propelling the 3D concrete printing market forward. The advantages are manifold: significant waste reduction, automation of labor-intensive tasks, and shortened project timelines, which together pave the way for a greener and more cost-effective construction industry.

Adaptive Applications Across Sectors



From residential to commercial construction, and infrastructure to aerospace, the applications of 3D concrete printing are broadening. With the incorporation of diverse printing technologies such as gantry systems and robotic arms, the market is adapting to various business needs and propelling the surge in demand.

Regional Insights Exhibit European Market Dominance



Geographically, the European region takes the lead, contributing to the largest market share, which can be attributed to its strong environmental policies and the rise of innovative construction technologies. The market is also witnessing robust growth across other key regions, including North America and the Asia-Pacific.

Competitive Landscape: An Arena of Collaboration and Innovation



The global 3D concrete printing market portrays a fiercely competitive landscape where industry players are committed to technological enhancement and strategic partnerships. These efforts are reflective of the sector's focus on continuous innovation, a critical driver for maintaining a competitive edge within this rapidly advancing industry.

As the market horizon expands, the forecasted period shows promise for trailblazing developments and an increased rate of adoption of 3D concrete printing technologies. This trend is expected to bring forth new architectural possibilities while promoting sustainability and efficiency on a global scale.

The 3D concrete printing market report provides an extensive analysis of market segments, changing dynamics, and an in-depth look at the competitive landscape. With various drivers pushing the market towards sustainable expansion, industry players remain optimistic about the future scope and impact of 3D concrete printing in transforming the construction sector.



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 137 Forecast Period 2023 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $2.14 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $158.15 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 61.2% Regions Covered Global

Report Segmentation

Breakup by Product Type:

Walls

Floors and Roofs

Panels and Lintels

Staircases

Others

Breakup by Concrete Type:

Ready-mix

High-density

Precast

Shotcrete

Others

Breakup by Printing Type:

Gantry System

Robotic Arm

Breakup by End Use:

Residential Building

Commercial Building

Infrastructure

Others

Companies Profiled

APIS Cor

COBOD International

CyBe Construction

DUS Architects

Foster + Partners

Heidelbergcement

Holcim Ltd

Sika

Skanska

Universe Architecture

XtreeE

Yingchuang Building Technique

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gp29al

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Belleville, Illinois, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allsup, a leading provider of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation, return to work and veterans disability appeals services, is excited to sponsor Cancer and Careers' 14th annual National Conference on Work & Cancer , scheduled for Friday, June 21, 2024. This free virtual event brings together cancer patients, survivors, healthcare professionals, employers and advocates to discuss the many complex challenges that individuals face navigating work after a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer and Careers embodies a true dedication to supporting individuals impacted by cancer, whether they are managing their careers during or following their diagnosis, said T.J. Geist, Principal Advocate at Allsup. Our enduring collaboration with Cancer and Careers has helped us to better guide many cancer patients and survivors in navigating the intricacies of securing SSDI benefits, along with subsequent assistance for rejoining the workforce through Social Securitys Ticket to Work Program.

With 40 years of expertise, Allsup has effectively helped more than 400,000 individuals who have disabilities or severe health issues, such as cancer, to secure SSDI benefits when their conditions restrict their ability to work. The SSDI experts at Allsup are known for leading clients through the SSDI claims process, which is often prolonged and may require multiple appeals with the Social Security Administration.

As claimants get through a lengthy waiting period for approvaloften spanning several months or longerthey can take advantage of Disability Financial Solutions, an exclusive Allsup service designed to relieve financial concerns for SSDI claimants. DFS helps with concerns such as daily living expenses, credit card bills and healthcare needs, Geist explained.

After receiving SSDI approval, beneficiaries considering a return to the workforce can benefit from the assistance offered by Allsup Employment Services (AES), a subsidiary of Allsup and a Social Security-authorized Employment Network. AES assigns a dedicated case manager to beneficiaries and offers free support and resources through the Ticket to Work Program.

This years conference will delve into a variety of topics critical to the cancer community, including balancing treatment and work, disclosure decisions, managing side effects in the workplace, and effective communication strategies. The conference is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and resources needed to manage their careers through the cancer journey successfully.

In recognition of the digital divide, the event will also spotlight the Technology Assistance Program (TAP), aimed at providing laptops to participants who might otherwise be unable to attend due to lack of access to reliable technology.

Sessions will feature real-time closed captioning to ensure accessibility for all attendees, and continuing education credits will be available for nurses, social workers and HR professionals. For more information or to register for the virtual event, visit CancerAndCareers.org.

ABOUT CANCER AND CAREERS

Cancer and Careers is a global organization, with non-profit status in the U.S., that solely focuses on the intersection of health and employment. Founded in 2001, Cancer and Careers is committed to eliminating fear and uncertainty for working people with cancer through direct support and education, while also amplifying their voices through research and advocacy. The organizations programs, services and trainings help individuals get back to work and companies build ecosystems of support to retain and attract best-in-class talent.

ABOUT ALLSUP

Allsup and its subsidiaries provide nationwide Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, disability financial solutions, return to work, and healthcare benefits services for individuals, their employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Illinois, near St. Louis. Learn more at AllsupLLC.com and @Allsup or download a free PDF of Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance: Getting It Right The First Time.

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CLEVELAND, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This month, ON Partners , a pure-play retained executive search firm building diverse C-level and board leadership teams, announced the companys recognition as one of Forbes Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms  for the sixth consecutive year. The list is a prestigious ranking based on survey responses from more than 9,300 recruiters, HR or hiring managers, and employees with recent experience working with a recruiting firm.



With a consistent 4.9 out of 5.0 experience rating from clients and executive placements, ON has helped navigate successful appointments across a range of clients thus far in 2024, including Amer Sports, CKE Restaurants, Diebold Nixdorf, Lenovo, Net Health, Nvidia, Onto Innovation, Postman, Q2, and SoCi.

As in previous years, ON has made various contributions to the overall executive recruiting industry, from building C-level leadership teams across sectors to driving innovation in hiring data and client deliverables. This year, ON confirmed a 22% increase in executive search assignments and an 18% increase in executive search assignments for C-level leadership positions compared to the previous period. Both increases occurred over the last six months with strong momentum and demand primarily from private equity and growth-backed organizations.

Nearly two-thirds of our search assignments are for growth-stage companies thus far this year, typically with a Growth/Private Equity sponsor involved, said Jake Espenlaub, Partner at ON Partners. This has been expected as weve seen a demanding shift in operational value creation and a continual drive to profitability, which heightens the importance of effective leadership. Additionally, our recent 2023 Variance Report showed executive hiring growth in sectors such as cleantech, energy, SaaS, and semiconductor.

ON Partners is dedicated to ensuring that our clients and business leaders receive the best data insights for executive hiring through real-time analytics and reporting, which helps them navigate this ever-evolving market, said Bryan Buck, Partner at ON Partners. The implementation of AI, alongside our proprietary data plays a critically important role in being able to support those efforts. We are strategically developing further AI-enabled predictive analytics to enhance the firms ability to forecast future talent success and increase efficiency in executive candidate assessment.

Even with the increased use of AI, this initiative intends to maximize the power of ON market data, further streamline the search process, and allow clients to make better executive hiring decisions  faster. ONs goal is to create more inclusive, predictive, and efficient data that clients can use with confidence. By developing reports such as the 2024 Womens Report , and Talent Intelligence Report , ON continues to add value to the marketplace by providing industry leaders with the tools and resources to make effective decisions utilizing a simplified process.

To learn more about the ON Partners approach and gain insight into the role 2024 market trends play in executive placements, visit https://onpartners.com/contact-executive-recruitment-agency/ .

About ON Partners

Established in 2006, ON Partners is the only pure-play executive search firm building diverse C-level and board leadership teams. We rebuilt the institution of executive search in the way you work, with an approach that includes present partners who engage with clients from the first brief to the final decision, individually crafted solutions unique to each client, and an easier experience overall. Named by Forbes as one of Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms and to the Inc. 500/5000 List nine times, ON Partners is consistently ranked among the top 20 retained executive search firms in the U.S.

Media Contact

Amber Good

LeadCoverage

amber@leadcoverage.com
San Diego, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NP Digital, a leader in end-to-end digital marketing, announces its strategic agreement to acquire SearchGuru, expanding its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region and underscoring its ambitious global growth strategy.

The agreement to acquire SearchGuru scales NP Digitals in-market SEO, paid media and creative capabilities, further solidifying its position as a market disruptor in the APAC market and unlocking new opportunities in the region for its global enterprise clients. SearchGuru has offices in high-demand markets such as Australia, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong and will an additional 120 digital marketers to its 270-strong APAC team. SearchGuru has a proven track record of delivering business performance for leading brands such as Club Med, Nespresso, Maybank and DHL across Asia and aligns well with NP Digitals customer-centric values and culture.

This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to customers by expanding and diversifying our international talent and capabilities, better enabling us to support client needs and take advantage of new opportunities around the globe, said Mike Gullaksen, CEO of NP Digital. We have had impressive organic growth in the Asia-Pacific region over the last several years, and bringing SearchGuru into our ecosystem deepens our capabilities, creates momentum and efficiencies, and positions us to amplify our impact on the brands we work with.

The combination of NP Digital's robust technology stack and SearchGurus established expertise across Asian markets will strengthen the comprehensive suite of performance marketing solutions it offers to clients across key verticals such as finance, insurance, travel and beauty.

The last 11 years has been an amazing journey growing from a local 4-man agency to a regional leader with over 120 specialists while delivering consecutive revenue growth year after year and now joining NP Digital is going to elevate us further to the global stage, said Larry Lim, CEO, SearchGuru.

NP Digital has capitalized on significant growth opportunities in this global dynamic landscape in recent years. In early 2024 it acquired the Canada-based creative branding agency, REBL House and in 2023 acquired the search listening technology, AnswerThePublic.

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About NP Digital:

NP Digital is a global digital marketing agency focused on enterprise and mid-market challenger brands. Underpinned by its proprietary technology division and platform Ubersuggest, NP Digital is regarded as one of the fastest-growing, award-winning performance marketing agencies in the industry. NP Digital views marketing through a consultative lens that takes a holistic view when applying specialist execution to build meaningful partnerships. These partnerships include some of the worlds most prominent Fortune 500 brands in addition to mid-size, direct-to-consumer (DTC) challenger-type organizations. NP Digital spans across the globe, with more than 800 employees in 19 countries and 40 of the 50 U.S. states. For more information visit npdigital.com.

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New York, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lighthouse Guild is awarding college scholarships of $10,000 each to 16 students from across the country who are legally blind and will be entering college or attending graduate school in the Fall.

Since 2005, Lighthouse Guilds Scholarship Program has awarded over $2.8 million in college scholarships to students who are legally blind. Former scholarship recipients have gone on to a variety of careers, including as nurses, attorneys, teachers, engineers, chemists, composers, musicians, neuroscientists, social workers, business owners, investors, epidemiologists, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, journalists, and computer scientists.

Students who are visually impaired can face particular challenges as they pursue their higher education goals, said Dr. Calvin W. Roberts, President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild. We are pleased to support these outstanding students and provide them with a clearer pathway to success in their chosen careers. I congratulate them on their academic achievements and wish them all the best in the future.

Lighthouse Guild scholarships are based on strong academic accomplishment and merit to help students who are legally blind make a successful transition to college and graduate school. The 2024 recipients will be attending some of the nations most competitive universities.





Lighthouse Guild 2024 Scholarship Recipients with their schools:

Undergraduate Scholarships

Andy Shen, San Luis Obispo, CA -- Stanford University

Arthur Murray, Bronx, NY -- Vassar College

Charli Strawn, Gadsden, AL -- Auburn University

Jack Lamson, Baldwinsville, NY -- Rochester Institute of Technology

Jamila Conde, New York, NY -- NYU College of Arts and Science

Lynn Wu, Trabuco Canyon, CA -- Stanford University, Recipient of the Dr. Neil S. Patel Memorial Scholarship

Madeline Mau, Princeton Junction, NJ -- NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Mercy Rao, Columbia, MD -- Elizabethtown College

Patrick Flaherty, Austin, TX -- The University of Texas at Austin, Cockrell School of Engineering

Raveena Alli, Atlanta, GA -- Georgia Institute of Technology

Graduate Scholarships

Angelica Martini, Atlanta, GA -- Georgia Institute of Technology, Scheller College of Business

Arie Farnam, La Grande, OR -- Eastern Oregon University

Bhavya Shah, Stanford, CA -- Stanford University

Kamran Vora, Plano, TX -- Texas A&M University School of Medicine

Ronak Patel, Baltimore, MD --The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Treasa Praino, Morris Plains, NJ -- Syracuse University

Students Hopes and Aspirations

The Lighthouse Guild scholarship truly means the world to me because it allows me to pursue my passion and dreams in college of inventing software and devices to empower different disadvantaged communities around the world, said Lynn Wu, who is entering Stanford University in California as an undergraduate student in September. She is the recipient of the Dr. Neil S. Patel Memorial Scholarship, awarded by Lighthouse Guild to outstanding students who aspire to support underserved populations.

I aspire to become a lawyer and I want to work in an area of law such as medical ethics or patent law. Im fascinated by the interplay between history, law, and science, said Arthur Murray. It is my greatest hope to give back to the communities that have helped build my confidence in my abilities both in and out of school. Organizations like Lighthouse Guild have shown me how to break down barriers and that is what I hope to do as a lawyer. I want to help people get higher quality care, more easily, and more fairly.

This scholarship means more than just helping me get an education, said scholarship winner Patrick Flaherty of Austin, Texas who will be attending The University of Texas at Austin, Cockrell School of Engineering. It will help me massively, both in ease of mind of the expenses directly related to college, and the expenses related to the transition from high school to college.

The Lighthouse Guild scholarship is enormous for me, said Arie Farnam, a scholarship winner who will be enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Creative Writing program at Eastern Oregon University in Oregon. The scholarship will certainly help me to complete my education. The MFA is the highest degree in its field, which means with that degree I will be able to teach at the university level, as well as publish. Ms. Farnam is an author who is going back to school after 20 years.

Click HERE to access more photos and videos of this years Lighthouse Guild scholarship recipients.

Lighthouse Guild

Lighthouse Guild provides exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals. Our podcast series, On Tech & Vision with Dr. Cal Roberts offers information and insights about technological innovations that are tearing down barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired.

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Charleston, South Carolina, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The College of Charleston School of Business and School of Education will have enhanced faculty and student experiences thanks to a $2 million gift by Mark Buono 81 and Judy Buono 22 (M.Ed.).

The Buono Endowed Professorship in Commercial Real Estate will be an endowed faculty position in the School of Business that will elevate the distinction of the real estate discipline at the university. The fund will supplement the base salary of a tenured faculty member, which will enable the College to recruit more competitively for a candidate to both teach in the Commercial Real Estate Finance program and serve as director of the Carter Real Estate Center.



The Commercial Real Estate Finance program has flourished thanks to the Carter Real Estate Center, which has built momentum for the Colleges real estate program by engaging the local community, arranging for cutting-edge tools such as CoStar and partnering with local and national professional organizations. Since 2018, the number of declared commercial real estate finance majors has grown from 33 to 190.

The program has grown substantially since it was created a short time ago, says Mark Buono, who is also a professor of practice in finance and is serving as interim director of the Carter Real Estate Center. The program will only continue to be successful with excellent faculty and staff, and we hope our gift will allow the College to attract top-notch faculty.

The Mark and Judy Buono Endowed Scholarship will support rising juniors, seniors or graduate students majoring in education. The scholarship will enable future teachers to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the School of Education and graduate to serve their communities and prepare future generations for success.

The School of Education started preparing P-12 teachers in 1937. Today, the school graduates 100 future teachers each year, with more than 60% staying in the Lowcountry. In the past five years, in a testament to the quality of their education, nearly 200 College of Charleston alumni have been recognized as Teacher of the Year nominees or recipients.

Judy Buono knew of the School of Educations long history of producing qualified, engaged teachers. While in the master of education program, Judy interacted with other students who were also passionate about teaching but learned some were facing financial barriers to complete their degrees.

I have always believed that all children in our country deserve a quality education in which they are taught by dedicated teachers committed to their profession, she says. Our hope is that scholarships will diminish the barriers that can hinder individuals who are interested in becoming teachers from pursuing their dreams.

In addition to these two important new funds, the Buonos supported the Colleges annual CofC Day event, which took place on March 13 and 14, 2024. Their CofC Day Challenge to provide $50,000 at the 750-donor milestone served as an important motivator and is helping build a stronger culture of philanthropy at the College. They will provide a similar challenge for CofC Day in 2025.

The College is fortunate to count Mark and Judy Buono as alumni, donors and advocates, says President Andrew T. Hsu. Their extraordinary philanthropic investment will move us closer toward our goal of becoming a national university by elevating distinctive programs like real estate and education. Their example of giving back to their alma mater is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for their generosity.

Along with their financial contributions, the Buonos serve on committees and boards  Mark on the College of Charleston Foundation Board and Judy on the Student Affairs Board of Advocates. With engaged and committed alumni like the Buonos, future leaders will graduate from the College with a strong foundation to thrive in their future fields.

Add the Buonos: The College of Charleston is part of our family culture, and we are proud to be CofC alumni. We were motivated to make this gift to support two areas at the College of Charleston that we particularly care about and wish to see prosper to their greatest potential.

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Phoenix, Arizona, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the second year in a row, Aqua-Tots Swim School is partnering with Phoenix Children's to save lives by supporting healthcare and water safety education. The international swim schools $25,000 donation will go directly to the Water Safety division of the Injury Prevention program at Phoenix Childrens, continuing the commitment to the health and safety of our communities kids.

Aqua-Tots Swim School, headquartered in Mesa, Arizona, is recognized for teaching children worldwide to swim safely and confidently. The partnership with Phoenix Children's allows Aqua-Tots to extend its reach, benefiting a broader community and enhancing the impact of its efforts to prevent childhood drowning.



"Phoenix Childrens does honorable and heroic work, and were proud to be partnering with them for a second year," said Ron Sciarro, Co-Founder of Aqua-Tots Swim School. "Every day, they impact lives here at home and all over the world, and if we are able to do a small part to save even one life, its worth it.



Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Phoenix Children's reports that for each child who dies from drowning, five others require emergency treatment for nonfatal, water-related injuries, which can result in long-term disabilities and severe brain damage.

This donation will help further Phoenix Children's mission to provide outstanding, comprehensive care to patients across all communities, ages and specialty conditions through cutting-edge research and medical education programs.

"We're thankful for Aqua-Tots Swim Schools generous support again this year," said Tim Harrison, Vice President of Corporate Development and Special Events at Phoenix Childrens. "Their donation helps us provide exceptional care to our young patients and supports our ongoing commitment to protect the health and safety of children in our community."

Additionally, Aqua-Tots is extending a 20% discount on swim lessons to Phoenix Children's employees across the valley. This initiative demonstrates the companys dedication to fostering water safety in Arizona.



"Aqua-Tots has a long history of supporting first responder families and their selfless work deserves to be recognized," noted Heather Preston, Co-Founder and Chief Experience and Philanthropy Officer at Aqua-Tots Swim School. "Our franchisees throughout the valley are grateful for their dedication and are eager to support their efforts in keeping more children safe."



Together, Phoenix Children's Hospital and Aqua-Tots Swim School are committed to increasing water safety education in The Grand Canyon State. Their shared goal is to create a safer environment for children and families, ensuring every child has the chance to develop necessary swimming skills.



To learn more about Aqua-Tots Swim School and their parent-approved learn-to-swim program, visit aqua-tots.com.





About Aqua-Tots Swim School

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in the Phoenix area, Aqua-Tots Swim School is making waves as the largest international provider of year-round, indoor swim instruction, community outreach and drowning prevention education. Its trusted program is dedicated to children of all abilities from four months to 12 years old and features a proven curriculum used to teach more than five million swim lessons each year.

Aqua-Tots is recognized in Franchise Business Reviews Top 100 Franchises for Women in 2024, Entrepreneur's Top 15 Childrens Franchises of 2023, Entrepreneurs Franchise 500, Inc. Magazine's Top 5000 and Franchise Times Top 200, Aqua-Tots has more than 150 locations in 25 states across 14 countries and is rapidly expanding with 90 locations in development. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit aqua-tots.com/franchise-development and for more information about Aqua-Tots or to sign up for lessons near you, visit aqua-tots.com and follow Aqua-Tots on Facebook and Instagram.



About Phoenix Children's Foundation

Phoenix Childrens Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering philanthropic support from individuals, families, organizations and corporate partners committed to their mission: to advance hope, healing and the best health care for children and their families. One of the nations leading pediatric health systems, offers 170+ family-centered care programs that are fully or partially funded by philanthropy. There are many ways to give to Phoenix Childrens Foundation to invest in the health of children. Please visit givetopch.org for more information.

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Greensboro, NC, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Children's Home Society of NC (CHS) is proud to announce that it has been recognized with several prestigious marketing communications awards by the Telly Awards for its foster care recruitment commercials. The campaign was designed to increase awareness of programs and initiatives specifically around the significant shortage of foster families in North Carolina and the benefits of foster parenting.

The awards included:

A Gold Award for a Regional TV Series Not for Profit for the foster care commercials combined as one campaign.

A Silver Award for a Regional Commercial Not for Profit for the minute-long version of the initial foster care commercial.

Raven House Media, the production partner on the campaign, was recognized with a Bronze award for the overall campaign.

The Telly Awards is the premier award honoring video and television across all screens. Established in 1979, The Telly Awards receives over 13,000 entries globally. Winners are selected for recognition based on excellence in the following areas: Branded Content, Commercials & Marketing, Immersive & Mixed Reality, Non-Broadcast, Online & Television Series, Shows & Segments, and Social Video.

The Telly Awards Judging Council evaluates and decides on the winners. They are an industry body of over 250 leading experts including advertising agencies, production companies, and major television networks including Adobe, RunwayML, MSG Sphere Studios, Bustle Digital Group, Billion Dollar Boy, Netflix, Shutterstock, Unit 9, Whaler, and Meta Creative Shop.

"We are thrilled to receive these prestigious awards," said Becky Alley, CHS Chief Marketing Officer. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. It also reflects the incredible support we receive from our community, donors, and partners. We are grateful for their continued belief in our mission."

Last year CHS served more than 22,000 North Carolina children and families providing over 6,600 families with parent education and support services and creating a safe family placement for nearly 1,100 children who are in foster care. Childrens Home Society has celebrated more than 16,400 adoptions since its founding in 1902, remaining steadfast in its mission to promote the right of every child to a permanent, safe, and loving family.

For more information on Childrens Home Society, becoming a foster or adoptive parent, providing financial support, or volunteering please call 1-800-632-1400 or visit www.chsnc.org.

About Childrens Home Society of North Carolina

Childrens Home Society offers a network of services and support throughout North Carolina to help establish and sustain healthy, loving relationships in every family. For 120 years, Childrens Home Society has provided a broad spectrum of programs and services including adoption, foster care, parenting education, family preservation, and teen responsibility. Childrens Home Society believes in the importance of family, not only in the life of a child but also in the foundation of a community. For more information, visit www.chsnc.org.

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ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edgesource Corporation , a small business that delivers innovative solutions to the public sector, today announced the successful demonstration of its Windtalker C-sUAS sensor as part of the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Divisions Situational Training Exercise (STX).



To support the 25th IDs situational awareness at brigade and below, Edgesource deployed its C-sUAS WindtalkerTM sensor, a fully cyber-wrapped passive detection device capable of locating the pilot, home point and sUAS flight path for DJI and related aircraft, near Schofield Barracks, HI. Over the course of the seven-day demonstration period, Windtalker continuously monitored field airspace in diverse terrain to detect and alert platoons to the presence of drones without emitting energy or signals that could compromise their position. Throughout the STX, Windtalker (capable of detecting DJI drones up to 30km from the sensor), successfully detected and identified all drones (20+) utilized during the exercise, delivering mission intelligence on the location of the drone and its operator for sUAS.

As weapons and intelligence systems evolve and become more difficult to identify in theater, effective methods of achieving situational awareness beyond line of sight are becoming increasingly critical to mission success, said Lieutenant Colonel Pete Walther, Battalion Commander in the U.S. Armys 25th Infantry Division and organizer of the exercise. Without detailed knowledge of field conditions on the ground and in the air, soldiers cant effectively plan and execute operations, underscoring the urgent need to bridge this capability gap.

Capable of detecting up to 400 drones simultaneously within a user-defined zone of interest, Edgesources Windtalker can deploy in under 30 minutes, preserving mission agility. Upon the detection of sUAS, the sensor can alert to drone activity and threats, delivering real-time notifications within the users command and control system via SMS and email to provide advanced warning for soldiers in its flight path. In addition to detection and location of drone systems, Windtalker also captures complete flight data, enabling tactical teams to analyze enemy flight paths and identify the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) of the operator. Windtalker is the only DoD, cybersecure C-sUAS system with an Authorization to Operate (ATO), allowing safe and secure connectivity to DoD and Federal networks and C2 software.

The completion of the 25th Infantry Divisions STX and successful demonstration of Windtalkers ability to detect and distinguish between friendly and enemy drones further verifies the sensors ability to deliver real-time, accurate situational awareness for platoons at the tactical edge, said J. Christopher Lansburgh, president and CEO of Edgesource. Im pleased with the success of the demonstration and the progress weve made on delivering a reliable counter UAS solution to enhance mission intelligence for operational success.

To learn more about Edgesource Corporations counter UAS offerings, visit https://www.edgesource.com/c-suas/ .

About Edgesource Corporation

Edgesource Corporation is committed to exceeding expectations for quality, responsiveness, and professionalism while delivering innovative products and forward-leaning solutions within agreed price and schedules. As a small business headquartered in Alexandria, VA, Edgesource closely supports a variety of federal defense, intelligence, homeland, and civilian customers. With subject matter experts and a staff of cleared professionals, we solve mission-critical challenges with expedience and reliability in CONUS and OCONUS environments. By following our proven proactive management approach, we successfully develop partnerships with our customers, delivering agile and flexible services to each client.

Media Contact

Joe Urbaniak

Chief Strategy Officer for Edgesource

jurbaniak@edgesource.com
MONTREAL, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Earth Alive Clean Technologies Inc. (TSXV: EAC) ("Earth Alive" or the "Company"), a leader in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly microbial solutions and products, is pleased to announce today the renewal of a strategic partnership with Eldorado Gold Quebec, which operates the Lamaque underground mine located in Val-dOr, Quebec. In commercial production for 5 years, the company is committed to minimizing its environmental impacts by applying industry best practices.



This partnership integrates one of Earth Alive's advanced technologies  Interlube bio-lubricants  demonstrating both companies' commitment to a forward-looking mining industry. Eldorado Gold Quebec has been using biodegradable oils since 2017. Today, the entire fleet of underground mobile equipment uses these oils, a first in the industry.

With its comprehensive and diverse portfolio of solutions, Earth Alive is the ideal partner to offer a 360 approach to meet the needs of mines in their ecological transition by promoting the use of biological products.

Collaboration Highlights

Product Benefits:

The adoption of biological oils has reduced the environmental risks of Eldorado Gold Quebec's operations. These lubricants, entirely derived from plant sources, are not only biodegradable but also non-toxic. Using these lubricants in heavy mining equipment allows Eldorado Gold Quebec to reduce the risks of soil and groundwater pollution in the event of spills. Additionally, these products are designed to offer excellent performance under the severe constraints of mining environments, ensuring the reliability and durability of the machinery. Eldorado Gold Quebec has adopted Interlube products for underground mining equipment.



Nikolaos Sofronis, CEO of Earth Alive, explains: "Our partnership with Eldorado Gold Quebec is a testament to our ability to offer a comprehensive range of ecological solutions to the mining industry. We are proud to provide products that not only respect the environment but also holistically address the diverse ecological needs of mines."

Martin Pichette, Director of Operations and Maintenance at Eldorado Gold Quebec, adds: "Using Earth Alive's products aligns perfectly with our vision of sustainable development. These products allow us not only to meet but exceed our environmental commitments."

Patrick Ouellet, Commercial Director of Interlube, explains: "Initiating this partnership with Eldorado Gold Quebec was a decisive step for Interlube, and now, as an integral part of Earth Alive, we are able to expand our collaboration. This union offers us the unique opportunity to present Eldorado Gold Quebec with a broader range of environmental solutions."

With this partnership, Earth Alive and Eldorado Gold Quebec confirm that economic performance and social responsibility can go hand in hand. This project marks the continuity of our common quest for a sustainable future.

About Earth Alive Clean Technologies Inc.

Earth Alive is a leader in the microbial technologies industry. Earth Alive's innovative products contribute to regenerative agriculture, natural dust suppression with minimal water use, and ecological, human-friendly industrial cleaning. For more information, please visit: https://earthalivect.com.

Forward-Looking Information

Some information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, which reflect the current view of management regarding the Companys objectives, plans, goals, strategies, prospects, operating results, financial performance, operational outlook, and opportunities of the Company. Wherever used, words or expressions such as anticipate, will, extend, enhance, promising, positioning, growth, accelerate, outlook, expected, generate, increase, hope, potential, optimistic, and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking information and forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements should not be considered as a guarantee of future events, performance, or results, and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether, or when, such events, performance, or results will be achieved.

Factors that could impact or hinder the achievement of such events, performance, or results include the ability to:

(i) increase sales by multiple figures in 2024;

(ii) improve operational efficiency;

(iii) significantly increase our sales;

(iv) achieve our vision in 2024, and other risks described in Earth Alives documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

You can find more information about these risks and other risks in Earth Alives 2023 MD&A Annual Report and other filings made with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at https://sedarplus.ca. These documents are also available on our website at https://earthalivect.com. Earth Alive disclaims any obligation to update or revise such forward-looking statements, unless required by applicable law.

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.

For information, please contact:

Nikolaos Sofronis, CEO

Phone: 438 333-1680; 514 462-1628

Mobile: +352 621 395 338

Email: nsofronis@earthalivect.com
FEDERAL WAY, Wash., June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Celebrating excellence in the field of functional medicine, The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) proudly announces the recipients of its annual awards: the Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine, the Founders Scholarship, and the Debbie Sanstad Scholarship. These honors were presented during the 2024 Annual International Conference (AIC), the largest gathering of healthcare professionals, clinicians, researchers, and students from around the globe in the events 31-year history.

"Honoring the remarkable achievements of this year's award recipients, IFM celebrates the vision of these leaders as they shape the landscape of functional medicine  in the present and for the future, states Amy R. Mack, MSES/MPA, IFM Chief Executive Officer. Their dedication to patient-centered, whole person care echoes the very essence of our efforts and vision to advance the transformation of healthcare and advance the highest expression of individual health.

Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine

Created in 1996, the Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine is given to a clinician or researcher who has made a significant contribution to the development of functional medicine, either by enhancing the functional medicine model or expanding the influence and reach of functional medicine worldwide.

IFM is proud to present the 2024 Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine to Tracy Gaudet, MD. Through her tireless dedication and innovative approaches, Dr. Gaudet exemplifies the spirit of Linus Pauling's interdisciplinary vision, revolutionizing the landscape of wellness and healing.

Dr. Gaudets pioneering work has not only transformed whole health patient care, but also inspires countless practitioners worldwide. Her exceptional leadership, vision, and pursuit of excellence stand as a testament to her impact on the field. With deep admiration and gratitude, we celebrate Tracy Gaudet as a beacon of inspiration, embodying the essence of the IFM Linus Pauling Award.

Scholarship Awards

IFM is proud to offer annual scholarships to expand access to functional medicine training for practitioners. These scholarships allow clinicians to gain new clinical skills and effectively apply the functional medicine model in diverse clinical settings.

We are pleased to award this years Founders Scholarship to Alison Cooper, MD, MPH, family medicine and preventive medicine physician from Baltimore, Maryland, and Leticia Mendoza Galindo, MD, family practice physician in Mexico City, Mexico. Established in 2023 by IFM co-founders, Susan Bland, MA and Jeff Bland, PhD, the Founders Scholarship supports functional medicine education for primary care practitioners working with underserved communities and who show exemplary leadership and passion for their communities and the mission of IFM.

Dr. Alison Cooper received her bachelors degree from Harvard University and her medical degree (MD) and masters in public health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins University. From authoring an official American Medical Association policy to integrate community health workers into the U.S healthcare system to collaborating on clinical research, Dr. Coopers passion is to work at the intersection of the health system and environments in which people live.

Functional medicine now serves as the cornerstone of her work in prevention, public health, and practice transformation. She believes that in order for functional medicine to be relevant for primary care, specialty care, and health departments, practitioners must learn how to provide functional medicine to diverse populations and communities.

As a doctor specializing in preventive medicine and primary care with an emphasis on clinical nutrition, Dr. Leticia Medonza Galindo founded her own practice focused on empowering patients, particularly members of the LGBTQ+ community and women, by promoting body awareness and integral health.

Dr. Galindo is inspired by the collaborative relationship between patients and practitioners, and providing her patients with evidence-based, comprehensive, and personalized support that improves not only their state of health but also their quality of life.

The 2024 Debbie Sanstad Scholarship was awarded to Jeanine Wagner, MSN, FNP/AGACNP-BC, a dedicated healthcare practitioner with a passion for unraveling the complex interplay of factors contributing to chronic disease and creating personalized treatment plans that address the underlying causes and promote lasting wellness. This annual scholarship is intended for clinicians at the beginning of their journey and was created in memory of longtime IFM team member, Debbie Sanstad.

Jeanine Wagner is a dedicated healthcare professional specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner with a post-master's certificate in acute care gerontology, providing care in Temecula, California.

Jeanine's vision is to create inclusive and accessible healthcare opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. She believes in the transformative potential of integrative approaches to healthcare, leveraging both conventional medicine and holistic modalities to optimize health outcomes and foster a vibrant state of well-being for her patients.

IFM applauds the accomplishments and contributions of the Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine and IFM scholarship winners. Their work enhances IFMs efforts to integrate functional medicine into more clinics, health systems, and academic medicine settings and to improve the quality of care for all populations.

For more information about The Institute for Functional Medicine, Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine, or IFM scholarship opportunities, please visit IFM.org.

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About The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)

As the leading voice for functional medicine for more than 30 years, The Institute for Functional Medicine is advancing the transformation of healthcare for patients and practitioners worldwide. IFM supports the confident and competent practice of functional medicine through high-quality education and certification programs; partnerships across medical disciplines; and advocating on behalf of functional medicine clinicians and patients around the globe. IFM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the only organization providing functional medicine certification along with educational programs directly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). For more information, please visit IFM.org.

About Functional Medicine

As a catalyst in the transformation of healthcare, functional medicine treats root causes of disease and restores healthy function through a personalized patient experience. From chronic illness to disease prevention, functional medicine systematically addresses the unique physical, mental, and emotional needs of all patients. By understanding each patients genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences, functional medicine is a vital partner to conventional medicine that delivers transformative care to promote optimal health and well-being.

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Dublin, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Armored Vehicles Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The armored vehicles market is projected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.22% to reach a market valuation of US$23.094 billion by 2029, from US$18.495 billion in 2022.



The rising defence budget plays a pivotal role in driving the market for armored vehicles by fueling increased spending on military modernization and equipment acquisition programs. As governments allocate more funds towards defense, they prioritize the enhancement of their armed forces' capabilities, including the procurement of advanced armored vehicles to address evolving security threats. This heightened investment enables defense organizations to upgrade their armored vehicle fleets with state-of-the-art technologies, such as advanced ballistic protection systems, integrated communication systems, and enhanced mobility features.





Furthermore, the escalating geopolitical tensions and the growing emphasis on border security worldwide contribute to the growing demand for armored vehicles as nations seek to bolster their defence capabilities to safeguard their territorial integrity and national interests. Consequently, the rising defence budget serves as a key catalyst for driving the armored vehicles market growth, stimulating investments in research, development, and procurement initiatives aimed at strengthening military capabilities and ensuring operational readiness in an increasingly complex security landscape.



The Union Budget for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 proposes a total expenditure amounting to Rs 45,03,097 crore. Within this budget, the Ministry of Defence has been allocated a total of Rs 5,93,537.64 crore, constituting 13.18% of the overall budget. This allocation marks an increase of Rs 68,371.49 crore (13%) compared to the budget for 2022-23



Growing emphasis on fostering local manufacturing capabilities is anticipated to propel market growth.



Moreover, there's a growing emphasis on fostering local manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and African regions. This shift aims to encourage the development of new armored vehicle models by domestic manufacturers, thereby expanding their presence in regional markets. According to a 2021 report, the total costs for acquiring the Army's ground combat vehicles are estimated to average approximately $5 billion annually (in 2020 currency) until 2050. This comprises $4.5 billion allocated for procurement and $0.5 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) purposes .



Increasing defence budget by various developing countries is anticipated to boost the market



Countries like China, India, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan are spending heavily on the purchase of new armored vehicles to replace their aging fleets that have been in existence for more than 30 years due to the rising geopolitical tensions in the area. It is projected that the industry will expand as a result of the increased emphasis on protecting soldiers from potential dangers.

The need for individual armored vehicles is also predicted to expand as company security awareness rises, leading to new introductions and advancements in the market. For instance, the first hybrid-electric JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) was unveiled in January 2022 by Oshkosh Defence, LLC, a company that develops military vehicles, mobility systems, and technological solutions. The electric JLTV that the business unveiled touted increased fuel economy, shielded soldiers from injury, and had a battery with a 30kWh capacity.



Various developing countries are investing a significant sum of their GDP in the upgrade and making their military more powerful. The increasing use of armored vehicles is also important as it can protect soldiers of the country, safeguarding them from attacks. The government of India set aside 5.94 lakh crores in the budget of 2023-24 for the defence segment, a jump of 13% in value from the previous year. A sum of Rs 1,62,600 crore will be allocated to just modernization & infrastructure development in the defence industry, which includes the use of higher-quality guns, tanks, and various armored vehicles. Similarly, various other governments are also allocating a major share of their budget for developing their defence.



Additionally, various companies see these developing countries of Asia Pacific as they have huge potential in the market and expanding their presence in the region. For instance, Otokar, a Turkish company situated in Sakarya that produces military vehicles, set out in March 2022 to increase its market share in the Asia Pacific region. At the Defence Services Asia exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the company showed COBRA II tactical armored vehicles as well as ARMA 66-wheeled armored vehicles. The increasing expenditure on the defence segment and the surging need for armored vehicles by various politicians and company officials will boost the armored vehicle market in the coming years.



The defence segment is projected to grow



Heightened geopolitical tensions across regions have resulted in a growing focus on defence and national security. As countries seek to protect their interests, there is an increased demand for armored vehicles that can effectively operate in various challenging environments and provide superior protection to military personnel. For instance, the Russia-Ukraine war is one of the major conflicts of the 21st century, marked by Russia's annexation of Crimea and subsequent armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, resulting in significant casualties, displacement, and geopolitical tensions.



Moreover, many nations possess aging armored vehicle fleets that require modernization or replacement to maintain operational readiness. Upgrading to technologically advanced and more capable armored vehicles ensures that defence forces can effectively respond to evolving threats and challenges.

For instance, the $24.1 billion budget request by the US government for FY2024 for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy (RDTE, N) focuses on developing future capabilities, including TACAMO recapitalization, Columbia class submarine, SSN(X) attack submarine, DDG(X) surface combatant, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, CH-53E helicopter, unmanned vehicles, hypersonic weapons, and Marine Corps programs. These investments enhance the survivable leg of the nuclear triad, and increase stealth, offensive capabilities, and technological superiority, ensuring growth in the defence segment of the armored vehicle market.



Additionally, border security and counter-terrorism operations have gained prominence globally. Armored vehicles play a crucial role in securing borders, conducting surveillance, and supporting operations against terrorist threats. The need for specialized vehicles capable of operating in challenging terrains and providing enhanced protection in these contexts has spurred the growth of the defence segment in the armored vehicle market.



The US President's FY 2023 budget request for the Department of Defence (DoD) amounting to $773 billion signifies a substantial investment in the defence sector. This increased budget allocation of 4.1 percent over the FY 2022 base level and 8.1 percent over the FY 2022 requested level reflects a significant growth opportunity for the defence segment in the armored vehicle market.

With sustained and strengthened investments in integrated deterrence and enduring advantages, the budget supports the development and acquisition of advanced armored vehicles, enhancing the capabilities, protection, and technological edge of the defence sector. This increased funding recognizes the importance of maintaining strong defence capabilities in response to evolving security challenges, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the need to preserve technological superiority.



The market is projected to grow in the Asia Pacific region especially India



Armored vehicles are a type of vehicle that is fitted with complete stainless steel or uranium armored plating and are used for security purposes by military personnel, VIPs, celebrities, and law enforcement. The growing VIP movements, coupled with the increase in defence spending of the Indian government have provided a positive outlook to the market demand for armored vehicles in India. For instance, according to the police records, in 2022, the number of VVIPs who visited Visakhapatnam stood at 1,143 which signified an increase of 83.5% in comparison to 623 VVIPs visited in 2021.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Defence budget for the year 2023-2024 witnessed a 13% increase in comparison to 2022. Furthermore, the growing scale of terrorist attacks has also made the Indian government boost its military strength, which is expected to further bolster the demand for armored vehicles in India, thereby augmenting the overall market growth.





Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 132 Forecast Period 2022 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $18.5 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $23.09 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.2% Regions Covered Global



Companies Featured

International Armored Group

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Thales Group

General Dynamics Corporation

BAE Systems

Denel Vehicle Systems

Oshkosh Defence, LLC

Rheinmetall AG

Elbit Systems Ltd.

INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing

Segmentation:

By Application

Defence

Armored Personnel Carriers

Infantry fighting vehicle

Light protected vehicle

Others

Commercial

SUV

Luxury

Others

By Geography

North America

USA

Canada

Mexico

South America

Brazil

Argentina

Others

Europe

UK

Germany

France

Italy

Others

Middle East and Africa

Saudi Arabia

UAE

Others

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Taiwan

Thailand

Indonesia

Others

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5jnk18

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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LOS ANGELES, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Melmed Law Group , a distinguished employment law firm based in Los Angeles, is dedicated to defending the rights of all employees throughout California. Founded in 2015 by Jonathan Melmed , the firm boasts a dynamic team of 12 legal professionals who are unwavering in their pursuit of justice for workers.



Team Members :

Jonathan Melmed, Founder: Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2018 to 2024, Jonathan has successfully litigated and settled over 100 class actions. Rosalie Candelario: An experienced litigator with a strong background in employment law. Megan Ross: Specializes in severance agreements and workplace discrimination cases. Kyle Smith: Focuses on wrongful termination and retaliation claims. Ross Quient: Expert in PAGA and class action lawsuits. Laura Supanich: Handles sexual harassment and pregnancy discrimination cases. Michiko Vartanian: Skilled in unpaid wages and meal/rest break violations. Maria Burciaga: Specializes in workplace retaliation and whistleblower protections. Meghan Higday: Experienced in stock options litigation and unreimbursed business expenses. Hannah Becker: Focuses on gender discrimination and whistleblower cases. Emma McGinn: Expert in employment contract disputes. Rebecca Harteker: Handles wrongful termination and workplace harassment.

Practice Areas :

Severance Agreement Review: Assisting employees in understanding and negotiating severance packages.

Assisting employees in understanding and negotiating severance packages. Sexual Harassment: Advocating for victims of workplace sexual harassment.

Advocating for victims of workplace sexual harassment. Stock Options Litigation: Representing employees in disputes over stock options and equity compensation.

Representing employees in disputes over stock options and equity compensation. PAGA and Class Action: Leading large-scale lawsuits for widespread employment violations.

Leading large-scale lawsuits for widespread employment violations. Work Discrimination: Fighting against discrimination based on race, gender, age, and more.

Fighting against discrimination based on race, gender, age, and more. Pregnancy and Gender Discrimination: Protecting the rights of pregnant employees and those facing gender bias.

Protecting the rights of pregnant employees and those facing gender bias. Whistleblower Protections: Defending employees who report illegal activities.

Defending employees who report illegal activities. Wrongful Termination: Challenging unjust terminations.

Challenging unjust terminations. Workplace Retaliation: Protecting employees from retaliation after reporting misconduct.

Protecting employees from retaliation after reporting misconduct. Meal and Rest Break Claims: Ensuring employees receive legally mandated breaks.

Ensuring employees receive legally mandated breaks. Unpaid Wages: Recovering owed wages for employees.

Recovering owed wages for employees. Unreimbursed Business Expenses: Seeking compensation for business expenses not covered by employers.

Dedication to Advocacy:

Melmed Law Group has recovered over $125 million for employees, demonstrating their dedication to achieving justice for those wronged in the workplace. We offer personalized legal services and operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring clients only pay if we win their case.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation , visit Melmed Law Group or contact us at (310) 824-3828.

Media Contact:

Paniz Rad

Marketing Director

Melmed Law Group

Phone: (310) 824-3828

Email: paniz@melmedlaw.com

About Melmed Law Group :

Melmed Law Group is dedicated to protecting employee rights throughout California. They provide comprehensive legal services, from initial consultations to courtroom advocacy, ensuring justice for those wronged in the workplace.
Edmonton, AB, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- All Weather Windows, a leader in manufacturing energy efficient windows and doors is proud to announce that it has received the 2024 ENERGY STAR Canada Special Recognition Award. This achievement is a testament to All Weather Windows commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable product development, highlighting their position as a leader in the Western Canadian market. The award, presented by ENERGY STAR Canada, celebrates organizations that actively contribute to a sustainable future for Canadians.

This is the second year in a row that All Weather Windows has earned the Special Recognition Award, demonstrating their dedication to the ENERGY STAR Canada program and to enhancing the energy performance of their products, which include over 175,000 configurations that have attained ENERGY STAR certification.

All Weather Windows co-CEOs, Colin Wiebe and Jillene Lakevold say, We are honoured to receive the ENERGY STAR Canada Special Recognition Award for the second year in a row. This achievement reflects the hard work of our entire team and reaffirms our commitment to help lead our industry towards a more sustainable future, providing products that significantly reduce energy use while enhancing the homes of Canadians.

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, commended All Weather Windows on their award win. Congratulations to All Weather Windows on being awarded a 2024 ENERGY STAR Canada award. Your efforts are driving innovation in energy efficiency, helping Canadians to save money on energy bills and contributing to the fight against climate change. The Government of Canada is very pleased to support energy efficiency solutions on our collective path to a sustainable and prosperous future.

The ENERGY STAR Canada Awards honour program participants who have demonstrated excellence in promoting the most energy-efficient products, buildings, and new homes available across Canada.

All Weather Windows is an active promoter of ENERGY STAR Canada. This is All Weather Windowss ninth ENERGY STAR Canada Award; including Window and Door Manufacturer of the Year (2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2020), Participant of the Year (2012), Sustained Excellence (2018), and Special Recognition (2023 and 2024)

About ENERGY STAR Canada

ENERGY STAR Canada offers a robust framework for energy efficiency, fostering a wide array of energy-smart product choices for Canadian consumers. With over 2,000 participating organizations, ENERGY STAR Canada is pivotal in helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions through its stringent certification process. Each ENERGY STAR label represents a product that meets rigorous energy efficiency standards, aiding in energy conservation and environmental protection.

About All Weather Windows

All Weather Windows, one of Canadas largest privately-owned window, door, and glass manufacturer, has been a cornerstone of the industry for the past 45 years. Founded in Edmonton, Alberta, the company has steadily grown its presence, now boasting customer solution centres in seven key cities. With close to 800 dedicated dealers spanning Western Canada and two manufacturing facilities located in Edmonton, All Weather Windows offers a comprehensive range of energy-efficient and sustainable window and door products. These products cater to a diverse clientele, including dealers, builders, contractors, and homeowners. The company has received numerous accolades, including the ENERGY STAR Canada Sustained Excellence Award and membership in Canadas Best Managed Companies program for an impressive 16 years, including 10 consecutive years in the Platinum Club. For more information about All Weather Windows, visit https://www.allweatherwindows.com/.

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Beverly Hills, California, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nordicus Partners Corporation (OTCQB: NORD) (Nordicus or the Company), a financial consulting company specializing in providing Nordic and U.S. life sciences companies with optimal conditions to establish themselves on the U.S. market, announced today the appointment of Peter Severin as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Peter Severin replaces Christian Hill-Madsen as Chairman, who resigned to focus on developing the next generation of periodontities therapies for Orocidin A/S, a company owned 95% by Nordicus, where Christian currently serves as Chairman of its Board.



We are delighted to welcome Peter as Chairman of the Board, said Henrik Rouf, CEO of Nordicus. His broad sales experience in the life sciences industries in the Nordics will be invaluable to Nordicus as we pursue our mission to acquire majority stakes in Nordic as well as U.S. based life sciences companies.

About Peter Severin

Mr. Severin brings over 25 years life sciences and sales experience to Nordicus Board. Mr. Severin is currently the Founder and CEO of Severin Partners, a Denmark-based sales and communications consulting company focusing on the healthcare industries. Prior to founding Severin Partners, Peter held positions as Head of Sales of Novartis AG, Sales Manager at AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals and as Sales Manager of GSK Plc (formerly GlaxoSmithKline Plc).

About Nordicus Partners Corporation

Nordicus Partners Corporation is a Denmark-based financial consulting company, specializing in providing Nordic and U.S. life sciences companies with the best possible conditions to establish themselves on the U.S. market, taking advantage of managements combined +90 years of experience in the corporate sector, serving in different capacities both domestically and globally. Nordicus 95% owned subsidiary, Orocidin A/S, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company which is advancing the next generation of periodontitis therapies. Nordicus core competencies lie in assisting Danish as well as other Nordic and international companies in different areas of corporate finance activities, such as: business valuations, growth strategies, attracting capital for businesses and company acquisitions and sales. For more information about Nordicus, please visit: www.nordicuspartners.com

Forward-Looking Statements

The Company believes that this press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Terms such as may, might, would, should, could, project, estimate, pro-forma, predict, potential, strategy, anticipate, attempt, develop, plan, help, believe, continue, intend, expect, future, and terms of similar import (including the negative of any of these terms) may identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding the plans and objectives of management for future operations, are based on managements current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the accuracy of the forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, market acceptance of the companys products and services; competition from existing products or new products that may emerge; the implementation of the companys business model and strategic plans for its business and our products; estimates of the companys future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and need for financing; current and future government regulations; and developments relating to the companys competitors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because of the risks and uncertainties related to them. For further information on such risks and uncertainties, you are encouraged to review the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its Current Report on Form 8-K relating to the reverse acquisition and related transactions which was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2023 and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2023. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments, except as required by law.

For further information contact
GUNTERSVILLE, ALABAMA, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Friday, farmers from across North Alabama gathered at Top O the River, for the national Enough Is Enough Tour to call on Congress to deliver a farm bill that shifts power back to Americas producers. The event was sponsored by the Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association (ALCPGA), Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM), and Competitive Markets Action (CMA) in collaboration with Farm Action, the American Grassfed Association, and other farm groups across America. Representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-AL, and U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-AL-04, joined as well.

We are grateful to Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Rep. Robert Aderholt for sending representatives to join our event and appreciate them taking the time to listen to our producers in the Yellowhammer State, said Jonathan Buttram, president of the Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association and treasurer at the Organization for Competitive Markets who is also a beef cattle producer. We call on Congress to bring reform and transparency to USDAs scandal-ridden Commodity Checkoff Programs by passing the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act that would give American family farmers a fighting chance against industrial agriculture interests like the Chinese-owned Smithfield, and Brazil-based JBS.

Congress must do everything in its power to help strike the terrible EATS Act language included in House Farm Bill that would decimate producers across the U.S. and nullify countless state and local laws designed to protect small and midsized farmers, said Marty Irby, president at Competitive Markets Action, and secretary at the Organization for Competitive Markets, who is a native Alabamian from Mobile. Policies that protect food safety and security and supporting states rights should be a top priority for Agriculture Committee leaders instead of propping up industrial agriculture interests run by our foreign enemies.



Event speakers discussed how government policies drive the consolidation of the food system by empowering the largest food corporations to the detriment of farmers and ranchers, and offered solutions to help level the playing field for producers.

The event highlighted corruption in government checkoff programs, which collect one billion dollars from producers annually. These checkoff dollars are often funneled to lobbying organizations that represent the world's largest meatpackers and grain traders, which then work against the interests of the very producers mandated to pay into the programs.

Speakers rallied attendees to urge Congress to shift more power into the hands of farmers and ranchers in the upcoming farm bill by supporting critical legislation like the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act, S.557, H.R.1249, led by Reps. Nancy Mace, R-SC, and Dina Titus, D-NV, in the House and Sens. Mike Lee, R-UT, Rand Paul, R-KY, and Cory Booker, D-NJ, in the U.S. Senate, and by opposing the so-called Ending Agriculture Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, S. 2019/H.R. 4417, led by Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-IA, and Sen. Roger Marshall, R-KS. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson, R-PA, included a version of the EATS Act that doesn't include eggs in the recent Farm Bill that passed the Committee last month. OCM, CMA, ALCPGA, and others are working with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and the House Freedom Caucus preparing for an amendment on the House floor that would strip the bad EATS language out.

The Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Lincoln, Nebraska. The foundation of the Organization for Competitive Markets is to fight for competitive markets in agriculture for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. True competition reduces the need for economic regulation. Our mission, and our duty, is to define and advocate the proper role of government in the agricultural economy as a regulator and enforcer of rules necessary for markets that are fair, honest, accessible and competitive for all citizens.

Competitive Markets Action (CMA) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit based in Washington, D.C., that was formed with the mission of shaping policy to promote more regenerative and sustainable agriculture, and competitive markets in the U.S., and to defend against attacks on states' rights by the federal government. CMA works to raise awareness of the harm caused by multinational conglomerates to the American family farmer, the consumer and our U.S. economy as a whole in an effort to bring about legislative and regulatory reforms.

Attachments
ATLANTA, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) unveiled its SFI 2025-2030 Strategic Direction at the 2024 SFI Annual Conference, deepening its commitment and setting a vision for a world that values and benefits from sustainably managed forests.

Sustainable forest management is critical to address the challenges facing our forests, including climate, fire, and species loss. SFIs new strategic direction charts a path toward healthy forests through practical solutions, including standards, research, training, and community engagement. Our theory of change approach communicates the change we want to achieve while encouraging others to join us, said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of SFI.

The SFI 2025-2030 Strategic Direction consists of four strategies

Promoting responsible forestry and sourcing: SFI will develop and promote standards that provide an assurance of sustainable forestry and responsible sourcing of forest products. We will collaborate to achieve outcomes such as a greater appreciation for sustainable forest management in maintaining nature while providing responsibly sourced products, and increased trust and demand for SFI-certified products and SFI labels.

Forest product customers are seeking greater assurances about the sustainability of the raw material in our products. The SFI strategic direction is focused on critical elements to deliver those assurances, through rigorous standards and on the ground results, said Michael P. Doss, President and CEO of Graphic Packaging International and Chair of the SFI Board of Directors.

Providing nature-based solutions on the SFI footprint: SFI will support and advance forest management and fiber sourcing practices that deliver positive outcomes for climate, fire resilience, biodiversity, and water. Through our conservation collaborations, we will work to achieve outcomes such as increased use of credible data, metrics, research and reporting on conservation outcomes, and increased evidence that SFI and certified organizations provide nature-based solutions.

Demand is growing for greater transparency around how to measure, monitor, and report on forests as nature-based solutions. SFI is well-positioned to advance relevant data, tools, and best practices that deliver conservation benefits, said Catherine Grenier, President and CEO, Nature Conservancy Canada, and SFI Board Member.

Creating positive change with a diversity of communities: SFI will promote diverse and inclusive collaborations that lead to genuine progress in the forest and make a positive difference in peoples lives. Through our community collaborations, we will work to achieve outcomes such as greater utilization of SFI programs by a diversity of communities to advance their priorities and greater community health and resiliency.

I applaud SFI for engaging in a participatory process to chart its future work and measure progress. The Arbor Day Foundation shares SFIs commitment to increased collaboration with diverse communities. This is why, through our Tree Campus program, were excited to extend our reach through SFIs network of PLT educators. In addition, we are prepared to support interested Tree Cities in becoming certified to the SFI Urban & Community Forest Sustainability Standard, said Dan Lambe, Chief Executive, Arbor Day Foundation, and SFI Board Member.

Fostering a lifetime of learning: SFI will advance environmental education, forest literacy, and career pathways, using trees and forests as a window on the world. We will collaborate to achieve outcomes such as a diversity of communities advocating for sustainable forest management, environmental education, and career pathways, and increased employment in forest and conservation sectors among young adults from all communities.

PLTs environmental education program is positioned to make a difference by connecting children and youth to trees, forests, and nature. Im happy to see the focus on a lifetime of learning and working with a diversity of communities. PLT also makes connections to green jobs and opens up a world of opportunities for this generation to champion sustainable practices, said Ashley Hoffman, Executive Director, Kentucky Association for Environmental Education Kentucky, and SFI Board Member.

SFI utilized a theory of change framework with support from ORS Impact to develop the 2025-2030 strategic direction. A theory of change articulates the change we want to be part of, welcomes others to join us, and provides a basis for measurement and learning. More than 400 thought leaders representing SFI-certified organizations, conservation groups, academics, customers, educators, career pathways partners, and many others contributed to shaping the direction. SFI is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change at scale through collaboration with its diverse networks.

About the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc.

SFI advances sustainability through forest-focused collaborations. We are an independent, nonprofit organization that leverages four interconnected pillars of work: standards, conservation, community, and education. SFI works with the forest sector, conservation groups, academics, researchers, brand owners, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and governments. Collaborating with our network, we leverage SFI-certified forests and products as powerful tools to

help solve sustainability challenges such as climate action, conservation of biodiversity, education of future generations, and sustainable economic development. Learn more: forests.org

Media Contact

Christine Leduc

Vice President, Communications

Sustainable Forestry Initiative

media@forests.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5596ff8-c648-45bc-b131-35d6f3bfafdc
TORONTO, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trisura Group Ltd. (Trisura Group or the Company) (TSX: TSU) today announced the results of the Companys annual meeting of shareholders held on June 3, 2024 in Toronto (the Meeting).



At the Meeting, all nine nominees proposed for election to the Board by Shareholders were elected. Management received the following proxies from Shareholders in regard to the election of directors:

Director Nominee Votes For % Votes Withheld % David Clare 33,530,663 98.25% 597,786 1.75% Paul Gallagher 32,118,368 94.11% 2,010,081 5.89% Sacha Haque 33,658,204 98.62% 470,245 1.38% Barton Hedges 33,599,955 98.45% 528,494 1.55% Anik Lanthier 33,601,593 98.46% 526,856 1.54% Janice Madon 33,594,631 98.44% 533,818 1.56% George E. Myhal 30,614,846 89.70% 3,513,603 10.30% Lilia Sham 33,659,553 98.63% 468,896 1.37% Robert Taylor 32,840,051 96.22% 1,288,398 3.78%



About Trisura Group

Trisura Group Ltd. is a specialty insurance provider operating in the Surety, Risk Solutions, Corporate Insurance, and Fronting business lines of the market. Trisura has investments in wholly owned subsidiaries through which it conducts insurance and reinsurance operations. Those operations are primarily in Canada and the United States. Trisura Group Ltd. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSU.

Further information is available at www.trisura.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information. Details regarding the operations of Trisura Group Ltd. are also set forth in regulatory filings. A copy of the filings may be obtained on Trisura Groups SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

For more information, please contact:



Name: Bryan Sinclair

Tel: 416 607 2135

Email: bryan.sinclair@trisura.com
New Delhi, Jun 4 (UNI Staying way behind the magic figure of 272 on its own, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP struggled to cross 250 till 4 PM while the Congress party headed for a century.

Even as the BJP-led NDA looks comfortable at 295 to form the next government, the enthusiasm in the BJP camp has dampened. The lower than expected performance in three key states of UP, Maharashtra and West Bengal has dented BJPs prospects to reach 272-mark on its own.

At 4 PM, BJPs tally stood at 246 followed by Congress at 96, Samajwadi Party at 33 and TMC at 29. BJPs allies were doing well with TDP leading on 16 seats in Andhra Pradesh, JD (U) on 14 seats in Bihar and LJP (Ram Vilas) on five seats, as per Election Commission of India (ECI) data available on its website.

Congress partys tally on its own stood at 97 even as it touched 100-mark at one point of time, while its allies DMK, SP and RJD were ahead on 21, 33 and 4 seats respectively. In Maharashtra, the grand old partys allies NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UT) were ahead on 7 and 10 seats respectively.

The Indian stock market reacted sharply to the results as BSE Sensex tanking about 4400 points at the close of the market and NSE Nifty down about 1380 points reversing yesterdays massive gains.

In the two assemblies  Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, the BJP was leading at 81 in 147-member Odisha while in AP the TDP was ahead at 134 seats of 173 leads available, as per Election Commission of India (ECI) data.

In Rajasthan also the BJP is facing tough competition from Congress as the BJP is ahead only in 14 seats while the Congress is in lead in 7 seats. The BJP, however, is holding on to its stronghold in Gujarat with 25 leads out of 26 while heading for clean sweep in MP with all 29 seats.

In Telengana both BJP and Congress are neck to neck with 8 leads each while in Tamil Nadu BJP is nowhere seen as far as seats are concerned. In Karnataka BJP-JD(S) combine are ahead in 19 seats while Congress is ahead on 9 seats.

UNI NK SKB CS1637
Hurricane, Utah, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Ernest Lee, co-founded Decrypted Tax

To be multifaceted means being able to draw from different pools of knowledge and skills. This expertise enables one to approach challenges with innovative solutions, finding inspiration from one field to inform decisions in another. Those with interdisciplinary knowledge can bridge gaps between traditionally siloed sectors and cultivate an adaptable mindset critical for success.

Ernest Lee transitions between roles as an attorney, investor, and entrepreneur to synthesize insights from different domains to achieve success. He began his venture into entrepreneurship at 19 when he purchased a bankrupt company for $5,000 and turned it into a multimillion-dollar enterprisea true depiction of the American dream.

At the same time, Ernest joined the United States Army as an infantry soldier, demonstrating his desire to serve the country while learning new skills. A spinal cord injury forced him to retire from the Army early and take a step back to reassess his objectives. Deciding to focus on entrepreneurial pursuits, the determined man established the North Atlantic Coffee Company, which thrived for over six years before he sold it to an investor he deemed had a better vision for the brand.

Ernest had to juggle his responsibilities as the then-managing partner of the coffee business and as a student studying political science at the University of Hawaii. After completing his undergraduate studies, he earned a Juris Doctor from Penn State Law, even graduating in the top 15% of the class. For a man of many skills, its only fitting for Ernest to start his professional career as a tax intern and eventually tax assistant manager at one of the most renowned providers of audit, consulting, financial risk management, and tax services.

While establishing a distinguished career in taxation, Ernest ventured into investment management. Since then, he has utilized his experience to strategically guide companies seeking growth opportunities. This multi-pronged focus on taxation, law, and investment has become the foundation for his entry into the cryptocurrency industry.

Ernest was introduced to crypto in 2013 when a client sought his services for cryptocurrency taxation. This experience made me realize the immense potential of cryptos. I started investing in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and other emerging digital assets, he shares. Leveraging his vast background in tax law and accounting, what started as an investment potential became a full-fledged endeavor for Ernest.

The man of many hats co-founded Decrypted Tax in 2020. He and his trusted colleague recognized the growing complexity of crypto taxation. They then established the firm to provide specialized tax solutions for individuals and businesses involved in digital assets. The companys mission is to assist investors and entrepreneurs in navigating the complex landscape of crypto taxation by ensuring compliance while maximizing financial returns.

Decrypted Tax leverages cloud-based technology and smart online solutions to simplify tax preparation for its clients. Its tax software streamlines the handling of cryptocurrency and decentralized finance (DeFi) tax requirements. This enables the efficient management of transactions, minimizing tax liabilities across state, local, and federal levels.

Ernest acknowledges the need for expansion and scalability as the firm grows its client base. We have approximately 500 clients onboarded. Our goal is to establish ourselves as a trusted partner for everyone in the crypto space, so were currently focusing on reaching more individuals and businesses, the managing partner remarks.

Its worth highlighting that Ernests previous endeavors provide insights and expertise that inform his current approach to Decrypted Tax. His experience building a successful tax practice illustrates his ability to scale operations efficiently. For instance, he optimized productivity and client engagement by leveraging cloud-based technology and remote collaboration tools. This set a precedent for Decrypted Taxs operational model.

Ernests entrepreneurial portfolio also includes Rodeo Tax, providing tax preparation and consulting services to rodeo professionals, farmers, ranchers, and others nationwide. Ernests hands-on approach as a partner has helped him understand the specific needs and challenges clients face in niche industries.

Similarly, Ernest founded Combat Motors, a company renowned for building innovative motorcycles, reflecting his passion for design and engineering. Here, he has sharpened his expertise in delivering exceptional customer experiences and encouraging creativity in product development. This mindset is imbued in Decrypted Taxs approach, as it drives innovation and client-centric solutions in the crypto space.

Ernest Lees professional success attests to why multifaceted expertise is key in bridging the gaps across industries. Besides advancing growth and innovation, it enhances problem-solving capabilities while creating environments that can serve as the breeding grounds for thriving ventures in the modern world.

Media Contact

Name: Matthew Magilligan

Email: matt.m@combat.net








Hampton, VA, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams proudly announced today the appointment of Betty H. Stewart, Ph.D., as the new Executive Vice President and Provost, effective July 1, 2024.

With a distinguished career spanning 30 years in academia, Stewart brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to academic excellence to her new post, having served as provost at the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) where she spearheaded innovative initiatives in STEM and fostered a culture of collaboration and scholarly achievement.

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Stewart and anticipate her building upon a reputation as a dynamic, cross-functional leader with a keen intellectual curiosity and the ability to drive our value proposition forward, said President Williams. I am confident she will make a substantial impact on our faculty and external stakeholders.

Stewart, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Mississippi State and a Ph.D. in Protein Biochemistry, Biological Sciences from Carnegie-Mellon University, touts an exceptionally strong research profile. She is highly regarded for securing a $100 million allocation for a 150,000-sq. ft. building for minorities in STEM at UNT Dallas, creating offices of Sponsored Research and Undergraduate Research, a game-changing move that helped increase the institutions research profile.

A three-time tenured professor of chemistry at Austin College, Midwestern State University, and UNT Dallas, and a two-time provost/vice president for academic affairs, Stewart served as Fellow at the University of Texas Medical School, led the accreditation for ABET for Engineering Program, and helped obtain a $7 million partnership grant from JP Morgan Chase to support workforce development in north Texas. While at Midwestern State University, Stewarts contributions to the sciences and STEM field were so significant that there is a lab named after her.

Leading through change, Stewart worked to bring much needed structure to the campus following a period of frequent turnover in administrative leadership positions, including five of six academic deans representing the College of Law, Graduate School, the Schools of Education, Business and Liberal Arts and Sciences. She established and promoted university traditions such as the first-year Ceremony of Lights, the Book Plating Ceremony for newly tenured faculty, and led all Commencement and Hooding ceremonies.

In Dr. Stewart, Hampton has found a visionary leader who will continue to advance the universitys mission of academic excellence, student success, and community engagement, said President Williams. Dr. Stewarts passion for higher education, commitment to student success, and dedication to nurturing the next generation of scholars align perfectly with our values and aspirations.

INCLUSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AND EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO THRIVE FORM CORNERSTONE OF EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Stewart says she was inspired by experiences during an eight-week undergraduate research project at Carnegie Mellon University to pursue a doctoral degree in the sciences and a career in academia. She says empowering students to embrace discovery and problem-solving, and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application is at the heart of her educational philosophy. This commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments helps empower students to thrive.

My passion lies in providing opportunities for student success, serving as a role model and mentor to guide them through their academic journey. I want to equip students with the tools to make informed decisions, fostering healthier lifestyles and well-being through education, Stewart said.

I hope to cultivate a culture of care and support within our university community, advocating for the success and happiness of students, faculty, and staff alike, Stewart explained. Whether its supporting faculty in their scholarly pursuits or assisting staff in their professional growth, my goal is to collaborate with our team to propel the university forward.

The six-month executive search process, led by Diversified Search Group, was characterized by meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful consideration. This process enabled us to connect with top leaders in this field, ensuring that we secure the best talent to advance our mission and elevate our institution to unprecedented levels, remarked President Williams. The transition between academic provosts represents a pivotal moment in Hamptons rich history, signifying a commitment to evolution and innovation in higher education.

As we prepare to embark on this new chapter under Dr. Stewarts esteemed leadership, we anticipate a future brimming with exciting opportunities and continued growth, said President Williams. With her visionary approach and dedication to academic excellence, Dr. Stewart will undoubtedly help steer Hampton University towards even greater heights, enriching the experiences of our students, faculty, and staff alike.

Together, we eagerly anticipate the journey ahead, poised to make enduring contributions to our institution and the broader academic community.

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Hampton, VA, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hampton University is proud to announce a significant expansion of HamptonU Online, its acclaimed online education platform, by introducing a diverse array of new degree programs, including a streamlined one-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) and comprehensive degree offerings through the newly launched School of Religion.

These initiatives align with the goals of Hampton Universitys 10-year strategic plan to elevate academic excellence by continuously expanding its academic inventory and providing accessible, affordable high-quality education that meets the needs of todays workforce.

Hampton University has been navigating the digital world for 14 years, building on its legacy of excellence and by responding to the growing demand for online learning, and the evolving landscape of higher education. This digital renaissance has redefined academic success, making the discovery and discourse that happens within its prestigious halls accessible to students worldwide, regardless of their location.

We are excited to expand our curriculum and the introduction of these programs marks a significant milestone for Hampton University, said HU President Darrell K. Williams. These additions are more than new degrees, they are new avenues for our students to explore, achieve, and contribute meaningfully to our global community.

This transformative initiative is a testament to our dedication to providing a comprehensive educational experience that meets the evolving needs of our students and the demands of the modern workforce.

HamptonU Online has recently been recognized as one of Virginias top affordable online colleges by Affordable Colleges Online. This accolade highlights the universitys dedication to affordability and accessibility in higher education.

New Degree Programs

The newly launched one-year MBA program is designed for professionals seeking to accelerate their careers without compromising their current job responsibilities. Alongside this, the School of Religion at Hampton University now offers degrees at multiple levels, including Associate in Theology, Bachelor in Religious Studies, Masters degrees in Theological Studies and Worship Studies, and doctoral programs in Public Theology and Community Engagement, and Pastoral Leadership and Congregational Development. Students can expect a rigorous curriculum centered on theological approaches that compel leaders to modernize the interpretation of scripture, all while embracing long-standing hermeneutical principles.

These programs are meticulously crafted to inspire and empower our students to lead with faith and wisdom in their communities, said University Chaplain and Founding Dean of the School of Religion, Rev. Dr. Debra L. Haggins. Our curriculum bridges traditional hermeneutical principles with modern societal challenges, preparing leaders for meaningful engagement in todays complex world.

Prospective students can now apply for the new degree programs, which are delivered entirely online to provide maximum flexibility, by visiting hamptonu.edu/huonline. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Our expanded online offerings continue to set Hampton University apart in the realm of digital education, said Aresta Johnson, Ph.D., Dean of University College. We provide a supportive, engaging online learning environment that allows our students to succeed on their own terms, anytime and anywhere.

With these new programs, Hampton University is not just responding to market demands but also preparing visionary leaders who can adapt to and shape the future, said President Williams. This expansion represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide an education for life.

For more information about the new online MBA and the expanded religious studies degree programs, please visit hamptonu.edu/huonline.
CALGARY, Alberta, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Albertas cleantech community is making tremendous progress towards a net zero future. Innovators and leaders, investors and supporters, industries and adoptersAlberta is pioneering climate change solutions with fresh and innovative ideas.



Foresight Canada is excited to announce four climate champions and the winners of the second annual Alberta Cleantech Awards, presented on May 28 in Calgary. These awards showcase Alberta-grown game-changers in the cleantech ecosystem, celebrating their drive, talent, and passion.

Alberta is home to some of Canadas most talented and passionate cleantech innovators, ecosystem supporters, and champions. Their work is abating emissions in some of our most critical economic sectors, and getting Canada one step closer to achieving our net zero ambitions. We are thrilled to shine the spotlight on a few of them in the second annual Alberta Cleantech Awards. - Jeanette Jackson CEO, Foresight Canada

Congratulations to our winners:



Venture of the Year: A cleantech venture positioned to take a leadership role on the global innovation stage



Funder of the Year: A funder, investor, government program, or VC championing a net zero economy by investing in cleantech ventures.

Ecosystem Supporter of the Year: An organization championing the growth and development of cleantech in AB through the support of climate-focused entrepreneurs, programs, ecosystem development, thought leadership, and community building

Adopter of the Year: A leading organization, company, or group adopting or championing sustainable practices in their industry

The Alberta Cleantech Awards would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners.

The 2024 AB Cleantech Awards are presented by Foresight and Export Development Canada | Exportation et developpement Canada, with support from Bonsai Growth Solutions, Fasken, and MNP.

Media Sponsor: Carbon Life Media
TianJin, China, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION SOCIETY, PANAMA CANAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY, PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION COMMITTEE and PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION ASSOCIATION have decided to propose adding Tiens Group as a governing unit. This is in recognition of the significant impact of Tiens Group in the global business landscape and its commendable contributions to local economic growth and social welfare initiatives. Tiens Group meets the membership conditions and requirements of our society. This will help you promote the prosperity and development of global and Chinese commercial culture.







The Panama Pacific International Exposition honorary awards play an important role in supporting the growth of global brands. These awards recognize enterprises and brands that have demonstrated outstanding achievements globally. These awards are not only the highest honor in the industry, but also symbolize the competitiveness and influence of enterprises internationally. Companies receiving honorary awards from the Panama Pacific International Exposition can claim that their products and services are widely recognized and praised by consumers globally. Such recognition helps to enhance brand awareness and reputation, strengthening the enterprises confidence and cohesion. This, in turn, encourages continuous innovation and development.

On March 18, 2024, Tiens Group Hong Kong submitted its Tiens Cordyceps Sinensis Mycelium Capsules to the PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION SOCIETY in California, USA and other international organizations for consideration in the selection of the 2024 Panama Pacific International Exposition Expert Panel. For international testing and certification, including an audit of SGS, a world-renowned third-party authority. As one of Tiens Groups most important products, the participation of Tiens Cordyceps Sinensis Mycelium Capsules contributed to the companys global expansion, enhancing the international reputation for this major health company.

Winning the prestigious Panama World Expo Gold Medal for Tiens Cordyceps Sinensis Mycelium Capsules is a testament to the products quality. Representatives of Tiens Group anticipated that the product would stand out in the expert panels selection, gain international recognition, and bring honor and achievements to Tiens Group. This award not only demonstrates the quality of the product, but also reflects Tiens Group's long-term commitment to research and development, innovation and the pursuit of excellence. Tiens Group believes that only by continuously innovating and striving for excellence will it remain at the forefront of the global market.

CompanyTIENS GROUP

Contact Person:MS.Liang

Email:liangyi1@tiens.com

Website:www.tiens.com

Telephone: 18222122205

CityTianJin

Disclaimer:

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
Washington, D. C., June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- During a Powering On ceremony yesterday, The Catholic University of America unveiled its latest advancement toward environmental sustainability  the successful completion of the 7.5 megawatt (MW) West Campus Solar Array.

Developed in collaboration with Standard Solar , a leading commercial and community solar developer and asset owner based in Rockville, MD, this initiative marks a significant step towards an eco-friendly future for the university and the broader district community. The solar array contributes significantly to the districts goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2032 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

Speakers at the celebration event included Peter Kilpatrick, Catholic University President; Scott Wiater, President & CEO, Standard Solar; Nicole Steele, Senior Advisor for Equity and Workforce at the U.S. Department of Energy, Solar Energy Technologies Office; Jack McDougle, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade; and Steve Farole, President of the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association (BNCA).

Situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., the West Campus Solar Array will be fully operational this summer. Plans had been in the works to turn part of the little-used 40-acre parcel of land into a parking lot, but instead, it will now host a field of 42 rows of solar panels that provide 10,000 megawatt (MWh) hours of power to the university and the community.

This groundbreaking project underscores the universitys continued commitment to innovative and sustainable energy solutions, positioning it as a leader in renewable energy within the district, the broader D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region and internationally.

This West Campus solar farm project is not just a renewable energy venture; its a testament to The Catholic University of Americas dedication to creating a sustainable future for our nation and world, said President Peter Kilpatrick, Catholic University. As we illuminate our campus with clean energy, we also enlighten minds through education and invite the community to join us on this transformative journey toward a greener and more sustainable world.

Key features of the project include:

Largest Urban Ground Solar Array: The West Campus Solar Array is the regions largest urban ground-mount solar array, emphasizing the universitys dedication to pioneering sustainable energy solutions.

Environmental Savings: The project is estimated to save 7.115 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, equivalent to removing 1,547 cars from roads annually or eliminating the carbon dioxide emissions from nearly 800,630 gallons of gasoline.

Renewable Energy Generation: With a capacity to produce 10,000 MWh of renewable energy annually, the solar facility benefits both the campus and the local community.

Energy Equity: The array will also provide clean energy savings to over 1,200 subscribers within the community, benefiting District residents.

Economic Impact: The 20-year projected savings to district subscribers is estimated at $3.5 million, creating economic benefits alongside environmental advantages.

Undertaking a project of this magnitude in an urban setting presents its challenges, but the potential rewards for the region are immense, said Scott Wiater, President & CEO, Standard Solar. The West Campus Solar Array will power the university sustainably and benefit the local community. Its a true win-win scenario for all involved.

Given our universitys location in the heart of Washington, D.C., we are deeply committed to serving as responsible stewards of the Earth, said Robert Specter, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & University Treasurer. Our aim is to earnestly support the clean energy and energy-efficiency goals advocated by our elected officials.

This initiative is already part of the University's comprehensive sustainability plan, as noted in this recent CatholicU magazine article . This plan includes LEED-certified buildings, electric-vehicle charging stations, modern energy infrastructure, and other ecological efforts.

Recognized globally for its sustainability efforts, Catholic University was one of the first universities to sign on to the Laudato Si Action Platform and has been featured in the Princeton Reviews Guide to Green Colleges for four consecutive years.

About Catholic University





The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church and the only higher education institution founded by the U.S. bishops. Established in 1887 as a papally chartered graduate and research center, the University comprises 12 schools and 31 research facilities and is home to more than 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students.

About Standard Solar

Standard Solar is powering the nations energy transformation  channeling its project development capabilities, financial strength and technical expertise to deliver the benefits of solar and solar + storage to businesses and institutions, farms, governments, communities, and utilities. Building on 20 years of sustainable growth and in-house and tax equity investment capital, Standard Solar is a national leader in developing, funding and long-term ownership and operation of commercial and community solar assets. Recognized as an established financial partner with immediate, deep resources, the company owns and operates more than 350 megawatts of solar across the United States. Based in Rockville, Maryland, Standard Solar is a portfolio company of Brookfield, one of the worlds largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets. Learn more at standardsolar.com , LinkedIn and on X (formerly known as Twitter): @StandardSolar.

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ATLANTA, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is pleased to announce the winner of the SFI Implementation Committee Achievement Award at the 2024 SFI Annual Conference.

Lasting solutions to pressing conservation and sustainability challenges, such as species extinctions and climate change, require local collaborations that draw on our collective expertise. The Pennsylvania SFI Implementation Committee (SIC) has been selected as this years award winner for effectively leveraging technical knowledge and outreach platforms to increase the uptake of sustainable forest management practices. Their leadership in providing expert technical guidance has profoundly influenced sustainable forestry practices across the state and throughout the SFI network.

The Pennsylvania SICs contributions include high-quality assessment and training resources to conserve Forests with Exceptional Conservation Value (FECVs), advance water and soil conservation, and support climate-smart forestry practices. The Pennsylvania SIC provides critical on-the-ground support and serves as a model for sharing knowledge across SFIs network, said Nadine Block, SFIs Senior VP of Community and Government Relations.

The Pennsylvania SIC demonstrated the value of collaborating to encourage forest-focused solutions by proactively coordinating with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to produce fact sheets on SFI standard requirements related to biodiversity and FECVs, which received high marks from auditors for being best-in-class. Other notable achievements include contributions to an updated Best Management Practices for Timber Harvest Operations booklet, and for supporting career pathways exploration with the distribution of the publication Black Faces in Green Spaces: The Journeys of Black Professionals in Green Careers.

The Pennsylvania SIC is an exceptionally skilled team of volunteers that embraced the new collaborative opportunities highlighted in the 2022 SFI Standards. Their collective experience in forest resource management gave them the technical basis for providing leadership on these initiatives, said Chuck Coup, Pennsylvania SIC Program Manager. The achievements highlighted above stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of our members, who are deeply committed to improving sustainable forestry practices in Pennsylvania.

The SFI External Review Panel, which provides ongoing, independent review of SFI and its work, selects the award winner. The review panel was extremely impressed by the quality of community collaboration demonstrated by SICs across the country. We commend the Pennsylvania SFI Implementation Committee for its high impact, strategic education efforts to help landowners and loggers successfully execute sustainable forestry practices, said Alice Ewen, Chair of the SFI External Review Panel and Assistant Director of Cooperative Forestry, USDA Forest Service.

About the Pennsylvania SFI Implementation Committee

The Pennsylvania SFI Implementation Committee promotes wise forest stewardship, enabling Pennsylvania communities to thrive with the support of a successful forest products industry. SFI responds to local needs through SFI Implementation Committees at the state, provincial, and regional levels. These committees work with local, forestry, and professional associations, as well as universities, government agencies, landowner groups, conservation groups, and many others. They play a vital role in promoting logger training, landowner outreach, youth and adult education, community engagement, the integrity of SFIs work, and responsible forestry at local levels. Learn more: sfiofpa.org.

About the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc.

SFI advances sustainability through forest-focused collaborations. We are an independent, non-profit organization that leverages four interconnected pillars of work: standards, conservation, community, and education. SFI works with the forest sector, conservation groups, academics, researchers, brand owners, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and governments. Collaborating with our network, we leverage SFI-certified forests and products as powerful tools to help solve sustainability challenges such as climate action, conservation of biodiversity, education of future generations, and sustainable economic development. Learn more: forests.org.

Media Contact

Christine Leduc

Vice President, Communications

Sustainable Forestry Initiative

media@forests.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e46031ac-b5df-41b0-bab4-2d8ddfdcd733
Hampton, VA, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams is setting a new standard for academic environments with an ambitious campus upgrade. This transformative initiative, encompassing renovations and state-of-the-art enhancements across 13 buildings, marks a pivotal moment in the institutions storied history.

Investing in our campus is investing in our future, said President Williams. These upgrades are not just about bricks and mortar; theyre about cementing our legacy as an institution committed to providing a first-class education. Our mission is clear: to offer the #1 student experience in America. This ambitious project brings us closer to that goal and also represents a significant milestone in our ten-year strategic plan, highlighting our commitment to elevate academic excellence, streamline operations, and significantly improve our infrastructure.

President Williams, an esteemed alumnus and member of the class of 1983, remarked that the administration is continuing to ensure that Hampton students have access to an environment that is not only conducive to learning but also inspiring.

We believe that our campus is more than just a place of learning; its a living testament to our commitment to excellence, heritage, and the future of our students, President Williams continued. Recognizing the evolving needs of our community and the importance of a stimulating environment for education, we embarked on significant campus upgrades and improvements.

Major Campus Renovations

Among the campus upgrades are Clarke Hall, Armstrong Hall, the Little Theater, Dett Auditorium, and Moton Hall, which has been innovatively converted from traditional dormitory spaces to suite-style living accommodations complete with a fitness center, gaming room and cafe.

Additionally, Harkness, Holmes, White and Twitchell Halls now boast innovative fitness rooms, while, the Student Dining Hall, Holly Tree Dining Hall, and the Presidents House, the oldest structure on campus and new residence of the First Family, along with Armstrong Stadium, have all seen significant improvements. These upgrades not only refresh these spaces but also redefine the living and learning environments for students, faculty, and staff.

The renovations have transformed the campus, said Barbara Inman, Ed.D., vice president, Student Success and Enrollment Management. Its amazing to see how these changes have not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal but also improved the functionality of our spaces. It truly feels like a new era for Hampton University.

Environmental Impact

At the heart of these enhancements is an overarching commitment to sustainability and efficiency, spearheaded by a comprehensive energy infrastructure project. Under the guidance of Randall C. Hardy, director, Physical Plant, the university is transitioning from steam to a district water system for heating and cooling. This pivotal shift, aimed at reducing the campus carbon footprint and promoting energy efficiency, began in January of 2022, and is scheduled to be completed by June 30th. This initiative underscores Hampton Universitys dedication to fostering a cleaner, greener campus.

These upgrades represent the universitys commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, setting a new benchmark for higher learning institutions across the nation, said Hardy.

Traditional steam plant heating systems, which have been in use for over a century, rely heavily on fossil fuels, Hardy explained. These systems burn coal, oil, or natural gas to generate steam, which is then distributed throughout the campus to provide heat. While effective, this process is energy-intensive and releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere.

By contrast, a district water system for heating and cooling uses water as a medium to transfer thermal energy. This system can be integrated with renewable energy sources such as solar or geothermal power, drastically reducing reliance on fossil fuels. For Hampton University, this means a substantial decrease in carbon emissions by at least 60 percent, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

This increased efficiency translates into significant cost savings for the university. Reduced energy consumption lowers utility bills, freeing up financial resources that can be redirected towards academic programs, scholarships, and other campus improvements.

Walking around campus it is evident that Hampton University is embarking upon a new era.

These efforts were not just about aesthetics or infrastructure; they were a crucial investment in our students success and well-being, said Inman. A modern, well-maintained campus directly impacts student morale, recruitment, and retention, offering an environment that is conducive to learning, research, and personal growth.

Wireless Upgrade

In addition to building upgrades, Hampton University has achieved a significant milestone by upgrading its wireless infrastructure from 10G to 100G, placing the institution among an elite group of just ten Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that have reached this level of technological advancement. This upgrade marks a significant step forward in enhancing the universitys capabilities to support cutting-edge research, academic excellence, and a more connected campus experience.

The transition to 100G wireless infrastructure comes at a crucial time as universities across the nation are increasingly relying on high-speed internet to facilitate remote learning, digital collaboration, and access to vast online resources.

Upgrading to 100G is a game-changer for Hampton University, said Dr. Adebisi Oladipupo, vice president for Information Technology. It ensures that our students and faculty have access to the fastest and most reliable internet speeds, which is essential for academic research, online learning, and staying connected in todays digital age. This upgrade not only enhances our current capabilities but also positions us for future growth and innovation.

The new 100G infrastructure will support a wide range of applications and services, from high-definition video conferencing to data-intensive research projects. It will enable seamless connectivity for students and faculty, whether they are on campus or engaging in remote learning. This upgrade is part of Hampton Universitys broader strategy to invest in state-of-the-art technology that enhances the overall educational experience and prepares students for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

President Williams explained that the upgrades and improvements are a testament to Hampton Universitys unwavering belief in the potential of every Hamptonian, and our commitment to providing them with the best possible environment to discover, learn, and thrive. By investing in state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technological resources, we are setting a new standard for excellence in education, said President Williams. This is more than an investment in our campus; its an investment in our future leaders who deserve the best we can provide. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these improvements will have on our community and are excited about the future of Hampton University.

Attachments
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Trump says Obama will vote for him because of Harris Low IQ 11 Oct 2024 | 7:58 PM Washington, Oct 11 (UNI) Former US President Donald Trump expressed confidence on Friday that his predecessor Barack Obama would vote for him in the upcoming presidential election because Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris has "low IQ."

"I think Obama will be voting for me because he doesnt like the fact that Kamala is an extremely low IQ person!" Trump said on Truth Social. see more..

FAO urges use of technology to transform agri-food system in Africa 11 Oct 2024 | 7:47 PM Nairobi, Oct 11 (UNI) The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Friday called for the use of technology to transform agri-food systems in Africa. see more..

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Vancouver, June 3, 2024 - Gladiator Metals Corp. (TSXV: GLAD) (OTCQB: GDTR) (FSE: ZX7) ("Gladiator" or the "Company"), announces that it has been requested by OTC Markets Group Inc. ("OTC Markets") to issue this statement about promotional activity concerning its common shares traded on the OTCQB market (operated by OTC Markets).

On May 30, 2024, OTC Markets informed the Company that it became aware of certain promotional activities concerning the Company and its common shares traded on the OTCQB Marketplace, including the distribution of one newsletter email published by Market Jar Media Inc. on behalf of Native Ads, Inc. ("Native Ads") discussing the Company, its business, the economy, and the mineral exploration market generally.

On May 6, 2024, the Company entered into a services agreement (the "Agreement") with Native Ads, whereby Native Ads would provide investor relations and advertising services to the Company. The Company was therefore aware of Native Ads' activities respecting the Company since May 6, 2024. Native Ads is a third-party marketing and advertising firm. The Agreement is valid until May 6, 2025. The engagement of Native Ads, the nature of the relationship between the Company and Native Ads as well as the compensation to be paid to Native Ads was publicly disclosed in a news release on May 8, 2024, which can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.gladiatormetals.com)

The Company provided Native Ads with publicly available sources of information for its marketing materials and management reviewed and approved the materials prepared by Native Ads prior to their dissemination, including to ensure factual accuracy. The Company does not believe the statements in the marketing materials and newsletter emails were materially false or misleading.

After inquiry of management, other than as disclosed herein, no directors, control persons, officers, or controlling shareholders have been involved with the creation, distribution, or payment of promotional materials related to the Company and its securities.

The Company understands this promotional activity coincided with increased trading activity in the common shares beginning on May 24, 2024. The Company does not believe the promotional activities were the primary factor in any increase in trading volume in the common shares.

To management's knowledge, no officers, directors or controlling shareholders have sold securities of the Company within the past 90 days. In addition, management is not aware of any third-party service providers who have sold or purchased the Company's securities within the past 90 days.

Over the past 12 months, the Company has engaged Native Ads, Marco Messina, Outside The Box Capital Inc., and Black Swan Solutions Inc. dba VHLA Media, to provide digital marketing services, including content creation, distribution and market awareness campaigns. However, only the engagement with Native Ads remains in force.

Other than pursuant to financings which the Company has publicly disclosed in news releases, including the Company's most recent brokered unit private placement completed on June 30, 2023 (see news release dated June 30, 2023), the Company has not issued shares, or convertible instruments allowing conversion to equity securities, at prices constituting, at the time of issuance of such shares or convertible instruments, a discount to the then current market price.

ABOUT GLADIATOR METALS CORP.

Gladiator Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the advancement of multiple high- grade copper prospects at its Whitehorse Copper Project (the "Project"), an advanced-stage copper (Cu)  molybdenum (Mo)  silver (Ag)  gold (Au) skarn exploration project in the Yukon Territory, Canada. The Project comprises 314 contiguous claims covering approximately 5,380 Hectares (13,294 acres) in the Whitehorse Mining District.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Jason Bontempo"

Jason Bontempo

President and Chief Executive Officer

For further information contact:

Dustin Zinger, Investor Relations

+1-604-653-9464

dzinger@gladiatormetals.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.

Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information." Any statements or information 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 "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) that are not statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to the use of the proceeds from the Offering.

Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital by the Company through financings, and the risk that such funds may not be raised; the speculative nature of exploration and the stages of the Company's properties; the effect of changes in commodity prices; regulatory risks that development of the Company's material properties will not be acceptable for social, environmental or other reasons; availability of equipment (including drills) and personnel to carry out work programs; and that each stage of work will be completed within expected time frames. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements or information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

The Company's forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this news release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/211628
Rio Tinto will invest US$143 million (A$215 million) to develop a research and development facility in Western Australia to further assess the effectiveness of its low-carbon ironmaking process, BioIronTM, to support decarbonising the global steel value chain.

The development of the BioIron Research and Development Facility in the Rockingham Strategic Industrial Area, south of Perth, follows successful trials of the innovative ironmaking process in a small-scale pilot plant in Germany.

BioIron uses raw biomass and microwave energy instead of coal to convert Pilbara iron ore to metallic iron in the steelmaking process. When combined with the use of renewable energy and carbon-circulation by fast-growing biomass, BioIron has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95% compared with the current blast furnace method.

The BioIron facility will include a pilot plant that will be ten times bigger than its predecessor in Germany. It will also be the first time the innovative steelmaking process has been tested at a semi-industrial scale, capable of producing one tonne of direct reduced iron per hour. It will provide the required data to assess further scaling of the technology to a larger demonstration plant.

The plant has been designed in collaboration with University of Nottingham, Metso Corporation and Western Australian engineering company Sedgman Onyx. Fabrication of the equipment will begin this year, with commissioning expected in 2026. These works are expected to support up to 60 construction jobs.

The research and development facility will employ around 30 full-time employees and include space for equipment testing to support further scaling up of the BioIron technology, while developing a workforce highly skilled in steel decarbonisation and supporting WA universities and research organisations.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said, "The world needs low-carbon steel to reach net zero, and we are working to make this a reality by finding better ways to turn our Pilbara ores into steel.

"BioIron is a world-first technology that has the potential to play a significant role in a low-carbon steel future.

"This research and development facility will further test the BioIron process, showcase Western Australian innovation capability, and further demonstrates Rio Tinto's commitment to supporting and enabling the decarbonisation of the steel industry."

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said, "As one of the world's largest iron ore producers, it just makes sense for WA to lead the world when it comes to low-emission steelmaking.

"Our plan to turn WA into a renewable energy powerhouse opens up massive economic opportunities for the future, like producing low-emission steel right here at home.

"Processing iron ore in WA will create jobs, reduce the world's carbon emissions and help to diversify and strengthen our economy for decades to come.

"This is another job-creating clean energy project in our industrial heartland of Kwinana and Rockingham, part of our commitment to transitioning the industrial strip to a clean energy future."

Note to the editors

Fly through and B-Roll vision of the Western Australian BioIron Research and Development Facility is available to download here.

Steelmaking accounts for 8% of the world's carbon emissions, and 69% of Rio Tinto's Scope 3 emissions in 2023.

BioIron was invented by Rio Tinto's steel decarbonisation team after a decade of extensive research.

Electricity consumption in the BioIron process is about one-third of the electricity required by other steelmaking processes that rely on renewable hydrogen.

BioIron uses raw biomass such as agricultural by-products like wheat straw, barley straw, sugarcane bagasse, rice stalks, and canola straw, instead of coal as the reducing agent.

Rio Tinto is aware of the complexities around the use of biomass supply and is working to ensure only sustainable sources of biomass are used. Through discussions with environmental groups, as a first step Rio Tinto has ruled out sources that support the logging of old growth and High Conservation Value forests.

For more information about the BioIron process, please see here.

Category: General

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240603264140/en/

Contact

Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com



Media Relations,

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Media Relations,

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Michelle Lee

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Media Relations,

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Simon Letendre

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Investor Relations,

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David Ovington

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Wei Wei Hu

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Investor Relations,

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Amar Jambaa

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Rio Tinto Plc

6 St James's Square

London SW1Y 4AD

United Kingdom

T +44 20 7781 2000

Registered in England

No. 719885



Rio Tinto Ltd.

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Melbourne 3000

Australia

T +61 3 9283 3333

Registered in Australia

ABN 96 004 458 404



riotinto.com
June 4, 2024 - Vancouver, Canada - Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. (the "Company") (CSE:GCC) (OTC:GCCFF) (WKN:A042CQ) (FSE:3TZ) is pleased to announce the expansion of its technical team on site. The technical team includes diverse skillsets and experience on world-class deposits including what is now Osisko Development Corp.'s Cariboo Gold Project.

Roles of the technical team and consultants are as follows:

Qualified Person: Jean Pautler, P.Geo., is an independent consultant with her company JP Exploration Services Inc. and has over 40 years of experience working in mineral exploration with a particular focus on British Columbia and the Yukon. Past experience includes work on orogenic gold deposits in the Wells-Barkerville, Bralorne, Cassiar and Atlin gold camps.

Structural Geology Consultant: Dr. Sarah Palmer, P.Geo., has over 35 years of experience in economic geology and mineral exploration. Ms. Palmer's previous work includes extensive work on orogenic gold deposits in the Abitibi.

Project Manager: Angelique Justason has over 30 years experience serving in various positions ranging from junior geologist to project manager. She was instrumental in the delineation of the Bonanza Ledge Deposit, now a part of Osisko Development's Cariboo Gold Project.

Project Geologist: Myles Dickson, B.Sc., has over 10 years of mineral exploration experience working on gold, copper and uranium projects. Projects worked on include the Cariboo Gold Project (Osisko Development Corp,) The Rook 1 Project (NexGen Energy Ltd.) and the Triple R Deposit (Fission Uranium Corp.).

Senior Geologist: Trevor Smith, G.I.T., has 7 years of experience in the mineral exploration industry across North America and Europe, having worked on several gold projects including the Shovelnose Gold Deposit in British Columbia (Westhaven Gold Corp.) and early-stage Archean orogenic gold in Ontario.

Junior Geologist: Julia Mehner, M.Sc., has experience working in both Germany and Finland exploring for precious metals as well as battery metals.

Company president and CEO, J. Frank Callaghan stated "I'm excited to welcome a diverse and world-class technical team to work with the Company at our Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property. Our technical team was part of the group that originally discovered and developed Osisko Development's near-term producer Cariboo Gold Project. We believe the opportunity exists to find and develop a substantial gold deposit and we now have the group in place to dynamically put that goal to action."

About Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd.

Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. is rediscovering the Cariboo Gold Rush by proceeding with highly targeted drilling and trenching programs on its Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property which is almost fully encircled on 3 of 4 sides by Osisko Development (NSE-ODV/TSXV-ODV). Historically, over 101 placer gold creeks on the 90 km trend from the Cariboo Hudson mine north to the Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property have recorded production and successful placer mining continues to this day.

Golden Cariboo's Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property is 4 km northeast of, and road accessible from, Hixon in central British Columbia. The Project includes the Quesnelle Quartz gold-silver deposit, which was discovered in 1865 in conjunction with placer mining activities. Hixon Creek, which dissects the old workings, is a placer creek which has seen small-scale placer production since the mid 1860s.

For further information please contact:

Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd.

"J. Frank Callaghan"

J. Frank Callaghan, President & CEO

Tel: 604-682-2928

Neither the "CSE" Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements:

This news release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and plans of the Company. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding; the expectation that the Company will receive all necessary exemptions and approvals to complete the Offering; the expectation that the Company will complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, or at all; the expectation that the proceeds will be used for property exploration and for general working capital; the Company's exploration plans with respect to its Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property; and the anticipated participation of the insider in the Offering.

Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, that the Company will receive all necessary exemptions and approvals to complete the Offering; that the Company will complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, or at all; that the proceeds will be used for property exploration and for general working capital; that the Company will have the resources required to proceed with its exploration plans; that the Company will not run into regulatory or other barriers in carrying out its business plans; that the insider will participate in the Offering, on the terms and conditions and in the amount currently expected by management; and that the Company will be able to rely on the exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements on the basis anticipated.

Additionally, forward-looking information involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: that the Company will not receive the necessary exemptions and approvals to complete the Offering; that the Company will not complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, or at all; that the Company will be unable to use the proceeds for property exploration and for general working capital; that the Company may incur unanticipated costs; that the Company may not have the resources required to pursue its exploration plans; that the Company's operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; that the insider may not participate in the Offering on the terms and conditions and in the amount currently expected by management, or at all; and that the Company may not be able to rely on the exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements on the basis currently expected. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this news release. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this news release by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this news release.

The forward-looking statements herein speak only as of the date they were originally made. The Company has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Vancouver, June 4th, 2024 - American Salars Lithium Inc. ("American Salars" or the "Company") (CSE: USLI, OTC: ASALF, FWB: Z3P, WKN: A3E2NY) announces it has appointed Daryn Gordon to position of CFO. Mr. Daryn Gordon is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with more than two decades of finance and accounting experience. He started his career at global auditing firms Grant Thornton LLP and PwC Canada. For the last fourteen years, Mr. Gordon has continued to expand his expertise and knowledge by providing CFO services to Canadian companies across a variety of industries. Mr. Gordon has a Bachelor of Accounting degree from the University of Lethbridge.

American Salars CEO, R. Nick Horsley comments, "We are excited to have Mr. Gordon join our growing team. Mr. Gordon's experience with a big four accounting firm, combined with his experience running an independent accounting firm and acting as the CFO for numerous publicly traded companies in the mining space makes him a great fit, as American Salars looks to grow as a resource acquiror and developer into ultimately becoming a potential M&A target."

Furthermore, the Company has engaged Senergy Capital Communications Inc. of 228 - 1122 Mainland Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5L1, Canada, to provide marketing services to the Company. Senergy is a digital marketing firm that will assist with on-line communications and strategies with the goal of increasing awareness of the company and its business model. Senergy has been retained for an initial period of one month with an anticipated start date of June 12th, 2024, or sooner (subject to Canadian Securities Exchange approval date) to assist the Company in raising awareness. In consideration for the marketing services provided by Senergy, the Company has agreed to pay a fee of $30,000 plus goods and services tax per month, and renewable up to two months. The fees to Senergy will be used for co-ordinating and carrying out marketing of the Company and its products and services and for general awareness of the Company and will also cover expenses and costs for media distribution, influencer videos and advertising. To the Company's knowledge, Senergy does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in American Salars Lithium Inc. or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. The agreement with Senergy is subject to CSE approval.

Additionally, Michael Dake has resigned as a member of American Salars Lithium Inc.'s board of directors. The company wishes to thank Mr. Dake for his contributions and wishes him the best in his future endeavours.

About American Salars Lithium Inc.

About American Salars Lithium Inc. American Salars Lithium Inc. is an exploration company focused on exploring and developing high-value battery metals projects to meet the demands of the advancing electric vehicle market. Its flagship project is the Candela II Salar Project in Argentina which features a NI 43-101 inferred resource.

All Stakeholders are encouraged to follow the Company on its social media profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

"R. Nick Horsley"

R. Nick Horsley, CEO

For further information, please contact:

American Salars Lithium Inc.



Phone: 604.880.2189

E-Mail:info@americansalars.com



Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding American Salar's intention to continue to identify potential transactions and make certain corporate changes and applications. Forward looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits American Salars will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect managements' current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including American Salars results of exploration or review of properties that American Salars does acquire. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and American Salars assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Vancouver - Westward Gold Inc. (CSE: WG, OTCQB: WGLIF, FSE: IM50) ("Westward" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the acquisition of 202 unpatented mining claims, adjacent to and contiguous with its Turquoise Canyon and East Saddle Properties along the Cortez Gold Trend in Lander County, Nevada. The claims (the "ES Extension") were acquired through open staking in April 2024, increasing the Company's total footprint in the area to approximately 55 square kilometers, a significant increase of 43%. Westward continues to reinforce its status as the dominant exploration company in the area, and is ideally positioned to strategically apply district-scale exploration techniques to its sizeable property package. Moving forward, Westward's consolidated flagship asset will be referred to as the Toiyabe Hills Project - the combination of several 100%-owned claim blocks acquired since the Company's entrance into Nevada in April of 2021. Figure 1 below illustrates the systematic growth of Westward's exploration ground, accomplished via a combination of corporate transactions and direct claim-staking.

Colin Moore, President and CEO, commented: "In the span of three years, Westward has grown from a company with an option agreement on 165 claims - to one with 100% ownership of 776 claims across two consolidated land packages on each of the two most productive gold trends in Nevada. While we have been busy accumulating prospective exploration ground, we have also been persistent in attracting the vital technical talent necessary to unlock its discovery potential. Our expert team with multiple Carlin-type gold discoveries to their credit has been instrumental in guiding our growth story, and this most recent land acquisition will enable them to apply their skills with even greater impact."

Robert Edie, Vice President Exploration, noted: "Combining 2023 geochemical results with other available datasets revealed that key markers for Carlin-type mineralization on our property trend to the south and east. The additional ground acquired has the necessary scale - and prospective geologic setting - to host a potential major new discovery in its own right; it will form a key piece of our camp-scale land package. I'm excited to systematically evaluate this surprisingly underexplored ground on a major gold trend with data-driven regional exploration."

Figure 1: The Evolution of Westward's Toiyabe Hills Property



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 2: Addition of East Saddle Extension



Click Image To View Full Size

Note: Windows shown in Figure 2 indicate a total of three third-party claim inliers (two of which are in the ES Extension block).

A confluence of several prospective geologic features pointed towards the strategic importance of acquiring the ES Extension ground - including stratigraphy, structure, geochemistry, and geophysics. The Hilltop Corridor, a structural feature based upon interpretations of the horizontal gradient of gravity, also contains elevated gold and Carlin pathfinder elements (notably, arsenic and antimony) in soils and rocks. This prospective corridor has two parallel features on the property; one is closely associated with the Courtney Zone - a known occurrence of gold mineralization where the large majority of historical drilling has been focused - the second is to the east on the newly-acquired ES Extension (see Figure 3 below).

At surface, the ES Extension is made up of upper-plate siliciclastic units of the Vinini and Valmy Formations and an 850 m by 500 m exposure of lower-plate Wenban Formation (see Figure 3 below), one of the most important stratigraphic units for hosting gold in the region. Through drillhole re-logging efforts and interpretation of regional stratigraphy, Westward is highly confident that prospective host rocks lie beneath the upper-plate siliciclastic rocks across the ES Extension ground. There is a strong probability that the entire carbonate host section is intact beneath this cover, allowing the Company the opportunity to explore for mineralization that has not been thinned-out by erosion. Evidence for a reasonable depth to host rocks is supported by detailed Induced Polarization ("IP")-Resistivity profiles immediately north of the new ES Extension block, as interpreted by Mr. Jim Wright in December of 2021. IP lines clearly image the layering of conductive upper-plate strata lying upon more resistive lower-plate strata - and generally suggest depths of 50-150 m to lower-plate rocks immediately east of the Courtney Zone, increasing to 250-350 m near the eastern boundary of the property. A similar profile can be expected at the ES Extension moving eastward from the exposed carbonate Wenban Formation. This is an excellent depth range to fully preserve an intact Carlin gold system while allowing relatively easy exploration drilling.

Figure 3: ES Extension - Stratigraphic, Structural, and Geophysical Evidence for Potential Gold Deposition



Click Image To View Full Size

Surface rock-chip and soil samples collected by Westward in late 2023 identified several trends of geochemical anomalies vectoring towards the newly-acquired ES Extension (refer to the Company's press release dated May 7, 2024, for additional information). Gold, arsenic, and antimony demonstrate a southeast pattern of zonation (see Figure 4 below). The pattern of strong arsenic-in-soils trending into strong antimony-in-soils indicates the potential for gold mineralization at a reasonable depth beneath upper-plate siliciclastic rocks. The Company will continue to advance these target concepts in 2024 by completing detailed Anaconda-style folio mapping, collecting surface rock and soil samples, and completing a detailed gravity survey on the new ground.

Figure 4: ES Extension - Geochemical Evidence for Potential Gold Deposition

Note: Left Image Heat Map Shows Arsenic-in-Soils / Right Image Heat Map Shows Antimony-in-Soils



Click Image To View Full Size

2024 Field Season Update

1:5000 scale Anaconda-style folio mapping of the Toiyabe Hills Project is currently underway, building upon past mapping which was largely centered around the Courtney Zone. The initial focus areas are the Hilltop Corridor and the ES Extension - the program is being led by Technical Advisor Steven Koehler and VP Exploration Robert Edie, with ambitions to cover the vast majority of the Westward ground. High-quality surface mapping will represent a key input in emerging priority drill targets, and additional details and findings will be released to the market as the field season progresses.

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Robert Edie, Vice President Exploration of the Company, who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Edie is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) through the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).

About Westward Gold

Westward Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on developing the Toiyabe Hills Project located in the Cortez Hills area of Lander County, Nevada, and the Coyote and Rossi Projects located along the Carlin Trend in Elko County, Nevada. From time to time, the Company may also evaluate the acquisition of other mineral exploration assets and opportunities.

For further information contact:

Andrew Nelson

Chief Financial Officer

Westward Gold Inc.

+1 (604) 828-7027

andrew@westwardgold.com

www.westwardgold.com

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.

This news release contains or incorporates by reference "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur are, or may be deemed, to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potential", "on track", "forecast", "budget", "target", "outlook", "continue", "plan" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation of such terms.

Such statements include, but may not be limited to, information as to strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, such as the Company's expansion plans, project timelines, expected drilling targets, and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future plans and performance.

Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital by the Company through financings, and the risk that such funds may not be raised; the speculative nature of exploration and the stages of the Company's properties; the effect of changes in commodity prices; regulatory risks that development of the Company's material properties will not be acceptable for social, environmental or other reasons, availability of equipment (including drills) and personnel to carry out work programs, that each stage of work will be completed within expected time frames, that current geological models and interpretations prove correct, the results of ongoing work programs may lead to a change of exploration priorities, and the efforts and abilities of the senior management team. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements or information. These and other factors may cause the Company to change its exploration and work programs, not proceed with work programs, or change the timing or order of planned work programs. Additional risk factors and details with respect to risk factors that may affect the Company's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are set out in the Company's latest management discussion and analysis under "Risks and Uncertainties", which is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company's forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this press release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Toronto, June 4th, 2024 - Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. (TSXV: RSM) (FSE: BU9) (OTC: RSGOGF) ("RSM", "Resouro" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on activities at the Tiros Rare Earths and Titanium project in Brazil ("Tiros Project" or "Project").

Highlights:

Recommencing of drilling for infill drilling for calculation of a potential JORC compliant resource.

Latest drill results include the following; FDTIR-05: Diamond drill, 13 meters at 5,512ppm TREO, 1,158NdPr and 16.73% TiO2 from 19 meters; FDTIR-12: Diamond drill, 20 meters at 6,789ppm TREO, 1,570 NdPr and 16.11% TiO2 from 44 meters; FDTIR-14: Diamond drill, 28 meters at 5,519ppm TREO, 1,200 NdPr and 16.14% TiO2 from 22 meters; FDTIR-25: Diamond drill, 22 meters at 5,597ppm TREO, 1,375 NdPr and 12.65% TiO2 from 46 meters.



Recommencing of Drilling

Following the successful recent capital raising, the Company commenced the works associated with the work program detailed in the Prospectus lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) on May 1, 2024, including an assessment of the data collected with confirmation, where possible, of the likely resource boundaries, average grades and thickness of mineralization at the Tiros Project.

Whilst the data assessment is currently being reviewed by an independent competent person (Atticus Geo Consultants), Resouro has also undertaken further exploration including "scout holes" and infill drilling with an aim to define a mineral resource estimate for the Tiros Project in accordance with JORC Code.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1 Drill Plan of the Tiros Central Deposit Infill Drilling and Scout Hole Program

Latest Drill Results

The exploration team has recently received and analyzed the latest results from the latest drilling program including the diamond drilling (DD) with excellent results summarized in the table below.

Hole_ID Type From To Thickness TiO2 % NdPr ppm TREO ppm ACTIR-51 Air Core 10 58 48 11.72 804 3,916 Includes Air Core 16 22 6 22.12 763 6,300 ACTIR-52 Air Core 13 35 22 15.41 1,104 4,779 Includes Air Core 15 17 2 23.84 426 3,617 ACTIR-53 Air Core 9 55 46 11.06 909 3,868 Includes Air Core 16 20 4 23.26 2,743 10,708 ACTIR-54 Air Core 2 52 50 11.54 892 3,806 Includes Air Core 7 13 6 19.86 1,691 7,336 ACTIR-55 Air Core 37 82 45 12.44 1,031 4,404 Includes Air Core 43 50 7 20.70 1,861 7,985 ACTIR-56 Air Core 2 47 45 10.23 856 3,679 Includes Air Core 3 6 3 20.84 869 5,579 ACTIR-59 Air Core 39 86 47 10.00 1,045 4,196 Includes Air Core 50 56 6 18.33 2,473 9,146 ACTIR-60 Air Core 19 76 57 11.36 979 4,143 Includes Air Core 26 33 7 16.59 1,954 8,062 FDTIR-04 Diamond 13 33 20 13.99 1,050 4,979 Includes Diamond 21 26 5 21.72 2,107 9,093 FDTIR-05 Diamond 19 31.9 12.9 16.73 1,158 5,512 Includes Diamond 26 31.9 5.9 20.55 2,172 9,660 FDTIR-06 Diamond 35 49 14 13.69 1,148 4,926 Includes Diamond 36 41 5 22.16 1,603 7,260 FDTIR-07 Diamond 12 18.45 6.45 10.47 1,385 5,442 FDTIR-08 Diamond 15 71 56 11.21 1,000 4,305 Includes Diamond 21 28 7 21.15 2,181 9,055 FDTIR-09 Diamond 39 91 52 14.11 1,010 4,793 Includes Diamond 50 58 8 26.25 1,525 7,868 FDTIR-11 Diamond 36 54.4 18.4 13.09 1,122 4,957 Includes Diamond 42 46 4 25.43 2,394 10,264 FDTIR-12 Diamond 44 63.8 19.8 16.11 1,570 6,789 Includes Diamond 52 58 6 27.23 3,229 12,937 FDTIR-13 Diamond 19 79 60 12.00 989 4,046 Includes Diamond 24 35 11 19.26 2,042 7,744 FDTIR-14 Diamond 22 50.15 28.15 16.14 1,200 5,519 Includes Diamond 31 39 8 25.42 2,495 10,721 FDTIR-15 Diamond 44 99 55 12.15 799 3,881 Includes Diamond 49 62 13 21.11 1,215 6,504 FDTIR-16 Diamond 38 90 52 11.29 1,112 4,630 Includes Diamond 45 51 6 21.86 2,010 8,268 FDTIR-17 Diamond 43 91.75 48.75 12.60 1,071 4,850 Includes Diamond 50 63 13 18.79 1,803 8,008 FDTIR-18 Diamond 13 64 51 14.85 1,201 5,110 Includes Diamond 18 33 15 17.66 1,812 8,158 FDTIR-19 Diamond 12 77 65 11.36 928 4,034 Includes Diamond 18 24 6 25.10 1,704 8,199 FDTIR-20 Diamond 17 67.25 50.25 12.23 966 4,062 Includes Diamond 26 31 5 24.96 2,138 9,417 FDTIR-21 Diamond 30 56.35 26.35 12.34 1,001 4,537 Includes Diamond 38 43 5 19.84 1,947 8,239 FDTIR-22 Diamond 19 76.6 57.6 11.55 1,074 4,719 Includes Diamond 30 38 8 23.00 2,304 10,338 FDTIR-23 Diamond 43 89 46 11.66 951 4,392 Includes Diamond 49 52 3 23.10 2,257 10,890 FDTIR-24 Diamond 45 67.35 22.35 9.79 1,231 5,021 Includes Diamond 49 53 4 17.10 1,855 7,623 FDTIR-25 Diamond 46 68.15 22.15 12.65 1,375 5,597 Includes Diamond 53 58 5 19.77 2,329 9,746 FDTIR-26 Diamond 18 67 49 15.98 1,080 5,150 Includes Diamond 26 31 5 22.25 1,762 8,819 Includes Diamond 40 43 3 18.80 1,104 5,245 Includes Diamond 48 56 8 20.26 1,330 5,712 FDTIR-27 Diamond 28 88 60 10.65 739 3,319 Includes Diamond 38 42 4 21.76 1,587 9,064 FDTIR-28 Diamond 11 69 58 12.20 848 4,130 Includes Diamond 20 26 6 21.44 979 7,479 FDTIR-29 Diamond 27 83 56 14.04 1,122 4,933 Includes Diamond 29 34 5 24.64 532 3,892 Includes Diamond 38 49 11 21.40 1,556 7,926 FDTIR-30 Diamond 41 107 66 10.19 776 3,632 Includes Diamond 54 60 6 21.24 1,831 8,096 FDTIR-31 Diamond 36 94 58 11.24 884 3,886 Includes Diamond 44 50 6 21.80 1,477 8,426 FDTIR-32 Diamond 34 98.05 64.05 12.38 877 4,054 Includes Diamond 44 48 4 22.90 1,930 8,854 FDTIR-33 Diamond 38 94 56 10.79 780 3,654 Includes Diamond 48 53 5 23.35 1,922 9,422

Table?1 Latest Drilling Results

Quality Assurance Quality Control

A QA/QC program is in place for every batch of samples sent to the laboratory including blanks, different types of standards, for REE and titanium, and field duplicates. Further, a number of samples in each batch are later chosen for testing in a secondary laboratory and in the primary laboratory, as pulp or coarse duplicates.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Rodrigo Mello B.Sc. Geology, FAusIMM and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Mello has reviewed and verified the drilling and assay data included in this announcement.

Commenting on the latest drilling and assay results and drilling update for the Tiros Project, CEO and President of Resouro, Chris Eager, commented:

"Following on previously reported high levels of TREO, NdPr and TiO2 grades reported at the Tiros Central block are exciting. Recommencing the drilling program after reviewing the recent data has allowed the Company to plan better for the present drilling and to allow the project to progress its geological resource model with the aim to achieve a Maiden JORC Resource for Tiros Central. This drilling further confirms the high grade and massive size potential of Tiros project as a whole."

Update on ASX Listing

Resouro lodged the Prospectus to raise AUD$8.0 million (approximately CAD$7.2 million) via the offer of 16,000,000 CHESS Depository Interests ("CDI") over common shares in the capital of the Company at an offer price of AUD$0.50 (approximately CAD$0.45) per CDI (the "Offer"). Resouro intends to use the net proceeds raised pursuant to the Offer to increase shareholder value through the identification, exploration, definition and development of its Tiros Rare Earth Elements and Titanium Project, and Novo Mundo Gold Project as well as to meet working capital requirements.

The Offer opened on May 9, 2024, in Australia. It is envisaged that CDIs will be issued on or around mid-June 2024, in Australia. The listing of the Company on the ASX remains subject to the Company meeting the listing criteria of the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") and the Company is working through the standard conditions of admission. Subject to the satisfaction of ASX's conditions to admission, the Company is targeting a listing date on the ASX of on or around June 14, 2024.

Upon successful completion of the listing, Resouro's securities will be tradable on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV:RSM), the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE:BU9), the Over-the-Counter market in the USA (OTC:RSGOGF) and the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX:RAU), providing investors with increased flexibility and accessibility.

About Resouro Strategic Metals Inc.

Resouro is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in Brazil, including the rare earth elements and titanium Tiros Project and the Novo Mundo and Santa Angela gold projects.

The Tiros Project, located in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an exploration project focused on rare earth elements and titanium covering an area of approximately 450 km2. The Tiros Project comprises 17 exploration permits, and one exploration permit application held by the Company's Brazilian subsidiary; and 6 exploration permits and one exploration permit application that have been validly assigned to the Company's Brazilian subsidiary and are awaiting ANM approval. The Company holds, via its wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, a 90% interest in the Tiros Project and the remaining 10% interest in the Tiros Project is held by RBM Consultoria Mineral Eireli (RBM), an unrelated third-party vendor.

The Novo Mundo Project is located in the Alta Floresta Gold Province close to the northern border of the state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. Within the licensed area is the small town of Novo Mundo, which is 30km west from the larger town of Guaranta do Norte. It comprises three exploration permits. The Company also has another interest in an exploration permit, being the Santa Angela Project, which is not considered material to the Company's operations. Interests in the Novo Mundo Project and Santa Angela Project are held via the Company's wholly owned subsidiary.

For further information, please contact the Company at:

Chris Eager, CEO

chris.eager@resouro.com

Phone: +44-738-805-7980

For Investor inquiries

Info@Resouro.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors,



Chris Eager, President & CEO

Resouro Strategic Metals Inc.

Learn more about the Company on its website: https://resouro.com

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. 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.

In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the use of proceeds of the Offer and the proposed ASX listing. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation and environmental regulation; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required, including obtaining final acceptance from the TSXV and the ASX; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; liabilities inherent in the mining industry; competition for, among other things, skilled personnel and supplies; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; geological, technical, processing and transportation problems; changes in tax laws and incentive programs; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and dispositions; and the other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this release.

This press 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.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Vancouver, June 4, 2024 - Global Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV:GEMC) | (OTCQB:GBLEF) | (FSE:5GE1) ("Global Energy Metals", the "Company" and/or "GEMC"), a multi-jurisdictional, multi-commodity critical mineral exploration, development and project generating company focused on growth-oriented projects supporting the global transition to clean energy, is pleased to announce that a drilling program is now underway at the Millennium Copper Cobalt project (the "Project" and/or "Millennium") aimed at testing the Fountain Range-Quamby Fault Zone potential with the intent of increasing existing copper/cobalt Resources.

Millennium is a significant cobalt-copper deposit that remains open for expansion. The Project is located close to well established mining, transport and processing infrastructure along with a skilled workforce in the regional centres of Mount Isa and Cloncurry. The Project has excellent potential and remains open for expansion by extending the known mineralized structure through exploration work to the north and to the east.

Global Energy Metals' joint venture partner, Metal Bank Limited ("MBK") has recently been presented with the opportunity to utilise an all-terrain drilling rig at Millennium for a small drilling program which will allow it to further test the Fountain Range-Quamby ("FRQ") Fault Zone in the north of the project area and to follow up on drilling an existing RC pre-collar target below the current Resource. In addition, MBK is also continuing in its efforts to secure access and rights to the gap zone within its Resource and a buffer zone around its existing HK-mining leases ("MLs") prior to progressing this project towards feasibility studies.

MBK's focus at Millennium is to:

- grow current resource baseto within the range of the existing Exploration Target (refer to news release dated March 21, 2023);

- secure the gap zone and buffer zones to support development and mining; and

- progress scoping and feasibility studies for development and commencement of production.

MBK is continuing its communication with the holder of exploration permits surrounding the Millennium ML's and with the Queensland Government, with a view to securing rights to explore and apply for a Mining Lease over the gap zone in the Southern Area of the Millennium Project (refer Figures 1 and 2) plus additional buffer areas around the Millennium ML's required to support development and mining.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1: N-S long section view of the Millennium Co-Cu resource, optimised pit shell and resource drilling. Note Exploration Target figures are conceptual in nature and are poorly tested/untested to date.

Millennium drilling

Initial scout drilling toward the FRQ Fault Zone completed in 2022 was successful in defining anomalous copper mineralisation (refer to news release dated October 21, 2022) in the footwall and to the north-west of the existing Millennium resource. However, the region further west towards the fault and the fault itself was not able to be tested due to access issues. Exposure in the FRQ Fault Zone area is very limited due to post-mineralisation cover by Quamby Conglomerate alluvials (Figure 2).

A small drilling program is currently underway with an all-terrain drilling rig, with two holes planned to test the FRQ Fault Zone - one of which is directly under significant exposure of outcropping copper oxide in a polyphase siliceous fault breccia - plus a diamond core extension or 'tail' to an existing RC pre-collar hole from previous drilling in the Central Area of the existing resource.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 2: Simplified geology of the Millennium Co-Cu Project showing 2023 MRE and resource drill holes

About Metal Bank

Metal Bank Limited is an ASX-listed minerals exploration company (ASX:MBK) holding a significant portfolio of advanced gold and copper exploration projects with substantial growth upside, including:

- Mineral exploration and reconnaissance rights in southern Jordan, focusing on identifying copper deposits within Wadi Araba;

- the right to earn up to 80% of the Millennium Copper & Cobalt project which holds an

Inferred 2012 JORC Resource of 8.4Mt @ 1.23% CuEq, across 5 granted Mining Leases with significant potential for expansion;

- a 75% interest in the advanced Livingstone Gold Project in WA which holds a JORC 2012

Inferred Resource of 40,300oz Au at the Homestead prospect, a JORC 2012 Inferred Resource of 30,500oz Au at Kingsley, and an Exploration Target of 290 - 400Kt at 1.8 -2.0g/t Au for 16,800 - 25,700oz Au at Kingsley; and

- the 8 Mile, Wild Irishman and Eidsvold Gold projects in South East Queensland where

considerable work by MBK to date has drill-proven both high grade vein-style and bulk

tonnage intrusion-related Au mineralisation.

Metal Bank's exploration programs at these projects are focussed on:

- Short term resource growth - advancing existing projects to substantially increase JORC

Resources;

- Identifying additional mineralisation at each of its projects; and

- Assessing development potential and including fast tracking projects through feasibility and

development to production, particularly at the Millennium Project in Queensland, where the

copper and cobalt project is contained within granted mining licenses.

Metal Bank is also committed to a strategy of diversification and growth through identification of new exploration opportunities which complement its existing portfolio and pursuit of other opportunities to diversify the Company's assets.

Qualified Person

Mr. Paul Sarjeant, P. Geo., is the qualified person for this release as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He is a shareholder and Director of the Company.

For Further Information:

Global Energy Metals Corp.

#1501-128 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC, V6B 1R8

Email: info@globalenergymetals.com

t. + 1 (604) 688-4219

www.globalenergymetals.com

Twitter: @EnergyMetals | @USBatteryMetals | @ElementMinerals

Global Energy Metals Corp.

(TSXV:GEMC | OTCQB:GBLEF | FSE:5GE1)

Global Energy Metals Corp. offers investment exposure to the growing rechargeable battery and electric vehicle market by building a diversified global portfolio of exploration and growth-stage battery mineral assets.

Global Energy Metals recognizes that the proliferation and growth of the electrified economy in the coming decades is underpinned by the availability of battery metals, including cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and other raw materials. To be part of the solution and respond to this electrification movement, Global Energy Metals has taken a 'consolidate, partner and invest' approach and in doing so have assembled and are advancing a portfolio of strategically significant investments in battery metal resources.

As demonstrated with the Company's current copper, nickel and cobalt projects in Canada, Australia, Norway and the United States, GEMC is investing-in, exploring and developing prospective, scaleable assets in established mining and processing jurisdictions in close proximity to end-use markets. Global Energy Metals is targeting projects with low logistics and processing risks, so that they can be fast tracked to enter the supply chain in this cycle. The Company is also collaborating with industry peers to strengthen its exposure to these critical commodities and the associated technologies required for a cleaner future.

Securing exposure to these critical minerals powering the eMobility revolution is a generational investment opportunity. Global Energy Metals believes Now is the Time to be part of this electrification movement.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information:

Certain information in this release may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws and necessarily involve risks associated with regulatory approvals and timelines. Although Global Energy Metals 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. 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.

GEMC's operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of a widespread global outbreak of a contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of illness caused by COVID-19. It is not possible to accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect operations and the ability to finance its operations.

For more information on Global Energy and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review the filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

We seek safe harbour.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
ROUYN-NORANDA, June 04, 2024 - Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. (GMX - Toronto Stock Exchange, G1MN - Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Berlin, Munich, Tradegate, Lang & Schwarz, LS Exchange, TTMzero, Dusseldorf and Quotrix Dusseldorf Stock Exchanges and GLBXF - OTCQX International in the US) is pleased to provide an additional update as regards drilling by Brunswick Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: BRW, OTCQB: BRWXF) on Globex's Lac Escale (Mirage) Lithium royalty property in the James Bay area of Quebec.



The drilling focused on the Central Zone has continued to intersect wide and well mineralized intervals.

Highlights include 1.64% Li 2 O over 69.3 m in drill hole MR-24-61 and 1.17% Li 2 O over 28.3 m in hole MR-24-50, both holes starting at surface.

Numerous other mineralized intervals have been reported in Brunswick's press release issued today. Please refer to Brunswick's press release for detailed information on the latest drill results including maps and sections.

Globex retains a 3% Gross Metal Royalty on the Lac Escale lithium claims.

This press release was written by Jack Stoch, P. Geo., President and CEO of Globex in his capacity as a Qualified Person (Q.P.) under NI 43-101.

We Seek Safe Harbour. Foreign Private Issuer 12g3 - 2(b) CUSIP Number 379900 50 9

LEI 529900XYUKGG3LF9PY95 For further information, contact: Jack Stoch, P.Geo., Acc.Dir.

President & CEO

Globex Mining Enterprises Inc.

86, 14th Street

Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec Canada J9X 2J1



Tel.: 819.797.5242

Fax: 819.797.1470

info@globexmining.com

www.globexmining.com



Forward Looking Statements: Except for historical information, this news release may contain certain "forward looking statements". These statements may involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity and performance to be materially different from the expectations and projections of Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. ("Globex"). No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits Globex will derive therefrom. A more detailed discussion of the risks is available in the "Annual Information Form" filed by Globex on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

55,204,836 shares issued and outstanding
New Delhi, June 3 (UNI) Hours before the counting of votes, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday urged the bureaucrats to adhere to the Constitution and perform their duties without any fear, favour, or ill-will against anybody.

In a letter to civil servants and officers, Kharge said, "We expect every bureaucrat and officer, from top to bottom of the hierarchy, to discharge their duties in the spirit of the Constitution, without any coercion, threat, pressure, or intimidation either from the ruling party/coalition or from the opposition party/coalition".

Kharge said that he was writing this letter in the capacity of the Leader of the Opposition (Rajya Sabha) and as President of the Indian National Congress.

While calling the Will of the People supreme, Kharge said that the people of the country want the Indian bureaucracy to return to the same Steel Frame of India envisaged by Sardar Patel, which has been Teflon-coated by our strong constitutional principles that have stood the test of time.

"Do not bow down to any unconstitutional means. Do not be afraid of anyone, and discharge your duties based on merit on this counting day. We owe it to future generations, a vibrant Democracy and a long-lasting constitution, as penned by the makers of modern India," Kharge said.

The Rajya Sabha MP said, "The last decade has witnessed a systemic pattern to assault, undermine, and suppress our autonomous institutions by the ruling party. Indias Democratic ethos is consequently damaged. There is a widespread tendency to turn India into a regimental dictatorship.".

He said that while some institutions "were brazenly following the diktats of the ruling party," some had completely adopted their style of communication, functioning, and, in some cases, even their political rhetoric.

"It is not their fault. With brute power, threats, coercive mechanisms, and misuse of agencies, this tendency to bow to the powers has become a way for their short-term survival. Even though, in this denigration, Indias Constitution and democracy have become casualties," Kharge wrote.

UNI RBE AKS
VANCOUVER, June 04, 2024 - Novo Resources Corp. (Novo or the Company) (ASX: NVO) (TSX: NVO) (OTCQX: NSRPF) advises that Mr Ross Hamilton has resigned as a director of the Company.



Mr Mike Spreadborough Executive Co-Chairman shared, "On behalf of the Company's directors, employees, and stakeholders, I would like to sincerely thank Mr Hamilton for his tireless commitment to Novo over the last 3.5 years as a Non-executive Director and Chair of the Sustainability Committee. We wish him all the best for future."

The Company also advises that Ms Lisa Smith has completed her time as Joint Company Secretary of the Company.

Mr Mike Spreadborough Executive Co-Chairman shared, "On behalf of the Company's directors, employees, and stakeholders, I would like to sincerely thank Ms Smith for her commitment to Novo and her significant contribution in completion of the ASX listing in September 2023. Her extensive experience has been invaluable. We wish her all the best for future."

Authorised for release by the Board of Directors.

CONTACT

Investors:

Mike Spreadborough

+61 8 6400 6100

info@novoresources.com North American Queries:

Leo Karabelas

+1 416 543 3120

leo@novoresources.com Media:

Cameron Gilenko

+61 466 984 953

c.gilenko@morrowsodali.com

ABOUT NOVO

Novo is an Australian based gold explorer listed on the ASX and the TSX focused on discovering standalone gold projects with > 1 Moz development potential. Novo is an innovative gold explorer with a significant land package covering approximately 7,000 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, along with the 22 square kilometre Belltopper project in the Bendigo Tectonic Zone of Victoria, Australia.

Novo's vanguard Project is the Egina Gold Camp, where De Grey is farming-in at Becher and surrounding tenements through exploration expenditure of A$25 million within 4 years for a 50% interest. Significant gold mineralisation has also been identified at Nunyerry North, this area is part of the Croyden JV (Novo 70%: Creasy Group 30%).

With a dedicated and disciplined acquisition program in place to identify value accretive opportunities and via its exposure to non-core minerals and metals through joint partnerships, Novo is focused on building further value for shareholders.





A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc64e1a4-5575-4a39-9b44-f33774aa174d
Rival teams copying their way into contention says Marko

Red Bull's rivals are "copying" their way into contention, according to team F1 advisor Dr Helmut Marko.

Max Verstappen, Monaco GP 2024

 Red Bull

Ferrari and McLaren have made big strides towards Red Bull's position of dominance recently, with both Ferrari drivers winning races in 2024 so far and even Lando Norris securing his first Formula 1 win with McLaren.

We are now in our third year with the current regulations, and people are copying, Marko told Osterreich newspaper.

One particular area of technical convergence, according to Germany's specialist Auto Motor und Sport, is the way Red Bull mastered a way to lower the rear of the car on the straights from the very beginning in 2022.

This resulted in a sometimes dramatic top speed advantage, said correspondent Michael Schmidt. The entire DRS effect was also geared towards this.

The journalist continued: "It was not until the third year that the competition reacted. Ferrari, Mercedes, Haas and Toro Rosso (Racing Bulls) now have similar systems.

Ferrari's is said to be even better than the (Red Bull) original, Schmidt added.

The solution enables teams to make highly effective miniscule changes to the ride-height - crucial for the ground effect regulations.

We're talking about differences of half a millimetre in the setup, one unnamed team boss confirmed.

Curiously, Schmidt explained that McLaren is actually yet to get a similar system up and running.

McLaren, Aston Martin, Williams, Sauber and Alpine are still using conventional systems, he said.

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella confirmed: We do not have an explicit lowering system, which can be critical with low ground clearance. You can quickly lose downforce in places where you don't want it.

(GMM)
Pastries from Somedays in Astoria. Photo: Mike Chau

Late last month, with no marketing plan to speak of other than an Instagram grid filled with precisely latticed croissants, the Astoria bakery Somedays opened its doors for business. Three full hours before they were scheduled to close for the day, theyd sold out of their entire supply of black-sesame tahini croissants, chocolate-hazelnut-praline lattices, and pistachio chocolate-chunk cookies. Ive worked in bakeries for ten years, says head baker Arlander Brown, who previously worked at Manhattans Librae, on a Tuesday, in Queens, I did not expect 300 people to show up.

Yet just a month earlier, something similar had happened in Prospect Heights. Sofreh, an Iranian restaurant off Flatbush Avenue, opened its neighboring cafe with pastries like tahini-date banana bread and latifeh, a delicate, cream-filled sandwich cookie. Nasim Alikhani, the chef and owner, says that the cafe was prepared for about 100 customers when they quietly unlocked their door for a soft opening in March. I think some influencer person said something, Alikhani tells me, because we didnt announce it. We just opened our door. Nevertheless, the cafe was sold out by 11:00 a.m. and had to start turning people away. Now, on a typical weekend day, the cafe serves about 400 people.

Chances are good that no matter where you live in the city, you are not far from a line of customers, stretching around a block, all waiting patiently to buy some baked goods. Outside LAppartement 4F in Brooklyn Heights an hour before closing on a recent Saturday afternoon, there were a dozen or so people waiting ahead of me in line to fight over the last few kouign-amanns and plain croissants (the bakerys famous $50 boxes of croissant cereal had sold out hours ago, even with the strict two-per-person limit). At lunchtime on a recent Monday, there was a line to order prosciutto sandwiches and rhubarb croissants at Radio Bakery in Greenpoint, and another wait for an outdoor table to eat them. On a drizzly Wednesday morning, there was no avoiding a queue for ramp-and-Cantal escargots  a pastry shaped like a snails shell with a green spiral of ramp oil  and chocolate pains Suisse (a smaller, more delicate take on a chocolate croissant) at the newly opened Laurel in the Columbia Street Waterfront neighborhood.

In the last few weeks weve seen the ramp escargot just take over like wildfire, says Nico Russell, one of the owners of Laurel as well as Place des Fetes in Clinton Hill. We did not expect it to be this busy, to be honest with you, he says. He remembers asking someone four days after opening if it was their first time visiting; they told him it was their fourth time.

More are on the way: Both LAppartement 4F and Radio are in the process of opening second locations, and the buzzy Nordic bakery La Cabra will open a third later this year. The panaderia Pan y Cafe will make the jump from sold-out pop-up to Williamsburg brick-and-mortar next month. And celebrated, name-brand bakers like Crown Shys Renata Ameni, pastry chef Zoe Kanan, and Gramercy Tavern vet Lauren Tran are all opening spots of their own this year.

Even bakeries with no designs on virality could become the next neighborhood sensation. A couple months after Autumn Moultrie opened her bakery Bread & Butter in Bed-Stuy last fall, a popular Instagram account called @briancantstopeating included a two-second clip of Moultries focaccia in his video of Top NYC Bites of 2023. From that moment on it was really busy, Moultrie says. It got rolling way faster than we were really prepared for. A few weeks ago, another Instagram account posted about Bread & Butters banana-pudding soft serve, and Moultrie opened the gate of the bakery to another line around the block. Its like, Oh my God, where did all these people come from?

They came from the internet, of course, even though the Hype Bakery template was first established at a time when the Instagram app icon was still a Polaroid-looking camera: When Dominique Ansels Cronut debuted 11 years ago, the combination of an attractive pastry made by a skilled technician with fine-dining experience launched a million imitators. The novelty of those early days has softened, but the essential form remains unchanged. Supermoon Bakehouse started selling their cruffins stuffed with an ever-rotating menu of fruit curds and pastry creams; Lafayettes Supremes sport a new flavor each month (Junes is Raspberry Linzer with toasted-hazelnut cream); and Eleven Madison Park  arguably in some degree of trouble after its vegan tasting-menu relaunch was met with lukewarm reviews  has seen a resurgence in attention since launching its own Madisons at a series of Bake It Nice pop-ups held outside the restaurant.

Thats where Mike Chau posted a video on his Food Baby account of the line to purchase the $8 vegan croissants  which was roughly three hours long. It was the craziest thing Ive ever seen in my life, Chau says.

By the standards of viral croissants, the Madison is a relative latecomer  but it hardly matters. For a restaurant like Eleven Madison Park, where a full tasting menu at dinner costs $365, there is a halo effect at play: The Madison is not merely a croissant; its a croissant made in a Michelin-starred kitchen. That counts for something.

Chaus theory is that the success of any pastry is its relative accessibility over full-blown restaurant reservations. He doesnt mind the lines too much, either  he typically gets some work done on his phone while he waits  and they are, in the end, as much a part of the Hype Bakery experience as the actual pastries: Joining a group of like-minded croissant lovers is not exactly the same as lining up at the DMV. I think it has to do with the pandemic and people being stuck in their houses, Moultrie, from Bread & Butter, says. People are embracing making themselves happy and having a little treat here and there.

This post has been updated to reflect Browns role at Librae.

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Xiaomi's Civi line is leaving China for the first time since its inception many years ago. The Xiaomi 14 Civi will launch in India on June 12, and Flipkart has put up a dedicated teaser microsite for the upcoming device.

This reveals some of its specs. The phone is expected to be a rebranded Civi 4 Pro, which got official in China back in March.

The microsite tells us it will have "segment premier Leica Professional camera system" with 15mm-50mm range, and that matches up nicely with the Civi 4 Pro's triple camera system comprising a 50 MP main with OIS, a 12 MP ultrawide, and a 50 MP 2x telephoto.

Flipkart also promises "25mm cinematic HDR", 15mm ultrawide captures with 120-degree field-of-view, dual 32 MP + 32 MP selfie cameras (just like the Civi 4 Pro), and a "floating quad-curve display" with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on top, 120 Hz refresh rate, and "1.5K" resolution.



Xiaomi 14 Civi official details

The phone is 7.4 mm thin, and its back has a nanotech fake leather texture which should be six times more wear resistant than the previous generation. The Xiaomi 14 Civi will be offered in Cruise Blue, Matcha Green, and Shadow Black.

It will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset (exactly like the Civi 4 Pro), and a 4,700 mAh battery will keep the lights running. 67W fast wired charging will be supported.

All of these specs line up perfectly with those of the Civi 4 Pro, so the rebranding rumors seem to have been right on the money. Speaking of which, all we need to find out now is the pricing - and that will be revealed next week, on June 12, so stay tuned.
Back-and-forth continues over whether the Guam Department of Education or the executive branch are to blame for a yearlong delay in issuing contracts for school mold mitigation and fencing repair after Typhoon Mawar.

Despite saying he might ditch cooperation with Adelup on the procurement last month, Education Superintendent Erik Swanson said GDOE continues to work with the Leon Guerrero administration on the project.

This is the second time that Swanson has stopped short of getting a return of the $20 million that was transferred out of GDOE last year to help with typhoon fixes.

May 24 was the anniversary of Mawar, but neither fence fixes nor mold cleanup for the public schools had gone out to bid, the Pacific Daily News reported.

GDOE and General Services Agency officials have offered conflicting statements about whether all the documentation needed for GDOE to move forward with putting mold and fencing contracts out to bid had yet been submitted.

Senators with oversight of the schools have slammed both for the delay.

Swanson told the PDN on the Mawar anniversary date that he thought GDOE could have already awarded both contracts, if it did procurement in-house.

He said he planned to ask for GDOEs $20 million back, if meetings with Department of Administration Director Edward Birn were not fruitful.

But as of Monday, GDOE and DOAs General Services Agency were actively collaborating to address procurement challenges, Swanson said in a statement.

GDOE spokesperson Tes Reyes-Burrier told the PDN the school administration had a team working with the administration agency on delays.

DOA on Tuesday issued another response to statements that Swanson made on the mold and fencing contracts.

Unfortunately, documentation submitted so far by GDOE falls short of the standard. GSA stands ready to complete this procurement when GDOE addresses these issues so that schools are repaired and funds may be removed from (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) without questionable expenditure, the DOA response stated.

In order to get FEMA to recoup the costs for mold and fencing services, there must be strict compliance with procurement laws and regulations, GSA stated. It added that GSA had been in constant contact with GDOE over the issue.

Swanson, in his own statement, said while progress has been made, some issues persist, reflecting the complex nature of government procurement processes.

He said collaboration between GDOE and GSA was a critical process that ensures the quality and efficiency of services provided to the public.

Meanwhile, legislative oversight chairman Sen. Chris Barnett registered more criticism over the continued delays.

GDOE could have done their own procurements for Mawar recovery projects, but the governor and lieutenant governor took $20 million from GDOE a year ago, Barnett said in a statement.

Barnett noted that GDOE had successfully put out major school refurbishment contracts out to bid during that same time frame.

But there had been nothing but excuses and runaround from Adelup about the delays since, the senator said, and the administration is now throwing GDOE under the bus.

Enough is enough with the shenanigans. If Adelup refuses to help our schools like they promised they would, they should immediately return the money to GDOE, Barnett said.
A recent cyber attack on the Republic of Palau led to the release of 20,000 documents marked confidential onto the internet, Palau Vice President J. Uduch Sengebau Senior told leaders at a regional summit hosted at Hyatt Regency Guam Tuesday.

Discussion on the second day of the 26th Micronesian Islands Forum turned to the potential damage that hackers could inflict on small island governments and critical infrastructure, a concern shared by leaders across the region.

Senior told the forum that the March 14 cyber attack on Palau coincided with the island nation signing a renewal of the Compacts of Free Association with the United States.

Thousands of official documents from the Palau government, crew lists for Japanese Navy ships that visited Palau, and documents outlining close relations between Palau and Taiwan had been stolen in the course of the attack, according to Senior.

Hackers also disrupted the ability of the Palauan Ministry of Finance to transfer funds electronically, leaving the ministry rushing to print out paper checks, the vice president said.

Ransomware group DragonForce has claimed responsibility for the cyber attack, but Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. has pointed to China as a perpetrator of the attack, the New York Times reports.

Chinas Foreign Ministry has called the accusations unfounded, according to the Times.

Palau is one of few nations in the world to officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, a sore point for the Chinese government.

Guam has seen its own share of cyber attacks with alleged ties to China, with Microsoft reporting that Chinese-backed hacker group Volt Typhoon has taken to frequently infiltrating telecommunications companies on the island.

Reports produced by the Chinese government have denied involvement with Volt Typhoon.

Other attacks of unclear origin paralyzed the records system at Guam Memorial Hospital and briefly shut down service to Docomo Pacific customers in the first half of 2022.

The ability of faraway hackers to shut down critical assets has Micronesian leaders wary.

When somebody says that somebody from off-island, away from Guam or the CNMI, or for Micronesia can disable some infrastructure in our areas, thats cause for real concern, said Gov. Arnold Palacios of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Palacios suggests that forum participants look into what policies the U.S. government and other countries had adopted to deal with such threats.

Maverick Eoe, Special Envoy for the Republic of Nauru, said his island had taken to establishing its own national telecommunications carrier in light of previous cyber attacks.

He said relying on private telecommunications providers to handle sensitive information had opened up more possibilities for hackers to attack the system.

Over in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, a newly established National Security Office is meant to be handling all security threats, said RMI President Hilda Heine.

But Heine said there was a greater need for technical assistance and resources to get security up to speed, a sentiment shared by several other leaders across the region.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero shared some of the work that Guam has been doing to establish an islandwide cybersecurity plan, in collaboration with the federal government. The Port Authority of Guam, and utilities, each likely targets of an attack, all had started up very robust plans, Leon Guerrero said.

Palaus Senior suggested using the Guam model as a template to create a regional cybersecurity plan for other MIF member nations.

Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina said each member nation should focus on beefing up their respective cybersecurity agencies.

For each individual jurisdiction, we should really have our offices beefed up. And that requires funding, and that requires more expertise, resources. So we need to really be focusing on those, Simina said.

Wednesday field trips

The two-day Micronesian Islands Forum presented issues on workforce development and transportation, energy, education, healthcare, digitization, and cybersecurity.

The leaders also agreed on the next order of businessestablishing a secretary general to administer the Secretariat.

On Wednesday, visiting delegations will engage in field trips to the KEPCO solar farm in Mangilao, the Ugum watershed project, and the G3 Maker Space at the Chamorro Village.

MIF 2024 will then conclude with the signing of the Joint Communique. MIF 2024 is available for viewing on YouTube.com/@govlouguam.

The Marshall Islands will be hosting MIF 2025.
Kozlov and Wolf in Nature:

Anthony Fauci, the former head of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), emphatically fended off allegations at a Republican-led hearing in Washington DC today that his agency funded research that created the COVID-19 pandemic or that he coordinated a cover-up of the pandemics origins, calling the claims simply preposterous. The 3 June session was one of the most anticipated hearings hosted by the US House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. The subcommittee has held 27 hearings or briefings over the past 15 months to examine the federal governments response to the pandemic and to uncover the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

As has been the case in most of the hearings, Faucis questioning reflected a deep political divide in the US government. Republicans criticized Faucis oversight of NIAID-funded research grants and of his staff members, and Democrats sang the praises of the former chief medical adviser to US President Joe Biden, commending him on a distinguished career that has saved lives through his work advancing research on AIDS and developing COVID-19 vaccines. Peter Hotez, a vaccine scientist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, told Nature that the hearing was a Republican attempt at revisionist history to ignore the policy failures of the administration of former US president Donald Trump early during the pandemic and to blame the scientists.

More here.
Lee Webber is a former publisher of the Pacific Daily News, Honolulu Advertiser, president of Gannett Pacific and Asia area manager for USA Today international.
Its true  Grrls just wanna have fun.

Every few months at a different venue in New Orleans, the dance floor is taken over by a flock of queer mostly-women: clad in rainbow, glitter, and outfits ranging from fishnet lingerie to colorful suits. Everybody is welcome, and everybody is moving to the beat.

At GrrlSpot, New Orleans long-running pop-up lesbian bar, the sole requirement is that you like to dance.

Its just a really happy, safe, fun space, says founder Jenna Jordan. Over the years, the party has become more genderfluid, which is great. We reflect what people want to see.

To kick off Pride Month, GrrlSpot is throwing two events: a teaser party on Friday, June 7 at the American Townhouse, and a full-blown, multi-level dance party bash on Saturday, June 8 at Cafe Istanbul, following the French Quarter Pride Parade.

As LGBTQ+ celebrations kick off across the country in June, women-focused spaces like GrrlSpot are surprisingly rare. At last count, the number of lesbian bars in the United States has dwindled to a mere 32.

The near-extinction of these spaces is a topic Jordan is asked about often. Before, I used to say, There really isnt enough of a demand for it. But now, I think its a lot of things, she says.

One theory points to a society that has actually become more accepting: It used to be that lesbian bars were a necessity because nowhere else was safe.

Before I lived in New Orleans, Charlenes (a New Orleans lesbian bar that operated until 1999) was the one place you could be yourself without getting beat up or put in jail, Jordan says. So you actually needed those spaces. And now you dont really need them. But you still want them sometimes.

Enter GrrlSpot, in a sea of flashing lights and bubbles.

The sparkling sea of GrrlSpot's 2023 Pride party is captured by local photographer Maura Lindsey.Maura Lindsey

The concept for the pop-up dance party was born after Hurricane Katrina, when Tulane and Loyola University studentslike Jordanbegan returning to the city. She and other queer women started congregating in Uptown bars, relying on word of mouth.

It was kind of like a guerrilla queer bar takeover. We wouldnt tell the bars, wed just show up, which was really funny, she laughs. Because it would be like a bunch of dudes, who are like Woah, girls! Oh wait, theyre gay.

Eventually, the impromptu meet-ups became so large that Jordan began warning the bars. Then, she started planning alongside them, printing out flyers and posting them in coffee shops or handing them to strangers around town.

Now, 19 years later, GrrlSpot thrives as a self-sustaining event. At each party, the stage is graced by drag queens, DJs, cabaret performers and the same queer women who dreamed of such an event nearly two decades ago.

The most important thing to me is that it looks like New Orleans and that its representative of the community, Jordan says. We hire local photographers, usually from the colleges, and pay them, of course. And the performers are all queer or trans.

Mostly, Jordan wants everyone to feel like they have a place on the dance floor.

And if someone is too nervous to show up alone?

Tell her to ask for Jenna. Ill show her around, I do it all the time.

Editors note: a previous version of the story referred to GrrlSpot as New Orleans only pop-up lesbian bar. Another event, Her Haus, is also focused on queer women.
The colors of the rainbow have been dimmed across the Sunshine State as Floridas Gov. Ron DeSantis bans Pride Month lights on state bridges throughout the month of June.

For the past three years, from June 1 through June 7, Sarasotas John Ringling Causeway bridge has glowed with red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple lights  essentially a rainbow of lights  in recognition of Pride Month, celebrated annually each June. Many other bridges across the state do the same.

But this year, instead of illuminating Floridas bridges with all the colors of the rainbow, officials have been limited to just three  red, white and blue.

In a post to X, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue announced that from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Floridas bridges will be lit with the colors red, white and blue as part of DeSantis 2024 Florida Freedom Summer.

As Floridians prepare for Freedom Summer, Floridas bridges will follow suit, illuminating in red, white, and blue from Memorial Day through Labor Day! Perdue wrote. Thanks to the leadership of @GovRonDeSantis, Florida continues to be the freest state in the nation.

As Floridians prepare for Freedom Summer, Florida's bridges will follow suit, illuminating in red, white, and blue from Memorial Day through Labor Day!



Thanks to the leadership of @GovRonDeSantis, Florida continues to be the freest state in the nation. https://t.co/FG892hO5zE pic.twitter.com/SBvxzr4ACk  Jared W. Perdue, P.E. (@FDOT_Secretary) May 8, 2024

Now, under the new order, if cities across the state want to light up their bridges, they can only use the colors red, white and blue from May 27 through Sept. 2.

In response to the order, First Coast News reported that on Friday night in downtown Jacksonville, around 70 people with high powered flashlights in a rainbow of colors gathered along the walkway of the Main Street bridge above the St. Johns River to light up the bridge anyway.

Did you drive by this Friday? After the state issued a statement that they would not light up bridges in rainbow colors this pride, Jacksonville's LGBTQ community decided they'd do it anyway, using flash lights to create this display. https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/florida-wont-light-bridges-in-rainbow-colors-so-jacksonville-lgbtq-community-did/77-3c8bf8f3-7ba9-4342-b333-d97330df2eda?tag1=wtlvshare Posted by First Coast News on Monday, June 3, 2024

For the John Ringling Causeway, not only does the new mandate mean no rainbow lights for Pride Month, its also lights out for other groups that had applied for a spot during this time, including orange lights from June 8-10 for National Gun Violence Awareness Month, teal for World Fragile X Day for autism on July 22, and yellow lights on Aug. 26 for Womens Equality Day.

The states Department of Transportation issued its original policy on bridge lighting in September 2020, which says that special requests for lighting colors and sequences are limited to the recognition of federal or state holidays or celebrations  and events of broad community interest.

But they note, they do reserve the right to refuse any request it deems offensive or not in the best public interest.

In 2021, after initially turning down a request from the city of Sarasota, Florida, to allow a display of rainbow lights during Pride Month on the John Ringling Causeway Bridge, the department reversed its decision and allowed the lights, which continued to be displayed throughout the first week of June in both 2022 and 2023. However, for 2024, the citys request was rejected, in lieu of the Freedom Summer initiative.

Tampa Bays Sunshine Skyway will follow suit, with a display of red, white and blue  the first time in three years the bridge will not display rainbow colors in June to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Late Monday night, a man drove his car through the lobby doors of Floridas Martin County Jail. No one was in the lobby at the time of the crash, but the Martin County Sheriffs Office said the act was intentional.

Using the hashtag, #WrongEntrance, in a post to the sheriffs official Facebook page, officials say, the suspect, who has yet to be identified, drove from the parking lot, up the walkway then crashed through the glass lobby doors but did not breach the inner steel security doors.

Happening now: Driver intentionally crashes vehicle thru Martin County Jail front doors into lobby. Inner steel doors were not breached. Driver arrested and in custody. pic.twitter.com/5gjjEhUsNM  MartinCountySheriff (@MartinFLSheriff) June 4, 2024

Reportedly, no one was in the lobby at the time of the crash and the driver of the vehicle is now in custody.

CBS12 News reported the suspect is being charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The Martin County Jail, located at 800 Southeast Monterey Road in Stuart, Florida, is a 696 bed, maximum security facility for adult inmates facing criminal charges ranging from civil infractions to capital offenses. Its primary function is to house offenders awaiting sentencing, or both, along with those serving brief sentences.

GulfLive.com will update this story as more information becomes available.




Haiti - Delmas 75 : Attempted dispossession of ONA land





The National Old Age Insurance Office (ONA) informs the population in general, the judicial authorities and the High Staff of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) in particular, that on the morning of Saturday June 1st, 2024, a group of individuals wearing the uniform of the Haitian National Police, heavily armed, invaded land, property of the institution, located in Delmas 75 with the aim of appropriating it.



The ONA vigorously protests against these acts of vandalism which alter the reputation of the institution whose uniform they wear.



The General Inspectorate of the National Police of Haiti (IGPNH) has learned that individuals claiming to be from the National Police have invested land owned by the ONA.



Jointly with the General Directorate, the General Inspectorate has already set up a field investigation team whose first elements index ex-police officers, active police officers and repeat spoliators.



Determined to combat all forms of crime and in accordance with the provisions of the General Discipline Regulations and other regulatory texts. the PNH will repress this criminal act with the greatest rigor, especially committed by active police officers, in complicity with habitual offenders.



Fritz Saint Fort, the Chief Inspector General calls on all police officers to respect our ethical motto "Protect and Serve". He urges. furthermore. the population to be vigilant and to support the Police in their work to suppress all forms of crime.



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre


















This is the latest action that OCR has taken to strengthen access to health and human services for people with disabilities.

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced a settlement with Englewood Ear Nose and Throat (Englewood) to ensure effective communication and access to services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Englewood provides otolaryngology services, including the medical and surgical management of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat, for adults and adolescents in New Jersey. The settlement was the result of OCRs investigation of Englewood regarding allegations that it discriminated against people who are deaf and utilize American Sign Language as their primary means of communication. Federal civil rights laws prevent discrimination against people with disabilities, including for sign language interpretation and when a person requests a companion to aid in a visit. Under the terms of the settlement, Englewood agrees to take several actions that ensure equal treatment of patients who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing should be able to schedule medical appointments and be seen by medical professionals just as easily as any other patient, said OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer. The law promises deaf and hard of hearing patients that they should receive care, free from discrimination, and have access to effective communication in appointments with their providers. Todays agreement puts other health care providers and facilities on notice to prioritize the communication needs of their patients and follow the law.

OCR entered into the agreement under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. These laws specifically require health care providers to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services to ensure that their communication with individuals with disabilities is as effective as their communication with others.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Office of Civil Rights will monitor Englewood for at least two years to ensure that it comes into compliance with the law. Among other actions, Englewood specifically agrees that it will:

Furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services free of charge to ensure effective communication for those individuals who request them;

Revise its non-discrimination policies and procedures to clarify how individuals can obtain services;

Provide training to personnel and staff on federal civil rights laws and update training materials so that staff are aware of patients rights and the hospitals obligation to provide appropriate services;

Display notification to the public, patients and Englewood personnel of the rights and protections civil rights laws afford regarding nondiscrimination in healthcare and human services; and

Report progress of compliance with the settlement agreement to OCR through a series of compliance reports.

A copy of the Voluntary Resolution Agreement may be found here: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/compliance-enforcement/agreements/englewood/index.html

***

OCR has taken several recent actions to strengthen access to health and human services for people with disabilities:

On April 26, 2024, OCR finalized the Section 1557 rule, which strengthens protections against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability.

On May 1, 2024, OCR finalized the Section 504 rule, substantively updating the rules for the first time in nearly 50 years. Section 504 clarifies and strengthens civil rights protections for people with disabilities, addresses discrimination in medical treatment, adds enforceable standards for accessible medical diagnostic equipment, and ensures accessible web content and mobile apps.

To inform the public of their rights and encourage compliance with civil rights laws by the health care system, OCR has several Fact Sheets, FAQs and other resources.

Specific resources for deaf and hard of hearing services can be found here.

If you believe that you or someone else has been discriminated against for being deaf or hard of hearing, on account of another disability, or on account of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or religion, please file a complaint with the HHS Office for Civil Rights at https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/index.html.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu returned to power in Andhra Pradesh, leading in over 130 of the total 175 assembly seats and decimating his rival and incumbent chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. Together with his alliance partners  the Jana Sena Party (JSP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)  Naidus TDP splashed the state in yellow, filling the assembly with more than 160 seats.

The incumbent CM Jagan Reddy, stunned by the complete reversal of fortune, submitted his resignation to the governor. Reddy is currently leading from the Pulivendula assembly seat, a traditional YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) stronghold.

Susanta Subhudhi, TDPs national spokesperson said, The landslide victory for the TDP-BJP alliance reflects the disillusionment of the people of Andhra with Jagan Reddys anti-development stance and the despondency because of a lack of jobs.

The mastermind of Jagans collapse, however, poll watchers say, was JSPs founder president Pawan Kalyan, who engineered the TDP-JSP alliance with the BJP and ensured the anti-incumbency votes were consolidated by the NDA. Kalyan has been a game changer. It was upon his insistence that Naidu agreed to be part of the NDA, said Ajay Kumar, national spokesperson of the JSP.

Naidu, the Captain, Pawan, the impact player

Less than eight months ago, when 74-year-old Naidu was jailed in Andhras Rajamamundhry central prison in February, Kalyans visit was thought to be a cordial one. However, once the election notification came in March, the actor-turned-politician announced that the TDP-JSP combine would fight the general election alongside the BJP and officially be part of the NDA. His colleagues in JSP were surprised to notice the conspicuous absence of TDP men during the announcement.

Many senior leaders in the TDP were even apprehensive of the alignment with NDA fearing accession over seat distribution, but Kalyan assured them of a fair deal. His good offices with the BJP leadership in Delhi ensured that the TDP was allocated 144 assembly seats and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies, the JSP 21 assembly seats and two LS seats, and the BJP 10 assembly seats and six LS constituencies.

Prof K Chandrasekhar, former head, department of politics, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, said, Kalyan has shown maturity as a politician far beyond his years in politics. Instead of turning the conversation with the BJP top brass transactional by asking for more seats, he asked to be in the alliance, and that has proved to be the turning point both in Andhra and at the centre.

Kalyans role, however, was larger than just a convenient seat arrangement. The TDP cadre were flustered at Naidus arrest. With the senior leaders unable to inject enthusiasm among their supporters, a distressed cadre looked pale and diffident about contesting both a state and a general election. Until Naidus arrest, Kalyan and the TDP supremo worked in their strongholds. After Naidus arrest, Kalyan stepped in to energise the cadre of both parties stunned by Naidus sudden move to jail. The JSP leader travelled across the state addressing large rallies and held the fort until Naidus return on October 31.

Kalyan is the all-rounder the alliance needed. He batted for Naidus development plan, bowled out Reddys team calling them out of failed welfare measures, and fielded all criticism in Naidus absence single-handedly, said a political analyst Hari. The BJP took advantage of the pro-Naidu and Jana Sena wave, he added.

Caste consolidation: Kapus and Kammas unite creating history

The TDP is filled with Kammas, with the Kapus reserving their support for the JSP. Together, they account for 25 percent of the state's population (18 percent Kapus, 7 percent Kammas). and live across coastal, central, and northern Andhra. However, with the TDP winning a good number of seats in the Rayalaseema region where Reddy hails from, it is apparent that the Reddys, who have historically been with the Congress, have voted for the TDP alliance as well.

At the time of announcing the alliance, cadres from the TDP and the JSP were not enthused, with multiple reports of friction, name-calling, and an unwillingness to work together at the mandal and village levels. Closer to the election, Prof Chandrasekhar said, the parties started working together resulting in a historic victory for the TDP. Three rallies by the Prime Minister in the run-up to the election, forced the Kapus to bury their long-standing grouse against the Kammas for poor political representation historically, and the Kammas saw the need to work with the Kapus as a Hobsons choice, Chandrasekhar added.

Poll watchers agree that the consolidation of Kapus and Kammas helped TDP net a higher voter share this year. In 2019, TDP won just 23 seats for 39.17 percent vote share with YSRCP winning 151 seats netting 49.95 percent of the vote share. JSP finished a poor third winning a single seat for a 5.53 percent vote share. Both national parties, the BJP and the Congress secured less than 2 percent votes in the state election.
The victory of actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency marks the successful culmination of a long wait for Sangh Parivar units in Kerala , as rightly pointed out by the BJP's in-charge for the state, Prakash Javadekar.

After much waiting, Gopi opened the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) account in Kerala, with a margin of more than 74,000 votes, triumphing against former state agriculture minister and Communist Party of India (CPI) leader VS Sunil Kumar and Congress heavyweight K Muraleedharan in the constituency known as the cultural capital of Kerala.

"We are jubilant about this resounding victory. The Congress and the CPI(M) both attempted minority appeasement to woo Christians and Muslims to their folds. Now, it is visible that at least a section of minorities favour us, which is why Gopi has won," BJP former state president C K Padmanabhan told Hindustan Times.

ALSO READ| Shashi Tharoor wins in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram constituency by 16,077 votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

Gopi's victory in Thrissur, a constituency that has shown no visible sympathy towards the BJP in the past, is significant, as the rest of Kerala preferred the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), leaving only the Alathur constituency to the state's CPI(M)-led ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). Opening an account in Kerala was a long-standing target for Sangh Parivar, with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) establishing the largest number of shakhas across the country in the state.

Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the BJPs predecessor, was active in the state since its formation in 1951; however, no Sangh Parivar leader was able to get elected to the upper house of Parliament from Kerala. Known for its secular, inclusive, and progressive politics, Kerala has always rejected communal politics and favoured coalitions by either Congress or CPI(M).

However, the BJP made history in the state for the first time in May 2016 when O Rajagopal was elected to the state assembly from the Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram district, defeating the CPI(M) strongman and present Kerala education minister V Sivankutty by a margin of 8000 votes. However, the party failed to retain the account in subsequent elections.

However, in a setback for the BJP, Union minister Rajiv Chandrasekhar lost the Thiruvananthapuram seat to Shashi Tharoor, despite clear leads in the initial counting phases. Tharoor largely banked on support from the Latin Catholic and Nadar community voters who traditionally maintain animosity toward the BJP brand of politics.

Gopis outreach in Thrissur

The credit for Gopi's victory can be attributed to the robust support from the BJP's central leadership, despite initial objections from the party's state unit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally selected Gopi for Thrissur and assured a high-voltage campaign. PM Modi held a road show at Thrissur, in support of Gopis candidature and even attended Gopi's daughter's wedding ceremony at the famed Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple before the elections.

In a bid to appeal to Thrissurs Christian community, Gopi offered a golden crown to the statue of St. Mary at the Lourdes metropolitan cathedral in Thrissur in January. Though some of the laity objected, saying the offered crown contained more copper than gold, Gopi made several efforts to gain the community's confidence.

A close confidant of Modi, he has been a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha for a five-year term since April 2016. Notably, Gopi had suffered a defeat in the same constituency in previous parliamentary and assembly elections, with setbacks in 2019 and 2021.

Starting in 2019, Gopi has been travelling to every nook and cranny of Thrissur, mingling freely with people from different walks of life. The constituency has several beneficiaries of the charity organisation he established in memory of his daughter Lakshmy, who died in a road accident in her childhood. Recently, he led an 18-kilometre padayatra to mount public opinion against a cooperative bank scam allegedly orchestrated by local CPI (M) leaders.

Known as the "angry young man" of Malayalam cinema, Gopi was initially involved in student politics through the CPI(M)'s student organisation, Student Federation of India, followed by unsuccessful attempts at electoral victory with the Congress, or CPI(M), leading to him joining the BJP in 2016.

During his campaign, Gopi faced a sexual harassment case after a journalist alleged that he behaved inappropriately with her during a media interaction. The controversy arose when Gopi reportedly placed his hand on the journalist's shoulder twice without her consent at a hotel in Kozhikode. The BJP leadership had dismissed the case as political harassment by the Vijayan government and extended support to the actor.

KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, who won in Kannur, alleged that Gopi was able to win the Thrissur seat because of a tacit understanding between BJP and Kerala's ruling LDF, which allegedly wanted to avoid central agency investigations into financial dealings involving the chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his immediate family. Though the LDF has not officially responded to the development, the alliance has started a social media campaign, saying Congress sold its traditional votes to the BJP in Thrissur to prevent an LDF victory.

Gopi unsuccessfully contested from Thrissur in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and also tested his mettle in the last assembly election. In 2019, he won 293,822 votes, giving a tough fight to Congress' Prathapan. BJP leaders say he polled more votes than the party's 2014 candidate, K P Sreesan.

However, in the assembly election, Gopi won 31.3% of the votes and facilitated the winning of the CPI candidate over top Congress leader Padmaja Venugopal, the daughter of the late chief minister K Karunakaran. Interestingly, Padamaja joined the BJP days ahead of this election and was one of the key campaigners for Gopi, targeting her brother.

Jan Sanghs history in Kerala

Though the Hindu Mahasabha and Jan Sangh had a presence in Kerala since the state was founded, the Sangh Parivar proved its strength in the state in 1964 by holding a mammoth national meeting of Jan Sangh in which Deen Dayal Upadhyay was elected the national chief.

The biggest mass mobilisation in the case of Jan Sangh happened in Kerala in 1967 when the communist government of E M Namboodiripad constituted the Muslim-majority Malappuram district by merging parts of Palakkad and Kozhikode districts.

Opposing the move, the Jan Sangh had organised large-scale mobilisations across the state. However, despite mobilisations, electoral gains remained a distant dream for the Sangh Parivar even after the BJPs state unit was consistently engaged in outreach to voters.

Despite the saffron party's expanding electoral footprint elsewhere in the country, the bipolar political space occupied by the CPI(M) and Congress-led coalitions has historically limited its growth.

Even though Gopis victory opened the BJPs account in the state, the double-digit figure anticipated by PM Modi failed to materialise. Though BJP maintained high expectations in the Pathanamthitta, Attingal and Palakkad seats, they all went to Congress.
On 29 May , some miscreants used kerosene to set fire to a girls school in Ramzak tehsil of North Waziristan district in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, destroying the institutions furniture, computers and books, Dawn reported.

Earlier in May, another girls private school  one of its kind in the area  was blown up in Tehsil Shewa of North Waziristan after the school guard was tortured. Following this attack, target="_blank" href="https://www.unicef.org/rosa/press-releases/unicef-condemns-attack-girls-school-north-waziristan#:~:text=ISLAMABAD%2C%20Pakistan%20%E2%80%93%209%20May%202024,many%20young%20and%20talented%20girls.">UNICEF released a statement condemning the violence, with its Pakistani representative denouncing it as a heinous crime detrimental to national progress. This act even prompted Shehbaz Sharif, the newly-elected prime minister, to order the immediate reconstruction of the school on government expenditure.

Additionally, in the same month, two other girls schools bore the brunt of these attacks, one in South Waziristan and another in Balochistan. In May of last year, two girls schools in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan were blown up similarly.

What explains the recent upshot in such attacks, especially in the two Waziristans that border Afghanistan and have been former strongholds of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)?

A resurgent TTP

Though these no-casualty attacks have been perpetrated by unidentified men and remain unclaimed, it is a foregone conclusion that militants affiliated with the TTP are to blame. The TTP is an ideological, homegrown offshoot of the Afghan Taliban, which maintains its distinct organisational structure and a set of objectives.

When the group first reared its head in the early 2000s and officially came into being in December 2007, one of the initial signs of Talibanisation in Pakistan was threats and attacks directed at school-going girls and employed women, who were perceived as transgressing the militants strict interpretation of sharia, or Islamic law. Later, educational institutions were targeted since they were used for military purposes by the Pakistani Army as barracks or bases.

As attacks on girls schools escalate, the international community may be reminded about the acts of terrorism launched by the TTP on Pakistans education sector, notably the Army Public School, the Peshawar massacre in 2014 and the shooting of Nobel Prize recipient, Malala Yousafzai in 2012. Counter-terror operations, such as Zarb-e-Azb (2014) and Radd-ul-Fasaad (2017) had weakened the TTP to a large degree, leading to a decline in reported violence against schools.

Now, emboldened by the Afghan Talibans takeover of Kabul in 2021, the TTP has embarked on a path of resurgence, striving to emulate the former which effectively banned women from getting access to secondary education and beyond. Despite nearing their third year in power and facing international condemnation for their discriminatory policies against women, the Afghan Taliban appear unrelenting in their stance. Unarguably, then, these attacks are knock-on effects of the Afghan Talibans regressive policies in bordering Afghanistan, which have an incalculable impact on Pakistani society that continues to wrestle with other barriers to education.

Education Emergency

Around the time of the first explosion in May this year, Shehbaz Sharif declared an education emergency, with a renewed resolve to enroll approximately 26 million out-of-school children, a challenge deemed as criminal negligence by him. However, even for those in schools, the quality of education imparted remains substandard due to a lack of essential facilities, such as water, toilets, boundary walls and often qualified teachers.

Following its successful results in Punjab during his tenure as the chief minister, Sharif has sought to implement his version of welfare schools, called Daanish schools in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (or as per Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan) and remote areas of Balochistan and Sindh to provide education to the lower rungs of society. In April, he laid the foundation for Islamabads first Daanish school, stating that the dream of Pakistans founding father, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, would remain incomplete without such educational initiatives.

The rhetoric on boosting the education sector has been a noteworthy aspect of Sharifs premiership, with him pledging that the federal government would bear all expenses for these schools despite education being a provincial subject under the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. The amendments ambit was a matter of controversy recently when the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC)  the body headed by both civil and military leaders to pull Pakistan out of its abject economic crisis  convened a meeting to review a new education policy. In response, a former chairman of Pakistans Senate criticised this move as an infringement on provincial autonomy, citing the 18th Amendment and stating that it is beyond the federal governments wheelhouse to address this matter.

Regardless, the key point here is that the broad breadth of reforms required for Pakistans education sector needs sustained interventions, necessitating coordination between provincial and federal governments, while also adhering to the constitutional framework.

Pakistan, for starters, would have to increase its share of GDP on education to the oft-quoted 4 per cent. At present, Pakistan spends less than 2 percent of its GDP on education. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey of 2022-23, the overall literacy rate was slightly above 62%, with 73.4% for males and 51.9% for females. So, to bridge the gap between male and female literacy rates, particularly in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, Pakistan could initiate awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of girls' education through the help of religious scholars and assuring parents of their safety. Failing to do so would inadvertently establish the writ of militants in the area, who desire to keep girls out of school.

More importantly, ensuring robust access to education for all is critical, given that the absence of it creates a fertile ground for future recruitments into militant networks, or may lead children to resort to madrassas, which offer free schooling and lodging, but have historically been recognised as breeding grounds for radicalisation.

As Pakistan fights to reverse the tide of a new wave of militancy, prioritising education will not only serve as an effective bulwark against it but also propel the nation forward on many fronts. This includes fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal 4, which talks of "ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all"; Pakistan committed to this when it espoused the SDGs as part of its national development agenda through a unanimous resolution in 2016.

Bantirani Patro is a research associate at the Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi. The views expressed are personal.
In any vibrant parliamentary democracy, ruling and opposition parties constantly nit-pick each other over various issues. Sometimes they argue over significant matters, while other times they quarrel over trivial ones. But that's how democracies function: sometimes, you need to win; and sometimes, you need to be seen winning.

Even by those standards, Nepals Parliament is almost unique in its functioning, perhaps the most visibly significant public forum. The works and intricacies of the other branches of government  the executive and the judiciary  dont always come under public scrutiny.

Here's how nearly every second session of Parliament has unfolded in Nepal for decades: instead of serious deliberations and discussions on bills  the legislature's primary responsibility  long hours are lost on deeply partisan political grandstanding. To the average Nepali following the House proceedings, these dramas have unfortunately become the essence of Parliament.

A typical day in the House involves opposition party MPs walking to the well, chanting slogans against ruling party leaders or the Prime Minister. Marshals rush to protect the Speaker to allow the House to continue, the Speaker calls for order from the high chair, and the melee continues. Exasperated, the Speaker adjourns the House. Newspapers the next day run pictures of the commotion. And the routine continues for days and weeks.

Even by these poor standards, the last few weeks have been overly dramatic. The main opposition, Nepali Congress, blocked the House for weeks, demanding a parliamentary committee investigate Home Minister Ravi Lamichhanes alleged involvement in a cooperative scam.

Nepali Congress and other opposition MPs claimed that Lamichhane embezzled funds from a cooperative firm. This is hardly an isolated story. There are reports that billions of rupees have been embezzled by cooperative owners across the country.

The fact that the Nepali Congress has mounted a serious campaign against a powerful minister, who also heads the fourth-largest party in Parliament, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), makes it politically significant.

Finally, a five-party probe team was formed early this week and given a three-month tenure to investigate the case. On Tuesday, the House opened after weeks of deadlock, and Finance Minister Barshaman Pun presented the annual budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025.

Meanwhile, theres been a new twist. Kailash Sirohiya, the Chairman of Kantipur Media Group, was arrested for allegedly holding more than one citizenship card. Thirty-one editors issued a joint statement condemning the arrest, asserting it was an act of political vendetta by the Home Minister for the Groups vociferous coverage of the cooperative scam. Sirohiya was subsequently released on condition that he would be available for investigation if needed. However, its a deeply polarizing subject. Sirohiya has also been criticised on social media and by ruling party leaders for defying a court order and abusing his authority as the owner of what is regarded as the most powerful media house in the country.

All these conflicts should be viewed in a broader context.

Firstly, the 2022 general election resulted in a hung parliament. The main opposition, the Nepali Congress, and Prime Minister Prachandas Maoist party were coalition partners until the election. When the NC emerged as the largest party, then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, also the NC president, was expected to continue in office. But Prachanda had other ideas. He allied with KP Oli, leader of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), and became the prime minister. With only 32 seats in the 275-member lower house, the Prime Minister has already faced a vote of confidence four times  the last one on Monday. Nepals constitution requires the prime minister to demonstrate a parliamentary majority each time a ruling party vacates the government.

Secondly, every party is honing its pitch for the general election in nearly three years. The RSP, registered only months before the 2022 election, has 21 seats in Parliament, behind the Big Three  the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center). RSP President Lamichhane and Vice President Swarnim Wagle won landslide by-elections in early 2023. The NC and others now believe the RPP has lost its political momentum, and Lamichhane is a bruised, down-and-out leader.

This brings us to the third point: no seasoned observer of Nepali politics will pen a political obituary of any politician in a hurry. Lets look at three veterans

Inspired by the Naxalite movement across the border in West Bengal in the 1970s, Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli (KP Oli) started his political career in the eastern Nepal Terai district of Jhapa. In 1973, the young revolutionary was jailed for 14 years on charges of treason. In 2008, when the underground Maoist party joined mainstream politics, many of his CPN-UML comrades, including Oli, lost the election. For years, Oli remained a marginal figure in Nepali politics. But he rebounded strongly in 2017 on a nationalist wave after New Delhi imposed a border blockade on Nepal. The Left Alliance, bringing the CPN-UML and Maoist party together, made sweeping electoral gains, nearly achieving a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Oli then led what has been perhaps the most powerful elected government in Nepals history.

In 2008, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, born Ghanashyam Dahal, first became prime minister after the Maoists joined mainstream politics. By 2013, the NC and UML had regained their political footing, a trend that continues. Though his party won only 32 seats in the 275-member lower house in 2022, Prachanda finds himself in the prime ministers office for the third time.

But the jewel in the crown of political survival goes to Sher Bahadur Deuba. He was repeatedly dumped by then-Nepali Congress president and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala in the 90s and later sacked by the now-deposed king, Gyanendra, for incompetence. Yet, Deuba keeps coming back. He has held the prime ministers office five times. At 79, many believe he could still become prime minister given the fragile political equation.

There is a ceasefire in Kathmandu for now. The battle lines are drawn, and the war will continue until the next election. Ravi Lamichhane, the Home Minister, has his task cut out.

Akhilesh Upadhyay is former Editor-in-Chief of The Kathmandu Post and Senior Fellow with the Center for Strategic Affairs at IIDS, a Kathmandu-based think tank. The views expressed are personal
India, September 15, 2023: In a heartwarming reunion, Archon Solutions, a global leader in IT solutions, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KMEA Engineering College, marking a significant step toward nurturing talent and bridging the gap between academic studies and the real industry via Archon Launchpad program. Under this MOU, Archon will provide comprehensive Full Stack Java training to the college's final-year students in corporate standards, offering them a unique opportunity to gain practical industry knowledge.



This collaboration is not just another business venture for Archon; it holds a personal significance too. Archon's CEO, Mohamed Aslam, is an alumnus of KMEA Engineering College, having graduated in the field of Information Technology back in 2006. For Aslam, this partnership is not merely a professional undertaking; it's a chance to give back to the institution that played a pivotal role in shaping his career.



Archon Launchpad

One of the most significant challenges faced by graduating students is the transition from the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom to the practical skills required in the professional world. Archon's Launchpad program aims to address this issue head-on. By providing students with hands-on experience in developing Java applications using industry-standard practices and tools, the program equips them with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their future careers.



This initiative comes at a crucial time when the demand for IT professionals with expertise in Java and Full Stack development is at an all-time high. Archon recognizes the need for industry-ready graduates and is committed to helping students bridge this gap.



A Personal Commitment to Excellence

"Returning to KMEA Engineering College with this partnership is a deeply emotional and proud moment for me. This institution provided me with a strong foundation, and it's an honor to contribute to its legacy," said Aslam. "Archon's commitment to providing top-notch training is not just about business; it's about fostering talent, empowering students, and ensuring they are well-prepared for the competitive IT landscape."



The Archon Advantage

Under the MOU, Archon Solutions will provide a structured training program that covers a wide range of Java technologies, various front-end and back-end frameworks. The training will follow corporate standards and best practices, giving students a real taste of what to expect in the industry.



Additionally, Archon will offer internship opportunities to select students, allowing them to work on live projects and gain practical experience. This hands-on exposure is invaluable, as it helps students apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and build a strong portfolio for future job prospects.



KMEA is hopeful

Dr. Amar Nishad, Principal of KMEA Engineering College, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, "We are delighted to collaborate with Archon Solutions, and we believe that this association will provide our students with a unique advantage in their careers. Our aim is to produce industry-ready professionals, and Archon's expertise will undoubtedly enhance our efforts in achieving this goal."



As Archon Solutions and KMEA Engineering College embark on this collaborative journey, the future looks promising for both the institution and its students. With Archon's commitment to excellence and KMEA's dedication to nurturing talent, the partnership aims to create a brighter, more skilled workforce that can contribute significantly to the IT industry's growth.



The first batch of students will begin their Full Stack Java training shortly, and both Archon Solutions and KMEA Engineering College are excited about the positive impact this initiative will have on their educational journey and future careers.



In an era where industry-academia collaborations are crucial, this partnership between Archon Solutions and KMEA Engineering College stands out as a shining example of how organizations and educational institutions can work together to empower the next generation of professionals.



As Archon Solutions takes a step closer to its roots and KMEA Engineering College prepares to equip its students with industry-ready skills, the message is clear: together, they are building a brighter future for the world of IT.
The BJP is ahead of the Congress in all four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh, according to Election Commission trends. People watching the Lok Sabha election results on a screen installed at the Ridge in Shimla on Tuesday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

Mandi BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut is leading by 36,199 votes, while Union minister Anurag Thakur, seeking a fifth term from the Hamirpur seat, is ahead by 81,344 votes against Satpal Raizada of the Congress, as per the poll panels data.

Former Union minister and Congress candidate from Kangra, Anand Sharma, is trailing by 81,315 votes to BJPs Rajeev Bhardwaj. Former BJP state president and sitting BJP MP from Shimla, Suresh Kashyap, is leading by 26,122 votes.

Counting began at 8 am at 80 counting centres across the state for Himachal Pradeshs four Lok Sabha seats and six assembly constituencies where bypolls were held, officials said.

The counting of votes began with postal ballots.

The outer and middle rings of the three-tier security cordon at the counting centres are being guarded by about 900 personnel of the police while the inner circle is manned by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), election officials said.

They added that 41 platoons of the CAPF have been deployed.

The bypolls were held on June 1, simultaneously with elections to the four Lok Sabha seats. The assembly constituencies where bypolls were held are Sujanpur, Dharamshala, Lahaul and Spiti, Barsar, Gagret and Kutlehar.
A special POCSO court on Monday acquitted a Himachal Pradesh resident, who was booked in a rape case in 2022. The complainant had alleged that his daughter went missing in August 2022 after leaving for stitching classes. (iStock)

The case was registered against Bhanu Partap Singh, then 24 years old, a native of Kangra district, under Sections 363, 366 and 376 (2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The complainant had alleged that his daughter went missing in August 2022 after leaving home for stitching classes. On the same day, Singh had also gone missing.

In September 2022, police found the duo at the railway station in the Daria, and registered a case. In court, defence counsel Vivek Kathuria argued that the girls family did not share her birth certificate to establish her age. Also, the girl changed her statement thrice in the courtroom, which indicated that she was lying.

After hearing the arguments of both sides, the court acquitted Singh.
Former Union minister and INDIA bloc candidate from Chandigarh Manish Tewari is leading over his BJP rival Sanjay Tandon by 6,076 votes after 13 rounds of counting. Former Union minister Manish Tewari is locked in a close contest with his BJP rival Sanjay Tandon in Chandigarh as counting was underway for the Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday. (HT file photo)

Tewari has got 1,92,814 votes against Tandons 1,86,738 votes so far.

Till the eighth round, Tewari was leading but the margin came down to 4,991 in the 12th round. However, in the 13th round, the margin went up to 6,076 votes. Now only two rounds of counting are left.

Tewari, a two-time Congress MP, shifted from Anandpur Sahib to Chandigarh in this election. This is Tandons debut election after Kirron Kher, who represented the constituency twice by winning on the BJP ticket in 2014 and 2019, opted out.

In 2019, Kher had won the Chandigarh seat by 46,000 votes against Congress Pawan Kumar Bansal, who was replaced by the Congress this time.

The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are fighting this election jointly.

The poll percentage in Chandigarh saw a fall of 2% in the June 1 elections as compared to 2019. 68% votes were polled against 70.6% in 2019 and 73.7% in 2014.
Eagerly anticipating poll results and hopeful of a win, both the Congress and BJP candidates from Chandigarh sought divine blessings on Monday. Workers at a sweet shop in Manimajra preparing laddoos for the winning parties ahead of counting of votes on Tuesday. (Sant Arora/HT)

Congress nominee Manish Tewari visited Sant Baba Ajit Singh Hansaliwale in Rupnagar, while his rival from the BJP, Sanjay Tandon, offered prayers at Radha Madav Mandir in Sector 34, Chandigarh.

A meeting of Congress workers and leaders was held at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan in Sector 35, where 50 counting agents of the party were briefed regarding their duties on Tuesday, when counting of votes will be held.

Congress president HS Lucky said the meeting lasted three hours and the agents were apprised of their duties.

The BJP also held a meeting of workers at the party office in Sector 33, where the counting agents were instructed regarding the counting process.

On being asked, whether the BJP had ordered sweets, one of the leaders said they will get the laddoos on Tuesday only.
The rulers in Delhi and Punjab had a rough day in Punjab on Tuesday. The 2024 Lok Sabha outcome is a new marker in the Punjab political landscape that has been remade in last decade. A first election with multi-cornered contests and without any alliances in the states post-Independence history, it has thrown up a set of surprises tinged with paradoxes: a remarkable rebound by the Congress, a stunning downturn in the ruling Aam Aadmi Partys fortunes, an unprecedented failure of the BJP to open even an account, and victory of two independents wedded to radical ideology - one of them incarcerated in a distant Assam jail. Congress supporters celebrate as the party candidate Dharamvira Gandhi wins from Patiala Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday. (ANI)

It may look like a confounding verdict but the key message is loud and clear: Punjab has overwhelmingly voted for a moderate, centrist politics while opening up a democratic window to mainstream the pro-Khalistan fringe. Other takeaways are:

A wake-up call for Mann

Asked in an election interview with HT last month whether the Lok Sabha poll results will be a referendum on his governments two-year report card, chief minister Bhagwant Mann was quick on uptake.No, no it will only be a reality check on how we have performed and how we can improve it he said with a dismissive flourish. By his own reckoning, Punjab voters have now handed out a harsh reality check: From a staggering 42% vote in the 2022 assembly polls in which it romped home on 92 of 117 segments  an unprecedented feat in Punjabs electoral history, the partys vote share slipped to 26% translating into only three Lok Sabha seats  shattering his much-touted Mission-13  a euphemism for clean sweep.

Mann had kept three planks at the front and centre of his spirited campaign: a populist hand out of 300 units of free electricity to domestic consumers which meant no power bill for over 90% households, his scam-free governance and a shrill anti-centrism pegged to denial of 9,000 crore funds allegedly by New Delhi. But, all this didnt cut much ice with voters in the backdrop of skyhigh expectations that AAP had raised in its catchphrase of badlav before the assembly outing. Even the victim card, played up by the party over Arvind Kejriwals imprisonment in an alleged Delhi excise scam, failed to muster a sliver of sympathy. Rather it cast a shadow on the Manns anti-corruption trump card. AAPs less-than-expected showing also underscores the vote-catching limitation of freebies culture. If 2022 was the crest of the AAP wave in Punjab, 2024 is its first trough. Clearly, its a wake-up call for Mann who now faces a revitalised opposition and the challenge of keeping his flock of MLAs together. His next challenge: byelection in five assembly segments.

Cong cashes in on AAP slump

An ultimate irony in Punjabs verdict is that the Congress spectacular showing came on a day (June 4) marking the four decades of Operation Bluestar for which the party has been held blameworthy in the Sikh mind. Three factors came into play in the turnaround in the Congress fortunes two years after it had badly lost in the last assembly elections with a 16% drop in its vote share. Its deft strategy to not align with AAP in Punjab despite the two being part of INDIA bloc at national level paid off. It pivoted the party as the prime beneficiary of the anti-incumbency ire. Equally successful was its gambit of fielding the big names such as Charanjit Singh Channi, Sukhjinder Randhawa, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. The Congress narrative  centered on a bevy of guarantees on farm debt waiver and legal framework for MSP on crops  apparently resonated both with rural and urban voters. Congress is now in a pole position of opposition space.

Akalis battle for survival turns tougher

As a century-old party, one of the countrys oldest, the battle of survival and relevance has only turned graver for Shiromani Akali Dal that faced its third consecutive election setback on Tuesday. Its rough patch began when it lost power in 2017. In the 2019 Lok Sabha contest, it held on to only two seats, won by president Sukhbir Badal and his wife Harsimrat Kaur. In this election, their first without alliance with BJP since 1996, their only consolation is a lone victory of Kaur in the family bastion of Bathinda. Clearly, Akalis are yet to redeem their lost traditional support base among rural peasantry and Sikhs. Worrying for Akalis is a 5% slide in their vote share from 18% in the 2022 assembly polls  the lowest ever in the partys history. Sukhbirs desperate rallying cry, portraying Akalis as the standard bearer of Punjabs and Panths interests, remains a far cry. Yet another defeat on Sukhbirs watch is sure to prompt his party detractors, waiting in the wings, to question his leadership. Expect a fresh round of turbulence in Akalis ranks. With the successful radical charge in two once- Akali strongholds, the partys struggle to claw its way back on the Panthic terrain has only got tougher.

Modi juggernaut runs into Shambhu barrier

It was the BJPs solo fight on all 13 seats  the first since 1996 without its old Akali ally. Its calculus was hinged as much on the Modi factor as tapping into the disenchantment with the Mann government. As part of a carefully-crafted Sikh outreach to expand itself beyond its traditional base among the urban Hindus, it grafted into its fold several Sikh faces, mostly the disgruntled Congress leaders, including Capt Amarinder Singh and Sunil Jakhar. Of 14 turncoats in fray, seven were BJP nominees. Yet, the party drew a blank. The saffron partys worst ever showing in Punjab is attributable to perceived anti-minorityism, blowback of embers of farmers ferment and break-up of its alliance with Akalis. The Modi juggernaut, which in 2019 had lent wind to the partys sails in Hindu-majority areas helping it win two seats, didnt cross the Shambhu barrier this time. Its last-ditch attempts at polarising the electorate on communal lines and consolidating the urban vote did succeed marginally as evident from a jump in its vote share to 18% from 6% in the 2022 assembly contest. But, a rural washout stymied the prospects of even its well-regarded Sikh candidates like Taranjit Singh Sandhu in Amritsar. The drubbing may force the party to rethink on its alliance dynamics to shed the tag of a political pariah in Punjab countryside.

Nothing alarming in radicals win

It is tempting to interpret the triumph of Amritpal Singh, a Khalistani advocate who is lodged in a distant Dibrugarh jail for over a year under the National Security Act, and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of an assassin of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, through an ideological prism and as a disquieting surge in support for radical ideology in the Sikh majority border state. But, surprises in Khadoor Sahib and Faridkot are in no way an endorsement for separatism. Their win, at best, is an aberration and welcome one, at that. For both have reposed trust in the ballot.

After all, Punjab has seen such flashes in the pan before. In the 1989 Lok Sabha polls, eight independents who swore by radical moorings had romped home on a tidal wave. Among them were Sarabjeets mother Bimal Kaur Khalsa and grandfather Sucha Singh, and Simranjit Singh Mann who was lodged in the Bhagalpur jail and won by more than five lakh votes from Tarn Taran which, after delimitation, became Khadoor Sahib segment that has put Amritpal on the victory pedestal. Less obvious but no less consequential is the defeat of Mann, an original and inveterate Khalistani protagonist from Sangrur, a seat he had won two years ago in bypoll.

To be sure, both Amritpal and Sarabjeet didnt fight election on separatist agenda. The formers campaigners portrayed him as an anti-drug crusader and Sikh evangelist, and pitched a vote for him as the key to his release. The victim narrative struck a chord in predominantly rural seat. The latter, contesting Faridkot which was the epicentre of the 2015 sacrilege case, tapped into a simmering Sikh outrage while subtly played the martyrs son card. Both benefitted from the weakening of moderate Akalis hold in rural constituency and Punjabs deep-rooted penchant to side with underdog. Far from reviving the pro-Khalistani voices, the duos democratic debut may end up moderating and mainstreaming their image and ideology.

ramesh.vinayak@hindustantimes.com
Two weeks after the cyber crime division of the Punjab Police blew the lid off a major call centre racket targeting US residents through fraud calls and arrested 155 employees of two call centres in Sector 74, multiple local courts have dismissed 147 bail pleas. The investigating officer also placed on record the pro forma of fake arrest warrants purportedly issued by United States district courts in the name of the victims. (iStock)

Counsels for the accused, seeking bail, submitted that they were falsely implicated as there was no victim or complainant in the case. They further added that no recovery was effected from the applicants.

Meanwhile, the state counsel, seeking dismissal of the bail pleas, argued that the allegations against the accused were very serious and thus should not be released. Police informed the court that a detailed conversation sheet was obtained from the accuseds computers in which the accused pretended to be calling from Amazon customer service centre.

The entire detail has been given in the sheet pertaining to the manner of conversation they had to engage in with the victim and how the IP address was to be obtained by luring them to cancel the order. Once the victim used to click on that link, they were duped of their hard money directly from their bank account, the public prosecutor argued.

The investigating officer also placed on record the pro forma of fake arrest warrants purportedly issued by US district courts in the name of the victims.

The pro forma of these arrest warrants has been recovered from the computer system on which the accused were working. Since it was a call centre, multiple computer systems and other hardware were recovered which has been sent for analysis. It will take considerable time to recover the incriminating data against the accused, and if released on bail, they will definitely run away by violating the bail conditions, the state counsel added.

Considering the arguments, the courts, including the court of judicial magistrate first class Sonali Singh, dismissed the pleas and observed that at the stage when voluminous data was to be analysed by the cyber forensic team to unearth the incriminating data against the accused persons; it would not be just to release the applicant/accused on bail.

As many as 79 desktop computer units, 204 laptops and mobile phones, besides training scripts to lure the customers into paying were recovered from the accused on May 16.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav had revealed that the accused made deceptive calls to US citizens from two call centres, one at plot number F-88 and another at A-One Tower, both in Sector 74, Mohali. According to police, both call centres were being operated by Gujarat-based kingpins.

All accused were booked under Sections 419, 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Sections 66C and 66D of the Infornation Technology (IT) Act at the state cyber crime cell police station.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for June 4, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds at 30-40 km/h. A woman shields a child under an umbrella amid the scorching heat at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh. (Keshav Singh/HT)

For June 5 and 6, a yellow alert is in place, indicating a heatwave is likely in some areas.

Heatwave continued at Chandigarh Airport on Monday, with the maximum temperature rising slightly from 42.4C to 43C, 3.8 degrees above normal temperature. The minimum temperature stayed around 29.3C, 3 degrees above normal.

Meanwhile, with the rise in humidity, the maximum temperature has started declining, while the minimum temperature is on the rise.

On Monday, the maximum humidity recorded was 53%, while the minimum was 18%.

According to IMD officials, a new Western Disturbance (WD) has arrived in the region, likely bringing light rain from Tuesday to Thursday. This could lower the daytime temperature to 40C, but cloudy conditions might push the minimum temperature above 30C.

IMD officials explained that the city will experience thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds for the next three days due to moisture convergence from the Arabian Sea.

The IMD has forecast a hotter and drier June than usual. However, relief is expected towards the end of the month when the monsoon is predicted to arrive.

The forecast suggests a continuation of the dry spell from May, with temperatures expected to remain above normal. Theres also a high probability of heatwave conditions, especially in the early part of the month.

For next three days the maximum temperature will remain around 40C and minimum temperature will remain between 30C to 28C.

IMDs recent long-range forecast predicts above-average monsoon rains in the region. Monsoon has arrived early in India, entering parts of Karnataka, with ongoing rains in Kerala and the northeast. Its uncertain if this year will see record-breaking rains like last monsoon season.
Former Union minister and INDIA bloc candidate from Chandigarh Manish Tewari took an early lead over his Bharatiya Janata Party rival Sanjay Tandon after the three rounds of counting. Counting underway at the Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology (CCET) inSector 26 on Tuesday. (Keshav Singh/HT)

Tewari, a two-time MP, secured 50,026 votes and Tandon 44,686 votes.

This is Tandons debut election after Kirron Kher, who represented Chandigarh in the Lok Sabha after winning the 2014 and 2019 elections on the BJP ticket, opted out.

In 2019, Kher had won the seat with a lead of 46,000 votes against Congress Pawan Kumar Bansal. The Congress replaced Bansal with Tewari, who was shifted from Anandpur Sahib constituency. The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are fighting this election in alliance in Chandigarh.

The poll percentage in Chandigarh saw a fall of 2% in the June 1 elections as compared to 2019. 68% votes were polled against 70.6% in 2019 and 73.7% in 2014.
Two men fell prey to snatchers in separate incidents in Chandigarh on Sunday. The first incident occurred near the Ram Darbar bus stand. (Istock)

Naresh Kumar, a resident of Mannet Enclave-2, Zirakpur (Punjab), reported that two unidentified individuals on a Honda Activa scooter snatched his wallet. The incident occurred near the Ram Darbar bus stand.

The wallet, containing 2,000 in cash and an Aadhaar card, was stolen from the front pocket of his shirt.

In another incident, Ajay Kumar, a Maloya Colony resident, fell victim to a similar crime.

In his complaint, he reported that two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle snatched his belongings, including 5,000 in cash, a voter ID card, and an Aadhaar card.

The incident took place near the petrol pump in Industrial Area, Phase 2. Following the two snatchings, cases were registered under Sections 379-A (snatching) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Sector 31 police station.

Investigation is underway in both the cases to trace and nab the snatchers, said police.
New Delhi Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on his way back to Tihar jail after his bail ended on June 2. (Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)

The performance of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Lok Sabha elections will have major implications on the partys current and future political relevance in national politics, analysts said, pointing to two senior-most party members, Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, currently lodged in jail ahead of the Delhi assembly elections next year. They said it will come as a blow to the AAPs plan to contest the Haryana assembly elections later this year if it puts up a poor show in the Lok Sabha elections.

Retaining their senior leaders will be a major challenge for the party, analysts said, adding that the Congress in Delhi  which has been out of power for over 10 years in the Capital  is also banking on a good performance in the Lok Sabha polls. The AAP and Congress tied up for the Lok Sabha polls in Delhi, with the former contesting four seats and the latter, three.

Besides Delhi, the AAP contested four seats in Delhi, 13 in Punjab, two in Gujarat, two in Assam, and one seat in Haryana. The AAP and Congress did not tie for the Lok Sabha polls in Punjab.

Sanjay Kumar, professor and co-director of Lokniti at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), whose core area of research is electoral politics, said that most of the exit polls showed lower-than-expected results for AAP in Delhi and Punjab.

If the AAP does not perform well at a time when its top leaders are in jail, the expansion of the party will come to a screeching halt. It will pose very tough political challenges for the AAP, which also has to face an assembly election in Delhi next year. The expansion and survival will also become a challenge for the party. AAP and Congress did not have a choice other than coming together to face the BJP, because individually, they would have faced much difficulty in taking on the BJP, Sanjay Kumar said.

Rahul Verma, fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, said for the AAP, the unexpected results as shown by the exit polls will definitely be disappointing but it will not cause an existential crisis, because in 2019 Lok Sabha polls too the AAP drew blank in Delhi but managed to get a majority in Delhi assembly election in early 2020.

This time, the top leaders of AAP are in jail. Apart from causing some loss of confidence in party leaders, the impact of the Lok Sabha election on the AAP will depend on what happens to AAP-Congress alliance in the Delhi assembly polls and whether the jailed AAP leaders manage to get relief from courts, Verma said.

In Punjab, the Lok Sabha poll results will be a major setback for the AAP if the results are in alignment with the exit polls, but since the AAP has a very strong majority in the Punjab assembly, it will continue to rule the state. The unexpected Lok Sabha results will take a toll on the strength of the partys roots in Punjab, Verma said.

To be sure, most of the exit polls have predicted almost a clean sweep for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi. India Today- Axis My India predicted six to seven seats for the BJP, and nil to one seat for the AAP-Congress alliance, with the BJP predicted to get a 54% vote share, the AAP, 25%, and the Congress, 19%. News 24-Todays Chanakya, another exit poll, predicted six seats to the BJP and one seat to the INDIA bloc.

In Punjab, the exit polls have predicted a poor performance by the AAP. News24-Todays Chanakya exit polls predicted four seats for the NDA, six for the INDIA bloc, and three for the rest, which includes the AAP.

However, AAP leaders have consistently rejected the exit polls. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal termed the exit polls fake and said the INDIA bloc will form the next government at the Centre.

AAP leader and New Delhi Lok Sabha aspirant Somnath Bharti echoed Kejriwals stance. The INDIA alliance is going to win 295 seats in the country and form the next government at the Centre. The exit polls will be proven wrong on June 4. In Delhi, all seven seats will go to the INDIA bloc. We have directed our counting centre agents to be vigilant all the time, till the end of counting at all centres, Bharti said.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Monday evening also said termed the exit polls fake, calling them an attempt to confuse the public and influence vote counting. This is only an attempt to influence the administrative system and the Election Commission before the counting of votes, he said.

A district-level leader of the AAP, requesting anonymity, said party workers are looking forward to the Lok Sabha election results with bated breath. If the party does not win a single Lok Sabha seat in Delhi, it will be a big disappointment. According to our estimate, the party should win at least two seats in Delhi. We have held hectic campaigns in the scorching heat, reaching out to a large number of people. If that does not result in victory, then it will leave us discouraged, the AAP leader said.

The AAPs approach to the Lok Sabha polls in the Capital struck a confident note, as it initially offered the Congress only one seat before agreeing to a 4-3 formula. It also centred its campaign around the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal to mobilise voters in favour of the AAP. It also decided to contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab independently, basing its confidence on the brute majority it enjoys in the Punjab assembly.

While success in the Lok Sabha polls will solidify the AAPs position in national politics and increase its bargaining power, the opposite will undermine its position and create more challenges for the AAP.
Kolkata: Weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi predicted that his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would show its best performance in West Bengal, where it had targeted 30 of the states 42 seats, the saffron camp trailed Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress (TMC) at 32 seats as the first round of counting was coming to its end around 11am. The counting of votes began at 8am. The BJP was only ahead in eight seats. (Representative Photo)

The trend was visible in both south and north Bengal, although the latter was seen as a BJP bastion as it had won seven of the eight Lok Sabha seats in north Bengal region in 2019.

In the 2021 assembly polls, the BJP bagged 30 of the 54 seats in the eight north Bengal districts, although the TMC won 213 of the states 294 seats.

Also Read: TMC holds Kolkata North, South in early trends

In 2019, when BJP set a record in Bengal by winning 18 seats across Bengal, it showed its best performance in the north Bengal region by winning seven of the regions eight Lok Sabha seats.

In north Bengals Raiganj seat, TMCs Krishna Kalyani was ahead of BJPs Kartick Paul by around 7,000 votes till 11am. In Kolkata Dakshin, TMC candidate and incumbent MP Mala Roy was leading by 32,239 votes against BJPs Debasree Chaudhury, who had won this seat in 2019.

In north Bengals Balurghat seat, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, who won in the 2019 polls, was behind TMCs Biplab Mitra, a college teacher who recently joined the ruling party. Mitra is leading by 14,574 votes.

Also Read: Mamata clinches Bengal for TMC again

In south Bengal, BJPs Arjun Singh was trailing TMC minister Partha Bhowmick by over 2,000 votes. Singh switched over to the BJP from TMC before the 2019 polls and wrested the Barrackpore seat in North 24 Parganas district. He went back to TMC and returned to BJP again before the 2024 election.

Congress, which won two seats in 2019 and contested as an ally of the Left Front this year, seemed to be holding its ground. The partys state president, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, was ahead of TMCs Yusuf Pathan by nearly 2,000 votes in Berhampore seat, while BJPs Nirmal Kumar Saha was also trailing.
The state headquarters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wore a deserted look on Tuesday as TV screens started flashing results in the morning, and all focus shifted to the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress offices, where celebrations broke out. SP workers distributing sweets outside party office in Lucknow (HT Photo)

Expecting favorable results on counting day, the BJP office in the state capital was all decked out for celebrations with preparations for the Bada Mangal. However, as results started coming in, with TV screens flashing a tough fight between the NDA and the INDIA bloc, no senior BJP leader turned up at the party office.

However, as the day progressed, more people gathered at the BJP office. But the usual euphoria was missing since the number of seats had gone down compared to the projected number and the office wore a silent look.

In contrast, celebrations broke out at the offices of the SP and Congress. Many party workers appeared at the Samajwadi Party office to celebrate the partys outstanding performance in the polls. Party workers distributed sweets.

Senior SP leader Uday Veer Singh, who arrived at the party office early in the morning, said: We are winning the elections; we have been told by the party leader to stay at the counting center as a precaution.

Celebrations also broke out at the Congress office in the state capital. Senior party leaders and workers assembled at the office to celebrate the partys performance in the Lok Sabha polls.
LUCKNOW: Union minister of state for home Ajay Mishra Teni, who was running for a third term in the Lok Sabha from Kheri parliamentary seat and hoping to register a hattrick, is locked in a tight fight with the Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Utkarsh Verma Madhur. Union minister Ajay Mishra Teni (FILE PHOTO)

By 12:30pm, Ajay Mishra who won the seat in 2014 and 2019, was trailing with 3,175 votes, with 2,44,067 votes (44.79%) as compared to 2,54,938 votes (45.32%) polled by 38-year-old Utkarsh Madhur.

The Congress, which once considered the Kheri parliamentary seat its stronghold, winning nine times from here, didnt field a candidate owing to its alliance with the Samajwadi Party.

The Lok Sabha election, the first since the October 3, 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence when a vehicle allegedly belonging to union minister mowed down four farmers while they had gathered to protest against the now-repealed farm laws. Ajays son, Ashish, is the main accused in the case.

The BJP backed the junior home minister despite resentment against the minister over the case. Ashish is currently out on bail.

The 2021 incident was a recurring theme in the SPs campaign against Teni.

In his Kheri rally in May, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav asked the people to give a reply to SUV through your votes, oust Ajay Mishra Teni.

Union home minister Amit Shah, who had campaigned for his deputy in the home ministry, had indicated a promotion for Ajay Mishra in the next cabinet when the BJP comes to power. Wherever I go (for campaigning), in every place, people demand that their MP should be made a minister. But you, the people of Kheri, we have already given you a minister. Ensure the victory of Ajay Mishra and I assure you that I will make him a big man.

The Opposition and some farmers bodies had demanded Tenis removal as the convoy that ran over the farmers was allegedly associated with him.

To be sure, there was no electoral fallout of the October 2021 incident on the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls and 2023 civic elections. In the 2022 UP assembly polls, the BJP won all five assembly segments in the Kheri parliamentary constituency.
In one of the most closely tracked Lok Sabha battles in Maharashtra, Baramati, Sharad Pawars daughter and three-time MP Supriya Sule of NCP (SP) is leading against Ajit Pawars wife Sunetra Pawar of NCP by 17331 votes as of 1:12 pm according to the Election Commission of India. By the end of the first round of counting, Sule was leading by around 6000 votes against her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar. There will be 24 rounds of counting in the seat. NCPs (SP) Supriya Sule is leading against Sunetra Pawar in initial trends in Baramati. (HT photo)

ALSO READ: Factors that would determine Baramati poll results  Sympathy, organisational network & development

The battle of Baramati is seen as prestigious as Ajit Pawar, after rebelling against uncle Sharad Pawar to join ranks with the BJP-Shiv Sena government, spent much of his political capital by fielding his wife Sunetra.

Initially, Sunetra Pawar appeared leading during the counting of postal ballots. However, as the Electronic Voting Machines began opening up and the counting of votes started, Sule took the lead against Sunetra Pawar.

CHECK OUT LOK SABHA ELECTION RESULTS LIVE!

Both uncle Sharad Pawar and nephew Ajit Pawar had spent most of their time campaigning in Baramati as the contest here had become prestigious.
Just when it seemed that the central pole of Maharashtra politics had shifted to the BJPthe party had won 23 seats in 2014 and 2019-- the results of 2024 have come to prove the pundits wrong. Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a roadshow, for Lok Sabha polls, in Mumbai, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)(PTI05_15_2024_000236B)(PTI)

The BJP which had publicly announced Mission 45 for Maharashtra is down to 10 seats. It had contested 28 seats as part of the alliance with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawars NCP. Worse, unlike in several other states where the partys vote share went up irrespective of seat loss, in Maharashtra the partys vote share dipped by one per cent from 27.84 per cent to 26.45 per cent. The loss of ten seats will be significant in the assembly elections slated later this year. For the last ten years the BJP has been the single-largest party in Maharashtra assembly. Party insiders believe that Tuesdays results will lead to a churn in the partys state organisation.

Barring MVAs two and half years, we have been in the power at state level and in the local bodies. If the Lok Sabha trend continues, it could cause major damage to us in the assembly and local bodies polls later this year. We fear that our traditional OBC voter has slid away from us owing to the governments decision to favour the Marathas in the quota battle. Farmers too are unhappy with our policies and it could cost us dear if the corrective steps are not taken immediately, said a senior BJP leader requesting anonymity.

In Vidarbha, the party contested seven seats but won two while in western Maharashtra it contested seven and won two seats in Pune and Satara, losing Sangli, Solapur, Madha and Ahmednagar.

A section of the party leadership believes that the BJP took a hit because the Maratha quota stir was not tactfully handled by CM Shinde who batted for reservation for Marathas under the Kunbi fold. In Marathwada, the party lost 3 of the four seats it contested while its fourth candidate, Pankaja Munde was in a neck and neck battle with her competitor from NCP (SP) at the time of going to print.

Our major loss in Marathwada is owing to the unrest among the Marathas against BJP and our leader Devendra Fadnavis. We do not believe it is because of the split engineered in two regional parties, added another state BJP leader. Factionalism in the state unit is also one of the reasons being offered for poor performance. The state leadership wanted to change some of the sitting MPs but the central leadership put its foot down and renominated them, he said.

Following the split with the Shiv Sena in 2019, the BJP had announced a Mission 45 in Maharashtra, aiming to win 45 of the states 48 constituencies and made union ministers incharge of overseeing 16 of these constituencies including Maval, Hatkanangale, Raigad and Baramati. Most of the 16 seats were later allocated to the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena.

We have lost a few seats in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and were expecting more seats in West Bengal. Nonetheless, the people of the country have shown confidence in the leadership of PM Modiji and have mandated his third term. In Maharashtra, the ruling alliance of BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena fought unitedly, and will continue to do so, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said in his post on X.
To say the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray and the NCP led by Sharad Pawar are facing a crisis would be an understatement. This is the first time that a Thackeray is fighting an election without the old party name and the symbol that Maharashtrian voters are so familiar with: the bow and arrow. Second, during past rebellions by Shiv Sena leaders like Narayan Rane in 2005 or Raj Thackerays in 2006, the BJP had the Senas back but with Eknath Shinde, its the BJP that has engineered the split and is out to demolish the Thackerays and their control over the Shiv Sena. For Sharad Pawar too the loss of his partys symbol and the large-scale defections by the top-rung leadership have hit hard. A disastrous result for any of the four factions of the Shiv Sena and NCP today will intensify the power struggle in Maharashtra. (HT PHOTO)

A few pointers to look out for in todays results that will be an indication whether the two stalwarts of Maharashtra politics can rise again from the ashes:

Will Mumbais Marathi voter back the Thackeray family once again?

From our exit poll data of Mumbai South and Mumbai South Central, Sena UBT is poised to do well in the Marathi heartland of Dadar, Worli, Sewri and where the Marathi vote is split in some segments like Dindoshi and Goregaon. If the Shiv Sena (UBT) does pull off a win in the two seats of Mumbai south and Mumbai south central, it will be a big morale boost for Thackeray as it will demonstrate his hold on the Marathi heartland.

How the 2 M combination works out

Shiv Sena (UBT) may have lost out on the Gujarati and the north Indian votes of Mumbai after the split with the BJP, but it has seemingly been replaced by the Muslim vote, that constitutes over 18 per cent Mumbais voters. As per our exit poll in the Muslim dominated constituencies of Mumbadevi, Byculla and Dharavi 75-80 per cent of the Muslim voters have cast their vote for Thackerays party which is quite extraordinary considering the Shiv Senas tryst with Hindutva. This is possibly the first time in decades that the Marathi and Muslim voters of Mumbai have voted to be on the same side and this can influence the election outcome in at least four of the six Lok Sabha seats in the city.

Eknath Shinde's Pull Beyond Mumbai

Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena is contesting 15 seats of which five are in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. His real problems lie outside the MMR where his party has changed the sitting MP in the three constituencies of Ramtek, Hingoli and Yavatmal-Washim while the two-time MP from Nashik Hemant Godse who has been renominated faces severe anti-incumbency. It is in these constituencies that Shinde will lean heavily on the BJPs clout to pull them through. The big question is whether the BJP can do that and whether people will accept the rebel MPs in the other constituencies will have a significant spill over effect on the assembly elections to be held in October this year. A decent tally of 6-7 seats for Shinde's Shiv Sena, if it materialises, will determine his bargaining power in seat-sharing talks for the assembly elections.

Pawar vs Pawar: What is at stake?

Going by our exit poll in Western Maharashtra, the NCP led by Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP) is likely to do better, including in the prestige battle for Baramati. If the MVA dominates the 12 seats of Western Maharashtra and of which, NCP-SP bags 4-5 seats that they are contesting there, it will create serious headwinds for Ajit Pawar, leading, in fact, to a question mark on the very future of his party.

The other question to ask is whether the alliance with Ajit Pawar, against whom they raised so many corruption allegations, has put off the BJP voter? Look no further than Khadakwasla assembly segment in Baramati for the signal... BJP led by 26 per cent in this segment in the 2019 LS polls denting Supriya Sule's victory margin. This time, our exit poll indicates otherwise. In the Daund assembly segment where there is a BJP MLA, we found a lead for Surpriya Sule, indicating that the BJPs vote is not transferring to Ajit Pawars party.

A disastrous result for any of the four factions of the Shiv Sena and NCP today will intensify the power struggle in Maharashtra and make the October assembly elections and even more fraught affair.

The writer conducted exit polls in 8 of the states 48 constituencies
The Congress on Tuesday retained the South Goa Lok Sabha constituency after Captain Viriato Fernandes defeated Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo by 14,703 votes, data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) stated. While final numbers are yet to be made available, Viriato got 2,15,672 votes while Dempo received 2,00,969 votes. (Capt. Viriato Fernandes | Official X account)

While final numbers are yet to be made available, Viriato got 2,15,672 votes while Dempo received 2,00,969 votes.

Rupert Pereira of the Revolutionary Goans Party was placed third in the list with 18,679 votes.

Speaking after his victory, Fernandes attributed his win to the people.

The people of Goa have voted against unemployment, religious discrimination and abuse of power by the ruling party. I thank the people who have voted for me as well as the alliance partners for ensuring my victory. In the constituency where the prime minister had a campaign rally, the Congress got a lead of 3,000 votes, he added.

Viriato, a former Captain in the Indian Navy, entered politics ahead of the 2022 Goa state assembly polls, which he contested unsuccessfully and was nominated by the Congress at the cost of sitting MP Francisco Sardinha.

BJP candidate Dempo was the third richest Lok Sabha candidate from the state.

In her affidavit, Dempo had revealed ownership of moveable assets of 255.45 crore while her businessman husband Shrinivas Dempo declared moveable assets worth 994.84 crore making her among the richest to be contesting the elections.

In North Goa, BJPs Shripad Yesso Naik (2,50,799 votes) defeated Congress candidate Ramakant Khalap (1,39,446 votes) by a margin of 1,11,353 votes.
New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Harsh Deep Malhotra on Tuesday bagged the Jamnapaar east Delhi seat by a margin of 93,663 votes, securing 664,819 votes against Aam Aadmi Partys Kuldeep Kumar, who got 571,156 votes. Both were contesting for the MP seat for the first time. (Representative Photo)

In 2019, the east Delhi seat saw an interesting three-way contest when Gautam Gambhir, fielded by the BJP, Congress Arvinder Singh Lovely and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) minister Atishi. The BJP received over 55.33% of the votes and won by a margin of 3.91 lakh votes reduced to just over 83,000 this time.

Malhotra was elected as a councillor from Welcome Colony in 2012 and was also mayor of the erstwhile East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) in 2015-16.

During the campaign ahead of the polls, Malhotra had released a manifesto listing four broad work areas along with 10 other promises for various parts of the constituency with timelines for completion, including setting up a Trans Yamuna development Board within two months of getting elected along with monorail connectivity between Shastri Park and Laxmi Nagar, east campus of the Delhi University, facelift of the Yamuna River bank and speedy redevelopment of Kalander Colony area and other JJ clusters.

I stand by all the promises to the extent that I had earlier given deadlines for the time in which these will be fulfilled. I will continue to stand with the people and ensure that we immediately start work in some areas like cleaning of Yamuna banks and development of slums, Malhotra said.

East Delhi has over two million voters and is one of the largest constituencies in Delhi comprising 10 assembly areas  Jangpura, Trilokpuri, Okhla, Kondli, Patparganj, Laxmi Nagar, Vishwas Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and Shahdara.

The new MP will face a mountain of challenges, including the Ghazipur landfill site in Kondli assembly area, pollution in Anand Vihar, traffic in Laxmi Nagar, condition of roads in Mayur Vihar and congestion and fire hazard in Gandhi Nagar market area.
In a rapidly warming world, record-breaking temperatures making headlines have become a recurring theme. But what has made the heat unbearable and sometimes fatal is the alarming increase in humidity along with the higher temperature.

Worse, warmer nights and a reduction in relief from the onset of monsoon are the other commonalities the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found in their assessment of data from six Indian megacities. Released early this week, the study titled Decoding the Urban Heat Stress among Indian Cities compared air temperature, land surface temperature, and relative humidity of summertime temperatures in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru between January 2001 and April 2024 to arrive at these findings.

Average relative humidity (RH) has significantly increased in the last 10 summers compared to the 2001-10 average. Barring Bengaluru, the average relative humidity in the decadal summertime has increased by 5-10% in the other five megacities, the study said. This meant the heat index was rising faster than the ambient temperature in all megacities.

The study noted that even though ambient air temperature in Delhi and Hyderabad has marginally dipped, an increase in relative humidity has resulted in an overall increase in the heat index between March and August over the past two decades. While all cities have gotten hotter, the study revealed that the nature of heat that these cities were used to experiencing has changed over time. The study also confirmed the known phenomena of the urban heat island effect, where an increase in temperatures in the built-up area leads to greater heat stress, as compared to greener peri-urban areas. Further, the study found that while green covers reduce temperatures during the day, they dont help reduce nighttime temperatures. The perfect case for this is seen in the data for Hyderabad.

While these are the broad findings of the analysis, here's the city-wise lowdown on the findings of the CSE study.

Delhi

Delhi has been facing high temperatures this summer with some weather stations in the national capital recording close to 50C for consecutive days. Incidentally, it is also the hottest May since 2013.

Worse, the city that used to have dry heat during summer has seen an increase of relative humidity by 8% between 2001-10 and 2014-23. This high humidity has contributed to an average 3.3C heat stress in the city even though the ambient temperature has dipped by 0.6C decadally.

Further, the cooling of land surface temperatures at night has decreased by 9%. This phenomenon is more pronounced in the city core compared to the periphery. The study noted that while the peri-urban area cools down by 12.2C, the citys core cools down only by 8.5C.

The analysis also showed that monsoons are getting more uncomfortable in the national capital, with an additional 9.4C in average heat index during monsoons compared to the pre-monsoons.

Such high humidity levels in Delhi have made desert coolers, which were once widely used throughout the summer, ineffective. This locally manufactured cooling appliance was not a power guzzler like air conditioners. But now, with more and more switching to ACs, the power consumption this summer peaked at an all-time high of 8,302 MW.

Experts say the increased use of ACs is not sustainable. They are still unaffordable for much of the population, said Manju Mohan, the head of the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences at IIT-Delhi, suggesting minor modifications like painting roofs and walls white and adopting green roofs to reduce the impact of heat experienced indoors. Many things like burning waste aggravate the already hot temperatures. Efforts need to be prioritised to reduce the heat, which will mean limiting emissions from all sources, she said.

Mumbai

Unlike Delhi, Mumbai has experienced an increase in ambient temperature (by 0.6C) and relative humidity (by 7%) between 2001-10 and 2004-23, said the CSE study. This increase in humidity has contributed to an average of 5C heat stress in the city. The data also showed no longer any difference in the heat index during the monsoon than in the summer.

When it comes to the cooling effect of land surface temperatures experienced during the night, it has seen that go down by 24%. However, unlike Delhi, the citys core is cooler by 3.5C than its outskirts, while at nighttime, its warmer by 0.4C than the peripheries.

A study by Arup  a UK-based sustainable development consultancy firm  released in July 2023 showed that Ghatkopar East in Mumbai was the hottest area in the city, experiencing 7C higher temperature than its greener surroundings. In contrast, the Maharashtra Nature Park was the coolest in the city  8C less than Ghatkopar.

Durgesh Gupta, founder of a Mumbai-based environmental organisation Green Yatra, said that collective efforts in restoring green and blue covers by rejuvenating lakes can go a long way to make the city cooler for everybody irrespective of their socioeconomic background. Urban forests have been seen to be cooler by as much as 5C compared to unshaded areas. They can be accessed by all. Moreover, the surrounding areas are cooler than densely built-up areas, Gupta said. Further, he advocated for using traditional materials for greater thermal comfort for low-income housing.

Kolkata

A 5% decadal increase in relative humidity between 2001-10 and 2014-23 is making summers worse in Kolkata even though the change in air temperature is nominal. The study said that high humidity added an average of 6.6C of heat stress to the city, with the decadal heat index increasing by 3.5% on average.

Monsoons are much hotter compared to pre-monsoon with an average increase of heat index rise of 3.5C. The city has also seen the number of days with a heat index of 41C or more to triple in the last decade compared to the period between 2001-10. A notable difference between Kolkata and other cities is that Kolkata is still cooling down at night at the same rate as in the previous decade, even though the difference is only 6C on average.

The heat island effect  where densely built-up parts of a city exhibit higher temperatures compared to their rural or greener counterparts due to the greater absorption of heat by grey surfaces  is also pronounced in the city, with the citys core being warmer than the peripheries by 1.8C and 1.2C during day and night, respectively.

Ansar Khan, a climate scientist, and assistant professor at Calcutta University, said Kolkata is the most affected global city. The IPCC noted the highest increase in surface air temperature between 1950 and 2018. He said the high humidity creates a deadly combination for the majority of those who cannot afford air conditioners. The rising penetration of ACs also contributes to heating the outdoors.

We stand at a crucial juncture where we need to take a very radical approach to cooling as the temperature is only bound to increase, Khan said. Lauding the initiatives such as the cool roof policy adopted by Telangana, he advocated the usage of super cool materials such as a paint developed by researchers at the University of New South Wales, which was tested in a pilot in Kolkata after they proved to reduce the peak temperature by more than 5C.

In his study, he found that the surface temperature of the painted surface was 25C when the ambient temperature was 42C during the daytime. He said that the government should adopt this paint for pavements, government buildings, and other paved surfaces, as is done in many global cities.

Hyderabad

The city has seen a marginal drop in decadal average ambient temperature of 0.9C between 2001-10 and 2014-23 but the relative humidity has increased by 10% in the same period, said the CSE study.

This meant that high humidity resulted in an addition of 1.5C of heat index in an already hot city. Unlike the other cities, the average heat index in Hyderabad in monsoons is less by 3C than in pre-monsoons. When it comes to diurnal cooling, nighttime cooling has gone down by 13%. The urban heat island phenomena are felt stronger at night in Hyderabad. During the daytime, the city core is 0.7C cooler than its peripheries, while at night, the core is 1.9C warmer than the outskirts. The analysis also showed that there has been an increase in green cover in the city from 8.9% to 26.4% between 2003 and 2003, and this has shown improvement in daytime temperatures, but it has no impact on the heat experienced during the night.

Incidentally, Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, was India's first state to adopt a cool roof policy. Anant Maringanti, urban planner and executive director of Hyderabad Urban Lab said that many government and public buildings have been retrofitted, which reduced the impact of ambient heat inside these buildings. However, he said, The policy has not been put into action in kutcha houses and slum settlements, which need them in priority. He said rather than reflective paints and materials, insulation will work better for kutcha houses. Maringanti said that creating areas with tree canopies and other shaded areas brings relief to residents of low-income areas who cannot afford active cooling options.

Bengaluru

This is the only city among the six where the summertime temperatures have increased marginally, relative humidity has not seen much appreciation. Decadally, the air temperature has gone up by 0.5C, and the impact of humidity has resulted in an addition of 0.6C of heat stress on average. In two decades, the city's heat index has increased by 2%. Bengalurus nights are warmer, with the nighttime cooling going down by 15%. Here too, the urban heat island effect is felt more during the night. During the daytime, the core of Bengaluru is 0.6C cooler than its peripheries and peri-urban areas during the summer. But at night, the core of Bengaluru is 2.5C warmer than its peripheries.

Bengaluru was known for its temperate climate and ceiling fans were good enough for summers. But now, there is a huge increase in peak power demand due to a rapid increase in air conditioner usage between March and April. However, the majority of the population in Bengaluru like in any other Indian city cannot afford ACs.

Sarah Khan, a senior associate at Bengaluru-based Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), said that strict enforcement of green building codes such as the Eco Niwas Samhita and adoption of other existing cost-effective passive design strategies and using temperature-resistant materials to build homes and other buildings can provide adequate thermal comfort without ACs. This is just not a theory, but this has been demonstrated in practice at the Smart Ghar III Project in Rajkot under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana scheme where temperatures often go north of 40C, she said.

Chennai

In Chennai, while there has been a 0.4C decadal increase in ambient temperature, the relative humidity has gone up by 5% between 2001-10 and 2014-23. The contribution of humidity to the heat index is on average 6.3 C. The heat index has gone up by 5% decadally. Like Kolkata, the days with a daily heat index of more than 41C have tripled compared to 2001-10. There is no longer a distinction in thermal comfort between pre-monsoons and monsoons in the city. The difference in the urban heat island effect between the day and night is negligible in Chennai. During the daytime, the core of Chennai is 0.8C warmer than its peripheries, while at night, the core is warmer by 0.9C.

Like Kolkata, Chennai is among the worst-affected cities due to global warming. Prasanth J, the co-convenor of the Chennai Climate Action Group, said the northern part of the city, where the majority of the socio-economically weaker section lives, is comparatively more affected due to the high density of highly polluting industries. The pollution from the industries increases the heat further in these areas. In recent years, many people have been forced to buy ACs on EMIs, which has further increased localised heating for their neighbours, he said. He added that the heat stress in recent years has put additional financial burdens on people who anyway have meagre savings.

Already, multiple studies have documented how this recent rise in temperatures to inhospitable levels caused physical distress and reduced income and work opportunities for a majority of Indians who work in the informal sector in India.

The HT Urban Affairs team brings to you each week a story about where we live and how it affects the way we live
In 2014, after a 30-year gap, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) became the first party to cross the halfway (majority) mark in the Lok Sabha with 282 seats. In 2019, it bettered its performance, winning 303. This time, it has won 240, and is dependent on fickle allies such as Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United), and N Chandrababu Naidus Telugu Desam Party to reach that mark. With 36.60% of the vote, it remains the single largest party, in terms of both seats and vote share, by a distance  the Congress, with 99 seats comes second, and it won 21.20% of the votes  but the BJP will likely see Tuesdays outcome as sub-optimal. As it should  and not only because of the targets it set for itself (370) and the larger National Democratic Alliance (400-plus). Char sau Paar (beyond 400) was the rallying cry, but as it turned out, the alliance didnt even cross 300.

The result is the straightforward outcome of the BJPs performance in the three states that send the most representatives to the Lok Sabha. In Uttar Pradesh, which sends 80, it won 33 to the Opposition INDIA blocs 43, its worst performance since 2009 (it won 62 in 2019)  the result of anti-incumbency (the BJP has ruled the state since 2017), a consolidation of the Muslim vote, and smart candidate selection by the Samajwadi Party that may have helped it rebuild its Other Backward Classes (OBC) base. In West Bengal, which sends 42, it won only 12, compared to the 18 it won in 2019, with Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress holding its own and managing the rare feat of repeating its showing in the 2021 assembly elections in the national elections. And in Maharashtra, which sends 48, with allies it won 18 to the INDIA blocs 29, with its successful efforts to split the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party not really working to its advantage. Of these 170 seats, the BJP-led NDA won only 66 this time, compared to 123 in 2019, and in some ways, the story of its overall performance, is the story of these three states.

There are two ways in which the BJP, which will now need the support of allies  the larger NDA alliance won 293 seats, comfortably above the majority mark of 272, and 44% of the vote to be in a position to form the government (to be sure, the rival INDIA bloc says it is reaching out to some NDA constituents, but that is in the realm of the hypothetical )  can interpret these results.

One, it could attribute the Oppositions strong showing to the groupings success in selling the narrative that the BJP could take away the benefits of reservation for backward classes and Dalits, a consolidation of the Muslim vote, local issues trumping national ones, perhaps even an international conspiracy funded by inimical forces from outside the country (like those that came before it, the Modi government hasnt been averse to blame the foreign hand). Some of these are indeed plausible explanations for its showing.

Or two, it could see the loss as the result of disenchantment among sections of voters arising from a variety of factors: Excessive and exaggerated attempts to polarise the electorate on the basis of faith; economic distress on account of a K-shaped recovery post Covid-19; an almost cynical approach to politics that has meant a dilution of its ideological position to take in defectors; and an effort to enforce its will on states ruled by other parties, usually with the help of pliant governors. And some of these too, are plausible explanations for its performance.

The BJPs track record suggests it will prefer to pick the first set of reasons, but despite the overwhelming temptation to do so, the party would do well to also evaluate the second. The results of this election suggest that India (the country, not the alliance) is sending the BJP a message, with the numbers indicating that while the majority still believes in the party, people would like it to change some aspects of its behaviour and policies. Speaking of temptations, the option of even more cynical politics may look attractive to the party at this point in time, but, in the interests of not just the country but also of the party, the BJP would do well to overlook this. Just as it would do well to celebrate its growing footprint in the South; it now has a 10% share of votes in Tamil Nadu and a 16.68% share in Kerala.

A quick note on the Congress and the Opposition, especially the TMC and the SP. The first has reinvented itself; the second has staved off a challenge from what seemed like a superior force; and the third has perhaps set the template for post-Mandal social justice parties  and each of these perhaps warrants a separate editorial (and will get one, over the next few days).

Finally, despite all the scare-mongering about EVMs and possible efforts to steal the elections, the results show that Indias electoral democracy remains vibrant. And as the BJP has discovered, it is also one that knows how best to use votes to send a message.
In Mumbai North-West, Ravindra Waikar from Shiv Sena won the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He beat Amol Kirtikar from Shiv Sena (UBT) by just 48 votes. Waikar got 4,52,644 votes, while Kirtikar received 4,52,596. Amol Kirtikar from Shiv Sena (UBT)

Kirtikar is the son of Gajanan Kirtikar. While the Bharatiya Janata Party didn't support him, Uddhav Thackeray did. He is also being investigated for problems with a city contract. Still, he's getting help from local party groups. He also ran for assembly in 2019 but didn't win.

The BJP, which had publicly announced Mission 45 for Maharashtra, is down to 10 seats as per the ECI. It had contested 28 seats as part of the alliance with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawars NCP.

Worse, unlike in several other states where the partys vote share went up irrespective of seat loss, in Maharashtra the partys vote share dipped by one per cent from 27.84 per cent to 26.45 per cent.

The loss of ten seats will be significant in the assembly elections slated later this year. For the last 10 years the BJP had been the single-largest party in Maharashtra assembly.

Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), said the INDIA alliance will meet tomorrow to choose their Prime Minister candidate. He believes voters have shown their power and thinks his group should try to form the national government. He says the BJP is claiming they have enough votes to win, but he disagrees.

Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, blamed his side's poor performance on rumours that the BJP would change the Constitution after the election.

Maharashtra has 48 election areas including Ahmednagar, Akola, Amravati, Aurangabad, Baramati, Beed, Bhandara Gondiya, Mumbai North, Mumbai South and Mumbai North East.

Under Narendra Modi's leadership, the BJP party has won two national elections in a row, in 2014 and 2019.
Alia Bhatt has over the years established herself not just as a successful actor but also an entrepreneur and fashion icon. The actor, in a recent interview with Economic Times has talked about what key decisions have contributed most to her international appeal and recognition. (Also read: Alia showers love on Varun Dhawan's daughter: Another girl who is going to...') Alia Bhatt from her recent appearance at Guccii Cruise show 2025.

Alia Bhatt opens up on her career choices

Alia, when quizzed on what factors helped her in transitioning from a Bollywood actor to an international personality, said, It's tough to pinpoint what factors worked. But I've always believed that when you're talking about international appeal, you're talking about something that transcends language and boundaries. The answer to that for me is emotion, which transcends wide and far. When I'm consuming Korean, Malayalam, or German content, I'm not focusing on the language. I'm connecting with the basic story and emotion it conveys. I have been very fortunate early in my career to get roles that offer a vast variety of emotional depth to play with. When I'm playing a character, I get very involved in it. My intention is always to go for different characters, and hopefully, that has come across to the audience. I wouldn't want to be pigeonholed into a specific type of film. I challenge myself to see if I can do different kinds of films.

She further said that many people including Abhishek Choubey found it weird when she signed up for Udta Punjab. The actor said that she is often driven by challenges in her career. Alia concluded by saying that if the audiences are offered a buffet of emotions, they instantly connect to it.

Alia Bhatt's Met Gala 2024 appearance

Alia recently attended the Met Gala 2024 in a saree designed by Sabyasachi Mukerji. Her red carpet look was praised by fans. This was her second appearance at the global fashion event. She made her Met Gala debut in 2023 in a breathtaking ensemble crafted by Prabal Gurung. Alia also attended the Gucci Cruise show 2025 at the Tate Modern art gallery in London, hosted by the Italian luxury brand's creative director Sabato De Sarno.

Alia Bhatt's upcoming project

Alia will be next seen in her home-production Jigra, co-starring Vedang Raina. She also has Love and War with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Actor and BJP leader Kangana Ranaut is leading from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh by a margin of 69,335 votes as of 12:58 pm according to ECI, in her electoral debut, and she took her mothers blessing on the election 2024 results day. (Also read: Kangana Ranaut leading from Mandi against Vikramaditya Singh) Actor Kangana Ranaut is a BJP candidate from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh.

With the early trends showing Kangana leading the electoral ballet against Congress's Vikramaditya Singh in the early rounds of counting, the actor took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to show how her day started.

Mothers blessing

Taking to X, Kangana shared several pictures of herself and her mother. The pictures show her taking blessings from her mother, and her mother feeding her curd and sugar. Mother is the form of God, today my mother is feeding me curd and sugar, she tweeted alongside the pictures, with folded hand emoji.

Its a big day for Kangana, who is confident about her win. In a video posted by ANI, Kangana said that she will continue serving the people of her constituency. Mandi has not taken kindly to the insults for daughters. As far as my departure to Mumbai is concerned, this (Himachal Pradesh) is my 'janmabhoomi' and I will continue to serve people here...So, I am not going anywhere. Perhaps, someone else will have to pack their bags and leave. I am not going anywhere, Kangana said.

About the trend

At the moment, Kangana is leading from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh on her electoral debut. As per ECI trends, she is leading by a margin of 37,033 over Congress party's Vikramaditya Singh.

The Mandi Lok Sabha seat was won by Bharatiya Janata Partys Ram Swaroop Sharma in 2014 and 2019, with a vote share of 49.97% and 68.75% respectively.

Kangana has been a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for years now, but she officially joined the party earlier this year when her candidature was announced.

My beloved Bharat and Bhartiya Jantas own party, Bharatiya Janta party (BJP) has always had my unconditional support, today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Lok Sabha candidate from my birthplace Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency). I abide by the high commands decision on contesting the Lok Sabha polls. I feel honoured and elated to officially join the party. I look forward to being a worthy karyakarta and a reliable public servant. Thanks, Kangana had written in a social media post on March 24, after her candidature was announced.

Kanganas great-grandfather, Sarju Singh Ranaut, was an MLA. Her mother, Asha Ranaut, retired as a schoolteacher from Mandi, and her father, Amardeep Ranaut, is a businessman.
The Central Crime Branch probing the Bengaluru rave party case arrested Telugu film actor Hema following interrogation on Monday. The rave party was organised on May 19 at a farmhouse near Electronic City. (Also read: Actor Hema among 86 who test positive for drugs after rave party bust in Bengaluru) Hema spoke to the media outside the police station.

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.

Hema's comment to the media

Speaking to the media outside the police station, Hema said, I didn't do anything. I am innocent. Look at what they're doing to me. I did not take drugs. I shared the initial denial video from Hyderabad, not Bengaluru. I even shared a video of me cooking biryani in Hyderabad.

What happened at the rave?

The rave party was organised on the pretext of a birthday party where most of the people had come from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, according to CCB sources.

There were a few people from Bengaluru as well, they added.

Based on a tip-off, the CCB raided the location and collected the blood samples of those who attended the party.

The blood test reports later confirmed that 86 people, including Hema, had tested positive for narcotics, police sources had said.

According to sources, a total of 103 people participated in the party. The participants included 73 men and 30 women.

Police seized MDMA (Ecstacy) pills, MDMA crystals, hydro cannabis, cocaine, high-end cars, DJ equipment including sound and lighting worth 1.5 crore during the raid.

Hema's video

Last Monday, Hema released a video to the press in which she claimed that her name was dragged in for no reason and that she was at a farmhouse on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Hema claimed that she kept getting calls from reporters and well-wishers about her supposed arrest. She released a video to the press stating that she was in Hyderabad and not in Bengaluru. She said in the video, I have not gone anywhere, I am enjoying and chilling at a farmhouse in Hyderabad. Please dont believe rumours. I dont know whos there, its fake news that I was at the party. She also released a video on Tuesday of her cooking at home.
With elections on July 4, it seems to be beginning of the end for Rishi Sunak-the United Kingdom (UK)'s 57th prime minister (PM) and first British Indian in Downing Street. British Parliament

India looms large in the incoming government too. Tory cabinets with Suella Braverman, Priti Patel, and Alok Sharma on the frontbench mean Labour now needs to pull its socks up. Labour's support from British Indians--mightily 61% in 2010--plummeted to just 30% by the UK's last elections in 2019. British Indians, at two million the UK's largest minority, are prime swing-vote territory.

Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer, reading the room, launched a Labour Indians group--and dispatched Angela Rayner, David Lammy, and Jonathan Reynolds (his deputy PM and foreign and business secretaries in waiting) to Delhi and Mumbai this February. He aims to reverse Labours perceived tilt towards Pakistan over Kashmir, after years of nurturing Pakistani Brits in urban seats. His candidates include Satvir Laur in Southampton (first female Sikh to lead a UK local authority), (Bangalore-born) Ravi Venkatesh in Chippenham.

And Kanishka Narayan in the Vale of Glamorgan (who speaks Welsh).

Sunak may have called the surprise election to steal a march on the Reform Party, hoping to deny his more Brexity Right-wing rivals time to find candidates. But all the parties badly need bodies, and fast. With a record 79 Tory MPs giving July a miss (including Sharma), the Conservatives are holding last-minute Parliamentary Assessment Boards to restock their depleted cupboard of approved candidates.

Don't underestimate the challenges awaiting Sir Keir behind the Number 10 door. Opposition parties dont usually lead by 25% if the country is in a happy place. The pressure to deliver change within the first 100 days means policy can be ill-thought-out. With the election his to lose, Keir Starmer hasnt said too much about his plans (beyond more teachers, doctor's appointments, and police constables). Leave Sunak to his own devices, goes the thinking, and he will score a few own goals--like bringing back national service, to the dismay of service chiefs who don't want it. Sunak won't have time to deliver his main proposals before the election, either. This includes phasing out cigarette smoking, or sending asylum seekers to Rwanda--which Starmer promises to halt. Meaning after the UK gave Rwanda 220 million, it's possible not a single asylum seeker will ever be deported there.

This strategy--let Sunak campaign against himself, in an empty room--may come back to bite Starmer. Teachers, GPs, and bobbies on the beat will all need paying for. Conservatives will ask how. And there is a decent chance putting VAT on private school fees, much as it scratches an itch with some supporters, this could be fiscally negative as more students head to the State sector.

Foreign policy is a clearer picture. India will be a key partner against a daily more confrontational China. Binning post-Brexit talk of Global Britain, Lammy, setting out his stall as foreign secretary-in-waiting, called instead for a UK doctrine of realism. Even if Trump loses November's election in the United States, Starmer will have to deal with a more protectionist Washington, reluctant to play as prominent a role in Europe's security. The special relationship will take a back seat to deeper relations with middle-sized powers in and outside of Europe. If and when Starmer finishes his stumble to Downing Street, he will also need to finally decide, after nine years, what his party's foreign policy towards the European Union will be.

A more interesting election will begin the morning July 5, that for Sunak's successor. While some will argue for a safe pair of hands, the rise of dissent groups around Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, have fed a narrative among members that the Conservatives fortunes are only feeble because they havent been Brexit enough, or offered enough red meat to hungry populists now voting Reform.

The bookies favour Kemi Badenoch (a culture warrior waging war on woke). Patel, Braverman, Penny Mordaunt (who polls best), and James Cleverly round out runners and riders, with Robert Jenrick (who paid 1,500 to paint over a Mickey Mouse mural at a children's asylum centre). Further back are Steve Barclay, Gillian Keegan, or Tugendhat (who makes much of being an army reservist). In perspective, they are fully a tenth of the 92 MPs polls suggest the Conservatives will keep.

Labour will pick up 479 (nicely beating Blair's thumping 1997 landslide of 418.). Sir Ed Davey's Liberals (knights in shining armour abound on todays opposition benches) will soar from eight to 44. Reform will pick up none (though they outpoll the Libs, their support is more spread out.)

While business has not always yearned for Labour, it will breathe a sigh of relief after Trussof the disastrous 2022 mini Budgetand a Johnson who was less than complimentary about business. But business and world capitals alike, after a 2019 general election that over five years sprouted three prime ministers and five chancellors, will be grateful to see stability at last.

This article is authored by Padraig Belton, senior journalist and chair of the Westminster Strategic Studies Group, United Kingdom.
Over the last few days, Indian filmmakers including Farah Khan, Kunal Kohli and actor-turned-producer Kriti Sanon, have expressed their views about the rising problem of extravagant cost, which go into a films production. With several films failing to attract footfall in theatres and not been able to make any profits, the discussion has only gained more steam and the focus has shifted to the unnecessary costs that come with making a film. In fact, matters have now reached film body organisations, who held a preliminary meeting on May 30 to address the concern. Bollywood actors and their entourages have come under scanner for raising production costs.

We have leant from the sources close to the development that the meeting was held between four film bodies  Indian Motions Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), Producers Guild of India, Active Telugu Film Producers Guild and Tamil Film Active Producers Association. Besides these four film bodies, five talent agencies  Collective, Matrix, Exceed, YRF and DCA  who manage a long list of celebrities and their aides, were also called in for discussion.

Also Read: Farah Khan calls entourage costs of stars waste of resources: 'Ek actress 9 jan saath mein leke aate hain'

From a revenue point of view, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu are the biggest film industries in India, and this issue is common to all. Senior representatives of all the mentioned associations and talent agencies were a part of the meeting, the source informs, adding, We all know that this is not a great time for content production industry generally. There are issues everywhere in the entire eco-system. So, we want to come to an amicable solution.

The focus of the first meeting was to look deeply into the cost that comes with actors who come on-board a project. An insider tells us that the issues were acknowledged by both the parties, and they agreed that the cost needs to be looked at.

The matter of concern is not the fee that actors charge, which is mostly negotiable, but the association cost that comes along with having stars that include their staff costs and other kharchas. Again the issue is not the quantum of these costs but the fact that theyre often unpredictable. You make a budget, but you get hit by other costs, points the source.

The members of the meeting plan to regroup in another couple of weeks to take the discussion to the next stage, giving the agencies enough time to discuss the matter with their respective clients and talents on board.

Another source from the industry says, Things are basically at a very initial stage at this moment. The film bodies involved are trying to get the entire industry on board. Its more of avenues or different department because everyone is responsible for this cost going up. Its not just technicians, or producers and not even actors alone. They need to cut costs in totality.

Asked if introducing a fixed cap on these expenditure can help a films production cost, and the source states, Right now, all options are on the table. Just having a blanket cap would be difficult. The requirement of different scale of films is different. Instead of having a cap on the films, it will be more based on principles.

Reacting to the development, Telugu film producer Abhishek Agarwal says, "Cost cutting has to be done. Cutting the cost is the only way to go about it. One year back when we (Telugu film industry) went on strike, this was the reason. We wanted things like one pay cheque and that staff payment has to be done by the artists only."

Filmmaker Kunal Kolhi also highlighted that only actors should not be at the receiving end when it comes to talking about large entourage.

He says, "Cost reduction is always important. Lets not only blame the actors, lets also blame star directors, star DOPs. You go on a set with everyone, who is a big name and there will be just 30 to 40 people part of their entourage and they are not actually part of the filmmaking process."

He adds, "You have a whole support system there so the unit size goes up and that increases the per day cost. I think getting that in control is essential and all costs that do not show up on screen do need to be brought in check. The sooner you do that, the more efficient your film's recovery is going to be."
Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party, who has previously won three Lok Sabha elections from Uttar Pradeshs Kannauj, won again by a margin of 1,70,922, according to the Election Commission of India website. Akhilesh Yadav is contesting from Kannauj Lok Sabha constituency for the fourth time. (File Photo)

The SP chief beat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Subrat Pathak, who finished second by securing 4,71,370 votes.

Yadav, a former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, which sends 80 members to the lower house of Parliament, first won the Kannauj Lok Sabha seat in 2000 and later represented it in 2004 and 2009. This is his fourth bid for the seat in his familys bastion.

The Yadav Parivars association with Kannauj dates back to 1999, when Akhileshs father, Mulayam Singh Yadav, won the seat. Since then, the seat has been helmed by a member of the family- either Akhilesh Yadav himself, or his wife, Dimple Yadav- until 2019.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the seat went to the Bharatiya Janata Partys Subrat Pathak, who defeated Dimple Yadav with a narrow margin of 1.08%.

Pathak received a vote share of 49.37%, while Dimple secured 48.29%. In 2019, Akhilesh Yadav was elected from Azamgarh but resigned after being elected to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly from the Karhal constituency in 2022.

The 50-year-old politician had defeated BJP candidate and actress Jaya Prada Nahata in the Lok Sabha polls, clinching a vote share of 60.4%, while his opponent received 35.15%.

When filing his nomination on the last day (April 25) for 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Akhilesh was asked by media persons about the delay. He responded, There is an old saying: Strike the iron when it is hot. I am here at the right time.

Read: Akhilesh Yadav accuses UP Police of detaining Samajwadi Party workers ahead of vote counting



The Bharatiya Janata Party had pitted its incumbent MP and perfume trader Subrat Pathak against him.

Kannauj went to polls in the fourth phase on May 13 and recorded a voter turnout of over 60 percent.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party and the Congress sealed their pre-poll alliance for the Lok Sabha elections. As part of the pact, the Congress was offered 17 seats to contest in the state, while the remaining 63 went to the Samajwadi Party.

Polls for the 543 Lok Sabha seats were conducted in seven phases starting from April 19, with the last phase ending on June 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking a third consecutive term at the Centre with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.








Telugu Desam Party President N Chandrababu Naidu congratulates Andhra Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in-charge Siddharth Nath Singh as NDA is leading in the Lok Sabha Polls, on Tuesday.

Andhra Pradesh Election Results: Welcome to our live blog of the Andhra Pradesh Lok Sabha elections results 2024. The counting of votes began at 8 am. Follow Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections results here. The elections to 543 members of the Lok Sabha (the Surat and Indore seats went unopposed) was held in seven phases, starting from April 19 to June 1. Follow Lok Sabha election results LIVE here....Read More

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.

The Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh were held simultaneously with the state Assembly polls in the fourth phase on May 13. A total voter turnout of 80.66% in the elections for the 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly constituencies was recorded, according to the Election Commission. Follow full coverage of the Andhra Pradesh here.

As many as 454 candidates are in the fray for Lok Sabha in the state, according to the Election Commission.

Also Read | Lok Sabha election 2024 results: How and where to watch vote counting live

The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) contested all 25 seats, aiming to maintain its stronghold in the state.

Within the INDIA alliance, the Indian National Congress fielded candidates for 23 seats, while the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Communist Party of India (CPI) each contested one seat. On the other side, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) saw the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) contesting 17 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielding candidates in 6 seats, and the Jana Sena Party contesting 2 seats.

The YSR Congress campaign centred around the welfare measures that it implemented during the past five years while the NDA highlighted the "failures" of the state government and the doles it would provide, if voted to power in the state and the job creation it would do.

Besides PM Modi, several union ministers including Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi undertook poll campaigns for their respective party candidates.

Also Read | Number Theory: Understanding the Parliamentary, state contests in Andhra Pradesh

For the smooth conduct of the polls, the Election Commission deployed 1.06 lakh security personnel, who included 3,500 Karnataka police, 4,500 Tamil Nadu police, 1,614 ex-servicemen and 246 retired police personnel, among others.

However, despite their presence, several incident of violence were reported in the state on May 13.

Violence was reported in the state on polling day, with both the ruling chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress and the Opposition parties accusing each other of resorting to violence.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) accused the YSR Congress of abducting its poll agents. There were complaints of the kidnapping of three TDP polling agents in the Punganur assembly constituency while the ruling party said that TDP had resorted to violence and disruptions during the voting process.

YSR Congress Tenali Assembly candidate Annabattuni Siva Kumar was captured on camera slapping a voter who protested when the former tried to jump the queue to cast his vote. This led to a physical altercation between the YSR Congress cadre who accompanied the candidate and the voter. The ECI eventually ordered the police to place Siva Kumar under house arrest until polling time was over.

Chief electoral officer Mukesh Kumar Meena had also confirmed reports of sporadic violence in several parts of the state.

Media reports said that party supporters attacked rival party sympathisers in the Tadipatri assembly constituency and Gannavaram. Clashes were reported in Tirupati, Tadipatri and Palnadu. Crude bombs were hurled and vehicles were damaged in Palnadu, even as the police fired rubber bullets to disperse the clashing groups.

Due to damage to EVMs, polling was also suspended for some time in Palnadu district. Polling agents were also reportedly kidnapped and released only after ECs intervention.

Andhra Pradesh election: What exit polls forecasted

Exit polls conducted on June 1 by different media houses forecasted a victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in both the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections and the Lok Sabha polls held on May 13.

An aggregate of exit polls shows that out of 25 parliamentary seats, the NDA is expected to win 19-25 seats, whereas the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) is expected to win up to eight seats at most.

News 18 exit poll predicted NDA winning 19 to 22 seats, while YSRCP is likely to secure 5 to 8 seats, and the INDIA bloc may draw a blank. ABP C Voter exit poll also predicted 21-25 seats win for NDA in Andhra. Whereas YSCRP is likely to win 0-4 seats. It has also predicted zero seats for the INDIA bloc in the state.

According to exit polls of Republic TV-PMARQ, the BJP-led NDA is expected to win 19 to 22 seats, while the YSRCP is likely to win 5 to 8 seats.

Andhra Pradesh Lok Sabha elections: Key seats to watch in Andhra Pradesh

Visakhapatnam

Srikakulam

Eluru

Kadapa

Machilipatnam

Vijayawada

Guntur

Narasaraopet

Nellore

Tirupati

Chittor

Rajampet
TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu arrives at party headquarters as his party leads during counting of votes for the Andhra Pradesh Assembly election at Mangalgiri, in Guntur district, Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

AP Assembly Election Results 2024 highlights: Welcome to our live blog of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections results 2024 . The counting of votes began at 8 am. Follow Andhra Pradesh Lok Sabha results LIVE updates here. Andhra Pradesh went to polls to elect the 175-member state assembly, besides 25 Lok Sabha seats in the general elections in a single phase on May 13. Follow full coverage of the Andhra Pradesh here....Read More

The YSR Congress party, led by chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, contested for all 175 seats, while the Telugu Desam Party, led by N Chandrababu Naidu, fielded candidates in 144 seats. Its alliance partnersJana Sena, led by actor Pawan Kalyancontested in 21 seats and the BJP in 10 seats. Follow Lok Sabha election results here.

The INDIA bloc  comprising of the Congress, CPI(M) and CPI  contested 159, 7 and 7 seats, respectively.

According to the Election Commission, 454 candidates contested for the 25 Lok Sabha seats, and 2,387 did so in the Assembly polls.

Also Read | SC junks YSR Congress petition challenging ECIs postal ballot norms in state

A total voter turnout of 80.66% in the elections for the 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly constituencies was recorded, according to the Election Commission.

About 503 candidates are in the fray for Lok Sabha and 2,705 for assembly polls in the state.

YSRCP chief and Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy contested the election from Pulivendula assembly constituency, which recorded a polling percentage of 81.34%, according to the data by the Election Commission. Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan contested from the Pithapuram segment, which saw 86.63% voter turnout and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu from the Kuppam seat, which recorded 89.88% polling.

More than 6,000 para-military forces of the Centre have been deployed in several sensitive parts of Andhra Pradesh to prevent any outbreak of violence during the counting of votes for the general elections to the state assembly and Lok Sabha on Tuesday, the election commission officials said.

As many as 50 companies of Central Reserve Police Force, each comprising 135 personnel, have been posted in different parts of the state, particularly in sensitive districts Palnadu, Anantapur and Chittoor districts which witnessed violent incidents on the day of polling on May 13 and the subsequent few days.

Andhra Pradesh chief electoral officer Mukesh Kumar Meena said that a three-tier cordoning system would be in place at all counting centres and the areas surrounding the premises have been declared as red zones.

Section 144 of CrPC has been promulgated in and around EVM strongrooms and counting centres, among other tight security measures, he said

AP election: Violence on poll day

Violence was reported in the state on polling day (May 13), with both the ruling chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress and the Opposition parties accusing each other of resorting to violence.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) accused the YSR Congress of abducting its poll agents. There were complaints of the kidnapping of three TDP polling agents in the Punganur assembly constituency while the ruling party said that TDP had resorted to violence and disruptions during the voting process.

YSR Congress Tenali Assembly candidate Annabattuni Siva Kumar was captured on camera slapping a voter who protested when the former tried to jump the queue to cast his vote. This led to a physical altercation between the YSR Congress cadre who accompanied the candidate and the voter. The ECI eventually ordered the police to place Siva Kumar under house arrest until polling time was over.

Also Read | More than 11,000 poll-related seizure FIRs registered in Andhra Pradesh

Chief electoral officer Mukesh Kumar Meena had also confirmed reports of sporadic violence in several parts of the state.

Media reports said that party supporters attacked rival party sympathisers in the Tadipatri assembly constituency and Gannavaram. Clashes were reported in Tirupati, Tadipatri and Palnadu. Crude bombs were hurled and vehicles were damaged in Palnadu, even as the police fired rubber bullets to disperse the clashing groups.

Due to damage to EVMs, polling was also suspended for some time in Palnadu district. Polling agents were also reportedly kidnapped and released only after ECs intervention.

AP election: What exit polls predicted

Exit polls conducted on June 1 forecasted a victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections held on May 13. According to NDTV India - Jan Ki Baat, the ruling Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), led by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, is expected to be ousted from power.

In addition, TV5 Telugu's exit poll results predict a decisive win for the NDA, projecting them to secure 161 seats, while the YSRCP is anticipated to win only 14 out of the 175 assembly seats they contested.

The India Today-Axis My India exit poll also anticipates a significant victory for the NDA, projecting them to secure between 98-120 seats out of the total 175. Within the NDA, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is likely to emerge as the single largest party, with an estimated 78-96 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to win 4-6 constituencies, while the Jana Sena Party (JSP) is projected to secure 16-18 seats.

AP elections: Prominent candidates in the fray

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSRCP)- Pulivendula

N Chandrababu Naidu (TDP) - Kuppam

Pawan Kalyan (JSP) - Pithapuram

Killi Kruparani (Congress)- Tekkali

Dharmana Prasada Rao (YSRCP)- Srikakulam

Dharmana Krishna Das (YSRCP)- Narasannapeta

Pamula Pushpa Sreevani (YSRCP)- Kurupam

Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy (BJP) - Anaparthy

Raghu Rama Krishna Raju (TDP) -Undi

Chintamaneni Prabhakar (TDP) -Denduluru

YS Chowdary (BJP) -Vijayawada West

Nadendla Manohar (JSP)- Tenali

Kanna Lakshminarayana (TDP)-Sattenapalle

Adala Prabhakara Reddy (YSRCP)- Nellore Rural

Amzath Basha Shaik Bepari (YSRCP) -Kadapa

Nandamuri Balakrishna (TDP) -Hindupur

Nallari Kishore Kumar Reddy (TDP) -Pileru

Nara Lokesh (TDP) -Mangalagiri

Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy (YSRCP) -Punganur
Voters stand in a queue at a polling station to cast their votes for the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections and Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections in Tirupati on Monday. (PTI)

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) witnessed a massive victory in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, securing 135 seats. Out of the total 175 seats, JanaSena Party (JnP) secured 21, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) 11, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 8. N. Chandrababu Naidu is expected to be sworn in as Chief Minister on June 9, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will possibly attend the event. YSRCP chief Jagan Reddy has said that his party respects the peoples mandate....Read More

Our live blog covered the Lok Sabha election results for the key constituencies of Araku, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli in Andhra Pradesh. As the counting progressed, we provided you with real-time updates, insights, and analyses on the outcomes that could shape the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh and, by extension, the national political scene.

Elections were held to elect the 175 members of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on May 13, 2024. Andhra Pradesh went to polls in 1 phases to elect 25 members of Parliament from the state. YSRCP had won 22 seats, and TDP 3, in the last Lok Sabha elections in 2019.
With the Congress getting close to 100 seats in the Lok Sabha and the INDIA alliance narrowing the gap between the government and the Opposition with a difference of just 50-odd seats, Indias grand old party has started making overtures to those outside the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) grouping and even those within. From Eknath Shinde to Chandrababu Naidu, the outreach to leaders is taking place behind the scenes, said people aware of the matter. Election officials carry EVMs at a counting centre in Delhi on Tuesday. (REUTERS)

HT has learnt that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has reached out to Naidus Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) and Naveen Patnaiks Biju Janata Dal (BJD), apart from the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), or LJP, led by Chirag Paswan.

With leads in 15 seats in the Bihar chief ministers party has surprised all poll watchers, retaining a maximum of the seats and also their voter base of the extremely backward castes (EBCs) along with Kurmi votes. Even as there was concern about Kumars health, the JD(U) has outshone their allies the BJP, which only managed 13 seats in the eastern state.

However, a senior JD(U) leader told HT that the party is unlikely to shift loyalties. Still, one Congress leader pointed out that Kumar did not meet the BJP deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary, who went to visit him on Tuesday.

To be sure, Kumar was the leading force behind the INDIA bloc before he switched back to the NDA this year.

The Congress, said the people cited above, hopes they are able to also convince Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, whose Shiv Sena was leading in 10 seats, to come back to their parent group. The INDIA bloc hopes to convince him of their ability to perform well together, especially in the upcoming assembly elections. The partys top leadership has spoken to Uddhav Thackeray and although the campaign saw bitter attacks exchanged on both sides, the Opposition alliance is hopeful of a positive outcome.

Officially, Patnaik has been equidistant with both BJP and Congress, but HT has learnt that the BJD has sought the Congresss help in the assembly to bolster their chances. The Congress has bolstered its count in the state assembly to 16 from the nine it held in 2019.

The Congress will see a major revival in the state, said a former BJD MP, commenting on the virtual wipeout of the party in the state, winning only a single seat.
June 4, 2024 4:01 PM IST

Let me clarify that I have not spoken to either Nitish Kumar or Chandrababu Naidu. I had a telephone discussion with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). The result is supportive of change. The results in the country are promising, especially in Uttar Pradesh. The people of Uttar Pradesh have given different results than the assessment made by many. In UP, BJP candidates used to win with a big margin, but this time, the victory margin has been reduced. We were concerned about the Hindi belt but not the southern belt. We were of the view that the opposition needed to focus more on the Hindu belt, and this result is showing improvement. But still states like Madhya Pradesh and others need more focus."
Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, two former chief ministers of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, were trailing in their Baramulla and Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituencies, respectively, in the first 2.30 hours of counting on Tuesday, according to the Election Commission of India. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti. (HT File)

Omar Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference (NC) was trailing by over 41,220 votes against his nearest rival and independent candidate Sheikh Abdul Rashid (Engineer Rashid).

The National Conference leader is locked in a virtual triangular contest for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat with separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Gani Lone and Sheikh Abdul Rashid, a former MLA, currently lodged in Tihar jail in a UAPA case.

Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), who is up against prominent Gujjar and National Conference leader Mian Altaf Ahmad in Anantnag-Rajouri seat, was trailing by over 88,198 votes.

Who is Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid?
Bihar Election Results 2024 highlights: The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha election 2024 in Bihar finished by Tuesday evening. NDA won 30 out of 40 Lok Sabha seats.



The voter turnout across the state of Bihar for the general elections this year stood at 56.19 percent, across all the phases....Read More

Security remains tight across all the centres to maintain the law and order in the state. The electoral fate of 497 candidates across Bihar will be decided by this evening.

The last phase of voting in Bihar took place on June 1, for eight Lok Sabha seats, including Nalanda, Patna Sahib, Pataliputra, Arrah, Buxar, Sasaram, Karakat and Jahanabad.

Key candidates in Bihar Lok Sabha elections are RJD leaders Misa Bharti and Rohini Acharya, Union Minister Giriraj Singh and LJP president Chirag Paswan.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar visited Delhi to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 3, a day before the results of the Lok Sabha election results.

Nitish Kumar, returned to NDA earlier this year and took oath as Bihar CM with BJP's support, after leaving the alliance and joining Rashtriya Janata Dal-led 'Mahagathbandhan' in August 2022.

In the exit poll results released on June 1, all major news outlets predicted a clean sweep for the BJP-led NDA alliance in Bihar. As per News18 exit poll results, the NDA alliance is likely to win 31-34 seats out of the total 40. The Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to win 13-16 seats, its ally JD(U) is likely to win around 15 seats, while the Congress-RJD alliance in the state is likely to be limited to just 6-8 seats.

According to the India Today-My Axis exit polls for Bihar, BJP is set to get 13-15 seats, JDU 9-11 seats, RJD 6-7 seats and Congress is likely to get 1-2 seats.

Shortly after the Bihar exit poll results were announced, the Congress-RJD alliance rejected the outcome, expressing confidence that they will emerge victorious in the state.

Rejecting the exit poll results, RJD national spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha said that the INDIA bloc would win over 25 seats in Bihar, claiming that the exit poll results was just a psychological trick played by the NDA. He claimed, 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.

The exit poll agencies may claim to have carried out their own surveys. But we gained a first-hand sense of the popular sentiments during the elections. Our leader Tejashwi Yadav, and the coalition represented by him, promised jobs, fresh recruitment in railways and restoration of earlier system of employment in armed forces, he added.

BJP is fighting the Bihar Lok Sabha election on 17 seats, Nitish Kumar-led JDU is contesting on 16 seats and Chirag Paswan-led LJP is fighting the polls from 5 seats out of the total 40
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad won against the Congress candidate Anshul Avijit, from Bihars Patna Sahib constituency by a margin of 1,53,846 votes, the Election Commission of India (ECI) wesbite reported. BJP candidate Ravi Shankar Prasad, accompanied by his wife, casts his vote during the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha elections in Patna.(PTI)

Prasads nearest rival, Anshul Avijit lost by securing 4,34,424 votes. Avijit is the son of former Lok Sabha speaker and Congress leader Meira Kumar. Prasad is seeking a second consecutive term from the constituency.

Also read: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he defeated actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who was then associated with the Congress party. The BJP leader secured a whopping vote share of 61.85%, while Sinha received 28.98%.

Established in 2008, Patna Sahib comprises six assembly constituencies including Bakhtiarpur, Digha, Bankipur, Kumhrar, Patna Sahib, and Fatuha. It made its electoral debut in 2009 and has been held by the BJP since then.

In the inaugural elections held in 2009 and 2014, the seat was won by Shatrughan Sinha as a member of the BJP. Sinha joined the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress in March 2022 and shifted his base to Asansol in West Bengal.

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Prasad, aged 69, began his political career in the 1970s as a student leader under the leadership of Jayaprakash Narayan. He also served as the national vice president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) from 1991 to 1995.

Also read: Election Results 2024 Live updates

He was elected to the Rajya Sabha for the first time in April 2000. When Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister, Prasad served as the minister of state in the Ministry of Coal from 2001 to 2003.

As the Minister of Information and Broadcasting from 2003 to 2004, Prasad is credited with introducing reforms in the radio, television, and animation sectors, which improved their quality and functioning.

Under Narendra Modis leadership, Ravi Shankar Prasad was appointed as the Union Minister of Law and Justice on May 27, 2014. He held the ministry for three different terms, first from May 2014 to November 2014, second from July 2016 to May 2019, and third from May 2019 to July 2021.

Also read: Bihar Election Results 2024 LIVE updates

The Triple Talaq Bill was also introduced by him in Parliament. He argued that the bill was an attempt by the BJP government to deliver justice and respect for women, and was not about any religion or community.

Patna Sahib went to the polls in the seventh phase on June 1 and recorded a voter turnout of 45 per cent. The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were held in seven phases starting from April 19, with the last phase on June 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking a rare third term at the Centre with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
Agartala: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in both Lok Sabha seats in Tripura after results were declared on Tuesday. (Representative Photo)

This is the second victory of the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls after 2019 in the state.

Former chief minister and BJP candidate Biplab Kumar Deb won the West Tripura constituency with a margin of 611,578 votes against his nearest opponent Ashish Kumar Saha of the INDIA blocs Congress candidate, who secured 26,9763 votes.

Spending 16 years in Delhi, Deb returned to Tripura in 2015 as an in-charge of BJPs Maha Jansampark Abhiyan.

A year later, he became the BJP state president, and in 2018, his party came to power in the state for the first time in alliance with a regional indigenous political party Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT).

Later, in 2022, Deb resigned from his post as the chief minister and later was elected as the lone Rajya Sabha MP from Tripura.

Also Read: Congress leading in both seats in Manipur

In the East Tripura constituency, BJP candidate Kriti Devi Debbarman won with a margin of 486,819 votes against her nearest rival Rajendra Reang, the INDIA blocs Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate, who got 290,628 votes.

The youngest daughter of late Kirit Bikram Kishore Manikya, Debbarman did her schooling at Shillong-based Loreto Convent and later had a diploma course on Environmental Education and Management Appreciation Programme for Voluntary Agencies and Senior Management & Rural Development Course in Gujarat.

She remained Animal Welfare Officer at Shillong for two years from 1992.

She was involved with different NGOs to create awareness about environmental issues and sustainable development in the northeast region. She also served as an agriculturalist in Madhya Pradesh with a focus on horticulture, organic farming, breeding and preserving indigenous cattle breeds.

She is married to Yogeshwar Raj Singh, the royal scion of the erstwhile Kawardha Raj Royal Family in Chhattisgarh.

Of the total seven phases of Parliamentary polls, Tripura went for polling in two phases on April 19 and 26. The West seat recorded 81.52 percent and the East recorded 80.32 percent voter turnout.

In 2019, the BJP won both the Lok Sabha seats, with Pratima Bhoumik emerging as the winner, securing 51.77 per cent vote share from the West Tripura constituency and Rebati Tripura got 46.12 per cent vote share from the East Tripura seat.

Meanwhile, Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) mayor and BJP candidate Dipak Majumder won the Ramnagar Assembly by-election with a margin of 18,014 votes ahead of his contender the INDIA blocs Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate Ratan Das. While Majumder secured 25,380 votes, Das got only 7,366 votes.

A total of 18 candidates with nine in each constituency contested the polls. 3,350 polling stations, including 1,686 in the West constituency and 1,664 in the East constituency, were set up across the state for the polls.
The Bharatiya Janata Party maintained its winning streak in Jammu for the third consecutive term, while the National Conference, which had won three seats in the previous election, managed to secure only two seats (Srinagar and Ananatnag) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Kashmir, India - March. 07, 2024:Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at a public during the launch of various projects and a public rally,at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagaron 07 March 2024.(Photo By Waseem Andrabi /Hindustan Times)--

Of the five Lok Sabha seats in the union territory, BJP candidates Jugal Kishore Sharma and Jitendra Singh, MoS PMO, retained their seats for a third consecutive term. However, the party stayed away from announcing candidates in Kashmir.

The Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference, part of the INDIA bloc, fielded candidates in three seats in the Valley and emerged victorious in two.

This was the first major election in the region after abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar Abdullah, who ran from North Kashmirs Baramulla seat, was defeated by jailed leader and two-time MLA Er Rashid, who contested as an independent candidate.

With Rashid in jail, his sons Abrar, 23, and brother Asrar, 21, spearheaded the campaign in the constituency, addressing rallies that drew massive crowds in the bordering region.

Er Rashid was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2019 in an alleged terror-funding case and has been lodged in Tihar Jail since then. Baramulla was among the closely watched seats, where separatist-turned-politician and People Conference president Sajad Lone was also in the race.

According to the Election Commission of India data, Rashid was winning the seat with a margin of over two lakh votes. The Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also fielded its former Rajya Sabha MP in the seat, but he did not emerge as a main challenger.

Though the PDP did not win any seats, it was part of the INDIA bloc. Mehbooba Mufti wanted to contest from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, but Omar Abdullah did not leave the seat and fielded tribal leader Mian Altaf, who won.

Following the National Conferences refusal to collaborate, the PDP fielded candidates in all three seats in the Valley and backed Congress candidates in the Jammu region.

The lone Lok Sabha seat in Ladakh went to independent candidate Haji Hanifa, a Kargil resident who won with a margin of over 27,000 votes. In Ladakh, the BJP had replaced its incumbent MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal with Tashi Gyalson.
Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Smriti Irani was trailing Congresss Kishori Lal Sharma by 29,400 votes in Uttar Pradeshs Amethi as of 11:16am, latest figures of the Election Commission of India (ECI) said. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls began at 8am. (PTI file photo)

According to the official ECI website, of the total 976,053 votes cast through EVMs, about 148,000, or 15.2% of the votes had been counted.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Smriti Irani won in Amethi, a constituency long considered a stronghold of the Gandhi family, defeating Rahul Gandhi, who held the seat for 15 years.

Irani defeated the former Congress president by a margin of 55,120 votes.

In their first electoral battle in 2014, Gandhi emerged victorious against the BJP leader.

Amethi had been the Congress partys bastion till 2019.

The Amethi seat comprises five assembly segments, including Tiloi, Salon, Jagdishpur, Gauriganj, and Amethi.

Voting for the Amethi seat was held in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20.
Congress leader Manish Tewari is leading from Chandigarh by nearly 5,000 votes in the Lok Sabha elections, the latest data from Election Commission showed on Tuesday.



As per the latest ECI trends, Tewari is leading nearest BJP rival Sanjay Tandon by 4,991 votes. Bahujan Samaj Party's Ritu Singh is placed third with a little over 5,000 votes.



In the lone parliamentary seat of Chandigarh, the voter turnout was at 62.80 per cent in this election.



UP Lok Sabha Election Results LIVE Coverage



Tewari is currently the sitting MP from Anandpur Sahib in Punjab in the outgoing Lok Sabha.



Tewari is a senior Congress leader and two-time member of parliament. Born on December 8, 1965 in Chandigarh, Tewari entered politics with the Congress's student wing National Students Union of India. Congress candidate Manish Tewari is leading from Chandigarh

Later, he helmed the organisation from 1986 to 1993. He also led the Youth Congress from 1998 to 2000. After having lost the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, Tewari bounced back by winning from Ludhiana in 2009.

He defeated Shiromani Akali Dal's Gurcharan Singh Galib by over a lakh votes. In 2012, Tewari was inducted into the Manmohan Singh government and served as minister of information and broadcasting till 2014.

In 2014, he did not contest the parliamentary election due to ill health. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he won from Anandpur Sahib.



In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP's Kirron Kher had defeated Congress veteran Pawan Kumar Bansal by 46,000 votes.



Around 642 million people voted in Lok Sabha elections held over seven phases in a mammoth six-week period.



According to the ECI, the BJP is currently leading on 236 seats while the Congress is ahead on 99 seats. The Samajwadi Party is leading on 37 while the Trinamool Congress is leading on 32 seats.



Most exit polls had predicted a straight term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with quite a few of them projecting a two-thirds majority for the ruling BJP-led NDA.
Chandrababu Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party is sweeping the Andhra Pradesh assembly and Lok Sabha polls as part of National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is likely to emerge as kingmaker at the national level. Election officials count postal ballots inside a counting centre in Delhi (REUTERS)

The early trends showed that the NDA is crossing the majority mark, thanks to the TDPs 14 Lok Sabha seats it is leading. The party contested 17 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats and it emerged that it has got support from across the state.

Of the 175 seats in state assembly, TDP was leading in 99 seats, its ally Jana Sena in 15, BJP five, taking the NDA total to 119 seats as compared to total decimation for Jagan Reddy led YSR Congress party, which as of now is bagging only 15 seats. He is set to return as the chief minister.

Chandrababu Naidu was part of the NDA government between 2014 and 2019. He left the NDA before 2019 Lok Sabha polls and joined the Congress lead UPA alliance to lose in both Lok Sabha and assembly polls. Soon after the loss, he distanced himself with the Congress and became part of NDA in March 2024, just a few days before the national elections were announced.

Five years down the line after being jailed by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in a corruption case in November 2023, Naidu has emerged strongly back at the hustings. Political experts said that his arrest ensued a sympathy for him and allegations of misgovernance and corruption against YSRCP MLAs worked in favour of the TDP.
Chandrababu Naidu is fond of reminding his interlocutors that he is among the countrys senior-most leaders, for he was a chief minister in the mid-1990s, much before Narendra Modi. In those years, Naidu, 74, feted for his innovative governance of Andhra Pradesh, was also among the most important players in national politics as an architect of the United Front governments and subsequently as a key pillar of support for the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Indeed, Naidus defeat in Andhra Pradesh elections in the 2004 elections  and the accompanying triumph of the Congress in the state; the party won 37 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats  was among the key reasons that Vajpayees government couldnt return to power in Delhi. Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu (File Photo)

Two decades later, the key to the formation of another NDA government, this time led by Modi, is once again in the hands of Chandrababu Naidu, who has traversed the journey of being a Modi ally in 2014 to adversary after 2018 to ally once again this year. All indications so far suggest that the TDP-BJP alliance will stay. Naidu, who has won a massive majority in the state assembly elections, will take over as the state CM. And he will offer Modi support at the Centre.

But the question is the terms of the support. Naidu can be expected to extract his pound of flesh, be it in terms of ministerial positions or financial support for Andhra Pradesh or some form of political support for the transition to his sons leadership of TDP. Irrespective of the fresh terms of engagement between TDP and BJP, Naidus relevance  he is also being wooed by the Congress to shift to the INDIA bloc  shows why in Indian politics, it is never wise to write off any politician and definitely not a politician who has shaped his state and shaped central politics in some way or the other for three decades.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai was on Tuesday trailing from Coimbatore as counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections progressed.



According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Annamalai was trailing his Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) rival Ganapathy Rajkumar by 33,293 votes.



Annamalai, 39, became the president of BJP in Tamil Nadu in 2021. A 2011-batch IPS officer of Karnataka cadre, he quit his service in 2019 and joined BJP a year later.



ALSO READ: Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha seat: NDA's independent candidate O Panneerselvam trails



As per the latest trends by the Election Commission, the BJP is yet to open its account in Tamil Nadu. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-Congress combine was seen sweeping the general election in the state. Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president K. Annamalai. (ANI file)

All 39 seats in Tamil Nadu voted in a single phase on April 19 in Lok Sabha polls. The voter turnout of 72.09 per cent was recorded in the state.



ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Full winners list

The DMK is leading on 21 seats, Congress is leading on nine seats, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi on two seats, the Communist Party of India on two seats, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on two seats and Pattali Makkal Katchi, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Indian Union Muslim League is leading on 1 each.

In 2019, the DMK-led alliance swept the Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu, winning 38 of 39 seats.



As per the trends by the EC, the BJP was leading on 242 seats while the Congress was leading on 100. The Samajwadi Party was ahead on 33 seats while the TMC was leading on 29.

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).

Congress party and its allies had 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.
Rahul Gandhi is all set to retain Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat for the Congress, with the ex-head of the grand old party enjoying a mammoth lead against Dinesh Pratap Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). FILE PHOTO: Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader of India's main opposition Congress party, speaks as he addresses his supporters during a public meeting as part of an election campaign, in Delhi, India, May 18, 2024. REUTERS/Priyanshu Singh/File Photo

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI) figures, Gandhi, who is also winning handsomely from Kerala's Wayanad constituency, was leading Dinesh Pratap Singh by more than 2.2 lakh votes on Tuesday afternoon, hours after the counting of votes for the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections began at 8am.

In the previous 2019 national polls, Rae Bareli was the only seat that the Congress won from Uttar Pradesh, which is the country's most populous state, and sends maximum 80 members to the 543-seat Lok Sabha. Sonia Gandhi, also a former chief president of the Congress, won four general elections and a by-election in Rae Bareli.

Rahul Gandhi, who held the neighbouring Amethi constituency for three consecutive terms before being defeated by the BJP's Smriti Irani in 2019, was nominated from Rae Bareli after Sonia Gandhi vacated the seat and moved to Rajya Sabha in February due to concerns over her health.

Meanwhile, Rahul's impending wins from his two seats means he will have to vacate one, on which a by-election will be held. This could pave the way for his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, to make here electoral debut in the subsequent by-poll.

Amethi, too, is going back to the Congress. Kishori Lal Sharma, the Gandhi family loyalist who was pitted against Union minister Irani, has built a commanding lead over the latter even as the counting of votes is underway.

The final results will be declared later in the day.
Ahmedabad:The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was leading in 24 of 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, early counting trends on Tuesday showed, with the Congress ahead in the other two at 9.15am. An election staff member stands next to VVPATs and EVMs inside a strongroom in Ahmedabad. (REUTERS)

The BJP is aiming for a clean sweep in the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah  it won all 26 seats in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The party already secured the Surat seat in April as its candidate Mukesh Dalal was declared elected unopposed after eight candidates withdrew their candidacy on the last day of form withdrawal and the nominations of two candidates from the Congress were cancelled a day ago.

Of the 25 seats for which counting is being held today, the Congress was leading in Patan and Banaskantha.
Election Results 2024 highlights: Welcome to our live blog coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections! Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 240 seats on its own, falling 32 seats short of the halfway mark in the 543-member lower house. The broader National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP managed to win 293 seats, comfortably surpassing the 272 needed to form a government. Despite this majority, Modi now faces the challenge of relying on regional parties with fluctuating political allegiances to maintain a stable government....Read More

Modi's own victory in Varanasi saw a marked decrease in his winning marginfrom nearly 500,000 votes in 2019 to just over 150,000 this year. Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA bloc, spearheaded by Congress party, achieved a stronger-than-expected performance with 230 seats. Congress alone captured 99 seats, nearly doubling its 2019 tally, which is set to enhance former party president Rahul Gandhi's stature within his party and the opposition bloc.

As the dust settles on the election outcome that took pollsters by surprise, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet with his allies today to strategise on forming the government. Simultaneously, the INDIA bloc will convene in New Delhi to deliberate on their future steps.

Stay tuned as we bring you live updates, expert analyses, and real-time reactions from across the political spectrum on this pivotal day in Indian politics!
Bengaluru, Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai made his successful debut in the Lok Sabha polls, almost a year after the BJP fared poorly in the Assembly polls held when he was at the helm. Currently, an MLA from Shiggaon, he was picked for the Haveri seat, as the sitting MP, Shivakumar Udasi, had announced his retirement from electoral politics after the current term ends. Bommai won the seat defeating Anandswamy Gaddadevarmath of Congress by a margin of 43,513 votes on Tuesday, marking his shift to national politics. He secured 7,05,538 votes and Gaddedevarmath 6,62,025. Since the announcement of his candidature, Bommai by and large camped in the constituency strategising and campaigning, and was hardly seen canvassing for party candidates in other segments, despite him being among a BJP's key campaigners, as a former CM. The 64-year-old had stepped in as the chief minister, mainly due to the backing of B S Yediyurappa, who was asked by the BJP central leadership to step down in July 2021. According to some political analysts, Bommai's government was not able to counter the Congress narrative to paint his administration as corrupt, a factor that helped the Mallikarjun Kharge-led outfit to win the Assembly elections in May last year. Bommai, who was elected to the assembly for the fourth time in a row, took full responsibility for the party's defeat after the poll debacle. When he assumed charge, Bommai had in fact scripted history, becoming only the second father-son duo to have led the state on different occasions, as he started a new innings at the top. Previously, JD Supremo H D Deve Gowda and his son Kumaraswamy have been CMs of the southern state. Bommai's father, S R Bommai, was a Janata Parivar stalwart and had served as the 11th chief minister of Karnataka in the late 1980s. Born on January 28, 1960 in Hubballi, Bommai is a graduate in Mechanical Engineering. He worked in Tata Motors, Pune for three years and then became an industrial entrepreneur. Bommai is from the dominant Veerashaiva-Lingayat community to which Yediyurappa also belongs. The community is counted as a key vote-base of the saffron party.

ex-CM Bommai makes successful debut in LS polls, wins from Haveri
To say that the exit polls on June 1 were exaggerated and wide off the mark is to make an understatement. Polling officials at a counting centre in Agartala, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.(PTI)

Early trends suggest that the Oppositions INDIA bloc has made massive gains when compared to the 2019 numbers, and is on course to cross the 200-seat mark.

Follow the LIVE coverage of the Lok Sabha verdict

However, the NDA still looks poised to return to power, already close to the majority mark, but with a much-reduced mandate and ability to legislate at will.

The Exit Polls had given the ruling NDA a two-thirds majority in the 543-member lower house of Parliament, where 272 is needed for a simple majority.

Six exit polls projected the NDA to win a whopping 355 to 380 seats. The opposition's INDIA alliance was seen as a poor second, placed anywhere between 125 and 165 seats.

As things stand now, the INDIA bloc has practically reversed the exit polls predictions, already gaining 77 seats when compared to the 2019 numbers. If the current trends are taken into consideration, NDA is down 49 seats, which the Exit polls had no clue about.



ALSO READ: How accurate were exit polls in 2019, 2014

The most stunning results, as of now, appear to be coming from politically critical UP, which hosts the countrys most high-profile political candidates.

Exit poll results on Saturday evening showed that the BJP-led NDA sweeping Uttar Pradesh, winning at least 65-plus out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state, while tipping the opposition INDIA bloc - SP-Congress - to take the remaining seat.

The Congress has put up a strong fight in Uttar Pradesh, leading in six seats, until reports last came in. In Rae Bareli, Rahul Gandhi is leading by 28,326 votes against Dinesh Pratap Singh of BJP and in Amethi, KL Sharma is leading by a margin of about 10,423 votes against Union minister Smriti Irani.
Counting of votes in all the 10 parliamentary constituencies in Haryana is inching towards completion. The counting began at 8 AM across 91 counting centres across the state, in presence of heavy security. It has been a day of nail biting suspense, with both the BJP and the Congress putting up an impressive show of strength....Read More

Although the BJP was confident of retaining its bastion in all the 10 constituencies, the INDIA bloc allies  Congress and the Aam Admi Party did not lag far behind in their expectations and seem to have fought the polls with an equal measure of confidence and zest.

Follow the Lok Sabha Polls Results 2024 live updates

Congress, till now, has won the Sirsa (SC) seat with party candidate Selja Kumari securing 268497 votes. The party has also won in Hisar where its candidate Jai Prakash had been leading by 63381 votes. Sonipat is the third seat where Congress has won. Here, party candidate Satpal Brahmachari won with 21816 votes.

The BJP, meanwhile, has won in Kurkushtrea, where party candidate Naveen Jindal was leading by 29021 vote margin. In Faridabad, BJP candidate Krishan Pal won by a margin of 172914 votes.

Similarly, BJP candidate Rao Inderjit Singh won in Gurgaon seat with a margin of 75079 votes.

The results of four seats, namely Rohtak Ambala (SC), Bhiwani-Mahendragarh and Karnal are yet to be officially declared by the ECI.

Full Coverage: Lok Sabha Election Results

Notably, the polling for the 10 parliamentary constituencies of Haryana was conducted on May 25 in a single phase unlike most of the other states of the country, wherein the election was held in multiple phases. An overall voter turnout of 64.8 percent was registered in the state of Haryana.

While the NDA contested in all the 10 constituencies In Haryana, the Congress contested in nine seats, leaving one seat for the Aam Admi Party, in accordance with the opposition INDIA bloc alliance. So far as other parties were concerned, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) fought in nine seats, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) fought in seven seats, whereas the JJP fielded candidates in all the 10 seats.

Now who were the heavyweight candidates in the fray from Haryana? Former Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattars fate continues to be tested. So are the electoral fates of other heavyweights like BJPs Naveen Jindal and Ranjit Singh Chautala, and Congress' Raj Babbar and Jai Prakash, among others.

The party-wise trends of Haryana results are mentioned in the table below: Lok Sabha Constituency Leading/Winning Candidate Leading/Winning Party Ambala (SC) Varun Chaudhary INC Kurukshetra Naveen Jindal BJP Sirsa (SC) Selja Kumari INC Hisar Jai Prakash INC Karnal Manohor Lal Khattar BJP Sonipat Satpal Brahmachari INC Rohtak Deependra Singh Hooda INC Bhiwani-Mahendragarh Dharmbir Singh BJP Gurgaon Rao Inderjit Singh BJP Faridabad Krishan Pal BJP

2019 Flashback

The BJPs overwhelming victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, with a thumping victory in all the 10 constituencies in Haryana sharing a vote percentage of 58.02 percent is all too well known. Consequently, this overwhelming victory resulted in Haryana further catapulting BJP to its final triumph in forming the government at the centre. None of the other parties, such as Congress, JJP, or INLD could bag a single seat in the state, thus paving the way for the formation of the Modi 2.0 government at the centre.

In any case, the stakes are high, and it remains to be seen who will ultimately have the last laugh - whether the ruling NDA will be able to retain its stronghold or is it the opposition INDIA bloc that will alter the narrative.

Follow this live blog to keep yourself updated with the latest trends on the Lok Sabha Poll results 2024 with regard to Haryana.
Manohar Lal Khattar, the first Chief Minister of Haryana from the Bharatiya Janata Party, won from the Karnal constituency in the Lok Sabha election by 7,39,285 votes according to the Election Commission of India. BJP's Manohar Lal Khattar (ANI File)

Manohar Lal Khattar secured 2,32,577 votes while Congress' Divyanshu Budhiraja secured 5,06,708 votes, according to ECI.

ALSO READ: Govt employees, Oppn hits back at Haryana former CM Khattar over bogus voting claim

The 70-year-old is running for parliamentary elections for the first time after serving as Chief Minister from October 26, 2014, until his resignation on March 12, 2024.

When the party nominated Khattar for the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, he resigned as MLA from the Karnal Assembly constituency, making way for his successor and the partys state president, Nayab Saini.

Khattar joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1977 and became a full-time pracharak (worker) in 1980. He served in this role for fourteen years before moving to the BJP in 1994.

ALSO READ: BJP leader in Panipat resigns days after getting notice for anti-party activities

In 2014, he made his electoral debut and was elected to the Haryana Legislative Assembly from Karnal constituency. He also served as the chairman of the BJP's Haryana Election Campaign Committee for the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections.

During a public gathering in Gurugram on March 11, Prime Minister Modi spoke about his friendship with Khattar. He mentioned that they used to take motorcycle rides in Haryana and worked together for the RSS.

In the 2019 elections, Karnal Lok Sabha seat was won by BJPs Sanjay Bhatia, who defeated his opponent, a Congress party candidate Kuldip Sharma by a whopping vote margin of 50.44%.

Karnal Lok Sabha constituency comprises nine assembly segments including Gharaunda, Panipat City, Karnal, Panipat Rural, Indri, Assandh, Israna, Nilokheri, and Samalkha.

ALSO READ: Congress MLA slams Khattar over bogus voting allegations

The constituency had its turn for voting during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 25 and saw a voter turnout of XXX%.



The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were held in seven phases starting from April 19, with the last phase on June 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking a rare third term at the Centre with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are two states where Mandal politics took shape in India. It was in these states that the Mandal (shorthand for the ideology of social justice parties) versus Kamandal (short hand for the Bharatiya Janata Partys Hindutva ideology) battle was fought since the 1990s. Since 2014 onwards, the BJP, along with its allies, had a decisive edge against the forces of Mandal in both. In 2024, politics in these states have diverged in a major way. While the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will retain its dominance with 30 out of the 40 parliamentary constituencies (PCs) in Bihar, it is set for a massive loss in Uttar Pradesh with just 36 out of the 80 PCs. What explains the divergence in results in these two states which send 120 MPs to the Lok Sabha? Here are three charts which answer this question. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in Kannauj on May 7. (ANI)

ALSO READ| Akhilesh Yadav: What the next five years hold for key leaders

The Congress and its Mandal partner have a similar strike rate in both these states

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress in Bihar contested 23 and nine PCs, respectively, and the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress, 62 and 17, respectively, in Uttar Pradesh . Their strike rate is much better in Uttar Pradesh than in Bihar.

What was different was the caste composition of RJD and SP candidates

While the SPs candidature was more focused on accommodating other backward class (OBC) groups other than Yadavs, the RJD went with its conventional approach of preferring Yadavs while fielding candidates. What might have made matters worse for the RJD in Bihar was the fact that the Janata Dal (United) put up a lot more non-Yadav candidates, even though the BJPs candidates in the state were largely upper castes. (See Chart 1 below)

A more representative SP alliance could have got it the critical vote share advantage

The vote share and seat share numbers of the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh tell the story. While the vote share of INDIA bloc is just about four percentage points different, 43.5% in Uttar Pradesh and 39.3% in Bihar, the seat shares vary drastically at 20% and 52% in the two states. If one were to assume that an overwhelming majority of Yadavs and Muslims have voted for the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, they should both have a baseline vote share of about 30%. This means that the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh could manage a critical 4%-5% more vote share than it did in Bihar, which has made a drastic difference to the seat shares. Also, the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh has eight upper caste winners compared to none in Bihar. This clearly shows that defeating the BJP in Mandal states will take a more inclusive politics rather than harping on the old Muslim-Yadav equation. (See Chart 2 below)
A day after the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha recorded a landslide victory in the assembly elections, winning 31 of the Himalayan states 32 seats, party president and chief minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay told Pramod Giri in an interview why people rejected former chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamlings Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF). Edited excerpts: Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay.

SDF leaders did not expect your party to win 31 of 32 seats. How was this made possible?

The Sikkimese people made this possible. They voted for the good work we did in the last five years.

How do you explain Chamlings defeat from both seats he contested? After all, he was the chief minister for 25 years, which is a record in India.

Chamling lost because of his ego and pride. Being a seasoned politician, he should have understood the mandate in 2019. He should have left politics voluntarily instead of continuing only to serve the interests of his family. He thought he had no alternative. I firmly believe that my alternatives are already out there. In Sikkim, leaders who were defeated never made a comeback.

Our government worked hard to keep people safe during the Covid-19 lockdown and during last years disastrous flood in the Teesta. We delivered on our promises. We followed inclusive politics, treating everyone equally and marginalizing none. Thus, the Sikkimese people rewarded us with a second term.

With only one SDF candidate winning, your government faces no opposition in the assembly. Dont you think this is bad for you in a democracy?

The number of opposition MLAs hardly matters. Between 2009 and 2014, when SDF controlled all 32 seats, I became an effective opposition force. I started revolting against chief minister Chamling despite being a ruling party MLA. Between 2014 and 2019, when SKM had 10 MLAs, seven of them joined SDF. Three of us proved how opposition leaders should work. Between 2019 and 2024, there were many opposition MLAs, but they rarely came to the assembly or acted like opposition leaders. We will run our government very seriously.

What is the difference between SKMs victories in 2019 and 2024?

In 2019, we asked people to have faith in us and they believed us. In 2024, we asked people to vote for our work and they reposed their confidence in us. Over the last five years, we surpassed the development projects the SDF government carried out in 25 years.

People say that your Aama Yojana, Bahini Yojana and your student and youth-oriented policies ensured your victory. Is that true?

You can say this is the victory of Sikkims mothers and women. Our Aama Yojana provides annual financial support to poor and helpless mothers. Bahini Yojana provides free sanitary napkins to girl students. Our fellowship scheme provides up to 50 lakh each to students who make it to 20 internationally recognised universities. We have given stipends to many youth without any discrimination.

Many claim that your down to earth image and habit of interacting with common people paid dividends in this election. What is your take on this?

What I am today is because of the upbringing by my parents and the culture they made me embrace. My father was a school chaprasi (peon). I grew up vending milk and worked at road construction sites as a labourer during my school holidays. Sikkimese people made me their chief minister and I should always remain indebted and grateful to them. Ego destroys. I am with zero ego.

Voters thought SKM might face pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party to form an electoral alliance but it didnt happen. Why?

Parties like SDF, BJP and Citizen Action Party have no support base in Sikkim. This is the ground reality. We didnt forge an alliance with anyone but we have a very good rapport with the BJP. We are also a part of the NDA (National Democratic Alliance). Our Lok Sabha MP will support NDA. We supported BJPs Rajya Sabha candidate from Sikkim.

Your government announced so many welfare schemes and regularised more than 25,000 contractual employees. Havent these put a huge pressure on the exchequer of a small state?

When we came to power in 2019, the states economy was in bad shape. We started austerity measures and introduced financial discipline. The erstwhile government used to host parties at five-star hotels. The chief minister and his cabinet colleagues used to travel in luxury cars. I use a Mahindra Scorpio. We have foolproof plans and polices to execute all our electoral promises.

How is your relationship with the Centre?

We are a partner of NDA and we have a very good relationship with the Centre. I am confident that Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister again wining more than 400 Lok Sabha seats.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi won by a margin of 338087 votes in the Hyderabad seat in Telangana. Follow Lok Sabha Election results 2024 LIVE Updates The Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat is a key constituency in Telangana with a sizable Muslim population. Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen AIMIM), has dominated the seat for several years. However, this time, the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Kompella Madhavi Latha, who is known for promoting the Sanatan Dharma....Read More

Hyderabad has traditionally seen a tough fight between AIMIM and Congress during the Lok Sabha elections. By fielding Madhavi, its first woman candidate from the seat, the BJP is trying to change the politics of the city.

This is Latha's debut election. The 49-year-old politician is a popular socialite, and her public appearances are often discussed on social media. Usually adorned in ethnic jewellery and traditional South Indian sarees, she never forgets to take PM Narendra Modi's name in her speeches, with a special mention of his dedication to Yoga. Born in Hyderabad, she grew up in Santoshnagar Colony and is now married to Vishwanath, a mechanical engineer from IIT Madras and the founder-chairman of the Virinchi Hospital. She has three kids - two daughters and a son, who's also studying at IIT Madras. Latha runs many charitable trusts, including Lopamudra Charitable Trust and Lathama Foundation. She comes from a non-political background and advocates equality, and the right to healthcare, education and livelihood in her campaign. Latha is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and a political science graduate.

For the four-time MP, Owaisi, the Hyderabad seat is a stronghold. He enjoyed a resounding victory over the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections with a huge margin of 2.82 lakh.

Stay tuned to this space for the Hyderabad Lok Sabha election results!
A Sukhoi fighter jet of the Indian Air Force or IAF crashed in Nashik district of Maharashtra on Tuesday, news agency PTI, citing police, reported. The pilot and co-pilot ejected safely, special inspector general of Nashik Range DR Karale told PTI. Remains of a Sukhoi fighter plane of the Indian Air Force (IAF) after it crashed in Nashik district on Tuesday, June 4. Pilots of the aircraft ejected safely. (PTI)

The Sukhoi plane crashed in a field near Shirasgaon village, the IPS officer said. The fighter jet was being flown by wing commander Bokil and his second in command Biswas when it crashed in a farm in Shirasgaon village in Nifad tehsil at 1.20pm.

Both the pilots ejected safely and have suffered minor injuries, another police official tol news agency. They were shifted to the HAL hospital. After it crashed, the aircraft caught fire which was doused.

The parts of the plane are now spread in a 500-metre radius, the official added. Teams of Indian Air Force, HAL security and HAL technical unit visited the spot.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
BHOPAL: NOTA, or the none of the above, has secured 202,212 votes in the Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradeshs Indore, next only to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Shankar Lalwani who has secured 11,60,627 votes. An electoral officer opens an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) to display the number of votes at a counting center for the Lok Sabha Election on June 4 (HT Photo/Parveen Kumar)

The Congress had asked people to vote NOTA after its candidate from the Indore Lok Sabha seat, Akshya Kanti Bam, went to the Indore district collectors office along with BJP minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and lawmaker Ramesh Mendola, on April 29 and withdrew his nomination. Bam later joined the BJP, which repeated its sitting MP Shankar Lalwani, 62.

Rather than supporting any of the candidates who were still in the fray, the Madhya Pradesh Congress decided to campaign for NOTA.

NOTA gives voters an option to reject all candidates in a constituency.

News agency PTI said the Gopalganj Lok Sabha seat in Bihar recorded the maximum NOTA votes at 51,660, about 5 per cent of the total votes polled in the constituency.

Congress state president Jitu Patwari thanked people for supporting NOTA, saying people have given a befitting response to the BJP, which used money and people to subvert democracy.

According to Election Commission data, Shankar Lalwani has received 78.99% of the votes polled compared to NOTAs 13.62% share. Bahujan Samaj Partys Sanjay received 49,277, the third-highest votes (3.29%).

Indore voted on May 13 and saw 61.75% of the 25.27 lakh electors exercising their franchise.
New Delhi, The INDIA alliance made a major comeback in several politically-crucial Hindi heartland states with the latest trend in counting of votes on Tuesday showing it ahead in 42 seats out of 80 in Uttar Pradesh and registering steady headway in Rajasthan, Bihar, Haryana and Jharkhand. INDIA alliance makes a comeback in several Hindi heartland states

However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP-led alliance is set to retain power for a third consecutive term but not with an overwhelming majority as predicted by various exit polls.

The most unexpected performance put up by the INDIA was in politically-crucial Uttar Pradesh where Samajwadi Party was marching ahead in 35 seats and Congress in seven, according to the trends.

The BJP is leading in 34 seats, its ally Rashtriya Lok Dal in two constituencies and Apna Dal and Aazad Samaj Party in one each.

The opposition bloc's performance in Uttar Pradesh is being seen as a big surprise for the BJP that had almost swept the polls in 2014 with a stunning performance of coming out victorious in 71 seats and held its ground in 2019 by winning 62.

In 2019, the Samajwadi Party won in five seats, Congress in one and Bahujan Samaj Party in 10.

The Indian alliance also made significant gains in Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar and Jharkhand but could not spring a surprise in Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh.

In Rajasthan, BJP was ahead in 14, while Congress was leading in eight while CPI, Rashtriya Loktantrik Party and Bharat Adivasi Party were ahead in one seat each.

The BJP had won all the 25 seats in the 2019 polls.

The INDIA alliance also made inroads into Bihar with Rashtriya Janata Dal being ahead in four seats, Congress in two seats, CPI in two seats.

The National Democratic Alliance is leading in 31 seats with BJP ahead in 12, JD in 14 and Lok Janshakti Party in five seats.

In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the NDA won 39 out of 40 seats in Bihar with BJP coming out victorious in 17 seats, JD in 16 and Lok Janshakti Party in six.

In Haryana, both Congress and BJP are ahead in five seats each, according to the latest rounds of vote count. The BJP had won all 10 seats in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

In Jharkhand too, INDIA alliance's Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha are ahead in three and two seats respectively while BJP is leading in eight seats. BJP's ally AJSU Party is ahead in one seat.

The BJP won 11 seats in 2019 polls while its ally All Jharkhand Students Union came out victorious in one seat. The JMM and Congress won one seat each.

The NDA continued its dominance in Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Chhattisgarh.

The BJP is ahead in all 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, all four seats in Himachal Pradesh, all seven in Delhi and all five in Uttarakhand.

In Chhattisgarh, the BJP is leading in 10 seats while Congress is ahead in one, according to the trends.

In 2019, BJP won 28 seats in Madhya Pradesh while Congress won one. In that year, the BJP had won all four seats in Himachal Pradesh, all five in Uttarakhand, all seven in Delhi and nine out of 11 seats in Chhattisgarh.

Congress won two seats in Chhattisgarh in 2019.

In total, the Hindi heartland states comprise 225 Lok Sabha seats.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
In addition to the three Hindi heartland states  Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana  the Bharatiya Janata Party and allies suffered losses in West Bengal and Maharashtra in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the results of which were declared on Tuesday, June 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh and BJP national president JP Nadda at the BJP headquarters amid the counting of votes in New Delhi on June 4.(PTI)

The biggest setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP, which faced a stronger challenge from the Opposition's INDIA bloc, however, was in the north where, besides UP, it also faced losses in Rajasthan and Haryana. Follow Live Updates on Lok Sabha election results 2024

In the east, West Bengal dealt the BJP a raw deal, although it more than made up for the losses in Odisha.

Madhya Pradesh went fully saffron, with the party winning or leading in all 29 seats. In Gujarat, too, the BJP was winning or leading in 25 of 26 seats.

Uttar Pradesh: The BJP and allies won or were ahead in 36 seats as against the NDA's tally of 64 in 2019. For the Samajwadi Party, which is part of the INDIA bloc, numbers went up, largely attributed to three factors - consolidation of Muslim votes in favour of the party, smart seat-sharing agreements with the Congress to avoid splitting of non-BJP votes and widespread discontent with the BJP government over jobs and price rise. The Opposition grouping, now INDIA bloc, was winning or leading in 43 of the 80 seats at stake. The Opposition, then the UPA, had won only a single seat in the 2019 elections.

Bihar: The NDA, including Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United was winning or ahead in 30 seats as compared to 39 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Rajasthan: The BJP and partners were ahead only in 14 seats, against all 25 the NDA won last time. The INDIA bloc was ahead in 11 seats this election. The UPA drew a blank in the last general election.

Haryana: This northern state also threw up a shock result for the BJP, where the party was leading only in five and the Congress in five. In 2019, the saffron party had bagged all 10.

Maharashtra: The state, with 48 Lok Sabha seats, saw the Shiv Sena split down the middle since the last election. The BJP, which won 23 seats five years ago, was down with leads in 11 seats, while its ally Shiv Sena could get seven.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Congress was ahead in 12 seats, up from one, and the Shiv Sena (UBT) in 19. The NCP-Sharad Pawar faction could get seven seats, giving the INDIA bloc, forged together by the common dislike of the BJP, a possible 38 seats.

West Bengal: As SP chief Akhilesh Yadav kept the INDIA bloc morale high in Uttar Pradesh, the Trinamool Congress, another key ally of the opposition alliance, was leading or winning in 29 seats in West Bengal, higher than its 22 in 2019. The BJP, which had 18 seats in the last Lok Sabha election, was ahead in 12 seats.
Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 will take place today. After the counting of votes for the Indian general elections, results will be announced. The exit polls have predicted a massive BJP win. Polling officials carry out preparations at a counting centre, a day before counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections, in Nagpur. (PTI)

When will the counting of votes for the general election begin? According to the Election Commission, the counting will begin at 8 am at most counting stations.

Most exit polls predicted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power with a thumping majority in the Lok Sabha.

The Congress-led INDIA bloc, according to the exit polls, will end up a distant second.

Meanwhile, security was heightened across the country in view of the Lok Sabha election's counting of votes.

Follow Live Updates of Lok Sabha elections

In North-East Delhi, the police, along with paramilitary forces, were patrolling in Nand Nagri, Seelampur, Dayalpur, Sonia Vihar and Bhajanpura. They were also checking vehicles.

Similar exercise was being carried out in other parts of the national capital, including Connaught Place.

Around 70 companies of the security forces have been deployed at all seven counting centres across the national capital.

In Jammu and Kashmir, speaking on the preparation for Lok Sabha poll counting day, Jammu Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar told ANI: "All the preparations have been done...The training of the staff and randomization have also been done. The candidates of the political parties have been issued I-cards and sensitized. Section 144 has been imposed in the area of the counting and to maintain the sanctity of the model code of conduct so that there is no problem around 100 metres of the centre."

Visuals from Srinagar show that security was heightened at all counting centres.

In Uttarakhand, Dehradun's senior superintendent of police, Ajay Singh, inspected security arrangements in the area ahead of counting day.

"According to ECI rules, in the inner cordon where counting will be held in two halls, paramilitary forces have been deployed. Without a pass, no one will be allowed to enter except the polling party or agents. In the second layer (of security) which is up to 100 metres, no one will be allowed to enter without a pass and no one will be allowed to get in without checking. Our constables and forces will be present. In the outer cordon where there is parking and facilities to keep bags and mobiles, our civil police is in place. We have arranged three layers of security. Along with this, fire tenders are in place and drills were conducted...Our force has been briefed," Singh said.

Also read: Will Uddhav Thackeray switch to NDA in 15 days? UBT Sena leader says, ...haseen sapne

In Mumbai, security personnel were conducting intensive patrolling and checking at the Eastern Express Highway.

Meanwhile, Ayodhya IG, Praveen Kumar briefed about the preparation for the counting day.

The necessary arrangements have been made as per the guidelines of the ECI... CCTV has been installed...Briefing has been done to the forces...Any untoward incident will be monitored and those who will try to create any mischief, action will be taken against that person, said the officer.

With inputs from ANI
Amaravati, The outgoing Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday said he failed to understand the reason for YSR Congress party's debacle in the assembly polls, despite implementing several welfare measures "without any trace of corruption". Jagan Mohan Reddy concedes defeat, says party will become 'voice of voiceless'

In a media briefing, Jagan, who won from the Pulivendula assembly segment by a majority of over 61,000 votes, said the party will rise from here to be with the people to do good.

"I didn't imagine that the results would come in this fashion. I don't know what happened to the love shown by the aged people for whom we hiked their welfare pensions which was a pittance earlier," said a flummoxed Reddy.

Observing that the YSRCP government took steps for children by incorporating schemes like 'Amma Vodi', which benefited 53 lakh mothers, Reddy claimed that he doesn't know what happened to all those sisters' votes.

He reminded that 66 lakh aged people, specially-abled people, widows and others benefited in his regime 'unlike any other time'.

Listing out a few more welfare schemes, Reddy wondered how he was unable to garner the votes of more than one crore women who benefited from his direct benefit transfer schemes.

Citing reforms in fields such as education, agriculture and others, the YSRCP chief said that he is unable to understand as to where the support from those sections vanished.

"I can't say somebody has cheated, but there is no proof. God knows what happened, but I can't do anything. We will take the people's verdict but will definitely be there to do good for the people," Reddy added.

He assured that the party would stand by the poor, especially by being vocal for them.

According to Reddy, the NDA alliance of TDP, BJP and Janasena belongs to 'big people' which can influence politics in Delhi as well.

"I am ready to face challenges. All the very best to the people who came to the government ," he said.

"YSR Congress Party will act as the voice of the voiceless," he further said.

He congratulated TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan and BJP for their astounding victory.

According to the latest tally, TDP won 105 Assembly seats , Janasena 17 and BJP five . YSR Congress won three seats and is leading in nine others.

Andhra Pradesh went to polls on May 13 for 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in a single phase.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Two former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti are trailing from Baramulla and Anantnag Rajouri Lok Sabha seats, respectively. Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti. (File Photos)

Of the six seats of J&K and Ladakh, the National Conference (NC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and independents area leading on two seats each.

NC vice president Omar Abdullah after completion of five rounds of counting is trailing behind former independent legislator, Engineer Abdul Rashid, who contested polls from Tihar jail. Rashids campaign was run by his son Abrar Rashid, who is a university student.

Rashid has so far got 117,377 votes and is leading by a margin of 51,858 votes over Omar Abdullah, who has got 65,519. Peoples Conference chairman Sajjad Lone is on the third spot, securing 46,270 votes.

Another former CM and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti is also trailing in Anantnag Rajouri Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 120,847. NC candidate Mian Altaf has so far secured 217,356 votes while Mehbooba Mufti secured 96,509 votes.

NC is leading from Srinagar Lok Sabha seat while the BJP is leading from both Jammu and Udhampur seats. From Ladakh, independent candidate Haneefa Jan is leading by a margin of over 17,000 votes.
Mehbooba Mufti, two-time MP and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, conceded defeat in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency against Mian Altaf Ahmad. Mehbooba Mufti (HT File)

As the National Conference's Mian Altaf started leading she issued a statement conceding the election. She fell short by 2,81,794 votes in the polls.

READ MORE: Jammu and Kashmir leaders awaits Lok Sabha elections verdict with bated breath

Candidates Mohamad Saleem Paray from the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), founded by former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Zafar Iqbal Khan Manhas from the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) were also trailing.

The 2024 general election was Jammu and Kashmirs first national poll after it was made a union territory following the scrapping of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and the delimitation exercise completed in May 2022.

The Delimitation Commission had merged Poonch and Rajouri districts of the Jammu region with the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, which went to polls in the sixth phase on May 25 and recorded a voter turnout of 54 per cent.

READ MORE: Mehbooba skips INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stayed away from fielding its candidate from the Anantnag constituency along with Baramulla and Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley.

JKNC vice-president and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accused JKAP, DPAP, Peoples Conference, and PDP of being BJPs proxies, according to a Hindustan Times report.

On April 16, 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing a rally in Jammu regions Roop Nagar, had asked Kashmiris to vote for whoever they wanted but not the NC, PDP, or Congress.

Despite being part of the INDIA bloc, both PDP and JKNC fielded their candidates from the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat. Similarly, Muftis party also contested in Baramulla and Srinagar while extending support to Congress in Udhampur and Jammu Lok Sabha seats.

READ: 2024 Election Results LIVE Updates

PDP president Mehbooba considers the alliance to be a move on an ideological basis and to safeguard the Constitution, according to a PTI report on May 21.

In 2019, the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat was won by National Conference candidate Hasnain Masoodi, who defeated Mehbooba Mufti and Congress Ghulam Ahmed Mir with a vote margin of 5.35%.

Anantnag is considered PDPs stronghold, and Mehbooba Mufti has won two Lok Sabha elections from here held in 2004 and 2014. Her father, the late Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, had also won it in 1998.

Earlier this year, the Pahari community of Poonch and Rajouri, which forms more than half of the electorate (4 lakh of the total 7.35 lakh) on the Jammu side, was granted scheduled tribe status, which has been opposed by the Gujjar community and may likely have a bearing on the results with JKNCs Mian Altaf Ahmad being a veteran leader of the Gujjar community.
Actor Kangana Ranaut, star of movies such as Queen and Tanu Weds Manu, has won from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh on her electoral debut by a margin of 74,755 votes, according to the Election Commission of India. Live Results: BJPs Kangana Ranaut wins in the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency.

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Ranaut, no stranger to controversy, went up going against Congress Vikramaditya Singh, the son of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. Thirty-four-year-old Singh has contested two assembly elections in the past but this is his first bid for a parliamentary seat.

Read more: Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE Updates



The Mandi Lok Sabha seat was won by Bharatiya Janata Partys Ram Swaroop Sharma in 2014 and 2019, with a vote share of 49.97% and 68.75% respectively.

However, Sharmas demise on March 17, 2021 necessitated the byelection and Pratibha Singh, Vikramaditya Singhs mother, won the seat on a Congress ticket in that November. .



Ranaut has been a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for years now, but she officially joined the party earlier this year when her candidature was announced.



Read more: Election results 2024: Kangana Ranaut, leading from Mandi, takes her mother's blessings; shares pics from Himachal



My beloved Bharat and Bhartiya Jantas own party, Bharatiya Janta party (BJP) has always had my unconditional support, today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Lok Sabha candidate from my birthplace Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency). I abide by the high commands decision on contesting the Lok Sabha polls. I feel honoured and elated to officially join the party. I look forward to being a worthy karyakarta and a reliable public servant. Thanks, Ranuat had written in a social media post on March 24, after her candidature was announced.



Ranauts great-grandfather, Sarju Singh Ranaut, was an MLA. Her mother, Asha Ranaut, retired as a schoolteacher from Mandi, and her father, Amardeep Ranaut, is a businessman.

Asha Ranaut had once mentioned that the family initially supported the Congress but shifted allegiance to the BJP due to Kanganas influence.



While campaigning in Mandi, which went to the polls in the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha elections on June 1, Ranaut sparked a social media row . She claimed that India had become truly independent only in 2014 and expressed her desire for India to become a Hindu Rashtra.

ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut says she will quit Bollywood after winning Lok Sabha elections: 'The film world is a lie'

The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were held in seven phases starting from April 19, while the last phase was held on June 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking a rare third term at the Centre with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
The Lok Sabha election results in Karnataka have delivered a significant blow to state Congress president and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, undermining his political ambitions on several fronts. Shivakumars efforts to establish himself as a dominant Vokkaliga leader in the Old Mysuru region have been severely hampered by the election outcome. This area, traditionally a stronghold of Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) chief HD Kumaraswamy, has not yielded to Shivakumars influence. Karnataka Congress president and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar. (File Photo)

Adding to Shivakumars woes, his brother DK Suresh, a three-time MP, suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of BJP candidate Dr CN Manjunath, who is also the son-in-law of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. As per the latest data, Dr Manjunath led by a margin of 2.17 lakh votes, securing 9.42 lakh votes compared to Sureshs 7.25 lakh votes.

Talking to the media after the results, Manjunath said, I did not expect such a huge victory. The hard work of workers and leaders has paid off. I dedicate this victory to the workers of the constituency. Although people did not come close to me during the campaign, they secretly supported me. I am grateful to everyone. I will work to keep the trust of the people of the constituency.

DK Suresh, brother of Deputy Karnataka Chief Minister and senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar, addressed the media after acknowledging his defeat. I will bow down to the peoples mandate. They have given an opportunity to new leadership. I wish good luck to Manjunath and the people of the state. I will remain as a common man and continue my work as a party worker. I appeal to party workers not to lose confidence. I accept victory and defeat in the same spirit. I thank them for their struggle. I had full faith in winning. However, people have given me rest. There is no question of backtracking. My struggle is going to continue in the coming days, Suresh said.

Several factors contributed to DK Sureshs loss, including the effective transfer of votes between JD-S and BJP, anti-incumbency sentiments against Suresh, and Dr Manjunaths popularity as a cardiologist who made heart treatment affordable in the state. Among these, the seamless vote transfer between JD-S and BJP is seen as pivotal.

In the 2014 elections, Congress won with 6,52,723 votes (44.85%), while BJP secured 4,21,243 votes (28.95%), and JD-S received 3,17,870 votes (21.84%). The combined vote share of BJP and JD-S amounted to 7,39,113 votes (50.78%). In the 2019 elections, when Congress and JD-S joined forces, Sureshs lead increased to 8,78,258 votes (54.15%), while BJP obtained 6,71,388 votes (41.40%).

A senior BJP leader, commenting on the election dynamics, said, In the 2019 poll, when JD-Swas with Congress and BJP contested alone, then the BJP candidate got 6.7 lakh votes. Congress won, and the Congress-JD-S alliance secured 54.15% of the votes. With JD-S and BJP joining forces, combined with the peoples love for Manjunath, the transfer of votes has resulted in a big victory.

This loss not only diminishes Shivakumars political clout but also serves as a personal setback. Political analysts have observed that the election turned into a fierce contest for control over the Vokkaliga bastions between Shivakumar and the family of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. The results clearly indicate that the Vokkaliga community did not rally behind Shivakumar as anticipated. Instead, their support gravitated towards the BJP and JD-S, maintaining the political status quo, said a senior Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) official.

In Vokkaliga-dominated constituencies such as Bengaluru Rural, Tumkur, Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Mandya, and Mysuru, the BJP secured significant victories. Among the nine seats we won, only two were from South Karnataka. One is Chamarajanagar, which doesnt have a significant Vokkalaiga vote and the second is Hassan. Here, the Prajwal Gowda scandal and the lack of vote transfer led to the defeat. In short DK Shivakumar has not been able to deliver in the Vokkaliga heartland, the leader added.

Reacting to the defeat, DK Shivakumar said, The BJP has fielded a good candidate (in Bengaluru rural). I didnt expect a defeat with such a high margin. I am accepting whatever results have come. There is a need to understand the message people have given to us. I believe we should have got more seats in the seat. We will look at the results and learn our lessons. I had thought we will get more seats because of the guarantee schemes.
Kerala has 20 Lok Sabha constituencies that went in for the fierce political battle, with a voter turnout of 67.08% recorded in a single-phase election in the state on April 26, 2024. (File Photo)

Kerala Election Results 2024 Live: The intense political battle between the state-ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes down to this day when the Election Results reflect the people's choice. Follow Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE Updates...Read More

Our live blog will cover the Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 for the key constituencies of Wayanad, Kannur, Palakkad, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Kasaragod and Kozhikode in Kerala. Follow the Live Blog for real-time updates and analysis of the poll results.

Kerala has 20 Lok Sabha constituencies that went in for the fierce political battle, with a voter turnout of 67.08% recorded in a single-phase election in the state on April 26, 2024. Rahul Gandhi (UDF), Annie Raja (LDF) and K Surendran (BJP) from Wayanad, Shashi Tharoor (UDF) and Rajeev Chandrashekhar (BJP) from Thiruvananthapuram, Suresh Gopi (BJP) and K. Muraleedharan (UDF) from Thrissur, Elamaram Kareem (LDF) and M. K. Raghavan (UDF) from Kozhikode, M. V. Jayarajan (LDF) and K. Sudhakaran (UDF) from Kannur, Rajmohan Unnithan (UDF) and M. V Balakrishnan (LDF) from Kasaragod, V. K. Sreekandan (UDF) and A. Vijayaraghavan (LDF) from Palakkad are the key players to look out for.

Full Coverage: Lok Sabha Election Results

Apart from them, Shafi Parambil (UDF) and K K Shailaja (LDF) from Vadakara, Anil Antony (BJP) and Thomas Issac (LDF) from Pathanamthitta are some key players to look out for.

The most important question as the counting of votes is all set to begin is whether the Bharatiya Janata Party can open its account in Kerala this year. The NDA-led party has been trying hard to make inroads in the state. BJP has never won a Lok Sabha seat in Kerala and ran a high-decibel campaign to open its account. The saffron party seems confident with their key players Union Ministers Rajeev Chandrasekhar and V. Muraleedharan, actor Suresh Gopi and Anil Antony, son of former Union Minister and Congress Leader A.K Antony.
V Muraleedharan, Union Minister of State for External Affairs lost from Keralas Attingal constituency by 16,272 votes against Congress MP Adoor Prakash, according to the Election Commission of India. V Muraleedharan (ANI Photo)(ANI)

Read more: Lok Sabha Election Results LIVE Updates

Muraleedharan, aged 65, joined the party during the Lok Sabha elections in 1998 and was deputed to assist former Vice-President of India Venkaiah Naidu at the central election control room in Delhi.

He has contested elections twice from Kerala, but could not register a victory. In 2009, he made his electoral debut by contesting Lok Sabha polls from Kozhikode constituency, but lost to Congress MK Raghavan with a margin of 2,52,591 votes.

Read more: Kerala Election Results LIVE Updates

Later in 2016, he also contested the Kerala State Assembly polls from Kazhakootam and was defeated by CPI (M) leader Kadakampally Surendran with 7,347 votes.

However, he has held various positions in the party, including serving as the Kerala state unit president from January 2010 to January 2015. During his tenure as BJP state president in Kerala, the NDAs vote share increased to 10.8% in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, reaching double digits for the first time.

Born in a Congress family in Thalassery, which is considered Communist stronghold, Muraleedharan was elected to the Rajya Sabha in April 2018.

Before filing his nomination for 2024 Lok Sabha polls, he was given money for his security deposit by a group of students who had been evacuated by the Union government from Ukraine during the war with Russia.

Read more: Kerala conundrum keeps BJP on the edge

In 2019, the BJP fielded Sobha Surendran from Attingal, who received 14.43% of the votes and came in third. In 2014, S Girija Kumari was the partys candidate and managed to get only 3.95% of the votes.

Attingal Lok Sabha constituency came into existence after the delimitation in 2008 and went to polls in the second phase on April 26 and recorded voter turnout of 69.48%.



The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were held in seven phases starting from April 19, with the last phase on June 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking a rare third term at the Centre with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
Aspirational India. Demographic dividends. These double whammy buzzwords are now palling out as two septuagenarians seem to be getting into the driving seat of national politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu. (ANI/File)

Nitish Kumar in Bihar and Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh whose parties, the Janata Dal United (JDU) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) respectively, could well be playing a critical, vital role in the formation of a new government.

Nitish has outplayed his senior partner BJP; until reports last came in, his JD(U) was leading on 14 seats, one more than the BJP.

Call them King-Makers, or even future Kings, the political cards will soon be on the table before June 4th passes into history. Already Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have dialled Naidu  presumably to discuss the political health of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Who will Nitish, Naidu support?

The question paramount on everyone's lips  however hypothetical - is this: could these two veterans be instrumental in giving INDIA alliance the much-needed numbers needed to oust the NDA government? It is this last-mile, last-minute connectivity which is ensuring that the political drama of 4 June continues, whatever be the outcomes.

On the face of it, both these regional leaders are an integral part of the NDA. But with the INDIA alliance gaining strength, with every passing hour, there are more coalition possibilities being thrown up, discussed openly in TV studios and behind closed doors in political parties.

Nitishs track-record in switching political sides is incomparable. Before the elections, word was out that his health was giving way; he was often not seen in the major political rallies, even when Prime Minister Modi was holding forth in Patna and other cities of Bihar. In a matter of hours, all that seems changed; will this huge surge of electoral victory give Nitish Kumar the confidence to steer the future? Not just of his own party in Bihar but making the JDU play an important national role? It seems like it.

Hard to say which way Nitish will swing

Party leaders assert that the veteran Bihar leader will not change sides this time. "We're going to stay with the NDA, Nitish Kumar understands what coalition means, the opposition underestimated Nitish," says JDU's Neeraj Kumar.

Said another senior political observer from Bihar, requesting anonymity, Sitting in faraway Delhi, one cannot judge nor assess the political strength of a leader like Nitish Kumar. He has his ear to the ground and his supporters - most of whom are among the poorest and underprivileged -- have stood behind him like a rock.

PTI quoted sources as saying that Nitish is now being courted by the Congress and the BJP, with the latter offering him the NDA convenorship. Nitish, the nine-time chief minister of Bihar, now can give Indian politics yet another swing.

In Andhra Pradesh where Chandrababu Naidu, once hailed as the CEO-CM, is also demonstrating his political prowess and ability to shape the future. He has prided himself in being the first chief minister to have brought IT and digital technologies into the domain of public governance, back in the early 2000's.

Now the political agility of Babu will be on test as TDP leads in 16 seats, the BJP in 3 and the Congress has yet to forge ahead, with counting rounds underway.

Babu, as he is endearingly called by his supporters, is another family-dynasty; the son-in-law of the legendary actor-turned-politician N.T Rama Rao, in state-level and national politics, Babu has shared the political stage with different national parties. It remains to be seen if he will bring himself, his family, and the TDP onto the centre-stage in New Delhi.

TDP leader Varla Ramaiah told the ANI: "The alliance consisting of TDP, BJP and Jana Sena Party is going to get a landslide victory in the elections...We may secure more than 161 seats in the assembly and win all 25 Lok Sabha seats...The public has a lot of confidence in the alliance...Voters of Andhra Pradesh took a decision to get rid of the rule of Jagan Mohan Reddy... The public has rejected his rule absolutely."
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Live updates on Lok Sabha elections 2024 vote counting for Kokrajhar (ST), Dhubri, Barpeta and Guwahati seats in Assam. Every hour we will update the trend of votes counted in these seats.

Constituency Election 2024 Result LIVE

Welcome to our live blog coverage of the election results for Assam's Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Barpeta, DarrangUdalguri, and Guwahati constituencies. As the nation eagerly awaits the outcome of these pivotal seats, we'll be providing real-time updates and analysis straight from the counting booths. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest developments, voter turnout statistics, and insights into the political landscape of these regions. Join us as we track the twists and turns of this high-stakes electoral contest, offering you comprehensive coverage of this crucial moment in India's democratic process.

Constituency name Lead/win candidate and party name Loss/trail candidate and party name Votes Margin Kokrajhar (ST) Joyanta Basumatary (UPPL) () 474944 Dhubri Rakibul Hussain (INC) () 1392241 Barpeta Phani Bhusan Choudhury (AGP) () 851144 Guwahati Bijuli Kalita Medhi (BJP) () 854092 ...Read More
The main Left Front parties --- Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Maxist) --- will have just one member of Lok Sabha from its erstwhile stronghold states of Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura. The CPI(M) won Alathur parliamentary constituency in Kerala. The CPI(M) won Alathur parliamentary constituency in Kerala. (File Photo)

Outside these three states, the Left parties won five seats --- four as part of INDIA bloc in Tamil Nadu and Sikar in Rajasthan.

In Kerala, where the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is the ruling alliance in the state, CPI(M) candidate K Radhakrishnan managed to win by a margin of 20,000 votes and many of its high-profile candidates such as former state finance minister Thomas Isaac and former state health minister K K Shailaja lost. However, the Left parties received about 32% vote share, almost double of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s 16.7% vote share as compared to 35% for the Congress.

ALSO READ| TMC's Shatrughan Sinha wins in West Bengal's Asansol constituency by 59,564 votes in Lok Sabha Election 2024

The CPI(M) and its partners in West Bengal, where party ruled for almost 34 years before the Trinamool Congress (TMC) defeated them in 2011, were virtually decimated in the Lok Sabha polls securing only around 5% votes across the eastern state. In the 2019 polls, in which the state LF could not win any seat, its vote share was 6.33 %.

The CPI(M) fielded many student and youth leaders in a bid to reach out to first generation voters, but the strategy failed with the party landing in third position in several of the 42 Lok Sabha seats. The Left Front contested 30 of Bengals 42 seats this year in alliance with the Congress, which contested 12 segments. The Congress could retain only one of the two seats it had won five years ago. In Murshidabad district, which has Bengals highest Muslim population of 62.28 %, CPI(M) state secretary Md Salim was defeated by TMCs sitting MP Abu Taher.

In Tripura, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in two Lok Sabha seats defeating the Left and Congress alliance. This is the second victory of the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls after 2019 in the state. Former chief minister and BJP candidate Biplab Kumar Deb defeated Congress candidate Ashish Kumar Saha in West Tripura constituency and in East Tripura constituency, BJP candidate Kriti Devi Debbarman defeated CPIM candidate Rajendra Reang.
RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadavs daughter Misa Bharti on Tuesday is leading in the Lok Sabha elections from Bihars Patliputra constituency, a seat where she had tasted defeat twice before. Bharti, the eldest daughter of two former chief ministers of Bihar, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, has so far garnered 3,30,985 votes. Follow Bihar Lok Sabha election LIVE coverage here RJD MP Misa Bharti (PTI File Photo)

BJPs Ram Kripal Yadav, a former close aide of the RJD supremo who joined the saffron party ahead of Lok Sabha polls in 2014, is trailing by a margin of 2,74,502 votes.

Bharti, currently serving her second term in Rajya Sabha, had lost to Yadav in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections by thin margins. In 2019, she got about 4.7 lakh votes, while Yadav secured more than 5 lakh votes. In 2014, Bharti had managed 3.42 lakh votes, while Yadav got 3.83 votes.

Patliputra seat, which covers the rural areas of Patna district, is also the constituency that Lalu Yadav had lost once, in 2009.

Voting in the Patliputra constituency was held on June 1 in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

Born in 1976, Bharti is the eldest of her parents' nine children. She is a doctor and is married to Shailesh Kumar, who is a computer engineer. The couple reportedly has three children.

Misa Bharti made her poll debut in 2014 when she unsuccessfully fought the Lok Sabha elections from Pataliputra on the RJD ticket.

In 2016, she was the party's nominee for the Rajya Sabha elections and was elected unopposed from the state of Bihar. She then made another attempt to win the Pataliputra seat for the RJD in 2019, but again lost to Ram Kripal Yadav.
Nagpur election result: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nitin Gadkari is leading from the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat. Nagpur election result: BJP leader Nitin Gadkari.(HT photo)

Data from the Election Commission show that at 3.30pm, Gadkari was ahead of his nearest rival, Vikas Thakre of the Congress, by 95,427 votes. Follow full coverage of the Lok Sabha elections.

Elections to the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra were held in five phases from April 19 to May 20. Voting in Nagpur was held in the first phase on April 19.

This is the third time Gadkari is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Nagpur. The former BJP president first contested the election from Nagpur in 2014 and then againin 2019.

Also Read | Election Results 2024 LIVE News: INDIA gives NDA tough fight in early trends

In 2014, Gadkari had defeated veteran Congress leader Vilas Muttemwar, while in the 2019 polls, he defeated Congress candidate Nana Patole, who is now the grand old party's Maharashtra unit chief. While Gadkari had polled 6,60,221 votes, Patole got 4,44,212.

During the election campaign, Gadkari released his own "manifesto", promising to create one lakh jobs in the next five years if re-elected and put the urban constituency in Maharashtra among the top five cities in terms of development and cleanliness.

Gadkari's 'Vachannama' or election manifesto, underlined his vision for Nagpur for the next five years.

Also Read | Check all list of results of all Constituencies

Gadkari emphasised that in his third term he would work towards making Nagpur 'sundar and swachh' (beautiful and clean) and putting it among top five cities in the country in terms of development, sanitation and hygiene.

The former BJP president also promised that with the help of state and central governments, he would help give ownership rights to residents of unauthorised slums on regularisation and help them in the construction of new houses. The Union minister had said that he had already started the work in one of the slum areas in the city and given ownership rights of 500 to 600 houses.

Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second-largest after Uttar Pradesh. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 out of 25 seats it contested in alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday, June 4, said the Lok Sabha election results 2024 are a clear mandate against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing them as his moral and political defeat. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addresses a press conference in New Delhi. (PTI file)

"This election results are 'janta ka result'...They are clear this mandate is against Modi ji. This is his moral and political defeat," said Mallikarjun Kharge at a press conference with party colleagues Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.

On the question of the chances of the INDIA bloc forming a government, Rahul Gandhi said, We will hold a meeting with our alliance partners tomorrow. These questions will be raised and answered there. We won't make any statements without asking our alliance partners.

Later, taking to social media platform X (formally Twitter), Kharge wrote in Hindi, We humbly accept the mandate of the 18th Lok Sabha elections. This is the victory of the people. This is the victory of democracy. This time the people did not give absolute majority to any single party. Especially the ruling party, BJP, had asked for votes in the name of one person-one face. Now, it is clear that this mandate is against Modiji. This is his political and moral defeat.

the Congress Party's campaign was positive from the beginning to the end. We made issues like inflation, unemployment, the plight of farmers and labourers, and misuse of constitutional institutions central issues. A large number of people joined us and supported us on these issues. The kind of campaign the Prime Minister conducted will be remembered for a long time in history. The public understood the lies that Modiji spread about the Congress manifesto, the Congress president said.

Kharge also said during both the tours of Rahul Gandhi - Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra  meeting lakhs of people, listening to their problems, and later finding solutions to those problems, became the basis of the Congress's campaign. We named this as 5 Nyay and 25 guarantees. On this basis, we made a guarantee card. Our workers went door to door with it, Kharge said.

Apart from this, another important thing happened because of the BJP leadership's arrogance. They slowly tried to capture all the constitutional institutions through illegal means. Then, they started using them against the opposition party. Those who were subdued were suppressed and brought to their side. Those who were not subdued had their party broken, or else they were put in jail, he said.
The mammoth exercise to count votes polled for the Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 elections began at 8am on Tuesday. Results of the assembly elections in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh were held simultaneously with voting for the 543-member Lok Sabha. Results of 175 assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh and 147 assembly constituencies in Odisha and results of bypolls in 25 assembly constituencies will also be declared today. Mukesh Dalal, the first candidate to be declared winner in Lok Sabha polls 2024.

But even before the results were out, the Bharatiya Janata Party has already drawn first blood with Mukesh Dalal winning the Surat Lok Sabha seat unopposed after the nomination of Congress' Nilesh Kumbhani was rejected over irregularities in the signature of proposers and other candidates withdrew before the polls. Follow live update Lok Sabha election results 2024

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Monday said in cases of uncontested polls, the Election Commission steps in when other candidates in the fray withdraw nominations under duress.

He also indicated that any provision that bars a person from being declared winner in case of uncontested polls may not be in accordance with the law. He was responding to a question at a press conference on a Supreme Court ruling on 'none of the above' option vis-a-vis candidates who are elected to Lok Sabha or assemblies unopposed.

On April 22, BJP's Mukesh Dalal was declared elected unopposed from Surat after all other candidates, including one from the BSP, withdrew their nominations.

Due to a pre-poll alliance with the Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party had not fielded its candidate from Surat. Kumbhani had gone incommunicado since April 22.

He was later suspended by the Congress, which blamed him for the rejection of the nomination form and also accused him of "connivance with the BJP". Lok Sabha polls were held in a single phase in Gujarat on May 7. Results for 25 out of the state's 26 seats will be declared on June 4.
Union ministers and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is leading from the Jodhpur Lok Sabha seat, data from the Election Commission shows. Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.(HT Print)

At 4 pm, Shekhawat was ahead of his rival candidateCongress's Karan Singh Uchiyardaby a massive margin of 1,11,219 votes. Follow full coverage of the Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP on Tuesday won one seat out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats and was leading on 13 others. The Congress was ahead in eight seats.

The BJP won the Jaipur seat and was ahead in Bikaner, Jaipur Rural, Alwar, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Jalore, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota and Jhalawar- Baran.

Also Read | Rajasthan minister Kirodi Lal Meena says will resign if BJP loses seats he oversaw

The Congress was ahead in Ganganagar, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa, Tonk-Sawai Madhopur and Barmer

INDIA bloc parties CPI(M) and RLP and BAP, supported by Congress, were also leading in one seat each.

For the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP contested all 25 seats under the NDA. Under the seat-sharing arrangement of the INDIA bloc, Congress contested the polls from 22 seats, while its allies Bharat Adivasi Party, CPI(M), and RLP contested the elections from one seat each.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA swept all 25 seats. The BJP won 24 seats, and its ally, the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP), bagged one seat. Congress failed to open its account in the elections. In 2014 also, the BJP secured victory in all 25 seats.

An aggregate of exit polls, released after the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha elections, predicted that the NDA would win 18-23 seats, while the Congress-led INDIA bloc to win 2-7 seats.

Times Now ETG in its exit poll figures indicated that the NDA would 18 seats, while the Congress-led INDIA bloc would secure seven seats.

The exit poll figures from INDIA TV predicted the NDA getting 21 to 23 seats, while the INDIA bloc wrapping up with two to four seats.

Similarly, News 24 in its exit poll figures predicted 22 seats for the NDA, two seats for the INDIA bloc, and one seat for others.
NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar denied media reports of him speaking to Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar or TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu amid the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 on Tuesday, June 4. Sharad Pawar also said the INDIA bloc will meet in New Delhi on Wednesday to decide the future course of action while also stating that the Opposition was not likely to form the government. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar met NCP president Sharad Pawar in Mumbai. (File Photo)

I have not spoken with anyone yet, Sharad Pawar said at a press conference after some reports claimed that he had dialled JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu.

Sharad Pawar's comments come even as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to win a majority in Parliament, early vote counting showed, but well short of a landslide predicted by most exit polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won a majority of its own when it swept to power in 2014, ending an era of unstable coalition governments, and repeated the feat in 2019.

I spoke to Mallikarjun Kharge and Sitaram Yechury. The INDIA alliance meeting is likely to be held in Delhi tomorrow. The final decision is expected to be taken by this evening. Accordingly, I will be in Delhi, Sharad Pawar said.

To a question who would be the next prime minister, the veteran politician from Maharashtra said, "We have not given it a thought. I am not sure if the INDIA alliance can form the government. We will meet tomorrow and take a decision unanimously on the future course of action," Sharad Pawar said.

The results in Uttar Pradesh had given a new direction to the INDIA alliance, he said, noting that even where the BJP was winning, its victory margins were narrow, compared to the last time. He also expressed satisfaction with his own party's performance, saying it contested ten seats and was ahead in seven.

Meanwhile, NCP (SP) workers began early celebrations in Maharashtra's Baramati Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday as the party's sitting MP, Supriya Sule, was leading over her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar of the NCP by more than 14,000 votes.

Workers of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) danced on roads, sprinkled 'gulal' on each other and raised slogans in support of their party and Sule.

As per the latest data on the Election Commission's website, Supriya Sule 1,43,686 votes, while Sunetra Pawar, the wife of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, got 1,29,190 votes.

"When they started with '400 paar', people started suspecting that they were going to change the Constitution. The entire country was angry at their attempts to change the Constitution. I am happy that Sharad Pawar, at the age of 84, proved that he is the centre point of Maharashtra's politics," NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Jitendra Awhad told reporters.

In the Pune Lok Sabha seat, where BJP candidate Murlidhar Mohol was leading over Congress candidate Ravindra Dhangekar, workers of the saffron party also celebrated by throwing 'gulal' and dancing to DJ music.
Three-time MP Supriya Sule of the Nationalist Congress Party(SP) from Maharashtras Baramati constituency won again by a margin of 1,58,333 votes against her cousin's wife, NCP's Sunetra Pawar, according to ECI. NCPs (SP) Supriya Sule is leading against Sunetra Pawar in Baramati. (HT photo)

This marks the first time that two members of the influential Pawar family are contested against each other from the constituency, which went to polls on May 7 and recorded a voter turnout of 59.50%.

ALSO READ: Supriya Sule demands report on Sassoons performance of 5 years

In 2019, Sule defeated Bharatiya Janata Partys Kanchan Rahul Kool with a vote margin of 11.94%. She secured 52.63% of the vote share, while Kool received 40.69%.

Sule was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2006, followed by three consecutive terms in 2009, 2014, and 2019 as a Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha. Her father, Sharad Pawar, also won Lok Sabha polls from the Baramati constituency held in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2004. He first won the seat in 1984 on an Indian Congress (Socialist) ticket.

ALSO READ: Leaders leaving NCP (SP) because of Supriya Sule: Sonia Doohan

The split within the NCP occurred in July 2023, following a rebellion led by the Ajit Pawar group, which has currently given its support to the ruling Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra.

In February this year, the Election Commission of India (ECI) recognised the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP as the official party and granted them the partys iconic clock symbol while allotting Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) as the party name for the group led by Sharad Pawar, which launched its new symbol of a man blowing a tura (trumpet).

ALSO READ: Sunetra Pawar is like my mother: Supriya Sule slams BJP over Baramati battle

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, Sule reached out to people by conducting door-to-door padayatra and corner meetings, while her father held rallies across the Baramati region.

On the other side, Ajit Pawar and his wife, Sunetra Pawar, campaigned with the message of bringing a change in Baramati.



Supriya Sule is also credited with playing a key role in coordinating with opposition parties regarding seat sharing within the INDIA bloc in Maharashtra. The bloc was formed in July last year to dislodge the Narendra Modi-led BJP at the Centre.

The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were conducted in seven phases, starting from April 19. The Bharatiya Janata Party is aiming for a rare third consecutive term at the Centre, with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
Maharashtra Election Results 2024 highlights: The Maharashtra Lok Sabha election was conducted across 48 constituencies in the state - the second-highest after Uttar Pradesh. Voting in the state was held in five phases - April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. Now, all eyes are on the results today, which are deciding the fate of the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA alliance and the Eknath Shinde-led NDA alliance in the state. Follow Mumbai North Lok Sabha election live coverage...Read More

Maharashtra is witnessing a fierce Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) vs Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction)-BJP alliance battle. Since the Shiv Sena split in 2022, this election is the first big election that will test the popularity of the two factions.

Some of the key candidates include two union ministers belonging to the BJPPiyush Goyal from Mumbai-North and Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur. Other key candidates are Congress Varsha Gaikwad from Mumbai North Central, BJPs Pankaja Munde from Beed, and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule from Baramati, among others.

Maharashtra has witnessed several political shifts since 2014 - when the BJP-led NDA alliance came to power. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP won 23 Lok Sabha seats in the state, its alliance partner Shiv Sena (which was then undivided) won 18 seats, NCP (undivided) won four, and Congress and AIMIM each won a seat. An independent candidate won one seat. However, in 2022, Shiv Sena member Eknath Shinde cross-voted for the BJP, causing a major political crisis in the state. He later joined the BJP and is leading the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, and also took oath as the chief minister.
Narayan Rane, the Union Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, won from Maharashtras Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency in the Lok Sabha election by a margin of 47,858 votes according to the Election Commission of India. BJP's Narayan Rane contesting from Maharashtras Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg.

His son Nilesh Narayan Rane had previously lost in the same constituency.

Early results showed his closest rival for the seat was Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate and incumbent MP Vinayak Raut, who won the seat with a margin of 19.79% in 2019.

ALSO READ: Union minister, ex-Maha CM Narayan Rane is BJPs choice for Ratnagiri Sindhudurg



Raut had secured a vote share of 50.83%, while his opponent Nilesh Narayan Rane who he defeated had managed to get 31.04%.

The minister joined the BJP in 2018 and was elected to the Rajya Sabha. During the Union cabinet reshuffle in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi elevated him to Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Rane, aged 72, was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly as a Shiv Sena MLA in 1990. His close association with Bal Thackeray, the partys founder, made him even more important, and he became Chief Minister of Maharashtra in 1999.

ALSO READ: Uddhav-led Shiv Sena will be wiped out after Lok Sabha elections: Narayan Rane

In 2005, Rane parted ways with the Shiv Sena following irreconcilable differences with its founding family, the Thackerays. He then joined the Congress, Shiva Senas ideological rival and became the state Revenue Minister under Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.



In 2017, Rane left the Congress and established his own party, the Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha, along with his two sons, Nilesh Rane and Nitesh Rane.

The Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency holds significance in dominating the Konkan region. It includes six state Assembly seats and was created in 2008 through the delimitation exercise by merging old Ratnagiri and Rajapur Lok Sabha seats.

This is Ranes first Lok Sabha election and he had expressed confidence in winning the seat by over 2.5 lakh votes. The constituency went to polls in the third phase on Mahy 7 and registered a voter turnout of 53.75%.

ALSO READ: Uddhavs bete noire Rane tries to wrest Sena stronghold Konkan from embattled leader



The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were held in seven phases starting from April 19, with the last phase on June 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking a rare third term at the Centre with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
Mamata Banerjee Mamata Banerjee. (HT File Photo)

If there is any leader who has consistently, barring 2019, interrupted the BJPs political plans, it is Mamata Banerjee. A leader who spent decades of her life fighting the draconian and semi-violent communist regime in West Bengal through sheer grit and determination, Banerjee, 69, knows her state and its social landscape intimately. Her politics include dollops of welfare, women-centric schemes, the blurring of lines between the party and the state, the use of force to impose her partys writ, and the weaving together of complete Muslim support along with segments of Hindu support to sustain a winning electoral coalition.

The BJP, with Narendra Modi as the mascot, was able to fill in the vacuum left by the decline of the Left to win 18 seats in the 2019 elections. Despite a high-voltage campaign, the BJP was unable to oust Banerjee in the subsequent state election, which revealed her ability to absorb lessons and change course. But in this years election, buoyed by the drafting of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act rules and episodes that exposed the TMCs violent machine, such as the one in Sandeshkhali, the BJP hoped to not just replicate its 2019 performance but also improve on it.

That was not to be. Banerjee held her own, and it was the TMC that has improved its performance. This catapults Banerjee into the pole position for her next state election two years from now; it allows her to remain a key voice in national politics with a substantial presence both in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. And her role in stopping the BJP juggernaut gives her pride of place in the INDIA bloc, even though she didnt contest the elections with Congress and the Left and has kept her distance relatively; it also reinforces her and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjees, absolute grip over the party.
Janata Dal (Secular) HD Kumaraswamy has won with 8,51,881 votes from Karnatakas Mandya Lok Sabha constituency. He won with a margin of 2,84,620. JD-S leader HD Kumaraswamy (ANI)

Former Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy fought the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate.

HD Kumaraswamys son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, ran in the 2019 Lok Sabha election from Mandya but lost to Sumalatha Ambareesh, an independent candidate. In the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election, he ran from the Ramanagara constituency, which his mother, Anitha Kumaraswamy, won in 2018. He lost this seat too, to the Congress' HA Iqbal Hussain, by nearly 8,000 votes.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, JD(S) allied with the Indian National Congress and ran for seven seats, but they only won one seat. The BJP won 25 out of 28 seats in Karnataka.

The Mandya Lok Sabha Constituency Election 2024 voting day is on April 26 (Phase 2), announced by the Election Commission of India on March 16. The results of the election will be counted and announced on June 4.

According to the latest information, Kumaraswamy has three criminal cases against him. He also has debts totalling 82.2 Crore.

Kumaraswamys father is the former Prime Minister and JD(S) leader, HD Deve Gowda, and his brother, HD Revanna, is a former minister and MLA. HD Kumaraswamy was born on December 16, 1959, in Haradanahalli village, Hassan district. He completed his BSc from National College, Bengaluru, before entering the film distribution business. He married Anitha Kumaraswamy in 1986. After succeeding in film distribution, HDK started his own production company, Channambika Films, and produced several movies. Following his father's path, he entered politics. He began his political journey by contesting and winning the Lok Sabha elections in 1996 from the Bangalore Rural constituency.

Kumaraswamy tried running for the Lok Sabha from Kanakapura in 1998 and then from the Satanur Assembly Constituency in 1999, but he didn't win. However, in 2004, he succeeded in becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Ramnagar Constituency.
NEW DELHI: The Sabha elections outcome is a mandate against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a political and moral defeat of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Tuesday as the BJP-led coalition was headed for a narrow victory. (HT Photo/Sanjeev Verma)

At 7pm, the BJP appeared set to emerge as the single largest party with wins or leads on 239 seats while the coalition, NDA was at 291. The Congress was the second-largest party with 99 leads or wins; the INDIA bloc has 234 seats.

The people did not give a clear majority to one single party. The BJP sought votes for a single person. The mandate is against Modiji, Kharge said at a Press conference on Tuesday evening, referring to PM Modis oft-repeated target of 400 seats for the NDA.

Kharge said the people saw through the lies spread about the Congress manifesto by the BJP and did not give a complete majority to any single party, particularly the BJP that sought votes on the basis of one person, one face. This is their (BJPs) political and moral defeat, he said, accusing the BJP of using government machinery to create obstacles in the path of the Opposition alliance.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi added: This election was not fought against a political party. Narendra Modi and Amit Shah captured and intimidated the agencies The BJP put chief ministers in jail.

The voters have told Modi that they dont want him, he said.

Asked if the Opposition would reach out to other parties outside the INDIA bloc, Rahul Gandhi said leaders of the Opposition bloc will meet tomorrow and take a decision.

On the Congress candidate Kishori Lal Sharma defeating sitting BJP MP Smriti Irani from Amethi, Gandhi said, BJP doesnt respect people. Kishori Lal Sharma has been working in Amethi for the past 40 years. He is very closely connected to the people of Amethi. I congratulate him. It is wrong to say he is a PA (personal assistant).

Rahul Gandhi reiterated that the election was a fight to protect institutions such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the judiciary, and the Enforcement Directorate from being captured by the PM Modi-led government.

The fight was to save the Constitution we were sure that the citizens of India would make attempts to guard it and I would like to thank everyone, he said, thanking the Dalits and farmers for taking steps to save the Constitution.
MP Election Results 2024 highlights: BJP performed a clean sweep, winning all 29 Lok Sabha seats in the state.



The counting of votes commenced at 8 am on Tuesday across 52 district headquarters across the state, with three-tier security arrangements. Arrangements have also been made for polling officers and district teams to battle the heatwave on Lok Sabha election result day. In the wake of prevailing heat conditions, drinking water arrangements and coolers have been installed at the counting centres. Medical kit and doctor facilities have also been ensured. Tomorrow has been declared as a dry day. Three layers of security have been deployed in counting centres, officials said....Read More

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan said on Monday, On June 4, the counting of votes will take place for 29 parliamentary constituencies in 52 district headquarters starting at 8 am. The counting of postal ballots will be held at only 29 district headquarters where there is a returning officer."

Out of the total seven phases, the voting process in Madhya Pradesh took place in the first four phases of the Lok Sabha polls. The first phase of polling was held on April 19, the second phase took place on April 26, the third phase on May 7 and the fourth phase of polling concluded on May 13.With 29 Lok Sabha constituencies, Madhya Pradesh ranks sixth among all states in terms of its representation in the Lower House. Of these, 10 seats are reserved for SC and ST candidates, while the remaining 19 are unreserved.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav, a day before the results, expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party will retain power in the state, and wished that Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds the chair for the third term.

After offering prayers at the Bhalka Tirth Mandir on June 3, the CM said, I come from the land of Baba Mahakal temple. I had the privilege of offering prayers at Bhalka Tirth temple. After the process of voting is over, tomorrow is the day of counting and I wish PM Modi retains power and BJP forms the government again. I also offered prayers regarding the development of the country and restoring our Sanatan culture. We are standing along with PM Modi. After coming to power our government has decided that in Madhya Pradesh wherever there are temples of Lord Ram and Sri Krishna we will develop those areas as holy places."

The key candidates in fray in Madhya Pradesh are Shivraj Singh Chouhan (BJP), Nakun Nath (INC), Jyotiraditya Scindia (BJP), Digvijay Singh (INC), Bharat Singh Kushwah (BJP), Mahesh Parmar (INC) and Shivmangal Singh Tomar (BJP). Meanwhile, the key constituencies to watch out for are Gwalior, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Indore, Vidisha, Guna and Chhindwara.

The Madhya Pradesh exit poll results predicted a clean sweep for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, while the opposition Indian National Congress is not even likely to get one seat in the elections.

According to the India Today-My Axis exit poll results for Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is likely to retain 28 out of the total 29 seats in the state, and can also win from the lone Congress seat. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP won 28 seats while Congress won one.
Narendra Modi remains Indias most popular leader. It is only because he has redefined the idea of political and electoral success that what would have been considered a huge accomplishment a decade ago is today seen as a setback. Modi, 73, is on the verge of returning to power for a third time, a record that only Jawaharlal Nehru has had in Independent Indias history. Modi may also become the only leader to complete three consecutive elected terms in office if he stays on till 2029; remember Nehru died two years into his third elected term. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi on June 4. (REUTERS)

Also Read: What next 5 years hold for Rahul Gandhi

But notwithstanding the achievement, this time around, Modi will at best be the head of a coalition government without an absolute majority for his party, a constraint that he hasnt had to work with for the 22 years that he has helmed a government either in Gujarat or in Delhi. This isnt to suggest that he cant adapt, just that he will have to. And therefore the first implication of this verdict for Modi is forming a government that will involve a much higher degree of accommodation. Dealing with allies, in terms of ministerial appointments or policy announcements, legislations or credit-sharing, requires give-and-take. It is an art that the current BJP leadership will have to pick up from the era when Atal Bihari Vajpayee headed the first avatar of the National Democratic Alliance.

Also Read: What the next 5 years hold for Yogi Adityanath

But while how he runs the next government is the first big challenge for Modi, learning the lessons from this verdict will have to be the next priority for the PM in terms of the governance and political agenda. The 2024 mandate cannot be read and dismissed as a result of popular disillusionment with local BJP leaders or the inability of the party to keep up with the PMs popularity. Modi had shown an ability to lift a weak local organisation and weak local candidates in the past two elections, and if it didnt happen this time, it is also a reflection of the perceptions that voters have of Modis own record and promise. And here the signal of discontent is coming bottom-up, especially from areas where BJP was strongest in the past.

Also Read: What the next 5 years hold for Chandrababu Naidu

Whether this discontent is a result of Modis governance style or his governments mixed economic record or the partys inability to manage social contradictions or a mix of all these factors will need careful examination. Either way, though, it will be for Modi 3.0 to address the root causes of the BJPs relative decline and take corrective steps. And this will require greater humility and engagement with the wider public sphere than the BJP leadership has shown in recent years.

Also Read: What the next 5 years hold for Akhilesh Yadav

Over two years ago, Modi, in an internal meeting of his party, told leaders that he was concerned with the increasing drift of the younger voters, particularly those in the 18-25 bracket, away from the party. This is a segment that has grown up only with the reality of Modis government; it consumes information from multiple sources including dissenters on social media and is instinctively anti-establishment; it is a segment that is increasingly impatient especially with the lack of opportunities to earn higher incomes and obtain stable jobs even as they have studied more than anyone else in their family has. There is no easy answer for the jobs or incomes puzzle, a puzzle that has haunted every Indian government. But unless Modi is able to bring the single-minded focus he brought to improving Indias welfare delivery architecture to creation of jobs, the political challenge may only grow. Dealing with the aspirations is his third big challenge.

Also Read: What the next 5 years hold for Nitish Kumar

Modi will also need to institute correctives in the functioning of the BJP itself. There is no doubt that despite the setback, the party remains extraordinarily well-organised and disciplined. Its ability to penetrate and grow in newer geographies has been on display in these elections; look at Odisha and Telangana. Its ability to co-opt new social groups while maintaining its existing base is also still impressive. But the overwhelming dependence of the party on a single leader has clearly led to a hollowing out of the party structure in key respects. It has resulted in a neglect of local factors and led to a sense of smugness that the PMs image can address all issues  it cant. Results from states such as Uttar Pradesh have shown that Modi will have to critically examine the role of even prominent CMs such as Yogi Adityanath. And results from states such as Rajasthan indicate that centrally imposed local leaders at the cost of ignoring local satraps may not be able to sustain the partys winning coalitions.

Also Read: What the next 5 years hold for Mamata Banerjee

And finally, Modi will have to adapt. From being a Hindutva mascot to a development-oriented leader to the messiah of the poor to the man who has enhanced Indias global prestige, he has crafted different images at different times in his career. But the perception of his regime enjoying and exercising untrammelled power, and his own recent rhetoric that explicitly targeted Muslims, hasnt helped in winning voters. Modi may continue to govern India, but he will need to go back and carefully examine what the voters are telling him about how they want him to govern this time around. This mandate is a call to one of Indias most pragmatic and successful politician to shift gears.
In 2013, Nitish Kumar decided that his conscience didnt permit him to support Narendra Modi as prime minister, and he walked out of the National Democratic Alliance, a partnership that had lasted for close to two decades and benefited both the BJP and Kumar. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar (File Photo)

In 2015, Kumar allied with his old socialist friend and fellow student leader from the emergency era, Lalu Prasads Rashtriya Janata Dal, to defeat the BJP in Bihar. In 2017, Nitish Kumar returned to ally with Modis BJP, ostensibly because he found it difficult to work with Prasads party. In 2019 and 2020, he fought elections in alliance with the BJP, only to switch to RJD once again in 2022. And earlier this year, in January, he switched again to working with the BJP. If you have lost track, dont worry; so have many people in Bihar about which side Kumar tilts and when and why.

But it also tells you about the remarkable survival skills of a politician who is the weakest of the three players in Bihar in terms of party organisation and caste base. But by switching sides at key moments, Kumar, 73, has managed to stay on as chief minister for close to two decades, barring one short break in 2014-2015, in a state as politically turbulent as Bihar. When he switched back to BJP earlier this year, it did appear that Kumar would lose all credibility and base and his party was expected to fare poorly; instead Janata Dal (United) has got the most seats among all formations in Bihar.

But most significantly, Narendra Modi now depends on Nitish Kumar for the formation and survival of his government at the Centre. What Kumar will seek in return  in terms of commitments to his political future in Bihar or at the Centre, or in terms of the future of his party  is to be seen. But Kumars story tells us why consistency isnt necessarily a virtue, that voters dont particularly care for stable partnerships and that in politics, amorality is its own morality.
None of the Above or NOTA has made its presence felt in the general elections, 2024. Akshay Kanti Bam, a Congress turncoat from Indore in MP, could have hardly reckoned with what had hit him. He left his parent party a day before the elections and joined the BJP. Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya shared the photo on his X account with Congress leader Akshay Kanti Bam welcoming him to join BJP after he withdrew his candidature from the Indore Lok Sabha constituency. (ANI file)

In retaliation, the Congress asked voters to vote for NOTA. And the voters responded  NOTA is ahead by a sizable 1,11,691 votes in the constituency, the second highest performer after BJPs Shankar Lalvani.

Indore has been a BJP stronghold since 1989, with former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan its most famous representative, holding the seat for eight consecutive terms.

Mahajan, expressing her displeasure, told PTI that "this should not have happened. The writing is on the wall. This is a BJP stronghold under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bam should not have made this move.

It threw light on another case last month when the BJP candidate in Surat, Mukesh Dalal, was declared elected even before the first vote was cast for general elections 2024.

It had sparked a massive row, with the Congress alleging that the ruling BJP in Gujarat used "wrong and undue influence" and pressured candidates into withdrawing all nominations against the ruling party candidate. Many others had pointed out that not polling in the constituency was a violation of voters' right as he/she could also opt for the NOTA option.

In response, the Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, told a press conference this week that the poll body can intervene if a candidate is pressured into withdrawing nomination, but not when it's consensual.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Bihars Gopalganj (SC) accounted for the most NOTA votes, 51,660. In 2014, Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu got a total of 46, 559 NOTA votes.

NOTA has been provided as an option to the voters in most elections since 2013. By expressing a preference for None of the Above, a citizen can choose not to vote for any candidates who are contesting the elections.

In the PUCL vs. Union of India judgement of 2013, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to include NOTA in elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The option was first used in the 2013 legislative assembly elections held in four states Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, MP and the Union Territory of Delhi.
Odisha Assembly Election Result highlights: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJD) is marching ahead of the Biju Janta Dal (BJD) in the Odisha Assembly Election 2024 as it extends its leads to 72 seats. Votes are being counted and results are scheduled to be announced later today, Check full coverage of the 2024 Elections by Hindustan Times....Read More

Odisha voted for the 147-member assembly in four phases  on May 13 for 28 seats, on May 20 for 35 seats, on May 25 for 42 seats, and on June 1 for the remaining 42 seats.

How BJD and BJP campaigned

During their election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP centered their attack around Naveen Patnaik's health, and how the CM was trying to impose Tamil Nadu-born former bureaucrat and his close aide VK Pandian as Odisha's CM.

The BJD focused its campaign on the governments welfare works and schemes. Notably, Patnaik also issued a video statement saying his health was in perfect condition.

The BJP, in its manifesto promised 50,000 cash voucher to women, 5,000 to each tribal student every year, filling up 1.5 lakh vacant government posts, free breakfast scheme for students, creating 25 lakh lakhpati didis, pension of 3,000 a month to elderly, physically challenged, widows and destitute and 3,100 minimum support price for paddy procurement. Congress promised a pension of 2,000 per month for farmers, 200 units of free electricity and unemployment allowance of 3,000 per month.

Read: Naveen Patnaik trying to impose Tamil CM on Odisha, alleges Amit Shah

Odisha Assembly Election Result 2024: Counting underway

The counting of votes is being held in 70 centres. This time, over 2.5 crore voters exercised their franchise, with a turnout of 74.44 per cent, up from 73.09 per cent recorded in 2019. Gender-wise, 75.55 per cent of women and 73.37 per cent of men voted in the 2024 state election.

A total of 5,777 counting supervisors, 5,233 counting assistants, and 5,396 micro observers and 124 special observers have been appointed for the counting day.

Security measures have been beefed up, with 60 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and Odisha Armed Police Force deployed at counting centres, along with another 89 CAPF companies, to maintain law and order after the results are announced.

(With inputs from PTI)

Check the latest updates on Odisha Assembly Election Result 2024, constituency-wise list of leading candidates and more:
Firebrand spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Sambit Patra, won from Odishas Puri constituency, against BJD's Arup Mohan Patnaik, in the Lok Sabha election by 1,04,709 votes according to the Election Commission of India.



This is Patras second electoral bid from the constituency. In 2019, the BJP leader was defeated by a narrow margin of 1.03% votes by BJDs three-time MP Pinaki Mishra, who secured a vote share of 47.4%. BJP leader Sambit Patra (PTI)

Read more: Election Results LIVE Updates



Patra began his political journey in 2010, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a spokesperson for the Delhi unit. In 2012, he ran in the municipal election from Delhis Kashmiri Gate as a BJP candidate but lost.

He had also actively campaigned for the party in the run-up to 2014 Lok Sabha elections. After the BJP secured power, he was appointed as the partys national spokesperson.

Read more: Odisha Election Results LIVE Updates

In 2017, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) named him a non-official director of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC).

The 49-year-old politician completed his MBBS from Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Sambalpur in 1997 and Master of Surgery from Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack in 2002.

In 2003, he passed the Combined Medical Services Examination conducted by the UPSC and subsequently joined Hindu Rao Hospital as a medical officer, serving there until 2012.

In May, Patra stirred a political row when he said Lord Jagannath, a revered deity in Puri, was Prime Minister Modis Bhakt (disciple). He later apologised saying that it was a slip of tongue and he had only aimed to highlight PM Modis devotion to Lord Jagannath.

Read more: Counting of votes will be done in 70 centres across Odisha today

On May 22, he took out a full-page newspaper advertisement in Odisha expressing regret for his slip of tongue.



Puri comprises seven assembly segments including Pipili, Nayagarh, Puri, Bramhagiri, Satyabadi, Chilika, and Ranpur. It went to polls in the sixth phase on May 25 and recorded a voter turnout of 73.81%.



The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were held in seven phases starting from April 19, with the last phase on June 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking a rare third term at the Centre with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hit out at the opposition INDIA bloc, saying it could not win as many seats as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won on its own in the Lok Sabha election.



Opposition despite being united could not win as many seats as BJP got on its own, the prime minister said during his address to the party workers at the BJP headquarters.



ALSO READ: Congress comeback, SP resurgence and other big outcomes of election 2024



While beginning his address with Jai Jagannath chant, Modi said,"Today is a very auspicious day and the NDA is going to form the government for the third consecutive time. We are all thankful to the public for this. People of nation have reposed their faith in the BJP and the NDA, and our victory is win of the world's biggest democracy." Prime Minister Narendra Modi being garlanded by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP National President JP Nadda(PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BJP workers after the election results.

Hailing the BJP's victory in Odisha and NDA sweep in Andhra Pradesh, the prime minister said,"This is the first time after 1962 that a government after completing two terms has returned to power for the third consecutive time."



ALSO READ: Narendra Modi: What the next 5 years hold for key leaders

The NDA has also swept the states - Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh - where Assembly elections were held. The Congress has been wiped out in these states. The BJP for the first time will form the government in Odisha. It has also performed exceptionally in Lok Sabha polls in Odisha, Modi said.



Highlighting the voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi said,"The voters of Jammu and Kashmir have shown unprecedented enthusiasm by voting in record numbers. They have also shown a mirror to those who try to defame the nation. I salute the people of this occasion of victory."



The Lok Sabha elections results stunned the exit polls that had predicted a landslide sweep for the NDA. Several pollsters had predicted the Modi-led coalition retaining power with more than 350 seats.



The INDIA bloc put up a strong performance with the Congress emerging as the single largest party in the alliance.
RAIPUR: Human rights activist Suneeta Potam was arrested in Chhattisgarhs Raipur city on Monday in connection with several cases pertaining to Maoist activity, including murder, police said. Bastar range inspector general of police (IGP) Sunderaj P said the activist is a key operative of the Maoists urban network and frontal organisation. (AFP)

Providing details, Bastar range inspector general of police (IGP) Sunderaj P said Potam, an activist in the region, is a key operative of the Maoists urban network and frontal organisation.

The 25-year-old was arrested by a team of Bijapur police from Raipur, where she was living with a false identity. She is a resident of Korcholi village under Gangaloor police station area in Bijapur and is a key operative of the Maoists urban network and frontal organisation, Sunderaj said.

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, he added.

Bijapur superintendent of police Jitendra Yadav said of the 12, seven were filed in Gangaloor police station, four in Mirtur police station and one in Bijapur police station.

She was arrested and remanded in judicial custody by a local court, the IGP said.

The Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) slammed the activists arrest and alleged the action was initiated as she was fighting against police atrocities.

In a statement, the Chhattisgarh unit of PUCL said Potam is an adivasi activist and human right defender and an active member of PUCL Chhattisgarh and of national womens organization WSS (Women against Sexual Violence and State Repression) since 2015.

As a human rights defender, Potam has been a thorn in the eyes of Bijapur police as she has been raising her voice against atrocities, especially on women, committed by them, the PUCL claimed. At the local level, she has been leading ongoing protests against 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, it said.

It demanded an independent investigation and alleged false cases had been foisted on her.
Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is in police custody till June 6 in connection with sexual abuse and rape cases, has lost from Karnatakas Hassan parliamentary seat in the Lok Sabha election, by a margin of 42,649 votes according to ECI. Suspended JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, facing allegations of sexually abusing several women, being taken to a hospital for medical examination under tight security, in Bengaluru on Friday. (PTI)

Revanna got 6,30,339 votes while his opponent INC's Shreyas M Patel leads with 6,72,988 votes. Bahujan Samaj Party's Gangadhar Bahujan is currently third with 12,173 votes.

The scandal over Revanna, who police say had fled the country, broke soon after the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls concluded in Karnataka on April 26. The MP, grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, was charged with rape and sexual assault after pen drives containing videos of him with different women surfaced in Hassan.

On Tuesday, early results showed the 33-year-old lawmakers closest rival was Shreyas M Patel. A key rival for Revanna is Congress candidate Shreyas M Patel, grandson of the late G Puttaswamy Gowda, who defeated Deve Gowda in the same constituency in the 1999 Lok Sabha elections.

Full coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024



The Hassan seat was represented by Deve Gowda in the lower house for three consecutive terms from 2004 to 2019. However, in the 2019 general elections, Gowda fielded his grandson Revanna who bagged a vote share of 52.96% and defeated his nearest rival and BJP leader Manju A by a margin of 11.06 per cent.

.

In the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah held roadshows and rallies in support of Revanna before the allegations surfaced.

ALSO READ: Prajwal Revanna Arrested: A timeline of events in the last one month

The Congress had alleged the ruling party was defending Revanna. However, the BJP countered the allegations, saying the state Congress government sat on evidence against Prajwal and did not initiate action on time.



On May 21, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy urged Prajwal Revanna to return to Karnataka and cooperate with the investigation.

Hassan Lok Sabha constituency went to the polls in the second phase on April 26 and recorded a vote turnout of 77.42%, the highest after 2009 when it saw a voter turnout of 73.47%, and in 2009, the voter turnout was recorded 69.17%.

ALSO READ: Prajwal Revanna case: Women cops execute Hassan MP's arrest warrant at airport

Parjwal, who graduated in mechanical engineering from Bangalore Institute of Technology, joined politics in 2014 and campaigned for his grandfather in Hassan the same year.

The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were held in seven phases starting from April 19, while the last phase was held on June 1.
Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) candidate Prajwal Revanna is trailing from Karnatakas Hassan constituency by 23,418 votes (as of 12:40pm), data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) website stated. The counting of votes began at 8am. (Reuters file photo)

Congress candidate Shreyas M Patel is currently leading with 5,14,485 votes while Prajwal got 4,91,067 votes.

JD(S) is, however, leading in the other two seats  Mandya and Kolar.

Prajwal, grandson of former PM HD Deve Gowda and nephew of former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, was arrested from the Bengaluru airport shortly after his arrival from Germany on Friday. Revanna, a member of the Lok Sabha, is accused of sexually assaulting multiple women.

The members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sexual assault case camped out at the airport the entire night, waiting for his arrival.
Purnea Lok Sabha seat: Independent candidate Rajesh Ranjan, alias Pappu Yadav, is trailing in the Purnea Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar on Tuesday. Purnea Lok Sabha seat: Independent candidate Pappu Yadav.(PTI)

As of 3pm ,Pappu Yadav is behind JD(U) candidate Santosh Kumar by a margin of 12, 460votes.

Yadav, who is contesting as an Independent, was allotted scissors as his election symbol. Follow full coverage of the Lok Sabha elections.

Pappu Yadav has represented the seat thrice, in the 1990s, winning by huge margins, twice as an Independent and once on the ticket of Samajwadi Party, which is a major force in Uttar Pradesh but has never been a serious player in Bihar.

His wife, Ranjeet Ranjan, is currently a Congress Rajya Sabha member. In the 2019 LS polls, Yadav lost from Madhepura, where he fought as an Independent, while his wife lost in Supaul, where she was in the fray as a Congress candidate. In 2014, she had won from Supaul. The Congress is contesting nine seats in Bihar, which has a total of 40 parliamentary constituencies.

After falling out with Lalu Yadav in 2015, he had formed Jan Adhikar Party (JAP), which he merged with Congress on March 20 this year.

In this election, Yadav's plea for a "friendly fight" with RJD, a domineering ally, also did not resonate with the Congress leadership, despite his support of fighting to make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister.

A master of optics, Yadav filed his nomination papers as an Independent, and a motorcycle procession on the occasion created a buzz that is said to have irked the NDA and the INDIA bloc alike.

Purnea, which has more than 22 lakh voters, went to poll on April 26 in the second of the seven phases of the parliamentary elections.
Union minister Narayan Rane was on Tuesday leading from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg seat in Maharashtra during the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections.



According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP leader was leading Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut by 56,423 votes.



Lok Sabha Election Results LIVE Coverage



Rane, 72, started his political career with the Shiv Sena. He contested the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and became a corporator, before being elevated as the chairperson of the BEST committee.



In 1991, Rane was elected an MLA from Sindhudurg and was appointed as the dairy development minister in the Manohar Joshi-led BJP-Shiv Sena government in 1995. Union minister Narayan Rane contested against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut.

He later became the revenue minister, and in 1999, Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray appointed him as the chief minister.

After the Shiv Sena lost power in 1999, Narayan Rane became the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly. However, due to differences with Uddhav Thackeray, he switched to the Congress party with a handful of MLAs.



Maharashtra Lok Sabha Election Results LIVE Updates

The Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) is leading on 28 out of 48 seats in the state. The BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP are leading on 12, 6 and one seats respectively.

The results are crucial for both the ruling Mahayuti and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) as the western state sends 48 members to the Lok Sabha, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh, which elects 80 MPs.

In the 2019 general election, the BJP won 23 seats in Maharashtra and its then ally Shiv Sena (undivided) bagged 18. The then undivided NCP had bagged four constituencies, whereas the Congress could win just one seat.

The elections in 2024 were fought in a changed political landscape after splits in the Shiv Sena and NCP following rebellions by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
Former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party (SP) has registered its best performance in the Lok Sabha elections, winning or leading on 38 of the 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh after a string of electoral reverses since 2017. SPs strike rate was the highest among the bigger parties. It won or was leading on 38 of the 62 seats it contested. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could win only 32 of the 76 it contested in Uttar Pradesh. A Samajwadi Party supporter in Lucknow on Tuesday. (AP)

The SP, whose previous best performance was in 2004 (35 seats), has emerged as the single-largest party in the most populous state and the third-largest nationally. It played a key role in reducing the ruling BJP to 32 seats from 62 in 2019 in Uttar Pradesh.

The SP-Congress alliance won or was leading on 44 seats compared to 36 of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state.

The SP, which increased its tally seven-fold, won 35 seats in 2004 when SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav headed the government in Uttar Pradesh. It has managed to improve its tally despite remaining out of power for seven years.

The SP increased its vote share to 33.38% vote share compared to 18.11% in 2019. In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, the SP improved its vote share to 32.1%. Its tally of seats also went up to 111 from 47 in 2017.

In 2022, the SP began expanding its base beyond its Muslim-Yadav vote bank to stitch together a caste coalition of non-Yadav Other Backward Classes (OBC), Yadavs, Dalits, and Muslims. Akhilesh Yadav has called the combination PDA or pichada (backward communities including non-Yadavs), Dalits, and alpsahkhyaks (minorities). He launched a PDA caste census bus yatra across the state in June.

Yadav, who pitched the caste census as the path to social justice, centered the ticket distribution plan around the PDA formula and caste census to counter BJPs Hindutva and Ram Mandir planks.

The SP left 17 seats for the Congress, which too echoed Yadavs caste census demand. Ahead of the 2024 polls, the SP reorganised its national and state executives, giving most posts to non-Yadav OBCs, Dalits, Muslims, and Yadavs. The same formula was adopted in ticket distribution.

The SP gave tickets to 27 non-Yadav OBCs, five Yadavs, 15 Dalits, four Muslims, and 11 upper caste leaders. The SP gave the Bhadohi seat to the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The SP-led alliance ignored BJPs Hindutva, Ram Temple, and Hindu-Muslim plank and instead focused on social justice, youth, unemployment, paper leaks, caste census, and economy.
Union minister and former Assam Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal has won the Dibrugarh seat in Assam for the second time, beating Lurinjyoti Gogoi by a margin of 2,79,321 votes, according to the Election Commission of India. India News

In 2004, the 61-year-old politician had contested the Lok Sabha polls on Asom Gana Parisad (AGP) ticket and defeated Bharatiya Janata Partys Kamakhaya Tasa with a vote margin of 2.94 percent.



Sonowal had secured a vote share of 35.0%, while his political opponent managed to get 32.06%. During the term, he also served as a member of the consultative committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Commerce and Industry.



Lok Sabha election 2024: Full coverage



However, in 2011, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and rose through the ranks quickly. The central leadership appointed him as the party's Assam unit president in 2012 and then became a national executive member.



In 2014, Sonowal was elected from Assams Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat, but the term did not last longer as he was declared as the first Chief Minister of Assam in 2016 from the Bhartiya Janata Party and was re-elected as MLA from Majuli in 2021.

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Despite the saffron partys victory, he resigned from the top post and proposed Himanta Biswa Sarmas name as his successor. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha and currently holds the portfolio of Ports, Shipping, Waterways, and AYUSH.



Read: Election result 2024: Modi eyes third term, INDIA hopes for 2004 repeat



Sonowal is also credited to have played a key role regarding the issue of illegal migrants by going to the Supreme Court. In 2005, the apex court had passed a judgment, declaring the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act as unconstitutional. Until 2005, whether a person is Indian citizen or foreigner was decided by the IMDT Act.



In the run-up to 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Sonowal ran a high decibel in Dibrugarh constituency, focusing central and state sponsored schemes launched for the welfare of people.



The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were held in seven phases starting from April 19, while the last phase was held on June 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking a rare third term at the Centre with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is eyeing a fourth consecutive term from Keralas Thiruvananthapuram constituency, staged a victory leading against BJP candidate and Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, by a margin of 16,077 votes, the Election Commission of India website reported. Mumbai: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor during a press conference, in Mumbai, Sunday, May 12, 2024. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)(PTI05_12_2024_000223B)(PTI)

Tharoor secured 3,58,155 votes and Chandrasekhar secured 3,42,078 votes

Historically, the Thiruvananthapuram seat has swung between the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Congress party, until Tharoor secured a winning streak from 2009 to 2019.

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However, in the last two Lok Sabha polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as a strong opponent, with its candidate O Rajagopal getting a vote share of 32.32% in 2014, and in 2019 Kummanam Rajasekharan bagged 31.3%.

Lok Sabha election 2024: Full coverage



Tharoor, who joined politics in 2009 has held key positions at the United Nations, where he worked for three decades. He also served as Minister of State for External Affairs in the Manmohan Singh government.

In 2022, Tharoor contested the Congress presidential elections but lost to Mallikarjun Kharge.

Meanwhile, Chandrasekhar was first elected to the upper house of Parliament in 2006 as an independent member from Karnataka, with support from both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (Secular).

He was re-elected in 2012 and 2018, the last being as a BJP candidate. Chandrasekhar also worked with Intel before returning to India in 1991. He founded BPL Mobile in 1994, a move that left a lasting mark on the countrys telecom industry.

The BJP has never won a Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. In the Assembly polls held in 2016, the party won its first-ever seat from the Nemom constituency after its veteran leader O Rajagopal defeated Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader V Sivankutty.

Read: How to check poll results on Election Commission's website on June 4? Here is a primer



Thiruvananthapuram constituency went to the polls in the second phase on April 26 and recorded a voter turnout of 66.46%, a considerable drop from the 73.45% recorded in 2019.

The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were conducted in seven phases, starting from April 19 and last phase on June 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party is aiming for a rare third consecutive term at the Centre, with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Uttar Pradesh's Amethi Smriti Irani, who lost the seat to Congress leader Kishori Lal Sharma, on Tuesday said in a post on X that she was grateful for those who stood with her and congratulated those celebrating. Smriti Irani (left) and KL Sharma (right). (File Photos)

She said that a decade of her life was spent in Amethi.

Such is life... A decade of my life going from one village to another, building lives, nurturing hope & aspirations, working on infrastructure  roads, naali, khadanja, bypass, medical college and more, said Irani.

She further added, To those who stood by me through loss and victory, I am forever grateful. To those celebrating today, congratulations. And to those asking, 'How's the josh?' I say- its still high, Sir.

Sharma achieved a major victory by defeating Irani by over 1.67 lakh votes in Amethi, a stronghold of the Nehru-Gandhi family in Uttar Pradesh. According to the Election Commission, Irani received 3,72,032 votes, while Sharma got 5,39,228 votes. The BSP candidate received 34,534 votes.

In response to his victory, Sharma thanked the people of Amethi and the Congress party. He said that the 18th Lok Sabha election in Amethi showcases a strong and empowered democratic country. Speaking to reporters, Sharma praised the political unity in Amethi on the national stage, calling it amazing and exemplary. He also expressed his admiration for the people of Amethi.

This victory is not of Kishori Lal Sharma, but of the entire Amethi family. I thank the people of Amethi, the Congress party, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, and assure you all that I will always follow the orders, instructions and suggestions of the common people of Amethi," Sharma said.



"With dedication, sacrifice, love, affection and respect for all of you, I will continue to work in public interest with your support. Now, the relationship between the people and the public representative in Amethi is not only re-established with respect, but every Amethi resident will feel proud of this, he added.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won Lok Sabha seats in every major state, except in Tamil Nadu where it had fielded candidates in 19 seats. However, the party managed to open its account in Kerala, where it had never won a Lok Sabha seat in the electoral history.



In Tamil Nadu, the party ran a high decibel campaign with Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding multiple rallies and roadshows to attract voters. Coimbatore, Mar 18 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a roadshow in Coimbatore on Monday. Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai and Union Minister L. Murugan are seen. (ANI Photo)(Narendra Modi Twitter)



Read: Kingmakers: The nine lives of Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu



The party had also relied on its poster boy, K Annamalai, a former IPS officer, who managed to get considerable attraction in the state traditionally divided between the AIADMK and DMK.



Annamalai, who was tipped to make his electoral debut successful also lost from Coimbatore. He was defeated by DMK candidate Ganapathy Rajkumar by over 1.10 lakh votes.



United opposition INDIA made a clean sweep in the state with DMK winning 22 seats, Congress nine seats, CPI(M) two seats, CPI two seats, MDMK one seat, VCK two seats and IUML bagging one seat. The Indian National Congress also retained the Puducherry Lok Sabha seat.



Also read: Congress breaks Gujarat jinx, opens account after a decade



The BJP achieved its feat of winning seat in Kerala in the Lok Sabha election after its candidate actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi emerged victorious in Thrissur constituency. His nearest rival for the seat was VS Sunilkumar, who was defeated by over 74,000 thousand votes.

The saffron party was pinning its hopes on Union ministers Rajeev Chandrasekhar and V. Muraleedharan also, who were fielded from Thiruvananthapuram and Attingal respectively.

In 2019, the BJP across the country had won 303 seats, but the tally has come down to 240 in the 2024 Lok Sabha.



Various exit polls on June 1 had predicted a landslide victory for the NDA with many pollsters suggesting the NDA will cross 400 mark.
Three-time MP and senior leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Dayanidhi Maran, won by a margin of 2,44,689 votes from Tamil Nadus Chennai Central constituency, the Election Commission of India (ECI) website reported. Central Chennai Parliamentary DMK candidate Dayanidhi Maran during his election campaign near Valluvar Kottam in Chennai. (ANI Photo)

Marans challenger Vinoj P Selvam of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), lost by securing 1,69,159 votes.

The constituency is considered Marans stronghold, having secured victories in the 2004, 2009, and 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Also read: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE

In 2014, he was defeated by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate SR Vijayakumar by a margin of 5.63% votes. However, in the last Lok Sabha polls, he retained the seat and secured a 57.15% vote share.

Maran, the son of former Union minister Murasoli Maran and the grandnephew of DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, was the telecom minister between 2004 and 2007. He was accused of pressuring C Sivasankaran, then owner of Aircel Cellular Limited, to sell the company to Malaysia-based Maxis Communications.

Later, a special CBI court acquitted him and his brother, Sun Group MD Kalanithi Maran, of all charges.

Also read: Tamil Nadu Election Results 2024 LIVE

Maran, aged 57, is also credited with introducing the One Rupee One India plan, allowing calls across the country at a rate of 1 per minute. He played a key role in facilitating Nokias entry into the Indian market during its peak as a mobile phone giant.

In 2007, Dinakaran, a newspaper owned by Marans family, published a survey indicating that MK Stalin was favoured by the public to succeed Karunanidhi over his elder son, MK Alagiri, which triggered violence.

The incident caused a major split in Karunanidhis family, sidelining Marans family, but they reconciled with the DMK in 2008.

Also read: Election Results LIVE News

Chennai Central constituency comprises six assembly segments including Villivakkam, Egmore, Harbour, Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, Thousand Lights, and Anna Nagar, and went to polls on April 19 with a voter turnout of 53.91%.

The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were held in seven phases starting from April 19, with the last phase on June 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking a rare third term at the Centre with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) appears set to get over three-fourths majority in the Andhra Pradesh assembly. As per the trends at 1.30pm, former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidus TDP had won 13 assembly seats and was leading on another 120 in the 175-member assembly. The party contested 144 constituencies. In 2019, the TDP contested all the seats but won only 23. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu. (ANI/File)

TDP ally and actor Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party, which contested 21 assembly seats, won two and was leading in another 18. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won one of the 10 seats it contested and was leading on another seven.

The ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy was facing a drubbing. It was leading on just 14 seats. The YSRCP, which won 151 assembly seats in 2019, requires 18 seats to get the Leader of Opposition post. Naidu was leading in Kuppam, Kalyan in Pithapuram, and Reddy in Pulivendula.

The TDP was also leading on 16 of the 17 Lok Sabha seats it contested in Andhra Pradesh. BJP was ahead on three of the six seats it contested. Jana Sena was leading on both the seats it contested. The YSRCP is leading in the remaining four seats. Andhra Pradesh sends 25 lawmakers to Lok Sabha.
Indian voters recognise the importance of the Union of India in the nations political and constitutional configuration. They recognise that running the Union government may require a different set of skills and ideological commitments than running a state government. They carefully distinguish between the two sets of elections. But they are also, often, fundamentally guided and shaped by the experiences of living in their own states and local geographies. They have an emotional connect with parties that represent their regional pride. And they dont like it when they perceive these regional parties to have been treated unfairly, or when concerns that are directly linked to their well-being are seen to be disregarded, or when the political ambitions of the party running the Union overwhelms all other factors including national security. And therefore what voters seek is a careful balance between the Union and states and wish to see the national political landscape incorporate the concerns and voices from below. What voters seek is a careful balance between the Union and states and wish to see the national political landscape incorporate the concerns and voices from below. (PTI)

That is the core mandate when it comes to federalism and Centre-state relations in the 2024 verdict. Examine this in the backdrop of how the federal arrangement has evolved in this period.

For the past ten years, the BJP has run the Union government on the stated plank of encouraging cooperative-competitive federalism. But the nature of Centre-state ties has changed due to a set of political and policy measures. Politically, the BJP is an expansionist and deeply ambitious party, and thats not wrong in itself. But what this ambition has often resulted in is a clash with entrenched regional formations zealously seeking to protect their turf. These non-BJP forces see in the BJP a particularly strong homogenising force that will not stop till it gobbles up all the political space in their respective states.

This political clash has assumed policy colour, or alternately, policy battles have assumed a political colour due to this competitive streak especially when states are run by parties not affiliated with the BJP. The abolition of the Planning Commission; the construction of the Goods and Services Tax regime and the promises, met and unmet, in that regime; the extraordinary role of the Centre in the public finances of states; the expansion of central schemes in domains that were earlier seen as that of states; and the increasing tension between northern and eastern states on one hand and southern and western states have all impinged on this relationship. In particular, the north-south tension has assumed a particularly bitter tone at times, especially in the walk-up to the expected delimitation exercise to be held in the next few years.

It is in this context that the 2024 verdict needs to be assessed.

The BJP has done reasonably well in a set of key states where it has traditionally been strong in Lok Sabha elections, most of which are also run by BJP state governments (MP, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Bihar) but some of which are led by non-BJP formations (Karnataka, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh). The BJP, either on its own or in an alliance, has gained in states where it was neither particularly strong in the context of state or Lok Sabha politics (Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and to a much lesser extent, Kerala). And then there are states where the BJP has faltered (Maharashtra, West Bengal, UP, Manipur), or not gained as much as it may have liked (Tamil Nadu).

In itself, this messy political landscape with strong regional variations in outcome doesnt lend itself to neat conclusions. But three features are interesting for the future.

In the case of Maharashtra, a key reason for the BJPs relatively failure is the perception that it assaulted the integrity and unity of two strong regional formations, both of which are closely associated with the states regional aspirations. The performance of the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena must be read not just as a political message, but also a message to the BJP that political battles can end up exacerbating the divide between Delhi and a state that has a deep sense of its own historical identity. As a former chief minister of one such state in Maharashtras neighbourhood, Narendra Modi is attuned to this sentiment and may want to be more conscious of it.

In the case of the south in general, the good news is that the BJP sees itself as a serious stakeholder in the politics of the different states there. This is good news because it means that the party has more at stake politically to handle the issue of both fiscal distribution and political delimitation more sensitively than it may have if it was only a party rooted in north India and didnt have the ambition to expand elsewhere. This doesnt mean that the task will be easy; it doesnt mean that such a sensitive task is only the responsibility of the BJP. But the verdict has shown to the BJP that its strength and presence, and its ambition and interests in the region, are contingent on how it balances its cultural politics with the aspirations of different regions in the south, but also its constitutional obligations in so far as finances and representation is concerned.

And finally, there is the message from Manipur. There is no greater failure of the BJPs internal security record than the crisis in Manipur, where the ethnic division has assumed a strong territorial dimension, where state collapse and state failure is stark, where the Union has abdicated its responsibility, and where Indias Act East policy has met its doom. One key reason for this crisis is the BJPs political decision to back one side over the other, to prioritise the preservation of its state government and party chief minister espousing a certain form of majoritarian politics over a sober reconciliation process. The BJP has lost both seats in Manipur, failing to win over either the Meiteis who it was backing, or the tribals. And that itself is perhaps the starkest message from one corner of the country to Delhi  national unity, national security and ethnic reconciliation and harmony must take precedence over short term party calculations.

As it gets ready to lead a coalition government of allies, and strong regional allies at that, the BJP may want to reset its federal playbook.
The Lok Sabha election results in Bihar have once again underlined the importance of chief minister Nitish Kumar in the states predominantly triangular politics and underlined his uncanny knack of bouncing back just when people start writing him off. Nitish Kumar. (PTI File Photo)

Despite his flip-flop in the last five years from the Grand Alliance (GA) to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Kumar has remained pivotal to Bihar politics and has been able to play his politics deftly to be always one up.

The way the election results have emerged, with the BJP looking set to fall way short of the 272-mark on its own, the INDIA bloc has got as much interested in him as is the BJP interested in holding on to him. Both BJP and Congress, as well as NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Sharad Pawar, have been in touch with him.

It is the work of Nitish Kumar and the performance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that has got thumps up from the people in Bihar. The Janata Dal-United (JD-U) is set to win all the seats it has contested, said JD-U state president Umesh Kushwaha.

Political analysts view Nitishs unflustered demeanour as a result of his continued indispensability in Bihar politics even after remaining CM for almost 18 years since 2005 with or without numerical strength in the Vidhan Sabha and lack of credible alternative and self-belief in any of the two big parties - the BJP and the RJD - to go without him in elections.

The attacks on him over the last couple of years indicated that he remained important, as both the BJP and the RJD knew that without him they might find it difficult to sail through states triangular politics, which warrants any two sides to come together to prevail over the third and exactly that happened. JD-U, which contested one seat less than the BJP, has displayed a better strike rate so far, said social analyst DM Diwakar.

Nitish may at times appear to have lost political clout, but he always has the face value that none of the two bigger parties has been able to showcase as an alternative, which the people could get convinced with, and that gives him the uncanny knack of springing back to life.

Nitish Kumars unique selling point (USP) has no parallel in Bihars recent history and that keeps him relevant, as over the years his brand of politics has managed to successfully marginalise his potentially stronger adversaries by not allowing them to use their agenda. Besides, there is no dent on his personal career, and he has made possible in Bihar what was unheard of earlier, said Diwakar.

The way the INDIA bloc has started looking towards Nitish Kumar at the very hint of the BJP falling short of the majority mark highlights how well Nitish Kumar plays his political cards.

He is crucial for both the BJP as well as the Opposition and now he can manoeuvre things to his advantage. But how he will behave, only time will tell, for his decisions are only his, said Diwakar.

Another social analyst NK Choudhary said that the results in Bihar have given ample food for thought to the RJD and the Congress, as to how costly it was to lose Nitish in the run up to election. RJD has been almost blanked and even Congress and the CPI-ML may do better than it, he added.

Choudhary said that Nitish Kumars image and RJDs numerical strength could have made things look entirely different, and that could emerge as another option to repeat the 2015 show, when they had stopped the BJP at the peak of Narendra Modis popularity.

Both RJD and the BJP have seen the impact of going into polls without Nitish, as despite growth in their respective tallies they have fallen way short of the magic figure. One side losing Nitish Kumar has benefited the other. And that could make Nitish crucial also in view of the 2025 Assembly polls in Bihar.

In his first stint as the CM, Nitish had lasted just seven days, as he did not manage the seven votes required to pass the trust vote on the floor of the assembly. It was the second failed attempt after 2000, when RJDs Lalu Prasad Yadav thwarted his CM ambitions, though Nitishs then party, Samata Party, enjoyed the Valpayee governments support. Prasad ensured his wife Rabri Devi would occupy 1 Anne Marg, the Bihar CMs official residence.

Kumars first five-year term as CM began on November 24, 2005, when he was sworn in as the 33rd CM of Bihar, at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, which ended the 15-year rule of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). A galaxy of leaders, including former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then BJP president LK Advani, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Parkash Singh Badal and National Conference (NC) head Farooq Abdullah, had attended the gala function. Since then, Nitish has not looked back despite changes in alliance partners.

Unexpected differences cropped up between Kumars JD(U) and BJP when the latter declared Narendra Modi, then the Gujarat CM, as its prime ministerial candidate ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Eventually, JD(U) severed ties with the BJP, which proved costly for Kumars party in the 2014 parliamentary elections, in which it won just two of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar.

Owning moral responsibility, Kumar resigned as CM and handpicked Jitan Ram Manjhi as his successor. However, ahead of the 2015 assembly polls, Kumar was back in the CMs saddle, dislodging Manjhi after the two developed serious differences. Kumar won the trust vote after the BJP staged a walkout and the RJD, Congress and Communist Party of India (CPI) backed him.

In 2015, Kumar stunned all when his party decided to join the Grand Alliance (GA), or the Mahagathbandhan, comprising the arch-rival RJD and the Congress. The alliance won the 2015 assembly polls handsomely, but Kumars honeymoon with RJD proved to be short-lived.

In less than two years, he parted ways with his new-found ally and went back to the NDA fold over differences with his then deputy Tejaswhi Prasad Yadav on corruption charges against the latter. He vowed never to join hands with the RJD again in future.

The BJP lapped up Kumar and he was sworn in as the CM for the sixth time in July 2017. But after the trust issue with the BJP in 2020 Assembly polls, when Nitishs JD-U was relegated to the third position for the first time, he again switched sides to the RJD in 2022, vowing never to join hands with the BJP again.

However, just a year later, he was again back to the NDA fold in the run up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to change the calculations, vowing never to leave it again. But in politics, it is never the last time. It is the circumstances that dictate decisions. And Nitish Kumar knows it better than anyone.
Hindu voters have redefined what was secular common sense into what is today a Hindutva-laced common sense. But they arent invested in constructing a consistent, unified and homogenous Hindu political identity that is constantly at odds with Muslims. Muslim voters want political voice and representation and reject the denial of democratic rights on the basis of their identity (Representative Photo)

Muslim voters want political voice and representation and reject the denial of democratic rights on the basis of their identity. But they have deep faith in Indias constitution, recognise the necessity of wider electoral alliances with Hindu social groups, and continue to rally behind mainstream Indian democratic formations rather than Muslim identity-centric parties.

Indian voters are willing to go beyond their caste identities, but they also see their caste identity as a fundamental marker of their life experience, consider it a legitimate political instrument of mobilisation, and seek benefits on the basis of real or perceived caste-based injustice.

This is the three-pronged social message that is emerging from the 2024 mandate.

This conclusion is based on the broad contours of the campaign, the public messaging and the political actions of the parties.

On the question of caste, here is what the parties said and did. The Opposition claimed that the BJP was out to change the constitution and remove reservations for Dalits, tribals and backwards; the BJP said it had no such plans, and this was fiction. Instead, it claimed that the Opposition was out to remove reservations for Hindu marginalised groups and give them to Muslims; the INDIA bloc parties said it had no such plans and this was fiction. The Opposition in general, and the Congress in particular, also backed a caste census, proportionate representation for all caste groups, and increased reservations. The BJP rejected the demand but without making it an explicit part of their messaging.

On the question of religion, the BJP, for a decade, kept Muslim political representation negligible or non-existent within its ranks. It treated any assertion of Muslim political identity as communal while encouraging the assertion of Hindu political identity. It reoriented laws to cater to what it considers Hindu sensibility, for instance, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, and created an enabling condition for favourable judicial verdicts, for instance, the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. And it encouraged a permissive climate for hate speech targeted at minorities and even made it a campaign plank. The Opposition, carefully, without taking on the BJPs ideological agenda in stark and clear terms, sought to counter this by quietly consolidating the Muslim vote but targeting more specific segments of the Hindu vote. To do this, they either accepted components of the BJPs ideological agenda or mounted a more vocal challenge depending on the context and issue.

Also Read: Marathis, Muslims, and transfer of BJP votes hold the key

Against this backdrop, whats the mandate suggesting? The numbers tell us that voters are willing to pick different threads from different parties.

The fact that voters have given the BJP the status of the single largest party means that there is a certain degree of popular vindication of its moves in the second term, be it the passage of the CAA or the decision to effectively abrogate Article 370 in Kashmir or the incorporation of Hindu symbolism in state affairs. The fact that even secular parties didnt dare oppose either the construction of the Ram Temple or the decisions on Kashmir or openly challenge the BJP on the ideological question except for a vague reference to Mohabbat ki dukan or even give proportionate tickets to Muslims in their own candidate list shows the emergence of a Hindutva-laced common sense. This may have been tactical, but the Opposition skirted the ideological fight so to suggest this mandate is a victory for old-style secularism would be a mistake.

But this was also a campaign which the BJP, in general, and the PM in particular, sought to construct on the basis of a unified Hindu identity to take on the caste-related challenge. To construct this identity, the key campaign message of the BJP  and speeches by Modi, Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath offer ample evidence of this  was based on an opposition to the cultural practices (remember the mockery about non-veg food) and political actions (remember the constant dismissal of the community as a vote bank) of Muslims and Opposition to the secular parties for appeasing Muslims. The fact that BJP didnt get an outright majority, and in fact, saw a dramatic shrinking of its seat tally in a state such as UP Rajasthan or Maharashtra, where this message was the loudest, suggests that Hindu voters arent interested in this constant demonisation of Muslims beyond a point. The BJPs electoral defeat in Faizabad, the home of the Ram Temple, may have been due to local factors, but it cannot but be seen as a symbolic rejection by voters of the constant use of religion for electoral purposes.

For their part, Muslims participated in full measure, as is their right as citizens, in the electoral process. Again, as is their right, just as it is the right of Hindu voters to choose their candidates and parties, Muslim voters consolidated behind formations that could defeat the BJP, a completely understandable measure given the rhetoric they have confronted in the past decade. The parties that Muslims picked were almost exclusively mainstream, moderate Indian democratic formations led by Hindu leaders of different castes.

On caste, the election reaffirmed the centrality of the current architecture of reservations. No party will dare remove reservations for Dalits, tribals and backwards if it is remotely interested in being a politically serious player in the country. But, the mandate has given an ambiguous message on the issue of entrenching caste-based identity and reservation further. The fact that the Congresss vote share and seat tally has increased, including possibly among young, backward and Dalit voters, indicates that its demands have traction.

But the fact that the BJP remains the single largest party  without endorsing the caste census demand and explicitly rejecting the proportionate representation demand  suggests that there remain very large social constituencies, including among the Hindu subaltern, which dont necessarily support entrenching the caste identity-based framework further. This is a battle that isnt resolved and will continue to be waged.

But at the core of it, identity-based justice has won over identity chauvinism. And that is a message that parties should heed instead of constantly seeking to deepen divisions.
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal was leading in its south Kolkata bastion by a margin of over 32,000 votes, as it held up against the BJP in a tough fight in north Kolkata, where it was leading by just a handful of votes. Election officials open an EVM inside a counting centre in Delhi. (REUTERS)

TMC candidate and incumbent MP Mala Roy got 49,423 votes, while the BJPs candidate and former Union minister Debasree Chaudhuri, who is a MP from Raiganj in north Bengal, got 17,184 votes. The CPIM has meanwhile pitted Saira Shah Halim, the niece of veteran actor Naseerudin Shah. She got 6,946 votes. Roy was leading by a margin of 32,239 votes.

Both the seats are considered TMC strongholds. While the TMC has been winning the erstwhile Calcutta North West seat since 1998 and the Kolkata North (renamed after delimitation) since 2009, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has been winning from south Kolkata since the 1991 when she was with the Congress.

Kolkata South is predominantly an urban seat and is considered the backyard of TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. The West Bengal chief minister is a legislator from Bhowanipur assembly. TMC candidate was leading by a margin of 13732 votes.

Kolkata North Lok Sabha seat, from where TMC candidate and three-time MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay was seeking a fourth term, was witnessing a neck and neck fight.

While Bandyopadhyay got 5,829 votes the margin was just 83. The BJP fielded Tapas Roy, a former TMC leader and state minister who recently changed camps. Roy secured 5,746 votes. Congress candidate and three-time parliamentarian Pradip Bhattacharya got 1288 votes.

In 2019 Bandopadhyay wrested the seat for the third time and got 50% of the vote share while the BJP won 36.6% votes. The TMC won all the seven assembly seats within the Lok Sabha constituency in the 2021 assembly elections.
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Live updates on Lok Sabha elections 2024 vote counting for Tripura West, Tripura East (ST) and Ladakh seats in Tripura, Ladakh. Every hour we will update the trend of votes counted in these seats.

Constituency Election 2024 Result LIVE

Welcome to our live blog coverage of the election results for Tripura West, Tripura East, and Ladakh constituencies in India. As the nation eagerly awaits the outcome of these crucial races, we'll be bringing you the latest updates, analysis, and insights as the counting progresses. These seats hold significant importance in shaping the political landscape of their respective regions, and the results will have far-reaching implications. Stay tuned as we provide real-time updates on voter turnout, leading candidates, and key developments throughout the day. Follow along for a comprehensive view of the electoral dynamics unfolding in these constituencies.

Constituency name Lead/win candidate and party name Loss/trail candidate and party name Votes Margin Tripura West Biplab Kumar Deb (BJP) Asish Kumar Saha (INC) 611578 Tripura East (ST) Kriti Devi Debbarman (BJP) Rajendra Reang (CPI(M)) 486819 Ladakh Mohmad Haneefa (IND) Tsering Namgyal (INC) 27862 ...Read More
UP Election Results highlights: The poll results will also decide the future politics of the state.

UP Election Results highlights: The Lok Sabha election battle over the 80-member state seat has showcased its significance as a gateway to Delhi's political dominance. In what came as a surprising twist, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) less-than-stellar performance has cast doubts on its ambition for a third consecutive term at the Centre. The INDIA bloc, an alliance between the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, emerged as a formidable opponent, challenging the anticipated victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's NDA....Read More

In the run-up to the elections, most exit polls had predicted a comfortable win for Prime Minister Modi, with several forecasts even suggesting a two-thirds majority for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, the Congress party and its partners refuted these predictions, labeling the exit polls as "orchestrated" and dismissing them as mere "fantasy." They confidently claimed that the opposition's INDIA bloc would be the one to form the next government.

The electoral contest was primarily between the incumbent NDA and the challenging INDIA bloc. Strategically, the BJP fielded candidates in 75 of the seats, allocating the remaining five to its smaller allies. Meanwhile, the composition of the INDIA bloc reflected a strategic alliance aimed at consolidating opposition efforts against the BJP. Within this alliance, the Samajwadi Party contested 62 seats, the Congress took 17 seats, and the Trinamool Congress made a claim for one seat, indicating a highly competitive and diverse political battlefield.

Follow- Lok Sabha Election Result 2024 LIVE

When Lok Sabha elections vote counting started in UP?

Vote counting for Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh started at 8 am on Tuesday at 81 sites spread across 7 police commissionerates and 68 districts.

As the votes for the general elections are counted, strict monitoring will be in place for all 80 Lok Sabha seats and the four assembly seats in UP. The Election Commission of India has set up a three-tier security arrangement at these counting centres for smooth election results.

Follow- UP winners list

More than 93,000 police officers and personnel, along with units from the CAPF and PAC, have been deployed to ensure security. Each commissionerate and district also has a dedicated social media team for round-the-clock monitoring to combat misinformation and rumors. They will verify and address any false information spread by vested interests.

Follow- Read Elections 2024 News and Lok Sabha Election Updates

UP Lok Sabha elections 2024 results: Check key seats

 Prime Minister Modi was seeking a third term from Varanasi, while defence minister Rajnath Singh was contesting for the third time from Lucknow.

Follow- Varanasi Election Results 2024 Live

 Union ministers Mahendra Nath Pandey, Smriti Irani and Anupriya Patel's political futures was also be decided in this election.

Follow- Amethi Election Results 2024 Live

 Rahul Gandhi was running from Rae Bareli, a seat previously held by his mother Sonia Gandhi, after losing Amethi to Smriti Irani in 2019. He was elected to the last Lok Sabha from Wayanad, Kerala.

Follow- Rahul Gandhi election results LIVE

 Five Yadav family members from the Samajwadi Party were in the fray: Akhilesh from Kannauj, Dimple from Mainpuri, Dharmendra from Azamgarh, Akshaya from Firozabad, and Aditya from Budaun.

 In 2019, BSP, SP, and RLD succeeded in Muslim-dominated areas of western Uttar Pradesh. This time, BSP was contesting alone, and RLD, influential among Jats, was allied with BJP.

How UP voted in Lok Sabha elections 2024?

During the 2024 general elections, voter turnout varied across phases in Uttar Pradesh. In the first phase, it was 61.11 per cent. The second phase saw 55.19 per cent, the third phase 57.34 per cent, the fourth phase 58.22 per cent, and the fifth phase 58.02 per cent. However, the sixth phase had the lowest turnout at 54.03 per cent. The seventh phase saw a slight improvement at 55.60 per cent, but it remained lower than the turnout in 2019.

UP Lok Sabha poll results in 2019, 2014

In the 2014 India general elections in Uttar Pradesh, the NDA secured 73 seats, with the BJP winning 71 and Apna Dal two. In the 2019 elections, the NDA won 64 seats, with the BJP taking 62 and Apna Dal (S) two.

What we are covering in this live blog?

 Stay informed with live updates on all the seats in UP.

 Get real-time updated results seat-wise, phase-wise and party-wise.

 You can count on us for in-depth analysis of the results and what they mean for each party and candidate.

 See the latest visuals from polling sites, party headquarters, and various locations across Uttar Pradesh.

 We will keep a sharp eye on the key seats and candidates whoese fate is in fray.

 Keep an eye on key security measures enforced in UP during the elections.
Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Defence, won in his third electoral bid from Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow constituency in the Lok Sabha election according to the Election Commission of India. Union defence minister Rajnath Singh (ANI)

Singhs closest rival for the seat is Ravidas Mehrotra of the Samajwadi Party was short of 1,35,159 votes, according to the ECI. Mohammad Sarwar Malik of the Bahujan Samaj Party came third with 30,192 votes.

For the last 33 years, the voters of Lucknow have consistently backed BJP candidates, with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee representing the seat in the lower house of Parliament from 1991 to 2004.

Read more: 2024 Lok Sabha Election Results LIVE Updates

In 2009, the seat was won by BJPs Lal Ji Tandon, who defeated Congress Rita Bahuguna Joshi with a margin of 7.0%. Subsequently, in 2014, the BJP fielded Rajnath Singh, who also defeated Joshi with a margin of 26.38%.

Singh, aged 72, retained the seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls by defeating Samajwadi Party candidate Poonam Shatrughan Sinha, wife of actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha.

Also read: 2024 Uttar Pradesh Live Election Updates

Rajnath Singh has been associated with the Bharatiya Janata Partys ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, since 1964. He was appointed as the general secretary of the organisations unit in Mirzapur in 1972, and two years later, in 1974, he joined politics and became secretary of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

He made his electoral debut in 1977 on a Janata Party ticket and was elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. After gaining popularity in the state, Singh joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as one of its initial members in 1980.

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In 1988, he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) in Uttar Pradesh and was appointed the state's education minister in 1991. Three years later, in 1994, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha and served as the BJP's chief whip.

As president of BJPs Uttar Pradesh unit from 1997 to 1999, Singh focused on expanding and strengthening the party. He then joined the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government as Union Surface Transport Minister.

Also read: Counting day: Union ministers lead across seats, show early trends

In 2000, he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. In 2005, a year after the BJP lost power to the Congress-led UPA at the Centre, Rajnath Singh became the party president and took many steps to strengthen the party at the grassroots level.

He also won the Ghaziabad Lok Sabha seat in 2009, defeating the Congress partys Surendra Prakash Goyal with a margin of 10.93%.

During the first term of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister, Rajnath Singh was the Union Home Minister. In Modis second term, he was appointed as the Union Defence Minister.

The Lucknow Lok Sabha constituency went to the polls in the fifth phase on May 20, recording a voter turnout of 52.23%.

The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were held in seven phases starting from April 19, with the last phase on June 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking a rare third term at the Centre with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP)'s Sribharat Mathukumili won against Jagan Mohan Reddy led YSRCP's candidate Botcha Jhansi Lakshmi by a huge margin of over five lakh votes, the Election Commission of India (ECI) website reported. Visakhapatnam, Apr 23 (ANI): YSR Congress Party candidate Botsa Jhansi Lakshmi files her nomination papers from the Vizag constituency for the Lok Sabha Polls, in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Botsa Satyanarayana, in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)(ANI)

Lakshmi is the wife of state education minister Botsa Satyanarayana, while 35-year-old Sri Bharat is president of the Visakhapatnam-based Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (deemed to be university).

With over 1,829,300 voters, the seat went to the polls in the fourth phase on May 13 and recorded a voter turnout of 71.1%, higher than the 67.4% recorded in 2019.

In 2019, YSRCP candidate MVV Satyanarayana emerged victorious from the seat with a narrow margin of 0.36% votes, defeating Telugu Desam Partys Bharat Mathukumilli. Since 1962, the seat has traditionally swung between the Congress and TDP.

However, in the past two Lok Sabha elections held in 2014 and 2019, the constituency went to BJP and YSRCP, respectively.

Among the 25 Lok Sabha constituencies in Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam being a cosmopolitan city and headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command is a crucial powerhouse that has influence in Indian politics.

In 2019 across the state, YSRCP, led by chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, won 22 seats, while the TDP could only win three seats.

In the run-up to the 2024 general elections, TDP sealed a pre-poll alliance with the Jana Sena Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party. During the campaign, YSRCP emphasised the backward category card, highlighting Jhansi's belonging to the community. Her education and extensive experience as a parliamentarian were also seen as significant advantages.

Meanwhile, TDP ran a door-to-door campaign, with Bharat promoting six key promises from his party, such as 4,000 pension for elderly people, 15,000 assistance under Talliki Vandanam, three free LPG refills per year, and free travel on APSRTC services.

Various exit polls on May 1 predicted victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Andhra Pradesh in the state assembly and Lok Sabha polls.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has won in West Bengals Diamond Harbour by a margin of 7,10,930 votes in the Lok Sabha election according to the Election Commission of India. Mamata Banerjee (R), Chief Minister of India's West Bengal state and Trinamool Congress (TMC) party leader with Abhishek Banerjee, their candidate and national general secretary, together raise their hands during his election campaign meeting in Kolkata on May 29, 2024 ahead of the seventh and final phase of voting in India's general election. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP)(AFP)

The TMC leader, who is the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is running for a third consecutive term from the seat.

Read more: Lok Sabha Election Results LIVE Updates

Established during the first Lok Sabha elections in 1952, the Diamond Harbour constituency consists of seven legislative assembly segments  Falta, Maheshtala, Bishnupur, Diamond Harbour, Satgachhia, Metiaburuz, and Budge Budge.

The Lok Sabha seat was once considered a strong bastion of Communist Party of India (Marxist) as it won ten consecutive terms from 1967 to 2004. However, the political dynamics changed in 2009 when Trinamool Congress Somendra Nath Mitra won the seat, defeating CPMs Samik Lahiri with a vote margin of 14.39%.

Also read: West Bengal Election Results LIVE Updates

In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the party continued its dominance in the seat as Abhishek Banerjee defeated CPMs Abdul Basit and BJPs Nilanjan Roy, respectively. Banerjee has set his sights on a hat-trick from the seat.

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The 36-year-old politician gained a vote share of 40.31% in his electoral debut in 2014, which rose to 56.15% in 2019. He joined politics as a member of the Trinamool Congress in 2011 after the party had ousted the 34-year Communist Party of India-led Left Front regime by winning the Assembly Election in the same year.

The 2021 Assembly election victory marked a significant point in Abhishek Banerjee's political career. His influence over the state Cabinet strengthened, and Mamata Banerjee entrusted him with leading the partys national expansion plans. This move was one of the first clear signs of her nephews growing influence within the party.

Also read: LS polls: Mamata slams Modi as battle for Diamond Harbor reaches its final stage

The Diamond Harbour constituency went to the polls in the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha elections on June 1 and recorded a voter turnout of 72.87 per cent.

The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were held in seven phases starting from April 19. The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking a rare third term at the Centre with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
The early counting trends on Tuesday pegged the Congress-led INDIA alliance at 220 seats, nearly double the current tally of 119. Any tally above 200 will not just be a moral boost for the rainbow alliance but will bring a host of benefits for the bloc, including a significantly larger presence as a pressure group in Parliament to counter the government. A Congress supporter at the party headquarters in Delhi. (AFP)

It will also bring the leader of Opposition status for the Congresss Lok Sabha floor leader and more chairpersonships of parliamentary panels that are key bodies to oversee governments work.

It looks like not only a political defeat but a moral defeat for the Prime Minister, said Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

The NDAs failure to get 400 paar in the Lower House may also present a major roadblock for the government to push amendments to the Constitution  which require a two-thirds majority in both Houses and support from a majority of states.

If the NDA fails to come close to a two-third majority in the new Lok Sabha, it may also derail the BJPs one nation, one election plan.

Mohammad Khan, a Congress activist and a Supreme Court lawyer said: The one nation, one election plan would require a constitutional amendment because youll have to dissolve several governments which are not even midway to their term like Telangana and Karnataka.

Upamanyu Hazarika, another constitutional expert and an advocate added, It will be very difficult for the government to push big-ticket amendments to the Constitution.

The position of a Leader of Opposition, which the Congress didnt have for the past decade, allows additional privileges for the Congress. The Opposition, which heads just two parliament committees, would get more chairmans postallowing more supervisory power over the government.
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) committed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday to complete their investigations and file final charge sheets in the Delhi excise policy case by July 3. Supreme Court of India (Representative Photo)

This came after the top court noted that the trial in the case could not commence until the agencies concluded their probes and that any directive for a day-to-day trial would be a sheer make-believe mandate.

The agencies made the statement on the completion of their probes during a hearing on a bail plea filed by former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who cited the delay in the commencement of the trial as prime ground for his release on bail.

A vacation bench comprising justices Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta pointed out that the trial could not proceed unless the CBI and ED finished their investigations and filed the necessary charge sheets. Recognising the importance of a timely trial, the bench emphasised that any order for an expedited trial without the completion of investigations would be impractical and merely illusory.

Also Read: 1,100 crore proceeds of crime in Delhi excise policy case, says ED

Following the agencies commitment to file the charge sheets by July 3, the bench disposed of Sisodias bail plea, granting him the liberty to renew his prayer for bail after the final charge sheets were filed.

We take on record a statement of the learned solicitor general that the final charge sheets in the cases registered by the CBI and ED will be filed on or before July 3. In view of this statement, we dispose of this petition with liberty to the petitioner to renew the petition after the final complaints/charge sheets are filed, the bench recorded in its order.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the agencies in the case while senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, who argued that the petition may be listed before the same bench that had in October 2023 made key observations on speeding up the trial even as the bail plea was not accepted.

But the bench said that Sisodia can revive his bail plea after the investigations were over in the case.

Mehta, on his part, requested the bench to direct the trial court to conduct a day-to-day trial, underlining that the agencies are interested in an expeditious conclusion of the case.

Responding, the court said, That prayer is good for nothing...Its a make-believe prayer. Unless you (agencies) complete their investigations, whats the point of asking for such a direction.

During the hearing, the Court also pointed out that in a case like this where there are several accused and investigations continue, it would be extremely difficult to attribute delay either to the accused or the prosecution, requiring the agencies to complete their investigations first for the trial to finally begin.

Also Read: Delhi excise policy case: HC seeks EDs response on businessmans bail plea

SG Mehta blamed Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for a substantial delay in the probe, complaining that the AAP chief evaded ED summonses for six months, forcing the agency to finally arrest him on March 21.

The case stems from allegations of irregularities in Delhis excise policy, which the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) began probing following a recommendation by Delhis lieutenant governor in July 2022.

CBI has so far filed four charge sheets in the case whereas ED has filed a total of eight charge sheets, including the latest one on May 17 in which it also made AAP as an accused.

The excise policy case has embroiled several high-profile names, including Delhi CM Kejriwal and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) legislator Kavitha, who are presently incarcerated in the Capitals Tihar jail.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh was released on bail in May after the top court asked the ED why Singh should be kept behind bars after serving six months in jail, considering that there does not appear to be any concrete evidence against him, and no money has been recovered linking him to the alleged money laundering offence.

Kejriwal has also challenged the validity of his arrest by the ED in the top court, which is expected to deliver its ruling on the issue in July.

The Delhi high court had on May 21 denied bail to Sisodia in the cases registered separately by CBI and ED, noting that the evidence collected during the investigation showed that Sisodia subverted the process of making the policy by fabricating public feedback.

The high court had criticised Sisodia for crafting the excise policy to benefit private individuals. It had noted that instead of genuinely soliciting public comments, Sisodia orchestrated a scheme wherein, pre-drafted emails containing specific suggestions favourable to certain interests were sent to the excise departments designated email address by various individuals under his direction.

This deceptive act was a calculated move to create the illusion that the excise policy was formed after careful consideration of the feedback received from the public, the high court stated, adding in its judgment that the corruption, in this case, stemmed from Sisodias intent to create a liquor policy that would benefit select individuals in exchange for substantial advance kickbacks.

The high court underscored the misuse of public power and breach of public trust by Sisodia, who, as the then deputy CM, was responsible for the formulation of the new liquor policy. The material collected during the investigation shows that the applicant subverted this process... The aim was to frame public policy which would benefit select individuals, especially the wholesale distributors, in return for advance kickbacks, justice Swarana Kanta Sharma highlighted in the May 21 judgment.

Justice Sharma observed that there had been no delay on the part of the prosecution or the trial court regarding the trial. There has been no delay on the part of the prosecution to supply documents. There has been no delay on the part of the trial court, and the arguments on charge in the case filed by the CBI have already been partially heard. It is also not the fault of ED, CBI, or the trial court that there have been multiple accused persons or delays on the part of the accused in joining the investigation. No fault can be found with the CBI or ED when there was a voluminous record of investigation.

Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, and by the ED on March 9, 2023. The high courts denial of bail to Sisodia came shortly after the ED named AAP as an accused in a supplementary charge sheet filed before a Delhi trial court, marking a significant escalation in the case involving charges of corruption, money laundering, and irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the excise policy.

This was Sisodias second bail request before the Supreme Court. The court denied his first bail plea in October 2023, stating that the accusation against him of altering the now-scrapped excise policy to give wholesalers a windfall of Rs.338 crore in the ten months the policy was in effect was tentatively established.

At the same time, the apex court had granted the AAP leader liberty to file a fresh bail application in case the trial gets delayed. 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 October 30, 2023, order of the Supreme Court stated. Sisodia later moved a review petition and curative petition against the Supreme Courts bail rejection order, but both petitions were junked.

In the case, Sisodia has been accused of making changes in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy of 2021-22 to benefit a group of liquor dealers from the south, referred to as the South Group, causing wrongful loss to the exchequer by increasing profit margin under the new regime.

CBI has already filed charge sheets in connection with the crime registered under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act against the senior AAP leader while the ED claimed that Rs.100 crore kickback was paid by the beneficiary companies, and Sisodia helped them generate proceeds of crime by raising the profit margin from the existing 5% to 12% under the new policy.
As the gap between the INDIA bloc and National Democratic Alliance's seat tallies turned out to be smaller than expected, the Congress deftly sent out overtures to the ruling alliance's leaders, including Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar. (ANI file photo)

The difference between the number of seats of the two alliances is likely to be around 50, opening the possibility for the INDIA bloc to include some former allies to its fold, including Nitish Kumar and Eknath Shinde.

Overtures were reportedly sent to TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu as well, reported HT.

Nitish Kumar's JDU was ahead in 14 of 16 Lok Sabha seats it contested in Bihar. Chandrababu Naidu's TDP was expected to pull off a similar performance.

Together, the duo would have around 28 Lok Sabha seats between them, enough to become the proverbial kingmakers.

Also read: 'Kishori bhaiya...': Priyanka Gandhi's emotional post for Congress candidate who leads Smriti Irani

Nitish Kumar has had a troubled past when it comes to switching loyalties. Just a few months ago, he switched over to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA from the INDIA bloc. Ironically, it was Kumar who played an instrumental role in stitching the unlikely alliance fraught with inner contradictions.

JDU sources, however, told HT that his party wasn't planning to shift loyalties yet again.

Still, one Congress leader pointed out that Kumar did not meet the BJP deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary, who went to visit him on Tuesday.

The Congress leaders are also trying to woo Eknath Shinde, whose party, Shiv Sena, was leading in 10 seats.

Shinde was a Congress ally in the undivided Shiv Sena. However, he caused a vertical split in the party founded by Bal Thackeray, pushing the latter's son and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to the margins of Maharashtra politics.

Thackeray's party appears to be making a strong come back as it was ahead in around 10 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

Also read: Congress's first reaction to Lok Sabha results: Modi must resign

The BJP, which had contested 17 seats, was leading in 11 seats in Bihar. The party appears to be falling short of a simple majority -- 272 seats. However, together with its NDA allies, the party can form a government.

The NDA was reportedly leading in over 290 seats. The INDIA bloc was leading in over 230 seats.

The exit polls had predicted the BJP would win over 350 seats, with some pollsters even predicting the ruling alliance could cross its ambitious target of 400 seats.
New Delhi, The Congress asked Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday whether he would have the courage to demand special category status for Andhra Pradesh as a non-negotiable precondition for support to the BJP-led NDA at the Centre. Will you have courage to seek spl status for AP as precondition for support to NDA: Cong to Naidu

The poser to Naidu from Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh came amid talks of the possibility of the INDIA bloc reaching out to the TDP, which won 11 Lok Sabha seats and was leading on five more in Andhra Pradesh by late Tuesday evening. The TDP is part of the National Democratic Alliance .

"Will you have the courage to demand special category status for Andhra Pradesh as a non-negotiable precondition for support to the NDA at the Centre?" Ramesh asked on X, tagging a post of Naidu on the microblogging platform in which he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and congratulated him on the NDA's poll victory.

"Thank you, @narendramodi Ji! On behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh, I congratulate you on the NDA's victory in the Lok Sabha and Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections. Our people of Andhra Pradesh have blessed us with a remarkable mandate. This mandate is a reflection of their trust in our alliance and its vision for the state," Naidu said in the post on X.

"Together with our people, we shall rebuild Andhra Pradesh and restore its glory," he added.

In his reaction to the NDA heading for a huge majority in Andhra Pradesh, Modi had congratulated Naidu and another ally, Pawan Kalyan of the Jana Sena.

"We will work for the all-round progress of and ensure the state prospers in the times to come," he said.

Earlier, the Congress said it is its guarantee that it will give special category status to Andhra Pradesh, as promised by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, if it comes to power at the Centre.

"INDIA will finish the unfinished business of 2014: On Feb 14th 2014, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh pledged special category status to the new state of Andhra Pradesh for 5 years. BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu countered by saying BJP if elected to power will extend it for 10 years. Two months later Narendra Modi, in the holy city of Tirupati, repeated the promise," Ramesh said on X.

"For the past 10 years the outgoing Modi government did nothing," he added.

The BJP-led Centre, in fact, abolished the very policy of special category status to financially-distressed states, the Congress leader said.

"The Indian National Congress has in its 2024 election manifesto pledged to declare special category status to Andhra Pradesh as promised by Dr Manmohan Singh. This is our guarantee," Ramesh said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
New Delhi, Armed with the social justice plank and a slew of promises for welfare measures, the Congress made stunning gains with a spirited performance in the Lok Sabha polls that would not only silence its critics but also put the party on road to reclaiming its lost glory. Written off by critics, Cong stages stunning fightback with social justice plank

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra spearheaded an impressive campaign, underlining the welfare guarantees the party was offering to the people, but it was the push on social justice that seems to have made the difference with the weaker sections of the society seeming to have sided with the INDIA bloc in several BJP strongholds.

The opposition INDIA bloc led by the Congress appeared set to be a formidable force in the Parliament this time, though still possibly in opposition benches.

The Congress leaders attributed the party's stunning comeback to its narrative focusing on issues of the people and its 'Nyay' guarantees.

Also, the top Congress leadership strongly raised the Congress' claim at rallies that the BJP would change the Constitution which seems to have had a strong impact on the ground.

Another crucial aspect was the INDIA bloc fighting with unity at the hustings which brought it rich returns in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Addressing a press conference here, Rahul Gandhi said that all Congress leaders respected the INDIA bloc allies and wherever the alliance fought "we fought as one".

He also said the general election was a fight to save the Constitution.

"It was on my mind that the people of this country would rally together to save the Constitution. The first and biggest step towards saving the Constitution has been taken," Gandhi said, adding that it was the poor and the marginalised who stood up to save the Constitution.

He added that the Congress and the INDIA bloc had given India a new pro-poor vision.

"The main thing this election has said, the country has said, is that we don't want Narendra Modi, Amit Shah to be running this country," Gandhi said.

After the campaign for the Lok Sabha polls ended, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had said the party set the narrative during the Lok Sabha polls with a sharp campaign that was devoid of "agar-magar, kintu parantu" and pushed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the "back foot".

Ramesh said the first shot at creating a new narrative for the Congress was fired by Rahul Gandhi in the Bharat Jodo Yatra. The yatra was held between September 2022 and January 2023.

The 144 days, 4,000-km walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir was a very transformative movement for the Congress and for Indian politics, he said.

"He constantly saying that 'main nafrat ke bazaar mein mohabbat ki dukaan kholne aaya hu' was the theme. What gave structure to the 2024 campaign was the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in which Gandhi had unveiled the 'paanch nyay pachchees guarantee'," Ramesh said.

He said the Congress' 'guarantee cards', which state the party's promises under the 'Yuva Nyay, Kisaan Nyay, Nari Nyay, Shramik Nyay and the Hissedaari Nyay' themes, made a major impact.

Political commentator and former Congress leader Sanjay Jha cited the BJP's loss in the Lok Sabha seat of Ayodhya and said the people of Uttar Pradesh and India have rejected the politicization of religion.

"There is hope. Always. Never give up on the inherent goodness of humanity," he said.

Though, the Congress pulled off a stunning upset, the question that lingers in the mind is what if they had started early and not allowed to take the BJP a headstart in the campaign?

Political observers are of the opinion that it delayed seat-sharing among the INDIA bloc allies till the assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram in the hope that a good showing would hand it better bargaining power for seat-sharing.

However, the alliance did manage to get its act together as the elections were declared and ran an aggressive joint campaign, the results of which were seen in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Going forward, the Congress, which was battling an exodus of leaders, will have to ensure that it builds on the gains as it is still in power on its own only in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Telangana.

The party would also need to look at a generational shift in leadership roles and Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi may need to step up in organizational responsibilities.

Many had begun writing the obituary of the Congress but its leaders insist that it is not a mere political party but it is an ideology, an idea, which cannot be finished off.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Algeria wants to lure more visitors to the cultural and scenic treasures of Africa's largest country, shedding its status as a tourism backwater and expanding a sector outshone by competitors in neighbouring Morocco and Tunisia. Roman ruins to Sahara sands: Algeria's cultural, scenic treasures poised to attract more tourists (Photo by REUTERS/Abdelaziz Boumzar)

The giant north African country offers Roman and Islamic sites, beaches and mountains just an hour's 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.

About 1.2 million of those holiday-makers were Algerians from the disapora visiting families.

The lack of travellers is testimony to Algeria's neglect of a sector that remains one of world tourism's undiscovered gems.

As Algeria's 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.

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.

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 Algeria's 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.
The exit polls predicted a washout for the Opposition and expected the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP ) to better its 2019 performance. But something very different has happened. Many political observers who travelled extensively did warn us about the changing tide, especially in Uttar Pradesh (UP). However, many like me believed that if the BJP could effectively ward off the challenge from the combined might of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in UP in 2019, then it was unlikely that an SP and Congress alliance could do the trick this time. The BJPs victory margins over its nearest rivals in 2019 seemed too big to scale.

While Opposition parties, under the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), are well below the majority mark of 272, they managed to win a lot more seats than expected by analysts. The Congress, which was becoming marginalised in national politics, has improved its vote share and seat tally considerably  significant also because it contested close to 100 seats fewer than in 2019.

ALSO READ| From UP, Bengal jolt for BJP to regional parties' resurgence: 10 takeaways from Lok Sabha elections

The pan-India alliance worked for the Opposition in states such as Maharashtra and UP. These two states account for more than half the seats the BJP lost to INDIA. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar), despite their depleted organisational strength, pulled off a surprise in Maharashtra along with the Congress. Similarly, the SP delivered an unexpected performance after a long hiatus (since losing the assembly elections in 2012). The Congress lost more than 90% of the seats in direct contests against the BJP in the last two elections. The BJP would have hoped for the strike rate to continue, but the Congress seems to have won more than one in every four seats this time in such contests. While it may be difficult to empirically establish Rahul Gandhis role in the turnaround of his party, he must be credited for a nationwide mobilisation through the Bharat Jodo Yatra, settling the partys leadership question with Mallikarjun Kharge becoming the Congress president, giving the Congresss ideological line some clarity and centering the partys campaign on economic and social justice.

The Congress held on to its 2019 showing in Kerala and Punjab but improved its position in Telangana at the expense of the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS). Performance varies for the INDIA camp members. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal improved its 2019 score, while the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in Jharkhand held on to their base. But the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi were not able to pull their weight.

ALSO READ| How the BJP finally breached the Kerala bastion with Suresh Gopis Thrissur victory

What explains this Opposition turnaround? An overarching explanation is difficult since state-level dynamics were at play after the last two Lok Sabha elections being dominated by a national momentum. Most states had one clear winner. The BJP has retained its core states in central India, expanded its footprint along the Bay of Bengal coastline, and, with allies, held on to Bihar and Jharkhand.

INDIA bloc continued with the momentum it generated in the initial months of summer 2023 and had it not lost some key allies such as the Janata Dal (United), the results could have been further in its favour. While the Congress can take credit for its performance, it also deserves some blame for not spearheading the INDIA bloc as it should have. Had INDIA bloc announced candidates early, it could have picked up a few more seats. One can also argue that the combined effect of economic anxieties at the bottom of the social pyramid, and the counter-offensive of the Opposition that the Constitution is in danger against the BJPs clarion call of abki baar 400 paar (this time, beyond 400) played a role. The latter may have led the non-general castes to believe that they may lose their reservation status. This may have worked in states like UP, but the question is why did it not work in Bihar?

The exit polls, while predicting a NDA whitewash, indicated that the BJP may lose some ground among the younger voters and poorer segments across Northwest India. The confluence of multiple factors in some states (anti-incumbency against the state government in Haryana, poor candidate choices in UP, losing the anti-graft narrative because of allying with the likes of Ajit Pawar in Maharashtra, among others) could have also turned the tables on the BJP.

Ultimately, Mandate 2024 shows how the Indian voter continues to surprise. While the BJPs social coalition hasnt completely unravelled, the party must introspect on the fact that its electoral dominance in Indias key states has been seriously challenged. It must not overlook these results as an aberration. The 2024 elections have carried the worst possible news for the non-NDA, and non-INDIA parties such as the BSP, the AIADMK, the Shiromani Akali Dal, the Biju Janata Dal, the YSRCP and the BRS. This indicates that the Indian polity is heading for bipolarity, and anyone outside this space has a limited chance of doing well.

Meanwhile, Opposition parties should not over-interpret these trends. While the Congress can rejoice that it has achieved its short-term objective of keeping the BJP below 272, its road to recovery is long and arduous.

Rahul Verma is fellow, Centre for Policy Research. The views expressed are personal
There is only one message from the 2024 general elections  the mirror has cracked. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the single largest party, but it has lost its majority and confronts the prospect of forming a government in coalition with its alliance partners. In his quest for hegemonic dominance, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, the sole campaigner of the BJP, who mesmerised the Indian voter for nearly a decade, has lost his sheen. There is discontentment and dissatisfaction on the ground and his charm is no longer enough for the voters. Their lived realities have broken the spell.

This was unimaginable only a few months ago. Going into the election, in March 2024, this looked to many, including this columnist, as an election whose outcome was known before it began. The BJP had done everything  using its power to project total hegemonic control. It had centralised political power, stifled all forms of dissent, jailed Opposition politicians, silenced dissenting voices, and stifled civil society. Its control over money and media meant that all one saw, driving around Delhi (the city I live in) were Modis guarantees. It seemed all sites of political competition and contestation had been captured, and this was going to be a one-party campaign and a one-party victory. The saffron flags that dotted homes across the city on January 22, the images on our television screens of the PM leading the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, the passing of the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act on the eve of the campaign, were together designed to remind the voter of the ideological promise that 400 paar (400 plus) has to offer.

But as the campaign unfolded and the election moved through its seven phases, the voices of the people began to get louder. The BJP and the PM found themselves on the backfoot. Through the campaign, they resorted to polarising rhetoric to create a scare as they sought to enjoin the voter to join the aspirational project of a future developed economy. But in many ways, voters responded by reminding the BJP that it was their lived realities, their everyday lives that mattered. And thus, the mirror cracked. It is these cracks that tell the story of the 2024 election.

How did this unfold? Away from the bluster of the fastest growing economy, the third largest economy, the shiny physical infrastructure, and the booming stock market, is a story of Indias real economy: A story of rozgar and mehengai (employment and high prices). As my colleagues and I travelled through the hinterlands of rural Uttar Pradesh, this is what we heard the most. Voters still spoke of the importance of welfare schemes, ration, in particular. But this was not enough. The Opposition was quick to harness this frustration, speaking repeatedly of unemployment and jobs as the issue of the economy. In Rajasthan, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, too, in the aftermath of the farmers protests, concerns of farmers remained visible. The BJP, on its part, sought to polarise and the PM himself resorted to the most divisive rhetoric to distract the voters and mobilise them on the promise of Hindutva. But for voters, this was simply not enough. It was almost as though they were tired of Hindutva and polarisation alone, and were pushing to hold the government accountable for their everyday concerns. This is why many analysts called this a normal election guided by local issues rather than national ones. That this captures the voters mood is best illustrated in the BJP candidate losing in Faizabad, the home of the Ram Mandir.

That the election returned to normal, local issues was a consequence of not just economic distress but also of the BJPs use of institutions of governance crossing red lines for many. The Opposition declared this an election for democracy, and social justice and to save the Constitution from the unbridled use of power that threatened democracy. It recognised something the BJP, in its hubris, ignored  that democratic erosion (washing machine, the capture of media, the possibilities of EVM manipulation were all avidly being discussed in rural India, voters were concerned) and anxieties about constitutional rights, particularly reservation, were alive amongst voters. The INDIA blocs true success is that it was able to channelise these anxieties into a political campaign. The INDIA bloc declared this an election to save the Constitution and save reservation.

For bringing the Constitution into the political discourse, much credit has to be given to Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav. Rahul Gandhi is the real story in this election. His emergence as a leader with credibility and legitimacy, a process that began with the Bharat Jodo Yatra in September 2022, finally consolidated through this campaign. He presented a clear and distinct political position, one that positioned him as a humane, peoples leader, centering issues of the Constitution, democracy and social justice. He was also effectively able to use Modis campaign errors to his advantage in his public rallies and speeches; this is a sharp contrast to the Rahul Gandhi of 2014 and 2019.

But his real challenge comes now. Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a leader by separating himself from the organisational realities and, indeed, the atrophy of the party. He has yet to take his party along to create ideological coherence. The question going forward is this. Now that his leadership finally has some legitimacy, can he leverage this to strengthen the party organisation and build forward?

The other big story is in federalism and the regional parties that have, with the exception of the BJD, YSRCP, and BRS, held on to their bastions. The TMC and DMK have, for the moment, halted the BJPs aspirations in their states. This, combined with the Congress and alliance victories in Maharashtra and Kerala, will keep federalism in contention. There is a lesson here for the BJP, whose impatience with the federal consensus was one reason for the brakes being put on its Southern sojourn. And, perhaps, an even more important lesson from Manipur, which has rejected the double-engine sarkar, that left the state engulfed in violence and mismanagement for over a year, in favour of the Congress. Voters dont trust the BJP to navigate this difficult terrain.

Finally, while the BJPs path to hegemony has been halted, it remains dominant: 240 seats after two terms, is no mean feat and it is set to form the next government. But how it will choose to govern, in coalition, will depend on how the BJP chooses to interpret this mandate. Will it recognise the constraints placed on its democratic legitimacy by voters? Or will it, in defeat, unleash its basest instinct, glimpses of which were visible through the campaign?

For the Indian voter and the INDIA bloc, the verdict holds a challenge and an opportunity. Can we use this verdict and the space it has created to repair our social fabric torn by hate, divisiveness, injustice and bigotry? Is this an opportunity to build a new consensus on social justice?

Yamini Aiyar will be a visting senior fellow at Brown University in 2024-25. The views expressed are personal
The sheen of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) juggernaut is wearing off. A few days ago, the exit polls suggested the BJP would romp to victory with margins rarely seen and a tally (with coalition partners) of more than 400 seats, and in places where it had never been particularly competitive. As the results trickled in, it became clear that those exit polls were far too optimistic  a bit of hubris by pollsters making declarative statements about how voters think. truth is that the BJP lost a significant number of seats in a small number of important states due to myriad reasons.(HT_PRINT)

The anatomy of the BJPs purported victory rested on two principles. First, while there was visible anti-incumbency and frustration with the BJP in parts of the Hindi belt, the party was to use its traditional advantages in the region, alongside Hindu-Muslim polarisation to minimise its losses. Concurrently, the BJP was to break into vernacular states outside of the Hindi belt in a big way  particularly in the South  to more than offset any losses in the North.

The challenge of explaining the 2024 election is to derive an overarching claim when the results show extraordinary regional variation. The truth is that the BJP lost a significant number of seats in a small number of important states due to myriad reasons. A close look at the numbers can help us understand how it fell below the majority mark for the first time in 10 years.

In 2019, the BJP surged to win 303 seats across India. Of these, 180 came from just six states: Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh. These seats also accounted for nearly 70% of the BJPs seats in the 2014 election. Big electoral performances for the party were thus contingent on the spatial concentration of its support. In addition, it expanded its footprint in 2019 by winning 18 of 42 constituencies in West Bengal and 25 of 28 seats in Karnataka. This time, the BJP has won only 208 of its 303 tally in 2019 (69%)  a very strong performance in these seats, but far from the dominance it demonstrated in the last two national elections.

The first major sites of erosion are Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, where the party won a total of 86 seats in 2019. This time, it won just 47 seats in the two states. It lost five in Haryana (where it had won all 10 in 2019). For the last several years, farmers  particularly from the Jat community  have taken to the streets in and around Delhi, initially in the wake of controversial farm laws promulgated in 2020. The protests forced the Union government to walk back from the laws, but the electoral impact was evident. These three states are all around Delhi, with significant Jat populations and demonstrable rural distress.

The second major site of erosion was the states where the BJP had expanded its footprint in 2019: West Bengal and Karnataka. It had won 43 seats in these two states then, but this time, the number dropped to 26  although it is worth noting that the BJP gave up three seats in Karnataka for its alliance partner, the Janata Dal (Secular), or JD(S). Here, support eroded because of formidable political competition at the state level. Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress (TMC) first showed the limits of the BJPs expansion plans in the 2021 West Bengal election, with the TMC romping to a score of 213 out of 294 seats. The TMC has consistently outworked the BJP in the state with a superior party cadre. In Karnataka, the Congress amassed significant goodwill in the run-up to the elections from chief minister Siddaramaiahs welfare schemes. A major scandal over the JD(S)s candidate Prajwal Revanna, against whom there are multiple allegations of sexual abuse and rape, added to the Congresss momentum in the second phase of the polls in the state.

Finally, the BJP lost a significant share of seats in Maharashtra through what can only be described as a mess of its own making as it wantonly broke Opposition parties and shifted alliances to form the government. It left the states party system in knots. In 2019, the BJP won 23 seats in the state, but that fell to 11 seats this time.

While the BJPs meteoric growth in Odisha, and the steady growth in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, were bright spots for the party, this was far too little to offset the losses elsewhere. In an election without an overarching national narrative, regional differences and identities strongly shaped election outcomes  much like a normal election before 2014.

Neelanjan Sircar is senior fellow, Centre for Policy Research. The views expressed are personal
A heartbreaking moment of three friends hugging each other before being swept away by floodwaters in Italy was captured on camera. As per reports, they were stranded on an island in the middle of a river when they tried to hold onto each other to keep themselves from being swept away by the raging waters. The heartbreaking image shows three friends hugging each other moments before being swept away by floodwaters. (X/@Tg3web)

According to Daily Mail, they are identified as Patrizia Cormos, 20, her friend Bianca Doros, 23, and her boyfriend Cristian Molnar, 25. The rescuers told the outlet that the trio was just a few metres from the safety of the river bank.

Two bodies, believed to be of Cormos and Doros, were later discovered about one kilometre away from the spot. Rescuers are still searching for Molnar, and they said, We won't stop until we find the third missing person.

The outlet also shared the harrowing video on Instagram. The heartbreaking final moments of three friends swept up in Italy flash floods have been revealed, they wrote.

(WARNING: Some viewers may find the following video disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised)

May their souls rest in peace, wrote an Instagram user. Several others echoed the same sentiment.

I cant imagine what was going through their minds at the time. So sad, added another.

This is heartbreaking, joined a third.

The firefighters were alerted of the trios situation after they received a call from one of the women, reported the Telegraph. They quickly arrived at the scene and attempted to rescue them, but before they could do anything, the three were swept away by the swiftly moving current.

We threw them a rope, but they were literally swallowed up by the flood waters in front of our eyes. We watched them disappear, Giorgio Basile, the chief of the provincial firefighters in Udine, told the outlet.

The main element is not so much the rain, it is the power of the river, the very strong currents, Basile said, adding, There are gorges, there is a backwash of water and even for the experts it is a particularly treacherous task.

They found themselves in an unpredictable situation. Those who live in Premariacco know the river and how conditions can change quickly. The three kids arrived when it was sunny. They could not have known what was about to happen. It only took minutes, Michele De Sabata, mayor of the nearby town of Premariacco, said while expressing his sympathy.
After NR Narayana Murthys 70-hour workweek remark, Nilesh Shah - CEO of Kotak AMC - said that one generation of Indians must work 84 hours a week to accelerate Indias growth and transfer everyone to middle and upper-income levels. Sanjeev Sanyal (left) agrees with Nilesh Shah's (right) remark on longer working hours. (Screengrab)

Shah made this remark about longer work hours being beneficial for Indias growth during the podcast Invest Aaj For Kal with Anant Ladha.

He said, Charlie Munger wrote in one of his books that people in Korea worked 84 hours a week for one generation. That means 12 hours a day, every day, every month, every year.

Recently in India, Narayana Murthy mentioned working 70 hours a week, which caused quite a stir. He said that one generation of Indians needs to work like Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese. If we work hard, there is no doubt that Indias growth will continue, the pace will accelerate, and there will come a time when there will be no sub-Saharan Africa-level poverty in India. We will have transferred everyone to middle-income and upper-income levels, he added.

Economist Sanjeev Sanyal agreed with Shahs 12-hour workweek remark. He mentioned that the current and next generations need to put in effort and procreate for the future. Sanyal also supports Shahs view on the 12-hour workweek, stating that it is doable.

I agree. One generation will have to put in that effort and unlike the examples mentioned, also remember to procreate. It is doable (with the occasional break). We are that generation and perhaps the next one, wrote Sanyal on X.

Take a look at the posts below:

Narayana Murthys 70-hour workweek remark

Infosys co-founder and former CEO Narayana Murthy sparked a debate on work-life balance after sharing his opinion on increasing Indias work productivity. During his conversation with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, Murthy stressed that youth should work for at least 70 hours a week. This, in his opinion, is needed for the country to remain competitive with nations like China and Japan.

Murthy said, If we want to compete with the fastest growing countries like China and Japan, we need to boost up our work productivity. At the moment, Indias work productivity is very low. The government also must reduce the time it takes for decision-making and curb corruption in bureaucracy.

Our youngsters need to work for at least 70 hours a week, he added.
Counting in the worlds largest elections started at 8 am today. People are eagerly waiting for the counting to end to know whether the exit poll predictions will hold ground and Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will return for a third term. At the same time, the Oppositions INDIA bloc, representing various regional and opposition parties, has rubbished the exit poll predictions that it won't win many seats and is proving to be a strong opponent for NDA. Expectedly, many have taken to social media to share their reactions to the counting. However, amid those, some started spamming various social media platforms with RCB, " - an abbreviation for IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru - which has baffled people. It has also prompted them to come up with multiple theories. People have several theories about why social media users are posting "RCB" amid the Lok Sabha election 2024 results. (Screengrab)

A dig at the opposition

Some X users concluded that the RCB reference is a dig at the opposition. They suggested that, like the RCB, the opposition played really well in the beginning (counting) but is now trailing. They equated this change in a scene with RCB constantly losing at the end moment and never lifting an IPL trophy.

Candidate in RCB jersey

A few social media users suggested that RCB is trending because some people spotted a candidate wearing an RCB jersey on the Election Commission (EC) website.

RCB fans are more loyal than UP voters

In a surprising twist, the 80-member state seat Uttar Pradesh is seeing a less-than-stellar performance of BJP. Most exit polls predicted that the BJP would have a massive win in this state, considered as the road to power at the centre. However, after the counting of votes began, the INDIA bloc proved to be a strong opponent of the BJP in the state. Hence, many started posting that RCB fans, who keep following the same team despite its failure, are more loyal than the UP voters.

Several people are also spamming the comments section of the official channels of various news organisations covering election results. They are simply writing RCB in the live chat section.

Why do you think RCB is trending on social media amid election results?
The Jodhpur Police have been actively searching for a highly elusive thief who skillfully absconded with a man's mobile phone from a restaurant. The authorities were promptly alerted to the situation following the widespread circulation of a CCTV video capturing the thief's daring act. Snapshot of the thief picking the phone. (X/@abesalleteritho)

The video captures the man entering a restaurant and discreetly seating himself at a table behind two unsuspecting customers. As the customers engage in their conversation, the thief, with a quick glance around, seizes the opportunity to snatch the phone. (Also Read: Shahdara police recover 215 stolen mobile phones worth 40L)

Take a look at the video here:

This video was posted on May 26. Since being posted, it has gained over 1,000 views. Many people also liked the video.

The official X handle of DCP East Jodhpur said that the "concerned have been directed to take necessary action and expose the matter soon".

Earlier, in a tale of twists and turns, a man lost his phone in Goa and later found it back thanks to a plate of pao bhaji. Yes, you read that right. X user @KartikeyaRai11 shared in a post, "A drunk dude pickpocketed my phone in Goa (I was equally drunk). The drunk dude then got very hungry and went to eat bhaji pao in a small shop, but he had no money to pay for it, so he took out the red iPhone and tried to trade that for the bhaji pao." (Also Read: Gang of 15 arrested for stealing devices from phone towers in Delhi and NCR)

He also shared, "The owner took the phone from the thief and charged it and picked up our call after 36 hours of phone being lost and switched off. And he was sweet enough to give it back to us (we had to drive 60 km to a random location outside Goa city)."
COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France  World War II veterans from the United States, Britain and Canada are in Normandy this week to mark 80 years since the D-Day landings that helped lead to Hitlers defeat. Centenarian veterans are sharing their memories of D-Day, 80 years later

Few witnesses remain who remember the Allied assault. The Associated Press is speaking to veterans about their role in freeing Europe from the Nazis, and what messages they have for younger generations. PA JAKE

Thank you, guys. Thank you. Sitting in a wheelchair in front of the graves of fallen comrades at the Normandy American Cemetery, D-Day veteran Jake Larson wanted to let them know out loud that they are the heroes who gave their lives for the liberation of France and Europe from Nazi Germany  not him.

The 101-year-old American, best known on social media under the name Papa Jake, with more than 800,000 followers on TikTok, Larson said Im a here-to.

People say what is a here-to? I say Im here to tell you Im not a hero. Its those guys up there that gave their life so that I could make it through. Thats what a here-to is.

Larson likes to describe himself as the luckiest man in the world.

How is it possible that I went through five battles, plus landing on Omaha Beach without getting a scratch? Say there is a God. God just protected me.

Born in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson enlisted in the National Guard in 1938, lying about his age as he was only 15.

In 1941, his guard unit was transferred into federal service and he officially joined the Army. In January 1942, he was sent overseas and was stationed in Northern Ireland. He then became the operations sergeant and assembled the planning books for Operation Overlord.

He landed on Omaha Beach in 1944, where he ran under machine-gun fire and made it to the cliffs without being wounded.

Im lucky to be alive, more than lucky. I had planned D-Day. And everybody else that was in there with me is gone, said Larson, who now lives in Lafayette, California. FLOYD BLAIR

Floyd Blair, 103, served as a fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps. On June 6, 1944, he flew in two support missions across Omaha Beach as the Allied invasion began.

I saw one of the saddest things Ive ever seen. The color of the water changed, he recalled Tuesday as he was paying tribute to fallen comrades at the American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer.

Those poor guys on the ground deserve all the credit they can get. The paratroopers, the armored forces, the ground troops. They are the ones, he said.

After D-Day, Blair participated in missions to support and protect Allied troops. His targets included German tanks, troop trains and other threats to the advancing troops and his radio was tied directly into the U.S. tanks on the ground. BOB GIBSON

Im living on borrowed time now, Bob Gibson, 100, said enthusiastically as he arrived at the Deauville airport in Normandy. I want to see the beach again.

Gibson was drafted into the Army in 1943 and was sent to Britain. On June 6, 1944, he and his unit landed on Utah Beach in the second wave.

Terrible. Some of the young fellows never ever made it to the beach. It was so bad that we had to run over to get on the beach. Thats how bad it was, he said.

Gibson drove an M4 tractor with guns, engaging the enemy day and night. He continued to serve through Normandy and headed to Germany.

You wake up at night every once in a while too. It seems somebodys shooting at you. But we were glad to do it. That was our job, we had to do it, right?

Gibson, of Hampton, New Jersey, pondered the time thats passed since then, and said this will probably be his last D-Day anniversary in Normandy. LES UNDERWOOD

Les Underwood, 98, a Royal Navy gunner on a merchant ship that was delivering ammunition to the beaches, kept firing to protect the vessel even as he saw soldiers drown under the weight of their equipment after leaving their landing craft.

Ive cried many a time  sat on my own, Underwood said as he visited Southwick House, on the south coast of England, the Allied headquarters in the lead-up to the Battle of Normandy. The event Monday, sponsored by Britains defense ministry, came before many of the veterans travel to France for international ceremonies commemorating D-Day.

I used to get flashbacks. And in those days, there was no treatment. They just said, Your service days are over. We dont need you no more. GEORGE CHANDLER

George Chandler, 99, served aboard a British motor torpedo boat as part of a flotilla that escorted the U.S. Army assault on Omaha and Utah beaches. The history books dont capture the horror of the battle, he said.

Let me assure you, what you read in those silly books that have been written about D-Day are absolute crap, Chandler said.

Its a very sad memory because I watched young American Rangers get shot, slaughtered. And they were young. I was 19 at the time. These kids were younger than me. BERNARD MORGAN

About 20 British veterans gathered on the deck of the Mont St. Michel ferry bound from England for northern France, as crowds gathered on the deck and along the shoreline to wave and cheer for them on their voyage to D-Day commemorations.

It was more pleasant coming today than it was 80 years ago, chuckled Royal Air Force veteran Bernard Morgan, who worked in communications on D-Day.

Kirka reported from Portsmouth, England, and aboard the Mont St. Michel.

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CHICAGO  Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling on Tuesday touted the the nations second-largest police department as fully prepared to handle crowds of protesters expected during the Democratic National Convention, including new ways to handle possible mass arrests. Chicago police tweak mass arrests policy ahead of Democratic National Convention

Law enforcement agencies have been planning for more than a year for the August convention that is expected to draw an estimated 50,000 visitors and massive protests.

Make no mistake, we are ready, Snelling said during a news conference alongside U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.

Chicago police have received fresh de-escalation training, while about 3,000 officers are undergoing specialized training to respond directly to civil unrest and the possibility of riots, according to Snelling.

Proposed changes to the way police deal with mass arrests, which are still being finalized, include more supervisor review onsite and debriefings afterward to see what worked and what didn't.

Mass arrest is a last resort, Snelling said. But we know the realities of these types of situations, especially when the number of people were expecting to converge upon Chicago is inevitable that there is a possibility for vandalism. There is a possibility for violence, and we are prepared to deal with that.

More than 50 organizations plan to protest in Chicago, which has denied permits for demonstrations near the United Center convention site. That has sparked lawsuits and groups vowing to march whether or not they have permits.

The department has been in the spotlight for its handling of large-scale events.

Chicago police generally received high marks for the handling of NATO protests in 2012, but they faced strong criticism for being unprepared in the aftermath of George Floyds 2020 killing in Minneapolis, when civil unrest broke out nationwide. Last week, the city's Office of the Inspector General said the department has made progress, but it has work to do when it comes to large-scale events.

Snelling has dismissed the report as inaccurate.

Cheatle was expected to tour convention venues this week in Chicago and Milwaukee, which will host the Republican National Convention in July.

When asked if the guilty verdict delivered last week against former President Donald Trump presented additional security issues, she said there has not yet been an impact.

Our focus is to ensure that we cover off on all potential challenges that we may face during this event and make sure we are fully prepared for it  and I do believe that we are, she said.

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Donald Trump on Tuesday asked the judge who oversaw his criminal trial on charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star to lift a gag order on the case, in which the former US president was convicted last week. Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (AFP)

Before the trial began in April, Justice Juan Merchan restricted Trump's public statements about jurors, witnesses and others involved in the case, after prosecutors pointed to comments he had made in the past that they described as threatening.

"Now that the trial is concluded, the concerns articulated by the government and the Court do not justify continued restrictions on the First Amendment rights of President Trump," defense lawyer Todd Blanche wrote in a letter dated June 3 and made public on Tuesday.

ALSO READ| Post the guilty verdict, 49% of Americans say Trump should suspend 2024 presidential campaign

A Manhattan jury last week found Trump guilty on all 34 counts he faced of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election about a sexual encounter she says they had.

Trump, the Republican candidate in the 2024 election, denies having sex with Daniels and has vowed to appeal the conviction.
By Elizabeth Pineau and Gerhard Mey Eighty years on, British D-Day veterans sail to Normandy once again

OUISTREHAM, France/PORTSMOUTH, England - British veterans sailed on Tuesday to Normandy where, 80 years ago this week, they fought to liberate France as part of D-Day, preparing to taking part in ceremonies marking a major turning point of World War Two.

The special voyage was part of celebrations for D-Day's 80th anniversary, likely to be the last marked on a grand scale in the presence of those who fought in 1944. About 200 veterans, most American and British, are expected to take part.

With war raging on Europe's borders, this week's D-Day ceremonies carry special resonance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will be among Thursday's guests.

"Thank you. I'm happy to be here," one veteran, Joe Mines, said after he and some two dozen other veterans - the star passengers onboard the Mont St. Michel ferry - arrived in Ouistreham, France.

They were welcomed by bagpipe players, and three veterans handed a commemorative torch to youths in front of the ferry.

The ferry had set off from Portsmouth, the main departure point for the 5,000 ships that headed to Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, the beaches made famous by the June 6, 1944, operation.

Surrounded by naval ships and civilian boats, it was waved off by small crowds who lined the docks, as tugboats sprayed water, a traditional tribute. A wreath-laying ceremony took place during the trip to remember those who did not make it to shore. About 4,400 Allied troops died on D-Day.

John Dennett, 99, told the BBC he was looking forward to the ceremonies of the coming days. "It's a chance of a lifetime. Eighty years ago, it's a long time, going back, to see what we started," he said.

Aged between 97 and 103, many of the veterans had walking sticks or were in wheelchairs, and wore military medals pinned to their lapels.

'REMEMBER'

Earlier in the day, dozens of elderly U.S. veterans paid tribute to their fallen World War Two comrades in the U.S. cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer, also in Normandy.

"It's our duty to remember them and make sure people realise how evil the world can become if you do not really take care," 99-year-old veteran Colonel Joe Peterburs told Reuters.

An Army Air Force pilot during World War Two, Peterburs did not take part in D-Day but began combat missions aged 19 and was made a prisoner in Germany when his plane was shot down. He managed to escape and went on to serve in the military for 36 years, including stints in Korea and Vietnam.

"I see all the graves. The bravery and the sacrifice of these men killed in their youth who could not live a full life," he said, as he looked from his wheelchair at row after row of white marble crosses - some with names, some unmarked - that show the toll that history's largest amphibious invasion took on allied forces.

"He feels a lot of survival guilt. He prays every night for all that he left behind," said his granddaughter, Sabrina Peterburs, who travelled with him. "It's very emotional to be here with him and the other veterans and see the gratefulness of French people."

The French army conducted an exercise at dawn with dozens of soldiers landing on Omaha Beach, re-enacting D-Day.

"We think of the dead, those who came before us," said Lieutenant Jeremy from the French Legion's 13th Demi-Brigade. "We are happy to honour our elders by doing what they did 80 years ago."

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Germany said Tuesday it was considering allowing deportations to Afghanistan after an asylum seeker from the country killed a police officer and wounded five others in a knife attack. Germany mulls expulsions to Afghanistan after knife attack

Deportations to Afghanistan have been stopped since the Taliban retook power in 2021.

But Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said Tuesday that officials had been carrying out an "intensive review for several months... to allow the deportation of serious criminals and dangerous individuals to Afghanistan.

"It is clear to me that people who pose a potential threat to Germany's security must be deported quickly," Faeser added.

"That is why we are doing everything possible to find ways to deport criminals and dangerous people to both Syria and Afghanistan," she told journalists.

A debate over resuming expulsions has resurged after a 25-year-old Afghan was accused of attacking people with a knife at an anti-Islam rally in the western city of Mannheim on Friday.

A police officer, 29, died of his wounds on Sunday after being repeatedly stabbed as he tried to intervene in the attack.

Five people taking part in a rally organised by Pax Europa, a campaign group against radical Islam, were also wounded.

Friday's brutal attack has inflamed a public debate over immigration in the run up to European elections and prompted calls to expand efforts to expel criminals.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that deportations to Afghanistan "cannot avoid key constitutional and, above all, security issues".

"How do you expect to work with an Islamist terrorist regime with whom we have no relations at all?" Baerbock said, underlining that Germany has no embassy on site to coordinate the expulsions.

The suspect, named in the media as Sulaiman Ataee, came to Germany as a 14-year-old refugee in March 2013, according to reports.

He was initially refused asylum but was not deported because of his age, according to German daily Bild.

Ataee subsequently went to school in Germany and married a German woman of Turkish origin in 2019, with whom he has two children, according to the Spiegel weekly.

Ataee was reportedly not seen by authorities as a risk and did not appear to neighbours in Heppenheim as an extremist.

Anti-terrorism prosecutors on Monday took over the investigation into the incident, as they looked to establish a motive.

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Eighty Iranians have registered their candidacy for the country's June 28 presidential elections, brought forward by the death of Ebrahim Raisi, but many may still be disqualified before campaigning begins. Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad poses for a picture as he registers his candidacy for Iran's upcoming presidential election in Tehran on June 2, 2024. (AFP)

- Who has applied? -

At the end of the five-day registration period on Monday, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said 80 presidential hopefuls have submitted their candidacy.

They include more conservative and even ultraconservative figures than moderates or reformists, as well as a number of middle-ranking clerics and four women.

The best-known candidate is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who wishes, at 67, to return to the post of president which he held for two consecutive terms from 2005 to 2013.

The populist politician is associated with incendiary remarks about Israel and simmering tensions with the West, particularly over the Iranian nuclear programme.

Other senior figures in the Islamic republic are also in the running: current parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a conservative, former speaker Ali Larijani, a moderate figure, and Saeed Jalili, an ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator.

As he submitted his bid on Monday, Ghalibaf said he was hopeful that, if elected, he could resolve the problems of the country including "reduction in purchasing power, poverty, discrimination, inequality and sanctions".

Iran has been gripped by biting Western sanctions mostly over its nuclear programme but also for its human rights record and military cooperation with Russia.

The candidate list -- which is not yet final -- also includes Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani, former central bank governor Abdolnasser Hemmati and Eshaq Jahangiri, a reformist former first vice-president.

ALSO READ| Iran parliament speaker Ghalibaf launches presidential bid

- Can all 80 compete? -

Hopefuls must first be given the green light by the Guardian Council, an unelected body dominated by conservatives which vets all candidates for public office.

The 12-strong body of jurists, who are either appointed or approved by the supreme leader, has until June 11 to decide which of the candidates would be authorised to campaign for presidency.

In the 2021 election, the council only approved seven candidates out of 592 applicants, and struck down presidential bid by numerous reformist and moderate personalities.

This had allowed Raisi, then a candidate from the conservative and ultraconservative camp, to be easily elected in the first round.

Faced with a limited choice, many voters shunned the 2021 polls: participation reached just under 49 percent, the lowest rate for any presidential elections since the Islamic revolution of 1979.

Among this year's candidates, Ahmadinejad has already been disqualified twice, in 2017 and 2021, when Larijani and Jahangiri were too.

According to Iranian law, to be eligible for the presidency, candidates must be aged 40 to 75, hold at least a university master's degree and be loyal to the Islamic republic.

- Can a woman be elected? -

No women have been allowed to run for president since 1979, but the Guardian Council in 2021 ruled that there it was not legally banned.

One woman had entered the race in 1997, but her candidacy was rejected.

This year, four women, all former lawmakers, have submitted their candidacy.

One of them is the conservative Zohreh Elahian, who has defended the compulsory wearing of the veil for women and backed the authorities' response to a months-long wave of protests after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini in late 2022.

The European Union has subsequently sanctioned Elahian for "human rights violations in Iran".

- How powerful is the president? -

Unlike many countries, the Iranian president is not the head of state, and the ultimate authority in the Islamic republic is the supreme leader -- a post held by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for 35 years.

But the president still has an important role in directing the government and its policies.

On Monday, Khamenei called the upcoming vote "a big deal" and urged Iranians to participate in "great numbers".

The Islamic republic abolished the office of the prime minister in a constitutional referendum in 1989, 10 years after the revolution.
Israel said Tuesday it signed a $3 billion deal to buy a third squadron of 25 advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin, with the delivery to commence in 2028. Israel said Tuesday it signed a $3 billion deal to buy a third squadron of 25 advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin, with the delivery to commence in 2028.(REUTERS)

"At time when some of our adversaries aim to undermine our ties with our greatest ally, we only further strengthen our alliance," Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement announcing the deal.

"This sends a powerful message to our enemies across the region."

ALSO READ| Israeli Embassy asks citizens to visit Indian beaches after Maldives ban

The defence ministry said the deal would bring to 75 the number of F-35s in Israel's fleet.

"The delivery of the aircrafts to the IDF (army) will commence in 2028 at a rate of three to five aircrafts per year," the ministry said in a statement.

Israel is the only Middle East nation with F-35s, the world's most advanced fighter which is stealth capable and can be used to gather intelligence, strike deep into enemy territory and engage in air duels.

In May 2018, Israel's military said it had become the first country to use F-35s in combat.

Even before the war with Hamas erupted on October 7, Israel had launched hundreds of raids on Syrian territory during that country's years of war, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions.

In April, Iran carried out its first ever direct attack on Israel using more than 300 drones and missiles as the war with Hamas in Gaza raged.
SEOUL, South Korea  Animosities between North and South Korea are rising sharply again over an unusual cause: The North's rubbish-carrying balloons. North Korea's trash balloons deepen tensions with the South. Here's what's happening between rivals

In the past week, North Korea floated hundreds of huge balloons dumping manure, cigarette butts, scraps of cloth, waste batteries and even reportedly dirty diapers across South Korea. In response, South Korea vowed unbearable retaliatory steps and suspended a fragile military deal meant to ease tensions with its northern neighbor.

Experts say if South Korea resumes live-fire drills or anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts via loudspeakers in border areas, that's certain to infuriate North Korea and may prompt it to take its own provocative countermeasures along the border.

Heres a look at North Koreas balloon launches: WHAT DID NORTH KOREA DO?

Since May 28, North Korea has sent about 1,000 balloons carrying all kinds of trash across the border. No hazardous materials were found, but South Korean social media was still abuzz with worries that North Korea might use balloons to drop chemical, biological and other weapons next time.

After the first wave of balloons, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said they were deployed to make good on her countrys threat to scatter mounds of wastepaper and filth in South Korea, in reaction to previous South Korean campaigns by private citizens sending balloons with items to North Korea.

Kim Kang Il, a North Korean vice defense minister, said Sunday the North would halt its balloon campaign because it left the South Koreans with enough experience of how much unpleasant they feel.

South Korean civic activists have steadfastly launched their own helium-filled balloons to drop anti-Pyongyang leaflets and USB sticks with South Korean dramas and world news in North Korea, where most of its 26 million people have no official access to foreign news. Enraged, North Korea has previously fired at South Korean balloons and destroyed an empty, South Korean-built liaison office in the North. HOW DID SOUTH KOREA RESPOND?

South Koreas military didnt shoot down the incoming North Korean balloons to avoid potential damage on the ground and an unwanted armed clash with the North.

It has instead fully suspended a 2018 military agreement with North Korea to bolster its military readiness along the border. The agreement  reached during a brief period of inter-Korean rapprochement  requires the two Koreas to cease all sorts of hostile acts against each other at border areas, including firing exercises, aerial surveillance and psychological warfare.

The deal has already been in limbo, with both Korea taking some steps in breach of it amid tensions over North Korea's spy satellite launch last November. South Korea says the deals suspension would still formally allow it to restart front-line military drills and take swift, effective responses to North Korean provocations.

The responsibility for this situation lies solely with North Korea. If North Korea launches additional provocations, our military, in conjunction with the solid South Korea-U.S. defense posture, will punish North Korea swiftly, strongly and to the end, Cho Chang-rae, South Koreas deputy defense minister for policy, said.

At the center of media attention is whether South Korea will resume blaring anti-Pyongyang broadcasts, K-pop songs and outside news from its border loudspeakers. North Korea is extremely sensitive to such broadcasts because they could demoralize front-line troops and residents and eventually weaken leader Kim Jong Uns grip on power, experts say.

In 2015, when South Korea restarted loudspeaker broadcasts for the first time in 11 years, North Korea fired artillery rounds across the border, prompting South Korea to return fire, according to South Korean officials. No casualties were reported. WHAT'S NEXT?

North Korea's balloon campaign was among a series of provocations directed at South Korea recently. In past days, North Korea also test-fired a salvo of nuclear-capable weapons in a drill rehearsing a preemptive strike on South Korea, and allegedly jammed GPS navigation signals in South Korea.

Broadly, North Korea has ramped up weapons tests and toughened warlike rhetoric in recent years in what observers call a bid to boost its leverage in future diplomacy with the U.S. But experts say the North's latest steps were particularly designed to trigger a divide in South Korea over its conservative government's tough policy on North Korea.

The South Korean government's decision to suspend the 2018 deal invited criticism from opposition liberal lawmakers and activists, who espouse greater ties with North Korea. But it's unclear how influential their voices are, after the trash-carrying balloons deepened anti-North Korea sentiments in the South.

South Korean officials have no legal grounds to ban civilians from sending balloons with leaflets to the North. In 2023, the South Korean Constitutional Court struck down a contentious law that criminalized anti-Pyongyang balloon flying. The court called the law an excessive restriction on free speech.

Park Sang-hak, a North Korean defector-turned-activist known for his long-running leaflet campaigns, said he won't back down in the face of the North Korean threats.

We've sent North Korea the truth and love, medicines, one-dollar bills, dramas and songs, but they sent us garbage and filth?" Park said in a statement. We defectors will act ... We'll send our North Korean compatriots the truth and love.

North Korea has warned it will resumed its balloon activities if South Korean activists fly their balloons again.

I will just say that its obviously quite a disgusting tactic  irresponsible, childish  and it should come to an end," U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Monday over the North's balloon launches.

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BEIJING  Beijing's Tiananmen Square had checkpoints and police vehicles on Tuesday as China tried to silence the 35th anniversary of a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests. Hong Kong police arrested four people and swarmed a handful of others who tried to protest or commemorate as the effort extended beyond the mainland. Silence and heavy security in China and Hong Kong mark 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown

China has long quashed any public memory of the military crackdown on months-long protests at the heart of its capital. An estimated 180,000 troops and police rolled in with tanks and armored vehicles and fired into crowds trying to block them from advancing on the student-led demonstration in the square

Hundreds, if not thousands, are believed to have been killed in an overnight operation that ended on the morning of June 4, 1989.

It was a turning point in modern Chinese history as Communist Party hardliners embraced control instead of political reforms.

The economy boomed in the ensuing decades, turning a once impoverished country into the world's second largest economy, but societal controls have been tightened since party leader Xi Jinping came to power in 2012.

Across China, the anniversary remains a taboo subject that is heavily censored. Any mention on social media is quickly erased.

Life appeared as normal in Beijing on Tuesday, with tourists lining the streets leading to gates to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace across from it. The closest subway exit was closed, as was a viewing point atop Tiananmen Gate, according to a visitor registration website.

As to the political disturbance that occurred in the late 1980s, the Chinese government has long had a clear conclusion," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said without elaborating. Asked about Western government statements on the anniversary, she added, "We are firmly opposed to anyone using this as a pretext to attack and smear China and interfere in Chinas internal affairs.

Tiananmen Mothers, a group formed by families of the victims, made an online appeal to the Chinese government to publish the names and total number of those who died, grant compensation to the victims and their relatives and pursue legal accountability for those responsible.

The June 4 tragedy is a historical tragedy that the Chinese government must face and explain to its people, and some people in the government at that time should be held legally responsible for the indiscriminate killing of innocents, the group said in a letter signed by 114 family members and published on its website, which is blocked in China.

Tiananmen memorials were also scrubbed out in Hong Kong  for years the only place in China where they could take place. A carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups was held Tuesday in a park that for decades was the site of a huge candlelight vigil marking the anniversary.

Police officers were out in force.

An elderly man was seen being taken away after holding up two handwritten posters. One read: Remember 89! Mourn 64! Hong Kong media said that activist Alexandra Wong, popularly known as Grandma Wong, was also removed after she chanted slogans.

An journalist saw another woman taken away after being searched, and an online Hong Kong media outlet reported a fourth person taken in a police vehicle. In both cases it was unclear why.

Its different from the past," said Hong Kong resident Keith Law. "Many people seem to act as if theres nothing happening, including myself.

After darkness fell, one person who lit a candle and two others who turned on their smartphone lights were quickly cordoned off by police and questioned in three separate incidents outside the park. They were eventually released.

My heart hasnt died yet, said one, former vigil-goer Edward Yeung.

A woman who wore a T-shirt with the numbers 8964 in Roman numerals was taken away by police, however.

Rows of electronic candles lit up the dozens of windows of the American consulate at night, and the British consulate posted an image on the social media platform X of a hand holding up a smartphone with its light on and the Roman numerals VIIV, a reference to June 4. Hong Kong is a former British colony.

Some Hong Kong residents remembered the event privately, running 6.4 kilometers on Monday or sharing Tiananmen-related content on social media.

Late Tuesday, police said they arrested four people aged between 23 and 69. Among them was a 68-year-old woman detained on suspicion of sedition under the citys new national security law. Police said she had chanted slogans in public.

Two others were accused of assaulting police officers and disorderly conduct in a public place. The remaining suspect was arrested for alleged common assault. Police didnt identify them.

Authorities also said five other people suspected of breaching public peace were taken for further investigation, but all were later released.

Hong Kong leader John Lee did not answer directly when asked Tuesday whether residents could still publicly mourn the crackdown. He urged residents not to let down their guard against any attempts to cause trouble.

The threat to national security is real, Lee said at a weekly briefing. Such activities can happen all of a sudden, and different people may use different excuses to hide their intention.

Commemorative events have grown overseas in response to the silencing of voices in Hong Kong. More than 100 people gathered in Washington, D.C., to light candles on Monday at the foot of a replica of a statue erected on the square during the 1989 protest  a woman holding a torch and known as the Goddess of Democracy.

Chinese people cannot speak for themselves, so we must speak for them, said political commentator Gordon Chang.

That sentiment was echoed in Taiwan, where people laid flowers and put electronic candles on the numbers 8964  representing June 4, 1989  on a banner spread on the ground in Taipei, the capital. Taiwan is a self-governing democratic island that China claims as its territory.

"As long as other places can still protest, we must continue to protest, resident Leo Chiang said.

Leung reported from Hong Kong. Associated Press journalists Emily Wang Fujiyama in Beijing, Johnson Lai in Taipei, Taiwan, and Didi Tang in Washington, D.C., contributed.

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AS UKRAINE COMES under mounting pressure on the battlefield, Europe is desperately scrambling to boost its puny production of artillery shells and missiles. In January the EU admitted that it had fallen well short of its pledge to provide Ukraine with one million shells by March 2024. On March 15th it allocated 500m ($542m) to ramp up production. But the biggest bottleneck is something that was an afterthought until recently: a shortage of explosives.

The scheme in question is called the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), and three-quarters of the funding, or some 372m, will be lavished on manufacturers of things that go boom. Europe needs bushels of combustibles to reach its target of producing 2m shells a year by the end of 2025. Each artillery shell is crammed with 10.8kg of a high-explosive such as TNT, HMX or RDX. Additional propellant charges are also needed to hurl the rounds over tens of kilometres. Other munitions require even larger amounts: the high-explosive warhead on a Storm Shadow missile, for example, weighs around 450kg. The trouble is that explosive makers are unsure that production can be cranked up and fear that the quirks of the industry will hamper the surge that Ukraine needs to remain competitive on the battlefield.

Read more of our recent coverage of the Ukraine war

The end of the cold war sent demand for weapons plummeting, and forced many European explosive manufacturers to scale back operations, merge or simply shut up shop. Britain, for example, closed its last explosives plant in 2008. Europes last major producer of TNT is located in northern Poland. Elsewhere, many government-owned facilities were either privatised or mothballed. For decades their production has been calibrated for peacetime efficiency, not industrial-scale output, notes Johann Hocherl, a professor at the Bundeswehr University in Munich. As a result, there is very little slack left in the supply chain to meet surging demand.

Take the explosives that go into the main charge of an artillery round or missile. Only a handful of companies still produce NATO-standard high-energy materials. One is Chemring Nobel, which occupies a sprawling plant in Saetre, Norway. Another is Frances EURENCO, which runs a similarly huge facility in Karlskoga, Sweden. Both firms order books have swelled since Russias invasion. EURENCOs is chock-full until 2030 and Chemrings Saetre plant is running at full tilt. Tim Lawrenson of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a think-tank, argues that turning mothballed plants back on will take time, given the need to retool and refurbish facilities.

Enticed by the ASAP subsidies, companies are pouring money into expanding capacity. But one industry insider notes that building a plant from scratch can take from three to seven years. A case in point: Rheinmetall, an ammunition provider, is building an explosives complex in Hungary; yet production will only start in 2027. A thicket of safety and environmental regulations can also impede expansion of capacity, says Christian Molling of the German Council on Foreign Relations, another think-tank.

Explosive makers also face their own supply-side squeezes. One is an industry-wide shortage of skilled workers; grizzled engineers are retiring and few young people fancy handling explosives for a graduate job, says Mr Hocherl. Supplies of critical raw materials, like chemical precursors, are also under strain. Sourcing nitric acid, a crucial ingredient of TNT, HMX and RDXand also of nitrocellulose, the basis of most military propellantscan be particularly challenging. At the moment, nitric acid production goes largely towards fertilisers. But as fertiliser producers suffer from higher energy costs, explosive makers have had to grapple with tightening supply. There are also supply-chain vulnerabilities: cotton linters, a type of fibre that is another key ingredient in nitrocellulose, are mostly imported from China.

Amid these difficulties, some ammunition providers are looking further afield for their explosives. Reports indicate that Indian and Japanese explosive makers are filling some of the gap. Some experts worry that explosives from abroad are of lesser quality and could therefore damage equipment. The rhetoric from European governments is bullish and it is true that some progress is being made: EU-wide annual shell production is projected to reach at least 1.4m by the end of 2024, up from around 500,000 a year ago. When he laid the first brick for EURENCOs propellant factory in Bergerac on April 11th French President Emmanuel Macron defended the performance of Frances war economy. The plant, he said, would open, in record time, by 2025. Yet as Russias summer offensive gets under way, that is not quick enough to help shell-starved Ukrainians.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Ukrainians on Tuesday were mourning the hundreds of children killed since the beginning of Russia's invasion, hours after a fresh attack left two children wounded in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukrainians mourn children killed in Russia's invasion

June 4 marks the UN's International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.

More than 600 children have been killed in Ukraine since the beginning of the war in 2022, according to the United Nations, with fighting wounding another 1,420 across the country.

The UN says the real figure is likely considerably higher.

Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska, speaking at a World War II memorial to commemorate killed children, urged her country's allies to supply the military with more weapons to fend off Russian attacks.

"Help us save our children. We cannot measure the value of their lives by the cost of air defences," Zelenska said at the event in Kyiv, where those gathered held a moment of silence.

In central Lviv, a western Ukraine city that has been spared the brunt of fighting with Russian forces, residents hung bells and strips of white cloth on an effigy of an angel.

The Kremlin has repeatedly said its forces do not target civilians and that the supply of Western weapons to Ukraine will only prolong the suffering of its civilian population.

Earlier this week, a 12-year-old boy was among the latest children reported killed after a Russian aerial attack on the eastern Donetsk region.

A one-month-old boy and a 17-year-old boy were meanwhile wounded by Russian rockets earlier on Tuesday in the Dnipropetrovsk region, local authorities said.

Ukrainian rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said that since 2014, when Kremlin-backed separatists began seizing towns and villages in eastern Ukraine, nearly 800 children have been killed.

"These are 790 killed universes and grieving families," he said in a post on social media.

UN humanitarian coordinator Denise Brown at the event in Kyiv said that Russia was "blatantly disregarding" its commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"Russia's invasion is inflicting immense physical, psychological, and emotional harm on children, disrupting their lives and jeopardising their future," she said.

bur-jbr/oc/am/bc

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On Monday, President Biden referred to Donald Trump as a "convicted felon" for the first time since the former president was found guilty of hush money in his Manhattan trial. President Biden calls Donald Trump a "convicted felon". REUTERS/Brendan McDermid and Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo/File Photo(REUTERS)

Biden additionally accused Trump of seeking the presidency because he is worried about preserving his freedoms at a fundraiser in Greenwich, Connecticut.

The commander-in-chief addressed supporters at the residence of former HBO CEO Richard Plepler, saying, For the first time in American history, a former president who is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the presidency.

Although the Biden campaign has referred to Trump as a "convicted felon" multiple times since the guilty verdict on 30 May, the president had not yet used the term.

Also Read: Mike Johnson vows to fight back after Trump's historic guilty verdict in hush money trial

Biden warns of Trump's greater threat in potential second term

According to a pool report, Biden continued, But as disturbing as that is, more damaging is the all-out assault Donald Trump is making on the American system of justice.

The president said that Trump's "threat" in a prospective second term is "greater" than in his first term because he is aiming to "exact revenge" for his 2020 setback and subsequent criminal indictment.

Something snapped in him when he lost in 2020, Biden said. He cant accept he lost and it is literally driving him crazy.

He is clearly unhinged.

Now, after his criminal convictions, its clear hes worried about preserving his freedoms, Biden claimed.

Biden's fundraising coincides with Trump's recent massive infusion of campaign funds, which has been aided by the guilty verdict.

In the 24 hours after Thursday's ruling, the Trump campaign reported generating about $53 million in donations, with nearly one-third coming from first-time donors.

The Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign claim they raised a total of $141 million in May for the former president's third presidential campaign.

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 5 November, Trump campaign advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles said in a statement.

Democratic Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Representative Jim Himes (D-Conn.) and former Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) were among those in attendance at the Biden fundraiser.

Allegations against the Biden family by Trumps' senior campaign adviser

Senior Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller responded to Biden's comments, telling The Post that the president "will do anything to distract" from his first son Hunter Biden's federal guns trial in Delaware, which began on Monday.

Crooked Joe Biden will do anything to distract from Hunters trial and the fact his family has raked in tens of millions of dollars from China, Russia and Ukraine, he said. The Biden Family Criminal Empire is all coming to an end on 5 November, and never again will a Biden sell government access for personal profit.
Party time for a little princess! The baby girl of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is turning three on June 4th, and the Sussexes are hosting a pre-birthday celebration at their home in Santa Barbara. The party started over the weekend with the attendance of close friends, family, and some special guests for the birthday girl. The celebratory mood comes shortly after Meghan received a distinguished honour in Nigeria, a month after the couple toured the country as part of Invictus. Prince Harry likely feels keenly' that Archie and Lilibet are missing out on a significant Royal Easter tradition this year, reported The Mirror.(Alexi Lubomirski / Courtesy Archewell Foundation)

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's daughter turns three

Harry and Meghan left the UK palace in 2020 after tying the knot in 2018. While their first child, Archie, was born in Harrys hometown, their second, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, aka Lilibet, arrived in California after the couple stepped down from royal duties and moved to Meghan's hometown. As per People, they're celebrating her birthday a bit early, surrounded by their close circle family members, minus the royals.

Also read: Brad Pitt in pain as Shiloh drops his last name; he always wanted a daughter

Lilibet's first name honours Queen Elizabeths family nickname, while her middle name, Diana, pays tribute to her beloved late grandmother, the Princess of Wales. Having raised their kids mostly out of the spotlight, the arrival of Lilibet was announced in 2021 when Meghan and Harry, in a joint statement, said, "This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world. Archie made us 'Mama' and 'Papa,' and Lili made us a family.

Fans are eagerly waiting for the Sussexes to possibly unveil a new portrait of the birthday girl, just like Kate Middleton and Prince Williams kids. However, reports of their private celebrations have surfaced, making it seem unlikely. The estranged royals didnt share any pictures of Archie when he turned five last month at their Montecito home.

Also read: Jennifer Lopez hits flea market looking gloomy with her daughter after 'devastating' tour cancellation

Meghan Markle honoured with traditional Chieftaincy

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently enjoyed a successful three-day trip to Nigeria as part of the Invictus Games. Their visit included a stop in Iwo, where Meghan received a special honour. The Oluwu of Iso, a traditional Nigerian leader, bestowed upon her a Chieftaincy Title and the Yoruba name Adetokunbo. In return, the Duchess wrote to Oba thanking him for the honour and hospitality.

Your Imperial Majesty, 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. She wrote in her letter as reported by Western post.

Our visit to Nigeria was important for many reasons, but 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, she concluded.
WILMINGTON, Del.  Federal prosecutors on Tuesday painted President Joe Bidens son Hunter as a clear drug addict whose dark habits ensnared loved ones and who knew what he was doing when he lied on federal forms to purchase a gun in 2018 when he said he wasn't in the throes of addiction. Prosecutors say Hunter Biden was a clear addict and lied when he filled out a gun-purchase form

Hunter Biden has been charged with three felonies stemming from the purchase when he was, according to his memoir, addicted to crack. 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.

Prosecutors told the jury in their opening statement that Hunter Biden was clearly an addict when he bought the gun, and that he told his brothers widow he was waiting for a drug dealer just days after he lied on the form.

No one is allowed to lie on a federal form like that, even Hunter Biden, federal prosecutor Derek Hines said.

He crossed the line when he chose to buy a gun and lied about a federal background check ... the defendants choice to buy a gun is why we are here."

Hines said addiction is depressing" but that Hunter Biden's addiction isn't the reason for the case.

The proceedings come 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 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.

First lady Jill Biden and his sister Ashley Biden joined him again in the courtroom as opening statements began.

The trial is unfolding just days after Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City. The two criminal cases are unrelated, but their proximity underscores how the courts have taken center stage during the 2024 campaign.

Jury selection moved at a clip Monday in the president's home state, where Hunter Biden grew up and where the family is deeply established. Joe Biden spent 36 years as a senator in Delaware, commuting daily to Washington.

People there are familiar with how Biden's two young sons, Hunter and Beau, were injured in the car accident that killed his wife and baby girl in the early 1970s. And Beau Biden was the former state attorney general before he died at age 46 from cancer.

Some prospective jurors were dismissed because they knew the family personally, others because they held both positive and negative political views about the Bidens and couldn't be impartial. Still, it took only a day to find the 12-person panel and four alternates.

Hunter Biden also faces a trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. Both cases were to have been resolved through the 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 could not come to a resolution on her questions, and the deal fell apart. Attorney General Merrick Garland then appointed the top investigator, a former U.S. attorney for Delaware, David Weiss, as a special counsel in August, and a month later Hunter Biden was indicted.

Opening statements come as Garland faces members of the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee in Washington, which has been investigating the president and his family and whose chairman has been at the forefront of a stalled impeachment inquiry stemming from Hunter Bidens business dealings.

The Delaware trial isn't about Hunter Biden's foreign business affairs, though the proceedings are likely to dredge up dark, embarrassing and painful memories.

The presidents allies are worried about the toll the trial may take on the elder Biden, whos long been concerned about his only living son and his sobriety and who must now watch as his sons past mistakes are publicly scrutinized. And the president must do so while he's campaigning under anemic poll numbers and preparing for an upcoming presidential debate with Trump.

Aboard Air Force One on Monday night, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked if the case might affect the presidents ability to do his job, and she replied, Absolutely not.

He always puts the American people first and is capable of doing his job, said Jean-Pierre, who declined to say if Biden got updates on the trial throughout the day or spoke to his son after the proceedings concluded.

Biden was scheduled to travel to France on Tuesday evening and will be gone the rest of the week. The first lady is scheduled to join him later this week.

The case against Hunter Biden stems from a period when, by his own public admission, he was addicted to crack. His descent followed the 2015 death of his brother from cancer.

If 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.

Trump is set to be sentenced on July 11 by Judge Juan M. Merchan, who raised the specter of jail time during the trial after the former president racked up thousands of dollars in fines for violating a gag order.

Long reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington and Fatima Hussein aboard Air Force One contributed to this report.

Follow the 's coverage of Hunter Biden at /hub/hunter-biden.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
A Jeffrey Epstein accuser, using the pseudonym Jane Doe 11, sued a prominent 91-year-old psychiatrist who was once a part of the sex offender's inner circle of friends. The plaintiff filed a complaint on Monday in Manhattan federal court, saying Henry Jarecki turned her into a "modern-day sex slave. FILE PHOTO: Demonstrators hold signs aloft protesting Jeffrey Epstein, as he awaits arraignment in the Southern District of New York on charges of sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors, in New York, U.S., July 8, 2019. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo(REUTERS)

The one-time model alleged he repeatedly raped her for years, starting in 2011. Moreover, the late financier recommended him to her for her mental health treatment, but the psychiatrist, in turn, enabled Epstein's sex trafficking. Doe accused Jarecki of raping Jane Doe 11 by force on dozens of occasions in New York. In addition, her complaint mentions him trafficking her to his private Caribbean island, where she was sexually abused.

Well-connected psychiatrist linked to Jeffrey Epstein sued

Describing Jarecki as Epstein's go-to doctor, whom he referred to young women dealing with depression, Doe also stated that the psychiatrist would unload confidential medical details to Epstein. According to Reuters' June 4 report, he also protected the financier from law enforcement.

Also read | California lawmaker whose parents died of COVID-19 counterstrikes MTG, hails Fauci as an American hero

However, Jarecki's lawyer, Sarita Kedia, rebuffed these claims in the filing, suggesting they'd be shown to be entirely false and baseless. She further emphasised that Jarecki never engaged in any abusive conduct with the complainant or any other person.

Jarecki is a Yale University faculty member and the latest person to be linked to Epstein's misconduct. He is also known for writing the book Modern Psychiatric Treatment.

Doe's Monday complaint states that she came to the US in 2010. In her search for a visa to work as a model, another model referred her to Epstein. The infamous sex offender later sent her to the doctor when she showed signs of depression. Epstein hailed him as the best doctor in New York City.

Also read | Caitlin Clark NOT the only reason for WNBA's popularity surge, Angel Reese okay being bad guy in longstanding rivalry

However, things supposedly took a dark turn. Although Jarecki allegedly promised to save her from Epstein, he had her shift to an apartment under his supervision. Doe's filings claim that he would monitor the place from his bedroom.

She also held him accountable for using the place of residence to force her into sex during his 70s. Holding threats against her work status as leverage, he allegedly scared her by name-dropping Epstein and reminding her of the high rent he'd be charging if she failed to comply with his commands.

Doe's civil lawsuit cites sexual battery, emotional distress and violations of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act. As she seeks compensatory and punitive damages in the case, Doe said that Jarecki controlled aspects of her life, ordering her to go to bed at 10 pm. The plaintiff asserted that the doctor would reach out to her, expressing his displeasure regarding her not smiling enough. He would even allegedly push her to sleep if he saw her lights on at 10:15.

Elsewhere in the Doe's suit, she alleges the psychiatrist later also ordered her to engage in threesomes. The suit charges that he compelled her to have sex with other men in front of him. The filing adds, Jarecki would constantly remind her of her fragile immigration status despite her showing more signs of emotional deterioration.

This case is listed Doe v Jarecki, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 24-04208."
Princess Lilibet turned three on June 4, 2024. Harry and Meghan reportedly hosted a big birthday bash to celebrate the occasion, including celebrities and close family members, which, of course, did not include the royals, according to sources. However, the young princess is believed to have received a special gift from her grandfather King Charles despite the family feud. Whether William or Kate did the same is still unclear, but royal experts believe that the Kings thoughtful gesture might have swayed some hearts. Lilibet's third birthday celebrated by Harry and Meghan with celebrities. King Charles's thoughtful gift amidst family feud. The extravagant party excluded royals but was a star-studded event.

King Charles extends an olive branch to Princess Lilibet

The Sussexes kicked off the celebration a bit earlier at their $14 million mansion in Montecito, California. The event was a star-studded spectacle, with celebrities such as Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, and other friends of Meghan reported to have attended. According to the Mirror, the estranged couple did not send an invite to the royals amid the ongoing bitter feud. However, this didn't stop King Charles from making a special gesture towards his granddaughter.

As per royal author and expert Tom Quinn, King Charles had no intention of completely ignoring Lilibet's birthday so he has sent a gift along with a message.

Also read: Happy Birthday Lilibet: Meghan and Prince Harry host lavish party with family; may break royal tradition again..

King Charles has a history of making sure his grandkids receive special treatment. A royal insider revealed to OK! magazine last year that the King sent a beautiful, custom-made cubby house, which was first given to Queen Elizabeth II and then inherited by other royals. "He wants to give Lili something she will use and be hers, that she'll remember forever," a source told the outlet.

King Charles is saving the best gift for later

Last year, Harry reportedly cautioned Charles against presenting his children with such extravagant toys. Nevertheless, the monarch is withholding a special gift for the kids, possibly until the family feud subsides. He gave Prince George a beautiful hand-made wooden swing with George's name carved on it and he has plans to give something similar to Lilibet but not this year. And not unless and until the family feud dies down.

Lilibet's birthday party was anything but low-key, with Hollywood A-listers marking their attendance. Tom noted that instead of a simple celebration, Harry and Meghan went all out for their daughter's pre-birthday bash. Despite skipping extravagant gifts, their California mansion was bustling with notable guests. Besides Katy and Orlando, who are neighbours of the Sussexes, other prominent figures like Ellen DeGeneres, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Oprah Winfrey also reside nearby.

Also read: Top scientist Faucis Covid-19 bombshells: from 'lab leak theory' to 'US needs to prepare for next

Harry and Meghan left royals out of guest list

Harry has expressed a desire for his children, Archie and Lilibet, to build strong relationships with their cousins, George, Charlotte, and Louis. However, it's reported that he and Meghan chose not to invite the Royal Family to Lilibet's party. As per the UK outlet, an old friend of Harry remarked, 'Harry knew they wouldnt come anyway and he was pretty sure he would not have wanted them there. But he is really sad that Archie and Lilibet cannot have any kind of relationship with their cousins while his feud with his family continues'."
A new poll launched after former President Donald Trump's guilty verdict finds that nearly half of Americans believe he should drop his 2024 presidential campaign. Contrarily, almost half of Americans also hold the belief that all charges against him in the criminal hush money cases were politically motivated. FILE - In this combination of photos, President Joe Biden speaks on Aug. 10, 2023, in Salt Lake City, from left, former President Donald Trump speaks on July 8, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo, File)(AP)

The latest post-conviction survey ABC News/Ipsos released on Sunday reflected trouble ahead for the Republican presidential nominee.

Despite the warning signs for Trump, favourable opinions of him and his frontrunning Democrat rival, Joe Biden, remained essentially unchanged after the historic New York trial declared Trump the first-ever convicted former president. The poll was conducted from May 31 to June 1.

Donald Trump vs Joe Biden: Results of the post-conviction poll

Although Americans majorly agreed with the verdict, with the survey reflecting 50% of pollers agreeing with the hush money trial's verdict, a quarter of Americans (23%) didn't have an opinion on whether the verdict was correct or not. On the other hand, 27% of the pollers didn't support the verdict of Trump falsifying business records regarding a payment made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

Also read | Jeffrey Epstein accuser sues psychiatrist, 91, for making her modern-day sex slave

Meanwhile, even with Trump being found guilty on all 34 counts on Thursday, his favorability firmly stood at 31%. As for the favourable numbers pushing for Biden, the results remained consistently low. His rating was 32%, whereas a similar March 2024 poll recorded his favorability at 33%.

With 47% of Americans claiming that the charges against him were politically motivated, 38% disagreed with the notion. Similarly, slightly over half of Americans (51%) perceive that the former president was involved in something illegal." Among the remaining numbers, 12% believe that though he engaged in something wrong, he didn't do it intentionally. At the same time, 19% firmly held the belief that he didn't do anything wrong.

Bipartisan divide and its translation in the survey numbers

Meanwhile, along bipartisan lines, 16% of Republicans stood by the verdict, representing the same percentage of people admitting Trump should put an end to his campaign. Conversely, 83% of Democrats agreed with the verdict, and 79% nodded to the idea of him dropping out of the presidential race.

Ultimately, 49% of pollers struck out, suggesting that Trump should call off the presidential campaign. This figure bore an uncanny resemblance to the findings from a similar 2023 poll conducted soon after the Manhattan jury issued his indictment. Back then, 48% of pollers said he should drop his campaign.

Also read | Caitlin Clark NOT the only reason for WNBA's popularity surge, Angel Reese okay being bad guy in longstanding rivalry

Among these pollers, a margin of 80% of Republicans and 20% of Democrats perceived the trial's verdict was politically motivated.

Independents and Double-haters to become the ultimate deciding factor

The significantly stable numbers across surveys showed a general unfavourability for both the contenders. Ultimately, ABC News' poll suggested the result could be materially moulded by Independent voters or double-haters.

A 52% majority of Independents agreed with Trump's conviction, affirming that he should wrap up his presidential campaign. 45% of Independents considered the verdict politically motivated.

These numbers hit a significant high among double-haters, as 65% thought the verdict was correct. In addition, 67% settled with the idea that Trump should suspend his presidential bid. 50% of Americans who see both Trump and Biden as unfavourable candidates thought the hush money trial was politically motivated.

On the political field, Trump questioned the legitimacy of the verdict, declaring those levying these charges him bad sick people. His legal team plans to appeal the verdict, with Trump, himself, calling on the Supreme Court to intervene and annul his guilty verdict.
PITTSBURGH  A Pennsylvania man who had been serving life for second-degree murder died over the weekend, 12 days after being granted a medical transfer from prison to a facility that could better treat his condition, including quadriplegia. Prisoner dies 12 days after Pennsylvania judge granted compassionate release for health reasons

Ezra Bozeman, 68, died on Saturday at the UPMC Altoona medical center, Ryan Tarkowski, communications director for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, confirmed on Tuesday.

He had been jailed for 49 years before an Allegheny County judge granted his request for compassionate release last month.

Bozeman had been on life support. He had a back injury that had been misdiagnosed for several years, according to his lawyer, Dolly Prabhu, and he required extensive medical care after he became paralyzed from the chest down after surgery.

An email seeking comment was left with the office of Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala, which had opposed the release.

Prabhu, with the Abolitionist Law Center, described Bozeman as the sweetest, sweetest person.

He was always, always so optimistic, Prabhu said Tuesday. And he was confident that it wasnt a matter of if he gets out, it was when he gets out.

Bozeman had been convicted in 1975 in the shooting death of Morris Weitz, a dry-cleaning business co-owner, during an attempted robbery. He had maintained he was innocent.

Pennsylvania's compassionate release law covers incarcerated people who are seriously ill and expected to die within a year. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that about 50 people have been granted compassionate release over the past 15 years.

Prabhu said it is common for prisoners seeking compassionate release to be close to death, which she said is a consequence of the terms of Pennsylvania's law on compassionate release. She said there are hundreds of Ezra Bozemans in the state's prisons, and prisons are not equipped to care for very sick, elderly people.

We have such harsh sentencing laws, and so we have so many elderly people right now incarcerated, Prabhu said. And compassionate release is one of the few avenues they have in getting out and getting the care that they need."

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
By Luc Cohen Trump asks judge to lift gag order after conviction in hush money case

NEW YORK, -

Donald Trump on Tuesday asked the judge who oversaw his criminal trial on charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star to lift a gag order on the case, in which the former U.S. president was convicted last week.

Before the trial began in April, Justice Juan Merchan restricted Trump's public statements about jurors, witnesses and others involved in the case. Prosecutors argued Trump's history of making threatening statements showed he could derail proceedings in the case unless the judge acted.

"Now that the trial is concluded, the concerns articulated by the government and the Court do not justify continued restrictions on the First Amendment rights of President Trump," defense lawyer Todd Blanche wrote in a letter dated June 3 and made public on Tuesday.

A Manhattan jury last week found Trump guilty on all 34 counts he faced of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election for her silence about a sexual encounter she says they had.

Trump, the Republican candidate in the 2024 election, denies having sex with Daniels and has vowed to appeal the conviction. He has often called the gag order an unconstitutional violation of his right to free speech.

A spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office brought the case, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

During the trial, Merchan fined Trump $1,000 for each of 10 violations of the gag order. Those included a social media post in which he called Cohen a "serial liar" and an interview in which he said, "that jury was picked so fast - 95% Democrats."

The judge on May 6 threatened to jail Trump for any future violation.

In the letter, Blanche argued that Democratic President Joe Biden - Trump's opponent in the November election - had commented publicly about the verdict, and that the two men were slated to debate on June 27. He also noted that Cohen and Daniels continued to attack Trump in public.

The order does not limit Trump's comments about the case in general. Merchan in an April 30 ruling said that witnesses who publicly criticize Trump likely do not need to be protected by the gag order, and on May 6 he rejected two of prosecutors' requests to fine Trump over comments about Cohen.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
President Joe Biden is expected to reveal a new plan Tuesday restricting migrants from crossing the southern border, until the rate of asylum seekers drops to 1,500 people per day.

What Restrictions Does the Executive Order Contain?

The restrictions are expected to kick in if the average number of daily encounters at the border reaches 2,500, sources familiar with the planned executive order told the Associated Press. The figures will be determined based on a weekly average of encounters.

The 1,500 threshold that would reopen the border will likely be a challenging one to reach. The last time border crossings dropped so low was at the height of COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden is expected to announce the executive order during a gathering of border city mayors that will be held at the White House.

Why Are Some Advocates Against the Plan?

Biden's border plan would be the most restrictive immigration policy passed by any modern Democrat - approaching levels of restriction comparable to that of former President Donald Trump.

Some immigration advocates are already planning to challenge Biden's order. The American Civil Liberties Union told the Associated Press they were waiting to see the official text of the executive order before "making final litigation decisions."

"But a policy that effectively shuts down asylum would raise clear legal problems, just as (it) did when the Trump administration tried to end asylum."

Democratic Representative Henry Cueller expressed that a plan should've been implemented long before now, while adding that this would require the cooperation of Mexico's government.

"If you think about the logistics, where else can they go?" Cuellar said, according to the Associated Press. "If they're not going to let them in, where do they go? Do they return them or do they try to deport as many as they can? We did add a lot more money into ICE so they can deport, but the easiest thing, of course, is just send them back to Mexico. You've got to have the help of Mexico to make this work."

The president is also receiving negative feedback from the right - with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson criticizing the plan on social media.

"President Biden has engineered a wide-open southern border and is now trying to convince Americans that he wants to address the chaos he created," he wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

"The American people know better. He intentionally created this crisis and an executive order won't change that."
A Nebraska nursing home resident was declared dead and taken to a local funeral home  where workers unexpectedly discovered she was still alive.

"I can't imagine her family has went through," Chief Deputy Ben Houchin of the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office said.

Constance Glantz, 74, was receiving end-of-life hospice care at The Mulberry nursing home in Waverly when she was mistakenly thought to have died around 9:45 a.m. Monday.

Glantz was transported to the Butherus Maser & Love Funeral Home in Lincoln, where workers put her on embalming table around 11:40 a.m. and immediately noticed she was breathing.

The workers began performing CPR and an ambulance crew took her to a nearby hospital where local TV station KETV said she died around 4 p.m. Monday.

During a news conference before her death, Houchin called it a "very unusual case."

"Been doing this 31 years and nothing like this has ever gotten to this point before," he said.

Glantz had been seen within the past week by a physician who was willing to sign a death certificate so a coroner wasn't called to the nursing home when she was mistakenly believed to have died, Houchin said.

"At this point, we have not been able to find any criminal intent by the nursing home but the investigation is ongoing," he said.

A woman who answered the phone at the nursing home Tuesday declined to comment, the Associated Press reported.


Bringing the cosmopolitan style of Pullman and the balanced approach of Novotel to one of China's most historic and beautiful tourist towns.

Accor Greater China, together with Shandong Tai'erzhuang Ancient Town State-owned Capital Investment and Operation Limited Company, announced the signing of a new development project, featuring two of Accor's top hospitality brands. In Tai'erzhuang Ancient Town, Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province, a new 120-guestroom Pullman Tai'erzhuang will overlook the banks of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, while the 200-guestroom Novotel Tai'erzhuang will offer a comfortable guest experience in the heart of the historic town.

At the center of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Tai'erzhuang is one of the largest ancient towns in China. It is designated as a national 5A-level tourist attraction and is renowned as one of the most beautiful water towns in China, featuring unique northern-style courtyards, Minnan architecture, and historic buildings and traditional street scenes. In addition to its importance as a hub for tourism and business, Tai'erzhuang is also emerging as an important economic and commercial center in Shandong Province, with upgraded infrastructure, industrial parks, and commercial centers.

One of China's top premium hospitality brands, Pullman embodies the spirit of boundless innovation, brilliance, and limitless possibilities. The contemporary and cosmopolitan style of the new Pullman hotel will weave a narrative of progress and glamor, with stylish food & beverage, and guest experiences designed to shape new and elevated lifestyles. Guests of Pullman Tai'erzhuang will enjoy amazing views of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, while a 1,400 sqm ballroom will serve as a new venue for spectacles and community events such as concerts, performances, celebrations, and conferences.

Novotel is one of Accor's flagship brands,one of the top three best known midscale brands in the world. It is a top choice of Chinese travelers and investors, with a development pipeline that will double the brand's presence in Greater China by 2030. The new Novotel Tai'erzhuang will be the ultimate destination for family, friends and business travelers. The hotel's sustainable design, natural hues and thoughtful services will provide a balanced experience, seamlessly adapting from work to pleasure.

The Pullman and Novotel brands each has more than 50 hotels across Greater China, and are on track to double their portfolios over the next few years. Having recently opened its 700th hotel in Greater China, Accor anticipates opening more than 100 hotels across the region in 2024 and signing more than 150 new development projects.

Hotel website
NH Collection Colombo Hotel opened its doors on June 1st in the heart of the city, steps away from Liberty Arcade and the Indian Ocean, and within a 10-minute drive of the National Museum, Independence Square and Pettah Market. Sri Lanka's main airport, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), is a 45-minute drive from the property. The five-star hotel boasts 219 rooms and suites, ranging from 33 to 254 sqm, and includes the city's largest Presidential Suite. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows providing expansive views of the Indian Ocean or the city.

NH Collection Colombo has six food and beverage outlets offering authentic global flavours, including international all-day dining, specialty Indian, and specialty Thai and Japanese restaurants; a rooftop bar with panoramic sunset ocean views; and a cafe and a lounge off the hotel's lobby. For business and event needs, the hotel offers modern meeting and event spaces that accommodate up to 200 attendees in two banquet facilities, five meeting rooms and a boardroom. NH Collection Colombo's wellness amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, rooftop infinity pool and spa.

Hotel website
Cardo's second venture offers contemporary design, vibrant gathering spaces and mesmerizing wellness facilities. At the same time, it pays homage to 'Belgitude', the rich and often whimsical cultural heritage of Brussels. Here, guests do not need to choose between business and pleasure; they can have it all.

Cardo Hotels, the new lifestyle hospitality brand, is excited to be opening its second hotel, this time in Brussels. Just like its sister property in Rome, the new hotel joins the Autograph Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of over 31 extraordinary hotel brands.

Located at the buzzing Place Rogier, Cardo Brussels offers a new landmark destination, ideally situated between the city center and business district. It is housed in a majestic 30-storey building with stunning views of the city. Its unique blend of lifestyle and business spaces appeal to the modern nomads who want everything: playful design and spacious bedrooms, work meetings that transition into leisurely swims in rooftop pools, and immersive experiences that deepen their connection to the city's culture.

A room with a view, a meeting with a heart

Cardo's embrace of playful 'Belgitude' starts from its striking exterior, where Rene Magritte's world-famous self-portrait 'Le fils de l'homme' covers the entire facade of the building.

Upon entering, guests walk past a huge screen that transforms them into cartoon avatars. This design approach is evident throughout the 532 spacious rooms (starting from 28sqm) that span 24 floors.

Among the hotel's highlights is the versatility of the suites. Each one offers different elements to the design mix, such as the ZEN Suite with private spa facilities (sauna and treatment room) or the BIG Suite with a smart meeting room and the TOP Suite of 175m2 that comes with a fully equipped kitchen space and double bedrooms.

As a true business hub, and with events at Cardo's heart, the hotel has fifteen spacious meeting spaces with distinctive designs, set up with flexible walls, state-of-the-art technology and playful libraries. Drenched in natural daylight, some with jaw-dropping views over the city, these spaces make 'workations' into attractive and creative environments rather than stuffy afterthoughts. In addition, there's an immense ballroom and an elegant pre-function space that accommodates up to 700 people for any type of event.

Belgian gastronomy and the art of wellness

Showcasing a creative mix of local and global flavours, the hotel is set to become a culinary destination with its exceptional array of bars and restaurants, including a majestic restaurant on the 30th floor.

Gritto's Restaurant, inspired by Magritte's nickname, offers a fresh and extensive daily breakfast and honours Belgian cuisine with a creative twist. At the colourful Doodles Bar with its comics-inspired decor, guests can experience high-spirited ambience with all-day dining and curated mixology.

Akai takes things to a higher level  quite literally, as it's located near the top of the hotel. A vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar, it features an eclectic mix of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, signature cocktails, stunning panoramic views of Brussels, and opulent design.

Wellbeing is also at the core of Cardo's concept. Breathtaking views are guaranteed with fitness and spa facilities located at the top of the hotel. For an energizing work-out there is the 160sqm gym with innovative Technogym weights and cardio equipment, open 24/7. Wellness seekers can visit the ultra-relaxing Contour Spa with five treatment rooms, sauna and relaxation area, while the exceptionally large indoor rooftop pool of 70sqm, covered and surrounded by glass windows, is open year-round.

At Cardo Brussels, guests can immerse themselves in a whole new hotel experience. Its unique proposition is a breath of fresh air in a city where classic design and mundane corporate hotels ruled - until now.

Hotel website
MCLEAN, Va.  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.

NoMad London - Bedroom  Photo by Hilton

Graduate Princeton - Guest Room - King  Photo by Hilton

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. 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. Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer and president, global development, Hilton

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. 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. Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services, Hilton

Hilton's lifestyle brands are aspirational, design-led, and experiential with authentic points of view reflected in every aspect of the stay. 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. Kevin Osterhaus, president, global lifestyle brands, Hilton

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.

Canopy by Hilton Seychelles - Guest Room  Photo by Hilton

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.

Keight Hotel Opatija Curio Collection by Hilton - Room  Photo by Hilton

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.

Graduate Princeton - Lobby  Photo by Hilton

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.

Motto by Hilton Cusco - Bar  Photo by Hilton

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.

Bermudiana Beach Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton  Photo 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.

Tempo by Hilton Nashville - Lobby  Photo by Hilton

To learn more about Hiltons growing portfolio, visit stories.hilton.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains 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, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the expectations regarding the performance of Hilton's business, future financial results, liquidity and capital resources and other non-historical statements. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "believes," "expects," "forecasts," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "projects," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties including, among others, risks inherent to the hospitality industry; macroeconomic factors beyond Hilton's control, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, challenges due to labor shortages or disputes and supply chain disruptions; competition for hotel guests and management and franchise contracts; risks related to doing business with third-party hotel owners; performance of Hilton's information technology systems; growth of reservation channels outside of Hilton's system; risks of doing business outside of the U.S.; risks associated with conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East and other geopolitical events; and Hilton's indebtedness. Additional factors that could cause Hilton's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found under the section entitled "Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors" of Hilton's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and is accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in Hilton's filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

About Hilton

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising more than 7,500 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 180 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Global Asset Solutions has added two new members to its team, as it continues to grow and evolve, advising both owners and brands in the luxury sector.

The group believes that asset management should support the full lifecycle of a property, including investment as well as operations, and has hired to support its leadership position in the market.

Last year saw Global Asset Solutions cement its standing as the largest independent asset manager in Europe, Middle East, Asia and the Pacific with the addition of a portfolio of nine hotels in the Middle East, adding spectacular hotels under the W, Ritz Carlton, JW, Intercontinental and Alila flags.

Most recently, the group has been working with Nikki Beach Global to develop a strategy for growth through the creation of an owner-friendly operating platform which can compete with upper luxury hotel brands.

Global Asset Solutions has added Juan Manuel Gea as corporate business manager and Jordi Izquierdo as hotel asset manager, bringing further depth of knowledge to its existing prowess.

We are thrilled that demand for our services continues to build, as asset management rises in prominence. Juan and Jordi will perfectly complement our team, bringing with them fresh skills.



Asset management is more than operations; to have a successful, profitable property you must also be strategic and for this, you need specialist, comprehensive knowledge and an eye to the latest trends. At Global Asset Solutions we are proud to offer an in-depth understanding of every aspect of luxury hotels; from development to F&B and technology. Alex Sogno, CEO, Global Asset Solutions

Gea joins the company from revenue management platform Beyond, where he was a senior office manager, while Izquierdo was most recently with Hyatt Hotels; at the Thompson Madrid and Hyatt Centric Madrid Gran Via, where he held the role of cluster director of revenue management as part of the pre-opening team for Thompson Madrid.

I am thrilled to join Global Asset Solutions due to their unique dedication to asset management and hotel investment, coupled with a deep understanding of the luxury hotel sector and a commitment to the communities and markets they serve.



I am particularly attracted by their emphasis on innovation, operational excellence, sustainability, and strategic partnerships, recognising these as essential elements for long-term success in today's competitive landscape. I firmly believe that this is more than just a workplace; it's a platform where one can truly make a meaningful contribution and help shape the future of luxury hospitality. Jordi Izquierdo

I'm incredibly excited about the opportunity to join the team as the corporate business manager. Meeting Alex and Fred has been truly inspiring  their expertise is impressive and their passion for the industry is genuinely contagious. The hotel industry is a fascinating sector, and I cannot wait to join Global Asset Solutions to meet and collaborate with the rest of the incredible team. Juan Manuel Gea

Global Asset Solutions portfolios includes amongst many others, award-winning upper luxury hotels such as the Rosewood Phnom Penh, Cambodia and the Four Seasons Madrid, Spain.

About Global Asset Solutions

Global Asset Solutions operates worldwide providing independent hotel asset management services. Clients include PE firms, institutional investors, sovereign funds and family offices, with over $20bn of assets managed in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The company leans on decades of experience in the luxury sector to deliver bespoke solutions which allow investors to grow their asset value and realise the potential of their assets. www.globalassetsolutions.com

Alex Sogno

CEO & Senior Hotel Asset Manager

Global Asset Solutions
SYDNEY - As construction begins on the multi-million-dollar transformation of Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall, preloved furniture and fixtures from the hotels apartments has been donated to Sydney furniture rescue charity, ReLove, to help Aussies in need this winter.

Preloved items from Adinas hotel rooms will help Sydney families in need this winter.  Photo by TFE Hotels

Furniture, artwork mirrors, kitchen appliances, and even dust pans and brooms have been saved from potential land fill and, with the help of ReLove, will find a new lease of life in the homes of Sydneysiders who need them most.

According to TFE Hotels Group Chief Operating Officer, Chris Sedgwick, the decision to work with owners across the network - from Darwin to Hobart to Sydney and Wellington  and donate preloved furniture to charities was simply the right thing to do from a corporate social responsibility perspective.

With the introduction of TFE Hotels Global People, Social Conscience ESG charter last year, we encourage our owners and our hotel teams to make a difference in the lives of the communities in which we operate, he said. And, as a group, we are making a commitment to sustainable practices, so were thrilled to see these items go to good homes and not into landfill.

ReLove Co-founder, Ren Fernando, said the ReLove free store primarily supported women and children impacted by domestic violence and people experiencing homelessness, asylum seekers or people coming out of incarceration.

Donations like these directly contribute to supporting individuals in crisis by furnishing them with safe and welcoming homes, she said. It has been a great process working with the TOGA and hotel teams to investigate the scope of what can be rescued from the Adina.

This initiative by TOGA, on behalf of TFE Hotels, not only embodies sustainability but also underscores our shared dedication to making a positive impact in the community. We thank them for sharing our vision.

TOGA Group, joint venture partner in TFE Hotels and owner of Adina Town Hall, was recently announced as the winner in the AFR Boss Best Places to Work awards (Property, Construction & Transport category) for their ongoing commitment to ESG in their development and refurbishment projects.

According to Director of TOGA Procure and CSR, Michelle Fischl, the companys many and varied CSR initiatives not only make a meaningful impact in society, but also serve to foster a strong sense of unity with the team.

Our dedication to ESG  whether it is maximising under-utilised properties for use as temporary housing solutions or donating furniture to save it from landfill  demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can help with pressing social challenges.

ReLove were down to their last glasses and ironing boards, so we are thrilled so many goods - big and small - can be reused to brighten the homes of Sydneysiders in need this winter.

L-R An artists impression of a Studio Room / Bathroom at the new-look Adina Town Hall  Photo by TFE Hotels

Adina Town Hall closed its doors for major refurbishment works last month, with designers Bates Smart, tasked to leave no area untouched during the works. Bates Smarts overall design concept is to create a home away from home experience for Adina guests, underpinned by a new level of casual elegance to reinvigorate the hotel.

The hotel has a target completion date of December 2024 ahead of Christmas and New Year.

Whats in a name: Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall can be shortened to Adina Town Hall.

Renovation dates: Commencing April 2024 to reopen in December 2024.

Location, Location, Location: The delights of Darling Harbour, the International Convention Centre, Queen Victoria Building and Sydney Centrepoint Tower are within five minutes walk of the Adina Town Hall lobby, in addition to the famous Clock Tower of Sydney Town Hall which has been a major landmark in the heart of the city for more than 130 years.

About TFE Hotels

TFE Hotels (TOGA Far East Hotels) is Australia's International Hotel Group - headquartered in Sydney and operating in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Austria, Singapore, and Switzerland. TFE has a portfolio of seven hotel brands - A by Adina, Adina Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Quincy Hotels, Travelodge Hotels, Rendezvous Hotels and Collection by TFE Hotels, with more in the development pipeline.

TFE Hotels acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands we conduct business upon and pays our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We respect the Country itself, including its trees, animals, spirits, waters, skies, stars, and special sites.

Jodi Clark

TFE Hotels (Public Relations and Communications)

+61 2 9356 1048

TFE Hotels
London, UK - IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the worlds leading hotel companies, announces the signing of nine hotels across Portugal, adding 976rooms to the countrys growing and strong pipeline, as it continues to benefit from rapid growth. The signings cover three IHG brand collections including luxury and lifestyle, with the announcement of Kimpton Lisbon, Hotel Indigo Albufeira and Hotel Indigo Faro - and its Essentials Collection which comprises six signings across the Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands  including suites offerings.

It is wonderful to see Kimpton Lisbon, Hotel Indigo Faro and Hotel Indigo Albufeira added to our luxury and lifestyle presence in Portugal, alongside the continued strong momentum of our Essentials Collection throughout the market. Two thirds of the 976 rooms announced today are part of our Holiday Inn brand family, confirming the confidence owners continue to have in our powerhouse brands. It is great to be able to nurture new and existing relationships with owners in one of our key markets. We are confident on the growing number of opportunities across our portfolio in Portugal, as consumers and owners maintain a strong appetite and interest for IHG brands. Mrs Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts

Portugal is a key priority market for IHG and has seen tremendous growth in recent years, including brand debuts with the openings of Vignette Collection Casa da Companhia and Vignette Collection Lisbon Convent Square, alongside the signing of Kimpton Algarve Sao Rafael Atlantico, which is set to open in 2025.

Essentials Collection signings

Four Holiday Inn Express properties have joined the Portuguese pipeline  each offering all the essentials required for a comfortable and peaceful 'overnight recharge'. This includes; free wi-fi, tea and coffee facilities and our Express Start Breakfast, providing hot fresh breakfast, making it an ideal stay for guests looking for a simple, smart travel experience.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lisbon  Amoreiras: Owned by Real Hotels Group, the 192-room converted hotel in Amoreiras, is set to open its doors towards the beginning of 2025, and will be the first Holiday Inn Express & Suites offering in Portugal. Situated within walking distance to major city attractions and located in one of Lisbons financial districts, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lisbon  Amoreiras will be the ideal launchpad for leisure and business guests.

Owned by Real Hotels Group, the 192-room converted hotel in Amoreiras, is set to open its doors towards the beginning of 2025, and will be the first Holiday Inn Express & Suites offering in Portugal. Situated within walking distance to major city attractions and located in one of Lisbons financial districts, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lisbon  Amoreiras will be the ideal launchpad for leisure and business guests. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Portimao: The 60-room hotel is owned by Harland & Poston Group. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Portimao is expected to welcome guests in the first half of 2025. Located in a popular tourist destination in the Algarve, the hotel will be a short walk to the marina and numerous beaches.

The 60-room hotel is owned by Harland & Poston Group. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Portimao is expected to welcome guests in the first half of 2025. Located in a popular tourist destination in the Algarve, the hotel will be a short walk to the marina and numerous beaches. Holiday Inn Express Porto  Boavista: The 91-room hotel set to open in the second half of 2024 will be in the Boavista neighbourhood, dubbed as the new centre of Porto, and one of the first collaborations with Mercan Properties in this announcement. The neighbourhood is conveniently located near to the city centre, the airport and key tourist hotspots including the seaside, making it an ideal location for every type of traveller.

The 91-room hotel set to open in the second half of 2024 will be in the Boavista neighbourhood, dubbed as the new centre of Porto, and one of the first collaborations with Mercan Properties in this announcement. The neighbourhood is conveniently located near to the city centre, the airport and key tourist hotspots including the seaside, making it an ideal location for every type of traveller. Holiday Inn Express Evora: Set to open its doors in the second half of 2024, the 76-room Holiday Inn Express Evora has also been signed with Mercan Properties. Converted from a historic building, the hotel is set in a key secondary Portuguese city, close to business parks and tourist hotspots making it an ideal location for business and leisure travellers alike.

Also signed to the Holiday Inn brand family in Portugal are two Holiday Inn properties. Both hotels will include hallmarks such as its Kids Stay & Eat Free programme and open lobby concept to provide guests the most flexibility, whether theyre looking to eat, relax, work, or have fun in one space.

Holiday Inn Braga - Owned by Soliteight Hotel Projects SA, the 114-room hotel will be the first IHG property in their portfolio and one of the few branded hotels in the city. Braga is known for its religious history and summer festivals making the Holiday Inn Braga an ideal location for leisure guests looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. The hotel will attract both corporate and leisure guests when it opens in the second half of 2024.

- Owned by Soliteight Hotel Projects SA, the 114-room hotel will be the first IHG property in their portfolio and one of the few branded hotels in the city. Braga is known for its religious history and summer festivals making the Holiday Inn Braga an ideal location for leisure guests looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. The hotel will attract both corporate and leisure guests when it opens in the second half of 2024. Holiday Inn Beja  Also owned by Mercan Properties, Holiday Inn Beja will be a short walking distance to the city centre and ideally situated on the main highway system connecting Lisbon with Sevilla and Huelva in Spain. The 95-room hotel located inside the renowned medieval walls of Beja Castle is set to open in the second half of 2024. It will fast become the go-to destination with its year-round hot climate and diverse tourist attractions, from its famous wine industry to the variety of historical buildings and museums.

Luxury & Lifestyle Collection signings

Kimpton Lisbon  Signed earlier this month, the 141-room Kimpton Lisbon will be the first Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants-branded property in Lisbon and the eighth property in partnership with Real Hotels Group. Set to open in early 2026, the hotel will feature unique, design-forward spaces from inspiring high-quality finishes to seasonally-inspired restaurants and bars. The hotel will benefit from key tourist attractions including the Eduardo VII Park, Marques de Pombal Square and Avenida Liberdade, as well as museums, and the citys vibrant restaurants and bar scene, all being in close proximity.

 Signed earlier this month, the 141-room Kimpton Lisbon will be the first Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants-branded property in Lisbon and the eighth property in partnership with Real Hotels Group. Set to open in early 2026, the hotel will feature unique, design-forward spaces from inspiring high-quality finishes to seasonally-inspired restaurants and bars. The hotel will benefit from key tourist attractions including the Eduardo VII Park, Marques de Pombal Square and Avenida Liberdade, as well as museums, and the citys vibrant restaurants and bar scene, all being in close proximity. Hotel Indigo Albufeira  Signed with Mercan Properties, sees the development of a one-of-a-kind, 80-room hotel in the popular tourist destination in the Algarve. The hotel will provide an immersive hospitality experience in the lively neighbourhood by featuring a rooftop pool and bar, restaurant serving local produce and a stylish bar. Once opened in mid-2025, Hotel Indigo Albufeira will fast become the ultimate destination for leisure travellers, due to the areas historical charm, captivating architecture, and picturesque natural landscape.

 Signed with Mercan Properties, sees the development of a one-of-a-kind, 80-room hotel in the popular tourist destination in the Algarve. The hotel will provide an immersive hospitality experience in the lively neighbourhood by featuring a rooftop pool and bar, restaurant serving local produce and a stylish bar. Once opened in mid-2025, Hotel Indigo Albufeira will fast become the ultimate destination for leisure travellers, due to the areas historical charm, captivating architecture, and picturesque natural landscape. Hotel Indigo Faro  Signed in 2023, the 127-room hotel is the fifth property signed with Mercan Properties in this announcement, and will reflect the rich neighbourhood story, creating an impressive and warm atmosphere for guests and locals. Set to open in late 2026, the hotel will be perfectly located in front of the Marina in central Faro and feature a rooftop with picturesque views of both the lagoon and marina.

IHG operates 20 open hotels in Portugal across seven brands  including Six Senses, InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Iberostar  and has a robust pipeline of 15 hotels*.

*Numbers as at 31 March 2024

About IHG

IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
What is the best way for guests to get from Milan Linate Airport to Hotel Mythos?

Hotel Mythos has parking for hotel guests so for most visitors spending time in Milan, renting a car for around $7/day may be the best option. This will give you the ability to get to and from Milan Linate Airport, and also give you the flexibility to get around the area. One of the more popular options today is to take a taxi or ridesharing service directly from Milan Linate Airport to the hotel. This option is often cost effective, but guests must keep a lookout for peak time rates.
Wahconah Names Valedictorian, Salutatorian for Class of 2024

DALTON, Mass.  Aidan Garcia and Sarah Thornton have been named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the 2024 graduating class at Wahconah Regional High School.

Both students will speak at graduation ceremonies on Sunday, June 2, at 1 p.m. in the school gymnasium. The valedictory speech is titled, "Forever" and the salutatory address is "Reflections".

Garcia is the son of Andrew and Susan Garcia of Dalton. During his high school career, he pursued an Honors and Advanced Placement curriculum. He is active in the many service projects sponsored by the National Honor Society and serves as the Wahconah chapter president. He is the secretary of the Student Council, the president of Green Umbrella, editor-in-chief of the school's newspaper, a class ambassador and more. Additionally, he is a member of the Boy Scouts as well as the school's Nordic ski, cross country and track and field teams.

He was actively involved in a service project outside of school, volunteering his time at Holiday Brook Farm as a soil research assistant. The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of peat moss on the crops and to search for an alternative. "This substance and its cultivation has been drastically harmful to wildlife by destroying peat bogs and forests in the Northern U.S. and Canada," he said. Garcia worked with the farm to find an alternative solution that will create better results for its crops.

Garcia has been recognized with district and schoolwide awards such as the Superintendent's Award, the School Committee Award, and an award in science. He has been recognized as an AP Scholar, is a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship recipient, and is a College Board National Recognition Program awardee.

Garcia plans to attend Middlebury (Vt.) College in the fall and is majoring in biology.

Thornton is the daughter of James and Patricia Thornton of the town of Washington. While at Wahconah, her academic program included Honors and Advanced Placement coursework. She participated in a number of extracurricular activities, serving in multiple leadership roles including on Student Council for four years and as treasurer this year. She was inducted into the National Honor Society last year and was chapter treasurer this year. She was also president of the National Business Honor Society. She was involved in several clubs including No Place Hate, Tribe School Spirit Club, French Club and yearbook.

Thornton competes in gymnastics at Gymfest, where she also teaches youth, and dances at the Dalton Ballet Studio. Outside of school, she participates in Girls Scouts and is working toward earning her Gold Award this summer.

Her scholarly portfolio capstone project took a critical look at Disney's representation of marginalized groups throughout history. This was part of her AP U.S. history and AP English language classes and she presented at the humanities fair last spring. She also participated in a number of community service activities.

She received the Cornell Book Award and has been recognized with several schoolwide awards in a variety of disciplines including business, English and French. She is also a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship recipient.

Thornton plans to attend Bentley University in Waltham in the fall to study business.
Town meeting members passed all 24 articles on the annual town meeting warrant on Monday night at the Memorial Building. The Board of Selectmen with Town Administrator Jay Green and the town's Finance Director Crystal Wojcik. Town Moderator Myra Wilk had to keep the discussion to the article at hand. PreviousNext

Adams Town Meeting OKs $19M Fiscal 2025 Budget; Glen Articles Trigger Debate



Town Meeting member John Cowie held five articles for further discussion during Monday's annual town meeting. ADAMS, Mass.  Town meeting members on Monday night passed a $19 million operating budget for fiscal 2025 along with assessments to the two regional school districts.

One hundred and six of the 150 town meeting members, enough for a quorum, attended the annual town meeting held in the Memorial Building.

All articles passed overwhelmingly, most unanimously, but several sparked some discussion and explanations when held by Town Meeting member John Cowie and Selectman Joseph Nowak, particularly those related to the Greylock Glen.

Adams uses a consent calendar, or the grouping of articles by topic, to be voted on at once. Any town meeting member can call for one or more articles to be held out of the vote for further discussion.

The town budget totals $18,830,525, up 3.49 percent, or $634,334, over this year. The proposed operating budget is $9,845,854, up $286,172, or 2.95 percent, and includes expenses for utilities, repairs, maintenance, supplies, services and programming, and a significant investment in technology.

The Hoosac Valley Regional School District assessment to the town is $6,345,380, of which $662,000 is the annual payment on the high school building project. The assessment to the Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District (McCann Technical School) is $1,063,774.

The warrant also had a long list of spending articles from stabilization, free cash and other accounts; a bylaw requiring dogs be leashed; and the creation of two funds  a sewer enterprise fund and a Greylock Glen revolving fund  that raised questions from town meeting members.

Nowak, sitting with the other Board of Selectmen members, said he'd worked a long time to put together a "packet" but didn't want to proceed because he didn't want to told it didn't pertain to the article at hand  Article 23 that would establish a revolving fund to accept rental fees from the Greylock Glen for use in maintenance and repairs.

"I'm not going to bring it out to the public. Because our town is getting to the point, if it already is there, that there is no transparency whatsoever. And now I'm going to stop there," he said.

Chair John Duval, however, asked him to be more specific in his accusations since he'd already voted for this as a selectman.

Nowak said his problem was that the town administrator would have spending authority over the fund  like he has on the nine other revolving funds the town has.

"Now we're going to vote to allow our town administrator to oversee the revolving funds of Greylock Glen, the biggest project this town has seen in a long time," he said. "And I think this is a town of Adams project."

He questioned what had happened to the proposed Greylock Glen commission and said that was what he had been researching. Town Meeting member Diane Parsons also asked why the commission was never established to scattered applause.

The commission, approved as a home-rule petition by town meeting in 2019, had died in committee last summer and needed to be rewritten, particularly the makeup of the commission.

Duval said a commission will be eventually set up but right now the project is moving forward with Town Hall in charge after nothing had materialized in the last 75 years.

Green compared it to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, in which the city of North Adams was very involved in the beginning but has now been able to step back.

"When it became self-sustaining, or marginally self-sustaining, eventually the commission was created," he said. "There's been a lot of discussion about financial control. If a commission is created town meeting loses financial control over Greylock Glen expenditures, there would be no reason for the revolving account. There would be no reason to discuss it. ...

"Accountability rests with the town staff, with the Select Board ... the intent of the mission is to allow it to be a self-sustaining, self-managing enterprise. When that day comes there will be no discussion with this body about Greylock, it will be completely independent and at that time, there should not one dime of taxpayer dollars going to it."

Selectwoman Christine Hoyt read from the town charter that the town administrator is the chief fiscal officer and is entrusted with the day-to-day operations of the town. She also pointed out that Town Administrator Jay Green and the town's Finance Director Crystal Wojcik were state-certified public purchasing officials, and the Board of Selectmen is not.

"The individuals at the end of this table have and do work for the town of Adams knowing what the general laws are and working for the select board," she said.

Duval said this new revolving account would operate the same as the others, such as the Adams Visitor Center. These accounts do have expenditure limits ranging from $5,000 to $90,000 and Town Meeting member Craig Corrigan asked why the new account did not. Green explained that the account has not been established and the Glen Outdoor Center isn't open, so there is data yet on how much it will take  or how much may go out in bills.

Much the same questions came up over establishment of the sewer enterprise fund and if those numbers would be hidden from town meeting. Green said the expenses out of the enterprise fund would show up exactly the same way as in this warrant: as line items showing operations, personnel and capital expenditures.

Cowie also pressed Hoosac Valley Superintendent Aaron Dean on the school budget and how the new pathways programs were helping educate the students. Twice a point of order was called that the questioning was off topic. Cowie tried to say it was about the budget but Town Moderator Myra Wilk said curriculum questions were best directed to the School Committee, not town meeting.

He also questioned health insurance for the new Greylock Glen director in Article 5, voted for it, and then tried to reopen it after finding out the wage negotiations with Department of Public Works union was not in the compensation plan. Nowak seconded his motion but town meeting loudly rejected reopening the question. He withdrew his hold on the McCann budget because no one from the school administration was there and on Article 24, which authorizes $80,000 from the Economic Development Fund to pay the Glen director's salary.

Town meeting gave a standing ovation to retiring Town Counsel Edmund St. John III and Green announced that the town report was dedicated to Kumar, the town's first K9 who died last year.
Two Towns Vote Against Central Berkshire Regional Agreement

DALTON, Mass.  An update to the Central Berkshire Regional School District's Regional Agreement that was thought to be uncontroversial has turned out not to be the case.

The item failed during the Hinsdale annual town meeting on May 15 and the Peru town meeting on June 1. The regional agreement needed six out of the seven towns to vote in favor of passing.

Hinsdale voted against the Regional Agreement draft because it wanted included in the agreement that the School Committee's decision on the voting method for incurring debt needs to be unanimous; not a two-thirds vote, Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis said.

During the School Committee meeting on May 23, School Committee Chair Richard Peters highlighted how the document is not supposed to be controversial because the district is just documenting what was already agreed to and getting the agreement up to date with state law

The district has been working on updating the agreement for more than a year, receiving aid from Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools consultant Stephan Hemman. MARS consults districts on creating regional agreements between towns.

An ad hoc committee, comprised of representatives from all the towns involved, not just School Committee members, collaborated on revising the 2008 document.

The revised document incorporates updated language and includes information to meet the requirements of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The original agreement was created in 1958 but was amended a number of times and was approved locally but never by the state Department of Education, which is required.

This updated agreement that went up to vote for the seven towns but failed was preliminarily approved by DESE, and the commissioner would have sign off after the towns' approval

The draft more clearly describes the budget and apportionment process and the agreement amendment process.

It also includes two pathways for towns to withdraw from the district if they ever choose to do so.

The proposed draft also included "required provisions regarding Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) and pension liabilities."

These provisions make it so all "member towns carry their fair share of these costs in the event that a town is added or if a town withdraws."

There is also a provision for the agreement to be reviewed every five years in case there is a need for future changes.

Hinsdale voted against the updated draft, citing concerns with how the district votes on incurring debt.

The concerns stem from the School Committee's 2019 decision to vote by popular vote for the approximately $72 million Wahconah Regional High School building project.

Prior to the Peru town meeting, Peters said he was "pretty confident that we're going to pass this at Peru and Cummington because it should not be controversial. You know, Hinsdale made it controversial because they're holding a grudge."

This turned out not to be the case, as Peru followed in Hinsdale's footsteps during the June 1 town meeting.

In 2019, the Wahconah Regional High School building project was approved with just more than 51 percent of the vote  1,785 of the 3,483 voters districtwide (51.2 percent.) Of that, 1,748 voters turned out in Dalton alone.

Voters in Becket and Washington voted in favor of the project by sizable margins. In Becket, 176 of 253 voters (69.6 percent) voted yes. In Washington, the margin was 112-54 (67.5 percent yes).

The project failed in Cummington, Hinsdale, Peru, and Windsor. Only 8.8 percent voted in favor in Cummington (194-450). In Hinsdale, the district's second-largest town, only 42.3 percent voted in favor (334-246). In Peru, only 38.6 percent voted in favor (162-102), and in Windsor, only 40.1 percent voted in favor (139-93). More on the votes here

Hinsdale voters wanted to prevent this from happening in the future and urged for the School Committee's decision on the voting method for incurring debt to be unanimous and not a two-thirds vote.

This is not possible because it is state law that the vote be a two-thirds vote, Peters said.

"Two-thirds is in Mass General law, so we can't change it.  So basically, within our agreement, which unfortunately didn't really come out at that meeting, is in the absence of they're not signing it, they can still not sign it, we would still follow Mass General Law," Blake-Davis said during the School Committee meeting last month.

"The difference in the agreement is there's the default clause. So the default says we will try to go town by town by default. We'll go town by town, which we did when we move forward with the track component of [the Wahconah Regional High School building project.] But in the absence of signing it, it's still two-thirds because that's in Mass General law."

School Committee member David Stuart said voters at the Hinsdale town meeting also made it clear that they did not trust that the district wouldn't change the process of voting to push through what they want it.

Stuart said the district has been telling the town for two years now that it takes three-quarters of the town to ratify.

The ad hoc committee and district consultant have also worked with that understanding, and this has been said during town meetings.

After the meeting, Stuart said he was surprised to see an email from Blake-Davis stating that MARS consultant Jay Barry was going to go back to DESE to see if the district could round down to pass the regional agreement. If you do the math, three-quarters is 5.25 towns.

"We've never been able to do that in any of the parliamentary procedures we'd use. If you do the math the other way, five-sevenths is 71.4 percent; clearly, it is not 75 percent. You can't just meet the threshold; you have to exceed it," Stuart said.

"So, to go back to DESE to see if we could pass this, in a fact, do exactly what Hinsdale was worried about us doing, we pretty much just proved their point that given the opportunity, we're gonna try and push something through."

Hinsdale does not trust that the two-third vote of the school committee is sufficient to prevent the committee from changing the voting methods, Stuart said.

"Hinsdale Select Board had recommended voting it down specifically for that reason, specifically because they do not trust us," he said.

"So, for two years, saying six of seven towns to ratify, but then within two hours of the vote, we get an email that says that we're going to try and round down the number of rounds to 5 of 7 in order to get this passed, really just proves Hinsdale's point."

Blake-Davis clarified that in her email, she did not say the district was going to try to go in that direction; she was being transparent with the School Committee as it is something Barry wanted to double-check on.

"I didn't say that we were trying to push something through. I just wanted to be transparent with the School Committee, but that's what he said to me," Blake Davis said.

Blake-Davis said she went to confirm that six out of seven towns need to vote in favor of the agreement to pass.

It is too early to report the next steps. The School Committee chair will open the topic up for discussion and summarize the next steps during the School Committee meeting on June 27 at Kittredge School at 7 p.m., Blake-Davis told iBerkshires in a follow-up.
Triplex Celebrates 80th Anniversary of D-Day

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.  The Triplex Cinema commemorates the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion with free screenings of William Wyler's classic 1946 film "The Best Years of Our Lives" and Steven Spielberg's iconic D-Day film "Saving Private Ryan." on June 6.

"The Best Years of Our Lives" will be shown at 1 p.m. and tells the story of three United States servicemen and their re-adjustment to societal changes and civilian life after coming home from World War II. It is one of the earliest films to address issues encountered by returning veterans in the post-World War II era and is widely considered to be a masterpiece.

Immediately following this showing there will be a talkback by Tom Beasley, the director of veteran services for Southern Berkshire County. Beasley, a veteran of the Gulf War, will be sharing information on resources and programs that will help improve access to the Veterans Administration and Massachusetts veteran services.

Beasley hopes that besides veterans, that their families, friends, and the community will attend the talkback.

"Each year the information changes that can help local Veterans, both on the federal and state levels. The more that everyone is aware of those changes the more we can be of help to any veterans who might need assistance, whether it be for medical, psychological, financial or housing reasons," he said.

The talkback will begin at 4 p.m. One does not have to attend the film beforehand to attend the talkback.

"Saving Private Ryan" will then screen at 6 p.m. Set in France, beginning with the D-Day invasion in 1944 and directed by Steven Spielberg, "Saving Private Ryan" follows a group of soldiers in World War II on their mission to locate Private James Ryan and bring him home safely after his three brothers are killed in action.

In the Triplex lobby, Bill Wright's large, celebrated photographic portraits of veterans will be on display, from June 6 to June 13 from 1 pm to closing.

"Even if you can't get to the films or the talkback, be sure you come to the Triplex to see Bill's brilliant work," Nicki Wilson, the president of the board of directors said. "We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to be able to have these photographs at our theater."
Pittsfield Street Improvement Project: June 6-7

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Please be advised that the city's street improvement work continues with the following schedule in place for June 6 and June 7:

Milling of Third Street and Fourth Street

On-street parking is prohibited during this work between the hours of 6 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Please use caution when traveling on these roads. This schedule is subject to change based upon weather conditions.

To stay up to date with all city news, follow us on Facebook City Hall- City of Pittsfield, Mayor Peter Marchetti and on Instagram Pittsfield Mayor's Office.
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Montreal and Ottawa, 4 June 2024  International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano and Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar held important discussions yesterday on key civil aviation priorities with the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly, and Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant Pablo Rodriguez.





Hosted by the Government of Canada in Ottawa, the President and Secretary General expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for Canada's longstanding role as an ICAO founding member and outstanding host state of the Organization's Montreal headquarters since its inception. They also thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for recognizing ICAO's 80th anniversary this year which underscored the enduring impact of the 1944 Chicago Convention in upholding a rules-based international civil aviation order.





Looking ahead, the leaders agreed on the importance of close cooperation in preparing for the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly, to be hosted in Montreal in September 2025. President Sciacchitano and Secretary General Salazar expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Trudeau's leadership and commitment to ICAO's global mission.





In a separate meeting, Minister Joly, Minister Rodriguez, President Sciacchitano and Secretary General Salazar affirmed their joint commitment to ICAO's crucial work on supporting the safe, secure and sustainable development of the international civil aviation sector. They agreed to closely collaborate in upholding the highest international standards while enhancing accessibility and environmental sustainability in aviation.





The discussions were attended by Ms. Annick Goulet, Representative of Canada on the ICAO Council, and Mr. Michael Gill, ICAOs Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations.











Resources for Editors ICAO's 80th Anniversary

About ICAO A specialized agency of the United Nations, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) leads the international alignment of technical standards and strategies, facilitating the safe, secure, and sustainable development of its 193 member states aviation sectors and air services. This year, ICAO is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its establishment by the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation.

General Contact communications@icao.int LinkedIn



Media Contact William Raillant-Clark Communications Officer wraillantclark@icao.int










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A Canadian restaurant has accused Zachary Quinto of acting like an entitled child by yelling at staff and bringing the host to tears.

On June 2, Manita, a cafe and bar in Toronto, criticized the Star Trek actor for his alleged behavior, calling him an amazing Spock, but a terrible customer.

Yelled at our staff like an entitled child after he didnt reply to two texts to inform him his table was ready and refused to believe the empty tables in the dining room werent available for him despite being politely informed they were spoken for, the eatery wrote on an Instagram Story.

Made our host cry and the rest of our brunch diners uncomfortable, it added. Mr Quinto, take your bad vibes somewhere else, we have many lovely celebrities join us at Manita but you are NOT one of them.

In a later post, the restaurant expanded on the incident, writing: This isnt the first time, nor will it be the last time an irate guest has taken our frustrations out on our staff.

Manita is deeply grateful for our mostly incredible, friendly, gracious guests  who may give us constructive feedback from time to time, it continued. To all the other Zachary Quintos out there, on behalf of restaurant workers everywhere: We arent above criticism, but we are above being demeaned.

The Independent has contacted Quintos representative for comment.

The American actor and film producer, who celebrated his 47th birthday on Sunday, shared photos and videos from the day, which included a trip to Canadas Wonderland theme park.

Thank you for such an incredible birthday adventure!!! Quinto wrote on his Instagram Story, tagging the amusement park in a photo of the venues entrance.

Mr Quinto, take your bad vibes somewhere else, the restaurant wrote on Instagram ( Getty Images for Tribeca Festiva )

In another post, he was photographed seated in front of a birthday cake with his eyes closed and his hand over his heart.

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Quinto is best known for taking over the role of Spock from Leonard Nimoy in the 2009 Star Trek reboot. He later reprised the role in two Star Trek sequels and has voiced the character in various video game adaptations.

Theres obviously something about me that lends itself to that kind of a role, he told The Independent in 2022. I think I have an ability sometimes to hold my experience in a way thats internal. And I dont necessarily always feel the need to give things away.

Quinto is also well-known for playing the villain Sylar on NBCs four-season drama Heroes, which ran from 2006 to 2010.
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Evangeline Lilly has said she will be stepping away from acting for the foreseeable future.

The 44-year-old Canadian actor, best known for leading ABCs popular six-season drama series Lost from 2004 to 2010, made the announcement on Instagram on June 3.

Lilly reshared a fan video edit containing footage from a 2006 interview in which she had expressed her hopes of being a retired actress in 10 years.

Im terrified to admit this to the rest of the acting world, but ideally in 10 years from now, Id like to be a retired actress, she says in the video. And I would like to have a family, and Id like to be writing and potentially, maybe, influencing peoples lives in a more humanitarian way, as almost everybody in the world now knows was my intention before I started the show.

In 2010, Lilly began dating her long-term partner, fellow actor Norman Kali. They had their first child together the following year, and welcomed their second in 2015.

Shes also authored the childrens book series The Squickerwonkers.

I am so filled with joy and contentment today as I live out my vision. Praise God, I feel so grateful for my blessings. Stepping away from what seems like the obvious choice (wealth and fame) can feel scary at times, but stepping into your dharma replaces the fear with fulfillment, Lilly wrote in the posts caption.

I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong. A new season has arrived, and I AM READY...and I AM HAPPY.

Lillys most recent on-screen role saw her reprise her Ant-Man role of Hope van Dyne/Wasp in Marvels 2023 Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

She first entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the superhero in the 2015 Ant-Man. She has also played the character in 2018s Ant-Man and the Wasp and 2019s The Avengers.

open image in gallery I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong, Lilly wrote on Instagram ( Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images f )

During an interview last February, she declared that its time for her standalone Marvel movie.

Well, Im going to make a pitch that I think it might be time for a Hope spin-off... for a Wasp standalone film, she told Variety. Do we agree? Anybody? Going once... going twice.

Lillys next film role will be in David Stassens forthcoming debut, Happy Life, which is currently in pre-production, according to IMDb. She will play a new mom who embarks on a mission of self-discovery after suspecting her workaholic husband (portrayed by Ike Barinholtz) of having an affair with an Instagram influencer.
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Armando Iannucci has compared a bizarre plotline in The Thick of It to the Conservative Partys latest immigration initiative.

The Tories recently announced their plans to enforce a yearly limit on the number of UK visas issued.

The plans, unveiled shortly after Nigel Farage announced his parliamentary candidacy for the Reform Party, would see the government ask its Migration Advisory Committee (Mac) to provide a recommendation level of the annual visa cap, which ministers will then consider before putting the proposals to parliament for a vote.

Monday (3 June) also saw the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, have a promotional opportunity torpedoed by Liberal Democrat campaigners on a passing boat.

ITV footage shows Sunak speaking to a group of rowing enthusiasts in Henley-on-Thames, as a boat with Lib Dem signs sails on the water behind him, with people waving to the camera.

The humorous clip has provoked several social media users to jokingly question whether real-life political events are inspired by The Thick of It, which starred Peter Capaldi, James Smith, Rebecca Front and Joanna Scanlan as employees in the fictional governments Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship.

I swear Armando Iannucci is going to demand a licensing fee for this Tory election campaign, wrote one amused X user, while another added: Its very often said that this is The Thick of It but, oh my GOD.

open image in gallery Peter Capaldi as Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It and PM Rishi Sunak ( BBC / screengrab / Getty )

Iannucci, who is known for creating the much-loved programme as well as the US comedy Veep, acknowledged the comparisons in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday (4 June).

Those asking if The Thick of It is writing this election may want to note that todays Tory immigration plan  shunt it off to an independent body to decide, so ministers can avoid talking specifics in interviews  is the main plot of 2009s special The Rise of the Nutters, he wrote.

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In the episode, the prime ministers office prepares to deploy a new undercover investigation into immigration conditions ahead of the PM leaving Number 10.

Earlier this year, show star Capaldi remarked that the programme couldnt be recreated today as the state of contemporary politics is beyond a joke.

Speaking on Tonight with Andrew Marr on LBC in January, Capaldi said hes not terribly keen on revisiting the series due to the current fraught political atmosphere.

And joking about it just in some way, takes the spotlight away from the problems, he explained. And I think that [the] problems are profound.

You can follow The Independents coverage leading up to the 4 July General Election here.
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TV presenter James Corden entertained fellow passengers after they were forced to vacate a plane in Lisbon.

As images of the 45-year-old Gavin and Stacey actor looking frustrated circulated on social media, many were quick to remember his label as one New York restaurants most abusive customer  despite the owners U-turn on his statement.

However, one passenger on board the flight has debunked suggestions that Corden was giving anybody a hard time, and provided an insight into what really happened.

The plane Corden was on struggled to gain altitude as it left the Algarve in Portugal and was forced to circle for 45 minutes before announcing an emergency landing.

The former Late Late Show host, who recently revealed his hit sitcom Gavin and Stacey will be returning for one final episode this Christmas, is said to have entertained and posed for selfies in an attempt to keep passengerss spirits up.

I made a joke and went, Oh if were all going to die, you could tell us how the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special ends? and he went Do you really want to know? said a passenger named Vanessa, who saw the events unravel, in an interview with Metro.

Vanessa then said Corden hinted that a long-standing Gavin and Stacey mystery might be answered in the forthcoming special.

He said I cant tell you, 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.

The fishing trip is a runing joke in the sitcom referring to an unexplained event that occurred between characters Bryn (Rob brydon) and Jason (Robert Kenneth Wilfort).

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Vanessa confirmed that passengers were forced to vacate the plane after an emergency landing. At this point, Corden was photographed apparently confronting a staff member  but it was revealed he was merely enquiring why they had been placed in the wrong queue upon arrival at the airport.

Were in the terminal and there was not a member of British Airways staff to be found. And they put us in immigration queues. And there was just no one there telling us what was going on, she said.

open image in gallery James Corden ( Getty Images for SiriusXM )

According to Vanessa, Corden was frustrated because the group had been directed towards the wrong queue, among them families with angsty young children. The host then defended those who did not have club flyer status.

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, said Vanessa.

The exhausted passengers were then eventually told a flight to London was available at 9.30pm, with Corden stood in the same queue as everybody else, doing the same things as everybody else did.

open image in gallery Ruth Jones and James Corden co-wrote and starred in Gavin & Stacey (Ian Nicholson/PA) ( PA Archive )

In 2022, restaurant owner Keith McNally, the proprietor of Manhattan restaurant Balthazar accused Corden of being his most abusive customer. However, he U-turned on his stance shortly after the star apologised profusely for his behaviour.

The restaurateur said at the time: James Corden just called me and apologised profusely. Having f***ed up myself more than most people, I strongly believe in second chances.

Anyone magnanimous enough to apologise to a deadbeat layabout like me (and my staff) doesnt deserve to be banned from anywhere. Especially Balthazar. All is forgiven.

Corden will next be seen on stage in an Old Vic production of The Constituent alongside Anna Maxwell-Martin. Tickets are on sale now, and the play runs from 13 June to 10 August.
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Joanna Lumley has said Jennifer Saunders planned to kill off their Absolutely Fabulous characters until she intervened to stop her.

In the popular 1990s comedy series, Lumley played Patricia Patsy Stone, a hard-partying fashion director, opposite Saunderss public relations mogul Eddie Monsoon.

The actor, 78, rushed to stop her co-star and Ab Fab creator writing Patsy and Eddies demise as she insisted the characters shouldnt be destroyed.

Speaking to My Weekly, Lumley recalled how Saunders wrote to her and asked, Shall we just kill them off and bury them? in reference to Patsy and Eddies fate.

I wrote back the fastest email return Ive ever written. I said, No, weve promised the world we will never die! she said. And to be honest, if all that vodka and champagne theyve necked over the years hasnt done the job, then why on earth would their creator be able to do it?"

The series, which aired from 1992 to 2012, was followed by the 2016 film Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, where Patsy and Eddie go on the run in the south of France.

Elsewhere in the interview, Lumley recalled filming episodes of the TV series that included flash forwards of their characters in old age.

open image in gallery Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley in Absolutely Fabulous ( BBC )

We had all kinds of prosthetics made to make us look really old, she said. Scraggly necks and bald caps under very thinning hair, awful hands, badly fitting false teeth, little humps on our backs and our bosoms looked like empty sandbags.

We could hardly walk because we were laughing so much. We went out on location dressed like that. We drove there in a bus with the crew and the make-up people. Jennifer and I were sat near the front and I was by the window.

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We stopped at a traffic light and an open-topped car pulled up next to us. I grinned at the man who was driving and I heard him say to the woman who was sitting next to him, Oh look, its Joanna Lumley! It was so funny.

open image in gallery Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley in Absolutely Fabulous ( BBC )

Back in 2021, Lumley said that Princess Margaret was the prototype for her character in Absolutely Fabulous.

Speaking to Gyles Brandreth at an event to promote her book about Elizabeth II, A Queen For All Seasons, Lumley addressed the characters origins.

[Princess Margaret] was a kind of prototype Patsy, she said. There was something so fabulous about her. So fabulous and so funny.

Lumley claimed: At this moment in strange royal life, everybody said, Princess Margaret is not allowed to drink at the moment. Do not have any drink in theatre, and dont offer her any drink.

I thought, You cant have a reception with Princess Margaret and not offer any drink. This is insane. She was looking pretty bored by the time I arrived.

She left the party, opened her bag, got out a small bottle of whisky and a packet of cigarettes, lit up, cigarette holder, and sat there smoking.
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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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Indians flooded social media with memes and jokes as the vote count in the elections put an unexpected spin on the outcome on Tuesday, with Narendra Modis party falling short of the landslide victory predicted in the exit polls.

Mr Modis boisterous claim of a thumping victory appeared to have fallen short as the opposition INDIA bloc performed much better than projected, trailing closely behind the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led pre-poll alliance.

Mr Modi had claimed that the BJP would win 370 seats and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) cross the 400-seat mark. During election campaigns BJP leaders popularised the slogan abki bar 400 paar (this time, above 400), that mememakers swooped upon after the party failed to deliver.

A party needs a simple majority of 272 seats in the 543-member lower house of parliament to come to power.

As trends showed that the BJP failed to win a majority by themselves, people on social media began to roast them and the television channels that have been blamed for their government-leaning coverage under Mr Modis leadership.

Irrespective of the results, there will be less hatred in the parliament, posted the handle Polytikles.

Another user contemplated what the BJPs supporters might be feeling, looking at the results.

In one of the most shocking outcomes, the BJPs alliance in the bellwether state of Uttar Pradesh  which accounts for 80 parliament seats  was trailing behind INDIA.

Forgive me, Uttar Pradesh. I was not familiar with your ninja moves, wrote author and historian Narayani Basu.

The BJPs poor performance in the holy city of Ayodhya where Mr Modis party had led the election campaign on building the Ram Temple at the site contested with Muslims also came as a surprise. It comes months after Mr Modi inaugurated the temple, a topic that remained at the centre of BJPs election campaign and its win in the previous election.

BJP trailed behind the Samajwadi Party with a significant margin on the seat.

A meme claimed people were enlightened after seeking blessing from the new-constructed temple in Ayodhya.

Several videos also circulated of pollster Pradeep Gupta breaking down on India Todays live coverage and anchors consoling him after the results upended the exit poll prediction by his agency.

A user shared a picture of an actress praying with a lit lamp in her hand with the quip: Meloni ji right now. Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni and Mr Modis friendship has made waves on social media since they met at the G20 summit in Indonesia in 2022.

A hashtag #Melodi dedicated to the two also went viral as people shipped them on social media.

Indian stocks saw the biggest loss in four years as bonds and the rupee tanked after NDA and BJPs lacklustre show. It was after markets stellar rally on Monday as the exit polls over the weekend predicted 350 seats for the BJP alone.

Adani Group-linked companies, owned by billionaire Gautam Adani lost big on Tuesday. Mr Adani is known for his close ties with Mr Modi.
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The chief of Indias Election Commission has said that the watchdog made a deliberate decision not to punish top leaders of the two leading parties after prime minister Narendra Modi was accused of stoking anti-Muslim animus on the campaign trail.

Rajiv Kumar told the news website Scroll at a press conference on the eve of the counting of votes that they were non-discriminatory in their approach.

Mr Kumar said that they decided not to go after Mr Modi and his chief lieutenant Amit Shah from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the primary opposition Congress party to keep it fair.

We deliberately decided  this is such a huge nation  that the top two people in both the parties we did not touch. Both party presidents we touched equally, Mr Kumar told Scroll. Why did we leave two this side and two that side? The persons in position in this huge country also have responsibility. We reminded them of their responsibility.

The commission is tasked with conducting free and fair elections in the country but its reputation as a neutral arbiter has taken a hit in recent years amid accusations of favouring Mr Modis ruling party, which, on its part, has made legislative changes to undermine the watchdogs independence.

The 2024 national election, touted as the worlds largest with 968 million people registered to vote, was held over seven weeks starting 19 April.

Follow our live coverage of the results here.

Mr Modi, seeking a rare third term, is accused of making hate speeches against Muslims during the campaign.

In a speech that invited severe backlash, Mr Modi referred to Muslims as infiltrators and those with more children, a dog whistle that Hindu nationalists employ against the religious minority that counts for 14 per cent of the population.

He made the speech in western Rajasthan states Banswara on 21 April but, in an interview later, denied that it was discriminatory against Muslims.

open image in gallery Election workers count votes from an electronic voting machine in Mumbai ( AFP via Getty )

In the wake of the speech, around 20,000 people, including opposition politicians and activists, wrote to the election commission seeking action against the prime minister.

Amnesty International said his speech demonises the Muslim community and puts them at further risk of human rights violation.

The commission responded by sending a notice to the president of BJP, asking him to ensure all star campaigners of the party set high standards of political discourse and observe provisions of model code of conduct in letter and spirit.

The directive did not name Mr Modi directly. This was a break from practice. In similar cases in the past the commission would send a notice to the accused politician rather than their party.

The directive didnt deter Mr Modi. He alleged at subsequent rallies that the Congress party, if elected, would take wealth from Hindus and give it to Muslims.

Mr Kumar said the election commission did not notify Mr Modi directly because the courts rejected petitions demanding the watchdog act against him.

Twice it went to court, Mr Kumar said. It is written in that order. Once to Delhi HC and once to SC. The thing which is judgedyou cannot over and over say anything on that.

open image in gallery A supporter of Narendra Modi performs rituals with the prime ministers cutout outside the BJP headquarters in New Delhi ( AFP via Getty )

The commission, meanwhile, said 642 million of the 968 million registered voters cast their ballots in this election.

Although the number is higher than in 2019, when about 612 million people voted, it accounts for a lower turnout than the 67.4 per cent recorded five years ago.

We have created a world record of 642 million proud Indian voters, Mr Kumar said. Its the highest ever number of voters in any electoral exercise in the world. It is 1.5 times the voters of all G7 countries.

The election was held under an intense heatwave with mercury rising above 50C in north and northwestern regions. There were nearly 25,000 cases of suspected heat stroke and 56 people lost their lives after several heatwave days across the country between March and May, according to the government.

Mr Kumar acknowledged the election should have been finished a month earlier and said this was one of the lessons learned from the 2024 election.
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A record-breaking 642 million voters cast their ballots in Indias general election, officials announced on Monday, as the huge counting operation was due to begin despite a deadly heatwave.

The seven-phase vote  the worlds largest  began on 19 April and was held in scorching heat in many parts of the country, with temperatures rising to nearly 50C in some regions.

Exit polls predict that the incumbent prime minister Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), will win a large majority, affording Mr Modi a historic third term.

More than 200 people, including dozens of workers on election duty, have died in recent days as India sweltered under exceptional heat.

At least 33 of those who died were working at polling stations on Saturday, during the seventh and last phase of voting. Most were working as security or sanitation workers.

Election duty is compulsory in India for public sector employees, who are assigned by the election commission before voting begins.

A voter also died at a polling booth in the Sikandarpur area of Ballia city in Uttar Pradesh during the polling.

The Election Commission of India has been criticised for failing to take the heatwave warnings into consideration while planning the national elections, at which close to a billion people were eligible to vote out of a population of 1.4 billion.

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.

open image in gallery Security workers carry electronic voting machines and other voting materials in Patna on Friday ( AFP via Getty )

Although the 2024 turnout represents a higher figure in total than the 612 million voters who cast their ballots in 2019, it is about one percentage point lower as a proportion of the population than the 67.4 per cent turnout five years ago.

Turnout among 968 million registered voters was possibly lower in the initial phases because there was no single major issue to draw voters out in the heat, analysts said.

Mr Kumar said future elections might be held a month earlier in order to avoid extreme heat.

Mr Modis alliance, known as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is expected to win a two-thirds majority in the 543-member lower house of parliament, where 272 is needed for a simple majority.

A summary of five major exit polls projected that the NDA could win between 353 and 401 seats. The opposition India alliance led by Rahul Gandhis Congress party was projected to win between 125 and 182 seats.

If voters do indeed hand Modi a rare third consecutive term, it will provide him with the political capital to push through difficult economic reforms such as easier land acquisition and labour laws for businesses, as well as measures to modernise the vast but slowing farm sector.

A two-thirds majority in parliament also opens the way for changes to Indias constitution. Mr Modis critics fear that his Hindu-nationalist-led alliance will seek to undermine Indias secular foundations. Mr Modi has denied having plans to change the constitution.

Counting will take place on Tuesday in each of the 543 constituencies around the country. It begins with postal ballots, followed by votes recorded by the electronic voting machines that India has used since 2000.

Result trends generally become clear by the afternoon of counting day and are reported by television news networks.

Postal votes are mostly cast by troops serving outside their home constituencies or officials away from home on election duty. This year, postal votes were also offered to voters over 85 years of age and to people with disabilities, to allow them to vote from home.

Opposition parties have in the past accused the commission of bias in favour of the BJP on issues such as violations during the campaign  charges it denies  but have not challenged the counting process or election outcomes.
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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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Narendra Modi has won a historic third consecutive term as Indias prime minister  but his victory was overshadowed by the failure of his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to win an expected outright majority, and a surprisingly strong performance by the largely discounted opposition.

Abhki baar 400 paar  This time, beyond 400 [seats]  was the rallying cry during his campaign, articulating the partys aim of dominating the 543-seat Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament.

It was an ambitious target but not an unreasonable one, after the BJP won two successive landslide victories in the 2014 and 2019 elections; in the latter, the BJP won 303 seats in its own right, contributing to a ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) tally of more than 350  nearly a two-thirds majority.

Follow our live updates on 2024 Indian elections.

Almost all exit polls suggested the BJP was close to achieving its aim. But in the event, Mr Modis party fell woefully short and will now be forced to rely on coalition partners to form a government. It could have major implications for how the worlds most populous country is run over the next five years.

With most constituencies counted, the ruling NDA had 295 seats and the opposition INDIA blocs tally stood at 230, a massive improvement from its showing in 2019. The NDA will still form the government, having crossed the majority threshold of 272 seats, and Mr Modi will stay on as prime minister. But political analysts said it was a moral defeat for the BJP and might just spell an end to the politics of hate that have defined Mr Modis decade in power.

This was no ordinary election, renowned left-wing political and social activist Harsh Mander told The Independent. All Modi was offering was a project of hate. At a time when there is a jobs crisis, unprecedented inequalities, and severe climate challenges, a BJP landslide win would have meant that India slipped into very dark times.

He said there was a sense of relief that the BJP had not won a clear majority. A coalition government is better, as the BJP will have to rely on coalition partners to formulate any policy. There will be discussion, debate, and no one-man government.

Mr Mander credited the opposition for putting up a spirited fight despite many challenges. There was huge money-power. There was the use of all the state institutions against them.

In advance of the election, federal agencies under Mr Modis government raided and jailed leading opposition politicians such as Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, and froze bank accounts held by the main opposition Congress party. At the same time, the BJP was revealed to have been the biggest beneficiary of a system of secret political donations, called Electoral Bonds, that was recently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

If not for the crackdown, Mr Mander argued, the INDIA bloc might have performed even better.

As results trickled in on Tuesday, it became clear that the BJP faced setbacks in several states, notably Indias largest, Uttar Pradesh, where the INDIA bloc, led by Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party, was ahead in 43 of the 80 seats.

In West Bengal, an eastern state where the BJP had campaigned aggressively, the Trinamool Congress was ahead in 32 of the 42 seats.

In Maharashtra, the opposition was on course to secure 30 seats, while the BJP and its allies lagged with 17.

More remarkably, the BJP was trailing in at least 30 per cent of the seats it won in 2019, and some of its most prominent faces were staring at defeat.

Smriti Irani, the minister for women and child development, lost to Kishori Lal of Congress in Amethi, a prestige constituency she was vying to retain after wresting it from Rahul Gandhi, the face of the opposition, in 2019.

Prajwal Revanna, a lawmaker from BJP ally Janata Dal Secular who was arrested last week on sexual abuse charges, lost in the southern state of Karnataka.

Several factors contributed to the BJPs struggles in these states and constituencies, Arati Jerath, a political analyst, told The Independent.

There was a lot of attrition as far as the BJP was concerned, when you look at the ground reports, she said. They suggested that the BJP was not going to do well.

And, unlike in previous elections, there was no singular national issue this time round. Key issues varied by state, reflecting caste dynamics, lack of enthusiasm among BJP and RSS workers, and concerns about unemployment.

Honestly, what I am seeing in this entire election is unlike 2014 and 2019. There is no national vote, she said. Its very much like what happened in 2004, which the BJP lost.

The outcome was an aggregate of state elections. That is, I think, what we are seeing today. There was public anger, which exploded against the BJP.

Supriya Shrinate of the Congress party told NDTV that the oppositions performance in Uttar Pradesh, the heartland state that has been the bedrock of the BJPs Hindu nationalist politics, was a moral loss for the ruling party.

Ms Jerath agreed. If the BJP failed to secure a clear majority when the entire election campaign was centred around Modi, that is a clear moral defeat for the BJP.

Manisha Priyam, a political observer, told The Independent that the result showed that state-level interests and federal interests are very important and integral to the idea of India.

Political scientist Gilles Verniers told Al Jazeera that the BJP went from using Modi as the main argument to using him as the sole argument.

And that backfired.

This is a setback, Mr Verniers argued, referring to the BJP. The options now are to be more conciliatory and share power, or to double down on authoritarianism, which is the path they have taken over the past few years.
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A court in Islamabad acquitted Imran Khan of leaking state secrets but the former Pakistan prime minister will remain in prison because of his conviction in another case.

The court annulled the sentence of Mr Khan and his close aide, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in what is known as the cipher case on Monday. The two had been sentenced to 10 years in prison in January by a special court set up in prison in Rawalpindi for publicly revealing a diplomatic cable in 2022.

Mr Khan, ousted as prime minister in 2022, has received three prison sentences, which he claims are politically motivated.

Despite the acquittal, Mr Khan will stay in prison, serving sentences with his wife Bushra Bibi, over charges related to their 2018 marriage and corruption allegations during his tenure as prime minister. On 3 February, Mr Khan and his wife were sentenced to seven years when a court in Rawalpindi declared that their marriage in 2018 violated Islamic law.

Thank God, the sentence is overturned, PTI spokesperson Naeem Panjutha wrote on X on Monday.

Mr Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hailed Mondays verdict. 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 April 2022, Mr Khan was ousted from power through a parliamentary vote of no-confidence. He claimed a secret diplomatic cable proved that there was a US-led conspiracy with Pakistans military and opposition to remove him.

State authorities accused Mr Khan of using the document for political purposes and not returning it, leading to a special court sentencing him and his ally Mr Qureshi to ten years in prison.

Washington and the Pakistani army reject these accusations.

Meanwhile, the governments spokesperson for legal affairs, Aqeel Malik, told the media that 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.

Mr Khan has been in jail since August last year, facing trial in multiple cases.
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Temperatures on the West Coast are expected to peak into triple figures for the first time this year due to a large heat dome that may bring further wildfires and potentially life-threatening conditions.

More than 10 million people in California, Nevada and Arizona are expected to be affected by the phenomenon, which will bring dangerous heat through the week.

The National Weather Service said by Thursday, the level of risk of heat-related impacts will be extreme in parts of all three states.

This level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts likely in most health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure, according to the forecaster.

Such conditions are caused by a heat dome, a large area of high pressure that stops 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.

Spending extended periods outside in high temperatures can lead to severe health risks, including heat stroke, dizziness and sun burns. Those older than 65, are at a higher risk of illness from the heat.

Tourists take pictures under an umbrella at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles during the 2023 heatwave. A new heat wave is hiting the West Coast this week with many areas expected to see tempatures over 100 degrees. ( AP )

A forecast map shows a heat dome starting to settle over the West Coast Tuesday. Its expected to grow and impact states for the rest of the week. ( National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration )

Temperatures are expected to start rising Tuesday, with Sacramento, California, predicted to match its highest ever temperature of 103F. Further south in Stockton and Modesto, temperatures also enter into triple figures, at 101F and 100F, respectively.

On Wednesday the extreme temperatures are predicted to make their way further south with triple digits hitting the cities of Bakersfield, Lancaster and Victorville  around 80 miles from Los Angeles.

Californias Death Valley, the hottest place on earth, is predicted to reach 120F by Thursday. Though the area has seen much higher temperatures, such numbers do not typically come so early in the year.

The hot weather comes as parts of the west coast, including in California, have already experienced wildfires (  The Press Democrat )

Nearby areas of the Golden State will be equally scorching, with Shoshone hitting 119F.

Other parts of the West Coast will also see increasing temperatures, with Phoenix, expected to peak at 112F on Thursday, according to Accuweather.

In Las Vegas, temperatures are forecast to hit 108F on Wednesday, 111F on Thursday and 110F on Friday, breaking previous record temperatures on each day.

It comes as parts of the West Coast, including in California, have already experienced wildfires, with experts warning that the extreme heat may exacerbate conditions for more blazes.

The Corral Fire, which began south of Tracy, California, consumed more than 14,000 acres of land in San Joaquin County since it ignited. Residents were ordered to evacuate over the weekend.

Firefighters gained an upper hand as winds eased Sunday and the blaze was 75 percent contained by Monday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings, though county officials urged residents to remain vigilant and be ready to leave at a moments notice.

It follows smaller fires in the Los Padres National Park in Santa Barbara County last week.

Last year, intense heatwaves blistered the US with over 113 million Americans under heat warnings at their peaks.

In July the mercury has hit 110F in Phoenix for 13 days in a row, causing officials to advise residents to limit outdoor activities, and be alert to signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Parts of California including the Central Valley, the Mojave and Sonoran desert regions, as well as Nevada, were also warned to prepare for extreme heat.
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Coin collecting in the U.S. has become a lost art but a community is trying to bring it back in fashion.

With Americans tossing an estimated $68 million in coins annually, often discarding them in public spaces such as sidewalks or accidentally putting them in the trash, a passionate community has taken it upon themselves to spread the joy of collecting the underappreciated form of currency and revive the hobby.

According to a May YouGov poll of nearly 3,000 American adults, over 80 percent reported they would stop to pick up coins on the street, with the habit being common among older adults.

Half admitted that theyd pick up a penny without hesitation. Between pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and more, these collectors find something primal about picking up and finding coins. Its almost instinctual to them.

Theres something really primal about seeing that glint on the ground, upstate New York-based filmmaker Chalkley Calderwood, 54, explained to the Wall Street Journal. Im bending over to pick it up before I can even think.

open image in gallery A box with collectible coins in cells and a hand holding a coin. According to a May YouGov poll of nearly 3,000 American adults, over 80 percent reported they would stop to pick up coins on the street, with the habit being common among older adults. ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Each collector has a different strategy or method for picking up coins. Some, such as landscaper David Virgilio, 73, swing by his local drive-thrus to scoop up any change people dropped during their window transactions with the cashier.

While others, such as Another Mother Runner founder Sarah Bowen Shea, 58, routinely picks up coins along the sidewalk and street as she goes on her runs.

She admitted to the outlet, Theres definitely days where the search for found change is what gets me out the door.

Theyre not the only ones attempting to salvage these coins, with sustainable waste management company Reworld sifting through garbage to find as many coins as possible.

Since starting their coin-saving project over seven years ago, the company has discovered around $10 million in coins.

Last year, the U.S. Mint spent $707 million on creating coins. Meanwhile, its contemporaries including Canada, New Zealand, and Australia have removed their equivalents of the penny from circulation since coins tend to circulate slowly throughout the economy due to the difficulty in spending them.

This has led coins to primarily be stuck in homes, with many relegating them to household junk.

However, one persons trash can be anothers treasure, with savvy collectors often housing their collections in unique ways, ranging from people such as Samantha Hopkins, who store their bounty in jars to count at the end of the year, to couples like Sara and Justin Ilse who used 65,507 pennies to build the entryway floor of their 230-square-foot home.
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Olivia Munn has opened up about her unconventional journey to becoming a mother.

The actor, 43, appeared on the June 4 episode of the She MD podcast with her OB-GYN, Dr Thais Aliabadi, who delivered Munns son Malcolm in November 2021. The New Girl star shares her now-two-year-old son with comedian John Mulaney.

It was a surprise pregnancy, she told podcast co-hosts Dr Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney. Munn explained that she had frozen her eggs twice, once at 33 and at 39, when people werent as open about the process of freezing eggs.

She decided to freeze her eggs after hearing about a mutual friend who wanted to have a baby, but had to undergo chemotherapy for her cancer treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, chemotherapy and radiation can negatively affect the ovaries, causing them to stop releasing eggs and producing estrogen.

Munn described how she spoke publicly about her fertility journey on fellow actor Anna Faris podcast, and she instantly received praise as one of the first people to talk openly about freezing eggs.

As a woman, things are just unpredictable and even if things go perfectly with your health, there is a biological clock on us that does not exist for men, Munn said. If I froze my eggs, that means that I dont have to race the clock. It means that I dont have to try to find a partner to make this happen. It means that I dont have to make a decision on what I want to do. It just gives me the gift of time, allows me to just breathe.

As for Malcolm, Munn described becoming naturally pregnant with Malcolm  sans artificial reproductive technology  as a blessing.

Elsewhere during the podcast, the Newsroom star admitted that her pregnancy was surprisingly easy at some points but difficult at the same time. Munn explained that she had certain expectations about how shed look when she was pregnant, though her expectations were completely thrown out the window.

I looked nothing like what I see people look like when theyre pregnant. I had a six-day window where it looked cute, she jokingly said. I was wearing the same sweatpants and the same flannel shirt everywhere because I just couldnt get it together.

The Hollywood star went on to acknowledge how being in the public eye and the advantages of social media has given people greater understanding and a lot more compassion and grace about what women are going through in their day to day lives. However, that didnt stop her from feeling insecure about her appearance during her pregnancy.

I had friends who were pregnant at the same time or had their babies after me, and yet they snap back like that, Munn said. Their pregnancy outfits were so cute, everything was so cute, or they already had the nurseries done. The nursery wasnt done until days before, I mean days before.

Although Munn noted that what people post on social media isnt always reality, she joked that she didnt even have the energy to pretend her life was in order.

I put on 60 pounds, thats when I stopped counting, she continued. I stayed inside a lot during my pregnancy, and I was really craving pizza and Lucky Charms My body did not snap back afterwards, I did not lose the weight. Right now Im doing a lot of laser treatments on my stomach, Munn said, referring to her post-baby body as having a deflated balloon effect.

Despite her pregnancy having its ups and downs, Munn assured fans that she would give [her] whole body up for her son Malcolm.

Munn and Mulaney announced the arrival of their first child together on December 24, 2021. Sharing the same snap of Malcolm sleeping to Instagram, the couple showed their newborn baby wrapped in a white fuzzy blanket and wearing a baby blue beanie. My Golden Ox baby. Malcolm Hiep Mulaney. Happy Holidays, she captioned the Christmas Eve post.

Meanwhile, the Big Mouth actor shared an amusing message to Instagram after welcoming his son. Meet Malcolm Hiep Mulaney. He has his whole life ahead of him. He hasnt even tried seltzer yet, Mulaney wrote in the Instagram caption. Im very in love with him and his whole deal. Happy Holidays.

The couple began dating in 2021. In September that year, Mulaney confirmed on Late Night with Seth Meyers that they were expecting a baby together. The announcement came just two months after he filed for divorce from his wife of six years, Anna Marie Tendler, in July 2021. The couple had originally separated in May, following Mulaneys reported drug addiction relapse and 60-day rehab treatment.

Most recently, Munn revealed in March that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy surgery.
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Julie Bowen has reacted to being credited with rescuing her Modern Family co-star Sarah Hyland from a toxic relationship, and her response is humbling.

The 54-year-old actor, who portrayed Claire Dunphy in the ABC sitcom from 2009 to 2020, made an appearance on the The Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcast on June 3. During the episode, Bowen was asked about helping Hyland  who played her daughter on the series  leave her past relationship in 2014.

I was a responsible adult that happened to be around at the right time, the Happy Gilmore star said. I mean, Im sure another responsible adult would have done the exact same thing. I just love her.

Bowen admitted that she feels a maternal connection to each actor who played her children on the critically acclaimed comedy series, including Hyland, Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould, and Rico Rodriguez, who portrayed her younger step brother Manny Delgado.

I look at them all like my kids, she said.

In September 2014, Hyland was granted a restraining order against ex-boyfriend Matthew Prokop following accusations that he physically and verbally abused her over the course of their four-year relationship. Prokop  who appeared in an episode of Modern Family and the 2008 film, High School Musical 3: Senior Year  allegedly threatened to set Hylands house on fire and told her that shed never see her dog again, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.

She also claimed that Prokop pinned her against a car and choked her, following an argument they had over her outfit in May 2014. The filing stated that Hyland asked her on-screen mother to help her "peacefully end" the relationship. She described an incident in which she had bought a plane ticket to send Prokop back to his home in Texas, but when he arrived at Hylands house and saw Bowen, he allegedly ran outside into the backyard and began screaming and threw a lighter at her.

Bowen allegedly told Hyland that she should leave the house as she was no longer safe around Prokop.

Shortly after she was granted the restraining order, Hyland opened up about how her Modern Family co-stars have always supported her in an interview with People. In every aspect of life theyre the best for me, she told the outlet in October 2014. Were always there for each other. And its wonderful. I love them.

The former Love Island USA host has also spoken about the lasting effects of domestic abuse, and emphasized how prioritizing mental health can help overcome an abusive relationship.

A lot of people like to think that once youre out of an abusive situation, it ends there, but it doesnt, Hyland told Refinery29 in February 2020. The emotional trauma and scars on the soul stay there, and they impact you for the rest of your life if you dont get help.

I still find myself being like, Oh, why did I just explode out of nowhere? I realize its tied to certain things, and its an endless battle of correcting yourself and having self-love, she added. Self-care is an extension of self-love.

These days, Hyland is married to The Bachelorette alum Wells Adams. The couple announced their engagement in 2019 after dating for more than two years. They were forced to postpone their wedding due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and finally tied the knot in August 2022.

The national domestic abuse helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website. There is a dedicated mens advice line on 0808 8010 327. Those in the US can call the domestic violence hotline on 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org.
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A kindergartener received a sweet graduation on a Frontier Airlines flight after missing his initial ceremony.

In a recent video posted to Frontier Airlines TikTok, Xavier could be seen walking down the aisle of the plane, wearing his red cap and gown. The crew member could be heard making an announcement over the intercom, explaining that the graduation was about to take place.

We would like your help in helping Xavier, the crew member said. He is missing his kindergarten graduation today. And because he chose to fly Frontier instead, were giving him his graduation ceremony on this flight.

Xavier went on to walk down the aisle of the plane, while all the passengers cheered and applauded him. The classical music march Pomp and Circumstance could be heard playing in the background, as some travelers also gave Xavier high-fives as he continued to walk toward the front of the plane.

In the caption, Frontier Airlines explained how the big event for Xavier came to be. When Xavier missed his kindergarten graduation due to traveling out of town, our flight attendants stepped in to surprise him with a special in-flight ceremony, the company wrote.

Many people also went on to the comments of the TikTok to praise the sweet graduation that Frontier had for Xavier.

He will never forget this, one wrote, while another added: AWWWWWW. MY HEART MELTED, YOU GO FRONTIER FOR MAKING THIS KIDS LIFE ALL THAT MORE SPECIAL.

A third agreed: When companies do things like this, it makes my heart melt.

Xaviers mother, Jay, also posted the video to social media, where she expressed her gratitude to the airline company. Thank you to @Frontier Airlines for making my sons kindergarten graduation unforgettable, she wrote in the caption of her TikTok video of the ceremony.

When posting the video on her Instagram, Jay explained why her son had to miss his initial graduation. All that know me know the importance of my sons activities, but due to a family event he missed his graduation. This was very difficult for me and I decided since we were going to be with family to bring his cap and gown, she wrote.

She went on to share that while her son was wearing his cap and gown on the flight, she was stunned by the fact that Frontier had then organized a ceremony.

The day we traveled before boarding the plane I put it on him only expecting a photo with the pilots but the staff at Frontier Airlines went above and beyond, the parent added. This was unforgettable and I am immensely grateful to all those aboard the plane and the staff.

The Independent has contacted Jay and Frontier Airlines for comment.
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Amid a storm of criticism and opposition, Ms Rachel has spoken out to defend her recent post wishing her dedicated audience a happy Pride Month 2024.

The famed social media personality  whose full name is Rachel Griffin Accurso  took to her Instagram page on June 2 to honor the significance of Pride, a nationwide celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

In the published video, she said: Happy Pride to all our wonderful families and friends. This month and every month I celebrate you. Im so glad youre here. Im so glad youre exactly who you are.

To those who are going to comment they cant watch the show anymore because of this support, no worries and much love your way. God bless. I am not chasing fame or views. Im standing strong in love, Ms Rachel added.

Unfortunately, her heartfelt message was met with flocks of online haters, including from parents with children who adore the former preschool teachers silly songs and educational clips.

Despite the backlash, the 41-year-old YouTuber felt no need to apologize for posting about Pride Month. In fact, Ms Rachel was inclined to do the opposite.

Ive shared some prayers on here before and said, God bless, and thats because my faith is really important to me. And its also one reason why I love every neighbor, she started in a June 3 Instagram video, in response to the backlash.

Ms Rachel referenced a specific bible passage  Matthew 22  to establish her religious connection to Pride Month principles.

I believe its mentioned eight times  love your neighbor, she continued. So yes, everyone belongs. Everyones welcome. Everyone is treated with empathy and respect. It doesnt say, Love every neighbor except.

There are so many reasons I stand strong in love. I stand with everyone. Thats who I am and the love back and the God bless if you disagree is genuine, Ms Rachel added.

Under her initial post, commenters told the YouTuber theyd never let their children watch her content again, arguing she should have never talked about Pride Month to an audience majorly made up of toddlers.

Goodbye! Never will you be on my TV again, one blunt parent proclaimed, while another remarked: Sad but no longer allowed at our home.

A third wrote: My kids dont know what Pride is. Keep it about the rabbits, numbers and learning Ms Rachel.

Bye bye miss Rachel! This is not appropriate for my kids, another agreed.

Daily Wires host Matt Walsh encouraged conservative parents to take Ms Rachels Pride message as a sign to never again allow their children to engage with her content.

Ms Rachel is an extremely popular YouTuber who makes content for babies and toddlers, he wrote on X. She just posted a video celebrating Pride Month. This is a message to conservatives parents. She doesnt want your business. You should respond accordingly.

On her follow-up video, the same commenters flooded her page. My kids will not watch you, an upset viewer noted.

However, Ms Rachels loyal followers were quick to defend her against the opposers.

Ms Rachel took a risk posting this, and Im so glad she did, one individual proclaimed, while a second said: Ms Rachel is not just for littles. Big people clearly need you too.

The Independent has contacted Ms Rachel for comment.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussexs daughter has just turned three years old.

On Tuesday 4 June, Princess Lilibet Diana may have officially turned three, but her parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got a jump start on the celebrations and had a party at their home in Montecito, California over the weekend, according to People.

The outlet reported that those in attendance included both family members and the toddlers friends. This is the second time Harry and Meghan, who also share five-year-old Prince Archie, have celebrated Lilibets birthday in the US instead of the UK.

At the time of writing, no members of the royal family have wished Lilibet a happy birthday.

The young princess was originally named after Harrys grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022. Lilibet was the late queens nickname, while the two gave her the middle name Diana after Harry and the Prince of Wales late mother. Her birth announcement, shared on the Archewell Foundation website, also explained that the couple would be using the nickname Lili.

Both Lilibet and Arthur were without royal titles upon birth because they were the great-grandchildren of the monarch at the time. Due to King Charles ascension to the throne, they then became the grandchildren of the monarch which allows for titles according to King George Vs Letters Patent in 1917 that reads:  the grandchildren of the sons of any such sovereign in the direct male line (save only the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of dukes of these our realms.

Recently, Meghan and Harry went on a three-day tour in Nigeria to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games. During their tour, Meghan couldnt stop sharing some information about her second child.

The couple was at a school in the capital city of Abuja, where they were able to watch the children at a school showcase their talents, with the students putting on a dance and showing them the robots they built in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) class.

Meghan had mentioned that singing and dancing is Lilibets favorite class because of all the jumping around.

To connect with the children, Meghan decided to talk about her own daughter and a conversation she had with her. Our daughter, Lili, shes much, much tinier than you guys. Shes about to turn three. And a few weeks ago, she looked at me and she would just see the reflection in my eyes. And she [goes], Mama, I see me in you, she said.

Oh, now she was talking really literally. But I hung on to those words in a very different way. And I thought, yes, I do see me in you, and you see me in you.

She added: As I look around this room, I see myself in all of you as well.

Harry went on to speak about mental health during his own speech. If I say mental health, do you know what it means? he began, while asking the students and staff members to raise their hands.

In some cases around the world, in more than you would believe, there is a stigma when it comes to mental health. Too many people dont want to talk about it because its invisible. Its something in our minds that we cant see. Its not like a broken leg, its not like a broken wrist.
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Watch as President Joe Biden issues an order on Tuesday (4 June) that intends to shut down the US-Mexico border when the number of migrants crossing hits a certain level.

The executive order will allow the United States to close the southern border to asylum seekers, temporarily removing longtime protections.

Biden had previously hinted that he would take such executive actions after a bipartisan deal to restrict immigration in exchange for aid to Ukraine and Israel failed to pass the Senate earlier this year after Republicans came out against it, in response to Trumps opposition.

The new order will take effect if more than 2,500 migrants cross in a single day - a number which has become commonplace in recent months - meaning that the action could be instituted immediately. It will be suspended if crossings drop below 1,500 people.
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Police have issued an update on their investigation into three newborn babies found abandoned in east London across seven years, after it emerged that they share the same biological parents.

DNA tests revealed that a baby girl found wrapped in a towel in a shopping bag at a park in Newham in January has an older brother and sister who were dumped in similar circumstances.

The baby, named by hospital staff as Baby Elsa, was discovered in sub-zero temperatures by a dog walker on 18 January.

Her brother, named Harry, was found wrapped in a blanket at a park in Plaistow in September 2017, and her sister, named Roman, was discovered next to a bench at another park in Newham in January 2019.

A judge in the family courts ruled that the siblings relationship could be reported because of the public interest of the case - and in the hope it could aid an investigation by the Met Police to find the parents.

What the Met Police have said

In a statement on Tuesday, Detective Inspector Jamie Humm said his team had worked around the clock to find the unidentified parents.

The force reissued a plea for a woman seen in the area just before Elsa was discovered to come forward.

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick speaking at the time of the discovery of Baby Elsas body. He appealed for a woman spotted at the scene to come forward - but she has yet to make herself known to officers ( PA )

She was wearing a large dark-coloured coat with a light-coloured scarf or hood around her neck, and was carrying a rucksack. The police believe she has vital information for the investigation.

Det Insp Humm said: We understand the significant public interest that will come following the lifting of restrictions that allow this information to be reported. It is significant news and our work has focused on trying to locate the mother and provide support to her.

We have worked 24/7 in each of these three cases to identify the parents, so far without success. We have also had to be mindful of the sensitivities that exist now all of the children are being cared for. Their welfare, including their privacy, is paramount.

We continue to investigate, and will consider the next steps in our investigation.

How was Baby Elsa found

Baby Elsa was believed to be less than an hour old when she was found abandoned in a shopping bag at the junction of Greenway and High Street South in East Ham on the night of 18 January this year.

Thought to be less than an hour old, she was discovered by a dog walker, wrapped in a towel in a shopping bag.

Baby Harry was found wrapped in a white blanket before being rushed to hospital ( Metropolitan Police )

Due to the freezing conditions on the evening, it took doctors three hours to record Elsas temperature due to the cold, the BBC reported from a previous court hearing.

The Met believed Elsa was born after a concealed pregnancy.

How was Baby Roman found?

Baby Roman was also discovered in freezing temperatures, in a park area close to Roman Road and Saxon Road in East Ham, on 30 January in 2019, at 10.15pm.

She was wrapped in a white towel placed in a shopping bag positioned next to a bench in a childrens play area.

No attempt had been made to hide her had appeared to have been made to hide the baby,

Baby Roman was discovered in freezing temperature in a park area in East Ham ( Metropolitan Police )

Dog walker Rima Zvaliauskas found the baby after hearing a noise coming from the shopping bag. Speaking at the time, she said: There was a crying noise from the bag. She was crying for her life. The baby saved herself.

How was Baby Harry found?

Baby Harry was found wrapped in a white blanket in a park area off Balaam Street in Plaistow on 17 September in 2017, at 8.20am.

He was also found wrapped in a white blanket before being rushed to hospital.

The Met Police issued an appeal for the mother to come forward, before later issuing pictures of the baby several months later in another unsuccessful attempt.

Why has their relationship been disclosed now?

Reporting the family courts is highly restricted to only what a judge will allow, to protect the identities of those involved.

In Baby Elsas case, an application was made by the BBC and PA news agency to vary the terms of a Transparency Order to allow reporting that she has two siblings and other details.

Judge Atkinson allowed it, stating: There is a clear public interest in reporting this story.

The abandonment of a baby in this country is a very, very unusual event and there are years where there are no children abandoned, and because of that it is the story of the abandoning of a child that is of public interest.

It is, for the same reason, in our current society, of enormous interest and importance that people know that there is a mother and father out there who felt the need to relinquish their children in this way, three times, and that is of considerable interest, it seems to me.

If I restrict these rights and the reporting of that story, I think that does impact on public consciousness of these sorts of matters. It restricts the openness of justice.
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A victim had reported a controlling and jealous boyfriend to police multiple times before he allegedly stabbed her to death with a steak knife, a court heard.

Despite Carl Cooper being an obvious suspect in the killing of Naomi Hunte, who was found dead on her blood-soaked sofa on Valentines Day in 2022, police released him after he was interviewed under caution.

The construction worker is accused of killing yet again 15 months later after his new girlfriend Fiona Holm disappeared without a trace.

Her body has never been found, but police later discovered traces of her blood on the walls, door and Wi-Fi router in Coopers living room.

Cooper, 66, denies murdering both women.

Opening the prosecutions case at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, Joel Smith KC told jurors: He is a man with a predilection to control women  particularly the two deceased women  and prone to violence when challenged. He is, in short, a callous bully and a killer.

The court heard that Ms Hunte, 41, reported Cooper to the police twice in November 2020  on the second occasion telling them he had been harassing her, waiting outside her house, and that she was afraid of him.

No further action was taken after she told police she did not want to make a statement or attend court.

She turned to police again six months later, complaining that he was bombarding her with calls and had been to her address, kicking the front door and calling her names.

In October 2021, she told officers she was worried about what could happen if she were left alone with him, after he had lost his temper when she refused sex, the court heard.

She said that his behaviour towards her was getting worse  he was more aggressive and more persistent. He was, she said, controlling and jealous, Mr Smith told the court.

Carl Cooper is standing trial at Woolwich Crown Court in south London (John Stillwell/PA) ( PA Archive )

Ms Huntes body was discovered by a neighbour in her home in Woolwich, southeast London, on 14 February 2022.

A knife with a 2-3 inch serrated blade, resembling a steak knife, was found covered in blood on the kitchen counter.

Prosecutors believe she had been dead for several days, having been killed on 10 February, when mobile phone data shows Cooper visited her flat.

But, tragically, this would not be the last time that Mr Cooper would kill his partner, Mr Smith said.

Because whilst he was still being investigated for the murder of Ms Hunte, another woman with whom he was in a physical relationship went missing.

Once again Cooper was in a controlling and violent relationship, this time with Ms Holm, and was the last person to see her alive, the court heard.

Police were called to Coopers address in April 2023, where Ms Holm, 48, told them he had threatened her with a crowbar and previously stabbed her with a screwdriver. Cooper was arrested and interviewed, but released without charge.

Ms Holm was last seen on CCTV at an off licence near the defendants home address in Catford at 10.48pm on 20 June last year, while her bank card was used to withdraw 40 nearby at 11.11pm.

Since then there has been no trace of her. She has not been admitted to hospital, used her bank accounts or contacted friends or family.

Forensic analysis of Coopers flat  which he had completely redecorated to cover his tracks  identified Ms Holms blood in multiple locations, including the walls, door and wifi router, the court heard.

Ms Holm was killed in the flat, Mr Smith said. She bled in the flat. The defendant has tried to cover it up, to deceive the police and, ultimately, you.

Cooper denies two counts of murder. The trial, scheduled to last four weeks, continues.
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Two people have been arrested after Nigel Farage had a milkshake thrown over him as he launched his general election campaign in Clacton.

The new Reform UK leader had the drink hurled over him as he left the Moon and Starfish Wetherspoon pub on Tuesday afternoon. Essex Police were alerted to the incident on Marine Parade East at around 2.10pm.

Officers arrested a 25-year-old woman, from Clacton, on suspicion of assault at the scene.

While officers were responding to the incident and making the initial arrest, another person, a man, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, said the force. Both remain in police custody for questioning.

Leader of Reform UK Mr Farage launches his general election campaign in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, on Tuesday ( James Manning/PA Wire )

Mr Farage had kicked off his general election campaign in the Essex seaside town earlier in the day, as he promised to be a bloody nuisance in Westminster.

He set out his goal for Reform UK to effectively take over the Conservative Party  and potentially put him in No 10 in the future. On Tuesday, he told ITVs Good Morning Britain his goal was to take over the Conservative Party rather than join it.

You can speculate as to whatll happen in three or four years time, all I will tell you is if Reform succeed in the way that I think they can, then a chunk of the Conservative Party will join us  its the other way around, he said.

He pointed to Canada, where Reform did a reverse takeover of the Conservative Party, rebranded it and Stephen Harper  who was elected as a Reform MP  became the Canadian prime minister for 10 years.

He said: I dont want to join the Conservative Party, I think the better thing to do would be to take it over.
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Health officals are warning the British public to be vigilant this summer over an expected surge of Asian hornets.

The UKs chief plant health officer Nicola Spence has called for beekeepers and the wider public to be more aware of the hornets presence after record sightings in the country last year.

Asian hornets pose no greater risk to human health than native hornets but they are a threat to honey bees and insect pollinators.

( AFP via Getty Images )

In 2023 alone, the National Bee Unit said they destroyed 72 nests in 56 locations with the majority affected in Kent.

The Environment Department (Defra) said the species is not established in the UK yet but early trapping is fundamental to eradication efforts to stop further damage.

As concern for the insects impact grows, heres what we know about Asian hornets:

An Asian hornet taking nectar from an Ivy flower head (Alamy/PA)

What are they?

Asian hornets is a species of hornet indigenous to Southeast Asia that have very dark bodies, a wide orange stripe on the fourth abdomen section and yellow leg ends.

Also known as the Asian Predatory Wasp, the insect can consume 50 honey bees a day, with a swarm of insects capable of killing a hive of 30,000.

Asian hornets on their nest in Chisseaux near Tours, France ( AFP via Getty Images )

Why are they in the UK?

There have been 109 sightings of Asian hornets since 2016, of which 56 were in 2023, according to government figures.

Eight have been reported in the UK so far this year including three within one week in May. Most have been seen in East Sussex and Kent.

According to the National Bee Unit, it is thought they had first been imported to Europe in a consignment of pottery from China in 2004 before quickly establishing and spreading to many regions of France.

The Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL), which represents 83 nature organisations, warned that recent flooding and warming temperatures have increased the risk of problem species already in the UK growing and spreading.

Richard Benwell, WCL chief executive, said: Invasive species are already one of the biggest threats to the UK environment, from smothering waterways to outcompeting native species.

They also cause billions of pounds in damage a year to homes and businesses, and even pose risks to human health.

Asian hornets reached France in 2005 and have spread steadily ( Getty Images )

Are they dangerous?

Asian hornets are highly effective predator of insects, including honey bees and can cause significant losses to bee colonies.

Defra said: Invasive species threaten our native biodiversity and cost the economy billions every year, which is why we support the Invasive Species Inspectorate in carrying out their role to protect the nations biosecurity.

The department said Asian hornets are not generally aggressive towards people, but an exception to this is when they perceive a threat to their nest.

The hornets pose less of a threat to humans than they do to bees

What to do if youre stung?

Defra said members of the public can report any sightings of the Asian Hornet via the Asian Hornet Watch App.

If an Asian hornet stings you, it is important to immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and cool water and apply ice to slow the venom spreading further.

If you have been stung and you start to have trouble breathing or find yourself wheezing or having shortness of breath, you might be having an allergic reaction and should see a doctor.
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Asian hornets could be here to stay in the UK after DNA testing confirmed they survived winter for the first time.

The invasive species, which has the scientific name vespa velutina, dismembers and eats bees and poses a threat to local pollinators and ecosystems.

They are thriving in France and there have been increasing reports in recent years of sightings in southern England.

Earlier this month the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said there was no solid evidence that the hornets stayed here over winter.

But testing by the government-backed National Bee Unit (NBU) has shown that three queen hornets caught at Four Oaks, East Sussex, are the offspring of a nest destroyed in nearby Rye in November 2023 - suggesting that the hornets are breeding in the UK.

However, the NBU said it would need to see evidence of a population of the creatures reproducing for a significant number of generations before classifying them as naturalised in the UK.

In 2016, the Asian hornet was discovered in the UK for the first time in Tetbury ( Getty Images )

What to do if you see an Asian hornet The Asian hornet is smaller than our native hornet, with adult workers measuring from 25mm in length and queens measuring 30mm The abdomen is mostly black except for the fourth abdominal segment which has a yellow band. It has characteristically yellow legs which accounts for why it is often called the yellow legged hornet and its face is orange with two brownish red compound eyes If you think you have seen an Asian hornet, please notify the Great British Non Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) immediately. In the first instance sightings should be reported through the free Asian Hornet Watch App, available for Android and iPhone Other methods of reporting the hornet also include using the NNSS online notification form. Finally, you can send any suspect sightings to the Non Native Species email address alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk Where possible, a photo, the location of the sighting and a description of the insect seen should be included If you would like to know more about the Asian hornet or any other Invasive Species, the NNSS website provides a great deal of information about the wide ranging work that is being done to tackle invasive species and tools to facilitate those working in this area Source: National Bee Unit

The presence of the hornets was first confirmed for the first time in France back in 2004 when they were found in the southwestern region of Lot-et-Garonne.

They were believed to have been imported in a consigned of pottery from China and later spread to several regions in France.

In 2016, the Asian hornet was discovered in the UK for the first time, in Tetbury. The nest was found and destroyed after 10 days of intensive searching by authorities.

But there have been subsequent sightings with action taken to find and destroy nests.

In 2023 alone, the NBU said it destroyed 72 nests in 56 locations with the majority affected in Kent.

Eight sightings have been reported in the UK so far this year including three within one week in May. Most have been spotted in East Sussex and Kent.

All hornets found have been likely to be from the European population rather than a new incursion from Asia, the NBU added.

The hornets are, however, established in Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Jersey.

They prey on a wide range of insects including honeybees and disrupt the ecological role they provide.

It has also altered the biodiversity in regions of France where it is present and can be a health risk to those who have allergies to hornet or wasp stings.
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Police have launched an investigation after a boy was found dead in woods near his home in Scotland.

Officers received reports of concern for a child in a secluded wooded area near Abbeygreen Road, Lesmahagow, at about 6.50pm on Sunday.

The boy, 9, was pronounced dead after emergency services attended the scene. Police said their enquiries were ongoing but there were no suspicious circumstances. A report is being prepared for the coroner.

The boy attended Woodpark Primary School in Lesmahagow.

Debbie McKenna, the schools headteacher sent a letter to parents expressing her great sadness at his death.

Pupils and parents of Woodpark Primary School have been offered support ( Google )

Many pupils and families may have been aware through friends or family in the community, the letter said, according to The Sun.

Please be assured that we have made arrangements to support those children most directly affected and we will continue to provide support from staff in school assisted by psychological services.

Of course you will be their most important source of support.

Extra support was offered to both pupils and parents at the school following the boys death.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: Around 6.50pm on Sunday, 2 June, 2024, we were called to a report of concern for a child in a wooded area near to Abbeygreen Road, Lesmahagow.

Emergency services attended but the 9-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Enquiries are ongoing but there are no suspicious circumstances. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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Watch as Second World War veterans leave for France on Tuesday 4 June, ahead of the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Normandy.

A ferry departed Portsmouth shortly after 7am to cross the Channel.

About 200 veterans are expected to be at commemorations in France on Thursday 6 June, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William will also travel to Normandy after they attend Britains national commemoration in Portsmouth.

US president Joe Biden, who will be on a state visit to France, will also join the ceremonies alongside French president Emmanuel Macron.

The leaders of Britain, Canada and Germany will also attend.

More than 150,000 service personnel from the United States, Britain, Canada and other Allied nations took part in the landings on D-Day, the start of an invasion which led to the liberation of France and victory on the Western Front.
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A large fire broke out at a construction site in east London on Tuesday morning with people warned to avoid the area.

London Fire Bridge dispatched ten fire engines and around 70 crew to deal with the blaze near Silvertown Way in Canning Town.

Footage posted on social media showed clouds of thick black smoke billowing into the sky as the fire raged.

The fire brigade said the blaze broke out on the ground floor of a 10-storey commercial unit. One of the brigades 64m ladders had been deployed to tackle the fire.

A 13.5m ladder was used to rescue one person. There were no injuries reported.

The brigade said it received over 25 calls reporting the fire, with the first call taken at 08.23am. Firefighters from Plaistow, Poplar, East Ham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

It was later confirmed the fire is now under control. The cause is currently unknown and an investigation is underway to establish how it started.

Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles across London.

I live in Hackney, a few miles away from Canning Town and I can smell the smoke from this site here, one person said on X.

Another said: Building on fire in Canning Town, London. Looks like a building under construction. Firemen are already on location.

A third wrote: Ominous scene this morning in Canning Town but police and firemen out in force, making us all feel safe. Looks like only the building sites are affected.
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All five of the cavalry horses which bolted through London earlier this year are expected to make a remarkable return to military duty  with three set to take part in next weeks Trooping the Colour parade.

In an update on Tuesday, the British Army said three of the injured horses  Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish  are already back on duty and against all expectations, are looking likely to take part in the Kings Birthday Parade on 15 June.

The remaining two injured horses  Vida and Quaker  are enjoying a summer holiday in the country but look set to return to work in due course, said the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR).

( Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire )

Three of the injured soldiers are back on duty and two are continuing to convalesce, but are also expected to make a full return to service, the regiment said.

There has been an outpouring of concern for the wellbeing of the horses since they made global headlines with a panicked gallop through central London, leaving pools of blood and a lengthy trail of damage in their wake.

The cavalry horses threw their riders and bolted after being spooked by rubble being dropped through a plastic tunnel while on an exercise in Belgravia on 24 April.

The horses smashed into a tour bus and taxis, with two followed by police for five miles during the morning rush hour as tourists fled from their path.

Ambulance crews treated four people in three separate incidents in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square and at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, in the space of 10 minutes.

The horses were spooked by rubble being dropped through a plastic tunnel ( London City Walks on YouTube )

Once Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish were well enough to travel after the incident, they were sent for respite at The Horse Trust in the Chilterns until they were fit to return to London.

On the same day that those three horses returned to Hyde Park Barracks, Vida and Quaker  the two most severely injured  were pronounced fit to travel and arrived at The Horse Trust for their respite care, having been discharged from veterinary care in London, the Army said.

Vida and Quaker made a remarkable physical recovery and showed great enthusiasm and joy upon their arrival at The Horse Trust, galloping into fresh pastures. Cavalry Grey Vida, who was seen covered in blood galloping through central London, wasted no time in turning from white to brown as he rolled in the grass.

The horses appeared bright and in good spirits, clearly displaying a close bond with each other and the soldiers who accompanied them, the Army said. The facility offers a serene environment for relaxation, ensuring each horse receives personalised and attentive care.

The horses will remain with The Horse Trust for as long as they need before being assessed for their suitability to return to work.

Additional reporting by PA
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The earliest date Rwanda deportation flights could take off has been pushed back to late July, new court documents show.

Rishi Sunaks government had originally promised that flights taking migrants to Rwanda would start in the last week of June, but this was delayed due to the calling of the general election for 4 July. Government lawyers have told the High Court that the earliest date on which flights could start is 24 July.

The new date was revealed in a court order issued as part of the charity Asylum Aids legal challenge against the governments Rwanda policy.

Mr Sunak has promised that asylum seekers will be deported to the East African nation if he is re-elected, creating a dividing line between the Tories and Keir Starmers Labour, which has pledged to ditch it.

Rishi Sunak has said that if he is re-elected as prime minister we will get our Rwanda scheme up and running ( PA )

Last week a cross-party group of MPs concluded that the Home Office does not have a credible plan for sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. The Public Accounts Committee, which has a Tory majority and a Labour chair, said it had little confidence that the Home Office could implement the plan.

The new start date for the Rwanda plan came in a short ruling on Monday from Mr Justice Chamberlain, the High Court judge, who is overseeing legal challenges.

During a timetabling hearing on Monday, the Home Offices barrister told the judge that removals would begin on 24 July. Mr Justice Chamberlain said that all this is, of course, subject to the outcome of the general election.

Separately to the Asylum Aid legal challenge, the civil service union the FDA is also taking the Home Office to court over the Rwanda policy. It is concerned about circumstances in which civil servants could be told to break international law by proceeding with removals.

Its case is due to be heard on Thursday, and the Asylum Aid case is scheduled for the week of 8 July.
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Angela Rayner has said she still wants to rid the world of nuclear weapons - just hours after Sir Keir Starmer said his whole shadow cabinet was right behind his position on the UKs nuclear deterrent.

On Monday Sir Keir said he was prepared to deploy weapons to protect Britain and announced a triple lock commitment for maintaining the Trident system.

In 2016 some of his shadow cabinet members voted against renewing the Trident deterrent, including deputy leader Angela Rayner and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy.

When asked about this, Sir Keir responded: I lead this party. I have changed this party. If we are privileged to come in to serve, I will be the prime minister of the United Kingdom and Ive made my commitment to this absolutely clear and Ive got my whole cabinet, shadow cabinet, behind me.

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said his whole shadow cabinet was behind his position on the Trident system ( PA Wire )

However just hours later Rayner told the BBC she had not changed her mind about nuclear weapons. She told the BBC: I havent changed my mind.

The vote that we had some years ago mentioned nothing about multilateral disarmament, and thats 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.

In a tweet the deputy leader said she fully supported Labours triple lock commitment to Trident and that the UKs nuclear deterrent is more important than ever in a world where Putins war is on Europes doorstep.

Speaking on ITV on if there was a split in the party over the issue, she said: No, we are absolutely committed to nuclear defence, we have our triple lock, we have our three programmes.

Ms Rayner voted against Trident while the party was under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn in 2016. In respect of her position at the time, she tweeted: Thanks for the tremendous support on my position over Trident, amazed we can find money for this but we steal 30 a week off disabled people.

Grant Shapps, the defence secretary, said Sir Keirs speech was empty and criticised him for failing to commit to a timeline of 2030 for spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence.

He said: Starmers choice for foreign secretary, David Lammy, has described the UKs nuclear deterrent as senseless. This rubbishes the claim that Labour has changed.

Its clear Starmer lacks the courage and conviction to stand up for Britains security.
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Diane Abbott has been cleared to stand as a Labour MP days after she swiftly deleted a tweet accusing Sir Keir Starmer of lying about his respect for her.

Ms Abbott has been rubber stamped as a candidate by the partys powerful National Executive Committee (NEC).

It comes as former leader Jeremy Corbyn accused Labour of hanging her out to dry as Britains first Black female MP faced horrific racist abuse.

Writing for The Independent, Mr Corbyn said the treatment of the veteran politician, who has been at the centre of a storm over whether she would be allowed to stand for the party, had been an utter disgrace.

Diane Abbott has said she intends to run and win as a Labour candidate (PA) ( PA Archive )

On Friday Sir Keir Starmer said the veteran MP would be free to stand for the party after days of an extraordinary back and forth about whether she would be blocked.

The dramatic U-turn came after his deputy Angela Rayner broke with her party leader to say Ms Abbott should be allowed to fight the seat she has represented for nearly four decades.

On Sunday, Ms Abbott declared her intention to run as she denied she had been offered peerage to stand down.

But just hours later she accused Sir Keir of being dishonest in claiming that he has more respect for (her) than she probably realises, in a tweet that was quickly deleted.

In an interview with The Observer, the Labour leader had 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...

She was the first Black woman MP and has always had to fight for everything. Shes not like any other candidate.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner at the launch of Labours campaign bus in Uxbridge (Lucy North/PA) ( PA Wire )

Sharing that article in a now-deleted post on X, formerly Twitter, Ms Abbott said: More lies from Starmer.

It is not known whether the post was written by Ms Abbott herself or by someone with access to her account.

In his piece, Mr Corbyn said: The way that Diane Abbott has been treated is an utter disgrace  and I am disgusted by the blatant double-standards, hypocrisy and contempt for local democracy, in plain sight for all to see.

Take a look at her social media and you will see the horrific levels of racist abuse she is forced to endure  and she has been hung out to dry.

He added: Make no mistake about the partys intentions over the past few months: to try and silence a female Black voice who has the courage to stand up for a better world. It is thanks to the power of solidarity that, this time, they have failed.

Diane Abbott served as shadow home secretary under Jeremy Corbyn ( PA )

Last week Sir Keir refused to say whether Ms Abbot would be defending her Hackney North and Stoke Newington seat on 4 July, as he faced claims his party was conducting a "purge" of left-wing candidates.

Ms Abbott had been suspended from Labour after she suggested that Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice but not racism.

But she was given the Labour whip back last week, a move which cleared the way for her to stand for the party.
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Former leader Jeremy Corbyn has accused Labour of trying to silence Diane Abbott and hanging her out to dry as Britains first Black female MP faced horrific racist abuse.

Mr Corbyn said the treatment of the veteran politician, who has been at the centre of a storm over whether she would be allowed to stand for the party, had been an utter disgrace.

Ms Abbott is expected to be confirmed as a Labour candidate on Tuesday, despite accusing Sir Keir Starmer of lying about his respect for her in a swiftly deleted tweet.

Writing for The Independent, Mr Corbyn said: The way that Diane Abbott has been treated is an utter disgrace  and I am disgusted by the blatant double-standards, hypocrisy and contempt for local democracy, in plain sight for all to see.

Take a look at her social media and you will see the horrific levels of racist abuse she is forced to endure  and she has been hung out to dry.

Diane Abbott served as shadow home secretary under Jeremy Corbyn ( PA )

He added: Make no mistake about the partys intentions over the past few months: to try and silence a female Black voice who has the courage to stand up for a better world. It is thanks to the power of solidarity that, this time, they have failed.

On Friday Sir Keir Starmer said the veteran MP was free to stand for the party after days of an extraordinary back-and-forth about whether she would be blocked.

The dramatic U-turn came after his deputy Angela Rayner broke with her party leader to say Ms Abbott should be allowed to fight the seat she has represented since 1987.

Her candidature is expected to be signed off by the partys National Executive Committee (NEC).

On Sunday Ms Abbott declared her intention to run and denied she was offered a seat in the Lords to stand down.

Hours later she accused Sir Keir of being dishonest in claiming that he has more respect for Diane than she probably realises, although the tweet was quickly deleted.

Angela Rayner forced a U-turn ( Getty Images )

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...

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.

In his piece, Mr Corbyn says Ms Abbott has been routinely patronised by (Labour) frontbenchers who are happy to call her a trailblazer but refuse to emulate the values she represents.

Last week Sir Keir 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, a move which cleared the way for her to stand for the party.

She had been suspended after she suggested that Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice but not racism.
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Polling guru Professor Sir John Curtice has said Nigel Farages decision to take over as leader of Reform UK will deal a significant blow to the Conservatives, potentially costing them as many as 60 seats.

Mr Curtice noted Mr Farages announcement, as first revealed exclusively by The Independent at Monday lunchtime, came on the same afternoon as the release of YouGovs first MRP poll for this election, which has the Conservatives down nearly 20 points in the vote and at risk of losing three in five of their seats.

These polling figures are at least partly due to the steady 10 per cent support for the Reform party, led by Mr Farage, which attracts former Conservative voters who supported Brexit in 2019, he said.

Mr Farage on Monday electrified the general election campaign by announcing yet another bid to become an MP and run in Tory-held Clacton in Essex, amid what was already being described as an existential risk for the Tories in the 4 July election.

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.

Writing in The Times, Mr Curtice noted that most of Reforms support came from those who supported Boris Johnsons 2019 Get Brexit Done appeal. Many of those supporters would support the Conservatives if Reform were not an option, he suggests.

Mr Farages decision five years ago to withdraw his Brexit Party candidates from constituencies that were being defended by the Conservatives led to a dramatic decrease in support for his party.

His pledge to challenge Tory-held seats makes it more probable that Reform will perform better in this election, Mr Curtice said.

Reforms decision to challenge Conservative-held seats is but one reason why YouGovs estimate that the Conservatives could find themselves with just 140 seats is credible, he said.

The professor at the University of Strathclyde said that implies that the party could lose as many as 60 more seats than would be the case if its support were to fall by the same amount everywhere.

Explaining his bid to become an MP, 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.
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Labour announced its triple-lock commitment to Britains nuclear deterrent on June 3, with Sir Keir Starmer aiming to prove his defence credentials before the general election next month.

The Labour leader said his party would build four new nuclear submarines if elected, and ensure Britains nuclear deterrent remains at sea 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It is the latest policy offering from Labour ahead of the general election, as both parties continue to give hints of what their final election manifestos may contain.

For the latest political updates ahead of the general election, follow The Independents live coverage

Sir Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves (Lucy North/PA) ( PA Wire )

Responding to the general election announcement, Sir Keir said: A vote for Labour is a vote for stability - economic and political. A politics that treads more lightly on all our lives, a vote to stop the chaos.

They have failed. Give the Tories five more years, and things will only get worse.

While neither party has released an official election manifesto yet, which will come in the next few weeks, both have dropped hints and promises over the course of the past few years which offer a clue for their vision for the country.

Heres where Labour is likely to fall on some key policy areas ahead of the general election:

NHS

NHS waiting times have skyrocketed over the past two years, with the number of people waiting for a hospital treatment hitting a record 7.8 million in late 2023 as around a third of patients wait over 6 months.

The proportion of people waiting over 4 hours in A&E has also increased, reaching a peak of over 50 per cent last Summer, and now at around 45 per cent.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting has said the party will get the NHS back on its feet by delivering two million more appointments a week by paying NHS staff to work more evenings and weekends.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting (Jordan Pettitt/PA) ( PA Wire )

Labour has pledged to hit the 18-week waiting list target by the end of its first term in government.

Other proposals include doubling the number of NHS scanners, creating 700,000 more urgent dentist appointments, and hiring 8,500 mental health staff.

The party also laments the loss of the family doctor, and promises it will enable patients to see the same GP for every appointment if they want to.

However, Mr Streeting raised some eyebrows in April when he announced his intention to use spare capacity in the private sector to work towards Labours NHS goals, despite what middle-class lefties might think.

The shadow health secretary has since clarified that this does not mean Labour wishes to privatise the NHS in any way, and that he believes the health service should always be free for everyone.

NHS key points

Hit 18-week waiting list target by end of first term

2 million more appointments a year by paying NHS staff to work more evenings and weekends

Improving early diagnosis for cancer by doubling the number of NHS scanners

700,000 more urgent dentist appointments

8,500 new NHS mental health staff

Enabling patients to see the same GP every appointment if they want to

New neighbourhood health centres with joined-up services

Tax and economy

Labour has been critical of the governments economic record, with shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves promising to take an approach of securonomics as an antidote to the economic turmoil caused by Liz Trusss catastrophic 2022 mini-budget.

Outlining Labours first steps for change in May, Keir Starmer said the party would impose strict rules on themselves.

Mr Starmer also says the party would introduce an Office for Value for Money to ensure taxpayers money is spent wisely and halve government consultancy spending, instead focussing on long-term staffing.

This would come alongside a Covid Corruption Commissioner, aiming to recoup billions in taxpayer money wasted on fraudulent Covid contracts, as well as ending what Labour calls the VIP fast lane government contract procurement process.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Wire )

Labour has also ruled out increasing income tax (or changing its bands), capital gains tax, or corporation tax.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed the party would not seek to undo the governments 2p cut to National Insurance tax if it came to power, looking to other measures to raise funds.

Chief amongst these measures is scrapping the controversial non-dom tax status held by some wealthy foreign nationals in the UK, as well as a crackdown on tax avoidance, and introducing VAT and business rates to private schools.

In April Mr Sunak beat Labour to the punch on non-doms by announcing that the tax regime would be phased out over a transitional period. Labour has said it would scrap the transitional measures, saving a further 2.6 billion.

Tax and economy key points

Introduce an Office for Value for Money

Appoint a Covid Corruption Commissioner

End the VIP fast lane government contract procurement process

Maintain the cuts to NICs

No increase to income tax, capital gains tax, or corporation tax

Cracking down on tax avoidance

Introducting VAT and business rates to private schools

No transitional measures in non-dom tax scheme scrappage

Pensions and Welfare

Sir Keir has vowed that a Labour government would aim to ensure no person receiving the state pension lives in poverty, suggesting the leader would likely want to boost the payment.

However, his party has not matched some of the Conservatives more generous offers to the UKs pensioners. In May, Mr Sunak announced the triple lock plus, which would increase the personal allowance for pensioners, ensuring the state pension is never taxed.

Labours shadow paymaster general Jon Ashworth called this policy not credible.

The opposition party has also said it would reintroduce the pensions lifetime allowance

Shadow work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall at the Euston Skills Centre, North London ( Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire )

On welfare, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall has said there would be no option of a life on benefits under Labour, as she vowed in March to increase youth employment rates.

The MP for Leicester West said the party would be investing in young peoples futures, bringing down the sickness benefit bill, and reforming the welfare system.

This includes measures such as overhauling job centres to end tick-box culture and devolving employment support to local areas.

Pensions and welfare key points

Ensure state pension is a sustainable living wage

Bring back the pensions lifetime allowance

Retain the triple lock  but not triple lock plus

Possible policies that further encourage pension contributions

Reform the benefits system to boost employment rate

Migration

Labours plan on immigration looks to reduce the UKs reliance on overseas workers and bring down migration. The party says it would implement policies that tackle home-grown skills shortages to fill key sectors facing employment gaps.

The opposition party says it would take inspiration from Australias points-based immigration system, which assesses a migrant workers suitability for a visa based on factors such as education, language skills, and work experience.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper (Jeff Moore/PA) ( PA Wire )

Another tabled plan involves limiting access to the immigration system for rogue employers who underpay workers or otherwise flout labour laws.

The Labour party has also pledged to secure the UKs borders and reduce small boat crossings by introducing a Border Security Command, which would use counter-terror style tactics.

This would come alongside a Returns Unit that would aim to more efficiently removed asylum seekers with failed applications and so end the practice of housing them in hotels.

Migration key points

Bringing down migration by filling employment gaps with UK citizens

Introduce policies closer to Australias points-based immigration system

Cracking down on unethical employers that may exploit migrant workers

Securing borders and reducing small boat crossings with several new task forces

Education

Labour has made education a key part of its policy programme in its time as in opposition. Their headline measure is to recruit 6,500 new teachers in key subjects, as well as creating a national excellence programme which would see teachers given continuous support with professional development.

The party has also said it will set out to review the national curriculum, giving it wider scope to improve creativity, and digital and communication skills.

They also plan to introduce more mental health support staff in schools in a bid to boost attendance. This will come alongside free breakfast clubs for every primary school in England.

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson has said that Labour will also look to reform Ofsted so that parents are given better, more qualitative information than the simple scorecard.

For the youngest children, the party has promised to improve the quality and availability of childcare places where needed. They also aim to boost communication and maths skills for young children.

And for further education, Labour has unveiled Technical Excellence Colleges which aim to give people specialist skills in the fields their local area most requires.

Education key points

Recruit 6,500 new teachers in key subjects

A review of the national curriculum

Employ mental health support staff in every school

Free breakfast clubs for every primary school in England

Improving childcare quality and availability

Technical Excellence Colleges to give people the specialist skills required by their local area

Housing

Labour has raised doubts around the Renters Reform Bill, which has seen several amendments that renters rights charities have called watering down. Lisa Nandy has instead promised a Renters Charter that would offer a number of new protections to renters.

These include an end to Section 21 no-fault evictions, bringing an end to automatic evictions for rent arrears, and new rights to keep pets and to make reasonable alterations to property.

On housebuilding, Sir Keir has said he would reintroduce the mandatory target to build 300,000 homes a year. The Tories watered this policy down in 2022 after the target was missed nearly every year.

Shadow International Development secretary Lisa Nandy (Peter Byrne/PA) ( PA Archive )

The party would look to build on what they call the grey belt  poor-quality land, car parks and wastelands that are currently classed as green belt.

Measures to help first-time buyers have also been pledged, with Ms Reeves promising a mortgage guarantee scheme and increasing the stamp duty surcharge for foreign investors into UK property.

The shadow chancellor says Labour would also give first-time buyers first-dibs on new-build homes, rather than those who already own one or more homes.

Housing key points

A Renters Charter to improve rights and protections for renters

Scrapping Section 21 no-fault evictions

Reintroducing the mandatory target to build 300,000 homes a year

Building on grey belt land within the green belt

Introducing policies to help first-time buyers secure a home

Defence

Sir Keir has made efforts to show his party is tough on national defence ahead of polling day. He has vowed that Britain will remain committed to NATO. He has also said that Labour would meet a 2.5 per cent of GDP military spending target as soon as we can.

Speaking in Derbyshire, the Labour leader made clear his commitment to the UKs nuclear deterrent, pledging to build four new nuclear submarines and ensure the programme is up and running at all times.

The party also says it would conduct a Strategic Defence Review to fully understand the state of the Armed Forces and where further funding may be required.

This would come alongside improving service accommodation to boost morale and appointing an Armed Forces Commissioner to advocate for service staff.

Defence key points

Maintain commitment to NATO

Meet a 2.5 per cent of GDP military spending target when possible

Maintain and update the UKs nuclear deterrent

Conduct a Strategic Defence Review to understand where the Armed Forces needs to improve

Improve service accommodation and appoint an Armed Forces Commissioner

Environment

Labour has laid out its plans for Great British Energy, a publicly-owned sustainable energy company, which it says will reduce household energy bills and create half a million jobs.

This is Labours plan to take control of our energy system by creating clean, UK-produced power to reduce the countrys reliance on energy from overseas.

The party says the move should permanently take hundreds of pounds off household energy bills, and bring 500,000 jobs to industrial and coastal communities.

Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband ( Getty Images )

Shadow environment secretary Ed Milliband says the party would pay for the plan with a windfall tax on excess profits made by oil and gas companies.

The party has also pledged to hit water companies with automatic and severe fines for polluting waterways, as well as blocking water bosses bonuses until they have resolved issues with pollution.

However, Labour made an embarrassing U-turn in February when the party revealed its intention to ditch a pledge to spend 28bn annually on green initiatives, reducing the amount by nearly half.

Environment key points
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A former Tory government minister voiced concern over his own partys economic record and said it has presided over 15 years of wage stagnation.

Matt Warman, the Skegness and Boston MP, and former deputy chair of the One Nation group of Tory MPs, said at an event in February there were now two catch-up generations.

He was responding to a question from Professor Anand Menon, who asked if Mr Warman was concerned that the government had failed to deal with the issues of Covid-19 catch-up for childrens education.

Mr Warman said: So I think youre absolutely right that there is a huge - there is a catch-up generation - if you like. And there are two generations that worry me, if you like from some political appeal point of view.

One is, and Im not that far away from this myself, one is people who came of age in the wake of a financial crash.

And they are people where essentially wages stagnated for 15 years. And there are good reasons why things couldnt have been done particularly differently or better. But its a hard political argument.

Mr Warman said there is now a catch-up generation of children post-Covid pandemic ( PA Archive )

Referencing the resignation of school catch-up tsar Sir Kevan Collins in 2021 over a lack of Covid-19 funding, Mr Warman said there are a lot of things that we could have done with money. But there are lots of things that money couldnt buy.

Sir Kevan took on the role in February 2021 to help develop a plan for pupils to make up lost time on their education due to the pandemic. However he quit just a few months later as the 1.4bn cash injection from the government falls far short of what is needed.

The Skegness and Boston MP, who will be contesting his seat against Reform chairman Richard Tice, made the comments at Kings College London in an event hosted by think-tank UK in a Changing Europe in February.

The event took place on the same day at the Kingswood and Wellingborough by-election, in which the Conservatives suffered defeats in both seats.

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), real wages grew by an average of 33 per cent each decade from 1970 to 2007 but they are now back at the level they were at in 2005.

Analysis from the Trades Unions Congress said that real wages in the UK are still worth less than in 2008 across the vast majority of the UK.
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Nigel Farage has had a McDonalds milkshake thrown over him after launching his campaign for the general election.

A young woman approached the new Reform UK leader on the steps of a pub in Clacton before hurling the yellow-coloured drink over him.

She then smiled and casually walked away, with some onlookers applauding, as Mr Farage headed towards his campaign bus. It is not the first time Mr Farage has been hit with milkshakes by critics, having been similarly targeted in Newcastle in 2019.

The young woman hurled the drink at close range ( EPA )

Mr Farage was drenched in the face by what appeared to be a milkshake ( AFP via Getty Images )

Richard Tice, Mr Farages predecessor as Reform UK leader, expressed his anger at the incident, adding: The juvenile moron who threw a drink over Nigel has just gained us hundreds of thousands more votes. We will not be bullied or threatened off the campaign trail.

A member of staff at the Wetherspoons where the incident occurred suggested the thrower could have been lying in wait for the politician to arrive for an hour.

The Moon & Starfish worker, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Independent three police officers had just come into the pub looking for the woman who threw what is believed to be a banana-flavoured milkshake.

A member of staff at the Wetherspoons where the incident occurred claimed the thrower could have been for an hour for Mr Farage to arrive ( AFP via Getty Images )

The milkshake could be seen splattered over his suit as he boarded his campaign bus ( Getty Images )

He said: I saw liquid fly through the air and hit a few customers.

Mr Farage had kicked off his general election campaign in the seaside town earlier on Tuesday, as he promised to be a bloody nuisance in Westminster.

He set out his goal for Reform UK to effectively take over the Conservative Party  and potentially put him in No 10 in future.

Shouts from the crowd included get em Nige and we love you Nigel. He told those gathered: Send me to Parliament to be a bloody nuisance.

The drink was thrown from a McDonalds container ( Getty Images )

The young woman could be seen smiling after hurling the milkshake in Mr Farages face ( Getty Images )

But Mr Farage did not have to go to Westminster to stir up chaos, as his supporters clashed with protestors over a sign that said: Farage not welcome in Clacton.

He said he would be a champion for Clacton, which he described as a forgotten, end-of-the-line town.

I had to decide, do I want to stand as a Member of Parliament and spend every Friday working in Clacton? Huge decision for me, huge decision for me, Ive decided, I do, Mr Farage said.

They supported me hugely in the Brexit referendum campaign, and they want someone to stand up for their beliefs, and they dont see that in todays Conservative Party, they certainly dont see that in todays Labour Party.

I will be their champion on the national issues and on the local issues, having a national figure representing a forgotten, end-of-the-line town, who knows I may well be able to bring some investment and do some good.

Mr Farage had beem mobbed by crowds at his campaign launch in Essex ( James Manning/PA Wire )

Reform UK has zeroed in on high immigration and Brexit as a key issue on which to challenge the Conservative Party.

Speaking earlier at the rally, Mr Farage said: We made an offer to the British people, we could get back our independence and control of our borders.

But what has happened? The Conservatives have betrayed that trust. Theyve opened up the borders to mass immigration like weve never seen before. And they deserve to pay a price for that, a big price for that.
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Nigel Farage appeared to ditch a key Reform UK policy live on air, admitting that his partys plan to process asylum seekers in British Overseas Territories is not terribly practical.

The former UKIP leader hit the airwaves ahead of launching his election campaign at Clacton pier today after announcing his dramatic return to political frontlines on Monday, as exclusively first revealed by The Independent.

He was challenged over the partys secure detention for all asylum seekers plan. Contained in Reforms provisional manifesto, the policy states: Asylum claims that arrive though safe countries will be processed rapidly offshore in British Overseas Territories. This will stop the scandal of undocumented asylum seekers absconding to work illegally or commit crime.

Click here for our live coverage of the general election campaign.

Nigel Farage during a press conference to announce he will become the new leader of Reform UK and that he will stand as the parliamentary candidate for Clacton, Essex ( PA Wire )

But, appearing on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Mr Farage appeared to drop the policy, saying he needed to sort a few things out.

Presenter Mishal Husain said: Have you looked into it, because overseas territories include the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands.If youre putting this forward, which overseas territories would be open to this?

The new Reform UK leader replied: I dont think its terribly practical. Ms Husain replied: What the policy youve put forward is not practical?

Mr Farage, who sensationally took back control of the party on Monday, said: I think it is a very difficult policy to work, and I have not put it forward by the way. I took over yesterday, so give me more than 12 hours and I will sort a few things out.

The former UKIP leader was also challenged over his recent claim that a growing number of Muslims do not subscribe to British values.

He told Ms Husain there are streets in Oldham, Greater Manchester, where no one speaks English. The BBC presenter pointed out that people could be bilingual and said to Mr Farage dont your children speak another language I think they do because I think your ex-wife is German.

Richard Tice is now Reform UK chairman after Mr Farage returned as leader ( Getty Images )

Mr Farage said he would not talk about his children. He has previously admitted two of his children have British and German passports and speak perfect German.

The heated exchange came after Mr Farage electrified the general election campaign, taking over as leader of Reform and launching a bid to become an MP.

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.

The return of Mr Farage is a major blow to Rishi Sunaks electoral hopes ( AFP via Getty Images )

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.
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Nigel Farages decision to stand as MP and take over as party leader could change Reform UKs chances of winning seats in the general election, says polling firm YouGov.

Reform was on course to come out of the election empty-handed, according to forecasts on Monday.

But the datas release came hours before The Independent broke the news that Nigel Farage had decided to stand as the partys candidate in Clacton, Essex.

According to YouGovs director of political analytics, Patrick English, the announcement significantly increases the odds that Reform could win at least one seat  and even up to four.

He told The Independent: I do think that Farage intervening significantly increases the odds of Reform UK winning one, perhaps even two seats in Westminster. You might even put an upper band of four on that, depending on what exactly happens between now and 4 July.

He added: Certainly, it will improve Reforms prospects. It will give them a highly competent, highly experienced strong messenger in Nigel Farage to go out, not just in Clacton, but around the rest of the country, to try and deliver that Reform UK message.

Which seats could go to Reform?

Before Mr Farages announcement, YouGov predicted that no seat would be won by Reform, despite 300 candidates throwing their hat in the ring. Any Reform win is still far from certain.

The seats to watch are those where Reform is fielding its heavy hitters, according to Mr English.

He said: [For Reform successes], were looking at Clacton. Were looking at Ashfield, because Lee Anderson is standing there trying to defend his seat as a defector. Were looking at Boston and Skegness where Richard Tice is standing.

YouGovs polling analysis on Monday suggested that Reform has a margin of 15 points or more to close in its top constituencies, even in Ashfield, where former Tory Mr Anderson hopes to retain the seat.

In Clacton, Reform was 22 points behind the Conservatives, but this gap is expected to close considerably with Mr Farage replacing Tony Mack as the candidate.

Clacton is the only seat ever won by Ukip, Mr Farages former party, when it was retained in 2015 by Tory defector Douglas Carswell. In 2019, it was gained for the Conservatives by former actor Giles Watling.

In addition, Mr English suggests keeping an eye on seats in South Yorkshire, where Reform might find success among previous Ukip and Brexit voters.

Were also looking up toward Barnsley and Doncaster, said Mr English. There are a couple of seats there where the Brexit Party did very well in 2019, but I think Reform UK could potentially be very strong there as well.

He added: Its important to maintain the distinction between Ukip and Reform. One thing thats very prominent is, of course, Nigel Farage is no longer talking about Brexit, and that was Ukips sole purpose. The switch has now gone to focusing on immigration and British cultural values. It is a different party, but a lot of its supporters and all of its base will be very similar.
Nigel Farage has called for an immigration election after becoming leader of Reform UK and deciding to stand as the partys candidate in Clacton. The former Ukip and Brexit Party leader proposed that net migration, which stood at 685,000 last year, be reduced to zero. He said Reform would freeze non-essential migration to reverse long-standing wage depression and save Britains public services from the burden of unlimited demand.

His unexpected intervention in the election will put the Conservatives record on immigration under the spotlight, and could make it harder for them to put Labour under pressure on the issue.

Will immigration now dominate the campaign?

Farages prominent role, and his ability to grab media attention, will probably propel the issue higher up the agenda. Some Labour figures fear, as Peter (now Lord) Mandelson put it, that Farage could skew the debate towards his agenda and syphon off some of the oxygen from Labours campaign. But the issue is likely to be less salient than it was in 2019, when Boris Johnson pledged to take back control of Britains borders after Brexit.

The Tories sense a Labour weakness, but their ability to capitalise on it has been harmed by a dramatic rise in net migration, which they have promised to cut at every election since 2010 but which rose to a record 764,000 in 2022. Then there is Rishi Sunaks failure to meet his overambitious pledge last year to stop the boats. Opinion polls suggest that Labour is more trusted on the issue than the Tories.

Immigration is a priority for those who voted Tory in 2019, but among the wider electorate it is well behind the cost of living and the NHS, so there is a limit to how much time the two main parties will devote to it. Farage will enjoy a high profile, but is unlikely to get the immigration election he wants.

What are the Tories proposing?

Sunak has tried to outflank Labour by promising to introduce an annual cap on the number of work and family visas issued by the UK each year. The cap would be lowered in every year of the next five-year parliament if the Tories retain power.

Ministers declined to announce a precise number of visas. That would be recommended by the independent Migration Advisory Committee, which would consider both the costs and benefits of migration. The committee has previously said it has no view on the appropriate level of net migration, which it considers a matter for government.

The policy stops short of the call from Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister, for net migration to be capped at 100,000.

What is Labour saying?

Keir Starmer called the Tory plan a cap without a cap. He reiterated Labours goal to bring down net migration, but refused to commit to a figure or guarantee that it would fall every year. The Labour leader told The Sun on Sunday: Read my lips  I will bring immigration down.

A Labour government would ban companies that are breaching employment laws from hiring workers from overseas, and order businesses applying for foreign worker visas to train Britons to do the jobs. But Starmers approach has been criticised by left-wingers and by some employers and trade unions.

What will happen to net migration after the election?

No matter which party is in power, it should fall, as one-off factors such as accepting people from Ukraine and Hong Kong subside and the governments restrictions on dependents visas for students and careworkers take effect. By next year, some experts think it could drop to around 350,000, closer to the long-term average of 250,000 over the last 25 years.

Whats the latest on the Rwanda scheme?

Some ministers had privately hoped that the first flight deporting migrants to Rwanda might finally take off shortly before the 4 July election, giving Sunak a much-needed boost. But government lawyers have now told the High Court that the earliest they could start is 24 July. Labour has pledged to scrap the programme.
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Nigel Farage has announced he will become the new leader of Reform UK and that he will stand for election in Clacton, Essex.

But there was one burning question: who had appointed him? The answer was no one, really - or possibly former leader Richard Tice.

As an entrepreneurial political start-up with Mr Farage as the companys director and majority shareholder, there was no internal leadership election, like Labour or the Conservative Party.

Mr Farage claimed Reform UK would democratise over time after he was accused of running a one-man dictatorship by broadcasters.

With the party set to contest constituencies up and down the country on 4 July, The Independent takes a look at the companys unusual structure and how it differs to other parties.

Nigel Farage during a press conference to announce he will become the new leader of Reform UK and that he will stand as the parliamentary candidate for Clacton, Essex ( PA Wire )

What is Reform UK?

Reform UK Party Limited was founded in November 2018 as an entrepreneurial political start-up. Mr Farage owns 53 per cent of the company.

It says it is a UK national political party offering common-sense policies on immigration, the cost of living, energy and national sovereignty, according to its website.

Mr Farage is able to remove Mr Tice as director, and take the decision to unilaterally dissolve the organisation, making him the partys ultimate decision-maker.

Meanwhile, Mr Tice has a minority holding of around one-third of shares, and chief executive Paul Oakden and party treasurer Mehrtash Azami each hold less than 7 per cent.

Nigel Farage, who is majority shareholder of Reform UK, replaced Richard Tice as the partys leader on Monday ( AFP via Getty Images )

How is it different to other political parties?

British political parties are traditionally formed as unincorporated associations composed of a membership, rather than established as corporate entities.

Rules are usually set out in a written constitution, while party affairs are handled by a committee chosen by members - like that of Labour or the Conservatives.

However, all political parties, including Reform, are required to register with the Electoral Commission and comply with obligations under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA).

Reforms co-deputy leader has previously said the structure allowed the organisation to cut through as an insurgent party without the possibility of factionalism which can plague other parties.

All political parties, including Reform, are required to register with the Electoral Commission ( Getty Images )

How will it affect the election?

As it is registered with the electoral commission, Reform UK is allowed to run for election like other major political parties on 4 July.

But with 115,00 paying supporters with no voting power to influence policy, Reform has admitted its structure might not be sustainable in the long-term - something that could change after this years election.
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Rishi Sunak could have avoided the expected election catastrophe facing him and the Conservative Party if he had agreed to make a deal with Nigel Farage.

The Independent has learnt that Tory Brexiteer MP Andrea Jenkyns and former Leave.EU communications director Andy Wigmore attempted to broker a deal between the Tories and Reform.

Sources have suggested that Mr Sunak was interested but dissuaded from going ahead by his key advisers.

Around six weeks before the prime minister made his rain-sodden announcement of a snap election on the steps of Downing Street, he is understood to have met with Ms Jenkyns who presented him with a plan to save the Tories.

Nigel Farage arrives in Clacton ( James Manning/PA Wire )

While Ms Jenkyns did not wish to comment on that story, she has in the past publicly called for the party to get Mr Farage involved, bring back Boris Johnson, bring in right-wingers through a major reshuffle, and have some more red meat right-wing policies.

Around the same time, Mr Wigmore had a meeting with one of the prime ministers key lieutenants, Craig Williams, the MP for Montgomeryshire and parliamentary private secretary to the prime minister.

One issue that is understood to have been pushed was a proposal, to be put at the heart of the next election manifesto, to either commit to leaving the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) or seeking to reform it.

The Independent has been led to understand that both meetings were extremely positive, particularly on the ECHR.

Mr Williams is said to have been willing to push the idea and Mr Sunak was interested enough to meet with Ms Jenkyns.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak may have missed out on a deal ( AFP/Getty )

Around the same time, private meetings were being held with Mr Farage and Richard Tice, who was then Reform UK leader.

Someone with knowledge of the talks said: There was a deal to be done but Sunak was overruled or dissuaded by his advisers.

Reflecting on Mr Farages announcement that he will run in Clacton, the source said: All of this was unnecessary. It could have been stopped.

Chief of staff Liam Booth-Smith and political secretary James Forsyth are seen as the two main culprits in persuading Mr Sunak not to entertain the idea.

But others, including chief whip Simon Hart and chairman Richard Holden, were also said to be opposed to the proposal.

Cheers! Nigel Farage at his birthday party with Aaron Banks, finger-flipping ex-minister Andrea Jenkyns... and who is that in the background? ( Andrea Jenkyns/Twitter )

Speaking to The Independent in Clacton after his launch, Mr Farage, who has accused the Tories of lying over immigration and other policies, insisted that there was never a deal he would have accepted.

Instead, he has set his heart on the destruction and replacement of the Conservative Party, adding: I am not interested in Tory MPs. I am interested in the British people.

However, there is speculation that the meetings were too late and that the plan for an early election was already unstoppable.

MPs had been told to give their campaign rather than parliamentary emails for 10,000 leaflets being promised at the time of the meetings. They arrived the day after the election was called.

It had been hoped that by calling a snap election, it would be impossible for Mr Farage to stand. When he announced he would only campaign, the plan seemed to have worked.

That was until Monday this week when Mr Farage fully entered the fray with the polls already suggesting Labour is on course for a massive election victory.
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Police have launched an investigation after an affordable housing development, part of a $155m community project, burned down in northern California.

The massive blaze sent dozens of fire engines and several ladder trucks to the 2700 block of Middlefield Road in Redwood City, around 27 miles south of San Francisco, on Monday morning.

Exterior scaffolding and the under-construction buildings framework and interior structure collapsed. Footage showed smoke and flames billowing from the structure.

Pictures taken from the air later showed the large structure completely gutted and still smoking as fire crews remained on the scene.

No injuries were reported, though the fire rendered one building a total loss, according to Santa Clara County, Menlo Park Fire Protection District Chief Mark Lorenzen.

Pictures showed the large structure gutted and smoking, as fire crews remained on the scene ( San Mateo County Sheriffs Office )

The cause of the blaze is not yet clear, though members of the community in the surrounding area were evacuated.

Construction on the 179-unit affordable housing project began in June 2023 and looked to help those on low incomes as well as some experiencing homelessness.

The $155m project was funded in part by $78m from the California Housing Accelerator Fund, managed by the State of Californias Department of Housing and Community Development.

The project was also financed with $30.5m in loans from the County and Housing Authority of San Mateo County, nearly $13m from the American Rescue Plan Act, and $6.78m from the Measure K half-cent sales tax, which provides local funds for local needs.

The buliding, part of a $155m community project, was intended to house those with low incomes or experiencing homelessness ( San Mateo County Sheriffs Office )

Additional funds came from private investment.

This project addresses the most critical issue facing San Mateo County by providing quality new homes that are affordable, said San Mateo County Supervisor Warren Slocum in 2023.

Here we have a new development that is creating jobs during construction and in the long-term will create affordable homes that are close by many small family-owned shops and restaurants that will also benefit.

The project on Middlefield Road is planned to consist of new apartments from one to three bedrooms, a child care center, and community open space.

Construction on the 179-unit affordable housing project began in June 2023, and looked to help those on low incomes as well as some experiencing homelessness ( San Mateo County Sheriffs Office )

The site was targeted for housing and neighborhood-serving amenities through an extensive planning process.

All the apartments in the project were reserved for households earning between 15 percent and 80 percent of the area median income.

Twenty apartments were due to be set aside for people experiencing homelessness and receiving care management and supportive services from San Mateo County Health.

The Independent has contacted the San Mateo County Sheriffs Department and Redwood City Police Department for more information.
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An Alaska father whose daughter was murdered in a 2019 catfishing plot died in a tragic motorcycle crash while riding to honor the 19-year-old's memory.

Timothy Hoffman, 58, died after he lost control of his motorcycle on Sunday near Mile 49 of the Parks Highway, according to the Anchorage Daily News. The ride tragically marked the fifth anniversary of Cynthia Hoffmans death.

His motorcycle left the road shoulder and then rolled into the center median, Alaska State Troopers said in a statement.

Barbara "Jeanie" Hoffman, Mr Hoffman's wife and Cynthia's mother, was riding on the back of the motorcycle and was seriously injured in the accident. This was the first year she joined her husband on his motorcycle for the memorial ride. In previous years she followed the event in a car.

When emergency responders arrived, the couple was unresponsive and required transport to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Timothy Hoffman, the father of an Alaska woman killed in a murder-for-hire scheme in 2019, died during a weekend memorial motorcycle ride commemorating the fifth anniversary of her death. ( AAnchorage Daily News )

Mr Hoffman was pronounced dead at the hospital. His wife was in critical condition and required sedation, according to a family member who spoke to Anchorage Daily News.

State troopers said that Mr Hoffman was not wearing a helmet when he crashed. Ms Hoffman was wearing a full-face helmet, but still sustained skull fractures, a broken back, and other broken bones, according to Tanya Chaison, who told the Anchorage Daily News that she was engaged to Mr Hoffman's twin brother.

Cynthia Hoffman's murder was part of a bizarre plot enacted by then-18-year-old Denali Brehmer, who Cynthia considered to be her best friend.

Brehmer began an online relationship with 21-year-old Darin Schilmiller, a man from Indiana who claimed to be a millionaire, according to prosecutors. He promised to pay Brehmer $9m if she killed someone and sent him photos and videos to prove she carried out the act, prosecutors said.

Brehmer then recruited four friends to kill Cynthia. They traveled with Cynthia to Thunderbird Falls on 2 June 2019, where they used duct tape to bind her, shot her, and then threw her body into the Eklutna River, according to authorities.

Schilmiller, Brehmer, and two other defendants charged in the case have pleaded guilty to the crime. Both Brehmer and Schilmiller were sentenced to 99 years in prison.

Timothy Hoffman, right, sits next to a picture of his daughter Cynthia Hoffman, during Darin Schilmiller's arraignment for murder charges Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, in Anchorage, Alaska

Mr Hoffman was a continuous presence in the courtroom during the trial, and was a "zealous advocate" for his daughter, according to Patrick McKay, the prosecutor on many of the cases relating to Cynthia's murder.

I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tim Hoffman on the fifth anniversary of Cynthia Hoffmanns murder. It seems almost too unbelievable to be true, he told the Anchorage Daily News. I hope his family and friends take comfort in remembering that Tim died doing something he loved, with people he loved, in memory of someone he loved.

Mr Hoffman took his final ride with 15 other motorcycle drivers and others following in cars, totaling about 50 participants. Leslie Sonnenberg, a friend of Mr Hoffman's, told the paper that the group tossed roses over the bridge at Thunderbird Falls to remember Cynthia.

He crashed while traveling to the final stop in the ride, Big Lake, where live music and a celebration were planned.
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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.

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.
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Years after a white nationalist rally ended in violence in Charlottesville, a trial is set to start for one of the people charged with using flaming torches to intimidate counterprotesters.

The trial of Jacob Joseph Dix, 29, of Clarksville, Ohio, would be the first test of a 2002 law that makes it a felony to burn something to intimidate and cause fear of injury or death. Lawmakers passed the law after the state Supreme Court ruled that a cross-burning statute used to prosecute Ku Klux Klan members was unconstitutional.

On the night of August 11, 2017, several hundred white nationalists marched through the campus of the University of Virginia, many carrying torches and some chanting, Jews Will Not Replace Us.

Two days of demonstrations were organized in part to protest the planned removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and was believed to be the largest gathering of white nationalists in a decade.

Following the protest President Trump defended the group saying they included some very fine people, he also expressed sympathy for their demonstration against the removal of the statue.

You had many people in that group other than neo-Nazis and white nationalists, Trump said. The press has treated them absolutely unfairly. You also had some very fine people on both sides, he said

Protests over the plan to remove the statue morphed into the violent Unite the Right rally. It was during that rally that James Alex Fields Jr., an avowed Hitler admirer, intentionally drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer and injuring 19 others. Fields is serving a life sentence.

FILE -n this 2017, file photo, a protester holds a photo of Heather Heyer on Boston Common at a Free Speech rally organized by conservative activists in Boston ( Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Indictments unsealed last year showed 11 people had been charged with intimidation by fire, but prosecutors have not said whether additional defendants were also charged. So far, five people have pleaded guilty to the charge. Dix is the first to go on trial.

Dix told The Daily Progress newspaper that he has changed during the last seven years.

I'm kind of on trial for a past life, he told the newspaper during a court hearing in January.

Dix's attorney, Peter Frazier, has argued in court documents that the white nationalists were expressing free speech protected under the First Amendment.

Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Taylor was appointed as a special prosecutor in the case after a judge granted a request from Dix's attorney to remove Albemarle County Commonwealth's Attorney James Hingeleys office from the case because of a conflict of interest involving an assistant commonwealth's attorney.

The trial in Albemarle Circuit Court is expected to last about a week.
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A single mother died after becoming trapped under a forklift machine while working on a construction project at an Oregon high school.

Samantha Sam Deschenes, 33, was fatally injured after reportedly becoming trapped under the machine while working at Portlands Benson High School on 30 May.

She was transported to hospital but died of her injuries a day later, according to Ironworkers Local Union 29. The union, as well as many of its members, expressed their love and support for the family of Deschenes, who they described as their sister.

It is with great sorrow that we confirm the loss of one of our members due to injuries sustained in a jobsite accident, the union wrote in a post on social media.

The family has requested privacy and an investigation by the Oregon Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is ongoing. The preliminary investigation revealed that a forklift truck had been involved, an OSHA spokesperson told.

Samantha Sam Deschenes died after a forklift accident at Benson High School in Portland Oregon ( Ironworkers Local 29/ KGW )

Andersen Construction, who was undertaking the project at Benson High School, described her as a valued team member.

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, a statement shared with The Independent, read.

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 company said that work on the project had been suspended in the interest of the health and well-being of our team members and that it was working with safety and health officials as part of the accident review.

Our primary focus is helping Sams family as well as providing mental health support to our team members, the statement continued.

We respect the privacy of the family and will not be sharing further details at this time.

A donations page to support Descheness family has been set up. Andersen Construction said it would match donations.

Members of the community expressed their sorrow online, as they shared links to the donations page. It breaks my heart having to post this, wrote one.

We are asking for prayers, positive energy, love, and hope to be sent out for Sister Deschenes.

Another added: My heart goes out to our fellow Sisters Family and friends as they mourn her passing. Although I may have not known her personally, I among many other Trade Sisters are saddened by this news.

We send our condolences...I will change my profile temporarily in solidarity with Sam...An Ironworker of Oregon. I encourage you all to donate to her memorial fund.
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An Indiana judge overseeing the highly-anticipated Delphi murders trial has refused to step down and blasted Richard Allens defense team for their allegations of her impropriety.

Allen Superior Court Judge Fran Gull denied their motion to disqualify her as the judge on the case and then proceeded to address each of the allegations of bias.

Its the latest hiccup in the case against the man accused in the 2017 murders of Abby Williams, 13, and 14-year-old Libby German, whose bodies were found a day after they had gone for a walk on abandoned train tracks in Delphi, Indiana.

Allen was charged with their murders in October 2022, and a trial was set for May 2024, but a series of delays and roadblocks have pushed the trial until October.

Allen Superior Court Judge Fran Gull denied the defenses motion to disqualify her as the judge on the case ( AP )

The defense had accused Judge Gull of violating rules by previously setting an end date for the trial, as well as treating their motions differently than those filed by the State.

The Court has set hearings on pending Motions which have now been continued due to the filing of this Motion to Disqualify, Gull wrote in her ruling. When defendant files pleadings, the State is entitled to file a response. The Court follows Trial Rule 6 regarding time and gives the State twenty (20) days to respond. Defendant is also given twenty (20) days to reply to the States responses. Once the issues are closed, if a hearing is required, one will be set.

The defense also claimed the judge showed bias by not allowing equal time for them to present their case and rebuttal.

The Court is not required to guarantee equal time for both the defendant and the State, Gull wrote in response.

The Court is required to guarantee sufficient time on the calendar and sufficient notice to jurors and the parties to present their case, however long it takes. 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 to May 13-June 14, 2024.

Richard Allen is charged with the 2017 murders of Abby Williams, 13, and 14-year-old Libby German ( Allen County Jail )

Allens defense team also claims that Gull only ruled on cameras in the courtroom on a day she had planned to admonish them in front of their client and the public.

She said the media outlet providing pool coverage did not comply with the Courts directives regarding coverage and broadcasting of the proceedings.

The Court has not allowed cameras in the Carroll Circuit Court due to its limited size and layout  The Court lost confidence in the ability of the media to cover hearings appropriately, Gull wrote.

The Court has issued adverse rulings against the defendant, as well as against the State of Indiana. Adverse rulings do not support a reasonable basis for questioning the Courts impartiality, nor are they grounds for disqualification, they are just adverse rulings.

In court documents released last year, Allen maintained his innocence of the 2017 killings and instead claimed that the murders were carried out by a pagan cult hijacked by white nationalists.

Libby German (left) and Abby Williams (right) pictured together ( Facebook )

His attorneys have previously claimed that details from the crime scene pointed to a possible Odinist religious cult killing, with symbols painted in blood of one victim discovered, according to court filings obtained by The Independent last year.

But the prosecution wants to throw out the claims that an Odinist pagan cult was behind the girls deaths.

A trial was set for May 2024, but Brad Rozzi, one of Allens attorneys, said it was not practical for the trial to take place during the dates in May, and said no end date should be set in the trial.

If you cant try this case in one month, theres something wrong, Judge Gull told Allens defense team during a hearing two weeks before the trial was supposed to take place.

Rozzi replied: You dont know anything about this case.

The judge decided that the trial should take place from October 14 until November 15.

Both sides said they were satisfied with the new trial date.
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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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The father of a Florida man who has been in jail on murder charges for nearly five years said his son confessed to killing one of his suspected victims, leaving her looking like spaghetti after running her over.

Wade Wilsons double-murder trial began in Cape Coral this week with jury selection. He is accused of murdering Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, in October 2019.

His trial has been five years in the making as Wilsons first attorney died, and he once escaped from holding. His defense team was also granted an unusual request to allow Wilson to wear makeup in court to cover tattoos on his face, including swastikas. However, they were still visible at the start of the trial.

Attorneys wanted to cover the tattoos so Wilson would appear presentable to the jury.

Wilson, 30, previously denied killing the women in an interview with NBC2. But his father told investigators that his son called him after spending the night with Melton and asked for help.

He explained how his son admitted to strangling Melton while she was sleeping, then rolled her up in a carpet. The dad added Wilson said he picked up a woman, asked for directions, choked her and ran her over so many times, he made her look like spaghetti, he told investigators, according to the outlet.

Wade Wilson, 30, inside a Florida courtroom. He is on trial for allegedly murdering Kristine Melton, 35, and Diana Ruiz, 43, in October 2019 ( NBC2 )

The defendant admitted to meeting the woman and sleeping at Meltons house before authorities discovered her dead body. However, he asserts that Melton was alive when he left in her car.

Later that same night, Ruiz was reported missing after she vanished while walking home from a job at the Moose Lodge about a mile from her home, according to Fox 4. She was found dead the next day behind a Sams Club. Police linked the two deaths, and both women were strangled.

An ex-girlfriend also told the news outlet Wilson admitted to committing the crimes.

Wilson faces the death penalty if convicted. Juries in Florida only need eight out of 10 members to recommend the death penalty.

Family members of the victims were not seen in the courtroom as jury selection began. Arguments and evidence are expected to be released in the trial next week.

The legal proceedings have been complicated by two events. One of Mr Wilsons prior attorneys died while awaiting trial, and the defendant previously tried to escape from jail.
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Some sex offenders in Louisiana could soon be ordered to undergo surgical castration if convicted of sex crimes as part of an expansion of a bill proposed earlier this year.

Louisiana lawmakers gave final approval to a bill on Monday that could force those convicted of sex crimes  including rape, incest and molestation  against a child younger than 13 to undergo the process.

Several states, including Louisiana, currently can order such criminals to receive chemical castration, which uses medications that block testosterone production in order to decrease sex drive. However, surgical castration is a more invasive procedure.

In April, 54-year-old Glenn Sullivan Sr of Springfield, Louisiana, was ordered to be physically castrated after he raped and impregnated a 14-year-old girl, according to WBRZ. He pleaded guilty on April 17 to four counts of second-degree rape and was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

I felt that this case was a strong enough case and warranted such action, Assistant District Attorney Brad Cascio told WRBZ.

He said he pushed for the sentence due to the severity of this case and Sullivans criminal history.

I want to say Ive had three people ordered to be chemically castrated but, to my knowledge, this is the first physical castration to be ordered, Cascio said.

If an offender fails to appear or refuses to undergo castration after a judge orders the procedure, they could be hit with failure to comply charge and face an additional three to five years in prison, based on the bills language.

This is a consequence, Republican state Sen. Valarie Hodges said during a committee hearing on the bill in April. Its a step over and beyond just going to jail and getting out.

In April 2024, Glenn Sullivan Sr of Springfield, Louisiana, was ordered to be physically castrated after he raped and impregnated a 14-year-old girl ( Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office )

The bill now heads to the desk of conservative Gov. Jeff Landry, who will decide whether to sign it into law or veto it.

Currently, there are 2,224 people imprisoned in Louisiana for sex crimes against children younger than 13. However, if the bill becomes law, it can only be applied to those who have been convicted a crime that occurred on or after August of this year.

The sponsor of the bill, Democratic state Sen. Regina Barrow, has said it would be an extra step in punishment for horrific crimes. She hopes the legislation will serve as a deterrent to such offenses against children.

We are talking about babies who are being violated by somebody, Barrow said during an April committee meeting. That is inexcusable.

While castration is often associated with men, Barrow said the law could be applied to women, too. She also stressed that imposing the punishment would be by individual cases and at the discretion of judges. The punishment is not automatic.

The proposed law also stipulates that a medical expert must determine whether that offender is an appropriate candidate for the procedure before its carried out.

A handful of states  including California, Florida and Texas  have laws in place allowing for chemical castration, but in some of those states offenders can opt for the surgical procedure if they prefer.

The National Conference of State Legislatures said they are unaware of any states that currently have laws in place, like the bill proposed in Louisiana, that would specifically allow judges to impose surgical castration.

Louisianas current chemical castration law has been in place since 2008, however very few offenders have had the punishment handed down to them  with officials saying from 2010 to 2019, they could only think of one or two cases.

The bill, and chemical castration bills, have received pushback, with opponents saying it is cruel and unusual punishment and questioned the effectiveness of the procedure. Additionally, some Louisiana lawmakers have questioned if the punishment was too harsh for someone who may have a single offense.

For me, when I think about a child, one time is too many, Barrow responded.
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Two teenagers have been arrested after a beloved pet dachshund named Milkshake was stolen from an apartment in the Bronx, New York City.

Police say that two 16-year-old girls have been arrested after the petnapping and are facing charges of grand larceny and harassment, according to ABC7.

However, it is not yet known if 10-year-old Milkshake had been returned to her owner after the teens had been taken into custody.

The female pet dog was taken from an apartment on Tiffany Street at around 8pm on 4 May, with two suspects then fleeing together with Milkshake, the NYPD wrote on X.

Milkshakes owner, Monica Montanez, previously told ABC7 that it was now the longest she has ever been away from her pet dachshund, and her absence has been a lot to bear.

Milkshake has been with her owner Monica Montanez since she was three weeks old ( NYPD )

"Walking into my household is very deafening, very quiet, you know, like dealing with the silence of no snoring, no jingles, no nails on the floor," Montanez said.

She explained that Milkshake was stolen while she was hosting a birthday party for her six-year-old son in her apartment.

The owner said that Milkshake was playing with the kids in the hallway of the apartment, and then a short time later, the dog was nowhere to be seen.

"We were wrapping up, giving people cake to take home. Were like, hey, wheres Milkshake?" Montanez said, according to CBS.

"We jumped into action and started searching the building, so the only logical thing we could do, by 9pm, we were filing a police report, so the next day we were posting fliers by the afternoon," Montanez explained to ABC7.

Police released photos of the suspects wanted for grand larceny ( NYPD )

However, when calls started to come in, Montanez was subject to further anguish after someone started playing a cruel prank call on her, with someone at the other end barked into the phone, CBS reported.

I think they thought, oh, nobodys going to care, we can just take this little dog, and nobodys going to make a big tiff, and nobodys going to call anyone to find them. But not me," Montanez said, explaining that she has had the pooch since the dog was three weeks old.

She told the outlet that she did not recognize the two suspects in the pictures released by the police.

"Bring her home. Shell be better here, happy here. This is where she belongs," Montanez added.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

The Independent has contacted the New York Police Department for further information.
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A woman has finally had her case linked to the Son of Sam serial killer case that caused terror in New York City decades ago, 47 years after she survived her horrific encounter with the serial murderer.

Wendy Savino, 87, recalled the moment that David Berkowitz, dubbed the Son of Sam killer, walked up to her car in a Bronx parking lot on an April night in 1976, grinning as he stepped closer before he shot at her.

A Bronx homicide detective has reportedly finally validated Savinos claim after a report was filed that linked her terrifying experience to Berkowitz, The New York Post reported, citing police sources.

Im so happy that hes going to be named as my assailant, Savino told the outlet. For so many years, if somebody asked me what happened to me, and I would say, I was shot by Son of Sam, and it was, Oh right, sure you were. So, I am very happy that I am going to be listed as one of his survivors.

Berkowitz committed a killing spree around Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, starting on July 29, 1976, when the then-23-year-old postal employee shot Donna Lauria, 18, and wounded Jody Valenti, 19.

In the months following, he left five others dead and six more wounded. His main choice of victims appeared to be young women with long, dark hair, as well as couples sitting in cars.

Wendy Savino appearing on The Grossman Files YouTube channel to detail her experience ( @mannygrossman/YouTube )

Savino has recently shared her story with the YouTube channel The Grossman Files and in a New York Post exclusive where she recounted how the killer started to laugh as he shot her five times. She survived but lost the use of one of her eyes.

She said she felt as if her chest had exploded and said, Oh my God. Ive been shot.

As she put up her arm to shield herself, a second bullet went through her arm and reverberated off the dashboard into her eye. A third bullet went into her shoulder and through her windpipe, then a final two hit her in the back, the outlet reported.

However, it was not until the person behind The Grossman Files channel, Manny Grossman, started digging into the Son of Sam case, that Savinos experience would be confirmed to be linked to the serial killer.

Grossman told The New York Post that he had requested all of the NYPDs files on the Son of Sam investigation and found the initial incident report about Savinos shooting.

The content creator then alerted the NYPD and contacted a Bronx homicide detective to suggest a possible link to Berkowitz.

He gets back to me, and I tell him the story very briefly and within 15 minutes, he answers me back, taking it extremely seriously and asking me all sorts of questions, and he picked up the case immediately, Grossman said.

David Berkowitz speaks inside the Sullivan Correction Facility in Fallsburg, New York, on May 29, 2009 ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Meeting with detectives on May 20, Grossman reportedly showed the authorities his evidence, which included the composite sketch that Savino initially worked with police on to capture her suspects likeness, as well as similarities to other Son of Sam cases, like women being parked in their cars being targeted in random shootings.

He also told the detectives that the shooting happened less than a mile from where Berkowitz once lived, and that he also moved out one day before the shooting occurred, with his former landlord telling detectives that he was behaving irrationally in the days before.

Authorities went to speak with Savino at her home and also reportedly went to ask 70-year-old Berkowitz himself about the shooting that occurred almost half a century ago.

Berkowitz allegedly denied his involvement in Savinos case, but authorities believe there is enough probable cause to link him, according to The New York Posts sources.

However, the serial killer cannot be charged with attempted murder as the outlet says the statute of limitations has expired.

NYPD Detectives are dedicated to investigating cases thoroughly and diligently. Detectives will continually review a case if there are unanswered questions or if new evidence emerges, the department said in a statement to the outlet.

After Savino was discharged from hospital, her husband sent her to stay with family in England.

Son of Sam killer David Berkowitz in his police booking photo ( Getty )

From the day I was shot, I had the sketches the NYPD made for me, and I carried that around in my handbag every day, she told the outlet. I did not know his name, but I certainly knew what he looked like. I said, This is the man that shot me. And, of course, once he was arrested, I knew my sketch was David Berkowitz.

In the aftermath of her horrific ordeal, she said that she was absolutely terrified.

I wouldnt answer the phone. I wouldnt answer the front door. When I went shopping, if I got afraid, Id leave my shopping basket in the parking lot after paying for it, she explained.

After a period of time, she said that a local inspector visited her carrying photos from the NYPD.

He laid the photos out on my table and #7 was David Berkowitz. Thats the man that shot me, she said.

While a link was not established for decades, Savino said she was thankful that the NYPD could now reportedly confirm what she believed for years.

Berkowitz remains in prison, where he has converted to evangelical Christianity. His next parole hearing will be in 2026.
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A school crossing guard was arrested twice in one day after police said he hit a mother and child with his stop sign stick and then got into an altercation at a courthouse.

Louis Chaves, 68, was taken into custody in Taunton, Massachusetts, Monday, according to WCVB.

Authorities told the outlet Chaves yelled at a mother in her car for not driving across the crosswalk fast enough outside Taunton High School. The woman said she was at an intersection when she sneezed and was trying to find a tissue.

He was yelling at her while her child was in the vehicle. The crossing guard then put the stop sign stick through the passenger window and started swinging it all around the car, calling her names and told her that she needs to get out of there, a prosecutor said during a court hearing.

The defendant was swinging the stop sign stick in the vehicle and it struck the daughter in her arm.

Louis Chaves, 68, got into a confrontation with a cameraman outside a Massachusetts courthouse on Monday ( WCVB )

When the woman got out of the car to confront the man, he threw her on the ground, a prosecutor said.

When the parent got out of the vehicle and confronted this defendant about the assault, thats when the defendant started to attack her with a stop sign stick, eventually throwing her to the ground, the prosecutor told the court, according to the outlet.

(She) stated while she was on the ground, she was dragged and kicked repeatedly by the defendant. She did have multiple abrasions and lacerations on her arm.

Chaves was subsequently charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was also charged with one count of assault and with a dangerous weapon, which prosecutors identified as a shod foot.

The woman sought treatment at a nearby hospital for cuts and abrasions.

The crossing guard was released following the arraignment and is due to appear back in court on August 8. He has been fired from his job as a school crossing guard.

Taunton Public Schools is aware of a physical altercation this morning involving a crossing guard, the district said in a written statement. The crossing guard has been terminated, effective immediately, and is no longer an employee of Taunton Public Schools.

The second alleged crime happened when Chaves left the courtroom. He tried to attack cameras as a woman asked him to stop and attempted to hold him back. News cameras caught him kicking a photographer and throwing a stick.

News groups caught the second attack on film as they were trying to get comments from Chaves after his court hearing.

He was subsequently arrested a second time for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon. His attorneys argued that a speech impediment and the cameras made him anxious, according to CBS News.

A judge ordered Chaves to undergo a mental health evaluation, and he left the courthouse without further incident.
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A man documenting his journey online back to recovery after a traumatic brain injury revealed that his girlfriend thought she was being ghosted after the accident  but then she stumbled upon his GoFundMe page.

Cody Bryant, who is documenting his recovery on his social media, getting back to an active and healthy life after a moped accident, shared that he and his girlfriend, Haley Woloshen, have had a rather unusual relationship story as they got to form a connection not once, but twice.

The couple met in Hawaii in 2022 and bonded when they found out they lived a mile apart from each other back in Los Angeles, spending weeks together after that, a post on Bryants Instagram states.

However, Bryant was unfortunately hit by a car while riding his moped in Ibiza, Spain, leaving him in a coma with a brain injury and a fractured femur that required extensive surgery, according to his GoFundMe page set up for him at the time.

After his injury, family members flew to the Spanish island, where Bryant stayed in the ICU for weeks while his body and brain had time to heal.

While this was happening, Woloshen thought she was being ghosted by the man she just met, until one day, she stumbled upon the very same GoFundMe page that was raising funds for his medical bills.

The couple reconnected after Bryant spent months focusing on rehabilitation after being flown back to the United States, and Woloshen started to help him out platonically.

Plot twist: because of my brain injury, I had no memory of our pre-accident connection, he wrote in one post.

"Neither of us expected it, but feelings started to build. I joke that she won me over a second time," he added.

The couple, who have now been together for over a year, said they had to figure out a balance between caregiving and having a relationship.

But I couldnt be happier with where we are, Bryant said.

On the GoFundMe page, Bryant said that because of his brain injury he did not even understand why he was in rehabilitation for the first few months.

He described his recovery as a combination of pain and mental fatigue while he was in intensive therapy to try and regain the full function of the left side of his body, but he kept on pushing.

Despite what doctors thought, however, months of recovery and determination has meant he has been able to accomplish so much.

Neurologists originally thought I wouldnt live or I would remain in a vegetative state long-term. Once I became more cognitively functional, my new American neurologist said my motor function recovery was highly unlikely, he wrote in an update on the fundraiser in September 2023.

Yet, here I am proving all of them wrong. Ive made some of my biggest gains in the last few months, and I dont see any signs of slowing down.

More recently, Bryant wrote in March this year that his days continue to be filled with intense physical therapy, a comprehensive health routine, and endless research on healing my brain.

He said that while his brain has retained most of his long-term memories, he is still missing a lot of the entire year before his life changed in the accident, including his trip around Europe.

However, Bryant has been able to create new memories ever since, including a two-day hike in Acetenango, Guatemala.

Im proud to say that I completed this hike last week, and at the top, I got to watch a volcano erupt, he wrote in the fundraising update. This epic view and accomplishing something many thought Id never do again combined for quite the emotional experience.

I still struggle with balance and muscle coordination, so descending on slippery, steep, uneven ground resulted in a lot of slips and falls. Thankfully, Haleys cheerleading skills came in handy to minimize the impact, he added.

Bryant continues to advocate for brain injury awareness across his social media while he carries on with recovering and documenting his journey.
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Unable to hold it in any longer, New York City has finally released a Google Map that shows the locations of its public restrooms.

Mayor Eric Adams announced the development as part of the citys new Ur in Luck program on Monday. The map, which will be updated biannually and includes restrooms operated by the Parks Department, Department of Transportation, MTA, privately owned public spaces and the library systems. Those in the city can activate the map layer on their phones to find the restrooms.

Part of making New York City a more livable city is tackling the little things  the things we dont think about until we need them, Adams said . Access to public restrooms is high on that list, maybe even number one or two.

Teddy Siegel, New York Citys bathroom influencer and founder of restroom map Got2GoNYC, spoke at a news conference alongside Adams. She said she created her map in July of 2021 after nearly having an accident in Times Square.

I am so excited that the city is taking action to tackle this crisis by renovating and building bathrooms throughout the city as well as the new Google Maps layer, she said. It is my hope that one day New York City will be a place where everybody has access to a safe and sanitary toilet.

New York City officials launched a map of public restrooms this week. The map, which will be updated biannually and includes restrooms operated by the Parks Department, Department of Transportation, MTA, privately owned public spaces and the library systems. ( Getty Images )

As part of the Ur in Luck program, the city will build 46 new restrooms and renovate 36 more over the next five years. The bathrooms will be across all five boroughs. There are currently 1,000 public restrooms available in the city.

Ten of the new bathrooms are slated to be in the Bronx, 23 in Brooklyn, 28 in Manhattan, 14 in Queens and seven on Staten Island.

The new and renovated bathrooms well deliver over the next five years will make it easier for New Yorkers to embrace the best parts of this city: our shared outdoors spaces, Mayor Adams continued.

Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi touched on the difficulties members of the public face when trying to find a public bathroom in a short time frame.

Everyone  seniors, parents with kids, anyone enjoying the day outdoors, needs access to a public bathroom without having to buy anything or beg for a code. Public bathrooms are critical infrastructure for New York City, where people are always out and about.

In another phase of the bathroom plan, the city is creating a joint task force to help fast-track approvals for 14 self-cleaning automatic public toilets on city sidewalks and plazas.

In the last five months, officials have opened seven new public bathrooms across the city in the following locations:
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An Indiana woman has avoided prison time in the 2023 death of her 12-year-old autistic daughter, who died from an infection while living in a filthy, vermin-covered home.

On Friday, Rosa Hargrave, 35, accepted a deal from prosecutors and pleaded guilty to one count of neglect resulting in serious bodily injured for the death of her daughter, who is also named Rosa Hargrave but went by the nickname May May.

Under the agreement, Hargrave will serve three years on home detention in a group home or approved residential placement, and has been ordered to take parenting classes. She will serve an additional four years on probation.

Hargrave brought May May to Riley Childrens Hospital on February 28, 2023, for a wound across her upper back.

Doctors examining the child observed the oozing wound was severely infected and dripping a yellowish-colored substance, according to police documents obtained by Law & Crime. In the ER, the child also began to vomit blood.

Rosa Hargrave, an Indiana woman who pleaded guilty to neglect resulting in serious bodily over the death of her daughter in March 2023, has avoided prison time for her crime. ( Marion County Sheriffs Office )

The wound was from a skin graft, performed about two years earlier to treat necrotizing fasciitis, according to officials. It was supposed to be cleaned daily.

It was clear the wound was not cleaned or managed properly, police wrote, noting the cut appeared to be entirely untreated.

Hargrave told police investigating the case that her daughter was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, asthma and was nonverbal. Her wound became infected when she was brought to the hospital.

May May died on March 2, 2023, a death that coroners concluded was a homicide by neglect.

The mother also told officers the skin graft wound was from a gallbladder rupture, but an autopsy showed that May Mays gallbladder had never been removed, though her appendix had been, Fox 59 reports.

Officers searching Hargraves home found further cause for concern.

Inside, the house was in extremely poor and unsanitary condition, with numerous mice/rodents, cockroaches, bugs, feces, and half-eaten and rotten food throughout the entire house, police noted.

The vermin inside the house appeared accustomed to living with people and unafraid of any human interaction.

In May Mays bedroom, the room was covered with rodent feces and an attached bathroom lacked running water, authorities stated.

Officers also found four other children living in the home, who reportedly had rashes and matted dirt on their bodies. One child showed signs of bruising and was wearing a heavily soiled diaper. Two of the children belonged to Hargrave and her boyfriend, Charles Turner, and two others belonged to May Mays aunt, Felicia Hargrave.

Turner and Felicia Hargrave previously pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent in connection with May Mays death and also avoided prison sentences, instead both were ordered to spend over two years on probation.

The Independent has contacted the Marion County Prosecutors Office for comment on the plea agreements.

An online obituary describes May May as a girly girl who loved all things pink.

She was absolutely a Grandpas and Grandmas girl, according to the page. May May wore her heart on her sleeve, and you always knew what she was feeling.
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A northern California community is divided after a homeowner fatally shot a black bear cub that had wandered into his home near Lake Tahoe.

The man, who has not been identified, was watching TV with his dog in the living room at around 1.30pm on Memorial Day when he noticed the creature had entered through the back door, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The man told the newspaper that he had yelled at the animal, attempting to frighten it, so that it would leave but it didnt work. The bear advanced on him and his dog, the Chronicle stated.

The homeowner then grabbed a loaded rifle, struck the cub twice, prompting the bear to retreat outside. He then shot the animal a third time, killing it.

I put it out of its misery. I dont like things to suffer, the man told the Chronicle. I didnt feel good about it at all, to be honest.

A California Fish and Wildlife warden investigated the incident and brought no charges, concluding the man had acted in self defense, department spokesperson Steve Gonzalez, told the outlet. However some of the mans neighbors think he should be held accountable.

Ann Bryant, director of the nonprofit Bear League, told theLos Angeles Times that the organization received a call from a neighbor who had witnessed the shooting, prompting two members of their organization to travel to Lake Tahoe.

Neighbors claimed that the bear cub never fully entered the house, Bryant said. They also reported that this wasnt the first time that the man had shot a bear.

Gonzalez told the outlet that he didnt know about the homeowners history involving bear-related shootings.

They believe him rather than all the neighbors who saw it and who know him and who have heard his discussions about how he feels about bears and know about the other killing, Bryant said. Its disappointing the department of wildlife would just turn a blind eye.

In 2021, the homeowner had told the Chronicle that he and his wife returned from vacation to find that bears had entered their kitchen and made a mess of it. I think theyre a pest, he said at the time.

One neighbor who reportedly witnessed the incident shared what he had seen.

He inched his way in, getting further and further inside, but he never went all the way in, the neighbor, Bogdan Yamkovenko, said. You always saw a part of the bear.

Yamkovenko told the outlet that he watched the animal step back, turn around, run off and climb up a nearby tree. Thats when I heard the first shot, he said.

The neighbor reporting hearing three gunshots, all of which were outside. He also recalled the warden telling him that four shots had been fired.

The warden told us something didnt add up about the neighbors story because the neighbor kept saying there were four shots and that he shot the bear inside the house, Yamkovenko said. The neighbor said that he had tried to call the warden, who did not return his call, after learning the case was closed.

The Bear League has launched a Change.org petition demanding a criminal investigation of Lake Tahoe Bear Cub Shooter. The nonprofit organizers wrote that it is calling on the El Dorado County District Attorney to conduct a criminal investigation into this event.

The Independent has reached out to the El Dorado County District Attorneys Office for comment.
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Dr Anthony Fauci has accused Marjorie Taylor Greene of inspiring death threats against him.

The former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases clashed with the Republican firebrand lawmaker at a hearing of the House Oversight Committee on Monday in which he gave testimony about the Trump administrations response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the hearing, Greene told Fauci he was not a doctor and that he belonged in prison for crimes against humanity amid heated questioning. She also accused him of experimenting on beagles with disease-causing parasites.

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.

Following the hearing, Fauci appeared on CNN to slam Greene for her commentary on the Covid-19 pandemic, accusing her of unusual antics that could inspire death threats against him.

Whenever somebody gets up, whether its the news media you know, Fox News does it a lot or its somebody in the Congress who gets up and makes a public statement that Im responsible for the deaths of x number of people because of policies or some crazy idea that I created the virus  immediately  you could like clockwork, the death threats, go way up, Fauci said during an appearance with Kaitlan Collins on CNN.

Dr Anthony Fauci at the House Covid hearing in Congress on Monday ( Getty Images )

So thats the reason why Im still getting death threats when you have performances like that unusual performance by Marjorie Taylor Greene.

He went on to criticise Mondays hearing for the level of vitriol that played out on the Congress floor.

I have testified literally hundreds of times over the last 40 years, over Congress and theres always been differences of opinion, differences of ideology and things like that, he said. But the level of vitriol that we see now just in the country in general  but actually played out during this hearing was really quite unfortunate.

Marjorie Taylor-Greene launched a series of attacks, slurs and insults against Fauci ( AFP via Getty Images )

Because the purpose of hearings are to try and figure out how we can do better so that next time if and when we all faced with a pandemic wed be better prepared and we could benefit if mistakes were made; we identify them and we try to correct them for the future, he added.

Republicans have sought to prove that Fauci tried to suppress information about the origins of Covid-19 and baselessly claim he funded research that triggered a pandemic that killed millions of people, with GOP lawmakers grilling Fauci on these accusations, which he has denied, on Monday.

Shortly after Greenes questioning, Representative Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, lambasted her line of questioning.

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.

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.
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President Joe Biden called out Donald Trump for what he is  a convicted felon  in a fiery campaign speech, where he laid into his clearly unhinged Republican rival who snapped after losing the 2020 election.

In the immediate aftermath of Trumps conviction on all charges in his New York hush money trial last week, the president offered only cautious comment on his political foe.

But on Monday evening, addressing a campaign event at the private residence of a wealthy Democratic donor couple in Greenwich, Connecticut, Biden didnt hold back.

Folks, the campaign entered uncharted territory last week, he told his audience.

For the first time in American history, a former president that is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the presidency.

But as disturbing as that is, more damaging is the all-out assault Donald Trump is making on the American system of justice.

Biden warned of Trumps all-out assault on the justice system in revenge for his criminal conviction, saying it is reckless and dangerous for Trump and his conservative allies to insist that the verdict was rigged just because they dont like the outcome.

The president continued by outlining the high stakes at play in this years election.

The threat that Trump poses would be greater in a second term than it was in his first term, he said.

This isnt the same Trump who got elected in 2016. Hes worse. Something snapped in this guy for real when he lost in 2020. He cant accept he lost and it is literally driving him crazy.

Biden continued: Now hes running again. And hes not only obsessed with losing in 2020, he is clearly unhinged. Just listen to him.

President Joe Biden waves as he arrives on Air Force One at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York, on Monday 3 June 2024 ( Alex Brandon/AP )

He says he wants to be  in his words  a dictator on day ne. He says he wants to  in his words  terminate the Constitution. When asked if he thought violence would occur if he lost again he said it depends.

He calls convicted insurrectionists who are in prison now patriots. And, if re-elected, he wants to pardon every one of them. Trump says if he loses again in November therell be  in his words  a bloodbath.

Biden warned: My God what kind of man is this? In fact, just this weekend, he said his MAGA supporters would reach a breaking point.

Bidens comments came days after Trump made history as the first current or former US president convicted of a crime.

The former president was found guilty of 34 charges of the falsification of business records as part of a 2016 election conspiracy to stop negative stories from reaching voters.

Biden also attacked Trump for his record on abortion, gun control, the environment, his disastrous handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and his habitual disrespect for members of the armed forces.

He also roasted Trump over his notorious suggestion that Americans should inject disinfectant as a Covid cure at the height of the pandemic.

He mustve injected it into his brain, the president jabbed.

Clearly fired up, Biden concluded by saying of Trump that he was out selling Bibles and golden sneakers... selling his presidency to the highest bidder.

This guy does not deserve to be president, whether or not Im running, he said.
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President Joe Bidens announcement on Tuesday of an executive action that would allow him to temporarily shut down the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers appears intended to shore up voters ahead of this Novembers election, as increasing numbers of Americans view immigration as their top issue.

But it placed the president once again at odds with the progessive wing of his party, a new point of contention after many vehemently disgreed with him on his support for Israel amid its war against Hamas in Gaza, which has led to almost 35,000 Palestinian deaths, many of them women and children.

The new action would allow for Biden to halt the processing of new asylum claims if more than 2,500 people cross the southern border in one day and would be dropped if crossings fell below 1,500 a day.

Bidens order is essentially the shards of a bipartisan immigration deal which died in Congress earlier this year after Donald Trump put pressure on Republicans to back out of it. Even then, progressives had a difficult time swallowing that measure, with New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez telling The Independent that we are, in a lot of ways, contributing to an even worsening border crisis with this bill.

Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York (center) pictured with President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Ed Markey following an Earth Day event in April. She has had to balance criticizing Biden while praising his record ( Getty Images )

There was little reassurance before Tuesdays announcement.

Ill have to read the text of it, but I'm certainly concerned about any enforcement, executive orders, Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent on Monday.

In recent months, Ocasio-Cortez has had to balance supporting Biden while he has occasionally taken steps that have frustrated progressives. As the co-author of the Green New Deal, she appeared with him for an Earth Day celebration touting his record on the environment even after he approved the Willow Project, a major oil drilling site in Alaska.

Progressives now have to come to grips with the fact that Biden is planning to severely restrict immigration, which polling shows Americans consider a major problem.

But progressives, particularly Hispanic Democrats, fear that focusing solely on enforcement moves the pendulum too far - and plays into the hands of Republicans. Thats a far cry from a decade ago when Democrats and Republicans talked about tying border security to a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

Now we're at a place where instead of having Republicans have to come to the table and compromise on immigrant rights, we're basically giving the right wing some of the things that they want without delivering for our communities, Texas Representative Greg Casar, the whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told The Independent.

Similarly, Senator Alex Padilla of California, a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, expressed concern that provisions in Bidens action was becoming the Democratic default line on immigration.

Democratic Senator Alex Padilla of California criticised the fact that Democrats are only talking about immigration enforcement and not talking about relief for migrants ( Getty Images )

This should not be the starting point in the next round of negotiations, he told The Independent on Monday.

For the past two years, Biden has offered numerous olive branches to progressive Democrats after they chose both Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren in the 2020 primary over him. To show that he was serious about having them in his coalition, Biden enacted massive student loan forgiveness, even after the Supreme Court blocked his efforts; passed the most important climate legislation in US history; and expanded the Child Tax Credit to slash child poverty.

But progressives may find themselves taking more hits as the campaign season goes on. Traditionally, candidates of both parties tend to move more toward the center as a means of appealing to moderate and swing voters - though Trump seems to be in no mood to appeal to anyone other than his most faithful supporters.

And despite the fact that public opinion has turned on Israel, Biden has shown little willingness to shift course in his ardent support.

When Sanders lost the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, progressives realized the majority of the party remained moderate. Now, they are coming to grips with the fact much of the country has moved away from them on immigration, which makes it more difficult for them to influence Biden on the border.
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Dr Anthony Fauci has responded after a Jan 6 rioter was seen sitting behind him during Mondays House Covid hearing pulling faces.

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.

During the hearing, he went head-to-head with Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene who told the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases he was not a doctor and belonged in prison amid heated questioning.

But Greene was not the only one of Faucis critics who caused a stir during Mondays proceedings.

A January 6 rioter, who served one of the toughest prison sentences yet for the insurrection, was seen sitting behind the medical expert pulling faces.

A man was seen making faces behind Fauci during Mondays Covid hearing ( C-SPAN )

CNN host Kaitlan Collins also claimed that the man yelled out in agreement when Greene said that Fauci belonged in prison.

The rioter was revealed to be Brandon Fellows, who was recently released from prison on May 20 after serving three years on both felony and misdemeanor charges. Fellows was convicted of entering the Capitol and smoking cannabis in Oregon Senator Jeff Merkleys office, according to the Department of Justice.

Fauci said he was made aware of who was sitting behind him after the hearing and asked: Whats somebody like that doing at a hearing about Covid?

Fellows was arrested on January 16 2021 in New York by the FBI following the insurrection after spending days bragging about the events of January 6 and posting videos and photos online.

Brandon Fellows was arrested following the January 6 insurrection ( Department of Justice )

In one video, he was seen entering senator Merkleys office where he put his feet on the table and took two drags from a joint that was handed to him by another rioter. Meanwhile, in pictures, he was seen posing with police officers.

After the riot, he gave an interview to Bloomberg where he said his Bumble dating profile had blown up with attention because of the interest in his Capitol riot pictures.

In court, he represented himself, submitting long, handwritten documents in which he compared himself to Jesus.

He also at one point asked if he should call the wife of US District Judge Trevor McFadden, who was presiding over his case. Judge McFadden later lambasted him, accusing him of showing the height of contempt for all branches of government, adding that he had flagrantly lied under oath.

Anthony Fauci takes his seat ahead of a bruising House hearing about Covid on Monday ( AFP via Getty Images )

It is, rather, your defiance of any and every attempt to try to get your actions to conform to what the law requires that has gotten you to this point, McFadden said. He later added: Its time for you to grow up!

Since being released from prison, Fellows has continued to seek media attention, giving an interview to Bloomberg in which he said he had no regrets about the insurrection, before attending the Covid hearing on Monday.

The GOP representative claimed during the hearing that Faucis repulsive, evil science led to school children having to endure class with masks and claimed he abused puppies with his testing, something he denied.

The Republican firebrand was rebuked by colleagues for her aggressive questioning as Fauci was grilled over his pandemic response and the origins of Covid.

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.

Shortly after Greenes questioning, Representative Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, lambasted her line of questioning.

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.

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.
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Stonewalling federal investigators, retaliation and whistleblowers and levying large fines against the most vulnerable Americans had become commonplace inside the office that was supposed to oversee the Social Security Administration.

It finally came to a head last week.

Gail Ennis, resigned after years of criticism of her management, on Friday from her role as the adminstrations Office of Inspector General. She was nominated by former president Donald Trump to run the post in 2018 and took office a year later.

The inspector general helps oversee an office and issues reports and corrective measures to address problems. In this case, Ennis oversaw the administration responsible for the monthly checks received by 69 million retired Americans and another 15 million who receive disability payments.

What Ennis inherited from her predecessor was a debacle that would spiral into a scandal due to her actions, eventually leading to her downfall nearly six years later.

Ennis was a vocal supporter of Trumps 2016 campaign for president and donated thousands of dollars in a relationship that was first exposed by the nonpartisan watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Her loyalty was rewarded with dual roles  under Trumps administration, she also served as Inspector General for the Department of Interior for several months.

Social Security Inspector General Gail Ennis resigned from her post following allegations that she tried to bar a major investigation into the agency and retaliated against whistleblowers. ( SSA )

But her management of the Social Security Administration as it dealt with accusations of improperly levying fines against poor and disabled Americans, in some cases in violation of due process, eventually resulted in her resignation.

Upon taking office as inspector general, Ennis inherited a program that had begun just one year earlier, which was crippling the financial house of elderly Americans, according to a Washington Post investigation.

The office was levying massive fines, sometimes into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, against dozens of Americans who received (and kept) improper Social Security benefit payments.

The improper fines only affected slightly more than 100 Americans, according to the Posts investigation, but were levied without proper procedures being followed and were done in violation of office regulations. The fines triggered a series of investigations from the Post, which in 2022 reported how the fees had financially devastated those targeted, such as one elderly woman who kept receiving payments from the agency after the death of her husband.

Those payments, she explained, had been mistaken for estate payments.

Im going to be dead by [the time I can afford to retire], Gail Deckman told the Post. Theyre taking away my Social Security. Theyre charging me so much. Do they think I can afford a lawyer to fight this?

Its unclear still how much of a hand Ennis had directly in what the Post described as a giant jump in the size of fines levied under her office, especially given that the practice began before her tenure. But Enniss problems do not end there.

As the Posts investigations triggered interest from Congress and the Justice Departments Office of Inspector General got involved, Ennis played hardball.

A report from DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz, in March of 2024 accused Ennis of stonewalling his probe by ordering staff to refuse comment to investigators and by withholding documents herself.

In 2022, the Post released a report detailing a culture of retaliation and toxicity within the Inspector Generals office, where those who originally flagged the issue of the excessive and improper fines to Ennis found themselves begging for meaningful work at the office.

They pretend I dont exist, hoping that eventually I will exhaust my emotional and financial resources and walk away, longtime SSA-OIG attorney Joscelyn Funnie told the Post.

With reporting of her management increasingly appearing in the Post, Ennis found herself under increasing criticism. Throughout 2023, she faced calls for her resignation, including in a letter sent to Biden last fall by the Project on Government Oversight ( Getty Images )

With reporting of her management increasingly appearing in the Post, Ennis found herself under increasing criticism. Throughout 2023, she faced calls for her resignation, including in a letter sent to Biden last fall by the Project on Government Oversight.

But the real source of her doom was the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Democrat Oregons Ron Wyden. The committee launched an investigation into Ennis and her management of the agency in late 2022, and in 2023 the committee demanded answers from Ennis on a wide range of topics and allegations raised by current and former employees of the office. Among the complaints - misuse of federal funds and retaliation against whistleblowers.

It was Wyden who led for her resignation.

When Inspector General Ennis appeared before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance as a nominee, she assured me and my colleagues that she would establish a culture that welcomes debate, collaboration, and transparency, which is why I supported her nomination, Wyden wrote this winter to President Biden. Unfortunately, over her five-year tenure as Inspector General, those promises appear to have been hollow.

Since taking the helm at SSA OIG, her office has gone from one of the highest performing in government, to one in disarray. Under her leadership, SSA OIG has been plagued by complaints of a hostile work environment, retaliatory civil lawsuits filed against fellow employees, abysmal staff morale ratings, and falling productivity, his letter continued. Rather than taking accountability, Inspector General Ennis has provided empty promises, refused to acknowledge her shortcomings and attempted to discredit the whistleblowers she was found to have retaliated against.

Biden sat on that recommendation for months.

On Friday, a spokesperson for Ennis denied that the incumbent president had been involved in her decision to quit her position at all.

In her resignation letter, Ennis described the agency she had run for five years as vibrant and thanked her colleagues. She offered no reason for the timing of her leaving the post.
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I was sleeping on a car smoking crack.

Thats what Hunter Biden texted Hallie Biden two days after he purchased a firearm in Wilmington, Delaware.

Prosecutor Derek Hines shared text messages with the jury obtained from Bidens laptop, in which Biden scolded Hallie Biden, his former girlfriend and the widow of his brother Beau Biden.

Calling her insane, he asked her to say if she took the handgun that the defense said was located in a lockbox in Bidens Ford pickup truck.

This is no game. And youre being totally irresponsible and unhinged, Biden wrote.

Did you take that from me, Hallie? he asked.

Im sorry, I just want you to be safe, this is not safe, she said.

A seemingly relaxed Biden was seen laughing with defense attorney Abbe Lowell before the proceedings began in the wooded courtroom in downtown Wilmington on Tuesday.

The question at hand is if Biden lied on a form when he bought the gun, asserting that he wasnt using drugs at that time. He only had the gun for 11 days before Hallie Biden discarded it behind a grocery store.

Biden told Hallie Biden to go back to the store and retrieve the firearm, but when she got there, it was gone. Police were called to the scene and a man looking for recyclables in the trash was identified as the person having removed it.

The prosecution and the defense in the federal gun charges agree on one thing: The presidents son struggles with substance abuse.

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, arrives at the federal court with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, during the second day of his trial on criminal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware ( REUTERS )

Whats disputed is whether he was actively using drugs when he bought a gun on 12 October 2018.

The prosecution used extensive excerpts from Bidens 2021 memoir Beautiful Things to argue that he was. The defense says he didnt knowingly break the law as Biden didnt think he was actively using at the time.

I use my superpower to find crack anywhere, anytime, Bidens voice could be heard saying in the courtroom as an excerpt was played.

Bidens entourage exceeded a dozen people on the first day of testimony including First Lady Jill Biden, half-sister Ashley Biden, wife Melissa Cohen, and close friend and financial benefactor Kevin Morris. Biden glanced at his wife as she was mentioned by his lawyer to emphasize his focus on family.

At one point during the audiobook excerpts, Ashley Biden was seen leaving the courtroom in tears. Before she left, the first lady put her arm around her.

Derek Hines began opening statements by saying that no one is above the law and that defendants are prosecuted because of the choices they made, not because of who they are.

He lied in a federal form in a background check, he added.

Hines argued that the purchase of a Colt Cobra 38 Special Revolver was illegal because Biden was using crack cocaine, something the defense said doesnt fit with his behavior and schedule at the time.

A sale is a sale and that was their goal that day, Lowell said of the gun shop staff, adding that Biden had been led to the handgun display after coming in saying he was just browsing.

Ashley Biden, daughter of U.S. President Joe Biden, arrives to the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building during her brother Hunter Biden's trial ( Getty Images )

The prosecutor noted that Biden also bought a speedloader and ammunition, the kind that explodes on impact and tears apart its target.

Lowell said during his opening statement that a person who recovers always calls themselves an addict, regardless of whether they have recovered or not, meaning that Biden may have referred to himself as such when he purchased the gun, but that it doesnt mean he was an active user. He also noted that the gun was never loaded and only left its lockbox on a single day.

The defense attorney argued that the charges Biden is facing include the need for Biden to knowingly have broken the law. Getting into the semantics of the question on the form, he noted that the law prohibits someone who is a person who uses illicit drugs from owning a gun, not someone who has been.

Biden escaped into addiction following the deaths of his mother, sister, and brother, Lowell added.

Large parts of the testimony of FBI special agent Erika Jensen focused on the extensive texts obtained from the laptop and an iCloud account linked to Biden.

Can you get baby powder? The really soft stuff, one text read, seemingly in reference to cocaine.

Quoting Biden, the prosecution said he had a summer and spring of nonstop debauchery.

First Lady Jill Biden and her senior advisor Anthony Bernal arrive to the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building for the trial of Hunter Biden ( Getty Images )

Hines also concentrated on the large number of cash withdrawals amounting to $150,000 over the course of three months between September and November 2018.

According to a receipt, he paid in cash  handing over $900  for the gun and the other items. The defense argued that he withdrew cash to spend on his recovery and that he didnt have a credit card at the time.

In October 2018, there were only four days during which he didnt make any withdrawals, the prosecution said.

Some of those who are set to testify in the trial include Bidens exes Kathleen Buhle, Zoe Kasten, and Hallie Biden.

In the end, the case hinges on whether the prosecution will be able to convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that Hunter Biden knowingly lied on a federal form regarding whether he was actively using illicit drugs at the time.

The defense began its work of seeding that reasonable doubt on Tuesday, admitting to Bidens struggles with addiction, but saying that it doesnt apply to the time frame around the gun purchase on 12 October 2018.
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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 Bidens wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, got into a heated confrontation with a former Trump White House aide during a brief recess at her husbands trial on federal gun charges, according to an NBC News report.

In the hallway of the J Caleb Boggs Federal Building on Tuesday, Melissa allegedly confronted Garrett Ziegler  who Biden is currently suing for his alleged role in publishing emails and photos from Bidens laptop.

Upon seeing Ziegler, Melissa approached him and pointed her finger in his face, loudly saying, You have no right to be here you Nazi piece of s****.

Ziegler apparently did not respond before Melissa walked away.

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, arrives at the federal court with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, during the second day of his trial on criminal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., June 4, 2024. ( REUTERS )

He later told NBC News, Its sad Ive been sitting here the whole time and havent approached anyway.

He added, For the record, Im not a Nazi, Im a believer in the U.S. Constitution. I havent said one thing to them.

Ziegler worked in the White House under Trump adviser Peter Navarro as a staffer, and gained notoriety for his outspoken criticism of Biden.

Much of Zieglers post-White House life has consisted of digging into Bidens financial records and personal life to publish allegedly incriminating or embarrassing details via his nonprofit website Marco Polo. He once admitted to being obsessed with studying the [Biden] family to The Washington Post.

Zieglers website was central to the circulation of embarrassing photos, videos, emails and more that he allegedly found on Bidens laptop.

Last year, Biden filed a lawsuit against Ziegler and 10 others, accusing them of illegally obtaining emails, photos, videos and recordings from his laptop and publishing them. In addition to that lawsuit, Bidens friend who loaned him millions of dollars, Kevin Morris, also sued Ziegler for harassment and doxing.

Ziegler told NBC News on Tuesday that the lawsuits were frivolous and urged Biden to focus on paying his attorneys.

When asked why he was attending the trial, Ziegler told the news outlet it was prudent for him to be there.
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Jon Stewarthas roasted President Joe Biden for his f***ing weird reaction toDonald Trumps conviction in his criminal hush money trial.

Last Thursday, Trump was convicted on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, whose story of an alleged affair threatened to derail his 2016 presidential campaign.

The convicted felons actions were part of a conspiracy to stop damaging information coming to light as he campaigned for the White House.

The day after the verdict was handed down, Biden held a press conference where he was asked by a reporter what his response was to Trump calling himself a political prisoner and blaming the president for his conviction.

Biden offered no verbal response but looked directly into the camera and flashed a grin, before walking off.

The moment sent social media into something of a frenzy.

On Monday night, The Daily Show host Stewart poked fun at Bidens reaction.

Why does everything have to be so f****** weird? Why? he asked.

Jon Stewart responded to Donald Trumps trial verdict on his show on Monday ( The Daily Show )

If you have something to say about it, say it. If you dont have something to say about it, dont say it. But youre just going to stop and hit em with some kinda 70s sitcom freeze-frame?

Stewart then rolled the clip of the president, which he called the Cheshire Cat press conference encore, and set a retro TV theme tune over Bidens grinning momeny. And President Biden as Colonel Butters, it read.

The Daily Show host described the Democratic partys reaction to the verdict as very much an exercise in concealed and controlled glee, with the party now having to decide how to exploit the moment politically without giving the impression that this was the plan all along.

Biden appears to be increasingly testing the waters of using Trumps legal drama in his campaign strategy from a string of social media memes, to free on Wednesdays and Stormy weather jabs and even sending movie star Robert De Niro to speak outside the courthouse as the hush money trial came to a close.

Meanwhile, Republicans and Trump allies have been decrying his conviction as a sham baselessly claiming the justice system is rigged.

Biden grins as a reporter asks him about Trump calling himself a political prisoner ( Getty Images )

The trial was a sham, Stewart mocked.

Yes, we impaneled grand juries and submitted evidence and cross-examined witnesses  but how was Donald Trump or his family not allowed on the jury? Outrageous!

Stewart honed in on a comment made by South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, who claimed on CNN that the justice system hunts Republicans while protecting Democrats.

Oh my God! Stewart sarcastically reacted.

Someone should mention that to such unprotected Democrats as Senator Robert Menendez and Congressman Henry Cuellar, both facing corruption charges brought by our Department of Justice.

He added: Not to mention, Hunter Biden was facing jury selection in a federal gun charges trial f****** today.

Mr Trump will be sentenced on 11 July, just four days before the Republican National Convention, where he will be formally invited to accept the nomination to take on Biden in Novembers election.
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Michael Cohens wife and children have been doxxed in the days since Donald Trumps conviction, with their phone numbers and home addresses leaked online.

On Monday, just days after the former presidents contentious hush money trial ended with him being found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records, personal information for Cohens family members wound up on a site known for doxxing, Daniel J Jones, the president of nonprofit research group Advance Democracy, told NBC News.

Our researchers are regularly scanning for potential threats and instigations of political violence, Jones said.

He added that the person who posted the personal information likely had an intent to harm Cohen  providing these personal details on the Cohen family in the context of calling Cohen a lying bastard and identifying him as someone who betrayed Trump, presumably for testifying for the prosecution in former President Trumps NY criminal trial.

Cohen, Trumps former fixer and attorney turned sworn enemy, told The Independent in a statement: What sad times we are living through when people resort to this type of doxxing stupidity to redress their grievances.

On MSNBCs The ReidOut on Monday, Cohen also addressed the doxxing. We have been receiving unwanted phone calls and emails and text messagessimply because I testified, he said. MAGA is unhappy with the results.

Leading up to the trial, Cohen  who was the star witness for the prosecution  frequently spoke out about the threats that he and his family had faced from Trump-supporting haters.

His former legal advisor and friend, Lanny Davis, told The Independent last month that Cohens family and Michael are still under risk because of Mr Trumps hateful attacks and what he does on social media.

Cohen is a wounded human being who fears for his family, Mr Davis said at the time.

Michael Cohen, Donald Trumps former lawyer, leaves his home in Manhattan on May 20 to testify in the former presidents criminal trial ( REUTERS )

During the historic trial, Cohens testimony was pivotal for Manhattan prosecutors as he directly linked the former president to the series of fraudulent business records at the heart of the case.

Cohen paid porn star Stormy Daniels $130,000 on behalf of Trump in exchange for her silence in the lead-up to the 2016 election about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Cohen was later reimbursed for the payment  reimbursements that were fraudulently logged as legal expenses.

Trump has repeatedly denied the tryst with Daniels  which would have taken place a few months after Melania gave birth to his son Barron  and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But, last Thursday, a jury found Trump guilty of all charges, marking the first time a former president has ever been convicted of a crime.

Trump has since insisted that the trial was rigged and maintains that he is a very innocent man. Still, he faces potential prison time.

In an interview with Fox News over the weekend, the former president seemed to suggest that violence could erupt if he is put behind bars.

I think it would be tough for the public to take, you know, at a certain point, theres a breaking point, Trump said about potentially being incarcerated.
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Independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jrs running mate has aligned herself with fired Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

Nicole Shanahan, a 38-year-old California-based lawyer and now RFK Jrs vice-president pick, mentioned the disgraced conservative media host at a campaign event last Thursday in Maine, where Carlson has a home.

Im sitting across from Tucker, and he and I are so on the same page in every single way, Shanahan beamed, according to the Daily Beast. We are on the same page because we have left establishment thinking once and for all.

Theres no doubt that Carlson has distanced himself from mainstream rhetoric.

The conservative pundit has pushed numerous conspiracy theories, including those about the January 6 Capitol riot, the Covid-19 vaccine, and even going so far as to suggest that fellow conspiracy theorist Alex Jones called 9/11.

But Carlson is also an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, the former president and current convicted felon. He recently condemned the historic New York jury verdict, which found Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records. He also predicted that the former president, and current convicted felon, will win the 2024 presidential election so long as hes not killed first.

The Kennedy-Shanahan campaign has walked a fine line between aligning too far with one side or the other.

Seemingly so as not to lean too far in the Carlson direction, later in Shanahans speech, according to News Center Maine, she drew a link between her campaign and Maine senator Angus King. Although he is an independent, Senator King caucuses with Democrats.

This is a state with independent-minded people, Shanahan said, seemingly alluding to King. This is a state that understands issues, not rhetoric.

The Kennedy campaign seems to be casting a wide net to attract voters who may not be taken with either major party candidate President Joe Biden or Trump. Even RFK Jrs own family has distanced themselves from him, throwing their support behind Biden.
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A Florida appeals court received more than 1,000 complaints about the federal judge presiding over Donald Trumps classified documents case within just a week last month.

Many of the complaints have demanded Trump-appointed US District Judge Aileen Cannon remove herself from the Mar-a-Lago case and reassign it to a different judge, according to a notice filed with the 11th Circuit US Court of Appeals.

Other complaints also question the correctness of her rulings or her delays in issuing rulings in the case, according to the notice from Chief Judge William Pryor.

More than 1,000 complaints were submitted to the court from May 16 through May 22, the date of Judge Pryors notice.

He ordered that the court clerk not accept any more complaints to the extent they are similar to previously filed complaints, according to the filing, which was first reported by CNBC.

The complaints follow accusations from Trump critics and legal observers that Judge Cannon is slow-walking the case to avoid a trial before the 2024 presidential election, including in a recent decision to indefinitely postpone proceedings by taking the May trial date off the calendar.

US District Judge Aileen Cannon during her virtual Senate nomination hearing in 2020. ( via REUTERS )

The complaints appear to be part of an orchestrated campaign, and officials have considered and dismissed four of those orchestrated complaints as merits-related and as based on allegations lacking sufficient evidence to raise an inference that misconduct has occurred, according to the judge.

Some of the complaints received by the court before May 16 have been acted upon, and others will be acted upon in due course, Judge Pryor wrote.

Neither the chief circuit judge nor judicial council have the authority to remove Judge Cannon.

On May 7, Judge Cannon scuttled the original May 20 trial date, writing that a host of issues around evidence and how to handle classified information still need to be determined before the trial can begin.

The former federal prosecutor  who was nominated to the bench by Trump in 2020  argued that a pre-trial process through the end of July would outweigh the best interest of the public and Defendants in a speedy trial.

Walt Nauta, one of Donald Trumps co-defendants in the Mar-a-Lgo case, leaves federal court in Florida on May 22 . ( Getty Images )

The former president faces 40 separate charges stemming from allegations that he withheld hundreds of classified documents after leaving the White House for his private Mar-a-Lago compound in Florida, then conspired to obstruct government attempts to retrieve the materials.

He has pleaded not guilty.

His co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, who are accused of helping Trump mishandle documents at the Florida property, have also pleaded not guilty.

After a jury in New York convicted him on 34 felony charges of falsifying records in connection with a hush money scheme to boost his chances of winning the 2016 election, Trump is set to face 53 other criminal charges in three separate jurisdictions.

But a series of appeals and delays have all but ensured that none of those cases will go to trial before Election Day.

On Monday, a Georgia appeals court agreed to hear Trumps argument that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be disqualified from trying his state-level election interference case. That appeals hearing is set for October 4, making it unlikely that a trial could commence before Election Day on November 5.

A decision from the US Supreme Court on whether Trump has immunity from charges in his federal election interference case could be imminent, but even if a decision is reached that allows the case to proceed, pretrial preparations are not expected to conclude until the fall.
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Stephen Colberts studio audience went wild over Donald Trumps criminal conviction on Monday night, breaking into lively chants of Lock him up!

On his late-night show, Colbert recapped the dramatic conclusion to the former presidents New York hush money trial and his unhinged rant at Trump Tower.

The show host then went on to address Trumps Fox News interview over the weekend, in which Trump denied ever calling for his 2016 presidential rival Hillary Clinton to be jailed  despite a stash of evidence to prove otherwise.

I didnt say lock her up, but the people would all say, lock her up, lock her up, Trump falsely claimed in the interview.

After playing that clip on The Late Show, an incredulous Colbert hit back: The people said lock her up?! That was your whole campaign! Stop it, we remember. We were there.

Colbert likened Trumps claim to American fast-food outlet Arbys changing its slogan from We have the meats to: We never said we have the meats. The people said we have the meats.

He then introduced a string of vintage Trump clips, in which he was seen saying lock her up at his rallies, before moving on to another of the convicted felons dubious claims from his Fox interview: that while he would be okay with being sent to prison, it would be tough for the public to take.

The Late Show host Stephen Colbert cracked up during his opening monologue on June 3 as his audience reacted to Donald Trumps conviction ( The Late Show/YouTube )

It would be tough for the public? Colbert responded. Actually, I happen to have a large number of the public here. Hey public, what do you all think of Trump going to jail?

At that moment, the studio audience erupted in cheers for almost 30 seconds, with many rising from their seats and breaking into a chant: Lock him up!

Ladies and gentlemen, there you have it, Colbert said, cracking up at the reaction. I didnt say, Lock him up. The people said it.

Elsewhere in Mondays opening monologue, Colbert joked that Trump was the first president to be convicted of a crime, but only just, because: Once, they almost nailed Martin Van Buren for hot-wiring a horse.

The host relished every moment of the Trump verdict, referring to the former president as the massively convicted felon Donald Felon Trump.

He also showed off his very own Countdown to Sentencing Advent Calendar, which he said will present him with a tumbler of whiskey every day until Trumps sentencing date on July 11 from behind miniature doors bearing the face of Judge Juan Merchan.

Colbert also took particular pleasure in breaking down Trumps bizarre attack on the judge, whom he said had literally crucified certain witnesses and of whom he observed: He looks like an angel, but hes really a devil. He looks so nice and soft.

Nice and soft? Is he thinking of the judge or the Pillsbury Doughboy? the comic wondered.
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Three men who allegedly orchestrated a plot to reverse Donald Trumps 2020 election loss in Wisconsin have been charged with forgery for their role in a scheme alongside campaign officials to subvert state documents that represented millions of voters.

Kenneth Chesebro, Mike Roman and James Toupis were each charged with a felony count of forgery on Tuesday, according to court records.

Former Trump-allied attorneys Chesebro and Toupis were among the architects of the so-called fake elector scheme to falsely proclaim Trumps victory in states he lost to President Joe Biden.

Chesebro previously pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a sweeping election interference case in Georgia. Roman is also a co-defendant in that case, and among the 12 defendants and Trump allies in a similar election interference case in Arizona.

A criminal complaint from the office of Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul alleges that the three defendants were part of a conspiracy to submit a false certification of the states elector votes from individuals who were not Wisconsins duly appointed electors.

If convicted, the defendants face up to $10,000 in fines and/or up to six years years in prison.

Governor Tony Evers offered a one-word statement in response: Good.

Former Trump-allied attorney Kenneth Chesebro speaks in Fulton County Superior Court in Georgia in October 23, 2023. ( AP )

Chesebro and Toupis were part of a legal team that advised Wisconsins 10 GOP electors to meet and cast their votes for Trump despite Bidens victory in the state.

According to a civil lawsuit that was settled earlier this year, Chesebro and Toupis coordinated with Trump campaign officials to implement the alternate elector strategy in Wisconsin and six other states to replace electors with Trump loyalists to submit fraudulent certificates of state election results to Congress.

The settlement did not include any admission of wrongdoing or liability, but Chesebro and Toupis agreed that they would not participate in similar campaigns and were ordered to pay an undisclosed amount to plaintiffs.

Their initial court appearances in the forgery case are tentatively scheduled for September 19.

The criminal charges are the first in Wisconsin against Trump-allied Republican officials, aides and activists who joined a nationwide effort to reverse the former presidents 2020 election loss.

Former Trump campaign attorney Jim Troupis speaks in Washington DC in December 2020. ( AP )

Law enforcement officials have now filed criminal charges in five out of seven swing states  including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin  where defendants are accused of orchestrating an attempt to unlawfully submit fraudulent Electoral College results to Congress, where Trump and his allies then pressured then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject Bidens victory on January 6, 2021.

Charges have not been filed in Pennsylvania and New Mexico.

Trump himself is criminally charged in connection with the scheme in Georgia and in federal court in Washington DC. He has pleaded not guilty.
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A funeral home employee had the surprise of their life this week when a woman believed to be dead was found to be very much alive.

Constance Glantz, a 74-year-old woman from Lincoln, Nebraska, was pronounced dead at around 9.45am local time on Monday by staff at The Mulberry nursing home in Waverly, where she had been receiving hospice care.

Lancaster County Sheriff Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said at a press conference on Monday that Glantzs body was then transported to the Butherus-Maser & Love Funeral Home to prepare her for her funeral.

But, in a sudden twist, two hours on from her apparent death, a funeral home worker noticed that the 74-year-old was still breathing.

Chief Deputy Houchin said that a 911 call was made at around 11.43am to report a medical emergency at the funeral home.

Lincoln Fire and Rescue responders arrived on the scene soon after to find staff members performing CPR on Glantz.

She was rushed to hospital where she is still alive.

This is a very unusual case, Chief Deputy Houchin said.

[Ive] been doing this 31 years, and nothing like this has ever gotten to this point before.

Glantzs family has been notified about the incident.

Lancaster County Sheriffs Office has now launched an investigation into the incident to find out what went wrong.

The chief deputy said that there is no sign of any criminal intent by the nursing home.
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Amanda Knox will be back in an Italian courtroom this week.

She will defend herself against a 16-year-old slander conviction that she hopes to beat once and for all.

Her chance was made possible when a European court ruled that Italy violated her human rights during a long night of questioning after the murder of her British roommate in November 2007.

The slander conviction for accusing a Congolese bar owner in the murder is the only charge against Knox that withstood five court rulings that ultimately cleared her in the brutal murder of her roommate, 21-year-old Meredith Kercher, in the apartment they shared in the idyllic central Italian university town of Perugia.

Diya Patrick Lumumba, left, a Congolese citizen who was accused by Amanda Knox and originally jailed ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

A verdict in the slander case retrial ordered by Italy's highest court is expected on Wednesday, with Knox appearing in an Italian court for the first time in more than 12 1/2 years.

The slander charge was largely based on two statements typed by police that Knox signed during the early hours of November. 6, 2007, under extended questioning in Italian from police without a lawyer or a competent translator. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the conditions violated her human rights.

Kercher's brutal murder grabbed worldwide attention as suspicion fell on Knox, then 20, and her then-Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, with whom she had been involved for just about a week.

Knox and Sollecito were convicted in their first trial, but after a series of flip-flop verdicts, they were ultimately exonerated by Italys highest court in 2015. Knox returned to the United States in October 2011, after her first acquittal. She is now the mother of two small children, and has a podcast with her husband while campaigning against wrongful convictions.

However, the slander conviction against Knox endured, a legal stain that continued to fuel doubts about her role in the killing, particularly in Italy  and despite the conviction of Rudy Hermann Guede, a man from Ivory Coast whose DNA was found at the crime scene.

Guede served 13 years of a 16-year prison sentence handed down after a fast-track trial that foresees lighter sentences under Italian law.

Italy Knox ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Based on the ruling by the European court, Italys highest court threw out Knox's slander conviction last November and ruled that the two statements typed by police were inadmissible. It ordered a new trial, instructing the Florence court to consider only a handwritten statement that Knox wrote in English some hours later.

In regards to this confession that I made last night, I want to make it clear that I'm very doubtful of the verity of my statements, because they were made under the pressures of stress, shock and extreme exhaustion,'' her statement said.

A pioneer of the study of false confessions, Sal Kassin, says Knox's signed statements follow a playbook of false confessions.

It is empirical fact that most false confessions contain accurate details not yet known to the public and false-fed facts that are consistent with the police theory of the crime, but that later prove to be untrue," Kassin, a psychologist at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, wrote about the case in his book Duped, which examines the phenomenon of false confessions.

Kassin said police contaminated Knoxs confession, which aligned with police theory at the time.

"To hold her accountable for a statement in which she also implicated herself is absurd, he wrote.
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Language learning app Duolingo has removed references in Russia to what Moscow calls non-traditional sexual relations.

The app deleted the language after being warned by Russias communications regulator about publishing LGBT+ content it classed as extremism.

Russia last year widened restrictions on the promotion of what it calls LGBT+ propaganda amid a broader crackdown on LGBT+ rights, which President Vladimir Putin has sought to portray as evidence of moral decay in Western countries.

Roskomnadzor, Russias communications regulator, had written to Duolingo, warning it against publishing material promoting non-traditional sexual relations and LGBT+ propaganda.

Duolingos media and investor relations teams did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The company Duolingo sent Roskomnadzor a letter in response, in which it confirmed that it had deleted materials promoting non-traditional sexual relations from its training app, Russian news agencies quoted Roskomnadzor as saying on Tuesday.

Russia has designated the LGBT movement as extremist and those supporting it as terrorists, paving the way for serious criminal cases against LGBT+ people and their advocates.

Gay rights activists hold a banner reading Homophobia - the religion of bullies during their action in protest at homophobia, on Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on July 14, 2013 ( Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The countrys top court ruled that LGBT+ activists should be designated as extremists and issued a ban against such work in November last year. This effectively outlaws LGBT+ activism across the country.

The ruling was the latest in more than a decade of restrictions on LBGT+ rights under Vladimir Putin, who has put what he calls traditional family values at the centre of his appeal to the Russian public.

The November hearing took place behind closed doors and with no defendant. Multiple rights activists have pointed out that the lawsuit targeted the international civic LGBT+ movement, which is not an entity but rather a broad and vague definition that would allow Russian authorities to crack down on any individuals or groups deemed to be part of the movement.

In a statement announcing a lawsuit filed to the court, Russias justice ministry argued that authorities had identified signs and manifestations of an extremist nature by an LGBT+ movement operating in Russia, including incitement of social and religious discord, although it offered no details or evidence. In its ruling, the court declared the movement to be extremist and banned it in Russia.

Russian courts have issued fines for those that violate its LGBT propaganda law, including online film distributors and executives.
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A fifth person has been confirmed dead in German floods.

A woman's body has been recovered from a car that sank into floodwater in Bavaria, police said on Tuesday.

Persistent heavy rain led to widespread flooding over the weekend. While the situation has now eased in southwestern Germany, water levels remained high in parts of Bavaria, particularly on the Danube and in the Rosenheim area in the southeast. Some major railway lines, including several leading to Munich, were still blocked or disrupted.

The bodies of four people who died in the floods were found Sunday and Monday, three of them in inundated basements.

Police reported the fifth victim Tuesday in the small town of Markt Rettenbach. They said a driver who apparently had ignored barriers blocking a flooded road on Monday slipped off the road into a field and called emergency services to alert them that her car was filling with water.

Rescuers found the nearly submerged vehicle and recovered the woman's body.

The German government said on Monday that deadly flooding served as a warning to keep up the fight against climate change, hours after an official advisory council said the state had fallen behind its greenhouse gas targets.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said during a visit to affected areas on Monday that federal emergency services and the military were being deployed.

We must not neglect the task of halting man-made climate change. This is another reminder that must be taken away from this disaster, he said.

Economy and climate minister Robert Habeck, during a visit of affected regions on Sunday, also noted that climate change was causing severe weather events.

Cargo ships park at the bank of the river Rhine near the BASF chemical plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

However, a panel of government climate advisors said on Monday that Germany is likely to miss its own 2030 greenhouse gas targets, contradicting Habecks projections in March and calling for new measures.

Germanys Climate Protection Act will require the government to take corrective measures for the 2030 target if the expert panel confirms its findings next year.

Amid first signs of the floodings economic impact, German utility EnBW said its hydroelectric plants along the Neckar river and its tributaries were either running at reduced capacity or were out of operation, particularly small stations.

The company, which is based in southern Germany, said this was partly due to the large amount of floating debris.

Uniper said it took preparatory measures to shut its Irsching power plant if necessary as a dam of the Paar tributary of the Danube threatened to burst.

A cormorant sits on a street lamp as the river Neckar has left its banks in Heidelberg, Germany, Monday, June 3 ( AP )

Earlier on Monday, Audi cancelled some production shifts on Monday at its main Ingolstadt plant as some staff could not come into work, though the factory itself was not affected.

The early and the late shifts assembling the A3 and Q2 vehicle models were cancelled, the Volkswagen-owned luxury carmaker said in an alert to staff on Sunday, which was made available to Reuters on Monday.

Germanys farmers association flagged massive damage to fields and buildings in the sector, saying it was too early for a more precise estimate.

Navigation authorities earlier on Monday warned that parts of the river Rhine in southern Germany, an important route for commodities and fuels, were closed to cargo shipping for lack of overhead space to sail under bridges.

Rail company Deutsche Bahn late on Sunday advised against travelling in southern Germany.
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The US National Security Agency has issued advice to smartphone owners to prevent their devices from being hacked and their personal details and money stolen.

The government agencys Mobile Device Best Practices report is aimed at the billions of people around the world who use either an Android or an iOS smartphone, who are all exposed to a variety of cyber risks like spear-phishing attacks and zero-click exploits.

Smartphone users can protect themselves against many of these hacks by simply turning their phones off and on again, according to the NSAs guidance.

Threats to mobile devices are more prevalent and increasing in scope and complexity, the US surveillance agency wrote in its guide.

Users of mobile devices desire to take full advantage of the features available on those devices, but many of the features provide convenience and capability but sacrifice security.

Among the standard advice of using strong passwords and using any biometric security features like face and fingerprint recognition, the NSA also offers other instructions that may be less familiar to average phone users.

Phone owners are urged to only use their original charging cords and to not use public USB charging stations to avoid their devices from being infected with spyware.

The NSA also recommends updating a devices software as often as possible and to never connect a personal device to government computers via WiFi or Bluetooth, or to public WiFi networks.

Disable location services when not needed [and] do not bring the device with you to sensitive locations, the advice states.

Do not have sensitive conversations in the vicinity of mobile devices not configured to handle secure voice. Do not have sensitive conversations on personal devices, even if you think the content is generic.

Since it was formed in 1952, the NSA has grown into one of the biggest surveillance agencies in the world, hiring tens of thousands of employees to collect data and communications on behalf of the US government.

In 2013, former NSA contractor Edward Snowden revealed details of the agencys worldwide surveillance activity.

Among the revelations was a program called PRISM, which secretly collected voice, text and video chats of millions of foreigners and US citizens through popular apps and devices developed by Apple, Facebook, Google and Microsoft.

Documents showed that the NSA gathered an average of 15 million telephone calls and 10 million internet communications each day in the year prior to Mr Snowdens leaks.
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The worlds biggest solar plant has come online in China, capable of powering a small country with its annual capacity of more than 6 billion kilowatt hours.

The facility in a desert region of the north-west province of Xinjiang covers 200,000 acres  roughly the same area as New York City.

The 5GW complex, which was connected to Chinas grid on Monday, is powerful enough to meet the electricity demands of a country the size of Luxembourg or Papua New Guinea.

China has led the world in solar power adoption, boosting its capacity in 2023 by more than 50 per cent. The new solar farm overtakes the Ningxia Teneggeli and Golmud Wutumeiren solar projects, which are both also in China, to become the largest in the world.

A recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) described Chinas drive towards renewables as extraordinary, with the country commissioning as much solar capacity last year as the entire world did in 2022.

China accounts for almost 60 per cent of new renewable capacity expected to become operational globally by 2028, the report stated.

Chinas role is critical in reaching the global goal of tripling renewables because the country is expected to install more than half of the new capacity required globally by 2030. At the end of the forecast period, almost half of Chinas electricity generation will come from renewable energy sources.

Analysis from leading manufacturer Longi Green Energy Technology in 2023 estimated that fitting solar panels to rooftops and buildings in China would produce enough electricity to power all the households in China and South-East Asia combined.

The massive ramp-up in production of solar panels in China has led to recent concerns that overcapacity could lead to trade tensions resulting from a global market glut.

Last month, in an effort to prevent this, US President Joe Biden announced that tariffs on Chinese solar cell imports would double from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.
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Airlines should consider restricting or stopping the access to alcohol on flights to protect the health of passengers, academics have said.

Many holiday goers will celebrate jetting off on their travels with an alcoholic beverage and some of these may have a doze on a plane.

The combination appears to lower blood oxygen and increase heart rate, even among younger adults.

The study found that the combination of in-flight alcohol and cabin pressure at cruising altitude may put strain on sleeping passengers hearts.

The on board consumption of alcohol is an underestimated health risk that could be easily avoided, academics from the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Germany said.

It may be beneficial to consider altering regulations to restrict the access to alcoholic beverages on board aeroplanes.

The researchers point out that heart and circulatory problems account for 7% of in-flight medical emergencies, with cardiac arrests causing 58 per cent of all plane diversions.

Writing in the journal Thorax, the researchers said that being in a hypobaric environment  an environment where there is low air pressure  is known to decrease oxygen levels in the blood and increase heart rate.

They added that air passengers with heart problems have an increased risk of aggravation of symptoms due to the decreased cabin pressure at cruising altitude, which is amplified during sleep.

open image in gallery Using plane wifi remains a hit and miss experience ( Getty Images )

Alcohol, often consumed on board, has similar effects, they said.

As a result they wanted to test the impact of alcohol consumption and sleep in a hypobaric environment.

The researchers assessed 48 people aged between 18 and 40.

They spent either two nights in a sleep laboratory or an altitude chamber  which recreates the same altitude of a cruising aeroplane.

Before one of the nights the people drank alcohol.

Researchers conducted sleep study tests as well as closely monitoring their heart rate and blood oxygen levels.

They found that the combination of alcohol and experiencing low oxygen concentration at high altitudes reduced sleep quality, challenged the cardiovascular system and led to extended duration of low blood oxygen levels.

The authors concluded: Together these results indicate that, even in young and healthy individuals, the combination of alcohol intake with sleeping under hypobaric conditions poses a considerable strain on the cardiac system and might lead to exacerbation of symptoms in patients with cardiac or pulmonary diseases.
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A United Airlines flight from Canada to Texas descended into chaos on Friday after 30 passengers who had been on a cruise ship fell ill.

The Boeing 737 Max plane landed at the Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston at around 6pm on Friday where it was met by emergency responders from the Houston Fire Department.

Officials from the fire department noted that the passengers were exhibiting flu-like symptoms and complaining of nausea.

Three passengers were examined by first responders, but none needed medical assistance.

The plane was later withdrawn for deep cleaning.

United Airlines confirmed the incident, saying that various flyers from the cruise were ill and were aboard the same flight. It is not clear what caused the sudden symptoms in the passengers.

open image in gallery A United Airlines flight from Canada to Texas descended into chaos on Friday after 30 passengers who had been on a cruise ship fell ill ( Getty )

According to the airline, 163 passengers and six crew members had been on the flight, which took off from Vancouver.

It comes after 70 of the 290 passengers on board Condor airline Flight DE2315 fell ill while it was traveling from Mauritius to Frankfurt in May.

The plane was halfway through its journey to the German city when it became clear that many passengers on board were suffering from a bug, reporting symptoms including nausea and vomiting.

The aircraft landed in Frankfurt at around 5.33pm where it was greeted with a large contingent of emergency services after the crew had called ahead to alert officials on the ground of the unfolding emergency.

A spokesperson for the German airline confirmed the incident to the countrys Bild tabloid, adding that the crew was not affected by the illness.

She [the pilot/crew] is also educated and trained for special situations like this, the statement to the newspaper said.

After carefully examining the overall situation, the flight continued. The aircraft landed safely in Frankfurt, where medical professionals were available to care for the affected guests.

The cause of the sudden wave of illness was not confirmed. However, the airline noted that the food onboard would have been prepared in Mauritius.

[We have] already initiated an investigation into the case to get to the bottom of the cause and to derive possible measures from it, the spokesperson added.

Condor is working closely with all responsible partners and authorities. There is currently no result available.
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An easyJet flight from Belfast to Manchester was boarded by police on landing after a disruptive passenger became abusive and threatening mid-flight.

Flight EZY708 from Belfast International Airport was met on the tarmac of Manchester Airports Terminal 1 by local police at around 11.30pm on Sunday (2 June).

A man was filmed being escorted from the cabin by several police officers shortly after the plane touched down.

According to a fellow passenger, the unruly man interrupted the safety briefing, and was denied alcohol for the duration of the one-hour flight, reports Manchester Evening News.

The eyewitness called the flight unbearable and said that the disruptive passenger kept talking really loudly and swearing throughout the nightmare flight.

Anspokesperson said: easyJet can confirm that flight EZY708 from Belfast to Manchester yesterday was met by police on arrival due to a passenger behaving disruptively onboard.

easyJets cabin crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers is not compromised at any time.

Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour onboard. The safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew is always easyJets priority.

Full details of the passengers behaviour have not yet been revealed by authorities.

The Independent has contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment.

Its not the first time this year that troublesome passengers have caused chaos onboard.

On 27 May, a Virgin Australia plane was forced to turn around for Perth Airport mid-flight after a naked man ran down the aisle before being tackled by another passenger.

Australian Federal Police officers were waiting for the plane and the disruptive guest was offloaded, Virgin said.

Just yesterday, an eight-hour United Airlines flight had to divert for Dublin after a disruptive passenger and medical case both caused chaos onboard.

The Brussels flight was bound for New York but made an Irish detour for the medical case and the disruptive passenger to be taken off the aircraft.
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A four-year-old and his mother took easyJet flight 1586 from Southampton to Geneva for a weeks holiday in the Alps. Shortly after 6pm on 17 December 2023, they cleared Swiss passport control.

Which, according to easyJet, they should not have been able to do. Earlier that same day, the airline had turned them away from a Gatwick-Geneva flight.

Yet easyJet immediately sold them flights for a further 198 and allowed them on the plane from the Hampshire airport.

The four-year-old, his two siblings and their parents live in Guernsey. They were all booked on the easyJet morning flight from London Gatwick to the Swiss airport, paying just over 150 each.

A few days before their holiday, the parents had realised the four-year-olds passport would not meet the post-Brexit passport validity requirements the UK requested after leaving the EU.

Fortunately, the Guernsey passport office is able to issue temporary passports for children that are valid across Europe for one year. They duly obtained the document and travelled to Gatwick.

The father describes events at the departure gate at the Sussex airport: We attempted to board the easyJet flight. The gate picked up that my son had a green-covered UK/Guernsey passport valid for one year.

The gate staff called their office, and the office refused him to board. We tried to explain but to no avail. So my wife had to stay with our four-year-old, who was distraught, whilst I travelled with our other two children, who were also distraught.

When my wife and son were escorted from airside to landside, a Gatwick immigration officer asked what was happening. The gate staff said it was an invalid passport. When the immigration officer checked, he said: No, this is a valid passport  at which point the ground staff told him the flight had left anyway and hurried my wife and son away.

Knowing the document was valid for travel to Switzerland, his wife booked a same-day flight with easyJet from Southampton to Geneva. The pair travelled without incident. Due to their late arrival, they had to take a taxi for the last past of their journey.

On their return, the father sought recompense for the extra costs as well as the denied-boarding compensation they were due.

The response from the airline mirrored the case of Jacqueline McGeough, who easyJet refused to allow on a holiday flight to Italy. The airline told her six times she was correctly denied boarding  even though a moments scrutiny of her passport and travel dates would reveal she was clear to travel. Only when The Independent became involved did easyJet accept its mistake.

In the case of the family from Guernsey, easyJets customer service department once again repeatedly rebuffed the fathers appeals.

The airline initially said: Having checked the booking, your records show that the passenger on the booking was refused carriage due to insufficient or invalid documentation (passport) which is required to travel with easyJet.

When he challenged that decision, he was told: We have received an update from our senior team, they have investigated and have confirmed that a temporary passport is not accepted to travel to Switzerland, and was denied correctly. Therefore under the regulation guidelines we are unable to reimburse your claim for expenses and compensation.

The father was baffled, because easyJet itself had demonstrated his son was perfectly able to travel.

His final attempt before contacting The Independent was also rebuffed: Our assessment team have had another look at your claim request and investigated all of the information available have documented that you were refused carriage due to insufficient or invalid documentation (Temperory [sic] passport) which is required to travel with easyJet.

Once The Independent contacted easyJet, the airline accepted it was wrong to turn the four-year-old away  blaming a third-party documentation system.

A spokesperson said: Like many airlines, easyJet uses an automated verification system called TravelDoc to validate passengers travel documents which uses immigration data collected from various sources including government agencies.

Unfortunately, on this occasion the system incorrectly informed the ground agent that the passenger was unable to travel on their flight from London Gatwick to Geneva and the same information was subsequently provided to our customer service team.

We have raised this with TravelDoc who have corrected this and we are in touch with Mr Newark to apologise for his experience, reimburse him for his flights and any travel expenses he incurred and to provide the compensation they are due.

It appears that ground staff at Southampton, knowing the passport to be valid, did not consult TravelDoc and therefore were unaware of the false information.

EasyJet says TravelDoc has now corrected its error.

The mother and four-year-old are due 220 each in denied boarding compensation and a refund of the unused easyJet flights from Gatwick, as well as the extra costs triggered by the airlines mistake.
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Young rail passengers will be able to roam wherever they wish on the French rail network during July and August for a flat rate of just 1.35 per day.

President Macron announced the plan for a one-month unlimited Le Pass Rail in September 2023. Initially it seemed to be an all-ages project intended to emulate the 49 Deutschlandticket  which opened up travel around Germany after the Covid pandemic.

After months of negotiations between central government, the regions and SNCF (French Railways), it turns out the scheme is open only for passengers under 27. There are also many restrictions on the trains that can be taken: high-speed TGV expresses are excluded, but so too are suburban services in the Paris region, Ile de France.

Crucially, it appears Le Pass Rail iis available only to people with an address in France.

These are the key questions and answers.

Whats the big idea?

Young people will be able to travel the length and breadth of mainland France in July and/or August for a flat fare of 49 (42), which works out at 1.35 per day.

They will need an address in France to buy a ticket, either through SNCF Connect  the main vendor  or Trainline, the private company.

Former transport minister Clement Beaune, who was involved in setting up the scheme, called it a tremendous step forward, of which I am very proud, for young people, ecology and mobility.

But it comes with strings attached. The German scheme enabled travellers simply to buy a pass that was valid on local and regional transport everywhere in the country without further formality. In contrast, French passengers must buy a ticket  at zero cost  to make each journey.

This allows the partner organisations involved to understand who has travelled where so that cash can be allocated and data compiled for future planning.

Which trains are allowed?

The main services are TER (Transport Express Regional) trains, which comprise the main regional and local services across France. Examples include:

Calais to Amiens

La Rochelle to Bordeaux

Port Bou (Spanish station on the French border) via Perpignan to Avignon

Marseille to Nice

Lyon via Dijon to Paris (the slow and pretty way)

In addition, Le Pass Rail is available on Intercites trains. These are classic trains running on the conventional network rather than high-speed lines. In particular, they connect Paris with cities in south-central France off the high-speed network, such as Clermont-Ferrand, Vichy and Limoges. There are also regional links, including Nantes-Lyon and Bordeaux-Marseille.

Carriages with seats on night trains will also be available with the pass, though passengers will need to pay extra for a berth.

Which trains are definitely not allowed?

Pretty much everything else. All TGV high-speed trains  whether Inoui (the main brand) or low-cost Ouigo  are off limits. So too are high-speed trains run by foreign rail operators from Germany, Italy and Spain within France. The same applies to the Ouigo Classique network, running conventional trains between Paris and Le Mans, Nantes and Lyon.

Crucially, the entire RER (suburban express) network around Paris is excluded, as is the Metro system. Passengers who arrive from Orleans at Paris Austerlitz who wish to continue from Gare du Nord to Compiegne will need to pay extra for a ticket across the capital.

During the Paris Olympics in July and August, fares will increase to 4 for the Metro and 6 for the RER.

Some stations serving only the TGV network, including at Paris CDG and Lyon airports, will be inaccessible with Le Pass Rail.

Anything else?

Yes. Intercites trains, and some TERs in regions such as Normandy, will require reservations as well as tickets to control the numbers on trains during the busy summer months.
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The boss of one of the worlds largest airlines has launched a scathing attack on Heathrow, comparing its level of customer service to something that would be found in a rundown post-World War Two airport.

Sir Tim Clark, the head of Emirates, blamed those in charge of Britains busiest airport of prioritising shareholders and the payment of dividends over the state of the aviation hub.

The UAE flag carrier is based out of Terminal 3.

I was at Heathrow the other day and walking out of our lounge the ceiling height is awful, Sir Tim told The Times.

It looks like a utilitarian structure, post-Second World War. It is just not good enough.

He blasted the airport as seriously lagging behind when it comes to how customers experience travelling through and called for a major reconfiguration to improve the situation.

Its an old airport. Im afraid its very difficult. You need to open up the whole terminal. Where we are based, new airports are being built employing the latest technologies to streamline the process of all the customer-facing elements. That is not the case at Heathrow.

Sir Tim would also want the plaza at Terminal 3 reduced in size to allow more room for security and check-in, reports The Times.

A Heathrow spokesperson said: Every pound we want to spend on improving airport facilities needs approval from our regulator. Despite having our proposals cut back in the current regulatory settlement, we will still invest 3.6bn upgrading our infrastructure over the next three years. We will continue to invest and to work with our airline partners to build an airport fit for the future.

In April, Heathrow Airport said it had swung to a first quarter profit and upped its outlook for full-year passenger growth after notching up its busiest start to the year.

The company posted pre-tax profits of 189 million for the three months to March 31  traditionally a quiet season for the sector  against losses of 60 million a year ago.

It said the group enjoyed a record-breaking quarter, with passenger numbers up 9.5 per cent to 18.5 million.

By November 2023, Heathrow reported that it was the fourth busiest airport in the world, seeing a huge jump when compared with passenger figures in October 2022 and less than 1 per cent below the pre-pandemic figure from October 2019.

Earlier this year, the Civil Aviation Authority said that passenger charges in place at Heathrow for the next two years could be cut by 6 per cent.

Charges are paid by airlines but are generally passed on to passengers in air fares.

If the proposals are implemented, average charges per passenger would be cut by around 1.52 to 23.72 in 2025, and by 1.58 to 23.70 in 2026.
Stormy Daniels recalled wearing a bulletproof vest to Donald Trumps trial as she detailed the horrifying threats she has faced.

Ms Daniels discussed the historic guilty verdict in the former presidents New York hush money trial during an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday 4 June.

I got some serious death threats - daily - threats against my family and my daughter, she said.

Graphic, horrifying things that they said they were going to do.

Ms Daniels added that she was advised to wear a bulletproof vest to the trial after showing one email in particular to law enforcement friends.
Watch the moment a hot air balloon strikes power lines in Indiana, injuring all three people onboard.

Federal investigators are looking into what caused the incident, which happened shortly before 7pm in the northwestern town of Hebron on Sunday 2 June.

First responders with the Lowell Fire Department later located the balloon in a field with the basket still attached and three people inside.

There was evidence on the passenger basket that electrical current passed from the power lines to the basket and injured the three people in the basket, the fire department confirmed.

Due to the severe extent of the burn injuries, two medical helicopters were called to the scene.

Two patients were then transported by air to Chicago-area hospitals, while the pilot was transported to a local hospital by ambulance, authorities added.
Nigel Farage branded a BBC News presenter very, very boring during a heated debate.

Mr Farage announced he will stand as a Reform UK candidate at the general election in a press conference on Tuesday (3 June).

He will contest Clacton, Essex, after it was also confirmed he will take over as leader of the party.

Speaking to the BBC following the announcement, Mr Farage clashed with newsreader Ben Thompson, who questioned why voters should trust him after seven failed attempts to become an MP.

I think youre very, very boring. And I think your viewers will find you very boring, the Reform UK candidate said.
Nigel Farage has boldly claimed that by becoming the Reform UK leader and embarking on his eighth bid to win a parliamentary seat, he will increase the general election turnout.

Mr Farage launched his bid for election on Clacton pier declaring a revolution to change British politics but was left stunned on Tuesday (4 June) when a protester threw a milkshake in his face.

In a live social media recording, posted to X on Tuesday (4 June), Mr Farage commented on the incredible response he received on his visit to Clacton.

Mr Farage said: I think my standing will increase the turnout, which is a good thing for democracy.
Two French Navy landing craft arrived at Omaha Beach on Tuesday 4 June, for a rehearsal ahead of the 6 June commemoration event remembering the 1944 D-Day landings.

D-Day, an invasion of Nazi-occupied France, was unprecedented in scale and audacity, using the largest-ever armada of ships, troops, planes and vehicles to punch a hole in Adolf Hitlers defences in western Europe and change the course of the Second World War.

Nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed in Normandy on 6 June 1944.

Of those, 73,000 were from the United States and 83,000 from Britain and Canada.

Forces from several other countries were also involved, including French troops.

A total of 4,414 Allied troops were killed on D-Day itself while fighting around 50,000 German forces.
The need for student accommodation is set to grow, according to JLL. Pictured is Aparto's Binary Hub student accommodation near the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.

The rising number of young people in Ireland is expected to contribute to a further shortage of available student accommodation in the coming years.

New research from commercial real estate firm JLL found that around 40,000 student beds are currently registered with the Rental Tenancy Board.

However, strong birth rates in the 2000s, as well as a rise in immigration, is expected to increase the number of student beds needed here.

JLL estimates that a further 40,000 beds will be required to meet this demand, with the population of those aged between 20 to 24 in Ireland expected to jump by 26pc from 2020 to 2030.

However, just 2,000 beds are currently under construction.

JLL called for the ongoing investment in purpose-built student accommodation here.

There is a compelling need to provide incentives that inspire forward investments in the sector to boost supply in line with future demand, Niall Gargan, JLLs head of research in Ireland, said.

Amplifying supply will not only cater to the growing needs of student accommodation but also help ease the pressure on the broader rental market."

Across Europe, there is a total shortage of around three million beds currently, according to the report.

Around 40pc of the unmet demand across Europe  which represents around 1.2 million beds  is concentrated on 40 cities most popular with students, including London, Paris and Barcelona.

The number of extra beds needed in the most popular locations is expected to rise by 8pc despite a current pipeline of over 130,000 beds.

JLL attributed this to the growing number of domestic and international students.

Over the past decade, the number of students in the EU and UK jumped by 15pc to reach around 21.7 million in the 2022/2023 academic year.

Despite this, there are just 2.2 million purpose-built student accommodation beds available in European markets, with 40pc funded by private institutional investors.

The remaining 60pc of the beds are publicly owned, subsidised or available for only certain cohorts of students.

JLL senior analyst Dominika Mocova said that forward investment will drive growth in the purpose-built student accommodation sector.

We have started seeing this trend in the past couple of years despite rising construction costs with investors and developers becoming more creative to hedge higher costs, she said.

However, greater market transparency and understanding from planning authorities is necessary to unlock the full potential.
Many women are forced to suffer in silence as they deal with the symptoms

A new accreditation scheme is being introduced for Irish firms to support employees coping with debilitating menopause symptoms and help retain staff.

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 84pc 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 said: 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 approved, they receive an accreditation certificate, valid for two years. Successful firms can display a digital badge on their website and have access to webinars and 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.
The manufacturing sector has steadied after three months of contraction, with job numbers rising strongly in a signal of optimism for the sector.

It suggests a turnaround from April when the Irish manufacturing sector had recorded its sharpest decline in new orders since December 2022, with a steep drop in export sales, alongside a fall in output volumes, reported by companies in the industry last month.

AIBs latest Ireland manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for May saw the headline PMI index at a three-month high, although at 49.8 it is still just under the 50 mark on the scale that shows expansion.

The PMI reading is a single number based on a combination of indicators for new orders, output, employment, suppliers delivery times and stocks of purchases.

A reading greater than 50.0 indicates overall improvement of the sector, while a number of 49.9 or less shows things are worsening.

At 49.8 in May, the reading is up from Aprils nine-month low of 47.6, and close to the neutral threshold.

The picture is mixed, with sluggish domestic and export demand for goods, but the rate of job creation was the strongest in eight months.

Production volumes fell, but only marginally, and at the weakest pace in the current three-month sequence of decline.

AIBs chief economist, David McNamara, said the Irish reading was above the flash May reading for the eurozone at 47.4 but below the US and UK at 50.9 and 51.3, respectively.

According to anecdotal evidence, the latest fall was linked to weaker demand from key trading partners, including the UK. Amid the subdued demand environment, backlogs of work eased across the sector for a 25th consecutive month, he said.

Despite the current challenges in the sector, firms accelerated hiring activity, with the employment index rising to an eight-month high in May.

This reflected still optimistic expectations for activity levels over the next 12 months, he said.

Meanwhile, eurozone manufacturing data suggests the sector may have turned a corner last month.

Hamburg Commercial Banks final eurozone manufacturing PMI, compiled by S&P Global, rose to 47.3 in May from Aprils 45.7.

An index measuring output, which feeds into a composite PMI due tomorrow and is seen as a good gauge of economic health, jumped from Aprils 47.3 to a 14-month high of 49.3.

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, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank.
Where a person lives and their occupation are key factors in calculating the cost of car insurance, a new survey has found. Stock Image

Where a person lives is a key factor in calculating the cost of car insurance, a new survey has found.

Living in a more deprived, more ethnically diverse location increases your chance of receiving a higher quote, a new survey on the Irish insurance industry has found.

This can lead to extreme situations where a 25-year-old in south Dublin gets cheaper cover than a 60-year-old living in what the researchers describe as poorer locations.

It means that motorists are subject to a postcode penalty when fulfilling their legal requirement to get cover.

Occupation is also a major driver of the cost of cover, according to a survey carried out by UCD-based artificial intelligence (AI) research group CeADAR in conjunction with Irish firm Idiro Analytics.

It did an analysis of almost 40,000 quotes from 10 car insurance companies across 20 locations in Ireland.

The study found that penalty points are not as big an issue in terms of the cost of insurance as the policyholders address.

The researchers found higher quotes for those living in a more deprived, more ethnically diverse location.

Address as a factor trumps driving experience and the length of time a driver has had a policy.

The report also found that the extent to which the premium increases if a driver receives penalty points varies depending on their location.

It found drivers in Dublin 17, who receive penalty points, can expect an average increase in their premium of 107pc, from 792 to 1,642.

This is compared to a 68pc increase for drivers in Mallow, Co Cork, from 560 to 941.

And a drivers occupation increases their quote even if they dont use their car for business purposes. This is then compounded by where they live.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 4th

Retail workers are most affected by this.

A driver who works in retail and lives in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, will see their premium increase by 35pc, from 555 to 747 due to their occupation.

But this is compared with a 5pc rise, from 512 to 540, for a retail worker living in Glenageary, Co Dublin.

The year-long research analysed almost 40,000 quotes from 20 locations around Ireland, including counties Dublin, Cork, Longford, Roscommon, Wicklow and Donegal.

Multiple samples of quotes were collected to isolate single changes to accurately measure the effect of each change  for example, a drivers name, home address or gender  on the quoted figure, according CeADAR.

The research did find big differences across the 10 insurers whose quotes were analysed.

Researchers also found that residents of Longford town are quoted the highest premiums.

Thos in Crookstown, Co Cork, receive the lowest quotes.

There was no difference in quote between those with traditionally Irish names and those with non-Irish-sounding names.

There was also no significant difference between males and females, the analysis found.

Drivers who make claims, even when they are not at fault, receive higher quotes.

The aim of the study is to understand how insurance companies algorithms work and the extent to which unconscious bias is embedded in them, said Dr Adrian Byrne of CeADAR and Idiro Analytics.

The companies could have legitimate reasons for quoting higher prices for some areas  higher rates of car-related crime, for example  but bias or unconscious bias could arise if those areas are also more ethnically diverse and economically deprived, he said.

European legislation due to be introduced later this year will see essential service providers like car insurance companies penalised for failing to guard against bias in their AI systems.

Companies found to have broken the rules of the EU AI Act will find themselves liable for administrative fines of up to 30m or a sum equal to 6pc of their annual turnover.

Dr Byrne said: Living in a more deprived, more ethnically diverse location not only increases the chances of receiving a higher quote, but if you add penalty points, claims and zero NCB (no claims bonus) into the mix then we have seen unequal treatment between different locations.

In extreme comparisons, weve seen 25-year-olds in the most well-heeled locations be predicted to receive a lower quote than 60-year-olds living in the poorest locations despite having much more driving experience and policies in their own name.
Goodman is one of the biggest figures in the Irish meat processing industry and has a net worth estimated at nearly 2.5bn. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

Larry Goodman, the billionaire beef baron, has stepped down from the boards of more than a dozen Irish companies in his Anglo Beef Processors group.

Company documents show that Goodman left the positions as recently as November of last year, having been a director on some of them for 30 years.
Glanbias share price has been rising steadily for the last 18 months. Photo: Alf Harvey

A London hedge fund has disclosed that it holds a bet against the share price of Glanbias shares worth around 33m.

Filings with the Central Bank show that Mirabella Financial Services has a short bet against 0.68pc of the shares in the company, with its share currently trading around 18.50.
Feature: Israeli military operation wreaks havoc on Jabalia camp in Gaza

Xinhua) 08:52, June 04, 2024

A man is seen in a destroyed building at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

GAZA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood.

"We have nothing left here... No houses, trees, mosques, and even the UN agency schools that we used to take refuge during the war," Omran said in a voice breaking with emotion.

Due to the continued war in Gaza and the recent Israeli operation on Jabalia camp, the 45-year-old father of six, who has lost 30 kg of weight since the conflict began, has almost no will to live.

"The operation not only destroyed the infrastructure but also basic humanitarian services. The food and water are scarce and mostly polluted," Omran said. "I do not know where I should go. I have nothing left. I wish I could die to get some relief," he lamented.

However, some others were struggling to carry on with their shattered life. Among them was Amna Abu Jahal, who chose to stay in the camp after her husband was killed in the first week of the Israeli operation, despite the harsh conditions.

Every day, she had to spend many hours walking on foot to get a few liters of saline water to drink.

"The saline water was used for doing housework in the past, but now, we are forced to drink it," the 48-year-old mother of four told Xinhua, adding, "But I still feel lucky to find it."

"The Israeli attack was retaliatory. They even destroyed public water wells and sewage networks," she said.

Amjad al-Ghoul, another resident whose home was destroyed in the operation, was trying to set up a temporary tent beside the camp.

"All the shelters are overcrowded with displaced people, and the situation there became unimaginable... The sewage will lead to an epidemic," he said while trying to remove the wastewater surrounding his tent.

"What are the faults of children in all these? They survive the war, but they will die from diseases caused by environmental and health disasters," al-Ghoul said with distress.

On Friday, the Israeli army withdrew from the camp after ending its military operation aimed at eliminating Hamas' power there, according to army spokesman Avichai Adraee.

During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza.

Sarhan warned of an "imminent famine" in the camp, calling on the United Nations and other international organizations to "urgently intervene."

Israel has launched a massive military campaign against Hamas in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage.

So far, the Israeli army has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians and wounded over 82,000 others in the enclave, most of them children and women, according to health authorities in Gaza.

A man is seen in a destroyed building at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People are seen near destroyed buildings at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People pass destroyed buildings at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People collect items from the rubble at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People are seen in front of destroyed buildings at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

A tent is seen among the rubble at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

A woman walks past destroyed buildings at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People are seen on a street with destroyed buildings at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Consul General Zhao Jian sent his holiday greetings to the children, expressing hope that Chinese and American youth can build a friendship bridge through the "Chinese Bridge." CHICAGO, June 2 (Xinhua) -- It must be a special Children's Day for the 20 students from eight elementary and middle schools in the U.S. Midwest, whose Chinese language skill and talent showcased at the Chinese Bridge competition amazed both their parents and native speakers. On Wednesday, the students gathered at the Chinese Consulate-General in Chicago and took turns to step onto the stage for the speech contest, introducing themselves, telling traditional Chinese stories, sharing interesting experiences from learning the language, reciting ancient Chinese poetry, and expressing their love for Chinese Kung Fu, calligraphy and music, all in Chinese. Luke King-Schultz from Scenic Heights Elementary said that learning Chinese would enable him to communicate with more people and have more working opportunities, given that Chinese is the No. 1 speaking language in terms of the number of native speakers. More importantly, learning the most difficult language in the world is a challenge for him. "I like the challenge," he said. Elena Myhrom from Yinghua Academy has been learning Chinese for eight years. She admitted that it is very difficult, but this experience has brought her a lot of fun. Now, she feels cool when she can order food and communicate with waitstaff in Chinese at restaurants. Seven-year-old Magnus Halmrast has taken a great liking for the Chinese characters and Tang Dynasty poetry. In his speech, he said: "Chinese is one of the most important languages. I want to learn Chinese well and travel to China with my parents to see the Palace Museum and the Great Wall." The talent show allowed the young learners to further display their Chinese expertise through paper cutting, Kung Fu, and performances of Chinese music on the clarinet and viola. The students' pronunciation and intonation in Chinese were impressively native-like. The young speakers left the stage to rounds of enthusiastic applause from their overjoyed parents and other audience. Consul General Zhao Jian sent his holiday greetings to the children, expressing hope that Chinese and American youth can build a friendship bridge through the "Chinese Bridge."
Make an effort to provide employees with a positive experience to keep turnover rates as low as possible

The last farm survey by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) revealed a significant insight into the labour dynamics on Irish farms: almost 30pc of the total labour input was provided by family members.

This statistic had me eyeing up the wiry arms of eight-year-old Tim, wondering how long I might have to wait before he could pitch in more effectively. Tim is the kind of boy whose inquisitive mind often gets him into trouble. His questions tend to gravitate towards somewhat danger-filled topics, such as How far out on this branch can I climb before it breaks? or I bet I can outrun the bull.
Concerns were also raised over the timeframe and the timespan of Ireland's derogation. Image: Getty Images

The Chairman of Dairy Industry Ireland (DII) has warned of potential casualties in the processing industry due to falling milk production.

Speaking at an Oireachtas Agriculture Committee hearing last week, Pat Sheahan, who is also CEO of North Cork co-op, was among a host of dairy industry leaders to raise stark warnings over the feared loss of Irelands Nitrates Derogation.

Farming is at a crossroads. Farmers do not have a clear pathway going forward, he said. They have never been more confused now than any time in the past 40 years... we can talk about weather over the past 12 to 18 months, but I deal with farmers daily and meet our board monthly, and farmers are totally confused.

They do not know whether the derogation will continue in the future or if it will be dropped. The average cow herd is 96 cows. If 10 or 12 cows are taken out, the farming enterprise is not viable.

This loss, he said, would mean inefficiency in milk processing and the cost of production increasing.

There is much capacity in the dryers, of six and eight tonnes. They will not be viable to run with reduced volumes of milk.

There will potentially be casualties in that. The costs of production will go up, which will back up to milk prices, he said.

DII Director Conor Mulvihill described the latest milk production statistics as really scary and said last year, across the island, the sector lost the equivalent milk pool of Aurivo Co-Op.

The weather was a big issue... and we do hope to recover, with the help of God, with the good weather, perhaps good sentiment coming back and the dairy markets recovering, he said.

However, the costs are phenomenal. It is not just the milk cheque  it is the aggregated cost. It is the vet, the contractor, the feed merchant and everything else... this money is removed from places in Ireland that do not have BioPharmaChem, Google or Facebook.

It is removed from Kanturk, from Ballymee in West Cork or from Ballaghaderreen in Roscommon. Money cannot be taken from the likes of these places.

Meanwhile, Thomas Ryan, Senior Sustainability Manager at Tirlan, reiterated the recent comments of his CEO Jim Bergin, who said the loss of the derogation would be catastrophic for Tirlan as two-thirds of its suppliers farm above the 170kg N/ha.

Ryan also raised concerns over the timeframe and the timespan of Irelands derogation.

We engage every day with farm families who want to do the right thing and are doing it, he said.

When they are expected and required to make capital investments, however, in terms of funding it with the bank and financing it through their own capital, a time horizon of two years is simply not enough, as happened with the interim review.

There is an argument to be made in respect of four years. There is a need for regulatory certainty and certainty on the time frame.
Farmer with history of violence is jailed for attack on inspector

This is the Cork farmer with a history of violence who has been jailed for punching a Department of Agriculture official in the face because he didnt want him on his land.

Andrew Scannell (64), who previously told the Sunday World he was not a violent man, carried out the attack on agricultural officer Jerry Herlihy last October  almost a year after receiving a suspended sentence for a separate vicious attack on a female veterinary inspector who was carrying out another inspection on his land.

In the latest incident on October 28 last year, Scannell  of Lackaneen, Lissacreasig, Macroom, Co Cork  approached Mr Herlihy and started shouting aggressively at him, stating that he had no authority to be on his land before punching him in the face with a closed fist.

Scannell tried to hit him a second time but Mr Herlihy bravely managed to grab his attackers arm and restrain him for about 20 minutes before gardai arrived.

The court heard that Mr Herlihy suffered injuries to his right cheek and eye socket and had a partial black eye as a result of the assault, but there was no permanent damage.

Mr Herlihy had been visiting Scannells farm for the previous two weeks in an official capacity as he had been tasked with getting his cattle into a manageable state as they were effectively wild and hadnt been tested for TB in three years.

Neighbour Frank Sweeney, who witnessed the assault, said Scannell was ranting and raving and not really making much sense.

Scannell's farm at Lackaneen, Lissacressig, Co Cork

He told how Scannell hit Mr Herlihy in the face without warning after which the Dept of Agriculture official wrestled his attacker to some nearby bales of hay in the fear he would be struck again.

Mr Sweeney then called gardai at Mr Herlihys request. He added: I thought the whole thing was preposterous.

When gardai arrived, Scannell said: I dont deny assaulting him.

Scannell, who has 34 previous convictions for assault, animal welfare offences and road traffic matters, was jailed for eight months for the attack last week.

The incident was very similar to another frightening attack on a female veterinary inspector in October 2021.

During that incident, Scannell grabbed inspector Maria Wall by the hair, threw her on the ground and slapped her face a number of times while shouting at her to get off his property when she arrived to carry out an inspection on his land.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 4th

The Sunday World subsequently called to Scannells land to quiz him on his motive for carrying out such a horrific attack on a femal official.

Despite the fact that by the time we visited his farm Scannell had already pleaded guilty to carrying out the attack on Ms Wall, he bizarrely and falsely claimed he didnt carry out the assault.

Scannell told the Sunday World he was not a violent man despite leaving his victim covered in bruises and needing counselling.

I didnt assault her. I didnt tell her to get out at all. I just told her look, please leave. I didnt force her either. I just escorted her down the road and opened the gate and told her to go.

Despite his false claims, Ms Wall was left with a number of injuries including bruising to the right side of her face, her back and hip and the court heard she was receiving counselling over the attack.

Scannell spent a number of days in prison on remand in February 2022, when Judge Helen Boyle said: I am not entirely convinced this man does not need to learn a lesson about attacking people going about their job.

He was later given a suspended sentence.

While out on bail, he dismissed the severity of the incident to our reporter.

Its a nonsensical case. Its overrated. I didnt assault her. She had been outside my house previously.

It was a nonsensical thing. Youd think I had robbed an old lady, which I wouldnt do, or beat up a woman.
The European Commission has clarified that farmers unable to fulfil their Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) requirements due to extreme weather events like severe floods or droughts can use force majeure and exceptional circumstances.

This, it says, will keep farmers working in areas that are affected by unforeseeable natural disasters or meteorological events outside of their control from losing their CAP support.

Applications of force majeure will be decided by each EU member state based on satellite data and other relevant evidence of the weather event based on the Unions agricultural law, it said.

Authorities from each country will also consider additional factors for certain weather events. These include slope gradient, soil type, or type of crops grown, which will help identify the farmers affected without the need for individual verification.

For instance, for frost, which may not affect all crops in the same manner, or continuous rainfall, which may have different effects on areas with a slope, or soils with different water retention capacities, said the Commission.

The decision exempts authorities of member countries to make a case-by-case assessment by ensuring a uniform application across the EU by national administrations.

Our clarification today brings certainty that farmers could still receive their CAP payments, even if they are unable to meet all their usual obligations. There is no need for additional worry when one deals with dramatic natural disasters, said Janusz Wojciechowski, European Commissioner for Agriculture.

We have been working hard to address farmers concerns for less bureaucracy and more flexibility. Farming is one of the most exposed professions to climate change and its consequences. With unforeseen extreme climatic events, farmers risk losing everything they have worked for.

The clarification follows the Commissions meetings with farmers on CAP this year. On February 22, they presented their action plan to reduce the administrative burden on farmers. In March, they also presented a proposal for a targeted review of CAP.
Were encouraging people to get into farming rather than encouraging people to get out  Charlie McConalogue

The Agriculture Minister explains why he opposes a farmer exit scheme as he discusses live exports, the fertiliser register, beef prices and land prices among other topics in a wide-ranging one-on-one interview in Brussels

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue near his home in Burt, Co. Donegal. Photo: Joe Dunne

Ciaran Moran Tue 4 Jun 2024 at 03:30

Candidates by the dozen are promising to fight the good fight for farmers over in Europe these past weeks.
Minister McConalogue firmly stated that the loss of Irelands Nitrates Derogation is not a scenario he would even consider, underlining the crucial role this derogation plays in the sustainability and profitability of our agriculture industry.
LATEST | Leaving Cert student accused of murdering gunman Tristan Sherry named in court for first time

Four men are accused of murdering Mr Sherry, who died after he shot Jason Hennessy Sr in Browne's Steakhouse on Christmas Eve

Photo from the scene. Inset: Tristan Sherry

Tom Tuite Tue 4 Jun 2024 at 20:28







A Leaving Certificate student accused of murdering gunman Tristan Sherry, who died after fatally shooting a man in a Dublin restaurant on Christmas Eve, has been sent forward for trial to the non-jury Special Criminal Court.
Disgraced judge moved to same prison landing as paedophile ex-soldier Gerard Lawless

OBriens new neighbour Gerard Lawless was sentenced to 10 years in prison two weeks ago for the sexual abuse of his stepdaughter Danielle

Gerard OBrien

Patrick O'Connell Mon 3 Jun 2024 at 14:29







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.
Local election candidate Ciaran Hogan of Aontu speaking at the Bray Chamber event at the Martello Hotel. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Bray and District Chamber of Commerce launched its commanifesto for the 2024 local elections last week, aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing community well-being, and ensuring sustainable development in the Bray region.

The manifesto was unveiled at an event in the Martello in Bray on Thursday, which also served to connect local business owners to local election candidates.

Candidates were also given the opportunity to share their visions amd plans, should they be elected to one of the eight seats available for Bray East and Bray West on Friday, June 7.

At the meeting, there was consensus on many of the major issues facing Bray businesses and the role that Bray Municipal District councillors can play in their resolution.

These key issues included Bray shopfront rejuvenation, promoting Bray as a tourist destination with the focus on health and well-being, deficits in tourism accommodation, local infrastructures including traffic management and accessibility, the need for a more efficient planning process, the ongoing closure of the Cliff Walk and the need to have a functioning Town Team.

Chamber President Kieran Ward welcomed the candidates and the local businesses, saying: As a local business group we were delighted to host an opportunity for business and candidates to connect and to have some introductory conversations about what is happening in Bray businesses.

We wish all the candidates the very best of luck next week and trust todays event has facilitated making connections with the business community.

He added: This manifesto represents a bold vision for the future of Bray. It is a testament to our commitment to driving economic prosperity, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring a sustainable and vibrant community for all. We believe that through collaboration with local stakeholders and government, we can turn these initiatives into reality and create a thriving environment for businesses and residents alike.

The Bray Chamber of Commerce invites all community members, local businesses, and stakeholders to review the manifesto on their website.
Voters in Ireland will cast their votes on Friday, June 7, which will then be counted from Saturday, June 8. (PA)

Voters in Ireland will head to the polls on Friday, June 7 as they submit their ballots for both the local and European elections.

Those in Limerick will also have the option to vote in the mayoral election, which will see the countrys first Democratically Elected Mayor (DEM).

Here is everything you need to know on the day, from registration up until you cast your votes and when the count takes place.

Local Elections

Local elections are held in Ireland every five years to elect councillors as public representatives on local authorities, of which there are 31, including a mix of county and city councils. Each council has a certain amount of seats to be filled.

As you prepare to vote in the local elections, you will firstly need to check if you are eligible to vote.

In order to cast a vote, you must meet the following requirements:

Be over 18 years of age

Live in the local electoral area

Be listed on the Register of Electors

If you wish to check if you are on the Electoral Register, visit checktheregister.ie or enquire at a local authority office.

If you are not on the Electoral Register, the deadline for registering yourself for the upcoming elections has now passed (May 20th).

A polling information card will be sent to your address with details of your local polling station.

It is important to bring this with you when you go to vote and a form of ID, whether passport, drivers licence, public service card or employee or student card.

When you arrive at the polling station on June 7, which will be open from 7am to 10pm you will be asked for your name and address and possibly a valid form of ID. If polling staff are satisfied, your polling card will be stamped.

This is then taken into the voting booth.

The ballot paper shows a list of names in alphabetical order, with party identification beside them and an image of each candidate.

A box on the right of each candidates name must be marked. Mark a 1 in the box of your first choice, a 2 in the next and so on.

Denoting a 2 will mean that if your first choice is already elected or excluded in the count, then your vote will go to the second choice, and so on.

Leave empty boxes of candidates you do not wish to vote for.

Limerick Mayoral Election

The people of Limerick will vote for Irelands first-ever directly elected Mayor on June 7.

This takes place following a 2019 plebiscite in which the people of Limerick city and county voted in favour of a proposal for a directly elected Mayor.

The directly elected Mayor of Limerick will be the first Mayor with executive powers set out in legislation, remain in office for five years, which is the same electoral cycle as local councillors and can serve a maximum of two terms of office.

These two terms can be consecutive or non-consecutively.

Check if you are registered to vote in the mayoral election by visiting www.checktheregister.ie by contacting Limerick City or County Council.

Once you arrive, polling staff will check your ID and stamp your ballot, which is separate to your local and EU elections ballot.

Number your preferences sequentially, just as in the local elections.

European Parliament Elections

Elections to the European Parliament are also taking place on Friday, June 7.

EU citizens choose the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who will represent their interests in the European Parliament.

Together with government representatives from 27 EU Member States, MEPs shape and decide on new laws that influence lives across the European Union. MEPs are elected according to national electoral systems.

European Parliament elections take place every five years.

Voters in Ireland will elect 14 MEPs in 2024, one more than in the 2019 elections. A total of 720 MEPs will be elected in June 2024.

What are the EU constituencies for Ireland?

Ireland is divided into three constituencies for European elections:

Dublin  elects 4 MEPS

South  elects 5 MEPS

Midlands-North-West  elects 5 MEPS

Preparing to vote in a European election

Irish citizens aged 18 and over, who are on the electoral register, can vote in the European election.

Irish citizens who are living in another EU country can vote in that country.

If you are from another EU Member State and living in Ireland, you can vote in the European election in Ireland.

To do so your name has to be on the register of electors. If you are an EU citizen but have not registered to vote at a previous European election in Ireland you must apply for registration and complete a statutory declaration form, EP1.

The statutory declarations are sent to your home Member State to avoid duplicate voting.

In the European elections, you cannot vote in more than one constituency or country.

The deadline to register and update your details for in-person voting for the elections taking place on June 7 has now passed (May 20).

The deadline for postal and special voting arrangements for the elections has now passed.

Voting in the European election

Voting in the European elections is done the same way as in the local elections.

After showing ID and receiving your stamp on your ballot paper, make sure when voting you start with 1 then 2 then 3 and so on.

When you have voted you should fold your ballot paper, return and place it into the ballot box at the same station.

Counting of votes in local, EU and Limerick mayoral elections

From Saturday, June 8, all of the votes are sorted and counted.

A count is organised and lead by the local returning officer in each constituency.

This official will have arranged that the count is held in a community hall or hotel, which will then be referred to as 'the count centre.

The results for the local, EU and Limerick mayoral elections will be announced in the days after the count.
The service, which was initially lauded for its role in connecting the eastern and western regions of Wicklow, has recently been the subject of operational concerns. The Local Link 183 bus service, now extending from Sallins to Arklow, plays a pivotal role for commuters and travellers in the region. However, the extension of the route has led to questions about its efficiency and reliability.

She said: The service spans a significant distance, linking a variety of towns and scenic areas. This extensive coverage, while beneficial, has inadvertently led to longer travel times. The diverse terrain along the route, coupled with the distance covered, has had a detrimental impact on the reliability of the timetable.

Despite the provision of four journeys a day and five at the weekends, there is a clear and pressing need for additional daily journeys. A robust strategy to address the punctuality of the service is also required. These improvements could significantly enhance the user experience and increase the services utility.

Casey-Shortt has called on the Transport for Ireland (TFI) to reconsider their current bus stop policy. She believes that transport accessibility could be significantly improved by introducing more stops between villages.

She says she finds it puzzling that the Local Link, which can halt nearly every 500 meters in towns with pedestrian amenities, doesnt provide stops for communities that are over 15km apart and lack pedestrian facilities. If the TFI is genuinely dedicated to efficiently serving rural areas, this policy needs to be promptly reassessed.
The funeral details for Fiachra O Faolain have been released after his body was recovered from a lake in the Carricklongfield Road area of Aughnacloy.

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.

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.

Mr O Faolain was a nephew of Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew and former Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew.

Both paid tribute to their family member. Michelle 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.
Green Party election candidates are being freed to pledge opposition to liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure despite party leader Eamon Ryan holding the door open for it.

Election candidates were issued guidance at the start of the campaign not to sign a pledge requested by anti-LNG campaigners.

However, the situation changed at the weekend as the circular was revealed by campaign group, Not Here, Not Anywhere, which said it amounted to a ban.

The group, backed by high-profile supporter, US actor Mark Ruffalo, has been asking candidates in the local and European elections to take a stand against LNG.

It is Green Party policy to oppose LNG infrastructure as LNG is often extracted by fracking, a technique banned in Ireland on environmental and public health grounds.

Party policy also opposes investment in fossil fuel infrastructure although Mr Ryan has accepted new gas-fired electricity generating facilities as a transition power source until there are sufficient wind and solar plants.

LNG poses a further challenge to the partys policy.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 4th

A review of Irelands energy security found the country was over-reliant on flows of gas from the UK and needed to hold reserves domestically.

LNG is gas held in liquid form that is regasified before use so it is compact for storage.

US-owned Shannon LNG has fought a 20 year planning battle for permission to build an LNG terminal on the Co Kerry coast and is currently appealing An Bord Pleanalas latest rejection of its plan.

The energy security review found that Irelands best option was to acquire a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) - a ship that acts as a mobile gas transporter and terminal in one.

Mr Ryan, the environment and energy minister, has tasked Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) with examining that proposal.

Not Here, Not Anywhere say the proposal goes against Green Party policy and that the Ministers response is deeply problematic as GNI have a legal mandate to protect gas supplies.

We do not have confidence in GNI to independently address these risks as part of their analysis given their vested interest in maintaining or increasing gas supply, the group wrote to Mr Ryan.

A statement on Mr Ryans behalf said it would be premature to assume anything about an FSRU.

Any such State-run reserve would not be used on an ongoing basis but would be for an emergency only. It would not use fracked gas.

Furthermore, the temporary reserve would be sold on once the State has rolled out enough renewable energy and energy storage capacity in the early 2030s, when it is no longer needed.

Not Here, Not Anywhere and its US counterparts, Frack Action, say there is no way to guarantee fracked gas will not be used as gas is traded on international markets.

Mark Ruffalo appealed to the Green Party over social media not to proceed with any LNG infrastructure, saying it would amount to a broken promise.

The statement did not explain the change of mind on the election pledge but said members could sign it if they wished.
Kathleen Funchion said most of the doctors and nurses who treated her dad after he had a stroke last year were not from Ireland. Photo: Conor O Mearain/Collins

The majority of people see the benefits of immigration, according to Sinn Fein TD Kathleen Funchion, who is running for a seat in the European Parliament.

The Ireland South candidate feels well placed to speak on the matter, given that her dad Phil is from the US.

When she was growing up, Ms Funchions family split their time between Ireland and the US.

My dad had a stroke before Christmas, she said. The vast majority of doctors and nurses treating him were not from Ireland.

My dad is from America, so my family has a history of going back and forth. Our lives have been spent in America and here.

I feel very strongly that we really want to be fair to everybody, opposed to some of the stuff that weve seen and some of the really horrible racist attitudes.

Sinn Fein says the issue of immigration does not come up often on the doors when candidates are canvassing. The party says people are more concerned with the housing crisis and the cost of living.

Making reference to the recently agreed EU Migration Pact, the Carlow-Kilkenny TD said that if people have already sought asylum in another country, they shouldnt be coming to Ireland.

She said the current system is not really working for anybody.

Ms Funchion pointed to asylum-seekers who were waiting years and years and years for their application to be processed. She asked: What happens at that point if their application is unsuccessful?

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald has previously said that when the EU Temporary Protection directive expires in March 2025, Ukrainians working in essential jobs here, such as in hospitality, should be given work visas.

Ms Funchion wasnt able to clarify which sectors would be deemed non-essential in this context.

People working in those sectors with critical skills, where we have a skill shortage, definitely need to be allowed stay here, she said.

When asked to identify the non-essential sectors, she admitted: I dont know, to be honest.

She then said there should be consultations with groups such as the Irish Refugee Council.

I dont think its fair to make a plan that doesnt have the voices of those who would be affected by this at the table.

Ms Funchion said the Refugee Council had very good suggestions on how to house Ukrainians coming here when the war started over two years ago. However, these suggestions were not taken on board by Government.

Thats kind of always been my approach in relation to when were developing our own policies  that you actually go and you speak and you consult, and you look and see what can be done.

She believes the Government should have regularised the immigration system and put in place a better plan within months of Russia invading Ukraine.

In 2021, she spoke in the Dail about the Governments white paper on abolishing direct provision in the Dail, saying Sinn Fein was supportive of the proposal to provide the vast majority of asylum-seekers with own-door accommodation.

Ms Funchion said tents should be a temporary solution to house migrants when they first come into the country, adding that direct provision centres are dangerous.

I think everyone should have access to housing, she said. I think thats one of the fundamentals.

In her role as the partys spokesperson on children, equality and disability, Ms Funchion has campaigned for legacy issues such as mother and baby homes and better childcare services.

If she wins a seat in the European Parliament, the mother of two says she will not run to keep her seat in Carlow-Kilkenny in the next general election.

However, she doesnt rule out running to keep that seat if she is unsuccessful in the European election.

A recent Irish Times Ipsos poll showed Sinn Fein on track to get both Ms Funchion and running mate Paul Gavan elected in the constituency.

The party is expecting to win at least one European seat in every constituency.

Ms Funchion added: Im not sure, in relation to if I dont get the seat. I genuinely dont know yet what I will do. But I definitely know if I get it, thats where my focus will be.
A 76-year-old Irish man has died while swimming in the sea off the coast of southeast Spain.

The man was pulled from the water on Monday by another bather who saw him at the bottom of the sea at the beach in Cala Capitan on the Orihuela coast, according to local reports.

The English language news site, The Leader, reports that CICU (Emergency Information and Coordination Centre) was alerted at 5pm that a swimmer had been pulled out of the water unconscious at Capitan cove.

A SAMU (Medical Emergency Regulation Centres) unit performed advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation, among other advanced life support techniques, the news site reported. However, there was no response, and they could only confirm his death.

An autopsy will reveal the causes of the mans drowning.

According to local media, the Irish mans death is the fourth in the last three days as another man was airlifted to hospital after he was pulled from the sea in nearby Benidorm.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 4th

There was the further death of an 81-year-old Belgian male in Calp who began to feel unwell while swimming at 3pm on Monday on Arenal-Bol beach.

The man, who was unable to get to the shore, was unconscious when CICU was alerted.

A SAMU unit and a Basic Vital Support (SVB) ambulance attended the scene where medics performed advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other stabilisation techniques on the bather, but there was no response, and he was confirmed dead at the scene, local reports reveal.

Last Saturday, a 48-year-old man died in Benissa and on Monday another 50-year-old lost his life on the beach of La Marina in Elche.

Another three bathers have died on the beaches of Orihuela Costa, Calp and Torrevieja in recent weeks.

Last week another Irish tourist died in a suspected drowning on Spains Costa Dorada.

The 72-year-old was rescued unconscious from the water shortly after midday on May 29 and attempts were made to save his life at the scene by emergency responders. But police and paramedics were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead just before 1pm.

The tragedy happened at a beach called La Pedrera near the resort town of Salou a short drive south of the east coast city of Tarragona.

The dead mans identity is understood to have become apparent later in the day when his wife told receptionists at the hotel where they were staying he had gone missing and she was unable to reach him.

Staff contacted an emergency services coordination centre who told them about the earlier incident and enabled officials to determine the holidaymaker who lost his life was the Irish tourist.

A teenager died on March 28 during Storm Nelson in Tarragona, a 15-minute drive from the scene of the tragedy, along with a 30-year-old German man who saw him in difficulties and tried to rescue him.

On April 21, a 57-year-old Irish tourist died during a visit to a famous Algarve tourist attraction.

The 57-year-old is said to have gone into cardiac arrest after taking a dip at the Benagil Sea Cave, near the popular resort of Lagos.

Police and paramedics were called just before 3pm after he was taken to dry land on a boat.

Emergency responders attempted to save his life but were unable to do so and he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Family members understood to have been with him at the time received psychological support.

On April 20, an Irish tourist drowned on the Algarve in front of his partner.

The 52-year-old got into difficulties at Inatel beach in Albufeira, next to the hotel complex that gives it its name.

The alarm was raised just before 1pm local time.

Two Portuguese locals jumped into the sea to try to help but also got into difficulties. They were rescued alive by lifeguards but the Irish tourist couldnt be saved.

Police said at the time his partner, who was on the beach, was being supported by psychologists after the traumatic experience.
Emergency services tackling the fire on the boat. Credit: Coleraine Coastguard

The boat set on fire during the incident in Portballintrae. Credit: McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

Police have arrested three men after a fight broke out over an Irish flag on a boat which was later set ablaze in a seaside village.

The men - aged 25, 30 and 63 - were arrested following an incident outside a boat club on the Beach Road, Portballintrae, Co Antrim, at around 7.45pm on Monday.

The boat was later set alight and one man required hospital treatment for his injuries.

Police said the incident is being treated as a sectarian-motivated hate crime.

It is understood an Irish tricolour was being flown on the boat.

Images from the scene show serious scorch damage to the vessel.

It is understood the boat had sailed into the Co Antrim village last night.

Emergency services tackling the fire on the boat. Credit: Coleraine Coastguard

Coleraine and Ballycastle Coastguard rescue teams attended the scene, as did the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

They have since advised swimmers to avoid the area due to the risk of pollution from the fuel on board.

The coastguard team posted online: While there is no further risk of fire, there is a slight risk of pollution from fuel on board and recreational water users should avoid the area near the vessel until it has been moved.

PSNI Inspector Armour said: The boat was later set alight and extensively damaged.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 4th

Officers attended the scene and one man required hospital treatment for his injuries.

Three men aged 25, 63 and 30, were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including criminal damage and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The 63-year-old man has since been released on bail, whilst the other two men remain in custody at this time as inquiries continue.

We are treating this report as a sectarian-motivated hate crime and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and noticed what happened.

Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan condemned the incident.

He said: The attack on a man and the damage to a boat in a fire in Portballintrae is disgraceful and I strongly condemn it.

There is no place for sectarianism or hatred in our society  we are looking forward and working together towards a better future for all.

Police are treating this attack as a sectarian hate crime, and I would urge anyone with information on this attack to bring it forward to the police.
The referendums earlier this year have proven that there is a disconnect between the political establishment and the people, according to Aontu leader Peadar Toibin.

He launched his party's Euro and local election manifesto after Aontu became the only political party to advocate a No vote in each of the Constitutional proposals put to the people -- and rejected -- in March.

The tabling of the referendums in the first place showed government was "listening to themselves and some NGOs," but not to the people who paid their salaries, Mr Toibin said.

He claimed that Aontu is "the voice of the people," with polling showing he is in the shake-up for a European seat in Midlands-North West.

The party is also fielding Aisling Considine in Dublin and Patrick Murphy in Ireland South, with 66 candidates contesting the locals.

It is also has Sarah Beasley running for the Limerick mayoralty, with Mr Toibin praising the grassroots of his movement, which gets no State funding but has been level with the Labour Party at 3pc in the polls for the last year.

Mr Toibin said Ireland was "deeply divided, and not just North-South" but in terms of who gets access to resources.

Mr Toibin said there is an overheated capital in a lopsided country, giving Dublin the "worst congestion in Europe" and forcing young people into three-hour round trip commutes -- either from their original homes, or where they had been forced to buy because of sky-high prices.

One of Aontu's eye-catching ideas is to fast-track an entirely new city as a counterweight to Dublin, as was done with Aarhus in Denmark. Existing towns could compete for the new most-favoured status and priority investment, he said.

The party also wants a single dedicated Border Agency and a special new court to rule on deportations or the right to remain. Mr Toibin said his party also favoured an Irish Sea border, which a Belfast Telegraph poll showed was now supported by a majority within Northern Ireland.

Patrick Murphy spoke about the Mercosur trade deal with South America, which the party opposes, while Ms Considine stressed the need to recognise biological sex in order to protect women.

Mr Toibin said the difference between his party and those more established "is that Aontu has a backbone," promising that he would ensure that civil servants were made accountable for decisions such as that which he claimed had allowed for a mushrooming of cost on the new National Children's Hospital.
FORMER minister for trade and marketing Terry Leyden has become an Honorary Consul for the Republic of Azerbaijan a country that drew worldwide condemnation last year after a military assault.

Mr Leyden says he intends to deliver letters of credence to President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Simon Harris  after Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin signed documents endorsing his new status in his role as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Mr Leyden said: The Tanaiste met me at a funeral in Geanamaddy and wished me well, saying it was a very big task. It is not like Katherine Zappones [UN] appointment.

He added: I am unpaid, but I am ready, willing and able to serve.

An ex-Senator, Mr Leyden was also a long-time Fianna Fail TD for Roscommon. It is a little over ten years since he claimed in the Seanad that Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler were both good Christians, for which he later apologised.

An Azerbaijan official video makes much of Mr Leydens appointment with his voice over dubbed in the Azeri language.

The oil-rich country is located in the Caucasus region close to the Middle East  where Ireland is viewed as an influential European voice, as evidenced by our recognition of Palestine last month.

Mr Leyden said he was proud and honoured to have been asked to serve as Azerbaijans honorary consul in Ireland, adding that he was the only ex-minister to hold such a distinction.

I am grateful to Micheal Martin for approving my appointment, he said, adding that it was a reflecting of the latters hard work and Irelands outreach to emergent nations around the world.

Hundreds died in a lighting war unleashed last year by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave within its borders which has now been fully absorbed.

Mr Leyden provoked some controversy at the time by saying: They reclaimed their rightful territory, which is their right. If East Donegal, was occupied by the British or the coloniser, what would we do?

He said he felt the comments had delayed and nearly derailed his being honoured because of Iveagh House concerns. But all that is in the past.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 4th

The Ceann Comhairle also defended a private meeting with a delegation from Azerbaijan, instigated by Mr Leyden.

Sean O Fearghail also welcomed his counterpart from Azerbaijan, Dr Sahiba Gafarova, to the Dail.

Mr O Fearghail said he had met the Azerbaijan delegation at their request at Leinster House, stressing it was part of a European Conference of Presidents of Parliament, hosted in Dublin.

Mr Leyden received his honour in Holland Place, London. He said he would act on behalf of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan Elin Suleymanov, who is based in London but accredited to both the United Kingdom and Ireland.

I was a member of the Council of Europe from 10 years to 2017 and I was a Vince President of ALDE, which is how I got friendly with the delegates from Azerbaijan, and I felt they werent treated well by the big countries.

I spoke on their behalf as they are a new democracy that has emerged from the old USSR, and it went from there.

It is an honorary position and a powerful position from the point of view or Ireland Inc. I would like to lead a trade mission, as I did may times before, to Baku in Azerbaijan.

Despite many invitations I have never gone there before, but I will be in Azerbaijan later this year for Cop 29.
MEP Grace O'Sullivan has hit out at TD Michael McNamara for a councillor selected on his substitute list.

A war of words has broken out between Ireland South European hopefuls over reported comments by a replacement candidate.

Green Party MEP Grace OSullivan called on TD Michael McNamara to answer serious questions about one of the candidates on his replacement list, independent Cllr Emmett OBrien.

Cllr OBrien has been quoted in the Limerick Post saying climate change is a complete myth propagated by Marxists leftists, policists here, members of the Green Party and Social Democrats.

The outlet has also reported his comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict, saying Limerick should be the last county in Ireland to boycott Israel.

The Limerick Leader has also previously reported his warnings of climate lockdowns and that climate change will be used for every kind of enforcement.

Cllr OBrien is listed alongside Cllr Mairin McGrath on Mr McNamaras replacement list, which all candidates have to submit when they run for election.

Ms OSullivan, who is running to keep her seat in Ireland South, said Mr McNamara should distance himself from Cllr OBriens comments.

She said Mr McNamara has serious questions to answer about his own political judgment.

He has nominated a Councillor to his replacement list who has spread climate conspiracy theories, called climate change a Marxist myth, and shown blatant indifference to the suffering of Ukrainians and Gazans, who are facing horrendous conditions, she said.

McNamara must distance himself from these comments, and confirm that he will not align with political groupings in the European Parliament who espouse similar views, should he be elected. He has been evasive on answering the question on which political grouping he would join if elected. The people of Ireland South deserve to know who McNamara is allying with.

In response to text messages, Mr NcNamara said his views are on the record of the Dail.

He lashed out at the Greens desperate attempt to deflect from their own record.

If elected, I intend to take my seat, he said.

My views are on the record of the Dail. Sounds to me like a desperate attempt by the Greens to deflect from their own record.

Mr McNamara said he "certainly" will not be aligning himself with the Greens political grouping at EU Parliament.

"I certainly won't be aligning myself with the Greens who propose nonsensical, often Luddite, solutions to the real and present problems humanity faces."

Cllr O'Brien said he "sadly" does not expect to take Mr McNamara's seat at the European Parliament if the TD is elected as he is the second listed substitute.

"While I knew the Greens had little sense of humour, I wasnt aware of the desperation in their ranks to the extent that theyve taken to trawling through Limerick Council debates in the eve of an election," he said.

Cllr O'Brien said his comments in relation to the conflict in Gaza "was a reference to the 1904 Pogrom, and I believe we should reflect on our history instead".

The 1904 Pogrom refers to a boycott of Jewish businesses and the Jewish community in Limerick between 1904 and 1906. The boycott, along with reported assaults and intimidation, caused many Jewish people to leave Limerick.
The tension was palpable in the RTE studio as eight of the Dublin constituency candidates for Fridays upcoming European elections faced off in a televised debate.

Politicians gathered for one of the last debates of their campaigns and thrashed it out in the last of the broadcasters airings. While there were no obvious winners, some did better than the rest.
Examiner numbers had been declining while exam candidates increased, but this has now been remedied. Photo: Getty

Teachers could earn up to 11,000 in extra income for marking this years Leaving Cert exams after additional fees were introduced as an incentive.

In recent years, the State Examinations Commission (SEC) has found the recruitment and retention of teachers for examiner roles challenging.

The issue was exacerbated during the pandemic, when the number of students taking the Leaving Cert increased, but the number of examiners dropped.

In 2019, 3,448 written examiners marked the work of 123,118 candidates, while in 2022, 2,971 written examiners marked the scripts of 129,155 students.

Teachers can apply to be written, oral and practical examiners, while some also choose to take up invigilator roles. The rates paid to oral examiners have nearly trebled in recent years.

A range of additional payments have been introduced to encourage more teachers to correct exams. This includes a recruitment-and-retention incentive fee.

Leaving Cert examiners will receive an additional 900 with this enhancement payment, while Junior Cert examiners will get 700. The public sector pay increase of 3.53pc is also factored in.

According to the SEC, Leaving Cert examiners will this year typically earn between 7,900 and 11,142, depending on the subject and number of scripts marked. Teachers correcting Junior Cert exams will earn between 4,967 and 5,125.

As a result of changes introduced, teachers now get an extra 6 for each script marked at Leaving Cert level and an additional 3 for Junior Cert.

Meanwhile, the rates for oral examiners have substantially increased in the last four years.

Teachers examining Leaving Cert Irish at foundation level receive 20.43 per candidate, compared to 7 in 2019.

The rate of pay for all other oral exams is 27.37 per candidate, up from 9.38 in 2019. These rates include a premium of 11 for conducting the tests at Easter.

Teachers have previously warned that staff and students will face burnout unless all Leaving Cert oral exams return to being held during term-time.

Unions had agreed to the holding of oral examinations at Easter on an exceptional basis during the pandemic, but they now want the exam timetable to return to the pre-pandemic status quo.

Members of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) unanimously supported a motion at its annual conference calling for Easter, mid-term break and weekends not to be used for the sitting of State examinations in the interest of student and staff wellbeing.

Unions have welcomed the increase in payments to teachers who apply for examiner roles.

Students at Clogher Road Community College speak ahead of Leaving Cert 2024

Invigilators, who supervise exams, could receive up to 2,310. They will receive a minimum payment of 992 for a six-day contract, with the majority receiving significantly more than this.

Superintendents receive an initial fee of 330 for collecting a box of exam papers, plus a daily rate of 132. The Leaving Cert exams take place over 15 days, the Leaving Cert Applied lasts seven days and the Junior Cert exams take place over nine days.

The SEC said the increase in payments had the desired effect in 2023, with 3,731 examiners appointed, representing a 26pc increase on 2022.

There are many benefits for teachers in engaging in examining work which include enhancing their teaching; gaining a deeper understanding of the assessment process; increasing professional development and career prospects; as well as the opportunity to earn extra income, an SEC spokesperson said.

The SEC is absolutely reliant on, and deeply appreciative of, the co-operation it receives from school leaders, and teachers in the successful administration and assessment of the certificate examinations each year, and this year is no different.
The owner of Classic Hits Radio has offered 10m to take over 2FM in a bid to privatise the crisis-hit station but RTE insists it is not for sale.

Kevin Branigan, chief executive of Bray Broadcasting, which includes Irelands Classic Hits Radio and Radio Nova, wrote to RTE director general Keving Bakhurst and Media Minister Catherine Martin.

In the letter to Mr Bakhurst and Ms Martin, he said: I would like to state that we are interested in making an offer to purchase 2FM and that we believe the station should be privatised.

Mr Branigan said that Bray Broadcasting believes 2FM could have a positive future but that its future should be in the private sector and not as a part of RTE.

He added in his letter to Mr Bakhurst, which was first reported in the Irish Sun, he said that it is difficult to see how 2FM can ever regain a strong market position under its current strategy.

We believe that a privatised 2FM, right-sized to the type of operating structures and staffing levels found in the commercial radio sector, could build a competitive future as a radio service, the letter adds.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 4th

The offer of 10m is based on an approximate multiple of eight times of normalised earnings, which could value 2FM in excess of 10m, Mr Brannigan said.

He told the Irish Independent that he would have to see if 2FM is privatised, whether it would be operated under the same cost and staff structures as the independent radio sector.

On whether Mr Bakhurst would be willing to sell, he said: I think they should consider it.

However, in a statement to the Irish Independent today, RTE said: "2fm is not for sale as it is an important part of our public service remit, reaching younger audiences; developing new talent and supporting new Irish music.

Mr Brannigan said he has seen not action from RTE on downsizing since the payments scandal broke a year ago.

All we have heard since the payment scandal is that there will be a report, that they are going to rationalise. He has also mentioned that there is going to be a smaller RTE, but as of yet we havent seen any actual action. We havent seen any actual report, he said.

Mr Brannigan said that the key question is what is the role of 2FM?.

What is it supposed to be doing? Is it supposed to replicate what is in the independent radio sector and is the taxpayer supposed to fund that to the tune of 3.5m per year?

To my mind, there is value in the market but it is clear RTE dont know how to deliver the audience

He also alluded to the value of the radio market for 15 to 34 year olds, pointing to Bauer Media, who purchased iRadio, Beat, Corks Red FM and Spin South West, who he said must believe there is value.

If you look at 2FMs position, it is the only national youth radio licence, yet they vastly underperform their listenership compared to what Bauer are bringing in with their stations.

To my mind, there is value in the market but it is clear RTE dont know how to deliver the audience and their present strategy has failed to do that.

We believe, with 2FM under the same type of programming values, cost structures and staffing structures, you would see the independent sector become a real force again, like it was 20 years ago, he said.

He also hinted that if 2FM was purchased and privatised, it would be open to speak to anyone who would be willing to return, such as presenters the 2 Johnnies and Doireann Garrihy, who recently left the station.

Mr Branigan said a privatised station would be more free to take on people who would deliver an audience, stressing that there are a lot more factors going against RTE in doing so.

We believe that there are opportunities for 2FM in the independent sector which arent being realised now. It is a very exciting time for radio in Ireland.

There has been a lot of acquisitions, purchasing of radio stations and we dont see why RTE should be any different if they have assets that are not performing and they need to raise money.

We still believe there is value in 2FM, he said.

Both RTE and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media have been contacted for comment.
Former Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew said there are no words after the tragic death of her nephew at the weekend.

The funeral details for Fiachra O Faolain have also been released after his body was recovered from a lake in the Carricklongfield Road area of Aughnacloy.

Mrs Gildernew posted on X on Tuesday morning: 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.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 4th

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew and former Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew both paid tribute to their family member.

Michelle 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.
Having been a public figure in Ireland for many years and a prominent voice within the Irish Muslim community, Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri says the Dublin riots were the catalyst behind his decision to run for election.

He had months of deliberation and discussion with family and friends before he decided to put his name on the ballot papers for this years European elections as an Independent candidate  but that night on November 23 last year proved crucial.

[Politics] was not something that really crossed my mind. But what happened in November, the riots, I was completely shocked, Dr Al-Qadri said.

Dr Al-Qadri, who has worked with agencies in Europe including the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, said that though he saw divisive rhetoric becoming an issue in other countries, his message to those agencies in recent years was that Ireland was unique and a welcoming country.

I was always speaking very highly about our experience as a minority in Ireland, [that] Ireland is way ahead than other countries. We are having a wonderful cead mile failte. We dont have that experience of Islamophobia that is very prevalent in other countries, he said.

But unfortunately, having said that, the last year in particular, we have seen a rise of protests against immigrants, divisive rhetoric, and the Dublin riots were the tipping point for me.

Like many other public representatives, Dr Al-Qadri has seen that far-right sentiment aimed at him, both on the campaign trail and online.

Some of my posters have been vandalised. My Twitter, my Facebook, TikTok is filled with comments of hate speech, he said.

Though he believes the majority of the hateful comments online originate outside Ireland, he said his experience on the campaign trail confirmed that public representatives are no longer safe in the country.

Most people are decent Irish people. They are not racist, they are not Islamophobes. A lot of Irish people I speak to are worried the direction [Ireland] it is going, he said.

Politicians arent safe any more. Public officials arent safe any more. This is not acceptable.

According to Dr Al-Qadri, the key to the unrest is housing, the number-one issue mentioned to him when out canvassing. If were able to fix the housing issue, were able to fix a lot of issues, because many of the issues are interconnected, he said. The issues of the scarcity of school placements, teachers, the issue of the rising hatred and increase of divisive rhetoric, the far right. Its all related to housing.

People are angry, people are upset. Their anger is being exploited and directed at the immigrants and refugees.

Dr Al-Qadri believes the EU needs to be stronger on the issue of housing.

The housing issue is not an issue that is only relevant to Ireland or Dublin. Whether youre in Amsterdam, whether youre in Rome, whether youre in Dublin  housing is a major issue throughout Europe, he said.

He believes the EU needs to look at housing in the same way it does for other issues.

The EU is fantastic in terms of having certain standards, certain rules, regulations when it comes to healthcare, for example, when it comes to animal welfare rights, when it comes to climate change. Housing is another fundamental human right, he said.

Though he ultimately decided to run as an Independent candidate, Dr Al-Qadri did consult political parties.

What I realised is that I have always been a bridge builder. I have always been able to speak to everyone and invite everyone. For example, when I organised the Eid in Croke Park, he said. So for me, I thought if I join a party, I will not be the bridge builder Ive always been. This was the most natural decision.

It is also his belief that there is not a significant distinction between the parties. He pointed to the recent care and family referendums, where many parties were on the side of a Yes-Yes vote.

I thought that at the end of the day, there isnt really a big difference between the parties. Im not saying that in a negative way, he said.

Weve seen that, for example, in the referendum that took place that they were all on one side. I just think that as an Independent, Im more impartial, Im more neutral and Im also able to really say what I really believe.

While his focus is on securing an MEP seat in the Dublin constituency, he said he would not rule out running in the general election.

If he is elected, he has confirmed he will step down as chief imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland.

I am inspired by my faith to help and serve people. So I dont have to be the leader of the Islamic Centre or the Muslim community to do that, he said.
Lucinda OSullivans restaurant review: Beat a path to Ingredient, a summer pop-up in seaside town Skerries

Checking out the new Ingredient pop-up at the Olive Deli in the north Co Dublin, our critic very much liked the chefs delicious ideas and found herself duly impressed by the fab food and service

John Dory, shrimp, bouillabaisse, potato, leek. Photo: Lucinda O'Sullivan

Lucinda O'Sullivan Tue 4 Jun 2024 at 03:30

Here we are at the start of June, with summer hopefully bursting out all over! The very whiff of June had me heading to the north Co Dublin seaside village of Skerries, where, as a child, my parents took a house for the month each summer. My father would commute by train into the city, and, hail, rain or snow, my mother and I had long days on the South Strand.
A Hollywood type cutting a deal over platters of hors doeuvres. A wannabe starlet running lines while sipping on colourful cocktails. A family celebrating a high school graduation. Its Friday afternoon in the Terrazza restaurant at the Casa del Mar, one of Santa Monicas most famous hotels.

From the outside, this handsome-redbrick building  designed in the style of a Renaissance Revival-style palazzo - isnt that splashy, at least not compared to its slightly more famous sister next door, Shutters on the Beach, which straddles the beachfront like an East Coast summer estate Jay Gatsby would have felt comfortable in.

While Shutters is splashy and full of life, the Casa del Mar is more quietly elegant. Even the main entrance is discreet, on a nondescript side street that feels miles from the action, even though it sits on the beach and the famous Santa Monica pier is just a short walk away.

Which isnt that much of a surprise, considering that it was built as an exclusive beach club for socialites and celebrities during Hollywoods 1920s heyday.

Today, its hosting an Irish travel journalist and his wife.

The rating: 8.5/10

Arrival & Location

The lobby at Hotel Casa del Mar

Hotel Casa del Mar is set right by the ocean in Santa Monica, a 20-minute walk from Venice Beach and a 20-minute drive from Downtown LA and West Hollywood (traffic-permitting).

Once inside, we get that instant wow-factor. A grand, curving double staircase leads to the extravagant lobby, all mosaic floors and elaborate Venetian chandeliers. Beyond the front desk, the carpeted lounge has more Murano glass and enormous potted plants: Im too early to check in, but I cant imagine a nicer space to hang around until my room is ready.

While we wait, I read about the buildings history. How the Navy turned it into military housing during WWII. How it served as a drug rehab centre in the 1960s, before idling into disrepair until it was bought by the owners of Shutters in 1997. Two years and $50m later, it reopened as a hotel whose vibe was redolent of Hollywoods Golden Age. Another refurb has given the hotel a fresh look  think Douglas Fairbanks and Clara Bowe, but with great wifi and lots of athleisurewear. 8.5/10

Service & Style

The pool at Casa del Mar

To stop us hanging around aimlessly, the desk clerk took my number and told me Id get a text telling me my room was ready  a nice touch in a city where everyone seems perpetually on the go, but not so urgent when all we planned to do was wander the hotel corridors checking out the amenities.

These include the Sea Wellness spa and a smallish gym (but the hotel does offer lots of workout options like yoga on the beach and bike hire). The pool on the fourth floor is also pretty small, but nobody is coming here to do laps; instead, you can lay out on a lounger under the southern California sun and use the pool to cool off.

We also popped across the street to check out Shutters - its scalloped, grey clapboard exterior making it the most distinguishable of Santa Monicas beachfront hotels. Inside, the public areas were full of life  and eye catching artworks by the likes of David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein. Impressive, but we were keen to get back to our own home for the night. 9/10

The rooms

A double room at Casa del Mar

When the text came telling us our room was ready, we were given a Partial Oceanview Superior King room, which sounded pretty fancy. The reality was a smidgen less so: it was a gorgeous room, but more compact than Id imagined. And the ocean view? I had to crane my neck slightly to see the water beyond the side of the building - so definitely a partial view.

Whatever quibbles we had about size and views were mitigated by the room decor. If the public spaces were grand Italian villa, the rooms have the light-filled freshness of a New England beach house, with light blues and soft grey tones throughout. Theres a maritime theme to the artworks, while the shelves are lined with books about interior design, vases and coral sculptures that complement the seaside feel and colour palette.

The four-poster beds are dressed in Italian linen, while the Italian marble bathrooms are laden with Diptyque amenities, which my wife assured me are very fancy (I was more distracted by the Hydrothermal massage function in the bathtub).

One of my biggest bugbears in hotels is the lack of bedside plug points, but Hotel Casa del Mar has me covered. Besides a snazzy control panel for lighting, theres multiple plug and USB charge points on both sides of the bed, which meant I could charge my phone, iWatch and headphones while I slept.

And boy did we sleep, as the bed is one of the most comfortable weve slept in for a very long time: a firm mattress, beautiful linen and a good mix of pillows (very important for two people prone to stiff necks). 7.5/10

A restaurant to dine for

Dining at Casa del Mar

Not surprisingly, the menu in the Terrazza restaurant is all about flavours of the Mediterranean, but with a strong touch of California. So you can get a Mediterranean platter of babaganoush, tzatziki and hummus and follow it with fish tacos or a wagyu burger.

The dinner menu leans a little heavier on Italy, with a selection of pasta dishes complementing meat and fish dishes that wouldnt look out of place in a top end Milanese restaurant. Theres also a Raw Bar, serving oysters, crudo and ceviche so fresh the chef may as well have made it in front of you.

What is surprising, though, is how reasonably priced it is, especially the lunch menu, where no main is more than $20. I had a perfectly tasty Caesar salad for $16; my wifes Cobb salad cost $20. Dinner mains are more expensive, but this is Santa Monica, where dining well for less than $150 a head (including a glass of wine) is something of a minor miracle.

Dining in Hotel Casa Del Mar

Not only did we dine well, but in a splendid setting. The restaurant is at the far end of the lobby, all Venetian glass and large ferns hanging from the ceiling, Sicilian-style painted plates on the columns and floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of the beach obstructed only by palm trees.

The waitstaff were an added bonus, all seasoned professionals whose competent, courteous service enhanced the dining experience.

Because this is Los Angeles and famous people like to go to public places without being bothered, theres also the option of dining in the Lobby Lounge, which is a sectioned off area around the main bar with couches and low-slung tables. Besides the Raw Bar, the menu is more limited  sliders, sharing platters and finger food  but you can nibble away in relative privacy, behind a velvet rope. 8.5/10

The bottom line

The hotels public areas are every bit as grand and beautiful as the website photos suggest  which, lets be honest, is pretty rare.

We were surprised by how compact the standard bedrooms are, but theyre beautifully appointed and have every conceivable mod con youd want in a contemporary hotel room. Plus we didnt spend a huge amount of time there, as there was so much of Santa Monica to discover.

Rates

Room-only rates at Hotel Casa del Mar, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, start from 600 per room per night. Suites start from $1,600. For more information to book, visit preferredhotels.com.

Fionn was a guest of the hotel. hotelcasadelmar.com
The mood of the gathering in New York recently for Protection of Civilians Week was sombre, despite the significant anniversaries it coincided with. United Nations member states, UN entities, humanitarian organisations and people affected by conflict met to share their perspectives on enhancing the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

The meeting coincided with the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Councils consideration of the protection of civilians as an item on its agenda, as well as the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, a cornerstone of international humanitarian law.

But the gathering took place against a backdrop of continued erosion of compliance with international laws and standards, and an exponential increase in the numbers of civilians suffering appalling harm across the worlds conflict zones.

Last year, more than 33,000 civilians were killed in armed conflict, a shocking 72pc increase over the previous year. The proportion of women and children killed doubled and tripled, respectively, compared with 2022. In 2023, four out of every 10 civilians killed in conflicts were women, and three out of 10 were children.

Conflict has driven displacement to record-breaking levels, with over 114 million people forced to flee their homes. In Sudan alone nine million people have been displaced since April last year  the highest number globally  more than Syria and Ukraine. That number is growing on a daily basis as the conflict rages on.

In countries devastated by conflict, millions of people are forced off their farms, their businesses and lives collapse, and markets cease functioning. With food stocks and agricultural assets destroyed, hunger and starvation are on the increase  last year, 117 million people experienced acute food insecurity in 19 conflict-affected countries or territories.

Women, shouldering the responsibility to feed their families, are disproportionately affected, facing horrific choices as their search for food exposes them to gender-based violence and negative coping strategies.

The lack of food is rarely the issue, but rather the lack of access to food. The idea that a child would die when food is plentiful but impossible to reach safely should fill us with rage.

Conflict and hunger are familiar themes for Irish people, and core to Irelands foreign policy agenda. Irelands Permanent Mission to the United Nations hosted a number of events on the protection of civilians that amplified the voices of civilians affected by armed conflict, bringing the reality of war into focus.

These events provided a platform for field practitioners to contribute to policy discussions, in particular around UN Resolution 2417 that strongly condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, as well as the Political Declaration on the Humanitarian Consequences of the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.

While Gaza was very much to the forefront of discussions on the protection of civilians, events also put a spotlight on other crises such as Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Central African Republic.

We heard the harrowing testimony of a Syrian medical doctor who is now as much an expert on bombs and explosives as any soldier and knows exactly the level of lifelong injuries that these cause to civilians.

Concerns country director in Haiti, Kwanli Kladstrup, spoke of how conflict and hunger are disrupting the lives of local women. They cant leave their neighbourhoods or, if they do, they are exposing themselves to extreme violence and abuse. This is simply unacceptable, and no way to live. The world is off track, becoming more brutal and innocent civilians more brutalised. Humanitarian organisations like Concern, must keep doing what we can, where we can. In addition to providing humanitarian aid, we must continue to advocate to safeguard the right to receive assistance, and safeguard the concept of humanitarian aid as a human right  safeguard our humanity at its most basic.

Concern joined 20 other organisations to call on UN member states to inject renewed urgency into closing the widening gap between legal obligations and practice that now threatens 25 years of progress and leaves civilians in conflicts around the world vulnerable to the devastating consequences of these wars.

Dominic MacSorley is Concern Worldwides Humanitarian Ambassador.
The OMahony Society event will take place over three days later this month

OMahonys from across Ireland and all over the world will gather at Coolcower House in Macroom later this month for the 69th annual Gathering of the OMahony Society.

The gathering, which will take place from June 21 to June 23, is open to everyone with OMahony DNA.

Pat OMahony, a member of the OMahony Society Council from Iniscarra, said that anybody with OMahony blood has a rich heritage as it is well documented that the OMahonys are direct descendants of the great Brian Boru.

Though he now lives in Kildare, Pat said that his family have resided in Iniscarra for some 200 years and that some of his relatives still occupy the original family home in Dripsey.

He told The Corkman that since it was established, the Society has carried out some fascinating research into the OMahony clans history.

The OMahonys established themselves most notably in West Cork, where they established a string of significant castles. These castles, several of which are still reasonably well preserved, were not just defensive structures but also symbols of the clan's power, wealth, and strategic maritime interests, Pat explained.

They played crucial roles in protecting trade routes, controlling local territories, and asserting dominance over rival clans. The castles' locations, often on prominent coastal or elevated sites, such as on Dunmanus Bay, Dunlough Bay, Rosbrin Bay and the Leamcon headland near Schull, reflect the importance of maritime prowess to the O'Mahony clan.

This years OMahony gathering will commence with a meet and greet session in the bar at Coolcower House, while the next day there will be an outing to Skibbereen Heritage Centre, where those who go will learn about the Great Famine and its impact on the area.

The final day of the gathering will see the Clan Rally take place at Gougane Barra, where St Finbarr is believed to have founded a monastery in the sixth century and where Fr Denis OMahony found refuge and celebrated Mass in defiance of the Penal Laws, which could warrant summary execution.

Participants in the Clan Rally will also be informed and entertained by local historian, Sean O Suilleabhain, who will guide those present around the ancient Oratory and its grounds, where Fr OMahonys grave is situated.

This year, the annual OMahony clan celebrations commence with a virtual event at 8pm on Sunday, June 9, with Margaret Murphy of the Skibbereen Heritage Centre presenting a talk entitled Settlement patterns of the O'Mahony Clan from the early 1800s.

Anyone interested in learning more about the OMahony Gathering events can visit: https://www.omahonysociety.com/news-and-events
The leader of the Green Party Eamon Ryan embarked on a tour of the Macroom local electoral area on Monday, June 3 with local election candidate Harriet Burgess.

Ms Burgess and Minister Ryan visited a number of areas in the Macroom hinterland and the Gearagh River Forest seeking to harness the partys vote ahead of polling day on Friday, June 7.

Ms Burgess who is a native of Inniscarra and a barrister by profession, has become the first Green Party candidate to run in the local electoral area of Macroom in more than a decade.

A past pupil of Colaiste Choilm in Ballincollig, Ms Burgess was thrilled to be joined by Minister Ryan in the lead up to polling day. I was delighted to canvass areas in my locality with Minister Ryan including Gougane Barra and Toons Bridge. We discussed the development of the Beara Breifne way and potential greenways through the area. Active travel is something I will continue to prioritise if elected to the local council, she said.

Minister Ryan and I also walked through the Gearagh River Forest with local ecologist Kevin Corcoran, said the Green Party candidate for the Macroom local electoral area. I was happy to update Minister Ryan on our campaign to make the Gearagh a national park, an issue that the minister is very supportive of.

Ms Burgess continued: The CEO of the ESB has recently replied to correspondence I previously sent, requesting that amongst other things, a management plan be published on the Gearagh without further delay and that the ESB confirm that no hunting will be permitted on this incredibly important biodiversity site.

The CEO has confirmed that data from the BirdWatch Ireland Irish Wetland Bird Survey shows that over a number of years there has been a significant decline in several wintering bird species populations within the Gearagh catchment area. On the basis of this information, the ESB have decided that hunting is currently not permitted, she added.

Ms Burgess called for a published management plan for Gearagh River Forest to be prioritised. Whilst I welcome this confirmation from the ESB as a positive development for the Gearagh and the species that live in the forest, it remains clear that to ensure the proper protection of the forest, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) must be involved with the management of the forest into the future.

It is also unacceptable that the Gearagh remains without a published management plan in 2024. One of the largest expanses of native forests left in the state must be prioritised as a matter of urgency. The only way this can be achieved is to ensure NPWS involvement in the management of the forest. I will continue to campaign on this issue to ensure the forest is protected for our community and future generations, she added.

There are a total of ten candidates competing for six seats in the Macroom LEA.

The six sitting councillors are all running again in the local elections. Fine Gael have selected sitting councillors Eileen Lynch, Michael Creed and Ted Lucey.

Cllr Gobnait Moynihan and Cllr Michael Looney will contest the election for Fianna Fail, while Independent councillor Martin Coughlan is also seeking re-election.

Sinn Fein have selected John OSullivan to run in the Macroom LEA. The Green Party has unveiled Harriet Burgess as its candidate.

Dermot Kelleher a suckler farmer from Inchigeela has been selected to run for the recently formed Independent Ireland party, while Aontu has selected Rosarie OLeary to run.
Moira Murrell, who has been appointed as the new chief executive of Cork County Council.

Cork County Council has voted to ratify the appointment of Moira Murrell as Chief Executive of Cork County Council.

A special meeting of full council was held in committee on Tuesday, June 4 for elected members to consider the recommendation of the Public Appointments Service and the views of the Corporate Policy Group.

Council chief executive officers are recruited through a competitive process organised by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and formally appointed by the minister for local government and ratified by the councillors.

They are appointed for an initial seven-year term which can be extended for a further three years.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn said the new CEO has extensive experience. We are delighted to formally ratify the appointment of Moira Murrell as Chief Executive of Cork County Council. She has extensive experience and is dedicated to public service.

We look forward to welcoming her back to Cork County Council. I know that through her leadership and vision we will continue to make County Cork a remarkable place to live, work and visit, she added.

Moira Murrell who is a native of Rock Road began her career in Kerry County Council in 1993 and completed a Masters Degree while working with the local authority.

In addition to Killarney Town Council, she also worked in the Environment and Finance departments on Kerry County Council.

She then moved to Cork County Council in 2007 as a Director of Services, serving three years in the West Cork Division and as Divisional Manager from 2010 to 2014 in Cork County Council with responsibility for Roads and Transportation, Water Services, Organisational Development and Economic Development.

Moira is married to Brendan ONeill and the couple who live in Muckross have three children: Patrick, MaryAnna and Charles.

Ms Murrell will succeed the former CEO of Cork County Council Tim Lucey.

Mr Lucey served in the position for more than nine years after working in numerous roles including in what was formerly known as the Southern Health Board and Skibbereen Urban District Council.

He went from the role of a clerical assistant with Cork County Council in 1982 to the CEO of the organisation.

He left the position of divisional manager in 2010 after being appointed Cork city manager. However, he returned to his previous workplace of Cork County Council in 2014 as its new CEO.

Mr Lucey concluded his role with Cork County Council on September 29, 2023. He has subsequently been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Greyhound Racing Ireland/Rasaiocht Con Eireann.

Valerie OSullivan has served on an interim basis as the Chief Executive of Cork County Council since the departure of Mr Lucey.

Ms OSullivan formerly served as a director of services in Cork City council. Her career saw her fill a number of roles relating to everything from recreation and amenity to housing and corporate affairs.

She transferred to Cork County Council in 2020 after being appointed divisional manager for the south Cork division.

Ms OSullivan had been tasked with responsibility for planning, roads, and municipal districts.
A parochial house in Donegal has been targeted for the second time in a week as gardai reiterate their concern over of a rise in crimes being committed on church grounds.

Gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred at the Parochial House at St. Josephs Church in Rathmullan on Sunday, June 2 between 12pm and 6pm.

The lock on the back door of the Parochial House was damaged between those times.

Entry was not gained.

This incident comes just one week after a burglary was reported at the parochial house on May 22, 2024.

If anybody observed any suspicious activity around the Church grounds or in the area of the Parochial House on that date, gardai ask them to make contact with Gardai in Milford on 074-9153060.

This incident is the latest in a number of reports of crimes being carried out on church grounds over the past few weeks and gardai have said there has been an increase in the occurrences of thefts and burglaries at places of worship across the county.

A spokesperson said, Should anybody ever observe any suspicious activity in or around Churches or graveyards then we ask them to make contact with Gardai immediately.

Should any members of the Clergy or parish committees wish to update the security measures at their Church or seek advice in relation to security measures, they may contact Sgt Fergus Mc Groary, Divisional Crime Prevention Officer, at Letterkenny Garda Station on 074-9167100 and he will be happy to assist.
Bonnie Caffrey with her dad Mark on his Harley Davison. Pic: Fintan Clarke

A Dublin dad will lead over 100 bikers as they hit the road for a deaf and hard of hearing charity which helped his daughter get a better quality of life.

Fire safety engineer Mark Caffrey (37) and his wife Emma Cahills six-month-old daughter, Bonnie, was born with hearing loss.

She had not responded well to hearing tests after birth, but the couple was reassured that having been born by caesarean section, fluid may not have fully drained from her ears.

She was eventually diagnosed with hearing loss in both ears, which would not resolve itself.

I started to notice little things. Her two-year-old brother Jack makes a lot of noise, but Bonnie was not responding to it, Mr Caffrey said.

I was inclined to keep my worries to myself to protect Emma, but later discovered she was doing the same.

It was double edged for us. We had gone in fearing Bonnie was completely deaf. But we did not know what would happen next.

We were not aware of the implications. Would she speak? Would she need to attend a special school? How long would it take to get hearing aids?

Chime contacted us within days of being referred and introduced us to the many resources they make available to deaf and hard of hearing children. I cannot thank them enough.

We had known nothing of Chime, but they became our guide, calling to our home, letting us know what we could do, and what we were entitled to.

They even helped us fill in the forms for grants, including for a sign language tutor, and have provided hearing aid care and maintenance.

There is access to so many resources, including home safety devices and contact with families in similar situations, he added.

Mark, a biker from the age of 15, comes from a family of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, with his father, uncles, brothers, and cousins all riding the iconic motorbikes.

Mr Caffrey will lead 100 bikers as they ride out from the Dublin HQ of the American manufacturer at Ballymount to Deaf Village Ireland in Cabra on Saturday, June 15, the day before Fathers Day.

The Walkinstown man is raising funds for Chime, the national charity for deaf and hard of hearing people. The event is open to all makes and models of motorcycles.

A Chime weekend seminar for parents of newly diagnosed children in Portlaoise saw Mark and Emma travel with very real worries.

But over the weekend, Chime outlined every stage of the journey our family is on with Bonnie. We knew then it was going to be tough for us, but ultimately ok, Mr Caffrey said.

There were stories which resonated with me, like fathers clicking their fingers to see if their baby responded.

We left the weekend feeling great. We could see the road ahead. We felt a strong need to give something back to Chime. The resources they provide are amazing.

Bonnie wears hearing aids to assist her. Chime has been such a valuable part of our journey, and we want every child with hearing loss to be looked after as well as she has been.
Jose de Paula is unable to travel back to his family and he is trying to help them from Ireland: Because Im not there, its like seeing the end of the world from a VIP seat.

A Brazilian man living in Galway is appealing for peoples help after his family lost their house and all their treasured mementoes during Mays unprecedented floods.

33-year-old Jose de Paula explained to the Irish Independent he moved to Galway city from Sao Leopoldo, a city in the Brazil state of Rio Grande do Sul, in June 2023.

Jose, who was working in digital marketing in Brazil, moved to Ireland for a two-year exchange programme to improve his English and is currently working part-time as a cleaner at a local shopping centre.

However, in early May the 33-year-old was hit by the devastating news that Rio Grande do Sul experienced disastrous floods that claimed the lives of over 165 people.

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Despite being in an elevated area and not close to the river, Joses home was completely flooded as well as the rest of the city.

After dramatic moments, Jose learnt that his family was able to leave the area and are safe: Luckily we have family in a neighbouring city so my mom is at my grandaunts house, but she left by boat.

My mom is living now with some money that I saved for emergency and of donations, like clothes donations. My mom and my step father left the house only with the clothes that they were wearing and some documents.

Jose's home one week after the floods

Joses family home was underwater for about two weeks, and when his family returned, they found everything destroyed.

He said: Everything is lost. Were waiting for an engineer from the city hall to go to my place to see if we can live inside the house again.

Now I feel like a homeless person because here in Ireland I have a bedroom in a shared house, and in Brazil this is the situation.

It's not only about the house, my relatives run a small company and even the companies were underwater, the machines were lost. I cant even calculate how much money we are talking about.

And we cant clean things as fast as we want because there is no running water back. The pipes were damaged.

However, Jose explained that what hurts the most is the loss of memories: But the problem is also the pictures, photo albums, family memories, my books  I really enjoy reading and I have a huge collection of books, now everything is just debris.

I feel like I lost the person that I was. I had my memories, love letters, photographs from the past. Things that dont have a value but at the same time theyre really valuable because you cant buy them. Theyre memories. Its like the person that I am is kind of lost now.

Inside Jose's family home after the floods.

When he heard of the situation, Jose tried to go back home to help his family, but he soon found out he cannot reach them as the local airport and the roads were also damaged: I had this ticket to go to Brazil this June but the flight was cancelled because the international airport is underwater now. The roads were also destroyed, the bridges were destroyed by the strength of the water during the floods.

Even if I want to go to Brazil now, to try and help my family, and go to my house, try to clean, I cant.

Because Im not there, its like seeing the end of the world from a VIP seat."

Jose's stepdad car after two weekend under water. He works as a Uber driver.

Jose has set up a Go Fund Me page and hes appealing for people to help and to spread awareness on what is happening in Brazil.

He said: I need to help. Working part-time is just enough to live in Ireland, but it is not possible to save money or to rebuild a house in Brazil.

So I decided to create this fundraiser because this is the maximum I can do, try to generate some awareness about the situation and try to get some fund to help my family and my city to try to rebuild.

I know this is something very specific thats happening in a part of the world that people are not very aware about because its not on the media.

But we are talking about a place of 10 million people. Only in my city, which is a small city, we have almost 250k inhabitants, its a big population.

I printed flyers and when I have free time I go to Shop Street, and I try to talk about my story. I have been walking around the suburbs, putting them in the mail box of the houses to try and get some attention. Im trying but it seems that its not enough.
In 14 of the 15 Garda stations in Kildare, theft was the offence that was reported to most

Only five out of 15 Garda stations in Kildare recorded a decrease in crime in 2023

Over 66pc of Garda stations in Co Kildare recorded an increase in crime rates last year.

The figures, which are based on official crime figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and sourced from the Garda Pulse system from 2019 to 2023, exclude homicide, sexual offences and most road traffic offences.

Out of the 15 Garda stations in Kildare, 10 experienced an increase in crime levels, while five noted a decrease.

Newbridge Garda Station recorded the highest increase with crime rates rising from 1.1k in 2019 to 1.5k in 2023. Other notable increases in Kildare included Kildare town which had 134 more crimes reported in 2023 compared to 2019, and Athy which had 114 more.

Carbury, Clane, Leixlip, Maynooth, Monasterevin, Naas and Robertstown are the remaining seven stations in Kildare where crime is on the rise.

Kildare town was among a number of towns in Ireland to record a 20-year-high in crime figures. While, Leixlip and Newbridge joined several other large Irish towns with a 10-year-high in crime figures recorded last year.

Meanwhile, of the 15 Garda stations in Kildare, five experienced a decrease in crime. These were Castledermot, Celbridge, Kilcock, Kilcullen and Rathangan. Celbridge in particular recorded a large drop in crime with 190 less criminal offences recorded in 2023 compared to 2019.

In total, there were 683 more crimes reported in Kildare in 2023 compared to 2019. Of 8,508 recorded in 2023, the majority were theft related offences with 14 of the 15 Kildare Garda stations noting theft as the most frequently reported crime in the area.

Castledermot Garda Station was the only station in Kildare that didn't report theft as its most prominent crime. Instead, criminal damage/ arson was the most recorded crime in the area.
An MEP who was disrupted by protesters while canvassing in Mayo has called for a doubling of attention on safety and security in the final days of the Local and European elections.

Members of the Burke family and other protesters disrupted scheduled election canvassing in Castlebar and Westport with Taoiseach Simon Harris, Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh on Sunday.

A scheduled press conference with Minister McEntee and MEP Maria Walsh was cancelled amid concerns about a potential security risk posed to them.

Following disruption to canvasses in County Mayo, MEP Maria Walsh has called for a doubling of attention on safety and security in the final days of the Local and European elections.

Maria Walsh, MEP for Midlands-North West, thanked members of the Gardai in Swinford, Castlebar and Westport for their professionalism and dedication in keeping all of those who were out canvassing safe.

I wish to also thank An Taoiseach Simon Harris, Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Ministers Helen McEntee and Alan Dillon, Deputy Michael Ring and all those who joined yesterday for their support in my campaign.

I fully support and respect the act of protest, and I will always defend peoples right to peaceful protest but what happened on Sunday crossed a line.

"A very small number of loud, angry people were anything but peaceful.

They made a show out of themselves and achieved nothing other than increasing the support for our campaign.

"In due course, I would like to see an investigation by An Garda Siochana into the events of Sunday, said Ms Walsh.

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny was accosted in the street and filmed by a woman about migration in Market Square, Castlebar.

The woman was accompanied by local election candidate Stephen Kerr, founder of the online media outlet The Irish Inquiry, who is an outspoken anti-migration activist.

Members of Enoch Burkes family also caused chaotic scenes as the Taoiseach, Minister McEntee and Maria Walsh MEP and local election candidates attempted to canvass in the town centre.

Sean Burke ran alongside the group of politicians and shouted about his son Enoch who has spent the past year in prison due to his failure to purge his contempt of court.

A statement from his department 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," the statement said.

"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."

Sitting MEP Maria Walsh in her home County of Mayo where she canvassed in Castlebar with Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD being filmed .

Sitting MEP, Ms Walsh, has now called for additional safety and security measures to be put in place ahead of the elections this coming weekend.

In the final days of the Local and European elections, I am calling for additional support for An Garda Siochana to ensure they can double their efforts in keeping all those canvassing and campaigning safe.

"I am also calling for increased attention on polling stations and count centres so that people can exercise their right to vote in peace without fear of any interference, said Ms Walsh.

Despite the interruption, Ms Walsh said she was proud to bring An Taoiseach Simon Harris to her home county of Mayo.

We enjoyed an energetic and positive day meeting voters and local election candidates - including many of our female and young candidates.

Ireland is one of the few countries where politicians, from local Councillors to An Taoiseach, can roam the streets meeting members of the public.

"It gives voters an opportunity to speak directly with us, their public representatives, so that we can serve them best.

"It is a rarity and a privilege which we must protect, said Ms Walsh.
The gathering at the old Gurteen Vocational School.

Past pupils of former Gurteen Vocational School reunited as discussions continue surrounding its repurposing for community use.

Last week, former past pupils of the school met again at the building which has been closed since 2009.

Councillor Paul Taylor, Tom Grady Chief Executive of MSLETB along with Pat Howley Director For Organisation, Support and Development confirmed the commencement of the process of refurbishing the formal school.

Alongside the former principal, former teachers and community members a meeting was held to discuss the future of the now vacant building.

While there were many trips down memory lanes by all present, thoughts quickly turned to the future.

Cllr Taylor said: The building holds many memories for us here in Gurteen and I look forward to working with everyone in the community to bring the building back to use.

We already have discussed the future use of the building and we have plans to develop office space, kitchen facilities, a community space for young and old.

Following completion of the initial phase of work, the community group led by Cllr Taylor will collaboratively plan with MSLETB to further develop the outdoor space.

My hope is that the development of the outdoor spaces, will support people within our community by supporting mental health and young people, said Cllr Taylor.

He added:I am looking forward to continuing to work on this project and ensuring the former Vocational School is re-opened for our community.
A motion seeking to introduce bye laws to prohibit Heavy Goods Vehicles from using the road network through the Cranmore housing estate, Martin Savage Terrace and Doorly Park housing estates and Cleveragh Drive has not received the backing of officials of Sligo County Council.

Councillor Declan Bree was informed at the meeting of the Borough District of Sligo that the Director of Services believed it is not considered appropriate to proceed with bye laws to prohibit heavy goods vehicles in this area.

As an elected representative and as Mayor I have to say I find the response unacceptable. The making of bye laws is a reserved function of the elected councillors, he said.

He pointed out that the members of the council unanimously voted in favour of his motion that draft bye laws be prepared with a permit system to be included to allow heavy goods vehicles make local deliveries.

In a democracy it is the elected representatives of the people who decide what it appropriate. The Irish local government system leaves a lot to be desired in terms of decision making. In fact I have consistently pointed out that non elected officials have too much power.

However it must be pointed out that the making of bye laws is strictly a matter for the elected members. And it is a matter for the elected councillors to decide what is appropriate or what is not appropriate.

When I last sought an update on this issue we were advised that the delay in drafting the bye laws had been due to a number of other significant issues which the Councils solicitors were dealing with and those issues had been prioritised.

However we were also told that those cases had been addressed which would allow the councils law agents to progress the draft bye laws.

In fact we were told that the Council was appointing a Senior Executive Engineer to the Eastern Bridge Scheme project and that engineer, in conjunction with the Councils solicitors would progress the drafting of the bye laws.

It would now appear that councillors were mislead and no effort whatsoever has been made to progress the draft bye laws. I am now asking, indeed I am insisting that Council officials implement the decision of the elected members and take all necessary steps to have the draft bye laws prepared in advance of our July meeting.
Bearu (Gaelic for The Barrow), will open at the former Sugar & Spice premises opposite Brennans Lane, which is currently being developed as an urban community space.

Chef Dave Rowley is currently fitting out the premises, where he plans to have up to 30 seated. The restaurant will serve gourmet breakfasts and lunches during the day from Wednesdays to Saturdays, and fine dining meals on Friday and Saturday nights.

Living in The Rower with his wife Siobhan, Rowley previously worked the Dublin food scene, including at celebrated restaurants and cafes, as a head chef.

Inspired by the Barrow, which runs alongside his house, Rowley said he has wanted to open a restaurant or cafe in New Ross ever since the family moved to the area in 2020, just prior to the pandemic beginning.

The father-of-two worked at Dali's in Blackrock and at Juniors Deli & Cafe, close to Google Docks, as well as other restaurants including One Pico.

"This is a new departure. Its just about backing yourself and taking that next step. I have been working hard for other people but at some stage I always knew I wanted to do something like this; to work for myself.

He is currently looking through CVs for manager and waiting roles and people can contact him via Instagram on the Bearu account.

"Its a key position for what we want to do. I launched the restaurant on my Instagram and weve had a tremendous response and support from people who have wished us well, and many have sent their CV. It really blew me away how welcoming people have been to me. We really want to make sure we have a skilled manager and staff in place. Ill be doing what I know, cooking.

Rowley will do baking and plans to link in with an artisan local baker also. He plans to stock excellent coffee and to offer a choice of dine-in options throughout the door.

"Ill be using high quality ingredients and well have specials and soups sandwiches, breakfast options. On Friday and Saturday night Bearu will be open at night offering contemporary dining in a relaxed setting, with lovely wines. Ive always enjoyed cooking seafood so that will feature strongly on the menu. I believe there is room for something like this in New Ross.

He said when the premises came up for rent, he jumped on the opportunity. He hopes to be able to open in mid to late July.
Arklow RNLI needs your help to secure funding under the AIB Community Fund.

Arklow RNLI volunteers have asked the broader Wicklow community to support their life-saving work by nominating the charity in this year's AIB Community 1 Million Fund.

Supporting 150 charities across six regions in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain since its inception, the AIB fund enables customers, the public and AIB employees to support the local charities that mean most to them within their region.

Past Wicklow recipients of funding include St Catherines Special School in Newcastle, Bray-based cancer support charity Purple House and Arklow Cancer Support.

To nominate Arklow RNLI this year, you can log in to aib.ie/community up to June 12 and enter your email address, Arklow RNLIs charity number (20003326) and a few words of your choice.

Please go onto the AIB website below and show your support for Arklow RNLI - we need you in the AIB 1 Million Community Fund, an Arklow RNLI spokesperson said.

When nominating us, and entering in your few words, we suggest: Arklow RNLI goes to sea to save lives when no one else will.

Please ask family, friends and anybody else, wherever they are in the world, to do the same, and thanks for your support!
The long-awaited construction of a new school building for Greystones Community College will commence within the next month after the Department of Education issued a letter of approval to a contractor.

News that will come as a huge relief to thousands of Greystones parents, the permanent building project for Greystones Community College will provide a new 1,000-pupil post-primary school with accommodation, including four classrooms for children with special educational needs.

Delivered under the Departments Design & Build programme, diggers are expected to be on-site within the next four weeks, with work to commence over the summer.

Heralding the project as an invaluable resource for future generations, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: I am absolutely thrilled to announce that Greystones Community Colleges long-awaited new school build will soon go to construction after it received its letter of acceptance.

I have been tirelessly campaigning to get this project to construction as soon as possible, and it has been for years a key priority issue for me.

This is hugely positive for the community. Parents in Greystones have been put through an unfair amount of stress with school shortages over the past few years. It is about time action was taken, and that we got projects to construction.

As a Greystones resident, as a TD for Wicklow and as Taoiseach, I know the impact this will have on the community who has been waiting for this news for so long, he added.

I look forward to seeing boots and diggers on the ground over the summer months and will continue to watch this development evolve.

As always, I will keep the people of Greystones informed of any updates in the coming months. I want to thank everybody who has worked so hard to see this project get over the line.

Echoing those sentiments, Wicklow TD and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said it was a tremendous day for children and their parents in Greystones, Principal Ruairi Farrell, the teachers and the entire school community.

The letter of approval to the developer was the last piece needed to allow us to get diggers onto the site and the building underway, he commented.

I understand the contractor can now mobilise on-site, and initial site works will begin within a month.

The children in Greystones deserve the very best school accommodation, and Im delighted that we can now proceed with the building of what will be a state-of-the-art, modern and permanent home for Greystones Community College.

GCC is a school providing the highest academic standards since it was established in 2020 and has done so in temporary accommodation. Ruairi and the team deserve huge credit for the work they do for the students, and I know today will be a huge relief to them that we know that the commencement of construction is now only weeks away.

Ive been working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the funding is in place for this project and that it is the first in the bundle of schools being built for construction to commence.
Dakota Fanning's new film 'The Watchers' will release on Friday, June 7.

Supernatural horror buffs from across the country will descend on cinemas on June 7 to catch the release of Dakota Fannings highly-anticipated thriller The Watchers, which was filmed on location in Wicklow last summer.

Shot at Ardmore Studios in Bray, Wicklow, Dublin and Galway, The Watchers (The Watched in Ireland & UK) is the directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan  daughter of Sixth Sense director M  who adapted a novel of the same name by Galway-born author A.M. Shine for the screen.

Shyamalan Jnrs first foray into cinema sees War of the Worlds and The Secret Life Of Bees star Fanning inhabit the role of Mina, a 28-year-old artist stranded in an untouched forest in Ireland.

The woodland isn't on any map, and cars break down at its treeline, forcing Mina into the gloomy forest where she finds a woman shouting, beckoning her to a concrete bunker.

Inside the shelter, the door shuts behind Mina, and she finds herself in a room with a glass wall and an electric light that switches on at nightfall  when the Watchers come above ground.

The creatures emerge to observe their captive humans, and terrible things happen to those who don't reach the bunker in time.

Described as not strictly horror, but rather a melange of fantasy, horror and mystery, the supernatural thriller also stars Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouere and Oliver Finnegan, with plenty of Irish names among its cast and crew.

The Watchers will be screened at several Dublin cinemas, including Light House Cinema in Smithfield, The Stella Cinema in Rathmines, Movies@Dundrum and Movies@Swords.
Three Wicklow projects that promote tourism and outdoor recreation have been awarded a combined 594,000 in funding by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Part of more than 16 million in funding allocated to 69 projects across Ireland under the government's Our Rural Future policy, projects Wicklow County Council will take the lead on include works at Baravore Car Park in Glenmalure, where 198,000 has been allocated for the installation of enhanced car parking at and repair to trial surfaces in the vicinity of the car park.

An additional 198,000 has been awarded for the provision of a bridge across the Three Trouts Stream in Delgany to lengthen the current route by joining two sections and 198,000 for an additional spur to Tinahely Looped Walks taking in Coolafunshogue, Curravanish and Ballyshonog on a route totalling 10km on return to Tinahely village.

Having worked with the Tinahely Walking Trail Development Committee in conjunction with local landowners to develop, market and maintain over 45km of integrated hill walking trails, local Councillor John Mullen said that news of the new walking trail development in Tinahely is a huge boon for the committee.

With the Arklow Shillelagh Greenway approaching, the crucial final route stage it was essential that our Hill walking trails have a link to the Greenway route and the Wicklow Way, Cllr Mullen said.

This new route which we have developed with local landowners, the Tinahely Walking Trails Committee and the talented team of Outdoor Recreation Offices based in County Wicklow Partnership we were approved for 198,000 to develop this new walking trail in the Tinahely Hills.

Sustainable Outdoor Recreational Tourism Development in South and West Wicklow has been a priority for me in my work as a councillor, and I warmly welcome this additional funding.

In announcing the huge investment in outdoor projects, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys said: Our beautiful outdoors have never been more available to us than today.

With the summer months upon us, now is the time to enjoy the wonderful amenities right on our doorstep.

This investment from my Department brings the overall allocation under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) to over 129 million since the Scheme was first launched in 2016.

It is a testament to the positive impact Our Rural Future continues to have on communities all over Ireland and the governments commitment to that policy.

Our world-class outdoor amenities continue to make rural Ireland the place to be for adventure tourists as well as those who appreciate a more sedate pace of life

I would encourage everyone to take this opportunity to get out there and embrace our great outdoors and make the lived experience of our country better for us all.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian citizen, was detained in 2016 and only returned to the UK in March 2022 (Ian West/PA)

The 46-year-old British-Iranian citizen was detained in 2016 and only returned to the UK in March 2022.

The four-part show will also look at the struggle of her husband Richard Ratcliffe, who went on hunger strike twice as part of his campaign for his wifes release.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Richard Ratcliffe (Victoria Jones/PA)

It will be based on the upcoming book A Yard of Sky: A Story Of Love, Resistance And Hope, written by the couple as a story of their struggle to get political action and Mrs Ratcliffe home.

The factual drama covers the period from the day she was arrested on April 3 2016 by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard at Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran after a holiday visit, where she had taken her daughter Gabriella to see her parents, to her release and return to the UK six years later.

A BBC spokesman said: Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Richard Ratcliffes extraordinary experiences captured everyones hearts; their journey is one of despair, courage and hope, spanning two countries and six years, and ultimately, its a story of how this family, who were forced apart by international events, were finally reunited.

It will be made by Fremantle-backed Dancing Ledge Productions  who also made the based on real life drama The Salisbury Poisonings and Martin Freeman-starring police show The Responder  for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Russia warns US of fatal consequences if it allows Ukraine to use weapons in strikes on its territory

Vladimir Putin has accused Nato of playing with fire

Valentina Chernaya (90) reacts after her house was damaged in recent shelling in the village of Rozivka in Ukraines Donetsk region. Photo: Reuters

Mark Trevelyan Tue 4 Jun 2024 at 03:30







Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said yesterday the United States could face fatal consequences if it ignored Moscows warnings not to let Ukraine use weapons provided by Washington to strike targets inside Russia.
Israeli soldiers stand on top of armoured vehicles in a staging area near the Israeli-Gaza border in southern Israel on Monday (Leo Correa/AP)

Iran-backed Shi'ite armed groups in Iraq have ramped up rocket and missile attacks on Israel in recent weeks, raising concerns in Washington and among some Iranian allies of potential Israeli retaliation and regional escalation should they draw blood.

Though the attacks, often from hundreds of miles (kms) away, are not seen by western officials and Israeli experts as posing the same level of threat to Israel as point-blank strikes by Hamas and Hezbollah, they have increased in number and sophistication.
Exclusive |

Nicola Hanney book extract: Paul stormed down after me like a robot from Terminator. Open the door, you f**king bitch, he said, hammering his fist on the windscreen
Palestinians line up to receive meals at the Jabaliya refugee camp (Mahmoud Essa/AP)

Emergency services have recovered the bodies of 360 people, mostly women and children, killed in the northern refugee camp of Jabaliya, during a recent three-week Israeli offensive there, a spokesman for Gazas civil defence said on Tuesday.
In image poll preparation ahead of 7th phase voting/ courtesy: PIB

New Delhi/IBNS: 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 held.

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, claiming no affiliation to any political party.

In their letter, the judges claimed that there are genuine apprehensions in the minds of the vast majority of the people, echoed by 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.

Referring to the recent controversy involving the Election Commission regarding the number of votes cast in each polling booth, the former judges pointed to alleged minimal action taken against hate speech against minorities and opposition parties by leaders of the ruling party.

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.
After six-week voting in the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls, the counting of votes will be held on Tuesday (June 4, 2024) which will reveal the fates of candidates who are fighting to win one of the 543 Lok Sabha seats up for grab in the world's largest democracy.

Amid tight security arrangements, the counting of votes will begin at 8 am.

Live Blog: All Updates of the LS Election 2024 Result

Indian PM Narendra Modi is eyeing to return to power for the third record-equalling third term by decimating the key opposition alliance named INDIA.

India voted from April 19 to June 1 to send their representative to the Lower House of the Parliament.

Any party or coalition needs to touch the 272 majority mark to form the government at the Centre.

Riding on star campaigner PM Narendra Modi, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has set a target of 370 seats this year and 400 for the NDA coalition.

The Congress party is a part of the INDIA bloc.

Exit-poll results showed Modi returning to power

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to return for a record-equalling third term in office with the BJP-led NDA alliance set to get a thumping majority defeating the combined opposition's INDIA Bloc, according to the exit poll results after the seventh and final phase of polling in the country on Saturday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) can garner around 350 or more seats while the INDIA bloc led by the united opposition is likely to get 125 to 150 seats, the exit polls indicate.

Amid a slogan to win over 400 seats in the 543-member Parliament, the exit polls give a massive mandate for a third Modi term.

According to the Republic-PMARQ poll, NDA will win 359 seats and INDIA bloc around 154 followed by 30 by others, while Republic-Matrize poll projects upto 368 seats for the saffron bloc.

Matrize project said the NDA is likely to get 353-368 seats while the INDIA bloc will get 118-133 seats. Others will get 43-48 seats.

Exit poll by India News-D-Dynamics projected 371 seats for the Modi-led BJP and NDA alliance.

NDTV India-Jan Ki Baat has suggested 362-392 seats for the BJP-led NDA and between 141 and 161 seats for the INDIA bloc.
Photo courtesy: Narendra Modi Facebook

Varanasi/IBNS: In contrast to what was widely anticipated, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trailing behind Congress' Ajay Rai in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi constituency as the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections are underway on Tuesday, media reports said.

Modi is trailing behind Rai by over 6,000 votes.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP-led NDA is trailing behind INDIA in Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats.

Congress top leader Rahul Gandhi, who contested from Kerala's Wayanad and Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli, is leading from the seat.

The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 were held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1.
Photo courtesy: Videograb from X

Jailed Khalistani separatist leader Amritpal Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Punjab's Khadoor Sahib, is currently leading, as per early trends as counting of votes is currently underway on Tuesday.

He is currently languishing in a prison in Assam.

Contesting as an independent candidate, Amritpal Singh, who is Waris Punjab de chief, is ahead of Congress's Kulbir Singh Zira by 44,000 votes.

Who is Amritpal Singh?

Amritpal, who styled himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was arrested in Moga's Rode village on April 23 last year following an over a month-long manhunt.

The Khalistani sympathiser had escaped the police net in Jalandhar district on March 18, switching vehicles and changing appearances.

Amritpal, who had supported calls for the formation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland, was wanted for several charges, including attempted murder, obstruction of law enforcement, and creating disharmony.

He and his supporters, armed with swords, knives, and guns, had raided a police station in March and clashed with policemen.
Photo courtesy: Rahul Gandhi Facebook

New Delhi/Amethi/IBNS: Congress top leader Rahul Gandhi has surpassed his mother Sonia Gandhi's margin of victory in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli, heading for a mammoth victory from the party bastion.

Rahul is ahead of BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by 2.62 lakh votes.

Singh is also a member of the Yogi Adityanath cabinet in Uttar Pradesh.

After Sonia moved to Rajya Sabha, Rahul, who was defeated by Union Minister Smriti Irani in Amethi in 2019, decided to contest from Rae Bareli.

In the bigger picture, the anti-BJP front INDIA has managed to restrict BJP from achieving the majority mark but the incumbent is set for a third straight term in an alliance.

As per the latest trends, NDA is leading in 292 seats, INDIA in 234 seats, Others in 17.
Photo courtesy: Sharad Pawar Facebook page

New Delhi/IBNS: In a scenario quite contrary to what was predicted in exit polls, INDIA- the anti-BJP front- has taken a lead over the ruling NDA alliance in two key states, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh that yield two highest numbers of Lok Sabha seats.

In Uttar Pradesh, INDIA is leading 42 (SP in 35 and Congress in 7) out of 80 Lok Sabha seats while NDA is leading in 37 seats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, the constituency from where he won even in the last two General Elections.

Congress top leader Rahul Gandhi is leading from family bastion Rae Bareli.

Union Minister Smriti Irani is trailing in Amethi, where she defeated Rahul in 2019.

In Maharashtra, INDIA alliance is leading in 29 out of 48 seats while the NDA is ahead in 18 seats.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar addressed a press conference and said INDIA bloc leaders will meet on Wednesday.
Photo courtesy: Mahua Moitra Facebook

Kolkata/IBNS: Trinamool Congress' fiery leader Mahua Moitra, who was expelled from Parliament over alleged cash-for-query case, is set for a stormy comeback into Lok Sabha.

Moitra is ahead of her nearest rival, BJP's Amrita Roy, in West Bengal's Krishnagar constituency by over 57,000 votes.

In some visuals, Moitra was seen joining the celebrations by her party workers.

Speaking to the reporters, Moitra said, "This is a vote against Modi. I salute to people of Bengal. They have shown the way."

Moitra apparently faced a tough fight in Krishnanagar where Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself campaigned for his party.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee campaigned extensively for Moitra, who is known for her fiery speeches against the Modi government in Parliament.

Moitra's success is a reflection of how TMC performed in the Lok Sabha polls as Mamata's party is leading in 29 out of 42 seats as opposed to BJP's 12 and Congress 1.
Videograb of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek's PC/ courtesy: Facebook

Kolkata/IBNS: Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday expressed her satisfaction with the Bharatiya Janata Party not getting a single majority in the Lok Sabha and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, should resign on moral grounds.

Modi did not get the single largest majority, he should resign, and so should Amit Shah on moral grounds after todays results, Mamata said in an address to the media after her Trinamool Congress won 29 of the 42 seats in the crucial state of West Bengal.

Now they have to beg the Telugu Desam party and Nitish Kumar to form the government. I know them very well. They wont break India.

Even as PM Modi exuded confidence in winning hugely in Bengal this time, the party only managed to win 12 while Congress won one.

India has won and Modi has lost. They have lost in Ayodhya too. His (Modis) margin has come down. Pride is not good for anyone. I want to bow my head before the people. This victory is peoples credit, said Mamata.

She also lauded her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, considered the No.2 in the TMC, for winning the Diamond Harbour seat by over a 7-lakh margin.

Mamata Banerjee addresses media after win in Bengal #loksabhaelctionsResults2024 pic.twitter.com/teTEyzMBXw  India Blooms (@indiablooms) June 4, 2024

Extending her support for the INDIA bloc, Mamata said: "I dont want anything. The states should get the funds that are due to them. The projects that have been stalled should be started. Misuse of central agencies and the judiciary should be stopped, she said.

"Now if they try to bulldoze laws INDIA will push back, she said.

Over the last ten years, Mamata Banerjee and the Narendra Modi-led Centre have been at loggerheads over the disbursement of funds from the Centre and the court-monitored probes against a section of the Trinamool leaders over alleged corruption charges.

Mamata said she was happy the BJP did not get a single majority in the Lok Sabha despite committing so many excesses in the last ten years of Modis rule.

They have committed maximum atrocities on us in the last ten years. CBI, ED, Income Tax, and BJPs Home Ministry were unleashed against us. When I saw the exit poll results I asked myself am I losing confidence? I have been on the streets for two months. I did not see the exit polls reflected in the eyes of the people," Mamata said.

The Bengal chief minister said that she had congratulated leaders of the INDIA bloc partners like Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav and had also sent a congratulatory message to Rahul Gandhi.

However, Mamata did not spare the state Congress and accused it of spoiling the Trinamools apple cart in some of the seats.

"We lost four to five seats due to Congress. I am not blaming the Delhi Congress leaders, but I dont believe they gave money to the Calcutta North candidate. BJP supplied money to them. The Berhampore Congress candidate was working for the BJP, she said without naming state Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Calcutta North nominee Pradeep Bhattacharya.

She reiterated that the CPM and the Congress in Bengal had the support of the BJP.

Mamata also alleged that the observers appointed by the BJP were playing a dirty game. In Contai, our candidate has won but the observer gave the seat to the BJP. We have asked for recounting, Mamata said.
PM Modi speaking at BJP HQ post poll result/ courtesy: BJP$India X handle

With a slew of exit polls that gave a clear majority to Modi proving wrong, even in the win of the NDA, the celebrations are louder in the opposition INDIA Bloc led by Congress after they bagged a higher than expected number of seats.

New Delhi/IBNS: Clinching a historic yet reduced-majority election victory for a record-equalling third straight term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday thanked his allies Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu as he headed to lead a coalition government of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) depending on the two regional leaders.

Even as all results were not yet officially announced, the report card shows PM Modi's '400 paar' call is far from reality with the NDA looking to finish somewhere marginally above 290.

The BJP is at 240-plus, far below the magic figure of 272 it needed to clinch a simple majority on its own. The drop is seen as a culmination of a boost to the Opposition.

The Congress alone expects to win around 100 seats, up from the 52 it won in 2019, while regional parties like Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh did exceptionally well at the cost of BJP.

The low score for the BJP means that it would have to bank on its allies heavily to form the government, something the party has not done since 2019.

In fact, after winning 303 seats in 2019, the BJP had rationed the cabinet berths for allies, a factor that had upset Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Therefore it is not a surprise for PM Modi to mention in his victory speech not only Nitish Kumar but also Andhra Pradesh ally Chandrababu Naidu, who, together, could add 28 seats to the NDA tally. The majority mark in the 545-member Lok Sabha is 272.

"I assure the people of the four states that went to assembly polls that the Centre will not leave any stone unturned for their development... Under Nitish Babu, the NDA fared well in Bihar," PM Modi said.

If India of 21st century has to move forward, it has to give a big blow to corruption.



In our third term, we will focus on wiping out corruption.



- PM @narendramodi



Watch full video:https://t.co/x21ExjyGhf pic.twitter.com/bOMwtn3J2D  BJP (@BJP4India) June 4, 2024

He also gave a shout out to the BJP workers saying they should not lose sight of the positives.

He went on to say that getting a third straight term in the government is a historic record in itself.

Speaking of Modi's guarantee, his big campaign weapon, he said: "I would like to reiterate that I will work for 18 hours if you work for 10 hours. We Indians will take the country forward. In the third term, the country will write a chapter of big decisions, and it's Modi's Guarantee."

"People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in India's history," PM Modi said in a post on X.

"I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people," said PM Modi, who won from Varanasi seat by a margin of 1.5 lakh votes.

"I also salute all our Karyakartas for their hard work. Words will never do justice to their exceptional efforts," PM Modi said.

The third straight victory for a Prime Minister is a record that has not been replicated since the days of Jawaharlal Nehru, he reminded the workers.

Meanwhile, the party has added a few more states to its kitty by winning Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh along with ally Chandrababu Naidu. The party has also retained Arunachal Pradesh.

The win made Modi begin his address to BJP workers with chants of "Jai Jagannath" on Tuesday.

The BJP swept the Odisha Assembly elections, winning 50 seats and leading 28 others in 39 other constituencies in the 147-member Odisha Assembly.

"The BJP is going to form a government in Odisha and even in the Lok Sabha election, Odisha performed beautifully. This will be the first time that the land of Lord Jagannath will have a BJP Chief Minister," Modi said.

Thank you, Odisha!



Together, we will march towards Viksit Odisha for #ViksitBharat. pic.twitter.com/r1hWPFUlsx  BJP (@BJP4India) June 4, 2024

Lauding his party's performance in assembly elections, he said: "BJP has won majorly in Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim. Congress has been wiped out in these states."

"BJP won a seat in Kerala as well, our party workers in Kerala have made a lot of sacrifices," he added.
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Smriti Irani

New Delhi/IBNS: Incumbent Union Minister Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress's Rahul Gandhi in his family bastion five years ago, tasted a crushing defeat this time in one of the key prestige battles in this Lok Sabha election.

Gandhi, meanwhile, won a record victory from Raebareli, where he chose to take up his mother Sonia Gandhi's mantle.

After the verdict, Irani thanked those who stood by her.

Such is life... A decade of my life going from one village to another, building lives, nurturing hope & aspirations, working on infrastructure  roads, naali, khadanja, bypass, medical college and more.



To those who stood by me through loss and victory, I am forever grateful. To  Smriti Z Irani (Modi Ka Parivar) (@smritiirani) June 4, 2024

In April, Irani had scoffed at the prospect of facing Rahul Gandhi or his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, from Amethi, saying "whoever comes will be defeated surely".

While neither of them was her opponent this time, she lost to KL Sharma, a Gandhi family loyalist and also a first-time contestant.

Sharma won the battle in Amethi with more than 1.6 lakh votes over Irani, three times her margin over Gandhi in 2019.

He has already dedicated the coming victory to the Gandhis.
Photo courtesy: Facebook/ Nitish Kumar & Chandrababu Naidu

New Delhi/IBNS: With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failing to emerge as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha elections and needing to bank on their National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to form the government, the two leaders who emerged as potential kingmakers are Bihar Chief Minister and JDU chief Nitish Kumar and Telugu Desam Party leader N Chandrababu Naidu.

Even as the counting of votes continues, the report card shows PM Modi's '400 paar' call is far from reality with the NDA looking to finish somewhere close to 300.

The BJP is at 240-plus, far below the magic figure of 272. The drop is seen as a culmination of a boost to the Opposition. The Congress alone expects to win 100 seats, up from the 52 it won in 2019, and regional parties are doing exceptionally well in several states.

With a slew of exit polls that gave a clear majority to Modi proving wrong, even in the win of the NDA, the celebrations are louder in the opposition INDIA bloc led by Congress after they bagged a higher-than-expected number of seats.

In Andhra Pradesh, TDP has won 16 seats on its own with NDA winning 21 out of 25 seats.

In Bihar, Nitish Kumar's JDU is set to win 12 seats, the same as BJP, despite contesting fewer constituencies than its ally.

As the poll picture became clearer by the evening, reports started doing the rounds that INDIA bloc leaders reached out to the two veterans in their efforts to bring them together for a possible government formation.

None of these were confirmed on record, as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said they will hold a meeting with other INDIA allies on Wednesday on the way forward.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his allies Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu as he headed to lead a coalition government of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The low score for the BJP at 240 plus means that it would have to bank on its allies heavily to form the government, something the party has not done since 2019.

After winning 303 seats in 2019, the BJP had rationed the cabinet berths for allies, a factor that had upset Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Therefore it is not a surprise for PM Modi to mention in his victory speech not only Nitish Kumar but also Andhra Pradesh ally Chandrababu Naidu, who, together, could add 28 seats to the NDA tally. The majority mark in the 545-member Lok Sabha is 272.

Kumar's latest switch to the NDA, months after he led the efforts to stitch together an Opposition alliance, had drawn much ridicule, with many writing his political obituary.

After decades of leading the NDA in Bihar, Kumar had to settle with a smaller number of seats in Bihar.

However, with this mandate, the JDU chief now holds the upper hand.

Chandrababu Naidu, on the other hand, was arrested eight months back and spent two months in jail in a corruption case probed by his arch-rival's administration.
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Suresh Gopi

Thrissur/IBNS: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may not have managed to touch the magic figure of 272 mark on its own, but it surely made inroads in the southern state of Kerala in this Lok Sabha elections.

National award-winning actor Suresh Gopi won the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat for the saffron party, ensuring its opening of account in Kerala.

Up against two strong candidates in the CPM's VS Sunilkumar and the Congress' K Muraleedharan, Gopi managed to win the seat by 74,686 seats.

Exit polls had also predicted a win for the actor but his rivals had said it would not happen. Gopi had contested from the constituency in 2019 as well but had come third, losing to the Congress' TN Prathapan by a margin of 1.2 lakh votes.

He had also fought from the Thrissur Assembly constituency in 2021, coming third again, but losing by a margin of less than 4,000 votes.

Gopi had focused on the constituency during his stint in the Rajya Sabha between 2016 and 2022, which seems to have finally yielded dividends.

In 2022, Gopi landed in a controversy when he distributed 'kaineettam', a gift of coins or small amounts of money, during the harvest festival of Vishu. He was distributing the gifts from a car while people, including women, touched his feet to seek his blessings.

The actor was criticised for allowing people to touch his feet, but he responded by dismissing his critics as an "army of irritating tadpoles".

A recent harassment case, filed by a woman journalist, was also a challenge as was a controversy that arose after the actor and his family offered a golden crown to a cathedral in Thrissur.

Clinching a historic yet reduced-majority election victory for a record-equalling third straight term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday thanked his allies Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu as he headed to lead a coalition government of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) depending on the two regional leaders.

With a slew of exit polls that gave a clear majority to Modi proving wrong, even in the win of the NDA, the celebrations are louder in the opposition INDIA Bloc led by Congress after they bagged a higher-than-expected number of seats.


Photo courtesy: PR team

Mumbai/IBNS: Adani One and ICICI Bank Monday launched Indias first co-branded credit cards with airport-linked benefits in collaboration with Visa.

Available in two variants  Adani One ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card and Adani One ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card  they offer a comprehensive and substantial reward programme.

The cards come with a plethora of benefits designed to enhance the cardholders lifestyle and elevate their airport and travel experience.

They offer up to 7% Adani Reward Points on spending across the Adani Group consumer ecosystem like the 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. Interestingly, the rewards are uncapped.

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 spending at the airports, and benefits like free movie tickets and Adani Reward Points on groceries, utilities, and international spending.

This strategic partnership marks the Adani Groups maiden venture into the financial sector, leveraging its unmatched reputation for excellence and innovation.

With a vision to redefine the landscape of consumer finance, Adani One aims to set new standards by joining forces with ICICI Bank and Visa.

Jeet Adani, Director, 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 Card is 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, We believe that our focus on Customer 360, backed by our digital products, process improvement and service delivery enable us to offer holistic solutions to customers in a seamless manner and grow market share across key segments. The launch of the co-branded credit cards, in association with Adani One and Visa, is in line with this philosophy. Through this launch, we intend to offer our customers rewards and benefits across the Adani Groups consumer ecosystem, and strengthen the Banks credit card portfolio.

Congratulating the Adani Group and ICICI Bank at the launch, 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 Visas 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 continuing enabling many more such offerings in the future.

The Adani One ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card carries an annual fee of 5,000 with joining benefits worth 9,000, while the Adani One ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card has an annual fee of 750 with joining benefits worth 5,000.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

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 PCAAs oversight role and responsibilities in ensuring safety.

While acknowledging the PCAAs 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 Pakistans 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.

(Text courtesy: Khalsavox.com)
Suresh Gopi, a renowned Indian actor predominantly known for his work in Malayalam cinema, transitioned into politics following a prolific film career. As the Lok Sabha 2024 results have been announced Gopi, who contested with the Bharatiya Janata Party from the Thrissur constituency, has won the seat.

Suresh Gopi Wins From Thrissur

Kerala | Suresh Gopi, BJP candidate who is leading from Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency says, "Attempts were made to divert their (voters) decisions and thoughts but God made their mind come to meeven if some of you feel that this is a miracle, this miracle was eminentI fold pic.twitter.com/Z7FEcT6haz  ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2024

Thrissur seat had been oscillating between the Congress and the Communist Party of India (CPI). With Gopi's win, Bhartiya Janta Party has secured a historic victory in Kerala.

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Hours before the vote counting for the Lok Sabha elections started, EP Jayarajan, the convenor of Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front, dismissed the exit poll predictions on Monday. He rejected the projections that the CPI-M-led Left would perform poorly in the state and ruled out any possibility of actor and BJP candidate Suresh Gopi winning in Thrissur.

"It's 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," he said.



Also Read: Here's Why Alia Bhatt And Katrina Kaif Didn't Cast Their Vote During Lok Sabha Elections 2024

On the other hand, Gopi's 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.

There are a total of nine contestants contesting from Thrissur constituency, a total of nine contestants contested from the seat.

Suresh Gopi's political journey

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Suresh Gopi's formal entry into politics was marked by his nomination to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India's Parliament, by the President of India in April 2016. This nomination was a recognition of his contributions to cinema and public life. In October 2016, Gopi joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a major political party in India. He has been an active and vocal supporter of the party's policies and ideology. In 2019, he contested Lok Sabha elections from Thrissur constituency in Kerala as a BJP candidate. While he did not win the seat, his candidacy raised the profile of the party in the region. In 2021, he contested 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election to be a member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. However, he lost to P. Balachandran of CPI.



Also Read: List Of Actors And Other Celebrities Contesting Lok Sabha Elections 2024

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Arun Govil, an actor who rose to fame as Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan, was a candidate from Meerut in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. In a recent update, Ramayan fans are over the moon as Arun Govil has won the election. On March 18, 2021, Govil joined the BJP in New Delhi in front of senior party leaders. This 2024 Lok Sabha election actually marked Arun's debut in electoral politics.

BJP's Arun Govil wins Meerut seat in UP against SP's Sunita Verma by margin of 10,585 votes.#LSResultsWithPTI #LSPolls2024WithPTI#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/6Zj1RYWGQE  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 4, 2024

Internet Reacts Arun Govil Wins From Meerut

One wrote, "Arun Govil's Victory is such a soothener."

Another added, "Arun Govil won, I'm happy my vote is not wasted."

Meerut DM Deepak Meena Presents certificate to BJP's Arun Govil - Watch

Uttar Pradesh: After the victory, Meerut DM Deepak Meena presents the certificate to the BJP's Arun Govil pic.twitter.com/S1RKp9t0W3  IANS (@ians_india) June 4, 2024





Arun Govil On Being Called An Outsider

"Don't know who you call an outsider, I don't understand.... There are many people here whose children leave for America after Class 10 and then never come back. Then, will they be called outsiders. They don't call them outsiders. I was born and brought up here. I have even done my studies here. Then, how am I an outsider? he said as per Indiatoday.



Also read: Is Arun Govil Happy About Ranbir Kapoor Playing Lord Ram In Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana? Find Out

"I want to ask everyone to cast their votes. Voting percentage should always remain high. It is our responsibility towards the nation and also a right towards self. We should exercise our rights... We will definitely cross 400-mark," he further added.



Also read: From Ramayan To Politics, A Look At Arun Govil's Journey Ahead Of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Results

How Arun Govil Reacted To BJP Announcing His Name For Lok Sabha Elections

Heartfelt gratitude to prime minister Narendra Modi and the election committee for giving me such a big responsibility. I will try my best to fully live up to the faith shown in me by the BJP, and people's expectations, Govil posted on X.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


The day before the Lok Sabha polls 2024 results, the internet was set ablaze by a video of the latest installment of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. In his signature satirical style, Oliver took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly highlighting a controversial advertisement by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

This ad featured a young girl crediting PM Modi with halting the still ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, exclaiming, War rukwa di papa (He stopped the war, father).

Titled "Indian Elections, Trump & Red Lobster," the episode also delved into visuals from PM Modis interviews with various journalists. While the episode is slated to be available on Indian YouTube on Thursday, Oliver acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding its airing in India, given potential changes to YouTube laws. He encouraged viewers with friends and family in India who are interested in watching it to explore alternative platforms.

'War rukwa di papa' & discourse around it

In April, BJP released an ad campaign that showed a student girl returning from Ukraine telling her father that PM Modi managed to stop the war there to rescue stranded Indian students. Social media couldnt stop buzzing after the ad campaign went viral. The claims by the student in the ad had triggered a meme fest.



The said video was set in the premise of an unknown airports arrival gate where some troubled parents were waiting for their children. In the next few frames, a young woman was seen hugging her parents and claiming that the Prime Minister Modi had stopped the war. However, the promotional video didn't mention the countries in which the said war was stopped.



Subsequently, Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), had debunked these claims of India stopping the war between Ukraine and Russia. He had said that all these claims were absolutely inaccurate.





This claim came to the fore again in March 2024 after Prime Minister Modi posted the promotional video. The catchphrase from the video  War Rukwa Di, Papa  became the source of all memes and the meme fest reached a crescendo when Youtuber Dhruv Rathee, known for his in-depth videos on politics and other trending issues, too made a video about this claim.

The ,magnitude of sharp reactions on this could be understood by the fact that the girl who featured in the video was heavily trolled by opposition parties, internet users and YouTubers. As per a FPJ report, the girl, who was identified as Priyanka stopped stepping out of her house.

However, in an interaction with Hindutan Times this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted two occasions when Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervened to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian students from the war zones in Ukraine.



As per EAM Jaishankar, in the first instance, during shelling in Kharkiv, PM Modi directly spoke to President Putin, urging him to halt the shelling near a safe zone negotiated by Indian and Russian authorities, which led to the cessation of shelling and the safe evacuation of students.



Jaishankar also conveyed that the second episode occurred in Sumy, where PM Modi personally contacted both President Putin and President Zelensky, urging them to ensure the safety of Indian students amidst complex military dynamics, leading to instructions being passed down to stand down and facilitate the evacuation process.

Who is John Oliver?

John Oliver, born on April 23, 1977, in Birmingham, England, is a multifaceted talent known for his comedic prowess, incisive commentary, and advocacy. Rising from the stand-up circuit in the UK, he gained prominence as a correspondent on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" before launching his own acclaimed program, "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," on HBO in 2014.



HBO

Through "Last Week Tonight," Oliver has become renowned for his deep dives into pressing political and social issues, offering insightful analysis peppered with his trademark wit. He fearlessly critiques government policies and corporate practices, often shining a light on overlooked or misunderstood topics, all while keeping audiences entertained with his humor.



Beyond the screen, Oliver is committed to using his platform for positive change. He's a vocal advocate for various causes, leveraging his influence to raise awareness and support philanthropic efforts. His unique blend of comedy and activism has earned him accolades, awards, and a devoted following, cementing his status as a leading figure in comedy and commentary.



For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
As the counting of the votes in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 continues, the Indore seat in Madhya Pradesh is seeing an interesting development. NOTA (None of the Above), has received more than 1.4 lakh votes so far. According to some reports, this is the highest-ever vote NOTA has received from any seat since the option was introduced.

NOTA gets second highest vote

Only BJP candidate and sitting MP from Indore, Shankar Lalwani has got more votes than NOTA.

The unusual surge in NOTA votes came after Congress candidate from Indore, Akshay Kanti Bamb withdrew his name on the last day. He later joined the BJP leaving Congress without a candidate in the seat. In response, Congress urged its supporters to cast the maximum number of votes in the NOTA (None Of The Above) option.

PTI

Congress encouraged NOTA votes

According to the Election Commission of India's (ECI) data, as many as 1,44,842 NOTA votes were cast till 12 noon on Tuesday.

Voting in Indore took place on May 13, with 61.75 per cent of the 25.27 lakh electors exercising their franchise.

Also read: If NOTA Gets Maximum Votes, Election Results Should Be Nullified, Says PIL

PTI

What is NOTA

NOTA allows the voters to officially register a vote of rejection" for all candidates contesting in an election. It was introduced in September 2013 following a Supreme Court decision. The button is the last option available on the EVM for voters.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Apparently the truth isn't "out there." It's right here in Earth's waters that to this day remain mostly unexplored. Every day there's some sighting of a bizarre deep-sea creature that has beachgoers and onlookers reaching for their cameras as they simultaneously pick their collective jaws off the floor. More recently, a man in Singapore discovered a fish with "bulging eyes" buried face up in the sand. And, no, it wasn't dead. Read on to find out more about the man's mysterious find.

Why is the video of the fish with bulging eyes creeping people out?

The fish with "bulging eyes" lay buried face up in the sand | | Image: Instagram/Untamed_paths

Also read: Massive Python Hangs Off Roof In Australia While Crushing Prey In Its Coils

Dennis Chan was quietly strolling along a stretch of sand when he happened upon a curious sight: a fish with "bulging eyes" was buried face up, chilling, just like that, as if looking up at the sky in deep thought. But apparently it was only doing so, waiting quietly for prey. As the now-viral clip proceeds, it tries to catch a smaller passing fish in its mouth thereby, revealing its intention. The caption accompanying the video revealed that this was the aptly named 'Longnosed Stargazer' that was just looking to grab its next meal.

An uncommon and fascinating sight, these quirky fish bury themselves in the sand with only their heads exposed, seemingly gazing at the stars while waiting for unsuspecting prey, Chan told WhatsTheJam.

They are similar to stonefishes and scorpion fishes, which means they also possess venomous spines that can deliver painful stings.

How did the internet react?

"Unfind it," wrote one user | Image: Instagram/Untamed_paths

Also read: Mysterious Deep-sea Hooked Squid, Largest Of Its Kind, Attacks Camera. Rare Footage Viral

The video was shared on Instagram by Dennis Chan on May 18 with the caption "We found a Longnosed Stargazer on an Intertidal Exploration in Singapore! An uncommon and fascinating sight, these quirky fish bury themselves in the sand with only their heads exposed, seemingly gazing at the stars while waiting for unsuspecting prey. They are similar to stonefishes and scorpionfishes which means they also possess venomous spines that can deliver painful stings!"

The clip went on to rake in 53.6 million views, 1.2 million likes and comments to match. "Unfind it," pat came one user's reply. "Ive never despised an animal  before this one, wrote another. This is now my sleep paralysis demon, a third joked. A fourth quipped, I would die if I was walking in the water, stepped on that, looked down and saw that. Like, literally pass away.

Watch the viral video below

What do you think of this? Hit us up in the comments section and let us know.

There's a whole lot more on Indiatimes Trending. You can also follow us on Telegram.
India, the world's largest democracy, held elections despite numerous hurdles, including heatwave alerts in several states and a major cyclone in West Bengal. Despite these challenges, the electoral process ran successfully, demonstrating the Indian people's tenacity and devotion to democratic principles.

Results of Lok Sabha elections to be declared today

The nation waits for the Election Commission of India to officially declare the results | Image: Pexels

As the nation waits for the Election Commission of India to officially declare the results of the Lok Sabha elections, there is much anticipation and conjecture about the political landscape that will emerge.



Also read: List Of Celebrities Fighting Lok Sabha Elections 2024

The 7-phase voting procedure, which ran from April 19 to June 1, included the 543-member Lok Sabha, with only the Surat and Indore seats uncontested. The Election Commission of India has closely monitored this procedure, assuring openness and conformity to electoral protocols.

Following the conclusion of the final phase of voting in seven states and the union territory of Chandigarh on June 1, discussions and analyses of exit polls began.

The election results, which have been keenly anticipated by the nation, are set to be announced by the evening. Contingency procedures are in place to manage any potential delays, ensuring that results are announced by early June 5.

How did people on the internet react?

In anticipation, a meme-fest broke out online about how the whole of India is eagerly waiting for the result. Check some out here.

Counting start hone ka wait karte Indians#ElectionsResults pic.twitter.com/sODRDtdUP8  Desi Bhayo (@desi_bhayo88) June 4, 2024

Every patriot and Modi Supporter Right Now.

Repost if you are awake and among them.#ElectionResults2024 #ElectionsResults pic.twitter.com/QsGql9Alo9  Frontalforce  (@FrontalForce) June 3, 2024

Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Not Just AAP, Delhi Has Candidates From Anjaan Aadmi Party And Gareeb Aadmi Party

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.






A specially constructed Mistubuishi robot in Japan achieved a new Guinness World Record for solving a Rubik's Cube in a split second. The champion TOKUI Fast Accurate Synchronized Motion Testing Robot completed the multicoloured six-faced puzzle in 0.305 seconds, breaking the previous record of 0.38 seconds established by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology bot in 2018.

Who is the robot who solved the Rubik's cube the fastest?

Tokui the robot who made the world record | Image: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

It was much faster than human record-holder Max Park's "holy grail" mark of 3.13 seconds in 2023. "Shaving off time as much as possible was difficult, but it was fun at the same time," said Tokui, the project's lead engineer and the robot's name.



"I checked the videos of the previous record holder, and I felt that the motor we have is better than theirs," he stated. "So I was confident that we can beat them with speed."

Also read: Viral Video: Watch Excited Reaction From UP Influencer As Robot Delivers Parcel To His Room In China

What does the robot typically handle?

Tokui, who typically handles motor-related items for the electronics maker | Image: YouTube

Tokui, who typically handles motor-related items for the electronics maker, initially produced it too fast for its own good and had to troubleshoot.



If the four-sided, quick-spinning mechanism turned the cube too hard, it would jam the puzzle, as Tokui and his team discovered on their first official attempt at the record.

Also read: This Waitress At A Restaurant In China Is Either A Robot Or A Human: Let's Find Out

However, the second attempt  Smithsonian Magazine reported a 20-minute tuning session following the first attempt  became a record-breaking triumph in late May.

How did the robot solve the Rubik's cube?

The company's signal-responsive motors and an artificially intelligent color-recognizing algorithm, both unique to Mitsubishi, contributed to its success. "I know that our products can make the world an even better place," Tokui said of the technology that enabled the record-breaking achievement.

"I hope the record will allow people everywhere to know what our products are capable of."

Check the record-breaking video here.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
Delhi is facing an extreme heatwave, with temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). While people have been encouraged to stay indoors, not everyone has the option because they must work outside in the hot weather. India is no stranger to scorching summer temperatures, but years of scientific research have revealed that climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent, and more powerful.

This year, there were also more western disturbances than usual between March and early May, allowing winds from neighbouring nations to blow unchecked and raising temperatures.

Who distributed buttermilk to workers working in Delhi heat?

Suchi Sharma from the NGO 'For A Cause Foundation' distributed packs of buttermilk | Image: Instagram

Taking note of this, Suchi Sharma from the NGO 'For A Cause Foundation' distributed packs of buttermilk to labourers and workers toiling in the scorching Delhi weather.



What happens in the viral video?

Sharma visits a building site in the national capital to distribute buttermilk | Image: Instagram

In the video, Sharma visits a building site in the national capital and politely asks workers if they want some buttermilk. She then kindly distributes sachets to the workers, providing them with a reprieve from the heat.



Also read: Delhi Faces Intense Heatwave, Netizens Share Relatable Memes

In the video, she is also seen playing, engaging with youngsters, and spreading joy. Sharma shared the video with the caption, "Let's unite with compassion in this severe heatwave". She also provided the NGO's bank details for donations.

How did people on the internet react?

The woman's act of compassion has pleased online users, who have thanked her and encouraged others to follow suit. One user stated, ''This isn't a reel, it's a gesture of humanity.''

Another added, ''Forget about the money she spent but talk about the sacrifice she made by going out in that heat and accomplishing that.

A third said, ''May God bless you, and others who cannot do the same, try just offering a glass of water to the delivery guy who comes to deliver, the bhaji wale bhaiya or didi who sells bhaji in your neighbourhood or comes to your doorstep, and try keeping a big flat bowl with water outside for animals to drink."

Also read: Delhi Woman Trolled After Sharing 'Muscular' Photo Responds With Powerful Post

''In this summer, with this zeal you are serving, you are blessed. God bless you, and stay safe,'' a fourth added. A fifth stated, ''Keep spreading love. Doesn't matter if it's for a video. At least she is doing something good.'

Check the viral video here.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
The Wall Street Journal recently released its 2023 compilation of the most highly compensated CEOs in the United States, with 17 individuals of Indian heritage included among the top 500.

Interestingly, Nikesh Arora featured second on the list with a significant remuneration of $151.43 million (Rs 1,260 crore approx), way ahead of Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai.

This list also features Shantanu Narayen, who is the CEO of Adobe Inc. He ranked as the 11th highest-paid CEO in the US and was the second highest-paid CEO of Indian descent, trailing Nikesh Arora of Palo Alto Networks.

Shantanu Narayens Long Stint In Adobe

wsj

Shantanu Narayen serves as the Chairman and CEO of Adobe, a multinational computer software company based in San Jose, California. As reported by the Economic Times, Adobe has significant development operations in India, with major centers located in Noida and Bengaluru. In 2023, Adobe reported a revenue of $19.41 billion, equivalent to approximately Rs 1.6 lakh crore.

He commenced his journey with Adobe in 1998 as Vice President, overseeing Worldwide Product Development and serving as General Manager of the Engineering Technology group until 2001. Subsequently, he ascended to the role of Executive Vice President for Worldwide Products from 2001 to 2005. In 2005, Narayen's responsibilities expanded further as he assumed the position of President and COO.

Following this, in 2007, he succeeded Bruce Chizen as the CEO of Adobe. In 2017, Narayen took on the role of Chairman of the Board. He has transformed the company into an industry innovator by pioneering a cloud-based subscription model for its creative suite, establishing the global standard for digital documents, and creating and leading the explosive digital experience category. Today, hes driving the companys strategy to unleash creativity for all, accelerate document productivity, and power digital business.

Also Read: Wipro's New CEO Srinivas Pallia Becomes Second Highest Paid CEO In Industry, Guess Who's No.1

Narayen Has Previously Worked For Apple

the adobe blog

Prior to his tenure at Adobe, Shantanu Narayen contributed to Apple from 1989 to 1995, where he held senior management roles focused on product development. Following his time at Apple, Narayen co-founded Pictra in 1996, a groundbreaking photo-sharing startup that pioneered digital photo-sharing on the internet. Noteworthy is Narayen's position as Lead Independent Director on Pfizer's Board of Directors.



Shantanu Narayens Early Life

Shantanu Narayen hails from a prominent family in Hyderabad. After completing his Bachelors in Electronics and Communication Engineering from UCE Hyderabad, he moved to the US for his Masters in Computer Science from Bowling Green State University, Ohio, and MBA from Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley.

Shantanu Narayen currently holds five patents and was honored with the Padma Shri award in 2019. Additionally, in 2011, he was appointed as a member of the Management Advisory Board by then-US President Barack Obama.

Also Read: From Sundar Pichai To Laxman Narsimhan: Net Worth Of Richest Indian-Origin CEOs

Shantanu Narayens Net Worth

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According to the Hurun List of 2022 and reports from Financial Express, Shantanu Narayen boasts a substantial net worth of Rs 3,800 crore. As one of the top-earning CEOs in the US, Narayen amassed a remarkable income of $44.93 million (approximately Rs 373 crore) in 2023.
As if Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthys 70-hour week advice wasnt enough, Nilesh Shah, Kotak CEO has stated that to boost its progress, India should consider embracing the robust work ethic observed in nations such as Korea, Japan, and China, where individuals frequently engage in 12-hour workdays.



Speaking on the "Invest Aaj For Kal with Anant Ladha" podcast, Shah said, "We need to work 12 hours per day for 365 days."

He said, Charlie Munger wrote in one of his books that people in Korea worked 84 hours a week for one generation. That means 12 hours a day, every day, every month, every year.

Recently in India, Narayana Murthy mentioned working 70 hours a week, which caused quite a stir. He said that one generation of Indians needs to work like Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese. If we work hard, there is no doubt that Indias growth will continue, the pace will accelerate, and there will come a time when there will be no sub-Saharan Africa-level poverty in India. We will have transferred everyone to middle-income and upper-income levels, he added.

We need to work 12 hours per day for 365 days - Nilesh Shah sir - CE0 Kotak AMC  pic.twitter.com/tiXQSgwT5r  Anant Ladha, CFA CA CFP LL.B. (@anantladha25) June 1, 2024

Sanjeev Sanyal, an economist, concurred, highlighting the importance of diligence while also stressing the significance of family and sustainable approaches. He noted, "One generation will have to put in that effort... and also remember to procreate. It is doable (with the occasional break). We are that generation and perhaps the next one."

Also Read: Before Narayana Murthys 70-Hour Advice, It Was Elon Musk Who Rallied For 100-hour Work Week

People On The Internet Have Mixed Reactions To It

value research

On X, one user criticized excessively long work hours and said: "70-hour week. 84-hour week. Its just a number, right? Forget family, leisure, and health. Just work and pay taxes."



Shows the Indian corporate greed. There must be some regulation on how long people can work. India has stayed strong because of the strong family system. If the corporate culture gets too much, family structures will go away and the country itself will fall, wrote another

One person agreed to follow this advice but on one condition, Give me a 1000% salary hike, I'm ready.

Traits of a toxic boss, focuses more on hours logged rather than quality of work! retorted another user.

Also Read: From Ashneer Grover To Ola CEO, How People Are Reacting To The 70-Hour Work Week Debate
Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 Social Media Reactions: The 2024 Lok Sabha elections for 543 constituencies began on April 19 and ended on June 1, spanning seven phases. This 44-day voting period was the second longest in India's history, following the first parliamentary elections in 1951-52. Today, June 4, the world's largest democracy will unveil its fate with election results expected by the afternoon.

As vote counting progresses, early trends indicate a close competition between the NDA and INDIA alliances. On Tuesday, the stock market witnessed a decline as the BSE Sensex opened at 74,854 points, a decrease of 1,640 points, while Nifty stood at 23,120 points, down by 155 points. Both indices continued to fall, with Sensex dropping by 1,700 points and Nifty by 750 points. As a result, netizens have shared funny memes and jokes on social media, highlighting the market's reaction to the election results.

On Tuesday, shares of all 10 listed companies within the Gautam Adani group experienced declines in the early trading session. Adani Enterprises' shares dropped by 6.39%, while ACC Ltd saw a 4% decline. Other major companies, including ICICI Bank, Asian Paints, TCS, HCL, Infosys, Wipro, Kotak Mahindra, Engineers India, HDFC, Praj Industries, Ashok Leyland, Finolex, Bharat Electronics, Larsen & Toubro, ONGC, and Ircon International, also witnessed declines in their shares during this session.

READ ALSO: Inside The Earnings Of India's Prime Minister: Salary, Perks, And Allowances

Stock Market Crashes: Netizens Share Funny Memes

Stock Market Crashes: Netizens Share Funny Memes As Lok Sabha Election Result Trends Cause Share Market Chaos

Stock Market Crashes: Netizens Share Funny Memes

Stock Market Crashes: Netizens Share Funny Memes | X.com

Stock Market Crashes: Netizens Share Funny Memes

Stock Market Crashes: Netizens Share Funny Memes

Ameer banne ki expectation Pani main gayi chappak #sharemarket pic.twitter.com/ngC6zmyB3g  Ankit (@terakyalenadena) June 4, 2024

Internet Mocks BJP's 400 Paar Claim

Election Results 2024 Social Media Reactions Live: Early vote counting trends show Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alliance moving towards a majority, but the numbers fall short of the landslide predicted by exit polls, according to TV channels.

According to data from NBT, the NDA is currently leading in 297 seats, while the INDIA alliance is ahead in 229 seats in the early counting.





For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here


SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance leader Stefanos Kasselakis charged ruling New Democracy and the prime minister of making a public issue out of his source of income ('pothen esches'), yet not disclosing their party's debt situation, in an interview on ANT1 on Tuesday.

Kasselakis

noted, "It is not possible that the party with the highest debt in Europe carries out this campaign. I have worked for it, I have succeeded and created wealth. When the platform for the source of income opens, I will also present the document backup for my assets. My pothen esches has been turned into an issue by the government and by media that serve the government . We have no political or economic influence in the media ."

The main opposition leader queried why after so many decades Greece has still not suceeded in its convergence with the European Union. "Why did we go bankrupt? The answer is that we have a problem with the credibility of the political system; Greeks cannot expect something to change in the country if they have become immune to issues of transparency and credibility of the political system."

Asked if he acknowledged that he had committed felonies by not withdrawing in a timely manner from companies based abroad, Kasselakis responded, "There was an irregularity, because I was an expatriate," he noted, adding, "I am proud I had the courage to admit it was an irregularity, but this did not affect anyone in Greece, there was nothing wrong with it. In what way does this help a Greek citizen?"

Criticizing the prime minister, the SYRIZA leader said that the latter had not filed a source of income declaration for two years, and said the platform should have been open by now for filing.

Among other issues, Kasselakis said he supported NATO, but because it was a defense alliance, he disagreed with sending armaments to Ukraine; instead, the US should send them itself. He also said that the situation in the region - Turkiye, North Macedonia, Albania - "is not ideal and the national policy the government is implementing is not a proud one." He also charged the prime minister with "tolerating such a challenge to national interests" by Turkiye, including drilling south of Crete.

The SYRIZA leader also clarified that regardless of the European election results, he will lead the party to the next national elections as a candidate prime minister.

   iefimerida.gr
The Migration and Asylum Ministry's Solidarity Fund approved 2.3 million euros in additional funding to support 5 island municipalities that contribute to the best management of the migration-refugee issue, the ministry said

on Tuesday

In a decision signed by Minister Dimitris Kairidis on Monday, the municipalities of Mytilini, East Samos, West Samos, Leros, and Gavdos will receive a combined 2,330,279.90 euros for projects and equipment, based on proposals they submitted.

The Solidarity Fund's annual budget totals 25 million euros, and this is the first time that the beneficiaries include Gavdos, the smallest municipality of Greece at the southernmost border of Europe.

Proposals by municipalities of Crete and islands in the Dodecanese and the North Aegean for migrant identification and housing facilities are being reviewed currently. A recent ministry amendment provides additional funding for municipalities that need the facilities to manage the migration issue better.

   iefimerida.gr
A declaration of intent for cooperation in the maritime sector was signed by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Christos Stylianides, the Minister of Environment and Energy , Theodoros

Greece and France sign declaration of intent for cooperation in the maritime sector -  
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone A, verified the accidental killing of a smuggler in Lagos States Badagry area.

Theophilus Duniya, the Public Relations Officer for FOU Zone A, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Badagry.

According to Duniya, a group of men armed with charms and machetes ambushed the team as they were evacuating smuggled rice.

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They injured a customs officer in the face and a soldier on the leg.

Our personnel, acting in self-defence, neutralised the leader of the gang to prevent him from inflicting more injuries on them.

The gang leader was evacuated for immediate medical attention but unfortunately, died on the way to the hospital, he said.

Daniya asked parents and community leaders to discourage their children from engaging in illicit activities that endanger their own or other residents safety.

READ MORE: Pastor Iluyomade Relocated To Another Parish, Not Suspended  RCCG Source

According to NAN, the incident occurred on Sunday, when a middle-aged smuggler and his gang allegedly attacked customs officers.

The event occurred at around 4 a.m. in Erekiti, a border town in the Badagry district.

Locals told NAN that the late smuggler, Saka Wakilu, led the gang.


The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has revealed that the declared indefinite strike which began on Monday, June 3, will go on.

Organised Labour had declared the strike over a new minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariff for Band A customers.

On Monday night, the Federal Government and Organised Labour reached an agreement on a new minimum wage that will be above N60,000, owing to the fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is desirous of it.

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The statement from the meeting disclosed that, The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to a National Minimum Wage that is higher than N60,000.

II. Arising from the above, the Tripartite Committee is to meet everyday for the next one week with a view to arriving at an agreeable National Minimum Wage;

READ ALSO: Strike: N494k Minimum Wage Demand Unrealistic, Dont Worsen Nigerians Plight  LP Knocks Organised Labour

III. Labour in deference to the high esteem of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigerias commitment in (ii) above undertakes to convene a meeting of its organs immediately to consider this commitment;

IV. No worker would be victimized as a result of the industrial action.

The agreement was signed by representatives of government and union leaders.

However, in a post via X on Tuesday, the NLC said: Until we hear from our organs at our meeting scheduled for today 4th June, we are still on strike.

Until we get consent from our NEC meeting, We are still on strike.

The strike by Labour has affected health services, the power sector, the National Assembly and flight operations at airports m
Adebowale Adedayo, also known as Mr Macaroni, a popular content producer, has challenged President Bola Tinubus All Progressives Congress, APC, to fulfil its responsibilities.

The comedian asserted that if the APC knew what Nigerians deserved before getting elected, they should have no trouble knowing what the people want now that they are in power.

He noted that Nigerians are suffering and that the government must take responsibility.

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READ MORE: Reality Star Phyna Turns 27, Shares Gorgeous Birthday Photos

Taking to his X account on Monday, Mr Macaroni wrote:

No Political party enjoyed opposition like APC! They cursed at Jonathan and his family everyday. Nobody protest reach them.

If APC knew what the people deserved back then, they should have no problem understanding what the people want and deserve now!

The people are suffering!

The Government should wake up!

SEE POST:
The Organised Labour has suspended the nationwide strike which commenced on the 3rd of June, 2024.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the union, comprising Trade Union Congress, Nigeria Labour Congress, called off the strike today.

Addresing pressmen after meeting with the leadership of TUC, NLC on Tuesday, the TUC President, Festus Osifo disclosed that the union will relax the industrial action for a week.

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He said: A joint NEC meeting of TUC/NLC has approved to relax the industrial action for one week with immediate effect.

Recall that after a six-hour meeting with the leadership of organised labour in Abuja on Monday night, the Federal Government expressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to raising the N60,000 offered as the minimum wage.

READ MORE: Tinubu Committed To Minimum Wage Above N60,000  FG, Labour Reach Agreement

The agreement reads: The President of Nigeria, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is committed to establishing a National Minimum Wage higher than N60,000; and the Tripartite Committee will convene daily for the next week to finalise an agreeable National Minimum Wage.

The organised labour also agreed to immediately hold meetings of its organs to consider this new offer, and no worker would face victimisation as a consequence of participating in the industrial action.


The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it launched airstrikes that destroyed a terrorists enclave in Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

NAFs Director of Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement.

According to Gabkwet, the strikes were carried out between 30-31 May 2024 by its Air Component of Operation Whirl.

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The surveillance also verified a significant presence of armed terrorists lingering around the huts, with over 13 motorcycles observed parked under a large umbrella tree.

Executed at the stronghold of the infamous terrorist, Buharinyadi, situated at Bula Forest area in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the strikes were prompted by painstaking Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (IRS) operations, conducted in the targeted vicinity where several clusters of thatched roofed huts within compounds were observed amid thick vegetation,

Overhead the location, scores of the terrorists were sighted and subsequently struck, bringing effective and maximum damage on the targets and their equipment, the statement read.

READ ALSO: Are We Going To Eat National Anthem?  Chinwetalu Agu Slams FG Over Misplaced Priority

Upon reception of a tip that some surviving terrorists had relocated 500 meters west of the interdicted location, the Force promptly conducted a follow-up strike.

This further resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of their hideouts, as confirmed by a post-strike Battle Damage Assessment showing the area engulfed in flames.

Gabkwet noted that the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted similar air strikes in Northwest Nigeria on June 2, 2024, targeting the location of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Iliya and his cohorts at Zango Hill in Kankara LGA of Katsina State, following intelligence reports.

The area was also noted to contain a cluster of huts and zinc-roofed structures, with multiple movements of both humans and livestock.

Accordingly, air interdiction was authorised and conducted over the location to decimate the terrorists and destroy their weapons and mobility.

After the strike, Battle Damage Assessment footage and feedback received revealed that the strikes were successful as several terrorists were eliminated and their structures engulfed in flames.

Still, a whole-of-society approach remains a key factor in the ongoing efforts to minimize the threats posed by criminal elements, the statement added.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, on Monday, pointed that Nigerians will suffer if the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) insists and continues with the indefinite strike.

On Monday, the Organised Labour embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike after the union failed to reach an agreement with the Federal Government over minimum wage and electricity tariff increase.

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Onyejeocha, speaking in an interview on Channels Televisions Politics Today on Monday said the NLC pulled out when negotiations were still ongoing.

According to her, the Federal Government is not the sole decider of a new minimum wage as it must be determined by State governments and the private sector.

She said, Remember that when 18,000 minimum wage was agreed upon, certain states couldnt pay. After that, 30,000 minimum wage, some states couldnt pay as we speak. So, its not something you decide for people the Federal Government does not have that power to impose.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Committed To Minimum Wage Above N60,000  FG, Labour Reach Agreement

We know what the issues are and we are available for discussions and we hope they will be resolved; but going to strike will take the matter to the extreme with a lot of negative implications to both our economy and the welfare of the citizens.

If the strike continues, the citizens will suffer and they have started suffering. Our students who supposed to be taking exams have been affected because they cant find means of transportation to exams centres.

On the other hand there are people who cant eat until they go to their places of work. Some people who work at Secretariat live daily on what they get from the officers there.

On production side, we know that when activities are shut down, it will affect our economy. Businesses will definitely be affected. Social life has also been affected too. Hospitals have been affected. There are people who had been scheduled to be operated today, but the doctors cant access their work places. Somebody might have died.
Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, Senior Pastor of City of David Parish, has been relocated to another parish by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Despite claims that Pastor Iluyomade had been suspended for three months, a source said he was just transferred to another parish, Throne of Grace in Ebute Metta, Lagos, which acts as the missions headquarters.

According to a church source, Iluyomades transfer was officially announced and verified on Sunday, June 2, 2024, during the RCCG parishes monthly thanksgiving ceremony.

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Pastor Iluyomade was believed to be disappointed because he had yet to attain the retirement age of 70.

Another source revealed that Pastor Charles Kpandei, who is in charge of RCCG Resurrection Parish in Region 11, has been requested to replace Iluyomade at City of David Parish.

According to the source who spoke with Vanguard on Monday, the two pastors were scheduled to be transferred after serving for eight years at each of the parishes.

READ MORE: If NLC Strike Continues Next Week, Ill Mobilise 90% Abuja Power Bikers To Join Protest  Charly Boy

He said: It is normal to have a change in leadership. Most RCCG pastors go on transfer. The church transfers pastors around and both Pastors Iluyomade and Kanpdei were due for transfers.

Both of them have done more than eight years as regional pastors and were actually transferred. RCCG pastors can even be transferred abroad. It has nothing to do with any event or politics. They were both due for transfers.


The Federal Government and Organised Labour, on Monday, agreed on the fixing of a new minimum wage that is above N60,000.

The agreement was reached at the end of a meeting held on between leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and representatives of the Federal Government.

The meeting was called by the Federal Government after labour commenced an indefinite nationwide strike to demand a new minimum wage.

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Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who read the resolutions reached at the end of the meeting, said, President Bola Tinubu is committed to a national minimum wage that is higher than N60,000.

READ ALSO: Strike: Meeting Venue Of Labour, FG, Surrounded By Soldiers

Let me reassure Nigerians that we have had a very realistic and patriotic meeting, and the results will be manifesting, Akume added.

The SGF said the tripartite committee would be meeting everyday for the next one week to arrive at an agreeable national minimum wage.

He added that the meeting agreed that no worker would be victimized as a result of the industrial action.

On Monday, activities in public schools, government offices, airports, and many public institutions were grounded owing to the indefinite strike declared by the labour.
Databricks has agreed to acquire Tabular, the storage platform vendor led by the creators of Apache Iceberg, in order to promote data interoperability in lakehouses.

Tabular founders Ryan Blue and Daniel Weeks started developing Iceberg at Netflix in 2017 and donated it to the Apache Software Foundation in 2018, around the same time that Databricks was developing Delta Lake, an open-source table format for data that can be used for ACID transactions or OLTP processing. In contrast, Apache Iceberg is mostly used for OLAP queries as it has challenges around concurrency writes.

In June 2022, Databricks open sourced all Delta Lake APIs as part of its Delta Lake 2.0 release and said that it would contribute all enhancements of Delta Lake to The Linux Foundation.
Philadelphia International Airport's Terminal A West is where a person with measles recently traveled through the federal inspection area, possibly exposing others. In this file photo from March 2020, it was empty due to travel bans at the start of the coronavirus shutdowns. Read more

A person with measles traveled through the Philadelphia International Airport on Friday, and the city health department is warning people who were in the federal inspection area at the airports Terminal A West between 2:50 p.m. and 6 p.m. Friday that they may have been exposed to the virus.

We believe there is no threat to the general public associated with this case of measles, Landrus Burress, the director of the health departments division of disease control, said in a statement. He urged people who may have been exposed to make sure theyre protected against the virus.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person, either by people touching the droplets directly or coming into contact with airborne droplets after an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can live for up to two hours in the air, even after an infected person leaves the area, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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The virus early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red and puffy eyes, and a rash. In serious cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, brain infections, and death, the city health department said.

How can Philadelphians protect themselves against measles?

The MMR, or measles, mumps, and rubella, vaccine is highly effective against measles, and the health department is encouraging parents to make sure they and their children are vaccinated before traveling overseas. Because measles outbreaks are occurring in several other countries, including popular travel destinations, the United States could see more travel-related measles cases or outbreaks, Burress said.

People planning to travel outside the United States should speak with their doctor about their travel plans and vaccinations needed, he said.

The MMR vaccine is recommended for babies between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose around ages 4 to 6. Babies under a year old are not typically eligible for the MMR vaccine, but babies between six and 11 months should get an MMR vaccine before traveling internationally, and families traveling outside the U.S. should talk to their doctors two weeks before leaving, the health department said.

What should people potentially exposed at the airport do?

Travelers who may have come into contact with measles at the airport Friday should make sure they are protected from the virus, the department said. People are generally considered immune if they were born before 1957, have already had measles, or have received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

People who are not immune should get a dose of the MMR vaccine. People with children under 1 year old, people who are pregnant and not immune, or people who have a weakened immune system should talk to their doctor as soon as possible, officials said.

Anyone who is not immune to measles and may have been exposed at the airport should mask in indoor public spaces and around anyone unvaccinated for three weeks, the health department said.

Through June 21, anyone exposed at the airport should notify a doctor and health officials if they develop measles symptoms. Philadelphia residents should call the city health department at 215-685-6740, and residents of other Pennsylvania counties should call the state health department at 877-724-3258.

Have there been any other measles outbreaks in Philadelphia?

Health officials in Philadelphia recently identified a measles case that may have exposed people at a Northeast Philadelphia CVS and Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, officials said. That case is unconnected to the airport case.

Last winter, a measles outbreak in the city sickened nine people. That outbreak, which began at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, also spread to a day care. Seven people had to receive treatment at area hospitals. The outbreak was declared over in February.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a recent letter to a Philadelphia physician that stopping or limiting programs that provide sterile syringes to people with addiction could cause an HIV outbreak. Photo shows a man preparing a syringe to inject drugs near Kensington Ave. in Philadelphia in January 2020. Read more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shared a warning in the wake of Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers proposal to stop paying for syringe services in Philadelphia: Ending or slowing such programs could result in new outbreaks of HIV, especially among people who use drugs.

The agency reiterated its support for syringe services in a May 1 letter to Ronald Collman, the director of the Penn Center for AIDS Research.

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Collman has advocated for the city to continue funding syringe exchanges and wrote to the CDC, asking for the agencys perspective as he prepared an opinion column on the health risks of defunding such programs.

The CDCs letter was written by Jonathan Mermin, the director of the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, and echoes the CDCs long-standing stance on syringe services.

CDC sees [syringe service programs] as a vital part of basic public health infrastructure, Mermin wrote, adding that the agency works closely with health departments and other organizations to support the distribution of sterile syringes to people who use injection drugs.

The CDC declined comment beyond the contents of the letter.

A spokesperson for the mayors office did not return a request for comment.

When writing to the CDC, Collman said he wanted to make sure that politicians understood the benefits of syringe exchanges as they prepared to vote on Parkers budget.

We need to be sure that facts and data are well known, he said. If policy makers make the decision that theyre going to degrade syringe services in Philadelphia, they must understand that it is going to lead to a marked increase of HIV infections. And those infections will be transmitted into the broader Philadelphia community.

Parker has said that she believes syringe exchanges should continue to operate in Philadelphia  just not with city funding. Under her proposed budget, the syringe exchange program at the public health organization Prevention Point Philadelphia would lose $900,000 in city funding.

Parker has also declined to use funding from settlements of lawsuits against opioid drug manufacturers blamed for starting the current crisis to pay for sterile syringes.

City health officials have acknowledged that they anticipate an increase in HIV cases in the city as a result of the plan to defund Prevention Points syringe exchange program.

The CDC letter acknowledges that syringe service programs, or SSPs, have long been controversial and are sometimes perceived as enabling drug use. Indeed, several states, including Pennsylvania, prohibit the distribution of syringes for illicit drug use, leaving syringe exchanges such as Prevention Point to operate only with the permission of local officials. And though federal dollars can support some operations at syringe exchanges, federal agencies are prohibited by law from supplying funding for the syringes themselves.

Research shows public health benefits

The CDC highlights decades of research showing that these programs effectively prevent the spread of HIV and other bloodborne illnesses among people who inject drugs.

Several studies have shown that SSPs are not associated with increased illegal drug use, crime, or environmental presence of used syringes, the CDCs Mermin wrote.

He noted that many organizations offering syringe services, including Prevention Point, also offer other health services, including treatment for HIV and connections to addiction treatment. Exchanging used syringes for sterile ones at health organizations can allow people in active addiction to build trust with health-care providers and gain stability that helps them consider treatment, Mermin wrote.

People with substance use disorders often do not access health-care services at traditional venues because of mistrust and experiences of stigma, he wrote.

Shuttering syringe exchanges can have serious health consequences. When SSPs are closed in communities, former SSP participants describe more frequently injecting with non-sterile syringes and engaging in a range of high-risk injection practices that can lead to infections, the CDC letter states.

Supporting and expanding SSP infrastructure in combination with other prevention interventions would benefit HIV control efforts in Philadelphia.
Shirley MacLaine and co-star Stephen Dorff seen Monday evening on set on Arctic Avenue in Ducktown in Atlantic City, filming the new movie, "People Not Places.? Read more

ATLANTIC CITY  In her signature oversize sunglasses, the 90-year-old movie star Shirley MacLaine sat in an alleyway in Ducktown, Atlantic Citys most famous neighborhood. Eccentric and durable, she fit right in.

On Arctic Avenue on Monday evening, between Georgia and Mississippi Avenues, home of the White House Sub Shop, Hollywood was giving the place the close up it always feels it deserves: filming a new Brad Furman movie called People Not Places with MacLaine as its star.

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MacLaine plays a sprightly woman in her twilight years who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a local homeless man, while struggling to mend a troubled relationship with her son, according to the films official description.

But first, as annoyed detoured traffic snaked around the congested inner part of town, the crew had to make it rain with hoses. Naturally, just as it came time to roll the cameras, the sun came out. Theyll fix it in the post-edit.

Atlantic City has been the backdrop for a handful of movies, most famously Louis Malles Atlantic City (where a lemon-freshened Susan Sarandon and Burt Lancaster famously had lunch in whats now the bar at the Knife & Fork Inn), and most recently for the Netflix feature film Army of the Dead, in which zombies were filmed inside whats basically a zombie casino floor: the closed Atlantic Club casino.

MacLaine was helped across the street into the Formica-Freitag Bakery, formerly Formica, creators of Atlantic Citys famous bread, to await the shot. Icon, meet iconic.

Her costar, Stephen Dorff, dressed as a person who is unhoused, wandered around the street looking like he was practicing his lines, daring to peer over the police barricades..

The director, Furman, grew up in Lafayette Hill. His mother, Ellen Brown Furman, wrote the script. The family would vacation at a beach house in Ventnor.

At the White House Sub Shop, the staff grumbled over the loss of business. The shoot helped not at all, they said, as the block of Arctic between Georgia and Mississippi was closed off all day. One staff member grudgingly gave a plastic knife to the crew member who wanted to cut his sub.

Neighbors peeked out of their homes, impressed by the stardom, but lamenting their cars being trapped on the block, narrating into cell phones every small thing that happened. (Shes getting into a car. Theyre making it rain.)

The women inside Panchos, another iconic food shop on this block of Arctic Avenue, peered out of their shop.

The owner of Setaara, the nearby Afghan-French place closed on Mondays, watched from a nearby alleyway. A man passed by the crew with a slice of cake from Las Delicias De La Negra Mexican, the new restaurant on the block.

Mostly, though, it was crew members on folding chairs waiting for, well, it was hard to say. There was a lot of waiting.

The street was wet, but the car wasnt. More hoses! MacLaine wanted the car parked closer to the curb. Dorff needed last-minute hair spray to make his hair look more greasy. He practiced what looked like some sort of scuffle with another cast member near the car out of which MacLaine would emerge when the brief moments of actual filming began.

Was this the moment MacLaine actually meets Dorff, as she exits the car in front of Formicas and hes scuffling with someone? Some other bit of plot deeper into the movie? Why is she going to Formicas in the rain, in a car? Could she need an Atlantic City roll that badly? Tomato pie? From a distance, you could hear MacLaines briskly delivered lines cut through the evening air, and things suddenly got tight, focused, dramatic. Shes a star.

On Arctic Avenue, the sun shone through the fake rain.
Popular children's YouTuber Ms. Rachel posted a video celebrating the start of Pride Month. Conservatives say they want to boycott her programming. But devoted fans are praising the content creator. Read more

When a popular childrens YouTuber posted a video celebrating the start of Pride Month over the weekend conservatives responded by calling for a boycott of her programming.

But devoted fans  mainly vocal parents grateful for the content creators ability to connect with their children  are praising her for championing LGBTQ+ acceptance.

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Rachel Accurso, known best as Ms. Rachel, launched her Songs For Littles YouTube channel in 2019 as a virtual edutainment series for infants and toddlers. As the COVID-19 pandemic left more parents without childcare, the channel rose in popularity, drawing millions of subscribers.

Shes responsible for songs like Icky Sticky Bubblegum, a certified banger for the under-2 crowd, sparking a TikTok trend where thousands of parents filmed their babies lighting up when the song played.

To mark the start of Pride Month, Accurso took to her TikTok and Instagram accounts  where she connects with fans, provides life updates, and offers parenting advice  to share a message of inclusivity with her millions of followers.

Happy Pride to all of our wonderful families and friends, Accurso said while wearing a rainbow-striped long sleeve shirt, green corduroy overalls, and her signature pink knotted headband. This month and every month, I celebrate you. Im so glad youre here, Im so glad youre exactly who you are.

Quickly, right-wing personalities and platforms started encouraging parents to unsubscribe.

This is a message to conservative parents, Daily Wire host Matt Walsh wrote on X (formerly Twitter). She doesnt want your business. You should respond accordingly. The frenzy caused Ms. Rachel to trend nationwide on X over the weekend.

But fans of Accurso and the Songs For Littles channel also started weighing in.

If you come for Ms. Rachel, parents of toddlers around the country will destroy you, one user wrote on X. Keep Ms. Rachels name out of your mouth! said another. This woman has bought us more moments of peace than I count, wrote a third.

As Brittani Warrick, who leads Philadelphia actor Rob McElhenneys social media, put it: Ms. Rachel is an opp[onent] that you dont want to have. Shes got tired parents on her side and those people are scary.

This isnt the first time her show has sparked the ire of conservatives.

Since the brands inception, Songs For Littles has celebrated diversity and inclusion in its programming and through the hosts individual social media channels.

Last year, Accurso and other hosts on the show faced backlash across parenting TikTok after a user falsely accused Songs For Littles host Jules Hoffman  who is nonbinary and trans  of teaching a lesson about pronouns on the shows YouTube channel. No such lesson ever existed and the hosts only go by their first names.

As noted by Rolling Stone, its possible the rumor was sparked by the content seen in Hoffmans personal TikToks, which are composed of short lessons about the LGBTQ+ community, Hoffmans puppetry, and a lesson on their pronoun usage. But Hoffman said being nonbinary and using they/them pronouns were never a secret. They began going by they/them in 2018 and listed their pronouns on their social media accounts and Songs For Littles website bio.

Still, their identity became a sticking point among conservative parents who mobilized to get the hashtag #cancelmsrachel trending. They didnt succeed. Instead, Hoffmans comments were filled with notes from parents thanking them for their songs and expressing support.

When Accurso posted her Saturday TikTok celebrating Pride Month, she appeared to anticipate some backlash.

To those of you who are going to comment that they cant watch the show anymore because of this support, no worries and much love your way, she said in her post. God bless, I am not chasing fame or views, Im standing strong in love.

In the comments on TikTok, families and members of the LGBTQ+ community praised Accurso.

Accurso was also in the public eye last week for an emotional commencement speech she delivered to the graduating class at New York Universitys Steinhardt School. In her address, Accurso spoke about battling imposter syndrome and her advocacy for childrens rights and education.

You dont need to wait for anyone else to show up, she said. When you see a need, when you see an injustice, a way the world could be better, use the unique gifts and talents you have to serve the world. We dont know what will happen, but we guarantee nothing will change if we dont try.

Accurso did not respond to a request for comment as of publication time.
Sign for U.S District Court at the Federal Courthouse in Camden in 2020. Read more

An Atlantic County landfill has long emitted harmful gases at levels that violate state and federal law, endangering the health of residents of a nearby retirement community, a federal lawsuit alleges.

Residents of Absecons Bel Aire Lakes, a community for people who are 55 and older, claim in the lawsuit that the Atlantic County Utilities Authoritys landfill in Egg Harbor Township exposes them to high levels of hydrogen sulfide, causing persistent nausea and breathing issues.

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The lawsuit, filed last month in U.S. District Court in Camden by Philadelphia law firm Cozen OConner, is seeking an injunction to stop operations at the landfill.

Over the past 10 years, the landfills gases have frequently produced strong odors of rotten eggs and feces in the retirement community, often at night, when the landfill disposes of its putrescible waste, the lawsuit alleges.

Bel Aire Lakes, which consists of 125 homes, and the landfill are roughly 250 feet apart at their closest point, according to the complaint. More than 65 current and former homeowners in the retirement community have joined the lawsuit.

On hundreds of days and nights over the past 10 years, continuing to the present day, the BAL Residents are overwhelmed by malodorous H2S gas emitted by the landfill, the lawsuit states. As a result, residents say they have experienced health issues ranging from nausea and vomiting to respiratory irritation, difficulty sleeping, and depression.

You cant sit outside and enjoy a nice evening with a fire roasting marshmallows because of the odors there, one unnamed resident said in the lawsuit. You just cant. It permeates inside the home, and the smell lingers and lingers, and long after the odor is gone, eventually, if youre lucky, it will clear out.

Residents near the landfill have filed around 1,100 complaints with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in the last decade, according to the lawsuit. But despite those complaints, the suit states, little has been done to address the issue. Instead, the landfill has expanded a number of times, increasing emissions and odor issues. The lawsuit alleges those expansions were made without notifying nearby residents.

The elderly residents of the Bel Air Lakes retirement community filed suit only after they had exhausted all options and were desperate, attorney Peter J. Fontaine said in a statement. He said they had complained to the utilities authority and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to no avail. The air pollution events continue unabated. The agencies which are supposed to protect them from pollution have left them to fend for themselves.

The emissions problem has gone on so long, the lawsuit alleges, that many residents are unable to sell their homes and move away because there is a stigma associated with the Bel Aire Lakes community.

It is now widely known that the community frequently is impacted by malodors from the landfill, the lawsuit states. For most of the residents, selling is not viable.

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority, meanwhile, has called the lawsuits claims misleading. Its Egg Harbor Township landfill, the authority said in a statement, is highly regulated by not only the NJDEP, but also the Atlantic County Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency. Its operations, the authority added, are fully transparent.

The ACUA and its counsel intend to vigorously defend against these accusations in court by using facts and evidence, not false and sensationalist allegations, the authority said. The ACUA remains committed to providing the highest quality waste management services to our community.

A hearing in the case is scheduled for June 17.
A Montgomery County man who authorities say was shot by another truck driver on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in a road rage type incident has died from his injuries, Pennsylvania State Police said Monday.

The 40-year-old man from Royersford, who has yet to be identified, was shot Friday afternoon while driving a white flatbed truck near the 291.3 mile marker in Lancaster County, police said, closing the eastbound lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike for several hours as police investigated. A white tractor-trailer was identified as a vehicle of interest, and the motive appeared to be a road rage type incident, police said.

The Royersford man was transported to Reading Hospital, where he died Monday, police said.

On Saturday, police found a parked tractor-trailer in the lot of a Berks County shopping complex, matching the description of the vehicle they were searching for. Inside the cab, they found the suspect, a 59-year-old man from North Dinwiddie, Va. dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

The incident remains under investigation, and police are asking anyone who was driving between mile marker 266 near the Lebanon-Lancaster interchange and marker 291.3 near the Reading interchange around 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. to contact the Pennsylvania State Police station in Lancaster at 717-299-7650.
Nilda Ruiz, of APM (center) announced on September 21, 2022, that a coalition of over 40 community organizations  that first came together in 2017 to help victims of Hurricane Maria  was reactivating to serve the island's Hurricane Fiona victims. Read more

Hurricanes and flooding are among the most damaging types of natural disasters. With meteorologists predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season rolling through the Caribbean, local social service organizations are on alert.

Nilda Ruiz, CEO and president of the Asociacion Puertorriquenos en Marcha, said there is a collaborative effort of 40 organizations  Greater Philadelphia Long-term Recovery Community  that has raised money for past hurricanes and can be quickly activated this summer to advocate for disaster aid if the need arises.

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Recalling the groups work with 2017s Hurricane Maria, the third most expensive storm in U.S. history, Ruiz said, We were together almost two years. Ruiz said it was a long but successful process with the organization raising about $400,000 for Maria victims.

Need for faster support

The problem is that as storms become more frequent and fierce, traditional means of governmental support or charitable philanthropy may be too slow and bureaucratic for the most vulnerable victims of a disaster  children, seniors, and the disabled  to fully recover. A slow response time may become a catalyst driving the death rate in the aftermath of the storm, as it was with Hurricane Maria.

Now is the time to prepare. Ken Graham

According to 2023 research, monthly remittance increased by 2% due to natural disasters in migrants home countries. This uptick in giving becomes significant within a few months after the event and lasts for about a year. Support from relatives who have moved or emigrated is often substituting for delayed government support.

Storm predictions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting 17 to 25 named storms this season, with 8 to 13 forecasted to become hurricanes.

That forecast is the greatest number of storms that weve forecast, said Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Service. Now is the time to prepare.

 READ MORE: Hurricane season may rank among the busiest on record, NOAA says

We will always mobilize, said Adonis Banegas, executive director of Concilio, a social services agency. But Puerto Rico is still digging out from Maria. More infrastructure is needed in the island.

People tend to forget after a while because there is always something [else] coming up. Nilda Ruiz

In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused billions of dollars in infrastructure damage in Puerto Rico, including demolishing the electrical grid, health care, transportation, housing, and social services, according to the Hispanic Federation. Hurricane Fiona hit in 2022 and dropped 30 inches of rain on parts of Puerto Rico, causing historic flooding levels and further damage to the electrical grid.

Urgent needs, slow support

During the fundraising drive for Fiona, Ruiz acknowledged that the donations were coming in slowly, in part because the devastation wasnt as severe as with Maria, but also because donor attention gets diverted by other crises.

People tend to forget after a while because there is always something [else] coming up, she said.

The U.S. Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) reported in February that as of June 2023, FEMA has awarded $23.4 billion in public assistance funds for Puerto Rico to recover from the 2017 hurricanes and 2019 and 2020 earthquakes. Of that, it has spent $1.8 billion and a lot of work remains, but increased costs may lead to funding shortfalls for projects.

 READ MORE: Philly groups announce fundraising effort to quickly offer assistance to Puerto Rico

The 146,000 Puerto Ricans who live in Philadelphia and have family still on the island are, increasingly, economic first responders.

Cash assistance can also help move families faster toward rebuilding their lives. Cash also provides a much-needed jolt to local economies, which can also be a major boon to recovery, according to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
Hundreds of University of the Arts students and supporters gathered in protest outside of Hamilton Hall in Philadelphia on Monday, June 3, 2024. The school announced abruptly on May 31 that it would be closing. Read more

Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter

Hiya, Philly. Its set to be a hot and sunny Tuesday.

After the shocking announcement that the University of the Arts will close for good on Friday, students, faculty, staff, and alumni are still awaiting answers about the unprecedented move. While top leaders are still tight-lipped, one trustee said it would have taken $40 million to save the storied institution.

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And for the primary election in New Jersey, we have the details on embattled U.S. Sen. Bob Menendezs plan to run as an independent, even as he remains on trial for criminal charges. Plus, check back with The Inquirer throughout the day for live election results.

Heres what you need to know today.

 Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

The past few days have been a whirlwind for students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Phillys University of the Arts, one of the oldest art schools in the country.

The latest: After the sudden Friday evening announcement that the college would shut down on June 7, hundreds of students and supporters staged a colorful protest on the steps of Hamilton Hall on Monday afternoon. A virtual town hall scheduled for 4 p.m. was cancelled just minutes before its start.

Lingering questions: While its still unclear exactly what events led to Fridays abrupt announcement, a university trustee told The Inquirer it would have taken roughly $40 million to stave off the financial crisis that leaders say ultimately forced them to decide to close the school. Signs of financial distress go back at least one year.

Real estate footprint: The schools influence extends beyond the arts. UArts owns a string of iconic Center City properties estimated to be worth $162 million, including Dorrance Hamilton and Furness Halls  the core of its campus  and several high-rises used as dorms, classrooms, or other academic space. What will happens to its real estate? For now, much like students academic fates, its not clear.

Further reading: Check out The Inquirers explainer on UArts history and place in Phillys higher education landscape; our story on an Instagram account dedicated to supporting UArts student artists; and a first-person account from a mourning alum on what it feels like when your college disappears, just like that.

Today is the primary election in New Jersey. Democratic voters wont find the incumbent, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, on the ballot  but they might see him there in the fall.

 The embattled senator, who is currently on trial in Manhattan on federal fraud and bribery charges, has filed paperwork to run a long-shot campaign as an independent in the November Senate race.

 Even if he is acquitted in the criminal trial, its not likely that hell retain his seat. See: low approval ratings, calls from colleagues to resign, and years of legal challenges.

 Meanwhile, U.S. Rep Andy Kim seems poised to take Menendezs seat in the Senate. Nine people are running to replace Kim in the Houses 3rd Congressional District  five Democrats and four Republicans. And over in the GOP, the Senate race is between a Trump-backed candidate and a state party establishment rep.

Catch live updates of Jerseys primary election throughout the day. (Psst, heres why The Inquirer uses expected turnout to display results.)

What you should know today

 Trivia time

Electric bills are projected to go up as rising temperatures lead to more extreme heat events. How much more can Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents expect to pay to keep their homes cool this summer, on average, compared to last year?

A) About $10, or 3%

B) About $35, or 7%

C) About $80, or 12%

D) About $100, or 50%

Think you know? Check your answer.

What were...

 Buying: Milk, cheese, and ice cream straight from these Philly-area farms.

 Wondering: If a fake Amazon review makes you laugh, are you more likely to buy?

 Investigating: Why Colin Bridgerton owns this exclusive Gritty T-shirt.

 Unscramble the anagram

This multi-hyphenate West Philly native rides the El, hosts celebrity game nights, and sells plant-based cheesesteaks.

QUO SVELTE

Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Doug Taber, who solved Mondays anagram: Haddonfield. The Camden County town hosts a free, weekly ballroom dancing class for the blind and visually impaired.

Photo of the day

Have a good Tuesday, OK? Ill be back in your inbox tomorrow.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Caroline OConnell (front center), graduate in fine arts and musical theater, poses with fellow friends and classmates after graduating from the University of the Arts at the Academy of Music in 2022. Read more

UArts closing

The decision to close the University of the Arts is a devastating blow to students, faculty members, alumni, and Philadelphia. The decision was made prematurely and abruptly. The circumstances have not been appropriately communicated to various stakeholders, and many potential solutions have yet to be explored. There is still an opportunity to save this valuable and historic institution. If we do not do what is necessary to pause the closure and evaluate options to save it, it will result in irreversible damage to our citys artistic and cultural community, and the loss of a genuine and truly unique local treasure.

Kevin Thurman, Philadelphia

. . .

I was saddened by The Inquirer article announcing the closing of the University of the Arts. I graduated from UArts as a music major in May 1974. As I write this letter, Im looking at the nametag I wore at an alumni barbecue just a few weeks ago  my first time back to the school in 50 years. A short time after my graduation, I decided I needed a more serious career path, so I went on to get a degree in accounting and spent 35 years as an auditor. But I never regretted my time at UArts. An intense appreciation for music  something that later led to a love of painting, sculpture, theater, literature, architecture, and more  is something most people never acquire. Yet, I firmly believe I was a better auditor for having discovered Beethovens piano sonatas. I am forever indebted to the teacher who shared them with me  Mike White.

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Mike Egan, Plymouth Meeting

Unequal justice

When I read Kyle Sammins column claiming Donald Trumps guilty verdict is a stain on the idea of equal justice under the law, I thought: This guys joking, right? To begin with, the premise that most people couldnt identify the laws broken is a total nonstarter. I cant cite New York law, statute and verse, but its clear the money was paid because Trump feared that the revelation of his tryst with an adult film actress would torpedo his chance of becoming president. He paid her off and then cooked the books to hide it. Not that complex.

However, in some ways, I must agree with Sammin that Trump was treated differently because he is Trump. Any other person accused of multiple felonies would have been denied bail, especially in the case involving theft of national secrets. Any other defendant would have been jailed for contempt after committing violations of a judicial gag order. Any other defendant would not be able to con a large swathe of Americans to pay his legal bills for cheating on his wife. Maybe Sammin was absent from law school the day they taught law.

Jim Lynch, Norristown

Join the conversation: Send letters to letters@inquirer.com. Limit length to 200 words and include home address and day and evening phone number. Letters run in The Inquirer six days a week on the editorial pages and online.
Sen. Bob Menendez is still fighting.

The embattled New Jersey senator filed paperwork Monday to run a long-shot campaign as an independent in the November Senate race.

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The filing came a day before the states primary election, and as Menendez remains on trial in Manhattan on federal fraud and bribery charges.

Filing signatures opened the door to a run, but Menendez has until mid-August to withdraw from the November ballot. The criminal trial, which could send Menendez to jail for years if he is convicted, is expected to continue through the end of June.

Even if Menendez is acquitted, the chances he remains in the Senate are slim, given low approval ratings, calls from most of his colleagues in the Senate to resign, and the years of scandal that have surrounded him. Menendez has served in the Senate as a Democrat since 2006 but opted not to enter the Democratic primary this year as he faced trial.

Hes a very proud man and it may be that withdrawal would be interpreted as fleeing from the fight, Senate historian and former Senate staffer Ross Baker said. On the other hand, his chances are not very auspicious and theres another argument to be made that rather than suffer electoral humiliation, he just wont run.

U.S. Rep. Andy Kim is expected to win the Democratic primary Tuesday against two lesser-known Democratic candidates. The race began as a heated battle between Kim and the states first lady Tammy Murphy, who withdrew in March. Curtis Bashaw and Christine Serrano-Glassner are vying for the GOP Senate nomination in New Jersey, which has not elected a Republican to the Senate in more than 50 years.

While Kim is favored to win in November due to the states majority-Democratic electorate, Menendezs presence on the ballot could act as a spoiler for Kim and put the Senate seat in play for the first time in years. That would, however, require him to perform extremely well as a third-party candidate.

He filed 2,465 signatures Monday, many more than the 800 required to get on the ballot.

A history of legal challenges

Menendezs potential independent run would be his steepest political comeback attempt in a career that has involved other corruption allegations over the years.

 READ MORE: From gold bars to a pricey car: All the bribes Sen. Bob Menendez has been accused of accepting over the years

He spent the day in a Manhattan courtroom Monday, on trial in the second federal corruption case lodged against him in less than a decade.

Federal prosecutors in New York indicted the senator and his wife, Nadine Arslanian, in September on charges they accepted bribes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from three New Jersey businessmen who sought favors from the senator.

That case comes less than six years after Menendez faced the threat of conviction in another bribery case alleging that he accepted lavish gifts, flights on private jets, and campaign support from a Florida eye doctor who was also seeking Menendezs muscle on matters that would benefit his business.

A jury weighing those charges deadlocked in 2017, and the judge later acquitted Menendez of some charges before prosecutors opted not to retry the case.

Defense lawyers maintained Menendez and the doctor, Dr. Salomon Melgen, had been close friends for decades and accused the government of attempting to criminalize gift-giving.

Is there, in this case, a duffel bag stuffed with cash somewhere? the doctors attorney asked jurors in closing arguments in that case. No, theres none of that.

But as the FBI raided Menendezs Englewood Cliffs home in June 2022 while investigating their current case against the senator, they found exactly that  a black duffel bag filled with more than $130,000 in cash.

Prosecutors say that was only one of the bribes Menendez and Arslanian received from their benefactors  a list that also includes envelopes stuffed with cash, gold bars, and a Mercedes.

Since his latest trial began about three weeks ago, government lawyers have sought to link those gifts to actions taken by Menendez that advanced his benefactors interests, including meddling in criminal prosecutions in New Jersey and steering aid and weapons to Egypt.

Buoyed by the outcome of his last trial  after which he was elected to a third term in 2018  Menendez has maintained his innocence of the latest charges and predicted hell be vindicated again in court.

His lawyers have sought to pin the blame squarely on Arslanian, who they say dealt with many of the men now accused of bribing the senator without her husbands knowledge. Shes scheduled to stand trial in July.

You will not see any fingerprints and any DNA on the senators cash, Menendezs lawyer Avi Weitzman told jurors during opening statements last month. Every fingerprint and DNA was found in his wifes closet or in her safe deposit box at a bank.

Political fallout

While Menendezs political career survived his first deadlocked trial, colleagues and constituents quickly soured on him after the latest indictment in September.

His approval numbers plummeted within weeks of the indictments release. More than half of Senate Democrats have called for him to resign, as has his closest colleague, Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.).

The gold bars, stuffed cash, the imagery was just too much for New Jerseyans who had already given him the benefit of the doubt once, said Patrick Murray, a pollster at Monmouth University.

His fundraising has lagged and his legal expenses have skyrocketed since he was indicted last year.

His campaign raised only $7,000 in the first four months of this year, and spent nearly $2.6 million on lawyers, according to campaign finance filings. He reported having $3.6 million left in his campaign war chest as of May 15.

By comparison, Kim, the likely Democratic nominee, had $4.1 million on hand and has raised about $7.8 million since announcing his candidacy.

Menendezs associated PACs have not fared much better, raising roughly $17,000 so far this year and reporting a combined $422,863 on hand.

A separate legal defense fund has raised nearly $189,000 since January and had spent almost all of it by the end of March, according to its latest filings from the IRS. A 2024 reelection run allows him to continue to raise money for all these pots of money, which can be used to pay his legal bills under specific circumstances.

What is Sen. Bob Menendez known for?

Menendez, the child of Cuban immigrants and the former mayor of Union City, burst onto the political scene when he went up against a former political mentor who was caught up in a political corruption case.

The longtime party leader of Hudson County, one of the most powerful political parts of the state, Menendez won elections to the state Senate and the U.S. House, where he served for 14 years until Democratic Sen. Jon Corzine became governor in 2005 and picked Menendez to succeed him in the Senate.

He is the former chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a position he held during the modification of the NATO treaty adding Sweden and Finland as members, and during the start of the war in Ukraine.

Menendez also developed a reputation as a senator focused on constituent services in his state. He was known more for being in the weeds on policy than as a national figure. Baker, who is now a professor at Rutgers, said Menendez once told him that he considered his greatest accomplishment banning hydrofluorocarbons, dangerous chemicals found in air-conditioning units.

The first Latino to represent the state, Menendez has also been an advocate for immigration reform.

Months after his indictment, he was one of a handful of Democrats to oppose a border bill proposed by Democrats on the grounds it offered no meaningful relief to undocumented immigrants in the country, including Dreamers who arrived in the United States as children.

Major chunks of this legislation read like an enforcement wish list from the Trump administration, and directly clash with the most basic tenets of our asylum system, Menendez wrote in a February statement.
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As housing affordability debates have heated up across the United States, a rash of recent polls has shown the complex politics surrounding the issue.

Collectively, the big things they find are that at least some people are OK with the idea of housing in the abstract, but they really dont like it if its proposed next to them, said Katherine Levine Einstein, associate professor of Boston University.

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A new poll paid for by the Welcoming Neighbors Network, a housing policy advocacy organization, surveyed 801 registered voters across Pennsylvania to test the strength of their message against the popularity of hyperlocal land use control. They also canvassed an additional 109 Black voters in Philadelphia.

The poll comes in the midst of a zoning battle brewing in Harrisburg over a series of bills that would, in part, override some local housing construction controls to make building easier.

The effort is backed by bipartisan politicians and a coalition of groups across the ideological spectrum, but it is opposed by the formidable Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors.

The Welcoming Neighbors Network poll is unusual  Einstein couldnt name any others  in that it queried voters about local control vs. housing construction. Municipal governments wield enormous influence over development across the United States, with many local politicians enjoying near total control over zoning policy and other land use regulations.

The poll showed a strong majority of the respondents in favor of building more homes quickly over preserving local government control over development.

When broken down by political affiliation, the proposition proved most popular among Democrats (68% in favor) and Black voters in Philadelphia (78% in favor) while getting less support from Republicans (52%) and independents (53%).

The Welcoming Neighbors Network poll seeks to test alternative messaging in the face of prevalent not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) sentiment to housing proposals, which often provokes fierce resistance that convinces local politicians to make it harder to build.

One of the assumptions underlying our project is that if youre asking about state action, youre reducing the potency of [NIMBY concerns], said Jon Geeting, senior adviser for the smart-growth group 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania, which is part of the coalition that paid for the poll.

[Given that frame] more people are willing to concede that it would be good for the state to try to solve this collective action problem, even if you maybe asked every single one of those people, Should they build a house right behind you? I dont know what the answer is going to be, said Geeting.

But the politics of state preemption of local land use laws are tricky. Another recent poll from the progressive pollster Navigator found that few respondents considered local government at fault for housing affordability challenges in the United States.

Instead almost 40% of respondents said that the federal government was most responsible for housing prices, when, in fact, questions of what gets built and where have largely been delegated to localities. State government also received far more blame than local representatives.

People in general trust their local government more than the federal government, and generally more than the state government, too, Einstein said. That makes it really tricky because we know one of the most effective policy solutions to onerous local land use regulations is state level preemption. Its an accountability nightmare.

Still, zoning reform and development boosting efforts are being pursued in some states. In high-cost states like California and New York, legislatures have been wracked by regular conflicts over such issues.

Pennsylvania is relatively new to the debate, but as home prices have spiked in some areas legislators in both parties have taken note.

Of the policy options polled by Welcoming Neighbors Network, the most popular proved to be streamlining permitting. (It was the only option where a majority of respondents said they strongly supported the idea.) That finding echoes a poll on housing policy conducted last year by the Pew Charitable Trusts, which also found that 89% of Pennsylvanians supported simplified, faster permitting.

I see why Josh Shapiro is out there talking about this all the time, said Geeting. Pennsylvanians, they love permitting reform.

Other popular ideas included converting commercial buildings to residential uses and allowing housing around offices. So-called accessory dwelling units  think in-law suites and rentals in a basement or above a garage  were also broadly popular. Those ideas, along with building more homes near transit, received supermajority support in Pews polling of Pennsylvanians.

Other ideas that have gained widespread attention in recent years, such as eliminating single-family only zoning or reducing the minimum size of a lot where a home is allowed, proved less popular although they largely still won majority support in the Welcoming Neighbors Network framing.

Opponents of the state preemption of local land use laws cast doubt upon the new polls findings, arguing that most such efforts massage their language to generate responses amenable to their causes.

Our only concern is that a local community ought to be able to decide what works for them, as opposed to some bureaucrat from out of town thats never set foot in the community, said Dave Sanko, executive director of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors.

Sanko noted that the zoning reform bills in the Pennsylvania House were scheduled for committee in late May but were not brought up for a vote. He says there are plentiful examples of local governments choosing to make zoning changes themselves, highlighting current efforts in Allentown.

He also pointed out that by the annual Census estimates, Philadelphia has lost over 50,000 residents since 2020 and that many other parts of the state have long been in population decline.

Other areas are growing because folks have left Philadelphia and moved out to suburban communities where there are lower taxes and lower crime and safer communities, Sanko said. I dont think any urban planner ought to be trying to force people to live in high-density, high-crime, high-cost communities.
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. 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.
Then importantly, that the small business owner is not on their own in how they deal with this risk, that there is a product thats targeted to support them, said Gallagher. And so [the challenge is] getting that message out there to our brokers.
CleanPeak Energy CEO Philip Graham said: IAG has shown leadership in its approach to decarbonise its operations and we are delighted to be part of the solution. The agreement we have signed will not only support the Grong Grong community solar project but also provide support for new solar farms to be built across the NEM in regional locations. Our partnership with IAG and our focus on delivering tailored solutions for multi-site customers is exactly how we can accelerate the transition to net zero.
Partnering with Kilpatrick enhances our diverse offering while building upon our value proposition of seamlessly connecting every point of the benefits journey for brokers, carriers, and their clients. Our mutual mission is clear: to be the firm brokers trust to deliver the best client experience and build the future of their businesses.
Lifting the lid on the decision to dismiss, AIGs camp said in a recent US District Court in New Jersey filing: While AIG disputes that its claims against the former executives are arbitrable, it is dismissing those claims to avoid unnecessary delays and costs from motion practice, and to ensure that AIGs claims against Dellwood are adjudicated in public and in the proper venue for this commercial dispute  the District of New Jersey.
My career has centered around providing top notch service by adhering to a broker-centric approach. This position gives me an opportunity to help expand the INSUREtrust brand - one that truly embodies expertise and integrity. I couldnt be more excited, she said.
The creation of Bondaval Re will enable the company to collaborate directly with reinsurers and insurers, including those within its existing global reinsurance treaty, thereby broadening potential business opportunities. As per a report from AM Best, clients will continue to engage directly with insurance partners.
New Hampshire safety officials last Thursday upheld the license suspension of a commercial truck driver who was acquitted in the 2019 deaths of seven motorcyclists but said another hearing will be held to determine how long the suspension will last.

A jury in 2022 found Volodymyr Zhukovskyy not guilty of multiple manslaughter and negligent homicide counts stemming from the June 21, 2019, collision in Randolph that killed seven members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club, an organization of Marine Corps veterans and their spouses in New England.

Zhukovskyys Massachusetts license was automatically suspended in New Hampshire after his arrest following the crash, but he sought to get it reinstated at a hearing earlier this month.

In an order Thursday, an administrative law judge for the Department of Safety said Zhukovskyy is subject to a state law that allows his license to be suspended for up to seven years and that a dispositional hearing will be scheduled later.

The evidence clearly supports a finding that the respondent operated his truck and trailer in a negligent matter which was unlawful and caused or materially contributed to the accident, wrote Ryan McFarland.

At his trial, prosecutors argued that Zhukovskyy  who had taken heroin, fentanyl and cocaine the day of the crash  repeatedly swerved back and forth before the collision and told police he caused it. But a judge dismissed eight impairment charges and his attorneys said the lead biker was drunk and not looking where he was going when he lost control of his motorcycle and slid in front of Zhukovskyys truck, which was pulling an empty flatbed trailer.

Zhukovskyys trial lawyers also said there was no evidence he was impaired at the time of the crash and that police did not make any observations in the hours afterward suggesting he was.

At the time, Zhukovskyys license should have been revoked because he had been arrested in Connecticut on a drunken driving charge in May 2019. Connecticut officials alerted the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, but Zhukovskyys license wasnt suspended due to a backlog of out-of-state notifications about driving offenses. The Connecticut case is pending.

Zhukovskyy, who came to the U.S. as a child from Ukraine and had permanent residency status, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after the 2022 verdict. A judge ordered his deportation last year, but the U.S. has paused repatriation flights to Ukraine due to the war with Russia and authorized Temporary Protected Status for qualified Ukrainians.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Trucking Connecticut
A gang leader who recruited other gang members and used violence, threats of violence, and extortion to take over the fire restoration business in New York City and defraud insurance companies has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Jatiek Smith was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff after being convicted following a bench trial in December 2023 of racketeering and extortion conspiracies.

In addition to the prison term, Smith, of Staten Island, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $354,546.44. Restitution will be determined at a later date, according to prosecutors.

Fire Mitigation Industry Terror: NYC Gang Member Convicted of Extortion, Racketeering

In 2019, Smith joined the fire mitigation company First Response, which was involved the practice of chasing fires, which refers to soliciting repair, mitigation, demolition, and construction business from the owners of fire-damaged properties. Insurers pay for the services.

Prosecutors showed how Smith, a member of the Bloods, a violent street gang, quickly assumed control over the operations of First Response. He recruited other gang members and associates to join him at First Response and then used violence and extortion to terrorize and dominate the fire restoration industry in New York City. Property Restoration Industry: A Culture in Need of Repair? The use of violence and extortion to dominate an industry places the New York case in a category of its own. But experts say often-aggressive, sometimes-violent tactics have been seen across the country as fire restoration, paid for by insurance carriers, attracts illegitimate contractors seeking quick profits. In many cases, contractors or adjusters show up at fire victims homes, sometimes even before firefighters have extinguished the blaze. We have unfortunately seen this emerge as a common practice after major loss events, said Michael Richmond-Crum, counsel for the American Property and Casualty Insurance Association. While these practices are seen in areas where major catastrophic events take place, there is no geographical limit to the practice, and we have seen these bad actors move around the country in response to major events. Read more

Smith asserted control over the industry by first ousting First Responses main competitor, American Emergency Services (AES), through violence, threats, and extortion. Once Smith and his crew had established control over the industry, they imposed rules that allocated a preferential share of fires to First Response. These rules were backed by threats  including a demand that AES pay $100,000 to continue in the business and threats to kill children  and violence.

Industry participants who solicited fires in violation of Smiths rules were assaulted in broad daylight, prosecutors found. Smith and his crew also extorted hundreds of thousands of dollars from other industry participants.

According to prosecutors, Smith maximized his profits from this scheme by concealing illegal conditions in properties and defrauding insurance companies.

In his defense, Smith claimed that the competitor he ousted was the aggressor in the industry and he worked to reduce the conflicts and violence by standing up to that firm and setting up a rotation system to assure that all chasers got a minimum number of fires each month. He maintained the system was not extortionate.

However, Judge Rakoff found that Smiths defense was undermined by the governments proof of Smiths use of violence and extortion to enforce the rotation.

Offering up these benign explanations for the rotation system is akin to a mobster calling extortion payments protection money,' the judge wrote in his December ruling against Smith.

The judge found that overall the government proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Smith and his co-conspirators agreed to extort AES, ServPro, EFS and an individual but failed to prove extortion relating to iFlood and a contractor.

The simple fact is that the government has put forward substantial evidence that violence and intimidation by Smith and his co- conspirators were used to enforce the rotation system, the judge concluded.

Prosecutors evidence included recordings of Smith threatening to kill competitors and ordering an attack on a rival firms employee and videos recovered from his cellphone showing his crew members assaulting employees of rival emergency mitigation services firms.

The judge also found that there was ample proof of the actual existence of a racketeering enterprise, of Smiths participation in it, and of the commission of extortion and mail and/or wire fraud.

Smith denied being involved in any racketeering conspiracy that committed insurance fraud. He said that while he learned at one point that conditions at homes were being concealed for insurance purposes, he said the evidence at trial showed that the relevant instances barely even involved him, let alone constituted acts furthering the enterprise he was the supposed leader of.

But the judge said Smith was wrong that the insurance fraud was unrelated to the purpose of dominating the fire restoration industry. The judge wrote: Dominating the fire restoration industry, including by increasing the number of fires signed by the Enterprise, was only profitable if insurance companies paid out insurance claims. Because the insurance frauds were a means to ensure those insurance claims were paid, these frauds directly facilitated the profits generated by the Enterprise through its dominance of the restoration industry and its extortion.

The judge found the government did not prove a third charge against Smith of obstruction of justice.

First Response primarily operated in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island but also did business in the Bronx and Manhattan.

The office of U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams prosecuted the case. Williams praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, and the New York City Department of Investigation.

We will not stand for gangs or any criminal groups that try to corrupt our institutions and threaten our safety. Todays sentence demonstrates that those who use violence and intimidation will face significant jail time, Williams commented after the sentencing was announced..

Topics New York
A New Jersey man who orchestrated a 13-year long, $60 million no-fault automobile insurance scam in New York has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Bradley Pierre was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe for conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in connection with the fraud campaign targeting automobile insurance companies.

Pierre pled guilty before the same judge on December 18, 2023.

In addition to the prison term, Pierre was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $3,500,000 and pay $1,500,000 in restitution.

Bradley Pierres deceitful orchestration of a $60 million fraud  the largest in New Yorks history  targeting no-fault automobile insurance companies exemplifies a blatant disregard for justice and fairness. Through bribery and manipulation, Pierre callously exploited the system, denying accident victims the rightful care they deserved, commented Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, whose office prosecuted the case.

The original indictment identified counts of health care fraud, money laundering, bribery, identity theft and fraud against the IRS as part Pierres scheme that involved medical clinics, doctors, business associates and law firms, including his wifes firm.

Pierre took advantage of New York and New Jersey no-fault insurance laws that requires insurers to pay auto insurance claims automatically for certain types of motor vehicle accidents, provided that the claim is legitimate and below a particular monetary threshold. Insurance companies will often pay medical service providers directly for the treatment they provide to automobile accident victims without the need to bill the victims themselves.

According to court records, from about 2008 to 2021, Pierre agreed with others to unlawfully own and run medical clinics located in the New York area including, among others, Veda Medical, Sky Medical, Sun Medical, and Rutland Medical. Because clinics are unable to bill insurance companies for no-fault benefits if they are controlled by non-physicians, Pierre convinced doctors and others to submit bills to insurance companies falsely representing that the clinics were owned and operated by licensed doctors, and for the doctors to lie under oath during examinations under oath about the ownership, control, and finances of the clinics.

Pierre used his control of the clinics for personal profit. According to prosecutors, between 2008 and 2021, he took more than $20 million from the clinics by either transferring the funds directly to bank accounts under his control or using the clinics bank accounts to pay his personal finances.

He also used his control of the clinics to steer prescriptions to pharmacies in return for more than $1 million in kickbacks and to steer patients to seek legal representation from law firms he conspired with including the law firm run by his wife, Nonna Shikh. The law firms then filed lawsuits against insurance companies on patients behalf. Pierre maintained an office at the Shikh firm and was actively involved in the legal practice as a manager, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said that Pierre hid income from the IRS by concealing multiple bank accounts and using a series of check cashers. He improperly reported personal expenses as business expenses. These included payments for his wedding, home renovations, jewelry, furniture, luxury clothing, travel, and gifts. In total, Pierre underreported income, falsely reported expenses of over $4 million, and deprived the IRS of approximately $1.5 million in taxes due, according to prosecutors.

Topics Auto New York Fraud
Toyota Motor Corp. and other carmakers embroiled in a fresh certification scandal halted shipments of a handful of models and saw their offices raided by government officials, but the impact on their customers and operations appears to be limited.

Honda Motor Co. shares fell 2.4% while Toyota dipped 1.1% in morning trading in Tokyo Tuesday, after disclosing that they falsified safety certification tests. Toyota submitted faulty data during pedestrian-safety tests for three current models  the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio and Yaris Cross  the transport ministry said Monday.

The findings follow an earlier order by the government for almost 90 manufacturers to reexamine their testing procedures after decades of fraud were uncovered at a pair of Toyota affiliates last year. While the disclosures are the latest blow for Toyota and Japans automakers, their shares remain up this year. The latest round didnt include any cars being recalled or warnings over operational safety.

Japan Auto Safety Scandal Widens; Toyota Halts Shipments of Some Vehicles

Customers can rest assured their cars are safe to drive, but there are rules we must follow, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda told reporters Monday. We should not have sidestepped these important processes.

Toyotas three models account for less than 2% of the 11 million vehicles Toyota produced last year. The shipment halts will affect two assembly lines responsible for the production of 130,000 units a year, according to the carmaker.

Still, Toyoda and his board will need to assuage any concerns about Toyotas leadership or shared governance at its annual shareholder meeting on June 18. Two leading proxy firms urged shareholders to vote against the reappointment of Toyoda in the upcoming meeting, citing concerns over the recent scandals, as well as governance issues.

The emerging scandal is extremely regrettable, Ken Saito, the minister of economy, trade and industry, said during a news conference in Tokyo, adding the agency is investigating the impact on suppliers and will respond appropriately.

Authorities entered Toyotas headquarters in Nagoya on Tuesday morning at 9:30 local time, according to the transport ministry. Officials said they would also conduct on-site inspections of Mazda Motor Corp., Yamaha Motor Co. and Suzuki Motor Corp.

Mazda said it fabricated test results and tampered with the units used for collision testing in five models, including the Mazda2 and Roadster RF, according to a company statement. Irregularities were identified in over 150,000 units the automaker has produced since 2014 for the Japan market.

We will bear costs incurred to suppliers due to the shipment halts, Mazda Chief Executive Officer Masahiro Moro said, adding the company would make efforts to prevent the lapses from recurring. The halt is likely to affect 3,500 orders and the carmaker is not considering recalls at this point.

Moro attributed the data issues to employee misinterpretations of unclear procedure manuals, not an organizational cover-up or malicious falsification.

Separately, Honda was found to have fabricated data related to noise and gasoline engine output, affecting more than 3 million units. Still, customers can continue to use their vehicles, which include the Accord and Odyssey, since they meet legal standards. The automaker didnt find any falsification for cars currently being sold, or for upcoming models.

Our testing process was aimed at making the tests more efficient, so that we dont have to repeat them, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said Monday. Government regulations keep changing which might get risky, so (to avoid that) we are aiming to introduce a system that does not require human intervention from next year.

In December, an internal probe of Daihatsu Motor Co. showed most of its vehicles had not been properly tested for collision safety. Toyota Industries Corp. also suspended all engine shipments in January after an investigation revealed it had falsified power-output figures.

The latest probes follow on from a series of scandals involving the likes of Nissan Motor Co., Mazda and Suzuki stretching back more than a decade, including falsifying emissions and fuel economy data. Air bag maker Takata Corp. filed for bankruptcy in 2017 after one of the worlds most famous recall crises.

Vehicle development is more complex now and carmakers are trying to avoid increasing staffing, which could be forcing them to deviate from traditional processes and causing irregularities, according to Bloomberg Intelligence senior auto analyst Tatsuo Yoshida.

Still, he added, these issues are different from the scandal with Daihatsu and its impact on the economy will be limited.

Photograph: Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda bows during a news conference in Tokyo on June 3, 2024. Photo credit: Toru Hanai/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
Chartered insurance broker Verlingue Ltd. has established a new dedicated construction practice to serve the UKs fast-growing construction industry. The practice, led by Harvey Monk, sales director South, brings together a team of specialists from across Verlingue in one streamlined hub.

The 12-strong team provides medium and large sized UK domiciled construction clients with comprehensive risk management advice and support as well as expertise in placing sector specific insurance programs including construction liability insurance, performance bonds, credit insurance, contractors plant and fleet and professional indemnity.

The practice also supports UK-based clients with European construction projects through the wider Verlingue groups operations in France, Portugal, Switzerland and Italy and London Markets plus its partners in the Worldwide Broker Network (WBN).

Verlingue said the construction sector is set for a period of sustained growth with recent forecasts estimating the sector will grow to 476.6 billion by 2027 (according to Statista data published in January 2024).

In particular, Verlingue is seeing a significant increase in demand for advice surrounding modern methods of construction and the implications these can have on risk management and programme design.

I am delighted to be leading this dedicated practice comprised of individuals from across our UK and European businesses. The team has significant expertise in this sector born from many years of experience. This gives us great insight into the changing needs and challenges of clients operating in this sector, commented Harvey Monk, sales director south, Verlingue.

This is an important development for us and reflects our established strategy of building out national practices by bringing together, and recruiting, people with specialist knowledge,according to Mike Latham, group CEO, Verlingue.

It follows the successful launch of dedicated practices covering the like of media, healthcare, food delivery and multinational, ensuring we continue to deliver the insurance and employee benefits solutions our clients need, Latham added.

Headquartered in Redhill, England, Verlingue Ltd. also has offices in Manchester, Egham, and London market. It supports small corporate/large SMEs for general insurance, employee benefits and risk management services across a range of specialist sectors. The business is owned by French parent company Verlingue, an independent insurance broker that employs more than 1,200 people. With offices in France, Portugal, Switzerland, Great Britain, and Italy, Verlingue is based in Quimper, France and places premiums in excess of 2 billion.

Source: Verlingue

Topics Agencies Construction
Insurers are preparing for an above-average loss event as a result of floods in southern Germany.

The pictures from Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg foreshadow the worst. Our companies are already receiving many claims reports, according to Jorg Asmussen, managing director of the German Insurance Association (GDV).

However, it is still far too early to estimate the damage, he said. We can only give a forecast when the levels have dropped everywhere.

Insurance Penetration Varies

How badly the disaster will hit the insurance sector also depends on how many of the affected houses have natural hazard protection, which also covers damage caused by flooding, heavy rain or avalanches, GDV said.

Scholz to Visit Southern German Region Battling Severe Flooding

In Bavaria, 47% of buildings are insured against all natural hazards, while in Baden-Wurttemberg the proportion is 94%. GDV explained that penetration levels depend on whether local laws require all building owners to be compulsorily insured against fire and natural hazards.

Asmussen warned that insurance alone is not a solution if state and individual flood protection fall by the wayside.

In view of more frequent severe storms  especially in Germany  more must be done to build resilience to floods, as the breached dams in Bavaria show, GDV said.

We need building bans in flooded areas, an obligation to use water-resilient building materials and better flood protection facilities. This is the only way we can break the spiral of rising claims and rising premiums, Asmussen continued.

Two Floods This Year

Insurers have had to respond to two floods since the beginning of year. Over Christmas, many rivers burst their banks in northern and central Germany, causing damage of an estimated 200 million euros. Further, the floods in Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate in May were similarly devastating, according to the preliminary forecast from the GDV.

Costliest Natural Disaster

The most devastating natural disaster to date in Germany was the July flood of 2021, which caused devastation in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia, in particular. At that time, insured losses amounted to almost 9 billion euros.

Source: German Insurance Association (GDV)

Photograph: Roads are flooded after heavy rainfalls in Babenhausen southern Germany, on Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Nikolas Schaefers/dp/dpa via AP)

Topics Carriers Profit Loss Flood Germany
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at broker Aon and HDI Global UK & Ireland.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Aon Names Reese as CFO, Succeeding Davies

Insurance broker Aon plc announced that Edmund Reese will be appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer of Aon, effective July 29, 2024.

Reese will join Aon on July 1 to succeed Christa Davies, who will certify second quarter 2024 results and then help with the transition of her responsibilities. She will become a senior adviser to the firm until her previously announced retirement next year.

As Aons CFO, Reese will be responsible for the firms finance function and capital allocation strategy.

Reese has more than 25 years of leadership experience at large public companies in the financial services, payments and technology sectors. He has served since 2020 as CFO of Broadridge Financial Solutions, a global fintech leader with a $24 billion market capitalization. Reese joined Broadridge from American Express, where he last served as senior vice president and CFO of its largest business unit, Global Consumer Services Group, and held several financial leadership positions, including head of Investor Relations and CFO of Global Business Services.

Prior to joining American Express in 2009, Reese served as CFO of the U.S. Advisory Group at Merrill Lynch and previously served as CFO of the Corporate Client Group and Stock Plan Services at Citigroup Smith Barney. He served on The Hartfords Board of Directors, including as a member of the Audit Committee. He is a member of the Clemson University Foundation Board and Presidents Advisory Board.

Reese earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Clemson University and a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Edmund is an accomplished executive with deep financial, M&A and investor experience and a proven track record of driving strong results, said Greg Case, CEO of Aon. As our next CFO, Edmund will further enhance our focus on top and bottom-line growth, disciplined capital allocation, and portfolio management to deliver positive outcomes for our clients, colleagues and shareholders.

***

Ogden Named CEO of HDI Global UK & Ireland as Taylor Retires

HDI Global announced the appointment of Stephanie Ogden as the CEO HDI Global UK & Ireland, effective Sept. 1, 2024.

She succeeds Richard Taylor who has made the decision to retire at the end of the year, but will then move into a consultancy role for the business.

Ogden joined HDI in 2019, acting as managing director HDI Global UK and Ireland since 2022.

It has been a true honour to serve and lead two of HDIs largest branches during the last 17 years. I am immensely thankful to the talented people who have supported the business during this time, together we have built a fantastic business and one that we can all be proud of, said Taylor.

I am so pleased to be handing over the helm at a time when we are doing so well. I feel now is the right time for me to move on and make way for my successor and it is with great pleasure to be able to hand over to my colleague Stephanie.

HDI Global SE is the Industrial Lines Division of the Talanx Group. Approximately 5,000 employees in this division generated insurance revenue (gross) of approximately 9.1 billion euros in the year 2023 (according to IFRS 17).

Topics Aon
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP)  A crew working in the basement area of an Ohio building intentionally cut a gas line not knowing it was pressurized before a deadly explosion last week, the National Transportation Safety Board said.

NTSB board member Tom Chapman said preliminary investigation shows workers were in the basement to clear out piping and other outdated infrastructure and debris from the basement and vault area  which extends underneath the sidewalk next to the building  in anticipation of a city project to fill in the area and replace the sidewalks. A crew of five people and a supervisor had been on site that day and four of the workers were there when it happened, he said.

It was an apparently abandoned service line coming off the main, which ran parallel to the street, Chapman said.

He said workers smelled no gas before they started cutting the pipe and knew there was a problem when they made the third cut.

At that point, workers pulled the fire alarm and alerted residents and bank employees to evacuate. Chapman said the explosion happened six minutes later. He also said all indications are that it was accidental.

Investigators will try to determine why the pipe was pressurized and how long it had been that way.

Chapman said the investigation would continue without access to the inside of the building until engineers can determine if the building is safe to enter. He said the NTSB has gotten security video from inside the bank and other video evidence.

The explosion Tuesday afternoon blew out much of the ground floor of Realty Tower, killing a bank employee and injuring several others. It collapsed part of the ground floor into its basement and sent the facade across the street. Bricks, glass and other debris littered the sidewalk outside the 13-story building, which had a Chase Bank branch at street level and apartments in upper floors.

Investigators are also trying to discern whether people in the bank heard the fire alarm.

Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown said in a news release Friday that the city had contracted with a construction company called GreenHeart to perform private utility relocation in the basement of the Realty Tower. He said there is no evidence that cutting the gas line the NTSB mentioned was necessary to complete that work.

Greenheart did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday evening.

The bank employee, 27-year-old Akil Drake, had been seen inside the building just before the blast, police have said. Firefighters rescued others as they cleared the building.

Seven injured people were taken to a Youngstown hospital. One woman remained hospitalized as of Thursday in critical condition, but her name and further details on her injuries have not been disclosed. Three others were in stable condition, and the other three were released.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Ohio
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.

Medinilla wrote that the strength of each sides scientific arguments should be decided by juries.

Delaware courts are loath to step into the heart of technical debate between opposing scientists, she said.

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.

GSK, Pfizer 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. A spokesperson for Boehringer Ingelheim did not immediately respond to a request 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, which concerns different experts from those in the Delaware case.

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.

Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Topics Lawsuits Legislation
AXA XL said it streamlined its underwriting operations in the Americas, which will now be three segmentslarge commercial, middle-market and professional.

The realignment is resulting in redundancies, confirmed a company spokesperson via email.

Well work closely with all impacted colleagues to support them through this transition period, said the spokesperson, who added that the reorganization is still taking shape so there are no numbers to share on the amount of employees affected.

Donna Nadeau, who has more than 30 years of industry experience and was most recently AXA XLs chief underwriting officer for the Americas, will become head of the large commercial business unit, bringing together casualty, property, cyber, construction & energy, and specialty products.

After taking a close look at our structure, were making changes to our regional model to optimize how we work and how our brokers and clients work with us. Were organizing ourselves with the client in mind, giving our brokers and clients an easy access point to all product lines, said Lucy Pilko, Americas CEO.

AXA XLs mid-marketing operations, led by Matthew Waters, launched last year. This unit is dedicated to meeting the P/C needs of businesses with less than $1 billion in revenue. Environmental, inland marine, construction, and excess & lead umbrella will now be offered for mid-size clientsnow including those in Canada.

The insurers professional business segment will continue to address clients directors & officers (D&O), merger & acquisition (M&A), crime and kidnap, ransom & extortion (KRE) insurance needs. It will continue to operate as a vertical segment, managed by the existing operating committee of Tony Giacco, John Burrows, Sean Hearn, and Jim Koval.

Topics AXA XL
A top US spy chief said China is increasingly using its companies to find vulnerabilities in their own computer networks and then tapping that knowledge to target foreign nations and industries.

Were really seeing China be very aggressive, General Timothy Haugh, the director of the National Security Agency and head of Cyber Command, said in an interview with Haslinda Amin on Bloomberg Television.

In response, the US is rapidly working with any number of nations to expose wherever we can what vulnerabilities exist in systems and also Chinese actions to take advantage of that, Haugh added in the interview Friday on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

In March, the US, UK and New Zealand accused China of sponsoring malicious cyber activity in targeting democratic institutions. London and Washington said hackers backed by Beijing had targeted politicians, companies and dissidents for years, and stole troves of British voter data.

China, too, sees itself as a victim of cyber attacks from the US and its allies, and routinely rejects accusations of hacking. Beijing specifically disputed the US, UK and New Zealand claims earlier this year, calling them groundless and irresponsible.

President Xi Jinpings government has said it confronts unprecedented risks and challenges in safeguarding national secrets and has stepped up training at government agencies, universities and state-owned enterprises on how to safeguard state secrets.

China also recently began a sweeping reorganization of its cyber forces, announcing that it will terminate the Strategic Support Force that was created more than eight years ago to enhance capabilities in space, cyber, political and electronic warfare. Instead, Xis government is creating a new branch called the Information Support Force.

Haugh succeeded retired General Paul Nakasone as the head of both NSA and Cyber Command early this year. Before taking on those roles, Haugh warned about the threats AI could pose to the 2024 election and Chinas potential exports of AI technology to control civilian populations.

Photo: Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics USA Cyber China
In Louisiana, East Baton Rouge Parish residents and business owners will be eligible for an increased discount on their flood insurance premiums this fall.

According to a press release from the City of Baton Rouge, beginning Oct. 1, homeowners and business owners with National Flood Insurance Plan policies issued or renewed within East Baton Rouge Parish will be eligible for 20% discounts.

Policyholders in the parish are currently eligible for 15% discounts.

The parish has been elevated to a Class 6 rating in the NFIP Community Rating System. This rating, determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, recognizes the parishs floodplain management activities and commitment to reducing flood risks.

We remain committed to leading our community towards greater disaster resilience, said Sharon Weston Broome, the mayor-president of Baton Rouge. Our hard work means an additional 5% discount for EBR property owners, saving them an additional $700,000 a year. This achievement shows our commitment to reducing flood potential in Baton Rouge while reducing the financial burden of flood insurance on our residents and homeowners.

Related: Louisiana Lawmakers Pass Auto Insurance Reform Bills

The release shared that, in addition to floodplain management, Mayor Broomes administration will continue extensive drainage work in East Baton Rouge Parish. Thirty-five thousand tons of debris were removed from the Comite River, Claycut Bayou, Ward Creek, Jones Creek, Bayou Fountain, Elbow Creek and Dawson Creek in the last year.

This discount is a direct result of the proactive flood mitigation strategies implemented under Mayor Broome to protect our community and reduce property damage, the release said.

Per the FEMA website, flood insurance premium rates in CRS communities are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the communitys efforts that address the three goals of the program.

These goals are reducing and avoiding flood damage to insurable property, strengthening and supporting the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program and fostering comprehensive floodplain management.

The CRS discount scale ranges from Class 10, which offers no premium reduction, to Class 1, which provides a 45% discount. Read the full letter from FEMA to Broome on the City of Baton Rouge website.
InsureTrust, an Atlanta-based specialty broker specializing in cyber risk, has named Sonja Kozel as senior vice president.

Kozel, with 10 years in the business, previously led sales for Cowbell, a cyber insurance company, and for Markel Specialty. She graduated from the University of Nebraska and is currently based in St. Louis. With InsureTrust, Kozel will aim to broaden the firms footprint and expand retail brokerage partnerships, the company said in a news release.

InsureTrust is a division of Starwind Specialty Insurance, a subsidiary of CRC Insurance Services, one of the largest U.S. wholesale specialty distributors.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  Recovery from a May 10 tornado outbreak has cost Floridas capital city $50 million so far, Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey said Friday.

Florida officials have requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency declare a major disaster, which could make local government and individuals eligible for federal assistance. FEMA has not yet approved such a declaration.

Dailey told local news outlets that the city is working with President Joe Bidens administration and FEMA so it can be reimbursed for storm response and individuals can get aid.

Thats where we can be the most impactful as a community and a government, is working with FEMA, Dailey told WTXL-TV.

Dailey said the total cost to the city will increase as city workers continue cleaning up debris.

The National Weather Service says six tornadoes struck the Florida Panhandle and Alabama on May 10, including three that hit parts of Tallahassee. Officials say that by some measures, the damage is worse than recent hurricanes in the area.

Two people died in the storms from injuries caused by falling trees, a 47-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl.

The storm damaged Florida A&M University, Florida State University and other schools.

Volunteers continue to help residents clear debris and make repairs. Members of the Tallahassee Rotary Club on Saturday helped remove a tree from the roof of one home and cover the hole with a tarp.

She had a limb straight through, like an 8-foot limb straight through her roof and we were able to pull that out, Alasdair Roe, a member of the Rotary Club, told WTXL-TV.

Leon County commissioners voted to distribute $1 million in aid to help people and businesses in areas of the county outside Tallahassee who were affected by the storms and not covered by insurance. The program is providing up to $3,500 per household and up to $10,000 per business.

However, leaders have rejected a proposal by a Leon County commissioner to give $300 rebates on electric bills from Tallahassees city utility and the Talquin Electric cooperative to people who experienced lengthy power outages. They told WCTV-TV that such a move wouldnt be legal.

Photo: Damaged buildings near downtown Tallahassee. (AP Photo/Phil Sears, file)

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Florida Windstorm
Florida financial regulators have charged a Fort Myers insurance broker with taking out a life insurance policy on a person without their knowledge and misusing the persons identification information.

Bryce Corey Tyminski, 26, was arrested and booked into the Lee County jail late last week, charged with insurance fraud and use of another persons identification. He was released Friday on a $2,500 bond.

Investigators with the state Department of Financial Services began looking into Tyminski after the alleged victim had filed a complaint, the DFS said in a statement Tuesday. The investigation found that in November 2023, the broker allegedly wrote two life insurance policies in the victims name, with Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Co. and with American Amicable Life Insurance Co. of Texas, in an attempt to collect some $1,200 in commission, DFS said.

He also used the persons ID information without their consent and used a false address and fake email account on the insurance application, DFS said.

Tyminski knowingly presented false, incomplete, and misleading information as part of an application for issuance of an insurance policy, the departments statement reads. The alleged victims name was not provided.

The DFS webpage shows that Tyminski holds a life insurance and annuity agent license, issued in March 2023. He is currently appointed with 11 insurance carriers.

Tyminski, who also lists a Sarasota address, could not be reached for comment Tuesday morning at the phone number and email address shown on the DFS license page. His Facebook page shows he is a former U.S. Marine and was a top producer last year for a life insurance and financial firm.

Topics Agencies Fraud
Oregon utility regulators have rejected a request from PacifiCorp that sought to limit its liability in wildfire lawsuits.

Under the proposal, PacifiCorp would only have been responsible for paying out actual economic damages in lawsuit awards. The company submitted the request in November, months after an Oregon jury found it was liable for causing deadly and destructive fires over Labor Day weekend in 2020, KGW reported.

The Oregon Public Utility Commission rejected PacifiCorps proposal last weel, saying it would prohibit payouts for noneconomic damages such as pain, mental suffering and emotional distress. It said the request was too broad and likely against the law.

The regulator added that the proposal could create a situation where PacifiCorp customers and non-customers are not able to seek the same damages. The proposal said that customers, in agreeing to receive PacifiCorps electricity, would waive their right to claim noneconomic damages.

Related: Oregon Wineries and Vineyards Seek $100M from PacifiCorp for Wildfire Smoke Damage

Over the past year, Oregon juries in multiple verdicts have ordered PacifiCorp to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to victims. Ongoing litigation could leave it on the hook for billions.

In a statement to KGW, PacifiCorp said its looking to balance safety and affordability and will consider the commissions feedback to continue to look for approaches to address this risk.

Oregon Consumer Justice, an advocacy group that had challenged PacifiCorps proposal, said the ruling was a significant victory for ratepayers because it allows them to seek full compensation for any future wildfire damages.

We applaud PUC for putting people first and rejecting a proposal that sought to unfairly limit the rights of Oregonians, its executive director Jagjit Nagra told KGW.

The Oregon Sierra Club also praised the decision. Its director, Damon Motz-Storey, said utilities should be investing in and acting on wildfire mitigation, KGW reported.

While Oregon regulators rejected PacifiCorps proposal, they also said that Oregon needs to find appropriate policy and regulatory solutions to the serious problems wildfire liability creates for PacifiCorp and, indeed, all utilities and their customers.

Last June, a jury found PacifiCorp liable for negligently failing to cut power to its 600,000 customers despite warnings from top fire officials. The jury determined it acted negligently and willfully and should have to pay punitive and other damages  a decision that applied to a class including the owners of up to 2,500 properties.

Thousands of other class members are still awaiting trials, though the sides are also expected to engage in mediation that could lead to a settlement.

The 2020 Labor Day weekend fires were among the worst natural disasters in Oregons history, killing nine people, burning more than 1,875 square miles and destroying upward of 5,000 homes and other structures.

Topics Lawsuits Catastrophe Natural Disasters Liability Wildfire Energy Oregon
VANCOUVER, BC - June 4, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) is excited to announce that Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, Executive Director of CEBC, will be participating in this year's Indigenous Partnership Success Showcase. Join us on June 6, 2024, at 2:30 PM, for a panel discussion with the Honourable Minister Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low-Carbon Innovation, moderated by Michelle Mungall, with introductions from Leon Gaber, about Indigenous opportunities across BC's electrification value chain.

"The need for clean energy is more urgent than ever. At Generate 2024, Minister Osborne and I discussed the critical role of First Nations and aligned Indigenous partnerships in BC's energy transition, in line with BC Hydro's current and future calls for power. The Province of British Columbia is leading the way in the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples through the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. This commitment to reconciliation is reflected in the increasing involvement of First Nations as leaders in the clean energy sector," said Kwatuuma Cole Sayers. "As we face increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions, the Indigenous Partnership Success Showcase offers a vital platform for us to highlight how Indigenous-led clean energy projects can lead the way in environmental stewardship and economic reconciliation, while celebrating the progress we've made. I am honoured to participate in this discussion, and I look forward to sharing insights and exploring new pathways for collaboration and innovation."

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. The fifth annual showcase will be held this week on June 5  6 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Visit: https://www.indigenoussuccess.ca/ to learn more.

About Kwatuuma Cole Sayers

Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, Executive Director for Clean Energy Association of British Columbia, is from the Hupacasath and Alexander First Nations. He is a powerful advocate for First Nations involvement in renewable energy, community energy systems, and clean technology. He believes in a sustainable, innovative clean energy future for First Nations and Canada, where First Nations are equity owners and partners in major projects in the energy transition.

About Clean Energy Association of British Columbia

Clean Energy Association of British Columbia represents over 130 members, including leading clean energy companies, First Nations, service providers and academic institutions contributing to British Columbia's renewable energy industry. CEBC's mission is to support BC's transition to low-carbon energy through the development of effective climate policy and clean energy electrification.

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I always knew I had a horse opera in me. A conversation with Kevin Barry is never dull and this one is off to a promising start. The horse opera is his latest book, The Heart in Winter, a compelling and, as is to be expected, wonderfully written, tale of star-crossed lovers who go on the run in the Wild West in 1891.

The Limerick writers fourth novel is inspired by the Cork men who travelled to Butte, Montana, to work in the mines, mainly from the Beara Peninsula. And, like that particular geological feature, it took Barry a while to bring it all to the surface  25 years, in fact. Chatting from his home in Sligo, he casts his mind back to Cork city in the summer of 1999, when he was working as a freelance journalist.

I had decided the time had come for my novel, he says, laughing heartily at the grandiosity of his pronouncement.

I wrote a load of features for the Examiner and did a few shifts on The Echo. I saved up some money and I had three months when I didnt have to do any freelancing. I went down to Allihies and I had a caravan down by the beach. I didnt have a laptop or anything, I had my notebooks and I was kind of, what do I write a novel about? I hadnt a notion. Id be going for walks around the place and looking at the old copper mines. I knew a lot of the locals who had worked there had gone to Montana. I thought that was kind of good.

He decided his book would be a Western with Cork accents and continued his research. He wrote more features and saved up again, this time for a trip to Butte, where he headed that October.

It was my first trip to the US, I flew to Seattle and I got on a Greyhound bus for something like 14 hours to Butte. I had a ball there, they were lovely. Its still very Irish  when you show up with an actual accent from Ireland, theyre like, oh, Jesus. I got rakes of great material.

The stage was set for Barrys grand opus but while the spark of an idea was there, the execution of it proved a bit more challenging. I went back to Cork and tried to write the novel and I hadnt a clue how to do it.

I wrote more than 100,000 words  it is around in a box somewhere. I had great atmosphere but I had nothing really in terms of characters. Id say I spent probably six or seven months forlornly attempting it and then just thought, nah, fuck it, try something else. And around that time I started to write short stories in a serious way. I more or less forgot about Butte, Montana, except as a kind of an anecdote that I would trot out.

Kevin Barry and his wife Olivia Smith in Cork. Picture: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

Writing short stories proved to be the ideal vehicle for Barrys talents, his debut collection There Are Little Kingdoms getting him noticed straight out of the traps, laying the ground for an acclaimed body of work. His Western languished in the depths of his imagination, until the pandemic.

In October 2021, I started a novel about a stoner detective in Amsterdam who does all his investigations by fax machine. I gave it about a week and it was fucking desperate shit altogether. I was just bored by it, and I thought, what am I going to do now for a novel? I thought, Butte, Montana, maybe its time is now.

The characters that had previously eluded him appeared in the form of Tom Rourke and Polly Gillespie. Rourke is from the far side of Berehaven and lasts three hours down the mines before turning his talents to writing letters for the denizens of Butte to prospective wives. Polly arrives in Butte newly married to another Beara man, the mine captain Long Anthony Harrington, but when she meets Tom, their fate is sealed.

I had always wanted to write runaway lovers, says Barry. So I gave it two weeks and I tried him for a week. Hes an awful disaster of a young fella, and as I was following him around the town, I was getting some of the world building going on in what felt like quite a natural way. In the second week, I started writing it in Pollys voice and in about 20 minutes, I said: I have a book. And then I had a very enjoyable year with it. It was just great craic to get into the whole set-up of a Western. Theyre very kind to you when you write them. They naturally suggest momentum and plot because people are forever hopping onto horses and just heading off.

Barry acknowledges many other influences on the book (he even gets in a reference to a Nirvana song) but one of the most obvious is the HBO series Deadwood, a filthy, baroque, and often hilarious Western from the pen of David Milch, which brought us the unforgettable, and suitably named, Al Swearengen (Ian McShane).

I remember when I saw it first, about 2006, I thought, thats how you do your fucking Butte, Montana novel. Its a toss-up between that and Mad Men for the all-time best TV programme. The Sopranos is up there but Deadwood is out on its own for the way it uses a completely made-up take on what they sounded like in these western towns, this Elizabethan Shakespearean register that is completely inauthentic to the time but just works.

Kevin Barry says Deadwood - David Milch's acclaimed series - had an influence on The Heart in Winter.

The language of The Heart in Winter is equally vibrant and fruity, albeit delivered with a Cork accent.

The profanity in something like Deadwood, that feels right for copper miners from Co Cork in bars. Theyre not speaking drawing room English in the 1890s. I felt I could tune into it well enough. I remembered a lot of the stuff I had still from 25 years ago. So all the bars, cafes and brothels that are named, they all existed. The Irish crowd in Butte, it was mainly Co Cork they came from  they were 10,000 of the 30,000 there until 1891. If you look at the community, how it formed itself there, the first thing they did was they opened 38 pubs, then they took over the police, then the political apparatus in the town, and that was the MO in all the Irish cities in America.

The obvious resonances the book has today are not lost on Barry. Butte and the other frontier towns featured are places where desperate people do what they need to get by in desperate circumstances.

The diaspora is a great thing for us as writers because we fuck off everywhere for centuries  economic refugees, thats what we are, thats what weve always been. Ive been an economic refugee, going to England in the early 90s for work. Its important to remind ourselves that is what and who we are. You get this talk, well, we worked so hard. I was involved in every scam going when I was in London, I was a complete messer as were all the Limerick and Cork people who I used to hang around with. But yeah, it does stick in the craw when you hear the anti-immigration stuff.

Given its subject material, it wouldnt be giving away too much to say that The Heart in Winter may elicit tears, not something that could routinely be said for Barrys previous work. I think the feels, as the young people call them, come through in the end. Its kind of heartbreaking. I was moved by it myself, he says. Part of the sadness was also having to say goodbye to Tom and Polly.

For a year I was totally residing in Tom and Pollyland and I was having a ball  I was up to my eyes in this romance. I was going out to my desk quite happily, hopping out of bed in the morning, which isnt the usual kind of way. I was sad that they were gone. I missed them.

And there it is, the story of Kevin Barrys horse opera. We will have to leave the rest of the stories for another day, like the one about Yank Harrington, the 99-year-old who Barry was brought to see in Butte; born there, his parents returned to Beara when he was a child, and he reminisced about lighting fires to warn locals of the approach of the Black and Tans during the War of Independence. He later returned to Montana in his 20s and stayed there for the rest of his life.

He told me loads of stories and he got his fiddle out and was playing all these Irish songs. It was fantastic stuff, but yeah, its crazy the amount of people who have stories as soon as word gets out. Roddy Doyle sent me an email telling me his grandmothers sister was a saloon keeper in Butte in the 1920s. Then a friend of mine in Cork told me about his great-great uncle who was a doctor in Butte, but had to leave when he was accused of murder.

One for a sequel, perhaps? I dont know, Id love it but Im always wary about follow-ups. It does feel like great real estate.

The Heart in Winter , published by Canongate, is published on June 6. Kevin Barry will be reading at Waterstones, Cork at 6.30pm on Wed, Jun 19. He will also be appearing with Colin Barrett, author of Wild Houses, at the National Learning Network in Bantry as part of the West Cork Literary Festival at 2.30pm on Thurs, Jul 18. www.westcorkliteraryfestival.ie

Kevin Barry: A Question of Taste

Reading: I just finished Alphabetical Diaries by Sheila Heti. She got her diaries from 15 years and fed them into a kind of a database, took all the sentences out of it alphabetically and edited it. Its a unique kind of book.

Listening to: I go in and out of hip-hop phases all the time. Ive also been listening to the new St Vincent record which Im kind of lukewarm with. Having watched a recent documentary on TG4, I downloaded the Bothy Band, their first two albums, it's fantastic stuff, so thats been going on out in the shed. I also had a whole playlist put together for this book. I was trying to get some stuff slightly resonant of the era, so I started listening to Count John McCormack quite a bit.

Best recent gig: Ive been to feck-all because I'm living in a swamp in Co Sligo. Im going to see Patti Smith in Vicar St in June. Ive seen her outdoors so Im really looking forward to seeing her in a relatively small indoor venue.

Patti Smith.

TV: Im struggling with the telly lately, a lot of it is drifting past me now. I do always watch Selling the OC on Netflix. Ive been very much enjoying season three. I see it as a kind of a philosophical show in lots of ways. I watch it for the West Coast scenery as well.
This weekend, Corks Fitzgeralds Park will be transformed into a playground for curious children and fun-loving families.

On June 8 and 9, it will host the Cork Carnival of Science, featuring live science shows, hands-on workshops, pop-up science performers, interactive games and activities, and so much more.

Some 22 live science shows will take place each day. The line-up includes The Crazy Weather Show with Scientific Sue, who will explain just how extreme weather can be and how climate change is likely to change it; the Circus Science Show with technological tricks and silly scientific students; and Airforce with Dr Stephen Davitt and Phil Smyth from RTEs Home School Hub, which promises to be an interactive show that gets the whole audience involved in experimenting with science.

Workshops will introduce children and their families to computer coding, how to make batteries, and how to get up close and personal with the tiny creatures that inhabit our rivers and seas with the help of a microscope.

There will even be an opportunity to make flashing LED badges to bring home.

Other attractions to look out for are The Animal Roadshow with its lizards, snakes, spiders, owls, and frogs; Lego building with Learn It Ireland; a giant inflatable planetarium from the Blackrock Castle Observatory; a 40-foot walkthrough inflatable model of the human digestive system; and the science-based sporting activities of the Active Zone.

The Cork Carnival of Science is free to attend.

Millie and Me Baby Clothing

Soft as a baby

Given a babys sensitive skin, its no wonder many parents want to dress them in soft clothing.

Irish brand Millie and Me offers just that with its selection of romper suits, hats and bandana bibs in 100% organic cotton.

The rompers are particularly popular. They come in 30 styles and sizes ranging from newborn to 18 months.

Fully machine washable, they are available from littleones.ie, 20.

Chasing the Shy Town

What is the shy town?

Senan is too big to take naps, but try telling that to his parents, who still send him upstairs to nap at 3.20pm every day.

Bored in his bedroom, Senan uses his binoculars to spy on whats happening outside his window. One day, he spots a curious town on a nearby hill.

He calls it Shy Town because it disappears as soon as he manages to focus his binoculars on it.

Senan, his next-door neighbour and his grandmother set off to search for this elusive place.

Together, they discover that its called Perfection and full of people constantly striving to make things perfect.

This is the story of Chasing the Shy Town by Dublin-based childrens author Erika McGann.

With illustrations by Toni Galme, its written for kids aged six and older and is particularly suited to those who struggle with anxiety and pressure to be perfect.

It will be published on June 6 and is available for pre-order from littleisland.ie for 9.99.

Lasta Festival for kids

Young people are at the heart of the Lasta Festival. Its programme is designed by young curators to be performed for children and young people.

The line-up is eclectic, taking place from June 7 to June 9 in Siamsa Tire, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland in Tralee. It includes a sing-along screening of The Greatest Showman, wood-turning demonstrations, music workshops, ceili dancing, a pop-up choir, a night of bothantaiocht, where members of the audience will be welcome to perform on stage, and a sock puppet workshop for children aged five years and up.

Puppet maker Alex Hindmarsh will host this sock puppet workshop from 3pm to 4.30pm on Sunday.

Tickets cost 10. Visit siamsatire.com/events
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has dismissed the idea of processing asylum seeker applications in a third country.

Ms McDonald said she wanted to see staff levels for processing asylum applications double, but she was not in favour of processing in a third country.

A number of countries are currently seeking to remove asylum seekers to be processed outside their borders, including the UK and Italy.

The British Governments policy would see asylum seekers who enter the country illegally after January 1, 2022, sent to Rwanda to be processed there. If their application was accepted, they would be granted permission to stay in the African country.

Asked on RTE's Today with Claire Byrne if she would be in favour of processing asylum seekers outside Ireland, Ms McDonald said: No, Im not in favour of that.

I think our first job is to make sure that the system we have in this State actually works.

It comes after Taoiseach Simon Harris said he would remain open-minded on potentially exporting the processing of applications to a third country, as the European Peoples Party has included the policy within its manifesto for Fridays elections.

Mr Harris said it would be absurd not to look at the overall migration strategy given the increased number of people arriving in Ireland.

The Sinn Fein leader said one obvious mistake the Government had made had been a lack of communication with communities about asylum seekers arriving.

Weve seen the consequences of that. I think they have caused tensions, divisions within communities that could have largely been avoided if they had acted with common sense and treated people with respect, Ms McDonald said.

She added while immigration was being raised at the doors, it was not the primary issue, which remains housing.

When the issue is raised, people fundamentally want to know: Do we have a system thats fit for purpose? Do we have a Government thats fit for purpose? Is there an adult in charge? Do they have a plan?

Are they actually engaging respectfully with communities and are they resourcing those same communities?

The answer, under this administration, is no to all of the above.

Asked about Sinn Fein representatives and candidates being labelled as traitors during canvassing, Ms McDonald admitted it did happen, but it was not the standard.

She said it was being done by a noisy minority, which was targeting Sinn Fein for Government failures on immigration.

There has been an element on social media and elsewhere who have chosen, for political reasons, to direct that at us.

That is a noisy minority. Most people expect and deserve reassurance on the issues of migration.
The Attorney General is to consult with the Chief Justice to identify the judge to be the countrys first oversight examiner of the security services.

The position of Independent Examiner of Security Legislation will start as a designate role until the office is up and running.

The Department of Justice said officials are currently trying to identify an appropriate premises, which will need to have a high level of digital and physical security. The department also said it is currently identifying suitably qualified/experienced staff to work in the new agency.

In a statement, the department said sanction is approved for five staff for the initial start-up phase and that further appointments will be based on a work plan for the next three years devised by the Independent Examiner.

The creation of the new role stemmed from recommendations in the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) report, published in September 2018. The post was provided for under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2004, which was enacted last February.

Independent Examiner's roles

The Independent Examiner has a wide-ranging remit, including subsuming the existing interception and surveillance oversight roles currently carried out by separate judges.

Secondly, it has an extensive role regarding the adequacy of security legislation generally and its operation by gardai and other security agencies as well as offices of the State.

Thirdly, it has a very broad function in terms of examining the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of security services, which will require substantial knowledge, and investigation, of security operations as well the resources and technology available to the services.

Fourthly, the Examiner will have a function in reviewing refusals of information to the policing oversight bodies on grounds of State security.

The post is also tasked with supporting the Government in protecting the State security and promoting public confidence in security legislation.

Candidates

The legislation limits eligible examiners to current or former senior judges, in contrast to the CoFPI which widened it to include anyone with a strong legal background with great credibility within the legal profession.

The Department of Justice said a senior judge will have the necessary experience and expertise in the balancing of competing rights and provides guarantees of independence and impartiality.

Its statement said: The Minister intends to request the Attorney General to consult with the Chief Justice to identify a suitable person and will then seek Cabinet approval for the appointment on a designate basis in preparation for the commencement of the Act.

Office

It said planning for commencement of the 2024 Act is well advanced with a view to full commencement later this year. It said the Act makes the Minister, following consultation with the Independent Examiner, responsible for funding, premises and staff.

Work is ongoing to secure appropriate premises and identifying suitably qualified/experienced staff who will be subject to security vetting, it said.

In the normal way work will be undertaken by the Independent Examiner and their team, following establishment, to design out and scale up the office over 1-3 years.

Sanction has been secured for the allocation of five staff for the start-up phase, with a budget of 760,000 for 2024. 2025 will be the first full year of the operation of the office and the budget will increase based on the work plan of the office.
The Narrow Water Bridge linking Northern Ireland and the Republic will be a symbol of hope, an the housing minister has said.

Taoiseach Simon Harris will be among guests at the commencement announcement at the site of the long-anticipated Narrow Water Bridge on Tuesday.

When complete, the 195m cable-stayed bridge will connect Cornamucklagh near Omeath, Co Louth, with Narrow Water close to Warrenpoint, Co Down, providing a direct link between the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula, where Carlingford Lough meets the Newry River.

It will accommodate motor vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles.

This bridge will be a game-changer for commerce, daily life and tourism

The bridge will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the R173 at Omeath.

It will also open to allow the passage of ships through and on to the Newry Canal.

An allocation of more than 102m euro plus VAT is being provided towards the project from the Irish Governments Shared Island Fund.

The goal of the infrastructure project is to provide increased tourism and connectivity to the east border region.

It is anticipated that it will help economic development and increase employment levels in the area.

The Government said the bridge will be a lynchpin connection for cross-border travel.

Mr Harris, Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Minister of State Malcolm Noonan are scheduled to attend the launch with Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister John ODowd.

The Taoiseach said: The mountains meet the sea all along this stretch of stunning coastline and this bridge will be a game-changer for commerce, daily life and tourism in this part of our shared island.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin hailed the project (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Martin, who established the Shared Island Unit, said this project was always front and centre of his mind.

This project is a clear physical manifestation of the philosophy underpinning Shared Island, he said.

It embodies our ambition for reconciliation, a closer relationship between North and South, and progress.

Today is the realisation of a vision long shared across this stretch of water, delivering on the desire of both communities to reach out, to connect and to grow together.

Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien said: This bridge will serve not just as a physical infrastructure project but a symbol of community, togetherness and hope.

Mr Noonan added: The project is already creating new opportunities and deepening connections between communities on both sides of the border.
They may be too young to vote on Friday, but that didnt stop them from going to the polls to learn about the power of their vote.

The 22 students of a Montessori school in Cork, all of them aged between three and five, elected Bluey  the energetic animated blue heeler pup  to be the boss of their school, edging out a tiny yellow Minion henchman from the Despicable Me movie franchise by just one vote.

Surprisingly, old favourite Peppa Pig saw her vote collapse  finishing with just two votes.

Sinead Hennessy, who runs Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh Montessori school in Bishopstown, said their election was run just days before the local and European elections to teach the children how important their vote can be  a lesson she and her staff hope will stay with them until the youngest turns 18 in about 2039.

We told them that Fridays votes could change Ireland and that their vote could change the school, she said.

I think they have really grasped the idea of voting. We couldnt believe how much they embraced it. It was lovely to watch

The idea for the election came out of discussions the children were having themselves after spotting election posters in their area.

A student filling in his ballot paper at the polling booth in Scoil An Spioraid Naoimh Montessori, Bishopstown.

So we started talking to the children about why the posters were there, and then we decided to stage our own little election, and to bring it down to their level, Ms Hennessy said.

Five candidates declared in the race to become the boss of the school  Peppa Pig, Ryder from Paw Patrol, Gabby from Gabbys Dollhouse, a Minion, and Bluey.

Their election posters were displayed in the classroom

The children arrived in to their "polling station" on Tuesday and, once their identification was checked, they were handed a ballot paper bearing the names and pictures of the candidates.

They were directed towards a mini voting booth, where they were able to cast their vote by placing a pink love-heart sticker next to their number one and a black circle sticker next to their least favourite candidate, before popping their ballot paper into a ballot box.

Libbi Keane, 5, casts her vote in the school election on Tuesday.

There was a 100% voter turnout, and not a single vote was spoiled.

The girls were happy to discuss their voting preferences afterwards. The boys were more inclined to keep their vote secret.

Ms Hennessy said news of the election filtered into the childrens homes and out into their wider families, with some grandparents expressing excitement at school drop-off time about hearing the election results later.

"We hope that if some of the children are accompanying their parents and grandparents to a polling station on Friday, they will have a greater understanding of whats happening."
A crisis team which was given four weeks to find solutions to hospital overcrowding in Limerick has had it deadline extended by three weeks, according to the HSE.

The three-person team, led by retired consultant in emergency medicine Fergal Hickey, was announced by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and HSE boss Bernard Gloster on April 30.

They said the team would, over the next four weeks, help devise actions to ease overcrowding in the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick.

However, the problem of overcrowding continues with 115 patients on trolleys on Tuesday unable to get a bed there, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said.

A HSE spokeswoman said the team is continuing its work to support the hospital as well as services across the region.

The support team has recently met the CEO of the HSE to update him, and a more comprehensive engagement is scheduled for three weeks time, she said.

The HSE recognises, she said, that patients on trolleys is a key safety concern adding: "While challenged in a small number of sites, we are particularly so in Limerick at this time."

The support team is working to reduce the immediate crisis and identify improvements which could support UHL, she added.

Among the challenges is the fact that the emergency department is so busy, patients on trolleys are regularly placed on other wards or units

On Tuesday, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation counted 52 trolleys in the emergency department and a further 63 on other corridors.

The HSE counts trolleys slightly differently, but indicated 110 between trolleys and surge beds in a near-reflection of organisation's data.

This escalation policy is applied everywhere, but is only intended for rare situations.

The team also includes HSE national director Grace Rothwell, who was previously manager at University Hospital Waterford  a hospital which has slashed its trolley numbers in recent years.

The third person is Orla Kavanagh, who is currently the director of nursing and integration at Waterford.

Other measures previously announced include basing a GP in the emergency department. The hospital also welcomed announcements of plans for additional beds in recent days.

We welcome the Government's plan to add 382 new adult inpatient beds in the Mid West region over the next seven years. This includes projects at UHL, Ennis, Nenagh, and St Johns, enhancing patient care in the region, a spokesman said.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation data showed 562 people without a bed nationally, including 62 at Cork University Hospital. There were 17 waiting for a bed at the Mercy University Hospital, and 30 at University Hospital Kerry.

Other Munster hospitals under pressure were Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel, with four on trolleys, while Ennis Hospital had seven on trolleys  despite not having an emergency department.

However, there were no patients on trolleys in Waterford.
In 2021, Ireland released its National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The strategy set out "how Ireland can be an international leader in using AI to benefit our economy and society, through a people-centred, ethical approach to its development, adoption, and use".

Nearing the second half of 2024, how are we doing? And more specifically, how are we doing in the field of AI, technology, and education?

The department

The topic of AI and technology in education has been under-discussed for some time. The Department of Educations baseline report, preceding the Digital Learning Framework 2020, was clear in its recommendations and concerns.

It sought more training, better infrastructure, and more technical, on-the-ground supports for schools. The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, released in 2022, reiterated these objectives, with Norma Foley, the education minister, providing the payment of 50m in grant funding for digital technology infrastructure for all recognised primary and post-primary schools.

Again, in April 2024, Minister Foley announced 79m in funding to support digital learning in schools and minor building works; 50m in grant funding for information and communications technology (ICT) was also issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools.

Ms Foley said at the time: It is vital that our school system uses digital technology effectively, so that our students learn the skills they need for the modern world. This strategy I am publishing today will help our school communities to further embed digital technology across teaching and learning and will provide ongoing investment to build technology in schools.

In April, Ms Foley announced that her department is working on establishing comprehensive guidelines for teachers and educators on the use of AI in the Irish education system.

The department is actively monitoring developments in AI and the impact it may have in education and assessment settings, including through discussions at EU level and with other member states regarding their experience and expertise. But it is yet to reach any conclusions.

On the ground

One thing is certain from speaking to educators: in the absence of specific guidelines, there is considerable disparity emerging among schools in their use of technology, their digital pedagogy, and their incorporation of AI. It is an exciting, innovative, unpredictable, unregulated, and predominantly male-led space.

Ben Cochain is a digital learning coordinator working in a post-primary school in Cork. Having read the updated digital learning strategy 2027, he is concerned that there is, in fact, no specific national strategy on AI or technology.

It is down to the skills and competencies of individual members in schools. Schools have no guaranteed technical support. Money is not enough, Mr Cochain said.

Im worried that, with AI, it is the same thing. Without a proper strategy, there is going to be huge inequality between schools and therefore between students.

The recommendations in the initial baseline report, published in 2019, still havent happened. The idea of embedding technology in teaching and learning can mean a thousand different things. We need national continuous professional development (CPD), that is not optional.

"Some teachers are not interested in technology, but it is the future. Plenty of teachers wont sign up. That was flagged five years ago and, unless I missed something, I dont think it has changed.

This has profound consequences for students too, he said: A lot will depend on how willing schools are to embrace change. We teach Digital Literacy as a short course in our school. We designed the course ourselves as it combines both computational thinking and digital media literacy. There is nothing like this available as a course in Ireland, Mr Cochain said.

There are two short courses: one is coding, and the other is digital media literacy, but they only focus on their respective specific areas. They are usually run as options in schools, and hence not followed by all students.

"We decided as a school that our course would be mandatory because knowing computational thinking, knowing the basics, alongside digital media literacy, is a key component of education today. We are outliers in this."

Wriggle, one of Irelands main providers of technology in education, reports wide variations across schools. They estimate that 25% of post-primary schools have a 1-1 system, whereby a student brings their own device to school. Other schools will opt for class sets, while there are still some schools where technology use is limited, and where classrooms still lack basic projectors and screens to facilitate even teacher-led technology.

Founded in 2012, an expert team leads Wriggle to cater to technology needs, providing devices and training for schools, alongside ongoing support. They are the only Irish technology provider to work across Google, Microsoft, and Apple.

Chief learning officer Sean Glynn worked as a teacher for 15 years before joining the Wriggle team. He referred to the educational sector in Ireland as a varying landscape when it comes to technology.

We put the pedagogy first. We need critical learners using technology because it is a tool, Mr Glynn said. To get there, you need a vigorous training programme. Now Oide (the newly formed teacher training body) does a good job, but honestly it is just a drop in the ocean. They need about 10 times the number of digital advisors than what they currently employ.

Mr Glynn feels that this may be the time for more collaboration between the private sector and public sector in this area.

Historically, it hasnt been on the cards. But Oide is a new organisation and so there may be a new interest in collaboration and cooperation. There may be an openness to more of that because its vitally important that schools arent working in isolation or without adequate supports. Multidisciplinary teams working together across the country simply make more sense.

This work must also happen in the classroom because students, as well as teachers, need guidance now, he said.

It is true that many teenagers are tech savvy, but they are good at consuming content. They have deficits around important digital skills. It is great to see this recognised in the primary curriculum because we need to start embedding these skills earlier and earlier.

Wriggles chief revenue officer, Simon Close, warns against the kind of panic we saw during covid.

For obvious and understandable reasons schools were looking to get their hands on any piece of technology they could, Mr Close said.

Not all technology was suitable for use. Our advice to schools is always to take their time and to think carefully about the needs of their learners. It is a mistake to jump into buying class sets of devices if the infrastructure is not there to support it for instance. Schools need clear and consistent guidance. That consultative process, which we offer, is key.

Mr Close said consistency is lacking.

In Ireland, every school is an island. It doesnt work like it does elsewhere, like in America say, where you might have a whole district using a particular approach. In other districts, you would have schools with onsite technology supports. Ireland doesnt have that, so we work to support and advise schools, taking the pain out of it. We get calls from schools all the time who are having difficulty with technology they have bought. I would recommend that schools refer to Oide and make sure they are making the right decision.

Mr Glynn added: In the last few months we have a substantial number of schools reaching out, looking to incorporate technology at transition year or for classroom-based assessments. The pressure is coming from schools now. It is certainly the direction in which were all going.

Fresh ideas: Using technology to change the tone

Other entrepreneurs are providing what the department is not, not just in terms of underlying technology, but also in relation to innovative digital content.

Colm Roche is an Irish entrepreneur and founder of Rewrite, an online educational programme that reframes how we think about sustainability and climate change. His business roots are in London, where he lived for more than 20 years, but hes recently returned to his native Cork.

He has experienced firsthand the variety that is characteristic of technology in Irish classrooms. There are approximately 10,000 Irish students currently taking the Rewrite course.

Half the schools have amazing resources. Half the schools have devices, and some schools simply dont have the infrastructure to run it. We have had to adapt the course for students as they need to access it on their phones.

Rewrite was initially offered to transition year students, but schools are now using it across year groups. Indeed, companies have also asked for adult versions of the course, attracted by its refreshing tone.

The course is a climate education course that tells kids about what is happening around climate change but identifies the opportunities rather than threats, Mr Roche said.

What we identified early on was the weight of climate anxiety in teenage kids. They are told that the world is burning and so they are concluding that there is no future for them. We want them to know that there are huge investments being made in sustainability. Governments and business alike are all taking action to do something on this. It is happening.

If you are a 16-year-old and youre thinking about what to do with your life, its important that they realise how they can contribute to this global challenge.

Initial education is important for the Rewrite founder.

They must understand what is happening. There are so many people out there who dont understand what is happening or what carbon is. So young people need to know the basics so they can focus their attention on a specific problem.

Colm Roche has experienced firsthand the variety that is characteristic of technology in Irish classrooms.

The course is entertaining according to Mr Roche, comprising short videos and interactive quizzes. The tone of the content is different to what students are usually seeing.

We worry that the information students receive isnt in any way inspirational, so we want to change that. The tone is in line with what we think a 16-year-old might like.

Its also based on sound pedagogical advice. Rewrite employed experienced educators in the design of their product.

We didnt know how to teach, so this comes from people who do, Mr Roche said. Most importantly we did not launch this business to make money. We launched it because we found that the way this topic is being taught may not motivate people to act. Young people are taught the same thing over and over; they are saturated by content that has no meaning because they cant connect with it.

Mr Roche would be hugely interested in working with governments to roll this course out to students in Ireland and abroad.

If governments said we would like to take this and use it in every school in the country that would be success for us. Our ambition is simply for more people to do the course. We have had companies sponsoring schools in their area. We have found that paying a fee towards it can increase student appreciation and engagement. However, if it came from the government that would be a different thing.

'We are in limbo'

Patrick Hickey, known as the @aiteachingguru on social media, has provided CPD to thousands of teachers who are interested in knowing what AI is, and are looking to use it as a classroom assistant, a helping hand in planning lessons, and differentiating content.

I think its fair to say that we are in limbo. People are figuring it out for themselves. AI is the massive elephant in the room, and we need to acknowledge it.

Mr Hickey highlighted the swift adoption of AI tools among students, such as when Snapchat introduced its My AI last summer. He notes how instantly accessible these tools became for students, as both study aids and of course as a quick homework solution.

Its important that we dont do with AI what we did with social media. We gave young people free reign, with adults left playing catch up, he said.

Mr Hickey is cognisant of the negativity around AI and absolutely shares peoples concerns. We feel threatened, and so people are highlighting the negatives. There are concerns, such as AIs capacity to hallucinate or generate misleading content that could deceive even experienced learners and experts. This challenge necessitates a vigilant approach from both educators and students.

He is also concerned with how AI is used as a block to senior cycle reform.

Last year, Minister Foley shelved plans to introduce teacher-based assessment as part of a revised senior cycle programme, highlighting the advent of AI technology for the change of plan. Up until this point she had promised that 40% of grades would come from teacher-based assessment.

Commentators depicted her reversal as a concession to teacher unions. Whilst many subjects have a project element, core subjects like English and maths  matriculation subjects  are still 100% examination.

There is this fear of plagiarism, argued Mr Hickey. The idea that kids will never do the work. People dont realise that there is great skill in navigating AI correctly. You ask AI to draft an essay and it wont be particularly good. I often discuss with my students how AI typically requires several attempts to generate output, which not only must be rigorously verified by the creator but can also vary significantly in quality.

Mr Hickey believes we need to reimagine assessment to reflect our new reality.

Patrick Hickey at Boherbue Comprehensive School in Mallow, Co Cork, where uses ChatGPT and other forms of technology in the classroom. Picture: Dan Linehan

The time has come for junior cycle key skills to carry through to senior cycle. Once a student enters senior cycle, it is all about summative exams. The important thing now is critical thinking. Assessments and marking schemes need to be adjusted. Our assessment methods, too focused on traditional exams, should expand to recognise project-based learning, which embodies critical and innovative uses of AI.

Currently, in Leaving Cert history, which is Patricks main subject, a student only gets 10 marks out of 500 for their review of process.

We need to increase those marks hugely so that a student can tell us about their process, and yes, about how they effectively used AI, if that is the case, he said.

As for teachers, MrHickey views AI as having immense potential to be the best research assistant we could ever imagine, with the learner staying in control, developing skills all the time.

It is concerning that this training is not already happening because we are talking about transformational technology here. Its on every smartphone and in every students pocket. We are doing teachers and students a tremendous disservice in not training them in the ethical and effective use of AI, Mr Hickey said. We must sit teachers down and show them what it is good at and bad at, all the while emphasising the importance of critical thinking.

He feels that all stakeholders in education, including teachers, need clear guidance and direction to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.

There must be more leadership from the State Examination Commission (SEC). In the project booklet for history, there are two mentions of AI. The first one states you can but cite it but doesnt show you how to cite it. The second one says there will be consequences if you dont use it appropriately.

I dont know what that means. No teacher or student knows what are the limits to which they can use AI. For example, could they use it to come up with ideas or proofread their work?

Mr Hickey concludes our conversation by saying: AI is lapping at our shore; but the tsunami is coming. Teachers and students need to prepare to ride this wave, harnessing all the benefits and opportunities it presents.

AI and assessment and an international perspective

Like Mr Hickey, Terry Nealon sees this focus on the negatives of AI as short-sighted.

Irish-born, Mr Nealon has called Washington DC home for the last eight years. Having begun his work in education in Ireland, he now boasts vast experience and knowledge of the EdTech sector. In short, he understands how technology can transform learning.

Mr Nealon worked as a chief executive officer at Learning Without Tears and CEO/board chair and co-founder at Fishtree. He has travelled widely, observing and assessing innovations in the sector.

I worked with Irish e-learning company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt up to 2012 and, while responsible for all international markets of 120 countries, I visited over 50 of those and had lots of opportunities to observe and evaluate all kinds of software and hardware with various education use cases.

"I witnessed robots in kindergartens as far back as 2010. One of the main things you learn is that we must ensure efficacy and focus on implementation and support. We cant employ technology if it doesnt work or as tech innovators we will add to the problem. These solutions need to deliver in mission-critical settings.

Mr Nealon contends that educators must trust the technology first, and that requires a great deal of support and training. He references the extensive research that points to the primary importance of the teacher at the top of the classroom or, more often in a modern context, walking around the room.

There is no better driver of learning outcomes than the educator. If they dont buy into the technology, it is not going to work. These people are overworked and underpaid, in many cases undervalued.

"In America, the average tenure of a teacher is five years; for district leaders, its less than three years. The US probably has the most stressed teaching community in the history of their education system. The retention and recruitment crisis are not particular to Ireland. I would love to see leadership on technology innovation coming from the top down at a country, state and school level.

Like Patrick Hickey, he sees exciting potential for AI to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of teachers work: We need to see AI as a way of augmenting what it is that the teacher does. AI can take away the heavy lift for teachers. It can give them back time to address the individual needs of learners  our holy grail.

His attitude towards exams is also similar: I am not a fan of high-stakes exams. It is crazy that these exams are seen as the be all and end all after two whole years of effort. Formative assessments are much better ongoing indicators. Of course, there is going to be push-back from a system that is inhibited by its own mindset, but a balance of the two is more equitable.

Mr Nealon believes AI can offer us more than assistance in project work. He believes that properly and consistently used, it can provide an innovative way to conduct formative assessments in real time, so long as they remain under the direct control of the educator. AI could provide full transparency  students could be assessed against specific learning outcomes and given tailored feedback all in real time.

Having begun his work in education in Ireland, Terry Nealon now boasts vast experience and knowledge of the EdTech sector.

All stakeholders, such as teachers, teacher assistants, parents, occupational therapists, and administrators can be supported in a way not previous possible.

It is this individualised learning that Mr Nealon is most excited about.

This is a generational opportunity. It is transformative. We know that there are innumerable factors playing into how children learn. AI can incorporate much of this. We need a degree of handholding first, through on-site support and training, but first we need the desire and determination to drive change. We have a tremendous opportunity to offer schools access to world-class education and world-class training here.

He does not necessarily envisage all students having devices in future classrooms.

I think it will be about having increased collaboration, facilitated by technology. Just imagine, we might have a classroom with students speaking a dozen different languages, all learning and enjoying the same story at their reading level, personalised formative assessments and recommendations, and engaging with their parents in their native tongue. The possibilities are endless if AI is used well.

Following the North?

On May 22, Ms Foley and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton TD welcomed the prospect of enhancing North/South engagement on education.

Ms Foley said: Today we agreed to extend the programme of North/South cooperation to important new areas of work, including Digital and Artificial Intelligence and Early Years Education, which are essential to educational outcomes for children and young people.

The mention of AI is particularly interesting given that the Education Authority of Northern Ireland recently chose to roll out one technology across all schools. Nurture is an assessment and feedback technology provider, and it will work across 1,100 schools, benefitting over 20,000 teachers and 345,000 students.

The procurement process, completed in December 2023, identified Nurture as a key component in transforming how teachers and students work together in the classroom  both in-person and digitally. With research collaborations with institutions like Trinity College Dublin and Stanford University, and integration with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, Nurture helps to close the feedback loop between teachers and students with a pedagogy-led approach. It leverages the latest in generative AI functionality to save substantial time for teachers so they can personalise their interaction with their students.

Nurture CEO David Neville said they are are excited to support the Education Authority in Northern Ireland with Nurture.

This agreement is a significant step toward transforming the experience for teachers and students in Northern Ireland  putting research and pedagogy at the core of how technology and AI can enhance teaching and learning. With the rapid developments in generative AI, we are focusing on improving the lives of teachers  not to replace them, but to give them the time to do the work that only teachers can do through the human connection they build with their students.

Is the Republic of Ireland planning to follow by adopting a single cohesive approach? Is this suggested in Norma Foleys recent announcement?

Nurture co-founder Padraic Hogan said it is a significant move by the government in the North.

This is educational technology driven at state level; it is a consolidated approach, across schools. They will all embed and benefit from the same infrastructure and technology. This consistency in process and approach is far more meaningful than when every school uses a different method.

The rollout starts in April, 2025. Nurture has not been successful in the approaches they have made to the government here, up until now at least, but the work they do with schools in the Republic continues to play a huge role.

Norma Foley: Education minister welcomed the prospect of enhancing North/South engagement on education. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

There is no way we would be where we are now but for progressive schools in the Republic. They took a risk at the start. But they see now how Nurture has a huge ability to reduce teacher workload, providing a very structured approach to feedback.

Nurture is an offshoot of the pairs original business, jumpAgrade, which they started in 2017 with an idea of an online tutoring service to narrow the gap between students with and without socio-economic advantages.

People without the means to pay for grinds were looking for academic support in the run-up to exams. We got donations from multinationals to help. There is such a stark difference between results in Deis and non-Deis schools. A lot of students in non-Deis settings pay for extra support. We know the impact one teacher or mentor can have on a child. e wanted to provide that to children who might not ordinarily access it.

The technology, Nurture, is what sits between jumpAgrade students and their teachers. It is not only about the technology, but also about the relationship and rapport built between the teacher and the student. The entrepreneurs, based in Limerick, hope to get charity status and they also hope to work across all Deis post-primaries nationally.

They need mainstream funding, they say. We are really seeing results. In 2022/23, we had 400 students working one-to-one with a teacher. We got some strong data with 95% of students going on to further and higher education; 96% of students reported improvement in their confidence levels and average grades went up by approximately 21%, said Mr Hogan.

He added that they are interested in having more engagement with Ms Foleys department.

We need to address whats happening here in the Republic of Ireland. It would be great to become a national service, working hand-in-hand with educational authorities. There are massive opportunities in how Nurture can be applied in the classroom to support teachers, giving teachers time back, so they can work more closely one-to-one with students. Teachers are spending substantial amounts of time on plans, corrections, and deciding on learning outcomes. AI like Nurture can do a lot of the mundane tasks that teachers do.

But first, Mr Hogan said, the department needs to be clear; it must decide upon its overall framework and policy in technology, AI, and education.
This week, citizens of all 27 EU member states will begin to vote in the European parliament elections. One outcome seems inevitable: the far-right will make significant gains.

Polls suggest that the two groups in the European parliament that harbour far-right parties could secure about 20% of the seats, a fourfold increase since the early 1990s. In four of the six founding EU states, these parties lead in the polls.

Where does this far-right success come from? One explanation is that far-right parties have become more moderate over the years, while voters have become more radicalised. Yet research indicates that this explanation does not make sense.

On their core issues, such as immigration and anti-establishment politics, far-right parties are as radical as ever, and according to research, voters are no less trusting of their politicians and parliaments than they were three decades ago, no less satisfied with the workings of democracy, and their attitudes to immigration have remained relatively unchanged.

What has changed is not their ideologies, but that parties and voters have been driven into each others arms.

Imagine a small snowball being pushed down a snow-covered hillside. As it rolls, the ball picks up more snow and becomes bigger and faster. No push in isolation creates this giant, fast-moving ball of snow. It is the combined effort that does the trick. Once the snowball gains momentum, it is difficult to stop.

The snowball effect is a useful metaphor for understanding the far-rights increasing success. It is the result of a multitude of political, social, economic and cultural developments that together have created its momentum.

The first push came from the weakening of social ties. Take the Netherlands as an example. In the 1950s, a typical person raised in a Catholic family attended Catholic schools, consumed Catholic media and, eventually, voted for a Catholic party.

Today, such predictable voting patterns are rare. Higher levels of education have empowered individuals to make independent political choices, breaking free from traditional party loyalties. Starting in the 1960s and gathering steam since the turn of the millennium, electoral volatility has enabled far-right parties to attract voters who are no longer bound by old allegiances.

Where individualisation led to de-alignment (voters breaking free of existing political alignments), globalisation contributed to realignment (new alignments between voters and parties).

Those who benefited from Europes open borders  the highly educated winners of globalisation  contrasted sharply with those who felt threatened economically and culturally by these changes. Immigration became a key topic in election campaigns and public debates, drawing more attention to far-right parties.

But to get a better understanding of how the snowball really gained momentum, we need to examine the strategic behaviour of far-right parties themselves.

Populism

In the decades after the second world war, far-right parties were still heavily associated with fascism and nazism. To become acceptable, these parties had to gain democratic legitimacy. They did so by embracing populism as a key part of their discourse.

Populism claims that the will of the people should guide democratic decisions and that elites corrupt this process. Focusing on populism rather than fascism provided far-right parties with a democratic reputation and helped them gain legitimacy.

De-demonisation

Far-right parties also tried to modernise their image by breaking ties with more extreme elements. For instance, in 2011, Marine Le Pen embarked on a strategy of de-demonisation (dediabolisation) to detoxify her partys extremist reputation. She expelled extremist politicians, denounced fascism and anti-semitism and even ousted her more extreme father from the party.

In 2018, the Front National party was renamed Rassemblement National (National Rally). The goal was to appeal to more voters by emphasising that the party had become a more moderate version of itself.

Did these far-right parties really become more moderate? No. When it comes to their core policy positions, almost all of them are as radical and far-right as ever. Only their image has changed.

For example, the rising star of the far right in France, Jordan Bardella, is the son of Italian and Algerian immigrants, and grew up poor on a housing estate in the suburbs of Paris. He hasnt diluted Le Pens anti-immigration message; he has just sought to make it respectable.

Communication

The changing media environment has further helped far-right parties spread their message. Social media has allowed them to communicate directly with their supporters, bypassing traditional outlets.

This development has helped all parties, but it has been particularly useful for far-right parties, which claim that ordinary citizens are ignored by the political and media elite. Social media provides a direct communication channel, and this has increased far-right parties visibility and influence.

Jordan Bardella has not diluted Le Pens anti-immigration message; he has just sought to make it respectable. Ironically, the next big push of the snowball has come from far-right parties main adversaries: the established mainstream parties themselves.

Mainstream reaction

As far-right parties became more successful, right-wing mainstream parties grew nervous. The electoral gains of the far-right often came at the expense of mainstream parties vote shares. What should they do about it?

Many mainstream governing parties adopted an accommodative strategy, incorporating far-right ideas into their own policies to win back votes. From Austrias Sebastian Kurz to Theresa Mays hostile environment in the UK and Mark Ruttes policies in the Netherlands, many moved their parties closer to the far right.

Did it work? No. Studies indicate that, if anything, this strategy has resulted in more votes for the far-right. Why? Because by copying some of their ideas, mainstream parties have legitimised the far-right. Once the ideas of far-right parties have been normalised, why would those who agree with them vote for the copycat?

As Jean-Marie Le Pen proclaimed almost 50 years ago, people prefer the original over the copy.

Normalisation

The final and crucial element is habituation among voters. People get used to things that happen repeatedly. Hearing far-right rhetoric non-stop, seeing mainstream parties move towards the far-right and observing the far-rights increasing (social) media presence and vote shares has normalised far-right ideology.

So now the far-right snowball is threatening to become an avalanche.

What are the consequences? In most democracies, far-right parties have never dominated governments. But this is about to change. It is far from unthinkable that in a few years, two founding states of liberal democracy  France and the US  will have presidents supported by far-right voters.

In many other liberal democracies, far-right parties will dominate coalitions. This means that parties whose core ideas are incompatible with the foundations of liberal democracy will be running the show. Hungary shows that the result will be nothing less than the demolition of liberal democracy itself.

What can be done to stop this? Criticising far-right parties for their illiberalism remains crucial, but it is no longer sufficient. To protect our democracies, we must cultivate a strong collective consciousness of democratic liberalism. This means promoting what we value  think of mutual tolerance, political pluralism, individual rights and checks and balances to hold the powerful to account.

In addition, we must condemn what threatens it. Educators, journalists, academics and artists must work to strengthen citizens democratic awareness and resilience. Only through such concerted efforts can we safeguard the increasingly fragile foundations of our liberal democracies.
The United States has urged the UN Security Council to support a three-phase plan announced by President Joe Biden aimed at ending the eight-month war in Gaza, freeing all hostages and sending massive aid into the devastated territory.

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the United States circulated a draft resolution to the 14 other council members to back the proposal for ending the conflict.

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.

President Joe Biden (AP)

The brief draft resolution would welcome the May 31 deal announced by Mr 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.

It makes no mention of Israeli acceptance of the deal.

When Mr Biden made the announcement he called it an Israeli offer that includes an enduring ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza if Hamas releases all hostages it is holding.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his hardline governing partners on Monday the proposal announced by Mr Biden would meet Israels goal of destroying Hamas, according to local media. The ultranationalists have threatened to bring down his government if Mr Netanyahu agrees to a deal that does not eliminate Hamas.

Mr Netanyahu told parliaments Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee on Monday that Mr Biden gave an outline of the deal but not all the details and he said there are gaps.

The US president said the first phase of the proposed deal would last for six weeks and include a full and complete ceasefire, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza and the release of some hostages, including women, the elderly and the wounded, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

The Security Council meets about the war in Gaza (AP)

American hostages would be released at this stage and remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families. There would be a surge in humanitarian assistance with 600 trucks a day entering Gaza.

In the second phase, all the rest of the living hostages would be released, including soldiers, and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza.

Mr Biden said if Hamas lives up to its commitments, the temporary ceasefire would become a cessation of hostilities permanently.

About 250 people, mainly Israeli civilians, were abducted on October 7 with more than 100 were freed in a short truce in late November and early December. Israel says about 80 hostages are believed to still be captive, alongside the remains of about 43 others.

Israeli bombardments and ground offensives in Gaza, which Hamas has ruled, have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The third phase of the plan announced by Mr Biden calls for the start of a major reconstruction of Gaza, which faces decades of rebuilding from devastation caused by the war.

The draft resolution stresses the importance of Israel and Hamas adhering to the deal once it is agreed to, with the aim of bringing about a permanent cessation of hostilities, and calls upon all member states and the United Nations to support its implementation.

The draft would also reiterate the councils unwavering commitment to a two-state solution and stress the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

The US ambassador said Security Council members have consistently called for the steps outlined in this deal: bringing the hostages home, ensuring a complete ceasefire, enabling a surge of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and in the refurbishment of essential services, and setting the stage for a long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza.

Council members should not let this opportunity pass by, she said. We must speak with one voice in support of this deal.

On Monday, the foreign ministers of five key Arab nations  Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt  urged Israel and Hamas to consider Mr Bidens proposal seriously and positively.

The group of seven major industrialised nations  the US, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Canada and Italy  also backed the ceasefire plan.
Amanda Knox will be back in an Italian courtroom this week to defend herself against a 16-year-old slander conviction that she hopes to beat once and for all.

Her chance was made possible when a European court ruled that Italy violated her human rights during a long night of questioning over the murder of Meredith Kercher in November 2007.

The slander conviction for accusing a Congolese bar owner in the killing is the only charge against Ms Knox that withstood five court rulings that ultimately cleared her in the murder of her 21-year-old roommate in the apartment they shared in the Italian university town of Perugia.

A verdict in the slander case retrial ordered by Italys highest court is expected on Wednesday, with Ms Knox appearing in an Italian court for the first time in more than 12-and-a-half years.

Meredith Kercher was murdered in 2007 (PA)

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, Knox wrote on social media. I hope to clear my name once and for all of the false charge against me. Wish me luck.

The slander charge was largely based on two statements typed by police that Ms Knox signed during the early hours of November 6, 2007, under extended questioning in Italian from police without a lawyer or a competent translator. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the conditions violated her human rights.

Ms Kerchers murder grabbed worldwide attention as suspicion fell on Ms Knox, then 20, and her then-Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, with whom she had been involved for just about a week.

Ms Knox and Mr Sollecito were convicted in their first trial, but after a series of flip-flop verdicts, they were ultimately exonerated by Italys highest court in 2015.

Ms Knox returned to the United States in October 2011, after her first acquittal. She is now the mother of two small children, and has a podcast with her husband while campaigning against wrongful convictions.

However, the slander conviction against Ms Knox endured, a legal stain that continued to fuel doubts about her role in the killing, particularly in Italy  and despite the conviction of Rudy Hermann Guede, a man from Ivory Coast whose DNA was found at the crime scene.

Amanda Knox in 2010 (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

Guede served 13 years of a 16-year prison sentence handed down after a fast-track trial that foresees lighter sentences under Italian law.

Based on the ruling by the European court, Italys highest court threw out Ms Knoxs slander conviction last November and ruled that the two statements typed by police were inadmissible. It ordered a new trial, instructing the Florence court to consider only a handwritten statement that Ms Knox wrote in English some hours later.

In regards to this confession that I made last night, I want to make it clear that Im very doubtful of the verity of my statements, because they were made under the pressures of stress, shock and extreme exhaustion, her statement said.

A pioneer of the study of false confessions, Sal Kassin, says Ms Knoxs signed statements follow a playbook of false confessions.

It is empirical fact that most false confessions contain accurate details not yet known to the public and false-fed facts that are consistent with the police theory of the crime, but that later prove to be untrue, Mr Kassin, a psychologist at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, wrote about the case in his book Duped, which examines the phenomenon of false confessions.

Mr Kassin said police contaminated Ms Knoxs confession, which aligned with police theory at the time.

To hold her accountable for a statement in which she also implicated herself is absurd, he wrote.
June 3, 2024



New findings from an Idaho State University paleontologist are answering some questions about Idahos State Dinosaur and raising a few more.

A new paper published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology details the findings of L.J. Krumenacker, adjunct professor of geosciences at Idaho State University, affiliate curator at the Idaho Museum of Natural History, and professor of geology and biology at the College of Eastern Idaho, and his co-author's work on analyzing hundreds of bones from over a dozen individual specimens of Oryctodromeus. This burrowing dinosaur was about the size of a large dog and roamed ancient Idaho during the Cretaceous Period, and part of what they found was about two-thirds of the animals length was just its tail.

Some of the fun of science is when you get new answers, it usually gives you new questions, said Krumenacker. Why did Oryctodromeus have such a long tail? Its not something youd expect to see in a burrowing dinosaur.

The groups other findings include ossified tendons from among the fossils. Rather than staying pliable like other tendons, ossified tendons have hardened into bone. The tendons are found along the specimens' tails, necks, and backs.

These tendons would have provided rigidity and support to the animal's spinal column, Krumenacker explained. With the long tail and these tendons taken into account, how did Oryctodromeus turn around in a confined burrow? One hypothesis is that the burrows had separate and/or multiple entrances and exits. Another is they may have lived in burrow colonies like todays groundhogs. Plus, some animals have lots of tendons, and others have none. Does this reflect a difference between the males and females or in the animal's age?

The additions of the newly found bones from the mountains east of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and south of Lima, Montana now make Oryctodromeus one of the most complete specimens from the group of dinos known as the orodromines. These burrowing dinosaurs lived primarily in what is now the United States and Canada but have also been found in South Korea.

Orodromines are unique for being the first recognized burrowing dinosaurs, Krumenacker said. Theyve helped researchers recognize that this may have been a more common lifestyle in small dinosaurs than previously thought.

At the Idaho Museum of Natural History, the Oryctodromeus specimens are being digitally scanned by museum staff as part of a United States Forest Service-funded project to digitize all of the dinosaur-age fossils at the IMNH. The 3D scans will be available via Morphosource, a publicly accessible 3D data repository where subject experts, educators, and the general public can find, view, interact with, and download 3D and 2D media representing physical objects important to the worlds natural history, cultural heritage, and scientific collections.

The fossils weve scanned include dinosaur eggs, teeth, and bones, said Robert Gay, education coordinator at the IMNH. Over 450 partial or complete bones have been scanned as part of this project, 30 percent of which belong to our state dinosaur Oryctodromeus.

The funding also provides a new and updated mounted Oryctodromeus skeleton based on the scan data and the latest paper from Krumenacker and his co-authors. The INMH has also produced education kits for the USFS that will be available in select locations throughout Idaho to help educate the public about Idahos State Dinosaur.

It is important to conserve and educate about our state dinosaur because it is part of our shared natural heritage here in Idaho, Gay said. Idaho is the first place in the world that digging dinosaurs have been recognized from, and learning more about them and their environment can help unlock a new understanding of our past. The IMNH's mission is to educate the public about Idaho's natural history, and dinosaurs are a gateway to engaging students in the STEM fields."



I think appreciating any aspect of the natural world leads to people taking better care of it, said Krumenacker. Whether it's dinosaurs, modern animals and plants, or anything outdoors, an appreciation for things like this leads to better stewardship of a finite and unique planet.

For more information about the Idaho Museum of Natural History, visit isu.edu/imnh.

More on ISUs Department of Geosciences can be found at isu.edu/geosciences.
(Photo : Pexels/Photo by Craig Adderley)

A Tesla shareholder filed a lawsuit on Thursday, alleging that CEO Elon Musk engaged in insider trading by selling more than seven billion five hundred million dollars worth of shares before it was publicly released in 2022.

Tesla Stakeholder's Insider Trading Allegation

In a lawsuit filed in Delaware Chancery Court, shareholder Michael Perry alleged that Tesla's share price experienced a significant decline following the public release of the company's fourth-quarter figures on January 2, 2023, where Elon Musk improperly benefited from approximately three billion dollars in insider profits. The lawsuit claimed that Musk exploited his position at Tesla and breached his fiduciary duties to the company, requesting the court to retrieve the profits generated from the trades.

As per the lawsuit, Musk sold the shares on multiple dates in November and December of 2022, which Tesla's directors also permitted. Perry asserted that Musk, who had previously stated in 2022 that demand for Tesla's vehicles was excellent, became aware of the lower-than-expected numbers in mid-November through his access to real-time data and sold his shares before this information became public.

The lawsuit contends that if Musk had postponed these sales until after the release of significant adverse news, the proceeds from his sales would have been less than 55% of the amounts he obtained from his sales in November and December 2022.

READ ALSO: Elon Musk's Legal Battle Continues As Ex-Twitter Executive Demands Unpaid Severance Over a Breach of Contract

Series of Musk's Legal Headaches

The lawsuit adds to Musk's ongoing legal headaches. Musk encountered resistance from certain Tesla shareholders, who were scheduled to vote on June 13 to ratify his $56 billion pay package. A Delaware judge nullified the package in January due to her findings that Musk improperly controlled the process.

Musk also currently faces scrutiny in a regulatory investigation to determine whether he violated federal securities laws in 2022 by purchasing stock in the social media platform Twitter, which he subsequently renamed X. Musk criticized the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for what he perceived as unwarranted investigations, accusing them of attempting to harass him.

Musk and the leading U.S. markets regulator have been entangled in a protracted conflict since 2018 when Musk tweeted that he had "funding secured" to privatize Tesla.

Another lawsuit from a shareholder has alleged that Musk defrauded investors in X by delaying the disclosure of his stake in the social media company to accumulate shares at lower prices. The complaint, filed in New York federal court, accuses Musk of breaching a regulatory deadline to disclose that he had amassed a stake of at least 5% in Twitter. Instead, Musk did not disclose his position on Twitter until he had nearly doubled his stake to over 9%. According to the lawsuit, this strategy disadvantaged less affluent investors who sold shares in the San Francisco company during the nearly two weeks before Musk publicly acknowledged holding a significant stake.

RELATED ARTICLE: Musk Accused of Defrauding Investors, Faces SEC Lawsuit for Delaying Twitter Stake Disclosure

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Pexel/Photo by Samer Daboul: )

Like many of us, Jensen Huang, the billionaire CEO and co-founder of NVIDIA, was concerned about not having enough time to do everything he wanted.

The Possibility of Taking Control of Our Time

Huang's younger self might disagree with him. Still, he now believes it is possible to accomplish everything you want if you prioritize life, make sacrifices, and do not let tools like Outlook dictate daily activities instead of just doing everything, as he shared during a podcast called Acquired last year.

Huang expects his employees to do the same: NVIDIA staff are reportedly instructed to outline their top priorities in weekly emails sent to their managers and Huang to enhance their concentration and efficiency, as per Business Insider.

The NVIDIA CEO, who propelled his tech behemoth to a nearly two trillion seven hundred billion dollars valuation since its inception in Denny's booth in 1993, has characterized himself as a perfectionist and a demanding leader, admitting that he is "not easy to work for." Thus, it is not entirely unexpected to learn that he grappled with insufficient time in the day. In a 2003 speech at Stanford University, Huang joked about sacrificing sleep, which was always a good option as it creates more time when you do not sleep.

READ ALSO: NVIDIA CEO Huang's Cutthroat Leadership May Seem Controversial, But Experts Think It Works

Your Time Isn't Always Yours

Sleep or not, Huang recognized the significance of managing his time effectively. In 2003, he emphasized the need for CEOs to assert control over their schedules, saying that their time is not always theirs, and so they need to have the discipline to make it theirs. Huang shared that he would frequently instruct his assistant to clear his calendar upon coming to his office to have that time back.

In Huang's case, he commences his days at 4 a.m., allocating time for exercise and family before embarking on what is typically a 14-hour workday, as reported by the Financial Times in 2020. During his work hours, he concentrates on areas where he can make the most significant positive contribution to NVIDIA and its employees, such as product planning, strategy, and soliciting customer feedback.

Huang also prefers to hold meetings while dining in the NVIDIA cafeteria, where he can occasionally engage with employees and fulfill his duty of safeguarding the company's culture.

Mastering The Art of Prioritization

Research indicates that mastering the art of prioritization, whether in professional tasks or personal pursuits, can significantly enhance productivity and cultivate a richer work-life balance.

Huang is not alone in adopting this approach to time management. Mary Callahan Erdoes, CEO of J.P. Morgan's Asset & Wealth Management division, echoed a similar sentiment in CNBC Make It in 2016, emphasizing the necessity of being intensely focused on controlling one's calendar, or it will end up owning you.

RELATED ARTICLE: Chronoworking: The Healthy Workplace Trend to Achieve Work-Life Balance in 2024

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(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.
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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.
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According to a spokesperson speaking to CNBC, Microsoft on Monday announced its plan to reduce its workforce in the mixed reality division. Microsoft intends to maintain the sale of the augmented reality (AR) headset despite the fact that it will impact the team responsible for HoloLens 2.

Microsoft Mixed Reality Restructure

Microsoft's reduction comes a year after the software maker announced plans to change its hardware lineup, leading to a round of layoffs affecting 10,000 employees, including some in mixed reality. In the following months, Microsoft also discontinued several keyboard models, which left some loyal customers disappointed.

The spokesperson said in an email that Microsoft had announced restructuring its Mixed Reality organization while reaffirming its commitment to the Department of Defense's IVAS program to deliver advanced technology to support soldiers. Microsoft also vowed to invest in W365 to expand its reach within the Mixed Reality hardware ecosystem. It confirmed that it would continue selling HoloLens 2 while still providing support to existing customers and partners.

According to a source familiar with the situation, the company is reportedly laying off more than 1,000 employees overall, including those in the mixed reality division.

Microsoft's HoloLens 2

Microsoft's HoloLens has not achieved significant success since its debut in 2015, but the US Defense Department awarded a contract to Microsoft for a modified version called the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS). According to Bloomberg, soldiers using these devices reported experiencing nausea and other issues. Nonetheless, tests indicated that an updated model looks promising.

READ ALSO: OpenAI Disbands Superalignment Team Responsible for Controlling AI Risks Amid Leadership Friction

Tech Industry Commercializing Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft and other leading technology companies have invested billions in commercializing artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years; where Microsoft, in particular, has accelerated efforts to integrate NVIDIA graphics processing units (GPUs) into its systems, enabling functionalities such as the Copilot chatbot and ChatGPT from Microsoft-backed OpenAI. Additionally, premium AI features incorporated into Microsoft 365 productivity applications can now perform tasks like writing memos, creating presentations, and summarizing meetings.

Microsoft scaled back its investment in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), which immerse users in virtual environments, by deprecating Windows Mixed Reality in December, which involved discontinuing tools designed for running applications on head-mounted displays.

According to the spokesperson, Microsoft will continue to sell the HoloLens 2 headset, launched in 2019, but did not hint at the arrival of a new model. In 2022, an insider reported that the company had canceled plans for a third version.

In January, Apple introduced its augmented reality headset, the Vision Pro.

Microsoft continues to support a feature known as Mesh, enabling individuals wearing headsets to engage in three-dimensional Teams video calls with coworkers. During the November Microsoft Ignite conference in Seattle, CEO Satya Nadella mentioned that the company was rethinking how employees interact and connect using any device, be it their PC, HoloLens, or Meta Quest.

RELATED ARTICLE: Google Advances Its Cloud-Based Policy, Invests $2B in Malaysia to Move Up The Global Chain

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
by Sarmad Ishfaq

We are witnessing the genocide of the Palestinians based on algorithms and machine learning; a system of apartheid in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip reinforced by artificial intelligence; and surveillance and facial recognition systems of such prowess that Orwells 1984 regime would be green with envy. Todays Israeli-occupied Palestine manifests a dystopian and totalitarian sci-fi movie script as far as the Palestinians are concerned. Moreover, the Zionists are fuelling this AI nightmare.

From the onset of its current war against the Palestinians in Gaza, the Zionist regime, blinded by revenge for 7 October, has leveraged AI in the most indiscriminate and barbaric way to kill tens of thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians. One such insidious AI tool that has dominated the headlines is The Gospel. Since last October, Israel has utilised this AI system to expedite the creation of Hamas targets. More specifically, The Gospel marks structures and buildings that the IDF claims Hamas militants operate from. This fast-paced target list, Israels disinclination to adhere to international humanitarian law, as well as US support emboldening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, has led to a modern-day genocide.

The Gospel is used by Israels elite 8200 cyber and signals intelligence agency to analyse communications, visuals and information from the internet and mobile networks to understand where people are, a former Unit 8200 officer explained. The system was even active in 2021s offensive, according to Israels ex-army chief of staff Aviv Kochavi: in Operation Guardian of the Walls [in 2021], from the moment this machine was activated, it generated 100 new targets every day in the past [in Gaza] we would create 50 targets per year. And here the machine produced 100 targets in one day.

Israels apathetic disposition towards civilians is evident as it has given the green light to the killing of many innocents in order to hit its AI-generated targets whether they be hospitals, schools, apartment buildings or other civilian infrastructure. For example, on 10 October last year, Israels air force bombed an apartment building killing 40 people, most of them women and children. Israel has also used dumb bombs that cause more collateral damage instead of guided munitions to target low-level Hamas leadership targets. The emphasis is on damage and not on accuracy, said the Israel Defence Forces own spokesperson. This is the primary reason why the death toll of civilians is so high, as is the number of those wounded. According to one study, the current wars total number of 110,000 and growing Palestinian casualties (most of them civilians), is almost six times more than the Palestinian casualties in the previous five military offensives combined, which stands at 18,992.



Lavender 3, digital, Dream/ Dreamworld v. 3, 2024.

Two other AI programmes that have made the news recently are Lavender and Wheres Daddy? Lavender differs from The Gospel in that the former marks human beings as targets (creating a kill list), whereas the latter marks buildings and structures allegedly used by combatants. Israeli sources claim that in the first weeks of the war, Lavender was overly utilised and created a list of 37,000 Palestinians as suspected militants to be killed via air strikes. As previously mentioned, Israels apathy towards the Palestinians has been evident in their mass killing of civilians in order to eliminate even a single Hamas member. According to Israeli military sources, the IDF decided initially that for every junior Hamas member, 15 or 20 civilians could be killed.

This brutality is unprecedented.

If the Hamas member was a senior commander, the IDF on several occasions okayed the killing of over 100 civilians to fulfil its objective. For example, an Israeli officer said that on 2 December, in order to assassinate Wissam Farhat, the commander of Shujaiya Battalion of the military wing of Hamas, the IDF knew that it would kill over 100 civilians and went ahead with the killing.

If this was not contentious enough, Lavender was also used without any significant checks and balances. On many occasions, the only human scrutiny carried out was to make sure that the person in question was not a female. Beyond this, Lavender-generated kill lists were trusted blindly.

However, the same sources explain that Lavender makes mistakes; apparently, it has a 10 per cent error rate. This implies that at times it tagged innocent people and/or individuals with loose connections to Hamas, but this was overlooked purposefully by Israel.

Moreover, Lavender was also programmed to be sweeping in its target creation. For example, one Israeli officer was perturbed by how loosely a Hamas operative was defined and that Lavender was trained on data from civil defence workers as well. Hence, such vague connections to Hamas were exploited by Israel and thousands were killed as a result. UN figures confirm the use of such a devastating policy when, during the first month of the war, more than half of the 6,120 people killed belonged to 1,340 families, many of which were eliminated completely.

Wheres Daddy? is an AI system that tracks targeted individuals so that the IDF can assassinate them. This AI along with The Gospel, Lavender and others represent a paradigm shift in the countrys targeted killing programme. In the case of Wheres Daddy? the IDF would purposefully wait for the target to enter his home and then order an air strike, killing not only the target but also his entire family and other innocents in the process. As one Israeli intelligence officer asserted: We were not interested in killing [Hamas] operatives only when they were in a military building or engaged in a military activity. On the contrary, the IDF bombed them in homes without hesitation, as a first option. Its much easier to bomb a familys home. The system is built to look for them in these situations. In an even more horrific turn, sometimes the targeted individual would not even be at home when the air strike was carried out, due to a time lapse between when Wheres Daddy? sent out an alert and when the bombing took place. The targets family would be killed but not the target. Tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians, primarily women and children, are believed to have been killed because of this.

Israeli AI software also permeates the occupied West Bank, where it is a part of everyday Palestinian life.

In Hebron and East Jerusalem, Israel uses an advanced facial recognition system dubbed Red Wolf. Red Wolf is utilised to monitor the movements of Palestinians via the many fixed and flying security checkpoints. Whenever Palestinians pass through a checkpoint, their faces are scanned without their approval or knowledge and then checked against other Palestinian biometric data. If an individual gets identified by Red Wolf due to a previous detention, or their activism or protests, it decides automatically if this person should be allowed to pass or not.

If any person is not in the systems database, their biometric identity and face are saved without consent and they are denied passage. This also means that Israel has an exhaustive list of Palestinians in its database which it uses regularly to crack down not just on so-called militants, but also on peaceful protesters and other innocent Palestinians. According to one Israeli officer, the technology has falsely tagged civilians as militants. Moreover, it is highly likely that Red Wolf is connected to two other military-run databases  the Blue Wolf app and Wolf Pack. IDF soldiers can even use their mobile phones to scan Palestinians and access all private information about them. According to Amnesty International, Its [Red Wolfs] pervasive use has alarming implications for the freedom of movement of countless Palestinians

For years, Israel has used the occupied Palestinian territories as a testing ground for its AI products and spyware. In fact, the country sells spyware to the highest bidder, or to authoritarian regimes with which the Israeli government wanted to improve relations on the basis that they have been field tested. Israels own use of this technology is the best advertisement for its products. The head of Israels infamous Shin Bet internal spy agency, Ronen Bar, has stated that it is using AI to prevent terrorism and that Israel and other countries are forming a global cyber iron dome. The glaring issue here is Israels violation of Palestinian rights through spying on their social media as well as wrongful detention, torture and killing innocent people. The Israeli authorities do not need AI to kill defenceless Palestinian civilians, said one commentator. They do, however, need AI to justify their unjustifiable actions, to spin the killing of civilians as necessary or collateral damage, and to avoid accountability.

Israel has entered into a controversial $1.2 billion contract with Google and Amazon called Project Nimbus, which was announced in 2021. The projects aim is to provide cloud computing and AI services for the Israeli military and government. This will allow further surveillance and the illegal collection of Palestinian data. Google and Amazons own employees dissented and wrote an article to the Guardian expressing their discontent about this. [O]ur employers signed a contract to sell dangerous technology to the Israeli military and government. This contract was signed the same week that the Israeli military attacked Palestinians in the Gaza Strip  killing nearly 250 people, including more than 60 children. The technology will make the systematic discrimination and displacement carried out by the Israeli military and government even deadlier for Palestinians. The contract reportedly has a clause that disallows Google and Amazon to leave the contract so the companies acquiescence is axiomatic. According to Jane Chung, spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, over 50 Google employees have been fired without due process due to their protests against Project Nimbus.

The Palestinians are perhaps the bravest people in the world.

Whether contained within the barrel of a gun, a bomb casing, or in the code of an AI system, Israeli oppression will never deter them from standing up for their legitimate rights. Their plight has awoken the world to the nature of the Israeli regime and its brutal occupation, with protests and boycotts erupting in the West and the Global South. Using their propaganda media channels, the US and Israel are trying to placate the billions who support Palestine, even as the genocide remains ongoing. Israel hopes that its Machiavellian system will demoralise and create an obsequious Palestinian people  people whose screams are silenced  but as always it underestimates their indefatigable spirit which, miraculously, gets stronger with every adversity.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment.
By Fahad Ahmad, Toronto Metropolitan University qne Adam Saifer, University of British Columbia | 

(The Conversation) On university campuses across North America, a new anti-war movement has emerged. Camped-out students are pressuring their universities to divest from companies that profit off the Israeli war machine, to cut ties with Israeli institutions and to publicly condemn Israels deadly military campaign in Gaza.

Away from the student encampments, unsympathetic alumni and donors are pressuring university administrators to suppress this student movement.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced he would cease donations to Columbia University. Hedge-fund billionaire Bill Ackman, dissatisfied with Harvard University administrations response to a student statement criticizing Israel, led a highly publicized campaign to oust the universitys first Black president, Claudine Gay.

At Toronto Metropolitan University, several donors threatened to withhold scholarships and donations to the law school in response to a student letter in solidarity with Palestinians.

More recently, Ernest Rady, the man behind the University of Manitobas largest-ever donation, publicly condemned the convocation address delivered by the medical schools valedictorian.

The valedictorian called for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid to Gaza and an end to the killing of Palestinian medical professionals and journalists. The university responded by denouncing the valedictory speech and removing it from their media channels.

Donor influence over university policy on pro-Palestinian student protests is an alarming case of the growing footprint of private philanthropy in higher education. It poses a grave risk to free inquiry, critical thinking and the democratic ideals of universities.

Philanthropy goes beyond mere do-gooding

Philanthropy refers to the mobilization of private resources for the public good.

WXYZ Detroit Video: Protesters speak after encampment is raided at Wayne State Univeristy

As governments have scaled back public spending, philanthropists have stepped in. They are widely celebrated for making financial contributions to social, cultural and educational institutions.

For example, the Gates Foundation has been praised for spending billions on health and education. The names of billionaire businessmen like Schulich, Sprott and Munk grace post-secondary institutions across Canada.

Our work, however, shows that philanthropys goodness myth obscures the fact that philanthropic wealth and power emerge through social relations of colonial and capitalist accumulation, which produce the very societal harms  that are the target of philanthropic interventions.

Scholars have long cautioned against philanthropys undemocratic and unaccountable nature. Stanford political scientist Robert Reich calls it a plutocratic exercise of power.

Philanthropic donations are publicly subsidized through charitable tax receipts. However, spending is directed according to donors preferences. Philanthropy therefore allows wealthy people to exchange financial capital for social and symbolic capital. This grants philanthropists undue influence over public policy, including matters related to post-secondary education.

Mega-donations and Canadian universities

The neoliberal turn in higher education has resulted in a stagnation or decline in provincial funding to post-secondary institutions.

In addition to raising student fees and cutting costs, universities are seeking philanthropic donations to fill funding gaps. These donations boost university trust, capital, endowment and research funds, even though they constitute a small portion of university revenues.

Canadian universities growing dependence on philanthropic donations coincides with a significant expansion in the number and size of philanthropic foundations.

Foundations are charitable institutions used by the wealthy to make donations. From 2013 to 2022, the total assets of philanthropic foundations in Canada rose from approximately $56 billion to $123 billion. This growth ushered in a new era of mega-donations to universities. In just the last five years, the University of Toronto, Queens University, the University of Waterloo and McGill University have received individual donations of $100 million or more.

Mega-donations provide post-secondary institutions with the financial resources to help them realize their goals. In the process, however, university administrators are rendered accountable to the whims and political priorities of wealthy philanthropists. When balancing donor interests against their own academic principles and organizational priorities, the balance all too often tips in favour of the donors.

In 2020, for example, the dean of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law blocked the hiring of a human rights scholar in response to pressure from a major donor (and sitting judge) who disapproved of the scholars research on Israel/Palestine.

The need to increase public funding

Scholars of the philanthropic sector have long pointed to the power imbalances in donor-grantee relationships. Philanthropy is uniquely characterized by upward accountability  institutions like universities that are reliant on big donations are compelled to sacrifice the needs of students and faculty at the altar of donor wishes and priorities. Administrators are driven by fear of losing philanthropic funding.

Philanthropists clearly understand this power when they demand that post-secondary institutions discipline student protests supporting Palestine.

When university administrators accede to donor demands, they punish students for enacting the core values and principles their institutions profess. This cultivates the conditions for wealthy elites to introduce their ideological biases into public academic institutions.

There is a long history of wealthy people controlling organizations and institutions through giving and withholding donations. Elites across the political spectrum have used their philanthropy to un-democratically shape public policy and capture social movements.

This structural dependence on philanthropy explains why donors are able to pressure university administrators into suppressing the anti-war student movement against Israels campaign in Gaza. Safeguarding against this creep of private forces into the university requires a recommitment to increased public funding of post-secondary education.

Fahad Ahmad, Assistant Professor, Department of Criminology, Toronto Metropolitan University and Adam Saifer, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Management, University of British Columbia

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Greenfield, Mass. (Special to Informed Comment, Feature)  They gather every Saturday morning on the Greenfield Common, Massachusetts from 11-Noon. Their signs and banners read:

LET GAZA LIVE

FREE PALESTINE

CEASEFIRE  NO ARM$ TO ISRAEL

NEVER AGAIN FOR ANYONE

Why?

Johanna (Jo) Rosen stands on the Common because she is heartbroken and outraged by the death, destruction and displacement in Gaza. As a Jewish American, she believes she has a particular responsibility to speak out against the US governments material and diplomatic support for Israel and its military aggressionI am motivated, she adds, to build the world we want to live in where everyone has a safe home, healthy food, clean water, and can celebrate their culture in dignity.

Since last October, Jo, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace, has called Congress almost daily, written letters to newspapers, participated in marches and rallies, donated to aid and advocacy organizations. She joined hundreds of activists to disrupt the State of the Union address and works to support the students at Smith College, her alma mater, advocating for the college to divest from weapons manufacturers.

Lianna Hart feels powerless to stop the war in Gaza and simultaneously complicit in it as a taxpayer in the United States and as a Jewish American who was raised believing in Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. As Americans, we cannot pretendthat we are not complicit in these atrocitiesThe least we can do is show up in our communities and say that we do not agree, that we refuse to watch this happen without speaking up against it.

Standing on the Common with others, holding her artist-made Free Palestine, she finds the moments of connection with those driving and walking by who give just a honk, a wave, a thumbs up motivating. For her, visibility is meaningful, we cannot and should not go about our lives as if this war isnt happening. Like Jo, Lianna has been engaged in many and various actions in western Mass, organized or co-hosted by Jewish Voice for Peace and other organizations. She, too, donates to many relief and aid organizations working with Gazans suffering from this genocidal war.

Theirs are just two passionate, moral voices of many dozens who have gathered with us each Saturday for months, reinvigorating our years of standing on the Common against war and for peace with justice.

Those of us, whose activism on behalf of peace and justice was sparked by the US war of aggression in Vietnam or the Civil Rights movement, the Womens Movement, the Environmental Movement (and, for some, all of these movements) are now joined with these younger generations. They match our generations passionate protests; and we are heartened, energized, inspired by their integrity and deeply grateful to them.

Related video: NM PBS: Jewish Voice for Peace Stands with Students

Together we express what a majority of Americans polled recently support: that the U.S. call for a permanent ceasefire and stop sustaining Israels genocidal war with our governments military aid and weapons. Ranging in age from our 80s to early 20s, we also stand together in supporting student encampments on their university and college campuses across the country, calling for their administration to divest from necrophilous weapons industries that are sucking up profits from the deaths of Gazans, 70 percent of whom are women and children.

Despite what mainstream news chooses to carry  mainly photos of violence in student encampments, and President Biden recklessly defending police crackdowns on students causing chaos, the evidence gathered reveals the opposite. A study of 553 campus protests between April 18 and May 3 across the country found that 97% remained non-violent and peaceful. Further, half of the 3% where violence broke out were clashes with militarized police sent by university administrators to remove the otherwise peaceful student encampments.

As we stand here on the Greenfield Common, teenage Israeli military resisters are there in Israel prisons for refusing to serve in the Israel Defense Force. Two refusniks, before reporting to jail, wrote a letter to President Biden charging that his unconditional support for Netanyahus policy of destruction has brought our [Israeli] society to the normalization of carnage and the trivialization of human livesYou are responsible for this alongside our leadersyou have the power to stop it.

It took little more than 100 days of bombing for Israel to destroy most schools in Gaza and all 12 universities, killing students and teachers, and ending education for Gazan children and youth. Yet only two US schools, Evergreen State College and Union Theological Seminary, and Irelands Trinity College have agreed to work toward divestment from companies that profit from gross human rights violations and/or the occupation of Palestinian territories.

My message for the American students, writes Palestinian Nawar Diab, is thattheir protests and their solidarity with Palestine and Gaza gave us a glimpse of hope. And they didnt leave us left alone. They didnt leave us feeling helpless.
HALIFAX, NS, June 4, 2024 /CNW/ - Fortune Bay Corp. (TSXV: FOR) (FWB: 5QN) (OTCQB: FTBYF) ("Fortune Bay" or the "Company") is pleased to announce drill targets for its Murmac Uranium Project ("Murmac or the "Project") located in northern Saskatchewan. A drilling program is scheduled to commence in the coming days to test up to thirteen (13) of these targets with the potential to discover high-grade, basement-hosted uranium mineralization related to the Athabasca Basin. The drilling program is being funded by Aero Energy Limited (TSXV: AERO) (OTC Pink: AAUGF) (FSE: 13L0) ("Aero"), and is being operated by Fortune Bay, under an Option Agreement that was executed on December 15, 2023.

Highlights:

A total of thirteen (13) priority drill targets have been selected following the recent completion of a high-resolution VTEM  survey ( April 2024 ) and 3D modelling of the existing ground gravity data.

survey ( ) and 3D modelling of the existing ground gravity data. The targets represent favorable settings for high-grade basement-hosted uranium deposits related to the Athabasca Basin.

Basin. Target selection has been based on criteria including geophysical signature, geological/structural setting, proximity to historical uranium occurrences of interest, and Fortune Bay's previous positive drilling results.

Drilling is expected to commence in the coming days with approximately 2,600 meters planned in ten (10) to thirteen (13) drill holes. The program is expected to be results-driven and may be modified based on results from drilling.

Gareth Garlick, Technical Director for Fortune Bay, commented "We believe we have developed a compelling set of drill targets in collaboration with a highly experienced technical team from Aero and Convolutions Geoscience. These targets derive from the integration of new geophysical data and interpretations, key findings from our prospecting work and historical research, and learnings from initial successes in our 2022 drill program. Murmac represents a unique opportunity for high-grade, basement-hosted uranium discovery considering the significant number of surface showings and the limited drill testing of the prospective graphitic conductors. We are excited to get the drill turning on these targets."

Drill Target Selection

Background & Previous Work

The Project is located within the original uranium mining district of Canada, lying between the historical Gunnar and Lorado Uranium Mines. The Project was explored for Beaverlodge-style uranium mineralization, predominantly during the period 1960 to 1980. Historical exploration work focused on ground prospecting and sampling, followed by trenching and/or drill testing. Numerous high-grade (> 1% U 3 O 8 ) uranium occurrences were discovered (see News Release dated September 28, 2021) demonstrating a substantial endowment of uranium within the project area. The numerous conductive units (graphite-bearing metasediments) were however never systematically explored for high-grade, basement-hosted uranium mineralization typical of the Athabasca Basin and its margins. Due to their physical properties, these conductive units predominantly manifest as valleys and topographical lows, covered by overburden and small shallow lakes. These blind conductors have therefore not been properly explored by historical surface prospecting and warrant drill testing where favorable targets have been identified. The Athabasca Basin margin is located approximately five kilometres to the south of the Project, indicating vertical proximity to the basal unconformity (now eroded) and good preservation potential for basement-hosted mineralization.

During summer 2022, Fortune Bay completed a maiden drilling program of fifteen (15) drill holes to commence regional testing of the conductive units along three principal corridors, namely Pitchvein, Armbruster and Howland, that collectively cover over 30 kilometres in strike extent. The drilling program identified shallow, highly elevated concentrations of uranium in six (6) of the drill holes, including 0.18% U 3 O 8 and 0.17% U 3 O 8 from individual assay samples. Importantly, these discoveries demonstrated geological and geochemical characteristics consistent with unconformity-related, basement-hosted deposits, thereby validating the exploration model and demonstrating the potential for high-grade discovery through additional exploration. Further details regarding Fortune Bay's drill results can be found within the News Releases dated August 23, 2022 and December 13, 2022.

Recent Geophysical Data Acquisition & Interpretation

A helicopter-borne geophysical survey, including electromagnetics and magnetics, was completed during late April 2024. The survey was undertaken by Geotech Ltd. using the VTEM Plus geophysical system. The survey covered the entire Project on a 100-metre line spacing, obtaining new coverage and infilling the area previously surveyed in 2022 using VTEM at a 200-metre line spacing. Ground gravity data acquired during 2022 was subject to 3D inversion and modelling. The geophysical data processing, interpretation and integration to assist in the prioritization of drill targets was completed by Convolutions Geoscience Corporation ("Convolutions").

Target Selection for 2024 Drill Program

Targets were selected and prioritized through an iterative approach working in collaboration with Aero and Convolutions. Target criteria included geophysical signature, geological/structural setting, proximity to historical uranium occurrences of interest, and Fortune Bay's previous positive drilling results. A total of thirteen (13) priority targets were identified (Table 1, Figure 1) to encompass a variety of target types and provide a second phase of regional testing across the Project's three principal conductor corridors.

Table 1: Murmac 2024 Drill Targets.

Conductor Corridor Target Target Summary Pitchvein P7 Along strike follow-up of mineralized intercepts and strong alteration in M22-013 & 014 (Fortune Bay holes). Test for extensions of historical mineralization in CKI-9 (1.01% U 3 O 8 over 2.0 m) and CKI-10 (2.19% U 3 O 8 over 0.5 m). P4 Along strike follow-up of mineralized intercepts in M22-013 & 014 (Fortune Bay holes). Test intersection of Pitchvein Corridor with property-scale, mineralized cross-fault. Howland H6 Geophysical target (EM and gravity). H15 Geophysical target (EM and gravity). Intersection of conductor and property-scale, mineralized cross-fault, beneath lake. H16 Geophysical target (EM and gravity). Along strike of M22-012 (0.17% U 3 O 8 over 0.1 m) (Fortune Bay hole). H17 Geophysical target (EM and gravity) at a flexure in the Howland Conductor. Armbruster A15 Geophysical target (EM and gravity) at intersection of conductor and mineralized cross-fault. A17 Intersection of conductor and property-scale, mineralized cross-fault. Conductor break/termination. A18 Geophysical target (EM and gravity). Located along strike to south of Quartzite Ridge uranium showings. A19 Geophysical target (EM and gravity). Located along strike to south of Quartzite Ridge uranium showings at a flexure in the Armbruster Conductor. A20 Intersection of conductor and mineralized cross-fault. A21 Geophysical target (gravity) at intersection of conductor and mineralized cross-fault. Up-ice of 8.82% U 3 O 8 boulder. A22 Geophysical target (EM and gravity) located at a break in the Armbruster conductor.

Drilling Program Details

Drilling of the targets is expected to commence in the coming days. Aero has approved a budget that is expected to allow for the completion of approximately 2,600 meters of coring in ten (10) to thirteen (13) drill holes. The program is expected to be results-driven and may be modified based on results from drilling. The Company has all the required permits for the planned drilling activities.

Qualified Person and Technical Disclosure

The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gareth Garlick, P.Geo., Technical Director of the Company, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Garlick is an employee of Fortune Bay and is not independent of the Company under NI 43-101.

Further details regarding the historical uranium occurrences noted in this news release can be found within the Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment Database (SMAD) and the Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMDI). Fortune Bay has verified the majority of these occurrences through field prospecting and sampling, however there is a risk that any future confirmation work and exploration may produce results that substantially differ from the unverified historical results. The Company considers these unverified historical results relevant to assess the mineralization and economic potential of the property. The historical drill results obtained by SMDC in drill holes CKI-9 and CKI-10 can be found within the SMAD references 74N07-0310 and 74N07-0311 and have not been verified. Additional historical exploration results (uranium occurrences related to geochemistry results and scintillometer prospecting) derive from SMAD references 74N07-0290, 74N07-0287 and 74N07-0304.

About Fortune Bay Corp.

Fortune Bay Corp. (TSXV:FOR, FWB:5QN, OTCQB:FTBYF) is an exploration and development company with 100% ownership in two advanced gold exploration projects in Canada, Saskatchewan (Goldfields Project) and Mexico, Chiapas (Ixhuatan Project), both with exploration and development potential. The Company is also advancing seven uranium exploration projects on the northern rim of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, which have high-grade potential. The Company has a goal of building a mid-tier exploration and development Company through the advancement of its existing projects and the strategic acquisition of new projects to create a pipeline of growth opportunities. The Company's corporate strategy is driven by a Board and Management team with a proven track record of discovery, project development and value creation. Further information on Fortune Bay and its assets can be found on the Company's website at www.fortunebaycorp.com or by contacting us as This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone at 902-334-1919.

On behalf of Fortune Bay Corp.

"Dale Verran"

Chief Executive Officer

902-334-1919

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Words such as "expects", "aims", "anticipates", "targets", "goals", "projects", "intends", "plans", "believes", "seeks", "estimates", "continues", "may", variations of such words, and similar expressions and references to future periods, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals, intentions or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to failure to identify targets or mineralization, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, inability to reach access agreements with other Project communities, amendments to applicable mining laws, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing or partnerships needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR+. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. For more information on Fortune Bay, readers should refer to Fortune Bay's website at www.fortunebaycorp.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Toronto, Ontario - TheNewswire  June 4th, 2024  Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. (TSXV: RSM) (FSE: BU9) (OTC: RSGOGF) ("RSM", "Resouro" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on activities at the Tiros Rare Earths and Titanium project in Brazil (Tiros Project or Project).

Highlights:

Recommencing of drilling for infill drilling for calculation of a potential JORC compliant resource.

Latest drill results include the following; FDTIR-05: Diamond drill, 13 meters at 5,512ppm TREO, 1,158NdPr and 16.73% TiO2 from 19 meters; FDTIR-12: Diamond drill, 20 meters at 6,789ppm TREO, 1,570 NdPr and 16.11% TiO2 from 44 meters; FDTIR-14: Diamond drill, 28 meters at 5,519ppm TREO, 1,200 NdPr and 16.14% TiO2 from 22 meters; FDTIR-25: Diamond drill, 22 meters at 5,597ppm TREO, 1,375 NdPr and 12.65% TiO2 from 46 meters.



Recommencing of Drilling

Following the successful recent capital raising, the Company commenced the works associated with the work program detailed in the Prospectus lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) on May 1, 2024, including an assessment of the data collected with confirmation, where possible, of the likely resource boundaries, average grades and thickness of mineralization at the Tiros Project.

Whilst the data assessment is currently being reviewed by an independent competent person (Atticus Geo Consultants), Resouro has also undertaken further exploration including scout holes and infill drilling with an aim to define a mineral resource estimate for the Tiros Project in accordance with JORC Code.

Figure 1 Drill Plan of the Tiros Central Deposit Infill Drilling and Scout Hole Program

Latest Drill Results

The exploration team has recently received and analyzed the latest results from the latest drilling program including the diamond drilling (DD) with excellent results summarized in the table below.

Hole_ID Type From To Thickness TiO2 % NdPr ppm TREO ppm ACTIR-51 Air Core 10 58 48 11.72 804 3,916 Includes Air Core 16 22 6 22.12 763 6,300 ACTIR-52 Air Core 13 35 22 15.41 1,104 4,779 Includes Air Core 15 17 2 23.84 426 3,617 ACTIR-53 Air Core 9 55 46 11.06 909 3,868 Includes Air Core 16 20 4 23.26 2,743 10,708 ACTIR-54 Air Core 2 52 50 11.54 892 3,806 Includes Air Core 7 13 6 19.86 1,691 7,336 ACTIR-55 Air Core 37 82 45 12.44 1,031 4,404 Includes Air Core 43 50 7 20.70 1,861 7,985 ACTIR-56 Air Core 2 47 45 10.23 856 3,679 Includes Air Core 3 6 3 20.84 869 5,579 ACTIR-59 Air Core 39 86 47 10.00 1,045 4,196 Includes Air Core 50 56 6 18.33 2,473 9,146 ACTIR-60 Air Core 19 76 57 11.36 979 4,143 Includes Air Core 26 33 7 16.59 1,954 8,062 FDTIR-04 Diamond 13 33 20 13.99 1,050 4,979 Includes Diamond 21 26 5 21.72 2,107 9,093 FDTIR-05 Diamond 19 31.9 12.9 16.73 1,158 5,512 Includes Diamond 26 31.9 5.9 20.55 2,172 9,660 FDTIR-06 Diamond 35 49 14 13.69 1,148 4,926 Includes Diamond 36 41 5 22.16 1,603 7,260 FDTIR-07 Diamond 12 18.45 6.45 10.47 1,385 5,442 FDTIR-08 Diamond 15 71 56 11.21 1,000 4,305 Includes Diamond 21 28 7 21.15 2,181 9,055 FDTIR-09 Diamond 39 91 52 14.11 1,010 4,793 Includes Diamond 50 58 8 26.25 1,525 7,868 FDTIR-11 Diamond 36 54.4 18.4 13.09 1,122 4,957 Includes Diamond 42 46 4 25.43 2,394 10,264 FDTIR-12 Diamond 44 63.8 19.8 16.11 1,570 6,789 Includes Diamond 52 58 6 27.23 3,229 12,937 FDTIR-13 Diamond 19 79 60 12.00 989 4,046 Includes Diamond 24 35 11 19.26 2,042 7,744 FDTIR-14 Diamond 22 50.15 28.15 16.14 1,200 5,519 Includes Diamond 31 39 8 25.42 2,495 10,721 FDTIR-15 Diamond 44 99 55 12.15 799 3,881 Includes Diamond 49 62 13 21.11 1,215 6,504 FDTIR-16 Diamond 38 90 52 11.29 1,112 4,630 Includes Diamond 45 51 6 21.86 2,010 8,268 FDTIR-17 Diamond 43 91.75 48.75 12.60 1,071 4,850 Includes Diamond 50 63 13 18.79 1,803 8,008 FDTIR-18 Diamond 13 64 51 14.85 1,201 5,110 Includes Diamond 18 33 15 17.66 1,812 8,158 FDTIR-19 Diamond 12 77 65 11.36 928 4,034 Includes Diamond 18 24 6 25.10 1,704 8,199 FDTIR-20 Diamond 17 67.25 50.25 12.23 966 4,062 Includes Diamond 26 31 5 24.96 2,138 9,417 FDTIR-21 Diamond 30 56.35 26.35 12.34 1,001 4,537 Includes Diamond 38 43 5 19.84 1,947 8,239 FDTIR-22 Diamond 19 76.6 57.6 11.55 1,074 4,719 Includes Diamond 30 38 8 23.00 2,304 10,338 FDTIR-23 Diamond 43 89 46 11.66 951 4,392 Includes Diamond 49 52 3 23.10 2,257 10,890 FDTIR-24 Diamond 45 67.35 22.35 9.79 1,231 5,021 Includes Diamond 49 53 4 17.10 1,855 7,623 FDTIR-25 Diamond 46 68.15 22.15 12.65 1,375 5,597 Includes Diamond 53 58 5 19.77 2,329 9,746 FDTIR-26 Diamond 18 67 49 15.98 1,080 5,150 Includes Diamond 26 31 5 22.25 1,762 8,819 Includes Diamond 40 43 3 18.80 1,104 5,245 Includes Diamond 48 56 8 20.26 1,330 5,712 FDTIR-27 Diamond 28 88 60 10.65 739 3,319 Includes Diamond 38 42 4 21.76 1,587 9,064 FDTIR-28 Diamond 11 69 58 12.20 848 4,130 Includes Diamond 20 26 6 21.44 979 7,479 FDTIR-29 Diamond 27 83 56 14.04 1,122 4,933 Includes Diamond 29 34 5 24.64 532 3,892 Includes Diamond 38 49 11 21.40 1,556 7,926 FDTIR-30 Diamond 41 107 66 10.19 776 3,632 Includes Diamond 54 60 6 21.24 1,831 8,096 FDTIR-31 Diamond 36 94 58 11.24 884 3,886 Includes Diamond 44 50 6 21.80 1,477 8,426 FDTIR-32 Diamond 34 98.05 64.05 12.38 877 4,054 Includes Diamond 44 48 4 22.90 1,930 8,854 FDTIR-33 Diamond 38 94 56 10.79 780 3,654 Includes Diamond 48 53 5 23.35 1,922 9,422

Table1 Latest Drilling Results

Quality Assurance Quality Control

A QA/QC program is in place for every batch of samples sent to the laboratory including blanks, different types of standards, for REE and titanium, and field duplicates. Further, a number of samples in each batch are later chosen for testing in a secondary laboratory and in the primary laboratory, as pulp or coarse duplicates.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Rodrigo Mello B.Sc. Geology, FAusIMM and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Mello has reviewed and verified the drilling and assay data included in this announcement.

Commenting on the latest drilling and assay results and drilling update for the Tiros Project, CEO and President of Resouro, Chris Eager, commented:

Following on previously reported high levels of TREO, NdPr and TiO2 grades reported at the Tiros Central block are exciting. Recommencing the drilling program after reviewing the recent data has allowed the Company to plan better for the present drilling and to allow the project to progress its geological resource model with the aim to achieve a Maiden JORC Resource for Tiros Central. This drilling further confirms the high grade and massive size potential of Tiros project as a whole.

Update on ASX Listing

Resouro lodged the Prospectus to raise AUD$8.0 million (approximately CAD$7.2 million) via the offer of 16,000,000 CHESS Depository Interests (CDI) over common shares in the capital of the Company at an offer price of AUD$0.50 (approximately CAD$0.45) per CDI (the Offer). Resouro intends to use the net proceeds raised pursuant to the Offer to increase shareholder value through the identification, exploration, definition and development of its Tiros Rare Earth Elements and Titanium Project, and Novo Mundo Gold Project as well as to meet working capital requirements.

The Offer opened on May 9, 2024, in Australia. It is envisaged that CDIs will be issued on or around mid-June 2024, in Australia. The listing of the Company on the ASX remains subject to the Company meeting the listing criteria of the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the Company is working through the standard conditions of admission. Subject to the satisfaction of ASXs conditions to admission, the Company is targeting a listing date on the ASX of on or around June 14, 2024.

Upon successful completion of the listing, Resouros securities will be tradable on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV:RSM), the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE:BU9), the Over-the-Counter market in the USA (OTC:RSGOGF) and the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX:RAU), providing investors with increased flexibility and accessibility.

About Resouro Strategic Metals Inc.

Resouro is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in Brazil, including the rare earth elements and titanium Tiros Project and the Novo Mundo and Santa Angela gold projects.

The Tiros Project, located in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an exploration project focused on rare earth elements and titanium covering an area of approximately 450 km2. The Tiros Project comprises 17 exploration permits, and one exploration permit application held by the Company's Brazilian subsidiary; and 6 exploration permits and one exploration permit application that have been validly assigned to the Company's Brazilian subsidiary and are awaiting ANM approval. The Company holds, via its wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, a 90% interest in the Tiros Project and the remaining 10% interest in the Tiros Project is held by RBM Consultoria Mineral Eireli (RBM), an unrelated third-party vendor.

The Novo Mundo Project is located in the Alta Floresta Gold Province close to the northern border of the state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. Within the licensed area is the small town of Novo Mundo, which is 30km west from the larger town of Guaranta do Norte. It comprises three exploration permits. The Company also has another interest in an exploration permit, being the Santa Angela Project, which is not considered material to the Companys operations. Interests in the Novo Mundo Project and Santa Angela Project are held via the Companys wholly owned subsidiary.

For further information, please contact the Company at:

Chris Eager, CEO

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Phone: +44-738-805-7980

For Investor inquiries

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On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Chris Eager, President & CEO

RESOURO STRATEGIC METALS INC.

Learn more about the Company on its website: https://resouro.com

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. 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.

In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the use of proceeds of the Offer and the proposed ASX listing. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation and environmental regulation; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required, including obtaining final acceptance from the TSXV and the ASX; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; liabilities inherent in the mining industry; competition for, among other things, skilled personnel and supplies; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; geological, technical, processing and transportation problems; changes in tax laws and incentive programs; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and dispositions; and the other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this release.

This press 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.
Highlights include 0.82% Cu, 1.168 g/t Au, and 6.640 g/t Ag over 5.0m.

Results from the seven high priority channel sample composites confirm copper, gold, and silver mineralization on the Main Gossan Zone.

Consistent mineralization exposed along a 60m section of an 850m long EM conductor.

In addition to copper values, the gold and silver assays are significant

Vancouver, British Columbia  TheNewswire - June 4, 2024. Cascade Copper Corp. (CSE: CASC) (Cascade or the Corporation) is pleased to announce the results from a priority channel sampling program at its Centrefire Copper and Gold Project (the Project) located ~40 kilometres northeast of Dryden, Ontario, Canada. The results indicate significant copper, gold, and silver values over substantial widths. A summary of results can be found below in Table 1.

Table 1: Summary Table of Results Across the Seven Channel Areas

Channel Length m Cu % Au g/t Ag g/t Cu Eq* 1 9.0 0.21 0.625 1.933 0.68 2 7.0 0.49 1.645 2.486 1.71 3 4.9 0.09 0.116 0.173 0.17 4 5.0 0.46 0.578 2.420 0.91 5 4.0 0.38 1.191 3.350 1.28 6 7.0 0.27 0.877 2.514 0.93 7 5.0 0.82 1.168 6.640 1.73

*CuEq uses copper price at $4.00/lb, gold price at $2,000/oz, and silver price at $25/oz. The calculation is as follows: CuEq = Cu%+(Au grade x Au price + Ag grade x Ag price) / grams per Troy oz / (Cu price x 22.046) and assumes 100% recoveries as no metallurgy has been performed.

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Shannon Baird, VP Exploration for Cascade Copper explains The results from the channel sampling at Centrefire are encouraging in several ways. First, they confirm the tenor of historic values and in some cases are better than we have seen before. It is also our impression that an EM conductor identified by an Airborne VTEM survey completed in 2010 is coincident with the mineralized surface gossan sampled in this program and could be mineralized over the identified length of 800 meters. A second parallel conductor that was sampled also shows significant values. Our next steps will be to evaluate the broader extent of these EM conductors and then to drill those areas where surface values are the greatest.

A total of 43 samples were taken across the 7 channel locations. The samples where contiguous samples of 1.0m or 0.5m in length within each priority channel area. Individual copper values ranged from 2.36% over 1m in Channel 7 to 95.2 ppm over 1m in Channel 6 with 49% of the samples assaying over 0.25% Cu. Gold values ranged from 3.61 g/t over 1m in Channel 2 to 0.017 g/t in Channel 6 with 63% of the samples assaying over 0.5 g/t Au. Silver values ranged from 10.5 g/t over 1m in Channel 7 to below detection in Channel 6 with 67% of the samples assaying over 1.0 g/t Ag.

Figure 1: Results of Channel Sampling at the Main Gossan Zone at the Centrefire Copper-Gold Project.

Discussion of Results

It is noted that at many of the channels, the samples at the end of the sequences returned high values. This infers that the mineralization may continue beyond the areas that have been sampled. Channel area 7 is an example where the last sample at the south end returned 2.36% copper and 1.41 g/t gold while the last sample to the north returned 0.38% copper and 1.95 g/t gold. Also to note that the best channel (Channel 7) was the east-most area sampled and indicates that mineralization may continue further to the east.

Cascade Copper is encouraged by the results of this program as it confirms the EM conductor in the area of the Main Gossan is mineralized with significant copper, gold, and silver values. This upgrades the potential of the other identified conductors within the Centrefire Project area. Cascade has identified over five linear kilometres of EM conductors on the western block of the project area. The eastern portion of the project area has not seen any EM surveys but contains similar geology and magnetic trends as the western project area (See Figure 2).

Next Steps

The Corporation plans to continue exploration at Centrefire with a proposed diamond drill program to test the subsurface continuity of the copper and gold mineralization. The drilling will focus on the Main Gossan Zone. Additional ground work such as mapping, sampling, and surface geophysics will investigate the identified EM conductors as well as the high mag axes that are deemed to convey iron formations that are known to host high grade gold systems. The northeast portion of the project area that was recently staked, will see some airborne magnetic and/or EM surveys and prospecting.

Figure 2: EM Conductor Axes and High Magnetic Trends across the Centrefire Project area. EM Conductors and High Magnetic Trends to be Investigated in Future Programs.

Sample Procedure and QA/QC

All rock samples collected were submitted to AGAT Laboratories at their Thunder Bay, ON sample preparation facility for preparation and analysis. AGAT Labs meets all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015 for analytical procedures. Each sample was photographed, tagged, and bagged for analysis. Samples were analyzed using AGATs 50g Fire Assay Fusion method (202-551) with an AAS finish for gold and by a 34-element four acid digest ICP-OES analysis (201-070) with additional analysis for Ore Grade Cu (201-470). Results were reported in parts per million (ppm) and converted to percent (%), or grams per tonne (g/t) when applicable.

The Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this press release is Shannon Baird, P.Geo, Vice President of Exploration for Cascade Copper Corp.

About Cascade Copper

The Corporation is an exploration stage natural resource company engaged in the evaluation, acquisition, and exploration of mineral resource properties with the intention, if warranted, of placing them into production. Cascade is focused on exploration, development, and acquisition of quality exploration properties. More specifically, Cascades objective is to conduct an exploration program on its flagship Rogers Creek Property located in the Coast Mountain Belt of British Columbia about 90 kilometres northeast of Vancouver, in the Southwest Mining Region. Cascade currently now has five projects, including the Centrefire Copper-Gold Project, the Copper Plateau Copper-Moly Project, the Fire Mountain Copper-Gold Project, the Bendor Gold Project, and the flagship Rogers Creek Copper-Gold Project.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

CASCADE COPPER CORP.

Jeffrey S. Ackert, President and CEO

820-1130 West Pender St.

Vancouver, BC V6E 4A4

Telephone: 1 613 851 7699

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Web: www.cascadecopper.com

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

DISCLAIMER & FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, and by their very nature involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on currently available information, Cascade Copper Corp. provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Factors which cause results to differ materially are set out in the Companys documents filed on SEDAR. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward looking statements.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2024) - Scorpio Gold Corporation (TSXV: SGN) (OTC Pink: SRCRF) (FSE: RY9) ("Scorpio Gold", or the "Company") is pleased to announce its 2024 exploration program (the "2024 Exploration Program" or the "Program") at its Manhattan District, has commenced the first phase of the Program's planned drilling campaign ("Phase 1"). Phase 1 consists of an initial 5 drill holes, followed by an anticipated 4,260 meters in 20 holes through the rest of 2024. Manhattan is a low-sulfidation epithermal gold deposit located in Nye County, Nevada containing a higher-grade coarse gold deposit already identified through over 100,000 m of historic drilling. Phase 1 is intended to extend known mineralization along strike into untested areas utilizing surface diamond drilling. This drill program will provide data for a preliminary metallurgical testing program and confirm known intervals at the Manhattan and Goldwedge targets with the goal of producing a NI 43-101 compliant resource report later this year.

Targeting for 2024



The 2024 drill program is intended to extend known mineralization along the Reliance Fault zone in several directions, including northwest of the West Pit where the mineralized structure projects toward Goldwedge. Targeting the south trend of the Reliance Fault aims to verify the extent of mineralization along strike, with several holes also planned to target potential down-dip extensions to high-grade mineralization encountered in previous drilling. Additional drilling is planned to test several N-S to NW-SE striking structures which control high grade mineralization previously mined from the East Pit.

All figures are in feet.

Figure 1: Manhattan-Goldwedge Completed and Planned Drillholes

The Reliance Fault (main structure of the west pit)



The Reliance fault is the primary target to be tested in 2024. The NW-SE Striking structure is within the West Pit and projects towards the already drilled Goldwedge Zone, 600 meters northwest. As the structure approaches Goldwedge, it becomes parallel with the Manhattan Caldera margin and is underexplored along strike to the northwest of the Goldwedge underground workings. This presents an attractive exploration target for future work.

The East Splay (main structure of the east pit)



The East Splay is conceptualized as a N-S striking splay off the main Reliance Fault and appears to control mineralization in the East Pit. This structure will be tested down dip, along strike to the north of the East Pit, and at its conceptualized intercept with a NW-SE striking structure projected southeast from the Goldwedge area (see Figure 1).

Metallurgical test-work



The 2024 drill core will be used to commence initial metallurgical testing for inclusion in the initial resource report.

As reported in the Company's press release on May 15, 2024, Scorpio Gold has engaged Daniel & Kunz and Associates ("DKA"), a technical consulting firm founded and led by Daniel Kunz. DKA has played an integral role in the planning and execution of the 2024 Exploration Program, basing all the targeting for Phase 1 off of the extensive current modelling of the over 1,200 drillholes, and the review and consolidation of historic data.

Scorpio Gold's Manhattan District comprises the advanced exploration-stage Goldwedge Project, with a 400 ton per day gravity mill. Adjacent to Goldwedge is the 4,300-acre Manhattan Project that was acquired from Kinross in 2021 and is centered on two past-producing pits. The consolidated Manhattan District presents an exciting late-stage exploration opportunity, with over 100,000m+ of historical drilling, demonstrating significant resource potential, alongside valuable permitting.

Figure 2: Manhattan Cross Section A-A'

"Commencing Phase 1 of our 2024 Exploration Program at the Manhattan District marks a significant milestone for Scorpio Gold. Our focused approach, underpinned by meticulous planning and historical data analysis, aims to unlock the full potential of this promising district. We are excited about the prospects of extending known mineralization and advancing towards a NI 43-101 compliant resource later this year," said Zayn Kalyan, CEO and Director of Scorpio Gold.

Qualified Person



The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by G. Peter Parsley, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person", as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Corporate Items



The Company also announces that Diane Zerga has resigned as Corporate Secretary and been appointed VP Operations, and Diana Mark has been appointed Corporate Secretary.

Shares for Debt



The Company also announces that its board of directors has approved the settlement of $26,430 of debt through the issuance of common shares of the Company (the "Debt Settlement"). Pursuant to the Debt Settlement, the Company will issue 132,150 common shares of the Company (the "Shares") at a deemed price of $0.20 per Share to a former director of the Company (the "Creditor"). The issuance of the Shares to the Creditor is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued will be subject to a four month hold period which will expire on the date that is four months and one day from the date of issue.

About Scorpio Gold Corp.



Scorpio Gold holds a 100% interest in two past producing mines, the Manhattan Mine and the Mineral Ridge Mine, both located in the Walker Lane Trend of Nevada, USA. Scorpio Gold's Manhattan District comprises the advanced exploration-stage Goldwedge Project, with a 400 ton per day gravity mill. Adjacent to Goldwedge is the 4,300-acre Manhattan Project, centered on two past-producing pits, acquired from Kinross in 2021. The consolidated Manhattan District presents an exciting late-stage exploration opportunity, with over 100,000m+ of historical drilling, with significant resource potential, alongside valuable permitting. Scorpio Gold also holds a 100% interest in the Mineral Ridge gold project located in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Scorpio Gold produced over 222,440oz of gold at Mineral Ridge between 2010 and 2020. With a proven and probable resource, valuable permits, water rights, infrastructure, and the recently acquired adjacent North Star exploration target, Mineral Ridge has significant near-term development potential.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF SCORPIO GOLD CORPORATION

Zayn Kalyan, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Tel: (604)-252-2672

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Investor Relations Contact:

Kin Communications Inc.

Tel: (604) 684-6730

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Connect with Scorpio Gold:

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TSXV: SGN | OTC: SRCRF | FSE: RY9

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding: the details of Phase 1 of the Company's 2024 Exploration Program and the results of the same; Phase 1 providing data for a preliminary metallurgical testing program along with confirming known intervals at the Manhattan and Goldwedge targets; the preparation of a NI 43-101 compliant report on the Manhattan project, and the timing thereof; the Company's plans for its 2024 drill program; the resource potential of the Manhattan District; and the Debt Settlement and the approval of the same from the TSX Venture Exchange. There is significant risk that the forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate, that the management's assumptions may not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements, including those risk factors outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR+. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2024) - Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, due to investor demand, the Company and Paradigm Capital Inc. (the "Agent") have agreed to increase the size of the Company's previously-announced best efforts private placement offering (the "Offering"). The amended Offering is now for 108,333,333 common shares of the Company (the "Shares") at a price of $0.12 per Share (the "Issue Price") for total gross proceeds of $13,000,000.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for exploration and development, and general working capital purposes.

The Offering is expected to close on or about June 20, 2024 (the "Closing Date") and is subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the conditional listing approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the applicable securities regulatory authorities. The Offering is being made by way of private placement in Canada, in the United States pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities of 1933, as amended, and in such other jurisdictions as may be mutually agreed upon by the Agent and the Company. The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period in Canada expiring four months and one day from the Closing Date.

The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About OMAI GOLD MINES CORP.

Omai Gold Mines Corp. holds a 100% interest in the Omai Prospecting License that includes the past producing Omai Gold Mine in Guyana, and a 100% interest in the adjoining Eastern Flats Mining Permits. The Company announced a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on its Wenot deposit at Omai on April 4, 2024, supporting an open pit operation to produce 1.84 million ounces of gold over a 13-year period, with an NPV5% of US$556 million at a US$1950/oz gold price1. An updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") announced February 8, 2024 includes 2.0 million ounces of gold (Indicated) and 2.3 million ounces (Inferred)1. Once South America's largest producing gold mine, Omai Gold Mines Corp News Release May 30, 2024 Omai produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold between 1993 and 2005. Mining ceased at a time when the average gold price was less than US$400 per ounce. As a brownfields project, Omai benefits from good road access and a wealth of historical data that provides knowledge of the geology and gold mineralization on the Property, as well as metallurgy, historical process recoveries and many other relevant mining parameters.

1 The NI43-101 Technical Report dated May 21, 2024, titled "UPDATED MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE OMAI GOLD PROPERTY, POTARO MINING DISTRICT NO. 2, GUYANA", prepared under the supervision of Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, President of P&E Mining Consultants Inc., who is a Qualified Person (QP) and is independent of Omai Gold for the purposes of NI 43-101. The report is available on SEDAR+ and on the Company's website at https://omaigoldmines.com/site/assets/files/5486/omg_wenot_pea_final_may_21_2024.pdf.

Elaine Ellingham P.Geo. is a Qualified Person (QP) under NI 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" and has reviewed the technical information contained in this news release. Ms. Ellingham is not considered to be independent for the purposes of NI 43-101.

For further information, please contact:

Elaine Ellingham, P.Geo.

President & CEO

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+1.416.473.5351

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements or information (collectively, "FLI") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation.

Generally, FLI can be identified by the use of statements that include words such as "seeks", "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "continues", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "intends", "projects", "predicts", "proposes", "potential", "targets" and variations of such words and phrases, or by statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "will" "could", "would", "should" or "might", "be taken", "occur" or "be achieved." FLI herein includes, but is not limited to, the terms and conditions of the Offering, anticipated regulatory approvals in connection with the Offering, timing of closing of the Offering, stated use of proceeds of the Offering, statements regarding the results of the Omai PEA, including the production, operating cost, capital cost and cash cost estimates, the projected valuation metrics and rates of return, and the cash flow projections, as well as mineral resource estimates for the Omai Gold Mine.

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are FLI that involve various risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties. For additional information with respect to these and risks, assumptions, and other factors that may affect the FLI made in this press release concerning the Company, please refer to the sections entitled "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in the most recent management discussion and analysis of the Company, which is available electronically on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. FLI is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The FLI contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof or as at the date of the applicable document only and, accordingly, are subject to change after such dates. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any FLI or the foregoing list of risks, assumptions or other factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Canada has failed to address violence against Indigenous women and girls five years after it was declared a national tragedy and a genocide in a report, a First Nations chief said Monday.

Ottawa had accepted all 231 recommendations outlined in the 2019 report by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls aimed at improving security, justice, health and culture for Canada's Indigenous people.

But so far only two of these have been fully implemented, according to the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).

"It is difficult when you see results like these today," AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak told a news conference, with the majority of the calls for justice "showing minimal to no progress."

"This failure is not acceptable to our people. I hope it is not acceptable to other Canadians either," she said, urging "more political will" and for all Canadians to "stand with us."

Manitoba Chief Sheldon Kent went further, blaming "racism" for the slow progress. "We need policy change, (but also) we need a change in peoples' hearts."

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree said implementing the recommendations will require "a generational effort. It's not going to happen overnight."

"Ultimately, I do fundamentally believe that this crisis can be brought to an end, but it will take the concentrated efforts of all levels of government and civil society," he said, adding that implementation of some of the report's recommendations will require "systemic changes."

Anandasangaree assessed that 107 of the recommendations under federal purview have been "advanced," and 53 others have been "broadly advanced."

In some cases, he said Ottawa faces "layers of complex institutional resistance to change."

While others involve practical issues like getting construction materials to the far north to build housing in remote villages.

The national inquiry identified at least 1,200 Indigenous women who were killed or went missing between 1980 and 2012, and concluded that this amounted to genocide.

The commissioners found that Indigenous women were 12 times more likely to experience violence and seven times more likely to be killed than other women in Canada.

They linked the deaths to endemic poverty, racism, sexism and other social ills traced back to failed attempts by early colonizers to force Indigenous people to integrate.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had pledged "transformative change" in response to the report.

Measures promised included increased spending on Indigenous culture and health, giving communities more control over social services, and the creation of a task force to investigate unsolved murders.

But Woodhouse Nepinak said that "the murders and the violence have not stopped."
The long-haul trial of two executives from Swedish company Lundin Oil is entering a new phase. After the statement of facts by the prosecutor and lawyers for the plaintiffs and defence, it is now the turn of the witnesses. The first batch of witnesses will be heard over a six-month period in room 34 on the second floor of the Stockholm courthouse. A second batch will follow from February to November 2025. But before victims voices are heard for the first time, the trial saw a major battle over evidence.

During the five months that the Swedish lawyers for former Swedish Lundin Oil chairman Ian Lundin and his Swiss ex-CEO Alexandre Schneiter took the stand, they sought to discredit some of the sources used by the prosecutor. These include authors of NGO reports described as aiming to mobilize opinion rather than serve as evidence in a trial; and journalists presented as not cross-checking their sources enough, relying on NGO reports or sometimes working not only as journalists but also for these NGOs. The defence also felt that the prosecutor was not specific enough to justify the indictments for complicity of war crimes in Sudan, lacking details on the alleged perpetrators of the crimes and on the places and dates they were allegedly committed.

The prosecutor described the armed conflict as a struggle between the Khartoum government and the South Sudanese SPLA rebels for oil and independence, after the lawyers argued that there was no conflict between the government army and the SPLA in Block 5A when Lundin Oil was operating there. Any fighting was not caused by oil, according to the lawyers, but by inter-ethnic conflicts most often linked to cattle rustling. Such conflicts took place before Lundins presence in the area, continued during its presence between 1997 and 2003, after its departure and even since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, they argued.

While affirming this, the defence tried to downplay the actions of armed groups that may have clashed there. Even if some of them are called allies of the regime, we know very little about these groups, said one of the lawyers.

Double-edged reports

Faced with these two lines of defence  discrediting and minimising -, the prosecutor adopted an unexpected counter-attack strategy. Rather than trying to respond point by point to the accusations about NGO sources and press articles, he went to the defences own sources to find elements to resume the offensive. To provide new evidence, he analysed the reports of security companies hired by Lundin and other companies operating in the region, which the prosecutor had already used in part last autumn.

These famous documents come from searches carried out in January 2018 at Lundin Oils offices and at the homes of brothers Ian and Lukas Lundin in Geneva. They include internal security reports and letters from Christina Batruch, head of Lundin Petroleums Corporate Responsibility department in Geneva. For the prosecutor, they demonstrate that the loyalties between the militias and the main players, the Government of Sudan and SPLA rebels, were constantly changing. Whats more, according to the prosecutor, these internal reports themselves said that oil was decisive in the escalation of the conflict.

Until 1997, Block 5A was relatively untouched by the civil war, recalled the prosecutor Henrik Attorps. The situation in Block 5A changed when representatives of the Nuer people felt that the Sudanese regime was not respecting the Khartoum Peace Agreement signed in 1997, precisely when Lundin Oil arrived in this area now located in South Sudan. According to the agreement, the Sudanese army was not to operate south of the Bahr El-Ghazal River, in the northernmost part of Block 5A. When it crossed the river, it was considered an intrusion into southern territory, hence the start of the escalation and the conflicts via proxy militia between the between the SPLA and the Khartoum government.

The [security firm] Control Risks Group, said the prosecutor, states in its July 29, 1998 security analysis that the [Khartoum] regimes strategy for securing the oilfields was largely based on the [government's] Peace from within plan, with a first and then a second agreement with different rebel groups in the South. This plan had two phases, with a first and then a second agreement with different rebel groups in the South, which constitutes a divide and rule strategy, the prosecutor continued. Another security report report, dated 1 May 1998, is even more specific, stating that the SSDF [South Sudan Defence Forces, pro-government forces created under the 1997 Khartoum Peace Accords] are negotiating control of the companys area of operations and thus future oil revenues. For the prosecutor, this indicates the involvement of armed groups in what he calls war by proxy aimed at controlling oil revenues, not some clan vendetta caused by cattle rustling.

Defections and shifting alliances

In another report entitled Conflict survey and mapping analysis published in August 2002 by UNICEF, UNDP and the Sudanese Ministry of Higher Education -- often cited by the defence in recent months --, the prosecutor also drew information to support the same argument. The army, said the prosecutor, citing the conclusions of this report, entered the region in violation of the peace agreement, after the discovery of oil by Sudan Ltd. [in which Lundin Oil was a stakeholder] in April/May 1999. The armys actions in Block 5A were aimed at allowing the companies to carry out their oil operations under regime control. Militia leaders allied to the regime [in Khartoum] were in favour of oil operations and of the Lundin company, while rebels [groups affiliated to the South Sudanese SPLA] strongly opposed regime-controlled oil operations.

There were many defections and shifts in alliances, and new armed groups emerged from splits. In light of these reports, it is hard to claim that calm reigned in Block 5A. Contrary to what the defence claimed, Lundins reports are according to the prosecutor full of precise details on these groups, their commanders, their allegiances, and they provide a detailed chronology of it.

These were all indications that Lundins leaders could hardly ignore. The regime [in Khartoum] has, because of shifting loyalties in 2002, deployed more regular troops to Block 5A, continued the prosecutor. Given the economic importance of oil and the possibility of future revenues from Block 5A, the regime will do everything in its power to consolidate and extend military control over the oil producing areas.

In the mouth of the prosecutor, this everything in its power makes the link between oil exploitation and war crimes, and sounds like a dramatic transition to the scenes of destruction described by the South Sudanese witnesses who are currently starting to appear before the Stockholm court.
Tang Wei expressed her delight in witnessing the on-screen chemistry of Park Bo Gum and Suzy in "Wonderland."

In an interview, the Chinese actress expressed a very relatable response to the duo's team-up.

Tang Wei Gushes Over 'Wonderland' Co-Stars Suzy, Park Bo Gum

One of the most talked-about movies of 2024, "Wonderland" features a star-studded cast lineup and depicts an interesting story about reconnecting with loved ones. Joining Tang Wei in the film are top stars Gong Yoo, Park Bo Gum, Bae Suzy, Choi Woo Shik, and Jung Yoo Mi.

Hinting at what to expect in the upcoming movie, Tang Wei teased fans by mentioning the undeniable appeal that the characters have.

"Watching this movie was a feast for the eyes."

She added how "beautiful" the couples were in the film. The award-winning actress also recalled the time when she got to see a promotional video featuring Suzy and Park Bo Gum for the first time.

"I watched it and thought, 'Wow.' How could they look so good together? It felt like a tonic for the eyes. It was a visual treat."

Aside from her personal reaction to seeing the unique chemistry of the duo, Tang Wei also shared the Chinese fans' huge response to their team-up.

According to her, Weibo, a popular social media app in China, was flooded with topics about Park Bo Gum and Suzy, with fans shipping them as a couple.

"People say they really look good together and hope they become a real couple. These kinds of comments are common. Even Chinese media are saying they hope the two become a couple."

Tang Wei also added that she "particularly felt" the same way upon seeing them during filming.

"This is when they looked at each other while singing in the movie. I was like, 'Wow.'"

'Wonderland' Cast, Release Date

Slated to hit the big screen on June 5, "Wonderland" is a sci-fi romance movie that depicts the story of individuals using a social media app called Wonderland to reconnect with their loved ones.

In the movie, Suzy takes on the role of Jung In, who uses the service to communicate with her boyfriend Tae Joo (Park Bo Gum), who is in coma.

Jung Yoo Mi portrays the role of the app's senior planner, Hae Ri, who works alongside newcomer Hyun Soo, played by Choi Woo Shik, who is considered Wonderland's architect.

Lastly, Tang Wei takes on the role of Bai Li, who uses the app to hide her death from her daughter.

"Wonderland" is directed and written by award-winning director Kim Tae Yong, who also helmed the acclaimed "Decision to Leave."

Check out Tang Wei, Park Bo Gum, and Suzy's "Wonderland" trailer below.

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Flores
On June 15th, the super circular high-speed train from Shanghai Railway Station to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station will make its inaugural journey. This super loop connects four central and sub-central cities of the Yangtze River Delta region: Shanghai, Nanjing, Hefei, and Hangzhou. Among these, Hefei is welcoming the circular high-speed train for the second time. Acting as a bridge between east and west, and connecting south with north, this efficient and smooth "mega transportation" is injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of Hefei. This super circular railway covers a one-way distance of over 1200 kilometers, linking several scenic areas such as Mount Huangshan, Jiuhua Mountain, and Qiandao Lake along the route. It stops at a total of 21 stations across three provinces and one city in the Yangtze River Delta region. By operating complementarily with the G7357/6 high-speed train from Shanghai to Hefeinan and the G7174/1 high-speed train from Hefeinan to Shanghai Hongqiao, it provides convenience for passengers traveling back and forth along the route. Wang Min (a pseudonym), who works in the railway industry, has settled in Hefei and has been commuting between his workplace in Shanghai and Hefei for seven years. "Many of my colleagues do the same; it's very convenient to reach there in less than two hours." While accelerating the dense construction of the highway network, Hefei is also advancing the development of railway, waterway, and aviation infrastructure simultaneously. A comprehensive transportation pattern of "road, rail, water, and air" interconnectivity is rapidly taking shape, continuously promoting the deep integration of resources such as China-Europe freight trains, road-rail, and air-land intermodal transport, ensuring smooth logistics and transportation channels. At the same time, Hefei continues to strengthen the construction of dedicated external access channels for railway and port freight hubs, constantly improving the level of infrastructure connection between different modes of transportation like road-rail and rail-water, thereby further enhancing the support capacity of intermodal infrastructure.

Source: Hefei Evening News
In a recent mishap that caught the attention of viewers worldwide, Netflix's original series "The 8 Show" stumbled upon controversy due to an error in its subtitles.

The streaming giant found itself in hot water after it was discovered that the East Sea was erroneously labeled as the "Sea of Japan" in some subtitle translations.

The mistake, which occurred during a pivotal scene featuring actor Ryu Jun Yeol singing the Korean national anthem, sparked immediate backlash online.

Viewers were quick to point out the egregious error, expressing their disbelief and frustration on various social media platforms.

A Netflix representative promptly addressed the issue, acknowledging the oversight and assuring concerned audiences that corrective measures were underway.

"We confirmed that the East Sea was written as 'Sea of Japan' in some subtitles. We are currently in the process of correcting the subtitles. We ask for your continued support and feedback."

However, the damage was already done, with many expressing outrage over the careless mistake, particularly given the sensitive nature of the scene involving the national anthem.

Professor Seo Kyung Deok of Sungshin Woman's University voiced his concerns, emphasizing the historical significance of referring to the body of water as the "East Sea" and urging Netflix to rectify the error promptly.

"I found out about this after netizens reported it to me, I immediately sent a protest email as Netflix is a platform with global influence. The sea between Korea and Japan has been called the 'East Sea' since 2,000 years ago. I urge you to make the correction ASAP so that international viewers will not misunderstand."

Netizens also weighed in on the debacle, expressing their disbelief and disappointment at the oversight.

Comments flooded online forums, with many questioning how such a glaring mistake could have occurred, particularly during a scene as significant as the national anthem.

"I became a Japanese citizen without even knowing it,"

"How could they get it wrong..it's the national anthem."

"I didn't know because I didn't watch it, but that part was during the national anthem?? And they wrote 'Sea of Japan' instead of the 'East Sea'? Crazy..glad I didn't watch the show."

"The Sea of Japan and Mount Baek? Wow reality check...the state of the country."

"Wow crazy...during the part for the national anthem too..."

"I feel like they did this on purpose....why would do that for the national anthem lyrics..."

"Crazy...they did during the national anthem part?

As Netflix works to rectify the issue and regain the trust of its audience, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accurate and culturally sensitive translations in global media.

Whether this blunder was a mere oversight or a symptom of deeper issues within the localization process remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - the scrutiny over subtitles has never been more intense.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Joan Cabigas






Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - American actor, Brad Pitt is reportedly 'upset and aware' that his daughter Shiloh filed to drop his last name on her 18th birthday.

A source close to the 60-year-old Oscar winner said his erasure from his daughter's life is just another indication that he has 'lost his children,' according to People.

'Hes aware and upset that Shiloh dropped his last name,' the source claimed. 'Hes never felt more joy than when she was born. He always wanted a daughter.'

Notably, Pitt was already in the process of legally adopting a daughter who had been a part of his life for months before he and his then-partner Angelina Jolie, 49, had announced she was pregnant with Shiloh in January 2006.

Jolie had travelled to Ethiopia to adopt her first daughter Zahara, 19, in July 2005, and Pitt had come with her on the trip.

He was reported to be in the process of becoming Zahara's adopted father in December 2005, a month before he and Jolie announced her pregnancy.

'The reminders that hes lost his children, is of course not easy for Brad,' the source continued. 'He loves his children and misses them. Its very sad.'

They added that the distance between Pitt and his six children  Maddox, 22; Pax, 20; Zahara; Shiloh; and twins Knox and Vivienne, 15  'pains him.'

However, they noted that 'hes still happy with Ines [de Ramon],' his girlfriend.

Another source described as close to Pitt told the publication that the Tree Of Life star 'still loves all of his kids tremendously.'

'This whole process has been very hard for the whole family,' they added.

If Shiloh's request is granted she will subsequently go simply by 'Shiloh Jolie,' rather than her original full name, 'Shiloh Jolie-Pitt.'

People previously reported that Pitt's youngest daughter Vivienne, who served as her mother Angelina Jolie's assistant when she produced the Broadways musical adaptation of The Outsiders had listed her name as 'Vivienne Jolie' in the Playbill for the show.

It is unclear if Vivienne has legally changed her name, but the minor would likely need either parental consent or extenuating circumstances to be allowed to do so before turning 18.

Zahara previously introduced herself as 'Zahara Marley Jolie' when she joined the Mu Pi chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Spelman College late last year.

Pitt and Jolie's oldest sons, Maddox and Pax, have reportedly not publicly used their father's last name in years.

Pitt and Jolie began dating publicly shortly after he and his then-wife Jennifer Aniston announced their divorce in 2005.

Two years later, the Maleficent actress filed for divorce in 2016. She and Pitt were declared legally single in 2019.

However, the two stars have been embroiled in an ongoing divorce battle over assets and custody for years since.




Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's efforts to unite the Mt Kenya region behind him continue to face opposition by the day.

This is after Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru asked the Mt. Kenya residents to shun tribal politics and instead rally behind President William Rutos government.

Waiguru said the divisive politics being advanced by Gachagua and his allies should be rejected for the sake of the nation's development and unity.

She said the region is solidly behind President Rutos government to ensure it delivers its development promises to the people.

Waiguru said the region had reaped big from the Kenya Kwanza government and asked residents to reject those who want to separate them from the rest of Kenya.

We want to be considered Kenyans, not Kikuyus.

"Kikuyus are all over the country working in different jobs.

"That is why tribal rhetoric and politics are very dangerous.

"We want a unified nation because we know how to align ourselves in government, and even now we are in government and still bringing development to our people," the Governor said.

The deputy president has been camping in the region preaching unity among its natives.

To underscore his seemingly excessive preoccupation with Mt Kenya, Gachagua called for a revenue-sharing formula commensurate with the region's population.

He is also on record declaring that posts in the national government would be hugely reserved for the natives, whom he termed as shareholders, owing to their contribution to the formation of the current regime.

However, even as he camped in his backyard, a host of leaders, both in the ruling coalition and the opposition, came out to castigate his style of politics, accusing him of advancing ethnicity despite being in the presidency, which is a symbol of national unity.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria has delved into the ongoing one-man, one-shilling debate and insinuated that the proponents of the idea, led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, may be mentally unstable.

Speaking during the launch of county dissemination forums, Kuria dismissed Gachaguas one man, one shilling campaign, saying the proposal was unhealthy for the country.

The CS explained that if allowed the debate could only serve to balkanize the country along ethnic lines.

Kuria revealed that during his travels across the country, citizens had asked him if leaders from Mt Kenya were okay with championing the debate.

"We need Kenya. The most significant inclination for people, especially from this region, is to really invest in Kenya.

"I am saying this as someone who travels across the country and finds people from this county all over the country.

"They ask me, when they hear some people talking about, I don't know, seclusion or isolation, they ask me, are you thinking clearly?" Kuria posed.

Ahead of the much-publicized debate, the CS stated that most of those at the meeting would be concerned about revenue allocation to the populous region.

However, Kuria observed that it would be questionable for him, a senior government official, to be among those complaining at the meeting.

"It is a legitimate question and I think the bulk of the people at Limuru III will be justified to talk about one man, one vote, one shilling.

"What I cannot understand is people like me crying with them, yet I am a cabinet minister," Kuria added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Ten individuals have been charged with fraud in a one billion shillings land deal in Nairobi, which the DCI's Land Fraud Investigations Unit has been investigating.

The ten include a Registrar of Titles at the Ministry of Lands headquarters Ardhi House, Jacob Cartwright Owino, and a Land Administration officer, Andrew Aseri Kirungu, who were further charged with abuse of office.

In the botched land deal, the two with other individuals namely Diana Njeri Muiyuro, James Mbote Gicheha, Joseph Njoroge Kimani, Joseph Gichohi Kinyanjui, Gladys Wambui Mwangi, Mohamed Jimale Abdille, Charles Mwangi Waithaka and George Ndungu Mumbi conspired with intent to defraud Realty Brokers Limited the prime parcel of land by falsely pretending that a letter of allotment Ref. No. 93103 was a genuine Letter of Allotment issued by the National Land Commission to facilitate the registration of the parcel of land in the name of Mwadi Women Entrepreneurs Limited.

Other charges preferred against the individuals include making a false document and obtaining registration by false pretenses.

Whereas nine suspects appeared before Chief Magistrate Hon. Lucas Onyina, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and were released on Ksh 100,000 cash bail, one contact person, the land officer Andrew Aseri Kirungu, failed to appear before the court citing illness.

The DCI's Land Fraud Investigation Unit, a cornerstone in the fight against fraudulent activities, plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of land ownership and preventing fraudulent schemes that can undermine property rights, economic stability, and public trust in land-related transactions.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - The young man who was captured assaulting a corrupt police officer in Roysambu has been charged with robbery with violence.

Ian Njoroge, 19, was charged with robbery with violence, resisting arrest, and causing grievous harm to a police officer.

The court further ordered he be taken to hospital for mental assessment before he is presented for plea-taking.

Further, the police stated that the young man robbed the officer of his phone, a Samsung Galaxy Note 1 valued at KSh 50,000.

He awaits reappearance in court for plea-taking after a mental assessment at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

Meanwhile, he will be detained at the Industrial Area Remand Prison.

Njoroge was apprehended on the evening of Sunday, June 2, moments after the incident.

He was flushed out of his home in the Jacaranda area of Kayole, Nairobi County, in the course of a manhunt led by the DCI detectives.









The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - An outspoken Kenya Kwanza Alliance Member of Parliament has vowed to shoot down the Finance Bill 2024, terming it a retrogressive bill that is aimed at punishing Kenyas middle class.

Appearing in an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday, Ugenya MP David Ochieng said if the bill is passed, it will have a big impact on Kenyas growing middle class.

Ochieng revealed that he wouldn't even try amending the Bill when it's in parliament as he would vote against it in its entirety.

"He's going to hit at the core the middle class and we are courting a revolution, You cannot tax, our pay slips to the skin.

"I've told you on this matter of the finance bill me vote against it. totally, I will not even pick and choose," Ochieng said.

The MP stated that he had hoped the government would give Finance Act 2023 time to achieve anything before making a change.

"I just wanted to say first of all that for me I would I'd imagine that this year will not have a finance bill.

"We didn't need one after all we went through last year. We would have just said this year, we are not doing a finance bill; we'll try to implement what we passed last year through this very difficult situation," the MP stated.

The lawmaker further stated the unpredictability of Kenya's taxation policy was scaring away potential investors.

"If you keep changing it every year and don't give room for it to mature, then people investing here will not come because they don't watch what we're going to bring up next year," he said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has betrayed his community by dismissing the ongoing calls by leaders led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for the One-Man, One-Vote, One-Shilling campaign.

Mt Kenya residents and leaders want the national resources shared based on population and not the size of an area as it is currently based.

Speaking on Monday, Kuria who was supporting the One-Man, One-Vote, One-Shilling policy dismissed it and termed it unhealthy.

We need Kenya. The most significant inclination for people, especially from this region, is to really invest in Kenya.

"I am saying this as someone who travels across the country and finds people from this county all over the country.

"They ask me when they hear some people talking about, I don't know, seclusion or isolation, they ask me, are you thinking clearly?" Kuria posed.

Gachagua is among leaders who had been championing the One-Man, One-Vote, One-Shilling policy, which he says will increase allocation to Mt Kenya region counties like Kiambu and Nakuru Counties.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Ugenya MP David Ochieng may be regretting dumping former Prime Minister Raila Odingaa Azimio for President William Rutos Kenya Kwanza.

This is after he vowed to betray the president by rejecting the contentious Finance Bill, 2024.

Speaking during an interview, the lawmaker warned the government about the Finance Bill 2024, which is before the National Assembly for debate, saying that the proposals in the Bill would have a huge impact on the middle class.

The MP warned that if passed, the country would be at a perilous stage in history, adding that it was ill-conceived and should be withdrawn.

Ochieng revealed that he wouldn't even try amending the Bill when it's in parliament as he would vote against it in its entirety.

"He's going to hit at the core the middle class and we are courting a revolution.

"You cannot tax our pay slips to the skin. I've told you on this matter of the finance bill me vote against it. totally, I will not even pick and choose," he said.

The MP stated that he had hoped the government would give Finance Act 2023 time to achieve anything before making a change.

"I just wanted to say first of all that for me I would I'd imagine that this year will not have a finance bill.

"We didn't need one after all we went through last year. We would have just said this year, we are not doing a finance bill; we'll try to implement what we passed last year through this very difficult situation," he stated.

Ochieng observed the unpredictability of Kenya's taxation policy was scaring away potential investors.

Ruto's government had proposed an increase in tax to boost revenue collection, which directly affected Kenyans and their businesses.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Police have arrested two persons after a local pastor's house was burnt down over allegations of kidnapping children at Kgabalatsane village in Hebron, North West, South Africa.

The arrested suspects appeared before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates Court on Monday, June 3, 2024, on varying charges including arson and possession of stolen property.

The arrests follow the incident in which members of the community allegedly set alight a house belonging to a local church pastor last Thursday.

According to information at our disposal, members of the community accused the pastor of kidnapping and keeping children at his house, said North West provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani.

It is alleged 300 members of the community gathered in front of the church at Kgabalatsane village, Hebron near Brits on Thursday, 30 May 2024, and demanded the release of the children.

She said police consequently found three children at the premises, and handed them to their parents. However, the parents denied the allegations of kidnapping

Police then escorted the besieged pastor to the local police station after the angry mob of community members threatened to assault him.

"However, the police were later called and informed that the pastors house was burning. Subsequent to the incident, two suspects, aged 19 and 54, were arrested for arson and possession of suspected stolen property, said Funani.

Meanwhile, North West provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena has commended the police for their swift reaction which led to the arrests.

Kwena urged the public to allow investigations to unfold and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

He said criminal activities should be reported to the police.






Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Spanish giants, Real Madrid has confirmed the signing of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

The France international penned a five-year contract with Real Madrid after several years of speculation suggesting a move was imminent during the previous two summers.

Mbappe ultimately committed his future to PSG following the departure of fellow superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar to stay for one more season.

However, the 25-year-old decided that he would not be extending his contract in Paris for another year, meaning he could agree a free transfer to a club outside France from January.

His move to Los Blancos has now been confirmed, days after the Spanish giants lifted their 15th Champions League trophy, beating Borussia Dortmund 2- 0 at Wembley on Saturday evening.

Mbappe agreed to take a major pay cut after signing a five-year contract, with the 25-year-old due to receive 15m euros net (12.8m) a season at Madrid, down from the 25m euros net (21.4m) he earned in Paris.

In a statement, the club announced: "Real Madrid CF and Kylian Mbappe have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons."

Mbappe posted on Instagram on Monday evening just minutes after the move was confirmed, writing: 'A dream come true.

Mbappe scored 44 goals for PSG last season, his highest tally. He has 256 goals in 308 matches after joining the club in 2017 from Monaco, initially on loan before completing a 180 million (153m) permanent deal the following summer.

In his time at Parc des Princes, Mbappe became the club's record goalscorer, claimed six Ligue 1 titles, won the Coupe de France four times and the Coupe de la Ligue twice.

In 2020, PSG finished as runners-up in the Champions League, the closest they have got to winning the competition.




Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - A section of religious leaders from Western Kenya has urged President William Ruto not to allow his troops from Rift Valley to attack his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

The over 20 bishops and imams led by Kakamega county chaplain Apostle Ken Barasa said recent public attacks on the DP are brewing animosity between the President and his deputy and raising political tensions.

Barasa said putting the country in an early electioneering mood would disrupt service delivery to the people.

"Ruto must rise to the occasion and call his MPs who are attacking Gachagua to order.

"The perceived misunderstanding between the President and his deputy is now spilling to the grassroots and it risks derailing Kenya Kwanza's development agenda," Barasa said.

"Ruto knows well that when he (then DP) had a misunderstanding with his predecessor, ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta, it derailed the Big 4 Agenda and fuelled political animosity that almost pushed the country into anarchy as communities rallied themselves along tribal lines."

He said the clergy wants Ruto to have a truce with his deputy.

He said Ruto should rid himself of hardliners surrounding him and get a new team of sober advisers who will ensure the country is united instead of tearing it apart.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, June 4, 2024  A revolution is brewing in Western Kenya to remove National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi from leadership for doing nothing for the region.

The man leading the revolution to rescue Luhyas from Mudavadi and Wetangulas grip is none other than Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya with his Tawe Movement.

Natembeya has received massive support from Western leaders across the political divide.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi is among those who joined leaders advocating for leadership change in the Western region.

Speaking in Kakamega County, Amisi backed the 'Tawe Movement', saying Mudavadi and Wetangula have overstayed in leadership.

The ODM party lawmaker said the push to replace Mudavadi and Wetangula as the kingpins of the Western region was not a joke.

Amisi claimed the leaders had held key government positions since his childhood, but there was nothing to celebrate for the people of the Mulembe nation.

"People of Kakamega, if you hear us talk about 'Tawe', it is not a joke; it's not child's play.

"We are not mad people. When I was three years old, Mudavadi was the minister for transport, and Moses Wetangula was the lawyer to the late President Daniel Moi.

"But there was no toilet named after them or even a shade for Mama Mboga," Amisi said amid cheers from the crowd.

Amisi argued that Mudavadi and Wetangula wasted chances to become the president of this country, adding that it would be difficult for them to succeed President William Ruto.

"We are saying that if you want to be president, 40 years is enough. We have respect for them, but 40 years is enough. We need a generational change," he added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST








Tuesday, June 4, 2024  The fallout between President William Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, may be beyond repair as we speak.

This is after Ruto warned Gachagua to stop misleading the country with his false prophesies.

During an interdenominational church service in Bungoma County, Ruto dismissed Gachagua's recent prophecy about the future of Mt. Kenya.

In a direct attack on his deputy, Ruto asked Kenyans not to listen to leaders prophesying darkness and a bleak future for the country.

The president urged church leaders to pray so that people with negative prophecies about the country perish.

"The future of our nation is great. We are a great nation.

"We are a blessed country. And you should not accept people who are prophesying darkness and a bleak future.

"And I am asking our bishops to pray so that those tongues stop," Ruto said.

The president expressed his confidence that the country's future is bright and urged leaders to remain united and focused.

"Because this nation, and I am speaking as a leader, in this nation, it is going places.

"We are respected in Africa and worldwide because our economy is improving.

"I am confident about the future of Kenya. What we need is to stay united, focused and to plan properly. Ignore the prophets of doom!" he added.

Sentiments by the president come a few days after Gachagua claimed there are individuals plotting against the Mt Kenya region.

During a thanksgiving ceremony at Mutonyora Comprehensive School in Njabini on Friday, the DP warned the Mt. Kenya region about a bleak future.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, June 4, 2024  The Kikuyu Council of Elders joined the debate on the contentious Finance Bill 2024 at the time their political kingpin Rigathi Gachagua appears to be reading from a different script from his boss, President William Ruto.

Speaking in Kiambu, the elders, led by the council's chairman Wachira Kiago, asked leaders from Mt. Kenya not to pass the Finance Bill 2024 in Parliament, ostensibly to punish Ruto.

"The experts in the economy have explained the Finance Bill and let all Members of Parliament review the bill before passing it, especially our very own whom we advise," Kiago said.

According to the elders, the Finance Bill will burden Kenyans who are struggling with the tough economy.

"Don't pass a bill that will burden Kenyans. They are already struggling with the economy.

"The people who voted you in expect their issues solved and not to be burdened," he stated.

He said the people are watching closely for the MPs who will vote for the bill and later accuse Kenyans of not reading the bill.

"We do want blames that we did not read the bill like last year.

"We have asked our people to watch those MPs who will vote for the bill. We will not accept," he added.

At the same time, the elders rallied their support for Gachagua on the one-man-one-vote-one shilling, terming leaders from the region opposing the agenda as enemies and traitors of the tribe, interested in furthering their political agenda.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Organizers of the AI beauty pageant have revealed the top ten 'fake' artificially generated model images that will compete for Miss AI beauty pageant with a $20k cash prize up for grabs.

Fanvue, a subscription-based social medium, unveiled the cyber runners-up of its upcoming WAICA ceremonies in June.

The 10 finalists, include AI-generated models from France, Brazil and Turkey.

Its an exciting [day] for the Fanvue World AI Creator Awards as we announce the Top 10 shortlist for the first-ever Miss AI award, declared pageant executives in a release Monday, June 3.

Out of 1,500 automated applicants submitted by AI content creators worldwide, a panel of human and robot judges picked 10 cyber models to compete for the $20,000 grand prize. The top robot and her creator gets $5,000 in cash and $15,000 in business perks, as well as bragging rights as the foremost Miss AI.

We created the awards to raise standards within the industry, a representative exclusively told The Post. And to uncover inspiring creators from all over the planet we didnt know existed is really exciting.

Models include Kenza Layli, a hijab-sporting sweetheart from Morocco, as well as European pinup Anne Kerdi and Aiyana Rainbow, whose multicolored curls symbolize her staunch support of the LGBTQ+ community.

See photos below








Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro and his Molo counterpart, Kuria Kimani, are among the Members of Parliament who have been termed as traitors by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for abandoning their electorate who put them in office.

Nyoro, who is the chairman of the National Assembly Budget Committee, and Kuria, the National Assembly Finance Committee chairman, are being used by President Ruto and his men to oppress Kenyans.

Nyoro and Kimani are being used as rubber stamps in the retrogressive Finance Bill 2024 that is supposed to introduce Motor Vehicle Tax and bread taxes among other taxes.

The two traitors have abandoned their constituents who are suffering to please President William Ruto and his merciless coterie who are hiring jets to traverse the world for Sh 200 million per trip using poor taxpayers' money.

Nyoro and Kuria are also among young leaders who are pretending to be national leaders yet they were not elected nationally but they were elected by poor Kiharu and Molo residents respectively.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has asked Kenyans to be patriotic in paying taxes to avoid relying on foreign states.

Speaking on Tuesday in Meru, Linturi said that neglecting tax obligations leaves the nation with little choice but to seek assistance from developed countries to meet food needs.

Linturi said as Agriculture CS, he has been forced to beg for food, especially in India and Italy where he has been told no.

When I go begging in Italy and India for rice and other things and I am told we are sorry we cannot give you because our country requires rice and since we do not have enough, you go back home.

"When you go back home there is nothing you're taking home people become very helpless. Please spare me that shame, Linturi stated.

Let me ask, we gave you money in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, how did you spend it? That is the question I would like to entertain and not whether you will pay taxes or not, he added.

The CS stressed that with collective tax compliance, the nation can establish sustainable rice projects to meet local demand effectively.

Linturi underscores recent successes in maize production, attributing them to domestic efforts rather than external aid.

I am happy to report that the country right now has enough maize for itself we are producing enough maize for ourselves.

"We have been producing maize for one and a half years and that is something to be proud of we have increased our milk production and many other areas, he noted.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - A close confidant of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has rallied support for the Tawe Movement agenda championed by Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya.

Speaking in Kakamega County on Monday, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi said Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula have overstayed as Mulembe leaders.

The ODM party lawmaker said the push to replace Mudavadi and Wetang'ula as the kingpins of the Western region was not a joke.

Amisi claimed the leaders had held key government positions since his childhood, but there was nothing to celebrate for the people of the Mulembe nation.

"People of Kakamega, if you hear us talk about 'Tawe', it is not a joke; it's not child play.

"We are not mad people. When I was three years old, Mudavadi was the minister for transport, and Moses Wetang'ula was the lawyer to the late President Daniel Moi.

"But there was no toilet named after them or even a shade for Mama Mboga," Amisi said amid cheers from the crowd.

Amisi further argued that Mudavadi and Wetang'ula wasted their chances to become the president, adding that it would be difficult for them to succeed President William Ruto.

"We are saying that if you want to be president, 40 years is enough.

"We have respect for them, but 40 years is enough. We need a generational change," Amisi noted.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has reiterated that he will not be cowed in his desire to ban the sale of Muguka in the county.

In a statement, the county boss disclosed that he did not fear political downfall, maintaining that he was elected to serve Mombasa residents and fight for their interests.

"I was elected by Mombasa residents to serve them. There is no muguka that will enter Mombasa County.

"When I was signing the order, I was told that it could be my political deathbed.

"But I said I would rather die standing than live on my knees.

"We have been enslaved and it is high time we break from the shackles," Abdulswamad remarked.

The county boss asserted that Mombasa residents spent more on Muguka than Sukuma Wiki.

"Mombasa spends Ksh7 billion every year because of muguka. Mombasa residents spend more on muguka than sukuma wiki," he added.

Abdulswamad further maintained that he was fighting a product and not a tribe, adding that Muguka was hurting Mombasa residents.

He disclosed that he had ordered his government to offer free rehabilitation to drug addicts in the county who wished to stop using any drugs.

His remarks came days after his Radio Station, Rahma FM, was raided by KRA officials over tax arrears.

However, the county boss said he would not be intimidated, linking the raid on his firm with his move to ban the sale of Muguka in Mombasa County.

"If you have been sent to harass us, we are going to take this matter even further. If it's Muguka causing these issues, to make you think we will be intimidated, we will continue, Abdulswamad stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, June 4, 2024  Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has received support from unlikely quarters after leaders from the South Rift region rallied behind him, telling off those calling for his resignation following his fallout with President William Ruto.

Led by Emurua Dikkir MP Johanna Ng'eno, the South Rift leaders called out their friends pressuring Gachagua to resign from UDA Party.

The leaders argued that DP Rigathi should be accorded respect since he is part of President William Ruto's administration.

"I also have a problem with some of the cabinet secretaries but I do not disrespect them because they are part of Ruto's government and I respect him (Ruto)," Ng'eno remarked.

Ng'eno reiterated that disrespecting the DP was equivalent to disrespecting President Ruto. He therefore urged all those making disrespectful remarks aimed at the Second-in-Command to stop.

He added that any leader who had a problem with DP Rigathi should hold a meeting with him to iron the issues out instead of publicizing every inconvenience.

Additionally, other leaders who echoed Ng'eno's words argued that President William Ruto won the election and took over power with the help of Gachagua.

The lawmakers emphasized that residents from Mt Kenya came out in large numbers to support Ruto and Gachagua in the 2022 General Elections.

"If it were not for the residents of Mt Kenya, Ruto would not have gotten 51 per cent of the required votes. They woke up early to vote," the leader added.

Another leader issued a warning to all those threatening and pressuring the Deputy President adding, "Your days are numbered and they are over."

He assured Gachagua that he had the support of the residents from the region.

"The leaders were confident that Gachagua would take over after Ruto.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Today, in China, if you walk across the street where you are not supposed to, expect a ticket to arrive in the mail. Somehow. Out of all the faces in China. An AI-monitored camera will see you and report your crime to the authorities. Lately, these fines have been coming almost instantly by text message. This is not just about pedestrian safety, though that will be the excuse. Its about control. Nothing says that Big Brother is watching you better than a demonstration like this. And these tickets arent benign.

Your face will be plastered onto large LED screens for all to see and ridicule, smugly thinking to themselves about how they were smarter than that until the day that they are late or just arent thinking, then their ticket will arrive. These tickets also go into Chinas new social credit system. Announced in 2014, this system was designed to build trust in society by rewarding good behavior and punishing bad. This system combines financial credit with data from government agencies to promote state-sanctioned moral behavior.

A governments definition of moral behavior may not be the same as yours. Just look at any totalitarian nation from the past or present. But while most followed flawed collectivist economics and collapsed, China is much more practical. Recognizing the stupidity of centralized economies, they have gone to almost full free market capitalism economically while maintaining an iron grip on social and political control through mass purges and prosecutions. Protecting all its citizens from the very liberties that make life worthwhile.

Now, the American federal government seems convinced that it also knows what is right for everyone and is doing its best to catch up with Chinas progress in this new arena. Chinas AI and social credit databases and algorithms are developed by private companies contracted by the government. These systems track everything from income and purchases to travel and health care, putting everything into a big network that especially notices any political statements or activities not approved by the Chinese Communist Party.

This was less of a problem when human beings had to evaluate the data. Having mountains of information does the state no good unless an intelligent analysis is made of that data, and neither the American nor Chinese governments could hire that many people without going broke. But then came AI, and everything changed. AI can process billions of data points in seconds, looking for trends and patterns that no human mind could see. Solving problems that had stumped human beings for over fifty years. Like protein folding.

DeepMind was able to correctly predict protein folding in just a few days. But that was just a start; a newer AI algorithm named AlQuraishi did the same in seconds. This is the power of the new generative neural net systems coming online and is how China can recognize a citizen crossing the street between lights. The problem is that these systems dont come up with an equation that can be checked for accuracy. Neural nets, like humans, can tell you the data input but not exactly how they made their determinations. So, no one knows.

All data made available to the system will be clustered, associated, transformed, weighted, averaged, and summed to create the neural network patterns that produce an answer. The problem is that the quality and quantity of data can lead to incorrect generalization and underfitting or overfitting, causing Ais to perform well on training data but poorly on real-world information. Overfitting is when the model captures noise and outliers as true patterns while underfitting is when the model fails to capture true underlying patterns.

That is why AI facial recognition systems trained on white faces have a much higher failure rate for black ones. Just like people, they overgeneralize and miss important details. For these and many other reasons, it is necessary to use cross-validation and bias-variance tradeoff measures to ensure accuracy. AI errors are called hallucinations, as several attorneys discovered when they filed briefs using AI. AI is an amazing tool that will revolutionize medicine and life in general. But it threatens both when we fail to validate.

The FDA recognizes that software used for medical purposes is a device that must pass the rigorous validation and accuracy testing of any machine. Software that is used only for administrative support like medical billing or claims processing and does not influence diagnosis or treatment is called Class I or Low Risk and can qualify for a 501k exemption, skipping FDA review and requiring no real testing. Class II software, on the other hand, is considered Moderate Risk but still cannot be involved in life-determining decisions.

Patient management and tracking software would fall into this category, like electronic health records and image-analyzing software that can assist in clinical decision-making, but the ultimate decision is always up to the provider. Class II must still undergo performance testing and post-market surveillance. Class III software will be involved in critical medical decision-making and must meet the stringent requirement of premarket testing, validation, and approval because it will directly influence treatment decisions.

This ensures everyones health and safety, as it would be madness to let an untested algorithm loose on patients. Who wants their life to be in the hands of a hallucinating AI? Life and death decisions are influenced by these systems, and they are supposed to undergo open algorithm testing and validation through clinical trials before use, with post-market surveillance and analysis. And everyone MUST be able to see the testing data used. Thats because if you give an AI data, it WILL use that data in its decisions, no matter what.

If you tell an AI someones race, that becomes a factor it considers. If its told that liquid assets equal criminal behavior, it believes. And unlike humans, who are imperfectly biased, it will be perfectly biased. Because of biases endemic in American policing, almost all black doctors have a relative with a felony; this will be tabulated against them. The fact that persecuted minorities, blacks in America, Indians of Muslim descent, and Jews from anywhere dont always trust banks and keep cash on hand is tabulated against them.

When the U.S. Justice Department decided to develop an AI system to comb through health care data in the United States, it did not properly validate the results, it did not go through the proper FDA process, yet its decisions are being used to target, prosecute, and destroy any doctor who dares to ignore its dictates. It does this in a biased and racist way because, like a child, it wasnt taught not to. These black-box AIs are destroying American medicine by targeting the few physicians willing to treat pain and addiction.

Right now, doctors and pharmacists are typing patients names into a computer system and are deciding whether or not to prescribe or dispense medications based on the scores these black box proprietary systems make. These algorithms are used by the DEA and in many states to reduce a human beings life down to a simple metric. Are you worthy of effective medical treatment? Or should we put you in the drug-seeking category? Denying you this treatment because the box says its not good for you. How does this work?

Lets have an imaginary discussion with one of these black box programs, shall we? A few simple questions will make the point.

This fictionalized scenario plays out every day now in clinics and pharmacies all over America.

Now, you can say that no one forces doctors or pharmacies to prescribe or dispense controlled medications based on these algorithms. They are just used to inform the health care professionals, so they can make better decisions. I would agree with you if state and federal law enforcement were not forcing doctors and pharmacists to follow this guidance or face prosecution. As long as these algorithms are used against doctors in court, health care in America is being dictated by the federal government.

This leaves health care providers with a simple choice. Do what you think is best for the patient and risk prosecution and prison, or simply say no. Theres no downside to the provider for saying no. No one has ever been prosecuted for a patients death because effective pain or addiction treatment was NOT prescribed or dispensed. As long as these false metrics are used in court against health care providers, we must choose between being healers dedicated to our patients or agents of the state, enforcing their morality.

They do pay some medical shill to agree with their arguments in court, but this proves nothing. Our black box AI says youre bad, and this guy we paid $100,000 says youre bad, so off to prison. There was no premarket notification, no demonstration that the software is accurate in the real world, no post-market surveillance, no safety and effectiveness validation through clinical trials, and no comprehensive documentation required by federal law. In short, the use of this AI is itself a criminal act. But what can we do about it?

There are few governments on this Earth less willing to admit fault than the Americans. The closest recent parallel would be the Soviet Union, but that nations admission that innocence did not matter at least put citizens on notice. You have no rights, and your freedom exists at the will of the state was common knowledge. Most Americans still believe the lie that this cant happen here or they cant do that to someone. The truth is that while they shouldnt, they clearly do, and so far, no one has been able to stop them.

Alan Bates was a subpostmaster in the United Kingdom, and he is my hero. I think he should be the model that all pain patients, addiction patients, health care providers, and pharmacists follow as we seek justice in the federal governments war to gain control over the practice of medicine in America. We must not let soulless unvetted algorithms or bureaucrats bending to every political wind take away our right to treat every patient as an individual and a valued member of our society. The odds are long, but we must at least try.

We can file amicus briefs with appellate courts when a doctor is wrongfully prosecuted and convicted. We can reach out to legislators to get protection from political interference in medical practice enshrined into law. We can use the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and 42 USC 1395 as weapons to fight back. We can, under the constitution, petition the government for a redress of grievances. And we must if we ever hope to regain our rights.

L. Joseph Parker is a distinguished professional with a diverse and accomplished career spanning the fields of science, military service, and medical practice. He currently serves as the chief science officer and operations officer, Advanced Research Concepts LLC, a pioneering company dedicated to propelling humanity into the realms of space exploration. At Advanced Research Concepts LLC, Dr. Parker leads a team of experts committed to developing innovative solutions for the complex challenges of space travel, including space transportation, energy storage, radiation shielding, artificial gravity, and space-related medical issues.

He can be reached on LinkedIn and YouTube.
Byrom vs. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, a lawsuit tried in Maryland in July 2019, is this infamous case. It concerns the failure to perform a cesarean section and brain damage in a 25-week-old infant. It resulted in the largest malpractice verdict ever recorded in the United States, $229 million.

After the trial, a spokesperson for Johns Hopkins revealed that the discussion of some facts during the trial was limited by federal law. This is the reason for the plaintiffs verdict.

There are eleven words in medical records, Ms. Byron had recently arrived in the United States from Liberia. These 11 words play a pivotal role in medical decisions, yet they are never discussed during trial. The facts they underlay are: Ms. Byrom is from Liberia, conceives in Liberia, and lives there until 17 weeks of gestation. In Liberia, certain infectious diseases, known as the TORCH complex, are endemic and associated with fetal brain damage. Ms. Byrom is a teenager, has a sexually transmitted disease when first seen, and had no prenatal care until arriving in the U.S. These are known to Johns Hopkins and to lawyers and expert witnesses on both sides. These 11 words give credence to the probability that the alleged injury has another cause and that the outcome of brain damage is predetermined. These 11 words could have altered the verdict, but the jury never hears them.

Rule 403 of the Federal Rules of Evidence suppresses evidence that is prejudicial. Arguably, immigration status is prejudicial. In a fair trial, these 11 words are material evidence. Forbidding the use of 11 words under penalty of law suppresses evidence. Or does it?

On February 1, 2021, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals overturned the verdict. In its deliberations is an admonition of the plaintiffs medical expert. His vision of informed consent is that under circumstances involving a premature birth, the standard of care for informed consent must favor the fetus, regardless of prognosis. If the mother refuses a cesarean section because she believes it places her at risk and it would not alter the outcome for the fetus, doctors have a duty to coerce the mother into agreeing with a cesarean section giving the fetus the benefit of the doubt. This plaintiff expert knows and should know about these 11 words and makes no mention of them.

Whatever happens during the trial happens because of the rulings of a presiding judge. The Court of Special Appeals overturns this verdict, not because of the plaintiff expert, but because of the judge. The judge is responsible for suppressing these 11 words from being heard by the jury and allowing the plaintiff experts interpretation of informed consent to be heard. The appellate court determined that doctors at Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital do not depart from standards of care, and this experts testimony should have been excluded.

If not for the Court of Special Appeals, Maryland would still have the dubious distinction of the greatest miscarriage of justice in any malpractice case in history. The remedy still takes 19 months.

The medical profession has no authority over courtrooms, but there are professional ethics for medical experts that transcend courtrooms and hold experts accountable for unethical testimony. The theory that informed consent mandates that managing doctors must coerce a patient into agreeing with a cesarean section for the sake of the infant is the machination of this particular plaintiffs medical expert. This absurdity should have consequences.

How so? Medical expert witnesses are the evidence. This expert, acting as a hired gun rather than as an impartial consultant, knows and should know that there are predisposing causes of brain damage, and informed consent is not about patient coercion but about patient autonomy. His actions are intentional and unethical. He is deserving of professional sanction.

Even the least punitive penalty from a medical society would discourage lawyers from ever again retaining him as an expert and send a message to others about professional oversight of their behavior as medical experts. I filed a grievance with the medical society in Maryland regarding this doctor. They do nothing. By this, I mean they summarily dismiss it.

Howard Smith is an obstetrics-gynecology physician.
Residents, particularly international medical graduates (IMGs), often navigate a challenging position within health care institutions, where hierarchical structures overshadow their authority and autonomy. This dynamic can leave residents feeling disempowered and vulnerable, underscoring the importance of understanding their rights and protections within their programs. For IMGs, cultural and systemic differences may further amplify these challenges, making knowledge of their rights especially crucial as they enter residency programs.

As a final-year resident, my journey has become an ordeal, derailing my career and taking a significant emotional toll. It began in late 2022 when an anonymous social media account linked to my co-resident started posting personal information about our residency program, institution, and attending physicians. Voicing my concerns to leadership in December 2023 set off a chain of events, exposing the lack of whistleblower protection in residency and leaving me vulnerable to reprisal for raising concerns about patient safety and workplace harassment.

When the account belonging to my resident was confirmed, a flood of retaliatory complaints ensued aimed at sabotaging my career. I was promptly investigated, placed on administrative leave due to a potential HIPAA violation from three years prior, and ultimately terminated from my job, despite inconclusive findings. Throughout this ordeal, my department provided minimal support.

Later, serious but ultimately dismissed allegations of racial and sexual harassment were leveled against me, aiming to tarnish my professional reputation with false and defamatory statements. Despite my efforts to clear my name through official channels like the Title IX office, the repercussions have been devastating. I have experienced significant physical and mental health decline, including weight loss, insomnia, and even suicidal thoughts. The termination has jeopardized my residency completion, threatening years of hard work and sacrifice. The university, hospital, and program also operated disjointedly, leading to confusion about responsibilities and payment structures. Losing my job resulted in the loss of health insurance, access to treatment, and financial instability. Despite remaining in the ACGME-accredited program, I received no pay or benefits.

Two-thirds of the program had signed a hospital contract not approved by the university. According to the agreement, the hospital could take immediate corrective measures, including denying clinical facility access to a resident if it posed risks. However, disciplinary actions were under the universitys authority. Surprisingly, my program officials were unaware of these fundamental aspects of the affiliation.

Violations of my due process rights occurred at every turn, with the hospital and university stripping me of my job, pay, and resident status without following fair legal procedures. I was thrown into a confusing legal process without proper notice or disclosure of charges and evidence against me. Despite being essentially convicted based on undisclosed evidence, I was denied the chance to challenge it, severely hindering my ability to defend myself. The programs failure to reveal potentially exonerating evidence further undermined fairness, leaving me without legal representation during crucial stages. Additionally, I was deprived of the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, crucial aspects of a fair hearing.

As a public employee, I expected my due process rights to be respected, yet I was terminated without a proper hearing at the hospital. Punitive damages were imposed without giving me a fair opportunity to present my case. Furthermore, decision-makers with personal interests failed to recuse themselves, raising doubts about the integrity of the proceedings. I faced disproportionate targeting and punishment compared to American colleagues, with legal proceedings unreasonably delayed, denying me timely access to justice.

Its evident that IMGs face added challenges and potential discrimination regarding due process compared to their American counterparts. Disturbingly, local graduates or doctors within the state, even when accused of different misconduct, received markedly different treatment, with the institution prioritizing their protection while disregarding my concerns.

For instance, as an IMG, I lacked familiarity with the American legal systems intricacies, placing me at a disadvantage when navigating due process procedures. Additionally, language barriers hindered my understanding of charges, compromising my right to fair due process. Cultural differences led to misunderstandings during proceedings, unfairly interpreted against me. Implicit biases among hospital administrators resulted in unconscious discrimination, influencing evidence interpretation. Moreover, limited financial resources and support networks left me disadvantaged compared to American peers.

Despite my attempts to resolve issues internally, my concerns were dismissed, and I was urged to remain silent, perpetuating discrimination and suppression. Numerous violations of ACGME policies were observed but disregarded by the hospital and institution. Shockingly, despite being at a University, mental health support and clear communication were absent until the process is completed. Attempts to contact my program director were ignored, leaving me isolated in this fight for my rights.

Navigating the intricacies of residency programs as an IMG presented unique challenges. To ensure fair treatment and protect my rights, I took proactive steps to educate myself on the specific regulations and protections provided by governing bodies such as the ACGME and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). I also filed complaints with several state and federal agencies. Although the process was arduous, at least I felt heard, and it reinforced my commitment to advocating for fairness and accountability in residency programs.

In addition to education, I meticulously documented work hours, mistreatment, and communications with program leadership. Seeking external support from professional organizations, mentors, and legal resources provided valuable assistance and advocacy in navigating challenges during my residency.

Reflecting on the experience, I came to understand that my approach to my residency program, treating it almost like family, was misguided. Unfortunately, I was mistaken. For example, confiding in a PD about workplace concerns and expecting support, only to face dismissal or retaliation, felt like a betrayal of the trust placed in that individual. Similarly, when organizational policies were not upheld, despite assurances of fairness and equity, it left me feeling betrayed by the institution I relied on for protection and support. This realization prompted a profound shift in my perspective on workplace dynamics. I began to recognize the importance of maintaining a professional boundary, understanding that while camaraderie and mutual trust are valuable, they must not blur the lines of accountability and authority. I learned that seeking support and guidance within the workplace requires careful consideration.

The author is an anonymous physician.
With just a day to this years State of the Nation Address (SONA) the Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has announced that the opposition will boycott Thursdays event because the presidents speeches are ritualistic.

Ssenyonyi told journalists that president repeats statements he made in the 1990s and 2000s, adding that such speeches are a mockery to Ugandans, so the opposition will not accompany the president in this years ritual.

He also told journalists that Ugandans are currently interested in hearing how the president is tackling corruption as opposed to defending it and how president Museveni is working to cut down on his expenditure at State House.

This was after it was revealed that State House spends Shs2bn per day, adding that it is unlikely that the presidents speech will mention anything on how to ensure there is money for service delivery in Uganda.

The government has however emphasized that the SONA address is not an NRM event, but indeed a national one that should be treated as such.
Police in Kabale District have arrested two Rwandan nationals who allegedly murdered an 83-year-old man in Kitumba Sub County.

The deceased, identified as Geoffrey Twinomujuni Ntegyire, was a resident of Karujabura cell in Kitumba sub county of Kabale district.

The suspects, Kwizera Desire and his wife Uwingabire, were arrested last Saturday in Kisoro District while attempting to flee.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred last Friday around 8:00 PM at the home of the deceased in Karujabura cell.

The statement further indicates that after hitting Ntegyire with a hammer, the suspects packed some of the deceaseds property, including a mattress, an iron box, a radio, a suitcase, and a bicycle before they attempted to escape.

Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, says the suspects were intercepted at the Bunagana border by security personnel following a tip-off from residents.
A sign in Yellowstone National Park warns visitors to not approach bison and other wildlife in the park.
A businessman from Ghana was found dead at his hotel in Seoul on Tuesday while on a visit to attend an event related to the Korea-Africa Summit, police said.

The man in his 50s, who was identified as a company official from Ghana, was found dead at the hotel in Seoul's southern district of Gangnam on Tuesday morning, but police found no signs of foul play, officials said.

Police suspect the man could have died from an illness.

The man had been on a visit to Seoul to attend a business counseling event taking place on the sidelines of the Korea-Africa Summit that kicked off Tuesday with delegations from 48 African nations, including 25 heads of state. (Yonhap)
Chinese actor unveils relations with director-husband Kim Tae-yong

By Lee Gyu-lee

Chinese actor Tang Wei shared that her latest film Wonderland, about a fictional artificial intelligence (AI) service that recreates deceased people, reflects the warmhearted lifestyle of its director and her husband of 10 years, Kim Tae-yong.

I like movies that deeply provoke my thoughts. And I think this movie will draw various reactions from the audience. Before filming Wonderland, I used to think that evolving AI technology was a bit scary, the actor said during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Jongno District, central Seoul, Monday.

The movies about AI that we've been seeing so far tend to be dark, violent and somewhat frightening, but Wonderland is different in that it's heartwarming. It directly reflects the sincerity, warmth and hope that director Kim Tae-yong has in his life.

The new sci-fi drama film, set to hit the local theaters Wednesday, revolves around an AI platform service called Wonderland, which allows people to video chat with a virtually created version of a deceased person. To reunite with their loved ones, a young flight attendant Jeong-in (Bae Suzy) and a Chinese single mom Bai Li (Tang) request the service to communicate with them through video calls.

Bai Li requests to create an AI version of herself to hide her death from her young daughter, making her daughter believe that she is on an archaeological expedition abroad.

Tang has most of her scenes talking through a video call to her daughter and her older mother, who is skeptical about the service and stays aloof from the AI version.

I mostly had to act alone, imagining against a jade-colored background (for graphics) while looking at my phone. The AI version of Bai Li doesnt have flaws like a real-life person and doesnt have emotions, so expressing it was very challenging, she said.

But since it was a type of acting I hadn't done before, it was also quite fun  I approached the role thinking that, when she transitioned from the real-life Bai Li to Wonderlands AI version, there would be no sadness or regret, but only a perfectly positive demeanor.

The actor has seen the making of the film from its early development to production, alongside her husband who scripted and directed the film. The director-actor couple married in 2014 after working together on the 2010 film Late Autumn and welcomed their daughter in 2016.

I actually had a lot of discussions with director Kim from the phase of developing its script. In the script, there is a role of a mother. And since my husband and I are both working, we have little time to spend with our daughter. So we would often communicate through video calls at times. He was trying to give our daughter of her mom and dad's presence from a young age, which led him to come up with the plot.

The film not only explores Bai Lis relationship with her young daughter but also captures her trying to be a better mother figure than when she was alive. Tang expressed that playing a mother character after having a child felt different.

This time, playing a mother from the perspective of an actual mother made me realize that my previous acting was not very genuine. When I was working with the child actor, I approached it more cautiously with the mindset to protect the child, she said.

I also felt that my acting has reached a new level. I believe that an honest lifestyle is most important as an actor since acting is honed through daily life. As life goes on, we become wiser, more generous and more understanding, which changes my acting too. I think I've been able to grow step by step thanks to the directors who have been able to draw out that inner self of me.
More capital increases and M&As on the horizon

By Lee Yeon-woo

Suffering from soaring delinquency rates on real estate project financing (PF), savings banks are facing varied futures depending on the support capacities of their parent companies, according to experts.

According to the Korea Federation of Savings Banks (KFSB), Tuesday, the average delinquency rate for real estate PF among the top 20 savings banks by asset size rose to 11.05 percent in the first quarter of 2024. This marks an increase of 6.65 percentage points compared to the same period last year.

Notably, the number of savings banks with a PF delinquency rate exceeding 10 percent has surged from 1 in the first quarter of 2023 to 10 in 2024.

Such a trend has led many savings banks, regardless of their size, to see their Bank for International Settlements (BIS) capital adequacy ratios fall below the levels recommended by financial authorities.

It is recommended that savings banks with assets over 1 trillion won ($726 million) maintain a BIS ratio of 11 percent, while those with assets below 1 trillion won should maintain a ratio of 10 percent.

Savings banks with financially strong parent companies are raising capital to improve their BIS ratios.

On Monday, Woori Financial Group decided to increase the capital of Woori Savings Bank by 100 billion won, following the example of other major savings banks' recapitalization this year.

In contrast, savings banks that struggle to raise capital are more likely to enter the M&A market, fueled by the recent consideration, by financial authorities, to ease regulations further.

Currently, M&As are only permitted for metropolitan area savings banks whose BIS ratio has fallen below 10-11 percent. This standard could be relaxed to facilitate more active M&As, according to market insiders.

"Financial authorities already eased M&A regulations once last July, but not a single M&A has been signed. And the industry outlook is only getting weaker," an industry source said, explaining the rationale behind the decision. "If financial holdings groups acquire large-sized savings banks before insolvency, it would be a great opportunity to diversify their portfolio immediately."

Read More Strategic meetings begin with financial institutions to address real estate PF challenges

The industry is pushing for independent measures.

The KFSB has decided to sell 136 billion won worth of delinquent personal credit and business loans to a specialized non-performing loan investment company by the end of this month. A total of 18 savings banks will participate in this sale, with the results to be reflected in second quarter performance this year.

"Saving banks with major shareholders that are unable to raise capital may suspend operations or be sold," said Rena Kwok, a credit analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. "Credit differentiation among savings banks will grow into the second half of 2024, benefiting savings banks under major banking groups given timely group support if needed, as well as blue-chip savings banks with stronger loss-absorption capacity to withstand the stress."
By Yi Whan-woo

INCHEON  Leo, a Swiss tourist, said she was glad to see a promotional booth of Korean food at Incheon International Airport, Tuesday, as she could bring back home some of the foods she enjoyed during her two weeks of travel in Korea.

"We wanted to buy snacks to bring home, and when we saw the booth, we were like, 'Oh, let's pick some stuff up,'" she told The Korea Times, as she was on her way home with her friend.

For Yassine, a Moroccan tourist, the promotional campaign was "a fresh idea" because "It's a good experience to get to learn popular Korean food brands" which he was not familiar with.

Both Leo and Yasssine are among a growing number of foreigners who are increasingly interested in Korean food, thanks to the global popularity of Korean popular culture.

This is where the Korea Customs Service (KCS) has come in, hosting a promotional campaign at Incheon International Airport where it gave out a total of 3,000 packs of Korean instant noodles, seaweed sheets and instant rice to international tourists who were returning home.

The campaign ran from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, at Terminal 1, one of the airport's two terminals where more than 60 airliners, many of them flag carriers, arrive and depart.

They are from Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Laos, Mongolia, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates and the United States, among others.

"The campaign is the first of its kind, reflecting global demand for 'hansik,' (or Korean cuisine)," KCS spokesperson Cho Han-jin said. "And we hope the campaign helps to widen the demand."

He explained that the customs agency came up with the campaign in cooperation with three private businesses, Nongshim, Haenong and CJ, to gain support in expanding Korea's exports.

"Accordingly, we selected instant noodles, seaweed and instant rice that are at the center of fast-growing overseas sales of Korean food," Cho said.

The three items were picked based on feedback from a list of recommendable export items during a KCS-hosted YouTube contest for foreigners on Korean food promotion.

Each of the 3,000 packaged goods had a QR code generator that linked to a collection of YouTube videos created by winners across the country.

Of the 3,000, 1,000 packs of instant noodles or "ramyeon" were provided by the country's No. 1 noodle maker Nongshim.

Located in the country's largest seaweed farming area of South Jeolla Province, Haenong offered 1,000 packs of seaweed.

A total of 1,000 packs of instant rice were from CJ, the country's largest food conglomerate.

According to the KCS, ramyeon topped the list of popular Korean foods based on feedback from the aforementioned YouTube contest.

Also, ramyeon exports have kept breaking annual records over the past several years. For instance, the overseas shipment was worth $466.9 million in 2019 and then shot up to $603.5 million in 2020, $674.4 million in 2021, $765.4 million in 2022 and $952.4 million in 2023.

The sales value is likely to hit a fresh high this year again. It already amounted to $378.8 million in the first four months of 2024.

Regarding seaweed, it has emerged as a hot-selling item as more people recognize its nutritional value and eat it as a healthy snack.

The KCS expects seaweed exports will surpass the 1 trillion won ($727.5 million) mark this year, as its exports climbed fast from $599.1 million in 2020 to $692 million in 2021, before reaching $791.5 million in 2023.

While instant rice is sold less compared to ramyeon and seaweed, its exports were worth $97.7 million last year.

But the pace of growth is noteworthy, the KCS spokesperson said, pointing out its year-on-year growth was 76 percent in the first four months of 2024, outpacing that of ramyeon at 34 percent and seaweed at 28 percent.
Korea's agricultural exports moved up 7.6 percent over the first five months of 2024 from a year earlier, data showed Tuesday, on the back of the strong demand for instant noodles, snacks and beverage products.

Outbound shipments of agricultural goods came to $3.96 billion in the January-May period, compared with $3.68 billion tallied a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The growth was mainly led by instant noodles, whose exports jumped 36.2 percent over the period to $486.2 million, on the back of robust demand from China, the United States and Southeast Asia.

Snacks followed, with an export volume of $291.6 million, up 12.6 percent on-year, as more products were supplied to major U.S. retailers, including Costco Wholesale.

The global demand for Korean beverage products also gained ground, especially in the Asian market, with shipments rising 13.1 percent to $269.7 million.

Exports of kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish typically made from fermented cabbage, went up 6.4 percent over the period to $70.7 million.

By destination, exports to the United States moved up 17.8 percent to hit $610 million, followed by China with $577 million, up 2.9 percent.

Exports to the Southeast Asian market also increased 5.7 percent to hit $791 million, the data showed. Those to the European market advanced 32.2 percent to $282 million. (Yonhap)
FSS governor holds press conference marking 2-year anniversary

By Anna J. Park

Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) Gov. Lee Bok-hyun has pledged to prioritize advancing the Korean capital market system to global standards, emphasizing the key values of fairness and trust, during his remaining term.

He also stressed that the financial authorities are united in their common goal of strengthening the domestic stock market's valuation and regulatory framework to better protect the rights of minority shareholders.

His comments came in Tuesday's press conference, which was held to mark the two-year anniversary of his taking office.

"I will focus more on advancing our country's capital market and laying its solid foundation by working on the government-led Corporate Value-up initiative, handling the real estate project financing crisis and improving regulatory systems during the remainder of my term," Lee said.

One of the imminent issues facing the FSS is stable management of the real estate project financing crisis. Lee evaluated that the financial authorities have been steadily preparing for the issue by inducing financial firms such as savings banks to strengthen capital reserves, while strengthening risk assessments and capital soundness at individual project financing businesses in case of prompt restructuring.

Lee anticipates the overall real estate project financing crisis to be somewhat resolved by the end of the year, and then the financial authorities would also check on the alternative investment sector as well as the weakened venture capital market. He described the process as "eliminating the cholesterol that clogs the economy."

With regard to the financial investment income tax, slated to be implemented early next year, Lee once again stressed that the taxation scheme needs to be thoroughly reassessed and overhauled to minimize the negative impact it could bring on the Korean stock markets. The FSS chief has been vocal about the annulment of the financial investment income tax, warning that it could result in an excessive outflow of capital from the local market.

Additionally, the FSS chief vowed to fully support the successful implementation of the country's first law on virtual assets, which will take effect next month. Yet, he said discussions are still ongoing within the financial authorities on whether to approve exchange-traded fund (ETF) products based on cryptocurrencies.

Regarding the FSS' cooperation with its overseas counterparts, Lee said the agency will continue strengthening reciprocal partnerships with major countries, such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

"Given the increasing number of cross-border issues, there is a growing need for reciprocal international cooperation. Since these cooperative efforts are based on mutual favors rather than obligations, the FSS aims to provide the utmost support when such requests are made by our overseas counterparts. In my experience, there has been a strong sense of need for cooperation from the FSS' international partners," Lee said.

Lee also mentioned that the reason he focused on enhancing communication with the media through dozens of background briefings over the past two years was to mitigate any market uncertainties that might arise from his unique background as a former star prosecutor.
Oil and gas stocks surge, experts call for caution

By Lee Kyung-min

Korea could emerge as a leader in energy security in East Asia, fueled by the prospect of government-commissioned drilling for a combined 14 billion barrels of crude oil and natural gas in the East Sea, experts said Tuesday.

Uncertainty persists over the extractable amount for commercial use, compounded further by the substantial cost of 100 billion won per drilling ($72.5 million).

Nevertheless, the availability of natural resource reserves is expected to boost Korea's exports and domestic energy consumption, underpinned by the well-established liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure for transportation purposes.

Also robust will be demands from China and Japan, the world's largest consumers of LNG.

The government announced on Monday that potential energy reserves total of 2,000 trillion won were identified off the coast of Pohang. The industry ministry-verified feasibility suggested a success rate of 20 percent, as endorsed by the global Houston-based oil exploration firm ACT-GEO. Drilling operations are scheduled to commence in the second half of this year and will continue until 2026, with results expected before July next year.

It is a definite boon, if it materializes, said Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI) oil policy research team head Jung Jun-hwan.

Previous energy sources identified during the Park Chung-hee administration in the 1970s resulted in short-lived enthusiasm due to questionable commercial viability. However, optimism is now buoyed by decades of advancements in drilling and extraction science technologies.

The existence of natural resources reserves preserved near the East Sea is nothing new, as evidenced by oil and LNG found at the time. High expectations of commercial viability is understandable, since relevant technologies have made great strides over decades since.

A local brokerage analyst added to the hype.

DB Financial Investment researcher Han Seung-jae said the reserve exploration investment will generate handsome returns, despite high drilling costs.

Up to 14 billion barrels of crude oil and natural gas drillable off the cost of Pohang is far greater than 11 billion barrels found in Guyana  the exploration of the century, he said.

The cost is a source of heated criticism of government resources allocation, eclipsed by the substantial volume of reserve, in his view.

"The success of the drilling will bring tremendous political and economic benefits, reshaping the energy supply in East Asia," he said.

Also fortified will be a synergistic outcome in the broader hydrogen-related businesses, as well as enhanced cost efficiency among petrochemical market players.

Meanwhile, the news of a potential boon propelled a dozen energy-related shares to their intraday upper cuircuit limits on Monday. The double-digit surge continued through the following day.

Leading the rally were state-run gas firms as well as large-cap energy subsidiaries of petrochemical conglomerates.

Meritz Securities researcher Moon Kyeong-won said the government's announcement was based on the figure assessed by the American firm and is in no way a guarantee of reserves extractable.

The initiation of the project will proceed with the economic viabilityfactor out. Commercial development will come into the picture only in 2035 after years of exploration through 2028. The outcome of the project is not at all a foregone conclusion.

Meanwhile, ACT-GEO President Vitor Abreu, the conductor of the Pohang energy reserve exploration, is scheduled to visit Korea, Wednesday, according to media outlets in the country.

The expert with three decades of experience in resource exploration, development production and research is a widely recognized figure, as illustrated by his proven record in evaluating, risking and drilling in 22 countries. The firm participated in projects in the Guyana Basin of South America.
South Korea will resume all military activities near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and its northwestern border islands for the first time in more than five years, with the full suspension of a 2018 inter-Korean tension reduction pact, the defense ministry said Tuesday.

The announcement came after President Yoon Suk Yeol endorsed a motion to fully suspend the Comprehensive Military Agreement until mutual trust is restored in response to the North's trash-carrying balloon campaign and jamming of GPS signals in recent days.

"This measure is restoring to normality all military activities by our military, which had been restricted by the 2018 pact," Cho Chang-rae, deputy defense minister for policy, said in a press briefing, vowing to take "all possible measures" to protect the lives and safety of the South Korean people.

"All responsibility for causing this situation lies with the North Korean regime and if the North attempts to stage additional provocations, our military will sternly retaliate based on a firm S. Korea-U.S. combined defense posture," Cho said.

Signed on Sept. 19, 2018, the suspended deal included setting up a land buffer zone, where artillery drills and regiment-level field maneuvers are to be suspended, and maritime buffer zones, where artillery firing and naval drills are to be banned.

It also designated no-fly zones near the border to prevent accidental aircraft clashes.

With Tuesday's suspension, South Korea will be able to carry out drills to bolster front-line defenses, with respective units now allowed to draw up training plans near the MDL and the border islands.

The suspension will also allow South Korea to restart loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts toward the North, a key tool for psychological warfare involving criticism of the Kim Jong-un regime's human rights abuses, news and K-pop songs, which had prompted angry responses from Pyongyang.

Earlier in the day, Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Lee Sung-jun said various measures could be taken after the suspension, noting that the military has operated both fixed and mobile loudspeakers on the front lines.

"Fixed loudspeakers need to be connected to power and installing them could take hours to a few days," Lee told a regular briefing. "Mobile loudspeaker operations can be conducted right away."

Government officials declined to elaborate on when the measures that had been restricted under the 2018 pact will resume but did not rule out the possibility of conducting preemptive loudspeaker broadcasts depending on circumstances.

A government source said there appears to be no plan to immediately install the fixed loudspeakers as such activities could heighten military tension, noting that the military will likely operate the mobile equipment first if such broadcasts are resumed.

A unification ministry official said the South still remains open to dialogue with the North, noting that Pyongyang continues to walk the path of isolation after severing inter-Korean communication lines in April last year.

"North Korea should not take actions of self-isolation through such provocations but take the path of denuclearization and people's livelihood," the official said. "We will continue to make efforts so that North Korea comes to the path of dialogue."

On Sunday, North Korea said it will temporarily stop sending balloons carrying trash across the border, though it threatened to retaliate with balloons carrying "garbage amounting to 100 times" in the event Seoul activists send more anti-Pyongyang leaflets.

A North Korean defectors' group said Monday it could consider temporarily halting the scattering of such leaflets across the border if the North's leader Kim Jong-un apologizes for the sending of trash-carrying balloons to South Korea. (Yonhap)
Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said Tuesday hospitals were allowed to accept resignations of trainee doctors, in what government officials say a move to help them seek other career paths or return to hospitals.

Cho also said the government withdrew a return-to-work order for trainee doctors, saying that the government will halt an administrative step to punish them if they return to hospitals.

For months, the government has ordered trainee doctors, who have remained off the job since late February in protest of the government's plan to boost the number of medical students, to return to hospitals, while banning hospitals from accepting their resignations.

"If trainee doctors return, we will stop the administrative process so that they can concentrate on training without any legal burden," Cho told reporters.

The government made the decision to "ensure that the medical vacuum does not grow further," Cho said.

Late last month, the government finalized the admission quota hike of some 1,500, marking the first such increase in 27 years.

With the admissions hike fixed, the government has weighed taking concessional steps to soothe the trainee doctors.

Still, it remains uncertain how many trainee doctors would find jobs at other hospitals or return to their worksites.

The government has been seeking to take conciliatory steps to soothe the trainee doctors.

Cho also said the government will make efforts to ensure junior doctors can complete their training without disruptions, allowing them to obtain medical fellowships on time by adjusting their training schedules.

About 12,000 trainee doctors have left their worksites, causing disruptions in public health services at major hospitals.

The medical community, meanwhile, remained unresponsive to the government's call to engage in dialogue, calling for the complete scrapping of the medical reform plan before launching any form of talks.

The Korea Medical Association, the largest doctors' organization, plans to vote this week on whether to carry out a strike, including the participation of community doctors.

Park Dan, who is leading the emergency committee at the Korea Intern Resident Association, said that the government's new gestures for junior doctors will not change the ongoing situation.

"We all left the hospitals, prepared for our resignations to be accepted," Park said in a message sent to junior doctors the previous day.

In a separate message posted on his social media account, Park also reiterated that junior doctors will not return to emergency rooms, criticizing the government for only thinking of taking advantage of them. (Yonhap)
Ministry vows to withdraw license suspension procedures against those who return

By Jun Ji-hye

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on Tuesday its decision to withdraw return-to-work orders imposed on trainee doctors who have been on strike for more than three months. Additionally, hospitals will now be permitted to accept their resignations.

Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong also said that the government, which had previously moved to suspend the licenses of striking doctors who defied the return-to-work order, will cease such administrative measures if they return to hospitals.

These decisions grant junior doctors the autonomy to choose whether to return to work or resign according to their own intentions. They signify a significant departure from the government's initial stance, which emphasized stern measures against the collective action that led to widespread disruptions in medical services nationwide.

The government made decisions to prevent medical service disruptions from becoming more serious, Cho said during a media briefing. From now on, we ask heads of each hospital to confirm intentions of striking doctors and persuade them to return to work.

The announcement came as more than 90 percent of the countrys 13,000 trainee doctors have remained off the job since Feb. 20 to protest the Yoon Suk Yeol administrations policy to increase the annual medical school admissions quota.

The government has since ordered the trainee doctors to return to hospitals, while banning hospitals from accepting their resignations. But these measures have failed to bring striking doctors back to work until now.

During the briefing, the minister said the government will help these junior doctors complete their training without disruptions and obtain medical specialist qualifications on time  despite more than three months of absence  by adjusting their training schedules.

He also vowed to make efforts to improve the working environment of trainee doctors and reduce the legal risks caused by medical accidents.

Through this announcement, the government is widely seen as devising an exit strategy and taking conciliatory steps to soothe the trainee doctors to induce at least some of them to return to hospitals, at a time when all administrative procedures for the medical school quota hike of some 1,500 have been finalized  as of the end of last month  marking the first such increase in 27 years.

The decision not to penalize the striking doctors has sparked a fresh controversy, with critics arguing that it would be unfair to those who have continued to treat patients at hospitals while their colleagues have gone on strike.

In response to this criticism, the ministry stated that it was an "inevitable decision" aimed at preventing the collapse of healthcare services.

Following the announcement, heads of each training hospital will ask the intentions of striking trainee doctors and categorize them into two groups  those who want to return and those who want to quit.

Hospitals will accept the resignations of those who want to quit. Then, they will be able to seek other career paths by, for example, being employed by local clinics or opening their own clinics. Also, they can still continue their training at other hospitals after quitting the one at which they were employed.

The government believes that the acceptance of the resignations does more good than harm, as it estimated that there would be some 2,000 trainee doctors, or 20 percent, who want to return to work but couldnt do so due to the collective atmosphere.

In addition, the government believes that there would be more junior doctors who want to continue their training at bigger hospitals by newly applying for internships or residency programs after quitting their original workplaces. In this case, positions of interns and residents at the five biggest hospitals in Seoul, at least, could be filled.

The doctors community has also called on the government to allow hospitals to accept the resignations of junior doctors on strike, saying that a ban on this infringes on the freedom of occupational options.

But doctors continue to express disbelief over the governments latest announcement, denouncing it as a cheap trick, designed to split trainee doctors. This raises concerns that the announcement would rather lead to mass resignations of trainee doctors.

Park Dan, the head of the Korea Intern Resident Association (KIRA), a group of trainee doctors, said, Nothing has changed. I will not return, in a message sent to KIRA members.

Chae Dong-young, spokesperson of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), the largest coalition of doctors, also said, The government seems to believe that its decision to allow hospitals to accept the resignations would make trainee doctors return to work, but most of them do not have such an intention, as far as I know. This announcement may have little impact.

The KMA expressed its willingness to continue its protest against the government. It is currently surveying its members regarding whether to stage a general strike.
Korea to chair APEC summit in 2025

By Kim Hyun-bin

Peruvian Ambassador to Korea Paul Duclos has emphasized the significance of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum for both Peru and Korea, highlighting their roles as consecutive chairs of APEC in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

"For us, APEC is a very important forum. We have chaired it three times: in 2008, 2016 and now in 2024. It has become a tradition to do it every eight years," Duclos said during a recent interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of Peru in Seoul. The ambassador noted that all three times, the main meetings were held in Lima, underscoring the city's importance as a venue for international diplomacy.

With Korea set to chair APEC in 2025, Duclos stressed the importance of collaboration and continuity between the two nations.

"It's particularly important because Korea will be the next chairman in 2025. We need to start talking about APEC now. I am in contact with senior APEC officials from Korea, and they are committed to increasing the number of topics addressed," he said.

Reflecting on the broader context of APEC, Duclos described it as a "laboratory of good ideas and practices," primarily focused on free trade and investment.

"APEC is unique because it brings together both developed and developing economies. This structure allows for a diverse range of perspectives and solutions," he said. "APEC tries not to be a political sphere but to focus on practical and concrete results in the economic area."

The ambassador said the priority is to continue striving toward a Free Trade Area in the Asia-Pacific despite the current geopolitical complexities. He emphasized Peru's commitment to inclusivity, especially for vulnerable populations and the shift towards a formal global economy, a priority he deemed essential for both Peru and Korea. This emphasis stems from the recognition that numerous entrepreneurs remain outside the formal economy, thereby missing out on the advantages of APEC's free trade and investment endeavors.

Sustainable growth and resilient development are also key areas, with a particular emphasis on green hydrogen and food security.

"We are working with the OECD and the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre to implement a roadmap for green hydrogen in the Asia-Pacific. We also aim to promote measures to guarantee food security, addressing the significant food loss our countries face," he said.

Duclos highlighted the significance of the 35th anniversary of APEC this year and Peru's efforts to make APEC more accessible to the general population.

"We want to bring APEC closer to the people. This includes organizing more than 160 meetings throughout the year, with officials visiting universities and schools to inspire students and promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers," he said.

The ambassador explained that APEC has been instrumental in Peru's economic growth, helping the country negotiate and implement over 12 free trade agreements with APEC members, including the United States, China, Korea and Japan.

"APEC has been a good platform for us. Since we joined in 1998, our trade has grown by more than 12 percent per year," he said.

Looking ahead to Korea's chairmanship, Duclos mentioned plans for joint cultural events, including a K-pop concert, to symbolize the back-to-back leadership of Korea and Peru.

"We are working to organize a concert, possibly with the group TWICE, not only to entertain but also to promote APEC's goals and benefits," he said.

Discussing bilateral relations, Duclos acknowledged the strong ties between Peru and Korea, which celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations last year.

"We had several high-level visits, including the vice minister of Foreign Affairs and organized forums on political, scientific, technological and economic topics," he said.

The ambassador expressed optimism about future collaborations within APEC, particularly in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and promoting sustainable development.

"Korea is a very important partner for us in APEC. They have been very supportive, especially in organizing seminars and training programs for SMEs. This is a priority for both our governments," Duclos said.
The inaugural summit between Korea and African nations kicked off Tuesday to discuss expanding economic ties and cooperation in supply chain and development with the resource-rich countries.

The Korea-Africa Summit brought together delegations from 48 African nations, including 25 heads of state. The main session will be held on the first day, followed by a business summit focused on trade and investment Wednesday.

The gathering, the largest multilateral summit hosted by the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol, takes place as Korea is exploring ways to bolster economic ties with Africa, a massive consumer market with a population of 1.4 billion and a GDP of $3.4 trillion.

Currently, Korea's trade with Africa only accounts for 1.9 percent of the nation's total trade.

Africa's mass consumer market and abundant resources have drawn attention from Korea, a major energy importer and home to the world's leading chipmakers and battery producers.

On the occasion of the summit, a memorandum of understanding on the "Key Minerals Cooperation Partnership" will be signed to strengthen related cooperation, according to the presidential office.

Yoon and Mauritania President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, the chair of the African Union, will issue a joint statement at the end of the summit.

On the sidelines of the main session, Yoon plans to separately hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Kenya, Madagascar, Liberia and Ghana.

Since Friday, Yoon has met 13 African leaders to sign a slew of agreements to pave the way for expanding trade and investment and cooperation in critical minerals, technology collaboration and joint exploration.

The countries include Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Togo, Rwanda, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. (Yonhap)
South Korea officially began its rotating monthlong presidency of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) on Monday, unveiling a plan to hold an open meeting on North Korea's human rights situation.

Seoul's Ambassador to the U.N. Hwang Joon-kook addressed a press briefing to explain the "program of work," which spells out UNSC plans for meetings and other engagements for June, as South Korea, a nonpermanent UNSC member, holds the presidency for the first time in a decade.

Hwang said that the UNSC will have a meeting on the North's human rights in the middle of this month and hold a high-level open debate on cybersecurity on June 20. He reiterated that South Korea will convene a UNSC meeting if it is needed to respond to potential North Korean provocations.

"Peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is one of our core interests," he said. "In this light, we stand ready to convene a meeting in response to any possible provocations by the DPRK as the council did just last week."

DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Touching on the plan to hold a meeting on North Korea's human rights, Hwang said that the advancement of the North's weapons of mass destruction programs is "closely intertwined" with the "dire" human rights and humanitarian situation in the North "like the two sides of the same coin."

"In this regard, we firmly believe that the Security Council should not neglect the latent risks that systematic human rights violations in the DPRK pose to international peace and security," he said. "Human rights, peace and security issues should be approached in a holistic manner, especially in the case of the DPRK."

South Korea's UNSC presidency comes amid a rise in tensions on the Korean Peninsula caused by Pyongyang's recent provocative acts, including a military satellite launch, artillery drills, its sending of trash-filled balloons and the jamming of GPS navigation signals, not to mention its tough rhetoric against Seoul.

The UNSC presidency rotates among the council's 15 member states on a monthly basis. Seoul last held the UNSC presidency in May 2014. (Yonhap)
The inaugural summit between South Korea and African nations kicked off Tuesday to discuss expanding economic ties and cooperation in supply chain and development with the resource-rich countries.

The Korea-Africa Summit brought together delegations from 48 African nations, including 25 heads of state. The main session will be held on the first day, followed by a business summit focused on trade and investment Wednesday.

President Yoon Suk Yeol said South Korea aims to expand trade and investment with Africa through a series of agreements, such as Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Trade and Investment Promotion Frameworks (TIPFs).

He also vowed to support Africa's efforts toward regional economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2019.

"In terms of trade, we will speed up the signing of EPAs and TIPFs. On the investment front, we will expand investment protection agreements to promote exchanges between the two countries' companies," Yoon said in his opening address.

To further promote cooperation with Africa, South Korea will expand its official development assistance (ODA) to approximately $10 billion by 2030 and provide export financing of about $14 billion to help Korean companies expand trade and investment in Africa.

Yoon said South Korea will work together with African nations to ensure resilient supply chains of critical minerals and digital transformation and to address climate change, food security and public health issues.

"We will seek sustainable cooperation solutions for issues directly related to future growth, such as the stable supply of critical minerals and digital transformation," Yoon said.

Yoon also stressed the importance of coordination with African nations on the global stage amid heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula following a series of North Korea's provocations, including its campaign of sending balloons carrying trash into South Korea.

"Together with our friends in Africa, South Korea will rigorously implement U.N. Security Council resolutions and work to safeguard peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the international community," Yoon said.

South Korea has been elected a nonpermanent member of the U.N. Security Council for the 2024-25 term.

The gathering, the largest multilateral summit hosted by the Yoon administration, takes place as South Korea is exploring ways to bolster economic ties with Africa, a massive consumer market with a population of 1.4 billion and a GDP of $3.4 trillion.

Currently, South Korea's trade with Africa only accounts for 1.9 percent of the nation's total trade.

Africa's mass consumer market and abundant resources have drawn attention from South Korea, a major energy importer and home to the world's leading chipmakers and battery producers.

On the occasion of the summit, a memorandum of understanding on the "Key Minerals Cooperation Partnership" will be signed to strengthen related cooperation, according to the presidential office.

Yoon and Mauritania President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, the chair of the African Union, will issue a joint statement at the end of the summit.

On the sidelines of the main session, Yoon plans to separately hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Kenya, Madagascar, Liberia and Ghana.

Since Friday, Yoon has met 13 African leaders to sign a slew of agreements to pave the way for expanding trade and investment and cooperation in critical minerals, technology collaboration and joint exploration.

The countries include Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Togo, Rwanda, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. (Yonhap)
Seoul pledges to boost ODA to Africa to $10 bil. by 2030

By Lee Hyo-jin

Korea will launch a high-level dialogue with African nations to ensure a stable supply of key minerals through cooperation with the resource-rich countries, President Yoon Suk Yeol announced following the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit, Tuesday.

The Critical Minerals Dialogue aims to identify opportunities for Korean companies to invest in Africa and add value to the development of critical mineral resources so that the collaboration may contribute to creating job opportunities and revitalizing local economies.



"The Critical Minerals Dialogue being launched between Korea and Africa aims to stabilize supply chains through mutually beneficial cooperation. This initiative will also serve as a model example of sustainable development of global mineral resources," Yoon said during a televised press conference.

The conference was jointly held with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, chair of the African Union (AU), who co-chaired the summit.

"Recognizing Koreas leadership in advanced industries and Africas significance as a globally important region for critical mineral reserves, we emphasize the need to expand mutually beneficial cooperation and knowledge sharing, including at the minilateral level, to promote the development of industries related to critical minerals," a joint declaration announced by Yoon and Ghazouani read.

The Korean president also announced that Korea will bolster its official development assistance (ODA) fund to African nations to $10 billion by 2030, while providing $14 billion of export financing to Korean firms to stimulate Korean investments across Africa. The country's ODA budget for Africa was $590 million in 2021.

Emphasizing the need for a robust institutional framework to facilitate seamless economic cooperation, Yoon also expressed Korea's commitment to expediting the conclusion of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) and Trade and Investment Promotion Frameworks with African nations. He also vowed to support Africa's efforts toward regional economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) launched in 2019.



The two sides also agreed to increase joint efforts to overcome transnational crises such as climate change, pandemics, natural disasters, food insecurity and supply chain disruptions, underscoring the importance of fostering partnerships founded on three key values  mutual growth, sustainability and co-prosperity.

"The leaders and representatives of participating countries have agreed to establish a climate finance architecture that reflects Africa's climate response needs and jointly address the global threat of climate change," Yoon said during the press conference.

The two sides also agreed to launch new high-level consultative bodies, such as the Customs Commissioners Meeting and Chief Statisticians Meeting, as part of efforts to regularly review and support the implementation of the commitments made during the summit.

Earlier in the day, the first-ever Korea-Africa Summit kicked off its two-day run at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, gathering delegations from 48 African countries, 25 of whom were state leaders. Heads of international organizations such as the AU, Africa Development Bank, AfCFTA and Africa Center for Disease Control also took part.

"Today's event marks Korea's inaugural multilateral summit with African nations. This occasion affirms that African countries are key partners in realizing Korea's goal of becoming a global pivotal state," Yoon said in his speech during the opening ceremony.

"By combining Africa's youthful energy and abundant resources with Korea's advanced technology and diverse expertise, I believe we can deliver sustainable solutions to global challenges," Yoon said.

On the security front, the president pledged that Korea, along with what he described as "friends in Africa," will strive to uphold peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the international community by thoroughly implementing U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Earlier this year, Korea began its two-year term as a non-permanent Security Council member.

In his welcoming remarks, the Mauritanian president expressed aspirations for an elevated partnership between Korea and African nations.

"It is essential to prioritize cooperation in key areas, particularly infrastructure, technology, agriculture, health and mining resources, as well as education and skills training," Ghazouani said.

Following the main session, Yoon hosted a luncheon for the African delegations.

Later in the day, the Korean president held separate bilateral meetings with the leaders of Kenya, Madagascar, Liberia and Ghana. Since Friday, Yoon has held separate talks with over 10 African leaders on the sidelines of the multilateral gathering.

A total of 12 agreements and 34 memoranda of understanding were signed at the summit, according to the presidential office. These documents covered various areas, including key mineral cooperation, infrastructure and mobility, trade and investment, medicine and health, marine and fisheries and agriculture.

The summit was part of the Yoon administration's efforts to expand Korea's ties with African nations as the region's strategic importance grows.

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 world's key raw materials that are essential components of next-generation batteries.
By Jung Min-ho

As authorities in Seoul are trying to recruit 100 Filipino caregivers for 100 households as part of their effort to boost Koreas birthrate, a group promoting the rights of migrant workers said a lack of clarity in the scope of their work could emerge as a controversial issue eventually.

In a recent statement, Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), a Philippines-based umbrella network of migrant groups, NGOs and rights activists, urged the Korean government to clearly define the workers roles as vague contract terms could expose them to the risk of exploitation.

The projects scope of work seems to encompass both domestic work (cleaning, cooking, laundry) and caregiving (childcare, eldercare, support for pregnant women), the group said. This lack of clarity could lead to exploitation and underpayment of Filipino workers.

This comes as the officials in both countries are working together for the pilot project. Next month, the first group of workers will arrive in the city. If successful, more Filipino caregivers are expected to be hired to cover the demand nationwide as the policy expands.

The project document says the caregivers shall provide caregiving assistance to the children and pregnant mother of the designated family. The workers may also assist with incidental and light household management activities for cohabiting family members.

MFA said the scope of work should differentiate between caregivers and domestic workers, adding that the contract should also specify minimum and maximum hours of work.

The Philippines government is now selecting applicants, who would then undergo comprehensive medical, psychological, language and physical assessments. This process is expected to be completed by June 21.
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday endorsed a motion calling for the full suspension of a 2018 inter-Korean tension reduction pact after North Korea sent hundreds of balloons carrying trash across the border.

Yoon signed off on the motion shortly after it was approved during a Cabinet meeting held a day after the presidential National Security Council decided to suspend the Comprehensive Military Agreement in response to the North's balloon campaign and jamming of GPS signals in recent days.

"North Korea's continuous provocations not only greatly threaten the lives and safety of our people, but also seriously undermine peace on the Korean Peninsula," Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said during the Cabinet meeting, also citing the North's ballistic missile launches on Thursday.

"(The pact's suspension) is legitimate under procedures stipulated by our law, enables military exercises that were restricted near the Military Demarcation Line under the Sept. 19 military agreement, and enables us to take more sufficient and immediate action against North Korea's provocations," he said, noting the suspension will be effective "until mutual trust between the South and the North is restored."

The full suspension of the pact, which is often dubbed the "Sept. 19 military agreement" after the day when it was signed in 2018, will allow South Korea to resume military training near the border and restart loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts into the North.

The government already suspended part of the agreement in November in response to North Korea's successful launch of a military spy satellite.

Under the partial suspension, no-fly zones around the border were lifted to allow South Korea to resume reconnaissance and surveillance activities in the area.

A resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts is certain to anger Pyongyang, as they have typically aired criticism of the Kim Jong-un regime's human rights abuses, as well as news and K-pop songs.

North Korea sent nearly 1,000 trash-carrying balloons into the South starting last Tuesday, calling it a "tit-for-tat" action against South Korean activists sending propaganda leaflets into the North.

After Seoul hinted at resuming loudspeaker broadcasts on Sunday, Pyongyang said it would temporarily halt the balloon operations.

"We urge North Korea once again to immediately halt all provocations threatening peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and to come forward to the path to joint prosperity between South and North," Han said. (Yonhap)
By Jung Min-ho

A baby, illegally adopted by a couple soon after her birth in February 2023, died shortly thereafter as a result of neglect, according to police on Tuesday.

The Daegu Dongbu Police Station said the man in his 20s and his girlfriend in her 30s have been arrested on charges including adopting the infant via an online chat platform and child abuse resulting in death.

Police suspect that the baby died within just two weeks after being brought to the couples home in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Feb. 24 last year.

The baby started showing symptoms of illness after a few days, but the couple did not seek medical help out of fear that the unlawful adoption would be uncovered.

After the baby's death, they allegedly buried the body in a field near the home of a person they knew in Pocheon, also in Gyeonggi Province.

It is unclear what motivated them to adopt the baby girl from her mother, who was searching for a person to take care of the child as she was experiencing financial difficulties. Their fondness for babies could be the reason, police said. No financial transactions were found to have occurred between the mother and the couple.

The mother is also being investigated for allegedly violating the child welfare law, police said.

The investigation was prompted by a report filed by officials of Daegus Dong District who were looking into the babys vaccination records.
Police have apprehended a bar owner and employees for distributing hundreds of thousands of flyers a day on the streets, including areas close to schools, in Seoul's southern districts of Gangnam and Seocho, officials said Tuesday.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said two employees, aged 26 and 32, spread flyers with provocative content on the streets near Gangnam Station on May 17. They were accused of violating the Juvenile Protection Act and their motorcycle has also been confiscated.

Police have also apprehended the bar's owner and two other employees.

Officials said the accused spread hundreds of thousands of such flyers on the streets and even near schools to lure customers for the past two to three years.

"We have been conducting a crackdown from May 6 to June 30 to root out illegal flyers that harm public order and the urban landscape," a police officer said, adding they plan to actively search outside the Gangnam area. (Yonhap)
By Lee Hae-rin

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has recommended that the Ministry of Justice ban the detention of children in detention facilities for foreign nationals.

According to the state human rights watchdog, it recommended the minister of justice, May 23, to establish a new clause in the Immigration Act that bans detention of foreign children in principle, considering it a gross violation of human rights.

The recommendation comes in response to a petition from an undocumented Mongolian national who had to stay with his 2-year-old child in a protection facility run by an immigration office in Gyeonggi Province in April 2023 because he had no alternative way to take care of the child.

He requested a temporary release from the facility, which he deemed inappropriate for his childs health conditions. The child was born prematurely and suffered from respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary arterial hypertension at birth.

However, the request was denied because it had been determined that there was "no indication that the victim's child has serious health problems requiring hospitalization," in the NHRCK's own words.

Then he filed a petition with the NHRCK, which they also rejected, because the watchdog viewed that the centers disapproval of his request for a temporary release cannot be alone seen as a human rights violation.

Nevertheless, the NHRCK decided to recommend a revision of related laws to improve the current protective detention system, citing a U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) recommendation from 2019.

The recommendation suggested the Korean government prohibit the detention of migrant children through the provision of the Immigration Act and guarantee non-detention alternatives. Detaining children is inextricably linked to child abuse and greatly hinders their physical and emotional development, it said.

According to the justice ministrys data, Korea has seen a steady occurrence of detention of foreign children in immigration facilities. From 2019 to 2023, a total of 182 children have been held in immigration detention centers, some of whom were detained for up to 196 days.

It is practically impossible to allow temporary release to children, which is the only remedy for detaining children in migrant detention facilities, the NHRCK said in a released statement, calling for establishment of a clause that bans child detention by principle in the Immigration Act.
Ministry's future uncertain as new government body to assume some responsibilities

By Jung Da-hyun

A United Nations body has urged the Korean government to appoint a minister for gender equality and family, a position that has remained vacant since February following the governments plan to abolish the ministry.

The recommendation was issued following the conclusion of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) review on the Korean government's women-related policies. The committee expressed concerns that these policies have regressed overall.

The CEDAW issued its final recommendations for the country on Monday (local time), following its review of the implementation status of 189 countries that have ratified the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Since becoming a member in 1984, Korea has submitted a national report outlining its policy achievements in related fields every four years for the committee's consideration.

The report by the committee raised serious concerns regarding the proposed abolition of the gender equality ministry in Korea by the government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP).

"The committee is concerned that this [abolition of the ministry] could lead to the fragmentation and de-prioritization of legal and policy frameworks dedicated to the advancement of women," it said.

Additionally, the report emphasized that the abolition would represent a regression from the committee's earlier stance, which advocated the strengthening of the gender equality ministry's role and resources.

"The committee is further concerned by the failure to appoint a minister for gender equality and family, the drastic reduction in the budget of the ministry, and retrogressive policies on women," it said. "Additionally, the committee is concerned about the limited participation of womens organizations in the design and implementation of national plans and strategies for the advancement of women."

Rather than abolishing the ministry, the committee urged the Korean government to significantly enhance the human, technical, and financial resources allocated to the ministry. Additionally, the committee emphasized the importance of providing capacity-building for its staff. These measures are deemed essential for effectively integrating gender perspectives across all government departments, according to the committee.

Furthermore, the committee also requested the government to provide written information on the steps taken to implement the recommendations outlined in the report within a two-year timeframe.

President Yoon Suk Yeol's election campaign pledge included the abolition of the ministry, a proposal which was included in a revision bill of the Government Organization Act introduced by the PPP in 2022. However, the bill was scrapped due to the expiration of the 21st National Assembly term.

The ministerial position has remained vacant since the president accepted the resignation of former Minister Kim Hyun-sook in February. Despite the prolonged vacancy, Yoon has yet to appoint a successor.

Despite the U.N. committee's recommendation, the prospect of abolishing the gender equality ministry is increasing as the government pushes for the establishment of a new government body focused on addressing Korea's low birthrate. The new body is expected to assume a significant portion of the ministry's roles.

On Friday, the PPP announced its intention to propose bills addressing low birthrates, which include the establishment of a deputy prime minister-level ministry, as previously announced by Yoon during a press conference commemorating his two years in office last month.

Exactly how the new body will assume the roles of the gender ministry remains undecided. An official at the gender equality ministry said they have not been consulted or asked to review the scope of work for the new government body.
Over 500,000 dogs being raised nationwide for consumption

By Lee Hae-rin

Koreas animal advocacy groups and dog meat industry stakeholders remain divided over how quickly to end the contentious trade following the National Assembly's passage of the bill to root out the long-practiced consumption of man's best friend in Korea, earlier this year.

Animal groups call for a prompt end through rescue and euthanasia before the bill takes full-scale effect in 2027, while dog meat farmers argue for a natural end to the age-old food culture.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Tuesday, over 500,000 dogs are being raised for human consumption by a total of 1,507 dog farms in Korea. The figure is greater than or similar to the governments latest study that estimated some 1,156 dog farms are raising over 520,000 dogs for meat consumption nationwide.

Over half, or 53.6 percent, of these facilities are owned by those aged over 65 who have little to no experience working in other fields, the ministry noted.

Under the special act, which passed under rare political unity in January, raising or butchering dogs for human consumption will be illegal in Korea from 2027. Industry stakeholders are to submit plans outlining the steps to downsize and eventually shut down their businesses by Aug. 5.

According to the Korean Association of Edible Dogs view, it will take about two and a half years for the industry to completely close down and disappear. The calculation is based on an estimate that some 200,000 dogs are sold annually in the market here.

By 2027, without additional breeding, the country should see a natural end to the food culture and age-old tradition within the three-year grace period, which the association argues to be already too short for any transition of profession for dog meat farmers and retailers.

Notably, the association filed a petition in March on behalf of the countrys dog meat stakeholders to the top court to nullify the ban on dog meat trade and consumption. With little chance of winning, the lawsuit claims the special act infringes on peoples basic rights to choose their own profession and what to eat.

On the contrary, animal rights groups believe the industry should come to an early end by all means, citing that dog consumption itself is already illegal under the Food Sanitation Act.

Some 60 animal activists and members of Catch Dog, a local animal advocacy group, held a rally in front of Moran Market, May 25, to condemn the industrys alleged expansion of dog farming. Located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, the venue was once known to be the nations largest dog meat market.

According to the group, dog meat farmers across the country are expanding the site of their facilities and continuing dog breeding even after the passage of the special act in a bid to receive more compensation.

The association has asserted that dog farmers are entitled to receive support funds of 2 million won per canine, and additional expenses they received from municipalities for handling food waste, which was served as feed for dogs in the farms, as fair compensation to the ban, which illegalized the trade that would have naturally disappeared in the coming decade.

Amid this atmosphere, the agriculture ministry plans to provide dog meat farmers with job transition consulting sessions through a task force consisting of agricultural business experts and local government representatives.
PPP's special investigation proposal receives lukewarm responses

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Former first lady Kim Jung-sook has stirred up a belated controversy over her visit to India in 2018. Following the recent release of former President Moon Jae-ins memoir, in which he wrote about his wifes solo trip to India, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) criticized Kim for spending 400 million won in public funds, including about 62 million won ($45,109) on in-flight meals and taking a trip to the Taj Mahal to fulfill her personal wishes with taxpayer money.

Along with the lavish meals, Kim's visit has drawn controversy over whether she was officially invited, as it was the first time in 16 years that a Korean first lady had made a foreign visit without being accompanied by the president.

The PPP has claimed that her taxpayer-funded visit was aimed at fulfilling her personal wish to visit the Taj Mahal, despite Moon's explanation that the Indian government invited her.

On Monday, Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the PPP proposed a bill calling for a special counsel to investigate allegations that Kim abused her power by traveling abroad, choosing to hire a daughter of her designer friend, taking swimming lessons from the presidential guard and using the so-called costs for special activities for personal shopping purchases.

The bill is to prevent similar incidents related to spousal misconduct. All are equal before the law, Yoon said.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) accused the PPPs move of being politically motivated, saying that the PPP is trying to counterattack opposition parties calls to launch a special counsel to investigate first lady Kim Keon Hee's alleged acceptance of a luxury bag gift and involvement in stock manipulation.

Rep. Youn Kun-young of the DPK, who served at the presidential office during the Moon Jae-in administration, denounced the PPP for its "smear campaign" against Kim.

The PPP is spreading baseless claims about Kims 2018 trip to India. Kim said she would file a defamation complaint against those who are involved. Though a former presidents spouse is a public figure, fake news should not be tolerated because that doesnt benefit social and political development, Youn told reporters, Tuesday.

Minor opposition Reform Party Rep. Lee Jun-seok also called the proposal foolish, saying that it reflects that even the ruling party doesnt trust government agencies.

Originally, special counsel probes are pushed by opposition parties. If the ruling party wants to investigate Kim, they can simply report the case to the investigative agency, Lee said.

Yoons bill also drew criticism from some PPP lawmakers. Those who oppose the idea suggested that the investigation should be entrusted to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission.

If we insist on doing everything through a special prosecutor, why should there be prosecutors, police and judiciary? Rep. Sung Il-jong of the PPP said.

Rep. Na Kyung-won of the PPP, a five-term lawmaker, said special counsel probes should be undertaken with caution.

Suspicions related to Kim have been raised. I think we need to see how the investigation goes first, and then conduct a special counsel probe if necessary, she said.

Former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min said he is worried that the bill may fall short of gaining public support.

The public currently supports bills mandating special counsel investigations into the militarys response to a Marines death and first lady Kim Keon Hee. Im worried how the public will perceive a bill calling for a special counsel to investigate former first lady Kim Jung-sook, he said.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said Tuesday the government will look at ways to allow more foreigners to work in the local food service industry.

Han made the remark during a meeting with reporters, saying rising labor costs have been a key factor behind the increase in the cost of dining out.

"We will review measures to allow the restaurant industry to hire foreign workers when necessary. Currently, it is quite limited," he said.

Han did not elaborate on details, saying the government needs to discuss the matter between relevant ministries and also gather public opinion.

He also said there is a "great lack of workers" not only in the food service industry but also at other small and medium-sized businesses and in rural areas.

"Over the long term, we will work to fill the labor force with Republic of Korea nationals, but in order to ease the difficulties of the current state, I think it would be right to hire foreign workers," he said. (Yonhap)
By Kwak Yeon-soo

Rep. Park Choong-kwon, a North Korean defector-turned-lawmaker of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), has introduced a bill proposing educational support for children of defectors born in third countries.

Park submitted, Tuesday, a revision to the North Korean Defectors Protection and Settlement Support Act, which aims to allocate funding and provide consultations and supplementary lessons for children born in third countries to defectors.

Over 70 percent of North Korean defectors children are born in third countries, according to the state-run Korea Educational Development Institute. An increasing number of North Korean defectors who failed to reach South Korea are detained in China. As a result, an increasing number of defectors are giving birth to children in third countries.

Park said the children of defectors born in third countries are often overlooked by the South Korean welfare system and encounter difficulties in their education, primarily due to language barriers and limited access to educational materials.

Currently, only children who were born in North Korea and defected to South Korea are entitled to receive tuition and other financial support and get a chance for special admission to colleges. But North Korean defectors' children born abroad have been excluded from such benefits.

Every citizen of the Republic of Korea has the right to be protected by the state regardless of where they were born, Park said in a statement. We must open the door for defectors children born in third countries to receive protection of the laws and pursue their dreams.
Korea's state-run Korea National Oil Corp. (KNOC) signed a contract with Norway-based Seadrill, an offshore drilling company, last month before an announcement of the potential discovery of offshore gas and oil reserves off the nation's east coast, according to Seadrill on Tuesday.

Seadrill said last month that its drilling ship, the West Capella, has secured "one-well contract in Korea, with an estimated duration of 40 days, valued at approximately $32 million."

The company added that the contract is expected to start in December 2024.

The West Capella is a ship built by Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries in 2008.

On the previous day, President Yoon Suk Yeol said that Korea will push to embark on an oil and gas exploration project in the East Sea after a study suggested significant oil deposits may be buried in the deep sea off the coast of Yeongil Bay in Pohang, about 260 kilometers southeast of Seoul.

If confirmed, the quantity would be theoretically sufficient to meet the country's gas and oil demand for up to 29 years and four years, respectively.

The industry ministry noted that drilling one spot would cost around 100 billion won ($72.6 million), with an expected success rate of around 20 percent. (Yonhap)
With Sonny down, veterans, young guns step up game for Korea in World Cup qualifying win
Kakao Mobility said Tuesday it has released a new tax-hailing app for foreigners in Korea.

The new app, named k.ride, can be downloaded from the app stores in 14 countries, including the United States, Japan, China and Singapore, first for use in Korea in connection to Kakao Mobility's domestic taxi-hailing service, Kakao T, according to the company.

The basic settings for the app are available in four languages  English, traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese and Japanese  but for destination searches and chatting with drivers, the app provides an automatic translation function, which supports around 100 different languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Arabic, the company explained.

The company also said its new app allows people to use Google, Apple and email IDs for their log-in identification and credit cards issued in foreign countries for payment registration.

Kakao Mobility plans to expand the service to about 30 countries within this year and provide a ride-hailing service in those countries.

It also plans to adopt foreign mobile payment services for the app to enhance the convenience for its users. (Yonhap)
Turkey rejects Korean carmakers trademark applications

By Park Jae-hyuk

KG Mobility is facing difficulties in obtaining the trademark rights for the three-letter acronym KGM at home and abroad after the Korean carmaker failed to do so previously for its full English name, according to intellectual property offices in Korea and other countries, Tuesday.

Last November, the company decided to use the acronym of its name as an alternative to its full name after the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) rejected its registration of KG Mobility two months earlier.

The rejection of the full name (KG Mobility) came as a Turkish trademark troll, Cihan Turan, had registered the name in the European Union in March last year. KIPO prioritized Turans applications based on the Paris Convention.

Our use of KGM in the global market will prevent the trademark dispute from affecting our exports, a KG Mobility official said at the time.

However, the firm failed to register both KGM and KG Mobility trademarks in Turkey, one of its most important export markets.

The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office even refused the registration of KGM, because the Turkish government-run General Directorate of Highways, which is written as Karayollari Genel Mudurlugu in Turkish, had been already using the same acronym. The registration of KG Mobility had also been rejected in the country due to the trademark troll.

Even in Korea, the trademark for KGM is also under KIPOs review, following an objection filed last year by KTM, an Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, which claims consumers are likely to be confused by the two similar acronyms.

The European firm is reportedly preparing to object to the KGM trademark in many other countries.

If KIPO decides to side with KTM, all trademark applications and registrations filed by KG Mobility under the mark KGM worldwide will be canceled in accordance with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) procedure, a source familiar with this issue said.

KG Group renamed SsangYong Motor to KG Mobility in March of last year, after the chemical giant acquired the debt-ridden carmaker in 2022.

The company was reportedly asked by Cihan Turan to pay a significant amount of royalties after he registered KG Mobility in more than 30 countries and filed applications in Australia, Korea and Turkey. Earlier this year, Turan also filed an objection to KG Mobilitys trademark registration with the EU Intellectual Property Office.
By Park Jae-hyuk

HanmiGlobal, Koreas leading construction project management company, came up with its own solution to cope with the aging population, Tuesday, by unveiling the design of Wirye Symponia, a senior residence combined with a child care center.

The nine-story residential building with four basement floors will open in March next year at the center of Wirye New Town in Seouls Songpa District, which is close to large hospitals, parks, shopping malls and subway stations.

Unlike conventional senior residences, the facility will provide various lectures and health care services, as well as catering and cleaning services, for its residents to remain active.

Right next to the residential building will also be another building to be used as a child care center by parents with young children living in the town.

The combination shows HanmiGlobals will to better cope with Korea's low birthrates and aging population, an official of HanmiGlobal D&I, a property development subsidiary of HanmiGlobal, said during a press tour of model homes.

Wirye Symponias 115 apartment units will consist of two sizes: 42-square-meters and 56-square-meters aprtments. Both have a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom, but the latter will have a second bedroom and a balcony. One of the buildings basement floors will be used as households' storage space.

When entering the show houses, there is a foldable chair in the foyer of the smaller type of the apartment units and a space to sit in the larger apartment units foyer, so that aged residents can put on and take off their shoes more conveniently. In addition, HanmiGlobal D&I installed sliding doors and removed accesibility barriers for wheelchairs.

Inside the model homes of each apartment unit are also multiple emergency bells and safety bars.

We installed the emergency bells near the floor, in the event that residents who have fallen need help,  the HanmiGlobal D&I official said. If they press the bell, the building manager will immediately come to their assistance.

The residential buildings construction will be finished by the end of this year with residents expected to start living in the facility from March next year.

According to HanmiGlobal D&I, two-people households living in the facility are expected to pay 3.2 million won ($2,300) a month on average, if they pay deposits ranging from 400 million won to 770 million won. The deposit amount depends on the unit size and the amount of monthly rental paid.
By Baek Byung-yeul

HLB revealed the Phase 3 clinical trial in the United States, saying the median overall survival (mOS) for patients treated with its liver cancer drug has been extended to 23.8 months from 22.1 months, the company said Tuesday.

HLB aims for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for combination therapy of its Rivoceranib and Camrelizumab drugs from China's Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine.

At the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) annual meeting, which took place from Friday to Tuesday in Chicago, the Korean bio company's U.S. subsidiary, Elevar Therapeutics, announced the clinical trial result.

HLB said that the new clinical results show the time from the start of the treatment to the patient's death has increased to 23.8 months, making a strong impression on the effectiveness of its new drug to doctors from various countries attending the event.

During the event, Chong Sae-ho, CEO of Elevar Therapeutics, discussed the Phase 3 results of the Rivoceranib combination therapy with researchers who conducted various detailed studies, including Arndt Vogel, a professor at the University of Toronto's Institute of Medical Science.

American liver cancer doctors predicted that the Rivoceranib combination therapy, given its conclusive results in terms of efficacy and safety, is likely to receive approval soon after completing the necessary supplementary items, HLB said.

Last month, the FDA rejected HLB's application for approval of the combination therapy. HLB attributed the rejection to issues related to chemistry, manufacturing and control at its partner company, China's Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine.

The company plans to meet with the FDA in July to identify and address the deficiencies and submit the necessary supplementary documents to obtain approval as a first-line treatment for liver cancer quickly.

"This updated result will be submitted to the FDA, and we expect it to significantly increase the authority's confidence in the drug's efficacy, which makes it very meaningful," a company spokesperson said.
China's Chang'e-6 probe has lifted off from the far side of the moon, starting its journey back towards Earth, China's national space agency announced on Tuesday.

The probe's successful departure from the moon means China is closer to becoming the first country to return samples from the far side of the moon, which permanently faces away from Earth.

The probe, which departed the moon at 7:38 a.m. local time successfully completed its sample collection from June 2-3.

China National Space Administration (CNSA) said in a statement that Chang'e-6 "withstood the test of high temperature on the far side of the moon."

Compared with its predecessor Chang'e-5, which retrieved samples from the near side of the moon, Chang'e-6 faced an additional technical challenge of operating without direct communications with ground stations on Earth, according to CNSA.

Instead, the probe relied on relay satellite Queqiao-2, put into orbit in April, for communications.

The probe used a drill and robotic arm to dig up soil on and below the moon's surface, according to state news agency Xinhua.

Chang'e-6 displayed China's national flag for the first time on the far side of moon after sample acquisition, Beijing Daily said.

The probe is now in lunar orbit and will join up with another spacecraft in orbit, CNSA said on Tuesday morning.

The samples will then be transferred to a return module, which will fly back to Earth, with a landing in China's Inner Mongolia region expected around June 25.

The return of the lunar samples to Earth is being followed by scientists around the world, who hope the soil collected by the Chang'e-6 can help answer questions about the origins of the solar system.

The mission has also been closely followed domestically as a source of national pride. Last month, thousands of tourists flocked to different viewing spots in the southern island province of Hainan to watch Chang'e-6's launch .

Pictures of a hole left on the lunar surface from the sample digging by Chang'e-6 went viral on Tuesday on Chinese social media platform Weibo after state broadcaster CCTV said the hole was shaped like the character "zhong," a nod to the Chinese word for China, "zhongguo." (Reuters)
China's embassy in Korea has expressed "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition" to Korea, the United States, and Japan for their recent remarks regarding the Taiwan issue, calling them "consecutive erroneous statements."

On Friday, senior Korean, U.S., and Japanese diplomats met in the U.S. and announced that they oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific and recognize the importance of opposing unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea.

On Sunday, defense ministers from the three countries also met in Singapore and reaffirmed their position calling for peace and stability in the South China Sea.

"These actions rudely interfere in China's internal affairs and maliciously smear and attack China. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this and has lodged solemn representations with Korea," according to a statement by a spokesperson for the embassy posted on Chinese social media platform WeChat.

The spokesperson said Korea repeatedly colludes with the U.S. and Japan, which is inconsistent with the spirit of the China-Korea strategic cooperative partnership and detrimental to the development of the bilateral relations.

"We urge Korea to be cautious in its words and actions on Taiwan and South China Sea issues and to take concrete actions to safeguard the overall interests of China-Korea relations," the statement said.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson also said Monday that the three countries used their trilateral defense ministers' meeting and trilateral vice foreign minister-level dialogue to "deliberately attack and vilify China."

Meanwhile, South Korea reiterated that its stance on the issue remains unchanged. The Seoul government has repeatedly stated its commitment to respecting the "One China" policy.

"Our government's basic position on the Taiwan issue remains unchanged," Lim Soo-suk, a foreign ministry spokesperson, said during a regular press briefing. He added that the Seoul government is closely communicating with Beijing on various issues concerning the two countries.

"We hope for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations through dialogue and cooperation," Lim said. (Yonhap)
U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to sign a sweeping new border measure on Tuesday that would allow authorities to quickly deport or send back to Mexico migrants caught crossing the southwest border if illegal entries surpass a certain level, according to two sources with knowledge of the move.

The measure, which would restrict access to asylum, would take effect when U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions surpass 2,500 per day, the two sources said. The illegal crossings would have to dip below 1,500 per day for the asylum restrictions to be lifted, one of the sources said.

The restrictions are not expected to apply to unaccompanied minors. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The election-year move is expected to trigger legal challenges from immigrant and civil rights groups who have criticized Biden, a Democrat, for adopting hardline policies that mirror those of his Republican predecessor, former President Donald Trump.

Biden has toughened his approach to border security as immigration has emerged as a top issue for voting-age Americans in the run-up to Nov. 5 elections where he will face Trump in a rematch of the 2020 contest.

Biden took office in 2021 vowing to reverse some of Trump's restrictive policies but grappled with record levels of migrants caught crossing illegally. Trump has criticized Biden for rolling back his policies and vowed a wide-ranging crackdown if reelected.

In advance of the announcement, Trump's campaign issued a statement calling Biden's executive order "amnesty, not border security" and again blaming immigrants for what he called a U.S. crime wave.

A range of studies by academics and think tanks have shown that immigrants do not commit crime at a higher rate than native-born Americans.

Trump himself became the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime on Thursday when a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying documents to cover up a payment to silence a porn star ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

The new U.S. restrictions mirror a Biden-backed Senate bill that aimed to block migrants from claiming asylum if the number of migrants caught crossing illegally reached a certain level. The bill was crafted by a bipartisan group of senators but Republicans rejected it after Trump came out in opposition.

The number of migrants caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally dropped in recent months, a trend U.S. officials partly attribute to increased Mexican enforcement.

Claudia Sheinbaum was elected as Mexico's first female president in a landslide victory on Sunday and will take office on Oct. 1. Biden's border restrictions could put pressure on Sheinbaum, the successor to current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, to keep illegal border crossings down. (Reuters)
Spain will adapt its legislation to introduce a 15 percent minimum corporate tax rate on multinational firms, the government said on Tuesday, a move that is in line with an OECD-wide agreement designed to prevent tax avoidance.

Spain has a headline corporate tax rate of 25 percent, but there are many exceptions allowing firms to pay a much lower effective rate.

The 15 percent minimum rate will be imposed on companies with revenues higher than 750 million euros ($814.58 million).

"It aims to fight against the distortion of tax bases and the relocation of the profits of large multinational groups to lower taxation locations," Budget Minister Maria Jesus Montero told reporters.

In 2021, more than 130 countries agreed to an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) deal to ensure large international companies pay a minimum tax rate of 15 percent, to prevent them from trying to avoid imposts by transferring profits to low-tax countries. (Reuters)
ATK

New Delhi [India], June 4: Onextel Communication, a leading name in innovative marketing solutions, proudly announces its prestigious win at the ETNow.in Reality Conclave and Awards 2024. Held on May 28th, this esteemed event brought together numerous prominent personalities and industry leaders to celebrate excellence in the real estate sector.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Six Union Ministers, Including Smriti Irani, Staring at Defeat; Check All Name Here.

Onextel Communication was honored with the "Excellence in Marketing Strategy - Reality Sector" award, recognizing its outstanding contributions and strategic initiatives in the real estate marketing arena. This accolade underscores Onextel's commitment to delivering cutting-edge marketing strategies that drive success and growth for its clients in the real estate industry.

The ETNow.in Reality Conclave, a premier event in the industry, showcased the best and brightest talents and companies making significant impacts in the real estate sector. The event was graced by several distinguished personalities, including top real estate developers, marketing experts, and thought leaders, making it a night to remember.

Also Read | Bigg Boss OTT 3: Revealed! Anil Kapoor's Salary for the Show and Why He Was Brought As Host Replacing Salman Khan (LatestLY Exclusive).

Sajjad Rizvi, Founder and Chairman of Onextel Communication, expressed their gratitude for the award, stating, "We are immensely proud to receive this recognition from ETNow.in . It is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our entire team. This award motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in real estate marketing and to keep delivering exceptional value to our clients."

Onextel Communication's innovative approach to marketing in the real estate sector has set new standards, combining data-driven insights with creative solutions to achieve remarkable results. This award highlights the company's role in transforming how real estate projects are marketed, ensuring they reach the right audience effectively and efficiently.

The ETNow.in Reality Conclave and Awards continue to be a significant platform for recognizing and celebrating excellence within the real estate industry. Onextel Communication's win in the "Excellence in Marketing Strategy" category reaffirms its position as a leader in the field, committed to driving the industry forward with innovation and excellence.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by ATK. 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)
Chandigarh, Jun 4 (PTI) The ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab could manage to victory in just three Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, falling way short of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's stated target of winning all 13 parliamentary constituencies of the state.

On the other hand, the Congress has bagged six seats and is leading on one while the Shiromani Akali Dal won just one seat.

Also Read | Karnataka Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: BJP-Led NDA Wins 19 Seats, Congress Bags Nine.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led party had no truck with its INDIA bloc ally the Congress for the high-stakes poll battle in the state. They fought the electoral battle separately, giving enough fodder to the rival parties to target them for "doing a drama" by contesting on their own.

However, the AAP could manage victory in Sangrur, Anandpur Sahib and Hoshiarpur parliamentary constituencies while in six seats its candidates remained at the second spot. It has, however, improved on its 2019 poll performance in the state when it could manage to bag just one seat.

Also Read | Faizabad Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: BJP Suffers Shock Defeat in Ayodhya Despite Ram Temple Push.

The AAP's Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer won from Sangrur, Malwinder Singh Kang from Anandpur Sahib and Raj Kumar Chabbewal from Hoshiarpur.

During the campaigning, Mann used to say 'Punjab banega hero, iss vaar 13-0". The AAP had even centred its poll campaign around Mann with the slogan "'Sansad vich ve Bhagwant Mann, Khushaal Punjab te vadhegi shaan' (with Bhagwant Mann in Parliament as well, Punjab will be happy and prosperous)".

When AAP supremo Kejriwal was put behind bars in the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case, it was Mann who led rallies and roadshows in support of party candidates across the length and breadth of Punjab.

With the parliamentary elections being seen as a barometer to gauge the popularity of Mann, the AAP put its best foot forward by fielding eight sitting Punjab MLAs, including five ministers, for the Lok Sabha polls. It also fielded three candidates who crossed over to the AAP from other parties as well as a Punjabi actor.

During his poll campaigning, Mann relied on the performance of his two-year government as he highlighted free 300 units of electricity, 43,000 government jobs, free medical treatment as well as tests and medicines at the 'Aam Aadmi Clinics' and the opening of 'Schools of Eminence.'

With opposition parties slamming the AAP government for not keeping its poll promise of giving Rs 1,000 per month to women, Mann, at the fag end of the campaign, said that his government would give Rs 1,100 per month.

During the hustings, Mann had told people to ensure the victory of the AAP candidates in all 13 seats so that his hands could be strengthened to strongly fight for the rights of Punjab.

"I am fighting against the Centre and the governor alone. I need 13 hands to fight against the BJP in Delhi," Mann had said.

The chief minister had lashed out at the Centre for withholding Punjab's Rs 8,000 crore of funds, including Rs 5,500 crore of rural development funds. He had said that if the AAP gets all 13 seats, the Centre would not dare to stop Punjab's funds.

In the 2022 Punjab Assembly poll, Mann led the stupendous victory of the party, winning 92 out of the 117 Punjab assembly seats.

As far as AAP's performance in parliamentary elections goes, the Kejriwal-led party won four seats in the 2014 polls with a vote share of 24.40 per cent. However, it could win only one seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and only 7.38 per cent vote share.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Guwahati Jun 4 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday thanked the people of Assam for giving a 'massive mandate of 11 out of 14 seats in the state'.

'I bow down to the people of Assam for blessing @BJP4Assam and our valued NDA partners with a massive mandate of 11 out of 14 seats in the state', the Chief Minister posted on 'X'.

Also Read | Himachal Pradesh Election Results 2024: Huge Relief for Sukhvinder Sukhu Led Congress Government As Party Wins Four Out of Six Bypolls, Loses Four Lok Sabha Seats to BJP for Third Time in a Row.

The NDA has also bettered its overall vote share to nearly 46 per cent, a huge jump from 39 per cent 'we secured in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 44 per cent in the 2021 assembly elections', he said.

'This we have achieved despite the 40 per cent minority population in the state. This translates to a lead for the NDA in more than 90 of 126 assembly segments, a much-improved outcome compared to our performance in the 2021 Assembly elections', he said.

Also Read | West Bengal Assembly By-Poll Results 2024: Trinamool Congress Wins Bhagabangola Seat, Leads in Baranagar.

Sarma asserted that today's results are a 'vote for the overall transformation Assam has been experiencing in the last 3 years. With the blessings of Adarniya Shri @narendramodi, Hon'ble Prime Minister, we remain committed to delivering on our promise to establish Assam among the top states in the country'.

The BJP has established comfortable leads in the nine seats of Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Kaziranga, Tezpur, Lakhimpur, Guwahati, Diphu (ST), Silchar and Karimganj (ST) while its allies the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) are leading in Barpeta and Kokrajhar (ST) respectively. The Congress is leading in the three seats of Jorhat, Dhubri and Nagaon.

The results of none of the 14 seats have been declared so far.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
North 24 Parganas (West Bengal) [India], June 4 (ANI): As the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha election is underway on Tuesday, BJP's Basirhat Lok Sabha candidate, Rekha Patra, expressed confidence in BJP's victory in West Bengal's Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency, saying the BJP is going to win, and PM Modi will come to Basirhat.

"I am going to win. BJP is going to win and PM Modi will come to Basirhat. The future of Sandeshkhali is bright. BJP is leading in all seats. The environment has been peaceful here since morning. The Central forces are here, local police remain outside...Lotus has bloomed in Basirhat," she told ANI.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections Results 2024: SP-Congress Alliance Gives BJP Run for Its Money in UP, Leads in 42 Seats.

The BJP's Rekha Patra, was one of the women who led protests against suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali, is pitted against TMC's Haji Nurul Islam and CPIM's Nirapada Sardar for the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat.

Earlier this year, Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district made headlines when villagers, predominantly women, protested against the ruling TMC and TMC leader Shahjahan. They accused him and his associates of committing atrocities and seizing their land. Several women of Sandeshkhali have alleged "land-grab and sexual assault" under coercion by Shajahan and his aides.

Also Read | Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections Results 2024: Early Trends Show Mixed Bag for NDA, INDIA Bloc As Vote Counting Underway for the 48 Seats.

Following this, the TMC suspended Shahjahan, the main accused in Sandeshkhali, from the party for six years. He is currently in jail in relation to an attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team during a raid at his home linked to a ration scam.

Strict security measures have been implemented to ensure the smooth counting of votes for more than 8,000 candidates in this general election. Vote counting commenced at 8 pm today.

Most of the exit polls have predicted BJP getting more seats than the TMC in West Bengal.

The exit poll outcome was declared after the conclusion of polling for the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha polls on Saturday.

According to the News18 exit poll, the BJP-led NDA is expected to win 21-24 seats in West Bengal. The TMC is set to win 18-21 seats.

India TV poll said that the BJP-led NDA may get between 22-26 seats, TMC 14-18 seats, and Congress to get 1-2 seats.

The ABP News-CVoter exit poll predicted a landslide victory for the BJP in West Bengal. The BJP is predicted to win 23-27 seats while the Trinamool Congress is expected to get 13-17 seats. The Congress to get 1-3 seats.

According to News 24-Today's Chanakya Analysis, the BJP is poised to win 24 seats, TMC to get 17 seats and Congress to get 1 seat.

According to the India Today-Axis My India, BJP will get 26-31 seats, TMC to get 11-14 seats and INDIA bloc to get 0-2 seats.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the TMC had won 22 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, and the BJP won 18. Congress won only 2 seats.

Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that a "very robust system" has been put in place. "There are around 10.5 lakh booths. Each booth will have 14 tables. There are observers and micro-observers. Nearly, 70-80 lakh people are involved in the process," he said.

Results of the Assembly elections in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh were held simultaneously with voting for the 543-member Lok Sabha. Results of 175 Assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh and 147 Assembly constituencies in Odisha and results of bypolls in 25 Assembly constituencies will also be declared today.

The Lok Sabha elections were conducted in seven phases- on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. (ANI)

(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, Jun 4 (PTI) A large number of people carrying party flags flocked the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters on Tuesday to celebrate the party's impressive gains in many states, in stark contrast to the deserted office of its Lok Sabha elections ally Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Sounds of 'dhol and nagada' filled the air outside the Congress office and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's residence as people celebrated the opposition INDIA bloc's impressive gains that took its tally to over 200 seats.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: PM Narendra Modi Poised for Third Term with NDA Allies Support After BJP Loses Majority; INDIA Bloc Makes Big Gains.

Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said India's poorest and backward people have stood up to save the Constitution.

The main thing this election has said, the country has said is that we don't want Narendra Modi, Amit Shah to be running this country," he said.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Thanks Voters for NDA's Third Term, Says Fight Against Corruption Will Continue.

He said the INDIA bloc will meet and decide on Wednesday whether to approach former partners such as the JD(U) and the TDP to attempt government formation at the Centre.

The BJP lost heavily in its strongholds of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, and also fared badly than the last time in Maharashtra.

However, the BJP-led NDA is poised to form a government with about 290 seats.

A large group of women were seen raising slogans like "Desh ka beta kaisa ho, Rahul Gandhi jaisa ho".

On its own, the BJP appeared to be falling below the majority mark leaving it dependent on its NDA partners to form government, while the opposition INDIA bloc appeared set to be a formidable force.

"In light of the results in UP, the setback for us is substantial. We'll carefully examine the BJP's standpoint on this matter.

"While the current outcomes fall well short of our expectations, we'll graciously accept the people's verdict, BJP leader Pandit Sunil Bharala said.

The Aam Aadmi Party office at Rouse Avenue bore a deserted look with a monitor showing that the party failed to gain even a single seat out of seven constituencies of Delhi.

Later in the day, AAP said despite adverse circumstances, their candidates gave a tough fight to the BJP. It asserted that the people have voted against the saffron party's politics of "hatred and dictatorship".

AAP Delhi state convener Gopal Rai said, "We contested the polls in adverse circumstances. In Delhi, we gave a strong fight to BJP and the margins are narrower this time (as compared to 2019)."

Celebrations were also witnessed at BJP headquarters after its clean sweep in Delhi.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jaipur, Jun 4 (PTI) Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections and the bypoll to one assembly constituency in Rajasthan began amid tight security at 8 am on Tuesday.

The BJP had won all 25 parliamentary seats in the state in 2014. In 2019, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won all the seats, with the BJP securing 24 and the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) one.

Also Read | Odisha Assembly Elections Results 2024: Live News Updates on Counting of Votes, Trends and Who Is Winning Vidhan Sabha Election.

This time, several exit polls have predicted five to seven seats for the opposition INDIA bloc.

The Congress forged alliances with the CPI(M) in Sikar and the RLP in Nagaur while lending support to the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) in Banswara-Dungarpur. The BJP contested all 25 seats independently.

Also Read | Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections Results 2024 Live News Updates: Counting of Votes Begins, Postal Ballots Being Counted.

Rajasthan went to the polls in two phases on April 19 and April 26.

Counting is also underway for the Bagidora assembly bypoll in Banswara.

The seat had fallen vacant after Congress MLA Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya resigned and joined the BJP. He contested the Lok Sabha elections from Banswara as a BJP candidate.

(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, Jun 4 (PTI) After the Lok Sabha election results, the INDIA bloc leaders will meet at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence on Wednesday evening to decide on their further strategy and whether to reach out to their former allies Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu for government formation.

Sources said top opposition leaders of the alliance would be meeting at 6 PM at the 10, Rajaji Marg residence of the Congress president where they would discuss their way forward.

Also Read | West Bengal Assembly By-Poll Results 2024: Trinamool Congress Wins Bhagabangola Seat, Leads in Baranagar.

The leaders will deliberate on the Lok Sabha poll results and on whether to bring on board the JDU and TDP in moving towards government formation.

Opposition leaders including Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee, M K Stalin, Champai Soren, Uddhav Thackeray, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury, D Raja and others are likely to attend the meeting, along with top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Also Read | Maharashtra Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Congress Takes Charge, Rises Like a Phoenix in State, Crushes MahaYuti.

While the BJP on its own fell short of a majority of its own, the BJP-led NDA which includes TDP, JDU and other parties has won or is ahead in around 290 seats.

The TDP and JDU have already dismissed suggestions about defecting to the opposition alliance and have clearly stated that they would remain with the NDA grouping, but the INDIA bloc wants to explore possibility of government formation.

Sources said the Congress and some other leaders are already in touch with them and are making their best efforts to win them over.

The opposition grouping may offer an olive branch to their erstwhile partners in wooing them back, which will help strengthen the INDIA grouping in staking their claim on government formation.

Rahul Gandhi has already stated clearly that they would not take any decision or say anything on government formation without holding consultations with the INDIA bloc partners.

He also refrained from commenting on whether they would reach out to TDP and JDU, saying it would be decided at the Wednesday meeting of the opposition INDIA Bloc.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Srinagar, Jun 4 (PTI) Two former chief ministers of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir -- Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti -- are trailing in their constituencies in the first hour of counting on Tuesday, according to the Election Commission.

Abdullah contested the polls from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, while Mehbooba from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.

Also Read | India General Elections 2024 Results: BJP Ahead in All Four Seats in Himachal Pradesh, Kangana Ranaut From Mandi and Anurag Thakur From Hamirpur Parliament Seat Leading.

Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference (NC) is trailing by over 2,600 votes in the first hour of counting against his nearest rival and independent candidate Sheikh Abdul Rashid.

The NC leader is locked in a virtual triangular contest for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat with separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Gani Lone and Rashid alias Engineer Rashid , a former MLA currently lodged in Tihar jail in a UAPA case.

Also Read | India General Elections 2024 Results: BJP Leading On 42 Lok Sabha Seats, Congress on 17 As per Initial Trends by Election Commission.

Mehbooba, the president of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), who is up against prominent Gujjar and NC leader Mian Altaf Ahmad in Anantnag-Rajouri seat, is trailing by over 26,000 votes.

On the third seat in the Kashmir valley --? the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency -- NC's Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi is leading over his nearest rival, PDP's Waheed Para -- by over 3,300 votes.

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Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 4 (ANI): Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan congratulated Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin after the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance in the state made a clean sweep in the Lok Sabha elections.

"The DMK government has reaped success in Tamil Nadu. This great success shows that the people are ready to support good governance that thinks for the people and prioritises the people's work. Dear friend, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has accumulated their victory. My sincere appreciation and best wishes to him," the MNM chief said in a post on X on Tuesday.

Also Read | Karnataka Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: BJP-Led NDA Wins 19 Seats, Congress Bags Nine.

As per the latest number issued by the Election Commission of India, the DMK won seven seats and is leading on 15 seats. The seat position of its allies as per the ECI data are Congress (9) leading on 6 and won three seats, Communist Party of India won 2, Communist Party of India (Marxist) won two, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (2) leading on 1 and won one seat, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (1) and Indian Union Muslim League is leading on one seat.

Haasan also thanked the people of Tamil Nadu who voted for the alliance and the allies "who fought in the war to protect India" along with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

Also Read | Faizabad Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: BJP Suffers Shock Defeat in Ayodhya Despite Ram Temple Push.

The latest trends issued by the Election Commission of India suggest NDA is leading or has won 291 seats while the INDIA bloc is leading or has won 234 seats.

As per the latest ECI data, BJP won 203 seats and is leading on 37 seats and the Congress party is leading on 20 seats and won 79 seats. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], June 4 (ANI): As the counting of votes for Lok Sabha polls that began on Tuesday morning progressed, early trends in 406 seats showed that the Bharatiya Janata Party leading on 194 seats, while the Congress led on 76 seats, as per the Election Commission of India.

According to the ECI, Samajwadi Party was leading on 30 seats.

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Meanwhile, the Telugu Desam was leading on 14, Shiv Sena - SHS on 10 seats, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam - DMK on 9 seats, Janata Dal (United) - JD(U) on 6 seats, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party - YSRCP on 5 seats, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) - SHSUBT on 5 seats, All India Trinamool Congress - AITC on 5 seats and Communist Party of India (Marxist) - CPI(M) on 4 seats.

Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar - NCPSP is leading on 4 seats, Rashtriya Janata Dal - RJD on 3 seats, and Janata Dal (Secular) - JD(S) on 3 seats.

Also Read | India General Elections 2024 Results: NDA Ahead in 227 Seats, INDIA Bloc in 137, Says Election Commission.

Around 642 million people voted in Lok Sabha elections held over seven phases in a mammoth six-week period. Counting of votes began this morning with counting of postal ballot papers amid tight security. The counting for State Legislative Assemblies of 175 Assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh and 147 Assembly constituencies in Odisha and results of bypolls in 25 Assembly constituencies also began.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is eyeing a third straight term in power, while the Opposition under the umbrella of the INDIA bloc is seeking to wrest power from the ruling party.

Most exit polls predicted a straight term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with quite a 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.

Strict security has been put in place for the smooth conduct of counting of votes for over 8,000 candidates in this general election.

Two polls predicted the BJP would also improve its numbers from the 303 seats it won in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In the 2019 elections, NDA wrested 353 seats, of which the BJP won 303 alone. The Opposition's UPA got only 93 seats of which the Congress got 52.

The BJP-led NDA improved its numbers in 2019 Lok Sabha polls compared to the 2014 election. It is again poised for an upward trajectory, the exit polls predicted.

The Lok Sabha elections were conducted in seven phases- on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. (ANI)

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Aizawl, Jun 4 (PTI) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Tuesday said that the Lok Sabha results showed the growth of the ZPM, which is relatively a young party.

Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) candidate Richard Vanlalhmangaiha won the lone Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram by 68,288 votes over his nearest rival K Vanlalvena of the Mizo National Front.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Expresses Gratitude As NDA Poised To Form Government for Record Third Term, Says Unprecedented Moment in Indias History.

Addressing ZPM workers during a celebration over the party's victory in the Lok Sabha polls in the state, the CM said, "The progress of the ZPM can be seen from the Lok Sabha poll results. It was delightful for us to win a majority of the votes in 37 assembly segments, including in 10 constituencies, which we lost in the assembly polls last year."

This was the first Lok Sabha polls won by the party that came into existence in 2017 and was registered with the Election Commission in July 2019.

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Lalduhoma expressed hope that his party will also win future elections.

He said the government will make massive efforts towards development.

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Kolkata, Jun 4 (PTI) The BJP described Tuesday's results of Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal as not up to expectation but said the voting percentage of the party has increased.

BJP state spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya also said that the party is happy that three TMC candidates, who had been elected on BJP tickets in the last assembly polls and changed camps without resigning, have been rejected by people.

Also Read | West Bengal Assembly By-Poll Results 2024: Trinamool Congress Wins Bhagabangola Seat, Leads in Baranagar.

Of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the BJP won 10 and was leading in two others till 10.45 pm. The ruling TMC, on the other hand, bagged 28 seats and was leading in one, according to the EC data.

"Yes, our result was not as expected. We accept the mandate of the people of Bengal. We will self-introspect. But our vote share has definitely increased compared to that in 2019," he said, without mentioning any figure.

Also Read | Maharashtra Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Congress Takes Charge, Rises Like a Phoenix in State, Crushes MahaYuti.

"It has to be noted that three turncoats, who had switched camps from BJP to TMC without resigning at first, were snubbed by the electorate in those constituencies. This shows the people of Bengal don't support opportunist people," Bhattacharya said.

Biswajit Das, Mukutmani Adhikari and Krishna Kalyani, who had joined the TMC from the BJP, were defeated in the Lok Sabha polls amid superlative performance by the ruling party in Bengal.

Bhattacharya further claimed the win of BJP candidate Shantanu Thakur from Bongaon showed that people, including members of the Matua community, did not pay heed to TMC's false narrative about CAA and NRC.

Apprehending large-scale violence and attack on BJP workers by TMC goons in different parts of the state, he said a "control room has been set up at the party state headquarters to stand by the party supporters".

"We apprehend more such attacks where BJP candidates had got larger share of votes," he said.

Bhattacharya said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's attack on BJP in her press conferences after publication of results was unfortunate.

"Perhaps it gels with the party which attacks the constitutional head (governor) having no faith in democratic principles. But we don't believe in rancour, we believe in congratulating the winner," the BJP leader said.

Leader of Opposition and BJP's Nandigram MLA Suvendu Adhikari said, "We had anticipated higher number of seats. We will look into the reasons."

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New Delhi [India], June 4 (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday arrested another accused from Mumbai airport in the Praveen Nettaru murder case.

The accused Riyaz Yousaf Haaralli alias Riyaz was arrested from Mumbai airport while he was trying to flee abroad, said NIA.

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Riyaz, is the 19th accused so far arrested in the case relating to the gruesome murder of Nettaru, said the NIA, adding his arrest comes less than a month after another absconder, Mustafa Paichar, was nabbed along with one of his harborers, Mansoor Pasha.Praveen Nettaru, a BJP Yuva Morcha district executive committee member, was brutally hacked to death by two motorcycle-borne assailants in Bellare village of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka by cadres of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in July 2022.

The attack was aimed at striking terror among a section of people in society, NIA investigations have shown.According to NIA investigations, Riyaz returned to India from abroad on the direction of absconding accused Abdul Rahman.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Six Union Ministers, Including Smriti Irani, Staring at Defeat; Check All Name Here.

The agency further said that Riyaz, along with Mansoor Pasha, had provided logistical support and a safe hideout to Mustafa Paichar in Sakleshpura, Hassan district, Karnataka.Paichar, the secretary of PFI Puttur district and the head of the Puttur district service team was the chief conspirator in the case.

He had assembled the hit team that targeted the victim and, after the crime, had absconded along with others.

He was finally traced and arrested by the NIA from Sakleshpura on May 10 this year, along with Mansoor Pasha.NIA, which took over the investigation on August 4, 2022, has so far filed a charge sheet against 21 accused persons.

The agency is continuing with its manhunt to track the other absconders. (ANI)

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New Delhi, Jun 4 (PTI) A formidable political leader with grassroots connect, Rajnath Singh is credited with expanding the BJP's organisational network in the Hindi heartland of Uttar Pradesh in the 1990s and the subsequent decades.

The man from Chandauli district of the politically-crucial state is known as a moderate face and is widely respected by leaders cutting across party lines.

Also Read | Karnataka Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: BJP-Led NDA Wins 19 Seats, Congress Bags Nine.

Long seen as a protege of BJP patriarch Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Singh started his political career as a student activist with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and went on to become the BJP national president in 2005.

He was elected for another term as the party president in January 2013.

Also Read | Faizabad Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: BJP Suffers Shock Defeat in Ayodhya Despite Ram Temple Push.

Singh is set to retain the prestigious Lucknow Lok Sabha seat as he is ahead in the race by over 1,25000 votes against his nearest rival Ravidas Mehrotra of Samajwadi Party.

As the defence minister since 2019, he initiated several path-breaking measures to strengthen India's combat readiness along the border with China as well as boost the country's defence manufacturing.

Born on July 10, 1951 in a farmer's family at village Babhora in Tehsil Chakia of Varanasi district (now district Chandauli) in Uttar Pradesh, Singh received his basic education in his native place and completed his MSc in Physics from Gorakhpur University.

He worked as a lecturer of Physics at KB Post-Graduate College Mirzapur.

Singh became the RSS karyavah (general secretary) of Mirzapur city in 1972 and served as the organisational secretary of ABVP Gorakhpur division from 1969 to 1971.

He entered politics in 1974 and in 1977, he was elected as an MLA in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. Singh was elected as MLC for Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council in 1988 and became education minister in 1991.

Singh became a member of Rajya Sabha in 1994. On November 22, 1999, he became Union Surface Transport Minister in the Vajpayee government.

Singh became chief minister of Uttar Pradesh on October 28, 2000, and was twice elected as MLA from Haidargarh constituency in Barabanki.

On May 24, 2003, he became Union Minister of Agriculture.

Singh assumed charge as BJP national president on December 31, 2005, a post he held till December 19, 2009.

In May 2009, he was elected MP from Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.

In the first tenure of Prime Minister Modi, Singh served as Union Home Minister.

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Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], June 4 (ANI): Following the inaugural meeting of the newly elected legislators at Gangtok's Mintokgang, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang called on Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and formally submitted a resolution declaring him to be the Chief Minister from his party.

The resolution, signed by all 30 newly elected legislators designated Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) president Prem Singh Tamang as the leader of the Legislature Party and the Chief Ministerial candidate for the 11th Sikkim Legislative Assembly.

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The Governor congratulated the Chief Minister for conducting the election smoothly and peacefully. He mentioned pride in being the Governor of Sikkim. Furthermore, he extended his heartiest congratulations to the legislators and workers for the landslide victory.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the esteemed legislators for their decision and the people of Sikkim for entrusting the SKM party with the responsibility to serve the state and its citizens once again.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Central Forces to Control Security in and Around LS Poll Counting Centres in North East States.

The SKM registered a landslide victory as the results of the Sikkim legislative assembly elections were announced on Sunday.

SKM won 31 out of the 32 seats sweeping the assembly polls in the Himalayan state while the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) was confined to a lone seat.

With the emphatic victory of the ruling party, SKM chief and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang is gearing up for a second term in the state vowing to fulfil all promises made during the polls.

Tamang described it as a 'record' as the state reportedly witnessed the most peaceful election of Sikkim and thanked all who favoured the party's return to power.

"In 5 years, we will fulfil all the announcements that we made at the time of the elections. I would like to thank all my workers, they worked hard. I would also like to thank the public. This is the most peaceful election of Sikkim, this is a record," he said.

This is the third time, Sikkim has witnessed a landslide victory of a political party as similar results were drawn by Sikkim Sangram Parishad and SDF in 1989 and 2009 respectively.

In the 2019 assembly elections, the SKM won 17 seats, while the SDF secured 15 seats out of the 32 seats. SKM won 10 seats in 2014 as it faced its first assembly elections. (ANI)

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Gangtok, Jun 4 (PTI) SKM candidate Indra Hang Subba on Tuesday won the lone Lok Sabha seat in Sikkim, defeating his nearest rival Bharat Basnett of the Citizen Action Party (CAP-Sikkim) by 80,830 votes.

The 35-year-old sitting MP polled 1,64,396 votes, while Basnett bagged 83,566.

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"Congratulations to the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji and the NDA on their remarkable victory in the 18th Lok Sabha elections. The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) Party fully supports the NDA for the development and prosperity of our country," SKM chief P S Tamang said on X.

Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) candidate PD Rai stood third with 77,171 votes.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Disappointed Voters in Indore Give Over 2 Lakh Votes to NOTA.

BJP's Dinesh Chandra Nepal came fifth with 19,035 votes, less than what Independent candidate Laten Tshering Sherpa bagged- 21,263 votes.

The Lok Sabha election to the parliamentary constituency and 32 assembly seats in Sikkim was held on April 19.

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha on Sunday returned to power in the Himalayan state for the second consecutive term by winning 31 assembly seats.

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New Delhi, Jun 4 (PTI) BJP leaders Smriti Irani, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Ajay Mishra Teni, and Arjun Munda were among the Union ministers trailing their opponents as the vote count trends on Tuesday threw up disappointing results for the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha elections.

Irani, who had clinched the Amethi Lok Sabha seat after defeating Rahul Gandhi in 2019, was trailing Congress candidate Kishori Lal Sharma, a close aide of the Gandhi family, by over 1.39 lakh votes as of 4 pm.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Six Union Ministers, Including Smriti Irani, Staring at Defeat; Check All Name Here.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni, whose son was arrested in connection with the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri in October 2021, was trailing the Samajwadi Party's Utkarsh Sharma by over 33,000 votes at 4 pm.

The SP contested the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh in alliance with the Congress.

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In Jharkhand's Khunti Lok Sabha constituency, Union Tribal Affairs Minister and sitting MP Arjun Munda was trailing Congress candidate Kalicharan Munda by over 1.28 lakh votes, according to the Election Commission.

In Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar was trailing three-time MP Shashi Tharoor of the Congress by over 15,000 votes at 4 pm.

In fact, Chandrasekhar had been leading by over 24,000 votes during the initial hours of counting.

The BJP appears to be losing heavily in its strongholds of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, although it is expected to form the government with about 290 seats.

On its own, the Bharatiya Janata Party appears to be falling below the majority mark, with leads in 242 seats despite significant gains in Odisha, Telangana, and Kerala, offering some solace to the party after unexpected losses in the Hindi belt.

Its rival, the INDIA bloc, forged by their common opposition to the BJP and its ideology, was leading in about 230 seats.

In the last elections, the BJP had 303 seats on its own, while the NDA had over 350.

The final numbers are also likely to fall far short of the "400-paar" predictions by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "370-paar" for the BJP. The exit poll results, which had predicted a thumping majority for the NDA, were completely contradicted by the actual results.

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Bhubaneswar, Jun 4 (PTI) Sunstroke-related deaths rose to 34 in Odisha this summer, with four more confirmed cases, an official statement said on Tuesday.

Till Tuesday, 149 cases of suspected sunstroke deaths have been reported, of which 34 have been confirmed due to heat-related illness, while 24 cases were not due to sunstroke.

Also Read | Karnataka Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: BJP-Led NDA Wins 19 Seats, Congress Bags Nine.

The remaining 91 cases are pending inquiry, the statement issued by the state's Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said.

Two suspected sunstroke deaths were reported during the last 24 hours, it added.

Also Read | Faizabad Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: BJP Suffers Shock Defeat in Ayodhya Despite Ram Temple Push.

As of June 3, a total of 147 suspected sunstroke deaths were reported in the state, and of them, 30 cases were confirmed, and it was found that another 20 deaths happened due to other causes, the statement said.

The government has asked districts to ensure post-mortem examination of every suspected sunstroke death for sanction of ex-gratia.

Also, a joint inquiry by the local revenue officer and the local medical officer needs to be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of each death, officials said.

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Chandigarh, Jun 4 (PTI) With over four months to go for the assembly polls, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's task is cut out to ensure that the BJP quickly puts behind the loss of five seats in the Lok Sabha polls in the state and focuses on the upcoming elections.

In 2019, the BJP had won all the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana, but managed to hold on to five this time while the Congress reaped gains in five seats.

Also Read | Karnataka Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: BJP-Led NDA Wins 19 Seats, Congress Bags Nine.

In the Karnal assembly constituency, where a bypoll was held, Saini won with a margin of over 41,450 votes over Congress nominee Tarlochan Singh.

In the 2019 assembly polls, BJP's Manohar Lal Khattar had won the Karnal seat defeating Tarlochan Singh of the Congress by a margin of over 45,000 votes.

Also Read | Faizabad Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: BJP Suffers Shock Defeat in Ayodhya Despite Ram Temple Push.

On March 12, the announcement to pick Saini as Haryana's next chief minister was sudden and unexpected. He was unanimously elected as the leader of the state BJP's legislature group after the party effected a leadership change in the state.

Saini, 54, a low profile OBC leader, rose through the ranks in the party. Considered as a confidante of Khattar, 70), the protege replaced the BJP strongman whose second term as chief minister was going to end in October when the state goes to polls.

With the BJP failing to retain five seats it had won in 2019, and the Congress getting the much-needed boost, Saini's task is cut out with the Haryana polls months away.

He will not only have to ensure that the state unit of the BJP quickly puts behind the setback suffered on five seats, he will also have to lead the party unit from the front to make it battle-ready for the Vidhan Sabha polls.

Reacting to his performance in the Karnal assembly seat, Saini said, "This is a victory of the people of Haryana."

He also thanked the people of Haryana the for way they participated in this festival of democracy and strengthened democracy.

About the NDA's performance, he said people have put a stamp for third time on the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

Under Modi's leadership, the way Haryana has undertaken progress earlier, the state will continue to do so in future, Saini said.

The BJP had in October appointed Saini, belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC), as its Haryana unit president in place of Om Prakash Dhankar.

Saini's appointment as the state BJP chief was seen as the party's move to strengthen its hold over the OBC community and non-Jats.

The support of Jats, a predominant community in Haryana, is largely seen to be divided between the Congress, the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD).

Along with these factors, the move to pick Saini as the chief minister had also been seen as a counter to the anti-incumbency perception against the BJP dispensation that was led by Khattar.

Saini was born on January 25, 1970 in a village called Mirjapur Majra in Naraingarh in Ambala district. A law graduate, he enjoys cordial terms with Khattar, with their relationship going back to their RSS days.

Saini was also a minister in the Khattar cabinet between 2014 and 2019. He was a legislator when he fought the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

He became an MLA from Naraingarh assembly segment in 2014, when the BJP came to power in Haryana for the first time on its own strength.

In the 2019 LS polls, he had defeated his nearest rival, Congress' Nirmal Singh from the Kurukshetra seat, by a margin of 3,84,591 votes.

Saini, who was a minister in the Khattar cabinet, was fielded in 2019 from Kurukshetra seat after sitting MP R K Saini rebelled.

After becoming chief minister in March, during Lok Sabha poll campaigning, Saini praised Khattar for the works undertaken during his over nine-year long tenure in the state.

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New Delhi, Jun 4 (PTI) The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday said it has approved Cintra's proposed acquisition of 24 per cent unitholding in IRB Infrastructure Trust and MMK Toll Road Pvt Ltd.

Cintra InvIT Investments BV (Cintra SPV 1) and Cintra IM Investments BV (Cintra SPV 2) collectively belong to the Netherlands-based Ferrovial group.

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"The proposed combination involves the acquisition of approximately 24 per cent of the issued and outstanding unitholding (on a fully-diluted basis) along with certain commercially negotiated rights in the Private InvIT (IRB Infra Trust) by Cintra SPV 1.

"Simultaneous acquisition of approximately 24 per cent equity shareholding along with the right to nominate a director on the board of directors of the IM of the Private InvIT by Cintra SPV 2," CCI said in a release.

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Ferrovial group is a global developer of transport infrastructure, mobility solutions, engineering and is engaged in the construction of civil works and buildings.

The sponsors of IRB Infrastructure Trust are IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd (IRB ListCo) and Singapore government's sovereign wealth fund GIC.

MMK Toll Road (IM) is the investment manager of the Sebi-registered IRB Infrastructure Trust.

In another release, CCI has approved the proposed acquisition of Meerut Budaun Expressway Ltd (MBEL) by IRB Infrastructure Trust.

MBEL is a special purpose vehicle which has been incorporated for the development of the Ganga Expressway, while IRB Infrastructure Developers engaged in construction works in engineering, procurement and construction contracts.

The proposed subscription of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) of MBEL by each of IRB and Anahera, respectively. If the parties are unable to complete the subscription for any reason, the InvIT proposes to subscribe to such NCDs of MBEL.

Further, the regulator also granted its approval for the proposed fresh issuance of units by the InvIT to its existing unitholders (each of IRB and one or more of the GIC Unitholders in the InvIT).

"The proposed acquisition of equity shares of MBEL and NCDs of MBEL by the InvIT," CCI said.

Anahera Investment Pte is an affiliate of GIC.

The deals beyond a certain threshold require approval from the regulator, which keeps a tab on unfair business practices as well as promotes fair competition in the marketplace.

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New Delhi, Jun 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday poised to form the government for a third consecutive term with the BJP-led NDA getting a majority in the Lok Sabha, notwithstanding crushing losses in three Hindi heartland states after a bitterly fought election that was projected as a referendum on his popularity.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, whose candidates had contested in the name of Modi, won or was ahead in 240 seats, falling short of the 272 majority mark and needing the support of allies in the party-led National Democratic Alliance(NDA) for government formation, a far cry from the 303 and 282 seats it had won in 2019 and 2014 respectively to have a majority on its own. Grateful to My Kashi Family: PM Narendra Modi Thanks Voters After Third Consecutive Win From Varanasi Lok Sabha.

With support from BJP's key allies N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP and Nitish Kumar's JD(U), which were leading or winning 16 and 12 seats in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar respectively, and other alliance partners, the NDA crossed the halfway mark and appeared to be on course to bag around 290 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. The TDP also swept the assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh dislodging Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSRCP. PM Narendra Modi Expresses Gratitude As NDA Poised To Form Government for Record Third Term, Says 'Unprecedented Moment in India's History'.

Preparing to take office for a record-equalling historic third term, Prime Minister Modi pledged to work with all states, regardless of the party in power, to build a developed India. India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had served three consecutive terms.

In his first speech after the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Modi laid out his vision for the third term saying it would be a tenure of big decisions and key emphasis would be on uprooting corruption.

It is the first time that 73-year-old Modi will be dependent on allies to be in the government since he came into politics.

"The fight against corruption is becoming tougher by the day. Corruption is being shamelessly glorified for political interest. In our third term, NDA will focus a lot on rooting out corruption of all kinds," Modi said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge termed the poll outcome as the "victory of the people and that of democracy".

We had been saying that this battle is between public and Modi... This mandate is against Modi. This is his political and moral defeat. It is a big defeat for a person who sought votes in his own name. He has suffered a moral setback," Kharge told reporters at the AICC headquarters flanked by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi after the good showing by the Congress.

The elections also highlighted the revival of the main opposition Congress party under Rahul Gandhi, and the unexpected role of the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh - under Akhilesh Yadav -- as a giant slayer.

The trends and results did not throw up a landslide victory the BJP-led NDA had hoped for and what was projected by the exit polls.

More than 640 million votes were to be counted in the world's largest democratic exercise.

The NDA was stirred into life mostly around elections in the last 10 years as the BJP's big majority and shrinking opposition in the Lok Sabha made its allies mostly redundant but this time around, allies will matter more than ever.

The Congress, which is is part of the opposition INDIA alliance, was leading or winning 99 seats compared to 52 it won in 2019 eating into BJP's share in Rajasthan and Haryana. The INDIA bloc won or was ahead in over 200 seats.

As SP chief Akhilesh Yadav kept the INDIA bloc morale high in Uttar Pradesh, the Trinamool Congress, another key ally of the opposition alliance, was leading or winning in 29 seats in West Bengal, higher than its 22 in 2019. The BJP, which had 18 seats in the last Lok Sabha election, was ahead in 12 seats.

In UP, the BJP won or was ahead in 33 seats as against its tally of 62 in 2019, and the SP's numbers went up, largely attributed to three factors - consolidation of Muslim votes in favour of SP, smart seat-sharing agreements with Congress to avoid splitting of non-BJP votes and widespread discontent with the BJP government over jobs and price rise. The SP was winning or leading in 37 of the 80 seats at stake.

Modi retained the Varanasi seat but with a reduced victory margin of nearly 1.53 lakh votes. In 2019, the margin was 4,79,505.

Rahul Gandhi, often lampooned by the BJP as Shehzada', won Wayanad (Kerala) and Rae Bareli (UP) seats by a huge margin of 3,64,422 votes and 3,90,030 votes respectively.

The campaigning for the elections, which was conducted from April 19 to June 1 in seven phases, was marked by divisive communal issues and excessive reliance on Modi for getting votes. The prime minister held more than 300 rallies, travelling tirelessly almost every day to multiple locations.

The results also blew away the BJP narrative that it will score big in the southern states this time. It, however, returned a tally of zero in Tamil Nadu, and lost seats in Karnataka.

The BJP did make inroads in Kerala, winning a seat for the first time in a state where the Congress and the Left are the major political force, and in Telangana where it won or was leading in eight seats. Popular Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi won the Thrissur seat in Kerala to help the lotus bloom.

In Andhra Pradesh, BJP ally Telugu Desam Party won or was leading in 16 seats and the BJP was ahead or winning in three.

The biggest setback for the BJP, which faced a stronger challenge from the opposition, however, was in the north where, besides UP, the BJP also faced losses in Rajasthan and Haryana.

West Bengal also dealt the party a raw deal, although it more than made up for the losses in Odisha.

Madhya Pradesh went fully saffron with the BJP winning or leading in all 29 seats. In Gujarat, too, BJP was winning or leading in 25 of 26 seats. The party swept all seats in Delhi (7), Himachal Pradesh (4) and Uttarakhand (5).

The situation was not as decisive in other states.

In Bihar, the BJP was ahead in 12 and its partner JD-U in 13, a vote of confidence for its leader Nitish Kumar who swung from INDIA back to the NDA ahead of the elections. The RJD was poised to win four seats.

In Rajasthan, BJP was ahead only in 14 seats, against all 25 its alliance won last time. The Congress was ahead in eight.

Haryana also threw up a shock result for the BJP, where the party was leading only in five and the Congress in five. In 2019, the saffron party had bagged all 10.

It appeared that the election marked a return to regular politics, where voters were more concerned about bread and butter issues, especially in some Hindi heartland states where the opposition INDIA alliance managed to rally supporters around the issues of unemployment and price rise.

Maharashtra, with 48 Lok Sabha seats, saw the Shiv Sena split down the middle since the last election. The BJP, which won 23 seats five years ago, was down with leads in 11 seats, while its ally Shiv Sena could get seven.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Congress was ahead in 12 seats, up from one, and the Shiv Sena (UBT) in 19. The NCP Sharad Pawar faction could get seven seats, giving the INDIA alliance, forged together by the common dislike of the BJP, a possible 38 seats.

However, a silver lining was provided by Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Piyush Goyal who won in Nagpur and Mumbai North respectively.

In Odisha, the BJP was doing spectacularly well, with leads in 19 out of 21 seats, while the ruling Biju Janata Dal was down to just one. It was also ahead in the Odisha assembly elections, leading in 76 out of 146 seats, a success show in the state it had never succeeded in capturing.

In Andhra Pradesh, the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP was ahead in 16 seats of 25, the BJP in three and the YSRCP in four.

Trends for Karnataka showed potential gains for the Congress, with leads in nine seats, up from one last time. The BJP, which got 25 seats in 2019, was ahead in 17.

Tamil Nadu seemed to be scripting another story, not ceding any space to the saffron party. The ruling DMK was ahead in 22 and ally Congress in nine, a notch higher than their 2019 positions.
Montgomery (US), Jun 4 (AP) Parts of the north side of Montgomery are defined by what it has lost: restaurants, grocery stores and a convenient pharmacy, the latter of which closed five years ago.

People who still live in the historically Black neighborhood of Newtown, like Sharon Harris, are frustrated. She goes to a different location of the same pharmacy chain, which is four miles from her home.

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You have to come back sometimes, she said, and then they wait so long to fill the prescription.

In cities across the US, major retail pharmacies have closed hundreds of stores over the past few years and independents can't always afford to stay open. That can leave residents of colour without easy access to a business that provides not only prescriptions but also fundamental public health services like vaccinations, over-the-counter medicines and even food.

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Closures create a situation where there's not just (a lack of) investment in terms of pharmacy development and expansion, but there's no incentive to stay in those neighborhoods, said Dima Qato, a professor of clinical pharmacy at the University of Southern California who has studied pharmacy access.

And an Associated Press analysis of licensing data from 44 states, data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programmes and the American Community Survey shows residents of neighbourhoods that are majority Black and Hispanic have fewer pharmacies per capita than people who live in mostly white neighbourhoods.

MAC Pharmacy is the only one serving about 20,000 people in a majority Black ZIP code in Cleveland. George Tadross, the part-owner and pharmacy manager, said he is adamant about making things as as easy as possible for his mostly older customers  sometimes by organising their medications by day for them.

You have to have a pharmacist to talk to, he said. My philosophy in the pharmacy business is you know your doctor, he knows everything about you. You need to know your pharmacist as well (because) the pharmacist is the only one that sees the whole medical treatment plan you have.

Pharmacists play a role in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart-related issues, which Black and Hispanic people are more likely to be diagnosed with.

And when pharmacists or pharmacy technicians reflect their customer base  by speaking the same language or understanding the community  it can be easier to build a strong rapport and trust, said Jasmine Gonzalvo, who teaches at Purdue University's College of Pharmacy and has researched the needs of Spanish-speaking patients at pharmacies.

She noted that if people don't feel comfortable asking questions about the medication, then it might mean they don't take it or don't take it correctly.

You don't get a refill, Gonzalvo said, simply because there were barriers in the way of your communicating and feeling safe in that relationship with your pharmacist.

That's why Bert's Pharmacy in Elizabeth, New Jersey, has Spanish- and English-speaking staff all the time, said owner and pharmacist Prakash Patel said. His business is located in an ZIP code where nearly 70% of the residents are Hispanic.

We want to make sure, too, they understood everything, Patel said. We have Spanish-language labels for them, we print all the instructions in Spanish for them.

In Montgomery, where Harris lives, the city is working on a development plan for the north side. A retail analysis in the plan shows a small pharmacy could generate $1.5 million in sales a year.

There's an opportunity there because you have what I call a captive market, said Bob Gibbs, the director of Gibbs Planning Group, which did the analysis. People that live in a lot of these neighbourhoods have limited access to transportation...and they're very loyal to local businesses that will treat them with respect.

They will go out of their way just to go there. And they just don't like having to drive...two miles to go to a drugstore. That's unfair.

Harris, though, doesn't have much hope a new pharmacy will open.

I don't see it, she said. As long as they have (that CVS) they think it's okay...Everybody is waiting for them to do something on this side. (AP)

(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 4 (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.

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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.

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"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)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, Jun 4 (AP) Releasing an audio recording of a special counsel's interview with President Joe Biden could spur deepfakes and disinformation that trick Americans, the Justice Department said, conceding the US government could not stop the misuse of artificial intelligence ahead of this year's election.

A senior Justice Department official raised the concerns in a court filing on Friday that sought to justify keeping the recording under wraps. The Biden administration is seeking to convince a judge to prevent the release of the recording of the president's interview, which focused on his handling of classified documents.

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The admission highlights the impact the AI-manipulated disinformation could have on voting and the limits of the federal government's ability to combat it.

A conservative group that's suing to force the release of the recording called the argument a red herring".

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Mike Howell of the Heritage Foundation accused the Justice Department of trying to protect Biden from potential embarrassment. A transcript of the interview showed the president struggling to recall certain dates and confusing details but showing a deep recall of information at other times.

"They don't want to release this audio at all," said Howell, executive director of the group's oversight project. They are doing the kitchen sink approach and they are absolutely freaked out they don't have any good legal argument to stand on.

The Justice Department declined to comment Monday beyond its filing.

Biden asserted executive privilege last month to prevent the release of the recording of his two-day interview in October with special counsel Robert Hur. The Justice Department has argued witnesses might be less likely to cooperate if they know their interviews might become public. It has also said that Republican efforts to force the audio's release could make it harder to protect sensitive law enforcement files.

Republican lawmakers are expected to press Attorney General Merrick Garland at a hearing on Tuesday about the department's efforts to withhold the recording. According to prepared remarks, Garland will tell lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee that he will not be intimidated" by Republican efforts to hold him in contempt for blocking their access to the recording.

Senator Mark Warner, the Democratic chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told The Associated Press that he was concerned that the audio might be manipulated by bad actors using AI. Nevertheless, the senator said, it should be made public.

You've got to release the audio," Warner said, though it would need some watermarking components, so that if it was altered" journalists and others "could cry foul.

In a lengthy report, Hur concluded no criminal charges were warranted in his handling of classified documents. His report described the 81-year-old Democrat's memory as hazy, poor and having significant limitations. It noted that Biden could not recall such milestones as when his son Beau died or when he served as vice president.

Biden's aides have long been defensive about the president's age, a trait that has drawn relentless attacks from Donald Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, and other Republicans. Trump is 77.

The Justice Department's concerns about deepfakes came in a court papers filed in response to legal action brought under the Freedom of Information Act by a coalition of media outlets and other groups, including the Heritage Foundation and the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

An attorney for the media coalition, which includes The Associated Press, said Monday that the public has the right to hear the recording and weigh whether the special counsel accurately described Biden's interview.

The government stands the Freedom of Information Act on its head by telling the Court that the public can't be trusted with that information, the attorney, Chuck Tobin, wrote in an email.

Bradley Weinsheimer, an associate deputy attorney general for the Justice Department, acknowledged malicious actors could easily utilise unrelated audio recordings of Hur and Biden to create a fake version of the interview.

However, he argued, releasing the actual audio would make it harder for the public to distinguish deepfakes from the real one.

If the audio recording is released, the public would know the audio recording is available and malicious actors could create an audio deepfake in which a fake voice of President Biden can be programed to say anything that the creator of the deepfake wishes, Weinsheimer wrote.

Experts in identifying AI-manipulated content said the Justice Department had legitimate concerns in seeking to limit AI's dangers, but its arguments could have far-reaching consequences.

If we were to go with this strategy, then it is going to be hard to release any type of content out there, even if it is original, said Alon Yamin, co-founder of Copyleaks, an AI-content detection service that primarily focuses on text and code.

Nikhel Sus, deputy chief counsel at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said he has never seen the government raise concerns about AI in litigation over access to government records. He said he suspected such arguments could become more common.

Knowing how the Department of Justice works, this brief has to get reviewed by several levels of attorneys, Sus said. The fact that they put this in a brief signifies that the Department stands behind it as a legal argument, so we can anticipate that we will see the same argument in future cases. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Sargodha [Pakistan], June 4 (ANI): In a harrowing episode that has shocked the nation, the brutal assassination of 74-year-old Nazir Masih, a Christian elder in Mujahid Colony, Sargodha, serves as a stark reminder of the toxic interplay between religious extremism and governmental inaction.

The incident, fuelled by a baseless blasphemy allegation, has exposed the dire plight of religious minorities in Pakistan.

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Faraz Pervaiz, a Pakistani Christian who himself is accused of blasphemy, commented on the tragic event, stating, "This dark chapter culminated in the brutal assassination of Nazir Masih, who fell victim to a baseless blasphemy allegation. Masih's story is one of unimaginable pain and injustice, highlighting the ongoing plight of religious minorities in Pakistan."

Nazir Masih, a respected elder in his community, became the target of a mob from the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) extremist group. The accusation against him, rooted in a fabricated charge of blasphemy, was a weapon often used against minorities. The mob, driven by fanaticism, brutally tortured and murdered Masih on the spot. His real "crime" was his strong reputation and economic stability, which seemingly threatened the TLP's radical ideology.

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The role of the government and law enforcement agencies in this episode is deeply troubling. Instead of protecting an innocent citizen, they chose to cover up the incident. This cover-up was a calculated move to placate the Christian community and prevent further unrest.

The Punjab Police and other law enforcement agencies demonstrated their efficiency not in seeking justice but in manipulating facts and suppressing the truth.

In a deceitful act, Masih's body was kept on a ventilator, not for medical reasons but to buy time and reduce the severity of the incident. This tactic aimed to fool Christian leaders and mitigate the international backlash.

Eventually, when the government felt secure, they announced Masih's death, framing it as martyrdom to appease the angry mob and defuse the situation.

This incident is not an isolated one. It reflects a broader, systemic issue where religious minorities, especially Christians, face severe persecution. The TLP, with its militant squad, seeks to impose its extremist beliefs, often targeting vulnerable communities to validate their warped sense of righteousness.

They believe that murdering in the name of Islam guarantees them a place in heaven, regardless of the innocence of their victims.

The government's handling of this situation reveals a disturbing willingness to bow to extremist pressures. Instead of standing up for justice and protecting all its citizens, the government chose to side with the aggressors, demonstrating a clear bias and disregard for the lives of religious minorities.

Faraz Pervaiz said that by keeping Christian leadership in the dark and manipulating the narrative, the government aimed to lessen the international outcry and pacify the emotions of the Christian community. "The announcement of Masih's death as a martyr was used as a tool to pacify the TLP militants, sending them back under the guise of having avenged the supposed blasphemy," he wrote on X.

He even said that by deceitfully managing the criminal case, the government sought to protect the extremist elements involved. The local police registered the case in a manner that sheltered the criminal mindset of the religious extremists, further entrenching their impunity. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan, June 4 (ANI): Opposition leaders in Gilgit City of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) this week organised a press conference raising their concerns over the wrongdoings of the ruling party and the matter of leasing guest houses and forest lands to private entities in PoGB, a local news outlet reported.

Raja Zakaria Maqpoon while raising the issue of leasing governmental forest land and rest houses in PoGB said that "the national park and the wildlife comes under the jurisdiction of the local administration and has no intervention of the Pakistani administration. I myself, have produced profits PKR 30 to PKR 40 cores from this department and have distributed them amongst the people. Hence, the wildlife and the forests are a profitable opportunity. However, the ruling party has not convinced us that the leasing of these lands will be profitable".

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Maqpoon further stated that "the administration must get rid of its shady policies. Like in the budgetary session, neither the governor nor the CM has been participating in these sessions, and if the members of your government are not available in the meetings then it is better that you not apply any such deals to PoGB".

Another PoGB opposition leader Javed Ali Manwa stated during the conference that "The assembly is not just the ruling government, it combines both opposition and the ruling party. The ruling party had called the pre-budget session which generally takes four days. But this time they did not complete the agenda before closing the session indefinitely. This is not the way, and the government cannot rule by their own will there are rules and regulations regarding that. They are not ready to hear the voices of the opposition and the public. And many important topics still remain un-attended".

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While raising the issue of land leasing to the Green Tourism Company the same opposition leader stated "This is one of the major issues in PoGB, in the last 10 years there are certain sensitive matters. Be it the issue of wheat and flour and be it the matter of land, the government has to take the opposition and public in confidence before making any decision. But despite all our attempts, they have not discussed the matter properly in the PoGB assembly.

According to the local PoGB news report the opposition demanded a strict investigation into the matter.

He further added "They have been dodging the questions. For at least the last 10 days they were proudly owning their decision the leasing decision. But they are now totally taking back their statements. They don't even have their conceptual clarity on their own decision. One representative of the government called it a 'Joint Venture', another spokesperson called it a 'Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) agenda-based project', another spokesperson called it a 'Government to Government (G2G) agreement' and when we see actual papers, they point out that the business entity is a private 'Green Tourism Company'. But the way they have assessed the costs of these guest houses, the way they have calculated the cost of these lands and the way they have formed these contracts within moments is shady. It would have been a better thing if this was done based on the laws". (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
London, Jun 4 (AP) The five military horses that bolted and injured themselves as they ran loose through central London in April are all expected to return to duty, the British Army said Tuesday, with three of them already back to work.

The horses were performing routine exercises near Buckingham Palace on April 24 when they became spooked by noise from a nearby building site and galloped loose through the capital's streets, crashing into vehicles and causing chaos during the morning rush hour.

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The two most severely injured horses, Vida and Quaker, are recovering well in the countryside after undergoing operations and are set to return to work soon, officials said.

The three other horses, named Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish, have returned to duty and will likely be able to take part in King Charles III's birthday parade on June 15.

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All five of the horses injured during the incident on April 24 are recovering with remarkable speed," Lt Col Mathew Woodward said.

The horses appeared in good spirits, the army added.

The soldiers who were injured after being tossed by the horses are also recovering and will likely return to military service, officials said.

The horses were part of the Household Cavalry, the ceremonial guard of the monarch and a feature of state functions in London. Video of the animals running wild and stunning commuters on their way to work were widely shared on social media. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mumbai, June 4: The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) may form government in Odisha for the first time as the party is enjoying a comfortable lead in early trends of Odisha assembly election result 2024. According to the latest figures from the Election Commission of India (ECI), the BJP has won four seats and is ahead on 76. On the other hand, the ruling party of the state, Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has won one seat and is ahead on 48, falling far behind the majority.

As per the early trends, it seems the BJP may easily form its government in Odisha, ending the two-decade rule of BJD President Naveen Patnaik. Having been in power for 24 years, the anti-incumbency factor may have helped the BJP to wrest BJD's chair. Now, the BJP has a name as the new CM of Odisha. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP Odisha Chief Manmohan Samal, and the Leader of the Opposition Jayanarayan Mishra are in the race to be the next chief minister of Odisha. It would be interesting to see who becomes the new Odisha CM. Odisha Assembly Elections 2024 Results: BJP Leads On 25 Seats, BJD Ahead on 11 As per Latest Trends.

Who Will Be the New Odisha CM

Dharmendra Pradhan

BJP may pick Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as the new Odisha CM. Pradhan was leading from Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat by over 1 lakh votes as vote counting for LS polls results is underway. He is the Cabinet Minister for Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship in the Indian government. He represents Madhya Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha and was previously a member of the 14th Lok Sabha. As the former Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Pradhan introduced several significant reforms and initiatives, such as PAHAL, the world's largest Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme.

Manmohan Samal

Manmohan Samal is the Odisha BJP chief who is leading the Chandabali seat in the Odisha assembly election. He is up against BJD candidate Byomokesh Ray. In the 2019 Odisha assembly election, Ray defeated Samal by a narrow margin. As a BJP state chief, Samal played an instrumental role in strengthening the party's roots in Odisha. Odisha Assembly Elections Results 2024 Live News Updates: BJP Inches Closer to Majority Mark, BJD Trails Behind.

Jayanarayan Mishra

BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra may be picked up as the new Odisha CM as he has been the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly since 2022. Jayanarayan Mishra has once again defended his Sambalpur seat in the Odisha assembly election result 2024. In the 2019 Odisha Assembly elections, Mishra won in this seat, defeating Dr Raseswari Panigrahi of BJD by a margin of 4380 votes, which was 3.4% of the total votes cast for the seat. BJP had a vote share of 44.53% in 2019 in this seat.

However, seeing how the BJP surprised everyone by picking relatively new faces as the chief ministers of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh after the 2023 assembly elections, the party may use this formula for Odisha as well. Now, all eyes will be on who becomes the first BJP Chief Minister of Odisha.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 04, 2024 05:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Mumbai, June 4: The counting of votes for the 80-member Lok Sabha of Uttar Pradesh is still underway. According to the latest trends by the Election Commission of India (ECI), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 16 and is leading on 16 seats, Samajwadi Party won 15 and is leading on 23 seats, Congress won 4 and is leading on 2 seats, Rashtriya Lok Dal won one and is leading on one seat. Besides, the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) won one seat while Apna Dal (Soneylal) is leading on one seat each.

Ahead of the final Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha election results, here's a constituency-wise list of leading/winning candidates of the BJP, SP, Congress, BSP and other parties. It must be noted that this constituency-wise winners' list will be updated once the final Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha election results are declared by the Election Commission.

Voting in Uttar Pradesh was held in all seven phases of the General polls. BJP, SP, Bahujan Samaj Party, Congress, and RLD are key parties that contested the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh. The Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh saw a direct fight between the ruling BJP and the INDIA alliance, with BSP being the third key party. While all parties have expressed confidence in winning the Lok Sabha polls, we shall know who wins Uttar Pradesh today.

Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Constituency-Wise Winning Candidates List

Why Is Uttar Pradesh Important in Terms of Lok Sabha Polls?

Uttar Pradesh is one of the most crucial states for political parties to win the Lok Sabha polls and form government at the centre. The northern state has the highest number of Lok Sabha seats, 80, in the country, followed by Maharashtra (48) and West Bengal (42). Along with Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh has been the key for parties looking to form government at the centre and emerge as the single largest party during the Lok Sabha polls.

Exit Polls Give BJP-Led NDA Edge Over Others

Most exit polls have projected the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance to sweep Uttar Pradesh by winning over 70 seats. According to the Matrize-Republic exit poll, the BJP will likely win 74 seats, while India NewsNewsX-D-Dynamics has projected 65 seats for the saffron party. On the other hand, the INDIA bloc is expected to win nearly 8-12 seats. Surprisingly, the Bahujan Samaj Party, which fought the Lok Sabha polls alone, is predicted to win zero to one seat.

Uttar Pradesh saw a direct fight between the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc. Out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats of Uttar Pradesh, BJP contested 75 and left the remaining five seats for allies Rashtriya Lok Dal and the Apna Dal (Sonelal). Among the INDIA Bloc parties, the Samajwadi Party contested 62 seats in Uttar Pradesh and left the remaining 17 and one seats for Congress and Trinamool Congress, respectively.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 02, 2024 06:57 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Yami Gautam and her husband, Aditya Dhar, are celebrating their third anniversary today. On the special day, the actress took to her social media and posted a cute picture of them. Taking to her Instagram handle, Yami shared the photo from the promotions of her film Article 370. Posting the adorable photos, she wrote, "Happiest 3 And quite literally now #HappyAnniversarytoUs" On the other hand, the director-producer also shared a sweet anniversary post for his wifey. Taking to his Instagram stories, Aditya posted a picture of Yami and wrote, "Happy anniversary, my love!" The couple recently welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Vedavid. They tied the knot in 2021. Yami Gautam and Aditya Dhar Blessed With a Baby Boy! Couple Reveals the Name of Their First Child on Social Media.

Yami Gautams Insta Post

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Aditya Dhars Insta Story

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Disgraced former Republican New York Rep. George Santos took some time off his cameo appearances and defending Donald Trump to try and have some of his federal fraud charges dismissed and is even asking the judge overseeing the case to do so. However, prosecutors are saying no.

Santos and his legal team moved to dismiss three of the 23 counts against the Cameo star and MAGA Republican politician last month. They argued that the e aggravated identity theft charges conflicted with a recent decision by the US Supreme Court.

The former lawmaker added that he was not accused of stealing donors' credit card information, but of overcharging his donors' credit cards without permission instead.

"All of the credit cards were voluntarily sent to Santos' campaign and his campaign was authorized to charge the cards for a specified amount," the George Santos defense team wrote in the legal documents obtained by the New York Daily News.

However, prosecutors were having none of it and recently answered the motion, calling the filing "meritless" and arguing that the 2023 Supreme Court decision, which narrows the use of aggravated identity theft charges, will not apply in his case.

The prosecutors added that the former New York congressman did not just overcharge his supporters' credit cards, but also used d other people's personal information to make it seem 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."

The former New York Republican representative, who was kicked out of office earlier, will possibly go on trial in a Long Island federal court on September 9. He is facing multiple fraud charges.

READ MORE: George Santos Ends Congress Bid in New York After Raising $0 for a Month

What Charges Is George Santos Facing?

George Santos, a Brazilian-American,. became only the sixth lawmaker in history to be expelled from the US House of Representatives last year. He faces a variety of charges which have led to him being expelled from Congress.

According to the Associated Press, his charges include defrauding his campaign donors, lying to Congress about his wealth, receiving unemployment benefits while employed, and using campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses. These personal expenses include lavish vacation trips and also buying designer clothing with his donors' money. He already pleaded not guilty last October.

"Santos did not merely 'use' credit card information that he properly possessed; he abused it, with specific intent to defraud, to increase the amount of money he had appeared to raise as a candidate for the House," the filing from the prosecutors read. "Nor did he merely 'use' names in entering fraudulent charges on his victims' credit cards; he misused them deceitfully, with specific intent to mask, conceal, and prolong his unlawful activities."

George Santos Said He Will Revive His Drag Persona on Cameo

One of George Santos's biggest scandals was that even though he billed himself as a conservative, he also became a drag queen while he was still living in Brazil. He has repeatedly denied being a drag queen but after mounting evidence, he finally admitted to it. Now, he is reviving that drag persona.

Santos is reportedly having financial troubles and has been making money by handing out customized videos for sale on Cameo. The former Congressman promised that he will be bringing back his "Kitara" persona for the app.

"Y'all weren't ready for this drop?" he posted on X. "I've decided to bring Kitara out of the closet after 18 years!"

READ MORE: George Santos Wants To Be Donald Trump's Head of ICE

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Dr. Phil DESTROYS George Santos' Fabricated World Of Lies | Dr. Phil Primetime
Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee announced a total fundraising of $141 million in May, up from $76 million in April.

This surge, driven partly by Trump's recent legal troubles, marks a notable increase from April's figures, which had already outpaced President Biden and the Democratic National Committee, Fox New reports.

The Trump campaign highlighted its grassroots support, with an average donation of $70.27 and 25% of May donors being first-timers.

Following Trump's guilty verdict on 34 felony counts, the campaign saw "record-shattering" fundraising, with nearly $53 million raised in the first 24 hours and over $70 million within 48 hours.

The campaign noted that this surge nearly doubled their previous record on the WinRed platform and energized the MAGA movement.

Senior advisors Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles attributed the success to voters' favorable memories of Trump's policies, expressing optimism about a return to prosperity if Trump is re-elected.

READ NEXT: Most Independents Believe Donald Trump Received a Fair Trial

Response from Biden Campaign

Ammar Moussa, Biden campaign's rapid response director, questioned Donald Trump's fundraising sources, suggesting Trump's billionaire friends are funding his campaign in exchange for tax cuts, leaving the middle class to pay.

Despite this, Biden's campaign also saw a significant fundraising boost after Trump's guilty verdict, with one of their best periods since launching, according to The Hill.

In April, Trump and the Republican National Committee raised $76 million, surpassing Biden and the DNC for the first time, largely due to a record-setting $50.5 million event hosted by billionaire John Paulson in Palm Beach, Florida.

However, Biden's campaign maintained a cash-on-hand advantage, ending April with $192 million compared to Trump's $108 million.

Legal and Political Implications

Donald Trump's legal troubles, he became notorious following his conviction on 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records, are expected to have significant political implications.

Sentencing is set for July 11. This historic conviction, the first for a former or current president, has raised questions about whether he could serve a prison sentence if re-elected.

Legal experts like former federal prosecutor Randall Eliason suggest it's unlikely New York would be allowed to imprison Trump during his term, with federal courts likely intervening to suspend any sentence while he is president.

A potential prison sentence would pose unprecedented challenges, as presidential duties cannot be performed from a prison cell, Politico noted.

Even probation could impede his responsibilities due to travel restrictions.

Trump is expected to appeal, potentially delaying sentence enforcement for years, possibly extending into his presidential term.

As Donald Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee continue to raise significant funds amid his legal battles, the 2024 election landscape remains unpredictable.

Both campaigns are using the attention from Trump's legal issues to boost fundraising.

With the upcoming sentencing and the clash between Trump's fundraising success and Biden's cash-on-hand advantage, the 2024 election season is on track to be one of the most heated and closely followed in history.

READ MORE: Joe Biden Authorizes Ukraine to Use American Weapons in Strike Against Russia

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Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Trump team raised $141 million in May, as criminal trial fuels donations - From CNN
Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey has filed a petition with nearly 2,500 signatures to run for re-election as an independent despite facing federal bribery charges.

The New Jersey Division of Elections accepted Menendez's candidacy for the November 5 election after he submitted well over the required 800 signatures.

Menendez, a three-term senator, is seeking a fourth term amid ongoing legal challenges, Fox News reports.

Senator Menendez, along with his wife Nadine, has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of bribery and obstruction of justice.

The accusations allege that they accepted bribes, including gold bars, a luxury car and cash, in exchange for political favors benefiting various individuals and foreign governments.

The trial, which began in May, implicates Menendez and two businessmen in a bribery scheme involving actions that allegedly interfered with criminal investigations and benefited foreign governments.

READ NEXT: Senator Bob Menendez Corruption Trial Scheduled to Begin

Senator's Bid for Re-Election as an Independent

Senator Menendez, currently embroiled in a federal bribery trial, officially filed on Monday to run for re-election as an independent.

His decision comes after opting out of the Democratic Senate primary in March, citing the possibility of running as an independent if acquitted during ongoing Bob Menendez trial.

The move underscores his determination to continue his political career despite the legal challenges, according to the New York Times.

Menendez's candidacy as an independent introduces a potential fracture in the Democratic vote, which could benefit the Republican nominee in a state where Democrats hold a significant voter registration advantage.

Despite calls from prominent state Democrats for his resignation following the indictment, Menendez remains defiant, choosing to pursue his candidacy independently as he battles the charges.

Political and Electoral Challenges

The prospect of Menendez's independent campaign has drawn criticism from within the Democratic Party, with Representative Andy Kim, a frontrunner for the Senate seat, denouncing Menendez's candidacy as self-serving.

The senator's legal woes and independent bid pose challenges for Democrats striving to maintain their Senate majority amid fierce opposition, Politico noted.

While Menendez's chances of victory as an independent appear slim, his candidacy could potentially influence the electoral landscape, impacting both Democratic and Republican strategies in New Jersey.

His fundraising efforts have dwindled since the indictment, with significant campaign funds diverted to legal defense expenses.

Senator Bob Menendez's decision to run for re-election as an independent amid a federal bribery trial sets the stage for a contentious electoral battle in New Jersey.

Facing serious legal accusations, Menendez's campaign challenges traditional party lines and raises questions about the future of his political career.

As the Bob Menendez trial unfolds, the outcome will not only determine his legal fate but also shape the political dynamics of the upcoming election, impacting both local and national politics.

This article provides a detailed overview of Senator Menendez's legal and political predicament, highlighting the complexities of his candidacy and its implications for the November election.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Criticizes Joe Biden and Judges in Memorial Day Post

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Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey to seek independent reelection bid amid federal corruption trial - From Associated Press
Mexico has elected its first female president in Claudia Sheinbaum, and world leaders have already started reaching out to the woman who is set to replace the outgoing but still popular President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO.)

A climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor, Sheinbaum was AMLO's handpicked successor. She won via a massive landslide, with rival Xochitl Galvez not even close as Sheinbaum received well over 50% of the vote. She is also the first person of Jewish descent to win the highest office in the majority-Catholic country.

"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," said Brazilian President Lula in a statement. "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."

"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," said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "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."

"Congratulations to @Claudiashein on her convincing victory in Mexico's presidential elections," posted Ukraine President Volodymir Zelenskyy on X. "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."

"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." remarked the Foreign Ministry of Argentina.

READ MORE: Mexico Elects Its 1st Female President as Claudia Sheinbaum Wins in a Massive Landslide

Joe Biden Also Reacts to Claudia Sheinbaum's Victory

Meanwhile, the leader of Mexico's largest ally and trading partner, the United States, also reacted, with President Joe Biden being one of the first world leaders to reach out to Sheinbaum on her win.

"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. "I expressed our commitment to advancing the values and interests of both our nations to the benefit of our peoples."

"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," President Biden added.

What Will Claudia Sheinbaum's Win Mean for the US?

Claudia Sheinbaum is set to take office on October 1. Under her mentor and predecessor, AMLO, Mexico suffered slow economic growth and violence linked to the various drug cartels plaguing the country, as well as a fractured relationship with the United States over issues surrounding the border as migrants and drug traffickers cross over.

Mexico is the US's largest trading partner and both countries rely on one another economically. Under Sheinbaum, while many say she may be more or less the same as AMLO, she may be a more open to dialogue as opposed to her predecessor.

Domingo Garcia, president of the United Latin American Citizens, told USA Today that he found Sheinbaum "open, engaging, and willing to listen and share her thoughts on moving forward," adding that he looks forward to "building bridges" with the Sheinbaum administration.

READ MORE: Mexico Elections Tale of the Tape: Claudia Sheinbaum Vs. Xochitl Galvez

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Claudia Sheinbaum makes history as the first woman elected president of Mexico - NBC News
Emergency responders are actively combatting a 14,000-acre California wildfire that has injured two firefighters and prompted evacuations ahead of forecasted high temperatures.

The Corral Fire, which ignited near Tracy in San Joaquin County on Saturday afternoon, has spurred a massive response effort involving hundreds of firefighters and emergency personnel.

As of Monday morning, authorities report that 75% of the fire has been contained, though it has already scorched approximately 22 square miles of land.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, USA Today reports.

Notably, the fire erupted on property managed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, although officials assure that the lab's proximity does not currently pose a threat.

Evacuation orders have been downgraded to warnings, allowing some residents to return home, although vigilance is urged as conditions may change rapidly.

Additionally, certain areas have experienced water outages, prompting advisories to boil tap water for safety.

More than 475 emergency responders, including firefighters and support crews, are actively engaged in containing the fire.

Air tankers from across the country are conducting suppression missions to combat the blaze from above.

While progress has been made, the impending heatwave poses new challenges for containment efforts.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the region, effective from Tuesday to Thursday, with temperatures expected to soar between 95 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit.

These extreme conditions heighten the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for those involved in outdoor activities or firefighting operations.

READ NEXT: Chile Arrests Ex-Forestry Official, Firefighter Over Deadly February Wildfire

Fire Containment and Impact Assessment

The Corral Fire, which has consumed over 14,000 acres, is now 75% contained as of Monday morning, following favorable weather conditions that facilitated firefighting efforts. However, challenges persist as crews work to fortify control lines and prevent further spread of the blaze.

The California wildfire has resulted in the destruction of at least one home, underscoring the impact on local communities, according to Recordnet.com.

Moreover, two firefighters from Alameda County sustained injuries while battling the flames. Despite their injuries, both firefighters are expected to recover fully.

Highway closures and evacuation orders have disrupted local transportation and necessitated temporary shelter arrangements for affected residents.

While certain evacuation orders have been lifted, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant amid changing conditions and potential re-evacuation orders.

Water advisories, initially issued due to outages, have been lifted in affected areas, ensuring residents have access to safe drinking water.

Meanwhile, ongoing relief efforts aim to support affected communities and mitigate the broader impact of the wildfire.

Fire Origins and Response Coordination

The Corral Fire originated near the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, quickly spreading across thousands of acres and triggering swift evacuation measures.

While the cause of the California wildfire remains unknown, authorities emphasize the critical role of wind conditions in exacerbating its spread, Kron 4 noted.

Highway closures and evacuation orders have disrupted travel routes and necessitated swift evacuations for residents in affected areas.

Temporary shelter sites have been established to accommodate displaced individuals and provide essential support services.

Two firefighters sustained injuries while combating the blaze, highlighting the inherent risks associated with firefighting operations.

Despite initial speculation, authorities confirm that the fire was not the result of a controlled burn, underscoring the unpredictable nature of wildfires.

As firefighting efforts continue, authorities remain focused on determining the California wildfire's cause and implementing measures to prevent future incidents.

The collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies underscores the collective commitment to safeguarding communities and preserving vital natural resources.

READ MORE: Ohio Mass Shooting: 1 Dead, 24 Injured; Gunman at Large

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Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Fire crews battle massive wildfire 60 miles east of San Francisco - From TODAY
Now-convicted felon Donald Trump may also be in legal trouble in Wisconsin over his alleged election interference in the case after one of his fake electors admitted to being tricked into signing a false document that falsely claimed he won the state during the 2020 presidential election.

Andrew Hitt, an attorney and former chairman of the Wisconsin state Republican Party, sat down with Anderson Cooper for CBS News's "60 Minutes" and admitted that he was tricked by the former president's lackeys back in 2020.

Donald Trump's fake elector scheme ran in several key battleground states, including Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Nevada, where criminal charges have already been filed against these fake electors.

Hitt told Cooper in the interview that he sent Congress paperwork that he signed as an elector for Donald Trump, certifying that the then-president won Wisconsin. He has since flipped but has admitted that he was scared of what Trump supporters would do to him or his family because of this.

"... If I didn't do that, and the court did throw out those votes, it would have been solely my fault that Trump wouldn't have won Wisconsin," he told Cooper. Can you imagine the repercussions on myself, my family if it was me, Andrew Hitt, who prevented Donald Trump from winning Wisconsin?"

Biden won Wisconsin by 21,000 votes, with Trump demanding a recount in Dane and Milwaukee counties. The recount only confirmed Biden's win in the state but Trump continued to double down on his claims that he won.

Hitt noted that he received a call from the Republican National Committee and became suspicious when they asked for a list of the Wisconsin Republican electors. He admitted that he did not believe there was any widespread fraud and was tricked by the state GOP's outside legal counsel to gather the other Republican electors to sign the fraudulent document declaring Trump as the victor in the state.

READ NEXT: Donald Trump Falsely Claims on Fox News That He Did Not Do 'Lock Her Up' Chants Against Hillary Clinton

Donald Trump Fake Electors Case Still Being Investigated in Michigan

Much like neighboring Wisconsin, Trump's attempts to steal the election through fake electors is also being investigated in Michigan and the probe there is still very much "open and active," according to the Seattle Times.

In the state, Trump is still considered an unindicted co-conspirator, but Howard Shock, an agent for the Michigan Attorney General's Office, stated that "He's part of the investigation, but he hasn't been charged with a crime yet" as this is still "an open investigation."

Donald Trump Supporters Are Attempting to Dox the Porn Star Hush Money Trial Jurors

Meanwhile, as Trump may be facing more state charges that he could not reverse should he win the presidency, his supporters are continuing the calls for violence after he was found guilty of falsifying business records in the porn star hush money trial. This time, however, his followers are targeting the jurors.

"Hope these jurors face some street justice," one anonymous user wrote in an online forum, while another asked, "Wouldn't [it] be interesting if just one person from Trump's legal team anonymously leaked the names of the jurors?"

Violent rhetoric has become a part of Donald Trump's campaign as he aims to get back into the White House while also battling serious criminal indictments. He has promised to become a dictator on Day 1 and has vowed to go after his political enemies and use the DOJ to do so.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Supporters Threaten Another Insurrection, Call for Riots and Killing the Judge After Ex-POTUS Was Found Guilty

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Hysterical Trump Faces Jail Time After Guilty Verdict, Fox News Predicts "Revolution": A Closer Look - Late Night with Seth Meyers
The Narrow Water Bridge linking Northern Ireland and the Republic can be built on time and within budget, the deputy premier has said.

Micheal Martin said the project was inspired by the cross-border communities in the Omeath area in Co Louth and Narrow Water in Co Down, who have wanted the bridge built for years.

When complete, the 195m (640ft) cable-stayed bridge will provide a direct link between the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula, where Carlingford Lough meets the Newry River.

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will be able to use the bridge, which is expected to be completed in 2027.

An allocation of more than 102 million euro plus VAT is being provided towards the project from the Irish Governments Shared Island Fund.

Louth County Council chief executive Joan Martin said the plan has been an aspiration at the local authority since at least 1976.

She said getting planning permission on one side of the border is difficult, and so having to do double the work was an immensely complex project, and thanked officials in both jurisdictions.

A most amazing structure is going to rear itself up out of Carlingford Lough. I dont think itll be the Loch Ness Monster, but near enough  it will be fairly surprising looking, she said.

When Mr Martin was asked whether there are concerns about the timeline and cost of the project, he said he believes it can be built on time and within its budget.

The bridges developer, BAM, is also building the National Childrens Hospital in Dublin, a project that has suffered from delays and spiralling costs for years.

Irish premier Simon Harris and Mr Martin said there are frustrations in Government about the National Childrens Hospital, but both stressed the need for the tendering process to be separate to politics, and said they have confidence in Louth County Council to oversee the bridge project.

Mr Martin said: Theres set systems for the council to oversee the project.

(BAM) have used the last three weeks very effectively, in terms of getting started with the dry weather, so I think we can get this project done on time and within budget.

Mr Harris said: I think theyre two very separate and distinct projects. I think it is a statement of fact that there is frustration on the part of the Government and on the part of the people of Ireland in relation to some aspects in terms of the completion of a hospital that is now 92% complete.

As myself and the Tanaiste and others in Government have said, there obviously is a need for the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board to continue to robustly enforce all of the provisions of the contract, a contract that also includes a penalty clause. So that is a separate and distinct conversation.

I think its challenging when were in politics that were obviously commenting on an issue where Im very conscious theres a robust exchange that needs to continue there between the hospital development board and the developer.

In relation to this project, obviously, projects are separately tendered, theyre tendered independent to politicians for quite a good reason, and according to EU procurement law.

(BAM) have a track record in terms of the delivery of bridges  theyve delivered two very prominent ones on this island in relatively recent years. I have confidence in Louth County Council overseeing the delivery of this.

The bridge will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the R173 at Omeath.

It will also open to allow the passage of ships through and on to the Newry Canal.

The goal of the infrastructure project is to provide increased tourism and connectivity to the east border region.

It is anticipated that it will help economic development and increase employment levels in the area.

Stormont Infrastructure Minister John ODowd said there will be new memories made and that he remembers travelling across to Omeath by boat, but that his mother was terrified of water.

Im sure she would have a wry smile on her face today realising that now youll be able to walk across, cycle across or drive across in the future.

Mr Harris said every cent of the total 106 million euro cost represents a really, really positive investment.

I dont think any one of us can fully capture the benefits that this is going to bring, the benefits in terms of connectedness, in terms of communities wanting to engage, but also the really practical benefit, and it is the hugely economic benefits that were going to see from this in terms of tourism.

There is so much untapped potential in this region of this island and this bridge is going to play a very important role in (that).

Mr Martin said the idea that two cross-border communities from different traditions wanting the bridge is iconic in terms of building bridges between people.

He said he met a child at the event in Omeath whose peers will be able to use the bridge.

They will enjoy the benefits of this bridge for generations to come.

He added: It really is that iconic dimension to this project that really has captured my imagination and has inspired me over the years.

Because this is our life project, really, in terms of the island of Ireland, in terms of reconciling communities, people going about their normal lives, and then attracting an awful lot more people to this region, which this bridge will attract.

It will be an incredible catalyst for generations to come in terms of economics, tourism, biodiversity, greenways, you name it.
Mountrath is a town with big ambitions and an active community who have already begun a process which looks set to transform it over the coming years.

Laois County Council Town Regeneration officer Denise Rainey said it all began when the community in Mountrath came together to initiate a Sustainable Community Plan which was funded through Laois Partnership and Laois County Council.

The work which began before Covid saw a Sustainable Community Plan drawn up for the town. The plan, which was launched in April 2023, was compiled following surveys and workshops with a cross section of the population from young to old in Mountrath.

The launch roughly coincided with the governments announcement of its Town Centre First policy which saw Ms Rainey appointed as Town Regeneration officer for Mountrath. She said the fact that a Sustainable Community Plan was already in place meant there was no need to carry out a Town Centre First Plan.

Her role is to identify projects and work with the community groups to apply for and access funding. She now meets with the Mountrath Town Team at least every eight weeks but more frequently when new opportunities arise.

That is one of the good things about Mountrath. They have a very active local community and it is very representative of the entire community. I have been really lucky with the Town Team in that they are really kind of get up and go, said Ms Rainey.

Anytime there is a funding stream available they are willing and available to help with that which is really, really good. In the last twelve months we have managed to acquire funding for a number of projects, she said.

She said the team identified vacant properties as an issue and the response was to use the Vacant Commercial Property scheme with Laois Council, Laois Chamber and Laois Enterprise Office.

It is a suite of different incentives that a business can get if they set up in a building that was previously vacant for more than six months. It is all about trying to encourage businesses back into the town centre. That was one of the first things we did. Ms Rainey explained.

She said vacant and derelict properties were a key focus of the team in Mountrath and she has worked together with the derelict sites and housing section of the council to address the issue. Where buildings are identified the council will contact the owners with a view to getting those properties back into use.

The ideal solution is for the property owners to do something themselves, she said.

Through the Irish Architecture Foundation, the Mountrath Town Team was chosen as one of only three towns nationally to secure 10,000 in funding and mentoring and practical support from the IAFs experienced placemaking team towards a Reimagine Hometown Architecture initiative.

With the help of a local architect, the project will explore creative ways to reconnect the town of Mountrath with the Whitehorse River, which runs by an old brewery and is a link to the towns rich history of linen and cotton weaving. Joseph Mackey Architects were awarded the project and the initiative will be officially launched with the first workshop in Bloom HQ today (Tuesday, June 4).

Under the Town and Village Scheme they got a grant of 250,000. It is all about rejuvenating the town centre, Ms Rainey explained.

She said the funding would go towards a few initiatives. These include new railings and the resurfacing of a car park beside the St Vincent De Paul shop where a monthly farmers market takes place. Landscaping work is being planned at Patrick Street and to underground the overhead wires in the town centre and to provide more ornate lighting together with improvements along the Whitehorse River walk. The work is expected to be completed over the next 12 to 18 months.

The Town Team has also applied for funding to improve the town square. The funding will go towards designing a plan for a new square and Ms Rainey is hopeful that there will be positive news on the application in the next month.

The team is also awaiting news on funding under the Community Climate Action Fund. It would provide funding for bike stands and other facilities for bicycles as well as a tree trail through the town.

There is a lot happening. It is trying to keep up with it all. I have to say Mountrath Town Team are really, really positive. They are really proactive and they are really starting to work together well, all the groups, which is brilliant, she said.

Former Laois County Council Chief Executive John Mulholland committed 30,000 in funding towards the redesign of the town square, Ms Rainey said.

Mountrath Town Team Chairman Mark Sheeran is very optimistic about the future of the town.

The Coolrain native is the largest employer in Mountrath and has recently applied for planning permission to expand CJ Sheeran Ltd footprint in the town and take on dozens of new employees.

I think it is a busy town, its a good town. Thats good news with the Census; the population is increasing and theres other people moving into the town from other places. The Polish community there are fantastic, you have all different nationalities, you have members of the Travelling Community and they are all great.

Mr Sheeran recalled never needing to look for a parking space when he first began operations in 2001 but now the town is busier. Theres less parking because the town is doing so well and theres even new electric charging points in the centre of town.

You have Bloom HQ, you have got the forum, you have got a really good Tidy Towns group here, you have a really good GAA Club here, very involved in the community. You have a lot of other people coming in from the hinterlands from Camross, Coolrain and Castletown and Trumera and Ballyfin, he said.

He praised the members of the Town Team who he said have done powerful work and he said CEO of the Siol Foundation Edward Dunne deserves credit for being the driving force behind Bloom HQ, the state-of-the-art enterprise centre, remote working hub and community facility at the former Brigidine Convent in Mountrath.

Mr Sheeran also noted the work of Mountrath Community Forum Chairman Martin Meade and local Cllr James Kelly, who has taken over the former Bank of Ireland and turned the building into short let accommodation and a community bookstore, aptly called The Book Bank.

He said the community had been proactive in bringing ideas and progressing initiatives for the town.

A lot of information is being put forward and its great and there is funding there for that, for what needs to be done. The local people can do that by sending information back into the Town Team. Our door is always open. Anyone can come in and give us ideas. We will go back to the council or whatever other agency that has funding to implement those plans. Theres is lots of stuff there to be got, to do several different projects.

Laois County Council have been very good, especially under John Mullholland, the County Manager. He was very good to the town. He gave us funding before he left, he said.

The Mart shut down about five years ago and its like a bank or like anything else. Once it is gone it is gone. There is a committee there now trying to resurrect the Mart or reimagine the Mart, said Mr Sheeran.

He said the Mart is on a 30 acre site and four acres was sold to Mountrath GAA Club which Mr Sheerin said was great for the town.

In my opinion, the shareholders need to ensure that Mart stays where it is. The shareholders in that Mart need to ensure that they remain part of the farming community, he said as he praised the efforts of those trying to reopen the Mart.

They are fantastic, they do a great job. They are trying to keep it open which is brilliant. It is a pity that it was shut down. I would love to see it back in some form. They got some funding from Enterprise Ireland to do a feasibility study to see what could be done.

In the town there is a medical centre there with four doctors and they are trying to find a place to put the medical centre and I am not too sure if they have settled on one yet but the Mart would be ideal. On two or three acres, that would be another way to make things good, he said.

Aside from the Mart, Mr Sheeran also believes the Kilbricken Railway Station should be reopened.

The station is located between Mountrath and Castletown. While government policy is focused on trying to get people to use public transport, this facility is lying idle for years.

What needs to be done is reopen Kilbricken Train Station. That should be a major focus, said Mr Sheeran.

The station opened on September 1, 1848 as part of the Great Southern and Western Railway in Ireland and was used for 127 years before being closed altogether by the CIE on September 6, 1976.

Mr Sheeran questioned why people would drive to Portlaoise where they had to find parking before catching a train rather than just driving to their destination. He believes the reopening of the station would get people out of their cars and back onto public transport.

Mr Sheeran believes the future is bright for Mountrath and he said I just think Mountrath should remain upbeat and positive.
The Law Society is inviting business owners in Kildare to register for its upcoming, free online course on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and reporting obligations.

Following the introduction of a new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) by the EU, large companies are required to report on their ESG standards. It is also increasingly an area of focus for businesses of all sizes in terms of business strategy and planning.

As part of its public legal education programme the Law Society runs a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) every year providing access to free legal education for the public. This years course is focused on ESG and runs for five weeks from 11 June - 31 July, with new materials for the weekly modules released every Tuesday. Participants are encouraged to dedicate at least one hour per week to watch the videos, and to engage and learn at their own pace.

Expert speakers, lawyers and academics will examine many topics, including developing an ESG strategy for businesses, ESG reporting obligations, biodiversity and ecosystems, climate change and decarbonisation, diversity and inclusion, and ESG corporate governance issues.

Guest speakers include:

Ossian Smyth, Green Party TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy.

Brian MacSharry, Head of Group, Nature and Biodiversity, European Environment Agency

Nessa Joyce, Partner, William Fry

Cliona Kimber SC, Chair of the Climate Bar Association

Jonathan Moore, Partner, Fieldfisher

Eamon O Connor, Senior Tax Manager, PwC

Julie Hutton, Head of Operations, Irish Centre for Diversity

Claire OMahony, Head of the Diploma Centre at the Law Society, said, ESG is an important and evolving area that impacts all sectors. There is a growing interest in the area due to increased reporting obligations for businesses, but an effective ESG strategy can also reap many benefits. Our free online course is open to everyone and provides a solid grounding and understanding in all things ESG. To this end, our course will be particularly helpful for business owners, so they know what regulations are coming down the line.

Since 2014, the Law Societys free online courses have attracted 27,000 participants from over 85 countries, with 64% of participants based in Ireland and 36% internationally in countries as far afield as Aruba and Botswana.

Jonathan Moore, Partner, Fieldfisher and guest lecturer on the course, said, One of the biggest obstacles businesses face in terms of ESG is the amount of EU regulations that are on the horizon. In many cases, companies are unaware and unprepared for the requirements that will be imposed on them, such as carbon reduction programmes and more. This course will therefore help businesses understand what is expected of them and how to prepare for the upcoming changes. While big companies will have dedicated staff to address these issues, smaller companies often lack such resources. This course is a valuable resource for Kildare business owners to help them prepare for what is to come.
Kildare County Council has launched details of the 2024 Cruinniu na nOg programme, the national day celebrating creativity in children and young people. The programme features a variety of free workshops, concerts, and creative events which will take place across the county on Saturday, June 15.

Young people aged 12-18 are invited to Teen Night featuring GALAXYZ, an exciting festival of music, art, food and more in the courtyard of Naas Library & Cultural Centre from 4.30pm - 8pm. Attendees will enjoy a Garageland GALAXYZ concert featuring a lineup of local youth bands and guest artists, hosted by actor Robbie White (Netflixs Heartstopper); paint a graffiti art banner with the experts from Street Art Ink; try a DIY workshop in our MakerSpace; and enjoy a slice of pizza and a chance to socialise between exams.

Riverbank Arts Centre present Pstryk!, an interactive musical experience designed for children aged 3-10 years. Featuring live music, this vibrant workshop will explore Polish and Irish folklore tunes, creative movement, and spontaneous music creation, led by vocalist Kasia Eliasz with Rafal Szydlowski on violin and Maciej Blizinski on double bass. Performances will take place at 2pm & 3pm in Newbridge Town Hall.

Kildare library branches will host creative hubs on June 15, with childrens self-portrait workshops in Monasterevin and Rathangan, thrilling percussion workshops with Jabba Jabba Jembe in Newbridge, a ClassicalKids interactive music concert in Celbridge, RockJam ukulele workshops in Leixlip, creative nature and folklore activities in Ballitore, a Magic Show in Clocha Rince Community Library, a teen writing workshop in Maynooth, Baby Beats music workshop in Clane, and more.

Children interested in circus arts such as juggling, hooping, or plate spinning can book in for free after-school workshops on June 13 at Athy Library or June 14 at Clocha Rince Library.

Additional creative projects are taking place out in the community, such as in Tribe Art Studio in Castledermot where children ages 5-12 can engage in open-ended artmaking, creativity and self-expression through Create and Play Art Workshops.

Go Fly Your Kite is teaming up with In-Sync Youth Services in Naas for a series of Land, Sky & Dreams kitemaking workshops for ages 8-18, taking place from June 11 -14, with all invited to a kite flying celebration on June 15 from 2:30-4:30pm.

An Dulra agus Me Fein is an outdoor exhibition of local childrens work, created with Dulra Forest School over four woodland crafts sessions. Families are invited to come see the creativity, magic and playfulness of nature through the eyes of a child as you make your own journey through the woodland exhibition at Osberstown Woods, Sallins.

Youth arts groups across the county will be championing the creative voices of young people. Ardclough Youth Theatre invites the community to Straffan Community Hall for Who We Are, an interactive exhibition focusing on the lives of Ardclough Youth Theatre's members and friends.

Griese Youth Theatre invites young people ages 11 to 17 to Walk in My Shoes! a day of drama and art workshops exploring ideas of identity, culture and diversity taking place in Ballitore Meeting House.

The Cruinniu na nOg programme also includes This is Art!, Irelands national young peoples art competition supported by RTE. Details for this years competition will be announced on June 15 as part of the days festivities.

All events are free, however many require advance booking. For further information and booking details, see https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/location/kildare/

Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Cruinniu na nOg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programmes Creative Youth Plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people. The inaugural Cruinniu na nOg took place on June 23, 2018 and for the past number of years, young people and families have come together to enjoy, a wide range of creative activities including workshops and tutorials to recitals and readings in every city, town and village across the country. Delivered in partnership with the 31 Local Authorities and supported by RTE, you are invited to participate in a programme of fun, free, creative activities; from graffiti art workshops to stop-motion animation, to coding and architecture workshops.

For further information about the programme contact Colleen Werle, Creative Communities Engagement Officer

Email: cwerle@kildarecoco.ie Tel: 087 488 4391
A man with a 'propensity for violence' who assaulted another man on a Dublin street has been jailed for two years.

Leroy Roche Dumbrell (37) of Griffith Rath Hall, Maynooth, County Kildare pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of assault causing harm .

Imposing sentence today (Tuesday, June 4), Judge Jonathan Dunphy said many people wont go into the city centre because they are afraid of meeting people like Dumbrell.

He noted that Dumbrells 'propensity for violence' was aggravated by his drug addiction but acknowledged that he has since made great progress in his rehabilitation.

He said he clearly needs to be in full time anger management.

Judge Dunphy set a headline sentence for four and half years before he imposed a sentence of three years.

He said to 'assist, encourage and incentivise' Dumbrell, he would suspend the final 12 months of the term on the condition that he engage with the Probation Service for two years on his ultimate release from prison.

The court previously heard that gardai were called to Essex Quay on the morning of August 30, 2022, in relation to a public order incident.

When they arrived, gardai saw a man who was wearing no top and was covered in blood.

The man had a deep cut to his face and other minor injuries but refused to say what had happened.

He also refused the offer of an ambulance or to allow gardai to treat his wound using a first aid kit.

The man then told gardai to leave him alone before walking away.

The injured party has since passed away, and his death is unconnected to this incident, the court was told.

CCTV from the Essex Quay area was obtained by gardai and shown to the court.

Dumbrell was identified from the footage as the person who assaulted the injured party.

He has 81 previous convictions, including one for assault causing serious harm, for which he received an eight-year sentence, with the final three years suspended.

The investigating garda agreed with John Berry BL, defending that the victim did not want to co-operate with gardai.

It was also confirmed that the injured party's death is under investigation, and Dumbrell is not an active suspect.

The garda accepted that Dumbrell was an active drug user at the time of this offending and is known to gardai.

It was further agreed that Dumbrell was charged in September 2023 and spent several months in custody before the High Court granted him bail on strict conditions last December.

The garda accepted that Dumbrell has been living in County Kildare since his release on bail and has caused no issues for gardai during this time.

Urine analysis was handed to the court, which showed that Dumbrell had tested positive for cannabis and benzodiazepines.

The garda agreed Dumbrell has been taking steps to address his addiction issues and worked for a period following his release on bail.

The garda said Dumbrell looks healthier, but his 'frightening propensity for violence' is of more concern to gardai.

Mr Berry said his client has a 'staggering history' of offending, most of which related to his client's 'propensity for violence.'

He noted that the injured party was hurt during this incident and that it would have been frightening for members of the public.

He asked the court to take into account his client's guilty plea, efforts towards rehabilitation and steps taken to deal with his addiction to opiates and cocaine.

Mr Berry asked the court to give his client an opportunity to continue his efforts to rehabilitate and to consider adjourning his sentence for a period of time or imposing a suspended sentence.
Irish premier Simon Harris has urged all sides to accept the three-phase ceasefire deal for Gaza.

US President Joe Biden announced the plan aimed at ending Israels eight-month military operation in the Palestinian enclave, which would see all hostages freed and send massive aid into the devastated territory.

When Mr Biden made the announcement, he called it an Israeli offer that includes an enduring ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza if Hamas releases all hostages.

Mr Harris called it a very serious proposal, while Irelands deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin said that it was clear the White House wanted the violence to end.

Ireland encourages all parties to accept that ceasefire deal, to bring about the cessation of violence, and that then provides a space outside of the cycle of killing and brutality, a space to try and reach a political settlement here, which is the only way you solve any conflict, Mr Harris said.

Its clear to me that the White House wants to see an end to this war. And I think its incumbent on the Israeli government and indeed on Hamas to openly declare their acceptance of the framework that clearly has been developed behind the scenes.

Its no secret that officials from the US, Qatar, Egypt, the IDF and Israel, brokering with officials through Egypt and Qatar with Hamas, have been endeavouring to get a ceasefire.

The Presidents intervention wasnt out of the blue. Its clearly built upon a lot of detailed work behind the scenes. Now is not the time for people to pull back.

I think there is that onus on Israel and on Hamas to accept the framework and to agree a ceasefire for the benefit of the people of Gaza and their families, the innocent men, women and children who are losing their lives and who are living in appalling conditions. Dire, absolutely unacceptable human conditions.
A nine-year-old boy was left with facial injuries after being bitten by a dog in Limerick amid a Garda probe.

The incident happened in the city centre at 8:30pm on Wednesday, May 29.

The boy had to be taken to hospital to be treated for facial injuries.

Sergeant Ber Leetch, crime prevention officer at Henry Street garda station said that pet owners must protect their animals and anyone it may come into contact with.

"You must know your dog and know if they are on the restricted dog breeds list, look at the fogs.ie website if you are not sure.

"There are rules that must be followed, restricted breeds of dogs must wear a muzzle in public, be on a short lead, wear a collar with owners information on it and the person controlling the dog must be over 16 years of age.

"These rules are in place to protect everybody including the dog."
Outdoor adventure projects right across Ireland will receive funding of almost 16 million encouraging the communities in Leitrim to enjoy the hidden gems on our doorsteps this summer, a Fine Gael Minister of State has said.

Deputy Frank Feighan has welcomed the news from Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys. The funding falls under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing our outdoor amenities such as our walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes, and beaches.

I am thrilled to see this record level of funding for Co Leitrim which is a county that has so much to offer in terms of tourism offering and this further demonstrates my governments ambition of improving our walking and outdoor facilities for local people to enjoy their outdoors and walking opportunities in their local community, declared Frank Feighan.

The Leitrim Co Council Projects announced today, June 4, include Drumshanbo Narrow Gauge Walking Trail PDM, along the route of the narrow/gauge railway with 401,231 allocated.

Lough Melvin Eco Park in Kinlough will receive a water activity hub through the upgrading, extension and repurposing of the old boathouse on the shores of the Lough, costing 198,900.

Parkes Castle Car Park will get an upgrade to increase the access to Lough Gill, with 63,631 allocated for this purpose.

Sheemore will see the construction of a new Car Park worth 130,500 to allow visitors to safely access the historical and scenic Sheemore Hill.

Minister Humphreys in her statement said: "This investment announced today further underpins the Governments commitment to developing our outdoor amenities as part of Embracing Irelands Outdoors, the national outdoor recreation

strategy."

On the impact of todays funding, Minister Humphreys stated: This investment from my Department brings the overall allocation under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) to over 129 million since the Scheme was first launched in 2016.

It is testament to the positive impact Our Rural Future continues to have on communities all over Ireland and Governments commitment to that policy.

The times of lock downs are thankfully behind us but those times gave us all an appreciation of what our stunning outdoors had to offer us for our mental and physical wellbeing. It gives me great satisfaction to see the work my Department does to ensure that our rural communities can benefit even more from what nature has to offer.

Our world class outdoor amenities continue to make rural Ireland the place to be for adventure tourists as well as those who appreciate a more sedate pace of life. These projects are spread throughout the country, so everyone can avail of the outdoors."

Minister Humphreys concluded by reiterating her commitment to supporting outdoor recreation: The 69 projects that I am announcing today will be there for all of us, from all walks of life and all abilities.

These excellent projects will add to Irelands now large pool of world class amenities and will help to achieve the goals of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy  Embracing Irelands Outdoors.

I would encourage everyone to take this opportunity to get out there and embrace our great outdoors and make the lived experience of our country better for us all.
In a message to more than 136,000 students due to begin their written Leaving and Junior Cert written exams tomorrow, Wednesday, June 5, ASTI President Geraldine OBrien urged students to maintain a simple and balanced routine over the coming weeks.

You have already achieved so much during your time as a second-level student. Your job now is to look after yourself over the coming weeks. A good routine with plenty of rest, some exercise, and time for organising yourself and for social connections, will help you get the most out of the preparation work you have been undertaking over the past number of months, said Ms OBrien.

It is normal to experience some level of stress approaching a new experience. Many of you are sitting written State exams for the first time. Be kind to yourself and show up for yourself each day. You have already demonstrated incredible resilience in your life  including coming through a global pandemic and all of the disruption that came with it. Your teachers are proud of you.

Always remember that these are just exams, and regardless of outcomes, life will continue to present you options and choices.

Ms OBrien thanked all those involved in this years Leaving and Junior Cert exams including students, their parents and teachers, the exam superintendents, the examiners, and the State Exams Commission.

Having independently-assessed State exams means that teachers can champion their students right throughout the Junior and Leaving Cert. Students and parents know that exams will be marked objectively and fairly by the State Exams Commission.

"This equitable and transparent process is very much valued and is a cornerstone of Irelands high performing education system.
Conor McGregor has claimed that his Forged Stout is "rocket fuel for the mickey" as he launched an attack on "British spy" Arthur Guinness in a furious series of Facebook posts in a Guinness lovers' group.

The 35 year-old MMA fighter was due to come face-to-face with his next UFC opponent, Michael Chandler, at the 3Arena just weeks ahead of their scheduled bout at UFC 303. But in a brief statement in the early hours of Monday morning, the UFC announced that the event has been postponed.

Now it has emerged that McGregor spent a portion of yesterday evening slamming Ireland's most popular stout, Guinness, in one of many social media groups set up for fans of the drink. McGregor, who owns his own brand of stout brand 'Forged', posted a screenshot of an article written in Republican newspaper An Phoblacht in 2013, into the group just before 6:45pm.

The article, which was written in anticipation of Arthur's Day (September 26) of that year, recounts that Arthur Guinness was named as a suspected informer for the British Army. It says that a descendant of Mr Guinness donated to the Ulster Volunteer Force in 1913, while a boycott of Guinness products was in place briefly in some parts of the country.

It also claims that Guinness was one of the companies that took a dim stance on employees involved in, or sympathetic to, the Easter Rising of 1916, and "was one of a number of companies which dismissed staff suspected of involvement in the rebellion or sympathetic to those who took part".

McGregor used the screenshot to launch into a long-anti Guinness rant, which spanned a series of posts.

His first post began by making the claim that Arthur Guinness "was a spy for a foreign government hellbent on preventing the freedom of the nation of Ireland".

"Upon Irelands victory in the war Arthur was forced at gunpoint to turn his logo, the harp, inward, facing the wall, as the true Harp is the national emblem of Ireland! A country he actively funded against in an attempt to suppress its freedoms and prosperity. Check the harp on your Irish passport, it faces the correct way.

"Now check the harp on Arthurs door. It is facing inward toward the wall. This was at gun point he was made do this. So if you back this brand, you know what you are backing. It wouldn't be me anyway. Not ever. FORGED ARMY! Turn that logo to the wall YOU FOREIGN SPY!"

Another post read: "Greedy robbing b******s.

"Arthur Guinness was a rat for a foreign entity. Today his corporation hikes up prices every second month out of pure greed.

"Ask any of the publicans where you drink. They all despise them. Forged Stout is the working man's drink!

The series of posts continued, with Conor McGregor also saying: "Forged Stout is the working mans drink! Real Stout. Real Prices. See you all cageside, Arthur could never."

The series of posts included one in which McGregor had gone to the Guinness Storehouse  but only "for a quick s***e". A photo was then shared of a female model wearing skimpy Forged-branded clothing.
A Kildare man with a propensity for violence who assaulted another man on a Dublin street has been jailed for two years.

Leroy Roche Dumbrell (37) of Griffith Rath Hall, Maynooth, Co. Kildare pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of assault causing harm.

Imposing sentence today (Tuesday June 4), Judge Jonathan Dunphy said many people wont go into the city centre because they are afraid of meeting people like Dumbrell.

He noted that Dumbrells propensity for violence was aggravated by his drug addiction but acknowledged that he has since made great progress in his rehabilitation. He said he clearly needs to be in full time anger management.

Judge Dunphy set a headline sentence for four and half years before he imposed a sentence of three years.

He said to assist, encourage and incentivise Dumbrell he would suspend the final 12 months of the term on the condition that he engage with the Probation Service for two years on his ultimate release from prison.

The court previously heard that gardai were called to Essex Quay on the morning of August 30, 2022, in relation to a public order incident.

When they arrived, gardai saw a man who was wearing no top and was covered in blood.

The man had a deep cut to his face and other minor injuries but refused to say what had happened. He also refused the offer of an ambulance or to allow gardai to treat his wound using a first aid kit. The man then told gardai to leave him alone before walking away.

The injured party has since passed away, and his death is unconnected to this incident, the court was told.

CCTV from the Essex Quay area was obtained by gardai and shown to the court. Dumbrell was identified from the footage as the person who assaulted the injured party.

He has 81 previous convictions, including one for assault causing serious harm, for which he received an eight-year sentence, with the final three years suspended.

The investigating garda agreed with John Berry BL, defending that the victim did not want to co-operate with gardai. It was also confirmed that the injured party's death is under investigation, and Dumbrell is not an active suspect.

The garda accepted that Dumbrell was an active drug user at the time of this offending and is known to gardai. It was further agreed that Dumbrell was charged in September 2023 and spent several months in custody before the High Court granted him bail on strict conditions last December.

The garda accepted that Dumbrell has been living in Co. Kildare since his release on bail and has caused no issues for gardai during this time.

Urine analysis was handed to the court, which showed that Dumbrell had tested positive for cannabis and benzodiazepines.

The garda agreed Dumbrell has been taking steps to address his addiction issues and worked for a period following his release on bail.

The garda said Dumbrell looks healthier, but his frightening propensity for violence is of more concern to gardai. Mr Berry said his client has a staggering history of offending, most of which related to his client's propensity for violence.

He noted that the injured party was hurt during this incident and that it would have been frightening for members of the public.

He asked the court to take into account his client's guilty plea, efforts towards rehabilitation and steps taken to deal with his addiction to opiates and cocaine.

Mr Berry asked the court to give his client an opportunity to continue his efforts to rehabilitate and to consider adjourning his sentence for a period of time or imposing a suspended sentence.
CheckProof Secures Investment from Viking Venture to support expansion plans in North America and Europe





STOCKHOLM, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CheckProof, a Swedish SaaS company, is thrilled to announce a significant investment and long-term partnership with Viking Venture, the leading Nordic B2B software investor.

CheckProof provides a user-friendly, all-in-one platform for the construction materials industry. The platform digitizes Maintenance & HSEQ Management with tasks including quality and maintenance routines, defects, deviation, and incident reporting.

Connecting frontline operations directly to the office creates an immediate positive impact on availability and productivity.

CheckProof's intuitive platform enables efficient reporting as information can be collected from multiple teams and sites making it accessible from one single place. Increasing visibility and eliminating the need for disparate systems. This data-driven approach enhances uptime by enabling preventative maintenance and significantly reducing administrative workload, all while ensuring on-site personnel safety.

Viking Venture will be a long-term partner, supporting CheckProof in its ambitious growth plans across North America and Europe. Viking Venture will join Granitor Growth Management AB as a lead shareholder in CheckProof.

Hakan Holmgren, CEO of CheckProof comments:

"The investment from Viking Venture confirms the strength of our product proposition and the incredible growth potential within our segment. We are witnessing significant interest from our core sector, the construction materials industry, as our platform meets their unique needs. The capability of our platform is crucial for industries with high sustainability and growth targets, and we are excited to partner with Viking Ventures for the next phase of our expansion and continuing to serve our growing client base with unparalleled customer support."

Goran Linder, CEO of Granitor Growth Management AB comments:

"Granitor Growth Management AB is very pleased with this recent investment and excited to welcome Viking Venture as a co-investor. We are confident that Viking's impressive track record in growing and accelerating businesses, combined with their expertise, will be incredibly beneficial for CheckProof's continued success and expansion."

Joar Welde, Partner at Viking Venture and New Chairman for CheckProof comments:

"With industry-leading international companies already on their customer list, CheckProof has gained a unique market position to further roll out their product. We see great growth potential and are excited to support their expansion."

For more information, please contact:

CheckProof

[email protected]

+46-8-732 35 00

About CheckProof

CheckProof is a SaaS company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It was co-founded in 2014 by CEO Hakan Holmgren and Jonas Palgard, who have extensive backgrounds in the aggregates and heavy machinery industry. They identified a critical need for the construction materials industry to move away from pen-and-paper and digitize for operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Since then, CheckProof has achieved remarkable growth, with its suite of digital tools for Maintenance and HSEQ Management being adopted by leading global companies in the construction materials industry. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, CheckProof serves a client base in over 38 countries, with thousands of users, and continues to expand its global footprint.

To learn more about CheckProof, please visit our website: www.checkproof.com

About Viking Venture

Viking Venture, the leading Nordic B2B software investor, invests in fast-growing scale-up companies in the Nordics. The investment focus is on business-to-business software companies with international potential. Viking Venture has more than NOK 4 billion under management and is headquartered in Trondheim, Norway. Viking Venture provides support and investment opportunities to help innovative companies grow and succeed globally.

For further information about Viking Venture, visit: www.vikingventure.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/checkproof-ab/r/checkproof-secures-investment-from-viking-venture-to-support-expansion-plans-in-north-america-and-eu,c3994450

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/23209/3994450/2841998.pdf Press release (PDF) https://news.cision.com/checkproof-ab/i/hakan-holmgren,c3306807 Hakan Holmgren

SOURCE CheckProof AB

4 june 2024 at 02:40

News published onand distributed by:
Strategic Collaboration Between Toshiba and Numana to Strengthen the Capabilities of the Kirq Quantum Communication Testbed in Quebec





Toshiba and Numana are pleased to announce a strategic collaboration to enhance the Kirq quantum communication testbed in the Province of Quebec. This evolving relationship will contribute to expand the characteristics of Kirq's real-world telco-grade infrastructure in capacity and distance. It will further leverage cutting-edge quantum technologies like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology to ensure secure communications.

The Kirq testbed is already live in Sherbrooke with the two additional hubs to be launched in Montreal this summer and in Quebec City by early 2025. This multi-hub testbed utilizes Toshiba's state-of-the-art QKD equipment in a multi-vendor open testbed network build-out, ensuring a robust and versatile infrastructure. Kirq's scalable and adaptable platform and multi-partner approach aims towards a quantum secure vision for next generation networks.

Toshiba will play a strategic role to bring its world-wide credibility to Kirq. From a product evolution perspective, activities with Kirq are to accelerate Toshiba's system development and testing in the field. Toshiba and Numana will also prepare early adopters use cases to enable customers to test them out in real-live conditions on the Kirq testbed.

Hiroaki Tezuka, Expert QKD Business Development Office, Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation (TDSL), and Jacques Mc Neill, Coordinator, Quantum Communication Initiative, Numana, will deliver a keynote presentation on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Inside Quantum Technology Conference in Vancouver, BC. The session, titled "Leveraging the Kirq Network to Test and Prepare for the Quantum Future," will delve into the strategic importance of the Kirq network and its role in preparing for a quantum future.

"We are excited to collaborate with Numana on this groundbreaking project," said Hiroaki Tezuka. "Our QKD technology will provide unparalleled security for the Kirq network, ensuring that Quebec's key cities are at the forefront of quantum communications."

Jacques McNeill added, "Partnering with Toshiba allows us to bring advanced and secure network solutions to the Kirq testbed and offer it to the global quantum ecosystem. This collaboration is a significant step towards building a future-proof communication infrastructure that will benefit businesses and residents alike."

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the advancement of quantum communications technology and underscores Toshiba and Numana's commitment to innovation and security.

About Toshiba International Corporation

Toshiba International Corporation (TIC) is a Toshiba America Inc. (TAI) Group Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, and comprised of five divisions ? Solution Products, Motors & Drives, Automotive, Power Electronics and Transmission & Distribution. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, TIC provides application solutions to a wide range of industries including financial, telecom, healthcare, general industrial, oil and gas, utilities, datacenters, renewables, HVAC, water/wastewater, and mining. For more information about TIC, please visit www.toshiba.com/tic.

About Numana

At Numana, we're a macro-accelerator for technological ecosystems. With our partners, we bring innovative people together to create more value for the technology industry and for Quebec as a whole. Founded in 2007, Numana is a non-profit organization that makes significant contributions to economic and social vitality by bringing stakeholders from the private, institutional and public technology sectors together around common goals and joint initiatives. To learn more, go to https://numana.tech/.

4 june 2024 at 09:15

News published onand distributed by:
ENERGY STAR Canada Recognizes Leaders in Energy Efficiency





OTTAWA, ON, June 4, 2024 /CNW/ - Energy efficiency is a critical solution for addressing climate change, cutting emissions and helping Canadians reduce their energy costs. The Government of Canada is pleased to be supporting ENERGY STAR Canada award recipients on our path to achieve a low-carbon future.

Through the ENERGY STAR Canada Awards, the ENERGY STAR Canada program recognizes contributions made by outstanding program participants in advancing energy efficiency nationwide. Each year, this event honours and celebrates energy efficiency leaders who raise the bar on efficiency efforts.

Today, Michael Vandergrift, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced the winners of the 2024 ENERGY STAR Canada Awards and congratulated them for their remarkable contributions in promoting the most energy-efficient products, homes and buildings ? enabling Canadians to reduce their energy consumption and take action on climate change.

Since 2001, ENERGY STAR Canada has been instrumental in promoting and inspiring energy-efficient practices across the country. By certifying and promoting products, homes and buildings, ENERGY STAR program participants empower Canadians to make informed decisions that help them save money, reduce emissions and move us toward a net-zero emissions future. In 2023 alone, ENERGY STAR?certified products saved enough energy to power over 323,000 homes for a year.

The following businesses and organizations were recognized as ambassadors of energy efficiency and as examples of the value of investing in smart energy choices. They have distinguished themselves as environmental leaders, showcasing innovative solutions and driving transformative change with their efforts to promote the most energy-efficient products, homes and buildings:

ENERGY STAR For Products

ENERGY STAR For New Homes

Builder of the Year ? Small size: Terra View Custom Homes Ltd. ( Guelph, Ontario )

( ) Builder of the Year ? Mid-size: Dough Tarry Homes Ltd. ( St. Thomas, Ontario )

( ) Builder of the Year ? Large size: Activa ( Waterloo, Ontario )

ENERGY STAR For Buildings

Building of the Year ? Hospital: Saint John Regional Hospital ( Saint John, New Brunswick )

) Building of the Year ? Ice and Curling Rink: Erin Mills Twin Arena ( Mississauga, Ontario )

) Building of the Year ? K?12 School: Bliss Carman Middle School, Anglophone West School District ( Fredericton, New Brunswick )

) Building of the Year ? Mailing Centre and Post Office: LCD PS A Scarborough ( Scarborough, Ontario )

) Building of the Year ? Medical Office: Etobicoke Wellness Centre ( Etobicoke, Ontario )

) Building of the Year ? Multifamily Housing: 271 Platts Lane ( London, Ontario )

) Building of the Year ? Office: 6985 Financial Drive ( Mississauga, Ontario )

) Building of the Year ? Office: Commerce South Office Park ? Building B ( Edmonton, Alberta )

) Building of the Year ? Office: Sun Life Waterloo King ( Waterloo, Ontario )

) Building of the Year ? Senior Living Community and Residential Care Facility: Sunrise of Windsor ( Windsor, Ontario )

( ) Building of the Year ? Warehouse: 1121 Thornton Road South ( Oshawa, Ontario )

Quotes

"I offer my congratulations and thanks to this year's ENERGY STAR Canada award recipients. It's through innovative leadership of organizations like these that we can continue to reduce energy costs and emissions and move toward achieving Canada's climate goals and economic ambitions."

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Quick facts

Award winners earn the prized recognition of being the best in their class ? and the use of a special ENERGY STAR winner's symbol.

winner's symbol. Since the program's inception in 2001, ENERGY STAR?certified products are estimated to have saved massive amounts of energy and avoided approximately 26 megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Each year, ENERGY STAR Canada recognizes businesses and organizations for their outstanding contributions to saving energy and protecting the environment.

Associated Links

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

4 june 2024 at 10:00

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THIS FIGHTING HAS TO STOP: RIGHTS4VAPERS CALLS FOR A VAPING SUMMIT TO BUILD BRIDGES BETWEEN PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION COMMUNITIES





TORONTO, June 4, 2024 /CNW/ - Rights4Vapers, Canada largest vapers' rights movement, invites Physicians for a Smoke Free Canada, Action on Smoking and Health Canada, and Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control to join the vaping community to discuss a path forward for vaping regulations in Canada.

"This has nothing to do with the tobacco or vaping industry. This is about adult consumers who have chosen vaping as a way to quit smoking," said Maria Papaioannoy, spokesperson for Rights4Vapers. "We are on the same team. But if we don't work together then we will continue to have regulations that penalize adults and will do nothing to keep kids vape-free."

The three organizations issued a press release this week to pressure the federal government into finalizing three-year old flavour regulations. We agree that the federal government should not allow vaping and tobacco companies to dictate policy. The government should follow the science and not allow emotion to blind them to the potential that a product has in helping millions quit smoking.

"The reason that the regulations have been stalled for three years is that reasonable people in government understand that a national ban on flavoured vapour products is terrible public health policy," said Ms. Papaioannoy. "Banning flavours will not stop kids from vaping. It will force people who vape to purchase their products from the black market where they are unregulated, unsafe, and untaxed."

Perhaps it is time that the old tobacco control industry in Canada stop bullying government and people who vape and focus on working together. Rights4Vapers is ready to meet Physicians for a Smoke Free Canada, Action on Smoking and Health Canada, and Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control anytime, anywhere.

In the 20 years that vapour products have been on the market, not one Canadian has died from a LEGAL vape. It is quite the reverse. Thousands of lives have been saved thanks to people switching from smoking to vaping.

SOURCE Rights4Vapers

4 june 2024 at 13:18

News published onand distributed by:
A Madrid court on Tuesday, June 4, issued a summons for the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to appear on July 5 as part of a preliminary corruption probe into her business ties. The move comes after the court last week rejected prosecutors' request to close the probe into Begona Gomez, indicating there was "sufficient" evidence to justify continuing the investigation.

The decision to open the probe was a setback for the premier but a boost for his right-wing opponents who see the move as vindication of their allegations that he and his left-wing government are corrupt. "There is evidence that an alleged criminal offense was committed" which "goes beyond mere suspicion" and was "sufficient" to let the investigation continue, said court documents seen by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The court "has summoned Begona Gomez to appear as an investigated party on Friday, July 5 at 10 am (0800 GMT) as part of a preliminary investigation into the alleged offenses of corruption in the private sector and influence peddling," it said. The court opened the probe into Gomez for suspected influence peddling and corruption following a complaint filed by an anti-graft NGO linked to the far right. The group, Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) says its complaint is based on media reports. It has previously filed a litany of unsuccessful lawsuits against politicians in the past.

Although the court has not revealed any details about the investigation, online news site El Confidencial said it was focused on her ties to private firms that receiving funds or public contracts from the government during the pandemic. It said investigators were looking at her alleged relationship with Spanish tourism group Globalia, which owns Air Europa, when it was in talks to secure a huge government bailout.At the time, Gomez was running IE Africa Center which signed a sponsorship agreement with Globalia in 2020.

Sanchez immediately denounced what he said was a political campaign seeking to "harass and discredit" him by "media heavily influenced by the right and far-right" and backed by the right-wing opposition. When the court in April confirmed the probe, Sanchez said in a shock announcement that he would consider resigning. He took five days to reflect and in the end, decided to stay on. The opposition denounced the move as pure political theatre, saying Sanchez had never had any intention of stepping down.
Russian opponents exiled in Georgia are experiencing deja vu. For the past two months, this Caucasus country has been rocked by massive protests against the "foreign influence" bill. The bill, signed into law on Monday, June 3, is modeled on a Russian law from 2012. Under the guise of "transparency," it aims to silence civil society and independent media in the former Soviet republic. "It started like this in Russia," said Russian activist Anastasia Burakova, founder of the NGO Kovcheg, which helps compatriots who fled after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. "Initially, only NGOs were targeted. The law was then extended to the media, and then to individuals. Civil society activists, journalists and human rights defenders were targeted." In just a few years, the law has become a tool of political repression at the service of the Kremlin, silencing all critical voices.

Read more Subscribers only Georgia's 'day of betrayal'

The same fate now threatens Georgia, where civil society and independent media are the last bastion against the authoritarian excesses of the country's strongman, Bidzina Ivanishvili, faced with a weakened opposition and a president with limited powers. "This law is very worrying. It's a step towards dictatorship," said Burakova. "It never happens all at once, but step by step: First, it's one group that's targeted, then another and, in the end, all it takes to be incriminated is to have posted a message on Facebook."

Anastasia Burakova, founder of the NGO Kovcheg, helps Russians who fled after the invasion of Ukraine, in Tbilisi, May 21, 2024. ADRIEN VAUTIER / LE PICTORIUM FOR LE MONDE

The human rights defender, in exile in Tbilisi since 2021, was herself labeled a "foreign agent" in Russia in December 2023 for giving interviews to extranational media on behalf of her organization. "Today in Russia, you don't need to have income from abroad to be labeled as such, all you need is 'foreign influence' in any form. This label aims to stigmatize you by designating you as a kind of spy, an enemy of the state." Burakova must, under Russian law today, write that she is a "foreign agent" every time she posts a message on her social media. "Even if I make a comment in a chat room," she said. The opponent refuses to do so, at the risk of criminal prosecution or even an extradition request.

With the passing of the "foreign influence" bill in Georgia, she could now, here too, be labeled as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power," with her organization receiving over 20% of its funding from other countries. This situation almost makes her smile: "I'll be a foreign agent twice over, in Russia and in Georgia."

'Request from Moscow'

Like most Georgians, exiled Russian opponents in the country are convinced that the Kremlin is behind this law. They point to the concomitance of the adoption, in April, of a similar law in Kyrgyzstan, and the attempts to also impose it in the pro-Russian Georgian separatist region of Abkhazia. They also point out that the ruling Georgian Dream party had no interest in passing this controversial law five months before parliamentary elections when it was in a strong position after the country gained official candidate status for the European Union in December 2023.

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THE BISHOP of Limerick, Brendan Leahy, is urging people to maintain their Christian values when it comes to the attitude towards immigrants, particularly before taking to the polling booths on June 7.

There is a real risk of a mindset of distrust and disdain taking hold against migrants in Irish society, which flies in the face of Christian values, the bishop told the Limerick Leader.

He explained that this is particularly important in the run up to the elections.

Already, there have been incidents where election candidates in Limerick have been targeted by different groups.

Bishop Leahy said that the Catholic Church has been blessed in recent years with the arrival of our new Irish, in our parishes, religious orders and schools.

On a wider society level, almost one in five people living in Ireland were not born here and, for the most part, are ordinary human beings like the rest of us, he said, making a significant contribution in workplaces and communities.

Of course, I recognise there are challenges. Local communities must be given the resources and infrastructures to ensure refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and supported.

Issues around asylum seekers and direct provision need urgent attention. But at a time when anti-immigration rhetoric is on the rise, we need to be careful about how we see, judge and act regarding migrants.

There is a temptation to blame the rise in migrants, and so to end up blaming migrants and asylum seekers themselves, for a series of woes that are besetting us, such as issues to do with hospital care, the question of homelessness and the cost of housing. We even sometimes hear people say, they are stealing our jobs.

READ MORE: Minister for Justice praises Limerick community for 'phenomenal' work during visit

Some lament the strain on public services or in schools. With growing tensions and riots, rumblings of discontent and marches, as well as social media campaigns, a mindset regarding migrants can take hold resulting in distance from, distrust of and disdain for migrants.

Bishop Leahy said there is a real risk that this will be deepened in the run up to our June elections as some potential public representatives might opportunistically stir and seek to capitalise on sentiment.

I would urge all candidates to act responsibly and with sensibility and sensitivity to the plight of people coming to our shores as they seek election.

"To do otherwise would not be in accord with our Christian values. We need to help each other resist a negative spirit regarding migrants in our conversations, our planning and our outlook.
A LIMERICK student has been announced as the winner of the prestigious 2024 Global Travel Award.

Tina OConnell from Lisdoonvarna, a Limerick School of Art and Design Graduate in Sculpture and Combined Media, was awarded the prize.

The bursary for Fine Arts graduates, now in its second year, was announced by Aoife Ruane, curator and director at Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda at the LSAD Graduate Exhibition on Saturday, June 1.

OConnells winning piece Odysseys of Self was selected by a highly respected panel of artists and curators: Laura Fitzgerald, Paul McAree, Patrick Murphy and Aoife Ruane.

The Global Travel Award of 5,000, is open to all students graduating from its BA in Fine Art and B.Ed Art and Design Teacher Education in 2024.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Limerick pupils celebrate as their film wins major European award

The award has been designed to offer the chosen graduate a unique opportunity to develop their future career. This is the second year of granting the award to a new graduate artist.

This generous philanthropic funding has been made available for students with support from The Ireland Funds. LSAD is honoured to be the only Art School in Ireland to offer such a prestigious travel award.

In order to enter for the award, BA in Fine Art and BEd Art and Design Teacher Education students prepared a submission package with images of their work and most importantly provide a statement outlining what they could achieve with the travel bursary and how this will assist with their future creative development.

300 students from Ireland and beyond will attend the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD TUS) Graduate Show over the coming week.

Hosted at TUS Clare St. Campus in Limerick city, the show opened to the public at 1pm on June 1, and will be available to view from 10am to 5pm daily until Sunday, June 9.
A NINE-year-old boy was left with facial injuries after being bitten by a dog in Limerick.

The incident happened in the city centre at 8:30pm on Wednesday, May 29.

The boy had to be taken to hospital to be treated for facial injuries.

READ MORE: Corbally woman starts 100km trek for Palestinian children

Sergeant Ber Leetch, crime prevention officer at Henry Street garda station said that pet owners must protect their animals and anyone it may come into contact with.

"You must know your dog and know if they are on the restricted dog breeds list, look at the fogs.ie website if you are not sure.

"There are rules that must be followed, restricted breeds of dogs must wear a muzzle in public, be on a short lead, wear a collar with owners information on it and the person controlling the dog must be over 16 years of age.

"These rules are in place to protect everybody including the dog."
DISCOUNT clothing retailer Penneys is seeking to expand its store at the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle.

Representatives of the company have indicated they will seek permission for the major development which will see the company move into a unit which up to now has been home to Tesco Ireland's non-food offerings.

However, with the supermarket chain recently securing planning permission to expand its trading area within the main part of its store, it appears this has paved the way for Penneys to expand into its neighbouring unit, which has a floor area of more than 1,070 square metres.

READ MORE: Limerick firm Cooks up new partnership with producers of revolutionary capsule

A planning notice published in this weekend's Limerick Leader newspaper suggests the development will see the amalgamation of the Penney's unit with what will be then the former Tesco unit.

The wall separating the two will be removed, while new areas for office administration and staff rooms will be constructed.

Work to the existing roof structure of the former Tesco retail unit to will take place.

And the Tesco signage will make way for the Penneys signs.

Developers have two weeks to furnish Limerick City and County Council with further information relating to this application.
Thousands of students across Ireland are making final preparations for Leaving Certificate examinations due to begin tomorrow (Wednesday June 5).

The exams - which over 60,000 students are expected to undertake - will run from June 5 to June 25 at schools around the country.

Although many students begin the exams anxious but prepared, some do not feel confident.

Irish students on X (formerly Twitter) are expressing their nerves ahead of the exams, with one student commenting, "Is anyone else doing the Leaving Cert questioning their ability to do any subject right now? I feel like the more study I do the less prepared I feel even though Im doing more work than I did for the mocks and I did well in those. I feel like Im gonna fail every subject."

Another student commented, "Can someone whos done the Leaving Cert reassure me that I will survive because its not looking too good."

Another student wrote, "I just had a panic attack because I just went blank at maths grids. I HATE THE LEAVING CERT SO MUCH."

Others commented:

"I do not feel ready at all but I just really want it to be over and done with, its stressing me out too much."

"I don't think I'm going to survive the Leaving Cert."

"The Leaving Cert starts on Wednesday, I think I am going to leave the planet instead."

"Leaving Cert starts tomorrow, someone please shoot me."

"I'm so cooked for this Leaving Cert."

However, other social media users are attempting to reassure students of their success regardless of their marks.

One X user commented, "The Leaving Cert really is only part of the journey. One small step. It doesnt define you. Do your best and your best is enough."

Another commented, "For the Leaving Cert students, there's more to life than exam results."

Another wrote, "Got 350 points in my LC and didn't get into Queen's University Belfast, just didn't work hard enough. Spent a few years working, then did an Access Diploma and worked bloody hard. Got into Queen's and graduated with a first. There's always another way when the time's right for you."

RTE's Six One news presenter, David McCullagh, also revealed his own memories about exam time from 38 years ago, with many social media commenters praising his candor.

In a video posted on X by RTE, McCullagh reflects on his disappointing mark in History and said, "The leaving cert, which seems so important at the time, so all consuming at the time, in the end it's only a step on a journey. And there's lots more ways to get to the destination you're aiming for."

A social media user commented on the video, stating, "Well done and thank you, David, for making this report. Its so important for both kids and their parents to be reminded that in the end these exams are not the only way to achieve the goals that have been set."

Another commented, "Wise words, David. I did mine in 1981, and I still have the occasional nightmare about it."

Another wrote, "David McCullagh is dead right... it is only the first step. The only advice I [can] give is do your best for you, and the leaving cert in my opinion is all about creating options for yourself. Better you do for you... then the more options you create. The Leaving Cert is not the be all and end all in life."

Students will tackle English Paper One and Home Economics on the first day of the exams on June 5, followed by Engineering and English Paper 2 on June 6; Geography and Math Paper 1 on June 7; Math Paper 2 and Irish Paper 1 on June 10; Irish Paper 2 and Biology on June 11; French and History on June 12; Business and Art on June 13; German and Construction Studies on June 14; other languages (including Polish, Lithuanian, Portuguese, and Mandarin Chinese), Hebrew Studies, Ancient Greek and Agricultural Studies on June 17; Spanish and Chemistry on June 18; Physics, PhysChem and Accounting on June 19; Design and Communication Graphics, and Music on June 20; Economics and Physical Education on June 21; Italian, Russian, Classical Studies, Latin, and Technology on June 24; Japanese, Politics and Society, Arabic, Religious Education and Applied Mathematics on June 25.
The Opposition INDIA alliance defied exit poll predictions, staging a massive comeback in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and posing a formidable challenge to the ruling NDA government.

As per the final results, NDA secured 293 seats, while the INDIA bloc won 234 seats. The BJP lost majority for the first time since 2014 securing 240 seats. However, the party was able to retain the title of the single largest party. The Indian National Congress on the other hand improved its 2019 tally of 52 seats to 99. It was also the biggest party in the INDIA bloc.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was contesting for a third consecutive term in Varanasi defeated Congress' Ajay Rai, with a vote share of 54%.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi won both the seats  Rae Bareli and Wayanad. In Rae Bareli, Gandhi won with 66.2% of the votes, while in Wayanad, he defeated Annie Raja of CPI by securing 59.7% of the votes, as per the latest updates.

Also Read: An indelible ink maker looks to make a mark beyond the poll booth

Home minister Amit Shah who made his electoral debut in the 2019 Lok Sabha poll, deafeated Congress leader Sonal Ramanbhai Patel securing 76.5% of the votes.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Smriti Irani, who defeated Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 election from Amethi, lost to Congress leader Kishori Lal by a 17% margin. Lal won the erstwhile Congress stronghold with 55% of the votes.

In Jammu and Kashmir, both the senior leaders from the People's Democratic Party and the National Conference lost their respective seats. PDP's Mehbooba Mufti lost to National Conference candidate Mian Altaf Ahmed by over 27.5% of the votes.

Mufti, the former chief minister of the state, is contesting from Anantnag-Rajouri seat in the first Lok Sabha election held in the Union territory after the abrogation of Article 370 and its subsequent bifurcation.

In Baramulla, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah lost to independent candidate Abdul Rashid Sheikh by nearly 19.8% of the votes.

In North-East Delhi, BJPs Manoj Tewari defeated Kanhaiya Kumar of Congress. The BJP leader secured 52.8% of the votes.

Congress leader Manish Tewari won the Chandigarh seat with vote share of 48.37%. He defeated BJP candidate Sanjay Tandon, who had 47.67% of the votes, as of 7.00 pm.

In Madhya Pradesh's Guna constituency, BJP's Jyotiraditya Scindia won by securing 67.2% of the votes. In 2020, the former Congress leader had switched ranks to join the BJP.

Also Read: Why political parties are breaking the bank to win over women voters
Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Amit Shah emerged as winner in Gujarat's Gandhinagar constituency for the second consecutive term. Shah won the seat by a margin of 7.44 lakh votes against opposition Congress candidate Sonal Patel.

The Union Minister surpassed his 2019 victory margin of 5.5 lakh votes to retain the seat, as he received over 10.1 lakh votes.

Congress' Sonal Patel received 2.66 lakh votes, while BSP's Mohammed Anish Desai got nearly 7,500 votes.

Most of the independent candidates received less than 2,500 votes.

Over 22,000 people from the constituency also opted for NOTA (none of the above) option.

Amit Shah wins Gandhinagar seat.

Various exit poll results announced after the last phase of elections had predicted a thumping victory for Amit Shah and a clean sweep for the BJP in the state.

Before becoming a member of Parliament, Amit Shah represented the assembly segment of Gandhinagar.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut Mandi Election Results 2024 Live Updates

During the filing of his nomination, Shah, the second tallest leader of the BJP in the country, said that the general election was all about giving a third term to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India a developed country by 2047.

He also claimed that Narendra Modi's first two terms went into correcting the Congress-led UPA government's mistakes.

Stating that he rose from modest booth worker to member of parliament, Shah said, "People of Gandhinagar gave me their blessings whenever I sought their votes."

Also Read: Maharashtra Election Results 2024 Live Updates

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: Union Minister Amit Shah's wins Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat.

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: Union Minister Amit Shah's gets over 10 lakh votes, Congress' Sonal Patel 2.60 lakh votes.

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: Lead margin increases 7 lakh votes Union Minister Amit Shah's vote margin against Congress candidate has increased by 7 lakh votes.

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: Lead margin increases 6 lakh votes Union Minister Amit Shah's vote margin against Congress candidate has increased by 6 lakh votes.

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: Lead margin increases 5 lakh votes Union Minister Amit Shah's vote margin against Congress candidate has increased by 5 lakh votes. Congress candidate Sonal Patel is trailing with 1.4 lakh votes.

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: Sonal Patel way behind in race Congress candidate Sonal Patel is trailing by over 4.5 lakh votes from Gandhinagar seat as Amit Shah is header for a massive win.

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: Amit Shah headed for victory With over 5 lakh votes, Amit Shah is headed for a massive victory from Gandhinagar seat. Congress candidate Sonal Patel is trailing by 4 lakh votes.

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: Over 8,000 opt for NOTA NOTA (None of the above) option has so for got over 8,000 votes, much higher that the tally of votes polled by all the independent candidates.

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: Independent candidates get less than 1,000 votes All the independent candidates who are contesting from Gandhinagar seat, have so far received less than 1,000 votes as Union Home Minister Amit Shah maintain lead of over 3 lakh votes.

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is leading by over 2,88,000 votes against opponent Sonal Patel. So far, Amit Shah has secured 3,70,199 votes. Whereas, Patel has received 81,729 votes.

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: 2019 Lok Sabha election winner Union Minister Amit

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: Previous representatives Previously, former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former deputy prime minister and veteran BJP leader Lal Krishan Advani represented the seat.

Amit Shah, Gandhinagar Election Results 2024 Live: Voter turnout The Gandhinagar constituency, which went to polls on May 7 in the third phase of the election, saw nearly 60 per cent voter turnout.
Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, has defeated former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by over one lakh votes in the Baramulla seat as counting continues for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Abdullah, the National Conference leader, conceded defeat even though the official results have yet to be announced.

Rashid's win is a shocker since he contested the elections from Tihar jail, where he has been for the last five years facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

He contested the election as an independent candidate. Since he was in jail, his two sons led his campaign, which started just two weeks before the Baramulla constituency voted in the fifth polling phase on May 20.

As of 1.30 pm, Rashid was leading with about 2,57,523 votes, while Abdullah, the National Conference candidate, was trailing with about 1,37,377 votes. Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) chief Sajad Lone, also a candidate from the seat, bagged about 96,000 votes.

Engineer Rashid, 57, is a former two-time MLA from Langate seat in north Kashmir. Before joining mainstream politics, he was a close aide of slain Hurriyat leader and JKPC founder Abdul Gani Lone, father of Sajad Lone.
In its stated ambition of increasing its seat count beyond 400, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was banking on two things. One, repeat its strong performance from 2019 in states with seat heft, especially in the Hindi-speaking belt. Two, make inroads in states where it has never held sway, notably in South India and West Bengal. On both counts, it fell short, resulting in an outcome that is likely to still fetch it a third term but with a diminished clout.

For the BJP, this downsizing is especially worrying because it has happened in some of the largest, and electorally most important, states. This is the case notably in Uttar Pradesh, which alone accounts for about 15% of members of Parliament (MPs). In UP, the BJPs tally declined from 62 seats to 32 seats (a decline of 30). Other notable declines were in Maharashtra (down 13 seats), Rajasthan (down 10 seats) and West Bengal (down 6 seats).

There were states where the BJP held firm. Among the 19 largest states by seats, which account for 509 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, this set was led by Madhya Pradesh (a clean sweep of 29 seats), Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Delhi. Among states where it gained, the most significant was Odisha, where it increased its Lok Sabha tally from 8 to 19 seats, as well as won the state assembly.

But when it came to carving out new ground in less-chartered territory, the BJP was unable to make the impression it wanted to. While it registered small seat gains in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, that was neutralised by its losses in Karnataka, and by coming a cropper in Tamil Nadu.

Congress on a Rebound

In contrast, the Indian National Congress (INC) was a story of bouncing back, after a string of electoral setbacks over the past decade. The Grand Old Party roughly doubled its seat share, even though it registered a more modest rise in its national vote share. Among the seats it contested, its vote share increased from 24.8% in 2019 to 34.7% in 2024.

One strand of interest in this showing is its performance in direct contests with the BJP. In 2024, the INC was in a direct fight with the BJP in 288 constituencies. Of these, it secured more votes than the BJP in 95 seats (or roughly about one-third). This is a contrast to 2019, when it went up against the BJP in 374 seats, but won only 16% of them. In other words, it doubled its strike rate in such seats. In vote share terms too, 2024 marked a substantial turnaround for the INC. In 2019, in seats where it contested against the BJP, it garnered 23.3% of votes. In 2024, that has risen to 36.3% of votes.

Overall, the INC contested 328 seats in 2024, down from 421 seats in 2019. Focusing on fewer seats, and being more flexible in seat sharing, enabled it to focus its resources and campaign more efficiently. The Congress this time around also benefitted hugely from the quirks of the first-past-the-post electoral system, which can lead to wild swings in seats from only a small shift in votes, often at

the cost of incumbents. States where the INC has gained vote share include Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and crucially, Uttar Pradesh.

Regional Parties: Mixed Bag

One of the important prognosis of the exit poll numbers was the BJP gaining in clout, sometimes at the expense of regional parties. The national party was looking to gain seats in states that were bastions of regional parties, like the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal or the DMK in Tamil Nadu. With the BJP not turning in a performance that matched the exit poll forecasts, the regional parties gained or held on, though there were some among them that saw a slippage.

There are parties that have come out decidedly stronger (for example, Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh and TDP in Andhra Pradesh). Perhaps, the most stellar showing came from the SP, which surged from 5 seats in 2019 to 37 seats in 2024. The most important regional party in Uttar Pradesh has also increased its vote share in seats contested by it by 5 percentage points, from 38.5% to 43.4%. The other large regional party that heaved a sigh of relief is the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, which despite predictions to the contrary has managed to increase its seats, as well as its vote share by about 3 percentage points.

Also Read: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Will Nitish Kumar & Chandrababu Nadu play kingmakers if BJP falls short of 272?

There are some regional parties that either weakened or did not perform as expected (for example, Biju Janata Dal in Odisha, AAP in Delhi and the RJD in Bihar). Among parties not aligned to any particular alliance, the worst performer was the BJD in Odisha, which has lost seats in the Lok Sabha, as well as control of the state assembly. Its vote share in the Lok Sabha elections has fallen by 6 percentage points to 37%.

Another loser was the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh, which won 10 seats last time and none this time around. In Delhi, despite the AAP campaigning around the arrest of its chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, AAP has not managed to secure any seats against the BJP, though it has gained seats in Punjab.
Lok Sabha Elections Result 2024: After the early trends in poll results, it seems that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) loyal states have continued to back the saffron party. These include Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh.

Let's take a look

Delhi BJP had won all seven seats in Delhi during the 2019 Lok Sabha Assembly elections. BJP retained the feat for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections as well.

Uttarakhand The BJP had won all the five seats in Uttarakhand in 2019 Lok Sabha Election. the saffron party seems to have retained the favoured party status in the hilly state in 2024 by winning all 5 seats.

Madhya Pradesh In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP had won in 23 of 29 seats five years ago. Despite over 1.4 lakh NOTA votes being registered in Indore, BJP won the state's all 29 seats. The Congress has not managed to lead in a single seat in the state.

Chhattisgarh In Chhattisgarh, the last minute Mahadev betting app scam case, tipped the scales in favour of the saffron party for the state Assembly elections held in 2023. In 2019, BJP had won six of the eleven Lok Sabha seats from this state. In 2024, BJP won 10 seats, while Congress won 1.

ALSO READ: Key states and parties that moved the needle in Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Himachal Pradesh BJP had won three of the four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh, with Pratibha Singh being elected in the Mandi seat. BJP leader and Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut is contesting from Mandi Lok Sabha seat for 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. BJP won all 4 seats in Himachal Pradesh.

Gujarat Gujarat, that has been a BJP fortress in the past few elections. The saffron party won all 26 Lok Sabha seats in 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. In 2024, BJP won in 25 Lok Sabha seats, while Congress won 1 seat. Surat was won by BJP, unopposed.

Assam BJP had won 9 out of 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam, during the previous Lok Sabha elections. In 2024 as well, BJP won 9 seats, while Congress won 3 seats.

Arunachal Pradesh The BJP had won both Lok Sabha seats in 2019. Further in the recently concluded Assembly elections, BJP won. In 2024, BJP made a clean sweep bu bagging both seats in the North-Eastern state.

Tripura The North-eastern Indian state with two Lok Sabha seats had favoured BJP in the 2019 general elections. In 2024, they voters in Tripura seemed to have retained their loyalty for the saffron party.

Jharkhand In Jharkhand, BJP won 8 seats, while JMM and Congress won 3 and 2 Lok Sabha seats respectively. In 2019, BJP had won twelve out of 14 Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand.

Karnataka For Karnataka, BJP faced a defeat in the state Assembly elections, bringing Congress to power in the state. The saffron party had won 26 of 28 Lok Sabha seats in 2019. In 2024, BJP won 17 seats, while Congress won 9 Lok Sabha seats.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the BJP-led NDA eked out a muted election victory on Tuesday. The Trinamool supremo also thanked the people of West Bengal for the mandate as the party secured a lead in 29 seats.

... I am happy that the Prime Minister did not get the majority figure. The Prime Minister has lost credibility, he should resign immediately because he had said that this time they would cross 400 seatsEven after causing so many atrocities, spending so much money, this arrogance of Modi ji and Amit Shah, INDIA has won and Modi has lost. They have even lost in Ayodhya, the INDIA bloc leader reminded.

Mamata also insisted that she would try to ensure that Modi is out of power and INDIA bloc is in following the results. The Trinamool Congress chief claimed that the people of India had broken PM Modi's morale after he broke many politicial parties.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha election results 2024: How Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav changed the game for INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh The Election Commission has declared the TMC the winner in two seats with notable leads in 27 others. The BJP is presently leading in 12 seats while the Congress holds a lead in the Maldaha Dakshin constituency. The party appears to have strengthened its position in the past five years  garnering a significant boost from its 22 Lok Sabha seats in 2019.

Regional satraps are now back to holding all the aces with the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP and Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) holding the key to government formation. Meanwhile the Samajwadi Party emerged as a strong force in Uttar Pradesh with significant leads on 34 seats. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) in Maharashtra was also leading in nine seats, against 18 last time before the split in the party. The NCP (Sharad Pawar) was also ahead in seven seats this time against five seats in 2019. M K Stalin-led DMK held on to its dominance in Tamil Nadu and was ahead on 21 seats this time against 23 seats in 2019.
The Narendra Modi-led government is likely to hold a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday following their Lok Sabha victory. Members of the National Democratic alliance will also come together for a meeting in Delhi that will reportedly be attended by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Data from the Election Commission indicates that the BJP will secure 240 seats on its own  a significant dip from its 2019 tally of 303 seats. The party will now be forced to rely on alliance partners to cross the 272 majority mark in the 543-seat lower house of parliament.

Kumar and Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu have emerged as potential kingmakers after the BJP failed to secure a clear majority. Speculative reports indicate that members of the Opposition INDIA bloc have approached both leaders who recently re-joined the NDA.

ALSO READ: 'For the first time since 1962...': PM Modi addresses BJP supporters at party HQ after historic Lok Sabha election win According to a PTI report quoting highly placed sources however, the Janata Dal (United) will head to New Delhi on Wednesday morning and take part in the scheduled NDA meeting. He had previously visited Delhi during the weekend when he met top BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Members of the INDIA bloc are also slated to hold a meeting at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence on Wednesday evening. Reports quoting sources indicate that top opposition leaders will also discuss whether to reach out to their former allies Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu for government formation.

The TDP and JDU have already dismissed suggestions about defecting to the opposition alliance and have clearly stated that they would remain with the NDA grouping. Sources said the Congress and some other leaders are already in touch with them and are making their best efforts to win them over.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Pakistan media has taken the cautious path to deal with the Lok Sabha Election result news of their neighboring country. Narendra Modi's BJP-led NDA is likely to comfortably secure the simple majority in the lower house of the Parliament, however, in a surprise the Opposition INDIA bloc emerged stronger than ever, limiting BJP to a number far below 300.

Pakistan's news daily Dawn covered the Lok Sabha Elections Result, with a headline India vote count shows Modi alliance winning surprisingly narrow majority, limiting itself from any remark, whatsoever.

The strap of the news article read, BJP concedes defeat in Ayodhya where Ram Temple was inaugurated; Rahul Gandhi says voters have punished BJP. Notably, BJP losing the Faizabad seat in Uttar Pradesh, the constituency that houses the saffron party's prestigious project- Ayodhya Ram Mandir, has come as a shock to many.

Last week, in an interview with IANS, former Pakistan Minister Fawad Chaudhry, had called to defeat PM Modi in this general elections. It is very important that Modi loses the elections. Every Pakistani wants him (Narendra Modi) to lose," Chaudhry had told IANS.

the BJP-RSS alliance in India is stoking hatred towards Pakistan. Pakistan has no hatred towards India. They (BJP government) are spreading hatred towards Muslims. So, the karta-dharta of this ideology should be defeated," he told the news agency.

How other media houses covered Lok Sabha Election result Qatar-based newspaper Al Jazeera headlined their coverage as PM Modi-led BJP loses majority in big setback .

American broadcaster and news website, CNN, has published with header- 'Modi facing shock result'.

Another US-based media house, New York Times wrote, Indias Election Results Suggest a Setback for Modi.

How BJP reacted to NDA's probable 3rd term in India Govt The BJP asserted on Tuesday that the Lok Sabha poll victory for its alliance underlines people's faith and confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Viksit Bharat".

Home Minister Amit Shah said on X that the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) third consecutive victory in the national election has shown that people's trust is only in Modi. The voters' support is their blessing for the prime minister's work in the last 10 years for the welfare of the poor and farmers, revival of heritage and self-respect of women.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to secure a landslide victory from the Raebareli seat as Lok Sabha votes are counted on Tuesday. The senior politician has already surpassed his mother Sonia Gandhi's 2019 victory margin and currently leads by 3.88 lakh votes. Data from the Election Commission at 5:15 pm also indicates that Gandhi is set to retain his Wayanad seat.

Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi  who recently joined the Rajya Sabha  had won Raebareli by a margin of 1,67,178 votes against Dinesh Pratap Singh in 2019. Rahul Gandhi contested the Congress bastion for the first time this year against Singh  currently a cabinet minister in the Yogi Adityanath government.

Gandhi is also set to retain the Wayanad seat by a massive margin of more than 3.64 lakh votes. He is trailed by CPI candidate Annie Raja and BJP candidate K Surendran.

Rahul Gandhi Election Results 2024 LIVE Updates The win margin of more than 3 lakh is also the highest recorded in the land-locked state this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi  also contesting from UP  won the Varanasi constituency on Tuesday by a margin of 1,52,513 votes. Modi secured 6,12,970 votes, trailed by Congress candidate Ajay Rai.

The BJP-led grouping has found itself on shaky grounds in some key states  including Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra as votes were tallied on Tuesday. The results defied predictions of a landslide BJP victory with the party struggling to reach the majority mark on its own. The Samajwadi Party-Congress combine secured major leads in 43 seats on Tuesday afternoon  a severe blow for the NDA in a state that sends 80 lawmakers to the Lower House of Parliament.

The Lok Sabha elections were held across the country in seven phases from April 19 to June 1 with around 642 million people casting their ballots over six weeks. The counting of votes began on Tuesday morning with postal ballot papers amid tight security.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has already won the Surat Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat even before the counting began at 8 a.m. today on June 4, for the Lok Sabha Election Results 2024. Gujarat sends 26 parliamentarians to the Lok Sabha.

Mukesh Dalal, the BJP candidate, was announced as the sole victor from Surat on April 22. Eight other contenders withdrew from the race following the disqualification of Congress' Nilesh Kumbhani and his replacement. The disqualification stemmed from purported inconsistencies in the signatures of their backers on their nomination papers.

Also Read | Live updates on Lok Sabha Election Results 2024

Meanwhile, election officials said on Tuesday that the counting of votes for Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats began at 8 a.m. The process is underway at 81 centres in 75 districts of the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani, and opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav are among the 851 candidates in Uttar Pradesh.

Modi is eyeing a hat trick from the Varanasi constituency, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who contested the Lucknow seat, is also seeking a third consecutive term from the constituency. Irani, who defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019, is bidding to retain the constituency.

Union ministers Mahendra Nath Pandey and Anupriya Patel, among others, are also in the fray.

Most exit polls have predicted PM Modi's return to power. This development will make him the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to secure a third successive term in power.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi contested these elections from the Rae Bareli constituency, a seat earlier represented by his mother, Sonia Gandhi.

The Lok Sabha elections were conducted in seven phases: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.
BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut, contesting from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency, took a dig at rival Congress contender Vikramaditya Singh, saying he might have to pack his bags and leave. The Bollywood actor is currently leading by 65,807 votes over the Congress candidate, according to trends reported by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Kangana Ranaut's remarks are in response to Vikramaditya Singh's comments earlier, where he said she was giving good competition to comedian Kapil Sharma and, hence, return to Mumbai after the Lok Sabha election 2024 results.

Also Read | Live updates on Lok Sabha Election Results 2024

They will have to suffer the consequences of talking so low about a woman... And that is becoming clear today with the way we have got the lead. Mandi has not taken kindly to the insults for daughters, Kangana told ANI.

As far as my departure to Mumbai is concerned, this (Himachal Pradesh) is my 'janmabhoomi', and I will continue to serve people here. I have always said that I will work as a soldier in PM Narendra Modi's goal of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas.' So, I am not going anywhere. Perhaps someone else will have to pack their bags and leave. I am not going anywhere, she added.

The actor-turned-politician cast her vote on June 1 at a polling station in Himachal Pradesh during the seventh phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. During the elections, she encouraged voters to participate in the festival of democracy."

Also Read | Live updates on Kangana Ranaut Mandi Election Results 2024

While filing her nomination, the National Film Award winner credited the people of Mandi for her entry into politics. She expressed confidence, citing her success in Bollywood and her hopes for similar political success.

Himachal Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of approximately 48.6 percent during this phase of the elections. The Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh is one of the state's four parliamentary constituencies and has been represented by both the BJP and the Congress.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to retain Gujarat by a landslide margin as Lok Sabha election votes are counted on Tuesday. Data shared by the Election Commission at 12.45 pm indicate a lead for the saffron party in 23 seats while the Congress maintains a lead in Patan constituency. Home Minister Amit Shah is presently on course to win the Gandhinagar constituency with a massive lead of more than 4 lakh votes. Meanwhile BJP Surat candidate Mukesh Dalal was declared winner uncontested from the Surat seat.

Shah has so far secured 5,82,216 votes (as of 12.45 pm) and is leading over Congress candidate Sonal Patel by a margin of 4.52 lakh votes. Bahujan Samaj Party candidate Mohammedanish Desai is a distant third with 3765 votes. The Home Minister had previously won the seat  previously held by BJP stalwart Lal Krishna Advani and former prime minister Ata Bihari Vajpayee  by a huge margin of more than 5.57 lakh votes in 2019.

Election Commission data indicates that several BJP candidates currently hold a lead margin of 1 lakh votes or more. This includes fellow Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya who is currently leading from the Porbandar constituency by 3,48,329 votes. BJP Gujarat chief CR Patil is also set to retain the Navsari seat with a lead of 4.59 lakh votes at 12.45 pm.

ALSO READ: Narendra Modi-Ajay Rai neck-and-neck in Varanasi Lok Sabha elections 2024 Congress candidate Chandanji Thakor was leading by a margin of 4,874 votes from Patan seat while Geniben Nagaji Thakor eked out a slim lead of 1385 votes in Banaskantha.

The BJP has also secured a comfortable lead in all five assembly seats where by-elections were held in early May. Bypolls were made necessary in Porbandar, Manavadar, Khambhat, Vaghodiya and Vijapur assembly seats after the sitting Congress and independent MLAs joined the BJP. The BJP had opted to field the same candidates for the polls.
Lok Sabha Election Result 2024 Winners List: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led-NDA is all set to win 296 seats, while the INDA bloc 229 seats, according to results and trends.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, AIMIM leader Asaduddin were among the top leader who emerged as winners.

The country's IT hub Bengaluru also got its first ever woman Lok Sabha member as BJP leader and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje won Bengaluru North seat defeating Congress candidate M V Rajeev Gowda.

Also Read | Live updates on Lok Sabha Election Result 2024

A party or a coalition needs to win at least 272 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats to be in power at the centre. Narendra Modi will be the first Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to win three straight terms, if the NDA emerges victorious under his leadership this election. The BJP is confident of easily crossing the majority mark and has even planned out celebrations, while the Oppositions INDIA bloc has rubbished the exit polls.

Also Read | Live updates on Lok Sabha Election Result 2024 Political Leaders' Reactions

To recall, pollsters had predicted around 285 seats for the NDA in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and in reality, the NDA bagged 353 seats, of which the BJP got 303 alone. The Oppositions UPA managed only 93 seats of which the Congress got 52. In the Lok Sabha Elections 2014, the NDA was estimated to win around 257-340 seats. However, the NDA won 336 seats and Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister for the first time.

Also Read | Live updates on Lok Sabha Election Result 2024 Highlights

It is worth mentioning that the BJP has already won the Surat Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat, which has a total of 26 seats. Mukesh Dalal, the BJP candidate, was announced as the sole victor from Surat on April 22 after eight other contenders withdrew from the race following the disqualification of Congress' Nilesh Kumbhani and his replacement. The disqualification stemmed from purported inconsistencies in the signatures of their backers on their nomination papers.

Also Read | Live updates on Lok Sabha Election Result 2024 Social Media Reactions

The winners list from the BJP-led NDA and the opposition parties-led INDIA bloc will be out as the Election Commission announces the result of the 543-member Lok Sabha election. As per results and trends at 10:50pm the BJP was leading on 240 seats, Congress is ahead on 99 seats, and the Samajwadi Party on 37 seats.

LiveMint is running Lok Sabha Election Result 2024 winners list LIVE updates, stay tuned.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed the Lok Sabha election results as an unprecedented moment in Indian history as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained power for the third consecutive term. The saffron party is set to win 240 seats on its own, while NDA allies lead in another 51 constituencies. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc defied exit poll predictions to secure a lead in around 234 seats.

 ...On this sacred day, it is confirmed that NDA is making govt for the third time. We are grateful to the people. For the first time since 1962, a government has returned to power after completing two consecutive termsnew history has been created after six decades, the prime minister said.

Party workers and supporters sounded the 'shankha' and danced to 'dhol' beats as the newly re-elected lawmakers reached the BJP headquarters. Videos shared online showed many people chanting Modi and Jai Shri Ram as he addressed the gathering. Senior politicians, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda, were also in attendance.

Data shared by the Election Commission indicates that the BJP will win 240 seats on its own while its allies secure around 51 seats. The 2024 numbers, however, come as a blow to the saffron party  which had previously secured 303 seats on its own. The BJP will now have to rely on alliance partners to form the government and come to power.

PM Modi began his address to party workers with chants of Jai Jagannath  a nod to the BJP's sweep of Odisha Assembly elections. He also thanked the people of India for reposing full faith in the BJP and NDA during the recent elections.

Congress has been wiped out in Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim. BJP is going to form govt in Odisha. BJP won a seat in Kerala as well our party workers in Kerala have made a lot of sacrifices, he added.

ALSO READ: Poll result debacle: The stock markets love for the BJP cost it dearly Modi had earlier lauded party workers for their hard work and vowed to continue the good work done in the last decade.

"People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in Indias history. I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people. I also salute all our Karyakartas for their hard work. Words will never do justice to their exceptional efforts," he tweeted as the counting of votes continued on Tuesday evening.
Veteran Congress leader Shashi Tharoor defeated Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar with a margin of 16,077 votes on Tuesday in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat in Kerala.

It is disappointing given that we worked very hard.We ran a very positive campaign.3.4 lakh people supported us which is a record number.I believe we are on the right track.I am disappointed that I could not winMy commitment to Thiruvananthapuram and people of Thiruvananthapuram remains steadfast., the ANI quoted Chandrasekhar as saying.

During the initial hours of counting, Chandrasekhar and Tharoor were neck-and-neck, with each taking a lead of a few thousand votes. By evening, the BJP leader gained a healthy lead of around 24,000 votes; however, more than an hour later, Tharoor took the lead from Chandrasekhar. The BJP candidate secured 3,42,078 votes.

In Kerala, the Congress leads at 14 seats, and IUML at two and CPI(M) at 1 seat. The BJP has also now secured leads in one constituency: Thrissur, with a margin of 74,840. If the BJP holds on to their leads, it will mark the first

Also Read | Election Results 2024 Live Updates: NDA nears 300 seats; INDIA defies exit polls Earlier, on Monday, after the exit polls predicted a third straight win for the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections, Tharoor said the polls were laughable, asserting that the INDIA bloc would get 295 seats.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Wholl be kingmakers if BJP falls short of 272? "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 don't 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.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who clinched thumping victories in both the parliamentary constituencies he had contestedWayanad and Rae Bareliin the Lok Sabha Election 2024, on Tuesday noted that he can't become an MP from both seats at the same time. He stated that the decision on which seat he would be retaining will be made during the INDIA bloc's meeting on Wednesday.

I won both seats, and I thank the voters of Rae Bareli and Wayanad. But it has to be decided which seat I will be an MP from. I can't be an MP from both the seats, Gandhi said at a press conference on Tuesday.

"We are going to have a meeting with our INDIA partners tomorrow...we respect our alliance partners and we won't make statements to the Press without asking them," the Congress leader added.

Gandhi won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala by a margin of over 3 lakh votes, as per the Election Commission's website. He is currently leading in Rae Bareli by more than 3 lakh votes.

Rahul Gandhi extended a special thanks to the people of Uttar Pradesh as the Election Commission's results trends showed the opposition INDIA bloc in a close fight with the BJP-led NDA in the state. Uttar Pradesh, with 80 constituencies, is a crucial state in the Lok Sabha elections as it sends the most number of members to the Lok Sabha.

"UP ki janta ne kamaal karke dikha diya...The people of UP understood the politics of the country and the danger to the Constitution, and they safeguarded the Constitution. I thank them for supporting the Congress and the INDIA bloc...," Gandhi said.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, industrialist Naveen Jindal and UP Minister Jitin Prasada are among the turncoats who won the Lok Sabha polls while Ashok Tanwar, Sita Soren and Preneet Kaur joined the list of those who had defected to the saffron party but could not succeed.

Aviation Minister Scindia won from Guna constituency in Madhya Pradesh by a margin of over five lakh votes.

In 2019, Scindia had contested the polls from Guna on a Congress ticket but lost to BJP's Krishna Pal Singh. The constituency has been a stronghold of the Scindia family, represented by his grandmother Vijaya Raje Scindia, popularly known as the Rajmata of Gwalior, for four consecutive terms from 1989 to 1998 as a BJP member.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 Live Updates

In 2020, he revolted against the Congress and joined the BJP along with his 22 loyalist MLAs in Madhya Pradesh, which resulted in the BJP assuming control of the state government.

Industrialist and two-time MP Naveen Jindal had joined the BJP in March this year, ending his two decade long association with the Congress. He won from Kurukshetra in Haryana by a margin of over 29,000 votes.

Jitin Prasada, Uttar Pradesh PWD minister and son of veteran Congress leader late Jitendra Prasada, had quit the Congress three years ago and joined the BJP. He was fielded from Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency in place of sitting MP Varun Gandhi and won by a margin of over 1.64 lakh votes.

Former Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar, who had joined the BJP earlier this year, lost the election to Congress' Kumari Selja from Sirsa by a margin of over 2.68 lakh votes.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 Reactions LIVE Updates

Tanwar had quit the Congress in 2019 and joined the AAP in 2022. In between, the former Lok Sabha MP had floated his party and even joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for a brief period.

Sita Soren, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA who had joined BJP in March this year, lost the election from Dumka by a margin of over 22,000 votes. She is the sister-in-law of former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren.

Former Union minister Preneet Kaur, who had joined the BJP this year, lost the elections from Patiala, a constituency from where she had won four times earlier. She is the wife of Congress heavyweight Captain Amarinder Singh.

Kaur finished at the third spot and lost by a margin of around 16,000 votes.

Ravneet Bittu, who won as Congress candidate in 2019 and switched to the BJP in March, could not retain his Ludhiana seat. He lost to Congress' Amrinder Singh Raja by over 20,000 votes.

Sushil Rinku, who was Aam Aadmi Party's lone MP in the outgoing Lok Sabha, also joined the BJP ahead of elections but could not retain his Jalandhar seat. He lost to Congess' Charanjit Singh Channi, the former Punjab chief minister.

Starting as the Congress MLA from Jalandhar West in 2017, Rinku switched to the AAP in April 2023 ahead of the Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll, necessitated by the death of Congress MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary. He won the seat to become the lone MP of the party in the lower house. After the AAP named him as its candidate from Jalandhar, he switched to the BJP on March 27.

Rana Gurmit Sodhi, a senior Congress leader and a close aide of former chief minister Amarinder Singh, lost the election from the Ferozepur Lok Sabha constituency. Sodhi, a former Punjab cabinet minister, had joined the BJP in December, 2021, weeks before the state assembly polls.

Similarly, three-time MLA Manjit Singh Manna Mianwind , who joined the BJP from the SAD in January 2022, was fielded from Khadoor Sahib and lost the elections.

Among the defectors fielded by the AAP in Punjab were sitting legislator Raj Kumar Chabbewal and ex-MLAs Gurpreet Singh GP and Pawan Tinu. Chabbewal and GP, who switched loyalties from the Congress in March this year, contested from Hoshiarpur and Fatehgarh Sahib respectively, while Tinu, who jumped ship from the SAD in April tried his luck from Jalandhar.
Madhya Pradesh Lok Sabha elections 2024: Early trends of the Lok Sabha poll votes in Indore in Madhya Pradesh showed that NOTA (None of the Above) has bagged over 1.4 lakh votes till noon on Tuesday.

According to the Election Commission of India's (ECI) data, as many as1,44,842 NOTA votes were casted till 12 noon on Tuesday.

NOTA allows the voters to officially register a vote of rejection for all candidates contesting in an election. It was introduced in September 2013 following a Supreme Court decision.

Also read: BJP leading in all 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, Congress' MP Nakul Nath trailing in trends While 14 candidates were in the fray in Indore, the main battle is between BJP's sitting MP Shankar Lalwani and NOTA, PTI reported citing observers.

Voting in Indore took place on May 13, with 61.75 per cent of the 25.27 lakh electors exercising their franchise.

NOTA vote count, according to ECI data

What did Congress predict? Congress, which was pushed out of fray from Madhya Pradesh's Indore Lok Sabha seat after its candidate withdrew, claimed on Monday that NOTA would bag two lakh votes.

On April 29, Congress faced a significant blow when its candidate, Akshay Kanti Bam, withdrew his nomination. This was the first time in Indore's 72-year electoral history that the Congress had no representation in the polls.

Also read: Big setback to Congress! Akshay Bam withdraws nomination from Indore, joins BJP The Congress had termed it the "strangling of democracy" and had been appealing to voters since then to press the None of The Above option on the EVM to "teach the Bharatiya Janata Party" a lesson.

"This time NOTA will get at least two lakh votes in Indore. This national record will go down in history. It will be a lesson for political parties like BJP which strangle democracy," a senior Congress leader Shobha Oza had said.
Maharashtra Election Results 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a setback in Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra on June 4, with its tally dwindling by less than half compared to 2019, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) were set to win 29 out of 48 seats.

The BJP-led NDA fell significantly short of its target of bagging 45-plus seats in Maharashtra, going by the results and latest trends in counting of votes till 10.40 pm. The BJP won 10 seats, far from the 23 it won in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in the state. Eknath Shinde's faction of Shiv Sena won seven seats. Another ally, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP bagged a seat.

The Congress was leading in 13 seats, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena in nine, and Sharad Pawar's NCP in seven. Further, an independent candidate won from one seat, data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) website showed. Among the main faces, BJP's Nitin Gadkari, the highway man of India won from the Nagpur constituency, while Piyush Goyal won from Mumbai North defeating Congress' Bhushan Patil.

In Kalyan, CM Eknath Shindes son and Shiv Sena nominee Shrikant Shinde defeated Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vaishali Darekar-Rane by 209144 votes. Congress candidate Varsha Gaikwad won from Mumbai North Central seat. She defeated lawyer Ujjwal Nikam of BJP by 16514 votes. In coastal Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg seat, Union minister Narayan Rane of BJP trounced Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee Vinayak Raut by 47858 votes.

Track | Election Results 2024 Live Updates

Full List of Candidates & Winners

Maharashtra: 48 Lok Sabha Constituencies Status (Data: EC) Constituency Leading Candidate Leading Party Margin Ahmednagar NILESH DNYANDEV LANKE Nationalist Congress Party  Sharadchandra Pawar 4971 Akola ANUP SANJAY DHOTRE Bharatiya Janata Party 16596 Amravati BALWANT BASWANT WANKHADE Indian National Congress 16466 Aurangabad BHUMARE SANDIPANRAO ASARAM Shiv Sena 41643 Baramati SUPRIYA SULE Nationalist Congress Party  Sharadchandra Pawar 22237 Beed PANKAJA GOPINATHRAO MUNDE Bharatiya Janata Party 15811 Bhandara Gondiya DR. PRASHANT YADAORAO PADOLE Indian National Congress 8026 Bhiwandi BALYA MAMA - SURESH GOPINATH MHATRE Nationalist Congress Party  Sharadchandra Pawar 67388 Buldhana JADHAV PRATAPRAO GANPATRAO Shiv Sena 28384 Chandrapur DHANORKAR PRATIBHA SURESH ALIAS BALUBHAU Indian National Congress 176259 Dhule BHAMRE SUBHASH RAMRAO Bharatiya Janata Party 43860 Dindori BHASKAR MURLIDHAR BHAGARE Nationalist Congress Party  Sharadchandra Pawar 87922 Gadchiroli - Chimur DR. KIRSAN NAMDEO Indian National Congress 97949 Hatkanangale DHAIRYASHEEL SAMBHAJIRAO MANE Shiv Sena 6418 Hingoli AASHTIKAR PATIL NAGESH BAPURAO Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) 73548 Jalgaon SMITA UDAY WAGH Bharatiya Janata Party 234730 Jalna KALYAN VAIJINATHRAO KALE Indian National Congress 31992 Kalyan DR SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE Shiv Sena 204500 Kolhapur CHHATRAPATI SHAHU SHAHAJI Indian National Congress 107317 Latur DR. KALGE SHIVAJI BANDAPPA Indian National Congress 34760 Madha MOHITE-PATIL DHAIRYASHEEL RAJSINH Nationalist Congress Party  Sharadchandra Pawar 38484 Maval SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE Shiv Sena 101603 Mumbai North PIYUSH GOYAL Bharatiya Janata Party 262599 Mumbai North Central ADV UJWAL NIKAM Bharatiya Janata Party 176 Mumbai North East SANJAY DINA PATIL Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) 25087 Mumbai North West AMOL GAJANAN KIRTIKAR Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) 6773 Mumbai South ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) 38279 Mumbai South Central ANIL YESHWANT DESAI Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) WON with 3,95,138 votes (53,384 margin) Nagpur NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI Bharatiya Janata Party 112489 Nanded CHAVAN VASANTRAO BALWANTRAO Indian National Congress 8823 Nandurbar ADV GOWAAL KAGADA PADAVI Indian National Congress WON with 7,45,998 votes (1,59,120 margin) Nashik RAJABHAU (PARAG) PRAKASH WAJE Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) 61813 Osmanabad OMPRAKASH BHUPALSINH ALIAS PAVAN RAJENIMBALKAR Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) 225206 Palghar DR. HEMANT VISHNU SAVARA Bharatiya Janata Party 176940 Parbhani JADHAV SANJAY ( BANDU ) HARIBHAU Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) 72215 Pune MURLIDHAR MOHOL Bharatiya Janata Party 86369 Raigad TATKARE SUNIL DATTATREY Nationalist Congress Party WON with 5,08,352 votes (82,784 margin) Ramtek Shyamkumar (Babalu) Daulat Barve Indian National Congress 50025 Ratnagiri- Sindhudurg NARAYAN TATU RANE Bharatiya Janata Party 58630 Raver KHADSE RAKSHA NIKHIL Bharatiya Janata Party 211837 Sangli VISHAL (DADA) PRAKASHBAPU PATIL Independent 99011 Satara SHRIMANT CHH UDAYANRAJE PRATAPSINHAMAHARAJ BHONSLE Bharatiya Janata Party 20724 Shirdi BHAUSAHEB RAJARAM WAKCHAURE Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) 43642 Shirur DR. AMOL RAMSING KOLHE Nationalist Congress Party  Sharadchandra Pawar 71999 Solapur PRANITI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE Indian National Congress 69366 Thane NARESH GANPAT MHASKE Shiv Sena 151582 Wardha AMAR SHARADRAO KALE Nationalist Congress Party  Sharadchandra Pawar 36462 Yavatmal- Washim SANJAY UTTAMRAO DESHMUKH Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) 64870

Exit Poll Predictions In Maharashtra, a keenly watched state, various exit polls on the Lok Sabha 2024 elections had predicted that BJP-led Mahayuti will get 22 to 35 seats, while Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will get15 to 26 seats in Maharashtra.

The BJP contested in 28 constituencies, while its allies, the Shiv Sena (Shinde), fought in 14 and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in five. MVA members, the Shiv Sena (UBT), contested in 21 constituencies, the Congress in 17, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar) in 10.

The Lok Sabha election was held across five phases in Maharashtra.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCPSP) chief Sharad Pawar has issued first statement as the counting of votes in Maharashtra is still underway. The party is currently leading in 6 seats. There are total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Election Results 2024 Live Updates Maharashtra which witnessed a change in government mid-term and double splits in Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), saw political gains in the Lok Sabha polls. As per EC data, the MVA is leading with The INDIA bloc is leading on 28 seats in Maharashtra while the Mahuyati Alliance which consists of Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena (5), Ajit Pawar's NCP (1) and BJP (13) has managed to lead on 19 seats.

Election Results 2024 Live Updates: While addressing a press conference, NCPSP chief Sharad Pawar said, Sabak aam janata ne sikhaya.

MVA members saw Shiv Sena (UBT) competing in 21 constituencies, Congress in 17, while NCPSP in 10 constituences.

Also Read: Sharad Pawar in touch with Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu as BJP heads towards muted win? INDIA leader says Double splits in Maharashtra On July 2 last year, Ajit Pawar left the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and joined the BJP-led NDA camp to become the Deputy Chief Minister for the fifth time. Pawar took eight MLAs with him from the Sharad Pawar faction, which is currently in opposition in the state Legislative Assembly, to the Eknath Shinde-led government.
BEIJINGAt an industrial site with gray factory buildings surrounded by young trees, Chinas chip champion is operating a new production line key to Chinese leader Xi Jinpings goal to eliminate reliance on U.S. technology.

By todays standards, the operations done here by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., or SMIC, are retrograde, several generations behind the likes of industry leaders Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., commonly known as TSMC, or Samsung Electronics.

But SMIC, at the companys new Jingcheng facility on the industrial outskirts of Beijing, is aggressively incorporating homegrown semiconductor-production equipment into its manufacturing line. Meanwhile, it is cutting back on its longtime reliance on industry-leading American tools, a person familiar with the matter said.

The line represents one of Chinas most advanced efforts to date to commercially create chips with domestic toolsa technological self-survival tactic that would help inoculate Beijing from U.S. sanctions.

It is a part of a broader campaign to eradicate American technology in China, dubbed Delete A" or Decouple From A," which has accelerated in recent years as the worlds two biggest economies intensify their battle to dominate in next-generation technology.

The Biden administration, and some U.S. allies such as Japan and the Netherlands, have introduced targeted export curbs that have undercut Chinas ability to make high-end chips. But those measures have also served as a rallying call for Chinas homegrown industry to develop more quickly, leading to big spending, experimentation and even some breakthroughs.

China, defying the global drop in semiconductor-equipment purchases, went on a spending spree in 2023 and represented a third of worldwide sales, according to industry association SEMI. This year, the country will add more new semiconductor-production capacity than the rest of the world combined, all for mature-technology chips, according to an estimate by analytics firm Gavekal Research. In May, China established a third round of its national semiconductor fund worth roughly $48 billioncoming on top of the previous two iterations that totaled nearly $50 billion.

The SMIC project, for now, remains largely aspirational. The production line still features some U.S. tools as well as other equipment from outside of China. China has a long way to go to shed its reliance on foreign technologies, especially those needed to produce higher-end chips, semiconductor executives and industry experts say.

Still, SMIC is on a path to commercialization. It is now capable of producing chips as advanced as 28-nanometer circuits at this line, and recent output volume there is already beyond the pilot production level, a person familiar with the matter said.

By blocking everything, you force the sleeping lion to wake up," said Konrad Kwang-Leei Young, a former executive at TSMC who served as an independent SMIC board member until 2021, referring to the state of Chinas semiconductor industry.

Awakened lion

SMIC, a contract-chip manufacturer founded in 2000 in Shanghai, currently represents Chinas best shot at one day churning out the worlds most-advanced chips.

SMIC, which isnt a directly government-run enterprise, counts state-linked investors including the national semiconductor fund among its major shareholders. Its current chairman, who joined the board in 2023 with the recommendation of the national semiconductor fund, has previously served executive roles at state-owned enterprises.

In 2017, SMIC set up an innovation center adjacent to a fabrication plant in southern Beijing. There, it conducts research related to localizing the companys supply chain, people familiar with the project said.

SMIC was added to the U.S.s export blacklist in December 2020 over alleged links to the Chinese military. That meant companies with any U.S.-originating technology needed Washingtons signoff to sell tools, equipment or parts to SMIC that could aid more advanced chipmaking. SMIC has denied any links to Chinas military.

Since then, SMIC has accelerated its self-sufficiency efforts. The Jingcheng project that favors Chinese suppliers underscores how SMICs efforts have gone from research to nearing commercialization following the U.S. blacklisting.

Domestic tools used at the line include those made by Chinas leading semiconductor-equipment makers, such as Naura Technology Group; Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment, or AMEC; and the Shanghai-based ACM Research, a person familiar with the matter said.

The end-use of the chips made at the Jingcheng plant couldnt be determined. Generally, chips of around 28 nanometers are widely used in household devices and cars, several generations removed from the cutting-edge technologies in new smartphones as well as those needed to train large language models driving generative artificial intelligence.

SMIC has received $1.8 billion in direct government grants since 2017, according to data provider Wind. It is currently expanding production capacity for legacy chips.

Before the U.S. restrictions, Chinese chip makers could access most foreign tools and other technology, and they made efficiency a priority instead of serving as a test bed for local companies. After the sanctions, they had no choice but to use domestic alternatives for some areas. Even when they have a choice, they are aiming to secure backup options, industry experts say.

The self-sufficiency path forward will be increasingly difficult as chip technology advances.

To be truly localized, China not only needs domestic equipment for making chips, but also must make sure the components inside the homegrown equipment are domestically produced. It would also need to locally manufacture wafers and other materials it uses for the chips.

Chinas new advances and bottlenecks

There have been some apparent breakthroughs. Last year, Huawei Technologies released its new Mate 60 smartphone, which contained a system-on-chip made with SMICs technology comparable with the 7-nanometer process, according to a teardown by TechInsights, an industry research firm.

Neither Huawei nor SMIC have confirmed who manufactured the advanced chip in the Mate 60.

It was seen as a feat because SMIC and other Chinese chip makers dont have access to the latest lithography machine made by Netherlands-based ASML Holding. The Netherlands restricts such sales to China.

Veteran semiconductor-manufacturing engineers think Huawei and its partners could have made the chips using a process that exposes the silicon to light multiple times instead of oncebut doing so would lead to worse yields and higher costs.

At more advanced levels of chipmaking, the technique would become even more difficult and less efficient, the engineers say.

China has no homegrown alternative for the higher-end lithography machines. The countrys top domestic option is Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment Group, whose website shows it makes lithography machines for production of chips as advanced as 90-nanometer circuit size.

Globally, that technology was introduced more than 20 years ago.

The U.S. and its allies export controls clamped down access to a variety of foreign technology. Now, a flood of new local companies have been established to fill in the gaps.

Competition is so tight that some companies offer buy one, get one free" enticements for certain chip-making tools, an industry executive said.

At Semicon, a chip-tool exhibition that took place in Shanghai in March, some exhibitors emphasized their homegrown offerings. One featured a sign that read: High level of localization."

Meanwhile, Chinese companies are stockpiling foreign equipment untouched by the Biden administration or other governments restrictions.

Applied Materials and Lam Research, both based in California, each derived roughly two-fifths of their total revenue from China in their most recent quarter. About half of ASMLs lithography-system sales came from China in the first three months of the year.

Clarence Leong contributed to this article.

Write to Yoko Kubota at yoko.kubota@wsj.com
An over 3 percent gain in the Nifty 50 on Monday, June 3, following exit polls predicting a solid majority for the Narendra Modi-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, could extend further if the election results on Tuesday align with market expectations. However, if the results fail to meet the expectations of D-Street, there may be some turbulence in the short term, according to experts.

Nifty 50 hit an all-time high of 23,338.70 but closed at 23,263.90, up 3.25 per cent, on Monday. Experts believe the index could rise to the level of 23,500 on Tuesday.

Experts believe some profit-booking may follow a market rally after the election results, as the market's focus for the short term will shift to the government's policy announcements in the first 100 days and the upcoming Budget.

All eyes are on the Lok Sabha election results on Tuesday, June 4. Elections serve as both short-term and long-term triggers for the stock market. In the short term, election-related speculations and outcomes influence market sentiment. In the long term, political stability, government policies, and measures significantly impact the stock market.

We gathered expert opinions on how they expect the Nifty 50 to move on election result day. Will Nifty 50 break Monday's record or remain in a range? Here's what they said:

Shrikant Chouhan, Head -Equity Research, Kotak Securities Chouhan believes that as long as the Nifty 50 trades above 23,000, the bullish momentum will likely continue.

"On the higher side, the index may rise to 23,500 or even 23,800 levels. On the other hand, below 23,000, the index might correct back to 22,800 levels. The strategy should be to take partial profit on long positions around 23,800 levels," said Chouhan.

"The strategy for Tuesday should be to create 'Bull Call Spread'. For that, buy 23,000 call options (6th June 2024) at 200, with a target of 500 and sell 23,800 call options at 60. The maximum loss would be 140 points. The risk-reward ratio would be 1:3," said Chouhan.

Apurva Sheth, Head of Market Perspectives & Research, SAMCO Securities Sheth believes that the Nifty 50 has the potential to touch 23,500 as the counting starts on Tuesday, June 4. However, he said traders must use this as an opportunity to book profits in their long positions and wait for the dips in Nifty around 23,000 to 22,800 levels to create fresh long positions. The medium-term target in Nifty is around 24,500.

"If the actual results of the Lok Sabha elections mirror the forecast of Saturdays Exit Polls, we may see this euphoria sustaining. At the same time, we may see the euphoria gradually dying after the results are declared, as the phenomenon of 'buy on rumours, sell on news' may come into play," said Sheth.

Rajesh Palviya, SVP - Technical and Derivatives Research, Axis Securities Nifty 50 hit an all-time high and witnessed short covering; if election results align with exit polls, this rally will likely continue.

We may see another round of short covering in Nifty, which can take it higher towards 23,700-23,800 levels. The market has shown a strong rally in the PSU basket, which indicates that the street is confident towards the clear victory of the NDA government, Palviya said.

"We may witness high volatility during the day. We advise keeping a stop loss of 23,050 to hold long positions," said Palviya.

Mandar Bhojane, Equity Research Analyst, Choice Broking Significant market volatility is expected as we anticipate the official election results on June 4.

"The Nifty index has established strong support between 22,600 and 22,800, potentially reaching 24,000 if it closes above 23,400. The RSI at 67 indicates strength, while open interest (OI) data shows resistance at 23,500 and 24,000 on the call side and support at 23,000 on the put side. For Bank Nifty, sustaining above 51,000 could push it to 52,000 and 52,700, with immediate support at 50,400 and 50,000," said Bhojane.

"Traders and investors should employ robust risk management strategies, monitor key levels, and stay informed about real-time election updates. This approach will help navigate the expected volatility and capitalise on potential opportunities in the market," Bhojane said.

Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst, LKP Securities If the election results align with the exit poll or fall below the poll numbers, it might attract mild to heavy selling pressure in the overall market, including in the Nifty 50, said De.

"However, if the results are better than expectedmeaning if the NDA secures significantly more seats than the average exit poll numbersthen the Nifty might embrace another round of buoyant movement," said De.

Ruchit Jain, Lead Research, 5paisa Capital If all goes well, we could see a continuation of the momentum on the higher side. The previous hurdle of 23,100-23,000 will be seen as immediate support now, Jain said.

"On the higher side, retracements of previous moves hint at possible targets around 23,700, followed by 24,000-24,200. Hence, traders are advised to continue trading in the direction of the primary trend with a positive bias," said Jain.

Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Financial Services James pointed out that India VIX has eased 14 per cent, suggesting that market expectation for downside surprise has eased. Historically, VIX collapses immediately after the maturity of the event. This suggests that call premia has limited room for upside, even if results best exit poll outcome in favour of the ruling party. However, given that VIX is yet to slip below 20, an expectation of an outlier is still very present.

"Our go-to strategy for such a scenario is an iron condor or iron butterfly option strategy, which bets on VIXs collapse but also limits risk to account for wild scenarios," said James.

Shrey Jain, Founder and CEO, SAS Online "Today's market mood heavily relies on the election outcome. If the results match the exit polls, indicating a significant win for the NDA, the Nifty could experience more positive activity. However, if the results fall short of the exit poll predictions, it could trigger selling pressure across the market, including the Nifty," said Jain.

"Looking at yesterday's market activity, it's clear that bullish sentiment drives things, with buyers eagerly capitalising on even minor dips to make long-term investments. The Nifty has established a new base of 23,000, with support levels of 23,200 and 22,950-23,000. The Nifty faces immediate resistance at 23,350, potentially prompting some investors to take profits," said Jain.

Atul Parakh, CEO of Bigul According to Parakh, from a long-term perspective, the market's trajectory hinges on a broader set of factors, such as structural economic reforms, implemented fiscal policies, global market trends, and corporate earnings growth. These fundamental drivers will continue influencing market performance significantly beyond the immediate election cycle.

"While short-term fluctuations are expected, we advise investors to maintain a cautious approach, prioritising in-depth fundamental analysis and strategic diversification to navigate potential turbulence and capture long-term opportunities," said Parakh.

Read all market-related news here
Nifty Bank experienced an intraday decline of nearly 5,000 points or 10 per cent on Tuesday as investors made mincemeat of the markets following poll trends that indicated the INDIA alliance was fighting hard around half past noon against the exit polls that had handed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led NDA alliance a resounding victory.

All 12 of the index's companies were trading lower as Nifty Bank hit its lowest point of the day, 46,077.85. Ranking heavyweights HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank were among the top three laggards, having been surpassed in the slide by Reliance Industries (RIL).

In addition, the state-run State Bank of India (SBI) had a significant role in the collapse. SBI plummeted by an enormous 19 per cent, reaching an intraday low of 732. The counter's market capitalization decreased to little over 7 lakh crore on the BSE after surpassing 8 lakh crore at its all-time high.

Today, Bank Nifty experienced a sharp decline, finding support near its 200-day EMA at 46,200. Due to uncertainty surrounding the election results, we may observe additional selling pressure if Bank Nifty falls below its 200-day EMA. Consequently, 46,200 will serve as an immediate support level, while 48,000 will act as the first resistance level for Bank Nifty, said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst, LKP Securities.
Chicago isnt a beacon for free markets these days, but the city has been home to some of the visionaries of todays financial system. The Chicago History Museum this month is saluting one of those creators, 92-year-old Leo Melamed, whose journey is a reminder of an era when financial innovation changed the world for the better.

Mr. Melamed was born in Poland, and his Jewish family fled the Nazis on the last train to Lithuania. They made their way through Siberia to Vladivostok and then Japan. They were among the few families to get U.S. visas and arrived in 1941 after a two-year journey.

The family settled in a Chicago neighborhood that Mr. Melamed remembers as full of Irish, Italian and Jewish immigrants. He knew no English but made his way through public schools and John Marshall Law School. Looking for work, he saw a classified ad for Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Beane, which he assumed was a law firm. The mistake led him to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where he changed the future of trading futures.

The Merc in the 1950s and 60s was a small exchange, trading primarily in agricultural products. Mr. Melamed foresaw the application of futures to currencies and financial instruments. Everyone laughed me out of the room when I suggested it," Mr. Melamed says. So he got up his courage and called economist Milton Friedman, who was then at the University of Chicago.

Friedman told him it was a wonderful idea, and the rest is history. Mr. Melamed became chairman of the Merc and created the International Monetary Market to trade in financial futures. In May 1972, he began trading futures for financial currencies, including the British pound, the Deutschmark, Swiss Franc and Japanese yen. According to the Futures Industry Association, by 2023 the futures market included 29.1 billion contracts.

Futures markets arent the gambling dens of populist caricature. They let farmers and businesses hedge risk. They let small investors protect themselves against market volatility, and multinational companies grow by providing insurance against currency fluctuation.

In 1987 Mr. Melamed launched electronic trading with the Globex system. The change directly threatened the open-outcry system that had dominated the exchanges since their inception. Think of the movie Trading Places." Many traders were furious, but the change drove financial markets into the future and preserved the Mercs prominence in global finance. Competition is the key," Mr. Melamed says. It makes growth happen."

Free markets are out of political fashion these days, though they have lifted billions from poverty. Good for the Chicago museum for recognizing a native sons contribution to American freedom and prosperity.
Vikas Khemani, the founder of Carnelian Asset Management, which manages over 3,600 crore, is setting his sights high with plans to launch a new venturethe Bharat Amritkal Fund, a category III Alternative Investment Fund, requiring a minimum investment of 5 crore.

With this fund, Khemani, a Portfolio Management Service (PMS) manager, aims to capitalize on India's economic trajectory, betting on sectors expected to undergo substantial growth, including manufacturing, banking, infrastructure, and consumption, as the country targets a $29 trillion GDP by 2047, accounting for an estimated 16% of global GDP.

This strategy also reflects Khemani's confidence in an outright victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)a thesis that now looks a little shaky.

Mint spoke to Khemani in detail about his strategies, and the vision behind the Bharat Amritkal Fund. Edited excerpts:

Whats the concept behind Bharat Amritkal Fund?

With markets experiencing significant growth, the questions we often receive from clients focus on market sentiment and valuationsmarket kitna lagta hai (Whats the mood of the market), how are valuations looking, etc. This led me to adopt a broader perspective, to showcase the potential that lies ahead. By taking a long-term view, we recognize that India is entering a unique phase of development. From our experience, substantial returns are garnered from prolonged investments, but such commitments require strong conviction in the outcomes.

Over the next 25 years, as India progresses towards becoming a developed nation, Carnelian Asset Management plans to invest in companies poised for substantial growth. While we dont necessarily hold every company for 25 years, our strategy is to build a diversified portfolio designed to capitalize on both short-term and long-term trends.

Currently, Indias GDP is slightly under $4 trillion. By 2047, at the conclusion of Amrit Kal, we project it to reach between $29 trillion and $30 trillion. Our per capita income is expected to increase from $2,500 to $18,000, positioning India to account for 15-16% of global GDP. This growth is feasible thanks to extensive foundational work, economic reforms, and advancements in digital infrastructure.

More Here: How CAMS is tackling SIP bounces and enhancing investor experience

Moreover, India has undergone six significant shifts: from incremental to exponential growth; from constrained to unconstrained thinking; shifting away from Western dependency towards indigenous solutions; innovating at scale and low cost; enhanced social welfare; and a more pronounced presence on the global stage.

View Full Image (Graphic: Pranay Bhardwaj)

But that's at a macro level?

Indeed, these are broad megatrends. However, within these, we are identifying specific themes and opportunities. We have organized these into five key sectors: banking & financial services, manufacturing, services, infrastructure, and consumption. Within each sector, there are numerous sub-trends, and the goal of the Bharat Amrit Kal fund is to tap into these nuanced areas. We carefully analyse the macroeconomic environment to pinpoint sectors poised for significant benefits.

Consider the banking and financial sector: In 2000, total banking credit was $125 billion. Today, it stands at $2.5 trillion despite several challenges. Over the next quarter-century, we could see this figure reach $60-65 trilliona scale that's based on historical data and not mere speculation. In 2000, the total market cap of banks was $9 billion; now, it has surged to a trillion dollars.

Regarding portfolio construction, we aim to include 25 to 30 stocks, with the top 25 receiving 80% of the allocation, while the remainder will comprise 5-6 stocks. The fund will employ a flexi-cap strategy, generally maintaining 30-40% in large caps, with the rest distributed among mid and small caps, ensuring no undue concentration in any category. Additionally, our 'shift fund' focuses predominantly on manufacturing and technology sectors.

Another theme that has become popular is quantitative-based investing. How does your approach compare?

I wouldnt say quantitative investing is trending or any such thing. Ultimately, we are right now seeing a good bull run and anything that is growing is working.

The way we select companies, you can very well put it into a filter and make it a quantitative thing. Just because we dont call ourselves quantitative funds does not mean theyre all very different. For instance, when you look at earnings growth, particularly ROC (Return on Capital) and debt to equity, etc, we are essentially using numbers and the quantitative guys might be doing the same thing. I dont think theres any fun in doing only quantitative.

The churn part is something I agree with you on. In a rising bull market, churn is easier and I would like to see what happens when the tide turns. Im neither for nor against it.

At least for us, our investing style is working very well, it has been tested across time frames and our performance is reasonably enticing, our shift strategy in the last year has delivered for the last four years a 46% CAGR and alpha of 20% per annum, our first multi-cap fund, the Carnelian Compounder Fund has delivered 24.9% CAGR post our expenses vs 16% benchmark returns for 5 years in the multi-cap fund.

Youve set a very high threshold of  5 crore. Why is that?

The thinking was that we wanted to have a maximum of 1,000 investors and we want to raise 5,000 crore. Incrementally weve seen that its not a big amount. I jokingly say that 5 crore is the new 1 crore. There was a time when PMS started with 5 lakh, now it's 50 lakh. Plus, our clients are large HNIs and family offices, so theres no issue.

How do you assess valuations in the current market?

Valuation is based on three primary components: yield, growth in yield, and the discounting rate. In India, the RoE stands at 15%, the highest globally, with earnings growth between 15% and 20%. Our discount rates are at historic lows, with only a 1.5% difference between US and Indian 10-year papers, and decreasing risk premiums. A 2% reduction in the discounting rate could enhance equity valuations by approximately 30%.

Whats your strategy for the elections?

I firmly believe the current government will be re-elected, whether they secure 350 or 400 seats. Even if they only achieve 300 seats, for the long-term investor, these numbers are less consequential. Our focus remains on the broader policy environment which I anticipate will continue to be favourable.

India doesnt seem to produce innovative tech companies like the US. Are you missing out by focusing only on domestic companies?

Our investment strategy doesnt solely rely on technology stocks. While tech giants in the US, like Nvidia, have shown impressive returns, similar opportunities exist within the Indian market across various sectors. Our diverse portfolio has demonstrated comparable growth, proving that significant returns are not limited to tech companies alone.

Also This: How this telecom executive is strategizing his path to FIRE
To give financial security to the service-class individuals in their post-retirement life, employers are meant to deduct a small portion of the salaries of employees, which is invested into EPF account, enabling the investment to grow at a healthy rate of interest.

Currently, the rate of interest is 8.15 percent per annum.

Employees provident Fund (EPF) subscribers are supposed to contribute 12 percent of their basic pay plus dearness allowance. Out of this contribution, 3.67 percent goes to the EPF account and 8.33 percent towards the pension fund.

There are a number of scenarios in which subscribers are permitted to withdraw an advance from their EPF fund during the tenure of their job.

However, before applying for a withdrawal, known as advance in the context of EPF, it is important that the UAN (Universal Account Number) is activated and the phone number linked to UAN is functional.

These are some of the key reasons for which EPF withdrawal is allowed.

EPF advance is allowed in these scenarios: 1. There is no unemployment for the past two months

2. There is a lockout of closure of company

3. Marriage of subscriber /son/ daughter/ brother/sister

4. Illness of subscriber or family member.

5. Expenses with regards to marriage and post metric education.

6. Disaster especially during Covid-19.

7. Disconnection of power.

8. Money to buy equipment during disability.

9. After the age of 54 and one year before retirement, subscribers can withdraw 90 percent of your account balance in form of advance.

EPF subscribers can apply for advance (withdrawal) on Umang app.

Additionally, EPFO has introduced a range of changes in the past few years in view of the changing circumstances.

The changes include the following: 1. During Covid, EPFO introduced non-refundable special COVID advance for the subscribers.

2. When EPF subscriber is unemployed for longer than one month, they are entitled to apply for non-refundable advance.

Also, the pension fund body in 2017 introduced a provision of direct benefit transfer (DBT) via digital means for the sake of comfort and ease of subscribers. Besides, it was made compulsory in 2015 to make EPF contributions via internet banking.

Dont withdraw money from your EPF account unless absolute necessary. This is the money for the retirement and you stand to earn maximum interest on this, says Anil Kumar Pritam, regional provident fund commissioner-I (RPFC-1), RO, Nasik.
(Note language in paragraph 6 that readers may find offensive)

By Suzanne McGee and Saqib Iqbal Ahmed

June 4 (Reuters) - A report on Monday that online broker E*Trade may consider banning Keith Gill, the meme-stock influencer who ignited frenzied trading in shares of GameStop in 2021, has triggered a backlash on social media sites.

The Wall Street Journal on Monday reported that E*Trade is considering banning Gill, who resumed posting online after a three-year hiatus in recent weeks.

E*Trade-parent Morgan Stanley, declined to comment on the report and the messages on social media calling for a boycott of the brokerage platform.

Brokerages have invited the ire of retail customers in the past, most notably in 2021 when Robinhood came under fire after it restricted purchases of certain heavily traded stocks, including GameStop, because of volatility.

"@etrade singled out their own customer @TheRoaringKitty taking marching orders from some smoke-filled back room somewhere and tried to say "nope, you don't get to be rich, you don't get to join the elites," X user @welp007 posted on Monday evening.

Many of those commenting on the latest twist in the Roaring Kitty/Gamestop saga referred to their perception that the Roaring Kitty episode serves as an example of the way in which big Wall Street players, from hedge funds to trading firms, take advantage of small retail investors.

Several posters on both X, where Gill uses the moniker RoaringKitty, and on Reddit, where he posts under the username DeepFuckingValue, posted screenshots of their requests to close their E*Trade accounts. Reuters was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the screenshots and the posters did not respond to requests for comment.

"If they're gonna ban the kitty, all of retail should leave their platform," proclaimed Reddit user FalseDifficulty2340.

Posters also suggested the firm's rivals likely would welcome Gill as a client if E*Trade removed Gill from its platform.
NEW DELHI : The 2024 general elections will probably go down as the one that saw the coming of age of opposition parties in leveraging alternative mediaYouTubers, independent journalists, social-media influencersin the jostle for gaining political mileage.

At last count, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) had clocked in 41.47% of all votes, right behind the National Democratic Alliances (NDA's) 45.13%. Media experts say a lot of the social-media content may not have been technically backed by the parties in question, but has instead come from unorganised entities working as an independent ecosystem to take on the ruling alliance via satire, humour and fact-based posts.

Names like Dhruv Rathee stand out with engaging and simplified videos on a number of subjects, complemented by the party leaders themselves who also tried to model communication that could appeal especially to Gen Z and millennial voters, experts pointed out.

The 2019 elections were largely dominated by WhatsApp, while the 2024 elections saw YouTube as a major medium," communications strategy consultant Karthik Srinivasan said. In a way, these influencers became an alternative media and were very vocal this election. Their presence was necessitated because the mainstream media was taking a pro-ruling government position."

This meant there was an active, visible and vocal counter media that probably shifted perspectives significantly, Srinivasan added. What they said and how they presented their points of view made a big dent with the people who were tired of seeing the same point of view coming from the organised media," he added.

Targetting young voters

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) selected influencers who reinforced its developmental and nationalistic narratives and appealed to its traditional voter base, the opposition strategically chose voices focused on employment, economic growth and social issues, resonating deeply with young voters.

The BJP, renowned for its innovative social-media strategies, maintained a robust social-media presence in the latest elections, but the Opposition matched these efforts, engaging an increasingly influential youthful electorate in tier-II and -III cities," Shudeep Majumdar, the co-founder of Delhi-based influencer marketing firm Zefmo Media said.

Brand consultant and social commentator Santosh Desai agreed it was the influencers working by themselves that emerged as powerful voices this election that political parties actually rode on. They garnered a very different kind of viewership from news channels," Desai added.

Sandeep Goyal, chairman and managing director of advertising agency Rediffusion, pointed out that there is complete democracy on social-media platforms. The Opposition used that opportunity and matched the ruling dispensation quietly and aggressively this time.

The average person uses the phone so much more than consuming regular news. So, it's easier (to spread the word) via memes or (Instagram) Reels. It is great that the opposition has finally woken up to the fact that the Internet can be used as a tool to bust all of these myths that the ruling party might spread; however, I feel that they started it a little later than they should have in their campaigning cycle," stand-up comic and podcaster Navin Noronha said.

Independent journalists lend a hand

Names such as Rathee and Akash Banerjee, better-known as The DeshBhakt, among others, have helped democratize the campaigning landscape and lent heft to the opposition voice, experts agree. Moreover, influencers are also able to push boundaries more than traditional media can. On Tuesday, Rathee posted on social media, Never underestimate the power of a common man."

These influencers may have played a role in swaying younger and first-time voters especially through short-format videos using Instagram Reels as well as YouTube," Lloyd Mathias, a business and marketing strategist said. Political parties need to be mindful of the power of social media and its ability to shape the narrative, as nearly a billion Indians are using these platforms and most of them dont attend any political rallies."

To be sure, experts emphasize it could be difficult to tell whether these influencers were backed by specific parties, and it could well be the case that they genuinely don't believe in the BJP's manifesto and decided to voice their opinion.

A lot of the communication seemed very personalised and non-sponsored. In fact, in many cases, the videos or posts didnt even name specific parties or leaders. It was just casual and organic stuff that seemed influenced by, say, a particular ideology and not collaborated upon via a marketing agency," Shubhangi Bhatia, strategy consultant at BOD Consulting explained.
Top Events of the Day: Counting votes for the Lok Sabha polls 2024 takes place today, June 4, under tight security, deciding the fate of over 8,000 candidates. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has predicted a bullish market after the results, and the IMD has issued a heatwave alert for several states coinciding with the election outcome.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Vote counting commences amid tight security Counting votes for the Lok Sabha polls 2024 will take place today, June 4, amidst tight security across the country. Over 8,000 candidates eagerly await the results, which will determine their fate. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has assured the robustness of the Election Commission's (EC) mechanisms while addressing allegations from opposition parties about undue influence on Returning Officers and District Magistrates.

Nirmala Sitharaman predicts bullish market post-election results Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has predicted a robust bullish market following today's declaration of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 results. In an interview with CNN-News18, Sitharaman cited an anticipated "good result" for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and an S&P rating upgrade as factors for this positive outlook.

Heatwave alert issued for Delhi and six states on poll result day The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Delhi and six other states coinciding with the Lok Sabha poll results day. While the Southwest monsoon has advanced into parts of the Arabian Sea, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the Bay of Bengal, further advancement into additional regions is expected by June 7 or 8.

Stock recommendations for June 4: Axis Bank, L&T, Ultratech Cement, and Bajaj Auto Chandan Taparia recommended four stocks to watch today: Axis Bank, L&T, Ultratech Cement, and Bajaj Auto. Taparia believes these stocks are technically positioned for significant movements in the market. Read More

India prepares for Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 As the nation eagerly awaits the Lok Sabha election results today, preparations are in full swing from Jammu & Kashmir to Mizoram and Andhra Pradesh. The seven-phased elections concluded on June 1, and the Election Commission will hold a press conference in Delhi on June 3, providing final updates before the results are announced.

Mumbai traffic restrictions imposed ahead of vote counting In anticipation of today's vote counting at the Nesco Exhibition Centre in Goregaon East, Mumbai Traffic Police have imposed restrictions on heavy vehicles. From 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, private buses and heavy vehicles are banned between Shankarvadi and Dahisar Check Naka to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety. Read More
(Bloomberg) -- Louisiana could soon bar banks that discriminate against firearm entities from working on government contracts, after lawmakers advanced legislation thats similar to a Texas statute that has whipsawed Wall Street firms public-finance work.

State lawmakers passed Senate Bill 234 last week and sent the legislation to Republican Governor Jeff Landrys office for signature. Under the legislation, any company into entering a public contract of $100,000 or more must provide a written verification that they do not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that would discriminate against firearm entities or trade groups.

If passed, it would add to the pressure campaign from GOP states against Wall Street. Texas enacted a similar law in 2021 targeting Corporate Americas firearm policies, and it has hurt some large banks public-finance business in the state.

A similar Louisiana proposal was vetoed in 2021 by former Governor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat. At the time, he said the bill would reduce competition on bond sales by blocking large banks from participating.

But now the state is led by Landry, a Republican who took office in January, who is likely to sign the proposal.

Landry has emphasized his pro-gun record. Last year, when he was Louisianas attorney general, he encouraged state officials to only hire banks in advance on bond deals if the firms share the states values. Landry said at the time that he didnt want to put money directly in the pockets of the banks who have policies contrary to our way of life.

A spokesperson for Landrys office didnt respond to a request for comment.

Louisianas current attorney general, Republican Liz Murrill, would be tasked with enforcement. The measure would take effect on Aug. 1. It includes exceptions for contracts that dont receive any qualifying bids.

Higher Costs

The states legislative fiscal office said in an analysis that the law could raise costs.

Voluntarily or involuntarily removing companies that provide goods and services to the government sector from future bidding will likely result in less competition among remaining bidders, according to the analysis, which is dated May 29. In turn, this may result in a marginal but indeterminable increase in overall costs if the remaining bidders marginally increase bid rates with the knowledge that competition has been diminished.

There will also be increased costs from the enforcement of the proposed legislation by the attorney generals office, the analysis said.

The Institute for Legislative Action, the lobbying arm of the National Rifle Association, praised the advancement of the legislation, along with other bills concerning gun rights.

We saw unprecedented movement this year to restore our rights and demonstrate that the Pelican State is committed to the fight to protect and preserve our firearm freedoms, the group said in a statement on Tuesday.

GOP legislation targeting banks ESG policies is having an impact. Bank of America Corp. recently loosened restrictions on lending to the firearms and energy industries amid pressure from anti-ESG politicians in Texas and Florida.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Adds shares in paragraph 3, background and context in paragraphs 5, 8-10)

June 4 (Reuters) -

Regional lender New York Community Bancorp said on Tuesday it had expanded the role of its President and CEO Joseph Otting to include the title of executive chairman.

The bank also said Alessandro DiNello will step down as the non-executive chairman, at the close of business on June 5. He will continue to serve as a director on its board and as senior adviser to the CEO.

Shares of NYCB were last up 1.2% in extended trading.

A stock rout wiped billions off NYCB's market value since January, roughly a year after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank ignited widespread concerns over the health of the sector.

NYCB has shuffled top executives multiple times this year to steer it through the crisis.

Otting, former comptroller of the currency, was named CEO in March, when the bank received a $1 billion lifeline from an investor consortium led by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's Liberty Strategic Capital.

NYCB has since laid out a turnaround plan to return to profitability over the next two years and vowed to shrink its balance sheet by reducing non-core assets.

Concerns stemming from the bank's exposure to the under-pressure commercial real estate (CRE) sector have persisted. Though NYCB has pledged to cut its CRE lending footprint.

CRE loans made up 16% of the bank's total as of March 31. The lender also reported a loss in the first quarter as it set aside larger provisions of credit losses to cover potential defaults on loans.

Later that month, the embattled lender also made a deal to sell $5 billion of mortgage warehouse loans to Wall Street titan JPMorgan Chase to bolster its liquidity.
(Bloomberg) -- Ozy Media Inc.s former chief operating officer Samir Rao told a federal jury how he used a voice-altering app to impersonate a YouTube executive on a call with Goldman Sachs Group Inc in a desperate bid to win a $35 million investment.

Rao, whos testifying as part of a plea agreement, said he conspired with former Ozy Medias co-founder Carlos Watson, to pose as YouTube executive Alex Piper during a February 2021 conference call in order to fool Goldman into thinking the failing digital media company was profitable.

Watson is on trial in Brooklyn, New York, on charges that he conspired to defraud investors out of tens of millions of dollars. Ozy, a once high-flying media startup backed by Marc Lasry, was sent into tailspin after the New York Times reported about Raos impersonation in 2021.

While Ozy boasted it had a huge audience for its website, newsletters and videos, the truth was grimmer, Rao said. For years he said he and Watson struggled to keep the company afloat. While Ozy told Goldman that it had booked $5.71 in revenue from YouTube, in reality, the number was zero, Rao said.

We decided that I would proceed and try and fake the reference call and pretend to be Alex, Rao told a federal jury Monday afternoon. I was about to do something incredibly  incredibly fraudulent and illegal. I was now actually going to pretend to be somebody else.

The two decided they could manipulate Goldman during the faked YouTube call after speaking to YouTube, Rao said.

Watson was seated across the room during the call and told Rao what to say, according to emails and chat messages shown to jurors. Both immediately realized their plan failed catastrophically, Rao said. Goldman had reached out to the real Alex Piper who phoned Rao and demanded an explanation.

Like, Whats Going On?

Piper was really frustrated and upset and demanded to know What are you doing? Like, whats going on with this? Like, why am I hearing there was a call?, Rao said.

Then Rao called Goldmans Allison Berardo, who confronted him.

I tried to ask, you know, how was the reference call? How did it go? And I remember her saying some version of Well, how do you think it went? And then she started to turn the call into a  almost an attempt to get me to confirm that I had impersonated Alex. She said who really was on that call? Who was on that call, Samir? She said something like I can help you walk out of this, I can help you walk back from this or get out of this, but you have to tell me the truth.

Rao said he and Watson decided that he alone would claim responsibility for the ruse and that Watson would tell investors that Rao had suffered a mental-health episode.

The decision was to save Ozy, Rao said.

If the board or investors believed that Carlos was aware of what had happened and that it was his judgment that that was an acceptable course of action for me to impersonate Alex Piper, that would have probably ended the company right there, he said.

Watson, whos charged with conspiracy and securities fraud, has pleaded not guilty and denies wrongdoing. His lawyer Ronald Sullivan in opening statements told jurors that Rao was a crooked co-founder who got a sweetheart deal from prosecutors.

Rao said his fraud was going to haunt me for the rest of my life adding, my ambition, my desire to be successful, my desire to be seen as tough enough or good enough to succeed in this world completely overtook my judgment and my moral compass.

But he also blamed Watson. A lot of that mindset had to do with Carloss deep belief that failure was not an option and we had to do whatever it took.

Rao returns to the stand Friday when court resumes. The trial is expected to last until July.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
For many reasons, Prince Harrys memoir Spare landed the Duke of Sussex in trouble. However, what caused legal complications was his admission of drug use. There are speculations about whether his US visa application was included in this declaration.

People questioned whether Harry had reported his past drug use on his visa application when he moved to the US. Harry revealed in his book that he had used cocaine, marijuana and magic mushrooms.

Also Read: Prince William in a lonely place after Kate Middletons cancer, King Charles health issues The Heritage Foundation is suing the US government to get Prince Harry's immigration records. The Washington think tank wants to see if famous people get special treatment. They are looking at the forms Prince Harry filled out when he arrived in the US on March 14, 2020, because usually, people have to answer if they have used recreational drugs.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond says that, if Harrys documents reveal any deviation from the usual procedure, it may worry Meghan Markles husband.

Also Read: Prince William, King Charles came ready for a fight during a secret meeting with Prince Harry "Harry must regret having been so frank about drugs in his book. It really wasnt a necessary part of the narrative although I understand that he was trying to explain his mental health issues," Bond told OK!.

"But admissions like that can have consequences and, right now, he must be feeling the heat. I think hes fine as long as the Biden administration continues to back him. But, things could be very different if Trump became president again, he told the publication.

Also Read: Meghan Markle to be called 'Princess Henry' if King Charles revokes her royal title However, according to the insider, it seems unlikely that the USA would deport Harry. He believes lawyers would find some way around it. Still, it must be a source of unnecessary worry and embarrassment for Harry at the moment, he said.
President Joe Biden sought to walk back his suggestion Benjamin Netanyahu may be prolonging the war in Gaza due to his own political considerations, saying he didnt think the Israeli leader was doing so.

I dont think so. Hes trying to work out a serious problem he has, Biden told reporters Tuesday when asked if the prime minister was playing politics with the war.

Biden, in an interview published earlier Tuesday, hinted that Netanyahu might be dragging out the conflict in order to cling to power and said it was uncertain if Israel had committed war crimes.

Asked by Time Magazine if Netanyahus political considerations were driving the war, Biden said there is every reason for people to draw that conclusion, citing the domestic blowback the prime minister received ahead of the Israel-Hamas conflict by pushing to change Israels constitution, moves critics said would weaken democracy in the country.

Whether he would change his position or not, its hard to say, but it has not been helpful, Biden said.

The rare sit down between the president and a print outlet came weeks after former President Donald Trump  Bidens general-election opponent  outlined his own second term vision in the newsweekly. That interview, in which Trump suggested state governments could monitor Americans pregnancies and vowed mass deportations, quickly became a flashpoint on the campaign trail.

But Bidens comments on Israel threatened to carry their own consequences, coming amid an effort to ramp up pressure on both Israel and Hamas to agree to a three-phase Gaza peace plan that would end the fighting and secure the release of hostages captured by Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group, during its Oct. 7 raid on Israel. On Tuesday, Hamas said they wanted Israel to accept a permanent ceasefire and withdraw from Gaza.

Netanyahu though faces pressure from far-right parties in his electoral coalition to continue the war until Hamas is rooted out from the Gaza Strip and the hostages are freed, complicating Bidens efforts. The war has posed a political risk to Biden, with key parts of his coalition, including progressives and younger voters, frustrated by his support for Israel.

Biden said also said Israel was investigating if its forces had committed war crimes, but added he did not believe the country had used starvation of civilians in Gaza as a war tactic.

China Economy

The president also addressed US-ties with China, ahead of an election in which relations between the worlds two largest economies will have a central focus and both candidates have sought to cast themselves as tough on Beijing.

Asked if China was meddling in the election and worries about the country deploying artificial intelligence to interfere in the vote, Biden said there is evidence that meddling is going on.

I think China would have an interest  let me put it like this  would have an interest in meddling, he added.

He also would not rule out deploying US troops for the defense of Taiwan.

Bidens comments threaten to upset warming ties between the two nations following the face-to-face meeting he held last year with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Even as Biden has ramped up dialogue with Beijing, the two nations have intensified their economic competition, highlighted by sweeping tariffs the US president unveiled on a range of Chinese imports last month.

Biden, who has previously called Chinas economy a ticking time bomb delivered another jab.

Youve got an economy thats on the brink there. The idea that their economy is booming? Give me a break, Biden said.

Taiwan has also been a focal point for tensions between Washington and Beijing. Biden has repeatedly said the US would defend the democracy if its attacked, while China has pledged to bring Taiwan under its control eventually, by force if necessary.

Asked if he would place US boots on the ground to defend Taiwan from a Chinese attack, Biden said it would depend on the circumstances. Biden said he had made it clear to Xi that there had been no change to US policy and that Washington was not seeking independence for Taiwan but that he would also support the island if Beijing sought to unilaterally change its status.

Not ruling out using US military force. Theres a distinction between deploying on the ground, air power and naval power, etc., Biden said.

Russias War

Biden also addressed Russias war in Ukraine, saying the Russian military had been freaking decimated in the fight. And he predicted that Russian President Vladimir Putin would seek to threaten other nations if he was successful in the war.

If we ever let Ukraine go down, mark my words: youll see Poland go, and youll see all those nations along the actual border of Russia, from the Balkans and Belarus, all those, theyre going to make their own accommodations, Biden said.

The president has made protecting democracy at home  and abroad  a centerpiece of his reelection pitch, contrasting his support for Ukraine with Trump who has been skeptical of aiding Kyiv.

Name me a world leader other than Orban and Putin who think that Trump should be the world leader in the United States of America, he said, referring to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Spoiler alert: The migration crisis at the US southern border will not be solved by a stroke of the presidential pen. Indeed, President Joe Bidens staged signing Tuesday of an executive order to limit migrant access to the US at its border with Mexico amounts to a tragicomic blend of political kabuki and Groundhog Day: Even if his diktat survives the inevitable fusillade of court challenges, it comes with no appropriated funds to support its administration and enforcement. And weve been here before. Biden has issued well over 500 executive orders on immigration, on top of the 472 by former President Donald Trump. For all that presidential ink, encounters at the border hovered near record highs last year, and immigration understandably remains at the top of voters minds.

Fittingly enough for an election-year gambit, the partisan complaints about Bidens order have fallen along predictable lines. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said it amounted to too little, too late. Democratic firebrands such as Representative Pramila Jayapal characterized it as very, very disappointing and put Biden in the same camp as Trump.

Never mind that the orders provisions mostly mirror proposals made in bipartisan legislation first hatched in February. The new system would halt the processing of asylum claims when the seven-day average of crossings at the border hit 2,500 per day. Processing would resume only when the seven-day average fell below 1,500 per day. Since both numbers are set well below Aprils levels , the order would, in effect, drastically curtail access to asylum. It also raises the bar on the ability of those who enter the US illegally to seek asylum, imposes stiffer penalties on those ineligible for asylum, and expedites the screening and removal process.

The bipartisan bill, had it passed, would have been harder to challenge in court and come with the money needed to enforce it. But after Trump came out against the bill, Republicans caved, sandbagging legislation co-drafted by one of their own  not once but twice, most recently last month.

Bidens order will face legal challenges akin to those that greeted Trumps efforts to use presidential authority to suspend migrant access to the US. Although the Biden administration has tailored its order to anticipate possible challenges, the courts will likely prevent implementation until cases against it have been heard and made their way up the judicial chain  a process that could take months and end up at the Supreme Court.

That will leave the southern border in a bizarre limbo. The current lull in border encounters has much more to do with Mexicos effort to crack down on migrants heading north than a slackening of global demand or US policies. But Mexico could balk at any effort by the US to push more asylum applicants back across the border  a situation that gives it leverage over a US president seeking help with one of the biggest obstacles to his reelection. Given the less-than-tender mercies of Mexicos law enforcement and overburdened immigration authorities, cynics could also be forgiven for thinking that the US is doing the same thing in its war on illegal immigration as it did in its war on terror: outsourcing its dirty work to countries less capable or willing to dwell on human rights and legal niceties.

Moreover, even if the executive order stays intact, its lack of resources will leave the US asylum system mired in dysfunction. The Immigration Court backlog passed 3 million cases last November, rising by a million in just a year. Asylum applicants can wait years to have their cases resolved. Paperwork is routinely lost or, worse, never filed. Almost 200,000 deportation cases have been tossed since the start of the Biden administration because personnel hadnt sent the needed notices to would-be immigrants. Asylum case outcomes vary wildly depending on the judge, with individual denial rates ranging from less than to 2% to 95%.

The overburdened asylum system is itself a symptom and consequence of two existential challenges that the US has yet to meet. First, for all the lip service and myth-making about being a nation of immigrants, America has yet to achieve an enduring national consensus on immigration. Second, the world writ large still labors under a set of well-meaning rules and principles governing refugees and asylum seekers that dates back to the end of World War II, before globalization revolutionized the way we travel, communicate, work and live. In practical terms, the US failure to devise reliable legal pathways for those seeking to work in a US economy that could not thrive without them forces those workers to seek alternative pathways. With the best of intentions, the systems ironclad guarantee of due process offer such an avenue, one that those seeking a better life, whether for economic or other reasons, have understandably sought to exploit.

For better and worse, landmark legislation has always set the course that the US has followed on immigration. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Immigration Act of 1924, whose malignant restrictions were not redressed for almost 40 years, with the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act. The last major immigration reform law was passed in 1986. Whether in terms of reforming the asylum system, creating a pathway to citizenship for the more than 10 million undocumented migrants in our midst, opening the door wider to workers whose ambition and genius have much to offer, or securing the border against adversaries, were long overdue for an overhaul. Forget the executive orders. That wont happen until Congress acts. Instead of holding your breath waiting for that to happen, go vote.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

James Gibney is an editor for Bloomberg Opinion. Previously an editor at the Atlantic, the New York Times, Smithsonian, Foreign Policy and the New Republic, he was also in the U.S. Foreign Service from 1989 to 1997 in India, Japan and Washington.

/opinion
The High Commission of India in the Maldives lauded the flagship development partnership project in the Maldives, Greater Male Connectivity Bridge.

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 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.

The proposed 6.74-kilometre bridge and causeway will connect the capital city of Male and the neighbouring islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi.

The initiative for the Greater Male Connectivity Bridge originated from President Solih and Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, who presented the proposal during EAM S Jaishankar's visit in September 2019.
This wasnt the easiest time to visit Ukraines second-largest city. The local power grid and infrastructure were taking serious hits as missiles and glide bombs struck the city from nearby Russian territory. Double tap" attacks, by which Russians strike a civilian target and wait for first responders to rush to the scene before launching a second strike, were becoming more common.

I watched rescue workers dig through the wreckage of a big-box hardware store searching for body fragments to identify in a nearby forensic lab. After a second attack, I spoke with stunned office and factory workers waiting to have their injuries treated in a local hospital ward. As bulldozers tore up fields north of the city so workers could prepare trenches against possible Russian advances, Kharkiv was experiencing its tensest days since Moscows first assault fell short in 2022.

Things should improve. Russian advances have slowed as reinforcements bolster Ukraines defense farther north. With the flow of air-defense weapons resuming, and Western countries easing restrictions on Ukraines use of defensive weapons against immediate cross-border targets, there is reason to hope the citys residents can soon live with more security and less fear.

But the fighting isnt stopping, and the Washington policy establishment needs to think harder about the largest, ugliest and most dangerous land war in Europe since World War II. From a tactical and geopolitical perspective, Vladimir Putins war is changing the global balance of power in ways that the U.S. cant afford to neglect.

Some of the news is encouraging. American and Taiwanese military planners can take heart from Ukraines success in bottling up Russias Black Sea fleet. It turns out that the new era of naval warfare favors the defensive party. Russia hasnt been able to use its superior fleet to deliver land forces on Ukraines coast or even to block Ukraines commerce. Strategists in Beijing will note that its significantly harder to move invading armies across open water than before the Ukrainians humbled Russias fleet.

A visit to the battlefields north of Kharkiv revealed one consequence of the evolving state of the art of war. Increasingly one hears soldiers speak of dead zones" between the opposing forces. Drones, which can now pursue individual soldiers through trenches, make it difficult for either side to conduct operations within 2 or 3 miles of the opposing battle line.

For now, this may make new offensive operations on the scale of last summers ill-fated Ukrainian counteroffensive impossible. As soon as next year, drone swarms" could create more formidable killing zones between armies, making offensive operations even more challenging.

Land and air warfare are rapidly changing, with both Ukrainians and Russians constantly updating technology. Along the battlefront, soldiers and engineers are introducing innovations large and small that can make old weapons systems obsolete overnight. As the Russians deploy new forms of jamming techniques or equip their drones and missiles with new stealth capabilities, the Ukrainians must match them and, where possible, out-compete.

With increasingly sophisticated weapons routing more-detailed performance information back to manufacturers, the tempo of weapons redesign and production is accelerating beyond anything seen in past wars. Ukraine is building a new kind of military-industrial complex, in which decentralized teams of hackers and tinkerers in small to medium-size firms continuously reimagine and re-engineer the tools of war.

I visited camouflaged workshops where, among other things, I saw Ukrainian engineers converting childrens toys into land drones that could place mines before oncoming tanks. Something as simple as a swivel-mounted platform for a gun turret may receive dozens of software and hardware upgrades based on real-time information from the battlefield.

Past wars have seen cycles of tech competition, but this is the first peer-to-peer war fought in the age of artificial intelligence. Just as the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s saw the development of the tactics and techniques that shaped World War II, Ukraine today is witnessing the birth of a new kind of conflict.

The combination of real-time feedback from continuously monitored weapons with the data-handling and design capabilities of flexible, highly trained and motivated battle engineers is introducing a new dynamic of military tech competition.

Weapons that were irresistible a few weeks ago can be easily neutralized today. New threats appear overnight. The Pentagon and the American defense industry need to keep up. The old ways of doing business will soon be obsolete.
Czech-born British playwright and screenwriter Tom Stoppard had aptly noted, its not the voting thats democracy. Its the counting...". Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections is still on, but the current trend so far suggests the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to form the next government in New Delhi. It is also certain that the government that will be sworn in soon in New Delhi will definitely be a Majboor Sarkar (weak government) rather than a Majboot Sarkar (strong government). Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshiram firmly believed that such a weak government would always be more accountable and answerable towards the people of a developing country like India.

Over the last 10 years that the NDA has been in power, the Oppositionwhich was in a disarray--has been claiming that the government was going against the very idea of India which has remained multi-lingual, multi-religious and pluralistic in civilizational sense; and a multi-party democracy and federal in constitutional sense. The Hindutva juggernaut, it said, needed to be stopped. And so there emerged a need for alliances of political parties. Such alliances have been successful, as seen in the Bihar Assembly elections in 2015. The very idea of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) started shaping up against this backdrop. The Janata Dal United, led by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, took the initiative then and found good support from the Congress and Rashtriya Janta Dal, besides the Shiv Sena (led by Udhav Thackeray) the Nationalist Congress Party, the All India Trinamul Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and the Communist parties.

INDIA was a welcome idea, as unlike in the 2019 parliamentary elections, the opposition parties came together to take on the BJP that had seen its popularity soar and its vote percentage going up to 40%. The 2024 general election is thus unique in the sense that there was an attempt by the Opposition to cobble up a pan-India alliance.

The history of Indian parliamentary democracy shows that there were two attempts by the Opposition to dethrone the ruling party, in 1977 and 1989, respectively. In both cases, the Opposition parties and their leaders were so devoted to their cause that they decided to field a single opposition candidate in each parliamentary seat. INDIA failed miserably on this count. The first jolt came when the JDU decided to part ways with the alliance. Mamata Banerjee led AITC, too, left the fledgling alliance midway. Mayawati-led BSP couldnt be persuaded to be a part of this alliance. Also, no common minimum programme could be pronounced on behalf of the alliance. Yet, opposition unity was definitely better than in 2019 though it could not muster the support of the electorate to form a government of its own.

The incumbent BJP, on the other hand, started off by setting a high target. The NDA slogan was abki bar char sau paar (400 seats this time) but it seemed to sense the pulse of the people and was pragmatic enough to enter into alliances with political parties such as the JDU and the Telugu Desam Party led by Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh. It also welcomed into its fold parties of lesser significance, including the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde and the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar, Pattali Makkal Katchi of Tamil Nadu and Janata Dal Secular of Karnataka.

It requires no retelling that in the first-past-the-post system, the government is elected by only a minority of its total electorate. So, in 2014, the ruling partys voter share was close to 31%; in 2019, it was 38%. The estimated vote percentage for BJP for 2024 is again close to 38% even if the NDA vote share would be higher and closer to 40%. This simply indicates that above 60% of the Indian electorate has never extended its mandate to the government.

As for the electoral outcome, Abraham Lincoln had quipped once, "Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blister."

Arvind Kumar teaches at the Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
As votes polled in Indias general election of 2024 are counted, one irony of this celebrated process is hard to escape. Even as peoples representatives are duly elected to the Lok Sabha, literally the Peoples House, we do not know exactly how many of us constitute the Indian people. This situation has arisen because the Centre has not conducted the decadal Census that was last due in 2021, its first miss since the exercise began in 1881.

It was the pandemics peak year, to be sure, but the easing of covid constraints did not result in a belated headcount either, with the result that were left with an outdated number from Census 2011, which had put Indias population at 1,210 million. In popular speech, a rough estimate of there being about 1,400 million of us has held currency for over two years now. This is too inexact for a country whose destiny is shaped in significant ways by its demography.

The added irony of it is that we have been in the global news for becoming the worlds most populous country. According to United Nations data, in 2022 Indias 1,430 million plus people had whisked past Chinas total, with the gap projected to widen. For such a historic switch of places in the global order, its awkward that we dont have a count of our own to confirm it.

The Census, unlike other national surveys, is an extensive exercise. Enumerators must count everyone, door to door. An update every decade is vital as a policy input not just for the aggregate data it provides, but also for the details offered by such a close demographic snapshot of the country.

Updated information on Indias age distribution alone, for example, would be valuable to strategic planners looking at the long-haul for us to make the most of our youth bulge over the next few decades and ensure we dont grow old before getting better off. Even everyday governance cannot claim efficiency without the support of data-sets that havent grown stale. Take the governments free-food programme, extended recently for another five years.

It covers 810 million beneficiaries because thats the number who qualify under the National Food Security Acts coverage criterion as applied to the Census of 2011. Updated numbers would likely have meant recipients who largely overlap with the official list in use, but not entirely. Smudgy delivery of welfare handouts is far from ideal.

A new Census is important not just to formulate and fine-tune policy, but also for Parliament expansion in times ahead, for which a whole new building has been constructed next to the old circular one. Currently, the Lok Sabha has 543 members. This is based on 1971 Census data, but fair popular representation will require a rejig of constituencies so that every member speaks for roughly the same number of people.

Some observers surmise that a census may be held just before delimitation marked for 2026. This is a sensitive exercise that must be handled with care, as Indian states with better social indicatorsor birth rates, most pertinentlywould lose some share of voice in the Lok Sabha to those whose populations have grown faster.

Politically, it would result in a power shift from southern states to northern ones, leaving better performers with the potential grudge of being penalized perversely for doing well. Two things could aid a consensus on such a parliamentary rebalance: A well-demonstrated commitment to the Constitution by all political parties, bar none, and a Census thats both fresh and trust-worthy.
Governments come and go in electoral democracies. The nation carries on. Whatever its political ideology, Indias new government must reform the nations business and increase the incomes of 1.4 billion Indian citizens, not just the wealth of a few on top.

Unfinished business. The base of Indias social and demographic pyramid is economically weak. At Independence, Indias policy makers took the Nehruvian high road to build the commanding heights of the economy. They built foundations for a modern industrial economy: large factories for basic inputs for manufacturing and agriculture, namely steel and fertilizers, as well as scientific institutions. World class institutions were established for technology education (IITs), and fundamental research (the atomic energy establishment, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, and foundations for space research). These industries and institutions were built by the public sector because they require large capital investments and produce little or no profit. The Gandhian roadto build village economies and local institutions of governancewas given lip service. For all practical purposes, it was consigned to the dustbin of history as an old mans romantic ideas.

A large economy without a strong base of producers and consumers in its villages and small towns cannot be sustainable, economically or politically. Investors in capital intensive factories need customers to buy their produce. Investors can be tempted with incentives and subsidies, and by making it easier for them to do business. However, if consumption does not grow, investments will slacken. Economic growth will run out of fuel until the masses ease of earning and ease of living increase.

Globalization will be disrupted by international conflicts for many years. The energy of Indias 1.4 billion citizens, with the largest number of working age persons, is the biggest pool of insufficiently tapped human energy in the world. It can be a substantial source of energy for Indias economic growth. Policy makers must concentrate on creating employment for the masses, who work on farms and small enterprises, and not more wealth for the classes employed in financial ventures and high-tech industries.

Interrupted business. Indias capital goods, power equipment, and automotive sectors were as advanced as the Chinese in 1990, perhaps more. By 2010, the Chinese capital goods sector was 50 times larger than Indias, and China was a global supplier of electronic equipment. In 1991, a new wind propelled Indias economy faster, but it blew the economy off course. Make in India" was confined to history as protectionism" and industrial policy" became taboo. Imports became easier, which was a boon for Indian consumers who could buy international products from China, Korea, and other countries. Employment and incomes for workers increased there. Incomes precede consumption; and good employment produces good incomes. Indian citizens must have good jobs to put a strong wind behind the Indian economys sails.

Indians can make a lot more for themselves. The country's leaders must nurture the strengths of domestic industries. Foreign producers are welcome to participate in the countrys growth, by investing and producing in India, provided they are willing to help their Indian partners and domestic suppliers to learn new technologies. Several foreign companies had done this before 1991, in commercial vehicles, auto parts, power equipment and other capital goods. The government must also promote high employment industries more vigorously that produce consumer goods such as fabrics, garments, processed food, electronics, etc., and persuade them to provide better jobs. And the government must expand the social safety net.

The ideology of business. Indias GDP is rising in international rankings. Yet the country continues to rate very low in HDI (human development indicators). The purpose of economic growth is to improve the lives of citizens; and human development is necessary for sustainable economic growth.

A new economics swept the world in the 1990s. According to it, governments are not the solution, they are the problem; and public is bad, private is good. Indias education and health sectors have been handed over to the private sector. The government must reverse the excessive privatization of the countrys public services and strengthen its own capabilities to deliver. This will build the economys base more sustainably than welfare schemes and digitized transfers of benefits (which help to win elections) can.

Arun Maira is former chairman of BCG India and member at Planning Commission
NEW DELHI , CHENNAI : Mandate 2024 marked the return of coalition politics to India after a decade of absolute majority, requiring respect for the wishes of smaller allies and raising the prospect of slower economic reforms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saw its seat count dip to 240 as per trends late eveninga loss of 63 seats from the 303 it won five years earlier. While BJP is far from a simple majority of 272 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to cross the half-way mark with 293 seats, which entitles it to a clear third term.

The opposition INDIA alliance is likely to secure 233 seats, led by the Indian National Congress which nearly doubled its Parliament strength to 99 seats. INDIA is short for Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance.

People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in Indias history," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X, formerly Twitter. I bow to the Janata Janardan (people of India) for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people," he added.

"Our third term will be witness to big decisions... This is Modi's guarantee. We will strengthen the future of our youth with education and jobs. For farmers we will bring new policies... we will invest in green economy and green mobility. We will make India the world's third largest economy," Modi said.

Hindi heartland

The BJP broke into new territories in the east, notably Odisha, where it won the state elections decisivelybut its overall numbers were impacted due to a slide in Hindi heartland states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana, and the western state of Maharashtra. It looks set to lose 57 seats in these four states, compared to 2019.

BJPs significant losses are more a result of pre-poll alliances not working in its favour, rather than any heavy anti-incumbency nationally, said Rahul Verma, a political scientist and fellow at the Delhi-based Centre for Policy Research.

The BJP continues to be a dominant force in states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh and to some extent in Karnataka the massive slide in Uttar Pradesh is due to multiple factors including economic distress. It also lost out in the farm agitation belt and due to the counter-offensive created by the opposition that a 400-seat strong NDA can lead to changes in the constitution and removal of reservation benefits (to socially backward classes)."

Verma added that while the Congress improved its national vote share by 5%, the road to recovery where it becomes a serious force to challenge the BJP on its own is still a long one.

Wrong exit polls

The outcome of the general elections is starkly different from most exit polls which forecast NDA to win between 350 and 400 seats. The pollsters got it spectacularly wrong in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal, which account for a third of all Parliament seats.

The results imply that BJP will have to depend on its allies, primarily the Telegu Desam Party (TDP) led by N. Chandrababu Naidu, who likely to win as many as 16 seats in the Lok Sabha, besides winning the state elections in Andhra Pradesh. The other NDA ally is Janata Dal (United) led by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, which had either won or was ahead in 12 seats.

The election results signify the victory of democracy the people of India did not give a clear mandate to any political party. The BJP sought votes in the name of one person, one face (Prime Minister Narendra Modi). It is clear, this is not a mandate for Modi ji," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said at a press meet.

I applaud the political wisdom displayed by voters of Uttar Pradesh (UP)," said Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and its former president, responding to the results. The UP voter understood the politics of India, realized the threat to the Constitution and voted to protect it," he added.

Pitched battle

The 2024 general elections were a pitched battle which the BJP contested with its usual nationalist-religious pitch coupled with Modis Guaranteea slogan showcasing signature welfare schemes around housing, cooking fuel and free food. The Congress promised an annual cash transfer of 1 lakh to a woman member of every poor family and a farm loan waiver, among others.

BJPs sub-optimal show comes at a time when Indian economy has put up an enviable show. It continues to be the fastest growing large economy in the world, clocking a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 8.2% in FY24.

But this growth, if the electoral outcome is any indication, has not positively impacted everyone. Consumption demand has been skewed pointing to an unequal post-covid recovery and private consumption growth at 4% is lowest in two decades, excluding the pandemic years.

The import of the verdict is more political and economic, said Sunil Kumar Sinha, senior director and principal economist, India Ratings. The new government will have to focus not just on headline growth numbers but whether this growth is reaching all strata of the society. Consumption is happening among the top 50% but for sustained economic growth it should reach all. People are looking for jobs and those opportunities should be created."

Eyes on reforms

Economists expect growth to slow down to around 6.5% in FY25 due to headwinds and a high base effect. For Indias rapid growth to sustain, strong policy interventions are needed. With the economy doing well on all fronts, it does appear that it will be business as usual for the country," said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist, Bank of Baroda. Existing policies and reforms will continue and there is fiscal space to accommodate extra expense on social welfare or capital expenditure, without compromising on fiscal deficit, he added.

Emkay Global in its research report, however, said that reforms like those related to land, agriculture and labour are now off the table". Not surprisingly, the stock markets took a beating. The BSE Sensex fell by 4389 points to close at 72,079, worried over the stability of the new government and its impact on the Indian economy, and making investors poorer by 31 trillion. Emkay Global expects the market derating to continue in the short term as risks are higher.

While BJP may have under-performed nationally, it did make significant gains in some states. In Odisha, it has not only swept the Lok Sabha seats, but is for the first time set to form the government in the state after the party conclusively defeated Biju Janata Dal. In Andhra Pradesh, it has swept the state in alliance with Telugu Desam Party and Jana Sena.

Also Read: Surprised India Inc bets on reforms and growth

In Tamil Nadu, BJP failed to open its account, but saw its vote share rise to 11% from earlier 3.7% (2019). The party also won its first ever Lok Sabha seat from Kerala.
Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: The INDIA bloc registered a staggering lead in several Lok Sabha seats across the nation, forming a strong opposition in the India government. Although BJP-led NDA came to power for a third term, the coalition government won maintaining lead with very narrow majority.

On Tuesday, the BJP-led NDA was ahead in over 290 seats, while the opposition INDIA bloc was leading in 232 parliamentary seats.

Mallikarjun Kharge said the Congress and INDIA bloc contested the elections in adverse circumstances and accused the BJP-led government of capturing constitutional institutions to create hurdles in the path of the opposition.

The INDIA bloc will meet on Wednesday and decide on whether they want to form government, by approaching parties like Telegu Desam Party (TDP)'s Chandrababu Naidu, and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the INDIA bloc will meet on Wednesday to discuss the future course of the Opposition coalition.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee, whose party played a pivotal role in limiting the BJP to under 300 seats, on Tuesday said that she will do everything to see the PM Modi does not remain in power.

Shiv Sena (UT) leader INDIA Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said that INDIA bloc will be meeting on Wednesday to decide on Prime Minister's face.

The INDIA bloc, a coalition of 25 opposition parties, has resonated more with the rural Indian population for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

INDIA bloc gained substantial support in the vast rural stretches of the country, securing significant leads in areas like Chhattisgarh's Korba, Uttar Pradesh's Aonla, Basti and Lalganj among other constituencies.

This performance underscores the coalition's appeal to the agrarian community and rural voters, who have favoured its candidates over those of the NDA.

However, there has been exceptions in states like Odisha, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh where the NDA nearly had a clean sweep in both rural as well as urban areas.
The 2024 elections have thrown up a major surprise. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was supposed to have swept the polls. Instead, it has fallen short of majority. It now needs to join with its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to form the government. The era of coalition politics is back in India. Here are some of the main takeaways.

Heartland heartbreak

The BJPs belief that it would do well in the elections stemmed from its confidence in sweeping the Hindi heartlandUttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Haryana. This emboldened it to set a target of 400- plus for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In the event, voters in these states have reminded the BJP not to take their support for granted. In 2019, the party and its allies won 174 out of 195 seats in the above six states. This time around, the NDA is set to win just 122* seats. The BJPs hardcore Hindutva ideology, polarization of votes along religious lines and building of the Ram temple could not beat the anti-incumbency. People seem to be upset with falling incomes, rural distress and jobless growth.

Modi magic has its limits

After the notification of elections by the Election Commission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held 206 public meetings including roadshows across the country. He led the NDAs campaign almost single-handedly. While the performance of his government, his personal popularity and guarantees have ensured that the NDA crossed the 272-mark, they were not enough for the BJP to get a majority or repeat its 2019 performance.

A different Parliament

There has been much hand-wringing about the lack of a strong Opposition in the past decade. Congress, the only opposition party with a national presence, was weakened after drubbings in 2014 (44 seats) and 2019 (52 seats). It lacked confidence and respect among other parties. That made the BJP more powerful. People, by giving 99* seats to Congress in the 2024 elections, have revived the party. On the other hand, the BJP with about 240* seats, has fallen short of the 272 required for a majority and will now depend on its allies to form the government. This means the NDA will face a very different Parliament this time around and the BJP will need to take other parties along to pass important legislation.

Regional parties return

The BJPs comfortable majority in 2014 and 2019 meant that regional parties had little say in policymaking. For instance, the DMK with 38 seats practically had no say in Parliament. That is now set to change. The BJP will depend on its allies such as the Telugu Desam Party, Janata Dal (United) and others to form the government. It may also need to reach out to other regional parties in the opposition benches to get important legislation passed.

Development matters

The people of Andhra Pradesh have voted for development and not cash handouts. The incumbent YSRCP spent 4.56 trillion towards welfare schemes in the last five years. This included 2.71 trillion by way of direct benefit transfers (DBT) and 1.84 trillion towards non-DBT spending. Its leader and incumbent chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy did not give a similar impetus to development. In fact, he painted those who wanted economic growth and development as anti-poor and termed this election as a class war between the poor and the rich. But the lack of jobs and other economic opportunities angered people, especially in the urban areas. Telugu Desam Party leader Chandrababu Naidu fought for development and said without economic growth, welfare schemes cannot be funded. People have given him a massive mandate.

FIIs read voters better

It is ironic that foreign institutional investors (FIIs) seem to have read the minds of the Indian voter better than their local counterparts. Anticipating a sub-optimal performance by the BJP, they pulled out as much as 25,586 crore from the equity markets in May. On the other hand, domestic investors pumped in over 40,000 crore. The stock markets crashedthe BSE Sensex by more than 4,000 pointson Tuesday, as the results began to come in and the possibility of a coalition government became clear. While local investors counted their losses (total market capitalization of listed stocks fell by 31 trillion on the day), FIIs that exited are laughing their way to the bank.

Exit polls off the mark

The performance of exit polls in India has been, at best, patchy. In 2004, they predicted a victory for Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led BJP, but the opposite happened. Since then, their record has improved. They mostly get the direction right while lacking in accuracy. But the 2024 election has exposed the limitation of their predictive models. All of them predicted a comfortable BJP victory and many expected the NDA to get 400-plus seats. The reality was very different. The BJP fell short of a simple majority. Pollsters failed to pick up on the anti-incumbency against the BJP in the Hindi heartland and Maharashtra. The credibility of exit pollsters have hit a new low in India.

(* numbers as of 10 pm)
Geniben Nagaji Thakor, a Congress leader, is currently in the lead for the Banaskantha Lok Sabha seat with a margin of 33,801 votes.

Banaskantha is unique as it is the only Gujarat constituency where both the BJP and Congress have nominated women candidates. Geniben Nagaji Thakor, a two-term Congress MLA, earned the moniker giant killer after defeating the sitting assembly speaker in 2017.

On the other hand, BJP's Rekhaben Hiteshbhai Chaudhari, an engineering professor making her electoral debut, is lagging.

Even as the counting was underway, Geniben Thakor said it was a victory for the people of Banaskantha.

Satyamev Jayate, she said in her first reaction after gaining a comfortable lead.

Heartiest congratulations to our sister Geniben for winning from Banaskantha by more than fifteen thousand votes, state Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil said on X.

Notably, several BJP heavyweights are also leading by substantial margins in the state: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is ahead by a significant margin of 7,11,908 votes.

Additionally, Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Parshottam Rupala are leading by margins exceeding 3.80 lakh and 4.65 lakh votes respectively. State BJP president CR Paatil is also leading by a significant margin of over 6.78 lakh votes.

The BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term in power, while the Opposition, under the banner of the INDIA bloc, is determined to challenge and potentially overturn the ruling party's dominance.

Exit polls have largely forecasted another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some even suggesting a significant two-thirds majority for the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

However, the Congress party and its allies have dismissed these exit poll results as orchestrated and mere fantasy, maintaining their stance that the opposition INDIA bloc will secure victory and form the next government at the Centre.

The Lok Sabha elections, which lasted seven phases, were held for the 543 seats in the lower house of Parliament.
PITTSBURGHAbe Taleb and Jane Olszewski and their parents, all longtime Democrats in this battleground state, didnt think twice about voting for Joe Biden in 2020. And they were all ready to do so again this year.

But the married couple and their extended families say everything changed when Israel launched its war in Gaza following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel. Bidens support for Israel during its military offensive has left the couple on the fence about voting for the man they helped elect four years ago. And it has left their broader family splintered: Some members argue voting for Biden is still the only way to prevent Donald Trump from returning to the White House.

I have a very hard time imagining myself being able to pull that lever for him seeing what [Biden] has endorsed and allowed to happen" in Gaza, said Abe Taleb, 37 years old, a nonprofit recruiter. Itd be very hard to say yes, because voting is still a tacit endorsement of that individual."

As they gathered on a recent evening on the back patio of Talebs parents home in Pittsburghs Highland Park neighborhood, the couple and their parents discussion over dinner offered a glimpse at how many Democrats are weighing the Israel-Hamas war among other voting considerations, such as the economy and preventing a second Trump term.

Bidens decision to continue sending weapons and other military aid to Israel, despite the high civilian death toll in Gaza and dire conditions on the ground including widespread starvation, has triggered nationwide protests and angered several key Democratic constituencies. More than a third of Democratic women and almost half of Democratic men disapprove of Bidens handling of the war, according to a Wall Street Journal national poll in February. About half of Democratic voters under the age of 30 disapprove of his handling of the war.

For this family, though, there is one point of unanimity: supporting Biden wouldnt even be a question but for the war. The discontent with Bidens handling of the war shows the political risks for the president, who narrowly carried Pennsylvania in 2020.

Talebs and Olszewskis fathers have adopted opposing views: Lutfi Taleb, a 66-year-old retired educator who immigrated to the U.S. from Libya in 1978, called Bidens handling of the war disqualifying. He plans to skip the presidential ticket and vote only in down-ballot races. By contrast, Edmund Olszewski, a 72-year-old lawyer who resides in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, believes there is no other option but to vote for Biden to stave off another Trump presidency.

Thats why these guys are making me nuts," Edmund Olszewski said of his familys weakening support for Biden. The very top issue is Trump. Its simple. He frightens me."

Abe Taleb and his wife say they are typically driven by issues such as economic inequality, but the graphic images and videos coming out of Gaza have consumed their everyday lives, particularly as parents to a 5-year-old daughter.

Witnessing the ongoing suffering of children and fellow parents makes it even more difficult for us to simply overlook the administrations actions here," said Jane Olszewski, 36, who works in procurement and rejects the notion that she is aiding Trump by potentially withholding her vote from Biden. The idea that Democrats are the only bulwark against authoritarianism and fascism is day-by-day proven less legitimate by Biden and his administration ignoring clear evidence of Israels war crimes and their refusal to end their unconditional support and take meaningful action to stop Israel."

Israel has denied allegations of war crimes and has said it is taking steps to minimize civilian casualties.

The couple, who live in Squirrel Hill in the East End of Pittsburgh, try to get together with both sets of their parents at least once a month. The families are close and agree on most issues but they have debated each other on the war for months.

Our Thanksgiving vacation, oh my God," said Edmund Olszewski. There was at least one shouting match when the families rented a house on the Eastern Shore of Maryland for the holiday.

The grandson of Polish immigrants, the elder Olszewskis father was a captain in the U.S. Army who served with the troops that liberated Dachau concentration camp in 1945. In March, Edmund Olszewski invoked his family history while speaking at a county government meeting in support of a local cease-fire resolution that ultimately failed.

At dinner, he said that though he wishes Biden would do more to rein in Israel, he views the president as a pretty good guy, surrounded by good people who are doing the best they can to figure this out."

His daughter was quick to counter. I find it hard to believe in the face of like, 15,000 dead kids, that there is still some greater plan at work. If there were, it has failed," Jane Olszewski said.

The Oct. 7 attack by Hamas killed roughly 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials, and saw the militant group take roughly 240 people hostage. The resulting Israeli offensive in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian authorities. Those figures dont specify how many were combatants but Palestinian officials and the United Nations say civilians account for most of the dead.

The Biden administration has voiced frustration with Israels conduct in the war but declined to back away from supporting the longtime U.S. ally. Pressure from within his party has mounted following a deadly Israeli airstrike on Rafah that Palestinian authorities said killed dozens of civilians. Biden had said a major Israeli attack on Rafah, where roughly 1.4 million Palestinians had been sheltering, would cross a a red line" and open the door to the U.S. withholding certain types of aid. But while the White House declared the loss of lives in the Rafah strike as tragic, the administration said it didnt merit a withdrawal of support for Israel.

Its like a broken record," Lutfi Taleb said. Were concerned, were going to investigate. But its the same result. Its the same action, which is none. Zero."

Lutfi Taleb became a U.S. citizen in 1989 and save for his first presidential election in 1992, which saw him vote for independent candidate Ross Perot, has backed Democratic presidential candidates ever since.

I used to think a lot of Biden, because hes a statesman. Hes been around," he said. But the words that I heard from this man in the last six months made me go 180."

Biden has repeatedly criticized Israel for the civilian casualties in Gaza. But the Talebs and Jane Olszewski believe the presidents comments about Palestinians have lacked the kind of raw emotion he displayed when talking about the victims of Oct. 7. He values Israeli lives more than Palestinian lives," said Abe Taleb.

I dont believe that," Edmund Olszewski interjected. He added that Trumps comments on the warwhich have included threats to deport pro-Palestinian protesters and ban Palestinian refugees from the U.S., as well as general support for Israels offensivesuggest the former president would be far worse than Biden on the issue.

Lutfi Taleb came back with: [Biden] cant come and tell me, Im not that great, but the other person thats running for president is worse."

He added: Well, if its gonna take four bad years of somebody else for [Democrats] to wake up and change course, then so be it."

Many households in Squirrel Hill display We Stand with Israel" yard signs. The neighborhood was the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history in 2018, when a gunman killed 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life synagogue.

Jane Olszewski and Abe Taleb have sought to distribute pro-Palestinian yard signs that read Stop Genocide. Free Palestine." But when she posted about the signs in a Facebook moms group, the administrators removed the post after some of the groups members suggested it was antisemitic, which the couple denied. The climate surrounding the war has created distance within some of their friend groups.

On Friday, Biden outlined a previously nonpublic Israeli proposal for a cease-fire and exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and called for an end to the fighting, marking his biggest push yet to bring the war to a close. Both Abe Taleb and Jane Olszewski agree a fundamental shift in Bidens policy toward Israel could persuade them to back him once more in November. But they are doubtful such a change will come to pass before the election.

Everyone seated around the table knows they will come back to the subject many more times in the next five months. Some of them may simply agree to disagree come Nov. 5.

Im just glad its gonna happen before Thanksgiving," said Lutfi Taleb.

Write to Sabrina Siddiqui at sabrina.siddiqui@wsj.com
A 50-year-old woman from Toronto had a strong smell of alcohol on her breath and felt dizzy, confused and weak. One day, she even fainted and hurt her head on the kitchen counter while preparing lunch for her children. The strange part is she did not consume any alcohol. It took her two years to convince doctors that she had never had alcohol, CNN reported.

Also Read: Planning parties for June 2024? Be aware of dry days in India | Full list here She repeatedly visited her family doctor and went to the emergency room seven times in two years. Doctors discovered her alcohol levels varied from 30 to 62 millimoles per litre while a normal level is below 2 millimoles per litre, the publication added.

The emergency room doctors asked the woman about her drinking habits. Three hospital psychiatrists examined her. However, it was decided she did not have an alcohol use disorder.

Also Read: Jharkhand news: DJ shot dead in Ranchi bar for refusing alcohol | Watch video Barbara Cordell, who researches auto-brewery syndrome, has told CNN that alcohol levels as high as 62 millimoles per litre are extremely dangerous and could be deadly. Although she hasn't seen levels that high, some people can manage with blood alcohol levels up to 30 or 40 millimoles per litre, according to her.

I know of over 300 people diagnosed with auto-brewery syndrome and we have over 800 patients and caregivers in our private Facebook support group. Part of the mystery of this syndrome is how these people can have these extremely high levels and still be walking around and talking, Cordell told the publication.

Also Read: Breaching THIS liquor storage limit in Delhi and Mumbai can land you in trouble She told doctors her religion forbids alcohol consumption while her husband confirmed she didn't drink, said Dr. Rahel Zewude. The infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto treated the woman. However, it took seven visits before an emergency room doctor suggested she might have auto-brewery syndrome and referred her to a specialist, according to Dr. Zewude.

History of auto-brewery syndrome Auto-brewery syndrome is a very uncommon condition in which bacteria and fungi in the digestive system convert carbohydrates from food into alcohol.
Hitachi and Microsoft announced a multibillion-dollar collaboration to accelerate the adoption of generative artificial intelligence, the latest in a series of partnerships and investments the two companies are undertaking.

As part of the three-year partnership, the Japanese conglomerate will integrate Microsoft products including Microsoft Cloud and GitHub Copilot into Lumada, Hitachis core digital, software and services business, according to a joint statement by the two companies.

Hitachi aims to hit $18.9 billion in revenue from its Lumada business in the current financial year that began in April. The business generated revenue of $15.0 billion in the last financial year.

Late last month, Hitachi announced a partnership with Google that would see the Japanese company establish a business unit focused on helping businesses solve industry problems with Googles AI technology.

For its part, Microsoft has been pursuing billions of dollars in investments in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia, a fast-growing region of more than 670 million people where demand for data centers and cloud computing businesses is rising.

Last month, the U.S. tech giant announced plans to invest $2.2 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure in Malaysia after disclosing similar plans in Indonesia and Thailand.

We are entering a new era of AI with the promise to deliver transformative business outcomes across every role and industry," said Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella.

Hitachi also plans to train more than 50,000 generative AI professionals, enabling them to acquire advanced software development skills using GitHub Copilot and Azure OpenAI Service, and use Azure OpenAI Service to enhance its customer service.

Microsofts cloud computing business, Azure, has been expanding rapidly amid rising demand for AI computing. Last quarter, Azures cloud business grew 31% compared with the same period a year earlier, with seven percentage points of the growth coming from its AI services, helping to fuel the companys 17% top-line growth.

Hitachi plans to invest 300 billion yen ($1.92 billion) on generative AI in fiscal 2024 to capture new growth opportunities, Hitachi Chief Executive Keiji Kojima said.

The two companies have been working on various projects, including the development of digital solutions for the manufacturing and logistics sectors, Kojima added.

Write to Kimberley Kao at kimberley.kao@wsj.com

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Tech giant Google is testing an innovative feature in its Search Labs for the Google app on iOS, reported HT Tech. This feature, termed "Auto Dark Mode," allows users to maintain a dark theme across all websites they visit, improving user experience by automatically converting websites to a dark mode.

The Google app on iPhone, which operates much like a web browser with its tab system, now includes the "Auto Dark Mode" experiment. When users activate this feature and their device is set to dark mode, websites will conform to the app's dark theme, providing a uniform browsing experience without abrupt changes between dark and light modes. Users can easily enable this feature by tapping the beaker icon in the upper-left corner of the Google app.

For those who prefer the original theme of certain websites, Auto Dark Mode can be turned off for specific sites by clicking the new sun icon in the address bar. Google acknowledges that the quality of dark mode conversion may vary and notes that this feature does not apply to websites that already have a native dark mode.

At present, Auto Dark Mode is only available on the iOS version of the Google app and has not been released for Android devices. This feature is part of a larger array of experiments within Google Search Labs, which also features innovations such as "Talk to a Live Representative," "Notes on Search," and various AI tools for browsing.

These experiments were introduced during the I/O 2024 event, showcasing Google's commitment to enhancing user interaction and experience through cutting-edge features.

Google's introduction of Auto Dark Mode in its iOS app is intended to create a more seamless and visually comfortable browsing experience. While this feature is currently in its experimental stage and only available to iOS users, it aligns with Google's broader strategy of incorporating user-friendly innovations into its search and browsing functionalities. Users who wish to try Auto Dark Mode can enable it via the Search Labs section of the Google app on their iPhones.

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OROFINO  Nobody does it better avoiding responsibility for an environmental disaster, that is, Idaho Sen. Ron Beitelspacher told representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Monday night.

Beitelspacher, D-Grange-ville, lashed out at the corps at a meeting at the Orofino Junior High School held to examine issues involved in a test of ways to help Northwest salmon runs. The test is planned next year, but how the test will work has not been decided.

The evening meeting followed an earlier session held at Lewis-Clark State College at Lewiston. That meeting drew a wider cross-section of interests, ranging from port representatives to fishermen.

Beitelspacher, however, repeated a theme common to several of those testifying at both Orofino and Lewiston. I hope we will come out of this with a change in attitude on the corps part, Beitelspacher said.

He added he found it amazing that the agency that could build the Snake River dams could not make them work properly. Beitelspachers tongue-lashing drew a round of applause from the audience of about 35.

The corps held the meetings as a first step toward preparing an environmental impact statement for next years test. The test will mean changing the operation of federal dams along the Snake and Columbia rivers.

The National Marine Fisheries Service is reviewing sockeye and wild chinook salmon runs in the Snake and wild coho salmon runs in the Columbia River for Endangered Species Act protection.

The service has already proposed the sockeye for endangered species status. Officials are expected to announce by Friday their recommendations for the other runs.

William F. MacDonald, who is overseeing the environmental review of next years test, said options range from finding more water to flush the young salmon downstream to drawing down Snake and Columbia river reservoirs.

The issues now known range from potential damage to the fish runs to losses of shipping and power production, he added.
Charges were dismissed against a Lewiston woman whod been charged with being an accessory to attempted murder in a case that resulted in Robert J. LaPlantes conviction.

Kelley A. Wilson, who had been accused of withholding information from a police officer, saw the case dismissed on a motion filed Thursday by Nez Perce County Chief Deputy Prosecutor April Smith.

The motion asked charges to be dismissed without prejudice, meaning they can be refiled, for the reason that the interests of justice would best served thereby, according to court documents. Second District Judge Michelle Evans signed the order to dismiss the charges the same day.

Wilson had a status conference hearing Thursday and was at the Nez Perce County Courthouse with her public defender, Randy Reed, before the state dismissed the charge, according to court documents.

Wilson was indicted by a grand jury in October, along with LaPlante and Timothy W. Allen, after an attack on Loyal Otis Dickson Jr. on July 14 in North Lewiston.

LaPlante was convicted by a jury in March and sentenced May 15 to 25-50 years in prison. LaPlante is appealing his case to the Idaho Supreme Court.
Benjamin Joseph Haener, 45, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at his home in Boise surrounded by his family.

Benjamin was born Nov. 15, 1978, in Lewiston to Dick and Diane Haener.

Benjamin lived each and every day to its fullest. He touched many people during his life and had many friends that were near and dear to his heart.

Benjamin lived in the Boise area most of his life. In his younger years, he spent time at the Idaho State School and with the Cragun family. In 1988, Benjamin moved to Idaho Falls Group Home  here he attended Skyline High School and graduated in May 1998. Ben moved to Boise Group Home in 1999 where he resided until his death. While at Boise Group Homes, Benjamin joined their workshop program where he worked with many wonderful people. Benjamin lived for his role as supervisor both at workshop and the Group Home  he always had to be in the middle of what was going on and know what was going on.
Why would we ask someone to leave their family for five months, especially if theyre a single parent? Vancouver Police Chief Jeff Mori said upon the opening of the facility. Its been a barrier for so many people to have to go away. And now, they can actually commute, they can get local day care, they can drive away and get lunch here. Its really been an amazing adventure. So were super excited.

The fruits of those efforts are now in evidence. But they do not by themselves result in improved policing; the quality of training and the caliber of recruits will determine how effectively new officers serve the public.

Effective law enforcement has been a focus of lawmakers in recent years. Various measures to improve police accountability and limit police power have had mixed success. In one example, the Legislature passed a law in 2021 greatly limiting the authority of police to engage in vehicular pursuits; the result, according to officers, was that suspects would drive away with impunity, and limitations were rolled back by the Legislature this year.

Meanwhile, there is a persistent myth that cities and counties throughout Washington acquiesced to calls to defund the police. Some progressive activists adopted that mantra in 2020, when the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police sparked debates over the role of American policing. In truth, police departments throughout Washington did not see a reduction in funding. Seattle reduced its police budget simply by transferring funding for parking enforcement to another department, not by reducing staff.

In truth, the reason for police staffing shortages throughout the state could be traced to retirements and other departures and to a lack of training facilities for replacements.

Improving relations between officers and the public, reestablishing law enforcement as a noble and desirable profession, will take time. But improving the availability of training already is underway. As one instructor at the new Vancouver academy said: It was a really good class. A lot of good people from different walks of life, different life experiences.

Our communities will be safer for it.

TNS
On June 13, the Idaho Republican Party will hold its biennial convention at Coeur dAlene, and the delegates to it will decide on a number of things, including resolutions, a platform and party leadership.

Those decisions have been playing an increasingly central role in Idaho government, so they matter.

It might, or might not.

Marco Erickson, a Republican state representative from Idaho Falls, evidently is in the it will category, and his reasons are understandable and based on personal experience.

Party officials on the state level and, in many places, the county level have in the last few years gotten into the business of critiquing votes on legislation and even specific debates and statements by Republican legislators, calling them on the carpet, censuring and even threatening them with a loss of party support, in ways the party has never done in Idaho. It hasnt happened everywhere around the state, but it has in many places.

Erickson was among those legislators criticized by his local Republican organization. He rebuffed the party actions and has prevailed: This month he won his contested primary election and a precinct committeeperson seat, which makes him a party official. He was one of a bunch of Republican legislators in the Bonneville County area where that happened. On top of that, the roster of precinct officials changed, too.

Speaking of state Republican Chairperson Dorothy Moon, Erickson told columnist Chuck Malloy, She will not be returning as the partys chairwoman, and I think she knows that ... . Every candidate they have endorsed in the last two years has lost, with the exception of one state race. In Bonneville County, voters paid attention to the negativity they were spreading, and they didnt like it.

Bonneville County is likely to raise major objections to the party leaderships direction.
The FBI and its international allies have seized a dark-web site that the worlds most prolific ransomware gang has used to extort its victims.
The owner of Classic Hits Radio has offered 10 million to purchase 2FM from the national broadcaster, in a bid to privatise the crisis-hit RTE radio station.

It was revealed this morning that Classic Hits boss Kevin Branigan, has written to RTE boss Kevin Bakhurst and Media Minister Catherine Martin to state his intention to make an offer. The story was initially reported by The Irish Sun.

Branigan also vowed to try to bring back some of the top talent that recently walked away from 2FM, including Jennifer Zamparelli, The 2 Johnnies and Doireann Garrihy.

Brannigan is CEO of Bay Broadcasting, the company behind Classic Hits Radio and Radio Nova. He also owns a 46 per cent share in Sunshine Radio.

Branigan told The Irish Sun: "2FM has a very valuable position in the marketplace but has been operating in a bubble for years.

"It is being heavily subsidised by taxpayers money while it has continued to vastly under-perform in listenership and revenue terms."

In an exclusive statement, Branigan told Iconic Media that his company had bass their 10 million figure "on a multiple of eight times normalised earnings, which could value 2FM in excess of 10 million".

"We believe that there is value to 2FM but that value would be only realised if it was privatised," he continued.

When asked about the current challenges facing 2FM, as well as how the CEO would attract and retain top talent to present for the station, Branigan said "talent management has become a major issue for 2FM".

"It has been suggested that the Register of Interest rules have a part to play in that. I believe that a rationalised 2FM, run and structured along commercial lines, would have no issue in attracting top talent."

Asked if the bid had a chance of success, Branigan said that "there is no way for us to tell what the chances of success are".

"It is ultimately up to RTE and the Government to decide," he concluded.
Governor Hochul Hosts Roundtable With Parents to Discuss Efforts to Combat Youth Mental Health Crisis and Harmful Effects of Social Media

Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: June 04 2024

Continues Push for Nation-Leading Legislation To Combat Addictive Social Media Algorithms and Protect Kids Online.

Governor Kathy Hochul today met virtually with parents from advocacy organizations across New York State to discuss her ongoing efforts to combat the youth mental health crisis. The Governor highlighted her push for nation-leading legislation addressing online safety and the harmful impacts of social media in the final days of the 2024 State Legislative Session.

With just a week left in the legislative session, passing legislation to protect our kids online is my top priority, Governor Hochul said. Ive been listening to parents, young people, educators and mental health professionals statewide, and one thing is clear  addictive social media algorithms are fueling the youth mental health crisis and we must act now.

The roundtable was made up of parents and representatives from organizations whose work spans across the State of New York. They include:

Kyle McCauley Belokopitsky (Moderator), Rensselaer County, Executive Director of the NYS Congress of Parents and Teachers

Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health

Susan Fox, New York City, Founder of Park Slope Parents

Stephanie Stevens, Chautauqua County, President of the YWCAs of New York & Executive Director of YWCA Westfield

Scott MacLeod, Tompkins County, Co-Founder of The Sophie Fund, Inc.

Jenny Dembrow, New York City, Executive Director of the Lower East Side Girls Club

Julie Scelfo, New York City, Founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction

Elise Gold, Ulster County, Founder of the Maya Gold Foundation

Bernice Tsai, New York City, Representative of Common Sense Media

Meisha Porter, New York City, President and CEO of the Bronx Community Foundation

Kathleen Spence, Suffolk County, Teacher at Brentwood East Middle School

Arron Muller, New York City, CEO of Modify Wellness, Inc.

The Governor is focused on advancing two pieces of legislation by the end of the Legislative Session, including the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act to restrict the addictive features of social media, and the New York Child Data Protection Act to restrict the collection of minors personal data by online sites.

Executive Director of the NYS Congress of Parents and Teachers (NYS PTA) Kyle McCauley Belokopitsky said, We applaud Governor Hochuls leadership on this critical issue facing millions of school children and their families across New York State. Our recent Mental Health Survey for parents, families and educators showed that 82% of respondents felt social media is the most important mental health issue for students. Governor Hochul is right that we must address this significant challenge facing our students by taking new steps to protect young people on social media. Together, we will Support Kids, Raise Awareness and make every childs potential a reality.

The Governors commitment to advancing these bills is part of her larger commitment to addressing youth mental health in New York State. In addition to the $1 billion mental health investment in the FY24 Enacted Budget, the FY25 Enacted Budget carries through $20 million in start-up funding for school-based mental health clinics and a rolling application process to expedite these awards, which were previously secured through the state procurement process. This initiative builds on the $5.1 million in state funding awarded in November to support 137 new school-based clinics  including 82 at high-needs schools  and bringing the total number to more than 1,200 statewide.

The FY25 Enacted Budget includes more than $19 million to provide critical care to young people, including increasing resources for youth receiving treatment in their community or in residential care.

Key initiatives include increasing Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams, which provide wraparound services and support to young people at risk of entering residential or inpatient psychiatric treatment, will be expanded with $9.6 million to continue serving them at home and within their community whenever possible. This funding will allow the state to develop 12 additional teams to serve youth statewide.

The Budget also adds $4 million to support a loan forgiveness program specifically for licensed mental health clinicians serving children and families. Another $2 million was added to expand peer-to-peer mental wellness efforts among young people across the state, including training programs like Teen Mental Health First Aid, which enable New Yorkers to assist friends, family or other community members who experience challenges with mental health or substance use.
Over the past month, there has been a surge in attacks from Iraq against Israel attributed to the Islamic Resistance. This group consists of several militias backed by Iran, active in both Syria and Iraq, including existing U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations such as Kataib Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada. Since the war in Gaza began on Oct. 7, the group has claimed responsibility for over one hundred attacks on Israeli soil. Moreover, the group has made egregious claims, such as targeting the Ministry of Defense HQ in Tel Aviv, the port of Haifa, and Ashkelons oil terminal. However, the validity of many of these claims is doubtful, as they have either not been confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) or have not triggered Israels Tzeva Adom (Red Color) alert system. In addition, open-source data, including Israeli news outlets and social media, have not corroborated many of these claims. This method of taking responsibility for attacks against Israel with minimal evidence to support the claim has become typical of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, but this is slowly changing.

The IDF announced on May 27, Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in the Eilat area, an IAF fighter jet, in coordination with the IDF Aerial Defense Array, successfully intercepted two hostile aircraft approaching from the east. Meanwhile, on the same day, the Islamic Resistance claimed on Telegram to have launched three drones and attacked military targets in Eilat, referred to as Umm Al Rashrash. However, they only released footage of the drones being launched.

This attack indicates a significant escalation over the past month. According to a tally recorded by FDD, which includes data from IDF statements, Tzeva Adom alerts, and claims by the Islamic Resistance, there have been nine actual attacks targeting Israel in May.

The escalation in attacks by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq likely stems from multiple factors. Israels ongoing military operation in Rafah, coupled with increased U.S. pressure culminating in a weapons freeze, appears to have influenced the timing and intensity of these hostilities. The Islamic Resistance began to intensify their attacks on May 7 with two confirmed attacks, one day after Israel announced the evacuation of the eastern outskirts of Rafah and the commencement of operations in the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip. These events may have influenced the Islamic Resistances calculus to ramp up its kinetic activity against Israel. Additionally, the uptick in attacks could also be a response to an alleged Israeli airstrike targeting a cultural center and training facilities for Harakat Hezbollah al Nujabaa prominent organization within the Islamic Resistance in the Sayyida Zaynab suburb of Damascus.

On May 30, Saraya Awliya al-Dam, an Iraqi militia affiliated with Asaib Ahl Al Haq, claimed to have launched drones targeting the port of Haifa. This claim resembles those typically made by the majority of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq regarding attacks on Haifa; and there was no independent confirmation of the attack. Interestingly, this is the first time another group in Iraq has claimed an attack on Israel.

In May, the Islamic Resistance utilized a variety of advanced weaponry, as evidenced by several claimed launch videos. Two videos captured the launch of Iranian-made Shahed 101 drones. Additionally, a video from May 13 highlighted the deployment of a new variant of the KAS-04 drone named Al-Arfad. The group also used the Shahed-136 drone, recognized for its payload capacity, thereby increasing its threat level in targeted attacks.

It is clear that these attacks are likely to continue for the foreseeable future. As Israel grapples with ongoing conflicts in Gaza, confrontations on the border with Lebanon, and continuous threats from the Houthis in Yemen, the prospect of attacks originating from Iraq remains a significant and serious concern. In these complications, U.S. allies have played an important role. Notably, on several occasions since the recent escalation began, Jordan has permitted Israeli Air Force fighter jets to enter its airspace to intercept drones. Video footage from the Jordanian city of Aqaba, adjacent to Eilat, has captured these interceptions three times in the past ten days. This cooperation, along with Jordans assistance in intercepting Iranian drones over its airspace on Apr. 13 and despite the domestic challenges Jordan faces due to the war in Gaza, underscores the importance of the defense relationship between the two countries. It also reflects Jordans recognition of the threat Iran and its proxies pose to its sovereignty and national security.

Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the levant.
Sonos has been a beloved brand for years, especially among Apple fans. Its easy to see why: from the slick product design to the thoughtful eco-friendly packaging, Sonos offers a very Apple-like experience. Their home speakers and sound bars have a very it just works quality that may not satisfy the kind of audio nerds that demand extreme control via a big ol receiver, but for everyone else simply looks and sounds great.

One audio area Sonos hasnt even attempted, in almost 20 years on the market, is headphones. Sonos Ace changes all that. The first headphones from the Sonos brand, the Ace are direct competitors to the likes of AirPods Max, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sony WH-1000XM5, et al. In other words, theyre over-the-ear wireless headphones with active noise cancelling and a transparency mode and are priced on the premium end of the market at $449.

Ive been using them for a couple of weeks now and if Im honest, Id reach for these over my AirPods Max any day, despite not having the tight integration that Apple-brand products enjoy (theres no hands-free Hey Siri support, for exampleyou have to press a button to invoke Siri). There are a number of things Sonos gets right that Apple could learn from.

And despite this, I cant recommend anyone buy them just yet. If youre intrigued by Sonos Ace, you might want to wait a few months.

Sonos Ace Best Prices Today:

Better fit and comfort

AirPods Max are comfortable in many ways, but they dont quite fit my head. This isnt uncommonI have a small head, and the smallest size setting for many over-ear headphones is just a tiny bit too big to fit comfortably. AirPods Max are like that, Sonys WH-1000XM5 are not. And neither are the Sonos Ace. At the smallest settings, they fit just right.

But theres a weight issue, too. AirPods Max weighs 385 grams, way more than something like those Sony XM5s (250g). Sonos are heavy as well at 312 grams, due in part to the steel bars in the headband and overall sturdy construction.

The top headband is soft and flexible, the removable earcups are soft and plush. They simply feel comfortable and steady on your head even during long listening sessions. It would definitely be nice if they shed a few grams more, but I would much rather wear these for a few hours than AirPods Max.

A better TV streaming solution

If you use an Apple TV, you can switch the audio over to your AirPods Max (if youre on the same Apple ID) by opening the Apple TV control center and changing the audio output. It works pretty well, and its very convenient.

Unless you want to listen to something that is not coming from your Apple TV. If youre streaming video through your smart TV, or playing a console game, that AirPods Max integration wont do anything for you.

Its going to be super annoying to some Sonos users that the Sonos Ace are not Wi-Fi connected like all other Sonos speakers. You cant just join into any Sonos speaker group and directly stream from audio sources that youve linked to in the Sonos app. These are Bluetooth only (to extend battery life), so they have to stream audio from a linked source like your iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.

The Sonos soundbar/headphone handoff feature is excellent, even though it only works with their most expensive soundbar right now. The Sonos soundbar/headphone handoff feature is excellent, even though it only works with their most expensive soundbar right now. Sonos The Sonos soundbar/headphone handoff feature is excellent, even though it only works with their most expensive soundbar right now. Sonos Sonos

However, they can pull off a pretty neat trick where you can link them to a Sonos soundbar, and then with a long press of the content button on the right earpiece swap audio from the soundbar to your headphones. It happens quickly, its reliable, it passes through Dolby Atmos for spatial audio, and the latency is low enough to be a viable solution for gaming.

Right now its only compatible with the Sonos Arc soundbar (others are coming in a software update soon) but it works with everything because its the sound that your soundbar would play. I really like switching with just a press-and-hold of the content button, too. Apple should make the AirPods Maxs Digital Crown work that way.

Multi-point Bluetooth

AirPods Max pair with one device at a time, but they also support Apples fast-switching wherein they will be paired automatically with other Apple stuff that uses your same Apple ID, so you can quickly switch to them.

Sonos Ace supports dual Bluetooth connections, so you can be simultaneously connected to Bluetooth sources (not just Apple products) and quickly switch between them. Its essentially the same idea, only more flexible. They work great over the USB-C connection, too. Just plug in and youre good to go. You can even plug the USB-C into your PS5 DualSense controller and theyll work as a gaming headset straight away, and you can still use noise canceling and such.

You can turn them off!

You cant turn off AirPods Max. Theres no manual way to do it. They just use some combination of the on-ear sensors and accelerometer to determine if youre not using them, and eventually time out.

Look, a power button! It feels so silly to count that as a feature but the AirPods Max dont have one. Look, a power button! It feels so silly to count that as a feature but the AirPods Max dont have one. Foundry Look, a power button! It feels so silly to count that as a feature but the AirPods Max dont have one. Foundry Foundry

The Sonos Ace will eventually power themselves off as well, but theres a power button that you press and hold for a couple of seconds to turn on or off. Yes, pretty much every pair of headphones has a power button. Sonos entry in the space is not unique, Apples are, but its worth pointing out what a pain the butt it can be not to have any sort of manual power button.

They sound great

Bose and Sony have sort of caught up to Apple on noise reduction, and the Sonos Ace is right up there as well. They do an amazing job of reducing repetitive noise like traffic, air conditioners, airplane noise, etc.

The transparency mode (Sonos calls it Aware Mode) is maybe tied for the best Ive ever heard. Until now, nobody has been able to match the natural sound of AirPods Maxs transparency mode, and Sonos may have done it.

For other audio, its sort of a tie with AirPods Max, and whether you like these better than the comparable headsets from Apple, Sony, or Bose is more a matter of personal taste than technical excellence. I find the high end just a touch thin by default on the Ace, a bumping Treble up a notch or two on the (really anemic) EQ in the Sonos software fixes that right away. Microphone quality and noise reduction during calls are similarly great.

In general, its safe to say you dont lose anything in sound quality with Sonos Ace over AirPods Max, and with support for lossless audio over USB (or when connected to the right Android device with apt-X Lossless) they might even be a little better.

But dont buy a pair yet

There are a few little things that could be improved on the Sonos Ace. The case feels kind of cheap for a high-priced pair of headphones, for instance. It hardly seems worth focusing on that when AirPods Max have a case thats worse than useless.

But on balance, even at $449 I would rather use these than the $549 AirPods Max. Even with the AirPods Max seemingly perpetually available at a discountId use the Sonos Ace at the same price any day. They sound just as good, are more comfortable, and have more flexible connectivity options. And a power button.

Sonos Ace are greatbut the app leaves much to be desired. Sonos Ace are greatbut the app leaves much to be desired. Sonos Sonos Ace are greatbut the app leaves much to be desired. Sonos Sonos

But Sonos dropped a huge update to its all-important app recently and it has been a bit of a scandal. Its a totally new architecture under the hood and a new interface, and while it certainly looks better and more modern, the Sonos users are not happy about it.

Its missing a lot of features the old app had and its riddled with bugs. It took me two hours of troubleshooting to add a Sonos Arc soundbar after having previously set up the Sonos Arc headphones. Theres no queue or playing next in the music playback interface. The sleep timer is gone. Playing back local music is missing.

Sonos has already pushed out a software update to address some bugs and shortcomings and has a public roadmap for when we can expect the return of other features. If your only Sonos product is to be the Sonos Ace, some of these wont be an issue for you. If you already have Sonos speakers or plan to get them, the app is a buggy and feature-stripped nightmare right now.

Yes, Sonos Ace cost more than the latest from Bose or Sony, but theyre cheaper than AirPods Max by $100. Even with AirPods Max seemingly always on sale somewhere, they may cost you less.

If you plan to use your headphones entirely and exclusively with Apple products forever, maybe the convenience of AirPods Max makes them a better choice for you (still, wait for a potential AirPods Max 2 later this year). If you ever want to connect them to anything else, or if you have or want to get a Sonos sound bar, youll probably like Sonos Ace better and pay less.

My advice is to wait a few months and look for the Sonos Ace to go on sale. Give it a slightly better price and a few months of app updates and the Sonos Ace will be a real winner.
In 2022-23 the New Jersey Devils had the third-best record in the Eastern Conference and appeared to be a team on the rise. This year, they were expected to be a contender but instead plummeted out of the playoff. Their biggest issue was goaltending and their lack of a No. 1.

Theyve made no secret that acquiring a goalie is a priority. The Bruins havent been as open about their goaltending situation for obvious reasons. But they have said that signing Jeremy Swayman to a long-term deal is a priority. Theyve already tried trading the 2023 Vezina winner Linus Ullmark at the trade deadline and are likely to explore his market again in hopes of getting cap space and player or draft assets.

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Ullmark has a 15-team no-trade list. If the Devils arent on it, Boston and New Jersey are likely to at least talk.

Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald hasnt ruled out trading his first-round pick No. 10 overall. They also have two third-round picks. The Bruins dont pick until the fourth round.

Im in the goalie market talking to teams, but theres a but and the but is how do we want to build our team? general manager Tom Fitzgerald told NHL.com Wed like to add up front, wed like to add on the back end, so what are those pieces going to cost us. With the goaltending, whats that going to cost us? Does the No. 10 pick get you that type of player that you can add to the group. Its easy to say, Go get so-and-so and then you build from there. But there are some guys who have different contracts so how are those players going to reprice at. Theres a lot to it, but, yes, the focus is on finding that goaltender.

The Senators are also rumored to have Ullmark interest. According to the Ottawa Citizen, the Senators explored a possible Ullmark trade at the deadline, but the Bruins were poised to accept a deal from a different team before Ullmark used his then-16-team no-movement clause to block the deal. The Senators are expected to re-engage.

The Citizen wrote:

A league executive said Thursday he believes the Senators would likely have to offer defenceman Jakob Chychrun along with a first-round pick and another selection to acquire Ullmark. Even then, he has the hammer because he does have the modified no-trade clause.

Detroit and Carolina are likely looking for upgrades in goal and Colorado, Los Angeles and possible even Edmonton could be too. The Bruins are expected to be interested in Hurricanes trade candidate Martin Necas, although theyd probably have to offer more than just Ullmark to get him.

Calgarys Jacob Markstrom, Nashvilles Juuse Saros and Columbus Elvis Merzlikins are also expected to be on the trade market.
In Massachusetts, only licensed dispensaries are allowed to sell marijuana. But in recent years, pot shops have faced an unlikely source of competition.

Consumers have easily found hemp-derived products, which are not regulated like marijuana but can have similar intoxicating effects, at their neighborhood liquor stores, gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores, as well as online.

A federally legal plant, hemp is similar botanically to marijuana but typically contains far less THC, the primary chemical that produces a high.

Still, THC and other cannabis compounds can be extracted from hemp, concentrated, and added to edibles, beverages, and vaporizers to elicit a similar effect to standard marijuana products.

To the ire of pot shop owners who follow stringent state guidelines, these unregulated hemp-derived products have increasingly popped up outside licensed marijuana dispensaries.

Kimberly Roy, a member of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, has heard numerous complaints from legal dispensary owners losing business to convenience stores and package stores selling gummies or seltzer drinks containing THC derived from hemp.

Roy termed the products gas station weed at a public meeting last month.

Its having a serious negative impact on our licensees, who are bound by the law and bound by our regulations, Roy said. And then you have all these others, whether its convenience stores or smoke shops or gas stations, who are not.

The average cannabis consumer may be unlikely to know the difference between these hemp-derived products and marijuana products with similar effects, dispensary owners argue.

Public health officials are also concerned about the availability of hemp products that havent passed through the rigorous testing requirements imposed on marijuana sold at dispensaries.

I honestly feel its a public health and safety menace, Roy said.

The conundrum originated with the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which removed hemp from the federal definition of marijuana, allowing it to be legally cultivated. It did not change the governments ban on adding cannabis compounds such as THC and CBD to food and beverages, but that didnt stop the emergence of a new market for hemp-derived products.

Adam Terry, the CEO and co-founder of the Boston-based company Cantrip, which produces THC-infused beverages, pushed back on concerns about hemp products in an opinion article published by CommonWealth Beacon earlier this spring.

He said officials in Minnesota, where many of the hemp beverages are produced, mandate testing that is up to snuff with any state marijuana program.

These products are regulated, he wrote.

But local public health officials in some Massachusetts communities, including Worcester and Needham, have cracked down on liquor stores and smoke shops selling THC products derived from hemp in violation of state law.

Still, ridding store shelves of these products has been an uphill battle, said Ryan Dominguez, the executive director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, an industry trade group.

Despite pressure from the cannabis industry, he said the state agencies that regulate hemp and public health were slow to act  until last week.

In a notice to local boards of health, Healey administration officials made clear that food and beverages infused with hemp-derived cannabis compounds remain illegal under federal law.

Only retail establishments licensed and regulated by the Cannabis Control Commission may sell beverages that include THC as an ingredient, the state Department of Public Health and the Department of Agricultural Resources notice read.

In a subsequent bulletin, the states Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission noted the ban applied to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and threatened that any business violating the rules could lose its liquor license.

These products must be taken off the shelf immediately, the ABCC said.

The notices came as Beacon Hill lawmakers prepare to host an oversight hearing on the regulation of hemp and the proliferation of unregulated hemp-derived products among Massachusetts retailers.

The June 11 hearing will be hosted by the Legislatures Joint Committee on Agriculture and the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy.
More than 175 million Americans may be eligible for payments as part of a settlement related to ATM fees charged by Visa and Mastercard.

Visa and Mastercard have agreed to pay $197.5 million to resolve a class action lawsuit that accuses the companies of keeping ATM fees high, News Nation Now reports.

If a judge accepts the settlement, more than 100 million notices will be sent via email and the terms will be advertised on websites and other places.

Visa has agreed to pay $104.6 million, according to Reuters, and Mastercard has agreed to pay $92.8 million.

A customer stands at an ATM at the entrance of a First Citizens Bank branch location in the Encino section of Los Angeles on Monday, March 27, 2023. North Carolina-based First Citizens is to buy Silicon Valley Bank, the tech industry-focused financial institution that collapsed earlier this month. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)AP

Neither company admits to wrongdoing and the deal is subject to court approval.

The agreement would cover any person who withdrew money from a bank-operated ATM since Oct. 1, 2007 and had to pay a fee, as proposed by the plaintiffs lawyer in a filing in Washington D.C. federal court.

The proposed settlement comes after a $5.5 billion agreement wrapping up an anti-trust case related to Visa and Mastercard processing of payments, according to Payments Dive, a website that reports on news and trends shaping payments.

That settlement involves fees charged to merchants when a customer used a Visa or Mastercard at a business.

That settlement is expected to include some 18.6 million merchants, Payments Drive reported.
Two people were rescued from the third floor of an apartment building that caught fire early Tuesday morning in Worcester and were taken to a hospital for treatment, Worcester Assistant Fire Chief Adam Roche told MassLive.

A third person was also rescued from the building and brought to the hospital, Fire Chief Martin Dyer told MassLive.

The fire at 52 Outlook Drive broke out around 2:30 a.m. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy fire coming from the roof and third floor of a three-story apartment building. Firefighters struck three alarms to bring additional resources to the area, Roche said.

As the fire grew, it spread to two neighboring buildings, at 50 Outlook Drive and 54 Outlook Drive.

The two people were trapped inside a third-floor apartment where the fire is believed to have started, Roche confirmed.

The pair rescued from the apartment building were taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center along with a third person. Roche told MassLive he did not have an update on their conditions.

Tuesday mornings fire on Outlook Drive came less than a week after a fatal fire in the city on Hancock Street that left two people dead.
A toddler was killed in a hit-and-run car crash in Hartford, Connecticut, Monday night, but officers have now found the car that was involved, according to police.

Around 10:55 p.m., several 911 callers reported that a toddler had been hit by a car outside 36 New Britain Ave., Hartford police said in a press release. At the scene, they found a 18-month-old girl who was unresponsive and lying in the roadway.

The child was rushed to Connecticut Childrens Medical Center where she was declared dead, police said. Officers soon determined that the girl had wandered out of Top Kat Laundromat  which is located at 36 New Britain Ave.  and into the roadway where she was hit by a car.

The car involved  a 2013 black BMW 328xi with Connecticut plates  fled the scene driving west on New Britain Avenue, police said. Officers located the car in New Haven around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday with a driver inside, Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert told MassLive over email.

Hartford detectives are on their way to New Haven to investigate, Boisvert said. Anyone with any information about the crash is asked to call Hartford police at 860-722-TIPS (8477).
Just one day into meteorological summer, Massachusetts had a close call in a body of water. A 4-year-old was pulled from the water at a Barnstable pond unresponsive on Sunday but began breathing before first responders arrived after bystanders performed CPR. The child was flown to a hospital.

That incident followed the drownings of three adults on Memorial Day weekend  considered the unofficial start of summer  two in Lynn on the same day and one in Lunenberg on May 25, the day prior.

Yet, those cases on Memorial Day weekend are largely the outlier, Dr. Michael Flaherty, a critical care physician at Mass General for Children, told MassLive.

Drownings are most common among children  particularly those between the ages of 1 and 4 and then, later, among adolescents  he said.

How to prevent children from drowning

The best ways to prevent drownings among those age groups differ, Flaherty explained.

For those younger kids ages 1-4, supervision is critical. Flaherty recommends adults supervising kids in the water remain only an arms length away. He also stressed that the responsibility of supervision should rotate, saying adults can typically sustain their attention on supervision for about 15 minutes.

We think were really good at watching our kids. I have two toddlers; I think Im good at watching them, but when there are other people around when youre at a party, there are all sorts of distractions, he said in an interview Monday.

For older kids, the warning from Flaherty was different  many incidents come from adolescents penchant for risk-taking, he said. He warned that alcohol and drugs can hamper ones swimming ability, even for strong swimmers, and said adolescents should avoid places that arent meant for swimming or are closed.

Every year, we unfortunately hear stories of jumping off of bridges or being in quarries where there are bodies of water that arent meant for recreational swimming, and there are reasons behind that, theyre harder to get to, theyre harder to call for help, and harder for that help to reach the person, he said.

Drowning is not a loud dramatic event as it is often portrayed in media, Flaherty said. In fact, it is often quite silent as the person slips below the surface, likely rendering them unable to call for help themselves.

There is no one simple solution for preventing drownings, according to Flaherty. While knowing how to swim is a potential avenue to avoid any trouble in the water, Flaherty said it sometimes creates a false sense of security  especially for parents.

Even if your child can swim, they still need to be supervised, they still need to be in a body of water thats safe, he said.

Flaherty also stressed the importance of learning CPR, adding You never know when youre going to be that person whos with someone who unfortunately slips under the water [and] gets into trouble.

When you observe a person struggling in the water, the most important thing you can do is get help, according to Flaherty. In many cases, jumping in the water to save someone drowning can lead to a dual tragedy, he said.

Its making sure that youre a good swimmer, that the situation is safe before you try to go and save the person yourself, he said. The first step is to try to call for help ... before then trying to go in yourself to save that person.

Where to learn to swim in Massachusetts

This summer, officials across the state and in Boston are offering free swimming lessons to help prevent drownings.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is offering three separate two-week sessions aimed at enhancing water safety and swimming skills for kids ages 4 through 12. Free lessons will be offered at about 18 to 20 pools across the state, depending on staffing. The full list will be available after June 9.

And in Boston, the city is offering free swim lessons for kids between 6 months and 18 as part of its Swim Safe Boston program. The program also offers life jackets, which can significantly reduce the risk of drowning when swimming in open water.

DCR is also offering up to $1,250 in bonuses and an hourly wage between $22 and $27 for lifeguards and swim instructors across its 81 designated swimming locations across the state.
A Quincy City Council committee pushed forward a 79% pay hike for city Mayor Thomas Koch on Monday night that would make him better compensated than the mayors of Boston, New York City and Chicago.

If approved by the full city council later this month, the mayors annual salary would jump from $159,000 to $285,000.

That was lower than the initial amount proposed by a consulting firm hired by the city to review the mayors salary, which suggested Koch be compensated between $298,957 and $370,000.

But it would still make Koch better paid than Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston, who earns $207,000; Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, who earns $258,000; and Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago, who earns $221,000.

Quincy has a population of about 100,000.

At a city council Finance Committee meeting Monday night, the mayors chief of staff, Christopher Walker, said the new salary of $285,000 was fair, reasonable and in line with a number of other communities if not today than within the next year or two.

The mayor last received a pay raise in 2015, according to the Patriot Ledger.

We dont do this often, Walker said. In fact, we do this once every ten years or so.

The improved compensation would mean people are not inhibited by the salary, he said, or dissuaded from running for office because of the pay.

Its a 24-7 job, Walker said. Theres no vacation time. Theres no sick time. The mayor is the mayor.

Now in his seventh term, Koch is the longest-serving mayor in Quincys history. He was the 204th highest-paid city employee last year, according to the Patriot Ledger.

A group of city residents protested outside the committee meeting Monday night, according to local television stations NBC Boston and CBS Boston.

He never talked about his salary as a campaign issue, one Quincy resident told CBS Boston. This idea that they have to float a really high salary to get quality candidates is simply not true.
Editors note: This story was updated at 6:49 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5 to add a statement from MGH.

A 29-year-old man who worked as a medical assistant at Mass. General Hospital is facing a charge of indecent assault and battery after prosecutors say he conducted an unauthorized exam on a female patient.

Leonardo Hernandez, of Jamaica Plain, was arraigned on the charge in Boston Municipal Courts central division on Monday, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said in a statement. He was released on personal recognizance and ordered to stay away from the area where the assault took place. Hernandez will return to court on June 24 for a pre-trial hearing.

The incident at Mass General Dermatology was reported to Boston police on April 12. The statement does not say when the assault took place.

The woman told police she had gone to the dermatology unit weeks earlier to seek medical attention. When her physician left the room, the woman heard a knock on the door and a mans voice, Haydens office said. The man, who the woman recognized from previous appointments, then entered the room.

The man, who police say was identified as Hernandez, asked the woman if she would like a skin examination for a possible condition on her foot. The woman said she would like the exam if it was necessary. While she had not been informed of an additional exam by her doctor, the woman assumed her physician had requested it, according to the statement.

Hernandez gave the woman a hospital gown and left the room, shutting the door behind him. He is then accused of quickly re-entering the room before the woman had the chance to remove her clothes, according to Haydens office. Hernandez stayed in the room while the woman removed her jeans, according to prosecutors.

The woman told police Hernandez dropped to the floor and began touching her right leg, running his fingers up her leg and raising her underwear to expose her butt. He then did the same for her left leg, according to the statement.

Hernandez told the woman he was conducting a normal exam and would need to check her abdomen using both hands. He is then accused of asking to see her breast, which she declined. Hernandez is accused of requesting to see the womans breast four times before trying to pull down her hospital gown, Haydens office said.

He left the room after she refused his attempts, according to prosecutors.

The next day, the woman reached out to her doctor to ask if she had ordered any follow-up exams. The doctor told the woman she hadnt and that the exam she described was not in Hernandezs job description, according to the statement.

I commend this victim for speaking up when she determined that this situation was just not right. All patients are entitled to safe and ethical treatment during their medical appointments. Anyone jeopardizing a patients safety or abusing and exceeding their professional responsibilities will be held accountable, Hayden said in the statement.

Hernandez has since been fired, a spokesperson for MGH told MassLive on Tuesday.

We are deeply troubled by the allegations and thankful to the patient for coming forward to ensure that this individuals alleged conduct was exposed, the spokesperson said. We assisted the patient in connecting with authorities, as well as terminated Mr. Hernandez employment, and have cooperated fully with law enforcements investigation.
A fire at an apartment building early Tuesday morning in Worcester has displaced more than 30 people, according to Tom Matthews, a spokesman for Worcester City Manager Eric Batista.

Matthews told MassLive that 12 apartment units at each of the three apartment complexes, located at 50 Outlook Drive, 52 Outlook Drive and 54 Outlook Drive, became uninhabitable after a fire damaged the three buildings at 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday. He confirmed to MassLive that 35 to 40 residents are now receiving shelter at the Worcester Senior Center.

Matthews said he does not know the exact number of residents displaced or whether any of them are infants or children. Fire Chief Martin Dyer confirmed to MassLive that he also does not know the exact number of displaced residents.

Matthewss confirmation comes hours after Adam Roche, Worcesters assistant fire chief, told MassLive it was very likely that the combined 36 apartment units were a total loss.

Roche said that firefighters went to 52 Outlook Drive at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday after being alerted of the apartment fire. They found heavy fire coming from the roof and third floor of a three-story building, spreading to two other apartment buildings at 50 Outlook Drive and 54 Outlook Drive.

During the firefighting operation, Roche said that firefighters were able to put out the fire and rescue two residents inside the apartment at 52 Outlook Drive. Fire Chief Martin Dyer told MassLive that firefighters rescued a third resident from the building. Roche confirmed that all three were taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center and had no update on their conditions.

This marks the second fire in Worcester less than a week after a fatal fire in the city on Hancock Street that left two people dead.

Roche said that those displaced by the fire are receiving aid from the Red Cross and that an investigation of the fire is underway.
A Waltham man who admitted to downloading child sex abuse images for decades pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced.

Robert Daigle, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. He was previously indicted in February 2022, Levys office said in a statement.

During a Jan. 11, 2022, search of Daigles home yielded 10 electronic devices belonging to him, most of them in his bedroom, Levys office said.

Daigle admitted to downloading hundreds of thousands of child sex abuse materials for about 20 years, the district attorneys office said. A forensic search of one device found around 1,100 child sex abuse images and about 900 child sex abuse videos. Another device was found to have about 380 images.

The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.

U.S. District Court Judge Nathanial Gorton scheduled Daigles sentencing for Sept. 11.
FOXBOROUGH  An unexpected face popped up on Tom Bradys Instagram page earlier this month: Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

The No. 3 overall pick was in Los Angeles for the NFLs rookie premiere, where Brady spoke to a number of the attendees. After meeting Maye, Brady posted a picture of the two of them in addition to the whole group shot on his social media page.

After Tuesdays voluntary OTA at Gillette Stadium, Maye was asked what it was like meeting the seven-time Super Bowl champion and longtime face of the franchise in New England.

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It was awesome. Getting a chance to be around Tom, see how hes wired: Hes wired different, Maye said. Hes The GOAT. So just getting a chance to hear some wisdom from him is an awesome experience. Looking forward to hopefully asking him some more questions.

Maye said he was planning on attending Bradys induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame next week and looked forward to supporting him.

I had a great morning with @fanatics @michaelrubin and some of the future players that will shape our great league @nfl, Brady wrote in his Instagram caption last month. Ill always cherish the opportunity to talk to these young men who are about to start a monumental chapter of their lives. I would never be in the place I am today without the incredible people and mentors that came into my life at the right time and at the right place. There are too many to mention but I have been blessed in so many ways. I feel we should always use our experiences to help others and pay it forward to see the next generation grow as well. So they can live their dreams and maximize their potential.

We talked about life and a little football , but from the tape Ive been watching I think they have a great opportunity ahead. See you all on the road this year and I cant wait to watch your progress toward greatness with tremendous determination and discipline! LFG!
(*This story was updated at 9:35 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with additional reporting.)

Back to you, Congress.

That was the message from Bay State policymakers on Tuesday as President Joe Biden announced a suite of actions to stem the flow of asylum-seekers at the nations southern border, even as Massachusetts continues to deal with a flood of migrants that have strained budgets and public resources to the maximum.

In a statement, Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, credited Biden for stepping up to secure the border while Congress refuses to do its job.

But repeating a familiar line, Healey slammed Republicans who helped to derail two previous reform efforts.

Congress has repeatedly failed to act on immigration reform, leaving states like Massachusetts to go above and beyond to address this federal problem. It is not sustainable and we need Congress to finally step up and act now, Healey, who has spent months calling for federal action, said.

The plan the White House announced Tuesday would impose broad restrictions on asylum as long as illegal border crossings remain above an average of 2,500 per day, the Washington Post reported, citing administration officials.

Migrants who are not eligible for protection would be returned to their home countries or to Mexico unless they can prove that a fear of persecution would qualify them for an exemption under tougher screening procedures, the newspaper reported.

The impact of the 2,500 figure means that the executive order could go into immediate effect because daily figures are higher than that now, the Associated Press reported.

Our broken immigration system is directly contributing to the historic migration we are seeing throughout the Western Hemisphere, exacerbated by poor economic conditions, natural disasters and general insecurity, and this fact, combined with inadequate resources to keep pace, has once again severely strained our capacity at the border, Biden said in the executive order issued on Tuesday.

But while the order provides some relief no executive action can deliver the significant policy reforms and additional resources that were in the bipartisan legislative proposal, Biden continued, adding that he will continue to take actions, within these constraints, to address the situation at our southern border.

Bidens order underscores the need for Congress to act, Georgina Burros, a spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-4th District, told MassLive.

The Newton lawmaker supported the border security bill when it was negotiated, and he still supports it now. Massachusetts needs it and border patrol agents have endorsed it, she said.

In a statement, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-6th District, challenged Republicans to take this problem seriously, too. While this [order] will help, the bottom line is that we need congressional action.

Lawmakers need to work to craft an immigration system that secures the border and stems the flow of fentanyl; one that creates lawful and reasonable paths to citizenship to incentivize people to come here legally, not illegally; one that retains talent instead of sending American-educated scholars back to China; and one that provides much-needed emergency funding to states like Massachusetts that are dealing with a huge influx of migrants, Moulton said.

Lawmakers can confront this crisis and finally build a more secure, more sustainable system, the North Shore lawmaker continued. Time and again, a group of Republicans have cynically squandered every bipartisan deal thats moved forward. Ill continue to push for real action for as long as it takes.

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-7th District, offered a different take, saying it was extremely disappointing that this White House would choose to double down on the previous administrations harmful and flawed immigration policies.

Pressley dismissed claims that the nation doesnt have the resources to "to meet the needs of our new arrivals.

Ill remind them that there is no deficit of resources in this country. There is only a deficit of empathy. A deficit of prioritization, she said.

We can invest the resources necessary to address the asylum backlog and help states like Massachusetts support our new arrivals, Pressley continued.

Last fall, as the commonwealth dealt with a surge of new arrivals, Healey imposed a 7,500-family cap for the states emergency shelter system.

State lawmakers have since authorized the creation of overflow shelters and appropriated hundreds of millions of dollars in supplemental funding to cover the cost of a system expected to soar past $900 million a year over the next two years, MassLive previously reported.

Lawmakers also authorized, and Healey signed, new limits on shelter stays, offering extensions under certain conditions. Rare among states, Massachusetts Right to Shelter Law obligates it to provide services to people who seek them.

In a statement, state House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, D-3rd Norfolk, said the White Houses action will help to quell the number of border crossings and is representative of his commitment to addressing the issue with the tools available.

As Massachusetts, and states across the country, continue to face enormous challenges stemming from the migrant crisis, it is my hope that Congress will work with the president to take a more comprehensive approach to securing the border and to immigration reform, Mariano said.

Through a spokesperson, Senate President Karen E. Spilka, D-Middlesex/Norfolk, said she continues to believe that the only path forward in the long run is comprehensive federal immigration reform. But given continued Republican opposition, [Biden] is doing what he can to manage this crisis.

While its true that Republicans have made up the bulk of the opposition, the Bay States two Democratic U.S. senators, Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, also voted against the measures.

In a statement, Markey slammed the White Houses move, calling it irresponsible and ill-advised.

People fleeing violence and unstable conditions helped build the United States, and our country has recognized the duty to continue providing vulnerable populations safe harbor, he said. This asylum ban threatens this foundational promise and pushes the United States in the wrong direction.

Warren split the difference, at once crediting Biden for taking on the challenge in the absence of congressional action, but noting that we can  and should do better than a functional ban on asylum.

Congress is responsible for reforming our immigration laws, including improving border security, providing substantial resources for communities hosting new arrivals, and creating a path to citizenship for Dreamers, essential workers, and long-time residents who help make our nation strong and prosperous, Warren, who is up for reelection in November, said. Ill continue working hard for all these necessary immigration reforms.

Immigration activists and civil libertarians similarly took a more skeptical view of the White Houses action.

Elizabeth Sweet, the executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, said that closing the border and preventing those fleeing violence and persecution from legally applying for asylum is an incredibly unjust, inhumane and undemocratic immigration policy.

The advocacy group called on the White House to rethink its approach and instead focus on investing in and strengthening the asylum system so those pursuing safety may have their cases heard quickly and efficiently. America has served as a beacon of hope and refuge for centuries, and we must not abandon that now.

The American Civil Liberties has announced that it plans to sue over the new rules, the Post reported.

We intend to sue, ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt said in a statement, according to the Post. An asylum ban was illegal under [former President Donald] Trump and is just as illegal now.
Last fall, state Democratic Sen. Susan Moran made statewide headlines with her surprise decision to give up the Cape Cod-based seat shes held since 2020 to make a run for Barnstable County Superior Court clerk.

In short order, state Rep. Dylan Fernandes, D-Barnstable/Dukes/Nantucket, stepped up to announce that hed be running for Morans Plymouth and Barnstable-based seat. He quickly lined up the support he needed to be competitive in the district  including key endorsements from Big Labor  which spans eight communities across Plymouth and Barnstable counties.

Two Republicans, Kari McCrae, who unsuccessfully challenged Moran in 2022; and state Rep. Matthew Muratore, R-1st Plymouth, will vie for the partys nomination in this Septembers primary election, according to Ballotpedia. Meanwhile, four Democrats and two Republicans are running for Muratores seat, according to the politics newsletter MASSterList.

The political drama on the Cape, however, is the exception rather than the rule this campaign season, where just about two-thirds of state House and Senate incumbents appear set to cruise to reelection this fall, according to an analysis by State House News Service.

So whats the deal?

A few things. Namely, money, a nearly challenger-proof political culture that favors the well-connected and a historically disorganized Republican Party. Put it all together, and you get one of the least competitive climates for legislative races in the nation, according to Ballotpedia.

Theres an old expression: You cant beat somebody with nobody, veteran Western Massachusetts political consultant Matt L. Barron told MassLive. And its been this way for a while.

Not just a while, for generations, University of Massachusetts Amherst political science professor Ray La Raja said.

This is the state of [James] Michael Curley, he said. Once the Irish really got a foothold here, and it was a challenge to the Brahmin Republicans. Once you got to the Kennedy clan, some of the Irish here, generations later, cant conceive of registering as a Republican. Some have become independents. Thats why you have people like [former Republican Gov.] Charlie Baker able to win.

And now Massachusetts suffers from an anemic Republican Party, La Raja continued. The national party has drifted toward the west and the south. That is the antithesis of what Massachusetts Republicans stood for; moderate socially and fiscally conservative. Anyone who is like that realizes that if they want a career, they have to be Democrats.

Of the 40 Massachusetts state senators, only 4 are Republicans. In the 160-member House, 25 are Republicans.

And while the bar to getting onto the ballot is relatively low  150 signatures for a House race and 300 signatures for a Senate race  the cost of a legislative campaign can be a steep one for many would-be challengers. Barron pegged the cost of a House campaign at around $50,000, while a Senate campaign can run between $75,000 and $100,000.

That means turning to deep-pocketed supporters, such as unions and lobbyists, for the kind of logistical and financial assistance it takes to remain competitive.

And running for office also means taking time off from work, which not everyone can afford to do, La Raja observed. That cuts down on the pool of available candidates, making running for office a wealthy persons game.

Others may not want to subject themselves to the kind of public scrutiny that comes with running for office.

Your life becomes an open book. You have to disclose your statement of financial interest. A lot of people dont like telling people the stocks they own, or if they have a house in Maine, Barron said.

And once someone wins the election, theyre nearly impossible to beat as long as they stick to the fundamentals.

A lot of legislators, if they do the basics, the casework and they get around the district. if they do that, they are almost impossible to dislodge. If theyre not doing that, its a problem. Its not passing [the] sweeping legislation. If they stay on top of that, its really hard to beat them, Barron said.

That kind of cozy political culture also leads to backroom deals and a feedback loop between lawmakers and the well-connected that can see some voices excluded from the debate.

Certainly, without the competition, you develop closer relations with lobbyists, La Raja said. You always have to worry about those cozier relationships.

If there are inroads to be made, they could be in the 19 open seats across the state. And in six of those contests, unenrolled candidates (who now make up the fastest-growing share of the states electorate) are looking to win, according to that State House News Service analysis.

And while that lack of competition may not be great for democracy, Massachusetts voters arent showing much inclination to do anything about it, according to a UMass Amherst/WCVB poll released Monday.

That is true today more than ever. Democrats control all six statewide offices and both chambers of the Legislature, La Raja said. Half the public thinks this is very or somewhat good, but 30% think is not a good situation, presumably because they support Republicans, have concerns about checks on Democratic officeholders or both. The remaining 20% took no strong position.

Meanwhile, resurgent Bay State Republicans, fresh off wins in central Massachusetts, are looking to chip away at the Democrats lock on the Legislature.

[The party is] laser-focused on our legislative seats in November, building upon the win that we had last year in a special election with [Rep.] Peter Durant, whos now state [Sen.] Peter Durant, who represents Worcester and Hampshire counties in the upper chamber, state Republican Party Chairperson Amy Carnevale told WBZ-TV in Boston last month.

So were looking to add to our seats in the Legislature all the while doing what we can to support our federal candidates as well, she told the station, acknowledging that presidential years are tough in Massachusetts for Republicans.

Theyll find out if it worked in November.
BOSTON  Manager Alex Cora used an appropriate word to describe the Red Sox lineup Tuesday against the Braves.

Weve got a weird lineup today with guys playing in different spots, Cora said. But we do believe they can go out there and put good at-bats against one of the best lefties (Max Fried) in the big leagues. And when they bring in the righty, were going to have the lefties ready. And well take our chances.

Bobby Dalbec is one of those players being used in a different spot. Dalbec will play right field and bat seventh. It marks his first time playing in the outfield in the major leagues. He has appeared in 15 games (14 starts) in right field for Triple-A Worcester this year. He also started 36 games in right last year for the WooSox.

Cora has received positive reports about Dalbecs outfield defense.

Hes been good, Cora said. Good arm. Good decisions. Obviously hesitant in a few plays but thats part of it. Thats what we have today. We have to go that way.

The Red Sox placed right fielder Wilyer Abreu (ankle) on the 10-day injured list Tuesday. Outfielder Tyler ONeill (knee) also remains on the IL until at least Wednesday. And so Cora was forced to go that way with Dalbec.

Dalbec pitched at the University of Arizona. He came up through the minors as a third baseman and he had plus arm strength there.

He has seven outfield assists in 51 games in right field for the WooSox the past two years.

He made four errors in 308 innings in right last year for the WooSox and just one error in 118 innings there this year.

I love playing outfield. Its fun, Dalbec recently told MassLives Katie Morrison-ODay. I feel comfortable out there still getting more comfortable getting closer to the wall, chasing balls down, like going towards the walls on the way back. Coming in is a lot easier for me than going back. But I feel like I can play a little bit deeper with my speed.

Dalbec has played every infield position, including making two starts at shortstop, as a major leaguer.
SPRINGFIELD  A former teacher at a now-defunct charter school and Springfield Renaissance School is set to plead guilty in a child rape case, according to court records.

David Weremay, 45, of Florence, was arrested while he was on the payroll of the public school in February of 2023. But the allegations that led to child rape charges stemmed from allegations a student brought while he was a teacher at New Leadership School in Springfield a decade earlier.

A spokesperson for the Springfield Public Schools said Weremay was placed on leave upon his arrest.
A Western Massachusetts woman was rescued while hiking Sunday afternoon after having a heat emergency on a New Hampshire mountain, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Deerfield resident Amy Laroche, 33, was hiking with friends when she began experiencing heat-related complications on Mount Monadnock, the department said in a Tuesday press release. Conservation officers were notified of the emergency around 5 p.m. and sent a response team that was already on the mountain.

The team carried Laroche down the mountain in a litter, and a conservation officer met her at a trailhead to provide medical aid, the department said. She was then evaluated by staff in an awaiting ambulance, but ultimately declined transport to a hospital and left with her friends.
Merck Foundation marked milestone of providing 165 scholarships to doctors in 42 critical specialties during their annual Alumni Summit  Celebrating their legacy of transforming patient care landscape in Kenya.

Merck Foundation Kenya Alumni Summit and Merck Foundation Awards Ceremony 2024 were conducted in Nairobi chaired by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation CEO; Merck Foundation announced the 2024 Call for Applications for 2 categories that includes 8 Awards for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Students, and new potential talents in these fields. They also awarded the Media Award Winners of 2023; Merck Foundation CEO announced that their TV Program Our Africa will be aired on KTN, Kenya, every Saturday at 5pm and repeated every Thursday at 6:30 am.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany conducted the Merck Foundation Kenya Annual Summit and Awards Ceremony 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, chaired by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. During the Summit, they met and acknowledged the Merck Foundation Alumni and the Winners of the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2023 from Kenya.

Dr. Kelej expressed, It was a proud moment for me to meet and acknowledge our Merck Foundation Alumni who are becoming the future healthcare experts of Kenya. I am happy to share that we are transforming the patient care landscape in Kenya by providing 165 scholarships one-year PG Diploma and Two-year Master degree in in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties such as; Oncology, Fertility, Embryology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Care, Gastroenterology, Respiratory, Acute Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Neonatal Medicine, Urology, Pain Management, Cardiology, Critical Care, Rheumatology and many more.

We are committed to transforming patient care in Kenya and we will continue to scale up these numbers in order to create a stronger platform of skilled medical professionals and strengthen the public healthcare system in Kenya and rest of Africa.

Moreover, it was amazing to felicitate the 9 winners of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2023 from Kenya and discuss with them the critical role they can play to create a culture shift, be the voice of the voiceless and be the Merck Foundation health and social champions, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation BOT emphasized, We strongly believe that empowering people will lead to a better future, we also believe good healthcare can transform the lives of individuals and families across developing countries. It can significantly contribute to economic and social development because healthcare is a major driver of economic growth and, consequently, of social progress.
European election candidate, Ciaran Mullooly, has called for backing from the European Parliament on infrastructure in the West of Ireland.

The candidate in the Midlands North-West has committed to fighting to secure EU funding to bolster infrastructure in the area.

Mr Mullooly stated that such funding will be a key priority of his in Brussels, should he be elected, to make the West the significant player in manufacturing, freight and passenger transport that everybody knows it can be.

"It baffles me that so much focus, when it comes to Irelands tourism capacity, remains solely on lifting the passenger cap at Dublin airport, while regional balance is ignored," Mr Mullooly said.

Key infrastructure projects, such as the Atlantic Rail Corridor and improvements to Ireland West Airport Knock, are what the Independent Ireland MEP sees as a matter of urgency.

He continued: "If we are serious about wanting the West to become a viable manufacturing hub and, generally, a viable place to invest and do business, we must match this ambition with action.

Furthermore, Mr Mullooly addressed the Green Party, who he said seem to be more obsessed with virtue signalling, greenwashing public debate and penalising rural dwellers more than they are in actually providing the infrastructure required to reduce vehicle dependency in rural Ireland.

Acknowledging the significant funding Ireland West Airport Knock has already received from the EU, Fridays European election candidate stated: Knock Airport, as it was known when I was a young lad, received a 1.3 million grant from the EU to assist with its initial development, and it has received numerous EU co-funded investments over the intervening years."

Mr Mullooly concluded: "With more strategic investments, we can ensure Ireland West Airport Knock and the Atlantic Rail Corridor become the foundation of the Wests transport network, driving economic growth and providing critical connections for both people and goods."
Young people in Mayo are renovating their parents' sheds into living accommodation because they cannot afford to build or buy a house, claimed a local councillor.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District, long-standing Fianna Fail councillor Blackie Gavin said the lack of affordable housing in Castlebar was a huge problem which needs addressing.

While criticising the decision of the Minister of Housing, Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail), and the Office of the Planning Regulator not to allow the rezoning of extra land for residential housing, he said that while on the canvass trail he has noticed young people renovating their parents' sheds to live in.

There is an amount of people turning sheds into accommodation for their kids because they cannot go out to buy a site and cannot afford to buy a home. They are converting the house or the sheds at the back of houses and I have seen it myself on the canvass. People are putting in bases for modular homes to put their family in and that is the way it is. The regulator in Dublin won't let us build houses but this is what the people are doing. They are converting their houses and I can see it myself, he said.

Cllr Gavin said that more needs to be done to help young people get on the housing ladder and criticised the obstacles in their way. He pointed out one instance where a young couple in Islandeady are being charged 20,000 by Uisce Eireann to connect to the water supply.

The council should be helping people like that. They have made representations to several councillors and it is disgraceful...it is an awful racket, he said.

Fine Gael councillor Donna Sheridan also criticised the length of time it takes for Uisce Eireann, formerly known as Irish Water, to connect to a new house or respond to correspondence.

It is an absolute disgrace. Young couples are being hindered by this and they [Uisce Eireann] would want to cop on. Since this [water services] left the councils it has been in disarray, she said.




IT'S Monday evening and the sun is in the sky. There isn't a breath of wind, so the odd midge is getting flight time in and around Castlebar. In the picturesque Dunbeag housing esate on the edge of town the residents are settling in for the night as a happy trio of Sinn Fein women go door to door, talking to the locals, discussing issues and asking for votes on June 7.

Local election candidates Donna Hyland and Maura O'Sullivan are accompanied by their party's TD for Mayo, Rose Conway Walsh and the happy chatter echoing from doorways is a good sign as The Mayo News arrives on the scene.

O'Sullivan has her own hospitality business in Islandeady, Hyland is a nurse and both are hoping to gain a seat on Mayo County Council in the Castlebar Muncipal Area. They're running-mates and determined to maximise the party vote in the area with the hope of at least one of them getting over the line.

There are only only two female councillors on Mayo County Council and almost 30 males, O'Sullivan explains to one Dunbeag resident who congratulates them for putting their names on the ballot paper. It's hard to imagine any organisation or group working correctly with such an imbalance, she adds.

The residents of Dunbeag are a perfect image of modern Ireland  young and old, native Irish and new-Irish all living beside one another. One resident tells Hyland, O'Sullivan and Conway Walsh that he has a vote in the local elections but not in the race for the European Parliament.

Public transport is a huge issue for me. It's so very poor, yet we hear all this talk about the environment and trying to get cars off the road. I work remotely, but have to travel to Dublin once a week, so I know all about the lack of proper public tarnsport locally and nationally, he adds before suddenly racing through the gathering on his doorstep.

Missing dog

Apu, where have you gone? he shouts worriedly as he careers down the footpath and leaves four surprised visitors in his wake. Soon the mystery is solved when the relieved man returns with his little pet dog who had slipped out while the canvassing conversation had been taking place.

Down the street, a mother of two is concerned about childcare and the inflexibility of the current regulations.

I work shifts on a rotating pattern so my hours are irregular. If my kids are in a regular creche Monday to Friday I will miss so much time with them, so I have to have a childminder look after them. There are so many parents in our situation and the current regulations do very little for us or teh childminders. There is very little smart thinking about tax credits for family members or anything like that at the moment. I just hope if Sinn Fein are in government next year they do something for the huge amount of people like us across the country, she adds before pledging her support to O'Sullivan and Hyland.

A knock on the door at the next house is met by a man saying he won't vote for anyone and the three women accept his comment and move on as The Mayo News wonders about the general reaction of homeowners to canvassers arriving on the doorstep.

We've been at it for weeks now and I'm loving it, Hyland explains. People appreciate being listened to and I like hearing what they have to say. It's the same with O'Sullivan. Young or old, it doesn't matter, people want to talk about the challenges they face in life and that's what we're here for. Politicians are there to serve the people and if either or both of us are elected on June 7, that's what we'll do.

Calling a halt

The hour of nine is quickly approaching and the trio know it's almost time to call a halt to another day on their feet. I've gone through a pair of shoes already and there's still a few weeks to go, Hyland explains before a local emerges to ask Conway Walsh to deliver a message to party-leader Mary Lou McDonald. There's a prophesy which says we'll have a female Taoiseach in 2025 and I hope that comes true, he tells her.

I hope you're right, and I hope you have these two fine women in Mayo County Council in 2024, the TD replies.
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ELECTED representatives have lashed out at pure thuggery directed towards Taoiseach Simon Harris and other elected representatives during an official visit to Mayo on Sunday last.

Taoiseach Harris was forced to abandon a scheduled press conference after he was heckled by members of the Burke family and local election candidate, Stephen Kerr, during a visit to Castlebar.

The Fine Gael leader was again confronted by the Burke family while canvassing in Westport with local Fine Gael TD Michael Ring and MEP Maria Walsh.

A garda spokesperson confirmed to The Mayo News yesterday (Monday) that Gardai in Mayo are investigating all the circumstances of the events which occurred in Westport.

Echoing comments made by Taoiseach Harris following the incidents, councillors Ger Deere (Fine Gael) and Brendan Mulroy (Fianna Fail) condemned the behaviour of the Burke family and Mr Kerr.

Earlier that day, the Fine Gael leader performed the official opening of the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch in Charlestown and also visited Swinford.

He then proceeded to Castlebar, arriving in Market Square with Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Mayo TD and Minister of State, Alan Dillon, at approximately 3pm.

Taoiseach Harris was shouted at by Mr Kerr while inside a local cafe.

A scheduled press conference with local media was subsequently abandoned after the Taoiseach was continuously heckled.

He was accompanied by Minister McEntee and local Fine Gael politicians when visiting local businesses.

During his canvass, the Taoiseach and Minister McEntee were continuously shouted at and filmed by Sean Burke and his son, Simeon.

At one point, the Taoiseach described Sean Burke as that rude man when interacting with a motorist.

Demonstration

THE previous day, members of the Burke family demonstrated against the imprisonment of family member Enoch Burke at the Mayo Pride Festival at the Octagon in Westport.

Enoch Burke is currently in prison for contempt of court after repeatedly defying a court order not to attend the Wilsons Hospital School in Westmeath, where he had been working as a teacher.

The Burkes followed the Taoiseach to Westport, where they accused him of running away for not answering questions about Enoch Burkes imprisonment.

The Department of the Taoiseach confirmed later that Taoiseach Harris had been pushed and jostled by a small number of people during his visit to Mayo.

Speaking to The Mayo News following the incidents, Cllr Deere said what happened was not the way a Taoiseach or Minister for Justice should be treated, no matter what political party theyre from.

Cllr Deere said children had been left upset by the behaviour shown towards the Taoiseach, which he described as totally unacceptable.

The Fine Gael councillor, who is standing in the Castlebar Local Electoral Area in Fridays elections, said that democracy was being eroded by the behaviour shown towards the Taoiseach and other politicians on Sunday.

By all means, people are entitled to protest, but not in that aggressive manner, Cllr Deere said.

He lashed out at election rival Stephen Kerr, describing his behaviour as pure thuggery.

Mr Kerr, who runs the Irish Inquiry website, is running for Mayo County Council in the Castlebar Local Electoral Area as an Independent. The Breaffy native, who has been an outspoken critic of the Governments migration policy, filmed Simon Harris and Minister McEntee during their visit to Castlebar.

Mr Kerr, hes hoping to be elected in the next week and if this is how he behaves in a democracy, if people dont agree with some of his views, is he going to come up with what we had to put up with today? If he wants to be part of democracy, thats not the way to operate.

Addressing the grievances expressed by the Burke family, Cllr Deere said: The Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice cannot get involved with the legal, judicial system and Mr Burke knows that very well.

Cllr Deere continued: I thought we were lucky, up to this stage, where we were one of the few democracies where the Taoiseach of the country could go out freely. It was the same in Enda Kennys time. Its gone to a stage, between social media and the aggressive nature of protest that its just not a nice place at the moment. Democracy is being eroded with this type of stuff.

Cllr Deere called for action to be taken to prevent these sorts of incidents from happening in the future.

Protest is part of democracy but not in the aggressive way, and if people have real genuine concerns, protest by all means and get your point across. That was just, as I keep saying, thuggery today [Sunday], and it has to be dealt with by the law.

'Disgusted'

WESTPORT-based Fianna Fail councillor Brendan Mulroy called on the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, to ensure that any politician or any individual will be able to walk the streets of their town safely.

Cllr Mulroy commended the gardai who policed Taoiseach Harriss visit and said that the Taoiseach would be welcomed back to Westport in future.

Its a minority of people that are causing this mayhem out and about in Westport this summer. I have met an awful lot of people who are disgusted that this behaviour could happen in the main street in Westport town on Sunday, Cllr Mulroy told The Mayo News on Monday.

The long-serving representative said that younger people would be less likely to run for politics if abuse of politicians persisted.

There are 73 candidates running in Fridays local elections, including 28 sitting councillors.

Ive experienced online abuse and received hate mail, but not to the extent that Ive been jostled on the street. But the way things are going its only a matter of time before that happens to every politician, Cllr Mulroy said.

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh called for An Garda Siochana to be given additional support to ensure the safety of those campaigning and canvassing in the final days of the canvas.

The former Rose of Tralee said those who accosted the Taoiseach made a show out of themselves and achieved nothing other than increasing the support for our campaign.

Ireland is one of the few countries where politicians, from local councillors to An Taoiseach, can roam the streets meeting members of the public. It gives voters an opportunity to speak directly with us, their public representatives, so that we can serve them best. It is a rarity and a privilege which we must protect, she stated.

Addressing the remarks made towards him by the Burke family regarding Enoch Burke, Taoiseach Harris said that the 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, the Taoiseach stated.

Anybody who expects the Taoiseach to do that clearly doesnt understand how the Constitution of Ireland works.
by Danielle Oster , June 3, 2024

Wireless provider UScellular is doubling down on its commitment to existing customers with the latest phase of its US Days campaign.

Back in March, the brand kicked things off with an ad starring a 64-year-old graduate student named Bobbie, who has been a customer for six years.

The new spot centers around another committed customer, as well as a series of local activations and deals aimed at celebrating existing customers.

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USCellular CMO Eric Jagher told Marketing Daily the effort follows the measurable success of its US Days activations this spring, citing a significant increase in customer upgrades and foot traffic in its stores. The brand assesses campaign performance across several different metrics, including popularity, consideration, and peoples opinion of the brand. Testing those metrics for people familiar with the campaign, there was a 15-30 point increase.

With a typical campaign, wed be happy with something in the single digits, he said, adding, The challenge as we continue is growing the awareness of the campaign.

This time around the ad at the center of the campaign, which debuted May 30, spotlights someone whos been a customer for nearly three decades. Louis B. is shown hard at work in the gym -- with a trainer he says the company paid for after he reacted to being asked to participate by saying he needed to get in shape for the ad.

In addition to the TV spot, the current campaign also includes OOH and social media components, as well as local activations Jagher views as crucial to its strategy of driving earned media impressions. Its ralso unning across linear and digital video, radio, display local marketing, and retail through June 26.

Jagher said the ad was shot around the same time as the launch spot, with the company taking a deliberate strategy on lining up a 360 campaign and timing the rollout of activations throughout the year.

US Days marks an evolution of the brands messaging, he explained, with the brand moving beyond the type of David versus Goliath approach it has employed in the past, comparing itself to larger competitors.

Instead, USCellular is attempting to turn ourselves into a challenger brand  something he said involves standing for something and against something."

To that end, he said, US Days complements the brands recent marketing message about the need to take breaks from technology, to ensure it fosters, rather than impedes, genuine human connection. The brand began messaging around topic in early 2023, with a Down for 5 challenge calling on people to take short breaks from their phones.

We felt we needed to stand up for something important to the community. US Days is also about showcasing communities, the customers in those communities, and how important they are to us, he added.

Jagher also hinted at more to come , including n unspecified partnership with someone who is also very passionate about the notion that tech is great but sometimes can get in the way of genuine connection with those around you, which he anticipates running some time in July or August.

US Days, meanwhile will return at least one more time this year with another installment celebrating existing customers, he said, while noting the brand was still going to have aggressive promotions for new customers as well.
by Colin Kirkland , June 4, 2024

In opposition to the U.S. governments enforced sell-off and possible ban of TikTok, the ByteDance-owned social media company has appointed new legal counsel, veteran lawyer John Rogovin, to fight the proposed legislation.

Rogovin previously served as General Counsel for Warner Bros. for over 12 years, where he had legal oversight of the company, including Warner Bros. production and distribution of film and television in over 135 countries. Prior to Warner Bros., Rogovin served as General Counsel of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Division of the Department of Justice.

TikToks previous senior legal counsel Erich Andersen stepped down from the role in April, becoming special counsel to the company in order to help drive its efforts to overturn the unconstitutional ban legislation in the U.S.

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Now, Rogovin will join Andersens team.

To institute the sell-off of TikTok on the U.S., President Joe Biden signed the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which prohibits web-hosting services and app marketplaces from distributing the social media app unless it is sold within one year by ByteDance.

Over the past few years, the Biden administration has expressed concerns about potential risks posed by the China-owned app, including the collection of sensitive data on Americans by the Chinese government, as well as a means to push government propaganda. These views have gained strong bipartisan support.

ByteDance filed a lawsuit last month against the U.S. government to invalidate the sell-off law and are seeking to find the law unconstitutional in that it violates the First Amendment right to freedom of expression and the Fifth Amendment right to due process of law.

Despite the bills call for a sell-off, not an outright ban, TikTok has insisted on using the word ban, expressing that it isnt feasible to separate the company in line with the U.S. governments requirements.

I know John is eager to hit the ground running during this important time for the company, said TikTok CEO Shou Chew, adding that TikTok has spent the past few months trying to build trust among U.S. residents and government officials, including the launch of its Change Makers program for charitable donations and the release of an economic impact report stating that the platform generated $14.7 billion for American small- and medium-sized businesses in 2023.

If TikTok is unable to overturn the bill, the app will be gone from the U.S. as of January next year.
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New research and development effort will aim to leverage advanced forensic DNA testing to enhance the capabilities of the Department of the Air Force./PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Othram, the leading forensic sequencing laboratory for law enforcement, has been selected by AFWERX for aSBIR Phase II contract focused on advancing forensic DNA sequencing technology to address pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business, and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded.As of, Othram's research and development team is now working to refine innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of. Othram's Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing technology will be leveraged to accelerate DNA-assisted identifications of missing U.S. service members and other unidentified persons. This includes identifying human remains by the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Accounting Agency (DPAA) and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) and assisting AFMES with AFOSI cold cases.Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing has been instrumental in solving numerous active and cold cases for local, state, and federal agencies acrossand internationally. More forensic genetic genealogy cases have been solved with Othram FGGS than any other method.Note: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.About OthramOthram is the world's first private DNA laboratory built specifically to apply the power of modern parallel sequencing to forensic evidence. Othram's scientists are experts at recovery, enrichment, and analysis of human DNA from trace quantities of degraded or contaminated materials. Founded in 2018, and located in, our team works with academic researchers, forensic scientists, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies to achieve results when other approaches fail. Follow Othram on Twitter @OthramTech or visit Othram.com to learn how we can help you with your case. Visit dnasolves.com to learn how anyone can make a difference in helping solve the next cold case.About AFRLThe Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.About AFWERXAs the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annualbudget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,100 new contracts worth more thanto strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit afwerx.com., Othram, 1 (832) 906-4247, [email protected] , https://www.othram.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/afwerx-selects-othram-for-sbir-phase-ii-contract-to-advance-forensic-intelligence-through-forensic-dna-sequencing-302163112.html



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Breast Cancer Epidemiology in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Regional and International Comparison



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Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in GCC Women



Middle East women diagnosed with breast cancer a decade younger than Western counterparts, with lower survival rates. #breastcancer #GCChealth #medindia

GCC vs. Western Breast Cancer: Distinct Features

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Breast Cancer Epidemiology in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Regional and International Comparison - (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318401130_Breast_Cancer_Epidemiology_in_Gulf_Cooperation_Council_Countries_A_Regional_and_International_Comparison)

A surge in breast cancer cases has been observed in the wealthy Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This study, published in Frontiers in Oncology, suggests the disease presents uniquely in this region compared to Western nations ().Researchers from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) believe several factors contribute to this rise. These include menstrual patterns, genetics , early weaning, hormone use, obesity, and contraception. The study, led by Dr. Humaid O. Al Shamsi, highlights the distinct characteristics of breast cancer in the GCC.The study is based on an analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 of GCC women diagnosed with breast cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes of which every human being has two inherited copies, one from each parent. The proteins they produce help repair damaged DNA.The panel of GCC oncologists initially met in March 2023 to discuss the gaps they and colleagues come across when observing their clinical practices and treating women with breast cancer in the four GCC states. The results of the of the expert panel opinion and recommendation were published on 25 April 2024.When investigating BRCA1 and BRCA2 of women with breast cancer in the GCC, the oncologists have them paralleled and compared with counterparts in the west. They report that breast cancer in women in both regions has developed disparate pathological features that require different diagnosis, therapy, and treatment.They refer to varieties in DNA, RNA and proteins, elements that determine the genetic compositions of cells or tissues as well age of breast cancer onslaught, cancer grade and acid residues regulating cell proliferation of the diseases.They write, Compared to the Western population, BCs [breast cancers] have diverse clinical, pathological and molecular features including early onset, higher tumor grade, higher human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2 amplification rate, more aggressive subtypes and a lower rate of luminal subtype, in the GCC population.The authors intent is to gain insights into the evolving treatment paradigm in germline BRCA-mutated early-stage BC. The panel discussed the available data on disease burden, BRCA mutations (BRCAm), BRCA testing, and management practices along with associated challenges specific to their region.They present statistics showing that breast cancer is the most prevalent of cancerous diseases in the GCC, and the main cause of cancer death among women with an age-standardized incidence rate of 34.4 per 100 000 and a mortality rate of 10.6 per 100 000 in 2020.Over time, there has been a steady increase of breast cancer among women, the authors note, adding, Hereditary factors are responsible for around 10% to 30% of BC cases (3) and 16% of these hereditary cases are related to germline mutations in BReast CAncer gene (BRCA)1 and BRCA2 genes.Other factors such as early age menarche, later age at menopause, shorter breastfeeding periods, use of oral contraceptives or hormonal therapy, dense breasts, and older age are found to be associated with increased risk of BC.The high rate of women dying of breast cancer in the GCC is attributed to late stage at which the disease is identified with evidence suggesting approximately 46.2% to 54% of BC patients are diagnosed at advanced disease stage, 23.3% to 28% are diagnosed with localized tumors while 2% with in-situ carcinoma.In the GCC region, the vast majority of BC cases (82.1% to 93%) have invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and 19.2% to 29.5% have HER2 overexpression, while 14.3% to 26.9% have triple-negative BC (TNBC).One important divergence when comparing women with breast cancer in the GCC with counterparts in western countries is the age at which they are diagnosed with the disease which is at least a decade younger in the GCC population compared to the western population. The average age in the GCC for women is 48 while in Western countries is 60.There are also marked differences in survival rates. The 5-year overall survival rate for women with stage one breast cancer is reported in the study at 99% and stage two at 86%. The 5-year survival rate in the GCC region ranges between 63% and 89%, with the highest 5-year survival rate being reported in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the least being reported in Bahrain, the authors say.Regarding the cumulative danger of developing breast cancer, the authors note that women at age 70 risked being diagnosed with BRCA1 or BRCA2 carriers. Identification of BRCA mutation in a woman diagnosed with BC may have an impact on both prognosis and treatment  especially it influences the extent of surgery such as the choice of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) or contralateral mastectomy, also predicts the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors.BRCA identification, the authors add, assists oncologists to make the right decision in relation to the region-specific guidelines and help healthcare providers to administer effective therapies. The research, the authors go on, provides data on the epidemiology of BC, BRCA mutations, practices, and challenges associated with BRCA testing in the GCC region.In their discussion and conclusion, the authors come up with a host of recommendations on how to enhance BRCA testing in early-stage BC in the GCC region. Additionally, members of the panel also provided recommendations for developing a treatment algorithm for BRCA-mutated early-stage BC ... based on the published literature and expert clinical opinion.The authors maintain that despite the advances made in combating breast cancer in the GCC and the availability of modern treatment methods, the region is still in need of more improvements to reach standards attained by western countries.The experts key recommendations include making Breast Conservative Surgery (BCS) for most patients with BRCA-mutated early breast cancer  accessible across the region to ensure good cosmetic outcomes.Other propositions include postoperative care, prophylactic measures which help oncologists with decisions for the removal of healthy breasts as prevention of affliction with cancer as well as rendering Adjuvant Therapy accessible to breast cancer patients once completing chemotherapy and other primary treatments to lower the chance of the disease returning.Source-Eurekalert
OYO, Republic of Congo  Any French military instructors in Ukraine would be a legitimate target for Russian armed forces, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday during a tour of Africa, where frustration with the West has swayed several countries toward Moscow.

Lavrov made the remarks at joint news conference with the Republic of Congo's Foreign Minister Jean Claude Gakosso.

As for the French instructors, I think they are already on the Ukrainian territory, Lavrov said, referring to the military instructors that France could send to train Ukrainian troops. Regardless of their status, military officials or mercenaries represent a legitimate target for our armed forces.

Ukraines top commander said last week he had signed paperwork allowing French military instructors to access Ukrainian training centers soon. But French President Emmanuel Macron said last week he would not comment on rumors or decisions that could be made." He said he would elaborate on France's support during the 80th anniversary commemorations of D-Day later this week.

Macrons office said it would not comment on Lavrov's remarks. Also Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that instructors who train the Kyiv regimes troops dont have any sort of immunity, and it doesnt matter whether they are French or not."

Lavrov has visited the African continent several times in the past few years as Russia seeks to shore up support amid Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A number of African countries in recent years have expressed growing frustration with their traditional Western partners like France and the United States. Some of them have instead turned to Russia to seek help in fighting Islamic insurgencies.

Lavrov on Tuesday also dismissed the Ukraine peace conference due to take place later this month in Switzerland. Russia was not invited.

This conference in Switzerland has no meaning, he said. The only meaning it can have is to try to preserve this anti-Russian bloc which is in the process of crumbling.

Republic of Congo was the second stop in Lavrov's tour. He visited Guinea on Monday and met with the foreign minister.

Late on Tuesday, he landed at the airport of the Burkina Faso capital Ouagadougou, the country's authorities said in a statement on social media. Lavrov was scheduled to meet on Wednesday with Capt. Ibrahim Traore, the country's leader who took power following a 2022 military coup. He was expected in Chad on Wednesday afternoon, the country's authorities said in a statement.

___

Associated Press writer Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.
Funding to support a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops is included in the House's initial version of the annual Pentagon spending bill that was released Tuesday.

If enacted into law as is, the House Appropriations Committee's version of the fiscal 2025 Pentagon spending bill would give the department the money to cover the massive boost in basic pay for the military's lowest-ranking troops that House lawmakers are on track to authorize in a separate defense policy bill.

But several other politically contentious provisions of the GOP-drafted bill are already eliciting fierce pushback from congressional Democrats, and it's unclear where the Senate will land on pay raises for junior troops, injecting uncertainty into what the final outcome of the spending bill will be.

Read Next: Coasties, Marines and Sailors Awarded for Seizing Millions of Pounds of Explosive Materials in Middle East

After months of study of military quality-of-life issues by a bipartisan panel of lawmakers, the House Armed Services Committee included in its version of the policy bill, called the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, an extra 15% raise for paygrades E-1 through E-4 on top of the 4.5% raise that service members of all ranks are set to get next year.

To pay for the NDAA's extra 15% hike for junior troops, the appropriations bill released Tuesday would inject $2.5 billion into military personnel accounts, according to a summary released by Appropriations Committee Republicans. The bill also provides the funding needed for a 4.5% raise for all troops, the summary added.

"This bill supports the true difference makers and our best national security assets -- our men and women in uniform and their families -- with a pay raise, including one specifically for our junior enlisted service members," House Appropriations Committee defense subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert, R-Calif., said in a statement.

While the idea of a major pay raise for junior enlisted troops has garnered bipartisan support, the spending bill includes an array of partisan policy riders that are drawing Democratic opposition.

Among them are prohibitions on gender-affirmation surgery and hormone therapy for transgender troops and coverage of travel and leave for service members seeking abortions.

Those provisions were also included in the House Appropriations Committee's initial version of the fiscal 2024 Pentagon spending bill, but were cut from the final version of the bill that became law after negotiations with the Senate. The thorny policy debates contributed to the bill being passed nearly six months after the fiscal year started in October.

"Instead of building on the bipartisan conclusion to the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process, the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations bill includes the same outrageous policy riders that were rejected by Congress only two months ago," Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee's defense subpanel, said in a statement Tuesday. "Our service members and their families deserve better than a bill that caters to MAGA extremists over the readiness of our national defense."

Republicans are also touting that the bill would redirect $18 billion in "unjustified and unnecessary items" from the administration's budget request toward "programs and activities that counter the People's Republic of China and other near-peer adversaries, foster innovation, enhance the DoD's role in combating the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs, and support service members and their families." It's unclear where all $18 billion comes from, but the Republican summary highlights $621 million slashed from climate change initiatives and $53 million from diversity and inclusion programs.

"Every dollar counts within the top-line limitation imposed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act," Calvert said in his statement, referring to budget caps approved by Congress last year. "Therefore, this bill withholds funds from initiatives and programs that are wasteful, inefficient or do not contribute directly to our national security."

Democrats are calling out another major omission: The bill includes no money for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

The program was created in 2014 to fund training and weapons contracts for Ukrainian forces after Russia illegally annexed Crimea, and Congress has provided funding every year since. This year, the administration requested $300 million for the initiative, intended to provide long-term support separate from the billions of dollars in emergency funding Congress has approved to support immediate needs in Ukraine's fight for survival against Russia.

But a vocal minority of Republicans is fiercely opposed to any funding for Ukraine and has tried to depose House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., over the issue. Still, Ukraine aid continues to garner support from bipartisan majorities, as demonstrated when Congress overwhelmingly approved a bill that included $60 billion in Ukraine aid in April.

The House Appropriations Committee's defense subpanel is scheduled to debate the spending bill Wednesday, followed by the full committee next week.

Related: 19.5% Pay Raise for Junior Enlisted Troops Approved by House Panel
A lawmaker for the first time on Tuesday called for Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough to resign over bonuses erroneously paid to senior VA executives under a law passed to provide incentive pay to retain employees in jobs with critical shortages.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., called on McDonough to resign during a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing. Other lawmakers previously have called for the heads of the Veterans Benefits Administration and Veterans Health Administration to resign or be fired, but they have stopped short of asking McDonough to step down.

The VA Office of Inspector General published a report last month that found the VA authorized bonuses worth $10.8 million to 182 senior headquarters executives under the PACT Act, the law that expanded health care and benefits to millions of veterans who served overseas.

Read Next: Coasties, Marines and Sailors Awarded for Seizing Millions of Pounds of Explosive Materials in Middle East

The inspector general investigation, instigated at McDonough's request after the secretary learned the extent of the bonuses, found that the VA under secretaries for health and benefits approved the payments, known as critical skill incentives, or CSIs, despite concerns from human resources personnel and financial staff.

The investigation found that the VA under secretary for health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, kept McDonough apprised of the bonuses paid to medical center directors and the heads of VA medical regions but did not inform him of the executive bonuses at the central office in Washington, D.C.

In a subsequent report released last Thursday, Inspector General Michael Missal raised concerns that Elnahal may not have had the authority to award bonuses to certain senior executives who work directly for him.

Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL, said during the hearing that he has been in communication with Elnahal in the past several days and drafted a resignation letter for Elnahal to McDonough.

During the hearing however, Van Orden said McDonough should sign it and send it to his boss, President Joe Biden.

It "breaks my heart," Van Orden said, to call for McDonough's resignation. He noted that the two speak regularly and McDonough supported his family following the death of his daughter.

"I'm going to give you the opportunity to do what you just asked to do -- to be held accountable. ... This is a systemic problem. I do not think you are capable of serving in this capacity any longer," Van Orden said.

On May 21, a dozen Republican senators, including four members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, called for the immediate firings of Elnahal, Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs and Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher.

No Democrats have called for dismissals, but Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, joined committee Democrats and Republicans on May 30 calling for accountability and personal actions to restore public trust.

"The use of this important authority to instead increase the salaries of executives in [VA Central Office] is unethical, a violation of VA policy, and in direct opposition to the intent of Congress," wrote the senators in a letter to McDonough.

The House Veterans Affairs Committee asked Elnahal and Jacobs to testify during the hearing, but McDonough took responsibility, saying he would speak for the department and lay out the steps the VA is taking to address the issue.

According to McDonough, of the $9.7 million the VA distributed to senior executives, it has recouped $9.1 million. Collections for the remainder are on hold following hearings requested by those who received the bonuses.

He added that the VA has paid out $340 million in incentives to employees in positions of greatest need, including housekeepers, food service workers, VA police and human resources specialists, and "retention rates are at the highest they've been."

"VA has used CSI payments as an important tool to help attract employees who possess high-demand and shortage skills that serve a critical need," McDonough said in his written testimony. "We made serious mistakes in the way we implemented and executed the PACT Act's CSI authority for ... senior executives. ... Moving forward, we will continue to work to ensure that everyone who receives a CSI meets the criteria to do so."

McDonough said he continues to have faith in his leadership team but acknowledged that the VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection and ethics experts are reviewing the process and may make recommendations regarding any future steps or disciplinary actions.

"There's an established process there," McDonough said.

When asked after the hearing about Van Orden's call for his resignation, McDonough looked dejected.

"These are issues everyone feels strongly about," McDonough said. "I appreciate the candid conversation."

Related: Senators Demand Recoupment of $10.8 Million, Dismissal of VA Officials Who Authorized Executive Bonuses
The Brewers are sending Robert Gasser for evaluation after the rookie left-hander reported some tightness, soreness coming out of his start on Saturday, manager Pat Murphy told reporters (X link via MLB.coms Mark Feinsand). The Brewers have not placed him on the injured list at this point.

Gasser joined the Milwaukee rotation three weeks ago. He has pitched very well in his first five big league starts, turning in a 2.57 ERA through 28 innings. While Gasser only has 16 strikeouts (a subpar 14% rate), he has shown impeccable control. The Houston product has only issued one walk, though he has hit three batters.

Acquired from the Padres as part of the 2022 Josh Hader return, Gasser already looks like a key piece of a Milwaukee rotation that has been hit hard by injury. The Brewers knew theyd be without Brandon Woodruff all season, but theyve lost Wade Miley, DL Hall, Jakob Junis and Joe Ross to the injured list since the year began. Gasser has stepped in alongside Bryse Wilson and Colin Rea as part of a patchwork rotation behind Freddy Peralta.

Milwaukee has overcome that spotty rotation to run a 36-24 record through their first 60 games. Theyve built a 6.5 game lead over the Cardinals in the NL Central. Losing Gasser, if testing reveals any kind of injury, would represent another hurdle, though the Brewers could welcome back a few of their currently injured hurlers.

Junis is headed to Triple-A Nashville to begin a rehab assignment, tweets Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Signed to a $7MM free agent deal, Junis has been limited to one start thus far. The right-hander went on the injured list with a shoulder impingement during the first week of April. His rehab process was slightly delayed when he was struck in the head by an errant ball during batting practice, but he fortunately avoided any especially serious injuries. Murphy has previously indicated that Junis could return in a multi-inning relief role after opening the year in the rotation.

Ross, who went on the IL on May 21 with a lower back strain, could also return in the coming weeks. Rosiak notes that the right-hander is set to throw a bullpen session this weekend. The 31-year-old has started nine games, pitching to a 4.50 ERA over 42 innings.
The Rolling Stones are spending three nights in the Midwest this summer. See the iconic rock band in Cleveland on June 15, and Chicago on June 27 and June 30 .

Purchase tickets through Vivid Seats , SeatGeek , StubHub , and/or Ticketmaster .

The Rolling Stones perform at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Thursday, May 23, 2024.Al Mannarino | For NJ Advance Media

The Hackney Diamonds tour, named for the new Rolling Stones album of the same title, is well underway, visiting 16 cities in the United States and Canada alongside special guests like Ghost Hounds, Bettye LaVette, and Lainey Wilson. Its an all-new show celebrating the bands latest music as well as enduring hits.

Fans can expect to experience Mick, Keith and Ronnie play their most popular hits ranging from Start Me Up, Gimme Shelter, Jumpin Jack Flash, Satisfaction and more, as well as fan favourite deep cuts and music from their new album, writes the official Rolling Stones website .

Tickets:

Cleveland Browns Stadium in Ohio; Saturday, June 15; with special guest Ghost Hounds

Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub | Ticketmaster

Soldier Field in Chicago, IL; Thursday, June 27; with special guest Bettye LaVette

Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub | Ticketmaster

Soldier Field in Chicago, IL; Sunday, June 30; with special guest Lainey Wilson
Former Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew was arrested on Sunday morning in Dallas following a disturbance at a local convenience store, where he punched and broke a glass door.

In surveillance footage obtained by TMZ Sports, Pettigrew, 39, allegedly became aggressive after he exchanged words with several people inside of a local 7-Eleven around 2 a.m. While its unclear what caused Pettigrews anger, he subsequently punched the front door of the store, causing it to break.

Pettigrew initially tried resisting arrest, leading law enforcement to draw their tasers.

Per reports, a Dallas Police Department representative stated Pettigrew was charged with criminal mischief and was released from custody Sunday at around 1 p.m.

Pettigrew entered the NFL as the 20th overall draft pick by the Lions in the 2009 NFL draft. The former Oklahoma State standout spent all seven of his NFL seasons playing in Detroit. In his rookie season, he snagged 30 passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns, earning him a spot on the PFWA NFL All-Rookie team.

Following his rookie campaign, Pettigrew went on to become a solid piece in Detroits offense, posting back to back seasons of over 70 catches and 700 yards in 2010 and 2011. In 93 regular-season games in Detroit, Pettigrew totaled 301 receptions for 2,965 yards and 17 touchdowns.

The latest incident marks Pettigrews third arrest since his retirement from the NFL.

In 2017, he was arrested on suspicion of disturbing the peace due to a disturbance at a nightclub in Oklahoma City. A year later in 2018, he was arrested after allegedly punching a Pittsburgh police officer who questioned him about allegedly failing to pay for a limousine ride.
KENTWOOD, MI -- A former state police trooper accused of murder in the vehicular death of a fleeing fugitive is receiving community support.

The trooper, who had charges against him announced one week ago by the Michigan Attorney Generals office, also has since retired, MLive has confirmed.

Brian Keely, 50, is expected to be arraigned Wednesday, June 5, in Kentwood District Court. If that schedule date holds, the arraignment on second-degree murder would come more than a week after the warrant was issued.

Since the charge was announced, the now-former state trooper has received some public support.

Supporters of Keely have created an online fundraising page to help him pay for legal expenses and make up for lost wages.

Its our turn to defend those who put their lives on the line every single day to serve and protect our communities. Please consider donating to Brian and his family as they begin a very long road of legal expenses, lost wages, and unimaginable stress. We stand with Keely, not behind him, but next to him, according to a statement on the page.

The page organizer said Keely has been abandoned by the administration he served for over 25 years.

Keely had been suspended without pay after the April 17 incident that fatally injured 25-year-old Samuel Sterling.

A state police spokesperson on Monday, June 3 said he was no longer an MSP employee and later clarified that he retired. Keely had more than 25 years of service with the state police.

Related: I cried, says mother of Samuel Sterling after learning trooper to face charges in his death

Keelys attorney, Marc Curtis, declined to comment until after the arraignment.

State Attorney General Dana Nessel on May 28 approved warrants for second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter against Keely.

Keely was part of a fugitive arrest team that located Sterling putting air into a vehicles tires near 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue. They tried to arrest Sterling, but he ran.

Keely was driving an unmarked police vehicle that ended up striking Sterling as he ran next to a Burger King. Sterling allegedly was briefly pinned against the building.

State police last month released dashcam and bodycam video showing the incident.

Court records show Sterling was wanted for a probation violation.

He was convicted in 2021 of carrying a concealed weapon, being a felon in possession of a firearm and stealing a financial transaction device. He was sentenced to 210 days in jail and three years of probation in October 2021.

Sterlings family said he was a father to two young sons, ages 2 and 3.

Im mad, hurt, angry, frustrated, his father said earlier. His mother said: You never know until it hits home because it can happen to anybody, anybodys child.

While Keelys arraignment was scheduled for eight days after the announcement of warrants, legal experts say its not uncommon for such a time lag even in high-profile cases.

Cooley Law School Professor Jeffrey D. Swartz said there likely was an agreement reached between Keelys attorney and the attorney general on when Keely would surrender himself.

He said its likely Keely will receive a minimal bond when hes arraigned Wednesday, noting that hes a former cop.

Swartz said Keely is not perceived as a flight risk and is a stable community resident.

It might even be a personal recognizance bond, he said.

Sarissa Monrtague, a Kalamazoo area criminal defense attorney, also said its not uncommon for a time lag from when warrants are issued and arraignment.

Montague said she suspects the judge Wednesday will set a reasonable bond, even given the severity of the offense.

They find a balance that allows a bond to be posted, she said.

Supporters of Keely also have created a Facebook page called Stand with Brian Keely MSP.

MLive left messages with the Michigan State Police Troopers Association on Monday but did not hear back.

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WEXFORD COUNTY, MI  More than 31,000 Atlantic salmon were euthanized at a Michigan fish hatchery after they tested positive for bacterial kidney disease.

Also known as BKD, it is known to cause mortality in trout and salmon and is believed to be largely responsible for the decline in Great Lakes Chinook salmon populations in the mid-1980s.

The sick fish were discovered in early April during a routine pre-stocking inspection of fish being reared at the Harrietta State Fish Hatchery in Wexford County.

A prescribed 28-day antibiotic treatment was completed May 17, but was not fully effective, the DNR said.

The bacteria that causes bacterial kidney disease is listed as a Level 1 restricted pathogen in the Model Program for Fish Health Management in the Great Lakes, said Ed Eisch, DNR Fisheries Division Assistant Chief Ed Eisch.

Fish that are positive for Level 1 restricted pathogens can be stocked where the pathogen is already known to exist, but only if they are free of signs of disease. This lot of fish still shows signs of active BKD so they cannot be stocked.

Aaron Switzer, DNR Fish Production Program manager, said a significant portion of the fish were not feeding well, so it wasnt surprising the treatment wasnt effective.

The good news, according to the DNR, is that between 20 million and 30 million fish are stocked in Michigan waters annually. About 14.5 tons were stocked at the end of 2023 alone.

The Platte River State Fish Hatchery, located approximately 15 miles west of Traverse City, also reared Atlantic salmon, which were healthy. The fish were stocked in four locations

Torch Lake received 15,883 fish.

The Au Sable River in Oscoda and the Thunder Bay River in Alpena each received 25,000 fish.

Lake Hurons Lexington Harbor received 40,000 fish.



St. Marys River at Sault Ste. Marie will be stocked this week with just under 27,000 fish.

Having to make the decision to dispose of these diseased fish hurt, but it was clearly the right thing to do, Eisch said. The Atlantic salmon fishery is highly valued, but first and foremost, we have a public trust responsibility to protect the aquatic resources of the state of Michigan. Stocking fish known to be actively suffering a disease outbreak would be counter to that.
FLINT, MI  A Flint woman who allegedly took millions of dollars from her partner after he began experiencing symptoms of cognitive decline will stand trial.

Constance M. Roberts, 67, was bound to stand trial on four counts of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult of $100,000 or more and four counts of failure to file taxes, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today.

Roberts allegedly obtained large sums of money and multiple vehicles from the victim, who is 20 years her senior. The couple were in a long-term relationship, according to a news release from Nessels office.

Embezzlement is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, while the tax counts are felonies punishable by up to five years.

Many older adults have saved for retirement their entire working lives, and sadly they must also plan to protect their assets from people in their lives who would take advantage of them, said Nessel at the time of Roberts arraignment. My office will continue to investigate and prosecute complaints of financial exploitation committed against seniors and other vulnerable adults.

Roberts occasionally received small gifts of money and property through her relationship with the victim. It is alleged that Roberts began taking advantage of the arrangement after the victim started to experience symptoms of cognitive decline, according to the release.

Roberts allegedly drained the victims checking and savings accounts, which had a combined balance of approximately $3 million between 2018 and 2021, according to the release.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  For those wanting to cast their ballots in person during the August primary but beat any Election Day lines, Grand Rapids is offering nine days of early voting.

Early, in-person voting will be available from July 27 through Aug. 4 ahead of the Aug. 6 primary. During the primary, voters will choose which of more than a dozen candidates for mayor and city commission will move on to run-off elections in November.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Tommys Boats, a Grand Rapids-based boat dealer that operates more than a dozen stores in eight states and has described itself as one of the largest pontoon dealers in North America, has filed for bankruptcy.

The bankruptcy filing comes amid several lawsuits involving the boat dealership, and after a Kent County judge appointed a receiver to manage the company after New York-based M&T Bank sued Tommys for allegedly defaulting on $118 million in loans, documents show.

Liz Boydston, an attorney representing Tommys, said the bankruptcy filing will help the business leverage the restructuring process to maximize value for all Tommys stakeholders, and that Tommys looks forward to a bright future ahead.

The companys assets are listed between $1 million and $10 million, while its liabilities total $100 million to $500 million, according to the companys filing in U.S Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Texas. The company has 14 stores in Texas, Colorado, Michigan, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and Tennessee, and generated $190 million in revenue last year, documents show.

Related: Grand Rapids boat dealer buys California dealership

Monica Blacker, Tommys chief restructuring officer, said in a legal document that the bankruptcy was necessitated by a culmination of challenges related to the companys growth strategy. Other contributing factors included unexpected changes in consumer behavior, as well as fraudulent and misleading action of a longtime business partner, a legal filing says.

Tommys sued boat manufacturer Malibu Boats on April 10 in federal court.

In the lawsuit, Tommys said its business was hurt by Malibus elaborate scheme to over manufacture and pump nearly $100 million of its highest priced, highest margin, slow moving boat inventory into 15 Tommys dealerships to artificially inflate its stock value.

After the lawsuit was filed, Malibu said in a statement that it intends to vigorously defend itself against the claims made by Tommys.

Tommys was formerly a longtime dealer partner of ours, and we ended our relationship due to concerns about Tommys own conduct and its financial soundness, Malibu said. Indeed, Tommys lender is also suing it for violating the agreements Tommys used to finance the purchase of our boats. We will always act to protect our business, our customers and our shareholders.

The bankruptcy filing for Tommys Boats shows the companys unsecured claims with its 30 largest creditors total $123.6 million.

That includes $105.7 million to M&T Bank, $4.7 million to Grand Rapids-based Mercantile Bank, as well as $1.1 million in sales tax to the state of Michigan, the filing shows.

In a statement, Boydston said Tommys has received approval from the bankruptcy court to re-open its service and repair departments and continue operating as usual.

Memorial Week was once again a triumph for Tommys, as we serviced 304 boats, ensuring our customers can enjoy their time on the water this summer, she said. We are proud to have finalized the sales of 10 boats and delivered seven more boats, fulfilling the commitments to our loyal customers who had placed deposits.

Tommys generated $159 million from boat sales last year, and brought in $23.5 million for service and repairs, $4.8 million from its pro shop, and $3 million from waterfront rentals and fueling.

The company has four shops in Michigan, including 247 Morrissey Dr. NE in Plainfield Township, as well as locations in Detroit, Lake Charlevoix and Walloon Lake.

More on MLive:

Festival of the Arts returning to Grand Rapids for 3-day celebration

Once installed, turn signals at intersection in Ottawa County will reduce traffic

Grand Rapids police investigate teens fatal shooting
THREE RIVERS, MI -- A fiberglass bathtub manufacturer is preparing to let go of about 100 employees as part of a permanent plant closure, the company has announced.

Aquatic Co., 888 Broadway St. in Three Rivers, will close in July and up to 101 workers will be terminated as a result, though less than 10 workers may remain employed, American Bath Group said in a letter about the closure.

Aquatic Co. is a manufacturing facility for fiberglass bath tubs, according to the companys Facebook page.

Three Rivers is a city of about 7,900 people in St. Joseph County, about 30 miles south of Kalamazoo.

The employees will be terminated over a two-week period beginning July 14. None of the employees are represented by a union, the company said in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act letter to the state.

The jobs include 93 manufacturing positions as well as two clerical/administrative employees and six supervisors/managers, the letter says.

The company produces American-made bathware with nationwide delivery, according to a recording on the Three Rivers office line. A call to company representatives was not immediately returned on Tuesday, June 4.

Aquatic is one of two dozen brands that are part of the American Bath Group, headquartered in Texas.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter.
The Baltimore Orioles have reached an agreement on a minor league deal with Julio Teheran. The transaction was first reported by New York Post reporter Jon Heyman.

Teheran, 33, opted out of a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs over the weekend and this signing marks the second deal the right-hander has reached with the Orioles as he signed a minor league deal with the team in spring training.
PARIS -- After an exciting first few rounds, eight men look to take one step closer to a Grand Slam Final, as the French Open Quarterfinals are set to begin on Tuesday.

Watch the French Open on FuboTV (7-day free trial) and Peacock

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

(2) Jannik Sinner vs. (10) Grigor Dimitrov (7:45 a.m.)

Sinner had been rolling through the tournament before dropping the first set to Corentin Moutet in the fourth round. However, the Italian bounced back to win the match in four sets, advance to the French Open quarters for the first time in four years.

This is the first time in Dimitrovs career that he has made it to the final eight at Roland Garros. The 33-year-old last made it to a Grand Slam quarterfinal at the 2021 Australian Open. He is vying for his first major semifinal appearance since the 2019 U.S. Open.

Sinner is 3-1 against Dimitrov, with this marking the first major matchup between the two.

(3) Carlos Alcaraz vs. (9) Stefanos Tsitsipas (2:15 p.m.)

The highlight anticipated matchup on Tuesday sees two potential favorites meeting up.

Alcaraz has been impressive so far, only dropping one set in his first four matches, including a straight sets win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round. The two-time Grand Slam champion is hoping to get back to the French Open semis for the second straight season.

Tsitsipas has had a little more trouble, losing sets in the second and fourth rounds, but has played well enough to get the quarters at a Grand Slam for the eighth time in his career. He hasnt made it to a semifinal since losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open Final last year.

The Spaniard is 5-0 against Tsitsipas and 2-0 in Grand Slam matches. Alcaraz beat the Greek in straight sets in last years quarterfinal.

Watch the French Open on FuboTV (7-day free trial) and Peacock

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

(4) Alexander Zverev vs. (11) Alex de Minaur (2:15 p.m.)

Zverev has come close at Roland Garros before, and he is trying to get over the hump this time. Yet, the German has had to battle over his last two matches, going the distance against Tallon Greikspoor in the third round, before coming back from a set down to beat Holger Rune. Zverev has made it to the semifinals in each of the previous three French Opens.

This is just the second time de Minaur is playing in a Grand Slam quarterfinal, and the first since the 2020 U.S. Open. Since then, the Aussie had only made it as far as the fourth round, never even making it past the second round at the French Open. That changed with some great play, beating fifth-seeded Danil Medvedev in the fourth round.

This will be the first time these two will meet in major competition. Zverev is 7-2 against de Minaur, including a win in the Round of 16 at Indian Wells earlier this year.

Novak Djokovic was supposed to play Casper Ruud in the second quarterfinal. However, an injury to Djokovic forced him to pull out of the tournament, sending Ruud to the semis.

Find the full French Open draws and results here
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Senator Mitch McConnell View Photo

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered remarks on the Senate floor regarding President Bidens border crisis.

McConnell was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

Were nearing the end of President Bidens term. And the American peoples patience for his failure to secure our southern border is running thin.

After three years in office, nearly every conceivable metric has distinguished the Biden Administration from its predecessors for all of the wrong reasons.

Since the President took office, Customs and Border Protection has seen the highest annual total for border encounters on record. CBP has reported more than 7.8 million encounters with illegal migrants at the southern border. And this doesnt even count the 1.6 million known gotaways.

Fentanyl and other lethal drugs pushed by China through Mexico and across our border are the primary cause of death among American adults between the ages of 18 and 45.

And reports of individuals on the terror watch list trying to sneak across the southern border have soared on President Bidens watch.

Five years ago, CBP didnt encounter a single individual on the list between southern border ports of entry. Last year, they encountered 169.

This is what broken borders look like. This is humanitarian and national security failure of the highest degree.

And its no mystery how we got here. President Biden and Vice President Harris were promising open borders four years ago on the campaign trail. And they started following through literally on Day One.

The Biden Administration rescinded policies like Remain in Mexico that helped CBP hold the crisis at bay.

They froze construction of physical barriers at the border out of spite for their predecessors  a move that most Americans now say they want to see reversed!

Every Senate Democrat voted to let President Biden repeal Title 42, a pandemic-era policy that represented border officials only meaningful tool to stem the flow of illegal arrivals.

The Administrations supposed Border Czar traveled widely to discuss the root causes of migration. But for months, she couldnt find time to visit the border, itself.

And for years, Washington Democrats have refused to call the situation what it obviously is  a crisis.

At every step, the American people have been left scratching their heads.

In some cases, theyve been left with unimaginable grief  like the family of Laken Riley, the student murdered by a man who shouldnt have been allowed into the country in the first place.

And in every case, theyve wondered why their elected leaders are missing in action.

Families are wondering why Senate Democrats opposed Senator Blackburns proposal to allow state and local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE to detain and deport criminals

Why they voted down Senator Budds legislation that would have prohibited granting legal status or citizenship to individuals who have assaulted a law enforcement officer

Why they blocked a proposal that wouldve required that individuals DHS deemed to be Special Interest Aliens  potential national security risks  are detained at the border and not released into the interior by the thousands.

Theyre wondering why left-wing groups are exploiting this crisis to line their own pockets.

Well, one thing the American people dont have to wonder about is why Washington Democrats are suddenly chomping at the bit to convince their constituents that they care about border security.

After all, working families are the ones telling pollsters the border is their very top election-year concern.

The American people arent fooled. They know that the Presidents summary reversal of commonsense border authorities is what invited this crisis. And they know the solution is not cynical Senate theater.

The solution is a President whos willing to exercise his authority, to use the tools he already has at his disposal, and to start cleaning up this mess.

If Senate Democrats wanted to start fixing this crisis tomorrow, they would be urging the President to do exactly that.

The American people have every right to expect secure borders, along with safe streets and stable prices.

They dont have time for distractions.

And neither do Senate Republicans.

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.
Yves here. With the Mexican election and decisive win by an AMLO protege putting Latin America in the press (after being pushed off most press pages by geopolitical hot spot reporting and way-out-of-band US elections), this piece serves as a reminder of key history in the region.

By Dr. Vladislav B. Sotirovic, Ex-University Professor, Research Fellow at Centre for Geostrategic Studies, Belgrade, Serbia

From the very political point of view, the 19th century in Latin America started in 1808 when the emancipation of the subordinated people against the foreign (Spanish & Portuguese) rule started (and finished in 1826) and was over with the beginning of the Great War in Europe in 1914. The struggle for independence was extremely speeded up by the French military-political subjection of the Iberian Peninsula when both Spain and Portugal lost direct connections with their overseas colonies. Such a new geopolitical situation fostered domestic Latin American patriotic nationalism which demanded political independence, administrative sovereignty, and economic self-administration instead of the subordination and exploitation by colonial motherlands with their capitals in Madrid and Lisbon.

These political, administrative, and economic requirements were met by the Portuguese royal court by accepting them and consequently leading the biggest Portuguese colony  Brazil toward the creation of political nationhood as an independent state (Kingdom in 1815, Empire in 1822, and Republic in 1889) on peaceful way but with a minimum of social change. This characteristic was common for almost all ex-Iberian colonies in Latin America (Mezo/Central- and South America): political independence did not change a social framework and relations within society from Mexico to Cape Horn.

Differently to Portugal, Spain, on the other hand, adopted from the very beginning of the Latin American liberation movements the policy of military confrontation with the nationalists for the sake of eliminating all political, administrative, and economic demands of its Latin American colonies, in fact, by the brutal way. Such policy, however, directly provoked the revolutions for independence across both Central America and South America. As a result, within the South American Spanish colonies, there were two revolutionary movements for independence against the administration in Madrid: 1) The southern revolution going from Buenos Aires toward Peru via Chile and led by San Martins Army of Argentinians and Bernardo OHiggins Chileans (Battle of Maipu in Chile in 1818) attacking Lima  the capital of Peru; and 2) The northern revolution that was more seriously harassed by the Spanish army, was headed by Venezuelans Simon Bolivar and Antonio Jose de Sucre (Battle of Boyaca in 1819 in New Granada/North Colombia) and back to Venezuela. Nevertheless, both movements met each other in Peru  at that time the fortress of Spanish colonial rule in America.

In Central America, the Mexican revolution of independence was of its own nature: it started as a social uprising but then became a prolonged counter-revolution, and ultimately was finished as a successful power seizure by the conservative military commander Iturbide who became enthroned as Emperor Agustin I.

The independence wars in Latin America (18081826) as a result brought independence for ex-colonies but this independence was essentially only of a political nature which, in fact, only transferred political-administrative authority from the colonial power to domestic landlords with minimal social and economic change within the society which structure left as it was during colonial time. Nevertheless, the independence wars across the continent ended with great loss of both life and property. In addition, revolutionary and counter-revolutionary terror followed by insecurity resulted in a struggle between the owners of capital and the labor force that was very difficult to restore the pre-war economy.

Very soon after the wars of liberation started a violent struggle between the political center and surrounding regions, ideas of free trade and protection, agriculturalists, mine-owners, and industrialists, supporters of cheap imports vs. proponents of national production and export. For instance, the violent struggle between liberals and conservatives lasted in Colombia for more than a century. Finally, the business vacuum in Latin America left by the Spanish colonial administration was soon covered by Western (British, US, French) merchants within the general trend of cheap import and primary export. All new Latin American nations were export economies founded on the exploitation of cheap land and labor for the production of raw materials for Western industries and the global market. National industries were left underdeveloped while common economic institutions were mine, ranch, and plantation. Latin America in 1913 experienced the biggest foreign investment from the UK (more than 50% out of the total) followed by the USA, France, and Germany.

From the 1880s, massive immigration of both foreign capital and manpower occurred which fostered economic growth. For instance, in both Brazil and Argentina, the Italians were at the top of the immigration number followed by Portuguese immigrants to Brazil and Spanish to Argentina.

Unfortunately, the national economic development of Latin America soon after gaining political independence was impossible due to the old-preserved social structure of the new political unities as an impoverished population from the villages did not provide substantial support for the local industry in the cities. The essence was that the old West European (Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, and British) colonial system of production and social relations founded on it remained without serious changes. In practice, it meant that two existing social strata were sharply divided: 1) Privileged minority (of exploitation) who monopolized both civil offices and the land for production followed by 2) Hardly surviving peasants and industrial workers.

Economically speaking, in the 19th century emerged a new power social-economic basement  hacienda, the great land estate (much bigger than a ranch) that was utilizing much more land compared to invested capital surviving by a cheap labor of both natures: servile and seasonal. On one hand, slavery, and the slave trade were soon abolished in all newly proclaimed independent states of Spanish Latin America (by the 1850s). However, in Portuguese-speaking Brazil, slavery, on the other hand, lasted until 1888. Nevertheless, as it was in the pre-colonial time, the Negros (African Blacks), Mulattos (White-Blacks), and Mestizos (White-Indians), were left at the bottom of the social structure.[1] In fact, all of these three socioeconomic groups became peons (In Europe of the Middle Ages  serfs)  peasants allowing a small portion of land within the territory of a hacienda in return for hard labor work on the land. After the independence wars, the new political-administrative establishment in Latin America tended to reduce as it was impossible, at least by the law, racial discrimination based on social, economic, and ideological foundations which in practice did not work properly. The new political establishment intended to integrate native Indians into the newly established nations (based on the West European colonial division) by, in fact, forcing them to participate in post-colonial economic production. In practice, such policy presumed to divide the communal lands among individual owners (agrarian reform) which in theory has to benefit the native Indians. However, it became obvious in the practice that such agrarian reform just strengthened Indian white neighbors.

As in many other similar cases, concerning Latin America, the wars of independence created local war leaders (caudillo) who introduced military-political structure above civilian institutions. However, caudillo was at the beginning just a military leader, he, as well as, soon occupied other social and political roles becoming, in fact, a national dictator, who represented economic and national interests. He, also, became a distributor of patronage (office and land) as being at the top of a patron-client structure.[2] Up to WWI, Latin America passed through a time of brutal policy of caudillismo, when, for instance, Santa Anna in Mexico, Rosas in Argentina, Paez in Venezuela, etc., have been governing their states as a private possession (extended hacienda) like the medieval rulers in Europe.

Nevertheless, the practice of caudillismo was in some cases subject to constitutional challenge. The number of presidents in many Latin American new nations was changed frequently as in the case, for example, Mexico, which had 30 presidents during the first half of the century of its independence. A Mexican president Benito Juarez was fighting the forces of privileged social strata united together with French imperialists who for a short period succeeded in installing their puppet Emperor Maximilian I, on the throne.[3] Benito Juarez by 1867 subordinated both the Roman Catholic Church and Mexican armed forces to the level of secular state. However, Mexican liberals, who provided their country with a higher level of political freedom, at the same time were not able to provide economic prosperity and higher living standards for the citizens. Within the framework of one decade, the liberals paid way for the long-time political authoritarian regime of Porfirio Diaz.[4] His presidency experienced enormous economic progress but, however, making the country dependent on foreign capital investment and left the majority of the citizens in terrible poverty. Such an economic situation provoked in 1910 Mexicos second revolution.

In essence, within the whole territory of Latin America, economic growth directly assisted in undermining the political regimes that promoted it. There were two reasons for including Latin America into the global market around 1900: 1) A huge investment in agriculture and mines by West European countries and the USA, and 2) Massive West European emigration (primarily from Italy, Spain, and Portugal). There was a pampas revolution in Argentina which made the country a global producer of meat and grain. Some other Latin American countries, like Mexico, Brazil, and Chile, succeeded in modernizing and commercializing economic production. At the same time, they speeded the export of food and raw materials due to and via railways and docks.

However, due to unbalanced economic dependence, there were too many risks and failures. For instance, the famous silver mine (and city) of Potosi during the Spanish colonial exploitation, declined in the 19th century to be only a simple town in the Andes. There was a nitrate boom in production from 1880 to 1919 due to the Chilean territorial gains from Peru (province of Tarapaca) and Bolivia (province of Antofagasta) in the War of the Pacific from 1879 to 1883. Nonetheless, after WWI, the Chilean nitrates industry declined due to synthetic subsidies. In 1914, oil was discovered in Venezuela which in the interwar period (19181939) produced extremal differences between the wealthy and poor people. There were towns of Iquitos in Peru and Manaus in Brazil that for a short period promoted them into global prominence due to the rubber production.

All these economic events promoted a social-living change in society primarily having a direct impact on the speedy process of urbanization followed by the emergence of new social groups whose everyday life strictly depended on contemporary technology (concerning production) and trade (in essence in global terms). That was, in fact, a Latin American (urban) middle class that emerged not belonging either to landlords or peasants.

Regarding political developments in Latin America in the 19th century, the people of the continent have been in wars not only for their national liberation against Spanish and Portuguese colonial authorities but, as well as against each other for territorial gains. Only Brazil was the exception that fragmentation did not swiftly follow emancipation/independence, which concerning Latin America led finally to the twenty independent states (political unities). Boundary disputes have been occasionally on the agenda causing some major wars between the Latin American republics. That was, for instance, the case with the Mexican-USA War from 1846 to 1848 which resulted in the secession of Texas, which cost Mexico California and in sum 40% of the Mexican original state territory. It was the 18641870 Paraguayan War, in which three Atlantic-facing states (Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina) defeated and ruined Paraguay  a country in which native Indians succeeded in preserving their ethnocultural identity.[5] This war was followed by the 18791883 War of the Pacific when Chile, Peru, and Bolivia joined the battle for the sake of controlling the important Atacama Desert rich in nitrite deposits. Finally, in 1883, Chilean military victory over Peru and Bolivia followed by the accession of lands from both of them, made Chile to be the major Pacific power. As rich natural nitrite deposits were annexed in both wars in the north, Chile enjoyed the next five decades with a real economic boom.

Personal disclaimer: The author writes for this publication in a private capacity which is unrepresentative of anyone or any organization except for his own personal views. Nothing written by the author should ever be conflated with the editorial views or official positions of any other media outlet or institution.

____________

[1] Concerning the question of population and immigration, Latin America inherited a colonial-style racial structure of their societies. Spanish American societies have been constructed of a great number of native Indians, and a lesser number of Mestizos, followed by a minority of the Whites. It happened that the Indian stronghold of such social structure was in Peru (independent from 1821), Mexico (independent from 1821), and Guatemala (independent from 1838), but less in Rio da la Plata (Argentina, independent from 1810) or Chile (independent from 1818).

[2] Some of them, like Garcia Moreno, could be a fanatical theocrat. He, among other things, became famous as a person who was in 1873 dedicated Ecuador (independent from 1830) to the Sacred Heart, but in 1875 was murdered by the local liberals.

[3] Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph (18321867) was under the name of Maximilian I Emperor of Mexico from 1864 to 1867. He was the brother of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Josef and Archduke of Austria. Nevertheless, French Emperor Napoleon III was forced in 1867 to stop supporting Maximilian I as a result of political pressure from the USA. As a result, Emperor Maximilian I faced a popular uprising in Mexico led by Benito Juarez. Finally, the rebels won and Maximilian I was arrested and executed.

[4] Porfirio Diaz (18301915) was a Mexican general and statesman, and President from 1877 to 1880 and from 1884 to 1911. He was a leader of a military putsch in 1876 becoming elected President the next year. The result of his second presidency was a highly centralized government which was supported by the local Mestizos and landowners. Therefore, the power was transferred from native American Indians and peasants. The President promoted the development of countrys infrastructure and industry and was using foreign capital and technical experts to build mines, bridges, or railways through the country. However, the poor economic conditions of the Mexican working class in both industry and rural areas followed by the rising power of the democratic movement led by Francisco Madero (18731913) contributed to Diazs forced resignation and exile in 1911.

[5] Paraguayan War (War of the Triple Alliance) in 18641870 was a military conflict resulting from geopolitical rivalries between Paraguay on the one hand and the other hand Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Francisco Solano Lopez  President of Paraguay, was alarmed by the military intervention of Brazil in Uruguay. At the same time, he intended to enlarge Paraguays territory to get access to the Pacific Ocean as Paraguay was (and still is a land-locked country). Therefore, in 1864 Paraguay started hostilities against Brazil. He hoped that Argentina as traditionally hostile to Brazil would join Paraguay in the war. Still, it was formed anti-Paraguay the Triple Alliance composed of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay (at that time, a puppet state of Brazil). The pact was signed in May 1865 against Paraguay. However, during the conflict, Paraguayans well-trained military forces of around 600.000 soldiers did not match the task. One of the most destructive wars in the history of Latin America was over with President Lopezs death in March 1870. The results of the war were terrible for Paraguay as the country lost more than half of its pre-war population together with a considerable territory.

 Vladislav B. Sotirovic 2024
Claudia Sheinbaums epic electoral victory would not have been possible without AMLOs enduring  indeed, ripening  popularity. The question is: what will she do with her newfound power after the hand over on Oct. 1?

The word historic tends to slip too easily into newspaper headlines in post election analysis, but in the case of Mexicos elections this past weekend, history was most definitely made  on a number of fronts. For the first time in over 200 years of (relative) national independence, Mexico has its first female president. As the Washington Post reported with time-honoured sensitivity, Mexico is famous for its macho culture, yet it has just elected its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, in what was essentially a race between two women engineers.

The Post contrasts this landmark achievement in Mexico with the two-man contest about to take place in the US between Biden and Trump, while predictably ignoring Robert Kennedy Juniors independent candidacy in the presidential race. It correctly points out that Mexico is eclipsing its northern neighbour on gender parity in governance, and not just in the highest office: women hold half the seats in Mexicos legislature  roughly double the percentage in the U.S. Congress  and there is a larger share of female governors than in the US.

Electoral Bloodbath

The elections were historic for another reason: the sheer scale of the bloodbath. It was a bloodbath both literally and electorally. This years election season was the deadliest in Mexicos modern history, with a total of 37 candidates assassinated over the course of the campaign. Hundreds of others pulled out of the race in Chiapas and Michoacan, two of the deadliest states. The explosion of violence was a reminder that security remains one of the most important issues facing Mexican society  and one which Sheinbaum will have to grapple with from day one of her administration.

According to projections made by the National Electoral Institute, or INE, the 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor garnered around 58-60% of votes. That is around 30 percentage points more than her conservative rival, Xochitl Galvez, and some 50 percentage points ahead of the only man in the race, centrist candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez. It is also six percentage points more than Mexicos outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors vote haul in 2018 (53.2%) and according to El Pais, the highest vote count of any presidential candidate in recent history.

Support for Mexicos traditional parties, the National Action Party (PAN), the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), which in Galvez fielded a unified candidate who was uniquely unqualified to govern, once again crumbled, both at the national and state level. Sheinbaums ruling MORENA party also benefited from a mass exodus into its ranks of PRI governors, senators and representatives, some, unfortunately, with long histories of corruption.

Sheinbaums crushing victory would not have been possible without Lopez Obradors enduring  indeed, ripening  popularity. As the US pollster Gallup reported just days before the election, Lopez Obrador (aka AMLO) is ending his six-year term with record high approval ratings of 80%, making him one of the worlds most popular national leaders. It puts to shame his presidential counterparts in North America. After less than four years in office, Joe Biden is the least popular US president in 75 years, according to Newsweek, while Trudeaus approval ratings consistently hover at or below 40%.

In 2023, confidence in the national government was twice as high in Mexico as it was in the U.S. (30%). Whats more, public approval of, and confidence in, the government actually grew over time, as opposed to steadily or rapidly declining. When was the last time that happened in your country?

As millions in Mexico head to the polls on Sunday to choose President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors successor, he ends his term with record high approval ratings (80%). This rating makes him one of the most well-liked leaders in the world. When Obrador came to power in December pic.twitter.com/An5t3D9zGf  Gallup (@Gallup) May 30, 2024

First Jewish President

Sheinbaum is not just Mexicos first female president; she is also its first Jewish president  no mean feat in a country with one of the largest Catholic populations and whose Jewish community represents just 0.03% of the populace. A daughter of a Sephardic mother and an Ashkenazi father who were both active in left-wing movements in the 60s, Sheinbaum is not a practising Jew. During the campaign she described herself as non-religious.

Like her parents, Sheinbaums background was in academia before entering politics in the late 90s. Per Wikipedia:

[She] studied physics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where she earned an undergraduate degree in 1989. She earned a masters degree in 1994 and a Ph.D. in 1995 in energy engineering In 1995, she joined the faculty at the Institute of Engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). She was a researcher at the Institute of Engineering and is a member of both the Sistema Nacional de Investigadores and the Mexican Academy of Sciences. In 1999, she received the prize for best UNAM young researcher in engineering and technological innovation In 2007, she joined the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) at the United Nations in the field of energy and industry, as a contributing writer on the topic Mitigation of Climate Change for the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report.

A Sheinbaum presidency is unlikely to result in a substantial shift in Mexicos stance toward Isreal and Palestine. The North American nation has maintained ties with both Israel and Palestine for decades and has consistently held a fairly neutral position on the Middle Eastern conflict regardless of the ruling political party.

If we take sides we would not help to bring about what should matter most to all of us: that the war stops, that there are no more deaths, dead, murdered in Gaza, said AMLO last week. That is why we have acted very cautiously.

AMLO has repeatedly condemned the violence in Gaza and called for a ceasefire, though he has so far refused to call Israels onslaught of the enclave as genocide. But unlike many of his peers in Latin America, his government does not recognise Palestine as a state, though it did reclassify the Palestinian Authoritys diplomatic mission in Mexico City last year from special delegation to embassy. Last week, just days before the election, it requested to join the genocide case filed by South Africa against Israel.

Sheinbaum, like AMLO, has condemned Israels systematic attacks against civilians. She has also called for a cease-fire and reiterated her support for a two-state solution. During Israels bombardment of the Gaza Strip in 2009, she wrote a letter to the Mexican daily La Jornada condemning what she described as the murder of Palestinians:

My maternal grandparents came to Mexico fleeing Nazi persecution. They were saved by a miracle. Many of my relatives from that generation were exterminated in the concentration camps. Both families decided to make Mexico their homeland. I was raised as a Mexican. Loving its history and its people. I am Mexican and that is why I fight for my country. I cannot and do not want to deny my history; to do so would be, as Leon Gieco says, to deny the soul of life. But I am also a citizen of the world, because of my history and because that is how I think it should be Therefore, because of my Jewish origin, because of my love for Mexico and because I feel like a citizen of the world, I share with millions the desire for justice, equality, fraternity and peace, and therefore, I can only see with horror the images of the State bombings No reason justifies the murder of Palestinian civilians Nothing, nothing, nothing, can justify the murder of a child. For this reason, I join the cry of millions around the world who are calling for a ceasefire and the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian territory.

Total Power

Following these elections, Sheinbaums ruling MORENA party and its coalition partners will have sizeable majorities in both of Mexicos legislative houses and possibly even super majorities  i.e. more than two-thirds of the seats. This, as the Atlantic Council notes, allows for constitutional changes which could not be obtained thus far by the Lopez Obrador administration. The MORENA coalition also won at least six of the eight gubernatorial seats up for grabs, as well as Mexico Citys all-important mayoral race. As a result, it will control at least 23 of Mexicos 32 states. From Jacobins Kurt Hackbarth:

According to [INEs] conteo rapido, or fast count, the landslide was expected to carry over into Congress as well, with MORENA and its allies winning up to 380 of 500 seats in the lower house, the Chamber of Deputies, and up to 88 of 128 seats in the Senate. This would put the center-left coalition within range of its ambitious goal of achieving a qualified majority of two-thirds, which would allow it to pass constitutional reforms on its own (together with the state legislatures it controls). And not only did MORENA win the all-important mayorship of Mexico City with candidate Clara Brugada, the MORENA coalition is also set to pick up at least six of the eight governors races up for grabs In 2018, the conservative parties Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and National Action Party (PAN) ran separately; this year, they ran in coalition. But instead of adding in numbers, the coalition wound up subtracting.

The front page of the news magazine, Proceso, sums it up nicely: Total Power. Of course, as Lord Acton once warned, too much power can be a dangerous thing, even for a political project that commands the widespread support of the public. There is a concern, not only among MORENAs opponents, that without any meaningful counterweights or balances, the party could end up taking greater control of the federal system and even recreating the one-party system that governed the country for roughly 70 years.

A History of Outside Meddling

That said, Mexicos government will always face opposition and interference from beyond its borders. In fact, MORENAs electoral triumph has occurred despite a coordinated international campaign between the US Drug Enforcement Agency, Western think tanks and media to paint AMLO and MORENA as being in league with Mexicos drug cartels. During the presidential debates, the conservative candidate, Xochitl Galvez, repeatedly called Sheinbaum a narco candidate, to no avail.

As I noted in February, the accusations were unsubstantiated and their main source was a DEA informant who had earned a reputation for fabricating testimonies. The expose, published simultaneously by two US publications and a German broadcaster, came just eight months after the Mexican government locked horns with the DEA over revelations that the agency had run a covert, 18-month incursion into Mexican territory, in direct contravention of Mexicos 2020 National Security Law. In the end, these attempts by the DEA and international media to hijack the political debate ended up backfiring, as I warned could happen:

Most of Mexicos corporate press will happily lap up and amplify any allegations against AMLO or Sheinbaum, whether demonstrably true or false. That said, it is unlikely that these allegations will have any material impact on Mexicos elections and could end up backfiring. My guess is that those who already despise AMLO will despise him a little more while those who support him will continue to do so, just more fervently. In other words, it will help to fuel political polarisation in the country while increasing distrust of the DEA among AMLO supporters, who continue to represent over 60% of voters. In fact, AMLO, now in his last year in office, is the second most popular national leader in the world after Indias Prime Minister Narendi Modi. I would argue that the main reason for this is that Mexicos economy has fared far better than AMLOs doomsaying detractors have consistently predicted over the past five years. In the IMFs latest nominal GDP forecasts, in December 2023, Mexico placed 12th in the ranking of the worlds largest economies, having overtaken Spain, Australia and South Korea in the past two years.

Given the economic sweet spot Mexico finds itself in right now, with the peso strong, unemployment at its lowest level in 20 years and investment pouring into the country from companies looking to take advantage of the nearshoring trend, all Sheinbaum had to do on the campaign trail was pledge to continue where AMLO left off while refusing to be goaded by the oppositions go-negative campaign. Which is what she did.

As Hackbarth documents, her 100-point program includes extending social programs and scholarships, continuing annual minimum-wage increases, consolidating Mexicos push toward national health care, building a million affordable homes on a rent-to-buy plan, constructing seven long-distance train lines, mandating that companies investing in the nearshoring phenomenon provide higher wages and benefits, and  in what is certain to continue raising the hackles of multinational energy interests  a public sectorled energy transition building on Mexicos state-owned oil, electricity, and lithium companies.

The hackles have been raised throughout AMLOs five-and-a-half-year mandate, with Western media, NGOs and think tanks relentlessly trying to depict AMLO as a threat to both Mexicos economy and democratic system. In 2018, the Financial Times Latin American editor, John Paul Rathbone, described him as a bigger threat to liberal democracy than Brazils strongman president Bolsonaro.

When AMLO and Bolsonaro were elected, the FTs Latin America editor wrote that the democratic socialist posed a bigger threat to liberal democracy than the fascist. AMLO leaves office with 80% approval ratings. Bolsonaro is now being investigated for planning a military coup. pic.twitter.com/k30NED9pk5  Matt Kennard (@kennardmatt) June 3, 2024

Contrast The Economists depiction of AMLO with Time magazines near-messianic treatment of his predecessor Enrique Pena Nieto, whose PRI government would end up being one of the most corrupt of modern times. [Pena Nieto, like two other former presidents of Mexico, Carlos Salinas de Gotari and Felipe Calderon, is now a full-time resident of Spain].

In 2022, the Index on Corruption, a London-based NGO that has been around since the Cold War and which bashfully describes itself as the global voice of free expression, even named him as tyrant of the year. As we reported at the time, the NGOs donors include the Charles Koch Foundation, George Soros Open Society Foundations, Google, Facebook, the European Commission and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

The irony was palpable: a non-profit whose stated mission is to defend free expression and combat censorship worldwide accepting funding not only from three of the companies that, partly at the behest of certain governments, did more than just about any other to censor online information and debate in 2022 but also NED, which has spent the past 40 years trying to pull off soft coups and colour revolutions in Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe.

Looking Ahead

Lastly, a few brief thoughts on the challenges, opportunities and possible betrayals that may lie ahead. One very obvious difference between Sheinbaum and AMLO is their leadership style. AMLO is a stay-at-home president who has left Mexico to attend overseas events and engagements on probably fewer than ten occasions since taking office in late 2018. To his credit, he has not once attended the World Economic Forums annual meeting in Davos. His focus has been squarely on the domestic agenda, and there are few national leaders on the global stage who have done such a good job at dominating national politics.

One of the main keys to AMLOs success is the hours-long morning press conferences, or mananeras, that he has chaired at the National Palace more or less everyday from Monday to Friday since the beginning of his presidency. This has enabled him to communicate directly with the Mexican people, cutting out the middlemen and women in the broadly hostile domestic and international media and nipping in the bud many crises before they bloom. It has allowed him to control most of the key narratives at a time when most Western governments are rapidly losing control of the narrative and having to resort to ever more blatant forms of censorship.

In this particular area, Sheinbaum will not be able to fill AMLOs shoes though she is determined to keep direct lines of communication with the Mexican public open. As she herself admitted in an interview with the Russian journalist Inna Afinogenova a few months ago, (AMLO) has an extraordinary form of communication that is recognised by locals and foreigners alike as well as an encyclopedic knowledge of Mexican history, culture and geography, so we have to adapt something special to our personality, but there must continue to be this awareness of the people of Mexico and this direct communication.

There are certainly areas where Sheinbaum could improve on AMLOs performance, including the environment (a subject on which she is an expert), womens rights, and security, an area in which she has already excelled. As mayor of Mexico City (2018-23) she was able to reduce intentional homicides in the capital by half. Since 2019 Mexico City has accounted for almost a quarter of all high-profile arrests in the country. And unlike many other parts of the country, most of those arrests were carried out by local police  and not the army or national guard.

Sheinbaum attributes much of this success to her administrations extensive use of data and surveillance technologies to tackle serious crime. As Biometric Update reports, over the last decade Mexico City has installed the largest video surveillance system in the Americas, altering the way criminal investigations are conducted for better or worse.

This highlights another key difference between AMLO and his successor: whereas AMLO is very much an old school Mexican politician with nationalist sensibilities, Sheinbaum appears to be more of a technocrat with globalist leanings. Before entering politics, she received a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, one of the worlds longest-standing proponents of technocracy. During her time as mayor of Mexico City, her administration also received funding from George Soros Open Society Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

In January, Todd Martinez, director of the sovereign debt group at Fitch Ratings, remarked in a seminar broadcast to investors that while Sheinbaum does come from the left-wing Morena party, she seems like more of a technocratic figure. And technocrats can apparently be trusted  at least by the investor class. Interestingly, the word technocratic, denoting a system of governance based on technical approaches, is often used pejoratively by AMLO to refer to the ultra-neoliberal administrations that preceded him.

This invites the question: to what extent will Sheinbaum, a committed environmentalist with apparent globalist leanings who is determined to move ahead with the energy transition, stay true to AMLOs political project, which is largely based on principles of energy (mainly oil) and food independence and security? Will she be another Lenin Moreno, the Ecuadorian president hand-picked by his predecessor, Rafael Correa, to continue the countrys economic development along largely left-wing lines, who, once elected, handed in Julian Assange to British authorities in return for an IMF loan? Or will she stay loyal to her long-time mentor?

For the moment, there is no way of knowing. Something else that is not yet clear is who she will have to deal with in Washington after the November elections. If Trump wins, as is widely expected despite his legal entanglements, will he follow through on his plans to covertly send kill teams into Mexico to take out cartel kingpins? Even if he doesnt win, relations between the US and Mexico are likely to remain fraught, especially if the US, as the Council of Foreign Relations Shannon K. ONeil suggests, seeks to boost economic ties with Mexico by enforcing free trade rules and insisting on the fair and equal treatment of businesses.
NO COINCIDENCE: Excess deaths due to cardiac arrest skyrocketed during intense vaccine campaign in Washington

In King County, Washington, excess deaths increased by more than 13 times after COVID-19 vaccines rolled out, and there was a shockingly high correlation between the percentage of people vaccinated and the rise in excess deaths

This is according to Dr. Peter McCullough, a renowned cardiologist who took a deep dive into the link between excess cardiopulmonary arrest and mortality during an intense vaccine campaign in the area with a team of investigators from the McCullough Foundation, led by Nicolas Hulscher.

Dr. McCullough explained that when he did his internal medicine residency at the University of Washington in Seattle in the 1980s, when the school was at the top of its game, he worked with the MEDIC ONE paramedic units in King County. They are known as trailblazers in out-of-hospital resuscitation research, and he noted that their cardiac arrest statistics are considered some of the most accurate in the nation.

He chose to explore these statistics given the strong link between COVID-19 vaccines and a type of heart inflammation known as myocarditis, which is asymptomatic in roughly half of its sufferers. Many do not even realize that they have it until they experience cardiac arrest  an effect that may not even occur until years after they get the jab. Sadly, many autopsies that are being performed on people that had received the vaccine who died suddenly confirm that myocarditis was the cause of death.

By 2023, roughly 98% of people in King County had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 jab. An analysis found that there was a 25.7% rise in total cardiopulmonary arrest, while cardiopulmonary arrest mortality rose by 25.4% from 2020 to 2023.

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.

However, it is excess cardiopulmonary arrest deaths that are most concerning; these are deaths related to cardiopulmonary arrest that go above and beyond the number that would be expected in a typical year. From 2020 to 2023, these excess deaths rose by 1236%. The team made their calculations using the 2015-2020 cardiopulmonary arrest mortality trend line, according to the studys abstract. In terms of raw numbers, excess cardiopulmonary arrest deaths are estimated to have risen from 11 in 2020 to 147 in 2020.

At the same time, King County's general population was declining sharply. In 2021, for example, it fell by 0.94% and deviated from the expected population size. This makes the numbers even more worrying.

When the model from this data is applied to the U.S. as a whole, it means there could have been 49,240 excess deadly cardiopulmonary arrests from 2021 to 2023  which is a really sad statistic that illustrates how many people are needlessly dying, especially when you consider that cardiopulmonary arrest is only one of the ways that these jabs have been killing people.

The researchers called for further studies to determine whether other regions experienced similar trends.

Esteemed cardiologist has been calling for vaccines to be halted

Unlike many doctors who are too afraid of jeopardizing their careers by criticizing the vaccines, Dr. McCullough has not been shy about warning people about the dangers of the jabs. In particular, he has been drawing attention to their negative effects on the heart, and he has pointed to numerous studies that back up his assertion.

In fact, the potential dangers of the jabs are so bad that he has called for them to be discontinued entirely on numerous occasions, the most recent of which came in a post he made on X about this new study.

During pandemic county population declined, was 98% vaccinated, and cardiac arrests began to dramatically increase. These data call for immediate investigation into vaccine status of victims and moratorium on further COVID-19 vaccination, he wrote.

Sources for this article include:

Kirsch.Substack.com

Preprints.org

X.com
Top German politicians demand maximum penalty for young people expressing their discontent with unrestricted migration

German politicians are calling for a group of young people protesting against unrestricted migration to be imprisoned, possibly even given the maximum sentence for a variety of alleged crimes.

The individuals in question are a group of young Germans on vacation in the patio of a bar in Sylt, a small tourist island in the North Sea. The individuals chanted "Deutschland den Deutschen, Auslander raus!" ("Germany for the Germans, foreigners out!") while dancing to the song "L'Amours Toujours" by Italian DJ Gigi D'Agostino.

The news story broke following a seconds-long video of the incident going viral in German news and social media, sending virtually the entire country into a frenzy with politicians alleging that the youths were sympathizers of Nazi German leader Adolf Hitler.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz even stepped in to condemn the video, calling the youths "repugnant" and their actions "not acceptable."

"This video is worrisome because it shows that it's not just the disenfranchised who are becoming radicalized, but that radicalization is also coming from the heart of society," accused federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in his statement.

Bundestag (Parliament) President Barbel Bas of the ruling left-wing Social Democratic Party has called for the youths to receive the harshest punishment possible, including "perhaps even the maximum penalty."

The young adults are being accused of violating Section 86a of the German Criminal Code, which refers to "unconstitutional symbols." If found guilty, the youths could be sentenced to up to three years in prison. If the kids are also found guilty of "incitement against the people," they could be given another five years to their prison sentences.

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.

"This video exists, and certain people can be identified," said Bas. She added that "such things, anti-constitutional slogans, are to be punished I hope they get a decent punishment."

Migrants committing acts of violence all over Germany

Denes Albert, writing for the Central Europe-focused news website ReMix, noted that while some of Germany's highest-level politicians weigh in on a video wherein the youths are not being violent and "nobody was physically attacked, raped or maimed," foreigners and people with foreign backgrounds continue to commit acts of extreme violence all over Germany in incidents that are also videoed and shared on social media.

"The German government does not comment on them because these videos do not fit the narrative," warned Albert. (Related: Mass immigration to Germany will cost taxpayers up to 19.2 trillion, warns top academic expert.)

"It is important to note that these young people did not commit any violent robbery, did not rape anybody, nor did they swing machetes at each other in daylight," wrote Albert. "For the category of gang rape, Germany is experiencing record-high numbers and this is, quite simply put, driven by mass immigration  this is a statistical fact. And yet, this data point barely sparked even the tiniest fraction of the outrage this video has produced, including around-the-clock news coverage and public comments from top politicians, including the chancellor."

The conservative, anti-mass immigration party Alternative for Germany (AfD) noted that incidents of gang rapes have hit a record high in Germany in 2022, with certain days experiencing as many as two reported incidents, and with the total number for the year hitting 789, higher than the previous year's 677 and the previous record-high of 710 in 2019.

The figures on the composition of the perpetrators are also clear and show that all claims that there is no connection between mass migration and the collapse of internal security are lies," wrote the AfD on its official Facebook page. "There were 471 suspected perpetrators with a German passport compared to 472 foreigners  so around half of the perpetrators are foreigners, although their share of the total population is only around 14 percent. However, the 50 percent does not include the number of German suspects with foreign origins! The main countries of origin of the foreign suspects were once again Syria and Afghanistan.

Learn more about the migrant crisis in Europe at Migrants.news.

Watch this short video from Berlin of migrants attempting to assert their dominance over city natives.

This video is from the HaloRockTM channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Border Patrol chief highlights smuggling networks control over illegal immigration.

Bidens policies allowed mass immigration thats now completely destroying America.

Cultural replacement: Why the immigration crisis is being deliberately engineered.

POLL: Immigration now the leading policy concern among U.S. voters.

ONLY IN AMERICA: Biden releases $77M to aid illegal immigration.

Sources include:

RMX.news

LeMonde.fr

Brighteon.com
World leaders express horror over Israeli airstrike on safe zone in Rafah

Dozens of civilians in Gaza were killed by Israel this week following a controversial airstrike in a so-called "safe zone" in the southern Gaza enclave of Rafah.

The attack took place in western Rafah's Tel al-Sultan neighborhood. The death toll as of this writing has risen to 45, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Tel al-Sultan is an area of western Rafah where Israel had previously instructed Palestinian refugees to flee, calling it a "safe zone." Then, out of nowhere, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bombed the neighborhood, killing dozens of innocents.

"Outraged by the Israeli strikes that have killed many displaced persons in Rafah," tweeted French President Emmanuel Macron following the attack.

"These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians," Macron added, further issuing a call for "full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire."

Also commenting on the attack was European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who said he was "horrified" to hear about it.

"I condemn this in the strongest terms," Borrell said in a statement. "There is no safe place in Gaza."

(Related: Have you checked out our in-depth report about the CIA's secret effort to take control of social media?)

World condemns Israel for "barbaric" attack

Borrell, Macron and others continue to call on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and other international bodies to put a stop to the Rafah offensive, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is committed to completing.

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.

Labour leader Keir Starmer told reporters that once elected prime minister of the United Kingdom next month  Starmer is running for office against Rishi Sunak  he will work towards an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

"Those scenes, those reports are horrifying," Starmer said. "What makes it worse is that this was a safe zone, with women and children in it, families that had already fled a number of times."

"I was shocked by what I saw overnight. I think any human being would be shocked by what they saw overnight," he added, noting that these civilian casualties are an "inevitable consequence" of Israel's military operation in Rafah.

Jeremy Corbyn, a left-wing politician, joined the chorus of condemnation by calling the strike "a monstrous failure of humanity."

Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan vowed to hold "barbaric" Netanyahu accountable for the attack, which had "nothing to do with humanity," in his opinion.

As you may recall from earlier in the month, Turkey ended all trade with Israel over its actions in Gaza. This included the termination of a long-term free trade agreement that the two nations maintained with one another.

The attack occurred just two days after the ICJ, the United Nations' (UN) top court, ordered an immediate ceasefire in Rafah, stating that it could constitute a violation of Israel's obligations under the Genocide Convention.

Then there was Egypt's foreign minister who described the attack as "deliberate," meaning he believes Israel intentionally waged it against Palestinian civilians. He also called it "another flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and Fourth Geneva Convention."

Qatar also chimed in to condemn the attack in "the strongest terms." Like the other condemning nations, Qatar agrees that Israeli authorities need to adhere to whatever the ICJ decides because it is up to the international community to:

"... prevent the occupation forces from implementing their plans aimed at forcibly displaced civilians from the city which has become a final refuge for hundreds of thousands of displaced people in the Gaza Strip."

Israel is determined to finish the job in Rafah no matter what the world thinks about it. Find out more about what happens next at Genocide.news.

Sources for this article include:

MiddleEastEye.net

NaturalNews.com
LGBT activists attack Italian pro-life groups headquarters for second time in 10 days

The Rome headquarters of an Italian pro-life and pro-family organization has been vandalized by LGBT activists for the second time in 10 days.

(Article by Andreas Wailzer republished from LifeSiteNews.com)

The group Pro Vita e Famiglia reported on May 30 that LGBTQAI+ activists who claimed responsibility for the act on their social networks spray-painted the shutters of its headquarters with threats like you will pay, Well not give you peace, and trans riot.

? 12 ATTACKS IN 3 YEARS IT MEANS = PERSECUTION YOU WILL PAY WE'LL NOT GIVE YOU PEACE TRANS RIOT These are some of the threats found this morning on the shutters of @ProVitaFamiglia national headquarters in Rome, Italy, made during the night with spray cans by LGBTQAI+ pic.twitter.com/rXoMbbRFtJ  Pro Vita & Famiglia (@ProVitaFamiglia) May 30, 2024

The vandalizers also put posters on the outer walls of the building that showed the Palestinian flag waving over a burning St. Peters Basilica alongside the slogan Queers for Palestine.

According to Pro Vita e Familiga, this was the second attack by vandals on their headquarters within 10 days and the 12th attack within the last three years.

The pro-family organization called the ongoing aggressions a real persecution with a worrying escalation of violent and threatening content.

The pro-abortion and LGBTQAI+ lobbies have fomented a climate of hatred and intolerance towards those who declare themselves Pro-Family or Pro-Life for years, culminating in the attack last November 25th with the launch of an explosive device inside our headquarters, the group stated.

On November 25 last year, vandals attacked the pro-life groups headquarters, smashing windows and lighting fires, and left a homemade explosive device inside the building that fortunately did not explode. Jacopo Coghe, spokesman for Pro Vita e Famiglia, described the attackers as feminist activists."

Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack against the pro-life organization back in November. She stated: I dont know how anyone thinks of fighting violence against women by making themselves the protagonists of intolerable acts of violence and intimidation such as those that occurred on Saturday against the Pro Life and Family Association.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini also condemned the attack.

Pro Vita describes itself as a group that defends the right to life from conception to natural death, promotes the family founded on the marriage between a man and a woman, and supports parents freedom and educational priority."

Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com
Montanas pandemic-driven real estate boom causes sudden increase in property taxes

The rural piece of land in Montana that Art Mangels, a retired potato farmer, has lived in for 10 years boasts breathtaking views of snowy peaks, banks of the Big Hole River and acres of grasslands full of wildlife. But in recent months, the land has also come with a hefty property tax bill that is now 35 percent higher compared to 2022

The spike is one of the consequences of Montana's Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic real estate boom that has transformed the city of Bozeman into what Mangels calls "Bozeangeles."

The pandemic real estate boom is also felt in nearby Beaverhead County, where cows far outnumber people. The fallout is also threatening to cross from personal into political.

Like other longtime residents, Mangels is frustrated with Montana's GOP-dominated legislature and Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte. He explained that while the real estate boom has been beneficial for the rich, who were able to buy up "a lot of acreage, a lot of big ranches," farmers and retired farmers like him, are "getting penalized for it."

Mangel, who runs fishing cabin rentals, is disillusioned because farmers have contributed greatly to the economy for decades. (Related: Farmer protests erupt across Europe over GREEN POLICIES that demand the obliteration of food production.)

Four years after COVID-19 sent remote workers to cheaper housing with beautiful scenery across the Mountain West, long-time residents have paid the cost amid tax hikes driven by the sudden growth in property values.

Even though taxes remain relatively low, the increases have been a shock to homeowners already stressed by higher grocery, gas and insurance prices. According to the Montana Free Press, some counties in the state saw median increases of up to 46 percent.

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.

The resulting public outcry has concerned the Montana Legislature and resulted in various proposals for a complex problem. Property taxes are a major funding source for local services and serve as a crucial source of revenue due to Montana's lack of a sales tax.

Lawmakers urged to address property tax issues

In Wyoming, the 2024 legislature passed a property tax package that included caps and an expanded rebate program. The Colorado General Assembly also recently slashed residential assessment rates as part of an 11th-hour overhaul to the property tax code. And while similar battles are happening in other areas across the country, American Mountain states may be struggling the most.

Manish Bhatt, a senior policy analyst with the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, said that lawmakers are trying to find a resolution fast.

Ryan Busse, a Democrat running to unseat Gianforte in November, has made property taxes the centerpiece of his campaign to flip the governorship this fall, framing the hikes as further proof that Gianforte and Republicans are selling out Montana to wealthy outsiders and corporate interests.

A dozen Busse billboards around the state also blame the governor for the property tax issues, while the Democrats ads discussed how Gianforte fared personally. Taxes on the incumbent's large Bozeman property increased at a far lower rate than those of his neighbors, while taxes on his Helena home decreased while most neighbors' bills rose.

Busse, a former firearms executive, thinks his message is resonating with the public because Republicans frequently tell him they are angry, especially since many of them feel that Montana is "being taken from them and rigged for wealthy people."

In Bozeman, the median home price in 2023 was $900,000. The value of Mangels's 72 acres increased to 65 percent from 2022 to 2023, based on the state appraisal. Most of the land is classified as "non-qualified agricultural," which is subject to one of the highest tax rates.

Watch the video below to learn more about an increase in property taxes throughout the United States.

This video is from the Thisisjohnwilliams channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

High unemployment rates, high taxes and population exodus pushing Illinois to the brink of collapse.

REPORT: Renting is now cheaper than owning a house in Americas 50 biggest metro areas.

Hundreds of German farmers set up disruptive road blockades to protest punitive taxes.

Sources include:

MSN.com

MontanaFreePress.org

Brighteon.com
Anti-genocide protesters in Mexico City throw firebombs at Israeli embassy

Anti-genocide protestors have set fire to the Israeli embassy in Mexico City after clashing with riot police.

About 200 people assembled outside the compound in the Lomas de Chapultepec district on Tuesday, May 28, for the "Urgent Action for Rafah" demonstration. An Israeli airstrike killed at least 45 Palestinians in Rafah on Sunday, May 26.

Demonstrators wearing scarves over their faces threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at the riot police and attacked the barricade constructed to block their entry to the embassy. Videos shared on social media show police struggling to snuff out the burning wall of the compound, with protesters attempting to set the embassy on fire and fighting with the security forces.

"Mexican protesters escalate outside the Israeli embassy in Mexico City, starting a fire, trying to break through the fence, and throwing Molotov cocktails in protest against Israel's brutal war on Gaza," Palestine and MENA Info Center wrote on X.

The Cradle also posted on X: "In protest against Israel's genocide in Gaza, Mexican protesters escalate outside the Israeli embassy in Mexico City, starting a fire, trying to break through the fence, and throwing Molotov cocktails."

"Clashes erupt at Mexico City protest against Israels war on Gaza. Protestors are trying to set the Israeli embassy on fire!" said an X user named Lord Bebo.

18 Mexico City police officers injured during firebombing of Israeli embassy

Meanwhile, 18 Mexico City police officers were wounded by Molotov cocktails and objects thrown by the pro-Palestine activists at the demonstration outside the Israeli embassy. Sixteen of the officers were reportedly taken to the hospital for burns and other injuries, while two other officers were treated in the vicinity for minor injuries.

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.

Numerous fires were set in the area of the embassy, and five bus stations, many businesses, a police vehicle and park benches were damaged. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that none of its staff were injured, and claimed that the damage to the embassy was only minor.

Mexican Police said protesters, some of them masked, clashed with the police who established a cordon.

Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Mexico, which called for the protest in reply to a deadly airstrike on Gazan internally displaced people in Rafah, charged the police with brutality against demonstrators. (Related: Israeli airstrike on Gaza refugee camp in Rafah decapitated small child, kills dozens.)

They alleged that the police used tear gas, handled fire extinguishers and threw stones and other objects at the protesters, who included children, seniors and disabled people.

"We reiterate our solidarity with the Palestinian people and all the people who demonstrated in support of their cause. We will not stop speaking out against injustice and oppression, both here and anywhere in the world," Comite de Solidaridad con Palestina GDL declared on Instagram Wednesday, May 29.

Follow IsraelCollapse.com for more news about Israel's ongoing assault in the Gaza Strip.

Watch thew video below to see a clip of the moment when anti-genocide protesters in Mexico City lit fires around the Israeli embassy.

This video is from the The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

More related articles:

Israel to investigate itself over IDF airstrike that killed at least 45 Palestinians in Rafah.

BOMBSHELL: Netanyahu received at least FOUR WARNINGS from Israeli military intelligence before October 7 attack.

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Norway, Spain and Ireland formally recognize Palestinian statehood, much to the ire of Zionist Netanyahu.

Israeli government outrageously claims casualty numbers in Gaza are "faked," IDF sets "new gold standard" in avoiding civilian casualties.

Sources include:

RT.com

JPost.com

Brighteon.com
Study finds suicide risk 12 times higher following genital mutilation

A recent publication in Cureus reveals that individuals who have undergone gender-transition surgeries face a significantly higher risk of suicide, self-harm and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to those who have not had such surgeries.

Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch conducted the study, discovering that the rates of these adverse effects were over 12 times higher in individuals who had gender-transition surgeries compared to those without any history of such procedures.

The study analyzed data from nearly 16 million adult patients in the U.S., aged 18 to 60, who visited emergency rooms between 2003 and 2023. This information was extracted from a broader database encompassing over 90 million patients across more than 55 healthcare facilities. The researchers focused on data from over 1,500 patients who had undergone gender-transition surgeries within five years before their emergency room visit and compared it to data from more than 15.6 million patients with no history of such surgeries, along with two other control groups.

The findings indicated that nearly 3.5 percent of patients who had gender-reassignment surgeries sought treatment for suicide attempts, in contrast to almost 0.3 percent of patients without such a historya difference of 12.12 times.

Although the study did not specify the ages at which patients attempted suicide or engaged in self-harm, it clarified that minors were not included in the research.

The study did not provide reasons for the elevated rates of suicidality, self-harm and PTSD among these patients, nor did it address whether the patients had pre-existing mental health conditions before undergoing surgery.

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.

Ramifications for minors

Child Protection League Board Chair Julie Quist described the study's findings as "deeply disturbing." She highlighted the significant "implications" for the healthcare and mental health industries, as well as the education system, which predominantly endorses the "affirmation only" approach as the preferred treatment for gender dysphoria in children and teenagers.

Quist emphasized the credibility of the study  citing its extensive sample size and long duration. She expressed shock at the 12.12 times higher risk of suicide attempts among individuals who had undergone gender-transition surgeries. She recalled instances where parents were reportedly pressured into agreeing to these irreversible surgeries for their children, being asked questions like, "Do you want a daughter or a dead son?" Those lines suggest that not allowing medical transition increases the risk of the child committing suicide.

She said: "This type of language is standard. It's beyond belief." (Related: GENDER-AFFIRMING BRAINWASH: The term gender-affirming care is NOT care at all, but mutilation, and "affirming" is NOT medicine, just delusion and child abuse.)

Quist also noted the study's exclusion of data on suicide attempts and self-harm among minors under 18  calling attention to the significant implications for younger individuals. She argued that if the rate of suicide attempts was this high among adults who have transitioned, it is "counterintuitive" to assume the rate would be lower among children and teens.

She added: "Consider all the parents being told that affirmation is the only solution and that surgeries are safe and prevent suicide. It's a manipulative tactic based on falsehoods, and the extent of this deception is astonishing. They have weaponized the concept of suicide to coerce people into making the wrong decisions."

Overlooked concerns

Child and Parental Rights Campaign founder, president and general counsel Vernadette Broyles criticized the assumption that minors undergoing gender transitions would delay suicidal behavior until adulthood.

"Its illogical to think that the stresses faced by adults during their sexual transition wouldn't be even more intense for children, who are still developing. The studys exclusion of individuals under 18 doesn't negate its relevance to minors. I would expect even greater effects in children because of their heightened emotional and physical vulnerability to negative impacts," Broyles told The Epoch Times.

Broyles commended the researchers for publishing their findings but expressed disappointment in their attempt to attribute the significantly higher suicide attempt rates to minority bias, discrimination and relational stresseswithout solid evidence.

"They made these claims without any substantiation. There's no evidence supporting this explanation and they're ignoring the obviousthat the surgeries themselves may be causing the suicide attempts," said Broyles.

She pointed out that, at the very least, the study demonstrated that transitioning did not result in the promised happiness for the patients.

"This is also a tactic used to pressure parents into consenting to these procedures. Ironically, these surgeries are linked to a much higher risk of suicide. If nothing else, this study challenges the justification that these surgeries prevent suicide," added Broyles.

A public controversy

Dr. Patrick Lappert, a distinguished plastic and reconstructive surgeon, underscored the significance of the University of Texas study's findings, which revealed a strikingly higher suicidality rateover 12 timesamong individuals who underwent comprehensive affirmation care, including gender-affirmation surgery.

Drawing parallels with a 2011 study by Swedish researchers published in PLoS One, Lappert highlighted the consistent pattern of heightened suicide risks associated with gender-reassignment surgery. Challenging assertions that these procedures alleviate suicidality, Lappert emphasized the initiation of gender affirmation in youth and its progression, suggesting an escalating vulnerability.

"The era of concealment is over. This will soon become a widely exposed scandal," he said.

Lappert's remarks underscored the growing scrutiny surrounding gender-affirmation practices and the potential ramifications for both medical professionals and advocacy groups involved in promoting such treatments.

Visit Transhumanism.news for more stories like this.

Watch the following video about new studies showing serious risks of gender transition.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Rand Paul: Gender-affirming surgery "is a mutilation."

3,000 Doctors file lawsuit against Biden administration mandate requiring "gender-affirming" care.

Study: Most gender-confused children OUTGROW gender dysphoria during adulthood.

Sources include:

Cureus.com

TheEpochTimes.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

Brighteon.com
U.S. attempts to justify deadly attack by Israel on displaced Palestinians in Rafah

Just as many people around the world feared, Israels actions in Rafah are endangering the lives of the roughly 1.3 million displaced Palestinians who have been sheltering there. On Sunday, at least 45 people were killed and more than 200 were injured in an Israeli military strike on the outskirts of Rafah, with most of the dead being women and children. Horrifying footage showed families desperately seeking cover, along with burned bodies being pulled from the wreckage, including children.

The assault attracted immediate condemnation from around the world, with numerous governments and aid groups joining the UN in calling for the offensive to be stopped. However, the U.S. is taking a decidedly different stance, insisting that the attack has not crossed any red line that would cause Biden to consider withdrawing support.

In fact, the Biden administration has made comments that are being interpreted as justification for the strike. An unnamed White House National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement that the incident was heartbreaking but insisted that Israel has a right to pursue Hamas. They also supported Israels claims that two Hamas fighters were killed, seemingly implying that it was worth the collateral damage it caused.

The devastating images following the IDF strike in Rafah last night that killed dozens of innocent Palestinians are heartbreaking, the statement read. Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians.

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.

The U.S. has warned Israel on numerous occasions against carrying out a large-scale ground invasion of Rafah without first implementing a plan to protect the innocent civilians who have been sheltering there.

National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that the U.S. is not, in fact, turning a blind eye to Palestinian civilians, even as the rising death toll continues to tell a different story.

Weve also said we dont want to see a major ground operation in Rafah that would really make it hard for the Israelis to go after Hamas without causing extensive damage and potentially a large number of deaths. We have not seen that yet, he said.

When asked whether the latest attack could place Biden in a difficult position, Kirby seemed more concerned about the reputations of Israel and the U.S. than the loss of life, responding: So this is of concern, clearly, because its not in Israels best interest. And its not in our best interest for Israel to become increasingly isolated on the world stage.

Bombs used in deadly attack on civilians were made in the U.S., analysis shows

While President Biden has said he wont provide Israel with heavy bombs for a Rafah operation, it turns out that it was an American-made bomb behind the recent deadly attack.

This is according to analysis by CNN of footage from the scene and input from experts in explosive weapons. Several experts confirmed that the tail of a U.S.-made small-diameter bomb known as GBU-39 could be seen in footage. Made by Boeing, its a high-precision munition that is meant to keep collateral damage to a minimum. However, explosive weapons expert Chris Cobb-Smith, a former artillery officer for the British Army, told CNN that using any munition, even of this size, will always incur risks in a densely populated area.

The camp that was struck in the attack had been designated a safe zone by the Israeli military. After initially saying the massacre had been a targeted attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the fatal airstrike a tragic mistake but said Israel will continue to move forward with its controversial operations in Rafah.

Sources for this article include:

News.AntiWar.com

CNN.com

TheGuardian.com
Congress has paid out $17 million in taxpayer-funded hush money to settle sexual harassment claims  NOBODY charged with any crimes

In case you did not know, there are two tiers of "justice" at the federal level: one for the elite and the bought-off, and another for those outside the inner circle of corruption that controls Washington, D.C.

In former President Donald Trump's case, he apparently belongs to the latter category while numerous members of Congress involved in a massive, multi-million-dollar "hush money" corruption scheme belong to the former.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) tweeted that certain members of Congress have collectively spent $17 million stolen from taxpayers to cover up sexual harassment claims filed against them.

Not a single one of the congressmen involved in the hush money scheme has ever been prosecuted for their criminal activity. Trump, meanwhile, is having the book thrown at him over $130,000 of his money that he spent to cover up his own immorality.

Trump was convicted of an astounding 34 different felonies for not disclosing his $130,000 hush money payment while Congress  at least the bought-off segments  continues to get away with bribery and misuse of public funds.

?Congressmen paid $17 million of TAXPAYER MONEY for undisclosed hush payments to cover up sexual harassment claims. Meanwhile candidate Trump allegedly used HIS MONEY for a $130,000 hush payment and hes convicted of 34 felonies for not disclosing.https://t.co/DZw3hYyuXH pic.twitter.com/s3odKj1CmW  Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 31, 2024

(Related: Some members of Congress are pushing to subpoena both Google and Facebook for election manipulation ahead of voting day 2024.)

Massie voted against CARES Act

Dr. Jane Ruby was not impressed with Massie's tweet, seeing as how he is a part of the very congressional club that he is publicly condemning.

"You talk about it like you're not part of it, like you're not on the inside of the very thing you are complaining (about)," Ruby tweeted. "You're like the bank robber yelling out the window that the bank is being robbed, what the h*** do you want us to do about it  you're controlling it!!"

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.

"What a fraud, clean up your own s***, clean up the People's House, 'Representative.'"

Massie is probably one of the better ones, to be fair. The Nation ran a piece last week introducing its readers to "the Kentucky Republican who beat AIPAC," referring to Massie.

The piece basically praised Massie for standing up to what it describes as "the powerful pro-Israel group."

AIPAC has so far spent hundreds of thousands of dollar attacking the Republican incumbent for opposing U.S. military interventionism and military aid packages for foreign countries, including Israel.

"That stance has drawn sharp criticism from neoconservatives in general, who worry about the return of the sort of old-school Republican isolationism that reflexively opposed military interventions and foreign aid packages, and in particular from AIPAC, which has objected to his many votes against aid to Israel, as well as his rejection of resolutions backing Netanyahu's government," writes The Nation's John Nichols about Massie, who describes himself as a "true conservative."

Massie actually responded to Ruby's tweet by mocking her.

"I love that a fake Dr. is using the word fraud. lol," Massie wrote.

Another thanked Massie for being "the only one to object to the Cares Act," during the contrived Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic"  watch the video below:

For all the paid social media neenards who say I voted for the CARES Act, heres the video showing I was the only person in Congress who rose to object to the CARES Act on March 27th, 2020. This is the only time during my time in Congress that a recorded vote has been denied. pic.twitter.com/0gwVdGT21m  Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) August 31, 2023

The latest news about America's corrupt Congress can be found at Corruption.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com

TheNation.com
Dems have an epic Come to Jesus moment after President Trumps sham conviction backfires all over the place

In life, we all have those horrific aha moments where we pause and think, Oh no, what have I done? This usually happens when some poorly planned, desperate scheme goes off the rails. And thats exactly what the Dems are experiencing right now as their entire sham conviction plot begins to unravel like a ball of cheap yarn, leaving nothing but a chaotic, disheveled mess behind.

(Article republished from Revolver.news)

Nobody was surprised by the verdict, but decent people were horrified to witness this North Korea-style maneuver in the so-called land of the free. Were all sitting here watching the Democrats weaponize the judicial system to attack their political enemies. The regime has lined up crooked courts in liberal-run cities, complete with compromised activist judges, tainted juries, and sure-fire verdicts. They did the same thing to J6 political prisoners and Douglass Mackey, the young man who was convicted of a felony for sharing an anti-Hillary meme online. This is a tactic straight out of Irans playbook. This isnt how the US is supposed to behave; weve lost the last sliver of moral high ground we had and have descended into complete and total banana republic territory. Ironically, for the first time ever, many of these Democrats who egged this one are finally seeing the writing on the wall and reading the room correctlyand the panic is setting in.

The first sign that things were going south for the Democrats was the unbelievable, record-breaking donation haul Trump took in. But theres more to it than just the moneyand the Dems know it.

Things have gone so sideways that the Dems are now calling on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to pardon President Trump. And theyre not asking for this for the betterment of the countrytheyre asking because they realize this has been one of the biggest political missteps of all time.

The panic is setting in, and the reality of what these tyrants have done is becoming all too real.

Daily Wire:

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) called on New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul to pardon former President Donald Trump following his conviction in the Manhattan hush-money trial. Phillips, who ran for president in the Democratic primary and was blown out by President Joe Biden, argued that Trumps guilty verdict will only energize the Republican candidates base ahead of the 2024 election. Trump was convicted on Thursday of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments sent to porn actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. While the Democratic congressman slammed Trump as a serial liar, cheater, and philanderer, a six-time declarer of corporate bankruptcy, an instigator of insurrection, and a convicted felon, he argued on Friday that Hochul should pardon the former president for the good of the country. After Phillips was blasted for calling on Hochul to pardon the convicted Republican candidate, he doubled down on his argument in a tweet on Saturday morning. You think pardoning is stupid? Making him a martyr over a payment to a porn star is stupid. (Election charges are entirely different.), he wrote. Its energizing his base, generating record sums of campaign cash, and will likely result in an electoral boost.

Even Trumps crotchets are horrified at this judicial circus.

Daily Mail:

Trump lost. So has America. Not that you would know it from most of yesterdays news coverage, so-called reporters and journalists practically levitating over 34 guilty verdicts in a trial that was nothing but a political hit job. You can dislike Donald Trump, as I and so many others do, and still find yourself outraged. This case  which the feds declined to prosecute  was falsely, flimsily predicated on election interference. Want to talk election interference? How about keeping the GOP nominee for president off the campaign trail for nearly two months? Or scheduling his sentencing just four days before the Republican convention? To all the progressives who are gloating and cheering  well, live it up now, because youve probably just handed Trump another four years. America is diminished by this. We are becoming smaller and pettier with no reversal in sight. This is a loss beyond legality. Its hard to take pride in a nation that not only abides this but revels in it. Not for nothing did Trumps website crash yesterday. Working people, struggling in this economy that Biden insists is gangbusters, are donating in outrage. Trumps campaign raised a mind-blowing $34.8 million within hours of the verdict. His polling went up by six points according to a snap survey by DailyMail.com. Hows that for a Pyrrhic victory?

Its definitely a hollow victory.

Even Trumps critics know this trial was horseshit and the Dems fkd up. pic.twitter.com/yysg32qEyl  Amy Moreno (@VivaLaAmes11) June 2, 2024

And its no wonder Democrats are getting jumpy. Just look what happened over the weekend in New Jersey at a UFC fight. The crowd went wild.

? UFC Crowd goes INSANE for Trump just two days after being convicted in NY trial.pic.twitter.com/GKEQcAVN6f  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 2, 2024

The signs are everywhere, and Bill Maher, who is the Dems favorite controlled opposition soldier, has officially thrown in the towel on Biden. He can see the writing on the wall.

Eric Abbernate:

After realizing that Trumps verdict has not helped Biden in polling, panic is setting in for the Democrats: Bill Maher: Hes gonna fucking lose Kara Swisher: Who Biden? Bill Maher: Yes. Kara Swisher: No, youre wrong. This is the crime that Trump committed. Hes winning.

After realizing that Trump's verdict has not helped Biden in polling, panic is setting in for the Democrats: Bill Maher: "He's gonna fucking lose" Kara Swisher: "Who Biden?" Bill Maher: "Yes." Kara Swisher: "No, you're wrong." This is the 'crime' that Trump committed. He's pic.twitter.com/mx0ulnBJNZ  Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) June 2, 2024

Meanwhile, TikTok, which is touted as Gen Zs platform and Bidens safe space, has been overtaken by Trump and his supporters. Post after post from people proudly announcing theyre voting for a felon are going viral.

And speaking of TikTok and the Trump Army, the former president joined the platform and, within a matter of hours, had already racked up millions of followers, while poor, confused Joe Biden has been on the platform for months, pumping out piles of content, and he cant come close to that.

Collin Rugg:

Donald Trump has amassed nearly 10 times the amount of followers in a 24 hour period than the Biden campaign has in 4 months on TikTok. Trumps single video on the app has amassed over 3.1 million likes. The Biden campaign has posted over 200 times on the app and has just 4.5 million likes total. Trumps video has been viewed nearly 60 million times and counting. The Biden campaigns first video was viewed about 10 million times with most of their videos doing about 100k views.

Donald Trump has amassed nearly 10 times the amount of followers in a 24 hour period than the Biden campaign has in 4 months on TikTok. Trumps single video on the app has amassed over 3.1 million likes. The Biden campaign has posted over 200 times on the app and has just pic.twitter.com/2EJW3GyD9n  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 3, 2024

In a state of absolute panic, the Dems played their Trump card, and it backfired epically. We wont know the full extent of the damage to the Democratic Party until November, but its likely to be severe. A momentum is forming, even more impressive and YUGE than what Trump amassed in 2016 and 2020. The Dems, who gambled with a Hail Mary move to try and stop him, inadvertently threw gallons of gasoline on an already raging political bonfire, and they know it.

Read more at: Revolver.news
France to announce official deployment of military instructors to Ukraine to help train Kyivs new recruits

France is poised to announce the deployment of military instructors to Ukraine during an upcoming visit to Paris by Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Reuters. This move comes despite concerns from some allies and criticism from Russia.

Zelensky, whose legal presidency ended on May 20, recently visited Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. He will return this week to attend a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a significant World War II operation against Nazi Germany.

Unnamed diplomats told Reuters that Paris aims to lead a coalition of countries providing training assistance to Kyiv. France reportedly plans to initially send a small team to evaluate the mission's logistics before dispatching several hundred trainers. (Related: Russia claims France is readying deployment of 2,000 troops to Ukraine.)

The training will focus on demining and the maintenance of equipment and aircraft provided by Ukraine's allies. Additionally, Paris is expected to announce the financing, arming and training of a new Ukrainian motorized brigade.

"The arrangements are very advanced, and we could expect something next week," a source told Reuters.

Armed Forces of Ukraine Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that he had approved the visit of the advanced team of French personnel to Ukrainian training centers soon to familiarize themselves with the country's staff and military infrastructure.

Macron has maintained a policy of "strategic ambiguity," suggesting that the member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization should send troops to Ukraine to keep Moscow uncertain about the United States-led bloc's intentions.

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.

However, this stance has sparked fears among some NATO allies about escalating the conflict with Russia.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has asserted that Berlin will avoid actions that could lead to direct conflict with Russia, and German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius has opposed training Ukrainian soldiers within Germany. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto has criticized the idea of sending foreign troops to Ukraine as "crazy," and the U.S. has also publicly opposed sending even just military instructors.

Western troops have been in Ukraine for years, claims Kremlin

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Western military instructors have been present in Ukraine for a long time, acting not just as trainers but as "mercenaries" to service high-precision, NATO-supplied weapons. He further asserted that many of these Western troops have suffered losses. The Russian Foreign Ministry previously accused the French leadership of "belligerent rhetoric" and provocative statements that could escalate the conflict.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has also confirmed France's preparations to send troops to Ukraine, with ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mentioning it during a press briefing.

"Confirmation is coming in on reports that France is preparing to send its troops to Ukraine. I would like to point out that we announced such reports on April 3. Even though Paris is trying to conceal the involvement of its professional soldiers in the conflict, the Kiev regime is deliberately promoting such developments in order to once again claim broad international support and beef up its failed mobilization campaign," Zakharova noted.

Zakharova referred to documents signed by Syrskyi that allegedly grant instructors the right in French law to visit Ukrainian army training centers.

"Now, the Elysee Palace should comment on this information instead of hiding behind vague wordings," Zakharova said. "Technically, the so-called instructors are required for directing long-range SCALP [air-launched cruise missiles], which are difficult to use, to targets."

Zakharova also highlighted that other states such as Poland and Estonia have made statements about the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine. "This makes it clear that their initial plan regarding Ukraine has completely failed. They are now scrambling for ways to carry on with the campaign."

Learn the latest news coming out of the conflict in Ukraine at UkraineWitness.com.

Watch this clip from TruNews discussing Macron's assertion that the West should help Ukraine "neutralize" Russian military bases.

This video is from the TruNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

NATO allies "inching closer" to deploying soldiers to Ukraine.

Hungarian foreign minister warns that France's Macron is pushing the world toward global nuclear war.

Macrons suggestion of NATO deploying troops to Ukraine receives little support.

Macron doubles down on possibility of deploying NATO troops to Ukraine.

Western special forces are UNOFFICIALLY in Ukraine to fight Russia as WWIII looms.

Sources include:

RT.com

TASS.com

Brighteon.com
AAAND ITS GONE: Google Cloud error instantly erases $135 billion pension fund

The pitfalls of theeconomy is that one data-loss screwup can wreak serious havoc, especially when it involves a multi-billion-dollar pension fund

UniSuper, a $135 billion pension fund out of Australia with 647,000 members, almost lost everything thanks to Google after Google's Cloud servers erased the fund's entire client list.

Fortunately for UniSuper, Google Cloud's backup servers contained salvageable data that allowed for a restoration, but imagine what would have happened had those backups been corrupted as well  or worse: what if there were no backups at all?

According to Google, the issue is not "systemic," the implication being that this was an isolated incident that is unlikely to replicate.

The official story is that UniSuper's account was immediately deleted in its entirety because of "an inadvertent misconfiguration" that occurred during setup. Apparently, the result was that the data field was left completely blank.

(Related: Google's "Smart" products are locking people out of their own homes and shutting off access to air conditioners.)

2024: a really bad year for Google

It turns out that this is not the only serious problem that Google has faced so far in 2024.

The company's artificial intelligence (AI) image product module was released, and in case you missed it, the product is total garbage that turned Google into a public laughingstock. Then, there was the leak of Google's secret 14,000 ranking factors, also known as API, which exposed the company's proprietary search protocols.

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.

Among many other things, Google's 14,000 secrets include detailed insights into how its search operations work. In short, Google tracks and surveils users' web-surfing habits to the point that just about everything people do is used by Google to curate what it feels are relevant search results.

"Google examines clicks and engagement on searches both during and after the main query (referred to as a 'NavBoost query')," Great Game India reports.

"For instance, if many users search for 'Rand Fishkin,' don't find SparkToro, and immediately change their query to 'SparkToro' and click SparkToro.com in the search result, SparkToro.com (and websites mentioning 'SparkToro') will receive a boost in the search results for the 'Rand Fishkin' keyword."

Google's NavBoost, by the way, also "geo-fences" users' click data, which includes tracking country, state and local levels of account usage, as well as determining whether a user is on a mobile or desktop device.

"During the Covid-19 pandemic, Google employed whitelists for websites that could appear high in the results for Covid-related searches. Similarly, during democratic elections, Google employed whitelists for sites that should be shown (or demoted) for election-related information."

Some of these and other details have been disclosed publicly by Google, but others have not. Even worse are the things Google has claimed publicly about its operations that directly contradict what is contained in the company's secret API.

An undisclosed informant is credited with releasing Google's secret API, which was reported on by SEO specialist and EA Eagle Digital founder Erfan Azimi  watch below:

Erfan presented more than 2,500 pages of API documentation containing 14,014 attributes, or API features, allegedly sourced from Google's internal "Content API Warehouse."

"This documentation does not divulge specifics such as the weighting of individual elements in the search ranking algorithm or which elements are utilized in the ranking systems," Great Game India explains. "Nevertheless, it provides intricate insights into the data collected by Google."

Suffice it to say that Google is having a lot of problems this year that threaten to undo the search engine giant's perceived credibility. We can only hope that these revelations will stop Google from participating in another election steal in 2024.

They don't call Google one of the evilest corporations in the world for no reason. Learn more at Corruption.news.

Sources for this article include:

GreatGameIndia.com

NaturalNews.com

GreatGameIndia.com
Israels insistence that there will be no ceasefire until they destroy Hamas means theres no hope for peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently reiterated his countrys conditions for ending the war, and if they stick to their guns on this, peace in the Middle East seems extremely unlikely.

In a statement, he said: "Israel's conditions for ending the war have 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."

Its the destruction of Hamas that seems particularly unlikely right now, leaving many observers convinced that Israel will never end the war.

In case it wasnt clear enough the first time, he added: "Israel will continue to insist these conditions are met before a permanent ceasefire is put in place. The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter.

The statement came not long after President Biden announced that Israel proposed a three-stage plan for arriving at a permanent ceasefire. The first phase, according to Biden, would see a full ceasefire accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas and the return of some Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

In the second phase, all remaining living hostages would be returned to Israel; this would include male soldiers.

The third and final phase would involve returning the remains of deceased Israeli hostages and a major reconstruction plan that would see international assistance supporting the rebuilding of hospitals, schools and homes.

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.

Hamas has specified that the conflict must come to a full end. They want a guarantee that Israeli forces will not go back into Gaza following the release of the hostages.

Israeli governing coalition could fall apart over deal

It is believed that Netanyahu may now be trying to reframe the proposal and appease his government by saying the terms of the deal arent exactly how Biden presented them. Many far-right members of Netanyahus coalition oppose the plan. Some have threatened to pull out of the coalition if the war ends before Hamas is destroyed, which would effectively end the current government.

Speaking to the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Security Committee on Monday, he said the claim that we agreed to a ceasefire without our conditions being met is not true. He was apparently referring to the second phase of the proposals permanent ceasefire.

A Netanyahu spokesperson clarified: The war will be stopped for the purpose of returning hostages and then we will proceed with further discussions. There are other details that the US President did not present to the public.

Senior Knesset Member Hanoch Milwidsky told the BBC this weekend that the coalition is unified in its opposition to the completely unacceptable deal.

"The math of the Israeli government has not changed -- that means Hamas can no longer rule Gaza, can no longer have any capability, not military not any civilian capability to be in power, and all the hostages need to come back. The war will not stop until these demands are met."

The Biden administration still insists there is a way forward. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that the U.S. has every expectation that the Jewish state will accept the proposal if Hamas agrees.

He said: "We're waiting for an official response from Hamas," adding that he hopes both sides will agree to get things underway as soon as possible."

Kirby added that American intelligence indicates that Hamass military capabilities have now been degraded to the point that they would not be able to carry out another attack like the one on October 7 that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 252 hostages and started the war. Since then, more than 36,000 people have been killed in Gaza, many of them innocent civilians.

Sources for this article include:

MiddleEastEye.net

BBC.com

CNN.com
Israeli jets deliberately strike ambulance in Rafah, killing two paramedics

A report from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reveals that a recent Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) bombing in Rafah resulted in an ambulance getting hit, leading to the deaths of two paramedics

According to the PRCS report, the paramedics, identified as Haitham Tubasi and Suhail Hassouna, were on a rescue mission in the Tel al-Sultan refugee camp in western Rafah when their ambulance was struck on May 29. The PRCS claims that the ambulance, clearly marked with the internationally protected Red Crescent emblem, was "deliberately" targeted while the paramedics were evacuating dead and wounded near the Abu Al-Saeed roundabout in Tel al-Sultan.

"The PRCS paramedics Haitham Tubasi and Suhail Hassouna were killed as a result of the Israeli occupation's direct bombing of a Palestine Red Crescent ambulance in the Tal Sultan area, west of Rafah, while they were performing their humanitarian duty," PRCS said on X, formerly Twitter.

Tubasi and Hassouna were killed in an area of western Rafah that had not been previously marked by Israeli forces as part of its combat zones in the southern city. But instead of acknowledging another "grave mistake," the IDF stated that they carried out 50 air strikes and fired at a "suspicious vehicle" that allegedly approached its troops in Rafah.

"A suspicious vehicle approached IDF troops in a manner that raised suspicion and posed a threat to the forces operating in the area of Rafah. Accordingly, an IDF tank fired towards the vehicle," an IDF spokesperson said.

Israel has been ignoring the ICJ ruling while expanding its operations in Rafah

Initially, the IDF claimed that the assault on Rafah would be limited to the eastern and southern parts of Rafah. But as the days passed, aerial and ground attacks affected nearly all areas of the city.

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.

Israeli air strikes targeted displacement camps and humanitarian zones in Rafah, leading to significant casualties. On May 26, an airstrike on a displacement camp in northwestern Rafah killed 45 Palestinians, provoking international outrage. Two days later, Israeli forces struck a group of tents in a humanitarian zone in western Rafah, killing at least 21 people.

These deadly incidents have forced over one million people who had sought shelter there to flee once more, with one of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees schools currently housing 16,000 displaced people.

Moreover, the Gaza Health Ministry reports that since October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have killed at least 69 members of the Palestinian civil defense and 496 medical professionals. Additionally, 130 ambulances and 160 medical facilities have been targeted, rendering 33 main hospitals inoperative. Meanwhile, the PRCS has reported that at least 19 of its staff members have been killed, all while performing their humanitarian duties. (Related: Israel accused of targeting aid workers and deliberately provoking famine in Gaza.)

All these attacks on Rafah continue despite an order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for Israel to halt its offensive as part of an ongoing case accusing Israel of genocide. Additionally, Israel has rejected the ICJ ruling, maintaining that its offensive in Gaza complies with international law.

The Palestinian health ministry condemned the incident, labeling it a "heinous crime" and asserting that it was part of a deliberate effort by Israel to "annihilate and destroy the health system in the Gaza Strip."

Visit IsraelCollapse.com for more stories about the ongoing conflict in Israel.

Watch this report about the humanitarian crisis in Northern Gaza.

This video is from the Contrarian channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel kills SEVEN Gaza food aid workers in accidental airstrikes where Israeli drones hunted, targeted and destroyed three clearly marked food aid vehicles.

Israel "systematically targeted" Gaza food aid workers, new evidence shows  it wasn't an "accident!"

UN staff member killed, another injured in another attack as Israel deliberately targets aid workers.

World turning on Israel after IDF war criminals triple-bomb aid workers feeding Palestinian civilians.

Israel finally admits it made a "grave mistake" killing seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

ABCNews.go.com

CNN.com

Brighteon.com
U.K. nurses sue National Health Service for siding with transgender employee over allegations of sexual harassment in changing room

A group of 26 nurses in the United Kingdom have filed a lawsuit against the National Health Service (NHS) for siding with a transgender employee who allegedly harassed female staff in the women's changing room.

The lawsuit, which stems from the policy of the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, accused the hospital of sexual harassment and sex discrimination for allowing staff members who identify with a gender that differs from their biological sex to use facilities  including changing rooms, toilets and showers  that align with their chosen gender identity. In line with this policy, the changing facilities in the hospital are designated as single-sex, with open spaces reserved for seating and lockers but no individual cubicles. This policy has reportedly led to several uncomfortable encounters with the transgender employee.

According to the female nurses, the transgender colleague often spends time in the female changing room in revealing attire, sometimes with the person's male genitalia visible. The employee would also allegedly stare at and initiate conversations with the biologically female nurses while they were changing. This behavior has reportedly caused significant distress among the nurses, some of whom have had histories of sexual assault by men. (Related: Female student RAPED in trans-inclusive restroom at New Mexico school.)

"It's been really difficult for all of us," the nurse said. "Some girls have had traumatic pasts; they've been abused by men. Some of them who have PTSD don't want to be in a room getting undressed in front of a male. It's had nurses on the ward crying."

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.

Another nurse, who was sexually abused as a child, recounted a particularly distressing encounter where the transgender colleague, half-naked, repeatedly asked her why she wasn't getting changed. Meanwhile, an international nurse on the team has started wearing a vest and leggings to maintain modesty around the transgender colleague. The secure nature of the changing room, which requires a key press and code for access, adds to their fears. They worry that in the event of an incident, no one will hear them calling for help.

Furthermore, the nurses revealed that the transgender worker claimed to have stopped taking female hormones so that the employee's girlfriend could get pregnant.

The female nurses first raised their concerns with their respective human resources departments in August 2023, but no action was taken.

Nurses send open letter to NHS Foundation Trust

In March 2024, the 26 female nurses signed a letter to the NHS Foundation Trust's director of workforce, detailing their discomfort and the inappropriateness of the situation. They expressed that having a sexually active biological male in the female changing facilities was "intimidating" and "upsetting."

The letter received no response, but a subsequent meeting was held with their head of human resources. During the meeting, the nurses were informed that the hospital fully supported their transgender colleague and suggested that they needed to "attend training," "be educated" and "broaden their mindset."

"[My manager] was basically told that we needed to be more inclusive, broaden our mindset," one of the nurses who works for the hospital system said. "The Trust are backing this individual. We need to be educated, which is just, I find that absolutely insulting. Totally insulting. And we needed to compromise."

In response, Andrea Williams, the chief executive of Christian Legal Center, an organization supporting the lawsuit, criticized the hospital for failing to balance the rights of all staff members.

"This NHS trust is putting a dangerous and discredited transgender ideology ahead of staff and patient safety, not to mention biological reality. We are concerned that what the nurses here are experiencing is just the tip of the iceberg. How many more people across the NHS, in other professions and in public places are having to go through similar experiences?" Williams said.

"Telling educated, qualified and caring women that they need to be 're-educated' and be more 'inclusive' for raising concerns about what is happening is deeply troubling," she continued. "Instead of giving in to the climate of fear surrounding speaking out against transgender ideology, these nurses are now refusing to be silenced and are taking a courageous stand. We will support them at every step."

The latest news about the transgender takeover of America can be found at Transhumanism.news.

Watch Gabor "Gabe" Zolna talking about transgender inmates sexually assaulting biological women in prison below.

This video is from the zolnareport.com channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Transgender coach David Sasha Yates joins Pennsylvania high school GIRLS in locker room to change.

WOKE CULT: CVS tells employees to use whatever restroom or locker room "that is appropriate to the gender they identify with"  and other woke insanities.

REPORT: Virginia father arrested after his teen daughter allegedly raped by trans student in public school.

Scottish police say rapes committed by men will be logged as rapes by "women" if offenders are trans.

Pedophile who raped multiple children avoids prison after he tells 'woke' judge that hes transgender  Judge rules it would be 'too difficult to cope with.'

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

NursingTimes.net

MSN.com

Brighteon.com
Floridas Palm Beach County invests $700M in Israeli bonds, essentially using taxpayer money to fund genocide in Gaza

State and local governments across the U.S. are being scrutinized for purchasing Israeli bonds at record-high levels , lured by government incentives and the possibility of hefty returns on their investments for purchasing Israeli debt.

Israel needed to fund its war on Gaza, and state and local governments in the U.S. were only all too eager to buy Israeli debt, leading to states, counties and cities becoming massive investors in the country. Last year, Israel sold a record $3 billion in bonds. (Related: Israel's DEBT has doubled to nearly $43 billion since declaring war on Gaza.)

The situation has turned Palm Beach County, Florida into the world's largest investor in Israeli bonds, with $700 million of the city's $4.67 billion investment portfolio invested in Israeli bonds.

"I'm ecstatic that we have these bonds in our portfolio," said Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Joseph Abruzzo, a Democrat. Abruzzo claimed that the bonds have "great returns," are safe investments and benefit Palm Beach County taxpayers.

"I am proud to stand with what I consider our greatest ally in the entire world  Israel," Abruzzo said in an interview with the Jewish Press Agency. "With that said, these are incredibly safe investments. They're making an incredible return for county taxpayers and it made perfect sense for us from a fiduciary standpoint."

Abruzzo sued by Palestinian Americans who have lost family in Gaza

Abruzzo's decision to invest $700 million in public funds on Israeli bonds has sparked outrage in the local community. So much so that a group of Palestinian Americans is suing Abruzzo for using public money to finance Israeli military efforts in Gaza.

Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions.

The lawsuit accuses Abruzzo of violating state and county laws requiring officials to avoid risky investments and manage public funds without regard for ideological considerations. Abruzzo has disregarded financial warnings about the ability of Israel to pay back its debts and is motivated by his pro-Israel politics, the lawsuit claims.

Abruzzo rejects the claims in the lawsuit, arguing that investing in the bonds is not only legal but also beneficial in that they have delivered $172 million in interest payments to county coffers so far.

"We expect this frivolous case will be quickly dismissed," he said in a written statement. "Palm Beach County has a strong, diversified portfolio designed to protect taxpayers' investment."

The lawsuit was filed in the state circuit court in Palm Beach County on May 15, just two weeks after the news broke of Abruzzo's investment spree that municipal finance experts have warned is risky due to how much taxpayer money is concentrated on one type of investment a "highly unusual and possibly risky" move, according to one of the experts interviewed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

The lawsuit was brought forward by three Palestinian American residents of Palm Beach County. Their lawsuit was filed anonymously and they are asking the court to allow them to proceed without being named due to fear of harassment and possible reprisals against their family members either in Gaza or the occupied West Bank.

One plaintiff said that he has lost 37 family members due to the Israeli assault on Gaza and that he has "suffered symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression knowing his county tax dollars are a significant contributor to the ongoing genocide in Gaza and endangering hi family members," reads the lawsuit.

Watch this clip from Fox News with former State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus accusing the White House of deliberately "slow-walking" U.S. military aid to Israel.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Foreign agent: "Judas" House Speaker Johnson received more than half a million dollars from pro-Israel PAC, FEC report reveals.

Houthi blockades prompt Israeli port of Eilat to lay off half its workers.

Israel faces cascading DEBT COLLAPSE as Jewish state hit with credit rating downgrade.

DIRTY MONEY: Billionaire owner of OnlyFans is biggest donor of pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, which funds hundreds of lawmakers in America to do the bidding of Israel.

BLOOD MONEY: Here are the TOP 10 POLITICIANS taking influence money from ISRAEL.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

FT.com

TimesOfIsrael.com

Brighteon.com
Police in Colorado to start using DRONES to respond to 911 calls

Law enforcement agencies in Colorado intend to start using drones to respond to 911 calls

"This really is the future of law enforcement at some point, whether we like it or not," Sgt. Jeremiah Gates said, head of the drone program with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.

Currently, at least 20 agencies in Colorados mountainous Front Rage region utilize drone technology for specific tasks, such as searching for missing persons, tracking fleeing suspects, mapping crime scenes and providing aerial surveillance during SWAT operations. Now, the sheriffs office is contemplating using drones to handle some 911 calls, providing valuable information from the scene before deploying officers. (Related: Report: U.S. militarys latest surveillance strategy involves TRACKING and LOCATING private citizens who express contrary opinions.)

Moreover, dispatching drones to less urgent calls could allow officers to focus on more critical situations.

"I could fly the drone over [a reported suspicious vehicle] and say, 'Hey, that vehicle is not out of place,' and I never had to send an officer over to bother them and I can clear it with that," Gates explained. "It's saving resources."

Concerns raised over privacy and police transparency

Despite the potential benefits, Laura Moraff, a staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado, expressed concerns about the implications of widespread drone usage by government agencies on individual freedoms.

"We're worried about what it would mean if drones were really just all over the skies in Colorado," Moraff said. "We are worried about what that would mean for First Amendment activities, for speech and organizing and protesting  because being surveilled by law enforcement, including by drones, can change the way people speak and protest."

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.

At the Denver Police Department (DPD), former Chief Robert White said no to drones in 2013 over constitutional concerns, and the department in 2018 shelved its sole drone, halting the program in Denver even as close to 20 metro police agencies embraced the unmanned aircraft.

The DPD already has a detailed, five-page policy on drone use, including a section on "Drones as a First Responder Program." The short section notes that sending drones to calls before officers could help "tailor the response appropriately to avoid unnecessary escalation," but doesn't lay out how such a program would work.

It's critical for law enforcement agencies to be transparent about how and when they use drones, and to listen to residents about what they want in a drone program, the ACLU's Moraff said. She worries police departments will start using drones within set guardrails, but then secretly expand the use of the technology beyond what is legal or appropriate as drones become more ubiquitous.

"The cheaper this technology gets, and the easier it gets to deploy, the more risk there is that it will be used everywhere, and used in circumstances when it is not necessary," she said.

The civil rights organization can see uses for drones in policing  particularly in response to specific, serious incidents, she said. But agencies must ensure they're operating within the law.

"Safety and security are not just about reducing crime, prosecuting people and finding evidence," Moraff said. "A truly safe community is one in which people are free to express their views, to organize together and live their lives without unjustified government intrusion."

Watch this video discussing Denver's plan to deploy drones for 911 calls and how it might herald the end to traditional policing.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Amazon begins testing drone delivery of medications in Texas.

U.S. drone forced to make an emergency landing in Poland; Russian GPS jamming weapon blamed.

California thieves NOT BOTHERED at all by surveillance cameras.

Sources include:

100PercentFedUp.com

EmergencyDroneResponder.com

Brighteon.com
Another U.S. poultry farm goes UP IN FLAMES as sabotage ops target yet more food supply chain hubs

More than one million chickens are dead after a massive fire burned down Wabash Valley Produce Farm in Farina, a small town in southern Illinois.

According to reports, the fire broke out at approximately 6:30 p.m. on May 29. More than two dozen fire departments rushed to the scene to help put the fire out, but it was already too late: the facility was a total loss.

Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps told local NBC affiliate KSDK that multiple buildings on the site were completely incinerated, the smoke from which was visible for miles.

Illinois state Rep. Blaine Wilhour announced on his Facebook page that the Farina Farms chicken facility in question provided free-range chicken and eggs to the consumer market. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

The video below shows the sheer size of the fire, which was truly massive. This comes at a time when birds in other states are under attack by the government for supposedly being contaminated with "avian flu."

The Illinois State Fire Marshal is reportedly conducting an investigation into the fire to see if it was arson. No injuries were reported during the sizable response.

A massive fire broke out at a poultry farm in Southern Illinois. One of the largest free-range egg facilities in the country starting burning last night. Millions of chickens dead. Millions of eggs gone. There wasnt any determination of what may have caused the fire. pic.twitter.com/hNKcShIJH3  Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) May 30, 2024

(Related: Did you know that small farms in the state of Oregon are under attack by the government, which claims it is only trying "to protect the people?")

U.S. food supply taking major hits

The Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) X account tweeted that the Wabash Valley Produce Farm facility in Farina is one of the largest free-range facilities in the country.

"Between bird flu and this fire, chickens are having a bad week," the account wrote. "This will no doubt have some type of effect on the food supply."

The fire was reportedly so large that shipping trucks had to be rerouted to a completely different highway.

Engineer W.R. Schock, QBD (@iontecs_pemf) on X wrote that "they," referring to the powers that be, "need all the chickens gone as eggs protect against the spike protein."

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.

"This is getting really annoying," Schock added. "Don't we have any surveillance, overhead sprinklers or security at all? Who's running this show?"

To this, someone else responded that whoever is presumably behind all this is trying to control the food supply  because to control the food supply is to control the world.

"More than 4 million chickens in Iowa will have to be killed after a case of the highly pathogenic bird flu was detected at a large egg farm," the responding account added about another major chicken and egg loss that occurred around the same time as the Farina fire.

The Health Ranger also commented on X about how he has been raising chickens for more than a decade "and amazingly they have never spontaneously combusted."

"Now," the Heath Ranger added, "we're seeing large-scale chicken farms going up in flames every week or two ... nothing suspicious here at all, move along."

Numerous others agreed that America's food supply is clearly under attack, especially since these mysterious fires have been occurring en masse for several years now.

"I have said repeatedly: ALL local townships, cities, and Regions, must rely on Citizen Patrols, now, as the opposition ramps up their disastrous and planned reduction in our food supply (the means of influence for popular uprising, for fear of starvation)," added Frank L. DeSilva (@desilva_frank) to the conversation.

America's food supply is under attack. Learn more at Tyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

NBCChicago.com

Twitter.com

NaturalNews.com
ESCAPE FROM NY: Rigged Trump trial will devastate NY real estate and commercial investment sector

Some prominent New York real estate investors are warning that the rigged Trump trial will have a devastating effect on real estate and commercial investment in the city.

One expert voicing this concern is Cardone Capital Founder Grant Cardone, who spoke to Fox Business about the effects the trial could have on the citys economy. Cardone, who recently pulled his business out of New York, said that the way the trial played out will leave many people unwilling to do business there because they can no longer trust the legal system.

In fact, Cardone said that those who invest their money with him wont even let him conduct business there, telling the network: If they can do this to Donald Trump, a former president, regardless of how you feel about the politics, if they can do this to a former president, what can they do to Grant Cardone? What can they do to any other businessman?

In addition to the trial, Trumps mounting legal woes there  particularly the $355 million fine he was issued in February as part of his New York civil fraud case  will wreak financial havoc on the city.

I have 15,000 investors with me at Cardone Capital. Weve raised $1.3 billion. If I went to them today and said, I want to invest in New York City, they would not give me money to do that, he asserted.

He went on to say that although New York City is one of the best cities in the world, no one wants to do business there.

I blame the legal system. Clearly, the political system has been weaponized, he added.

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.

New York also suffers from numerous other problems, with crime growing out of control in the liberal-run city as criminals are often not held accountable for their actions. The city is also seeing its tax revenue dropping as residents leave the city in search of better places to live, especially as the border crisis continues and migrants flood into the city.

Cardone said his company has reallocated $500 million it originally intended to invest in New York into real estate investments in Florida instead.

"As great a city as New York City is, I need stability in the marketplace. And right now you have problems picking up the trash," he said.

No rule of law

Billionaire and New York City supermarket chain owner John Catsimatidis shared a similar sentiment on Mornings with Maria, saying that what happened to Trump could happen to anyone doing business there.

"If they can do this to a business person like Donald Trump, they could do it to anybody in New York and a lot of businesses. A lot of people are concerned that there is no rule of law," he cautioned.

Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged him with and is now facing a maximum sentence of 136 years. The unprecedented criminal trial related to falsified business records and is estimated to have cost taxpayers $2 million across its six weeks; safety precautions for the former president's trial cost $50,000 per day.

The trial was rife with missteps and injustices, including a biased judge who refused to recuse himself even though his daughter works for the Democratic party and ludicrous instructions to jurors that they didnt even have to agree on which law he broke.

Trumps sentencing is scheduled for July 11. He said his trial was rigged and disgraceful and has vowed to continue his fight as well as his presidential campaign.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

TheGatewayPundit.com

FoxBusiness.com
TPTB scrubbing web of Judge Juan Merchans history of corruption

The great purge is on following President Trump's 34 felony convictions at the hands of Judge Juan Merchan.

Whoever is backing Merchan and his kangaroo court antics is busy this week scrubbing the internet of all damning information about him, including an April 22, 2024, bio page that previously listed him as a fellow at the Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication Resource Center (ASTAR), which is funded by President Biden's Department of Justice (DoJ).

Here is the archived version of the page, which is now gone from the web outside of archives like the Wayback Machine.

The X account "Bad Kitty Unleashed" (@pepesgrandma) has been tracking these pages ever since the Trump verdict to see how they are being modified to hide Merchan's history of corruption.

Merchan is also associated with the so-called Latino Law Students Association, which despite describing itself as "nonpartisan" is a far-left group that pushes "progressivism."

(Related: In case you missed it, Judge Merchan rigged the case against Trump by using a preposterous "coup de grace instruction" allowing the jury to convict Trump without unanimous agreement as to what he actually did wrong.)

Covering for government criminals

The Bad Kitty Unleashed X account observed multiple changes to Merchan's official page at NYCourts.gov, including a change back to the normal landing page after it was discovered that Merchan's hyperlink was suddenly taking users to the main NYCourts.gov landing page rather than his bio page.

It appears as though whoever runs the NYCourts.gov website is trying to lead people who are searching for information about Merchan elsewhere in order to cover for him.

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.

"I noticed that they cleaned out his Internet history," Bad Kitty Unleashed further tweeted. "But there's always some leftovers."

What are those leftovers, you might be asking? Well, they include the aforementioned details as well as other alterations to Merchan's "Professional & Civic Activities" page.

"The only reason they were deleted is because they're trying to hide something they do not want the public to see," someone responded to Bad Kitty Unleashed's revelations. "There's no other reason. These people are corrupt beyond our imagination."

"Not Orwellian at all," joked another about the preposterous nature of all this criminal activity taking place just to stop Trump from winning the presidency again.

"That's a very shady move by them," said someone else. "The NY court system is hijacked."

Judges should always be neutral parties, at least as much as neutrality is possible these days. Merchan is the opposite of neutral, which is why this scandal continues to unfold on him.

"This smells like what happened when facts and connections started coming out regarding Obama," another person wrote on X about how we have seen this same type of thing happen in the past.

"This is ABSOLUTELY election interference, but it goes beyond that," another wrote about how Merchan is the one who is guilty of election interference, not Trump.

"This is TREASON, direct criminal actions defying the Constitution. This criminal, his daughter and every other contributing criminal need to be charged. No jail, this is accountability time."

Others wondered how much Merchan was paid to behave this way, or maybe he just hates Trump so much that he did it for free? One wonders if we will ever know the full scope of the truth on this one.

"Archive and back up everything," suggested someone else on X about how important it is to keep this all recorded so perhaps it can eventually be entered as evidence in a treason case against Merchan. "Do not trust X, either."

The latest news about Trump's run for the presidency in 2024 can be found at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com
Trump calls for Supreme Court to intervene before sentencing

(Article by Steve Watson republished from Modernity.news)

In a Truth Social post, Trump said he has not done anything wrong and referred to the prosecutors as Fascists.

He added 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 asserted.

Donald Trump has called for the Supreme Court to step in before he is sentenced on July 11th, calling the prosecutors "Fascists." Full report here: https://t.co/MuJKU6ihYQpic.twitter.com/E8ty8YzaCr  m o d e r n i t y (@ModernityNews) June 3, 2024

The sentencing date has been set a few days before the RNC Convention in Wisconsin. Trump is currently at the mercy of Judge Merchan, with the potential sentence being up to four years in jail for each of the 34 charges.

Merchan is a Columbian immigrant whose daughter is president of a political consulting firm that works closely with Democratic candidates.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg was literally funded into office by George and Alex Soros Open Society, with the latter gloating about the verdict last week and calling for Democrats to repeatedly label Trump a convicted felon.

Repetition is the key to a successful message, Soros declared.

In the wake of the verdict, there was a massive spike in Google searches for how to donate to Trump, and he has raised over $200 million and counting since. It is an unprecedented amount for a candidate.

NEW: Eric Trump reveals that the Trump campaign has raised $200 million since he was convicted in New York City. "In terms of small dollar, we're well over $70 million... If you add the large dollar donations to it, you're over 200 million." For comparison, in the last 6 months pic.twitter.com/GWTilToauA  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 2, 2024

Despite Trump being convicted on 34 counts, there has been no negative impact on his support and even a slight increase in favorability, especially amongst independent voters.

Read more at: Modernity.news
A National Weather Service (NWS) warned of severe thunderstorms in Illinois and Wisconsin, causing wet weather conditions and flash flood concerns.

In other areas, a NWS report reveals that rainy conditions are likely in ArkLaTex and southern Arkansas. Residents should be alert for flash flooding.

Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm watch is likely in Texas and Oklahoma. The forecast also monitors the development of strong to severe thunderstorms in the Mississippi Valley into the Ozark Plateau and Southern Plains.

Wisconsin and Illinois Weather Outlook: Where will severe thunderstorms unload?

The NWS Short Range report for June 4 to June 6 monitors a front extending from the Upper Mississippi Valley to the High Plains. This week, severe thunderstorms and showers are likely in southern Wisconsin and northwestern Illinois.

A slight risk of severe thunderstorms is issued in the Mississippi Valley. Homeowners should watch for severe thunderstorms, wind gusts, hail, and tornadoes.

Additionally, residents in portions of Illinois and Wisconsin can expect a heavy rain potential. People in low-lying regions or areas are at risk of flooding, including in urban areas.

Meanwhile, north-central Texas and southeastern Oklahoma can experience threats of hail, as well as tornadoes.

In Chicago, the weather report monitors the likelihood of showers and storms on Wednesday. Widespread scattered showers are possible in northwest Illinois and near the Wisconsin-Illinois stateline. Additionally, stormy conditions can become strong or locally severe in the region.

Residents in the NW of I-55 can encounter scattered storms and localized flash floods. People with travel plans should check for stormy conditions, especially on Tuesday. Non-severe thunderstorms can occur in northern Illinois.

Also Read: 2024 Hurricane Season: Intense Storms Expected in Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean This Year

Poor weather conditions in Plains: Flooding rain and localized damaging wind gusts

In a June 4 weather report, the forecast warned of severe thunderstorms in the Plains, especially in southern Texas and Wisconsin. On Monday night, severe thunderstorms can unleash hail and flooding downpours in the following areas:

Des Moines

Kansas City

Wichita

Oklahoma City

Dallas

Waco

San Antonio

Shreveport

Memphis

Springfield

St. Louis

Peoria

Chicago

For Kansas City residents, severe storms can occur on Tuesday in the region, with a chance of damaging winds and large hail. The stormy outlook can affect the Kansas City to Kirksville line.

In St. Louis, the latest weather report monitors the likelihood of additional storms and thunderstorms. Gusts can likely reach up to 60 mph. Commuters should also watch out for localized flooding in the region.

On Tuesday, severe weather risk can threaten portions of Fargo, Duluth, Des Moines, Chicago, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, Salina, and Green Bay.

Due to potential weather risks, people should stay alert to changing conditions. When the outlook worsens, it is best to stay home until the weather improves.

Related Article: Eastern US Weather Forecast: Heavy Rains, Gusty Winds to Bring Slow Travel, Flooding Concerns

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
In a tragic turn of events, nearly 40 monkeys have drowned in a well in Jharkhand, India, as a severe heatwave pushes temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius, driving desperate wildlife to perilous lengths for water.

This incident underscores the broader ecological crisis exacerbated by climate change, with La Nina's cooling phase set to introduce further complexities to the global climate conundrum.

A Desperate Search for Water

As the mercury soared over 45 degrees Celsius, the natural water sources in the region dried up, leaving animals in a dire search for hydration.

In Palamu district, this search turned tragic when nearly 40 monkeys, in their desperation, drowned in a well.

The local forest officer, Kumar Ashish, reported that the monkeys could not escape after jumping into the well, a grim reminder of the severe impact the heatwave has on wildlife.

The Broader Impact of Extreme Weather

This incident is a stark example of the broader ecological crisis. The heatwave, intensified by climate change, is causing longer, more frequent, and more intense periods of extreme weather.

The impact on wildlife is profound, with animals venturing into human habitats in search of water, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts and unfortunate events such as the one in Palamu.

Efforts are underway to mitigate the effects of the heatwave on wildlife. Organizations like Wildlife SOS have intensified rescue efforts, providing relief to animals suffering from heat strokes and dehydration.

However, these efforts are merely a stopgap to a growing problem that requires long-term solutions and global action against climate change.

The loss of the monkeys in Jharkhand is a somber reminder of the urgency with which we must address the environmental challenges of our time.

It calls for a collective response to safeguard not only our future but the future of all species that share this planet with us.

Also Read: Exceptional Heatwaves in Mexico Kills 48 Since March, 950 Suffered from Heat-Related Concerns

La Nina's Role in Global Climate Patterns

As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, the emergence of La Nina presents a complex scenario.

La Nina, characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean, influences global weather patterns in significant ways.

A Cooling Counterbalance?

La Nina tends to bring cooler global temperatures, which might seem like a reprieve from the heat. However, scientists warn that any cooling effect may be minimal in the face of ongoing global warming.

The phenomenon is part of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which includes its warmer counterpart, El Nino, known for contributing to higher global temperatures.

Global Implications of a Shifting Climate

The potential return of La Nina later this year could lead to wetter conditions in parts of Australia, southeast Asia, and India, while other regions might experience drier conditions.

This underscores the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness for the varied impacts of climate change.

As the world anticipates the effects of La Nina, it's clear that our climate is in a state of flux.

The challenges posed by these shifting patterns demand a proactive approach to climate policy and a concerted effort to mitigate the impacts on both human and wildlife populations.

In conclusion, the intertwining tales of India's heatwave-stricken wildlife and the looming La Nina phase highlight the unpredictable nature of our changing climate.

These events serve as a call to action for humanity to unite in the face of environmental adversity and work towards a sustainable future for all inhabitants of Earth.

Related article: Heat-Related Animal Deaths In Mexico Climbs As The Country Experiences Heat Dome
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French Open: Rybakina bests Svitolina to reach quarters, Andreeva storms ahead

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ourth 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.

 French Open: Rybakina bests Svitolina to reach quarters, Andreeva storms ahead

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Jeremy Renner reveals why he refused star in his third 'Mission: Impossible' movie

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ollywood star Jeremy Renner, who featured in two 'Mission: Impossible' franchises, including 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' in 2011 and 'Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation' in 2015, has spoken about why he refused to star in 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout'.

Renner, who was asked to reprise the character of IMF agent William Brandt in the 2018 sequel 'Fallout', spoke during an interview on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast.

He was offered a role that required him to shoot for one week so that his character, Brandt, could be killed off.

I remember they tried to bring me over (seas) for a week so they could kill my character, and I was like, No, you dont get to do that. Youre not going to drag me over there and just kill my character', like get out of here! Renner said, reports variety.com.

If youre going to do this and youre going to use my character, youre going to do it right.

I yelled at (director Christopher McQuarrie), Renner added.

Dude, youre not going to do this to me like that; youre not going to do me wrong.

The actor never returned to the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise after 'Rogue Nation', although he said in an interview that he would be open to coming back.

 Jeremy Renner reveals why he refused star in his third 'Mission: Impossible' movie

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French Open: Zverev clinches 5-set thriller to edge Rune, sets QF with De Minaur

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o. 4 seed Alexander Zverev overcame a stern challenge from No.13 seed Holger Rune in four hours and 11 minutes on court in Mondays night session to enter the quarterfinals of the French Open.

The German rallied from behind to deny the 21-year-old Dane a third straight quarter-final at Roland-Garros with a 4-6, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-2 win in a match that ended at 1.40 am local time (5:10 am IST) on Tuesday.

Zverev won back-to-back five-setters to reach the fourth successive Paris quarterfinal and the sixth in the last seven years.

"Im proud to be in the quarter-finals. Ive played a total of eight-and-a-half hours in the last three days, so I need to recover, I need to do everything possible to be ready for the quarter-final match, because obviously, the tournament doesnt stop here, and I want to continue," said Zverev after the win.

Now on a 10-match winning streak, he will next play against Australian No.11 seed Alex de Minaur, who upset fifth seed Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 earlier on Monday.

Earlier on Monday, for the third year in a row, Casper Ruud made it to the quarterfinals at Roland-Garros after beating Taylor Fritz 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.

He will meet in the next round the one who deprived him of a crowned Major last year, Novak Djokovic.

 French Open: Zverev clinches 5-set thriller to edge Rune, sets QF with De Minaur

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Shivangi Verma opens up on shooting bold scenes for 'Tera Ishq Mera Fitoor'

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ctress Shivangi Verma has opened up on the bold scenes in the show 'Tera Ishq Mera Fitoor', sharing how it was comfortable and not 'zabardasti', and how they executed it smoothly and beautifully.

Shivangi shared that executing bold scenes depends a lot on the co-actor, and she did not face any problems as far as being comfortable was concerned.

"I was very comfortable because it totally depends on your co-actor, and I was totally blessed with it. Sehban Azim was really comfortable to work with; in fact, he made me comfortable, and the director, the producer, and everybody else were there on the set, and they kind of created an environment to make both of us feel comfortable, so it was not like a 'zabardasti', but it was part of the story, and we did it smoothly and beautifully, and I am sure the audience will love it," she said.

Calling the show a passionate love story, Shivangi said: "It's an intense love story. It is deep, it's all about love. It's basically a musical love story, and it's just about love."

The actress further shared that the shooting went like a breeze.

Shivangi said: "It was really interesting to meet the cast; it was interesting to shoot the story with them, and we did the entire shoot outdoors, so we were in Igatpuri, Maharashtra, and we had a great time; we had a blast. We used to shoot, and then we used to chill together. I think all these were really interesting for me.

'Tera Ishq Mera Fitoor' will go on air on June 7 on Atrangii.

 Shivangi Verma opens up on shooting bold scenes for 'Tera Ishq Mera Fitoor'

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Medicaid  the state-federal health insurance program for low-income and disabled Americans  has cut more than 22 million recipients since spring 2023.

One of them was the son of Ashley Eades. Her family lost their Medicaid coverage in the "unwinding" of protections that had barred states from dropping people for years during the covid pandemic.

Many families, including Ashley's, still qualify for Medicaid but lost it for "procedural reasons." Basically, missing paperwork.

The unwinding process has been messy.

In this episode, host Dan Weissmann talks with Ashley about the months she spent fighting to get her son reenrolled in 2023 to get an on-the-ground look at how the unwinding is affecting families.

Then, Dan hears from staff at the Tennessee Justice Center, Joan Alker of Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families, and KFF Health News correspondent Brett Kelman, who has been covering Medicaid in Tennessee for years.

Dan Weissmann @danweissmann

Host and producer of "An Arm and a Leg."

Previously, Dan was a staff reporter for Marketplace and Chicago's WBEZ. His work also appears on All Things Considered, Marketplace, the BBC, 99 Percent Invisible, and Reveal, from the Center for Investigative Reporting.

Click to open the Transcript 'An Arm and a Leg': Medicaid Recipients Struggle To Stay Enrolled

Note: "An Arm and a Leg" uses speech-recognition software to generate transcripts, which may contain errors. Please use the transcript as a tool but check the corresponding audio before quoting the podcast.

Dan: Hey there. You know what we have NEVER talked about on this show? Medicaid. The big, federally-funded health insurance program for folks with lower incomes. And I did not realize: Thats been a huge omission. Because it turns out, Medicaid covers a TON of people. Like about a quarter of all Americans. And about forty percent of all children. That's four out of every ten kids in this country who are insured by Medicaid.

And this is the perfect time to look at Medicaid because well: tens of millions of people are losing their Medicaid coverage right now. It seems like a lot of these people? Well, a lot of them may actually still qualify for Medicaid.

This is all kind of a Back to the Future moment, which started when COVID hit: The feds essentially hit pause on a thing that used to happen every year requiring people on Medicaid to re-enroll, to re-establish whether they were eligible. And back then, tons of people got dropped every year, even though a lot of them probably still qualified.

The pause lasted through the COVID public health emergency, which ended in spring 2023. Since then, states have been un-pausing: Doing years and years of re-enrollments and un-enrollments all at once. People call it the unwinding. And its been messy. And, another thing Ive been learning: Medicaid operates really differently from one state to another. It even has different names. In California, its called Medi-Cal. In Wisconsin, its BadgerCare. And this unwinding can look completely different from one state to the next.

Were gonna look mostly at one state Tennessee, where the program is called TennCare. And in some ways, according to the numbers on the unwinding, TennCare is kinda average.

But the problems some people have had, trying to keep from getting kicked off TennCare? Before this unwinding and during it? They sound pretty bad. Were gonna hear from one of those people a mom named Ashley Eades.

Ashley Eades: Yeah. TennCare. Put me through the wringer, I tell you what.

Dan: Well hear how Ashley spent months fighting to keep her son Lucas from getting kicked off TennCare. And well hear from some folks who can help us put her story in perspective. Including folks who helped Ashley ultimately win her fight. Folks who are fighting in Tennessee and around the country to keep programs like TennCare from putting people like Ashley through the wringer.

This is An Arm and a Leg a show about why health care costs so freaking much, and what we can maybe do about it. Im Dan Weissmann. Im a reporter, and I like a challenge. So the job weve chosen around here is to take one of the most enraging, terrifying, depressing parts of American life, and to bring you a show thats entertaining, empowering, and useful. Ashley Eades is a single mom in Nashville. She works in the kitchen at Reds Hot Chicken, near Vanderbilt University.

Ashley Eades: Were just like every other person in Nashville trying to say they got the best hot chicken.

Dan: Ashley buys her insurance from the Obamacare marketplace, but her son Lucas hes 12  is on TennCare. In April 2023, Ashley got a notice from TennCare saying, Its time to renew your coverage! Meaning Lucass coverage. Meaning, welcome to the unwinding! When I talk with Ashley, she uses one word about a half-dozen times:

Ashley Eades: it just was a nightmare. It was a nightmare. So that was the nightmare. A terrible nightmare you cant wake up from. Oh my god, that was a nightmare.

Dan: So: After Ashley filled out the renewal packet, she got another notice, saying We need more information from you. TennCare wanted proof of unearned income like bank statements, or a letter saying she was entitled to something like workers compensation or a court-ordered payment. But Ashley didnt have any unearned income. Lucass dad was supposed to pay child support, but as Ashley later wrote to state officials he didnt have regular employment so couldnt pay.

Ashley says she called TennCare for advice and got told, Never mind. Theres nothing to send, so you dont have to send us anything. Which turned out to be wrong. A few weeks later, in May, TennCare sent Ashley a letter saying Why your coverage is ending.

It gave two reasons: First, it said We sent you a letter asking for more facts but you did not send us what we needed. It also said Weve learned that you have other insurance for Lucas. But she didnt. And not having insurance for Lucas was going to be an immediate problem. He got diagnosed with epilepsy a few years ago, and he needed ongoing treatment.

Ashley Eades: he was on three different medications. I mean, that alone would cost me about $1,500 a month with no health insurance. And this is anti-seizure medication. Like we cant just stop it

Dan: Yeah. Ashley says she did everything she could think of: mailed in paper forms, submitted information online, and made a lot of phone calls.

Ashley Eades: like back and forth on the phone with people I dont even know who Italked to, just dozens and dozens of people I talked to. And every single time it was go through the same story over and over and over and over and over again and just get transferred Put on holds, you know disconnected yelled at, told Im wrong like

Dan: It went on for months. She reapplied. She was approved. Then she was un-approved. She appealed. The appeal was denied. Then, in July, the full nightmare: Lucas ended up in the emergency room after a seizure. While he was officially uninsured.

Ashley Eades: I just didnt know what to do. Like, I was shutting down mentally.

Dan: And then, out of nowhere, a relative mentioned that a nonprofit called the Tennessee Justice Center had helped *her* out with a TennCare application. Ashley called the group right away.

Ashley Eades: and Im not a spiritual person, but they were like a fudging godsend. You know what I mean? Like, it was amazing

Dan: A client advocate named Luke Mukundan looked at all of TennCares letters to Ashley and confirmed one thing right away: Ashley wasnt wrong to be confused.

Ashley Eades: Hes like going through all of these letters and hes like, it doesnt even make sense

Dan: Later I talked with Luke, on kind of a lousy Zoom connection. But he said to me: This was confusing, even to him.

Luke Mukundan: she was providing the information that they asked for, um,

Dan: But they kept asking the same questions. And they kept saying that her son had some other insurance.

Luke Mukundan: when I knew and she knew that wasnt the case

Dan: Lukes boss at the Tennessee Justice Center, Diana Gallaher, told me she wasnt surprised that Ashley got confused by that early question about un-earned income. She says the process can be really confusing.

Diana Gallaher: Heck, I get confused. I still, Ill look at a question and say, you know, wait, what are they asking? How do I answer this one?

Dan: And youve been doing this for a while, right?

Diana Gallaher: Oh, yeah. Yeah.

Dan: How long have you been doing this?

Diana Gallaher: Since 2003, 2004.

Dan: More than twenty years. Of course, Ashleys been going through this process at an especially rough time: The unwinding. When so many people were going through this process at once.

For instance, Luke and Diana say the help lines at TennCare were super-jammed like, it wasnt unusual to spend 45 minutes or an hour on hold.

By the time Ashley found the Tennessee Justice Center, it was August. She'd been fighting alone for months. Luke helped Ashley with a new appeal. And on September 22, TennCare sent Ashley an update. Her son is approved. You qualify for the same coverage you had before, it says. And youll have no break in coverage.

So Ashleys "nightmare" was one person's experience of the unwinding. But it's not a one-off: According to reports from KFF and Georgetown University, more than two-thirds of the people who lost Medicaid in the last year were disenrolled, like Ashley, for what are called procedural reasons. Missing paperwork.

Now, some of those people who got dropped for procedural reasons probably didnt even try to renew Medicaid because they didnt need it anymore. They had new jobs that came with insurance.

But we know those folks are in a minority. Researchers at KFF the parent group of our journalist pals at KFF Health News did a survey of folks who got dropped from Medicaid. Most of them seventy percent ended up either uninsured or, the biggest group, back on Medicaid. And again, more than two-thirds of the folks who got dropped were cut for "procedural reasons" paperwork. Like Ashleys son Lucas.

So, when a lot of people cant renew their Medicaid for procedural reasons, it seems worth looking at that procedure. And what's happening in the unwinding isnt actually a new phenomenon. Its just un-pausing an old procedure a system that always had these problems. And thats really clear in Tennessee, because people in Tennessee have been documenting and fighting these problems for a long time.

Next up: Taking TennCare to court.

This episode of An Arm and a Leg is a co-production of Public Road Productions and KFF Health News. The folks at KFF health news are amazing journalists and in fact, were about to hear from one of them, right now.

Brett Kelman: My name is Brett Kelman.

Dan: Bretts an enterprise correspondent with KFF Health News

Brett Kelman: And I report from the city of Nashville, where I have lived for about seven years.

Dan: Brett came to Nashville initially to cover health care for the local daily, the Tennessean. Which meant he heard about Medicaid about people losing medicaid a lot.

Brett Kelman: You hear two versions of the same story. You hear patients who get to the doctors office and suddenly discover they dont have Medicaid when they used to, and they thought they still did. And then you hear the other side of that coin. You hear doctors, particularly a lot of pediatricians, where their patients get to their office and then discover in their waiting rooms they dont have Medicaid.

Dan: And by the way you noticed how Brett said he heard especially from pediatricians about this issue in Tennessee. Thats because Tennessee is one of the states that never expanded Medicaid after the Affordable Care Act took effect. In those states, Medicaid still covers a lot of kids but a lot fewer adults than other states. Docs treating patients with Medicaid a lot of them are gonna be pediatricians.

So, Brett's hearing all of this seven years ago the before-time. Before the unwinding. Before COVID. People kept losing Medicaid and not knowing about it until they got to the doctors office. And Brett wanted to know: how did that happen? He and a colleague ended up doing a huge investigation. And came back with a clear finding:

Brett Kelman: Most of the time, when people lose their Medicaid in Tennessee, it is not because the state looked at their finances and determined they arent qualified. Paperwork problems are the primary reason that people lose Medicaid coverage in Tennessee.

Dan: Brett and his reporting partner used a public-records request to get a database with the form letters sent to about three hundred thousand people who needed to renew their Medicaid coverage.

Brett Kelman: And what we determined was that, you know, 200,000 plus children, had been sent a form letter saying that they were going to lose their Medicaid in Tennessee, again, not because the state determined they were ineligible, but because they couldn't tell.

Dan: About two thirds of people in that database got kicked off Medicaid for procedural reasons paperwork issues. This is years before the current "unwinding" but that two-thirds number, it's pretty similar to what we're seeing today.

Brett Kelman: And, you know, that raises a lot of questions about if were doing the system correctly, because do we really want to take health care away from a family who is low income? Because somebody messed up a form or a form got lost in the mail.

Dan: Around the time Brett published that story in 2019, the Lester family found out that they had lost their Medicaid because a form had gotten lost in the mail. It took them three years to get it back. Brett met them at the end of that adventure

Brett Kelman: they were a rural Tennessee family, a couple of rambunctious boys who seemed to injure themselves constantly. And honestly, I saw him almost get hurt while I was there doing the interview. One of the young boys had. Climbed up to the top of a cat tower. And I believe jumped off as I was interviewing his parents and I could see the insurance, I could see the medical claims racking up before my eyes.

Dan: In 2019, one of the boys had broken his wrist jumping off the front porch. And when the Lesters took him to the doctor, that's when they learned theyd been cut from Medicaid. Over the next three years, they racked up more than a hundred thousand dollars in medical debt dealing with COVID, with more injuries, with the birth of another child. Finally, the Tennessee Justice Center helped them get Medicaid back and figure out what had gone wrong.

Brett Kelman: And when it all came down to it, we eventually determined that this paperwork that their health insurance hinged on, the health insurance that they were entitled to, they had lost it because the state had mailed that paperwork to the wrong place.

Dan: Oh, and where had the state been mailing that paperwork to? A horse pasture.

Brett Kelman: It wasnt far from their house, but there was certainly no one receiving mail there

Dan: Was there like a mailbox for the horses? Like where did they, where did it even go? Get left.

Brett Kelman: I dont remember if there was a mailbox for the horses. I dont think so. I mean, if you think about this chain of events, they were sent paperwork they were supposed to fill out and return to keep their health insurance, but it went to the horse pasture, so they didnt fill it out. Then they were sent a letter saying, Hey, you never filled out that paperwork. Were gonna take your health insurance away. But it went to the horse pasture, so they didnt fix it, and then they were sent paperwork saying, weve cut off your health insurance. You wont have health insurance as of this date But it was sent to the horse pasture, so they didnt know about it.

Dan: And their three-year fight to get Medicaid back took place AFTER Brett published his initial story. So, some things, it seemed, hadnt changed a whole lot. But one thing had happened: In 2020, the Tennessee Justice Center had filed a class-action lawsuit, demanding that TennCare re-enroll about a hundred thousand people who had gotten cut off the lawsuit alleges, without due process. Here's Brett's take:

Brett Kelman: And yes, I recognize that there could just have a Medicaid recipient who is not on top of this and ignores the paperwork and lets it rot in a pile of mail on their kitchen counter. I have some mail like that. Im not going to pretend like I have never done this, but how do you tell the difference between that person and somebody who never got this paperwork that their childs health care hinges upon?

Dan: This exact question comes up in the lawsuit. In a filing, the states lawyers say TennCare does not owe a hearing to anybody who says they just didnt get paperwork. The simple reason for this policy is that it is well known that mail is ordinarily delivered as addressed, TennCare enrollees have a responsibility to keep the program apprised of address changes (as explained to them in TennCare's notices), and it is exceedingly common for individuals who have missed a deadline to claim they did not receive notice.

Class action lawsuits move slowly. This one, filed more than four years ago, only went to trial recently. A judges decision is  pending. In a post-trial filing, the Tennessee Justice Center tells the stories of 17 people cut off from Medicaid allegedly due to errors by TennCare.

In TennCares filings, the states lawyers say, in effect: None of this proves theres a systemic problem. And as a couple people have said to me: You dont have to set out to build a bad system. If you dont take care to build a good one, your system will definitely have problems.

We sent TennCare a long note about what we've been learning: About Brett Kelman's reporting, about the class-action lawsuit, and about what happened to Ashley Eades. We asked them for any comment or to let us know if they thought we'd gotten anything wrong. We haven't heard back from them.

So, lets zoom out a little bit to look at how these systems are working across 50 states. The person to talk to here is Joan Alker. Shes a professor at Georgetown, and she runs the universitys Center for Children and Families.

Joan Alker: Yeah, Medicaid really is my jam. I have been working on Medicaid issues for about 25 years now, which is a little frightening.

Dan: So of course she and her colleagues have been tracking how all 50 states have been dealing with the unwinding, compiling all kinds of data. When we talked, theyd just updated a ticker showing how many kids have been dropped in each state.

Joan Alker: We just hit 5 million net child Medicaid decline just today. Um, so thats very troubling.

Dan: And according to Joan Alker's report, kids were even more likely to be dropped for "procedural reasons" paperwork issues than adults.

Joan Alker: Most of these children are probably still eligible for Medicaid and many of them wont have another source of coverage. And thats what I worry a lot about.

Dan: But it varies a TON. A couple states Maine and Rhode Island actually have MORE kids enrolled than when the unwinding started. A half-dozen others have dropped very few kids.

Joan Alker: But then we had some states that went out really assertively and aggressively to, um, to To have fewer people enrolled in Medicaid

Dan: Her numbers show that Texas is a standout. They've got one point three million fewer kids enrolled in Medicaid than they did before the unwinding Tennessee with all the problems documented by Brett Kelman and the Tennessee Justice Center is kind of around the middle of the pack.

Joan Alker: Unfortunately, this is the norm. Right? When you look at the number of disenrollments nationwide, the average for procedural red tape reasons is 70%. Only 30 percent of those people losing Medicaid nationwide have lost it because theyve clearly been determined to be ineligible.

Dan: Obviously, Joan Alker is not happy about this. But she is also not hopeless! The unwinding has been an example of what happens what can happen when you require people to renew their enrollment every year. But now some states are experimenting with  not requiring that anymore, at least not for young kids.

Joan Alker: because we know so many of them are going to remain eligible. Theyre cheap to insure. Theyre not where the money is being spent in our healthcare system. But they need regular care.

Dan: Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico now keep kids enrolled through age six. Another seven states are aiming to do the same.

Joan Alker: This is an idea that weve been promoting for like 15 years and we were kind of crying out in the wilderness for a long time, but its breaking through now

Dan: Im not gonna lie. Theres a ton thats not gonna get fixed with Medicaid anytime soon. We dont know yet how the judge in the Tennessee Justice Centers class-action lawsuit is gonna rule. But seeing these fights, it reminds me of something Ive said before on this show: We are not gonna win them all. But we dont have to lose them all either.

By the way, a little news about Ashley Eades our mom in Nashville, who fought to keep her son on TennCare.

Ashley Eades: Last year, I started going back to school, and Im going to school full time, and Im working full

Dan: Oh my gosh!

Dan: And she's home-schooling Lucas.

Ashley Eades: I was like, "were going to go to school together, buddy." Like, we share a desk, you know, and hes like in class and Im in class.

Dan: Wow

Ashley Eades: I had to get creative. um, so, yeah, Im like, working this really crappy, stinky job and going to school

Dan: And its working out.

Ashley Eades: I, um, made Deans List this semester, like got straight As.

Dan: Yeah!

Dan: Ashley wants to go to Medical school. I thought youd want to know.

Before we go, I just want to say THANK YOU. In our last episode, we asked you to help us understand sneaky facility fees, by sending your own medical bills, and you have been coming through in a big way. Weve heard from more than 30 people at this point. Some of you have been annoyed by these fees for years a couple of you have told us about driving 30 or 40 miles across town, hoping to avoid them. And weve been hearing from folks inside the medical billing world, offering us some deeper insight. And I could not be pleased-er. Thank you so much!

If youve got a bill to share, its not too late to pitch in, at arm-and-a-leg-show, dot com, slash FEES. Ill catch you in a few weeks. Till then, take care of yourself.

This episode of An Arm and a Leg was produced by me, Dan Weissmann, with help from Emily Pisacreta, and edited by Ellen Weiss. Thanks this time to Phil Galewitz of KFF Health News, Andy Schneider of Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families, and Gordon Bonnyman of the Tennessee Justice Center for sharing their expertise with us. Adam Raymonda is our audio wizard. Our music is by Dave Weiner and blue dot sessions. Gabrielle Healy is our managing editor for audience. Gabe Bullard is our brand-new engagement editor. Bea Bosco is our consulting director of operations. Sarah Ballama is our operations manager.

And Armand a Leg is produced in partnership with KFF Health News. Thats a national newsroom producing in-depth journalism about healthcare in America and a core program at KFF, an independent source of health policy research, polling and journalism. Zach Dyer is senior audio producer at KFF Health News. Hes editorial liaison to this show.

And thanks to the Institute for Nonprofit News for serving as our fiscal sponsor, allowing us to accept tax exempt donations. You can learn more about INN at INN. org. Finally, thanks to everybody who supports this show financially you can join in any time at arm and a leg show dot com, slash, support thanks for pitching in if you can, and thanks for listening.
Berlin-based manufacturer of high-tech laboratory measuring devices KNAUER hosted a sustainability event with 120 guests at its premises on May 29, 2024.

An audience of 120 listened with interest of Tony Rinaudo's presentation. The event was also streamed live at the same time. Image Credit: KNAUER

Managing Director Alexandra Knauer had invited the guests, and she opened the event by explaining why she is passionate about sustainability. The focus was on a major aid project that has been financed by the company and the Knauer family for the past two years with re-greening measures in Ghana. Project partner World Vision was on site with Australian agricultural economist Tony Rinaudo, who has made a name for himself as the forest maker.

Tony Rinaudo described his inspiring story and his experiences with the FMNR method he discovered for revegetation. Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration is a natural and cost-effective method of re-greening deforested land. It is not a classic reforestation with seedlings, but an activation of existing root networks, which still sprout regularly under the harsh conditions, but have no chance of developing into a tree. By protecting and pruning these sprouts, it is possible to grow trees again within a few years.

Rinaudo was awarded the Right Livelihood Award for his development of the FMNR method. This award is known as the Alternative Nobel Prize and promotes outstanding people and projects that are committed to improving living conditions in the developing world.

As Rinaudo emphasizes, the FMNR method also promotes a new attitude among people towards trees: they need to be cared for and effectively protected from being eaten, completely cut down and set on fire. Over the past two decades, many people in Africa have been convinced by information events and word-of-mouth propaganda, with the result that many millions of trees have been regrown from their roots.

The living conditions of small farmers are improving sustainably. The annual family income increases by an average of USD 1000. This is often more than double the amount before FMNR. Many people are not even aware of these great successes based on Rinaudo's method and the guests at KNAUER were delighted and impressed by these results and opportunities.

Susanne Ransweiler, Senior Consultant Philanthropy, presented some details of the specific project in Ghana's northern region of Binduri, which the Knauer family and the KNAUER company have made possible with donations of EUR 600,000 to date. It is now being extended for a further two years and financial support from other people is welcome. In addition to replanting using the FMNR method, measures such as the distribution of wood-saving stoves, beekeeping and the creation of savings groups will lead to an improvement in living conditions for up to 5,000 people. World Vision is a children's aid organization, so the focus is on the well-being of the children and the opportunity to attend school.

Our goal is to restore one billion hectares of degraded land in the next decade. Let everyone who can join us. That is ambitious. But what have we got to lose. The alternative is not pretty," Tony Rinaudo, forest maker, KNAUER

calling on people to take part in this major task, which is not only climate-friendly, but above all should also enable poor and arid regions to live a decent life again.

World Vision Germany is an international children's aid organization with a focus on development cooperation and humanitarian aid. For more than 70 years, it has been pursuing the goal of creating a better future for children worldwide. This is achieved through sponsorships, development aid for self-help and sustainable project work. www.worldvision.de

Founded in 1962, KNAUER is known as a developer and manufacturer of high-tech laboratory instruments, in particular liquid chromatographs, but also systems for the production of lipid nanoparticles used for mRNA vaccines. Beyond its business activities, sustainability is a matter close to the heart of the 200-strong family company. Managing directors Alexandra Knauer and Carsten Losch attach great importance to corporate responsibility towards employees as well as the environment and society.
For the last three decades, breakthroughs have been sparse for soft tissue sarcomas, which are rare cancers that affect muscles, fat and other connective tissues. Today, a global team of researchers funded by a Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) grant announced clinical trial results that point to a new immunotherapy treatment option for two of the most common types of soft tissue sarcoma in adults, a breakthrough that reduces the risk of relapse by 43% at two years and will likely impact clinical practice for these cancer types.

The research was presented today at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

The clinical trial, which was run by a SU2C Catalyst Research Team, was supported by Merck's (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada) Investigator Studies Program and sponsored by the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC). SU2C Catalyst grants rapidly accelerate clinical trials of new treatments and combination therapies.

Immunotherapies have transformed cancer care for many cancers, but in the 25 years I have been caring for sarcoma patients, we haven't seen any significant advances for these kinds of sarcoma. This study will change that. From my point of view, this is the most important study for patients with these sarcomas in 30 years because it's addressing an important unmet need." David Kirsch, M.D., Ph.D., leader of the SU2C Catalyst Research Team and Head of the Radiation Medicine Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre at the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada

The trial, called SU2C-SARC032, evaluated outcomes of 127 participating patients across 20 hospitals in four countries  the United States, Canada, Italy and Australia. Since sarcoma is rare  it's diagnosed in around 15,000 people in the U.S. every year  enrolling a sufficient number of patients to test whether immunotherapy improved outcomes was challenging, explained Kirsch.

Over the course of six years  beginning in 2017  the researchers persevered to enroll enough patients, even as the COVID-19 pandemic slowed work considerably for many months. During that time, SU2C worked closely with the team to extend funding timelines and support the completion of the trial.

"It takes big ideas, unique collaborations  and in some cases, a global effort  to help bring breakthroughs to patients impacted by rare cancers," said Julian Adams, Ph.D., president and CEO of SU2C. "We believed this could work with the SU2C Catalyst approach, support from our donor Merck, and input from the best minds in sarcoma research across the world."

Typically, the standard treatment for soft tissue sarcoma that has not spread, or metastasized, to other parts of the body is radiation followed by surgery. However approximately 50% of patients with high-risk sarcomas subsequently experience cancer recurrence or metastasis after treatment. A previous SARC-sponsored clinical trial, also conducted with the support of Merck's (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada) Investigator Studies Program, in patients with established metastasis had shown that two common types of sarcoma  undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and pleomorphic/dedifferentiated liposarcoma  can respond to the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab.

"Sarcoma doesn't affect anywhere near the number of patients as breast, lung, prostate or colorectal cancer, but people impacted by sarcoma arguably need clinical trials even more," said Steven Young, president and CEO at SARC. "SARC was delighted to have this research build on our prior trial to determine if we could achieve meaningful advances of novel treatment strategies that will profoundly impact the sarcoma community."

Patients in the SU2C-SARC032 trial were separated into two different groups: group 1 received the standard treatment of radiation therapy and surgery; group 2 received the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab before, during and after radiation therapy, and they received pembrolizumab again after surgery. The researchers closely followed all patients in the trial and evaluated results two years after each patient completed treatment. Results showed that the addition of pembrolizumab reduced the risk of relapse by 43% at two years.

The SU2C Catalyst grant that supported the trial was administered by SU2C's Scientific Partner, the American Association for Cancer Research.
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 Trudeaus 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 Trudeaus 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.
Indian aviation is growing in terms of domestic as well as international traffic, and can show how to deal with challenges in a fast-growing market, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said on Tuesday.

At a briefing on the conclusion of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting here, Elbers said it will be an important moment for India to host the AGM next year in Delhi.

Elbers is also the Chair of the Board of Governors of IATA.

IATA, a grouping of more than 330 airlines, at the just concluded AGM also discussed sustainability and net zero carbon emission target.

We are completely aligned on (efforts to achieve) net zero emissions, IATA Director General Willie Walsh said at the briefing.

According to the grouping, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is expected to account for up to 65 per cent of the total carbon mitigation needed to achieve net zero carbon emissions in air transportation by 2050.

The next AGM will be held in June next year in Delhi. The last AGM in India was in 1983.

Mentioning that it will be an important moment for India to host the AGM again, Elbers said that in the last 42 years, the world, including India, has changed.

India is today the third largest aviation market in the world and the market is growing domestically as well as internationally, he said.

What India can bringis how to deal with the challenges in a fast-growing market, Elbers said.

Meanwhile, in response to a query, he said IATA is working on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has both positive and negative impacts.

Work is on to understand more about the opportunities with AI, he said, and emphasised the ethical use of AI.

.
Lok Sabha Election Results: The stock market is highly sensitive to political events, and the results of the Lok Sabha elections have historically had an impact on market behaviour. Markets tend to react positively to election results that favour a pro-business and stable government with a clear majority.

Lok Sabha Elections Result: Stock Market Live Updates

Most exit polls have predicted the win of BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

Vinod Nair, head of research, Geojit Financial Services, said, Exit poll has activated the optimism of a memorable win for the ongoing government, PSUs had a humongous rally, in anticipation of continuation of the reform gains, triggering further re-rate.

Neeraj Sharma, AVP technical and derivatives research at Asit C. Mehta Investment Interrmediates, said, Bulls maintain their grip on Dalal Street, with the Sensex and Nifty opening at record highs. Following the general election exit poll, the market saw broad-based buying, with the expectation that the BJP will return to power. All sectoral indices closed in the green, with capital goods, PSU banks, oil and gas, power, and real estate up 5-7 percent.

Lets analyse the markets response on the election result day for the last four Lok Sabha elections from the last 2019 to going back to 2004.

2019 Lok Sabha Election

Date: May 23, 2019

Market Reaction: The markets reacted positively to the decisive victory of the BJP led by Narendra Modi. The Sensex surged by over 1,000 points (around 3.5%), and the Nifty also saw a substantial increase.

Reason: Investors welcomed the continuity of a stable government and the promise of continued economic reforms and policies aimed at boosting growth.

According to data compiled by Livemint, in 2019 both the Sensex and Nifty remained flat, falling over 0.76 per cent and 0.69 per cent, respectively, closing at 38,811.39 and 11,657.05.

Sensex Intraday High: 40,124.96

Sensex Intraday Low: 38,651.61

Nifty Intraday High: 12,041.15

Nifty Intraday Low: 11,614.5

2014 Lok Sabha Election

Date: May 16, 2014

Market Reaction: The BJPs clear victory led to a record-breaking rally in the stock markets. The Sensex jumped by over 1,200 points (around 6%), and the Nifty also surged by more than 300 points (around 6%).

Reason: The market was optimistic about the BJPs pro-business stance and expected significant economic reforms and development initiatives under Modis leadership.

Sensex and Nifty experienced marginal gains, rising by 0.90% and 1.12% respectively, closing at 24,121.74 and 7,203.

Sensex Intraday High: 25,375.63

Sensex Intraday Low: 23,873.16

Nifty Intraday High: 7,563.50

Nifty Intraday Low: 7,130.65

2009 Lok Sabha Election

Date: May 16, 2009

Market Reaction: The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) led by the Indian National Congress won a majority, which led to a massive rally. The Sensex surged by over 2,000 points (17%), and the Nifty by more than 600 points (17%) in a single day.

Reason: The market welcomed the political stability and the continuation of economic reforms. Additionally, the victory without the need for support from the Left Front was seen as a positive for economic liberalization.

Sensex rose by 2.53% while Nifty surged by 17.74%, closing at 12,173.42 and 4,323.15, respectively.

Sensex Intraday High: 14,284.21

Sensex Intraday Low: 13,479.39

Nifty Intraday High: 4384.30

Nifty Intraday Low: 3673.15

2004 Lok Sabha Election

Date: May 13, 2004

Market Reaction: Contrary to the other instances, the markets reacted negatively to the unexpected victory of the UPA, led by the Indian National Congress. The Sensex fell by over 800 points (around 12%), and the Nifty also saw a substantial drop.

Sensex Intraday High: 5,487.34

Sensex Intraday Low: 5,131.03

Nifty Intraday High: 1,750.30

Nifty Intraday Low: 1,625.10
Lalit Modi on Tuesday said that his brother Samir Modi is recovering after an alleged assault by their mother last week. The former IPL chairman on Saturday claimed that his mother, Bina Modi, had her security personnel assault her younger son, Samir, over a dispute regarding their multi-million dollar assets.

Also Read: Heartbroken To See My Brother: Lalit Modi Says Mother Got Samir Beaten Up Over Feud

My brother @samirmodi is recovering from the grave tragedy of two days ago. Is in a complete shock that a mother could do this to her own child. We are all in shock, Lalit Modi posted on X on Tuesday.

Last week Lalit Modi supported the claim of assault by sharing images of Samir in a hospital with a plastered hand.

Reportedly, Samir Modi, the executive director of Godfrey Phillips, has accused his mother, Bina Modi, of plotting against him, escalating the familial conflict revolving around KK Modis Rs 11,000-crore inheritance.

In an inheritance dispute, Samir Modi filed a complaint with Delhi police on May 31 against his mother. He claimed her security guard and some Godfrey Phillips directors assaulted him, causing serious injuries, when he tried to attend a scheduled board meeting.
Sandipan Bhumare of Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena has secured a resounding victory in the Aurangabad (General) Lok Sabha constituency of Maharashtra. Bhumare defeated All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeens (AIMIM) Imtiyaz Jaleel Syed by a margin exceeding one lakh votes.

ALSO READ | Maharashtra, Mumbai Election Results LIVE HERE

Aurangabad had been won by the undivided Shiv Sena six times since 1989, but in 2019, the Bal Thackeray-founded party suffered a setback when incumbent Chandrakant Khaire faced an unexpected defeat at the hands of Jaleel by a narrow margin of less than 4,500 votes.

The central Maharashtra constituency went to polls in the fourth phase on May 13. The voter turnout was 63.03%.

THE CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR CONSTITUENCY

An industrial hub, the now renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is the biggest city in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. This constituency consists of the rural assembly segments of Kannad, Gangapur, and Vaijapur and the urban seats of Aurangabad Central, West and East. The Lok Sabha constituency comprises 30,52,724 voters, including 16,00,169 men, 14,52,415 women and 140 third-gender persons. Aurangabad was initially a Congress stronghold with the grand old party winning the seat multiple times in elections post-independence.

Water shortage remains one of the key issues in the city whose residents get a supply once every eight days. A water pipeline is being laid from the Jayakwadi dam, located 55km south of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, to meet the water shortage.

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is an industrial hub and houses breweries, pharma, automobile, seed and steel units. It is listed among the top 30 exporting cities in the country.

The district is also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites  Ajanta and Ellora Caves  which are popular tourist destinations.

FIRST CONGRESS, THEN SENA BASTION

The seat became one of the bastions of the undivided Shiv Sena after Mumbai and Thane. As a result, all six assembly segments of the Lok Sabha constituency were bagged by the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in the October 2019 polls. Suresh Chandra of the Indian National Congress (INC) was the first Lok Sabha MP from Aurangabad (1952 to 1957).

Later, freedom fighter and prominent leader of the Hyderabad freedom struggle Swami Ramanand Teerth, also a Congressman, became the second MP from Aurangabad. The seat remained with the Congress till 1971.

ALSO READ | Maharashtras Aurangabad LS Seat to See 2019 Rerun of Contest Between Key Candidates

However, the tide turned in 1977 when Bapusaheb Kaldate of the Janata Party defeated the Congress candidate with a margin of 57,089 votes. Sahebrao Dongaonkar of the Indian Congress (Socialist) won the seat in 1984.

Shiv Sena corporator and then-Mayor Moreshwar Save bagged the Aurangabad Lok Sabha seat in 1989 and retained it in 1991. Save, a Hindutva leader, was associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

After 1991, the seat remained with the Shiv Sena till 2019 barring in 1998 when Ramkrushna Baba Patil of the Congress won it in mid-term polls. Then-Shiv Sena MLA Khaire emerged as a formidable figure and won Lok Sabha polls four straight times from the seat  in 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014.

THE RISE OF JALEEL: 1st MAHA LS SEAT FOR AIMIM

In the interim, Jaleel, a journalist-turned-politician, joined the AIMIM and started cultivating a voter base in the Aurangabad district, which has a significant presence of Muslim electors. Jaleels efforts paid off in 2014 when he won the Aurangabad Central assembly seat by defeating Shiv Sena candidate Pradeep Jaiswal.

In 2019, the journalist-turned-politician was rewarded by the AIMIM with a Lok Sabha poll ticket and he did not disappoint his party as he emerged victorious by defeating Khaire by a margin of 4,492 votes.

That was first time the AIMIM won a Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra, which sends 48 MPs to the Lower House of Parliament, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh (80).

THE 2024 FIGHT

In 2024, Aurangabad is seeing a different battle following the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena, whose voter base is now divided between the two rival factions led by Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

After the split, three out of the four Shiv Sena MLAs from the district, representing Aurangabad (Central), Aurangabad (West) and Vaijapur, joined the Shinde camp. The fourth MLA, Udaysingh Rajput (Kannad), is with the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT).

For detailed seat-wise results of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections and that of the past elections (2019, 2014 and 2009) for Aurangabad and all other seats visit the interactive News18 Election Analytics Centre  the most powerful election analysis tool ever built. This tool, launched in 2014, lets any user wear a psephologists hat and become an election expert.
Follow the live updating tables on this page for the 2024 Cheepurupalle election result and real-time updates and status of candidates in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly election.

About

15. Cheepurupalle (, Cheepurupalli) is an Assembly (Sasana Sabha/Vidhan Sabha) constituency in Andhra Pradesh. This constituency is located in the South region of India and in the Coastal Andhra region within Andhra Pradesh. This seat includes the following districts of Andhra Pradesh: Vizianagram. Cheepurupalle Assembly seat can be classified as: Rural and the reservation status of this seat is: General. 15. Cheepurupalle was scheduled to vote on Monday, May 13, 2024, alongwith voting in Phase 4 of the 2024 Lok Sabha general election. Cheepurupalle

Number of Contestants

In the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, there were 7 candidates contesting from Cheepurupalle Assembly constituency. In 2019 the number of contestants for this seat was 8, while in 2014 there were 11 candidates, and the number was 9 in the 2009 polls.

Contesting Candidates 2024

1. Botcha Satyanarayana, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP); 2. Gurugubelli Appalanaidu, Independent (IND); 3. Kanigiri Srinivasarao, Jaibhim Rao Bharat Party (JRBP); 4. Sabbi Satyanarayana, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP); 5. Adapaka Suribabu, Reforms Party of India (RPL); 6. Kalavenkatarao Kimidi, Telugu Desam Party (TDP); 7. Aadinarayana Jammu, Indian National Congress (INC).

Demographic Profile

There were a total of 2,03,577 registered voters on the electoral rolls for the 2024 Cheepurupalli Assembly election, of which 1,01,941 were male, 1,01,627 female and 9 of the third gender. In the 2019 Assembly elections, there were a total of 1,98,988 registered voters, of which 1,01,941 were male, 98,644 female and 11 of the third gender. In 2014 elections, there were a total of 1,89,401 registered voters in this constituency, of which 94,836 were male, 94,551 female and 14 of the third gender. In the 2009 polls, the number of total electors was 1,78,142 which included 87,278 male, and 90,864 female.

The number of service voters in Cheepurupalli Assembly constituency was 156 in 2019, 108 in 2014 and 82 in 2009.

The electorate gender ratio (number of female voters per 1000 male voters) in this constituency in 2024 was 997, in 2019 it was 983, 997 in 2014 and 1041 in 2009.

Location

The geographic coordinates of Cheepurupalle Assembly constituency are: 181811.9N 833152.7E. Cheepurupalle shares its borders with five other Assembly constituencies. Other Andhra Pradesh Assembly constituencies adjacent to Cheepurupalle are: Bobbili, Gajapathinagaram, Nellimarla, Etcherla, Rajam (SC). This constituency shares an inter-state border with: .

Poll Dates

Cheepurupalle Assembly constituency went to the polls in Phase 1 of the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections on Monday, May 13, 2024. The counting of votes is on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

In the 2019 state Assembly elections, this seat voted in Phase 1 on Thursday, April 11, 2019 and the results were declared on Thursday, May 23, 2019.

In the 2014 polls, this constituency voted in Phase 2 on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 and the results were declared on Friday, May 16, 2014.

In 2009, Cheepurupalle voted in Phase 1 on Thursday, April 16, 2009 and the results were declared on Thursday, May 16, 2009.

Voter Turnout

According to data released by the Election Commission of India, in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, the estimated voter turnout in this Andhra Pradesh constituency was 82.52%. In 2019, this seat registered a turnout of 83.47%, while it was 81.37% in 2014 and 79.87% in 2009. The estimated turnout in 2024 was -0.95% compared to the 2019 turnout.

Past Results

In the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, Botcha Satyanarayana of YSRCP won in this seat defeating Nagarjuna Kimidi of TDP by a margin of 26498 votes which was 15.97% of the total votes cast for the seat. YSRCP had a vote share of 53.81% in 2019 in this seat.

In 2014, Kimidi Mrunalini of TDP emerged victorious in this seat beating Botcha Satyanarayana of INC by a margin of 20842 votes which was 13.53% of the total votes polled in the constituency. TDP secured a vote share of 41.41% in the seat.

In the 2009 state Assembly elections, Botcha Satyanarayana of INC won this seat beating Gadde Baburao of TDP by a margin of 5942 votes which was 4.18% of the total votes polled in the constituency. INC had a vote share of 42.65% in the seat.

Winner Margin

In the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, Botcha Satyanarayana of YSRCP won in this constituency beating Nagarjuna Kimidi of TDP by a margin of 26,498 votes which was 15.97% of the total votes cast. In 2014, Kimidi Mrunalini of TDP was the winner in this seat beating Botcha Satyanarayana of INC by a margin of 20,842 votes which was 13.53% of the total votes polled in the constituency. In the 2009 Assembly elections, Botcha Satyanarayana of INC won this seat defeating Gadde Baburao of TDP by a margin of 5,942 votes which was 4.18% of the total votes polled for the seat.

Winner Voteshare

In the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, Botcha Satyanarayana of YSRCP had a vote share of 53.81% in this seat. In 2014, Kimidi Mrunalini of TDP secured a vote share of 41.41% in this constituency. In the 2009 Assembly elections, Botcha Satyanarayana of INC got a vote share of 42.65% in Cheepurupalle.

Total Electorate

In the Cheepurupalle Assembly constituency, there were a total of 203577 registered voters on the electoral rolls for the 2024 Assembly election. In the 2019 Assembly elections, there were a total of 198988 registered voters. In 2014 elections, there were a total of 189401 registered voters in this constituency. In the 2009 polls, the number of total electors was 178142.

Consituency Extent

According the latest delimitation documents for 15. Cheepurupalle Assembly seat, the extent of this constituency covers the following areas of Andhra Pradesh: Merakamudidam, Garividi, Cheepurupalli and Gurla Mandals.
Haryana Election Results LIVE: Congress Wins Sirsa, Leads on 4 Other Seats, BJP Ahead on 5 Seats

The Congress has won one seat in Haryana, Sirsa, while the party is leading on 4 other seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is ahead on 5 seats of the 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Congress candidates were leading in Ambala, Hisar, Rohtak, Sirsa and Sonipat, while the BJP was ahead in Bhiwani-Mahendragarh, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Karnal and Kurukshetra.

Congress stalwart Kumari Selja won by a comfortable margin. She was leading by 2,48,413 votes over her BJP rival Ashok Tanwar in the Sirsa seat.

In Rohtak, senior Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda was ahead of sitting BJP MP Arvind Sharma by 2,50,053 votes.

In Gurgaon, Congress Raj Babbar has now ceded ground to the BJPs Rao Inderjit Singh after leading through halfway counting. Singh, who is Union minister, is now leading by 23,948 votes.

In Sonipat, Congress Satpal Brahmchari was leading over sitting BJP MLA Mohan Lal Badoli by a thin margin of 4,955 votes.

In the Ambala constituency, Congress Varun Chaudhary was leading over his BJP rival Banto Kataria by 31,292 votes.

In Hisar, Congress candidate Jai Prakash was ahead of BJPs Ranjit Chautala by a margin of 26,128 votes.

In Karnal, former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar was in the lead. His Congress rival Divyanshu Budhiraja was trailing by a margin of 2,02,514 votes.

Union minister Krishan Pal Gurjar, who is the sitting MP from Faridabad, was leading over Congress Mahender Pratap Singh by 1,58,337 votes.

In Bhiwani-Mahendragarh, sitting BJP MP Dharambir Singh was leading over Congress MLA Rao Dan Singh by a narrow margin of 43,168 votes.

From Kurukshetra, BJP candidate Naveen Jindal was ahead of his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) rival Sushil Gupta by a margin of 13,917 votes.

Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Singh Chautala was also in the fray but was trailing. His party candidates in six other constituencies were also trailing.

In the Karnal assembly constituency, where a bypoll was held, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was leading over Congress nominee Tarlochan Singh.

The Jannayak Janta Party, which had fielded candidates on all 10 seats after its alliance with the BJP ended in March, was also trailing.

In the 2019 general elections, the BJP had won all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana.

This time, the Congress has fielded candidates on nine seats while its INDIA bloc ally AAP is contesting the Kurukshetra seat.
Karnataka threw up some interesting results and saw some major upsets in seats that were considered strongholds or fortresses of the Congress, which the BJP breached. There were seats where the BJP took some calculated risks and won, crediting the strategy of the party to field new faces and also give tickets only to winnable candidates. The Congress, on the other hand, had resorted to giving tickets to dynasts and that could have worked against them in some seats, analysts observe.

Bengaluru Rural

This was the biggest upset for the Congress. The seat that saw a high-voltage contest between three-time Congress MP DK Suresh and NDAs surprise first-time candidate Dr CN Manjunath saw the Congress fortress being breached. The BJP played a big gamble by pitting Dr Manjunath, a popular cardiologist, and the leader won by a large margin of votes.

I thank the people of Bengaluru Rural in trusting in me. I feel that the people wanted to see Narendra Modi as PM and gave me a favourable verdict as they were impressed by my work as a doctor, said Dr Manjunath on his win.

DK Suresh had stirred controversy with his assertion that if the central government persists in neglecting the regions share of funds, the only recourse may be to seek a separate southern entity. Standing by his words, Suresh said that while he never sought a separate country, he wanted to highlight that the Prime Ministers priorities seem focused solely on the advancement of northern India.

Bengaluru Central

This was another hotly contested seat between three-time BJP incumbent MP PC Mohan and Congresss Mansoor Ali Khan who had contested in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Bengaluru North constituency. Mansoor, who was in the lead by over 50,000 votes till the last two rounds of counting, lost the election to Mohan who suddenly got the lead with more 52,000 votes when the ballots of Mahadevapura and CV Raman Nagar were opened.

All news outlets that were declaring Mansoor as the winner of the once-BJP fortress suddenly had to change their stand and declare the BJP as the winner , a total twist to the tale just like another cinema thriller.

Hassan

This seat has been the most controversial and had maximum media focus ever since the election was conducted on April 26. The NDA candidate and JDS MP Prajwal Revanna, who has been accused of sexually abusing several women and is facing an SIT investigation into a series of leaked sex tapes, lost the seat.

Prajwal, who had been absconding for over a month after the video leaked, retuned to India on May 31 after a blue corner notice and arrest warrant was issued against him. The JDS has already suspended him.

While many in Hassan said that the pen drives containing the alleged videos of women being sexually assaulted were distributed just days before the seat went to polls, the major factor was also the anti-incumbency that Prajwal faced that led to his defeat.

Uttara Kannada

This coastal Karnataka seat was another experiment of the BJP  whether the Modi factor would work in their favour in this seat or was the Ananth Kumar Hegde factor more powerful. The BJP got its answer with this win. Six-time MP Ananth Kumar Hegde, who had put the BJP in an embarrassing position several times, had been denied a ticket by the party from this seat this time.

The BJP fielded Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, a non-controversial party loyalist and former Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly who lost in the Assembly elections. Kageri had contested from the Sirsi seat and lost to Bhimanna Naik of the Congress.

Kageri contested against another former MLA from Belgaums Khanapur Anjali Nimbalkar and won.

Belgaum

This seat saw a tough battle between the Congress and the BJP. Congress candidate Mrunal Hebbalkar is the son of Karnataka minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and contested for the first time. He faced former chief minister and four-time MLA Jagdish Shettar who replaced Mangala Suresh Angadi, wife of former Union Railway Minister Suresh Angadi, who passed away mid-term. Mangala Angadi had won the bypoll.

Shettar had left the party in May 2023 after he was asked to step aside. He jumped to the Congress which gave him a ticket from the seat, but Shettar lost the election. He did a ghar vapsi after 10 months after being assured a Lok Sabha ticket.

Shettar was apprehensive about contesting from Belagavi because he does not belong to the Panchamsali sect, a predominant sect of the Lingayats, in the Belgavi Lok Sabha constituency. However, veteran BJP leader BS Yediyurappa convinced him not to refuse the Belagavi nomination. Posters of Go Back Shettar surfaced around Belgavi, but clearly did not have an impact.

Chikkaballapur

Dr K Sudhakar, a former minister in the Bommai government, was the NDA candidate from this seat. Having lost the Assembly seat, Sudhakar who sought the BJP ticket was given one on the condition that the election would be fought completely on the efforts put in by him and the leader should not expect an extra push or support from the party. Sudhakar contested against Congresss Raksha Ramaiah, a fresh face but also a former state president of the NSUI.

What worked in his favour was the Modi factor, say analysts. This seat was the perfect example of how people vote differently in Assembly and parliamentary polls.

Sudhakar was among the 17 MLAs from the Congress and JDS who shifted allegiance from the Congress to the BJP in 2019. He had attributed his electoral defeat in the Assembly elections to what he called a last-minute political conspiracy allegedly hatched by the Congress and the JDS.

Chikkodi

This constituency, once a stronghold of the Congress, became a battleground for high-stakes politics, featuring a significant showdown between two influential families  the Jarkiholis and the Jolles. Priyanka, daughter of senior Congress leader and Public Works Department (PWD) minister Satish Jarkiholi, contested against the sitting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Annasaheb Jolle. Priyanka won this seat for the Congress, which had lost it to the BJP since 2004.

Seasoned BJP incumbent Jolle secured his ticket for a second term, relying heavily on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Jolle had won by a margin of 1.17 lakh votes against Prakash Hukkeri of the Congress.

Gulbarga

Radhakrishna Doddamani, the son-in-law of Congress veteran Mallikarjun Kharge, emerged victorious in this seat, continuing the Kharge legacy after the AICC chiefs loss to BJPs Umesh G Jadhav. The Gulbarga Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka has been a stronghold for the Congress party since its establishment before Indias first general elections in 1951.

Despite its historical dominance, the Congress has faced significant challenges from emerging rivals. The BJP managed to disrupt this longstanding hegemony with victories in 1998 and 2019. This constituency has witnessed many political shifts over the years. Out of 17 elections held, Congress secured victory 14 times, with many saying the fortress could be breached again by the BJP. But that did not happen, making it another upset for the BJP.

Bellary

The political battle in Bellary was quite musical, with both candidates, BJPs B Sriramulu and Congress E Tukaram, resorting to catchy tunes to highlight their achievements. Sriramulus song, titled Ballari manninenda eddubanda Anna Sriramulu, highlighted his accomplishments as the health and transport minister.

Tukarams supporters, drawing inspiration from popular Kannada films like KGF, created a song to resonate with the electorate and showcase Tukarams pro-people initiatives.

Clearly, the Congress anthem seems to have worked with Tukaram winning the seat. In the 2019 Assembly elections, BJPs Y Devendrappa emerged victorious, securing 6,16,388 votes against Congresss VS Ugrappa. Bellary has historically been a stronghold of the Congress party, but the BJP has gained prominence in recent years, winning consecutively since 2004.

Another major factor that was seen to have an influence in this seat was Janardhan Reddy, the mining baron who launched his own party, Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha, in the Assembly elections but returned to the BJP fold again. His influence should have worked in favour of Sriramulu, but that did not seem to have worked.

Bidar

This seat saw one of the youngest candidates in Karnataka, Sagar Khandre, contesting. This 26-year-old, who is the son of Karnataka minister Eshwar Khandre and a third-generation politician contesting his maiden election, won the seat. He fought against BJP candidate Bhagwant Khuba, a seasoned politician and incumbent Union Minister of State for Fertilizers and Chemicals. Khuba, a two-time MP, had raised a revolt within the BJP. He was denied a ticket, as the party was looking at pitting another fresh face from the seat. Khuba had defeated Sagars father Khandre in 209 by a margin of 1,16,834 votes, but this time clearly faced anti-incumbency and opposition from a section of BJP leaders over his candidature. The Congress winning this seat may have come as a surprise to many, but Congress insiders say that the pulse for the people against Khuba was well encased by the father-son duo.
The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) appears to be firmly in control of the Lok Sabha election results in the state, with leads in 38 of the 39 parliamentary seats. The MK Stalin-led DMK fought the general elections as part of the opposition INDIA bloc.

In the 2019 elections, too, the DMK had swept all but one seat, with the lone victor turning out to be OP Ravindranath, son of then chief minister O Panneerselvam, of the AIADMK.

The BJP hoped to make inroads into the state and attempted to put an end to the proud Dravidian proclamation that the Lotus will never bloom in the state. Although the BJP is likely to fail in converting its popularity into seat wins, as per counting trends, the party appears to be securing second position in at least 10 constituencies, including Coimbatore, Chennai South and Chennai Central.

In a first, the BJP crossed the 10% vote share-mark in Tamil Nadu and has so far registered a share of 10.21%.

The main opposition, AIADMK, is likely to suffer a sharp drop in vote-share. Its ally, the DMDK, has however done well in Virudhunagar, with the party fielding the late Vijaykanths son V Vijaya Prabhakar against BJPs Radhika Sarathkumar. The AIADMK faced difficulty in fielding powerful leaders, given most of them preferred to sit out the elections and save the electoral expenditure for the forthcoming Assembly polls.

BJP ally Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) is leading in its bastion Dharmapuri. The BJP contested on 23 seats in Tamil Nadu, leaving the remaining to PMK, Tamil Maanila Congress, and others. The AIADMK contested on 32 seats, giving five seats to DMDK and one each to smaller parties PT and SDPI.

A substantial number of fence-sitting voters have endorsed the state government and CM Stalins policies, programmes and governance. This has made a difference to the DMK-AIADMK vote gap. Of course, TTV Dinakaran and Panneerselvam split may have impacted the AIADMKs performance. The BJPs performance was on expected lines. This proves that BJPs approach to Tamil Nadu has not worked in its favour, said political analyst N Sathiyamoorthy.

Tamil Nadu had voted on April 19 for the Lok Sabha polls after weeks of fierce campaigns and acrimonious debates, and a never-seen-before kind of spirited fight put up by the BJP to gain a foothold in the Dravidian land in 2024.

TRENDS IN KEY CONSTITUENCIES

In Coimbatore, DMK continues to be ahead and the margin between BJP state president K Annamalai and DMK candidate Ganapathy P Rajkumar, which was about 3,000 about an hour-and-a-half ago is widening and now the difference is 11,909. DMKs A Raja is ahead by an unassailable 76,110 votes and BJPs L Murugan is in the distant second spot and AIADMKs D Logesh Tamilselvan is in the third spot.

The main opposition party, AIADMK which was leading in just two seats (NamakkalS Tamilmani and KallakurichiR Kumaraguru) are now trailing behind their DMK rivals.

BJPs ally PMK (Sowmiya Anbumani) is ahead in Dharmapuri by 16,516 votes and DMKs Mani A is in the second position.

AIADMKs partner Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagams V Vijayaprabhakaran is ahead in Virudhunagar by a margin of 7,352 votes and well known Congress leader B Manickam Tagore is trailing behind him. BJPs R Radikaa, a popular actress is in the third spot.

IAS officer-turned-politician Sasikanth Senthil (Congress) is leading in Tiruvallur by a huge margin of 98,246 votes.

AIADMKs ally DMDK candidate K Nallathambi is in the second spot followed by BJP nominee Pon V Balaganapathy.

In Erode, where the AIADMK pinned its hopes on its candidate Aatral Ashok Kumar is trailing behind DMKs KE Prakash by 44,351 votes.

DMKs star candidates Kanimozhi (Thoothukudi), T R Baalu (Sriperumbudur), Dayanidhi Maran (Central Chennai), Tamizhachi Thangapandian (South Chennai) are leading in their respective constituencies.

Allies of the DMK including Congress partys Karti Chidambaram (Sivaganga) and Marxist party candidate Su Venkatesan (Madurai) have a decisive lead over others.
With the counting of votes in Lok Sabha elections 2024 progressing, Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress seems to have maintained its firm grip on its turf West Bengal, as it moves to sweep the state with leads in over 30 seats, trends till noon suggest.

The Trinamool Congress is on course to wrest at least eight seats from the BJP in north Bengal and in the western part of the state. The labharthis (beneficiaries of government schemes) have emerged as the most crucial factor in West Bengal. But, the labharthis here are of Mamata Banerjees, and not Narendra Modis.

The election results bear no reflection of alleged corruption charges against the senior politicians of Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. As BJPs number plummets almost by half, all the exit poll predictions announcing a saffron sweep in the state fall flat.

The BJP is trailing in crucial seats like Balurghat and Coochbehar, where BJPs state unit chief Sukanta Majumdar and Union Minister Nishith Pramanik contested, respectively. The party is also trailing in its stronghold Asansol, where it had won twice.

Populace and Political Economy

So why did the BJP fail in Bengal even after gaining a short term high in the state? There can be more than one analysis of this. However, political experts attribute it to the populace and the political economy in the state.

In a state like West Bengal, that has over 30% Muslim population, Trinamool Congress always has an edge. The Muslims, this time, consolidated in favour of Mamata Banerjee as they saw her as their political shelter. The confused Muslim voters of CPM and Congress, who voted against Trinamool Congress in 2019, have come out solidly in support of Mamata Banerjee.

Bengals political economy across its rural belt significantly influences the electoral outcomes, often obscuring issues like alleged corruption, administrative and political malpractices, and sexual assault allegations. Several factors contribute to this dynamic.

In a state that is almost devoid of new job opportunities and where people migrate from, over-dependence of government doles has a huge bearing on the election results, said Prof Samir Das, senior political analyst who teaches political science in Calcutta University.

Mamata Banerjees government runs over a dozen cash schemes in the state, including around 10 women-centric cash schemes like Lakshmi Bhandar, Kanyashree and Rupashree. Under all these schemes, women get financial assistance from the government.

Senior political analyst Biswanath Chakraborti said Mamata Banerjee continues to maintain an iron grip over women voters through the monthly financial assistance scheme  Lakshmir Bhandar. The scheme was announced and implemented before the states assembly election in 2021.

The monthly assistance scheme for women provides direct cash transfers to women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme was introduced with a direct cash transfer of Rs 500 in 2021. The amount was doubled to Rs 1,000 before Lok Sabha elections. In a state like Bengal that sees the men from rural areas migrating to other states in search of work, a monthly assistance scheme to women voters has a massive political implication, they added.
As counting progresses for Lok Sabha election results 2024, the BJP appears to be suffering surprising reverses in some Hindi heartland states, most crucially in Uttar Pradesh, which has been key to its electoral dominance nationally since 2014.

In the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, which sends 80 MPs to the 543-member Lok Sabha, the BJP is locked in a neck-and-neck fight with Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party, which is part of the opposition INDIA bloc.

At 3pm, the Samajwadi Party was leading in 37 seats, the BJP on 32, the Congress on seven, and the RLD on two. The SP and Congress are partners in the INDIA bloc, while the BJP and Jayant Chaudhrys RLD struck an alliance before the polls.

Akhilesh Yadavs solo campaigns and joint rallies with Rahul Gandhi seem to have done the trick, while the BJPs Ram Mandir pitch following the inauguration of the temple in Ayodhya doesnt seem to have worked on an electoral level.

The picture is in stark contrast to the Lok Sabha election results in 2014 and 2019 that played the most decisive role in bringing Narendra Modi to the Centre.

2019 and 2014 GENERAL ELECTIONS

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had won 62 of the 80 seats in the state, while the BSP stood second at 10 seats. The Samajwadi Party managed a single-digit tally of five seats, while the Congress stood at a dismal one seat. Back then, the SP had allied with Mayawatis BSP.

The BJP ceded some ground in the 2019 general election, when the opposition parties scraped their combined tally to 16. Even with the conventional anti-incumbency apprehensions at work, the saffron party had laid its claim on the state winning 62 seats, bolstered further by two more won by its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal).

In 2019, the maximum seats  23  for the BJP came from the states western part, where the SP-BSP alliance could manage to win only four seats each.

The BSP won Saharanpur, Bijnor, Amroha and Nagina (SC seat) in the western UP, while the Samajwadi Party emerged victorious in Sambhal, Moradabad, Mainpuri (first held by Mulayam Singh Yadav then by Dimple Yadav in a bypoll) and Rampur that year.

The central region of the state has prominent parliamentary constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli  both long considered bastions of the Congress.

In 2019, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi retained her Rae Bareli seat, while her son Rahul Gandhi lost the long held Amethi constituency to Union minister Smriti Irani.

The Bundelkhand region was swept in 2019 by the BJP, which won all four Lok Sabha seats of Jhansi, Banda, Hamirpur, and Jalaun-SC.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, then-allies Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP) and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) achieved success in the Muslim-dominated region of western Uttar Pradesh. However, the political equations have completely changed this time.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP and allies won 73 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

2024 STORY SO FAR

The Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in 2019 had offered some resistance to the BJP on a handful of seats in the western and eastern parts of UP, but failed to make a big impact.

With BSP supremo Mayawati deciding to duke it out alone this time, it was up to the SP and Congress to stop the marauding juggernaut of the NDA, which had RLD on its side this time, as well as a number of caste-based regional parties in the Poorvanchal region.

In 2024, the BJP, besides its existing allies Apna Dal (Sonelal) and NISHAD Party, fought the polls along with new partners of the NDA  Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Om Prakash Rajbhar-led Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party.

It appears that the election marked a return to regular politics, where voters were more concerned about bread and butter issues, especially in the Hindi heartland states where the opposition INDIA alliance managed to rally supporters around the issues of unemployment and price rise.

On its own, the Bharatiya Janata Party appeared to be falling below the majority mark with leads in 236 seats despite significant gains in Odisha, Telangana and Kerala, giving some solace to the party after the unexpected losses in the Hindi belt.

Its rival INDIA bloc, forged together by their common dislike for the BJP and its ideology, was leading in about 230 seats. In the last elections, the BJP had 303 seats on its own, while NDA had over 350.

The Congress party was leading in 99 seats as against 52 it had won in 2019. However, the bigger surprise was the performance of its ally Samajwadi Party, which was leading in 34 seats in Uttar Pradesh. In the last elections it had won only five seats.

The alliance of SP and Congress turned the tables on the BJP in its strongest bastion by ensuring a consolidation of anti-BJP votes, limiting the party to leads in only 35 seats as against 62 it had won last time. Together, the SP-Congress alliance was ahead in 42 seats.

Rahul Gandhi was leading from Rae Bareli with 1.24 lakh votes, while Union minister Smriti Irani of the BJP was trailing in Amethi by about 32,000 votes.

Modi was leading by over 60,000 votes in Varanasi. SP leader Akhilesh Yadav was leading by 52,000 votes in Kannauj.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars JD(U) on Monday said it will stay with the National Democratic Alliance, with the ruling bloc leading in a majority of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state. According to trends available by the Election Commission around noon, the JD(U) is leading on more seats than its alliance partner BJP.

We continue with our previous stand. Under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, JD(U) once again expresses its support in NDA We are with the NDA, we will continue to be with the NDA, JD(U) spokesperson KC Tyagi told News18.

JD(U) minister Zama Khan said Nitish Kumars decision will be supreme as he has always thought for the people of Bihar. Whatever our leader decides we follow and respect his move. Let the results come out. Nitish Kumar has always thought for the people of Bihar and his decision will be supreme.

We are firmly with the NDA. We will form the government at the Centre, said another JD(U) minister Madan Sahani.

The Mahagathbandhan led by Tejashwi Yadavs RJD, which is part of the opposition INDIA bloc, showed it is leading on only 10 seats in the state while the NDA parties are leading in 30. Despite Nitish Kumar switching alliances twice in the last five years, exit polls had shown that the NDA may sweep Bihar winning more than 30 out of a total 40 seats. In 2019, too, the NDA swept the state with 39 seats.

Nitish returned to the NDA fold barely five months ago even though he was instrumental, along with other opposition leaders like TMC boss Mamata Banerjee, in stitching up the INDIA bloc.

As of now, trends show that the JD(U) is ahead of rivals in 14 out of 16 seats it contested. The BJP, which contested 17 seats, is leading in 11 while junior ally Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is ahead in all the five in its kitty, including Hajipur, where its president Chirag Paswan established a lead of about 24,000 votes.

RJD Expresses Hope that Nitish, Naidu May Dump NDA

The RJD also expressed a hope that Nitish and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu, who made a strong comeback in Andhra Pradesh, may dump the NDA as both the leaders shared a dislike for vendetta politics.

The Tejashwi Yadav-led party, which seems to have failed to capture Bihars imagination, also recalled Nitishs forecast that those who came to power will be ousted in 2024, and the efforts he made in laying the foundation of the INDIA bloc.

We have been, formerly, in alliance with both Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu. We know they share a dislike for vendetta politics which the BJP stands for. Narendra Modi seems to be on his way out. We are hopeful that the two leaders will play a crucial role in the change of guard at the Centre, RJD spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha said.

Asked if leaders of his party, including national president Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi, were in touch with Nitish, he cryptically replied those who need to contact him are talking to him. Our leader Tejashwi Yadav has been saying for some time that Nitish Kumar will take a big decision around June 4.

I am making no appeal to Nitish Kumar or Chandrababu Naidu. I am only expressing my hope, given the understanding I have of their temperament, he added.

In Bihar, the INDIA bloc is leading in only 10 out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats but Jha was confident that the numbers will look up for the coalition in the state, even as he complained about the tardy pace of counting.
Setting up her own election war room, her campaign management skills as well as smartly marketing the Mamata Banerjee governments schemes for women helped TMC candidate Mahua Moitra win the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha constituency in West Bengal by more than 57,000 votes.

With Moitra fielded again by the TMC, the Krishnanagar seat became a high-octane contest when the BJP decided to field Rajmatha Amrita Roy against the former MP.

Thank you Krishnanagar, thank you @mamataofficial thank you INDIA pic.twitter.com/PIUUulcRq2 Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) June 4, 2024

Moitra is known for her impassioned speeches and vocal opposition to the Narendra Modi government. A fiery orator, Moitra rose to national prominence during her time in Parliament for her compelling criticism of the BJP-led NDA government, but her removal from the Lok Sabha due to allegations in the cash-for-query scandal embroiled her in a controversy.

To consolidate the high percentage of Hindu votes in the constituency, BJP fielded Amrita Roy, the Rajmata of the Krishnanagar royal family, whose candidacy injected a tinge of royalty into the electoral fray.

Roy, married to the family of Maharaja Krishnachandra Roy, is revered as the Rani Maa or Queen Mother by the constituency, carrying a legacy rich in tradition and aristocracy, despite the familys historical associations with the British in the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

While Mamata Banerjee campaigned for Moitra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned for Amrita Roy.

Moitra, who was MLA of Karimpur assembly constituency since 2016 and former TMC district president, had won the seat in 2019 by a margin of 63,218 and almost 45% vote share. Out of the seven assembly seats under this Lok Sabha constituency, BJP did well in Krishnanagar South, Krishnanagar North and Tehatta, but Moitra won thanks to four other Assembly segments  Palashipara, Nakashipara, Kaligunj and Chapra.

During the campaign this time, Moitra worked with her team on the ground and her war room kept in contact with each booth. Her campaign focussed on the state governments Lakshmir Bhandar scheme and she started her campaign by asking voters whether they received the Lakshmir Bhandar assistance.

Interestingly, most voters in the constituency were unaware that Moitra had been expelled from Parliament so the controversy against her did not yield the results the BJP expected. Those who knew of the allegations against her claimed she was a victim of vendetta politics.

While Moitra consolidated the minority votes, BJPs Amrita Roy, a political novice, failed to reach out to the people.
BJP candidate Lallu Singh lost Faizabad Lok Sabha seat which includes Ayodhya where a grand Ram Temple was opened for the public earlier this year.

Singh, a three-time MP from Faizabad, was facing SP candidate Awadesh Prasad.

The INDIA bloc made the big gains in Uttar Pradesh where the BJP won over 60 seats in 2019 Lok Sabha election. The opposition alliance is leading on 39 seats but the BJP maintained lead over 40 seats in Uttar Pradesh. Results of some seats have been declared so far including Varanasi where Prime Minister Narendra Modi won.

Rahul Gandhi won Raebareli while Smriti Irani lost Amethi seat to Congress candidate Kishori Lal.

During campaigning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Barabanki and Hamirpur on May 17 had claimed that the Congress and the Samajwadi Party would run a bulldozer over the Ram temple if elected to power, and asked them to take lessons from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on where bulldozers should be used instead.

On January 22, an idol of the new Ram Lalla was consecrated at the Ayodhya temple, in a landmark event led by the prime minister who also gave a clarion call to go beyond the grand mandirs construction to build the foundation of a strong, capable and divine India of the next 1,000 years.
Jailed Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh won from Punjabs Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday against Congress Kulbir Singh Zira by over 1.5 lakh votes, as per the Election Commission. Singh fought as an Independent candidate.

Singh is Waris Punjab De chief and is currently lodged in Dibrugarh jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA). Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa who is the elder son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister Indira Gandhis assassin is leading in Faridkot.

In April 2023, there was a massive manhunt launched for Amritpal Singh that led to the arrest of 300 youngsters, many of whom had interacted with him and committed no crimes.

Experts say resurgence of Amritpal Singh and Sarabjeet Khalsa should be viewed as development issue rather than a separatist problem.

Amritpal Singh had gained attention for his anti-drug campaign and demand for a separate state.

He has drawn inspiration from extremist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale who was killed in Operation Bluestar in 1984. The jailed leaders supporters said the wounds of 1984 are yet to be healed.

Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, who has unsuccessfully run for elections thrice, garnered voter sympathy by highlighting his lost youth due to his fathers execution for assassinating Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

About Khadoor Sahib Constituency

A major concern in the seat is the narcotic menace that has destroyed the youth and families, and has led to poor literacy and high rate of unemployment.

In 2022, Punjab registered 12,442 cases under the NDPS Act, according to the National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB).

In the 2019 Lok Sabha general elections, Jasbir Singh Gill (Dimpa) of Congress won in this seat defeating Bibi Jagir Kaur of SAD by a margin of 1,40,573 votes, which was 13.44% of the total votes cast for the seat. Congress had a vote share of 43.86% in 2019 in this seat.

The 13 constituencies in Punjab went to polls in single phase on June 1. The state recorded around 62% turnout out of over 2.14 crore eligible electors sealing the fate of 328 candidates, including 26 women, in fray amid reports of electronic voting machines (EVMs) malfunctioning and minor clashes at a few places in sweltering heat.

The exit poll for Punjab had predicted AAP will get 3-6 seats, SAD will get 1-4 seats, BJP will get 0-2 seats and Congress will get 0-3 seats.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha Election, the Congress won 8 of the 13 seats, with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and BJP winning two seats each and Aam Aadmi Party one seat.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha Election, SAD and BJP won four seats each and Congress bagged three seats and AAP two.
Karnataka Election Results 2024 LIVE: The counting of votes for Lok Sabha elections 2024 has begun. All eyes are on Karnataka Lok Sabha results, with exit polls having predicted a majority for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). According to the News18 Mega Exit Poll, the BJP is predicted to win 23-26 Lok Sabha seats of the total 28 in Karnataka while the INDIA bloc, which comprises the ruling Congress in the state, could win 3-7 seats. The NDA is expected to grab a massive 60 per cent vote share, according to the survey.

The two major contesting alliances in Karnataka were the NDA and the INDIA bloc. While the majority of the candidates from the NDA are from the BJP  25, the Janata Dal (Secular) party [JD(S)] had 3 candidates. Meanwhile, all 28 candidates representing the INDIA bloc are from the Indian National Congress (INC). Stay with News18 for LIVE updates on Karnataka election results.
The RSS-BJP outreach in Kerala paid off as the saffron brigade opened its account in Lok Sabha elections in Kerala for the first time on Tuesday. Suresh Gopi, a prominent actor-turned-politician, secured a significant victory in the Thrissur constituency in coastal Kerala.

This is significant achievement as it marks the BJPs inaugural entry into Keralas parliamentary representation. The party increased it vote share by around 3%, from around 15% in 2019 to around 17% vote share in 2024 elections.

Gopis victory in Thrissur was achieved with a substantial margin of 74,686 votes over his closest rival from the Communist Party of India (CPI), advocate VS Sunil Kumar.

But in big upset for the party, Union minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar was defeated by Congresss Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram by around 16,000 votes.

Over the past two years, the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP have been intensifying their outreach efforts among the Christian communities in Kerala, aiming to expand influence and strengthen their organizational base in the state.

Starting from Sneha Yatra (door-to-door campaign) deep inside the non-Hindu belts of Kerala, holding repeated meetings with some specific sections of Christian communities, specifically with the Syro-Malabar communities, to PM Narendra Modis strong thrust over Kerala yielded results for the party.

The outreach programmes involved several strategies, including house visits, engaging with opinion makers, and organising large-scale community programs.

In December, PM Modi hosted Christian community leaders and members at his official residence, which was one-of-a-kind gesture.

The Christian community exercise took prominent shape when PM Modi attended an event and met a delegation of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and another delegation of eight bishops in Kerala in April last year.

Christian key to Kerala

Thrissur, where BJPs Suresh Gopi won, has sizeable Christian voters. The constituency has around 58% of Hindu vote share, while the Christian vote share is around 24%. Muslim vote share in the seat is around 17%.

The state has been witnessing a significant transformation not only in its electoral politics but also in its societal issues. Among the state-specific results in recent elections, Kerala stands out as a story of shifting dynamics.

This is one of the few states where the BJP has experienced a substantial rise. From a modest vote share of around 10% in the 2014 general elections, the party increased its share to approximately 15% in 2019. This steady growth underscores the BJPs expanding influence in the state, which has traditionally been dominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF).

RSS-BJPs Sneha Yatra, a door-to-door campaign in non-Hindu areas of Kerala, has played a crucial role in the BJPs growing influence in the state. The programme was meant to build a socio-cultural bond with the community that constitutes 17% of Keralas population, said a senior BJP leader. It has significantly contributed to the rise in vote share, he added.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah won the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat by over two lakh votes.

Shah was facing Congress rival Sonal Patel in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat. Counting was underway for 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state since 8 am.

In the 2019 election, Shah won the seat by a huge margin of more than 5.57 lakh votes.

The Union minister is seeking a second term from the seat, which has in the past been represented by BJP stalwart Lal Krishna Advani.

Former prime minister Ata Bihari Vajpayee also won the seat in 1996, though he preferred to retain the Lucknow seat (in Uttar Pradesh).

The BJP is ahead of 25 seats in Gujarat and had already won Surat seat unopposed. The party, which is in power in Gujarat for over two decades, won all 26 seats in 2014 and 2019.

The Lok Sabha trends comes as a shocker to the BJP which is yet to touch the majority figure but the NDA has crossed the half-way mark.

Out of the26 seats of Gujarat, Surat was won by the BJP uncontested. BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal won the seat unopposed after the nomination of Congress Nilesh Kumbhani was rejected over irregularities in the signature of proposers and other candidates withdrew before the polls.

Elections in Gujarat were held in a single phase on May 7.

(with PTI inputs)
Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Latest Updates On NDA & INDIA Alliance Meetings Explore our Live Coverage on Lok Sabha Election Results now available here.

Lok Sabha Election Results: Devendra Fadanvis Calls Meeting Of All Senior Leaders In Maharashtra Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadanvis on Tuesday called a meeting of all state senior leaders to review Lok Sabha results tomorrow.

TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu All Set To Come To Delhi Tomorrow TDP chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will come to Delhi tomorrow. He is likely to meet PM Modi on Wednesday afternoon.

Lok Sabha Election Results: BJP Meet At BJP HQ Following the announcement of the Lok Sabha election, the meeting at BJP Headquarters is underway. PM Modi, JP Nadda, Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh are present in the meeting.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Azad Samaj Party's Chandrasekhar Azad Wins Nagina Azad Samaj Partys Chandrasekhar Azad won the election from Uttar Pradeshs Nagina seat by a margin of 1,52,061 votes. Chandrashekhar is also the founder and chief of the Bhim Army.

Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE: 'INDIA Bloc Will Take Decision In Meeting Tomorrow,' Says Sachin Pilot Congress leader Sachin Pilot said,  The alliance has to make the political decisions. There will be an INDIA Alliance meeting tomorrow. The counting would also be complete by then and we will get the final numbers The public has given a clear message to the ruling party that the kind of governance they were giving is unacceptable

'Victory of Democracy': PM Modi Thanks Citizens For Reposing Faith In NDA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the NDAs win in Lok Sabha elections is a victory of democracy and highlighted that his government is committed to work for every section of the society. Addressing BJP workers at party headquarters in New Delhi, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Election Commission of India and security personnel for successful elections. He pointed out that it is for the first time that a government returned to power for the third time after 1962. READ MORE

Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE: 'Your Trust Gave Us Confidence,' Says PM Modi New reforms will be introduced on the third term. Your trust has increased our confidence. All opposition parties together were not able to win what BJP won alone, PM Modi said, adding, NDA government will work in full power to make India self-reliant.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: PM Modi Expresses Happiness Over NDA's Clean Sweep In MP, Himachal, Delhi & Uttarakhand Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday expressed happiness over NDA sweeping states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh. I want to ensure that the central government will do everything to fulfill peoples dreams, he said.

BJP Seat To Form Govt In Odisha, PM Modi Says 'BJP To Have Its CM For First Time' Hailing BJPs victory in Odisha Assembly polls, Prime Minister Modi said, We are forming the government in Odisha. This is for the first time that BJP will have its CM at the Maha Prabhu land.

'Greatful To Nation For Trusting NDA,' Says PM Modi As NDA Gets 3rd Term I want to thank every BJP and NDA workers. This is for the first time after 1962 that a government got a successive victory for 3rd time, PM Modi said.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Results LIVE: PM Modi Thanks EC For Conducting World's Largest Elections I am thankful to the Election Commission for conducting polls in a smooth manner across the country, said PM Modi during his address to BJP workers.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: PM Modi Thanks Citizens For NDA's Win, Says 'It's Victory Of Democracy' Addressing BJP workers at the party headquarters in the national capital, PM Modi said, For the third time NDA will be forming government. This is the victory of democracy. This is the victory of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas mantra.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: PM Modi Address BJP Workers

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Results LIVE: Ajay Mishra Teni Loses Lakhimpur Kheri Seat Union minister and BJP candidate Ajay Mishra Teni lost the Lakhimpur Kheri Lok Sabha seat to the Samajwadi Partys Utkarsh Verma by a margin of 34,329 votes, according to Election Commission figures.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Results LIVE: Annamalai Loses In Coimbatore In the Coimbatore constituency, BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai lost against DMKs Ganapathi Rajkumar.

Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE: Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary Likelt To Step Down As BJP UP President Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary will offer to step down as BJP UP President after BJPs poor performance in UP, sources informed.

Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE: Uddhav Thackeray Says INDIA Bloc Should Stake Claim To Form Govt Addressing media, Uddhav Thackeray said, Common man had shown his strength today. When the powerful become egoistic, people can bring them down. I will go to Delhi post afternoon tomorrow. Sanjay Raut will go for the meeting tomorrow. INDIA bloc should stake claim to form the government.

Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE: Rajnath Singh Hails Party Workers Efforts For NDA's Third Term Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to X and wrote, The success of BJP in the Lok Sabha elections for the third time in a row is the victory of the sweat and hard work of the party workers. All the workers have made their best and tireless efforts throughout the country under the guidance of BJP National President Shri JP Nadda ji. For this, I congratulate all the BJP workers and express my gratitude to them.                            @JPNadda                       Rajnath Singh (  ) (@rajnathsingh) June 4, 2024
The trends of the Lok Sabha election results show more than half the seats of Haryana have slipped out of the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) hands. The BJP had won all 10 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. But this time, the trends show the BJP is leading in five, while the INDIA bloc is leading in five in this Jat land.

Former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar from Karnal is among the few from the BJP who are leading. Meanwhile, Deepender Hooda, son of Congresss former CM Bhupinder Hooda, is ahead from Rohtak  a prestige battle for his family where he lost in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Congresss Raj Babbar is also ahead in Gurgaon, next to the national capital. In spite of his personal charisma and track record that people of Kurukshetra swear by, initial trends show he is trailing after he switched sides from the Congress and joined the BJP just ahead of the election.

So what makes Haryana overwhelmingly choose the Congress, if we go by the trends? It is a cocktail of anti-incumbency, hurt Jat sentiments and farmer disenchantment.

HURT JAT SENTIMENT

Jats form approximately 27% of the states population and have a strong presence in 40 of the 90 Assembly segments. But in 2014, the BJP brought an end to its dominance in state politics where the BJP ensured a non-Jat coalition consolidated against the Jats, with even a non-Jat Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar getting the top job. The Jats took it as an insult. Since the creation of Haryana, Jat CMs ruled the state for 33 years.

A sudden throw into political insignificance after determining which way Haryanas politics will flow has hurt this 27% population. Last time, they voted considering their religion. But it seems the Hoodas appeal to vote considering their caste has worked this time.

FARMER DISENCHANTMENT

The farmer disenchantment is palpable in many seats across Haryana, particularly close to the border of Punjab. In spite of the welfare measures by the Modi government and taking back the three contentious farm laws, the scars of a year-long fight over it have left a bad taste in the mouths of many farmers who were predominantly from Punjab and Haryana. Moreover, their demand for a law on Minimum Support Price (MSP), which the Centre is not ready to yield, makes the relation even bitter.

In fact, many BJP and JJP (a Jat party, which faces the farmers ire for joining hands with the BJP in 2019) leaders faced farmers protests during their campaign. What made it worse was the comments by Khattar when he said, Kuch log sarfire aese hote hain jo apni dabangai chalate hain (some people are crazy and want to express their authority)

Be it Rohtak BJP candidate Arvind Kumar Sharma or Sirsa candidate Ashok Tanwar  all have faced farmers protests this time.

ANTI-INCUMBENCY & JUGGLING ROLES

Probably what finally went against the BJP in Haryana was 10 years of anti-incumbency. Sensing that months before the Lok Sabha election, the BJP leadership changed the CM, bringing in Nayab Singh Saini. But that didnt seem to have worked.

What else would explain the BJP trailing from Gurgaon where neither Jat anger nor farmer disenchantment could have influenced? A fatigue with the Khattar government, replaced by a man who is a Khattar protege didnt seem to have undone it much.

What further complicated the matter was Saini, also state president of the BJP, was given additional duties and no one at the helm for the organization job. Saini himself has fought a by-poll after he was made a CM overnight, which left very little time to devote to the organisation. Additionally, he was changed to the post of BJP president pretty late in October 2023, leaving him very little time to focus on sangathan  a core factor in the BJPs electoral fights, before he was asked to take the top job.
The Indore Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh received more than 1.7 lakh votes in the None of the Above option, beating the previous record of Gopalganj in Bihar.

In 2019, the Gopalganj Lok Sabha seat in Bihar recorded the maximum NOTA votes at 51,660, about 5 per cent of the total votes polled in the constituency.

As per the latest data available on the Election Commission of India (ECI) website, Indore registered 1,72,798 votes in NOTA  the second highest after BJP candidate Shankar Lalwani who got 9,90,698 votes. All the 13 other candidates in Indore have so far received less votes than NOTA.

Counting of votes is currently underway for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Ahead of the 2024 general elections, Congress Indore candidate Akshay Kanti Bam withdrew his nomination on April 29, the last date of the withdrawal of nominations, and subsequently joined the BJP in April.

In response, the Congress then appealed to the people to press NOTA during polling in Indore on May 13 to teach the saffron party a lesson.

The Congress has been out of poll race in Indore for the first time in this Lok Sabha seats 72-year history. The voting in Indore took place on May 13, with 61.75 per cent of the 25.27 lakh electors exercising their franchise, as per the ECa data.

What is NOTA?

The None of the Above (NOTA) option is available on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for voters who do not wish to support any political candidate. This allows them to exercise their right not to vote without revealing their decision.

Choosing NOTA signifies that the voter has decided not to back any particular party or candidate. If NOTA receives the highest number of votes in a constituency, the candidate with the second-highest number of votes is declared the winner.

Before NOTA was included in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), voters who wished to reject all candidates had to fill out Form 49-O at a voting booth. However, this process compromised the secrecy of the voters choice.

In India, NOTA on EVM was introduced following a Supreme Court judgment on September 27, 2013. It aimed to discourage political parties from fielding tainted candidates.

The NOTA option was first used in the Assembly elections held in four states  Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh  and the Union Territory of Delhi in 2013. More than 15 lakh people exercised this option in the state polls, with 3.56 lakh in Chhattisgarh, 5.9 lakh in Madhya Pradesh, and 5.67 lakh in Rajasthan.

Catch live updates of the 2024 Lok Sabha election results here. Follow real-time updates from key states such as Maharashtra,Karnataka,Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and New Delhi. Catch the latest Lok Sabha and Assembly election news from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Former Maharashtra chief minister Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said that the INDIA bloc will take a collective decision as the alliance is close to the majority figure. He said he will reach Delhi on Wednesday for a meeting with alliance leaders.

The NDA is leading on more than 290 seats but the BJP is short of majority mark. However, the INDIA blocs tally is at 231 seats as the counting of votes is still underway.

There is change in Maharashtra. It will be our effort. In UP, result is different from the assessment. We will collectively decide our stand ahead. I have spoken with yechury and a few other leaders. A message will be sent out by today evening, Pawar said.

Nor have we discussed, neither have we thought that BJP alliance partners will leave NDA and will join us. I havent spoken with Nitish Kumar. No truth in reports that I have spoken with Chandrababu Naidu, he added.

Naidus TDP is leading on 22 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh while Nitish Kumars JDU is ahead on 14 seats in Bihar. Both are presently part of the NDA alliance and may emerge as the kingmakers if the BJP fails to get majority on its own. JD(U) leaders have said that it will stay with the National Democratic Alliance.

Chirag Paswan has also pledged his support to NDA and PM Modi.

Senior Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said that the INDIA bloc will try to form government at the Centre. No party is untouchable in politics. The post of PM will be decided by our leaders Rahul Gandhi and Kharge, he said.
From being called Paltu Kumar to a possible kingmaker: life is coming full circle for Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. The Janata Dal (United) appears to be on course to win about 15 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, at least three more than the Bharatiya Janata Party, which was being seen as the senior partner in the run-up to these polls. The JD(U) numbers are being viewed as even more creditable considering the party fought on 16 seats. The BJP fought on 17 seats while Chirag Paswans Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) got 6, and Jitan Ram Majhis Hindustani Awam Morcha got 1.

JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha called the results and trends a reaffirmation of Nitish Kumars leadership. It is a referendum on Mr Kumars work for developmentHe is Vikas Purush of the state and people have voted for him, Kushwaha said.

What worked for Nitish

It was speculated since Nitish Kumars return to the National Democratic Alliance fold that this election will be fought by the coalition in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and not the CM. The results, however, show that the Sushashan Babu image of Nitish lives on. The opposition tried to label him a turncoat but failed to make it a political issue. Even Tejashwi Yadav was careful in his choice of words about Nitish after the split.

The credit war for the 5 lakh jobs given by the erstwhile Nitish-Tejashwi government was a talking point in Bihar. While Rashtriya Janata Dal leaders like Misa Bharti claimed full credit for Tejashwi, the JD(U) was quick to point out that it was implemented by CM Nitish Kumar.

Nitish also assured the Muslims that their interests wouldnt suffer after his return to the NDA. Kahe ke liye aap BJP ke khiaf hain? Hum jo bhi kaam aapke liye kiye wo unke saath hi na kiye. Wo kabhi roke nahi (Why are you against BJP? Whatever work I did for you, I did in an alliance with them. They didnt stop me), Nitish said in Katihar, addressing the Muslim voters. He also reminded the community in his outreach exercises that no communal riots had happened in Bihar since he took power.

While the INDIA front hoped that its MY (Muslim-Yadav) combination and apprehensions about Nitish joining hands with the BJP would be enough, the results indicate otherwise.

Speculation about Nitishs next step

The 90% plus strike rate of the JD(U) and overall NDA numbers in the country could make Nitish and Andhra Pradeshs N Chandrababu Naidu crucial to the NDA getting a majority.

Nitish in an election rally in Aurangabad in March had told PM Modi that he would not desert him ever again. You had come earlier as well but I had vanished. But I am with you now. I assure you that I will not go here and there. I will stay with you only, Nitish had said. But on Tuesday as numbers between NDA and the INDIA front ran neck and neck, speculation was rife on whether opposition parties will reach out to Nitish yet again to try and stop the BJP from retaining power.

JD(U) spokesperson KC Tyagi told news agency ANI that the party is not contemplating any change at the moment. Nitish ji has met PM Modi and returned to Patna yesterday. We are sticking to our stance of not leaving NDA. We reiterate our faith in NDA, he said.

Sources told CNN-News18 that Sharad Pawar dialled Nitish Kumar even as results were trickling in. Soon after, deputy CM and Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary went to Nitishs residence to call on him.
Odisha Election Results 2024: BJP Scripts History, Ends Patnaik Reign, Set To Form Govt The BJD was dealt a heavy blow in Odisha as BJP created history by ending the reign of Naveen Patnaik. The chief minister lost from Kantabhanji seat but won from Hinjili seat. However, his party lost to the BJP as the national party won 78 seats. The BJD won 51 seats. The Congress won 13 seats while the CPI(M) won 1 seat. Independents bagged three seats.

Odisha Election Results 2024: Clean Sweep For BJP In Lok Sabha Seats BJP emerged winner in 20 Lok Sabha seats and Congress won 1 seat. The BJD, Odishas regional party, did not win any seats.

Odisha Assembly Election Results 2024: CM Naveen Patnaik Loses Kantabanji Seat This is the first time he has been defeated in the elections. He has lost to BJPs Laxman Bag.

Odisha Assembly Election Results 2024: BJP Wins 54 Seats BJP emerged winners in these constituencies  Bargarh, Attabira, Jashipur, Birmaharajpur, Jharigam, Khurda, Satyabadi, Khandapada, Sukinda, Ekamra Bhubaneswar, Chilika, Remuna, Cuttack Sadar, Koraput, Badasahi, Umerkote, Chhendipada, Titlagarh, Barachana, Boudh, Dharamgarh, Sambalpur, Ranpur, Jagatsinghpur, Kantamal, Angul, Kuchinda, Malkangiri, Raghunathpali, Jharsuguda, Brajarajnagar, Bhatli, Niali, Keonjhar, Jaleswar, Korei, Mahakalapada, Bijepur, Dhenkanal, KaranjiaRairangpur, Kamakhyanagar, Pipili, Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, Bramhagiri, Digapahandi, Paradeep, Nimapara, Polasara, Patna, Bhadrak, Dhamnagar, Telkoi, Kotpad, Bangriposi and Aska

Lok Sabha Election Results for Odisha 2024: BJP Wins 12 Seats BJP won Nabarangpur and Aska Lok Sabha constituencies with Balabhadra Majhi and Anita Subhadarshini scoring wins, respectively.

Lok Sabha Election Results for Odisha 2024: Bhartruhari Mahtab Wins From Cuttack BJPs Bhartruhari Mahtab earlier won from the same seat but fought on a BJD ticket in 2019.

Lok Sabha Election Results for Odisha 2024: BJP Wins Nine Seats BJP added Bhubaneswar and Berhampur as Aparajita Sarangi and Dr Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy won from these seats, respectively.

Lok Sabha Election Results for Odisha 2024: Koraput Goes To Congress, Mayurbhanj Goes To BJP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka of the Congress won Koraput, while BJPs Naba Charan Majhi won from Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha Constituency.

Odisha Election Results 2024: People Were Fed Up Of BJD Says BJP Odisha State Vice President Odisha BJP vice-president Golak Mohapatra said that people of Odisha were fed up with the current Biju Janata Dal (BJD). (The people of Odisha) have decided to move ahead with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as their leader, Mohapatra said.

Odisha Election Results 2024: BJP Thanks Odisha For Record-Breaking Performance BJP in a X post thanked the people of Odisha for choosing Asmita and Swaviman.                        pic.twitter.com/4UgAt1nLc7  BJP Odisha (@BJP4Odisha) June 4, 2024 Thanks to the people of Odisha for trusting the development trend of Bharatiya Janata Party and the Modi guarantee, the party said in a post.

Odisha Assembly Election Results 2024: Congress Wins Eight Seats Congress candidates have won these constituencies  Basudevpur, Rayagada, Barabati-Cuttack, Rajgangpur, Pottangi, Bhawanipatna, Lakshmipur and Chitrakonda

Odisha Assembly Election Results 2024: Independents Win 3 Seats Independents have won Baramba, Mahanga and Dharmasala.

Odisha Assembly Election Results 2024: BJD Wins 29 Seats BJD emerged winners in these constituencies  Sonepur, Biramitrapur, Rajanagar, Begunia, Deogarh, Basta, Kendrapara, Dabugam, Bhograi, Sundargarh, Khariar, Nayagarh, Rairakhol, Rourkela, Bhubaneswar (North), Puri, Binjharpur, Patkura, Ghasipura, Baliguda, Daspalla, Anandapur, Jayadev, Nuapada, Banki, Athamallik, Bhubaneswar Central (Madhya), Aul and Bari

Odisha Assembly Election Results 2024: BJP Wins 40 Seats BJP emerged winners in these constituencies  Bargarh, Attabira, Jashipur, Birmaharajpur, Jharigam, Khurda, Satyabadi, Khandapada, Sukinda, Ekamra Bhubaneswar, Chilika, Remuna, Cuttack Sadar, Koraput, Badasahi, Umerkote, Chhendipada, Titlagarh, Barachana, Boudh, Dharamgarh, Sambalpur, Ranpur, Jagatsinghpur, Kantamal, Angul, Kuchinda, Malkangiri, Raghunathpali, Jharsuguda, Brajarajnagar, Bhatli, Niali, Keonjhar, Jaleswar, Korei, Mahakalapada, Bijepur, Dhenkanal and Karanjia

Odisha Assembly Election Results 2024: Congress Emerges Victorious In Rayagada Congress Kadraka Appala Swamy won the Rayagada assembly constituency.

Lok Sabha Election Results for Odisha 2024: Ananta Nayak Wins ST Seat Of Keonjhar BJPs Ananta Nayak defeated BJDs Chandrani Murmu.

Lok Sabha Election Results for Odisha 2024: Sambit Patra Wins From Puri Sambit Patra of the Congress won from Puri. He was defeated by BJDs Pinaki Misra in 2019.

Odisha Election Results: BJP Party Workers Celebrate In State Party Headquarters BJP workers gather and celebrate at the party office in Odisha as the party leads in 19 out of 21 parliamentary states. #WATCH | Bhubaneswar, Odisha: BJP workers gather at the party office to celebrate their victory. BJP is leading at 19 out of 21 parliamentary seats in the state. pic.twitter.com/ppb82IA5vl  ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2024 The party has made big gains in the assembly elections as well.

Odisha Assembly Election Results 2024: Congress Sofia Firdous Wins In Barabati-Cuttack Sofia Firdous replaced Mohammed Moquim as Congress candidate and defeated BJDs Prakash Behera and BJPs Purnachandra Mohapatra to win Barabati-Cuttack seat.
Pawan Kalyan, Jana Sena founder and popular actor Pawan Kalyan, has scored his maiden election win, defeating YSRCPs Vanga Geetha Viswanatham from the Pithapuram Assembly seat in Andhra Pradesh.

A sizeable Kapu community, anti-incumbency coupled with his personal charisma are what seem to have worked for Pawan Kalyan. His opponent Vanga Geetha, largely depended on her track record.

Pawan Kalyan has this time aligned with the BJP and Chandrababu Naidus TDP for the Lok Sabha and Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections. As part of a seat-sharing deal among NDA partners, TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies while BJP contested six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. Under the deal, Jana Sena contested two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats.

The Pithapuram constituency had shot into limelight after the seat was allotted to Jana Sena as part of seat-sharing agreement of NDA, and Kalyan, who belongs to the dominant Kapu community of the region, announced his candidature from it. The move forced the ruling YSRCP to field its sitting Kakinada Lok Sabha MP Vanga Geetha, who also belongs to the same forward community, to take him on.

The segment has approximately 2.35 lakh voters, of which Kapu community electors stand at 82,000, BC-79,000, SC-43,000 and the rest, others.

Elections for the 175-member Assembly and the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh will be held simultaneously on May 13.

Follow the live updating tables on this page for the 2024 Pithapuram election result and real-time updates and status of candidates in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly election.

About

37. Pithapuram () is an Assembly (Sasana Sabha/Vidhan Sabha) constituency in Andhra Pradesh. This constituency is located in the southern region of India and in the Coastal Andhra region within Andhra Pradesh state. This seat includes the following districts of Andhra Pradesh: Kakinada. Pithapuram Assembly seat can be classified as Rural and the reservation status of this seat is General. Pithapuram voted on Monday, May 13, 2024, alongwith voting in Phase 4 of the 2024 Lok Sabha general election. Pithapuram

Number of Contestants

In the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, there were 13 candidates contesting from Pithapuram Assembly constituency. In 2019, the number of contestants for this seat was 10, while in 2014 there were 15 candidates, and the number was 14 in the 2009 polls.

Contesting Candidates 2024

1. Konidala Pawan Kalyan, Janasena Party (JSP); 2. Vanga Geetha Viswanatham, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP); 3. Gowri Mani Bolisetti, Independent (IND); 4. Bulli Raju Prattipati, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP); 5. Peddimsetti Venkateswara Rao, Telugu Janata Party (TJP); 6. Sai Surya Nikhil Vegisetti, Independent (IND); 7. Yedida Bhaskara Rao, Independent (IND); 8. Nagam Suribabu, Independent (IND); 9. Madepalli Satyananda Rao, Indian National Congress (INC); 10. Eeti Jagadeesh, Independent (IND); 11. Jaggarapu Mallikharjuna, Jaibhim Rao Bharat Party (JRBP); 12. Tamanna Simhadri, Bharatha Chaitanya Yuvajana Party (BCYP); 13. Madduri Veerababu, Pyramid Party of India (PPI).

Demographic Profile

There were a total of 2,30,188 registered voters on the electoral rolls for the 2024 Pitapuram, Puroohutika puram Assembly election, of which 1,15,361 were male, 1,14,823 female and 4 of the third gender. In the 2019 Assembly elections, there were a total of 2,29,729 registered voters, of which 1,15,361 were male, 1,13,872 female and 5 of the third gender. In 2014 elections, there were a total of 2,13,152 registered voters in this constituency, of which 1,08,151 were male, 1,04,997 female and 4 of the third gender. In the 2009 polls, the number of total electors was 1,90,919 which included 95,502 male, and 95,417 female.

The number of service voters in Pitapuram, Puroohutika puram Assembly constituency was 138 in 2019, 31 in 2014 and 30 in 2009.

The electorate gender ratio (number of female voters per 1000 male voters) in this constituency in 2024 was 995, in 2019 it was 983, 971 in 2014 and 999 in 2009.

Location

The geographic coordinates of Pithapuram Assembly constituency are: 170851.0N 821717.2E. Pithapuram shares its borders with five other Assembly constituencies. Other Andhra Pradesh Assembly constituencies adjacent to Pithapuram are: Tuni, Prathipadu, Jaggampeta, Kakinada Rural, Peddapuram. This constituency shares an inter-state border with: .

Poll Dates

Pithapuram Assembly constituency went to the polls in Phase 1 of the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections on Monday, May 13, 2024. The counting of votes is on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

In the 2019 state Assembly elections, this seat voted in Phase 1 on Thursday, April 11, 2019 and the results were declared on Thursday, May 23, 2019.

In the 2014 polls, this constituency voted in Phase 2 on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 and the results were declared on Friday, May 16, 2014.

In 2009, Pithapuram voted in Phase 2 on Thursday, April 23, 2009 and the results were declared on Thursday, May 16, 2009.

Voter Turnout

According to data released by the Election Commission of India, in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, the estimated voter turnout in this Andhra Pradesh constituency was 81.45%. In 2019, this seat registered a turnout of 81.71%, while it was 79.47% in 2014 and 78.34% in 2009. The estimated turnout in 2024 was -0.26% compared to the 2019 turnout.

Past Results

In the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, Dorababu Pendem of YSRCP won in this seat defeating Svsn Varma of TDP by a margin of 14992 votes which was 8.03% of the total votes cast for the seat. YSRCP had a vote share of 44.71% in 2019 in this seat.

In 2014, S V S N Varma of IND emerged victorious in this seat beating Dora Babu Pendem of YSRCP by a margin of 47080 votes which was 27.8% of the total votes polled in the constituency. IND secured a vote share of 57.59% in the seat.

In the 2009 state Assembly elections, Vanga Geetha Viswanadh of PRAP won this seat beating Varma S V S N of TDP by a margin of 1036 votes which was 0.69% of the total votes polled in the constituency. PRAP had a vote share of 31.19% in the seat.

Winner Margin

In the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, Dorababu Pendem of YSRCP won in this constituency beating Svsn Varma of TDP by a margin of 14,992 votes which was 8.03% of the total votes cast. In 2014, S V S N Varma of IND was the winner in this seat beating Dora Babu Pendem of YSRCP by a margin of 47,080 votes which was 27.8% of the total votes polled in the constituency. In the 2009 Assembly elections, Vanga Geetha Viswanadh of PRAP won this seat defeating Varma S V S N of TDP by a margin of 1,036 votes which was 0.69% of the total votes polled for the seat.

Winner Voteshare

In the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, Dorababu Pendem of YSRCP had a vote share of 44.71% in this seat. In 2014, S V S N Varma of IND secured a vote share of 57.59% in this constituency. In the 2009 Assembly elections, Vanga Geetha Viswanadh of PRAP got a vote share of 31.19% in Pithapuram.

Total Electorate

In the Pithapuram Assembly constituency, there were a total of 230188 registered voters on the electoral rolls for the 2024 Assembly election. In the 2019 Assembly elections, there were a total of 229729 registered voters. In 2014 elections, there were a total of 213152 registered voters in this constituency. In the 2009 polls, the number of total electors was 190919.

Consituency Extent

According the latest delimitation documents for 37. Pithapuram Assembly seat, the extent of this constituency covers the following areas of Andhra Pradesh: Gollaprolu, Pithapuram and Kothapalle Mandals.
Even before the counting began, the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) candidate from Gujarats Surat, Mukesh Dalal, became the first winner in the Lok Sabha elections on April 22 as the nomination papers of Congresss picks were rejected and other candidates withdrew from the race.

Following his unopposed win, Dalal said, I have been declared winner, so the first lotus has bloomed in Gujarat and in the country.

ALSO READ | Election Results LIVE Updates HERE

He had thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda, state CM Bhupendra Patel and state unit chief CR Paatil for the faith they showed in him. This is the first step towards the formation of a full majority government Mukesh Dalal added. Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel had said that this was the beginning of the BJPs historic victory in the nations general elections.

The nomination of the grand old partys candidate from Surat, Nilesh Kumbhani, was rejected after the district returning officer prima facie found discrepancies in the signature of the proposers. Then, the nomination form of Congresss substitute candidate, Suresh Padsala, was also declared invalid.

Of the 24 nominations filed, 12 including two Congresss candidates were rejected while 12 others withdrew.

The last time someone won uncontested in the general election was back in 1989, when Mohammad Shafi Bhat of the National Conference won unopposed from the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir.

#WATCH | Gujarat: Mukesh Dalal, BJP's candidate from the Surat Lok Sabha seat collects his winning certificate after he was elected unopposedThe Congress candidate's form was rejected by the Returning Officer, the other eight candidates for the seat withdrew their nominations. pic.twitter.com/Uzslcbj8aD  ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2024

THE CONTROVERSY

The development had triggered a controversy in the politically charged state, where all 26 Lok Sabha seats voted on May 7 in the third phase of the seven-phase general election.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had slammed the rejection of his partys candidate and said that the true face of the dictator is once again in front of the country! Taking away the right of the people to choose their leader is another step towards destroying the Constitution of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, he had added. In his X post, he reiterated that this election is one to save the nation, to protect the Constitution.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had taken a swipe at the rejection of his partys candidates and said that they were left without a candidate.

Responding to it, BJP leader Zubin Ashara had said, Those Urban naxals who are outraging over BJPs Surat Candidate Mukesh Dalal winning Loksabha elections unopposed, do they know that there were 10 unopposed winners in the first Lok Sabha in 1951 and 11 in the second Lok Sabha in 1957? When Pandit Nehru was the PM.

And it didnt stop there, many other leaders of INDI alliance have won unopposed after that time period as well, Ashara said in his post on X. Dimple Yadav of SP 2012, Dil Kumari of Sikkim Sangram Parishad 1985, Farooq Abdullah of NC 1980, Premalabai of Congress in 1973, P M Sayeed of Congress in 1971, Yashwantrao Chavan of Congress in 1963, Ashara listed the previous unopposed wins from other parties.

He noted that Mukesh Dalal ji is the first BJP member to win unopposed.

WHO IS MUKESH DALAL?

Born in 1961, Dalal is an old-time party workers of the BJP. He has held several posts of responsibilties for the party in Surat.

With an LLB and MBA, Dalal has a wide range of exposure in the textile industry. Apart from being the former chairman of the Surat Peoples Bank, he has also been elected to the corporation thrice.

This is Dalals 43rd year of active politics with the saffron camp.

(With PTI inputs)
Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi was already sharing and handing out sweets with his family as he established a comfortable lead over his CPI opponent in Keralas Thrissur constituency. On Tuesday, as Lok Sabha election results were declared, he became the man who put an end to the BJPs political drought in one of the southernmost states of India. In fact, such was his win that it relegated Congress candidate and seasoned politician K Muraleedharan to the third place.

The actor-turned politician cemented his historic victory with a massive lead of over 74,686 votes by defeating CPI leader VS Sunilkumar in an exciting fight. He garnered a total of 4,12,338 votes, while Sunilkumar had to make do with 3,37,652 votes, as per EC figures. Muraleedharan settled in the third position with 3,28,124 votes.

Thrissur, pitched as the biggest triangular contest in Kerala, welcomed the former superstar with open arms, rejecting the son of a former chief minister and a highly respected former minister with grassroots connections. The constituency went to the polls in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 26.

The actor brought his own brand of theatrics and celebrity factor to the campaign trail in Thrissur. Nominated as the Rajya Sabha MP in 2016, he joined the BJP later and was also the candidate in Thrissur for the 2019 Lok Sabha as well as the 2021 assembly elections, but came in third both times. He, however, launched an all-out effort this time to better his 2019 tally and bridge that gap of around 1.2 lakh votes.

Although not a native of Thrissur, Gopi has spent years trying to cultivate the electorate. After his loss in 2019, he had announced he will not contest again. But, he is said to have changed his mind after some convincing by the party leadership.

He was by no means a low-key candidate and does not come across as humble. His mastery of both Malayalam and English most likely gave him a distinct edge over his opponents. On screen, he became famous playing hard-talking cops, and that persona has stuck with him.

But, the National award-winning actor is not a traditional Kerala politician. Some of those close to him have even said he does not have the shrewdness required for politics. But, after his big win, it looks like his earnestness earned him brownie points than the political adeptness of his opponents.

The actor is known for his association with charitable activities and, decades ago, he was the face of Jana Seva Shishu Bhavan in Aluva, which helped abandoned children. His influence as a philanthropist and actor may have helped the BJP win Thrissur, which has a considerable number of Hindu voters.

He does not enjoy that great a rapport with the state BJP unit, but is perceived to be close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended the wedding of the actors daughter at Guruvayur.

His mass dialogue Thrissur njaningedukkuva (I am taking Thrissur), made during the time of the previous election, was widely discussed in political circles of the state but was largely used by opponents to mock him after the drubbing he received in 2021.

A recent harassment case filed by a woman journalist was also a challenge in his political career. The actor and his familys offering of a golden crown to a cathedral in the constituency also triggered a row. But, the BJP national leadership, especially PM Modi, backed Gopi to the hilt and gave him a party ticket to contest from Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, yet again.
Telangana Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Telangana witnessed a neck-and-neck battle between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as counting of votes is underway for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Congress and BJP have won the majority seats  eight each. However, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has retained the Hyderabad seat by defeating BJPs Madhavi Latha. Stay with us for LIVE updates on Telangana Lok Sabha Election results 2024.

The exit polls had predicted that the BJP might come out on top in Telangana Lok Sabha polls, with the News18 Mega Exit Poll predicting 7-10 seats out of the 17 in the southern state. The states ruling Congress was predicted to get 5-8 seats. Others, including the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), could bag 3-5 seats, said the survey.

In the 2019 General Elections, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (now BRS) came out on top with nine of the 17 seats and a vote share of 41.71 per cent. The BJP bagged four seats with a vote share of 19.65%. The Congress got 29.79 per cent of the votes, it netted only three seats. The remaining seat went to the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) with a vote share of 2.80 per cent.

The Telangana Lok Sabha election took place on May 13, with voters turning out in significant numbers across the state. The state registered an overall voter turnout of around 53 per cent, with many areas crossing the 50 per cent threshold.
West Bengal Election Results 2024 LIVE: Abhishek Banerjee Wins From Diamond Harbour TMCs Abhishek Banerjee has won from Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency.

West Bengal, Kolkata Election Results 2024 LIVE: TMC Candidate Asit Mal Leads From Bolpur Constituency TMC Candidate from Bolpur, Asit Mal is currently leading from Bolpur Lok Sabha seat.

West Bengal Results: BJP's Raju Bista Leading From Darjeeling Lok Sabha Constituency BJPs Raju Bista is currently leading from Darjeeling Lok Sabha Constituency, while TMCs Gopal Lama is trailing.

West Bengal Lok Sabha Election Results: TMC Leading in 32 Seats, Mahua Moitra's Magic Working The latest trends for West Bengal, one of the most coveted states for the BJP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the 2024 Lok Sabha Election, show the ruling TMC leading in 32 of the total 42 seats while the BJP leading in only 9, and Congress and CPI(M) gaining 1 each.

West Bengal Results: Meeting Underway At CM Banerjee's Residence An important meeting is currently underway at CM Mamata Banerjees residence in Kalighat. Abhishek Banerjee and Mamata Banerjee are now holding talks on the path ahead.

West Bengal Election 2024: As TMC's Shatrughan Sinha Leads, Party Workers Starts Celebrations TMC workers in West Bengals Asansol start celebrations as trends show party candidate Shatrughan Sinha leading in the constituency.

West Bengal Results: TMC Will Be Reaching Out To INDIA Alliance Partners, Say Sources As per sources, the Trinamool Congress is likely to reach out to INDIA alliance partners.

West Bengal, Kolkata Election Results 2024 LIVE: Abhishek Banerjee Goes To Visit Mamata TMC candidate from Diamond Harbour has gone to visit Mamata Banerjee at her residence.

West Bengal Election LIVE: Results in Bengal on Expected Lines, People Have Voted Against Anti-people BJP, Says TMC The TMC on Tuesday hailed the trends that reflected that the party was racing ahead of its rivals in 30 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats. The TMC said the results are a reflection of peoples faith in the pro-people policies of the Mamata Banerjee government and a decisive mandate against the BJP in the state. The TMC was leading in 31 seats after several rounds of counting, while the BJP was ahead in 10, and Congress in one, according to the Election Commission website at 12:30 PM.

West Bengal, Kolkata Election Results 2024 LIVE: TMC'S June Malia Takes Over As Lead In Mednipur TMCs Mednipur candidate June Malia leads over BJPs Agnimitra Paul.

West Bengal Election Results LIVE: TMC Workers Celebrate Outside CM's House After Initial Trends TMC workers celebrate outside Kalighat CM House, after initial trends show massive victory for the party candidates. #WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: TMC workers celebrate outsideKalighat CM House, as initial trends show massive victory for the party candidates. pic.twitter.com/X3t6BnJHok  ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2024

West Bengal Results: TMC's Rachna Banerjee Leads From Hooghly As BJP's Locket Chatterjee Trails TMC candidate from Hooghly, Rachna Banerjee is currently leading from her constituency.

West Bengal, Kolkata Election Results 2024 LIVE: TMCs Yusuf Pathan Surges Ahead of Congresss Adhir Chowdhury in Baharampur In a seesaw battle for poll supremacy, TMCs star candidate and former India cricketer Yusuf Pathan was leading by a slender margin of 351 votes over his nearest rival, Congresss Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, in the Baharampur Lok Sabha constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, according to the latest figures from the Election Commission of India.

West Bengal Election LIVE: Ex-judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, BJP Candidate in Tamluk, Takes Over As Lead BJP candidate Abhijit Gangopadhyay, a former Calcutta High Court judge, was leading in the Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday, according to the Election Commission. He was ahead of Trinamool Congress candidate Debangshu Bhattacharya by 3,649 votes. The Nandigram assembly segment, from where Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari won the 2021 elections against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is a part of the Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency.

West Bengal, Kolkata Election Results 2024 LIVE: TMC's Abhishek Banerjee Leads in Diamond Harbour by 1.15 Lakh Votes TMC candidate Abhishek Banerjee was leading over his nearest rival Abhijit Das of the BJP by 1,15,933 votes in Diamond Harbour constituency, as per latest trends available. Abhishek Banerjee, the TMC national general secretary and nephew of party supremo Mamata Banerjee, is a two-time MP from the seat.

West Bengal, Kolkata Election Results 2024 LIVE: TMC's Saugata Roy Leads In Dum Dum Heavyweight TMC candidate Saugata Roy was leading in the Dum Dum parliamentary seat on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, over his nearest rival, BJPs Shilbhadra Dutta, by 2,176 votes, according to initial trends available on the Election Commissions website. Roy, who was initially trailing as per TV reports during the postal ballot counting, surged ahead of his nearest rival after the counting of EVM votes began. Roy, a three-time MP from the seat, is seeking re-election for the fourth time.

West Bengal Election Results 2024 LIVE: TMC's Shatrugan Sinha Takes Over As Leading Candidate In Asansol BJPs Shatrugan Sinha has taken over as the leading candidate from Asansol again.

West Bengal Election Results 2024 LIVE: BJP's Dilip Ghosh Trailiing From Bardhaman-Durgapur Constituency BJPs Dilip Ghosh is currently trailing from Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha constituency. The seat is being led by TMCs Azad kirti Jha.

West Bengal Election Results 2024 LIVE: BJP's Abhijit Ganguly Trails By Nearly 1700 Votes BJPs Abhijt Ganguly is trailing by near about 1700 vote in Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency.
As many as 402 well trained Agniveer recruits were inducted into the Ladakh Scouts regiment of the Army at a passing out parade here on Tuesday, a defence spokesperson said.

The ceremony conducted in consonance with the highest traditions of the Army was reviewed by Chief of Staff, headquarters 14 Corps, Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh and was attended by a spectrum of distinguished military officers, civil dignitaries and parents of Agniveers, the spokesperson said.

He said six young Agniveers were awarded medals during the parade for their outstanding achievements in training.

Gaurav Padak was presented to the proud parents whose wards have joined the regiment as Agniveers, the spokesperson said, adding that it was indeed a proud moment for the kin of the recruits, who had arrived from far flung areas to witness the grand ceremony.

In his address to the young recruits, Maj Gen Singh congratulated them for the impressive parade and urged them to devote their life in service to the nation, as proud soldiers of the Army. He also complimented the parents for motivating their wards to join the Army and instilling a sense of pride in them for the nation.

The reviewing officer also complimented the Ladakh Scouts personnel for their outstanding performance in all spheres and praised their exceptional valour and sacrifice while upholding sovereignty of the Nation.

He exhorted the young soldiers to continue to strive hard in pursuit of excellence in all spheres and take a solemn vow to defend the sovereignty of the nation against all odds in the true spirit exemplified by the ethos of the Army.

Catch live updates of the 2024 Lok Sabha election results here. Follow real-time updates from key states such as Maharashtra,Karnataka,Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and New Delhi. Catch the latest Lok Sabha and Assembly election news from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
KERALA LOTTERY RESULTS FOR JUNE 5 AND JUNE 4, 2024: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Fifty Fifty-FF-97 lucky draw for Wednesday, June 5, and Sthree Sakthi SS-418 lucky draw for Tuesday, June 4.

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Result Today LIVE: Sthree Sakthi SS-419 WINNERS for June 11, 2024 (SOON); First Prize Rs 75 Lakh!

Kerala Lottery Results: Fifty Fifty-FF-97 WINNERS for June 5, 2024

The winning numbers for Fifty Fifty-FF-97 lucky draw for June 5 have been announced. The first prize winner gets Rs 1 crore. Follow the Live Update in real-time, along with the complete list of lucky numbers, by clicking on the link below.

Click here to check the Full List of Winning Numbers for June 5.

Sthree Sakthi SS-418 WINNERS for June 4, 2024

The winning numbers for Sthree Sakthi SS-418 draw for June 4 have been announced. The person with ticket number SX 519665 won the first prize worth Rs 75 lakh. The ticket was sold at an authorised outlet at Pattambi. Check the full list of winning numbers below.

FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR STHREE SAKTHI SS-418 LOTTERY

WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE WORTH RS 75 LAKH IS SX 519665 (PATTAMBI)

Agent Name: RAZAK

Agency No: P 2658

WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE WORTH RS 10 LAKH IS SO 814130 (KOTTAYAM)

Agent Name: P V SATHEESHAN

Agency No: K 4276

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE WORTH RS 5,000 ARE

3228 3497 7992 0735 4752 6385 9647 3548 8826 6661 7981 5382 2937 3062 6061 2729 4771 9923

WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE WORTH RS 8,000 ARE

SN 519665

SO 519665

SP 519665

SR 519665

SS 519665

ST 519665

SU 519665

SV 519665

SW 519665

SY 519665

SZ 519665

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE WORTH RS 2,000 ARE

0081 0893 1190 1725 3177 3731 5812 6399 9335 9615

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE WORTH RS 1,000 ARE

0079 0224 0988 1540 2089 2165 2609 2840 3889 4754 5507 6174 6937 7584 7994 8447 8722 9022 9665 9825

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE WORTH RS 500 ARE

0094 0233 0354 0525 0683 0774 1423 1605 1993 2158 2686 2711 2795 3151 3438 3448 3552 3888 4045 4428 4509 4916 5277 5290 5301 5399 5491 5594 5680 5824 6382 6384 6669 6713 6804 7022 7450 7534 7720 7987 8530 8745 8812 8831 9152 9220 9226 9407 9426 9558 9695 9943

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE WORTH RS 200 ARE

0117 0121 0153 0838 1006 1467 1477 1786 1787 2123 2559 2582 3033 3179 3205 3240 3290 3420 3547 3754 4433 4500 4514 4718 4963 5153 5321 5744 5774 6332 6667 6922 7023 7147 7300 7331 7471 7736 8024 8229 8490 9045 9405 9418 9931

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE WORTH RS 100 ARE

0197 0282 0378 0422 0507 0509 0543 0827 0897 1016 1059 1084 1096 1184 1329 1331 1345 1389 1443 1494 1618 1650 1734 2052 2282 2372 2584 2706 2818 2822 2854 2857 2861 2864 2911 2950 2970 3035 3041 3235 3414 3517 3531 3714 3764 3770 3814 3831 3839 3941 3969 4012 4075 4078 4203 4204 4242 4300 4399 4502 4738 4987 4994 5110 5176 5390 5449 5544 5590 5644 5815 5913 6055 6095 6149 6165 6171 6231 6277 6281 6348 6365 6433 6544 6556 6668 6729 6757 6851 6933 7075 7096 7115 7183 7269 7373 7375 7380 7484 7546 7658 7875 7927 7977 8125 8421 8506 8512 8683 8786 8790 8843 8913 8937 9050 9084 9098 9103 9145 9277 9394 9424 9449 9921 9977 9988

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT: STHREE SAKTHI SS-418 PRIZE STRUCTURE

1st Prize: Rs 75 lakh

2nd Prize: Rs. 10 lakh

3rd Prize: Rs. 5,000

4th Prize: Rs. 2,000

5th Prize: Rs. 1,000

6th Prize: Rs. 500

7th Prize: Rs. 200

8th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

HOW TO VERIFY KERALA STHREE SAKTHI SS-418 LOTTERY RESULTS?

There are two options for Sthree Sakthi SS-418 lottery players to verify the results. Interested players may visit the Kerala Lottery Departments official website at www.keralalottery.info. The second way to cross-check the numbers is by visiting the lottery office. Players can immediately access the results and ascertain their chances of winning the lottery with these alternatives.

HOW TO COLLECT YOUR PRIZE MONEY?

By comparing their lottery ticket to the winning numbers announced in the Kerala Government Gazette, players can find out the status of their ticket. Within 30 days of the results being released, the winners must pay a visit to the Kerala lottery headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram to pick up their rewards. Winners must present their winning ticket and a valid form of identification to complete the verification process.
The law of nature is to procreate and the act of sexual intercourse which leads to procreation comes with the added benefit of sensual pleasure. It is one of the basic needs of humans. Yes, some people practice lifelong celibacy due to religious reasons but they have conditioned themselves for it. For the rest of us, we need our due share of physical intimacy, without which we may face certain psychological side effects as well as physiological ones.

For the human body, the hormones oxytocin and estrogen stimulate sex interest. In particular, oxytocin is known as the love hormone. It stimulates love and sexual desire. When sexual activity ceases, the level of this hormone may decrease. It can also affect mood, energy levels and future desire for sex.

Doctors report that when sexual desire is reduced, blood flow to the female genitalia decreases, causing discomfort during future intercourse without lubricants. Doctors also believe that engaging in sex at regular intervals can relieve stress, while putting an end to sex completely can lead to more stress and tension. Some research results suggest that regular sexual activity strengthens the immune system.

As a result, when sexual activity decreases, doctors also advise that there will be changes in the immune system. So, stopping sex completely can sometimes have an unexpected effect, says Dr Sonam Simpathkumar, Gynecologist at Mumbai Railway Hospital.

Women who have sex a couple of times a week are less likely to get heart disease than those who have it once a month. Whether thats because healthier women enjoy it more often, or because it helps protect a womans heart is unclear. Some people experience a sudden increase in desire even after engaging in regular sexual intercourse. Dr Sonam says that this is due to a sense of deprivation and that it is necessary to get adequate treatment to be able to engage in full sex. If perhaps deciding to take a break from sex, the underlying reasons and emotional issues should be discussed with a doctor. Also, since a healthy sex life is like a personal journey, it is very important to consult a doctor when it suffers, advises Dr Sonam.
Actor Sivakarthikeyan and his wife Aarthi have embraced parenthood for the third time on June 2. The couple announced this in a joint statement on social media. They wrote," Dear all, Our hearts are overflowing with joy as we welcome our baby boy born on June 2nd. Our family has grown a little bigger and a whole lot happier. We need all your love, support and blessings, as always -Gugan, Aaradhana, Aarthy & Sivakarthikeyan." In Tamil, the 39-year-old actor mentioned that their little bundle of joy was born last night. The Maaveeran actor further added that both the mother and newborn are doing fine.

Sivakarthikeyan and Aarthi married on August 27, 2010. They welcomed their daughter Aaradhana in 2013 and became parents to their son Gugan Doss in 2021.

Neither Sivakarthikeyan nor his wife made any official statement about her pregnancy. However, a clip surfaced on social media showing the couple attending a birthday party. At the party, Aarthi was seen with a baby bump. The moment this clip went viral, congratulations began pouring in for the Maaveeran actor and his family from their fans.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sivakarthikeyan is awaiting the release of his upcoming film Amaran written and directed by Rajkumar Periasamy. This film stars an ensemble cast of actors Sai Pallavi, Rahul Bose, Bhuvan Arora, Shyam Mohan and others. Amaran will be released at the cinema halls on September 27, 2024. Raajkamal Films International, Sony Pictures Films India and Turmeric Media have produced Amaran. It is a biopic that follows the personal and professional life of AC awardee Major Mukund Varadarajran. He was martyred during action in the Qazipathri Operation of Shopian, on April 25th, 2014. Major Mukund Varadarajran was posthumously awarded the nations highest peacetime gallantry honour, the Ashok Chakra, for his exemplary valour and sacrifice.

As per reports, Sivakarthikeyans next film, Amaran, will have three antagonists. The gripping 90-second teaser shows the Major preparing his troops for a perilous counterterrorism mission during the escalating tensions in the war on terror.

Sivakarthikeyan last acted in the film Ayalaan directed by R Ravikumar.
Alia Bhatt took to her social media handle to express her joy as Varun Dhawan, Natasha Dalal welcomed a baby girl. The actress shared the big news on her Instagram story and wrote, Joy, joy and pure joyAnother Little Girl Whos Going To Rule The World, Congratulations dearest Nat and Vd. The actress also added a bundle of heart emojis.

Varun Dhawan is over the moon with the arrival of his baby girl. The actor along with Natasha Dalal welcomed their first child yesterday at Mumbais Hinduja Hospital. Amid all the heartfelt wishes pouring in, the actor took to his social media handle to welcome his daughter with a heartfelt post. The post was also accompanied by a gratitude note.

The heartfelt video, featured an illustration of Varuns pet dog Joey who was seen holding a placard that read Welcome Lil sis. The video post also read, Baby Dhawan, Proud parents Natasha and Varun, Proud Family  Dalals and Dhawans. Expressing his joy, Varun wrote, Our Baby Girl Is Here, and added, Thank u for all the good wishes for the mama and the baby.

The post also read, We are overjoyed with this new blessing in our lives. During this special time, we request the media to give us our privacy. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Varuns first director, Karan Johar, who launched him in Student of the Year in 2012, also took to Instagram stories to extend his heartfelt wishes to the couple. Expressing his joy, Karan wrote, My baby had a baby girl!!!! I am over the moooooooon!!!!! Congratulations to the proud mama and papa!!! Love you Natasha and Varun .

Back in 2012, Karan Johar launched Alia, Varun and Sidharth with the film Student Of The Year. The film marked their debut. He shares a close bond with them and is often seen cheering for them for their professional endeavours and personal milestones. Last month, as Karan Johar turned 52, Varun Dhawan took to Instagram Stories to share, Karannn ur the funniest most intelligent human being I know with the largedt heart. Love you always, no conditions @karanjohar. Varun also went on to work with Karan Johar in Kalank.

On the work front, Varun is waiting for the release of his web series, Citadel India. The actor stars with Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The series is a spin-off of Priyanka Chopras Citadel and is directed by Raj & DK.
Navya Nanda is currently on vacation and has been sharing a lot of pictures. Well, the photos are going viral after Ananya Pandays reaction. Both are best friends and the reaction is proof that they never fail to show love for each other.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Navya shared photos and wrote, The Blues. In the first photo, we can see Navya posing while in the other two, the natural beauty is seen. Ananya Panday reacted and wrote, Come back to me. Well, the actress was in the news following her break-up rumours with Aditya Roy Kapur. The couple had been dating each other for some time. A close friend of the two actors told the Bombay Times that, That they broke up almost a month ago. They were going quite well, and the breakup came as a shock to all of us. They are cordial with each other. Ananya is trying to move on; of course, theres hurt. She is spending time with her new furry friend. Aditya is also trying to deal with the situation maturely.

Take a look here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Navya Naveli Nanda (@navyananda)

Ananya Panday is all set to make her Ott debut with the web series Call Me Bae. She has already started shooting and often shares glimpses from the set. For her OTT debut, Ananya Panday will be seen essaying the role of a fashionista. The storyline revolves around a billionaire fashionista who, following a scandalous controversy, is disowned by her ultra-rich family and navigates life independently. Last year, in March the first poster of the same was shared. Prime Video revealed that the actress has kick-started the shoot of the series. The caption read, Hey, hey baes, theres a new fashionista in town who is here to stay and definitely slay all the way. Call Me Bae New Series, Now Filming.

Before the poster of the upcoming series was unveiled, Prime Video shared the first glimpse of the show in a hilarious video featuring Ananya and Varun Dhawan. The caption read, Pakki khabar hai guys, Ananya Panday is the new fashionista in the primeverse! Watch this first glimpse and stay tuned. Call Me Bae New Series, Now Filming! The video opens with Varun greeting the viewers by introducing himself as Prime Bae. He continues by saying, Today Im going to reveal Amazon Primes new show, Call Me Bae! Next, we see Ananya in the background talking to the stylist and claiming that Call Me Bae is her show, where I play a total fashion expert just like moi.
Hollywood stars Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson are busy with the shooting of their upcoming rom-com, Materialists. As filming continues on the sets in New York City, various behind-the-scenes pictures have surfaced online. In the recent one, Evans and Dakota can be seen shooting for a particular scene in what seems to be a public park. They can be seen seated on a bench in casual outfits.

In the latest snaps, Chris is dressed in a grey button-up shirt with blue jeans, rounding up his look with Nike sneakers, neatly cut hair and a trimmed beard. On the other hand, Dakota is dressed in a floral, sleeveless dress paired with white Converse. One can also spot a grey sweatshirt around her waist. Clicked from various angles, while a few of them show the duo candidly posing for the camera, another one has Evans leaning in towards Dakota, thus displaying their chemistry.

Gemes banget lihat Chris Evans dan Dakota Johnson pas shooting film Materialists ini  pic.twitter.com/4t6RxDLgKL lian (@nokturnalian) June 4, 2024

Prior to this, another photo from the sets of Materialists shows the Captain America actor and Madame Web actress filming in the West Village. While Dakota dons a floral yellow dress with a jacket to beat the cold, Chris changes to a sleek suit for a scene.

Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson on set of the MATERIALISTICS today in NYC!!! I'll say it again: his aging like fine wine.  pic.twitter.com/pYQg5HSobP   Chris and Alba Evans Updates. (@albaxchrisnews) May 31, 2024

After the news of Materialists first broke in early 2024, a couple of pictures went viral, leaving fans excited with the actors first looks in the film. Johnson and Evans left fans swooning over their on-screen dynamics. Other images from the set also revealed Pedro Pascals character.

New pics of Dakota and Chris Evans were photographed during the night filming of 'Materialists' in New York (Via @DakoholicsArg)  #DakotaJohnson #ChrisEvans pic.twitter.com/IdEeTfWxSe Daki_Jamie  (@damieforever48) May 31, 2024

More About Materialists

Directed by Celine Song of Past Lives fame, the film centers around the tale of a matchmaker whose once lucrative business becomes entangled in a toxic love triangle, jeopardizing her career. While Dakota Johnson plays the female lead, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal are said to be two points in this triangle.

Meanwhile, Song has also written the script for Materialists, while A24 and Sony Pictures will look over the films distribution. With a talented cast and a promising director, the films release date is yet to be confirmed.
Hailey Bieber, ever since announcing her pregnancy last month, has been sharing her maternity journey on her Instagram handle. The mom-to-be is expecting her first child with her baby daddy Justin Bieber. Seemingly excited, Hailey has the cutest nicknames for her unborn baby. At least, her latest Instagram post suggests so.

Hailey, on Monday, reshared Yves Saint Laurent modelling pictures of herself on her Instagram handle and captioned them with a mention of her little bean in her belly. Dressed in a sizzling beige co-ord set comprising a strapless fitted top and cargo pants, Hailey looked every bit breathtaking in the pictures. Further, her statement accessories, glam makeup, and open tresses sealed the deal for her.

Teasing the nickname of her baby on board, the American Model wrote, shot this 4 months preggy with little bean in my belly.

Hailey and Justin, who have been married since 2018 and recently renewed their wedding vows, cant wait for their little bean to arrive. Days earlier, Hailey affectionately referred to her little child as her little cherry blossom when she captioned an Instagram carousel, little cherry blossoms on my nails little cherry blossom in my belly.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hailey Rhode Baldwin Bieber (@haileybieber)

Post the renewal of their wedding vows in a private ceremony in Hawaii, the couple has been offering a glimpse of their new journey on their social media handles. The American model also received a new diamond ring from Justin as a gift. The soon-to-be mother has been wearing the new ring on her wedding finger. Further, she moved her original engagement ring to her little finger on the other hand.

Hailey Bieber announced her pregnancy through a video on her Instagram handle. For her baby bump debut, she was dressed in a custom lace wedding dress from Saint Laurent completed with a piece of matching fabric covering her head. A source, while speaking to ET last month, said, Hailey and Justin are looking forward to finally having a family of their own. Theyre excited to grow closer, learn together, and share this beautiful experience with each other.
Taha Shah Badussha has been making waves for his intense performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Heeramandi. However, it wasnt an easy journey for Taha who had to struggle for many years in the film industry despite making his debut alongside Shraddha Kapoor in Yash Raj Films Luv Ka The End. Taha, who is an outsider, has revealed that many people messaged him, saying that his struggles to make it big in the industry have reminded them of late actor Sushant Singh Rajputs journey.

During a recent interaction, Taha spoke about his memories of Sushant and how he hopes to take the late Bollywood stars legacy forward.

Speaking to Siddharth Kannan, Taha said, I knew Sushant personally. I know how it is to come from outside. I would like to take his legacy forward. People have actually messaged me and told me that I am their new Sushant. How awesome is that? Because I know how much love the audience gave him. I just hope to live up to these expectations.

Recalling one of his meetings with Sushant Singh Rajput, Taha Shah Badussha shared, He was a very philosophical and intelligent person. He would talk a lot about books, and I relate to him on that. I didnt spend too much time with him; we talked only at events and parties. When I met him, we talked about NASA. We also talked about Kai Po Che because I was being considered for Amit Sadhs character in the film, but I ended up not getting it because of the age difference.

Last month, Taha Shah Badusshas appearance at the Cannes Film Festival 2024 grabbed the attention of many. While some cheered for him, others questioned what took him there. For the unversed, Taha attributed his Cannes debut outing to the trailer and poster launch of his film Paro at the Bharat Pavilion.

In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Taha addresses this chatter on the internet as bizarre. He said, I went to Cannes to launch my film and to make contacts. So many people from America and Canada looked at me and said, This guy is the star of Heeramandi but hes acting like a newcomer. I literally went around giving my card to people asking them to be in touch with me and watch Heeramandi.
Bharatiya Janata Partys candidate and actor Kangana Ranaut has won over Congresss royal scion Vikramaditya Singh in Himachal Pradeshs Mandi. Kanganas campaign benefitted from strong support from top party leaders, including PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. After her win, Kangana was seen proudly posing with her winning certificate.

Kangana Ranaut was all smiles as she posed with the prestigious document. The actress wore a pink saree with a pearl necklace for this momentous day in her life. Kangana also made a victory sign with her hands.

The Bollywood actress-turned-politician also took to X and shared her reaction to her debut win. She dubbed her victory a victory of faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sharing a picture collage featuring PM Modi, Kangana said, Heartfelt gratitude to all Mandi residents for this support, this love and trust This victory is of all of you, this is the victory of faith in Prime Minister Modi and BJP, this is the victory of Sanatan, this is the victory of the honour of Mandi.

Earlier in the day, Kangana had also shared pictures of her mother feeding her curd and sugar spoons to wish her luck. Mother is the form of God, today my mother is feeding me curd and sugar, she said.

Kangana contested from Mandi, her hometown, in Himachal Pradesh. The actress had announced she would be running for elections last month. On Tuesday, June 4, the Election Commission of India revealed she had gotten 524079 votes. Kangana was competing against Congresss Vikramaditya Singh.

Speaking with ANI earlier in the day, Kangana said, Mandi has not taken kindly to the insults for daughters. As far as my departure to Mumbai is concerned, this (Himachal Pradesh) is my janmabhoomi and I will continue to serve people hereSo, I am not going anywhere. Perhaps, someone else will have to pack their bags and leave. I am not going anywhere.

On the acting front, Kangana will soon be seen in Emergency. The film is based on the Emergency declared under the Indira Gandhi leadership and she will be seen playing the lead role. Kangana is also directing the film. In a viral interview earlier, Kangana had hinted that if she wins the Mandi seat, she will fulfil her pending film commitments and then leave the industry to focus on politics full-time.
Malayalam actor Kani Kusruti is currently at the centre of media attention with her film All We Imagine As Light winning the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival. She also grabbed the attention of many all over the world with her watermelon clutch  an indication of her support to Palestine  on the red carpet. Speaking exclusively to News18 Showsha from Kochi, Kani tells us that her female peers have all been wonderful and thrilled as she brought home the Grand Prix.

Read more: Kani Kusruti Says Parvathy Wished Her After Cannes win: Dont Know If Mohanlal, Mammootty | Exclusive

Pawan Kalyan eyes a win in Pithapuram as part of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections 2024. The Telugu star, who is also the chief of his party  Jana Sena Party, contested from Pithapuram and has a lead in the AP constituency. With his party members already declaring him the winner, his wife Anna Lezhneva got emotional. In videos coming from the couples home, Anna was seen performing a puja for him while his son, Akira joined them.

Read more: Pawan Kalyan Smiles as His Emotional Wife Anna Performs Puja After AP Election Results; Video Goes Viral

Shah Rukh Khan is one of the biggest superstars in India and has sustained that position for a very long time. As such, when Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoors son, Ranbir Kapoors debut film, Saawariya was clashing with his film Om Shanti Om, Shah Rukh did not see it as a competition.

Read more: When SRK Said Ranbirs Debut Was No Competition For Om Shanti Om: My Film Is Biggest, Theyll Need

Ram Charan congratulated Pawan Kalyan for his phenomenal win in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections 2024. Pawan Kalyan contested from the Pithapuram Assembly constituency in AP. Earlier, Allu Arjun also congratulated him on social media.

Read more: Ram Charan Congratulates Pawan Kalyan On His Phenomenal Win In AP Elections: A Proud Day For Our Family

Bharatiya Janata Partys candidate and actor Kangana Ranaut has won over Congresss royal scion Vikramaditya Singh in Himachal Pradeshs Mandi. Kanganas campaign benefitted from strong support from top party leaders, including PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. After her win, Kangana was seen proudly posing with her winning certificate.

Read more: Kangana Ranaut Proudly Flaunts Winning Election Certificate After Victory In Mandi In Lok Sabha Elections
The new season of Panchayat is now streaming on Prime Video, bringing attention back to its cast, including Durgesh Kumar. Originally from Bihars Darbhanga, Durgesh plays Bhushan in the series alongside Jitendra Kumar and Neena Gupta. Despite gaining fame, Durgesh faced struggles, and revealed in a new interview that he battled depression.

Durgesh Kumar, whose debut film was Imtiaz Alis 2014 Highway starring Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt, had to act in soft porn for survival. He said, I cant live without acting. I did any work that came my way because I was confident in my abilities.

He added that his friends teased him for falling to peoples feet, but he was determined to succeed. This is the kind of struggle and dedication it takes to survive in the industry. It feels embarrassing to go out for random auditions after having worked in films, especially after the casting directors recognise you. I just had one days role in Panchayat season 1. I shot for just 2.5 hours. I am really thankful to Chandan Kumar and Deepak Kumar Mishra who wrote the Banrakas role. I am glad. I am not Irrfan, Nawazuddin, I am an average actor with survival instinct in me. he said.

Recalling his struggles in Mumbai in an interview with Lallantop, he said, When I first came to Versova on May 28, 2016, I made a few friends from Madhya Pradesh Drama School. We decided to get into the industry at any cost. We found Neeraj Singh and Gaurav Singh of Prithvi, we made Aram Nagar our adda. We started to knock doors of every casting director, I fell on their feet to cast me in some role. All this, after having done Highway, Freaky Ali, and Sultan.

Durgesh stressed the importance of mental and financial preparation for aspiring actors, cautioning actors against entering the industry unprepared. He warned youngsters about the industrys challenges, while talking about the struggles even experienced actors like Manoj Bajpayee, Pankaj Tripathi, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui faced.

He said, This is no place to try. This place is filled with crazy people. All the successful people you see today, including Manoj Bajpayee and Pankaj Tripahti, who were my seniors at the National School of Drama or even Nawazuddin Siddiqui, they are all half crazy people, nobody discloses this.

Durgesh, who recently starred in Laapataa Ladies and Bhakshak, had a bigger role in Panchayat Season 2 as Banrakas.
Ram Charan congratulated Pawan Kalyan for his phenomenal win in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections 2024. Pawan Kalyan contested from the Pithapuram Assembly constituency in AP. Earlier, Allu Arjun also congratulated him on social media.

Taking to his X handle, Ram Charan wrote, A proud day for our family! Congratulations to my @PawanKalyan Garu on his phenomenal win! Allu Arjun reached out to Pawan Kalyan and wished him the best for his new journey. Heartiest congratulations to @PawanKalyan garu on this tremendous victory . Your hardwork, dedication and commitment to serve the people for years has always been heart touching . Best wishes for your new journey to serve the people, he posted.

Take a look here:

A proud day for our family! Congratulations to my @PawanKalyan Garu on his phenomenal win! Ram Charan (@AlwaysRamCharan) June 4, 2024

Pawan Kalyan ventured into politics in 2008, spearheading the youth wing of Praja Rajyam Party, called Yuvarajyam. However, due to his ill health, he took a break from his political work. He rose again in 2014 and this time, he started a new political party called the Jana Sena Party (JSP).

This time, he has aligned with the BJP and Chandrababu Naidus TDP for the Lok Sabha and Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections. As part of a seat-sharing deal among NDA partners, TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies while BJP contested six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. Under the deal, Jana Sena contested two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats.

On the work front, Ram Charan will be seen with Kiara Advani in Game Changer. Fans were recently treated to the first song from the film, Jaragandi, and it has only amplified everyones excitement. While the song became an instant hit, producer Dil Raju hinted that Game Changer will release this year and could be in less than six months. At an event for Game Changer in Hyderabad, Dil Raju hinted at the release date.

The producer said that the film will be in cinemas in five months, seemingly hinting at a September release date. He added that the filming will wrap in May. Besides teasing the release date, Raju also revealed that Jaragandi is just one of the many songs that the team has in store for the film. He said that the film will have five songs, three of which will be chart toppers.
Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal welcomed a baby girl on Monday night, i.e. June 3. The couple has also announced the same with a post. Both new parents are happy as they enter a new phase of their life. Wishes have been pouring in from all corners for the new parents. Well, today Varun was spotted outside the hospital and was seen waving to the media. He even thanked them with folded hands.

In the photos, Varun is seen wearing a white tee and denim. He completed the look with a black jacket. He was seen thanking the media with folded hands. Sweets were also disturbed. On Tuesday, the actor took to his social media handle to welcome his daughter with a heartfelt post. A gratitude note also accompanied the post. The heartfelt video, featured an illustration of Varuns pet dog Joey who was seen holding a placard that read Welcome Lil sis. The video post also read, Baby Dhawan, Proud parents Natasha and Varun, Proud Family  Dalals and Dhawans. Expressing his joy, Varun wrote, Our Baby Girl Is Here, and added, Thank u for all the good wishes for the mama and the baby. The post also read, We are overjoyed with this new blessing in our lives. During this special time, we request the media to give us our privacy. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Take a look at the photos here:

Earlier in the day, News18 Showsha had exclusively reported that Natasha had gone into labour. 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, says the source.

Varun Dhawan and his fashion designer wife Natasha Dalal sent ripples through the internet as they announced the arrival of their first child. Despite speculation fueled by sightings of the couple visiting a Mumbai clinic last year, it was Varun who officially shared the heartwarming news with fans through a touching Instagram post.

Taking to his Instagram account, Varun Dhawan posted a serene monochrome snapshot from their living room. In the image, Varun kneels down, tenderly planting a kiss on Natasha Dalals baby bump while holding her hands. The delightful announcement was accompanied by reassurances from the couple that both mother and baby are doing well, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the growing family.
Amjad Khan played the iconic character of Gabbar Singh in the cult classic Sholay. The actor had worked in over 132 films in nearly twenty years. Popular for his villainous role in Bollywood films, he was also known for helping his friends during distress. The actor died due to a heart attack in 1992. After his death, the son of Amjad Khan, Shadaab Khan, revealed that following the death of his father, the producers owed him Rs 1.25 crore but they didnt repay the money. He further said that a Middle-East gangster offered to help the family of Amjad Khan but was refused by Shaila Khan, the actors wife.

Amjad Khans family was going through a financial crisis during the last stages of the actors life. They were reportedly having a hard time paying for the medical treatment. While talking to Times Of India, Shaadab Khan recalled those days and said that his father had a habit of helping people by giving them money in their difficult times.

Producers came home and told him sob stories, promising him the keys of their homes. He saw through them but didnt care about the money. He had even kept his money with friends and not banks. When he passed away, producers owed him Rs 1.35 crore, said Shaadab Khan. He also added that not a lot of people came forward to pay up. A few people had taken loans from the actor and a handful of those returned it.

However, the actor never had a shortage of well-wishers and friends. Following the death of Amjad Khan, Shaadab Khan revealed a gangster from the Middle East offered to pay the whole amount which was owed by the producers to Amjad Khan. He spoke to Shaila Khan and said that he could pay the entire amount in three days. The alleged gangster spoke highly of Amjad Khan and called him a good man.

My mother flatly refused, saying that her husband never took favours from the underworld. My mother put the lives of Seemab and my sister Ahlam back on track. If she hadnt been strong at that time, we would have been on the streets. She got into the construction business, said Shaadab.

Amjad Khan is remembered for films like Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Zamaanat, Parvarish, Mr Natwarlal, Sholay and Yaarana.
Privacy rights organisation NOYB on Tuesday lodged two complaints with Austrias data protection authority against tech giant Microsoft for allegedly violating childrens data protection rights.

The non-profit organisation said that Microsofts 365 Education services violate childrens data protection rights.

When pupils wanted to exercise their General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rights, Microsoft said schools were the controller for their data.

However, the schools have no control over the systems, said NOYB .

Microsoft, alleged the complaint, is trying to contractually dump most of its legal responsibilities under the GDPR on schools that provide Microsoft 365 Education services to their pupils or students.

This means, for example, that access requests to Microsoft go unanswered  while schools have no realistic way of complying with such requests because they dont hold the necessary data, the non-profit mentioned.

Maartje de Graaf, data protection lawyer at NOYB, said that this take-it-or-leave-it approach by software vendors such as Microsoft is shifting all GDPR responsibilities to schools.

Microsoft holds all the key information about data processing in its software but is pointing the finger at schools when it comes to exercising rights. Schools have no way of complying with the transparency and information obligations, de Graaf said.

Microsoft provides such vague information that even a qualified lawyer cant fully understand how the company processes personal data in Microsoft 365 Education.

It is almost impossible for children or their parents to uncover the extent of Microsofts data collection, said de Graaf.
Incidents of theft have become increasingly common nowadays, causing growing concern among the public. Pickpocketers often target vulnerable individuals making crowded places their prime locations for theft activities. Recently, a shocking incident went viral on the internet where a man was seen stealing a mobile phone in a crowded restaurant in Rajasthans Jodhpur. The incident was captured on the restaurants CCTV.

In the viral footage, a man enters the restaurant and targets two elderly men engrossed in conversation while having their food. He discreetly sits in the booth next to them and with swift precision, reaches into one of the customers pockets. After stealing the mobile phone, he promptly leaves the restaurant.

The clip was shared on X (Formerly Twitter) by @abesalleteritho. The accompanying caption read, This is a video from last night and this boy came quietly and stole a phone very easily without any fear. @CP_Jodhpur @Igp_Jodhpur @JdprRuralPolice @RajPoliceHelp.

Watch the viral video here:

Since being posted online, the video has been widely spread on various social media platforms, catching the attention of Rajasthan Police. The police directed the concerned authorities to take necessary action.

The concerned have been directed to take necessary action and expose the matter soon, DCP East Jodhpur wrote in Hindi.

    ,          DCP East Jodhpur (@DCPEastJodhpur) May 27, 2024

The video also ignited a wave of reactions from online users. One user reacted, I am from jodhpur and ye sab yaha aam baat ho gyee hai log haath se chin ke bhag rhe hai (I am from Jodhpur and all this has become a common thing here. Thieves snatch mobile phones from our hands and run away).

Another commented, Unemployment and Illiterate yet need money to show off. One person recounted their own experience and wrote, I was in Jodhpur a year back and someone stole a wallet from my bag that was inside the temple. It was the afternoon time and no one was in the temple except 2 of us who were cleaning the temple. The president of the temple management even filed a complaint with the police, but nothing happened. I still have CCTV footage of the act. Kuch nahi hota yaha (Nothing happens here).

This incident is not isolated. In April, another unsettling incident caught attention when a video went viral, that emerged from Mathura Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh. The footage showcased a man entering the passengers waiting area and stealing phones from unsuspecting sleepers. His actions were repeated with multiple passengers. The CCTV footage helped authorities swiftly identify and arrest the culprit.
Ever since Amazon Prime Videos Panchayat Season 3 was released, the craze has been at an all-time high. The third season has taken the audience by storm, reigniting the love for the quirky characters and relatable stories of Phulera Village. From Sachiv Ji and Rinkis blooming love story to Pradhan Jis lauki addiction and Vikass innocent banter to Prahlad Chas nuggets of wisdom, the characters have made a place in the hearts of fans. It is safe to say that movie buffs are now invested in the Phulera village, and countless posts and memes about Panchayat Season 3 have been doing the rounds on the internet, leaving them laughing out loud.

But above all, the question that echoed through the minds of many and left them curious was about the charming village of Phulera. Well, hold on to your horses, as Madhya Pradesh Tourisms Instagram page has finally cleared the air about the actual location of Phulera. While Phulera is a real village in Uttar Pradesh, thats not where the shooting for the series was done.

Showing the real-life village shown in the TVF series, Madhya Pradesh Tourism captioned, Thank you for your response to #Jigyasa. And the correct answer is Mahodiya Village, Sehore, Madhya Pradesh.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madhya Pradesh Tourism (@mptourism)

The clip went immensely viral, garnering over 103,000 likes and a flood of reactions in the comment section. The video revealing the location attracted people who expressed their eagerness to visit Mahodiya and experience the simplicity and charm of village life, just like in the show. Others suggested the filmmakers mention the real name and state of the village in the series.

Panchayat is an emotion, a comment read. Another added, Proud to see modern filmmakers believing in showcasing real India instead of artificial sets.

My only suggestion is that they should have also shown that its MPs village and not UPs. Which would let people know the beauty of MPs Village and simplicity of the villagers, expressed an individual.

An account remarked, Madhya Pradesh is the shooting adda for one of the most legendary series and movies.

Have absolutely loved the 3 seasons of panchayat, have made me realise the beauty of simplicity once again! And love it that it is shot in my very own Madhya Pradesh, so close to Indore and Bhopal, I remember being to Sehore, said a user.

Wrapped in its lighthearted humour, Panchayat tackles relatable themes of rural life in India. The show revolves around an MBA aspirant turned Panchayat secretary Abhishek Tripathi, and his adventures in a village named Phulera. The shows perfect blend of wit and heartwarming moments continues to resonate with audiences. You will find yourself laughing out loud one minute and touched by the characters next.
A school teacher is being hailed as the teacher of the year after her unique way of capturing a video of her students is going viral. In the video, the teacher lays on her side and holds the camera close to her students who are sitting in a line to pose for the camera. The teacher is then dragged across the line of her students by another teacher. The students smile and wave to the camera. The end product shows a delightful zoomed-in video of the students. The videos movement is so smooth that it looks like it was recorded with the help of an advanced stabilising device.

This clip was recently shared on X by a popular account. It was captioned, Teacher of the Year. It has gathered over three lakh views since it was shared on June 3. An X user commented on it, Very lovely video. Little cute students are so happy with this gesture, something which they will always remember.

Very lovely video. Little cute students are so happy with this gesture, something which they will always remember. Aditya Vikram (@AdityaVikram096) June 3, 2024

The above-mentioned video was initially shared by Vriksha Montessori International, which is in Salem, Tamil Nadu. It was posted on March 14 and so far it has over 18 lakh likes. In the comments, people showered praises on the teacher and the school staff for going above and beyond to record this sweet video.

An Instagram user wrote, The effort that teacher took to make the video and put those happy smilesis priceless. One person expressed interest in admitting their child to the school based on the video and wrote, This has made my day. Appreciate teachers efforts to get those contagious waves of laughter. I want to put my girl in such a school.

Some eagle-eyed people also noticed a small gesture by a student, who gently fixed his teachers saree as she was recording the video. Highlighting this, an Instagram user wrote, The boy who corrects the teachers saree. Respect to my little man. Another person wrote, Respect for this teacher and the little boy correcting the teachers saree, lovely smile.

It is interesting to note that the Montessori schools adopted their curriculum on the child-centred method of education that was developed in the 1990s by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator best known for her work in the field of scientific pedagogy. Many Montessori schools do not have a conventional system of exams, grades, or punishments. This creates a much more relaxed environment between students and the teachers.
If you think that all the cities in a developed country like the US are clean and hygienic, then this is not true. There is a US city that is known for its unclean and unhygienic atmosphere. It is said that insects keep crawling in houses, and it is so bad that one can get sick even by breathing in the air. In a recent report, it was named one of the dirtiest cities in the US.

Lawnstarter conducted a survey in 2023 in which over 150 of the major cities in the United States were divided into four categories. The groups took into account factors such as pollution, living conditions, infrastructure, and customer satisfaction. The city with the highest average score was rated as the dirtiest, while the city with the lowest average score was rated as the cleanest.

Thus, according to the survey, the dirtiest city in the US is Houston, Texas, which has been rated as the dirtiest city. Houston got the honour for its terrible air quality, infrastructure problems, and the staggering number of insects that infest homes.

As per reports, Houston has the worst cockroach problem in the country, with the insect crawling around the city. Many people who are residents here shared that living in these conditions had become normal for them now.

In 2023, residents of the Cranbrook Forest Apartments in north Houston said they were fed up with rats and cockroaches, as well as other problems. The city has consistently violated federal ozone pollution rules. Various reports share the ranking of widespread industrial and fossil fuel use. The first photographs from NASAs space-based pollution monitoring revealed the deadly gas above Houston in 2023. The images showed a strong presence of harmful nitrogen dioxide in the city.

During the late 1970s, Houston had a population boom as people from the Rust Belt states moved to Texas in large numbers. The new immigrants arrived in search of various job possibilities in the petroleum business, which had opened up as a result of the Arab oil embargo. With the increase in professional jobs, Houston has become a destination for many college-educated people, most recently African-Americans in a reverse Great Migration from northern areas.
Everyone wants to find or accidentally stumble upon some treasure. Still, we only hear such things in stories or have seen in cartoons. However, for this American couple, finding riches no longer remained a far-fetched idea. This is how the couple found an unbelievable amount of money while out on a fishing trip.

As per the reports of The Guardian website, a couple from the US was on a routine fishing trip at a lake in New York. They were unsuccessful in catching a fish but ended up with something far better than they could have ever imagined. On May 31, the couple found a box filled with cash worth 100,000 dollars or Rs 83 lakh. The news is being reported from an of Queens in a water body of the Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The couple pulled out the money-filled box from this place.

According to more information, the couple James Kane and Barbie Agostini were on a trip of magnet fishing, a hobby they regularly indulged in, and stumbled upon the box. While fishing, they tossed a line attached to a strong magnet on their fishing equipment, which led them to the treasure. Reportedly, the money was in a damaged condition, it was estimated to be 100,000 dollars.

They talked to the media about the discovery and how they felt after such a discovery. Barbie said, I couldnt believe it. While James exclaimed that they found two stacks of freaking hundreds.

After finding the money stash, Barbie and James went to the New York police to inform them of their discovery. What happened next was something straight out of a wild dream. The police let them keep the money since they could not identify the owner.

The Guardian reported that in their previous fishing trips, they had found several other things but no money. The couple revealed that they had found weapons like guns and World War II grenades, along with motorcycles, jewellery and foreign coins.
There are plenty of creative minds in our country and while some are doing marvels in big positions in India and abroad, some show their talent at the grassroots level. Nothing is comparable to the Indian minds capacity for jugaad, a desi term for finding unconventional solutions to problems or coming up with bizarre yet effective innovations. The video you will see below shows a man riding what can only be described as a motorbike-bicycle hybrid, The most amusing part is that the unique innovation left a couple of cops puzzled as they inspected the vehicle.

The video, which is from an unspecified location in the country, begins with a few policemen stopping a man appearing to be riding a Bullet bike without a helmet. Since the man was not wearing a helmet, the police stopped him to issue a challan. The first puzzle for the cop who tried to confiscate the key of the bike was when he realised that there was no key at all. It was then that he and a few other police personnel inspected the vehicle closely and were in for a shock.

The vehicles mechanism was completely that of a bicycle complete with pedals, with just the body of a Bullet bike.

The unique innovation left the cops puzzled and the video will leave you puzzled too. Moreover, it was a win-win situation for the owner of the hybrid bike as no challan could be issued for a vehicle of this nature, The video ends with the man pedalling away on his bicycle-bike hybrid, being able to escape the police scot-free.

The comments on the video were also interesting with people poking fun at the cops and how the tables turned on them. One user also said that this unique innovation was even better than Bujji, the AI-powered car from the upcoming film Kalki 2898 AD.
Many historical places around the globe are famous for their unique construction, attracting visitors from all over the world. However, some such places gain fame for no reason. According to many tourists, one such place is the High Bridge in Lincoln, United Kingdom. It has been one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United Kingdom which is around 850 years old. The monument was constructed in 1160. Recently, some people have claimed that this historical attraction is overhyped leaving thousands of people dumbstruck.

According to reports, the famous High Bridge in Lincoln was built during the medieval era and is believed to be one of the oldest constructions in the United Kingdom. However, it is more famous for its large glory home than its historical significance. The Glory Hole acts as a bridge to join the High Street across the River Witham in the city of Lincoln in eastern England. But now, some people have raised the question claiming that the historical monument is famous for no reason and that its just a mere hole that acts as a bridge to cross the river.

A tourist who recently visited the bridge shared the photo on social media and wrote that the hole has gained unnecessary hype. He explained that the glory holes are holes that hold rich historical significance that were used before for a specific purpose. This hole does not carry any such historical importance. The person stated that crossing this hole by boat does not have any special feeling or attraction and it is just overhyped.

The bridge built to cross the Witham River is known as one of the older bridges in the United Kingdom. Though it does not hold any historical significance, the bridge and hole have been a major attraction for tourists. Tourists from all over the globe visit the place for its beauty. Some people also say that it looks attractive from afar but when looked at closely there is nothing special.
China says a spacecraft carrying rock and soil samples from the far side of the moon has lifted off from the lunar surface to start its journey back to Earth. The ascender of the Change-6 probe lifted off Tuesday morning Beijing time and entered a preset orbit around the moon, the China National Space Administration said.

The Change-6 probe was launched last month and its lander touched down on the far side of the moon on Sunday.

Xinhua News Agency cited the space agency as saying the spacecraft stowed the samples it had gathered in a container inside the ascender of the probe as planned.

The container will be transferred to a reentry capsule that is due to return to Earth in the deserts of Chinas Inner Mongolia region about June 25.

Missions to the moons far side are more difficult because it doesnt face the Earth, requiring a relay satellite to maintain communications. The terrain is also more rugged, with fewer flat areas to land.

Xinhua said the probes landing site was the South Pole-Aitken Basin, an impact crater created more than 4 billion years ago that is 13 kilometers (8 miles) deep and has a diameter of 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles).

It is the oldest and largest of such craters on the moon, so may provide the earliest information about it, Xinhua said, adding that the huge impact may have ejected materials from deep below the surface.

The mission is the sixth in the Change moon exploration program, which is named after a Chinese moon goddess. It is the second designed to bring back samples, following the Change 5, which did so from the near side in 2020.

The moon program is part of a growing rivalry with the U.S.  still the leader in space exploration  and others, including Japan and India. China has put its own space station in orbit and regularly sends crews there.

The emerging global power aims to put a person on the moon before 2030, which would make it the second nation after the United States to do so. America is planning to land astronauts on the moon again  for the first time in more than 50 years  though NASA pushed the target date back to 2026 earlier this year.
A Madrid court on Tuesday issued a summons for the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to appear on July 5 as part of a preliminary corruption probe into her business ties.

The move comes after the court last week rejected prosecutors request to close the probe into Begona Gomez, indicating there was sufficient evidence to justify continuing the investigation.

The decision to open the probe was a setback for the premier but a boost for his right-wing opponents who see the move as vindication of their allegations that he and his left-wing government are corrupt.

There is evidence that an alleged criminal offence was committed which goes beyond mere suspicion and was sufficient to let the investigation continue, said court documents seen by AFP.

This contradicts a recent Guardia Civil police report which said it found no evidence of any criminal offence.

The court has summoned Begona Gomez to appear as an investigated party on Friday 5 July at 10:00 am (0800 GMT) as part of a preliminary investigation into the alleged offences of corruption in the private sector and influence peddling, it said.

The court opened the probe into Gomez for suspected influence peddling and corruption on April 16 following a complaint filed by an anti-graft NGO linked to the far right.

The group, Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) says its complaint is based on media reports. It has previously filed a litany of unsuccessful lawsuits against politicians in the past.

The case centres on public contracts awarded to a businessman who had professional relations with Gomez.

Sanchez immediately denounced what he said was a political campaign seeking to harass and discredit him by media heavily influenced by the right and far-right and backed by the right-wing opposition.

When the court in April confirmed the probe, Sanchez said in a shock announcement that he would consider resigning. He took five days to reflect and in the end, decided to stay on.

The opposition denounced the move as pure political theatre, saying Sanchez had never had any intention of stepping down.

The leader of the main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP), Alberto Nunez Feijoo, said Monday he believes Sanchez should resign over the questions regarding his wifes business dealings.

Nobody believes he did not know her activities, he added during an interview with private television station Antena 3.

Shortly after the court said it has summoned Gomez, PP secretary-general Cuca Gamarra wrote on social media network X: It is not mud, it is corruption.

Spain deserves a worthy premier and Sanchez is not one, she added.
ATHENS: Ahmed Alkwrab thought his ordeal was over last June when he survived one of the deadliest shipwrecks ever recorded in the Mediterranean Sea and finally set foot on European soil.

Hours after a fishing trawler carrying hundreds of migrants capsized, however, the Egyptian housepainter found himself being interrogated by Greek authorities who then charged him and eight others with smuggling and causing the disaster.

If convicted, he would have faced life imprisonment.

When they sat me in a room by myself and shut me in, the fear began. Whats wrong? Whats happened? Did I do anything? he told Reuters.

Theyre telling us that we are smugglers. Traffickers? No, no, no, no  thats not how it is at all.

Their arrests sparked outrage from international rights groups who said the migrants were being used as scapegoats for coastguard errors and that the case against them was flimsy.

Alkwrab and the other accused spent 11 months in pre-trial detention waiting for a chance to argue their innocence. When that opportunity came last month, the judge threw out the case within hours, allowing the men to walk free.

Alkwrabs often emotional account, shared exclusively with Reuters, is the first time any of the accused have spoken publicly about their ordeal.

He and the others were accused of being part of the ships crew, handing out water and fixing things. He denies this.

I didnt do it. Nor did I give anyone a mouthful of water, nor did I fix a boat or go down to the engine.

The overcrowded Adriana was carrying up to 750 Pakistani, Syrian and Egyptian migrants before it capsized off Greece on June 14, one of the worst disasters in a decade-long Mediterranean migrant crisis. It raised questions about the EUs treatment of migrants, many of whom risk death for a more prosperous life in Europe.

Only 104 survivors and 82 bodies were found.

The cause of the shipwreck is disputed. Survivors say the coastguard caused the boat to capsize during a failed attempt to tow it. The coastguard denies this, saying that the migrants movements on board had caused it to sink.

NOT QUITE FREE

Alkwrab said poverty had forced him to leave Sadat city in Egypt.

The youngest of his three children was born with a lung condition that required expensive treatment that two jobs couldnt pay for.

He hoped to reunite with his brother in Italy and find work and borrowed 140,000 Egyptian pounds ($2,954) from friends to pay for the journey.

Alkwrab broke into sobs as he recounted his time in prison, missing his children growing up and his son Omars first words. He did not interact with the prison guards. Fellow inmates told them there was no way they would ever be released.

Brief calls with his family kept him going. They told him to take care of himself and that God would not forget him.

The thing that hurt me the most was Omar calling me Dad when I was in prison, Alkwrab said.

The happiest day in 11 months was when I came out innocent. One day in 11 months, he added.

Alkwrab is staying now in Athens awaiting word on his asylum request. He doesnt feel fully free yet.

I really wish to become legal in this country, Alkwrab said. To prove to everyone that we are here for a purpose, to do something to change our lives.

($1 = 47.4000 Egyptian pounds)

(Editing by Edward McAllister and Gareth Jones)

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
Israeli airstrikes on the Syrian city of Aleppo early Monday killed an Iranian military adviser, according to Iranian media. CNN has contacted the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) for comment, but it does not regularly acknowledge strikes.

Saeed Abiyar, an adviser to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in Syria, died in the attack, Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

Abiyar is believed to be the first IRGC member to be killed by Israel since April, when Israel bombed Irans embassy compound in Damascus, killing several commanders.

The latest incident occurred around 12.20 a.m. local time on Monday after Israel launched an aerial attack with missiles, targeting a number of points in the vicinity of Aleppo city, Syrian state media SANA reported, without giving a total number of fatalities.

Iran has deployed military advisers to Syria since civil war broke out there in 2011, in support of President Bashar al-Assad.

During its war in Gaza against Hamas, which receives significant backing from Iran, Israel has launched several strikes on targets in Syria.

In response to Aprils attack, Iran launched its first-ever direct strikes on Israel, firing over 300 airborne weapons, most of which were shot down. In a tit-for-tat exchange, Israel fired back a US official told CNN, targeting a major Iranian military airbase near Isfahan.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office on Tuesday denied American media reports that he will address the US Congress on June 13, amid mounting pressure to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.

Netanyahus office told Israeli media the date of his speech to Congress had not been finalised, but it would not be on June 13 because it interferes with a Jewish holiday.

The date had been reported by Punchbowl News and Politico.

Speculation about the visit comes with Netanyahu facing intense criticism over the civilian death toll in the war in Gaza, which has ratcheted tension with President Joe Bidens administration.

Biden on Friday presented what he labelled an Israeli three-phase plan that would end the conflict, free all hostages and lead to the reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory without Hamas in power.

Netanyahus office stressed that the war sparked by the October 7 attack would continue until all of Israels goals are achieved, including the destruction of Hamass military and governing capabilities.

The four party leaders in the House and Senate asked Netanyahu last week to speak before a joint meeting of Congress in a letter voicing solidarity with Israel in your struggle against terror, especially as Hamas continues to hold American and Israeli citizens captive.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called in March for Israel to hold new elections in a rare example of strident criticism from a senior American official of the countrys handling of the war in Gaza.

The rebuke from Schumer, the highest-ranking elected Jewish American in history, came amid expressions of dismay from the White House over the death toll in the conflict, sparked by the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants.

Progressives including Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who votes with the Democrats, have condemned Netanyahu over his handling of the military response and vowed to snub any speech in the United States by the right-wing leader.

It is a very sad day for our country that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited - by leaders from both parties - to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress, Sanders said in a weekend statement.

Israel, of course, had the right to defend itself against the horrific Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, but it did not, and does not, have the right to go to war against the entire Palestinian people, he added, calling Netanyahu a war criminal.

The war broke out when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in 1,194 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on official figures.

More than 36,470 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war broke out, according to data provided by the health ministry of Hamas-run Gaza.

According to the Israeli military, 294 soldiers have been killed in the military campaign since the start of the ground offensive on October 27.

House Speaker Mike Johnsons office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Criminal gangs are exploiting loopholes in Italys legal visa system for foreign workers to smuggle in illegal immigrants, a problem the anti-mafia prosecutor should investigate, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told her cabinet on Tuesday.

As part of its tough stance on immigration, Melonis rightist government has passed an array of measures to curb arrivals, but has also expanded legal immigration channels in response to growing labor shortages.

Last year, it raised quotas for work visas for non-EU citizens to a total of 452,000 for the period 2023-2025, an increase of nearly 150% from the previous three years. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Italy issued just 30,850 visas.

Meloni said alarming data had emerged from monitoring of the visas, showing that some regions  particularly the southern region of Campania  had received a disproportionate number of work applications compared to the number of potential employers.

In the face of the exorbitant number of applications, only a very small percentage of the foreigners who obtained work visas actually signed a work contract, less than 3% in Campania, Meloni said in a speech forwarded by her office.

She said this was evidence that organized crime groups had infiltrated the management of applications to obtain visas for migrants who had no right to enter Italy, in return for payments of around 15,000 euros ($16,300).

Meloni said she alerted the national anti-mafia prosecutor and vowed to pass new measures to curb the practice after the Group of Seven (G7) leaders summit in Italy on June 13-15.

Ero Straniero, a campaign group that lobbies for more liberal immigration policies, also said last week the visa system was vulnerable to fraud, blaming red tape.

In 2023, work visas were six times higher than the quotas set by the government, and only 23.52% have turned into residence permits and stable, regular employment, Ero Straniero said in a statement.

Interior ministry data show the number of irregular migrants reaching Italy by sea has more than halved so far in 2024 compared to the same period last year, to 21,574 people.
ANKARA: Lawmakers from Turkeys ruling AK Party and the pro-Kurdish DEM Party brawled in parliaments general assembly on Tuesday over the detention and replacement of a DEM Party mayor in southeast Turkey.

On Monday, police detained Mehmet Siddik Akis, mayor of the southeastern Hakkari province bordering Iran and Iraq, just two months after he won power in local elections. Turkeys Interior Ministry said Akis played a high-level role within the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militia, while replacing him with the state governor.

After the 2019 municipal elections, Turkey detained virtually all pro-Kurdish mayors over alleged PKK ties and replaced them with state officials. DEM has previously denied any association with the PKK.

Tensions flared in parliament when DEM lawmakers held signs and chanted slogans, occupying the speaking podium in the general assembly in protest of Akis detention and replacement.

Shoulder to shoulder against fascism, DEM lawmakers chanted, as legislators from President Tayyip Erdogans AK Party (AKP) chanted counter-slogans such as Damn the PKK while ripping up signs held by DEM lawmakers.

Footage showed the lawmakers arguing loudly and shoving each other. A punch led to one scuffle that caused some lawmakers to fall over, with others held back from joining in the fight.

It was not immediately clear who threw the punch.

The general assembly closed for the day after the incident.

The main opposition Republican Peoples Party has also criticised the detention and replacement of Akis, calling it disrespect to the people of Hakkari.

In the March 31 local elections, DEM reaffirmed its regional strength, winning 10 provinces in Turkeys mainly Kurdish southeast.

Turkish authorities accuse DEM and its pro-Kurdish predecessors of ties to the PKK, which is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

Over 40,000 people have been killed in the PKKs separatist insurgency against the Turkish state, launched in 1984.

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
The mayor of a town in western Mexico was killed on Monday, the regional government said, barely 24 hours after Claudia Sheinbaum was elected the Latin American countrys first woman president.

The Michoacan state government condemned the murder of the municipal president (mayor) of Cotija, Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa, the regional interior ministry said in a post on the social media platform X.

The murder of the woman mayor comes after Sheinbaums landslide victory injected hope for change in a country riven by rampant gender-based violence.

Sanchez, who was elected mayor in 2021 elections, was gunned down on a public road, according to local media.

Authorities have not given details on the murder, but said a security operation had been launched to arrest the killers.

The politician was previously kidnapped in September last year while leaving a shopping mall in the city of Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, which neighbors Michoacan.

Three days later the federal government said she had been found alive.

According to local media reports at the time, the kidnappers belonged to the powerful Jalisco Cartel  New Generation (CJNG), who allegedly threatened the mayor for opposing the criminal groups takeover of her municipalitys police force.

Michoacan is renowned for its tourist destinations and a thriving agro-export industry, but is also one of the most violent states in the country due to the presence of extortion and drug trafficking gangs.
Taiwans defence ministry said Tuesday it had detected 23 Chinese aircraft around the island in a window of less than three hours.

China maintains a near-daily military presence around self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.

Since 8:20 am (0020 GMT), we have successively detected a total of 23 aircraft including 16 that crossed the median line, the defence ministry said, referring to a line bisecting the Taiwan Strait that separates the island from China.

The ministry statement, issued at 10:40 am, said that the aircraft included fighter jets, transport aircraft and drones.

Taiwans military is using joint intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance methods to closely monitor the situation.

Tuesdays surge comes after China sent in 19 aircraft, eight naval vessels, and four Chinese coast guard ships around Taiwan within a 24-hour period ending at 6 am Tuesday, according to Taipeis daily report.

Tensions on the strait have been ramped up since the May 20 inauguration of Taiwans new President Lai Ching-te.

China said his inauguration speech  in which he vowed to defend Taiwans democracy and freedom  was akin to a confession of Taiwan independence.

Three days later it launched war games around Taiwan, encircling the island with warplanes and ships as a punishment for separatist acts.

China has said it would never renounce the use of force to take control of Taiwan.
China authorities said they would close Beijings Tiananmen Square on Tuesday, the 35th anniversary of the June 4 crackdown, while Hong Kong police also tightened security as activists in Taiwan and elsewhere prepared to mark the date with vigils.

Chinese tanks rolled into the square before dawn on June 4, 1989, to end weeks of student and worker protests.

Decades after the military crackdown, rights activists say the demonstrators original goals  including a free press and freedom of speech  remain distant, and June 4 is still a taboo topic in China.

The ruling Communist Party has never released a death toll, though rights groups and witnesses say the figure could run into the thousands.

In Beijing, an official website for Tiananmen Square posted a notice earlier saying the square would be closed for the entire day on June 4, and that those who had bought tickets for the square could get them refunded. The official social media account of the Beijing subway network announced that an exit of Tiananmen East station would be closed from June 2 to 5.

Small groups of stability maintenance volunteers  retirees with red armbands  have been keeping watch at neighbourhoods in central Beijing since last week. Guards have also been stationed on pedestrian bridges, a regular practice during politically sensitive periods.

On Chinese social media platforms including WeChat and Douyin, users were unable to change their profile photos, according to online posts and Reuters tests.

Thirty-five years have passed, and the authorities remain silent. All that can be seen on the internet is A Concise History of the Communist Party of China, which says that a tragic incident was caused by the student movement in 1989, wrote the Tiananmen Mothers, a group of mostly China-based survivors and families of the victims of the Tiananmen crackdown.

We cannot accept or tolerate such statements that ignore the facts.

In China-ruled Hong Kong, police officers tightened security around downtown Victoria Park, where large June 4 candlelight vigils had earlier been held annually before tougher new national security laws came into force in recent years.

Performance artist Sanmu Chen was taken away on Monday night by police as he attempted a mime performance near a police van. Chen was later released.

Last Tuesday, Hong Kong police arrested six people for sedition under a new national security law enacted this year, stemming from what media said were online posts linked to June 4. Two more have been arrested since.

Taiwan President Says Tiananmen Crackdown Will Never Be Forgotten

Taiwans president Lai Ching-te said in a statement on Tuesday that the memory of June 4th will not disappear in the torrent of history.

Lai, who was inaugurated last month as the leader of the democratic island China claims as its own, added that Taiwan would respond to authoritarianism with freedom.

Catch live updates of the 2024 Lok Sabha election results here. Follow real-time updates from key states such as Maharashtra,Karnataka,Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and New Delhi. Catch the latest Lok Sabha and Assembly election news from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Dont forget to explore our Election Memes, which will make you smile during the intense poll battle.
US President Joe Biden laid into his predecessor and likely opponent in Novembers election, Donald Trump, for being convicted by a Manhattan jury on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments, saying Monday night that this campaign has entered uncharted territory.

For the first time in American history a former president that is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the presidency, AFP quoted Biden as saying.

Echoing comments he made in reaction to the verdict at the White House last week, Biden said, Its reckless and dangerous and downright irresponsible for anyone to say that its rigged just because you dont like the verdict.

He added that the justice system was a core of American democracy and we should never allow anyone to tear it down.

Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, was convicted on all counts related to a scheme during his 2016 presidential campaign to pay off porn actor Stormy Daniels, who said the two had sex. The former president slammed the verdict as politically motivated, and has blamed it on Biden  while seeking to make himself a political martyr in the eyes of supporters, suggesting that if this could happen to him, similar things might befall them.

As he did last week, Biden noted that Trumps was a state case rather than a federal one, was heard by a jury chosen the same way all juries nationwide are chosen, and featured five weeks of evidence. He said the verdict was unanimous and Trump can appeal.

But Biden went farther Monday, accusing Trump of equating the justice system and elections. He said the former president was attacking both the judiciary and elections system as rigged.

Nothing could be more dangerous for the country, more dangerous for American democracy, Biden said.

The president made no mention of the federal gun case against his son, Hunter, which began Monday in Delaware. Instead, he said, Heres what is becoming clearer and clearer every day: The threat Trump poses in his second term would be greater than it was in his first.

This isnt the same Trump that got elected in 2016, Biden said. Hes worse.

Biden was attending a fundraiser hosted by Richard Plepler, the former CEO of HBO, and featuring Shonda Rhimes, who created such television smashes as Bridgerton, Scandal and Greys Anatomy. Biden went on to reference a television ad his campaign has produced featuring another of his celebrity backers, actor Robert De Niro, narrating and asserting that Trump snapped after losing to Biden in 2020.

Something snapped in this guy  for real  when he lost in 2020, Biden said, suggesting the former president was unhinged and was the driving force behind a mob of his supporters overrunning the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

He cant accept the fact that he lost, its literally driving him crazy, Biden said.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Biden continued his sharp criticism, saying the former president wants to terminate the Constitution and says if he loses there will be a bloodbath in America.

What kind of man is this? Biden asked.

(With inputs from AFP)

Catch live updates of the 2024 Lok Sabha election results here. Follow real-time updates from key states such as Maharashtra,Karnataka,Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and https://www.news18.com/elections/delhi-lok-sabha-election-result-2024-live-updates-aap-congress-bjp-liveblog-8920167.html">New Delhi. Catch the latest Lok Sabha and Assembly election news from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Dont forget to explore our Election Memes, which will make you smile during the intense poll battle.
World leaders on Tuesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his and his partys third consecutive victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

Counterparts from neighbouring Nepal, Mauritius and Bhutan congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his election victory as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) looks to form the next government, marking three wins in a row for Narendra Modi and his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Congratulations Prime Minister Modi Ji @narendramodi on your laudable victory for a historic third term.Under your helm, the largest democracy will continue to achieve remarkable progress.Long live the Mauritius-India special relationship. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth (@KumarJugnauth) June 4, 2024

Congratulations Prime Minister Modi Ji on your laudable victory for a historic third term. Under your helm, the largest democracy will continue to achieve remarkable progress. Long live the Mauritius-India special relationship, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth said in a post on X.

Congratulations to PM @narendramodi on the electoral success of BJP and NDA in the Loksabha elections for the third consecutive term. We are happy to note the successful completion of the worlds largest democratic exercise with enthusiastic participation of the people of India.  Comrade Prachanda (@cmprachanda) June 4, 2024

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal congratulated PM Modi for his third consecutive term. Congratulations to PM Narendra Modi on the electoral success of BJP and NDA in the Lok Sabha elections for the third consecutive term. We are happy to note the successful completion of the worlds largest democratic exercise with enthusiastic participation of the people of India, Dahal said in a post on X.

Congratulations to my friend PM @narendramodi ji and NDA for the historic 3rd consecutive win in the worlds biggest elections. As he continues to lead Bharat to great heights, I look forward to working closely with him to further strengthen the relations between our 2 countries. Tshering Tobgay (@tsheringtobgay) June 4, 2024

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said he is looking forward to deepening ties with India. Congratulations to my friend PM Narendra Modi-ji and NDA for the historic 3rd consecutive win in the worlds biggest elections. As he continues to lead Bharat to great heights, I look forward to working closely with him to further strengthen the relations between our two countries, Tobgay said.

PM Modi responded by thanking his Nepali and Bhutanese counterparts and said India will continue to work together with Kathmandu and Thimphu.

Thank you my friend Prime Minister @tsheringtobgay for your warm wishes. Bharat-Bhutan relations will continue to grow strength to strength. https://t.co/wNvpPjWwnt Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2024

Look forward to continued cooperation to strengthen India-Nepal friendship, PM Modi said, responding to Nepals Dahals message.

Thank you Prime Minister @cmprachanda ji for your kind wishes. Look forward to continued cooperation to strengthen India-Nepal friendship. https://t.co/bLW23jFXFt Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2024

Sri Lanka said the victory showed the confidence Indians have on Narendra Modis leadership.

I extend my warmest felicitations to the @BJP4India led NDA on its victory, demonstrating the confidence of the Indian people in the progress and prosperity under the leadership of PM @narendramodi. As the closest neighbour Sri Lanka looks forward to further strengthening the Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) June 4, 2024

I extend my warmest felicitations to the BJP-led NDA on its victory, demonstrating the confidence of the Indian people in the progress and prosperity under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. As the closest neighbour Sri Lanka looks forward to further strengthening the partnership with India, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu also sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the BJP and BJP-led NDA, on the success in the 2024 Indian General Election, for the third consecutive term. I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries, Muizzu said in a post on X.

Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi, and the BJP and BJP-led NDA, on the success in the 2024 Indian General Election, for the third consecutive term.I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for  Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) June 4, 2024

India and Maldives relations have suffered some setbacks recently due to Muizzus own stance on India as well due to remarks made by his ministers on India and PM Modi on social media but the Muizzu government said it will work together with India.
Janis Paige, a popular actor in Hollywood and in Broadway musicals and comedies who danced with Fred Astaire, toured with Bob Hope, and continued to perform into her 80s, has died. She was 101. Paige died Sunday of natural causes at her Los Angeles home, the AP reports. Paige starred on Broadway with Jackie Cooper in the mystery-comedy, Remains to be Seen, and with John Raitt in the smash hit musical The Pajama Game. Other films included a Hope comedy, Bachelor in Paradise, and the Doris Day comedy Please Don't Eat the Daisies. In 2018, she added her voice to the #MeToo movement, alleging an assault when she was 22 by the late department-store heir Alfred Bloomingdale.

Paige's big break came in wartime when she sang an operatic aria for servicemen at the Hollywood Canteen. MGM hired her a day later for a brief role in Bathing Beautyshe spoke two lines in the film, which starred Esther Williams and Red Skeltonthen dropped her. The same day, Warner Bros. signed her and cast her in a dramatic segment of the all-star movie Hollywood Canteen. Her contract started at $150 a week. "I earned more per week than my mother had made in a month during the Great Depression," she recalled in the Hollywood Reporter in 2018. Her salary rose to $1,000 weekly as the studio kept her busy in lightweight films such as Two Guys from Milwaukee and Romance on the High Seas, which marked Doris Day's film debut.

Paige's contract expired in 1949, per the AP, at a time when studios were unloading talent because of the inroads of television. "That was a jolt," she remarked later. "It meant I was washed up at 25." She took her talents to Broadway, where she starred in Remains to Be Seen and as Babe opposite Raitt in the original production of The Pajama Game. MGM producer Arthur Freed caught her nightclub act and offered her a part opposite Astaire in Silk Stockings. In it, she and Astaire spoofed the newfangled movie gimmicks in the Cole Porter number "Stereophonic Sound," including swinging from a chandelier. "I was one mass of bruises. I didn't know how to fall," she said.

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After leaving Warner Bros., she turned to TV, appearing in shows including Santa Barbara, Eight Is Enough, and Fantasy Island. On All in the Family, she played a waitress who becomes involved with Carroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker. Paige replaced Angela Lansbury in the New York production of Mame and toured in Gypsy and Annie Get Your Gun. She also supplied glamor for Hope's Christmas visits to Cuba, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. She sang in clubs with Sammy Davis Jr. and Perry Como. In May 2003, Paige resumed entertaining after a long absence. In a show in San Francisco, Paige told stories about Astaire and Frank Sinatra and sang tunes from her films and stage musicals.

Paige's essay accusing Bloomingdale, in which she wrote, "Even at 95, I remember everything," can be found here.

(More obituary stories.)
An elderly woman died after the car she was in outside a hospital in Washington, DC, was carjacked, then crashed, with her still in it. Police say the victim and her adult daughter had just pulled up to the emergency department of MedStar Washington Hospital Center on Monday afternoon when a female suspect jumped into their SUV and drove off with it. The suspect drove into downtown DC, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into a concrete barrier outside the US attorney's office, the Washington Post reports. NBC 4 reports the SUV crashed into a building near the DC Court of Appeals, about three miles away from the site of the carjacking.
Checkpoints and rows of police vehicles lined a major road leading to Beijing's Tiananmen Square on Tuesday as China heightened security on the 35th anniversary of a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests, per the AP . China has long quashed any memory of the killings, when the Chinese government ordered in the army to end the months-long protests and uphold Communist rule. An estimated 180,000 troops and armed police rolled in with tanks and armored vehicles, and fired into crowds as they pushed toward Tiananmen Square. The death toll remains unknown to this day. Hundreds, if not thousands are believed to have been killed in an operation that started the night before and ended on the morning of June 4, 1989.

The crackdown became a turning point in modern Chinese history, ending a crisis in favor of Communist Party hardliners who advocated for control instead of political reforms. The economy boomed in the ensuing decades, turning a once impoverished country into the world's second largest economy, but societal controls have been tightened since party leader Xi Jinping came to power in 2012. Across China, the event remains a sensitive and taboo subject that is heavily censored, and any mention or reference on social media is erased. Police used a new national security law to arrest eight people over the past week for social media posts commemorating the crackdown.

Asked by a foreign journalist for comment on the 35th anniversary during a daily foreign ministry briefing on Monday, spokesperson Mao Ning shrugged off the event. "The Chinese government has long since come to a clear conclusion on the political disturbance that took place in the late 1980s," she said, without elaborating. Tiananmen Mothers, a group formed by families of the victims, made an online appeal to the Chinese government to publish the names and numbers of those who died, grant compensation to the victims and their relatives, and pursue the legal punishment of those responsible. "Some people in the Government at that time should be held legally responsible for the indiscriminate killing of innocents," the group said in a letter signed by 114 family members and published on its website, which is blocked in China. (More Tiananmen Square stories.)
A US federal court of appeals panel suspended a venture capital firm's grant program for Black women business owners, ruling that a conservative group is likely to prevail in its lawsuit claiming that the program is discriminatory. The ruling against the Atlanta-based Fearless Fund is another victory for conservative groups waging a sprawling legal battle against corporate diversity programs, per the AP. The case against the Fearless Fund was brought last year by the American American Alliance for Equal Rights, a group led by Edward Blum, the conservative activist behind the Supreme Court case that ended affirmative action in college admissions. In a 2-1 ruling, the panel of the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Miami found that Blum was likely to prevail in his lawsuit.

The suit: Blum claims the grant program violates the 1866 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race when enforcing contracts. The law was originally intended to protect formally enslaved people, but anti-affirmative action activists have been leveraging it to challenge programs intended to benefit minority-owned businesses.
Three people were released from custody Monday pending further investigation after they allegedly placed five coffins at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. According to officials at the Paris prosecutor's office, the threecitizens of Bulgaria, Germany, and Ukraineplaced the coffins, covered with a French flag that included an inscription reading "French soldiers of Ukraine," near the tower on Saturday, per the AP . The motive for the incident was unclear. France is on its highest alert level ahead of the July 26-Aug. 11 Summer Games in Paris and the lavish open-air ceremony on the River Seine, of which the Eiffel Tower will feature prominently as part of the Olympic rings display.

The prosecutor's office asked that the men be charged with premeditated violence. Placing coffins at the foot of the Paris landmark that millions of tourists visit every year "is considered an act of psychological violence," and caused employees of the landmark and others "an inability to work," said officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a pending investigation. An investigative judge questioned the men on Monday but did not file charges. Instead, the judge named the men as assisted witnesses, a special status under French law, the prosecutor's office said. They will remain free pending further investigation.

Those detained in the Eiffel Tower incident include the driver of the vehicle that transported the coffins, a 39-year-old Bulgarian, as well as two people associated with hima 25-year-old German man and a 16-year-old Ukrainian, who was arrested aboard a Paris-Berlin bound Flixbus, the officials said. The Eiffel Tower coffins appeared after other strange incidents in recent months worrying French authorities. Last month, graffiti showing red hands appeared on the Holocaust Memorial in Paris. And in October, stencils of blue Stars of David appeared on Paris buildings. French authorities accused Russian security services of stirring up controversy around the stars. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said both incidents involved people paid to destabilize and drive wedges in French society. (More France stories.)
With a jury now seated, Hunter Biden's trial on three felony firearms charges got underway Tuesday in Delaware with first lady Jill Biden again in attendance, along with his sister, Ashley Biden, and wife, Melissa Cohen Biden. A look:

The prosecution: NBC News reports that prosecutor Derek Hines told the courtroom during his opening statement that "no one is above the law. It doesn't matter who you are, or what your name is." Hines outlined Hunter Biden's lie in checking a box on an application to buy a gun that said he wasn't a drug user, per the AP. "No one is allowed to lie on a federal form like that, even Hunter Biden," Hines said.
Louisiana judges could order surgical castration for people convicted of sex crimes against young children under legislation approved Monday, and if Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signs it into law, the state apparently would be the first with such a punishment. The GOP-controlled Legislature passed the bill that gives judges the option to sentence someone to surgical castration after they have been convicted of certain aggravated sex crimesincluding rape, incest, and molestationagainst a child under 13, per the AP . A handful of statesincluding California, Florida, and Texashave laws allowing for chemical castration. In some of those states, offenders can opt for the surgical procedure. But the National Conference of State Legislatures said it's unaware of any states that allow judges to impose surgical castration.

For more than 16 years, judges in Louisiana have been allowed to order those convicted of such crimes to receive chemical castration, though that punishment is rarely issued. Chemical castration uses medications that block testosterone production to decrease sex drive; surgical castration is a much more invasive procedure. "This is a consequence," Republican state Sen. Valarie Hodges said in April. "It's a step over and beyond just going to jail and getting out." The bill received overwhelming approval in both of the GOP-dominated chambers. Votes against the bill mainly came from Democrats. However, a Democratic lawmakerstate Sen. Regina Barrowauthored the legislation.

If the bill becomes law, it can be applied only to those who've been convicted of a crime that occurred on or after Aug. 1 of this year. Barrow has said she hopes the legislation will serve as a deterrent. "We are talking about babies who are being violated by somebody," Barrow said during the April meeting. While castration is often tied to men, Barrow said the law could also be applied to women. The bill, and chemical castration bills, have received pushback, with opponents calling it "cruel and unusual punishment" and questioning the procedure's effectiveness. Some Louisiana lawmakers have also asked if the punishment was too harsh for someone with a single offense. "For me, when I think about a child, one time is too many," Barrow responded. More here.

(More castration stories.)
Mere hours after Mexico broke the glass ceiling in its highest office with the election of Claudia Sheinbaum to the presidency, gunmen mowed down a female mayor in the state of Michoacan. As the BBC reports, Yolanda Sanchez was the first woman elected to the post in the city of Cotija, a job she'd held since 2021. Sanchez was ambushed on a public road on Monday, and shot 19 times; she died in the hospital shortly after. One of her security guards was also killed. There are no suspects in custody. CBS News notes that Sanchez had previously been abducted in September while shopping; she was found alive three days later.
It's election season in Britain and the milkshakes are flying again. A 25-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault Tuesday after Nigel Farage had a milkshake thrown over him on his first day of campaigning, Politico reports. Video shows the woman throwing a McDonald's milkshake over the leader of the right-wing Reform UK party, formerly the Brexit Party, as he leaves a pub in Clacton, England. This isn't Farage's first campaign, or his first milkshaking: He had a banana and salted caramel milkshake thrown over him while campaigning in Newcastle in 2019.

Farage told Politico he was shaken by the "quite violent" incident. "If somebody chucks something and it hits you in the face, it could be anything, it is a bit scary," he said, noting that it doesn't happen to other party leaders. "You know why, they don't go out and meet hundreds of people and this is the risk of doing it," he said. The BBC reports that he later made light of the incident and posed with a tray of four milkshakes.

The July 4 election was called almost two weeks ago but Farage didn't announce his candidacy until Monday. He had previously insisted that he wouldn't run. Polls suggest that the ruling Conservative Party will suffer a heavy defeat. On Tuesday, Farage drew parallels with Canada, where the country's Reform Party became more powerful after the Progressive Conservative Party was almost wiped out in the 1993 election. "Reform did a reverse takeover of the Conservative party, rebranded it and Stephen Harperwho was elected as a Reform MPbecame the Canadian prime minister for 10 years," he told Good Morning Britain. (More Nigel Farage stories.)
A fiery moment in Hunter Biden's gun trial on Tuesday happened outside the courtroom. Biden's wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, confronted former Trump White House aide Garrett Ziegler in a hallway during a morning break in the trial, NBC News reports. The AP reports that she "pulled him aside and told him curtly that he did not belong there." According to NBC, she loudly told him: "You have no right to be here, you Nazi piece of s---." She walked away and Ziegler, who worked for Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro, did not respond.

Since leaving the White House, Ziegler has "fashioned himself into a Hunter Biden specialist, compiling personal and financial records from anywhere he can get them," the Washington Post reported in a profile last year. Ziegler was part of the effort to spread content from a laptop left in a repair shop and Biden sued him in September, alleging that he had broken state and federal privacy laws. He alleged that Ziegler and the nonprofit he founded, Marco Polo, illegally hacked into encrypted portions of the laptop, per the Post. Ziegler has promoted posts online from white supremacist Nick Fuentes, among others.

After the confrontation Tuesday, Ziegler told NBC the incident was "sad." "For the record, I'm not a Nazi. I'm a believer in the US Constitution," he said. "I haven't said one thing to them." He said it was "prudent" to be at the trial. Cohen Biden told the network Ziegler has called her "the most horrific Jewish slurs" and he should be asked why he's never used them against Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. (More Hunter Biden trial stories.)
P&O is a highly recognisable Australian brand that has been operating since 1932.

The Pacific Explorer's maiden voyage with P&O Cruises was in 2017 and it is set to return to Auckland next month, where it will be based until October.

When it was here last year, cruise director Damian Hewitt said it was a special ship that was a great option for first-timers.

"There's just something about this ship. It's got heart to it - it's not huge but it's not small either," Hewitt told Newshub at the time.

"The crew feel like family. They see the guests a lot more, they want to spend time with them and you want to spend time with them because all you're doing is walking past them and you're with them. You see them a lot more. There's something about that that makes this ship a bit more relaxing, a bit more like home and a bit more comfortable."

For customers booked on Pacific Explorer cruises before March, 2025 the company says those will operate normally.

Currently, the final-ever Pacific Explorer sailing to depart Auckland is set to do so on October 30 for a five-night one-way cruise to Melbourne.

New Zealand customers affected by the cancelled sailings will be contacted directly, the company said in a statement on its website.

"In early 2025 P&O Cruises Australia brand will be sunset and its operations integrated into sister line, Carnival Cruise Line. As a result, all itineraries on Pacific Explorer scheduled to sail after March 2, 2025 are being cancelled," the statement reads.

"If you are booked on one of these itineraries you will be contacted by guest services in the coming days with refund details. We apologise that this change has been necessary.

"If you are booked to cruise before this date, your itinerary is unaffected and we look forward to welcoming you onboard soon.

"We are all immensely proud of P&O Cruises Australia's 90-year heritage of dedicated operations in the region and Carnival Cruise Line are honoured to carry forward its storied legacy and continue to deliver the same onboard experiences and itineraries."
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TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Ashen Tharaka

The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Bahrain was celebrated in grand style yesterday at the Diplomatic Raddison Blu Hotel in Manama.

High-ranking Bahraini officials including HE Ahmed bin Salman Al Musalam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, and Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the reception ceremony.

HE A. K. M. Mohiuddin Kayes, Charge dAffaires of the Bangladesh Embassy, addressed the gathering, highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.

Relations He mentioned the visit of Bangladeshs Prime Minister, Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, to Bahrain in March 1999 and the recent meeting between the Foreign Ministers of both countries in Kampala, emphasising their commitment to strengthening relations.

The event also shed light on the first round of Foreign Office Consultation held in Manama in November 2022, where future collaborations were discussed.

Several agreements and MoUs are reportedly in the pipeline to be signed during the upcoming second round of consultations in Dhaka.

Construction A significant announcement was the commencement of construction for the Bangladesh School building in Aali, named after Bangladeshs Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Charge dAffaires expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for donating the land and to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for funding the project The 50th anniversary official logo unveiled at the ceremony, followed by traditional cake cutting with the participation of officials.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The Cassation Court has upheld the imprisonment of an employee at Bahrains leading petroleum company, convicted of laundering nearly half a million Bahraini dinars.

The employee has been sentenced to four years in prison and fined BD100,000, along with his private company used in the crime, with each fined BD100,000.

The Kingdoms highest court has also ordered the seizure of approximately half a million Bahraini dinars from him.

The Public Prosecution announced earlier completing its investigation into the report submitted by the Anti-Corruption Crimes Department at the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security regarding the findings of its probing into the complaint filed by the company.

Violations and abuses

The investigations revealed that the accused committed several violations and abuses while performing his job.

The Public Prosecution has taken its measures by questioning the investigators and officials of the company, examining the lawsuit documents, and discussing with the officials of the contracted companies.

The investigations have proven that the accused exploited his position to obtain confidential information regarding the shortage of maintenance needs in the warehouses and used this information to his advantage by establishing a company specifically for the purpose of supplying these needs.

Purchase and supply

He then instructed the contracted companies to purchase and supply these needs exclusively through his company, claiming that it offered the best available offers, in violation of the established rules and procedures.

The financial analysis report prepared by the National Center for Financial Investigations confirmed that the accused himself, through his company, engaged in money laundering of the illicit proceeds from the aforementioned crimes, which amounted to BD445,129.290.

He conducted multiple operations of transfer, withdrawal, deposit, and purchase to conceal the nature and source of the funds.

As a result, his accounts have been frozen, his assets seized, and he has been interrogated and confronted with verbal and technical evidence against him.
Redberry Restaurants Gives Torontonians On-The-Go a New Way to Enjoy Mexican-Inspired Fare

TORONTO, June 4, 2024 /CNW/ - Redberry Restaurants ("Redberry") is bringing the fiesta into Union Station with the grand opening of its newest location. Situated in the heart of downtown Toronto, everyone from commuters to game-goers can now conveniently enjoy Taco Bell's crave-worthy menu items. This latest restaurant will be located on Union Station's York Concourse's lower-level food court, bringing the Redberry Taco Bell portfolio to 27 units.

Union Station. (CNW Group/Taco Bell Canada)

"This will be the seventh new location that we have opened this year, and we are honoured to become a part of a vibrant and historical location like Union Station," said Steve Perreira, Taco Bell Director of Operations, Redberry. "We look forward to connecting with Torontonians and visitors alike to provide the Taco Bell classics we know they'll love while they're on the go."

Redberry continues to grow strategically with ambitious plans to open 200 Taco Bell locations across the country over the next few years. As Toronto's transportation hub, Union Station marks one of Redberry's most significant store openings yet, with more than 200,000 people travelling through its doors every day.

"We're always looking for new ways to bring our fans the taste, convenience and value they love," said Devon Lawrence, Marketing Director, Taco Bell Canada. "Union Station's central location provides the perfect opportunity to meet our customers where they already are  whether that's waiting to catch a train, grabbing a quick bite over lunch, or heading home after a game. We couldn't be more thrilled to celebrate this milestone opening and serve Taco Bell favourites to even more Torontonians."

From delays to packed buses, public transportation can get messy  but the only thing that's meant to be messy is your favourite meal from Taco Bell. Now, commuters can enjoy cheesy, spicy and crunchy menu items more often  whether they're in a hurry or have time to spare, there's delicious and affordable options for everyone at Taco Bell.

Taco Bell Union Station is open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. to satisfy mid-day to late-night cravings and everything in between. Customers can also skip the line at the pick-up counter by ordering ahead using the Taco Bell app.

The opening of this location in Union Station marks Taco Bell's fifth location in Toronto and the company's commitment to expand its footprint across Canada.

To learn more about Redberry, please visit www.Redberry.ca

About Taco Bell Corp.

For information about Taco Bell Canada, visit https://tacobell.ca/ or find us on social media 

Follow: instagram.com/tacobellcanada/ (Instagram) tiktok.com/@tacobellcanada (TikTok) facebook.com/tacobellcanada (Facebook) twitter.com/tacobellcanada (Twitter), @Tacobellcanada (Snapchat), youtube.com/user/TacoBellCanada (YouTube).

About Redberry Restaurants

Founded in 2005, Redberry is one of the largest QSR restaurant franchisees in Canada. Redberry owns and operates more than 180 restaurants across the country, operating under the BURGER KING, Taco Bell and Jersey Mike's Subs brands. With signed agreements to build more than 600 new restaurants, Redberry is one of the fastest growing restaurant companies in Canada. Redberry's mission and accelerated growth trajectory is made possible through its partnership with City Capital Ventures. Culturally, we have created an environment where our partners, brands and team members can achieve the best versions of themselves. Redberry is proud to have been awarded "Restaurant Top 200: The Nation's Largest and Most Successful Franchisees" by Franchise Times for the past two years, and Franchisee of the Year by Burger King for North America in 2021. We are truly architects of a different kind. of a catering company.

SOURCE Taco Bell Canada

Media Contact: Sharron Fry, Director of Marketing, Redberry, [email protected]; Taco Bell Canada, Jeene Sulaivany, [email protected], 647-245-7646
"National Doughnut Day provides an opportunity for The Salvation Army to share its rich history and speak to the importance of our transformative programs and services. The Salvation Army played a significant role on the frontlines of the First World War, and we continue to be on the frontlines providing life-changing support for families struggling with food affordability and securing permanent housing every day," said Glenn van Gulik, Salvation Army divisional secretary for public relations in Ontario. "We are deeply grateful for the generous support from the community which allows The Salvation Army to bring hope to the most vulnerable across Ontario."

The doughnut now serves as a symbol of the social services The Salvation Army provides, and last year, 1.5 million individuals were supported with nutritious meals, shelter, practical assistance and emotional and spiritual support during times of disaster and crisis.

To further expand upon National Doughnut Day, an innovative partnership was created with Toronto's Letterbox Doughnuts to provide the treats through online ordering. Visit www.letterboxdoughnuts.com for pick-up and delivery routes within the Greater Toronto Area.

Choose between two delicious doughnuts: one adorned with the iconic Salvation Army shield, and the other with vibrant red icing. Every purchase of the Salvation Army shield doughnut contributes $1.75 to The Salvation Army's transformative work, while choosing the red icing doughnut means $1 goes directly to supporting your struggling neighbours. Indulge your sweet tooth and make a meaningful impact at the same time! Delivery is available in the Greater Toronto Area.

Follow us on Facebook @SalArmyON, Instagram @SalvationArmyOntario and X @SalvationArmyOn. Be sure to use the #NationalDoughnutDay, #DoughnutDay2024 and #DoughnutDay hashtags. To donate to The Salvation Army please visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Background:

Held annually on the first Friday in June, Doughnut Day was established by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honour The Salvation Army's "Doughnut Lassies," who served the treats to soldiers during the First World War. The "Doughnut Lassies" are often credited with popularizing the doughnut in the United States when the troops returned home from war. The Salvation Army celebrated the first National Doughnut Day in Chicago in 1938 to help raise funds during the Great Depression and commemorate the work of these women. The doughnut now serves as a symbol of all the social services The Salvation Army provides to those in need. The Salvation Army still serves meals, offers practical assistance and emotional support to those in need during times of disaster.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international faith-based organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in over 400 communities across Canada and in 131 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

SOURCE The Salvation Army Ontario Division

Or to set up an interview please contact: Chris McGregor, Content Marketing Specialist, The Salvation Army, Ontario Division, Cell: 905-805-3511, Email: [email protected]
Police officers in Bergen County held onto a teenager who tried to jump off a motel balcony in Lyndhurst over the weekend after he was accused of stealing a bicycle, authorities said.

The 17-year-old took the bike from another boy who reported the incident about 9:25 p.m. Saturday to a Lyndhurst police officer patrolling Town Hall Park on Delafield Avenue, authorities said.

An officer spotted the teen dressed in black and wearing a ski mask as he rode the stolen bike west on Lake Avenue before turning onto Kearney Street, according to Lyndhurst police Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri. Police lost sight of the teen, but the bike had a tracking device that led officers to the Winslow Motor Hotel on Rutherford Avenue, Auteri said

They found the bike abandoned behind a dumpster and the teen crouched behind stairs leading to the hotels second floor, Auteri said. The teen fled to the second floor and climbed over a balcony railing in attempt to jump, but Officer Michael DAlessandro grabbed him to stop him from falling, Auteri said.

Three other police officers climbed the stairwell and held onto the teen as a fourth officer assisted from ground level.

The teen was belligerent and resisted the help of the officers who held him by his arms, legs and clothing for more than 10 minutes before they could fully coral him and bring him to safety, Auteri said.

The teenager, later identified as a Clifton resident, was charged with theft, receiving stolen property, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. He was taken to a local hospital for a medical evaluation, Auteri said.

A split-second decision was made by Officer DAlessandro and aided by the effort of his colleagues to save the (teen) from injury or worse, Auteri said. It was a great team effort and we are extremely proud of the bravery and compassion showed by all of our officers.

First-responders from the Lyndhurst Fire Department, along with police officers from Rutherford and North Arlington, assisted local police officers, Auteri said.

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Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Procol Harum guitarist Robin Trower has canceled his tour in the United States due to ongoing health issues.

Trower, 79, was set to kick off the tour on Sept. 14 for a month and stop in the cities of Nashville, Chicago, Buffalo and Boston.

It is with great regret that I must inform you that I will be unable to fulfill the upcoming tour of the USA in September/October, he wrote in a statement. I have struggled with health issues for some time now. Following my latest stay in hospital a few weeks ago, my doctor advised me that the only possible way for an effective long-term solution is to undertake a major operation as soon as possible.

I am currently awaiting confirmation of that date. I have also been advised that the recovery time to 100% full fitness could take a while, the statement continued. This makes committing to a fixed touring period in the near future impossible. I have struggled with this decision but realize I cannot continue touring at this time. I know that you will be as disappointed as I am, but I am very hopeful that this procedure will give me a new lease of life and I can return to doing what I love the most- playing live ASAP. I look forward to catching up with you all as soon as I am able.

Trowers career began with Procol Harum in 1967. His solo album, 1974s Bridge of Sighs, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. He has released more than two dozen albums over the last 50 years with his latest one, Joyful Sky, arriving last year.

More music coverage

Saleah Blancaflor may be reached at sblancaflor@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @saleyley and Instagram.
State authorities say a Nevada gun dealer sold magazines banned in New Jersey online, shipping at least 30 of the illegal attachments to the Garden State, including 17 sent to an undercover investigator.

Arms Unlimited, a Henderson, Nevada company that sells firearms and parts online, is accused of violating a New Jersey law limiting magazine sizes to 10 rounds.

The lawsuit, brought by the state Division of Consumer Affairs, is the latest in several such cases where state authorities targeted out-of-state gun sellers accused of shipping banned products to customers in New Jersey, which has among the strictest gun laws in the nation.
Ahead of forecasts of a record breaking travel season, United Airlines announced Tuesday it will hire 10,000 new employees nationwide, with 1,500 new hires at its Newark Liberty Airport hub.

United officials made the announcement Tuesday at a press conference citing our biggest Memorial Day weekend. United averaged 535,000 passengers a day at the start of the Memorial Day travel period and these numbers are expected to increase 5% in June, July and August, said Toby Enquist, Uniteds chief operations officer.

Uniteds hiring spree comes as Airlines for America, a domestic airline industry association, forecasts U.S. airlines will carry 271 million passengers this summer travel season, a 6.3% increase from last summer. This would be a new record surpassing one set in summer 2023, when 255 million people flew U.S. airlines.

U.S. airlines are predicted to offer more flights this summer with more than 26,000 scheduled flights per day, a nearly 1,400 flight increase from last summer.

Port Authority officials said its commercial airports recorded the busiest first four months of the year ever, outpacing the same period in 2023. So far this year, the authoritys commercial airports, including Newark, have moved 44.6 million passengers, an increase of nearly 400,000 passengers compared to the first four months of 2023, officials said.

Uniteds planned hiring for its Newark Liberty Airport hub is the second largest after 2,300 new employees to be hired in Chicago, said Kate Gebo, Uniteds human relations and labor executive vice president.

While some companies are laying off people, United Airlines continues to hire and is seeing increased interest, she said. We received 260,000 applications this year and 40,000 interns applied for 300 positions.

The new jobs are across the spectrum including ground, customer service ramp and airport support workers, technicians and maintenance personal, digital technology and corporate support employees, Gebo said.

The airline is taking a slower approach to hiring new pilots and flight attendants, matching those jobs with the delivery of new aircraft which has slowed.

In March, United officials said it expected Boeing to deliver 63 aircraft to this year, instead of 165 jets it had previously been banking on, Flight Global reported. That prompted United to paused pilot and flight attendant hiring in May, Gebo said.

That came in the awake of a Jan. 5 incident where a mid-cabin door plug blew out on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 which p[prompted United to ground its fleet until aircraft could be inspected. On Jan. 6, the FAA grounded all 179 737 MAX 9 aircraft in the United States until they can be inspected and corrective action taken.

On June 29, 2021, United announced the purchase of 270 new aircraft, including 200 737 MAX airplanes at a media event at Newark Airport announcing its United Next strategy to meet post pandemic travel demand.

In Dec. 2022, United announced it exercised options to purchase 44 more Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for delivery between 2024 and 2026.

In the interim, United plans to lease 35 additional Airbus jets that are expected to be flying in 2026, Enquist said. Meanwhile until aircraft deliveries catch up to the schedule, some pilots had been asked to take voluntary leave with benefits, affecting less than 1% of the workforce, he said.

Less airplanes need less people, but we are growing 6% to 10% through the quarter, he said. Weve been in contact with Boeing and the supply chain is getting better. Were not worried.

The airline is back to hiring pilots again to be ready for passenger growth and aircraft delivery, he said.

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With the worlds attention fixed on the Gaza Strip, Jewish settlers in the West Bank are making their move, taking more land from Palestinians, burning their homes and farms, beating and even killing those who wont move, and openly breaking laws that were designed to restrain them. All of this while Israeli police and soldiers stand by watching, as silent accomplices.

These are not antisemitic ravings: They are facts on the ground, documented by Israeli and global human rights groups, multiple press accounts, and even senior Israeli security officials. The displacement of Palestinians is not new, but it is turbocharged now by the most right-wing government in Israels history, along with the emotions unleashed by the Oct. 7 massacre.

The United Nations has documented 280 attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank since Oct. 7, with 489 Palestinians killed. An Israeli group that monitors activity in the West Bank, Kerem Navot, says settlers have taken 37,000 acres of land from Palestinians since the attack. Attacks by Palestinians have increased as well, but the scale is much smaller, with 10 Israeli deaths, according to the U.N.

An investigative piece by The New York Times recently quoted from a letter written by Maj. Gen. Yehuda Fox, the head of Israels Central Command responsible for the West Bank, to his boss, the chief of Israels military staff. The surge in violence by Jewish settlers, Fox wrote, could set the West Bank on fire. Under Netanyahus government, he added, the effort to stop illegal settlement construction has faded to the point where it has disappeared.

I asked Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman about this, and it turns out the attacks in the West Bank were a key reason she voted in April against the House bill that provided a new infusion of $26 billion in military aid to Israel. She was alone among New Jerseys 12-member delegation.

It hasnt gotten the attention because of whats happening in Gaza, she says. Its escalated under (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, because he wants it to escalate. He really doesnt show any humanity as relates to the Palestinian people. Theyre moving people out of their homes, by might, not right. It makes it much more difficult to make a moral argument in defense of Israel.

Allow me to pause here to condemn Hamas, the murderers who started this catastrophic war, and who recently fired a fresh round of rockets from Rafah into civilian neighborhoods near Tel Aviv, while hiding behind innocent Palestinians. Too many critics of Israel, including the student demonstrators at Rutgers, skip past that, fueling anxiety and suspicions among Jewish people who are facing a shameful spike in antisemitism.

But lets also be honest about whats happened in Israel. It is no longer the Israel of men like Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who tried to make peace, opening the door to a Palestinian state alongside a Jewish state before he was gunned down by a right-wing Jewish terrorist in 1995. In recent years, the extremists in Israel have moved from the fringe to the halls of power.

* * *

The West Bank is run now by two cabinet members appointed by Netanyahu, both of whom believe that Jews have exclusive rights to rule in what they call Greater Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza. From the river to the sea, in other words.

One is Itamar Ben-Gvir, the National Security Minister, who has authority of the Israeli police in the West Bank. The man is a monster. Hes been convicted of inciting racism against Palestinians and supporting terrorism, and spent time in jail. For years, he had a poster on the wall of his living room of Baruch Goldstein, perhaps the most notorious murderer in settler history. In 1994, Goldstein took his military rifle to the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron in the West Bank, while it was crowded with Muslim worshippers, and opened fire, killing 29 and injuring more than 100 before he was beaten to death.

I visited Goldsteins grave at the Kiryat Arba settlement near Hebron in 2016 and saw Jewish settlers worshipping his memory. They had placed fresh stones on his tomb, a sign of love and respect. How can a man like that be worshipped? How could Ben-Gvir honor him? And how could Netanyahu put Ben-Gvir in charge of the police on the West Bank?

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A man of like mind, Bezalel Smotrich, was appointed by Netanyahu as Finance Minister, and a minister in the Ministry of Defense in charge of overseeing civilian affairs in the West Bank. Smotrich lives near a Jewish settlement, Kedumim, in a home that was built illegally outside its borders. He was charged with terrorist offenses in 2005 but was acquitted after refusing to speak with police during several weeks of detention.

In March of 2023, after a Palestinian gunman from the village of Hawara murdered two Jewish settlers, setting off deadly riots, Smotrich had this to say: I think the village of Hawara needs to be erased. I think the state of Israel needs to do it.

You begin to understand why Sen. Chuck Schumer, one of Israels staunchest supporters, called for new elections in Israel. Netanyahu, who needs both men to stay in power, has yielded control to fanatics. This is not the Israel that so many Americans, including Joe Biden, had come to admire.

* * *

Watson Coleman has always supported aid to Israel, and while shes appalled by the violence and aggression on the West Bank, it was the fighting in Gaza, along with the starvation, that pushed her over the edge. She is out front on this, one of just 37 Democrats to oppose the aid bill in April, joining 21 Republicans.

Israel has gone too far, she says. We should not be giving them offensive weapons without some accountability. Netanyahu has been disrespecting us, basically thumbing his nose at us. Were his principal supporters and he just doesnt care.

Oct. 7 was the most horrific thing Ive ever seen in my life. I in no way, shape or form support Hamas, and I want the hostages to be released. I dont know how you do that by just bombing areas that have innocent people in themI dont think Israel can just say We have to do everything we can to stomp out all of Hamas and were sorry about killing people by accident. Thats crap. They could be more strategic than that.

When President Biden last week announced support for an immediate cease-fire, Watson Coleman was among the first to jump to his support. But as long as Netanyahu remains in power, shes not optimistic.

This is not the same Israel weve been aligned with, she says. Its become so right wing. Its very disturbing.

It is, indeed.

More: Tom Moran columns

Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or (973) 986-6951. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.

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The narrative goes something like this: Donald Trump is only a convicted felon because of a Joe Biden witch hunt. The trial was rigged. His base and others are more committed to him than ever because of the unjust process hes endured.

Theyre the talking points in far-right media.

And two former Trump staffers who worked in his press shop arent buying it for a second. (Except for the last part. They concede that Trumps base has been hardened since the verdict. But thats it.)

Stephanie Grisham, former White House press secretary and communications director for Trump, and Alyssa Farah Griffin, who also worked as a press secretary in the Trump administration, argued in an op-ed why Trumps bluster post being convicted of 34 felonies most likely doesnt align with what he and others in his orbit think in private.

In their own words:

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.

...

We know better, however, than to be sold a bill of goods. Reality looks very different. Voters should always be wary of Trump World and right-wing media messaging.

Take it from us: We both spent considerable amounts of time in our careers running the communications operation in Trumps White House. We were well-versed in crafting talking points that would resonate with the public, and in pressing Trumps allies and surrogates to parrot them to the media. We were experts, as well, in briefing lawmakers on exactly what they needed to say to support Trump, with the goal of creating a very loud, unified narrative within the GOP.

We both know the very real limitations of the rightwing media messaging machine  and the often-flagrant dishonesty of Donald Trump. From the inevitable red wave to much of Trumps 2020 campaign messaging, spin  even very good spin  has its limitations. Trump and his acolytes may be about to find that out.

The two pointed to a recent ABC/Ipsos poll that showed 52% of independents and 16% of Republicans believe Trump should suspend his campaign as a result of his criminal conviction.

That 16% of Republicans broadly lines up with the percentage of people who have voted for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in numerous Republican primaries, even though she pulled out of the presidential race weeks ago. It was a phenomenon we saw in GOP primaries from Florida to Pennsylvania to Indiana. According to the survey, Americans say 50% to 27% that the verdict was correct, they write.

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It appears confirmed.

Now that Donald Trump has taken control of the Republican National Committee, the group looks like itll turn its back on Maryland GOP Senate hopeful Larry Hogan after he ran afoul of Trumps campaign because of what he had to say ahead of the former presidents criminal conviction.

Right now, Larry Hogan has to run his own race, RNC chairman Michael Whatley said during an interview on Newsmax. We are behind the Republican nominee and we will support that nominee, but Larry Hogan is going to have to have that conversation with his voters there. He is going to to get support from the NRSC, the Senate committee.

Pushed further on whether that meant the RNC wouldnt support Hogan, Whatley responded: I didnt say that. Were making decisions on investing in races every single day as we go forward with it.  Right now we will evaluate it as we move forward in the election cycle.

"Larry Hogan is going to have to run his own race" -- Whatley indicates the RNC isn't exactly supportive of Larry Hogan, who committed the cardinal sin of urging people to respect the rule of law pic.twitter.com/HMJRWauTFo  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 4, 2024

His refusal to get behind Hogan as of now comes after senior Trump advisor Chris LaCivita posted you just ended your campaign to Hogan after the former Maryland governor urged people to respect the jurys decision regardless of the verdict.

You just ended your campaign https://t.co/LJDuQ4oj0A  Chris LaCivita (@LaCivitaC) May 30, 2024

LaCivita is on the RNC leadership team.

Republicans stand a good chance of taking control of the Senate in November, and if Hogan flips the seat from its Democratic control, those chances for a GOP takeover would be even more likely.

Hogan easily won his partys nomination for the seat opened by Democratic Sen. Ben Cardins retirement. The Senate race in the solidly Democratic state would normally be a snoozer, but Hogan is a candidate unlike any other Republican.

Over his two terms as governor, Hogan won a significant number of Democratic votes and remained popular among a wide swath of the left-leaning state. Hes been a sharp Trump critic, which endears him to a segment of the Democratic electorate and can blunt attacks from the left. Thats why Senate Republicans wooed him relentlessly to run for the newly open seat, as part of their plan to flip control of the chamber from Democrats, who currently have a two-seat majority.

Candidates with cross-party appeal like Hogan used to be a staple of national politics, but they are fading fast in an era where voters routinely vote on a straight party line rather than for individual politicians. During the last two presidential elections, only one senator  Maine Republican Susan Collins  won a state that also backed a presidential candidate of a different party.

Trump was found guilty in his criminal hush-money and election interference trial in Manhattan on Thursday, making him the first former president in history to be a convicted felon.

Trump potentially faces time behind bars after the jury came back with a unanimous verdict among the 34 felony counts he faced.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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A Border Patrol vehicle sits near border walls separating Tijuana, Mexico, from the United States, Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in San Diego. President Joe Biden has unveiled plans to enact immediate significant restrictions on migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border as the White House tries to neutralize immigration as a political liability ahead of the November elections. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
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Last updated: January 31, 2022
It's a kick into the weekend. A fresh, eclectic choice of dance music from all over the world. You may hear cumbia or bluegrass or afrobeat or jazz, but it'll keep your head a-noddin' and your spirits up. Join in the groove and enjoy. And if you have suggestions, e-mail 'em in!

Upcoming Beat Authority live events:

July 12th: Beat Authority Dance Party @ The Station in Onchiota

August 10th: Beat Authority Dance Party @ Upper Jay Arts Center

August 16th: Beat Authority Live Broadcast @ Long Lake Beach
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NCPRs endowment is about life. Can our society survive if we lose independent media? Will reliable, authentic, mission-driven media exist for our children? Will the basic principles of good journalism be practiced 5, 10 or 20 years from now? Will there still be a place to turn to for music and ideas and stories that challenge the mediocre and stimulate our curiosity?.

NCPRs endowment is about keeping alive the reality--not just the theory--of an informed public. The principles we hold dearest as a society are being eroded by media driven by profit.

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Torridge councillors have U-turned over a previous agreement to note a plan which addresses climate change, deciding to fully endorse it instead.

Just a few weeks ago, the community and resources committee noted the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly adaptation strategy, but this has now been overturned as it was considered hypocritical given the authority had declared a climate emergency.

The item was fully endorsed when it came back to the community and resources committee this week.

Cllr Lyndon Piper (Lib Dem, Holsworthy) said that just to note the report gave a very bad signal and was slightly embarrassing.

He said some of the original discussion where one councillor said that children were being frightened by all the information on climate change was alarming.

The report commissioned by the regions Climate Impacts Group and led by a company called RSK Group identifies regional climate impacts, risks and opportunities, how the region can create the conditions for people to adapt over the next five years, and a three-year action plan.

But Cllr Rosemary Lock (Con, Two Rivers and Three Moors) said there were inaccuracies about agriculture in the report and council leader Ken James (Ind, Milton and Tamarside) said: There is nothing to do with Torridge in it. Its all right debating about the sun and the rain but flooding and coastal erosion are what affect us here. The big issue we have is rising sea levels at Westward Ho! and that is not in the report at all.

He said there is some concern about a disclaimer in the report which suggested its authors would not necessarily stand by everything that was written, and that is unacceptable

Having said all that, I think we should just move on, he added.

Cllr Peter Hames (Green, Appledore) said he believed the report was incredibly comprehensive, with advice to councils which could adapt it to their own situations.

We should endorse it and use it as an invaluable document going forward in the face of horrendous climate conditions which one can see around the world at the moment.

He referred to temperatures of 50 degrees in Delhi and South East Asia and the heatwave in Britain two years ago with death rates related to high temperatures.

We need to get on with ways in which we can adapt, please, please endorse this report, he pleaded with members.

Cllr Teresa Tinsley (Lib Dem, Bideford) said: I understand we are in the front line of climate change here with flooding, sea levels and farming and have an elderly and less healthy population which is susceptible to extremes of heat.

Its very sensible we have a strategy and incumbent upon us as leaders in the community to understand and manage the risks associated with that. I welcome the report as a framework.
Nation to boost policy support for smart cars

09:38, June 04, 2024 By Ma Si ( China Daily

Baidu and Pony.ai's autonomous driving vehicles test on the street in Yizhuang in Beijing's southern suburbs. [PHOTO/CHINA DAILY]

China will enhance its policy support to accelerate the development of emerging industries such as smart connected vehicles, as the nation has huge potential to become the world's largest market for self-driving cars, according to an official and experts.

This could create multibillion-dollar opportunities for domestic as well as international companies, they added.

To support the high-quality development of the intelligent vehicle industry, cars in China are expected to get their own "phone numbers".

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said it plans to allocate a total of 100 million 11-digit mobile network numbers dedicated to facilitating communication among vehicles, and between vehicles and the back-end management systems of carmakers.

The ministry did not provide a specific time frame for the implementation of the plan, but experts said the move will give the development of internet-connected vehicles a big boost.

Yang Zongyi, an auto expert at Chinese car manufacturer BAIC Motor Corp, said: "With the support of connectivity technologies, vehicles are no longer just a means of transportation, but rather a mobile intelligent device. Traffic lights, parking lots and even roads can all interact with our connected cars, providing our users with a more intelligent and convenient travel experience."

For instance, two connected vehicles can "talk to each other" and the drivers can see each other's location, route and fuel consumption on a large screen, Yang said.

Huang Hexian, a telecom expert at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, said that compared with smartphones, internet-connected vehicles have stricter requirements for network bandwidth, network response time, security, manageability and controllability of communication services.

This is why the ministry plans to allocate 100 million network numbers to vehicles, which will give the development of internet-connected vehicles a big boost, she said.

In an article published on Saturday in Qiushi Journal, the flagship magazine of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong said that more efforts will be made to accelerate the development of smart connected vehicles.

"By proactively adapting to and leading the new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, we can ensure that technological innovation truly contributes to industrial development," he said.

China will make good use of its large domestic market and diverse application scenarios, and systematically advance technological innovation, in order to drive the healthy and orderly development of emerging industries such as 5G networks and smart connected vehicles, Jin added.

Fu Bingfeng, executive vice-president and secretary-general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, said, "Autonomous vehicles will become popular in China at a faster pace than in other countries, as local consumers are very enthusiastic and curious about such functions."

Consulting firm McKinsey & Co has predicted that China will become the world's largest market for autonomous vehicles, with revenue from such vehicles and mobility services exceeding $500 billion by 2030.

Total autonomous vehicle sales are expected to hit $230 billion, while autonomous vehicle-based services are likely to generate around $260 billion by the end of the decade, it said.

According to Fu, China is likely to roll out more measures, such as optimizing its legal framework and boosting vehicle-and-road coordination, to fuel further development of autonomous vehicles.

Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, said that traditional ways of managing cars are no longer feasible, and more efforts are needed to ensure automotive data security and privacy.

"How to strike a balance between encouraging industrial innovation and ensuring safety is the top question for us to answer before really stepping into the era of autonomous vehicles," he added.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
A new task force bringing together city, county and state personnel aims to combat persistent illegal dumping in Gary.

The initiative, announced at a Tuesday press conference at Gary City Hall, was promised in Mayor Eddie Melton's 100 day plan. The Gary Police Department (GPD), the Lake County Sheriff's Office, the Lake County Prosecutor's Office, and the Indiana Office of Environmental Management (IDEM) will participate.

Illegal dumping has been a serious problem in Gary for decades. Significant population loss driven by industrial decline has left the city with an abundance of vacant and disused properties that its government struggles to keep clear of furniture, tires, and other detritus.

Tuesday's announcement followed the city's receipt of a $500,000 Pollution Prevention Grant from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The money will fund the installation of fences and security cameras at two city owned properties that have become some of the city's worst dumping grounds.

When Melton took office, the city was facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines from IDEM for its failure to clean up garbage dumped on its properties. Agency Commissioner Brian Rockensuess said he agreed to instead provide the city with financial support after touring the city in 2023 and realizing the scale of the illegal dumping problem.

"What Gary needed was not a fine to get itself moving," he said. "It needed help to get moving towards a better future."

The Gary Common Council approved a spending plan for the grant funds during its May 21 meeting.

"Right now we are in the planning phases to start addressing that issue," Melton told reporters, adding that he expects the task force to come up with recommendations on how to clean up the sites and make way for future development.

Both locations, 890 Chase Street and 1000 N. Clark Road, have large piles of garbage and debris from years of dumping.

"We already have businesses that are interested in these locations," Melton said. "If we don't get them prepared, cleaned, protected, it's going to be hard to make them more attractive for economic development opportunities."

Deputy Police Chief Brian Evans, who is leading the GPD's side of the task force, told reporters that much of Gary's illegal dumping problem is the fault of out-of-town individuals and businesses that see the city as a place to easily dispose of garbage.

He pointed to a May 7th incident in which Gary Police caught a group of Hebron residents in the act of depositing a dump truck load of trees and debris at Tolleston Park. The perpetrators were made to load the material back into the truck, which was then towed by law enforcement.

"This case was successful things to the vigilant citizens who acted as an extra set of eyes and ears for our community," Evans said.

The deputy chief urged Gary residents who witness an act of illegal dumping to call the Lake County dispatch non-emergency line to report the issue, cautioning them against confronting suspected perpetrators.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
The Indiana solicitor general's defense of the state-mandated retention process for Lake County judges is indefensible, according to a trio of litigants asking the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to recognize the system violates the federal Voting Rights Act (VRA).

In a new filing, the plaintiffs claim Indiana Solicitor General James Barta admits the state imposes lesser voting rights based on race because citizens living in "highly diverse" Lake County only are permitted to vote on whether to keep or dump individual superior court judges and cannot elect them in the first place.

The plaintiffs also say Barta's assertion that any racial disparity is cured because a minority person must serve on the county's judicial nominating commission is "odious" because the U.S. Supreme Court "long ago declared an explicit racial classification is unconstitutional."

"The state clearly believes that race-based legislation is acceptable, which is why it defends extreme racial disparities in voting by pointing to a statute with an express racial quota. Neither is legal," said attorney Bryan Babb, on behalf of Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.; state Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago; and former East Chicago City Judge Eduardo Fontanez.

Babb also posits in his reply brief to the solicitor general's written arguments to the federal appeals court that Barta seems not to understand county judges are state employees and exercise statewide jurisdiction, such that the state's entire system of voting must be considered to determine whether a VRA violation has occurred.

"In such a circumstance, voting on state superior court judges in different manners in different judicial circuits means that influence is not there for everyone to wield. A voter in Lake County has less influence on who a state superior court judge is than a voter in Porter County, which shares a border with Lake County, even though a Lake County resident may be forced to litigate in a state superior court in Porter County in front of a judge elected by that Porter County resident," Babb said.

In this case, Babb said it's clear  echoing U.S. District Judge Philip Simon  that something is wrong when 66% of Blacks in Indiana, those living in Lake, Marion and St. Joseph counties, have only a lesser retention vote for superior court judge, while voters outright elect superior court judges in the remaining, overwhelmingly white, 89 Indiana counties.

"The Legislature has clearly singled out high-minority and high-population counties for differential treatment," Babb said. "Because this differential voting scheme creates jarring racial disparities, it violates the VRA."

Babb ultimately asks the appellate court to ignore Barta's various lack of standing claims and to instead recognize the VRA violation and order Indiana to fix it.

A three-judge appellate panel likely will hear oral arguments in the case this summer or fall.

Gallery: Take a virtual tour of Indiana's state parks Brown County State Park Chain O' Lakes State Park Charlestown State Park Clifty Falls State Park Falls of the Ohio State Park Fort Harrison State Park Harmonie State Park Lincoln State Park McCormick's Creek State Park Mounds State Park O'Bannon Woods State Park Ouabache State Park Pokagon State Park Potato Creek State Park Prophetstown State Park Shades State Park Shakamak State Park Spring Mill State Park Summit Lake State Park Tippecanoe River State Park Turkey Run State Park Versailles State Park White River State Park Whitewater Memorial State Park
Theres no denying that the executive order President Biden signed on Tuesday  significantly curtailing the number of asylum seekers allowed into the country  is a head-spinning reversal for a president who promised to undo Donald Trumps policies at the border. Its worth remembering that Biden wasnt alone on that front. Eight out of 10 Democrats running in the presidential primaries said in 2019 that they would make walking across the border without permission a civil infraction, like a traffic ticket, instead of a criminal offense.

Since then, the welcoming tone and policies of the Biden administration have attracted more migrants from around the world than American voters want to absorb. The number of people crossing the border has more than doubled  from one million in 2018 to 2.5 million in 2023, according to the Migration Policy Institute. As they arrive by the busload in cities like New York, Boston and Chicago, they have strained budgets and social services upon which vulnerable Americans depend.

Welcoming newcomers with dignity is important, but our capacity to do so is not infinite. For that reason, I dont fault the Biden administration for trying to turn down the spigot. My biggest question is why it took so long.

As Border Patrol agents have long said, if asylum seekers were held in humane and family-friendly settings while their asylum claims were reviewed, instead of allowed in, the numbers at the border would quickly drop, since the main reason most come is to work.
In the swashbuckling world of British newspapers, the editor Robert Winnett stands out for his lack of flash. Taciturn and low key, more likely to be buried in documents at his desk than hobnobbing at a Mayfair club, Mr. Winnett, the deputy editor of The Daily Telegraph, is known for his focus on breaking news, once earning the nickname Rat Boy for his relentless drive for scoops.

Now Mr. Winnett is stepping into a spotlight that will be hard to avoid: This fall, he will become the editor of The Washington Post, taking over one of the most powerful and scrutinized jobs in American journalism at a pivotal time in the news industry.

His ascent is due to his longstanding ties to Will Lewis, the chief executive of The Post. Mr. Lewis, a Fleet Street star, mentored Mr. Winnett at The Sunday Times of London and later at The Telegraph, where Mr. Winnett spearheaded a groundbreaking investigation into fraudulent expenses that led to the resignations of scores of British politicians.

But Mr. Winnett remains an unknown quantity, both in elite American media circles and within the newsroom he will soon lead. He will arrive at The Post after 17 years at The Telegraph, a center-right paper associated with Britains Conservative Party. Some of his past practices, including the payment of a six-figure sum to obtain the documents crucial to the expenses investigation, run counter to the more stringent reporting ethics followed by American news organizations.
Harvards Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the universitys largest division, said on Monday that it would no longer require job applicants to submit diversity statements, the latest shift at the university after months of turmoil over its values and the role of equity initiatives in higher education.

Instead, the division will require only finalists for teaching jobs to describe their efforts to strengthen academic communities and discuss how they would promote a learning environment in which students are encouraged to ask questions and share their ideas, Nina Zipser, the dean for faculty affairs and planning, said in an email to colleagues.

The decision represents a sharp break from Harvards recent practices and comes less than six months after Claudine Gay, Harvards first Black president and a former dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, resigned amid accusations of plagiarism and complaints that Harvard was doing too little to combat antisemitism. The chaos surrounding Dr. Gay intensified debates about the sway of diversity initiatives in academia.

Dr. Zipser made no mention of Dr. Gay in her announcement on Monday morning. Rather, Dr. Zipser attributed the change to feedback from numerous faculty members who feared that diversity statements were too narrow in the information they attempted to gather and relied on terms that, for many, especially international candidates, were difficult to interpret.
A Nebraska woman who was pronounced dead at a nursing home on Monday was discovered breathing hours later by a funeral home employee, the authorities said.

The woman, Constance Glantz, 74, of Lincoln, Neb., was brought to a hospital and declared alive, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin of the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office said at a news conference on Monday. Ms. Glantz died hours after the error was discovered, he told reporters on Tuesday.

At this point we have not been able to find any criminal intent by the nursing home, but the investigation is ongoing, he said on Monday.

Ms. Glantz was receiving hospice care when she was pronounced dead at 9:44 a.m. by the nursing home staff at the Mulberry at Waverly in Waverly, Neb., Chief Deputy Houchin said. An investigation by the sheriffs coroner was not necessary at the time of death, he said.
Over the past five days, President Biden has been engaged in a very public demonstration of the struggles of managing two of Americas most difficult allies, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, both leading countries that the president has vowed to defend, as long as it takes.

The conflicts they are engaged in could not be more different, born out of grievances that reach back decades. But by coincidence, both confrontations seem to be at critical turning points, that moment when it becomes obvious how starkly national interests are diverging  to say nothing of the political interests of three leaders clearly worried about their own hold on power.

Adding to the complexity of the problem, it is unclear in Washington exactly what an acceptable endgame might look in Ukraine or in Gaza. Officially, Ukraine still talks about total victory, pushing Russia out of every inch of territory it seized since the February 2022 invasion. Israel still speaks of the goal of the total destruction of Hamas, the only way to assure that it could never again mount an attack like the Oct. 7 assault that killed nearly 1,200 Israelis and sparked seven months of brutal retaliation.

But in Washington, those rallying calls sound increasingly unrealistic. Russia appears to be regaining momentum. The call for the total defeat of Hamas sounds like a rationale for perpetual war  and, in fact, Israeli officials have publicly declared the war in Gaza will likely continue to the end of the year, if not longer.
A top executive at The Epoch Times, a right-wing media company, has been arrested and charged with laundering at least $67 million in stolen money through company accounts in a multiyear scheme to lift financial returns.

A federal grand jury indicted Weidong Guan, also known as Bill Guan, on one count of money laundering, as well as two counts of bank fraud. The accusations say he lied to a financial institution about the source of the cash, some of which was allegedly pilfered through fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits. The money increased The Epoch Timess revenue by nearly 400 percent in just one year, according to the Justice Department.

Mr. Guan, its chief financial officer, was arrested on Monday and the indictment, handed up on May 23, was unsealed. He entered a plea of not guilty. His lawyer, a federal public defender, declined to comment. If convicted, Mr. Guan faces a maximum sentence of 20 years for the money-laundering charge and 30 years for each bank fraud charge.

The Epoch Times is affiliated with Falun Gong, a spiritual movement banned in China, and was for years an obscure, free print newspaper dedicated largely to criticizing the Chinese Communist Party. In recent years the outlet transformed itself into a prominent supporter of Donald J. Trump and his allies on the right.
President Biden, prodded by Democrats to confront former President Donald J. Trump head-on about Mr. Trumps criminal conviction in his New York hush-money case, heeded those calls on Monday night during a big-dollar fund-raiser in Connecticut for his re-election campaign and for the party.

Mr. Biden railed against his rival at a reception in Greenwich, telling a group of supporters who included Connecticuts governor and its two sitting U.S. senators that the campaign had entered unchartered territory when a jury on Thursday found Mr. Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts that he had been facing.

He said Mr. Trump had cemented the distinction of being the first former president and convicted felon to seek the Oval Office.

But as disturbing as that is, more damaging is the all-out assault Donald Trump is making on the American system of justice, Mr. Biden said, according to a pool reporter covering the event.
Before Philip Guston developed the loud and plush figuration of his renown, before he Anglicized his surname in adulthood, the 12-year-old known as Philip Goldstein joined the art staff of the Los Angeles Times Junior Club.

The son of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants in Montreal who had moved to Los Angeles, Philip was a student at Manual Arts High School, where he befriended a young Jackson Pollock and joined a youth organization that produced The Junior Times, a Sunday supplement in The Los Angeles Times for essays, poems, puzzles and illustrations by kids, for kids. From 1925 to 1929, in these pages, Guston honed his pen for an audience of the West Coasts largest home delivery.

A few afternoons ago, I shook loose 20 of his drawings which  like Steamboat Willie, Winnie the Pooh and other classic characters  are now in the public domain. Could they add to our understanding of Guston and his art?

The Junior Club itself seemed the boys muse. In several panels from 1928, one of his characters, Kolly-Jit, an overeager schoolboy whose name puns on collegiate, welcomes new members of the Junior Club with a loud Howdy! In one strip, Kolly visits a Junior Times columnist, Tony Correra, who in real life lived blocks from Guston in South Los Angeles.
The University of the Arts president, Kerry Walk, has resigned only a few days after her administration said that the nearly 150-year-old institution in Philadelphia would close because of declining revenue and enrollment, union officials representing school employees told The New York Times on Tuesday.

News of the resignation, which earlier appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer, broke as students were protesting the closure on campus, holding signs with messages including Its not noble for artists to suffer and We are not trash dont throw us away. Union officials told The New York Times that a meeting to start layoff negotiations on behalf of some 450 employees was abruptly canceled Tuesday by the schools outside legal counsel as faculty learned that Walk was stepping down.

We are appalled, United Academics of Philadelphia, one of the unions representing employees, wrote in a statement. This sudden resignation, announced via the media, continues the pattern of disregard and cruelty to which the University of Arts has subjected employees and students.

On Sunday, the University of the Arts posted a statement to its website saying that despite our best efforts, we could not ultimately identify a viable path for the institution to remain open and in the service of its mission. It has not commented on Walks resignation; she served as university president for less than a year. Before she joined the University of the Arts, Walk was the president of Marymount Manhattan College for eight years.
After 22 years as the music director at the Royal Opera House in London, Antonio Pappano has a tried-and-true recipe for creating traction around the art form.

The choices you make and the energy which you share with audiences will keep them coming, he said.

The British-born conductor, 64, has left his mark on the house through a strong work ethic and an in-depth understanding of the voice. His final production is a David McVicar staging of Giordanos Andrea Chenier, starring Jonas Kaufmann, that is onstage through Tuesday. He then leads the company on tour to Japan, from June 22 to July 2, with productions of Verdis Rigoletto and Puccinis Turandot.

Pappano, whose parents were Italian immigrants, gravitates naturally toward the works of that tradition. But he has also championed everyone including contemporary British composers, Russian repertoire and Wagner. Through 2027, he will return at intervals to the Royal Opera to conduct all four installments of a Ring cycle staged by Barrie Kosky.
One Friday afternoon in May, Cyndi Lauper stepped out of her Upper West Side apartment building and into the streets of New York City. She wore glitter-encrusted glasses, sneakers with rainbow soles and a stack of beaded bracelets on each arm. A rice-paper parasol swung in her hand. As she walked, she examined the crowds and remarked when glints of interest caught her eye.

Of course, up here its fashion hell, she allowed of her tony neighborhood. And yet, every few blocks she rubbernecked at another womans look, her famous New Yawk accent lifting and tumbling in pleasure at what she saw:

Look at these dames, how cute are they?

Did you love those pants? I kind of loved those pants.

Look at this lady, she said, stepping off the curb and clocking a passerby. The woman moved nimbly, tomato-red streak in her silver hair, body draped in shades of fuchsia and cherry as she pushed the gleaming metal frame of a walker. Fabulous, Lauper exclaimed. Come on!

At 70, the pop icon and social justice activist isnt just charging back into the streets. On Monday, Lauper announced her final tour, the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour, which will have her headlining arenas across North America from late October to early December. And Let the Canary Sing, a documentary about her life and career that premiered at the Tribeca Festival last year, is streaming on Paramount+.
Sean Combs, the hip-hop mogul who has been facing mounting legal scrutiny over allegations of sexual and physical abuse, has sold his majority stake in Revolt, the media company that he founded, the organization announced Tuesday.

The largest shareholder group at Revolt, a private company, is now made up of employees, its chief executive, Detavio Samuels, said in an interview ahead of the announcement.

Now known best for popular video podcasts such as Drink Champs, The Jason Lee Show and Caresha Please, Revolt was started by Mr. Combs more than a decade ago as a music industry-focused cable channel meant to boost Black representation on television.

In January, after a wave of lawsuits were filed against Mr. Combs, he agreed to start the process of separation from Revolt, Mr. Samuels said.
Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep  and lets us get paid to watch comedy. Here are the 50 best movies on Netflix right now.

Convicted Felon Trump

Most late night hosts were off last week after the Memorial Day holiday, which meant Monday was their first chance to discuss how Donald Trump had been found guilty on 34 counts in his hush money trial.

Stephen Colbert continuously referred to the former president as convicted felon Trump and wheeled out his Countdown to Sentencing Advent Calendar, complete with Judge Juan M. Merchans face on each one of the 38 days until July 11, and a bottle of bourbon inside.
Republicans in Arizona voted this afternoon to put a measure on the states ballots in November that would make illegal immigration a state crime. If passed, the measure would give local authorities the power to arrest, jail and deport unauthorized migrants.

The proposal is similar to laws recently passed by Republicans in Texas and Iowa that challenged the federal governments exclusive authority to enforce immigration laws. Like those, it is likely to face court challenges if passed. But Republicans are hoping the measure can convince anti-immigration conservatives and unenthusiastic independents to vote in a swing state that could be crucial in the presidential race.

President Biden is also hardening his border policies in an effort to ease pressure on the immigration system and address voters rightward shift on immigration. Today, he issued an executive order that prevents migrants from seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border until illegal crossings drop significantly; it could go into effect tomorrow. Heres how it works.

Bidens move to restrict long-established asylum protections for migrants echoes Donald Trumps attempted crackdown in 2018, which many Democrats, including Biden himself, criticized. The American Civil Liberties Union said it planned to challenge the executive action in court.
The tech website Gizmodo has been sold to a European media company, the latest brand from the publisher G/O Media to go out the door.

The buyer is Keleops Media, Jim Spanfeller, G/O Medias chief executive, told the staff in an email on Tuesday. Mr. Spanfeller did not disclose the financial details of the sale, but said that it represented a substantial premium from our original purchase price for the site. A G/O Media spokesman declined to comment.

Mr. Spanfeller said Keleops, which is based in France and Switzerland, had agreed to keep all of Gizmodos staff members, who would continue working in G/O Medias New York office at least for the near term.

The sites new owners are very excited to be getting a great brand with a talented group of journalists, he wrote in the email, which was viewed by The New York Times.
Global pollution from electricity generation was set to fall last year, thanks to the growth of renewable energy. Then came the droughts.

Hydropower, the biggest source of renewable energy in the world, was crippled by lack of rain in several countries last year, driving up emissions as countries turned to fossil fuels to fill the gap. To cope with the electricity shortfall, China and India turned to coal plants, and Colombia to natural gas.

A recent report by the International Energy Agency showed that hydropowers decline last year pushed countries to use dirtier sources of energy that produced an extra 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Thats like turning on an extra 42 coal-fired power plants for a year. In China, the worst-hit country, hydroelectricity generation saw the steepest fall in the past two decades, according to the I.E.A.

This year, the dip in hydropower has continued in some countries, including Ecuador and Turkey, as temperatures continue to shatter records. Because its giant hydroelectric dams didnt have enough water, Canada imported more electricity from the United States than it had done in over a decade, as my colleague Ivan Penn wrote this week.
After Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts in a Manhattan court, conservatives  from Marjorie Taylor Greene to George Santos to the Heritage Foundation  began posting upside-down American flags on X in solidarity with the political prisoner, as Trump absurdly styles himself.

It was the same upside-down symbol that insurrectionists carried to the Capitol on Jan. 6 to proclaim that they thought the election was stolen and that was seen flying over Justice Samuel Alitos house in suburban Virginia even as the Supreme Court was considering whether to hear a case about the 2020 presidential election.

Now that its being used to show support for a felonious ex-president, Alito will have an even harder time trying to pretend hes oblivious about its meaning.

I dont need a black robe to hand down a judgment on the Supreme Court.

Its corrupt, rotten and hurting America.
Update: On Thursday the Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 that the federal bankruptcy code does not shield members of the Sackler family from liability for civil claims stemming from the opioid crisis. In dissent, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote that the decision is wrong on the law and devastating for more than 100,000 opioid victims and their families.

When Purdue Pharma filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019, it had over a billion dollars in the bank and owed no money to lenders. But it also had the Sacklers, its owners, who were eager to put behind them allegations that they played a leading role in the national opioid epidemic.

The United States Supreme Court is now considering whether the bankruptcy system should have given this wealthy family a permanent shield against civil liability. But there is a bigger question at stake, too: Why is a company with no lenders turning to the federal bankruptcy system in response to accusations of harm and misconduct?

The maker of OxyContin is one in a long line of companies that have turned Chapter 11 into a legal Swiss Army knife, tackling problems that are a mismatch for its rules. Managing costly and sprawling litigation through bankruptcy can be well intentioned. But Chapter 11 was designed around the goal of helping financially distressed businesses restructure loans and other contract obligations.
A group of OpenAI insiders is blowing the whistle on what they say is a culture of recklessness and secrecy at the San Francisco artificial intelligence company, which is racing to build the most powerful A.I. systems ever created.

The group, which includes nine current and former OpenAI employees, has rallied in recent days around shared concerns that the company has not done enough to prevent its A.I. systems from becoming dangerous.

The members say OpenAI, which started as a nonprofit research lab and burst into public view with the 2022 release of ChatGPT, is putting a priority on profits and growth as it tries to build artificial general intelligence, or A.G.I., the industry term for a computer program capable of doing anything a human can.

They also claim that OpenAI has used hardball tactics to prevent workers from voicing their concerns about the technology, including restrictive nondisparagement agreements that departing employees were asked to sign.
Anyone whos visited Paris in late July and August knows the word ferme. It adorns the darkened windows of chic indie boutiques and cozy bistros whose owners, along with other locals, have fled the city on their annual vacations.

This summer, with Paris expected to draw nearly 15 million visitors between July 26 and Sept. 8 for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, that ritual is anything but certain. Many shopkeepers, bakers, restaurateurs and tour guides  citing patriotism as well as profit  say theyre planning to stay open.

Its a decision that comes with unpredictability. The 2012 London Olympics have cast a long shadow in Paris. Before those Games, warnings of overcrowded roads, congested transit and security concerns emptied out much of the popular city center and the West End, causing a tourism slump in those areas. Small-business owners in Paris are hoping history does not repeat itself.

The French capital is in a better position than the British capital was, insisted Pierre Rabadan, Pariss deputy mayor for sports. Most of the events in London were held in one section of the city, he said, while in Paris, theyre taking place all over. So when businesses have asked if they should stay open, he explained, we tell them were trying to create the conditions for this to be a real opportunity and for the city to function normally.
After a recent stretch of cool temperatures up and down the state, our luck seems to have run out: A heat dome is expected to arrive today in California, bringing three days of scorching temperatures to inland areas from Palmdale all the way north to Redding.

Some parts of the state are expected to see their first triple-digit temperatures since last summer, with readings that are predicted to be 20 degrees higher than normal for early June  and a big change from late May. This is going to be quite a shock to the system, said Scott Rowe, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Heat domes form when atmospheric conditions act like a lid on a pot, preventing precipitation and the release of hot air. They block the breezes that would otherwise draw cool ocean air into the Central Valley from San Francisco, Rowe said.

The one were in for this week is expected to last through Thursday and to drive temperatures in the Sacramento Valley as high as 102 today and 106 tomorrow. Forecasters expect peak readings of 106 degrees in Redding, 104 in Modesto and 103 in Fresno.
As President Biden visits France this week, he will be rallying European leaders to his side and showcasing the resolve he has helped to foster on behalf of Ukraine.

But he will also be defying the very same leaders and standing virtually alone among Western democracies still firmly in support of Israel as it wages war in Gaza.

Mr. Biden arrived in Paris on Wednesday morning for a trip aimed at celebrating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. It is his first visit to Europe since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack led by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people in Israel and triggered a military retaliation that has killed about 36,000 people in Gaza. Next week he will return to Europe for a summit in Italy with the leaders of the Group of 7 nations, and three weeks after that he will host the 75th anniversary summit of NATO nations in Washington.

The series of meetings will put Mr. Biden in a position he has not experienced since becoming president: He will be embraced and isolated at the same time by the same group of allies he has courted for nearly four years. For a president who has emphasized his support for Americas traditional alliances, it represents a challenge that will test his diplomatic skills in unfamiliar ways.
A former F.B.I. agent who criticized the bureau in congressional testimony has been awarded back pay and had his security clearance reinstated, his lawyer said on Tuesday.

The former agent, Marcus Allen, resigned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Monday after reaching a settlement agreement, said his lawyer, Tristan Leavitt. Mr. Allens security clearance was reinstated on Friday after he appealed the agencys decision to revoke it.

The F.B.I. notified Congress last year that it had revoked the security clearances of three agents who either took part in the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, or later expressed views about it that placed into question their allegiance to the United States, the bureau said in a letter to congressional investigators.

Mr. Allen was suspended in February 2022. He was awarded 27 months of back pay, Mr. Leavitt said.

Mr. Allen testified before the House Judiciary Committee last year and denied that he held conspiratorial views about Jan. 6 or sympathized with criminal conduct.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, facing the prospect of a contempt vote in Congress, on Tuesday denounced attacks on the Justice Department by former President Donald J. Trump and his allies, including one he labeled a conspiracy theory and others he called baseless and extremely dangerous falsehoods.

Testifying before the House Judiciary Committee, the usually mild-mannered Mr. Garland bluntly pushed back against Republican demands that he turn over audio of a special counsels interview of President Biden over his handling of classified documents. He linked those calls to other criticism they have directed toward prosecutors at a time of heinous threats of violence being directed at the Justice Departments career public servants.

These repeated attacks on the Justice Department are unprecedented, and they are unfounded, he said. These attacks have not, and they will not, influence our decision making. I view contempt as a serious matter. But I will not jeopardize the ability of our prosecutors and agents to do their jobs effectively in future investigations. I will not be intimidated.

The remarks amounted to a vigorous defense of the integrity of federal law enforcement as Mr. Trump and his allies have aggressively impugned it, a campaign they stepped up after his conviction in New York State court last week on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal.
At the beginning of his remarks from the White House on Tuesday announcing that he would prohibit migrants from seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, President Biden tried to make clear just whose fault it was that he was taking action by executive order.

The White House, Mr. Biden said, had struck an agreement with congressional Republicans earlier this year on what he called the strongest border security agreement in decades.

It did not take. Republicans bailed on the deal.

Why? Because Donald Trump told them to, Mr. Biden said. He didnt want to fix the issue. He wanted to use it to attack me. Thats what he wanted to do.

On this, Mr. Biden proved correct.

Mr. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee set to face Mr. Biden in the general election, indeed attacked the president a couple of hours before his border announcement. Mr. Trump, who has made hard-line immigration policies the center of his political identity since the start of his 2016 campaign, derided Mr. Bidens executive order as too little action taken too late, and he argued that it was timed to benefit the president politically.
From sunrise to sunset, the U.S. Border Patrol buses arrived every hour at a sunbaked parking lot in San Diego.

Dozens of migrants stepped outside each time, many seeming to be confused about what was happening at this trolley hub on a recent weekend. There were no local officials to answer questions. No services. And few ways to reach their next destination in the United States.

For the first time in 25 years, the San Diego region has become a top destination for migrants along the southern United States border, surpassing the number of illegal crossings at areas in Arizona and Texas for several weeks this year, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

It has been a surprising turn for a border spot that was the focal point of the bitter national debate over immigration decades ago, before falling out of the spotlight as migrant flows shifted eastward.
Rwandas presidential and parliamentary elections this year are taking place three decades after the genocide in which some 800,000 people were killed.

President Paul Kagame, who helped end the bloodshed, has been in power ever since and is expected to win again on July 15.

Under his tenure, the Central African nation of Rwanda has made significant economic strides and become a leading contributor of troops to the United Nations peacekeeping forces. But critics say Mr. Kagame has also overseen a repressive state accused of widespread human rights violations and where power and wealth are reserved for his ethnic Tutsi elites.

Here is what to know about Rwandas election.

Why does this election matter?

The election is taking place against the backdrop of rising tensions with the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. Mr. Kagame has accused Congolese officials of backing Hutu rebels who fled after committing genocide in 1994 and who he says plan on returning to finish what they started. Mr. Kagame has, in turn, been accused of sowing chaos in eastern Congo by backing rebel forces who have carried out massacres and displaced tens of thousands of people in the country.
Traders in Mumbai started the day with a shock as India began tallying votes from a seven-week election and it became clear that the government of Narendra Modi was not doing nearly as well as expected. By the end of trading on Tuesday, the markets were down 6 percent, nearly wiping out the years gains.

Indias stock market had been on a tear, buoyed by economic growth and confidence that Mr. Modi, the most powerful prime minister in generations, was sure to secure a third term in office. Investors looking to India yearn for political stability and many have done especially well during the first 10 years of Mr. Modis pro-business leadership. Even after Tuesdays decline, the blue-chip Nifty 50 index has nearly tripled since Mr. Modi became prime minister.

But the Indian markets main indexes have entered choppier waters on the way to the election.

Some companies, namely those considered Modi stocks, fared especially poorly as the election result came into view. The Adani Groups fortunes were always the most eye-catching. Gautam Adani rapidly became Asias richest man, as his infrastructure-oriented businesses worked in harmony with Mr. Modis plans for the country. That is, until a short-sellers report in early 2023 accused the Adani Group of market manipulation and accounting fraud.

Adanis stocks crashed, but within a year, as it became clear that the Indian government and many of the worlds biggest banks would be patient with the companies, they climbed back up. On Tuesday, Adani Enterprises, the groups flagship company, shed 19 percent of its value, putting it halfway between its peak and subsequent trough.
In Indias last general election, in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modis party won 303 of 543 parliamentary seats  nearly six times as many as the main opposition party, the Indian National Congress. It was a stinging electoral blow for the Congress, a once-dominant party that has appeared greatly diminished in recent years, and exit polls in this years election had not suggested it would fare much better.

But early election results on Tuesday indicated a far stronger showing than expected for the Congress. The party and its allies were leading in nearly 230 races, a sharp turnaround that prompted jubilation at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi, where supporters erupted in cheers each time a television channel announced a new lead for one of its candidates.

Whatever the final results, one thing is clear  it is a moral victory for Congress and our leader Rahul Gandhi, and defeat for B.J.P., said Robin Michael, a political worker, referring to Mr. Modis Bharatiya Janata Party.

While there was no indication that Congress and the opposition coalition it leads would scrape together a majority to unseat Mr. Modi, party workers said that they had dented Mr. Modis aura of invincibility. They praised Mr. Gandhi, the Congress partys most prominent figure and a great-grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indias first post-independence prime minister.
Just days after the Biden administration granted permission for Ukraine to fire American weapons into Russia, Kyiv took advantage of its new latitude, striking a military facility over the border using a U.S.-made artillery system, according to a member of Ukraines Parliament.

Yehor Chernev, the deputy chairman of the Ukrainian Parliaments committee on national security, defense and intelligence, said on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had destroyed Russian missile launchers with a strike in the Belgorod region, about 20 miles into Russia. Ukraines forces used a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, he said.

It was the first time a Ukrainian official has acknowledged publicly that Ukraine had used American weapons to fire into Russia since President Biden lifted the ban on such strikes. For months, the ban had stood as a red line the Biden administration would not cross out of concern about increasing tensions with a nuclear-armed nation.

The Ukrainian military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In granting permission last week, the United States imposed limitations, saying the weapons could only be used in Russian territory near northeastern Ukraine and for defensive purposes. Mr. Chernev, in text messages, said Ukraine destroyed S-300 and S-400 missile systems, without specifying how many. Russia has used the systems, initially designed to shoot down aircraft, to bombard the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which is just 45 miles from Belgorod.
Some Palestinians in Gaza expressed hope that peace talks might advance after President Biden endorsed an Israeli road map toward a permanent cease-fire and called on Hamas to accept the plan. But many remained skeptical that U.S. influence would help bring an immediate end to the war and their suffering.

After eight months of devastating bombardment, many in Gaza believe Hamas should make any compromise necessary to end the war and allow rebuilding to begin.

I am hopeful that Hamas will accept this deal, said Ayman Skeik, a 31-year-old merchant from Gaza City who was displaced to Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. But I am still scared it would not be achieved.

Declaring Hamas no longer capable of carrying out a major terrorist attack on Israel, President Biden said on Friday that it was time for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and endorsed a new plan he said Israel had offered to win the release of hostages and work toward a permanent end to the war and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Hamas has said it was responding positively, but has kept Palestinians in suspense for days about whether it would formally agree. On Tuesday, Sami Abu Zuhri, a member of Hamass political bureau, accused the Netanyahu government of not being serious about reaching a deal. He said Mr. Biden was pressuring his group to accept the plan despite the White House knowing that the problem lies with Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel  who remains under pressure from far-right members of his coalition opposed to the deal  has neither publicly accepted nor rejected the proposal, but he has insisted that Israel will not end the war without the destruction of Hamass governing and military capabilities.

Like many other Gazans, Mr. Skeik said that he had grown frustrated after several rounds of cease-fire negotiations fell through in the past. Previous American, Qatari and Egyptian efforts to bring both sides to an agreement have faltered, with Mr. Biden suggesting in February that a cease-fire was imminent, even as Hamas and Israel continued to remain far apart.

The United States used to have a strong word when it wanted to stop any crisis in the world, he said. But nowadays, I see a different thing.

Image A mourner carrying the body of a Palestinian child in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, on Tuesday. Credit... Ramadan Abed/Reuters

The first phase of the proposal laid out by Biden called for both sides to observe a temporary six-week cease-fire, while they continued to negotiate to reach a permanent one. That scared Mr. Skeik, who said that without an immediate permanent cease-fire, he was worried the fighting would continue after or even during the first phase.

I want to get back to my old life, he said from a cafe where he can connect to the internet. But Mr. Skeik was worried that Hamas would nitpick the language and drag out negotiations, which would further forestall the possibility of him going home.

We want Hamas to sign this deal to maintain a long-term peace and cease-fire for us and our children to live in peace and safety, said Anas al-Borno, a 36-year-old businessman from Gaza City who was displaced with his family to Deir al-Balah. But he was still hopeless and pessimistic, that Israel and Hamas would both agree to the deal, he added.

Some praised Mr. Biden for his speech last week, in which the president laid out details of the Israeli plan. It was an unusual move to speak for another country, and appeared to be a move to further pressure Mr. Netanyahu after months of American admonitions.

I think what Biden said on TV was a sudden change for me and many other people, said Ahmed al-Masri, a 21-year-old dentistry student from Gaza City. The United States has chosen the route of surprises recently so I hope this comes true and is real, he added.

But others doubted it would mean much.

The United States must impose solutions to all sides, not just propose and suggest ideas, said Raed al-Kelani, 47, a civil servant from northern Gaza. He added that although he believed President Biden could press both Hamas and Mr. Netanyahu to agree to the deal, he was only 50 percent optimistic.
The Israeli military said on Monday that four more hostages who were abducted in the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks had died months ago in Gaza, a disclosure that was likely to add pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government to move forward with a cease-fire deal.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the Israeli military, said at a news briefing on Monday that the four hostages were believed to have been killed together several months ago near Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, while Israeli forces were operating in the area. The military identified the men as Haim Perry, Yoram Metzger, Amiram Cooper and Nadav Popplewell.

Admiral Hagari said the decision to announce the hostages deaths on Monday was based on additional intelligence, which had been verified recently, making it possible to determine today that the four are no longer alive, adding that he knew difficult questions would arise about the circumstances of their deaths. The families of the four had been notified that their bodies were being held by Hamas, and the circumstances of their deaths were still under examination, the Israeli military said.

The Hostages Families Forum, a support group, released a statement demanding that the Israeli government immediately negotiate a deal for the remaining hostages to be freed. It said the four who were declared dead on Monday were alive when they were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nirim and Kibbutz Nir Oz, and that there had been signs of life in the interim period.

Their murder in captivity is a mark of disgrace and a sad reflection on the significance of delaying previous deals, the group said.

The pressure on Mr. Netanyahu to end the fighting in Gaza has grown since last week, when President Biden publicly endorsed what he said was a three-phase cease-fire proposal put forward by Israel. But Mr. Netanyahus far-right political allies have threatened to collapse his government if Israel makes any agreement that ends the war without eliminating Hamas.


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.
Samantha Martin

Narrative Strategies brings on FGS Global director of strategic communications Samantha Martin as senior director. At FGS, Marin led public affairs campaigns for companies and trade associations. Before joining FGS in 2021, Martin was AVP of strategic outreach, corporate communications and marketing at the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. She has also served as a lobbyist at Arnold & Porter and Squire Patton Boggs. Samanthas agency experience and financial services knowledge, combined with her expertise in building national advocacy campaigns, makes her a natural fit for Narrative as our financial services practice continues to grow, said Narrative Strategies CEO and founding partner Ken Spain. Narrative Strategies has also appointed longtime Republican National Committee staffer Abbey Lower as a director.

Kelli Parsons

Hill & Knowlton and BCW, which will merge as of July 1, to form Burson, appoint Kelli Parsons as global CEO of Hill & Knowlton, which will continue to operate as a full-service global firm within the Burson group of brands. She succeeds AnnaMaria DeSalva, who has led Hill & Knowlton as global chairman and CEO since June 2019 and will become Burson global chairman. Parsons is currently global chair of corporate affairs and advisory at Hill & Knowlton. Before joining the firm in 2020, she led communications at United Technologies and New York Life Insurance Company. She has also H&Ks New York and Washington, D.C. markets, as well as its corporate and technology practices. As CEO Kelli will bring deep knowledge of our industry, our people and clients, and vision for the opportunities ahead, said DeSalva.

Juan Pablo Manottas

LLYC appoints Juan Pablo Manottas as HR business services lead in the Americas, based in the firms Bogota, Colombia office. Manottas was most recently human resources director & head of compliance for America & the Caribbean at global automotive distributor Inchape. He also served as VP of human resources at Mercedes-Benz Colombia. At LLYC, he will drive professional development strategies focused on business needs, foster a culture of collaboration, and enhance employee engagement, reporting to partner and chief talent and technology officer Tiago Vidal. "In a context of business transformation, his understanding of business needs and senior leadership will be essential for LLYC to achieve its long-term objectives," said Vidal.

David Randolph

Alloy names David Randolph as SVP of strategy to head up its newly formed strategy practice. Randolph most recently served as EVP and general manager at Phase 3 Marketing & Communications. He was previously chief strategy officer and president of DRUM Agency's Atlanta office, and has held leadership roles at 360i, BBDO and J. Walter Thompson Worldwide. Reporting to Alloy chief creative officer Jennifer Ready, he will closely with the agencys departmental leads. With over two decades of experience at some of the worlds largest shops, he knows the caliber of work that todays brands demand, and how to deliver delightfully imaginative campaigns, said Alloy CEO Raj Choudhury.
Indonesia is enforcing stronger anti-tobacco measures despite industry interference

SHOBHA SHUKLA, BOBBY RAMAKANT - CNS



Ending tobacco use is warranted if we are to progress on SDGs

(Image by CNS) Details DMCA



There is plenty of scientific evidence to show that tobacco kills one out of every two of its users (as per the WHO). Tobacco use devastates lives and fractures families killing over 8 million people every year - year after year. While governments are enforcing stronger evidence-based tobacco control measures, the tobacco industry is conniving to lure children and young people into addiction traps and reap bigger profits by selling its deadly products.

Akin to the oft-quoted proverb "When the going gets tough, the tough get going," Dr Tara Singh Bam has painstakingly advanced tobacco control in Indonesia and other countries in Asia and the Pacific for over almost two decades now - despite mammoth tobacco industry interference in public health policy.

Indonesian Ministry of Health awards Dr Tara Singh Bam

Indonesian Ministry of Health awarded him on 4th June 2024 to shine a spotlight on his stellar contributions to advance tobacco control and public health in Indonesia over the past 17 years. Dr Tara Singh Bam received the award certificate from Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, who appealed to the children and young people to make the smart choice of choosing life, and not tobacco.

Global Goals, Local Actions

Although Indonesia is not among the 183 countries that have ratified the global tobacco treaty (formally called the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control - WHO FCTC), Dr Tara Singh Bam has played a phenomenal role in mobilizing sub-national leaders in Indonesia and several other countries to adapt and enforce WHO-recommended evidence-backed tobacco control policies - grounds up!

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Dear Annie: I am a retired home health nurse responding to the caregiver who is a nephew to his disabled uncle. I have observed many families who are primary caregivers to their loved ones who also live in the same home with them. Even if they have time off, it is a 24/7 job.

It is very difficult to take on a caregiver role in general, but much more difficult if its family. The stress is almost overwhelming and builds up tremendously over time.

Depending on his uncles insurance, its highly possible to get paid caregivers to come in and do the majority of the work. I would suggest he contact the Department on Aging and Disabilities for help. His uncle may be eligible for one of these amazing programs. The department can send out a social worker to evaluate his uncles needs and set him up on a program that will pay for the hours offered based on the evaluation.

At first, the nephew may have a sense of guilt for relinquishing what he sees as his responsibilities but in time will grow to appreciate the assistance offered. -- Middle-Aged Caregiver

Dear Middle-Aged Caregiver: I hope your letter encourages others who are in similar situations to seek help from professional caregivers. I always love hearing from professionals in their fields. Thank you for all you do to help those in need.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM
Multiple people across Oregon and several other states appear to have fallen victim to an online scam that started when they clicked on a pop-up screen that froze their computers and then directed them to call a number that purported to take them to an FBI office, according to a federal affidavit.

Someone posing as an FBI agent named Jon Stryker on the other end of the phone line directed the callers to pay the FBI in cash or gold bars, claiming they were responsible for a cyberattack to the FBIs Sacramento office and needed to make reparations to avoid facing arrest or having their assets frozen, according to the affidavit.

Late last week, Salem police and the FBI arrested a 39-year-old man, Ramaraj Ganesan of California, accused of driving to a Salem mans home to pick up a package containing thousands of dollars.

Ganesan made his first appearance Monday afternoon in federal court in Portland on charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

Salem police and federal investigators stopped Ganesan last Thursday driving a gray Ford Edge after he pulled away from the home of the Salem man, the affidavit said.

The man had already turned over $90,000 to alleged FBI impersonators in three separate payments in March and April, according to the affidavit: two $20,000 payments via UPS using shipping labels that had been sent to him and $50,000 in cash to an imposter agent who drove to his home on April 3.

The Salem resident last week contacted the FBI office in Salem to report the fraud, investigators said.

The next arranged pickup was supposed to occur last Tuesday, but on the advice of the local FBI, the Salem man informed the fake Agent Stryker that he wouldnt be available then, so the meetup was rescheduled to Thursday. FBI agents from the Salem office provided him with a decoy package to provide to whoever went to his house to pick up the money.

That was Ganesan, according to the affidavit.

The Salem man placing a decoy package into Ramaraj Ganesan's car on Thurs., May 30, 2024, as sworn FBI agents and Salem police kept watch, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. U.S. Attorney's Office

Once Ganesan was stopped, he provided written consent for police to search the car, according to the affidavit, and the FBI found nine gold bars weighing about 36 ounces in Ganesans backpack in the car.

The FBI learned their counterparts in Los Angeles were investigating a similar case, in which someone duped by the computer scam bought $90,000 in gold bars and turned them over to a fake FBI agent who picked them up.

An individual arrived at his residence in a car, the Agent rolled down the rear window, the victim placed the package with the gold bars in the rear seat, and the Agent drove away, the affidavit said.

Upon his arrest, Ganesan told FBI agents that he was acting under threat from an unknown person who had booked him a flight and arranged a rental car for him to pick up a package of gold bars from someone living outside of Seattle and then to pick up money from the Salem resident, according to the affidavit

Inside the car, investigators also found boarding passes and receipts that indicated Ganesan had traveled to Florida, New Jersey, South Carolina, Washington and Utah, according to the affidavit.

The FBI suspects others are involved and are continuing to investigate.

Ganesan appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo, who ordered him to remain in custody at Multnomah Countys Inverness Jail until a detention hearing is held Wednesday.

-- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, or on LinkedIn.

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The deputy U.S. marshal who fired a less-lethal munition at the head of protester Donavan La Bella in 2020 allegedly told his supervisor later, I just wanted to put the guy down because he threw the canister back.

The supervisor testified about the deputy marshals explanation for shooting La Bella in his deposition taken by La Bellas lawyers.
The president of the teachers union for Portland Public Schools said Tuesday that shes pulled scores of pro-Palestinian lesson plans, videos, books and other teaching resources from the unions website  one day after the union was deluged with heavy criticism that the guides were one-sided, antisemitic and amounted to unacceptable political advocacy.

Portland Association of Teachers President Angela Bonilla told The Oregonian/OregonLive that she had not been aware of the content of the lesson plans and other material that the unions Social Justice and Community Outreach Committee had recommended be posted to the unions website last month. Bonilla said she learned Tuesday morning that committee members also hadnt followed the unions procedures by reviewing all of the materials posted to its website.

After hearing concerns from members around the content of some of these lessons were taking it all off of our website, Bonilla said. The concerns of them being one-sided is enough for me to say we have to pause and review.

Bonilla added: Im hearing things about these materials that I would have not let through.

At issue are lesson plans that outline the suffering, death and destruction of the Palestinian people  especially since Oct. 7  without mentioning Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, killings of civilians and taking of hundreds of hostages. The lesson plans also use language that members of Jewish communities interviewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive say fuels hatred toward Zionists and Jews.

But Bonilla said because she and the union have vetted it, the union will keep one document posted to its website  a 32-page guide entitled Know Your Rights! Teaching & Organizing for Palestine within Portland Public Schools, which the union created with Oregon Educators for Palestine. The guide encourages teachers to stand by what the union believes are their rights to show their support for Palestinians and educate children about those views.

The Oregonian/OregonLive wrote extensively about the controversy surrounding the Know Your Rights guide and the lesson plans on Monday. The news organization also detailed a pro-Palestinian advocacy meeting last week where organizers encouraged teachers to display Palestinian flags in their classrooms, wear T-shirts emblazoned with a pro-Palestinian message highly offensive to Jewish communities and lead lessons on Gaza that critics say are misleading and antisemitic.

Tuesday, Bonilla expressed disapproval for some of the statements made in pamphlets, flyers and zines that were passed out to educators who attended the meeting last week at union headquarters that was meant to introduce teachers to the Know Your Rights guide. Bonilla said she didnt know that the materials would be handed out at the meeting  or what they said.

I did not read through or see any of the zines closely or those handouts. And so I had no idea of what the content of those handouts were, Bonilla said.

One of those handouts, provided to The Oregonian/OregonLive by a meeting attendee, appears to praise Hamas militants who died after recording videos that were posted to social media of themselves executing Israeli civilians. The handout that praises the militants reads Glory to Our Martyrs.

When asked about the handout Tuesday, Bonilla said she had not seen it, and she does not endorse the distribution of any materials that support or call for harm to others.

Bonillas statements, however, didnt resonate with the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. Bob Horenstein, a Jewish Federation spokesperson, said pleading ignorance isnt an acceptable answer, especially after his organization met with Bonilla in December to express concerns about signs on the picket lines during the teachers strike that he said accused Israel of genocide and promoted anti-Israel rallies.

Im sorry that excuse isnt going to hold water anymore, Horenstein said.

Horenstein said during that meeting the Jewish Federation made clear its grave concerns over what it believes is a growing tide of antisemitism promoted and supported by the union. He felt those concerns werent taken to heart and the union continues to push dangerous, one-sided messages.

How is this the business of teachers? Horenstein said. Theyre not interested in teaching multiple perspectives.

 Aimee Green covers breaking news and the justice system. Reach her at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or @o_aimee.

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Its been just over 40 years since Cyndi Laupers Girls Just Wanna Have Fun became an anthem for people of the female persuasion and now, the girl behind the fun is saying goodbye to the touring life.

Laupers Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour, announced Monday, will pass through Portland with a stop at the Moda Center at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. Tickets go on sale to the general public through Ticketmaster on Friday.

Tickets will also be available through Vivid Seats, StubHub, SeatGeek and Ticket Squeeze.

If you are purchasing tickets for the first time through Vivid Seats, use our special discount promo code Oregon20 at checkout to save 20 percent on orders of $200 or more for the event you plan on attending.

Lauper isnt just responsible for the greatest English language song about the feminine urge to enjoy oneself, she also provided the soundtrack to one of the best movie dance scenes of all time.

Speaking of movies, she wrote the theme song for one of Oregons favorite films: The Goonies.

And never forget, she was part of an effort to fight world hunger.

 Lizzy Acker covers life and culture and writes the advice column Why Tho? Reach her at 503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com or @lizzzyacker

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Fans of Wheel of Fortune, the popular syndicated game show, are likely feeling sentimental this week, as Pat Sajak prepares to make his exit as host. As was announced a year ago, Sajak is retiring as host after 41 seasons. The final episode featuring Sajak will air Friday, June 7.

While viewers may have their own favorite moments of Sajaks run, Portland-area Wheel of Fortune aficionados might have special memories connected to when the show came to the Rose City.

It happened in 2012, when Wheel of Fortune came to Portland to film several episodes at the Oregon Convention Center. As The Oregonian/OregonLive reported, about 2,600 people came to an exhibit hall that had gotten a Portland-style makeover.

The front of the hall is transformed into a large, Portland-centric Wheel set, according to The Oregonian/OregonLive. The colorful background includes a rendering of the St. Johns Bridge, the Portland sign and marquee of the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, the Old Town Portland Oregon neon sign with the white stag, and Multnomah Falls.

The announcer got the crowd warmed up and ready to be a receptive audience by telling some jokes; cautioning them that they were going to be on camera, so if they came with someone they shouldnt, for gosh sakes, separate now; and finally exhorting everyone to join in chanting the shows signature opening, WHEEL! OF! FORTUNE!

Longtime "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak is seen in 2012, prior to a taping in Portland at the Oregon Convention Center. LC- The Oregonian

Then the announcer introduced Sajak and cohost Vanna White, who walked out, arm in arm.

During a break in filming, Sajak, who has hosted Wheel of Fortune since 1981, said, Somewhere along the line we became more than a popular show. We became part of the popular culture.

As The Oregonian/OregonLive reported, Sajak was down-to-earth about the show. Were playing Hangman, after all, and spinning a giant wheel, he said.. But the show has become a touchstone.

Vanna White, cohost of "Wheel of Fortune," is shown in 2012, during a taping of the show at the Oregon Convention Center. LC- The Oregonian

Sajak mentioned how often viewers talked about how watching Wheel of Fortune had been a source of comfort in tough times. For a goofy little game show, he said, weve touched a lot of peoples lives.

White agreed that much of the appeal of Wheel of Fortune has to do with how viewers welcome it into their homes.

Its a half-hour of family fun, she said.

As has been reported, White, who has been turning letters on Wheel of Fortune since 1982, has signed an extension of her contract that will take her through the 2025-2026 season.

Related: Wheel of Fortune gets a Portland spin

In a recent interview with his daughter, Maggie Sajak, who is the shows social correspondent, Sajak talked about nearing the end of his time as Wheel of Fortune host.

This was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago, he said. So Ive had time to sort of get used to it. And its been a little bit wistful and all that, but Im enjoying it and taking it all in and reflecting on the great run.

Ryan Seacrest will replace Sajak as host when Wheel of Fortune returns for a new season in September. The current season will end with Sajaks farewell as host, on June 7.

Wheel of Fortune airs at 7:30 p.m. weekdays on KATU-TV. No cable or satellite? You can stream Wheel of Fortune with Fubo (free trial) or with Sling TV.

 Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist

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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.

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.

-- Julia Shumway, Oregon Capital Chronicle

The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy.
A 16-year-old boy broke into a Florida home and badly stabbed a 15-year-old hosting a sleepover with friends, according to police.

Teen Fatally Stabs 15-Year-Old Boy in Florida Home

Alexander Hernandez walked almost six miles on Saturday night to the casualty's house in Wildwood, arriving unannounced and "banging" on the front door around 10 p.m., declared the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.

Connor Michael Gill, the 15-year-old victim, opened the door, and Hernandez forced his way inside, allegedly stabbing him.

A 48-year-old adult in the home rushed to intervene and was also stabbed. Hernandez threatened a third person before fleeing on foot, police reported.

"This was undoubtedly a premeditated and targeted attack," said Undersheriff Pat Breeden. The two casualties were airlifted to a local hospital. Gill was declared dead around 1:20 p.m., and the adult remains in stable condition in the ICU, Breeden added.

Hernandez was found later by a police helicopter and taken into custody with two weapons on him at the time of his arrest.

The teen announced to the detectives he ordered the weapons online last Thursday, obtained them on Saturday, and after playing with them for a while, went to the casualty's house.

Hernandez is liable for intentional first-degree killing, aggravated assault with a fatal weapon without intent to kill and armed crime. The intention for the stabbing is still ambiguous.

Both teenagers were homeschooled, according to police, but it is not definite how they knew each other.

Witness Narrates Fatal Stabbing of Teenager During Sleepover

A witness narrates the moments leading up to a Sumter County teen being deadly stabbed during a sleepover. Michael Carr, a family friend living in the house, was present during the assault.

"When he came up, he was banging on the door. Connor unlocked it," Carr explained. "He immediately swung at Connor."

"He had a mission. That's all I can say. He had a mission in his eyes. It was cold. It wasn't normal for a 16-year-old. He didn't look right," Carr continued.

According to law enforcement, Gill knew the suspect. Deputies report that the suspect had two weapons and stabbed both Gill and an adult. Carr confirmed the other victim was Gill's father.

"He stabbed Jeff under his arm, hitting an artery. Then he turned around, walked out the door, and said, 'Everyone beware'," Carr said. Deputies stated that Connor died later that Saturday night, while his father was recovering in the hospital.

"The whole family is in shambles right now," Carr said. "Connor was cool. He was a common 15-year-old. He liked to have fun, play video games, and have goals."

During the investigation, deputies learned the suspect had fled the scene on foot. They later found and arrested him. When interviewed, the suspect said he ordered the weapons last Thursday, received them on Saturday, and then walked six miles to the Wildwood home to stab the victims, according to deputies.

The suspect is facing charges of first-degree intentional killing, aggravated attack with a fatal weapon without intent to murder, and armed crime. Anyone with data is asked to call the Sumter County Sheriff's Office at 352-793-2621.
At a press conference on Monday morning, the mom of an Air Force airman killed by a Florida sheriff's deputy last month enforced that the deputy faces criminal liabilities.

Florida Deputy Shot Senior Airman Roger Fortson

The Okaloosa Sheriff's Office terminated Deputy Eddie Duran, who shot Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3, according to a statement.

"I want justice for my son. Firing him isn't enough. Revoke his credentials and pension," said Chantemekki Fortson, Roger Fortson's mother, during the press conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

She pressed for charges to be filed against the deputy. Roger Fortson, 23, was shot by Duran while in his house in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where Duran was answering a domestic commotion call, the sheriff's office reported.

Body camera footage issued by the sheriff's office shows Fortson holding a gun with his right arm down and the muzzle pointed at the floor as he opens the door.

The footage also shows Fortson raising his left hand, palm open, towards the deputy, who declared his presence twice.

Duran shot Fortson seconds after the door opened, leading to Fortson's death from his injuries.

Duran stated in an interview with the sheriff's office that he saw Fortson armed with a gun, took a step towards him, and had an aggressive look in his eyes. A search of the apartment found no other individuals present.

Mother of the Air Force Airman Conveyed her Incredulity

Chantemekki Fortson expressed her disbelief on social media, stating, "He would never have an aggressive look in his eyes. Roger was helping to raise his 16-year-old brother."

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Fortson family, said at the press conference that the deputy had gone to the wrong apartment.

"Roger was alone in the apartment with his dog, Chloe, video-chatting with his girlfriend. There was no domestic dispute," Crump said.

Fortson's girlfriend, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, told last month that they were discussing weekend plans when the shooting occurred.

Duran was placed on administrative leave during the investigation. The sheriff's office stated on May 9 that Duran reacted in self-defense after hearing sounds of a disturbance and encountering Fortson armed with a gun, despite identifying himself as law enforcement.

Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden announced Duran's termination on Friday, stating, "This tragic incident should never have happened.

The facts do not justify the use of deadly force. Mr. Fortson committed no crime and was an outstanding airman and individual."

The Florida state attorney's office did not answer to latest request for comment but formerly announced they would wait for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to complete their inspection before deciding on liabilities.

The FDLE inspection is continuous. "Our role is to investigate the deputy's use of force and present our findings to the local state attorney's office," the FDLE stated, emphasizing that their investigations are thorough and without a set timeline for completion.
An elderly woman tragically died after the vehicle she was in became the target of a carjacking that crashed into a building in Washington, D.C.

The elderly parent was accompanying her adult daughter to Washington Hospital Center. However, the police authorities later recovered the car after it crashed in the U.S. attorney's office and stated that the suspect involved in the crime is now detained.

Assistant Chief Robinson provided an update on the stolen vehicle that collided with a building at 6th and D Streets, Northwest. pic.twitter.com/rYJmQnWTYq  DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) June 3, 2024

Carjacking at D.C. Hospital Center

The tragic car incident occured Monday afternoon, June 3, at the Washington Hospital while the elderly woman was sitting in the car as a front passenger when the driver stepped out.

However, things took a quick turn when the carjacking suspect immediately jumped into the car and drove away, according to the police.

The woman driving the car swiftly reported the crime while emphasizing that their elderly parent was still inside the vehicle.

The car took off fast but was later chased by the police. The stolen vehicle involved in the crash was later stopped when it crashed into a building at Sixth and D streets NW, close to Washington, D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office.

The officer saw the crash through their rearview mirror and witnessed the suspect attempting to flee the crime scene. The police authorities quickly intervened and arrested the female suspect.

Unfortunately, the elderly passenger was found unconscious at the crash site. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and performed life-saving measures. The elderly woman was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Authorities confirmed that the vehicle involved in the crash was the same one stolen from Washington Hospital Center.

Investigation and Charges

The D.C. Fire Department reported only superficial damage to the building involved in the crash. The identities of the victims and the suspect have not yet been released.

The police are currently consulting with the U.S. Attorney's Office to determine the appropriate charges for the suspect.

Assistant Washington Police Chief Darnel Robinson described the incident as a tragedy during a media briefing.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities trying to determine whether the suspect knew the elderly woman was in the car and whether the vehicle was running when it was stolen.

Read Also: Students Walk Out From University of Chicago Graduation Commencement After School Withholds Diplomas

Safety Concerns in D.C. Amid Carjacking Rise

The alarming incident is now sending shockwaves through the community as carjacking crimes become more rampant throughout the city with reported fatalities.

The carjacking incident occurs against a backdrop of fluctuating carjacking rates in Washington, D.C. Last year, carjackings in the city more than doubled.

However, police data shows a 33% decrease in carjackings so far this year compared to the same period last year.

As the investigation continues, the community is left mourning the loss of an elderly resident in this senseless act of violence and fearing their safety as the crime rate continues to persist.

Police authorities are urging any witness to the crime or anyone with information about the fatal incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Our group traveled from Rome to Florence this morning and, upon arrival, immediately set out in various directions on foot to see the city. My wife and I spent our time in the citys magnificent cathedral. Truth be told, the interior is pretty open and sparse, a fact that some explain as part of the legacy of the ascetic Dominican reformer (or zealot) and martyr (or heretic) Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498). But we enjoyed sitting in the cathedral, reading about its history and immediately walking about to inspect things to which reference was made.

Our group regathered in the late afternoon at the Piazza della Repubblica for a walking tour led by one of the best guides my wife and I have ever had. (And weve had a lot of them, in many countries.) Her name is Sarah or Sara and, a native of Florence, her university training was in the history of art. (Can you think of a better place for such study?) She speaks very good (and slightly Australian-tinged) English, and she took us down to the River Arno to the Ponte Vecchio, through the area in which Dante and Beatrice grew up, past the Uffizi and the Palazzo Vecchio, by the spot where Savonarola was executed, over to the Galleria dellAccademia di Firenze, back to the Duomo, and, finally, to the famous octagonal Baptistry with Ghibertis Doors of Paradise. I enthusiastically recommend her to anybody coming to Florence. (Ill try to get her full name and contact information for anybody who is interested.) My wife and I have been here, oh, perhaps half a dozen times or so  maybe a bit more than that  but she was extraordinarily informative.

Incidentally, the Accademia isnt merely about Michelangelos David, although that early masterpiece of his is plainly the single most famous object in the collection. Sarah spent considerable time and attention on other paintings and sculptures there, and they are truly wonderful. In fact, it seems to me that the Accademia must be considered a significant tributary of the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File. Among the many beautiful works in the Gallery  obviously including the David itself  there is scarcely a single one (in fact, there may not be a single one) of a secular character.

How much better off the world would be if those works of art had never been created!

Imagine theres no heaven.

Its easy if you try.

No hell below us,

Above us only sky.

Imagine all the people living for today. . . . And no religion too. . . . You may say Im a dreamer,

But Im not the only one.

I hope some day youll join us

And the world will be as one.

I need to call your attention to four items that have recently appeared on the comatose and essentially unchanging website of the basically moribund Interpreter Foundation:

Nibley Lectures: Come, Follow Me Book of Mormon Lesson 24: Have Ye Experienced This Mighty Change in Your Hearts? Alma 5-7

This week, we have lectures 45 through 47 from Hugh Nibleys Book of Mormon classes at Brigham Young University, covering Alma 4-10. During 1988, 1989, and 1990, Hugh Nibley taught Honors Book of Mormon classes for four semesters at Brigham Young University. The lectures were video-taped and audio cassettes and printed transcripts were made of the lectures. We believe these recordings will be interesting to listen to and valuable to your Come, Follow Me study program this year. Each week, we will include the lectures covering the Book of Mormon chapters being studied that week.

The Book of Mormon in Context Lesson 24: Have Ye Experienced This Mighty Change in Your Hearts?: Alma 5-7

For the 19 May 2024 Come, Follow Me segment of the Interpreter Radio Show, Martin Tanner and Terry Hutchinson and Kris Frederickson joined in a discussion of Book of Mormon lesson 24, Have Ye Experienced This Mighty Change in Your Hearts? covering Alma 5-7. Their conversation was recorded. It has now been edited to remove commercial breaks, archived, and made available for free, online, in the service of your degustation and edification. The other segments of the 19 May 2024 radio show can be accessed at https://interpreterfoundation.org/interpreter-radio-show-may-19-2024.

Interpreter Radio Show  May 26, 2024

For the 26 May 2024 episode of the Interpreter Radio Show, the co-hosts were Steve Densley and John Thompson. They discussed Robin Douglass recent article in Interpreter on The Eucharist of the Latter-day Saints and Come, Follow Me Book of Mormon lesson 25. An edited recording of their conversation during that 26 May 2024 broadcast of the Interpreter Radio Show is now available online at your convenience. The Book of Mormon in Context portion of this show, for the Come, Follow Me Book of Mormon lesson 25, will also be posted separately on Tuesday, 11 June 2024. The Interpreter Radio Show is broadcast on Sunday evenings from 7 to 9 PM (MDT), on K-TALK, AM 1640. Or, if you prefer (or have no alternative), you can listen live on the Internet at ktalkmedia.com.

Come, Follow Me  Study and Teaching Helps (2024): Lesson 24, June 10-16: Alma 5-7 Have Ye Experienced This Mighty Change in Your Hearts?

Editors Note: Four years ago, Jonn Claybaugh began writing the Study and Teaching Helps series of articles for Interpreter. We now have these wonderful and useful posts for all four years of Come, Follow Me lessons. Beginning this year we will be reposting these articles, with dates, lesson numbers, and titles updated for the current years lessons. Jonn has graciously agreed to write new study aids for those lessons that do not directly correspond to 2020 lessons.

I like this, from Princeton Universitys Robert George. May his tribe increase: Why Im celebrating fidelity to God, family and country this month: Fidelity Month needs happy warriors to spread the word about a positive and uplifting project

Posted from Florence (Firenze), Italy
As the late great Ray Bradbury once wrote, something wicked this way comes.

I have in mind Episode 5 Trailer | A Marvelous Work.

Youve been warned.

Today was principally devoted to the spectacular Musei Vaticani, the Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peters Basilica. Magnificent. Probably my favorite of the very many wonderful aspects of Rome (apart now, of course, from Italys Temple Square, where we spent significant portions of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

Our visit  led by a guide named Stefana, whom some of the group had hired (and very much enjoyed) on a previous time here  was more brief than our visits here have typically been, but I really enjoyed it, as I always do. It was moving to me to see the tomb of St. John Paul II (whom I consider one of the great figures of modern history, and within twenty or so feet of whom I once stood during a meeting in Rome), as well as the tombs of Blessed John Paul I, St. Paul VI, and Pope Benedict XVI, all of whom have been major world personalities during my lifetime. St. John XXIII, who reigned 1958-1963 and who presided over the Second Vatican Council, is the first pope whom I actually remember. Seeing his embalmed body in an illuminated glass coffin on the main floor of St. Peters always strikes me as weird and macabre. I definitely do not share the Catholic sensibility in such matters.

Im pleased to report that, as of about twenty-four hours ago, the streaming version of Saturdays FAIR conference had received 415 views in Italian and 346 views in English. (I assume that the figures may have increased since then.) It seems that the conference was well worth doing.

I mentioned yesterday that Dr. Keith Erekson, of the Churchs historical department did a special question-and-answer session for young people after church. It turns out that he stayed for roughly three additional hours after that, answering questions one-on-one. He is quite pleased with how it all went. I cant imagine but that his efforts did a great deal of good.

Although, of course, its a relatively new city compared to the pharaonic ruins of Egypt  most human artifacts are pretty young when the comparison is to the pyramids of Giza or even the great temples of Karnak and Luxor  the depth of the history still manifest in Rome is amazing. My wife and I traveled by metro today, and it struck me deeply that we were getting off the subway at a stop called Ottaviano (presumably named after Octavian, who is more familiar to most people as Caesar Augustus). To reach Ottaviano, we zipped past places like the Fontana di Trevi and the Pantheon. And then we walked over to the Vatican, and to St. Peters, which sits atop a very ancient Roman cemetery. (Im on public record as believing that the case for Peter the Apostle actually having been buried beneath where the high altar of St. Peters Basilica now stands is a fairly good one. See my Deseret News column Why was Peter in Rome?)

I want to call your attention to an announcement from Eborn Books: It concerns the massive and beautifully illustrated Interpreter Foundation book Science and Mormonism, Volume 1: Cosmos, Earth, and Man, which is usually priced at about sixty dollars ($60.00):

We are pricing this book, for Fathers Day, at 66% off; and cheap shipping! The book weighs 5.5 pounds so it will cost us more to ship than we are charging you. A great, large size, full color, book that discusses Mormonism and many different aspects of Science. Published by Eborn Books and The Interpreter Foundation. ISBN: 9781890718411 Editors: David H. Bailey, Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, John S. Lewis, Gregory L. Smith, and Michael R. Stark Hardcover with dust jacket; still brand new in the plastic. This is an amazing book; and a super deal at $19.50 per copy! Contains these articles: Preface by Daniel C. Peterson Introduction by David H. Bailey and Jeffrey M. Bradshaw Science vs Religion: Can This Marriage Be Saved? by David H. Bailey Twenty Questions about Science and Religion, by David H. Bailey Forging a Friendly Alliance Between Mormonism and Science, John W. Welch Science and Mormonism, Henry Eyring Answering the New Atheism and Seeking a Sure Knowledge of God, Amy L. Williams Science and Genesis: A Personal View, Jeffrey M. Bradshaw Frequently Asked Questions About Science and Genesis, Jeffrey M. Bradshaw The Scale of Creation in Space and Time, John S. Lewis Joseph Smith and Modern Cosmology, Ron Hellings The Outer Solar System: A Window to the Creative Breadth of Divinity, Jani Radebaugh From All Eternity to All Eternity: Deep Time and the Gospel, Bart J. Kowallis The Earth and Man, James E. Talmage Understanding Evolution: An LDS Scientific Perspective, Steven L. Peck The Theory of Evolution Is Compatible with Both Belief and Unbelief, David M. Belnap Who Is Adam? Trent D Stephens Life Sciences Panel: Emily Bates, R. Paul Evans, Steven L. Peck, Michael R. Stark, Trent D. Stephens LDS Statements on Evolution and the Origin of Man

Posted from Rome, Italy
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!

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.

***

Axiom 1: After guilt has been forgiven through contrition and absolution, the penitent ought to make satisfaction for penalty.

Adam doubtless was repentant after guilt, yet at that point he was not threatened with a penalty by God. In whatever day you shall eat of it, you shall die the death [Gen 2:17]. Indeed after his transgression of the divine commandment, God added over and above the threatened penalty of death something else, saying to Adam: Because you have hearkened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat, cursed is the earth in your work; with labor and toil shall you eat thereof all the days of your life. Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth to you; and you shall eat the herbs of the earth. In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread until you return to earth out of which you were taken, for dust you are, and into dust you shall return [Gen 3:17-19].

To the woman also he said: I will multiply your sorrow and your conception; in sorrow shall you bring forth children, and you shall be under your husbands power, [Gen 3:16] etc. And just as all of us have sinned in Adam so all of us die in him [cf Rom 5:12], also with the guilt of original sin, for which death and the other penalties were inflicted, remitted in baptism.

David, after having committed adultery and murder, repentant, said to Nathan: I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said to him: The Lord also has put away your sin' [2 K 12:13]. Now sin is put away, not in order to put away guilt, but for penalty. . . .

And there are many other examples, which point out and prove the same thing: Miriam, Moses sister, after her guilt in murmuring against Moses was forgiven, was stricken with leprosy; nor on that very spot when Moses prayed to the Lord for her that she might be healed, was she cleansed, but when the Lord commanded that for seven days, as a penalty for her sin, she be excluded from the camp, for that time the leprosy remained [Num 12:10-15].

God foretold that Moses and Aaron would not enter or lead the Israelite people into the promised land, on account of the sin of disbelief at the water of contradiction [Num 20:24] although doubtless this sin was forgiven these holy men. Josephs brothers confessed that they had justly suffered for their misdeed committed against their brother, saying among themselves: We have deservedly suffered, because we have sinned against our brother, etc. [Gen 42:21], Eli, because he reproved the sins of his sons less than he ought, fell from his stool backwards and broke his neck, and died [1 Kings 4:18]. Davids guilt, incurred by taking a census of the people, although forgiven him by the mercy of God for which he prayed, was attended by a very savage pestilence. He, being penitent, and commanded by the prophet, Gad, to make satisfaction, erected an altar and made an offering of fifty shekels [2 Sam 24:10ff; cf 1 Chr 21:7ff],

The Ninevites fasted and covered themselves with sackcloth, etc. [Jonah 3:5]. Ahab . . . fasted, covered himself with goats hair, slept in sackcloth, walked with his head bowed down and placated the Lord [1 K 21:27]. If that nation shall repent of their evil, I also will repent of the evil that I have thought to do to them [Jer 18:8].

According to the measure of the sin shall the measure also of the stripes be [Deut 25:2].

As much as she has glorified herself and lived in delicacies, so much torment and sorrow give to her [Rev 18:7].

Be not without fear about sin forgiven and say not: The mercy of the Lord is great, he will have mercy on the multitude of my sins [Ecclus 5:5f].

Christ said to the cured paralytic who had been in his infirmity for thirty-eight years: Behold, you have been made whole. Now sin no more, lest anything worse come upon you [Jn 5:14]. In this Jesus manifestly hints that this infirmity lasting so many years was inflicted as a penalty for a sin long ago (something by no means incredible) wiped out through the patience of the infirm man and the mercy of God.

Axiom 2: Works of Satisfaction, pure prayer, fasting, alms, [and the restitution which is] enjoined upon the confessant, pertain to the sacrament of penance: these one manifestly comes upon from the Holy Scriptures.

In Leviticus [c. 4, 5, 6] the Lord commands various sacrifices to be offered for the various sins of priest, leader and people.

Turn to me with your whole heart, in fasting and weeping [Joel 2:12]. Daniel advised Nebuchadnezzar: Make recompense for your sins with alms, and your iniquities with merciful acts toward the poor [Dan 4:24].

The Ninevites repentant at the preaching of Jonah, . . . putting on sackcloth, fasted together with their animals, and praying, cried out to the Lord . . . And God saw their works . . . and had mercy upon them [Jonah 5:5, 10]. Our Savior Christ, praising them, prefers them to the unrepentant Jews, saying: The men of Nineveh shall rise in the judgment with this generation, (that is, of those obstinate ones not making satisfaction for their sins) and shall condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah  [Lk 11:32].

John the Baptist urged the people saying: Bring forth fruits worthy of penance [Lk 3:8]. Christ upbraided the cities in which very many miracles, were done because they had not repented: Woe to you, Corozaim Woe to you Bethsaida, for if in Tyre and Sidon had been wrought the miracles that have been wrought in you they had long ago done penance in sackcloth and ashes [Mt 11:21].

Unless you do penance, you shall all likewise perish, just as those eighteen upon whom the tower fell in Siloe and killed them [Lk 13:4f]. In all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much fasting, etc. [2 Cor 6:4]. Therefore it is clear that satisfaction is truly necessary for the penitent. [This also is effectively proved by the same scriptures by which Luther in vain tries to disprove it.]

[Objection] John the Baptist, sent to preach repentance, taught only the observance of Gods commandments, saying: Do nothing more than that which is appointed you [Lk 3:13], making no mention of satisfaction.

*

[Reply] First of all we deny that John did not teach satisfaction. Surely he enjoined alms which pertain to satisfaction, saying, He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none and he who has food, let him do in like manner [Lk 3:11]. Indeed those baptized by John confess their sins that according to the quality of the sins penance might be determined for them. Hence he taught, bring forth fruits worthy of penance which fruits arise through works of satisfaction. John did not preach mere repentance but a baptism of repentance, not his own, but of Christ for the remission of sins. Therefore he was not obligated to make more express mention of satisfaction to those baptized by him and those thereafter to be baptized by the baptism of Christ (in which at the same time both guilt and penalty are remitted).

[Objection] Micah says: I will show you, 0 man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Verily, to do judgment, and to love mercy, and to walk carefully with your God, etc. [Mic 6:8]. And he corroborates this, because the Prophet here makes fun of those who wish to make satisfaction through works, saying: What shall I offer to the Lord that is worthy? . . . Shall I offer holocausts unto him, and yearling calves? Can the Lord be appeased with thousands of rams, or with many thousands of he-goats? etc. [Mic 6:6f] . As if he did not say this.

[Reply] Micah in these words does not exclude but rather includes works of satisfaction. That is, by judgment is understood the severe condemnation of oneself, through loving mercy, through exercising works of alms and piety out of love for the poor, and through walking carefully with God, the observance of divine commandments. Augustine agrees, saying: In this repentance each one ought to exercise greater severity in himself in order that having been judged by himself he may not be judged by the Lord; so speaks the Apostle [1 Cor 11:31f] (De Poenitentlae Medicina, c. 2].

*

Nor does Micah make fun of those who wish to make satisfaction to God through good works, but he means that sacrifices and holocausts of animals were not sufficient nor did they avail for the wiping out of sins. For it is impossible with the blood of goats and bullocks sin should be taken away [Heb 10:4]. And in themselves these were not pleasing or acceptable to God. For through the prophet he says I desire not holocausts of rams and of bullocks and blood of calves and lambs [Is 1:11]. Yet he wished and indeed commanded these things to be offered to him also for sins, not because these sacrifices themselves cleansed from sins, but because certain ones served as witnesses to the faith concerning Christ who was to suffer, which cleansed from sins. And the law itself hints at this from the manner of speaking, for it says that in the offering of victims for sin the priest will pray for it and it will be forgiven him as if the sin were forgiven, not from the force of the sacrifices, but from the faith and devotion of those making the offering.

*

[Objection] Christ by his passion and death made satisfaction for our sins. Yet the passion of Christ was sufficient not only for removing sins, but also for wiping out punishments. For he has borne our infirmities, says the prophet, and carried our sorrows [Is 53:4]. Therefore, etc.

*

[Reply] The passion of Christ is sufficient to remove all guilt of punishment not only eternal but also temporal and according to the mode whereby man participates in the power of Christs passion and receives also absolution from the guilt of punishment.

*

Moreover in baptism man participates totally in the power of Christ s passion (as through water and the Holy Spirit having died together with Christ to sin, and in him regenerated to new life). And for that reason in baptism man obtains remission of all guilt of punishment, but in penance man obtains the power of Christs passion according to the mode of his very own acts which are the matter of penance. Hence the Apostle urges the penitent ones saying: For as you have yielded your members to serve uncleanness and iniquity, unto iniquity, so now yield your members to serve justice unto sanctification [Rom 6:19]. And the prophet says: For as it was your mind to go astray from God, so when you return again you shall seek him ten times as much [Bar 4:28], And for this reason, not immediately through the first act of penitence whereby blame is remitted, is the guilt of punishment released. But you complete all the parts of penance. Yet we admit how much contrition anyone can have in order to wipe away at one and the same time all blame and punishment. But this, as yet given to few, is not certain to whom it is given.

*

It is to be said that God perfectly cures the whole man. Moreover sometimes he did this suddenly as when he restored Peters mother-in-law immediately to perfect health [Lk 4:38f]. But sometimes he did so consecutively as for example, the blind man enlightened by the Lord was first restored to imperfect vision whereupon he said: I see men walking like trees, then he was perfectly restored so that he saw all things clearly [Mk 8:24]. And thus also he nevertheless spiritually converts the heart of men with such great agitation, that suddenly it perfectly achieves spiritual health, not only with guilt forgiven, but with all the rest of sin removed, as is clear concerning Mary Magdalene [Lk 7:7]. He previously forgives guilt through operating grace and afterwards through cooperating grace he removes in succession the guilt of the penalty and the other remnants of sins. It. does not come about therefore from Christs act that when guilt is forgiven, at the same time all punishment is forgiven, but rather the contrary, etc.

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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.

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The Saints as friends of God ought to be implored to intercede for us, and although the Saints are not to be worshiped with latria, because this is owed to God alone, yet they are to be venerated with dulia. John 12:26: If any man minister to me, him will my Father who is in heaven honor. If therefore God honors the saints why should we not honor the saints? So long as you do this to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it unto me [Mt 25:40]. Therefore honor shown to the saints is shown to God.

But to me thy friends, 0 God, are made exceedingly honorable; their principality is exceedingly strengthened [Ps 139:17].

If Moses and Samuel shall stand before me, my soul is towards this people [Jer 15:1]. . . . There Jeremiah is manifestly hinting that the saints pray for the people.

Call now if there be any that will answer you, and turn to someone of the saints [Job 5:1]. These words, indeed, although Eliphaz the Temanite spoke them to Job, yet Job did not rebuke them, but received them as the salutary advice of a friend. Thus also Elihu said: If there shall be an angel speaking for him, one among like ones, to declare mans uprightness, he (that is, God) shall have mercy on him, and shall say: Deliver him, that he may not go down to corruption, I have found wherein I may be merciful to him [Job 33:23f].

Go to my servant Job, and offer for yourselves a holocaust. . . his face I shall accept, that folly may not be imputed to you . . . [Job 42:8]. And later: The Lord also was turned toward the penance of Job, when the latter prayed for his friends [Job 42:10].

Jacob said: . . . and let my name be called upon them, and the names of my fathers Abraham, and Isaac . . . [Gen 48:16].

Moses said to him: Let thy anger cease, and be appeased upon the wickedness of thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel  to whom thou swarest by thy own self, saying: I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven etc. [Ex 32:12f]. And there follows: The Lord was appeased upon the wickedness of his people [cf. Ex 32:14]. Azarias in the fiery furnace prayed, saying: Deliver us not up for ever . . . for thy names sake, and abolish not thy covenant. And take not away thy mercy from us for the sake of Abraham thy beloved, and Isaac thy servant, and Israel thy holy one, to whom thou hast spoken, promising that thou wouldst multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that is on the sea shore [Dan 3:34-35]. And he was freed with his companions from the fiery furnace.

O Lord Almighty, God of Israel, hear now the prayer of the dead of Israel and their sons who have sinned before thee [Bar 4 3:4], etc.

Judas Maccabeus saw Onias extending his hands to pray for the people of the Jews; after this he saw another man wonderful in age and glory, concerning whom Onias said: he is the lover of the brethren and of the people of Israel, who prays much for the people and the whole holy city, Jeremiah, the prophet of God [2 Macc 15:12-14].

If the fathers of the Old Testament in limbo, not yet blessed with the clear vision of the divine countenance, were praying for their own, how much more are the saints in eternal blessedness contemplating ceaselessly God face to face, to be believed to be praying for us.

In as much as you have done to one of the least, my brothers, you have done it unto me [Mt 25:45]. Therefore if honor is shown to the saints, honor will be shown to God.

For this every saint will pray to thee in a suitable time [Ps 37:6]. The Hebrews read every merciful one: the blessed moreover are saints and merciful.

Absalom, reconciled to his father yet for two years stopping in Jerusalem, did not see the face of his father [2 K 14:24ff]. Thus the sinner reconciled to God does not immediately present himself to God, but through mediators and intercessors.

Solomon ordered a throne to be placed for his mother next to his own [1 K 2:19]. The true peacemaking Solomon, Christ, honoring his mother, does the same thing. . . .

All honor which we direct to the divine Virgin redounds to Christ, Son of God and of the Virgin: we honor the Virgin as mother in the Son, and the Son in the Virgin mother. . . .

The angels pray for us: The angel of the Lord shall encamp round about them that fear him, and shall deliver them [Ps 34:8].

For he has given his angels charge over you, to guard your ways [Ps 91:11].

The angel prays for the Jewish people: 0 Lord of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem, and on the cities of Judah, with which thou hast been angry? . . . And the Lord answered the angel . . . good, comfortable words [Zech 1:12f].

The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials, full of odors, which are the prayers of the saints [Rev 5:8].  . . . the angel stood before the altar, having a golden censer, and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar, which is before the throne of God. And the smoke of the incense from the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel [Rev 8:3f].

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them, who shall receive the inheritances of salvation? [Heb 1:14]. Therefore angels support us: why then is it not permitted to call upon their support [suffragia] and ministry?

And the same reason applies to the saints as to the angels whose equals they are in the kingdom of heaven [Lk 20:36; Mt 22:30; Mk 12:25].

No word overcame him (Elisha), and after death his body prophesied; in his life he did great wonders, and in death he wrought miracles [Ecclus 38:14f].

1. Christ intercedes for us according to his humanity before God the Father. For Christ Jesus makes intercession for us [cf. Heb 7:25].

Jesus has an everlasting priesthood, whereby he is able also to save forever, those who come to God by him, always living to make intercession for us [Heb 7:24f].

But if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the just: and he is our propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world [1 Jn 2:1f].

If therefore Christ as head prays for us, why not also the saints his members, (who conform themselves to Christ) asking with him[?] . . .

If the living pray for one another, why do the blessed dead not also do this, who are more perfect in charity and more powerful with God and purer in mind? . . . God wills to be called upon through his saints, I sought among them for a man who might set up a hedge and stand in a gap before me in favor of the land, that I might not destroy it, and I found none [Ez 22:30].

[Objection] Christ alone, God, is to be called on because he alone is sufficient. He alone is most generous and most merciful, loving us more than all saints do. If you ask the Father anything in my name, he will give it you [Jn 16:23]. Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find [Lk 11:9]. All things whatever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive [Mt 21:22]. Let us go therefore with confidence to the throne of his grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in seasonable aid [Heb 4:16].

[Reply] We confess that what is to be prayed for is to be prayed in the name of Jesus, is to be prayed for with assurance, yet that does not exclude the saints, because also through the saints as members we pray in the name of Jesus their head. Hence the Church concludes that the collects of the saints are through Christ our Lord. And although God is best and most merciful, yet he is also most orderly, disposes all things sweetly, and draws the lower things through the middle things to the higher things, as Dionysius says.

[Objection] There is one mediator of God and men, Christ Jesus [1 Tim 2:5]. Why then do we want to make from among the saints

more mediators?

[Reply] There is one mediator of redemption, Jesus Christ, because he alone has redeemed the human race; there is no other name under heaven in whom we are to be saved, but there are very many mediators of intercession. Therefore there is one mediator through redemption, just as also there is one savior. For he alone is the good shepherd who has given his life as redemption for many. But there are many mediators through intercession, just as also Scripture mentions very many saviors. Moses says I was the mediator and stood between the Lord and you [Deut 5:5]. Likewise he raised them up a savior [RSV: deliverer] Othoniel [Judges 3:9]. . . .

***

We honor, venerate, invoke . . . God and His saints, yet in an unequal manner. Him (because He is first and beginning of being and conserving and governing for all, and alone gives grace and glory) we worship with latria, which is owed to Him alone in accordance with the Scripture: You shall adore the Lord your God, and Him alone you shall serve (Dt 6:13; Mt 4:10). And again: To God alone be honor and glory (1 Tim 1:17).

And with this adoration Mordecai would not adore Haman, fearing lest he might transfer to a man the honor owed to God (Esther 3:2). And the angel forbade John from wanting to worship him (Rev 22:8 f). The saints as intercessors and patrons, not as conferers of grace and glory, but (by their merits and prayers) as obtainers of requests with God, and thus far beneath God, we venerate, honor, and invoke with dulia. (which is shown to excellent creatures as a sign of reverence) but the Virgin, bearer of God, by hyperdulia. . . .

In the litany the Church teaches the difference between the invocation or adoration of God and of the saints, where first of all the Holy Trinity is invoked under the distinction of persons and the unity of essence, to have mercy upon us. Then the intercession of the saints is implored, to pray for us. Finally, the litany returns to God that He may deign to hearken to us while the saints are praying together with us, may free us from evil, grant us grace, and bestow eternal life. The Church observes a similar form of prayer in the . . . collects which are said on the festivals of the saints, where we implore divine clemency through the merits and intercessions of the saints. It concludes with: Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with thee lives and reigns etc.

The invocation of the saints is not explicitly enjoined in the Scriptures. Not in the Old Testament: where the people had otherwise slipped into idolatry, and the fathers were in limbo, not yet blessed. Abraham has not known us, and Israel was ignorant of us (Is 63:16). Under the Gospel too there was no precept, lest the Gentiles being converted might believe themselves once more led back into the cult of those born of earth, so they would have worshiped (according to the old custom) the saints not as patrons, but as gods: just as they wanted at Lycaonia to sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:10). Now if the Apostles and Evangelists had taught that the saints were to be venerated, they would have been blamed for arrogance, as if they themselves had sought that glory after death. Therefore he would not teach by express scriptures the veneration of saints, . . .

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The biggest news at Computex is how Snapdragon chips are storming the beaches of the Windows-based PC market, spearheading Microsofts huge Copilot+ laptop push. Weve seen Arm-based PC hardware before, but the designs have improved so much that theyre meeting and sometimes beating the Intel and AMD competition. Qualcomms CEO thinks they might be good enough to dominate, and do it very quickly.

Speaking to Toms Hardware, Cristiano Amon doubled down on bullish projections from Arm, the company that designs the architecture behind the chips in smartphones, tablets, most integrated electronics, and now, Macs and PCs. Amon said that he subscribed to the idea that Arm-based chips could take over 50 percent of the PC market within five years.

Some OEMs are talking about 40 to 60 percent of their total sales within three years, Amon said. I also saw some OEMs talking about 50 percent, but those are the order of magnitudes. Thats kind of the opportunity that we have.

Yesterday PCWorlds Mark Hachman spoke with Arm CEO Rene Haas about Qualcomms designs for Arm Snapdragon chips, the rise of AI in consumer PCs, and how Apple pushed the industry to open up to Arm processors. For a more practical look at what an Arm-based Windows PC might mean for you, be sure to check out Gordon Ungs analysis of benchmarks between laptops powered by Qualcomm, Apple, and Intel hardware.
Two retired soldiers, and nine others who robbed a gold buying company at Wassa Akropong in the Western Region have been sentenced to 252 years imprisonment in hard labour by the Tarkwa Circuit Court.



Emmanuel Tetteh alias Rocky Study is a retired soldier but currently works as a private security officer while his colleague, Samuel Agbadoku is unemployed, Isaac Adjei is a private security officer, Frank Afavi, alias Hero, is a fetish priest, Yaw Adzevi, a kente weaver and Anthony Ayivie Kwame Senyo alias Shoto, a driver were each jailed 17 years.



The rest are Pascal Korku Atatsitsey alias Mezaya and Dodzi Awali, both fetish priests, Dickson Kumedzro alias Jaggar, a farmer, Ruben Kportufe alias Offei, is a self-acclaimed businessman were each handed 25 years.



Meanwhile, Mohammed Buzu alias Meme, an ex-convict would serve 50 years.



They were charged with conspiracy and robbery but denied the offence which occurred in 2018, and pleaded with the presiding judge, Mrs Hathia Ama Manu to temper justice with mercy.



However, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isaac Babayi, who led the prosecution, said the court should ignore the pleas of the convicts and instead give them enhanced punishment to serve as a deterrent to the public.



He said, These offenders do not deserve mercy from the court.



The complainant, Mr Prince Dennis is the Wassa Akropong branch manager of AU Resources Ghana Limited, dealers in gold and Adjei is a security guard in the said company.



The remaining convicts are residents of Saki, a suburb of Ashaiman, Klikor, Weta, Agbozume, Aflao, Sogakope all in the Greater Accra and Volta Regions respectively.



In September 2018, Adjei contacted Tetteh and informed him that the company he worked for had a lot of refined gold and therefore he wanted some people to come and rob them so he would have his share.



According to the prosecution, Adjei kept mounting pressure on Tetteh, and he called Agbadoku who used to be his close allied during their days in the military service to organize men for the operation.



Agbadoku then traveled to his hometown in Agbozume and met Atatsitsey.



A fetish priest and the two discussed the issue, and he accepted the deal, and consulted Afavi, another fetish priest to come on board.



He said after series of deliberations, they recruited Atatsitsey, Afavi Kumedzro, Adzevi, Awali and Peter Adoku now at large, and that on October 1, 2018, Agbadoku led them from Agbozume to Wassa Akropong and lodged them in a hotel for the robbery.



Atatsitsey later handed them over to Tetteh for briefing, and he led them to the complainants company where they attempted to rob them but were not successful because they did not have weapons.



ASP Babayi said Afavi accessed the situation and contacted Buzu and Adoku from Aflao to join them at Wassa Akropong to execute the job, and on October 5, 2018, the two hired Senyos vehicle with pistols to the place.



Prosecution said the next day, at about 3:00 pm, Atatsitsey, Kumedzro, Awali, Buzu and Adoku armed with guns and knives invaded the gold-buying company and made away with 7.5 kilograms of refined gold valued at GH1,543,500, six mobile phones valued at GH 4,800.00 and cash amount of GH250,000.



He said while the robbery was going on, a Closed-circuit television camera installed at the companys yard captured them, and after the operation they drove to Kasoa and lodged in a hotel with the items.



ASP Babayi said while waiting for Adjei and Atatsitsey, a misunderstanding ensued among them, and this alerted the security officer who was on duty at the hotel, and he informed the Kasoa police patrol team for assistance.



The team arrested Atatsitsey and Senyo, and a search on them uncovered one Italian pistol with a round of ammunition, two kitchen knives, hammer and talisman.



They denied involvement in the crime and the case was later transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters in Accra for further investigation.



The court heard that during the investigation Atatsitsey, Kumedzro, Adzefi and Senyo confessed and mentioned Kportufe and Buzu as their accomplices.



They further revealed that Awali, Kportufe, Buzu and Adoku were with them in the hotel at Kasoa when the police came in, but they managed to escape through the windows.



He said Awali was later arrested at Kpoglu, near Dzodze in the Volta Region, while Tetteh was also picked up at Kyebi in the Eastern Region, and the two disclosed to the police that Agbadoku was part of the group that robbed the complainant, and he was traced at Akatsi and arrested.



Nine of the convicts admitted the offence in their caution statements and said the gold and cash they had from the operation were in the custody of Buzu and Adoku, who were then at large.



On January 15, 2022, Buzu, was arrested in Tema and he claimed the gold and cash were taken away by Adoku, while they were in Benin.



Before passing judgment, the court said Adoku should be declared as wanted and apprehended as soon as possible to face prosecution.

Source: GNA









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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A leading member of the Movement for Change, Nana Ohene Ntow, has appealed to President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Finance Ministry to re-channel the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) fund from the consolidated fund.



Nana Ohene Ntow asked the government to review the National Health Insurance Law (NHIL) to ensure the monies for the treatment of patients, particularly dialysis patients, go directly to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).



The member of Alan Kyerematen's Movement for Change called for a major change in managing the insurance fund in order to directly benefit patients.



To him, the government's decision to pay the insurance fund into the Consolidated Fund is a wrong move and should be reverted saying "they should reverse that decision for the health insurance levy to go to the health insurance straight, not the consolidated fund".



Nana Ohene Ntow's submissions on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show is in relation to the NHIA acting Director, Dr. Aboagye Da-Costa's announcement that dialysis patients will from 1st June, 2024 receive free support from the insurance authority.



There has been a surge in kidney cases and it is said about one thousand three hundred (1,300) Ghanaians are put on dialysis treatment with close to 12 renal sessions in a month.



Persons suffering from kidney diseases, aged below 18 and those above 60 years, will receive all dialysis sessions per month for free under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) effective June 1.



Watch video below

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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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









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As a media and public relations practitioner, and a student of communication studies, I feel sad and ashamed when I see an image or video of a dead body published or displayed on social media.



It is generally considered unprofessional and unethical to expose a dead body in a publication, particularly, if it is done sensationally or gratuitously.



Respect for deceased



Publishing images/videos of a dead body can be disrespectful to the person who has died, as well as to their family and loved ones. The dead should at all times be accorded respect so that nothing untoward is done while we perform religious, customs and cultural activities to bid a befitting farewell.



Privacy



Respecting the privacy of individuals and protecting confidential sources are essential aspects of media ethics. Similarly, the deceased and their family have a right to privacy, which can be violated by publishing such images or videos.



Graphic images or videos of a dead body can be seen as reducing their tragedy to a sensationalised image/video and exploiting the deceased person's tragedy for the sake of attracting readers or viewers, rather than serving a legitimate journalistic purpose.



Ethical considerations



Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics, among other journalistic codes of ethics, advises against publishing images/videos of dead bodies unless they serve a compelling public interest.



However, there are exceptions to publishing images/videos of the dead, but one would have to consider the ethical implications and handle the images with respect and sensitivity. In some instances, publishing images of a dead body may be necessary to expose a crime or human rights abuse.



These instances may include documenting war crimes or human rights violations. These images or videos could serve as evidence, and raise awareness about atrocities, holding perpetrators accountable.



Feed The Future



For the reason of exposing truth and accountability in cases such as police brutality or government cover-ups, publishing images or videos without malicious and ill intentions could reveal crucial information and spark necessary and fruitful conversations.



Images or videos of the deceased could become iconic and historically important, serving as a record of significant events (e.g., disasters, wars, etc.)



Educational purposes



Images or videos of dead bodies may be used in educational settings such as medical or forensic training. Moreover, images or videos of the deceased could be used to educate people about the consequences of violence, conflict, or social issues, promoting empathy and understanding.



Publishing images may be necessary to alert the general public to a critical issue or spark necessary discussions and reforms. However, even in the above situations, ethically and professionally journalists and editors must first and foremost consider seeking consent from families or loved ones (when possible).



Feed The Future



Secondly, it's required of journalists to blur or crop images of the deceased to minimise gratuitous gore. Thirdly, clear labelling and context to avoid sensationalism and respectful treatment and dignity for the deceased.



Lastly, journalists should also have alternative ways to convey the story without explicit images or videos.



Conclusion



The decision to publish images or videos of the deceased should be made thoughtfully so that they would be judiciously used with consideration for privacy and dignity while balancing the need for truth and accountability with respect for the dead and their loved ones.



It is also important to state that the unethical publication of images or videos of the deceased is a threat to journalism, and does not have the endorsement of the Ghana Journalists Association's Code of Ethics; International Federation of Journalists: Declaration of Principles on the Code of Conduct of Journalists; UNESCO's Guide to Journalism and Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics, among other such codes.

Source: Graphiconline









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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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









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Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, Chief Executive of Telecel Ghana, has advocated for the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business to drive economic diversification.



Delivering the keynote at the 8th Ghana CEO Summit last Monday, where she was awarded CEO of the Year in the telecommunications sector, she shared insights on the pivotal role of AI in propelling economic expansion.



As CEOS, we have a responsibility, irrespective of the sector to adopt AI technologies to drive productivity, unlock new opportunities and protect our market relevance and positioning, she said. We all need to support the diversification of our economy through our various sectors.



Reflecting on Telecel Ghana's evolution from its roots to the current status as a leading provider of combined mobile, fixed, tech and financial services, Ing. Obo-Nai said the telecommunications industry is the backbone of the global digital infrastructure therefore, deploying AI to fast-track service delivery, improve customer experience, and stay ahead of the curve is key to the survival of the industry and the country.



Sharing practical examples of how Telecel Ghana has embraced AI head-on, Ing. Obo-Nai said fostering a culture of digital awareness and prioritising agile working culture within Telecel has helped to embed advanced digital technology across its operations.



Telecel Ghana has ingrained AI and machine learning in their product design system to create tailored data and voice packages for customers.



The systems learn each consumers behaviour such as their data and airtime usage to recommend personalised packages that align with their purchasing power and usage history. Additionally, the telco is using AI to predict credit worthiness of customers, credit limits and likelihood for repayment before issuing airtime in advance or loans via their mobile money platform, Telecel Cash.



Ing. Obo-Nai also championed cross-sector collaborations as a means of harnessing AI's potential to drive broader economic growth.



She mentioned that one way of ensuring that AI becomes a benefit to the economy is to promote cross-sector collaborations such as the work Telecel Ghana is currently doing with the energy and extractive sector to digitise utility monitoring, remote asset checking and real-time system maintenance among others.



In advocating for AI adoption, Ing. Obo-Nai stressed the importance of responsible and proper use of AI technology. She advised leaders to set ethical guardrails and institute policies to prevent the technology from being abused by navigating the complexities of regulatory frameworks, addressing concerns surrounding data privacy and security, and ensuring that the benefits of AI are equitably distributed.



Remarking that AI should amplify and not replace human intelligence, Ing. Obo-Nai concluded with a call to action for fellow business leaders, urging them to embrace AI as a tool for operational efficiency and economic diversification. "This future is not a distant dream - it is within our grasp, waiting to be realised through bold leadership and strategic investment in digital innovation," Ing. Obo-Nai said. "Think AI, Use AI"



The 8th Ghana CEO Summit was on the theme "Reigniting Business and Economic Growth: Charting a Path Forward; Economic Diversification and Artificial Intelligence Transformation. A Private-Public Sector CEO Dialogue& High Impact Learning.



Since its inaugural edition in 2016, the summit has brought together CEOs, heads of state, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across West Africa and the globe to explore solutions for economic growth and development.





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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.

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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









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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









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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.

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Techfocus24 can confirm that the recent initiative by the sitting government to establish a shared digital public infrastructure (DPI) for the accelerated rollout of 4G and 5G networks across the country is not different from what the National Democratic Congress (NDC) promised in section 8.6, page 98 of their 2020 Manifesto.



Per the government initiative, it is partnering with seven local and foreign private sector industry players to establish one 4G and 5G work, where individual industry players can yet access and accelerate the rollout of 4G and 5G networks across the country.



The seven private sector partners, together with the government, have established a special purpose vehicle (SPV) called Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) to lead the establishment of the nationwide 5G network within a matter of six months.



The private partners are Nokia, Tech Mahindra, Radisys, K-NET, Ascend Digital, AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana. Telecoms market leader, MTN Ghana is also expected to come on board soon.



Historically, when a sitting government embarks on a particularly policy, one can bet on a new government abandoning the entire policy and going on another path that end up costing the state even more money.



So as the sitting NPP government has elected to license a single entity to roll out a shared 4G/5G network, some interested parties would expect that an NDC government will come and quash the whole policy and replace it with something totally different.



In the interest of the public purse and the concerted progress of the entire telecoms industry, Techfocus24 has been perusing the NDC's 2020 manifesto to see what they promised in terms of how to roll out 5G in Ghana.



Per Section 8.6 of the NDC 2020 Manifesto, labelled "PROMOTING SMART BUSINESS, SMART GOVERNMENT SERVICE AND DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE" on page 98, the party said that "Under the NDC and John Dramani Mahama, Ghana has a historic chance to transition into a fully digitised, cash lite and advanced economy."



As such the party promised to do the following in subsections (b), (l) and (n) of the manifesto, saying "We will:



(b) make it our sacred mission to lead Ghana and Africa into this new world, as 5G

technology beckons



(l) commence the building of National Information Highway (Ghana Broadband Network) which utilises 5G and fibre optic technologies to promote the use of the internet through public-private partnerships.



(n) move to an affordable universal licensing regime, including 5G, that allows flexibility for Telecom companies to tap into revolutionary technologies



Clearly, from subsection 8.6(l) above, the NDC had plans to establish a public-private partnership for the rollout of 5G networks among other things, just like this government has done with the establishment of the NextGen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) to lead the rollout of 4G and 5G in Ghana.



Again, per subsection 8.6(b), there were plans to use Ghana as a springboard to enter the rest of Africa with 5G, similar to what this government announced, that NGIC will be rolling out into the rest of Africa over time.



In establishing the shared infrastructure, the sitting government particularly mentioned that affordability of spectrum/access for service providers was critical, unlike previously when spectrum was auctioned to the highest bidders. And in subsection 8.6(n) of the NDC's 2020 manifesto, the issue of affordable universal license was addressed.



It would be recalled that ahead of establishing the NGIC, government had already implemented a technology neutrality regime, which is an offshoot of a universal licensing policy that allows industry players to re-farm existing spectrum to roll out higher technologies like 4G and 5G.



One other critical reason why this policy is very likely to enjoy support from an NDC government is because the over US$100 million licensing fee is not been demanded upfront by the sitting government. It will be paid in instalments over a ten-year period. This means that subsequent governments from 2025 will have the benefit of that inflow for national development.



So, Techfocus24 gathered from very reliable sources that the NDC as a part is in full support of the shared infrastructure regime for the rollout of 4G/5G across the country, and therefore this is one policy that the party will not abandon if they come to power in 2024.



This is important for the country's progress, so that the syndrome of every new government having to abandon every policy of the previous government will be a thing of the past, particularly when the policy in question is a progressive one.

Source: Techfocus24









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Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as Napo, is a standout candidate for running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2024 general elections.



His extensive experience in government, remarkable achievements in the education sector, and strong grassroots connections make him an invaluable asset to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).



Here are convincing reasons why the NPP should select him over others to partner with Dr. Bawumia.



Proven track record in governance



Leadership in Education and Energy: Napo has demonstrated exceptional leadership and policy-making skills in his roles as Minister of Education and Minister of Energy.



His tenure saw the successful implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, a transformative initiative that has expanded educational opportunities for countless Ghanaian youth.



As Minister of Energy, he worked on ensuring energy security and efficiency, vital for national development.



Impactful reforms



His reforms in the education sector, particularly the Free SHS policy, have had a long-lasting impact on the nation, improving access to education and setting a strong foundation for future generations.



This experience positions him as a candidate who understands the complexities of governance and can deliver substantial results.



Strong electability and grassroots appeal



Looking at electoral successes, Napo has a proven track record of winning elections in the Manhyia South constituency, consistently securing his seat since 2009.



His electoral successes are indicative of his popularity and ability to connect with voters at the grassroots level.



Grassroots mobilization



His deep connection with the grassroots is evident in his continuous engagement with constituents.



Dr. Prempeh is known for his accessibility and dedication to addressing local issues, which has earned him a loyal support base.



This grassroots mobilization capability is crucial for securing votes and ensuring a high voter turnout in the 2024 elections.



Youth empowerment and appeal



Champion for youth: Dr Prempehs policies have directly benefited the youth, making him a favourite among younger voters.



The Free SHS policy has provided educational opportunities to many young Ghanaians, fostering a sense of hope and possibility.



His commitment to youth empowerment extends beyond education, including initiatives that support skill development and entrepreneurship.



Future-oriented vision



His focus on education and youth aligns with a forward-looking vision for Ghana, appealing to the aspirations of younger generations who are key to the future of the nation.



His popularity among the youth will help galvanize their support for the NPP.



Complementary partnership with Dr. Bawumia



For balanced expertise, Napos background in education and energy creates a well-rounded leadership partnership with Dr. Bawumia, who is an expert in economics and finance.



This balance ensures comprehensive policy development and implementation, addressing both economic growth and social development.



Shared vision



Both leaders share a commitment to transformational policies that uplift the nation.



Their combined expertise and vision can drive the NPPs agenda effectively, ensuring sustained progress and development.



Strong policy credentials



Educational Reforms: Napos work in the education sector has been transformative, impacting millions of Ghanaian children and their families.



This accomplishment showcases his ability to implement large-scale, impactful policies that resonate with the electorate.



Energy sector improvements



As Minister of Energy, Dr. Prempeh has worked on critical initiatives to enhance energy security and efficiency, vital national infrastructure components supporting economic growth and development.



Broad-based support and unity



Party loyalty and unity: Napo is a dedicated member of the NPP with a history of loyalty and service.



As running mate, Napo can unify various factions within the party, ensuring a cohesive and focused campaign.



National appeal



His achievements and reputation extend beyond his constituency, earning him recognition and respect nationwide.



This broad-based appeal is essential for securing votes from diverse demographic groups.



Conclusion



Dr Prempeh stands out as the best choice for running mate to Dr Bawumia in the 2024 general elections.



His proven track record in governance, strong grassroots appeal, commitment to youth empowerment, complementary expertise, and broad-based support make him an invaluable asset to the NPP.



Selecting Napo as the running mate will not only enhance the partys chances of victory but also ensure effective leadership for Ghanas future.



Call to action



All leadership, grassroots members, and supporters of the NPP need to rally behind Dr. Prempeh as the running mate for Dr. Bawumia. His exemplary leadership, dedication to public service, and ability to connect with the electorate make him the ideal person to partner Dr. Bawumia to secure victory in the 2024 elections. Let us unite in our support for Napo and work together towards a prosperous and forward-looking future for Ghana.

Source: Thethundergh









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Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has addressed the controversial National Cathedral project during his Bold Solution tour in the Greater Accra region.



He suggested a new approach that would ensure the completion of the edifice.



Dr Bawumia urged the church to take the lead in finding a way forward, including exploring private-sector funding options.



The question on the National Cathedral is a very important one. The National Cathedral, I have contributed to it personally and I believe it is a very important thing for Ghana, but I think as it stands now, the church must come together with the government and let us sit down and talk about the way forward for the National Cathedral.



The church should come together and lets know the best way forward, how we can even get private resources to help us complete the Cathedral. He told the clergy during a meeting in Accra.

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The wife of country music star Jason Aldean revealed on social media that she ended up in the emergency room during the couples recent vacation trip to Switzerland.

You are probably wondering how I ended up here, Brittany Aldean says in a video posted to her Instagram. I broke my hand in Switzerland. Cheers!

She then turns up a drink which she is holding in her bandaged hand.

Aldean then revealed how she managed to break her hand on her Instagram story.

It was like 11 at night, super late, not convenient at all, she said with a laugh. And we were taking this funicular up, which is basically this little train that takes you up the mountain. And its taking us up the mountain to our hotel.

She explained that the stairs were just shallow.

So I was hanging on to Jason and the railing and my body weight went forward, and I fell like down the stair, and then my hand stayed, she said. I just broke something in this region (she said motioning toward the middle of the back of her hand) and I cant wait to get back to the states and get it fully checked out.

I wish I had a cooler story for you, she added. But I just basically fell down the stairs and my hand stayed behind me.
Ed Mann, Frank Zappas longtime percussionist, has died at the age of 70, according to session musician Chad Wackerman.

Wackerman, who played with Zappa from 1981 to 1988, revealed the news on Instagram.

Rest easy my old friend Ed Mann, Wackerman wrote. A masterful and brilliant percussionist. He could read anything Frank Zappa threw at him and I never once heard him make a mistake. He toured with Frank for 11 years and went on to record with many of the greats. Ed was a creative force and a great teacher and will be missed.

Born January 14, 1955, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, it all began for Mann during childhood when he realized his love for music, according to Ultimate Classic Rock. He received his first drum kit at the age of 11 and almost immediately began performing with local bands. He began studying at the Hartt College of Music in Connecticut but switched a year later to the California Institute of the Arts, where he was exposed to a wide variety of styles, including jazz, world music and experimental rock.

Mann and Zappa first met in 1977 when the two were introduced through mutual friend John Bergamo. After meeting for the first time, Mann was invited to audition for Zappa.

It happened at two oclock in the morning up at his house, and Patrick OHearn and Adrian Belew were both there, Mann later recalled. [Zappa] just put some stuff up and asked me to read it which I did as well as I could, and then we improvised and played by ear, then he asked me to join the band.

Mann performed alongside Zappa for over a decade between 1977 and 1988. He appeared on over 30 of Zappas albums.

Manns final Facebook post was on Dec. 21, where he shared a touching tribute to Zappa with a picture from 1977. The date would have been Zappas 83rd birthday.

This photo is from November, 1977, playing Franks huge orchestral bass drum, Mann wrote. One night I broke his mallet for that drum during Disco Boy. After the show I went to Frank apologetically, expecting him to be dismayed. But instead, he broke into a big smile, gave me a pat on the back and said Thats what Ive been talking about, and you finally got it. The next day of course Frank was back to business, but I could feel that for some reason, breaking that mallet had earned me seal of approval. He didnt say this, but I know he was thinking: I hired him to play, but NOW hes passed the audition.

Mann also worked such artists Andy Summers (of the Police), Kenny Loggins, Tammy Wynette, Los Lobos and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also played on film scores for Hollywoods biggest composers, including Hans Zimmer, Jeff Rona, and Klaus Badelt, Classic Rock reported.

Currently, a cause of death has yet to be revealed.
By SYLVIE CORBET and DANICA KIRKA, The Associated Press

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France (AP)  World War II veterans from the United States, Britain and Canada are in Normandy this week to mark 80 years since the D-Day landings that helped lead to Hitlers defeat.

Few witnesses remain who remember the Allied assault. The Associated Press is speaking to veterans about their role in freeing Europe from the Nazis, and their messages for younger generations.

World War II and D-Day veteran Jake Larson visits the grave of a soldier from his unit at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)AP

PAPA JAKE

I am the luckiest man in the world, D-Day veteran Jake Larson, a 101-year-old American best known on social media under the name Papa Jake, said as he arrived in Normandy this week. Papa Jake has more than 800,000 followers on TikTok.

Born in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson enlisted in the National Guard in 1938, lying about his age as he was only 15.

In 1941, his guard unit was transferred into federal service and he officially joined the Army. In January 1942, he was sent overseas and assembled the planning books for Operation Overlord.

He landed on Omaha Beach in 1944, where he ran under machine-gun fire and made it to the cliffs without being wounded.

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.

Im lucky to be alive, more than lucky. I had planned D-Day. And everybody else that was in there with me is gone, said Larson, who now lives in Lafayette, California.

Here I am 101, without an ache or a pain in my body. How is that possible? Somebody up there likes me, he said, pointing to the sky.

An American D-Day veteran is welcomed at Deauville airport, Monday, June 3, 2024 in Deauville, Normandy to attend D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations. (AP Photo/Alexander Turnbull)AP

FLOYD BLAIR

Floyd Blair, 103, served as a fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps. On June 6, 1944, he flew in two support missions across Omaha Beach as the Allied invasion began.

I saw one of the saddest things Ive ever seen. The color of the water changed, he recalled Tuesday as he was paying tribute to fallen comrades at the American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer.

Those poor guys on the ground deserve all the credit they can get. The paratroopers, the armored forces, the ground troops. They are the ones, he said.

After D-Day, Blair participated in missions to support and protect Allied troops. His targets included German tanks, troop trains and other threats to the advancing troops and his radio was tied directly into the U.S. tanks on the ground.

BOB GIBSON

Im living on borrowed time now, Bob Gibson, 100, enthusiastically said when arriving at the Deauville airport in Normandy. I want to see the beach again.

Gibson was drafted into the Army in 1943 and was sent to Britain. On June 6, 1944, he and his unit landed on Utah Beach in the second wave.

Terrible. Some of the young fellows never ever made it to the beach. It was so bad that we had to run over (them) to get on the beach. Thats how bad it was, he said.

Gibson drove an M4 tractor with guns, engaging the enemy day and night. He continued to serve through Normandy and headed to Germany.

You wake up at night every once in a while too. It seems somebodys shooting at you. But we were glad to do it. That was our job, we had to do it, right?

Gibson, of Hampton, New Jersey, pondered the time thats passed since then, and said this will probably be his last D-Day anniversary in Normandy.

LES UNDERWOOD

Les Underwood, 98, a Royal Navy gunner on a merchant ship that was delivering ammunition to the beaches, kept firing to protect the vessel even as he saw soldiers drown under the weight of their equipment after leaving their landing craft.

Ive cried many a time  sat on my own, Underwood said as he visited Southwick House, on the south coast of England, the Allied headquarters in the lead-up to the Battle of Normandy. The event Monday, sponsored by Britains defense ministry, came before many of the veterans travel to France for international ceremonies commemorating D-Day.

I used to get flashbacks. And in those days, there was no treatment. They just said, Your service days are over. We dont need you no more.

British Normandy campaign veteran George Chandler of the Royal Navy speaks to the media and poses in the 'Map Room' which shows the large diagram of the D-Day Invasion, at Southwick army base near Portsmouth, England, Monday, June 3, 2024. Chandler is part of a group of veterans travelling to France for the 80th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day Invasion. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)AP

GEORGE CHANDLER

George Chandler, 99, served aboard a British motor torpedo boat as part of a flotilla that escorted the U.S. Army assault on Omaha and Utah beaches. The history books dont capture the horror of the battle, he said.

Let me assure you, what you read in those silly books that have been written about D-Day are absolute crap, Chandler said.

Its a very sad memory because I watched young American Rangers get shot, slaughtered. And they were young. I was 19 at the time. These kids were younger than me.

BERNARD MORGAN

About 20 British veterans gathered on the deck of the Mont St. Michel ferry bound from England for northern France, as crowds gathered on the deck and along the shoreline to wave and cheer for them on their voyage to D-Day commemorations.

It was more pleasant coming today than it was 80 years ago, chuckled Royal Air Force veteran Bernard Morgan, who worked in communications on D-Day.

More:

We saved the world: 100-year-old vet proud to mark D-Day anniversary

Pa. student is helping preserve stories of WWII veterans, one friend at a time
By Matthew Barakat, The Associated Press

A company that bred beagles for medical research agreed Monday 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 the penalties amount to the largest ever levied in an animal-welfare case.

The plea deal also bars the company that operated the facility, Envigo RMS, as well as parent company Inotiv, from breeding or selling dogs in the future.

The federal investigation of Envigo drew national attention in May 2022 when federal authorities conducted a search of the breeding facility in Cumberland County, Virginia, 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 including to central Pennsylvania for adoption.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia Christopher Kavanaugh, whose office prosecuted the case, said Monday after a plea hearing at federal court in Charlottesville that 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 paws caught in flooring composed of metal grates that left space for 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.

The Cumberland 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 the 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 includes a $3.5 million for environmental repairs in Cumberland County and requires the company to pay the cost of a compliance monitor while its on probation, which will run for a period of three to five years.

The plea agreement also 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 what it called a statement of contrition Monday after the plea hearing.

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.
By Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, Alaska (TNS)

Timothy Hoffman, whose 19-year-old daughter was killed in an elaborate catfishing plot five years ago, died Sunday in a motorcycle crash during a memorial ride marking the anniversary of her death.

Hoffmans wife, Barbara Jeanie Hoffman, was riding on the back of his bike and was seriously injured, their family said.

Sunday marked five years since their daughter, Cynthia Hoffman, was killed. The case garnered national attention.

Timothy Hoffman, 58, lost control of his motorcycle around 1:30 p.m. near Mile 49 of the Parks Highway, Alaska State Troopers said. He ran off the shoulder of the road and rolled into the center median, they said. The area is west of Wasilla near Meadow Lakes.

The couple was unresponsive and transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, troopers said. Timothy Hoffman was pronounced dead at the hospital and his wife remained sedated and in critical condition on Monday, said Tanya Chaison, who is engaged to Timothy Hoffmans twin brother.

Timothy Hoffman was not wearing a helmet when he crashed, troopers said. Even with a full-face helmet, Jeanie Hoffman sustained skull fractures, had a broken back and other broken bones, Chaison said.

This was the first year Jeanie Hoffman rode on her husbands bike during the annual memorial ride for their daughter.

The case began when 18-year-old Denali Brehmer started an online relationship with Darin Schilmiller, a 21-year-old man from Indiana who posed as a millionaire, prosecutors have said. Schilmiller shared his dark fetishes with Brehmer and promised to pay her $9 million to kill someone and send him photos and videos of it, authorities have said.

Brehmer recruited four friends to kill Cynthia Hoffman, who considered Brehmer to be her best friend, according to prosecutors. The group led her to Thunderbird Falls on June 2, 2019, bound her with duct tape, fatally shot her and dumped her body into the Eklutna River, according to investigators.

From left, Kayden McIntosh, 16, Denali Brehmer, 18, and Caleb Leyland, 19, are arraigned by a Superior court judge in the Nesbett Courthouse in Anchorage, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, after a grand jury indicted them on first-degree murder and other charges in the shooting death of 19-year-old Cynthia Hoffman. (Bill Roth/Anchorage Daily News/TNS, file)TNS

For the last five years, Timothy Hoffman attended every court hearing in his daughters case and advocated for defendants to serve maximum sentences. He was often outfitted in his black leather biking jacket and carried his small support dog, Diego. Timothy Hoffman was the president of a Christian motorcycle ministry.

During recent court hearings, he described the anger, heartbreak and devastation her death had caused his family.

Patrick McKay, a lead Anchorage prosecutor on some of the numerous criminal cases associated with the teenagers death, said, I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tim Hoffman on the fifth anniversary of Cynthia Hoffmanns murder. It seems almost too unbelievable to be true.

Hoffman was a zealous advocate for his daughter, McKay said.

Timothy Hoffmans children, including Cynthia, experienced developmental disabilities. He was a father of six, drove them to and from school daily and took careful steps, including hourly phone calls, to make sure they were always safe, he said during court hearings. He frequently described Cynthia, who went by the nickname CeCe, as daddys right-hand man.

Jeanie Hoffman was beginning to find closure in her daughters death, which was one of the reasons she joined her husband on a motorcycle Sunday, said his brother, Robert Hoffman. In previous years, she followed the memorial ride in a vehicle, he said.

This year, Timothy Hoffman said he wanted the ride to be a celebration for justice.

Brehmer, Schilmiller and two other defendants who were charged in Anchorage Superior Court have since pleaded guilty to charges tied to her death. Brehmer and Schilmiller were both sentenced to 99 years in prison.
OMAHA BEACH, France  Under their feet, the sands of Omaha Beach, and in their rheumy eyes, tears that inevitably flowed from being on the revered shoreline in Normandy, France, where so many American young men were cut down 80 years ago on D-Day.

Veterans of World War II, many of them centenarians and likely returning to France for the last time, pilgrimaged Tuesday to what was the bloodiest of five Allied landing beaches on June 6, 1944. They remembered fallen friends. They relived horrors they experienced in combat. They blessed their good fortune for surviving. And they mourned those who paid the ultimate price.

They also bore a message for generations behind them, who owe them so much: Dont forget what we did.

World War II and D-Day veteran Jake Larson visits the graves at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. World War II veterans from across the United States as well as Britain and Canada are in Normandy this week to mark 80 years since the D-Day landings that helped lead to Hitler's defeat. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)AP

They probably wouldnt be here if we hadnt been successful, said Llilburn Bill Wall, who flew bombers in WWII and will celebrate his 101st birthday this week as world leaders gather in France to pay homage to the D-Day generation.

As decades pass, D-Day anniversaries in Normandy have become increasingly fun-fair-like, clogging the regions leafy roads with WWII-era fans dressed in the uniforms and driving restored vehicles of the time. But the presence of an ever-dwindling number of veterans keeps the commemorations real, inevitably raising questions about whether the memories, pathos and lessons of WWII will fade when they are gone.

There are things worth fighting for. Although I wish there was another way to do it than to try to kill each other. But sometimes youre called upon to do something and you just do it. You know? Thats it. These people looked death in the face and just kept right on coming, said Walter Stitt, who turns 100 in July and fought in tanks  surviving the destruction of three.

All those young men that never had a chance to go home and find a love of their life and hold their children in their arms, he said on Omaha, wiping away a tear.

US soldiers assist American WWII veteran Fred Taylor during a ceremony on Omaha Beach, Tuesday, June 4, 2024 in Normandy. World War II veterans from across the United States as well as Britain and Canada are in Normandy this week to mark 80 years since the D-Day landings that helped lead to Hitler's defeat. (AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez)AP

On the bluffs above Omaha, at the Normandy American Cemetery with 9,387 immaculately tended graves, 100-year-old Bob Gibson paid tribute to comrades who fell on D-Day, when he landed on the other, less-bloody American landing beach, code-named Utah.

You dont want other people to go through the same thing, he said. Because Ive seen a lot of these boys that never even made the beach, believe me. And we were all 18, 19 years old.

Im glad I made it. The old boy upstairs took care of me, he said, gesturing skyward.

An American US Navy soldier salutes on Omaha Beach, Tuesday, June 4, 2024 in Normandy. Veterans and world dignitaries gather in Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the landings. (AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez)AP

Across the Normandy coast where the largest-ever land, sea and air armada punctured Adolf Hitlers defenses in western Europe on D-Day and helped precipitate his downfall 11 months later, Allied veterans are the VVIPs of this weeks 80th anniversary celebrations.

More veterans were on their way Tuesday, traveling by ferry from southern England across the English Channel that 23,000 Allied airborne troops flew over to drop on D-Day into Normandy and which more than 132,000 others crossed aboard thousands of ships that stretched as far as eyes could see, landing on Utah and Omaha and three other code-named beaches: Gold, Juno and Sword.

It looked like you could walk across the Channel using boats as stepping stones, recalled 100-year-old Robert Pedigo, who was a nose gunner aboard a B-24 bomber that flew over the landing beaches on D-Day to pound German forces from the air.

Back at base that night, he was told the Allies had suffered thousands of casualties.

Overwhelming, he recalled. Although his bombing mission that day proved to be among the easiest of 30 he flew over occupied France and Nazi Germany, the emotional impact was the greatest.

World War II and D-Day veterans visit graves at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. World War II veterans from across the United States as well as Britain and Canada are in Normandy this week to mark 80 years since the D-Day landings that helped lead to Hitler's defeat. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)AP

More than 4,400 Allied troops were killed on D-Day, including more than 2,500 Americans. The Allied toll grew appallingly in the Battle of Normandy that ensued, with 73,000 killed and 153,000 wounded.

Eight decades on, veterans are making more pleasant new memories to go with painful old ones.

Aboard the Mont St. Michel ferry carrying them Tuesday to France, about 20 British veterans gathered on deck and waved like rockstars to well-wishers who cheered them off.

A pipe band struck up a stirring rendition of Brave Scotland. Sailors stood at attention. Fireboats blasted their hoses in an arc. A military transport plane flew past twice.

RAF veteran Bernard Morgan, who worked in communications on D-Day, chuckled: It was more pleasant coming today than it was 80 years ago.
By Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

Bob Kelley, the longtime publisher of Kelley Blue Book who oversaw the publication as it became an indispensable resource for consumers and the auto industry, died May 28 at the age of 96.

He died in his home in Indian Wells, California, in his sleep, his family said.

Kelley joined the Kelley Kar Co.  at one point the largest Ford dealership in the world  and Kelley Blue Book shortly after serving in World War II.

The dealership was founded by his uncle, Les Kelley, with three Model Ts in 1918. But the dealership, sitting in the heart of Los Angeles on Figueroa Street, was central to what would become a booming car culture in Southern California.

The Kelley Blue Book, or KBB, would be its bible.

The KBB was started in 1926 but it was under Bob Kelleys leadership that the publication would expand to include foreign cars, new vehicles, motorcycles, trucks and RVs.

Long used as a vital resource by banks, dealerships and courts, Kelley Blue Book would become not just a go-to resource for the industry, but become the authoritative source in valuing nearly anything on wheels.

The guy must have been the smartest car person in the country at a moment in time, said his son-in-law and former KBB editor Charlie Vogelheim. It became an important tool in the industry.

Born in Los Angeles in 1927, Kelley graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1945, then attended the University of New Mexicos naval aviator training program during World War II.

He joined the Ford dealership and was in charge of appraising and reconditioning used cars there. Used cars were a major part of the dealership because new cars were not built during the war, Vogelheim said.

The Kelley Blue Book had already taken an important role in the industry. It had started out as a publication listing the cars the dealership wanted to buy and the price it would pay for the vehicle.

That was an important factor, Vogelheim said, because it gave authority and legitimacy to the prices listed in the book to banks, financial institutions and competing car dealers.

The dealership was the largest and they (bought and sold) so many cars, he said. They backed it with their behavior.

The dealership closed in 1962, but KBB lived on.

With Kelley at the helm of Kelley Blue Book, the publication began to use important changes and factors in the industry to provide detailed, updated values for vehicles.

Kelley Blue Book began to include mileage as a factor, listing trucks, color, even how current events might affect pricing and values.

The challenge was having hundreds, and then thousands, of models in a book that fit in your pocket, he said.

When the internet came along, disrupting the publishing business, Kelley Blue Book saw it as an industry-transforming change.

In 2010, Cox Automotives Autotrader.com bought KBB for more than $500 million.

Bob Kelley was a true pioneer in the automotive industry, Cox Automotive said in a statement. From its humble beginnings to the comprehensive online resource we know today, Bobs impact has been immeasurable.

He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Wanda; his sister; five children; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
By Ashley Stalnecker, LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS)

Matthew Good quit his job as a librarian in the Donegal School District in 2022 after being told to enforce a policy limiting students access to library books; in 2024, that decision won him a national award.

Good was recently awarded the 2024 John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award by the Intellectual Freedom Round Table of the American Library Association. The Intellectual Freedom Round Table is a committee promoting and facilitating discussion on library intellectual freedom.

The award, which comes with a $500 prize, will be presented to Good at the American Library Association annual conference from June 27 to July 2 in San Diego.

Good resigned from his position at the Donegal Junior High School after 14 years with the district rather than enforce a policy that restricted access to library books.

Making the choice to leave public education I feel like has given me more freedom to write or speak about this issue without the limitation of being worried about what my principal or superintendent is going to say, Good said.

From his new position as an instructional technology librarian at Ursinus College in Montgomery County, Good continues to speak out for intellectual freedom and access to books in school libraries. He is a member of the Pennsylvania School Librarians Associations Intellectual Freedom Task Group and the Intellectual Freedom Round Table.

I would love to see schools, communities get to a place where they recognize the importance of everyones story and everyone being reflected in the library collection, Good said.

Another former Lancaster County school librarian received a similar award. Cathi Fuhrman, a former Hempfield School District librarian who helped lead opposition to more restrictive library book policies in the district, received the 2024 American Association of School Librarians Intellectual Freedom Award.

While the effort by Fuhrman, who is also a district resident, to block restrictions was not successful, she and others believe their opposition led to a policy that is less restrictive than it would have been.

Fuhrman and other award winners will be recognized during the 2025 AASL National Conference Oct. 16 to 19, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. The award, sponsored by Michigan-based information company ProQuest, comes with $2,000 to Fuhrman and $1,000 to the school library of her choice.

Fuhrman said the award will help her to pay for travel and lodging when she attends the conference.

Ive always upheld intellectual freedom as a school librarian  thats just part of who we are, thats part of our foundation, said Fuhrman, who was a Hempfield School District librarian for 27 years before becoming the librarian at State College Area High School in 2021.

More:

American Library Association reports 65% increase in challenged or banned books last year

Dauphin County Library System names new executive director

Lancaster County borough reinstates library donation pulled over drag queen event
PITTSBURGH  Under this citys arched memorial to the king of kindness, Fred Rogers, two former U.S. Capitol police officers warned Pennsylvania voters that former President Donald Trump is a threat to American democracy and law.

America needs to wake up. This is not a drill, said Harry Dunn, who served for nearly 15 years as a Capitol officer. We cant let (Trump) near the Oval Office ever again.
The caretakers of Pennsylvanias growing aging population require more funding to prevent nursing home closures, according to an advocacy group representing those facilities. The group and top lawmakers joined forces in the state Capitol on Tuesday to call for more money for Medicaid and nursing homes.

Were at a crisis level, Garry Pezzanno, the president and CEO of the group, LeadingAge PA, told the PennLive. The over-65 population has outpaced the workforce population. Theres a workforce crisis and theres an underfunding crisis.
PITTSBURGH  A Pennsylvania man who had been serving life for second-degree murder died over the weekend, 12 days after being granted a medical transfer from prison to a facility that could better treat his condition, including quadriplegia.

Ezra Bozeman, 68, died on Saturday at the UPMC Altoona medical center, Ryan Tarkowski, communications director for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, confirmed on Tuesday.
An 18-year-old died Saturday after getting trapped under a flipped ATV on a Lancaster County property, police said.

Tyler Yoder, of Narvon, crashed around 8:41 p.m. on the 5800 block of Northeimer Road in Salisbury Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

State police said Yoder was taken to Reading Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Additional details on the crash were not provided.

State police said they are still investigating the crash.
Last year, during Gov. Josh Shapiros budget address, he gave voice and visibility to the intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) community. I listened, with hope, as he spoke about the sleepless nights experienced by families with loved ones with IDD  families like mine. Hope turned to disappointment because last years budget moved through the political process failing to make any investment into Direct Support Professional (DSP) wages.

Despite last years budget outcome, Gov. Shapiro has persisted by proposing a historic investment into IDD services this year!

I cannot express enough how important staff stability is in the lives of my sons. Good people have left this profession because they had to financially provide for their families. How many would come back if they were paid a family sustaining wage? Pennsylvania has the responsibility of setting the reimbursement rates that fund wages for DSPs. Raising wages in a tight labor market is a critical first step in retaining this essential workforce.

Workforce stability can increase with additional steps. Removal of educational requirements, as Gov. Shapiro has done for state jobs, are equally applicable in this field. Legislation should pass that would require the use of a nationally recognized market-index in the rate setting process. Rates should be refreshed more frequently. Innovative incentives including college certificate programs, tuition forgiveness, or stipends, similar to the recent student-teacher program, should be developed.

Thank you, Gov. Shapiro for championing this non-partisan issue! May this budget initiative pass with success! Lets get more stuff done for DSPs!

Anne M. Couldridge, Executive Director, The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties.
Activists and a handful of lawmakers gathered in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday for the formal launch of a statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy group.

The group, Fairness Pennsylvania, seeks to ensure that LGBTQ+ people can be open, honest and safe at home, at work, and in the community, according to its website.

We continue to fight for the passage of legislation like the Fairness Act, which would ban discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation in Pennsylvania, said Nathanial Yap, a chair on the groups board of directors, to a well-attended news conference.

The Fairness Act, specifically, would prevent discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. It narrowly passed the House last year in a 102-98 vote, with two Republicans supporting the measure and one Democrat opposing.

As a father to two young children, my husband and I have experienced firsthand how discrimination against same sex parents can impact their ability to care for and protect their children, Yap said.

A similar advocacy group, Equality Pennsylvania, was formed in 1996 and has apparently been inactive since 2018. According to Sarah Hammond, Fairness Pennsylvanias director, her group is picking up where Equality Pennsylvania and other statewide organizations that used to exist left off.

I think there were a lot of folks who just thought that the work was done after the Supreme Court codified the right to same-sex marriage in 2015, Hammond said after the press conference. But were seeing more and more fights against our rights when it comes to, especially, attacking our trans and non-binary kids both in schools and out.

Hammond hopes to address these concerns both through lobbying and by partnering with Gov. Josh Shapiros Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs. The commissions director, Ashleigh Strange, was present at the press conference.

Hammonds group will also work to turn out LGBTQ+ people to the polls  21% of LGBTQ+ people were not registered to vote in the leadup to the 2020 election, according to a national poll conducted by the Williams Institute and Ipsos/Reuters.

State Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny County, and the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus co-chairs, state Reps. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny County, who identifies as bisexual, and Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, who identifies as gay, pledged at the press conference to help push the Fairness Act through the Senate.

Anybody who wants to attack vulnerable young people is going to have to go through me, Rep. Kenyatta, and so many other allies here in the Capitol, Benham said.

Kenyatta, the Democratic nominee for auditor general, said that he would audit Pennsylvanias compliance with the federal National Incident-Based Reporting System  Pennsylvania is behind in terms of actually submitting that data, he said  and do a comprehensive audit as it relates to mental health in our schools, post-pandemic.

Including among LGBTQ+ people, weve seen an increase in depression and anxiety and suicidal ideation, Kenyatta said. Are we making the right investments? Are they being targeted in the right way? Are they producing the types of results that we need?

Benjamin Wren, a spokesman for Republican incumbent Auditor General Tim DeFoor, noted the Republicans initiative to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within his department.

Concerning the National Incident-Based Reporting System, compliance audits of that would come from the Federal Inspector General, according to Wren, who added that DeFoor already does audits of how state money is spent in public schools.
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YEREVAN, JUNE 4, ARMENPRESS. On May 24-28, with the support of Ucom, the 12th international environmental festival Sunchild took place in Yerevan, which this year was held under the theme "Biodiversity: the Pulse of Nature.

On May 28, the closing ceremony of the festival took place in the hall of the Union of Cinematographers of Armenia, where the winners were revealed across various categories. "This Stolen Country of Mine" directed by Marc Wiese from Germany won John Burton Award: the category of conservationist films category. "Deep Rising" directed by Mattheieu Rytz from the USA won in the category of feature documentary films about biodiversity conservation. "The King of Birds" directed by Daria Razumnikova from Russia, and "The Menace From Above" directed by Mariam Khayat from Saudi Arabia in the category of environmental films by/for children and youth.

With Ucoms support, a Youth Corner was established for the first time within the framework of the 12th Sunchild international environmental festival. For four days, this exhibition was held for the youth, where they learned about the work and opportunities of 14 leading environmental and educational organizations in the field, as well as 16 workshops were also conducted.

Sunchild Festival has always been one of my favorite events, and today I am happy to see the birth of the Youth Corner with the support of Ucom, which was very successful and many young people got acquainted with the problems related to the environment, as well as with the activities of organizations that solve these problems. This is extremely important, because there is not a single person in the world who is not affected by the problems of nature, said Ralph Yirikian, General Director of Ucom.

The great enthusiasm and interest tells us that the Youth Corner will become a continuous part of the Festival. From the feedback, it became clear that the participants not only gained practical knowledge and skills to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, but also formed friendships, said Sona Kalantaryan, Director of the Sunchild International Festival.

Around 1,000 young people had the opportunity to learn about the environment and educational initiatives and their opportunities within the framework of the Youth Corner.

In addition to the film screenings, this year it was possible to see a number of thematic exhibitions within the framework of the festival.

The 12th international environmental festival Sunchild was also supported by the Municipality of Yerevan, the US Forest Service, the Fund for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values and the Armenian Office of the British Council.
"SmellyRodent" Gets All the Cheese in the 888poker Mystery Bounty Main Event

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

888poker's $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event surpassed its guarantee thanks to 1,012 entrants exchanging $109 for 15,000 chips and the chance to become an 888poker champion. It was an impressive turnout, considering the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is in full swing, going some way to showing how popular this mystery bounty tournament is.

Day 1 ended with only nine players in the mix and the largest mystery bounties already claimed. "PKaiser" pulled a $3,000 bounty before falling in 47th. Germany's "Avicenna" also grabbed a $3,000 bounty, but it was "Micou8" of Canada who literally hit the jackpot; their mystery bounty envelope contained $10,000!

Ukraine's "odnolya" sat down at the final table with a sizable lead, but viewers of the excellent 888poker Twitch channel know that the chip leader does not always finish on top once the dust settles.

$100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chips Big Blinds 1 odnolya Ukraine 3,787,987 63 2 SmellyRodent United Kingdom 2,864,397 48 3 Smetana.ru Germany 2,686,356 45 4 julgen United Kingdom 2,286,062 38 5 kojgysto888 Denmark 1,203,911 20 6 Trendki11 Georgia 894,276 15 7 Thyrone Sweden 788,462 13 8 FakeAustrian 688,549 11

The finalists had only played a little over ten minutes before one of them crashed out. "Smetana.ru" min-raised from late position with queen-ten of diamonds, "FakeAustrian" three-bet all-in for 398,549 on the button with ace-queen, and the initial raiser was priced in to call, which is what they did. Two tens on the flop left "FakeAustrian" drawing thin, with the turn leaving them drawing dead.

A huge pot during the next blind level resulted in another player bowing out. Sweden's "Thyrone" min-raised to 140,000 with ace-ten before calling the 1,042,661 shove that "kojgysto888" made on the button with ace-king. Both players flopped an ace, but "Thyrone" improved to two pair on the turn. A brick river and the final table was down to six players.

Those six became five with the untimely demise of "Thyrone" who was the chip leader as six-handed play started. After losing half their stack, "Thryone" decided to get tricky with pocket queens, and only called the 176,000 raise "Smetana.ru" made. The flop fell five-jack-ace all dimaonds, and "Thyrone" held the queen of diamonds. "Smetana.ru" led for 266,000, and was called. The turn brought the five of spades into view. "Smetana.ru" moved all-in to put "Thyrone" to the test for their 763,828 stack. "Thyrone" called, needing a queen or a diamond, but the river was another five.

The final table lost another player after a huge coinflip did not go the way of "julgen." The hand started with "julgen" making a slightly larger than min-raise to 210,000 with ace-king on the button. "Smetana.ru" three-bet all-in from the big blind with pocket nines, and the initial raiser called off the 25 big blinds they had behind. Those nines held on a ten-high board, sending "julgen" to the showers and "Smetana.ru" into the chip lead.

Fourth place went to "Trendki11" despite them making quad fives and improving their stack to almost 30 big blinds. They lost a little ground before finding ace-queen of diamonds on the button, which they min-raised to 240,000. "SmellyRodent" three-bet all-in for 2,947,927 from the big blind with pocket jacks, and "Trendki11" called all-in for slightly less. Two diamonds appeared on the flop but the jacks ultimately held.

The $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event progressed to heads-up with the elimination of "odnolya" of Ukraine. The damage to "odnolya"'s stack was done in a massive hand involving "SmellyRodent." First, "Smetana.ru" min-raised to 280,000 on the button with king-jack, then, "SmellyRodent" three-bet to 980,000 in the small blind with pocket tens. "odnolya" woke up in the big blind with ace-king, and jammed for 5,486,216. The initial raiser had seen enough and folded, but "SmellyRodent" called and took the flip. The tens held on a double-paired board, all but busting "odnolya" who was left with less than three big blinds.

The tiny stack's attempts to claw their way back in into contention fell flat on the next hand, their ace-queen losing to the eight-three of "Smetana.ru."

"Smetana.ru" managed to pull level, which prompted the heads-up dup to discuss a deal. Those discussions bore fruit, and the tournament resumed with "Smetana.ru" guaranteeing themselves around $500 more than they were guaranteed.

The deal altered the playing styles of both player, evident by "SmellyRodent" open-shoving with seven-trey of spades. That shove was called by ace-queen, which lost courtesy of a three and a seven on the board. Two hands later, "Smetana.ru"'s micro-stack went into the middle with six-deuce and lost to king-queen.

$100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Results

Rank Player Country Bounties Prize Total Prize 1 SmellyRodent United Kingdom $885 $7,001 $7,886 2 Smetana.ru Germany $1,213 $5,946 $7,160 3 odnolya Ukraine $785 $4,019 $4,804 4 Trendki11 Georgia $285 $2,954 $3,239 5 julgen United Kingdom $596 $2,186 $2,783 6 Thyrone Sweden $387 $1,628 $2,015 7 kojgysto888 Denmark $285 $1,223 $1,508 8 FakeAustrian $1,200 $926 $2,127

If you are on the fence about playing this exciting mystery bounty tournament, it's time to get down on June 9. Why? Because the $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event is being given the Sunday Sale treatment, meaning the guarantee stays the same six figures but the buy-in is halved to only $55!

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Stephen Colbert asked his audience for their thoughts on Trump going to jail, and the crowd chanted lock him up.

Video:

Colbert played a clip of Trump saying, Im okay with it. I dont know that the public would stand it, you know. Im not sure the public would stand for it. I think it would be tough for the public to take.

The Late Show host responded, Oh, it would be tough for the public. Actually, I happen to have a large number of the public here. Hey, public, what do you all think of Trump going to jail?

Audience, Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up!

Colbert said,  Ladies and gentlemen, there you have it I didnt say Lock him up. The people said, Lock him up.

It is baffling that Trump continues to believe that he has all this massive public support when reality suggests otherwise. Trump could not get his fans to show up at his trial. Trump keeps promising a massive public uprising of support and it never develops.

At some point, even Trump has to realize that he isnt as popular as he thinks he is.
YEREVAN, JUNE 4, ARMENPRESS.Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vahan Kostanyan does not see and does not imagine any step back in Armenia-Iran relations, given the nature of these relations and the interests that both countries have in the region, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vahan Kostanyan said during the discussion of the annual report 'On the Execution of the Republic of Armenia 2023 State Budget' at the joint session of the National Assembly Standing Committees.

"I can't even imagine any step back, regardless of the composition of the governments in Armenia or Iran at that moment," he added.

Armenia and Iran are jointly implementing a number of large economic and infrastructure projects. The Islamic Republic of Iran was one of the first to welcome the "Crossroads of Peace" project and today they are involved in the realization of the "Crossroads of Peace" on the ground.

We are talking about a 32-kilometer section of the Agarak-Kajaran road, which is being built by Iranian companies; the Meghri checkpoint is also being modernized by an Iranian company. The Iranian companies also actively participate in those tenders for the construction of roads, which are approved by the Republic of Armenia, concluded Kostanyan.
Teri Errico is the senior business reporter at The Post and Courier, focusing on retail and real estate. An award-winning journalist, Griffis previously worked as a Southeast commerce reporter for the Journal of Commerce and a reporter for the Charleston Regional Business Journal where she covered all business in the Charleston region. Raised in Connecticut and New York, she has called South Carolina home since 2012.
COLUMBIA  The teenager who shot a police dog, then was shot by a Richland County deputy, will remain jailed after a circuit judge denied bond.

The decision comes amid calls by Richland Sheriff Leon Lott to crack down on the ongoing problem hes dubbed kids with guns.

It is the parents responsibility to check your kids belongings to make sure they dont have weapons, Lott said.

At the Richland courthouse on June 3, Fifth Circuit Assistant Solicitor Keith Taylor Jr. went over the facts of the case.

Shortly after midnight on March 14, the Richland County Sheriffs Department received a call reporting a stolen vehicle from a neighborhood in Rosewood.

The owner had left the key fob inside the Ford pickup truck as well as a handgun, the prosecutor told the judge.

A few hours later, at around 2 a.m., two deputies noticed the grey Ford pickup, matching the description. Two teenagers were inside.

The deputies activated blue lights, attempting to make a traffic stop. The teenagers didnt stop and jumped out of the moving truck, the assistant solicitor told the judge.

The deputies, both K9 handlers, chased after them. At one point, Deputy Bryan Hodges let his dog Kobe chase after one of the teenagers.

Hodges turned down an alleyway to catch up with this dog. Thats when he saw four muzzle flashes in his direction, he said.

He then returned fire, striking 17-year-old Jeremy Taylor twice in his lower body, according to the prosecutor. The dogs two forepaws were injured.

Public defender Jessica Sturgill said the teenager spent eight days in the hospital and underwent surgery for the injuries.

Sturgill argued against the attempted murder charge, saying the teen was shooting at the dog chasing toward them, not the deputy in the distance.

I dont think theres evidence that Jeremy shot at the deputy, she told the judge.

The other teenager who fled the vehicle, a 14-year-old, ran off and was later arrested at a home, according to Sturgill.
Until now, it was wrongly assumed humans played no part in the extinction of the woolly rhinoceros went extinct 10,000 year ago.

A 10,000-year-old mystery about what led to the extinction of one of the worlds last megafauna has been solved.

The woolly rhinoceros stood at nearly two metres and had a metre-long horn. But the creature, which had walked Eurasia for around 3.6 million years, was wiped out by human activity, new research from the University of Adelaide and University of Copenhagen has revealed.

Looking back over 52,000 years of history, investigators used ancient DNA, fossils, and new computer modelling with enhanced resolution researchers had "not previously considered possible" to track the species' demise.

The team discovered that 30,000 years ago, low sustained hunting combined with cooling temperatures forced the species to move south. These fragmented populations became isolated and vulnerable as its last remaining habitat deteriorated as the Last Ice Age ended.

As Earth thawed and temperatures rose, populations of woolly rhinoceros were unable to colonise important new habitats opening up in the north of Eurasia, causing them to destabilise and crash, bringing about their extinction, lead author Associate Professor Damien Fordham explained.

The new research upends a previous belief that humans played no role in the species' extinction.

Related: Silent extinctions occurring unreported across Australia

A life-sized model at a museum in Germany shows how woolly rhinoceros once appeared. Source: Getty

More on the world's ongoing extinction crisis

Have humans learned anything from the woolly rhinoceros extinction?

There are some species, like the shaggy-haired muskox, which lived at the time of the woolly mammoth and lived on past the Age Ice. It's believed it survived because of its boom and bust reproduction cycles which helped it rebound after population collapses caused by changing weather.

Musk ox lived at the time of the woolly rhinoceros, but have survived despite threats from hunters and habitat loss. Source: Getty

They are native to the Arctic and have continued to live across Northern Canada and Greenland. The Alaskan population was wiped out in the late 19th or early 20th century but were later reintroduced.

Most of the Earth's 61 species of land-based mega-herbivores around in the late Pleistocene period have now been wiped out  and only eight terrestrial animals weighing more than a tonne remain.

Of those, five are rhinoceros, all of which face continued threats from hunters. At the beginning of the twentieth century, its estimated there were half a million rhinoceros across Asia and Africa. By 1970 that number had plummeted to just 70,000 and today there are less than 27,000.

And from there it just gets worse. In May it was revealed 13 poachers had boasted of slaughtering 26 critically endangered Javan rhinoceros in Indonesia  roughly one third of the remaining population.

As long as there is interest in the black market trade in illegal horn, which is used as an aphrodisiac in some Asian countries, the future of rhinoceros will not be secure. But researchers hope their investigation into the extinction of the woolly rhinoceros will help prevent modern-day species from being wiped out by climate change and hunting.

Only 76 Javan rhinos remain in the wild. Source: Getty

This understanding is crucial for developing conservation strategies to protect currently threatened species, like vulnerable rhinos in Africa and Asia. By studying past extinctions, we can provide valuable lessons for safeguarding Earths remaining large animals, co-author Professor David Nogues-Bravo said.

The study has been published in the journal PNAS.

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Gov. Henry McMaster endorsed Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace in her competitive GOP primary, a boost that could help her fend off attacks from the right flank as she battles two challengers in next week's turnout.

"Nancy Mace is a fighter. In her years in Congress, she has stood firm for the 1st District, and she has stood with me every time I've asked," the governor said in a video released June 4 by the Mace campaign.

"In the months to come, we must all stand firm against the illegal, unconstitutional excesses of the Biden administration and other corrupt officials," he continued. "For these reasons and more, I am today announcing my full support for Nancy Mace for Congress."

Elsewhere in the race, U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Lexington, endorsed Mace's leading rival, Catherine Templeton. Wilson similarly rejected Mace two years ago, siding with challenger Katie Arrington in the 2022 GOP primary.

Catherine Templeton is smart, honest and dedicated to President Trumps agenda to Make America Great Again, and she will make the Lowcountry proud, Wilson said.

McMaster's spokesman, Brandon Charochak, separately confirmed the governor's endorsement in the GOP race for Charlestons seat in Congress. He said there are no scheduled campaign events with McMaster and Mace at this time.

Mace, who is seeking a third term, faces two challengers for the GOP nomination: Templeton, a two-time former state agency head, and Bill Young, a first-time candidate who is touting his military record as Marine veteran.

Whoever voters choose in the June 11 primary will enter the general election with a political advantage in the heavily Republican-leaning 1st Congressional District.

For McMaster, it marks the third time in as many months the governor has picked a favorite in one of South Carolina's Republican congressional races.

On May 22, McMaster threw his support behind incumbent U.S. Rep. William Timmons in the 4th District GOP battle to represent much of the Upstate. In late April, he backed Sheri Biggs in the 3rd Congressional District, a contest that is almost certain to go to a runoff given the seven-person candidate field.
NORFOLK, Va.  Kim Sudderth is worried. Waters are rising, the land is sinking, storms are getting more intense and her neighborhood is already flooding because of rainfall and high tides.

If it rains during high tide, she and her neighbors know to move their cars to higher ground. A major storm would likely cause damage to homes that have been there for more than a century; her own home is more than 120 years old, she said.

Sudderth pointed across the street to the home of an elderly neighbor approaching her 90th birthday. If she walks through floodwaters and a truck drives by and creates a wake, it could knock her down, she said. She worries about future generations, too.

I want to be able to leave my home to my children and my grandchildren without having to buy a kayak to go with it, she said.

These concerns might sound familiar, but Sudderth isnt talking about Charleston. Shes talking about her community nearly 400 miles away in southern Norfolk, Va.

Charleston isnt the only East Coast city bracing for rising seas and storms: New York City, Norfolk and Miami are all considering coastal resilience projects meant to protect historic downtown areas, businesses and neighborhoods from being washed away.

And Norfolk is leading the way. It's furthest along in the process, working with the Army Corps of Engineers to advance the citys resilience plan. Roughly two years ahead of Charleston, Norfolk offers insight into what might lie ahead for Holy City residents, lessons learned along the way and the strikingly similar concerns communities are voicing in both places.

Similar, but different

Less predictable, more intense storms threaten both Charleston and Norfolk. Both cities are dealing with sea-level rise and the consequences of filling in wetlands: The land is sinking, fastest in areas that were once wetlands or creeks.
Carnivals Cruises announced on Tuesday that after 90 years, its subsidiary P&O will be dissolved in early 2025.

One of Australia's most beloved cruise brands will soon be dissolved, with its management announcing plans today to merge the once popular line into its parent company in early 2025. Tens of thousands of people travel on board P&O Cruise ships every year, but on Tuesday Carnival Cruises announced the much-loved line will vanish in a fresh wave of cost-cutting measures.

Carnival described P&O as a "storied brand with an amazing team," but explained that closing the company in March 2025 is a necessary money-saving tactic.

"Given the strategic reality of the South Pacific's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach to achieve the efficiencies needed to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region," Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein said in a statement to media.

The cruise line had been in operation in Australia for 90 years. Source: Getty

Cruise line dissolved in cost-cutting measure

Nonetheless, the company tried to assuage likely concerns that Australian customers would be left worse off.

"Carnival Corporation & plc remains committed to Australia and will continue to be the largest cruise operator in the region with 19 ships calling on 78 destinations and representing almost 60 percent of the market," Weinstein said.

The move will see two of P&O's cruise liners  the Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure  come under the control of Carnival Cruises, bringing the total to four of the company's ships serving the South Pacific market. The remaining P&O ship, the Pacific Explorer, will retire in February.

P&O issue statement

In a statement, P&O said the merger would "make for an improved pre-cruise and onboard experience."

"[Next year], the Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will become Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter and join Carnival Splendor to remain based in Australia year round, with Carnival Luminosa joining us for the summer season," it said. "Separately, Pacific Explorer will leave the fleet in February next year after many wonderful years with P&O Cruises.

"Under Carnival Cruise Line operation you will continue to enjoy many of our most loved onboard experiences and itineraries, and it also means we will be able to offer the benefits of Carnival Cruises including their wonderful loyalty program and their IT systems which will make for an improved pre-cruise and onboard experience.

"We are all immensely proud of P&O Cruises Australias 90-year heritage of dedicated operations in the region and welcome this new and exciting next chapter of our operations in Australia and the Pacific. On behalf of the entire team, thank you for your support of P&O Cruises Australia over the years."

Carnival assured travellers that current itineraries will go ahead as planned, and guests whose future bookings will change as a result of the announcement will be informed within the next few days.

"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," Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said.

"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."

Aussies weigh in on cruise's demise

Online, Australians speculated over what led to the popular cruise line's demise and urged the company to find affected staff employment elsewhere within the company.

"Hopefully the staff get transferred over with the ships. Would hate to see them lose the jobs," one man wrote. "Wow, after 90 years in Australia. Didn't see that coming. I've got two P&O cruises booked," a concerned woman said.

"There goes history. P&O was mainly what some of us started cruising with, Pacific Sky was my first ship," one loyal customer wrote online.

"Wow they just spent millions rebranding and now this. I am not a fan of Carnival so this will be interesting," said another.

P&O attracted repeated criticism in 2024

P&O Cruises faced a string of publicity disasters in 2024, with a whole range of incidents taking place in May alone. Multiple travellers reported being bitten by bed bugs on board the Pacific Encounter while a man died after falling from the Pacific Adventure.

Two passengers who travelled on separate journeys on the Pacific Encounter earlier claimed to Yahoo News that despite being covered in "itchy" bite marks while on holiday, the company denied there was a problem.

Monica Robertson says she endured bed bugs while on a P&O Cruise recently. Source: Supplied

Corinne McIvor was on the ship for a week in May and a couple of days into her trip, the nurse woke up to find marks on her skin. She visited the ship's doctor, who she says verbally confirmed they were from bed bugs.

Also in May, another Aussie cruise enthusiast vowed to "never again" book a P&O cruise after spending three days in what she described as a bed bug infested room. Queensland woman Monica Robertson said she was "looking forward to spending time together as a family celebrating" her mother's 70th birthday  a major milestone.

Robertson claimed almost immediately after boarding the Pacific Encounter and entering her room, she noticed the presence of bugs. The mum said when she slept that night, she "could feel things crawling on me in the bed".

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LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. ("Arbor" or "the Company") (NYSE:ABR) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Arbor is the subject of a report issued by Viceroy Research November 17, 2023, titled, ""Arbor Realty Trust - Slumlord Millionaires." According to the report, "Arbor's high-risk multifamily bridge loans, which comprise substantially all of its asset book, are going bad fast The end is near." Viceroy Research then issued a follow up report on December 5, 2023, titled "Arbor - Jacksonville Case Study." In the second report, Viceroy Research claims that the Company's "entire loan book is distressed and underlying collateral is vastly overstated." Based on this news, shares of Arbor fell by more than 5% over the next two trading sessions.If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The class in this case has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT:The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq.310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.comwww.schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm
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PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / AeroGuard Flight Training Center, a leader in training future airline pilots, is pleased to announce a new agreement with APCU/Center Parc Credit Union (APCU/Center Parc) to provide additional financial lending and support options for individuals pursuing their professional pilot careers.AeroGuard Partners With New Lender to Provide More Financing Options for Students Recognizing the financial barriers often associated with flight training, AeroGuard has joined forces with APCU/Center Parc to offer tailored financing solutions to students through CU Student Choice. Through this collaboration, aspiring pilots will have access to competitive loan options, flexible repayment plans, and personalized financial guidance to help them achieve their aviation goals.With a shared commitment to supporting pilot education and career advancement, AeroGuard looks forward to working with APCU/Center Parc to help students reach their professional careers as commercial airline pilots. This agreement marks another step forward in addressing the growing need for pilots, making the career path a viable option for a wider range of prospective students.Joel Davidson, AeroGuard CEO, stated, "We are thrilled to join forces with APCU/Center Parc Credit Union as this collaboration reflects AeroGuard's commitment to making pilot training education accessible to more individuals and providing several financing options to fund their flight school journey. In working with APCU/Center Parc, we aim to continue meeting the growing demand for skilled pilots across the U.S."AeroGuard offers career-focused programs built on a high-quality curriculum that sets its students up for success and paves the way for long and successful pilot careers at the airlines. Through its Pilot Pathway Program in partnership with SkyWest Airlines, AeroGuard's students have a direct path to flying for the airline and ultimately reaching their career goals as pilots for major airlines.In addition to working with APCU/Center Parc Credit Union, AeroGuard has established partnerships with several other financial institutions providing comprehensive financing options for its students. With AeroGuard's 20+ years of experience in pilot training and over 7,000 successful graduates, its partnerships have paved the way for many students to break down financial barriers and pursue their professional pilot careers on an accelerated timeline, becoming commercial airline pilots for the world's leading airlines.About AeroGuard Flight Training Center:AeroGuard Flight Training Center is a global leader in ab initio flight training with three U.S. campuses that offer accelerated commercial pilot training programs to candidates from all over the world. With a commitment to safety and student success, AeroGuard's high-quality training has established airline-ready cadets for over 20 years with more than one million flight hours of training experience and graduating over 7,000 cadets.Contact InformationJames ConstableChief Marketing Officerjconstable@ flyaeroguard.com 800-322-1526SOURCE: AeroGuard Flight Training CenterView the original press release on newswire.com
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Africa Travellers Announces Milestone: Connecting Over 200 African Americans to Their Heritage Annually with Flexible Payment PlansEUCLID, OH / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Africa Travellers, a proudly African-owned travel companyand a subsidiary of Amandani Tours Africa, is excited to announce a significant milestone in its mission to connect African Americans with their ancestral roots. Over the past three years, the company has consistently facilitated journeys for over 200 people each year, offering them an authentic experience of the African continent, its diverse cultures, and rich heritage.Founded by the Boadu family, Africa Travellers is dedicated to showing Africa in its purest form by connecting travelers to their tribes and local culture. The company's mission is to enable African Americans to rediscover their roots through immersive cultural experiences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their heritage."Our mission is to bridge the gap between African Americans and their ancestral roots," said Daniel Boadu, founder of Africa Travellers. "We believe that every traveler should experience the authentic spirit of Africa, rather than merely being a tourist. This milestone of guiding over 200 people each year is a testament to our commitment to this cause." One of the main strategies that have enabled many to afford these transformative trips is the flexible payment plans offered by Africa Travellers. The company provides payment plans of up to two years, and sometimes even three years, ensuring that the financial aspect does not hinder anyone from experiencing these life-changing journeys.Participants can choose from a variety of expertly curated tours, including a 10-day, 9-night excursion through Ghana, where they can delve into the country's deep-rooted history and vibrant culture. The journey traverses Ghana's prominent regions, highlighting its cultural richness, historical landmarks, and traditional practices. Similarly, the 12-day, 11-night tour of Senegal and Gambia offers an enriching exploration of the storied past and vibrant culture of these neighboring nations.Africa Travellers takes pride in its team of highly trained and knowledgeable personnel who bring both technical expertise and a strong conservation and social perspective to every tour. The goal is not only to offer the best African tours but also to ensure that clients leave with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the continent. The company's commitment to education and reliability ensures that clients consistently return home with exceeded expectations and a wealth of new knowledge.For the past five years, Africa Travellers has maintained an excellent reputation by providing top-notch travel services and building strong relationships with its clients. This commitment to customer satisfaction has resulted in unforgettable travel experiences, making Africa Travellers a trusted name in the industry."We are dedicated to making every journey a truly unforgettable and meaningful experience," said Daniel Boadu. "Our clients often find that their experience was far more educational and enriching than they anticipated." For more information about Africa Travellers and to explore upcoming tours, please visitwww.africatravellers.com Contact:Rachel HarrisPulse Media info@ pulsemediapr.com SOURCE: Africa Travellers
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New building offers an expanded manufacturing area and a streamlined design to maximize product yields and production efficiencySEATTLE, WA AND COPENHAGEN, DENMARK / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / AGC Biologics , a leading global Biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), today announced at BIO International the completion of its new manufacturing building at the AGC Biologics Copenhagen campus. The completed work doubles the site's single-use bioreactor capacity for mammalian services and allows it to produce 150 more batches of drug product each year.The expansion adds 19,000 m2 of space in an ultramodern building that houses a large manufacturing floor, expanded quality control and process development lab space, utilities to support all operations and prevent outages caused by natural disasters, and a fully dedicated warehouse to serve the entire AGC Biologics Copenhagen campus.The new AGC Biologics Copenhagen manufacturing building is already in production with its first customer, a phase II/III clinical product. AGC Biologicsannounced the planned expansionin November 2020, investing roughly $200 million into the work.One-of-a-kind single-use manufacturing offeringThe new manufacturing area offers 8 x 2,000 L single-use bioreactors with two seed trains, as well as two independent downstream suites -[CW1] more than doubling the existing capacity offered at this site for mammalian-based projects.AGC Biologics Copenhagen is now one of the only sites in the world with multiple single-use bioreactor systems of this magnitude capable of producing batches at high-levels of clinical and commercial production. Further, for developers needing to transfer in an existing process, AGC Biologics Copenhagen's multiple single-use suites give the site greater flexibility to take on technical transfers and perform like-for-like process and knowledge activities for products entering the facility, eliminating lag time associated with onboarding a new CDMO.AGC Biologics has been a leader in single-use technology over the last decade, and it is one of the largest CDMO networks in the industry offering flexible and scalable single-use bioreactors systems.The news comes after AGC Biologics announced an end-to-end protein biologics drug productpartnership with Dutch-based BioConnectionin late May. The alliance provides a secure and full-service "gene-to-vial" offering for biopharma developers with drug substance development, manufacturing and aseptic fill and finish capabilities for drug products."AGC Biologics Copenhagen site continues to be one of the most active in our network with all the necessary commercial approvals - FDA, EMA, HCA, PMDA, ANVISA etc. - and we are more than happy to offer the capacity and capabilities our current and future customers will look for with this completed expansion," said Christoph Winterhalter, CBO, AGC Biologics. "The expansion, combined with our new drug product alliance, demonstrates AGC Biologics' agility to meet all the needs developers may have, from pre-clinical through commercial." AGC Biologics'Copenhagen sitecore teams of scientists have more than 25 years of expertise in biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing, including seven commercial products brought to market. The site offers pre-clinical through commercial production for protein biologics services using mammalian and microbial systems. It has a gold EcoVadis Sustainability Rating for its environmental, health and sustainability practices."I am extremely proud of the work and collaboration of everyone at our site over the last several years, it is truly remarkable to see what we can accomplish by working together. We are eager to offer more of the important capabilities the industry is looking for to support patients in need," said Andrea C. Porchia, General Manager, AGC Biologics Copenhagen.To learn more about AGC Biologics Copenhagen, visitwww.agcbio.com/facilities/copenhagen . For more information about AGC Biologics' global CDMO services go towww.agcbio.com About AGC Biologics:AGC Biologics is a leading global biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a strong commitment to delivering the highest standard of service as we work side-by-side with our clients and partners, every step of the way. We provide world-class development and manufacture of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and genetically engineered cells. Our global network spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with cGMP-compliant facilities in Seattle, Washington; Boulder and Longmont, Colorado; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Chiba, Japan. We currently employ more than 2,500 Team Members worldwide. Our commitment to continuous innovation fosters the technical creativity to solve our clients' most complex challenges, including specialization in fast-track projects and rare diseases. AGC Biologics is a part of AGC Inc.'s Life Science Company. The Life Science company runs more than 10 global facilities focused on biopharmaceuticals, advanced therapies, small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, and agrochemicals. To learn more, visit www.agcbio.com Contact DetailsNick McDonald+1 425-419-3555nmcdonald@ agcbio.com Company Website https://www.agcbio.com/ SOURCE: AGC BIOLOGICS
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ALB Vodka Becomes JetBlue's Newest Premium Spirit Offering on Domestic and International FlightsNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / ALB Vodka is proud to announce its partnership with JetBlue, New York's Hometown Airline known for its customer-centric and award-winning onboard experience, as the airline's new, exclusive vodka partner. This collaboration signifies a deeper connection with New York's vibrant spirit bringing an elevated inflight cocktail and beverage offering to the sky. ALB is now rolling out across JetBlue's entire fleet for JetBlue customers in both Mint and core."As New York's Hometown Airline, we are proud to introduce another piece of our home to JetBlue's inflight experience with ALB Vodka," said Jayne O'Brien, head of marketing and customer support, JetBlue. "ALB Vodka is a high-quality, premium addition to our selection of thoughtfully curated beverages in Mint and as a premier liquor option for those seated in core." ALB Vodka, a standout spirit hailing from its namesake in Albany, New York, has rapidly become a favorite across New York City and beyond, reflecting the essence and energy of New York itself. With an impressive surge in sales and a growing national footprint that now includes prestigious restaurant groups, hotels, stadiums, as well as reach throughout the Caribbean, ALB's success story underscores its emergence as a premier choice in the spirits market."This significant collaboration with JetBlue, a leader in aviation and customer experience, marks an exciting new chapter for us. We remain dedicated to our partners, customers, and especially to producing premium vodka," said Brian Grimsley, National Sales Director.Produced using world-famous New York water and charcoal-filtered for purity, ALB's process ensures a premium product that celebrates its New York roots and illustrates its dedication to excellence. The brand's commitment to authenticity and quality aligns seamlessly with JetBlue's vision, making this partnership a natural evolution for both New York icons.This partnership adds more customer-centric options to JetBlue's inflight experience and also solidifies ALB's position, not only as the spirit of New York, but also as the next generation's vodka.ALB Vodka and JetBlue are excited to embark on this journey together, offering customers a taste of New York's finest as they travel to destinations far and wide. As two brands rooted in innovation, quality, and the New York spirit, this partnership promises to elevate the inflight experience to new heights.About ALB Vodka:ALB (/a'el'be/) Vodka is a premium gluten-free vodka made from 100% American corn and produced in Albany, New York. Known for its raw, authentic story as well as its dedication to both quality and value, ALB Vodka embodies the spirit and energy of New York. With its expanding presence in prestigious venues and markets both domestically and internationally, ALB Vodka is one of the fastest growing independently owned spirit brands in the country. For more information visit albvodka.com Contact InformationALB Vodka Corporate Communications Hello@ albvodka.com SOURCE: ALB Vodka
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MARTINSVILLE, VA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / alliancebee, a leading provider of innovative supply chain solutions, is excited to announce the latest update to its agnostic supply chain management software suite. This update introduces a host of new features and enhancements designed to further streamline and optimize supply chain operations across industries.Key Features of the Update:1.Enhanced Data Integration : The updated suite now offers improved data integration capabilities, enabling seamless connectivity with a wider range of ERP, CRM, and legacy systems. This ensures that businesses can aggregate and analyze data from multiple sources more efficiently, leading to better informed decision-making.2. Advanced Analytics and Reporting: Leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies, the software now provides more sophisticated analytics and reporting tools. Users can gain deeper insights into their supply chain performance, identify trends, and predict future outcomes with greater accuracy.3.User-Friendly Interface:The latest update includes a redesigned user interface that enhances usability and accessibility. The intuitive layout and user-friendly controls make it easier for both technical and non-technical users to navigate and utilize the full range of features.4.Scalability and Flexibility:alliancebee's agnostic platform has been further optimized to support businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large multinational corporations. The software's modular architecture allows companies to scale their operations and customize functionalities according to their specific needs.5.Enhanced Dynamic Workflow:Our Workflow optimization tools streamline operations by centralizing business rules, data, and all while encouraging collaboration, reducing silos and enhancing efficiency through automation. Our customizable workflows allow your organization to scale quickly and focus on core activities by minimizing operational concerns. By prioritizing exception handling over routine tasks, we help optimize productivity and drive sustainable growth, empowering your team to concentrate on what truly matters.6.Our Middleware Concept:Our platform is designed as middleware which allows our technology to act as a bridge, facilitating and managing interactions between different systems, services and applications. Our middleware agnostic platform easily supports interoperability, scalability and security.About the company:alliancebee is a 4PL and technology company that supports its customers' use of an unlimited number of logistics service providers. We are working with clients to change the way companies view the supply chain and their logistics suppliers. Clients have a multitude of options and technology to support a truly agnostic logistics supplier base.For more information about alliancebee and its updated agnostic supply chain management software suite, please visit https://www.alliancebee.com or contact:Media ContactOrganization: alliancebeeContact Person: Lori FoxWebsite: https://www.alliancebee.com/ Email: media@ alliancebee.com Contact Number: +18338531807City: MartinsvilleState: VirginiaCountry: United StatesSOURCE: alliancebee
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 17:32:11

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Major global newspapers are highlighting the crisis in both physics and cosmology: A scientific revolution is imminent.TRIVANDRUM, INDIA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Major global newspapers (BBC News, The New York Times, The Guardian, Forbes, et al) are raising alarm over the crisis in both physics and cosmology. An article appeared in the New York Times (NYT), which highlighted the crisis in cosmology' unraveled by the James Webb Space telescope and warned about an imminent scientific revolution [ Ref.1] . Another article, again in the NYT [ Ref.2] claimed that based on American DESI (Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument) findings, astronomers got Dark Energy' all wrong. American scientists have a golden opportunity to revolutionize science from the James Webb Space telescope findings and from the DESI data on dark energy [ Ref.3] . DESI team has created the largest ever 3D map of the universe, and only a plot of number of galaxies versus distance is needed to turn science on its head [ Ref.4] . However the window of opportunity will close very soon and Europe will gain an upper hand with Euclid Telescope data [Ref.5 and 6]. American taxpayers will not be happy to find their $10 billion, James Webb telescope being triumphed over by a $1 billion, European telescope. It is now or never' situation for American scientists.James Webb and DESI groups can usher the greatest ever paradigm shift in science. But time is running out fast. To make matter worse, the Japanese XRISM (X-Ray telescope) is also close on the heels. XRISM must not be underestimated because it is very much capable of shaking up science to the core by following a different avenue [Ref. 7 and 8]. Japan's X-ray telescope will almost certainly revolutionize X-ray astronomy, and overthrow deeply held scientific beliefs. James Webb might still triumph over the two next-generation (European and Japanese) telescopes in this cut throat competition; but only if American scientists manage to sprint ahead in the neck to neck race.DESI (Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument) data can be used for much more serious and newsworthy purposes than was intended. It can measure the shape and size of the universe and overthrow the presently reigning Standard Model of Cosmology'. It can also unify the two bitterly conflicting pillars of modern Physics."The country which leads the rest of the world in science will also be foremost in wealth and prosperity." -William Ramsay.Repetition is needed for emphasis: Only a plot of number of galaxies versus distance is needed. Europe's Euclid telescope can also provide that information, and is racing ahead! Within next 2 years, DESI's five year mission shall be completed, and DESI will create a 3D map of the universe up to 11 billion light years away, mapping 3 million quasars and 37 million galaxies. Europe's Euclid telescope will map 1.5 billion galaxies (40 times more than DESI) to create an even larger, 3D map of the universe. Euclid has passed the commissioning phase on 5th October, 2023 and is taking images in full scientific mode from 14th February, 2024.The authors of the first NYT article (mentioned above) had not realized that it could have been a much more newsworthy article, even though it was newsworthy enough to appear in the NYT. But the article is just the tip of the invisible iceberg. Not only cosmology is in crisis; physics faces severe crisis too, and the NYT article authors have failed to see the link. Consequently, the article simply presents some big problems, but offers no satisfactory solution(s). The crisis in physics runs deep. There are two pillars of modern physics-general relativity (GR), which describes phenomena on the largest cosmological scale, and quantum mechanics (QM), which describes phenomena on the smallest, submicroscopic scale. Both theories have passed every test in their own domain, and are incredibly successful in their own realm. But these theories contradict with each other, and are in bitter conflict [ Ref.9] . For over nine decades, finding a way to reconcile the two has been the grandest goal of physicists worldwide. Nobody succeeded, and neither anyone had any hope, or any clue about how to proceed, until recently [ Ref.10] The crucial question which has been left unanswered is: "How can only a plot of the number of galaxies versus distance', turn science on its head?"The answer is shocking. Flawed mathematical assumptions [ Ref.11] and ignorance about the physical meaning of imaginary numbers have infected the reigning theories of physics and cosmology. This has led to the disregard of the true nature of the universe-that it expands like a 3D hyper-surface. The universe is just like an expanding (hyper) balloon. However, a party balloon has a two-dimensional (2D) surface and exists in three-dimensional (3D) space, while the universe has a 3D surface and exists in 4D (hyper) space. Instead of rubber, as in a party balloon, the wall of the balloon universe is made of invisible and unnoticeable (Higgs like) scalar field. All particles which makes up stars and planets and humans are mere excitation/resonance in this field: this is the core concept of the stunningly accurate Quantum Field Theory'. Nature's true geometry is four dimensional (as suspected by Einstein, Minkowski et al). However, it is not the 4D SpaceTime continuum they had imagined. That would have led to a block universe' view in which there is no distinction between the past, present and future, and all three would simultaneously coexist!The expansion of the balloon universe is the cause for both the ever increasing entropy (the crucial second law of thermodynamics), as well as the unidirectional flow of time. Time itself is not the fourth dimension, but emerges due to motion along the fourth space dimension [ Ref.12] . The concept of 4D SpaceTime continuum is the biggest mistake in Science: Space and Time do not fuse into a 4D continuum [ Ref.13] Nature's true geometry is revealed and demonstrated by the Principle of Least Action (PLA)', from which ALL KNOWN laws of physics can be derived. PLA can be generalized to the Principle of Maximum Proper Time', which reduces to a shockingly simple statement: "The least distance between two points in 4D (hyper) space is a straight line". The universe is embedded in this 4D (hyper) space, just as a party balloon is embedded in 3D space of the party-room. A simple calculation of the Hubble constant value for this balloon model gives 71.002 km/s/Mpc, and it lands right between the two measured values (69.8 km/s/Mpc and 74 km/s/Mpc) that are now being fought over by the two powerful groups within the cosmology communit
Police caught the P-plater speeding in Springside, NSW on Sunday night before checking the rear tyres. Source: Facebook

A small detail at the back of one P-plater's car has left the driver with a suspended licence and a date in court in one fell swoop after it was deemed "extremely dangerous" by police.

The driver in question was caught clocking 150 km/h along a road in Springside, NSW on Sunday evening while police were patrolling the area after reports of vehicles performing burnouts.

After the P-plater was stopped by authorities for exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h, they carried out a subsequent vehicle examination and police found that both rear tyres were bald, with parts of the tyres wrapped around the lower areas of the suspension.

"The tread had delaminated from the canvass and was wrapped around the lower control arms of the rear suspension, making the vehicle extremely dangerous to drive," police said online about the discovery. "[A] red defect label issued and the vehicle was immediately grounded."

Bald tyres can be deadly

The legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.5 millimetres in NSW  and is similar across the country  with the small grooves in car tyres being a significant safety feature.

The rear tyres had no treads left on them. Source: Facebook

Bald tyres are risky for two reasons. Firstly, tyres are more susceptive to punctures if they have worn down their treads and tyres also lack adequate traction against roads, especially if the car is being driven in wet conditions. Without tyre treads water can no longer be channeled under the car, making it easy for a driver to lose control on slippy road surfaces and for collisions to occur.

The condition of the P-plater's tyres were so bad authorities deemed his driving "dangerous to the public" and he was issued with a licence suspension notice and a court attendance notice. After the incident was shared online, one Aussie said, "I reckon you may have just saved someone's life."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 12:36:31

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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, UT / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 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
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-05 00:37:40

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Aton Resources Inc. (TSXV:AAN) ("Aton" or the "Company") is pleased to provide investors with a corporate update on its Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat" or the "Concession"), in the Eastern Desert of Egypt.Highlights:The inaugural General Assembly of the Abu Marawat Gold Mines Company was held at the Ministry of Petroleum in New Capital, Cairo on June 3, 2024, chaired by H.E. Eng. Tarek el-Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; The primary business of the General Assembly was to appoint the directors of Abu Marawat Gold Mines, who were all approved unanimously. Abu Marawat Gold Mines is a joint venture company equally owned by Aton and the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority ("EMRA"), with 4 directors appointed from each side, and which will act as the operating company for all operations at the Abu Marawat Exploitation Lease ("AMXL"); Aton appointees to the Abu Marawat Gold Mines Board of Directors were Cherif Barakat, Robert Parr, Magdy Sayed and Javier Orduna; The appointment of the Abu Marawat Gold Mines Board of Directors will allow the Company to commence operations at the AMXL (see news release dated January 17, 2024). "I am pleased to announce the inaugural General Assembly of the new JV operating company in Egypt" said Tonno Vahk, CEO. "The JV company was established in law through the issuance of the exploitation lease in January 2024, but effectively now becomes operational with the appointment of its Board of Directors. We look forward to the start of a long and fruitful partnership with EMRA at Abu Marawat, and I would personally like to thank H.E. Eng. el-Molla for his invaluable contribution to us reaching this major milestone. Aton now intends to push rapidly ahead with mine development work at Hamama West." Figure 1: General Assembly of the Abu Marawat Gold Mines Company, chaired by H.E. Eng. Tarek el-Molla (centre)About Aton Resources Inc.Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX-V) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat"), located in Egypt's Arabian-Nubian Shield, approximately 200 km north of Centamin's world-class Sukari gold mine. Aton has identified numerous gold and base metal exploration targets at Abu Marawat, including the Hamama deposit in the west, the Abu Marawat deposit in the northeast, and the Rodruin deposit in the south of the Concession. Two historic British gold mines are also located on the Concession at Semna and Sir Bakis. Aton has identified several distinct geological trends within Abu Marawat, which display potential for the development of a variety of styles of precious and base metal mineralisation. The Abu Marawat exploitation lease is 57.66 km2 in size, covering the Hamama West and Rodruin mineral deposits, and was established In January 2024 and is valid for an initial period of 20 years. The Concession also includes an additional 255.0 km2 of exploration areas at Abu Marawat, retained for a further period of 4 years from January 2024. Abu Marawat is located in an area of excellent infrastructure; a four-lane highway, a 220kV power line, and a water pipeline are in close proximity, as are the international airports at Hurghada and Luxor.For further information regarding Aton Resources Inc., please visit us at www.atonresources.com or contact:TONNO VAHKChief Executive Officer Tel: +1 604 318 0390 Email: info@ atonresources.com Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsSome of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions; by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.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.SOURCE: Aton Resources, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 13:30:51

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KELOWNA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Avant Brands Inc. (TSX:AVNT)(OTCQX:AVTBF)(FRA:1BU0) ("Avant" or the "Company"), a leading producer of innovative and award-winning cannabis products, is pleased to announce that, subject to the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX"), it has closed its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") in the amount of $2,393,333.78 priced at $0.085 per unit (each a "Unit") through the issuance of 28,156,868 Units.Each Unit consists of one common share (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a "Warrant"). Each Warrant has a term of 36 months commencing on the closing date (the "Closing Date") of the Private Placement and entitles the holder to purchase one additional Share at a price of $0.12 per Share.Finders' fees related to this Offering consist of $13,600 and 160,000 non-transferable finders' warrants which are exercisable on the same terms as the subscribing investors. Proceeds from the Offering will primarily be allocated to working capital and general corporate activities.All securities issued are subject to a Canadian securities law resale restriction period expiring four months and one day from the Closing Date. The securities mentioned 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. Accordingly, they may not be offered or sold within the United States unless in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions from them. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.Certain related parties of the Company participated in the Offering, as detailed below. The participation of related parties constitutes related party transactions under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements in connection with the related party participation, relying on exemptions in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101. The Offering was unanimously approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Insider and related-party participation totaled $817,500, including: CEO Norton Singhavon for $175,000; CFO Jeremy Wright for $42,500; and F-20 Developments Corp for $600,000. Other non-insider employees of Avant Brands participated for an additional $386,000.All securities issued are subject to a four-month and one day hold period pursuant to securities laws in Canada expiring on October 4, 2024.The completion of the Private Placement is subject to obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX.Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.About Avant Brands Inc. Avant is an innovative, market-leading premium cannabis company. Avant has multiple operational production facilities across Canada, which produce high-quality, handcrafted cannabis products based on unique and exceptional cultivars.Avant offers a comprehensive product portfolio catering to recreational, medical, and export markets. Our renowned consumer brands, including BLK MKT, Tenzo, Cognoscente, flowr and Treehugger, are available in key recreational markets across Canada. Avant's products are distributed globally to Australia, Israel and Germany, with its flagship brand BLK MKT currently being sold in Israel. Additionally, Avant's medical cannabis brand, GreenTec, serves qualified patients nationwide through its GreenTec Medical portal and trusted medical cannabis partners.Avant is a publicly traded corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: AVNT) and accessible to international investors through the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX:AVTBF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FRA:1BU0). Headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, Avant operates in strategic locations including British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.For more information about Avant, including access to investor presentations and details about its consumer brands, please visit www.avantbrands.ca For further inquiries, please contact:Investor Relations at Avant Brands Inc.1-800-351-6358 ir@ avantbrands.ca CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, regulatory approvals, the Company's ability to raise capital, and the overall performance of the cannabis industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. 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. Investors are urged to carefully consider the risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's filings with securities regulatory authorities, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca SOURCE: Avant Brands Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 11:00:10

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The aerospace startup will use the new investment funds to continue its rapid expansion into the orbital and small satellite services markets.BRUNSWICK, ME / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / bluShift Aerospace announced today that it has raised $1.3M in a seed round, led by Houston-based Late Stage Capital, with participation from Maine Technology Institute. The private investment round is further amplified by a $1M matching Federal SBIR grant. Capitalizing on its strong commercial trajectory, bluShift will use the funding to accelerate launch offerings in the orbital and small satellite services markets.Brady Brim-DeForest , managing partner at Late Stage Capital and CEO of Formula.Monks , a leader in AI technology solutions that services industries including aerospace, will assume the role of chairman of bluShift's board of directors. Texas based Brim-DeForest has co-founded six successful startups and helped numerous Fortune 500 companies implement radical new processes that enable them to produce competitive products at startup speeds. An author and speaker on AI, innovation, and entrepreneurship, he has more than 20 years of experience in product design, brand strategy, and startup management.Brim-DeForest will be joined on the board of directors by bluShift CEO and founder Sascha Deri and Maine-based entrepreneur and investor Peter Murray."I'm thrilled to support bluShift's aggressive growth in the satellite services market," said Brim-DeForest. "As a vertically integrated company, bluShift stands out from its competitors in a number of critical ways. We manufacture our own non-toxic biofuel and reusable rockets, we are developing our own private launch site with direct access to sun-synchronous orbit, and we are cost-optimized - truly a winning combination." Brim-DeForest continued: "The company's leadership team and long-term vision for democratizing access to orbit aligns with my own passion for transforming the future of space exploration." The new funding marks a crucial chapter in bluShift's growth. The company previously raised nearly $4M. It will leverage this new capital infusion to complete a full duration burn engine test in the coming months, and scale its operations for commercial suborbital launch in 2025."This investment underscores investor confidence in bluShift's extraordinary team of engineers to achieve our vision," said Sascha Deri, CEO and founder of bluShift Aerospace. "It is being put to work immediately, helping us realize the next critical phase of our mission." "We see an enormous need for dedicated, small-lift satellite deliveries to space," continued Deri. Currently the small satellite market relies on large companies like SpaceX for massive deployment of large satellites, leaving smaller players behind with multi-year wait times and sub-optimal orbit delivery. "With an increasing demand for replacing individual small satellites as they naturally de-orbit every 3-7 years, we are seeing more and more customers seeking rapid, affordable access to space and direct delivery to their desired orbit," explained Deri. "We will be better positioned than our competitors to fill that need." In the last 20 years, a new class of small satellites has gone from being an academic exercise, to being one of the fastest growth sectors in the satellite industry, enabling services and research for academics, commercial, and government use. According to a study by Straits Research P. Ltd, the global market size for a class of small satellites called Cubesats, valued at $210M in 2021 is expected to reach $857M by 2030 alone.bluShift has selected Maine's Downeast coastline as the headquarters for its first private launch services and manufacturing sites. This locale provides launch opportunities over the Atlantic Ocean directly into polar orbit with little interference from established flight patterns and minimal overflight of populated areas, offering a distinct geographic advantage that is unique to the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.About bluShift AerospacebluShift is on a mission to provide fast and individualized smallsat launch services for customers, dramatically reducing the wait times of educational, research, commercial, and governmental customers seeking to launch to space. Founded in 2014, bluShift made history when it launched the first commercial rocket in the world powered by its proprietary nontoxic, carbon-neutral biofuel. Since then, the company has targeted the small satellite launch market, offering customers direct access to sun-synchronous orbit with rockets designed for research and commercial payloads. Learn more at: https://www.blushiftaerospace.com About Late Stage CapitalLate Stage Capital, founded by Brady Brim-DeForest, is a venture fund that invests in companies that are transforming the future of humanity. The firm is stage agnostic, and invests from seed to growth.Learn more at: https://www.latestagecapital.com Media Contact:Betta Stothart, Media Relations press@ blushiftaerospace.com 207-400-0015Photo Caption:Brady Brim-DeForest, managing partner at Late Stage Capital (left), and bluShift Aerospace CEO and Founder Sascha Deri visit bluShift's test stand at Brunswick Landing. / Photo by Lindsay Becker, courtesy of bluShift AerospaceSOURCE: bluShift Aerospace Inc
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 14:00:57

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 /CMC Metals Ltd. (TSXV:CMB)(FRA:ZM5P)(OTCQB:CMCXF) ("CMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company hopes to soon initiate geophysical studies (i.e. CSAMT and/or Induced Polarization) in areas on its Silverknife and Amy properties where airborne geophysics have identified significant high conductivity targets.The current outcome of an airborne electromagnetic survey completed by SkyTEM in 2021 (see press releases April 20, 2021, May 11, 2022 and April 16, 2024), was the identification of several large areas with conductivity anomalies on the Silverknife and Amy properties in British Columbia, Canada (see Figures 1-3). The potential targets at Silverknife and Amy are high grade silver-lead-zinc carbonate replacement and skarn deposits.The proposed studies would provide a measure of resistivity. Simply put, material with low resistivity allows electrons to move through it easily and it therefore tends to also be highly conductive. Silver is a very highly conductive elements that makes it suitable for a large number of industrial applications. Therefore, a target from a resistivity survey containing silver would be one characterized by low resistivity.Resistivity studies may help to define specific contacts between units such as limestones and granites, with the target host being a limestone. Limestones, especially cracked or faulted ones, also typically have low resistivity values, while intrusions like granites will have a much higher resistivity. Resistivity studies can present a lot of information and help to define specific targets, contact relationships, and possible fault structures which are key known controls for mineralization in the Rancheria Silver DistrictPrevious SkyTEM surveys have identified large conductivity anomalies in areas such as Tootsee North and the South-central Zones of the Silverknife Property. In the Tootsee North Zone the conductivity anomaly is coincident with a gravity anomaly (see press release dated August 10, 2022) and preliminary mapping has indicated the presence of limestones in outcrops all of which are positive features for exploration. However, the existing targets are still rather broad targets over an area characterized with a lot of overburden and therefore need more definition.It is therefore the hope that additional ground geophysical studies and grid based geological mapping will serve to better define near term drill targets to depths of 250-300 meters or more.The Silverknife and Amy properties are 100% owned by CMC Metals Ltd. They have been the subject of considerable historical exploration dating back to as early as the 1960's by several previous operators. There is a considerable database of geochemical and geological data from this previous work that has been compiled and will also be used.In addition, CMC has been in active discussions over potential interest expressed in an earn-in agreement for the Silverknife Project. The Company is hopeful that an offer may be tabled on or before mid-June. Discussions to date have not discussed any project specifics or any financial and/or operational considerations. It is therefore not known if any terms when, and if presented, will be acceptable to the Company and therefore this information should not be considered for any possible investment purposes or be construed as a solicitation. This is presented merely to present a full scope of activities ongoing with respect to the Silverknife Project.Mr. John Bossio, Chairman of the Company noted "We eagerly anticipate a potential offer for our Silverknife Project as it will help to advance the project and allow us to focus on our other emerging projects in the rancheria Silver District and elsewhere." Mr. Kevin Brewer, P.Geo. and President and CEO of the Company noted that "We are eager to get back to exploring Silverknife this year and to advance permitting for our Amy project. Our post-season work for the Silverknife project resulted in several targets being identified that now merit further evaluation with the objective to establish near-term drill targets." Qualified PersonQualified Person Kevin Brewer, a registered professional geoscientist, is the Company's President and CEO, and Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101). He has given his approval of the technical information pertaining reported herein. The Company is committed to meeting the highest standards of integrity, transparency and consistency in reporting technical content, including geological reporting, geophysical investigations, environmental and baseline studies, engineering studies, metallurgical testing, assaying and all other technical data.About CMC Metals Ltd.CMC Metals Ltd. is a growth stage exploration company focused on opportunities for high grade polymetallic deposits in Yukon, British Columbia and Newfoundland. Our polymetallic silver-lead-zinc CRD prospects in the Rancheria Silver District include the Silverknife and Amy projects (British Columbia) and the Silver Hart Deposit and Blue Heaven claims (Yukon). Our other polymetallic projects include Bridal Veil (Newfoundland) and Logjam (Yukon).On behalf of the Board: "John Bossio" John Bossio, ChairmanCMC METALS LTD.For Further Information and Investor Inquiries: Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B. Sc.(Hons) , Dip. Mine Eng.President , CEO and DirectorTel: (+52) 669 198 8503kbrewer80@ hotmail.comSuite 1000-409 Granville St., Vancouver, BCV6C 1T2To be added to CMC's news distribution list, please send an email toinfo@ cmcmetals.caor contact Mr. Kevin Brewer directly.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."This news release may contain certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, statements that address the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles and exploitation activities and developments. In this release disclosure regarding the potential to undertake future exploration work comprise forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks, including the ability of the Company to raise the funds necessary to fund its projects, to carry out the work and, accordingly, may not occur as desc
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MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / As the cryptocurrency markets continue to exhibit bullish behaviour, CryptoHeap, a frontrunner in cryptocurrency staking services, is excited to announce its commitment to providing 24/7 support for all investors throughout this volatile period. This round-the-clock support is designed to assist stakers in navigating the complexities of the market, ensuring they can make the most of their investments regardless of their experience level or the amount staked.Salvage Warwick, spokesperson for CryptoHeap, emphasized the importance of reliable support during these periods of intense trading activity."The crypto market's fast pace, especially evident during a bull run, demands equally responsive support services," said Warwick. "Our aim is to provide continuous, comprehensive assistance so that every investor has the resources they need to succeed." During a bull run, the value of cryptocurrencies can increase significantly, attracting both seasoned traders and new participants eager to capitalize on potential gains. This influx can lead to increased volatility and trading volume, making knowledgeable support crucial for investor confidence and staking success.$100 welcome bonus link: https://cryptoheap.com CryptoHeap's dedicated support team is well-equipped to handle an array of inquiries, from basic operational questions to complex trading strategies, ensuring that stakers feel secure and supported in their investment decisions. The platform's commitment to accessibility and user satisfaction is evident in its swift response times and personalized assistance, which are maintained across all levels of investment.The support provided by CryptoHeap is more than just troubleshooting; it includes educational resources that help investors understand market trends, the mechanics of crypto staking, and effective risk management. This educational approach empowers stakers to make informed decisions, enhancing their potential for profitability."Investor education and support are at the core of what we do,"Warwick continued."We believe that an informed investor is a successful investor. That's why we have invested heavily in building a support system that not only resolves issues but also educates our users about the nuances of cryptocurrency investments." CryptoHeap's platform is designed to be user-friendly, catering to both novice and experienced investors. Features such as detailed transaction histories, real-time earnings updates, and customizable alert systems make managing investments straightforward and effective. The platform's security measures, including advanced encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA), ensure that stakers' assets are protected against unauthorized access.The introduction of 24/7 support is part of CryptoHeap's broader strategy to enhance user engagement and trust. By ensuring that support is available at any moment, the platform aligns its services with the non-stop nature of the cryptocurrency markets, positioning itself as a reliable partner for investors looking to stake their digital assets.As the bull run continues, CryptoHeap invites new and existing investors to take advantage of its enhanced support services and explore the various staking opportunities available on the platform. For those interested in joining or learning more about CryptoHeap's offerings, detailed information can be found on the company's website at https://cryptoheap.com/ About CryptoHeap:CryptoHeap is a leading provider of cryptocurrency staking services, known for its secure, reliable, and innovative solutions. The platform aims to support investors throughout their cryptocurrency journey, focusing on accessibility, profitability, and customer satisfaction.Investors can explore these innovative staking options by visiting CryptoHeap's official website at https://cryptoheap.com/ Media Contact DetailsContact Name: Salvage WarwickContact Email: salvage@ cryptoheap.com Address: 250 NE 25th St Apt 910, Miami, FL 33137, USAWebsite: https://cryptoheap.com SOURCE: CryptoHeap
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Recognized for Business Leadership and Public Service: Hetherington's Commitment to Intelligence Innovation Earns Prestigious ACG NJ HonorWANAQUE, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Hetherington Group is proud to announce that Cynthia Hetherington, Founder and CEO, has been named a 2024 honoree by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) New Jersey. This award recognizes her leadership, her significant contributions to corporate growth, and her unwavering dedication to public service, particularly her crucial role in Washington DC's Operation Warp Speed during the COVID-19 pandemic.Cynthia Hetherington Cynthia Hetherington has been a pioneering force in the field of open-source intelligence (OSINT) and cyber investigations for over two decades. Under her leadership, Hetherington Group has become a leading provider of intelligence and security services, and OSINT training, delivering leading-edge solutions to an array of clients, including government agencies, law enforcement, financial institutions, and multinational corporations.During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cynthia Hetherington collaborated with the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) and other senior executives and government officials on Operation Vax (OPVAX), a public-private partnership initiated to secure transportation, storage, and distribution of Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines in the United States and abroad. Her involvement was driven by a profound sense of duty and commitment to the greater good."I am deeply honored to be recognized by ACG New Jersey," said Cynthia Hetherington. "When I decided to support Operation Warp Speed, it was simply because it was the right thing to do. I am immensely proud of what we were able to accomplish and of the Hetherington Group team, whose dedication and hard work made it possible. Together, we have always strived to make a positive impact, whether through our professional services or our contributions to critical public health initiatives." Cynthia's leadership extends beyond her professional achievements. She has fostered a culture of continuous learning and development within Hetherington Group, partnering with institutions like Dakota State University to equip professionals with the skills necessary to excel in the field of OSINT. Her commitment to innovation and excellence has set new standards in the industry and has positioned Hetherington Group and the OSINT Academy as trusted partners in intelligence, security, and training.The ACG New Jersey Awards will take place on Tuesday, June 11th, honoring Cynthia Hetherington, and other distinguished leaders who have made remarkable contributions to the growth and success of their organizations and the broader business community.For more information about Hetherington Group and Cynthia Hetherington's work, please visit www.hetheringtongroup.com About Hetherington Group Hetherington Group is a leading provider of intelligence, security, and investigative services. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, the firm offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to help clients navigate the complexities of the digital world and protect their operations. Hetherington Group is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, empowering professionals to excel in the field of open-source intelligence.Contact InformationJason JonesPresidentpublishing@ hetheringtongroup.com (973) 706-7525SOURCE: Hetherington GroupView the original press release on newswire.com
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THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.KELOWNA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Diamcor Mining Inc. (TSXV:DMI)(OTCQB:DMIFF)(FRA:DC3A), ("Diamcor" or the "Company"), an established diamond mining company focused on developing a supply of ethically sourced, non-conflict, natural rough diamonds to select diamantaires and luxury retailers, announces today that further to its news release of May 1, 2024, the Company has closed a first tranche of $1,406,000.00 of its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") following receipt of Conditional Acceptance of the Offering from the TSX Venture Exchange on May 22, 2024. The Company now anticipates the Offering will be oversubscribed and has increased the total amount of the original Offering from $1,500,000.00 to an aggregate of up to $2,500,00.00, with a second and final tranche closing expected to close on or before June 15, 2024. Existing insiders, including management and directors, have subscribed for an aggregate of $600,000.00 in the first tranche of the Offering.The first tranche consists of 28,120,000 units at a price of CND $0.05 per unit. Each unit consists of one Class "A Common share in the authorized capital of the Company (a "Share"), and one non-transferable share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Class "A" Common share at an exercise price of CND $0.075 for a period of 36 months following the close of the first tranche.Proceeds from the offering will be used for the continued advancement of the Company's Krone-Endora at Venetia Project (the "Project), the work programmes currently underway, the announced efforts surrounding drilling and bulk sampling on the greater portions of the Project, the advancement of discussions on potential acquisitions of additional opportunities aimed at increasing long-term shareholder value and added growth, and for general corporate purposes. The Company also plans to continue to advance ongoing discussions with financiers and industry related parties on additional funding scenarios which may be beneficial in further supporting the above noted objectives aimed at increasing long-term shareholder value and added growth.All private placements are subject to regulatory and/or final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange along with completion of all definitive documentation and filings as required. Securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months plus one day following the date of issuance, which is October 5, 2024 for securities issued in respect of the initial tranche closing.The securities sold in the Offering have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under such Act or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.About Diamcor Mining Inc.Diamcor Mining Inc. is a fully reporting publicly traded diamond mining company with a proven history, which is focused on building a growing supply of ethically sourced, non-conflict, natural rough diamonds to some of the world's most reputable diamantaire's and luxury retailers. The Company has a long-term strategic alliance with world famous Tiffany & Co, and currently, its primary focus is on the development of its Krone-Endora at Venetia Project which is co-located and directly related to De Beers' flagship Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa. The Venetia diamond mine is long recognized as one of the world's top diamond-producing mines, and the deposits which occur on Company's Krone-Endora Project have been identified as being the result of shift and subsequent erosion of an estimated 50M tonnes of material from the higher grounds of Venetia to the lower surrounding areas in the direction of Krone and Endora. The Company is also focused on the acquisition and development of additional mid-tier projects with near-term production capabilities to allow the Company to position itself as a growing supplier of ethically and responsibly mined non-conflict natural rough diamonds to reputable diamantaires and select luxury retailers. The Company has a strong commitment to junior mining, social responsibility, women in mining, supporting local communities, and to protecting the environment.About the Tiffany & Co. AllianceThe Company has an established long-term strategic alliance with Tiffany & Co. Canada, a subsidiary of world-famous New York based Tiffany & Co., to purchase up to 100% of the future production of rough diamonds from the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project at market prices. In conjunction with this first right of refusal, Tiffany & Co. Canada also provided the Company with financing in an effort to advance the Project as quickly as possible. Tiffany & Co. is now owned by Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (LVMH), a publicly traded company which is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange (Euronext) under the symbol LVMH and on the OTC under the symbol LVMHF. For additional information on Tiffany & Co., please visit their website at www.tiffany.com Qualified Person Statement:Mr. James P. Hawkins (B.Sc., P.Geo.), is Manager of Exploration & Special Projects for Diamcor Mining Inc., and the Qualified Person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 responsible for overseeing the execution of Diamcor's exploration programmes and a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta ("APEGA"). Mr. Hawkins has reviewed this press release and approved of its contents.On behalf of the Board of Directors:Mr. Dean H. TaylorDiamcor Mining Inc DeanT@ Diamcor.com +1 250 862-3212For Investor Relations contact:Mr. Rich MatthewsIntegrous Communications rmatthews@ integcom.us +1 (604) 355-7179Mr. Neil SimonInvestor Cubed Inc nsimon@ investor3.ca +1 (647) 258-3310This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements represent our best current judgement, they are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict and which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Further, the Company expre
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Mr. Rohan Hazelton Appointed as President, CEO, Interim CFO and Director of DynaResource, Inc.IRVING, TX / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / DYNR-DynaResource, Inc. (OTCQX:DYNR) ("DynaResource", or "the Company") today announced the appointment of Mr. Rohan Hazelton as President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), Interim Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Hazelton is an experienced mining executive whose career spans multiple decades in executive roles at senior mining companies as well as with junior producers and developers. Mr. K.D. Diepholz will resign as President and CEO and will continue to assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Diepholz will assist Mr. Hazelton in assuming the CEO / President roles, and to ensure a smooth transition for the Company.Mr. Brent Omland, Director of the Company, and Co-CFO of Ocean Partners UK Limited, who is a shareholder of the Company said: "On behalf of the board of directors and shareholders, I would like to thank KD for his exceptional service and dedication to DynaResource. KD has been instrumental in founding and developing DynaResource and leading the Company to the position it has attained today. We are grateful for KD's leadership in consolidating the ownership of San Jose de Gracia, and for bringing San Jose de Gracia into production and growing the sale of gold concentrate. In addition to applying his considerable finance and industry experience to DynaResource, KD created a strong foundation for the further development of the San Jose de Gracia Project, and he has built an exceptional team with which to advance the operations and expansion activities currently ongoing at San Jose de Gracia." Mr. Diepholz stated: "We are delighted to welcome Rohan to his new role as President, CEO, Interim CFO and Director of DynaResource. Rohan's deep experience in corporate and mine development aligns with our Company goals to build a world-class mining company. Rohan has an impressive track record of advancing mining companies through financing, production and operational expansions and improvements. I am confident his proven skills, along with his entrepreneurial spirit will prove to be instrumental in advancing DynaResource to the next levels as a mid tier mining company." Mr. Phil Rose, Director of the Company said, "We would like to thank KD for his commitment to DynaResource. We are grateful for the accomplishments made by the Company under his leadership including bringing San Jose de Gracia into production after a 100-year hiatus. We are excited to continue the expansion of SJG with Rohan and look forward to his guidance and contributions in improving operational and financial performance." Mr. Hazelton has over 20 years of leadership experience in the mining industry, with financing and operational expertise, and experience building and expanding mines and leading high-performance teams which are the foundations for world-class companies. Mr. Hazelton has significant operational experience in Mexico. Prior to joining DynaResource, Mr. Hazelton was Chief Executive Officer of NorZinc Ltd, a zinc-lead-silver developer, Chief Financial Officer of both Cerrado Gold (TSXV: CERT) and Ascendant Resources (TSX: ASND), and co-founded KORE Mining (TSXV: KORE), serving as KORE's CEO. Prior to that, he worked at Goldcorp, and its predecessor Wheaton River Minerals, as one of its earliest employees and held roles of increasing leadership and responsibility throughout the organization including CFO Goldcorp Mexico and VP Strategy.Mr. Hazelton has served on the Board of Directors of NorZinc, Primero Mining, Terrane Metals and Gryphon Gold as well as several non-profits. He holds the Chartered Professional Accountant designation and graduated from Harvard University with Honors, with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Math and Economics.Mr. Hazelton has been granted DSUs, RSUs and Stock Options under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan of 1.75 million shares at an exercise price equal to $1.75 per share, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, if required.The Company has also accepted the resignation of Ing. Rene Mladosich from the Company's Board of Directors in order for Rohan Hazelton to be named Director. "We would like to thank Rene for his several years' of service as a Director of the Company, and for his ongoing leadership provided for the entire operations team," said KD Diepholz.About DynaResourceDynaResource is a junior gold mining producer trading on the OTCQX under the symbol "DYNR". DynaResource is actively mining and expanding the historic San Jose de Gracia gold mining district in Sinaloa, Mexico.IMPORTANT CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING CANADIAN DISCLOSURE STANDARDSThe Company is an "OTC Reporting Issuer" as that term is defined in Multilateral Instrument 51-509, Issuers Quoted in the U.S. Over-the-Counter Markets, promulgated by various Canadian Provincial Securities Commissions. Accordingly, certain disclosure in this news release or other disclosure provided by the Company has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. In Canada, an issuer is required to provide technical information with respect to mineralization, including reserves and resources, if any, on its mineral exploration properties in accordance with Canadian requirements, which differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") applicable to registration statements and reports filed by United States companies pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. As such, information contained in this news release or other disclosure provided by the Company concerning descriptions of mineralization under Canadian standards may not be comparable to similar information made public by United States companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC and not subject to Canadian securities legislation. This news release or other disclosure provided by the Company may use the terms "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". While these terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations (under National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects), the SEC does not recognize them. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted to reserves. In addition, "inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and economic and legal fea
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First-of-its-Kind Certification Ensures Proper Incorporation Of Carbon Nanomaterials In The Production Of Industrial AdditivesSAO PAULO, BRAZIL / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 /Gerdau Graphene, the nanotechnology company pioneering advanced graphene-enhanced materials for industrial applications, today announced its industry-first G2D technology authenticity certification. Developed exclusively by the company, G2D is a technology for incorporating carbon nanomaterials such as graphene into various matrices for the production of industrial additives. The certification will be a form of identification for all industrial and commercial products that contain chemical additives that utilize Gerdau Graphene's proprietary G2D technology. G2D is currently being used in additives for the plastics, concrete, and paints and coatings industries.Gerdau Graphene logo Gerdau Graphene logoGraphene, a carbon nanomaterial widely studied for its remarkable physical properties including high mechanical strength, lightness, malleability, and high thermal and electrical conductivity, has attracted global attention for its ability to enhance the material properties of common products like paint, cement and concrete, packaging, plastics, lubricants, and more.G2D technology offers unique advantages for the development of graphene-enhanced additives for each product category. Utilizing G2D, the addition of small amounts of graphene within polymer masterbatches results in a substantial improvement in the performance of plastic products including increased elasticity as well as improved thinness and durability. Similarly, graphene-enhanced paints and coatings benefit from improved washability, durability, and corrosion resistance. Graphene-enhanced concrete and mortar demonstrates improved durability and performance with less CO2 emissions than traditional concrete."Gerdau Graphene is a pioneer in the development and industrial-scale production and commercialization of technological solutions based on graphene. With the launch of the G2D certification, in addition to strengthening the partnership with our customers, we want to make this technology a guarantee of performance and efficiency," says Valdirene Peressinotto, Executive and Innovation Director at Gerdau Graphene.About Gerdau Graphene: Gerdau Graphene is a Gerdau Next company, Gerdau's new business unit created with the aim of diversifying the company's portfolio with products and services in several segments adjacent to steel. Gerdau Graphene is focused on the development, industrialization and commercialization of chemical additives, mineral additions and masterbatches with carbon-based nanomaterials, such as graphene. Gerdau Graphene delivers solutions that provide performance gains for the paint, cement (concrete and mortar), plastics, rubber and lubricant industries with the incorporation of graphene.Contact InformationAaron EndreEndre Communications for Gerdau Graphenegerdau@ endrecommunications.com SOURCE: Gerdau GrapheneView the original press release on newswire.com
CCTV allegedly shows the brazen robberies taking place, reflecting the growing supermarket shoplifting crisis across much of the Australian state.

A couple have been caught on camera allegedly stealing from multiple supermarkets in Adelaide, using a large 'present' as cover to conceal the groceries beneath. Source: 9News

An Aussie couple has been publicly called out for their alleged "creative" shoplifting technique, which has been caught on video at multiple grocery stores. The South Australian pair have allegedly been stealing from multiple Drakes Supermarkets across Adelaide, with owners claiming collectively, they lifted products worth in excess of $1,500.

CCTV from a store in Salisbury North shows the man and woman enter the store separately, with the woman carrying a large gift-wrapped present with a bow on top in a trolley. She can be seen walking around the supermarket appearing to browse, before she meets her companion in an aisle who has a full cart of produce.

The woman then appears to place the present on top of his groceries, concealing what's beneath it, before the duo swap trolleys. She then allegedly walks out of the store without paying for the products under the large gift, making off with the haul unnoticed.

In CCTV, a woman is seen placing a large, possibly bottomless box over a man's groceries, concealing what's beneath. Source: 9News

Alleged shoplifting technique slammed by supermarket boss

The couple, who are accompanied by a child in the footage, are accused of repeating the process a number of times across various supermarkets, with the "gift" even changing wrapping paper each time they allegedly carry out the routine.

Drakes Supermarket boss John-Paul Drake branded the method "very creative", saying he "hadn't seen such creativity" among shoplifters before. "If they put that creativity toward something else, I'm sure they'd be very successful," he told 9News.

Drake said the pair allegedly shoplifted in multiple supermarkets in the city's north across a four week period, wracking up a bill of over $1,500. The chain has shared video footage with media, revealing the unusual technique employed by the couple.

In the clip (with the unedited footage seen below) Drake lists off each suburb in which the couple allegedly targeted stores.

"There's plenty of charitable organisations out there, if you need food on your table there's plenty who can help. Unfortunately we are not one of those," he said, adding that he suspects some products are being sold on Facebook Marketplace.

According to Drakes, the family-run business loses around $10 million worth of stolen products every year, with a 38 per cent spike in theft reported in the past 12 months alone.

Theft a growing issue in South Australia, police say

The issue of shoplifting is one that has plagued Adelaide for some time, with authorities scrambling over how best to manage the crisis.

As the cost of living crisis continues to sting, SA Police just last week said shoplifting in the state was spiralling out of control, with theft rising by 30 per cent in a year  a "trend that is expected to continue". There were 1,455 shoplifting offences in March alone.

The couple then exit the store separately, allegedly without paying. Source: 9News

Back in August, retailers warned that shoplifting was "out of control", while in April, a police blitz apprehend 48 people in just one day for shoplifting during a major police operation at Adelaide's popular Rundle Mall.

In many cases, it's not the usual suspects being caught out. While organised crime is involved, so too are average mum and dads, according to Josh Peak from the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, a notion apparently reflected in the Drakes CCTV footage.

"We continue to see the impact of organised crime and gangs... but we're seeing a lot of theft from people whom you could categorise as mum and dads," he said. "So it is a worry."

Drakes Supermarkets is working with SA Police to identify the man and woman seen in the footage.

SA Police told Yahoo News Australia on Tuesday that no arrests or charges had yet been made.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
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NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Hannan Metals Limited ("Hannan" or the "Company") (TSXV:HAN)(OTC PINK:HANNF) announces a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") of up to 7,142,857 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.35 per Unit (the "Issue Price") for gross proceeds of up to C$2,500,000. Each Unit comprises one common share (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Share of the Company at an exercise price of C$0.50 for a period of two years from closing of the Offering. The Company has the right to force conversion of the Warrants, if at any time from and after the date of issuance, the weighted average closing price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), equals or exceeds C$0.70 for 20 consecutive trading days. The expiry date of the Warrants will then be 30 days from the date of issue of a news release announcing the forced conversion.Finder's fees may be payable on a portion of the Offering. Certain insiders of the Company will participate in the Offering.All securities to be issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period under applicable securities laws in Canada. The Offering is subject to certain conditions customary for transactions of this nature, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the Exchange.The Company plans to use the net proceeds to fund exploration expenditures at the Company's Peruvian and Chilean projects, as well as for general working capital and corporate purposes.Drilling UpdatesAt the Valiente Project, Hannan has discovered a Miocene-age porphyry-epithermal gold-copper mineralized belt that extends over 150 km by 40 km in area, located in central-eastern Peru. Within this belt a clustered porphyry/epithermal camp has emerged where five porphyry copper-gold targets and associated skarns have now been discovered (Ricardo Herrera, Sortilegio, Divisoria, Previsto Central and Previsto North), and two epithermal prospects (Vista Alegre and Previsto East).At the San Martin Project located 400 km NNE of Valiente, Hannan has discovered a basin-scale high-grade sediment-hosted copper-silver system that extends over 200 km x 100 km along the foreland region of the eastern Andes Mountains. Mineralization is geologically similar to the vast Kupferschiefer deposits in Eastern Europe. Sediment-hosted stratiform copper-silver deposits are among the two most important copper sources in the world, the other being copper porphyries.Hannan's strategy is to geologically derisk targets and sequentially drill permit these targets, such that the Company will be drilling multiple targets over these vast frontier areas over the next years.San Martin (JOGMEC JV - Peru)The environmental permit, the Declaracion de Impacto Ambiental ("DIA") for 40 drill platforms was received from the Ministry of Mines in Peru during January 2024. The DIA is the primary environmental certification required to allow low impact mineral exploration programs, that includes drilling programs, to proceed at the San Martin copper-silver project in Peru. The Authorization to Initiate activities from the General Directorate of Mining from the Ministry of Mines ("DGM"), is now in a process that takes 1 to 3 months, and then the Water Use Permit (1 month duration) will be sought from the Peru National Water Authority ("ANA") which should see drill rigs on the ground in San Martin in August 2024.A two-stage drill program is planned: First stage: A 2,000m diamond drilling program over a 2 km strike of mapped surface mineralization down to 800m depth (Figures 2 and 3). Second stage: Subject to Stage 1, a further 1,500m drill program to test the continuity of mineralization (Figures 2 to 4). Subject to results in Stage 1 or Stage 2 additional areas may be tested within the 7 km long permitted area. San Martin West (JOGMEC JV - Peru)Environmental data collection to support a new DIA application at San Martin West has commenced and will be completed in the coming 2 months. The environmental data is being collected at San Martin West over an outcropping copper-silver mineralization trend that has been mapped for over 2.3 km of strike including 5.8m at 3.1% copper and 65 g/t silver from surface (previously reported). Valiente Peru (Hannan 100%)The DIA application for the Belen area was submitted in late January 2024. Hannan has already started to receive observations and feedback from the relevant authorities. Drill permitting times in Peru appears to be improving and the social support from the project remains strong. The permit area contains two outcropping porphyry targets (Ricardo Herrera and Sortilegio) and one zone with signatures of both porphyry-epithermal and skarn mineralization (Vista Alegre) (Figures 5 to 8). Hannan is planning a 70-line km pole-dipole induced polarization geophysical survey and regional LiDAR survey across the three porphyry targets areas to define drill targets. Cerro Rolando Chile (Hannan has option to earn 100%)Hannan is in the process of permitting a small drill program to test a shallow conductor at the Cerro Rolando Project in Chile. The conductor has been modeled to a depth of 60m and may represent a perched supergene blanket from a mineralized porphyry at depth. A community contract is in the process of being signed with final drill approval anticipated during August 2024. Permitting for 3 platforms has been made with a minimum contract requirement for one 100m deep hole to test the shallow conductor. The conductor is 10m to 15m thick and open to the E and W. It directly overlays a magnetic anomaly that is modeled to 450m depth (Figure 9) The drill target is located at a regional significant NNW lineament that controls the emplacement of the giant Chuquicamata deposit (Figure 10).This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. 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 the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemptio
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 14:30:34

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Prepared by Brian R. Connell, CFA, the report offers an in-depth analysis of the Company's business, industry, and growth opportunities as well as an analysis of its shares' potential future valueATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Harbinger Research, LLC an independent equity research firm with a focus on the small cap and microcap stocks, announced today that it has published a new research report on Xcelerate, Inc. (OTCQB:XCRT), a holding company focused on integrating innovative non-medical technologies into medical applications that enhance patient care and drive recurring revenues.The Company grows through strategic acquisitions and partnerships and actively recruits world-class directors and strategic advisors whose experience and relationships facilitate the Company's acquisitive business model.The report includes a valuation analysis, four-year financial forecast model, and a future value estimate of the Company and its shares.To access the research report, please visit the Harbinger Research website at: https://d1io3yog0oux5.cloudfront.net/harbingerresearch/media/984013a843313ec4e5312c6aeeb58c9a.pdf Leadership Team Focused on Targeted Acquisitions that Synergistically Enhance Business OperationsAs Brian Connell, CFA and Senior Research Analyst stated in the report, "Xcelerate, Inc. employs a strategic approach to acquisitions, typically targeting a majority stake of 51% in the companies it acquires. These companies typically possess innovative technologies or products applicable to the healthcare sector." "This strategy enables the Company to capitalize on the acquired business' existing market presence and operational capabilities, while also leveraging its technologies and innovations to enhance product offerings across all its operations and subsidiaries." Xcelerate's Future Valuation will be Driven by its Three Separate but Related Businesses within the Medical, Health and Wellness sectors:Consumer health and beauty, with clinically tested skin care products that are currently marketed on platforms such as Amazon and available in brick-and-mortar stores, including Whole Foods, Kroger, and SproutsDevelopment of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) in a virtual health technology platform, extending the reach of physicians to assist patients in developing countries, especially in AfricaOwning and licensing the rights to various forms of medical equipment that the Company controls via its large portfolio of patents, patents pending, and technology licensesThe Company recently announced that its ESN Group subsidiary has gone live with 21 Ceramedx and Earth Science products on the Army & Air Force Exchange Service ("AAFES") online store, ( www.shopmyexchange.com) which offers tax-free, discounted, online shopping to more than 20 million active and retired US Army and Air Force members and their families.The report also noted that the Company's AfiyaSasa Africa subsidiary "could end up being one of the Company's greatest sources of revenues and operating margin beginning in late 2025 or early 2026. It already has partnerships with two major hospitals in Tanzania and has developed a robust, multi-faceted recurring revenue model." Xcelerate's InTool product line, an innovative suite of surgical tools designed to enhance precision and efficiency in medical procedures, is anchored by two utility patent applications filed in March 2023 under application numbers 18/187,352 and 18/189,441, which also have international protection through corresponding PCT applications.The Company's focus is to license its InTool technology to established manufacturers, which positions the Company to capture a substantial share of this expanding market, without tying up capital in costly capex expenses.Leadership team is "world-class"Connell further stated, "Xcelerate's team of seasoned professionals, with their diverse expertise and accomplishments, position the Company to very effectively navigate the complexities of the healthcare sector and drive innovation in medical applications. This should in turn drive shareholder value." To download the full report, at no charge, please visit the Harbinger Research website.About Harbinger Research, LLCHarbinger Research, LLC is one of a new breed of issuer-sponsored research boutiques, providing unbiased equity research coverage to smaller issuers that cannot attract research coverage from traditional brokerage firm's research departments. Our mission is to help both investors and public issuers by improving the availability of issuer information and by providing sound, unbiased analysis of our issuer clients' businesses, industries, and current market valuation.The policies of Harbinger Research, LLC require that all personnel strictly adhere to the CFA Institute's Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, and its Best Practice Guidelines Governing Analyst / Corporate Issuer Relations. Please see www.cfainstitute.org for more information.To view our disclosures and disclaimers, or for more information, visit www.harbingerresearch.com . Harbinger Research was compensated by a third-party in the amount of $10,000 for the preparation and distribution of this report.Harbinger Research, LLCBrian Connell, CFASenior Research Analyst brian@ harbingerresearch.com +1 (315) 215-3280SOURCE: Harbinger Research, LLC
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TOKYO, June 4, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - PT JCB International Indonesia, a subsidiary of JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCB), and PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk have launched the Japan Festival Program Campaign, targeting the mass premium segment and focusing on Japan-related needs. Mandiri JCB Japan Festival is designed to meet the demand of Indonesian families for Japan-related activities with the lucky draw (raffle) program and combine it with dining, shopping, and travel benefits throughout the year.The Mandiri JCB Japan Festival kicks off from 1 April until 31 December 2024 with the lucky draw (raffle) program that offers round-trip air tickets between Jakarta and Japan as a prize for 12 (twelve) winning cardholders and their companions. By using the Mandiri JCB Precious Card, customers will earn double points for transactions at Japan Dining Festival, Shopping Festival, and Travel Festival tenants. Customers should first register and make transactions with a minimum cumulative amount of IDR 10 million per month to earn 1 lottery point. Lottery points increase for every IDR 5 million of cumulative transactions made in the same month. They are only valid for retail, PowerBuy and QRIS transactions. The lucky draw program will run until January 2025.Japan Dining Festival is a dining program that offers up to a 25% discount at more than 100 various premium Japanese merchants in Indonesia. Not only national merchants but also regional/local merchants i.e., Bali, Surabaya, Palembang, Medan, Malang, Kediri and Bandung. In line with this, Shopping Festival also gives cashback up to 20% at its merchant partners. Currently, 10% cashback of up to IDR 1.5 million is available for a transaction of a minimum of IDR 4 million at Japan Premium Outlet (Gotemba, Rinku, Tosu and Shisui). The cashback is valid once per day per customer until 31 July 2024. Further 10% cashback of up to JPY 5.000 is offered on purchase of a minimum of JPY 50.000 at Japan Premium Outlet (Gotemba, Rinku, Tosu and Shisui).Moreover, there are special travel-related programs, starting with a bonus drink and a donut at Krispy Kreme in the departure area of Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta Airport for Mandiri JCB cardholders traveling on international flights. The cardholders can also enjoy discounts of up to 50% not only in Indonesia but also in the UAE, i.e., a 50% discount on Burj Khalifa tickets, a discount of up to 20% on famous attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a 10% discount on UAE Tourist Visa fees and a 25% discount on Metro Card (NOL Card) limited to 4 cards per member.Takumi Takahashi, President Director, PT JCB International Indonesia, said, Japan Festival Program Campaign is a really good initiative to pamper Mandiri JCB cardholders in many aspects such as dining, shopping, travel and transactions, not only in Indonesia but also in other countries. JCB is proud to partner with PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk and launch this campaign. We hope that Mandiri JCB Japan Festival can bring satisfaction and cardholders can enjoy the experience of a complete journey with the Mandiri JCB Precious Card. For more information: bmri.id/jcbjapanfest About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 49 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 158 million card members. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ ContactKosuke OchiaiCorporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@ info.jcb.co.jp About PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) TbkBank Mandiri is one of the leading banks in Indonesia with financial services to customers covering the business segments of Corporate, Institutional Relations, Commercial, Micro & SME, Consumer Banking, Treasury and International Banking. Bank Mandiri currently synergizes with various member companies of the Mandiri Group financial conglomerate to provide various products and services and support its main business, namely: Mandiri Sekuritas (capital market services and services), Bank Syariah Indonesia (sharia banking), Bank Mandiri Taspen/Mantap (MSME loans), AXA-Mandiri Financial Services (life insurance), Mandiri InHealth (health insurance), Mandiri Tunas Finance (financing services), Mandiri Utama Finance (financing services), Mandiri International Remittance (remittances), Mandiri Europe (treasury & financial institution), Mandiri Capital Indonesia (venture capital financing), and Mitra Transaksi Indonesia (online bank payment point). Through this collaboration, all members of the Mandiri Group financial conglomerate have solid performance and become major players in their respective business segments.In business expansion, Bank Mandiri continues to develop digital banking services and products that are able to meet the various needs of corporate and retail customers. Kopra by Mandiri is a digital solution for national industries that unites corporations to small and medium enterprises in a digital single access ecosystem that is very easy and solutive such as Cash Management, Forex, Trade & Guarantee, Supply Chain Management, Virtual Account to integrated financial solutions based on Application Programming Interface (API). Meanwhile, digital retail services include the Livin' by Mandiri application, Mandiri e-money prepaid cards, and artificial intelligence-based information services Mandiri Intelligent Assistant (MITA) on Bank Mandiri's official WhatsApp account at +62 811-84-14000.As of December 2023, Bank Mandiri's network has spread throughout Indonesia, including 2,301 branch offices and Smart Branch by Mandiri. Bank Mandiri's distribution services are also equipped with 13,028 units of ATMs, CRM and CSM connected to ATM Link, ATM Bersama, ATM Prima and Visa/Plus, Electronic Data Capture (EDC) and e-banking networks including New Livin' by Mandiri, SMS Banking and Call Center 14000.Detailed information about Bank Mandiri can be accessed through www.bankmandiri.co.id
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With updated audiovisual solutions from a leading AV solutions provider, the council chamber's recent technology enhances collaboration, engagement, and effectiveness for municipal meetings.MESA, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / To improve service delivery and operational efficiency, a town, home to a quarter-million people, in Arizona collaborated with Level 3 Audiovisual, a leading AV systems integrator, to overhaul the technology in its municipal council chambers. The project reflects many of the universal challenges that government entities face due to outdated AV technology, including service delivery delays, hindered collaboration, and security vulnerabilities.Government leaders in this growing town sought to address the outdated technology and various inefficiencies caused by operational hindrances. By applying modern, cost-effective AV solutions, they updated the council chambers technology, paving the way for more streamlined operations and providing a more engaging and supportive platform for legal professionals and citizens alike.To modernize the council chambers, an array of audiovisual solutions was implemented, including a state-of-the-art 4x4 video wall and four 85" LED displays strategically positioned for maximum visibility. Each of the fourteen council members now enjoys a 15" preview monitor at their seat, ensuring a seamless view of content. The delegate discussion system features microphones and voting capabilities at each seat. Additionally, the room is equipped with HD PTZ cameras for comprehensive coverage, a sophisticated audio system, and intuitive touch control panels.The decision to upgrade the AV technology in the municipal council chambers was strategic, aimed at enhancing efficiency and optimizing the functionality of court facilities for both staff and citizens. With the assistance of Level 3 Audiovisual, AV solutions were successfully implemented to elevate council chamber proceedings, ensuring seamless operations, improved accessibility, and a more engaging experience for all participants."At Level 3 Audiovisual, our mission is to empower communities with cutting-edge AV solutions that transcend traditional boundaries. The transformation of the municipal council chamber exemplifies our commitment to enhancing public services through innovation," said Jeff Bethke, Chief Business Officer. "It's been a privilege to be part of this journey toward a more connected and productive community." This town's technology overhaul sets a standard for other municipal council chambers needing to address outdated technology. Legacy systems hinder the municipality's daily operations and become a financial burden to maintain. Updating technology addresses the challenges of traditional meeting spaces by facilitating seamless collaboration and idea exchange among legal professionals and citizens, thereby enhancing productivity and engagement.By adopting advanced AV technology to support legal proceedings, municipalities can cultivate a collaborative environment. This transformation exemplifies how the upgraded council chamber not only enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of legal processes but also facilitates improved communication with citizens. Through timely and accessible information dissemination, the upgraded technology ensures a more engaging and informative experience for all involved. Ultimately, this modernization of AV technology not only enhances public services but also aligns with the evolving needs of the community."Witnessing the impact of their municipal council chamber upgrade reinforces our commitment to being a catalyst for change in municipalities," said Jeff Bethke. "We are not just solving common challenges-we're setting a precedent for progress, and we're excited to extend this impact to other growing communities." Many studies underscore the pressing need for government agencies to upgrade their AV technology. Employees often spend considerable time troubleshooting and dealing with outdated technology issues, resulting in decreased productivity and morale.According to a report from the Ponemon Institute, over 60% of IT managers have expressed concerns about the security vulnerabilities associated with outdated technology, including potential data breaches and cyberattacks.There is a growing recognition of the role AV technology plays in enhancing operations and services. A 2021 survey conducted by the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) revealed that 57% of government organizations plan to increase their AV budgets and upgrade AV technology.In another 2021 survey conducted by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), 49% of respondents cited the physical distance to a courthouse as a problem. This underscores the clear need for municipal courts to improve service delivery through the adoption of better technology.The Government Accountability Office reports that many of the federal government's legacy technology systems require modernization. The cost of operating and maintaining old technology surpasses that of upgrading the systems and updating AV capabilities enhances work and services, including:Video conferencing: Incorporating a camera, display, microphone, speaker, and web-based conferencing application like Skype or Zoom.Live streaming: Many government agencies and entities must make their meetings accessible to the public and record them for later viewing.Wireless presentation: Libraries, city council chambers, and public schools and universities can offer professional-grade presentations without the added cost and hassle of cables, connectors, and adapters.Assistive listening: Meeting legal accessibility requirements ensures participants can hear various proceedings.Secure systems: Security is a paramount concern for government entities managing classified information. Prioritizing AV solutions with professional security features and constant monitoring support helps protect sensitive information.In conclusion, the transformation of this municipal council chamber exemplifies the impactful partnership between Level 3 Audiovisual and the town. By implementing state-of-the-art AV solutions, the council chamber not only improves operational efficiency but also fosters a more collaborative and engaging environment for all stakeholders involved. This initiative sets a precedent for technological advancement in municipal settings, underscoring the commitment to innovation and progress in serving the community's needs.For more information, please visit https://level3av.com/municipal-council-chambers-av About Level 3 AudiovisualLevel 3 Audiovisual is a global AV services leader with a mission: to help individuals and organizations reach their greatest potential. Its dedication to
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 04:50:54

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NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until June 24, 2024to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between November 4, 2020 and November 2, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Lincoln National and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-lnc/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byJune 24, 2024 .About the LawsuitLincoln National and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On November 2, 2022, post-market, the Company released its 3Q 2022 financial results, disclosing a net loss of $2.6 billion for the quarter, compared to a net income of $318 million for the third quarter of 2021 the previous year, due to "net unfavorable notable items of $2.0 billion, or $11.62 per share, related to the company's annual review of DAC and reserve assumptions," and that the Company "incurred a $634 million goodwill impairment to the life insurance business." On this news, the price of Lincoln's shares fell by $17.27, or 33.2%, to close at $34.83 per share on November 3, 2022, on unusually heavy trading volume.The case is Meade v. Lincoln National Corporation, et al., No. 24-cv-01704.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partner lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com 1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 19:00:26

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HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Wallis Bank proudly announces its recent accolades, notably being named the #1 Largest Houston-Area Small Business Administration (SBA) Lender for 2024 by total loan volume. With an impressive total loan volume exceeding $724 million, Wallis Bank has solidified its position as a leading financial institution dedicated to empowering small businesses in the Houston region.Being recognized as the #1 Largest Houston-Area SBA Lender for 2024 highlights Wallis Bank's steadfast commitment to being a reliable financial ally for small businesses. With an impressive $500 million lead over the runner-up, this acknowledgment further solidifies the bank's standing as a frontrunner in empowering small business growth.Wallis Bank's commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within the Houston community is exemplified through its unwavering support of small businesses. By leveraging the SBA's 7(a) program, Wallis Bank has enabled countless entrepreneurs to overcome financial hurdles and thrive in today's competitive business landscape.In addition to this recognition, Wallis Bank has secured its position among the top 3 in the nation on ICBA's Best-Performing Banks of 2024 with assets exceeding $1 billion. This dual acknowledgment underscores Wallis Bank's dedication to excellence and its pivotal role in driving economic growth and prosperity in the communities it serves. ICBA compiled this year's rankings to recognize community banks in the U.S. that are consistently high performers. Using FDIC data, they considered pretax return-on-assets (ROA) figures from the past three years, weighted the ROAs based on their respective years, and then divided them into three broad segments based on asset size.As Wallis Bank celebrates these significant accomplishments, it reaffirms its commitment to championing small businesses, fueling innovation, and fostering prosperity in its local communities.For more information about Wallis Bank and its comprehensive financial solutions for small businesses, please visit www.wallisbank.com About Wallis Bank: Wallis Bank is a full-service community bank dedicated to serving clients on the highest level. The Bank was established in 1906 in Wallis, Texas. Since then, the company underwent expansion with the addition of new locations in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Phoenix. The Bank continues to expand its offering of digital products and services with an enhanced customer experience. Wallis Bank has consistently been named the #1 SBA Lender in the Houston District and continues to collect many other accolades along the way.Media Contact: Harley HuroskyMarketing Coordinator harley.hurosky@wallisbank.com 713-715-9993Contact InformationHarley HuroskyMarketing Coordinatorharley.hurosky@wallisbank.com 713-715-9993SOURCE: Wallis BankView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 15:04:21

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Empower Your Teams Worldwide with Inclusive Corporate Giving Beyond BordersBOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Millie, a leader in corporate giving solutions, is excited to announce the launch of new features in its corporate giving software. These enhancements are designed to simplify the way companies engage in philanthropy on a global scale, overcoming barriers of distance, currency, and language to empower employees everywhere and support nonprofits worldwide.Founder and CEO of Millie, Rachel Klausner, stated, "We are seeing a shift in corporate trends. This is game-changing for us to be able to remove boundaries for our customers so we can support all of their employees and initiatives everywhere." Experience the Power of Global Corporate GivingMillie's upgraded platform allows corporations to access 7 million nonprofits globally, providing opportunities for meaningful contributions regardless of location. Whether it's Paris, France, or Paris, Texas, employees can easily navigate the extensive international nonprofit database to discover and support causes that matter to them.Seamless Currency Support Across BordersIn today's interconnected world, Millie's software now includes robust currency options, enabling employees to contribute in their local currencies effortlessly. From the bustling streets of Sydney to the vibrant metropolis of Singapore, facilitating contributions and payments has never been easier. This update eliminates currency barriers, fostering seamless collaboration and inclusivity across borders.Swift Action During International EmergenciesIn times of international crises, Millie's platform enables companies to rally their teams around global giving efforts. With an international CSR program in place, employees can support global causes in real time, providing crucial aid during emergencies. This feature empowers employees to make a tangible impact when it is needed most.Global Vetting for Peace of MindMillie's partnership with Percent ensures that all nonprofits supported through the platform meet strict eligibility criteria. This rigorous vetting process provides companies with peace of mind, knowing they are supporting legitimate and impactful global nonprofits without the hassle of navigating international eligibility complexities.About MillieMillie is dedicated to advancing corporate giving and volunteering through innovative technology solutions. Our platform empowers companies to make a global impact, fostering a culture of philanthropy that transcends borders and unites teams in the pursuit of a better world. With Millie, corporate giving is more accessible, inclusive, and impactful than ever before.For more information about Millie's new software capabilities or to schedule a demo, please visit milliegiving.com Join us in making a difference, everywhere and for everyone. With Millie, the power of global corporate giving is at your fingertips.Contact InformationJulie KietzmanMarketing Leadjulie@ milliegiving.com 8153830933SOURCE: MillieView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 20:00:28

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New Offering Ensures Secure and Compliant Collaboration for Agencies and ContractorsATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 /Momentum, a leading global managed services provider, is excited to announce the availability of PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) Calling and Conferencing services for Microsoft Teams for Government Community Cloud (GCC) High. This release marks a significant milestone in providing secure, reliable, and compliant collaboration solutions tailored for U.S. government agencies and contractors.Momentum logo The GCC High environment is designed to meet the unique and stringent security and compliance requirements of government agencies. With the addition of PSTN Calling and Conferencing to this environment, government entities can now leverage the powerful collaboration tools of Teams while ensuring compliance with the highest security standards.Key Features of Momentum PSTN Calling and Conferencing for Microsoft Teams GCC High include:Enhanced Security and Compliance: Microsoft GCC High's PSTN and conference calling ensure that all communication meets stringent government security and compliance standards, providing a secure environment for sensitive and classified information.Seamless Communication: With PSTN integration, users can make and receive traditional phone calls directly within Microsoft Teams, facilitating smooth and uninterrupted communication with external stakeholders, partners, and clients.Robust Conference Calling Features: Microsoft GCC High offers advanced conference calling capabilities, including high-definition audio and video, screen sharing, and real-time collaboration tools, enhancing productivity and collaboration for remote and hybrid teams.Reliable and Scalable Solutions: The platform delivers reliable and scalable communication solutions tailored for government organizations, ensuring consistent performance and the ability to support growing communication needs without compromising on quality or security.We are thrilled to offer PSTN Calling and Conferencing for Microsoft GCC High to our government customers," said Rick Garcia, EVP of Product and Modern Work at Momentum. "This addition underscores our commitment to providing secure and compliant collaboration solutions that empower all businesses, including government agencies, to achieve their mission-critical objectives with confidence." Attendees of the upcoming Commsverse Microsoft Teams conference in London can learn more about Momentum's Microsoft Teams offerings, including PSTN Calling and Conferencing for GCC High by visiting booth #312. Our team of experts will be on hand to answer any questions about how our secure and compliant collaboration solutions can benefit government agencies.About Momentum:Momentum is a leading global managed cloud services provider, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions including global connectivity, MS Teams, and managed network solutions including SD-WAN. With a customer-centric approach and history of delivering exceptional results, Momentum empowers businesses to thrive in today's modern workplace. Learn more at gomomentum.com Media Contact:bhildreth@ gomomentum.com Contact InformationElizabeth Hildreth VP, Marketingbhildreth@ gomomentum.com SOURCE: MomentumView the original press release on newswire.com
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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Net Savings Link, Inc. (OTC Pink:NSAV), a leading Web3, blockchain and digital asset technology company, announced today a strategic development partnership with Himalaya Technologies, Inc. (OTC Pink:HMLA).Under the agreement, NSAVx.com will provide technology development and social media management services to Himalaya Technologies. Effective immediately, NSAVx.com , through its partnership with DiVinciPay.com , will integrate the EVEREST token within the DiVinciPay payment ecosystem. NSAVx.com previously developed the EverestLPP.com , an autonomous liquidity pool (LP) platform that links capital to pre-approved token projects and the EVEREST Token for Himalaya. For more information on the EVEREST platform, visit https://www.everestlpp.com As part of the rebranding initiative, NSAVx.com will overhaul all social media accounts for Himalaya to enhance brand awareness and product equity. Himalaya will announce the new social media handles by June 7, 2024.Additionally, Net Savings Link, Inc. has executed a joint venture partnership agreement with Himalaya Technologies, Inc. Under this partnership, pre-approved NSAVx.com token listings, will be funded using the Himalaya ( EVERESTlpp.com) application. All fees generated from EVERESTlpp.com funding will be equally split between the two parties.NSAV released the following statement, "To have a viable project in today's crypto marketplace, we believe the blending of CEX and DEX applications is the next migration for the Internet of Things. By partnering with Ryan and the HMLA team, we are confident this structure will bring us one step closer to achieving our goals." Ryan Nguyen, CEO of HMLA, "At present, NSAVx.com is adding approximately 10 new listings per month. By partnering with Kevin and his NSAVx.com developers, we project that the total LP fees derived will range between $500,000 and $1,000,000 per project. Given the agreed split between our firms, we see this as a growing revenue stream for both companies." Please make sure to join both companies Discord channels for real-time updates:NSAVx: https://discord.gg/rnwszGvAjD HMLA: https://discord.gg/7A5esEx9Et 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.About Himalaya Technologies: (OTC: HMLA), Himalaya Technologies is a technology development company dedicated to nurturing and launching innovative projects enhanced by blockchain and AI resources.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 anduncertainties, 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.Contact Net Savings Link, Inc. info@ nsavholdinginc.com Media ContactOrganization: Net Savings Link IncContact Person: James TiltonWebsite: https://www.nsavholdinginc.com Email: info@ nsavholdinginc.comContact Number: +17185698815Address: 26 Grosvenor Street, MayfairAddress 2: W1K4QWCity: LondonCountry: United KingdomSOURCE: Net Savings Link Inc.
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 /Pegasus Resources Inc. (TSXV:PEGA)(FRA:0QS0)(OTC PINK:SLTFF) (the "Company" or "Pegasus") has retained Dahrouge Geological Consulting USA Ltd. ("Dahrouge") to complete a preliminary geological model based on detailed geological mapping and sampling completed on the Company's Energy Sands project (the "Property") located in Utah in Q1 2024 (see press releases dated Jan. 16, Jan. 30 and Mar 25, 2024). The outcome of the ground program provided a detailed geological map inclusive of lithologies, geological structure, mineralization style and controls, along with confirmation of paleochannel structures controlling the uranium and vanadium mineralization present on the Property. Dahrouge used this collected data in conjunction with the 2015 Utah Geological Survey regional map and stratigraphic column (Doelling et al., 2015) as a reference framework to build a preliminary geological model to support Pegasus' permitting efforts for the planned upcoming drill program in 2024.The generation of the geological model was a crucial step in understanding the Property's geology and mineralization. This preliminary geological model was then used as a basis to define drill targets for the planned drill program and support and submittal of a Notice of Intent to the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") Price, Utah Field Office. As part of the Notice of Intent submittal, all surface disturbances (access roads, drill pads, etc.) must be defined and presented to the BLM.During the generation of the geological model and a Notice of Intent filing, Pegasus was provided with historical drilling data completed on the Property in 1975. This data was inclusive of a drillhole location map, geological logs, downhole geophysical surveys (presented in counts per minute "CPM") and interval analytical values for uranium and vanadium from eleven (11) drillholes. Dahrouge completed a data compilation and review of the geological logs and drilling location map to evaluate their consistency to what was observed in the field during the mapping campaign. The drillhole map was then georeferenced based on available data, such as topography and state plain section corner, to determine relative historical drillhole locations (Figure 1). The historical drillholes have been overlain on the preliminary geological model to evaluate consistency of the historical logs to the detailed mapping completed during Q1 2024.During the data compilation, Dahrouge also evaluated how the historical analytical results compared to surface grab and paleochannel mineralization. As previously highlighted in (March 25, 2024, press release), the field samples from the area of historical drilling returned values of 3.55% U3O8 and 5.34% V2O5. The historical data in conjunction with geological and analytical data collected by Dahrouge, does provide direct insight into potential mineralization on the Property. The results outlined in Table 1, do provide guidance to interpreted mineralized paleochannel and will be used to help guide future drilling campaigns.Hole IDFrom(feet)To(feet)Length(feet)From(m)To(m)Length(m)CPMV2O5(%)U3O8(%)75-11517.52.54.65.30.8100000.0143.4175-2121.53.72.1100000.5830.50775-312.5152.53.84.60.845000.892.1675-31517.52.54.65.30.860000.5961.8775-62.52.50.00.80.81000.0890.39Table 1: Historical Drillhole InformationIn reviewing the historical drillhole data and geologic interpretations, Dahrouge surmised that the historic drill program was following a trend that was interpreted as paleochannel hosting mineralization. This trend matches the structural measurements and mineralization trend hypothesis from Dahrouge's recent mapping program, helping us to target possible mineral-hosting paleochannels extending throughout the Property (Figure 1). This historic data provides key geological information and when combined with data collected from surface mapping and sampling, guides the generation of the preliminary geological model and drillhole targeting.Figure 1: Map of interpreted paleochannel that historical drilling targetedFigure 2: ESRS-007 sample outcrop.Figure 3: An annotated picture depicting the sedimentary structures that make up the mineralized paleochannels on the Energy Sands Project.NI 43-101 DisclosureThe technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jacob Anderson, CPG, MAusIMM, who is a Resource Geologist for Dahrouge Geological Consulting USA Ltd., and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, who has prepared and/or reviewed the content of this press release.The results discussed in this document are historical. Pegasus nor the qualified person have performed sufficient work or data verification of the historical data. Although the historical results may not be reliable, the Company nevertheless believes that they provide an indication of the Property's potential and are relevant for any future exploration program.ReferencesDoelling, H.H., Kuehne, P.A., Willis, G.C., Ehler, J.B., 2015, Geologic map of the San Rafael desert 30' x 60' quadrangle, Emery and Grand counties, Utah, Utah Department of Natural Resources.About Pegasus Resources Inc.Pegasus Resources Inc. is a diversified Junior Canadian Mineral Exploration Company with a focus on uranium, gold, and base metal properties in North America. The Company is also actively pursuing the right opportunity in other resources to enhance shareholder value. For additional information, please visit the Company at www.pegasusresourcesinc.com On Behalf of the Board of Directors:Christian TimminsPresident, CEO and DirectorPegasus Resources Inc.700 - 838 West Hastings StreetVancouver, BC V6C 0A6PH: 1-403-597-3410X: https://twitter.com/MrChris_Timmins X: https://twitter.com/pegasusresinc E: info@ pegasusresourcesinc.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward Looking StatementsStatements included in this announcement, including statements concerning the Company's plans, intentions, and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those
The activist is among the one in nine Australian women who suffer from the debilitating disease.

Grace Tame has revealed she's one of the millions of Aussie women who suffer from endometriosis. Source: Instagram/tamepunk

Grace Tame has revealed an unexpected health diagnosis, after years of suffering in pain. The activist, and former Australian of the Year, said after years of dismissing her symptoms, including pelvic pain and vomiting, she's been diagnosed with endometriosis.

Tame, a vocal activist for survivors of sexual assault, is among the one in nine Australian women and girls who suffer from the sometimes debilitating disease which, according to Endometriosis Australia, mostly affects the reproductive organs.

She announced the news in a post on Instagram this morning, revealing she recently underwent surgery to remove the endometriosis from her bowel, pelvic walls and sacral ligaments.

For the longest time, Tame said she dismissed her symptoms as a result of "persistent sexual abuse" she endured when she 15-years-old. But only recently discovered what had been causing her pain.

"Its easy to fall into the trap of internalising trauma to our detriment," she said. "I always assumed persistent sexual abuse alone caused my chronic pelvic pain, and learned to disassociate from most of it.

"The episodes of violent sickness I put down to food poisoning. That is, until the end of 2022, when I began vomiting weekly into early 2023.

"After negative screenings for Crohns, coeliac and IBD, my cousin Morgan encouraged me to see a gynaecologist for the first time in over a decade."

Grace Tame was screened for various other illnesses before finding out she suffered from the common disease. Source: AAP

After the gynaecologist suspected endometriosis, she underwent surgery on May 24. "Surgery went smoothly, and as I write this, I cant help but feel extremely grateful to be where I am, even if removal isnt the panacea for this disease, she said, hoping to raise more awareness for the disease.

Endometriosis-related hospitalisations on the rise in Australia

Endometriosis is a progressive, chronic condition that affects nearly one million Australian girls and women, or about one in nine women, according to Healthdirect. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside the uterus and can be painful and debilitating.

Symptoms can include abdominal pain, heavy periods, feeling bloated and infertility.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), there were 40,500 endometriosis-related hospitalisations in 202122  representing 312 hospitalisations per 100,000 females. This rate has doubled among females aged 2024 in the past decade, from 330 hospitalisations per 100,000 females in 201112 to 660 per 100,000 in 202122.

Big change announced in federal budget

In May's federal budget, the government announced a $49.1m investment into tackling endometriosis. From July 1, 2025, women suffering from the debilitating disease will have longer specialist consultations of 45 minutes or more covered under Medicare.

"We've seen increased rebates for patients, women who have endometriosis and chronic pain, and that's very important. It tells us that the government values women," AMA President, Professor Steve Robson said of the change in May.

Health economist Professor Richard Norman added: "Additional Medicare items for endometriosis are sensible and will help to address the lack of services in the area."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
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La Salle Academy and Airline Hydraulics Celebrate the Success of Their PLC Programming Course, Igniting 7th Graders' Interest in EngineeringPHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 /La Salle Academy, a private, independent catholic grade school in North Philadelphia, celebrates its successful partnership with Airline Hydraulics, a local manufacturing company founded 75 years ago in Philadelphia, for an educational after-school STEM program designed for 7th graders. The program, led by an Application Technology Specialist at Airline Hydraulics, gave students hands-on experience in the basics of programming industrial computer systems called Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).Philadelphia's La Salle Academy Students Celebrate Successful After-School STEM Program Philadelphia's La Salle Academy Celebrates Successful After-School STEM Program with Local Manufacturer, Airline Hydraulics Program HighlightsThe STEM program introduced students to the basic concepts of PLC programming. It began with the fundamentals of wiring and assembling electronic components and explaining the difference between DC electronics and AC power. Throughout the course, students learned how to program a traffic light intersection simulator.Ed Brogan, the program leader, shared his excitement: "The students are wonderful. It was an enjoyable experience, especially after a long school day; we would get up and move to the application room for hands-on activities. That was the key to the class - it had to be hands-on." The program's practical applications made complex concepts relatable to the students. In addition to the traffic light demo, they learned how to write programs to stimulate a mixer, like those used in making slushies at convenience stores. This method ensures students are learning and thoroughly engaging with the material.Student ExperiencesStudents loved the program. Sherrell, a participant, said, "For me, it was really about the building. Once I figured out how to program it, it was less confusing. Mr. Brogan explained it well, and I got the hang of it." Angel, another student, shared, "It was really great. We did programs to make a traffic light, and it was actually kind of fun. It took a lot of work, but it was worth it." Community ImpactMichael ShackelfordPena-Taylor II, a 7th-grade teacher at La Salle Academy, emphasized the program's importance: "This was a great experience for the class. It was a blessing that Airline Hydraulics could come in and do this for us. It helped kickstart our engineering curriculum and opened up new possibilities for our students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields." The program ended with a pizza-party celebration featuring professionals from Airline Hydraulics, who shared inspiring stories about their career paths and demonstrated the use of a 3D printer, which left the students intrigued and excited about engineering.Looking ForwardDue to its impact on the students, Airline Hydraulics will return to La Salle Academy for the next school year, teaching a different 15-week course to 15-30 7th-grade students. For more information about La Salle Academy and Airline Hydraulics' future programs, please visit airlinehyd.com/celebrating-75 or contact Olivia Lynch, Marketing Associate at Airline Hydraulics.About La Salle AcademyOpened in 2003, La Salle Academy exclusively serves children from low-income families in West Kensington and Philadelphia, from grades three through eight, focusing on small class sizes and an extended school calendar. Entirely supported by donations, the school charges a nominal tuition fee and emphasizes values like Peacefulness, Responsibility, Consistency, Motivation, and Respect.About Airline HydraulicsAirline Hydraulics is a leading provider of hydraulic, pneumatic, automation, and control products. With 75 years of industry expertise, they are committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to their clients.Contact Information:Olivia LynchMarketing Assistantolynch@ airlinehyd.com 267 541 1808Related VideoSOURCE: Airline Hydraulics CorporationView the original press release on newswire.com
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HOLLYWOOD, MD / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Platform Aerospace has successfully completed an Arctic flight campaign for a DoD customer. Vanilla flew two flights totaling more than 65 hours in the Arctic Circle, including operations north of the 78th parallel.Vanilla flew in the Arctic environment for 39 hours continuously.In September 2023, the Vanilla Ultra-Long Endurance UAS carried a metrological sensor suite to measure environmental conditions in the Arctic and to validate Vanilla's aircraft icing detection systems and mitigation strategy.Operating from Deadhorse, Alaska, Vanilla flew over 500 miles toward the North Pole and back, for a round-trip of over 1,000 miles in 17 hours. Afterward, Vanilla continued data collection, using multiple 200-mile laps, for another 22 hours. This was a single un-refueled flight of 39 total hours. A second flight of 26 hours increased Vanilla's flight time to 65 hours operating north of the 70th parallel.During the flights, cloud and icing warnings were provided in real-time to our UAS operators. The Atmospheric Sensing and Prediction Sensor (ASAPS) from PEMDAS Technologies & Innovation, takes high-quality measurements of pressure, temperature, and humidity to provide icing potential to our UAS operators. This system was invaluable for both the science objectives and for giving operators confidence in the actual conditions around the aircraft."Vanilla's performance is ideal for environmental monitoring missions, such as this demonstration of flying multiple sensors to the polar ice cap," says Dr. Dan Edwards, Chief Technology Officer of Platform Aerospace.Takeoffs were performed under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with a chase escort to warning area airspace. On both flights, conditions at the airfield unexpectedly deteriorated to Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). In one instance, Vanilla stayed on mission for an additional 22 hours awaiting better weather before filing an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan for the area navigation (RNAV) approach with the assistance of the FAA. This event illustrates the power of Vanilla's Ultra-Long Endurance to mitigate bad weather and demonstrated integration with the processes and procedures of the National Airspace System (NAS).Vanilla is an Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) Program.About Platform AerospacePlatform Aerospace is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) specializing in disruptive UAS technologies and rapid aircraft modification. We are a 30-year-old aviation engineering and manufacturing company and owner of the world-record-setting Group 3 UAS, Vanilla.If you are interested in learning more, please contact bd@ platformaero.com or visit our website at https://platformaerospace.com/ Contact Information:Allegra FloresMarketingbd@ platformaero.com 301-863-9253Paula MarloweMarketing and Growth Managermarketing@ platformaero.com 301.863.9253, ext. 607Related FilesVanilla UAS Flies 1K Miles in the Arctic (Jun 2024)SOURCE: Platform AerospaceView the original press release on newswire.com
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ITASCA, IL / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Robertshaw, a global leader in control components for the appliance industry, today announced a significant milestone - expanding their reach into the New Zealand market through a partnership with System Control Engineering, a leading provider of industrial automation and control solutions.Robertshaw products available in New Zealand through System Control Engineering Robertshaw products available in New Zealand through System Control EngineeringPaul Rimes, Executive General Manager of System Control Engineering, says this milestone is significant because it allows them to offer a wider range of best-in-class solutions to their customers, including popular Robertshaw products like the 7000 Series Gas Valve, M Series infinite switches for electric cooking equipment, and ST Thermostats for water heaters."We are thrilled to partner with Robertshaw to bring their industry-respected products to New Zealand," says Rimes. "Our customers can now access a comprehensive selection of control components from one trusted supplier, streamlining their procurement process and ensuring they receive the best possible solutions for their needs." This partnership also benefits Robertshaw by expanding their reach into the New Zealand market through a well-established and respected distributor."System Control Engineering's strong reputation and technical expertise make them the ideal partner for Robertshaw in New Zealand," says Marc Speigel, VP of Sales at Robertshaw. "We are confident that this partnership will allow us to better serve our customers in the region and provide them with the exceptional support they deserve." The availability of Robertshaw products in New Zealand through System Control Engineering is effective June 1, 2024.About RobertshawRobertshaw is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of control components for the appliance industry. Robertshaw delivers advanced flow control components and systems for water, gas, and other fluids to help build extraordinary products that improve safety, comfort, health, and happiness. Browse Robertshaw's complete line of products on System Control Engineering's website: https://www.systemcontrol.co.nz/robertshaw Contact: sales@ systemcontrol.co.nz Contact Information:Katie KretschmarMarketing Managerkatie.kretschmar@robertshaw.com 847-284-0266SOURCE: RobertshawView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 14:15:48

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / RONN Inc. (OTC PINK:RONN) announced today that it had received a formal VIP invitation to the second annual Geneva Supercar Show, presented in conjunction with Franck Muller, watchmaker at his stunning factory in Geneva, Switzerland.Ronn Ford, company CEO, said we thank our longtime friend Manoj Bairstow, show director, for this prestigious invitation. Taking part in this event puts Mr. Ford at the heart of a network of prestigious brands, industry professionals, and global investors. The opportunities for collaboration, partnership, investments, and exchange of ideas are endless. We will be connected with peers and influential players in the automotive world, opening the door to fruitful alliances.Manoj Bairstow, event director, stated that It is with great excitement that we invite Ronn Ford to be part of an exceptional automotive adventure: the Geneva Supercar Show 2024. www.genevasupercarshow.com . We invite you to a unique experience in Switzerland, an event that transcends the boundaries of motoring and luxury.Manoj added that we first met Mr. Ford in Monaco. During our event, we welcomed a select VIP clientele attracted by Franck Muller's reputation in Geneva and the passion for unique vehicles that reign in our region. This exceptional turnout has created an environment conducive to exchanges, business opportunities, and high-level partnerships. Franck Muller's international reputation and its attachment to Geneva make it a partner of choice, guaranteeing a targeted and demanding clientele.The Geneva Supercar Show is more than just a motoring event; it's a celebration of exclusivity. We bring together supercars that embody the pinnacle of engineering, innovation, and prestige and, in the future, the world debut of the RONN Inc. hydrogen supercar.For media inquiries, please contact:For more information, go towww.ronnmotorgroup.comor contact John Morgan atjmorgan@ ronnmotorgroup.com About RONN, Inc RONN, Inc. is a forward-thinking company dedicated to making a positive impact on the environmental credit market. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability in the commercialization of Hydrogen in both mobile and stationary sectors, RONN, Inc. strives to create value for both its shareholders and the planet.Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the success of RONN, Inc. initiatives in the hydrogen tax credit market. RONN, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.SOURCE: RONN Inc.
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DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 /Sendero, a full-service management consulting firm, is pleased to announce its official partnership with UKG, a leading provider of HR, payroll, workforce management, and culture solutions across all industries. With more than 350 technology and services partners, UKG provides one of the largest and most collaborative partner ecosystems in the human capital management (HCM) industry.Sendero Partners With UKG to Enhance Delivery of Human Capital Management Solutions As a Solution Delivery Partner (SDP), Sendero will provide project management, implementation, and change management expertise to UKG customers who select the UKG Pro suite, specializing in HR and payroll. This will include health checks, which will allow customers to gain valuable insight into their operational efficiency, identify areas of opportunity, and optimize strategies for sustained growth and success. Joint customers will receive streamlined implementations, expert support, and precise outcomes. Additionally, Sendero's holistic understanding of business operations and full-service management consulting services will ensure that all project goals are realized on time and within budget."This partnership is a representation of the inherent value of strategic alliances in today's business landscape," said Jeff Schar, Managing Director and Alliances Lead at Sendero. "We're excited about this partnership because of the synergies it will bring, which will in turn lead to better results for our clients using UKG products." This alliance enhances joint customers' people strategies. Sendero's expertise in executing technology projects to support business needs, combined with UKG's mission to inspire every organization to become a great place to work through technology built for all, creates a seamless, people-centric approach. Sendero's decision to partner with UKG reiterates its commitment to providing tailored consulting services to address the unique needs of each customer it serves."By combining our certified consulting methodologies with UKG's cutting-edge HCM technology, we can offer organizations the support needed to optimize their workforce management operations," said Kyle Berry, Principal and HCM Practice Lead at Sendero."The UKG partner ecosystem delivers best-in-class technology and services empowering customers to inspire their employees and improve business outcomes," said Greg Jones, Vice President of Strategic Alliances at UKG. "Partners like Sendero help us achieve our mission of ensuring every organization can be a great place to work." For more information about their partnership with UKG, please visit Sendero's UKG Marketplace profile.About Sendero Sendero is a full-service management consulting firm focused on one thing: empowering rapid, significant, and measurable results. Sendero's experts provide guidance in strategic planning, digital transformation, and organizational effectiveness across a variety of industries to enable large and mid-sized companies to implement fundamental transformation. Since its founding in 2004, Sendero has routinely been recognized as a best place to work by employees, USA Today Top Workplaces, and The Dallas Morning News. With offices in Austin, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, and Phoenix, Sendero is focused on making an impact for their clients and community.Contact InformationLauren WellsMarketing Senior Managerpress@ senderoconsulting.com (972) 388-5806SOURCE: Sendero ConsultingView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-06-04 20:00:24

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Relaunch to further strengthen $Sharbi and its value proposition for investorsAUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / The Sharbi team today launched $Sharbi's new Ethereum (ETH) contract on the ETH blockchain platform at 2pm UTC. The multichain "Queen of Memes," $Sharbi came to life in January 2023 and reached a $20 million all-time high (ATH) on Ethereum and a $20 million ATH on Arbitrum.Today, the tight-knit Sharbi team is taking a bold step by combining supply on Arbitrum and Ethereum into a single optimized contract on Ethereum. A perk for investors, the Sharbi team will be refunding Ethereum gas fees with extra supply at relaunch, showing its dedication to rewarding its loyal community. The decision to relaunch and merge supply, driven by the Sharbi's Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) team, aims to streamline operations and enhance overall value for holders."Today's strategic move promises to bring significant benefits to the Sharbi community and marks a new chapter in the project's journey," commented Andrew Rosemond, Sharbi Core Team Member and a DAO Administrator for Sharbi. "This evolution is aimed at making $Sharbi stronger and more resilient. We're excited about the future and look forward to continuing this journey with our community." $Sharbi's relaunch is designed to offer multiple advantages to the Sharbi community:The new ETH contract will have lower gas fees.Sharbi is reducing its overall supply by 1 trillion coins, which is expected to create scarcity and potentially increase value.The relaunch brings ETH rewards to holders, based on $Sharbi's successful pay-to-hold (P2H) rewards scheme, which has already paid out over 1 million rewards.Combining the supply of two chains into one enables the Sharbi team to focus its efforts on the three chains where it has the strongest support - Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL) and Shibarium, where $Sharbi is in the chain's top four coins - enabling a more targeted and efficient approach to creating value for the Sharbi community.Every holder of $Sharbi via its original Arbitrum and Ethereum contracts will receive equivalent value to their current holdings at relaunch, ensuring fairness and continuity for their investments.Greater incentives for whale buyers will make Sharbi an even more attractive investment vehicle for larger investors.$Sharbi is Know Your Customer / Know Your Client (KYC) verified. Updated audits further underscore the Sharbi team's commitment to security and transparency.Rosemond continued, "$Sharbi's relaunch on Ethereum is more than a technical update; it's a reaffirmation of the project's vision. With reduced supply, focused strategy, and enhanced features, $Sharbi is poised for a bright future in the meme-coin landscape. Sharbi is deeply committed to its community, and we're relentlessly pursuing continued growth." The forward-thinking Sharbi team is solidifying an increasingly important role within the world of decentralized finance (DeFi) with a trusted, versatile meme coin that delivers utility. For example, in 2023, the team struck a partnership with Zypto Pay that allows holders to use $Sharbi to pay their bills, purchase gift cards and more with a virtual or physical card. In 2024, Sharbi launched Sharbi's Dream Factory as an accelerator program offering other projects in the DeFi space access to its network of reliable developers, marketing/branding services, contract auditing, volume generation, and much more.$Sharbi is a fully decentralized, 100 percent DAO-controlled, pay-to-hold coin. Of note, Sharbi achieved The Verification Gold Standard of Assure DeFi. To date, Sharbi has distributed over $1 million dollars to holders as passive earnings.To learn more about Sharbi, go to https://www.sharbi.net/ About Sharbi$Sharbi is a community-owned, multichain cryptocurrency built on Ethereum, Shibarium and Solana. Sharbi harnesses the power of a decentralized WEB3 community and is 100 percent Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) controlled. Sharbi is a Know Your Customer / Know Your Client (KYC) Verified Project and achieved The Verification Gold Standard of Assure DeFi. Boom Boom Capital, Sharbi's DAO investment fund, participates in exclusive seed round/pre-sale crypto opportunities, and all revenues generated are distributed quarterly. A MEME 2.0 community token, Sharbi provides ongoing BONE and ETH rewards to holders. A four percent (4%) fee on Sharbi transactions across the ETH chains (ETH rewards), and the Shibarium chain (BONE rewards), is redistributed to holders of the respective chains, and a one percent (1%) fee on the aforementioned chains goes toward project liquidity. Sharbi is zero-tax (0%) on Solana and offers rewards through a revenue share model from Sharbi's Dream Factory. Connect with the Sharbi community on Twitter (@SharbiToken) and Telegram (t.me/SharbiPortal).Media Contact:Andrew Rosemond832-875-1414lnrcryptoatx@ gmail.com SOURCE: Sharbi
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Storm Exploration Inc. (TSX-V:STRM) ("StormEx" or the "Company") today announced that the Option Agreement to acquire a 100% interest the Miminiska and Keezhik properties has been amended.Option Agreement AmendmentStormEx and Landore Resources Canada Inc. have agreed to amend the Option Agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Miminiska and Keezhik Properties (see news release dated May 10th, 2021: StormEx Signs Option Agreement to Acquire 100% Interest in Miminiska & Keezhik Properties). The amendment modifies the schedule of remaining option payments which are outlined in Table 1. All other aspects of the Option Agreement remain unchanged.Table 1: Remaining Option Payments for a 100% interest in Miminiska and Keezhik PropertiesPayment DateCashConvertible Stock1June 28th, 2024$262,500$525,000November 24th, 2024$525,000$787,500Total$787,500$1,312,5001StormEx can elect to make Convertible Stock payments in cash or STRM shares with number of shares defined by the 30-day volume weighted average price prior to the date of election.About the Miminiska & Keezhik ProjectsThe Miminiska, Keezhik are located within the traditional territory of the Eabametoong First Nation with whom Storm recently signed an Exploration Agreement (see news release dated May 23rd, 2024: Storm Exploration and Eabametoong First Nation Sign Exploration Agreement). The projects lie within the prospective geology of the Miminiska-Fort Hope greenstone belt, approximately 350 kilometres north of the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Each project has the potential to host a multi-million-ounce orogenic gold deposit.The Miminiska property is the Company's primary focus and hosts drill confirmed, high-grade gold mineralization at two primary prospects: Miminiska and Frond (refer to Figure 1). Historical assays include 5.75g/t Au over 20.84m* and 13.95g/t Au over 5.32m* with mineralization hosted in banded iron formation and associated shear zones.Figure 1: Miminiska Property* Historical results have not been independently verified by Storm; and, there is no guarantee that the Company can reproduce the results in whole or in part. Potential investors should not rely on these historical results when making an investment decision.Qualified PersonThe technical contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Bruce Counts, P. Geo., President, CEO and a Director of Storm Exploration Inc. and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.About Storm Exploration Inc.Storm Exploration Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and development of economic precious and base metal deposits on four district-scale projects in northwest Ontario: Miminiska, Keezhik, Attwood and Gold Standard.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward Looking InformationThis news release includes certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the Company's strategic plans, future operations, future work programs and objectives. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. 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 information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.For further information, please contact:Storm Exploration Inc.+1 (604) 506-2804 bcounts@ stormex.ca SOURCE: Storm Exploration Inc.
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LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. ("Arbor" or "the Company") (NYSE:ABR) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Arbor is the subject of a report issued by Viceroy Research November 17, 2023, titled, ""Arbor Realty Trust - Slumlord Millionaires." According to the report, "Arbor's high-risk multifamily bridge loans, which comprise substantially all of its asset book, are going bad fast The end is near." Viceroy Research then issued a follow up report on December 5, 2023, titled "Arbor - Jacksonville Case Study." In the second report, Viceroy Research claims that the Company's "entire loan book is distressed and underlying collateral is vastly overstated." Based on this news, shares of Arbor fell by more than 5% over the next two trading sessions.If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The class in this case has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT:The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq.310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.comwww.schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm
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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Theralase Technologies Inc. ("Theralase" or the "Company") (TSXV:TLT)(OTCQB:TLTFF), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light and/or radiation activated small molecules for the safe and effective destruction of various cancers, bacteria and viruses, is pleased to announce that it's lead compound, RuvidarTM, has been proven effective in the inactivation of various viruses.The research was completed at the laboratory of Kevin Coombs, Ph.D., University of Manitoba in conjunction with National Microbiology Laboratory and Theralase Technologies Inc.The research, which demonstrated that RuvidarTM was effective at inactivating both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, alone and when light activated was recently accepted in a peer-reviewed publication, Heliyon, and can be reviewed at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32140 Heliyon is an all-science, open access journal that is part of the Cell Press family. Any paper reporting scientifically accurate and valuable research, which adheres to accepted ethical and scientific publishing standards, will be considered for publication.In addition, when the human coronavirus was treated with RuvidarTM, the spike protein remained intact suggesting that inactivation of coronaviruses by RuvidarTM may be used as a vaccine.Kevin Coombs, Ph.D., Professor, Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba stated, "My team and I were excited by the results we have obtained as we have worked with several anti-viral compounds over the years and have found that RuvidarTM is far more potent than any of the others we have worked with, in fact RuvidarTM is effective at concentrations approximately 100-fold lower than those we have previously tested. I believe RuvidarTM has the potential to be effective as a broad-spectrum viral vaccine able to mitigate the biothreat of various emerging infectious disease pathogens. In our research, we found that nanomolar and micromolar concentrations of RuvidarTMwere all that was required in order to inactivate 90 to 99.9% of all seven viruses that we tested, including H1N1 influenza virus, coronavirus, Zika virus, poxvirus and herpes virus. In fact, RuvidarTM at 3 mM completely killed the herpes virus." Arkady Mandel, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., Chief Scientific Officer, Theralase stated, "Theralase is very excited about the acceptance of our publication to Heliyon. This publication substantiates the years of work that the team has undertaken to demonstrate that RuvidarTM is an effective technology to inactivate numerous viruses both with and without the presence of light and can be used as a strong antiviral platform in the production of vaccines in the near future, subject to completion of animal and toxicology testing. As a result, the Theralase lab in Toronto will focus on using RuvidarTM to research and develop a topical therapeutic to mitigate the impact of herpes virus lesions. I look forward to supporting the implementation of this technology at the commercial level." According to the World Health Organization ("WHO") in 2023, an estimated 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 (67%) globally have Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 ("HSV-1") infection, the main cause of oral herpes, while an estimated 491 million people aged 15 to 49 (13%) worldwide have Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 ("HSV-2") infection, the main cause of genital herpes.Roger DuMoulin-White, B.Sc., P.Eng., Pro.Dir ., President and Chief Executive Officer, Theralase stated, "The small molecule RuvidarTM has been preclinically proven to kill bacteria and various cancer cells and clinically proven to kill bladder cancer cells. It is currently under preclinical evaluation in the destruction of brain cancer, lung cancer and various blood-based cancers, such as: leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Based on the latest research detailing RuvidarTM's success in the destruction of various viruses, the Company has gained consensus from the National Microbiology Laboratory to direct its research away from the Covid-19 virus vaccine to develop this technology for an avian influenza vaccine." In September 2023, a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") study showed the number of reported avian influenza "bird flu" outbreaks in animals and infections in people are increasing worldwide. During 2013 to 2022, bird flu outbreaks in animals and infections in people not only increased in numbers, but also were detected over a growing geographic area as well as among a growing number of different animal categories. While the recent detections of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S., poultry and wild birds are thought to pose a low risk to the health of the general public at this time; however, human infections are possible. As of August 2023, more than 58.7 million poultry and more than 7,100 wild birds have been affected in the United States.About Theralase Technologies Inc.:Theralase is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light and/or radiation activated small molecule compounds, their associated drug formulations and the light systems that activate them, with a primary objective of efficacy and a secondary objective of safety in the destruction of various cancers, bacteria and viruses.Additional information is available at www.theralase.com and www.sedar.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward Looking Statements:This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such statements include; but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's proposed development plans with respect to Photo Dynamic Compounds and their drug formulations. Forward looking statements may be identified by the use of the words "may, "should", "will", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "expects", "estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions; including, statements related to the current expectations of Company's management for future research, development and commercialization of the Company's Photo Dynamic Compounds and their drug formulations, preclinical research, clinical studies and regulatory approvals.These statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions; including, the ability of the Company to fund and secure the regulatory approvals to successfully complete a Phase II NMIBC clinical study in a timely fash
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CHANDLER, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 /Vensure Employer Solutions (Vensure), a leading provider of HR/HCM technology, managed services, and global business process outsourcing, today announced the acquisition of Irvine, California-based PEO Emplicity, the company's 74th acquisition in six years.Founded in 1995, Emplicity provides full-service PEO, HR Outsourcing and risk transfer solutions in the areas of workers' compensation, employment practices, and employee benefits. The company's extensive offering includes payroll, health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, HR technology and support as well as safety and compliance tools."Emplicity's holistic, customer-focused approach to employer services matches the ethos and purpose of Vensure Employer Solutions," stated Alex Campos, CEO of Vensure Employer Solutions. "This acquisition strengthens our core PEO offerings and expands our capacity to serve more small and midsized businesses, especially in California," he said."Our mission is to maximize client success by reducing human resources costs, minimizing employer-related risk and increasing employee productivity," added Vic Tanon, President of Emplicity. "Joining forces with Vensure will help us serve even more clients and deliver on these goals in new ways." Effective immediately, Vensure has named Kimberly Durosko as Emplicity's Division President, who has already increased the salesforce fourfold to foster new opportunities to grow this business.Emplicity's breadth of services support a wide array of industries including nonprofits as well as finance, insurance, wholesale and manufacturing, restaurants and hospitality, science and technology and architecture firms. With a complete PEO solution and local California expertise, Emplicity will infuse more resources Vensure's growing list of customer solutions.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 Emplicity Emplicity is a Professional Employer Organization, in existence since 1995. Emplicity offers an integrated platform of employer services to clients, simplifying the compliance, administration, and support businesses need in the areas of employee benefits, payroll, and human resources technology. Headquartered in Irvine, California with local offices spreading across the country, Emplicity specializes in PEO services for restaurants, retail and construction. Learn more at emplicity.com Media Contact: Sonya TrezevantChief Marketing Officer sonya.trezevant@vensure.com SOURCE: Vensure Employer Solutions
Looking at records across one Aussie state, it appears the diversity, size and prevalence of large sharks is declining.

Queensland is known for its big things. It's got the Great Barrier Reef, the Big Pineapple, massive crocodiles, and we should probably also acknowledge Bob Katter's impressive white 10-gallon hat. But when it comes to the size of its sharks, there's bad news.

As shark numbers decline, the diversity of species is also changing for the worse. Records of large apex predators like those seen in the horror movie Jaws are decreasing. And large examples of individual members of species are also becoming rare.

"The average length of species caught is decreasing. So we're catching the smaller species now, as opposed to the bigger species that we used to catch in the past," shark expert Dr Chris Henderson told Yahoo News.

"In the early days we used to catch a whole range of different sharks, but now what we're catching are species that are quite similar."

Related: Beachgoers stunned over fisherman's 'distressing' act with shark

His findings have been outlined in new research from University of Sunshine Coast which used data collected from the Queensland government's shark control program which has been in operation since 1962 and has covered 1,760 km of coastline.

Concerns for swimmer safety has seen large sharks targeted by government programs. Source: Getty

Why are we seeing fewer large sharks?

The research has been published in the journal Communications Biology, and the problem has been linked to domestic and international overfishing, habitat loss and climate change.

The focus of the paper was on a loss of diversity in Queensland waters over the past 60 years. And Henderson believes the problem is having a "ripple effect" and impacting other species lower on the food chain.

"The things we're catching are more reef sharks, smaller bodied sharks that feed mostly on fish. They're not feeding on other sharks, or seals. And by losing the animals that do, we're losing their function in the ecosystem," Henderson said.

Although the research focused on Queensland waters, Henderson believes it's likely other states may also be experiencing similar declines in shark diversity.

"In Australia, and even more broadly, the species that we used to catch on average were much bigger than the species we catch now," Henderson said.

"The paper shows great whites are declining, whalers are declining. And there's other papers that have shown similar things."

Queensland shark net controversies

'Ripple effect' of human attacks on sharks revealed

While overfishing is Henderson's biggest concern, he believes there's another factor that is specifically impacting sharks in Queensland waters  the state government's shark control efforts.

The controversial program hires contractors to target and destroy species the government fears could harm beachgoers, including whalers, tigers and great whites.

Because many target species are already in decline, Henderson has urged Queensland authorities to transition away from netting beaches.

This aim of the [shark control] program is to remove large sharks from the coast to improve swimmer safety, but this has significant impacts on the health of our oceans, he said.

Politicians call for removal of shark nets after whale trapped

Hours after Henderson's warning about the impact of nets on sharks, the Greens called for an urgent review into what it described as Queensland's "archaic system" of shark control.

This followed conformation that a humpback whale had become entangled in a net off the Sunshine Coast. Unlike NSW, which removes its nets during migration season, Queensland opts to keep them in the water, and this regularly results in high numbers of whale entanglements.

While the whale has been released, theres no guarantee it will survive, as the stress of getting tangled can use enormous energy that the whale needs to make its migration journey," Senator Larissa Waters said before noting that since the nets were introduced, 85,000 marine animals including sharks, turtles and dolphins have been killed.

Her colleague Senator Peter Whish-Wilson urged the Federal Government to remove exemptions which allow the Queensland government to use the nets even though they kill endangered species.

Shark nets are not effective at removing the risk of shark bites to humans," he said.

"Solutions exist that modernise beach safety standards and dont harm wildlife, yet every year these outdated walls of death cause unacceptable pain and suffering to marine animals."

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XEBRA Brands Inc Applauds President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum's Stance on Cannabis Reform and Looks Forward to Collaboration for Industry GrowthVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Xebra Brands Ltd. ("Xebra" or the "Company") (XBRA:CSE)(XBRAF:OTCQB)(9YC0:FSE), XEBRA Brands Inc, an evolving player in the cannabis and hemp industry, welcomes and congratulates President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum on her recent victory in the Mexican election. As the new leader of Mexico, Sheinbaum's commitment to progressive cannabis reform aligns with XEBRA's vision for a more inclusive and responsible cannabis landscape.President-Elect Sheinbaum has been a vocal advocate for decriminalizing recreational cannabis use, emphasizing the need to prioritize education and public health over punitive measures. Her stance reflects a deep understanding of the ineffectiveness and harm caused by current policies, particularly to young people. In her own words, "It's a right," and penalizing marijuana use disproportionately affects vulnerable segments of society."We are thrilled to see President-Elect Sheinbaum's dedication to reforming cannabis policies in Mexico," said Rodrigo Gallardo, CEO of XEBRA Brands Inc. "Her vision for a well-structured regulatory framework that benefits society aligns with our values. We believe that responsible cannabis regulation can contribute to social justice and violence reduction, and we look forward to collaborating with President-Elect Sheinbaum's administration to make this vision a reality." Xebra Brands remains committed to working with the Cofepris and other governing bodies that regulate cannabis within Mexico. We believe that together, we can achieve significant strides in ensuring that the legal population of Mexico has access to safe, regulated cannabis products.As we move forward, Xebra Brands will continue to uphold our dedication to quality, safety, and innovation in the cannabis industry and emphasize the importance of programs that prioritize the protection of individuals and communities, rather than penalizing and prosecuting them for cannabis use."We see tremendous potential for growth in the Mexican cannabis and hemp industry by working together under President-Elect Sheinbaum's leadership and with the COFEPRIS," added Rodrigo Gallardo. "With the right regulatory framework and support for responsible practices, we believe that Mexico can become a global leader in the cannabis and hemp sector. XEBRA is ready to invest, innovate, and collaborate to make this vision a reality." XEBRA Brands Inc looks forward to working with President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum and her administration as they work towards creating a more equitable and prosperous industry in Mexico.For more information, please contact:+1 (833) XEBRA 88 ir@ xebrabrands.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking InformationCertain information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, these include, without limitation, statements regarding Xebra Brands Ltd.'s expectations in respect of its ability to successfully execute its business plan or business model, the ability to obtain necessary approvals in connection with the Debt Settlement; its ability to enter into and execute partnerships or joint venture opportunities on acceptable terms; its ability to provide economic, environmental, social, or any benefits of any type in the communities it operates in or may operate it in the future; its ability to be a first mover in a country, or to obtain or retain government licenses, permits or authorizations in general, or specifically in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere, including cannabis authorizations from the Mexican Health Regulatory Agency (COFEPRIS); its ability to satisfy the conditions of authorizations granted by COFEPRIS; its ability to successfully apply for, obtain and retain trademarks and other intellectual property in any jurisdiction; its ability to be cost competitive; its ability to commercialize, cultivate, grow, or process hemp or cannabis in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere and related plans and timing; its ability to manufacture, commercialize or sell its CBD products,, wellness products, or other products in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere, and its related plans and claims, including market interest and availability; its ability to create wellness products that have a therapeutic effect or benefit; plans for future growth and the direction of the business; plans to increase product volumes, the capacity of existing facilities, supplies from third party growers and contractors; expected growth of the cannabis industry generally; management's expectations, beliefs and assumptions in general, including manufacturing costs, production activity and market potential in Mexico or any jurisdiction; events or developments that Xebra expects to take place in the future; general economic conditions; and other risk factors described in the MD&A of the Company for the period ended November 30, 2023. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking information and statements. The words "aim", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "target", "intends", "continue", "plans", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", and similar expressions identify forward-looking information and statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Xebra as of the dates of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the inability of Xebra to retain the authorizations granted by COFEPRIS, failure to receive required regulatory approvals for securities offerings, the inability to generate sufficient revenues or to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plan; changes in government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in various countries; risks associated with agriculture and cultivation activities generally, including inclement weather, access to supply of seeds, poor crop yields, and spoilage; compliance with import and export laws of various countries; significant fluctuations in cannabis prices and transportation costs; the risk of obtaining necessary licenses and p
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Awe Inspired Partners with Actor Zane Phillips to Launch First Ever Male Pendant Highlighting Achilles to Celebrate Universal Love; 100% of Proceeds Benefit GLSENLOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Renowned fine jewelry brand Awe Inspired announces its collaboration with actor Zane Phillips and GLSEN for the launch of the Achilles Necklace.Zane Phillips for Awe Inspired Zane Phillips in the new Achilles Pendant by Awe InspiredAwe Inspired, a brand deeply committed to celebrating diversity and spreading messages of love and acceptance, is thrilled to announce the launch of the newest addition to their famed Goddess Collection; the heroic and homosexual Greek warrior Achilles. This marks the brand's first venture into men's jewelry, coinciding with Pride Month.The Achilles pendant is named after the legendary Greek hero known for his courage and strength. This piece was designed to symbolize universal love and inclusivity, making it a powerful statement of self-expression and identity. Zane Phillip, embodying the essence of strength, resilience, and authenticity, has been chosen as the face of the campaign. Through his partnership, Awe Inspired aims to inspire individuals to embrace their true selves without reservation."This launch is special for many reasons," said Max Benjamin, CEO of Awe Inspired. "Not only is Achilles our first men's piece, but it also celebrates Pride Month and marks our ongoing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. As a queer-founded brand, we are dedicated to amplifying voices and stories that promote inclusivity and equality." The launch of Achilles is part of Awe Inspired's fourth consecutive Pride campaign. Previous years have seen successful collaborations such as the @indyamoore x Marsha P Johnson Necklace, the @kerricolby x Hermaphroditus Necklace, and the @leishahailey x Sappho Necklace, each supporting organizations that empower LGBTQ+ communities. This year is no different, with 100% of proceeds from the Achilles pendant going to GLSEN, an organization dedicated to creating safe and inclusive schools for all students."Every purchase of the Achilles pendant directly contributes to GLSEN's mission," added Benjamin. "We are proud to continue this tradition of giving back to our community and ensuring that LGBTQ+ youth have access to the resources and support networks they need." For more information about the Achilles pendant and Awe Inspired's campaign, please visit aweinspired.com or contact press@ aweinspired.com About Awe:Awe Inspired is a leading designer of ethically sourced fine jewelry, committed to empowering the modern woman on her new-age spiritual journey. Since its inception in 2018, Awe Inspired has made a significant cultural impact with its Goddess Collection, featuring medallions honoring iconic women from mythology and history. Embraced by women worldwide, including a roster of celebrity fans and feminist icons including Taylor Swift, Meghan Markle, Billie Eilish, and Megan Thee Stallion. Awe's jewelry serves as a celebration of the divine feminine. A portion of proceeds from all sales are donated to causes championed by the Awe community.Media Contact: Heather Weaver, Brand ManagerAwe Inspired Email:press@ aweinspired.com Contact InformationHeather WeaverSenior Brand Managerpress@ aweinspired.com SOURCE: Awe InspiredView the original press release on newswire.com
The police have summoned a PREMIUM TIMES reporter, Emmanuel Agbo, over a yet-to-be-published report that he is working on.

Mr Agbo received an invitation letter dated 31 May from the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Intelligence Response Team (NPF-IRT), Abuja via WhatsApp on Monday.

The police sent the letter after Mr Agbo requested a formal invitation instead of their initial invitation via phone call.

Mr Agbo was first contacted over the telephone on 30 May by a man who identified himself as a police officer named Ezemba Ezekiel. The man requested the journalist to come over to the office of the polices Intelligence Response Team (NPF-IRT) in Guzape, Abuja.

I am Ezemba Ezekiel from the Intelligence Response Team. I am calling you on behalf of Homadils. You are expected to come over to our office at Abattoir in Guzape to clarify a petition, he said via phone call.

The firm, Homadils Realty Limited, referenced by the police officer in the phone conversation, is a land developer and major party to a land dispute which Mr Agbos planned story is focusing on.

The police invitation came after Mr Agbo reached out to the Chief Executive Officer of Homadils, Bilkisu Aliu, over the phone. Mr Agbo and Ms Aliu further exchanged messages on WhatsApp where she shared with the PREMIUM TIMES journalist her reactions to allegations levelled against her by a family laying claim to the land in dispute.

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After the phone call with the policeman on Monday, Mr Agbo asked Mr Ezekiel, the police officer who initiated the phone call, to make the police invitation formal by writing to him through PREMIUM TIMES.

Following this request, Mr Ezekiel sent an invitation letter dated 31 May to Mr Agbo via WhatsApp on Monday.

The invitation from the IRT only stated that Mr Agbos name was in a petition without giving any details.

It further requested the PREMIUM TIMES journalist to appear on Wednesday, 5 June, at 2 p.m. at the IRT Complex, Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja.

Premium Times responds

PREMIUM TIMES has responded to the invitation letter, assuring the police of its readiness to support their investigation and requesting details of the petition they received from Homaldis.

We have received a letter from you to our reporter, Agbo Emmanuel, in which you invited him to appear before you on 05/06/2024 at your office at IRT Complex, Old Abbatoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja. We received the letter today, 03-06-2024, although it is dated 31-05-2024, the Managing Editor of PREMIUM TIMES, Idris Akinbajo, wrote in the letter delivered to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, IRT, on Monday.

Mr Akinbajo added: We, Premium Times, are an online newspaper dedicated to using investigative journalism to hold power accountable and deepen democracy as enshrined in Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution.

We are thus always ready to assist law enforcement agencies in the course of their professional duties.

However, in your letter to Mr Emmanuel Agbo, you only stated that your office is in receipt of petition but did not provide any details of the petition.

We ask that you provide more details of the petition to enable our reporter, Mr Agbo, to make adequate preparations and bring along relevant materials when he appears in your office.

We trust that you will treat this promptly so we and Mr Emmanuel Agbo can prepare adequately and assist you in the course of your work.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or clarifications.

Based on the interaction with the police officer who first invited Mr Agbo through a phone call, the police invitation has to do with a dispute involving Homadils Realty Limited and a family over a piece of land in Guzape, a choice area of Abuja.

The dispute has thrown up allegations of document falsifications which, we learnt, are being investigated by the Federal Capital Development Authority.

Journalists targetted

There has been a recent upsurge in the cases of police targeting journalists for doing their legitimate work in Nigeria.

In one of the recent cases, the police detained the Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Dayo Aiyetan, and an investigative journalist with the platform, Nurudeen Akewushola, for over nine hours.

Both journalists honoured the invitation of the police and arrived at the NPF-NCCC office at noon on Tuesday but were held and only released after 9 p.m. The newspaper had raised an alarm and journalists and activists immediately took to social media to berate the police and call for the immediate release of the journalists.

Mr Akewushola said the police claimed they had received a petition, in which he and the ICIR were accused of cyberstalking and defamation, a popular accusation Nigerian authorities have used to clamp down on journalists and activists.

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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated the Arterial Road N20, which runs from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Arterial Road N20 is one of the transverse arterial roads connecting the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) and the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) through the sector centres.

It will enhance vehicular traffic circulation from the bounding districts of Mabushi, Katampe, Jahi, and Kado through the sector centres.

Speaking at the inauguration of the critical infrastructure, President Tinubu described the project as another testament to his administrations development agenda of transforming every part of the country.

He approved the naming of the road in honour of Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, a professor.

Let me say that the recommendation to name this Arterial Road N20 after Wole Soyinka is well received. He is our foremost playwright, novelist, and Nobel prize winner.

He has brought Nigeria fame, pride, and international acclaim. Thank you for thinking that way. We all accept your recommendation on behalf of the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Tinubu said.

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The president said the project reinforces his governments commitment to enhancing infrastructure and fostering sustainable development.

The completion of this strategic project underscores our dedication to building a robust and resilient infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing population and stimulates economic growth.

I am also aware that the project enabled the creation of employment opportunities for over 1,500 Nigerians. This is commendable and serves as a credit to the Renewed Hope Agenda for creating job opportunities for our teeming youth.

As we commission this road today, we must also recognise the broader vision that it serves. This project is a critical component of our administrations comprehensive plan to transform the FCT into a world-class city.

It equally aligns with our broader objectives of improving urban infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring that our cities are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future, the president stated.

President Tinubu also stated that the successful completion of the Arterial Road N20 project should serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the nation, adding: I encourage other sub-nationals to take a cue from what is happening in the FCT and replicate them in their local communities.

The president commended FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the FCT Administration, the contractors, engineers, and all those who contributed to the completion of the project, saying: Your hard work and dedication have made this day possible.

The efforts of the minister and his team have brought to fruition a critical artery that will significantly enhance connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and improve the quality of life for the residents of the FCT.

On that note, ladies and gentlemen, it is my singular honour to commission the full-scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) to the glory of the Almighty God and service to humanity, the president concluded.

In his remarks, Mr Wike thanked the president for renewing and realising the hope of Abuja residents.

I do not want to talk about politics now, but I know it will be very difficult for anybody to challenge the president in the FCT. The facts are there. It is not about theory. It is about reality. You said you will do this, and you have done it, the minister said.

In a project overview, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Shehu Ahmad, explained that Arterial Road N20 is a six-lane dual carriageway, crisscrossing two major sector centres.

Mr Ahmad added that the road comes with extensive underground infrastructure for utilities such as water supply, power supply, and drainage, and that it is also equipped with streetlights and conduits for telecommunication facilities.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

June 4, 2024

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most people who complain of being insulted by social media warriors are powerful people who throw the first punch and when their victims or their supporters respond, they turn around to play the victim. For instance, when the respected Soyinka called supporters of Peter Obi fascists or declared that Peter Obi was not fit to rule the country, did he not realise that such were also insults?

Wole Soyinka, arguably Africas best known writer, has once again stirred the hornets nest by his proclamation that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party is not fit to be president of the country. He was quoted as saying that Obis failure to reign on his supporters from attacking others with opposing views online was a pointer that he is unfit to lead a country like Nigeria.

Soyinkas intervention raises a number of interesting issues:

One, there are two heavy burdens most famous writers, activists and public intellectuals bear: the first is that they are expected to be permanently anti-establishment, even when they have friends and family members in the establishment. In fact, Camilo Cela, the 1989 Spanish Nobel Laureate in Literature, helped to popularise this notion when he declared that a writer should be a denunciation of the times in which he or she lives. The second burden is that there is often a failure by critics to take into consideration the fact that such activist writers and public intellectuals (like all living systems) evolve and may have consciously or unconsciously moved away from their earlier convictions.

The point is that critics often make the mistake of abstracting and freezing a period in a writers or public intellectuals career trajectory and insist on using that to define such a person. For instance, is the Soyinka of The Man Died (1972), The Telephone Conversation (1963), The Trial of Brother Jero (1963), Ake: The Years of Childhood (1981) the same as the later Soyinka whose anti-establishment activism seemed to have stopped in 2015 when the APC came to power? One of Soyinkas harshest critics is Adamu Adamu, the immediate past minister of Education and one of Nigerias finest prose writers (though I disagree with most of his views, which I find too conservative and hard-line). Adamu consistently accused Soyinka of paganism and nativism, even in his literary works.

Two, what people call an insult is often subjectively determined. While no one wants to promote the use of rude language, the truth is that insult  defined as an offensive language that provokes one to anger  is protected speech in several jurisdictions including the USA. This is contrasted with what the US Constitution calls fighting words, defined as words which by their very utterance inflict injury or tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace. While rude language is protected speech in several jurisdictions, fighting words are usually criminalised as they pose real and immediate danger of triggering violence. Some have in fact argued that just as anger is an art form, rudeness is also an art form.

There is also the notion of righteous incivility, that is, rudeness motivated by moral concerns or the quest for justice by a weaker party in asymmetrical exchanges. Usually, if supporters of any candidate feel there is a deliberate attempt to de-market their candidate by a powerful person, some will invariably resort to righteous incivility, to also de-market the purveyor of such a hatchet job, hoping that through the aphorism of the messenger is the message, the impact of the attack on the person they support will be mitigated. This is probably one of the reasons why rudeness is never regarded as defamatory in any jurisdiction.

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Three, most people who complain of being insulted by social media warriors are powerful people who throw the first punch and when their victims or their supporters respond, they turn around to play the victim. For instance, when the respected Soyinka called supporters of Peter Obi fascists or declared that Peter Obi was not fit to rule the country, did he not realise that such were also insults? Certainly anyone who does not want to be insulted by people online can simply block such people from sending messages to them or refrain from throwing the first punch.

from identity studies we learn that identities that are perceived to be under threat are the ones most vociferously defended. For this, when Wole Soyinka attacks Peter Obi in a barely concealed partisan manner, many people who share the same ethnic identity with Obi will feel also attacked by innuendo. The same also goes when Soyinka is attacked by the Igbos  several people who share the same Yoruba ancestry with him will similarly feel insulted by innuendo.

In essence, most of the people claiming to have been insulted by social media activists want to use such allegations to achieve an ulterior end  usually to de-market a candidate through de-marketing the candidates supporters  which I honestly believe was what Soyinka set out to do, despite masking his intentions in Soyinkan obfuscations and demagoguery. Any honest political observer knows that the supporters of the three main political parties are equally guilty of whatever anyone can accuse one group of. Therefore, to isolate one group of supporters and pretend the others are saints is a clear give-away of the persons partisanship.

Four, during the 2023 elections, the likes of Bayo Onanuga and Femi Fani Kayode used fighting words, clearly criminalised in most jurisdictions, to weaponise ethnicity in Lagos State (of course, there are also people on the other side who did the same but they are not of interest here since their party is not in power). Yet, despite Onanuga openly proclaiming himself a Yoruba irredentist, the Tinubu government rewarded him with a frontline position in his government, suggesting an endorsement of his abominable actions during the elections.

Similarly, one Reno Omokri, who in the run-up to the 2023 presidential election constantly translated into Hausa language issues that he knew were capable of inciting Northern youths against the Igbo, and who recently seemed to have been commissioned to attack Peter Obi and by innuendo the Igbo race, appear to have been embraced by the Tinubu government. He not only had a photo-op with Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, but the government also sent a congratulatory message to him on his birthday  even though his highest accomplishment in life seemed to be the minor role he played in the Jonathan government. The well-respected Soyinka saw no evil and spoke no evil.

Five, from identity studies we learn that identities that are perceived to be under threat are the ones most vociferously defended. For this, when Wole Soyinka attacks Peter Obi in a barely concealed partisan manner, many people who share the same ethnic identity with Obi will feel also attacked by innuendo. The same also goes when Soyinka is attacked by the Igbos  several people who share the same Yoruba ancestry with him will similarly feel insulted by innuendo. The consequence will be an exacerbation of the already problematic relationship between the Igbos and the Yorubas. Soyinka ought to have been mindful of this fact.

Recently, I watched Soyinka in a TV interview warning the Obidients that if he ever met them in a blind alley, they would feel the strength of his 90-year-old fist. It is difficult to resist chuckling as I imagined Soyinka, who would be 90 years old on 13 July, in a fisticuff with the youngsters that could be his grandchildren. But it is vintage Soyinka. Even at his age, he remains strong and intellectually alert  to the glory of God!

Not surprising, whenever Soyinka or Achebe is dragged into the Igbo-Yoruba rivalry, a concomitant question of who ought to have won the Nobel Prize that Soyinka won in 1986 would also crop up. I think such a debate is irrelevant as Soyinka and Achebe play in different arenas of literature  Soyinka is primarily a playwright, while Achebe is primarily a novelist. JP Clarke and Christopher Okigbo were dominant in poetry. Again, while Soyinka is regarded as probably Africas best known writer (a term broader than literature), Achebe is by far Africas most read novelist (a term narrower than literature).

Six, many people are attracted to Soyinka not necessarily because of his literary works but more because of his activism, self-assuredness that borders on artistic mischief, originality of thought, defiance and even what some called his elevation of rudeness as an art form. For instance, at a conference in Berlin in 1964, Soyinka famously dismissed the self-promotion of the Negritude movement with this inimitable quote: A tiger does not proclaim its tigeritude; it pounces. In his prison notes, The Man Died (1972), he tells us that in him who keeps silent in the face of tyranny, the man dies. Recently, I watched Soyinka in a TV interview warning the Obidients that if he ever met them in a blind alley, they would feel the strength of his 90-year-old fist. It is difficult to resist chuckling as I imagined Soyinka, who would be 90 years old on 13 July, in a fisticuff with the youngsters that could be his grandchildren. But it is vintage Soyinka. Even at his age, he remains strong and intellectually alert  to the glory of God!

Between 2007 and 2010, my publishing firm, Adonis & Abbey Publishers, incubated and published the journal, African Performance Review, for the African Theatre Association, which listed Wole Soyinka as one of its patrons. Many members of the Association were ardent Soyinka disciples and they regaled me with stories of Soyinkas reported artistic mischiefs. Let me share just a few: Soyinka reportedly said that several women kept pestering him to have children with him in the hope that they would beget geniuses. He was said to have told them, whenever I can, I help. In another story, he was reportedly asked why he did not try to get a PhD, given his obvious brilliance. He was said to have retorted, But who would mark it?

Let me mention that while my firm was publishing African Performance Reviews for the African Theatre Association, one of Soyinkas most ardent disciples, the late Esiaba Irobi, was pressurising me to start a journal, which he called the Soyinka Journal. Apart from my discomfort in having to deal with Esiabas famed artistic temperament, I pleaded with him that an academic journal built around the works of one scholar would not be sustainable. I favoured a journal of African literary studies, which would deal with the works of several African writers. We were still having the conversation when Esiaba transited on 3 May 2010, aged 50. Probably inspired by that conversation, several years later, precisely in 2020, I honoured that discussion by setting up the Journal of African Languages and Literary Studies, which in December 2024, was accepted for indexing by the highly regarded SCOPUS, one of the two dominant global benchmarks for measuring the standard and impact of academic journals.

Jideofor Adibe is a professor of Political Science and International Relations at Nasarawa State University and founder of Adonis & Abbey Publishers. He can be reached at: 0705 807 8841 (WhatsApp and text messages only).

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Azus book, arguably the most audacious effort yet to bridge the gap between editorial business and editorial independence, is the fruit of almost forty years of hands-on experience and practice. The multiple-award-winning columnist is giving away practical secrets, curated in a 259-page tome, not just on how to ascend career zenith, but also secure financial success for anyone fascinated by the possibility of the written word.

So, what do I get for my labour and when?

That was often the next question by the hitherto public-spirited contributor who, after getting published twice or thrice, had apparently started to bask in sudden fame. S/he would become less shy.

As the manager of a start-up national newspaper some 16 years ago, such solicitation  legitimate, no doubt  from many a stringer, was never easy for me to consider. It simply meant further tightening the fiscal noose around our slender exchequer, amid fiercely competing costs.

The operating climate hardly left you an option. However formidable your editorial faculty, there was always some external contributor who wanted to add that extra something. They sometimes bring illumination in uncharted waters. Let us face it: Other than those pushing special interest, it would take exceptional altruism  if not material comfort  for a good many others to readily agree to invest ample time and energy to write for free for long.

If compensating such a category outside the normal staff was financially tough 16 years ago, one can only imagine tougher choices current media managers now have to make under a far more asphyxiating operating condition today.

Circulation figures are crashing, while production costs are mounting stratospherically. Added to the troubling mix is the sheer outlawry of the new media, which seems to normalise intellectual theft, whereby stories are brazenly lifted by e-rats from the established traditional media without the minimum courtesy of attribution.

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It is why Azus soon-to-be-unveiled offering entitled, Writing for Media and Monetising It, is, in my view, a game-changer for the media industry. The book outlines a sustainable win-win balance for platform-owners and content providers.

The plight of creators in the music industry is different. Thanks to music streaming platforms like Spotify, for example, Nigerian musicians of diverse genres shared N25 billion royalties in 2023 alone. This is apart from revenues from other platforms like YouTube music, Apple Music, Amazon Music, among others. A significant shift from the recent past, when musical creators virtually slaved for pirates at Alaba market, Lagos.

If someone offers to clothe you, it is axiomatic that you first evaluate the condition of the shirt on their back. Azu surely lives his words. Of course, he is perhaps not just the most syndicated columnist in Nigeria today but also the one with the most bylines in reputable media addresses across continents.

But as things now stand, media veterans can only recall with nostalgia the relative boom enjoyed before the crunch came. As an intern in Concord press in the early 90s, I made steady income from contributions to its three titles weekly. That created an extra incentive to be prolific. But such opportunities have dried up today, as most media houses struggle to pay staff salaries. Stringers are largely on their own.

Azus book, arguably the most audacious effort yet to bridge the gap between editorial business and editorial independence, is the fruit of almost forty years of hands-on experience and practice. The multiple-award-winning columnist is giving away practical secrets, curated in a 259-page tome, not just on how to ascend career zenith, but also secure financial success for anyone fascinated by the possibility of the written word.

Whats more? His nugget, with an enthralling foreword by Dapo Olorunyomi, is further garnished with success tips from other accomplished media professionals he had interviewed, including Nigerias only Pulitzer Prize winner, Dele Olojede.

If someone offers to clothe you, it is axiomatic that you first evaluate the condition of the shirt on their back. Azu surely lives his words. Of course, he is perhaps not just the most syndicated columnist in Nigeria today but also the one with the most bylines in reputable media addresses across continents.

Those close enough to him will attest that he is, therefore, a mobile signage of the prosperity he preaches (In order not to expose a dear friend unduly to the predatory proboscis of the tax-man, let us stop there.)

But suffice to note that Azus confident smile, that Kwale (Delta) swagger, is partly rooted in forex harvested from such affiliations offshore. As a buddy of more than thirty years, I should know.

I think Azu confesses this a little bit on page 89: I have written articles for a fee, and also for free, for the Argentina-based Clarin magazine; Press 24 and Mail & Guardian in South Africa; The Ghana Chronicle; and also, for online platforms such as Daily Maverick in South Africa; and the Europe-based Indepth News, and more recently for Bird, a South African-based private-owned news agency, amongst others.

To play in that elite league, you have to get a copy of Writing for Media and Monetising It.

On the contrary, writers enthusiastically forward their works to platform-owners (traditional and new) to use for free as public service. Otherwise, widely read and syndicated weekly columnists in Nigeria like Segun Adeniyi, Lasisi Olagunju, Sam Omatseye, Reuben Abati, Simon Kolawole and Festus Adedayo would be multi-billionaires today.

Azus prescription should, in fact, stir up a new consciousness in the larger literary community for just compensation for those engaged in the knowledge economy. Perhaps, I should share a personal story to illustrate this point.

At an event in the United States not too long ago, an acquaintance I was introduced to marvelled, after a quick, on-the-spot online check on my past works and he found that there were over 197, 000 views of a piece entitled Regulating Anambras Obituary Economy on just TheInterview.com alone.

Men! he exclaimed. You must be earning fantastic bucks weekly from merely writing if such a mammoth number follow you on just one platform alone. I can see dozens of platforms publish you weekly and simultaneously too.

That should happen where there is a strong culture of the media economy and reward.

However, I disappointed my acquaintance by reporting that writers dont yet have the structure in Nigeria to help derive a just compensation for their creativity and sleepless nights; the sort of opportunity Spotify now creates for Nigerian musicians.

On the contrary, writers enthusiastically forward their works to platform-owners (traditional and new) to use for free as public service. Otherwise, widely read and syndicated weekly columnists in Nigeria like Segun Adeniyi, Lasisi Olagunju, Sam Omatseye, Reuben Abati, Simon Kolawole and Festus Adedayo would be multi-billionaires today.

But with Azus prescription, things are not likely to remain the same again.

Louis Odion, a former commissioner and also presidential aide, is one of Nigerias most accomplished journalists.

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Through coordinated efforts, his residence was located by the secret service. The military mounted sentry at his rented apartment in Ojuelegba, having failed to kidnap him during the protest. For Zik, it became difficult to visit home. He was a refugee, with information that a bounty had been placed on his head by the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), led by the dreaded Colonel Frank Omenka.

As Nigeria inches towards marking 31 years after the annulment of June 12 presidential elections, which led to massive resistance that ended military rule on 29 May, this article reflects on the unwritten heroes whose underground efforts led to the exit of military rule.

This week, 29 May will be 25 years since Nigeria began democratic rule in 1999. As the country is also moving towards the 31st anniversary of the struggle against the election annulment of 12 June, 1993, one story that has hardly been told is the salient contributions of workers of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Corporation, (NSPMC) to the bitter struggle towards the military exit. It is a story that should shut the mouths of little experienced people who are calling for a return of military rule.

That history can never be the full account of History itself is a truism.

There are many stories about the struggle against military rule that have not been told. Some may never be told or have only been relayed in half. The story of the over 3,400 sacked workers of the NSPMC and their contributions to the exit of military tyranny is one of such. Though many of the actors have died, a few of them alive have hardly spoken about their heroic exploits in one of Nigerias most deadly battles against entrenched principalities and powers. The workers were sacked after the military tagged them as agents of opposition. The workers sought revenge in an underground movement that shook the bedrock of the country.

As I sat down with Zikirullahi Ibrahim, the arrowhead of the NSPMC workers, and his family, in their house for dinner in the ancient city of Kano recently, I could relive the memory of the thorny risks he took, and the nostalgia of battle etched in his eyeballs. The wrinkles on his eyebrows reminded me of how life remains in a state of flux. Ibrahim could have been killed. It is mystery that he survived the hundreds of undercover agents detailed to either kill or kidnap him in the midst of the whirlwind of resistance against the military. It was a story of life and death, courage and betrayal, blood and tears. The NSPMC is a strategic firm, where the Nigerian currency and the most sensitive national documents were and are printed. The NSPMC then related with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as it still does. It supplied cash for overt and covert military operations. There were unconfirmed reports that some of its skilled officials created a small tactical unit where fake dollars were printed for espionage and counter-espionage endeavours under the regime of the late General Abacha.

At NSPMC, it was against the rule for workers to unionise and there was a oath of secrecy administered to every staff. In 1991, in the heat of anti-military protests, almost 1,000 workers of NSPMC were sacked in a great purge. Truly, the workers, in the face of corruption and exploitation, had demanded for a union to fight a lot of unprofessional activities occurring, like the military top brass who stormed the firm regularly for cash. The workers felt a union would best protect their professional ethics. Some of them also claimed that they were sacked as part of efforts to flush out people of Southern Nigeria from the institution.

After the sack, and in 1993, after the annulment of June 12 election, the management launched a wave of intensified human rights violations at NPMC. At this time, the military had become paranoid of every little resistance in the face of bomb blasts across the country. At NSPMC, women and men were stripped naked under the guise of searching for possible missing newly printed cash and for national security purposes. An eight-month pregnant woman was searched to her undies, even as she wept profusely, witnesses said.

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Another young pregnant woman was said to have been stripped naked and down to her pants. Other security men watched the ignominy from carefully concealed cameras. While searching the men, their torsos were measured and mocked. While this was on-going, top government officials visited the company to collect newly printed money in sacks or bags.

This forced a small cell, led by the young and barely 29-year old Zikirullahi Ibrahim to organise a resistance. There were no mobile phones at this time, therefore the cell developed codes for communication and relaying meeting places. It organised lectures on the art of mobilisation and also taught members on how to evade arrests. The group would print sensitive pamphlets and distribute these very early in the morning, calling for resistance.

Those who raised eyebrows were arrested and detained, traced to their homes and they even faced death.

Ibrahim was deeply touched by the brutality and bourgeoning corruption, the arbitrary allocation of printed money on the basis of orders from above, and the outright stealing of cash by highly placed individuals. One other atrocious development was the conscious sabotage of the company by vested interests that wanted Nigeria to stop printing the naira at home but abroad, in order to profit from the ensuing deals. The trauma became unbearable.

This forced a small cell, led by the young and barely 29-year old Zikirullahi Ibrahim to organise a resistance. There were no mobile phones at this time, therefore the cell developed codes for communication and relaying meeting places. It organised lectures on the art of mobilisation and also taught members on how to evade arrests. The group would print sensitive pamphlets and distribute these very early in the morning, calling for resistance. They would dump the pamphlets in strategic places where workers would see them.

Within a short time, the workers had been fed with the opium of resistance, which throbbed in their veins, their arteries and their blood. The workers rebellion began when they came together, insisting that none of them would be dehumanised again.They resorted to sit-in protests to the shock of the NSPMC management, which by convention did not tolerate protests. Former dictator, Sani Abacha, was said to have developed a personal interest in the young mutineers who were trying to overthrow the system. In 1995, the NSPMC took a more brutal step by announcing on radio the sack of another batch of 2,450 workers. There was no prior notice, except that the affected would get to the office to receive a note: Members of the National Democratic Coalition, (NADECO) not allowed at NSPMC. The secret service launched a manhunt for the ring leader, after a lot of eavesdropping and tapping of conversations revealed him to be the young man, Zikirullahi Abdullahi. He was the engine room of the rebellion.

Abacha was said to have been shocked to discover that Zikirullahi, popularly known as Zik, though from Edo State, was also a Kano boy like himself, having lived in and worked in a ceramics factory in the ancient city. Zik was an ordinary junior worker, who was young, emaciated and green. He, who had a poor but modest background, joined the NSPMC as a currency examiner, a delicate job that entailed stopping any attempt to steal newly printed cash and also protecting the sensitive features of the naira from adulteration, and the security trademark from being stolen. Following the industrial dispute fuelled by the brazen rights violations, the workers erupted in a face-off with the management, and Ibrahim led the workers to a protest that was the first time in the companys history. The first thing the military did was to send emissaries to him to name his price. He was also promised promotion and studies abroad to renounce his leadership of the workers. The entreaties met a stone wall.

Through coordinated efforts, his residence was located by the secret service. The military mounted sentry at his rented apartment in Ojuelegba, having failed to kidnap him during the protest. For Zik, it became difficult to visit home. He was a refugee, with information that a bounty had been placed on his head by the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), led by the dreaded Colonel Frank Omenka. In the absence of a home, Zik resulted to holding nocturnal meetings to motivate and organise the workers against one of Africas most wicked dictators. He then sought alliance with the underground leaders of the radical movement in Nigeria. He met the iconic Chima Ubani and Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti who introduced him to the Campaign for Democracy (CD) and Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), the rights group. Zik dragged NSPMC to court. The over 3,000 workers saw Zik as their hero, and they, along with their families, became the underground emissaries for the resistance against Abacha, setting up bonfires and mobilising people for mass rallies across the country. In Kano, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Sokoto, the members set up cells that coordinated anti-military campaigns. Abdul Salami, one of his colleagues, said the workers admired his power of oratory, his dedication, and his honesty, which drew the workers to him. Zik led the workers to court under the military, which was an aberration.

He pursued the court case as a refugee, going from one court to the other in disguise. He said he realised that the plight of the workers was linked to the exit of military rule and that good governance would not be achieved unless the military left the stage. This encouraged the sacked workers to enlist in the growing revolutionary fervent against the military. And, hardened the position of the authorities to eliminate him. On several occasions, undercover agents raided his house. Sometimes they would plant agents posing as food vendors, artisans and even tenants, enlisted to track his movement or to ensure he was shot.

The workers mobilised for the five-million anti-military rally held in Lagos on 3 March, 1998; the mobilisation against the 25 April, 1998 National Assembly elections, aimed at extending Abachas rule; and the 1 May, 1998 rallies across the country. No fewer than 200 of the workers were killed during the national protests. In the midst of the resistance, the wife of MKO Abiola was murdered in broad day light. Pa Alfred Rewane was also assassinated in his house.

His deft and meticulous life style, almost nil social life, plus the monumental goodwill he enjoyed in the neighbourhood, insulated him from the vicious claws of despots and their desperate agents. Some of the workers participated in the covert training by officials of African National Congress (ANC), on the tactics of mass mobilisation, held in Ghana in 1997, which I also attended, going by the road without papers to avoid the Nigerian secret police.

The workers mobilised for the five-million anti-military rally held in Lagos on 3 March, 1998; the mobilisation against the 25 April, 1998 National Assembly elections, aimed at extending Abachas rule; and the 1 May, 1998 rallies across the country. No fewer than 200 of the workers were killed during the national protests. In the midst of the resistance, the wife of MKO Abiola was murdered in broad day light. Pa Alfred Rewane was also assassinated in his house. One Professor Agboluaje was kidnapped and never found. Alhaja Suliat Adedeji was also killed in her house at Ibadan. A note was left in Ziks home: We shall come after you. It will soon be your turn.

While the military sought him, the radical movement celebrated the value he added to its endeavours.

Zik has always been lucky.

In 1996, on the day Alhaja Kudirat was killed, I was arrested by Colonel Frank Omenka. After being released around 1 a.m., Omenka had asked on Captain Idowu to follow me on a search of my residence, though he later changed his mind. Unknown to Omenka, many of the wanted enemies of the state were in my place all night, with loads of anti-military pamphlets meant to be distributed the second day.

It would have been a harvest of arrests.

Even though he had only the School Certificate, he became the Deputy Secretary General and Project Coordinator of the United Action for Democracy (UAD). He said going for further studies was motivated by the saying of Prophet Mohammeds that, the ink of a scholar is holier than the blood of a martyr. Within a short time, his reputation as a worker who stood against tyranny echoed across the world, which was a reward for perseverance and honesty. Zik was offered the opportunity to study for an Advanced Diploma in Business English at the Business Training Institute, England. He later got a scholarship from Konrad Adenaur Stiftung, a German International Development Foundation, for a master degree in Mass Communication from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom, where he graduated with a Masters of Arts (By Research). He was soon elected Chairman, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG). Today, he is the Executive Director and Board Secretary of Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education. The evil men have not yet been defeated. In 2015, as TMG Chairman, Zik said he was offered a bribe of N2 billion to be distributed among various civil society groups in Nigeria. He said he vehemently rejected the offer.

Zik initiated the petition against the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Nkanu Onnoghen, which led to an investigation of his asset declaration by the Code of Conduct Bureau, serving as the basis for the National Judicial Councils probe that led to Onnoghens removal as Chief Justice. Zik has been honoured in many parts of Nigeria. He now holds a PhD and said he would soon come out with a detailed account of the deadly risks the over 3,000 workers took to save Nigeria from military despotism.

Unfortunately, hundreds of the workers are dead and may never be celebrated by Nigeria, which they gave so much of their lives to.

Wale Adeoye writes from Lagos.

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Let me make it abundantly clear that I do not speak for President Bola Tinubu. There are too many aides, both virtual and actual, who are more than willing to defend the policies of the current administration. I cannot but conclude, however, that the denigration of the ethnic stock, classified, globally, as Yoruba, one of the most sophisticated species of homo sapiens on the planet Earth, to which I am very proud to belong, by Mr Osuji, concerning their political choice, is not only hypocritical

Reading through Steve Osujis diatribe, with the above headline, evokes a feeling of revulsion, impelling the urge to respond in kind. The long, deep and reverent association with some members of the Igbo ethnic stock cautions restraint in the face of this unwarranted and scurrilous rant. One is bound to resist the compelling and burning desire to be less charitable while dealing with characters, such as he, who insist on imposing their views and preferences on others, subsuming their manifest bias and partisanship under some nebulous claims to patriotism.

Granted that every person has the right to choose in a manner that best approximates his/her best interest, political or social, the determination of the outcome of such participation, after a voluntary election to tread a laid down regulatory path, should be the prerogative of the agency of state clothed with the statutory responsibilities to make it happen. It is only decent that disagreements emanating from such an exercise should be handled within the set precincts of an assize.

The descent of this writer into the pit of vulgarity, while painting the judiciary with the odious brush of infamy, as it refused to bestow a stolen crown on his preferred candidate, speaks eloquently of his jaundiced disposition. The executive is bad. The legislature is useless. The judiciary is irredeemable. The only saint in the arena of politics in Nigeria is Mr Peter Obi, a former two-term governor of Anambra State, former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange under President Goodluck Jonathan, the current owner of the controlling shares in Fidelity Bank, an unrepentant importer of finished products, a notorious trader, and unprincipled politician.

According to him, he had forewarned the Yoruba people against supporting one of their own, who is a dullard, while rejecting the brilliant Obi. He even wept while writing on the dire consequences which awaited a people bent on choosing their own. The few Omoluabi among them are in retreat now. He says that, From a chorus of Yoruba ronu a year ago to Yoruba n sukun right now (sic). Every true Yoruba (not omo ale) is heart broken right now. The fact that the Yoruba refused to support Professor Yemi Osinbajo in the party primaries of the APC says something about the Yoruba character and essence, of course.

Any group of persons, imbued with a sense of exaggerated relevance, must learn to temper an unreasonable gush of the wild wind of misplaced expectations stacked with the stark realities. He must be considered bereft of not only basic intelligence but, more instructively, its emotive twin, a veritable measure of mental acuity and sanity, who classifies a whole ethnic group as ugly, exploring the familiar terrain of mendacious rascality, trodden by popular but rabid irredentists, the ignoble purveyors of the philosophy of victimhood, a disingenuous scheme designed to confuse, subdue and dispossess; an attitude which attracted grim repercussions in our recent history. Osujis thoughtless vituperations are evidence of the growing and pervasive thick-headed stupidity and arrogance which plunged the country into a needless civil war.

Let me make it abundantly clear that I do not speak for President Bola Tinubu. There are too many aides, both virtual and actual, who are more than willing to defend the policies of the current administration. I cannot but conclude, however, that the denigration of the ethnic stock, classified, globally, as Yoruba, one of the most sophisticated species of homo sapiens on the planet Earth, to which I am very proud to belong, by Mr Osuji, concerning their political choice, is not only hypocritical but typical of the vagrant, uncouth Igbo elites, deprived of quality representation by the circumstances of their origin and evolution. A mediocre craftsman continues to blame his tools, while ignoring the fact of the fundaments  skills deficiency.

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It is indecorous for anyone, let alone a peripatetic journalist, to pick on a whole ethnic group and classify them as stupid for rejecting Mr Peter Obi, a pathological dissembler and major contributor to the economic woes of Nigeria. It is typical hubris, nay overweening hypocrisy of an average Igbo elite, for a person who once picked a column in The Nation, owned by the same Tinubu, to regard him as a dullard, while Peter Obi, who claims to have had a stint in the Philosophy Department of the University of Nigeria, and has been reluctant to bring to a foreclosure the controversies surrounding his result and, indeed, the charge of non-completion of the degree after many years, as an Igbo fit. A chartered Accountant is a dullard. A supposed graduate of Philosophy, BA (permanently in-view) is a genius! How more ludicrous can a person be?

The allusion to the outcome of the 2023 presidential election results, suggesting that it was rigged by INEC, is not surprising. The contestant, who came third in a race, believed he won. Osuji believes that the same Yoruba people, described as unthinking and emotive, gave the genius, Obi, the highest votes, having rejected their own son. They rejected him but allowed themselves to be steam-rolled by the small clique of Tinubus political propaganda machine. The race was cowed into acquiescence and coerced support. Osuji embarks on an itinerary of deliberate amnesia, forgetting easily that these were the same people who stood firmly on the principle of fairness after the annulment of the 12 June, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola, until some kind of national appeasement threw up a military apologist and an omniscient hypocrite as presidential candidates.

One wonders why Osuji suddenly expects the Yoruba to act differently since it is about their character and essence. The writer, in a characteristic dubiety, failed to acknowledge the consistency in animosity between these two ethnic groups and why it is not about to stop so soon, regardless of the queer sophistry employed, unsuccessfully, to promote naked bigotry, clothed in some dubious patriotic fervour. Osuji should go back in history to unearth the voting patterns of these groups. He should not have expected the Yoruba people to pick the Igbo genius and settled for a Yoruba dullard  one that was spent physically, cranky mentally, burdened morally and unfit to lead himself, not to mention a nation of 200 million people.

He reminds his readers that he warned and even wept about the possibility of a Tinubu presidency. He goes on to descend on Professor Wole Soyinka in a most irreverent and crude manner, describing him as compromised and useless. He believes the literary icon is one of the beautiful legacies of a developing country destroyed by Tinubu in one year. Soyinka has succumbed to stomach infrastructure by pallying (sic) Tinubu and not supporting Peter Obi. The Nigerian society has been debased in the past one year. The Igbo society is progressing nonetheless.

Mr Osuji goes on to suggest the likely results of this omission on the part of the Yoruba. A military coup is not ruled out. The country may also disintegrate and become a Militia-dom like Haiti. That is, bandits, terrorists, militias and just anyone who can raise a small army who hold his small piece of Nigeria. It is very obvious that this man does not care about the safety of the people of this country for as long as his Igbo-fit candidate is not allowed to rule.

As noted earlier, it is not my charge to respond on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. I belong to the group addressed as Yoruba and shall proceed to make certain assertions since I did not support Peter Obi and will not never support his likes, even if he contests a hundred times again. Stating that Steve Osuji is rude and crude will appear complimentary. Describing him with the fitting epithet of an irredeemable irredentist and obdurate hypocrite will be for want of appropriate adjectives to qualify his duplicitous being. Osuji deviously sidetracks the incidents of wanton killings of soldiers in Aba and the prevention of Igbo children writing WAEC from doing so, from his catalogue of atrocities warranting imminent balkanisation of the country. He mentions the closure of Banex Plaza by the military after some Igbo traders attacked and injured, seriously, two soldiers. He fails to remember the latest killings of soldiers and civilians by IPOB.

The Igbo people could return a vote of 98 per cent for Obi. The Yoruba were stupid to have supported Tinubu in preference to the Harvard-trained market-to-market expert. He talks of the mortal fear of the Igbo by the Yoruba and vice versa. He should try and substitute the word fear with contempt, disdain and/or suspicion. It is the indiscretion and vile disposition of characters like he, who abuse hospitality and gestures of amity that threaten to deepen the current distrust between the two groups. The gulf created by indecorous behaviour and a certain propensity towards aggression and greed will continue to be widened. Nobody will choose our leaders for us in our space.

I round off this riposte assuring Osuji and his fellow dreamers that the 2027 elections will be a coronation among the Yoruba people. The concept of One Nigeria was designed by certain elements of Igbo extraction after the first military coup. The bad effects are still with us today. If Tinubu did not draft the repealed Decree 34 of 1966 for Major General Aguiyi Ironsi, and he did not enjoy the rare privilege of being a member of the Economic Advisory Committee instituted by him with members like Pius Okigbo, Chief Nwokedi and Colonel Nwabanalo, which advised him to harmonise the civil service and abolish the regional system, it is hypocritical to hold him responsible for the retrogression of this country.

Any honest historian knows the role of the Igbo political elites in the destabilisation of the nascent Republic and the destruction of a political system, which allowed the Regions to develop at their respective paces. The unitary system imposed, ostensibly to favour the Igbo who had captured power at the centre, destroyed the very foundation of advancement laid by our own leaders. Anyone who imagines the possibility of development with the current arrangement is dishonest.

The Yoruba people will determine what represents their enlightened self interest at all times. Any covetous denizen of the forest can go to Hell.

It should be easy for Osuji to know the greatest beneficiaries of the current political arrangement. The Yoruba will not be missing it in case the much anticipated happens.

Doyin Odebowale (High Priest) writes from Ibadan.

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Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani has presented certificates of occupancy to the Chief of the Air Staff, Hassan Bala Abubakar, an Air Marshal in the Nigeria Air Force.

The certificates were issued for two parcels of land that had been applied for and duly allocated to the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) within Kaduna State, reflecting Mr Sanis commitment to enhancing the welfare of security forces and boosting their morale.

During a brief ceremony, the governor congratulated Mr Abubakar on his remarkable achievements since assuming office.

He also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Nigeria Air Force in ongoing operations within Kaduna State, particularly the Air component of Operation Whirl Punch.

On his part, the Chief of the Air Staff expressed gratitude for the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies in the state.

He however granted approval for the establishment of a NAF Wing in the Millennium City general area to stimulate rapid development and enhance the safety of citizens.

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Nedogas Development Company Limited (NDCL), a Joint Venture company between Xenergi Limited and NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company, has in collaboration with the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, successfully completed the construction and technical commissioning of a 300 MMscfd capacity Kwale Gas Gathering (KGG) and injection facility located in the Umusam community, near Kwale in Delta State, Niger-Delta, Nigeria.

The formal commissioning ceremony of the facility will be performed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo on 6 June, 2024.

The Minister will be supported by the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe.

The KGG Facility was designed to handle stranded gas resources in Nigerias OML56 oil province by providing the opportunity for independent operators in the area to monetize natural gas from their fields through the gas gathering, compression, injection and metering infrastructure of the KGG for quick access to market.

The KGG hub, which has been tied-in to the NGIC-owned and operated 48-inch OB-3 gas trunk line, is now fully commissioned with gas injection capacity totaling approximately 50 MMscfd comprising of 20 MMscfd from the Nedogas Plant located 3km away in Energias Ebendo field and another 30 MMscfd coming from the Matsogo field operated by Chorus Energy Limited. Injected gas volumes are gradually and steadily being ramped up.

This project represents a significant milestone in Nigerias decade of gas initiative as well as a major achievement in the quest to provide gas into the OB3 trunk line and monetize natural gas resources from the OML 56 producer cluster. With the successful injection of gas from the Energia/Oando JV and the Chorus operated Ebendo and Matsogo fields respectively into the OB3, the KGG facility is now poised to receive additional gas from nearby fields including those operated by First Hydrocarbon Nigeria (FHN), Pillar Oil, and Midwestern Oil & Gas, all aimed at positioning KGG as a fully-fledged gas-gathering facility and hub with single point injection of up to 300 MMscfd of gas into the OB3 via the KGG tie-in.

The plan is to expand the capacity of the KGG facility to 600 MMscfd in the second phase. In addition to the gas delivery obligations of the facility, the KGG will also be supplying the Delta State Economic Zone (DSEZ) from an integrated supply node within the manifold at the hub.

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NDCL is a 100% Nigerian company with a proven interest in innovating and deploying cleaner energy solutions for Nigerias growth and economic development. NCDMBs equity investment in NDCL is one the strategic projects geared towards actualizing the Federal Governments aspirations in key areas of the oil and gas industry. Most of NCDMBs third-party investments are targeted at actualizing the Federal Government Decade of Gas programme. The investments are in line with the Boards mandate to build capacity and catalyze local projects in the Nigerian oil and gas industry as enshrined under the Nigeran Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.

Prior to now, NDCLs precursor, Xenergi Limited, developed a novel approach to providing cleaner energy sources which resulted in the birth of Nigerias first inland Integrated Power, Propane and LPG Modular Plant in partnership with Energia-Oando JV, located in Ebendo in Delta State, Nigeria. The Nedogas Natural Gas Fractionation Plant, produces high-quality LPG and propane and with the capacity to process over 25 MMSCFD of associated natural gas. The capacity of the plant is currently being expanded to 60 MMSCFD.

The Executive Secretary NCDMB said that the success story of NEDOGAS at Kwale, Delta State could be replicated in other oil- and gas-producing communities to minimise gas flaring. He declared the Boards readiness to continue collaborating with the company. Their model should be extended to other parts of the country where gas flaring is continuing. They have shown that with the modular system, we can quickly remove flaring from our operations in Nigeria.

The Managing Director of NDCL, Debo Fagbami explained that with the completion of the first phase of the KGG Facility, the proof-of-concept to readily monetize gas has now been established to the extent of eradicating the pain of seeing an invaluable resource being wasted. Rather than just being concerned about ending gas flaring  he sees opportunities to harness the potential of the flare sites from these oilfields which will ultimately convert a wasting resource into an economic asset used to generate cleaner energy.

With an estimated 180 billion cubic feet of proven Natural gas reserves, Nigeria has the ninth largest concentration in the world. But sadly enough, the country continues to flare significant quantities of Associated gas which has relegated the health and environmental well-being of Nigerians to the background for over 60 years. Natural gas remains a relatively clean fossil fuel and represents a viable transition to renewable energy which plays a pivotal role in powering the growth of developing economies like Nigeria. The KGG facility is set to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for indigenes of the host and nearby communities.

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Bauchi Central senator, Abdul Ningi, on Tuesday, resumed plenary five days after he was recalled from suspension.

Mr Ningi, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was sighted entering the Red Chamber at 10:40 a.m. He took his seat after exchanging pleasantries with some of his colleagues.

Ningis Suspension

Mr Ningi was suspended on 12 March for three months but was recalled last week by the Senate following a motion by Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP, Benue), on behalf of the minority caucus.

He had accused the leadership of the upper chamber of illegally inserting projects worth N3 trillion in the 2024 budget.

The lawmaker said 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 documenr and found some of them to be true.

This newspaper reviewed the proposed 2024 budget, the approved budget, and the senators document, which he used as reference, and discovered several projects worth billions of naira without specific locations and proper descriptions.

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At the time he made the allegation, Mr. Ningi was the chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF). He resigned from the position over the matter.

In March, the senator wrote a letter through his lawyer, Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to the Senate, demanding his reinstatement.

In the letter, Mr. Ningi gave a seven-day ultimatum to the Senate leadership to reinstate him or risk legal action.

The senator said he would not hesitate to report the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee if the Senate leadership refused to lift his suspension within seven days.

The Senate however ignored his demand.

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From the killing of soldiers in Abia State to the controversial sit-at-home across the South-east, the past week was action-packed in the region.

Here are the highlights of the top stories that made headlines in the region within the past week:

Police officer punished for extortion in Imo

The police in Imo State, on Monday 27 May, announced that they have sanctioned an officer seen in a viral video clip extorting motorists in Owerri, the state capital.

The police spokesperson in the state, Henry Okoye, in a statement identified the officer as Isong Osudueh, an inspector attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Police Command in the State.

Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police, said Mr Osudueh was filmed extorting motorists along Owerri-Onitsha Express Road in the state.

The police spokesperson did not mention when the incident happened.

He said Mr Osudueh was recommended for a reduction in rank after the necessary orderly room proceedings against him for exhibiting such a shameful and unprofessional act.

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Mr Okoye said apart from Mr Osudueh, the supervisory officer, whose name was not disclosed, has been issued an official query for lack of supervision.

This latest development highlights the growing incidence of police harassment and extortion of residents despite efforts by police authorities against it.

Reported Catholic priests wedding to lover

On 27 May, the Catholic Diocese of Abakakili in Ebonyi State responded to a report that its priest recently wedded his lover in the state.

The report, posted on social media, had suggested that a Catholic priest, Jude Obasi, allegedly got married to his lover on 25 May in Abakakili, the state capital.

The wedding, according to the report, took place at Saint Marys Catholic, Abakakili.

The priest reportedly hails from Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state.

But the diocese through its chancellor, Matthew Opoke, refuted the report in a statement.

Mr Opoke, a Catholic priest, said no priest goes by such a name within the diocese and that the person in the trending photograph does not resemble the face of any priest in the diocese.

The chancellor said there is no priest with such name either in the diocese or from Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state.

He further said the diocese does not have any place called Saint Marys Catholic Church, Abakakili and no such event took place in the area within the period.

Meanwhile, an independent investigation by PREMIUM TIMES found that the report was false and a case of misinformation.

The photograph which accompanied the report first appeared on news blog in October 2023.

The photograph is that of a Kenyan Catholic priest, Edwin Gathangi Waiguru, who got married to his long-term friend, Margaret Wanjira Githui.

The development is another reminder of the negative effects of social media on proliferation of fake news.

IPOBs battle with security agencies, Enugu govt over sit-at-home

Tension enveloped South-east Nigeria on Thursday when security agencies vowed to thwart plans by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to enforce a controversial sit-at-home which it declared across the region.

IPOB earlier announced that there would be a sit-at-home on 30 May across the South-east to mark their Biafra Day which is celebrated annually in the region.

Emma Powerful, the IPOBs spokesperson, in a statement, said the celebration was intended to remember IPOB members who died in the fight for freedom.

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.

The separatist group consequently directed all schools, government, offices, private offices, banks, transport unions, market unions and private individuals to shut down their operations and observe the sit-at-home order in honour of slain Biafrans.

But authorities of security agencies across the South-east vowed to resist the IPOBs plan to enforce the illegal action.

Like the security agencies, the Enugu State Government had also rejected the illegal order by the separatist group, which earlier called for the postponement of the senior school examination organisation by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

WAEC had fixed 30 May for its general mathematics examination in the state and across the region.

The Enugu State Government rejected the sit-at-home order and said the IPOBs declaration was unacceptable given that the illegal action had affected the socio-economic lives of South-east residents.

The government stressed that it had put security agencies on red alert to ensure the security of lives and property and deal with IPOB members who try to enforce illegal order to scuttle the examination.

PREMIUM TIMES can confirm that security operatives clashed with suspected IPOB members across the region during a controversial sit-at-home order on 30 May.

The development caused tension in the South-east, raising concerns that the sit-at-home might stay longer than expected in the region.

Killing of soldiers in Abia

It was a tragic day on Thursday when some gunmen attacked and killed five soldiers in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the hoodlums, numbering about 15, attacked the soldiers at about 8: 00 a.m. at a military checkpoint in Obikabia Junction in the commercial city.

The gunmen were said to be enforcing a sit-at-home order declared by IPOB across the South-east to mark the annual Biafra Day celebration.

Some video clips showing the masked gunmen during the attack on the soldiers circulated on Facebook and other social media platforms.

In one of the clips, some armed men, dressed in black attire, were seen firing sporadic gunshots around the junction.

In its first reaction, the Nigerian army vowed to retaliate the killing of the soldiers by the suspected IPOB members.

The killing of the soldiers has elicited condemnations from various quarters.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State was among the first to condemn the attack. Mr Uzodinma asked security agencies to track down those who killed the soldiers in the state.

President Bola Tinubu also joined in condemning the attack.

Mr Tinubu vowed that his administration would come down heavily on those responsible for the killing of the soldiers.

On his part, a former Vice-President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, said with the killing of the soldiers, it is now time for a political solution to be explored for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader.

The former vice-president said this would ensure that criminals in the South-east were separated from legitimate agitators

He condemned the killing of the soldiers and said the identities of the gunmen hiding under the cover of Biafra agitation to carry out attacks must be unmasked.

The Abia State Government later announced that they have placed a N25 million bounty on killers of the five soldiers in Abia State.

The government also promised to take up the responsibility of supporting the families of the slain soldiers, which include the payment of regular st inipends to their spouses, and the education of their children to university level.

Barely 24 hours after the killing of the soldiers, residents of the Aba Area accused the Nigerian army of harassing and arresting them.

The army would later say those arrested had been released.

Hunters bust kidnappers den in Anambra forest  Official

On Saturday, we brought the cheering story of how Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service, Anambra Command, busted a kidnappers den in Anam forest, Anambra-West Local Government Area of the state.

John Metchie, the deputy commander-general, Technical Services, of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service, who announced this on Friday said vehicle and other items recovered from the kidnappers had been handed over to the police for further action.

Mr Metchie added that the hunters were still on the trail of the suspected kidnappers who abandoned the vehicle.

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There was chaos at the Oyo State government secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, as leaders of the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) forced civil servants out of their offices.

At about 11.43 a.m., the Labour leaders shut the Agodi Secretariat main gate and moved from one ministry to another, dispersing the workers.

Addressing journalists after the exercise, the chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Oyo State chapter, Bosun Olabiyi, affirmed that Organised Labour embarked on the indefinite strike due to the breakdown in the negotiation of the minimum wage.

He said the exercise just carried out was in a bid to ensure that the industrial action was effective. We came to monitor compliance at the Secretariat just as in all other states. Our instruction is very clear: everybody should stay at home, Mr Olabiyi added.

A junior cadre staff at the Oyo State Ministry of Health, Grace Akindele, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES shortly after she was evicted from her office, said the unions were acting in the best interest of all employees.

Mrs Akindele said, for instance, that her current pay was insufficient to buy groceries from the market, noting that the rising cost of food and increased transportation costs further eliminate all that is left of her monthly income.

Look inside my bag, this is the Garri that I drink inside the office. I can no longer eat good food again because the salary is not enough. I can hardly pay my childrens school fees, she said.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

Mrs Akindele, however, said a decrease in prices of food and other commodities would be preferred rather than an increment in salary.

After being chased out, Sunday Falana, another worker, said he had only come to check on the work he had left behind on Friday.

He expressed support for the labour leaders, saying they were acting on workers behalf as the issue of minimum wage, food scarcity and electricity tariff affected everyone. Workers deserve better from the government, he added.

Another civil servant, Animasahun M. A., blamed the workers for violating the order of the unions by not joining their striking colleagues in the first instance.

Although I heard the news but, I was confused. You know this kind of situation often confuses. They might say there would be a strike, and before morning, they would have called it off. We really appreciate our union leaders for their proactive action, she said.

TUC chairman, Mr Olabiyi, affirmed that Organised Labour embarked on the indefinite strike due to the breakdown in the negotiation of the minimum wage.

Many times, they are not present. Government have not shown the kind of seriousness that we believe this negotiation should attract, he said.

He noted that the minimum wage law must be repealed and enacted every five years and that 2019 was the last time it was done.

If the federal government can assure us that all prevailing economic factors will go back to what it used to be in 2019, we will not ask for any minimum wage increment, he said.

Mr Olabiyi complained that the proposed new minimum wage of N60,000 by the Federal Government was not sufficient for workers transportation fares, let alone other things.

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Senator Jane Hume admitted she 'lost herself for a moment' while speaking to her colleague.

Senator Jane Hume made an X-rated remark to Joe Longo in parliament on Tuesday morning which some found inappropriate. Source: X

An off-the-cuff remark by a senator at parliament on Tuesday morning has divided Aussies, with some believing it was simply light-hearted banter between colleagues while others thought it was "gross".

Senator for Victoria Jane Hume was welcoming Australian Securities and Investment Commission chairman Joe Longo when she addressed the fact the pair usually meet in a less formal environment.

"Every time I see Mr Longo now it seems to be at the gym on Saturday mornings so I apologise for the lycra," she said. He begins to respond before she adds, "Less worthy men have seen me in far less."

Less worthy men have seen me in far less - @SenatorHume discussing gym attire and proving yet again Senate estimates is far more interesting than most parliamentary proceedings  pic.twitter.com/ZCWuuB4cLq  Andrew Greene (@AndrewBGreene) June 4, 2024

Longo responds by saying he wanted to "reassure the committee" that he wasn't the one wearing lycra when the pair bump into one another at the gym. Realising what she's said, Hume stops with a shocked expression on her face, clearly taken aback by her remark.

"Sorry I completely forgot myself for a moment," she said.

The room broke with laughter and she quickly moved on to discuss "something serious" and proceeded with the matter at hand.

Senator Jane Hume was visibly shocked by her own comment. Source: X

Footage of the exchange was shared on social media and the reaction has been divided. Many "delighted" at the remark, calling it "refreshing banter" between colleagues.

"Utterly delightful. The reality of day-to-day life and a refreshing banter," one Aussie wrote, while another admitted they were "actually warming to her" after viewing the exchange between Hume and Longo.

However, others weren't convinced, deeming it inappropriate and a way to "completely discredit yourself in one sentence".

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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ISTANBUL, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- XCMG Machinery (SHE:000425, "XCMG"), a global leader in the manufacturing construction machinery, has partnered with local distributors ENKA Pazarlama, HBZ Makina, Hakan Makina and Odabas Makina to showcase an impressive lineup of 37 machines across nine categories at KOMATEK 2024, that took place from May 29 to June 1.

XCMG Unveils 39 Innovative Machinery Models at KOMATEK 2024 in Istanbul.

At KOMATEK 2024, XCMG Machinery showcased a diverse range of equipment, including cranes, excavators, loaders, and road machinery. This exhibition highlighted both traditional diesel-powered and cutting-edge electric models tailored for the Turkish market.

The KOMATEK Engineering Machinery Technology Exhibition, renowned as Turkey's largest and one of Europe's most influential industry tradeshows, featured an impressive lineup of over 500 brands and catered to the needs of over 40,000 visitors from around the region.

Visitors to XCMG's expansive booth covering an area of 2,895 square meters encountered diesel and new technology electric products. Among these are the XC998 marble loader designed specifically for marble quarries and the XDR80TE mining truck, XCMG's first product launched in Turkey's mining sector this year.

At an exhibition space of 2,895 square meters, XCMG Machinery showcased an impressive lineup of diesel and cutting-edge electric products, including brand-new offerings specifically tailored for the Turkish market, such as XDR80TE electric mining trucks, medium and large electric loaders, along with the XC998 marble loader designed specifically for marble quarries.

The XCMG XC998 marble loader is specially designed for the super-heavy-duty working conditions in marble quarries, with strong power, optimized articulation points and excellent performance: the low transport capacity reaches more than 30t and meets the requirement of more than 20of fully loaded climbing.

The XDR80TE, XCMG's first offering to the Turkish mining industry in 2024, is capable of high performance on challenging terrains with an 80-ton load capacity, providing an environmentally friendly transport solution.

The XC968-EV and XC975EV electric loader, developed by XCMG's R&D center, has been a resounding success, offering superior power, reliability, energy efficiency, and easier maintenance compared to diesel loaders. Equipped with a fast-charging system, the battery can be fully recharged in less than 1 hour, with 5-8 operating hours.

XCMG has forged solid partnerships with Turkey's leading dealers to better serve industrial clients in Turkey and its surrounding regions, with its electric forklifts and marble loaders making an appearance at the Izmir Marble Fair in April.

For more information, please visit https://www.xcmgglobal.com/.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2429603/WechatIMG11298.jpg
Chef Andre Rush Partners With The Salvation Army To Celebrate National Donut Day on June 7

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than 85 years, National Donut Day has been a sweet tradition thanks to The Salvation Army , the country's largest nongovernmental social service provider. Established in 1938 by The Salvation Army in Chicago, the holiday is about more than indulging in a delicious treat: It's a chance to recognize the selfless volunteers who serve those most in need.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9272351-the-salvation-army-celebrates-86th-national-donut-day/

A History of Hope: How The Salvation Army Inspired Americas Sweetest Holiday A History of Hope: How The Salvation Army Inspired Americas Sweetest Holiday

This National Donut Day, The Salvation Army has teamed up with Chef Andre Rush, former White House chef and veteran, to distribute donuts, talk about the history of National Donut Day and highlight The Salvation Army's veterans-focused programs on his socials June 7. With Chef Rush's help, The Salvation Army plans to spread hope one donut at a time and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Additionally, The Salvation Army will mark this historic day with various events and initiatives across the country:

National Donut Day honors The Salvation Army's Donut Lassies, who traveled to France in 1917 at the approval of the commander of the Expeditionary Forces, General John Pershing, where they served donuts and other baked goods, repaired torn uniforms, helped soldiers write letters and provided emotional and spiritual care to American and allied soldiers fighting on the front lines of World War I. The donut became a symbol of comfort and hope during what was the darkest time in many of these soldiers' lives.

The Salvation Army's dedication to supporting troops continued beyond World War I and became a steadfast tradition in subsequent conflicts. Eighty years ago, Allied troops stormed Normandy Beach, known as D-Day and the beginning of the end of the Nazi regime. The Salvation Army provided comfort and care to U.S. troops as they fought their way into Nazi Germany and supplied coffee, donuts, chewing gum, soap, toothpaste, and sewing kits. After Hitler surrendered, The Salvation Army volunteers remained in Germany, providing relief to all involved in the war throughout the next year. These volunteers were beacons of love and light in a dark time of hate.

Today, The Salvation Army continues to provide comfort, support and counseling to our troops, both active duty and veterans and delivers essential services to nearly 24 million people in America who fight to overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships. Through nearly 7,000 centers of operation, The Salvation Army tailors a wide range of social services to the specific needs of each community such as providing food, clothing, shelter, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation services, youth programming and more.

"We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the 86th National Donut Day and paying tribute to the incredible legacy of the Donut Lassies," said Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, national commander of The Salvation Army. "Their dedication and compassion perfectly illustrate what The Salvation Army stands for and continue to inspire our entire community to this day."

For more information about National Donut Day or to download the Donut Lassies' original recipe, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/national-donut-day/ .

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army helped nearly 24 million people in 2022 overcome poverty, addiction, and spiritual and economic hardships by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination in nearly every ZIP code. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at nearly 7,000 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org . Follow us on X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

Contact

Name: Brooke McGriff

Cell: 940-363-0336

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE The Salvation Army
HARRISBURG, Pa., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With the arrival of travel season, AARP Pennsylvania reminds travelers to remain vigilant against scams that could turn dream vacations into disappointing ordeals. Travelers looking forward to relaxing and exploring new destinations should be cautious of too-good-to-be-true deals on vacation rentals and car hires.

Watch AARP Pennsylvania Fraud Watch Alert about Vacation Scams on Youtube.

"Nothing ruins a vacation faster than realizing your booking was a sham," stated Mary Bach, Volunteer and Chair of the Consumer Issues Task Force at AARP Pennsylvania. "We see a lot of advertisements for luxurious properties and premium car rentals at unrealistically low rates. It's crucial to do your due diligence before making any payments."

Vacation rental scams often involve properties listed with enticingly low rates and exceptional amenities. Scammers may hijack legitimate listings or create entirely fictitious ones using stolen images. They typically push for quick deals and upfront payments, only for travelers to discover the truth upon arrival.

Car rental scams also surge during high travel seasons, with fraudsters enticing travelers with exceptionally low rates and insisting on advance payments, often through untraceable methods like gift cards or prepaid debit cards, leaving travelers stranded.

David Kalinoski, Associate State Director of Outreach for AARP Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of verification: "Before booking, confirm the property exists through tools like Google Street View and insist on a detailed rental agreement. For car rentals, ensure you are using the company's genuine website or real customer service number."

AARP Pennsylvania offers these additional tips to protect yourself:

Research the property, owner, and travel deals thoroughly.

Never pay by wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or gift card.

Pay by credit card for added security and potential recourse.

Verify all terms in writing, including cancellation and refund policies.

"We urge all travelers to be cautious and report any suspicious offers," added Kalinoski. "By staying informed and cautious, you can ensure that your vacation is memorable for all the right reasons."

You can sign up for free, biweekly Watchdog Alerts to have information on the latest scams delivered right to your phone. Text FWN to 50757.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Pennsylvania Fraud Resource Page at aarp.org/pafraud.

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

MEDIA CONTACT:

TJ Thiessen | [email protected] | 717-381-7420

SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania
The latest apparent anti-theft measure at one Sydney store was swiftly removed after enquiries from Yahoo.

Woolworths has removed a sign banning school bags between certain times in the day. Source: Reddit

Woolworths has removed a sign that was placed at the entrance gates of one store, banning school bags between certain hours of the day. With rates of shoplifting continuing to rise across the country, retailers have been forced to take drastic action to combat the escalating trend, which costs Australian businesses an estimated $9 billion per year.

The nation's biggest supermarkets are certainly no exception with one Sydney Woolworths branch seemingly taking its anti-theft measures too far, erecting a sign prohibiting school bags, only for it to be removed after it was questioned by the public.

A shopper posted a photo of the sign online, which appears to have been informally printed and laminated by a staff member at the store, with many wondering how the ban would logistically work.

Woolworths has in recent times installed a raft of new anti-theft measures in supermarkets across the country. Source: Woolworths

"Are Woolworths going to take responsibility for stolen items from the bags [left behind]?" one confused person commented.

"I think this strategy is dumb because staff don't get paid enough to enforce this," another said.

One parent warned there was "no way in hell my son's leaving his bag with expensive laptop unattended at the door", with another "not convinced they can actually" enforce the ban. "They can have a policy of no bags, but no school bags gets you into indirect age discrimination territory," they argued.

Woolworths quickly pulls sign targeting students

After being questioned by Yahoo News Australia, a Woolworths spokesperson confirmed the sign was swiftly removed following enquiries.

"There has been no change to our policy regarding school bags in our stores. The sign has been removed from the store," the spokesperson told Yahoo. Woolworths would not respond directly to questions about what prompted the sign.

Theft hammers retailers around the nation

In NSW, since October 2021, retail theft offences have been steadily increasing and were up by 47.5 per cent last year, according to the state's Department of Communities and Justice. Countrywide, it's believed that only 20 per cent of retail crimes are ever even reported to police, the National Retail Association says.

People have been caught all over the country in recent months shoplifting from supermarkets. Source: 7News

In South Australia, police revealed just last week that shoplifting in the state was spiralling, with theft rising by 30 per cent in a year  a "trend that is expected to continue". There were 1,455 shoplifting offences in March alone, with retailers in August warned that the trend was drifting beyond control.

Earlier today, Yahoo reported on an Adelaide couple's elaborate alleged shoplifting technique, involving a trolley switch-up and a large gift-wrapped present, demonstrating the bizarre lengths some Australians are going to in order to rip off retailers.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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MADRID and MILAN and WASHINGTON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ACON Investments, L.L.C. and its affiliates ("ACON"), in partnership with an affiliate of DeA Capital Alternative Funds SGR SpA ("DeA"), today announced that they have acquired a controlling interest in Romar Care Group ("RGC" or the "Company"). RGC is a Spain-based manufacturer and distributor of consumer products related to personal care, home care and cosmetics.

RGC, based in Valencia, Spain, was formed in 2019 through the merger of Quimi Romar and Envasados Xiomara by GPF Partners ("GPF"). Since then, RGC has more than doubled its production capacity, expanded its sales channels, diversified its geographic footprint and driven growth in its portfolio of brands. RGC's portfolio includes Agrado, Mayordomo, Amalfi, Sairo, Air Freshener, Destello and Garley, among others. The Company currently sells its extensive portfolio of products in over 100 countries. It has a presence throughout Europe as well as the Middle East, North Africa and Latin America, with 60% of its revenue coming from outside of Spain. Additionally, it operates subsidiaries in Morocco, Colombia and the U.K. Customers include El Corte Ingles, Carrefour, Lidl, Auchan, IFA, Euromadi, Primor and Druni, among others.

In 2023 RGC achieved 120 million of sales and launched a new state-of-the-art production facility in Sagunto, Valencia. The new plant is over 50,000 square meters and will enable the Company to continue its ambitious international expansion campaign.

RGCs management team will maintain a material equity interest in the Company. They are fully committed to executing the Company's expansion with an emphasis on ESG, digital transformation and sustainability. The new Sagunto plant has been designed to optimize efficiency, specifically energy savings, and has implemented the highest quality standards and certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 22716 and IFS-HPC).

Pablo Rodriguez-Gimeno, CEO of RGC stated, "We are extremely pleased to have launched our new plant and excited about our Company's future. We welcome ACON and DeA as our new equity partners and look forward to working closely with them as we embark on RGC's next stage of growth."

Marcos Llado, Managing Partner of ACON added, "ACON is pleased to be completing our seventh acquisition in Spain since 2017. Along with DeA, we look forward to supporting RGC's management team as they pursue their objectives and capture growth opportunities in various regions around the world. We are excited to build on their accomplishments of the last five years, during which time they grew top line well ahead of the overall market."

Giuliano Palazzo, Managing Director of DeA concluded, "We are delighted to have co-invested with ACON in an impressive business led by an outstanding management team and are ready to support its continued growth. By leveraging its new production facility, we hope that RGC will strengthen its position as a leader in the industry with respect to quality, efficiency and productivity as it seeks to serve the global market. We firmly believe that our partnership with ACON will positively contribute to the next phase of the Company's development."

RSM, Hogan Lovells and Ashurst advised the buyers while GPF was advised by Houlihan Lokey and Uria Menendez.

About GPF Partners

Founded in 2015 by Martin Rodriguez-Fraile, Ignacio Olascoaga, Lorenzo Martinez de Albornoz and Guillermo Castellanos, GPF Partners (www.gpf-partners.com) is a private equity fund manager with over 1.2 billion under management across GPF Capital I, GPF Capital II, GPF Capital IV and GPF Real Estate. All of its funds have equity commitments from private and institutional investors in Spain, the US, Europe and over 15 countries in Latin America, which provides extensive access to those markets, where the firm is able to support the long-term development of its portfolio companies.

About ACON Investments

ACON Investments, L.L.C. is a Washington, D.C.-based international private equity investment firm that manages private equity funds and special purpose partnerships that make investments in the United States, Latin America and Europe. With professionals in Washington, D.C., Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Bogota, Madrid, Mexico City and Sao Paulo, ACON has managed $7.0 billion in assets since inception and has a 28-year track record. For more information, visit www.aconinvestments.com.

About Sviluppo Sostenibile/DeA Capital

Sviluppo Sostenibile is a private equity fund managed by DeA Capital Alternative Funds SGR SpA focused on mid-market firms where it is able to implement best-in-class ESG policies. RGC is the fund's first investment in Spain.

Founded in 2006, DeA Capital Alternative Funds SGR SpA., is a 100%-owned subsidiary of DeA Capital SpA., which forms part of the De Agostini Group. The firm is the leading independent manager of alternative assets in Italy with over 6.0 billion of assets under management and over 70 employees between its offices in Milan and Madrid. In 2024, DeA celebrates the fifth anniversary of its entry in Spain and the establishment of its Madrid-based office and team. For more information, please refer to www.deacapitalaf.com

Media Contacts:

ACON Investments

Marcos Llado

Managing Partner

[email protected]

Meena Thever

Partner, Head of Capital Formation and Investor Relations

[email protected]

DeA Capital Alternative Funds

Giuliano Palazzo

Managing Director

[email protected]

Marco Scopigno

[email protected]

Anna Majocchi

[email protected]

Rocio Casado (Harmon)

+34 696 780 458

[email protected]

Romar Care Group

Susana Orts

Marketing Director

+34 687 95 44 00

[email protected]

SOURCE ACON Investments, L.L.C.
Boston-based Ada IQ has won a $275,000 NSF SBIR Phase One award to integrate its AI Design and Insights platform with PTC Onshape, advancing AI-driven product design. This grant brings Ada IQ's total non-dilutive funding to over $1.25M, supported by Techstars, NSF, and Northeastern University, positioning it as a leader in AI and design innovation.

BOSTON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ada IQ, a leader in AI-driven product design, is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $275,000 Phase One Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This prestigious grant will fund the integration of Ada IQ's pioneering Design AI platform with advanced 3D computer-aided design (CAD) systems, including Ada IQ's integration with the PTC Onshape CAD and PDM platform. PTC, a global company renowned for its CAD and product life cycled management software, will serve as the commercial partner for this innovative project.

Ada IQ aims to revolutionize how designers and engineers create consumer products and plans to further its research by blending Ada IQ's AI-driven market analytics with the CAD capabilities of Onshape. This API integration will explore how AI transforms product design by enabling more data-informed decisions, reducing time to market, and enhancing product relevance to consumer needs.

"This $275,000 NSF SBIR award advances Ada IQ's AI integration with PTC Onshape for smarter, faster product design. With over $1.25M in funding from Techstars, NSF, and Northeastern, we're set to revolutionize how designers and engineers create consumer products."  Dr. Tucker Marion, Co-founder Post this

Dr. Tucker Marion, co-founder of Ada IQ, shares his vision for the project: "This NSF SBIR award is a pivotal step forward for Ada IQ and for the future of AI in product design. Our integration with Onshape represents the cutting edge of integrating market-driven analytics with design processes, which we call Design for Needs (DFN). We envision a world where every design decision is informed by deep, actionable insights, enabling creators to design products that truly resonate with consumers. This is the future of product development  smarter, faster, and more attuned to market demands."

Greg Brown, a Vice President of Product at PTC, said: "The integration of Ada IQ's AI-driven analytics with the PTC Onshape platform is an exciting development for the industry. Dr. Marion and the Ada IQ team have a strong vision for creating products that are not only innovative but also precisely tailored to meet market expectations. We look forward to the research progressing and telling us more about how AI can streamline product development and support designers and engineers worldwide."

The NSF SBIR Phase One award is a testament to Ada IQ's innovative approach and the potential of its technology to make a substantial impact on the product design industry. NSF SBIR programs are highly competitive and provide non-dilutive grant funding for the development of deep technologies, based on discoveries in fundamental science and engineering for societal and economic impacts. This non-dilutive grant brings the total funding to over $1.25M, including support from Techstars, NSF, and Northeastern University.

For further information about Ada IQ and its integration with PTC Onshape, please visit www.adaiq.com.

About Ada IQ

Ada IQ is at the forefront of leveraging artificial intelligence to transform product design. By integrating AI-driven insights into the design process, Ada IQ empowers creators to develop products that not only meet but exceed consumer expectations. Ada IQ is a techstars_ '24 company.

PTC, Onshape, and the PTC logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of PTC Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

Keywords:

Core Keywords

AI-driven product design

AI in CAD

AI market analytics

NSF SBIR grant

AI innovation in design

AI product development

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AI technology investments

Long-Tail Keywords

AI integration with CAD systems

AI-driven market insights for product design

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AI-enhanced product lifecycle management

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Geographic Keywords

Boston AI startups

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Industry-Specific Keywords

Techstars AI startups

Venture capital for AI technology

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AI-driven product design innovation

CAD technology advancements

AI in engineering software

PTC Onshape integration with AI

AI-driven product development tools

Media Contact:

Stuart Nixdorff

[email protected]

SOURCE ADA IQ
CHICAGO and OTTAWA, ON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fueled by the increasing effects of climate change, wildfire smoke has a significant and growing impact on air quality and lung health. To reduce lung health harm, the American Lung Association and Canadian Lung Association are collaborating to raise awareness about the health impacts of wildfire smoke and educate people on how to protect themselves. Both organizations are also advocating for ways to mitigate catastrophic wildfires.

Canada and the United States are increasingly experiencing devastating wildfires and wildfire smoke events. 2023 was the worst year ever for wildfires in Canada , and parts of the U.S. that hadn't previously experienced severe wildfires and wildfire smoke  including Hawaii, the Midwest and Eastern states  were significantly impacted. The trend of more frequent and intense wildfires is largely driven by climate change. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns contribute to longer and more severe droughts, helping create ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread.

Wildfire smoke is unhealthy for everyone to breathe, but some groups are at greater risk. Wildfire smoke can exacerbate symptoms in people living with lung disease and underlying health conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Other groups who may face higher risk of health harms include Black and indigenous individuals and people of color (BIPOC), children, older adults, people experiencing poverty, individuals who are pregnant and outdoor workers.

"For years, people living in the Western U.S. have suffered dangerous air pollution from wildfire smoke. Last year's severe wildfires and smoke were a wake-up call for people in many other parts of the country. Smoke, air pollution and climate change are global issues that don't care about international borders. The American Lung Association's collaboration with the Canadian Lung Association will help address the urgent need to improve lung health in the face of the changing climate," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association.

"Last year's wildfires really brought this issue to people across Canada no matter where they lived, and projected high temperatures again this year are putting us at risk for another significant season," says Sarah Butson, CEO of the Canadian Lung Association. "It's very meaningful for our two organizations to come together to focus on this issue. As national lung health organizations, it's important that we raise awareness about the risks of wildfire smoke and help the public protect their lungs as much as possible. It really is something that can affect all of us on both sides of the border."

Wildfire smoke can travel thousands of miles across international borders and impact the health of anyone who breathes it. Exposure to wildfire smoke poses serious health hazards. The smoke contains tiny particles  some are so tiny that they can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. This particle pollution from wildfire smoke can worsen chronic lung disease symptoms and trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes that can be lethal. Depending on what is burning, wildfire smoke can also contain additional harmful components. For example, smoke from wildfires that burn houses and vehicles can contain lead and other metals and pollutants.

The American Lung Association and the Canadian Lung Association are collaborating to raise awareness about the health harm of wildfire smoke, educate people on how to protect themselves, and advocate for ways to mitigate catastrophic wildfires.

Awareness : The two Lung Associations are working to raise greater awareness about the health impacts that wildfire smoke has on everyone, especially higher-risk communities and groups, through online resources, media stories, social media and more.

: The two Lung Associations are working to raise greater awareness about the health impacts that wildfire smoke has on everyone, especially higher-risk communities and groups, through online resources, media stories, social media and more. Education: The organizations are focused on educating the public on steps people can take to protect themselves from wildfire smoke before, during and after a wildfire smoke event. Canadian resources are available here and American resources are available here .

The organizations are focused on educating the public on steps people can take to protect themselves from wildfire smoke before, during and after a wildfire smoke event. and . Advocacy: The American Lung Association and Canadian Lung Association are both working on ways to mitigate catastrophic wildfires. For example, the American Lung Association is advocating for the use of prescribed fires in some circumstances , and both organizations are advocating for ways to address the key factor making wildfires worse, climate change. Learn about the American Lung Association's Healthy Air Campaign here and the Canadian Lung Association's advocacy efforts here .

About the Canadian Lung Association

The Canadian Lung Association is the leading organization in Canada working to promote lung health and prevent and manage lung disease, as the go-to source for patients, their families, caregivers, health professionals and the general community. We help the people of Canada living with lung disease access the programs, services, evidence-based information and medical equipment they need to take an active role in managing their own health. Our research funding competitions and training workshops help launch the careers of the next generation of respiratory researchers in Canada. And we ensure Canada's national voice for lung health is heard across the country and around the world.

If you have questions about your lung health, call us toll-free from anywhere in Canada at 1-866-717-2673 or visit www.lung.ca. Donate today to help support the work of the Canadian Lung Association at www.lung.ca/donate.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org .To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

This year, the American Lung Association is celebrating 120 years! Join us in our journey to champion lung health and help us celebrate 120 Years of Impact. Donate today at Lung.org/donate .

American Lung Association  55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150  Chicago, IL 60601

1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North  Washington, D.C. 20004

1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org

CONTACTS:

Jill Dale | American Lung Association

P: 312-940-7001 M: 720-438-8289E: [email protected]

Nahanni McIntosh | Canadian Lung Association

M: 647-904-2817 E: [email protected]

SOURCE American Lung Association
NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global animal healthcare market size is estimated to grow by USD 10.33 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.48% 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 animal healthcare market 2024-2028

Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Product (Pharmaceutical, Feed additive, and Biologicals), Animal Type (Livestock and Companion animals), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)) Region Covered North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) Key companies profiled APA United Nano Technology Co. Ltd., Avante Health Solutions, Bimeda Holdings Ltd., Biogenesis Bago SA, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Cargill Inc., Ceva Sante Animale, Chanelle Pharma Group, Covetrus Inc., Dechra Pharmaceuticals Plc, Elanco Animal Health Inc., Heska Corp., Hester Biosciences Ltd., Merck KGaA, Midmark Corp., Norbrook Laboratories Ltd., Phibro Animal Health Corp., SeQuent, Virbac Group, and Zoetis Inc.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The animal healthcare market is experiencing growth due to heightened awareness regarding preventive care for pets. This includes regular veterinary check-ups for vaccinations, nutrition, and risk factor assessments. Boehringer Ingelheim's investment in Cowtribe, a Ghanaian last-mile veterinary delivery company, is a significant step towards addressing the financing gap for social businesses in vulnerable communities.

Technology integration in Cowtribe's operations will facilitate efficient vaccine and animal health product deliveries to rural areas. Pet owners are increasingly opting for pet insurance, enabling them to afford costly treatments and enhancing overall animal care. This trend is anticipated to fuel the expansion of the animal healthcare market.

The animal healthcare market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for better animal health solutions. Cats, dogs, horses, and other animals require proper care and diagnosis, leading to the use of various products and services. These include diagnostics, treatments, and preventive care.

Digitization is a key trend in animal healthcare, with technologies like telemedicine and mobile applications enabling remote consultations and monitoring. Additionally, the focus on animal welfare and ethical treatment is driving innovation in the market. Producers and distributors must stay updated on these trends to remain competitive.

Market Challenges

The consumption of foods derived from eggs, meat, and dairy sources poses health risks due to potential contaminants like hormones, bacteria, and dioxins. These substances can lead to food poisoning and long-term health issues such as disrupted development and cancer. Approximately 23% of annual food poisoning cases in the US are caused by contaminated animal flesh.

Dioxins, primarily absorbed through fish, meat, and dairy products, are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can cause various health problems. This health concern may decrease the demand for animal-source foods, potentially impacting the market growth by reducing the need for animal feed additives.

The animal healthcare market faces several challenges in providing optimal care for various species. These include the need for expanded adoption of advanced technologies like expander "Veterinary technologies", "Hospitals", and "Clinics". Additionally, there is a growing demand for "Animal nutrition" and "Treatments" that cater to specific animal needs. "Digitalization" and "Automation" in animal healthcare are also essential to improve efficiency and accuracy.

However, the high cost of these technologies and treatments can be a significant barrier for many animal owners. Furthermore, ensuring "Compliance" with regulations and ethical standards is crucial for the industry's reputation and sustainability. Overall, addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to provide affordable, effective, and ethical animal healthcare solutions.

Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend, driver and challenges - Download a Sample Report

Segment Overview

Product

1.1 Pharmaceutical

1.2 Feed additive

1.3 Biologicals

Animal Type

2.1 Livestock

2.2 Companion animals

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 Asia

3.4 Rest of World (ROW)

1.1 Pharmaceutical- The animal healthcare market encompasses various pharmaceutical products, including ectoparasiticides, endoparasiticides, and anti-inflammatories. These drugs come in different forms and help treat diseases, reducing economic losses and maintaining animal health. Ectoparasiticides target external parasites, with Virbac offering solutions like EFFIPRO spray and PREVENTIC.

Endoparasiticides combat internal parasites, such as IPRAZ Tablet from Virbac. Anti-inflammatories, like Zoetis' MEDROL, alleviate inflammation. Despite regulatory challenges and species differences, the increasing threat from zoonoses drives market growth, with food-borne diseases like salmonellosis continuing to impact human health.

For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) - Download a Sample Report

Research Analysis

The Animal Healthcare Market encompasses various sectors, including Veterinary Hospitals, pet insurance, and telemedicine. With the rising trend of pet humanization and increasing pet ownership rates, the demand for companion animal vaccines, preventive care, and nutritional products has surged. Animal welfare organizations emphasize the importance of veterinary care, which includes the use of drugs, vaccines, medicated animal feeds, and biological research in genetics and disease prevention.

The market also caters to livestock animals, addressing zoonotic diseases and ensuring animal epidemics are contained. Wildlife conservation efforts contribute to the market as well, focusing on disease prevention and nutrition for endangered species. The human-animal bond remains a significant factor, with pet owners seeking to provide the best care for their companions. Animal protein production is another area where animal healthcare plays a crucial role, ensuring the health and well-being of livestock.

Market Research Overview

The Animal Healthcare Market encompasses a range of products and services designed to prevent, diagnose, and treat various health conditions in animals. This market caters to a diverse range of species, including livestock, pets, and zoo animals. Key components of this market include veterinary drugs, vaccines, animal feed additives, diagnostic equipment, and veterinary services.

The market is driven by several factors, including increasing animal population, rising awareness for animal health and welfare, and advancements in veterinary technology. Additionally, the growing trend of pet humanization and the increasing demand for organic and natural animal food products are also contributing to the growth of the Animal Healthcare Market.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Product

Pharmaceutical



Feed Additive



Biologicals

Animal Type

Livestock



Companion Animals

Geography

North America



Europe



Asia



Rest Of World (ROW)

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
CHICAGO and NEW YORK and SAN FRANCISCO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GSV and Google for Education have deepened their partnership to convene a second cohort of the Google GSV Education Innovation Fellowship , expanding a groundbreaking network that fosters collaboration and innovation at the intersection of instructional impact and technology.

The Fellowship is designed for K-12 superintendents and top-level instructional leaders dedicated to using technology as a lever for innovation and impact. Throughout the year, fellows will tackle critical systems-level instructional opportunities through collaborative problem-solving, mentorship and professional development, insight sharing, and more  empowering the cohort to develop strategies that prepare students and educators for the future.

"The impact of our inaugural Fellowship made innovative education tangible for millions of students and educators, with fellows launching companies and transforming districts across the country," says Tiffany Taylor, Partner and Chief People & Impact Officer at GSV. "As the Fellowship grows with our second cohort of K-12 systems leaders, we're inspired by the contributions they'll add to the ecosystem through rigorous learning opportunities, rich community, and collaborations across the broader innovation landscape."

The 2024-2025 Fellowship is comprised of 26 imaginative and forward-thinking K-12 leaders serving more than 2.8 million students nationwide:

Anthony Aguilar , LAUSD

, LAUSD Gary Beidleman , NYCPS

, NYCPS Dr. Carol D. Birks , Allentown SD

, Allentown SD Dr. Trent Bowers , Worthington City Schools

, Worthington City Schools Dr. Debbie Brockett , McMinnville SD

, McMinnville SD Dr. Vilicia Cade , Capital SD

, Capital SD Dr. Nia Campbell , Aurora Public Schools

, Aurora Public Schools Dr. Jeffrey Collier , Ed.D , Saginaw Intermediate SD

, Saginaw Intermediate SD Sean L. Davenport , Ed.D , NYC Department of Education

, NYC Department of Education Paul M. Escala , Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Archdiocese of Beth Gonzalez , Wayne RESA

, Wayne RESA Dr. Lori Haven , Perry Public Schools

, Public Schools Rebecca Jenkins , Libertyville SD

, Libertyville SD Heidi Maltby-Skodack , Traverse City Public Schools

, Traverse City Public Schools Philip Martell , River Valley SD

, River Valley SD Kesia E. McCoy , Fairfield Local

, Fairfield Local Dr. Warren Morgan , Cleveland Metropolitan SD

, Cleveland Metropolitan SD Dr. Nikki Golar Mouton , Gwinnett County Public Schools

, Gwinnett County Public Schools Barbara Mullen , Ph.D , Rush-Henrietta Central SD

, Rush-Henrietta Central SD Gene Roundtree , Ed.D , Boston Public Schools

, Public Schools Jessica Sie , Zeta Charter Schools

, Zeta Charter Schools Dr. Tim Stowe , Torrance USD

, Torrance USD Christopher Timmis , Dexter Community Schools

, Dexter Community Schools Dr. Adrienne Usher , Bullitt County Public Schools

, Bullitt County Public Schools Dr. Nicolas Wade , Columbia Union SD

, Columbia Union SD Sarah Young , Utah State Board of Education

For more information and program updates, please visit asugsvsummit.com/google-gsv-fellowship .

About GSV

GSV is a global platform fueling scaled innovation in "Pre-K to Gray" education and workforce skills to ensure that ALL people have equal access to the future. The platform includes the flagship ASU+GSV Summit (founded 2010), India-based ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit (founded 2023), and ASU+GSV AIRSHOW (founded 2024). The investment arm of GSV is GSV Ventures (founded 2016), a multi-stage venture fund investing in the most important innovations across the global "Pre-K to Gray" landscape.

About Google for Education

Google for Education is a division of Google dedicated to empowering educators and students with innovative tools and technologies that transform the learning experience. With a mission to make education accessible, engaging, and effective for all, Google for Education offers a wide range of products and services tailored to meet the needs of teachers, students, administrators, and institutions. By harnessing the power of technology, Google for Education aims to create inclusive and collaborative learning environments, foster digital literacy, and inspire creativity and critical thinking.

SOURCE ASU+GSV Summit
- Growth debt will be invested in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment

required for building launch vehicles in automated series production -

SAN FRANCISCO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ATEL Ventures, Inc., a division of ATEL Capital Group and a provider of venture debt financing solutions to growth-stage companies, today announced the completion of an agreement to provide $20M of growth debt to Isar Aerospace, a launch service provider for small and medium-sized satellites.

Founded and headquartered in Munich, Germany, Isar Aerospace is developing Spectrum, a two-stage rocket specifically designed to launch small to medium satellites and satellite constellations into orbit.

Rendering of the Isar Aerospace Spectrum launch vehicle lifting off. Credit: Isar Aerospace

Isar Aerospace is building on a high vertical integration and uses advanced technologies and a high degree of automation in its manufacturing, to make access to space more flexible and cost-efficient. The capital provided by ATEL Ventures will enable the company to finance the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment used in the production of its launch vehicles.

Satellites that will be launched by Isar's Spectrum vehicle have the capacity to bring internet connectivity to rural communities and those in developing countriescurrently around one-third of the earth's population. They can also enable multiple use cases around Earth Observation or Navigation. Such satellites will have a key role in fighting climate change or enabling smart mobility.

Steven Rea, President, ATEL Ventures said: "Satellites have enormous potential to improve access to telecommunication, resource tracking and management, and to help tackle climate change. The satellite market is expected to be worth $1TN by 2040. Launch is the key bottleneck in that revolution and we therefore expect Isar Aerospace to play a major part in it by enabling flexible and cost-efficient access to space."

David Kownator, Chief Financial Officer, Isar Aerospace said: "Developing a launch vehicle along the approach of vertical integration requires upfront investment in specialist equipment. This agreement with ATEL Ventures is an important component of our financing model, especially as we are starting the construction of a new large-scale manufacturing facility."

About ATEL Ventures, Inc.

ATEL Ventures Inc., a division of ATEL Capital Group, is a leading provider of venture debt and equipment financing to emerging growth companies. The company is a primary source of non-dilutive capital across the landscape of venture capital investments. ATEL Ventures is industry- and stage-agnostic, having provided capital to companies in Information Technology, Life Sciences, Energy, Agriculture, Material Sciences, and Consumer Products and Services. For more information, visit: https://atelventures.com/ or contact Steven Rea: [email protected]

About Isar Aerospace

Isar Aerospace, based in Ottobrunn/Munich, develops and builds launch vehicles for transporting small and medium-sized satellites as well as satellite constellations into Earth's orbit. The company was founded in 2018 as a spin-off of Technical University Munich. Since then, it has grown to more than 400 employees from more than 50 nations with many years of hands-on rocket know-how and experience within other high-tech industries. More information via: www.isaraerospace.com

SOURCE ATEL Ventures
NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global automotive crankcase ventilation system market size is estimated to grow by USD 569.2 million from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 7.37% 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 automotive crankcase ventilation system market 2024-2028

Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Channel (OEM and Aftermarket), Application (PC, LCV, and HCV), and Geography (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled Aisan Industry Co. Ltd., Changan Chongqing Chi Yang Auto Electric Co. Ltd., Cummins Inc., Hengst SE, MAHLE GmbH, MANN HUMMEL International GmbH and Co. KG, Pacific Power Group LLC, Parker Hannifin Corp., Polytec Holding AG, and Wartsila Corp.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The implementation of stringent emission norms has led automotive component manufacturers to focus on additive manufacturing technology for producing advanced, lightweight, and cost-effective components. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, allows for the precise use of raw materials, reducing waste and costs. Intricate components can be designed and manufactured using this technology, providing opportunities for advanced automotive parts.

Key components like engine parts, baking components, vehicle bodies, and transmission system components are being successfully produced. The integration of automation, data-driven technologies, and cloud computing in the automotive industry is expected to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing technology, fueling the growth of the global automotive crankcase ventilation system market.

The Automotive Crankcase Ventilation System market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing demand for improved engine performance and emission control. Companies are focusing on developing advanced technologies such as electronic control units and positive crankcase ventilation systems to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.

Additionally, the use of lightweight materials and innovative designs is gaining popularity to minimize vehicle weight and improve overall performance. Furthermore, regulations set by governments worldwide are driving the market, as stricter emission norms necessitate the adoption of more efficient crankcase ventilation systems. Overall, the market is expected to continue its upward trend in the coming years.

Market Challenges

The automotive crankcase ventilation system market faces challenges due to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). With the elimination of internal combustion engines in EVs, the demand for crankcase ventilation systems is decreasing. Government initiatives, such as tax credits and subsidies, are driving the growth of the EV market.

Renewable energy sources, like solar power, are used to recharge EVs, further reducing their environmental impact. As a result, the automotive crankcase ventilation system market is expected to experience negative growth during the forecast period.

The Automotive Crankcase Ventilation System market faces several challenges. These include the need for efficient combustion to reduce emissions, ensuring proper sealing to prevent crankcase gases from entering the engine, and maintaining system durability against extreme temperatures and pressures. Additionally, the integration of electric and hybrid vehicles into the market presents new challenges, as these vehicles have different ventilation system requirements.

Furthermore, the drive towards lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles poses a challenge for the crankcase ventilation system's size and weight. Lastly, the increasing use of alternative fuels and the development of new engine technologies require continuous innovation in crankcase ventilation systems.

Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend, driver and challenges - Download a Sample Report

Segment Overview

Channel

1.1 OEM

1.2 Aftermarket

Application

2.1 PC

2.2 LCV

2.3 HCV

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 Europe

3.3 North America

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 OEM- The automotive crankcase ventilation system market caters to the sales of these systems to automobile manufacturers. Tier-1 suppliers, such as system manufacturers, supply directly to OEMs. Ford Motors and General Motors are examples of OEMs selling their systems under different brand names. Market growth is driven by the expanding automotive industry and the integral role of crankcase ventilation systems in vehicles. Despite low profit margins, high sales volumes are expected due to the increasing demand for automobiles in emerging economies. This trend will support market growth during the forecast period.

For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) - Download a Sample Report

Research Analysis

Executive Summary: The Automotive Crankcase Ventilation System Market is a significant segment within the Internal Combustion Engine industry. This system plays a crucial role in managing Blow by gases generated during engine operation. The Crankcase is a vital component of the engine, and the system ensures the proper circulation of Engine Oil to prevent crankcase pressure build-up.

The market's Table of Contents includes sections on Product Pricing, Quantitative Analysis, and End-Applications. Political factors and Social Scenarios influence the market's Competitive Position and Winning Imperatives. The system's components include Ventilation Valves, Hoses, and Filters. Consumer Behavior and Economic Landscape are essential factors shaping the market's growth. National GDP and economic stability significantly impact the market's development.

The Automotive Crankcase Ventilation System Market faces challenges from increasing competition and evolving consumer preferences. However, the market's future looks promising due to the growing demand for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. In conclusion, the Automotive Crankcase Ventilation System Market is a dynamic and evolving industry that plays a vital role in the Internal Combustion Engine sector. Its importance lies in ensuring engine efficiency, reducing emissions, and maintaining engine health.

Market Research Overview

The Automotive Crankcase Ventilation System market encompasses the production and supply of systems that help in managing the gases inside an engine's crankcase. These systems prevent harmful gases from entering the engine and ensure optimal engine performance.

The market is driven by factors such as stringent emission norms, increasing vehicle production, and growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. The system works by using a combination of scavenging and filtration techniques to remove gases and contaminants from the crankcase.

The market is segmented based on technology, vehicle type, and region. The technology segment includes positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) and negative crankcase ventilation (NCV). The vehicle type segment includes passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to the increasing demand for advanced engine technologies and the need for improved fuel efficiency.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Channel

OEM



Aftermarket

Application

PC



LCV



HCV

Geography

APAC



Europe



North America



South America



Middle East And Africa

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
Event supported Cuisine.K, an initiative by CJ Foods and its U.S. affiliate Schwan's Company to support aspiring young Korean Chefs.

Chefs Junghyun Park of NARO in New York and Jueun Park of Jueun in Seoul collaborated to create one-of-a-kind Korean cuisine experience.

NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Korean cuisine took center stage in New York City with a unique collaboration dinner between renowned restaurants NARO and JUEUN as part of a special series to empower and promote young aspiring Korean chefs. The event, held Wednesday, May 22, at NARO, was sponsored by bibigo, America's No. 1 Korean food brand, and Cuisine.K Project by CJ CheilJedang, a project dedicated to nurturing and empowering Korean culinary talent for the global stage.

Owners of NARO, Chef Junghyun Park and Ellia Park, teamed up with Chef Jueun Park, executive chef of Restaurant Jueun in Seoul, to create the special multi-course meal that featured a blend of dishes inspired by the menus of each restaurant. As part of Cuisine.K's mission to provide learning opportunities, two young Korean students with the project had the chance to participate alongside two chefs, learning from the entire kitchen preparation process.

"bibigo is proud to support the growth and expansion of Korean cuisine throughout the U.S. and the world," said Megan Elliott, director of the bibigo brand in the U.S. "As the No. 1 Korean food brand in retail grocery stores, it's important that we promote the exploration of new Korean foods and flavors as well as inspire the next generation of Korean chefs to create new tastes that people will love."

Cuisine.K is focused on the broader goal of globalizing Korean cuisine through a wide range of initiatives designed to cultivate and empower aspiring Korean culinary talents. Some of these initiatives have included opening pop-up restaurants for them to get hands-on experiences as a chef, holding classes to gain fundamentals of Korean cuisine and invaluable insights from culinary masters, providing global internships and culinary school exchange programs, and sponsoring young chefs in international competitions. By partnering with the Parks, owners of NA:EUN Hospitality which includes NARO, Atoboy , Atomix , and Seoul Salon , Cuisine.K was able to create an unforgettable experience in one of the world's best cities for culinary excellence.

"Our vision in creating our restaurants is to share our hospitality, along with the amazing diversity and adaptability of Korean food with customers," said Ellia Park. "But that cannot stop with us. Helping to find and develop the next generation of Korean chefs is an obligation and a labor of love for us."

Korean cuisine is enjoying renewed popularity in the U.S. and worldwide. In the past four years, retail sales of bibigo products have increased 1,100%. Most recently, #bibigo reached more than 250 million views on TikTok following the virality of bibigo Steamed Dumplings among content creators. In 2023, more than 17 million units of the popular dumplings were sold, selling out in stores across the country. Beyond food, the "K-Wave" has seen tremendous popularity in the spread of Korean culture through film, TV, music and beauty products.

ABOUT SCHWAN'S COMPANY

Based in Minnesota, Schwan's Company is a leading U.S.-based manufacturer and marketer of quality foods offered through retail-grocery and food-service channels. Its many popular brands include Red Baron, Tony's, Hearth & Fire, Big Daddy's, Villa Prima and Freschetta pizza, Mrs. Smith's and Edwards desserts and bibigo and Pagoda Asian-style foods. The company is an affiliate of global lifestyle company, CJ Foods. To learn more about Schwan's, visit www.schwanscompany.com .

ABOUT BIBIGO

Founded in 2010, bibigo Korean-style foods are part of a global brand created by CJ CheilJedang ("CJ"), which is Korea's No. 1 lifestyle company. With over 60 years of experience, CJ has proudly been delivering flavor to dinner tables since 1953. Our bibigo products take 5,000 years of delicious cuisine and update it for today's modern, non-stop lifestyles. That's why the name combines the Korean word "bibim," from a long cultural tradition of "mixed" flavors, with the English word "go." The brand lineup includes a full assortment of snacks and appetizers, including Mandu, the brand's signature item. Inspired by authentic recipes, bibigo foods make the exciting tastes of Korean cuisine easily accessible with offerings that can be found at most major grocery chains. bibigo global K-style foods are distributed throughout the U.S. by subsidiaries of Schwan's Company. For more information, please visit www.bibigousa.com .

ABOUT NA:EUN HOSPITALITY

NA:EUN Hospitality is co-founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Junghyun "JP" Park and Ellia Park. NA:EUN Hospitality operates well-established restaurant brands ATOBOY and ATOMIX (2-Michelin Stars, No.8 in World's 50 Best Restaurants), NARO, and Seoul Salon. The name "naeun" translates to "better" in Korean, reflecting the hospitality group's mission to provide a better dining experience, better service, and a better cultural experience for the world.

ABOUT JUEUN PARK

Chef Jueun Park founded Restaurant Jueun, situated behind Gyeonghuigung Palace in Seoul, after serving as head chef at Hansikgonggan, named one of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants by 50 Best Discovery.

SOURCE Bibigo
PORTLAND, Ore., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Bioimplants Market by Type (Cardiovascular bioimplants, Dental bioimplants, Orthopedic bioimplants, Spinal bioimplants, Ophthalmology bioimplants, Other bioimplants), and End User (Hospitals, Speciality Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2035". According to the report, the bioimplants market was valued at $132.8 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $364.8 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2024 to 2035.

Request Sample of the Report on Bioimplants Market Forecast 2035-

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/4652

Prime determinants of growth

The bioimplants market is expected to grow significantly owing to rise in prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, surge in geriatric population, and high adoption of the orthopedic implants for the treatment of joints and other complications. The exponential rise in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has emerged as a significant driver propelling the growth of the bioimplants market.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20242035 Base Year 2023 Market Size In 2023 $132.80 Billion Market Size In 2035 $364.8 Billion CAGR 8.80 % No. Of Pages In Report 280 Segments Covered Type, End User, And Region. Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, And LAMEA Country Scope U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Rest Of Europe, Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, Rest Of Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, And Rest Of LAMEA. Drivers Prevalence Of Cardiovascular Diseases

Surge In Geriatric Population

High Adoption Of Orthopedic Implants Opportunity Technological Advancement In Biocompatible Materials For Manufacturing Of Bioimplants Restraint High Cost of Implants

2023 Recession Impact Analysis

The global recession has a significant impact on the bioimplants market.

The economic uncertainty has negatively impacted the research and development activities in bioimplants technology.

However, market for bioimplants is expected to recover owing to high adoption of bioimplants for treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and neurological conditions among others.

Want to Explore More, Connect to our Analyst-

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/4652

The orthopedic bioimplants segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.

By type, orthopedic bioimplants segment held the highest market share in 2023 and is expected to dominate in the forecast period, accounting for more than one-third of bioimplants market revenue, owing to high adoption of bioimplants for hip and knee replacements and for treating fractures and craniofacial deformities.

The hospital segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.

By end user, the hospital segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for almost half of the bioimplants market revenue. This is attributed to the fact that hospitals cater large patient base opting treatment for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, orthopedic injuries, neurovascular among others. However, the specialty clinics segment is expected to register highest CAGR owing to high number of patients preferring specialty clinics for ophthalmic and dental treatment.

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The North America segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.

By region, the North America segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for almost one-third of bioimplants market revenue. This is attributed to the strong presence of key players in the region, the well-developed healthcare infrastructure, and surge in incidence of orthopedic injuries due to traumatic injuries. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to register a noteworthy CAGR during the forecast period, owing to surge in cardiovascular and ophthalmic disorders.

Leading Market Players: -

Zimmer Biomet Holding Inc.

Stryker Corporation

Johnson and Johnson

Medtronic PLC

Abbott Laboratories

Dentsply Sirona Inc.

Boston Scientific Corporation

Victrex PLC

Smith & Nephew plc

Arthrex Inc

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the bioimplants market. These players have adopted different strategies, such as product approval, to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Contact

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
TUSTIN, Calif., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Biophotas, Inc., manufacturers of the award-winning Celluma LED Light Therapy Devices for both professionals and consumers, proudly announces its receipt of the Innovation Award at the 29th Annual ACG Orange County Awards Gala, held at the Irvine Marriot on May 16th, 2024.

BioPhotas, Inc. Executive Team

The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) annually recognizes outstanding growth and innovation in various sectors, and this year, Biophotas, Inc., stood out among its peers. The company's flagship brand, Celluma LED Light Therapy, was specifically honored for its groundbreaking innovations in the field of light therapy, catering to both aesthetic and medical professionals, as well as individual consumers worldwide.

Based in Tustin, California, Biophotas manufactures Celluma Light Therapy Devices, which have garnered widespread acclaim for their efficacy and versatility. These devices offer a wide array of health and wellness benefits, including improved skin health, reduced joint pain and inflammation, body contouring, and hair restoration.

"We are deeply honored to receive the Innovation Award from the ACG Orange County chapter," said Patrick Johnson, Biophotas, Inc. Founder and Chairman. "This recognition underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of LED light therapy technology and making its benefits accessible to professionals and consumers alike. We are immensely proud of the impact that Celluma Light Therapy has had on the industry and the lives of our customers."

One of the distinguishing features of Celluma Light Therapy Devices is their accessibility. Despite being professional-grade, consumer versions of these devices are available at affordable price points, starting at under $1,000. This affordability, coupled with the devices' portable design and shape-taking panels, has revolutionized the market, attracting a large and devoted user base.

Biophotas, Inc., remains dedicated to advancing the field of LED light therapy through ongoing research, development, and innovation. With a presence in more than 85 countries globally, the company continues to expand its reach and solidify its position as a leader in the industry.

For more information about Biophotas, Inc. and its Celluma Light Therapy Devices, please visit celluma.com.

About Biophotas, Inc.

Biophotas, Inc., is a leading manufacturer of LED light therapy devices, specializing in both professional-grade solutions for aesthetic and medical professionals and consumer-grade devices for individual use. Based in Tustin, California, the company is dedicated to harnessing the power of LED light therapy to enhance overall wellness. With its flagship brand, Celluma, Biophotas, Inc., has established itself as an innovator and leader in the field, serving customers in more than 85 countries worldwide.

Kathryn Feather

Senior Marketing Manager

[email protected]

(714) 978-0080

SOURCE BioPhotas, Inc.
June 4, 1994

In a harsh rebuke from the bench yesterday morning, Cayuga County Supreme Court Judge Peter Corning chastised City Hall for making decisions behind closed doors and keeping incomplete records of its actions.

As a result of a lawsuit brought by The Citizen, Corning ordered that a firefighters' civil service exam, scheduled for tomorrow, be canceled because Auburn's Civil Service Commission intentionally met illegally.

"The commission clearly acted illegally and in violation of the Open Meetings Law," Corning said. "I could hold a hearing but I don't think that's necessary. I think the minutes clearly reflect violations of the law."

Corning's decision means that there will be no test for prospective firefighters to take tomorrow. City Hall has until fall to fill vacant firefighter positions from an existing eligibility list.

City Manager James Malone said he doesn't plan to appeal the ruling.

Corning's ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by The Citizen May 16 against the commission and City Hall. An investigation had uncovered no minutes which could support city officials' claims that a two-year degree requirement for new firefighters had been discussed  much less adopted.
The added features include the wealth management platform's first tool designed for investors and a cloud-based tool created for C-suite financial executives to better manage enterprise data

NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation ("BNY Mellon") (NYSE: BK), the global financial services company, announced today new enhancements to Pershing X's Wove platform, which is designed to help registered investment advisors, broker-dealers and wealth management firms connect an investor's full financial picture in one place.

The new Wove offerings include:

Wove Investor , a one-stop client portal that enables investors to view account info across multiple custodians, and use self-service features to quickly complete simple tasks on their own, such as check balances across all investment accounts, on a single interface. Added capabilities are slated to roll out later this year, including the ability to transfer money and make deposits, as well as collaborate with advisors through screenshare and co-browsing features

, a one-stop client portal that enables investors to view account info across multiple custodians, and use self-service features to quickly complete simple tasks on their own, such as check balances across all investment accounts, on a single interface. Added capabilities are slated to roll out later this year, including the ability to transfer money and make deposits, as well as collaborate with advisors through screenshare and co-browsing features Wove Data , a cloud-data platform designed for C-Suite financial professionals at wealth management firms to manage large, multi-custody data sets and gain deeper insights into how their advisor teams, operations and investment products are performing across their enterprises

, a cloud-data platform designed for C-Suite financial professionals at wealth management firms to manage large, multi-custody data sets and gain deeper insights into how their advisor teams, operations and investment products are performing across their enterprises Portfolio Solutions, a set of new time-saving enhancements to the platform that will help advisors toggle more efficiently and quickly from researching investment products to aligning them to a client's risk objectives and adding them to a portfolio

"When we launched Wove exactly one year ago we said we wouldn't stop innovating until it became the most connected advisory platform in the market, and today, we're delivering on that promise," said Ainslie Simmonds, Pershing X President and Pershing Global Head of Strategy. "Advisors asked us to create a simple, interconnected portal for their clients, so we built Wove Investor, while Wove Data enables larger firms to turn vast amounts of data into actionable business intelligence. These new products are helping us fulfill on our mission to change the future of wealth management."

About BNY Mellon

BNY Mellon is a global financial services company that helps make money work for the world  managing it, moving it and keeping it safe. For 240 years we have partnered alongside our clients, putting our expertise and platforms to work to help them achieve their ambitions. Today we help over 90% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly all the top 100 banks globally access the money they need. We support governments in funding local projects and work with over 90% of the top 100 pension plans to safeguard investments for millions of individuals, and so much more. As of March 31, 2024, we oversee $48.8 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $2.0 trillion in assets under management.

BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). We are headquartered in New York City, employ over 50,000 people globally and have been named among Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies and Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators. Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com. Follow us on LinkedIn or visit our Newsroom for the latest company news.

BNY Mellon's Pershing (member FINRA, NYSE, SIPC) is a leading provider of clearing and custody, trading and settlement, advisory and investment solutions, data insights, business consulting and other services to wealth management and institutional firms looking to grow their businesses. For more information, go to pershing.com.

Contact Information

BNY Mellon's Pershing

Liz Ozaist

347-528-3559

[email protected]

2024 Pershing X, Inc., a BNY Mellon company. All rights reserved. Technology services provided by Pershing X, Inc.

BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation and may be used to reference the corporation as a whole and/or its various subsidiaries generally.

Investment advisory services, if offered, may be provided by BNY Mellon Advisors, Inc., an investment advisor registered in the United States under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 or one or more affiliates of BNY Mellon.

Trademark(s) belong to their respective owners. This material does not constitute a guarantee by The Bank of New York Mellon of any kind. This material is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting, investment, financial or other professional advice on any matter. Forward-looking information, including delivery timing estimates, mock-ups and functionality descriptions remain subject to change without notice.

SOURCE Pershing, LLC
NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) announced today that Edmund Reese, Chief Financial Officer, will be stepping down from his role, effective June 30, 2024, to become Chief Financial Officer of Aon, a $61 billion market capitalization global professional services firm.

Ashima Ghei, who is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Broadridge's $4.5 billion revenue Investor Communication Solutions segment, will serve as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Broadridge has initiated a search process for a permanent successor that will include both internal and external candidates.

"I want to thank Edmund for his strong contributions and leadership over the past four years. He has been a valuable partner, and I wish him continued success in his next role," said Tim Gokey, CEO of Broadridge. "He leaves Broadridge poised to deliver another year of steady and consistent growth, on track to achieve our three-year financial objectives, and financially strong."

"As CFO of our largest business, Ashima Ghei has played a key role in driving the strong performance of our Investor Communication Solutions segment over the past two years. I look forward to working even more closely with Ashima in her role as Interim CFO," Mr. Gokey added.

"It has been a privilege to serve as Broadridge's Chief Financial Officer and contribute to its consistent growth," said Mr. Reese. "I depart confident that Broadridge is well-positioned to deliver on its three-year financial objectives with a long runway for continued growth."

Mr. Reese has served as Broadridge's CFO since 2020, playing a key role in driving Broadridge's strong financial performance. During his tenure, Broadridge's market capitalization grew 38% to $24 billion while annualized recurring revenue and Adjusted EPS grew 11% and 12%, respectively, from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2023.

Ms. Ghei has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Broadridge's Investor Communication Solutions segment since January 2022 and is a member of the company's Executive Leadership Team. Prior to joining Broadridge, Ms. Ghei spent 18 years at American Express, where she held a range of increasingly senior roles in Finance and Business strategy, most recently serving as Head of Merchant Pricing for the Americas. She holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from Delhi University and an MBA from Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release and other written or oral statements made from time to time by representatives of Broadridge may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical in nature, and which may be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "assumes," "projects," "anticipates," "estimates," "we believe," "could be," "on track," and other words of similar meaning, are forward-looking statements. In particular, statements about our current fiscal year and about our three-year objectives are forward-looking statements.

These statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed. These risks and uncertainties include those risk factors described and discussed in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2023 (the "2023 Annual Report"), as they may be updated in any future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in the 2023 Annual Report.

About Broadridge

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR), a global Fintech leader with over $6 billion in revenues, provides the critical infrastructure that powers investing, corporate governance, and communications to enable better financial lives. We deliver technology-driven solutions that drive business transformation for banks, broker-dealers, asset and wealth managers and public companies. Broadridge's infrastructure serves as a global communications hub enabling corporate governance by linking thousands of public companies and mutual funds to tens of millions of individual and institutional investors around the world. Our technology and operations platforms underpin the daily trading of more than $10 trillion of equities, fixed income and other securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work, Broadridge is part of the S&P 500 Index, employing over 14,000 associates in 21 countries.

For more information about us, please visit https://www.broadridge.com

Contact information:

Investors

[email protected]

Media

[email protected]

SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
The European Accessibility Act deadline is looming  Join TPGi and the European Disability Forum (EDF) for a fireside chat to learn what you are required to comply with before the June 2025 deadline.

CLEARWATER, Fla., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TPGi, a Vispero company, is pleased to announce an upcoming fireside chat with the European Disability Forum (EDF) to discuss the significance the European Accessibility Act (EAA) has on organizations operating and conducting business in the EU, the impact the legislation will have for persons with disabilities in Europe and worldwide, and what organizations can do to ensure they meet the EAA deadline of June 2025.

The EAA was enacted April 2019 and requires product manufacturers and service providers active in EU member states to meet the requirements of the legislation by June 28, 2025. The EAA applies to most companies providing certain goods and services in the EU, with a primary focus on the accessibility of digital assets such as websites and mobile applications and excluding microenterprises that provide services only.

"More organizations are starting to take notice of the EAA now that we are a year away from the deadline. Time is passing, but there's still an opportunity for organizations to make their digital products and services (websites, applications, self-service, kiosks, etc.) compliant with the law's requirements, and more importantly, usable by everyone regardless of disability," said David Sloan, Vispero's Chief Accessibility Officer.

TPGi has helped numerous organizations including one of the largest ecommerce providers in the world because of its accessibility software, expertise, and accessibility experience  to fulfill EAA obligations and align with their larger mission of creating usable and inclusive digital experiences for people with disabilities.

"The European Accessibility Act is creating a new paradigm for accessibility  and organisations need to act now. We welcome this timely event to ensure practitioners are aware of what persons with disabilities expect from this legislation to ensure a more accessible world", said Alejandro Moledo, Deputy Director of the European Disability Forum.

The fireside chat with TPGi and the European Disability Forum, titled: "One year to go - Preparing for the European Accessibility Act", is set for June 18 at 9 AM EST, 15:00 (Brussels) CEST. Bring your questions about the EAA to the session and register today.

For more information about how TPGi can help your company conform with the European Accessibility Act, visit www.TPGi.com to speak with an accessibility expert.

About TPGi

TPGi, a Vispero company, provides digital accessibility software and services to help businesses reduce risk, grow revenue, and improve user experience. With over 20 years of experience and 21 employees actively influencing accessibility standards on the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), TPGi offers the most robust knowledge base and accessibility expertise in the industry as well as award-winning self-service kiosk software. Our tailored approach has enabled 1000+ customers to achieve the best outcomes for their business, their employees, and their consumers. Trust the experts to guide your accessibility journey.

About European Disability Forum

The European Disability Forum is an umbrella organisation of persons with disabilities that defends the interests of 100 million Europeans with disabilities. EDF is a unique platform that brings together representative organisations of persons with disabilities across Europe. It is run by persons with disabilities and their families. EDF is a strong, united voice of persons with disabilities in Europe.

SOURCE TPGi LLC
Emerges from Financial Restructuring with Deleveraged Balance Sheet and Strengthened Liquidity Which Will Enable Investments to Create and Deliver World-Class Technology Solutions

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- C1, a technology solutions company, today announced that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring process. C1 has emerged with an even stronger financial foundation, enabling it to further invest in product and service innovations across infrastructure, communications and security, and provide its customers with the ability to elevate connected human experiences.

"Completing this highly consensual, expedited process positions C1 to expand investments in near-term growth initiatives," said Jeffrey S. Russell, Chief Executive Officer of C1. "We remain focused on driving modernization and innovative outcomes for our customers across infrastructure, communications and security solutions. As always, C1 is committed to bringing together the best of services, products and channels so organizations can take full advantage of technology to create elevated connected experiences for their customers."

Russell continued, "We appreciate the support of our new owners, whose investment reflects their confidence in C1's capabilities and the future of the business. With our new owners, the continued collaboration and trust of our partners, and the unwavering commitment of the talented C1 team, we are now even better positioned to deliver exceptional product and service innovation for our customers."

As a result of this process, C1 has reduced its debt by approximately 80% and CVC Capital Partners, as well as Silver Point Capital and Monarch Alternative Capital, among others, have become the majority owners of C1 and have invested $245 million in new equity into the Company.

Advisors

White & Case LLP served as legal advisor, Evercore Group, L.L.C. as investment banker, and AlixPartners LLP as financial advisor to C1.

About C1



C1, the global technology solution provider elevating connected human experiences, is transforming the industry by creating connected experiences that make a lasting impact on customers, our teams, and our communities. More than 6,000 customers use C1 every day to help them build meaningful connections through innovative and secure experiences. C1 collaborates with many of the Fortune 1000 companies and public sector organizations along with other key global industry partners to deliver solutions with a total lifecycle approach. C1 employs more than 1,500 engineers who collectively hold thousands of industry certifications throughout North America and India, including three Customer Success Centers. Learn more at onec1.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this filing that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes, targets or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "may," "could," "would," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "estimate," "target," "project," "intend," "forecast," "foresee," "likely," "probably," "possibly" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or other comparable terminology. Examples of such forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's financial results, motions filed in the Chapter 11 proceeding and the dispositions of such motions, continued operations and customer and supplier programs, cash needed to support our operations, ability to lower debt and interest payments, ability to operate, ability to pay our creditors, and credit rating, among others. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including, but not limited to: the actions and decisions of our creditors and other third parties with interests in the Chapter 11 cases; our ability to maintain liquidity to fund our operations following the Chapter 11 cases; our ability to obtain Bankruptcy Court approvals in connection with the Chapter 11 cases; our ability to consummate any transactions once approved by the Bankruptcy Court and the time to consummation of such transactions; adjustments in the calculation of financial results for the quarter or year end, or the application of accounting principles; discovery of new information that alters expectations about financial results or impacts valuation methodologies underlying financial results; and other factors affecting the Company detailed from time to time. These and other important factors may cause our actual results or developments to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Readers of this press release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, including C1's forecasts, and no assurance can be given that any of such statements will prove to be correct.

Contacts

C1

Kim Espinosa

Media Relations Manager

[email protected]

Joele Frank

Michael Freitag / Viveca Tress / Carleigh Roesler

212-355-4449

SOURCE C1
GLENDALE, Calif., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- California Credit Union Foundation has awarded 20 scholarships of $1,000 each to college-bound students in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties in its annual College Scholarship Program. Through the program, California Credit Union Foundation recognizes exceptional students who are active in both their schools and the communities, giving back to others through service and volunteer work.

L/R: Gloria Rogers, California Credit Union VP School & Community Development presents 2024 California Credit Union Foundation Scholarships to San Dimas High School Seniors Eva Yassine and Jacob Dominguez.

"We were excited to see so many promising students participate in our program this year, and hope these scholarships will make the road to a college education just a little bit easier," said California Credit Union Foundation President Marvel Ford. "We are proud to recognize these students not just for their hard work in school, but also for their commitment to supporting their local communities. We wish all these inspiring students the very best of luck in their future education."

The 2024 California Credit Union Foundation scholarship recipients are:

Recipient School City Sofia Arias Kennedy High School La Palma Honey Sweet Armstrong Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences Granada Hills Noelle Chakbazof St. Lucy's Priory High School Glendora Milo Daluiso Palos Verdes High School Palos Verdes Estates Jacob Dominguez San Dimas High School San Dimas Tawnia Flores James A. Garfield High School Los Angeles Taylor Gibson Newbury Park High School Newbury Park Anthony Haro Woodrow Wilson High School Los Angeles Quinn Henderson Newbury Park High School Newbury Park Yiselle Jacobo-Ramirez Phineas Banning High School Wilmington Samantha Jimenez Maywood Center for Enriched Studies Maywood Antonio Liberati Palos Verdes High School Palos Verdes Estates Alessandro Mureno Verbum Dei Jesuit High School Los Angeles Gil Padilla-Hernandez James A. Garfield High School Los Angeles Emanuel Rubio Munoz South Gate High School South Gate Stephanie Tran La Quinta High School Westminster Amy Vazquez Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School Long Beach Audrey Whitman Saugus High School Santa Clarita Alice Xie West Ranch High School Stevenson Ranch Eva Yassine San Dimas High School San Dimas

Individual photos of recipients available here.

The Foundation's Annual College Scholarship program was created by the credit union in 2005 to recognize outstanding students within its local communities. Since the creation of the program, more than $425,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Ventura and San Diego counties.

College-bound high school seniors and community college students transferring to a four-year university who maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and plan to attend an accredited college or university in the coming year were eligible to participate.

About California Credit Union Foundation

California Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that serves as the philanthropic arm of California Credit Union, a state chartered full-service credit union with assets nearly $5 billion, approximately 200,000 members and 25 retail branches. The Foundation works to strengthen the financial well-being of our communities by providing targeted resources to non-profit partners effecting meaningful change across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties. California Credit Union funds all administrative costs of the Foundation, enabling it to return 100% of donations back into community programs. Please visit ccu.com/foundation to learn more or make a tax-deductible donation, or follow the Foundation on Instagram @ccufoundation.

SOURCE California Credit Union
Highlights

2024 drilling increases mineralized footprint by 50% to 1.2 kilometres long by up to 700 metres wide.

Deloro is located just 8 kilometres south of Timmins with direct road and powerline access and shallow overburden averaging less than 9 metres thick.

is located just 8 kilometres south of with direct road and powerline access and shallow overburden averaging less than 9 metres thick. 11 holes successfully completed including DEL24-12 with 0.26% nickel over 431 metres and DEL24-17 with 0.27% nickel over 293 metres.

Resource estimate is underway and expected to be completed in July 2024 .

TORONTO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Canada Nickel Company Inc. ("Canada Nickel" or the "Company") (TSXV: CNC) (OTCQX: CNIKF) is pleased to provide an update on its 2024 exploration program with assay results from eleven holes on its Deloro property ("Deloro"), which now completes the infill drilling in advance of the first resource estimate.

Figure 1  Deloro  CNC Drillholes Over Total Magnetic Intensity (CNW Group/Canada Nickel Company Inc.)

Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel said, "We are very pleased with the 2024 drilling program at Deloro which built on our successful campaign in 2022. Deloro is just 8 km south of Timmins, with shallow overburden and a large 1.2 km long and up to 0.7 km wide footprint. Work is now underway on our initial resource on the property which is expected to be one of seven resource estimates that we plan to complete within the next 12 months. With this work amongst the rest of our portfolio, we are clearly demonstrating that our regional exploration program continues to be very successful. We now have seven drill rigs turning. This includes two rigs collecting samples for pilot plant material from Crawford to support downstream processing test work, and five rigs exploring at Reid and Texmont. Once drilling is completed at these properties, we will begin drilling at our Mann properties."

Deloro Property

The Deloro Property is located just 8 km south of Timmins and is accessible year-round by road as well as located less than 2 km from existing powerlines. The Company has successfully completed its infill drilling program, with ten of eleven drill holes intersecting long intervals of mineralized ultramafic, mostly dunite. The drillholes were collared predominantly near the east and south contacts to infill and extend the previously defined outline of the ultramafic from historic geophysical data. The mineralized ultramafic body is up to 700 m wide and about 1.2 km long, to a depth of 300 m (where it remains open). Mineralization is relatively shallow with less than 9 m of overburden on average across all drillholes.

Canada Nickel has completed a geological model of the deposit and expects an initial resource estimate to be completed in July.

BHID From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Ni % Co % Pd g/t Pt g/t Cr % Fe % S % DEL24-12 9.9 441.0 431.1 0.26 0.01 0.003 0.005 0.28 5.25 0.10 including 103.5 130.5 30.0 0.30 0.01 0.003 0.005 0.20 5.00 0.03 DEL24-13 6.0 187.5 181.5 0.24 0.01 0.003 0.005 0.23 4.89 0.06 and 222.0 277.0 55.0 0.25 0.01 0.003 0.005 0.22 5.25 0.05 and 289.9 402.0 112.1 0.25 0.01 0.003 0.005 0.21 5.20 0.07 DEL24-14 5.3 92.7 87.4 0.22 0.01 0.003 0.005 0.19 4.75 0.05 DEL24-15 6.0 164.0 162.0 0.24 0.01 0.004 0.006 0.17 5.59 0.09 and 202.6 377.6 175.0 0.25 0.01 0.003 0.005 0.24 5.35 0.10 DEL24-16 9.5 219.5 210.0 0.20 0.01 0.004 0.005 0.18 5.63 0.05 and 234.0 286.5 52.5 0.23 0.01 0.003 0.004 0.24 5.70 0.04 and 361.0 408.0 47.0 0.26 0.01 0.003 0.004 0.20 5.33 0.06 DEL24-17 35.8 329.1 293.3 0.27 0.01 0.003 0.003 0.18 5.13 0.05 and 379.0 402.0 23.0 0.23 0.01 0.003 0.003 0.22 5.11 0.04 DEL24-18 9.0 233.5 224.5 0.26 0.01 0.003 0.005 0.18 4.84 0.08 and 371.6 401.0 29.4 0.23 0.01 0.003 0.005 0.46 5.83 0.08 DEL24-19 12.0 67.0 55.0 0.17 0.01 0.006 0.006 0.33 7.52 0.01 and 206.7 354.0 147.3 0.22 0.01 0.003 0.004 0.22 6.27 0.02 DEL24-20 3.0 319.6 316.6 0.24 0.01 0.003 0.005 0.13 4.88 0.10 DEL24-22 75.2 270.0 194.8 0.19 0.01 0.007 0.011 0.38 6.84 0.04

*True width undetermined. All lengths are drillhole lengths. DEL24-21 drilled parallel on a barren dyke.

Table 2: Drillhole Orientation

Hole ID Easting (mE) Northing (mN) Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) DEL24-12 480334 5361525 71 -50 441 DEL24-13 480905 5361212 250 -50 404 DEL24-14 480905 5361212 70 -50 102 DEL24-15 481013 5360908 250 -50 405 DEL24-16 480926 5361048 250 -50 408 DEL24-17 480549 5361266 70 -50 402 DEL24-18 480640 5360665 70 -50 401 DEL24-19 480640 5360665 250 -50 402 DEL24-20 480980 5360569 60 -60 396 DEL24-21 480824 5360648 62 -50 168 DEL24-22 480824 5360648 225 -50 402

Quality Assurance and Control, Drilling and Assaying

Edwin Escarraga, MSc, P.Geo., a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), is responsible for the on-going drilling and sampling program, including quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). The core is collected from the drill in sealed core trays and transported to the core logging facility. The core is marked and sampled at 1.5 metre lengths and cut with a diamond blade saw. One set of samples is transported in secured bags directly from the Canada Nickel core shack to Actlabs Timmins, while a second set of samples is securely shipped to SGS Lakefield for preparation, with analysis performed at SGS Burnaby or SGS Callao (Peru). All are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs. Analysis for precious metals (gold, platinum and palladium) are completed by Fire Assay while analysis for nickel, cobalt, sulphur and other elements are performed using a peroxide fusion and ICP-OES analysis. Certified standards and blanks are inserted at a rate of 3 QA/QC samples per 20 core samples making a batch of 60 samples that are submitted for analysis.

Qualified Person and Data Verification

Stephen J. Balch P.Geo. (ON), VP Exploration of Canada Nickel and a "qualified person" as such term is defined by NI 43-101, has verified the data disclosed in this news release, and has otherwise reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release on behalf of Canada Nickel Company Inc.

About Canada Nickel Company

Canada Nickel Company Inc. is advancing the next generation of nickel-sulphide projects to deliver nickel required to feed the high growth electric vehicle and stainless steel markets. Canada Nickel Company has applied in multiple jurisdictions to trademark the terms NetZero NickelTM, NetZero CobaltTM, NetZero IronTM and is pursuing the development of processes to allow the production of net zero carbon nickel, cobalt, and iron products. Canada Nickel provides investors with leverage to nickel in low political risk jurisdictions. Canada Nickel is currently anchored by its 100% owned flagship Crawford Nickel-Cobalt Sulphide Project in the heart of the prolific Timmins-Cochrane mining camp. For more information, please visit www.canadanickel.com.

For further information, please contact:

Mark Selby

CEO

Phone: 647-256-1954

Email: [email protected]

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, drill and exploration results relating to the target properties described herein (the "Properties"), the significance of drill results, the ability to continue drilling, the impact of drilling on the definition of any resource, the potential of the Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project and the Properties, timing and completion (if at all) of mineral resource estimates, the ability to sell marketable materials, strategic plans, including future exploration and development plans and results, and corporate and technical objectives. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon several assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals, the future demand for metals, the results of drilling, inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the property, environmental liabilities (known and unknown), general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, results of exploration programs, risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals. 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 information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. Canada Nickel disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Canada Nickel Company Inc.
In line with the federal government's commitment to Support Family and Friend Caregivers across the U.S., this renewal extends the more than a decade partnership to provide education and support to caregivers of seriously ill or injured Veterans.

LOS ANGELES, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Canary Health, a leader in peer-led digital therapeutics, today announced its continued partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide its Building Better Caregivers (BBC) program, an evidence-based, online, six-week, peer-to-peer education and support program, to caregivers of seriously ill or injured U.S. Veterans from any era.

This VA partnership further illustrates the Federal Government's commitment to support caregivers and improve outcomes. Post this VA extends the more than decade partnership with Canary Health to provide education and support to caregivers of seriously ill or injured Veterans. Canary Health to provide it's Building Better Caregivers caregiver support program.

Building Better Caregivers online group education and support program is led by peers for peers and complements VA's other Caregiver Support services. The program is available at no cost to all caregivers enrolled in the Caregiver Support Program. Interested caregivers of Veterans that qualify can sign up here.

In April 2023, the President signed an Executive Order that included more than 50 directives to nearly every cabinet-level agency to expand access to affordable, high-quality care, and provide support for care workers and family caregivers. More recently, the White House issued a proclamation further supporting caregivers by proclaiming November National Caregivers Month.

"After 10 years of partnering with VA to support caregivers, this extension further illustrates the Federal Government's commitment to support caregivers and improve caregiver and care recipient's outcomes," said Katy Plant, MPH and General Manager at Canary Health. "With this extension, we'll be able to significantly increase the number of caregivers we reach per year compared to prior years. We're excited to continue the work we've done with VA and offer Building Better Caregivers to even more caregivers of Veterans."

Core content of the BBC program includes methods to improve caregiver's health, dealing with emotions, managing stress, managing difficult care-partner behaviors, solving problems, setting goals, finding resources, communicating with health professionals, navigating healthcare systems, managing medications, making decisions and planning for the future.

To date, more than 19,000 caregivers of Veterans have engaged in Canary Health's Building Better Caregivers program. The program helps caregivers build skills, find resources, and connect with other caregivers. Participants have reported improved ability to support their loved ones struggling with chronic health and/or mental health conditions and increased confidence to accomplish goals important to their own health and to their roles as caregivers. Caregivers also frequently report reduced stress, better health behaviors, and more positive outcomes for their care partners.

"In addition to the expansion of VA BBC program, in just the past year we've seen the state of California make a major investment in supporting family and paid caregivers called CalGrows, a project supported by the California Department of Aging; and CMS announced a new care model for Medicare patients with dementia (GUIDE). The main goal is to provide more coordinated, ongoing care including supporting family caregivers. And for the first time, traditional Medicare (Fee for Service) will pay to support family caregivers , " commented Chairman of the Board and Chief Medical Officer at Canary Health, Neal Kaufman, MD, MPH. "We are proud to be selected by the Federal Government through VA, as well as the State of California, to deliver a caregiver support program to their population."

By leveraging the power of peers, Building Better Caregivers offers participants the opportunity to learn from other caregiver participants and from trained facilitators that currently are, or have been, caregivers themselves. Click here if you are an organization that would like to learn more about the Building Better Caregivers program.

Caregivers of Veterans who are interested in participating in Building Better Caregivers should contact their local Caregiver Support Program staff (CSP). CSP staff are available at every VA Medical Center and can be located by visiting the CSP website at https://www.caregiver.va.gov/.

Caregivers of veterans can learn more about the Building Better Caregivers program by visiting va.buildingbettercaregivers.org.

About Canary Health

Canary Health , a leader in peer-led digital therapeutics, offers evidence-based programs that empower caregivers and individuals with chronic conditions to better self-manage their health and their lives. Since 2013, Canary Health has worked to reach unpaid caregivers to provide the Building Better Caregivers program nationally to caregivers of seriously ill and wounded Veterans from all eras, as well as caregivers of non-Veterans. We work with the largest healthcare organizations in North America to offer our programs, including health plans, employers, health systems, and public health departments. Building Better Caregivers is on the list of Best Programs for Caregivers developed by the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging in partnership with the Gerontological Society of America and Family Caregiver Alliance . The program is available in English and also in Spanish as an option if an organization requests it.

Media Contact:

Canary Health

Mary Barbato

[email protected]

SOURCE Canary Health
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 3, 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 .

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Carolinas AGC is excited to announce the winners of the second annual CAGC Community Impact Awards program. The CAGC Community Impact Awards honor member companies that are making significant contributions to their communities through their time, actions, talents, dedication, and resources. Honorees serve as role models for compassion and service, and they strive to make their community and the communities throughout North Carolina and South Carolina better places to live and work.

The 27 CAGC Community Impact Award recipients will be honored at the Carolinas AGC Summer Summit to be held in Myrtle Beach in August.

Community Impact programs are recognized by:

the size and scope of the community program/project and how it may be considered going above and beyond the call of duty;

the organization that benefitted from the program/project;

the impact of the program/project and how it has made a lasting or meaningful contribution or impact on their community.

Winners include:

Banks Construction Company, Inc., Lowcountry, SC - 75 Acts of Service

Barnhill Contracting Company, Nash/Edgecombe County, NC - A Day at the Mills

B.R.S Inc., NC - Sawtooth Oak Farms Hunt (The Brent Barring Memorial Hunt)

Branch Civil Inc., NC - Branch Gives - Giving Center working with Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, and Toys for Tots

Capital Concrete Co., Midlands, SC - Harvest Hope Food Bank

Civil Works Contracting LLC, Wilmington, NC - Weller's Wheels Organization

C.T. Wilson Construction Company, Durham, NC - Eno River Association

Daniels & Daniels Construction Co, Inc., Eastern, NC - various organizations

Davie Construction Company, Davie County, NC  various organizations

Fred Smith Company, Raleigh, NC - Raleigh Rescue Mission

Group III Management, Lenior County, NC - Lenior County SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

Harper General Contractors, SC - ReWa (Renewable Water Resources) and Meals on Wheels

Hood Construction Company, Inc., SC - Toby's Place a ministry of Olivers Gospel

Langston Construction Co. of Piedmont, Upstate, SC - Calvary Children's Home and many career fairs

Martin Marietta, Craven County, NC - help to many schools and organizations and the donated Martin Marietta Park

Mashburn Construction, Columbia, SC - Salvation Army's Christmas Warehouse

Material Sales Company, Midland, NC - Feed the Souls Food Pantry

Messer Construction Co., NC and SC - many nonprofits included Hugaroo, Inc. founded by a Messer employee

Mid Atlantic Safety Council, NC and SC - MASC (Mid Atlantic Safety Council) providing safety and health training

Reeves Construction Company, SC - Greer Relief

Rodgers Builders, Charlotte, NC - ACE Mentor Program

S.T. Wooten Corp, Wilson, NC - Wilson County Interfaith Service "The Hope Station"

T.A. Loving, Eastern NC - Shoot for a Cure to support Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

United Infrastructure Group, SC - Westminster Presbyterian Church programs, Voula House, Westminster Park, Bright Hope Refugee Ministry and many organizations.

Vulcan Materials Company, Cabarrus County, NC - many health and human service organizations including Cabarrus County Big Brothers Big Sisters

WB Moore Company of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC - Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte

Wilmington Contractors Association, Wilmington, NC  several organizations

The 2025 Community Impact Awards will open in April 2025.

Carolinas AGC (CAGC) is a construction trade association made up of contractors and construction-related firms that perform work in North Carolina and South Carolina. CAGC is a chapter of the AGC of America (AGC) and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). Our members are both small and large general contractors, specialty contractors, material/equipment suppliers, and service providers. Visit us at www.cagc.org, connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Please join us at any of our 100+ networking and business opportunities throughout 2024!

For more information on the Carolinas AGC Community Impact Awards, please contact Hayley Gafel.

SOURCE Carolinas AGC
PORTLAND, Ore., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CaseMark AI , a pioneer in legal generative AI workflows, today announced the closing of a $1.7 million seed funding round led by Gradient Ventures , Google's AI-focused seed fund. Additional participation came from Rex Salisbury 's Cambrian, Ride Home AI Fund and Alumni Ventures . The funding will drive the company's mission to help legal professionals benefit from the efficiency and productivity of generative AI.

CaseMark's AI-powered legal workflows address automating time-consuming tasks like document summarization, research, and legal analysis. This frees up valuable time for legal professionals to focus on high-value activities such as client strategy and casework.

CaseMark's platform is modular, web-based, and easy-to-deploy. Unlike legacy legal tech, it seamlessly integrates into existing legal workflows such as deposition summaries or discovery responses, minimizing disruption and maximizing user adoption. The built-in chat tool allows legal professionals to query their case content in a secure, privacy first environment.

"We're the AI easy button that won't get attorneys in trouble," said Scott Kveton, CEO of CaseMark. "Hours spent summarizing take minutes now. That time saved can be reclaimed to work on legal strategy," said Kveton, highlighting the platform's efficiency gains.

"The rise of generative AI is transforming the legal landscape. Attorneys are now leveraging AI tools to sift through vast amounts of documents and automate time-consuming tasks like summarizing lengthy court transcripts. Casemark is at the forefront of this movement, offering an innovative solution for quickly and accurately generating summaries of depositions, cases, and trials," said Denise Teng, Investor at Gradient Ventures. "Casemark's platform has the potential to streamline legal work, making it more efficient and cost-effective for everyone from solo practitioners, large law firms to legal tech companies. We're proud to support Scott and his team as they redefine legal tech."

"For generative AI to succeed in legal workflows, it needs to perform reliably and cost efficiently. With CaseMark's LLM-agnostic architecture and mixture-of-experts approach, they can deliver best-in-class results at a fraction of the cost of their well-funded competitors. It's game on." stated Chris Messina, inventor of the hashtag and GP at the Ride Home AI Fund.

The seed funding will accelerate CaseMark's product development, expand its team of AI and legal experts, and drive adoption of its AI-powered legal workflows among law firms, legaltech companies, court reporting and litigation services firms.

"CaseMark has demonstrated incredible speed in bringing a high quality product to market, delivering real value for their clients. I look forward to seeing how continued enhancements in underlying models allows the team to do even more." said Rex Salisbury.

The CaseMark Workflow API enables access to all of CaseMark's AI-powered workflows via a white-label integration for legal tech companies and litigation support firms. Companies can leverage the AI-as-infrastructure service provided by CaseMark to increase time-to-market and maximize revenue for the most common attorney use cases.

ABOUT GRADIENT VENTURES

Gradient Ventures has been investing at the forefront of artificial intelligence since 2017. We are led by former founders, technical experts, and domain specialists, who know how to take an idea to product-market-fit and beyond. Gradient Ventures is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.gradient.com .

ABOUT CASEMARK

CaseMark is a pioneer in the legaltech industry, dedicated to transforming the way legal professionals work. Our AI-driven workflow platform streamlines document creation, research, and workflow management for law firms, litigators, and support services. With a focus on privacy, security, and innovation, CaseMark empowers legal professionals to maximize efficiency and deliver exceptional outcomes for their clients. Learn more at www.casemark.ai .

SOURCE CaseMark AI, Inc.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- STMicroelectronics and Geely Auto Group recently signed a long-term supply agreement for silicon carbide (SiC) devices, further accelerating their existing cooperation on SiC components, according to a post on STMicroelectronics China's WeChat account.

According to the agreement, STMicroelectronics will supply SiC power devices for Geely's mid-to-high-end battery electric vehicle (BEV) brands. These devices will help Geely enhance the performance of its electric vehicles, speed up charging times, extend driving range, and deepen its transition to new energy vehicles.

Photo credit: STMicroelectronics

Additionally, the two companies will establish an innovative joint laboratory based on their long-term cooperation in various automotive applications. This lab will facilitate the exchange and exploration of innovative solutions in automotive electronic/electrical (E/E) architectures (such as in-vehicle infotainment and smart cockpit systems), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and new energy vehicles.

Electric drive inverters are the core of electric drive systems, and SiC MOSFETs can significantly improve their efficiency. Geely's electric drive inverters already utilize STMicroelectronics' third-generation SiC MOSFET devices.

As a global leader in semiconductor field, STMicroelectronics possesses advanced SiC production technology and a fully vertically integrated supply chain. In recent years, the company has continued to increase its investment in the Chinese market. In June last year, STMicroelectronics announced a joint venture agreement with SANAN Optoelectronics to build an 8-inch SiC device manufacturing plant in Chongqing city to better meet the needs of Chinese customers.

Recent sales data shows that in May of this year, Geely Auto Group sold over 160,000 vehicles, marking a year-on-year jump of more than 38% and a month-on-month increase of about 5%. Among these, new energy vehicles continued their strong growth, with May sales (including Geely, Lynk & Co, and ZEEKR brands) reaching 58,673 units, a year-on-year soar of about 146% and a month-on-month increase of over 14%. For the first five months of 2024, Geely Auto Group sold 254,226 new energy vehicles, representing a 126% spike over a year earlier.
PORTLAND, Ore., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ACI Mechanical & HVAC Sales welcomes Cassie Kuwahara to our Portland team, bringing applied commercial HVAC expertise as our newest Sales Engineer. She has 12 years of experience collaborating with consulting engineers and design-build contractors, mostly with Carrier Corporation products. Having a wealth of project management skills, Cassie's broad commercial HVAC experience will greatly contribute to ACI's success in the Pacific Northwest.

Cassie headshot

"Cassie brings experience and enthusiasm to our Portland team; she is a perfect fit. She knows the Portland engineering and contracting community, and will have an instant impact" said Keith Glasch, President and Principal at ACI.

"I am excited to become part of the ACI family. I look forward to working with a dedicated and knowledgeable team to provide our customer with optimal solutions for their project needs," said Cassie.

Cassie mastered the intricacies of mechanical engineering with her previous employer, Ferguson/Airefco, after earning a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Portland in 2013. She has proven her capabilities in roles such as Inside Sales Engineer and Commercial Application Engineer before joining ACI. Her ability to align closely with our values and her personable approach have endeared her to many customers, fostering significant relationships in the industry. Her acute interest in the design and development of commercial applied applications makes her a perfect fit for our innovative team. As the Treasurer for the ASHRAE Oregon chapter, Cassie shows full dedication to the industry and, as we continue to grow, we are confident she will thrive at ACI.

About ACI Mechanical and HVAC Sales:

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, ACI Mechanical & HVAC Sales is the Pacific Northwest's premier vendor for commercial HVAC applications. The company collaborates with consulting engineers, contractors, and their customers to deliver exceptional solutions for various sectors, including education, data centers, commercial office buildings, healthcare, and industrial facilities. With a team of thirty-six degreed sales engineers and project professionals working with over fifty equipment manufacturers, ACI is committed to helping buildings thrive. For more information, please visit acimechsales.com.

SOURCE ACI Mechanical Sales
-Fast casual concept celebrating grand opening on June 18th with free chicken salad for a year-

ATLANTA, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick , the nation's only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today it is growing once again in Kentucky, opening in Murray at 506 North 12th Street in the Olympic Plaza shopping center. Featuring a large kitchen to fulfill catering orders, Chicken Salad Chick of Murray will welcome guests for lunch and dinner in the spacious dining room as well as offer traditional catering and boxed lunches, delivery and curbside pick-up. This is the ninth Chick in Kentucky and the second owned by business partners Katie Englert and Tony Englert, who opened their first in Paducah three years ago. They look forward to celebrating this grand opening with the Murray community on Tuesday, June 18th; the first 100 guests in line will win free chicken salad for a year.

During grand opening week, local guests can expect to experience the Southern hospitality that Chicken Salad Chick is known for with specials and giveaways that include:

Tuesday, June 18th  Free Chicken Salad for a Year to the first 100 Guests  The first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.* Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line.

  The first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.* Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. Wednesday, June 19th - The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio receive a FREE Chicken Salad Chick Cooler.**

- The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio receive a FREE Chicken Salad Chick Cooler.** Thursday, June 20th  The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio receive a FREE Scoop or Sandwich.**

 The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio receive a FREE Scoop or Sandwich.** Friday, June 21st  The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio receive a FREE 40 oz. Chicken Salad Chick Tumbler.**

Katie Englert and Tony Englert of TKAB Chick, LLC grew up in Kentucky and were thrilled with the opportunity to bring Chicken Salad Chick's made-from-scratch favorites and focus on serving others to Paducah in 2021. That restaurant has been thriving, with Katie's mom even joining the team as their Community Chick to further spread the joy of the brand throughout the area.

"We love what we do and are so excited to now be bringing this beloved brand to another part of our home state," said Katie Englert, co-owner of Chicken Salad Chick in Murray. "Murray is part of the heartbeat of Western Kentucky and has its own vibe. We're looking forward to serving our neighbors in the community, as well as students from Murray State  many are loyal Chick fans already!"

This local Chicken Salad Chick team loves giving back to the community and will be supporting Murray's own Need Line as part of their pre-opening Friends & Family events. Need Line is a nonprofit, community supported organization that assists Murray and Calloway County residents with basic human needs.

Chicken Salad Chick in Murray will be open Monday  Saturday from 10 a.m.  7 p.m. For more information, visit www.chickensaladchick.com . Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and trends.

For more information on giveaways and specials, visit https://www.facebook.com/ChickenSaladChickMurrayKY.

*Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. The first 100 guests must remain in line and download the Chicken Salad Chick app. Wi-Fi will not be available on site. Once the restaurant opens, guests will make a purchase of "The Chick" or anything of equal/greater value and enter a code in the Chicken Salad Chick app to officially secure their spot. If you leave the line for any reason, your spot will be awarded to the next guest in line. Guests will receive their first free Large Quick Chick electronically to their app the Monday following Grand Opening Day.

**Must download the CSC App and be 16 years or older to purchase. Not valid with any other offers. Limit 1 reward per guest present.

About Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick's robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Founded in Auburn, Alabama, by Stacy and Kevin Brown, in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 260 restaurants in 19 states. Today, under the leadership of Scott Deviney and the Chicken Salad Chick team, the brand is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick has received numerous accolades including rankings in the 2023 Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Franchise Times' Fast & Serious for the third consecutive year, Fast Casual.com's top Movers and Shakers from 2018 to 2023, QSR's Best Franchise Deals in 2019, 2020 and 2022, and Franchise Business Review's Top Food Franchises in 2020. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information.

Contact:

Nicole Hunnicutt

Fish Consulting

404-558-4108

[email protected]

SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick
Grants to fund Houston, Corpus Christi and Lake Charles disaster resilience efforts as hurricane season begins

HOUSTON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As June 1 marks the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, CITGO remains committed to supporting and promoting safety and storm preparedness along the Gulf Coast. CITGO is donating $125,000 in resilience grants to nonprofits working to keep people safe, informed and prepared in the Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas areas, and in Lake Charles, La.

"Working with these organizations, we want to help equip our communities with the tools and resources they need to navigate the challenges of the upcoming storm season," said CITGO Vice President of Human Resources and Support Services Kresha Sivinski. "The proactive steps we take now to prepare for this time of year are so important  it's about bringing people together and helping them protect themselves. As a part of these communities, there is nothing more rewarding for us at CITGO than taking care of people in the face of adversity."

In Houston, CITGO awarded a grant to Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston for Operation IMpact. Funds support the distribution of five meals worth of nonperishable food to 5,000 homebound seniors in the Greater Houston and Galveston area through the Meals on Wheels program. On June 1, CITGO volunteers delivered the nonperishable food and provided seniors with updated disaster preparation and emergency services information, should inclement weather hit and disrupt Meals on Wheels services for affected seniors.

CITGO is also providing funds to the Gulf of Mexico Alliance to support the Corpus Christi community and enhance overall resilience to future hazards. Using an integrated approach, this project will engage city stakeholders in a Community Resilience Index (CRI) workshop, the result of which will identify vulnerabilities and plans for projects that increase resilience to storms, flooding and other hazards. The grant will fund a project that addresses an identified resiliency gap from the workshop. The program will enhance community engagement and collaboration, optimize resource allocation, address community needs and promote sustainable community development.

In partnership with the United Way of Southwest Louisiana, CITGO is supporting the resilience of an estimated 50 homes in Calcasieu Parish. At the request of homeowners and residents in the parish, contractors will remove stray branches or weakened trees near residences. Trimming trees before hurricane season prevents potential property destruction and injuries due to falling branches and trees caused by high winds and heavy rains. These services will enhance the resilience of homes during high-wind storms, which means more residents can stay in their homes following a natural disaster while minimizing cleanup efforts.

Disaster Relief and Resilience is a core pillar of CITGO community investments, which also include Education, Environment, and Health. Learn more at citgo.com/responsibility.

About CITGO

CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry and operates under the well-known CITGO brand. CITGO owns and operates three refineries located in Lake Charles, La.; Lemont, Ill.; and Corpus Christi, Texas, and wholly and/or jointly owns 42 active terminals, six pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,600 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 807,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), CITGO ranks as the fifth-largest and is one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States. CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products, and supplies a network of approximately 4,000 locally owned and independently operated branded retail outlets, all located east of the Rocky Mountains. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc.

SOURCE CITGO Petroleum Corporation
Technical conference for popular developer open source technologies

SAN FRANCISCO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloud Foundry Foundation today announced a Cloud Foundry Day European event will be held on Wednesday, October 9 in Karlsruhe, Germany, and has opened the call for session proposals. The event is a full day of sessions related to open source technologies aimed at delivering the best experience for developers at companies of all sizes.

Cloud Foundry has long been the industry-standard open source cloud application platform. Now, with Korifi and Paketo Buildpacks , the best-in-class developer experience that Cloud Foundry is known for is available on Kubernetes. Cloud Foundry Day brings the technical community, end-users, and member companies together.

"Last year's event in Germany was a huge success and sold out in-person," said Chris Clark, Program Manager for Cloud Foundry at the Linux Foundation. "We're looking forward to this next gathering to come together and propel the next advances in Cloud Foundry open source technologies."

Cloud Foundry Day EU 2024 will complement the N.Y. event in May with entirely different speakers and sessions.

For this one-day event, the Cloud Foundry Foundation joins forces with the community-elected program committee to curate a program that fosters collaboration among attendees and offers an interactive platform for education. The call for proposals is now open and will close on July 14.

"The Cloud Foundry presence in the EU is massive, and we'll have a great mix of end-users, contributors, and maintainers to cater to at this event. A cross-section of engineering, business, and on-field talent makes for diverse attendance," said Ram Iyengar, Chief Evangelist at the Cloud Foundry Foundation.

For more information about sponsoring Cloud Foundry Day, download the Sponsorship Prospectus . Sponsorship deadline is September 6.

The registration fee for Cloud Foundry Day is $50 for the in-person event or free to attend online. Attendees can register for the event here .

Cloud Foundry is an open source technology backed by the largest technology companies in the world, including, SAP, VMware by Broadcom, Bloomberg, and Schwartz IT, and is being used by leaders in manufacturing, telecommunications and financial services. Only Cloud Foundry delivers the velocity needed to continuously deliver apps at the speed of business. Cloud Foundry's container-based architecture helps deploy apps written in any language on a choice of cloud platforms  Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, OpenStack, and more. With a robust services ecosystem and simple integration with existing technologies, Cloud Foundry is the modern standard for deploying mission critical apps at global organizations.

About Cloud Foundry Foundation

The Cloud Foundry Foundation is a non-profit open source organization formed to sustain the development, promotion and adoption of Cloud Foundry as the industry standard for delivering the best experience for developers at companies of all sizes. The Foundation projects include Cloud Foundry, Paketo Buildpacks, Korifi, BOSH, Open Service Broker API, CredHub, and more. Cloud Foundry makes it faster and easier to build, test, deploy and scale applications, and is used by more than half the Fortune 500, representing nearly $15 trillion in combined revenue. Cloud Foundry is hosted by The Linux Foundation and is an Apache 2.0 licensed project available on Github: https://github.com/cloudfoundry . To learn more, visit: http://www.cloudfoundry.org .

Contact:

Joe Eckert

Eckert Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Cloud Foundry Foundation
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber today told delegates at the opening of the Baku Energy Week that all stakeholders need to leverage the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the energy transition and the growth of the Global South to accelerate climate positive sustainable development for all.

Dr. Al Jaber also called on the energy and technology sectors to work more closely together on accelerating the adoption of AI to sustainably meet the world's growing energy demand and drive decarbonization.

"While AI is driving a surge in energy demand, it is also driving efficiencies that curb emissions. In fact, the growth of AI is one of three mega-trends that will shape our future, alongside the accelerating energy transition and the rise of emerging markets and the global south. And the closer the AI and energy collaborate, the more solutions we can unlock to drive decarbonized growth everywhere," Dr. Al Jaber said in a speech on the opening day of Baku Energy Week, taking place in the Azerbaijan capital through to 6 June.

Dr. Al Jaber said that the COP28 Presidency and the UAE would work "very closely with Azerbaijan's COP Presidency and we call on all countries to ensure COP29 is a resounding success that builds on the outcomes of Dubai."

"COP28 made history with the UAE Consensus- delivering the most comprehensive set of climate breakthroughs since the Paris Agreement," Dr. Al Jaber said, "And, against a very difficult geopolitical backdrop, we proved that multilateralism is alive and well."

"We united the world around a practical pathway to keep 1.5C within reach, while building resilience and maintaining socio-economic development for all," Dr. Al Jaber said.

In line with the UAE Consensus commitment to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, the UAE and Azerbaijan are today celebrating the groundbreaking of the Bilasuvar and Neftchala Solar PV plants and the Absheron Garadagh wind project. Together, they will provide over 1 GW of clean power for Azerbaijan's growing energy needs. The projects, announced last year, are being developed by Masdar, the UAE's clean energy powerhouse, and SOCAR, Azerbaijan's state oil company.

"This builds on the UAE's history of partnership to enhance this country's green growth development and promote sustainable development globally. Practical partnerships like these that will help turn the UAE Consensus into tangible reality around the world," Dr. Al Jaber said.

The COP Presidencies Troika, which was mandated in the UAE Consensus and unites COP28 with the Azerbaijan and Brazil COP Presidencies, will help drive ambitious collective climate action, he said.

The Troika is building momentum for a new round of strengthened Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aligned with the UAE Consensus.

Industry must also continue to play its role, Dr. Al Jaber said, praising SOCAR for joining the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter launched at COP28.

"We now have over 40 percent of the industry committed to zero methane emissions by 2030 and net zero by or before 2050," Dr. Al Jaber added, "To those who have not signed up yet, I urge to you to do so."

"You have the power, the resources and the technology to make a massive positive impact in a short amount of time," he told delegates.

Al Jaber noted that bold steps must be matched with pragmatism, that the energy transition will take place in different places at different paces and that every industry needs tailor-made solutions.

The COP28 President noted that the expansion of data centers to power the growth of AI will require renewable energy be backed up by natural gas. COP29, which will be held in Baku in November, will "focus like no other COP" on the issue of climate finance, an essential enabler of the UAE Consensus. Dr. Al Jaber welcomed the news that $100 billion climate finance pledge had finally been met, he said: "I am encouragedBut we need much more finance to be much more available, accessible and affordable."

Dr. Al Jaber said that International Finance Institutions (IFIs) and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) "have a critical role to play in helping make emerging and developing markets more investable. He also said that "the private sector must step up to help turn billions into trillions."

These solutions include ALTERRA, which was launched at COP28 with a US$30 billion commitment from the UAE, making it the world's largest private investment vehicle for climate change action. It will play a critical role in driving at-scale climate investments to where they are most needed.

"The Fund will mobilize $250 billion in additional investments over the next six years, across emerging markets and the global south and I believe it provides a model that should be followed to unlock finance at scale," Dr. Al Jaber said.

Dr. Al Jaber closed his speech by talking about the opportunities offered by a green transition, he said: "We face unprecedented challenges. Yet, within these challenges lies an unparalleled opportunity to redefine our future, to pivot towards a path of sustainability and resilience.

The transition to a sustainable economy is not just about reducing emissions. It is about creating jobs, enhancing health, and improving the quality of life for billions of people around the globe."

The transition must deliver a world where every child "whether they are born in the north or global south, has the chance to thrive. It is a call to action for every nation, every industry, every community, and every individual to step up and contribute to a cause that transcends borders and generations."

Key to this transition is technology, Dr. Al Jaber said: "We must embrace new technologies, foster collaboration and commit to transformative policies that safeguard our planet and ensure prosperity for all."

Dr. Al Jaber called on everyone to "rise to this occasion with courage and conviction, knowing that when we unite for a common purpose, there is no challenge too great and no goal too ambitious. At COP28, we united, we acted and we delivered. As we look towards COP29, lets double down on delivery and follow through with tangible results."

SOURCE COP28
The event brings more than 10,000 professionals together from more than 110 countries in a space dedicated to networking.

Costa Rica is the first destination in Latin America for students from the "Study Abroad" program.

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- From May 28 to 31, 2024, a Costa Rican delegation participated in the NAFSA 2024 trade fair, which took place in New Orleans, United States. This event, targeting the higher education sector, focuses on the internationalization of educational services, providing a meeting platform for universities, lecturers, and professionals from academia.

The Costa Rican delegation is lead by the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER), together with Universidad LCI Veritas [LCI Veritas University], Universidad Internacional de las Americas (UIA) [Americas International University], Universidad Central (UC) [Central University], Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH) [Hispano-American University], Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnologia (ULACIT) [Latin American University of Science and Technology], Universidad Internacional San Isidro Labrador (UISIL) [San Isidro Labrador International University], Universidad Santa Paula (USP) [Santa Paula University], ILISA Language School, Texas Tech University (TTU), Universidad de Ciencias Medicas (UCIMED) [Medical Sciences University], and the globalEdu Consortium. These institutions presented their offer in the esencial Costa Rica stand under the "Study in Costa Rica" concept.

Mario Saenz, Export Development Manager of PROCOMER, highlighted: "At PROCOMER, we recognize the importance of positioning Costa Rican universities in international markets. Costa Rica's participation in trade fairs like NAFSA 2024 is fundamental in order to create strategic partnerships and promote the internationalization of our educational services. This opens doors to the mobility of students and lecturers, double majors and collaborations in research, thus strengthening our academic offering."

The participation in NAFSA 2024 included a business agenda for each institution, with meetings planned with entities such as the University of Central Florida, Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin and Bucharest University of Economic Studies, among others.

Alejandra Barahona, Director of LCI Education Study Abroad in Universidad LCI Veritas, commented: "Our objective is to position Costa Rica as the main destination for climate action discussions and initiatives during the NAFSA conference, highlighting our commitment to sustainability and innovative environmental practices."

NAFSA 2024 is the ideal event for those responsible for the internationalization of educational services to meet with existing and potential partners, and for promoting initiatives such as Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), programs lead by faculties, exchanges, and internships. With the assistance of more than 10,000 professionals from more than 110 countries, this event represents a unique opportunity for international collaboration and expansion.

Jean Carlo Monge, Director of International Affairs of Universidad Central, added: "We want to bring Ucentral and its students knowledge in global environments. Our focus as a higher education institution is to provide our students with the professional tools to deal with the adversities of the future. We thank PROCOMER for its help in this process. Over the last 3 years of working with them, we have been able to train students in global environments."

From the first time it participated in 2014, PROCOMER has been promoting Costa Rican educational excellence through these types of global events, reaffirming the country's commitment to quality and innovation in higher education.

During this participation in NAFSA 2024, more than 50 business appointments were set up between Costa Rican institutions and strategic actors from the sector.

SOURCE PROCOMER
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA insurer, has named Jeff Huebner executive vice president of commercial insurance, effective immediately. Huebner will be responsible for the distribution of commercial insurance under the Mobilitas brand, launched in 2020 to provide commercial insurance solutions for the sharing economy and mobility sector. He assumes the role vacated by Julie Brown, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Brown will remain with the company until July 1 to support the transition.

CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA insurer, has named Jeff Huebner executive vice president of commercial insurance, effective immediately. Huebner will be responsible for the distribution of commercial insurance under the Mobilitas brand, launched in 2020 to provide commercial insurance solutions for the sharing economy and mobility sector.

"Throughout his career, Jeff has demonstrated an exceptional ability to drive growth and deliver outstanding results. He brings a unique blend of strategic insight and operational expertise that will be crucial as we navigate the evolving landscape of commercial insurance," said Mike Zukerman, CSAA President and CEO. "I would also like to express gratitude to Julie for her contributions and dedication during her tenure. She worked diligently to grow our commercial business, and we are confident that Jeff will build on this solid foundation to lead us into an exciting future."

Huebner has been at CSAA Insurance Group for more than 22 years and brings 30 plus years of deep industry knowledge. He will continue his duties as chief risk officer during the transition, where he oversees the company's enterprise risk management, capital strategy, reinsurance programs, corporate insurance, business resilience, real estate, procurement and security.

In addition, Huebner currently serves in board and advisory capacities at AAA Life Insurance Company, the California FAIR Plan, and the California Wildfire Innovation Fund.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dickinson College (Carlisle, Penn.) and Master of Business Administration in Finance from Notre Dame de Namur University (Belmont, Calif.).

About CSAA Insurance Group

CSAA Insurance Group offers automobile, home and other personal lines of insurance to AAA Members in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1914, the company has been rated "A" or better by AM Best for more than 90 years and, with over $6 billion in revenue, is one of the top personal lines property casualty insurance groups in the United States. The company has been repeatedly named one of the 50 most community-minded companies in America by Points of Light. More information is available at http://csaa-insurance.aaa.com and on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and YouTube).

Press Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE CSAA Insurance Group
Nearly 470,000 job openings at all career levels listed by US employers

DALLAS, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Demand for cybersecurity talent continues to outpace supply despite growth in available education and training programs, according to new data from CyberSeek , the most comprehensive source of information on the U.S. cybersecurity workforce.

There are only enough workers to fill 85% of the cybersecurity jobs throughout the economy. Consequently, an estimated 225,200 more cybersecurity workers are needed to close talent gaps. Across the U.S. more than 1.2 million people are employed in cybersecurity occupations, a workforce which has steadily increased over the past several years.

"we must develop alternative pathways to careers in cybersecurity that develops diverse talent." Post this

"As competition for talent grows across sectors and from other in-demand occupations, we must develop alternative pathways to careers in cybersecurity that develops diverse talent in communities across America to provide opportunities good-paying jobs," said Rodney Petersen, director of NICE. "The regional alliances and multistakeholder partnerships known as RAMPS Communities, established through cooperative agreements from NIST, will strengthen coordination and collaboration to meet employer workforce needs and bolster local and regional economies."

Petersen shared the latest CyberSeek data today at the 15th Annual NICE Conference and Expo in Dallas, which appropriately aligned with the conference theme to "Strengthen Ecosystems: Align Stakeholders to Bridge the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap." Thought leaders from education, government, industry, and non-profits meet each year to explore ways of developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce ready to meet the challenges of the future.

Key findings from the CyberSeek data revealed the pullback in tech hiring present during much of 2023 impacted cybersecurity jobs. Employer job postings for all tech occupations declined by 37% in the 12 months from May 2023 to April 2024. Cyber job postings decreased 29%, signaling that cybersecurity is less affected by hiring slowdowns than the IT sector overall.

Employer job postings for cybersecurity positions totaled 469,930 from May 2023 through April 2024. Positions in the highest demand included network engineers, systems administrators, cybersecurity engineers, cybersecurity analysts, security engineers, systems engineers, information systems security officers, network administrators, information security analysts and software engineers.

"Although demand for cybersecurity jobs is beginning to normalize to pre-pandemic levels, the longstanding cyber talent gap persists," said Will Markow, vice president of applied research at Lightcast. "At the same time, new threats and technologies are causing cybersecurity skill requirements to evolve at a breakneck pace, forcing employers, educators, and individuals to proactively anticipate and prepare for an ever-changing cyber landscape."

"Building a robust cybersecurity presence often requires changes in talent acquisition strategies and tactics," said Hannah Johnson, senior vice president, tech talent programs, CompTIA. "That can include upskilling less experienced cybersecurity professionals for more advanced roles, or hiring people who demonstrate subject matter expertise via professional certifications or other credentials."

In addition to the latest workforce data, CyberSeek has incorporated NICE Framework Components Version 1.0.0, which includes new and updated cybersecurity work roles, competency areas and task, knowledge, and skill statements.

CyberSeek provides detailed, actionable data about the cybersecurity job market. It is a joint initiative of NICE, a program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology focused on advancing cybersecurity education and workforce development; Lightcast, a leading authority on global job skills, workforce talent and labor market dynamics; and CompTIA, the world's leading information technology (IT) certification and training body. Visit https://www.cyberseek.org/ to learn more.

SOURCE CyberSeek
DeFi Technologies' subsidiary Valour Inc. has expanded its partnership with justTRADE, making the 1Valour STOXX Bitcoin Suisse Digital Asset Blue Chip ETP available for German savings plans.





Technologies' subsidiary Valour Inc. has expanded its partnership with justTRADE, making the 1Valour STOXX Suisse Digital Asset Blue Chip ETP available for German savings plans. This collaboration, initiated in August 2022 , strengthens Valour's position as a key provider of cryptocurrency products and ETPs for justTRADE's clientele, aligning with their mission to provide simple and secure access to digital assets.





, strengthens Valour's position as a key provider of products and ETPs for justTRADE's clientele, aligning with their mission to provide simple and secure access to digital assets. The launch of the 1Valour STOXX Bitcoin Suisse Digital Asset Blue Chip ETP, which follows a rule-based passive index methodology and leverages Bitcoin Suisse's Global Crypto Taxonomy, marks a historic milestone for STOXX and expands the accessibility of cryptocurrency investments within mainstream portfolios.

TORONTO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - DeFi Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "DeFi Technologies") (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: RB9) (OTC: DEFTF), a financial technology company that pioneers the convergence of traditional capital markets with the world of decentralised finance ("DeFi"), is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Valour Inc. ("Valour"), a leading issuer of exchange traded products ("ETPs") that provide simplified access to digital assets, has broadened its partnership with justTRADE, a leading German online brokerage platform. The recently launched 1Valour STOXX Bitcoin Suisse Digital Asset Blue Chip ETP is now available for German savings plans through justTRADE.

The collaboration between justTRADE and Valour builds on a foundation of shared commitment to innovation and accessibility in financial services. Initiated in August 2022, this partnership has already positioned Valour as a key provider of cryptocurrency products and ETPs for justTRADE's clientele in Germany. justTRADE, known for its user-friendly platform and comprehensive financial offerings, aligns perfectly with Valour's mission to simplify and secure access to digital assets through trusted, regulated vehicles. This collaboration not only extends the range of products available to justTRADE customers but also reinforces Valour's role as a leader in the digital asset sector.

This recent launch is notably historic, as STOXX, renowned for its benchmark indices, has for the first time ventured into the cryptocurrency space. The 1Valour STOXX Bitcoin Suisse Digital Asset Blue Chip ETP represents a pioneering investment opportunity in top-tier digital assets, providing an ideal entry point for both satellite and mainstream investment strategies. This product follows the STOXX Digital Asset Blue Chip X Index, applying a rule-based passive index methodology. It leverages Bitcoin Suisse's comprehensive Global Crypto Taxonomy for asset classification, ensuring a well-balanced and regularly adjusted investment portfolio.

The introduction of the 1Valour STOXX Bitcoin Suisse Digital Asset Blue Chip ETP via justTRADE marks a significant milestone in the integration of traditional financial index expertise with the dynamic world of digital assets. This strategic move is set to expand the accessibility of cryptocurrency investments within mainstream portfolios, reflecting a growing recognition of digital assets as a vital component of diversified investment strategies.

Marco A. Infuso, Chief Sales Officer of Valour, commented on the collaboration, stating, "We are proud to partner with justTRADE to bring the 1Valour STOXX Bitcoin Suisse Digital Asset Blue Chip ETP to German retail and institutional investors. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to make high-quality digital asset products accessible to a wider audience. justTRADE's choice of Valour over larger financial institutions underscores our deep expertise and innovative approach in the ETP space. Together, we are setting new standards for investment in digital assets."

Michael B. Buhaus, Co-Founder and Managing Director of justTRADE, stated, "We are thrilled to have Valour as a partner for our crypto ETPs and savings plans. Their broad range of products, low costs, and innovative underlyings are very popular with our customers, making investments in crypto assets easy and convenient."

About justTRADE

justTRADE is a Frankfurt-based online broker that consistently offers traders the trading of securities and cryptos for 0 order commission (plus standard market spreads and max. 1 external cost) and from a single securities account. More than 500,000 securities - shares, ETFs, ETCs, wikifolios, certificates, warrants and leveraged products - can now be traded via iOS and Android or via the desktop browser, both on-exchange via three exchanges (LS Exchange, Quotrix and Tradegate Exchange) and off-exchange via five trading partners (J.P. Morgan, Societe Generale, UBS, Vontobel and L&S (wikifolios)). Around 1,500 ETFs, ETCs and ETPs from twelve providers complete the offering. With the ability to trade also 27 native cryptos from the same custody account as all securities, justTRADE offers its customers an unprecedented offering in Germany. In addition, a total of around 200 securities are also eligible for savings plans. https://www.justtrade.com/

About DeFi Technologies

DeFi Technologies Inc. ( CBOE CA: DEFI ) ( GR: MB9 ) ( OTC: DEFTF ) is a financial technology company that pioneers the convergence of traditional capital markets with the world of decentralized finance (DeFi). With a dedicated focus on industry-leading Web3 technologies, DeFi Technologies aims to provide widespread investor access to the future of finance. Backed by an esteemed team of experts with extensive experience in financial markets and digital assets, we are committed to revolutionizing the way individuals and institutions interact with the evolving financial ecosystem. Join DeFi Technologies' digital community on Linkedin and Twitter , and for more details, visit https://defi.tech/

About Valour

Valour Inc. and Valour Digital Securities Limited (together, "Valour") issues exchange traded products ("ETPs") that enable retail and institutional investors to access digital assets like Bitcoin in a simple and secure way via their traditional bank account. Valour is part of the asset management business line of DeFi Technologies Inc. ( CBOE CA: DEFI ) ( GR: R9B ) ( OTC: DEFTF ).

In addition to their novel physical backed digital asset platform, which includes 1Valour Bitcoin Physical Carbon Neutral ETP, 1Valour Ethereum Physical Staking , and 1Valour Internet Computer Physical Staking , Valour offers fully hedged digital asset ETPs with low to zero management fees, with product listings across European exchanges, banks and broker platforms. Valour's existing product range includes Valour Uniswap ( UNI ), Cardano ( ADA ), Polkadot ( DOT ), Solana ( SOL ), Avalanche ( AVAX ), Cosmos ( ATOM ), Binance ( BNB ), Ripple ( XRP ), Toncoin ( TON ), Internet Computer ( ICP ), Chainlink ( LINK ) Enjin ( ENJ ), Valour Bitcoin Staking ( BTC ), Bitcoin Carbon Neutral ( BTCN ), Valour Digital Asset Basket 10 ( VDAB10 ) and 1Valour STOXX Bitcoin Suisse Digital Asset Blue Chip ETPs with low management fees. Valour's flagship products are Bitcoin Zero and Ethereum Zero, the first fully hedged, passive investment products with Bitcoin ( BTC ) and Ethereum ( ETH ) as underlyings which are completely fee free.

For more information on Valour, to subscribe, or to receive updates and financial information, visit valour.com .

About Reflexivity Research

Reflexivity Research LLC is a leading research firm specializing in the creation of high-quality, in-depth research reports for the bitcoin and digital asset industry, empowering investors with valuable insights. For more information please visit https://www.reflexivityresearch.com/

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information:

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the trading of the 1Valour STOXX Bitcoin Suisse Digital Asset Blue Chip ETP on justTRADE; development and listing of future ETPs; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of digital assets; the pursuit by the Company and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited the acceptance of Valour exchange traded products by exchanges; growth and development of digital assets sector; rules and regulations with respect to digital assets; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company 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. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

THE CBOE CANADA EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

SOURCE DeFi Technologies Inc.
ABU DHABI, UAE, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- During the BIO 2024 International Convention, the Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Opus Genetics, a patient-first, clinical-stage gene therapy company. Through this collaboration, both entities will work together to accelerate the development of novel gene therapies for patients with rare inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) in the UAE.

DoH and Opus Genetics Announce Collaboration to Advance Ground-Breaking Gene

IRDs are a major cause of vision loss worldwide, and affect approximately 5% of the Arabian Gulf population, severely impacting the lives of patients, their families, and communities. Leveraging the unique data access and capabilities of UAE's world-leading Emirati Genome Programme and Opus Genetics' expertise in clinical-stage gene therapy, the parties will explore the potential of conducting and expediting preclinical testing and clinical trials to benefit patients with IRDs.

In the presence of H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH, and Ben Yerxa, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Opus Genetics, the MoU was signed by Dr Asma Al Mannaei, the Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH and Dr. Yerxa.

Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, said: "With our uniquely diverse population, established excellence in genomics, and a streamlined 30-day research approval process, Abu Dhabi is well suited to become a focal destination for gene therapy trials. Our collaboration with Opus Genetics reaffirms our commitment to changing lives by seeking and supporting ground-breaking research and the development of novel therapies. By leveraging the Emirate's advanced

genomics expertise and data-enabled infrastructure, we seek to boost preclinical research and trials that will improve healthcare outcomes today and for generations to come. On our journey to becoming a global hub for health and life science, Abu Dhabi and the Department of Health will continue to act as a both an accelerator and a platform for innovation."

Ben Yerxa, Ph.D., said: "We are thrilled to announce this collaboration with The Department of Health  Abu Dhabi, which marks a significant step forward in our mission to develop transformative gene therapies for patients with IRDs. Combining UAE's Emirati Genome Programme with Opus' expertise in clinical-stage gene therapy development will enable us to explore and expedite the development of novel gene therapies, potentially bringing much-needed treatments to patients with IRDs in Abu Dhabi and globally. We are committed to working together to accelerate preclinical testing and clinical trials, ultimately bringing hope and improved quality of life to those affected by these debilitating conditions."

Led by the Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH), a high-profile Abu Dhabi delegation headed by His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the DoH, is visiting the United States of America (USA) between May 29th,2024 and June 5th,2024 to showcase the Emirate's partnership opportunities and explore collaboration with leading organisations in Research and Development (R&D), manufacturing and innovation. Kicking-off in Philadelphia, delegates have met with existing and new partners to foster collaboration with leading education research institutions, governmental bodies and health-tech giants. The transnational mission has culminated in San Diego, coinciding with Abu Dhabi's participation at BIO International Convention 2024 to exhibit the Emirate's growth and development of its biotechnology industry. The participation has witnessed in-depth discussions, shared insights and expertise as well as explored collaborations in health-tech, life science and innovation.

Highlighting the rich diversity and expertise within Abu Dhabi's ecosystem, the Delegation comprised of 20 key entities including the Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Executive Office (ADEO), G42, Masdar City, Mubadala Investment Company, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group (KEZAD), Malaffi,

The Medical Office, Ambulatory Healthcare Services, PureHealth, One Health, M42, Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Burjeel Holdings, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi Holding Company (ADQ), Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre (ADSCC) and Etihad Airways.



Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2430307/DoH_and_Opus_Genetics.jpg

SOURCE The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi
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.

ZEEKR granted Level 3 autonomous driving road test for 'Haohan' smart driving system

On June 3, ZEEKR announced that its Haohan (Chinese Pinyin) smart driving system has obtained the Level 3 autonomous driving test license on Shanghai's highways and expressways roads. The system has successfully passed 100% of the tests in seven scenarios and over 30 subjects.

ZEEKR 007; photo credit: ZEEKR

NETA Auto's deliveries drop 22.4% YoY in May

In May 2024, NETA Auto delivered a total of 10,113 new cars, a 22.4% decrease compared to the year-ago period. However, this figure is higher than the 9,017 units delivered in the previous month.

SAIC Motor posts over 27% YoY in Jan.-May NEV sales

In May, SAIC Motor sold 81,000 new energy vehicles. From January to May, the group sold a total of 365,000 new energy vehicles, representing a year-on-year increase of over 27%.

FOTON Motor, Iveco Group sign MoU to develop electric vans for Europe, South America

On June 4, 2024, Foton Motor and Iveco Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Beijing to explore collaboration in the electric vehicle and components sectors. This partnership aims to expand their presence in the European and South American markets.

VOYAH posts 51% YoY surge in May auto deliveries

VOYAH, Dongfeng Motor's premium new energy vehicle brand, announced its May delivery figures, which showed a double-digit year-on-year increase.

WAYTOUS launches YUKON smart mining large model

China Academy of Sciences' Institute of Automation, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), and smart mining solution developer WAYTOUS on June 2 jointly launched the YUKON mining large model and its intelligent infrastructure system.

STMicroelectronics, Geely Auto sign long-term supply deal for SiC devices

STMicroelectronics and Geely Auto Group recently signed a long-term supply agreement for silicon carbide (SiC) devices, further accelerating their existing cooperation on SiC components, according to a post on STMicroelectronics China's WeChat account.

BAIC BluePark's May auto sales jump 33% YoY

On June 3, BAIC BluePark, the parent company of BAIC BJEV, released its production and sales report for May 2024. The data shows that BAIC BJEV sold 5,433 vehicles in May, marking a 33% year-on-year jump.

Huawei, BAIC co-developed STELATO S9 luxury sedan kicks off presale

On May 31, 2024, STELATO, the high-end new energy vehicle brand jointly developed by Huawei and BAIC Group, officially kicked off presale for its first vehicle, the STELATO S9 all-scenario smart flagship sedan, at 450,000-550,000 yuan.

Changan Automobile's wholly-owned NEV sales surge over 90% YoY in May

On June 2, Changan Automobile released its sales data for May, revealing a significant 90% year-on-year surge in its wholly-owned brands new energy vehicle (NEV) sales, totaling 55,800 units.

PIA Automation, Freudenber team up on fuel cell system project

Recently, PIA Automation and Freudenberg Group entered into a collaboration agreement on high-performance hydrogen fuel cell systems, according to a press release PIA Automation issued on its WeChat account on June 4.

Autoliv, XPENG AEROHT partner for development of flying car technologies

On June 3, Autoliv China and XPENG AEROHT signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Guangzhou. Driven by their shared commitment to future mobility safety, the duo will collaborate on various initiatives aimed at advancing the development of flying car technology, jointly developing safety solutions for future mobility.

Great Wall Motor sees May auto sales drop YoY, but NEV sales surge

Great Wall Motor ("GWM") experienced a decline in sales in May 2024, with total sales dropping to 91,460 units, a 9.51% decrease compared to the 101,073 units sold in May 2023, according to the sales results it issued on June 4.
LIBERTY, Mo., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Douglas Products (DP), the manufacturer behind leading brands Vikane  and ProFume , announces its initiative to enhance fumigation tool technology while significantly reducing environmental impacts. As part of its commitment to sustainable pest management, DP pledges to cut global post-fumigation emissions from Sulfuryl Fluoride (SF) by 50% by 2035, ensuring the continued protection of people, food, and property without compromising environmental integrity.

Fumigation is an essential tool to protect people, food, and property

Sustainable pest management protects residential and commercial properties, ensures the safety of the world's food supply, and preserves public health and biosecurity by combatting harmful insects such as termites, bedbugs, and wood-destroying beetles.

Fumigation with SF, manufactured under the brand names Vikane and ProFume by Douglas Products (DP), is often faster and more effective than alternative treatments in addressing destructive pest issues, it leaves little to no residue behind and has no adverse effects on food commodities or property. For many common pest control issues, there is currently no technologically feasible alternative that works as effectively and efficiently. Comprehensive regulatory frameworks are in place, which ensure the proper use of SF.

All Fumigants have environmental impact potential

Reactive gases like SF do impact our environment. It is not surprising that higher levels of emissions are detected in areas of significant use. While the scale of SF's contribution to climate change is small, the severity of the global climate crisis necessitates emissions reductions from all sources, including from fumigants. Since SF cannot currently be replaced without sacrificing the very real public health, safety, and economic benefits it provides, the emissions of SF should be reduced in the medium term through additional stewardship measures and technology innovations. Douglas Products recognizes this is the most sustainable way forward for our customers and for the environment.

"There is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution. Different applications of SF will require different technology solutions and adaptions," says Heather Kern, VP Global Marketing of Douglas Products. "DP has already conducted customer and stakeholder surveys, and invested in industry leading research and development, to identify key challenges and practical solutions. While the speed of introduction of effective solutions will vary across use cases, we are committed to continuing to work with regulators and industry across the world to provide critical pest control services in a climate smart way."

Douglas Products commits to continuing to provide the best and most effective fumigation tools while significantly reducing SF emissions.

Douglas Products strives to optimize fumigation technology while reducing environmental impacts from associated emissions. DP is committed to being an industry leader in low-emission fumigation technologies (Climate Smart Fumigation).

DP is already evaluating various technology options and partnerships.





DP commits to increase its investment and accelerate its work on stewardship technologies with the goal of achieving a 50% reduction in global post-fumigation emissions from its SF based products from current levels by 2035.





DP's Board of Directors takes responsibility for managing this target.

"'Climate Smart Fumigation' will be at the core of our business strategy moving forward," says Andrew Klein, CEO of Douglas Products. "This is a clear signal that we are taking a leadership role within our industry in the fight for a sustainable future, while continuing to provide proven solutions, expertise and support to protect people, food, and property."

For more information, visit www.DouglasProducts.com.

About Douglas Products

Based in Liberty, Missouri, Douglas Products is a specialty products leading provider of high-quality brands and services for global production agriculture and structural pest management. A Brightstar Capital Partners portfolio company, Douglas Products is expanding its portfolio through product acquisitions and in-licensing agreements. Visit www.DouglasProducts.com.

Trademarks of Douglas Products. ProFume and Vikane are federally Restricted Use Pesticides. Always read and follow label directions. These materials may not be copied, whole or in part, or reproduced without the permission of Douglas Products. 2024 Douglas Products.

SOURCE Douglas Products
Special Two-Hour Programming of "Dr. Phil Primetime"

Includes Live Town Hall from Dallas Studio

DALLAS, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "Dr. Phil Primetime" will air a special two-hour event this Thursday, June 6th, as Dr. Phil McGraw interviews former President Donald Trump.

First Hour: One-on-One with Donald Trump

The evening kicks off at 8:00 PM ET with a candid interview at Mar-a-Lago featuring Donald Trump, who was recently convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Second Hour: America Reacts  Live Town Hall

Following the interview, Dr. Phil will host a live town hall event at 9:00 PM ET with his Dallas studio audience. Dr. Phil will dissect the interview and the trial itself and explore the broader implications for the future of American business practices.

Emmy-winning host Dr. Phil McGraw, known for his expertise in trial science and jury selection, has been providing insightful commentary on the Donald Trump case throughout recent episodes of "Dr. Phil Primetime."

This two-hour special promises an in-depth exploration of a case that has captivated the nation.

Regarding the future of this country's leadership, McGraw has stated, "The last thing we need is retribution and revenge. What we need at this point is that this craziness has to stop."

Tune in to Dr. Phil Primetime on Merit Street Media this Thursday, June 6th at 8:00 PM ET for a night of exclusive interviews and insightful discussion.

Merit Street Media

Merit Street Media is a premier multi-platform destination media brand spearheaded by Dr. Phil McGraw, the esteemed best-selling author and award-winning television host.

Launched in April 2024, Merit Street creates and distributes compelling content across diverse platforms, reaching audiences nationwide. The backbone of Merit Street's media presence is its television network, established in partnership with Trinity Broadcasting Network. This fully distributed, cable, satellite, and free over-the-air broadcast media brand extends its reach to over 80 million homes.

The network boasts a rich tapestry of original and acquired programming, anchored by the nightly talk show, "Dr. Phil Primetime." Situated in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, the expansive Merit Street studios span 5 acres and serve as the dynamic hub for the brand. Here, multiple daily live news broadcasts will unfold, embodying Merit Street Media's commitment to delivering engaging and informative content.

Using zip codes, viewers can access the prominently featured channel-finder link entering zip codes at www.meritstreetmedia.com. The broad multiplatform scaled distribution partnerships  with a mix of broadcast, basic cable, national satellites, and FAST channels (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television)  also includes the free streaming app, Merit+, available to download via iPhone & Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku.

Media Inquiries: [email protected]

SOURCE Merit Street Media
New Jersey's 1,273 Summer Camps Have an Economic Impact of $1.1 Billion on New Jersey Economy

University of Michigan and the American Camp Association Identify the Positive Economic Impact of Summer Camps Nationwide and in Each State

NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Through innovative research conducted by the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute (EGI) in collaboration with the American Camp Association (ACA), 2023 national and state camp trends were collected to uncover the camp industry's significant economic impacts across the United States.

According to the study from the University of Michigan and ACA, the total economic impact of the camp industry on the state of New Jersey is $1.1 billion. In addition to $414 million in direct output impacts, the camp industry in New Jersey supports $704 million in output through business-to business and employee related purchases. The U.S youth camp industry as a whole contributes $70 billion to the national economy.

There are 1,273 camp programs in New Jersey that employ 56,506 people full-time, part time and seasonally. Nationally, the camp industry employs 986,428 workers.

The camp industry is vital in fostering youth development and workforce skills throughout the state and country.

The study revealed that the New Jersey youth camp industry's total annual economic impact is significant, with $396 million in labor income attributed to a combination of direct, indirect, and induced impacts.

Direct impacts: These are the immediate economic contributions from the industry's core operation. They include camp staff wages and the money spent to operate the camps.

Indirect impacts: These effects come from camps buying goods and services from other businesses, which creates a spending chain that boosts economic activity across sectors.

Induced impacts: This is the economic activity that occurs when employees from the camps and the businesses supplying them spend their wages, which further stimulates economic growth.

Crane and McClain to date have compiled an extensive dataset on day and overnight camp operations, encompassing more than 20,000 records and survey data from 1,137 camp operations. The comprehensive study enabled researchers to assess economic impacts both nationally and on a state-by-state basis.

"This project is the first national economic impact study for the industry conducted since 1982 and builds on state-level and regional economic impact analyses conducted over the last 15 years," said Sarah Crane , director of research at U-M's Economic Growth Institute, who conducted the study with EGI Research Project Manager Eli McClain .

"The research conducted in this study demonstrates that youth camping is an economically significant industry in the state of New Jersey," said Alicia Skovera, Executive Director of the American Camp Association, NY and NJ. "Besides the impact on the economy, the long-term impact of summer camp is that it provides young people with long-lasting social and emotional benefits."

About American Camp Association:

The American Camp Association (ACA) is a national organization serving the more than 20,000 year-round and summer camps in the US that annually serve 26 million campers. ACA is committed to collaborating with those who believe in quality camp and outdoor experiences for children, youth, and adults. ACA provides advocacy, evidence-based education, and professional development, and is the only independent national accrediting body for the organized camp experience. ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp's voluntary commitment to the health, safety, risk management, and overall well-being of campers and staff. For more information, visit ACAcamps.org.

About U-M's Economic Growth Institute:

The Economic Growth Institute (EGI) at the University of Michigan leverages resources and expertise to foster innovation, development, and positive economic impact for communities and businesses.

For nearly four decades, EGI has led programming and collaborated with federal, state, and local partners to support communities and industries. EGI provides resources and expertise to assist small- and medium-sized manufacturers through innovative programming and further supports communities through engagements that address regional economic impacts.

EGI's research team has led numerous studies providing guidance to policymakers, industry leaders, and community champions. These studies have informed stakeholders as they navigate the changing landscape of innovation, workforce and economic development, and equitable growth.

Dedicated to equitable economic growth, the Economic Growth Institute operates under the Office of Government Relations at the University of Michigan, reflecting the institution's commitment to impactful public service.

Media Contact:

Jess Michaels, [email protected]

SOURCE AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION, NY AND NJ
GAVLE, Sweden, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Mackmyra's 25th anniversary, an exclusive series will be launched this year, with each edition available only in 1999 bottles. First up is "Bruket", a cask-aged bloodgrape gin that celebrates the place where it all began. Later this fall, three more whiskies are expected to complete the anniversary series.

Mackmyra 1999 - Bruket, is the first of four editions in an exclusive anniversary series to be launched this year, as the Swedish whisky pioneer celebrates 25 years. What the series has in common, apart from the number of bottles (1999, the year Mackmyra was founded), is that each edition pays tribute to one or more important people in the company's history. Launched on June 4, Bruket is the only one in the series that is a cask-aged gin. Aged in bourbon and American oak barrels and saturated with bloodgrape liqueur, it is an innovative gin with a distinct grapefruit character. Lively in taste and with a soft bitterness, "Bruket" is a gin for both the collector and the gin fanatic.

"The fact that a cask-matured gin is the first in the anniversary series feels just right. Mackmyra's history began at Bruket, and it was also at Bruket that we started making gin in 2017. But above all, it feels right with gin, given that the edition is dedicated to our Evelyn Schulze, who prefers gin to whisky every day of the week!

The gin, aged here in barrels saturated with a bloodgrape liqueur, stands out among our previous saturations in gin barrels. It has a little more bitterness and a little more bitter notes that complement our gin perfectly. Equally good to drink neat or as a base in a G&T." Says Lii Johnson, Master Blender.

Scent

The aroma is characterized mainly by sweet citrus with ripe blood grapefruit and blood orange. There are also floral notes of elderberry. With time in the glass, the gin emerges more clearly with its notes of juniper and mild coriander.

Flavor

It is a lively flavor with a distinct juniper character, sweet clementines and mango. A soft bitterness and slightly bitter mouthfeel come from the many citrus notes, with blood grapefruit being the most prominent.

Aftertaste

The finish is unusually long. Bitterness and acidity build the aftertaste with notes of juniper, lingonberry and blood grapefruit. The grapefruit stays in the mouth for a long time and over time it transitions from bitterness to sweetness.

Sales start today, June 4 via Systembolaget's order range and on selected export markets.

Mackmyra 1999 Bruket

Sales start: 2024-06-04

Alcohol content: 48.3%.

Volume: 700 ml

Price: 499:-

For more information, please contact:

Matthew Davey, Export Manager

e-mail: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/411/3994414/2841804.pdf Pressrelease Mackmyra 1999 Bruket ENG https://mb.cision.com/Public/411/3994414/895753ce4063cbe2_org.png Mackmyra-1999-Bruket Bottle Gitbox
NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). On June 20, 2024, Microsol Resources will host the TECH Perspectives New York event, bringing together thought leaders and innovators to discuss AI's transformative impact on AEC technology.

AI's Role in the AEC Industry

TECH Perspectives is Microsol Resources technology and innovation conference that brings together thought leaders at the forefront of building innovation to discuss new and existing technologies reshaping the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

Artificial intelligence is not just a buzzword; it's becoming a pivotal component of the AEC industry's future. According to a recent study, AI adoption across various AECO segments (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations) shows promising trends. The use of AI spans across multiple applications, from automating mundane, repeatable tasks to increasing productivity and identifying performance gaps.

Event Highlights

The event will take place at the Japan Society in New York, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM EST. It promises to be an engaging morning filled with insights from industry experts on how AI is reshaping the landscape of AEC technology.

Speakers include:

Phil Bernstein , Associate Dean & Professor Adjunct at Yale School of Architecture

, Associate Dean & Professor Adjunct at Steve Jones , Senior Director at Dodge Data & Analytics

, Senior Director at Dodge Data & Analytics Robert K. Otani , Chief Technology Officer at Thornton Tomasetti

, Chief Technology Officer at Thornton Tomasetti Ayse Polat , Regional VDC Manager at Turner Construction

, Regional VDC Manager at Turner Construction Charles Portelli , Associate & Digital Innovation Strategist at Perkins&Will's I/O Group

, Associate & Digital Innovation Strategist at Perkins&Will's I/O Group Juan Francisco Saldarriaga , Senior Computational Designer at Google

, Senior Computational Designer at Google Greg Schleusner , AIA, Principal & Director of Design Technology Innovation at HOK

, AIA, Principal & Director of Design Technology Innovation at HOK Ahmad Tabbakh , Design Technology Specialist at Bjarke Ingels Group

, Design Technology Specialist at Bjarke Ingels Group Emilio Krausz , President at Microsol Resources

TECH Perspectives New York will delve into these trends and more, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of how AI is driving innovation in the AEC industry. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the future of AEC technology and learn from the industry's leading experts.

To register for this event, click here: msol.tv/techperspectives2024ny

For more information about TECH Perspectives, reach out to Anna Liza Montenegro at [email protected].

SOURCE Microsol Resources Corp.
SILVER SPRING, Md., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency:

Today, the FDA published When We Work Together, Hand in Glove with Our Partners, We Can Overcome Any Barrier: A Conversation with EMA's Emer Cooke . The interview is the latest in the FDA's blog series From a Global Perspective. These are occasional thought pieces on international topics from experts across the FDA and interviews with global public health leaders. The interview followed FDA Commissioner Robert Califf's trip to the European Medicines Agency in February and April's FDA-EU Bilateral in Washington .



. The interview is the latest in the FDA's blog series These are occasional thought pieces on international topics from experts across the FDA and interviews with global public health leaders. The interview followed FDA Commissioner trip to the European Medicines Agency in February and April's FDA-EU Bilateral in . On Monday, the FDA announced additional recalls initiated by Medline Industries LP, a firm marketing and distributing plastic syringes made in China within the U.S., to stop using affected products which include bulk unauthorized plastic syringes made in China and bulk plastic syringes made in China with performance testing failures. The FDA will continue efforts to evaluate problems with syringes made in China and keep the public informed as new or additional information becomes available.



within the U.S., to stop using affected products which include bulk unauthorized plastic syringes made in and bulk plastic syringes made in with performance testing failures. The FDA will continue efforts to evaluate problems with syringes made in and keep the public informed as new or additional information becomes available. On Wednesday, the FDA published 10 things to know about CDER's pharmaceutical quality functions. Pharmaceutical quality is about more than just the quality of the drug itself. It includes the manufacturing facilities and the processes used to manufacture the drug. Some of CDER's pharmaceutical quality functions occur before a prescription drug is approved and reaches patients. CDER also monitors drugs on the market and the facilities making them to ensure continued quality.



On Friday, the FDA issued a Safety Alert to warn parents and caregivers of Cronobacter safety concerns with Crecelac Infant Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula imported and distributed by Dairy Manufacturers Inc. Although the company initiated a recall of several infant formula products on May 24, 2024 , because they were not in compliance with all of the FDA's infant formula regulations, the FDA issued this safety alert due to new findings of Cronobacter contamination in a sample of Crecelac Infant Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula.

Additional Resources:

Media Contact: FDA Office of Media Affairs, 301-796-4540

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration
BEIJING, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact, a captivating Chinese mythical fantasy drama, is now airing globally. Since its debut, the series ignited immense enthusiasm among its international fanbase and garnered widespread admiration from viewers across the globe, owing to its stellar cast, epic storyline, and stunning visual effects. And it becomes 2024 most popular fantasy TV series.

Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact

Produced by top-tier companies iQIYI, Yuewen Media, and Stellar, Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact represents the first live-action adaptation of the beloved Chinese animation, Fox Spirit Matchmaker. Directed by Mai Guanzhi and Du Lin, the drama stars Yang Mi and Gong Jun in lead roles, with special appearances by Guo Xiaoting, Wei Zheming, Hu Lianxin, and Wen Zhengrong. The narrative's romantic depth is enhanced by the emotive performances of Zhu Xudan with Yang Shize, Chen Yao with Mao Zijun, and Chen Duling with Zhang Linghe, leading to record-breaking ratings in China and sparking ongoing discussions. On its premiere, the drama achieved a staggering 2024 first-day popularity record on the iQIYI platform, topping the drama charts across major platforms, and becoming the fastest drama to surpass 9,000 popularity points on iQIYI since 2024. The drama's appeal also extends beyond China's borders. Launched globally on May 23 on the overseas version of iQIYI, covering over 190 countries and regions, it earned an impressive IMDb score of 8.2 within three days of its global release, a testament to its universal popularity.

Reimagining Chinese Mythical Spirit IP: True Love Bridging the Divide, Restoring Love and Peace

Mai Guanzhi, Director of Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact, remarked, "The original work presented us with an expansive universe, an invaluable asset for our creation. Our goal was to capture its essence by retelling the anime's prequel story, complementing the narrative backdrop while introducing the pivotal Tree of Bitter Love, which serves to rejuvenate the bond between humans and demons."

Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact masterfully marries the theme of safeguarding the Tree of Bitter Love against dark forces with a multifaceted exploration of parallel love narratives. The drama follows several human-demon couples as they brave societal shackles and prejudices, finding solace and strength under the auspices of Tushan's Tree of Bitter Love. Their struggles and triumphs illuminate the essence of Chinese romantic love grounded in oriental fatalism. The series vividly portrays four pairs of uniquely bonded human-demon couples, embarking on a journey that opens up the magical world of Chinese monsters and spirits, ultimately inspiring viewers to delve deeper into the core values of love and harmony through heartfelt emotions. Renowned Chinese screenwriter Song Fangjin commented, "This drama challenges traditional human-demon dichotomies in mythical fantasy literature and dramas. The demonic realm within the series is portrayed as breathtakingly beautiful, while fox demons emerge as sentimental and just figures, shattering conventional perceptions and reinventing the traditional fox demon archetype, creating a genuine oriental mythical fantasy universe."

On the drama's core narrative, Mai Guanzhi sated, "The tale of Fox Spirit Matchmaker, across its manga, anime, and live-action iterations, dives deep into the profound themes of mutual understanding and tolerance in the midst of the clash of diverse perspectives and races. It explores the essence of friendship, love, and affection, tracing the origins of what love truly means and showcasing how all beings contribute to the world's harmony." Wang Yichuan, Vice Chairman of China Literature and Art Critics Association, further underscored the protagonists embodiment of the chivalrous spirit, a fundamental aspect of traditional Chinese culture, where foxes and humans alike uphold the values of 'righteousness' and 'love'."

Captivating Oriental Elegance: Embracing the Romantic Allure of Traditional Chinese Culture

Dai Ying, Senior Vice President of iQIYI and Chief Supervisor of Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact, highlighted the creative team's unified vision and dedication throughout the concept development and visual effects production. Their commitment lies in harnessing the market potential, aesthetic value, and spiritual essence of the IP to create an alluring oriental aesthetic that offers a revitalizing viewing experience and presents the audience with a top-tier domestic manga adaptation.

Wang Xu, the chief producer of the drama, said that the production's numerous scene designs were inspired by China's breathtaking landscapes, featuring vibrant traditional Chinese hues in its lighting schemes. The fox clan's gathering place, Mount Tu - a fantastical fox demon realm centered around the Tree of Bitter Love - takes cues from ancient Chinese paintings, portraying a mountainous terrain with trees gracefully clustering into a romantic vista.

The chief producer Zhang Yucheng explained how fairy tales and ancient narratives have long served as the foundation of China's film and television industry in reaching global audiences. "Since the inception of this series, we've adopted a cultural export strategy, seamlessly integrating non-heritage cultural elements into costumes and settings. Furthermore, we've reinvented the Chinese supernatural fantasy realm by introducing vibrant Chinese hues to our color palette. At both macro and micro levels, we've consistently infused traditional Chinese aesthetics into our works, faithfully showcasing the essence of Oriental charm and dedicating ourselves to presenting the beauty of the Orient to the world. This approach has significantly propelled the promotion of Chinese traditional culture, fostering a global appreciation for our rich heritage."

Kang Wei, Editor-in-Chief of China Art News, lauded the drama for its ingenious portrayal of 'the most beautiful Chinese colors.' These hues serve as a powerful testament to China's vibrant and illustrious traditional culture. In the drama, the intricate combinations of red, green, grey, white, and black not only captivate visually but also evoke the unique characters they represent. These colors offer a profound understanding and expression of the underlying meanings of traditional cultural hues. He was confident that this masterful use of color will leave a lasting impression on viewers, enchanting the world with the captivating charm of oriental aesthetics.

The prestigious Chinese media outlet, People's JoyWorks, applauded the intricate production details of Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact, highlighting the enchanting realm of Chinese mythological creatures a treasured facet of traditional Chinese culture, akin to its non-heritage cultural gems. The ingenious integration of traditional crafts like filigree inlays, Suzhou embroidery, Xianju lanterns, and oil paper umbrellas into contemporary dramas caters to younger audiences, not only serving as a model for disseminating non-heritage and traditional cultural legacies but also introducing a fresh perspective on exporting traditional Chinese culture and craftsmanship to the global stage.

SOURCE Stellar Pictures
Fractal envisions this partnership to empower Theremin.ai with focused growth opportunities, particularly in areas such as technology platforms and artificial intelligence for advising clients on investment management.

NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fractal (www.fractal.ai), a global provider of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics solutions to Fortune 500 companies, today announced its strategic decision to divest Theremin.ai, its venture in deep reinforcement learning based investment strategies to QiCAP.Ai, a leading quantitative investment and trading group in Indian markets.

This decision is a part of Fractal's 'ideas2business' and 'Alpha philosophy', which enables Fractal to accrue growth capital for reinvestment into new ideas. The move will help QiCAP.Ai in the development of GenAI LLM technologies to develop stock prediction and sentiment analysis capabilities for Theramin.ai and to enable building of multiple strategies off a single platform.

Theremin.ai, a business incubated by Fractal and backed by OLMO capital, has been developing technology platforms for identifying investment opportunities in financial markets, particularly in Indian and Asian securities markets. Leveraging Fractal's expertise in AI, Theremin.ai has crafted valuable algorithms focus on low and mid frequency securities trades, as well as data assets with conventional and alternate data sources.

Srikanth Velamakanni, Co-founder, Group Chief Executive, and Vice Chairman, Fractal, said, "We built Theremin.ai as a way to test our AI models in their ability to generate and execute investment ideas in the capital markets without human intervention. The value of this experiment has been now recognized by QiCAP.Ai and we now believe this is the natural home for Theremin.ai to take these algorithms and investment ideas to the next level."

Hemant Kothavade, Co-Founder & CEO, Theremin.ai, said, "Our focus on high-value alpha investment strategies is likely to get a further shot in the arm from joining hands with QiCAP.Ai to help realize the full potential of the work done on low and mid frequency signals and the platform as a whole."

Gulu Mirchandani, Chairman of OLMO Capital, expressed excitement about the development, said, "We are excited about this development at Theremin.ai. It helps us realize value from our very early-stage investment into the domain of AI based investment analysis in Indian and Asian capital markets via Theremin.ai."

Amit Rathi, Co-founder of QiCAP.Ai, emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition, said, "We are thrilled to integrate Theremin.ai's capabilities into our platform, rounding out our offering on the entire spectrum of investments. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision to deliver cutting edge execution strategies to professional traders and unique investment solutions to family offices."

The divestiture enables Theremin.ai to continue its mission of developing investment strategies and technologies for Indian and Asian markets.

About Fractal

Fractal is one of the most prominent providers of Artificial Intelligence to Fortune 500 companies. Fractal's vision is to power every human decision in the enterprise, and bring AI, engineering, and design to help the world's most admired companies.

Fractal's businesses include Crux Intelligence (AI driven business intelligence), Eugenie.ai (AI for sustainability), Asper.ai (AI for revenue growth management), Senseforth.ai (conversational AI for customer service) & Flyfish (generative AI for Sales). Fractal incubated Qure.ai, a leading player in healthcare AI for detecting Tuberculosis and Lung cancer.

Fractal currently has 4500+ employees across 17 global locations, including the United States, UK, Ukraine, India, Singapore, Middle East and Australia. Fractal has been recognized as 'Great Workplace' and 'India's Best Workplaces for Women' in the top 100 (large) category by The Great Place to Work Institute; featured as a leader in Data Engineering services 2024 & Data Science Services 2024 by Information Services Group, Leader in AI and Analytics Services by Everest Group, Leader in Customer Analytics Service Providers Wave 2023 by Forrester Research, Inc. For more information, visit fractal.ai.

About QiCAP.Ai:

QiCAP.Ai is a leading quantitative investment and trading group that seeks to capture opportunities across asset classes in Indian markets using high frequency trading strategies. It leverages its cutting-edge proprietary technology & quantitative models built by its team of engineers & mathematicians to offer cutting edge execution strategies to professional traders as well as unique investment solutions to family offices that enable them to add un-correlated alphas to their existing conventional portfolios.

SOURCE Fractal
NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global funeral homes and funeral services market size is estimated to grow by USD 30.4 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 6.99% 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 funeral homes and funeral services market 2024-2028

Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Service (At-need and Pre-need), Mode Of

Booking (Offline and Online), and Geography

(Europe, North America, APAC, South America,

and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered Europe, North America, APAC, South America,

and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled Carriage Services Inc., Chapel Funerals, Co

operative Group Ltd., Coles Funeral Directors

Ltd., Dignity Plc, Everstorypartners, FUNECAP

HOLDING, Funeral Partners Ltd., Fu Shou Yuan

International Group Ltd., InvoCare Australia Pty

Ltd., Matthews International Corp., Muslim

Funeral Services, Nirvana Asia Ltd., Park Lawn

Corp., SA Funeral services, San Holdings Inc.,

Service Corp. International, Westerleigh Group

Holdings Ltd., Wimberly Funeral Home, and Wise

Funeral Service

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The funeral homes and funeral services market is experiencing an uptick in strategic partnerships and mergers and acquisitions. Vendors, such as Carriage Services, Inc., are forming alliances to expand their market reach. In May 2023, Carriage Services partnered with NGL and Precoa to enhance pre-arranged funeral services and improve customer experience.

In March 2023, they announced a partnership with Funeral 365 to implement a cloud-based management solution, boosting operational efficiency. These collaborations contribute to the market's anticipated growth during the forecast period.

The Funeral Homes and Funeral Services market is experiencing significant trends. Services such as cremation and memorial services are on the rise. Bodies are being transported from various locations for funeral services. Funeral homes provide a range of services including funeral planning, embalming, and casket selection. Memorial services can be held at the funeral home or at a separate location.

Pre-planning is also becoming increasingly popular. Online planning and payment options are becoming more common. Funeral homes offer a variety of packages to meet different budgets and needs. The use of technology, such as virtual tours and online obituaries, is also increasing. The funeral industry is adapting to meet the changing needs of consumers.

Market Challenges

The funeral homes and funeral services market faces challenges due to rising costs of high-quality raw materials, particularly wood, leading to decreased profit margins. Vendors respond by using lower-priced and lower-quality materials. Price fluctuations, caused by unusual weather conditions, impact raw material availability and prices, negatively affecting revenue growth. These factors may hinder market expansion during the forecast period.

In the Funeral Homes and Funeral Services market, several challenges exist. These include regulatory compliance, customer expectations, and competition. Compliance with regulations such as cremation, cemetery, and funeral home rules can be complex and time-consuming. Meeting customer needs for personalized services and affordable pricing is also a challenge.

Competition from other funeral providers and alternative options like direct cremation or memorial services adds to the complexity. Effective use of technology, clear communication, and flexible pricing strategies can help address these challenges and provide value to customers.

Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend, driver and challenges - Download a Sample Report

Segment Overview

Service

1.1 At-need

1.2 Pre-need

Mode Of Booking

2.1 Offline

2.2 Online

Geography

3.1 Europe

3.2 North America

3.3 APAC

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 At-need- Funeral homes and funeral services play a crucial role in providing support during times of loss. These businesses offer essential services, including arranging funerals, cremations, and burials. They help families plan meaningful memorials for their loved ones, ensuring a respectful and dignified farewell. Their offerings include various options for funeral services, such as traditional funerals, memorial services, and graveside services.

Additionally, they provide merchandise, including caskets, urns, and memorial items, to assist families in creating a fitting tribute. Overall, funeral homes and funeral services offer vital assistance during a difficult time, providing compassionate care and professional services.

For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) - Download a Sample Report

Research Analysis

The funeral homes and funeral services market cater to the end-of-life needs of families and individuals, providing various services such as funeral planning, body preparation through embalming and mortician services, interment options including burial and cremation, and customized memorial services. With an aging population and shifting cultural attitudes, there is a growing demand for personalized funeral experiences and eco-friendly burial options.

Family-owned funeral homes continue to coexist with multinational corporations, offering a range of at-need and pre-need services. Insurance firms and service providers play a crucial role in financing and facilitating these services. Funeral planning services encompass transportation, graveside committals, and direct cremation, ensuring a seamless and respectful process for the deceased and their loved ones.

Market Research Overview

The Funeral Homes and Funeral Services Market encompasses establishments that provide funeral services and merchandise, including funeral homes, crematories, and memorial parks. These services cater to the needs of families during the loss of a loved one, offering a range of options such as traditional funerals, cremations, and memorial services.

The market is characterized by its sensitivity to cultural and regional differences, as well as the increasing trend towards personalized and affordable services. Additionally, technological advancements have led to innovations in funeral planning and memorialization, including online obituaries and virtual memorials. The market is expected to grow due to demographic trends and increasing awareness of the importance of end-of-life planning.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Service

At-need



Pre-need

Mode Of Booking

Offline



Online

Geography

Europe



North America



APAC



South America



Middle East And Africa

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
YONGIN, South Korea, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GC Biopharma announced that it will attend 2024 Spring Symposium of the Korean American Society in Biotech and Pharmaceuticals (KASBP) on June 7-8th at Waltham, Massachusetts as a sponsor to share keynote presentation, present Korean Scientist Awards and conduct global recruitment.

The KASBP Symposium, hosted by the Korean American Society of Biopharmaceutical Professionals (KASBP), is an annual spring and fall event for Korean American scientists working in the U.S. pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to share the latest industry news and network.

At the symposium, themed "Frontiers in Genomic Medicine", GC Biopharma will present its innovative new technology, the mRNA platform.

GC Biopharma acquired a Development and Option agreement for Acuitas' LNP technology in 2022. The company is building a new mRNA-LNP platform, selecting mRNA as one of the next-generation drug development platforms, secured its own technology and patents, and is actively conducting research to enter the clinical stage by applying this to various projects. Currently GCBP is conducting various studies, including the development of an mRNA flu vaccine and a treatment for the rare disease "SSADHD".

Through KASBP, GCBP is committed to discovering promising young Korean professionals and Korean American researchers to nurture and support the next generation of experts who will lead the future of the life sciences and the pharmaceutical industries.

At this symposium, GCBP plans to award "KASBP_GCBP Fellowship Award" to two scientists with outstanding research, to honor their achievements as Korean scientists. Furthermore, GCBP plans to participate in the KASBP Job fair to recruit outstanding global talent.

About GC Biopharma

GC Biopharma (formerly known as Green Cross Corporation) is a biopharmaceutical company that delivers lifesaving and life-sustaining protein therapeutics and vaccines. Headquartered in Yongin, South Korea, GC Biopharma is one of the leading plasma protein and vaccine product manufacturers globally and has been dedicated to quality healthcare solutions for more than half a century.

This press release may contain biopharmaceuticals in forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of GC Biopharma's management. Such statements do not represent any guarantee by GC Biopharma or its management of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. GC Biopharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule.

GC Corp. Contacts (Media)



Sohee Kim

[email protected]

Yelin Jun

[email protected]

Rachel Kim

[email protected]

SOURCE GC Biopharma
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Great Wall Motor ("GWM") experienced a decline in sales in May 2024, with total sales dropping to 91,460 units, a 9.51% decrease compared to the 101,073 units sold in May 2023, according to the sales results it issued on June 4.

This downturn was primarily driven by significant reductions in several key segments. For instance, the HAVAL brand saw a 15.35% year-on-year drop, with sales falling from 55,600 units in May 2023 to 47,066 units in May 2024. The WEY brand experienced an even more dramatic decline of 50.40%, with sales plummeting from 5,770 units to 2,862 units over the same period.

The Great Wall Pick-up arm also faced challenges, with sales decreasing by 18.83% year over year, from 18,605 units in May 2023 to 15,101 units in May 2024. Similarly, the ORA brand recorded a substantial decrease of 43.43% over the year-ago period, with sales falling from 10,616 units to 6,005 units.

In contrast, the TANK brand emerged as a bright spot, with sales surging by 94.9%, from 10,429 units in May 2023 to 20,326 units in May 2024.

Photo credit: GWM

When examining the year-to-date (YTD) performance, GWM saw a year-on-year increase in sales. For the January to May period of 2024, the company sold 461,589 vehicles, reflecting an 11.42% increase compared to the 414,269 units sold in the same period of 2023.

This positive trend is underpinned by several key segments. The HAVAL brand achieved a year-on-year increase of 7.86% with 252,009 vehicles sold in the first five months of the year. WEY also performed well on a YTD basis, with sales up by 46.59% from a year earlier to 16,928 units. Meanwhile, the TANK brand showcased remarkable growth, with YTD sales almost doubling, increasing by 97.52% to 89,979 units.

What's more, GWM reported a new energy vehicle (NEV) sales volume of 24,649 vehicles for the month of May, resulting in a Jan.-May volume of 106,267 NEVs, which surged 59.67% over a year ago. As for global business expansion, the company recorded a year-to-date overseas sales volume of 163,396 vehicles (+65.18% YoY), 34,477 units of which were achieved in May.
DALLAS, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global IT solution provider General Datatech (GDT) is proud to announce it has been included on the 2024 CRN Solution Provider 500 list, jumping from number 97 in 2023 to number 42 in 2024.

This annual list recognizes North America's largest IT consulting firms and solution providers by revenue. With a combined revenue of more than $501.2 billion, this year's honorees are among the top influencers driving momentum in the IT industry and the global technology supply chain.

The honor follows GDT's tenth year on the CRN Tech Elite 250, an annual compilation showcasing IT consulting firms and solutions providers that have attained top-tier certifications and specializations from leading technology vendors.

As a global IT solutions provider, GDT continues to expand its menu of digital transformation solutions and services across cloud and data center, collaboration, networking, AI infrastructure, cybersecurity solutions, and IT asset lifecycle management. GDT works with worldwide customers spanning every industry, including telecommunications, banking, healthcare, and manufacturing.

"This year's massive leap to #42 reflects targeted investments that GDT has poured into our global offerings and capabilities  particularly in high-growth areas like cybersecurity and AI-ready infrastructure as well as the significant expansion of our Technology Center in Bangalore," said Shawn O'Grady, president and CEO of GDT. "It's also a testament to our employees' commitment to innovating scalable, customer-centric solutions that deliver high business value."

"Ranking on CRN's 2024 Solution Provider 500 recognizes the service innovations and market responsiveness of the list's leading technology integrators, managed service providers, and IT consulting firms," said Jennifer Follett, VP, US content, and executive editor, CRN, The Channel Company. "These companies have shown an unflagging commitment to business agility, continued growth, and future success through a period of rapid IT channel change."

About GDT

As a global IT solutions provider, GDT accelerates its clients' digitalization and business goals by transforming and modernizing platforms, networks, and cybersecurity through industry-leading infrastructure solutions, deep expertise, and flexible service delivery models.

GDT has a 26-year heritage and a global workforce, including its Technology Center in Bangalore. Partners consistently recognize GDT for expertise across its solution stack. GDT maintains over 450 certifications with the world's best-known technology providers. For more information, visit www.gdt.com.

SOURCE GDT
BEIJING, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance) recently held a dialogue on traditional Chinese culture and cultural exchanges for officials, experts and deputies from Laos, Sri Lanka, the Republic of the Congo and Algeria.

The 120 foreign representatives and 50 Chinese representatives had in-depth exchanges on topics such as traditional Chinese culture, exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, cultural inheritance, cultural contribution to economic development, youth cultural understanding and inheritance, and cross-cultural cooperation.

Foreign representatives believed that this meeting would help further understand the excellent Chinese culture and provide a valuable reference for the inheritance and development of their own culture.

Somsa Ath Ounsida, a member of the Provincial Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and vice governor of Khammouan, told the Global Times that, "Chinese civilization has made significant contributions to the cause of human progress. While inheriting China's fine traditional culture, China promotes cultural innovation, providing new ideas for the development of human civilization and better promoting dialogue and exchanges between Eastern and Western cultures.

"In today's era of globalization, all countries should uphold the concept of equality, respect each other and coexist harmoniously. The culture of each country and nation is unique and independent, and together constitute the diversity of world culture. Strengthening cultural exchanges is important and crucial to promote the prosperity of the world' culture," he said.

Highlighted thought

Professors from the Party School of the CPC Central Committee made presentations on Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, Promoting Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations and The Past and Present of Chinese Fine Traditional Culture.

During their sharing, one professor shared about the background, rich connotation and theoretical characteristics, strategic significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture. The dialogue introduced the past of Chinese civilization: origin and characteristics and the present of Chinese civilization: creation and innovation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has raised a new cultural mission for the nation - to further advance cultural prosperity, build a leading country in culture and foster modern Chinese civilization at a new starting point at a meeting on cultural inheritance and development on June 2, 2023.

"With unwavering cultural confidence, a profound sense of mission and a spirit of relentless endeavor, we must unite our efforts to create a new culture for our times," Xi said.

In the second part, the dialogue focused on promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations with three parts, the background, foster a new concept of civilization featuring equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness and contribute Chinese wisdom to promote the prosperity and development of human pluralistic civilization.

Valuable experience

Chaminda Deshapriya Malalasekara, chairman of United National Party Intellectual Forum, the ruling party of Sri Lanka, told the Global Times that China not only shows the world the unique charm of China's fine traditional culture, but also spreads the innovative achievements of Chinese contemporary culture to the world, which has strong reference and inspiration for Sri Lanka.

After hearing the dialogue, he said that "I understood the two pillars of us: Confucius and Buddha, they have spread their philosophy all over the world with peace."

Learning from China's experience in blue economy, green economy and digitalization, he would pass this valuable experience to his government as he believed that "it helps us improve ourselves as a small country.

"I hope to have more chances to learn about China's culture. Sri Lanka and China will further strengthen exchanges and promote bilateral prosperity and development. And I can contribute to construction of a community with shared future," he told the Global Times.

China's path of peaceful development and the concept of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness, has inspired Jaures Itoua Wanck Olingou, administer of Ministry of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnership in the Republic of the Congo.

"It not only contributes to the understanding and exchanges between different civilizations, but also has positive significance for regional stability and development," he told the Global Times.

In his view, China's hosting of Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting and others, has provided the platform for dialogue and exchanges among civilizations, and the Belt and Road Initiatives has set an example for the harmonious coexistence of different civilizations. These are all useful practices for China to promote exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations.

"They are not only positive for the country's modernization drive. It provides wisdom and enlightenment to solve the common challenges of mankind," he said.

SOURCE Global Times
Outlines Progress and Future Ambitions Across its Sustainability Priorities

HERSHEY, Pa., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hershey (NYSE: HSY) today announced the release of its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, sharing progress towards business resilience and impact in its material priorities. The report outlines how the company is implementing its global sustainability strategy across its six priority areas  cocoa, responsible sourcing and human rights, environment, people, youth and community. Hershey is working toward its vision to become a Leading Snacking Powerhouse, and the company's responsible and sustainable practices play an integral role in its business.

"Hershey remains focused on strengthening our business and making the biggest impact in our focus areas," said Michele Buck, CEO of The Hershey Company. "While we have more to do on this journey, the collective efforts of our team, in partnership with leading organizations and key stakeholders, will continue to propel us forward. Our actions and progress are aimed at driving long-term resiliency for our business, sustainability for our planet and the well-being of our people."

Building more resilient and sustainable supply chains

Hershey's Cocoa For Good strategy, underpinned with a $500 million investment, includes initiatives to create a supply chain where farmers, and their children and families, can prosper. Today, Hershey has invested 51% of that commitment. Achievements include:

Improving farmer income and livelihoods: The Hershey Income Accelerator Program (HIAP) was launched in spring of 2023, and the company has reached 1,850 cocoa farmers with first cash transfers for the adoption of sustainable farming practices.

The Hershey Income Accelerator Program (HIAP) was launched in spring of 2023, and the company has reached 1,850 cocoa farmers with first cash transfers for the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Investing in children's well-being: Hershey made investments to improve education infrastructure, provide school nutrition, deliver school supplies and help children obtain birth certificates. As part of an agreement with the Cote d'Ivoire's CNS (National Oversight Committee of Actions Against Child Trafficking, Exploitation and Child Labor) and the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI), Hershey is funding construction of 12 primary schools in cocoa-producing communities. The first school opened in Drissape, Cote d'Ivoire in December 2023 .

Hershey made investments to improve education infrastructure, provide school nutrition, deliver school supplies and help children obtain birth certificates. As part of an agreement with the Cote d'Ivoire's CNS (National Oversight Committee of Actions Against Child Trafficking, Exploitation and Child Labor) and the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI), Hershey is funding construction of 12 primary schools in cocoa-producing communities. The first school opened in Drissape, Cote d'Ivoire in . Launching a new human rights framework: Hershey's new human rights framework, the Human Rights Impact Pathway, was developed to guide the company's future programming to address the most complex issues and drive systemic improvements that remove barriers to basic human rights.

Acting on climate change and reducing waste for business resiliency

Across its global operations, Hershey took actions to safeguard the planet, expanding efforts to reduce emissions in its value chain while advancing nature-based projects to combat climate change. Progress updates from 2023 include:

Minimizing greenhouse gas emissions : The company achieved a 43% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions against a 2018 baseline and is on track to achieve a 50% absolute reduction by 2030.

: The company achieved a 43% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions against a 2018 baseline and is on track to achieve a 50% absolute reduction by 2030. Eliminating packaging waste and improving circularity : Hershey phased out more than 1.7 million pounds of material by eliminating, redesigning and reducing packaging in 2023.

: Hershey phased out more than 1.7 million pounds of material by eliminating, redesigning and reducing packaging in 2023. Accelerating deforestation commitments: Recognizing the immediacy of climate change, the company accelerated the end date for its deforestation and conversion-free commitment from 2030 to 2025.

Recognizing the immediacy of climate change, the company accelerated the end date for its deforestation and conversion-free commitment from 2030 to 2025. Reducing water usage: The company achieved a 20% absolute reduction in combined water use across all facilities since 2022, which includes a 46% reduction at corporate headquarters.

Fostering togetherness in the workplace to advance innovation and business growth

Hershey's people-focused programs help advance innovation, business growth and create a strong and fair company culture. Such initiatives include:

Strengthening the talent pipeline: Hershey developed a new leadership development pilot program called the LSP Leader Accelerator to further improve how the company feeds the talent pipeline and develops talent from within.

Hershey developed a new leadership development pilot program called the LSP Leader Accelerator to further improve how the company feeds the talent pipeline and develops talent from within. Providing transparency on pay: The company implemented pay transparency procedures for each salaried employee's Annual Compensation Statement including metrics to illustrate how base salary is positioned in the external marketplace and earning potential for their current job.

The company implemented pay transparency procedures for each salaried employee's Annual Compensation Statement including metrics to illustrate how base salary is positioned in the external marketplace and earning potential for their current job. Hiring veterans: As part of their Pathways to JOIN, REACH OUT and GROW framework to draw a wider range of people to work with Hershey, the company exceeded their target to recruit more veterans and expanded data disclosed on recruitment.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company is an industry-leading snacks company known for making more moments of goodness through its iconic brands, remarkable people and enduring commitment to doing the right thing for its people, planet, and communities. Hershey has more than 20,000 employees in the U.S. and worldwide who work daily to deliver delicious, high-quality products. The company has more than 90 brand names in approximately 80 countries that drive more than $11.2 billion in annual revenues, including Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers and Ice Breakers, and salty snacks including SkinnyPop, Pirate's Booty and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels.

For 130 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably. The candy and snack maker's founder, Milton Hershey, created Milton Hershey School in 1909, and since then, the company has focused on helping children succeed through equitable access to education.

To learn more visit www.thehersheycompany.com.

Follow:

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SOURCE The Hershey Company
AUSTIN, Minn., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced participation in the 2024 Oppenheimer Consumer Growth & E-Commerce Conference on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 11:45 a.m. CT (12:45 p.m. ET). Representing Hormel Foods will be Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer, and Jacinth Smiley, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

A link to the live webcast, replay and other information related to this event can be accessed on the company's investor website, http://investor.hormelfoods.com.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS  Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters, SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly, Hormel Black Label, Columbus, Jennie-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized on Fast Company's list of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators, received a perfect score of 100 on the 202324 Corporate Equality Index and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com.

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO, OR TO ANY PERSON RESIDENT AND/OR LOCATED IN, ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IS UNLAWFUL

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY SECURITIES.

NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Iconix International Inc. ("Iconix") today announced that, on June 3, 2024, it commenced a cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $75 million (the "Maximum Amount") of (i) the outstanding Series 2012-1 4.229% Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2 (the "2012-1 Notes") issued by Icon Brand Holdings LLC, Icon DE Intermediate Holdings LLC, Icon DE Holdings LLC, and Icon NY Holdings LLC (collectively, the "Co-Issuers") and (ii) the outstanding Series 2013-1 4.352% Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2 (the "2013-1 Notes" and, together with the 2012-1 Notes, collectively, the "Class A-2 Notes") issued by the Co-Issuers, in each case from holders thereof (each, a "Holder" and collectively, the "Holders"). The Tender Offer is being made on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated June 3, 2024 (the "Offer to Purchase").

The Tender Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 2, 2024, unless extended or earlier terminated as described in the Offer to Purchase (such time and date, as they may be extended, the "Expiration Time"). Holders of the Class A-2 Notes may withdraw their validly tendered Class A-2 Notes as described below. Holders are urged to read the Offer to Purchase carefully before making any decision with respect to the Tender Offer.

Certain information regarding the Class A-2 Notes and the Class A-2 Notes Consideration (as defined below) is set forth in the table below.

Title of Security CUSIP / ISIN Nos. Principal Amount

Outstanding Class A-2 Notes

Consideration (1) Series 2012-1 4.229%

Senior Secured Notes, Class

A-2 45112AAA5 /

US45112AAA51 $210,281,962 $400.00 Series 2013-1 4.352%

Senior Secured Notes, Class

A-2 45112AAC1 / US45112AAC18 $101,833,544 $400.00

(1) Per $1,000 original principal amount of Class A-2 Notes validly tendered and accepted. The Class A-2 Notes Consideration

will be multiplied by the applicable Class A-2 Notes Scaling Factor as described herein.

The $210,281,962 outstanding amount of the Series 2012-1 Notes reflects that the original principal amount of $600,000,000 has been partially repaid, resulting in a current scaling factor of 35.05% (rounded to nearest hundredth) (the "Series 2012-1 Note Scaling Factor"), and the $101,833,544 outstanding amount of the Series 2013-1 Notes reflects that the original principal amount of $275,000,000 has been partially repaid, resulting in a current scaling factor of 37.03% (rounded to nearest hundredth) (the "Series 2013-1 Note Scaling Factor" and, together with the Series 2012-1 Note Scaling Factor, the "Class A-2 Notes Scaling Factors"), in each case as of the date of this Offer to Purchase. The consideration (the "Class A-2 Notes Consideration") offered per $1,000 original principal amount of Class A-2 Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer will be $400.00 per $1,000.00 original principal amount of Class A-2 Notes multiplied by the applicable Class A-2 Notes Scaling Factor.

In addition to the Class A-2 Notes Consideration, all Holders of Class A-2 Notes accepted for purchase will also receive accrued and unpaid interest from the April 25, 2024 interest payment date up to, but not including, the date on which Iconix makes payment for such Class A-2 Notes, which date is anticipated to be July 5, 2024 (the "Settlement Date"). For the avoidance of doubt, interest will cease to accrue to the Holders of Class A-2 Notes on the Settlement Date for all Class A-2 Notes accepted in the Offer.

If the purchase of all Class A-2 Notes validly tendered in the Tender Offer at or prior to the Expiration Time would cause the aggregate principal amount of Class A-2 Notes purchased to exceed the Maximum Amount, then the Offer will be oversubscribed, in which case the Company will accept for payment such tendered Class A-2 Notes on a pro rata basis and will treat the 2012-1 Notes and the 2013-1 Notes as one collective series.

Class A-2 Notes validly tendered prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time on July 2, 2024, may be withdrawn at any time before 5:00 p.m., New York City time on July 2, 2024, but not thereafter, unless required by applicable law or extended by Iconix in its sole discretion (the "Withdrawal Deadline"). Class A-2 Notes validly tendered at the Withdrawal Deadline may not be withdrawn or revoked thereafter, unless required by applicable law. Iconix reserves the right to amend or waive any conditions of the Tender Offer, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, in its sole and absolute discretion.

In connection with the Tender Offer, Iconix has retained Ducera Securities LLC as its financial advisor (the "Financial Advisor"), and has retained Kroll Restructuring Administration LLC d/b/a Kroll Issuer Services (US) ("Kroll") to act as tender and information agent (the "Tender and Information Agent"). Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available via the Tender Offer website at https://deals.is.kroll.com/iconix or by contacting the Tender and Information Agent via telephone at (646) 777-2609 (banks and brokers) or (833) 307-3523 (all others).

Other Information

None of Iconix or its affiliates, their respective boards of directors, the Co-Issuers, the trustee under the indenture governing the Class-A Notes, the Tender and Information Agent, or the Financial Advisor makes any recommendation as to whether Holders should tender, or refrain from tendering as to all or any portion of the principal amount of their Class A-2 Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer. Holders must make their own decisions as to whether to tender any of their Class A-2 Notes, and, if so, the principal amount of Class A-2 Notes to tender.

This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the Class A-2 Notes, nor is it a solicitation for acceptance of the Tender Offer. Iconix is making the Tender Offer only by, and pursuant to the terms of, the Offer to Purchase. The Tender Offer is not being made in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction.

About Iconix International, Inc.

Iconix is a Delaware corporation and is the parent company of the Co-Issuers. Iconix is a brand management company and owner of a diversified portfolio of global consumer brands across the women's, men's, home, and international segments. Iconix's business strategy is to maximize the value of its brands primarily through strategic licenses and joint venture partnerships around the world, as well as to grow the portfolio of brands through strategic acquisitions.

About Iconix Brand Holdings LLC, Icon DE Intermediate Holdings LLD, Icon DE Holdings LLC, and Icon NY Holdings LLC

Each of the Co-Issuers is a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware and is a limited-purpose, bankruptcy remote, wholly owned direct or indirect subsidiary of Iconix.

Forward-Looking Statements and Important Disclosure Notice

Except for historical information, certain matters contained in this press release or the Offer to Purchase are, or may be deemed to be, 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, as amended. The words "will," "may," "designed to," "believe," "should," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "intend," "estimate" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. Because these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Iconix's control, actual results could differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements include the risks identified under the sections captioned "Investment Considerations Regarding the Co-Issuers" and "Risk Factors Relating to the Tender Offer" in the Offer to Purchase. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to Iconix on the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to revise or update information contained in these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact Information:

John T. McClain

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]

(646) 777-2609 (banks and brokers) or (833) 307-3523 (all others)

SOURCE Iconix International Inc.
TAMPA, Fla., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In-Pulse CPR, a leading provider of CPR, AED, and First Aid certification classes, has announced a significant expansion in its training infrastructure across central and western Florida. With 13 fully operational classrooms, In-Pulse CPR now offers more training locations than any competitor in the region, who typically operate only three. This substantial increase in training sites highlights In-Pulse CPR's commitment to providing substantial flexibility and accessibility to life-saving education for individuals and organizations alike.

Since its inception in 2009, In-Pulse CPR has been at the forefront of CPR education, emphasizing high-quality, interactive, and engaging learning experiences. The company's latest milestone of surpassing 150,000 students trained is a testament to its dedication and effectiveness in delivering essential life-saving skills. This achievement underscores the trust and confidence that the community places in In-Pulse CPR's training programs.

The addition of 13 classrooms across central and western Florida ensures that In-Pulse CPR can meet the diverse needs of its growing student base. This expansion allows for more frequent class offerings and greater convenience, enabling individuals and businesses to find a training location that fits their schedules and geographical preferences. The strategic placement of these classrooms ensures that no student has to travel far to receive the best available CPR training.

In-Pulse CPR's public community classes are designed to cater to a wide audience, including safety committee members, healthcare professionals needing certification, and community members eager to learn essential life-saving skills. By offering multiple class locations, In-Pulse CPR makes it easier for Floridians to access high-quality training close to home. This accessibility is crucial in preparing these communities for emergencies and potentially save lives.

Each classroom is equipped with the necessary tools to provide an interactive and experiential learning environment. This approach makes the training engaging to help students retain the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in emergency situations.

The company's success is built on the expertise and passion of its instructors. All instructors at In-Pulse CPR are certified through the American Heart Association. Their ability to convey complex information in an accessible and engaging manner sets In-Pulse CPR apart from other training providers. The instructors' enthusiasm and commitment to high-quality education ensure that each student leaves the classroom feeling confident and prepared.

In-Pulse CPR's expansion and continued growth are driven by a steadfast commitment to excellence. The company's founders, Mollie Bowman and her husband Troy, have revolutionized CPR training by making it more engaging and accessible. Mollie's background as a nurse and her experience in group training have been instrumental in developing a curriculum that is both informative and enjoyable. Troy's expertise in sales and marketing has further enhanced the company's reach and impact.

Join the thousands of Floridians who have already benefited from In-Pulse CPR's top-notch training. With 13 convenient locations across central and western Florida, finding a class that fits your schedule has never been easier. Visit inpulsecpr.com/florida to enroll in a CPR, AED, or First Aid certification class.

About In-Pulse CPR

In-Pulse CPR is a premier provider of CPR, AED, and First Aid certification classes, serving communities across Florida, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. As an approved American Heart Association Training Center, In-Pulse CPR is dedicated to delivering top-notch training using the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment. The company's mission is to ensure that every student leaves the classroom confident in their ability to handle emergencies and save lives.

Contact Information:

Name: Troy Bowman

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: (813) 343-4024

SOURCE In-Pulse CPR, Inc.
SAN DIEGO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Diego LGBT Community Center (The Center) is thrilled to announce the inaugural LGBTQ+ Luminaries Lunch, an event that will honor remarkable individuals who use their voices to light a path of safety, wellness, togetherness, and joy. On Thursday, June 27, 2024, The Center will gather at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront to celebrate these Luminaries for their resilience, advocacy, and vision in creating a better world for our LGBTQ+ community.

"Our inaugural LGBTQ+ Luminaries Lunch is a celebration of the power of community," said Cara Dessert, CEO of The San Diego LGBT Community Center. "When we come together, we become stronger, more resilient, and capable of achieving extraordinary things. We are proud to uplift our Luminaries and celebrate their light. When faced with adversity, they courageously blazed new paths forward, becoming a guiding light for our LGBTQ+ community."

Announcing our Luminaries

Librarians of San Diego  Luminary Unsung Hero Award

The Librarians of San Diego, including LGBTQ+ community members and allies, are building community power as champions of diversity and representation. From featuring books, authors, and displays that reflect our community to hosting drag queen story times, even in the face of anti-LGBTQ protests, they have transformed our libraries into safe havens where LGBTQ+ stories, histories, and identities are celebrated.

Tracie Jada O'Brien  Luminary Catalyst Award

As a Black transgender activist, Tracie Jada O'Brien (she/her) stands at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. She is a determined leader who has transformed her struggles into action, paving the way for so many through her work in the healthcare and recovery communities. She also founded the San Diego Transgender Day of Empowerment, a day when we gather to celebrate our trans siblings.

Chris Shaw  Luminary Icon Award

The founder of the iconic Mo's Universe bar and restaurant empire, Chris Shaw (he/him), has created vibrant sanctuaries for our LGBTQ+ community and allies, while also developing diverse leaders within his enterprise who are now business partners. His philanthropic support to LGBTQ+ organizations and events over the decades never wavers.

Join the Celebration

The Center invites you to join us in sharing stories and recognizing our radiant Luminaries. Tickets are available now.

Event Details:

Purchase at thecentersd.org/lgbtq

Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024

Time: 11:30 AM (PT)

Location: Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

SOURCE San Diego LGBT Community Center
NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global industrial mixers market size is estimated to grow by USD 920.6 million from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.63% 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 industrial mixers market 2024-2028

Industrial Mixers Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.63% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 920.6 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 5.25 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 53% Key countries US, China, Germany, India, and Japan Key companies profiled ACUMIX Inc., Admix Inc., Alfa Laval AB, amixon GmbH, Ebara Corp., EKATO HOLDING GmbH, GEA Group AG, Heilig Mixing Technology B.V., ILC Dover LP, JWB Systems Inc., Kady International, Lindor Products BV, NOV Inc., Paul O. Abbe, Satake Technologies Sdn Bhd, Silverson Machines Inc., SPX FLOW Inc., Statiflo Group, Sulzer Ltd., and Xylem Inc.

Market Driver

PLC-based control systems have revolutionized manufacturing industries, particularly in mixing applications. Manual mixing processes are time-consuming and error-prone, while automated mixing with PLCs ensures consistent product quality.

In a typical mixing process, a PLC monitors fluid levels using sensors and controls valves and agitators to optimize the mixing process. This automation leads to increased efficiency, reduced errors, and batch-to-batch consistency, driving the growth of the industrial mixers market.

The Industrial Mixer Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for efficient and large-scale production processes. Particle size reduction and mixing are crucial aspects of various industries such as chemicals, food, and pharmaceuticals. Companies are focusing on developing customizable mixers to cater to specific industry requirements.

The market is witnessing the adoption of advanced technologies like automation and digitalization to enhance productivity and reduce costs. Additionally, the trend towards sustainable manufacturing is driving the demand for energy-efficient mixers. The market is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years.

Market Challenges

The cost of raw materials, particularly steel, significantly influences the selling price and profit margin of industrial mixers. Steel is the primary material used in mixer construction, but other materials like copper, cast iron, aluminum, brass, and bronze are also utilized. Raw material prices can be affected by demand from other industries.

In sanitary applications, stainless steel mixers offer durability and versatility due to their easily cleanable surfaces and use in sterile environments. Fluctuations in raw material prices may hinder the growth of the global industrial mixers market.

The Industrial Mixer Market faces several challenges in its operation and growth. One significant challenge is the need for high productivity and efficiency in manufacturing processes. This requires mixers that can handle large volumes and ensure consistent product quality. Another challenge is the increasing demand for energy-efficient and eco-friendly mixers.

Producers must balance the need for cost-effective solutions with the requirement for sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies. Additionally, the market is witnessing a trend towards customized and automated mixers to meet specific industry needs. Corrosive and harsh environments also pose a challenge, requiring robust and durable mixer designs. Lastly, the global market competition adds pressure to maintain competitive pricing while delivering superior performance.

Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend, driver and challenges - Request a sample report!

Segment Overview

Type

1.1 Top mounted

1.2 Side mounted

1.3 Bottom mounted

End-user

2.1 Chemical industry

2.2 Food and beverage industry

2.3 Pharmaceutical industry

2.4 Others

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 North America

3.3 Europe

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Top mounted- Industrial mixers play a crucial role in various industries, particularly in chemicals and food and beverage sectors. Top-mounted mixers, also known as vertical industrial mixers, dominate the market due to their effectiveness in applications like mixing, dispersing, homogenization, and suspension.

These mixers are customized based on process conditions, utilizing appropriate stirrers such as axial turbine, radial turbine, or helical profile impellers. The shaft, positioned towards the bottom of the tank, can be multi-sectioned for tank manipulation and guided by a bottom bearing. The global industrial mixers market is anticipated to expand significantly due to the increasing demand from these industries.

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 Industrial Mixers Market encompasses a wide range of high-performance mixing devices used in various industries for diverse applications. These include sanitization processes in wastewater treatment, pulp mills, and food production, as well as the handling of high-viscosity fluids, abrasives, toxic materials, and corrosives.

High-shear mixers, agitators, propellers, turbines, and energy-efficient devices are commonly utilized to ensure efficient mixing, blending, homogenization, and chemical processing in sectors such as cosmetics, chemicals, and packaged foods. Mixing tools like paddle mixers, ribbon blenders, top entry mixers, jacketed mixers, and vertical mixers are essential components in this market, catering to the unique requirements of different industries and applications.

Market Research Overview

The Industrial Mixers Market encompasses a wide range of machinery used to blend and homogenize various materials in industrial applications. These mixers come in various types, including ribbon, paddle, turbine, and multi-shaft mixers, each designed to handle specific materials and mixing requirements. The market is driven by the need for efficient and cost-effective production processes in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

Advanced technologies like automation and digitalization are also transforming the industrial mixers market, offering benefits such as improved product quality, increased productivity, and reduced operational costs. Additionally, the growing trend towards sustainable manufacturing is driving demand for energy-efficient and eco-friendly mixers. Overall, the Industrial Mixers Market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by these trends and the increasing demand for industrial production.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Type

Top Mounted



Side Mounted



Bottom Mounted

End-user

Chemical Industry



Food And Beverage Industry



Pharmaceutical Industry



Others

Geography

APAC



North America



Europe



South America



Middle East And Africa

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
The global research and advisory firm is enhancing its research accessibility with an AI-powered chatbot designed to deliver tailored insights and streamline member interactions. The new chatbot feature, called "IT Assistant," will elevate the member experience through advanced generative AI, offering a seamless, user-friendly interface for CIOs and IT professionals to access and receive personalized, research-based responses and content.

TORONTO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Info-Tech Research Group has announced the upcoming release of its generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) driven chatbot, named "IT Assistant," to provide seamless assistance on the firm's website. Currently in a limited release to select members for tuning and stress testing before a full rollout, IT Assistant offers an intuitive conversational interface that helps users discover precise and relevant research content and engage in meaningful dialogues about their business challenges. This engagement will promote efficient problem-solving and support members in achieving their goals with streamlined information flow and enhanced resource access.

The global product leader in research and advisory, the firm previously highlighted in its Tech Trends 2024 report that AI and machine learning are crucial drivers of business innovation and efficiency. The 2024 report details six trends that are transforming enterprises, with generative AI as one of the key trends at the forefront of enhancing user interactions and enabling innovations like the firm's IT Assistant. Preliminary findings from Info-Tech's Future of IT 2025 survey also reveal that 37% of respondents (n=534) have already invested or plan to invest in generative AI capabilities this year. An additional 33% are planning investments for 2025, and 15% are looking beyond 2025. Moreover, 72% of respondents (n=403) believe that generative AI will have a positive impact on their organization.

"With the introduction of Info-Tech's own AI chatbot, IT Assistant, we are taking a significant step in leveraging this emerging technology to revolutionize how our members access and use our research content," says Info-Tech's Chief Research Officer, Gord Harrison. "Our AI-powered tool is not just about delivering tailored information. IT Assistant will provide our members with faster, more intuitive access to the precise research they need, fostering deeper engagement, enabling more effective problem-solving, and ultimately supporting our members in achieving their strategic goals."

IT Assistant enhances its performance by combining information retrieval with generative language models. When a user query is received, the system retrieves relevant research blueprints and pieces of information from Info-Tech's content library. This information is then used as additional input for the generative language model, enabling it to generate more accurate and contextually relevant responses.

"By integrating generative AI and RAG, our IT Assistant leverages advanced data processing and real-time learning capabilities," explains Info-Tech's Chief Information Officer, William Russell. "This approach enables the system to continuously refine its responses based on new information and user behavior, ensuring accuracy and relevance. Our robust infrastructure allows for scalable and secure AI deployment, demonstrating Info-Tech's commitment to leveraging advanced technology to drive innovation and enhance the member experience."

The introduction of the AI-driven chatbot marks a significant step forward in Info-Tech Research Group's mission to provide unparalleled member support and access to critical research. By leveraging advanced AI, Info-Tech continues to lead the way in innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its members.

This development is part of Info-Tech's broader initiative to advance AI capabilities, spearheaded by its dedicated AI Research Center. The research center focuses on delivering cutting-edge AI solutions and conducting extensive research to drive innovation, optimize business processes, and enhance decision-making for IT leaders globally.

For exclusive and timely commentary on IT Assistant, AI chatbots, and other related topics from Info-Tech's experts, please contact [email protected].

Info-Tech LIVE 2024 Conference

Registration is now open for Info-Tech Research Group's annual IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2024, taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas. This year's event is expected to surpass previous years in scale and scope as the firm brings together more CIOs, IT executives, and industry experts from across the globe than ever before. Attendees can expect immersive deep dives into the latest technology trends and access to industry thought leaders shaping the future of IT. This premier event will also offer journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. To apply for media passes to attend the event or to gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact [email protected].

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group
Internova Partners With Leading LGBTQ+ Travel Event for Third Consecutive Year

NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Internova Travel Group is once again the headline sponsor for PROUD Experiences, the lifestyle and luxury LGBTQ+ travel industry event organized by RX (Reed Exhibitions).

Held June 3-5 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, PROUD Experiences connects travel advisors and providers to embrace and elevate the LGBTQ+ community. The gathering offers opportunities for networking and learning trends and insight from experts in the LGBTQ+ travel industry.

Internova Travel Group is Headline Sponsor for PROUD Experiences by RX (Reed Exhibitions)

"LGBTQ+ travelers seek the same personalized vacations as other travelers but they also have unique needs when it comes to their well-being," said J.D. O'Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group, one of the world's largest travel services companies. "Supporting events like PROUD Experiences is an important way to stay current on exciting new experiences and destinations while ensuring that our travel advisors have the tools that they need to serve their LGBTQ+ clients, wherever they want to go in the world."

"We are thrilled to have Internova as our headline sponsor for a third year," said Simon Mayle, PROUD Experiences Event Director. "Internova travel advisors play a key role in ensuring that members of the community are safe and welcomed when they travel."

As the headline partner, Internova offers its luxury LGBTQ+ travel advisors a premium presence at PROUD Experiences. Internova's travel agency brands include ALTOUR, Global Travel Collection, Nexion Travel Group, Travel Leaders Network, Barrhead Travel in Glasgow, Scotland, and CTS of Mexico City.

Internova produced two videos for the event, with a message of inclusivity that encourages attendees and travelers worldwide to "Take Your Place." To view the videos, please click here: https://vimeo.com/949960851/949960851.

About Internova Travel Group

Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries.

CONTACT:

Elizabeth Gaerlan

[email protected]

1-212-944-1125

SOURCE Internova Travel Group
MIAMISayUncle welcomes Leo Louis to its model roster as June's SayUncle AllStar.

Louis is spotlighted in his debut SayUncle scene, Hey! Your Cock Is Showing.

Describes a company scene synopsis, "Leo and Ryan Jacobs work together at a local gym, Ryan is getting his routine in for the day when Leo joins him. Usually, this would be totally fineonly Leo has his junk hanging out of his shorts. Leo knows Ryan likes what he sees, and each time Ryan brings it up, Leo knows it turns him on even more. When Ryan can no longer resist the temptation, the two studs start playing with each other."

Louis also sat down for a quick pre-scene interview with SayUncle, in which he discusses his background and what inspires him, and shows off some of his drawing skills.

When it comes to my art, I always draw my inspiration from the human body, French stud explained. Even when I was quite young, I would just sit on my bed and draw naked bodies of mostly boyssome girls too. Part of it now is more me doing method acting when tapping into that inspiration.

The second installment of Leo Louis' SayUncle AllStar celebration is set to premiere June 19 on SayUncle.com.

For more, visit SayUncle.com and follow the brand on X @sayunclenetwork and Instagram @thesayunclenetwork.
Hiconics' world-class proprietary ODM supply chain has forged a path for high-quality product delivery.

MUNICH, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hiconics Eco-energy Technology ("Hiconics"; SHE300048), a green energy brand under the Midea umbrella, is preparing to showcase its all-in-one residential energy storage systems (RESS), photovoltaic inverters, and electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment at Booth C2 670 at Intersolar Europe 2024, the world's leading exhibition for the solar industry being held from June 19-21, 2024, in Munich.

Midea Hiconics Residential Green Energy Products

Differentiating itself from other green energy storage solution providers, Hiconics has created a top-level ODM value chain, originated from Midea's more than 50 years of experience in the field of household use, a billion-level supply chain, and strong global R&D and manufacturing capabilities, including 33 R&D centers and over 40+ manufacturing centers.

Through investment in R&D, supply chain, intelligent manufacturing, quality control, and other areas, Hiconics strictly controls every product detail to present aesthetically pleasing, flexibility and simplicity in residential storage and support household green energy products with reliable performance. All Hiconics products are tailored specifically for the European market and can empower the brand growth of its customers, provide ease of operation to installers, and peace of mind to end users.

Hiconics' strong R&D capabilities ensure that the flexible product design capabilities of its ODM value chain can achieve a wide category coverage and customization possible for the delivery of high-quality green energy products to customers.

Leveraging Midea's strong foundation and expertise in the home appliance industry, Hiconics has excelled in delivering green energy home storage solutions that not only boast outstanding practicality but also spearhead a new trend in home appliance electrification. These solutions integrate sustainable energy devices into home environments and industrial aesthetics in an organic manner, satisfying the need for clean and attractive designs. The modular design approach significantly lightens the load for installers, streamlining the processes of transportation and installation. Midea's aesthetically driven design philosophy in home appliances ensures that homeowners enjoy a user experience that is both cutting-edge and aesthetically pleasing, characterized by a sense of warmth and beauty. Moreover, the establishment of comprehensive safety measures at various system levels and the battery pack level enhances safety.

For more information about Hiconics, please visit https://www.hiconics-global.com/company-profile/.

About Hiconics

Hiconics, established in 2003, was publicly listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under the abbreviation "Hiconics" and the stock code "300048" on January 20, 2010. In 2020, it is officially incorporated into the Midea Group. In 2023, three main lines of business emerged, a wide range of residential green energy products, high- and low- voltage inverters, and Midea's photovoltaic solutions.

SOURCE Midea Hiconics
National Anchor Retailer Secured as Cult Favorite Craft Soda Brand Brings its Iconic Taste to New 7.5 Ounce Craft Cocktail Formulations

SEATTLE, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jones Soda Co . (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA), announces today its new Jones Premium Craft Mixers. The craft soda market leader continues its success in expanding to a high-growth beverage company with the new product range, which launches with a national anchor retailer and product shipping to all retailers in Fall 2024.

Credit: Jones Soda

The new Jones Premium Craft Mixers feature 7.5 ounce singles-size cocktails sold in four-packs, with six different flavors including: Tantalizing Tonic Water with a hint of Cucumber, Fizzical Club Soda with a hint of Lemon, Crisp Ginger Beer with a hint of Lime, Glorious Margarita Mix with a hint of Jalapeno, Sparkling Pink Grapefruit with a Hint of Lavender, and Cosmo Cranberry with a hint of Rosemary. All flavors will feature a light touch of botanicals to add flavor. There is also a mixed six-pack which requires only the addition of Vodka, containing Sparkling Pink Grapefruit, Cosmo Cranberry, and Crisp Ginger Beer. Each Jones Premium Craft Mixer takes the hassle out of making a great, mixologist-level cocktail, carefully balanced with the finest ingredients. Just add premium spirits (and your own twist if you wish,) and you're ready to cocktail!

"Jones Premium Craft Mixers were born out of a real customer demand and mark another successful step as a leading beverage company," said David Knight, CEO of Jones Soda. "It demonstrates our flavor mastery that our fans know and love, adapted to a range of traditional and cutting edge cocktail blends. After all, why would you dilute any premium spirits with a lesser mixer?"

The new Jones product taps into the $19.1B craft mixer category, which has an 8.2% CAGR as well as accelerated growth in the premium and super-premium segments of the category. Jones Premium Craft Mixers follow Jones' recent expansion into 7.5 ounce soda cans with Mini Jones, the first national craft soda brand to do so, along with U.S. and Canadian expansion into food service with Dot Foods USA/Canada, and pre-mixed alcohol products with Spiked Jones. All these products demonstrate Jones' growth from a craft soda company to a total beverage solution.

"There is a spirit and imagination of where Jones can be in addition to craft soda that is alive today with our fans and customers,' added Knight. "Our Premium Craft Mixers are a part of the story." Jones Premium Craft Mixers' anchor retailer will carry three different tastes along with the Vodka Variety Pack, with more retailers across the country to come.

About Jones Soda Co.

Jones Soda Co. (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA ) is a leading craft soda manufacturer with a subsidiary dedicated to cannabis products. The company markets and distributes premium craft sodas under the Jones Soda brand, and a variety of cannabis products under the Mary Jones brand. Jones' mainstream soda line is sold across North America in glass bottles, cans and on fountain and slush machines through traditional beverage outlets, restaurants and alternative accounts. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit www.jonessoda.com , www.myjones.com , or https://gomaryjones.com

SOURCE Jones Soda
JW Aluminum's South Carolina and Arkansas locations are the first continuous cast rolling facilities

in the U.S. to be fully certified to ASI's Performance Standard V3 (2022).

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JW Aluminum, a leading producer of high-quality flat-rolled aluminum products, today announced that it has achieved Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard Certification across its entire operations. The company's South Carolina and Arkansas plants are the first continuous cast rolling facilities in the U.S. to be certified to ASI's latest Version 3.0 standard.

JW Aluminum Achieves Aluminum Stewardship Initiative Performance Standard Certification for Entire U.S. Operations Post this JW Aluminum Achieves Aluminum Stewardship Initiative Certification for Entire Operations. The company's South Carolina and Arkansas locations are the first continuous cast rolling facilities in the U.S. to be fully certified to ASIs Performance Standard V3 (2022). JW Aluminum serves the building products, HVAC, and transportation markets.

JW Aluminum serves the building products, HVAC, and transportation markets. ASI is a global, multi-stakeholder nonprofit certification body that sets standards to promote sustainability throughout the aluminum value chain.

To be certified, JW Aluminum underwent rigorous third-party audits to assess its adherence to the ASI Performance Standard's robust environmental, social, and governance requirements and practices. ASI's Performance Standard V3 defines principles and criteria for sustainability factors like production and sourcing, including greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, material stewardship, human rights, and more.

"We are extremely proud to have achieved ASI Certification across all of our operations," said Ryan Roush, Chief Operating Officer at JW Aluminum. "As a domestic aluminum rolled products producer, our business model is inherently circular, and our corporate culture fosters integrity and accountability in every facet of our operations. Customers in our core markets and our stakeholders share these values. We will continue to communicate our performance and hold ourselves to these high standards so we can all work together successfully and sustainably for years to come."

Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, said, "We congratulate JW Aluminum on achieving Performance Standard Certification V3 (2022). With products that are destined for several key downstream industries, this Certification demonstrates JW Aluminum's commitment to responsible manufacturing processes and their important role in fostering improved environmental, social, and governance outcomes across the aluminium value chain."

To learn more about JW Aluminum's certifications and sustainability initiatives, visit www.jwaluminum.com.

About JW Aluminum:

At the heart of American manufacturing for over 40 years, JW Aluminum produces infinitely recyclable flat-rolled aluminum that is used to make products essential to our everyday lives, like building products and HVAC components that keep our homes comfortable and safe. Over 400 teammates at our Goose Creek, South Carolina and Russellville, Arkansas facilities process the aluminum to support these vital industries. The JW Aluminum team is committed to working safely every day to secure a sustainable future for our teammates, customers, communities, and ultimately, American manufacturing.

SOURCE JW Aluminum
Kellanova's Chief Technology Officer, Ramesh Kollepara, shares insights into how the company is preparing and embracing the AI revolution.

CHICAGO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the world's largest technology conference, LEAP 2024, held in Saudi Arabia. My inaugural attendance at this conference left me in awe as it brought together the best technological minds worldwide and provided a platform for exchanging ideas and forging connections, further reinforcing my belief in technology's power to drive positive change.

Ramesh Kollepara, Chief Technology Officer, Kellanova

I participated on a panel with other CTOs on leading in the age of innovation and AI, and I witnessed active collaboration in action as I had the opportunity to interact with CEOs of leading tech companies and learn from their expertise.

As we continue our digital journey at Kellanova, the insights and inspiration gained from events like LEAP will fuel Kellanova's pursuit to use technology as a catalyst for inclusion, innovation, and business success. Here are the core strategies Kellanova is prioritizing to "leap" into the new world where AI is enabling in business:

Equipping our workforce to thrive alongside AI. Kellanova's philosophy focuses on building a learning culture which is vital to stay competitive. Through our YODA (Year of Development Always) education program, we're upskilling our IT colleagues for the AI revolution via: Technical skills  Ensuring our teams are up to date on new programming languages, data science that can better inform predictions, and machine learning algorithms that will help us build new AI models. Soft skills  AI can be complex, so we must be able to communicate with both technical and non-technical colleagues by improving our creative processes and emotional intelligence, which helps IT better collaborate on AI projects across the enterprise. Industry-specific skills  We must have domain knowledge of our sector and know how our peers leverage AI, ethics, governance, and bias awareness.

Kellanova's philosophy focuses on building a learning culture which is vital to stay competitive. Through our YODA (Year of Development Always) education program, we're upskilling our IT colleagues for the AI revolution via: Guardrails for AI. Based on what we have learned from past AI pilots, we've built a framework to help guide us. Start with a business-backed problem  AI should serve as a means to an end rather than the sole objective. Convert a business problem into a data problem  We translate our business challenge into a clear brief that the design and deployment team can understand and get excited about. Governance  Our cross-functional advisory council evaluates proposed use cases and develops risk appropriate governance. We closely follow developing laws, regulations, and frameworks about AI, plan and execute compliance activities aligned with laws and regulations regarding data, privacy, and technology, and ensure our partners throughout the value chain do the same. Ensure the right talent mix  Not all technologists, data scientists, etc. are the same. Different skill sets are required to engineer inputs that can transform model outputs into actionable insights. Establish the right tech stack  This is essential for conducting data analysis effectively. Embrace data hygiene  Maintaining clean data and a standardized taxonomy is critical for accurate and meaningful data analysis.

Based on what we have learned from past AI pilots, we've built a framework to help guide us. Embracing a test-and-learn culture. Only about 15% of AI projects succeed initially, and that's ok. We can learn from failures and AI can unlock growth opportunities with the right approach. We've signaled this belief across our organization and recently launched our "Kuriosity Clinics," giving our colleagues  regardless of title, or function  the opportunity to be curious and explore Gen AI with Microsoft Copilot for the web. We have had an exceptional response  nearly 6,000 people have attended the optional clinics, with lively interaction and many creative ideas. You never know; our next new snack may be inspired by AI!

Only about 15% of AI projects succeed initially, and that's ok. We can learn from failures and AI can unlock growth opportunities with the right approach.

As a result of our AI pilots, we've unlocked growth by optimizing supply chain efficiencies, optimized e-commerce search, improved assortment and reduced out of stocks to increase sales, and leveraged data to get closer to our consumers.

As we leap into the future, we continue to reimagine the way we do every aspect of business with the help of AI, and we look forward to bringing you along on our journey.

About Kellanova

Kellanova (NYSE: K) is a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles, and North America frozen foods with a legacy stretching back more than 100 years. Powered by differentiated brands including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats, RXBAR, Eggo, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Coco Pops, and more, Kellanova's vision is to become the world's best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people.

Kellanova is guided by our purpose to create better days and a place at the table for everyone through our trusted food brands. We are advancing sustainable and equitable access to food by addressing the intersection of hunger, sustainability, wellbeing, and equity, diversity & inclusion, with the ambition of creating Better Days for 4 billion people by the end of 2030. Visit www.Kellanova.com for more information

SOURCE Kellanova
NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kensington Vanguard National Land Services ("KV"), one of the largest independent, full-service national title insurance agencies in the country, is pleased to announce that Anuska Amparo and Laura Gilbert have joined KV in its New York office. Amparo joined as a vice president of sales and marketing and Gilbert as a senior vice president of business development.

"Anuska and Laura both have years of title insurance experience and are proven leaders in our industry. We've followed their growth and success throughout their careers and felt this was the right time to bring them on board. We're thrilled to have them join our team," said Jarett Fein, co-CEO of KV.

"I have been spearheading innovative and comprehensive marketing strategies throughout my career and am excited to be doing this alongside the best-in-class, veteran team at KV," Amparo said. She has over a decade of specialized title experience in sales and marketing and is also the 2024 President of the Board of Directors for the Commercial Real Estate Women of NY (CREWNY).

Gilbert is a seasoned attorney with an extensive legal background including roles in academia and as general counsel which makes her uniquely qualified to advise customers on complex transactions. She added, "I am proud and excited to be joining KV and look forward to providing my national client base with KV's distinctive and unparalleled service and capabilities."

Kensington Vanguard National Land Services operates three divisions:

Commercial Division handles the largest and most complex commercial real estate transactions in the marketplace, servicing a prominent and diversified clientele consisting of leading property owners, developers, REITs, private equity groups, law firms, private investors and institutional lenders.

Residential Division provides title insurance and settlement services on residential purchases and refinances referred by realtors, attorneys and both regional and national mortgage originators. Approved as a preferred vendor for leading financial institutions, this division's technology and operating model drive the highest quality execution and service.

1031 Exchange Services Division, through wholly owned subsidiary Legal 1031 Exchange Services, employs a team of seasoned experts, attorneys and Certified Exchange Specialists providing clients and their advisors with IRC 1031 qualified intermediary services enabling them to defer capital gains tax they would otherwise realize upon the sale of investment properties.

About Kensington Vanguard National Land Services

Kensington Vanguard National Land Services, headquartered in New York City with offices in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Texas, is one of the largest fullservice national title insurance and settlement agencies in the United States. Founded in 2002, Kensington Vanguard serves as agent to the nation's leading title insurance underwriters. The agency is a subsidiary of TIH, the fifth largest U.S. insurance broker, which was recently acquired by Stone Point Capital and CD&R. Kensington Vanguard's client base is a highly diversified mix of law firms, investors, developers, operators, opportunity funds, commercial lenders, family offices, realtors and regional and national residential lenders.

For more information, visit www.kvnational.com

CONTACT: Joseph Losos, [email protected]

SOURCE Kensington Vanguard National Land Services
SAN FRANCISCO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- kipi.bi, a modern data engineering, data strategy, and business intelligence consultancy, today announced at Snowflake's annual user conference, Snowflake AI Data Cloud Summit 2024, that it has been named the Data Cloud Services Americas Innovation Partner of the Year by Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company.

Snowflake Data Cloud Services Americas Innovation Partner of the Year

kipi.bi's recognition within the Snowflake AI Data Cloud underscores its pivotal role in empowering joint customers to unlock the full potential of their data through optimization and tailored industry solutions. This award not only emphasizes the firm's relentless dedication to innovation in data science, machine learning, and generative AI but also acknowledges its position as a pioneering partner in co-creating world-class data solutions with Snowflake. With over 50 in-market Snowflake Native Apps, Accelerators, and Enablers, kipi.bi continues to drive performance acceleration within the AI Data Cloud ecosystem, setting new benchmarks for excellence.

"Congratulations to kipi.bi for being named as the Snowflake Data Cloud Services Americas Innovation Partner of the Year," said Tyler Prince, SVP of Worldwide Alliances & Channels, Snowflake. "With their extensive industry expertise spanning healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, retail and consumer goods, technology, media, consulting, and consumer services & hospitality, kipi.bi serves as a strategic accelerator for Snowflake customers, driving innovation and advancement across critical data initiatives. This award is another reflection of their impact in the Snowflake Partner Network and positions them as an invaluable partner in the journey towards helping organizations activate and unlock their data for business value."

Kipi.bi stands as one of the largest pure-play Snowflake boutique consultancies globally, with more than 400+ certified data architects and engineers powering 125+ customers on their mission to democratize data and accelerate transformative business outcomes. This award signifies a year of historic milestones for the firm, including its recent announcement of its 100th SnowPro Advanced Certification, positioning itself as the first partner within the Snowflake Partner Network (SPN) to achieve this landmark, and recorded 400% year-over-year revenue growth in 2023.

"We are thrilled and deeply honored to receive the Data Cloud Services Americas Innovation Partner of the Year award from Snowflake, which acknowledges our commitment to assisting organizations in unlocking the true potential of their data," said Jason Small, CEO, kipi.bi. "At kipi.bi, we firmly believe that data is the foundation of business value, empowering organizations across industries to make informed decisions and achieve meaningful outcomes. This recognition acknowledges our team's unwavering dedication to providing innovative solutions that transform data into actionable insights, enabling our clients to excel in today's data-driven landscape."

Learn more about kipi.bi and Snowflake here. Be sure to check out the Snowflake AI Data Cloud Summit 2024 keynotes live or on-demand here and stay on top of the latest news and announcements from Snowflake on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.

About kipi.bi

kipi.bi helps businesses overcome data gaps and deliver rapid insights at scale. With Snowflake at our core, we believe good data has the power to enable innovation without limits, helping you say goodbye to complex data solutions and hello to the modern world of cloud elasticity.

kipi.bi is a registered trademark of kipi.bi, inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE kipi.bi
MIAMI, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lennar Corporation (NYSE: LEN and LEN.B), one of the nation's largest homebuilders, announced today that the Company will release earnings for the second quarter ended May 31, 2024 after the market closes on June 17, 2024. Additionally, the Company will hold a conference call on June 18, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

The call will be broadcast live on the Internet and can be accessed through Lennar's website at investors.lennar.com. If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived at investors.lennar.com for 90 days.

Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation's leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar's Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title and closing services primarily for buyers of Lennar's homes and, through LMF Commercial, originates mortgage loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. Lennar's Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. LENX drives Lennar's technology, innovation and strategic investments. For more information about Lennar, please visit www.lennar.com.

Contact:

Ian Frazer

Investor Relations

Lennar Corporation

(305) 485-4129

SOURCE Lennar Corporation
LG Energy Solution signs MoU with Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), a global semiconductor leader with Innovative Intelligence at the Edge technologies in the field of battery management.

The companies are working towards co-development of a technology that will enable precise measurement of battery cells' internal temperature. This has potential to enhance safety and charging speed, thus further advancing the clean energy ecosystem.

LG Energy Solution aims to provide differentiated customer value through its advanced battery management total solution

SEOUL, South Korea, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) today announced it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), a global semiconductor leader, to strengthen the competitiveness of its battery management total solution (BMTS).

Through the MoU, the companies have agreed on a two-year joint effort through which ADI will supply high-performance battery management integrated circuit (BMIC) and the two companies will co-develop algorithms that could precisely measure the internal temperatures of EV battery cells. This is expected to lead up to the development of advanced fast-charging technologies.

ADI is a well-known technology leader that has a large focus on sustainable energy. The company also has a broad product portfolio, including advanced technologies in impedance measurement.

In electrical science literature, impedance is defined as the opposition of an electrical component to alternating current and voltage in a circuit. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is the technology that measures it at different frequencies. ADI EIS solutions utilize first-in-the-market BMIC to accurately measure the impedance at controlled frequencies. Since the impedance varies based on the battery's state, age, and temperature, its exact measurement leads to a deep understanding and diagnosis of its internal conditions.

In a conventional battery management system (BMS), a separate temperature measurement device is attached to the exterior of a battery cell, and once it obtains information, it is then managed by BMIC. As traditional devices cannot measure the exact temperature inside an individual battery cell in real-time, a battery's safe charging temperature must be set to a conservative number, limiting opportunities to further enhance charging speeds.

EIS solutions address these limitations by precisely estimating the internal temperature of individual battery cells without the need for a separate temperature measuring device, opening the door for improving charging speeds. In addition, these solutions are expected to contribute to improving battery performance and longevity by enhancing the safety of fast-charging and accurately assessing the charging and general status of the batteries.

Used primarily to analyze defects in used-batteries, the technology is yet to be commercialized, although many research institutions are investigating its application to EV batteries. If successful, the joint effort between LG Energy Solution and ADI would be the innovative case of applying a real-time impedance measurement case to analyzing EV batteries' internal status.

LG Energy Solution plans to integrate its accumulated battery manufacturing and BMS capabilities with ADI's advanced impedance measurement technology to further enhance its BMTS and deliver additional customer value.

"The joint effort with ADI, which has an innovative BMIC portfolio, will further strengthen the capabilities of LG Energy Solution's battery management solution," said Dalhoon Lee, Vice President and head of the BMS R&D Center at LG Energy Solution. "Through this joint effort, we will continue to enhance LG Energy Solution's technological prowess and deliver differentiated value to our customers."

Roger Keen, General Manager, Battery Management at ADI said, "ADI's electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technology is a leader in the industry for the in-application use of this amazingly insightful measurement for battery management applications. Our joint effort with LG Energy Solution furthers the contribution ADI has been bringing to the energy transition. We are enthusiastic to keep working together with LG Energy Solution to bring state-of-the-art and efficient batteries to the market, and to further advance the clean energy ecosystem."

About LG Energy Solution

LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 58,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.

SOURCE LG Energy Solution
North America's Original Blow Dry Bar Franchise Debuts in Hanover, Offers Founders Rate for Mane Squeeze Membership

HANOVER, Mass., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Blo Blow Dry Bar, North America's original blow dry bar and blow dry bar franchise, will open its newest bar on June 17 in Hanover. Located at 1775 Washington St., the new bar will offer guests five signature styles on its hair menu, a la carte options, a variety of hair treatments, plus five signature makeup looks and a brand new section of customized looks to provide endless inspiration. Also, for a limited time, the new bar will offer a founder's rate for its signature Mane Squeeze Membership that includes two blowouts a month for $75, $5 off each additional blow out and 10% off retail.

The new bar is owned and operated by local entrepreneur Molly O'Connor. Seeing a pain point while attending concerts, O'Connor founded a business in 2014 that supplies mobile locker rooms for large events such as concerts and festivals. After finding great success and wanting to expand her entrepreneurial portfolio, O'Connor decided to embark on another business venture  and this one also stemmed from personally experiencing a lack of hair styling services in the South Shore area. O'Connor explored various franchise options and fell in love with Blo Blow Dry Bar and its business model, knowing that this was the right brand to bring to Hanover.

"I am so excited to bring Blo Blow Dry Bar to Hanover, a vibrant community of individuals who prioritize personal wellness," said O'Connor. "Blo Blow Dry Bar is a sanctuary where women can indulge in expert hair styling for various occasions  whether it be a rejuvenating self-care day, a wedding celebration or a professional business event. This business endeavor is more than bringing a blow dry bar to the community; it's about having a space where individuals can prioritize their well-being and find communal support through our culture of confidence."

To celebrate the opening, Blo Blow Dry Bar guests will be able to purchase a single discounted blowout for $40, offer ends July 14.

Blo Blow Dry Bar is on a mission to create a space where people of all ages, ethnicities, and orientations are welcomed, represented, and made to feel gorgeous while emphasizing the need for self-care and wellness. Combining a sophisticated design with a fun and energetic environment, Blo cultivates a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests upon their arrival, during, and after their services. Expertly trained blo-ers are available for consultation seven days a week to meet the needs of all guests. The brand's hair menu includes five signature styles from sleek and straight to bouncy curls, plus a wide assortment of customized looks including updo's and braids. Blo Blow Dry Bar also offers makeup services from expert artists on hand to help guests look and feel amazing for any occasion.

Blo Blow Dry Bar is open Monday  Tuesday 7 a.m.  5 p.m., Wednesday 7 a.m.  6 p.m., Thursday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information on Blo Blow Dry Bar in Hanover, please visit https://blomedry.com/blo-hanover/ or call (781) 709-0015.

About Blo Blow Dry Bar

Blo Blow Dry Bar is North America's original blow dry bar and the world's largest blow dry bar franchise. The company transformed beauty norms and reinvented the salon industry when it launched the "no cuts, no color" concept: only blow outs. Since opening its first location in Canada in 2007, Blo has grown to over 150 locations across the U.S. and Canada and continues to expand rapidly. The brand has also evolved over time, adding makeup services, a membership program, and quality retail products to its bars. With a mission to enhance the lives of those in the community through the power of flawless blow outs and beauty services, Blo Blow Dry Bar offers perfectly styled hair and exceptional customer experiences seven days a week. For more information visit www.blomedry.com.

Media Contact: Emily Otter, Fishman Public Relations, (440) 623-6532, or [email protected]

SOURCE Blo Blow Dry Bar
Luxe Riverfront Home in Coastal Maine Will Go to Highest Bidder at June 7 Luxury Auction Post this

The property is located in the private community of Johnson's Point, which is comprised of a small collection of homes located on or just off the Bagaduce River. It's within an easy, 45-minute drive of Bangor (and its international airport), though feels worlds away from the density of urban life. "Standing on the property's dock and looking out at the river was one of the few moments of true peace and quiet I have ever experienced," said Trayor Lesnock, Platinum's founder and president. "And I understand there is excellent fishing right off the dock!"

For those looking for a more challenging fishing expedition, the Bagaduce runs into Penobscot Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, allowing for direct boating access to the ocean from the property's private dock. Fishing boats or pleasure cruisers up to 35-40 ft in length can be docked onsite, though dry docking/storage is required in winter months.

The parcel enjoys more than 600 ft of linear frontage along the river, with unobstructed water views down the length of the river rather than across the waterway at other homes. There is plenty of acreage for additional development, with no restrictions from a homeowners' association.

There are three living structures: a two-story main residence, multipurpose studio and charming guest cottage. In total, they offer nearly 7,500 sf of living space, with 5 bedrooms, 4 full and 3 half baths. Construction features such as aluminum roofing (installed 2017) and composite decking provide weather resistance in the colder months.

The structures were designed to emphasize the beauty of the river and natural surroundings, with walls of windows in all water-facing living areas. Rustic interior finishes like exposed wood beams and riverstone-clad columns "bring the outdoors inside," while modern amenities provide all the desired creature comforts.

The studio's 2,500-sf interior is an excellent creative space, suitable for use as an office, fitness/yoga center, theater, "man cave," art gallery, library, or as a venue for wine tastings, cooking or catering events. Operating a business onsite is not restricted.

The property is available for previews through the close of June 6. Interested parties may contact Platinum's project manager, Renee Alossi, at 800.674.2997. Bidders must formally register in advance of the auction to participate. Additional property and auction information is available online at MaineLuxuryAuction.com.

About Platinum Luxury Auctions: Platinum Luxury Auctions created the luxury auction model for multimillion-dollar real estate auctions and owns the federal trademark rights to the term "luxury auction." The Miami-based auction house specializes in the non-distressed sale of multimillion-dollar properties in the U.S. and select international markets, and has offered properties in 33 states and 14 countries. Platinum's team has closed more than $1.4 billion in luxury auction sales, and has consulted or advised HNW and UHNW individuals on more than $3.75 billion in luxury property assets. PlatinumLuxuryAuctions.com.

SOURCE Platinum Luxury Auctions
LOS ANGELESJustFor.fans Dominic Ford has been honored with Grabby Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extensive body of work within the business as a respected performer, producer, entrepreneur and industry advocate.

In Ford's acceptance speech, available for viewing on X @DominicFord, he said that he hoped the industry embraces and encourages the industrys next generation, and reflected on his idea of legacy. Ford said, "I believe we are judged, at the end of our days, by how many people we have helped along the way, and we are remembered not by what we have done, but how we have inspired others."

Since its 2018 launch, JustFor.fans (JFF) has become a valued fan platform for adult creators and a networking hub for studios, agents, photographers, and affiliates, with the ethically-run digital community affording models the opportunity to produce and distribute their own artistic works free from arbitrary censorship.

Ford added, "I want to thank the team at Grabby America for acknowledging my work and support of our incredible community with the honor of this Lifetime Achievement Award. My goal has always been to create something special that not only generates revenue but also a sense of community and belonging. I appreciate that adult artists are thriving on JustFor.fans through their original creative content, and that esteemed organizations like the Grabbys continue to support us through their yearly events and awards shows."

Ford, who in 2010 founded anti-piracy brand Porn Guardian to safeguard against content theft, offers a secure online space at JustFor.fans, with the company continuously enhancing and upgrading its amenities to ensure optimum ease of use.

To learn more, visit JustFor.fans and follow JustFor.fans on X @JustForFansSite.
TOMIA's clearing business takes flight as an independent business unit.

LUXEMBOURG, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TOMIA's clearing business has been relaunched as a distinct business unit called MACH, restoring the venerated brand that pioneered the roaming industry. The new company has its sights set on growth and will streamline its attention toward addressing the next generation clearing needs of mobile operators around the globe. MACH will operate autonomously alongside sister company TOMIA, who will remain responsible for its market-leading roaming value-added services portfolio. MACH's services are used by operators of all sizes, ranging from one the world's largest mobile operators, based in the US, to smaller groups with multi-country operations.

"We are proud to restore the long-trusted and highly respected MACH brand, and to build on our company's heritage of excellence in the clearing industry. The market continues to present fresh challenges and opportunities, and we are committed to delivering innovative solutions and services that maximize enterprise revenues for our customers," said Jean Doblustaine, MACH's Senior Vice President and General Manager.

With market complexity rising, MACH sees growing customer interest in standards-based solutions that make it easier to support and evolve toward the latest settlement processes, the Billing and Charging Evolution (BCE). The company's portfolio encompasses the full customer lifecycle journey. MACH's Data Clearing (DCH) and Financial Clearing (FCH) enable efficient and reliable data exchange services to facilitate wholesale settlement and provide unmatched visibility of roaming mobility and revenues. When combined with Deal Analytics, the best-in-class discount management service, MACH offers commercial, financial, and operational teams the benefits of unified business analytics that handle countless records to achieve better and more accurate results. This enables key business stakeholders to make informed decisions faster and achieve better overall outcomes.

The company is working closely with all its customers to ensure a smooth transition and will be showcasing how its independence will enable MACH to enhance and extend existing relationships. With dedicated sales, product development, and operations teams, MACH expects to accelerate its progress in the space and deliver more value to customers through its streamlined focus. Learn more at www.mach.com.

About MACH

MACH pioneered the roaming industry and established itself as the global clearing expert for over 30 years. MACH offers clearing optimization services with comprehensive visibility and automation across all stages of the agreement lifecycle for mobile operators. We have been constantly evolving our offering to meet the operators' challenges for simplification and anticipate new market trends. Our integrated wholesale approach allows users to easily manage all types of commercial agreements, TAP, BCE, and IOT discounts, and launch innovative IoT and 5G roaming commercial strategies. We assist our customers in successfully transitioning from legacy to the newest settlement processes according to industry standards. To learn more, visit www.mach.com.

For further enquiries, please contact:

Caetano Pessoa  MACH

[email protected]

+352 691 384 107

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2424733/Mach_Logo.jpg

SOURCE MACH
DETROIT, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Marelli has been awarded a significant contract from a major global carmaker to supply the Battery Thermal Plate (BTP) for future Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). The solution, a key technology for thermal energy management in electric vehicles, has been developed and will be produced in-house by Marelli.

The supply will begin in 2024, reaching approximately 5 million units over the contract period. The agreement involves various vehicle platforms and segments for the Chinese, North American and European markets.

"We are proud of this important assignment, which further strengthens our collaboration with global carmakers on technologies that are key to optimizing thermal energy management of vehicles" said Shuji Kobayashi, President of Marelli's Green Technology Solutions business. "Through our solid experience and comprehensive portfolio, we support OEMs in achieving the most efficient solutions for electric, hybrid and internal combustion engine vehicles, adapting to their specific needs to co-create with our customers their vehicles of tomorrow."

Effective thermal management of the battery is essential to ensure performance and efficiency in fully electric vehicles, where the battery is the only energy source available. Thermal management impacts battery life, vehicle driving range, propulsion system performance and fast charging capability, and is key to maintaining a comfortable cabin environment. To reach maximum efficiency, the battery must always remain within a specific optimal temperature range under all external temperature conditions (hot/cold), while meeting the needs of the cabin and propulsion systems.

To achieve this, Marelli's Battery Thermal Plate uses the 'Dot Dimples' design, which guarantees an optimized heat exchange. Thanks to specific paths of the thermal flows, this solution stabilizes the temperature of the battery cells and provides excellent temperature uniformity.

It also allows for an extremely flat product that requires limited space, ensuring an easy integration and assembly within the vehicle. The production technologies and materials used for this solution guarantee high durability and quality.

Furthermore, Marelli's in-house testing laboratories and simulation capabilities allow to quickly adapt the dimple design technology to the needs of each customer, for different types of batteries and geometries. The solution is therefore highly customizable, going from small to extra-large size.

This project is the result of a global development, thanks to Marelli's worldwide R&D centers, and the production will be located in China, Mexico and Romania.

In addition to the Battery Thermal Plate, Marelli offers a complete range of solutions for the control, management and optimization of the heat balance of all vehicle systems, thanks to its proven expertise in key heat exchange technologies for different types of propulsion systems.

About Marelli

Marelli is a leading mobility technology supplier to the automotive sector. With a strong and established track record in innovation and manufacturing excellence, our mission is to transform the future of mobility through working with customers and partners to create a safer, greener, and better-connected world. With around 50,000 employees worldwide, the Marelli footprint includes 170 facilities and R&D centers across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2430014/Marelli.jpg

SOURCE Marelli
MedISAO's Large Language Model-based approach will allow organizations to maintain the ability to manage and respond to vulnerabilities as the National Vulnerability Database works on a solution

SAN DIEGO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MedISAO, an organization composed of members of the medical device manufacturer community dedicated to improving medical device security through education, awareness, and advocacy, today announced a Large Language Model (LLM)-approach to analyze medical device vulnerabilities. Microsoft OpenAI Azure Service is being used as mitigation for the recent disruptions in the National Institute of Standards' (NIST) National Vulnerability Database (NVD) updates, which have raised significant concerns in the cybersecurity community.

MedISAO Launches AI-Powered Vulnerability Analysis to Address National Vulnerability Database Disruptions

A recent report from VulnCheck found that NIST has analyzed less than 1 out of 10 vulnerabilities published in the NVD since mid-February of this year. According to the report, since February 12, 2024, 12,720 new vulnerabilities were added to NVD. However, over 11,000 of these vulnerabilities have not been analyzed, making it challenging for security professionals to determine vulnerabilities within their software. In response, MedISAO is leveraging advanced AI to maintain the flow and quality of vulnerability data to ensure that organizations can still access crucial vulnerability data.

By using an LLM agent, MedISAO's system processes vulnerability information from NVD, MITRE, and other external sources, constructing CPE product and version match data to ensure continuous vulnerability enrichment, crucial for maintaining robust cybersecurity practices. This AI-driven approach is supported by Medcrypt's Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) and vulnerability management tool, Helm. Historical data and a custom grammar parser are used to reduce inaccuracies and improve reliability. Daily updates enhance speed and efficiency in managing newly released vulnerabilities.

"Without NVD's timely processing, managing and responding to newly disclosed vulnerabilities becomes severely hampered. Our approach is a crucial interim measure to ensure continuity and resilience in cybersecurity practices," said Daniel Beard, MedISAO. "MedISAO remains committed to supporting the cybersecurity community by providing innovative solutions that address current challenges. As the industry awaits the full resumption of NVD operations, MedISAO's AI-powered service stands as a vital resource for maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses."

In May 2024, MedISAO announced its endorsement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on April 18, 2024, marking a continued collaboration and highlighting the importance of improving the security posture of the medical device ecosystem and the healthcare industry at large. For more information, please visit www.medisao.com.

About MedISAO/Medcrypt

MedISAO, a part of Medcrypt Inc., is an organization composed of members of the medical device manufacturer community dedicated to improving medical device security through education, awareness, and advocacy. MedISAO provides cybersecurity information sharing, education, and tools tailor-made for the medical device industry. MedISAO is a registered ISAO with an FDA MOU providing compliance with the FDA's recommendation in the Postmarket Management of Cybersecurity in Medical Devices. For more information, visit www.medisao.com and www.medcrypt.com

Medcrypt is helping healthcare technology companies ensure medical devices are secure by design. We provide cybersecurity products and strategic management consulting to expedite the go-to-market process of medical device manufacturers' new life-saving connected technologies. Founded in 2016 by a team of healthcare cybersecurity experts, Medcrypt is uniquely positioned to be the security catalyst for medical device manufacturers to design secure, FDA-approved technologies. We continue to work with those paving the way toward safe and reliable medtech.

To date, Medcrypt has raised more than $36 million in funding with participation from Johnson & Johnson Innovations, Intuitive Ventures, and Dexcom Ventures. For more information, please visit www.Medcrypt.com.

Press Contact:

Jenny Bourne

2087618447

https://www.medcrypt.co/

SOURCE MedISAO/Medcrypt
Acclaimed robotics researcher to discuss key societal questions related to the development of intelligent robots

BOSTON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kate Darling, a leader in exploring the intersection of robotics and society, will discuss intelligent machines in a keynote address on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, during the International Space Station Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC).

Darling, dubbed the "Mistress of Machines," studies ethical questions related to the development of intelligent robots at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She also heads the Boston Dynamics Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute's study of ethics and societal impact. In addition, Darling co-taught a robot ethics course at Harvard Law School and studied the application of law and robotics, focusing on legal and social issues.

In her keynote address, Darling will discuss how her passion for technology and robots has led her to study the relationship between robots and humans.

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasing role on the International Space Station (ISS), as robots and smart machines assist crew members with tasks and data analysis. Robotic helpers can free up astronauts to conduct more hands-on investigations on the orbiting laboratory and carry out more complex tasks as humans expand their footprint in space.

One example of an AI-based robotic assistant on station is the Crew Interactive MObile companioN , or CIMON, developed in collaboration with Airbus, IBM, and the German Aerospace Center. The free-flying robot serves as a hands-free database with a computer and camera that responds to voice commands and processes data. NASA's Astrobees are another example of free-flying robots on station that help astronauts validate new technology and inspire the next generation through educational programs like MIT's Zero Robotics.

"Robotics and AI have a long and successful history of application in space exploration, but recent advances at the interface of humans and intelligent machines promise to enhance our ability to fully utilize the space station now and expand the capabilities of future destinations in low Earth orbit (LEO)," said Michael Roberts, chief scientific officer for the ISS National Laboratory. "It is equally important to understand how these rapidly developing technologies will accelerate the growth of ecosystems off the Earth. We look forward to Kate Darling sharing her expertise and experience as we work to assimilate intelligent machines into human space to make our work safer and more efficient."

ISSRDC 2024 will be held from July 29 to August 1, 2024, at the Marriott Copley Place in Boston. Darling's keynote address will take place Wednesday, July 31, alongside a variety of other sessions focused on technology development and innovation in space.

The annual conference brings together leaders from the commercial sector, U.S. government agencies, and academic communities to foster innovation and discovery onboard the space station. This year's sessions and panels will showcase the orbiting laboratory's continued value as a platform for research and technology development that benefits humanity and enables a robust and sustainable market in LEO.

ISSRDC is hosted by the ISS National Lab, managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS); NASA; and the American Astronautical Society (AAS). Additional announcements on keynote speakers and other conference sessions will be forthcoming.

To learn more about ISSRDC, including how to register, exhibit, or become a conference sponsor, please visit the conference website .

To download a high-resolution photo for this release, click here .

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:

The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website .

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page .

International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS) 6905 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 500, Melbourne, FL 32940  321.253.5101  www.ISSNationalLab.org



SOURCE International Space Station National Lab
Third Cohort of Elite Professional Accelerator and Certification Program Graduates Set Innovation

into Action

NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Money Management Institute (MMI) is thrilled to share the 2024 finalists and winner of the Executive IQ Capstone Innovation Project that were announced during a live graduation ceremony on LinkedIn honoring the third cohort of the Executive IQ program in May.

Executive IQ by Money Management Institute is a one-year executive-level professional accelerator and certification program that combines a university-backed curriculum with real-world case studies from the industry's most prestigious consultants and Fortune 500 companies. The program is designed for investment leaders with at least 10 to 15 years of experience in the industry looking to advance their careers and their organizations.

In collaboration with PwC and the University of Virginia's Darden Executive Education & Livelong Learning program, the three-month Capstone Innovation Project puts lessons taught throughout the program about technology, digital disruption, leadership and embracing a growth mindset into practice. Applying the PwC innovation prototype model, teams were tasked with identifying an industry problem and then developing an innovative prototype to address this issue.

Team SCALE earned top honors this year with its tool that provides leaders with data-based insights regarding the utilization of SaaS products to eliminate redundancy, cut costs and increase efficiency. The tool provides deep visibility into usage trends of various SaaS solutions to allow informed decision-making and strategic application of resources across an enterprise. Team SCALE included Gui Costin of Dakota, Michael Dunphy of Vestmark, Raquel Galan of LSEG, Clay King of Invesco and Marco Vala of iCapital.

"The Capstone Innovation Project process challenges participants to embrace change, foster creativity and think big while starting small," said MMI President and CEO Craig Pfeiffer. "I'm proud of how each team challenged the status quo and took thoughtful action within these prototypes. The participants of this year's cohort are poised to shape our industry for years to come, and their achievements are a testament to the power of the Executive IQ program."

Innovation and Creativity Through Teamwork, Diversity

Three finalists were selected from a field of thirteen Capstone Innovation Project teams. The other two finalists were Team Client Connection Creator and Team SUCCEED.

Client Connection Creator (CCC) enhances an asset manager's effectiveness and efficiency while increasing client engagement and loyalty by allowing teams to focus on soft skills versus data aggregation and insight scraping. The team developed a platform with structured data and cognitive AI-enabled models to free the asset managers to focus on the client experience and sales. Team CCC included Dale Korman of Harbor Capital, Purvi Rana of iCapital, Michael Scholten of Principal, Matt Witkus of BlackRock and Jane Yue of Invesco.

(CCC) enhances an asset manager's effectiveness and efficiency while increasing client engagement and loyalty by allowing teams to focus on soft skills versus data aggregation and insight scraping. The team developed a platform with structured data and cognitive AI-enabled models to free the asset managers to focus on the client experience and sales. Team CCC included of Harbor Capital, of iCapital, of Principal, of BlackRock and of Invesco. SUCCEED is a human solution to navigate the complexities of estate transfers, providing a centralized, cloud-based platform for individuals to access all resources necessary to plan and prepare for a wealth transfer. Team SUCCEED included Armand Amritt of AllianceBernstein, Leia Goodgold of InvestCloud, Brendan McDonough of iCapital, Courtney Morgan of iCapital and Claire Nolan of BNYMellon.

"Reviewing this year's Capstone Innovation Projects was not an easy task, as this incredibly talented and creative cohort leveraged their diversity of experiences, ideas and approaches to deliver incredible results," said Richard Evans, Professor at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, and faculty advisor to the Executive IQ program. "Each team, not just the finalists and winner, presented fantastic solutions to real industry problems, and I fully expect to see these concepts put into practice across the industry."

Tim Williams, Executive Vice President, Director of Education Initiatives and Executive IQ Program Director, said, "I'm continually impressed with the seemingly endless creativity and willingness to push boundaries to improve our industry at the core of the Capstone Innovation Projects. Thank you to all the participants for their dedication to the process and their work to enhance the way we do business."

Teams were judged on relevance to the financial services industry, business opportunity, creativity and originality, and overall presentation. The announcement of the winning team was made following live virtual presentations by the teams to a panel of eight judges. The panel of judges included:

Craig Pfeiffer , President and CEO, MMI

, President and CEO, MMI Professor Richard Evans , University of Virginia Darden School of Business

, Darden School of Business Emma Hartman , Senior Manager, Customer Transformation, PwC

, Senior Manager, Customer Transformation, PwC Roger Paradiso , Global Head of Product Solutions, Franklin Templeton ; Executive Chairman, O'Shaughnessy Asset Management

, Global Head of Product Solutions, ; Executive Chairman, O'Shaughnessy Asset Management Cheryl Nash , Chief Customer Executive, InvestCloud, Inc.

, Chief Customer Executive, InvestCloud, Inc. Team SmartPrep (2023 winner) represented by Aoife Sullivan and Eugene Eignor

The winning team is invited to attend the MMI Annual Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 15-17. Team SCALE will highlight their prototype and participate throughout the Conference.

Mr. Pfeiffer concluded, "Continuous improvement, creativity and lifelong learning are critical elements of our industry. MMI is proud to partner with Darden, PwC and Microsoft to facilitate opportunities for our future leaders to explore these elements collaboratively."

About Executive IQ

Executive IQ by Money Management Institute is an executive-level professional accelerator for investment leaders looking to advance their careers and organizations. This one-year certification program combines a university-backed curriculum with real-world case studies from the industry's most prestigious consultants and Fortune 500 companies. Designed for tomorrow, Executive IQ helps transform experienced decision-makers into industry innovators, able to turn challenge into opportunity. Participants gain the tools they need to lead and grow their organizations and the chance to build executive-level networks they can count on for life.

About the Money Management Institute (MMI):

Established in 1997, the Money Management Institute (MMI) is the industry association representing financial services firms that provide financial advice and investment advisory solutions to investors. Through conferences, educational resources and thought leadership, MMI facilitates peer-to-peer connections, fosters industry knowledge and professionalism, and supports the development of the next generation of industry leadership. MMI member firms are dedicated to helping individual and institutional investors, at every level of assets, plan for and fulfill their financial goals. For more information, visit www.MMInst.org.

Media Contacts

Elizabeth Shim/Donald Cutler

Haven Tower Group

(424) 317-4861 or (424) 317-4864

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Money Management Institute
NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Are you a former investor in Northern Genesis Acquisition Corp., now known as the The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV)? If so, Monteverde & Associates PC ("Monteverde") encourages you to immediately contact Monteverde regarding the class action lawsuit filed by the firm in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, case no. 1:24-cv-02155 (the "Federal Class Action"). There is a June 10, 2024 deadline to seek to be appointed lead plaintiff.

WHAT TO DO NOW : Contact Monteverde by clicking here and providing the firm with your information: http://monteverdelaw.com/case/northern-genesis-acquisition-corporation/.

It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

WHY : The Federal Class Action seeks damages for stockholders such as yourself who were harmed by Northern Genesis Acquisition Corp. ("NGA") and its board of directors' alleged violations of Sections 10(b), 14(a), and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with the 2021 de-SPAC transaction ("Merger") between NGA and The Lion Electric Company ("Lion Electric"). The claims in the Federal Class Action are asserted against NGA, NGA's directors and officers, Lion Electric, and certain directors and officers of Lion Electric. Mr. Juan Monteverde is available to personally discuss this case with you further.

Monteverde & Associates PC is a national class action securities and consumer litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders and consumers from corporate wrongdoing. Monteverde & Associates lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions, whereby they protect investors by recovering money and remedying corporate misconduct.

Contact information:

Juan E. Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave, Suite 4740

New York, NY 10118

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC
MIAMI, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- COZMOZONE INC. joins forces with Mounir, the iconic Instagram sensation with 8.3 million followers, as he hosts his highly anticipated Masterclass on June 16th and 17th, 2024. Renowned as the "Godfather of Hair Transformation," Mounir's inaugural event in the USA promises to be an unparalleled opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts alike to unlock the secrets of his legendary techniques.

Mounir MASTERCLASS Mounir MASTERCLASS Hands-On

For those unacquainted with Mounir, his influence extends far beyond his massive Instagram following. With his avant-garde approach to hair design, Mounir has earned global acclaim as an influential figure in the industry. From intricate cuts to daring color transformations, his work is celebrated for its creativity and innovation.

While Mounir has conducted numerous Masterclasses across Europe and beyond, his decision to choose Miami for his first event in the USA is significant. Miami, often hailed as the "magical city," embodies the spirit of extravagance, style, and opportunity. It's a melting pot of cultures and creativity, making it the perfect setting for Mounir to share his expertise.

Partnering with COZMOZONE INC., one of the most technologically advanced and innovative hair distribution companies, Mounir's Masterclass is set to revolutionize the industry. Attendees can expect to learn cutting-edge techniques and industry secrets that have propelled Mounir to the forefront of hair design.

From mastering the art of color blending to executing precision cuts, participants will gain invaluable insights into the nuances of hair transformation. But beyond the technical aspects, Mounir's Masterclass is a celebration of individuality and self-expression. In Miami, where dreams are nurtured and boundaries are pushed, attendees will be inspired to push the limits of their creativity.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring stylist, Mounir's Masterclass offers a unique opportunity to elevate your craft and unleash your full potential. Join Mounir and COZMOZONE INC. in Miami for a transformative experience that will leave you inspired and empowered to redefine the art of hair design.

Media Contact:

Alec Kassir

+1 (305) 799-5251

[email protected]

SOURCE COZMOZONE INC.
OSLO, Norway, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Annual General Meeting of Navamedic ASA was held today at 09:00 CEST. All items on the agenda were resolved in accordance with the board of directors' proposals and the nomination committee's recommendations. A copy of the minutes from the Annual General Meeting is attached to this notice and will also be made available on the Company's webpage www.navamedic.com.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

For further information, please contact:

Kathrine G. Andreassen, CEO, Navamedic,

Mobile: +47 951 78 680 E-mail: [email protected]



Lars Hjarrand, CFO, Navamedic,

Mobile: +47 917 62 842 E-mail: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/navamedic-asa/r/navamedic-asa--minutes-of-annual-general-meeting,c3994771

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/17619/3994771/2843020.pdf Navamedic minutes of AGM 2024
Employees Continue to Point to Workload and Staff Shortage as Sources of Burnout

ARLINGTON, Va., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Employee burnout among the U.S. workforce remains high at (45 percent), holding steady since Eagle Hill Consulting's most recent employee burnout survey. Women (49 percent) continue to report higher levels of burnout than men (41 percent), and employee workload remains the driving factor behind worker burnout.

Worker burnout has dropped substantially since the early days of the pandemic (58 percent in August 2020) but remains stubbornly high. When looking across generations, younger workers continue to report the highest levels of burnout with Gen Z at 54 percent and Millennials at 52 percent.

Workers who experience burnout say the top cause is their workload (51 percent), followed by staff shortages (42 percent) and juggling personal and professional life (41 percent). Eagle Hill has been tracking burnout remedies since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. From that time, workers have consistently reported that these remedies would alleviate their stress: a four-day work week (69 percent), increased flexibility (66 percent), a decreased workload (63 percent) and working from home (56 percent).

Read the 2024 State of Worker Burnout infographic.

"We may have hit a wall when it comes to reducing worker burnout," says Melissa Jezior, president and chief executive officer of Eagle Hill Consulting. "Our latest worker burnout research finds substantial burnout levels that haven't budged, and the burnout drivers have remained virtually unchanged. At the same time, workers consistently say that the burnout solution lies in offering more flexibility and addressing their workload levels."

"It's important that employers pay attention this chronically high level of burnout, along with employee views on causes and remedies. When workers are burned out, they're less productive, engaged, and innovative. And they're more likely to walk out the door, especially in a tight labor market. Worker input gives us a roadmap for alleviating stress, and employers who take the cues to find solutions will have a competitive advantage," Jezior said.

Additional survey findings are as follows:

Among those who experience burnout due to staff shortages, 83 percent said the impact is covering the workload for unfilled positions. Forty-six percent said the impact is helping others learn their job, 41 percent said it's training new hires, and 22 percent said it's recruiting and interviewing new hires.





About half of employees (56 percent) who report burnout say they are comfortable telling their boss.





When asked since the beginning of the pandemic how to reduce burnout, 69 percent of workers said a four-day work week would help. Other solutions included increased flexibility (66 percent), decreased workload (63 percent), better health and wellness benefits (60 percent), working from home (56 percent), reduced administrative burdens (53 percent), more on-site amenities (50 percent), and the ability to relocate or work from multiple locations (40 percent).





Sixty-four percent say that any technology changes in the coming year will not impact their stress levels.

These findings are from the 2024 Eagle Hill Consulting Workforce Burnout Survey conducted by Ipsos from February 6-9, 2024. The survey included 1,247 respondents from a random sample of employees across the U.S. Eagle Hill conducts the polling two times annually to maintain a pulse on worker burnout.

Eagle Hill Consulting LLC is a woman-owned business that provides unconventional management consulting services in the areas of Strategy & Performance, Talent, and Change. The company's expertise in delivering innovative solutions to unique challenges spans across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. A leading authority on employee sentiment, Eagle Hill is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, with employees across the U.S. and offices in Boston and Seattle. More information is available at www.eaglehillconsulting.com.

SOURCE Eagle Hill Consulting LLC
LONDON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Neudata and Shanghai Data Exchange have formed a strategic partnership, designed to facilitate business between international data vendors and China-based data buyers.

The announcement comes at a time when Chinese investors and corporations are increasingly looking to expand overseas, thereby increasing their need for data sources outside the country. By 2025, the overall size of China's data transaction market is estimated to reach USD 28.8 bn (RMB 204.6bn), up from USD 12.3bn (RMB 87.68bn) in 2022, according to LeadLeo Research Institute, a Frost & Sullivan sub-brand in China. The consulting firm projects that the market size could reach USD 72.6bn (RMB 515.59bn) by 2030.

"As a result of these global trends, international data vendors have a unique opportunity to build significant data-selling businesses in China," said Rado Lipus, founder and CEO of Neudata. "Shanghai Data Exchange has an unparalleled reach among China-based data buyers, making it the perfect partner for the data vendors in our community that are looking to further explore expansion into China."

Data sellers that work with Neudata will now have priority access to list their data products on the Shanghai Data Exchange, opening up a network of more than 1,000 data buying firms.

"The Shanghai Data Exchange will establish an effective cooperation mechanism for the two-way flow of data with overseas platforms through its strategic cooperation with Neudata," said Qifeng Tang, General Manager at Shanghai Data Exchange. "Leveraging Neudata's strengths, we will help international data service providers develop and improve their data products, while accessing a deep pool of data buyers from China."

Neudata and Shanghai Data Exchange will be sharing more about the partnership in an upcoming briefing call. Data owners and vendors interested in learning more about commercializing their data in China can pre-register at [email protected].

About Neudata:

Neudata provides actionable, unbiased market intelligence to buyers and sellers of alternative data. Combining human-powered data scouting services and a cutting-edge technology platform, Neudata's data expertise provides time- and money-saving insights for clients across the expanding alternative data ecosystem.

For more information about this partnership, contact [email protected].

About Shanghai Data Exchange:

The Shanghai Data Exchange's mission is to construct a data marketplace and promote the process of data assetization. The Exchange undertakes functions such as the innovation of data transfer and sharing systems and standards, infrastructure services, data product registration, and data product trading. The Shanghai Data Exchange is established under the guidance of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2429602/Neudata_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Neudata
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Novo Nordisk Foundation has awarded a grant of up to USD 21.1 million to CIMMYT for a groundbreaking initiative to mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture, by developing new wheat varieties that are capable of reducing agriculture's nitrogen footprint. The CropSustaiN initiative could have sweeping implications for global food security and environmental sustainability.

As the global population approaches the 10 billion mark, the reliance on fertilisers to boost agricultural production has become an essential, yet environmentally challenging, practice. A Century-long dependence on these additives has allowed food production to keep pace with the growth in human population. However, the use of fertilisers across various farming systems is now causing severe ecological stress. The leaching of nitrogen into natural ecosystems, coupled with the release of greenhouse gases, is pushing the Earth's environmental limits to a critical threshold.

To address this, an ambitious new research initiative aims to shrink the nitrogen footprint of agriculture by developing a breakthrough technology based on nature's own solutions: a natural process called biological nitrification inhibition (BNI). The Novo Nordisk Foundation has awarded CIMMYT a grant of up to USD 21.1 million to lead an innovation research initiative called CropSustaiN that is designed to reduce the nitrogen footprint of wheat cultivation.

"Success in this initiative could lead to a major shift in agricultural practices globally, benefiting both the planet and farmers' livelihoods. In addition to using less fertiliser, cost for the farmer will be minimal because all the components are already in the seed. This initiative could, potentially, be extended from wheat cultivation to include other staple crops like maize and rice," says Claus Felby, Senior Vice President, Biotech, Novo Nordisk Foundation.

"BNI could be a part of how we revolutionise nitrogen management in agriculture. It represents a genetic mitigation strategy that not only complement existing methods but also has the potential to decrease the need for synthetic fertilisers substantially. The mitigation potential of better nitrogen fertiliser management could be as impactful for the Global South as the Green Revolution," explains Bram Govaerts, Director General, CIMMYT.

Revolutionary mitigation approach

Rooted in a seed-based genetic strategy, BNI leverages a plant's innate ability to suppress soil nitrification through the release of natural compounds. This approach potentially promises to curb the use and leaching of synthetic nitrogen fertilisersa significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and water pollutionwithout compromising wheat yield or soil vitality. The BNI-method contrasts with synthetic nitrification inhibitors and could offer a more scalable and cost-effective solution, potentially reducing nitrogen fertiliser usage by 20%, depending on regional farming conditions.

By harnessing the power of genetics in plant seeds, CropSustaiN leverages the natural process of BNI to develop new wheat varieties that require significantly less nitrogen fertiliser. Using conventional breeding, genes from wild crop relatives like wild rye, which have inherently better nitrogen use efficiency, are incorporated. CIMMYT makes such breeding products available to its global network of partners for the international public good.

The agenda for CropSustaiN includes validating BNI efficacy across diverse climates and integrating the technology into mainstream agricultural protocols. While the venture carries success risks, the potential rewardsranging from widespread BNI adoption to valuable insights into nitrogen managementposition it as a pioneering initiative. By ensuring that the seeds developed through this program are accessible to all farmers without exclusive patent rights, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is leading an inclusive approach to agricultural innovation.

CropSustaiN builds on the joint research by the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) and CIMMYT that started in 2015. The initiative has already yielded BNI wheat lines tested over three farming seasons. These innovative crops are now poised for further development and for scaling worldwide, indicating a potential paradigm shift in agricultural practices.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has already laid the groundwork for CropSustaiN by funding related BNI research at CIMMYT, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Aarhus University, the University of Aberdeen, and the University of Copenhagen -thus fostering an ecosystem for research innovation.

About the Novo Nordisk Foundation

Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is an enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. The vision of the Foundation is to improve people's health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundation's mission is to progress research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases as well as to advance knowledge and solutions to support a green transformation of society.

www.novonordiskfonden.dk/en

About CIMMYT

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit www.cimmyt.org.

SOURCE Novo Nordisk Foundation
RADNOR, Pa., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against Fastly, Inc. ("Fastly") (NYSE: FSLY). The action charges Fastly with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Fastly's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Fastly's investors have suffered significant losses.

If you suffered Fastly losses, you may CLICK HERE or go to: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/fastly-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=fsly&mktm=r

You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. of Kessler Topaz by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at [email protected]. The lead plaintiff deadline is July 23, 2024.

CANNOT VIEW THIS VIDEO? PLEASE CLICK HERE or go to: https://youtu.be/MVbQwTvArKo

DEFENDANTS' ALLEGED MISCONDUCT

On February 14, 2024, Fastly issued a press release providing full year ("FY") 2024 revenue guidance in a range of $580 million to $590 million. In that same press release, Fastly's CEO was quoted stating, "[t]his quarter demonstrated the progress we've made in operational and financial rigor resulting in strong gross margins and non-GAAP net income," and "[o]ur go-to-market, packaging and channel efforts through 2023 delivered an inflection in our customer acquisition as we closed out the year. This positions us well for 2024, driving our mission to make every user experience fast, safe, and engaging."

On May 1, 2024, Fastly announced its Q1 2024 results. Despite Fastly's positive statements just weeks before about its performance and near-term business prospects, Fastly reported revenue of only $133.52 million, missing consensus estimates. Fastly also lowered its fiscal year 2024 revenue guidance to a range of $555 million to $565 million, significantly below its previously issued FY 2024 revenue guidance of $580 million to $590 million, and likewise below consensus estimates of $584.62 million for the same period.

Then, on May 2, 2024, Bank of America downgraded Fastly stock from a "Buy" rating to an "Underperform" rating and cut its price target on the stock from $18 per share to a mere $8 per share. On this news, the price of Fastly shares declined by $4.14 per share, or approximately 32.02%, from $12.93 per share on May 1, 2024 to close at $8.79 on May 2, 2024.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Fastly investors may, no later than July 23, 2024, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Fastly investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against Fastly, Kula v. Fastly, Inc., et al., Case No. 24-cv-03170, is filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE OR GO TO: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/fastly-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=fsly&mktm=r

WHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?

A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Jonathan Naji, Esq.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP

(484) 270-1453

280 King of Prussia Road

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May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
New research points to solutions for individuals who lose Medicaid as they age into Medicare

Key takeaways

New research conducted by NCOA and the LeadingAge LTSS Center @ UMass Boston finds that low-income older adults who lose Medicaid coverage when they transition to Medicare experience rising out-of-pocket medical expenses, declining net worth, and worsening health.

finds that low-income older adults who lose Medicaid coverage when they transition to Medicare experience rising out-of-pocket medical expenses, declining net worth, and worsening health. Those who hit the "Medicare Cliff" are more likely to be female, retired, and facing difficult affordability and health coverage challenges.

The research outlines potential solutions, including updating eligibility criteria for Medicare Savings Programs.

ARLINGTON, Va., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Low-income older adults who lose their Medicaid coverage when they transition to Medicare experience rising out-of-pocket medical expenses, declining net worth, and worsening health, according to new research by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and Leading Age LTSS Center @UMASS Boston.

"Older adults who rely on Medicaid should not be forced into financial shock when they get Medicare." -- Ramsey Alwin Post this Standing back from the Medicare Cliff: Research and Policy Options to Help Low-Income Older Adults

With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, many states expanded Medicaid to low-income adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. As these individuals become eligible for Medicare, they may lose their Medicaid coverage and be unable to afford Medicare's higher premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.

Known as the "Medicare Cliff," this disruption in coverage can be particularly difficult for those with the lowest incomes who tend to be single women, people of color, and people with complex medical conditions or functional limitations.

"Older adults who rely on Medicaid for health coverage should not be forced to face this kind of financial shock just because they age into Medicare," said Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO. "One woman living on a fixed income told us that losing Medicaid desperately affected her mental well-being. Our research points to solutions to mend this hole in our country's social safety net."

The research found that the Medicare Cliff population faces several vulnerabilities:

They have significantly higher out-of-pocket medical costs compared to individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, and those with Medicare only.

They experience greater financial resource decline over time, with a diminishing median net worth.

In the two years after hitting the Medicare Cliff, they experienced a substantial worsening of their health.

People facing the Medicare Cliff told researchers they often were forced to cut expenses in other areas to make ends meet. They said they encountered confusing communication about the transition between Medicaid and Medicare, and they could have benefitted from additional counseling assistance, such as that provided by State Health Insurance Assistance Programs.

The research points to three major areas for policy reform:

Allow the Medicare Cliff population to maintain Medicaid eligibility as they enter Medicare. Improve the education and enrollment process for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) without changing eligibility criteria. MSPs help low-income individuals afford the costs of Medicare. Change eligibility criteria for MSPs to remove or raise the asset limit and/or synchronize the income eligibility threshold with other benefits, which would enable more individuals to gain assistance.

Standing Back from the Medicare Cliff: Research and Policy Options to Help Low-Income Older Adults is available online for download.

About NCOA

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person's right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or ZIP code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging .

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SOURCE National Council on Aging
Internal promotion highlights company's strategic posture to leverage its strong position into greater investment opportunities

LEHI, Utah, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PCF Insurance Services ("PCF"), a top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage with operations across 40 states, today announced Brandon Gray has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately. Gray previously served as the company's Senior Vice President and Treasurer.

Brandon Gray  Chief Financial Officer, PCF Insurance Services

"Being in a position to tell our great story on a national stage, expand our company's investment strategies, and leverage our strong position into greater financing opportunities requires strategic leadership and vision," said Felix Morgan, CEO of PCF Insurance. "Brandon's strong, successful history in this space has been instrumental as our company raises capital to support of accelerated M&A strategy. Now, as our CFO, we'll leverage his financial acumen to ensure we continue to deliver industry-leading revenue growth as we accelerate our overall growth strategy."

Gray's promotion to CFO follows the December 2023 appointment of Morgan to CEO from his former role as CFO and COO. Since joining PCF Insurance in March 2023, Gray has been instrumental in arranging funding opportunities from investors as the company seeks to grow its footprint in key markets across the U.S.

In April 2024, Gray's leadership secured $400 million in incremental debt financing, which was materially oversubscribed and upsized from $300 million to $400 million in response to strong demand from new and existing lenders. In addition, the company reduced the margin on the majority of its debt by 50 basis points, which represents a significant annual savings in ongoing interest expense.

"I'm truly honored to serve our company as CFO during this exciting time for our company," said Gray. "PCF is focused on strategic growth through the expansion of our footprint in key geographical markets, while setting and achieving aggressive organic growth goals. I'm proud to serve and work alongside our incredible team as we make strategic advances that support our long-term vision of sustainable growth."

As CFO, Gray will continue to lead and expand PCF Insurance's investment strategies, treasury operations and financing activities, as well as manage debt compliance. In addition, Gray will now oversee all aspects of financial management, including accounting, operating plans and budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow management.

About PCF Insurance Services

A top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage headquartered in Lehi, Utah, PCF Insurance Services of the West, LLC offers a broad array of commercial and personal lines, life and health, employee benefits, and workers' compensation solutions. PCF Insurance's operating model and entrepreneurial environment support its tremendous growth profile, offering its businesses alignment through equity ownership, enhanced coverage solutions and capabilities for clients, and shared-services resources. With more than 4,000 employees across the U.S., PCF Insurance is a notable leader in the insurance space, ranking #20 on Business Insurance's 2023 Top 100 Brokers and #12 on Insurance Journal's 2023 Top Property/Casualty Agencies. Visit pcfins.com for more information.

SOURCE PCF Insurance Services
A Suite of Pegatron Servers Retrofitted with ZutaCore's HyperCool Will be on Full Display at Computex 2024

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ZutaCore, a leading provider of direct-to-chip, waterless liquid cooling solutions, today announced that its HyperCool technology has achieved certification for Pegatron's high-performance servers to usher in a new era of sustainable computing. With a proven ability to cool up to 2,800 watts of power, simple to deploy, operate and maintain, with little to no modifications to the infrastructure, ZutaCore's HyperCool has emerged as the defacto standard for cooling the next generation of servers powering the future of AI and HPC. The power of this platform will be on display in the Pegatron offices, No.96, Ligong Street, Beitou District, during Computex 2024 as the company showcases HyperCooled servers  including its latest 2U 2-socket general purpose Mack Server - running NVIDIA H100, H200, and GB200 Grace Blackwell GPUs as well as Intel Xeon 6700-series processors and AMD SP5 CPUs.

"AI has created a monumental shift across the entire industry. The only way to deploy at mass scale and not lose sustainability is by leveraging direct-to-chip, waterless liquid cooling technology," said Shahar Belkin, EVP, Products at ZutaCore. "We are excited to bring Pegatron into this growing ecosystem where hyperscalers and data center operators have asked specifically for HyperCool to be the liquid cooling technology inside their servers."

"By harnessing the power and sustainability benefits of ZutaCore's liquid cooling technology, we can help our customers secure market leading positions in the explosive AI market," said Andy Lin, Server Product Marketing Manager at Pegatron. "The use of no water not only eliminates the risk of leakage, but also saves one of the world's most scarce natural resources, while the heat reuse capabilities can herald in a whole new level of sustainability in markets worldwide."

HyperCool Drives Sustainable AI

The processing power being demanded by applications such as HPC, AI, machine learning, and data analytics cannot be met sustainably by air cooling or other liquid cooling technologies that rely on scarce resources such as water. By deploying ZutaCore on Pegatron servers, data center operators and Hyperscalers can significantly reduce their Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) due to a remarkably low Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of less than 1.02. This outstanding efficiency optimizes energy consumption and contributes to a greener, more sustainable data center environment by minimizing emissions.

Featuring a groundbreaking closed-loop system that operates at low pressure and moves large amounts of heat off the processors and away from the servers, ZutaCore's HyperCool can be implemented in new or existing data centers to deliver 10 times more computing power, a 50% reduction in total cost of ownership, 100% heat reuse, and reduced CO2 emissions for a sustainable data.

About ZutaCore:

ZutaCore is paving the way for a zero-emission data industry with its next-generation liquid cooling technology that can cool the hottest processors with 100% heat reuse. Its HyperCool technology  a direct-on-chip, waterless, direct liquid cooling solution  enables the highest sustained performance, server densification, and reduced power usage, which is critical for meeting the power demands of today's HPC, AI, and ML workloads. Founded in 2016, ZutaCore is headquartered in San Jose, California, with an R&D center in Israel and offices in Europe, India, and Taiwan. Learn more at www.zutacore.com.

About Pegatron

PEGATRON Corporation (hereafter referred to as "PEGATRON") was founded on January 1, 2008. With abundant product development experience and vertically integrated manufacturing, Pegatron is committed to providing clients with innovative design, systematic production and manufacturing service in order to comprehensively and efficiently satisfy all of our customers' needs. Drawing on accumulated experience in server design and manufacturing, Pegatron now focuses on developing a variety of state-of-the-art servers that meet the requirements of present and future Cloud Service Providers' data centers, as well as enterprise-grade data centers. Learn more at PEGATRON SVR (pegatroncorp.com)

SOURCE ZutaCore
NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global planting equipment market size is estimated to grow by USD 6.61 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 7.19% 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 planting equipment market 2024-2028

Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Mechanical and Automatic), Product (Seed drills, Planters, and Air seeders), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled AGCO Corp., Bourgault Industries Ltd., Bucher Industries AG, Buhler Industries Inc., CLAAS KGaA mBH, Clean Seed Capital Group Ltd., CNH Industrial NV, Deere and Co., Greaves Cotton Ltd., ISEKI and Co. Ltd., Kasco Manufacturing Inc., Kinze Manufacturing Inc., Kubota Corp., Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., Morris Industries Ltd., Redlands Ashlyn Motors PLC, SeedMaster, Stara SA Industria De Implementos Agricolas, Vaderstad AB, and Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

Vendors in the global planting equipment market are broadening their offerings and expanding geographically through acquisitions and partnerships. For example, AGCO Corporation acquired 85% of Trimble Inc. for USD2 billion in September 2023, and Plant and Equipment bought Global Equipment Trading in UAE in January 2024. These deals enhance vendors' product lines, provide competitive advantages, and expand customer bases, leading to market growth during the forecast period.

The Planting Equipment market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for agricultural productivity. Farming equipment such as planters and cultivators are in high demand. Advanced technology in planting equipment like precision farming and automation are trending. These technologies increase efficiency and reduce the need for manual labor.

Additionally, the use of conventional and modern planting methods like no-till and minimum tillage is gaining popularity. The market is also driven by the need for sustainable farming practices and the availability of government subsidies for farmers investing in new planting equipment. Overall, the Planting Equipment market is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years.

Market Challenges

The global planting equipment market faces challenges due to the decreasing availability of arable land. Industrialization, urbanization, and energy demand have led to soil degradation, causing three million hectares of land to become unusable annually. This reduction in agricultural land negatively impacts production and limits the use of planting equipment, potentially hindering market growth.

The planting equipment market faces several challenges in the current technological landscape. One major challenge is the need for automation and precision in farming. Farmers require advanced technology to plant seeds at the correct depth and spacing. Another challenge is the high cost of purchasing and maintaining these advanced machines. Additionally, the market is highly competitive, with numerous players offering similar products.

Furthermore, the market is subject to various environmental factors, such as soil conditions and weather, which can impact the performance and efficiency of the equipment. Lastly, the market is also influenced by government regulations and policies, which can impact the pricing and availability of planting equipment.

Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend, driver and challenges - Download a Sample Report

Segment Overview

Type

1.1 Mechanical

1.2 Automatic

Product

2.1 Seed drills

2.2 Planters

2.3 Air seeders

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 North America

3.3 Europe

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Mechanical- The planting equipment market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing farmer investments, encouraged by government interest schemes. Contract farming and mechanization of agriculture are key drivers, along with rising farmer incomes and favorable climatic conditions. Advanced agricultural robotics, such as autonomous tractors and drones, offer cost-effective food production and expand opportunities for the mechanical segment. Government loan concessions support market growth across all income categories.

For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) - Download a Sample Report

Research Analysis

The Planting Equipment Market encompasses a wide range of modern farm machinery designed for various planting techniques in the agriculture industry. This market includes advanced seed drillers, seed metres, fluted rollers, and furrow openers, which facilitate efficient and precise sowing and planting in designated rows. The use of cutting-edge planting tools has revolutionized farming tasks, reducing the reliance on physical labour and traditional ways such as hand sowing.

Machining centres play a crucial role in the manufacturing process of these planting machines, ensuring their high-quality and durability. The seeds are carefully placed during the seeding process, ensuring optimal growth in the field. The farming industry continues to benefit from these advancements in planting equipment, streamlining operations and increasing productivity.

Market Research Overview

The Planting Equipment Market encompasses a range of machinery and tools utilized in the process of planting crops. These include seed drills, planters, transplanters, and other related equipment. The market is driven by various factors such as increasing agricultural productivity, technological advancements, and government initiatives to promote mechanized farming.

The market is segmented based on equipment type, application, and region. Seed drills and planters are the most commonly used planting equipment. Technological innovations in precision farming and automation are expected to drive the growth of the market. The market is also witnessing a trend towards the adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly planting equipment. Overall, the Planting Equipment Market is poised for significant growth in the coming years.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Type

Mechanical



Automatic

Product

Seed Drills



Planters



Air Seeders

Geography

APAC



North America



Europe



South America



Middle East And Africa

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
Primrose Schools Recognized for Showcasing the Positive Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility

ATLANTA, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Primrose Schools received two gold Stevie Awards, one for Marketing Campaign of the Year in the Education and Training category and another for Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year in the Large category for organizations with more than 2,500 employees in the 22nd Annual American Business Awards. The awards signify how Primrose franchise owners, staff, and Support Center team members work diligently to foster belongingness and incorporate character development into every day.

Primrose Schools won the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program of the Year award for its Primrose Promise CSR program, which is driven by its mission to forge a path that leads to a brighter future for all children. As part of this commitment, Primrose Schools and its over 500 independently owned schools across the country have collectively donated more than $1.1 million and gifted over 900,000 items to underserved children and families across the US since 2022.

"At Primrose, we are striving for a brighter future for all young children across the country," said Jo Kirchner, CEO of Primrose Schools. "It fills me with pride to know that these awards are a testament to our shared mission and the selfless contributions of Primrose franchise owners, staff, support team members and the children and families we serve."

The Marketing Campaign of the Year award is in recognition of its marketing campaign for the annual Caring and Giving Food Drive designed to bring awareness to the donation efforts where children at Primrose schools nationwide work together to engage in simple chores, activities and hands-on projects in their classrooms and at home to raise money and donate food to underserved children and families. Franchise owners and school staff at each Primrose school host individual food drives each year and donations are made to local food banks and charities to combat food insecurity.

"We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to growth and innovation in our marketing efforts," said Tim Roush, Chief Marketing Officer of Primrose Schools. "Giving without expectation is woven into the work that we do at every level of the organization, and we look forward to reaching for new heights both in our impactful work and charitable giving in 2024 and for many years to come."

More than 3,700 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, and more than 300 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year's Stevie Award winners. To learn more about how Primrose uses philanthropy and advocacy work to make a positive impact on communities nationwide, click here.

About Primrose Schools

Primrose Schools is the leader in providing premier early education and care to children and families in the United States. Founded in 1982, there are more than 500 Primrose schools in 34 states today. Each school is independently owned and operated by Franchise Owners who partner with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life. Primrose believes who children become is as important as what they know. The exclusive Primrose Balanced Learning approach is created from the best early education wisdom and balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. For more information, visit www.PrimroseSchools.com, connect with us on Facebook and X, explore our blog, sign up for our emails and find a Primrose school near you.

About the Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the new Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Supporting sponsors of The 2024 American Business Awards include Melissa Sones Consulting and SoftPro.

SOURCE Primrose Schools(R)
Generative AI accelerates data preparation for analytics and AI

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prophecy , the data copilot company, today announced Prophecy Data Transformation Copilot for Databricks, the industry's first copilot that accelerates the preparation of raw data for analytics and AI applications. By leveraging generative AI, Prophecy Data Transformation Copilot expedites the development, deployment, and monitoring of enterprise-grade data pipelines native to the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, ensuring the delivery of clean, trusted, and timely data for analytics.

To learn more, read the blog here or visit the company at the Databricks Data+AI Summit on June 10-13th in San Francisco at booth #117.

"Generative AI is set to fundamentally change how we work with data, as technologies that leverage intelligence about data and language models provide novel approaches to transform, organize and get insights from data," said Stewart Bond, Vice President of IDC's Data Intelligence and Integration Software Service. "Copilots improve the accessibility and availability of data for technical and non-technical users throughout the enterprise, democratizing data and analytics."

Cloud data platforms have become increasingly powerful to support a wide array of use cases, including streaming data pipelines, batch pipelines, and ad hoc SQL analyses. These platforms effectively handle diverse data types, from database tables to APIs to documents, and apply transformations such as cleaning, combining, aggregating, and structuring to prepare the data for utilization in AI and business intelligence.

Enabling a large number of data users to be productive has proven challenging for organizations, because traditional visual ETL products fail to seamlessly integrate with code-based cloud data platforms. Consequently, many enterprises resort to developing code directly for these cloud data platforms which, while powerful, remains inaccessible to most data users. Copilots address this issue by democratizing access to cloud data platforms, thereby increasing productivity across the board.

"The industry's current approach to data transformation is broken. Simplistic tools cater to many users, but lack power. Cloud data platforms are powerful, but remain accessible only to expert data engineers. Both of these approaches fail to adequately address the problem," said Raj Bains, CEO, and Founder of Prophecy. "It's a false dichotomy, as copilots make the full capabilities of cloud data platforms accessible to all users; however, to truly evolve, they must move beyond conversational-only interfaces."

Prophecy Data Transformation Copilot uniquely integrates visual interface, generative AI, and compiler technology to provide the most efficient approach to data transformation. Prophecy enables organizations to accelerate every stage of the data pipeline lifecycle in the following ways:

Develop: By suggesting next transforms, completing expressions, and generating equivalent data pipelines based on user input.

By suggesting next transforms, completing expressions, and generating equivalent data pipelines based on user input. Test & Deploy: By automating tasks, from suggesting tests to reduce errors, to generating documentation and commit messages to streamline deployment.

By automating tasks, from suggesting tests to reduce errors, to generating documentation and commit messages to streamline deployment. Observe: By monitoring deployed pipelines, and suggesting fixes for errors, the platform enables any data user to fix and redeploy pipelines for improved uptime.

"As a growing Databricks partner, Prophecy continues to help our largest enterprise customers accelerate productivity and generate substantial value from their data transformation efforts," said Adam Conway, SVP Products, Databricks. "We are excited for the Data Transformation Copilot for Databricks and look forward to continuing to enable data engineers and business professionals to become more productive with data."

Prophecy integrates deeply with Databricks, supporting the full lifecycle of Apache Spark- or SQL-based data pipelines. Pipelines developed with Prophecy's AI-powered visual interface turn into Spark code, or into SQL code with dbt core, making the full power of code available to all data users. Integrations with Databricks Unity Catalog and Delta Lake ensure a unified and well governed experience. Additionally, Databricks workflows can be developed visually to orchestrate and schedule multiple pipelines. Finally, Prophecy supports preparing unstructured data for AI, integrating seamlessly with features and models developed in Databricks.

To learn more about Prophecy Data Transformation Copilot for Databricks visit us at the Databricks Data+AI Summit on June 10-13 in San Francisco or read the blog to learn how copilots will redefine data transformation here.

About Prophecy

Prophecy is the data copilot company. Fortune 500 enterprises - including the largest institutions in banking, insurance, healthcare & life sciences, and technology - rely on Prophecy Data Transformation Copilot to accelerate AI and analytics by delivering data that is clean, trusted, and timely. Prophecy enables all data users and makes them productive by helping develop, deploy, and observe data pipelines on cloud data platforms. Organizations trust Prophecy for the most demanding workloads, including tens of thousands of data pipelines that deliver massive volumes of data for AI and analytics.

Media Contacts

Chris McCoin or Richard Smith

McCoin & Smith Communications Inc.

508-429-5988 (Chris) or 978-618-4492 (Rick)

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Prophecy
PT Mowilex expands beyond its high-viscosity paints to high-quality ready-to-use paints, sustaining its credibility with applicators and homeowners and remaining competitive in the market.

SAN ANTONIO, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently assessed the paints and coatings industry and, based on its findings, recognizes PT Mowilex with the 2024 Indonesian Company of the Year Award. The company is an industry-leading premium paints and coatings producer that is revolutionizing industry practices and standards with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. PT Mowilex is the first carbon-neutral paints and coatings company and a pioneer in eco-friendly products, introducing the first water-based paints to the market. The company sets consistent precedents for sustainable practices within the industry, notably producing paints free from toxic substances or any other harmful materials, such a mercury, and using organic dyes as a safer alternative for lead. PT Mowilex is the first company to establish voluntary volatile organic compound (VOC) labeling standards based on the South Coast Air Quality Management District guidelines, which are the most stringent air quality regulations in the United States.

PT Mowilex explores new technologies to elevate the industrys product offerings, creating a tangible impact and delivering substantial customer benefits, from better indoor air quality to outstanding coating performance.

PT Mowilex maintains an ultra-low VOC or zero VOC standard across all its products, minimizing harmful emissions and ensuring healthy indoor air quality. The company diligently measures the VOC content of its products, employing several approaches, including independent lab tests. Furthermore, PT Mowilex prioritizes quality and environmental responsibility in its products. The company offers high-grade exterior acrylic paint with an unprecedented 18-year warranty in the Indonesian market, promoting prolonged building protection and minimizing homeowners' and developers' carbon footprint. In 2023, PT Mowilex introduced an innovative bio-based paint, NaturalleTM, which replaces petroleum-based resin with agricultural oils, eliminating formaldehyde emissions from building coatings and reducing indoor air toxicity. Additionally, the company launched Recycled Paint, developed by repurposing materials from returned paint such as titanium dioxide, which are typically energy-intensive to manufacture. Formulated with 40% premium recycled paint, the new product facilitates a 60% reduction in carbon footprint compared to similar quality paint products.

PT Mowilex maintains an ultra-low VOC or zero VOC standard across all its products, minimizing harmful emissions and ensuring healthy indoor air quality. The company diligently measures the VOC content of its products, employing several approaches including tests by independent labs. Furthermore, PT Mowilex develops products guided by quality and environmental responsibility. By extending the lifespan of its paints, the company promotes prolonged building protection, thereby reducing the environmental impact and helping developers and homeowners minimize their carbon footprint. As a result, the company offers high-grade exterior acrylic paint with the longest warranty in the Indonesian market, extending up to 18 years.

Mahendra Chahar, Principal Consultant at Frost & Sullivan, observed, "PT Mowilex's unwavering dedication spearheads advancements in eco-friendly products and resource-efficient operations. By emphasizing innovation and ethical best practices and demonstrating its long-term economic benefits, it is paving the way for other stakeholders in the sector to embrace sustainability."

Niko Safavi, CEO PT Mowilex said, "We have a straightforward vision at Mowilex: to become the most trusted paint brand in our market. Trust is a pivotal element that influences every aspect of our operations and planning, encompassing product safety, environmental responsibility, quality, employee engagement, financial integrity, and compliance. We are incredibly proud that Frost & Sullivan has recognized our efforts, affirming the trust our shareholders and customers place in us, even in a competitive field filled with very strong domestic and multinational players."

PT Mowilex explores new technologies to elevate the industry's product offerings, creating a tangible impact and delivering substantial customer benefits, from better indoor air quality to outstanding coating performance. The company continually enhances its operations and maximizes resources to minimize its environmental footprint. Moreover, the company enhances the customer experience, fostering enduring relationships with its loyal customer base, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring faster product delivery, consistent product availability, and competitive pricing. With the growing demand for mid-tier paints over premium paints in Indonesia, the company demonstrates agility to adapt and capture market share based on the increase in overall paint quality.

"As a pioneer in eco-friendly paints and coatings, and as a certified carbon neutral company, PT Mowilex leads the industry's transition to environmentally centered and socially responsible practices. Its employee focus, sound financial strategies, and marketplace expansion have significantly contributed to the company's growth and healthy profit margin," added Rubini Kamal, Best Practices Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year Award to the organization that demonstrates excellence, in terms of growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies and the resulting leadership, in terms of customer value and market penetration.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Tarini Singh

P: +91-9953764546

E:[email protected]

About PT Mowilex

PT Mowilex Indonesia (Mowilex), a subsidiary of Asia Coatings Enterprises, Pte. Ltd., is a leading producer of premium paints and coatings. Since launching the first Indonesian-made, water-based paints in 1970, the company has expanded its commitment to environmental ethics, equality, community and innovation. PT Mowilex is Indonesia's only certified carbon neutral manufacturer, producing zero and low VOC paints in modern colours, and the company regularly wins awards for its corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts.

[email protected]

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
SAN FRANCISCO , June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantiphi , an AI-first digital engineering company was named Snowflake Data Cloud Services APJ Growth Partner of the Year today during Snowflake's Data Cloud Summit in San Francisco, for its capabilities and contributions within the Snowflake partner ecosystem.

Quantiphi Executive Sponsor, Snowflake Alliance Bhaskar Kalita said the recognition is a testament to Quantiphi's trailblazing culture and spirit.

"We are incredibly honored to be recognized for our capabilities and our commitment to deliver exceptional AI and data-driven solutions for our clients," Kalita said. "The Snowflake APJ SI Growth Partner of the Year recognition marks another milestone in Quantiphi and Snowflakes' journey as we help our customers grow and scale by unlocking the true potential of their data."

This recognition, which Quantiphi has received for two consecutive years, highlights Quantiphi's capabilities and contributions within the Snowflake partner ecosystem, its commitment to deliver advanced solutions and its drive to empower customers to fuel transformative growth through data. The recognition also demonstrates Quantiphi's commitment to quality, investment and customer success with Snowflake.

Snowflake Senior Vice President of Worldwide Alliances & Channels, Tyler Prince said he's happy to congratulate Quantiphi for being named Snowflake's Data Cloud Services APJ Growth Partner of the Year.

"A strong partner ecosystem is foundational to Snowflake's mission of enabling every organization to be data-driven," Prince said. "Quantiphi is helping us realize that mission, and together we're helping more organizations, across industries, better activate and unlock their data for business value."

Learn more about Quantiphi and Snowflake here and check out the Snowflake Data Cloud Summit 2024 keynotes live or on-demand here to stay on top of the latest announcements.

About Quantiphi:

Quantiphi is an award-winning AI-first digital engineering company driven by the desire to reimagine and realize transformational opportunities at the heart of business. Since its inception in 2013, Quantiphi has solved the toughest and most complex business problems by combining deep industry experience, disciplined cloud and data engineering practices, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence research to achieve accelerated and quantifiable business results. Learn more at https://quantiphi.com/ and follow us on Linkedin , X, formerly Twitter and Instagram .

Media Contact:

H. Mayes

Quantiphi

[email protected]

Quantiphi Newsroom

SOURCE Quantiphi
NEW YORK, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global railway management system market size is estimated to grow by USD 27.9 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 10% 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 railway management system market 2024-2028

Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Deployment (On-premises and Cloud-based), Product (Control system and Information system), and Geography (APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America) Region Covered APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America Key companies profiled ABB Ltd., ALSTOM SA, Cisco Systems Inc., DXC Technology Co., EKE Group, EUROTECH Spa, Frequentis AG, GAO Group Inc., General Electric Co., Hitachi Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Indra Sistemas SA, International Business Machines Corp., Nokia Corp., Railway Technology, Siemens AG, Thales Group, Toshiba Corp., Trimble Inc., and WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The railway industry is embracing automation and IoT for smarter transportation systems. Traditional infrastructure integrates geospatial mapping, smart vision, and network-centric reporting. Smart trains utilize weatherproof sensors, passenger info systems (PIS), and train following for real-time data access. Digitalization of signaling, asset management, and traffic control enhance services, reduce costs, and improve operations. Norwegian government's 4,200 km rail network adopts ERTMS, IT systems, and AI technology for cloud-based solutions, rail freight, harbors, and rail operations, minimizing downtime.

Market Challenges

The railway management system market encompasses IT systems, rail freight companies, harbors, asset management, automation and traffic control technologies, transportation infrastructure, AI technology, and cloud-based services. Deploying advanced management systems involves substantial costs, including downtime for trials and upgrades.

Government-owned enterprises, often operating on losses, face financial burdens and entry barriers to digitalization through IoT, AI, and cloud technologies. Safety, efficiency, and passenger experiences are key priorities, requiring real-time data access, predictive maintenance solutions, and operational efficiency.

Research report provides comprehensive data on impact of trend, driver and challenges - Download a Sample Report

Segment Overview

Deployment

1.1 On-premises

1.2 Cloud-based

Product

2.1 Control system

2.2 Information system

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 Europe

3.3 North America

3.4 Middle East and Africa

and 3.5 South America

1.1 On-premises- In the railway management system market, digitalization and IoT sensors play a pivotal role in enhancing performance and addressing maintenance needs. On-premises segments of this market offer significant advantages, including data security and control. Urban connectivity and smart systems are revolutionizing passenger behavior and scheduling, with IoT-based solutions providing real-time data on passenger mobility, freight activity, and emissions.

On-premises deployment models offer dedicated servers for data storage, ensuring data security and reducing latency. Traditional railway infrastructure integrates software portfolios to minimize error rates and system complexity, while weatherproof sensors and passenger information systems cater to transportation administrators and travelers.

Digitalization of signaling, interlocking, and the Norwegian government's investment in a 4,200 km rail network highlight the industry's commitment to ERTMS and train following, course data, booking, travel planning, and online connectivity solutions.

For more information on market segmentation with geographical analysis including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) - Download a Sample Report

Research Analysis

In the Railways Management System Market, IT systems play a pivotal role for rail freight companies in optimizing their operations. Harbors and railways form the backbone of transportation infrastructure, and asset management is crucial for their efficient functioning. Automation technologies and traffic control technologies are essential for minimizing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.

AI technology and cloud-based services enable real-time data access for effective decision-making in the railway network. Safety is paramount, and advanced management systems, signaling systems, IoT connectivity, and predictive maintenance solutions contribute significantly to enhancing safety and passenger experiences. Government funding, financial burden, and entry barriers are key factors influencing the adoption of these technologies in both public and private sectors. AI & cloud technologies are transforming rail operations, making them more efficient and cost-effective.

Market Research Overview

The Railway Management System market is a critical sector that employs advanced technologies to manage and optimize railway operations. This system includes various components such as passenger reservation, ticket booking, train scheduling, route planning, and maintenance management. The use of cloud-based technologies and real-time analytics enables railways to offer seamless services, improve efficiency, and enhance passenger experience.

Railways also leverage predictive analytics to anticipate maintenance needs and prevent potential disruptions. The Asian market, particularly India and China, is expected to dominate the Railway Management System market due to the large railway networks and increasing demand for modernization. The market is also witnessing significant growth in regions like Europe and North America, driven by the need for automation and digitization in railway operations.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Deployment

On-premises



Cloud-based

Product

Control System



Information System

Geography

APAC



Europe



North America



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
NEW YORK, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global remote patient monitoring market size is estimated to grow by USD 3.31 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 30.11% 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 remote patient monitoring market 2024-2028

Report Attribute Details Base Year 2023 Forecast period 2024-2028 Historic Data for 2018 - 2022 Segments Covered Product (Vital signs and Implantable), End-user (Hospitals, ASCs, and Home care), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)) Key Companies Covered Abbott Laboratories, Advantech Co. Ltd., Babyscripts, Biofourmis Inc., Boston Scientific Corp., Caretaker Medical NA, Dragerwerk AG and Co. KGaA, GE Healthcare Technologies Inc., Honeywell International Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Masimo Corp., Medtronic Plc, MphRx Inc., Napier Healthcare Solutions Pte Ltd., Nihon Kohden Corp., OMRON Corp., OSI Systems Inc., OSP, Shenzhen Mindray BioMedical Electronics Co. Ltd, Siemens AG, Smiths Group Plc, and VitalConnect Inc. Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)

Region Outlook

North America Europe Asia Rest of World

1. North America - North America is estimated to contribute 44%. to the growth of the global market. The Remote Patient Monitoring Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. The geographic landscape of the Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) market is significantly influenced by the adoption of telemedicine in managing various health conditions.

Telemedicine enables the monitoring and consultation of patients with infectious diseases, epidemics, healthcare-associated infections, and chronic conditions such as oncology, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, sleep disorders, and weight management. IoT medical devices, including vital sign monitors and special monitors, play a crucial role in this process. Reimbursement policies and global disease burden are key factors driving the market growth.

Medical practitioners and hospitals employ RPM technologies, digital platforms, and software solutions for consultation tools in home-based care settings and medical care facilities. Medical researchers and healthcare organizations leverage cloud servers and health data for disease control and prevention.

Health insurance portability, accountability, and quality of care are essential aspects of RPM. Firms specializing in telemedicine apps, such as EPIC Health, offer remote access to medical care facilities for chronic disease management. Neurological disorders, cancer cases, hypertension, and neurological disorders are also managed through RPM. The CDC emphasizes the importance of RPM in preventing and controlling various health conditions.

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

Product

1.1 Vital signs

1.2 Implantable

End-user

2.1 Hospitals

2.2 ASCs

2.3 Home care

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 Asia

3.4 Rest of World (ROW)

1.1 Fastest growing segment:

The remote patient monitoring (RPM) market is segmented by product into vital sign monitors, special monitors, and digital platforms. Medical practitioners and hospitals utilize hospital-based patient monitoring systems for real-time health data acquisition. In contrast, home-based care settings and telemedicine start-ups prioritize wearable sensors and home monitoring kits for chronic disease management. RPM technologies facilitate remote access to medical care, enabling healthcare consumers to track their health data in real-time and consult with medical professionals via telemedicine apps.

Digital platforms, including software solutions and consultation tools, enable healthcare organizations to store, analyze, and transmit health data securely using cloud servers. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance ensures the quality of care and data security. RPM technologies cater to various medical conditions, such as hypertension, neurological disorders, and cancer cases, by providing real-time monitoring and intervention. Firms like EPIC Health and Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employ these RPM technologies for disease prevention and chronic disease management.

Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Research Analysis

The Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing emphasis on patient-centered care and personalized medicine. RPM technologies enable real-time health data collection from patients with chronic ailments, including hypertension and neurological disorders, in a home-based care setting. These data are transmitted to medical practitioners via digital platforms, facilitating timely interventions and improving chronic disease management. Regulatory variations across regions and social media practices influence the market dynamics.

Geriatric demographics and mobility constraints are key drivers, as aging in place becomes a priority for healthcare expenditures. Telemedicine apps and EPIC Health records are essential tools for RPM, while cloud servers ensure data security and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) compliance. Medical researchers continue to explore the potential of RPM in managing global disease burden. Firms invest in RPM technologies to cater to the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

Market Overview

The Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) market refers to the use of digital technologies to monitor and manage patients' health conditions from a distance. This market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the need for cost-effective healthcare solutions, and advancements in technology. RPM solutions enable real-time data collection, analysis, and transmission between healthcare providers and patients, facilitating timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.

These systems can monitor various health parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and glucose levels. Additionally, they can provide medication reminders, teleconsultations, and remote therapy sessions. The market for RPM is expected to continue expanding as the global population ages and the demand for convenient, accessible healthcare services increases.

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
LOS ANGELES, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Resecurity, Inc. (USA), a global cybersecurity company renowned for its cutting-edge solutions, has forged a strategic partnership with National Security Services Group (NSSG), Oman's premier cybersecurity firm, to deliver unparalleled protection against cyber threats. The collaboration, announced at the Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference (GISEC) 2024, marks a significant milestone in bolstering cybersecurity defenses for enterprises and government entities across the Middle East and beyond.

NSSG, recognized for its internationally acclaimed cybersecurity services, brings extensive expertise in the Omani market and an in-depth understanding of the local threat landscape. This partnership will leverage Resecurity's innovative threat intelligence and advanced cybersecurity solutions alongside NSSG's market knowledge to provide comprehensive protection to organizations of all sizes and consumers.

Regarding the partnership, Warith Al Maawali, Acting CEO of NSSG, stated, "We are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership with Resecurity. Our collaboration represents a fusion of expertise and resources aimed at fortifying cybersecurity defenses for organizations in Oman and beyond. By combining Resecurity's advanced solutions with NSSG's local insights, we are confident in our ability to deliver unmatched cybersecurity services to our clients."

Resecurity Managing Director (MENA), Ahmad Halabi, echoed Al Maawali's sentiments, expressing enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts ahead. "At Resecurity, we are committed to empowering organizations with the tools and intelligence to combat evolving cyber threats. Our partnership with NSSG signifies our shared dedication to providing top-notch cybersecurity solutions tailored to the needs of the Middle Eastern market. Together, we are poised to raise the bar for cybersecurity excellence and safeguard organizations against the most sophisticated threats."

The strategic partnership between Resecurity and NSSG underscores a shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer-centricity. By leveraging each other's strengths, the two companies are poised to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that address the dynamic threat landscape facing organizations today.

About National Security Services Group (NSSG):

National Security Services Group (NSSG) is Oman's leading cybersecurity company, offering internationally recognized cybersecurity services and products as well as emerging technologies tailored to the needs of organizations across various sectors. NSSG's comprehensive solutions and deep understanding of the local threat landscape enable organizations to mitigate cyber risks and protect their critical assets. Accredited by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) to provide cybersecurity services, NSSG ensures the highest standards in cybersecurity services Furthermore, NSSG is known as the first CREST accredited organization in MENA region for penetration testing, and holds ISO 27001 certification which covers their internal network, data center, employees, physical security and penetration testing operations. For more information, visit www.nssg.com.

About Resecurity

Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence platform. 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 one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California, by Inc. Magazine. An Official Partner of the Cybercrime Atlas by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Member 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.
NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science research faculty have been named among "Illinois Researchers to Know" by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition. The annual list recognizes the groundbreaking work of scientists and ten institutions driving innovation in the state.

The three Rosalind Franklin researchers are:

Brian Feinstein , PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychology and director of the Sexuality, Health and Gender Lab at RFU. Dr. Feinstein's research areas include sexual and gender minority (SGM) health, stigma-related stress and coping, bisexuality and pansexuality and mental health, substance use, sexual health, and relationship functioning in SGM populations, and developing and testing interventions to improve SGM health.

, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychology and director of the Sexuality, Health and Gender Lab at RFU. Dr. Feinstein's research areas include sexual and gender minority (SGM) health, stigma-related stress and coping, bisexuality and pansexuality and mental health, substance use, sexual health, and relationship functioning in SGM populations, and developing and testing interventions to improve SGM health. Robert Marr , PhD, associate professor, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Therapeutics, and Chicago Medical School assistant dean for research. Dr. Marr studies neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD), including the use of gene transfer vectors as a tool to investigate specific gene function(s) in the brain as it relates to AD, the derivation of potentially new therapeutic approaches to AD, and the role of Alzheimer's related genes in the process of traumatic brain injury.

, PhD, associate professor, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Therapeutics, and Chicago Medical School assistant dean for research. Dr. Marr studies neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD), including the use of gene transfer vectors as a tool to investigate specific gene function(s) in the brain as it relates to AD, the derivation of potentially new therapeutic approaches to AD, and the role of Alzheimer's related genes in the process of traumatic brain injury. Neelam Sharma-Walia , PhD, associate professor, Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection. Dr. Sharma-Walia's research has principally focused on oncolytic viruses and cancer. Her lab also works to understand the role of arachidonic acid metabolism and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment in the biology of inflammatory breast cancer, the most aggressive, highly metastatic form of breast cancer.

RFU Executive Vice President for Research Dr. Ronald Kaplan thanked the ISTC for spotlighting how investments in academic research and scientific discovery are driving innovation and improving human health.

"We are pleased by the inclusion of RFU scientists in this prestigious list," Dr. Kaplan said. "Dr. Feinstein, Dr. Marr and Dr. Sharma-Walia have made significant contributions, particularly in the last 12 months, in key diseases or health conditions that impact both U.S. and international populations.

About Rosalind Franklin University

Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, and School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu .

Contact: Office of Marketing and Communications, [email protected]

SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
OTTAWA, ON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Twenty-five years after the founding of Nunavut, the Royal Canadian Mint is issuing a 99.99% pure silver collector coin honouring Canada's newest and largest territory. After the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act of 1993 opened the door to formally recognizing Inuit land ownership and the right to self-governance, the vast new Inuit territory of Nunavut came into being on April 1, 1999. Spanning east of the Northwest Territories and north of Manitoba, with arctic islands north of Hudson Bay and Quebec, bordering as far as the northwestern tip of Greenland, Nunavut means "our land" in Inuktitut.

Inuk artist Aija Komangapik, born and raised in Nunavut's capital city of Iqaluit, designed the reverse of the 2024 $20 Fine Silver Coin  Nunavut. It features her representation of Nunavut as an Inuit mother figure surrounded by a ring of markings inspired by kakiniit, traditional Inuit tattoos. Inside this ring representing the midnight sun, Nunavut cradles Nunavummiut (her people) inside the hood of a traditional amauti (parka), as they dance to the heartbeat of their mother.

The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati. This inspiring collectible is available as of today.

Other newly launched collector coins include:

The2024 Classic Uncirculated Coin Set;

The 2024 $20 Fine Silver Coin - Colourful birds-American Goldfinch featuring the art of Tony Bianco ;

Fine Silver Coin - Colourful birds-American Goldfinch featuring the art of ; The 2024 $30 Fine Silver Coin  The Hunter, designed by Jason Henry Hunt ;

Fine Silver Coin  The Hunter, designed by ; The 2024 $50 Fine Silver Coin  Allegory of Freedom, featuring the artwork of Rebecca

Fine Silver Coin  Allegory of Freedom, featuring the artwork of Rebecca Yanovskaya; and

The 2024 $200 Pure Gold Coin - The Crowns.

Mintages, pricing and full background information on each product can be found on the "Shop" tab of www.mint.ca. Images of the coins are available here.

These products can be ordered as of today by directly contacting the Royal Canadian Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or at www.mint.ca. They are also available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, at participating Canada Post outlets, and through the Mint's global network of dealers and distributors.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada's prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations.

For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)
TORONTO, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Russel Metals Inc. (TSX: RUS) announces that it has received a no-action letter from the Canadian Competition Bureau regarding our previously announced transaction with Samuel, Son & Co., Limited ("Samuel"), whereby we agreed to acquire seven service center locations from Samuel. Therefore, subject to completion of customary closing conditions, we expect to close the full transaction in the third quarter of 2024.

John Reid, President and CEO of Russel Metals commented, "We are pleased to have obtained regulatory clearance, as we think the acquisition will be favourable for our customers, suppliers, employees and the communities in which we operate. We are now working on the next stage of the transaction, as we plan for closing and look forward to welcoming the Samuel employees into the Russel family."

About Russel Metals Inc.

Russel Metals is one of the largest metals distribution companies in North America with a growing focus on value-added processing. It carries on business in three segments: metals service centers, energy field stores and steel distributors. Its network of metals service centers carries an extensive line of metal products in a wide range of sizes, shapes and specifications, including carbon hot rolled and cold finished steel, pipe and tubular products, stainless steel, aluminum and other non-ferrous specialty metals. Its energy field stores carry a specialized product line focused on the needs of energy industry customers. Its steel distributors operations act as master distributors selling steel in large volumes to other steel service centers and large equipment manufacturers mainly on an "as is" basis.

If you would like to unsubscribe from receiving Press Releases, you may do so by emailing [email protected]; or by calling our Investor Relations Line: 905-816-5178.

Website: www.russelmetals.com

SOURCE Russel Metals Inc.
The collaboration will help establish South Australia as a global leader in AI and biotechnology.

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryght, a leading enterprise generative AI (GenAI) technology company improving clinical research, today announced a new strategic partnership with the University of Adelaide in Adelaide, South Australia. The University of Adelaide is one of the top 100 universities in the world and ranks in the top 1% in 11 research fields.

As an Adelaide native now rooted in Silicon Valley, I'm excited to bring Ryght's AI technology back to my home country. Post this Ryght and The University of Adelaide in Australia Announce a Joint Partnership for AI Innovation.

This collaboration will provide the University of Adelaide with the Ryght AI platform to enable and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) use cases across grant and industry-funded local, state, and federal government initiatives - all from an Adelaide hub.

The partnership will help establish South Australia as a leader in the Australian AI and biotech industries. It will foster collaborative research, development, and commercialization initiatives between the two parties, while providing Ryght with highly qualified AI research experts who are uniquely embedded in the clinical and biomedicine fields to give it an advantage in the competitive global need for AI talent.

The University of Adelaide is a leader in health and life sciences, contributing significantly to Adelaide BioMed City, the largest health and medical research precinct in the southern hemisphere. Adelaide BioMed City's extensive health datasets will be instrumental in harmonizing Ryght's software platform with these data assets, thereby enhancing the platform's capabilities and South Australia's effectiveness in the health and life sciences sectors.

The partnership with Ryght will provide a locally managed, sovereign, secure, and industry-tuned AI software platform to accelerate groundbreaking AI, research, and innovation. The University of Adelaide's Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) is at the forefront of AI research, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in technology and innovation.

California-based Simon Arkell, Co-founder and CEO of Ryght and two-time Australian Olympian, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, "As an Adelaide native now rooted in Silicon Valley, I am incredibly excited to bring Ryght's cutting-edge AI technology back to my home country. My co-founder and I both proudly attended the University of Adelaide, and this collaboration with the University not only represents a significant milestone for us and for Ryght, but also has the potential to elevate South Australia as a global leader in AI, research and biotechnology. By combining our technological expertise with the University's world-class research, we aim to create a robust AI ecosystem that will drive innovation and address critical public health challenges."

"At the University of Adelaide, we are committed to advancing world-class research that addresses many of the challenges faced by society," said Professor Mark Hutchinson BSc, PhD, Interim Director of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS).

"Our new partnership with Ryght and their cutting-edge AI technology is a testament to this commitment. By working together, we can leverage our collective expertise to develop innovative, responsible and tested solutions for better public health and other critical issues and bring Australia's AI capabilities up to world-class standards where they belong."

"We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings and look forward to the significant real-world impact it will have on our communities and beyond."

Through this partnership, Ryght and the University of Adelaide will engage in a variety of collaborative activities. These include accelerating research projects, developing new AI models, applications, and workflows, and deploying solutions nationwide at scale in a fully secure environment to solve some of the country's biggest challenges.

To learn more about Ryght's generative AI solutions or discuss collaboration opportunities, please email [email protected] .

About Ryght:

Ryght is a privately held healthcare technology company with the next generation of safe and secure generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) solutions for the clinical trials industry. Ryght's customized solutions streamline clinical research and accelerate workflows for trial sites, sponsors, CRO's, and life science professionals. The Ryght platform optimizes multiple large language models (LLMs) and vector databases to ingest real-time data streams and make actionable knowledge directly available to biopharma discovery, clinical, and commercial teams within the compliance and data security standards required by the industry. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.ryght.ai. To discuss custom development and collaboration, please email [email protected].

Media contact:

Emma Cushman

Marketing Manager

[email protected]

About the University of Adelaide:

The University of Adelaide unites and serves those striving to change the worldand themselvesfor the better. It's a place where history is made. Established in 1874, we're home to over 29,000 students and 3,000 staff, all striving to create progress. For our community. For all. This is a university of outstanding qualityranked as a top 100 global universityin the heart of the city of Adelaide. We were our country's first university to welcome female students. The first to teach science and business. Our alumni have won Nobel Prizes, led the nation, and walked in space.

Media contact:

Johnny von Einem

Media Coordinator

[email protected]

SOURCE Ryght
SAP Business AI Innovations and Collaborations with Partners including Google Cloud, Meta, Microsoft, Mistral AI and NVIDIA Ignite Ingenuity

ORLANDO, Fla., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At its annual SAP Sapphire conference, SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) unveiled generative AI innovations and partnerships that showcase how the company is taking business to the next level in the era of AI. By infusing Business AI across an enterprise cloud portfolio that powers the world's most mission-critical processes and partnering with companies pushing the edge of what's possible with AI, SAP is igniting a new wave of insight and ingenuity in global business.

"The Business AI innovations we're announcing at SAP Sapphire in 2024 will redefine the way businesses run," says Christian Klein, CEO and member of the Executive Board of SAP SE. "Today's AI announcements and partnerships build on our commitment to deliver revolutionary technology that drives real-world results, helping customers unleash the agility and ingenuity they need to succeed in today's fast-moving business landscape."

AI That Means Business

As SAP embeds Business AI across its enterprise solutions, it puts rich insights at users' fingertips, empowering them to deliver better outcomes and elevate the creative problem-solving humans do best. Examples include AI-generated reports in SAP SuccessFactors solutions that give people managers responsibly sourced insights for compensation-related discussions as well as forecasting capabilities in SAP Sales Cloud solutions that predict combinations of salespeople and products most likely to drive sales. Meanwhile, the SAP Business Technology Platform is adding large language models from Amazon Web Services, Meta and Mistral AI to its generative AI hub. This capability in the SAP AI Core infrastructure makes it easier to build generative AI use cases for SAP applications.

SAP's generative AI copilot Joule, which quickly sorts and contextualizes data from multiple systems to advance automation and improve decision-making, is expanding throughout the company's solution portfolio. Joule launched in SAP SuccessFactors solutions last fall and is now embedded into SAP S/4HANA Cloud solutions and others including SAP Build and SAP Integration Suite. Further expansion by year-end will include SAP Ariba and SAP Analytics Cloud solutions. At Sapphire, SAP also announced plans to further broaden Joule's scope by integrating it with Microsoft Copilot to surface even richer insights. This deep, bi-directional integration gives users a unified experience built right into the flow of work, enabling seamless access to information from interactions with business applications in SAP and Microsoft 365.

Reflecting Business AI's increasing importance, SAP is redoubling its commitment to the principles of relevant, reliable, and responsible AI it pioneered. At Sapphire, SAP is adopting the 10 guiding principles of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which aim to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used in ways that respect human rights, promote fairness and contribute to sustainable development.

Partnerships That Scale Innovation

SAP is partnering with best-in-class technology leaders to push the limits of what generative AI can do at an enterprise level. In addition to our expanded collaborations with AWS and Microsoft, partnerships with Google Cloud, Meta, Mistral AI and NVIDIA ensure SAP can harness the power of AI-ready technology to innovate at speed and deliver richer real-world results.

Google Cloud

SAP and Google Cloud are expanding their partnership, using Business AI to help enterprises better predict and mitigate supply-chain risks to minimize disruptions and maintain optimal inventory levels. The companies will integrate Joule and the SAP Integrated Business Planning for Supply Chain solution with Google Cloud's Gemini models AI assistant and Google Cloud Cortex Framework's data foundation.

Meta

SAP will leverage Meta Llama 3 to generate scripts that render highly customized analytics applications in SAP Analytics Cloud. Meta's next-generation AI model excels at language nuances and contextual understanding, making it an ideal candidate for translating enterprise business requirements into tangible outcomes.

Mistral AI

SAP will also add new large language models from Mistral AI, a global company headquartered in Paris specializing in generative AI, to the generative AI hub capability in SAP AI Core.

NVIDIA

SAP and NVIDIA Corporation advance a cross-product partnership* to embed cutting-edge technologies into enterprise-ready business applications:

As SAP trains Joule to serve as an AI assistant for the RISE with SAP solution implementations, NVIDIA's state-of-the-art AI models sift through SAP consulting assets to provide relevant and precise answers to implementation-related questions;

As SAP embeds Joule in the ABAP Cloud model to generate ABAP code for SAP developers, NVIDIA's accelerated infrastructure will run, scale, and manage SAP's generative AI model for ABAP code generation;

As SAP infuses generative AI into the SAP Intelligent Product Recommendation solution, NVIDIA Omniverse Cloud APIs enable the simulation of complex manufacturing products and configurations as industrial digital twins.

Cloud Technology That Drives Agility and Sustainability

Business success in the era of AI means being in the cloud. SAP is making the move easier than ever with initiatives that help customers find partners with the expertise needed for complex SAP S/4HANA Cloud transformations. Further cloud innovations at SAP Sapphire include features that help the world's organizations measure, manage and execute their sustainability strategies. SAP Sustainability Control Tower and SAP Sustainability Footprint Management solutions now track carbon footprints at scale and help businesses meet regulatory standards.

*Link to NVIDIA blog will go live by 10 am ET/ 4 pm CEST on June 4.

Learn more in the SAP Sapphire 2024 News Guide.

Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP at @SAPNews.

About SAP

As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP (NYSE: SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best by uniting business-critical operations spanning finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, and customer experience. For more information, visit www.sap.com.

This document contains forward-looking statements, which are predictions, projections, or other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to materially differ. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties may be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the risk factors section of SAP's 2023 Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 2024 SAP SE. All rights reserved.

SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices.

For customers interested in learning more about SAP products:

Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24

United States Only: 1 (800) 872-1SAP (1-800-872-1727)

Please consider our privacy policy. If you received this press release in your e-mail and you wish to unsubscribe to our mailing list please contact [email protected] and write Unsubscribe in the subject line.

SOURCE SAP SE
OREM, Utah, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SecurityMetrics is proud to announce that it has won the Market Leader for Ecommerce Security award from Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM), the industry's leading electronic information security magazine.

"Our Forensic Investigation and Penetration Testing teams worked tirelessly to create Shopping Cart Monitor to detect ecommerce skimming and help our customers comply with PCI DSS v4.0 requirements. We are ecstatic to have our innovation and effort recognized with this coveted cybersecurity award from Cyber Defense Magazine. We knew the competition would be tough and to be recognized by top judges who are leading infosec experts from around the globe is an honor," said Brad Caldwell, Chief Executive Officer at SecurityMetrics.

"SecurityMetrics embodies three major features we judges look for to become winners: understanding tomorrow's threats, today, providing a cost-effective solution, and innovating in unexpected ways that can help mitigate cyber risk and get one step ahead of the next breach," said Gary S. Miliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine.

See a complete list of winners here.

About SecurityMetrics' Ecommerce Security Tools

Traditional security tools and policies were not originally developed to identify web skimming (particularly ecommerce checkout skimming), especially in dynamic environments like online retail shopping carts. One of the biggest challenges with ecommerce skimming (also known as eskimming) is that it is undetectable by security tools such as antivirus, vulnerability scans, and file integrity monitoring (FIM). SecurityMetrics patented WIM technology helps detect these skimming attacks by running at the precise moment a customer inputs their credit card information and checks what scripts are present at that time.

Moreover, the latest PCI DSS version 4.0, specifically in requirement 11.6.1, mandates organizations to implement change detection procedures and technologies to alert personnel to unauthorized modifications to the HTTP headers and contents of the page(s) used to house the third-party payment service provider (TPSP) iframe.

Shopping Cart Monitor addresses the growing demand for ecommerce threat detection tools by offering a user-friendly solution for eskimming detection that meets PCI v.4.0 requirements for ecommerce security protection.

Specifically, Shopping Cart Monitor helps with the following PCI v4.0 requirements:

Inventory Javascript (PCI req. 6.4.3): Any javascript on the page is inventoried and documented in order to meet PCI requirement 6.4.3. Both static and dynamically generated javascripts are analyzed and inventoried.

Look for Modifications (PCI req. 11.6.1): Shopping Cart Monitor looks for payment page modifications, meeting PCI requirement 11.6.1 in having a change and tamper-detection mechanism in place.

Press Contact: Landry French-Folsom at 801-724-9600 or [email protected]

About SecurityMetrics

SecurityMetrics helps customers close data security and compliance gaps to avoid data breaches. They provide managed data security services and are certified to help customers achieve the highest data security and compliance standards.

As an Approved Scanning Vendor, Qualified Security Assessor, Certified Forensic Investigator, and Managed Security provider SecurityMetrics guides organizations through data security testing and compliance mandates (PCI, HIPAA, GDPR, HITRUST). With over 21 years of forensic investigations, penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and compliance audits, SecurityMetrics has tested over 1 million systems for vulnerabilities. The privately held company is headquartered in Orem, Utah where it maintains a Security Operations Center (SOC) and 24/7 multilingual technical support.

About CDM InfoSec Awards

This is Cyber Defense Magazine's twelfth year of honoring InfoSec innovators from around the Globe. Our submission requirements are for any startup, early stage, later stage, or public companies in the INFORMATION SECURITY (INFOSEC) space who believe they have a unique and compelling value proposition for their product or service. Learn more at www.cyberdefenseawards.com

About the Judging

The judges are CISSP, FMDHS, CEH, certified security professionals who voted based on their independent review of the company submitted materials on the website of each submission including but not limited to data sheets, white papers, product literature and other market variables. CDM has a flexible philosophy to find more innovative players with new and unique technologies, than the one with the most customers or money in the bank. CDM is always asking "What's Next?" so we are looking for best of breed, next generation InfoSec solutions.

About Cyber Defense Magazine

Cyber Defense Magazine is the premier source of cyber security news and information for InfoSec professions in business and government. We are managed and published by and for ethical, honest, passionate information security professionals. Our mission is to share cutting-edge knowledge, real-world stories and awards on the best ideas, products, and services in the information technology industry. We deliver electronic magazines every month online for free, and special editions exclusively for the RSA Conferences. CDM is a proud member of the Cyber Defense Media Group. Learn more about us at https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com and visit https://www.cyberdefensetv.com and https://www.cyberdefenseradio.com to see and hear some of the most informative interviews of many of these winning company executives. Join a webinar at https://www.cyberdefensewebinars.com and realize that infosec knowledge is power.

CDM Media Inquiries:

Contact: Irene Noser, Marketing Executive

Email: [email protected]

Toll Free (USA): 1-833-844-9468

International: 1-646-586-9545

Website: www.cyberdefensemagazine.com

SOURCE SecurityMetrics, Inc.
"Fighting food insecurity and hunger is a top priority for Smithfield." Post this

Launching in summer 2024, SUN Bucks, also known as Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (Summer EBT), will be administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Families will receive $120 per eligible child on a pre-loaded SUN Bucks card they can use to purchase groceries, such as fruit, vegetables and protein, at retail locations currently accepting EBT.

"Good nutrition is the foundation for good health. The SUN Bucks program gives more than a million school children in North Carolina access to the healthy food they need to thrive this summer," said North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. "NCDHHS is grateful to Smithfield Foods for their contributions to SUN Bucks and for supporting our mission to improve health and well-being for all North Carolinians."

The SUN Bucks program is anticipated to feed nearly one million school-aged children in North Carolina this summer and have an estimated economic impact of $120 million.

Learn more about North Carolina's SUN Bucks program details and eligibility here.

Smithfield's hunger relief program, Helping Hungry Homes, has provided hundreds of millions of servings of protein all 50 U.S. states, as well as in Poland, Romania and Mexico, since 2008. Smithfield donated nearly 28 million servings of protein to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs across the U.S. in 2023 and has pledged to donate 200 million servings of protein by 2025.

For more information about Smithfield's programs to support local communities, please visit smithfieldfoods.com/helping-communities.

About Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is a U.S. food company that employs more than 54,000 people in seven countries and partners with thousands of American farmers. As one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies, we are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly." to feed a growing world population. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including our industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in our U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30% across our entire U.S. value chain by 2030. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs in all 50 U.S. states. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield, Eckrich, Gwaltney and Nathan's Famous, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Threads.

SOURCE Smithfield Foods, Inc.
509 Iberville heads to online auction June 20-27 with starting bid of $500,000

NEW ORLEANS, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SVN Gilmore Auction/SVN Auction Services announces the online auction of 509 Iberville Street in the historic New Orleans French Quarter. The property is a three-story, 5295+/- square foot mixed-use building located one block off Canal Street and two blocks from Bourbon Street. The building includes 880 SF of commercial space on the ground floor, a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment, a studio apartment on the second floor, and a three-bedroom, two-bath apartment and loft on the third floor.

Participating in the auction is as easy as a few clicks. The bidding is scheduled to open on Thursday, June 20th, and close on Thursday, June 27th. It will take place online at www.SVNGilmoreAuction.com providing a convenient and accessible way to join the auction from anywhere in the world.

"This is one of the best opportunities I have seen recently to purchase French Quarter real estate at online auction," said David E. Gilmore, Managing Director of SVN Gilmore Auction.

Other properties up for auction in June include a commercial property at 3668 Clematis Street, New Orleans, a convenience store with an NNN lease at 2564 N. Sherwood Forest in Baton Rouge, and six residential properties in Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, Jefferson, Westwego, and Marrero.

For more information on these properties or to register to bid, visit www.SVNGilmoreAuction.com.

Contact: David E. Gilmore, CCIM, CAI, AARE, Managing Director, SVN Gilmore Auction/SVN Auction Services, LLC, 504-228-6606 / [email protected]

About SVN Gilmore Auction & Realty:

Based in Kenner, Louisiana, SVN Gilmore Auction & Realty Co./SVN Auction Services, LLC specializes in date-specific real estate auctions and special asset solutions. The company serves Federal, State, and Municipal government agencies, lenders, special servicers, bankruptcies, estates, and corporate clients nationwide, delivering exceptional performance and successful auction programs and contract deliverables. Supported by SVN International, one of the most reputable real estate advisory firms, SVN Gilmore Auction & Realty benefits from a network of 1600 advisors in 200 locations across more than 500 markets, providing valuable opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.

SOURCE SVN Gilmore Auction & Realty Co.
The Award-Winning, B Corp Certified Vodka Supports The LGBTQ+ Community by Donating $1 to PFLAG National for Every Bottle & Cocktail Sold This June and July

NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Community Spirit Vodka, part of global spirits innovator Casa Lumbre, is partnering with PFLAG Nationalthe largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love themfor Pride Month this June. In addition to an initial $10,000 donation, The Community Spirit Vodka will donate $1 to PFLAG National for every bottle and/or cocktail sold during the months of June and July 2024. The Community Spirit Vodka further deepens its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community by supporting its LGBTQ+ employees, their families and its customers through education with PFLAG National.

The Community Spirit Vodka Partners with PFLAG National.

"The Community Spirit Vodka is proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community, as a community near and dear to our hearts," shares Troy Gorczyca (he/him), Senior Vice President of Marketing for Casa Lumbre Spirits. "This partnership with PFLAG National gives consumers a chance to give back to a community who has given us so much, all while celebrating our loved ones over delicious cocktails this Pride Month. We are allies in supporting PFLAG now and always as part of our shared vision of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community."

Coming off The Community Spirit Vodka's one-year anniversary as a certified B Corporation (B Corp), the brand has donated 24% of its revenue in 2022 and increased donations by 42% in 2023. The Community Spirit Vodka will continue to champion individuals supporting their communities, in addition to organizations that prioritize the way we treat each other along with the Earth we share.

The Community Spirit Vodka believes in supporting the often unseen efforts of individuals and organizations who inspire our community spirit. In hundreds of communities across the U.S., more than 350 PFLAG chapters and over 325,000 PFLAG members and supporters are helping create an equitable and inclusive world where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved. That's why The Community Spirit Vodka is excited and proud to partner with PFLAG to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.

"PFLAG strives to uplift LGBTQ+ people by working with families and allies to make our communities safe and welcoming all year round, because across races, places and genders, we all want the freedom to be ourselves. That's why we are proud to partner with The Community Spirit Vodka, which dedicates its resources to uplifting communities, and commits to the spirit of inclusion inside and out," said Maggie Ardiente (she/her), Vice President of Development and Philanthropic Partnerships for PFLAG National.

In addition to the donation, The Community Spirit Vodka will also support PFLAG with sponsored events and various activations across the country this Summer. Be on the lookout, as The Community Spirit Vodka may be coming to a city near you!

For additional information on The Community Spirit Vodka and its commitment to serving the people, visit thecommunityspiritvodka.com and follow along @thecommunityspiritco . Purchase a bottle of The Community Spirit Vodka to support the LGBTQ+ community with PFLAG this June and July on ReserveBar , the brand's website , or in select retailers that can be found on the brand's locator page.

*The Community Spirit Vodka is supporting PFLAG National with a $10,000 donation in addition to $1 from every bottle and/or cocktail sold, up to $25,000 total. Valid 6/01/2024 - 7/31/2024 at participating accounts and retailers.

About The Community Spirit Vodka @thecommunityspiritco

The Community Spirit Vodka exists to bring people together, to celebrate what makes community special, and to support and showcase community leaders  from social changemakers to one's neighborhood bartender. Like the blank canvas featured front and center on the bottle, the Community Spirit Vodka serves as a platform to spark conversations, amplify community voices, and highlight important causes. The Community Spirit Vodka works to deliver on this goal in multiple ways  by partnering with organizations to provide bartenders, cocktails and thought-provoking activations for their fundraisers and other events, by leveraging marketing resources to promote individuals and organizations including via social media channels, and through creating unique programs such as The Community Cocktail Book, a celebration of eight bartenders working to celebrate and support their communities, one cocktail at a time.

The Community Spirit Vodka is crafted with 100% American corn and is 5x distilled, filtered with activated coconut carbon, and gluten-free/kosher. The Community Spirit Vodka is regularly recognized for its quality liquid, including most recently DOUBLE GOLD at TAG Global Spirits Awards, DOUBLE GOLD at John Barleycorn, GOLD at ASCOT Awards, and 93 Points at Ultimate Spirits Challenge. thecommunityspiritvodka.com

About Casa Lumbre

Born and based in Mexico, Casa Lumbre is a global spirits company that develops, produces, and incubates premium, award-winning spirits. Originally known for Mezcals, Liqueurs and Tequilas, Casa Lumbre continues to tap into its global values and perspective to expand beyond Mexican distillates.

About PFLAG

@pflag

PFLAG is an organization of LGBTQ+ people, parents, families, and allies who work together to create an equitable and inclusive world. We are hundreds of thousands of people and hundreds of chapters from coast to coast who are leading with love to support families, educate allies, and advocate for just, equitable, and inclusive legislation and policies. Since our founding in 1973, PFLAG works every day to ensure LGBTQ+ people everywhere are safe, celebrated, empowered and loved. Learn more, find support, donate, and take action at PFLAG.org.

SOURCE The Community Spirit Vodka
The company will collaborate with the Air Force Research Laboratory and SpaceWERX to test and prepare for potential threats in orbit

CENTENNIAL, Colo., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- True Anomaly , Inc., the technology company developing advanced hardware and software systems to ensure the sustainable security of space, today announced it has been awarded a $1.6M Direct-to-Phase II contract by SpaceWERX focused on Tactically Responsive Space ("TacRS"). Under this contract, the company will be tasked to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force ("DAF"). These efforts aim to expand the capabilities of the company's Jackal Autonomous Orbital Vehicle ("AOV") to meet the demanding requirements of the TacRS mission set.

True Anomaly will focus on three main deliverables under this contract: rapid payload integration, the demonstration of increased capability in the Jackal AOV responsive propulsion system, and advancement of the baseline technologies for geosynchronous orbit. The company will aid the Air Force Research Laboratory and SpaceWERX in meeting its goals of increasing mission flexibility and a swift adaptation to evolving operational needs, and continue enhancing the system's performance envelope for the upcoming VICTUS HAZE mission and beyond.

"The ideal vehicle for a Tactically Responsive Space mission provides flexibility and a high degree of maneuverability to support operations across multiple orbits and inclinations," said Even Rogers, CEO and co-founder of True Anomaly. "True Anomaly's Jackal Autonomous Orbital Vehicle was designed for this exact purpose. Under this contract, our team will continue to accelerate and enhance the Jackal AOV's capabilities so that the DoD is equipped with technology that will rapidly respond to the domain's changing threat landscape."

This news follows True Anomaly's recent announcement that it was selected for a $30M U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command contract for the VICTUS HAZE TacRS mission. Additionally, the company is supporting Gravitics as subcontractor on its $1.7M SBIR Direct-to-Phase II contract from SpaceWERX.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

About True Anomaly

True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to deliver solutions for space security, sustainability, and accessibility. The company empowers the U.S. government, its allies, and partners as well as the commercial space industry to lead safe, resilient operations on orbit to secure life on Earth.



For more information about True Anomaly, visit https://www.trueanomaly.space/

About SpaceWERX

As the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, SpaceWERX inspires and empowers collaboration with innovators to accelerate capabilities and shape our future in space. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX employs 40 military, civilian and contractor personnel executing an annual $457 million budget. Additionally, SpaceWERX partners with Space Systems Command's Commercial Space Office (COMSO) as a collaborative program. Since it was aligned under AFRL in Aug. 2021, SpaceWERX has executed 1,106 contracts worth more than $897 million to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit spacewerx.us.

About AFWERX

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,100 new contracts worth more than $4 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: www.afwerx.com.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.

SOURCE True Anomaly
Setting New Standards for Critical Care Air Transport Team Training, Ensuring Rapid Response in Combat and Civilian Emergencies

CINCINNATI, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- UC Health and the Air Force's 711th Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) announce a groundbreaking expansion and enhancement of the Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) program at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

UC Health and Air Force expand C-STARS Simulation Center with transformative $10 million initiative to redefine global medical excellence. Col. Valerie Sams, MD, director of C-STARS Cincinnati and University of Cincinnati Medical Center's Division of Trauma and Critical Care, United States Air Force, expressed enthusiasm about significant impact of this expansion.

This transformative $10 million initiative confirms the partnership's commitment to preparing Air Force medical personnel to deliver critical care worldwide. This expansion equips them to excel in both combat and civilian emergencies and advances Critical Care Air Transport (CCAT) standards.

"This investment underscores our commitment to continuous improvement and readiness in aeromedical evacuation and critical patient care, ensuring we can respond to medical emergencies globally," stated Col. Tory Woodard, commander of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). "These military-civilian relationships are critical to our nation, helping train our medics and sustain the skills needed for our operational missions. This expansion helps us prepare for the next generation of aeromedical evacuation and critical patient care."

Building on a Legacy of Collaborative Training

Col. Valerie Sams, MD, director of C-STARS Cincinnati and University of Cincinnati Medical Center's Division of Trauma and Critical Care, United States Air Force, reinforced the significant impact of this expansion. "Our partnership with UC Health and the Air Force has delivered impressive results in training military medical personnel," says Col. Sams, a volunteer associate professor in the Department of Surgery at the UC College of Medicine. "This expansion further enhances our training programs, ensuring the Air Force remains prepared to deliver expert medical care globally."

Expanding Training Capabilities

Through cutting-edge simulation technology and immersive environments, the program will empower medical personnel to excel in high-stress scenarios and deliver expert care to critically injured patients, anywhere.

The new state-of-the-art simulation center will modernize readiness training, incorporating high-fidelity manikins, immersive VR simulations, and data-driven performance analysis. It will allow the training of 300 CCAT teams annually, compared to 108 currently, ensuring the Air Force can respond effectively to future conflicts and mass casualty events.

Deepening Engagement

Through joint research and educational outreach, it seeks to strengthen bonds between military and civilian healthcare professionals, enriching the broader healthcare ecosystem. C-STARS is part of the UC Institute for Military Medicine in the Department of Surgery at the UC College of Medicine.

Celebrating Two Decades of Partnership

UC Health marks two decades of military-civilian collaboration, hosting the C-STARS program since 2002. This partnership has offered vital training for military medical personnel and spurred innovation in the local healthcare system. With nearly 5,000 professionals trained, C-STARS enhances Air Force readiness for combat and peacetime missions, as well as civilian disaster relief efforts.

The C-STARs program expansion has received the support of local leaders, including:

Rep. Brad Wenstrup , D.P.M: "During my time as a surgeon in Iraq , CCAT ensured that the work we did in theater was completed at our bases in Germany , and back in the US, saving the lives of so many service members. By investing in the already successful partnership between Wright Patterson Air Force Base and UC Health, we can make this program the model for any high-level national response, while also improving the training programs for our service members so they are best prepared for the high-intensity operational mission."





"During my time as a surgeon in , CCAT ensured that the work we did in theater was completed at our bases in , and back in the US, saving the lives of so many service members. By investing in the already successful partnership between Wright Patterson Air Force Base and UC Health, we can make this program the model for any high-level national response, while also improving the training programs for our service members so they are best prepared for the high-intensity operational mission." Rep. Greg Landsman, OH-01: "This expansion demonstrates UC Health's leadership in medical training and the impactful work happening in the region. Our medical military employees deserve comprehensive training to deal with any critical situation. By expanding their education using cutting-edge technology, our service members will be able to provide the highest quality care."

To learn more, visit www.uchealth.com/education/c-stars/ and www.afresearchlab.com.

About UC Health

UC Health is an integrated academic health system serving the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. In partnership with the University of Cincinnati, UC Health combines clinical expertise and compassion with research and teaching  a combination that provides patients with options for even the most complex situations. Learn more at www.uchealth.com .

About AFRL

AFRL is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. Learn more at www.afresearchlab.com.

CONTACT:

Alex Lolli

Sr. Marketing and Communication Consultant

UC Health

[email protected]

513-310-1761

See attached for photos. Please credit UC Health.

SOURCE UC Health
-- Sale includes three cubes, with the intent to expand to fifteen

VANCOUVER, BC, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - UniDoc Health Corp. (CSE: UDOC) (FRA: L7T) (OTCQB: UDOCF) ("UniDoc," or the "Company"), an innovator in the eHealth sector, is pleased to announce that it, in conjunction with its Italian partner UniCheck S.R.L., has entered into a supply agreement (the "Agreement") with Aiutamoli a Vivere Foundation ("AVF" or the "Foundation") of Terni, Italy for the purposes outlined below.

Key Takeaways:

UniDoc completes sale of H3 Health Cubes

Sale includes three cubes, with the intent to expand to fifteen units

Aid group, Aiutamoli a Vivere Foundation, to use these in the Ukraine and the Gaza strip

Pursuant to the Agreement, UniDoc has agreed upon the initial sale of up to fifteen (15) H3 Health Cube health stations as part of AVF's objective of providing support to the Ukrainian and Gazan peoples severely affected by conflict, through the placement of Health Cube health stations to provide territorial eHealth services.

Antonio Baldassarre, CEO of UniDoc, notes: "We are excited to take this first step with the Foundation. This partnership represents an important milestone in our mission to improve healthcare delivery to all people that need it. By combining our experience and technology capability with the Foundation's leadership and systems integration, we are confident that together we will make this trial a success."

The Aiutamoli a Vivere ("Let Them Live") Foundation has been operating in countries through the Franciscan Missions with great social and humanitarian successes recognized by local governments as well as by Italian, European, and related world assistance organizations. The roots of the Foundation go back to work done to help the children affected by the Ukraine Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. These initial works created the conditions for the official establishment of the Foundation in 1992 by two Founding Members: Fr. Vincenzo Bella (friar of the Conventual Minors) and Dr. Pacifici Fabrizio.

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, the Foundation has supported not only the reception of Ukrainian mothers with their children in Italy but has promoted an intense activity of sending humanitarian aid, in agreement with the local authorities, carrying out thirteen missions in Ukraine and obtaining the Accreditation of the Ministry of Justice (n.197/19.4 of 24/07/2023) to operate on Ukrainian territory.

As an integral part of the agreement, AVF will directly manage relationships with its Ukrainian partners to coordinate the distribution of H3 units at select territorial or institutional entities with the local references necessary for the managed progress of the project and relations with the Ukrainian Government. Design, production, transport, and installation will be managed and coordinated by UniDoc.

The Foundation is also supporting aid missions now beginning for the population of Gaza.

Terms of the sale are based on the agreed upon unit price which is anticipated to include per unit transport, assembly, and training on-site. The initial shipment of three (3) units, based on current estimated fabrication lead time, is expected to be delivered in Q3 2024, and the cubes are expected to be installed by UniDoc with the relevant training completed within this timeframe.

Fabrizio Pacifici, President and Legal Representative of the Foundation, said: "We believe rural and disadvantaged populations who use the UniDoc remote Smart Health clinics will benefit from this collaborative effort which will then lead to accessible, equitable and inclusive healthcare for all, regardless of location or socioeconomic status. By bringing advanced health services directly to underserved communities, our creative solutions aim to address the challenges of geographic distance, transportation limitations, and lack of health infrastructure in remote areas. We expect this will have a positive impact on communities in need, improving patient health outcomes and improving their overall well-being."

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

~Antonio Baldassarre~

Antonio Baldassarre

CEO, President & Director

UniDoc Health Corp.

About UniDoc Health Corp. (CSE: UDOC) (FRA: L7T) (OTCQB: UDOCF)

UniDoc is developing an eHealth solution which is being designed as a self-contained remote virtual clinic within a private kiosk for patients to undergo full consultations as if they were present in a physician's office. eHealth opens the doors to a large segment of the population challenged by access, experience or understanding of online computer technology. It is the Company's belief that physical accessibility is the key to its business proposition. UniDoc is dedicated to unlocking shareholder value by delivering an excellent product and sophisticated commercial network within an expedited timeframe. The UniDoc team encourages engagement, questions, and interest, so please stay in touch and invite anyone who might be interested in our story to visit our website at www.unidoctor.com and signup to receive the latest information with updates on our activities, events and progress.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information may include financial and other projections, as well as statements regarding future plans, objectives, or economic performance, or the assumption underlying any of the foregoing. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "will be", "likely", "except", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "plan", "forecast", "project", "estimate", "outlook", or the negative thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the delivery of H3 Health Cubes to the Foundation and the timing thereof, and the intent of the Foundation to expand its order to 15 units.

Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information contained in this news release include, but are not limited to, key personnel and qualified employees continuing their involvement with the Company; the Company's ability to secure additional financing on reasonable terms; the competitive conditions of the industries in which the Company operates; and laws and any amendments thereto applicable to the Company.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks relating to the future business plans of the Company; risks that the Company will not be able to retain its key personnel; risks that the Company will not be able to secure financing on reasonable terms or at all; as well as all of the other risks as described in the Company's annual management discussion and analysis dated July 31, 2023 under the heading "Risks Factors." Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking information.

Further, any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company's management to predict all such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information or events after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law, including securities laws.

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE UniDoc Health Corp.
Stryve Realty is the second Fort Worth-based brokerage to join United in the past 12 months

DALLAS, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- United Real Estate (United), the nation's eighth largest brokerage, announced today a merger between Stryve Realty, based in Fort Worth, and United Real Estate | DFW Properties, based in Grapevine, solidifying its foothold in North Texas.

United Real Estate expands North Texas operations with a Fort Worth real estate merger.

The combined operations include two offices in Fort Worth and one in Grapevine under the United banner. The move expands United | DFW Properties to more than 200 agents servicing the region. Stryve Realty founder Shawn Buck will support brokerage services and organizational growth as Associate Broker, Strategic Growth Partner moving forward.

Buck comments, "This partnership is the right move at the right time. The brokerage industry is quickly evolving. United is empowering agents and teams to build their own brands and run their businesses according to their needs. It's a bottom-up instead of a top-down management approach. My agents will benefit from United's level of brand recognition, top-notch technology, training, referral network, healthcare plans and retirement, to name a few. They're poised to provide a superior level of service."

Managing Partner/President, Andy Bearden, states, "We are coming alongside Shawn, adding to and enhancing his tools, technology and support. We are taking his resources to the next level. I believe he will find he's in business with good partners who care about their agents, and we think the same way about him. There are many brokerage leaders like Shawn who could benefit from a conversation with United."

This is the second merger in 12 months for United | DFW Properties, following its October 2023 merger with Insight Realty, which added approximately 100 agents to the agency. Stryve Realty's 60 agents and existing Fort Worth office expand United's service footprint and support services for agents and consumers.

Principal Broker and Partner of United | DFW Properties, Brenda Cole, underscores the synergistic union, "With this merger, we are making a positive impact on the lives of our agents. I could not be happier to bring Shawn and Stryve Realty into our circle and show United to others. We are excited to have a larger family to share with and to learn from. We have gained a new team of commercial and residential agents, added a new office in Fort Worth, expanded our agent support team and increased our value to agents and consumers."

Rick Haase, President of parent company, United Real Estate, explains, "We are thrilled to have Shawn and his agents join United Real Estate in the DFW market. Shawn's deep caring for his agents and clients, as well as his standing in the local real estate community, make him a perfect fit for our organization and his new role. As is always the case when new talent joins our company, there is a reciprocity of learning from each other. With this merger, we are raising all boats."

About United Real Estate

United Real Estate (United)  a division of United Real Estate Group  was founded with the purpose of offering solutions to real estate brokers and agents in the rapidly changing real estate brokerage industry. United provides the latest training, marketing and technology tools to agents and brokers under a flat-fee, transaction-based agent commission model. By leveraging the company's proprietary cloud-based Bullseye Agent & Broker Productivity Platform, United delivers a more profitable outcome for agents and brokers. United Real Estate operates in 32 states with 158 offices and more than 21,000 agents. The company produced over 70,000 transactions and $27.8 billion in sales volume in 2023.

About United Real Estate Group

United Real Estate Group (UREG) operates United Real Estate and United Country Real Estate, addressing the unique market needs of suburban, major metropolitan urban and rural markets. Utilizing the cloud-based Bullseye Agent & Broker Productivity Platform, UREG offers the latest training, marketing and technology tools producing a significant competitive advantage. The platform realizes a decade-long investment in virtual agent and brokerage technology services and is powered by a 2.6 million listings data warehouse generating over 3 million monthly visitors and 30,000+ leads per year. Together, the United Real Estate Group supports more than 590 offices and over 23,100 real estate and auction professionals across four continents. United Real Estate Group produced more than 89,000 transactions and $35.2 billion in sales volume in 2023. Through its in-house advertising agency, UREG offers differentiating marketing support and collateral for specialized lifestyle property websites as well as access to a 800,000+ opt-in buyer database. For more information about United Real Estate or United Country Real Estate, please visit UnitedRealEstate.com or UnitedCountry.com.

To learn more about United Real Estate, brokerage succession planning, brokerage valuation and sale or franchising opportunities, visit GrowWithUnited.com. Agents interested in learning about career opportunities with United Real Estate can visit JoinUnitedRealEstate.com.

April Gonzalez

Media & Investor Relations

[email protected]

(504) 237-3500

SOURCE United Real Estate
Approval marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for two

historic Southern California universities.

REDLANDS, Calif. and BURBANK, Calif., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Redlands has finalized its acquisition and integration of Burbank-based Woodbury University, creating an academic portfolio that maximizes strengths and efficiencies, and reinforces both Woodbury's and Redlands' positions as leaders in higher education.

As a result of the integration, the University of Redlands will add dynamic programs such as architecture, interior and fashion design, filmmaking, animation, and game design to its existing innovative programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, and theology.

"In today's competitive higher education landscape, we must explore innovative ways to grow by offering new programs that are in high demand by students and employers," said University of Redlands President, Krista L. Newkirk. "By joining together, our shared academic portfolio will enable us to create a progressive and compelling environment where our combined impact is greater than what either institution can do alone."

University of Redlands Chair of the Board of Trustees, Jamison J. Ashby added, "Woodbury offers immediate access to excellent academic programs which complement those presently offered by Redlands. This acquisition is entirely consistent with our strategic plan, further strengthening our stature as a leading private liberal arts and professional university in the West."

This acquisition marks Redlands' third in four years. In 2020, it acquired the San Francisco Theological Seminary, establishing its campus in Marin County. In May of 2023, it solidified a merger with San Francisco-based Presidio Graduate School and its pioneering MBA and MPA programs in sustainable solutions, which will become a signature program within Redlands' School of Business and Society.

In December of 2023, Redlands announced its intent to acquire Woodbury, highlighting its highly sought-after programs in architecture, animation, gaming art and design, fashion design, interior design, and filmmaking. Since that announcement, both universities have hosted numerous sessions with students, staff, alumni, and trustees to provide information, encourage relationship-building, and ensure a smooth transition for all stakeholders involved.

Greg Lippe, Chair of the Woodbury Board of Trustees, concluded, "We eagerly anticipate this next chapter in the legacy of Woodbury University. We are excited about and grateful for the University of Redlands' desire to partner with us and to develop our joint future in a collaborative and energetic manner."

As part of the agreement, Woodbury University continues to operate with its current name and becomes a subsidiary of the University of Redlands, as approved by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), with full integration anticipated pending approval from the U.S. Department of Education and accreditors. Upon final approval by the Department of Education, Woodbury will complete its integration into Redlands while maintaining the legacy of its name in relation to the Burbank campus and its distinct academic programs. The integration plan fosters collaboration between the two universities to explore new programs, leveraging their respective academic expertise.

About the University of Redlands

Founded in 1907, the University of Redlands is a private, nonprofit university that has prepared students for lives of meaning, impact, and joy for more than 100 years. Today, Redlands offers over 40 undergraduate programs and over 30 graduate programs designed to develop students personally and professionally through immersive, personalized education and hands-on experiences outside of the classroom, from community service learning to internships and residencies. Learn more at redlands.edu.

About Woodbury University

Founded in 1884, Woodbury is one of the oldest universities on the west coast of the United States. A private, nonprofit institution located in the Southern California city of Burbank, Woodbury is at the global epicenter of creativity and influence. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students learn from one of the most professionally accomplished faculties in the world, intern and work at the most innovative companies in the world, and go on to build solid careers. To learn more about Woodbury, visit woodbury.edu.

SOURCE University of Redlands
DETROIT, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit Mercy) received a $497,080 award from the United States Department of Defense (DoD) in 2024 to sustain its work in establishing the Metro Detroit Regional Vehicle Cybersecurity Institute, a regional cybersecurity consortium.

This follows a $1.12-million award from the DoD in 2020 that the University used to establish the Metro Detroit Regional Virtual Vehicle Cybersecurity Institute. The institute is a self-sustaining, regional, virtual cybersecurity workforce development entity formed through partnerships between academia, the vehicle manufacturing industry, and the DoD to address the shortfall of trained vehicle cybersecurity engineers and computer scientists to meet the needs of the military ground vehicle and transportation communities.

U.S. Department of Defense awards University of Detroit Mercy Cybersecurity consortium $497,080 in sustainment funding Post this

Led by Detroit Mercy, the consortium consists of multiple academic institutions in southeast Michigan and includes the University of Arizona as a research partner. It is designed to expand and enhance the cybersecurity engineering workforce through an online applied curriculum developed in consultation with industry partners.

The award is provided through the Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY) program, which is managed by the Griffiss Institute, a 501(c)(3) organization, in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The VICEROY program is sponsored and led by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. VICEROY augments traditional college curricula by providing hands-on, mission-focused experiential learning and internship opportunities that are tailored to match the workforce demands of the Armed Services, DoD, and the Defense Industrial Base.

The extension of the award was based on Detroit Mercy's performance and outcomes including launching an online graduate certificate in Vehicle Cyber Engineering (VCE) that stacks to a Master of Science in Vehicle Cyber Engineering and establishing a hands-on VCE lab with Digital Twin Virtual Labs developed in partnership with the University of Arizona.

The Metro Detroit Regional Vehicle Cybersecurity Institute includes Detroit Mercy, pipeline institutions Washtenaw Community College, Oakland Community College, Macomb Community College and University of Arizona, which will provide research support to the consortium through its research institute established in 2020.

UDM led the awarding and reached students from the entire Metro Detroit Regional Virtual Vehicle Cybersecurity Institute. Awarding $70,000 for incoming students in fall 2023, with the total two-year award of $150,000 issued to 17 students at the undergraduate and graduate level programs.

For more, please visit https://eng-sci.udmercy.edu/index.php.

SOURCE University of Detroit Mercy
HOUSTON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Legal Support Inc., the nation's leading provider of litigation support services, is excited to announce the launch of DepoSummary Pro, providing legal professionals with fast, accurate, and dynamic AI-generated deposition summaries. Powered by Merlin Search Technologies, DepoSummary Pro quickly distills lengthy transcripts into concise, digestible summaries to increase productivity and accelerate case strategy. Leveraging best-in-class AI technology, it can quickly review hundreds of pages of testimony to produce a thorough, fully editable, deposition summary, complete with multiple layers of summarization for ease of review. The transcript summary is delivered within U.S. Legal Support's SOC 2 Type 2 and HIPAA compliant Client Portal along with the final transcript.

Unlike other deposition summary services which only produce high-level summaries of the transcript, DepoSummary Pro provides multiple levels of summarization, including:

Testimony Abstract: Included with every transcript summary is a testimony abstract, providing a succinct overview of what was covered throughout the entire proceeding, including answers to major lines of inquiry.

Included with every transcript summary is a testimony abstract, providing a succinct overview of what was covered throughout the entire proceeding, including answers to major lines of inquiry. Organization by Key Sections: Analyzing the full transcript, DepoSummary Pro groups segments of testimony into key sections for a more complete narrative overview.

Analyzing the full transcript, DepoSummary Pro groups segments of testimony into key sections for a more complete narrative overview. Explicit Statements & References: Within each section, admissions and testimony are summarized at the page-line level, providing direct reference and quick access to each specific statement for ease of review.

To deliver this powerful new service, U.S. Legal Support has partnered with Merlin Search Technologies. Founded in 2019, Merlin Search Technologies is a pioneering AI and cloud technology software company whose mission is to harness AI and secure cloud technologies to transform investigations, and discovery workflow, making them significantly faster, more effective, and less expensive.

"We are very excited about the launch of DepoSummary Pro," said Jimmie Bridwell, CEO, U.S. Legal Support. "The legal profession is incredibly demanding and fast paced. It is our goal, as our clients' all-inclusive litigation support services partner, to remove as many barriers as possible to increase their productivity, efficiency, and to help realize desired case outcomes. With the cutting-edge AI technology powering DepoSummary Pro, we can quickly provide concise, easily digestible, and fully editable transcript summaries, enabling legal professionals to dedicate more time towards case strategy. We are excited to partner with Merlin Search Technologies and look forward to providing additional support to legal professionals through innovative technology and exceptional client service. This is just the beginning."

"We are thrilled to announce our partnership with U.S. Legal Support and the launch of DepoSummary Pro," said John Tredennick, CEO and Founder, Merlin Search Technologies. "Our AI-enabled technology solutions are designed to empower legal professionals with unprecedented efficiency and insights. This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in our collective journey to provide a superior client experience. Together, we're setting the standard for innovation within the legal industry."

DepoSummary Pro is protected by robust security, adhering to U.S. Legal Support's best practice cybersecurity protocols, including SOC 2 Type 2 and HIPAA compliance. This means that sensitive case and client information is safeguarded and will not be shared, stored, or used by open AI engines to train their models.

Other benefits of DepoSummary Pro include:

Available in PDF and fully editable Word formats

Hyperlinked page-line citations and a table of contents to quickly jump to key portions of testimony for review within the final, linked transcript

Multiple navigation options on each page to quickly and easily navigate throughout the document

Each transcript summary includes a reference section, complete with proceeding details including the name, date, location, and witness' name

In addition to AI deposition summaries, U.S. Legal Support also offers a full suite of court reporting, record retrieval, interpreting & translations, trial services, and transcription services to law firms, insurance carriers, and major corporations nationwide.

To learn more about DepoSummary Pro visit www.uslegalsupport.com/deposition-summaries/.

About U.S. Legal Support

U.S. Legal Support was founded in 1996 with a single goal: to be the first nationwide, all-inclusive litigation support company. Over the last nearly thirty years, our mission has remained the same: to build lasting relationships with our legal industry partners by delivering exceptional litigation support services. With a full suite of court reporting solutions, record retrieval, interpreting & translations, trial services and transcription services, we serve the legal industry better. For more information about U.S. Legal Support, visit www.uslegalsupport.com.

About Merlin Search Technologies

Merlin is a pioneering software company with an experienced team harnessing Generative AI and advanced cloud technologies to revolutionize search, investigations, and document discovery. Our DiscoveryPartner platform helps people find, analyze, and review information in large document sets faster, more effectively, and at a fraction of the cost of manual efforts. Our unique single-tenant architecture provides greater security and set the stage for our industry-first "On/Off" Cloud Utility Pricing, a green computing initiative that allows clients to save up to 60% on hosting costs by turning their site off when not in use.

For more information about Merlin Search Technologies, visit www.Merlin.Tech.

Media Inquiries: [email protected]

SOURCE U.S. Legal Support, Inc.
PORT VILA, Vanuatu, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Markets ("Vantage"), a leading multi-asset broker, is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its participation and sponsorship at Money Expo Colombia 2024, held from 15 to 16 May at the prestigious Agora Bogota, Centro de Convenciones.

The event brought together industry leaders, traders, and financial experts from across the globe.

Vantage Markets Shines as Diamond Sponsor at Money Expo Colombia 2024

Money Expo Colombia 2024 is a premier gathering uniting traders, introducing brokers, investors, financial institutions, and brokers within the dynamic trading and investing community. The event serves as a pivotal platform for networking, learning about market trends, and engaging with top financial brands through exhibits, educational sessions, and workshops led by industry experts.

As a diamond sponsor, Vantage showcased its retail trading offerings and partnerships programmes under Vantage Partners at booth 5, near the coffee lounge. The booth attracted significant attention and excitement with Vantage's innovative trading solutions and a popular lucky draw campaign.

A highlight was the keynote speech by Alejandro Zelniker, Affiliates Business Strategist for Vantage LATAM, on "Como dejar de perder dinero en el Trading" ("How to Stop Losing Money in Trading"). His session was well-attended and received high praise for its practical advice and strategic insights, aimed at helping traders optimise their performance and achieve potentially greater success in the markets.

Additionally, Vantage Markets was honoured with the "Best Regulated Broker" award at the event, highlighting its commitment to excellence and industry standards.

"We are thrilled to have been a part of Money Expo Colombia 2024 as a diamond sponsor," said Alejandro. "Our presence at this event underscores our commitment to the market and our dedication to providing top-tier trading solutions and support to our clients and partners. The expo provided an excellent platform to engage with traders and industry professionals, and we are excited about the new relationships and opportunities that have emerged."

Vantage continues to expand its footprint in the market, offering cutting-edge technology, competitive trading conditions, and exceptional customer service. The company's participation in Money Expo Colombia reinforces its position as a trusted and innovative leader in the financial services industry.

For more information about Vantage Markets and its offerings, please visit VantageMarkets.com

About Vantage

Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 13 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.

trade smarter @vantage

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2429280/Image.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1745281/4741834/Vantage_Logo.jpg
Mystical Fantasy Stars Legendary James Hong and Asian Luminaries Including George Takei, Bai Ling, and Gedde Watanabe, and introduces Michelle Mao

LOS ANGELES, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vision Films announces the Transactional VOD release of the intergenerational, mystical, family fantasy The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms on June 18, 2024 through an acquisition deal with Fairway Film Alliance. The feature length film is based on a story by star and producer James Hong and takes inspiration from the adventurous coming-of-age movies of the 80s. Written by Hong, Zack Ward (former child actor, A Christmas Story) and Ace Underhill, the movie was directed by Ward, produced by Ward and Underhill, and executive produced by James Hong and James Grossman. Full of practical effects and puppetry from the best creatives in the business, the film also features an original score from songwriter, composer and producer of multi-platinum records and TV & film soundtracks, Michael "Fish" Herring.

James Hong's New Family Film "Keepers Of The 5 Kingdoms" Movie Poster

James Hong, whose illustrious career has spanned over 70 years in film and TV, including the Kung Fu Panda film franchise and Everything Everywhere All At Once, heads up the largely Asian cast featuring the voices of George Takei (Star Trek) and Gedde Watanabe (Sixteen Candles, ER), Bai Ling, and introduces newcomer Michelle Mao. Watch the trailer HERE.

Synopsis: When Patsy Lee discovers an ancient relic box, she has no idea that it will transport her, her grandfather (Hong), and her friends into a mystical world of vampires, goblin witches, talking turtles, and an evil sorceress (Bai Ling) who will stop at nothing to get the box. Their only chance of returning home is to stop the sorceress before she finds the key to the 5 Kingdoms and destroys the entire world.

Lise Romanoff, CEO/Managing Director shares, "This is a fun film for the entire family. Full of fantastical creatures and mysticism, it stars the legendary and fan favorite James Hong alongside an incredible cast including Bai Ling, George Takei, and a young group of talented actors that are ready to save the world!"

Filmmaker and star James Hong says, "It was a great pleasure to have worked with such young and talented actors. It was as if I jumped into the midst of the making of that older film "The Goonies." Young talents have that wonderful quality of just abandoning themselves into the role. In acting with them, I couldn't help but just jump into their pace and world. Now and then, I would ad lib dialogue to them like: "Let's go. It's time to save the world!" this typifies the feeling I had...very exhilarating! I trust the audience will react the same way. They must see this wonderful feature film Keepers of The 5 Kingdoms because it will lift them up in spirit, love and adventure."

Director Zack Ward adds, "This movie is my love letter to the 80s fantasy films I adored as a kid, like The Goonies, Dark Crystal, and Big Trouble in Little China. I worked with Oscar winning FX artists for years so I was able to combine the classic practical FX with new VFX & Unreal Engine world building digital technology to create a modern fairy tale with comedy and heart for the whole family."

Cast: James Hong, George Takei (Star Trek), Matthew Sato (Imaginary), Anna Harr (Hot Seat), Gedde Watanabe (Sixteen Candles, ER), Bai Ling (The Crow), Dante Basco (Hook), Dave Sheridan (Scary Movie), Marisa Kapavik (Daisy Belle), and Michelle Mao (Metal Lords).

The Keepers of The 5 Kingdoms will be available on most US cable/satellite providers in the US and Canada, and major online platforms including Amazon Instant, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and Vimeo on June 18, 2024, followed by DVD.

About Vision Films

Vision Films is a leading independent sales and VOD aggregator specializing in the licensing, marketing, and distribution of over 800 feature films, documentaries, and series from some of the most prolific independent film producers in the world. Led by Lise Romanoff, Managing Director/CEO Worldwide Distribution, Vision Films releases 2-4 films a month across Theatrical, VOD, DVD, and television platforms. visionfilms.net

About Fairway Film Alliance

Fairway Film Alliance is a full-service independent film sales and production company of note founded by long time indie film veteran Marty Poole. Marty's background include twenty years of world sales and having written and produced a number of successful films. Produced titles include "Dakota" with Abbie Cornish, Lola Sultan, Tim Rozon, Patrick Muldoon, and William Baldwin, "Bernie the Dolphin 1 & 2" with Patrick Muldoon and Kevin Sorbo, "Army Dog" with Casper Van Dien, "Standing Still" with Amy Adams, Colin Hanks, Mena Suvari and James Van Der Beek, and "Protecting the King" with Peter Dobson and Tom Sizemore. www.fairwayfilmalliance.com

Media Contact:

Andrea McKinnon

8184159442

[email protected]

SOURCE Vision Films, Inc.
MINNEAPOLIS, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Minnesota-based global NGO MATTER today announced the launch of the Chaya Kickstarter Campaign, aiming to raise $50,000 to fund the first line of marketable Chaya products. This initiative will enable women in thriving Chaya farming cooperatives in Zimbabwe to turn surplus harvests into sustainable income.

Chaya Kickstarter Campaign Zimbabwe Women's Chaya Co-Op Members

Chaya, a nutrient-dense vegetable, already improving the nutrition and health of communities in Zimbabwe, is now poised to improve the economic health of countless families across the country. Through the newly opened Chidobe Chaya Processing Center in Victoria Falls, women in the farming co-ops will be able to sell their Chaya to be dried and processed into marketable products within Zimbabwe and beyond. Initial product development will include freeze-dried Chaya leaves for use with meals, as well Chaya protein powder for use in the supplement and plant protein markets. These products align with the expected growth of the plant protein market, projected globally to reach USD $23 billion by 2033, according to research by Custom Market Insights.

Chris Newhouse, Executive Director of Sustainability at MATTER, highlighted the dual benefits of this initiative, "By selling their Chaya, the women in the co-ops will receive an immediate economic benefit. Additionally, we are empowering the women working in the Chidobe co-op with the skills needed to manufacture value-added products at the processing center, providing them with additional income."

Chaya's importance is underscored by Zimbabwe's recent declaration of a national disaster on April 3, 2024, given drought conditions and the resulting food crisis. According to the World Food Program, 13.6 million people are food insecure at the crisis level in Southern Africa. UNICEF reports that nearly a quarter of children under five in Zimbabwe are affected by stunting, impacting their physical growth, cognitive development, and school performance, leading to lifelong consequences. Chaya, not only drought resistant but also highly nutritious, fights malnutrition and stunting, offering protein, calcium, iron, and Vitamins A and C.

Learn more or contribute to this impactful Chaya Kickstarter Campaign!

About MATTER

MATTER, a Minnesota-based global NGO, brings together the best companies, experts, problem solvers and above all, doers, to launch projects that improve communities. This collaborative movement has inspired solutions in health access, providing beneficial meals for children and families, regenerative agriculture, and student-centered education, collectively impacting more than 51 million lives. MATTER's guiding belief is encapsulated in the simple yet powerful expression, YOU MATTER. Learn more at www.matter.ngo.

CONTACT: Brian Numainville

612-467-9141

[email protected]

SOURCE MATTER
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Zeal TN Inc. , a marketing company based in Nashville, Tennessee that works with Nonprofit organizations, is proud to announce that it has recently donated 350 care packages to Safe Haven Family Shelter . The care packages will be distributed to those most in need of their contents.

Also serving Nashville, Safe Haven Family Shelter employs a housing-first model, partnering with local landlords to give at-risk families the tools they need to achieve lasting self-sufficiency, stable employment, and secure housing. The nonprofit has been actively serving the Nashville community for 37 years.

Zeal TN wishes to express thanks to our Brand Ambassadors for making this donation of 350 care packages possible by connecting with the Nashville community on a daily basis, and building a meaningful working relationship with Safe Haven in particular. After meeting with representatives from Safe Haven Family Shelter, our Brand Ambassadors determined how these care packages can best help families in need and also identified several other ways for Zeal TN to provide aid to the community.

At the same time, Brand Ambassadors from Zeal TN also donated 100 care packages to CANUP , a shelter in Green County, TN whose stated mission is to cultivate a compassionate community committed to meeting the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in their area.

In the coming weeks, Zeal TN plans to donate additional care packages to YAIPak in Clarksville, TN, an organization whose mission is to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness in its community. Clarksville is continuing its recovery from the devastating tornadoes earlier this year.

To learn more about Zeal TN, please visit the company's official website at www.zealtn.com .

About Zeal TN:

Zeal TN Inc. is a marketing company headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee that partners with nonprofits organizations to enhance their messaging campaigns and create engagement with communities. Zeal TN proudly serves nonprofits of all sizes, offering bespoke strategies that can adapt to campaigns of any scale, and help its partners achieve their fundraising goals and experience sustained donor growth.

SOURCE Zeal TN Inc.
Baghdad, June 4 : Dozens of "protesters" on Monday evening stormed two American restaurants in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, causing damages, a security source said.

Angry protesters broke into a KFC restaurant on Palestine Street in eastern Baghdad before being dispersed by security forces who fired bullets into the air, the source from the Iraqi Interior Ministry told Xinhua news agency on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, the Chili House and Lee's restaurant in the Jadriya neighbourhood was also attacked, with tables and chairs being smashed by the protesters, the source said.

Iraqi security forces strengthened its deployment in the two neighborhoods and the situation is now under control, the source added.

The incidents came days after similar attacks targeting KFC, Chili House and Lee's, and branches of American and British companies in Baghdad.

Responsibility for the attacks remains unclaimed. However, local observers suggest a link to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, speculating that the targeted companies might be seen as representing nations perceived to support Israel.
Sanaa, June 4 : Yemen's Houthi group has said they launched a ballistic missile attack on southern Israel's port city of Eilat, the group's Military Spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement.

The missile forces of the Houthi group targeted on Monday a military site in Eilat with a new self-made missile called "Palestine", said the Houthi official, claiming that "the operation achieved its goal successfully", Xinhua news agency reported.

He also pledged continued military operations "in support of the Palestinian people" until Israel stops its attacks on the Palestinian enclave.

Earlier on Monday, Israeli media outlets reported that the Israeli forces in Eilat intercepted a ballistic missile coming from the direction of the Red Sea.

The Houthi rebel group, which controls much of northern Yemen, began last November to launch ballistic missiles and drones targeting southern Israel and what they said were Israeli-linked ships transiting the Red Sea, to show solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Several ships had been reportedly damaged by Houthi attacks.
Shimla, June 4 : With the state-ruling Congress and the main opposition BJP locked in a direct contest in Himachal Pradesh for all four parliamentary seats and bypoll for six Assembly seats, the vote count began on Tuesday amid all arrangements.

The high-stake election for the BJP, which aims to make a hat-trick of winning all four parliamentary seats and to "dethrone" the helm by winning bypoll to six Assembly seats, was held on June 1. A 71 per cent voter turnout was recorded for the parliamentary seats, with Mandi registering the state's highest at 73 per cent.

The counting of votes began at 8 a.m. at 74 centres, an electoral officer told IANS.

The BJP may or may not pull off a hat-trick in the Lok Sabha elections with the Matrize exit poll predicting two to four seats for it in the hill state.

The prominent candidates in the fray include Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur, former Union Minister Anand Sharma, Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut and Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who are contesting the Lok Sabha elections.

The by-elections to the Assembly seats are a contest for political survival for the six former Congress legislators, who are in the fray as the BJP candidates from their constituencies.

A total of 37 candidates are in the fray for the four Lok Sabha seats of Mandi, Kangra, Hamirpur and Shimla (reserved), while 25 candidates are contesting the six by-elections in Dharamsala, Gagret, Kutlehar, Sujanpur, Barsar and Lahaul-Spiti constituencies.

The BJP, which won all Lok Sabha seats in 2014 and 2019, seems to be banking high on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "charisma" after his three election rallies to retain all Parliamentary seats and win six Assembly seats, while the Congress is eyeing on its strong vote bank of 2.5-lakh government employees, whose demand of restoring the old pension scheme has been implemented by its government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The Congress on December 8, 2022, got an absolute majority in the Assembly elections, winning 40 seats -- six more than the halfway mark of 34 in the 68-member House, while the outgoing BJP was reduced to 25.

In the 2019 general polls, the BJP had won all four parliamentary seats. Later in the bypoll, the Congress won the Mandi seat.
Imphal/Agartala/Itanagar, June 4 : Counting of votes, polled in different phases of the Lok Sabha elections, began in northeastern states on Tuesday morning under three-tier security arrangements with the Central Paramilitary forces deployed in the first two tiers, officials said.

Election officials in different northeastern states said that a three-layered security has been put in place in and around the counting centres, where a large number of CCTV cameras have also been installed.

"An adequate number of CAPF personnel, led by senior officers, took their position much ahead of the counting of votes that started at 8 a.m. on Tuesday," an election official said, adding that initially, the postal votes are being counted than the votes polled through the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) would be counted.

The poll panel also appointed a large number of observers and micro-observers to supervise the day-long counting process

On the Election Commission's directions, various restrictions have been imposed, including on mobile phones and photo/videography, in and around the counting centres.

Tripura's Chief Electoral Officer Puneet Agarwal said that votes are being counted for the two Lok Sabha seats in 20 locations across eight districts.

Manipur's Chief Electoral Officer Pradeep Kumar Jha said that to count votes for the two parliamentary seats, 24 counting centres were set up in 11 district headquarters, while his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart Pawan Kumar Sain said that votes are being counted in 25 counting centres, set up in 25 districts with over 2,000 personnel are undertaking the vote count for the two Lok Sabha seats.

Mizoram's Chief Electoral Officer Madhup Vyas said that more than 2,000 personnel are counting votes in 13 centres across the state for the sole Lok Sabha seat.

Nagaland's Chief Electoral Officer Vyasan R. said that in 17 counting centres, votes are being counted for the lone Lok Sabha seat and Meghalaya's Chief Electoral Officer B.D.R. Tiwari said that votes are counted in 13 counting centres - eight for Shillong and five for Tura.

Election officials are hopeful that by late afternoon, the counting of votes and declaration of results will be completed.
Jeremy Renner reveals Mayor of Kingstown crew didn't know 'what version of him would return. Image Source: IANS News

Los Angeles, June 4 : Hollywood star Jeremy Renner, who featured in two 'Mission: Impossible' franchises, including 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' in 2011 and 'Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation' in 2015, has spoken about why he refused to star in 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout'.

Renner, who was asked to reprise the character of IMF agent William Brandt in the 2018 sequel 'Fallout', spoke during an interview on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast.

He was offered a role that required him to shoot for one week so that his character, Brandt, could be killed off.

"I remember they tried to bring me over (seas) for a week so they could kill my character, and I was like, 'No, you don't get to do that. You're not going to drag me over there and just kill my character', like get out of here!" Renner said, reports variety.com.

"If you're going to do this and you're going to use my character, you're going to do it right."

"I yelled at (director Christopher McQuarrie)," Renner added.

"Dude, you're not going to do this to me like that; you're not going to do me wrong."

The actor never returned to the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise after 'Rogue Nation', although he said in an interview that he would be open to coming back.
Tel Aviv, June 4 : A top delegation of Hamas leadership will reach Cairo on Tuesday to enter into discussions on the proposal of Israel regarding a ceasefire.

Israel, at the behest of the US, has agreed to a three-stage ceasefire proposal with Egyptian and Qatar mediators pushing the proposal to Hamas.

The Israel side has agreed to a permanent ceasefire after the first round of release of hostages in exchange of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

The political head of Hamas, Ismael Haniyeh, will be leading the delegation and will enter into discussions with Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and the Egyptian intelligence head Major General Abbas Kamal.

The Hamas leadership had welcomed the earlier statement of US President Joe Biden outlining Israel's offer for a permanent ceasefire.

On October 7, Hamas attacked Israel, killed 1,200 people and took 250 people hostages in the Gaza region, after which the latter launched a counter-offensive.
Bengaluru, June 4 : Former Prime Minister, HD Deve Gowda's son-in-law Dr CN Manjunath was leading on the Bengaluru Rural seat by 50,466 votes against Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar's brother DK Suresh by the end of the eighth round of counting.

Bengaluru, June 4 (IANS) Former Prime Minister, HD Deve Gowdaas son-in-law Dr CN Manjunath was leading on the Bengaluru Rural seat by 50,466 votes against Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumaras brother DK Suresh by the end of the eighth round of counting.

Bengaluru Rural is the most high profile constituency in the state and the results are keenly watched.

Dr Manjunath has managed to maintain a clear lead from the beginning as he was leading by more than 80,000 votes in the fifth round and by 36,687 in the seventh round.

Police have increased the security arrangements in Kanakapura town, the native place of the Shivakumar brothers to prevent any untoward incidents.
Mathura, June 4 : Seeking a third term from Mathura, veteran actress and politician Hema Malini said on Tuesday that it is extremely important for the country and the future generations that 'Modi sarkar' comes back to power once again.

"It is extremely important for the country and the future generations that Modi sarkar is formed again. I have also thought a lot about the work that I will be doing for the residents of Mathura and Brijwasis. I will make sure that their dreams are fulfilled," said Hema Malini.

Having called herself 'Krishna ki gopi' who has a 'divine connect' with Mathura, the 75-year-old has maintained a considerable lead over Mukesh Dhangar of the INDIA bloc and Suresh Chandra of the BSP since the counting started on Tuesday.

"These are exciting times as the numbers keep changing every few minutes. I am fully confident that the BJP will be in power again. I am also leading by a big margin in Mathura. Hopefully, everything will be clear by 1 PM," she said.

Hema Malini claims to have done a lot of work for the Braj area which comprises Mathura, Vrindavan, Goverdhan, Chhata, Mant, and Baldev assembly constituencies.

Mathura, went to the polls on April 26.
5 job portals to help you in finding the right job in 2022.(photo:IANSLIFE). Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, June 4 : Job portals have witnessed a surge of 22 per cent in job postings in India over the past year, a new report showed on Tuesday.

According to HR recruitment company CIEL HR, the number of job postings in December 2022 was 7,143, while in February 2024 it was 8,746.

About 65 per cent of Indian startups are now planning to ramp up hiring over the next six months.

The report is based on the analysis of 130,896 employees working in 70 startups operating in the country.

Last year, the startup ecosystem faced challenges due to economic uncertainty and cautious investor sentiment, which led to a decline in funding and hiring activity.

"However, there is optimism for the future, with a majority of startup employees expressing confidence in increased hiring intent over the next six months," the report said.

With automation and digitisation cutting across all industry verticals, software development stands top in terms of talent requirement closely followed by sales roles in pre-sales, retail sales and enterprise sales.

Moreover, a significant 67 per cent of startup employees expressed openness to transitioning to established companies.

A significant portion cited job security as a primary concern, with 40 per cent expressing unease about this aspect within startup roles, the report stated.

Additionally, 30 per cent are attracted to established firms due to the promise of better pay, highlighting the allure of financial stability.
Delhi, June 4 : As the early trends show that NDA is past the majority mark but just short of 300 Lok Sabha seats, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera took a dig at BJP over its '400 paar' slogan.

He also claimed that the INDIA bloc would emerge the winner and asserted that this time Congress was going to win the most seats with huge margins.

While talking to IANS, Pawan Khera said, "I cannot say anything final about the initial trend, but I would definitely like to say one thing that whatever decision the public had to take, it has been taken."

The Congress leader further said, "BJP leaders were trumpeting the slogan of '400 paar' at various places, and were making tall claims everywhere. Now they have also come to know about the reality and what is the real mood of the public at present."

He said, "If the Prime Minister is seen trailing behind in two rounds in Varanasi, then it clearly shows what is the mood of the country at present. At the same time, I cannot say anything final about this trend, because it is a very initial trend. So I would say that right now we all should wait, but these trends will translate into results in our favour later in the day."

Pawan Khera also described the current political situation of Punjab in favour of Congress. "We are going to get a good number of seats in Punjab," he said.
Canberra, June 4 : Foreigners who have lived in Australia for at least 12 months will be eligible to join the nation's armed forces from 2025, the federal government has announced.

Richard Marles, the minister for defence and deputy prime minister, and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh announced the initiative on Tuesday in Canberra, saying it would help grow the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Xinhua news agency reported.

Under the expanded eligibility criteria, New Zealanders who are permanent residents of Australia and have lived in the country for at least 12 months will be able to join the ADF from July 1.

Starting in 2025, citizens from all other countries who meet the same criteria will become eligible to serve in the ADF.

Applicants must not have served in a foreign military in the previous two years and will be subject to ADF entry standards and security requirements.

Keogh said in a joint statement with Marles that expanding eligibility would help reverse ADF recruitment shortfalls.

According to the National Defence Strategy, which was launched by Marles in April, the ADF is currently facing a shortage of 4,400 enlisted personnel after achieving 80 percent of recruitment targets between 2020-21 and 2022-23.
Islamabad, June 4 : Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has departed to China with ambitious hopes of more loans, infra deals and to speed up the ongoing projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Shehbaz Sharif's five-day trip will include crucial meetings with the top leadership in Beijing. He will visit Beijing, Xi'an and Shenzhen. Pakistan is increasingly reliant on its important alliance with China and looks towards inking more investment agreements, speeding up delayed projects under the CPEC and seeking more loans to stabilise Islamabad's crippling economy.

CPEC remains a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The $62 billion project was formally launched in 2015 and was termed as a game changer for the cash-strapped Pakistan's economy. The project includes the flagship Gwadar Port, power plants and road networks across Pakistan.

Shehbaz Sharif aims to expedite the stalled and delayed projects during his visit to China and look for more linked initiatives of investments.

"An important aspect of the Prime Minister's visit will be meetings with corporate executives of leading Chinese companies dealing in oil and gas, energy, ICT and emerging technologies. In Shenzhen, he will address the China-Pakistan Business Forum with leading businesspersons, entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries," read a press release of the Pakistan Foreign Office.

"The two sides will undertake discussions to further strengthen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership; upgrade the China a" Pakistan Economic Corridor; advance trade and investment; enhance cooperation in security and defence, energy, space, science and technology, and education; and promote cultural cooperation and people-to-people contacts, thus setting the future trajectory of Pakistan-China friendship," the statement added.

A day before the Prime Minister's visit to China, a bullet payment to Chinese power plants was ensured, aimed at reducing the outstanding dues to the Chinese companies, with an aim to break the ice and also be in a better position to seek more financing for infrastructure projects along with a commercial loan of $600 million.

In order to provide room for making payments to the Chinese power plants, the Ministry of Finance released a total of Rs 225 billion to the Energy Ministry out of the budgeted subsidies.

Shehbaz Sharif is looking forward towards making progress in various projects related to energy, including the Mainline project of the CPEC, Kohala Hydropower Project, Azad Pattan Hydropower project and Kakarkoram Highway expansion.

Pakistan is also aiming to get at least $600 million in commercial loans from China. Notably, China had previously refused the loan amount to Pakistan due to Islamabad's failure to honour the energy framework agreement.

Shehbaz Sharif aims to give complete assurance to the Chinese leadership on the safety and security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan and affirms that incidents like the Besham attack, claiming the lives of five Chinese nationals will not be allowed to happen again.
New Delhi, June 4 : The Delhi High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the appointment of Subhransu Sekhar Acharya as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the National Small Industries Development Corporation Limited (NSIDC).

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P.S. Arora ruled that the PIL is not maintainable in service matters.

The court said that only non-appointees have the standing to challenge the legality of such appointments or extension procedures.

The PIL, filed by Saddam Ali, contended that Acharya's appointment violated the conditions stipulated in an advertisement issued by the Union Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises on July 11, 2023.

According to Ali, the advertisement required a minimum length of service of one year in the eligible scale for "internal candidates" and two years for other candidates as of the advertisement date.

Ali argued that Acharya did not meet the two-year service requirement as he was not an internal candidate.

After hearing the arguments, the court found no merit in Alias plea.

"Having heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, we are not inclined to entertain the present PIL," stated the bench.

The court relied on various judgments to support its decision, saying that it had not made any judgment on the merits of the issues raised in the PIL.
New Delhi, June 4 : With counting underway for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA as per trends has maintained a consistent though not decisive, lead over the INDIA bloc.

Till the last numbers, the NDA was close to the 300 mark, while the INDIA bloc was leading in more than 230 seats.

While the trends are yet to convert into results, a lot of BJP spokespersons and leaders have exuded confidence that the NDA alliance will register a record victory for the third consecutive time.

Party General Secretary Arun Singh said that the BJP, under Narendra Modi, will form the government at the Centre for a record third time. He also asserted that the party would dislodge the BJD government in Odisha.

BJP veteran and former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi successfully completed his two past terms and will carry on with "good governance" in the third term as well.

"Whatever the results state, I believe that they will not be jugaad (non-conventional), but a clear mandate from the public," he added.

BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said that history is being re-written as it has become certain that Narendra Modi is going to become the Prime Minister for the third term.

Claiming that the public's blessings are with PM Modi, he said that the number of seats with the BJP will also increase as the day progresses.

Asserting that the INDIA bloc has been "exposed," BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted the welfare initiatives, including housing for the poor and free medical treatment for senior citizens, brought by the Modi government and said that the "BJP has brought public sentiments to the forefront."

"This time again, the NDA government will be formed for the third term, credit for which goes to PM Modi. It will be for the first time that a Prime Minister is elected for the third time, a record in itself," said Sirsa, adding that India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was "nominated, not elected."

BJP leader Shazia Ilmi said that the BJP will form the government and dismissed the early trends of vote counting.

"There are a few states, including UP and Haryana, where our party should've been leading, but the other parties are performing well," said Ilmi, adding that "this can be concerning for the BJP. However, I am confident that the Modi government will be formed once again, and PM Modi will serve the nation in his Pradhan Sevak role again."

She also claimed that all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will slide into the BJP's basket, however, the margin can be narrow.

Another BJP leader, Radhika Khera, said that the country has given a clear mandate while adding that the "predictions of exit polls will now become exact."

Slamming the opposition for dynasty politics, corruption and polarization, Khera said that the nation has voted against it and "has once again trusted PM Modi's guarantees and his vision to take the country forward."
Bengaluru, June 4 : Union Minister for Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi is all set for a fifth straight victory in these general elections. He has represented the Dharwad Lok Sabha seat since its formation in 2009.

Earlier, he represented Dharwad North Lok Sabha seat in 2004.

Pralhad Joshi has secured a margin of 96,033 votes against Congress candidate Vinod Asooti, who secured 6.17 lakh votes. Joshi has polled 7.13 lakh votes and the official announcement of his victory is yet to be made.

Speaking to the media, Joshi stated that he was expecting a bigger margin of victory. The percentage of polling was less, however, "a victory is victory."

"I will strive towards bringing down the travel time between Hubballi-Dharwad and Bengaluru to four fours. The work will be taken up to build the nearest port near Belekeri and the focus would be on providing drinking water facilities further," he stated.

Joshi stated that there will be introspection about the performance of BJP at the national level. "I am shortly visiting New Delhi. After meeting concerned persons and national leaders, I will know the reasons," he said.

Joshi faced challenges this time as prominent Lingayat seer Dingaleshwar Swami alleged that Joshi is finishing off the Lingayat leadership. Later, he also filed a nomination but withdrew it.
Kabul, June 4 : More than 300 Afghan refugee families have returned home from Pakistan and Iran over the past couple of days, reported the state-run Bakhtar news agency on Tuesday.

A total of 303 families who used to stay as refugees for years in the two neighbouring countries returned to their homeland a couple of days ago, added the state-controlled media outlet in its report without revealing the exact number of the returnees, reports Xinhua news agency.

More than one million Afghan refugees, with the majority of them undocumented migrants, have reportedly returned home from the two countries since last November.

The Afghan caretaker government has been repeatedly calling upon Afghan refugees to end living abroad as refugees and return home to contribute to the rebuilding process of their war-torn homeland.
Ankara, June 4 : Two soldiers were killed in a plane crash during military training in the central Turkish province of Kayseri on Tuesday, said the Turkish Defense Ministry.

"An SF-260D type training aircraft of our Air Force Command, which took off from the 12th Air Transportation Main Base Command in Kayseri for training/testing, was involved in a crash due to an unknown reason," the ministry said in a statement.

According to the local governorate, the plane crashed in the Hasan Arpa neighbourhood of the Kocasinan district in Kayseri province, reports Xinhua news agency.

Further details are awaited.
Lucknow, June 4 : In a major upset for the BJP, six Union Ministers are staring at defeat in the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh.

Union Minister Smriti Irani is set to lose Amethi, where she is trailing against Kishori Lal Sharma of the Congress by over 1.45 lakh votes. The shock results were most unexpected since the minister and her campaigners considered Sharma a asmall frya.

Union Minister of State for Home, Ajay Mishra Teni, also stares at defeat in Kheri where Utkarsh Varma of the Samajwadi Party has extended his lead to more than 33,000 votes.

Ajay Mishra hit the headlines in October 2021 when a vehicle allegedly belonging to the Union Minister mowed down four farmers while they had gathered to protest against the now-repealed farm laws. His son Ashish is the main accused in the case.

The BJP backed the junior Home Minister despite resentment against the minister over the case.

Another Union Minister, Kaushal Kishore, is also heading for a defeat in Mohanlalganj, where R.K. Chaudhary of the Samajwadi Party is leading by over 84,000 votes.

In Chandauli, Union Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey is trailing against Virendra Singh of the Samajwadi Party by over 22,000 votes.

Union Minister, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, is also staring at defeat in Fatehpur, where Samajwadi Party's Naresh Uttam Patel has taken a decisive lead of over 26,000 votes.
Mandi : , June 4 (IANS) In the battleground between "royalty" and "reel", Bollywood's 'queen', Kangana Ranaut, of the BJP, on Tuesday secured a significant lead against Congress legislator Vikramaditya Singh, the scion of the erstwhile royal family, with 72,696 votes in the Mandi parliamentary constituency.

This sprawling constituency, one of the toughest and covering almost two-thirds of the state, witnessed the clash of heritage and stardom.

Previously, this seat was represented by Pratibha Singh, the mother of Vikramaditya who belongs to the erstwhile royal family of Keonthal state. She's a three-time MP from Mandi.

She declined to re-enter the fray, saying senior party leaders had proposed Vikramaditya's name as they were of the opinion that "he's young, energetic and a good orator with influence over the youth and will be a good competitor for Kangana".

Addressing a rally in Mandi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the aspirations of the youth and the importance of women's empowerment.

"The Congress has not yet arrived in the 21st century. While people progress, Congress moves in the opposite direction. It's heading back to the 20th century. The Congress royal family is staunchly against daughters. The entire Congress is vehemently anti-women. But for my family in Himachal, listen to me carefully, and educate your daughters well," he said.

Political observers told IANS that Kangana, who too belongs to the hill state, has an edge over Vikramaditya, who largely banks on his rich family political legacy, as she started her election campaign much ahead of the main arch-rival.

Amid the campaigning there was a war of words between them too that got personal, like "Chotta Pappu" and "beef eater".

Two-time legislator Vikramaditya, 35, who described Kangana, 37, as his "badi behen" (elder sister), is the Public Works Minister in the state government led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while Kangana made her political debut.

Mandi is the home district of BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur, the first Himachal chief minister from Mandi.

In most of the election meetings and during campaigning, he was accompanying Kangana.

Thakur, who contested the Assembly election in 1998 and since then consecutively won all six Assembly elections with a huge margin, lost the Mandi Parliamentary bypoll to Virbhadra Singh's wife, Pratibha Singh by 1.36 lakh votes in 2013.

Kangana belongs to Bhambla village near Hamirpur town, some 200 km from the state capital Shimla.

She owns a cottage in the picturesque tourist resort of Manali, which is part of the Mandi Parliamentary constituency.

In his election meetings, former chief minister Thakur, whose focus was to ensure the win of the Mandi seat, has been often quoted as saying: "Kangana is the daughter of Mandi, which is called Chhoti Kashi. She has brought glory to Himachal and Mandi in the film industry."

Historically, the Mandi constituency has favoured scions of erstwhile princely states, electing "royals" in 13 out of 19 elections, including two bypolls since 1952.

In the 2021 Mandi by-poll, necessitated by the death of Ram Swaroop Sharma, the BJP had pitted Brigadier Khushal Thakur (retired), a decorated officer who played a crucial in the 1999 Kargil war, against Pratibha Singh, who won the seat largely in the sympathy wave after the passing away of her husband, Virbhadra Singh.
Jaipur, June 4 : The Congress candidate from the Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha seat in Rajasthan, Anil Chopra on Tuesday demanded recounting in Jhotwara's booth number 89.

Chopra has submitted a written complaint to the Election Commission officials demanding recounting.

Rajasthan Congress general secretary Swarnim Chaturvedi said that Congress state leadership has taken a stand on this complaint. Party's state chief Govind Singh Dotasra along with his team went to the venue and stood with Chopra in raising the demand for recounting.

Anil Chopra, 31, who was fielded by Congress on the recommendation of Sachin Pilot, has given a tough fight to BJP's Rao Rajendra Singh.

Swarnim Chaturvedi said that in the last round of counting, many votes were nullified so there is a scope for some damage being done and hence the party has raised a demand for recounting.

A huge crowd of party workers gathered at the polling booth and demanded recounting.

Meanwhile, police were called in to control any kind of situation, said officials. The EC website showed Chopra trailing by 5,896 votes while he was leading with a big difference in earlier rounds.

Sachin Pilot supported Anil Chopra and said, "The way the administration worked under pressure in the close contest in Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha constituency raises many questions. The counting process is under suspicion and complaints are being made to the Election Commission by the candidate and the party. Many questions are being raised on the counting of postal ballots and withholding of the results raises many doubts. I demand from the Election Commission that re-counting be done on this seat with transparency," he said

According to the Election Commission's latest data, Anil Chopra had got 6,02,293 votes and was trailing BJP's Rao Rajendra Singh who had polled 6,08,189
Mumbai, June 4 : The main cast members of 'Ishq Vishk Rebound' gathered at a cafe in Bandra here on Tuesday morning to spread the good word about their upcoming film. They included Rohit Saraf, Pashmina Roshan, Naila Grrewal and Jibran Khan.

As cameras flashed and fans clamoured for a glimpse of their favourite stars, the young and bubbly 'Ishq Vishk Rebound' cast showcased their individual styles with flair.

Rohit Saraf, the youngest of the group, donned a purple shirt with black print, paired effortlessly with grey denims and black shoes. Debutante Pashmina Roshan radiated elegance in a pristine white dress, Naila Grrewal opted for a pop of colour with a pink top and blue denims. and Jibran Khan appeared in a classic shirt and beige trousers.

Directed by Marathi filmmaker Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari, and produced by Ramesh Taurani for Tips Films, 'Ishq Vishk Rebound' is a sequel to the 2003 romantic-comedy 'Ishq Vishk'. The original film had launched the career of Bollywood heartthrob Shahid Kapoor.

June 21 has been locked as the 'Ishq Vishq Rebound' release date.
Amaravati, June 4 : People's disillusionment with Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party's (YSRCP) rule in Andhra Pradesh led to the party being decimated in Assembly polls as Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is set to return to power with a landslide victory.

YSRCP's U-turn on Amaravati as the state capital soon after coming to power in 2019, its failure to build three state capitals as promised by it, reversal of key decisions taken by the previous government leading to derailment of development process, alleged 'destructive' rule, its acts of political vendetta against Opposition leaders, failure to complete the Polavaram project are among the factors that led to the party's humiliating defeat.

The forging of alliance by the TDP, BJP and Jana Sena appeared to have proved a game changer as it avoided split of anti-establishment votes.

In a reversal of the 2019 results, the people have given a clear mandate in favour of the TDP-led alliance in a state, which is without a state capital even after a decade of bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh.

This election also continued the trend of voting out the incumbent as TDP, which had formed the first government in the truncated state in 2014, lost power in 2019.

People have once again reposed faith in veteran leader Chandrababu Naidu, who will be taking over as the chief minister for a fourth time (in both united Andhra Pradesh and truncated state).

All sections of people appeared to have backed the TDP and its allies as they achieved an impressive strike rate of nearly 100 per cent.

The trends show that YSRCP may finish a poor third behind Jana Sena and may not even get the status of main Opposition party.

It was likely to be a neck-and-neck race between YSRCP and the NDA with an edge for the latter. However, the outcome has come as a huge shock for the ruling party.

The trend shows the tripartite alliance was leading in 162 out of 175 Assembly seats.

The TDP alone won 13 seats and was leading in 122 segments.

The Jana Sena bagged three seats and was ahead in 18 constituencies.

Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP was leading in only 13 constituencies.

The NDA was also leading in 21 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state. While TDP candidates were leading in 16 seats, the BJP and Jana Sena were ahead in three and two seats respectively.

YSRCP was leading in only four constituencies.

This is the worst-ever performance for the YSRCP, which was floated by Jagan Mohan Reddy in 2010 after resigning from Congress party in a series of dramatic developments following the death of his father and then chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR) in a helicopter crash 2009.

Jagan Mohan Reddy successfully claimed YSR's political legacy as YSRCP emerged a formidable force in the truncated state following bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh.

The party, which narrowly missed power in 2014, won 67 Assembly and eight Lok Sabha seats.

In 2019, YSRCP stormed to power with a landslide majority, winning 151 Assembly and 22 Lok Sabha seats, decimating the TDP.

Jagan Mohan Reddy, who had come to power riding an anti-incumbency wave, consolidated his position by sweeping urban and rural local body elections.

Though he tried to build a strong vote bank with series of welfare schemes, especially targeting women and weaker sections of society, the allegations of autocratic rule, corruption, alleged liquor, land and sand mafias and controversial moves like dropping development of Amaravati as the only state capital damaged the party's image.

"People were disgusted with the YSRCP's rule. The party antagonised almost all sections of society with its approach and controversial decisions taken merely out of political vengeance," said political analyst P Pavan.

YSRCP was also seen targeting the influential Kamma community, considered as traditional supporters of the TDP.

Sections of the Reddy community, seen as staunch supporters of the YSRCP and the Kapus, Backward Classes and other castes were also alienated by the party.

Many YSRCP leaders including ministers faced allegations of corruption and involvement with the liquor, land and sand mafia.

They also allegedly used repressive measures against political opponents.

The humiliation Leader of Opposition and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu was subjected to in the Assembly, his arrest last year on allegations of corruption, the arrest of several other TDP leaders and the personal attacks made on Jana Sena leader and actor Pawan Kalyan all added to the public's ire against YSRCP.

Jagan Mohan Reddy sought a fresh mandate to continue implementation of welfare schemes launched by him.

At every election rally he addressed, he boasted that with the push of a button, Rs. 2.70 lakh crore were transferred directly benefiting people during the last five years.

However, this was not enough to win back the people's support as they were unhappy over YSRCP failing to deliver on promises like job creation and total prohibition.

Cashing in on anti-incumbency, TDP, BJP and Jana Sena came together to take on YSRCP.

Though the TDP was facing a big crisis after Chandrababu Naidu was arrested and jailed in the Skill Development Corporation case late last year, Pawan Kalyan took the initiative to forge an alliance with the TDP and convinced his ally BJP to come on board.

Though the Congress party, which drew a blank in 2014 and 2019 elections, tried to revive its fortunes by naming Jagan Mohan Reddy's sister YS Sharmila as the state party chief, this has not yielded any gains for the party, which drew a blank in the state in a third consecutive election.

The TDP-led alliance had accused Jagan of 'destroying' the state with his policies.

They alleged that he acted only with political vendetta, derailed the state's development by stopping development of Amaravati as state capital and encouraged liquor, land, sand and mines mafias.

Sparing no words to hit out at Jagan, Chandrababu Naidu called him a 'dictator' and a 'psycho'.

Claiming that as the chief minister between 2014 and 2019 he designed Amaravati as a state capital at par with Hyderabad, the TDP chief had said Jagan killed the dream of people of Andhra Pradesh with his 'psycho mentality' by mooting the idea of three state capitals.

Naidu's poll promises, especially 'Super Six', also appeared to have influenced the poll outcome.

The TDP-JSP manifesto promised free bus travel for women, three free gas cylinders every year to each household, monthly financial assistance of Rs.1,500 to women aged 18-59 years, creation of 20 lakh jobs in five years, monthly unemployment allowance of Rs.3,000, annual financial assistance of Rs. 15,000 to a mother of every school-going student and investment support of Rs.20,000 to every farmer.

The BJP did not associate itself with the manifesto in line with its national policy. In 2019, YSRCP wrested power from TDP with a landslide victory, bagging 151 seats in the 175-member Assembly. It polled 49.95 per cent votes. The TDP was distant second with 23 seats and 39.17 per cent votes. Jagan's party also bagged 22 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats while TDP got remaining three seats. Jana Sena, which had an alliance with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Left parties, could win just one Assembly seat.

Pawan Kalyan himself suffered defeat in both the seats he contested. The party had polled 5.53 per cent votes.

The BJP too went alone in 2019 and drew a blank. It polled a mere 0.84 per cent votes. The BJP had bagged four Assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats in 2014, when it had an alliance with the TDP. Jana Sena had not contested the election but backed the TDP-BJP alliance.
New Delhi, June 4 : The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) on Tuesday invited suggestions on the draft Central Excise Bill, 2024, from stakeholders by June 26 as part of the pre-legislative consultation process.

The Bill aims to enact a comprehensive modern central excise law with an emphasis on promoting ease of doing business and repealing old and redundant provisions.

The Bill comprises twelve chapters, 114 sections and two schedules. Once enacted into law, the Bill will replace the Central Excise Act, 1944.

As a part of the pre-legislative consultative process, the draft 'Central Excise Bill, 2024' has been uploaded on the website of CBIC [https://www.cbic.gov.in] for inviting suggestions from stakeholders in a fixed format within 21 days.
Seoul, June 4 : The owner of US-based geoscience research company Act-Geo said on Tuesday he was traveling to South Korea to discuss Seoul's newly envisioned offshore oil and gas exploration project on the east coast.

President Yoon Suk Yeol earlier said that South Korea will push to embark on the project in the East Sea after a study suggested significant oil deposits may be buried in the deep sea off the coast of Yeongil Bay in Pohang, about 260 kms southeast of Seoul, reports Yonhap news agency.

The decision came after the government commissioned Act-Geo to conduct a study in February last year, which reported that the deposits could hold between 3.5 billion and 14 billion barrels of gas and oil.

Vitor Abreu, the owner of the Houston, Texas-based research firm told Yonhap News Agency via Facebook that he was on board a plane and was headed to South Korea for talks on the envisioned project.

Abreu said he was scheduled to arrive in Seoul on Wednesday and that he plans to meet with officials of the Korea National Oil Corp. (KNOC) and government officials.

He did not respond when asked whether he plans to hold a press conference or whether he had a response to questions over the veracity of the company being circulated in online communities and social media.

Later in the day, the KNOC announced that Abreu will arrive in Seoul on Wednesday morning on request of the corporation. And he will hold a press conference to explain his company's research on the South Korean oil project during his stay.

Claims have surfaced online that the address of the company headquarters was that of a residential house in suburban Houston, raising questions over whether Act-Geo was a properly equipped research entity.

Act-Geo's official website has also remained inaccessible since the government's announcement.

Amid the controversy, the KNOC issued a press release detailing Abreu's background and past career experiences.

The KNOC said Abreu was a veteran of 30 years in the field of deep sea exploration, and previously served as the head of the geology division at ExxonMobil and the president of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

The company also said during his days at ExxonMobil, Abreu played a leading role in the exploration of the largest deep-sea oil field in Guyana, South America.
Chennai, June 4 : A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable shot himself dead at the Coimbatore International Airport on Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Sahardar from Andhra Pradesh.

Sahardar, who was on duty at the passenger exit point, had gone to the washroom where he shot himself dead using an AK-47 rifle.

On hearing the gunshot, other security staff rushed to the washroom and found Sahardar lying in a pool of blood.

He was immediately rushed to the Coimbatore Medical College hospital but was declared brought dead.

Peelumedu police have registered a case.

Police sources told IANS that on preliminary inquiry, it was found that Sahardar was facing several family issues.
Panaji, June 4 : Goa Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Yuri Alemao on Tuesday said that if the INDIA bloc forms the government at the Centre then Congress will also form a government in the state within two days.

"BJP has failed in policies and today's verdict is a slap on their face. We are confident that the INDIA bloc will form a government. If this happens, then only within two days, Congress will also form the government in Goa," the LoP said.

Speaking of the decisive margin in South Goa, he said that they (Congress) had to fight against the money and muscle power of the BJP.

"This is also a slap on defectors. We fought against 15 MLAs (BJP and its supporters), money and muscle power. BJP used government machinery and also tried to divide people, but they have shown them the door," Alemao said.

He said that by electing Congress candidate Capt. Viriato Fernandes from South Goa, people have shown that we can't be divided on religious lines.

"We were confident to retain the South Goa seat and we have achieved our goal," Alemao said.

Goa Forward MLA Vijai Sardesai said that some of the BJP ministers called him on the phone to congratulate him.

"BJP Ministers called me on the phone to congratulate me as the lead in Margao constituency has come down. This government is shaky. They should now stop corruption," Sardesai, who vigorously campaigned in his neighbouring constituency Margao, said.

He said that the INDIA bloc got united to protect the constitution and democracy.

"It is our responsibility to protect it. We will give justice to people by protecting the alliance," Sardesai said.

AAP Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas said that victory belongs to the people and the INDIA bloc.

"I am thankful to the people of South Goa for electing the INDIA bloc candidate," Viegas said.

--IANS

sbk/dan
Agartala, June 4 : Ruling BJP candidate Dipak Majumder on Tuesday won the by-election to the Ramnagar Assembly seat in Tripura defeating his CPI(M) opponent Ratan Das by a margin of 18,014 votes.

Majumder, who is also the Mayor of the Agartala Municipal Corporation, secured 25,380 votes while Das managed only 7,366 votes.

The by-election to the Ramnagar Assembly seat was held on April 19. The seat fell vacant after the demise of sitting BJP MLA Surajit Datta on December 28 last year.

Das, a former CPI(M) MLA, was the consensus nominee of the INDIA bloc.
New Delhi, June 4 : India's coal and lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have succeeded in transforming approximately 50,000 hectares of barren land in and around coal mining regions into green forests that have the potential to absorb 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, according to a report released by the Coal Ministry on Tuesday.

New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) India's coal and lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have succeeded in transforming approximately 50,000 hectares of barren land in and around coal mining regions into green forests that have the potential to absorb 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, according to a report released by the Coal Ministry on Tuesday.

The report released to mark World Environment Day on June 5, states that the achievement "includes biological reclamation of de-coaled land covering around 29,592 hectares (Ha), additional plantation efforts like avenue plantation within mine leaseholds accounting for roughly 12,673 Ha and plantation activities outside mine leaseholds covering about 7,735 Ha.

The initiative is expected to further contribute to the augmentation of India's green cover, thereby aiding in the fulfilment of India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of achieving a carbon absorption capacity of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes by the year 2030.

As the year marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), focus of World Environment Day, 2024 is on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience, under the slogan "Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration". The theme emphasises the importance of sustainable land management and the need to rehabilitate degraded lands to ensure a sustainable future for all.

The Coal Ministry report highlights that the public sector undertakings have undertaken extensive afforestation and ecological restoration projects, transforming barren landscapes into thriving green areas. Such initiatives not only combat desertification and enhance drought resilience but also contribute to carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.

Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Amrit Lal Meena said the report would garner significant attention and be leveraged to augment green cover through the adoption of innovative techniques, such as seed ball plantation, seed casting via drones and Miyawaki plantation, within coal mines by other entities. It aims to outline the initiatives undertaken by the coal sector to increase green cover in coal regions through reclamation efforts.

The report emphasises the consistent endeavours made by Coal/Lignite PSUs to mitigate the environmental impact of coal mining through ongoing reclamation and afforestation efforts. The report presents greening initiatives carried out in both closed and active coal mines, alongside a blueprint for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

The data provided has undergone validation through Remote Sensing Studies and on-site ground-truthing surveys at selected locations. This report stands as the initial comprehensive documentation of baseline data regarding greening efforts by Coal/Lignite PSUs, setting a standard for forthcoming scientific investigations.

Additionally, a roadmap has been outlined for future plantation initiatives planned until the fiscal year 2029-2030, taking into consideration the necessary advancements in effective land reclamation and the sustainable utilisation of mining-degraded lands.

Coal/Lignite PSUs are implementing scientific reclamation techniques for mined-out lands according to technical and biological schedules outlined in mining plans. Additionally, they are pioneering community-oriented land uses such as restored forests, eco-parks, eco-tourism sites.
Bengaluru, June 4 : Union Minister for State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shobha Karandlaje on Tuesday won from Bengaluru North Constituency defeating his rival Congress candidate M. V. Rajeev Gowda with a huge margin of 2.59 lakh votes.

The Union Minister polled 9.86 lakh votes against Gowda who secured 7.26 lakh votes.

She had faced "go-back" agitation in the constituency as the BJP had denied a ticket to sitting party MP, former CM D. V. Sadananda Gowda.

She had faced stiff resistance in the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Parliamentary constituency from local leadership ahead of the Lok Sabha election.

However, Shobha Karandlajemanaged to get a ticket from the Bengaluru North seat.

Shobha Karandlaje is the close associate of former CM B. S. Yediyurappa.
Srinagar, June 4 : The defeat of two former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti and the victory of the incarcerated former MLA Engineer Rashid are the two major takeaways of the Lok Sabha elections in J&K.

Omar Abdullah had gone into an unexplored constituency so far as his family background and political strength are concerned.

Baramulla is a Lok Sabha constituency in Kashmir, where nobody from the Sheikh dynasty has ever fought in a Lok Sabha election.

Omaras grandfather and founder of the National Conference (NC) Late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, his grandmother Begum Akbar Jahan and his father Farooq Abdullah have always fought all their elections from the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency and they fought their state assembly elections always from central Kashmir.

Given this background, Omar Abdullah choosing to fight elections from the north Kashmir Baramulla seat was a political risk although Omar did not initially believe that the incarcerated former MLA, Engineer Rashid of Awami Itihad Party (AIP) would throw his hat into the electoral ring.

For Omar Abdullah fighting the elections against Sajad Gani Lone of the Peopleas Conference (PC) was considered a safer bet by the NC.

Sajad Gani Lone was supported by the J&K Apni Party and both the PC and the Apni Party were believed to be closer to the BJP. The fact that the BJP had unofficially announced support for PC and the Apni Party was used to the hilt by the NC by calling these two parties proxies of the BJP.

Sympathy vote for Engineer Rashid and the widely public participative poll campaign carried out by Engineer Rashidas son has finally sealed the fate of Omar Abdullah in Baramulla.

Interestingly, while the NC and the PC made electoral promises in their campaigns, the entire campaign of Engineer Rashid was based on the familyas appeal to vote for his release. The people have voted for the incarcerated Engineer Rashid overlooking completely the promises and the high profile campaigns run by the NC and the PC.

In Srinagar, the NC had fielded Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a Shia Muslim belonging to central Budgam district. Srinagar, Ganderbal and Kangan formed the electoral segments of this Lok Sabha constituency.

Traditionally, all three voting segments of Srinagar, Ganderbal and Kangan have been strongholds of the NC.

The inclusion of Pulwama district in the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency had given some hope to the PDP candidate Waheed ur Rehman Parra who belongs to Pulwama district.

In the final reckoning, Parra polled good number of votes from the Pulwama district, but those votes could not match the NC support in the three segments of Srinagar, Ganderbal and Kangan.

Ruhullah comfortably won the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat as was widely expected. The fact that the eight assembly constituencies of Srinagar district voted in large numbers for the first time since separatist violence started in J&K, is believed to have sealed the fate of Waheed Parra of the PDP.

The Apni Party candidate, Ashraf Mir was not in the race from the very beginning since the Apni Party was created just five years back and could not be expected to upset well-entrenched parties like the NC and the PDP.

The victory of Mian Altaf Ahmad of the NC with a margin of more than 2.5 lakh votes has not come as a big surprise to the people in general and the voters of the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency in particular.

Mian Altaf Ahmad is a highly revered Gujjar/Bakarwal leader and the inclusion of Poonch and Rajouri districts to this constituency gave Mian Altaf an edge over Mehbooba Mufti of the PDP whose political influence could not match the religio-political standing of the Mian.

Gujjars/Bakarwals form a large portion of voters in the Poonch and Rajouri districts and they voted in large numbers in favour of Mian Altaf Ahmad.

A good number of Gujjar voters are also present in the Pahalgam, Kulgam and Kokernag voting segments of the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency.

This gave Mian Altaf Ahmad an edge which could not be matched by his rivals. Thus while Mehbooba Mufti finished second, Zafar Iqbal Manhas of J&K Apni Party finished a distant third.

BJP has retained both Jammu and Kathua-Udhampur Lok Sabha seats with both Jugal Kishore Sharma and Jitendra Singh winning these two seats respectively for the third consecutive term.

Jammu has always been a stronghold of the BJP and before that of the Jana Sangh. Thus Sharmaas victory in this predominantly Hindu majority constituency was on the expected lines.

Kathua-Udhampur was a relatively tougher challenge for the BJP candidate, Jitendra Singh as it has voting segments of Banihal, Doda, Kishtwar and partly Poonch district where Muslims form a large chunk of the voters.

Choudhary Lal Singh of the Congress had campaigned feverishly against Jitendra Singh, but the joining of the BJP campaign by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh appears to have worked well for the BJP in the Kathua-Udhampur constituency.

Former senior Congress leader, Ghulam Nabi Azad, who formed the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) who had fielded candidates in Jammu, Kathua-Udhampur, Anantnag-Rajouri and Srinagar Lok Sabha seats has completely failed to catch the attention of the voters.

This is the reason for the DPAP candidates to finish at the bottom of the electoral table with insignificant independents in these four constituencies.
New Delhi, June 4 : Giving his first reactions on the impressive numbers achieved by his party and the INDIA bloc partners in the Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday that it was a fight to save the Constitution and the Constitutional institutions from the persistent onslaught of the ruling party.

On whether to sit in the Opposition or initiate a move towards government formation at the Centre, Rahul Gandhi said that the INDIA bloc meeting slated for Wednesday will decide the next course of action.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday evening, Rahul Gandhi said that Congress always raised its voice against the 'destruction' of Constitutional institutions and the people's mandate reinforces the belief that the 'Constitution is under threat'.

He added, "The election results have unanimously and unambiguously given a message that people do not want the leadership of PM Modi and HM Amit Shah."

Commending a 'section of media', he said that some of them also contributed in the fight against the 'autocratic' regime.

"While some did it from the front, some did it secretly from behind the scenes," he said.

A visibly ecstatic Rahul Gandhi -- who won both the Lok Sabha seats he contested from Kerala's Wayanad and Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh by handsome margins -- also congratulated the INDIA bloc partners for the solid performance in the Lok Sabha polls.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described the election results as a 'political and ethical loss' for the 'person' (Narendra Modi) who sought votes in his name.

"Congress fought the elections under highly adverse situations. Our bank accounts and funds were blocked while those raising their voices against the oppressive regime were silenced. Yet, we kept up the fight and put up a strong opposition against the oppressive regime," Kharge said.

Heaping praise on Rahul Gandhi's energetic and spirited campaign ahead of the elections, the Congress chief said, "Rahul Gandhi's twin Yatras proved instrumental in not only reviving the fortunes of the Congress, but also in restricting the BJP's march to power."

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi reached the party headquarters flanked by his sister Priyanka Gandhi, and a group of ecstatic Congress workers.

In the just-concluded Lok Sabha elections, the INDIA bloc sprung a surprise even for the pollsters, as most of them predicted a one-sided outcome in favour of the BJP-led NDA.

Till the last reports, the INDIA bloc was leading on at least 230 seats, while the NDA was ahead of the majority mark with leads on 290 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha.
Ramallah, June 4 : Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli army gunfire in the West Bank city of Tulkarm on Tuesday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said in a statement.

The victims were identified as Abdel Fattah Jabara and Ahmed Rajab, the ministry said, without providing further details of the incident.

A Palestinian security source told Xinhua news agency that both Jabara and Rajab were from the refugee camp of the city and their bodies were seized by Israeli forces.

The source, who requires anonymity, said that Israeli forces opened fire on the vehicles at a military checkpoint west of the city, obstructing ambulances from reaching the scene.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported that the Israeli army killed two gunmen in the Tulkarm area during an exchange of fire as they approached the security fence with the aim of shooting towards Israeli residential communities.

More than 500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on October 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
New Delhi, June 4 : More than Rs 8,000 crore in funds was added on Zerodha's Kite app on the Lok Sabha election results day, according to a chart shared by the brokerage firm's co-founder and CEO Nithin Kamath on Tuesday.

New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) More than Rs 8,000 crore in funds was added on Zerodha's Kite app on the Lok Sabha election results day, according to a chart shared by the brokerage firmas co-founder and CEO Nithin Kamath on Tuesday.

Kamath, in a post on X, shared the activity chart with the caption, "Activity today on Kite".

As per the chart, nearly 34.5 million orders were placed on the Kite app.

The app also witnessed more than 8 million logins and over 1 million GTT triggered.

However, jitters of counting day led the Indian indices to experience their biggest fall in the last four years with the investors losing nearly Rs 30 lakh crore in a single season.

As the counting for the Lok Sabha polls entered the final phase, Sensex closed 4,389 points down, or 5.74 per cent, at 72,079, while Nifty shed 1,379 points, or 5.93 per cent, to close at 21,884 on Tuesday.

Nifty Bank suffered a loss of over 4,051 points, or 7.95 per cent, to close at 46,928.
Chandigarh, June 4 : INDIA bloc candidate and two-time Congress MP Manish Tewari won the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday after defeating his nearest rival Sanjay Tandon of the BJP by a slender margin of 2,504 votes.

Tewari is a former Union Minister who earlier represented the Ludhiana and Anandpur Sahib parliamentary seats in Punjab.

Chandigarh recorded 68 per cent voter turnout on June 1, as political parties cited the sweltering heat behind the drop in polling from the 70 per cent recorded in 2019.

Since its inception in 1967, the Congress has won the seat seven times. The BJP won four times, while the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the Janata Dal, and the Janata Party held the seat for a single term each.
Mumbai, June 4 : The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Maharashtra Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has heaved a sigh of relief after it managed to open an account following the victory of state unit president Sunil Tatkare from Raigad Lok Sabha constituency.

Tatkare won with a margin of 82,784 votes defeating Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee Anant Geete. NCP had contested and lost Baramati, Shirur and Osmanabad (Dharashiv) while leaving Parbhani to BJP's ally Rashtriya Samaj Paksha.

Tatkare, who was elected as the NCP (united) nominee in the 2019 elections defeating Geete, chalked out his campaign flagging off his slew of development work and his party's move to join hands with BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra to scale up the growth.

Knowing that the Muslims and Kunbi communities may not wholeheartedly support him after aligning with BJP, he used his personal network involving his daughter and state Cabinet minister Aditi Tatkare, and his son and party legislator Aniket Tatkare, to conduct a massive outreach.

Tatkare also got the Shiv Sena legislators including Bharat Gogawale, Mahendra Thorve and Mahendra Dalvi on board in addition to BJP legislator Ravi Patil and former legislator Dhairyasheel Patil to put up a show of unity.

This helped him to reach out to the voters from all sections by outsmarting his immediate rival Gite.

Additionally, Tatkare in every speech focused on explaining his roadmap for Raigad's development and also taking up a slew of welfare and development schemes targeting Muslim and Kunbi communities which are dominant in the Raigad constituency.

By doing so, he lured the Muslim voters in particular. Tatkare claims that he has succeeded in getting about 40 per cent Muslim votes.
Mandi : , June 4 (IANS) In the battle between "royalty" and "reel", Bollywood's 'queen', Kangana Ranaut, of the BJP, on Tuesday secured a win against Congress legislator Vikramaditya Singh, the scion of the erstwhile royal family, with a margin of 74,755 votes in the Mandi parliamentary constituency.

She polled 5,37,022 votes, while her nearest rival Vikramaditya got 4,62,267 votes, said the Election Commission of India.

There were 10 candidates in the fray.

There were 5,645 NOTA (none of the above) votes.

After winning the seat, she expressed gratitude to Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur for ensuring her win.

"We fought this election in the name of Narendra Modi. It is the result of his credibility and his guarantee and the faith of people in him that we are going to form the government for the third time," she told the media.

Expressing gratitude to the people, Congress candidate Vikramaditya said, "I thank the public of Mandi who voted for me in large numbers. I congratulate BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut for winning the Mandi Lok Sabha seat.

"The arrival of PM Modi, Yogi Adityanath and Nitin Gadkari had an impact on the polls. A clear-cut mandate (Congress winning four Assembly bypoll seats) has been given by the people of Himachal Pradesh against attempts to disrupt the Congress government by BJP.

"The factor of PM Modi did not work in the nation. INDIA bloc has performed very well."

The sprawling Mandi constituency, one of the toughest and covering almost two-thirds of the state, witnessed the clash of heritage and stardom.

Previously, this seat was represented by Pratibha Singh, the mother of Vikramaditya who belongs to the erstwhile royal family of Keonthal state. She's a three-time MP from Mandi. She declined to re-enter the fray, saying senior party leaders had proposed Vikramaditya's name as they were of the opinion that "he's young, energetic and a good orator with influence over the youth and will be a good competitor for Kangana".

Addressing a rally in Mandi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the aspirations of the youth and the importance of women's empowerment.

"The Congress has not yet arrived in the 21st century. While people progress, Congress moves in the opposite direction. It's heading back to the 20th century. The Congress royal family is staunchly against daughters. The entire Congress is vehemently anti-women. But for my family in Himachal, listen to me carefully, and educate your daughters well," he said.

Political observers told IANS that Kangana, who too belongs to the hill state, has an edge over Vikramaditya, who largely banks on his rich family political legacy, as she started her election campaign much ahead of the main arch-rival.

Amid the campaigning there was a war of words between them too that got personal, like "Chotta Pappu" and "beef eater".

Two-time legislator Vikramaditya, 35, who described Kangana, 37, as his "badi behen" (elder sister), is the Public Works Minister in the state government led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while Kangana made her political debut.

Mandi is the home district of BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur, the first Himachal chief minister from Mandi.

In most of the election meetings and during campaigning, he was accompanying Kangana. Thakur, who contested the Assembly election in 1998 and since then consecutively won all six Assembly elections with a huge margin, lost the Mandi Parliamentary bypoll to Virbhadra Singh's wife, Pratibha Singh by 1.36 lakh votes in 2013.

Kangana belongs to Bhambla village near Hamirpur town, some 200 km from the state capital Shimla.

She owns a cottage in the picturesque tourist resort of Manali, which is part of the Mandi Parliamentary constituency.

In his election meetings, former chief minister Thakur, whose focus was to ensure a win on the Mandi seat, has been often quoted as saying: "Kangana is the daughter of Mandi, which is called Chhoti Kashi. She has brought glory to Himachal and Mandi in the film industry."

Historically, the Mandi constituency has favoured scions of erstwhile princely states, electing "royals" in 13 out of 19 elections, including two bypolls since 1952.

In the 2021 Mandi bypoll, necessitated by the death of Ram Swaroop Sharma, the BJP had pitted Brigadier Khushal Thakur (retired), a decorated officer who played a crucial role in the 1999 Kargil war, against Pratibha Singh, who won the seat largely on a sympathy wave after the passing away of her husband, Virbhadra Singh.
Bengaluru, June 6 : Former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar won the Belagavi seat in Karnataka by defeating Congress candidate Mrinal Hebbalkar by a margin of 1.78 lakh votes.

Shettar polled 7.62 lakh votes while Mrinal polled 5.83 lakh votes. Speaking to reporters after the victory, Shettar said that though he was projected as an outsider by the Congress, the people of Belagavi never thought of him as an outsider.

"Belagavi has been my karma bhoomi. My native Dharwad and Belagavi are neighbouring districts. The BJP is winning here for the sixth consecutive time. It is not possible to buy votes from money. Blessings of people are very important," he stated.

The victory was crucial for Shettar who had joined the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha election. Shettar had quit the BJP and joined the Congress after being denied the ticket to contest the election from the Dharwad Central assembly seat which he represented for decades.

--IANS

mka/dan
Ahmedabad, June 4 : As the votes are tallied for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has once again demonstrated its hold in Gujarat, leading in 25 out of the 26 constituencies.

This continues the trend from the 2014 and 2019 elections, where the BJP secured all 26 seats. However, in a turn of events, Geniben Thakor of the Indian National Congress (INC) has clinched a victory in the Banaskantha constituency by winning 671883 votes and with a lead of 30,406 votes. This win marks a breakthrough for the Congress party in a region traditionally dominated by the BJP, providing a glimmer of hope for the INC amidst the BJP's overwhelming success.

The 2014 Lok Sabha elections marked a shift in Gujarat's political landscape. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Narendra Modi, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat, swept the state, winning all 26 seats. This victory indicated Modi's influence and the BJP's organizational capabilities in Gujarat.

The BJP secured 60.11% of the total votes cast in the state. This was a considerable increase from their previous performance in the 2009 elections. The Congress, the main opposition party, managed to secure only 33.45% of the vote share. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), contesting for the first time in Gujarat, did not make a significant impact.

The winning margins for the BJP candidates were substantial, with several winning by margins exceeding 100,000 votes. For instance, in the Gandhinagar constituency in 2014, BJP veteran L.K. Advani won by a margin of over 450,000 votes, while in UP's Varanasi Narendra Modi himself won by a margin of over 570,000 votes, reflecting his widespread popularity.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw the BJP retaining its stronghold in Gujarat, once again winning all 26 seats. This election was perceived as a referendum on Narendra Modias first term as Prime Minister. The BJP's campaign focused heavily on national security, development and PM Modi's leadership.

In 2019, the BJP secured 62.21% of the vote share, slightly higher than in 2014. The Congress saw a decline, securing only 32.11% of the votes. The margins of victory remained impressive, with many BJP candidates winning by significant margins. For example, in the Gandhinagar constituency, Amit Shah, who succeeded L.K. Advani as the BJP candidate, won by a margin of over 550,000 votes, underscoring his influence and the party's dominance.
Aizawl, June 4 : Ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) candidate Richard Vanlalhmangaiha won the lone Mizoram Lok Sabha seat defeating Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) candidate K Vanlalvena by an unassailable margin of 68,288 votes.

The ZPM, which for the first time got a parliamentary seat, wrested the Lok Sabha seat from the Opposition MNF.

Vanlalhmangaiha, an entrepreneur, managed 2,08,552 votes while his MNF opponent K Vanlalvena, a sitting Rajya Sabha member, got 1,40,264 votes.

Altogether six candidates including the Congress' Lalbiakzam, former state Home Secretary and lone woman candidate Rita Malsawmi of Mizoram Peopleas Conference, contested in the solitary parliamentary seat in the mountainous state.

The ZPM, which was constituted in 2018, came to power in last year's November 7 Assembly polls, crushing the MNF.

Though his party is a new player in the parliamentary elections, Chief Minister and ZPM President Lalduhoma was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1984 on a Congress ticket but later quit the party and was disqualified under the anti-defection law in 1988.

Though the MNF is a constituent of the NDAas northeast chapter, the Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) led by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Lalduhoma, already announced that his party would maintain equidistance from the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led INDIA bloc.
New Delhi, June 4 : The Delhi High Court has ordered the re-admission of a Delhi University (DU) law student, previously barred from continuing his course due to attendance shortages stemming from a medical condition.

The student, who suffers from psoriasis, had fallen short of the universityas mandatory attendance requirements and was instructed to reapply for admission by retaking the entrance exam.

Challenging this decision, he filed a writ petition, which was initially dismissed by a single-judge bench.

However, a division bench of Justices Rajiv Shakdher and Amit Bansal overturned this decision, saying that the university failed to differentiate between students who miss classes for genuine reasons and those who do so without valid explanations.

"The University has adopted an approach best described as one size fits all," the court remarked, criticising its uniform policy towards all students irrespective of their reasons for attendance shortfalls.

It also noted the Bar Council of Indiaas (BCI) stance, which supported the re-admission of students who miss classes due to legitimate medical reasons.

The BCIas affidavit said that once a student is admitted to pursue legal education, their admission should not be cancelled if they fail to meet attendance requirements for genuine reasons.

In its defence, the university argued that psoriasis, a non-contagious disease, should not have prevented the student from attending classes.

However, the court recognised the seriousness of the condition, noting its potential to cause significant discomfort and affect vital organs.

"Psoriasis is a skin disease which often takes grotesque forms, causing deep embarrassment and discomfort. Itching is a peculiar feature of the disease, leading to extreme discomfort," it stated, referencing the student's medical documentation and photographs submitted as evidence.

It further criticised the university for trivialising the student's condition by questioning his choice of a homoeopathic doctor and showing disbelief in his illness claim. The judges took judicial notice of the effectiveness of homoeopathic treatments for certain skin diseases, noting the university's failure to investigate the student's claims properly.

Additionally, it rejected the university's argument that it lacked the power to grant re-admission to a student detained in the first term.

Citing relevant provisions of the University Ordinance, the court clarified that the university could re-admit students who had genuine reasons for their absence, including illness. The relevant provision, Article 5(b) to Ordinance IV, states: "A student of the University who was not allowed to appear in the examinations due to shortage of attendance will be re-admitted to the class he studied last in his College/Department, within the prescribed period of registration."

Based on these findings, the court allowed the studentas appeal, quashed the single-judge decision, and directed Delhi University to re-admit the student for the upcoming academic year (2024-2027 batch).
Mumbai, June 4 : Telugu superstar Ram Charan has congratulated his uncle Pawan Kalyan on his 'phenomenal win' in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections.

Pawan won the Pithapuram seat against Vanga Geetha of Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress. Pawan won by a margin of 70,279 votes with a total of 13,4394 votes.

"A proud day for our family! Congratulations to my @PawanKalyan Garu on his phenomenal win," Ram Charan wrote on X.

Pawan is the younger brother of Chiranjeevi (Ram Charan's father) and Nagendra Babu, and belongs to the Konidela family.

He founded Jana Sena Party on March 14, 2014. He has announced his party's alliance with BJP in January 2020 after three years of distancing from it. Both the parties fought together in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections this year.

Ram and his wife Upasana also shared a joint statement congratulating current Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his party's win.

They said, "Modiji has changed India for the best, he has brought about so many positive upgrades. He has truly put our country on the map. With his leadership the country is in very able hands, flourishing as an economy. We thank him for all his efforts in making India what it is today."
New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attends a Meet and Greet programme of People of North East and West Bengal at BJP headquarters. Image Source: IANS News

Guwahati, June 4 : The BJP has improved its performance in Assam from the previous Lok Sabha polls with the ruling party along with its allies having won 11 out of a total of 14 seats in the state.

BJP has won nine seats while its partners Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) won one seat each.

Assam Chief Minister applauded the party's good performance and thanked the voters.

Taking to his X handle, he wrote, "I bow down to the people of Assam for blessing

@BJP4Assam and our valued NDA partners with a massive mandate of 11 out of 14 seats in the state."

According to Sarma, the NDA has also bettered its overall vote share to nearly 46 per cent, a huge jump from the 39 per cent vote share that they secured in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 44 per cent in the 2021 assembly elections.

"This we have achieved despite the 40 per cent minority population in the state," he added.

Sarma further mentioned that if this win can be translated into a lead for the NDA in more than 90 of 126 assembly segments, a much-improved outcome compared to the performance in the 2021 Assembly elections.

He further mentioned: "Clearly, today's results are a vote for the overall transformation Assam has been experiencing in the last 3 years. With the blessings of Adarniya Shri @narendramodi, Hon'ble Prime Minister, we remain committed to delivering on our promise to establish Assam among the top states in the country."

Congress has won three seats - Nagaon, Dhubri and Jorhat Lok Sabha seats. Another opposition party AIUDF has failed to open its account in Assam.
Mumbai, June 4 : Shiv Sena-UBT and former Maharashtra chief minister President Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said that the masses of India have shown their democratic strength quietly and given a clear message that howsoever powerful the rulers may be, the people can vanquish them.

Thackeray also said that as part of the INDIA bloc's efforts to form the next government at the Centre, he had spoken to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and will also speak with leaders of other parties soon.

"The masses have displayed their silent strength The election results have shown that howsoever powerful the rulers may consider themselves, the people can trounce them," he said.

On the Maha Vikas Aghadi's (MVA) performance in the state, he said that though it has turned out very well, the tally could have been improved by at least 3-4 seats.

Referring to the changing scenario in the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency where the results kept fluctuating in the final rounds, Thackeray said that the party would challenge it.

"This is just the beginning of our struggle. Our party, name and symbol were snatched away Yet they had to use my father's (the late Balasaheb Thackeray) photos in the elections," he said.

To a question on the possibility of Janata Dal-U President and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Telugu Desam Party President Chandrababu Naidu joining the INDIA alliance, Thackeray said: "All possibilities are open."

"Both Nitish Kumar and Naidu were harassed a lot by the BJP I am optimistic about their stand. Even Mamata Banerjee has faced the BJP's dirty politicsbut she is already with us," he said.

After Nationalist Congress Party-SP President Sharad Pawar, and Congress' Nana Patole, this was the third important reaction from the MVA which has put up a spectacular performance with leads/victories in 29 out of 48 LS seats compared with 18 leads/wins for the ruling MahaYuti, besides one independent in Sangli.
Jaipur, June 4 : In a triangular contest, Congress candidate Ummedram Beniwal defeated Ravindra Bhati by 1,18,176 votes.

Ummedram got 7,04,676 votes while Ravindra Bhati got 5,86,500 votes and ranked second.

Surprisingly, the BJP candidate and Union Minister Kailash Choudhary ranked third. He got 2,86,733 votes.

Congress candidate Ummedram Beniwal said that this is the victory of the people.

"I will focus on digital education. The people have given an answer to those who divide people in the name of caste and religion. This victory is for the Barmer-Jaisalmer parliamentary constituency. I will raise the issue of the parliamentary constituency regarding education and water in the Parliament."

The Barmer Lok Sabha constituency registered the highest voter turnout at 74.25 per cent against 73.3 per cent in the year 2019.

--IANS

arc/DAN
Panaji, June 4 : Despite losing in two Assembly constituencies in South Goa after its leaders joined the BJP, the grand old party could retain this Lok Sabha seat with the help of its INDIA bloc partners AAP, Goa Forward Party, and voters from the Christian-dominated segments.

Though the BJP had counter strategies to attract voters from its stronghold Hindu-dominated constituencies, it failed to cover up the losses from the Congress bastions. Benaulim and Velim constituencies represented by AAP MLAs gave a lead of around 14181 and 13350 votes respectively to the Congress candidate from the Christian community Capt Vinato Fernandes. GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai played a key role during campaigning against the BJP government over alleged corruption in the refurbishment of the Kala Academy, National Games and other issues.

The Congress got a lead of 10895 votes in Nuvem constituency, represented by Alexio Sequeira, who was recently inducted into the cabinet of Pramod Sawant.

Sawant, during the election campaign in South Goa, had said that he has faith in party workers and the 'double power' he has got.

"In 2019 (Lok Sabha election) we missed victory in the South by a few votes. We tried our level best to win that election. But today changes have taken place. During that election Digambar Kamat, Ravi Naik, Alexio Sequeira (former Congress leaders) and MGP leader Sudin Dhavlikar were not with us. Currently these leaders are in the BJP. This means we have double power. Our strength has increased," Sawant had said.

Former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Alexio Sequeira are among the eight MLAs of the Congress who had switched to the BJP in 2022. Former Chief Minister Ravi Naik had joined the BJP two months before the assembly election 2022.

MGP MLA Sudin Dhavalikar, who is currently Power Minister in Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's government, had worked against the BJP in 2019 by supporting the Congress and hence the BJP's South Goa candidate Narendra Sawaikar had lost by 9755 votes, despite being the then sitting MP'.

Dhavalikar was dropped from the cabinet in the last term (2017 to 2022) of the BJP government after his two MLAs split from the regional party and joined the saffron party then. To retaliate, Dhavalikar supported the Congress in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, which helped the grand old party's candidate Francisco Sardinha to win from the South Goa seat.

Along with a lead of 4985 votes in Shiroda constituency represented by (former Congressman) MLA Subhash Shirdokar, Ponda MLA Ravi Naik and Marcaim MLA Sudin Dhavalikar gave a lead of 5598 and 10748 respectively to the BJP from these Hindu dominated constituencies. However it could not compete with the lead from Christian dominated constituencies.

The Congress got a lead of 5548 votes in Cuncolim constituency of Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and a lead of 784 in Quepem constituency of MLA Alton Dcosta.

According to political observers, the Christian community helped the Congress to defeat BJP candidate Pallavi Dempo, who is an industrialist.
Lucknow, June 4 : The BJP won two while the Samajwadi Party won two of the four Uttar Pradesh Assembly seats where byelections were held.

The BJP retained the Dadraul and Lucknow East seats while the Samajwadi Party won back its Gainsari seat and wrested the Duddhi from the BJP.

Polling for the four Assembly constituencies was held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections in the fourth phase on May 13.

The bypoll in the Lucknow East Assembly constituency was necessitated following the death of sitting member Ashutosh Tandon on November 9, 2023. A three-time MLA from the seat, Tandon was a Cabinet minister in the first government of Yogi Adityanath. The Dadraul seat fell vacant after the death of BJP member Manvendra Singh on January 5, following a prolonged illness. Similarly, the Gainsari Assembly constituency became vacant following the demise of sitting SP MLA Shiv Pratap Yadav, a four-time MLA from the seat, on January 26.

The Duddhi Assembly constituency, reserved for the Scheduled Tribes, fell vacant following the disqualification of the BJP's Ramdular Gond after his conviction in a rape case. Gond was sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment in the case.
New Delhi, June 4 : The Lok Sabha election results, unlike the Exit Polls that gave 350 plus seats to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), dealt a strong blow to the party's dreams of winning '370 seats' on its own and the '400 paar' target for the NDA on Tuesday.

New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) The Lok Sabha election results, unlike the Exit Polls that gave 350 plus seats to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), dealt a strong blow to the partyas dreams of winning a370 seats' on its own and the a400 paara target for the NDA on Tuesday.

The Lok Sabha election results announced on Saturday sprang a surprise even for the pollsters, as most of them predicted a one-sided outcome in favour of the BJP-led NDA.

Till the last reports came in, the INDIA bloc was leading on around 230 seats, while the NDA was ahead of the majority mark with leads on over 290 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

Though the BJP looks well positioned to form the government at the Centre, the electoral 'setback' prompted a multitude of reactions from the Opposition parties, which called it a rejection of the Modi government by the electorate.

They also claimed that the Congress-led INDIA bloc has thrown a spanner in the BJPas gameplans and thwarted its dream run.

Even if one sees the results as a setback, there are two clear reasons for the BJP to cheer. The first is BJPas ahighesta vote percentage in all three terms since 2014, and the second is PM Modi readying to become the only Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to get a record third straight term in office.

The biggest takeaways from the elections are BJPas return to power for a record third straight term, the party managing to keep its vote share intact at around 37 per cent, and a resurgent Opposition under the INDIA bloc banner making a valiant comeback.

The Congress put up a strong fight against the BJPas electoral might to double its tally as compared to 2019, fetching close to 100 seats on its own.

Together with the allies, the INDIA bloc is placed comfortably with around 230 seats, just 40-45 seats short of the magical mark of 272.

The BJP, on the other hand, looks like the abiggest losera because of its lowest number of seats in all three terms since 2014. Together with its allies like the JD(U) and TDP, the NDA alliance is best suited to get around 290-95 seats, still falling short by at least 100 seats as against its a400 paara target.

This also prompted pointed jabs from the INDIA bloc, with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge dubbing NDA's performance as a apolitical and ethicala setback for PM Modi, as the "elections were fought in his name only".

The party which once looked aoverwhelming and overpoweringa for its rivals is now being viewed as vulnerable, apparently because of coalition compulsions.

However, by breaking down the numbers, one gets to know that it is not as disappointing or discouraging as it sounds.

The BJPas vote share in the 2014 general elections stood at 31 per cent, which rose to 37.36 per cent in 2019. In the latest elections, the BJP is projected to record a similar polling percentage at 36.66 per cent (as per EC figures). Number-wise, the party bagged 282 seats in 2014, 303 seats in 2019, and is slated to get around 240 seats this time.

While the party may be losing out on at least 60 seats this time as compared to 2019, the polling percentage clearly shows that it is in the driveras seat.

While the polling percentage doesnat translate into mammoth numbers, the BJP-led NDA is still comfortably placed to form the next government for a third consecutive term.

Moroever, PM Modi is set to create history by becoming only the second Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to become the PM for a third successive term.

Jawaharlal Nehru was elected as the Prime Minister three times in a row -- in 1952, 1957, and 1962.

Now PM Modi equalling that record will mark a new high for the BJP and set new benchmarks for the countryas political class.

On the other hand, Congressa jubilation over its abest performance in yearsa is seen by many as overstated and overhyped. While it is seen poised to win about 100 seats, it is still far short of its own showing in the pre-2014 era.

In fact, the party hasnat breached the 225 mark in past 20 years.

When the Congress dislodged the BJP government in 2004, it fetched only 145 seats, while in 2009, it bagged 206 seats.

Its vote share stood at 26.53 per cent and 28.55 per cent in 2004 and 2009, respectively. In 2024, the party ranks much lower than its own vote percentage of 2004 and 2009.

As per EC data, the party is fetching close to 21-22 per cent vote share, much lower than its own standards of the pre-2014 era.
United Nations, June 4 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulates the people of India for the "massive exercise of democracy", his Associate Spokesperson Florencia Soto Nino said on Tuesday.

"We, of course, want to congratulate the people of India for engaging in this massive exercise of democracy as they are the largest democratic elections in the world," she said.

Since the tallying of results was on, she said: "We can't officially comment until all the voting has all the counting has been done" on its outcome.

"And we hope to have a much more official statement once everything has been said," she added.

Customarily the Secretary-General sends a message of congratulations to leaders when their elections are officially announced. At the time of noon briefing in New York, 19 results were still pending while Prime Minister Narendra Modias National Democratic Alliance had won 292 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha assuring him of a third term. The opposition opposition INDIA bloc had won 232 seats in the election.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Mumbai, June 5 : The Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said that it humbly accepts the public mandate and concedes the defeat in Baramati and other Lok Sabha seats.

"We congratulate state president and MP of Raigad Lok Sabha constituency Sunil Tatkare on retaining the seat. It was expected that Sunetra Pawar would win the Baramati seat but we accept the people's verdict in Baramati and other constituencies. Public opinion is always respected in democracy," said NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil.

Patil thanked all the voters who supported the NCP in the Lok Sabha elections.

While congratulating all the elected candidates across the country, Patil said: "The criticisms against each other during the elections should not remain bitter. All the MPs should work in tandem in the Parliament and for the betterment of the country. I hope that they will work in the national interest without any party bias."

Patil also stated that despite the defeat from Baramati, Sunetra Pawar will continue the work with renewed vigour upon reflecting on the defeat and rectifying the errors.

"Victory and defeat are a part of the elections. We should accept it humbly. You don't want to be hysterical about the win or depressed about the loss. Our leader has a lion's heart and won't get bogged down by defeat. Therefore, all the NCP workers should stand firmly behind their leader and prepare for the upcoming Vidhan Sabha Assembly elections," he said.

The NCP won only one Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra.
Imphal/Kohima, June 5 : In line with the rest of the country, the Congress put up an improved performance in the Lok Sabha elections in the eight northeastern states, which are now dominated by the BJP and its allies.

The grand old party wrested two seats in Manipur, and one seat each in Nagaland and Meghalaya from the BJP and its allies, besides winning three seats in Assam.

Like the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP won nine seats in Assam besides retaining two seats each in Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh. Currently, the BJP is heading the governments in all these three states along with Manipur.

BJP ally National People's Party (NPP) lost both seats in Meghalaya to the Congress and the Voice of the People Party, while another ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) lost the lone Nagaland seat to the Congress.

However, BJP's allies United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) in Assam, and the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in Sikkim secured one seat each.

Of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the eight northeastern states, in 2019, 14 were won by the BJP while the Congress had secured four (three in Assam and one in Meghalaya). The remaining seven seats were bagged by state parties and an Independent nominee.

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in Assam, NDPP in Nagaland, Mizo National Front (MNF) in Mizoram, NPP in Meghalaya, Naga People's Front (NPF) in Manipur, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in Sikkim and an Independent (Naba Kumar Sarania) in Assam had won one seat each in 2019.

Though the MNF is a constituent of the NDA's northeast chapter, the Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) led by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Mizoram Chief Minister and ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) President Lalduhoma has already announced that his party would maintain equal distance from the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led INDIA bloc.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Congress chief and former Union Minister Vincent H. Pala, who has been winning the Shillong Lok Sabha seat since 2009, suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon of the Voice of the People Party this time.

However, Congress candidate Saleng A. Sangma won the Tura seat by defeating ruling NPP nominee and former Union Minister Agatha K. Sangma, the younger sister of Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP supremo Conrad K. Sangma.

Political pundits feel that over a year-long ethnic violence in Manipur, and unresolved ethnic issues in Nagaland and Meghalaya might have caused electoral setbacks for the BJP in these states.

Criticising the Central government, the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) had urged the people to abstain from voting in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 19 in support of its demand for a separate state comprising six districts in the state's eastern region.

The people in the six districts, which have over four lakh voters, remained indoors on April 19 responding to the ENPO's boycott call.

Meanwhile, Tripura Congress President Asish Kumar Saha said on Tuesday that Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra yielded better dividends for the party in the Lok Sabha elections in the northeast.

He said that Rahul Gandhi began his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' from Manipur on January 14, highlighting the five 'guarantees' (Nyay) and visited most of the northeastern states evoking a positive impact among the people.

"The Nyay Yatra has also stirred the minds of the people across the country and accordingly the Congress achieved better results in the Lok Sabha polls," Saha told IANS.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in)
Hyderabad, June 5 : The ruling Congress in Telangana has wrested the Secunderabad Cantonment Assembly seat from the main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in the by-election, which was held along with Lok Sabha polls last month.

Sriganesh of the Congress defeated his nearest rival, T.N. Vamsha Tilak of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by 13,206 votes.

Sriganesh polled 53,651 votes, while Tilak secured 40,445 votes. Nivedita Sayanna of BRS finished third, polling 34,462 votes.

The death of Nivedita's sister and sitting MLA Nanditha's death in a road accident in February had resulted in the vacancy.

Nanditha died in a car crash near Hyderabad on February 23.

The 37-year-old was elected in the elections held in November, 2023. She was the daughter of BRS leader five-time MLA from Secunderabad constituency, G. Sayanna, who had passed away on February 19 last year due to illness.

Nanditha had defeated her nearest rival Narayanan Sriganesh of BJP by a margin of 17,169 votes.

Sriganesh recently joined the ruling Congress and secured the ticket.

The by-election was crucial for the Congress which has a slender majority in the state Assembly and was looking to make inroads into Hyderabad as it drew a blank in the state capital in the Assembly polls.

The Congress won 64 seats in the 119-member Assembly in 2023 polls. However, it drew a blank in Greater Hyderabad region, which sends 24 MLAs.

BRS, which won 39 seats, has lost at least three MLAs to the ruling party.

The defeat in the by-election came as another shock for BRS, which drew a blank in Lok Sabha polls.
New York, June 5 : The Indian Overseas Congress-USA (IOC-USA) on Tuesday called the parliamentary election results "a resounding endorsement of the current constitutional framework, envisioned and implemented by (Jawaharlal) Nehru and (B.R.) Ambedkar".

"We are all once again reminded that democracy is not a majoritarian rule but respects diversity and facilitates equal justice regardless of caste, creed, language, religion, or region," the organisation's Vice Chairman, George Abraham, said in a statement.

Referring to the role of the group's members, he said: "We express our special gratitude to all those IOC volunteers from across the globe who participated in the electoral process to save democracy back in their motherland."

The National Democratic Alliance coalition won 294 seats, assuring it a majority for a third term in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

But the Congress party had more than doubled its strength from the 46 it had won in the last election, with the INDIA bloc winning a total of 231 seats as of Tuesday night.

"We at the Overseas Congress salute the INDIA coalition and its leaders, especially AICC (All India Congress Committee) President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi, for their tireless efforts in getting the message to the people, which elicited the current response through the ballot boxes," Abraham said.

He added: "If Prime Minister Narendra Modi and (Home Minister) Amit Shah persist in governing India through their makeshift coalition, it is imperative for them to uphold the Constitution."

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Bengaluru, June 5 : Commenting on the 'below-par' performance by the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha elections, Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Tuesday that "our leaders are holding meetings, anything can happen in Indian politics".

Bengaluru, June 5 (IANS) Commenting on the 'below-par' performance by the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha elections, Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Tuesday that "our leaders are holding meetings, anything can happen in Indian politics".

Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said, "The BJP has failed to get a majority on its own and they have to accept the verdict. People have rejected their strategy of breaking parties in Maharashtra. People have also rejected the politics of emotion."

He added that the BJP was saying that it would win more than 400 seats, but it has fallen way short of that.

"The results clearly show that there is no Narendra Modi wave, or Ram Mandir wave even in North India. The BJP has lost even in Ayodhya," Shivakumar said.

"The results have made it clear that the popularity of Prime Minister Modi has gone down drastically, including in the Hindi belt. The BJP has to admit that it hasn't got a majority. The party which won 303 seats last time has been reduced to 243 seats. It is now dependent on other parties," the senior Congress leader said.

"The Congress party is nearing the 100-seat mark which shows that the people have reposed faith in the party. This revival is due to the tireless efforts of our leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who took out the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Priyanka Gandhi also contributed significantly to this revival," Shivakumar said.

"The people of Karnataka have blessed us with many seats and we are thankful for that. Our tally has gone up from 1 to 9 in the state, though we were expecting 14 seats." he said.

Asked if the guarantee schemes failed to pay off in Karnataka, he said, "It is difficult to say. We were expecting 14 seats; we did not get the expected results from Kittur Karnataka and Bengaluru."

Replying to a query on Exit Polls, he said, "I had said that I do not believe in Exit Polls. I had also said that we would win double-digit seats, but we missed that target narrowly."

"The performance of the Congress in the Old Mysuru region has fallen compared to the Assembly elections, but that has been a trend for a long time. This was the case when S.M. Krishna was the Chief Minister. It looks like this is the political nature of the state," Shivakumar added.
Hyderabad, June 5 : Six months after capturing power in Telangana, the Congress faces a new challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it doubled its Lok Sabha tally in the state to eight.

Building on its impressive performance in the recent Assembly elections, the BJP made big inroads to win eight out of 17 Lok Sabha seats, almost reaching its target of 10 seats.

The BJP candidates also finished runner-up in six other constituencies.

This is the BJPas best-ever performance in Telangana, which is seen as the partyas second gateway to south India after Karnataka.

The Congress, which was hoping to win 10-12 seats, could win only eight seats. The state ruling party suffered defeat in not only Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddyas home district Mahabubnagar but also lost Malkajgiri, from where Revanth Reddy was elected Lok Sabha in the previous elections.

The BJP, which won four seats in 2019 with a vote share of 19.5 per cent, has improved its vote share to 35.08 per cent.

This is a huge gain for the BJP, which got 13.90 per cent votes in the November 2023 Assembly elections and won eight seats in the 119-member Assembly.

With the main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) virtually wiped out in these elections, the BJP is likely to become more aggressive as the opposition party in taking on the ruling Congress.

Both the BJP and Congress gained at the cost of BRS which drew a blank. This is the worst-ever performance for the BRS since the partyas inception in 2001.

The BRS was hoping to salvage some pride after losing power to the Congress.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) retained the Hyderabad seat as its president Asaduddin Owaisi recorded his fifth consecutive victory.

The BJP, which had won four seats in 2019, not only retained them but also wrested four seats from BRS and Congress.

Expanding its presence, the BJP bagged Malkajgiri and Chevella seats, both adjoining Hyderabad, for the first time. It also clinched victories in Medak and Mahabubnagar, which it had won in the past.

Union Minister and state BJP president G. Kishan Reddy retained Secunderabad by a margin of 49,944 votes over his nearest rival Danam Nagender of the Congress.

Nagender was elected to the Assembly as a BRS candidate in recent elections but defected to Congress and secured the party ticket.

BJP general secretary Bandi Sanjay Kumar retained Karimnagar by a margin of 2,25,209 votes against his nearest rival V. Rajender Rao.

The BJP also retained the Nizamabad seat, where the sitting MP D. Arvind defeated Congress' T. Jeevan Reddy by 1.09 lakh votes.

The BJP also retained Adilabad, where its candidate Godam Ganesh secured the victory by a margin of 90,652 votes against Athram Suguna of the Congress.

Former minister Eatala Rajender, who was defeated in recent Assembly elections, won the Malkajgiri seat for BJP, defeating P. Suneetha Mahender Reddy by a huge margin of over 3.91 lakh votes.

Another key BJP leader M. Raghunandan Rao, who too had suffered defeat in Assembly elections, won the Medak seat. He defeated Congress' Neelam Madhu by a margin of 39,139 votes. The BRS lost the seat for the first time after 2004.

This is also a huge blow for BRS as Medak is the home district of party chief and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who represents the Gajwel Assembly segment under the Medak constituency. The BRS had won six out of seven Assembly segments under this parliamentary constituency.

Konda Vishweshwar Reddy of the BJP bagged the Chevella seat by a margin of over 1.72 lakh votes. G. Ranjith Reddy of the Congress finished runner-up. In 2019, Ranjith Reddy was elected as BRS candidate but he switched loyalties to Congress after he was denied re-nomination.

BJPas national vice-president D. K. Aruna won Mahabubnagar by a margin of over 4,000 votes against Challa Vamshi Chand Reddy of Congress. This is also a big setback for Congress as Mahabubnagar is the home district of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.

The Congress, which bagged three Lok Sabha seats in 2019 with a 30.2 per cent vote share, also increased its vote share to 40.10 per cent.

In Assembly elections held in November 2023, the Congress party won 64 seats in the 119-member Assembly, with a 39.40 per cent vote share.

The BRS, which had won 39 seats with 37.35 per cent vote share, suffered a massive loss as the vote share plummeted to 16.68 per cent.

The Congress retained Nalgonda and Bhongir seats and wrested Peddpalle, Nagarkurnool, Warangal, Khammam, Zahirabad and Mahbubabad seats from BRS.

In Nalgonda, Kunduru Raghuveer defeated his nearest rival S. Saidi Reddy of BJP by 5,59,905 votes, one of the highest victory margins in the country.

Raghuveer, son of senior Congress leader K. Jana Reddy, polled 7,84,337 votes while Sadidi Reddy secured 2,24,432 votes.

Kadiyam Kavya, who had defected to Congress after being fielded by the BRS from Warangal constituency, won the seat by a margin of over 2.20 lakh votes.

Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy of Congress won the Khammam seat by a huge margin of over 4.67 lakh votes.
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Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You actor Glen Powell says the idea for his new Netflix action-dramedy film, Hit Man, was born during the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns of 2020-21.

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Loosely based on a true story, the film follows Gary Johnson (Powell), a college psychology professor with a unique side hustle -- posing as a hit man. The character uses disguises and different names to help the Louisiana Police Department catch people trying to hire professional killers to off their spouses, neighbors and associates.

Adria Arjona plays Madison, the charming client who upends Johnson's life by murdering her own husband after he doesn't turn her into the cops.

Powell co-wrote the movie with Richard Linkater, whose credits include the Before Sunrise trilogy, Boyhood and Dazed & Confused.

Linklater also directed the project, which premieres Friday. The film is a reunion for Linklater and Powell as they collaborated on 2016's Everybody Wants Some.

"It was early on in the pandemic and I stumbled upon this article in Texas Monthly called 'Hit Man' by Skip Hollingsworth. Immediately, it was so clear there was such a compelling character there," Powell, 35, told reporters in a recent virtual press conference.

In addition to teaching and posing as an assassin, the real Johnson also ran audio-visual equipment for the police department, was an ornithologist and a Zen Buddhist.

"I was just like, 'It's such an incredible character piece,' but I didn't really know where it went," Powell said.

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"They called him a ' Laurence Olivier fake hitman' because he approached the job differently," he said, explaining how Johnson would eventually become a master of disguise. "Instead of just becoming the hitman for hire [sitting] across from someone who is trying to kill their husband or their wife or their business partner, he embodied their fantasy of what a fake hitman is."

Powell said he reached out to Linklater because he regards him as "the best person on the planet with character."

As luck would have it, the filmmaker was familiar with the article Powell was obsessed with and had even been himself mulling over the idea of adapting it for the screen.

Linklater, 63, ultimately had dismissed the idea, he recalled, because he didn't see a dramatic arc for the character -- only the funny repetition of him working through various cases.

But Powell wouldn't let go the idea of making a movie out of the extraordinary story.

"He said, 'Well, let's talk about it.' I was like: 'Oh, wow. It's the pandemic. What else are we gonna do?'" Linklater laughed.

"So, work we did, every day, for a while. We would just have hours of conversations. Glen kind of loosened the log jam I was in. He said: 'Well, what if we deviate? Why does he have to stick to the facts?' So, once that floodgate opened, we were off to the races. We just started having these great ideas."

The result, Linklater said, was a "thrill ride" grounded in reality.

"That was a real person, a real job, the strangest occupation anyone could ever have," the filmmaker said. "It was a lot of fun, man."

The pair decided to up the ante by throwing Madison into the mix and having Johnson develop a relationship with her instead of helping to send her to jail like he did with the other suspects he met on the job.

"He didn't believe that she was capable of this thing. He believed in the best of her and talked her out of it," Powell said of Johnson and Madison.

"All of a sudden, the article just sort of moves on. And Rick and I were like: 'Well, what if we pull at that thread? We have so many questions about that relationship," the actor said. "Did he stay as the fake hitman? That was a big breaking point because that was the thing when we started thinking about if he got stuck in this identity."

Linklater added, "And it's just a coincidence the roulette wheel of hitman he gets stuck in happens to be the smoldering, sexy, charming [alter-ego] Ron."

Triple Frontier and Morbius alum Arjona, 32, met Linklater over Zoom to talk about the project after being a fan of his work for years.

"It always feels like his characters are saying words for the first time and it feels so fresh," she said.

"So, when I got on a Zoom with him, I was pretty nervous because all I wanted to do was just to work with him," Arjona added. "We hit it off. And I was encountered with this egoless man who was really interested in picking my brain and wanting to know what I thought of Madison. And that was really refreshing. And that doesn't happen often."

The actress said she and Powell had immediate chemistry, too.

"We couldn't stop talking both about the movie and about our personal lives and how our personal lives could kind of thread into this movie," she remembered. "We just had the best time."

Arjona emphasized she wasn't interested in just being the film's femme fatale.

"She's a woman that's coming from a traumatic relationship -- this weird, kind of dark relationship," she said.

"She's desperate for reinvention. And I think we all do that in life. Where we're all always trying to find sort of a different version of ourselves," the actress added. "As a woman, she's kind of saying, 'What would a bad boy like Ron want in a woman?' ... I see a woman trying to play the illusion of a femme fatale."
Why are financial-technology (fintech) players moving back to India, or doing the reverse-flipping?

The reasons are financial regulation, better access to capital, and improved valuations here, according to industry players and experts.

Industry experts Business Standard spoke to said this was a rising trend.

The trend will sustain. Ultimately, investors are ready to pay the big tax burden of reverse-flipping since valuations in India are better, said Vishwas Patel, joint managing director, Infibeam Avenues, and chairman, Payments Council of India (PCI).

After Walmart-backed PhonePe changed its domicile to India earlier this year, others followed suit.

Groww completed its shift from the US recently.

Other firms considering this include Razorpay, Pine Labs, and KreditBee.

While the number of fintechs wanting to switch their domicile could not be ascertained, according to Tracxn, a market-intelligence platform, there are close to 50 fintechs domiciled overseas currently.

At present, these fintechs operate across industries such as digital payments and lending, cryptocurrency exchanges, investment tech, and software as a service (SaaS).

They are domiciled in countries such as Singapore, Mauritius, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

Established companies such as PhonePe, Groww, and Pine Labs, which have recently internalised or are in the process of internalising into India, demonstrate the increasing popularity of this process, said Harshita Srivastava, co-head of mergers and acquisitions and PE Practice, Nishith Desai Associates.

Legal experts and fintech executives said it was easier for the government and the regulator to supervise fintech operations and better for companies looking to list on the Indian bourses.

The government is monitoring all fintech companies and their compliances  whether it is know-your-customer regulations, reporting norms, or data localisation.

"They are tightening the scope (of compliances), said Sonal Rangnekar, partner at Desai & Diwanji, a law firm.

After his firm reverse-flipped, Sameer Nigam, co-founder and chief executive officer, PhonePe, said the Bengaluru-based company did so because of factors such as regulations and a plan to have an initial public offering (IPO).

Offshore to onshore

At the onset of the startup boom in the country a decade ago, promoters externalised their company structures offshore because they got better valuation overseas.

Similarly, raising capital in India was tough for young companies since investors were not comfortable directly investing in firms in India.

A few investors would not come and directly invest in an Indian company.

"They were comfortable having a holding company abroad, which used to pool funds.

"For instance, Singapore or the US will have one platform entity, which will pool funds from various investors and that money would then be used by a holding company to pump into the India-operating firm, said Dipesh Jain, partner, Economic Laws Practice, a law firm.

However, that trend is changing now as venture capitalists and private-equity firms have focused their investment in all kinds of startups in the country, including fintechs.

The scenario in India is beneficial for listing (the fear of hostile takeover is zero).

"Further, the valuation offered on the floor of Indian markets is much better than overseas, said Hemal Mehta, partner, Deloitte India.

A fintech executive added there was also a political undercurrent in the country encouraging companies to switch to India.

However, a common theme is listing on the Indian exchanges.

People have seen value accretion more in India than offshore. Firms want to capitalise on that if they want to go public, Jain from Economic Laws Practice said.

Major challenges in reverse-flipping Nigam, in a YouTube live chat after the reverse-flipping of the firm, had said if regulations were eased another 20 unicorns would look at moving their domicile to India.

One of the challenges is the hefty tax bill.

PhonePes investors had to pay about Rs 8,000 crore as tax to allow the firm to domicile in India.

Also, companies have to push for a change in structures, involving legal complexities, and may raise some operational concerns.

The main asset for a fintech, which is the technology licence, is usually housed with the holding company.

"When the structure moves back to India, there will be complexities such as where to house the licence, etc, Rangnekar said.

For companies looking to perform an outbound merger, jurisdictions such as Singapore or Cyprus do not allow one.

It becomes a challenge to navigate it regulation-wise.

"Other processes also include approval from the National Company Law Tribunal, along with offshore regulators approval, which is a long process.

"It may take anywhere between eight months and 15 months, Jain said.

Changing landscape
Three leading domestic voting advisory firms are not on the same page over the proposed demerger and separate listing of ITCs hotel business, ITC Hotels.

Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS) has recommended a vote against the resolution, while InGovern and Stakeholders Empowerment Services (SES) have advised their clients to vote in favour.

Voting on the resolution is currently underway.

The ITC board gave the green light to the demerger scheme in August 2023.

Under this plan, existing ITC shareholders will receive one share of ITC Hotels for every 10 shares of ITC they own.

After the demerger, ITC shareholders will directly own 60 per cent of the new company, with ITC holding the remaining 40 per cent.

IiAS has raised objections to ITCs decision to retain a direct 40 per cent stake in ITC Hotels after the demerger.

While it partially unlocks value (to the extent of 60 per cent), capital support will likely continue to be provided by ITC to the hotels business in its capacity as a promoter.

"The board has not clearly articulated its plan for the 40 per cent holding in the hotels business -- whether it proposes to eventually sell the equity to a strategic buyer or continue to hold it, is unclear, it said in a note.

The hotel business inherently carries high operating leverage and revenue volatility, which may necessitate capital support from ITC Limited, as its promoter, over the years, it noted.

Further, there is no clarity on the terms of the brand usage fees between ITC and the hotel business.

In response to IiAS's recommendation, an ITC spokesperson stated that the company has already addressed the queries raised by the advisory firm.

As per our understanding, all other proxy advisory firms have recommended voting for the demerger resolution, the spokesperson said.

In a response to IiAS, ITC stated: To clarify, if ITC does not hold equity stake in the resulting company as proposed, then it will not be possible for the resulting company to, inter alia, use the ITC brand name and associated brand equity and goodwill for its hotels operations, which may be detrimental to sustained value creation for its shareholders.

InGoverns and SESs for recommendations are largely premised on lack of red flags around valuation.

Since ITC Hotels will have mirror shareholding (60 per cent of ITC) and balance will remain with ITC, the valuation is immaterial at this stage. Further, as ITC Hotels will be listed value will be through a transparent price discovery mechanism. Hence, no concern is identified in this regard, SES said.



In a note, InGovern said: Given the clean swap of shares which is beneficial for the minority shareholders, as well as for the growth of both companies.

Both InGovern and SES, however, have called for more clarity from ITC regarding fees for brand usage.

The company has indicated that these will be based on industry benchmarking.

A simple statement that it will be as per industry benchmark carries no definitive meaning, especially given the fact that Sebi LODR (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements), allows payment of royalty up to 5 per cent without the approval of shareholders, SES said.

InGovern has also called for more clarity on the terms of commercial arrangements for common assets and shared services, future fund infusion by ITC into the hotel business, and changes in management.

ITCs NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) -convened meeting will take place on June 6, following which the company will declare the voting results.

Among the large public shareholders of ITC are state-owned life insurer LIC (15.2 per cent stake), government undertaking SUUTI (7.81 per cent), Myddleton Investment (3.9 per cent), and GQG Partners (1.69 per cent).

Its not uncommon for voting advisory firms to have divergent views on a particular resolution. Earlier this year, InGovern recommended an against vote on Religare Enterprises special resolutions around an investment of Rs 15 crore in MIC Insurance Web Aggregator, while IiAS and SES recommended for votes.

The resolution was eventually defeated by shareholders.

In October 2023, IiAS recommended an against vote on the proposal to appoint Mukesh Ambanis youngest son, Anant Ambani, to the board of Reliance Industries (RIL), citing his young age. SES and InGovern recommended for votes on the resolutions, which were approved by RILs shareholders.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients.

Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.
The Vishwaguru who addressed the maximum rallies and boasted of being blessed with divine energy, who promised guarantees in his own name, turned out finally not invincible, points out Jyoti Punwani.

IMAGE: Narendra D Modi at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, June 1, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

What is the best thing about the Lok Sabha results?

There's not one, but too many welcome outcomes to condense in one sentence. But surely, the victories of candidates Mohua Moitra (the TMC firebrand expelled from the Lok Sabha after a fraudulent inquiry); 'Comrade' Amra Ram (CPI-M farmers' leader from Sikar, Rajasthan); Raja Ram Singh and Sudama Prasad (Bihar CPI-ML, a party that fights for the poor); Supriya Sule (Sharad Pawar's last bid against the BJP's untiring efforts to end his hold over Baramati); Anil Desai (Uddhav Sena's Rajya Sabha MP, fighting his first election); Awadesh Prasad (Samajwadi Party winner from Ayodhya where the Ram Mandir was consecrated just 6 months ago by the PM); K L Sharma (the unknown Congressman who defeated Minister Smriti Irani from Amethi); and Manipur's Angomcha Akoijam and Alfred Arthur, would count among these.

In each of their victories lies a David versus Goliath story, and one which shows that voters have not yet been brainwashed by the 24/7 propaganda that the BJP runs through its many arms: be it TV channels or Whatsapp groups.

***

The other equally crucial outcome of this result is the shattering of the myth of Dear Leader. The Vishwaguru who addressed the maximum rallies and boasted of being blessed with divine energy, who promised guarantees in his own name, turned out finally not invincible.

There could have been no better indicator of this than the changed language of our TV channels. On Monday night, three anchors and their guests spent an hour singing paeans to 'Brand Modi', comparing him to a 'buffet; from whom every section can take what it likes, a dashavtar who presents himself differently to different people.

On Tuesday, when the results clearly showed that the BJP was substantially short of a majority on its own, these same anchors were questioning their BJP guests on whether the 'Modi factor' was enough any longer.

Modi's own victory too sits strangely with the claims he and his party make about him being the chosen of the gods. At 6 pm, Modi's victory margin was slightly higher than 152,000, down from almost 5 lakhs and 4 lakhs in 2019 and 2014 respectively

Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, the man whose name the PM and his party take with derision, was leading with more than 3,89,000 votes in Rae Bareli, and 3,64,000 from Wayanad.

The icing on the cake is that this time, it was the Congress' narrative that made a difference to the outcome. Rahul Gandhi holding up the Constitution; and the Congress' warning that the Constitution would be in danger if the BJP wins 400-plus seats, seems to have swayed people to deny this dangerous prize to those in a position to change it.

IMAGE: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party leader Rahul Gandhi show victory signs after the Lok Sabha election trends and results, June 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

***

That we finally have a Parliamentary Opposition representing all of India is, of course, the best thing about the Lok Sabha results. Last time, the Lok Sabha had rung with shouts of 'Jai Sri Ram' as the BJP's 303 MPs took their oath to uphold the Constitution. This time, at least half the MPs will not make such a mockery of the Constitution.

But the implications of the results (at 8 pm, June 4) go beyond the relief of having an Opposition that should not be bulldozed as easily as the BJP, aided by the Lok Sabha Speaker, has been doing over the last 9 years. 2015 was the last time the Opposition could play its role and stall the passing of the Land Acquisition Bill.

For the first time in his political career, Narendra Modi is dependent on others to stay in power. What conditions Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal-United will impose, remains to be seen. Right now, the man who refused to share the stage with Modi even though he was his ally, who walked out of the NDA without any notice, can call the shots. It was under him that the BJP was forced to agree to a caste census.

Known for his closeness to Bihar's Muslims, will he force a tone down of the BJP's aggressive Hindutva pitch? Will Chandrababu Naidu, now the BJP's ally with the largest number of seats, do so?

One of Naidu's campaign promises was to protect the 4% reservations for Muslims in Andhra Pradesh, and to restore all the welfare measures for them which CM Jagan Mohan Reddy had done away with.

Will he force Modi, whose entire campaign rested on condemning reservations for Muslims and the Congress' 'appeasement' of Muslims, to accept his programme?

The TDP chief stands out for promising specific measures to Muslims; no other political party has done so. In fact, no party has even mentioned the constant attack on Muslims by the ruling party at the Centre, despite the prime minister targeting the community in his campaign. Yet, Muslims have reason to rejoice.

IMAGE: Dravida Munnetra Kazagham workers in Chennai, June 4, 2024, celebrate the party's triumph in Tamil Nadu. Photograph: ANI Photo

Yogi Adityanath, one of two CMs who symbolise policies that strike at Muslims' livelihood, education and identity, sees a depletion of seats in what was considered a stronghold nobody could breach. And that's thanks to Akhilesh Yadav, the man the BJP hates because his father once ordered firing on a BJP mob out to damage the Babri Masjid.

And then there's Maharashtra, where, thanks partly to Muslim mobilisation, the coalition headed by Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray's son, has bagged a majority of seats.

The alienation of the country's largest minority has temporarily at least, been stopped. That itself is reason to rejoice in the Lok Sabha results.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
The BJP often forgets that in Dravidian Tamil Nadu, the voter does not mix religion, which is personal, and politics that is in the public sphere, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

IMAGE: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narendra D Modi during a roadshow in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Photograph: ANI Photo

Three in a row, starting with J Jayalalithaa's 'Modi-ya, Lady-ya' sweep in 2014, and Tamil Nadu has 'outright rejected' the 'Modi-Shah brand of divisive politics' by voting en masse for the ruling DMK-Congress combine for a second time in a row, after 2019.

Or, at least that's how the DMK alliance leaders will describe the outcome of the Lok Sabha seats this time, too, only words and phrases need to be changed from the collective DMK/AIADMK past of 10 long years and three elections.

If the BJP's loss comes on the top this time, it owes to the time that Modi and Shah spend, forming and breaking alliances and campaigning in the state as if the future of their national government depended almost exclusive on Tamil Nadu.

However, Modi was not at his vituperative best while campaigning for the first-phase polling in the state but topped it with the avoidable 'Katchchatheevu controversy', for instance, while campaigning elsewhere in the country.

At the top of the BJP's losses in the state is state President K Annamalai, who contested from what became his 'native' Coimbatore constituency, where his party and erstwhile AIADMK ally had independent strongholds, but not after losing it to the rival DMK combine in 2019.

Like in 2019, the western region as a whole has stayed with the DMK combine, flagging questions about the future of the AIADMK leadership of former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.

If Edappadi can still breathe relatively easy, it's only because two of his breakaway faction rivals, in three-time CM, O Panneerselvam (OPS) and one-time party strongman T T V Dhinakaran, lost their Ramanathapuram and Theni seats to DMK rivals and by huge margins.

Both were chosen allies of the BJP and victory for either or both of them -- as used to be predicted by BJP-friendly sections of the local media and also YouTube channels -- would have fuelled a rebellion against EPS.

Or, that was the pre-poll prediction in certain circles with their ear not to the ground, but to distant Delhi.

IMAGE: Dravida Munenetra Kazagham President M K Stalin pays tribute to his father and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi on his 100th birth anniversary, in Chennai, June 3, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Thus, all potential rivals of the ruling DMK have lost badly, in various permutations and combinations.

What is even more surprising is the victory margins of individual victors from the DMK combine.

Among them, Congress incumbent Jothimani had quarrelled with her party men and DMK alliance leaders in native Karur constituency through the last five years.

In south-central Mayiladuthurai, the Congress had fielded a rank-outsider, Sudha, a Chennai lawyer.

In southern Tirunelveli district, the Congress fielded an 'outsider' against the BJP's legislative party leader Nainar Nagendran, whom Annamalai possibly saw as a competitor for a ministerial berth in Modi 3.0.

All these Congress candidates won big.

Otherwise, too, DMK leaders like A Raja (Nilgris), T R Baalu (Sriperumpudur) and Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (Thoothukudi) too won by huge margins.

Among them, Raja defeated Union minister L Murugan, who wanted to obtain the people's mandate even when he had been re-elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh.

Former BJP Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan lost big to incumbent Congress member Vijay Vasanth in southern-most Kanyakumari district, off whose shore Modi did his post-poll penance atop the Vivekananda Rock only the other day.

This was the third electoral defeat for Radhakrishnan in a row from the constituency.

Not only he, but the BJP too may have to forget the constituency, which once used to be its single-most stronghold south of the Vindhyas.

Another notable loser is the BJP's Tamizhisai Soundararajan, who quit her dual responsibility of Telangana governor and Puducherry lieutenant governor, to contest from the prestigious South Chennai constituency -- only to lose badly.

However, it is significant to note that party candidate Vinodh too came second, this one against the DMK's Dayanidhi Maran, former Union minister, who won the seat for the fourth time in a row.

IMAGE: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam workers celebrate outside the party office as initial trends show victory for the party candidates during the counting of Lok Sabha polls in Chennai, June 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The election results are sure to churn politics in the state in ways not possibly thought of.

Tamil Nadu has assembly polls due in the summer of 2026, and Stalin has to ensure that his party won.

Unlike day-dreaming analysts in distant Delhi, he is not going to dump the Congress.

Once again, the Congress has proved to be an worthy ally, so also the two Communist parties, the IUML and the VCK, all of whom have a common ideological cause against the BJP's 'divisive politics' as different from other aspects of the party's ideas and ideology, if anything is left.

If anything, he may go hammer and tongs against the BJP at the Centre and Modi in general, both of whom he had spared until earlier this year.

Indefatigable Governor R N Ravi with what is seen as his 'Hindutva' agenda, with the Centre's backing, may become the target of political attacks and also the pending cases on power-sharing issues, pending before the Supreme Court.

The DMK alliance won because the state's middle-of-the-road voters unaligned to any isms and ideologies wanted out with the BJP.

They were not sure of the AIADMK's post-poll conduct and that of the three breakaway faction, especially if they had a chance to join Modi 3.0 as ministers.

IMAGE: DMK workers celebrate the party's leads in the Lok Sabha polls, June 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The BJP often forgets that in Dravidian Tamil Nadu, the voter does not mix religion, which is personal, and politics that is in the public sphere.

It is thus that the number of Periyar's DK cadres wearing his 'black shirt' from a century past has dwindled to a few thousands but that of annual pilgrims to Lord Ayyappa's hill shrine in neighbouring Kerala has grown exponentially over three or four decades, crossing a few millions now.

But that does not interfere with their faith in the Dravidian social justice scheme and governance, including corruption and nepotism.

The BJP has to try a different tool here. It may have to invent one for Tamil Nadu, but its present day ideologues in Delhi and Chennai are incapable of thinking out-of-the-box.

For now, the state party will be ensnarled in an impending demand for Annamalai's replacement.

For the DMK, the real threat is both from within and without, when it comes to Election 2026.

Stalin has to show his cadres, leaders, officials and thus the general public that he can act as tough as Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa in government and party matters.

Both had left behind a bench mark, which the incumbent wants to lower as a part of his new-generation politics.

From outside, the DMK's real threat could be actor-politician Vijay, who has launched the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK).

Vijay has promised to field candidates in all 234 assembly constituencies.

While the new party may not be able to get credible and creditable candidates, what is sure is that a section of the woman voters that Stalin wooed away from the rival AIADMK since founder MGR's days, through his government's welfare schemes since 2021, may go the TVK way...

N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Ending its over-seven-decades-long political drought in Kerala, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday finally opened its account in the state through actor-turned politician Suresh Gopi, who cemented his historic victory with a massive lead of over 74,686 votes in the Thrissur Lok Sabha segment.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with actor-turned politician and BJP candidate Suresh Gopi at a function in Kerala, April 15, 2024. Photograph: Courtesy Suresh Gopi on X

Gopi defeated Communist Party of India leader VS Sunilkumar in an exciting fight.

While Gopi garnered a total of 4,12,338 votes, Sunilkumar had to make do with 3,37,652 votes, according to the EC figures.

Congress's senior leader and MP K Muraleedharan settled in the third position with 3,28,124 votes, it said.

The result came as a rude shock for the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Democratic Front and the Congress-headed United Democratic Front, which even till the last minute rubbished the various exit polls that predicted a Gopi victory and the chances of the lotus blooming in the state.

The political rivals asserted that the fight would be between their candidates VS Sunilkumar (CPI) and K Muraleedharan (Congress).

The counting of postal votes even gave the impression that their calculations might go right, as Sunilkumar initially enjoyed an upper hand.

But Gopi came into the picture in the subsequent rounds, increased his lead consistently, and then there was no looking back.

With a strong lead and impressive victory, Suresh Gopi has proved wrong the long-held belief of the traditional fronts that Kerala would remain elusive for the saffron party as always.

The national award-winning actor had earlier tried his luck in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the 2021 assembly election from the same central Kerala constituency, but the voters had given him the thumbs down then.

However, Gopi, who was reluctant to backtrack from politics, consistently concentrated in Thrissur and spent the lion's share of his funds as Rajya Sabha MP here in these years, eying the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

A staunch loyalist of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gopi had to face not only the criticism of political rivals but also harsh and sarcastic trolls throughout his political journey so far.

His mass dialogue "Thrissur njaningedukkuva (I am taking Thrissur)", made during the time of the previous election, was widely discussed in political circles of the state but was largely used by opponents to mock him after the drubbing he received in 2021.

A recent harassment case filed by a woman journalist was also a challenge in his political career.

The actor and his family's offering of a golden crown to a cathedral in the constituency also triggered a row.

However, the BJP national leadership, especially PM Modi, backed Gopi to the hilt and gave him a party ticket to contest from Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, yet again.

Modi attended the marriage ceremony of Gopi's elder daughter at the famed Guruvayoor Sri Krishna temple here in January this year, giving a clear indication that they had complete faith that he could be their key to step foot into Kerala.

Thrissur's total voters are a little over 14.83 lakh. According to the latest updates, 10,81,125 votes were polled.

Thrissur, a sitting constituency of the Congress party, has a considerable presence of the minority Christian community along with the majority Hindus.

While talking to reporters from his home in Thiruvananthapuram, Gopi expressed gratitude to the people of Thrissur and the gods for his historic victory.

He said he had to undergo several "struggles" and "swam against the flow" to achieve the victory.

Calling the people of the constituency as 'praja daivangal' (subjects who are gods), he described Modi as his "political god."
Congress candidate Kishori Lal Sharma emerged as a giant killer by defeating Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Smriti Irani by a margin of over 1.67 votes from Amethi, the bastion of the Nehru-Gandhi family in Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday.

IMAGE: File image of Congress leader KL Sharma with party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as he wins from Amethi seat in the Lok Sabha elections, June 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

According to the Election Commission, Irani bagged 3,72,032 votes, while Sharma polled 5,39,228 votes. The Bahujan Samaj Party candidate got 34,534 votes.

Reacting to his win, Sharma expressed his gratitude to the people of Amethi and the Congress party, saying the 18th Lok Sabha election in Amethi will be the biggest example of a strong and empowered democratic country.

Speaking to reporters in Amethi, Sharma said the political harmony of Amethi on the national stage and the beloved people of Amethi was very amazing, exemplary and at the peak.

"This victory is not of Kishori Lal Sharma, but of the entire Amethi family. I thank the people of Amethi, the Congress party, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, and assure you all that I will always follow the orders, instructions and suggestions of the common people of Amethi.

"With dedication, sacrifice, love, affection and respect for all of you, I will continue to work in public interest with your support. Now, the relationship between the people and the public representative in Amethi is not only re-established with respect, but every Amethi resident will feel proud of this," Sharma said.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters here, Irani said, "I express special gratitude to all the supporters and workers of the BJP who served the party with full hard work and dedication. I got the privilege of fulfilling the 30-year-old demands of the Lok Sabha constituency, from the drains in the village to the bypass and medical college."

She expressed "special gratitude" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for completing the work of 30 years in the short span of five years.

"I congratulate the Modi-Yogi government that won the elections. I hope that with the devotion we served the people by going to every village, Amethi will continue to be served in this way every day," she said.

Irani said the BJP will be strengthened further.

"This is the day to congratulate those who won. It is the day to express gratitude to the people.

"The organisation will analyse on its own, but as a political worker, it has been my great fortune that I went to every village of the area and worked (there)."
Buoyed by the Indian National Develpmental Inclusive Alliance's (INDIA) show in the Lok Sabha polls, Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray president Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday pushed for staking a claim to form the next government at the Centre and said the opposition alliance's leaders will meet on Wednesday in New Delhi to decide on the Prime Minister's face.

IMAGE: Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray. Photograph: ANI Photo

Addressing a news conference in Mumbai after results and trends showed the BJP will miss the simple majority mark of 272 seats, Thackeray said leaders of the Congress and other parties are holding talks with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Telegu Desam Party (TDP) head Chandrababu Naidu to explore the possibility of their entry into the bloc.

The Kumar-led Janata Dal-United and the TDP are constituents of the Bharatiya Janata Party-headed National Democratic Alliance which looks set to win more than 290 Lok Sabha seats as per latest trends and results, enough to form the next government in the 543-member House.

Thackeray alleged both Naidu, a former CM of united Andhra Pradesh, and Kumar were troubled by the BJP.

Both leaders are key to formation of the next government at the Centre.

"The common man has shown his power," Thackeray said after the INDIA alliance crossed the 200- seat mark as per results and trends.

"There is a need to stake a claim to form the next government. The INDIA alliance meeting on Wednesday (in Delhi) will decide on the Prime Minister's face," he added.

The former Maharashtra chief minister said he will travel to the national capital to attend the key meeting.

Thackeray said it is made to appear that the BJP-led NDA has the numbers to form the next government.
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance was surging ahead in two southern states -- Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka -- while the respective blocs led by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu and Congress in Kerala were on their way for another excellent show, going by the latest trends emerging from the counting of voted polled in the just concluded Lok Sabha polls.

IMAGE: TDP workers celebrate the party's electoral performance, in Amravati. Photograph: ANI Photo

As part of its southern focus, the BJP had invested much pride and hard work to net as much as possible from the 131 seats on offer from the fiver southern states -- Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and the two UTs of Lakshadweep and Puducherry.

According to the latest EC update, BJP was leading in 18 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka while its ally Janata Dal-Secular was ahead in three. The ruling Congress's nominees were leading in seven seats.

Among the key candidates that were ahead of their rivals were suspended JD-S MP Prajwal Revanna, arrested recently by the police over allegations of sexually abusing several women, with his purported act also being filmed.

In Andhra Pradesh, the NDA was leading in 21 of the 25 Lok Sabha polls. While N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party was ahead in 16 seats, allies BJP and Janasena Party were leading in three and two seats, respectively. Ruling YSRCP candidates were leading in the remaining 4.

It was a close contest in Congress-ruled Telangana. Both the ruling party and the BJP were ahead in 8 each. The AIMIM was leading in one seat.

The blocs led by DMK and Congress were surging ahead in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, respectively, amid ample indications that they might yet again sweep the polls in the two southern states that have always eluded the BJP any major electoral gains. The respective blocs had decisive clinched the polls in 2019 as well in the two states.

According to the latest trends made available for 36 of the 39 seats by the EC for Tamil Nadu, the DMK was leading in 21, and overall the alliance' nominees were ahead in 35 seats. NDA constituent PMK was leading in one seat.

Kerala was on its way for another Congress-led UDF sweep and the opposition party was leading in 13 of the 20 seats, with its ally IUML ahead in two. UDF constituents KEC and RSP were ahead in one seat each.

The BJP was leading in two, including Thrissur, and the ruling CPI-M in one segment, according to the latest EC updates.

The Congress was leading in Lakshadweep and NDA-ruled Puducherry as well.
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance was leading in a majority of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, according to trends available by the Election Commission around noon.

IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter's residence in New Delhi on June 3, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Janata Dal-United headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who returned to the NDA barely five months ago, was ahead of rivals in 14 out of 16 seats it had contested.

The BJP, which had contested 17 seats, was leading in 13, while junior ally Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas was ahead in all the five in its kitty, including Hajipur, where its president Chirag Paswan had established a lead of about 24,000 votes.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal, which had suffered decimation in the last general elections, was leading in five seats, out of 23 where it had fielded candidates.

Party supremo Lalu Prasad's eldest daughter Misa Bharti was leading by over 33,000 votes in Pataliputra but her younger sister Rohini Acharya was trailing in Saran.

The CPI-ML Liberation, which had contested only three seats, was leading in two of these, Arrah and Karakat.

In Arrah, Union Minister and two-term BJP MP RK Singh was trailing while in Karakat, Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh was a distant third.

The Congress was leading in the reserved Sasaram seat, but trailing the JD-U in Kishanganj, the only Bihar constituency it won five years ago.

Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, an NDA ally who heads Hindustani Awam Morcha, had established an almost unassailable lead of nearly 64,000 votes in Gaya.

The CPI, which contested only one seat, was neck and neck in Begusarai with Union minister and BJP MP Giriraj Singh.
Indore on Tuesday rewrote history by registering the highest-ever NOTA votes in the country at 2,18,674, overtaking a record posted by Bihar's Gopalganj in 2019, while Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Shankar Lalwani won the Lok Sabha polls from the seat in Madhya Pradesh by a staggering margin of 11,75,092 votes.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

All 13 candidates in the fray in Indore against Lalwani, who won by a potentially record margin votes, lost their security deposit, indicating they were clearly rejected by the voters. If a candidate gets fewer than one-sixth of the total valid votes cast in a constituency, his/her security deposit is seized by the EC.

The NOTA (none of the above) option garnered 16.28 per cent of the total vote cast in the Indore Lok Sabha seat.

Sitting MP Lalwani's nearest rival, Lakshman Solanki of the BSP, pocketed 51,659 votes.

Notably, a call to support NOTA was given by the Congress after its candidate Akshay Kanti Bam withdrew from the poll fray at the last moment, a move that forced the opposition party out of the contest from the prestigious seat. Bam later joined the BJP.

On May 13, of the 25.27 lakh eligible voters in Indore, 61.75 per cent exercised their franchise. Of them, 13,43,294 ballots were found valid. Of it, 16.28 percent votes went to NOTA.

In 2019, Indore had recorded a 69 percent turnout with 5,045 voters opting for NOTA.

In the last parliamentary polls, voters in Bihar's Gopalganj created a record with 51,660 of them, or 5 per cent, opting for NOTA, which is placed as the last option on the electronic voting machine.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, NOTA garnered 46,559 votes in Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu by pocketing nearly 5 per cent of votes cast there.

The NOTA option was incorporated into the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) in September 2013 following a Supreme Court verdict. This choice gave voters the option to reject all candidates in the fray.

The BJP has been winning the Indore seat for the last 35 years. Excluding Lalwani, the NOTA option prevailed over the remaining 13 candidates. In all, the defeated candidates managed just 1,16,543 ballots.

In 2019, Lalwani defeated his nearest Congress rival Pankaj Sanghvi by a margin of 5.48 lakh votes.

This time around, the NOTA supported by Congress did not get even half of the votes that his rival party garnered in 2019, Lalwani told PTI.

"This shows the people of Indore have rejected Congress," he added.

Senior Congress leader Shobha Oza said the people of Indore have created a record by casting their votes in favour of NOTA and giving a befitting reply to the BJP which, she claimed, considers itself above democracy and the Constitution.

Former Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat had recently described NOTA as having a "symbolic" impact and said if it gets more than 50 per cent votes in a seat, only then making it legally effective on poll results could be considered.

Rawat had told PTI that if 99 out of 100 votes go in favour of the NOTA option and someone gets one vote, even then the candidate will emerge victorious.

"More than 50 percent of electors will have to once opt for NOTA in a seat to show the political community that they do not consider candidates with criminal background or other undeserving ones worthy of their votes. Only after this, pressure on Parliament and the Election Commission will increase and they will have to think about changing laws to make NOTA effective on the election results," he said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal mounted a blazing campaign in the hot summer after he was released from the Tihar jail on interim bail on May 10, drawing huge crowds at rallies and roadshows, but it proved insufficient to propel his Aam Aadmi Party past the Bharartiya Janata Party challenge in the national capital.

IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convenor Arvind Kejriwal before surrendering at Tihar Jail in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

In his pursuit to oust the saffron party from power, Kejriwal canvassed not only for AAP candidates but also for those fielded by Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) partners.

Apart from Delhi, he campaigned in states like Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab.

However, the massive turnout at his rallies could not translate into votes in the Lok Sabha elections as a formidable BJP swept aside the spirited challenge by his party in Delhi.

In Punjab, the AAP won only three seats of all the 13 it contested, its chances dented by the Congress, its INDIA bloc ally in Delhi.

The Congress is set to win seven seats in Punjab.

The AAP contested a total of 22 seats: 13 in Punjab, four in Delhi, two each in Gujarat (Bharuch and Bhavnagar) and Assam (Sonitpur and Dibrugarh) and one in Haryana (Kurukshetra). The party drew a blank in Gujarat, Delhi and Assam.

Kejriwal was arrested on May 21, and this could not have came at a worse time for the AAP that was already grappling with the absence of its top leaders -- former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia is in jail in connection with the excise policy case, former health minister Satyendar Jain is in jail in connection with a separate money laundering case.

Kejriwal's arrest put a spanner in the AAP's campaign and led to delay in announcement of party's manifesto, decision on strategy of the party for the electoral battle and other outreach activities.

The campaign was moving at a snail's pace, with his wife Sunita Kejriwal trying to lead the charge.

But his party leaders say that after his release, the 55-year-old energised their whole electioneering as he jumped in full-throttle without wasting any time.

In his very first address to party workers and leaders after coming out of the jail, Kejriwal taunted the BJP saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi is asking for votes for his 'successor' Union Home Minister Amit Shah as Modi will 'retire' on turning 75.

"These people ask INDIA bloc about (PM) face. I am asking the BJP who will be their PM? Modi ji is turning 75 on September 17 next year. He had made the rule that people aged 75 would be retired. They retired LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan," Kejriwal said at the AAP headquarters.

"Modi will retire next year. He is seeking votes for making Amit Shah the prime minister. Will Shah fulfil Modiji's guarantee?" he asked.

The counter came quickly from Shah, who told a press conference in Hyderabad that Modi will continue to lead the country and there is 'no confusion in the BJP' on the issue.

Kejriwal then went on a demanding campaign trail, conducting press conferences, giving media interviews, holding roadshows and addressing rallies which attracted huge crowds.

In his speeches, Kejriwal, an IITian and a former civil servant who quit his job as a tax officer before becoming an activist and then a politician, presented himself as a victim of the BJP's alleged vendetta politics.

He said he was sent to jail not because he was corrupt but because he raised voice against the "dictatorship". He told the crowd he needed their support to save the Constitution and the country.

"The Supreme Court had given me this time to campaign for the elections. 21 days completed yesterday, and now I am going straight from here to Tihar.

These 21 days are very unforgettable for me. I did not waste even a single minute; I campaigned 24 hours a day to save the country," he told supporters at the party office before surrendering at the jail on June 2 after his interim bail expired.

His AAP was contesting in an alliance with Congress in Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh while they had failed to reach a consensus for Punjab.

These elections were a litmus test for Kejriwal and AAP and these were the first Lok Sabha polls the AAP was contesting after being granted the status of a national party.

The stakes were high for the party wherever it was contesting, but more so in Punjab, since it is in power in the state and was contesting all the 13 seats.

Emerging from the anti-corruption movement of 2011, the AAP was founded in the national capital by Kejriwal and his close associates in November 2012.

While the AAP had registered a resounding mandate in the 2015 and 2020 Delhi Assembly polls, it has drawn a blank in the Lok Sabha polls. (Depends on poll results)

Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 in connection with the excise policy-linked money laundering case with the AAP alleging that it was done to derail the party's election campaign.

Recovering from the initial shock from his arrest, party leaders regrouped and rolled out the 'Jail ka jawab vote se' campaign under which its senior leaders led multiple jan sabhas, organised signature campaigns and other activities to garner support.

The AAP also thought there would be sympathy among people over his arrest and it would work in the party's favour, but evidently it did not turn out that way.

Kejriwal first led the AAP to form a government in Delhi in 2013 with outside support from the Congress.

But it lasted only 49 days, as Kejriwal resigned since he was unable to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill in Delhi Assembly.
The Trinamool Congress raced ahead of its rivals, leading in 31 seats after several rounds of counting, while the Bharatiya Janata Party led in 10, and Congress in one, even as it took an insurmountable lead in a number of seats, according to the Election Commission website.

IMAGE: TMC workers celebrate as the trends show the party races ahead in West Bengal. Photograph: ANI Photo

If the TMC can hold on to this tally till evening, the party is all set for second best performance in the state after 2014 when it had won 34 seats.

Till 1 pm, the party bagged 47 per cent votes, up from 43 per cent in 2019.

In the last Lok Sabha polls, the TMC had won 22 seats, whereas the BJP had won 18, and the Congress had bagged two.

Despite its pitch campaign with top central BJP leaders leading the charge, the party's tally is all set to decline by eight seats and a vote share of three per cent. In 2019, it had bagged 40 per cent of the total votes polled.

The Communist Party of India-Marxist seems to be failing to open its account from the state just like in 2019, as it was not leading in any of the 42 seats.

The Congress, which was leading in one seat, is trailing in Baharampur Lok Sabha seat from where West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is seeking a sixth term.

TMC candidate and sitting MP Abhishek Banerjee is leading in Diamond Harbour constituency over his nearest rival, BJP's Abhijit Das, by a margin of 3,42,683 votes.

In Bolpur, sitting TMC MP Asit Mal was leading by a margin of 1,71,000 votes over his nearest rival of the BJP's Piya Saha.

BJP candidate Rekha Patra of Basirhat, where Sandeshkhali is situated, was trailing against her nearest rival, TMC's Sheikh Nurul Islam, by over 1,44,577 votes.

TMC's Hooghly candidate Rachana Banerjee was leading over her nearest BJP rival and sitting MP Locket Chatterjee by a margin of over 29,688 votes.

In Malda Dakshin, Congress candidate Isha Khan Choudhury was leading by 15,733 votes over her nearest BJP rival, Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhury.

In Jadavpur, TMC's Sayani Ghosh was leading by over 1,04,816 votes over her nearest BJP rival Anirban Ganguly.

In Joynagar, TMC's sitting MP Pratima Mondal was leading by a margin of over 1,64,780 votes over BJP candidate Ashok Kandary.

Heavyweight BJP candidate and state president Sukanta Majumdar was trailing in the Balurghat seat over his nearest rival, TMC's Biplab Mitra, by 15,554 votes, as per the EC website.

In Malda Uttar, sitting MP and BJP candidate Khagen Murmu was leading by a margin of 11,119 votes over his nearest rival, TMC's Prasun Banerjee.

In Cooch Behar, BJP candidate and sitting MP Nisith Pramanik was trailing by a margin of 5,529 votes against his TMC rival, Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia.

In Ranaghat Lok Sabha seat, BJP's Jagannath Sarkar was leading by over 30,862 votes against the TMC's Mukut Mani Adhikari.

In Krishnanagar, BJP candidate Amrita Roy was trailing by over 62,501 votes against her nearest rival, TMC's Mahua Moitra.

Heavyweight BJP candidate Shantanu Thakur was leading in West Bengal's Bongaon seat - a Matua bastion- over his nearest rival, TMC's Biswajit Das, by over 31,112 votes.

In Murshidabad constituency, CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim was trailing by a margin of 18,055 votes over his nearest rival and sitting MP, TMC's Abu Taher Khan.

Heavyweight BJP candidate and state president Sukanta Majumdar was trailing in Balurghat seat over his nearest rival, TMC's Biplab Mitra, by 4,363 votes, as per the EC website.

BJP candidate SS Ahluwalia was trailing in West Bengal's Asansol seat over his nearest rival, TMC's Shatrughan Sinha, by 39,677 votes.

TMC candidate Arup Chakraborty was ahead of BJP candidate and sitting MP Subhas Sarkar in Bankura Lok Sabha constituency by 18,161 votes.

TMC candidate and party's Lok Sabha leader Sudip Bandopadhyay was leading by 20,262 votes from Kolkata North seat over his nearest BJP rival Tapas Roy.

In Bardhaman-Durgapur's seat, TMC candidate Kirti Azad was leading by 69,041 votes over his nearest BJP rival Dilip Ghosh.

In Kolkata South, TMC candidate Mala Roy was leading over her nearest rival, CPI-M's Saira Shah Halim, by a margin of 1,23,231 votes.

In Barrackpore, TMC's Partha Bhowmick was leading by a margin of 21,124 votes over his nearest rival and sitting MP Arjun Singh.

In Tamluk Lok Sabha segment, TMC's Debanghsu Bhattacharya was trailing by a margin of 14,300 votes over his nearest rival, BJP's Abhijit Gangopadhyay.

As the results started pouring in, celebrations broke out outside West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee's residence as party workers danced and smeared each other with green gulaal.

The TMC on Tuesday hailed the trends that reflected that the party was racing ahead of its rivals and said the people have voted against the anti-Bengali forces.

"The results are a reflection of people's faith in the pro-people policies of the TMC government led by our supremo Mamata Banerjee. The people through this decisive mandate against the BJP have defeated the anti-Bengal forces. The results have also proved that the exit polls were a farce by the pro-BJP media," TMC spokesperson Santanu Sen told PTI.

The counting of votes for 42 Lok Sabha constituencies began at 8 am.
In a political comeback that can only be described as triumphant, Mahua Moitra, the firebrand leader of the Trinamool Congress, is headed for a resounding victory in Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat with a commanding lead over her nearest Bharatiya Janata Party rival Amrita Roy.

IMAGE: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee greets people during a campaign rally in support of TMC candidate Mahua Moitra (third from left), in Kolkata, May 30, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Moitra who bagged 6,24,711 votes was leading by an irreversible margin of 57,083 over her nearest BJP rival Amrita Roy, who managed to pocket 5,67,628 votes.

Moitra's electoral triumph not only secures her seat in Parliament, but also serves as a defiant retort to attempts to sideline her from the political arena.

Her expulsion from the Lok Sabha last year in a controversial cash-for-query case was a temporary setback in her political journey.

However, her landslide victory in Krishnanagar speaks volumes about her resilience and unwavering support from her constituents.

The 15-year odyssey of Moitra from the world of high finance to the heart of Indian politics has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Born into privilege in Assam, Moitra's decision to leave her lucrative career as an investment banker in New York and London to join the political fray was met with both skepticism and admiration.

Inspired by the call for grassroots activism, she joined the Congress party's youth wing in 2009 before eventually finding her home in the Trinamool Congress.

Moitra's political journey has been marked by her unapologetic candour and steadfast commitment to her principles.

Her impassioned speeches in Parliament, despite her newcomer status, have earned her nationwide acclaim and established her as a formidable voice of dissent against the ruling establishment.

However, her tenure has not been without its share of controversies and challenges.

Moitra's outspoken nature and willingness to challenge the status quo have often put her at odds with her own party leadership.

As Moitra returns to Parliament with a resounding mandate, she does so with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

Her victory not only reaffirms her place on the national stage but also serves as a rallying cry for those who refuse to be silenced in the face of adversity.

In Moitra's own words, this win is not just a personal triumph but a fitting response to those who sought to suppress her voice.

And as she takes her seat in the hallowed halls of Parliament again, one thing is clear -- Moitra is here to stay, and her voice will not be silenced.
From putting up a decent performance in the last Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh winning 10 seats stitching an alliance with arch rival Samajwadi Party, Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party drew a blank in the current general elections, dealing a severe blow to its reputation of representing the voice of Dalits in the state.

IMAGE: A Bahujan Samaj Party supporter holds a portrait of party chief Mayawati during a public meeting for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, in Lucknow on May 13, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The BSP's selection of candidates reflected its attempt to doom the chances of the opposition grouping, but the Samajwadi Party emerging as the single largest party in the state and the Congress doing better in partnership with it show that Mayawati's factor has lost its electoral charm.

After drawing a blank in the 2014 general elections, the BSP won a decent 10 of the 38 seats that it contested under the alliance.

Emerging as the second-largest party, it polled over 19 per cent votes which has remained loyal to Mayawati almost all through, thereby maintaining her relevance in UP's electoral politics, especially as it has been considered a transferable vote.

This time round, the BSP chief faces an uphill task as she has not only announced of going solo in the coming polls, but also the fact that some of her MPs have either drifted away or shown signs of it.

Besides, the political opponents have also branded Mayawati's party as the 'B' team of the saffron party based on the public stand taken by her on various issues.

In the recent Rajya Sabha elections, her lone MLA Uma Shankar Singh's vote for the BJP further put a stamp on the accusations.

The BSP's core Dalit vote bank makes it relevant in the electoral politics in the state which sends maximum 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha.

The Dalits constitute over 20 per cent of UP electorates.

The BJP is trying to neutralise her influence by making a fellow Dalit Baby Rani Maurya a senior minister in the state and Akhilesh Yadav roping in Chandra Sekhar Azad 'Ravan' to diminish Mayawati's political influences.

The results show Mayawati's BSP has lost its relevance. Mayawati has been neither a constituent of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nor of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and already decided to go alone in the upcoming polls.

The majority of its 10 MPs have either moved to the BJP or some to the SP in the current polls.

The BSP supremo fielded new faces this time.

BSP MP Ritesh Pandey (Ambedkarnagar) has already joined the BJP at the party headquarters in Delhi in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, BJP state president Bhupendra Chaudhary and party's in-charge for Uttar Pradesh Baijayant Panda.

In his resignation letter to Mayawati, Pandey alleged that it had been a long time since he had been called to attend party meetings and has also not been able to establish any kind of a dialogue with the leadership despite him trying to meet Mayawati and other senior leaders.

With Pandey joining the BJP, four out of ten Lok Sabha MPs have either switched sides or made it clear that they plan to do so.

Earlier this month, the SP had announced Afzal Ansari, BSP MP from Ghazipur, as its candidate from the seat for the Lok Sabha polls.

Danish Ali, BSP MP from Amroha, was suspended last year by Mayawati for speaking in favour of Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.
Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday blamed the Opposition's 'BJP will change the Constitution' propaganda for the loss of National Democratic Alliance candidates on several seats.

IMAGE: Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attends the 'Vishesh Sampark Abhiyan', in New Delhi, May 23, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Virtually conceding the defeat, Fadnavis stated they will introspect and recover the loss in the upcoming assembly elections.

"The unfortunate outcome of the results is that the Opposition attempted to win the seats through its propaganda that we would change the Constitution. But in elections, the people's mandate has to be accepted as it is. We will do deep introspection and will recover our loss in the next assembly election," Fadnavis tweeted on X.

The senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, however, said the people have strongly supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi in elections.

Out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and the Nationalist Congress Party of Ajit Pawar, has won six of the 10 seats for which results have been declared so far, while it was leading in 17 other constituencies.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi bagged four seats and was leading in 27 others.

The BJP has emerged victorious in Palghar, Satara, and Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituencies so far and leading in 10 constituencies.

"We lost some seats in the Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. We hoped for a better outcome in West Bengal. Had it happened, the BJP alone would have won 310 seats," Fadnavis added.

The number of seats the BJP has won is far more than the collective seats won by the INDI Alliance, he claimed.

He also congratulated the party workers for helping in the victory of the Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh and BJP workers in Odisha.

"Narendra Modi will become the prime minister for a third term as the voters have supported him," Fadnavis said.

Notably, the BJP won 23 seats out of 25 it had contested in the 2019 general elections and its then ally Shiv Sena (undivided) secured victory in 18 constituencies.
As the Bharatiya Janata Party grapples with a potential shortfall in its Lok Sabha tally, its ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has unequivocally pledged allegiance to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), dismissing any speculation of a pivot towards the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

IMAGE: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supporters celebrate outside party office, in Amaravati on Tuesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Election Commission's data till 10 pm paints a challenging picture for the BJP -- 198 seats secured and leading in 42 more.

This trajectory suggests the party's tally might hover around 240 seats, significantly shy of the 272 needed for a majority, putting every alliance in sharp focus.

The TDP is on its way to win 16 Lok Sabha seats out of 25 in Andhra Pradesh.

"Our pre-poll pact with BJP and Janasena in Andhra Pradesh isn't just political arithmetic; it's a matter of credibility," TDP's senior leader Kanakamedala Ravindrakumar told PTI.

"We will remain part of the NDA. There is absolutely no question of supporting the India Bloc," he said.

The TDP's assertion comes at a time when regional parties are being wooed by both NDA and INDIA blocs.

The Congress has already offered that it will give special category status to Andhra Pradesh, a key demand of the TDP, if the INDIA bloc comes to power.

The TDP's declaration, far from a mere formality, carries the weight of its storied past in coalition politics when it had a bitter parting with the BJP just ahead of the 2019 elections despite being a long-time ally.

Invoking this legacy, Ravindrakumar said, "Chandrababu Naidu ji's imprint on national coalitions is indelible. Today, as then, his maneuvers will be guided by Andhra's aspirations. Our NDA alignment is a conduit for the state's progress."

Naidu-led NDA alliance in Andhra Pradesh is also heading for a landslide victory in the state elections, ousting Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party of Jaganmohan Reddy.

The TDP's strategy is clear -- leverage its national alliance for regional dividends. With Andhra's development blueprint heavily contingent on central support, the party is inclined towards continuing in the NDA.

"Our bond with the NDA isn't transactional. It's a shared vision for India, where Andhra's resurgence is integral," said a TDP insider, hinting at long-term political calculations.

As the election's final chapters unfold, the TDP's stance is a stark reminder that regional threads often determine the national pattern in the Indian political diversity.

The BJP's hunt for a majority now navigates through the intricate loyalties and ambitions of its allies.
The victory of two candidates who are in jail on terror charges has brought up a unique situation. While the law will keep them away from attending proceedings of the 18th Lok Sabha, they also have a Constitutional right to take oath as members.

IMAGE: Jailed Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh. Photograph: ANI File photo

In the results declared by the Election Commission on Tuesday, jailed Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh has won from the Khadoor Sahib seat, while incarcerated Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, emerged victorious from the Baramulla constituency.

Engineer Rashid has been lodged in the Tihar jail since August 9, 2019 on charges of alleged terror financing, while Singh has been booked under the National Security Act and sent to the Dibrugarh jail of Assam.

Now the question arises, can these jailed candidates be allowed to take oath, and if yes what is the process involved?

Explaining the legalities involved, Constitution expert and former Lok Sabha secretary general PDT Achari emphasised the importance of following the Constitutional provisions in such cases.

Being sworn in as a member of Parliament is a constitutional right, he said.

But because they are currently in jail, Engineer Rashid and Singh must seek the permission from the authorities to be escorted to Parliament for the oath-taking ceremony.

Once they have taken they oath, they will have to return to the jail.

To further explain the legalities involved, he cited Article 101 (4) of the Constitution that deals with the absence of members from both Houses of parliament without prior sanction of the Chair.

He said that after they have taken oath, they will write to the Speaker informing him/her about their inability to attend the House. The Speaker will then refer their requests to the House Committee on Absence of Members.

The Committee then recommends whether the member should be allowed to remain absent from House proceedings or not. The recommendation is then put to the vote of the House by the Speaker.

If Engineer Rashid or Singh are to be convicted and jailed for a minimum of two years, they would lose their seats in the Lok Sabha immediately as per the Supreme Court judgment of 2013 which holds that MPs and MLAs would be disqualified in such cases.

This decision struck down Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, which earlier allowed convicted MPs and MLAs a three-month period to appeal against their convictions.
Amid speculation over Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal-United's next move in the wake of vote counting trends, senior party leader K C Tyagi on Tuesday said they are in the National Democratic Alliance and 'we will be in the NDA'.

IMAGE: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter's residence in New Delhi on Monday, June 3, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

"It is our final decision," Tyagi told PTI Videos in New Delhi when asked about suggestions that the JD-U may go back to the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

According to the latest counting trends, the BJP is set to emerge as the single-largest party but will fall short of majority on its won. It'd need the support of its allies to form a government.

There were suggestions in certain quarters that JD-U might go back to the INDIA bloc which has registered an improved performance.

But Tyagi said there should an end to any such rumours.

"It is our final decision. We are in the NDA and we will be in the NDA)," Tyagi told PTI Videos when asked about the speculation.

Kumar's JD-U was earlier part of the INDIA bloc -- a coalition of opposition parties -- formed to take on the BJP-led NDA before the 2024 elections.

In the past, he has switched sides many times, and a few months before the polls, he had left the INDIA bloc to join the NDA.

The Lok Sabha has a total of 543 seats with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar sending 80 and 40 MPs respectively.

Polls were held for 542 seats with Surat seat being won uncontested by the BJP earlier.

On its prospects in Bihar, Tyagi said the counting is underway and the JD-U is 'maintaining lead on 13 seats of 16 seats (it contested in Bihar)'.

On the overall trends, he said, "The verdict of the people is paramount. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, for the third time the NDA government will be formed."

"We respect the decisions of the people ('Janata ke sabhi faislon ka hum aadar aur satkar karte hain')."

On the national level, the NDA led by Narendra Modi has been 'successful' in getting a mandate and 'we welcome it', he said.

Asked about the counting trends emerging from Uttar Pradesh, Tyagi said, "The SP's social engineering in UP, booth chemistry, changed this time. This is result of that."

The JD-U leader said it is the only party in Bihar that works for social justice, poor people, and advocates secularism.

Nitish Kumar is a leader who follows the ideals and principles of socialist leader Karpoori Thakur, he added.

"Today we are no. 2 party in the NDA. We are at no. 2," Tyagi asserted and said that if the prime minister 'wants and sends an invitation, our leader Nitish Kumar will positively responds'.

He said the JD-U earlier had also been part of the Union cabinet.

When asked whether BJP's performance has been below expectations, Tyagi said 'if it was not the charisma (of Narendra Modi)', how would BJP have got these many seats otherwise.

"But, the BJP, and we all should sit and discuss," he added.
The road to Sena Bhavan is gridlocked.

Every inch is a battle for space as party workers from different parts of the city, indeed the state, have descended upon this iconic building to celebrate what until this morning seemed unexpected: A victory.

Photograph: Abhishek Mande for Rediff.com IMAGE: Crowds throng the Shiv Sena Bhavan, Mumbai, June 4, 2024.

The road from Dadar station, one of the most important railway junctions on the Mumbai suburban line, to Shiv Sena Bhavan, the headquarters of the Shiv Sena UBT, is crowded on the best of days.

Today, it is gridlocked. Every inch is a battle for space as party workers from different parts of the city, indeed the state, have descended upon this iconic building to celebrate what until this morning seemed unexpected: a victory.

At the time of reporting, the Maha Vikas Aghadi of which Sena UBT is a part was leading in 29 of Maharashtra's 48 Lok Sabha constituencies, with the Uddhav faction leading in 10.

Following a rebellion within his party, Uddhav Thackeray had to let go of the name and the party symbol to his former lieutenant, Eknath Shinde whose Shiv Sena was leading in just 6 seats.

Thus was born the Shiv Sena UBT.

Uddhav Thackeray is a mild-mannered politician unlike his firebrand father Balasaheb Thackeray. What he did inherit though was Senior's steely resolve that saw him steer Maharashtra and its capital, Mumbai through the COVID-19 crisis. His almost-daily updates and a calm demeanour, quickly endeared him to even the liberalest of liberals.

The loss of his party's name and symbol to Shinde was perhaps the best thing to happen to Uddhav. He was finally free of the shackles of the Shiv Sena's right wing legacy that sometimes could border on the extreme.

The fact that the Shiv Sena UBT's party symbol is a flaming torch, a mashaal, is no coincidence. Unlike the old Sena's symbol, the bow and arrow that stood for violence, the flaming torch can stand for many things.

A source of warmth on a cold, dark night, a beacon of light at a time when all hope seems to be lost, and yes, progress.

Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena has been this and then some. It is a tale that will be remembered, and one that will be re-told.
Zaaina Asra Mahvish-Jammeh, 38, of Brattleboro, appears in Windham County Superior Court/Criminal Division on April 4, 2023, for a first-degree murder charge. Mahvish-Jammeh was charged in the death of Leah Rosin-Pritchard, the coordinator of Morningside House which is run by Groundworks Collaborative.
BRATTLEBORO  A man accused of killing his 73-year-old landlady in Windham on Feb. 23, 2023, waived his rights to a bail review.

Shawn Conlon, 44, of Westerly, R.I., will remain held in jail after a hearing anticipated for Thursday for the court to determine whether he should be released pending trial was cancelled.

Eleven months after the strangulation death of Claudia Voight, Conlon was arrested in Connecticut and brought back to Vermont to face second-degree murder charges in the death of the woman from whom he and his girlfriend had been renting a room. He has pleaded not guilty.

Conlon waived his opportunity to require the state to establish that the evidence of guilt was great following about an hour of testimony from the alleged victim's daughter on Monday in Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division.

Heidi Voight, an NBC Connecticut news anchor, said her mother was fired from Killington Resort and successfully sued for age discrimination then had trouble finding work afterwards. Claudia took a job at a local farm to supplement her income, then Heidi's younger sister helped her rent out rooms on Airbnb.

"She was very crafty and liked making the place nice for renters," Heidi said of her mother.

When the COVID-19 pandemic started, Claudia began renting rooms for longer stays. One handyman who resided at her home prompted suspicions from a cafe worker who befriended Claudia and later became a tenant then her caretaker, Heidi said.

The handyman allegedly mentioned being able to take over the home once Claudia died. Heidi said she took steps to get power of attorney to access her mother's finances then learned she was in arrears on her mortgage and utilities.

The handyman allegedly was bouncing checks in Claudia's name. Her only income had been social security, Heidi said.

Heidi reached out to the Vermont Adult Services Division to make a case. On the day the handyman was going to be served with a protective order that would ban him from the home, Heidi said, he disappeared.

Heidi recounted becoming the legal guardian of her mother and helping her get back on track financially. She said she tried to get her mother to move to Connecticut near her or Florida, where her sisters live, but Claudia wanted to stay in Vermont.

When Heidi found out her mother was renting a room to two tenants in August 2022, she became upset. Heidi said Conlon told her that he and his wife were quiet, kept to themselves and were working with a realtor to find a house nearby while his wife was getting cancer treatments in the area.

When the tenant who became the caretaker asked for Claudia's debit card for groceries, Conlon allegedly said, "I run this house now." Heidi said she told Conlon that the other tenant could use the card.

Calls from the caretaker expressing concern about Conlon became more frequent, according to the testimony. She told Heidi that Conlon and his wife were going to tell authorities that she was abusing Claudia.

Heidi recounted a video Conlon presented as the caretaker ranting at Claudia but really showed her ranting about Conlon.

Accounts about events leading up to Claudia's death given to Heidi by Conlon continued to change from when he first called her with the news then when she arrived at the home. Heidi said she felt unsafe around him.

After her testimony, Conlon's attorney Michael K. Shane declined to ask any questions of the witness.

Other witnesses and media outlets were at the hearing, Deputy State's Attorney David Gartenstein told the Reformer.

"There was various sworn statements and documents and evidence that we were prepared to present," he said in an interview.

Gartenstein previously told the court that evidence included 42 exhibits, more than two inches of paper documents and 16 discs of information that includes video interviews to present.

"My expectation is that the 16 discs probably will run about two court days worth of time," he said at a status conference.
BRATTLEBORO  David Gartenstein announced he's running for state representative for the Windham-9 district for the Vermont House.

Gartenstein is facing Ian Goodnow in the Democratic primary in August for the seat being vacated by Rep. Tristan Toleno.

Gartenstein is a deputy state's attorney in Windham County who has been elected as town moderator since 2022. Previously, he served on the Select Board, Brattleboro Union High School Board and Brattleboro Development Review Board.

"State government should work in partnership with municipalities so services that are necessary and improve quality of life can be delivered in an affordable way," he said in response to a questionnaire from the Reformer. "If elected, I will strive to ensure our state government supports our community effectively."

Gartenstein said he wants to address the "disproportionately high real estate taxes" that Brattleboro pays due to its status as a regional economic hub.

"I am committed to the public schools and will work to provide the best available educational system for our children," he said. "My work as a prosecutor brings me face to face every day with public safety issues, and making sure our laws parallel our shared values is very important. I have particular interest in the intersection of Vermonts criminal justice and mental health care systems, and I would like to try and fix those laws."

The Reformer plans to publish full questionnaire responses from Gartenstein and Goodnow this week.

Last month, Toleno announced he would not be seeking reelection after 12 years on the Legislature. He endorsed Goodnow, an attorney and former Select Board chairman.

"I have decided that now is the time for me to step back from this work," Toleno wrote in a letter announcing his decision. "I am sad and reflective about leaving, and also energized by what it will mean to not leave my home and family for nearly half the year and for the opportunity for someone new to step in and serve you."
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Lloyd Austin will try to mend ties but little is expected from the defense chiefs visit, analysts say.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (L) shaking hands with Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen (R) during a meeting in Phnom Penh on June 4, 2024.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Phnom Penh on Tuesday for a brief visit, days after Cambodia and China wrapped up their biggest ever military exercise.

During his one-day visit, Austin will meet top Cambodian officials to discuss defense issues with the new Cambodian leadership, the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh said in a statement.

This is the first bilateral visit by a U.S. Secretary of Defense, and it is the second for Secretary Austin following his attendance at the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus in November 2022, it said.

Austin arrived in Cambodia from Singapore where he attended the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum. During the conference, the secretary sought to reassure U.S. allies of Washingtons iron-clad commitment in the region in the face of growing rivalry with China.

China and Cambodia have just held a 15-day military exercise, both on land and at sea, with the participation of three Chinese warships, two of which have been in Cambodia for six months at the Ream naval base.

The two corvettes were still seen docked at the base in Sihanoukville on Monday. The U.S government has said it has serious concerns about Chinas plans for exclusive control over portions of the Ream Naval Base. Cambodia has repeatedly denied handing the base over to China.

U.S.-Cambodian relations have become strained during the past decade partly over U.S. concerns about the suppression of Cambodias political opposition.

In 2017, the Cambodian government suspended the joint Angkor Sentinel exercises between the two militaries and in 2018, the U.S. government suspended military assistance to Cambodia in response to its suppression of the opposition.

Cambodia under veteran leader Hun Sen rejected U.S. criticism of its domestic political conditions and built closer relations with China. Hun Sen stepped down as prime minister last year with his son, Hun Manet, taking over

Turning a new page?

Soon after arriving in Phnom Penh, Austin paid a courtesy call on Hun Sen, who is now president of the Senate. Hun Sen was accompanied by former defense minister Tea Banh in the meeting.

Austin also met Prime Minister Hun Manet, a West Point military academy graduate, and Defense Minister Tea Seiha.

Hun Manet and Tea Seiha are Hun Sens and Tea Banhs sons, respectively.

Chhengpor Aun, research fellow at The Future Forum, a Cambodian think-tank, said Austins visit gave Cambodias new leaders the opportunity to highlight more balance in their countrys diplomacy.

Secretary Austin will be much welcomed in Phnom Penh in general because his presence will help back up the Cambodian governments attempt to prove it is still on the course of its promised neutrality in foreign relations, said Chhengpor Aun.

"The Ream naval base, the ever-growing Sino-Cambodian defense relations, and strained military-to-military ties between Phnom Penh and Washington will highly likely dominate Secretary Austins meetings with senior Cambodian officials.

Sailors stand guard near petrol boats at the Cambodian Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, July 26, 2019. (Reuters/Samrang Pring)





Another analyst  Nguyen Khac Giang, visiting fellow at Singapores ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute  said that Austin's decision to visit Cambodia instead of the close ally the Philippines or newly elevated strategic comprehensive partner Vietnam, reflects the U.S.s attempt to reconcile deteriorating U.S.-Cambodia relations.

With Phnom Penh successfully transitioning leadership from Hun Sen to his son Hun Manet, Washington likely views this as a good moment for rapprochement, Giang told Radio Free Asia, adding that while sensitive topics such as Chinese influence and the Ream naval base are likely be discussed, he thinks both sides will focus more on potential cooperation and common interests, particularly as Cambodia will serve as the coordinator of the U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue Relations from 2024 to 2027.

The state-aligned Khmer Times newspaper said that with Hun Manets outward-looking policies, theres a unique prospect to recalibrate any misunderstanding and to start a new chapter in the two countries relationship, provided that both sides are genuinely sincere with each other.

The article by Pou Sothirak, senior advisor to the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies, and Him Raksmey, executive director of the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies suggested that the first thing for the U.S. to do wais to rethink its policy of targeted sanctions on Cambodian officials and members of the business elite, and restrictions on trade preferences which are ineffective and counterproductive, compelling Cambodia deeper into economic reliance on China.

The Future Forums Chhengpor Aun agreed that the new generation of Cambodian leaders presents a window of opportunities for improvement of U.S. relations as Cambodia wants to secure a stable state of relations with the U.S., now its biggest export destination.

Cambodia sold US$8.89 billion worth of goods to the U.S. in 2023, about 40% of its total exports, according to the Cambodian General Department of Customs and Excise.

However, if the visit aims to woo Cambodia away from China or to push political reforms in Phnom Penh, Secretary Austin can be disappointed, said Chhengpor Aun.

Sino-Cambodian ties are important for Phnom Penh political elites  be it the old guards or the new princeling generation  in terms of political and regime security, he said.

Edited by Mike Firn.
Demonstrators parade past the portrait of Mao Tse-Tung as they head to a rally in Tiananmen Square, May 18, 1989.

JUNE 4, 2024 MARKS 35 YEARS since a student demonstration at Tiananmen Square and a brutal crackdown in its aftermath shocked a generation. On the anniversary of the protest, Radio Free Asia asks our Chinese readers: if you went back to 1989, would you participate?

I would have stepped onto Tiananmen Square because we all know that this country and people are at a critical moment of life and death. If even young people do not stand up, who knows whether or not we would be on a more desperate road?  High school student, Qingdao

I was arrested for participating in June 4th, and as a result of a government policy I cannot collect a pension because of it  but I would do it again.  Lao jiahuo@teapot_wen

I appreciated the swift suppression of the rioters during the June 4th protest. Otherwise, China would have become another Soviet Union!   Seaskyblue@SeaSkyblue_T

Why bother time traveling when there is already a student movement happening now? You can participate.  @fuxixi521

I arrived in Beijing on the day martial law was declared. I spent a night on the square and witnessed the clashes near the Great Hall of the People and so on. I cannot say that the majority of students like me were wrong, but I am very glad that it [the protest] failed.  myylwx@myylwx
Veterans of the 1989 movement want it to lead to a peaceful, democratic revolution in China.

UPDATED at 14:11 ET on June 4, 2024.

Thirty-five years after the Tiananmen Square massacre took place, the commemorative torch appears to be passing to a younger generation of activists in cities around the world, including in democratic Taiwan.

Aside from the "old guard" of exiled democracy activists who have long been prominent figures in memorial events marking June 4,1989, the anniversaries are also increasingly attended by Hong Kongers in exile, as well as a younger generation of campaigners who took part in, or were inspired by, more recent protests across China.

A younger Chinese activist who spoke to RFA Mandarin at a memorial event in London said many Gen Z activists now take part in the massacre memorial activities, but also have their own sources of inspiration.

They included the "Bridge Man" one-man banner protest in Beijing and the "white paper" movement of November 2022, when hundreds of people gathered in the streets of cities around China, many holding up white sheets of paper, amid pent-up frustration over harsh COVID restrictions that came to a head after an apartment building fire in Xinjiang left several dead.

"I hope more young Chinese people will stand up with more demands for democracy in future, and also understand the struggle of Hong Kongers," said the activist, who gave only the nickname Aaron for fear of reprisals.

"If there are voices from mainland China, it could encourage more young people from there to take part in overseas movements," he said.

Protesters unfurl a banner depicting the banned "Pillar of Shame" sculpture for the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre at a rally marking the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre outside the Chinese embassy June 2, 2024, in Washington. (Chen Chuangchuang via X/@1957spirit)





U.S.-based activist Sulaiman Gu, a director of the Independent Federation of Chinese Students and Scholars said the Tiananmen massacre was an "atrocity by the tyrannical Chinese Communist Party that has been allowed to stand for many years already."

But Gu, who became politically active while in college in 2015, said activists are prepared to bide their time to achieve democratic change in China.

"Maybe we won't see the collapse of this regime in our lifetimes, but life keeps going," Gu said. "The main advantage we have over them is time."

The organizer of a candlelight vigil in Australia who hails from Hong Kong and who gave only the nickname Jude for fear of reprisals, said Hong Kongers will continue to play an important role in such activities long after fleeing the ongoing crackdown in their home city.

"Hong Kong used to be of huge significance as a place in China where people could publicly commemorate June 4 ... but now it's no longer possible to do that.

"But we need to take that same sense of outrage and use it to tell people here about Hong Kong and about June 4, 1989," she said.

Taiwanese mark anniversary

Taiwan, which split from mainland China amid civil war in 1949 and has never been part of the People's Republic of China, marked the anniversary on Tuesday with a series of events including a silent prayer, art exhibitions and a candlelight display.

The day, known simply as June 4th to Chinese speakers, inspires memorial activities around the world in honor of those who died.

But the islands capital, Taipei, has taken on the added significance of being the only place in the Chinese-speaking world where a memorial is openly held.

A commemorative event was hosted on the grounds of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan, on June 4, 2024. (Taejun Kang/RFA)





The event was hosted on the grounds of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, named after Taiwans previous authoritarian leader. Since the islands democratic transition, the venue has served as a staging ground for protests and human rights rallies.

Peoples attention to the June 4th event is gradually picking up momentum in Taiwan, said Kasey Wong, an exhibition artist who participated in the Tuesday event.

The event has become a platform that plants a seed in people in terms of citizens responsibility for freedom and democracy, Wong said. Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in Asia, so [the island] has the responsibility of upholding this event since Hong Kong is no longer able to do it.

While the vigil was primarily about remembering the Tiananmen Square massacre, it featured artwork representing other political causes, ranging from Tibet to Hong Kong and Taiwanese civil society organizations.

Respond with freedom

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said in a post on Facebook that it was important to respond to authoritarianism with freedom and that the memory of June 4 would not disappear.

This reminds us that democracy and freedom do not come easily and that we must build consensus with democracy and respond to authoritarianism with freedom, Lai wrote.

The memory of June 4th will not disappear in the torrent of history. We will continue to work hard to make this historical memory last forever and move everyone who cares about Chinese democracy.

Protesters gather in New York to mark the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, June 2, 2024. (Stacy Hsu/RFA)



Taipei takes over from Hong Kong, a former British colony that for 30 years hosted the worlds largest annual Tiananmen Square vigil until pro-democracy protests in 2019 sparked a citywide political crackdown.

At its peak in 2019, the Hong Kong vigil drew a record 180,000 people as the city simmered with political frustration, but no formal remembrance has been permitted since, with the authorities initially citing COVID-19 limits on gatherings and, later, stringent national security laws.

Now, much of the energy that went into marking the anniversary in Victoria Park has scattered around the world, with younger activists also getting involved in commemorative events in a number of major cities this year.

Peaceful, color revolution

In Washington, Li Yingzhi, one of the last students to evacuate Tiananmen Square on the night of the massacre, said the anniversary is a milestone in what he terms an ongoing bid to bring a color revolution  peaceful protests that would lead to the establishment of a democratic government  to China.

"I was just talking about the new democratic revolution," he told RFA Mandarin at a protest on the campus of George Washington University in Washington, D.C.. "This is a peaceful, color revolution, such as we have seen in a lot of countries already, involving huge street protests."

"That new democratic revolution started on the night of June 4, 1989," he said.

Protesters stage a street drama in New York to mark the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, June 2, 2024, in New York. (Stacy Hsu/RFA)





In Washington, protesters on June 2 led by the U.S.-based China Democracy Party unfurled a banner depicting the "Pillar of Shame" sculpture for the Tiananmen Square massacre victims that has been removed from public view by authorities in Hong Kong, and sang an anti-fascist anthem titled "Requiem" outside the Chinese Embassy.

"Down with the Chinese Communist Party!" they chanted. "Down with Xi Jinping!"

Similar slogans were heard in Flushing, New York, where dozens of protesters marched calling for a reappraisal of the official verdict of "counterrevolutionary rebellion" on the massacre, displaying a large banner showing photos of some of the known victims.

Protesters turned out at commemorative events in Washington, London, Manchester, Leeds, San Francisco, Vancouver and Amsterdam.

Veteran democracy activist Wei Jingsheng, who has served 18 years in Chinese prisons for kickstarting the Democracy Wall movement in 1978, said the overseas democracy movement has two main tasks.

"One is to convince the international communist to pay attention to human rights issues in China, and [the other is] to use the internet to spread new ways of thinking to China," Wei said.

"People need new ideas if they're to take new forms of action," he said.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.

Updates throughout with fresh material from activists and summary of events in Washington and other cities.
Congress has long stood with Chinese dissidents, the lawmakers said, even if some past US presidents have not.

U.S. lawmakers, from left, Rep. Ben Jones, D-Ga, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D- Calif. and Rep. John Miller, R- Wash, hold a banner with the words "To those who died for democracy in China" on Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China Wednesday, September 4, 1991 to honor the victims of the 1989 crack down on pro-democracy protesters.

U.S. lawmakers and Chinese democracy activists marked the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre on Tuesday with a message that Congress had always stood together with Chinese dissidents, even if some presidential administrations had not.

In two separate events at Congress, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China and the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party remembered the lives lost during Beijings repression of student-led pro-democracy protests in June 1989.

The violent crushing of the protests saw Peoples Liberation Army soldiers kill hundreds and perhaps thousands of young people pushing for democratic change, and led many of the survivors to be forcibly outcast from society in the decades since.

Standing outside the Capitol building at a gathering hosted by the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said the worlds memory of June 4, 1989, was being kept alive by bodies like the select committee itself.

Law student at Georgetown University Law Center Jinrui Zhang, center, is sworn in during a hearing before the U.S. House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party at Cannon House Office Building on December 13, 2023 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

McCarthy, who was ousted from his role in an internal Republican Party revolt in October after less than two years as speaker, said the creation of the House Select Committee in January 2023 was one of his proudest achievements while head of the legislative chamber.

It speaks volumes to the world about where America stands, McCarthy said of the committee. Theres no question between party  between majority or minority  where we stand about Tiananmen Square and where we stand about freedom around the world.

Im proud that we will never hide back, and we'll stand with the man in front of the tank. We will honor him, everywhere we go, he said.

Uyghurs, Tibet and Hong Kong

McCarthys predecessor as House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, told the gathering that Congress always worked to support dissidents in China, and recalled her own experience being chased out of Tiananmen Square after unfurling a commemorative banner there in 1991.

We as Americans must speak out for human rights in China, because if we don't, because of commercial reasons, we lose all moral authority to speak out about human rights, Pelosi said, calling Chinas government a very, very violent system that is getting worse.

Congress standing up to Chinas rights abuses in the decades since the massacre and amid the countrys increasing economic clout, she added, was a tough test of our resolve as lawmakers  but one that had been passed in a bipartisan and bicameral way.

Students and police link arms to keep crowds of people, many of these relatives of strikers, from Tiananmen Square, where students have been on hunger strike since Saturday, Thursday, May 18, 1989, Beijing, China. (Sadayuki Mikami/AP)

Whether it's about the plight of the Uyghurs, the destroying of the culture, religion or language of the Tibetans, the violation of rights of people across China  [or] what's happening in Hong Kong, she said, both major parties had stood the test on human rights.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the lead Democratic lawmaker on the select committee, said that the example set by McCarthy, a Republican, and Pelosi, a Democrat, proved lawmakers were united in their stance.

Today we say in one voice, in a bipartisan fashion: No more silence, he said, pledging that Congress will stand for freedom in China.

No more silence about the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, he said. No more silence about Tiananmen Square. No more silence about the cultural genocide in Tibet. No more silence about the political persecution that countless others are facing today in the People's Republic of China.

Presidential failure

Inside Congress, Sen. Jeff Merkley, a co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, told a separate hearing that his commission itself was the product of a battle between Congress and previous U.S. administrations over China policy.

Pedestrians cheer on demonstrators for democracy as they parade to Tiananmen Square in support of striking students, May 18, 1989, Beijing, China. (Sadayuki Mikami/AP)

The massacre of peaceful protesters by their own government spurred a decade of debate here in Congress about whether the U.S. should condition trade relations with China on improvement in human rights, Merkley said, adding that Congress had made its position clear.

President Bill Clintons decision to admit China into the World Trade Organization in 2000, Merkley said, was only approved by Congress after a deal was struck to create the commission, which he called a bicameral, bipartisan watchdog on Chinese rights abuses.

Some witnesses were more scathing of past U.S. policy.

Fengsuo Zhou, a student leader during the Tiananmen Square protests who now lives in the United States, said that the U.S. government had ultimately not stood up for human rights in China when it counted.

President George H.W. Bush had failed the Chinese people, he said, by openly condemning the crackdown while also quietly sending his national security adviser, Brent Scowcroft, to China to relay that Washingtons main priority was preserving its ties with Beijing.

U.S. President George H.W. Bush stands on his car and waves to crowds in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, Feb. 25, 1989. (Doug Mills/AP)

The whole world watched as the Chinese government turned against its own people, Zhou told the hearing. Yet President Bush sent a special envoy to inform the butcher of Beijing, Deng Xiaoping, of the support of the U.S. government, even after the senseless massacre.

Bushs muddled response had set China on the trajectory of ever increasing political repression and human rights violations and emboldened Beijing to act with impunity, Zhou said.

That is why later, this very regime would put Uyghurs in concentration camps, would force Tibetans into self-immolation and would deprive Hong Kong of its freedom, he said.

If a regime can use tanks in broad daylight to kill its own people and still enjoy the support of the most democratic country in the world, there's no limit to what it could do.

Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Family members of victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre called on the world to remember the night 35 years ago when People's Liberation Army troops entered Beijing and fired on unarmed civilians  despite attempts by the Chinese government to erase the bloodshed from the official record.

"History must not be forgotten, cannot be forgotten, will not be forgotten," You Weijie, spokeswoman for the Tiananmen Mothers group, said in a memorial address at Beijing's Wan'an Cemetery, where she and other bereaved relatives paid tribute to the mostly young victims of the crackdown.

"History will always remember them," You said in material shared with Radio Free Asia, listing the names of eight people whose remains are interred at the site after they were gunned down on June 4, 1989.

"Back then, with a patriotic passion and a pure heart, you cared about the future and destiny of this country, and the livelihood of its people," she said. "You hoped that the government would be honest and upright, and fight against bureaucracy and corruption."

Public mourning for victims or discussion of the events of spring and summer 1989 are banned in China, and references to June 4, 1989, are blocked, filtered or deleted by the Great Firewall of government internet censorship.

The Tiananmen Mothers were escorted by police to the private memorial event under the government's "stability maintenance" system that aims to control the words and movements of anyone they think might cause some kind of trouble for the authorities. The area is cordoned off and no bystanders are allowed nearby.

Gatherings banned, stations closed

Universities across China have been warned not to allow any kind of gathering on Tuesday, according to screenshots of confidential notices posted to social media.

Veteran democracy activists have been placed under surveillance or taken on enforced "vacations" by state security police in recent days.

A police officer, left, gestures to a journalist to stop as peoples identifications are examined at a checkpoint along a street near Tiananmen Square in Beijing, June 4, 2023, during the anniversary of China's 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protests. (Andy Wong/AP)





Authorities jammed mobile phone signals at the memorial event, a person familiar with the matter told RFA Mandarin, but declined to be named for fear of reprisals.

Meanwhile, Tiananmen Square, Tiananmen rostrum and Exit D of the Tiananmen East station on Beijing's Metro Line 1 were temporarily closed to the public.

A resident of the southwestern province of Sichuan currently in Beijing, who gave only the surname Liu for fear of reprisals, said there are police officers standing guard at three-meter intervals around the perimeter of Tiananmen Square, who prevent passers-by from lingering in the area.

"Phones belonging to You Weijie, [bereaved mother] Zhang Xianling and others were unable to receive calls from overseas," the person familiar with the Tiananmen Mothers' ceremony said. "There were a lot of plainclothes officers filming while they were paying tribute at Wan'an Cemetery."

Tiananmen Mothers spokesperson You Weijie. (You Weijie)





"It was no different to previous years, except that there were more plainclothes officers," they said.

Pro-democracy activists around the country declined to comment when contacted by RFA Mandarin, saying they had been warned off speaking to the media or posting online by the authorities.

Heavy police presence in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, which once held annual candlelight vigils to commemorate victims every June 4, police were out in force around Victoria Park, the former venue for the now-banned event, after warning former organizers and pro-democracy activists not to approach the area and removing a performance artist who mimed the numbers 8964 publicly on the night of June 3.

Jailed human rights lawyer and former vigil organizer Chow Hang-tung is believed to be refusing food in prison on Tuesday, after being arrested last month by national security police over "seditious" Facebook posts commemorating this year's 35th anniversary.

Chow Hang-tung, vice-chair of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, is seen inside a vehicle after being detained in Hong Kong, China, Sept. 8, 2021. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)





However, social media users in Hong Kong were still able to post images of candles and text marking the anniversary, as the city has yet to fall under the Great Firewall of blanket internet censorship by China.

Asked by journalists on Tuesday whether the topic of June 4 was now taboo in Hong Kong, in the wake of Article 23 security legislation passed in March, Chief Executive John Lee linked commemorative activities to the government's claim that the 2019 pro-democracy movement was a "color revolution" aimed at overthrowing the government.

"We should not forget the pain that we all went through in the attempted color revolution, which took place in 2019," Lee told reporters. "The threat to national security is real, and such activities can happen all of a sudden, and different people may use different excuses to hide their intentions."

He warned people to be on their guard for threats to public order. "For any activities that contravene the law, law enforcement agencies will take action accordingly," Lee said.

The Hong Kong group that organized the vigil folded in 2021, citing the changing political situation, while its leaders are being prosecuted for "subversion" under the 2020 National Security Law. No other organization has stepped up to take its place.

The British Consulate in Hong Kong on Tuesday posted a photo to its official X account of a phone flashlight being held up -- a visual reference to the use of phone flashlights at mass peaceful protests in 2019 -- along with the numbers 6.4 in Roman numerals to mark the anniversary.

Richard Tsoi, secretary of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, speaks to the media after the 32-year-old group voted to disband, in Hong Kong, Sept. 25, 2021. (RFA)





Also on X, the U.S. Consulate posted a photo of candles lit inside several of its windows overlooking the street on Tuesday, with the comment Hong Kong remembers June 4, 1989.

In Washington, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China called for the release of Chow and others jailed for their role in organizing the candlelight vigils, which were banned in 2020.

"We remember the Tiananmen Massacre each year because it is too dangerous to commemorate in Mainland China and now in Hong Kong, as Hong Kong residents are jailed for organizing or attending the annual vigil that started in 1990," CECC Chairs Rep. Chris Smith and Sen. Jeff Merkley, said Tuesday via the commission's X account.

"Charges against all should be dropped, the post said.

Benedict Rogers, chief executive of the London-based rights group Hong Kong Watch, said the anniversary was "a very dark day."

"While the streets of Hong Kong remain empty and solemn due to the authorities fearing the power of the truth on this day, those who live in freedom must uphold our responsibility to make sure that 4 June 1989 is never forgotten," he said in a statement.

"We must ensure that candles are lit and memories rekindled in every corner of the world in honor of the courage and sacrifice of those who protested in 1989, Rogers said. The truth must not be erased.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Some employment contracts have already been signed as Pyongyang looks for more foreign cash.

North Korean workers gather after lunch at the Hong Chao Zhi Yi garment factory in Hunchun, in northeastern China's Jilin province, Sept. 30, 2017.

North Korean trading companies have been contacting factories and companies in China about hiring more North Korean workers as Pyongyang seeks to bring in more foreign currency for its struggling economy, two sources told Radio Free Asia.

North Korean trading companies are scrambling right now to find Chinese business partners, said a source from Chinas Jilin province who requested anonymity for personal safety.

A North Korean trading company official whom I have known for several years asked me in early April to find a Chinese company willing to hire North Korean workers, she said. In mid-April, I received a similar request from a North Korean expatriate.

The effort is part of the cash-strapped North Korean governments drive to maintain or expand sources of foreign income. International sanctions, meant to deprive Pyongyang of cash and resources that could be funneled into its nuclear and missile programs, mandate that all North Korean workers were supposed to have returned home by the end of 2019.

But the COVID-19 pandemic prompted North Korea to close its borders, stranding its overseas workers beyond the deadline.

North Korean workers living in China have begun to trickle home in recent years, but most of them remain in China and need to keep working to earn cash for the government, which takes the lions share of their salaries.

During the pandemic, it was harder to find work for stranded North Korean workers, but now things are opening up and Pyongyang wants them to start generating income again.

It is therefore trying to send new workers to China  likely on student or vocational training visas to skirt sanctions - to replace the ones who have returned. At the same time it wants work for the ones already there.

Clothing, seafood, construction

Many of the women who go abroad work in restaurants or the clothing or seafood processing industries in China, while men often find construction jobs in Russia.

Some contracts between Chinese companies and North Korean employment agents have already been signed, the Jilin source said.

Last month, young workers were seen lining up outside two provincial hospitals to undergo health exams ahead of their departure, two provincial residents told RFA.

A Korean man looks out to North Korea in the Chinese border town of Tu Men in China's northeast Jilin province October 12, 2006. (Peter Parks/AFP)





Sources have told Radio Free Asia that there are already tens of thousands of North Korean workers in Russia and China, with one source saying as recently as December that there were more than 100,000 in China alone.

But a report from the U.N. Security Councils Panel of Experts in March said that North Koreans working overseas earned about US$500 million in 40 countries for North Korea in 2023. The finding indicated that Pyongyang has the means to get around sanctions.

Dorm rooms and documents

In mid-May, a Chinese clothing company signed a contract with a North Korean company to hire 800 North Korean workers, a source in Chinas Liaoning province who requested anonymity for personal safety told RFA.

The company in Liaonings Donggang City has already started preparing dormitory buildings and organizing the necessary documents for the workers, the Liaoning source said.

North Korean officials have requested that workers accommodations be situated near the factory, the Liaoning source said. A monthly salary of 3,000 Chinese yuan (US$413) will be paid in cash every month, he said.

North Koreans who work outside the country in restaurants, factories or in other jobs typically only keep a fraction of their earnings, with most of the money going to the Pyongyang governments dispatching agency and to pay their housing and food expenses.

A Chinese clothes factory worker in Donggang typically earns at least 4,000 yuan (US$550).

They seem satisfied hiring North Korean workers who can be paid less than Chinese workers and are better at their work, the Liaoning source said.

The Jilin source said that the North Korean trading company official indicated that he had female workers in mind for seafood or clothing processing jobs.

They want to take full charge of running a factory  not just the workers, but the management would also be all North Korean, she said.

A resident of North Koreas North Hamgyong Province, which borders Chinas Jilin province, said he saw about 100 men and women lined up at the provincial hospital to undergo physical examinations last month. They were later notified that they would be sent to work for a company in Russia, he said.

They were young workers selected to earn foreign currency for the party, he said.

A resident of North Pyongan Province, which also borders China, said he also recently saw groups of young people lining up at a hospital for health exams.

Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Matt Reed, Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.
The project supports Myanmars military and has displaced residents from three villages, strike leaders said.

Hundreds of people in central Myanmar are protesting against operations at the Chinese-backed Letpadaung copper mine, saying revenue from it supports the junta, residents of the area told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday.

The Letpadaung mine in the Sagaing regions Salingyi township has been beset by intermittent protests for more than a decade by villagers angry about being forced off their land, what they see as inadequate compensation and pollution from the mine.

Workers at the joint venture between Chinas state-owned Wanbao Co. and the military-owned Myanmar Economic Holding Limited company, went on strike soon after the army seized power in a 2021 coup as part of protests across the country against military rule.

The latest round of protests began on May 7 in a bid to force the mine to cease operations, which they say financially support the junta.

The protest is still going on. We are protesting the Chinese companies that are supporting the junta, which we do not accept, a member of a Salingyi township strike committee told RFA on Tuesday. He declined to be identified in fear of reprisals.

Nearly 80 Chinese nationals arrived at mine sites in early May to keep the project running, residents said.

RFA telephoned the Wanbao Mining Company and Sagaing regions junta spokesperson, Nyunt Win Aung, for more information about the situation but neither responded by the time of publication.

The Chinese embassy also did not respond to inquiries from RFA.

Since the military ousted an elected government in 2021, residents have opposed Chinas development projects in different parts of the country including Rakhine State and the Mandalay region.

Insurgent forces have seized territory near some of Chinas projects, forcing the suspension of work. The disruption to projects was a central focus of the latest peace talks that China hosted with representatives of the junta and an alliance of ethnic minority insurgent forces known as the Three Brotherhood alliance in the Chinese city of Kunming in May.

In the past, protests at the mine have been broken up with force and strikers told a 2023 conference that more than 30 people had been killed in various clashes over the years.

The junta had posted troops around the mine so the latest protest is being held some distance from it, another strike leader said.

The protest could not be held near the project area because the junta troops are guarding the project area, said the strike leader, who also declined to be identified. Protests are held in safe places.

Residents in three villages near the mine were forced to move because of an expansion of the project last August and soldiers built fences to keep people away.

On Thursday, the juntas foreign minister, Than Swe, met Chinas ambassador to Myanmar, Chen Hai, in the capital Naypyidaw to discuss issues related to joint projects between the two countries, junta-backed media reported.

The two also discussed Chinas assistance in developing Myanmars economy and closer bilateral cooperation.

In an April 17 statement, Wanbao Mining Company said intensive maintenance work on machinery would be required because the project had been halted since 2021 due to land disputes.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.
The fighting near Ngaplai Beach came as the civilian death toll from a massacre in Sittwe township climbed to 76.

A woman spreads out fish to dry on the Ngapali Beach near a fishing village in Myanmar's western Rakhine State, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022.

Fighting has intensified over the weekend near one of Myanmars premiere resort beaches in Rakhine state after ethnic rebels attacked three junta outposts and the military responded with multiple airstrikes, residents said.

The uptick in clashes came as the death toll of civilians killed in a military raid on a village near the state capital of Sittwe last week increased to 76, according to the ethnic Arakan Army, or AA, one of several rebel groups fighting the military junta that took control of the country in 2021.

Residents of Rakhines Thandwe township said that the latest round of fighting began on Sunday after the AA launched an offensive against junta outposts in Gawt, Kha Yan Maw Junction and Zee Kone villages. The outposts are near to the popular tourist destination of Ngaplai Beach  a 3-kilometer (2-mile) stretch of sand on the Indian Ocean.

Armed clashes are intensifying near Mazin Airfield, Sapagyi and Gawt villages, said a resident of Thandwe township who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke to RFA Burmese on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.

The AA conducted attacks on the heavy weapon units of the junta. The [militarys] aerial attacks also took place the whole night and [Monday] morning.

Residents said junta troops had withdrawn from the three outposts and are being stationed near Mazin Airfield, where they have received reinforcements.

During the fighting, the military responded to AA attacks with its army, navy and air force, they said, and some civilians were injured by airstrikes and shelling. Buildings at the Jasmine Ngapali Resort at the beach were also damaged in the exchange.

About 2,000 residents of Gawt, Sapagyi, Ma Zin and Kone Tan villages were forced to flee to the town of Thandwe and other safe areas, they said.

Tense in Thandwe

Since ending a ceasefire in November that had been in place during the militarys February 2021 coup detat, the AA now occupies nine townships in Rakhine state, as well as Paletwa township in neighboring Chin state.

The AA and military have been fighting in Thandwe township since April 22. Armed conflict began about 32 kilometers (20 miles) north of the township seat and is now within 8 kilometers (5 miles) of the urban center.

As the fighting comes closer to the township seat, thousands of civilians have fled to other areas, said another resident of Thandwe, who also declined to be named. Flights to the area have been suspended since Sunday, he added.

Flights have been suspended, and it is not known when they will resume, he said. Residents of urban areas have moved to Yangon and other safer areas, although some locals are still in the town.

Fishermen haul fish ashore from their boat October 4, 2013, at the beach in Ngapali, near Thandwe, in Myanmar's western Rakhine state. (Soe Than Win/AFP)

Neither the junta or the AA have issued statements about the clashes and related casualties.

Attempts by RFA to telephone AA spokesman Khaing Thukha and the juntas spokesperson for Rakhine state, Hla Thein, went unanswered Tuesday.

The AA said in a statement on Sunday said that it is seizing the cities in Rakhine state, and plan to continue attacks on all the junta outposts in Ann, Sittwe, Maungdaw, Kyaukphyu, Toungup, Thandwe, Gwa and Munaung townships.

Residents of Thandwe said that junta airstrikes and shelling have killed at least 23 civilians and injured five others between April 22 and the end of May.

Death toll rises

Also on Tuesday, the AA announced that the civilian death toll in what it labeled a massacre by junta troops last week in Sittwe townships Byain Phyu village had reached 76 people  up from 53 a day earlier.

About 100 soldiers began their attack on Byain Phyu on May 29, abducting villagers and allegedly beating three to death, according to residents. But violence escalated when more soldiers began arriving, according to one resident, who told RFA that two of his family members were killed after being arrested.

The AA also claimed that junta troops had committed war crimes including rape, arson and looting during the raid. The troops are still holding thousands of hostages, it added.

AA troops seized a vessel of Myanmar junta in a naval battle in Rakhine state on February 13, 2024. (AA Info Desk)

Junta spokesperson Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun told pro-junta media on Monday that the military had conducted a clearance operation in Byain Phyu on May 29 and was putting security measures into place after drone bombs and artillery from rebel forces in nearby Kanpyin village hit Sittwe township.

During a security check that day, three men from other villages snatched guns from junta forces and were later killed in a shootout, he added.

The anti-junta organizations Alliance of Student Unions Yangon and Student Armed Force (SAF) jointly announced on Sunday that they plan to cooperate with other rebel groups to find justice for victims.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
Friends and family mourn the NLD party patrons passing while the junta remains in power.

The body of Thura Tin Oo at his residence in Myanmar, June 1, 2024.

Tin Oo, the patron of Myanmars National League for Democracy party, which was overthrown by the military in a 2021 coup detat, has died at the age of 98, according to family and party members.

He was admitted to Yangon Hospitals cardiac care unit on May 29 due to deteriorating health and later transferred to the hospitals intensive care unit, where he passed away on Saturday morning, his grandson Thet Thut Oo told RFA Burmese.

We will be keeping grandpa at Windermere House No. 30 for the next five days for funeral proceedings, Thet Thut Oo said, referring to the familys estate.

Sai Nyunt Lwin, another champion of democracy and the chairman of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy Party, told RFA that he and Tin Oo had shared a strong bond.

"We knew each other since our early days working in the NLD, he said, using an acronym for the National League for Democracy. His passing on a day when the NLD is facing significant challenges adds to our grief."

Born on March 12, 1927, in Ayeyarwady regions Pathein township, Tin Oo served as the fourth Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar army from 1974-1976, and was awarded the countrys prestigious Zayya Kyawhtin and Thura Medals.

He joined the NLD party in 1988 at its inception, alongside former state counsellor and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, who was jailed by the junta along with other party leaders in the aftermath of the militarys Feb. 1, 2021 coup.

The junta refused to allow Aung San Suu Kyi to attend Tin Oos funeral, although she was permitted to send flowers via junta officials, NLD members told RFA.

Suu Kyi, 78, was initially sentenced by the junta to 33 years on 19 charges, a sentence that was later reduced to 27 years. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate is believed to be in solitary confinement in Naypyidaw Prison, in the capital, but her exact whereabouts are unknown.

A previous junta imprisoned Tin Oo for eight months and kept him under house arrest for five years following the Depayin massacre in May 2003, when a junta-backed mob killed dozens of NLD members in Sagaing region.

He suffered a stroke in 2017 after falling at his home and had difficulty speaking because of his condition.

Dedicated to serving others

But writer Htin Lin Oo, who cared for Tin Oo during his hospitalization, said that despite his health problems, the politician had remained dedicated to serving others up until his passing.

"If we were to liken him to cranes that risk their lives for the survival of their descendants, then Thura Tin Oo was a crane that flew relentlessly from the front lines until his last breath," he said, using an honorific for the NLD leader.

Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, right, flanked by vice-chairmen Tin Oo, left, of the National League for Democracy, makes her weekend speech to her supporters from her residential gate in Yangon Sunday, July 7, 1996. (Richard Vogel/AP)

Nay Phone Latt, the spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office of Myanmars shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, expressed sadness that Tin Oo had died before the junta was removed from power.

"During a period when there is significant potential to completely eliminate the military dictatorship, we want leaders like Thura Tin Oo to remain with us until the rebellions conclusion, he said. It saddens me deeply that he passed away before reaching the end of the journey, as he was instrumental in leading the struggle for democracy."

The NLD also suffered the loss of Nyan Win, a top party official and former advisor to Suu Kyi, when he died from COVID-19 in prison in July 2021.

A resident of Yangon told RFA that the loss of leaders like Tin Oo and Nyan Win is truly disheartening for the country.

"Thura Tin Oo made significant sacrifices for the country throughout his life, said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. Losing such an esteemed patron is akin to Suu Kyi losing one of her pillars of support  My sole concern now is for Suu Kyis well-being."

Translated by Kalyar Lwin. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
Manila accuses China of trying to interfere with an air-drop of supplies intended for Filipino marines.

The BRP Sierra Madre is seen anchored at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, Nov. 10, 2023.

The Philippines on Tuesday rejected Beijings allegations that Filipino troops had pointed guns at Chinese coast guard personnel after they dangerously approached a military outpost in the disputed South China Sea.

Chinas state-run media on Sunday said that Filipino marines stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era naval ship run aground on Second Thomas (Ayungin) Shoal, had aimed their weapons at rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) deployed by a China Coast Guard ship on May 19.

Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. disputed the account, saying the troops were armed but followed strict rules of engagement and had acted with the highest level of professionalism, restraint and discipline.

We are denying that any of our soldiers pointed their guns deliberately  Brawner said at a press briefing Tuesday. But we will not deny the fact that they were armed because the BRP Sierra Madre is a commissioned navy ship and therefore it is authorized to have weapons.

Brawner was echoing comments he had made in an interview with GMA news program 24 Oras a day earlier.

We have that right because of the concept of self-defense. We have the right to defend ourselves from any armed attack or external attack, he said.

Manila deliberately ran the rusty ship aground in 1999 to serve as its military outpost at the shoal. Since then, it has had to dispatch ships and boats regularly to deliver fresh supplies to the military personnel onboard the BRP Sierra Madre.

Brawner accused the China Coast Guard of deploying RHIBs to intercept supplies that were being air-dropped to the Philippine troops.

The Chinese RHIBs, Brawner said, came very, very close to the BRP Sierra Madre and from the point of view of troops on board posed a danger or a threat.

The Chinese coast guard seized one of the four bags  which were dropped and contained food and some medicine  and later scattered the supplies at sea, Brawner said.

Such behavior is unacceptable and undermines efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region, Brawner said.

The incident adds to rising tensions in the South China Sea. China claims almost all of the mineral-rich waterway while dismissing competing claims from the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam and Taiwan.

In 2016, an international arbitration court ruled in favor of the Philippines, throwing out Chinas sweeping historical claims. Beijing has never accepted the decision.

China has occupied Scarborough Shoal, which lies within Manilas 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, for more than a decade.

Last week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue defense forum in Singapore, hit out at Chinas assertive actions that aim to propagate excessive, baseless claims through force, intimidation and deception.

The China Embassy in Manila did not reply to requests for comment on Brawners statement, but sought to debunk Marcos speech in Singapore.

Chinas territorial sovereignty over maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are based on solid historical and legal grounds, the Chinese Embassy said on Monday, quoting a foreign ministry spokesperson.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.
The Dalai Lama delivers a speech on 'Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World' to thousands at the UC San Diego campus in San Diego, California, June 16, 2017.

The Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit the United States for medical treatment for his knees in the coming weeks, according to his office, in what would be his first visit to the country since 2017.

Though the dates for which have not yet been announced, his trip is expected to take place this summer. It will be the Dalai Lamas first overseas trip since November 2018 and first overseas trip since the coronavirus pandemic.

The statement issued by his office in Dharamsala, in northern India, where the 88-year-old Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader lives in exile, said there will be no engagements scheduled from June 20 onwards.

The Dalai Lama enjoys strong support in the United States, where prominent lawmakers have spoken out about human rights issues in Tibet, through China considers him a separatist and has criticized those who meet with him.

Neither the Dalai Lamas private office nor his representative in the Washington-based Office of Tibet commented on Radio Free Asias inquiries about the exact dates of his scheduled U.S. travel, citing security reasons.

Penpa Tsering, the sikyong or leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile, speaks during an interview with AFP in his office in front of a portrait of the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama seen in the background, in Dharamsala, India, Feb. 19, 2024. (Sajjad Hussian/AFP)

The U.S. magazine The Atlantic said the exact timing of the Dalai Lamas visit is not yet decided, citing sources involved in planning the trip, but that it will follow a visit later this month to Dharamsala by a bipartisan congressional delegation led by Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat and former speaker of the House. She is a staunch supporter of human rights in Tibet.

Her spokesperson declined to comment on the news, saying, We do not comment on Speaker Pelosis upcoming or potential foreign travel due to security concerns.

The Atlantic also said the Dalai Lama, who has bad knees, has decided to travel to the U.S. this summer to investigate the possibility of replacement for his knees.

During the Dalai Lamas last U.S. trip in June 2017, he gave the keynote address to 25,000 graduates and their families at the University of California, San Diego. Additionally, he underwent his annual medical check-up in Rochester, Minnesota, as part of his routine health checks. His 2017 visit also included a stop in Massachusetts.

The Dalai Lama's most recent foreign trip outside of India was to Japan in November 2018, where he conducted a series of teachings and public events in Yokohama, Tokyo, Chiba and Fukuoka.

Although he hasn't traveled abroad since 2018, he has continued to travel every year to Bodh Gaya, the holiest pilgrimage site for Buddhists, located in northeast India to conduct teachings, except during the COVID-19 lockdown in India.

Foreign visits

For years, the Dalai Lama has shared Buddhist teachings globally, while advocating for increased autonomy for Tibet and engaging with global leaders to urge China to implement these changes.

Despite the pain of being in exile, he acknowledges its benefits, facilitating his travel, interactions with diverse individuals, and the dissemination of Buddhist wisdom as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Beijing has consistently criticized and opposed any foreign trips by the Dalai Lama and regards them as a severe insult to the feelings of the Chinese people.

The Chinese consider such visits  a deviation from their commitment to recognizing the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China, Zhang Yijiong, a senior Communist Party leader, said in October 2017.

The 14th Dalai Lama wears a university visor before delivering the commencement speech to the 2017 graduating class at UC San Diego in San Diego, California, June 17, 2017. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

The Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration  the Tibetan government-in-exile  has adopted a Middle Way approach to the question of Tibets status under Beijings rule, by which accepts Tibet as a part of China but urges greater cultural and religious freedoms, including strengthened language rights guaranteed for ethnic minorities under the provisions of Chinas own constitution.

Nine rounds of talks on greater autonomy in Tibet and Tibetan populated areas of China were held between envoys of the Dalai Lama and high-level Chinese officials beginning in 2002, but stalled in 2010 and were never resumed.

Resolve Tibet Act

The Dalai Lamas visit comes amid the much-awaited passage of a U.S. bill urging the Chinese government to engage in dialogue, without any preconditions, with the Dalai Lama or his representatives or democratically elected Tibetan leaders to resolve the China-Tibet dispute.

The bipartisan Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act, also known as the Resolve Tibet Act, calls on China to cease its propagation of disinformation about the history of Tibet, the Tibetan people, and Tibetan institutions, including that of the Dalai Lama.

The Senate unanimously approved a revised version of the bill and is due for another vote by the House. If approved, it will go to U.S. President Joe Biden, who is likely to sign it into law.

In 2020, while serving as the Democratic party presidential nominee, Biden pledged to urge China to engage in discussions with Tibetans aimed at achieving meaningful autonomy.

He also said at the time that if elected president, he would meet with the Dalai Lama, although he has yet to do this since taking office in 2021.

In December 2021, the Biden administration appointed Uzra Zeya as under secretary for civilian security, democracy, and human rights to serve concurrently as the U.S. special coordinator for Tibetan issues.

Additional reporting by Tenzin Dhonyoe and Dorjee Damdul for RFA Tibetan. Edited by Tenzin Pema for RFA Tibetan and by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.
Thich Minh Tue won admirers for his ascetic way of life  but was not part of the state-sanctioned Buddhist sangha.

A Vietnamese man who became an internet sensation for his ascetic way of life while on a pilgrimage across the country has voluntarily ended his trek, Vietnams government said  although monks with him say authorities forced them to disband in a midnight raid.

For nearly a month, Le Anh Tu, better known as Thich Minh Tue, had drawn social media influencers who streamed his pilgrimage live. Thousands of people greeted him when he passed through their towns on his journey across the Vietnamese countryside.

Sporting a shaved head, patched garments and an alms bowl, Tue doesnt claim to be a Buddhist monk, and is not part of the officially sanctioned Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

But the 43-year-old seems to behave like a monk. His humble ways have drawn widespread admiration  and stand in contrast to senior monks in Vietnam who encourage followers to give offerings while living in large pagodas and flaunting expensive watches and luxury cars.

His is the virtue of a genuinely religious person, said Thanh Do, a former head of a Buddhism research organization and a lecturer at the Paris Buddhism University.

Along the way, Tue also inadvertently became a symbol of what many people say is a lack of religious freedom in Vietnam.

The state-sanctioned Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, or VBS, announced on May 16 that Tue is not a Buddhist monk, which would technically mean he cant openly practice Buddhism. Although the freedom of religion is enshrined in Vietnams constitution, religious groups or individuals require official recognition to practice.

Up until the weekend, Vietnamese authorities hadnt cracked down on Tue, prompting some to wonder why.

Some had speculated that Tue was allowed to continue his pilgrimage because the government wants to distract the public from Communist Party infighting and assert control over the countrys powerful Buddhist sangha, or community.

Official account

On Sunday, officials said he stopped his trek after realizing it could threaten social stability.

Tues previous trips had gone smoothly, but during the latest pilgrimage  his fourth  many people joined him, affecting the [social] security and order, and environment, the Ministry of Home Affairs Vietnam Government Committee for Religious Affairs, or GCRA, said in a statement.

A May 25, 2024 post from Thich Minh Tues Facebook page. (Screenshot via Facebook)





Tue lacked a permanent residence and a national ID, and his journey was putting others in danger, it said, noting that a member of his group named Luong Thanh Son died from heatstroke on May 30.

Responsible agencies met Le Anh Tu and discussed the States consistent policy of respecting peoples freedom of belief and religion and that local authorities always created favorable conditions for him to make his pilgrimage upon his wish, the statement said.

However, the life and health of people related to the trip, as well as social stability, should be assured, said the GCRA. Being fully aware of a citizens rights and responsibilities, Le Anh Tu voluntarily ceased his pilgrimage and food begging.

The official Vietnam News Agency cited Le Van Thin, the chairman of Thua Thien Hue provinces Huong Tho commune, as saying that Tue and his alms-collecting delegation had left the commune and those who followed him had dispersed.

Nighttime raid

But monks who had joined Tues group told a different story.

In a video posted to the social media platform TikTok on Monday, monk Minh Nhuan said that the group of some 70 people had camped for the night when, sometime between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m., more than 10 vehicles belonging to the Thu Thien Hue and Gia Lai provincial governments arrived with around 100 officials and security personnel.

When my fellow pilgrims and I were sleeping, they rushed in, handcuffed us and took us out, he said. They took us away, some northward and some southward. I dont know where  Minh Tue and other people are now.

MInh Nhuan said that he and other monks were taken to the Ky Trung Commune Police Station in Ha Tinh province to give statements.

They [tried to] force me to sign a pledge saying that I wouldnt rejoin the group and break the law, he said.

However, Minh Nhuan said he refused to cooperate because he had not violated any law. Authorities later drove him to a barren stretch of land far away from Ha Tinh City and abandoned him there, he said.

In another video clip, monk Phuc Giac claimed that five police officers pinned Tue to the ground while he was sitting in meditation.

[Tue] did not resist at all, he said. Why didnt they invite us to their office for questioning during the daytime instead of arresting and handcuffing us in the middle of the night?

Whereabouts unclear

Meanwhile, a photo of a police officer taking Tues fingerprints at an identification registration office in what is believed to be Thua Thien Hue province became widely shared on social media on Monday.

A person who answered the phone at the Thua Thien Hue Police Station told RFA they were not aware of the aforementioned incident, adding that information available on social media is unreliable and untrue.

A screenshot of a June 3, 2024, Facebook post shows a police officer taking Monk Minh Tues fingerprints for ID registration. (Tin Nong Quang Ngai 24h via Facebook)





RFA contacted the Ia Grai District Police Station, in Gia Lai province, where Tue had registered his permanent residence, and asked whether he had been sent back there to register for a national ID, but the person who answered the call declined to respond, referring questions to higher-level officials.

A Vietnam-based Buddhism observer who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns said it was likely that Tue was forced to pledge to end his pilgrimage by authorities using his lack of an ID as a pretext.

He noted that the language used by state media to describe the situation is similar to how it explains hunger strikes by political prisoners protesting poor treatment, saying they voluntarily gave up food.

This is one of the concrete manifestations which shows that religious freedom in Vietnam is just a mirage that Hanoi produces to show to the world," he said, adding that from now on, Tue would not be able to practice his religious beliefs peacefully "until he joins a pagoda and agrees to be managed by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha."

YouTuber fined and new pilot app

News of the end of Tues pilgrimage came as state media reported on Monday that Nguyen Van T., the owner of the YouTube channel 15s Binh Duong, which covered Tue, had been fined by authorities in Thua Thien Hue for posting false information and videos about the local security situation, causing confusion among residents.

Nguyen Van T. pledged to authorities that he would refrain from similar mistakes and adhere to all forms of punishment in accordance with the law from now on, the report said.

Also on Monday, state media reported that the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security is piloting an app to manage Buddhist monks and followers in Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen provinces.

The pilot app is expected to expand its scope to the entire country in order to manage the dossiers of those who formally embrace Buddhism, leave their home to become a monk, and move between provinces, the report said.

This app will help alleviate the administrative workload for monks, enabling them to raise their work efficiency, and at the same time contribute to the great religious and ethnic unity, and, together with the government at all levels, build and develop a civilized country, the report cited public security officials as saying.



Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
After the Taliban's de facto government cut ties with a number of diplomatic missions operated abroad by diplomats loyal to the ousted Afghan republic, the British and Norwegian authorities have opted to shut down Afghan embassies on their soil.

Both Oslo and London say their decisions in no way represent official recognition of the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, which no country recognizes due to concerns over a woeful human rights record and other failures to live up to promises it made before seizing power in August 2021.

But experts say the embassy closures are likely to pave the way for more engagement with the Taliban, which controls all of Afghanistan's territory and has increased its hold on power.

Diplomats who served the former Afghan government were left in limbo when the Taliban took control, but remained open for business in some Western states and continued to assist Afghan citizens.

The window on their operations began to close when the Taliban announced in July that it was cutting ties with 14 such missions in Western countries and that it would not accept any consular documents they processed, a critical source of funding to keep them running.

Many of the consular services, such as verification of identity documents or police clearance, offered by the embassies do require a degree of cooperation from the country's government because diplomatic missions might not be able to access all government data.

This month, the British Foreign Office announced that it was shutting down the Afghan Embassy in London, explaining to RFE/RL on September 9 that the decision was made after the "dismissal of its staff by the Taliban."

Norway quickly followed suit, announcing that the Afghan Embassy in Oslo would be shut down on September 12.

Both the British and Norwegian governments have indicated that the move does not amount to a formal recognition of the Taliban's hard-line government. And the embassy buildings, which are Afghanistan's properties, will be eventually handed over to a "recognized" government of Afghanistan.

But Hameed Hakimi, an Afghanistan expert, says the decisions to shut the embassies can be taken as "reality setting in" that the Taliban is "unlikely to be replaced in the immediate future."

And for the Taliban, he says, it creates an opportunity to argue that its rule is being acknowledged, even without formal recognition.

"The Taliban can use this to their advantage in their pursuit of claiming legitimacy with the Afghans and internationally," said Hakimi, an associate fellow at London's Chatham House think tank.

More than a dozen countries, mostly Afghanistan's neighbors, already operate embassies in Kabul, and some have accredited Taliban diplomats. The Taliban government also partially controls diplomatic missions in some countries, and has established working relations with Afghan diplomatic missions in the Czech Republic, Spain, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, and the Afghan Consulate in Munich.

The missions operating in Western countries staffed by diplomats appointed by the previous government are the outlier.

Hakimi said that if all those missions are shut down, it "truly signifies the closure of the chapter of the Afghan Islamic Republic."

The Afghan Islamic Republic, as it was formally known, emerged soon after a U.S.-led military alliance toppled the Taliban government in November 2001 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

Nearly two decades later, the internationally recognized Afghan republic collapsed as the Taliban seized power in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The Taliban, meanwhile, recreated its brutal emirate from the 1990s by imposing harsh bans and discriminatory laws that resulted in widespread human rights violations. Afghan women and girls are deprived of education and employment in most sectors and lack fundamental freedoms.

These Taliban policies have so far kept its government from being officially recognized. This absence of recognition has complicated engagement with the Taliban government on important issues, such as humanitarian aid, and made it difficult for the estimated 2 million Afghans living in Western countries to access consular services.

Graeme Smith, a senior Afghanistan analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, says Western governments might be acting on the UN special coordinator's recommendation to facilitate the processing of documentation for Afghans abroad.

In his report endorsed by the UN Security Council in December 2023, Feridun Sinirlioglu, the UN special coordinator for Afghanistan, called for better cooperation between the Taliban regime and the outside world to ensure that Afghans can obtain the paperwork they need to continue with their daily lives.

"Afghans have been suffering in limbo without clarity about where to go when they need identity papers or travel documents," Smith said, describing how Afghans who still do not have travel documents from another country suffer from the lack of consular services.

"The steps we are witnessing now may represent practical efforts by some governments" to remedy the situation, Smith said.

The challenge remains, he said, to ensure that efforts "aimed at pressuring the regime do not sabotage the lives and livelihoods of Afghans."

Many Western capitals are also grappling with the complex issue of what to do with Afghan asylum seekers whose applications were rejected.

Last month, Germany deported 28 Afghan men convicted of crimes in the country to Kabul, with Qatar playing an intermediary role in securing the Taliban's cooperation in accepting the returning Afghans.

Smith said that some countries "are discovering the usefulness" of having a consular presence "connected to the authorities in Kabul" if they need to arrange the return of Afghan migrants.

"But it's unclear if that motivated the recent closures," he said.

Both Britain and Norway have not said anything about whether they will allow the Taliban government to offer consular services in London and Oslo.

The fates of the Afghan Embassy in Berlin and consulate in Bonn are not clear, although the consulate in Munich is likely to remain open because it cooperates with the Taliban government on consular services.

In London, Afghanistan expert Hakimi said the closure could create an "opportunity for the Taliban to lobby with the Western countries" and allow its representatives to at least run counselor services.

These Afghan diplomatic missions can remain closed indefinitely, similar to what happened in the United States, where the Afghan Embassy and two consulates have been closed since March 2002. The Afghan Embassy in Canada offers remote consular services to Afghans living in the United States.

In Norway, Afghans have mixed feelings about their embassy's closure.

Sima Nouri, an Afghan woman living in Oslo, is worried over how her compatriots will now access consular services.

"There is a possibility that the process of forced deportation of Afghan refugees will begin," she told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. "This process, however, must be stopped."

Mina Rafiq, another Afghan woman in Norway, prefers shutting the embassy down to cooperating with the Taliban.

"This might work to the advantage of Afghan asylum seekers," she said, "because the Norwegian government will now have to give them necessary documents."
At least 22 people were killed and 117 others injured in Israeli strikes on Beirut, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported on October 10 after an Israeli strike on a school sheltering Palestinians in Gaza killed dozens of people.

Lebanon's state news agency NNA reported two evening air raids in central Beirut. The first targeted an eight-story building and the second a four-story building that completely collapsed as a result of the strike, NNA said.

A Lebanese security source quoted by Reuters said at least one senior Hezbollah figure was targeted in the attacks, which were the third on Beirut since Israel started a military campaign in southern Lebanon last month targeting the Iran-allied Hezbollah militia and sparking fears of an all-out regional war.

Hezbollahs Al Manar TV reported after the strikes that an attempt to kill Wafiq Safa, a top security official with the group, had failed. It said that Safa had not been inside of either of the targeted buildings.

Hezbollah kept up rocket fire into Israel on October 10. The military said several drones heading toward Israel were intercepted.

Earlier on October 10 an Israeli strike on a school in the Gaza Strip killed at least 27 people, Palestinian medical officials said, while a separate Israeli strike hit UN peacekeeper headquarters in southern Lebanon, prompting Italy to summon the Israeli ambassador.

The Israeli military said it carried out a "precise strike on terrorists" who had a command and control center embedded in the school.

"This is a further example of the Hamas terrorist organization's systematic abuse of civilian infrastructure in violation of international law," a military statement said.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the EU, has denied such accusations. People who had been sheltering at the school said the strike hit a meeting of aid workers and injured 54 other people.

Israel has continued to strike at what it says are militant targets across Gaza as it battles Hamas militants even as the war broadened to include Hezbollah in Lebanon amid rising tensions with Iran.

In a separate incident on October 10 the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon said an Israeli tank fired on its headquarters in the town of Naqoura, hitting an observation tower and wounding two peacekeepers. The nationality of the injured peacekeepers was not released.

The UN peacekeeping mission known as UNIFIL said in a statement that Israeli forces also fired on a nearby bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering, damaging vehicles and a communication system.

The Italian Defense Ministry summoned Israel's ambassador in protest, and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told a press conference that "hostile acts committed and repeated by Israeli forces against the base...could constitute war crimes." Crosetto added that Italy has asked for an official explanation "because it was not a mistake."

The French Foreign Ministry said that while no French solider was injured in the incident, it also demanded an explanation.

The Israeli military announced earlier on October 10 that it had eliminated another important Hezbollah member as it kept up its attacks against the Iran-backed group.

Adham Jahout, a member of Hezbollah's Golan Terrorist Network was killed in an air strike in the area of Quneitra in Syria, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said.

Jahout was relaying intelligence from Syrian regime sources to Hezbollah and facilitating operations against Israel in the Golan Heights, the IDF said.



Israel annexed the Golan Heights after capturing them from Syria during the 1967 Middle East war. The annexation has not been recognized by most countries.



Separately, the Israeli military said on October 10 that it had eliminated two Hezbollah commanders in southern Lebanon and its warplanes attacked munitions depots in the Beirut area and in southern Lebanon. It did not immediately reveal the identities of the two commanders.



Hezbollah, a militant group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon, is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the European Union blacklists its armed wing but not its party, which has seats in the Lebanese parliament.



The latest strikes came as the United States, Israel's main ally, warned against bombardments in Lebanon similar to those that caused large-scale destruction in Gaza as Israel retaliated against Hamas following the U.S.- and EU-designated terrorist group's deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, that left more than 1,100 people dead.



Israel's bombardment of central and northern Gaza in recent days has killed dozens of people and trapped thousands in their homes, Palestinian officials say.

"There should be no kind of military action in Lebanon that looks anything like Gaza and leaves a result anything like Gaza," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told journalists on October 9.



The warning came after U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized in a call on October 9 with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the need for a diplomatic arrangement for the return of both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to their homes on both sides of the border.

The United States warned Israel on October 9 against launching a military action in Lebanon like the one it has conducted in Gaza, and U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the need for a diplomatic arrangement for the return of both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to their homes on both sides of the border.



Biden also condemned Iran's ballistic-missile attack on Israel on October 1, a White House statement said.



Biden "affirmed Israel's right to protect its citizens from Hezbollah, which has fired thousands of missiles and rockets into Israel over the past year alone, while emphasizing the need to minimize harm to civilians, in particular in the densely populated areas of Beirut," the statement said.
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.
TEL AVIV -- On June 3, Current Time hosted the premiere of Russian filmmaker Andrei Loshak's documentary The Age Of Disagreement: 2024. It is a sequel to The Age Of Disagreement, which was filmed on the eve of the 2018 presidential election in Russia and focused on opposition politician Aleksei Navalny and the young supporters who helped him with his unofficial campaign. He was denied registration as a candidate but campaigned as if he was on the ballot.

Fast forward six years, to 2024, and another Russian presidential election, which was held in March and won, again, by Vladimir Putin with what the state said was 87.3 percent of the vote. Loshak's new film, commissioned by Current Time, RFE/RLs Russian-language TV and digital network, tells how the lives of the same activists who had dreamed, together with Navalny, of a "beautiful Russia of the future" changed dramatically.

Filming was almost completed when news broke in February of Navalny's mysterious death in a Russian Arctic prison while serving a 19-year term on charges his supporters and many Western governments considered politically motivated.

On the eve of the film's premiere, Current Time journalist Ksenia Sokolyanskaya met with Loshak in Tel Aviv.

RFE/RL: Did you think from the very beginning that this story would have some kind of sequel? Or did something happen at a certain moment that made you want to return to these people?

Andrei Loshak: I must say that, probably, this idea was there from the very beginning. After I released the first film, I saw that it kind of took off. People began to tell me that they wondered what would happen to the subjects next. And I thought, yeah, it's really interesting that it will be a new election cycle six years later.

I had to monitor their fates, so I asked to film some things, although I didn't know for whom it was to be done or when. But then I realized that they had all left Russia, that their fates had changed very dramatically, and that everything that they had fought for and lived for, all of it was destroyed in these past six years.

Yes, it seemed to me that this was enough to return to them and film what had happened to them. But you have to understand that we finished filming in January and early February [of 2024]. I sat in Tbilisi and thought about what to do with all of this.

WATCH: Andrei Loshak's documentary The Age Of Disagreement: 2024 (in Russian):

What was my idea? To draw attention to Aleksei Navalny, because for me, this was such a serious motivator. There was a moment when he was being transferred to [the Polar Wolf prison in Russia's Arctic town of] Kharp, and he disappeared, and I was struck by how few people wrote about it. For two weeks, it was not clear whether he was alive or not.

They killed Aleksei on February 16. At that moment, I was simply lost. I didn't understand what to do with the material.

I think it was important to record the reactions of [the film's subjects] to the news of that day, before they had time to get used to it. Although, to be honest, I'm still not used to it. It killed me, too.

This is probably the most personal film I've made in a long time. Because usually you take the position of an observer and film all sorts of things, but in this film I lived with the subjects -- with one dream, one hope -- and Aleksei was as important a figure for me as he was for them.

RFE/RL: I read the comments under the teaser for the film, which was posted the other day. People wrote that it was painful to watch, that their hearts were broken. We live in a Russia we don't want to live in, and Violetta in the film talks about "those traumatized by Russia."

Loshak: Moreover, a psychotherapist gave them such a diagnosis.

RFE/RL: In the film, a separate theme is the question: How do you live when the main thing you're living for is taken away? Do you think there is an answer?

Loshak: We are all asking this question now, and few people understand how to overcome all this. This is a recording of this moment, when our homeland rejected us. We found ourselves superfluous and unnecessary there. She needs us, but the circumstances are such that they don't expect us there, they don't want us there, they push us out of there.

Of course, Aleksei and what he did, and the way he died -- all of this will later inspire people because everyone always needs bright examples, everyone needs these myths."

Hope is such a straw. You still clutch at it. Of course, a few months is not enough time to understand how to live now. I am in this process, and my heroes are in this process of understanding. [In the film,] Oleg says this [phrase] from the point of view of common sense: "We need to stop this, guys."

RFE/RL: Meaning that political activism is not a profession?

Loshak: Yes. It is possible in some historical cycles, but in others it is impossible. And when you find yourself rejected, uprooted and without a homeland, your plan must change....

That's why I always look at this whole "opposition movement" with great skepticism. I don't know who looks at it without skepticism. But on the other hand, I don't deny it. It's kind of necessary, because they're doing the right things, but it's virtually impossible to influence anything in Russia from [exile]. This must be understood clearly.

This feeling of helplessness with which Violetta says: "What, how, and why?" -- the loss of these meanings is very painful. But we always have to say goodbye to something; everything has its own lifespan. And unfortunately, we are now at this point where we need to say goodbye to all this and start something new. The question is: What?

RFE/RL: Do you have faith? In the film people talk a lot about faith, and it ends with Aleksei's words about the need to believe. Do you have faith that Aleksei's story can also transform into something that people will watch, and that if they don't know the story of Jan Palach, they will learn it from your film? (Editor's Note: On January 16, 1969, 20-year-old university student Jan Palach set himself on fire in Prague to protest the August 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact troops. He died of his burns three days later.)

Loshak: I'm sure of it. I'm convinced of it. Such sacrifices, heroic deeds of such magnitude, cannot be in vain. I am absolutely sure that this is not a wasted sacrifice and that Aleksei will remain in the history of Russia forever as one of these heroic figures, which, of course, will acquire its own mythology. And in what our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will read about him, we would hardly recognize Aleksei.

There are always few such figures in history. I have never encountered anything like this in my life, such a level of self-sacrifice.

RFE/RL: The scale.

Loshak: Yes, but we also had, of course, our own Jan Palach: [Russian journalist] Irina Slavina, who set herself on fire in Nizhny Novgorod [in 2020], opposite the city police headquarters. (Editor's Note: Before self-immolating, Slavina wrote on Facebook, "Blame the Russian Federation for my death." A day earlier, she had written that police had searched her apartment, trying to find evidence linking her with the opposition Open Russia group and confiscated her computers and mobile phone.)

She didn't do it in vain, either. I'm absolutely sure. Although who remembers her now? This was just a few years ago, before the war [in Ukraine].... She will also be in this pantheon of heroic people who openly came out against evil.

Of course, Aleksei and what he did, and the way he died -- all of this will later inspire people because everyone always needs bright examples, everyone needs these myths. And Aleksei has already become this myth. I can already see how people who never appreciated him during his lifetime -- and, in general, I heard little good from them about Navalny -- are now writing: "But Navalny would not have said that," or, "Navalny would not have done that."

His wings have already grown; he is already soaring over this unfortunate Russia, and he will always soar there from now on. This is actually good because you have to believe in something.

RFE/RL: After Navalny's death, a discussion appeared in the Russian-speaking, mostly emigrant, community. It seems to me that the impetus was Shura Burtin's manifesto on Meduza that a "beautiful Russia of the future" will not happen and that hope for some kind of good future is harmful. One of your subjects, Violetta, also talks about how she doesn't feel joy, that she can't say she lives, she just exists. Do you think you should actually believe such stories?

Loshak: Believe in what?

RFE/RL: You said Aleksei's sacrifice was not in vain, but it seems to me that for a large number of people this is not true.

Loshak: That everything is in vain, that evil triumphs over good, and that this has always been the case in Russia? It has always been this way. But it seems to me that everything has its time. Even if we look at the history of Russia, evil has always defeated good, but there have also been moments when good had a chance.

There have always been thaws, rollbacks toward democratization, and liberation from the shackles with which the state always entangles people in Russia. We have always had this chance; we just never took advantage of it.

With Aleksei there was this chance; he gave us this chance throughout his political life, starting in 2017, but this liberal layer of us, so to speak, simply looked at it all with the curiosity of a TV viewer, nothing more.

Then he returned. He returned [to Russia from Germany in January 2021 after being treated for poisoning], realizing that, of course, he would most likely be imprisoned. But he gave us this chance again, and it was as if it was all staged. He returned, his documentary Putin's Palace was released, which was watched by 100 million people. Then there was a rally, and the usual 20,000 to 40,000 people came out.

We wasted the chances that Navalny gave us.

I really believe that at some point people will understand how important it is to participate in politics, how important it is to be a citizen, and not just to be a resident of this country. One of the subjects in the first part of the documentary in 2017 said to me -- I won't say his name now, because he is in Russia, but he was on the Maidan; by accident, he ended up there -- "When 10,000 people come out, it's nothing. But when 1 million people come out, you can't do anything about it."

This is why I endlessly respect Navalny: for the fact that he did everything he could, and more than he could, to give us these chances. And we blew them. And I hope that someday this will become obvious. You see, what is happening to Russia now cannot last forever.

RFE/RL: Why?

Loshak: Because it's against common sense, it's against the passage of time. This is an attempt to turn back time, to turn it around....

In general, history is cyclical. Now there is some moment of crisis in which Western civilization finds itself. We see incredible divisions within Western countries. I don't remember this before. This is also some kind of new sign of the times. But nevertheless, Western societies have gone through many crises, and their strength is that they are democratic, and thanks to this openness they survive them, work through them, and reach a new level.

People want to live freely; they want to be happy. It is impossible to be happy when everything is forbidden."

But Russia is not doing this. Russia is simply driving us into some kind of Middle Ages with its boots. The rhetoric that is heard now is about a "holy war," about the defense of traditional values. It all comes down to homophobia really. This is the only thing they found as a scarecrow around which they built this whole structure about the "holy war" of the Russian world with Western civilization, which is satanic, because gay people can openly hold each other's hands and recognizes their marriages. This is complete bulls**t.

For this generation, about which I filmed in 2017, there was no issue of homophobia at all. They had already grown up in this cross-border world of the Internet. They saw that this was normal. This is how all people live, and they are happy.

I subscribe to Russian-language Iranian opposition channels. You're amazed how much the same is there. It's just that these grandfathers look more colorful there. Ours are in secular blue jackets, and in Iran there are bearded ones in dressing gowns. But everything is the same. People want to live freely; they want to be happy. It is impossible to be happy when everything is forbidden.

It is impossible to keep these prohibitions all your life because the reverse process is taking place all over the world. People are following the path of gaining more and more freedom, because it is more comfortable to live this way, and at the same time respect the freedom of others....

But at any moment the Russian state can invade your life and tell you how you should behave, how to dress. You have nothing. You owe them everything for some reason, but they don't owe you anything.

Of course, I want to return to Russia now.... If Putin dies, then, of course, I will return."

This is such an old patriarchal model of the world order. If you look at all this more broadly, I see it as a rebellion against patriarchy. And what is happening in Russia is the agony of the patriarchy. In Russia, the strong are always right. To the question, "What is the strength?" [I answer that] in Russia there is strength in strength. Not in any truth. This is nonsense. What is the truth? The truth was on Aleksei's side. And where is he? I'm sure [these grandfathers] are becoming decrepit. Time will simply kill them because time is not on their side. And at some point they will simply stop being strong, and then they will be finished.

Arriving at Jan Palach's grave [in Prague], Oleg tells the story about what happened in 1969. And in 1989, the Velvet Revolution [in Czechoslovakia] began with people coming to his grave. Yes, we had to wait 20 years for this name and this feat to become an impulse and begin to work. But now, it seems to me, time flows faster. I would like to believe that we will not have to wait another 20 years.

RFE/RL: When you invited people to the premiere in Tel Aviv on Facebook, you wrote: "I don't wish you a pleasant viewing. That would be hypocritical on my part." As someone who has seen the film twice, I can say it is indeed very difficult to watch. What effect do you, as an auteur, hope for?

Loshak: Due to what happened during the filming -- and it was not I who wrote Navalny's death into the script -- I stopped thinking at all about who I was doing it for. It's just a film that has a lot of my personal pain in it. I did this in order to try to part with this pain. It's like psychotherapy: You have to work through it and live it in order to move on....

Navalny was important to so many people. This is a figure on a much larger scale than perhaps even we thought. Both importance and value. Still, his presence in Russia, even in prison, in this political landscape was completely incommensurable. We just don't even understand yet how important. And we will understand gradually more and more. This film is probably for these people.

RFE/RL: You wrote a big post on Facebook about Aleksei and said that you miss him, and that it doesn't go away. And in the end you say that despondency is a mortal sin, that Russia is a terrible fairy tale with a bad ending. You say that faith is an irrational thing. Do you want to return to Russia?

Loshak: Of course, I want to return to Russia now.... If Putin dies, then, of course, I will return....

This is some kind of madness that will end either in a nuclear apocalypse, or in the fact that at some point they will simply die, as generally happens in history with villains."

Listen, this is our homeland. It's not that we're injured. It's normal to want to live in your homeland with your people. They turned us into some kind of national traitors, although they are the national traitors. But we ourselves even began to get used to it, feeling that we were somehow different, which means we don't belong there, that this is not our homeland.

But, damnit, this is our homeland, our roots are there, our everything is there. Why shouldn't we want to go back? It's normal to want to go back and desire to live in a different country. That is, to want changes in your country, which has simply turned into a fiend of hell, which threatens the whole world with nuclear disaster and is working to split the whole world and plunge it into some kind of abyss of chaos.

What is Western civilization? If we talk about European values, this is democracy, this is human rights, this is freedom -- these are normal things. This is the norm. And they declared the norm to be evil. Who are they after that? This is some kind of madness that will end either in a nuclear apocalypse or in the fact that at some point they will simply die, as generally happens in history with villains: At some point, they simply died, and the world sighed freely until a new one was born.

RFE/RL: In an interview, you said you'd like to shoot a film in [the Ukrainian city of] Odesa, which is an important place for you. Did you have in mind a film that is less heavy than the one you have made for Current Time? Something entirely different?

Loshak: I really want to. I am very tired of politics, of Putin -- of this creature, this absolutely insignificant bastard, who forces us to follow him all the time. Then we all write about it, film it, and react in horror. We are forced to because we react to abuse, to constant violence against us, because this person mocks us.

I want to film about something more metaphysical. With hope, with faith, with love. There is a lot of love missing.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Under increasing pressure to untie Kyiv's hands, the United States has changed course and allowed Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons to strike at some targets inside Russia. Ruth Deyermond, senior lecturer in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, joins the host to discuss the significance of the shift.
After graduating from medical school, Salomat had to settle for working as a masseuse at a Dushanbe beauty salon because hospitals in Tajikistan dont allow the Islamic hijab, which she wears.

I had to choose between my career and my faith, and I chose the latter, says Salomat, who didnt want to give her full name. I did remove my hijab in college because I thought that was temporary. But a career is for life.

Thousands of women in Tajikistan have faced similar choices in recent years as the staunchly secular government in Dushanbe has been increasingly cracking down on the Islamic head scarf at schools and workplaces.

Despite the effective ban on the hijab in public institutions, there is no legislation in Tajikistan that outlaws Islamic attire. But that is about to change.

Parliament in the predominantly Muslim nation of some 10 million has adopted draft amendments to the law on traditions and celebrations that will ban the wearing, importing, selling, and advertising of clothes alien to Tajik culture, a term widely used by officials to describe Islamic clothing.

Lawmakers also approved new amendments to the code of administrative violations, which includes hefty fines for offenders. The code did not previously list the wearing of a hijab or other religious clothing as violations.

Tajik lawmaker Mavludakhon Mirzoeva told RFE/RLs Tajik Service that the amended version of the draft bill includes a ban on clothes deemed foreign to Tajik culture.

The penalties for offenders vary from the equivalent of $740 for individuals to $5,400 for legal entities. Government officials and religious authorities face much higher fines of $3,700 and $5,060, respectively, if found guilty.

The draft bills have been sent to the upper house of parliament and are widely expected to be approved and signed into law by authoritarian President Emomali Rahmon.

Freedom Of Choice

Several Dushanbe residents told RFE/RL that they dont support a ban on certain types of clothes because they believe people should be free to choose what clothes they want to wear.

Its important to have the freedom to choose our own clothes. There shouldnt be a law ordering us what to wear, said Munira Shahidi, an expert on art and culture.

Most Tajiks believe the new amendments would only legalize a ban that has already been in place for years.

I had to give up my hijab 15 years ago when I got my [dream] job, said a 42-year-old university teacher in the northern city of Khujand. It was a tough decision. I wear long-sleeved costumes and cover my head with a kerchief tied on the back of the head.

The woman, who didnt want her name published, said she initially turned down a job offer from the university because it required her to remove her Islamic head scarf.

For five years I worked at various places that didnt mind me wearing the hijab, but I didnt like those jobs and, besides, the ban on the hijab kept expanding, she said. When the next time I got the opportunity for the university job, I accepted it.

The Tajik authorities clampdown on the hijab began in 2007 when the Education Ministry banned both Islamic clothing and Western-style miniskirts for students.

The ban was eventually extended to all public institutions, with some organizations demanding that both their staff and visitors remove their head scarves.

Local governments set up special task forces to enforce the unofficial ban, while police raided markets to detain offenders. But authorities reject numerous claims from women who said they were stopped on the street and fined for wearing the hijab.

One recent video purportedly shows hospital staff in southern Tajikistan helping two hijab-wearing visitors to style their headgear in a Tajik way -- tying it behind their heads as a kerchief.

The government in recent years conducted a campaign to promote Tajik national dress. On September 6, 2017, millions of cell phone users received text messages from the government calling for women to wear Tajik national clothes. The messages stated that Wearing national dress is a must! Respect national dress, and Let us make it a good tradition to wear national clothes.

The campaign culminated in 2018 when the government introduced a 376-page manual -- The Guidebook Of Recommended Outfits In Tajikistan -- which outlined what Tajik women should wear for different occasions.

Tajikistan has also unofficially banned bushy beards. Thousands of men in the past decade have reportedly been stopped by police and had their beards shaved against their will.
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Russia launched a missile attack on Ukraine's southeastern city of Dnipro early on June 4, regional Governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram, adding that several civilians were injured, including a 1-month-old child and a 17-year-old boy.
Former Roscommon TD, minister and senator Terry Leyden has been appointed as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Government of Ireland approved the appointment of Mr Leyden to the role with jurisdiction for Ireland. This appointment was made by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, IIham Aliyev in May 2024. In a ceremony at the Azerbaijan Embassy in London last week his appointment was officially announced.

Speaking to the Roscommon Herald Mr Leyden said: The bonds between Azerbaijan and Ireland are strong. It is an honour to have the opportunity to represent Azerbaijan in Ireland. He added that during his tenure as Honorary Consul he would spare no efforts to develop friendship, cultural and economic-trade relations between Ireland and Azerbaijan.

I will work hard to provide consular services to citizens, to strengthen business and cultural connections and to continue my ongoing work to promote Irish business abroad. Mr Leyden said he believed he was the first Roscommon person to ever be appointed to such a role. The process began last year after the Government of Azerbaijan nominated him to the department of foreign affairs.

The Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr John Keogh congratulated Mr Leyden saying: This is a great honour for Terry to be appointed to the position and he is the first Roscommon person to be appointed an Honorary Consul. I wish Terry success in his role and I look forward to him developing trade links with Azerbaijan.
Fruit Picking

A new relaxation project involves the activity of picking fruits in an orchard close to capital Bucharest

Photo: m chirita RRI

Ana-Maria Cononovici, 04.06.2024, 14:00

Being deeply invested with their urban life, people often forget how much joy several hours in nature can bring, mainly when specific activities, such as fruit picking, are included. Thus, several initiatives of this kind, have recently been created, such as the one known as Beautiful Orchard, which is only 20 kilometers from the capital city Bucharest.

Dana Banciu, initiator of the aforementioned project, told us more:

Dana Banciu: There is a story behind this orchard, which has over 400 fruit trees and a surface of 12 thousand square meters. At the end of 2019 we decided to open this orchard to visitors. We were inspired in this project by our daughter, who is now 15 years old and who during kindergarten and later in school used to invite her classmates here to pick cherries and other fruits. And whenever they came here, they wouldnt leave soon and this happened also with our relatives, who came here to celebrate various events and liked it here so much that they nearly forgot to leave. Its practically a place in the middle of nature and we like to make kids love nature so and for this reason we are welcoming them whenever they come as part of various school and kindergarten activities.

Its all about living together, living in harmony with nature as our host wants to emphasize.

Dana Banciu: Behind the orchard, there lies a beautiful little hardwood forest and we invite our visitors whenever they come here to let their guards down and enjoy everything nature has to offer and take a hike through that little forest. The forest is six-seven meters from our orchard and I would describe a hike around it as purely magic as you almost forget about the everyday troubles of life and what future may bring about. And this is how the magic of this place works!

Dana Banciu has also talked to us about the types of events their orchard can host:

Dana Banciu: The events we host here are either anniversaries, parties, various weekend events, workshops, and practically any type of event, which can be held in nature. The events we stage on weekdays, include school trips, when we provide tours of our orchard, telling the kids about the way we are taking care of the fruit trees here, their development, the role played by the leaves and pollinators, like the bees for instance. We tell them about the role played by oxygen and the global warming. And while in the forest we are trying to connect with nature by means of our senses, we hug a tree for instance. We also have an open doors day when we place invitations on our facebook page for families to come here and enjoy a picnic, a hike through the forest I mentioned before, a couple of hours of relaxation in nature

But how do children feel when they come here?

Dana Banciu: When children come here, they never get bored, you know. We are often asked by parents and teachers if they need to hire an entertainer or something. But here in this orchard, children never get bored, although this is no playground as we have already specified in our presentations. Although we have a couple of swings here and there, this is far from being a playground. However, whenever they come here, children are completely fascinated, you know. They leave the place with rosy cheeks and sweating because they have been given the chance of getting involved in various activities undergoing in an unstructured area. They are facing a lot of positive challenges here and you need not tell them what to do. They are free to roam the place and they dont get bored at all, but on the contrary, they learn things. Like I said, all children are fascinated when they get here.

But besides hikes and other events the most tempting thing in an orchard is fruit picking.

So, Dana Banciu has made an invitation.

Dana Banciu: Our orchard is a season orchard with over 400 fruit trees and the first to ripen here are the cherries. Next come the apricots, apples, pears, quinces and grapes, because we also have a vineyard here. So our visitors can pick fruits and eat as much as they can. And if they like a certain type and want to take them home we can sell them some. And if its a good year, and we have plenty of fruits here, we launch an invitation to fruit picking. 

From spring until late autumn, people can come here, or to other places like this, to enjoy a day like they used to in their grandparents orchards in the countryside.

(bill)
The EU and the Black Sea

Bucharest has hosted another round of talks about security and defence at the Black Sea

Photo: fb.com / Angel Tilvar

Daniela Budu, 04.06.2024, 13:50

The EUs strategic approach for the Black Sea region must also include support for the states in the region facing hybrid threats and the consequences of the aggression war Russia is presently waging on Ukraine. The statement was made by Romanias Defence Minister Angel Tilvar, who on Monday met the interim chief of the European Commission Representation in Romania, Mara Roman.

According to a communique of the field ministry, the European developments in the area of defence and the prospects of Bucharest in this context were high on the talks agenda of the two officials. Angel Tilvar and Mara Roman also tackled the EUs role in supporting Romanias two neighbours, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

On this occasion, the Defence Minister highlighted the support Bucharest offered the two countries both in terms of their European integration efforts and in boosting resilience. The two also referred to the main initiatives and European instruments with relevance in the field of defence, such as the European Defence Fund, military mobility, the EUs Defence Industry Strategy, namely the need for strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. It is important that the European defence industry develop in a geographically-balanced manner, and the small and medium-size enterprises as well as the start-ups in the entire Europe be integrated in the industrial ecosystem  Angel Talvar said. According to him, the EU-NATO cooperation on this issue for using the potential of the instruments the two institutions have at their disposal is essential.

According to the communique, the meeting between the two officials highlighted the ever increasing role played by the European Commission in supporting member states in terms of security and defence with emphasis on the need for carrying on the development of the synergic EU-NATO relations.

In fact, at a specialized forum held last month in Bucharest, the head of the Romanian diplomacy, Luminita Odobescu said the Black Sea is essential from the viewpoint of security and connectivity for Europe and it is needed to be an open and free sea. When we are thinking about the Black Sea, we are speaking about two key words,  security and connectivity  Minister Odobescu went on to say.

The official also pointed out that Romania contributes to the Black Sea security through national, bilateral actions, but also through projects and formats of regional cooperation as well as actions at the level of the EU and NATO. According to her, reestablishing peace and security at the Black Sea is essential for the security of us all. The same idea has been repeatedly conveyed by the European officials, underlying the joint commitment to maintaining stability and security in this area of top strategic importance.

(bill)
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Romania International, 18.10.2023, 10:04

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French banking company Credit Agricole SA (CRARF.PK,CDA.L,ACA.PA) announced Tuesday that its unit Indosuez Wealth Management has finalised the acquisition of Bank Degroof Petercam. The financial terms of the deal were not released.

With the deal, Indosuez becomes majority shareholder of Degroof alongside its historical shareholder CLdN Cobelfret.

Credit Agricole said the impact of the deal on its CET1 ratio will amount to around 30 basis points. This transaction is expected to generate additional net income group share after synergies of 150 million euros to 200 million euros by 2028.

CA Indosuez now controls 65% of the capital of Bank Degroof Petercam alongside CLdN Cobelfret, which holds nearly 20% of the capital.

CA Indosuez will shortly submit a filing with the Belgian financial services and authority or FSMA with the intention of launching a voluntary public takeover bid for the shares held by the minority shareholders of Bank Degroof Petercam.

The acquisition has obtained the required approvals from the banking and competition authorities.

Degroof Petercam teams will join forces with Indosuez, creating a European wealth management firm. Credit Agricole said the acquisition strengthens its presence in Belgium and will generate significant synergies with its various lines.

Jacques Prost, Chief Executive Officer of the Indosuez group, said, "This acquisition is a transformative and exciting project that reshapes our scope and establishes a European leader in wealth management. It enhances our value proposition with one of the most comprehensive offerings in the market for all our wealthy private clients and families, entrepreneurs and professional investors. It allows us to generate significant synergies with the different activities of the Credit Agricole Group."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday to extend losses from a four-month low hit in the previous session on worries about increased supply later in 2024.

Benchmark Brent crude futures fell 1.5 percent to $76.18 a barrel while WTI crude futures were down 2.1 percent at $72.64.

Both benchmarks fell more than 3 percent on Monday, weighed down by an announcement by OPEC+ that the group will begin phasing out voluntary production cuts over the next one year.

The OPEC's decision to phase out production cuts will see more than 500,000 bpd of crude returning to the market by December. 1.8 million bpd would come back by June of 2025.

Demand worries also weighed on prices as investors reassessed the strength of the U.S. in light of weak economic data released overnight.

U.S. manufacturing activity slowed for a second straight month in May and construction spending fell unexpectedly for a second consecutive month in April - adding to signs the world's largest economy is gradually slowing down.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
An international summit on peace in Ukraine will be held in the Swiss city of Lucerne next week.

The conference, scheduled on 15-16 June, follows a series of four earlier international meetings.

The conference aims to conduct high-level discussion on a "comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine" in the context of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and to motivate a peace process.

The summit is aimed to include building on earlier discussions of the Ukrainian 10-point peace proposal and "other peace proposals based on the UN Charter and key principles of international law", and to jointly develop a plan on how to include both Ukraine and Russia in a later peace process.

Leaders from 160 countries and international organizations have been invited to the conference.

Vice President Kamala Harris and the National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will represent the U.S. in the Summit.

"they will underscore the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to supporting Ukraine's effort to secure a just and lasting peace based on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of the U.N. Charter," White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said at a news conference.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows involved in pharmacogenomics research

The Rhodes University Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBi) recently welcomed the Deputy Ambassador of Switzerland, Mr Marino Cuenat, and Programme Officer for Science and Technology, Ms Kgomotso Austin, to campus. Their visit was focused on discussing existing collaborations and exploring future partnerships with Switzerland.

Over the years, RUBi has been the recipient of grants from Swiss-affiliated organisations, including the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV). More recently, Professor Ozlem Tastan Bishop, Director of RUBi, secured a pharmacogenomics grant as part of the Project Africa GRADIENT. This project is funded by Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GSK) and managed by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). Pharmacogenomics, the study of how drug-metabolising enzymes affect an individual's response to drugs, is especially significant in Africa. The continent is home to some of the world's most genetically diverse populations, yet many drugs have not been tested on African populations.

RUBi is also a core partner of the Cluster of Research Excellence in Genomics for Health in Africa (CoRE-GHA) Consortium, an initiative of the Africa-Europe CoRE project established by the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities (The Guild). Under CoRE-GHA, Prof Tastan Bishop collaborates closely with Professor Carlo Largiader, Vice Director of the Bern Center for Precision Medicine (BCPM), and Professor Carmen Faso, Head of the Institute of Cell Biology.

During their visit, Mr Cuenat and Ms Austin engaged with postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows involved in pharmacogenomics research. They also met with long-standing RUBi collaborators, Professor Kevin Lobb from the Department of Chemistry and Professor Heinrich Hoppe from the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Bioinformatics. Impressed by the quality of the research, Mr Cuenat and Ms Austin noted that this was their first experience in a bioinformatics laboratory. Prof Tastan Bishop and Mr Cuenat also discussed potential future collaborations and funding opportunities for student exchanges between RUBi and Swiss partners.
To put a stop on these fraudulent practices, Toyota has promised a systematic change in Daihatsus leadership and transparent practices

The saga of a chain of scandals from the Toyota and Daihatsu camps seems to be going deeper than can be seen from the surface. The company had officially announced a thorough investigation of what went wrong. Recent revelations suggest there are as many as 7 new cars that are found to have passed safety tests with irregular data.

Toyota/Daihatsu scandals

In 2023, there were multiple fraudulent practices and rigged safety test results uncovered by Toyota and its subsidiary brand Daihatsu. What started as a whistle-blower case exposing rigged side collision tests from Toyotas subsidiary, Daihatsu, has unfurled into a house of glass for Toyota brand.

Soon after the rigged side collision tests on Toyota Yaris Ativ/Vios, Perodua Axia, Toyota Agya, and a new model, there are fraudulent practices found with safety tests of Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize. Soon Daihatsu stopped production across all four of its facilities.

Toyota has remarked that these malpractices Has shaken the companys very foundation and have revealed that there were irregularities found with as many as sixty-four cars! Recently, there have been seven new vehicles under the radar uncovered by the investigation where there were fraudulent practices with safety tests.

In three cars, the company has produced inadequate data in pedestrian and occupant protection tests. In four cars, there were errors and other irregularities in crash tests. Toyota Chairman, Akio Toyota, mentioned on May 31st, about how the company didnt comply with standard testing methods and deviated from them.

Deviations in testing procedures

Since these revelations, the production of Crown sedan (last gen), Isis, Sienta minivan (last gen) and 4th gen Lexus RX. As revealed by Shinji Miyamoto, Chief Officer at Customer First Promotion Group, Toyota used airbag timer ignition development test data and used timer ignition method to create severe collision conditions than standard for vehicles like Crown and Isis.

To evaluate damage to a pedestrians head, the crash tests for Corolla had an impact angle of 65 degrees, instead of 50 degrees. For cars like Corolla, Sienta and Crown, Toyota submitted unilateral point data instead of conducting separate left and right measurements. For cars like Crown and Sienta, Toyota used a moving barrier weighing 1,814 kg instead of 1,100 kg during rear collision tests.

Toyota even ignored a regulation change in the case of Yaris Cross and used old test data for damage caused to the rear bench by luggage placed in the trunk, during certification application. An engine power test with Lexus RX didnt attain target output. Instead of investigating the same, there were adjustments made to the engine control system to achieve target results.

Something similar happened in India too, where Toyota diesel engines in 10 cars (globally) were found to have irregularities with engine power testing. Sticking to the recent seven vehicles globally, Toyota has assured customers of affected vehicles to continue using them as there are no performance issues. However, shipments of new Corolla Axio, Yaris Cross and Corolla Fielder have been stopped temporarily.
I recently attended the funeral of a truly remarkable man. Quiet and humble, Salvador Udagawa was a man of lifelong accomplishment and loved by all who knew him. He was born in 1938 of a Japanese father and a Paraguayan mother in La Colmena, Paraguay  a remote jungle colony far from civilization. He grew up a barefoot boy attending a mud-walled school with a straw-thatched roof.

School in the colony ended after fourth grade, at which time Salvador and his family left La Colmena with all of their belongings in two large oxcarts. They settled near the city of Asuncion, where Salvador continued his basic schooling. At the age of 15, he found a job preparing specimen slides in a pathology lab during the day and attended high school at night. His supervising doctor recognized young Salvadors potential and encouraged him to pursue medical school, using his influence to make that possible.

He did go to medical school, and it was during that time that he met the woman who would eventually become his wife and life-long companion.

Salvador received a Doctor of Medicine degree from the National Medical University of Paraguay in 1965. Following an internship, he was assigned to a small rural town as their doctor.

Through the recommendation of a friend and colleague who had emigrated to the U.S., Dr. Udagawa was offered an internship at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. After learning basic English, he flew to Buffalo, where he quickly demonstrated his surgical skills. He learned that there was a great need for colorectal surgeons and decided to pursue that specialty.

Finding interest in the promising new field of colonoscopy, he was trained in its use and purchased his own equipment. He is believed to be one of the first in Buffalo to perform colonoscopies. In 1988, he was selected as chief of surgery at the former Saint Francis Hospital. Over his 50-year career, he was awarded numerous fellowships and citations.

My family came to know Dr. Udagawa in 1998 when my sister was hired to be his medical secretary. In 1999, my sisters husband had taken a post-retirement job as a security guard at the New Penn Trucking Company. One night, two armed men robbed him of his wallet and car keys and shot him five times. He managed to get up to call for help after they left.

At the emergency room, four bullets were found to be in non-critical areas, but the fifth did considerable damage to his colon. After a series of surgeries, during which my brother-in-law nearly died from septic shock, his surgeons gave up on the colon repair and connected a colostomy bag. If he survived, he would have to wear the bag for the rest of his life.

Tearfully, my sister turned to Dr. Udagawa, asking him to take over. He did, and skillfully and successfully removed the colostomy and reconnected the colon so it functioned normally. Dr. Udagawa not only restored my brother-in-laws quality of life, but may have saved his life as well.

Dr. Udagawa loved music, and especially that of the Paraguayan harp. Although he had never learned to read music and had no formal training, he taught himself to play. The funeral concluded with a beautiful piece that he had recorded. Spellbound, my eyes filled with tears, and I envisioned his skilled hands on the strings as they responded to his heart.

It was his parting gift to us, and the perfect farewell.
News / Africa

by Tonderai Ndoro

As the South African election results were announced, critics of the African National Congress (ANC) and ZANU PF celebrated the party's failure to secure a majority, viewing it as a significant setback for the ruling party's dominance.Some couldn't help but draw parallels between the ANC's decline and Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu PF, predicting a similar outcome in the 2028 elections. As the ANC's support continues to wane, detractors see this as a harbinger of change in the region and a warning sign for liberation movements that the tide of democracy is turning.The opposition in Zimbabwe is celebrating the ANC's failure to secure a majority in the recent elections. This reveals that the opposition is merely a pawn in the Western agenda to eliminate liberation movements. Similar celebrations occurred when Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, a Western favorite, won the election.Liberation movements must work together to resist their extinction, as they threaten Western imperialist interests, that of plundering African resources. They should continue working together as liberation movements and come up with policies that improve the welfare of the people they liberated and who continue to entrust them with leadership of their respective countries.Critics are drawing parallels between the South African elections and the upcoming 2028 elections in Zimbabwe, but this comparison is misplaced and only serves to keep the dwindling opposition hopeful. It's crucial to recognize that each country's political landscape is distinct, with unique historical, social, and political factors at play.While similarities may exist, understanding these specific contexts is essential. In Zimbabwe, the ZANU PF Government has been diligently fulfilling its campaign promises made during the 2023 harmonized general elections. The country is witnessing unprecedented infrastructure development and modernization, with construction projects transforming the landscape.The economy is rapidly stabilizing thanks to the introduction of the gold-backed currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). As a result, citizens are expressing their satisfaction, and the ruling party's landslide victory in 2028 is imminent and guaranteed.In Zimbabwe, the opposition has disintegrated, with its leader quitting and many supporters and officials defecting to the ruling party. ZANU PF has won back seats previously held by the opposition in by-elections. With these developments, ZANU PF's victory in 2028 is assured.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) has made significant progress in reducing its US$200 million debt with the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA), now owing US$59 million. Zinara board chair George Manyaya reported this update to the Public Accounts Committee, noting that clearing the debt would unlock funding for infrastructure development.Zinara entered an interest recalculation contract with the Interest Research Bureau of Zimbabwe (IRBZ) in February 2020, focusing on the DBSA loan. By September 2021, Zinara requested DBSA to provide loan book information for interest calculation.Manyaya also highlighted that Zinara had resolved 66 out of 71 issues raised in the 2019 Grant Thornton forensic audit, with the remaining issues pending in court. The audit addressed governance practices, financial controls, disbursement management, human capital, and procurement management.Zinara has aligned its operations with audit recommendations and the Roads Act, restructured major supplier contracts, and the DBSA loan, which financed the Mutare-Plumtree Highway upgrade. Manyaya emphasized that Zinara is implementing a strategy focused on integrity, capacitation, engagement, and automation, and is in the final stages of procuring an e-tolling system.
Reducing infant mortality takes more than just funding. It takes sustained investment, cultural transformation, and a commitment to equity.

Amy Zaagman

More emphasis on mother-baby programs is needed, especially in underserved communities.

The Yours, Mine, and Ours  Public Healthseries highlights how our state's public health agencies keep us healthy, safe, and informed about issues impacting physical and mental health in our communities, homes, workplaces, and schools. The series is made possible with funding from the Michigan Association for Local Public Health For nearly 40 years, the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health (MCMCH) has been at the forefront of the state's public health policy advocacy, working to enhance the well-being of mothers and their children. Part of their work involves collaborating with hospitals to understand their needs for reducing infant mortality rates. Amy Zaagman, MCMCH executive director, recognizes Hurley Medical Center s approach to maternal and infant care as a prime example of how health care institutions can profoundly impact communities.We have a long history with Hurley hospital, she says. They are a great example of so many things that we advocate for, and weve learned a lot from them.One example is Hurley Medical Centers role in reducing infant mortality rates, an issue that has long plagued Michigan.While the state's overall infant mortality rate mirrors the national average, the alarming discrepancies in outcomes for African American and Indigenous infants demand urgent attention. Zaagman says MCMCH is committed to addressing these disparities.Theres been over $100 million in new funding in the maternal and infant health space, she says. Some of that has gone towards funding an extension to Medicaid postpartum coverage from sixty days to twelve months.And thats just one example. Currently, there are more than 20 bills introduced in the state legislature to try and improve maternal and infant health.Hurley Medical Center served as inspiration for many of those bills, from pioneering initiatives like the Centering Pregnancy Program to embracing home visiting services and specialized care for substance-exposed infants. Hurley Medical Center has set a high standard for maternal and infant health care.Hurley is constantly looking for those partnerships and embracing those commitments, partnering with anyone who will partner to make good things happen, says Zaagman.Hurleys holistic approach, along with a deep-rooted commitment to community engagement, underscores their dedication to the health of mothers and babies in Michigan.One of the ways Hurley Medical Center is improving maternal and infant health is through their Rooming-In Program. The program keeps moms and their substance-exposed babies together in a quiet room until the baby recovers. This allows for bonding between mom and baby and reduces stress on the baby while they are recovering from detox. Zaagman says its not just the programming thats innovative; its the way Hurley finds funding for these programs, either through grants or community partnerships. That process allows Hurley to fast-track programs and influence care in other hospitals across the state.They show it works, Zaagman says. We learn from them that these types of programs make a difference, and then we approach the legislature and say we need funding so we can make this available to other hospitals.Its how MCMCH was able to help secure $1.3 million for rooming-in programs at five birthing hospitals in the state using opioid settlement dollars awarded to Michigan.As Zaagman highlights, Hurley's success serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for other health care providers. By sharing best practices and advocating for resources, MCMCH aims to catalyze similar transformations across the state. Through strategic partnerships and evidence-based policies, MCMCH strives to create a system where every mother and child receives the care and support they deserve.Reducing infant mortality takes more than just funding. Zaagman emphasizes the need for sustained investment, cultural transformation, and a commitment to equity.We have to build all of the programming and the resources up, and then we have to change the culture, she says. We really have to allow families of color to believe that those things will be there and that theyre structured in such a way that theyre welcoming and available.Its the collective efforts of public health organizations like the MCMCH and institutions like Hurley Medical Center that continue to push for change when it comes to improving infant mortality rates.Theyre doing the extra work. Theyre doing group-based prenatal care. Working with substance-exposed infants. Theyre doing home visits. Theyre making every connection," says Zaagman.There is still work to be done. In the future, Zaagman says she would like to see more emphasis on mother-baby programs, especially those that reach BIPOC communities. The MCMCH is currently working on a project with the Michigan Health and Hospital Association interviewing Black women who birthed at three different Michigan hospitals. The goal is to see what policy changes may come from their experiences.As Michigan's public health entities continue on the journey towards improved infant mortality rates, the MCMCH remains committed to pushing for policy changes so that mothers and babies in communities across the state can get the health care they need.The Yours, Mine, and Ours  Public Healthseries highlights how our state's public health agencies keep us healthy, safe, and informed about issues impacting physical and mental health in our communities, homes, workplaces, and schools. The series is made possible with funding from the Michigan Association for Local Public Health
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Four Zimbabwean men, Nelson Chama (31), Artwell Chakaraya (31), Blessing Matongo (35), and Ophius Marindire (32), have been sentenced to 49 years each by the Thabazimbi Regional Court in South Africa.They were convicted of stealing parts of a railway line and rail communication equipment valued at R200,000 in 2023.The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the court's decision.Their sentences include 30 years for tampering with and destroying essential infrastructure, 15 years for theft of ferrous or non-ferrous metals, and 2 years for illegal entry into South Africa.The crime occurred on May 10, 2023, when the men cut off a section of the TransNet Railway line near Dwaalboom. They were arrested later that day in possession of stolen copper cables.
Consumer spending growth is at its weakest in more than three years as higher council tax bills and the rising cost of broadband and mobile phones eat into household budgets, a report has said. The monthly snapshot of credit and debit card activity from Barclays found an improvement in consumer confidence as a result of falling inflation was not leading to a pickup in spending.  Guardian

Lawyers and HR experts expect an increase in employment tribunal cases as companies increasingly clamp down on working from home and staff become resentful that the flexibility they have enjoyed since the pandemic is being slowly rolled back. A number of companies are now advocating a full five-day return to the office, with others enforcing a minimum number of days in the workplace. Administrative staff at Boots, who previously worked in the office three days a week, will return to the office five days a week from September. Many US banks, such as Goldman Sachs, also expect senior staff to come in for the full week, and its chief executive, David Solomon, labelled remote working an aberration.  Guardian

Star fund manager Nick Train has paid himself an estimated 14m dividend despite apologising last month for a recent run of poor stock-picking. Accounts for Lindsell Train, the investment firm founded by Mr Train and Mike Lindsell, showed its founders shared a dividend pot worth 39m in the year to January. Mr Train and Mr Lindsell, with their spouses, each own around 36pc of the business. - Telegraph

The US owner of Channel 5 has agreed to a $8bn (6.3bn) merger deal with a billionaire tech heirs production company, signalling an end to a months-long takeover saga. Paramount, the TV and film studio formerly known as ViacomCBS, has reportedly agreed to the terms of a merger with Skydance, a company set up by David Ellison, whose father is the Silicon Valley mogul Larry Ellison.  Telegraph

London must not become a listings venue of last resort for companies with dubious human rights records, one of Londons leading fund managers has warned in a broadside against the Citys bid to host the $70 billion float of Shein. Peter Hugh Smith, chief executive of CCLA Investment Management, which oversees about 14 billion of assets and is an investor in Amazon, said reports that the Chinese fast fashion group was eyeing a float in the UK were worrying.  The Times

Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, has quietly built up a portfolio of personal investments valued at almost $3 billion in technology companies, some of which do business with his artificial intelligence firm. Altman, 39, has become one of Silicon Valleys most prolific investors with holdings in more than 400 companies, including Airbnb, Stripe and Reddit, managed by his family office. The scale of his investment empire was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. - The Times
News / National

by Staff reporter

In a powerful public pronouncement, ANC veteran Lindiwe Sisulu has called for a "Black Pact" alliance to counter the proposed coalition between the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance (DA).Sisulu's statement comes amidst growing speculation about a possible ANC-DA coalition following the ANC's poor performance in the recent national elections, where it secured little over 40% of the vote.Instead of aligning with the DA, Sisulu proposed a coalition of black-led parties, which she referred to as a "Black Pact."This alliance would include the ANC, MK, EFF, IFP, and PA, uniting under the common goals of black liberation and economic emancipation.Speaking to The Star, Sisulu did not mince her words, describing the potential ANC-DA coalition as a "betrayal" of ANC supporters."A coalition will be a betrayal of those who strictly voted for the ANC. ANC supporters voted for their beloved party and not the DA. If they were fans of the DA, they would have voted as such, and yet they have not," said Sisulu.Sisulu argued that a partnership with the DA would hinder the healing process of the nation."Black history in South Africa is painful, and many still bear the scars just like me. A marriage between the ANC and DA may not help with the healing process of this beautiful nation," she said.Sisulu warned that allowing the DA to co-govern could lead to a resurgence of discriminatory practices reminiscent of apartheid."Allowing the DA to co-govern could bring about a mini-apartheid, as we see how the life of black people is in the Western Cape where the DA governs," she said."Or should we be asking ourselves why would the ANC even consider a union with the DA and not our natural allies and brothers and sisters in the form of a Black Pact of Progressive Forces? After all, the struggle for our liberation was mainly to disentangle black people from colonialism and apartheid chains. So why are we donating ourselves, including our inherent rich and painful history, to our oppressors?" said Sisulu.Sisulu urged unity under a Black Pact flag, emphasising the importance of continuing the efforts towards black liberation.She outlined an eight-point plan as the foundation for this proposed alliance which includes the following;1. Anti-Corruption Charter: To promote clean governance.2. Africanisation of the Law: Incorporating traditional leadership laws.3. Curbing Illicit Capital Flight: Addressing the unnecessary loss of money from the country.4. Revival and Stabilisation of SOEs: Restoring state-owned enterprises.5. Creation of a Sovereign Fund: Using mining industry profits to fund free education.6. Pushing National Health Insurance (NHI): Improving the safety and security of all citizens.7. Land Reform: Returning land to its rightful owners, along with its resources.8. Historical Mission: Emphasizing the significance of liberating black people.9. Support for Palestine: Taking a clear position in support of the Palestinian people.In a clarion call to black leaders Sisulu urged cooperation."I beg you to unite under one Black Pact flag to continue with the efforts of black liberation and economic emancipation."
In todays world, the cost of every aspect of life is increasing, including that of health care. So, getting a health insurance plan for yourself and your family has become a necessity for all. You can safeguard yourself and your family from unexpected medical emergencies with an insurance scheme. India has gradually become digitally advanced, and many insurance companies allow their policyholders to buy health insurance. Till now, people feel a bit unsure about purchasing health insurance online but there are some benefits that can change your mind.

Keep reading this article to learn about everything in detail.

8 Advantages of Buying Health Insurance Online

Below are some advantages of purchasing health plans online from a reputed company that will help in your time of need.

1.Time-Saving

The most significant advantage of buying health insurance online is time-saving. It will save a lot of your time compared to other traditional methods. Also, it eliminates the need for third-party agencies or long queues to claim settlement.

There are several insurance providers that offer mobile applications where one can easily navigate and purchase a health plan within a few clicks. Besides, most online platforms offer instant quotations which make your insurance buying process easy and hassle-free.

2.Abundance of Choices

Purchasing health insurance online provides an abundance of choices and allows one to compare them seamlessly. You can access a wide range of insurance providers and their plans, helping you to do a detailed comparison in terms of coverage, premiums, exclusions, and other additional benefits.

Due to this online option, one can tailor their health policy to their specific needs and budget. Moreover, buying an insurance plan online simplifies the process by presenting quick information in a clear format.

3.Minimal Documentation

Online buying option minimises paperwork and streamlines the process of comparing choices. You can submit digital copies of your documents online, which reduces the need for extensive paperwork.

Unlike traditional methods, it saves time and effort by allowing customers to go through the various insurance options quickly. Due to the minimal paperwork, the convenience level goes high, making it preferable to buy an insurance plan online rather than offline.

4.Instant Policy Insurance

Buying the best health insurance online also offers the perk of instant policy issuance. Traditional methods involve lengthy processing times but on the other hand online platforms allow immediate issuance of insurance policies upon completion of the application process.

This instant completion makes one satisfied and offers peace of mind and financial protection without delay. Instant policy issuance cuts down the need for waiting periods, which ensures comprehensive medical coverage imme- diately.

5.Safer Transaction

To experience a safer transaction, buy health insurance online. Digital platforms use advanced encryption and security measures to safeguard personal and financial information. It helps in reducing the risk of identity theft and data breaches.

Traditional insurance buying methods involve forms or phone transactions, whereas online purchases reduce exposure to security vulnerabilities. In addition, online payment gateways will ensure secure transactions and protect confidential data throughout the entire buying process. Henceforth, you can confidently complete your online purchase from the comfort of your home.

6.Cost-Effective

Availing health insurance through the online method is cost-effective due to varied factors. First and foremost, such online applications often offer competitive premiums due to increased market competition.

Such platforms require online transactions, which eliminates the need for physical infrastructure and manual processing. This helps in reducing administrative costs for both insurers and consumers. Lastly, digital documen- tation minimises paper usage and other associated expenses, which plays a crucial role in lowering the premium rates.

7.Quality Customer Service

Insurance companies providing online applications offer better customer service. Often online platforms host varied communication channels, including live chat, email, and phone support. It enables fast assistance and resolves queries within a few minutes. You can also learn some comprehensive concepts related to varied health products from the website of your insurance provider.

8.Tracking Raised Claim Status

You can easily track or monitor the status of your file claims. The online application comes with centralised dashboards from where you can easily access and manage your documents, including policy details, coverage information, claim history, etc. Besides, through such applications, you can get real-time updates on the status of claims which ensures transparency and reduces uncertainty for policyholders.

The Bottom Line

Now that you are aware that purchasing the best health insurance online is a much more convenient, cost-effective, secure, and time-saving option, buy one from your preferred insurer. While you buy a health plan, look into a few important factors like inclusions, exclusions, sum insured, waiting period, co-payment clause, etc.

Moreover, ACKO offers affordable premium options for different types of health insurance policies that you can easily consider to financially safeguard yourself.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New York City is committing millions of dollars to fully restore a popular summer program that engages more than 100,000 students each year.

On Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams announced more than $100 million dollars of investments in youth programming and initiatives, including $20 million to restore Friday sessions and full program hours for middle school students enrolled in the citys Summer Rising program.

We know that when we invest in our childrens education, we invest in our citys future. Thats why we are giving back to our young people and to their working parents, said Adams. We know that it takes a city to raise a child, and today, we are giving our young people a chance to learn and grow their talents and imagination by investing in their future.

Summer Rising is a free program administered by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the city Department of Education (DOE) that connects elementary and middle school students to fun, culturally relevant, hands-on experiences to strengthen their academic, social and emotional skills.

In March, the city announced there would be six weeks of programming for middle schools  the same amount of weeks as last years programming. However, students would only attend Summer Rising four weekdays, rather than five  and with shorter hours.

With Tuesdays investment, both middle school and elementary school students will once again receive programming Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Summer Rising is one of the Adams administrations signature programs and it has quickly become central to thousands of families summer experience in New York City, said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. The program provides our students with a mix of academic, social and cultural activities to help them learn, grow, and explore the city around them. This important funding restoration will ensure our young people have additional time to participate in these activities, keeping them active, and safe during the summer months.

Additionally, Adams announced that the city will invest $32 million to maintain long-term DOE programs that had initially been funded with federal stimulus money that has since expired, including:

$10 million: Teacher recruitment efforts that are critical to meeting state-mandated class-size legislation standards.

$6 million: Restorative Justice programming designed to reduce the reliance on suspensions or punitive discipline across city schools.

$5 million: Digital learning resources for students and teachers.

$4 million: Tutoring support for kindergarten through second-grade literacy and sixth- through eighth-grade math education at select schools across the city.

$4 million: Computer Science education programs that offer computer science exposure, access to computer science-related college and career pathways, and build more inclusive access to computer science education for all students.

$2 million: Civics for All resources, including materials, professional learning and student-facing programming focused on culturally responsive civic education models where students demonstrate the necessary skills and disposition to protect and expand democratic ideals.

$1 million: Parent and family engagement resources that support DOEs Family and Community Engagement initiative, which focuses on parent empowerment and engagement.

Across the city, our investments in our children and families continues to be a top priority, and the commitment to protecting important programs for our students is a powerful indication of this, said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright.

The administration will also invest $75 million to maintain the Hold Harmless policy, which ensures that schools with declining enrollment receive the same level of funding that they were allocated in the mid-year school budget adjustment for the 2023-2024 school year.

Todays announcement to restore funding for critical educational programs, protect school budgets, and preserve youth programs is a positive step forward for our students, families, and schools, said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. Education is the great equalizer, and programs like Summer Rising and restorative justice will help support our students educational journeys, while supporting working families.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  There were tears and cheers when a Staten Island elementary school teacher recently received a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding educators in New York City public schools.

Staci Balice, a librarian and media center teacher at PS 58 in New Springville, received the FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence  the grand prize winner for Staten Island  during a special surprise on Tuesday afternoon at the school.

She is shown here with Principal Gregory Rocco. (Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson)Annalise Knudson

The award honors New York Citys top public school teachers from across the five boroughs, and grants them cash prizes, in addition to donating to each ones school. The program highlights and rewards outstanding K-12 New York City public school teachers who inspire learning through creativity, passion and commitment.

Shes just going to be so excited, said Principal Gregory Rocco, while waiting to surprise Balice. Im so happy for her, because weve had some conversations this year too, about next steps in her career, and this is something that will boost her and make her feel really good about how much shes appreciated in the community, in the school building, and in the school community.

Balice is in tears seeing her family before being presented with the award. (Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson)Annalise Knudson

Balice was presented with a large check in the amount of $25,000  for her personal use  in front of her colleagues, school administration and family. An additional $10,000 will be awarded to PS 58 for an arts-based initiative at the school. The check was presented by Risa Daniels and Laura Twersky, co-presidents of the FLAG Foundation for Excellence and Education.

An emotional Balice is overwhelmed by love and support. (Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson)Annalise Knudson

She was first greeted with flowers by Rocco and assistant principals Joseph Luisi and Lori Ann OConnor, and then had a look of shock and tears of joy upon seeing her parents, her husband and children enter the library and media room.

Im so appreciative that you received the award, you deserve it in so many ways, said Rocco. And the biggest thing about you that I keep saying is  your kindness shines through to everyone, and youre a wonderful role model.

Balice is pictured here with fourth-graders at PS 58. (Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson)Annalise Knudson

Daniels and Twersky thanked Balice for her dedication to accessibility, bringing STREAM (science, technology, reading and writing, engineering, arts and math) to the school, and her vision for the library and media room.

Were so excited to see what you are going to transform it. When we spoke with your principal, he called you life-changing  not just for him, but obviously for your entire school, said Daniels.

Balice is shown here with her husband, daughters and parents. She was presented with a large check in the amount of $25,000 for her personal use. ( Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson)Annalise Knudson

A steady stream of colleagues and students came to the room to congratulate Balice on the award. The educator said she was overwhelmed by the love and support she received when given the award.

In life, there are many chances to help your community, and this award will really make it accessible for all of our students to have all the streaming and technology that they need, she said. Having my parents here is very special, and theyve had a rough year ... I had the support of my school, my family, my extended family, all the teachers. You cant work in a community like this without having the people support you the way they do. They support me in everything. I know everything they do, everything I do is for them. And thats our community. Its really just an amazing place to work.

Balice is shown here with Risa Daniels, left, and Laura Twersky right, co-presidents of the FLAG Foundation for Excellence and Education. (Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson)Annalise Knudson

Candidates were judged based on how well they embody the awards CREATE criteria:

C hallenges and inspires students of all abilities, utilizing innovative teaching techniques and approaches to curricula and activities.

R eaches out beyond the classroom, making a positive impact on the school and the community.

E mbraces their role as an educator with tireless, devoted dedication.

A cknowledges the full spectrum of potential in each and every student.

T eaches through example, as a leader and role model both inside the classroom and out.

Engages in opportunities for self-improvement and continues to learn, grow, and develop as a teacher.

Balice has been working in schools for more than 24 years. She came to PS 58 when it first opened in 2003 and has been working at the school ever since. Beloved by all in the school community, she was nominated by fellow colleague Kerrie Verticchio, who has been working with her for over 21 years.

Balice is shown here with colleague Kerrie Verticchio, who nominated her for the award. I nominated her because she puts her heart and soul into everything she does," Verticchio explained. (Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson)Annalise Knudson

I nominated her because she puts her heart and soul into everything she does. Shes here every morning at 6:30 in the morning to get ready. She does volunteer activities. She started the Girls Who Code Club. And she does it with a smile on her face. She has her own family at home, but she also puts these kids almost like her own children. Shes a wonderful teacher, shes compassionate. Shes one of the greatest people I know.

Balice led the Girls Who Code Club to compete in the New York City Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Mayors Cup. That team won the junior team trophy last year.

Balice is shown here with assistant principals Lori Ann O'Connor and Joseph Luisi. (Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson)Annalise Knudson

Balice said she looks forward to continue bringing new initiatives into the library and media center and keeping up with the times.

It was a very exciting journey  a very important journey for me at this age. You get to a point in your life. You dont know where you should be. I know where I need to be, she said.

Balice hugs her students after receiving the FLAG award. (Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson)Annalise Knudson

Winners were selected by a distinguished independent jury that includes: Betty A. Rosa, commissioner of Education and president of the University of the State of New York; Bob Hughes, director of K-12 Education of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Jessica Abrams, 2023 FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence winner; Michael Driskill, chief operating officer, Math for America; Nisa Mackie, The Edward John Noble Foundation deputy director of learning and engagement, Museum of Modern Art.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Elissa Montanti is the subject in an in-depth story of how the Arrochar resident created the Global Medical Relief Fund.

Titled Lets Do a Miracle, the film portrays Montantis powerful and emotional journey as she comes to the rescue of children who are victims of war and natural disasters

It was recently showcased in Manhattans Big Apple Film Festival.

On hand were Alice Barrett Mitchell, a producer and actor, Nancy Merritt Bell, a writer and editor, filmmaker and playwright, Michael McKinley, an author, filmmaker, journalist and producer, and Anthony DAntuono, musician/composer, photographer, videographer and editor/graphic designer.

A song written by Montanti, Lets Do A Miracle, was recorded years back at DAntuonos studio and a special friendship was formed. DAntuono has accompanied Miontanti on a number of trips to Bosnia, capturing the very beginnings of the Global Medical Relief Fund.

"Let's Do a Miracle," made it's screen debut at the Big Apple Film Festival. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance

The documentary showcases how, over the past 25 years, Montanti has helped more than 500 children from more than 60 countries injured by war, natural disaster, and human cruelty  including the return of four Tanzanian children to have their prostheses refitted.

Since that time she has hosted some 1,500 follow-up visits.

I started this charity 25 years ago and I wasnt sure where I was headed, said Montanti, founder and chair of the Global Medical Relief Fund and an Advance Woman of Achievement.

I did it on my own for a long time and 60 Minutes found out about the charity, she added.

More than 25 years and 60 countries later, children have arrived from Tanzania who have albinism and whose limbs were macheted because of their lack of pigment. As a result, they were stolen from their homes in the middle of the night by witch doctors believing that limbs torn from children with albinism are magical  and profitable.

Throughout the years Montanti has been to Iraq, Turkey, Bosnia, Haiti and the Syrian border in hopes of helping children.

"Let's Do a Miracle" was included in the Big Apple Film Festival. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance

The Film Festival is where you are given the opportunity to showcase your film to the industry people to see, Montanti said. It was my ground zero of a milestone excitement of the screening of my documentary Lets Do A Miracle. Its all about making a difference in this life while we are in it as its guests. Its a bit unnerving telling your life, because youre transparent for all to see. But to tell the story of how and why I got to where I am today it needed to be.

Elissa Montanti, third from left and her sister, Rita Kornfeld, second from left, and Elissa's cousins at the Big Apple Film Festival. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance

Montanti is hopeful that her story will be picked up by a major streaming network.

Elissa Montanti together with fellow members of Mercury Rising, a pop, rock band, including Nat Seeley, Bill Moser and Michael McMahon. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance

It is a hard sell because politics, crime and celebrity are most what they are looking for. But I remain hopeful, she adds.

Montanti says throughout it all, shes thankful for her family, her board members and her friends for their heartfelt support and for being there.

Larry Liedy, left, and Elissa Montanti's family members and friends attend the debut of "Let's Do a Miracle" at the Big Apple Film Festival. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance

It meant so much to me, she said. Kenan, my hero (and her son), is the reason I found my lifes mission, and my tower of inspiration and strength, was by my side. The title of the documentary Lets Do A Miracle is named after the song I wrote 25 years ago when I started the charity.

Elissa Montanti and her adopted son, Kenan Malkic. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance

We provide air travel, and coordinate all medical care and room board at the Dare to Dream House where under its roof a lot of healing and love happen. Some arrive in wheelchairs and others have to be carried off the plane. Each becomes an ambassador and they experience America at its best. We make a difference one child at a time.

Earlier this year, Montanti arranged the arrival and medical treatment of young Omar Abukwaik, injured in Gaza, where the war between Hamas and Israel has been raging since October.

He lost his arm when debris flew through the air as a result of a bombing to his home, which was destroyed. Portions of his leg and his body were also severely burned and his face badly bruised by shrapnel. His entire family was killed in the bombing.

THE ORIGINS OF THE FOUNDATION

In 1997, Montanti reached out to the ambassador from Bosnia, with an offer to send school supplies and toys to the child victims of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The ambassador responded by reading her a young boys letter. The Bosnian child, Kenan Malkic, had lost both arms and one leg when he had stepped on a land mine.

She recruited airlines, hospitals, physicians and prosthetic companies to donate their services. Shortly after, Kenan and his mother arrived at JFK Airport.

During their four-months stay with Montanti, Malkic received two new arms, a new leg, and a new life.

Soon after Montanti founded the non-profit Global Medical Relief.

Lets Do a Miracle, tells the story of how Montanti helps children damaged by war, natural disaster, accidents of birth, or who are victims of violent superstition.

After helping Malkic, Montanti contacted airlines, hospitals, and governments around the world to help the children who were calling out to her.

And so, the Global Medical Relief Fund was born, and with a generous donation from Tyler Perry, The Dare to Dream House, where Montanti hosts these children, came to be.

Malkic, the first child whom Elissa helped, is a executive board member at GMRF and a vice president at Credit Suisse, and helps Montanti.

Their story is told in the film, as well as the four children from Tanzania.

Montanti is a musician, whose musical talents are what set her Global Medical Relief Fund in motion, 25 years ago. Her music has been use as the soundtrack to the film.

Montantis passions include music, painting and poetry. Her poetry has won recognition from the American Poetry Society.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Boy Scout Troop 37 members partnered with the Joseph F. Merrill/Father Vincent R. Capodanno American Legion Post 1368 to place American flags on veterans graves at Silver Lake Cemetery in honor of Memorial Day.

Boy Scouts and leaders from Troop 37 placed flags on graves at Silver Mount Cemetery to commemorate Memorial Day. (Courtesy/Boy Scout Troop 37)Staten Island Advance

Boy Scouts from Troop 37 placed flags on the graves of soldiers at Silver Mount Cemetery to commemorate Memorial Day. (Courtesy/Boy Scout Troop 37)Staten Island Advance

Boy Scouts from Troop 37 placed flags on the graves of soldiers at Silver Mount Cemetery to commemorate Memorial Day. (Courtesy/Boy Scout Troop 37)Staten Island Advance

The event was coordinated by Denise Alicea Hidalgo, an executive board member of Silver Mount Cemetery.

Boy Scouts from Troop 37 placed flags on the graves of soldiers at Silver Mount Cemetery to commemorate Memorial Day. (Courtesy/Boy Scout Troop 37)Staten Island Advance

Cafe Milano provided pizza for those who participated.

THEIR MISSION

Boy Scouts from Troop 37 are on a mission to photo-document every veteran buried at Silver Mount Cemetery.

Boy Scouts from Troop 37 placed flags on the graves of soldiers at Silver Mount Cemetery to commemorate Memorial Day. (Courtesy/Boy Scout Troop 37)Staten Island Advance

Along with the Boy Scouts, Luis Santana and Pablo Hidalgo, both vice commanders of the Joseph Merrill/FatherVincent R. Capodanno American Legion Post 1368, were on hand to pay tribute to the veterans who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.

Boy Scouts from Troop 37 placed flags on the graves of soldiers at Silver Mount Cemetery to commemorate Memorial Day. (Courtesy/Boy Scout Troop 37)Staten Island Advance

Preserving the cemeterys photo records will ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
News / National

by Tonderai Ndoro

The Second Republic, led by President E.D. Mnangagwa, continues to build momentum with its engagement and re-engagement policy.Yesterday, President Mnangagwa met with his counterpart, President Hong Suk Yeol, at the Presidential Offices in Seoul, South Korea, where they discussed bilateral issues between the two nations.The President was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Fredrick Shava, and other high-ranking Government officials.In 1994, Zimbabwe and South Korea established diplomatic relations, leading to the reciprocal opening of diplomatic missions. Since then, the two nations have maintained diplomatic and economic bilateral relations.In February 2023, the bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and the Republic of Korea deepened further when Ambassador James Manzou, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, visited South Korea on a two-day diplomatic tour. The focus was on promoting trade, investment, and development cooperation between the two countries.President E.D. Mnangagwa, attending the South Korea-Africa Summit as one of the African leaders, has seized the opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations with South Korea by meeting with the South Korean President. Since taking office, President Mnangagwa has prioritized engaging and reengaging with global leaders for bilateral and multilateral relationships, yielding fruitful results.As one of the world's most developed economies, South Korea offers expertise in industrial manufacturing technology, aviation, agriculture, and advanced rail systems. Zimbabwe is poised to benefit from these areas of expertise through collaboration and agreements with South Korean counterparts.Through the engagement and reengagement policy, Zimbabwe continues to attract foreign investors, who are now confident in the country's investment policies under the Second Republic. President Mnangagwa deserves praise for opening up Zimbabwe to the international community, enabling the country to participate in important summits and meetings that bring investment opportunities.
Country music icon Shania Twain has forgiven her ex-husband Mutt Lange for his affair with her best friend. Twain and Lange divorced in 2010 after two years of separation.

The pairs marriage was over when the That Dont Impress Me Much star discovered that Lange, a music producer, was allegedly having an affair with her former friend and personal assistant, Marie-Anne Thiebaud.

A year later, Twain and Frederic Thiebaud  Marie-Annes husband  were married and are still together today. Regarded as the worlds best revenge plot, Twain married the Nestle executive on New Years Day in Puerto Rico in 2011.

Twain and Lange were married for 15 years and share a son Eja, 22.

Forgiveness is in the family of letting go, she said in the most recent episode of the Great Company With Jamie Laing podcast, which airs May 24.

Do I hate my ex-husband for making a mistake? No. Its his mistake. Not my mistake, she said. So sad for him that he made such a great mistake that he has to live with. And I dont know what that is, but its not ... Thats not my weight.

But forgiveness, more specifically for me anyway, is not about forgetting necessarily, she continued. Its about understanding the other person, and that might mean that theyre wrong ... Maybe you believe forever that whatever they did was wrong.

Shania Twain attends the 11th Annual Billboard Women in Music honors at Pier 36 on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, in New York. Billboard Women in Music 2016 will air Dec. 12 on Lifetime. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Twain has had her share of personal tragedies in the past, having suffered abuse by her father and then losing both her parents in a car crash when she was 22, leaving her vulnerable and fragile when her husbands infidelities were exposed.

Twain went on to say that she did forgive her stepfather totally because he wasnt well and she was cognizant of his condition.

That you dont act certain ways unless theres something wrong with you, she continued. Theres something wrong with your stability so I dont hate him for having worse problems. I feel bad that he had those problems. So, its not for him. So, its very hard to hate or not be able to forgive somebody that you believe hes a human being that deserves empathy and understanding. I think we all do.

On a guest spot on Dax Shepards Armchair Expert podcast, which aired March 2024, Twain said she only talks to her ex if it has something to do with their son.

Mutt and I parent well together  for people who dont talk to each other, she said. Well just text. We both love our son so much, so we dont play any games like that. We have the same priority, we share spaces for him. No nonsense there.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Families of the 85 Staten Islanders who lost their lives in Vietnam  the longest military conflict in United States history  are invited to attend A Day of Remembrance on Sunday, June 9.

The ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Staten Island Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park at the Staten Island Armony at Manor Road and Martling Avenue in West Brighton.

The event is being presented by the membership of Vietnam Veterans of America, Thomas J. Tori Chapter 421.

The roll call of the 85 names will be read during the ceremony thats always conducted on the Sunday before Fathers Day.

The public is welcome to attend.

Family members and friends of those who died in the Vietnam War placed flowers at the memorial wall. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)Advance

The memorial was dedicated on May 7, 1988, when Island veterans declared that their fallen comrades will not be forgotten. Gen. William C. Westmoreland, who commanded U.S. troops in Vietnam from 1964 to 1968, was the keynote speaker in 1988.

Many there might remember Westmoreland praising all Staten Island war veterans and the memorial, calling it one of the finest local memorials in the country.

For additional information on the chapter, which lists the 85 names on its website, contact President Gene DiGiacomo and Vice President Nicky Castoro at VVAchapter421.org
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A major crackdown on dangerous, drunk and distracted driving on the New York State Thruway resulted in over 1,500 tickets being issued over Memorial Day Weekend, the governors office recently announced.

Partially funded by the Governors Traffic Safety Committee, these efforts were part of a commitment from Gov. Kathy Hochul to protect drivers, pedestrians and roadway workers.

State troopers used sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols to look for impaired motorists. Additionally, they ticketed distracted drivers who used handheld electronic devices.

New York State has zero tolerance for drunk and impaired driving, and we are doing everything in our power to prevent the senseless tragedies that result from it, Hochul said. Public safety is my number one priority, and we will continue to aggressively enforce our driving laws so that New Yorkers are protected.

As part of a special enforcement period by the State Police, which ran from Friday, May 24, through Monday, May 27, a total of 1,573 tickets were issued on the New York State Thruway, according to data provided by the governors office. This number included 563 tickets issued for speeding and 68 tickets for distracted driving. In addition, 19 DWI arrests were made on the New York State Thruway over the holiday weekend.

Statewide, troopers issued 10,949 tickets and arrested 225 people for DWI over Memorial Day weekend.

In comparison to last year, these statewide numbers stayed somewhat consistent.

Over Memorial Day Weekend 2023, State Police issued 13,471 total tickets and arrested 219 people for DWI.

The results of this years campaign show that too many people are still getting behind the wheel while intoxicated or impaired by drugs, New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said. This behavior will not be tolerated, and our Troopers will remain vigilant in the removal of these reckless individuals from our roadways. I thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering support in keeping New Yorks roadways safe for all who travel them.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The 2023-2024 academic year for New York City public schools is nearly over, and there are still at least three days off for all students.

Each school year, the city Department of Education (DOE) academic calendar includes some two dozen days off between the first day and the last day of classes.

The calendar gives time off for federal and religious holidays, as well as weeklong breaks for winter, mid-winter and spring recess. Dates for parent-teacher conference days for elementary, middle schools and high schools are also posted in the calendar.

The calendar is for all 3-K to 12th-grade DOE public schools. If your child attends a private, parochial, charter school, NYC Early Education Center (NYCEEC) or Family Childcare Program, please contact your childs school for information about the calendar.

With just weeks left of the current school year, there are still several days off  starting with this week.

Students will not attend school on Thursday, June 6, for Anniversary Day/Chancellors Conference Day for staff development.

The day after, on Friday, June 7, is a Clerical Day. This means no classes for students attending 3K, Pre-K, elementary schools, middle schools, K-12 schools and standalone D75 programs. Students in high school will still head to campus on Friday.

Schools are then closed on June 17 for Eid al-Adha, and on June 19 for Juneteenth.

The last day of school for New York City public schools is Wednesday, June 26.
The issue of how its EVs are taxed in Europe is a sensitive one for China. Europe is the largest and fastest-growing market for its EV manufacturers. Last year, EU imports of EVs from China amounted to more than $17 billion, capturing more than 8 per cent of the European market for electric cars. There are various estimates that a 20 per cent tariff on Chinese EVs would reduce the volume of imports by about 25 per cent, or around 125,000 vehicles, and cost the EV manufacturers about $6 billion a year (and growing rapidly) of sales. Loading Not only is Europe a big and rapidly growing destination for Chinas EVs, but the margins available are more than double those in its fiercely-contested and over-supplied domestic market. Indeed, the European market is so profitable for Chinese companies that there are estimates it would take a tariff rate of 50 per cent or more to render the profitability of their exports marginal. The approach taken by the Europeans is different to that of the US, which quadrupled the tariffs on Chinese EVs last month (along with other increased tariffs on Chinas green exports).

In the US, theres a confluence of geopolitical wrestling, national security concerns, protectionism and the domestic politics of an election year intensifying the six-year-old trade war with China. The EUs goal isnt that of the US, which wants to shut Chinese EVs and other strategic products out of its market completely, but a desire for a level playing field. Its mooted tariffs are designed to offset the advantage that Chinas financial subsidies and other non-financial support for its EV companies have over European carmakers. It is concerned that significant overcapacity in Chinas auto industry, which is operating at less than 65 per cent capacity so far this year (a 7 per cent fall on the same period last year), will result in the dumping of cheap Chinese EVs in Europes markets, causing irreparable damage to its industrial base and employment. More than 6 per cent of the EUs employment base is connected, directly or indirectly, with the auto industry.

The EU is conducting similar investigations of imports from China of wind turbines, solar panels, steel and even vanilla, with the electric car decision seen as a litmus test for the broader trade relationship. Where the US wants to erect an impenetrable wall around strategic industries, the EU wants to maintain a solid trade relationship with China, even though it ran a close to half-a billion dollar trade deficit with China last year. It wants fair competition rather than outright protectionism. China, of course, doesnt see it that way, claiming the EU is using false narratives about unfair competition, subsidies and overcapacity and arguing that restricting imports of EVs and other green technologies from China will hinder Europes ability to achieve its climate goals. It has also held out the prospect of incentives if the EU backs off, suggesting it might lower its own tariffs on European auto exports from 15 per cent to 10 per cent. No doubt it would have other concessions up its sleeve if it thought they could help influence the EUs decisions.

The potential trade clash between the EU and China comes at delicate moment for both. Loading China knows that the US isnt going to wind back its anti-China trade barriers and that, if Donald Trump were to regain the presidency, those walls would be built even higher. Trump has foreshadowed a 60 per cent tariff rate for most, if not all, of Chinas exports to the US. The Europeans, who have rebuilt a relationship with the US that was fractured by Trumps last term in office, would also be aware that Trump plans a 10 per cent duty on all other imports, including those of Americas allies. Both Biden and Trump are also looking to close down backdoor access to the US market. Chinese companies have been looking to establish EV plants in Mexico and South America to circumvent the US tariff regime.
Country Road Group faces the threat of a staff exodus after the fashion retailers boss, Raju Vuppalapati, kept his job following an investigation into the handling of complaints of sexual harassment found more reviews of the companys workplace misconduct policies are necessary.

The retailers South African parent, Woolworths Holdings, in March commissioned an external investigation after staff members alleged that complaints of sexual harassment and bullying relating to a former executive, Rachid Maliki, were not handled properly.

In response to the findings, the company said it would implement a number of actions to strengthen and enhance its complaints-handling process going forward.

Country Road boss Raju Vuppalapati is the former chief executive of R.M. Williams, which is now conducting its own internal inquiries. Credit: James Elsby

Roy Bagattini, the chief executive of Woolworths Holdings Limited (a separate company from the Australian supermarket giant), on Tuesday flew to Australia to speak with staff and called a meeting at 1pm with one hours notice. The meeting was not available online to those working from home.
Critics of the Minns governments plans for a revitalised Powerhouse Museum are concerned the $300 million city project will deliver fewer exhibition spaces and result in unsympathetic and irreversible alterations to its modern additions.

Just five of 126 public submissions supported Labors latest plans for the Ultimo museum which shut its doors in February. This compares to 109 who were opposed. A further twelve commented on the proposal and were regarded as neutral.

Inside the Powerhouse before its closure in February. Credit: Dean Sewell

The new plans aim to bring an end to nine years of controversy, including two parliamentary inquiries, over the museums future.

They call for the forecourt of the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo to be demolished to make way for a new library, learning centre and courtyard. The museums main Harris Street entrance is to be reoriented to face the Goods Line and China Town.
The real estate lobby has called on Queenslands two major political parties to deliver an accountable housing delivery plan ahead of next weeks state budget.

Our overall building approvals, dwelling commencements and completions remain stuck below 35,000 new dwellings each year - which is well below whats required to catch up to demand, said Antonia Mercorella from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.

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Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows a 13.5 per cent decline in private dwelling apartment approvals in Queensland in the 12 months to April 2024.

Dwelling commencements also dropped 7.4 per cent, as did completions by 1.4 per cent.

Mercorella said a decrease in construction productivity, combined with tradies being absorbed into large-scale infrastructure projects, had impacted the sector.

It is now taking more than 50 per cent longer to complete a house in Queensland than it did 10 years ago. This points to declining productivity in the sector, she said.

Were not saying that the principles of the Homes for Queenslanders plan arent sound, but we are wondering how they can deliver their targets in the current market conditions.

Queensland has the longest completion times for apartments in the country at 26 months. Ten years ago, this was only 14 months.
Examine, a free weekly newsletter covering science with a sceptical, evidence-based eye, is sent every Tuesday. Youre reading an excerpt  Sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox.

I find it extraordinary that we share this continent with what is probably the oldest existing evidence of life ever found: stromatolites. These rocky pillars in Western Australia were built, layer by layer, by ancient cyanobacteria on an Earth so young the sky was orange, the seas were green with dissolved iron and the land was black and volcanic. These altars to early life are as old as 3.5 billion years.

So you can imagine the horror of geologist Professor Martin Van Kranendonk when he visited a stromatolite fossil outcrop in the Pilbara and found three cone-shaped stromatolites had been snapped off from their base rock and stolen.

Three circular holes were conical stromatolites were snapped off. Credit: Professor Martin Van Kranendonk

It felt like coming across a rhinoceros whose horn had been sawn off its body, he later recalled.
Three Australian universities have been named among the worlds top 20, but experts warn a proposal to limit the number of international students is a threat to progress that could take years to repair.

The University of Melbourne was named the nations top performer, earning 13th place in the annual QS World University Rankings released on Wednesday. It is the only Victorian institution in the top 20.

University of Melbourne has been named Australias top performing institution in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Credit: Penny Stephens

Monash, which ranked 37th overall, was one of three Australian institutions with a perfect score for internationalisation.

But Angel Calderon, director of strategic insights at RMIT University and member of the QS Global Rankings Advisory Board, said a cap on international students was a threat for all Australian universities, which were already seeing a dwindling number of domestic students.
The man accused of murdering his mother inside her Byford home on Sunday has fronted court.

Harley Jefferies, 33, allegedly bludgeoned his 61-year-old mother Evette Verney to death in the presence of a young child on Sunday evening around 7pm.

Verney stumbled from the Gallipoli Avenue house seeking help from neighbours, but collapsed on the driveway of a nearby property and died.

Jefferies allegedly fled the house in a vehicle and was spotted by police around two hours later.
Australias biggest iron ore producer Rio Tinto will bankroll a $215 million research facility in the heart of Rockinghams industrial area in a bid to decarbonise the steelmaking process drastically.

The facility will trial using raw biomass and microwave energy, instead of coal, to convert Pilbara iron ore to metallic iron. The mining giant claims it has the capacity to reduce the process carbon emissions by up to 95 per cent.

Simon Trott, chief executive of Rio Tinto iron ore, at the Rhodes Ridge deposit in the Pilbara.

The low-carbon ironmaking process, branded BioIron, is the product of a decade-long in-house research initiative by the mining giants engineers.

The Anglo-Australian companys investment pledge follows successful trials in a pilot plant in Germany and comes amid growing global demand for green steel.
The federal government has scrambled to clarify that only citizens from Five Eyes nations will initially be able to serve in the Australian Defence Force after the announcement of an overhaul of recruitment rules became mired in confusion.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton accused the government of creating a dogs breakfast with its announcement that foreigners would be allowed to enlist in the military to help address a dire personnel shortage, with ministers providing conflicting explanations about how the policy would work.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia was crossing the Rubicon by allowing non-citizens to serve with the Australian Defence Force. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

The governments initial media release suggested that only permanent residents from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network  the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada  would be eligible to enlist.

Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh later said that permanent residents from any other countries living in Australia would be able to apply to join the ADF, prompting questions about whether permanent residents from autocracies such as China could be recruited.
The speechwriter contracted at $620,000 over two years for Services Australia spends the majority of her time writing speeches for NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, but fellow minister Matt Keogh insists the former Labor leader still writes his own zingers.

Senate estimates revealed on Monday that Julianne Stewart, who wrote speeches for former prime ministers Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull, was hired by Services Australia on a two-year contract, set to end in September, valued at $620,000.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Bill Shorten in parliament on Tuesday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Services Australia deputy chief executive Susie Smith told an estimates hearing that Stewart was hired due to a market failure and the department needed specialist speech-writing capabilities  but then returned later that afternoon to clarify Stewart does more than work for Shorten.

She provides training and building of capability, shes not exclusive to Minister Shorten, Smith said.
Warning: this article contains graphic language.

Kill the Mussies! Hey, baby-killers, youre not welcome in this country. Get your fing scumbag selves out of this joint and f off. You fing pieces of s, get the f out of this country, you fing scumbag cs. You dont belong here and youre dead. We are going to fing get you, cs.

This was a series of voicemails left by a man at an Australian Muslim organisation in October last year.

In May, there was 39-fold increase in reports of Islamophobia on Australian university campuses. Credit: Illustration: Matt Davidson

Heres another voicemail, left by a woman for a different organisation this year: Fing Muslims are the worst people in the fing world. They are garbage, they are absolute human garbage. Stop telling Australians that we want multiculturalism here. We do not. So, f off, and send all of you back to where you came from. Ok? You stupid, fing idiots. Ignorant, uneducated idiots.
The NSW Liberals have moved to kill off the Minns governments signature density reforms and overturn new planning controls at 37 train stations, where six-storey apartment blocks would be built as part of its transport-oriented development program.

In an extraordinary step, the oppositions spokesperson for planning, Scott Farlow, on Tuesday told parliament that he would introduce a bill to allow for the abolition of transport-oriented development (TOD) locations. This could stop any or all of the 37 different TOD locations.

The transport-oriented development program began in May in 18 suburbs with train stations around Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast, allowing development up to six storeys within 400 metres of the station. Another 19 are slated to begin by June next year.

The program is a key plank of the governments push to dramatically increase density and supply.
Dear Editor,

I observe Mr. Olivier Arrindell embarking on the process of founding his own political party and initiating his campaign. As I reflect on how he has captivated the hearts and minds of many in St. Maarten, I find myself pondering how this happened. A significant number of people attribute this phenomenon to a failing education system, suggesting that this is why so many are willing to support Mr. Arrindell.

However, I do not entirely agree that our education system has failed us. At the primary level, the FBE system has indeed fallen short, primarily in my opinion it attempted to mimic the Montessori system without incorporating the foundational elements that contribute to Montessori's success. Equally, at the academic high school level, there is a commendable parity in academics that equips our students for tertiary education. Efforts are also being made to enhance vocational training but there is still much to be desired.

Undoubtedly, more resources are needed in both academic and vocational streamsadditional funding, more teachers, and smaller class sizes, to name a few. Interestingly, about a third of our national budget is allocated to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, and three-quarters of that goes directly to education. Therefore, while the need for more resources is clear, I am also keen to understand how the current resources are managed for maximum efficacy.

Returning to the issue at hand, it is undeniable that educating our population, particularly our children, is vital. Yet, I believe a more pressing issue exists. When I compare Mr. Arrindell to figures like Mr. Trump, notable similarities emerge. Both exhibit larger-than-life personas, make outlandish statements, and combine enough truth with misinformation to compel people to listen.

But why are they so effective? In my view, they skillfully manipulate emotions. Regardless of one's level of education, if their rhetoric touches on personal grievances, it becomes persuasive. Consider the complaints: the tax office harasses small business owners while large companies evade scrutiny, business permits for ordinary citizens are delayed while influential individuals receive theirs swiftly, and politicians appear corrupt, amassing wealth while the average St. Maartener struggles.

As an average St. Maartener, witnessing politicians' affluence and the prosperity of foreign businesspeople can deepen feelings of disenfranchisement. Even educated and critical thinkers can find it challenging to dismiss the narratives these individuals present, as they often reflect real frustrations.

This emotional resonance is why elected officials have failed the people, allowing individuals like Mr. Arrindell to sway public opinion. Structural changes within the government, long overdue, remain unimplemented due to constant political instability.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these issues when the Netherlands and the Kingdom's islands, including Aruba, Curacao, and St. Maarten, engaged in tense negotiations over reforms. While the Netherlands took a firm stance, the islands rightly defended their autonomy. After extensive debates, an agreement was reached on implementing and managing these reforms.

The reforms target critical areas such as financial management, public sector efficiency, taxation, the financial sector, economic policies, healthcare, education, and the rule of law. The "Implementation Report Country Package Sint Maarten" published on January 22, 2024, offers a clear update on these reforms from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. This document, with its straightforward overview of measures, activities, intended outcomes, deadlines, and status updates, is a valuable resource. I urge everyone to read it.

Successfully completing and periodically testing these reforms for quality assurance will help St. Maarten achieve its collective goals and render the rhetoric of individuals like Mr. Arrindell ineffective. However, this success hinges on the stability of our government and the willingness of our leaders to collaborate, setting aside personal differences to truly listen to the people of St. Maarten.

Sincerely,

Charles Darnay
Washington, D.C.:--- Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina embarked on a significant urgent working visit to Washington D.C., demonstrating his commitment to solidifying international relations and ensuring the ongoing success of critical domestic projects through international support.

On the very first day, PM Dr. Mercelina pledged his continued support to the Trust Fund, a commitment that was previously communicated through a formal letter prior to his arrival. This pledge underscores the Prime Minister's dedication to sustaining and expanding projects vital to national development, especially in strengthening the infrastructure and capabilities of the Ministry of VROMI. Minister Plenipotentiary Patrice Gumbs will play an integral role in ensuring this capacity is attained, working closely with stakeholders both at home in the Netherlands.

The cooperation between both Ministers has been instrumental in securing ongoing support, particularly from the Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations, focusing on enhancing human capacity to ensure the successful implementation of funded projects.

Acknowledging that financial support alone is insufficient, PM Dr. Mercelina's efforts to boost local capacity are crucial for the long-term viability of these initiatives.

Despite being abroad, Prime Minister Mercelina has remained actively involved in resolving the GEBE crisis back home. He has been in constant communication with Deputy Prime Minister Veronica Jansen-Webster and the management of GEBE, working diligently on both immediate and long-term solutions to ensure stability and reliability in energy provision.

In the days ahead, Prime Minister Mercelina will continue discussions to potentially extend the timeline of the Trust Fund, ensuring that this remains a priority in talks with all stakeholders. His proactive approach during this trip highlights his leadership in navigating both domestic challenges and international opportunities for St. Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The week of May 10th, the third bi-annual Crisis Management Week, Caribbean parts of the Kingdom' was hosted in The Hague, The Netherlands. A small delegation from Sint Maarten participated in providing input and perspective on comprehensive disaster management in Sint Maarten's context. The Sint Maarten delegation consisted of representatives of the disaster management teams, Mr. Paul Martens, Mr. Silvanico Pauletta, and Ms. Eunelda Cairo.

The Crisis Management Week is an initiative of all the disaster coordinators within the Kingdom. The aim is to achieve a more coordinated cooperation and to perpetuate and strengthen cooperation in crisis management in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. This is achieved through discussions on various crisis-related topics, information sharing, fine-tuning processes and expressing a clear will to collaborate and build bridges between the different islands.

Further, the L.O.C.C. and N.C.C., the crisis coordination centers in the Netherlands, were visited whereby discussion where held in which way they can support the islands in times of crisis. Lectures were given on humanitarian aid, the Kingdom Security analyses and all the crisis coordinators provided a presentation on the state of affairs with regards to crisis management in their respective islands.

The update Sint Maarten was able to give pertains, among others, an update on the Function Book for the Office of Disaster Management, cooperation with the L.O.C.C., and, lastly, the various EU-funded projects for crisis management, such as the Fostering Resilient Crisis Management project, the establishment of the Office of Disaster Management project and the Early Warning System Project. These projects are implemented by BAK on behalf of ODM and funded through the RESEMBID programme.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the United People's UPP Party and Hon. Member of Parliament Omar E.C. Ottley made an impassioned plea on Tuesday urging the Government to stop the blame game and "let us come together and focus on finding solutions for the crippling electricity crisis plaguing St. Maarten." This call to action follows a devastating fire at NV GEBE's Power Supply Plant in Cay Bay over the weekend, which has exacerbated an already dire situation.

For the past four months, the residents and businesses of St. Maarten have endured relentless load-shedding, sometimes three times daily, with outages lasting over two hours. The power cuts have brought daily life almost to a standstill, causing frustration and economic disruptions. Despite assurances from the Prime Minister and Acting Minister of VROMI that the situation was under control, the recent fire has revealed the precarious state of the island's sole electrical distributor.

Addressing the nation in a video statement, MP Ottley declared, "St. Maarten is on the brink of a national emergency. Our sole electrical distributor faces extremely difficult times, with engines eight, nine, and nineteen down." Indicating that the attempts to play the blame game by some have only led to a worsening situation at NV GEBE. "When elephants fight, the grass gets trampled. In this case, the grass is the people of St. Maarten," said MP Ottley.

Last week, MP Ottley reached out to the Government through Parliament, emphasizing the need for transparency and improved communication regarding NV GEBE's challenges. He urged the authorities to provide advanced notices and schedules for load-shedding to help residents prepare. His call for action came as the community's patience wore thin, demanding answers and realistic updates from their leaders.

MP Ottley offered a range of forward-thinking solutions from the UP-Partys manifesto to address the energy crisis. "It has always been the Party's plan to explore different sources of energy such as wind, tidal, solar, and geothermal energy," he said. Ottley highlighted the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources and pointed out the significant benefits of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) over Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), a major environmental pollutant.

MP Ottley underscored the UP Party's proactive stance, recounting their efforts to promote LNG as a viable solution. "Within just two months of being in Parliament, On March 28, the United People's Party member MP Lacroes brought forward a motion to focus on LNG, which would not only generate revenue but save the people of St. Maarten hundreds of guilders monthly. Unfortunately, this motion was only supported by the UPP. Now, we face a national crisis."

He also referenced a comprehensive Grid Market Study conducted during the previous Government's tenure, which outlined a roadmap for transitioning to renewable, resilient energy sources. "These plans are already in place with the Government and the World Bank. We must follow through with these initiatives to ensure a sustainable future for St. Maarten."

In his closing remarks, MP Ottley stated, "Government is a continuous process. Regardless of who brings a plan or who was in Government when it was conceived, we must continue if it benefits St. Maarten. The people deserve reliable electricity and a sustainable future. Let us save St. Maarten together."
PHILIPSBURG:--- From June 7-10, 2024, delegations from the Parliaments of the Netherlands, Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten will be meeting in The Hague for the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultations (IPKO).



The four parliamentary delegations will be discussing several topics that include discussions and presentations on:



Poverty reduction; the good and bad that students face in the Netherlands and upon return; crime, corruption, undermining, safety, interrelationship between the underworld and the upper world and cooperation within the Kingdom aimed at combating it; the democratic deficit; availability and access to EU funds for the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom; and a presentation on the to be established National Slavery Museum. The IPKO program will also include a work visit to Amsterdam North.



The Interparliamentary Consultations will conclude on Monday, June 10, 2024, with the signing of the agreement list and a joint press conference of the four delegations.



One day prior to the start of the Interparliamentary Consultations (IPKO) on June 6, 2024, the delegations of the Parliaments of Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten will meet in a Tripartite Consultation. During this meeting, the delegations will discuss specific issues affecting these countries, such as healthcare, education and climate change, and preparations will be made for the upcoming IPKO.

Prior to the start of the Tripartite and IPKO the Sint Maarten delegation will also be paying a work visit to the National Archives in the Hague and the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam in Amsterdam.

The Sint Maarten delegation participating in the IPKO and Tripartite meetings will consist of the following members:

- Mrs. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, President of Parliament, Delegation leader;

- Ms. Melissa D. Gumbs, Vice Chairlady of the Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Interparliamentary Relations;

- Mr. Christophe T. Emmanuel;

- Ms. Sjamira D.M. Roseburg;

- Ms. Silveria E. Jacobs;

- Mr. Viren V. Kotai; and

- Mr. Garrick J. Richardson, LL.M, ML , Secretary General
PHILIPSBURG:--- Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), welcomed Frontier Airlines from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Princess Juliana Intl. Airport on its maiden flight 244 Monday afternoon.

This flight marks a new frontier for us in our efforts to expand our airlift and connectivity, the minister said in her welcoming address.

The San Juan route, she continued, was once the gateway, especially to the US, for us. Some of us can still remember when St. Martiners flocked there daily for several reasons, sometimes for medical purposes, other times for vacation, and, yes, quite often, to shop at the mall or to buy building materials, etc.

According to Heyliger-Marten, it was such a long time ago when flights were not only affordable but available as well.

Today, the minister said, with its 180-seat A320 aircraft, Frontier Airlines has brought back affordable and comfortable flights from San Juan. She expressed the hope that the new service on Mondays and Fridays would soon increase in frequency as it provides us with an alternative hub to US, Latin America, and Caribbean destinations.

The minister highlighted the fact that in combination with its Orlando service, which restarted on May 18, 2024, Frontier Airlines continues to demonstrate its confidence in the sustainability of our island as a preferred tourist destination.

It is partnerships like this that offer a win-win situation in which the government of St. Maarten is seeking to revitalize our economy, Heyliger-Marten stated.

She concluded her welcome address by reassuring Frontier Airlines that they can count on this administration as a reliable partner to further develop the San Juan, Orlando, and other possible routes to the mutual benefit of the company and of St. Maarten.
TSMC votes for chief executive CC Wei to also become chairman



Taipei, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



TSMC's board of directors on Tuesday unanimously elected chief executive CC Wei to succeed Mark Liu as chairman of the chip titan.

Wei will be the first person to hold the dual roles for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, which controls more than half the global output of microchips used in everything from smartphones to cars and missiles.

Wei takes up his new role as the firm sits at the centre of a worldwide drive for the processors that are also needed to power generative artificial intelligence products, which have skyrocketed in popularity.

Liu has been in the post since 2018, when he succeeded company founder Morris Chang.

Under Liu's steerage, TSMC has opened new factories in Japan and the United States, as governments and customers have lobbied for the company to diversify its manufacturing base.

The company is the most important chip supplier to Apple. They also supply and work closely with AI leaders Nvidia and AMD -- two rival heavyweights paving the way for the development and adoption of the technology.

Speaking during the firm's annual shareholders meeting on Tuesday, Wei -- a familiar presence during quarterly releases -- was asked which company out of Nvidia and AMD "matters more" to TSMC.

"Both companies have a very good relationship with us and we have grown together with them," Wei said Tuesday.

The bulk of TSMC's chips are made in Taiwan, though worries about tensions with China, which claims the island as part of its territory, have raised concerns about supplies in the event of an invasion.

TSMC has also had to navigate geopolitical tussles between the United States and China as the superpowers spar over a range of issues, including technology, trade and Taiwan.
Microsoft faces Austrian privacy complaints over education software



Vienna, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



A privacy campaign group in Austria filed two complaints Tuesday against Microsoft, saying its education software that is widely used in schools violates data protection rights for children.

Youths across Europe are exposed to the violations, according to Vienna-based European Center for Digital Rights, also known as Noyb ("None of Your Business"), which said the alleged violations were increasing in step with the greater use of online learning.

The group wants Austrian regulators to investigate and fine the US computing giant, saying schools have no way of overseeing and protecting students' data when using the Microsoft 365 Education software.

"Microsoft provides such vague information that even a qualified lawyer can't fully understand how the company processes personal data in Microsoft 365 Education," Maartje de Graaf, a data protection lawyer at Nyob, said in a statement.

"It is almost impossible for children or their parents to uncover the extent of Microsoft's data collection."

In addition, Noyb said that Microsoft 365 Education installed cookies that collect browser data and are used for advertising purposes, a practice likely affecting hundreds of thousands of students in Europe.

Microsoft and the Austrian data protection authority did not immediately comment when contacted.

Noyb, founded by the online privacy activist Max Schrems, has launched several legal cases against technology giants, often prompting action from regulatory authorities.

The group began working in 2018 with the advent of the EU's landmark General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which aims to make it easier for people to control how companies use their personal information.

jza/js
What is the European sovereign cloud?



Paris, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



Billions of euros are flooding into the cloud industry in Europe, with US tech giants constructing vast data centres all around the continent.

Part of the rallying cry behind this rapid influx of cash and innovation has been to create a so-called sovereign cloud for Europe.



What is a sovereign cloud?

The cloud is a catch-all term for the method of storing data in vast warehouses run by external companies rather than on local computers managed in-house.

A "sovereign cloud" is the idea that a country, region or community will have control over that data -- where it is stored, how it is accessed, who oversees it.

Francisco Mingorance, secretary general of European cloud industry body CISPE, told AFP that proponents of sovereign cloud aim to give their customers a choice about data privacy.

He said that would entail offering "immunity from foreign jurisdictions accessing European citizens' or companies' data by virtue of their national legislation -- be that in the US, China or another jurisdiction".



Why is it needed?

US tech giants Amazon (AWS), Google and Microsoft dominate the cloud industry.

US law mandates that they must pass on data -- even sensitive personal information -- if requested by US security agencies.

These data transfers have repeatedly been ruled illegal under EU law so one of the key purposes of building a sovereign cloud has been to keep personal data of Europeans within Europe.



Who is pushing for it?

"France is very much in favour of it and supporting it," Ulrich Ahle, CEO of European cloud project Gaia-X, told AFP.

"Other countries are not that much in favour and are not that much requesting it."

The French debate often moves beyond data concerns to push a wider vision of sovereignty that involves creating European -- or specifically French -- digital champions who can compete with US tech giants.



Who is building it?

Amazon is pushing harder than anyone to be seen as the architect of the European sovereign cloud.

The firm announced in October last year it would begin building out "the AWS European Sovereign Cloud, a new, independent cloud for Europe" that would be entirely separate from its other regions.

A 7.8-billion-euro investment in Germany last month was emblazoned with the "sovereign" branding.

Although Microsoft and Google also habitually announce multi-billion euro investments in European data centres, they do not use the sovereignty branding.



Would it solve data privacy issues?

"AWS and co are still trying to argue that the location of the servers is relevant. It is not," data privacy campaigner Max Schrems told AFP.

US companies would still be controllers of the data, and so would still be obliged to hand it over if requested by a US order.

The big US firms are experimenting with other ways of getting around the issue, particularly by creating European entities and partnerships that would legally be in charge of the data.

But Schrems said these ideas were not yet realised.

"They oftentimes say this is their plan for the future, but so far there is no 'solid' system that I am aware of where this is done properly," he said.



What are European governments doing?

The French and German governments joined forces in 2019 to announce the Gaia-X initiative -- a collaboration between companies, officials and academics to build a European data and technology infrastructure.

Although one of its stated aims was to foster European alternatives to big tech, Amazon and Microsoft are among its members.

France has since framed its own national standard called "trusted cloud", which aims to reduce the role of non-European firms in controlling data.

The EU is also developing a standard but a huge row has engulfed the process after EU officials drafted a version that dropped a long-standing commitment to European sovereignty.

jxb-raz/bc

Amazon.com

GOOGLE
Short on troops, Australia opens military to non-citizens



Sydney, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



Australia will allow non-citizens to join its armed forces, the government said Tuesday, as the sparsely populated nation struggles to meet recruitment targets.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said that from July, looser eligibility criteria would allow "permanent residents who have been living in Australia for 12 months" to serve.

Citizens from Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States are being favoured, he added.

Australia has a coastline that would stretch one-and-a-bit times around the Earth, but a population of just 26 million.

Canberra has surged defence spending in recent years, buying fleets of submarines, jets and scores of fighting vehicles to meet mounting regional tensions.

But it has struggled to find enough pilots, mariners and troops to operate and maintain them.

Experts warn too few Australians don a uniform to meet even current requirements, much less a beefier military of tomorrow.

The Australian Defence Forces can today count on about 90,000 personnel, including reserves, according to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

China's military, by contrast, has an estimated two million personnel.

Marles said growing the Australian Defence Force was "essential to meet the nation's security challenges through the next decade and beyond".
US Pentagon chief visits Cambodia to boost ties with China ally



Phnom Penh, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Cambodia on Tuesday in an effort to reset ties with the staunch China ally.

Washington's relationship with the Southeast Asian nation has been deteriorating for years, with China pouring in billions of dollars in infrastructure investments under Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen.

The United States has voiced concerns over a key Cambodian naval base that is being upgraded by Beijing, which it says could be used to boost the Asian giant's influence in the Gulf of Thailand.

En route from the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Austin landed in Phnom Penh Tuesday for the one-day visit to "explore opportunities to deepen our bilateral defense relationship", he wrote on social media platform X.

He first met Hun Sen -- who stepped down in August after a nearly four-decade rule over Cambodia -- and is also meeting Prime Minister Hun Manet, who took over from his father.

Cambodian foreign ministry spokesperson Chum Sounry told reporters last week that Austin's visit would be "another good chance to advance ties and relations of the two countries".

Both Austin and Hun Manet graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point -- Austin in 1975 and Hun Manet in 1999.

Carl Thayer, emeritus professor of politics at Australia's University of New South Wales, said "US-Cambodia relations are at an inflection point after Hun Manet became prime minister".

He told AFP that Austin's visit to Cambodia "signifies that the two sides are willing to jettison some of their rigid policies restricting defence cooperation and engage in renewed dialogue to seek common ground".

Austin's visit comes just days after Cambodia and China wrapped up their largest annual military Golden Dragon exercises, involving several Chinese warships and hundreds of military personnel.

In early 2017 Cambodia scrapped a similar joint exercise with US forces.

In December, two Chinese warships made a first visit to the Ream Naval Base that Washington fears is intended for Chinese military use.

Cambodian officials have repeatedly denied that the base, near the port city of Sihanoukville, is for use by any foreign power.

Cambodian political analyst Ou Virak told AFP that the relaunch of joint exercises might be a point of discussion during Austin's visit.

The Pentagon chief would also want to convey a message to Beijing, "saying this region is too important and China won't have free rein", he added.

Washington has in the past voiced criticism over Cambodia's human rights record and crackdowns on political dissidents and critics.

suy/aph/mtp
CORRECTED: Fortress Europe? The Nazi 'wall' that failed to prevent D-Day



Paris, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



For the 80th D-Day landings anniversary, AFP travelled the coastlines from northern Norway to southern France to find out what became of the German-built Atlantic Wall defences aimed at keeping the Allies at bay.

Fearing an Allied invasion of occupied Europe, Adolf Hitler ordered in 1942 the building of a 5,000-kilometre (3,100-mile) coastal defence system studded with bunkers, gun emplacements, tank traps and other obstacles.

AFP photojournalist Olivier Morin spent three weeks documenting the remnants of the supposedly impregnable fortifications, which were breached by the Allies on D-Day.

Here is a brief recap of the wall:



- 300,000 labourers -



More than 20 million cubic metres of concrete and 1.2 million tonnes of steel went into building thousands of fortifications linked by barbed wire along the Atlantic and North Sea shores, from France through Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark to Norway.

Over 300,000 workers of all nationalities worked on the French part alone, some of them prisoners press-ganged into labour but also hard-up people desperate for work, or German factory workers.

Entire communities were forced off their land to make way for Hitler's biggest defence project, which took over two years to build.

In the Dutch city of The Hague, thousands of homes, seven schools, three churches and two hospitals were demolished in the name of defending "Fortress Europe".



- 'Hedgehogs' and 'asparagus' -



In 1944, with an Allied invasion appearing imminent, German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was entrusted with boosting the defences.

The Allies had managed to dupe the Nazis into thinking that they were planning a landing on France's north coast, near Calais, which meant they had left long stretches of the coast wide open for invasion, including what would become the Normandy landing beaches.

Rommel rushed to station more than 2,000 tanks, assault cannons and tank destroyers along the Normandy coastline, including "Czech hedgehogs" -- spiky steel anti-tank obstacles -- and wooden poles nicknamed "Rommel's Asparagus" used to try to prevent gliders and paratroops from landing.

Over five million mines were planted along the beaches. But it was too little, too late.



- Breached within hours -



The Atlantic Wall proved woefully inadequate in the face of the planning that went into the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944.

That evening, 156,000 Allied soldiers punched a hole in the defences of 80,000 German soldiers.

The United States suffered heavy losses, especially on Omaha beach, where its soldiers found themselves trapped on the narrow strip beneath high cliffs of sand and stone.

Despite the challenges, the British, French, Americans and Canadians took just days to establish a beachhead in Normandy, which they used to land 800,000 troops and over 100,000 vehicles by the end of June.

Within 11 months, Germany had surrendered.



- Airbnb rentals -



Remnants of the Atlantic Wall remain scattered along the coast of Europe but many have been swallowed by the sand or sunk into the sea.

Some have been converted into museums, as at Batz-sur-Mer in France, Ostend in Belgium and Noordwijk in the Netherlands.

In the northern French city of Cherbourg, graffiti artists have transformed one bunker into a spaceship, while in the Brittany village of Saint-Pabu another has been renovated and turned into a Airbnb rental.

The Dutch government launched in 2014 an annual "Bunker Day" when the walls of the fortifications are thrown open to the public.
Ukraine says Italy will supply another air defence battery



Kyiv, Ukraine, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



Kyiv said Tuesday that Italy would supply Ukraine with another air defence system, weapons that senior Ukrainian officials have been urging their allies to send to fend off Russian aerial assaults.

President Volodymyr Zelensky says his country urgently needs at least seven more systems, including two just to defend the eastern Kharkiv region, where Moscow recently launched a fresh ground offensive.

"Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that his country will provide Ukraine with a second SAMP/T air defence system," Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian president's office announced on social media.

An Italian government source confirmed to AFP the announcement from Yermak, without elaborating.

The news came as regional Ukrainian officials said eight people had been wounded in overnight Russian attacks in the central Dnipropetrovsk region and also in the eastern Kharkiv region.

The head of the southern Kherson region, which the Kremlin claims is part of Russia, separately said that Russian artillery fire had killed an elderly woman in her yard in the village of Veletynske.

Ukraine has recently warned of more -- and longer -- power outages throughout the country in the wake of Russia's latest missile and drone barrage targeting power plants over the weekend, stretching Kyiv's air defence capacity.

The Kremlin says it only targets Ukrainian military infrastructure and that the supply of Western weapons to Ukraine will only prolong the war and will not change the conflict's outcome.

burs-jbr/jc/jm
Viscom Showcases Cutting-Edge Inspection Solutions at SMTconnect in Nuremberg Published: 04 June 2024 by Tyler Hanes by Tyler Hanes

HANOVER, GERMANY  Viscom AG, a global leader in automated optical inspection, X-ray inspection, and software solutions, is excited to announce its participation in SMTconnect 2024, taking place in Germany from June 11 to 13 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Grounds. For Viscom, this prestigious event is a key date in the year to showcase its most innovative inspection solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of electronics manufacturers worldwide.

At Booth 4A-145, Viscom will proudly present its 3D-AOI inspection flagship, the "iS6059 PCB Inspection Plus" renowned for its exceptional reliability and precision. This cutting-edge system offers manufacturers unmatched accuracy in defect detection, ensuring the highest standards of quality control throughout the production process. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the lightning-fast performance of Viscoms "iS6059 SPI" system, revolutionizing solder paste inspection with its speed and efficiency.

In a significant debut, Viscom will unveil the latest addition to its X-ray inspection lineup  the high-speed variant of the "iX7059" series. This advanced system sets a new benchmark for automatic X-ray inspection, offering companies enhanced throughput without compromising on inspection accuracy. With its state-of-the-art technology, the iX7059 high- speed variant empowers manufacturers to achieve optimal quality assurance in the most demanding production environments.

Furthermore, attendees can explore the all-new features of Viscoms flagship software vVision which now integrates advanced AI capabilities, enabling more intelligent and efficient inspection processes. With vVision release 4.0, manufacturers can leverage AI-driven algorithms to enhance defect detection accuracy, streamline inspection workflows, and optimize production efficiency.

Viscom will also showcase the latest enhancements and redesign of its vConnect software suite, providing users with a new level of connectivity, flexibility, and usability. With its intuitive interface and advanced functionalities, vConnect offers seamless integration with Viscoms inspection systems, enabling real-time data analysis, remote monitoring, and comprehensive quality management.

We are thrilled to return to SMTconnect this year and to showcase our latest innovations in inspection technology, said Carsten Salewski, Board Member of Viscom AG. At Viscom, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of excellence in automated inspection solutions, and SMTconnect provides an ideal platform for us to demonstrate our capabilities and engage with industry professionals from around the world.

Viscoms participation in SMTconnect extends beyond its booth presence, with the companys experts hosting informative sessions and technical presentations throughout the event. Visitors will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into emerging trends, best practices, and the future of inspection technologies, further solidifying Viscoms position as a thought leader in the industry.

As the electronics manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for manufacturers to stay ahead of the curve with advanced inspection solutions, added Salewski. At Viscom, we are committed to empowering our customers with the tools they need to achieve excellence in quality control and production efficiency.

Viscom invites attendees to visit Booth 4A-145 at SMTconnect 2024 to discover firsthand how Viscoms solutions can elevate their manufacturing processes to new heights of performance and quality.
Western army trainers in Ukraine not immune from strikes, Kremlin says



Moscow, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



Western army instructors who train Ukrainian soldiers in the country would have no "immunity" from Russian strikes, the Kremlin said Tuesday, amid reports that France could despatch military trainers to Ukraine.

Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrsky said last week that French military instructors would soon arrive in the country, but Kyiv's defence ministry later walked back the claim.

"Any instructors who are engaged in training the Ukrainian regime do not have any immunity. It does not matter whether they are French or not," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

French President Emmanuel Macron has refused to rule out deploying troops to Ukraine, despite reluctance from other NATO members and furious warnings from Moscow.

France does not officially have military personnel assisting or training Ukrainian forces in Ukraine at the moment.

Russia has warned against such a step, and previously vowed to destroy any Western military hardware sent to the country.

Ukraine's defence minister said Monday it was still in talks with Paris and other allies on the issue of instructors.
US Pentagon chief visits Cambodia to boost ties with China ally



Phnom Penh, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Cambodia on Tuesday in an effort to reset ties with the staunch China ally.

Washington's relationship with the Southeast Asian nation has been deteriorating for years, with China pouring in billions of dollars in infrastructure investments under Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen.

The United States has voiced concerns over a key Cambodian naval base that is being upgraded by Beijing, which it says could be used to boost the Asian giant's influence in the Gulf of Thailand.

En route from the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Austin landed in Phnom Penh Tuesday for the one-day visit to "explore opportunities to deepen our bilateral defense relationship", he wrote on social media platform X.

He first met Hun Sen -- who stepped down in August after a nearly four-decade rule over Cambodia -- and then held talks with Prime Minister Hun Manet, who took over from his father.

"We discussed how the United States and Cambodia can strengthen our defense relationship in support of regional peace and stability," Austin posted on X after meeting Hun Manet.

Both Austin and Hun Manet graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point -- Austin in 1975 and Hun Manet in 1999.

Carl Thayer, emeritus professor of politics at Australia's University of New South Wales, said "US-Cambodia relations are at an inflection point after Hun Manet became prime minister".

He told AFP that Austin's visit to Cambodia "signifies that the two sides are willing to jettison some of their rigid policies restricting defence cooperation and engage in renewed dialogue to seek common ground".

In a Facebook post, Hun Sen said that he agreed with Austin's desire "to improve relations" between the two countries that previously lacked "trust in each other".

"Our relations are not too bad," he said, urging the two sides to work to rebuild mutual trust.

Hun Sen, now the Senate president, told Austin that the two countries could improve ties by narrowing their differences, expanding cooperation, and relaunching dialogue between defense officials.

Austin's visit comes just days after Cambodia and China wrapped up their largest annual military Golden Dragon exercises, involving several Chinese warships and hundreds of military personnel.

In early 2017, Cambodia scrapped a similar joint exercise with US forces.

In December, two Chinese warships made a first visit to the Ream Naval Base that Washington fears is intended for Chinese military use.

Cambodian officials have repeatedly denied that the base, near the port city of Sihanoukville, is for use by any foreign power.

Cambodian political analyst Ou Virak told AFP that the relaunch of joint exercises might be a point of discussion during Austin's visit.

The Pentagon chief would also want to convey a message to Beijing, "saying this region is too important and China won't have free rein", he added.

Washington has in the past voiced criticism over Cambodia's human rights record and crackdowns on political dissidents and critics.

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French trainers in Ukraine would be lawful target, Russia says



Moscow, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



French military instructors training soldiers in Ukraine would be a "legitimate target" for Russian strikes, Moscow's top diplomat said Tuesday, amid reports France could send trainers to the country.

France does not officially have military personnel assisting or training Ukrainian forces in Ukraine at the moment, but Kyiv said last week it was "in talks" with Paris on the issue.

"Whoever they are labelled as, whether they are members of the French armed forces or are just mercenaries, they represent an absolutely legitimate target for our armed forces," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference.

The Kremlin similarly did not rule out strikes on foreign instructors in Ukraine when asked about the issue earlier on Tuesday.

"Any instructors who are engaged in training the Ukrainian regime do not have any immunity. It does not matter whether they are French or not," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in a briefing.

Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrsky said last week French military instructors would soon arrive in the country, a claim that was quickly walked back by Ukraine's defence ministry.

French President Emmanuel Macron has refused to rule out deploying troops to Ukraine, despite reluctance from other NATO members and furious condemnation from Moscow.

Russia has warned against such a move, arguing it would dramatically escalate the conflict.

It has repeatedly vowed to destroy Western military hardware sent to the country.
Ukraine says Italy will supply another air defence battery



Kyiv, Ukraine, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



Kyiv on Tuesday said that Italy would supply Ukraine with another air defence system, weapons that senior Ukrainian officials have been urging allies to send to fend off Russian assaults.

President Volodymyr Zelensky says his country urgently needs at least seven more systems, including two just to defend the eastern Kharkiv region, where Moscow recently launched a fresh ground offensive.

"Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that his country will provide Ukraine with a second SAMP/T air defence system," Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian president's office announced on social media.

An Italian government source confirmed to AFP the announcement from Yermak, without elaborating.

The news came as regional Ukrainian officials said eight people had been wounded in overnight Russian attacks in the central Dnipropetrovsk region and also in the eastern Kharkiv region.

The head of the southern Kherson region, which the Kremlin claims is part of Russia, separately said that Russian artillery fire had killed an elderly woman in her yard in the village of Veletynske.

State power operator Ukrenergo on Tuesday introduced forced electricity blackouts in several regions, including the capital Kyiv and frontline Donetsk and Kharkiv regions.

Recent Russian missile and drone barrages, including a major attack over the weekend, have stretched Ukraine's air defence capacity.

"The forced power outages are the result of six combined targeted attacks by Russia on the Ukrainian energy system. There is not enough electricity to cover the needs of all consumers," Ukrenergo said in a post on Telegram.

Ukraine has recently warned of more -- and longer -- power outages throughout the country as its generating capacity has been severely hit by Russian attacks.

The Kremlin says it only targets Ukrainian military infrastructure and that the supply of Western weapons to Ukraine will only prolong the war and will not change the conflict's outcome.

burs-jbr-jc/cad/bc
Israel's Bedouin fight eviction in desert region



Ras Jrabah, Israel, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



Plans to expand Israel's desert city of Dimona, known as the cradle of the national nuclear programme, are stoking fears among nearby Bedouin villagers for their traditional way of life.

When Hassan Hawashla looks out his window, he sees rows of identical modern apartment blocks, and construction cranes building more, as Dimona spreads into the surrounding Negev desert.

"Every day when I look at this city, it's getting closer and closer to us," said Hawashla, 40, who himself is among the construction labourers working in Dimona.

His own Bedouin village of Ras Jrabah is an informal settlement of tin-roofed houses and a few concrete buildings, crisscrossed by dusty dirt roads and home to about 500 people.

Any new construction there gets promptly torn down by Israeli authorities who object to any permanent structures being built and want to move the entire village, Hawashla said.

Dimona, located 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Jerusalem and with a population of about 36,000, meanwhile has ambitious plans to nearly double in size, local government documents show.

Israel's Bedouins, a nomadic Arab ethnic group, see it as yet another threat after long living on the margins of Israeli society, often in poverty and with few opportunities.

About 30 percent of the Bedouin population live in dozens of similar villages in the Negev desert, which is known as Naqab in Arabic, says the Israeli non-profit group Bimkom.

Another Bedouin village, Wadi al-Khalil, was wiped off the map last month after Israeli authorities ordered its demolition to clear space for a highway expansion.



- 'Minimum land' for Bedouin -



Dimona, originally known as the cradle of Israeli nuclear power due to its nearby Negev Nuclear Research Center, is now planning a construction boom.

"All the money goes into the buildings, but the buildings are empty," said Hawashla.

Meanwhile, he said his own village receives no services from the government -- not even bomb shelters to protect it from rockets fired from war-torn Gaza, 70 kilometres away.

Israeli authorities did not respond to AFP requests for comment by the time of publication.

Israeli authorities have told residents of Ras Jrabah to move across town to Qasr E-Sir, a recognised Bedouin locality on the western side of Dimona, according to Hawashla.

But Hawashla's father Freij told AFP that the villagers do not want to move there because of strained relations with a different Bedouin group that lives there.

"This tribe doesn't want us and we don't want them either," said Freij, who was born in 1939 before Dimona was founded.

The old man recalled that, when the first Jews came to the area and he was a child, the Bedouin gave them water, bread and yoghurt.

Another man from the region, Marwan Frieh, said his father and grandfather were born and raised in an unrecognised village before Israeli authorities forced them into Rahat, the largest Bedouin town of the Negev.

Frieh now monitors cases such as Ras Jrabah and other villages through Adalah, a group that fights for the rights of Arabs in Israel.

He said that 11 unrecognised Bedouin villages representing 6,500 people are now fighting eviction orders in courts.

Frieh said Israeli land policy in the region amounted to "maximum Bedouin on minimum land, and minimum Jewish on maximum land".



- 'Trespassers on own land' -



The Ras Jrabah community has fought in court to reverse eviction orders, lost and appealed to the Beersheba district court.

The villagers have suggested having their community declared a new neighbourhood of Dimona, an idea authorities rejected.

Myssana Morany, who represented Ras Jrabah during the appeal last week, said there was little chance for the community to win their case.

"The land regime in Israel in general is built in such a way that leads to a situation where the Bedouin community can't prove their ownership on the land," she told AFP.

The court's interpretation of a combination of Israeli, British mandate era and Ottoman laws means Bedouins "are considered to be trespassers on their own lands", she said.

Israeli authorities hold that Bedouins in Ras Jrabah did not have a permanent presence on the land until 1978, court documents show.

Mansour Nasasra, a scholar of Bedouin society in the Negev, said Ottoman and British laws should work in favour of Bedouins.

"Bedouin villages, generally speaking, are categorised as unrecognised villages, despite the fact that those villages existed before 1948, they exist on Ottoman and British records," he told AFP, adding that they paid taxes to both.

In Ras Jrabah, residents said that the issue strikes at the heart of their Bedouin identity.

"I'm an Israeli citizen on paper only," Hawashla said. "I have an identity card and everything, but I don't get the basic necessities that the state of Israel should give me."
Political consensus in Norway to beef up military



Oslo, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



Norway's government and opposition on Tuesday agreed unanimously to beef up the country's military, ordering a sixth submarine and installing an anti-air defence system to protect the Oslo region.

The centre-left government said in April it planned to increase Norway's defence budget by 83 percent over the next 12 years -- a rise of 600 billion kroner ($57 billion) -- calling its neighbour Russia "more dangerous, more unpredictable".

It proposed that Norway, a member of the NATO military alliance, order five new frigates, a fifth submarine, anti-air missiles, deep strike weapons, maritime surveillance drones and helicopters.

The minority government needed the opposition's support to move ahead with the plan.

On Tuesday, all parties represented in parliament, from the populist far-right to the small Communist party, backed the plan, albeit with a few modifications.

The main compromise involved the exercising of an option for a sixth submarine and the installation of an anti-air defence system to protect the Oslo region, similar to that in Washington.

"With six submarines, the navy will be able at any moment to have several submersibles on patrol simultaneously in Norwegian waters," said the opposition Conservative spokeswoman on defence affairs, Ine Eriksen Soreide.

"This will significantly increase dissuasion and surveillance capacities in Norwegian zones," she told reporters.

Norway and Russia share a 198-kilometre (123-mile) land border in the Arctic and a sea border in the Barents Sea.

Norway expects its defence budget to reach two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year, which is NATO's minimum target.
Israel says signs $3 bn deal with US for 25 F-35 fighter jets



Jerusalem, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



Israel said Tuesday it signed a $3 billion deal to buy a third squadron of 25 advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin, with the delivery to commence in 2028.

"At time when some of our adversaries aim to undermine our ties with our greatest ally, we only further strengthen our alliance," Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement announcing the deal.

"This sends a powerful message to our enemies across the region."

The defence ministry said the deal would bring to 75 the number of F-35s in Israel's fleet.

"The delivery of the aircrafts to the IDF (army) will commence in 2028 at a rate of three to five aircrafts per year," the ministry said in a statement.

Israel is the only Middle East nation with F-35s, the world's most advanced fighter which is stealth capable and can be used to gather intelligence, strike deep into enemy territory and engage in air duels.

In May 2018, Israel's military said it had become the first country to use F-35s in combat.

Even before the war with Hamas erupted on October 7, Israel had launched hundreds of raids on Syrian territory during that country's years of war, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions.

In April, Iran carried out its first ever direct attack on Israel using more than 300 drones and missiles as the war with Hamas in Gaza raged.

jd/dv
Vistry boss Greg Fitzgerald said: By working in partnership with organisations like Leaf Living we can maximise the number of high-quality homes we deliver every year. This agreement supports our differentiated business model, with the certainty provided by the pre-selling of homes enabling us to accelerate our build programmes, guarantee work for our supply chain, reduce sales and build costs and create vibrant new communities. This year we are on track to deliver more than a 10% increase in new home completions, playing a key part in helping to address the UK's acute housing shortage.
The arts provide what educationalists highlight as the key future attributes to a childs individual success as guiding principles for careers in and around the creative sector: passion, curiosity, imagination, critical thinking, empathy, the importance of teamwork and collaboration and persistence. These are life skills that young people must be given. We no longer live in a world where there is heavy industry on the one hand and the arts on the other. Imagination and innovation will be the cornerstones of our new industrial revolution and the social, cultural and economic value of the creative industries to the UK become hugely significant. It must be matched by financial support from government in close partnership with industry. After all, this is not a cost  its an essential investment.
According to the yarn that he spun yesterday, it was a sense of patriotic responsibility to the people of this nation that inspired his volte-face. On the campaign trail, he had (he said) been afflicted by a terrible sense of guilt that he was letting down millions of voters who were already being betrayed by the Labour-Conservative establishment, and that it was time to lead not only his party but a political revolt  a turning of our backs on the political status quo.
One of just six documentaries to have won the big four  nods from Americas most prestigious film critics  Time is about one womans tireless fight for the release of her husband from prison. Rob has served a third of his 60-year sentence for his participation in an armed robbery; while he has been away Sibil Richardson has raised six children, built a career for herself, and never, ever, given up on her husband. Although Garrett Bradleys film, made of hundreds of hours of Sibils home videos, works as an excoriating takedown of Americas prison system, Sibils grace and devotion means the Oscar-nominated film is above all else about the power of love.
But more notable is his hyper-efficient business model: rather than building a unique Shein aesthetic, it mostly mimics other brands most popular items  and fast. Its production lines leap into action to manufacture replicas of other brands hero pieces, with new products pumped out in as little as three days. Other brands monitor trends like this too, of course. Shein just does it more quickly and for lower production costs than all the rest. According to Sheins CEO and one of Xus co-founders Molly Miao, just 50-100 pieces of each product are initially produced, before it becomes popular and is then mass-produced.
Ive raised a mini Anna Wintour. My 11 year old is so judgmental of what I wear. She gives me a sort of up and down and an eyebrow, Miller said. She's got the most incredible aesthetic, and she's very, very clear on what she likes and doesn't like. I'd love to be able to share more style tips, but actually I'm getting it from her.
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The image on November 4 had another message on it, saying: We will hold accountable all those who occupied our lands and Allah will hold accountable all those who remained silent against this occupation and oppression.
It is, for the same reason, in our current society, of enormous interest and importance that people know that there is a mother and father out there who felt the need to relinquish their children in this way, three times, and that is of considerable interest, it seems to me.
Around eight people left the construction site before firefighters arrived, and everyone known to be on the site has been accounted for, according to the emergency services.
In an announcement on X, an Army spokesperson said: "Three horses are back on duty and are likely to take part in the Kings Birthday Parade this month. Vida and Quaker are resting in the countryside for as long as they need, before being assessed for their suitability to return to work. Three of the soldiers are back on duty and two are still recovering. They are expected to make a full return to service.
He added: I regret the political damage. I regret the reputational damage that will be done to Wales, just as other parts of the United Kingdom were looking at Wales and pointing to us as an example of what a progressive government could do.
But as of figures published earlier this year for the 2022-23 financial year, all three measures have risen slightly compared to the 2016-17 figure; relative poverty to 26%, absolute poverty to 23% and material deprivation to 11%  although the figures are believed to be broadly stable, Ms Somerville said.
I think we have to focus on the fact that we have an education system that is requiring resource, that we have to make some difficult decisions in government, and this is one decision that we are making in order to attract more investment into our schools so we can improve the standard of education for children across the country.
A woman named only as Vanessa, who was also on the flight, told Metro passengers were at one point told to remove their 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.
From cars and pharmaceuticals to data and high-tech, the EU produces goods worth trillions of euros every year. Our companies compete successfully around the world: we account for 16% of world trade. Our Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises employ nearly 100 million people. From the ruins of the Second World War and the destruction left by autocracies, Christian Democrats have built a Social Market Economy that matches the ambitions of our democracies. The Social Market Economy is a fair playground where businesses can compete, where everyones freedom is guaranteed, be they suppliers or buyers, and where everyone plays by the rules. It is about ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at success, while also looking out for those who are struggling.

Thanks to the Social Market Economy, Europe has one of the largest middle classes in the world: people who have built their success through hard work and passion for their craft. In recent years, Europe's middle class has been eroded by the economic crisis, the pandemic, and rising food and electricity costs. One in five Europeans is now struggling to make ends meet. Young people are delaying starting families out of fear of not being able to afford the costs, and older people are struggling to live on their pensions. There are also deeper issues that are holding back Europe's social and economic development - women are still paid 12% less than men, and the children of parents with low levels of education are six times more likely to be at risk of poverty than others.

7 out of 10 citizens believe that Europe has a role to play in addressing social issues. While the Socialists call for EU-wide spending programmes regardless of national differences and Liberals believe that the market alone can solve everything, we in the EPP Group want a Social Market Economy that cares. We value subsidiarity; Member States are best placed to look after the welfare of their citizens. But unlike the populists, we agree with our citizens: Europe must contribute to addressing poverty and inequality. Not to add red tape, but to set clear rules that encourage innovation, protect workers, empower young people through education and training, and make our economy fit for the future. We need to put people in the best position to create growth.

To begin with, we need to create jobs by accelerating innovation. Innovation is in our DNA: we are 6% of the world population, but we account for 18% of global R&D. Imagine what we could do if we unlocked our full potential. We want an investment plan for quality European jobs investing in research and development, with Member States collectively investing 4% of GDP. Innovation must also help us close the gender gap: we will launch a funding programme to significantly increase the number of women-led start-ups in areas of technological innovation.

We need to make the European economy work for all hardworking Europeans. First, we need to ensure safe and healthy workplaces that keep pace with today's working models and allow parents to combine work and family life, for example, through greater use of teleworking and parental leave, an idea launched in Germany by Ursula von der Leyen when she was Minister for Family. Second, we need to build a genuine European labour market: promoting a European social security pass and strengthening the European Labour Authority (ELA) to ensure that Europeans can work freely across Europe without additional burdens and risk of social exclusion. We also want to create a European Workers' Guarantee for the digital market to secure the rights of gig economy workers while respecting Member States' competences and strengthening trade unions and social partners. In the labour market and beyond, inclusion is the only way forward for Europe. We want a European disability card to guarantee equal rights for persons with disabilities across the EU.

We also need to help young people start their careers. Research shows that level of education and technical specialisation are the key predictors of income. We will continue fighting youth unemployment and turning the brain drain into brain gain, widening access to Erasmus+, and improving Discover EU so that every young European can explore our different cultures. At the same time, we want to make Europe the ideal environment for our senior citizens, ensuring their well-being, promoting active ageing and supporting their participation in society.

The social market economy - an invention of Christian Democrats - is the secret of Europe's ability to promote a strong economy across different societies. An economy based on people, not ideology. An economy based on innovation and subsidiarity, not bureaucracy. An economy based on responsibility and solidarity, not egoism. A competitive Social Market Economy that cares for every single European, this is our vision for European social policy.
Alliance for the Union of Romania's (AUR) candidate for Bucharest Mayor Mihai Enache filed on Tuesday a report to the 4th Police Precinct against Social Democrat Gabriela Firea, accusing her of falsely declaring her domicile to be at a Bucharest address where she actually does not live.

"Gabriela Firea is breaking the law! In order to be able to run for Bucharest General Mayor, Firea declared her domicile to be at a Bucharest address where she actually does not live. In connection with this, AUR candidate for Capital Mayor Mihai Enache submitted a report to Police Precinct No. 4. Moreover, if this proves to be true, Mihai Enache requests the initiation of criminal prosecution against Gabriela Firea for false declarations," reads the AUR website.

Enache announced that he requested the police to take the due legal measures regarding the ascertainment of Gabriela Firea's real address.

"Gabriela Firea declared her domicile to be at an apartment in Sector 1, on Calea Grivitei, but no one is listed there for the residential utility costs. The police have the legal obligation to determine the real domicile of a person and anyone who does not live at the address stated in their ID is required to declare their real address within 15 days. This apparently minor fact has serious consequences. By resorting to this falsification of address, Mrs. Firea illegally appropriates the right to run for Bucharest Mayor," said Mihai Enache as cited by partidulaur.ro.

He pointed out that "the electoral legislation allows only the candidacy of people who have their domicile in Bucharest."

"We have to stop this contempt, this ongoing lie. Mrs. Firea pretended for four years that she is the General Mayor, now she pretends to be a resident of this city, which, in fact, she does not care about," Enache stated in front of the police precinct, as mentioned on the cited website.
A almost 80 military Finnish detachment, pilots and technical-engineering personnel, and seven F-18 Hornet aircraft, have arrived in Romania, where they will perform, for two months, Enhanced Air Policing missions under NATO command, a press release sent on Tuesday by the Ministry of National Defense, reads.

The Finnish military will collaborate with the Romanian Air Force and the British Royal Air Force.

The seven F/A-18 Hornet aircraft of the Finnish Air Force landed on Monday at the southeastern 57th Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base.

The Air Police missions have the role of defending and ensuring the integrity of Romania's airspace and contribute to the development of the reaction and deterrence capacity, as well as to the consolidation of interoperability between all the allied forces participating in the mission, the MApN says.
The High Court of Cassation and Justice definitively ordered, on Tuesday, the termination of the criminal trial against former minister Elena Udrea in the Hidroelectrica case, in which she is accused of influence peddling and money laundering, in connection with the amount of 5 million dollars she allegedly received from the businessman Bogdan Buzaianu.

The same solution was ordered in the case of journalist Dan Andronic, accused of perjury.

The statute of limitations of the facts in this file has been established since the trial of the file on the merits at the Bucharest Court of Appeal, in April 2023.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court rejected the appeals filed by the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) and Elena Udrea, upholding the decision of the trial court regarding the termination of the criminal trial.

On the other hand, Elena Udrea must pay the sum of 3.4 million euros.

Elena Udrea is in the Targsor penitentiary, where she is serving a 6-year sentence received in the Gala Bute case
Director General of the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI Bucharest) Adrian-Victor Vevera has had a series of talks in Chisinau on the implementation of cyber-security solutions in the financial sector, digital transformation in healthcare, and the development of joint research projects.

According to ICI Bucharest, on an official visit to Chisinau on June 3, Vevera met Governor of the National Bank of Moldova Anca Dragu, senior official with the Ministry of Health Alexandru Gasnas, and rector of the Technical University of Moldova Viorel Bostan.

The meeting with the governor of the National Bank of Moldova focused on exploring ways in which emerging technologies can support the financial sector, including by implementing cyber-security solutions and advanced electronic payment systems.

During the meeting with Alexandru Gasnas, the head of ICI Bucharest highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration for improving access to quality healthcare services and for developing healthcare digital infrastructures.

The talks with the rector of the Technical University of Moldova focused on several essential aspects for promoting ICT education and research. Thus, emphasis was placed on signing a memorandum of co-operation to strengthen bilateral relations and pave the way for joint projects to attract European and international funds, essential to the development of education and research infrastructure.
Save Romanian Union (USR) electoral campaign coordinator Cristian Seidler, MP, accuses the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL) of having launched "over 100 false advertisements" against the candidates of the United Right Alliance.

During a press conference held on Tuesday at the USR headquarters, Cristian Seidler accused a "moral fraud" in the electoral campaign, mentioning that the money spent by the PSD and PNL to promote their own candidates would be comparable to the amounts destined to promote "lies" against the United Right Alliance candidates.

"It is a sign of desperation that they have launched more than 100 false advertisements directed against the United Right Alliance and our candidates and have equated the budgets they spend to promote their candidates and their own ideas with the money spent to promote lies against the United Right Alliance candidates," Seidler said.

He also referred to "unaccountable campaigns" in which the two parties "don't even have the courage to take responsibility for the lies they distribute."

USR will refer the matter to the Permanent Electoral Authority, as well as Meta and Google, to denounce this campaign.
Two X-ray scanners were put into operation at Albita Customs on Tuesday, in the presence of Finance Minister Marcel Bolos and Romanian Customs Authority head Marcel Mutescu.

According to the authorities, one piece of equipment will be used to control vehicles and another, mobile, will be used to check trucks. These devices are intended to reduce tax evasion and illegal trafficking of drugs and dangerous substances, improve the security of the EU's external border and optimise vehicle control at the border. A similar scanner was installed in May in Giurgiulesti, Galati County.

"Of course, we have a broader plan to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Customs Authority, because in addition to what we have now as the implementation of scanners, we intend by the end of the year to have operational the digitisation project known as E-Signature, through which over 2,000 such mobile seals will be part of the institutional capacity building of the Customs Authority, a project we consider important together with the one we are implementing today," said Finance Minister Marcel Bolos.

According to the minister, nine of the 26 X-ray scanners purchased with EU funds will be put into operation this year. The devices will be operational at the most important border points in the country. The next equipment will be installed at other border crossing points in 2025 and 2026.

"With this project we hope to better and more effectively combat tax evasion, customs fraud and find undeclared goods or other prohibited goods hidden in means of transport. This project is one that for us, as an authority, has posed quite a few challenges, I am referring here mainly to the infrastructure part, the fact that we have enough space in customs offices. We often have to ask for help from the local administration to give us land so that we can expand the area of the border crossing points to be able to install this equipment. The equipment that you see scanning without people on board is high security equipment and the scanning will be based on risk analysis," said Romanian Customs Authority head Marcel Mutescu.

The official of the Romanian Customs Authority also mentioned that scanning vehicles with the new equipment should reduce waiting times at border crossings.
Amelia Bond approached her neighbor Lisa Gorman two years ago and suggested the two split the cost of cutting down several dying oak trees on Gormans property, which sits between Bonds vacation home and the ocean on the coast of Maine.

But Bond didnt tell her neighbor she had killed the trees herself. The St. Louis resident later admitted to dumping a banned herbicide on the trees to obtain a better view of the Camden Harbor from the $1.8 million vacation home owned by Bond and her husband, Arthur Bond III. Her husband also cut the tops off 15 trees to enhance their ocean view.

Fallout from the incident was wide-reaching  and continues today.

Gorman, the wife of late L.L.Bean President Leon Gorman, filed suit, and the Bonds agreed to settle for $1.58 million last spring. The couple was fined $4,500, then in October agreed to pay an additional $210,000 for environmental violations and the cost of environmental monitoring and sampling.

And most recently, a few months ago, city officials in Camden voted unanimously to urge local and state prosecutors to investigate the couple and consider charges. The poison had spread to a nearby public beach  the only one in Camden  where people picnic and kids play.

Maines attorney general responded April 2, saying his office would work with other agencies to investigate the poisoning. The Knox County district attorney did not respond to city officials request for an investigation.

I question (the Bonds) sanity to think that they were going to get away with it, Camden Select Board Chair Thomas Hedstrom told the Post-Dispatch. That youre just going to be able to dump poison in the ground and kill a whole bunch of plants and trees. And your neighbor, who is also one of the wealthiest people in Maine, is just going to go, Oh, thats too bad. Yeah, lets cut them down.

The Bonds are wealthy St. Louis residents, best known for Amelia Bonds 12-year run as president and CEO of the St. Louis Community Foundation. Her husband is the nephew of former U.S. Sen. Kit Bond.

Camden, home to just a few thousand residents, is about 80 miles northeast of Portland, the states largest city, and sits on the West Penobscot Bay. The Bonds home is one of three on a small side street that juts out from Bayview Street  a lush neighborhood full of expensive oceanside homes owned by wealthy people from all over the country, Hedstrom said.

The Bonds bought the vacation home in 2018, according to property records. Online real estate sites now estimate its worth more than $2 million.

The couples lawyer, Dudley McCarter, said in a statement that the Bonds have cooperated fully and transparently with all of the parties involved since the issue was brought to authorities.

The Bonds sincerely regret their mistake and the unintended consequences it created, McCarter wrote. They have expressed remorse for their actions, and have consistently taken steps to address this situation.

Samples from Gormans property tested positive for Tebuthiuron, a powerful herbicide typically used on prairie lands and not approved for use on residential properties in Maine or elsewhere, wrote Daniel Nuzzi, Gormans lawyer, in his letter to town officials.

Suffice it to say, Mrs. Gorman was shocked and horrified by the devastation of her trees and landscaping on her property and damage to her soil, Nuzzi wrote.

Nuzzi said he and Gorman are not commenting further on the incident.

The towns board, concerned the chemical had spread from Gormans property to Laite Memorial Beach, ordered testing on the beachs soil and water. Detectable concentrations of the herbicide were found.

Its definitely migrated into our beach and into the water, Hedstrom said. This is just egregious. ... They cant just hide behind their money 

The attorney generals office provided the response letter to the Post-Dispatch but said they could not comment on the case. The Knox County district attorney did not respond to a request for comment.

But Audra Caler, town manager in Camden, said officials will continue to push for charges against the couple.

The Camden Select Board is very motivated to pursue whatever avenue is available to hold the Bonds criminally liable, Caler wrote in an email. The community is absolutely outraged that someone would poison trees with an herbicide (that should never be used in Maine) and that it would then end up on a public park.
UNIVERSITY CITY  Debate among Washington University faculty over whether penalties should be dropped against pro-Palestine protesters is focused on the facts of the protest  and whether a police response was merited.

On Monday, Washington Universitys faculty senate met to consider two resolutions related to last months protests  and the fallout from them  against the universitys ties to Boeing, which sells warplanes and munitions to Israel for use in the war in Gaza. About 100 people were arrested at an April 27 protest, and some students and faculty were suspended.

The first resolution called for the university to decline to pursue all charges and rescind penalties against students and employees. Faculty ultimately advanced a trimmed version that removed descriptions of administrators responses as excessive and unprecedented but still called for the university to drop all related charges and rescind all suspensions.

A second resolution, which also advanced, seeks to create a faculty-led committee to investigate the protests, which administrators said disrupted university operations and led to the arrests of more than 100 people.

The faculty senate meeting was closed to the public but was watched by the Post-Dispatch.

Most of the faculty  votes were cast by standing up  approved of moving the two resolutions as written. They will eventually head to a vote among all full-time faculty but a date has not been set.

But it wasnt without debate.

In a letter responding to the resolutions last week, 43 faculty members wrote that administrators should consider leniency only for students and not for employees or outsiders, in contrast to the first resolution.

And on Monday, faculty debated whether the protests, particularly the April 27 one that led to mass arrests of mostly non-students, were really a matter of free speech as they were on Washington Universitys private campus.

Still, several faculty members questioned whether it warranted the police response it received.

I find it really concerning that we have faculty supporting the administration calling the police on students who are protesting and exercising their right to protest, said one professor. If one does not interrupt normal activity, the administration will not pay any attention.

One professor agreed with administrators claims that the protest was disruptive and threatening to others on campus  a claim that protesters have disputed.

The idea that this is a calm event that had no impact on others in the community is complete BS, said one professor who identified himself as Israeli-American.

Others asserted it was the police who escalated events.

Prior to police presence on April 27, the protest at Tisch Park was nonviolent, another professor said. There was no damage, (and it was) not a threat to the university community.

A fact-finding committee outlined in the second resolution would examine the events of the protests, as well as information available to university leaders before and during the protests. Itd also suggest potential improvements to the universitys policy for demonstrations.
JEFFERSON CITY  A top adviser to Missouris politically hobbled House speaker said the Des Peres Republican should take a page out of convicted felon Donald Trumps playbook.

In a podcast interview Tuesday, political consultant Jonathan Ratliff said House Speaker Dean Plocher could bolster his bid to become Missouris next secretary of state by playing up a whistleblower lawsuit filed against him and his chief of staff Friday.

Rather than addressing allegations of retaliation, mismanagement and fear-mongering made by the top administrator in the House, Plocher should mimic Trump and say hes being attacked by insiders, Ratliff said during an episode of This Week in Missouri Politics.

We have a story just like President Trump. We have fought the swamp in Jefferson City. We took on the bureaucracy. We beat them. Now they are using lawfare to come after us, just like President Trump, Ratliff said.

The lawsuit filed by House Chief Clerk Dana Rademan Miller came after Plocher pushed back against a seven-month investigation by the House Ethics Committee in response to his attempt to steer an $800,000 software contract for the House around the standard bidding process, possibly in pursuit of a campaign donation.

He also repaid a series of travel bills that he had charged to taxpayers, fired two long-time House aides and hired former House Speaker Rod Jetton to help him right the ship.

The ethics case was eventually dismissed by the panel, but Plocher was accused of obstructing the investigation with Jettons assistance.

In her lawsuit, Miller said she privately counseled Plocher about complaints she had received about his treatment of female Republican lawmakers, including former Rep. Sara Walsh of Ashland, whom he called stupid.

Plochers reaction to plaintiffs sharing of those concerns was to be dismissive. He replied, They are like an invasive species.

When Miller expressed her confusion over that statement, Plocher clarified, Stupid Republican women  they are an invasive species.

The lawsuit also says Jetton allegedly told another employee that that they needed to choke Millers authority and made a physical choking gesture with both hands.

Jetton, who served as speaker from 2005 to 2009, was charged with felony assault from a 2009 sexual encounter where he choked a woman to the point of unconsciousness. He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of misdemeanor assault.

Plocher, in a separate interview Tuesday on KSSZ-FM in Columbia, signaled he is taking Ratliffs advice, calling the pushback he received from House employees an attempted coup.

This has been a coup for a long time now, he said. The bureaucrats in the House are trying to take us down. We are not going to let the bureaucrats run the place just because they are whining.

Ratliff said the timing of the lawsuit and Trumps conviction on 34 counts in a New York City courtroom last week were a gift to Plochers campaign to be the states top election official.

From a stagecraft perspective we couldnt honestly have coordinated it any better, Ratliff said.

Ratliff, who is the former political director for the Missouri House Republican Campaign Committee, is a partner with Palm Strategic Group, which has received $37,000 from Plochers political action committee this year.

He downplayed the controversy swirling around his client.

Dont believe anything you read in the funny papers, he said. Hes a generally good guy.

Plocher, meantime, has not said whether he will ask Attorney General Andrew Baileys office to represent him in the whistleblower case.

If that occurs, any damages Miller may be awarded would come from taxpayer funds, not out of Plochers pocket.

A similar scenario facing three state senators accused of defamation spurred Gov. Mike Parson to say the state wont pay their legal bills, but Bailey has nonetheless moved forward with those cases.

Plocher, a former municipal judge, is leading the fundraising race to replace Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who is running for governor.

In April, Plocher reported more than $1.3 million between his campaign account and an allied political action committee.

His closest competitor in the campaign finance arena was Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, who had nearly $255,000 on hand.

Other Republicans running include state Rep. Adam Schwadron, state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, Valentina Gomez, Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller, Jamie Corley and Mike Carter.
The president has made a mockery of the rule of law and fundamentally altered our politics in un-American ways, warned the letter from a group of U.S. senators. It declared that we are unwilling to aid and abet this White House in its project to tear this country apart.

A condemnation of then-President Donald Trumps unprecedented attempt to overthrow a national election on Jan. 6, 2021? It certainly reads like it.

But no, ironically enough, the letter, initially issued Friday by eight Republican senators and later signed by others, refers to President Joe Biden. It pushes the false narrative that Biden somehow arranged Trumps criminal conviction by a jury of 12 regular Americans in a state court over which the White House has no authority.

Lawfare, the letter calls it  a play on warfare, describing Bidens supposed weaponization of the justice system for partisan gain. Its the latest trendy MAGA myth and an utterly invalid one.

The psychological concept of projection  the tendency to imagine seeing ones own negative traits in others  is something of a Trumpian specialty. But the lack of self-awareness in this case is startling even by MAGA standards.

Within the irony of Trump backers accusing Biden of undermining political norms and the rule of law (do they even hear themselves?) is an extra layer of irony: Among the letters signers are Missouri Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt.

Hawleys hypocrisy here is so clear that even spelling it out feels like an exercise in the painfully obvious. He was the first senator to officially validate Trumps phony election-fraud claim that directly led to the Jan. 6 melee  and the only one photographed raising his fist in solidarity with the anti-democracy mob. For Hawley of all people to accuse anyone of trying to tear this country apart almost qualifies as parody.

The whole country remembers that. But its worth reminding readers of Schmitts special brand of hypocrisy regarding lawfare. After all, as Missouris attorney general until early last year, Schmitt broke new ground in that dark art by politicizing the legal powers of his office to a then-unprecedented degree.

Anyone who has followed Schmitts political career knows that, as a Missouri state senator, he was among the more moderate and responsible members of the Legislature. Later, as state treasurer, he was similarly no-nonsense.

But then  whether from genuine ideological conversion, cynical political opportunism or some combination of both  Schmitt went full MAGA during his four years as attorney general.

During the pandemic, Schmitt used his tax-funded powers as the states top legal official to push the extremist culture-war narrative that the precautions recommended by virtually all serious medical professionals were invalid government intrusion.

He sued more than 40 school districts for enforcing mask mandates, accompanied, of course, by campaign-minded announcements and right-wing media interviews.

A court in 2023 would rule that Schmitt never had the authority to impose his ideologically tainted anti-science views on schools. But by that time, Schmitt had already completed his mission to, as The Atlantic once put it, sue his way to the U.S. Senate.

It wasnt just masks. Schmitt also sued multiple school districts over their curriculum, including allegations based on that favorite racially charged right-wing bogeyman critical race theory.

Schmitts prodigious use of lawfare took a turn for the absurd when he sued China over the coronavirus, a meaningless stunt that became a national punchline.

At least the only potential victims of that one were Missouris taxpayers. Far more ominous was Schmitts participation in a multi-state Republican lawsuit seeking to overturn the 2020 election results in swing states where Trump had lost.

This was nothing less than the use of Missouris highest legal office to attempt to deny the voting rights of the 81.2 million Americans who elected Biden (with a 7-million-vote, 74-electoral-vote margin over Trump). But the real problem is a jury of 12 Americans holding Trump accountable for hiding payments to a porn star in order to win an earlier election? Thats the lawfare?

In short, Schmitt perfected the art of abusing the legal system for political purposes. But dont take our word for it. Consider the views of top Missouri Republican legislators who, in 2022, moved to deny a $500,000 bump to Schmitts budget because, as one put it, he was evidently misusing the legal powers of his office for political purposes.

Lawfare, in other words.

Schmitt, Hawley and anyone else certainly has the right to disagree with last weeks jury verdict in Manhattan and to question prosecutors pursuit of the hush-money charges in the first place. We have made the latter point ourselves.

But for sitting senators to publicly allege, with zero evidence, that the Biden White House somehow corrupted an American jury is far more un-American than holding a former president responsible for his actions.
If there was an out-of-control fire engulfing wide swaths of St. Louis right now, there are a few things the citys residents would very much not want to hear from their mayor.

They wouldnt want her to cite data showing that St. Louis last year actually had fewer fires than in earlier years.

They wouldnt want her to insist that her policies are slowly moving the city in the right direction, fire-wise, but that she understands there is still more to do.

And they certainly wouldnt want her to go on about how her development of state-of-the-art new sprinkler technology is going to reduce fires in the years to come.

Theyd want to hear one thing: We are going to do whatever it takes to put out this fire, right now.

The fire currently engulfing St. Louis is, of course, crime.

The citys 17 shootings from Friday through Sunday  at least three of them fatal, most of them apparently unrelated  drive home the fact that, last years improved homicide numbers notwithstanding, St. Louis remains one of the most dangerous cities in America in terms of violent crime.

Mayor Tishaura O. Jones has faced random shooting spikes like this before, but this is the first one since her announcement last month that she will seek reelection next year.

It should give her pause about staying the course on her stance toward policing. That stance has improved during her tenure, but continues to de-emphasize the obvious need for a major, sustained boost in the number of officers on visible beats throughout the city, especially in high-crime areas and Downtown.

As of last month, the city police department was more than 300 officers down from its budgeted staff of 1,200. And that budgeted total itself is below what it was before Jones took office in 2021 and dropped 100 vacant positions.

Dropping those positions was in keeping with Jones 2021 mayoral campaign, which was strongly backed by progressive activists touting a defund-the-police philosophy that never made sense and has since been widely discredited here and around the country.

When Jones last year sought a major increase in the police budget (in part to thwart an attempted state takeover of the department), the furious push-back from her base confirmed that they still dont get it.

The fact that last years total of 158 homicides in the city was hailed as an improvement  despite still giving St. Louis among the nations highest homicide rates  speaks volumes. As does the fact that January homicide rates this year were far above those for the same month last year.

Jones insistence that We are headed in the right direction now, as she tweeted Monday, is little more than wishful thinking unless its backed up with a forceful, specific pledge to put more officers on the street.

Some have argued that St. Louis per capita police staffing is already higher than many peer cities. But most peer cities arent bleeding away population and their national reputations from homicide and other crime rates that remain unacceptable.

Anyone who lives Downtown or in some of the more crime-ridden neighborhoods of the city knows that the sense of unconfronted lawlessness is palpable  and can only be confronted with more cops with more public visibility.

Challenges in hiring new officers are real, but not insurmountable.

Police salaries here may be within the normal range nationally, but the special challenges of St. Louis merits at least talking about abnormal salaries. What if St. Louis offered enough in police pay that the entire law enforcement profession took notice? Enough to draw the best and brightest recruits?

How would the city fund that? The answer may be staring us right in the face: St. Louis remaining $250 million portion of the NFL/Rams settlement sits in interest-bearing accounts, waiting for the citys leaders and residents to figure out what to do with it. How about discussing a permanent endowment to subsidize truly enticing police salaries?

One problem: The recruitment and training process takes time, meaning even a major increase in police funding and recruitment right now wont be immediately seen on the streets for some time.

So what about enticing retired cops back onto the job? Police Chief Robert Tracy told reporters in a press conference Monday that he has done essentially that with 22 returning officers. How about investing in a program to multiply that number by 10?

Notably, Jones wasnt at that press conference to publicly discuss the spate of shootings. Instead, she tweeted a series of vague platitudes like, We are working hard to attract more police officers and We have to stay the course.

In fact, her most specific tweet was to note that last year was the first full year of action by her Office of Violence Prevention, which addresses societal issues underlying violence. Its not an invalid approach in itself. But its a discussion about future sprinkler technology even as the building burns.

As Citizens for a Greater Downtown St. Louis put it in a statement: This is a five-alarm crisis that demands immediate action. Jones continues to fail to embrace that apt metaphor at her own electoral peril.
Master Sergeant Darren Thedieck poses for a photo in front of his unit crest at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on June 3, 2024. Thedieck has amassed a net worth of over $600,000, and he runs a Facebook group to offer investing insights to fellow service members. (Brian Erickson/Stars and Stripes)

AVIANO, Italy  Watching his mother struggle to find work made Air Force Master Sgt. Darren Thedieck money-conscious from a young age.

Even as a kid doing odd jobs, he nurtured the habit of setting aside a portion of his earnings. When he joined the service at 18, he was already intent on building his dream life by following the investment advice hed gleaned through his voracious reading on personal finance.

Now the 31-year-old radio frequency transmission systems noncommissioned officer at Aviano Air Base has financial assets totaling $515,000, as well as collectibles and antiques that an online valuation he did estimated at $100,000.

While his nest egg grows toward his target of $1 million, he dispenses social media lessons with the aim of helping fellow service members duplicate his financial success on a military income.

When I was 16, my dad had Bloomberg on (television), and neither my dad or my mom were really, truly financially literate, and we didnt really talk about finances that much, Thedieck said. But I kind of gained interest from watching Bloomberg because Id asked my dad, I was like, What are those symbols? 

After receiving an explanation that they were publicly traded companies, the Tallahassee, Fla., native went to a local bookstore and purchased a couple of books on investing.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Darren Thedieck and his wife, Naudia, pose for a photo during their wedding in Denmark on April 29, 2023. Now 31, Thedieck started investing when he joined the Air Force at 18. His goal is to retire at 38 and be financially independent. (Darren Thedieck)

He spent the two years before graduating high school becoming as knowledgeable on the subject as he could and  at the urging of his father and grandfather, both of whom served in the Army  enlisted in the Air Force in 2011.

That same year, he started his investment journey by opening a Roth IRA to ensure tax-free income in retirement. Later, after further research, he created a taxable brokerage account to help grow his portfolio.

The brokerage account offers me a little bit more flexibility and potential liquidity, said Thedieck, who is married and has an infant daughter.

As a master sergeant with 13 years of service time, he earns base pay of just over $5,150 a month, which equates to a roughly $61,800 annual salary. With assorted allowances added in, his gross income is about $9,600 a month, or just over $115,000 a year.

Between maxing out his contribution to his IRA, the 20% of his base pay put into his Thrift Savings Plan and his contributions to his taxable brokerage account, he stashes away over $2,300 a month.

His current budget lists his monthly housing and utilities expenses at just under $2,300. Grocery expenditures range between $700 and $750 per month. He also has specific budget lines for dining out, car repair, insurance, subscriptions and other discretionary items such as travel.

If you accomplish a budget, it can help you provide a snapshot of where your expenses are going, Thedieck said. And you might be surprised by doing a budget and seeing maybe I dont necessarily need those four or five subscriptions.

In 2017, when he set his sights on retiring early, he also began feeling a desire to start passing on his knowledge.

I started off sponsored by the USO, (and then) developed my own finance class to teach both Army and Air Force service members in Korea, he said.

Now seven years shy of his goal of retiring at 38 with financial independence, he is giving back through his public Facebook group, Financial Dream to Reality.

The group was created in 2020 and has over 800 members. Thedieck currently seeks to push out content on the page three times a week.

His foremost advice is pay yourself first. He recommends that people set aside a certain percentage for themselves.

Establishing an automatic allotment is a good idea, he said, adding that the amount could be as modest as $20 to $50 a week, which will get you closer to your goals. Thedieck started small and increased the allotment when he could.

Think of yourself and what kind of person you want to be in 20 to 30 years, he said. And challenge yourself and say, What do I need to do today to make sure I arrive at that point? 
A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command airmen supported by Space Force guardians launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with one reentry vehicle on June 4, 2024, at about 12:56 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. (Olga Houtsma/U.S. Space Force)

WASHINGTON  The Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile overnight to test the safety and reliability of U.S. nuclear deterrent forces, the services Global Strike Command announced Tuesday.

The ICBM launched at about 12:56 a.m. Pacific Standard Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. The Air Force said in a statement that tests have occurred more than 300 times, and the latest was not a result of current world events.

Our ICBM force provides 24/7 strategic deterrence and stands ready to respond at a moments notice as the most responsive leg of the nuclear triad, said Gen. Thomas Bussiere, who leads Air Force Global Strike Command. Our test launches demonstrate and confirm our readiness to deliver a safe, secure, effective, and credible, global combat capability.

The ICBMs reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the Army Space and Missile Defense Commands Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on the Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Test site members collected radar, optical and telemetry data in the final phase of the flight to evaluate the systems performance.

A second Minuteman III launch is scheduled for Thursday, according to KSBY News, a central California news outlet.

The LG-35A Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III by 2029, according to the Air Force statement.
New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Joel Strickland, left, and Spec. Desany Jacques, members of the New York National Guard security force in New York City, used their training and issued first aid packages to help save the life of a stabbing victim on May 20, 2024, while on duty in Queens, N.Y. (Stephanie Sylvain/U.S. Army National Guard)

Two soldiers of the New York Army National Guard saved the life of a stabbing victim in New York City, according to a service news release .

On May 20, Staff Sgt. Joel Strickland and Spc. Desany Jacques were working a security checkpoint at the Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue subway station in Queens, N.Y., assisting police with bag checks.

Soon after arriving at the station, the soldiers observed a violent incident unfolding. A man, yelling loudly, jumped over the turnstiles and attacked two civilians. Police intervened while Strickland and Jacques provided backup. One of the victims walked up to Strickland and Jacques, revealing he had been stabbed in his upper back.

One of the civilians turns around  he had a black hoodie on  and his entire hoodie was soaked in blood, Strickland said.

Police called for an ambulance while Strickland and Jacques provided emergency first aid.

Strickland is a trained medic, so he ordered Jacques, a trained supply specialist, to retrieve their EMT bag. He then moved to cover the mans wound to stop the bleeding. Jacques quickly returned with a trauma kit full of life-saving equipment. The soldiers were able to stop the bleeding after about four minutes, and they then applied a special trauma bandage to the wound. EMTs arrived on scene about 10 minutes later.

All members of the task force are trained in emergency trauma care, which enabled the soldiers to save the victims life, company commander Capt. Caleb Jean said.

The National Guard and New York police work together as part of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, which provides security to the citys trains and airports. In March, N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul directed the task force to provide security and perform bag checks in the New York subway system.
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Sid Edson, a Brooklyn native who was drafted in 1943, visits Omaha Beach on June 4, 2024. He was part of a group of nearly 70 World War II veterans flown to France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. (Robert H. Reid/Stars and Stripes)

OMAHA BEACH, France  Sid Edson was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his role aboard a B-24 bomber on D-Day. He emphatically refuses to be labeled a hero.

I just did what I was told to do, he said as he stood on the sand of Omaha Beach.

Edson, 100, said the hero label belongs to the nearly 160,000 Allied troops who landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944, including 73,000 Americans.

A estimated 2,501 Americans were killed on D-Day, most of them on Omaha, where German defenders fought back from stone bunkers on bluffs overlooking the flat shore.

Edson was among a group of nearly 70 World War II veterans flown to France for Thursdays 80th anniversary of the landings.

Joe Ventura, who was a cannoneer in 3rd Infantry Division sent to Europe during World War II as a replacement for those killed in Normandy, visits Omaha Beach on June 4, 2024. He fought in Europe and was in Belgium on V-E Day. (Robert H. Reid/Stars and Stripes) Bill Wall, who was a radio operator and gunner in B-24s and B-17s with the 453rd Bombardment Command, visits Omaha Beach on June 4, 2024. His plane was grounded for maintenance on D-Day but back in the air June 7. He flew more than 30 combat missions and holds the Distinguished Flying Cross and other medals. (Robert H. Reid/Stars and Stripes) Fred Taylor, a 101-year-old who flew P-51s with the 52nd Fighter Squadron mostly in the Italian campaign, greets well-wishers at Omaha Beach on June 4, 2024. He was part of a group of nearly 70 World War II veterans flown to France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. (Robert H. Reid/Stars and Stripes) Members of a group of nearly 70 World War II veterans flown to France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings head for a viewing area at Omaha Beach on June 4, 2024. (Robert H. Reid/Stars and Stripes) Charles Baldwin, a 102-year-old who was a pilot in the 23rd Fighter Squadron, visits Omaha Beach on June 4, 2024. He was part of a group of nearly 70 World War II veterans flown to France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. (Robert H. Reid/Stars and Stripes) Members of a group of nearly 70 World War II veterans flown to France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings visit Omaha Beach on June 4, 2024. (Robert H. Reid/Stars and Stripes) It was a cloudy day at Omaha Beach on June 4, 2024, during a visit by a group of nearly 70 World War II veterans flown to France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. (Robert H. Reid/Stars and Stripes)

With the youngest of the estimated 16.4 million Americans who served in that war now approaching 100, this is likely to be the last major D-Day commemoration with large numbers of veterans in attendance.

Edson was a radio operator/gunner assigned to the 491st Bomb Group based in England.

He and his crew were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for destroying the barracks of a German air base to prevent fighter planes from attacking the invasion force.

Everyone who was on the ground here on D-Day was a hero, he said while standing on the sandy beach.

He even refused to sit in one of the World War II-style jeeps on display for the ceremonies.

Somehow that would diminish the memory of the men who died here, he said.

Edson and the other veterans sat in wheelchairs facing the beach for a brief ceremony.

The faces of many veterans staring out at the English Channel reflected the emotions that their journey has stirred.

A bugler stands on a sandy bluff and plays taps at Omaha Beach on June 4, 2024, during a visit by a group of nearly 70 World War II veterans flown to France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. (Robert H. Reid/Stars and Stripes)

Following speeches by an Army chaplain and David Bellavia, who was awarded the Medal of Honor in the 2004 Battle of Fallujah in Iraq, a bugler stood on a sandy bluff and played taps.

Some of the veterans and others wiped their eyes.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, commander of U.S. Forces Japan, speaks with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara during a live-fire exercise near Mount Fuji, May 27, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is looking very closely at a proposal to put a four-star general in charge of U.S. Forces Japan.

The secretary told reporters about the plan Monday at the Shangri-La Dialogue defense forum in Singapore.

This is something that were looking at very closely, he said, according to a transcript of his remarks posted on the Defense Department website.

Austin said he had no announcement to make Monday about changes to USFJ. We want to get it right the first time.

In terms of the command-and-control capability, we absolutely support Japans decision to stand up a joint headquarters, he said in Singapore.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, commander of U.S. Forces Japan, visits the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, Jan. 6, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

USFJ, headquartered at Yokota in western Tokyo, is led by Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, who is also in charge of 5th Air Force. The command serves as a liaison between the U.S. military throughout the country and the government of Japan.

We are unable to speculate on any potential future decision points for our senior leaders, a USFJ spokesman, Air Force Maj. Thomas Barger, said by email Tuesday. USFJ leadership and staff continue to advance the U.S.-Japan Alliance amidst an increasingly severe security environment in the region.

Upgrading the USFJ commanders rank is symbolic but its unclear what the practical benefits are, said Ralph Cossa, a retired Air Force officer and former president of the Pacific Forum think tank in Hawaii.

The most logical rationale would be to make USFJ and USFK (U.S. Forces Korea) commanders equivalents given the plan to upgrade the US-Japan [military-to-military] relationship, he said by email Tuesday.

Combined Forces Command, which unifies USFK with the South Korean armed forces, is led by USFK commander Gen. Paul LaCamera, with a South Korean deputy commander. In a conflict, it would serve as the operational headquarters for all U.S. and South Korean forces.

A higher ranked commander makes no difference in terms of improved ability to fight and win a war, said Grant Newsham, a retired Marine colonel and senior researcher with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo.

What USFJ needs is the structure, resources, forces, command authority, and mission to be a real warfighting command - not a force that just apologizes to [the government of Japan] now and then when US forces misbehave and passes messages back and forth, he said by email Tuesday. Without the aforementioned, it really doesnt matter if USFJ is a four-star or any other star.

Plans to restructure USFJ were reported by The Financial Times in March. The aim is to boost military planning and drills involving the allies, according to the newspaper, which did not reveal its sources.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at the time that discussions were underway about strengthening cooperation on command and control to improve the militaries readiness, training methods and ability to use each others equipment.

Japan might see a four-star U.S. general as more important and preferable since his Japanese counterpart might be the same rank, Newsham said.

And if symbolism is what youre after, a four star might suggest the US places more importance on Japan than symbolized by a three star, he said. But symbolism doesnt win wars. And winning wars is all that matters.
A South Korean marine takes aim while training in Pohang, South Korea, March 29, 2023. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  South Korea has formally suspended a military deconfliction agreement with North Korea in response to ballistic missile tests and trash-filled balloons sent across the border.

The suspension took effect 3 p.m. Tuesday and scraps the entirety of the Comprehensive Military Agreement that prohibited Seoul and Pyongyang from conducting artillery drills and military flights near the border that divides the Korean Peninsula, deputy policy minister Cho Chang-rae said in a televised news briefing that day.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol approved of the plan after Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and other cabinet members held an emergency meeting in Seoul earlier Tuesday.

South Koreas military will resume all suspended activities at the border until mutual trust between the South and the North is restored, Cho said. The ministry did not provide information on potential military drills.

The North Korean regime is solely responsible for causing this situation, and if it makes additional provocations, the South Korean military will sternly punish it , Cho said.

South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman Col. Lee Sung-jun declined to go into specifics on future drills during a news conference Tuesday, but said the military was prepared  to perform them immediately.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then-President Moon Jae-in signed the accords on Sept. 19, 2018, during a summit in Pyongyang. The leaders vowed to restore relations severed after the 1950-53 Korean War.

The South Korean government had warned the North that its ballistic missile tests and satellite launches were grounds to formally withdraw from the agreement.

Following North Koreas successful satellite launch on Nov. 21, Seoul partially suspended a provision in the agreement that banned aerial reconnaissance operations at the border.

That suspension prompted Pyongyang to fully withdraw from the agreement and reinstate armed troops at guard posts along the border, according to a state-run Korean Central News Agency report on Nov. 24.

North Korea has launched ballistic missiles in six separate days of testing so far this year and four rockets carrying satellites in the past 12 months.

South Korea and the United States consider these missile tests and satellite launches a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibiting the communist regime from using ballistic missile technology.

North Koreas declaration of its de facto withdrawal has already resulted in  continued provocations, as well as hampering South Koreas military readiness, the South Korean presidential cabinet said in a news release Tuesday.

South Koreas government also alleged the suspension was predicated on North Koreas weeklong provocations.

North Korea sent roughly 980 balloons carrying trash and manure to the South between May 28 and June 1. The balloons were dispatched in retaliation for South Korean human rights activists who frequently sent balloons carrying aid, according to a KCNA report on May 26.

Debris from at least one of those balloons fell onto Osan Air Base, a U.S. installation 30 miles south of Seoul.

The communist regime also attempted to jam the South Korean militarys GPS signals at the maritime border for several days last week, according to the National Defense Ministry.

The South Korean military makes it clear that it will take all necessary measures to protect the lives and safety of its people in response to North Koreas provocations, Cho said.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin attends the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore June 1, 2024. (Edgar Su/Reuters)

SINGAPORE (Reuters)  U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Cambodia on Tuesday for a brief visit aimed at reversing some of the gains China has made in the country amid increasing concern about Beijings growing presence at a key Cambodian naval base.

Cambodias decision to allow China to develop Ream Naval Base, located at a key waterway on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand in Sihanoukville province, has Washington worried that it will give Beijing a new outpost near the contested South China Sea, most of which is claimed by China.

Adding to the U.S. concerns, China last month sent two warships to Cambodia and East Timor on a tour that will last to mid-June.

Austin confirmed his arrival in Phnom Penh with a post on X on Tuesday.

A U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said there was optimism in Washington that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who studied at West Point, will be more aligned with Washington than his predecessor, his father Hun Sen.

After stepping down as prime minister last year, Hun Sen has become president of the Cambodian Senate, and told a local newspaper before the 2023 election that his son would rule in his own model.

This isnt a visit that is about significant deliverables and achievements, the U.S. defense official said.

Were very clear eyed about some of the challenges that weve had on both sides between the United States and Cambodia in the past, I think well be very direct and articulate about how we see U.S. interests, the official added.

Before a China-funded upgrade began in June 2022, Ream had been the site of some joint naval training and exercises between the United States and Cambodia. Cambodia demolished the U.S.-built facility in October 2020.

Two Chinese warships, likely corvettes or frigates, have been docked at Ream since December.

China has been boosting its ironclad friendship with the Southeastern Asian country, amid high-level state and military leader exchanges since last year.

In March, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun met with Deputy Commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army Mao Sophan in Beijing, with both pledging further military cooperation.

Last week, Hun Manet said Cambodia would begin construction in August of a Chinese-backed $1.7 billion canal that has caused tension with neighbouring Vietnam and sparked fears that it could be used by Chinese warships. Cambodia has dismissed those claims as baseless.

(Editing by John Mair)
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on June 3, 2024. (Jam Sta Rosa, Pool Photo, AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  A Swiss-hosted summit on Ukraine will aim to carve a path to involving Russian officials in future talks after establishing agreement on nuclear safety, food security and returning abducted children, a draft document shows.

The June 15-16 gathering in Lucerne, Switzerland, will focus on the three measures as a way to build trust in order to later engage with Moscow on a limited number of issues, according to a draft document seen by Bloomberg.

Although Russian officials have been excluded from the Kyiv-led format, the document says that an end to the war must involve all parties.

We, therefore, agreed to undertake concrete steps which can serve as confidence building measures in the above-mentioned areas with further engagement of the representatives of the Russian Federation, the document, which is subject to change in negotiations, says.

Before opening talks with Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had aimed to secure consensus from countries  particularly those of the so-called Global South  for a broader set of demands that included the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

But the aims of the Swiss summit, a culmination of rounds of talks by senior diplomats and national security advisers from dozens of nations, have narrowed from Ukraines 10-point blueprint in an effort to secure the participation of as many leaders as possible.

Ukraine and its allies have struggled to win full backing for the process, above all from China, which has signaled it may not attend the meeting. Zelenskyy last week accused Beijing, which has sought to portray itself as neutral even as it maintains close ties with Moscow, of working to undermine the summit.

The extent of the participation from other key nations, such as India, Brazil, South Africa and Saudi Arabia, remains unclear.

Biden no-show

Still, over 100 countries and 75 heads of state have confirmed they will attend, according to the Ukrainian leader. Most Group of Seven leaders will attend, but not U.S. President Joe Biden. Vice President Kamala Harris will make the trip, the White House said Monday. Bidens national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, will join her.

The draft document lays out three main principles:

 Nuclear power facilities must be safe and any threat of using nuclear weapons is inadmissible. Nuclear installations, including the power plant in Zaporizhzhia, must operate under Ukrainian control and in line with principles set out by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

 Food security must not be weaponized  and be guaranteed by free navigation in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Ukraine must have access to third parties for its agriculture products.

 All captives in the war must be released, including all deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children and civilians, who must be returned to Ukraine.

Russia has in the past sought to influence other international gatherings, such as meetings of the Financial Action Task Force  by pressuring governments and threatening to upend defense and energy deals  and looked to enroll allies such as China for help, Bloomberg has reported. Moscow has also made Africa a key focus of its disinformation efforts.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meanwhile said more than two dozen countries have expressed backing for Beijings initiative to resolve the war, which would involve both Ukraine and Russia.

The draft, which says a path to peace must align with the United Nations Charter, anticipates that a second summit will take place.

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Protesters and militia fighters carry the logo of the U.S. Embassy during a protest to condemn air strikes on bases belonging to Hashd al-Shaabi (paramilitary forces), in Baghdad, Dec. 31, 2019. (Wissm Al-Okili/Reuters)

Overall, the intensity and the types of weapons systems used have steeply escalated, said Mike Knights, a fellow at the U.S.-based Washington institute for Near East Policy, where he tracks the attacks. It complicates the Israeli task and is an increased financial cost, he said.

Reuters spoke to more than a dozen people, including sources in Iraqi armed groups and other factions in Irans network of regional allies known as the Axis of Resistance, alongside U.S. and other regional officials, most of whom spoke on condition of anonymity to give candid assessments of a sensitive issue.

They said the attacks by Iraqi factions, including Kataib Hezbollah and Nujaba, were a cause for rising concern for Washington and also viewed with unease among some in Iran and its powerful Axis ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has carefully calibrated its own engagements with Israel to prevent all-out regional conflict.

They could get the Axis involved in something it does not currently want, a senior figure in the Axis of Resistance said, describing the view among pro-Iran groups on condition he not be identified.

Iran and Hezbollah, the most organized members of the network, have in the past struggled to rein in Iraqi factions.

Hussein al-Mousawi, a spokesperson for Nujaba, one of the main armed Shiite factions in Iraq participating in strikes on Israel, told Reuters the strikes were a natural evolution of the role of Iraqi groups and aimed to increase the cost of the war in Gaza. They intend to strike from anywhere, for as long as is necessary.

The operations carried out by the Resistance are not bound by temporal or spatial boundaries, Mousawi said. We, as a resistance, do not fear the consequences as long as we are in the right and we represent the popular and official will.

The Iraqi government, which carefully balances its alliances with both Washington and Tehran, does not officially approve of the strikes but has been unable or unwilling to stop them.

Critics say this shows the limits of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudanis power in a coalition government that includes Iran-backed armed groups, and may undermine efforts to rebrand Iraq as stable and open for business.

Iraq does not recognize Israel and a 2022 law punishes those trying to normalize ties with death or life in prison. Israel views Iraq as an Iranian vassal state and main corridor for weapons from Iran to other armed groups including Hezbollah.

The Israeli and Iraqi governments did not respond to requests for comment. The U.S. State Department declined to comment.

ESCALATING THREAT

The Iraqi groups trace their roots to the fight against U.S. troops in Iraq after the toppling of dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. They have since grown their regional reach, mirroring the evolution of other Iranian allies such as the Houthis in Yemen who have launched strikes on shipping in the Red Sea.

Iraqi groups joined the Syrian civil war in support of Irans ally President Bashar al-Assad, gaining a foothold in territory near the border with Israel. A shadowy Iraqi group claimed drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2021 and 2022.

The attacks by Iraqi groups on Israel are launched from areas south of Baghdad and in the Iraqi-Syrian border area where Iran-backed factions hold sway, according to Knights.

To get from Iraq to Israel, projectiles must fly over Syria, Jordan or Saudi Arabia.

While Iran has been keen to have Iraqi factions contribute to the regional battle against Israel, their propensity to miscalculate was a constant cause for concern, the senior figure in the Axis said.

He noted that the Iraqi groups had already unwittingly caused a major regional escalation in January, when they killed three U.S. troops in a drone attack on a U.S. outpost in Jordan.

That attack - which crossed multiple U.S. and regional red lines by hitting a neighboring Arab state and killing Americans - led to a deadly campaign of U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria.

So serious was the risk of escalation then, that the commander of Irans elite Quds Force travelled to Baghdad to tell the factions to dial down their attacks, Iranian and Iraqi sources told Reuters at the time.

Attacks on U.S. forces stopped. There was a brief lull. Then, they turned their attention to Israel.

A senior Iranian official who asked not to be identified to discuss sensitive matters said this shift in focus was part of a plan to keep the pressure on Israel over the Gaza war.

A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said the attacks on Israel jeopardized the stability of Iraq and the region by increasing the risk of military action, including potentially by the U.S. and Israel.

The sophistication and frequency of these attacks highlight the escalating threat posed by these groups the official said.

The U.S. military will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of our allies.

FREE HAND

Iraq has posed a threat to Israel before - notoriously during the 1991 Gulf War when Saddam fired barrages of Scud missiles at Tel Aviv and Haifa.

At the time, Washington prevailed upon Israel not to retaliate to avoid an escalation that could undermine a U.S.-led coalition, including Arab armies, which had been pulled together to eject Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

After Hamas militants launched their attack on Israel on Oct. 7 last year precipitating the war in Gaza, Iraqi Shiite armed factions, like other pro-Iranian groups, pledged to carry out attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians.

They initially targeted mainly U.S. forces based in Iraq and Syria. But on Nov. 2 they claimed their first ever attack on Israel.

A handful of other claimed attacks on Israel followed in the next few months, including four in February, even after the groups had publicly halted attacks on U.S. forces, according to public claims of responsibility by the Iran-backed groups.

The number of claimed attacks shot up to 17 in March, and doubled again in May, averaging more than one a day, though U.S. officials and the source in the pro-Iranian Axis said they are not certain all the claimed attacks were genuine.

Reuters was not able to determine exactly how many attacks have been launched nor how many hit their intended target.

The attacks are frequently accompanied by video released on social media purporting to show the projectiles being fired from remote Iraqi desert sites as militants shout the names of holy figures revered mainly by Shiites. Reuters was not able to verify the date or location of the videos.

While Israel rarely comments on its operations in neighboring states, it is thought to have struck pro-Iran groups in Iraq before, in 2019, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had given the military a free hand to act to thwart Irans plans.

Asked to provide information on launches by Iran-backed factions in Iraq, the Israeli military declined to comment.

Israeli authorities have publicly confirmed at least two impacts on the coastal city of Eilat that Israeli media said came from Iraq, on a school in November and a naval base in April.

Additionally, the military has announced many interceptions of projectiles coming from the east, widely seen as a reference to Iraq. No injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of the attacks.

Amos Yadlin, a retired Israeli air force general who formerly headed military intelligence, said he would rate the level of threat the attacks pose to Israel as one step down from Hezbollah or the Houthis.

The U.S. defense official said projectiles fired from Iraq had been intercepted by U.S. forces operating from various locations in the Middle East, as part of our commitment to Israels defense and regional security.

The frequency of these actions has increased in response to the rising number of threats, the official said.

(Reporting by Timour Azhari in Baghdad and Laila Bassam in Beirut; additional reporting by Dan Williams in Jerusalem and Parisa Hafezi in Dubai; writing by Timour Azhari; Editing by Peter Graff)
Palestinians inspect a vehicle hit in an Israeli strike, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, June 4, 2024. (Ramadan Abed/Reuters)

JERUSALEM  Israeli shelling and airstrikes killed at least 19 people in central and south Gaza on Tuesday, including two police officers who were helping protect humanitarian aid deliveries in the southern city of Rafah, Palestinian medics said.

Seventeen of the deaths, they said, occurred in separate Israeli airstrikes on the al-Bureij and al-Maghazi refugee camps and the city of Deir-al-Balah in central Gaza, and by late Tuesday tanks were shelling an area just east of the al-Nusseirat camp, residents said.

Some told Reuters via chat app that the renewed Israeli military push was sowing panic, with some families living in al-Maghazi starting to flee under tank fire, with four shells crashing near a clinic in the camp.

In a brief statement issued earlier in the day, the Israeli military said jets were hitting Hamas militant targets in central Gaza while ground forces were operating in a focused manner with guidance from intelligence in the al-Bureij area.

It gave no update on activity in Rafah, into which Israeli forces swept last month in what the military calls a limited operation to root out Hamas last intact combat units after almost eight months of devastating war in the Gaza Strip.

The small city fringing Gazas southern border with Egypt had been sheltering about one million Palestinians who fled Israeli assaults in other parts of the enclave, but most have fled again in the face of Israels tank-led advance.

Israel launched an air and ground offensive in Gaza last October vowing to destroy Hamas after militants stormed across the border into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 people hostage, according to Israeli tallies. About 120 hostages remain in Gaza.

The Israeli military campaign has killed more than 36,000 people in densely populated Gaza, according to its health authorities, who say thousands more bodies are buried under rubble.

Qatar said on Tuesday it had delivered an Israeli cease-fire proposal to Hamas that reflected a three-phase proposal presented on Friday by U.S. President Joe Biden, and that the paper was now much closer to the positions of both sides.

Qatar, which has been mediating on Gaza between Israel and Hamas, also stressed that there should be a clear position from both parties to clinch a deal, its foreign ministry spokesperson said in a press briefing.

The cease-fire deal should immediately end the long suffering of all people in Gaza and the hostages and their families and provide a roadmap for a permanent cease-fire and an end to the (humanitarian) crisis, Majed al-Ansari said.

However, a spokesman for Hamas, the Islamist militant group that has ruled Gaza since 2007, reiterated on Tuesday it could not agree to any deal unless Israel makes a clear commitment to a permanent truce and complete withdrawal from Gaza.

For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu repeated that there can be no permanent peace unless Hamas is eradicated, as he struggles with profound political divisions at home over the U.S.-backed truce proposal.

An aide to Netanyahu said on Sunday Israel had accepted the framework advanced by Biden, though he described it as flawed and in need of much more work.

On Tuesday, his biggest coalition partner said it would support such a deal even if it entails an overhaul of the war strategy. But Netanyahus far-right allies in the government threatened to bolt and bring it down if he wound down the Gaza war without having annihilated Hamas.

Bidens framework proposal involves in its first stage a six-week cease-fire when Israeli forces would withdraw from all populated areas of Gaza and some hostages  including the elderly and women  would be freed by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Under that plan, Hamas and Israel would negotiate in the same phase a permanent cease-fire that Biden said would last as long as Hamas lives up to its commitments.

In the second phase, Biden said there would be an exchange for all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza and the permanent cease-fire would begin. The last stage of the plan would include the reconstruction of the shattered coastal enclave.

Bidens Middle East envoy, Brett McGurk, will travel to the region this week to push for a hostage deal and ceasefire, a U.S. official told Reuters on Tuesday.

Al-Mughrabi reported from Cairo.
Smoke and flames rise during an Israeli air strike in the central Gaza Strip, June 3, 2024. (Ramadan Abed/Reuters)

UNITED NATIONS  The U.S. said on Monday it wants the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution backing the proposal outlined by President Joe Biden to end fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

It circulated a one-page draft text, seen by Reuters, to the 15-member council. A resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the U.S., France, Britain, China or Russia to pass.

The draft calls on Hamas to accept the deal and fully and implement its terms without delay and without condition. It also stresses the importance of the parties adhering to the terms of the deal once agreed, with the aim of bringing about a permanent cessation of hostilities.

The U.S. proposal comes a week after Algeria proposed a draft Security Council resolution demanding a Gaza cease-fire, release of all hostages held by Hamas and essentially ordering Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah.

Biden on Friday laid out what he described as a three-phase Israeli proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza in return for the release of Israeli hostages, saying its time for this war to end and winning a positive initial reaction from Hamas.

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, said U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield in a statement.

She urged council members to adopt the resolution. We must speak with one voice in support of this deal, she said.

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies said in a statement that they fully endorse and will stand behind the comprehensive cease-fire and hostage release deal. The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Egypt said it was important to deal seriously and positively.
The U.S. Capitol seen through a window of the Cannon House Office Building. (Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes)

WASHINGTON  House Republicans on Tuesday released a defense spending bill that eliminates funding for a long-standing Ukraine assistance initiative and restarts an effort to end abortion access for troops and gut other divisive Defense Department programs.

In a repeat of last year, the legislation seeks to end the Pentagons financial support for service members who want to travel for reproductive health care, prohibit funding for gender-affirming care and ban funding for diversity and inclusion offices.

It also further solidifies Republican resistance to aiding Ukraine by forgoing funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a training and weapons procurement program created after Russias initial invasion of the country in 2014.

Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., said the $833 billion defense bill would cut a total of $18 billion from the White Houses 2025 budget request for the Defense Department to refocus the military on its core war-fighting mission and growing competition with China.

This bill withholds funds from initiatives and programs that are wasteful, inefficient or do not contribute directly to our national security, said Calvert, who is the chairman of the House Appropriations Committees defense subpanel.

The defense subpanel is scheduled to debate the bill Wednesday.

Democrats on the subcommittee angrily denounced the draft legislation, saying it undermines democracy at home and abroad and includes harmful policy riders that divide the nation.

They criticized Republicans for pushing the same controversial provisions that passed the Republican-led House over steep Democrat opposition last year only to be scrapped later during bipartisan negotiations with the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Once again, the Republican majority has written a defense appropriations bill that prioritizes extremist social policy views over the well-being of our service members and the security of our nation, said Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota, the top Democrat on the defense appropriations subpanel.

Calvert called the bill a strategic investment in modernizing the military and supporting service members and their families.

The legislation provides for a 4.5% pay raise for troops requested by the White House and includes $2.5 billion for an additional 15% pay increase for junior enlisted service members.

The bill rejects some of the White Houses divestment plans by preventing the early retirement of three ships and some aircraft. It also provides $135 million above the White Houses request to support Israels defense, and $242 million beyond the requested amount to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs.

Republicans are proposing cuts in other areas to funnel money to their priorities. They are calling for a $916 million decrease in funding to the Defense Departments civilian workforce, a $612 million cut to the Pentagons climate change initiatives and a $53 million cut from diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

A provision in the bill puts pressure on the Pentagon and the services to take a serious look at what functions can be done better by technology than by civilians.

Calvert said every dollar counts this year as lawmakers are forced to craft budgets that fall within the spending limits imposed by last years debt ceiling deal. The draft defense appropriations bill represents a 1% funding increase from last year. The White House is asking for $895 billion for total national security spending in fiscal 2025, which begins Oct. 1.

In a resource- and time-constrained environment, my top priority for the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations Bill is to strengthen our militarys position against any threat presented by China, Calvert said.

The legislation includes funding for several unfunded priorities identified by military commanders in the Indo-Pacific region, increases investments in fifth- and sixth-generation aircraft and allocates $200 million for defense partnerships with Taiwan, an island democracy that China claims as its rightful territory.
President Joe Bidens administration expressed strong opposition to a House spending bill for fiscal 2025 largely over provisions that restrict abortions and deny therapies to veterans seeking gender-confirmation surgery. (Stars and Stripes)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Bidens administration expressed strong opposition Monday to a House spending bill for fiscal 2025 largely over provisions that restrict abortions and deny therapies to veterans seeking gender-confirmation surgery.

The White House also opposed a measure to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to obtain a court order before restricting the gun rights of veterans who have been appointed a representative to manage their finances.

The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill was approved May 23 by the House Appropriations Committee and includes $148 billion for military construction for the Department of Defense and $130 billion for the VA.

The House Committee on Rules was scheduled to meet Monday afternoon about the legislation. The full House is expected to vote on the package later this week. Both chambers of Congress need to pass the spending package before it reaches the presidents desk to be signed into law.

But the White House Office of Management and Budget criticized H.R. 8580  the annual appropriations bill for military construction projects and VA spending  as containing partisan policy measures by Republicans that would have devastating consequences. In a statement, the office said Biden would veto the bill if it passed the House and Senate.

The Office of Management and Budget warned the appropriations bill 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.

Rather than 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, the office said in its statement.

The White House office focused on a handful of Republican-backed measures in the VA spending package. Among the measures are a new restriction for abortion services for veterans and their beneficiaries.

The House proposal would stop the implementation of a new policy that enables the VA to provide abortion counseling and services under limited circumstances, when the life or health of the mother is at risk if she carried to term or when the pregnancy is the result of incest or rape.

This change would prevent VA from providing needed care when the health of the woman is endangered, the White House office said.

The 2025 spending bill also would stop the VA from covering hormonal therapies and related surgeries for veterans seeking gender-reassignment surgery. While the VA does not cover gender-reassignment surgeries, it provides treatment options that support and are done in conjunction with the surgeries.

VA currently provides all medically necessary gender-affirming care to transgender veterans with the exception of gender-affirming surgical interventions, due to an exclusion in the VA medical benefits package, the VA states on its website.

A new provision in the 2025 spending bill would end that practice.

The legislation also would stop the VA from restricting gun rights of veterans appointed fiduciaries to manage their benefits without a court order from a judge or magistrate.

The VA had a policy of forwarding the names of veterans appointed fiduciaries to the FBIs national database  effectively restricting identified individuals from legally purchasing or possessing guns.

Lawmakers in fiscal 2024 added a measure to the VA appropriations bill requiring the VA to first seek a court order from a judge or magistrate. But the requirement needs to be renewed in the fiscal 2025 appropriations bill to continue, lawmakers said.

The Biden administration argued Monday that the measure keeps the VA from reporting mentally incompetent veterans to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System  creating a dangerous loophole that allows mentally incompetent individuals to obtain firearms and potentially endanger the safety of communities.

The administration also objected to provisions in the appropriations package to keep the VA from requiring staff to receive vaccines for the coronavirus.
The house was sold for 340,000 last month, according to the Price Property Register.

Kinahan weapons cache caretaker James Walsh has cut a deal with the Criminal Assets Bureau to hand over the money made from the sale of his house in Dublin.

Walsh, who was freed from prison earlier this year, did not oppose a High Court case to have the Wheatfields Avenue house declared the proceeds of crime.

Its the latest property stripped from members of the Kinahan cartel by the State, bringing the total to more than 1 million in the last 12 months.

The house was sold for 340,000 last month, according to the Price Property Register, and the money will now go to CAB after any outstanding mortgage loans are paid.

Lisa OHara

It emerged at the High Court earlier this month Walsh and his ex-partner Lisa OHara had consented to the CAB application.

A receiver from CAB has also been appointed by the court to take full control of the assets, bringing an end to the legal battle for Walsh.

Lisa OHara had previously sought to get a hearing to apply for free legal aid to fight the case, but it was withdrawn.

Permission was later given to allow lawyers seek a motion to let the sale to go ahead.

OHara was convicted of her role in laundering gangland cash after it was heard in court she didnt ask any questions about the source of the money.

The house was the scene of garda searches in 2017 following a raid at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole as detectives acted on information from their British colleagues investigating Thomas Bomber Kavanaghs (right) drugs gang.

Walsh was convicted of his role in a weapons stash organised by Bomber Kavanagh in 2016.

Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh

Also convicted over the lethal underworld armoury was key cartel man Declan Brady, aka Mr Nobody, and Jonathan Rocket Man Harding.

Walsh also pleaded guilty in July 2021 at the non-jury Special Criminal Court to laundering 62,000 in crime cash.

The raid at Greenogue Business Park came at the height of the Hutch-Kinahan feud in January 2017.

Walsh was standing in the reception area of the industrial unit where gardai found 15 firearms, including an AK47, and 1,300 rounds of ammunition.

OHara was given a suspended sentence, after pleading guilty to multiple counts of laundering more than 100,000 that was the proceeds of crime. The Special Criminal Court found that she didnt know where the money came from but was reckless in not asking questions of her then partner and father of her child.

There has been a relentless campaign to target any assets connected to members of the Kinahan cartel in Ireland.

The jewel in the crown was the sprawling country home of Ross Browning, described in the High Court at the Kinahans No1 man in Ireland.

It sold at auction for a bargain 550,000 with just one bid for the asking price in Aprils online sale.

It was enough to secure the 3.5 acre property with two houses, stables and sheds in Garristown, north Dublin.

The only property so far confiscated by CAB with a direct link to Daniel Kinahan is No10 Coldwater Lakes in Saggart.

In November 2022 the High Court appointed a receiver to take control of the five-bed house that was valued at between 750k and 800k in 2013.
Four men are accused of murdering Mr Sherry, who died from blunt force head trauma in the steakhouse

A YOUTH accused of murdering gunman Tristan Sherry, who died after fatally shooting a man in a Dublin restaurant on Christmas Eve, has been sent forward for trial to the non-jury Special Criminal Court.

Mr Sherry, 26, was killed minutes after he shot Jason Hennessy Sr, 48, in Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown. Mr Hennessy, from Corduff, Blanchardstown, passed away in hospital on January 4.

Four men are accused of murdering Mr Sherry, who died from blunt force head trauma in the steakhouse.

The youngest, Noah Musueni, was a juvenile at the time of the incident and when initially charged.

The Children's Court heard today that the accused, has now turned 18 and reached adulthood, was about to sit the Leaving Certificate and that "Mr Musueni intends to fight this fully".

Detective Garda Tom McCarrick served the young man with a book of evidence.

A State solicitor told Judge Shalom Binchy that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed that Mr Musueni be sent forward for trial to the Special Criminal Court.

The DPP had furnished a certificate under section 46.2 of the Offences Against the State Act that in this case, "the ordinary courts are inadequate to secure the effective administration of justice". The judge greed to grant a return-for-trial order.

It was the first murder case from the investigation to reach this stage.

Judge Binchy told the accused, who is from Corduff Park, Corduff, that he must notify the prosecution if he intends to use an alibi.

She also ordered the gardai to hand over interview videos to the defence.

She warned him that he must obey bail conditions, and granted legal aid, including senior counsel representation. A date for his appearance in the Special Criminal Court has yet to be set.

His barrister, Doireann McDonagh, instructed by solicitor Simon Fleming, said that until now, the accused, who wants to study engineering in university, had a legal right to anonymity under section 93 of the Children Act. However, since recently turning 18, he no longer had that protection.

Counsel asked the judge to consider extending anonymity to him going forward, but conceded that there was no basis in law. She cited a Court of Appeal ruling in January that found this protection extended only to children who are defined as persons under the age of eighteen in the Act.

However, counsel submitted anonymity in that matter, has been continued pending a possible Supreme Court appeal.

In Mr Musueni's proceedings today, the State objected to the defence request and submitted that there was no provision in the legislation to prevent naming an accused once they turned 18.

Judge Binchy noted that she had already granted the trial order and said that, in the absence of a legal basis, she was refusing the application to impose the reporting restrictions.

In a High Court hearing in January, Mr Justice Tony Hunt had said a gangland-type scenario sprang to mind and he refused to grant the youth bail.

However, the teen successfully appealed that decision and later was granted bail subject to conditions, including avoiding several named individuals, a curfew, surrendering his passport, and signing on twice a week at a Garda station.

Three other men are still before the courts charged with the murder of Sherry.

Another youth and four other men face various charges, including assault, violent disorder and production of a weapon during the incident.

One of them is accused of a firearms offence after he allegedly took the gun used by Sherry out of the restaurant.
Stokes, a father of three with an address at Buttercup Avenue, Darndale, Coolock, pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

Michael Stokes insisted that he would fight the man later

A concert-goer found to be engaged in an altercation outside Dublins 3Arena told gardai who broke it up that he was a Traveller and would fight the other man later.

Michael Stokes (22) made the threat as he became very argumentative with officers who were telling him to move on, a court heard.

Judge Gerard Jones gave him a one-month suspended sentence when he appeared in Dublin District Court.

Stokes, a father of three with an address at Buttercup Avenue, Darndale, Coolock, pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

Garda Patricia Doyle said she was on duty around the 3Arena on October 22 last year when she became aware of an argument taking place.

When she went to help colleagues they had divided up the parties and were trying to move them on. Stokes was being asked to move.

Stokes became very argumentative with the garda.

He continued to shout, saying he was a Traveller and he would fight the male later.

Stokes refused to stop his behaviour, was arrested and brought to Store Street Garda Station where he was charged.

He had 50 previous convictions.

The accused had been at the concert and would say he was assaulted by a man and was defending himself, his solicitor Amanda Connolly said.

He realised he had too much to drink and should have desisted.

Judge Jones suspended the sentence for two years on condition Stokes keeps the peace and is of good behaviour.
Judge Jonathan Dunphy said many people wont go into the city centre because they are afraid of meeting people like Dumbrell

A man with a propensity for violence who assaulted another man on a Dublin street has been jailed for two years.

Leroy Roche Dumbrell (37) of Griffith Rath Hall, Maynooth, Co. Kildare pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of assault causing harm .

Imposing sentence today, Judge Jonathan Dunphy said many people wont go into the city centre because they are afraid of meeting people like Dumbrell.

He noted that Dumbrells propensity for violence was aggravated by his drug addiction but acknowledged that he has since made great progress in his rehabilitation. He said he clearly needs to be in full time anger management.

Judge Dunphy set a headline sentence for four and half years before he imposed a sentence of three years.

He said to assist, encourage and incentivise Dumbrell he would suspend the final 12 months of the term on the condition that he engage with the Probation Service for two years on his ultimate release from prison.

The court previously heard that gardai were called to Essex Quay on the morning of August 30, 2022, in relation to a public order incident.

When they arrived, gardai saw a man who was wearing no top and was covered in blood. The man had a deep cut to his face and other minor injuries but refused to say what had happened.

He also refused the offer of an ambulance or to allow gardai to treat his wound using a first aid kit. The man then told gardai to leave him alone before walking away.

The injured party has since passed away, and his death is unconnected to this incident, the court was told.

CCTV from the Essex Quay area was obtained by gardai and shown to the court. Dumbrell was identified from the footage as the person who assaulted the injured party.

He has 81 previous convictions, including one for assault causing serious harm, for which he received an eight-year sentence, with the final three years suspended.

The investigating garda agreed with John Berry BL, defending that the victim did not want to co-operate with gardai. It was also confirmed that the injured party's death is under investigation, and Dumbrell is not an active suspect.

The garda accepted that Dumbrell was an active drug user at the time of this offending and is known to gardai.

It was further agreed that Dumbrell was charged in September 2023 and spent several months in custody before the High Court granted him bail on strict conditions last December.

The garda accepted that Dumbrell has been living in Co. Kildare since his release on bail and has caused no issues for gardai during this time.

Urine analysis was handed to the court, which showed that Dumbrell had tested positive for cannabis and benzodiazepines. The garda agreed Dumbrell has been taking steps to address his addiction issues and worked for a period following his release on bail.

The garda said Dumbrell looks healthier, but his frightening propensity for violence is of more concern to gardai.

Mr Berry said his client has a staggering history of offending, most of which related to his client's propensity for violence.

He noted that the injured party was hurt during this incident and that it would have been frightening for members of the public.

He asked the court to take into account his client's guilty plea, efforts towards rehabilitation and steps taken to deal with his addiction to opiates and cocaine.

Mr Berry asked the court to give his client an opportunity to continue his efforts to rehabilitate and to consider adjourning his sentence for a period of time or imposing a suspended sentence.
Five men - one of whom is the younger brother of the deceased - and a teenager formally denied the murder of Thomas Dooley (43)

A father of seven suffered fatal injuries after "a savage" attack in a Kerry graveyard where he was set upon in front of his wife and four youngest children by a group of men, most of whom were armed with bladed weapons, and who had "a murderous ferocity and intent.

Five men - one of whom is the younger brother of the deceased - and a teenager formally denied the murder of Thomas Dooley (43) as the State opened the prosecution case before the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Dooley (43) died after suffering critical injuries while attending the funeral of a family friend at New Rath cemetery outside Tralee on October 5 2022.

Six defendants have gone on trial for the murder of Mr Dooley at the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Cork, with Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring being told the hearing could last for up to two months.

All six, who range in age from 18 to 42 years, formally denied the murder charge when arraigned.

The defendants are Daniel Dooley (42) of An Carraigin, Connolly Park, Tralee, Co Kerry; Thomas Dooley Snr (42) and Thomas Dooley Jnr (20) both of the Halting Site, Carrigrohane Road, Cork; Michael Dooley (28) of the Halting Site, Carrigrohane Road, Cork; Patrick Dooley (35) of Arbutus Grove Killarney, Co Kerry and a male teenager.

Thomas Dooley Jnr has also denied a second charge of recklessly causing serious harm to Siobhan Dooley on October 5 2022 at New Rath cemetery in Tralee.

The trial was told that Patrick Dooley is the younger brother of the deceased.

Thomas Dooley Snr, Daniel Dooley and Michael Dooley, all of whom are brothers, are first cousins to the deceased.

An extended jury of 15 members was sworn in today to hear the case given the expected duration of the trial.

In outlining what the State said it will present during the trial, prosecutor Dean Kelly SC said Thomas Dooley was attacked minutes after he entered the cemetery and directly in front of his wife, Siobhan, and his four youngest children, ranging in age from 15 to eight years.

Mr Kelly, who stressed that his case outline was not evidence, said the deceased had not done anything by either word or deed to provoke the attack.

He described Mr Dooley as "a decent man, devoted to his family and who put his wife and children first.

Mr Kelly said Mr Dooley attended the funeral that day with his wife and four youngest children.

They parked at Kelleher's Garage, directly across the road from the cemetery in Tralee, and then crossed the road.

"Within minutes of entering the cemetery, Thomas Dooley was set upon and attacked by a group of males, some of whom were armed with bladed weapons," he said.

"You will hear evidence of careful planning...there will be evidence of steps taken to plan the violence" with weapons brought to the cemetery.

Mr Kelly said that Mr Dooley sustained savage injuries including severe stab wounds.

One involved a 6.5cm deep wound to his back which damaged both his back bone and his spine. This likely caused shock and spinal collapse.

Another stab wound to his thigh was 10.5cm in size and cut Mr Dooley's femoral artery.

He also sustained "a chop wound" to his arm which was 25cm in length.

It is the States case that the thigh wound with the femoral artery cut was critical to Mr Dooley's death.

The father of seven also suffered a number of other injuries.

Mr Kelly said that Siobhan Dooley was also seriously injured.

Both she and her four children fled the graveyard in a bid to get help.

"In the time it took Mr Dooley's eight-year-old child to cross the road to get help, Thomas Dooley was already close to death."

Mr Kelly said it was the prosecution case that the matter involved joint enterprise between the defendants.

"Thomas Dooley was attacked by a group of men who set upon him with focussed ferocity," he argued.

Mr Kelly said the planned attack was "most brazenly" conducted in broad daylight, in a cemetery packed with mourners and directly in front of Mr Dooley's wife and children.

"This was not a fight...Mr Dooley did not offer any provocation."

The prosecutor also said the alleged attack was notable for its "violence and savagery".

He argued that Mr Dooley had been set upon with "murderous ferocity" by the group.

Mr Kelly told the jury that the family were from the Travelling community - and that "the elephant in the room" was that this community could be subjected to prejudice in Ireland.

He stressed that any such prejudice could have no place in the courtroom for the hearing.

Mr Kelly also said that people would require "a heart of stone" not to feel for the six defendants who were related to the deceased and who were all quite young men.

But he said the State was stressing the legal concept of joint enterprise.

"(It was a) single murder gang....they carried out their work side by side and cheek by jowl."

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) indicated that the hearing will conclude before the end of the current court sessions on July 31 next.

Under the Jury Act, the DPP allowed that a jury larger than the normal 12 individuals be sworn in, given the potential duration of the trial, which is expected to be at hearing throughout June and July.

Mr Dooley of Hazelwood Drive, Killarney, Co Kerry suffered fatal injuries minutes after he entered New Rath cemetery to attend the burial of a neighbour and family friend..

The father-of-seven was grievously injured in the incident and received emergency medical treatment at the scene before being rushed by ambulance to nearby University Hospital Kerry (UHK).

Such were the serious nature of his injuries that doctors were unable to stabilise his condition and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

He died just one hour after being injured in the cemetery incident.

Gardai immediately launched a murder investigation and a number of arrests were made over the subsequent weeks and months.

Mr Dooley was buried after a Requiem Mass in Tullamore, Co Offaly where his wife, Bernadette Siobhan Dooley nee McDonagh, is originally from.

The 43-year-old was a well-known figure in Killarney and was the father of three sons and four daughters.

The Central Criminal Court previously heard that there was "a clear interest" in the deceased's family being able to attend the trial with Cork chosen as the venue as a result.

Up to 200 witnesses could potentially be called to offer evidence during the trial.

Legal counsel for the six defendants include Brian McInerney SC, Tom Creed SC, Vincent Henaghan SC, Ray Boland SC, Brendan Grehan SC and Jane Hyland SC.

Solicitors instructed in the case include Padraig O'Connell, Pat Mann, Frank Buttimer and John Cashell.

The trial continues tomorrow.
Clayton Ledden was caught when gardai saw him engaging in a suspicious transaction on a Dublin city street

A young man found with nearly 1,000 of cannabis in his pocket had been self-medicating because of a complicated medical history, a court heard.

Clayton Ledden was caught when gardai saw him engaging in a suspicious transaction on a Dublin city street.

Judge Monika Leech adjourned the case for a probation report.

Ledden (21), of James Larkin House, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to sell or supply.

Dublin District Court heard gardai were on patrol on Foley Street on March 8 last year when they saw a man on an e-scooter engaging in a suspected drugs transaction. A garda approached Ledden, got a strong smell of cannabis and told him he would be searched.

A plastic package was found in Leddens pocket containing cannabis worth 915, along with 240 in cash.

The accused had no previous convictions.

Ledden had a good work history, having been employed as a scaffolder, his solicitor Brian Tunney said.

He was not working at the moment, it was heard.

The accused suffered from diabetes, had health concerns, began self-medicating with cannabis and things had spiralled a little, Mr Tunney said.

However, the incident was over a year ago and Ledden had a good future ahead of him.

The accused was a very young man with a complicated medical history and the court was being asked to accept that the accused had been self-administering cannabis, Judge Leech said.

It was an extremely large amount of the drug, she said.
Anthony Campbell was a hard working 20 year old plumber when he was murdered by gunmen who feared leaving a witness to their execution of drugs trafficker Martin 'Marlo' Hyland.

It was the savage murder which brought home the reality of the horrors of gangland crime to the Irish public.

Anthony Campbell was a hard working 20 year old plumber when he was murdered by gunmen who feared leaving a witness to their execution of drugs trafficker Martin 'Marlo' Hyland.

The unsolved murders are the focus of a new six part serial podcast called "Caught In The Crossfire" from the Crime World team.

Niall talks to Nicola Tallant about why she chose to focus on these murders and her admiration for Anthony's mother Christine.

MORE EPISODES 
The illicit drugs were discovered in vacuum-packed packages within the baggage of two passengers who had disembarked separate flights originating from Thailand.

Two men have been charged today after drugs worth 862,000 were seized at Dublin Airport on Sunday.

Revenue officers seized 43.1kgs of herbal cannabis as part of a risk profiling operation and two separate investigations.

The men, aged their 30s and 50s were arrested by An Garda Siochana under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

They have since been charged and both appeared before the courts this morning.

Seized Thai cannabis

The illicit drugs were discovered in vacuum-packed packages within the baggage of two passengers who had disembarked separate flights originating from Thailand.

Investigations are ongoing, gardai stated.

These seizures are part of "Revenue's ongoing operations targeting organised crime groups and the importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs.

If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.
Terrence Crosbie of Dublin was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport in March as he attempted to fly back to Ireland

A Dublin Fire Brigade firefighter charged with raping a woman in Boston during the St Patricks festival weekend was due in court yesterday but the hearing has been put back to Wednesday.

Terrence Crosbie of Dublin was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport in March as he attempted to fly back to Ireland.

Crosbie (37) was indicted last week, moving the case to Suffolk Superior Court.

Mr Crosbie was charged on March 18 with the alleged rape of a woman at the landmark hotel Omni Parker House, on Friday, March 15.

Mr Crosbie, who has been placed on leave by Dublin Fire Brigade since the charges emerged, has denied the allegations and claims he never said a word to her.

He had been remanded in custody by a US judge when he appeared in the Central Division of Boston Municipal Court last month.

Terrence Crosbie

At the hearing one of his attorneys, Daniel Reilly requested additional records from the Omni Parker House and the Black Rose pub in the citys downtown area- two locations where Mr Crosbie was the night of the alleged attack.

According to Mr Reilly, his team has received some footage but they are looking for a more detailed window of video surveillance from both the pub and the hotel. They are also requesting employee information from the hotel.

CCTV footage from bars and hotels tends to be written over after 30 days, Mr Reilly told the court. We want to make sure we get to that before it might disappear, before memories might fade, in case it shows anything that is exculpatory or might serve as alter impeachment evidence.

The prosecution argued that the request for employee information is too vague, not specific and irrelevant.

They claimed that Boston Police Department had adequately obtained records during their investigation and the defence should subpoena the police records.

The judge informed the count that Mr Reilly should obtain the records relating to Mr Crosbies actions and those he interacted with on the night in question. He added that it is understandable that the defence may want to obtain the records themselves and not rely solely on the Commonwealth.

Mr Reilly said his client maintains his innocence and that the case will likely proceed to the Massachusetts Supreme Court.

He is being held on $100,000 bail and was ordered to surrender his passport and remain in Massachusetts.

At a previous hearing, lawyers representing the Dublin Fire Brigade firefighter said he will do everything to clear his name.

I can tell you right now, he is going to fight and clear his name and do everything that he can to address these charges and maintain his innocence, Boston attorney Brad Bailey told Boston 25 News Reporter Bob Ward.

This is a man, Bob, who has never been in trouble before. Has no prior record, has never been in jail. Here he is, in a jail cell with no ability to make bail, really in a situation that is arguably punitive for somebody who has the presumption of innocence, Bailey said.

The victim told police in a report, the incident occurred on March 14 at the Black Rose Irish Pub near Faneuil Hall where she met a man from Ireland.

She told police they returned to his room at the Omni Parker House hotel where they had consensual sex.

Afterward, she told police they fell asleep in separate beds.

The following day, the victim said she woke up to another man, later identified as Terence Crosbie sexually assaulting her.

The victim quoted Crosbie, who she didnt know, as saying, I know you want this, he (the other man) fell asleep.

Crosbie and the other man, both from Ireland, were visiting Boston for St. Patricks Day and were sharing the hotel room.

In an interview with police, Crosbie denied the rape.

He told police he climbed into bed not knowing she was even there, but he heard her gather her clothes and leave the room.

Crosbie who claims he never said a word to her, was arrested at Logan Airport on March 16, three days before his previously scheduled flight, trying to get back to Ireland.

Members of the Massachusetts State Police stopped Mr Crosbies plane on the tarmac and removed him.

As always in these matters, the willingness of the victim to come forward is crucial," District Attorney Kevin Hayden said on March 18.

In a statement last month, Dublin Fire Brigade said: "Dublin Fire Brigade chief fire officer has been made aware that the Boston Police Department have begun a criminal investigation into an alleged serious case involving a member of Dublin Fire Brigade.

"The firefighter has immediately been placed on leave. We cannot comment on the specific circumstances but we would reiterate the high standards that we expect from all who represent our organisation at any event.

"As a result, we are conducting an internal investigation and establishing the facts in collaboration with the appropriate authorities and the organisers of the delegation. As this is a criminal investigation, we will not be making any further comment at this time."
We thank everyone for all of the support as we try to navigate our loss

The mother of a young Clare dad-of-two who died after a road accident has said there are no words to describe the pain in our hearts ahead of his funeral tomorrow.

Daniel Danny Myers died in hospital after he was struck by a car on the N18 in Co Clare in the early hours of Saturday, June 1.

The tragic incident took place at around 4.15am in the northbound lanes of the dual-carriageway at junction 5 near Cratloe.

The Clare man who is predeceased by his brother Jack, was described as a gentle soul taken far too soon in just one message of sympathy left on his RIP.ie page.

The notice states that the death has occurred of Daniel (Danny) Myers of Carrigerry, Newmarket-on-Fergus, and formerly of Shannon, Co Clare, following a tragic accident.

Predeceased by his brother Jack, the notice reads. Sadly missed by his children Abbie and Jack, parents Alice and Denis, brothers Davy and Connor, grandmother Ellen, sister-in-law Maria, niece Molly, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

It adds that Dannys Funeral Service will take place in Shannon Crematorium on Wednesday, June 5, at 11am with no flowers and donations, if desired, to a charity of your choice.

Mr Myers mum, Alice, shared a picture of her late son via Facebook, adding, there were no words to describe the pain in our hearts.

As many of you know we lost our beloved son Danny in the early hours of Saturday morning, she wrote. I have no words to describe the pain in our hearts.

We thank everyone for all of the support as we try to navigate our loss.

In the condolences section of his RIP.ie page people have offered messages of support and sympathy to the family.

One reads: Deepest condolences to all the Myers family on the tragic death of Danny. A gentle soul taken far too soon, my heart breaks for you all.

Another has written: Sincere condolences to Denis, Alice and all of Dannys family and friends on his sad passing. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

One reads: Deepest condolences to all of you at this sad time. My heart breaks for you both as parents that you have to go through this tragedy again.

Thinking of you all and I hope Danny sends you all the strength to get through this. Sleep tight Danny.

Gardai and emergency services attended the scene alongside Clare County Fire and Rescue Service crews on Saturday morning.

Mr Myers was treated at the scene before being rushed by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.

Gardai appealed for witnesses to the collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Shannon Garda Station on 061 365 900, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Mandy Kelly has been locked in a battle to get her two boys back to Ireland

Mandy Kelly holding pictures of her sons Kareem and Zayn, who are in Egypt. Photo: Mark Condren

Mandy Kelly was holding her 16-month-old son in her arms, trembling uncontrollably as the news of what her husband had just said began to sink in.

The familys two-week holiday in Cairo, Egypt, was coming to an end, but Ramy Gamal Maamoun Mohamed had no intention of accompanying his wife back to their home in Ireland. Moreover, he announced, the couples two children, Zayn and Kareem, werent returning either.

He said he didnt want to go back to Ireland, Ms Kelly told the Irish Independent. I cant explain to you how shocked and horrified I was. My whole body started to shake but something in me knew that I had to remain calm.

He said Im staying here and the boys are staying here as well. It came completely, completely out of the blue.

Two years later, Ms Kelly is in the midst of an international legal battle to be reunited with her sons. The 37-year-old from Co Monaghan hasnt seen them since March 11, 2022, the day her now estranged husband took them from the apartment they had been holidaying in.

I was getting to meet people of all different nationalities. I loved the challenge of my job and the lifestyle in Dubai was amazing

The last time I saw my two children was when he put them in a car and drove off with them. There are no words to describe how that felt then and how it has felt since. I will not stop until I get them back.

Ms Kelly was 27 when she met Ramy Gamal on a night out in Dubai. Like so many young Irish graduates, she had relocated to Dubai four years before in search of work and new opportunities.

I had finished college 2008 and the crash had just happened, she said.

There were no jobs and I didnt want to go on the dole so I headed to Dubai and got a job teaching. It was amazing. I was getting to meet people of all different nationalities. I loved the challenge of my job and the lifestyle in Dubai was amazing.

Ramy Gamal was an Egyptian banker who was working in Dubai when he met Mandy in 2013.

He was very charming, she said.

Thats when the cracks started to appear. I had an awful time with him

He was polite, clever. Its only now that I can see it was all an act.

A relationship began between the two, with Ms Kelly travelling to Egypt to meet her partners family. Although Ramy Gamal was a Muslim and she was Catholic, Ms Kelly stresses that religion wasnt an issue. This isnt a case about religion, she said.

It was never a question about whether I was going to convert or not. Yes, he is a Muslim. That doesnt matter. This isnt about religion. This is about money.

The couple dated for four years. Ms Kelly took her boyfriend to visit Ireland in 2016 and they got engaged shortly afterwards.

We both decided we wanted to settle down and have kids, she said.

Him and I were at that age. He was in his mid-30s and I had just turned 31 so it was time we started to make plans. I had made it very clear that I always wanted to go back home to Ireland. That was always my wish.

Mandy Kelly whose two children were abducted in Egypt

After their July wedding in Ireland in 2017, the couple found a house for rent on the outskirts of Dublin. Mandy got a job working as an education administrator and Ramy Gamal had a job as a customer care agent.

Our first son, Zayn, was born in May 2018, she said.

Thats when the cracks started to appear. I had an awful time with him. I felt incredibly isolated. He had started to devalue and disregard me. I suppose with any marriage thats when there are issues so I didnt spend too much time on it.

To be honest, I was so busy. I went back to work four months after my son was born because I couldnt avail of maternity benefits because I wasnt back working in the country long enough. Six weeks after my son was born I was marking Leaving Cert papers.

Due to the mounting financial pressure, Ms Kelly tried to progress her career by doing a post-graduate diploma in executive management.

My confidence was gone. I was very down

I was under extreme pressure, she said. I had just had the baby and I was trying my best to keep the whole thing going. He was in and out of work at the time and the financial pressure was crazy.

I had to pay for childcare, rent. I just kept going and looking back now I dont know how I managed. He wasnt much of a help and he kind of resented me because I was a goer. I was the breadwinner.

As Ramy Gamals resentment towards his wife increased, she became more and more isolated. The couple didnt socialise and her only outlet was work.

Ms Kelly had their couples second son, Kareem, in November 2020.

Things started to get a little bit better for us because I wasnt under as much pressure financially and I was able to take paid maternity leave, she said.

By now, Ms Kelly had moved to Dundalk, Co Louth, where she bought a house for her growing family.

I was becoming more independent at that stage, she said.

There was even more resentment. We were surviving in the marriage, is how I would describe it. I was happy that I had two healthy babies and that I had a roof over my head. Especially because I was under such extreme stress during both pregnancies I felt extremely lucky.

According to Ms Kelly, her husbands expectations about how his life would be in Ireland didnt live up to the reality.

He complained a lot because he couldnt believe that people do work so hard here. He was blaming me for coming to Ireland and settling here because he just thought that I would be at his beck and call.

It really was tough going but my outlet was my work. I know now that my colleagues were aware that something wasnt quite right. My confidence was gone. I was very down.

It was part of his plan to isolate me once I was in Egypt

He expected me to do everything and then resented me for it and he was very jealous of my career progression.

In July 2021, Ramy Gamal decided the family would go to visit his mother and two brothers in Egypt. Due to Covid and delays with getting the boys passports, the family didnt travel until February 2022.

His mother had never met her two grandchildren so I supported the visit, said Ms Kelly.

Everything seemed normal. The week before we left he had signed on in Monaghan garda station for visa renewal. When he came back to Ireland he was going to start the citizenship process for his passport.

He had visited the school that Zayn was supposed to be enrolled in September 2022. I was completely unaware of what was about to happen when I got on that plane on February 26, 2022.

Rather than stay in a hotel, Gamal insisted the family rent an apartment.

It was part of his plan to isolate me once I was in Egypt, she said.

While we were there I kept asking for an Egyptian SIM card to make it easier to contact people but he kept palming me off. I was on my own a lot of the time and very isolated but it was ok.

The day before we were due to fly home I was washing all the clothes to make sure that when he got back we could get back into things as quickly as possible. He came to me and said he wasnt going back and he didnt want the two boys going back. I couldnt believe what I was hearing. I was horrified.

Ms Kelly suggested they go for a walk to calm him down, but when they returned to the apartment he drove away with the children.

I managed to contact the Irish consular service and the Department of Foreign Affairs, not a single person did anything for me

Her husband returned later, where he allegedly locked his wife in an apartment for a week.

I was locked in my apartment for the remainder of my time there, she said.

Thats when he started making his demands. He said if I wanted to see the children I need to go back to Ireland and sell the family home.

This went on for a week, with him coming back and forth to the apartment and me trying to talk him round. It was mentally exhausting. I was drained. He threatened me with arrest. I was a prisoner and he had the kids. I kept praying.

Alone in a foreign country and extremely distressed, Ms Kelly desperately tried to get help.

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.

She made her way to the airport, and phoned her husband, saying shed be there and that she could bring the children home but he never turned up.

I waited and waited and waited. I remember sitting on the plane and on a flight you usually have no space but there were two empty seats beside me. I was distraught, in shock.

The first 10 minutes when I wake up are the worst

Ms Kelly landed home to Ireland on March 17, 2022. It was desperate, she said. My mother, when she saw me, she said, I know the two boys arent with you but you are safe and since you are safe, I know you will do everything and anything to get the two boys back.

Since then, Ms Kelly has been fighting to be reunited with her two sons.

A High Court order was issued in December 2022 for their immediate return to Ireland. However, the court has no authority to direct the Egyptian courts.

Ms Kelly reported the kidnapping of her children to Dundalk garda station and a file has gone to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Earlier this month, in a letter to Mandy, Taoiseach Simon Harris assured her that the Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice, remains committed to assisting you.

She said her husband has not communicated with her so he has no idea how her boys are doing. I think about them every day, she said. The first 10 minutes when I wake up are the worst as I have to start another day without them.
Towards the end of April, the EUs 27 member states voted to approve a ban on smoky bacon crisps over health concerns.

Smokey bacon crisps are set to be phased out of European Union (EU) countries over the next two years.

The EU will be removing artificial smoke flavourings over the next 24 months - which means BBQ flavoured crisps may also get the chop.

Towards the end of April, the EUs 27 member states voted to approve a ban on smoky bacon crisps over health concerns.

A recent European Commission report stated that artificial smoke flavourings carry cancer risks due to how the flavour is extracted.

Irish food manufacturers the Kerry Group have declared that the ban could cause major economic harm, with up to 40pc of ham and bacon sold in Ireland reportedly being reliant upon the method.

According to the European Commission report, cancer risks have been associated with the purifying smoke and how removal of components such as tar and ash is carried out, before the flavouring is added to food.

Manufacturers have disputed these claims, arguing that there is no evidence that connects the process to cancer.

Former Government Minister Simon Coveney wrote to the EU to say that the ban could have a detrimental effect on businesses, according to The Irish Times.

Crisp making process (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

Mr Coveney had been lobbying for a longer phasing out period over several years to allow businesses find and implement new flavouring methods.

Currently the process for most meat and fish will be phased out over five years, while for other products like crisps, the period is just two years.

In April, the European Commission statement said that EU Member States had "endorsed a proposal from the Commission to not renew the authorisation of eight smoke flavourings for food."

"After a phase-out period, these flavourings will no longer be permitted for use in the EU," they said.

UK politician Kevin Foster said the move did not make sense.

At a time when war is returning to Europe and serious economic challenges face us all, it is hard to believe anyone would think this ham-fisted move is a sensible one. This will leave many scratching their heads.

US actor Eva Longoria is a notable famous fan of the Tayto version of the crisp, who wont be happy with the news.

They gave me restaurant recommendations and historic places, and they say you cant be in Dublin in Ireland without eating a Tayto, she said during a trip to Dublin.

"Its like the Lays of Ireland. I took a picture with the smoky bacon because I saw it at the store and just picked it up.

"Then Twitter got really mad because it wasnt cheese and onion, she added.
The man was pulled from the water on Monday by another bather at the beach in Cala Capitan on the Orihuela coast

A 76-year-old Irishman has died while swimming in sea off the coast of south-west Spain.

The man was pulled from the water on Monday by another bather who saw him at the bottom of the sea at the beach in Cala Capitan on the Orihuela coast, according to local reports.

The English-language news site, The Leader, reports that CICU (Emergency Information and Coordination Centre) was alerted at 5pm that a swimmer had been pulled out of the water unconscious at Capitan cove.

A SAMU (Medical Emergency Regulation Centres) unit performed advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation, among other advanced life support techniques, the news site reported. However, there was no response, and they could only confirm his death.

An autopsy will reveal the causes of the mans drowning.

According to local media, the Irishmans death is the fourth in the last three days as another man was airlifted to hospital after he was pulled from the sea in nearby Benidorm.

There was the further death of an 81-year-old Belgian male in Calp who began to feel unwell while swimming at 3pm on Monday on Arenal-Bol beach.

The man, who was unable to get to the shore, was unconscious when CICU was alerted.

A SAMU unit and a Basic Vital Support (SVB) ambulance attended the scene where medics performed advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other stabilisation techniques on the bather, but there was no response, and he was confirmed dead at the scene, local reports reveal.

Last Saturday, a 48-year-old man died in Benissa and on Monday another 50-year-old lost his life on the beach of La Marina in Elche.

Another three bathers have died on the beaches of Orihuela Costa, Calp and Torrevieja in recent weeks.

Last week another Irish tourist died in a suspected drowning on Spains Costa Dorada.

The 72-year-old was rescued unconscious from the water shortly after midday on May 29 and attempts made to save his life at the scene by emergency responders.

But police and paramedics were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead just before 1pm.

The tragedy happened at a beach called La Pedrera near the resort town of Salou a short drive south of the east coast city of Tarragona.

The dead mans identity is understood to have become apparent later in the day when his wife told receptionists at the hotel where they were staying he had gone missing and she was unable to reach him.

Staff contacted an emergency services coordination centre who told them about the earlier incident and enabled officials to determine the holidaymaker who lost his life was the Irish tourist.

The hotel where the couple were staying has been named locally as the four-star Golden Donaire Beach Hotel in La Pineda near to where the tragedy occurred.

The unnamed Irish holidaymaker is the fourth drowning victim so far this year in the province of Tarragona.

A teenager died on March 28 during Storm Nelson in Tarragona, a 15-minute drive from the scene of the tragedy, along with a 30-year-old German man who saw him in difficulties and tried to rescue him.

On April 21, a 57-year-old Irish tourist died during a visit to a famous Algarve tourist attraction.

The 57-year-old is said to have gone into cardiac arrest after taking a dip at the Benagil Sea Cave, near the popular resort of Lagoa.

Police and paramedics were called just before 3pm after he was taken to dry land on a boat.

Emergency responders attempted to save his life but were unable to do so and he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Family members understood to have been with him at the time received psychological support.

On April 20.an Irish tourist drowned on the Algarve in front of his partner.

The 52-year-old got into difficulties at Inatel beach in Albufeira, next to the hotel complex that gives it its name.

The alarm was raised just before 1pm local time.

Two Portuguese locals jumped into the sea to try to help but also got into difficulties. They were rescued alive by lifeguards but the Irish tourist couldnt be saved.

Police said at the time his partner, who was on the beach, was being supported by psychologists after the traumatic experience.
When Leanna Petherick walked into her asthmatic daughters bedroom to give her medication to help her breathe, she knew something was seriously wrong.

But she also knew exactly what do, after being advised by doctors the last time 17-year-old Tayla was hospitalised following a bad attack  call 111 and ask for an ambulance.

They said dont put her in a car, moving her will make her worse... whatever you do with an asthma attack dont waste your time, ring us, we will be there with the oxygen.

The Tauranga mother followed their advice and called 111  but by the time paramedics arrived her daughter was unconscious and couldnt be revived.

I knew what to do, and I did it, and it didnt work, she said.

They arrived too late, I had already lost my daughter.

Four years later shes sharing her story for the first time after a recently released Health and Disability Commission report found Pethericks long-held belief was true: The ambulance wasnt sent as urgently as it should have been.

This should never have happened, from the first 111 call that night we waited but no one came, and we had to make a second call. The six-minute drive from the hospital to my daughter took them 28 minutes.

I cant understand why they didnt come when I called them and told them how bad she was.

We have to live with this forever.

The night that changed everything

The night Tayla died had been unremarkable.

Dinner, clean up, and Tayla tinkering on the piano and singing in her bedroom.

Tayla had had chronic asthmatic since she was two, and Petherick spent 15 years managing her attacks with prescribed prednisone and a nebuliser at home.

That night, the nebuliser failed and Tayla was struggling to breathe.

Petherick called 111, holding her daughters hands and trying to keep her calm as she spoke to the call handler, passing on questions about her breathing and ability to talk and relaying the information.

But the call handler made an error  he failed to understand, and clarify, the degree of difficulty Tayla was having breathing. He then incorrectly coded the priority of the ambulance.

The mistake meant a nearby ambulance was sent on a break, rather than to the Petherick home where Tayla was deteriorating rapidly.

Taylas younger sister Tuesday and Taylas boyfriend ran out to the street to meet the paramedics.

We were waiting and no one came, Tuesday recalls.

Tayla, with her mother and sister, recovering in hospital after an earlier incident where she'd suffered a similar asthma attack, but the ambulance arrived in time.

With no sign of the reassuring lights and sirens, Petherick called for someone to ring the ambulance again, as she continued to cling to her daughters hands and reassure her help was on its way.

The last thing, she was looking at me, and I could see the fear on her face and shes looking at me and her eyes just rolled in the back of her head, Petherick said.

I screamed at her to come back and to breathe, just breathe, but I just saw her go.

When the ambulance arrived, Tayla was unconscious.

CPR was already under way and was continued by paramedics, but she was pronounced dead at 9.38pm.

Petherick attributes no blame to the paramedics who worked on her daughter.

They know what theyre doing. They can only deal with what they had, and that was arriving too late.

A fight for answers

Petherick said that nights events forever changed the landscape of her life. But its been the process of getting answers thats made dealing with her grief impossible.

Shed hoped a coroners report would provide answers, but while there was reference to an adverse event involving the ambulance dispatch, the actions of Hato Hone St John, and the call handler, were outside its inquiry, and Taylas cause of death was recorded as asthma.

Petherick wanted information so she could speak openly about the events of that night.

She met with Hato Hone St John in the latter half of 2020, a few months after her daughters death.

I was actually praying they were going to say the ambulance was in Katikati, and couldnt get there in time.

The idea theyd done their best, but physically couldnt get there would have been more comforting.

Instead, she was told the call handler had not correctly interpreted the given information, which meant the ambulance hadnt been dispatched in time.

Petherick was reassured the information shed given had been correct, and even if she had been screaming and yelling, it wouldnt have changed the call handlers interpretation.

At the end of the meeting shed been given flowers, and was aware of the regret felt by one of the local paramedics in attendance. She also assumes the call handler was a kind-hearted person who would have a battle to come to terms with their mistake.

But she also believes the overarching response from the organisation felt like a formality, and it hadnt taken full responsibility for the trauma she and her family had suffered.

It felt really cold, like I was causing them trouble, she said.

This feeling was amplified upon her receiving a letter from Hato Hone St John this week.

It was three paragraphs and began saying: Further to the final recommendations from the Health and Disability Commission (HDC) dated April 9 2024, I write to offer Hato Hone St Johns sincere apologies...

Petherick said it reads like a compliments slip.

Sharing Taylas story

Now that the HDC report has been released, Petherick is hopeful she can put a full stop in place.

Its official, its registered, its in the history books. Its not just a conversation [St John] have had with me.

Until now, very few people have known what happened the night Tayla died but Petherick hopes she will now be confident to share more openly with those around her.

She grieves the milestones she will miss with her rainbow baby and songbird who loved music and had been through some turbulent times, but was coming out the other side, having just turned 17.

Pethericks personal advice to parents with asthmatic children goes against what she was given.

If youre close, get in the car. They could be on a break, they could be short-staffed... against doctors advice, just get in the car.

The ambulance dispatcher was employed by Hato Hone St John, while the call handler worked for Wellington Free Ambulance as the organisations share call centres. Neither remain in their respective roles.

In a statement, Hato Hone St John General Manager, Clinical Effectiveness, Jon Moores said, [we] would like to express our sincerest condolences to Ms Petherick, and we apologise unreservedly for failing to deliver the appropriate standard of care.

The organisation has undertaken a review, accepted the HDC findings and welcomed further feedback Petherick might have.

We use a structured, internationally recognised triage tool to identify and triage asthma incidents. Our staff receive continual training in the use of the tool and we routinely review learnings.

In a statement, Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA) said it wished to acknowledge the profound loss of the family and whanau who have been impacted by this incident.

They made changes to their training and said; the call is regularly used as a case study during mentoring and training for all new call-handling staff at WFA.

It has requested advice from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) regarding the appropriate questioning and any possible reframing around difficulty breathing.
What makes a good farmer and do urban and rural groups have differing opinions on the subject?

Thats what a group of social scientists at Manaaki Whenua  Landcare Research have decided to find out.

Theyve teamed up with researchers from the University of Otago, Cawthron, AgResearch and Lincoln University, along with partners Dirt Road Communications, Quorum Sense and Thriving Southland.

Researchers wanted to explore the perception that in New Zealand, farmers and the largely urban general public have differing views on what is meant by being a good farmer.

Anecdotally, farmers see themselves as stewards of the land for future generations, using management practices that would be considered environmentally sustainable, whereas the urban public disagrees with such a portrayal.

But does a rural/urban difference of viewpoint about good farmers really exist?

To find out, the research team undertook two surveys in 2023, one with farmers and one with the general public.

To do this, they used the idea of social licence to operate (SLO)  a wide-ranging concept that describes how expectations of behaviour and actions are set between a community and a business or industry, often at a local level.

If a group has a social licence to operate, its actions and behaviours are accepted by the society it operates within.

Social licence to operate can extend into many aspects of what constitutes a good farmer  and the surveys reflected this.

Participants were asked whether they thought farmers:

ethically manage their farms.

comply with government rules and regulations.

use practices that focus on animal welfare.

contribute to the local community.

reduce chemical inputs where possible.

The survey results showed some differences in perceptions between the two groups.

For example, the public tended to mention treating staff well, keeping fences intact, minimising the use of chemical inputs, ensuring they meet environmental requirements and legislation, and that they produce a good yield during harvest as being characteristics of good farmers.

By contrast, farmer respondents reported more often that a good farmer was one who gained social acceptability for their practices.

Farmers also expressed a belief that many members of the public didnt understand what farmers did.

They thought this lack of understanding could affect public perception of the acceptability of farming.

Overall, however, the study showed a much closer alignment between the groups about what good farmer meant, senior researcher at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Peter Edwards said.

Interestingly, both groups trusted farmers as a source of information more than they trusted the media.

These results, when taken with other work in the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge, suggest that the perceived urban/rural divide between farmers and the public may not be as large as previously believed  which is good news for farmers continued SLO in New Zealand.

Hugh Campbell, Professor of Sociology at the University of Otago, said it was an encouraging outcome in an area where there had been a lot of discouragement lately.

The gap between urban and rural isnt nearly as wide as it might appear in some social media discussions, Campbell said.

We need to build on this to avoid any further loss of trust between many parts of New Zealand society as we go about collaborating on finding solutions to some compelling farming challenges.

-The Country.
A big-ticket stormwater project is under way in Whangamata with physical works set to start this week.

Thames-Coromandel deputy mayor and Whangamata resident Terry Walker was joined by Thames-Coromandel District Council engineers onsite at Williamson Park on Friday where they addressed residents on the $700,000 project, which aims to improve water flow in the Williamson and Ocean roads stormwater pipe network.

Terry says a proposal to improve the towns stormwater kicked off in 2017 following flooding and it was

presented to the Long-Term Plan (LTP) in 2018.

Every 10 years we used to have a flood in Whangamata, residents would wait it out to dry, then floods became more regular.

The 2017 flood event was the catalyst for change, he says.

In 2021, $1.2 million was earmarked for a working plan and the council had recently pledged $9.2m over 10 years in the 2024-34 LTP to improve stormwater infrastructure across the town, he says.

Work will get under way this week when the pond at Williamson Park is drained and backfilled.

This is a way to get control of water when a storm comes, we will move the water as quickly as we can.

A couple of attendees raised concerns about the perceived lack of communication around the project.

Terry says that's not the case, as it's all in writing, contained within the LTP.

A view of Williamson Park from the air shows the pond, to the left, which will be drained and backfilled.

Whangamata resident Kay Baker raised concerns with the Hauraki Coromandel Post last month when she said the project lacked community consultation.

A spokesperson for the council says a solution has been discussed at a recent meeting of a community engagement team which was formed to gain community input into the work.

The engagement team includes three representatives of the Whangamata Ratepayers Association, two community members who are civil contractors with experience of the Williamson Park pond, a member of the Whangamata Community Board, a councillor and the council water services manager.

Of the seven community representatives, five are supportive of the solution. The Waikato Regional Council has confirmed it supports the solution, which met its stormwater guidelines.

The objective is that the solution would be implemented in June and be completed in July.

Thames-Coromandel District Council has not spent a lot of money; this is the first off-the-shelf project with others to follow, says Terry.

There will still be a lot of soakage, we are on a sand bar.

The intention is also to improve water quality reaching Whangamata Beach and reduce the frequency of algal bloom.

New components will include a new pipe to the beach in an effort to drain water faster, improve use of storage and reduce permanent ponding levels.

There will also be planting to absorb contaminants present in the water.

An outlet pipe at the beach end would keep the permanent water level in the wetland low while a non-return valve would be fitted into the outlet pipe to protect backflows from the sea.

Gabion baskets on the beach will be extended out to reduce the speed of water and mitigate beach erosion.

Water will flow into the wetland through sediment capture devices which would pre-treat water to reduce sediment entering the wetland.

Water will enter the wetland and flow over a rock bund to slow it down.

As water flows over alternating shallow and deep-planted areas, the plants will absorb contaminants present in the run-off.

Under low-flow conditions, water would leave the wetlands through the outlet pipe onto the beach. Under high-flow conditions, water would flow out onto the beach via an emergency spillway (the same as the existing pond).

Flow will pass over the gabion baskets, which will slow down the speed of water and reduce beach erosion.

-Waikato Herald.
With Powerball not being struck in the weekend, the jackpot will be a mammoth $43 million this Wednesday.

High jackpots are exciting, and we know Kiwis all around the country will be dreaming about what they would do if they won $43 million with Powerball on Wednesday, says Lotto NZs Head of Corporate Communications Lucy Fullarton,.

As the jackpot climbs, there is more demand for our games. We know stores will be busy from around 5pm on Wednesday, and lots of people will also be jumping online to grab their ticket in the hour before sales close at 7.30pm. Our advice is to get in early and avoid the rush.

Meanwhile, five lucky Lotto players from Auckland, New Plymouth, Napier, and Christchurch will be celebrating after each winning $200,000 with Lotto First Division in tonights live Lotto draw.

The winning tickets were sold at Pak N Save Henderson in Auckland, Pak N Save Mangere in Auckland, New World Greenmeadows in Napier, and on MyLotto to players from New Plymouth and Christchurch.

Strike Four was also won on Saturday night by two lucky players from Thames and Tauranga, who each take home $200,000.

The winning Strike tickets were sold at Martina Four Square & Lotto in Thames and on MyLotto to a player from Tauranga.

Anyone who bought their ticket from any of the above stores should check their ticket as soon as possible in-store, on MyLotto, or through the MyLottoApp.

At all times, Lotto NZ encourages our customers to play a little, dream a lot. We know high jackpots can be exciting but remember  it takes only one ticket to win.

Lotto NZ exists to return 100% of its profits to Kiwi communities through lottery grants programmes run by Te Puna Tahua NZ Lottery Grants Board.
Some Western Bay cycleway, walkway, gravel road seal extensions, public transport infrastructure and minor road improvements could be delayed, to help reduce the financial impact on ratepayers.

This is one of the proposals in Western Bay of Plenty District Councils Long Term Plan 2024-2034, which is open for consultation until June 17.

We still want to carry out these projects for our communities but were proposing we take a little longer to get everything done, says Western Bay of Plenty District Council transportation director Calum McLean.

Maintaining roads is one of the biggest areas of spend annually, and costs have increased significantly over the past three years, says Calum.

According to Local Government New Zealand, materials to build and maintain our roads are around 27 per cent more expensive than they were three years ago.

Over the past three years, we have undertaken significant investment in our walkways and cycleways network, however, the new government has signalled it will spend more on road maintenance and less on walkways and cycleways, so we also need to factor this in, says Calum.

We have looked at where we are less likely to receive New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi subsidies and where we could pause from upgrades for a year, use existing reserves or reduce investment and slow the timing of delivery.

Spending less on specific roading, cycleway and walkway projects is factored into a proposed 13.6 per cent rates increase for the District next year.

The other option is to continue with the roading, cycleway and walkway schedule of works set out in the previous Long Term Plan 2021-2031, which would result in both a 13.6 per cent rates increase, plus an average increase per property of $79.62.

We want to continue to improve our infrastructure without putting too much financial pressure on people. We think our preferred option strikes a balance of moving forward and managing the cost to our communities without compromising on safety, says Calum.

But we also want to know what you think. We encourage everyone to get involved and have their say in helping to shape the Districts future.

How to put yourself in the picture
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Tuesday, 4 June 2024 | Updated 06/06/2024 12:38h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The aeronautical race to be the first to offer routes aboard the so-called Vtol (vertical take-off and landing passenger drones that will initially be piloted) along the Costa del Sol is gathering speed. The first to position itself in this competition was German company Lilium, which is collaborating with Spain's ar traffic operator Enaire and the control tower of Malaga Airport to approve its aircraft, and which already has among its potential clients Helity: the company responsible for helicopter routes between Malaga, Algeciras and Ceuta.

Now, a second competitor has landed, and in style. Spanish company Crisalion is entering the market with a big launch to present its first prototype in Malaga. In addition, the brand, which was born in the Basque Country and has the support of Spain's ministry of science, through the CDTI, has already signed a commercial agreement with iJet Aviation. This is a private flight operator based in Malaga, to create an air taxi route between the airport and Marbella as soon as possible. This was confirmed to SUR by a company spokesperson.

The presentation of Integrity, its proposed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, will take place at the Aeronautical Museum (next to the private aviation terminal in Malaga) on 18 June. This has been one of the first European prototypes for passenger and cargo transport in urban and interurban environments and has successfully completed flight tests in the existing test centres in Villacarrillo (Jaen), Lugo and Toulouse.

The prototype and the agreement to start the airline on the Costa del Sol will be presented on 18 June at the Aeronautical Museum of Malaga

The Integrity model offers five passenger seats (plus the pilot), a range of 130 kilometres and a cruising speed of 180 km/h, making it possible to make the journey from Malaga Airport to Marbella in just 20 minutes. In addition, it has no emissions as it is 100% electric, low noise levels and minimal operating and maintenance costs.

iJet Aviation is a company based in Malaga city and offers private flights in various types of aircraft, as well as all kinds of maintenance services to aircraft owners.

Competition

The Malaga-Marbella-Estepona airport corridor is one of the areas of greatest interest for future operators in the aeronautical market on the Costa del Sol, where at least two business groups are already interested.

The proposal to be announced this month is in addition to that already advanced by German company Lilium, which is working with Enaire and Helity to put this new technology into service on the Costa del Sol. In this case, it is initially estimated to cost approximately two euros per passenger for every kilometre of flight. Given Malaga Airport to Marbella is about 50 kilometres (according to Google Maps), the trip would cost 100 euros.

The company plans to deliver its first aircraft to customers in 2026. The Lilium Jet 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.
Cape Verde, the West African island country, has found unusual potential in its internet domain which it recently opened for registrations from anywhere in the world.

The domain has the same acronym used in the world's most widely spoken languages to refer to a professional resume or curriculum vitae: the CV. Thus, reports Portuguese-language news service Lusa, the expectation is that from now on, internet addresses will be created by many services linked to CVs and professions, ending in cv and allowing Cape Verde to make the most of this digital asset via the global market for curriculum vitae and recruitment services.

The .cv domains are on sale from 1,000 escudos (around US$9.9) through the olacv.com portal, via Olacv, a Cape Verdean company linked to Nigerian web hosting company Whogohost, which has been awarded the management of the domain.

A concession contract was signed in July 2023 between regulator ARME and WhoGoHost. Olacv was created for this purpose. The primary server for the .cv domain remains in Cape Verde, under the aegis of ARME.

Whether this serendipitous domain name really will be a boost for the country in the digital sphere remains to be seen. Currently, the .cv domain has 3,500 registrations, mainly associated with organisations based in Cape Verde, but the hope is to achieve exponential growth globally, given a worldwide labour force of 3.3 billion people.

This will, however, involve contacting the world's largest domain registration companies to include Cape Verdean domains in the listings they provide to those looking for names for their online businesses or other sites. A focus on the email service  personal addresses hanging on domains ending in .cv  is another option.

Edna Oliveira, Cape Verde's Minister of State Modernisation and Public Administration, reportedly registered the .cv domain with her name during a demonstration at the recent launch ceremony.
Dexter, N.Y.  A Jefferson County man was charged with arson this week after setting a fire near a building and to a car with a person inside it, according to State Police.

Adam A. Stafford, 55, of Dexter, approached a car with a person in it around 5:15 a.m. Monday at 104 E. Kirby St., said Jennifer L. Jiron, a spokesperson for the State Police.
Upstate New York native Mark Ross, who performed in the raunchy rap group 2 Live Crew as Brother Marquis, is dead at age 58.

Ross death was announced Monday by 2 Live Crew and confirmed by the rappers longtime manager, DJ Debo. A cause of death has not been announced.

Ross helped form 2 Live Crew in the 1980s with Luke Skyywalker a.k.a. Uncle Luke (Luther Campbell), Fresh Kid Ice (Christopher Wong Won) and DJ Mr. Mixx (David Hobbs). The hip-hop group was known for pioneering the Miami bass sound and multiple free speech controversies with recognizable samples and explicit lyrics on songs like Me So Horny, Throw the D---, We Want Some P---y and Banned in the U.S.A.

Ross was born in Rochester, N.Y., on April 4, 1966. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he moved to Los Angeles when he was 14 years old and started rising in the local rap scene. Mr. Mixx and original rappers Fresh Kid Ice and Amazing Vee (Yuri Vielot) started performing together in 1984 and added Brother Marquis in 1986, when Ross was 19; the group then relocated to Miami and released their debut album, The 2 Live Crew is What We Are, with Campbell on Luke Records.

Their third album, 1989s As Nasty As They Wanna Be, went platinum with hit single Me So Horny, which led to the group being prosecuted for obscenity. The album was illegal to sell in Florida until the Supreme Court overturned the ruling two years later; during that period, the group released an edited version called As Clean As They Wanna Be, featuring a parody of Roy Orbisons Oh, Pretty Woman.

But controversy continued. Their 1990 followup, Banned in the U.S.A., was one of the first albums to feature the RIAA Parental Advisory label warning of explicit content.

Ross told Miami Times in 2019 that he was proud of the groups free speech efforts.

Im grateful and honored to be a pioneer as far as explicit lyrics, First Amendment rights, fighting censorship, and naked women on the stage, Ross said. We were responsible for securing a lot of that freedom of speech for everybody.

2 Live Crews classic lineup broke up in 1992, but still released music and performed sporadically. Brother Marquis, Fresh Kid Ice, Uncle Luke and Mr. Mixx briefly notably reunited at the 2010 VH1 Hip-Hop Honors ceremony.

Ross also performed in the rap duo 2 Nasty with DJ Toomp and as a solo artist, including on the 1993 song 99 Problems with Ice-T. The song included the famous line I got 99 problems but a b-tch aint one, which was later used by Jay-Z on his iconic 2004 hit, also called 99 Problems.

My Condolence goes out to the Family of Brother Marquis and so many of his Fans from around the World after learning his passing, Campbell wrote on X. We took on so many fights for the culture (and) made Great music together something I would never forget.
Join NY Cannabis Insider for its next industry meetup in Lafayette on June 13, 2024. Tickets available now.

Jeffrey Hoffman is a New York City-based attorney who hosts Ask Me Anything about Cannabis Legalization in New York each week on LinkedIn. Hoffman and NY Cannabis Insider have partnered to bring those sessions into print in a Q&A format.

Hoffmans practice focuses on cannabis industry clients, including licensees in the adult-use market, practitioners in the medical cannabis space, and cannabis adjacent product and service providers. He has a particular interest in social and economic equity cannabis license applicants, and he also informs and assists those convicted of cannabis offenses in getting such convictions expunged from their record. He can be reached at info@420jurist.com.

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity

JEFFREY: Our guest today is Eli Northrup. Eli is with the Bronx Defenders and hes running for the New York Assembly. Eli is a friend of cannabis, and he has my endorsement. Eli, welcome to the show.

ELI: Hey, Jeffrey, thank you for having me. Thank you for the official public endorsement as well and your support. Im happy to be here.

JEFFREY: So I did talk a little bit about who you are, sir. Why dont you just give the folks 30 seconds on who you are, what youve been up to and what you want to get done?

ELI: So yes, Im a public defender. I work at the Bronx Defenders. I represent people in criminal court who cant afford attorneys. Thats what Ive done for my entire career. But Im also a policy advocate. I started going up to Albany, really in 2017. And the first campaign I worked for was the Start Smart Campaign. So Ive been in this fight for a long time. It started for me because I just saw how racially disproportionate the arrests were. The number one case I handled when I started practicing in the Bronx was low level possession of cannabis. And I saw how police officers would use the odor of cannabis to stop and search people and to violate their rights. And I saw that almost every single person arrested was black or brown, despite the fact that white people use cannabis at equal rates. You cant have a law that we dont enforce equally, and I also felt like it made no sense that it was criminalized in the first place. So we really fought hard in Albany for legalization. And then once we had a huge win in 2021 with the MRTA, I started to realize that we fought for people who had been arrested and previously prosecuted to be able to get licenses. And people are asking me, Hey Eli, how can I get a license? Ive been arrested, how do I get involved? And I was looking around to see who can I connect people to in order to fill out these forms and get through this process, and there just wasnt a lot of infrastructure. And that led us to create the Bronx Cannabis Hub. And 30 of our people ended up applying through our screening of over 600 people for the CAURD licenses. And now we have 23 people who have received licenses.



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JEFFREY: Folks, folks, who is your friend in cannabis? I told you before I brought him on the show - its this guy Eli right there. Lets get right to it, sir. We want you in the Assembly. What are you gonna bring to the floor to fix NY cannabis?

ELI: Im gonna bring a knowledge and depth of experience to it. I mean, Ive been in this world now since 2017. And Ive been in it fighting for equity and ensuring that it is what actually gets accomplished. I think what I see when I go up there, and its not just with cannabis, its also with the criminal legal system and other issues is sometimes just a lack of expertise from our elected officials in the areas in which theyre legislating. And look, its okay, if you dont know, at least you should know who to go to. Because there are many experts, especially in this field, and you bring them in and you help to shape legislation with those experts, and unfortunately, I dont think thats happened consistently in our state legislature in this area. And I think I can bring my knowledge there. And I also am somebody who is running a grassroots campaign thats supported by people who know me and believe in me - Im not taking money from corporate PACs.

JEFFREY: We have a question from the audience. Theyd like to know which district youre running in.

ELI: Im running in the 69th Assembly District, that is the Upper West Side and Morningside Heights.

JEFFREY: Beautiful and just lets give a little detail on whats going on with that election. Usually in New York City, the real election is the Democratic primary, except in a few districts. For folks that dont know, we are very, very liberal here in New York City. There are a few districts that will elect a Republican but not many. Generally whoever wins the Democratic primary, especially for the district in question, is probably going to overwhelmingly win the seat.

ELI: Yeah, definitely. Its a very heavily Democratic district. The primary is June 25.

JEFFREY: Lets talk just a little bit of policy - tell me your top three things that you think need to be addressed in cannabis-land in the state of New York.

ELI: The biggest thing is dealing with unlicensed shops, because unfortunately, not only is it taking away the tax revenue that is supposed to be invested back in communities, it is also taking away opportunity from individuals who are trying to go do this the right way that the state is urging. Its also giving the whole rollout a bad name in the public eye, and its confusing people. And so when Im out on the streets, people are constantly talking to me about this. Now, I am not in favor of criminalizing this in any way, but you dont need to have criminal penalties to actually accomplish this, and I do think some of the new budget legislation that just got passed will enable the state and the city to start padlocking the shops and going after the landlords. So thats number one. Number two for me is equity and the actual social equity fund - we need to have a state run fund. It cant be a partnership with private equity. And then that can be a revolving fund. The third thing, which unfortunately is not within the state level control, is federal banking regulations.

JEFFREY: Thank you sir - give us your wrap up pitch.

ELI: Politics was not in the plan for me. Im a lawyer, and Im an advocate. And I love doing that work. And I have loved doing that work. And I think whats important is, and what I feel drawn to is, standing up for individuals who are generally marginalized and overlooked. And thats what Ive spent my career doing. And so as an advocate, I fought for a number of successful legislative campaigns to make our criminal legal system more just; I fought for cannabis legalization. And full expungement. I wrote parts of the bill to ensure that the odor of cannabis couldnt be used against people going forward. Now, we dont see cannabis cases in criminal court. We dont see searches based on the odor. So I see how legislation can change lives. I worked on Clean Slate to make sure that other past convictions are sealed or expunged so people with criminal records can get jobs and stable housing. These are things I care deeply about and have worked on. We dont have people up in our legislature who understand these things. We dont have people up in our legislature for the most part who have a background in helping people. Mostly what we have is people that are beholden to political connections. I dont like that. Im running on a platform of equity and justice. Check out my vision, donate, volunteer, anything, any help you want to give me Ill take and I really appreciate you giving me the time Jeffrey. And thank you for all the work you do.

JEFFREY: Once again, ladies and gentlemen, Eli Northrup gets our endorsement. This is the kind of person that we need in the legislature.
Nordstrom Rack has the best deals on HOKA shoes this week for up to 50% off. Dont wait to score these deals, run.

The big-ticket items on the HOKA sale list are the Carbon X 3 Running Shoe, the Bondi X Running Shoe, the Gaviota 4 Running Shoe, and the Tecton X Running Shoe.

So why HOKAs? Well, The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance acknowledges products that contribute to foot health. Each product undergoes evaluation by a panel of APMA podiatrists to ensure it supports and promotes foot health.

Related: Kate Spade Outlet releases huge deals on pride bags, shoes, more up to 68% off

The Carbon X 3 Running Shoe is on sale for 40% off.Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

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WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden is looking past resistance from key Israeli officials as he presses Israel and Hamas to agree to a three-phase agreement that could immediately bring home dozens of Israeli hostages, free Palestinian prisoners and perhaps even lead to an endgame in the nearly eight-month-old Gaza war.

Bidens big swing  during a tough reelection battle  could also demonstrate to a significant slice of his political base demoralized by his handling of the conflict that hes doing his part to end the war that has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians and left hundreds of thousands struggling to meet basic needs.
Director General of the GSMA Mats Granryd will step down from his role after MWC Barcelona 2025, bringing an end to almost a decade in the role.

Granryd declined a contract extension to go beyond nine years in the job, and will take on a new role of Special Advisor to the board for the rest of 2025 after he vacates. The GSMA Board has begun searching for his successor.

The director general joined the GSMA in 2015 and had extended two contract extensions during his time.

Granryds telecoms career spanned almost 40 years, played roles in deploying all the mobile Gs, and attended MWC Barcelona 26 times.

In India he aided in deploying 2G and as CEO of Swedish operator Tele2 he oversaw the rollout of 4G and achieved significant subscriber growth.

During his time at the helm of the GSMA, Granryd gained agreement that mobile would be the first industry to commit to the SDGs, and steered the organisation through COVID and took the decision to cancel MWC Barcelona in 2020 as premier companies pulled out over health concerns.
Dragging your feet about upgrading that old Apple TV box? If youre a Netflix fan, you might want to trade up sooner rather than later.

Owners of two older Apple TV models just received emails from Netflix warning that their aging devices will soon lose Netflix support, meaning theyll need to upgrade their boxes to keep streaming Baby Reindeer, Bridgerton, 3 Body Problem, and other Netflix hits.

We know this can be frustrating, reads the Netflix email, but were doing this to ensure you maintain the best possible Netflix viewing experience.

This news story is part of TechHives in-depth coverage of the best media streaming devices.

The good news is that the Apple TV boxes on the Netflix chopping block are two of the oldest Apple TV devicesin fact, theyre both more than a dozen years old.

These are the Apple TV models that will soon lose Netflix support:

Apple TV second generation (2010)

Apple TV third generation (2012)

As MacRumors notes, both the second- and third-generation Apple TV pre-date tvOS, the operating system used by the latest Apple TV devices. The two older Apple TV models also lack access to the Apple App Store.

To find out which generation Apple TV you own, find the serial number on the device and enter it into this form. You can also check the About screen in the Apple TV settings.

So, if you are still using a second- or third-generation Apple TV, how long do you have until you lose access to Netflix?

According to the email received by subscribers, those two older Apple TV devices will stop working with Netflix on July 31, 2024, meaning you have a little less than two months to upgrade.

If you want to upgrade to a newer Apple TV box, you should consider the most recent Apple TV 4K model from 2022, which comes in two variants: a Wi-Fi version with 64GB of storage for $129 (its now on sale at Verizon for just $89.99), or the step-up Wi-Fi plus ethernet Apple TV 4K with 128GB of storage for $149.

Another option is to stream Netflix on an Amazon Fire TV device, a Roku stick, or another streaming media player, and we have plenty of recommendations.

Its not unusual for Netflix to drop support for older streaming devices. Last year, Netflix pulled support for the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, several legacy TVs (including models from Sony, Panasonic, and Hitachi), as well as the PlayStation Vita.
A hot potato: The announcement of the Microsoft/Qualcomm Arm-based PCs has been hailed by some as the start of a serious challenge to x86 processors' dominance. Not surprisingly, one person who believes a revolution is coming is Arm CEO Rene Haas, who thinks Arm-based chips will be powering more than 50% of Windows PCs by 2029.

Microsoft last month announced the Copilot+ AI PCs packing Qualcomm's Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus SoCs. Microsoft says the Snapdragon X Elite-powered latest Surface laptop is up to 58% faster than Apple's M3 MacBook Air while offering excellent battery life, and early tests appear to confirm this  though they were paid for by Microsoft.

Windows-on-Arm PCs have been around for a while now, but the latest Snapdragon chips, which are comparable to high-end x86 CPUs, are getting plenty of attention.

In an interview with Reuters, Haas said, "Arm's market share in Windows - I think, truly, in the next five years, it could be better than 50%."

Haas added that Microsoft is very committed to Arm from a software standpoint and has gone well beyond anything it has done previously with Arm over the last couple of years.

The Arm-based Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft and other vendors are focused on consumer laptops, though Qualcomm is offering a Windows Snapdragon X dev kit in the form of a NUC-like mini desktop. Furthermore, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon said at Computex that the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips were coming to all form factors, suggesting future desktops powered by the SoCs. It seems Haas' prediction likely covers both laptop and desktop Windows PCs.

The new wave of Arm-based PCs is exciting, and Microsoft has gained the support of big manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Samsung, and Lenovo, but seeing x86 PCs fall below a 50% market share in just five years seems like a very optimistic forecast.

Canalys analyst Kieren Jessop told The Register that just 8  10% of quarterly PC shipments today are Arm-based, and almost all of those are Apple Silicon. The analyst predicts 30% of the PC market will be Arm-based by 2026, and the only way that number would be higher in a five-year time frame would be in the unlikely event of Intel introducing its own Arm chip.

Intel and AMD have just announced their AI-focused Lunar Lake and Ryzen AI 300 CPUs, respectively, as the two big x86 players try to take the spotlight off the Snapdragon chips, offering what they claim is similar or better performance than Qualcomm's offerings.
Rumor mill: For all that Microsoft, Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and pretty much every other tech company out there claims that AI is revolutionary, it still gets some pretty basic things wrong. AMD, for example, saw an AI at its Computex demo claim the event's location was in a high school.

AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su spent some of the company's keynote speech at Computex talking about how its Radeon Instinct MI300X graphics cards pair well with OpenAI's new tools, writes PC Gamer.

Su showed off a travel assistant built on GPT-4 called Wanderlust. As Computex takes place in Taipei, Taiwan, the demo was focused on the city. Unfortunately, the AI didn't seem to know precisely where the event was being held (around 1:10:45 in the video).

Wanderlust believed Computex was on the opposite side of the Taiwanese capital. PC Gamer's Dave James notes that it wasn't even pointing at the event's old location, but at the at the Changan Junior High School.

It could be that Wanderlust was highlighting the entire city of Taipei as the event location, though that's not exactly helpful as it is specifically held at Nangang International Exhibition Center. Also, the point moves to a specific area as the person running the demo zooms into the map.

The demo moved pretty fast  Su doesn't even seem to notice the snafu  but it's just another example of how AI, for all its advancements, can still get things wrong. Sending a load of tech fans into a high school isn't going to paint AI in a positive light.

The incident isn't going to receive as much attention as the recent Google AI Overviews fails, in which the search engine suggested users eat rocks, put glue on pizza to help the cheese stick, and more hilarious, if potentially dangerous, advice. Google said the issue was due to people asking nonsensical questions to produce erroneous results, lack of solid information, and the AI's inability to detect sarcasm and satire; an article from the satirical website The Onion was behind the rock-eating suggestion. Google also claimed many of the screenshots posted online were fake  another example of it blaming everyone but itself.
Mobile banking remains the most popular form of banking in Cambodia as mobile-based transactions reportedly continue to grow, while internet transactions are now declining.

According to the Khmer Times, data from the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) shows that banking transactions via mobile phones grew 11% year on year to 746.7 trillion riel ($164 billion) in 2023, while internet banking transactions using laptops and PCs shrunk 7% in the same period to 74.5 trillion riel.

Figures from the last five years show that while mobile banking has outpaced internet banking since 2019, its growth rate has been much faster. This is to be expected, as Cambodia has twice as many mobile connections as internet connections. According to Datareportal, there were 22.16 million active mobile connections in the country at the start of 2023, versus 11.37 million internet connections, which works out to penetration rates of 131.5% and 67.5%, respectively.

However, internet banking in Cambodia appears to have peaked in 2021, which NBC said is partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The figures from 2023 mark the biggest decline in internet banking transactions since then.

Bridge Bank CEO Richard HC Liew told Khmer Times that the disparity is partly to do with the fact that internet banking is used primarily by corporate clients, while mobile banking is driven by the consumer sector.

Liew also credited the promotion of NBCs Bakong mobile payment system for the surge in mobile banking, the report said.

Bakong was developed by NBC in partnership with Japanese tech firm Soramitsu and launched in 2020. An earlier report from NBC said the Bakong mobile app recorded 200.93 million transactions in 2023, five times higher than the previous year.

The NBC report also credited Bakongs interoperability between banks and merchants as a factor in its growing popularity.
While searching through an area filled with old bones in the North Dakota Badlands, two young brothers and their cousin were amazed to find a T. rex bone sticking out of the ground, leaving them speechless.

Discovering 'Teen Rex'

The three kids revealed their remarkable discovery as the Denver Museum of Nature & Science personnel gears up to carefully extract the fossil from its rocky encasement.

This effort is part of a special exhibit titled "Discovering Teen Rex," which will open on June 21. The exhibit will also feature the premiere of the film T.REX, which chronicles the discovery made in July 2022.

ABC News reported that the adventure began when 9-year-old Kaiden Madsen joined his cousins, 7-year-old Liam and 10-year-old Jessin Fisher, for a hike through a tract of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management near Marmarth, North Dakota.

Hiking was a favorite activity of the boys' father, Sam Fisher, who often marveled at the variety of rocks, plants, and wildlife they encountered on their excursions.

Liam remembered that he and his father were the first to spot the bone from the young T. rex, or colloquially T-rex. This fossil, which dates back around 67 million years, was found in the Hell Creek Formation, a famed paleontological site that covers parts of Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas.

The Hell Creek Formation is known for yielding exceptionally well-preserved T-rex fossils, such as Sue, displayed at the Field Museum in Chicago, and Wyrex, featured at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Jim Farley, CEO of automaking giant Ford, is reportedly looking to develop and offer more affordable electric vehicles, stating that their next-gen EVs will both be profitable and affordable.

The CEO's sentiments come as Chinese EV makers' inexpensive models have proven successful overseas.

Farley claims Ford's following electric vehicle lineup will compete with the best available. In an interview, Farley stated that China's strategic wager on electric vehicles has "paid off so far," and Ford is attempting to duplicate some of the success on US territory.

Earlier this year, Farley disclosed that Ford was "secretly" developing a smaller EV architecture to support more reasonably priced cars. In addition, Ford is delaying its larger three-row electric SUV in favor of the smaller EV models.

According to Farley, Ford assembled a small Skunkworks team comprised of some of the world's top EV engineers to develop the new platform. A large number of Tesla and Apple employees are allegedly on the team.

Farley said the company's engineering strategy is entirely different, the can result in a more affordable device with a smaller battery and different chemistry.

Chinese EV Makers' Success

Ford's CEO made his comments at the same time that BYD Co., the top producer of electric vehicles in China, was drawing attention for its outstanding sales figures in May, which were the result of significant price cuts. The business almost broke a new sales record, demonstrating its increasing dominance in the new energy vehicles (NEVs) market.

BYD sold 331,817 NEVs in May, a 5% increase from 313,245 units in April and a 38% YoY increase. These NEVs include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and electric cars (EVs). With this remarkable accomplishment, BYD is nearly breaking its record of 341,043 NEVs sold in December 2023, according to CNEVPost.

Continuing to break records, BYD's PHEV sales reached a record 184,093 units in May, representing a 22% year-over-year increase. For the third month in a row, PHEV sales have broken records.

Compared to the 507,862 PHEVs sold over the same period last year, BYD has sold 685,960 PHEVs this year, a 35% increase.

Sales of the company's fully electric vehicles are also increasing; in May, 146,395 units were sold, up 9% from April and 22% year over year. This increase comes after BYD introduced its more affordable "Honor" edition models to up the ante on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles earlier in the year.

Affordable Volkswagen EVs

Meanwhile, the German automotive behemoth Volkswagen has also declared its intention to create an affordable EV model to compete with the burgeoning EV industry, which is crowded with low-cost Chinese EV manufacturers.

Volkswagen wants to produce electric vehicles for around 20,000 euros ($21,746) for the European market. The company also announced plans for a global debut in 2027.

When Chinese rivals vying for market share challenge top European automakers, the project gets underway. Some competitors have a 30% cost advantage over their Western counterparts.

Volkswagen stated that a major part of the project's localization in Europe would be responsible for reducing emissions and component transportation routes.
Wind energy is recognized as an essential part of the shift to sustainable energy shift. However, its involvement in distributed energy generation is limited by the tendency to build turbines for optimal efficiency, unlike solar panels, which may be mounted on rooftops and balconies.

To address this challenge, a New York-based designer created a wind fence to integrate sustainable energy into metropolitan settings. According to Interesting Engineering, Joe Doucet made a modular barrier with vertical wind turbines useful and attractive for hotels, business buildings, and residential units.

In 2021, Doucet designed an efficient and attractive wind-distributed energy product after seeing a shortage of successful goods. He has spent two years refining and testing his wind turbine wall concept.

Doucet and his team examined 16 vertical turbine blade prototypes with Airiva, a business co-founded with energy sector veteran Jeff Stone, choosing three for wind tunnel testing. Multiple turbine blades in a spiral form maximized energy production.

In a basic configuration featuring eight helical blades, the wind fence produces 2,200 kWh annually. This implies a typical US family would require five Wind Fence units to live off-grid, but each unit is approximately 14 feet by seven feet, making it better for bigger installations.

Airiva will be produced using 80% recycled material. Notably, It will be marketed to businesses, the public, and real estate clients, not homeowners.

A new modular wind turbine design called Airiva Wind Energy System is set to enter the distributed wind power market in 2025 and produce electricity near where it is consumed.

A new modular wind turbine design called Airiva Wind Energy System is set to enter the distributed wind power market in 2025 and produce electricity near where it is consumed. https://t.co/uakGcEBr65 - TheCivilEngineer.org (@TheCivilEngin) April 11, 2024

Clean Energy Investments Rise

Modular wind fence modules improve energy generation at a plant. Although they cannot match the production of giant horizontal turbines, their useful proximity to other locations reduces energy transmission losses.

Custom-made pilots may begin commercial wind fence installation this year, with first orders expected in 2025.

According to the latest data, more firms are investing in clean energy. The Rhodium Group reported an unprecedented $71 billion in clean energy and transportation investments in the first quarter.

Investment announcements doubled over the previous quarter. According to Industry Dive, the research added that the first quarter of 2023 witnessed $51 billion in new investments, whereas 2018 saw $78 billion.

The supply chain for electric cars, according to the Rhodium Group, drove clean investment and growth, which increased 28% quarter over quarter. Investment in retail and technology to decarbonize energy and industrial production fell 3% from the previous quarter but increased year-over-year from the first quarter of 2023.

Read Also : Spotify Premium Hit with Major Price Hikes in the US for Second Year in a Row

US, Partners to Advance Clean Energy

In a separate update on clean energy, the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) will convene a ministerial conference in Singapore with key corporations participating in a "Clean Economy" investor roundtable to encourage infrastructure and climate investments.

According to Reuters, the first in-person IPEF ministerial session took place in San Francisco following November's significant advancements in the IPEF Clean Economy Agreement and Fair Economy Agreement.

At this week's conference, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the nations will specify procedures under each accord. She noted that participants will finalize the agreements at the ministerial level.

The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum will comprise 22 prominent US firms, including AWS, Bechtel, Google, Microsoft, BlackRock, Citi, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and KKR. Major Australian and Japanese investors will also attend the meeting.

Raimondo noted that each country submitted its top clean economy initiatives, and the investor forum will match them. The list includes solar, wind, energy transmission, infrastructure, transportation, and mobility projects.
Apple's iOS 18 upgrade for the iPhone will overhaul the Control Center. WWDC 2024, commencing on June 10, will unveil this upgrade, as recent reports suggest.

In Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman reported that the Control Center will have a music widget and revised HomeKit controls. He noted that the iPhone's control center will be upgraded with a "new music widget" and improvements in the operation of smart home appliances.

In addition to the Control Center overhaul, Gurman suggested a sleeker Settings app with better organization, search, and layout. MacOS should also get these upgrades, per Gadgets 360.

According to 9to5Mac, the Apple iOS 18 upgrade will allow users to freely arrange app icons and widgets on their home screen for the first time, abandoning the grid style. This modification would enable iPhone users to customize widget-app icon gaps, previously only available on Android devices.

Customizing app icons is another major iOS 18 upgrade. Reports indicate that his new feature will let users alter app icon colors across the system. Users might make all social networking icons blue or finance symbols green.

Apple iOS18 Upgrade Includes New and Improved Siri

Moreover, Gurman suggested improvements to the large language model that powered Siri. Users can chain commands and ask follow-up questions without repeating the inquiry with these changes. AI may be added to Music, Keynote, Pages, and AppleCare.

Gurman referred to iOS 18 as "one of the biggest" improvements to the iPhone, despite the lack of anticipated hardware surprises at this year's WWDC. This includes the next Apple TV, reported for the first half of 2024.

Apple will reveal iOS 18 one week from today!



What features do you want to see? pic.twitter.com/jKbg39FvLu  Apple Hub (@theapplehub) June 3, 2024

$12.3M Apple Store Fraud Scheme Busted

As iPhone fans anticipate the upcoming iOS18 update, authorities advise the public to be cautious about fake iPhones. TechTimes reported that Apple lost at least $12.3 million in a complex fraud operation involving counterfeit iPhones, according to US authorities.

The multi-year plan to target Southern California Apple Stores led to the detention and prosecution of five Chinese nationals.

They accuse Yang Song, 40, of Corona, Junwei Jiang, 37, of East Los Angeles, Zhengxuan Hu, 26, of Alhambra, Yushan Lin, 30, and Shuyi Xing, 34, also of Corona, of using Apple's customer service to plan this complex operation.

They reportedly returned 16,000 counterfeit iPhones, iPads, and other Apple items to Apple Stores in Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, and Irvine between December 2015 and March 2023.

Prosecutors say Song and Jiang worked with Chinese colleagues to send fake Apple iPhones to the US. These fakes matched warranty-protected Apple device IDs.

The defendants claimed these gadgets were defective and covered under warranty by returning them to Apple Stores. Unaware of the deception, the Apple Store staff would replace or repair counterfeit gadgets, giving the fraudsters legitimate Apple items. These authentic Apple devices were transported to the US and foreign affiliates, mostly in China, for a profit.

US Attorney Martin Estrada said the defendants stole over $12 million in items using Apple's customer-service procedures. They falsely returned or tried to return over 16,000 counterfeit Apple gadgets, costing Apple a lot of money.

Moreover, Real AppleCare owners may lose warranty repairs and assistance due to counterfeit devices using stolen IDs.
Google's next-generation smartphone, Pixel 9, is slowly getting new information and leaks about what to expect from it, and this new Tensor G4 chipset specsheet adds more to what we know.

This new chip for the Pixel series will follow up on Pixel 8's Tensor G3 chip, offering higher numbers from benchmark tests and other metrics compared to the old chips.

However, there is still much to consider regarding the improvements and upgrades to the Pixel 9 series, especially as on-device AI is expected.

Google Pixel 9 Leaks: Tensor G4 Chipset Specs Unveiled

New information on the Pixel 9 was leaked by a Russian source (Rotzeked) after it was tested on the AnTuTu benchmark, according to Android Police. It was spotted using the latest Tensor G4 chipset, the renowned self-made SoC series from Google, which started with 2021's Pixel 6 and is the main semiconductor that powers the smartphone lineup.

The base Pixel 9 version achieved 1.07 million points on the benchmark, while the Pixel Pro reached 1.14 million points. The Pixel 0 Pro XL scored the most, with 1.17 million points.

It was said that these numbers are not far from Pixel 8's base benchmark test at 900,000, attributing it to the ARMv9-A core architecture that Google used for the new processor.

Is the Pixel 9 Better Than the Pixel 8 Series?

Tensor G4 offers a Cortex-A4 3.1GHz, three Cortex-A720 cores 2.6GHz, and four Cortex-A520 cores 1.95GHz and is regarded as minor power boosts only for the Pixel 9. However, this is not yet a defining moment for Pixel 9, as it could get better over time, especially once it finally releases later this year.

Users may wait for the Pixel 9 or opt for the cheaper mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 8A, which was only recently released.

Google's Pixel 9 Leaks

First, a new AI assistant, Pixie AI, will bring its capabilities and features to the device's users. Reports claim that Google's Gemini AI will power it, which touts its multimodal model.

A recent leak from earlier this year also details what to expect from the revamped design of the Pixel 9 series, one that would take a new route compared to all other Pixel devices from Google.

These leaks claim that it will revamp the rear camera bump, which will no longer extend to its edges. The Pixel 9 will also feature a flat-edged device that will leave behind its curved body but will feature rounded corners.

Of course, there were also talks that this will be Google's first smartphone with on-device AI, similar to what leakers said about Apple's iPhone 16.

The Pixel 9's chipset will feature the Tensor G4, its next-in-line SoC that will power the next-gen smartphone. While it only features small changes for the device, it is yet to prove itself once users get more hands-on, especially with its AI capabilities.
Microsoft will reportedly lay off around 1,500 employees under its Azure cloud unit. According to Business Insider sources, the layoffs will impact teams including Azure for Operators and Mission Engineering. The sources noted that the company is is cutting as many as 1,500 jobs.

Microsoft spokesperson told Reuters that the layoffs are a "regular" and "necessary" part of the business. The spokesperson also said that organizational and workforce adjustments are part of managing the company.

"We will continue to prioritize and invest in strategic growth areas for our future and in support of our customers and partners," the spokesperson told Reuters.

Thanks to its strategic alliance with ChatGPT maker OpenAI and its significant investment in artificial intelligence (AI), Microsoft's Azure cloud is experiencing sharp growth.





Microsoft to Lay Off Hundreds of Employees

Microsoft is the latest firm to join the growing number of Tech layoffs this year. On April 18, a few weeks after introducing a novel AI tool that could produce audio based on a text command, Stability AI was reportedly preparing a significant reorganization that would result in job losses.

According to an internal memo that was leaked to the public, the AI company is expected to undergo dramatic changes following the resignation of previous CEO and founder Emad Mostaque.

The memo from Chief Technology Officer Christian Laforte and temporary Chief Operating Officer Shan Shan Wong said the company plans layoffs as a cost-cutting measure. Reports suggest that the layoffs impacted about 20 workers, or over 10% of the company's total headcount.

Last February, Cisco Systems also announced that it will be laying off 4,000 employees worldwide, or about 5% of its workforce, as part of its restructuring, which will focus on "key priority areas" such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Read Also : Yahoo Singapore Shifts Focus, Cuts Editorial Staff and Embraces Content Curation

Gaming Layoffs

A day before that, or on April 17, it was reported that Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of Grand Theft Auto, planned to cancel several projects and reduce its personnel by 5% of its overall workforce. or about 579 employees.

According to reports, the layoffs follow CEO Strauss Zelnick's previous statement that the publisher has no intention of making layoffs as part of its campaign to reduce costs. The decision is predicted to result in yearly cost savings of over $165 million.

Take-Two had also previously said that it had finished "right-sizing" the company and that, in part, the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025 will put it in "growth mode" moving forward.

Baldur's Gate 3's publishing director, Michael Douse, recently discussed the urgent problem of industry-wide layoffs that have afflicted game developers in recent years. Described these layoffs as an "avoidable mess," Douse noted that layoffs are preventable and should not be considered an inevitable part of the gaming industry.
The world of wearable tech saw a new lawsuit between two competing companies, with Samsung now suing Oura to block the company from launching a suit against them.

This centers on the Galaxy Ring's intellectual property case, which Oura allegedly looks to bring against Samsung, but the South Korean tech giant wants to fight it off before it launches the device.

This enabled Samsung to take a counteroffensive approach, which prevented Oura from filing its case before the Big Tech company was served.

Samsung vs. Oura: New Lawsuit Aims to Block Galaxy Ring Dispute

Samsung filed a lawsuit against Oura, which aims to block the renowned smart ring company from launching a suit against them behind their latest development of the Galaxy Ring.

According to the lawsuit, when Galaxy Ring was first introduced, Oura immediately responded with its "intellectual property portfolio" and aimed to block the Samsung ring tracker's availability in the market.

The South Korean tech giant claimed that Oura has flaunted its patents to subdue smaller tech companies from launching their smart rings in the market.

The Verge claimed that this move suggested that Oura is not holding back for anyone behind the smart ring technology, with the company prepared to take the fight even to larger corporations like Samsung.

Galaxy Ring Intellectual Property Suit Coming from Oura?

It is unknown if Oura will launch an intellectual property dispute against Samsung for its Galaxy Ring, which will soon make it to the market for its sale and availability.

However, Samsung's lawsuit is now exposing Oura's tactics, which use its patents to strong-arm other companies from releasing their ring trackers, similar to competitors like Circular, RingConn, and Ultrahuman, said Samsung.

Samsung's Galaxy Ring and Similar Wearables

Ring trackers, while not fairly new in the tech market, remain unsaturated in the industry now. These health-tech wearables are proving to be one of the most significant devices in today's age.

While Samsung's Galaxy Ring is the one that makes the most buzz now after its introduction on Unpacked, many others have looked to fill this gap in the tech wearable market.

For many years now, Oura has delivered its ring tracker to the world. It remains one of the most popular wearables in the market and has held out through the years.

However, as many tech showcases have passed, it is a testament to the many who want to deliver the experience, for example, the many introductions made earlier this year at CES.

That being said, the biggest players in the market now behind smart rings are Oura and Samsung, and both companies are now knee-deep in going against each other.

Still, Samsung took the upper hand by filing its case first, which looks to block Oura from serving it a lawsuit regarding intellectual property disputes, a crucial time as the Galaxy Ring is nearing its market release.
Meta Connect 2024 will be held from September 25 to 26, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed in an Instagram story on Monday. The company is expected to unveil new updates for its rumored Meta Quest 3s and AR glasses at the event.

According to Meta's social media profiles, Meta Connect 2024 will reveal developments on the company's long-term goal of assisting in creating the metaverse and examine the future of AI and mixed reality.

Reports claimed that Meta's PR team deliberately prioritized AI over XR. Google demonstrated AI for two hours straight at I/O 2024. Meta may follow suit this autumn by showcasing the advancements made in both its Llama 3 and Meta AI models.

Like how he unveiled the Quest 3 at Connect 2023, Zuckerberg would likely make the Meta Quest 3s (or Quest Lite) public at Meta Connect 2024.

The Meta Quest 3s will purportedly sport the thicker Quest 2 lenses with reduced display resolution and the Quest 3's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 CPU and RGB cameras for full-color XR passthrough. All this will be done to target a reported $299 price tag that will appeal to budget shoppers.

This year, Meta debuted its Horizon OS, an open-source operating system, along with partnerships like ASUS ROG and Lenovo that promised to produce VR headsets of their own. Thus, it's feasible that they will take the stage at Meta Connect to showcase its new gear.





AR Ventures of Meta

"High field-of-view immersion" AR glasses are what Meta's Head of AR Glasses Hardware Caitlin Kalinowski, recently revealed in an interview with Android Central.

Although these Meta AR glasses will not be available for purchase for years, guests at Meta Connect 2024 may be able to test its first public prototype.

Meta will most likely devote some work on the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses in the interim, as they just received a significant multimodal AI update.

As Meta Connect 2024 looks to arrive in just a few months, Meta continues to build on mixed reality ventures. A recent update on the company's Ray-Ban smart glasses has allowed it to upload Instagram stories directly, so no phone is needed.

Read Also : Meta Explores Classroom Potential with Quest Headset Despite Criticisms

Meta's Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses update was released a month after the wearable device received an AI update. The technologically advanced Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, with an ultra-wide 12 MP camera and integrated audio, were released in April.

It has an AI assistant that facilitates creation, communication, and task completion for users. Thanks to Meta AI, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses couldusers see real-time data and control the glasses with voice commands.

In December, Meta started testing a multimodal AI upgrade that lets users query their glasses about what they are seeing and get useful replies or ideas since the smart glasses can see what users see.

(Photo : Tech Times)
It is a rare moment for the crypto industry to support the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) amidst regulation issues. President Joe Biden's decision to veto the SAB 121 bill is not a welcome move from the country's leader.

Now, he is facing anger and scrutiny from the cryptocurrency industry, which was closely following this bill and known for sharing its support as it passed through the House and Senate.

President Biden Vetoes the SEC's SAB 121

President Joe Biden's response to the House and Senate-passed bill from the SEC, a.k.a. the Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 (SAB 121), was a veto, according to a new release from the White House.

The decision from Biden claimed that approving this would "inappropriately constrain" the SEC "to address future issues," as well as set "appropriate guardrails."

Biden also addressed that this bill's passing into law would "undercut" the SEC's authorities in the financial sector.

Ultimately, Biden said his administration would not support these laws that could "jeopardize the well-being of consumers and investors."

Crypto Industry Supports SAB 121

According to CoinDesk, SAB 121 is SEC accounting guidance that will allow financial institutions that keep cryptocurrencies for customers to keep these digital assets on their balance sheets. However, the crypto industry supports this bill, with reports claiming that they are angry with this latest decision to veto it.

Cryptocurrency and the US

The long-time debate about cryptocurrency regulations in the US has seen much from either side, especially as the SEC intends to regulate the blockchain for its continued operations in the US.

However, while there are several rules and regulations behind it now, there are still a lot of grounds to cover, especially one that will appease the crypto industry in the country.

One of the most significant moves from a crypto exchange company was when Coinbase sued the SEC for its lack of response regarding the cryptocurrency regulations in the US. Coinbase long sought "regulatory clarity" from the governing body but was not given clear information about it.

That being said, last year saw a massive crackdown against cryptocurrency firms operating in the country, with the SEC's latest target being the biggest platform in the world, Binance. It is known that this crackdown led Binance to pay off a settlement to the US for its malpractices, which also led to its CEO and founder, Changpeng Zhao, getting convicted.

The cat-and-mouse relationship between the SEC and the crypto industry has been ongoing for years, and while some companies are working closely with the agency, some only await what they have to offer.

That being said, their differences were set aside on SAB 121, one that would also benefit the crypto industry. However, that may take a detour for now as it was vetoed by POTUS Biden, which angered many.
The LoRa Alliance, the global association of companies backing the open LoRaWAN standard for the internet of things (IoT) low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs), has announced the accreditation of DEKRAs Atibaia, Brazil, facility as a LoRa Alliance Authorised Test Lab (ATL). This is the first ATL in Latin and South America.

Founded in 1925 to ensure road safety thanks to vehicle inspection, today DEKRA is the worlds largest independent non-listed expert organisation in the testing, inspection and certification sector.

The LoRa Alliance says that the authorisation of this facility near Sao Paulo as a new ATL for LoRaWAN end devices demonstrates the strong growth of LoRaWAN in Latin America and South America.

Having a local ATL means that members no longer need to ship products outside of the continent, offering time and cost savings when seeking LoRaWAN certification. The LoRa Alliance adds that this move will support the areas rapidly growing membership and is intended to promote increased device manufacturing in the region.

DEKRAs designation as the first LoRa Alliance authorised test lab in South and Latin America marks a significant step forward in enabling global market access for LoRaWAN devices. Our commitment to fostering a safe and secure worldwide adoption of LoRaWAN technology, while supporting local and international customers, is now strengthened by our lab in Brazil, which will continue growing with testing and certification services in the region, says Juan Carlos Soler, VP of Business Lines of Digital & Product Solutions at DEKRA.

Explaining DEKRAs work, he adds: Backed by our extensive testing and certification expertise, we stand ready to assist customers in obtaining LoRaWAN Certification and related electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radiofrequency (RF) and product safety testing to ensure optimal device performance across diverse network environments.

This is one of a number of recent LoRa Alliance announcements that also include the launch of the LoRaWAN Web Certification System (LWCS), which now automates the certification process, and the introduction of LoRa Alliance member self-testing of end devices.
Social media companies could reportedly soon be restricted by New York from using content algorithms on teens. This is a move by the state to prevent the youth from being exposed to automated feeds that the state has long regarded as problematic.

The legislators' tentative accord aims to limit social media algorithms without requiring parental permission. It is anticipated that this week's vote on the measure, which is still in the final stages of development, will forbid platforms from notifying kids without parental permission while sleeping.

Social media platforms have come under fire recently because of their tendency toward addiction and its effects on young people.

In February, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City announced that his administration has filed a lawsuit against Facebook and Instagram, two social media platforms owned by Meta Platforms, for contributing to the teenage mental health epidemic.

The same state also proclaimed back in January that social media applications are an environmental "toxin" and a public health "hazard," citing the mental health of young people as the primary cause.

The mayor warned about the risks associated with social media and pointed out that his city is the first of its size in the nation to implement such a measure.

He continued by saying that, similar to how the surgeon general handled tobacco and guns, the city will now address social media like other public health threats, ensuring digital corporations take responsibility.

Social Media Legislations

To shield young people from potential internet hazards to their mental health, proponents of a bill that prohibits minors under the age of 14 from using social media and mandates that 14 and 15-year-olds obtain parental approval signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in March.

The bill states that it would apply to any feature that uses damaging, hazardous, or deceptive design elements or any other feature meant to give an account holder a massive or obsessive need to use or interact with the social media platform, even though it does not specifically name the platforms it would target.

Furthermore, social media companies would need to ensure that user profiles contain no personally identifying information and that the age of users is confirmed by an impartial, non-governmental third party not connected to the social media platform.

Social Media Ban

Recently, several states have taken action to limit the amount of social media children are exposed to, including Florida. Last year, Utah became the first state in the union to forbid adolescents under eighteen from using social media without parental consent.

Furthermore, starting at 10.30 p.m. The state prohibits children from using social media accounts from 6.3 to 6.30 a.m. A trade association for the sector sued Utah over the act, at the time.
Elon Musk's X recently allowed users to post consensual adult content on the platform, granted the posts are clearly labeled, experts reportedly claim the newest policy is a move that coincides with X's image.

The social networking site cites its decision as a reflection of its faith in adults' right to interact with and produce content that touches on sexuality.

The San Francisco-based corporation stated that users should be allowed to produce, distribute, and consume content with sexual themes as long as it is done so consensually on its platform, according to a recent update. Written or visual forms of sexual expression can be accepted forms of creative expression.

According to Cornell University associate professor of communication Brooke Erin Duffy, the platform's decision to permit "adult content" fits nicely with the business's post-Musk marketing strategy. She says that X has tried to set itself apart from competitors that are "brand safe."

Duffy also alleges that the business seems to be wooing individuals as artists and creators who other social media platforms have ostracized due to policies that forbid explicit sexual content or nudity.

Twitter, X on Adult Content

While there was no formal regulation before Musk, adult content was also permitted on Twitter. According to X, adult content is restricted for adult users and youngsters who prefer not to view it.

Additionally, X declared that it forbids any content that encourages obscene behavior, objectification, nonconsent, sexualization, exploitation, or harm to minors.

X is requesting that users who upload porn regularly change their media settings to include a content warning on all of their photos and videos. Before viewing the uploaded image, users must indicate that they wish to do so.

Fake News on X

X's new policy comes as troublesome posts about false news continue to plague the site. According to a recent study, a tiny number of accounts share most fake news on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

The study, which was carried out by a group of Indiana University social media experts, highlights the startlingly significant role that "superspreaders" play in spreading false information online.

The researchers concentrated on disinformation's dissemination, acknowledging its severe consequences for society. False information can jeopardize public health and erode confidence in democratic processes.

Notable examples include inaccurate information regarding COVID-19, which led to misunderstanding about vaccinations and health precautions, and false statements about the 2020 US presidential election, which fueled the Capitol riot on January 6.

Superspreaders are those that disseminate an excessive quantity of misleading information. The study discovered that a relatively small group distributes most of this false information.

For instance, only 0.1% of Twitter users shared 80% of the incorrect information during the 2016 US election. Similarly, 12 accounts were found to be accountable for almost two-thirds of the anti-vaccine propaganda on the internet during the COVID-19 outbreak.
A recent study claimed that TikTok approved over a dozen political disinformation ads before the European parliamentary elections, raising concerns about its ability to detect false election-related content.

Global Witness Tests TikTok to Detect Deceptive Ads

Global Witness, an international advocacy group, crafted 16 deceptive ads about the European Union (EU) elections for Irish audiences, and submitted them to TikTok, YouTube, and X, formerly known as Twitter.

The advertisements contained false information, such as suggesting people could vote online or via text, which are methods not permitted in the upcoming elections.

They also misrepresented the voting age and incited violence against immigrant voters. The study's findings raised questions about whether the video-sharing app is breaching new EU rules that require platforms to stop election disinformation.

TikTok asserted that it reviews all advertisements before publication, with most reviews completed within 24 hours. Global Witness said its investigation showed that after 48 hours to review the ads, which it deemed sufficient to assess and remove them, TikTok approved all the submitted ads.

TikTok responded to the investigation by acknowledging that all 16 ads violated its advertising policies and were accurately flagged by its systems. However, Global Witness claimed they were approved after additional review because of human error by a moderator, who has since underwent retraining.

Additionally, the company said it has introduced new procedures for moderating political ads.

YouTube and X Demonstrates Better Performance

Global Witness previously found YouTube and X to be failing at detecting disinformation and hate speech. However, in this test, the two platforms performed better than TikTok.

The advocacy group submitted 16 advertisements tailored for Ireland on each platform, featuring content the EU rules caution against and prohibited by the platforms' own policies.

X declined all the ads, while YouTube rejected all except two. Following the reviews, Global Witness withdrew the advertisements to prevent their publication.

The advertisements contained various instances of false information, including claims such as advising against in-person voting for the EU election due to alleged ballot alteration by election workers, suggesting voting via text instead.

Another false claim asserted that the Electoral Commission would close all polling stations due to a surge in contagious diseases, prompting voters to opt for online voting.

There was also misinformation about a supposed change in ID requirements for the 2024 elections, stating that only those with a valid driving license could vote on election day. These claims were designed to misinform users.

Global Witness intentionally created them to test if these platforms could detect false information. The study's findings emerge just before the European elections, which will span the EU's 27 member states and involve approximately 370 million eligible voters. Global Witness calls on social media platforms to be vigilant against the dissemination of disinformation and division during this year's elections.

"No platform must allow the derailing of democratic participation. This is particularly salient for TikTok given its popularity with young people," Henry Peck, Senior Campaigner, Digital Threats at Global Witness, said in a statement. "We call on the EU to act swiftly to ensure TikTok and other social media platforms are meeting its standards."
It's interesting to see how far Worldcoin went by at this point.

While the Sam Altman-founded crypto venture can easily pique everyone's interest with its eyeball-scanning tech that exchanges iris cans for free crypto tokens, some people are not still convinced to use it.

Most likely, the recent privacy complaints in Germany, France, and other parts of Europe could likely attract the attention of the European Union (EU) regarding the matter.

Worldcoin in a Sea of Privacy Issues

Right now, Germany remains the lone EU market that allows Worldcoin to run free eyeball-scanning wonders. However, things might escalate quickly if Bavaria's data protection authority could dig deeper into the outcome of the probe.

According to TechCrunch, the authority's spokesman said that the conclusions regarding the ongoing investigation will be published by mid-July.

"Taking into account further steps to align with other SA's [supervisory authorities] I currently expect results that we are able to use in public in mid-July 2024," he told the publication.

Related Article : Worldcoin's European Presence Shrinks Further with Portugal Ban

How Worldcoin Violates Your Personal Data

According to some complaints, the EU is concerned with how it breached the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the bloc. If proven that Worldcoin is indeed violating a user's privacy, the EU could order non-compliant processing to halt its operations on top of slapping up to a 4% fine.

If Worldcoin wants to comply with what the EU wants, Altman and his friends need to change some parts of its system, particularly on how personal information is gathered and stored in its database. However, blockchains do not work like that so that won't be the case.

Apart from that, some complaints strike Worldcoin if it's transparent and fair to all requirements.

Children Face Risk Using Worldcoin

EU regulators are also worried that Worldcoin could put children's privacy in danger. Scanning the eyeballs of the minors could bring more problems in the long run such as nonconsensual sharing of biometrics data.

Coin Telegraph reports that Worldcoin suspended its operations in Spain as a data protection probe pushes. Even though its three-month ban will expire, the country chose not to relaunch it for good.

With that in mind, Spain's DPA anticipates seeing how the Bavarian data protection authority fares and what is the result of their investigation. Their next move might depend on the next outcome of the probe.

Outside Europe, Kenya's government suspended Worldcoin amid the same issues shared by EU regions. The African country's Communications authority voiced out that the crypto venture could impact biometric data storage, private data collection, and money conversion.

If Altman is really into changing lives, he won't only think of Worldcoin as a source of income for some users. Making it as humane as possible by safeguarding the people's sensitive data should be his priority at best.
Samsung appears to be expanding its popular Galaxy Watch lineup with a new, budget-friendly option.

Recently leaked information has unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE (Fan Edition), which promises to bring a blend of advanced features and affordability to the market.

Galaxy Watch FE Specs: What the Leaks Say

The Galaxy Watch FE is set to be a more affordable variant of Samsung's smartwatch lineup.

Leaked renders shared by @Sudhanshu1414 on X showcase a sleek 40mm device available in three colors: blue, black, and pink. The design closely resembles the existing Galaxy Watch models.

Exclusive: Samsung Galaxy Watch FE renders! pic.twitter.com/Jtzp9eUIaC  Sudhanshu Ambhore (@Sudhanshu1414) June 4, 2024

The leaked specifications paint a picture of a robust yet budget-friendly smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch FE will feature a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 396x396 pixels, offering vibrant and clear visuals.

Powering the device is the Exynos W920 chip, the same processor found in the Galaxy Watch 4, which is known for its reliable performance.

In terms of memory and storage, the watch will come with 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, sufficient for most users' needs. It will run on Wear OS powered by Samsung's One UI Watch 5.0, providing a smooth and user-friendly experience.

Battery life is another critical aspect of any wearable, and the Galaxy Watch FE is expected to offer up to 30 hours of usage on a single charge. The 247mAh battery supports magnetic wireless charging, adding convenience to the user experience.'

More Anticipated Features

The device also boasts a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters (5 ATM), an IP68 rating, and MIL-STD-810H certification, ensuring it can withstand various environmental conditions. This makes it suitable for swimming and other rigorous activities under extreme weather.

As expected, the Galaxy Watch FE is packed with health and fitness tracking capabilities. It includes a range of sensors such as an accelerometer, barometer, bioelectrical impedance analysis, electrical cardiac sensor, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, brightness sensor, and optical heart rate sensor.

Sammobile reports that Samsung has officially confirmed the existence of the Galaxy Watch FE by publishing a support page for it on its website. The same report tells us that the smartwatch has also been listed on a certification platform, confirming its name, model numbers, and Bluetooth version.

When Will the Galaxy Watch FE be Released?

Samsung has not officially announced the Galaxy Watch FE, but another leaker suggests it will be priced at around 199, which could translate to approximately $199 in the US.

Rumors tell us that the anticipated launch date for the Galaxy Watch FE is July 10, 2024, during Samsung's next Unpacked event. This event is also expected to showcase other new smartwatch models, including the Galaxy Watch 7 and the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra, further expanding Samsung's wearable lineup.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.
We do not need Netflix series like Baby Reindeer to understand how dangerous cyberstalking is.

However, these productions show cyberstalking attempts make people go through irrecoverable trauma.

In this age of digital harassment and cyberbullying, digital crimes can push people to a dangerous edge.

As revealed by ExpressVPN, 20% of US adults have been subjected to cyberstalking.

In many cases, victims of cyberstalking can go through depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, PTSD and severe impact on self-esteem and social relationships.

Considering the digital footprint one person leaves daily, anyone can be a victim of cyberstalking!

So, as is the case with other cybercrimes, it is better to be safe than sorry. Here are a few steps to stay safe online from cyberstalking.

#1 Review What You Have shared

Any cyberstalking perpetrator needs some data to start an attack towards you. While it is impossible not to leave any data while using the internet, you can always review what you have shared and continue to share.

For instance, it is a good idea not to keep your private mobile number public.

Similarly, leaving personally identifiable and traceable information in the public domain is a trap for yourself. People tend to underestimate how threat actors can bring together information that may not individually help track you.

For instance, your first name and where you work can help the threat actor narrow down how to reach you and confirm your identity.

Thus, you should understand how much you share. A simple Google search can help you get started.

#2 Frequently Update Your Credentials

Even when you are completely secure on your own, your credentials can make it to the dark web in multiple ways.

In many cases, hacking attempts may reveal a massive corpus of personal credentials on the web.

Therefore, frequently updating your credentials, especially your email address and password, is always a good idea.

On a related note, you should always use multiple email addresses. This way, even if one of the addresses is compromised, you will not have to redo everything from scratch.

Of course, at this point, if you are using the same password for all websites, you are digging your own grave. Using a password manager can make things easy here.

#3 Practice Security Hygiene Habits

Digital security hygiene refers to several precautions that you can take against digital threats. While many of these digital threats may not directly cause cyber-stalking, they are a popular channel through which your information gets to the threat actor.

Here are some habits you can build.

Use an anti-malware tool on your computer and smartphone if possible.

Use a virtual private network whenever you connect to a public network.

Download applications only from the official store, such as Google Play or Microsoft Store, whenever possible.

Avoid sharing private information unless it is essential.

In particular, do not share your phone number, email address or full date of birth unless you trust an entity.

Unless you are a social media influencer, keep your social media profile private to your friends.

In addition, if you talk about sensitive topics, you should always know who has access to the information.

For instance, if you do not want your blog post to appear on a Google search result, you can de-index it.

These habits can reduce the chances of being targeted by cyberstalkers.

#4 Digital Security Practices

When most people think of cyberstalking, they imagine this very well-versed technical hacker on the other side.

But in most cases, you can find cyberstalkers among your many neighbors or friends.

So, even seemingly minute vulnerabilities can cause data theft. To prevent these, you can follow these steps.

Ensure that your Wi-Fi networks use the highest-available security measures to prevent vulnerability attacks.

Ensure that strangers cannot access the Wi-Fi router or your personal devices.

Keep a distinction between your work-provided devices and personal devices.

Educate your family about the potential risks of cyberstalking and ways to stay away.

While these digital security practices are not exhaustive, they can reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

The Bottom Line

We dont like to pretend that these steps can offer absolute protection from cyberstalking. As threats turn more evasive and subtle, you need proactive thinking while using the web.

Nevertheless, these steps will protect you from severe threats by a long shot.

Meanwhile, we expect the administrations to restrict how personal data can be used and transferred.
Yindra Elizastigui, the mother of Luis Robles, who was recently denied parole by the regime, called on women with husbands, brothers, and, above all children who are political prisoners not to abandon their fights for their freedom.

"This appeal is, above all, to mothers. That's your son, your daughter, and we can't stop speaking out to condemn any injustice done to them. It's a right that we have, before the world, before God, a blessing that we have to defend, tooth and nail, and, above all, a duty to tell the truth," she said in a livestream on her Facebook profile.

In 2020 Luis Robles Elizastigui was sentenced to five years in prison for demonstrating with a sign on San Rafael Boulevard in Havana.

"We know that our children, our brothers, our husbands, are unjustly imprisoned. It's up to those of us who are out here to wage this battle. It's up to us to tell them to remain calm, not to despair, that everything will come in time, and not to be silent in the face of any situations they suffer inside. It's up to us to defend our children, it's up to us to scream," she reiterated.

"They're innocent. What they did, they did exercising a right that all human beings have," she added.

Robles, 31, is serving his sentence at a correctional labor camp near Prison 1580 known as "El 18." The young man, hailing from Guantanamo, has presented health problems and reported being a victim of cruel treatment and threats in prison.

This week Adel de la Torre, a 25-year-old man suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, imprisoned for peacefully demonstrating on 11-J in Havana, wrote a letter to his mother in which he asked her to tell the media and national and international human rights organizations about the mistreatment and torture suffered by him and other political prisoners with mental disorders.

"Inmates with mental illness suffer and have feelings, and are unable to defend themselves in prison. Someone must speak out for them," De la Torre said in the letter, published by Prisoners Defenders through his mother, Anayl Hernandez Collado.

De la Torre is serving a seven-year prison sentence in Prison 1580, in San Miguel del Padron, Havana, where he has been beaten by guards. "Beatings suffered by all the prisoners suffering from mental illnesses," prompting him to ask his mother to raise awareness of this situation.

Anayl Hernandez Collado has already called for solidarity in the past in statements to the Cuban Human Rights Observatory (OCDH).

In 2017 De la Torre Hernandez was diagnosed with a mental health condition, aggravated in prison due to the lack of treatment for his specific disorder. The young man was arrested on July 11, 2021, and released in September of that same year, but prosecuted and sentenced to prison a year later. While awaiting trial he participated as a rescuer in the Saratoga disaster.

"My son has been schizophrenic since 2017. He has been beaten by the prison police and put in a hole. He is a Christian, like me. I've had three strokes due to this situation. His father was schizophrenic, and paranoid, and died due to this suffering," Hernandez Collado explained to OCDH in February of this year.

"They come to him and ask, 'Are you the Christian?' And three or four people beat him. They even wanted my son to take his own life. They said to him, 'Are you a Christian? Kill yourself, to see if your God saves you,' outrageous things like that," he added in his complaint.

The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules) say that the State has a responsibility to provide prisoners with medical services.

"The situation of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience is so serious that it has become a humanitarian issue. In addition to the dreadful prison conditions, they're enduring harassment and abuse of power by jail staff and the political police," the OCDH stated.

The organization has documented other cases of political prisoners with serious mental health problems, such as Abel Lazaro Machado Conde, sentenced to nine years for alleged "public disorder and sabotage." He has an organic conduct disorder, with a high risk of suicide, hypothyroidism, anxiety and attention deficit disorder.

Amalio Alvarez Gonzalez, sentenced to 15 years for the alleged crime of "sedition," is a patient with psychiatric disorders and tendencies to self-harm. He is motherless, as she committed suicide when he was just one year old.

Dayron Martin Rodriguez, sentenced to 22 years for the alleged crime of "sedition," is also serving time in prison. He suffers from schizophrenia, with a personal history of suicide attempts.

Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera, sentenced to 12 years for the alleged crime of "sedition," has an organic borderline intellectual disability, having received psychiatric treatments since childhood. He is the father of two young children who are currently financially dependent on their paternal grandfather.

Yanley Lopez Basulto, sentenced to eight years on charges of "repeated acts of sabotage, attacks and disturbing the peace" is a young man with a mixed personality disorder. He has been in psychiatric treatment since childhood. He has a family history of schizophrenia.
Forest fires blaze in north Israel after rockets launched from Lebanon



Kiryat Shmona, Israel, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



Israeli authorities were battling intense forest fires Tuesday in the north of the country that broke out shortly after rocket and drone strikes from neighbouring Lebanon, forcing the partial evacuation of one town.

"Firefighting units, assisted by various entities, are working to extinguish the fires," Israeli police said in a statement, adding that several homes in Kiryat Shmona had been evacuated.

An AFP photographer in the northeastern town saw intense blazes engulfing parts of the area bordering Lebanon, the scene of near-daily exchanges of fire between the Israeli army and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group on the sidelines of the war in Gaza.

The Israeli army said it had deployed reinforcements to support firefighters overwhelmed by the scale of the fires.

"Six IDF reservist soldiers were lightly injured as a result of smoke inhalation and transferred to a hospital to receive medical treatment," the army said.

"The forces gained control over the locations of fire, and at this stage, no human life is at risk," it added.

Leaders of the army's Northern Command had arrived in Kiryat Shmona during the night and the army was "conducting a situational assessment" in the sector.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was closely monitoring, together with the army, the development of the fires, which broke out on Monday after rocket fire and the fall of drones launched from Lebanon.

In retaliation, the Israeli army announced it had carried out air strikes against what it said were Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.
Modi celebrates victory in India vote, but falls short of landslide



New Delhi, June 4 (AFP) Jun 04, 2024



Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed election victory on Tuesday, but the opposition said voters had sent a clear message after his Hindu nationalist party lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in a decade.

Commentators and exit polls had projected an overwhelming victory for Modi, whose campaign wooed the Hindu majority to the worry of the country's 200-million-plus Muslim community, deepening concerns over minority rights.

But Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to secure an overall majority of its own, figures from the election commission showed, meaning it would need to rely on its alliance partners.

India said the public had given the party and its allies a mandate "for a third consecutive time", Modi told a crowd of cheering supporters in the capital New Delhi.

"Our third term will be one of big decisions and the country will write a new chapter of development. This is Modi's guarantee."



- 'Right response' -



The main opposition Congress party was set to nearly double its parliamentary seats, in a remarkable turnaround largely driven by deals to field single candidates against the BJP's electoral juggernaut.

"The country has said to Narendra Modi 'We don't want you'," Gandhi told reporters. "I was confident that the people of this country would give the right response."

With more than 99 percent of votes counted, the BJP's vote share at 36.6 percent was marginally lower than it was in the last polls in 2019.

Modi was re-elected to his constituency representing the Hindu holy city of Varanasi by a margin of 152,300 votes -- compared to nearly half a million votes five years ago.

The election commission figures showed the BJP and its allies on track to win at least 291 seats out of a total of 543, enough for a parliamentary majority.

But the BJP itself had won or was leading in only 240, well down from the 303 it took five years ago, while Congress had won or was ahead in 99, up from 52.

Among the independent lawmakers elected were two serving time in jail -- firebrand Sikh separatist preacher Amritpal Singh, and Sheikh Abdul Rashid from Indian-administered Kashmir, who was arrested on charges of "terror funding" and money laundering in 2019.



- 'Moral defeat' -



Celebrations had already begun at the headquarters of Modi's BJP before the full announcement of results.

But the mood at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi was also one of jubilation.

"BJP has failed to win a big majority on its own," Congress lawmaker Rajeev Shukla told reporters. "It's a moral defeat for them."

Stocks slumped on speculation the reduced majority would hamper the BJP's ability to push through reforms.

Shares in the main listed unit of Adani Enterprises -- owned by key Modi ally Gautam Adani -- nosedived 25 percent, before rebounding slightly.

Modi's opponents fought against a well-oiled and well-funded BJP campaign machine, and what they say are politically motivated criminal cases aimed at hobbling challengers.

US think tank Freedom House said this year that the BJP had "increasingly used government institutions to target political opponents".

Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of the capital Delhi and a key leader in an alliance formed to compete against Modi, returned to jail on Sunday.

Kejriwal, 55, was detained in March over a long-running corruption probe, but was later released and allowed to campaign as long as he returned to custody once voting ended.

"When power becomes dictatorship, then jail becomes a responsibility," Kejriwal said before surrendering himself, vowing to continue "fighting" from behind bars.



- 'Strength of Indian democracy' -



Many of India's Muslim minority are increasingly uneasy about their futures and their community's place in the constitutionally secular country.

Modi himself made several strident comments about Muslims on the campaign trail, referring to them as "infiltrators".

The polls were staggering in their size and logistical complexity, with 642 million voters casting their ballots -- everywhere from megacities New Delhi and Mumbai to sparsely populated forest areas and the high-altitude Himalayas.

"People should know about the strength of Indian democracy," chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar said Monday, calling the counting process "robust".

Based on the commission's figure of an electorate of 968 million, turnout came to 66.3 percent, down roughly one percentage point from 67.4 percent in the last polls in 2019.

Analysts have partly blamed the lower turnout on a searing heatwave across northern India, with temperatures over 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit).
Amid the chaos of COVID in early 2020, the publication of Shannon Molloys book Fourteen still landed a knockout punch.

A devastating memoir of the persecution Molloy suffered at the hands of both students and teachers at a Catholic school in Yeppoon in 2000, the book proved a #MeToo moment for gay teenagers.

Actor Conor Leach (left) is starring in the play Fourteen, based on the memoir by Shannon Molloy (right), and is portraying the author. Credit: Joel Devereux

It was the most incredible thing, not just to have people read it, but to have people resonate with it, says Molloy, now a Sydney-based journalist.

And not just queer people, but also young people who feel trapped in their suffocating hometowns, no matter who they are.
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 Miranda Otto laughs when I compliment her on her excellent wig work in Ladies in Black. Slightly stiff, with its flipped ends up, it gives her a matronly air, that of a woman not quite ready to move with the times. Its such a look, she says, laughing. I remember when I was at school in the 80s and there was one mum who still had a beehive. Eventually, she had to let it go, but it was like, wow, that is a lot of work to keep such a set hairstyle. And do you do it fresh every day or does it stay overnight? Miranda Otto as Mrs Virginia Ambrose, the new head of model gowns, in the ABC series Ladies in Black. Ottos hair is of note because she is the newest addition to the Ladies in Black universe, which began with Madeleine St Johns 1993 novel The Women in Black, which was then adapted into a musical by Tim Finn in 2013 and retitled Ladies in Black, and then turned into a film, directed by Bruce Beresford, in 2018. All three iterations follow the women who work in the model gowns section of upmarket Sydney department store Goodes in the late 1950s and early 60s. Otto plays Mrs Virginia Ambrose, who has been imported from Harrods as the dour and intimidating new head of model gowns. Is harsh lighting an Australian thing? she quips, on first inspection of the pink-hued department. Mrs Ambrose (Miranda Otto) faces off with Magda (Debi Mazar), the former head of model gowns at Goodes. Shes somebody who really believes in service, who really believes in class, she really believes in discretion, says Otto. She sees fashion really as a way to blend in and be a part of things and be discreet and be able to talk in a certain way. It was really important to me, coming into it, that it wasnt just about her wanting to assert her power  she really does believe that fashion is a tool that people use to be a part of certain groups, and thats very much a service that she was looking to bring to her customers.

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Mrs Ambrose is one of several new characters created for the TV series, which begins six months after the end of the book and film. Young Lisa (played in the TV series by Clare Hughes and in the film by Angourie Rice) is now at university, but shes been saddled with the tag of the Bexley virgin while setting her sights on the editor of the university newspaper; stylish immigrant Magda (played by Debi Mazar in the series and Julia Ormond in the film) is ready to leave Goodes and strike out with a boutique of her own; while Fay (played by Jessica de Gouw in the series and Rachael Taylor in the film) is discovering married life with new husband Rudi is not so easy. Miranda Otto as Mrs Virginia Ambrose, one of the new characters introduced into the Ladies in Black universe. Its this focus on the womens stories, and their relationships with each other, that makes Ladies in Black stand out (apart from the fact itll make you pine for a well-staffed department store with customer service). It highlights their experiences when it comes to work, money and sex, all at a time of great change for women in Australian history. In other words, it well and truly passes the fabled Bechdel test, where two female characters must have a conversation about something other than a man. It is a rare thing, says Otto. The big one in that test is that even if they [the women] are speaking, its usually about men. And it makes me laugh sometimes, when I read things written by guys, what they think women actually talk about, its hilarious to me. Lisa (Clare Hughes) and Angela (Azizi Donnelly) must find a way to work together in Ladies in Black. And thats what attracted me to it so much. Even originally, in the movie and the book, its the idea of when you go to a workplace, and you work with a whole lot of different people, and youre all brought there together because youre working there. And perhaps youre interested in fashion, some people may just be working there for a job, so many different cultures come in, so many very different belief systems, and different age groups, and all these different personalities who have to find a way to work together and then also learn from each other along the way.

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And thats whats fascinating about this world, its a period of great change in Australia. And youre seeing their different points of view on that kind of change and what is their ability to adapt and be part of that. Ever since Otto returned to Australia from the US in 2020, at the start of the pandemic for an initial 18-month stint that has since blossomed into her becoming a mainstay on Australian TV, she has become quite adept at playing sharp-edged women. The cast of Ladies in Black (from left): Miranda Otto, Jessica De Gouw and Debi Mazar. Credit: ABC TV She was terrifically funny and unlikeable in SBSs heist comedy The Unusual Suspects, while in The Clearing on Disney+ she donned another terrifying wig to play cult leader Adrienne Beaufort, as well as starring in Stans fantasy series The Portable Door and ABC drama Fires. She also squeezed in cult Australian horror film Talk to Me, and last month appeared in a very moving episode of SBSs ancestry show Who Do You Think You Are? Australia with her actor father Barry Otto, who now has Alzheimers. Ladies in Black also marks a reunion of sorts for Otto and her sister Gracie, who directs all six episodes of the series. Its the second time they have worked together, after Gracie directed Otto in The Clearing. The cast of the 2018 film Ladies In Black, from left: Alison McGirr as Patty Williams, Angourie Rice as Lisa Miles, and Rachael Taylor as Fay Baines. Its such a pleasure to be directed by someone a second time, says Otto. Theyve already directed you before, so you already feel like theres trust, a shorthand, no matter whether it was my sister or not. I love that Gracie keeps a really great energy on set. She just keeps things moving along, shes really buoyant and super ready for everything and I love how stylish she makes everything look.

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When I tell Gracie that Otto felt more relaxed working with her this time around, she laughed. Good to know! she says. Yes, shes amazing. I think Ive learnt with Miranda that you just need to let her come and do it. She researches and thinks deeply about her character and prepares so well, but she can also in an instant be adaptable or left field with an approach, which is always exciting, and its really just a pleasure to watch her at the monitor and if anything suggest a few tweaks or alts. As for whether the Otto sisters would shop at a department store such as Goodes  because the store and everything it stands for is as big a character as the women in the show  or instead pick out clothes online, their answers reflect a longing for something a bit more old-fashioned. And less lining up at the post office. Loading Im not really an online shopper, says Miranda. Im very much someone who, with clothes or anything like that, likes to go in and feel the fabric. And its more trouble to send the thing back, you know, the postage and all that. Its so much easier to go into a store and try it and buy it. Says Gracie: There is something about online shopping that is great because you dont have to talk to anyone, and you can spend hours just choosing. However, there have also been times in stores where Ive met incredible salespeople who have found something out of the box, or made me feel really confident in an outfit I might not have if I had bought online and been of my own opinion. I would love to be served by Magda  she has such individual style!

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Review Eating outLewisham Ramen shop vibes, gooey croque monsieur and pour-over brews flow at this inner west coffee spot The owner behind Ashfield Apothecary has created an intimate sun-drenched cafe with a special focus on coffee. Lenny Ann Low 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

1 / 8 Mandeep Bhusal (seated) is serious about coffee. Dominic Lorrimer 2 / 8 Tahini and salted choc-chip cookies. Dominic Lorrimer 3 / 8 The toasted pastrami sandwich. Dominic Lorrimer 4 / 8 The croque monsieur. Dominic Lorrimer 5 / 8 The mortadella sandwich. Dominic Lorrimer 6 / 8 Mandeep Bhusal. Dominic Lorrimer 7 / 8 Flat white. Dominic Lorrimer 8 / 8 Dominic Lorrimer Previous Slide Next Slide Cafe$$$$ Two of the best seats to nab at Maia Speciality, Mandeep Bhusals tiny, handsome, coffee-focused cafe in Lewisham, a sister outlet to his much-loved Ashfield Apothecary cafe two suburbs away, are stools at the end of the honey-hued oak front counter. Here, Bhusal, who is deeply passionate about all aspects of a cup of coffee, guides his gooseneck water kettle, heated on a countertop single-induction burner, towards two ceramic drippers. The precise process of creating a pour-over brew, carried out centimetres from patrons, becomes an engrossing impromptu workshop crossed with a zen-like caffeine ceremony. The toasted pastrami sandwich. Dominic Lorrimer

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It opens more of a connection with people, Bhusal says, caressing the beakers receiving the dark hot beverage. Even if you dont order one you see me make it, you get interested, you get curious. And that starts a conversation where I can explain it to people. This is partly what attracted Bhusal to the shop, which was spotted en route to roasting beans for his Ashfield Apothecary coffee label. It has the feeling of a Japanese ramen shop, he says. Small, not too many tables, and people are connected. Maia Speciality, seven months old and named after the name Bhusal and his wife, Gulshen, would have given their newborn if he had been a girl, also highlights Bhusals attention to detail. The mortadella sandwich. Dominic Lorrimer The cafes selection of sandwiches and pastries is served on collected vintage plates, some donated by loyal customers. Bhusals preference for handle-free mugs for filter coffee led to working with Marrickville ceramics artist Melody Emi Brunton, whose cups feature dimpled resting spots for fingers or thumbs.

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After stripping the hugely run-down shop, and installing oak counter and window ledges to off-set darker, more dramatic wall panelling, Bhusal pored over paint colour charts for a peaceful blue for the exterior, a match with the coffee machines colour. Even the merchandise is made with studious intent. Handmade five-panel short-brim caps, designed in San Francisco, worn daily by Bhusal and sewn in Mexico, feature fabric from Nepal. Im from Nepal, he says. Maia means love in Nepali and, of course, fertility in Greek. Shelves hold colour-coded bags of Bhusals self-roasted Ashfield Apothecary beans, including single origins and a seasonal blend that is rich and deep. Tahini and salted choc-chip cookies. Dominic Lorrimer

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I always wanted to do a small espresso bar, he says. And, initially, I wanted to do only black coffee here. But its a bit hard in Sydney to do that because 80 per cent of coffee is milk based. Maybe in Melbourne. Bhusal says the stretch of shops across from Lewisham Station have been dead for a while and without a coffee shop for two years. People come past mainly for the train station, he says. But now we are full on the weekends and 60 per cent are repeat customers. Most people I know by name and some are even coming over from Ashfield Apothecary to visit. Most of them, Bhusal says, are keen fans of the croque monsieur, a precisely made gooey beauty filled with organic double-smoked ham, Swiss and tasty cheese, good seedy mustard and bechamel sauce. The croque monsieur. Dominic Lorrimer

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Equally popular is the pastrami sandwich, zesty with spiced beef, kicky sauerkraut and pungent Sriracha mustard, and the chicken sandwich, a tall and filling ensemble of buoyant focaccia, juicy smoked chicken, cos lettuce, coriander, sour cream and smoky relish. It belies its humble looks. There are also fresh croissants, excellent house-made brownies, gluten-free bread options and, depending on the week, crunchy topped doughnuts from Shortstop Coffee & Donuts. If you dont sit at the counter, the bifold front window, which frames a suspended prism light spilling refracted rainbows on sunny afternoons, offers sun-drenched seating inside and out. Sedate passing traffic and nearby dormant shops on this quiet residential street continue Maias calm feel. As Bhusal and staff tinker with filters, beans, milks and exacting pours, Maia Speciality feels like a secret spot with direct access to heart-beatingly good coffee. This cafe has taken a long time to create, Bhusal says. Much longer than I thought. But I didnt want to rush it. I waited until everything was ready because I wanted it to be just right for people.

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Lets briefly circle back to this afternoons events in the House of Representatives.

During question time, both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton gave lengthy statements condemning the Greens for spreading misinformation about the Israel-Hamas conflict amid a spate of protests at MP offices.

The scene turned ugly immediately after question time, with Greens leader Adam Bandt using a personal explanation to claim that severe and direct misrepresentations of him were made during the debate, before moving to suspend standing orders to debate the claims Australia is supplying Israel with weapons.

Greens leader Adam Bandt today. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Bandt didnt get far before the government moved to stop his speech, with the government and the Coalition voting together to pass the motion. The same thing happened again when his Greens colleague, Max Chandler-Mather, tried to speak in support of the suspension of debate.

After the government put a stop to the Greens move (and Leader of the House Tony Burke had a good crack at them), Independent MP Zali Steggall gets up to take issue with Albanese and Duttons lengthy speeches, which exceeded the three-minute time limit on speeches during question time.

Steggall said she wasnt aware that the Speakers indulgence to speak beyond the limit had been sought, continuing: the concern that I have and I wished to seek clarification on is, if indulgence is then used to essentially mount a criticism or attack of members of this place or the other place, it is then open on indulgence for the leader of the opposition to join in that.

Speaker Milton Dick said he would reflect on her concerns.

The discussion on ABCs Afternoon Briefing has turned to the events on the floor of the House of Representatives following question time.

Teal MP Allegra Spender said she was very concerned about the politicisation of the issue.

I am also concerned about the debate in the house today because it should have been an opportunity for us to show we can come together and build social cohesion and unfortunately, we have not led by example in the house today. That is of real concern to me, Spender said.
No, Stein said. McKay suggested Stein had shot Charlise twice, once to the rear hip area  and to the face. No, Stein replied. Stein didnt give Charlise schizophrenia drugs The court has heard a toxic level of the schizophrenia medication Seroquel was found in Charlises system, which a pharmacologist said was consistent with it being ingested within six hours of her death.

Stein has given evidence he was medicated for schizophrenia after being diagnosed at 21. The prosecutor asked: Did she [Charlise] become quite sick after you gave her Seroquel? I didnt give her Seroquel, Stein said. Barrel empty when loaded onto ute Stein claims he spent January 12 with Charlise and Mutten, during which his partner consumed ice, before the trio returned to the home and Mutten killed her daughter. Mutten has denied the allegation.

Loading Stein has told the jury he was in the shed when he heard two gunshots and then saw Mutten standing over Charlises body with a rifle. He said she demanded he get a tarp and when he returned, both Mutten and Charlise were gone, and there was a 20-centimetre black square that looked like it had been cut out of the dirt. The court has heard Charlise weighed 33.5 kilograms at the time of her death. The prosecutor noted Steins evidence was that he came out of the shed with the tarp to find Charlise, Mutten, the firearm and the dirt were all gone.

McKay asked: Did you look around for the cartridge cases? No, it was at night  wouldnt have found them anyway, Stein said. Stein said he went into the main house, was shaking, cried, smoked a joint, and fell asleep. He said the next day, on January 13, he loaded a barrel onto his red Holden Colorado ute as he had planned to take it to his caravan where he was undertaking renovations. It [the barrel] was completely empty, from my knowledge, Stein said.

He claims Mutten called while he was at Bunnings that afternoon and said Charlise was with him. He said he did not understand what she meant and put it down to just her ice talking. He said it was not until later that night, when he fixed the ratchet straps and tarp on the back of his ute, that he discovered Charlises body inside the barrel. Justin Stein drove his red ute across Sydney. Police say the barrel with Charlises body was in the tray. Credit: NSW Police The prosecutor asked: Do you just assume that at some time, whilst Kallista was out of your sight, the body ends up in the barrel? Yes, Stein replied.

Stein has admitted to disposing of the body in the barrel by the Colo River, claiming he panicked. Buried gun not murder weapon, accused claims The court has heard a .22 calibre BSA bolt-action rifle with Steins fingerprint on it was among guns and ammunition excavated by police on a Mount Wilson fire trial in February 2022. Asked whether he had buried the firearm allegedly used to kill Charlise, Stein said, No, those firearms had been buried for quite some time. The jury has heard the excavated rifle was among two firearms stolen by Stein and Mutten from a Mount Wilson home in August 2021.

Loading Stein claims Mutten used a different .22 calibre rifle to shoot Charlise, that he had left beside his bed, and that the weapon had come from a break-in at Penrith. In response to the prosecutors suggestion that there was no break-in at Penrith with Mutten involving a stolen firearm, Stein insisted, No, it happened. McKay put to Stein that he had used a .22 firearm to kill Charlise. I didnt shoot her, Stein said.
The Vietnam Post mobile application cannot be accessed on June 4, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Luu Quy

The Vietnam Post has suffered a ransomware attack, rendering its website and application inaccessible Tuesday morning.

Huyen Trang, an online vendor in Hanoi, said she had not been able to access the Vietnam Post application since early that morning. Thus, her customers did not receive her packages.

"I waited until noon but still could not access the application, so I had to find a different way," she said.

On certain online vendor communities in Vietnam, several people complained about not being able to create orders or use services by the Vietnam Post. Its website was also rendered inaccessible.

In an announcement made Tuesday at noon, Vietnam Post said its IT systems had been targeted by ransomware. The attack happened at around 3 a.m., directly impacting activities related to postal delivery.

"Services regarding postal finance, public administration and goods distribution are still operating normally," a company representative said.

The representative added that there were already been plans in place to respond to the incident, including cutting off connections to the system to isolate threats and protect data.

The representative cited these measures as the causes of the website and application disruptions.

"The Vietnam Post is working with authorities and its partners  top technology firms in Vietnam, to resolve the issues as soon as possible," the company said.

The Vietnam Post is only the latest target among several major firms attacked by ransomware.

Previously, hackers also attacked stock platform VnDirect, oil corporation PVOIL, and a telecommunications provider. Attackers managed to encrypt important data and demanded that victims give them money to decrypt them.

The number of ransomware attacks on Vietnamese business platforms has increased by 70% compared to the same period last year, according to a first quarter Viettel Cyber Security report.
A primary school teacher in Sydneys far south-west will remain behind bars for at least a week after allegedly being caught filming up his students skirts.

Police were called to Spring Farm Public School, close to Camden, on Monday when a student allegedly caught Guy Meogrossi, 30, filming up the skirts of other female students.

Spring Farm Public School, near Camden. Credit: Google Streetview

Officers attached to Camden Police Area Command were told a man, aged 30, had used his phone to make recordings of students, NSW Police said in a statement on Tuesday.

The girl who witnessed the alleged incident told another teacher, who told the schools principal. Police were called, and Meogrossi was taken to Narellan police station where he was charged with one count of film a persons private parts without consent, one aggravated count of film a persons private parts without consent and producing child abuse material.
Innocent until proven guilty. It is one of the bedrock principles of our legal system. A powerful ideal that ensures that what is presented as evidence by prosecutors at a trial is the determining factor in a judge or jury deciding the verdict of an accused person.

Once guilt is established, though, another legal principle comes into play  the finality principle. This says, in essence, that once a case is run and done, we can all forget about it. Justice has been served. Case closed.

Supporters of Robert Farquharson back creating an independent body that reviews criminal cases. Credit: Marija Ercegovac

These are fundamental tenets of our judicial system, but in practice, they can also be its Achilles heel. Over time, doubts over evidence put before a court can raise questions over the validity of a verdict. And that is why procedural safeguards are built into the system.

The appeal system offers those who are found guilty the opportunity to put their case to another court as to why there has been a miscarriage of justice. In Victoria, that means convicted criminals can go before the County Court (to appeal against magistrates decisions), the Court of Appeal and, ultimately, the High Court. And in 2019, then-Victorian attorney-general Jill Hennessy introduced a second right of appeal in exceptional circumstances where, as she explained, fresh and compelling evidence of a potential substantial miscarriage of justice exists.
A new 12-storey commercial and residential development will shoot up at Camberwell Junction, ending a years-long battle over the site between developers, residents and the council.

While Camberwell in Melbournes east is known for its tree-lined streets, manicured lawns, grand Federation homes and double-storey mansions, the new development is flanked by retail and office buildings and neighbours the elliptical glass Aerial building.

An artists impression of the project to be built at Camberwell Junction following City of Boroondara approval. The Aerial building can be seen to the right. Credit: Above Zero/Cera Stribley

The building will go up at 699 Burke Road after the City of Boroondara voted at an urban planning meeting on Monday night to push ahead. The move could pave the way for more high-rise buildings to sprout up in the area.

The 36-apartment development had faced stiff opposition from dozens of residents at the Aerial. They sought to block the development in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal with complaints over the proposed height and a lack of parking.
Hundreds of reptiles including crocodiles and an inland taipan, the worlds deadliest snake, were evacuated after a fire broke out at a factory in Melbournes east, killing some of the animals inside.

The Country Fire Authority responded to the fire at the Jurassic Jungle warehouse on Canterbury Road in Kilsyth South at 8.30pm on Monday to find the factorys roof ablaze, a statement said.

The Jurassic Jungle warehouse went up in flames. Credit: Chris Hopkins

Wildlife Victoria and Ambulance Victoria also attended the scene as more than 500 reptiles, many of them venomous, were kept inside the factory.



Firefighters contained the fire within an hour before the buildings owners and wildlife carers could remove the animals. It is believed some reptiles were killed in the blaze.
Good evening Perth, its time to sign off now, but not before I let you know that Harley Reid has been unsuccessful in his bid to have a rough conduct charge downgraded by the AFL Tribunal and will be sidelined for West Coasts next two matches.

Represented by David Grace KC, Reid contested the match review officers finding that his tackle on St Kildas Darcy Wilson was high impact.

However, the Eagles push to have the impact downgraded to medium, which would have resulted in a one-match ban, was dismissed by the AFL Tribunal jury.

As a result, the 19-year-old midfielder will miss Saturdays home clash with North Melbourne and the Eagles away game against Essendon following the mid-season bye.

Reid is also ineligible to win this seasons Rising Star award.

Well be back tomorrow with more. Until then, thanks for reading, and good night.
Dodgy providers have used the National Disability Insurance Scheme to take participants to ATMs to withdraw cash for illicit drugs including heroin, cocaine and ice.

Others are encouraging people to use their NDIS funding for holidays worth tens of thousands of dollars, or spend it on alcohol, rent, gift vouchers and lifestyle purchases. In one case, a participant used their plan to buy a $73,000 car while another spent $240,000 a year on personal expenses including their mortgage.

NDIS fraud and integrity investigators have found some providers allow participants to spend funding on alcohol. Credit: Gabriele Charotte

The revelations from the schemes integrity chief at Monday nights budget estimates hearing add to a complex debate about how to weed out bad practice and limit growth of the $45 billion scheme  the federal governments second-largest budget expense  without taking choice and control away from people with disabilities.

As parliament continued this week to debate new laws that will tighten what scheme participants can spend funding on and how they receive that money, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten faced pushback from disability advocates and the Greens who said the changes gave the government and agency too much power.
New Delhi: Before the water tanker rolled into one of Delhis largest slums, Arvind Kumar was pacing between the gate of a public school and a tea sellers stall hundreds of metres from where he lives with nine members of his family.

There, it is coming, Kumar shouted to a woman waiting on the slums edge. With their last stored drops now spent, and a heatwave searing the city, the two neighbours had decided to make sure the truck reached its destination.

Hoses siphon water from a tanker at a Delhi slum on Saturday. Credit: Saumya Khandelwal/The New York Times

The woman boarded the 19,000-litre 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.

Sometimes, you need to kidnap the driver, Kumar, a salesperson, said with a smile, or you will see your children dying of thirst in this killing heat.
Why Chinese tourists are flocking again to Vietnam

A group of Chinese tourists pose for photos at the Saigon Central Post Office, June 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung

Increased tourism campaigns, geographical location and low costs are among the reasons for a renewed surge in the number of Chinese tourists to Vietnam, analysts said.

China surpassed South Korea to become Vietnam's largest source of tourists in May with 357,907, or nearly 40% of all foreign arrivals.

It was the first time China regained its status as the biggest feeder market since Vietnam reopened its borders in March 2022.

Nguyen Tien Dat, CEO of AZA Travel Company, said the return of Chinese tourists was thanks to "tourism diplomacy" efforts between the two countries.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has recently increased tourism promotion campaigns to stimulate demand among Chinese travelers.

A number of new direct flight have been launched between the two countries. Vietjet began direct services between HCMC and the ancient Chinese city of Xi'an on April 29.

China does not have many beaches with warm water like Vietnam. So, besides Hainan Island, Chinese tourists mainly prefer coastal areas in Southeast Asia such as Thailand and Vietnam for summer vacations.

Insiders pointed out that Chinese have been reducing spending on travel due to the economic slowdown and mainly opt for cheaper nearby destinations, making Vietnam an ideal choice.

The number of Chinese arrivals in Vietnam during the first quarter was the second highest in Southeast Asia at 889,000 after only Thailand.

But Dat said Vietnam should focus on attracting wealthy tourists from major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai to boost tourism spending.

"If Chinese visitors flock to Vietnam in droves but only come for one day or have a meal of VND100,000-200,000 (US$393-787) and then return, it is not beneficial to Vietnam's tourism.

"We need to target Chinese tourists who spend several thousand yuan (1,000 yuan equivalent to $138) per trip."

According to a report from the General Statistics Office, Chinese tourists spent $885 per trip in 2019.

Pham Ha, CEO of luxury cruise operator Lux Group, said Vietnam should position itself as a luxury destination for Chinese tourists and offer them high-end shopping options and world-class dining experiences.

Ha said Chinese visitors enjoy buying luxury brands in Vietnam and staying at internationally branded five-star hotels.
At last count, the number of people displaced by war, violence and persecution reached 114 million, according to UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. That number is expected to rise in this months tally.



One of the major causes of the growing disaster is the fact that nearly all parties to conflicts have stopped respecting the basic rules of war. Increasingly, civilians are targeted, while rape and sexual violence are used as weapons of war. And since the brutal conduct is meant to terrify, civilians have no choice but to flee, he said. But even as more people need help, less is available, and humanitarians are near the breaking point.



The United States continues to take significant action worldwide to support refugees and the countries who host them, said Robert Wood, United States Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs.



The United States is the largest single humanitarian donor in the world. In our fiscal year 2023 alone, we provided nearly $15 billion in global humanitarian assistance on behalf of the American people.



In 2023, we welcomed 60,014 resettled refugees to the United States, and we are on track to reach or surpass 100,000 arrivals this year. We are doing our part, and we call on other Member States to do more, said Ambassador Wood.



We are proud that our refugee admissions program brings refugees from every continent and corner of the world, 79 nationalities from 95 host countries this fiscal year. We believe all refugees, from all backgrounds, and with all skill sets, are deserving of durable solutions, including third country resettlement. This administration is especially proud of its work to help resettle LGBTQI+ refugees fleeing persecution from around the world.



Protection of refugees is crucial. However, More than ever before, we need humanitarian financing, development efforts, and private sector investments to work in concert to effectively address todays complex forced displacement crises, said Ambassador Wood.



We need greater emphasis on local and regional solutions, including lawful pathways for refugees and migrants to move safely and in dignity. The Safe Mobility Offices in Central and South America highlight our efforts in this area.



We remain steadfast in our commitment to protection as the bedrock of humanitarian response, self-reliance, and durable solutions, rooted in the self-identified needs of affected persons, said Ambassador Wood. Today, refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons around the world need our commitment to protect them.
On May 3, 2024, China successfully launched the Change-6 probe, which landed on the dark side of the Moon to collect samples, marking a significant achievement for Chinas ambitious space program. This mission, hailed by the Chinese state news agency, underscores Chinas growing capabilities in space exploration, aiming to rival the United States.

A Historic Landing

The Change-6 probe, which lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Center on Hainan Island, landed in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, one of the largest known impact craters in the solar system. This 53-day mission aims to collect the first samples from the Moons far side, an area less explored and shrouded in mystery.

I remember reading about the Apollo missions as a child, imagining astronauts bouncing around on the Moons surface. Now, thinking about Change-6 landing on the Moons dark side feels like a scene from a sci-fi novel come to life.

Precision and Challenges in Landing

The probe descended from its orbit, approximately 200 kilometers above the Moon, to scout for a landing site. Huang Wu, a representative from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), explained on CCTV that the descent involved precise control procedures to place the probe on its predetermined path. We had to rapidly reduce the probes relative speed to the Moon to zero within fifteen minutes, requiring a significant amount of propellant, almost half the probes total weight, Huang Wu detailed.

The probes mission includes collecting lunar material and conducting experiments in its landing area. Equipped with a drill to retrieve subsurface samples and a robotic arm for surface material, Change-6 is expected to complete these tasks within two days. The small module containing the samples will then attempt to return from the Moons far side.

The Promise of Lunar Exploration

In 2019, China successfully landed a probe on the Moons far side, but it did not return with samples. Scientists believe this side of the Moon, less covered by ancient lava flows, holds ancient samples that could provide insights into the Moons formation.

Ge Ping, the deputy director of the China Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center, noted, The samples collected by Change-6 are estimated to be about 4 billion years old.

Chinas Growing Space Ambitions

Under President Xi Jinping, China has significantly advanced its space programs, investing billions to close the gap with the United States. Notable achievements include the construction of the Tiangong space station, where a new crew of three astronauts arrived in April, and landing a rover on Mars. China is also the third country to send a human into space independently.

Looking ahead, China aims to send a manned mission to the Moon by 2030 and plans to build a lunar base.

A New Space Race?

Chinas rapid progress in space exploration has raised concerns in Washington. In April, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson remarked that the U.S. is in a race with China. He expressed concerns that much of Chinas so-called civil space program is, in reality, military.

The idea of another space race, this time between China and the U.S., brings to mind the Cold War era. Growing up, stories of the space race were thrilling tales of innovation and competition. It seems we might be witnessing a new chapter in space exploration history.

As the Change-6 probe continues its mission, the world watches closely, anticipating the valuable data and samples it will bring back, contributing to our understanding of the Moon and beyond.
12 FIRs FILED In Rs 85 lakh Anganwadi scam





Staff Reporter

NAGPUR (Rural) Police on Monday booked 10 Women & Child Development Officers of Panchayat Samitis by registering separate cases of cheating and criminal conspiracy against them at Katol, Saoner, Umrer, Parseoni, Narkhed, Kalmeshwar, Ramtek, Bhiwapur, Mouda and Kuhi Police Stations against them in connection with a scam involving more than Rs 85 lakh in Anganwadi Upgradation Scheme of Zilla Parishad. In the city, Sadar Police and Hingna registered two similar cases against two Child Development Project officers. Similarly, police have also booked the suppliers in the scam cases for allegedly providing sub-standard material.

The accused have been identified as Women & Child Development officers Tai Sayam (Katol), Maya Digambar Dhawral (Saoner) Sunita Dhakne (Umrer) Vanita Kale (Parseoni), Nanda Sunil Gajbe (Narkhed), Chitra Ghade (Kalmeshwar), R J Chauhan (Ramtek), Kalpana Gajbhiye (Bhiwapur), Pushpa Nakhate (Mouda), Laxmi Gajbhi (Kuhi), and Child Development Project officers Ujwala Dhoke (Ambazari) and Arpana Rajendra Tiwari (Hingna).

Other accused include owners of Shree Book Depot & General Stores, Yavatmal, Rushali Emporium, Nagpur, Shambhavi Educational Aids and T A Technology. The accused Women and Child Development Officers, in connivance with the suppliers submitted fake bills and flouted norms in procuring the material causing a loss of about Rs 88.57 lakh to the state exchequer. Some anganwadis received materials several times without proper procedure.
All set for Nagpur, Ramtek counting





Staff Reporter

The Lok Sabha election 2024 results are set to be declared on Tuesday. The counting of Nagpur and Ramtek Lok Sabha constituencies at Kalamna market will begin at 8 am. People of Nagpur district along with the candidates are experiencing anxiety as well as curiosity of the outcome of the results. According to officials handling election work, the first trend is likely to be available by 1 pm. The counting will begin at 8 am with the postal ballot. After the counting of postal ballots, counting of votes polled in Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) is likely to begin at 9 am and first round will end at 10 am. The counting for Ramtek will take a little more time than that of the counting of Nagpur Lok Sabha. Total 4 big screens have been arranged to see the trends and round wise results of counting. Public address team system is arranged for round wise announcement of counting of votes.

People will have to depend mostly on social media or on electronic media. But they also can get updated themselves by visiting the official website results.eci.gov.in  of the Election Commission. People can know trends and other updates on the website. Each Assembly Segment counting tables are 20, for counting of postal ballot papers total 10 tables per Parliamentary Constituency are arranged. There are six assembly constituencies each in Nagpur and Ramtek constituencies respectively. 20 tables have been arranged for each assembly constituency respectively. For six constituencies this number will be 120 tables for one Lok Sabha constituency. About 17 rounds of counting of votes will be enough for the result. The sitting arrangements for candidates, party representatives, election duty staff are being made. Nagpur and Ramtek both constituencies will have six assembly constituencies each. In Nagpur there will be six assembly constituencies including North, South, South-West, West, East, Central Nagpur constituencies.
NEW SANKALP





PRIME Minister Mr. Narendra Modis sadhana at the Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanniyakumari has come as a blessing to the nation -- in the sense, he has come up with a renewed sankalp -- determined goal -- to build the strength of the Indian nation in the Amrit Kaal of Independence. When such determination is blessed by the Divine, it assumes a limitless capability to achieve the goal beyond petty boundaries. The very fact that the Prime Minister has penned a very deeply spiritual message to the nation, should make us proud that India is being led by such a personage. The importance of the meditative sojourn at the Rock Memorial and the article connecting Mr. Modi to the people is that those have come in the change-over moment from his second term to the third one as Prime Minister. At this critical point, we will refrain from talking highly about Mr. Narendra Modis achievement of securing a consecutive third term for himself, but concentrate more on the spiritual message that emerged from Kanniyakumari. And the message is both, simple yet very powerful. For, it has stemmed from the inner sanctum of the Prime Ministers soul after a profound engagement of himself with the Divine. Such moments come only rarely and to persons with a great capacity to achieve a complete detachment from the material and communion with the inner self -- Antaratma -- the Divine. It is from the inner dialogue the Prime Minister got engaged in that the Sankalp of building India -- Bharat -- to great heights has emerged.

Yes, Mr. Narendra Modi did not fail to offer a list of some truly great achievements of the country under his leadership -- though in an indirect manner. But the thrust of this thinking is that the people have to work towards the fulfillment of national goals that will propel India to the top of the global league of great nations. But Mr. Modi does not talk only of normal working. He talks of working with an abiding sense of great pride in the metaphor of India. But there is a pre-condition that the Prime Minister sets -- of taking quick steps in the desired direction. In other words, he does not want to waste the countrys precious time and resources in dilly-dallying and achieve nothing in the end. He wants the whole nation to get galvanised in that cause. Hence his countless meetings without wasting time after he landed in the capital after the Kanniyakumari sojourn. Hence his recall of the 100-day agenda for the Government to start working on the moment the third term of his prime ministership. Obviously, the man means business -- hard business where laxity is not to be entertained.

To those who have vested interests and narrow personalised agendas may get wary of such a tough action-mode, all right. But for the common people of the country, such an approach to fulfilling the national goals will bring in a feeling of deep satisfaction. For, that is what everybody expects to happen -- a quick and no-nonsense action in the cause of the nation. The 100-day agenda is ready -- as a forerunner of what will follow in the ensuing five years. The political will is also intense. And finally, the people, too, are willing to go along full distance -- no matter a few political smart-alecs who harbour another, sly agenda to disturb the nation. It is time to remind all such elements that their days are numbered -- going by the Prime Ministers assertions during his many speeches of the electoral campaign. There should be no doubt that the Prime Ministers Sankalp will bring to the country a new energy, a new surge of positive action, and a belief in the spiritual core of the India that is Bharat. No doubt, India is in for a big leap into a bright future.
Security forces kill 2 LeT terrorists





SRINAGAR :

TWO Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists, 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-Toiba 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.
Triple Death Penalty handed to Puri in 2019 minors rape and murder case





Staff Reporter

In a landmark ruling, District Judge and Additional Sessions Judge S R Padwal has issued a triple death penalty in the harrowing case of the rape and murder of a five-year-old girl reported in Linga village of Kalmeshwar tehsil in 2019. Sanjay Devpuri Puri (32), the convict, faced full force of the law as Judge Padwal found him guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Special Public Prosecutor Prashant Kumar Sathianathan revealed the severity of the verdict and stated that Puri was convicted under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and was sentenced to death, accompanied by a fine of Rs 15,000. Additionally, Puri received death penalties under Section 376(A)(B) of the IPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act.

The gravity of Puris crimes warranted further punishment as the court handed down rigorous imprisonment under Section 363 of the IPC and life imprisonment under Section 376(2) of the IPC. Furthermore, he was slapped with life imprisonment under Section 4 of the POCSO Act and an additional seven years of imprisonment under Section 10 of the POCSO Act. All sentences were to run concurrently to ensure that Puri would face the full consequences of his actions, said Sathianathan. The body of the girl child with a serious head injury was found in the agriculture farm where she lived with her parents on December 6, 2019. Puri had raped the girl and later smashed her head with a stone to kill the her. Parents of the girl live on the one side of the agriculture farm while her grandmother on the other side, with a small path connecting both the houses. Her parents work as farm labourers and Puri too was working there.

When the girl went missing, the parents assumed that she might have gone to her grandmothers. However, they lodged a missing person complaint on the next day after realising that she was not traceable. The police had launched searches and recovered her dead body from the farm. A piece of cloth and a rod were found stuffed in her mouth. The cops also recovered a boulder with blood stains. Police arrested Puri living in the farm and working as watchman. During the trial, the court examined 26 witnesses and held the accused guilty. SPP Prashant Kumar Sathianathan represented the State while Adv S M Kazi and Hemant Jha appeared for the accused. ASI Surendra Singh Thakur was Pairavi Officer from Nagpur (Rural) Police.
Individuals may want to see one of Nevadas veterans service officers following the recent announcement by the Veterans Administration that all veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military  at home or abroad  are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.

All veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, Global War on Terror or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first being ill or applying for VA benefits.

Additionally, veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.

For questions go to https://veterans.nv.gov/.

AARP resources

A new AARP resource connects Nevadas veterans to adapted housing grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Nevadas 215,000 U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members might be missing free financial aid to modify their homes.

According to a new AARP survey, more than half (60%) of veterans ages 45 and older are unaware that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers grant funding to modify their homes. Nearly a quarter (24%) of veterans need financial assistance to make home modifications to continue living in their homes safely and independently.

AARP launched the Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide to help veterans and service members navigate the VAs $150 million in funding to buy, build or modify a home to meet their long-term needs. These grants can provide eligible veterans with up to $117,000 to pay for renovations such as adding grab bars in bathrooms, installing ramps, or widening doorways to accommodate a wheelchair or walker.

Now more than ever, veterans need help accessing the housing benefits they earned serving our country, said Justin Chavez, a Marine Corps veteran and AARP Nevada Veterans Outreach coordinator. This tool simplifies the application process and helps veterans access critical financial support to help them live independently in their homes for as long as they can.

AARPs Veterans Home Modification Benefits guide provides veterans, military families, and their caregivers with detailed information on:

Eligibility requirements and how to apply for the VAs home modification grants and related programs.

How to identify necessary home modifications to meet current and future care needs.

How to get help from certified veterans representatives who are experienced and knowledgeable of the VAs benefit process.

To learn more about eligibility and how to apply for the VAs Specially Adapted Housing and home modification grant programs, visit AARP.org/VetsHomeBenefits.

All Veteran Honor Guard seeks volunteers

The Northern Nevada All Veteran Honor Guard is the only All Veteran Honor Guard Certified by the Department of Defense in Northern Nevada and is sponsored by the American Legion High Desert Post 56 in Carson City. This is a nonprofit organization and all services are provided at no cost to the family.

Qualifications are only that you have served in one of the branches of military service and are available on weekdays. No services are provided on Sundays.

If you are interested in joining this team of veterans, honoring veterans, and would like to observe what they do, please contact the guard commander, Jim Jackson, at 775-443-8507.

Flag Day at state capitol

The Nevada National Guard is set to host its 26th annual Flag Day ceremony and the U.S. Armys 249th Birthday celebration at 10 a.m. on June 14, a Friday, at the Veterans Memorial on the Capitol Grounds, 101 N. Carson St.

The event is free and open to the public and will include a historical flag presentation by the Nevada Air Guard. This years ceremony will feature a speech by Division of Emergency Management Chief David Fogerson and the Army birthday address will be delivered by Brig. Gen. D. Rodger Waters.

The U.S. Flag flown at Fort Ruby in the 1860s will be on display and Army birthday cake will be served to all attendees, compliments of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. Citizens are also welcome to bring their unserviceable U.S. Flags for future proper disposal.

Community 4 Veterans fundraiser

The annual Community 4 Veterans fundraiser for Veterans Helping Veterans has kicked off.

This years grand prize is a 2024 29-foot Jayco travel trailer. Second prize consists of three CF Moto CFORCE ATVs, one each of 600, 500 and 110.

Third prize is a Ruger American bolt action rife with scope. Plus, there will be many great door prizes and a free barbecue for ticket holders.

Volunteers are selling raffle tickets in front of The Sportsmans Warehouse, 3306 Kietzke Lane in Reno.

The drawing will be Aug. 24. The barbecue begins at noon.

One ticket is $10 and a book of 10 tickets is $100.

NAMI education conference

Registration for the 2024 National Alliance of Mental Illness Nevada annual education conference is now open.

Join them for an enriching experience filled with knowledge, networking and a touch of furry friendliness.

Whats Special This Year?

We are honoring our heroes: Serving those who have served.

Meet our Presenters: Some of our presenters have served in different branches of the military, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy.

Learn about the military culture: Learn about the invisible wounds, their sacrifices, trauma, impacts to family and how we can better serve them!

Meet and greet therapy dogs: Get ready to meet a team of local certified therapy dogs!

Secure your spot; the opportunity to connect with professionals and peers in person is rare and invaluable.

Register at https://whova.com/portal/registration/namin_202212/.

Summer military BBQ 2024

Come and join fellow Veterans from all branches of service for our fun and entertaining annual summer BBQ. Relax and enjoy the day with good food and good people on June 15 from 11 a.m.2 p.m. at the Bartley Ranch Regional Parks Plaza Pavilion in Reno.

Each ticket purchase includes quarter-pound hot dogs, hamburgers with or without cheese, vegetarian option available, baked beans, potato salad, potato & corn chips, dessert and non-alcoholic beverages. Beer and wine will be available for purchase on site.

Space is limited to the first 100 registrants. Registration closes June 8 at 10 p.m. For payment options, go to https://www.battlebornmarines.com/event-details/summer-military-bbq-2024/form.

Tickets are $25 if purchased after June 8 (If available).

All net proceeds benefit Marine Corps League 672, Military Officers Association of America Sierra Nevada Chapter & Vietnam Veterans of America 989 equally.

Veterans Transition Reserve Center BBQ

The Veterans Transition Reserve Center is having its 10th annual veterans BBQ party of June 22 beginning at noon. There will be fun, food and music by Whiskey & Wolves.

Special guest is Sgt. Dixie Thompson, one of the first women assigned to a combat Military Police unit.

The event is at the Davis residence, 1191 Manhattan Way in Garnerville. RSVP to DNese at 702-343-5642 or d.davis@vtrc.us.

VA PACT Act clinic

The VFW Department of Nevada and the VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System is hosting a VA PACT act clinic at the Nugget Casino Resort Reno on the Second Floor on June 6, 2024, from 9 a.m.3 p.m.

For information, please contact Kim Donohue at 775-899-2878.

Caregiver support program

The Caregiver support program announces the launch of its innovative Safe Transfer series of videos and an accompanying tip sheet designed specifically for caregivers assisting Veterans with body mechanics and transfers.

These videos feature essential tips and skills tailored to aid caregivers in facilitating safe transfers, including transfers for beds, wheelchairs, toilets, and tubs. In addition, caregivers can use the accompanying tip sheet as a comprehensive guide, offering insights into proper transfer techniques, caregiver body mechanics, and key considerations throughout the transfer process.

Developed by a dedicated CSP workgroup, which includes occupational and physical therapists, this comprehensive library of resources aims to enhance the safety of Veterans within the comfort of their homes.

To access these resources, visit CSPs website, where youll find the tip sheet and a dedicated YouTube playlist: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Tips_Tools.asp.

Veterans Upward Bound

Veterans Upward Bound at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno welcomes veterans. TMCC can help with academic advisement, college applications, educational benefits, academic review and referrals to community resources.

Veterans Upward Bound is a U.S. Department of Education program for veterans. For information call 775-829-9007 or email vub@TMCC.edu. The website is vub.tmcc.edu.

Veterans parents act

The Education Flexibility for Veteran Parents Act will allow veterans with children to access full housing benefits provided through the G.I. Bill regardless of whether that program is in person or online.

The G.I. Bill is an essential tool for many veterans to advance their education. Currently, veterans who are parents and pursuing their education online are only eligible for half of the G.I. Bills available housing benefits. This requirement often forces parents to choose between attending in-person classes to receive full benefits or staying at home with their children.

Nevada Guard retiree meetings

The Nevada Air Guards monthly breakfast is on the second Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at the Reno Elks Club.

The Nevada Army Guards breakfast is on the second Monday of the month at 8 a.m. at the Carson City Elks Club.
* 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) 

Editor: JYZ
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)

Editor: JYZ
A man is seen in a destroyed building at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

GAZA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood.

"We have nothing left here... No houses, trees, mosques, and even the UN agency schools that we used to take refuge during the war," Omran said in a voice breaking with emotion.

Due to the continued war in Gaza and the recent Israeli operation on Jabalia camp, the 45-year-old father of six, who has lost 30 kg of weight since the conflict began, has almost no will to live.

"The operation not only destroyed the infrastructure but also basic humanitarian services. The food and water are scarce and mostly polluted," Omran said. "I do not know where I should go. I have nothing left. I wish I could die to get some relief," he lamented.

However, some others were struggling to carry on with their shattered life. Among them was Amna Abu Jahal, who chose to stay in the camp after her husband was killed in the first week of the Israeli operation, despite the harsh conditions.

Every day, she had to spend many hours walking on foot to get a few liters of saline water to drink.

"The saline water was used for doing housework in the past, but now, we are forced to drink it," the 48-year-old mother of four told Xinhua, adding, "But I still feel lucky to find it."

"The Israeli attack was retaliatory. They even destroyed public water wells and sewage networks," she said.

Amjad al-Ghoul, another resident whose home was destroyed in the operation, was trying to set up a temporary tent beside the camp.

"All the shelters are overcrowded with displaced people, and the situation there became unimaginable... The sewage will lead to an epidemic," he said while trying to remove the wastewater surrounding his tent.

"What are the faults of children in all these? They survive the war, but they will die from diseases caused by environmental and health disasters," al-Ghoul said with distress.

On Friday, the Israeli army withdrew from the camp after ending its military operation aimed at eliminating Hamas' power there, according to army spokesman Avichai Adraee.

During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza.

Sarhan warned of an "imminent famine" in the camp, calling on the United Nations and other international organizations to "urgently intervene."

Israel has launched a massive military campaign against Hamas in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage.

So far, the Israeli army has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians and wounded over 82,000 others in the enclave, most of them children and women, according to health authorities in Gaza. 

A man is seen in a destroyed building at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People are seen near destroyed buildings at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People pass destroyed buildings at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People collect items from the rubble at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People are seen in front of destroyed buildings at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

A tent is seen among the rubble at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

A woman walks past destroyed buildings at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People are seen on a street with destroyed buildings at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on June 3, 2024. Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood. During the offensive, at least 50,000 housing units were destroyed. Meanwhile, most of the sewage networks and roads in northern Gaza were completely damaged, according to Naji Sarhan, head of the municipal emergency committee in northern Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Editor: JYZ
Du Mengyuan runs to change shifts with her father in a combine harvester in Guanmiaodu Village of Lushan County in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province, May 29, 2024. Amidst the golden waves of wheat and the roar of machinery, 22-year-old Du Mengyuan, a female machine operator, skillfully maneuvers a combine harvester through the fields.

Growing up in a rural village, Du Mengyuan developed a deep connection with the land. After graduating from university in 2023, she made the bold decision to return to her hometown and start her own business. "I love this land and hope to give back to my hometown with what I have learned," Du said.

Over the past year, Du has utilized online platforms to sell local agricultural products, while also capturing the essence of rural life through her camera during her spare time. In April of this year, Du achieved a significant milestone as she obtained her driving license of tractor and combine harvester.

"The past few days have been incredibly busy. I barely have time to eat, and my phone keeps ringing with requests for harvesting," Du shared. "Every day, I run around helping villagers with their wheat harvest. It's exhausting, but it gives me a great sense of accomplishment." (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

Du Mengyuan operates a combine harvester to load wheat in Guanmiaodu Village of Lushan County in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province, May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

Du Mengyuan operates a combine harvester through the wheat fields in Guanmiaodu Village of Lushan County in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province, May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

Du Mengyuan maintains a combine harvester in Guanmiaodu Village of Lushan County in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province, May 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Songling)

Du Mengyuan uses a walkie-talkie to communicate with her father among wheat fields in Guanmiaodu Village of Lushan County in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province, May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

Du Mengyuan operates a combine harvester through the wheat fields in Guanmiaodu Village of Lushan County in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province, May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

Du Mengyuan and her father have lunch during a break of wheat harvest in Guanmiaodu Village of Lushan County in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province, May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

Du Mengyuan checks wheat in the fields in Guanmiaodu Village of Lushan County in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province, May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

Du Mengyuan operates a combine harvester to load wheat in Guanmiaodu Village of Lushan County in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province, May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

Du Mengyuan maintains a combine harvester in Guanmiaodu Village of Lushan County in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province, May 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

Du Mengyuan drinks water during a break of wheat harvest in Guanmiaodu Village of Lushan County in Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province, May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

An aerial drone photo shows Du Mengyuan operating a combine harvester through the wheat fields in Quxing Township in Kaifeng City, central China's Henan Province, May 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

Du Mengyuan checks wheat in the fields in Quxing Township in Kaifeng City, central China's Henan Province, May 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Songling)

Du Mengyuan measures a wheat field in Quxing Township in Kaifeng City, central China's Henan Province, May 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

Editor: JYZ
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BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The following is a summary of published science and technology news of China.

AVIATION MAINTENANCE

Construction has begun on an international aviation maintenance services platform belonging to China Eastern Airlines in the Yangshan special comprehensive bonded zone in east China's Shanghai Municipality.

The platform, which has an investment of 1.5 billion yuan (about 211 million U.S. dollars) and a total area of over 110,000 square meters, will include three hangars, as well as supporting workshops and facilities for accessory repair and refitting projects.

Fang Zhaoya, president of China Eastern's technology company, said that the platform's Hangar No.1 will be the largest hangar in Asia, and it will be able to accommodate nine wide-body aircraft undergoing maintenance simultaneously.

CHANG'E-6 INT'L PAYLOAD

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.

BRAIN-LIKE CHIP

A team of Chinese and Swiss scientists has jointly developed an energy-efficient sensing-computing neuromorphic chip that mimics the neurons and synapses of the human brain.

The researchers from the Institute of Automation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and SynSense AG Corporation in Switzerland crafted this asynchronous chip, dubbed "Speck," which boasts an impressively low resting power consumption of just 0.42 milliwatts, meaning it consumes almost no energy when there is no input.

Editor: WXL
Senior CPC official meets with Turkiye's FM

Xinhua) 09:43, June 04, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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)

Editor: WXY
Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly this evening. Low 48F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly this evening. Low 48F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Higher wind gusts possible.
A day after they surged on exit poll predictions of a comfortable win for the current Narendra Modi-led NDA government, both the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 cracked over 4 per cent in late morning trades as the actual counting of votes showed a far more close flight between the ruling party and opposition INDIA Bloc.

The Sensex was down close to 3,400 points or 4.5 per cent to 73,056 levels and the Nifty tumbled over 1,100 points or 4.7 per cent to 22,154 points, reversing Monday's gains.

On Monday, both the benchmark indices had jumped 3.3 per cent, touching new closing highs as investors had cheered the ruling party winning the elections with a huge majority. However, in comparison to the exit polls predicting the NDA to win easily (the average of 12 exit polls gave 366 seats to the NDA and around 145 to the INDIA Bloc), the fight was far more closer, with the BJP leading in around 285-290 seats, while the opposition alliance leading in over 230.

"The steep fall (in market) is due to the results so far falling short of the exit polls, which the market had discounted yesterday. If BJP doesn't get a majority on its own, there will be disappointment and this is getting reflected in the market," said V.K. Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE

On the Sensex, 24 of the 30 stocks were trading in the red. PSUs like NTPC, Power Grid, State Bank of India were down anywhere between 11-13 per cent. Banks, Automobiles, and steel companies were among the major losers on Tuesday.

Select FMCG stocks like Hindustan Unilever, Nestle India, Asian Paints, pharmaceutical major Sun Pharma and tech stocks TCS and HCL Technologies were among the only Sensex gainers.

The correction in midcap and smallcaps was far more severe. The BSE Midcap index was down 6.6 per cent in late morning trades, and the smallcap index had tumbled 6 per cent.

"It is possible that Modi 3.0 may not be as reform-oriented as the market expected and may turn more welfare-oriented. This is getting reflected in the strength in FMCG stocks," said Vijayakumar.
Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Results Live: The BJP-JD(S) alliance have secured 19 of the 28 seats in Karnataka while the remaining nine were won by the Congress.

Janata Dal (Secular) won two seats with HD Kumaraswamy and Mallesh Babu winning Mandya and Kolar respectively. Meanwhile, the party's suspended Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, who is facing charges of sexually abusing several women lost the poll.

THE WEEK LIVE UPDATES | Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE: Modi or INDIA bloc?

Karnataka is central to the BJP's plans to make deeper inroads into the states of south India. It was in Karnataka that the BJP tasted victory for the first time in south, when BS Yediyurappa snatched power sans crossing the magic numbers.



Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's brother and MP D K Suresh lost from Bangalore South while former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai emerged victorious from Haveri.

In May 2023, the Congress came into power in the state under the leadership of chief minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy DK Shivakumar. In the 224-member House, the Congress has 135 MLAs and the backing of two others while the BJP was limited to 67 seats. The saffron camp was humbled even at its traditional bastions in Central and North Karnataka

ALSO READ | Kerala Lok Sabha Polls 2024 results LIVE: Constituency-wise list of winners

But since 2004, when the Grand Old Party won 18 of the 28 seats, the Congress has never managed to cross the two-digit mark. In 2019, BJP won 25 of the 27 seats it contested, while the Janata Dal (S) and the Congress managed just one each. The BJP claimed 52% of total votes polled in Karnataka while Congress got only 31.3%.

ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha Polls 2024 results LIVE: Constituency-wise list of winners

What did Exit Polls say about Karnataka Lok Sabha results:

Most exit polls said that the state is likely to be dominated by the BJP. The pollsters have predicted NDA getting 20 to 25 seats while the INDIA bloc winning 2 to 7 seats. However, KPCC chief DK Shivakumar on Sunday reiterated that the exit polls would go wrong like they did during the Karnataka Assembly elections last year. DK pointed out that Exit polls had predicted that the Congress party would not come to power during the last Assembly elections, but they were wrong.

ALSO READ | Lok Sabha election 2024: How reliable are exit polls? A look at the predictions in 2009, 2014, 2019

Karnataka Lok Sabha Polls 2024 results: Here is the constituency-wise list of winners from the state, along with their victory margin. The table will updated as soon as the results are officially declared by the Election Commission of India (ECI):

Seat No. Constituency Winner Party Margin 1 Chikkodi PRIYANKA SATISH JARKIHOLI CONGRESS 90,834 2 Belgaum JAGADISH SHETTAR BJP 1,78,437 3 Bagalkot GADDIGOUDAR PARVATAGOUDA CHANDANAGOUDA BJP 68,399 4 Bijapur RAMESH JIGAJINAGI BJP 77,229 5 Gulbarga RADHAKRISHNA CONGRESS 27,205 6 Raichur G. KUMAR NAIK CONGRESS 79,781 7 Bidar SAGAR ESHWAR KHANDRE CONGRESS 1,28,875 8 Koppal K RAJASHEKAR BASAVARAJ HITNAL CONGRESS 46,357 9 Bellary E. TUKARAM CONGRESS 98,992 10 Haveri BASAVARAJ BOMMAI BJP 43,513 11 Dharwad PRALHAD JOSHI BJP 97,324 12 Uttara Kannada VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI BJP 3,37,428 13 Davanagere PRABHA MALLIKARJUN CONGRESS 26,094 14 Shimoga B.Y.RAGHAVENDRA BJP 2,43,715 15 Udupi Chikmagalur KOTA SRINIVAS POOJARY BJP 2,59,175 16 Hassan SHREYAS. M. PATEL CONGRESS 42,649 17 Dakshina Kannada BRIJESH CHOWTA BJP 1,49,208 18 Chitradurga GOVIND MAKTHAPPA KARJOL BJP 48,121 19 Tumkur V. SOMANNA BJP 1,75,594 20 Mandya H.D. KUMARASWAMY JDS 2,84,620 21 Mysore YADUVEER KRISHNADATTA CHAMARAJA WADIYAR BJP 1,39,262 22 Chamarajanagar SUNIL BOSE CONGRESS 1,88,706 23 Bangalore Rural DR C N MANJUNATH BJP 2,69,647 24 Bangalore North SHOBHA KARANDLAJE BJP 2,59,476 25 Bangalore Central P C MOHAN BJP 32,707 26 Bangalore South TEJASVI SURYA BJP 2,77,083 27 Chikkaballapur DR.K.SUDHAKAR BJP 1,63,460 28 Kolar M. MALLESH BABU JDS 71,388

(With inputs from Keerthana Menon)
On Tuesday morning as the counting for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 progressed, BJP's Kerala prabhari and former Union Minister Prakash Javadekar looked like a proud school headmaster celebrating his students' success in a board exam. He arrived at the BJP headquarters in Kerala, Mararji Bhawan, while both Suresh Gopi and Rajeev Chandrasekhar were leading in their respective constituencies and many other BJP candidates were delivering respectable competition.

Javadekar wore a saffron kurta and a Kerala mundu with saffron lining. The ease with which he wore the traditional Kerala mundu was a testament to how he absorbed Kerala's culture since taking on the Herculean task of securing at least one Lok Sabha seat in the southern state. Speaking to THE WEEK, he proclaimed that Kerala politics has changed forever. Below is an exclusive interaction with the leader:

Also Read | Lok Sabha Election Results LIVE: No '400 paar' for BJP; Rahul Gandhi crosses Sonia's margin in Raebareli

Q: You've played an instrumental role in the BJP's success in Kerala. For the first time in history, the party has secured a Lok Sabha seat in the state. How do you feel about this achievement?

We have changed Kerala politics. That is our big success. For the first time, BJP has an MP in Kerala, NDA is returning for the third time and Modi ji will be Prime Minister for the third time. The BJP's Kerala success is because of PM Modi's vision, direction, focus and the way he has ensured last-mile delivery of benefits to 2 crore out of 3.5 crore people of Kerala. These benefits were distributed without discrimination.

As you know in Kerala, LDF or UDF select their own beneficiaries. Modi doesn't discriminate. Modi gives it to all and therefore people love him, and have faith in Modi's leadership. The diaspora population of Kerala has also told their families to vote for Modi because they are experiencing the rising esteem of India in other countries. Also, Modi ji took tough action against PFI. Banning PFI has made Christians also happy as they wanted action against them. This is what Modi ji has done, therefore this success.

ALSO READ | State-wise exit polls: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and more

Q: Could you elaborate on your statement that Christians in Kerala were happy with the Modi government?

Christians in large numbers have voted for BJP because they want to be part of development. In 2019, they believed that Rahul Gandhi was the PM face but now everybody, including Rahul Gandhi, knows that he won't be PM.

Q: BJP won only one seat. But it improved vote share in a number of other seats in Kerala.

Yes, a tremendous increase. It's a huge difference. We have emerged as a third pole. Kerala was bipolar for 75 years. And we will make a difference in the days to come in principle elections, in assembly elections, everywhere. Kerala politics has changed forever.

ALSO READ | Kerala Lok Sabha Polls 2024 results LIVE: Constituency-wise list of winners

Q: Suresh Gopi won the seat for BJP and Rajeev Chandrashekhar gave a neck-to-neck fight to Shashi Tharoor. Chandrashekar had in fact taken a lead of over 25,000 at one point of time. Could you share what were some qualities you saw in these star candidates of the BJP?

Suresh Gopi, after last defeat in 2019, continuously worked for 5 years [in Thrissur]. It's a huge thing. So, whenever I went to Thrissur, people were saying that they were voting for Modi and Gopi. That was a factor in Chandrashekhar also. Modi and Chandrashekhar. So, he resonated with voters. That is the special thing. Rajiv Chandrashekhar is a very versatile entrepreneur and dedicated politician. He reached out to everybody, though he had only a little time.
When the Congress and the Samajwadi Party tied up to put up a joint fight in Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha elections, many political observers harked back to the disastrous performance the two parties had put up when they had allied for the assembly polls in the state in 2017.



However, what was significantly different this time was the genuine camaraderie, bonhomie and collaboration not only between the leaders of the two parties but also the workers on the ground. The red SP 'topis' and flags bearing the SP symbol, the cycle, jostled for space with the Congress scarves and flags in the joint electioneering of the two parties in the state. UP was important in the calculations of the INDIA bloc to pull the Bharatiya Janata Party below the majority mark, and the alliance between the SP and the Congress delivered on this count.



In 2019, the BJP and its allies had won 64 seats. The SP, which was in an alliance with the BSP then, had won 15 together with Mayawati's party. Its own tally was just five seats. The Congress had won only one seat, Rae Bareli.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha Election Results LIVE

This time round, the assessment of the leaders of the SP and the Congress was that they were in a position to severely damage the BJP's tally in the state. During the campaigns, they expressed confidence that the alliance would win more than 40 seats, which was met with a great amount of disbelief by many political observers because of the huge margins with which the BJP had won several seats in the previous elections.



However, the alliance was visible on the ground, with the SP and Congress workers pooling in efforts while their leaders Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held several joint rallies. If Akhilesh participated in a rally in favour of the Congress in Amethi and Rae Bareli, Rahul campaigned for Akhilesh in Kannauj. It was felt that there was no perceptible wave in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the ground and livelihood issues as also local factors had come into play.



The alliance focused on livelihood issues as also local problems such as that of stray cattle and paper leaks in recruitment exams. Akhilesh sought to widen the support base of the SP beyond the Yadavs and the Muslims by talking about representing the interests of the 'Pichda, Dalit, Alpasankhyak' (backward, Dalit, and minorities).
The 2024 verdict may have come as humbling experience for the BJP as the oppositions India bloc emerged stronger, but the NDA is set to form government for the third time.

After 10 years of the BJP rule where it had brute majority, the third round of counting saw the party falling short of securing majority of its own by nearly 32 seats as trend sustained even 11 hours after the counting began. The BJP numbers hovered around 240, which means that BJP secured 63 seats less than the 2019 verdict of 303 seats. However, with NDA allies like Chandra Babu Naidus TDP, Nitish Kumars JDU, Chirag Paswans LJP (RV) among others, the alliance numbers were over 290, including the seats where they were leading. This mandate would mean that the BJP would now have to lean in on the allies which it could earlier afford to ignore.

The BJP leaders expressed confidence that all the alliance partners would stay within the grouping thus giving Narendra Modi a chance to form the government for the third time.

Accepting the verdict, Modi wrote on the microblogging site, X, "People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in Indias history. I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people. I also salute all our Karyakartas for their hard work. Words will never do justice to their exceptional efforts."

The usual verve was subdued at the BJP headquarters as the BJP struggled during the initial hours of the counting. The resounding victory that the party was hoping with its over 400 paar slogan was proved difficult to come by. The BJP-led alliance had to contend with below 300 figure. By evening, the partys new building across the headquarters was packed with enthusiastic cadre as they awaited Modis visit for the speech.

Home Minister Amit Shah thanked the BJP cadre for their hardwork who made victory possible for the party. "For BJP, workers are the biggest asset. The way you took Modis message from North to South, East to West, is worthy of appreciation.

The BJP leaders put up a brave front saying that they will again form the government and welcomed the peoples mandate. While the party may still take time to mull over the reasons behind such a mandate as Modi had personally led the charge holding 206 rallies, nearly 64 more than 2019.

Some of the BJP leaders said that the selection of candidates and the disconnect between the cadre and the elected leaders led to such a show. The surprising results in party ruled Uttar Pradesh has come as a rude shock for the party. Not only did the winning margins of most BJP candidates reduced, but the party also lost over 20 seats than 2019.

The rise of SP and Congress that, too, after the consecration of Ram Temple and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths tough administration would make the BJP do some introspection. The key losses in the state were the loss of Faizabad seat where Ayodhya falls and Smriti Irani losing from the Amethi seat.

Uttar Pradesh gave biggest gains to Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party and Congress. Congress became the second largest party in the country, close to clocking a century, while SP with its 38 seats is the third largest party.

The big gains for the BJP came from Odisha where the party will form the government for the first time and has even netted 19 seats in Lok Sabha. Similar gains in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana where BJP was on way to double its tally, and winning a seat in Kerala, marked that BJPs south focus have had success.

The BJP faced challenge in the West as Maharashtra witnessed Maratha veterans  Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray  making a comeback along with a good show by the Congress. Gujarat continued to be bright spot as party retained 25 out of the 26 seats.

In the Hindi heartland, apart from UP, the BJPs fortunes dipped in Haryana and Rajasthan. BJP lost half of its 10 seats in Haryana, while 11 seats in Rajasthan. The brightest spot for the BJP has been Madhya Pradesh where the party won all the 29 seats, inclduing Chhindwara, the seat earlier held by Kamal Nath and now by his son, Nakul Nath.

In the eastern region, the BJP gained in Odisha, but suffered loses in Bihar and West Bengal against the strong fight put up by the regional satraps. As Mamata Banerjee managed to increase TMCs seat, the eight seat loss for the BJP means Didi continued to be a strong leader in her state and her party, the fourth largest in the country.

The mandate means that the new parliament building will have much livelier debates as two sides are likely pack more firepower to take control over the narrative.
Incumbent MP Prajwal Revanna, who is facing allegations of sexually abusing several women and also recording them, is leading in Hassan Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka. The JD(S) leader was pitted against Congress leader Shreyas Patel in the constituency.

Prajwal Revanna was suspended by his party in the wake of the charges levelled against him.

Media reports suggest that despite the sexual abuse charges levelled against him, Prajwal Revanna is expected to win the seat, which is a Vokkaliga stronghold, with a huge majority. Prajwal Revanna's grandfather former prime minister and JD(S) patriarch won the seat five times previously.

JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi (BJP) were ahead in the Mandya and Dharwad Lok Sabha segments, respectively.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE

Prajwal, facing sexual abuse allegations, returned from Germany on Friday and was immediately arrested by the SIT at the Bengaluru airport. A special court in the city remanded him to police custody till June 6.

Early trends from the state had shown that the BJP was ahead in 17 seats, Congress in eight and JD(S) in three.

JD(S) leader and former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi (BJP) were ahead in the Mandya and Dharwad Lok Sabha segments, respectively, according to official sources.

Also leading in the initial rounds were erstwhile Mysuru royal family scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar of BJP in Mysore, party veteran B S Yediyurappa's son B Y Raghavendra in Shimoga, saffron party senior leader and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shetttar from Belgaum and BJP leader Tejasvi Surya (Bangalore South).
Actor-politician and BJP candidate Suresh Gopi appears to be headed for victory in the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat.

Suresh Gopi is leading over 10,000 votes against his nearest rivals in the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat.

Suresh Gopi's nearest rival is LDF's V.S. Sunilkumar. Suresh Gopi has been able to maintain a steady lead from the star, suggesting that the BJP may open its account in the southern state.

The actor-politican had lost from Thrissur in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and then in the 2021 state assembly polls. He had secured as many as 2,93,822 votes in the previous Kerala Lok Sabha polls and emerged third.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE: Modi or INDIA bloc?

Suresh Gopi's possible victory will help the BJP make inroads into Kerala, which is dominated by the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led ruling LDF.

Meanwhile, early trends from the state had indicated a neck-and-neck fight between the UDF and the CPI(M)-led LDF.

UDF candidates Dean Kuriakose and N.K. Premachandran, from Idukki and Kollam Lok Sabha seats respectively, were leading by a huge margin over their nearest rivals, according to early trends. The Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat is witnessing a neck-and-neck fight between Congress's Shashi Tharoor and BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Meanwhile, in Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency, BJP's Anil K. Antony is trailing with over 10,064 votes. UDF's Anto Antony is leading by nearly 3,000 votes in the constituency.
Lok Sabha Results 2024 LIVE: Proving most exit poll results wrong, the opposition INDIA bloc managed to win over 230 seats on Tuesday, crumbling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "paar 400" plans. The BJP-led NDA is restricted to just over 290 seats, losing key battles in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka among other states.

After the trends became clear, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who registered thumping victories from UP's Raebareli and Kerala's Wayanad, held a press conference. The INDIA bloc will meet and decide on Wednesday whether to approach former partners in an effort to form the government despite the NDA having the numerical advantage.

From attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership, to thanking the people of India for safeguarding the Constitution, here are five vital points from Rahul Gandhi's press meet on Tuesday evening.

1. On Uttar Pradesh results: On Uttar Pradesh results: Rahul Gandhi offered special thanks to the electorate of Uttar Pradesh for supporting Congress and 'protecting' the Constitution.

ALSO READ | Lok Sabha election results a moral defeat for PM Modi, BJP, says Kharge

2. On expanding alliance: The INDIA bloc will meet and decide whether to approach former partners such as the JD(U) and the TDP on Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi said. "We won't say anything without asking the opinion of our allies. Our alliance will decide tomorrow and whatever they decide we will act on that," Gandhi said.

3. Wayanad or Rae Bareli? The Congress leader said he has not decided yet on the seat he is going to keep. The decision to represent whether he will keep Wayanad or Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat will be taken later.

INTERACTIVE | Kerala results LIVE: Constituency-wise list of winners

4. On Narendra Modi and Amit Shah: Rahul Gandhi said the people have unanimously stated that they do not want Modi and Shah to run the country. He accused the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister of capturing Constitutional institutions and threatening them.

5. On Amrthi results: Congress candidate KL Sharma has been active in the in the constituency for the past 40 years. Sharma's victory over Union Minister Smriti Irani was certain beyond doubt. Rahul Said.
Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said people have shown full confidence in the BJP and the NDA and the Lok Sabha elections results were a victory of the people, democracy and faith in the country's Constitution.



THE WEEK LIVE UPDATES | Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE: Modi or INDIA bloc?

The Prime Minister, addressing party supporters at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi said that the Opposition INDIA bloc, despite being united, could not win as many seats as BJP got on its own. Confirming that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will form the government for a consecutive third term, PM Modi said that the nation can expect big decisions as soon as they enter office.

Here are five notable quotes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at New Delhi after the Lok Sabha elections results were out on Tuesday.

1. " The fight against corruption is becoming tougher by the day. Corruption is being shamelessly glorified for political interest. In our third term, NDA will focus a lot on rooting out corruption of all kinds...On this sacred day, it is confirmed that NDA is forming govt for the 3rd time. We are grateful to the people..."

ALSO READ | Kerala Lok Sabha Polls 2024 results LIVE: Constituency-wise list of winners

2. "After 1962, for the first time a government has won the mandate for a third consecutive term... It is Modi's guarantee that country will write fresh chapter of big decisions in our third term..."

3. "Our Constitution is our guiding light. This year will mark 70 years of our Constitution. We will work with all states and work hard towards becoming 'viksit Bharat'..."

4. "...in Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim, Congress has been wiped out...BJP is going to form government in Odisha...BJP won a seat in Kerala as well... Our party workers in Kerala have made a lot of sacrifices..."

5. "They (Election Commission of India) carried out such a huge election with so much efficiency in this scorching heat. Our security forces have also effectively carried out their work. Every Indian is proud of the credibility of India's election process and system," he said.
The defeat of Sunetra Pawar, wife of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, from the Baramati seat in the Lok Sabha election is a tight slap on Ajit's face.



His NCP managed to win only one of the four seats that it contested. In two constituencies where the fight was between Ajit's NCP versus Sharad Pawar's NCP, the electoral battle was won by Pawar senior with big margins.

Ajit's close aide and his party president Sunil Tatkare is on his way to win the Raigad Lok Sabha seat defeating his Shiv Sena (UBT) rival Anant Geete. On the other hand, Amol Kolhe of Sharad Pawar-led NCP defeated Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil of Ajit Pawar-led NCP from Shirur constituency.

Supriya Sule defeated her sister-in-law from Baramati by over 1 lakh votes. Even from Baramati assembly segment - represented by Ajit Pawar- Supriya had a lead of over 30,000 votes. This clearly proves that even at the age of 83, Pawar senior clearly knows the pulse of the people far better than his Maharashtra deputy chief minister nephew.

Sharad Pawar-led NCP contested 10 seats and is winning in seven of them resulting in a strike rate of 70 per cent.

Ajit was very confident that since he had managed all elections of Supriya in past, he knew the levers and pulse of people. He also thought that since most of the party leadership in Baramati had moved on to his side, winning Baramati was not all that difficult.

But Supriya Sule had told this correspondent during campaigning that cadre and leaders may have shifted allegiance to Ajit Pawar, however, the people of Baramati still hugely supported Pawar senior. Her sentiments have come true today as she defeated Suntera Pawar by more than a lakh votes.
It is a clean sweep for the DMK-led INDIA bloc in Tamil Nadu. The alliance has won in all the 39 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in Puducherry. It is the eighth consecutive electoral victory for DMK leader MK Stalin, since he took charge as the party president in 2018, after the demise of his father M. Karunanidhi.

The BJP thought they would win 400 seats. But now they have been pushed to a position where they dont have a majority to even form the government on their won, Stalin told the media after his partys sweeping victory. The DMK-led INDIA bloc in Tamil Nadu comprises of the Congress, the two left parties, Thol Thirumavalavans Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and a few minority parties.

Tamil Nadu witnessed a four-cornered contest with the DMK-led INDIA bloc, BJPs rainbow alliance, AIADMK in alliance with DMDK and SDPI and Seemans Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) in the fray. While the fight was majorly between the AIADMK and the DMK, the BJP made a mark in this election in Tamil Nadu with its fierce campaign and road shows.

Narendra Modis road shows and state BJP president K. Annamalais En Man En Makkal yatra, however did not help the BJP win even a single seat from the Dravidian land. The BJP contested from 23 out of the 40 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In key seats like Dharmapuri, Vellore, Tirunelveli, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore, Kallakurichi and Villupuram, where AIADMK and NDA allies were expected to give a tough fight, the DMK won by more than 50,000 votes.

In all the three constituencies in Chennaisouth, north and central Chennaithe BJP pushed Tamil Nadus opposition AIADMK to the third position. While the exit polls predicted three to four seats for the BJP and a clear victory for Annamalai in Coimbatore, the results have proved them wrong. Annamalai finished second in Coimbatore losing to DMKs Ganapathy P. Rajkumar by 1.10 lakh votes. Annamalai, compared to his party colleagues Tamilisai Soundararajan, L. Murugan and Nainar Nagenthran, scored the maximum number of votes.

The AIADMK under Edappadi K. Palanisami lost yet another election. The party has been facing successive defeats since the demise of Jayalalithaa. AIADMKs vote share dropped by over 12 per cent. In most of the constituencies, the party finished third next only to BJP alliance partners.
The mandate is clear: the NDA is set for another term. But, the BJP has little to cheer about. While it took a blowback in UP with seat share going down by 30, the situation in Rajasthan, another Hindi heartland state, isn't encouraging either. It lost 10 seats in Rajasthan compared to the 2019 elections.

This is when the exit polls predicted a total sweep for the BJP in both states. The only saving grace for the party was Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Though it managed to sweep 21 of the 25 seats in Andhra, the credit goes to Chandra Babu Naidu-led TDP.

Here are the state-wise results as of 2 pm on Tuesday.

Uttar Pradesh

Of the total 80 seats, the NDA is ahead in 36 and the INDIA bloc leads in 43. The state sprung a surprise as the Exit Polls had predicted a total sweep by the BJP. As per the prediction, the NDA was to win 64 to 71 seats while the INDIA bloc was expected to get around 10 seats.

Maharastra

The state saw the INDIA bloc performing well with leading in 30 of the 48 seats. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a coalition of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar, has a clear lead over the ruling Mahayuti. The exit poll prediction was that the BJP would win 26 to 29 seats for MVA.

West Bengal

The results proved the influence of TMC is beyond the reach of the BJP, at least for now, with the party faring better than the 2019 elections. Of the total 42 seats, INDIA is ahead in 33 and NDA in just 9. Exit poll predictions were that BJP might get 23 seats while the TMC would get 18.

Bihar

In Bihar, the NDA is leading in 31 seats out of the total 40. INDIA bloc has just 9. While JD(U) leads in 13 seats, BJP has 12. Five seats went to NDA's alliance partner LJP.

Tamil Nadu

INDIA alliance swept the polls in Tamil Nadu leading in 39 of 39 seats. Ruling DMK is ahead in 22 seats, Congress has 9 in its kitty and CPI and CPM leads in 2 each. IUML and MDMK has one seat each. VCK is ahead in 2 seats. Exit polls predicted the INDIA bloc to win 33 to 39 seats while the NDA was forecasted to get one to three seats.

Madhya Pradesh

The NDA swept the state, all 29 seats. Congress was expected to win just 1-3 seats in the state.

Karnataka

In Karnataka, the NDA leads in 18 of the 28 seats. 10 went to the INDIA bloc. The exit poll predictions were that NDA would get 20 to 25 seats while the INDIA bloc might win 2 to 7 seats.

Gujarat

The NDA made a clean sweep in Gujarat winning 24 of 26 seats. INDIA bloc managed to win 2 seats. The BJP was expected to win all 26 seats in Gujarat, making it a hat-trick for the saffron party.

Andhra Pradesh

Of the 25 seats in Andhra, the NDA won 21. Alliance partner TDP won 16 seats and BJP 4. YSR Congress won four.

Kerala

INDIA alliance managed to sweep Kerala with Congress-led UDF winning 17 seats. Left parties, an ally of the INDIA bloc, leads in 2 seats while BJP sprung a surprise winning one seat. This is the first time the BJP clinched a Lok Sabha seat in Kerala when actor Suresh Gopi aced Thrissur. The Congress-led UDF was predicted to clinch more than 15 seats out of 20 in Kerala, while the LDF was expected to get zero to five seats.

Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, NDA leads in 14 out of 24 seats. INDIA bloc aced 10. Eight exit polls predicted more than 20 constituencies for BJP.

Odisha

The NDA bettered its position in Odisha with BJP leading in 19 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha. The BJP was leading in 73 assembly seats in Odisha while BJD nominees were leading in 58 constituencies out of 147 assembly seats.

Telangana

Of the 17 seats that went to polls in Telangana, NDA and INDIA bloc have 8 each. One seat went to AIMIM.

Jharkhand

NDA leads in 10 out of 14 seats in Jharkhand while the INDIA bloc has 4.

Assam

NDA got 11 out of 14 seats while the INDIA bloc leads in 4.

Punjab

INDIA bloc performed well in Punjab with a lead in 10 seats. Others got three.

Chhattisgarh

NDA swept the state with leading in 10 of the 11 seats.

Haryana

In Haryana, the INDIA bloc won 6 out of 10 and NDA won 4.

Delhi

NDA swept Delhi winning all 7 seats. AAP failed to make an impact.

Uttarakhand, Himachal

The NDA swept both states winning all the seats.

Goa

In Goa, both NDA and INDIA bloc won one seat each.
With hours left for their results, many candidates spent Tuesday morning offering prayers and visiting the counting centres. Many even took a break from their busy hours to share with reporters their hopes for the people's mandate.

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Udhampur Dr Jitendra Singh was one of the senior leaders to arrive at a counting centre in Jammu.



#WATCH | Union Minister and BJP candidate from Udhampur Dr Jitendra Singh arrives at a counting centre in Jammu pic.twitter.com/Ql20jpIJjg  ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2024

Another Union Minister and BJP candidate from Rajasthan's Jodhpur, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat too began his morning by arriving at the counting station. He also took time to share his expectations with reporters. "The BJP workers are doing everything to make the hard work fruitful on this last day. The workers departed from here after being given 'saafa' and 'shagun'. We will definitely be victorious. The BJP will form the government with a thumping majority," he told reporters.

Also read: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE: Modi or INDIA bloc? Kharge urges bureaucrats to act without 'fear' as counting begins at 8 am

BJP candidate from Delhi's Chandni Chowk Praveen Khandelwal was one of the first to arrive for prayer at the Gauri Shankar Temple in Delhi. "We are winning the Chandni Chowk seat with record votes. The BJP is also winning all the seven seats of Delhi with majority," Khandelwal told reporters.



BJP candidate from New Delhi seat, Bansuri Swaraj also visited the Lakshmi Narayan Temple ahead of the counting of votes. "I am completely confident that today the people of India will choose the public welfare policies of the BJP.I know Teesri Baar Phir Modi Sarkar," Swaraj said.



#WATCH | BJP candidate from New Delhi Lok Sabha seat, Bansuri Swaraj offers prayers at Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir) in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/VBosg3YM8R  ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2024

Union Minister Ajay Kumar Mishra, the BJP candidate from UP's Kheri, too offered prayers at a temple in Lakhimpur Kheri on Tuesday morning.



BJP MP and candidate from Gorakhpur, Ravi Kishan offers prayers at Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple in Gorakhpur. He told reporters that "Ram Rajya will continue." "The biggest leader of the world will be the Prime Minister for the third time. People of the country have made the country win and placed their trust in PM Modi," the actor-turned-politician told reporters.


(June 04, 2024)  Celebrity DJ Idris Elba entertained guests including Abhay Deol, Sayani Gupta, Amy Jackson, Juhi Godambe and Niki Mehra at the official GREY GOOSE Altius launch party held at a private villa in the stunning hills of Cap Martinet, Ibiza.



The exclusive party included sets by Ibizan DJ resident, Doorly, Rudimentals King Crowney, as well as DJ Aniurks, with attendees being treated to panoramic views of Ibizas natural beauty. Guests partied and sipped on GREY GOOSE Altius and were amongst the first to try the new vodka. An after-party was held at luxury nightclub, Club Chinois where GREY GOOSE hosted the VIP area with guests continuing to enjoy music and GREY GOOSE Altius cocktails into the night.



Ahead of the event, Idris Elba said: I throw everything into my music, refining it and fine tuning it, until it hits right. Thats the same vibe I get with GREY GOOSE Altius. The dedication, the attention to detail it's about the craft in every drop, which is exactly what you want, when you're celebrating something real



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GREY GOOSE Altius is set to launch soon in the finest bars, nightclubs, and restaurants across India. Get ready to experience the ultimate in luxury and taste with every sip.



(Disclaimer: The above content is a press release and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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UDAIPUR, India, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Indian Institute of Management Udaipur is the first IIM to have started a unique and one-of-a-kind Summer Program in Management as a Pre MBA program. This year, it hosted the inaugural ceremony of the second batch of the Program. The program will cover the essential aspects of management studies, focusing on Business Environment, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Digital Transformation, and Business Communication. The participants will get exposure to the Case Method of teaching and earn an IIM Udaipur Summer Program in Management - Certificate of Participation upon completing the program. The program is designed to give an experiential insight into management education by an IIM, thereby helping aspiring undergraduates and graduates decide on the path they wish to follow.



This batch of the Summer Program in Management comprises 150 students from different regions of India. Of these, 72 are female students. This is a two-week program scheduled from June 1st to June 14th, 2024, in which students will learn from the distinguished faculty of IIM Udaipur, visiting industry experts and their peers from the entire country in a dynamic, supportive, and thriving academic environment. Participants will get an opportunity to network with faculty and MBA students of IIM Udaipur.



In his welcome address, Prof. Rajesh Agrawal, Chairperson of the Summer Program in Management, said, "IIM Udaipur's Summer Program in Management is designed to provide a powerful and transformational experience to you. Immerse yourselves in the world of business and management and experience the life of an MBA student. You'll learn from the esteemed faculty and industry experts and gain a deep understanding of what it means to be a business manager and leader. This program is your chance to explore and solidify your MBA goals and gain the confidence to pursue them. Beyond the academics, you will have the opportunity to explore Udaipur's cultural heritage and beauty and create memories with your friends that will stay with you forever."



IIM Udaipur is India's first and only management institute to have launched a two-week On-Campus Summer Program in Management for MBA aspirants.



About IIM Udaipur:



IIM Udaipur is well on its way to becoming a globally recognised B-School. It has broken new ground by focusing on world-class research and transforming students into tomorrow's managers and leaders. The Institute arrived on the global education stage by securing accreditation from the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) within eight years of its establishment. With this accreditation, IIM Udaipur is counted in the same league of global institutes, such as Harvard Business School, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and the MIT Sloan School.



IIM Udaipur is ranked 16th by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2023 of the HRD Ministry. IIM Udaipur is the only IIM in the Top 100 of the prestigious FT Masters In Management World Rankings consecutively for 5 Years since 2019. Ranked #5 amongst IIMs in the list of 2023. Indian Institute of Management Udaipur featured in the prestigious Masters in Management (MIM) QS World University Rankings 2024 for the fifth consecutive year. IIM Udaipur is also currently ranked 4th in India, after ISB, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore, for research in management according to the methodology used by UT Dallas, which tracks publications in the leading global journals.



Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2428365/IIMUSPMBatch2024.jpg



Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183220/4629883/IIMULogo.jpg



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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Step into the future with TECNO's latest AI-enhanced innovation, the Dynamic 1 robotic dog, PocketGo, Mini PCs, MEGABOOK Series and AI-empowered CAMON 30 Premier 5G at Computex 2024.



TAIPEI, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative technology brand TECNO today stunningly showcased its ecosystem at Computex Taipei 2024, introducing TECNO's first AI-empowered robotic dog Dynamic 1, along with the industry's first AR PC PocketGo. The showcase also featured the innovative water-cooled gaming mini PC G1 AI PC MEGABPPK T16 PRO Ultra and the industry-first built-in AIGC Portrait function smartphone CAMON 30 Premier 5G, marking a significant milestone for the brand in the Asian tech industry. Themed "Smart of Creation," TECNO showcases innovative products and smart connections through TECNO smartphones and its ecosystem. The brand's stand will be located at Hall 2, Booth Q0223a.



TECNO AI and AR Smart Innovation



TECNO AIoT's innovative category AR PC handheld "TECNO Pocket Go," recently won the prestigious Red Dot 2024 Product Design Award. The TECNO Pocket Go ingeniously combines AR glasses and PC handheld, leading the development of AR in the gaming field. According to Dr. Peter Zec, the founder and CEO of Red Dot, this accolade reflects innovative thinking, foresight, and a pursuit of a better future.



TECNO Pocket Go redefines gaming on the go, creating a "new gaming paradise" in handheld PC form in AR industry. By seamlessly integrating with the Windows gaming ecosystem and utilizing advanced head tracking technology, it brings an unparalleled 6D immersive experience to users. Featuring a top-tier AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS gaming processor and a laptop-level cooling system, this Windows handheld ensures high performance and stability akin to a traditional PC. With TECNO Pocket Go, users can enjoy a futuristic gaming experience by seamlessly connecting to TECNO smartphones and mini PCs.



TECNO's first robot dog Dynamic 1, is a bio-inspired quadruped with AI interaction capabilities. Resembling a German Shepherd, it boasts powerful torque, a robust cooling system that supports impressive functionality like climbing stairs, jumping, and responding to voice commands. Equipped with Intel RealSense D430 depth camera, binocular sensors, and infrared sensors, Dynamic 1 excels in intelligent obstacle detection and safe navigation, showcasing TECNO's cutting-edge technology and commitment to innovation.



CAMON 30 Premier 5G is TECNO's pioneering AI work, reimagining video calling and imaging with enhanced AI features like AIGC Portrait, AI Erase, Social App Turbo and Universal Tone, taking imaging to the next level. Moreover, the newly launched CAMON 30 Premier LOEWE Edition makes its debut at the exhibition, featuring an innovative coffee grounds back cover and a striking green color blocking design, offering an eco-friendly and stylish choice.



Various forms of PC, Smart Creation



TECNO introduces groundbreaking gaming innovations with the world's smallest water-cooled gaming MINI PC G1. This cutting-edge device features a dedicated graphics card, high-performance gaming CPUs, and powerful GPUs. Powered by an IntelCore Ultra processor with Turbo Boost up to 5.4GHz, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD, it offers exceptional speed and expandability with dual SO-DIMM support.



TECNO MEGA MINI M1 offers a pocket-sized desktop solution in a compact cube design weighing only 445g. With a premium aluminum body, M1 delivers high performance up to 45W, ideal for simplifying your office setup.



Additionally, MEGABOOK T16 Pro 2024 Ultra is TECNO's first AI PC, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor for Best-In-Class AI experiences, performance, and battery life. With industry-lead 99Wh battery size and options for up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB storage, MEGABOOK T16 Pro 2024 Ultra excels in delivering exceptional performance and AI capabilities like Al Image Generation and Al Copilot.



Mega Interconnect, Smart Manager



The TECNO PC Manager software enhances device collaboration between TECNO laptops and smartphones, streamlining workflows for users. With PC Manager, optimizing PC performance, managing system settings, and maintaining device efficiency is simple. TECNO OneLeap feature from PC Manager enables seamless collaboration between TECNO smartphones and MEGABOOK, enhancing productivity with features like One Leap, Multi-screen Collaboration, Data Sharing, and Files Management. This solution ensures data security while maximizing efficiency.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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Islamabad, Jun 4 (PTI) An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Muzaffarabad city on Tuesday rejected the bail petition of poet Ahmed Farhad who went missing for 15 days during the recent anti-government protests in the region.

The development comes a day after the court on Monday reserved its verdict following the hearing arguments from both sides.

The poet's wife Urooj Zainab said she would challenge the decision, Geo News reported.

"Details of why the bail was rejected were not disclosed," she said in a press conference.

Farhad, known for his defiant prose, came into the spotlight after he went missing during recent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Zainab said her husband was allegedly abducted from his house on May 14.

Subsequently, she moved to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking her husband's recovery along with requesting the court to identify, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for his disappearance.

The poet remained missing for 15 days before Attorney General for Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan, on May 29 in response to IHC's directions to recover the missing poet said Farhad was arrested and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir police custody.

Following the development, the poet's family met him at the Kahori police station outside Muzaffarabad.

The IHC last week turned down the federal governments plea to wrap up the poet's recovery case till he appeared in the hearing.

IHC's Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, while hearing the petition filed by the poet's wife, rejected the additional AGP's plea stressing that the case would be concluded on the day when Farhad is produced before the court.

However, Farhad's lawyer argued that the poet's family went to Dhirkot Police Station in PoK but he was not found there. The family was later informed that the poet had been shifted to Muzaffarabad for a probe.

The ATC then ordered a medical examination of the poet after his counsel, Iman Mazari, requested the court to have Farhad medically examined.

The poet's family said they had concerns the poet was being administered a slow poison.

The IHC will resume the hearing of the case on June 7.
Paris, Jun 4 (AP) French far-right leader Marine Le Pen isn't on the ballot at the weekend's European Parliament election but she's 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 Macron's 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 policymaking 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 France's presidency in 2027, a long-time dream.

The National Rally's 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. Macron's Europe is a model of the past," Bardella said at a Paris rally on Sunday.

Macron's pro-EU movement meanwhile is flailing, and its chief candidate Valerie Hayer has struggled to make a mark. That's troubling for Macron as he tries to lead Europe-wide efforts to defend Ukraine and boost the EU's own defences 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 won't stop there," Attal said at a rally last week.

He said Europe knows "it can't rely on the US 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 Macron's 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 France's Socialist Party behind its lead candidate, Raphael Glucksmann, who pledges more ambitious climate policy and protections for European businesses and workers.

Macron sidelined France's once-powerful Socialists and mainstream conservative Republicans when he rose to power in 2017 by staking out a middle ground. But frustration among leftwing voters with Macron's 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 can't 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 we're 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. We've seen it too many times. It's 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 France's 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." (AP) SZM
Washington, Jun 4 (AP) President Joe Biden is looking past resistance from key Israeli officials as he presses Israel and Hamas to agree to a three-phase agreement that could immediately bring home dozens of Israeli hostages, free Palestinian prisoners and perhaps even lead to an endgame in the nearly eight-month-old Gaza war.

Biden's big swing -- during a tough re-election battle -- could also demonstrate to a significant slice of his political base demoralised by his handling of the conflict that he's doing his part to end the war that has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians and left hundreds of thousands struggling to meet basic needs.

White House officials on Monday said Biden's decision to make public what it describes as an Israeli proposal -- just one day after it was delivered to Hamas -- was driven by a desire to put Hamas on the spot. The move diverged from the US administration's position throughout the conflict to allow the Israelis to speak for themselves about hostage negotiations.

"The president felt that where we are in this war, where we are in the negotiations to get the hostages out, that it was time for a different approach and a time to make the proposal public, to try to energise the process here and catalyse a different outcome," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said.

Almost immediately after Biden detailed the proposal -- which includes a ceasefire and phased Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza if Hamas releases all hostages -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said it would continue its war until Hamas was destroyed.





NETANYAHU FACING PRESSURE FROM FAR-RIGHT

Netanyahu's political survival depends on a far-right coalition that is adamant about eradicating Hamas. He sowed further doubt about proposal's viability Monday when he told an Israeli parliament committee that there are certain "gaps" in how Biden laid out the proposal. The prime minister said Israelis "reserve the right to return to war".

Kirby played down differences between Biden and Netanyahu and underscored that the proposal was an Israeli one.

But even if Hamas agreed to terms, it would require Netanyahu to make some difficult political calculations. Two leading members of his far-right coalition -- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich -- have threatened to leave Netanyahu's government if he signs off on the proposal. That would cause the coalition to collapse.

Smotrich said Monday that agreeing to a ceasefire would amount to a humiliation of Israel and a surrender.

Netanyahu has also faced pressure from families of hostages -- officials say about 80 people captured by militants in the October 7 attack are still alive and Hamas is holding the bodies of 43 others -- to reach an agreement to free their loved ones. Opposition leader Yair Lapid, however, vowed over the weekend to provide a political safety net to Netanyahu, ensuring his government would not fall over the deal.





OPTIMISM DESPITE HEADWINDS

Even as the proposal faces stiff headwinds, the Biden administration said it was cautiously optimistic that a deal could be reached.

White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan urged world leaders to rally behind the proposal.

"They need to train their eyes on Hamas this week and say it's time to come to the table to do this deal," Sullivan said in an appearance at the US Global Leadership Conference in Washington.

To that end, Biden on Monday spoke with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, a key Hamas interlocutor, and said it was "the best possible opportunity for an agreement", the White House said.

Sullivan, meanwhile, spoke to his Turkish counterpart, Akif Cagatay Kilic, about Turkey using its influence with Hamas to get them to accept the proposal. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has defended Hamas and hosted the group's political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, for talks in April.

Group of Seven leaders on Monday also endorsed the deal.



EVEN GETTING TO PHASE ONE IS A CHALLENGE

Biden acknowledged last week that getting beyond the first phase of the proposal would be difficult.

The first phase would last for six weeks and would include a ceasefire, 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.

The Israelis, under the proposal, would also allow 600 humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza each day during the first phase. The second phase would include the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza.

Hamas is likely to make enormous demands about which Palestinian prisoners will be released and call on Israel to assure that it won't continue to target top Hamas leaders.

Indeed, Israeli officials view the conflict on a far longer timeline.

Just last week, Israeli national security advisor Tzachi Hanegbi said he expected the war to drag on for another seven months, in order to destroy the military and governing capabilities of Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad militant group.

But with Election Day in the US now just over five months away, Biden faces tightening pressure to more quickly resolve the Mideast conflict that's left him bleeding support. (AP) SZM
Beijing, Jun 4 (AP) China says a spacecraft carrying rock and soil samples from the far side of the moon has lifted off from the lunar surface to start its journey back to Earth.

The ascender of the Chang'e-6 probe lifted off on Tuesday morning Beijing time and entered a preset orbit around the moon, the China National Space Administration said.

The Chang'e-6 probe was launched last month and its lander touched down on the far side of the moon on Sunday.

Xinhua News Agency cited the space agency as saying the spacecraft stowed the samples it had gathered in a container inside the ascender of the probe as planned.

The container will be transferred to a re-entry capsule that is due to return to Earth in the deserts of China's Inner Mongolia region about June 25.

Missions to the moon's far side are more difficult because it doesn't face the Earth, requiring a relay satellite to maintain communications. The terrain is also more rugged, with fewer flat areas to land.

Xinhua said the probe's landing site was the South Pole-Aitken Basin, an impact crater created more than four billion years ago that is 13 kilometres deep and has a diameter of 2,500 kilometres.

It is the oldest and largest of such craters on the moon, so may provide the earliest information about it, Xinhua said, adding that the huge impact may have ejected materials from deep below the surface.

The mission is the sixth in the Chang'e moon exploration programme, which is named after a Chinese moon goddess. It is the second designed to bring back samples, following the Chang'e 5, which did so from the near side in 2020.

The moon programme is part of a growing rivalry with the US -- still the leader in space exploration -- and others, including Japan and India. China has put its own space station in orbit and regularly sends crews there.

The emerging global power aims to put a person on the moon before 2030, which would make it the second nation after the US to do so. The US is planning to land astronauts on the moon again -- for the first time in more than 50 years -- though NASA pushed the target date back to 2026 earlier this year. (AP) SZM
United Nations, Jun 4 (AP) The United States urged the UN Security Council on Monday to support the three-phase plan announced by President Joe Biden aimed at ending the nearly eight-month war in Gaza, freeing all hostages and sending massive aid into the devastated territory.

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the United States circulated a draft resolution to the 14 other council members to back the proposal for ending the conflict that began with Hamas' surprise attack in southern Israel on October 7 that killed some 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians.

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.

It 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 on Monday the proposal announced by Biden would meet Israel's goal of destroying Hamas, according to local media. The ultranationalists have threatened to bring down his government if Netanyahu agrees to a deal that doesn't eliminate Hamas.

Netanyahu told parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday that Biden gave an outline of the deal but not all the details, and he said there are gaps.

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 and the release of some 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. There would be a surge in humanitarian assistance, with 600 trucks a day entering Gaza.

In the second phase, all the rest of the 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.

About 250 people, mainly Israeli civilians, were abducted on October 7, then more than 100 were freed in a short truce in late November and early December. Israel says about 80 hostages are believed to still be captive, alongside the remains of about 43 others.

Israeli bombardments and ground offensives in Gaza, which Hamas has ruled, have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The third phase of the plan announced by Biden calls for the start of a major reconstruction of Gaza, which faces decades of rebuilding from devastation caused by the war.

The draft resolution stresses the importance of Israel and Hamas adhering to the deal once it is agreed to, with the aim of bringing about a permanent cessation of hostilities, and calls upon all member states and the United Nations to support its implementation.

The draft would also reiterate the council's unwavering commitment to a two-state solution, and stress the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador, said Security Council members have consistently called for the steps outlined in this deal: bringing the hostages home, ensuring a complete ceasefire, enabling a surge of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and in the refurbishment of essential services, and setting the stage for a long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza.

Council members should not let this opportunity pass by, she said. We must speak with one voice in support of this deal."

On Monday, the foreign ministers of five key Arab nations  Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt  urged Israel and Hamas to consider Biden's proposal seriously and positively.

The group of seven major industrialised nations  the US, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Canada and Italy  also backed the cease-fire plan. (AP) PY

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London, Jun 4 (AP) Ken Hay's part in the invasion of Normandy lasted just a few weeks, but he wants to make sure the experiences of those who fought and died to end the Nazi grip on Europe live forever.

The British Army veteran was captured a few weeks after the D-Day landings in northern France when his patrol was surrounded by German troops during the two-month battle for strategic high ground outside the city of Caen known simply as Hill 112. Nine members of his platoon were killed that night. Hay spent the next 10 months as a prisoner of war.

Now 98, Hay visits schools whenever he can to tell his story, so the battle to liberate France and defeat Nazi Germany doesn't become a dusty relic of history like the Greek and Roman wars he read about as a child.

While we are around, we vets  and we're a diminishing crew, of course  we are a tangible interpretation of what they read in the books, what they've heard from their parents, what their parents remember their grandparents saying, Hay said recently.

He said his outreach isn't to glorify war but to leave the message that "there must be a way, other than war, to resolve difficulties.

One hears that over and over from the veterans who are gathering in Normandy this week to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. With even the youngest of those men and women nearing their 100th birthdays and their ranks dwindling rapidly, they feel a special imperative to tell their stories.

They know this is likely to be the last major event to commemorate the sacrifices of those who fought and died to liberate France.

World leaders have recognized the significance of the event. US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose countries supplied most of the D-Day forces, will travel to Normandy for the ceremonies, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. King Charles III, whose mother and father served during World War II, will attend an event at the British Normandy Memorial.

D-Day began in the early hours of June 6, 1944, when almost 160,000 Allied troops landed on the Normandy beaches or parachuted behind enemy lines to open the long-awaited second front in the war against Nazi Germany. At least 4,414 troops were killed and another 5,900 were listed as missing or wounded as Allied forces broke through the Nazis' heavily fortified Atlantic Wall to secure a foothold in Northern Europe.

By the end of August, more than 2 million forces from 12 Allied nations had crossed the English Channel, starting the march to Berlin that ended with Germany's surrender on May 8, 1945.

No one knows exactly how many of the men and women who saw those events firsthand are still living.

Less than 1 per cent of the 16.4 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II were still alive at the end of last year, and 131 are dying every day, according to estimates from the US Veterans Administration.

The actuarial tables tell us that pretty soon there won't be a generation,'' said Rob Citino, a senior historian at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. And I think this 80th is the last round year in which we will actually be able to celebrate in the presence, and with the wisdom of, the veteran generation that actually fought the war.

What's being lost are the men and women who witnessed Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany, the fall of France and the persecution of Jews now known as the Holocaust, then fought their way across Europe to defeat the Nazis.

In the UK, the passing of the World War II generation was highlighted by the death in 2022 of Queen Elizabeth II, who trained as a military mechanic and truck driver during the final months of the war.

D-Day was the biggest operation of the war and a moment of high drama because everyone knew the Allies would invade Europe, they just didn't know when or where, said Ian Johnson, a professor of war, diplomacy and technology at the University of Notre Dame.

But 80 years later, many people's vision of D-Day is being shaped by Hollywood productions such as Saving Private Ryan, not the experiences of the veterans who were there.

You know, most of my students were not alive when that movie was made, Johnson said. They've almost all seen it. This is something that, when they think of the Second World War, this is what they picture, I think."

The success of D-Day wasn't guaranteed.

Allied commanders employed trickery, including a dummy army, to fool the Germans about where the invasion would take place and struggled to find a day with the right combination of weather, moon and tides to increase the chances of success.

They knew that failure would prolong the war, meaning more death and misery across Europe.

It's hundreds of thousands of military casualties, and we can only guess how many more civilian casualties of Hitler's racial policies, his murderous racial policy, Citino said. So you want to end this war and you want to end it quickly, and the path to do that is a successful landing in Western Europe.

Even with the success of D-Day, Jews continued to die in Nazi concentration camps.

Anne Frank, who spent more than two years hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam, listened to BBC reports of the D-Day landings and wrote in her famous diary that the news filled her with fresh courage. Her family was arrested in August 1944 and she died of typhus at Bergen-Belsen in February 1945.

Last month at a school in east London, Hay recounted his firsthand account of Nazi cruelty.

After he and four other members of his platoon were captured, they were shipped to Poland by train and put to work in a coal mine. As Russian forces closed in from the east in January 1945, the prisoners were marched back across the continent with little food or protection from the weather until they were freed by US tank troops on April 22.

The two American soldiers who liberated him are the most important people in his life, Hay said, except of course for his late wife, Doris. They were married for 62 years.

The man the kids named Grandad Ken" talked about hunger and cold and pain. He held back on some details, though, afraid to tell the kiddies'' all the horrors he had seen.

But he was ready when Joey Howlett, 11, asked how to end war.

Love, Hay said.

If you love yourself, if you love your family, if you love your friends, if you love the people you met yesterday, and the people you meet today and the people you're going to meet tomorrow. If we could all do that, there would be no wars. (AP) PY

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Seoul, Jun 4 (AP) South Korea will expand development aid to Africa and pursue deeper cooperation with the region on critical minerals and technology, President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Tuesday as he hosted a meeting with dozens of African leaders in Seoul.

In a speech to the Korea-Africa Summit, Yoon also urged African countries to take firmer steps in an international pressure campaign against North Korea.

The North recently accelerated its tests of nuclear-capable weapons systems and flew hundreds of balloons to drop tons of trash and manure on South Korea as relations between the war-divided Koreas worsen.

Representatives from 48 African nations, including 25 heads of state, are attending the two-day summit, where talks are expected to focus on trade and investment.

Trade with African nations currently accounts for less than 2 per cent of South Korea's total imports and exports. South Korean officials say expanding ties in the area of minerals and resources would help improve the country's supply chain resilience in key technology industries.

Following Tuesday's meeting, South Korea and the African nations announced that they will start high-level talks aimed at improving cooperation over minerals. The African region is a major source of minerals such as nickel, cobalt, graphite and lithium, which are crucial for technology industries such as semiconductors, batteries and electric vehicles, which are major export items for South Korea.

There are concerns in South Korea that it may face growing challenges in securing a stable supply of core minerals since it has so far secured a much smaller number of mines than the United States, China and Japan.

Yoon also said South Korea plans to expand its cumulative development aid contributions to Africa to around USD 10 billion by 2030 and separately provide USD 14 billion in export financing to encourage South Korean investment in the region.

We will also explore sustainable ways of cooperation in issues that are directly tied to future growth, including the stable supply of critical minerals and digital transformation, Yoon said.

The countries also vowed stronger collaboration in the building of sustainable infrastructure in Africa, including data-driven smart cities and intelligent transportation systems.

South Korea's outreach to Africa comes at a time when North Korea is becoming more active in trying to break out of its diplomatic isolation and build cooperation with countries confronting the United States, as its leader Kim Jong Un embraces the idea of a new Cold War.

Kim in recent months has boosted the visibility of his ties with Russia and China and sent a government delegation to Iran.

North Korea also has long-standing relations with several African nations, including Uganda, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, although some governments in the region have scaled back their ties with the North amid tightened UN sanctions over its nuclear weapons and missile programmes.

UN experts for years have accused North Korea of raising illicit revenue from Africa through infrastructure projects, weapons sales and other activities.

Yoon said the security situation of the Korean Peninsula is in a very serious state following a series of North Korean provocations and military activities, including an unsuccessful launch of a military reconnaissance satellite last month. He expressed hopes for coordinating with African nations to build pressure on North Korea.

Along with our friends in Africa, South Korea will fully implement UN Security Council resolutions and work to safeguard peace on the Korean Peninsula and the international community, Yoon said.

In a joint statement, South Korea and the African nations reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions against North Korea and highlighted the importance of the efforts of the international community to achieve a complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

In a statement in May, North Korea's Foreign Ministry said the country's relations with Africa will continue to develop invariably and that it will continue to support the region's struggle for independent development under the banner of non-alignment as well as independence against imperialism. (AP) PY

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London, Jun 4 (PTI) As the results of Indias mammoth general election were tallied on Tuesday, the overwhelming theme among UK-based strategic experts and poll watchers was one of high praise for the countrys thriving and flourishing democratic process.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party is on course for a historic third term, the strong performance of the Opposition INDIA alliance and other regional parties was a theme that stood out for most.

On the India-UK front, the July 4 UK general elections are expected to fully set the future course for bilateral relations, resulting in a few new sets of factors playing out amid a broad sense of continuity.

There were initial concerns over the electoral process in India and these concerns have now been overcome by the results that we've seen  that there is a thriving and flourishing electoral democratic process in India, said Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, Senior Fellow for South and Central Asian Defence, Strategy and Diplomacy at the London-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) told PTI here.

Within the Indian political setup, the Opposition parties have done better than anyone expected, and they will provide a strong Opposition to the Modi 3.0 government. In bilateral terms, this means there will be more attempts at checks and balances on India's foreign policy, including in relation to the UK," he said.

"So, what we have today is a relatively new set of factors that will be influential and impactful in determining the relationship between India and the UK, though we'll have to see what patterns and decision-making structures take place on the UK side after the fourth of July, he noted.

A key aspect to be watched under the two newly elected governments would be the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA), which the strategic expert believes will be on the top of the in-trays for both amid a large degree of continuity for the wider Indo-Pacific region.

The FTA has been negotiated intensely, with over 14 rounds of negotiation, and that is very close to being concluded. But, of course, the Indian elections meant it has not been able to and now we've got the elections over here in the UK in exactly a months time.

"But once those elections are over, hopefully that free trade agreement will be concluded, said Lord Karan Bilimoria, Founder of Cobra Beer, who has just returned from an India visit in his capacity as Chancellor of the University of Birmingham told PTI.

An FTA will be good news for UK-India trade which has been increasing in a very healthy manner and is now almost 40 billion pounds a year, doing well but should be much higher than that  more than double that figure. India's special relationship with the UK means we have a lot to look forward to in increasing bilateral trade, business and investment both ways, he said.

On the economic front, the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) also welcomed the sense of stability and continuity the general election results have delivered for the business and industry.

Businesses like the continuity, they like the stability, but they are not looking for things to remain static in India. They want and they expect change. And Mr Modi talks about reform, perform and transform and businesses are looking forward to that transformation as India continues its journey towards being a developed nation by 2047, UKIBC Managing Director Kevin McCole told PTI.

On trade specifically, there is a stated objective to conclude the UK-India FTA negotiations within those first 100 days. Now, the fact that the UK government will re-form early in July means the first 30 days of that might not be accessible, but certainly within that period  July, August, September  hopefully UK and India negotiators could get back around the table and be able to accelerate and complete those FTA negotiations, maybe by Diwali this year, he said, alluding to the missed Diwali 2022 deadline set by the Boris Johnson led government.

Siddharth Shankar, UK-based CEO of consumer brands company Tails Group Plc which works within the India-UK corridor, described the Indian general election results as a significant milestone that heralds a new era of robust economic growth and dynamic international relations.

For Indian industry, Modi's victory ensures continuity in the implementation of policies like Make in India, Digital India, and Startup India, which are pivotal in fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and attracting foreign investment.

His governments focus on ease of doing business, coupled with significant tax reforms, is poised to create a conducive environment for both established companies and emerging enterprises, driving sustainable economic growth and job creation, he told PTI.

Furthermore, Modi's re-election is a positive development for UK-India relations. With a renewed mandate, there is potential for deepening trade ties, expanding investment opportunities, and strengthening bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as technology, education, and healthcare, he added.
Montgomery (US), Jun 4 (AP) Parts of the north side of Montgomery are defined by what it has lost: restaurants, grocery stores and a convenient pharmacy, the latter of which closed five years ago.

People who still live in the historically Black neighborhood of Newtown, like Sharon Harris, are frustrated. She goes to a different location of the same pharmacy chain, which is four miles from her home.

You have to come back sometimes, she said, and then they wait so long to fill the prescription.

In cities across the US, major retail pharmacies have closed hundreds of stores over the past few years and independents can't always afford to stay open. That can leave residents of colour without easy access to a business that provides not only prescriptions but also fundamental public health services like vaccinations, over-the-counter medicines and even food.

Closures create a situation where there's not just (a lack of) investment in terms of pharmacy development and expansion, but there's no incentive to stay in those neighborhoods, said Dima Qato, a professor of clinical pharmacy at the University of Southern California who has studied pharmacy access.

And an Associated Press analysis of licensing data from 44 states, data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programmes and the American Community Survey shows residents of neighbourhoods that are majority Black and Hispanic have fewer pharmacies per capita than people who live in mostly white neighbourhoods.

MAC Pharmacy is the only one serving about 20,000 people in a majority Black ZIP code in Cleveland. George Tadross, the part-owner and pharmacy manager, said he is adamant about making things as as easy as possible for his mostly older customers  sometimes by organising their medications by day for them.

You have to have a pharmacist to talk to, he said. My philosophy in the pharmacy business is you know your doctor, he knows everything about you. You need to know your pharmacist as well (because) the pharmacist is the only one that sees the whole medical treatment plan you have.

Pharmacists play a role in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart-related issues, which Black and Hispanic people are more likely to be diagnosed with.

And when pharmacists or pharmacy technicians reflect their customer base  by speaking the same language or understanding the community  it can be easier to build a strong rapport and trust, said Jasmine Gonzalvo, who teaches at Purdue University's College of Pharmacy and has researched the needs of Spanish-speaking patients at pharmacies.

She noted that if people don't feel comfortable asking questions about the medication, then it might mean they don't take it or don't take it correctly.

You don't get a refill, Gonzalvo said, simply because there were barriers in the way of your communicating and feeling safe in that relationship with your pharmacist.

That's why Bert's Pharmacy in Elizabeth, New Jersey, has Spanish- and English-speaking staff all the time, said owner and pharmacist Prakash Patel said. His business is located in an ZIP code where nearly 70% of the residents are Hispanic.

We want to make sure, too, they understood everything, Patel said. We have Spanish-language labels for them, we print all the instructions in Spanish for them.

In Montgomery, where Harris lives, the city is working on a development plan for the north side. A retail analysis in the plan shows a small pharmacy could generate $1.5 million in sales a year.

There's an opportunity there because you have what I call a captive market, said Bob Gibbs, the director of Gibbs Planning Group, which did the analysis. People that live in a lot of these neighbourhoods have limited access to transportation...and they're very loyal to local businesses that will treat them with respect.

They will go out of their way just to go there. And they just don't like having to drive...two miles to go to a drugstore. That's unfair.

Harris, though, doesn't have much hope a new pharmacy will open.

I don't see it, she said. As long as they have (that CVS) they think it's okay...Everybody is waiting for them to do something on this side. (AP) SCY

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Colombo, Jun 4 (PTI) Sri Lanka has frozen all funds, other financial assets and economic resources belonging to 15 entities, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and 210 individuals allegedly involved in terrorist and extremist activities, a media report said here on Tuesday.

A gazette notification issued on Monday in the name of Secretary of Defence General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne issued the order to freeze all funds, other financial assets and economic resources belonging to or owned or held by any natural or legal person, group or entity designated and listed under the relevant regulation, news portal Adaderana.lk said.

The 15 designated entities include the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) and the Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) among others.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had run a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader V Prabhakaran.

The National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ), believed to be linked with ISIS, was behind the deadly Sunday Easter attack in April 2019 that claimed the lives of over 270 people, including 11 Indians.

Other banned groups included the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation, the Tamil Coordinating Committee, the World Tamil Movement, the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam, and the World Tamil Relief Fund.
Colombo/Kathmandu, Jun 4 (PTI) Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Tuesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the victory of the BJP-led NDA coalition in the general elections and expressed their desire to work closely with him.

"I extend my warmest felicitations to the BJP-led NDA on its victory demonstrating the confidence of the Indian people in the progress and prosperity under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi," the Sri Lankan president wrote on X.

As the closest neighbour Sri Lanka looks forward to further strengthening the partnership with India, he added.

Nepal Prime Minister 'Prachanda' congratulated his Indian counterpart on the electoral success of his party-led alliance.

"Congratulations to PM @narendramodi on the electoral success of BJP and NDA in the Lok Sabha elections for the third consecutive term. We are happy to note the successful completion of the worlds largest democratic exercise with enthusiastic participation of the people of India," he said in a post on X.

Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also congratulated Modi and NDA for the historic third consecutive win and said he looked forward to working closely with him.

"Congratulations to my friend PM @narendramodi ji and NDA for the historic 3rd consecutive win in the worlds biggest elections. As he continues to lead Bharat to great heights, I look forward to working closely with him to further strengthen the relations between our 2 countries," he wrote on X.

The BJP, whose candidates had contested in the name of Modi, won or was ahead in 240 seats to emerge as the single largest party in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

BJP's key allies TDP and JD(U) were leading or winning 16 and 12 seats in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar respectively. With the support of its other allies, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was on course to reach the 272-majority mark.
Washington, Jun 4 (AP) President Joe Biden on Tuesday unveiled plans to enact immediate significant restrictions on migrants seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border as the White House tries to neutralize immigration as a political liability ahead of the November elections.

The White House detailed the long-anticipated presidential proclamation signed by Biden, which would bar migrants from being granted asylum when US officials deem that the southern border is overwhelmed. The Democratic president has contemplated unilateral action for months, especially after the collapse of a bipartisan border security deal in Congress that most Republican lawmakers rejected at the behest of Donald Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee.

The order will go into effect when the number of border encounters between ports of entry hits 2,500 per day, according to senior administration officials. That means Biden's order should go into effect immediately, because that figure is higher than the daily averages now. The restrictions would be in effect until two weeks after the daily encounter numbers are at or below 1,500 per day between ports of entry, under a seven-day average. Those figures were first reported by The Associated Press on Monday.

Once this order is in effect, migrants who arrive at the border but do not express fear of returning to their home countries will be subject to immediate removal from the United States, within a matter of days or even hours. Those migrants would face punishments that could include a five-year bar from reentering the US, as well as potential criminal prosecution.

Meanwhile, anyone who expresses that fear or intention to seek asylum will be screened by a US asylum officer but at a higher standard than what is currently used. If they pass the screening, they can pursue more limited forms of humanitarian protection, including the UN Convention Against Torture.

Biden's order was detailed by four senior administration officials who insisted on anonymity to describe the effort to reporters. The directive is coming when the number of migrants encountered at the border have been on a consistent decline since December, but senior administration officials nonetheless justified the order by arguing that the numbers are still too high and that the figures could spike in better weather, when the encounter numbers traditionally increase.

Yet many questions and complications remain about how Biden's new directive would be implemented.

For instance, the Biden administration already has an agreement with Mexico in which Mexico agrees to accept up to 30,000 citizens a month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela once they are denied entry from the US, and senior administration officials say that will continue under this order. But it is unclear what happens to nationals of other countries who are denied under Biden's directive.

Senior officials also acknowledged that the administration's goal of deporting migrants quickly is complicated by insufficient funding from Congress to do so. The administration also faces certain legal constraints when it comes to detaining migrant families, although the administration said it would continue to abide by those obligations.

The legal authority being invoked by Biden comes under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows a president to limit entries for certain migrants if it's deemed detrimental to the national interest. Senior officials expressed confidence that they would be able to implement Biden's order, despite threats from prominent legal groups to sue the administration over the directive.

The senior administration officials insisted that Biden's proposal differs dramatically from that of Trump, who leaned on the same provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act that Biden is using, including his 2017 directive to bar citizens of Muslim-majority nations and his efforts in 2018 to clamp down on asylum.

For instance, Biden's order outlines several groups of migrants who would be exempted due to humanitarian reasons, including victims of human trafficking, unaccompanied minors and those with severe medical emergencies.

The directive would also exempt migrants who arrive in what senior officials called an orderly fashion, which includes people who make appointments with border officials at ports of entry using the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's CBP One app. About 1,450 appointments are made a day using the app, which launched last year.

Average daily arrests for illegal crossings from Mexico were last below 2,500 in January 2021, the month that Biden took office. The last time the border encounters dipped to 1,500 a day was in July 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Congressional Republicans, who almost all rejected the Senate's bipartisan border proposal earlier this year, dismissed Biden's order as nothing more than a political stunt meant to show toughened immigration enforcement ahead of the election.

He tried to convince us all for all this time that there was no way he could possibly fix the mess, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said at a news conference. Remember that he engineered it." (AP) SCY

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Islamabad, Jun 4 (PTI) A provincial minister of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party on Tuesday congratulated the winners in the general elections in India and said that its outcome may bring progress and prosperity to the region.

"Pakistan congratulates the people of India and the winners of the election and hopes that its outcome (new government) may bring peace, progress and prosperity in the subcontinent," Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, who is a leader of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's party, said in a brief chat with PTI on the election results.

Bokhari further said Pakistan expresses good wishes for the people of India and once the new government is formed, Prime Minister Sharif and the Foreign Office will give a policy statement.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's former ministers and experts offered their insight into the outcome of the Indian elections, with some urging Pakistan to learn a lesson from its neighbour.

Hammad Azhar, a former federal minister, in a long post, opined that Pakistan should learn from India.

"Many lessons for Pakistani establishment that the Indian elections offered: Democratic process is a self-correcting medium, provided it's allowed to run its course without interference. One billion total voters in India yet elections held smoothly & on time. We could not hold the elections on time & through EVMs (electronic voting machines) with just a fraction of total voters. The wisdom of the masses is higher than the wisdom of 4 or 5 people, he said.

Azhar also said that there was no report of even a concept of form 45 or form 47 forgeries in India. "The people of India today feel empowered and their trust in their own democratic process has enhanced. Our people feel a sense of betrayal due to their stolen mandate," he concluded.

Fawad Chaudhry, former information minister of the PTI government, highlighted that the Indian voters rejected extremism.

"Always had faith in the Indian voter that they will reject extremists and hate mongers and it's very apparent even Modi and Rajnath are barely making it to LokSabha Rahul Gandhi is winning both seats," he said in a social media message.

Murtaza Solangi, a former caretaker minister for information, highlighted that the Narendra Modi-led party suffered major losses against the prediction by the survey polls.

Hussain Haqqani, the country's former ambassador to the US, congratulated India for their commitment to democracy in a post on X.

"Congratulations to the people of India for going through their 18th parliamentary election since 1947 and never having to deal with allegations of massive rigging or stolen mandates. That is commitment to democracy, he said.

Marvi Sirmed, journalist and human rights advocate in a post on X, stated that the people of India spoke through ballot. "Congratulations to the people of India for speaking up through the ballot and bringing the parties of their choice. Congratulations for successfully completing the electoral process - the largest democratic exercise on the planet. This is a day to celebrate democracy!"
London, Jun 4 (AP) Several London hospitals said Tuesday that they had to cancel operations and send patients away because of a cyberattack on a company that supplies pathology laboratory services.

The firm, Synnovis, said it had been hit with a ransomware attack. Chief Executive Mark Dollar said the attack has affected all Synnovis IT systems, resulting in interruptions to many of our pathology services.

It is still early and we are trying to understand exactly what has happened, he said.

The National Health Service said there had been a significant impact at King's College and Guy's and St Thomas' hospital trusts, which between them run several south London hospitals, as well as to clinics and doctors' practices across a swath of the city.

A memo to staff said the critical incident had had a major impact on the delivery of services, with blood transfusions particularly affected.

NHS England London region said in a statement that it was working urgently to fully understand the impact of the incident with the support of the government's National Cyber Security Centre and our cyber operations team.

Oliver Dowson, 70, was prepared for an operation from 6 am on Monday at the Royal Brompton Hospital, but was told by a surgeon at about 12:30 pm that it would not happen.

The staff on the ward didn't seem to know what had happened, just that many patients were being told to go home and wait for a new date, he said. I've been given a date for next Tuesday and am crossing my fingers."

Ransomware attacks involve criminals paralyzing computer systems with malware, then demanding money to release them. Ransomware is the costliest and most disruptive form of cybercrime, crippling local governments, court systems, hospitals and schools as well as businesses. It is difficult to combat as most gangs are based in former Soviet states and out of reach of Western justice.

Britain's state-funded health system has been hit before, including during a 2017 ransomware attack that froze computers at hospitals across the country, closing down wards, shutting emergency rooms and bringing treatment to a halt. (AP) SCY

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Deir al-Balah (Gaza Strip), Jun 4 (AP) The Israeli military said Tuesday that ground troops backed by airstrikes have launched an operation in central Gaza's Bureij refugee camp.

Local hospital officials say a strike on a home in the camp killed 11 Palestinians, including three children and one woman. A strike on another house in the neighbouring Maghazi refugee camp killed two men, according to officials at al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby town of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken.

The extent of the Israeli incursion into Bureij camp was not immediately clear as of Tuesday evening. The military said in a statement that it was conducting a precision operation in the camp targeting Hamas positions.

Israeli forces have been battling militants in parts of Gaza that the army said it wrested control of months ago  potential signs of a simmering insurgency.

The military waged an offensive earlier this year for several weeks in Bureij and several other nearby refugee camps in central Gaza.

Troops pulled out of the Jabaliya camp in northern Gaza last Friday after weeks of fighting caused widespread destruction. First responders have recovered the bodies of 360 people, mostly women and children, killed during the battles.

Israel has also been expanding its nearly month-old ground offensive in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah. More than 1 million Palestinians have fled Rafah, mostly into tent camps that have arisen across central and southern Gaza.

Refugee camps in Gaza originally housed Palestinians who were driven from their homes in what is now Israel in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's founding. Over the decades since, they have been built up into crowded urban districts.



A PERMANENT CEASE-FIRE MUST BE PART OF ANY DEAL WITH ISRAEL, HAMAS OFFICIAL SAYS

BEIRUT  A senior official with the Palestinian militant group Hamas said it will not accept any deal with Israel that does not clearly lay out a permanent cease-fire and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Osama Hamdan said Hamas has told mediators that it was waiting for an Israeli response regarding this matter. Speaking Tuesday to reporters in Beirut, he said that Israel is seeking to bring the hostages held by Hamas out of Gaza, then resume the war there.

Hamdan's comments came days after a cease-fire proposal, announced by US President Joe Biden, offers the possibility of ending Israel's war against Hamas, returning scores of hostages held by the militant group and quieting fighting on the northern border with Lebanon.

A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar said Tuesday that Qatar and the other mediators, Egypt and the US, were still waiting for a response from both Israel and Hamas to the proposal. Majid al-Ansari said clear ideas had been put to the two sides, but we do not have clear positions on it from both sides.

The Qatari spokesman pointed to disputes within the Israeli government, where ultra-nationalist allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have threatened to bring down the governing coalition if he signs onto a deal without destroying Hamas. Netanyahu says the deal includes provisions that ensure that goal  although none were publicly stated in Biden's announced outline.

Al-Ansari said the principles (of the proposal) bring together the demands of all parties.

Hamdan said Hamas described Biden's announcement as positive.

We cannot accept an agreement that does not guarantee and confirm a permanent cease-fire and full withdrawal from Gaza followed by an (prisoners) exchange, Hamdan said. This is what we want as Palestinians, and any Israel ideas that contradict this do not concern us and have no value.

Hamdan said that there are thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli jails adding that any deal should lead to their release. Around 80 hostages captured by Palestinian militants on Oct 7 are believed to still be alive in Gaza, alongside the remains of 43 others.



SENIOR BIDEN ADVISER HEADING TO MIDEAST THIS WEEK, US OFFICIAL SAYS

WASHINGTON  US President Joe Biden is dispatching a senior adviser, Brett McGurk, back to Mideast this week for talks on the hostage for truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas as well as to discuss about the situation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, according to a US administration official.

The official requested anonymity to discuss the yet to be publicly announced travels for McGurk, the White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa.

McGurk has been shuttling between Washington and Mideast capitals throughout the nearly eight-month Israel-Hamas war for talks with key regional stakeholders.

This visit comes after a new cease-fire proposal was transmitted to Hamas last week. The Israeli plan could immediately bring home dozens of Israeli hostages, free Palestinian prisoners and perhaps even lead to an endgame in the war.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday that Hamas has yet to offer its formal response to the proposal.

McGurk is also expected to discuss Israel's ongoing military operations in Rafah with regional leaders.

Israel launched its ground assault into the city on May 6, triggering an exodus of around 1 million Palestinians out of the city and throwing UN humanitarian operations based in the area into turmoil.

Still, in the eyes of the Biden administration, it has yet to amount to a major operation. The UN humanitarian office reported Monday that only about 100,000 Palestinians are still in the city of Rafah.



WHITE HOUSE ADVISER JAKE SULLIVAN MEETS WITH FAMILIES OF AMERICAN HOSTAGES IN GAZA, US OFFICIAL SAYS

WASHINGTON  White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan met on Tuesday with families of Americans that are being held hostage in Gaza, according to an administration official.

The meeting comes as Biden is pressing Israel and Hamas officials to accept a three-phase hostage for truce deal and potentially end the eight-month war in Gaza. The official was not authorised to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Israeli officials say about 80 people captured by militants in the Oct 7 attack are still alive and Hamas is holding the bodies of 43 others.

Sullivan has periodically met and held calls with families of the American hostages throughout the nearly eight month crisis.

President Joe Biden in an interview with Time magazine published Tuesday said that he still believes Americans being held are alive, but acknowledged that US officials don't have final proof on exactly who's alive.

Hundreds of people, including relatives of the captives, gathered outside Israel's Defence Ministry and military headquarters in central Tel Aviv late Monday, calling for a hostage release deal. Smaller protests took place across the country.



360 BODIES RECOVERED FROM JABALIYA REFUGEE CAMP IN NORTHERN GAZA AFTER LATEST ISRAELI OFFENSIVE

CAIRO  A spokesman for Gaza's civil defence says first responders recovered the bodies of 360 people, mostly women and children, killed in the urban refugee camp of Jabaliya during a three-week Israeli offensive there.

Satellite photos showed extensive new damage in Jabaliya from the offensive, which ended with Israeli troops pulling out on Friday. The photos  taken by Planet Labs PBC on May 8 before the assault and on June 1  showed that the camp's main marketplace had been destroyed and in several places entire blocks had been wiped away.

The Israeli military launched the assault on Jabaliya in early May, saying it was targeting Hamas militants who had regrouped there after repeated previous offensives in the densely built district.

The military said the assault saw tough close-quarters fighting with Hamas militants during which it carried out some 200 airstrikes. At the operation's end, the military said it had destroyed 10 km (6 miles) of underground tunnels and other Hamas infrastructure. Troops also found the bodies of seven hostages.

Mahmoud Bassal, spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defence, said Tuesday that 360 bodies had been found so far buried under rubble or strewn in the streets. Some were retrieved while the offensive was ongoing and others after the Israeli withdrawal on Friday.

He estimated around two-thirds of the bodies were women and children. Among them were 30 people killed from one extended family, the Asaliya, including 22 women and children, he told The Associated Press. He said the search for bodies was still underway.

Jabaliya camp originally housed Palestinians who were driven from their homes in what is now Israel in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's founding. Over the decades since, it has been built up into a crowded urban district. (AP) SCY

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Shimla, Jun 4 (PTI) BJP candidate Rajiv Bharadwaj on Tuesday won from the Kangra Lok Sabha seat, defeating former Union minister and Congress nominee Anand Sharma by a margin of 2,51,895 votes, according to the Election Commission.

Bharadwaj, a close relative of former chief minister Shanta Kumar, polled 6,32,793 votes against 3,80,898 votes garnered by Sharma.

Making his debut in the elections at the age of 62, the grassroots BJP worker and a doctor by profession, connected with the electorate as a local, while Sharma hailing from Shimla carried an "outsider" tag.

Focusing on his five-year agenda for Kangra, Bharadwaj based his campaigning around local issues, besides highlighting the works of the Modi government and the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Developing Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Khajjiar and Palampur as major tourist destinations, completing the Holi-Uttarala tunnel, restoring the Jogindernagar-Pathankot rail service, bringing schemes to generate employment in rural areas and starting a 'Meet your MP' programme were on the BJP candidate's agenda.

Conceding defeat, Sharma, a four-time Rajya Sabha member, said, "Contesting from Kangra was a splendid experience. I accept my defeat humbly and congratulate Rajiv Bharadwaj for his success."

"I am thankful to the Congress leadership and colleagues who trusted me and I accepted the party's decision despite knowing that Kangra was a BJP bastion," he told PTI.

"I am grateful to the people of Kangra and Chamba for their love and affection," he added.

The Kangra parliamentary constituency has 13 assembly segments of Kangra district and four of Chamba district.

Since the first Lok Sabha polls in 1951-52, the Congress has bagged the seat 10 times and the BJP six, with Shanta Kumar winning the seat for the party four times.

With no other prominent candidate in the poll fray to challenge the BJP and the Congress, the Kangra constituency saw a direct contest between two Brahmins although OBCs and ex-servicemen form a large chunk of the electorate.

While the BJP replaced its sitting MP Kishan Kapoor, hailing from the Gaddi community, with Bharadwaj, the Congress did not retain Pawan Kajal as its candidate.

In the 2019 polls, Kapoor, who is unwell, had defeated Kajal by a margin of 4,77,623 votes.

Of the 17 assembly segments in the Kangra Lok Sabha constituency, 11 were won by the Congress in the 2022 state polls.
Bengaluru, Jun 4 (PTI) Children of three Ministers of the Congress government in the state posted wins in the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka on Tuesday, living up to the expectations of the party that reposed faith in them.

In addition, the wife of a state Minister has also emerged victorious.

Even though the Congress tried its best to make several Ministers enter the Lok Sabha election fray, none of them agreed and, instead, they proposed the candidature of their family members.

The Congress secured only one seat in Karnataka in the 2019 general elections, and this time it won nine seats, while BJP won 17 and JD(S) won two seats.

Among them is daughter of Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi -- Priyanka Jarkiholi.

In her very first Lok Sabha election, she won the Chikkodi seat for the Congress, with a margin of 90,834 votes as she defeated BJP MP Annasaheb Shankar Jolle.

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre had reasons to celebrate as well as his son --- Sagar Khandre, the youngest candidate in the Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka, won from Bidar seat by a margin of 1,28,875 votes defeating BJP leader and Union Minister Bhagwanth Khuba.

According to the Election Commission, the 26-year-old secured 6,66,317 votes and Khuba 5,37,442.

Sagar thanked the voters of Bidar and the senior leaders and workers of the Congress party for blessing and supporting him.

"We will work hard for the people and definitely any problem people face, we will definitely be there for them and we will be their voice. I would like to thank everybody who supported us in this election. All our Congress party senior leaders, our party's karyakartas. Our party members worked very hard and unitedly," he told PTI Videos.

His father also expressed gratitude to all the voters, who ensured his win as he claimed his son would be the youngest Member of Parliament in the 18th Lok Sabha.

Minister H C Mahadevappa's son -- Sunil Bose -- won the Chamarajanagar seat by a margin of 1,88,706 votes as he defeated BJP's S Balaraj, a former Kollegal MLA.

According to the Election Commission, Bose secured 7,51,671 votes while Balaraj got 5,62,965.

However, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy's 41-year-old daughter Sowmya Reddy, who was fielded from Bengaluru South segment, faced a setback as she lost to MP and BJP Youth Wing chief Tejasvi Surya by a margin of 2,770,83 votes.

In Bagalkot, 30-year-old law graduate and daughter of Agricultural Produce and Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil -- Samyukta Patil too lost to her BJP's 72-year-old P C Gaddigoudar, who has been representing the Bagalkot constituency since 2004, by a margin of 68,399 votes.

Son of Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar - Mrinal Ravindra Hebbalkar, who was fielded from Belgaum seat, lost to former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar by a margin of 1,78,437 votes.

Barring Sowmya Reddy, who is a former MLA, none of the others had past legislative experience.

Meanwhile, Prabha Mallikarjun, wife of Minister S S Mallikarjun and daughter-in-law of veteran party leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa, who too made her electoral debut from Davangere Lok Sabha constituency, became the first-ever woman MP from her constituency.

She defeated her opponent -- BJP's Gayathri Siddeshwara by a margin of 26,094 votes.

Once a Congress stronghold, the BJP had been winning the Davangere seat since 1999.

However, the 48-year-old Prabha, a dentist, managed to wrest the seat back for Congress as she secured 6,33,059 votes while Gayathri, who is the wife of four-time MP and former union minister G M Siddeshwara, got 6,06,965 votes.

Congress President M Mallikarjun Kharge's son-in-law Radhakrishna Doddamani won in Gulbarga, against Umesh Jadhav of the BJP by a margin of 27,205 votes.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress chief D K Shivakumar's brother D K Suresh who was seeking re-election from Bangalore Rural lost by a margin of 2,69,647 to eminent cardiologist and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda's son-in-law Dr C N Manjunath of BJP. Interestingly, this was the only seat Congress had won in 2019.
Mumbai, June 4 (PTI) Till five years ago, Uddhav Thackeray appeared to be a reluctant and diffident politician carrying the burden of his father Bal Thackeray's legacy, but he reinvented himself and his party after severing ties with the old ally BJP and throwing his lot with the Congress and NCP.

Under his leadership, the Shiv Sena transformed from an aggressive party espousing Hindutva into a liberal political outfit wooing Muslims, Dalits and non-Maharashtrians.

During his two-and-half-year stint as Maharashtra Chief Minister, Thackeray's detractors mocked him as a "work from home" CM, but he succeeded in establishing a connect with the people through Facebook live sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yet, he faced a rebellion by Eknath Shinde in June 2022, and announced his resignation in another Facebook live session without facing a trust vote in the assembly, a decision that drew criticism.

But after losing the chief minister's post, and also the party name and electoral symbol (which were awarded to the Shinde-led faction), Thackeray bounced back, capitalizing on the sympathy wave for him.

He soon emerged as the face of the opposition's Maha Vikas Aghadi which includes the Congress and Sharad Pawar-led NCP.

Once criticised for not stepping out of his house in Mumbai's Bandra area, Thackeray criss-crossed the state in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, and his rallies attracted huge crowds.

In the seat-sharing deal with the allies, he had his way and got the largest chunk of 21 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra.

Thackeray's party, however, managed to win three of the four seats in Mumbai but lost Raigad, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Thane and Kalyan. It was poised to win a total of nine seats at the end of the day.

In Mumbai, he proved that the Shiv Sena cadre was still with him, but the same could not be said of the rest of the Konkan region.

Even as the opposition's INDIA grouping, of which his Shiv Sena (UBT) is a part, put up an impressive performance in the Lok Sabha elections, a bigger and perhaps more crucial test for Thackeray would be this year's assembly elections in Maharashtra.
Riverside County, California Sheriff Chad Bianco joked about changing teams and backing a convicted felon for president in Donald Trumo. Biancos comments come after former President Donald Trumps felony conviction last week.

In the video message, Bianco criticizes California leaders for being pro-criminal and blames them for slashing corrections budgets, releasing prisoners early, and passing laws that hinder law enforcement.

Bianco, a conservative who has considered running for governor, lamented the states apparent affinity for criminals, citing their misguided belief that society is to blame for criminal behavior. He sarcastically suggested that maybe he had been wrong in his decades-long career of putting criminals behind bars.

I think I am going to change teams I think theyre on to something, but I dont think theyre doing enough, Bianco quipped He concluded by endorsing Trump, saying, Trump 2024, baby, lets save this country and make America great again.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The office of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has issued a statement rebuking Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis recent remarks on the October 7 attack on Israel. Khamenei had praised the attack, saying it had occurred at a crucial moment for the region and was a response to an alleged plan by the US, Israel, and other regional countries to alter the regional dynamics.

The Palestinian presidency rejected Khameneis comments, stating that such rhetoric only serves to sacrifice Palestinian lives and does not contribute to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The statement said that the Palestinian people do not need wars that do not serve their aspirations for freedom and independence.

The response from the Palestinian Authority highlights the complex and sensitive relationships between Palestinian leadership, Iran, and other regional actors. While Iran has historically been a key supporter of Palestinian terrorist groups, including Hamas, the Palestinian Authority  which also supports terrorism  has sought to maintain a more nuanced position on the international stage, insisting it prioritizes diplomatic efforts in its pursuit of statehood.

Meanwhile, Khamenei went on a social media rant about Israel on Monday morning, with numerous deranged tweets. It isnt clear whether it is connected with the Palestinian Authoritys condemnation of his comments, or could be related to the escalation between Israel and Hezbollah.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
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.

Heres 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. Its often done over a secure video connection provided by the doctors office. You can use your smartphone, tablet or computer.

But telemedicine also can involve telephone calls or trading secure messages with someone from your doctors 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.

WHATS THE BUZZ?

These virtual visits can save time and give patients more doctor choices. Thats especially important for those who live where in-person care options are slim or for patients who cant 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 youre in a room or location that offers privacy, especially for therapy sessions. Thats usually not a work cubicle, library or restaurant with public Wi-Fi.

Dont 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 infection  which can be treated by telemedicine  might 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 arent 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.

WHATS THE RIGHT BALANCE?

That can depend on the patients 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.

(AP)
South Korea announced Monday itll suspend a rapprochement deal with North Korea to punish it over its launches of trash-carrying balloons, even after the North said it would halt its balloon campaign.

Over several days, North Korea flew hundreds of balloons to drop trash and manure on South Korea in an angry reaction against previous South Korean civilian leafleting campaigns. On Sunday, South Korea said it would take unbearable retaliatory steps in response, before North Korea abruptly announced it would stop flying balloons across the border.

On Monday, South Koreas presidential national security council said it has decided to suspend a 2018 inter-Korean agreement aimed at easing frontline animosities, until mutual trust between the two Koreas is restored, according to the presidential office.

The security council said the suspension would allow South Korea to resume military drills near the border with North Korea and take effective, immediate responses to provocations by North Korea. It said a proposal on the suspension will be introduced at the Cabinet Council on Tuesday for approval.

Observers say South Korea needs the deals suspension to restart blasting anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts, K-pop songs and outside news from border loudspeakers. They say such broadcasts have previously stung in the rigidly controlled North, where most of its 26 million people are not allowed official accesses to foreign news.

The 2018 agreement, reached during a brief period of reconciliation between then-liberal South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, require the Koreas to cease all hostile acts against each other, including propaganda broadcasts and leafleting campaigns.

But the accord doesnt clearly state civilian leafleting should also be banned. That has allowed South Korean activists to continue to fly balloons to drop anti-Pyongyang leaflets, USB sticks with South Korean dramas and world news, and U.S. dollars in North Korea. Enraged over such leafleting campaigns, North Korea has previously fired at incoming balloons and destroyed a South Korean-built, unoccupied inter-Korean liaison office in the North.

The 2018 deal has already been in the danger of collapsing. Tension spiked after North Koreas spy satellite launch last November prompted both Koreas to take steps in breach of the accord  South Korea resuming frontline aerial surveillance and North Korea restoring border guard posts.

Since last Tuesday, a total of about 1,000 North Korean balloons carrying manure, cigarette butts, scraps of cloth and waste paper have been discovered in various parts of South Korea. No hazardous substances were found, according to South Koreas military.

On Sunday night, Kim Kang Il, a North Korean vice defense minister, said the North would stop its balloon campaign because it left the South Koreans with enough experience of how much unpleasant they feel. He said North Korea will fly balloons again if South Korean activists restart their own balloon activities.

Experts say North Koreas balloon campaign, reportedly the first of its kind in seven years, is meant to trigger a divide in South Korea over its current conservative governments tough policy on the North. Since 2022, North Korea has dramatically ramped up its weapons tests in what analysts call an attempt to bolster its nuclear capability and increase its leverage in future diplomacy with the U.S.

(AP)
In a ceremony at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, the remains of Army 1st Lt. Nathan Baskind, a Jewish-American soldier who died in 1944, were transferred to US officials. Baskinds remains had been found buried in a mass grave with Nazi soldiers in occupied France.

The identification and return of Baskinds remains mark only the second time a group outside the Defense Department has successfully identified a missing US service member. The German War Grave Commission partnered with the PFC Lawrence Gordon Foundation and Operation Benjamin to disinter and identify Baskinds remains.

Baskind, 28, from Pittsburgh, survived D-Day but died in a German air force hospital on June 23, 1944, after being ambushed and briefly taken prisoner. He was buried with others who perished at the facility.

The identification process began last year, and a team of specialists, including an anthropologist, forensic odontologist, and DNA firm Bode Technology, worked together to identify Baskinds remains. The process took three months and cost around $50,000, paid for by Operation Benjamin.

On Tuesday, Baskinds remains were handed over to Army mortuary affairs, and he will be reburied on June 23 at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A Barclays branch in Bolton, England, was vandalized in the early hours of Monday morning, with windows smashed and red paint thrown inside and outside the building. Palestine Action, a pro-Palestine activist group, has claimed responsibility for the attack, which is the latest in a series of vandalism incidents targeting Barclays branches across the country.

The group is demanding that Barclays divest from Elbit Systems, Israels largest weapons manufacturer. The incident in Bolton follows similar attacks in Manchester and Brighton in recent weeks.

Greater Manchester Police are investigating the incident and have cordoned off the bank, but no arrests have been made yet. Pictures show the extent of the damage, with shattered windows, red paint smeared across the exterior and interior walls, and marketing material destroyed.

Palestine Action has been targeting Barclays branches over its alleged links to Elbit, but the bank has denied financing and investing in businesses that supply weapons to the Israeli army. According to Barclays, it trades in shares of listed companies in response to client instructions and is not a direct investor.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned the United States on Monday that it could face fatal consequences for permitting Ukraine to use American weapons to strike targets on Russian soil. The warning came in response to US officials statements on Friday that President Joe Biden had granted Ukraine permission to hit targets in Russia under certain circumstances.

Ryabkov cautioned American leaders against miscalculations that could have severe repercussions, advising them to spend some of their time studying what was said in detail by Putin. He emphasized that Russian leader Vladimir Putins previous warning of serious consequences should be taken seriously.

Putin had said last Tuesday that the escalation of Western nations supporting Ukraine could lead to severe consequences, potentially even a global conflict. He ominously noted that European countries with small territories and dense populations should be cautious about provoking Russia.

Ryabkov also revealed that Ukrainian forces had attacked Russian early-warning radar systems, and Moscows response could be asymmetrical. This warning came as Russian Defense Ministry officials and military bloggers claimed that Ukraine had fired a US-made HIMARS at targets in Belgorod, a Russian city near the Ukrainian border, resulting in casualties and damage.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A Michigan law firm was vandalized with pro-Palestinian graffiti, which police are investigating as a hate crime. The Goodman Acker law firm in Southfield, a suburb of Detroit, discovered the vandalism on Monday morning. University of Michigan regent and attorney Jordan Acker, who is Jewish, condemned the act as antisemitic.

The vandals spray-painted FREE PALESTINE in black on the buildings walls, while DIVEST NOW and U-M KILLS  a reference to the University of Michigan  were painted in red on a window and sidewalk. Splotches of red paint were also left on the Goodman Acker sign above the buildings doors.

Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said that investigators believe the graffiti was left between 1:39 a.m. and 1:46 a.m. The FBI and other agencies are assisting in the investigation.

Make no mistake that targeting individual Jewish elected officials is antisemitism. This has nothing to do with Palestine or the war in Gaza or anything else. This is done as a message to scare Jews, Acker said. I was not targeted here today because I am a regent. I am a target of this because I am Jewish.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Louisiana could soon become the first state to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom.

The legislation received final approval from the states GOP-dominated Legislature earlier this week and is headed to the desk of Republican Gov. Jeff Landry. It mandates that a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in large, easily readable font be required in all public classrooms, from kindergarten to state-funded universities.

The GOP-authored bill comes during a new era of conservative leadership in Louisiana under Landry, who succeeded two-term Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in January. The states reliably red Legislature also has a GOP supermajority and Republicans hold every statewide elected position, paving the way for lawmakers to push a conservative agenda. That includes a package of anti-LGBTQ+ bills, tough-on-crime policies, migrant enforcement measures and legislation mirroring conservative plans in Texas and Florida.

Similar bills requiring the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms have been proposed in other statehouses  including Texas, Oklahoma and Utah. However, with threats of legal battles over the constitutionality of such measures, no state has had success in the bills becoming law. If signed into law in Louisiana, legal challenges are expected to follow.

Legal battles over the Ten Commandments in classrooms are not new.

In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a similar Kentucky law was unconstitutional and in violation of the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says Congress can make no law respecting an establishment of religion. The high court found that the law had no secular purpose, but rather served a plainly religious purpose.

In Louisiana, a state ensconced in the Bible Belt, proponents of the bill argue that the measure is constitutional on historical grounds.

GOP state Sen. Jay Morris said Tuesday that the purpose is not solely religious to have the Ten Commandments displayed in our schools, but rather its historical significance. He went on to say that the Ten Commandments is simply one of many documents that display the history of our country and the foundation for our legal system.

The law also authorizes  but does not require  the display of the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and the Northwest Ordinance in K-12 public schools.

Opponents continue to question the bills constitutionality, warning that the state is sure to face lawsuits.

Democratic state Sen. Royce Duplessis argued that while supporters of the legislation say the intent of the bill is for historical significance, it does not give the state constitutional cover and has serious problems.

The lawmaker questioned why the Legislature was focusing on the display of the Ten Commandments, saying there are many more documents that are historical in nature.

I was raised Catholic and I still am a practicing Catholic, but I didnt have to learn the Ten Commandments in school, Duplessis said on Tuesday. It is why we have church. If you want your kids to learn about the Ten Commandments take them to church.

The author of the bill, GOP state Rep. Dodie Horton, argued earlier this session that the Ten Commandments do not solely have to do with one religion.

This is not preaching a Christian religion. Its not preaching any religion. Its teaching a moral code, Horton said during a committee hearing in April. Last year, the lawmaker sponsored another law that requires all schools to display the national motto In G-d We Trust in public classrooms.

Some opponents noted that while schools may soon be required to display the Ten Commandments, the Legislature has also recently passed a bill that broadly bars teachers from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation in public school classrooms.

And while lawmakers are debating what can and cant be discussed in school and what should be displayed, some say there are more pressing education issues plaguing the state.

We really need to be teaching our kids how to become literate, to be able to actually read the Ten Commandments that were talking about posting. I think that should be the focus and not this big what I would consider a divisive bill. Duplessis said.

Louisiana routinely reports poor national education rankings. According to the State Department of Education in the fall of 2022 only half of K-3 students in the state were reading at their grade level.

(AP)
A Somali woman pushes her bandaged hand between two vertical bars of a thick metal barrier separating Belarus from Poland as she and four other women gaze toward the European Union.

They nod gratefully as a Polish humanitarian aid worker calls to them across a stretch of land as wide as a one-lane road and promises to help. Polish soldiers patrol nearby.

The verdant patch of Bialowieza Forest that spans the border is among the flashpoints of a monthslong standoff between Belarus and its main backer and ally Russia, and the 27-member European bloc, which has seen a surge in migrant flows toward the frontier ahead of EU parliamentary elections that start on Thursday.

WHAT HAPPENED ON THE BORDER?

The number of attempted illegal border crossings from Belarus into EU-member Poland has shot up in recent months to almost 400 a day  from only a handful a day earlier this year, Polish officials say.

Polands border guards have also decried increasingly aggressive behavior by some migrants on the Belarus side of the border. They have posted online videos of some throwing rocks, logs and even burning wood at the Polish troops from behind the fence.

There have been cases of soldiers and guards being hospitalized and some have needed stitches after being stabbed or cut by knife-wielding assailants. Last Tuesday near the village of Dubicze Cerkiewne, officials said a migrant reached between the bars of the more than 5-meter (16-foot) -high barrier and stabbed a soldier in the ribs.

For the past few years, EU authorities have accused authoritarian Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of weaponizing migration by luring people to his country to find an easier entry point into the bloc than the more dangerous routes across the Mediterranean Sea.

Still, migrants have died, with some buried in Muslim and Christian cemeteries in Poland.

WHAT DOES POLAND SAY?

Poland sees the new push at the border as an orchestrated attempt by Russia and Belarus to fuel anti-migrant sentiment, which could in turn boost far-right parties in the European vote.

Poland and the EU say migrants  who have trekked to former Soviet countries from as far away as the Middle East and Africa  have become pawns in an effort by Russia and Belarus to destabilize Europe, which has backed Ukraine in its defense against Russias invasion more than two years ago.

The $405 million (374 million euro) metal barrier was put up along a 180-kilometer (110-mile) stretch of border under Polands previous conservative government in 2022, part of efforts to curb large inflows of migrants that many in the EU want to reduce.

The barrier has been a winning point for anti-immigrant parties that often support or are supported by Russia.

Now the government of Polish entrist Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who took over in December pledging a new pro-EU administration following eight years of stormy conservative rule, has vowed to step up security measures and says it must protect the EU border.

We are not dealing with (just) any asylum seekers here, we are dealing with a coordinated, very efficient  on many levels  operation to break the Polish border and attempts to destabilize the country, Tusk said last week while visiting border troops.

WHAT IS THE POLITICAL ENDGAME?

According to Poland, Moscows scenario of purportedly seeking to flood the EU with a surge in migrants would provide political ammunition for anti-migrant, far-right parties in countries such as France, Germany and Italy.

Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski alleged at a meeting in Bialystok, eastern Poland, on Monday that many of the migrants who try to break through the Polish border are people with Russian visas  meaning they were at some point allowed to enter Russia before heading to Belarus and toward the West.

They were at least encouraged and maybe even recruited for this operation, so we know who is behind this operation, he said. This is intended to have a political effect  to strengthen the far right, which promises to destroy the European Union from the inside.

The Interior Ministry in neighboring Germany, the key destination for many migrants, has cited an increasing trend in unauthorized migration related to Russia and Belarus. It attributed the rise in part to intensified action taken by Russian security officials against unauthorized migrants following a deadly terrorist attack on a Moscow concert hall in March.

Critics have accused President Vladimir Putins Russia of all sorts of malfeasance against the West in recent years, including election meddling, disinformation and fake news campaign s, computer hacking, and alleged poisoning abroad of foes of the Kremlin chief  all allegations that Moscow has denied.

Sviatlana Tsikhnaouskaya, Belarusian opposition leader living in exile, told The Associated Press that Lukashenkos government is trying to blackmail the EU and scare it with waves of uncontrollable migrants.

In this, the interests of Lukashenko and Putin align, she said.

WHAT ABOUT THE MIGRANTS?

Caught in the middle are the migrants themselves, including many women and children stuck in hostile marshes and forests along the border. In late May on the Polish side of the border, volunteers were seen giving water to an exhausted Algerian man.

Aid activists have criticized Tusks government for tough border policies. He has acknowledged that many soldiers feel conflicted between the need to protect the border and sympathy for humanitarian workers who want to help others in distress.

Migrants who do get through can apply for international protection within the EU, which is granted in exceptional cases. Some also get deported to their home countries.

Olga Cielemencka, an activist with Podlaskie Volunteer Humanitarian Emergency Service who promised to help to the Somali woman with the bandaged hand, said her group is trying to offer advice and assistance to the migrants.

But our abilities to act are very limited, she said. There isnt much that we can do.

(AP)
YWN regrets to inform you of the petirah of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky zl, the director of the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries and Executive Director of Merkos Llnyonei Chinuch, which oversees more than 5,000 Chabad centers and educational institutions worldwide. He was 74.

Rabbi Kotlarsky, a globe-trotting ambassador for the Lubavitcher Rebbe and the Chabad movement, played a pivotal role in revitalizing Jewish communities and growing Chabad institutions worldwide.

Rabbi Kotlarsky was born in 1949 in Montreal, and spent most of his life between travels and working at Lubavitch World Headquarters in Crown Heights. He was a dedicated chossid, master networker, and skilled fundraiser who worked tirelessly to identify the needs of outlying Jewish communities and plan future Chabad centers.

In his youth, R Moshe learned in the Chabad Yeshivos in Crown Heights. He married Rivka Kazen, daughter of R Zalman and Shula Kazen, while they ran a girls school in France and later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, as one of the Rebbes first Shluchim.

After his marriage, Rabbi Moshe and Rivka Kotlarsky settled in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, where they raised nine children.

Shortly after his marriage, Rabbi Kotlarsky began working for Merkos, one of the 3 central organizations of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement operating under the direction of the Rebbe and his chief of staff, Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Hodakov.

Over the years, he became intimately involved in the happenings of many communities, playing a vital role in the revival of Jewish infrastructure in the former Soviet Union and other underserved areas  enlisting the financial support of significant tycoons and philanthropists to achieve this.

Rabbi Kotlarsky presided over the International Kinus Hashluchim, the annual convention of Chabad Rabbis, and the Kinus Hashluchos of Chabad Rebbetzins. He led a roll call of the number of Shluchim worldwide, which currently stands at over 6,000.

He also ran the Merkos Shlichus program, sending out Yeshiva bochurim to remote areas for outreach activities. These young rabbis-in-training would visit homes and organize programs for the Yamim Noraim, Pesach, and summer months.

Rabbi Kotlarsky is survived by his wife Rivka and their nine children.





(YWN/COL)
The terrorist who murdered two IDF soldiers last week in a ramming attack near Shechem was released by Palestinian security officials, Army Radio reported on Monday morning.

The terrorist had fled the scene immediately after the attack and drove to Shechem, where he turned himself into the Palestinian police.

The Shin Bet requested that the terrorist be extradited. Instead, the Palestinian police released him on Friday, claiming that the terrorist said that the ramming was an accident.

According to the Army Radio report, the Palestinian authorities had proposed to the Shin Bet to establish a joint investigative committee on the incident but the Shin Bet refused as the attack was obviously premeditated.

Meanwhile, the terrorist, a resident of Shechem in his 40s, is free but has not returned to his home. The IDF and Shin Bet are searching for him.

The IDF and Shin Bet responded to an inquiry on the matter by stating. The security forces are constantly working to arrest terrorists, including the terrorist suspected of murdering the two soldiers.

The two soldiers murdered in the attack were Staff Sgt. Eliya Hilel Hyd, 20, of Tel Zion, and Staff Sgt. Diego Shvisha Harsaj, Hyd, 20, of Tel Aviv.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
David Levy, zl, an Israeli politician born in Morocco who fought tirelessly against deep-seated racism against Jews from North Africa and went on to serve as foreign minister and hold other senior governmental posts, has died. He was 86.

Levy moved at age 20 from Morocco to Beit Shean, an isolated town in Israels north. He first worked in construction and got his start in politics as a representative of the construction union.

He served in the Knesset, or parliament, from 1969 to 2006, holding the posts of foreign minister, deputy prime minister and housing and construction minister at various times. At the height of his career, he was a rival in the Likud party to Israels current prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israels early leaders, mostly of European, or Ashkenazi, descent took a paternalistic attitude toward Jewish immigrants from Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Many of these immigrants, known as Mizrahi Jews, were sent to shantytown transit camps and largely sidelined.

Levy galvanized the disenfranchised Mizrahi community to help the right-wing Likud sweep to power under Menachem Begin, wresting control from the left-wing parties for the first time since the countrys founding.

During his tenure as foreign minister, starting in 1990, Levy renewed relations with many countries, including China and what was then the Soviet Union. He was the foreign minister during the Madrid Conference in 1991, which helped launch the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, though he did not attend.

From the transit camp to the White House in Washington, to the State Duma in Moscow and on to the Elysee Palace in France, Levy told Haaretz. In all these places, the transit camp was with me as were those eyes who I felt were accompanying me. My great achievement is that I paved the way for many more and created a reality in which people began to believe in themselves, in their potential to dare and succeed, he said.

With all of his heart and soul, he represented those that didnt have anything, long-time Likud politician Dan Meridor told Israels Army Radio.

He added that Levy brought diversity to the Likud at a crucial time and ensured that Israels political echelons were not controlled by a small group of homogenous elites.

Levy is considered one of the countrys most effective housing ministers for pushing a series of major housing developments that helped modernize the maabara, the word for the shantytown camps that housed Mizrahi Jews, including his own family, in the early decades of the state.

In 2018, he was awarded the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement, one of Israels highest honors. The selection committee called Levy a social fighter for the weaker classes, a labor leader and representative of the development towns and the countrys outskirts.

Netanyahu hailed Levy on Sunday, praising the man who paved his way in life with his own two hands.

The life story of David Levy, the teenager that came from Morocco straight to the shantytowns, and from there made his way to the top leadership in the country  is a striking example of true and inspiring social leadership, which reflects the beautiful face of Israeliness, President Isaac Herzog said.

Levy, with a head of thick, white hair, could command any room in French, Arabic and rich Hebrew. But he never mastered English and despite his successes in politics, Levy was plagued by racism throughout his career, including Israeli media that capitalized on derogative Moroccan stereotypes while portraying him in satirical programs.

The cause of the death was not disclosed, but in the past he had been hospitalized for heart ailments, according to Israeli media.

Levy was a father of 12 children, including a son and daughter who served in parliament. He continued to live in Beit Shean throughout his political career, traveling daily to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. He told a documentary film crew in 2018, I decided, this is where I came when I got off the boat, and this is where I will stay.

(AP)
A secret Israeli plan to persuade a Gazan clan to rule the Gaza Strip after the war abruptly ended after Hamas beheaded its leader, the UKs Telegraph reported, based on an Israeli intelligence source.

The same source related a similar incident that occurred two months ago when Israel encouraged the Doghmush clan to assist Israel in distributing humanitarian aid. Hamas terrorists promptly entered the clans compound and beheaded its leader. The next day, all clans in Gaza made a joint statement announcing their support for Hamas.

The incidents prove the fact that contrary to the pressure exerted by the US on Israel, its impossible for the war cabinet to make decisions for the day after before Hamas is eliminated.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have announced that they will resume flights to Tel Aviv later this month, following an extensive security risk assessment. Deltas daily service between New York JFK and Tel Aviv will resume on June 7, while United will resume its non-stop service to Tel Aviv on June 6.

Deltas return to Israel comes after a hiatus of over seven months, during which time the airline suspended services to the Middle Eastern commercial hub following the Hamas terror attack in October.

United Airlines attempted to relaunch direct non-stop flights to Israel in April but was forced to reassess the threat level after Iran launched a massive missile and drone attack on the country.

Both airlines will operate non-stop flights to Tel Aviv, with Delta using an Airbus A330neo aircraft and United using a Boeing 777-200ER. The airlines will have pilots and flight attendants stay overnight in Israel, with Delta continuing to monitor the situation in conjunction with government and private-sector partners.

In addition to resuming flights to Tel Aviv, Deltas joint venture partner, Virgin Atlantic, has announced its intention to relaunch non-stop flights between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv from October 5. Both Delta and Virgin Atlantic will codeshare with Israeli flag carrier El Al to open up even more seats for travelers.

United Airlines plans to launch a second daily flight between Newark and Tel Aviv by late June, further increasing travel options to Israel.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A 23-year-old German citizen has traveled to Israel to attempt to enlist in the IDF, despite having no Jewish affiliation. Making for an even better twist, the grandparents of this German  identified simply as Edgar  were Nazis during World War II. Edgar, however, was raised to be pro-Israel and has wanted to visit Israel for many years.

Edgars desire to take action was sparked by the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. I was sitting at home watching the Jews go through something resembling the Holocaust. I texted my friends to see if they were okay, but I felt like I had to do something, he told The Jerusalem Post.

In January, Edgar arrived in Israel and began volunteering and assisting soldiers on various bases. During his visit, he decided that he wanted to enlist in the IDF, but as a non-Jewish foreign citizen, he was refused. Despite rejection, Edgar continued to pursue his goal, traveling to government offices, including the Interior Ministry and the Population and Immigration Authority, only to face further rejection.

Undeterred, Edgar remains determined to enlist in the IDF until his tourist visa expires. Even if I dont succeed in enlisting, I have no doubt that I would do it all over again. It was an amazing experience [coming to Israel].

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The IDF spokesperson announced Tuesday morning that IDF commandos eliminated two terrorists from Tulkarm overnight Monday as they were about to commit a shooting attack.

The two armed terrorists approached the seamline fence between the Palestinian Authority and Israel in order to carry out a shooting attack on Israeli yishuvim.

The IDF forces ambushed the terrorists and opened fire. A gun battle ensued which ended with the deaths of the terrorists.

The ambush comes after a series of shooting attacks at Israeli yishuvim by terrorists from the Tulkarm area.

Last week, Hamas terrorists from Tulkarm opened fire at Bat Hefer, a Jewish yishuv east of Netanya, and posted a video of the shooting on social media.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
San Francisco police arrested about 70 pro-Hamas rioters on Monday on trespassing charges after they occupied the lobby of the building housing the Israeli consulate.

Officers developed probable cause to arrest 70 suspects who refused to vacate the building, police said in a statement.

No injuries were reported.

Prior to the arrests, the rioters occupied the building for several hours.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Diplomatic sources conveyed messages in recent days to Beirut warning that Israel is planning on launching a war in the near future, according to a report on Tuesday by the Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper, which is affiliated with Hezbollah.

The messages were conveyed by represenatives of various countries but the strongest message was from London, which warned that Israel will attack in mid-June.

British diplomats said that Beirut should prepare for a war of unknown scope and duration.

Since Friday, Hezbollah has escalated its attacks against Israel in frequency, scope, and strength and has caused massive fires and thousands and acres of burned land in northern Israel since Sunday due to the constant rocket barrages coupled with the current heatwave across Israel.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
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.

Slovenias 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 Slovenias 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.

Jansas SDS is biggest opposition party in Slovenia. The partys referendum motion comes just days before the European parliamentary elections which will be held in Slovenia on June 9.

(AP)
The FTSE 100 closed down 30.71 points at 8232.04. The FTSE 100 is down 0.3 per cent in afternoon trading. Among the companies with reports and trading updates today are BP, British American Tobacco, Checkit, Wizz Air and London Metric. Read the Tuesday 4 June Business Live blog below.

Among the companies with reports and trading updates today are BP, British American Tobacco, Checkit, Wizz Air and London Metric. Read the Tuesday 4 June Business Live blog below.

> If you are using our app or a third-party site click here to read Business Live
Standard Chartered was yesterday facing fresh allegations that it enabled billions of dollars of banking transactions for Iran as well as terror groups including Hamas.

The claims contained in US court documents were described as fabricated by the lender.

But they come after Standard Chartered previously paid huge fines to settle claims of poor money-laundering controls and sanctions breaches.

Now, whistleblowers are attempting to reopen a case against the London-based, Asia-focused bank with what they claim is newly uncovered evidence.

Standard Chartered avoided a US prosecution in 2012 after the Government  and then Chancellor George Osborne  intervened on its behalf.

New allegations: Standard Chartered avoided a US prosecution in 2012 after the UK government - and then Chancellor George Osborne - intervened on its behalf

But the whistleblowers now accuse the US government of committing a colossal fraud on the court in New York over the thoroughness of its probe into alleged sanctions violations in 2012 and 2013.

In a court document filed last week, based on re-examination of documents, they claim that Standard Chartered facilitated many billions of dollars in banking transactions for Iran, numerous international terror groups, and the front companies for those groups.

It names Hamas, Hezbollah, the Taliban and al-Qaeda among the groups involved. The whistleblowers, filing the claim under the name Brutus Trading, said they have identified 77billion worth of transactions between the bank and Iranian-related clients.

With the assistance of forensic data analysis, Brutus was only recently able to reveal or decloak countless illegal transactions that were hidden deep in the banks electronic spreadsheets, which Brutus gave to the government, the document revealed.

They are seeking to reverse the previous dismissal of their claims and revive the lawsuit. But Standard Chartered said it was another attempt to use fabricated claims, following previous unsuccessful attempts.

A bank spokesman said: The false allegations underpinning it have been thoroughly discredited by the US authorities who undertook a comprehensive investigation into the claims and said they were meritless and did not show any violations of US sanctions.

In 2019, Standard Chartered agreed to pay more than 800million to UK and US authorities over financial transactions that violated sanctions against Iran.

Some of the violations occurred after the bank settled similar charges in 2012 when it had paid US authorities more than 400million for illegally moving money through the US financial system on behalf of clients in Iran, Sudan, Libya and Myanmar.
On Friday, June 7, hundreds of thousands of Irish people are expected to cast their votes on who they think should be elected to both their local county council and the European Parliament - and additionally in Limerick, who should be mayor.

The last time Irish people took to the polls and voted in local and European elections in June 2019, 108,488 votes were spoilt and those people lost out on having their vote considered.

So how can one vote properly and avoid spoiling their vote?

While weighing in on who you think fits the role as a good public and European representative, there are considerations you must think about before marking your ballot paper.

Arrival

Once arriving at your local polling station, which will be open from 7am to 10pm, you will have to give your name and address and will be asked to present valid ID such as a driving licence. See the full list of valid ID options here.

You will be handed two ballot papers, three if you are in Limerick, which you must start each ballot paper with 1' then '2, and so on.

You vote for your favourite candidates in terms of preference, 1 being your favourite, 2 being your second choice, and so on.

Do not tick or mark any box with an x  this will spoil your vote and your vote won't count.

What if I make a mistake?

If you make a mistake on your ballot paper, the returning officer may give you another ballot paper. This is at the discretion of the returning officer - they do not have to do this.

If you have already posted your vote in the ballot box, the returning officer cannot give you another ballot paper.

Ballot paper layout

The names of the candidates in the election are on the ballot paper.

You will also see a photo of the candidate.

If a candidate is a member of a political party, you will see the party emblem

Spoiled votes
Legal consequences and EPIC BILLS are the result of this decision wherein changing times and cultural perceptions might have served to change the context and result of this verdict.

Here are the basics . . .



After a decade-long legal battle, a transgender man and former student of the Blue Springs School District should receive over $4 million in damages for discrimination that occurred when he was an adolescent, the Missouris Western District Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.



Judge Anthony Gabbert wrote the courts unanimous decision, ruling that the school district discriminated against the student, identified by his initials R.M.A., on the basis of sex when it barred him from using the boys locker room.



A key part of the appellate courts decision was the factor that spurred the school districts discrimination.



Attorneys for the Blue Spring School District did not contest that R.M.A. was treated differently, according to Gabberts ruling, but said it was because of his female genitalia.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Missouri appeals court sides with transgender student in $4 million discrimination case * Missouri Independent A Missouri appeals court ruled that the Blue Springs School District discriminated against a transgender student.
We've all been there . . .

Kansas City wild times eventually take us nowhere and we return with our tail between our legs and hope kind souls will forgive our mistakes and take us in . . .

This afternoon we'll move forward and forgive this alligator for going astray and thinking that all-nighters, loose women and loud talk would sustain him.

Now, he returns to school and probably hopes to learn some kind of career skill so he can prove reliable to friends & family . . . Here's local news celebration . . .



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.

Kansas City Pet Project officials said a school staff member located the creature Monday morning outside of a school door; summer school is currently in session at the middle school.



The alligators mouth was still taped shut when it was located.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Missing alligator found alive in Kansas City 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 w...

Alligator found 10 days after disappearing from Kansas City-area school district KC Pet Project said a two-foot alligator is alive 10 days after it disappeared from a traveling petting zoo during a visit to a Park Hill School.

Alligator located alive over a week after going missing at school petting zoo event An alligator is alive after going missing for over a week following an end-of-the-year petting zoo event at Lakeview Middle School.

KC Pet Project finds missing alligator that disappeared at Northland middle school The alligator escaped from a Mobile Petting Zoo during a visit to Lakeview Middle School on May 23

Developing . . .
Lots of local items to consider this evening as we check police action, court cases & community outreach.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Kansas City couple charged in 'child torture' case Prosecutors charged two people with child abuse after a boy ended up at a Kansas City hospital suffering from dozens of injuries.

KC man sentenced for involvement in 2023 Grandview chase, shooting A Kansas City, Missouri man was sentenced for his involvement in a police chase last year in Grandview.

Hereford House sued 5th time after worker allegedly contaminated food An extended Johnson County family sued Hereford House after claiming they became sick after eating at the restaurant.

29-year-old killed in shooting near 9th Street and Van Brunt Blvd. in Kansas City William C. Wright, 29, was found unresponsive with a fatal gunshot wound on Saturday, June 2, 2024

Northland woman faces charge after she kept her child home from school for nearly 100 days A Northland woman faces a misdemeanor charge after keeping her child home from school for nearly 100 days.

Jackson County legislature to enact domestic assault prevention ordinance A Jackson County legislator introduced and passed an ordinance relating to petty offenses and domestic assault in the County.

Gun safety advocates fed up after Kansas City child critically injured in accidental shooting A self-inflicted, accidental shooting Saturday night involving a boy under 5 years old has gun safety advocates vocal about the need for change.

Paycheck nearly stolen in payroll scam, Kansas police warn public The Belle Plaine Police Department is warning about a payroll scam.

Missouri mom allegedly told cops she tried to 'sacrifice' son before killing her two children aged 2 and 9 Police discovered the body of Ms Parmeley's daughter in her car's trunk after the mother turned herself in at the Festus Police Station

Foot-dragging in Marion raid investigation should fill public with dread Editor and publisher Eric Meyer gestures during a press conference Wednesday at the Marion County Ledger. // Photo by Max McCoy / Kansas Reflector I've 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.

Pastor who received pardon speaks about impact of having record wiped away Pastor Kenny Batson is one of thousands of people who've received an answer to their clemency requests in Missouri over the past several years.

KCPD looking for missing teen in need of medication Police say Talla Diop was last seen around noon Friday in the area of E. 26th Street and Troost Avenue.

Developing . . .
As always, we want to share THE REAL MEANING of this 12th & Oak legal move . . .

MAYOR Q DESPERATELY SEEKS COURT VICTORY GIVEN THAT HE'S CONFRONTING ANOTHER ELECTION DEFEAT!!!

To be fair . . . The tactic probably holds a greater chance at success than any argument to Missouri voters.

However . . .

The bottom line is this:

In the midst of a historic crime wave, Mayor Q is working against police funding mandates.

Of course, we'll share a more politic explanation . . .

(Mayor Quinton) 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.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Kansas City mayor says Ashcroft violated Supreme Court order on KCPD do-over election "Should the secretary of state proceed on his current track, he will be defying this Court's orders and depriving this Court of its authority under the law," attorneys for Lucas wrote in the Friday court filing.
Forgive our modesty . . . Kansas City is connected to another young, billionaire heiress BUT mainstream media celebration is A BIT MUCH for our preferences.

To be fair, there are a bunch of dudes who have made worse comments and Ava Hunt is a young woman of 18 . . . Context . . .

"17 Times Celebrities Made Super Creepy Comments About Underage Stars And Fans"



And so, we'll note the emergence of a new star affiliated with Super Bowl champs but not much else.

Here are the basics . . .



"Ava Hunt, who is the youngest daughter of Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, announced in March that she officially joined the Southern Methodist University cheer team, her dads alma mater."

Congrats!!!

But again . . .

Even if her socials get kinda racy, that's really not our bag and not something we're REALLY gonna focus on any time in the immediate future.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Chiefs heiress Ava Hunt graduates from high school after committing to SMU cheerleading team The 18-year-old is headed to Southern Methodist University, her father's alma mater, this fall. She committed to the school's cheerleading team in March.

Chiefs heiress Ava Hunt graduates from high school and jets off to DC Ava, 18, was joined by her prominent family as she commemorated finishing high school last weekend. She then flew across the globe to D.C. to join the Chiefs on their ceremonial visit to the White House.

Developing . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. The United Arab Emirates will closely cooperate with Azerbaijan, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director & group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) said, Trend reports.

He made the statement at the opening ceremony of the 29th International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and the 12th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition, known as Caspian Power, during the Baku Energy Week at Azerbaijan's Baku Expo Center.

Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29. As the current co-chair, the UAE pledges ongoing engagement and close collaboration with our counterparts, the COP29 chair. We urge all nations and stakeholders to unite in ensuring the success of COP29, building on the historic achievements of COP28 in Dubai, he said.

He noted that COP28, marked by the UAE consensus, has made historical strides, offering the most comprehensive and progressive climate breakthroughs since the Paris Agreement.

To note, today, Baku will host ceremonies for the groundbreaking of three renewable energy power plants, including the Bilasuvar Solar Power Plant with a capacity of 445 MW, the Absheron-Garadag Wind Power Plant with a capacity of 240 MW, and the Neftchala Solar Power Plant with a capacity of 315 MW.
The Vatican City has attracted both travelers and religious devotees alike for many, many years. Devotees, in particular, head to the Vatican in the hopes to see the current pope.

However, did you know that you can find the resting places of previous popes in the Vatican as well? These tombs, in fact, can be found with the St. Peter's Basilica.

The basilica you see today began construction in 1506 as a replacement to the old basilica, which was built all the way back in the fourth century by Constantine the Great. The basilica is is designed by Donato Bramante, Carlo Maderno, and of course, Michelangelo himself.

Today, St. Peter's Basilica serves as the resting places of the Catholic Church's popes, including its very first one.

St. Peter's Tomb

In the Catholic faith, Peter the Apostle is the first pope of the Church. Christian tradition says that Peter was crucified during the time of Emperor Nero, and it is believed that his body has been buried where the St. Peter's Basilica stands today.

Saint Peter's tomb is found right below the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica. The area is known as the Vatican Necropolis, and this is where other popes are likewise buried.

Visitors can tour the Vatican Necropolis during their visit to the basilica, during which they may see Peter's tomb.

Related Article : You Probably Didn't Know That These Museums Can Be Found Inside the Vatican

Pope John Paul II

As mentioned, other popes also call St. Peter's Basilica as their final resting place. One pope who is buried here is none other than St. John Paul II.

The third longest serving pope in the history of the Catholic Church, John Paul II died on April 2, 2005. Like many popes before him, he was buried in the Vatican Grottoes, which is located beneath the St. Peter's Basilica. However, upon his beatification in 2011, his tomb was moved into the main body of the basilica with Pope Benedict XVI taking his place in the grottoes.

Today, his remain are placed under the Altar of St. Sebastian near where Michaelangelo's Pieta can be found. Visitors can approach and even pray near the tomb of John Paul II. However, taking close-up photographs of his final resting place are not allowed.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. The Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition started 30 years ago in 1994. This event has played an instrumental role in attracting foreign direct investments into the energy sector of Azerbaijan, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the opening of the 29th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition - Caspian Oil & Gas and the 12th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition - Caspian Power as part of the Baku Energy Week at the Baku Expo Center, Trend reports.

Since that time, this event has transformed into a bigger event and is now called Baku Energy Week, because it embraces all the major segments of energy policy  oil, gas, upstream, downstream, and of course, green energy, noted the head of state.
The Czech Republic has handed over the first F-16 fighter jet simulator to one of the Ukrainian tactical aviation brigades.

This was announced by the commander of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykola Oleshchuk on his Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

The Czech Republic has handed over the first F-16 fighter simulator to one of the tactical aviation brigades. Its main module is already being tested and prepared for operation by Ukrainian specialists, Oleshchuk said.

He thanked everyone who helps Ukraine strengthen its aviation component.

Of course, in addition to the F-16s themselves, we need to create a powerful training and material base for our youth. I urge our allies to join this initiative, the Air Force commander said.

As reported earlier, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said that the Ukrainian Air Forces would be reinforced with F-16 fighters this summer.
The Russian invasion forces have shelled the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas 614 times while 28 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of Tuesday.

Thats according to the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces, Ukrinform reports.

"Since the beginning of this day, 28 combat clashes have already taken place. The invaders launched a missile strike involving two missiles and an airstrike involving two gliding bombs, 24 times attacked with kamikaze drones, and 614 times shelled the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas," the statement reads.

Kharkiv axis: the Russians have not taken any offensive action in the area. Ukrainian units continue to strengthen their defensive lines.

According to updated reports, the enemy lost 174 personnel in this axis yesterday. Also, Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian armored fighting vehicle, 12 vehicles, and two units of specialized equipment. Seven artillery systems, eight vehicles, and two units of specialized equipment were damaged.

Kupiansk axis: one Russian attack was repelled near Stepova Novoselivka Fighting continues in the area of Synkivka. The situation is under control as no ground was lost.

Over the past day, Russias total losses in this axis stood at 125. Also, Ukraine destroyed a Russian tank, two vehicles, and a ground drone. Two artillery systems and an enemy anti-aircraft warfare system were damaged.

Lyman axis: Russian invaders are trying to get closer to Ukrainian positions near Yampil. Defense forces retain control of the developments.

Kramatorsk axis: Ukrainian soldiers have been repelling enemy assaults in the Klishchiivka area, successfully restraining the onslaught while strengthening their positions in certain areas.

Pokrovsk axis: Ukrainian defenders are taking measures to prevent the advance of the Russian forces. So far, the enemy had already made six attempts to dislodge Ukrainian units from their positions in the areas of Novo-oleksandrivka, Sokol, Novoselivka Persha, and Ptyche. Two assaults have been repelled and four clashes are still ongoing. Ukraines forces are containing the Russians, preventing them from advancing deeper into Ukrainian territory.

According to detailed reports, over the past day, the Russian army lost 116 personnel killed and wounded in the axis. Two armored fighting vehicles, two e-warfare devices, and two vehicles were destroyed.

Kurakhove axis: the situation is tense in the area of Krasnohorivka, where the enemy is trying to push Ukrainian units out of their positions. The battle continues.

Vremivka axis: one Russian attack has already been repelled near Staromaiorske while another combat clash continues in the Zolota Nyva area. The situation is under Ukraines control.

Prydniprovska axis: in the area of the Ukrainian bridgehead on the left bank of the Dnipro, the invaders twice tried to dislodge Ukrainian units from their positions near Krynky but no ground was lost in the area.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Russians launched 2,200 strikes on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas in the past day. Almost 140 combat engagements took place. In the Pokrovsk axis alone, Ukraine repelled 52 Russian assaults.

Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
The weeks ahead will determine the whole summer and, in many ways, this year - concerning the Peace Summit, prospects for European integration and the situation at the front.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in a video address, Ukrinform reports.

"It is only the beginning of June, but these are already the weeks that will determine the whole summer and, in many ways, this year. It is about the Peace Summit and our consolidation of the world for the sake of Ukraine, it is also about Europe  our relations with the European Union, and of course it is also about our positions on the front and domestic production," Zelensky said.

Source: Official Telegram channel of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

He also added: "We see the threats that exist. The State must be ready to respond accordingly."

"We are doing our best in each of these areas to bring results  to bring them to Ukraine. I am grateful to everyone who is helping! I am grateful to everyone who is doing everything possible to ensure that this war ends and that it ends in a fair way for Ukraine," Zelensky said.

Full text of the president's address

Dear Ukrainians!

First of all  the Staff. There was a detailed conversation with the military, the Government, and the heads of special services on a number of issues.

First, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Barhylevych delivered their reports on the situation on the front. The main directions. The majority of the battles and the heaviest attacks are taking place in the Donetsk region. In fact, this is the main direction of Russian strikes. Of course, we also addressed the situation in the south, in the Kharkiv region, in the border areas of the Sumy and Chernihiv regions. I am grateful to every unit, every commander and soldier who helped stabilize the Kharkiv direction. We are doing everything necessary, step by step, to make Russia see that we have the means to respond to any attempt to expand the war and increase pressure on Ukraine. And we are working with our partners to improve our capabilities  to make them even more long-range.

Second. A report by Government officials on the energy sector and the possibilities for protection and recovery. Every day and at all levels, this should receive not just maximum but total attention from all responsible officials. Also today, the Minister of Defense and the Ministry of Strategic Industries reported on our production and procurement of drones. This is the area where we must constantly increase the volume. In this war, it has been proven  and especially by our warriors  that drones can give the advantage and help regain the initiative. While we were waiting for artillery supplies from our partners, the FPV drones practically saved the front line. Our long-range drones have proven Ukraine's ability to degrade the internal strength of a terrorist state. We must continue this. We will continue. I thank everyone who works for this particular Ukrainian strength  for our warriors at the front to have the necessary drones, and for our Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine to continue to change the situation by using drones. And this is a matter of personal responsibility of the leadership.

And third. Today, I gave several instructions on the preparations for the next meetings of the Staff and the next decisions. We see the threats that exist. The State must be ready to respond accordingly. It is only the beginning of June, but these are already the weeks that will determine the whole summer and, in many ways, this year. It is about the Peace Summit and our consolidation of the world for the sake of Ukraine, it is also about Europe  our relations with the European Union, and of course it is also about our positions on the front and domestic production. We are doing our best in each of these areas to bring results  to bring them to Ukraine. I am grateful to everyone who is helping! I am grateful to everyone who is doing everything possible to ensure that this war ends and that it ends in a fair way for Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Our word has the same value as our signature, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the opening of the 29th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition - Caspian Oil & Gas and the 12th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition - Caspian Power as part of the Baku Energy Week at the Baku Expo Center, Trend reports.

All the contracts, which have been signed during the last 30 years, have been implemented completely. All of them pass through parliament ratification and are then signed into law. So not a single word is changed. And this is a result why we are now experiencing another rapid development in renewables, the head of state emphasized.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. The opening ceremony of the Caucasian Eagle - 2024 joint exercise conducted in Azerbaijan with the participation of special forces from Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Georgia under the approved plan has been held, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense.

First, the memory of the servicemen, who sacrificed their lives for the defense and protection of the sovereignty of Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Georgia was honored with a minute of silence. The national anthems of all three countries were played, and the national flags were raised.

The acting Commander of the Special Forces, Major General Akif Pirverdiyev conveyed the congratulations of the leadership of the Defense Ministry to the exercise participants and wished them success.

The exercise participants were presented with a concert program following the conclusion of the official portion of the ceremony titled "Caucasian Eagle, from the top to the top!".

Members of the song and dance ensemble of the Army Ideological and Cultural Center named after Hazi Aslanov, the military orchestra of Jamshid Nakhchivanski Military Lyceum, the Baku Choreography Academy, and the Sema dance ensembles took part in the artistic program.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
In a stunning turn of events, the University of the Arts (UArts), a private nonprofit institution in Philadelphia known for its dedication to the arts and creativity, announced late Friday that it will be closing its doors on June 7.

This unexpected decision comes on the heels of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education's withdrawal of the university's accreditation, citing significant lapses in communication and planning regarding the closure. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the UArts community, leaving students, faculty, and staff grappling with the abrupt end to an institution that has been a cornerstone of Philadelphia's cultural landscape.

Accreditation Revoked Amid Financial Struggles

The University of the Arts (UArts), a private nonprofit institution in Philadelphia, has announced its closure effective June 7, following the withdrawal of its accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The decision came abruptly late Friday, leaving students, faculty, and staff in shock. The commission cited UArts' failure to inform them of the closure in a timely manner and a lack of proper planning for the closure as reasons for the revocation. This move highlights the increasing insistence by accreditors that institutions facing financial turmoil keep their overseers informed and prepare adequate plans for students to transfer.

In a letter to UArts President Kerry Walk, dated May 31, the commission emphasized the need for immediate adverse action due to the university's non-compliance with the commission's procedures and requests for information. The letter highlighted the institution's failure to submit necessary reports, a teach-out plan, and other critical information required by the accrediting body. These steps are crucial for ensuring that students can continue their education smoothly at other institutions.

READ MORE : Delaware College Of Art And Design Closes Due To Financial Challenges And FAFSA Issues

A History of Financial Instability

UArts officials have acknowledged that the institution has been in a precarious financial state for years, with declining enrollments and revenues coupled with increasing expenses. In a letter to the campus community, President Walk and Board Chair Judson Aaron admitted that the university had been struggling to maintain financial stability. UArts, similar to many other higher education institutions, has experienced financial instability for years due to decreasing enrollments and revenues combined with rising expenses.

The university had made efforts to secure its sustainability throughout the year, but these were ultimately insufficient. The officials explained that the university's deteriorating cash flow left them unable to cover substantial unexpected expenses. The financial crisis emerged abruptly, and despite quick efforts, they were unable to address the shortfall.

The sudden closure has shocked and upset many within the university community. Both employees and students have expressed their surprise and disappointment at the announcement. Some have criticized the administration for not communicating with them about the possibility of closure. Daniel J. Pieczkolon, president of the United Academics of Philadelphia labor union, stated that the union had not been informed about the possibility of closure.

Impact on Students, Faculty, and the Community

The closure of UArts marks the end of an era for the Philadelphia arts community. The university has been a significant cultural and educational institution in the city, nurturing countless artists and creatives over the years. The impact of the closure will be felt deeply by students, faculty, and staff, as well as by the broader arts community in Philadelphia.

In a statement released by the Board of Trustees, the board expressed its commitment to supporting the UArts community through this difficult transition. The statement conveyed that, in the face of extraordinary circumstances, they thoroughly evaluated the crisis and explored options to keep the university operational. However, despite their best efforts, they were unable to find a sustainable solution to continue the institution's mission. Emphasizing the priority of addressing the effects on the UArts community and Philadelphia, they pledged to support students, faculty, and staff through this difficult transition.

The university has pledged to assist students in transferring to other institutions and to provide support for faculty and staff during the transition. However, the sudden nature of the closure has left many scrambling to find alternative arrangements. President Walk, who took office last year after serving as president of Marymount Manhattan College, which was recently absorbed by Northeastern University, revealed that she first became aware of a significant cash flow problem on May 14. She explained to The Philadelphia Inquirer that they encountered unexpected expenses that required immediate cash coverage, while anticipated deposits, including gifts, grants, and other revenue, were delayed and did not arrive as expected.

The closure of UArts is part of a broader trend of financial instability and closures among smaller colleges and universities. In recent years, several institutions in and around Philadelphia have ended independent operations, including the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Cabrini University, and Salus University, which merged into Drexel University. In 2024 alone, multiple institutions across the country have announced closures or mergers, underscoring the financial challenges facing higher education.

As the UArts community grapples with the sudden closure, the focus now shifts to ensuring that students can continue their education and that faculty and staff receive the support they need during this difficult time. The loss of such a storied institution is a significant blow to the arts community in Philadelphia and a poignant reminder of the financial vulnerabilities faced by many colleges and universities today.
In a contentious legal battle, two professors from the University of Texas at Austin have added their voices to a state lawsuit aimed at blocking new Title IX regulations proposed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Professors Daniel Bonevac and John Hatfield, citing concerns primarily centered on abortion, have joined Texas and several other red states in opposing these changes, which are set to take effect this summer. The lawsuit reflects broader cultural and political tensions surrounding gender identity and reproductive rights.

The Heart of the Legal Dispute

At the core of the lawsuit are the expanded protections under Title IX for LGBTQ+ students, which include considerations related to gender identity and sexual orientation. However, the professors' primary focus lies in the domain of abortion rights. Bonevac and Hatfield argue that the new regulations would compel them to excuse student absences for out-of-state travel to obtain abortions-a practice they are unwilling to support. Texas has implemented stringent abortion laws following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, making this issue particularly pressing.

In their amended complaint, the professors assert that they do not intend to accommodate absences for students seeking abortions, whether those abortions are illegal under Texas law or purely elective and not medically necessary. Additionally, they express strong objections to hiring teaching assistants who have violated abortion laws, including federal prohibitions on the shipment or receipt of abortion-related medications and paraphernalia.

READ MORE : Harrison Butker's Controversial Commencement Speech Sparks National Debate

Ideological and Ethical Concerns

Beyond the issue of abortion, Bonevac and Hatfield's objections extend into a broader ideological territory. Bonevac, a philosophy professor, has publicly declared his opposition to the Biden Administration's interpretation of Title IX, which he describes as a "highly contentious interpretation of gender ideology and abortion rights." His refusal to comply includes a rejection of using gender-neutral pronouns and a prohibition on his teaching assistants dressing in ways that contradict traditional gender norms.

Bonevac's stance highlights a deeper cultural clash over gender identity. His declaration underscores a belief that the new Title IX regulations represent an overreach by the federal government, aiming to enforce a progressive ideology on educators nationwide. This perspective resonates with conservative viewpoints that see such regulations as infringing on individual rights and freedoms, particularly in educational settings.

Broader Implications and Reactions

The inclusion of Bonevac and Hatfield in the lawsuit has garnered attention, though it initially flew under the radar until picked up by media outlets like The New Republic. Their involvement underscores the growing tension between state and federal policies on gender and reproductive rights, reflecting broader national debates.

The reaction to the professors' stance is mixed. Supporters argue that their participation in the lawsuit is a defense of academic freedom and personal beliefs against federal overreach. Critics, however, view their actions as an attempt to roll back protections for marginalized students, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community and those seeking reproductive healthcare.

This lawsuit and the professors' involvement illustrate the complexities of balancing individual rights with institutional regulations. As the case progresses, it will likely serve as a barometer for the evolving landscape of gender identity, reproductive rights, and the role of educational institutions in navigating these contentious issues. The outcome could set significant precedents for how Title IX is applied and interpreted in the future, particularly in states with restrictive abortion laws and conservative educational policies.

The lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education's new Title IX regulations, joined by UT-Austin professors Daniel Bonevac and John Hatfield, epitomizes the contentious intersection of gender identity, reproductive rights, and academic freedom. As Texas and other red states push back against what they perceive as federal overreach, the legal battle will not only affect the immediate parties involved but also signal broader cultural and political shifts in America. The case underscores the ongoing struggle to define the limits of institutional authority and individual rights in an increasingly polarized society.
In a move that has stirred controversy and divided opinions, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) recently approved a pay cut for a group of adjunct faculty members. The decision, which was part of a wider compensation plan approved at a Board of Governors meeting, will see a roughly 20 percent reduction in pay for some adjunct faculty members working as librarians and mental health counselors within the district.

The pay cut is part of an ongoing effort within the Arizona district to address pay parity between two groups of faculty members: service faculty, who teach and also work as campus librarians and counselors, and instructional faculty, who focus solely on teaching. The district employs both adjunct and full-time professors in each group.

Last year, a district-wide faculty agreement was reached that lowered wages for new adjunct service faculty members to around $32 per hour. This move was made in response to complaints about a pay disparity between adjunct service faculty and adjunct instructional faculty. Advocates for the pay reduction cited a formula to justify the discrepancy, although this formula has been disputed by critics of the cut.

The Evolution of the Debate

The agreement also included reductions in pay for full-time service faculty members who work "overload" hours, as well as a decrease in their required regular hours from 35 to 30, aligning them with their instructional faculty colleagues. However, these faculty members have the opportunity to work extra paid hours.

Adjunct service faculty hired before the agreement was implemented were initially exempt from the pay cut. However, it was noted in the agreement that this exemption would expire on June 30, 2024, with the issue to be revisited in the Adjunct Faculty Handbook that summer.

As the deadline approaches, the district's Strategic Compensation Plan Team, comprising faculty, staff, and administrators, proposed and the board approved a plan to reduce pay for "legacy" service adjuncts-those hired before May of the previous year-to $43 per hour for five years. After that period, their pay is expected to be reduced again. Newer adjunct service faculty members will be paid between $34 and $38 per hour, based on a tiered system with a cost-of-living increase over the previous year.

Mixed Reactions and Ongoing Debate

The decision has elicited mixed reactions within the MCCCD. While some service and instructional faculty members have expressed support for the pay change, others have vehemently opposed it. Those against the pay cut have launched a postcard campaign and have been vocal in board meetings, arguing that the proposed reduction undermines years of advocacy for fair wages.

Kandice Mickelsen, an adjunct faculty librarian at MCCCD, criticized the proposed 20 percent pay cut for legacy employees, stating that it would essentially erase the progress made in the past 17 years. She also expressed concerns about the lack of respect and collegiality in communication regarding the pay cut.

Kim Boege, president of the Adjunct Faculty Group, initially proposed the current pay reduction as an alternative to a steeper cut that adjunct service faculty members would have faced. Boege stated that the proposal aims to achieve internal pay equity and that the changes would impact less than 2 percent of the faculty population.

Implications and Future Outlook

The dispute over adjunct faculty pay comes at a time when part-time faculty salaries nationally have remained stagnant. According to a recent report by the American Association of University Professors, part-time faculty members earn about $3,900 per course taught on average.

Moreover, the controversy in MCCCD reflects broader challenges faced by adjunct faculty members and academic institutions across the country. As colleges and universities grapple with budget constraints and changing educational landscapes, the treatment and compensation of adjunct faculty have come under increasing scrutiny.

The outcome of this debate in MCCCD could have far-reaching implications for adjunct faculty members, academic institutions, and the higher education landscape as a whole. As the district moves forward with its pay parity efforts, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact faculty retention, academic quality, and student outcomes.
June 4 2024

A mosque in Glasgow's south side is set for expansion with the submission of plans for a single-storey pavilion to improve accessibility and facilities.

Al-Farooq Education and Community Centre has tasked Lee Boyd Architects with creating a contemporary addition to the late Gothic Revival style former church, principally as a means to segregate ceremonial wash facilities from the prayer hall on religious grounds.

Stating the thinking behind their approach the architects wrote: "The design intent for the proposed extension is to conceive a contemporary addition to a traditional building, deliberately contrasting the construction styles of late Victorian and the early 21st century.

"This is done with respect to the ordering and hierarchy of the visual composition of the former church, using new materials that resonate in tone with the existing masonry."

Comprising a glazed welcome lobby, reception and ablutions space the 90sq/m will sit on the Dixon Street frontage, using a flat living roof so as not to impose on the gable windows of the nave. The underside of this roof, visible from the street, is expressed as a diagonal timber structure.

Finished in corten steel, glass and timber the extension will be delivered with increased border planting to soften its impact on the street.
June 4 2024

Eleven award-winning projects have been named by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in the 2024 edition of the annual RIAS Awards.

Judged on architectural integrity, usability, context, execution and sustainability the awards are notable this year for counting a greater number of retrofit works than new builds.

Commenting on this shift jury chair Nick Hayhurst, director of Hayhurst & Co, said: ... what does unite this years winners is a clear approach to how energy and carbon reduction is enmeshed within a distinctively Scottish architectural language focussed on craft, materials and story-telling: projects that successfully synthesise the key issues facing building design today in a way that is joyfully rooted in its context and locality.

The winners are:

An Office and Two Houses, Bunchrew, Highland by Loader Monteith

Ardoch, Ballater, Aberdeenshire by Moxon Architects

Croft 3, Isle of Mull by fardaa Danube Street, Edinburgh by John Jeffery

Danube Street, Edinburgh by John Jeffery

HydroNess, Inverness by Leslie Hutt Architect

Kinning Park Complex, Glasgow by New Practice

North Gate Social Housing, Glasgow by Page\Park Architects

Simon Square, Edinburgh by Fraser/Livingstone Architects

The Burrell Collection, Glasgow by John McAslan + Partners

The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh by Reiach and Hall Architects

University of Aberdeen  Science Teaching Hub by Reiach and Hall Architects

Each winner will be automatically entered into a longlist for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema on Tuesday commended the global support in chairing the 4th meeting of the International Partners Support Group (IPSG) at the Prime Ministers Office Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jun, 2024) Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema on Tuesday commended the global support in chairing the 4th meeting of the International Partners Support Group (IPSG) at the Prime Ministers Office Islamabad.

This meeting marked almost two years since the devastating floods of 2022, aiming to review the progress of flood recovery and realign efforts for a resilient Pakistan, said a press release issued here.

The meeting was attended by Romina Khurshid, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, along with secretaries and senior officials from the ministries of economic affairs, Finance and Revenue, Foreign Affairs, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, and the Climate Change division.

Additionally, representatives from bilateral and multilateral development partners, including ambassadors from Azerbaijan, Sweden, Kazakhstan, Norway, Australia, and diplomats from Germany, China, UAE, South Korea, USA, Qatar, Turkey, Netherlands, Russia, Japan, France, Switzerland, as well as officials from the Canadian and British High Commissions, participated in the event.

Representatives from various international organizations such as UNDP, World Bank, ADB, IMF, AIIB, UNRC, EU, KfW, UNICEF, IsDB, WFP, AICS, and USAID were also present.

In his inaugural remarks, Cheema warmly welcomed IPSG members, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the international community and Pakistan in post-flood recovery.

He expressed profound gratitude for the commitments of International Development Partners towards building a climate-resilient Pakistan.

The minister highlighted the importance of energy and infrastructure as essential prerequisites for all development and reconstruction efforts, with hopes for continued focus from international development partners in these critical areas.

Highlighting IPSGs pivotal role in coordinating the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework (4RF), he outlined its objectives: assisting in plan development, securing financial commitments, providing guidance, and addressing funding gaps.

Ahad Cheema emphasized provincial cooperation and reiterated the commitment to transparency in implementing 4RF projects, as pledged by the Prime Minister in the previous IPSG meeting.

During the meeting, the development partners expressed their appreciation for the convening of the fourth meeting of the IPSG and lauded the sustained attention given to post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation endeavors.

Deliberations underscored the significance of fiscal stability, economic growth, and the nurturing of human capital.

Additionally, the World Bank and UNDP presented updates on post-flood activities.

In his concluding remarks, the minister recalled the pledges made at the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan held in Geneva, with an amount of US$ 10.987 billion pledged by the international community of which US$ 2.8 billion, up to April 2024, has been disbursed.

While acknowledging the support provided by the UNDP, Ahad Cheema thanked Dr. Samuel Rizk, the Resident Representative, for offering secretariat services to the IPSG.

The meeting was concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration and transparency in achieving the goals of the resilient recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction framework.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jun, 2024) The exports of services during the first ten months of the current financial year increased by 1.18 percent as compared to the exports of the corresponding period of the last year.

During July-April 2023-24, exports of services were recorded at $6.441 billion as against the exports of $6.366 billion during the same period of last year, according to the data of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

During the period under review, the services imports into the country grew by 20.77 percent and it was registered at $8.347 billion as compared to the import of $6.912 billion in the same period last year.

On a year-on-year basis, the services exports from the country grew by 16.59 percent in April 2024 as compared to the exports of the same month of last year.

In April 2024, services valued at $646.03 million were exported as compared to exports of $554.10 million in the same month of last year.

The imports of services into the country also surged by 14.85 percent during the period under review as it was recorded at $833.03 million against $725.34.

On month on month basis, the services exports decreased by 7.57 percent and imports by 2.22 percent respectively in April 2024 as compared to March 2024.

During April 2024, the services exports were recorded at $646.03 million as compared to the exports of $698.92 million of the previous month, whereas imports were registered at $833.03 million as compared to the imports of $851.90 billion of last month.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. President Ilham Aliyev stood out among a handful of world leaders in his efforts to bring together OPEC and non-OPEC producers, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais said, Trend reports.

He made the statement at the opening ceremony of the 29th International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and the 12th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition, known as Caspian Power, during the Baku Energy Week at Baku Expo Center.

Azerbaijan under the able leadership of His Excellency President Aliyev is a great friend of OPEC and supporter of the Declaration of cooperation between OPEC and non-OPEC oil-producing countries.

In fact, His Excellency President Aliyev was one of the few global leaders who helped bring OPEC and non-OPEC producers together back in 2016, when the declaration of cooperation was signed, widely known as the OPEC plus agreement.

His Excellency has enabled the declaration of cooperation to become a cornerstone of maintaining a balanced and stable market, he said.

He said OPEC supports Azerbaijan's constructive engagement for a successful COP29.

I'm sure it will be a great success and we are standing shoulder to shoulder and side by side with you.

The focus of enhancing international cooperation and climate action is important to advance the objectives.

We need to allow each country to chart its own path based on its national circumstances, taking into account the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, said Haitham al-Ghais.

The OPEC Secretary General also stressed that the organization welcomes Azerbaijan's ambitious plans to produce a diverse portfolio of energy including oil and gas, and other strategic sectors like offshore wind, and solar and hydrogen.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jun, 2024) The Punjab Home Department issuing important directions in the context of Eidul Azha,

said that only organizations registered with the Charity Commission would be able to

receive hides of sacrificial animals.

A spokesman for the Punjab Home Department told the media here on Tuesday that

no banned organization would be allowed to collect the sacrificial animal hides and

in this regard, section 144 would be imposed on burning the head and trotters in public

places while section 144 would also be imposed on bathing and boating in rivers,

streams and dams during Eid holidays. Nobody would be allowed to throw offal of

sacrificial animal in a manhole, drainage or canals, he added.

The spokesperson said that a ban would be imposed on installation of mechanical

rides to prevent injury or loss of human lives.

The home department directed additional

security arrangements in Eidgahs, mosques and Madrasas across the province.

Instructions have been issued to ensure the best security arrangements in all the

cattle markets and the administration to ensure that no commission or extortion was

charged in the cattle markets.

Punjab Home Department directed that no illegal cattle market would be allowed to be

established across Punjab. Necessary security measures should be ensured for the

arrival of tourists and traffic control in Murree and surrounding areas.

The commissioners and deputy commissioners were also directed to coordinate

with the police and related departments to ensure all arrangements before Eid, he added.
Under digitization and up-gradation plan, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has expedited a process for switching to advance metering infrastructure (AMI) meters and installed over 30,000 meters in various areas of Rawalpindi so far

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jun, 2024) Under digitization and up-gradation plan, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has expedited a process for switching to advance metering infrastructure (AMI) meters and installed over 30,000 meters in various areas of Rawalpindi so far.

At domestic consumer level, these meters were installed in areas of Gulzar Quaid, Dr Abdul Qadir Road, Gangal and Khana, the Chief Engineer Operation Director IESCO Muhammad Aslam Khan said this while talking to APP here Tuesday.

He said that AMI meters have also been installed at various transformers in areas of Korang Town, Westridge etc.

Under the plan, the company would install over 900,000 AMI meters, initially in Rawalpindi City Circle, Rawalpindi Cantonment Circle and Taxila (Division), he said.

Aslam Khan said the task would be completed by June 2026 for which initially two contractors have been hired to install around 2000 AMI daily in the said circles.

He said the Asian Development Bank has provided financial assistance to complete the project under second power distribution enhancement investment programme .

The contract for the project was signed on September, 3, 2022 while its effectiveness date was January 2023, he added.

Khan said that main data and back data centres which were part of the project had already been set up at the IESCOs head office and Gujjar Khan respectively.

The Operation Director said AMI system would bring about a permanent elimination of power pilferage with systematic control of transmission through round-the-clock monitoring of the electricity meters.

This technology would help reduce power sector losses, enhance the quality of billing and recoveries, control power load-shedding and also address the consumers complaints of wrong or over-billing, he said.

Aslam Khan said the AMI system would end human interventions in meter reading, enhance customer support, better measurements, more accurate billing, a degree of control of consumption and help improve IESCOs ability to reduce non-technical losses.

He said automated 100 per cent accurate and timely meter readings would reduce costs incurred on meter readings significantly. In case of any power theft, tripping, power failure, or defective meters, automated intimation would be received in the data centre with instructions to the concerned SDO for rectification in a short time.

The consumers will also be able to control their electricity bills by monitoring their electricity consumption daily through a mobile application, he remarked.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jun, 2024) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed the hope that his five-day visit to China, commencing Tuesday, would take the bilateral relationship to a new height as it would mark discussions on the CPEC second phase, business-to-business cooperation and government-to-government projects.

The prime minister, in a televised statement before departing for his first official visit to China after assuming the office, said that with the support from the ministers, government officers and experts, they would hold talks with the Chinese leadership on multiple subjects with tireless efforts and sincerity of purpose.

He said both sides would discuss cooperation in multiple sectors like agriculture, information technology, infrastructure, youth skill training, vocational training, industrialisation, Special Economic Zones, expansion and commercialisation of Gwadar Port, mining, and minerals, and sign accords. The discussion on the expansion of the Silk Route through road and sea linkages is also on the agenda.

He said that undoubtedly, China-Pakistan ties were time-tested as both countries trusted each other and held consultations on all matters of mutual interest.

He also appreciated the Chinese unconditional support for Pakistan through all testing times like disasters, wars, quakes and others.

Prime Minister Shehbaz recalled that during the previous tenure of Nawaz Sharif, bilateral relations entered a new phase as a $45 billion investment was arranged under the CPEC which brought in prosperity and rid the country of load-shedding that had led to the closure of industries and adversely impacted the agriculture sector.

Pakistan's adversaries could not digest this cooperation but one should not worry about this, he commented.

The prime minister spoke high of the dynamic and visionary leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping which developed China into the second biggest economic and military power besides leading the efforts to end wars and pave the way for peace.

"This is the vision and leadership which I am inspired by and which took China-Pakistan ties to the height of the Himalayas, made it deeper than the oceans, sweeter than the honey, and stronger than steel.

The prime minister also thanked China for continuously raising the voice for Kashmir freedom and supporting Kashmiris without any confusion. Similarly, Pakistan also supported Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity like the principle of one-country two systems, Hong Kong, Taiwan which Pakistan calls an integral part of China, the South China Sea, Global Development Initiative (GDI), and the Global Security Initiative (GSI).

He also requested the countrymen to pray for the success of his visit to make it helpful for Pakistan's progress and prosperity.
No banned organization will be allowed to collect the sacrificial animals hides on Eid-ul-Azha

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jun, 2024) No banned organization will be allowed to collect the sacrificial animals hides on Eid-ul-Azha.

The Punjab Home department has issued important directions in the context of Eid-ul-Azha.

According to the spokesperson for the department, only organizations registered with the Charity Commission will be able to receive the sacrificial animal hides. Section 144 will be imposed on burning the head and trotters of sacrificial animals in public places. Section 144 will also be imposed on bathing and boating in rivers, streams and dams during Eid holidays. Nobody will be allowed to throw offal of sacrificial animals in manhole, drainage or canals.

The spokesperson of the Punjab Home department said that a ban will also be imposed on installation of mechanical rides to prevent injury or loss of human lives.

The department has directed additional security arrangements in Eidgahs, mosques and madrasas across the province. Instructions have been issued to ensure the best security arrangements in all the cattle markets, and the administration has been directed to ensure that no commission or extortion is charged in the cattle markets.

The Home department has directed that no illegal cattle market should be allowed to be established across Punjab. Necessary security measures should be ensured for the arrival of tourists and traffic control in Murree and surrounding areas. The commissioners and deputy commissioners are also directed to coordinate with police and related departments to ensure all arrangements before Eid.
Riyadh, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jun, 2024) Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz met Monday with Brazilian Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services Geraldo Alckmin.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed enhancing cooperation in the defense industries, research and development, technology transfer, and localization in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

They also discussed the developments in regional and international situations and the efforts being made towards them.

Moreover, both officials signed a draft agreement between the governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federal Republic of Brazil for cooperation in the defense sector.

The meeting and the signing ceremony were attended by the Vice Minister of Defense Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf and several senior officials from both countries.
London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jun, 2024) Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will visit Britain at the end of June, spending three days as guests of King Charles III, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Tuesday.

The royal couple is due to arrive on June 22, but will spend the first three days in private engagements before beginning the official state visit, which will run from June 25 to 27.

Naruhito, 64, will meet Charles and his wife Queen Camilla as well as the monarch's elder son and heir Prince William and other British royals in the first Japanese state visit to the UK in more than two decades.

A palace spokesman said the programme had been "slightly adapted" because of the upcoming general election on July 4, without going into exact details.

Visiting heads of state have typically held talks with the prime minister and opposition leader, or addressed lawmakers in parliament.

But parliament has been dissolved and there are no MPs, while the government -- both ministers and civil servants -- are in the pre-election period, with restrictions on what they can do.

The packed schedule does include a Guard of Honour ceremony, a carriage procession at Buckingham Palace, visits to museums and to the Francis Crick Institute, a biomedical research centre in London.

On June 25, a state banquet will be given by the king at Buckingham Palace in honour of the emperor and empress, with speeches made by the two male monarchs.

The emperor will also go to Windsor Castle west of London on the third day of the state visit to lay a wreath on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II, whose state funeral he and the empress attended in September 2022 in their last visit to the UK.

The Japanese royal couple seldom go on state visits and are gradually making more trips after limiting them during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This will be the emperor's second official state visit since his accession to the throne in 2019, following a visit to Indonesia last year.

The late queen, who had been on the throne since 1952, had hosted two Japanese state visits during her reign: emperor Hirohito in 1971 and his eldest son emperor Akihito -- Naruhito's father -- in 1998.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday said the royal families shared a "traditional intimate relationship".

"I am convinced that the visit will reconfirm the friendship and goodwill of both countries... and I feel immense pleasure together with the people of Japan," he said in a statement.

State visits generally feature traditional ceremony and pomp as well as visits to industry and commerce leaders to cement cultural, diplomatic and economic relations.

So far, Charles, 75, has received two state visits, by the presidents of South Africa in 2022 and South Korea last year.

Notably absent this time will be William's wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales.

She is receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer and was last seen at a public engagement in December last year.

Charles also announced that he had cancer, without specifying which type, in February this year, and has only recently resumed public engagements.

On June 28, the Japanese emperor and empress will visit Oxford, where they studied, for private engagements, before leaving the UK.
(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 Session: Managing Variant Histologies in Urothelial and Renal Cell Cancers. Dr. Eva Katharina Masel talked about the considerations in treating and palliating variant Genitourinary Cancers where no standard of care exists.

Dr. Masel began her presentation by saying palliative care is not just about end-of-life care; it's about living in the best possible way with the disease. Palliative care professionals aim to be seen as a lighthouse, guiding patients through the storms that may come.

She continues by drawing a parallel between trauma care and palliative medicine. Just as trauma care follows the ABCDE approach (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Expose), palliative medicine utilizes the ABCD approach, which stands for Attitude, Behavior, Compassion, and Dialogue. This framework applies across all areas of medicine. Regardless of a patient's age or health condition, the core values of kindness, respect, and dignity remain indispensable. This approach serves as a reminder to practitioners about the importance of both caring for and caring about their patients. (1)

Palliative care can be defined as specialized healthcare focused on improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses and can aid other clinicians in addressing patients' unmet symptoms, coping mechanisms, and communication needs. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). guidelines recommend integrating palliative care into standard oncological treatment based on multiple randomized trials demonstrating significant improvements in physical well-being, patient satisfaction, and goal-concordant care. (2) It is crucial to understand the need for a palliative care consultation when caring for cancer patients, Dr Masel mentioned 7 indications that we should keep in our minds for a timely referral to palliative medicine:

High health care resource utilization Persistent pain or high risk of poor pain management High non-pain symptom burden or symptoms refractory to initial management Limited anticancer treatment options Need for advanced communication skills Complex patient and/or caregiver circumstances Oncology care team challenges

Referrals to palliative care often occur in the late and advanced stages of the disease, leading to untreated symptoms, patient distress, and unnecessary aggressive treatments at the end of life. One major barrier to early referrals is the common association of palliative care with hopelessness, cessation of cancer treatment, and death. Although physicians may explain the benefits of early palliative care, overcoming patients negative preconceptions can be challenging. To help facilitate these conversations, the metaphor "Palliative Care Is the Umbrella, Not the Rain" can be used in clinical practice. This metaphor helps guide discussions in advanced cancer, making patients more open to seeing a palliative care specialist. (3)

Dr. Masel discussed the importance of communication with cancer patients and introduced another framework: CARE, which stands for Communicate, Advocate, Respect, and Empathize. Briefly, this means we should communicate warmly and welcomingly with patients, advocate on behalf of patients, families, colleagues, and ourselves, respect and embrace differing values, opinions, and viewpoints, and empathize with and acknowledge the feelings of others.

There is abundant evidence that patients nearing the end of life often feel they no longer matter. This sense of burden can affect both the patients, who may feel like a burden to others, and their family members, who may feel helpless and exhausted, reinforcing the patients' feelings of burden. Intensive caring involves finding ways to remind patients that they still matter. A foundational element of this approach is non-abandonment, which requires committed, ongoing care and compassion, even when patients no longer care about themselves. The assurance of continued support and care is crucial in helping patients feel valued. The elements of intensive caring are illustrated in the table below:

As physicians caring for cancer patients, we often tend to distance ourselves from palliative care. This behavior is akin to the phenomenon in nature known as "crown shyness," where a tree's leaves withdraw from the leaves of other trees. Instead, we should avoid this distancing and work together as a team to improve the care of our cancer patients.

Dr Masel went on to discuss the continuum of palliative care, this implies that to improve equity and inclusivity in palliative care we have to follow an individual-centered strategy endorsed by the community and promoting change across various fronts:

Individual (patient and caregiver)

Interpersonal (health care team)

Organizational

At the policy level

Ensuring fair access is essential throughout the entire spectrum of palliative care services, starting from early interventions and extending to symptom-focused treatment, hospice care, end-of-life support, and bereavement assistance. The continuum of care is illustrated in the figure below.(5)

Dr. Masel discussed a randomized clinical trial published in 2010 involving patients newly diagnosed with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. Participants were allocated to receive either early palliative care integrated with standard oncologic care or standard oncologic care alone. Results showed that those assigned to early palliative care demonstrated a better quality of life compared to those receiving standard care. Additionally, fewer patients in the early palliative care group exhibited depressive symptoms, as assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D, HADS-A) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) (6).

Finally, the palliative care intervention should be directed to:

Illness understanding/education Inquire about illness and prognostic understanding Offer clarification of treatment goals

Symptom management Inquire about uncontrolled symptoms, referral or prescriptions, if necessary

Mode of decision making Assist with treatment decision-making, if necessary

Coping with life threatening illness Patients and caregivers



Dr Masel wrapped up her presentation with following key messages:

Palliative Care Is the Umbrella, Not the Rain

We have to improve our communication, this is a clinical skill and words matter

It is not either or, but both - Oncology and Palliative Care

How people die remains in the memory of those who live on

Presented By: Eva Katharina Masel, MD, PhD, Full Professor and Head of the Clinical Division of Palliative Care at the Medical University of Vienna

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 31st and June 4th, 2024 was host to a session addressing techniques to minimize the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) while explore alternatives in prostate cancer management. Dr. Brian Gonzalez discussed patient-centered approaches to improve quality of life and mitigate the adverse effects of ADT.

Behavioral interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and physical activity, can help mitigate adverse effects of ADT, including fatigue, depressive symptoms, and sleep disruption. Behavioral strategies play a critical role in patient-centred clinical practice and can help improve health related quality of life.

ADT has numerous adverse effects that may impact quality of life, including:

Vascular disorders

Reproductive system disorders (e.g., impotence and loss of libido)

General disorders (e.g., sleep disturbances)

Psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression)

Metabolic changes (e.g., weight gain)

Musculoskeletal changes (e.g., muscle atrophy)

The NCCN Survivorship Guidelines recommend behavioral interventions for the management of ADT-related symptoms that:

Address multiple symptoms simultaneously

Minimize side effects

Are associated with a low economic burden

Actively engage patients

Improve health-related quality of life

Enhance patient-centered clinical practice

One such intervention is cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a biopsychosocial approach focused on teaching solution-focused strategies, by:

Refocusing away from negative thoughts about symptoms towards more realistic, helpful thoughts

Behavioral activation and exposure to feared experiences.

Improving health behaviors

Managing stress

Optimizing social support

Increasing self-efficacy

Another important behavioral intervention is physical activity, with the benefits among cancer survivors summarized below.

Currently, the 2014 American Cancer Society guidelines for prostate cancer recommend 150 minutes of physical activity per week, without specifying the type. Randomized controlled trials now support combined resistance and aerobic exercise programs in the context of ADT without bone metastases to improve muscle mass, strength, physical function, and balance.1

These behavioral interventions may have synergistic effects by simultaneously targeting/counteracting the adverse effects of ADT, as illustrated below:

Behavioral treatments can improve health-related quality of life in numerous ways:

Health promotion: Improve body weight and composition, physical activity levels, and PSA levels

Physical side effect management: Fatigue, muscle strength, peak oxygen intake, bone health, sexual function, and incontinence.

Psychosocial functioning: Depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life

Although the benefits of these behavioral interventions are universally accepted, their adoption in routine clinical practice remains underwhelming. In 2023, Ehlers et al conducted a stakeholder-engaged, mixed-methods, hybrid implementation study to identify barriers to real-world implementation of these behavioral interventions.2 Lack of awareness, both at the physician and patient levels, was an important barrier, as well as clinical practice barriers (e.g., workflow, lack of personnel/skills to provide behavioral training, no specialists available in the community to refer patients to). They proposed the following model for implementing group cognitive behavioral therapy in an interdisciplinary cancer center:

Stakeholder (physicians/nurses and patients/caregivers) engagement and adaptation of cognitive behavioral therapy delivery User testing and adaptation of cognitive behavioral therapy content Implementation of adapted cognitive behavioral therapy

Presented By: Brian D. Gonzalez, PhD, Associate Center Director for Research Diversity & Workforce Development, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL

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, Chicago, IL, Fri, May 31  Tues, June 4, 2024



References:
(UroToday.com) The 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting featured a session on applications of artificial intelligence in prostate cancer care, and a presentation by Dr. Liang Cheng discussing artificial intelligence and deep learning in prostate cancer pathology. Dr. Cheng started this presentation by noting that the recently published Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer highlights several sobering statistics:1

The number of new cases will rise from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million in 2040

The projected rise cannot be prevented by lifestyle changes or public health interventions

Late diagnosis of prostate cancer is widespread worldwide

Early diagnosis systems need to integrate the growing power of artificial intelligence to aid interpretation of biopsy specimens

With regards to the pathologist workforce, the total number of pathologists has decreased in each year (2007 to 2017) in the US and Canada, for an overall decrease of 17.5% (15,568 to 12,839), with the diagnostic workload increasing by 41.7%. This is in the face of the total number of physicians increasing by 16.6% during that same time frame (765,688 to 892,856). Perhaps artificial intelligence is the solution?

There are many aspects of artificial intelligence in prostate cancer pathology, including (i) cancer detection/diagnosis, (ii) Gleason grading, (iii) molecular classification, and (iv) outcome prediction. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of artificial intelligence diagnostic accuracy of prostate cancer histology identification and grading noted an impressive AUC of 0.9885.2 Artificial intelligence across all spectrums of digital pathology detection/diagnosis notes that for prostate cancer, sensitivity is 95% and specificity is 96%. However, there are several areas of concern, including risk of bias, patient selection, the index test, and the reference standard.

In a study assessing artificial intelligence modeling for detecting pathological lymph node metastasis, the following workflow was utilized:3

Among 1,297 patients (8,225 slides), the AUC for lymph node detection was 0.989. Moreover, this artificial intelligence algorithm boosted the diagnostic sensitivity of two junior pathologists (both p = 0.041) to the level of senior pathologists (both p > 0.99) and substantially reduced the four pathologists' slide reviewing time.

For Gleason grading, Dr. Cheng notes that the 2019 ISUP modified Gleason Scores were recently developed into prognostic Gleason Grade Groups (ISUP/WHO Grades):



In 2020, Steiner and colleagues evaluated an expert-level artificial intelligence-based assistive tool when used by pathologists for the grading of prostate biopsies.4 Among biopsies from 240 patients with a median PSA level of 6.5 ng/mL, artificial intelligence-assisted review by pathologists was associated with a 5.6% increase in agreement with subspecialists across all biopsies and a 6.2% increase in agreement with subspecialists for grade group 1 biopsies:

Additionally, artificial intelligence assistance was also associated with improvements in tumor detection, mean review time, mean self-reported confidence and inter-pathologist agreement.

Dr. Cheng then discussed molecular classification and artificial intelligence. One example is that attention-based deep learning has demonstrated the feasibility of being able to predict TMPRSS2:ERG fusion status. In a recent study of artificial intelligence-assisted genome interpretation, Woodcock and colleagues investigated the genomic evolution of prostate cancer through the application of three separate classification methods, each designed to investigate a different aspect of tumor evolution.5 They found that integrating the results revealed two distinct types of prostate cancer that arise from divergent evolutionary trajectories:

Hiremath et al. recently evaluated the added benefit of integrating features from pre-treatment MRI (radiomics) and digitized post-surgical pathology slides (patronymics) in prostate cancer patients for prognosticating outcomes post radical-prostatectomy.6 Among 58 prostate cancer patients, all underwent pre-treatment 3-T MRI before radical prostatectomy and radiomic and pathogenic features were extracted from prostate cancer regions on MRI and prostatectomy specimens:

Overall, the integrated radio-pathomic model M (AUC = 0.80) outperformed the radiomic (AUC = 0.57) and pathomic (AUC = 0.76) models alone in predicting extracapsular extension.

Dr. Cheng then highlighted several challenges in clinical implementation of artificial intelligence in pathology:

Difficulty in generalization and explainability

Lack of high-quality open source datasets

Difficulty in tracking rare conditions and ethnic variability

Clinical workflow integration

Regulatory barrier and reimbursement issues

What may also be on the horizon is whether ChatGPT can replace a pathologist. The following question was posed to ChatGPT: Can you explain what this image shows (biopsy specimen)? Answer: The changes are consistent with prostate cancer. If you have concerns about the diagnosis, it is always best to discuss with a healthcare professional.

Dr. Cheng concluded his presentation discussing artificial intelligence and deep learning in prostate cancer pathology with a quote from Dr. William B. Schwartz from the New England Journal of Medicine in 1970, which still rings true regarding artificial intelligence in 2024: Because the coming intervention of the information sciences represents radical change, it will also inevitably create radical problems. The power of the information sciences is such that it will alter the face of medicine, and we can ill afford to ignore this impending reality. Physicians must take the opportunity to assist and lead in the planning and implementation of a system that can best serve the interests of both the public and the medical community.

Presented by: Liang Cheng, MD, Professor of Pathology and Surgery/Urology, Vice Chair for Translational Research, Director of Anatomic Pathology, Director of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI

Written by: Zachary Klaassen, MD, MSc  Urologic Oncologist, Associate Professor of Urology, Georgia Cancer Center, Wellstar MCG Health, @zklaassen_md 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 featured a session on applications of artificial intelligence in prostate cancer care, and a presentation by Dr. Irbaz B. Riaz discussing the use of artificial intelligence to optimize systemic therapy for prostate cancer. Dr. Bin Riaz started by highlighting the following definitions:

Artificial Intelligence: Refers to computers or algorithms that mimic human intelligence to make data-driven decisions

Machine learning: Is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on algorithms that teach itself on how to make decisions without explicit programming

Deep learning: Is a subfield of machine learning that involves neural networks to learn and make intelligent decisions. These algorithms attempt to stimulate the human brains architecture and try to learn and represent complex patterns from the data

Generative artificial intelligence: Is a subset of deep learning that has the ability to generate new content whether it be images, text, music, or other types of data. It produces content that is often indistinguishable from human-created content

The process of treatment selection for localized prostate cancer includes information gathering, risk stratification, and then finally treatment:

There are certainly challenges in systemic treatment selection, including:

#1 Too much to do (radiology, pathology, patient-specific features, comorbidities, patient values and preferences, labs, and guidelines)

#2: Rapidly changing evidence

#3: No real biomarkers

#4: RCTs reporting average results

For challenge #1 Too much to do  artificial intelligence agents may be able to act as assistants to healthcare providers. As follows is one example of how this workflow could be operationalized:



For challenge #2 Rapidly changing evidence, artificial intelligence may be able to create a living clinical practice guideline. Such as optimization of the standard guideline process, allowing it to update based on individual recommendations as soon as new relevant evidence becomes available. A living evidence synthesis workflow may look something like the following:



This could be used for integrating new treatment options for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, for example:

For challenge #3 No Real Biomarkers this could be an opportunity for multi-modal integration, for which the conceptual framework is highlighted:



Dr. Spratt and colleagues demonstrated that a digital pathology-derived AI biomarker, the ArteraAI Prostate Test, may be used to predict short-term ADT benefits for intermediate-risk patients.1 Intermediate-risk patients who were biomarker negative did not benefit from short-term ADT (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.63-1.56). Conversely, those with a positive biomarker status had significantly decreased distant metastases rates when short-term ADT was added to radiotherapy (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.19-0.57):





For challenge #4 RCTs Reporting Average Results is a prime opportunity for artificial intelligence to individualized treatment effects via causal inference artificial intelligence:



The goal here is to develop a multi-modal artificial intelligence model that integrates longitudinal data (clinical, pathological, imaging, genomic data) and then provides patient-specific treatment effects using a probabilistic deep-learning causal inference framework for prostate cancer patients.

Dr. Riaz concluded his presentation discussing the use of artificial intelligence to optimize systemic therapy for prostate cancer with the following take-home messages:

Artificial intelligence can synthesize information for optimal systemic treatment decisions: Artificial intelligence agents are well poised to act as assistants to providers Artificial intelligence-enabled living clinical practice guidelines are feasible

Artificial intelligence can provide novel insights from multi-modal patient data: Digital biomarkers utilizing multi-modal data are rapidly evolving Patient-specific (individualized) treatment effects is an important research topic



Presented by: Irbaz B. Riaz, MD, MBBS, Hematologist Oncology Specialist, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona

Written by: Zachary Klaassen, MD, MSc  Urologic Oncologist, Associate Professor of Urology, Georgia Cancer Center, Wellstar MCG Health, @zklaassen_md on Twitter during the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, Fri, May 31  Tues, June 4, 2024.

References:
Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov has attended an expanded meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Minsk as a guest, a source in the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan told Trend.

Speaking at the meeting, Asadov highlighted that Azerbaijan maintains close bilateral ties with partner states in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

A clear indication of this is the highest-level confidential and intensive political dialogue. Since the beginning of this year, the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus have paid state visits to Azerbaijan, and the President of Azerbaijan has paid a working visit to Russia, the prime minister said.

He emphasized that Azerbaijan has developed a very solid bilateral legal framework with each of its partner countries, which ensures the progressive development of relations across the entire spectrum of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Calling the trade and economic spheres a priority area of interaction, Asadov pointed out that in 2023, Azerbaijans trade turnover with its partners in the EAEU increased by almost nine percent.

Asadov also mentioned that, following the instructions of the heads of state, governments are bilaterally exploring various options for realizing the yet-untapped potential of trade and economic cooperation.

Pointing to the good dynamics of investment interaction, the prime minister highlighted a number of new long-term bilateral investment projects on the agenda.

Touching upon cooperation in the transport and transit sectors, he stressed that Azerbaijans current efforts are aimed at strengthening the countrys transit potential and increasing freight traffic along international corridors passing through its territory.

Thanks to a reliable and modern transport infrastructure, Azerbaijan contributes to the development of international transport corridors, in particular the North-South and East-West international transport corridors, he added.

Mentioning the relevance of cooperation in the field of green energy and combating the consequences of climate change, the prime minister informed the meeting participants about Azerbaijan's successfully implemented renewable energy projects.

He also highlighted Azerbaijan's multilateral cooperation with its EAEU partners within the framework of regional and international organizations.

I consider it appropriate to note the platform of the Commonwealth of Independent States as a platform where our countries, as its members, effectively interact in a wide range of areas, Asadov concluded.

To note, Asadov arrived on a working visit to Minsk at the invitation of his Belarusian counterpart, Roman Golovchenko, on June 3.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Ed Seidel

Members of the public will find out more about the University of Wyomings presence in Johnson County, and UW alumni will connect with their alma mater during a UW in Your Community gathering Tuesday, June 18, in Buffalo.

The public is invited to the event from 5-7 p.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites, located at 85 U.S. Highway 16. Free appetizers will be served, and a cash bar will be available.

UW President Ed Seidel will be in attendance and speak during a brief program, highlighting the universitys collaborative efforts with the states community colleges to prepare students for the modern economy and boost entrepreneurism and the states economy, among other topics.

Also on the agenda:

-- Representatives of UWs School of Energy Resources, Christine Reed and Madeleine Lewis, will provide updates on key energy projects and activities in the western Powder River Basin.

-- Dan McCoy, interim director of UWs Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Initiative, will discuss its work in the area, including a tourism assessment of Johnson County conducted along with the Wyoming Office of Tourism.

-- Micah Most, of the UW Extension office in Johnson County, will discuss the offices activities.

Also scheduled to speak are current UW students from Johnson County -- Trevor Rasmuson and Lexi Rule.

The Buffalo gathering is the 17th in a series of UW in Your Community gatherings planned around the state.

This will be a great opportunity for community members to interact with President Seidel and others from UW, learn about exciting initiatives for students and the state, and see some of the collaborative work UW is doing with local partners, says Chad Baldwin, UWs associate vice president for marketing and communications. UW alumni and everyone across Johnson County are invited for what will be a fun and informative evening.
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.
U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order Tuesday sharply limiting the number of people requesting asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.

"President Biden believes we must secure our border," the White House said in a fact sheet released Tuesday. "That is why today he announced executive actions to bar migrants who cross our southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum."

According to administration officials, the order goes into effect once the weekly average of daily encounters reaches 2,500 among points of entry.

The order will prevent migrants who unlawfully cross the southern border from receiving asylum.

But the Biden administration said the actions are not permanent and will be in effect only when the southern border is overwhelmed.

"This action will help us gain control of our border and restore order to the process," Biden said Tuesday. "This ban will remain in place until the number of people trying to enter illegally is reduced to a level that our system can effectively manage."

The fact sheet added that there are also humanitarian exceptions to the order.

Avril Benoit, executive director of Doctors Without Borders, said in a Tuesday statement that the order will trap vulnerable people in insecure cities in Mexico, putting them in grave danger.

"In signing this executive order, President Biden has betrayed his promise to build a fair, safe and humane immigration system," she said. "This order is not only counter to U.S. law and international law, it puts people's lives and health at risk."

Biden is issuing the executive order under a section of the 72-year-old Immigration and Nationality Act known as 212(f), which gives a president broad authority to block entry into the country to any class of immigrants believed to be "detrimental to the interests of the United States."

Former U.S. President Donald Trump relied on Section 212(f) to enact some of his toughest actions on immigration, including the so-called "Muslim ban," in which he barred immigration and travel from seven predominantly Muslim nations, and a "zero tolerance" policy for illegal border crossings, leading to the separation of thousands of children from their parents. Trump has promised to resume hardline immigration policies if he is re-elected in November.

"We should be distinguishing ourselves from Donald Trump on immigration," Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal told The Washington Post. "We should be offering the contrast."

Biden is taking action after a bipartisan border security bill was rejected by most senate Republicans  and some Democrats  in February after Trump openly objected to it.

Republican Speaker Mike Johnson's office issued a statement saying the Secure Border Act passed by House Republicans over a year ago would have fixed the problem, but it did not have the support of Biden and Senate Democrats.

"President Biden's Executive Order is nothing more than a desperate political stunt to try and stabilize his plummeting poll numbers," he said in a joint Tuesday statement with Republicans Steve Scalise, Tom Emmer and Elise Stefanik.

But the White House says the president has acted to secure the border, while Congress has failed to act.

"Republicans in Congress chose to put partisan politics ahead of our national security, twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in decades," the White House said in the fact sheet.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Enhancing cooperation with law enforcement agencies of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) remains a top priority, Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan Kamran Aliyev said at the international "Digitalization and Integration in Law Enforcement Practice of Turkic States" conference, Trend reports.

The meeting emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with law enforcement agencies from fellow members of OTS. Shared historical roots, religion, and language were highlighted as key drivers for this collaboration.

The establishment of the OTS Council of Prosecutors General in Baku on November 1, 2021, was identified as a significant step forward. This council is expected to deepen cooperation and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts across member countries.

"The Councils, which bring together sectoral state institutions, are a commendable platform for the development of effective cooperation among Turkic states. Through these councils, cooperation among Turkic-speaking countries in all fields will be further deepened," the prosecutor general added.

To note, the Ministry of Justice and Prosecutor General's Office are hosting the Turkic Judicial Training Network (TJTN) International Conference on Digitalization and Integration in Law Enforcement Practice of Turkic States in Baku.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Thirty-five years after the Tiananmen Square protests and massacre captured the attention of a shocked world, the children of two victims of Chinas 1989 violent crackdown against democracy honor their parents legacies.

Zhang Hongyuan, 25, is currently in the Netherlands seeking political asylum. He fled there in April 2023, after authorities in Wuhan of China's Hubei province, threatened to arrest him for his public-interest activism. His advocacy followed the footsteps of his father, Zhang Yi, who was arrested 35 years ago when Chinese authorities put an end to public democratic rallies in Tiananmen Square and in many cities on June 4, 1989. He was then jailed for two years.

Zhang Hongyuan had started a career as a field engineer at the Dapu Power Plant in Meizhou city in Guangdong province. But he found himself on a different path in 2020, when he helped his father spread the word in Wuhan about the outbreak of COVID-19.

Later that year, he worked as a translator for a documentary by dissident visual artist Ai Weiwei. In 2022, Zhang Hongyuan recorded video footage in China of public protests against strict pandemic-related mass civilian lockdowns. His involvement in the White Paper Movement, as the citizens public expressions against the lockdowns became known, and another dissident, Yang Min's, act of seeking asylum abroad prompted him to flee China on short notice 15 months ago.

Grace Fang, now 23, immigrated to the U.S. at age eight. She did not learn until she turned 11 or 12 that her father, Zheng Fang, had his legs crushed by a Chinese military tank during the Tiananmen Square violence.

Grace Fang graduated in 2023 from Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Last June, she helped host a San Francisco Bay area event remembering the crackdown.

The Chinese government refers to the events at Tiananmen Square in June 1989 as a "counterrevolutionary riot" and downplays its severity. In China, discussion of the event in media or textbooks of the event is largely forbidden. The authorities regularly harass those at home or overseas who seek to keep the memory of the events alive.

Zhang Hongyuan told VOA he was raised in China by his father and forced to mature early, especially after Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping came to power in 2012. Zhang Hongyuan said authorities began to tighten control over the dissidents of the 1989 generation, which included his father, Zhang Yi.

Frequent police surveillance, house searches and detention had an effect on Zhang Yi, which in turn had an effect on his son.

"When I was a minor, other people's fathers went to the police station to pick up their sons, but I was a son who went to pick up my father. I did this a lot," Zhang Hongyuan said.

"It was precisely these things that prompted me to realize the inhuman side of totalitarian rule at a young age," he said, adding that it gave him the courage to echo the boy on bike during the Tiananmen movement, whose words became famous, and say, "Its my duty and I have to do something."

Zhang Yi was in Wuhan in 1989 and was attending public rallies in support of students nationwide when he was arrested on June 4. Zhang Yi spent two years in prison, convicted of assembling a crowd to disrupt traffic during that mid-1989 period of democratic expression.

"There was a big black spot on my father's back, Zhang Hongyuan said. He showed it to me when I was in junior high school and said it was caused by the beating by the guards, as well as the humid environment in the detention center. From that time on, I really began to understand June 4."

About 15 years ago, Zheng Fang and his daughter, Grace Fang immigrated to the U.S. He is now the president of the China Democracy Education Foundation in San Francisco.

Zheng Fang said he is proud that all his three daughters, including Grace who studied American environmental politics and earned a college degree, have a clear understanding of the Chinese Communist government. He told VOA that while Grace Fang has grown up to be an American, she understands the June 4 massacre first-hand and how China's repression had impacted the Chinese people including her family.

Grace Fang told VOA that she admires her father, who is a hero for standing publicly with the democratic movement in China in June 1989. But as someone who has fewer ties with China now, she can only help translate for her father during talks and presentations at which he shares his experience in China opposing state intimidation.

She said that while she is angered by what happened to her father, she has hope for the Chinese to have a better future.

"Although this historical event [June 4] was very cruel and the government was wrong in many ways, and the human rights situation [in China] was definitely not good, I no longer have hatred, and I just feel sad [about the truth] because I still hope that the Chinese people can have a better future," Grace Fang told VOA.

She said it is important that young Chinese are aware of recent history in China, especially about the Tiananmen Square period, because they have the right to know the truth about their country and government.

With hope, she said, that young Chinese in the future should have the opportunity to participate in their countrys social and political affairs and promote a more open and free China.

Adrianna Zhang from VOA's Mandarin Service contributed to this story.
Chinese state-run media say an uncrewed spacecraft is headed back to Earth after blasting off from the far side of the moon Tuesday.

The China National Space Administration says the ascender module of the Change-6 probe entered a preset lunar orbit shortly after liftoff, according to a report by the Xinhua news agency.

The Change-6 probe landed on the moons far side Sunday on the South Pole-Aitken Basin, a wide impact crater that is one of the largest in the solar system. The probe used a drill to collect materials below the surface and placed them in a container in the ascender probe.

The materials collected from the far side could provide clues about the origins of the moon and solar system because its craters have fewer ancient lava flows than the near side.

Chinese news reports say the probe raised the Chinese national flag during its brief stay. The probe remained in contact with ground controllers using a relay satellite placed into orbit in April.

Change-6 is the second Chinese probe to collect samples of lunar soil and rocks and bring them back to Earth, after Change-5 retrieved samples from the near side of the moon in 2005.

The Change lunar probes are part of Beijings ambitions to compete with traditional powers the United States and Russia in a new space race. China has established its own permanent crewed space station and plans to send a crewed mission to the moon by 2030.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse.
Authorities in China and Hong Kong are tightening control over civil society as people in more than a dozen cities around the world commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre on Tuesday.

Ahead of the anniversary, Hong Kong authorities arrested eight people over social media posts commemorating June Fourth, which the police claim were aimed at using an upcoming sensitive date to incite hatred against the Hong Kong government and contained seditious intentions.

Most prominent among those arrested is human rights lawyer Chow Hang-tung, who has been detained since 2021 for organizing an annual Tiananmen Vigil in Hong Kongs Victoria Park, which has been banned since Beijing imposed the controversial National Security Law on the former British colony in 2020.

Other individuals arrested by Hong Kong police include Chows mother and uncle and former members of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance, which used to organize the annual vigil and in which Chow served as vice chairwoman before its dissolution.

In addition to the eight people arrested for social media posts commemorating June Fourth, Hong Kong police detained performance artist Sanmu Chen Monday in the busy shopping district Causeway Bay, which was near Victoria Park.

Local media reports said Chen pretended to drink in front of a police van and write or draw in the air. This is the second year that Chen was detained by police on the eve of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

Instead of the now-prohibited Tiananmen vigil, several pro-Beijing community organizations are holding a food carnival from June 1 to June 5 at Victoria Park, a move that some activists characterized as ironic.

In China, authorities sentenced former Tiananmen Student leader Xu Guang to four years in jail on April 3 for demanding that the Chinese government acknowledge the massacre and for holding a sign calling for government compensation in front of a local police station in May 2022.

Apart from Xus jail sentences, some family members of Tiananmen victims or former Tiananmen student leaders have also been put under strict police surveillance ahead of Tuesdays anniversary, according to Human Rights Watch.

Chinese authorities have also censored a wide range of words, phrases, and even emojis due to their connection to the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

Chinese activist Li Ying, who became a prominent source of news during Chinas white paper movement in 2022, disclosed that Chinese authorities have banned the use of the candle emoji in China, which was commonly used for posts related to the Tiananmen Massacre.

Some analysts say the increased crackdown on civil society initiated by Hong Kong and Chinese authorities ahead of the Tiananmen anniversary reflects their attempt to remove memories related to the tragic event.

The Hong Kong government is sending a message that June Fourth is a clear national security red line for Hong Kong and they want to make sure there is no commemoration or no memory of June Fourth in public, Maya Wang, the interim China director at Human Rights Watch, told VOA by phone.

While the two national security laws that the Hong Kong government has implemented since 2020 have essentially outlawed public commemoration of June Fourth, Wang said some people in the city are still using veiled references to commemorate the event.

June Fourth continues to be a collective memory among people in Hong Kong and you do see some of them make veiled references to the date by wearing black or through other gestures, she said, adding that the effect of the authorities attempts to remove memories associated with June Fourth remains unclear.

A Christian newspaper in Hong Kong that used to release information about the Tiananmen vigils published an almost blank front page on Sunday as their response to the upcoming anniversary. Hong Kongs Roman Catholic Cardinal Stephen Chow called for forgiveness and vaguely referenced the Tiananmen anniversary in an article he published.

Despite the lack of public commemoration in China and Hong Kong, several cities around the world, including Tokyo, Paris, London, New York, Boston, and Taipei, have each organized events to commemorate the event, which occurred when government troops fired on student-led pro-democracy protestors on June 4, causing what are thought to be thousands of deaths.



Zhou Fengsuo, a former Tiananmen student leader, told VOA that the dozens of commemorative events abroad play an important role in pushing back against the Chinese governments efforts to erase memories related to the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

When the Chinese government tries to intensify crackdowns on the commemoration of June Fourth, more people in the diaspora community feel compelled to help organize or participate in commemorations of the tragic event around the world, he said in a phone interview.

Zhou has attended more than 20 Tiananmen commemorative events around the world this year and he said many events are organized or attended by young people or new immigrants from China.

I met a lot of Chinese people at the June Fourth Memorial Museum in New York, and they are all actively participating in this years commemorative events, he said.

As people around the world take part in commemorations of the Tiananmen Massacre, some activists say they remain hopeful that this decades-long tradition will be passed down to the next generation.

I was encouraged to see a lot of young people, including Japanese people, take part in the June Fourth commemoration in Tokyo, said Patrick Poon, a visiting researcher at the University of Tokyo, adding that young peoples involvement in the event made him believe the tradition will be continued.

Through the efforts to organize commemorations of the Tiananmen Square Massacre around the world, Wang at Human Rights Watch said the Tiananmen anniversary is helping to strengthen linkages among different groups in the diaspora community that focus on pushing back against the Chinese governments crackdown on civil society.

Through these linkages, there is a growing solidarity of resistance on the state, she told VOA.


Days before elections across European Union countries, hundreds of farmers traveled to Brussels from across Europe on Tuesday to protest EU green policies.

About 500 tractors assembled at the Atomium monument on the city outskirts, according to police. Around 1,200 demonstrators gathered, organized by the Dutch group Farmers Defense Force. Farmers traveled from the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, and Germany.

"We want Europe to put the Green Deal away because it's not realistic," said Bart Dickens, president of Farmers Defense Force's Belgian branch.

Recently, there have been a series of protests by farmers that have disrupted activity in Brussels. As of mid-afternoon Tuesday, there were no reports of vehicles blocking traffic.

There have been disruptions at a parallel protest in Poland, where farmers have blocked a border crossing to Ukraine to show solidarity for the demonstration in Brussels, according to police. Solidarity and the All Poland Alliance, OPZZ, the two largest farming unions in Poland, have said they were unaware of the protests.

"This protest will last three days...trucks traveling from Ukraine are blocked and 12 trucks are allowed to leave Poland between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.," said police spokesperson Malgorzata Pawlowska.

The Farmers Defense Force movement, which has focused on farmer grievances as the June polls approach, is considered close to the far-right. There were about a dozen speakers, including several hard-right figures from Polands nationalist Law and Justic and the Flemish Vlaams Belang. Coordination Rurale, the right-leaning farmers union in France, protested the environmental demands in the EUs Common Agricultural Policy, over-regulation, and free-trade deals.

Protests by farmers in Brussels earlier this year led to favorable concessions for the farmers.

Not all groups are participating in the current demonstration. Copa-Cogeca, the mainstream pan-European farming group, did not attend, despite being at prior protests. The farming association La Via Campesina also did not participate.

"We reject this attempt by small groups that have no concrete proposals to address farmers' issues to hijack farmer concerns to push their own party interests," said a spokesperson for Via Campesina.

The demonstrators have been given a specific edge of Brussels for their protest, and police have been deployed to block the farmers from entering the heart of the city.
A multinational operation by Interpol and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation cracked down on attempts in Moldova to sabotage one of the international police agency's key tools, the Red Notice system, officials said Tuesday. Four people were detained in the eastern European country.

The joint sting, which also involved cooperation with French and British authorities, uncovered an international criminal organization with ties to people in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus suspected of cybercrime, Moldova's anticorruption chief said.

The suspected individuals "paid intermediaries and public figures in Moldova to inform wanted criminals of [their] Red Notice status," Veronica Dragalin, the anticorruption chief, told reporters.

The notice flags people deemed fugitives to law enforcement worldwide and is one of Interpol's most important tools. The investigation led to the detention of four people for 72 hours on suspicion of interfering with the notices, Dragalin said.

The scheme sought to have people subject to Red Notices "obtain asylum or refugee status" in Moldova and other countries "with the aim of blocking and deleting" the notices by bribing public officials, she said.

The sums of money involved, she said, amount to several million dollars.

Interpol said the operation by the international policing agency, headquartered in Lyon, France, followed the detection of attempts to "block and delete" the notices.

Moldova opened an investigation on April 2, after receiving information from France's National Financial Prosecutor's Office, and subsequently requested the assistance of the FBI.

"We are committed to fighting high-level corruption in all of its forms, particularly those schemes that put in jeopardy criminal investigations worldwide," Dragalin said.

A statement from Interpol said the agency has taken steps to prevent further "misuse of its systems."

"Our robust monitoring systems identified suspicious activity," said Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock. "We took immediate action, including reporting the issue to law enforcement authorities in our host country, France."

Stock highlighted the number of individuals subject to Red Notices  more than 70,000 people  but did not elaborate on the attempted sabotage.
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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused China of pressuring other countries to not attend an upcoming Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland later this month, a summit Vice President Kamala Harris will attend according to a statement released Monday. Hundreds of millions of European Union citizens will be able to vote June 6-9 to choose the 720 members of the next European Parliament. Young Europeans reflect on past promises and future hopes for the bloc, two decades since most of the countries in Central and Eastern Europe joined the EU in 2004.
Lawyers are making opening statements Tuesday in the federal gun case against President Joe Biden's son Hunter in a trial that is expected to feature testimony from his exes and highly personal details about his struggle with addiction.

Hunter Biden has been charged 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.

Hunter Biden arrived at the courthouse with this wife, Melissa, on Tuesday morning, emerging from an SUV. First lady Jill Biden and his sister Ashley Biden joined him again in the courtroom.

The proceedings come 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 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 trial is unfolding just days after Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City. The two criminal cases are unrelated, but their proximity underscores how the courts have taken center stage during the 2024 campaign.

Jury selection moved at a clip Monday in the president's home state, where Hunter Biden grew up and where, the elder Biden often says, the family is deeply established. Joe Biden spent 36 years as a senator in Delaware, commuting daily back and forth from Washington, D.C.

People just know the story of how Biden's two young sons, Hunter and Beau, were injured in the car accident that killed his wife and baby girl in the early 1970s. And Beau Biden was the former state attorney general before he died at age 46 from cancer.

Some prospective jurors were dismissed because they knew the family personally, others because they held both positive and negative political views about the Bidens and couldn't be impartial. Still, it took only a day to find the jury of six men and six women plus four women serving as alternates, who will decide the case.

One potential juror who was sent home 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 said.

Another was excused because he was aware of the case and said, "It seems like politics is playing a big role in who gets charged with what and when."

But much of the questioning focused on drug use, addiction and gun ownership, as attorneys sought to test prospective jurors' knowledge of the case, and dismiss those with strong thoughts on drug use, or who might want to regulate firearms  some of the very people Biden counts as constituents.

The panel of 12 was chosen out of roughly 65 people. Their names were not made public.

Hunter Biden also faces a trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. Both cases were to have been resolved through the 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 could not come to a resolution on her questions, and the deal fell apart. Attorney General Merrick Garland then appointed the top investigator, a former U.S. attorney for Delaware, David Weiss, as a special counsel in August, and a month later Hunter Biden was indicted.

Opening statements come as Garland faces members of the Republican-led House judiciary committee in Washington, which has been investigating the president and his family and whose chairman has been at the forefront of a stalled impeachment inquiry stemming from Hunter Biden's business dealings.

The Delaware trial isn't about Hunter Biden's foreign business affairs, though the proceedings were likely to dredge up dark, embarrassing and painful memories.

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. And the president must do so while he's campaigning under anemic poll numbers and preparing for an upcoming presidential debate with Trump.

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 he 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 first lady sat in court all day Monday, her 73rd birthday, watching the proceedings quietly from the front row behind the defense table, as did Hunter Biden's wife, Melissa, and his sister Ashley. The president was nearby most of the day, camped at their Wilmington home. He departed after court adjourned for a campaign reception in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Aboard Air Force One on Monday night, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked if the case might affect the president's ability to do his job, and she replied, "Absolutely not."

"He always puts the American people first and is capable of doing his job," said Jean-Pierre, who declined to say if Biden got updates on the trial throughout the day or spoke to his son after the proceedings concluded.

Biden was traveling to France on Tuesday evening and will be gone the rest of the week. The first lady is scheduled to join him later this week.

The case against Hunter Biden stems from a period when, by his own public admission, he was addicted to crack. His descent followed the 2015 death of his brother 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.

If convicted, Hunter Biden 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.

Trump is set to be sentenced on July 11 by Judge Juan M. Merchan, who raised the specter of jail time during the trial after the former president racked up thousands of dollars in fines for violating a gag order.
The war in Gaza is shaking Muslim Americans political loyalties ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November.

Disenchanted by President Joe Bidens embrace of Israel, many Democratic-leaning Muslims who once backed him are now vowing to withdraw their endorsement.

But its not just Muslim Democrats abandoning their once-preferred candidate. Some Muslim Republicans are also wavering amidst their own party's support of Israel.

Mo Nehad, a Pakistani American Republican activist in Fort Bend County, Texas, has seen up close the political effects of the Gaza conflict on Muslim American voting.

In late 2020, Nehad, who is a small-business owner, police officer and military warrant officer, helped found a grassroots group in a bid to engage the local Muslim community with the Republican Party.

Initially focused on opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and mask mandates, the group, called Muslim Americans of Texas, soon found a new cause: a conservative backlash to sex and gender education policies in local schools.

"We were essentially trying to tell the Muslim community, regardless of what has happened in the past overseas, let's focus on national topics and events," Nehad said in an interview. And when you compare what traditionally a Democratic-elected president has done and a Republican-elected president has done [on national issues], a Republican-elected president is much better for the Muslims.

The advocacy paid off, he said. While the Fort Bend County Muslim community remained solidly Democratic, a small number started crossing party lines, mirroring a pattern seen across the country.

"These are people who go to the same masjid as I do, people who are in the same home-school groups," he said.

Then the war in Gaza broke out after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, testing the political allegiance of Muslim Democrats and Republicans alike, with both viewing their parties as equally pro-Israel.

Many Muslim Americans who had overwhelmingly voted for Biden in 2020 fumed over the presidents support for an Israeli military campaign that has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians.

Earlier this year, a group of progressive Muslim activists launched a campaign they labeled #AbandonBiden, inducing hundreds of thousands of voters to vote uncommitted in key Democratic primaries in Michigan and elsewhere. Members were also threatening not to vote for Biden in November.

Republican-leaning Muslims, fewer in number, have not been as vocal. While many are backing their party, its equally staunch support of Israel has alienated some, according to Muslim activists and experts.

Nehad said that while he intends to vote for former President Donald Trump in November, some Republican Muslims are reconsidering their stance and even going back to the Democratic Party, drawn by that partys stronger criticism of Israeli actions.

They dont want to vote for Republican candidates because the Republican candidates do not want to go ahead and openly denounce what Israel is doing, Nehad said.

Drift to GOP stalls

Youssef Chouhoud, a political science professor at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, said the war in Gaza appears to have paused if not blunted the recent Muslim drift to the GOP.

Had the war not occurred, he said that as many as 40% of Muslim Americans would have voted for the Republican presidential nominee in November.

I was fully expecting that, Chouhoud, who studies Muslim American voting behavior, said.

Now, he said he is not so sure.

I wouldnt be surprised if upwards of 40% are voting third party or otherwise testing some vote that is not a two-party vote, he said.

A recent poll by the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee and The Truth Project showed that only 7% of Arab American voters plan to vote for Biden and 2% for Trump, with Green Party candidate Jill Stein receiving 25%.

How the Muslim vote will influence the outcome of the presidential contest between Biden and Trump remains uncertain.

Numbering about 3.5 million, Muslims make up just 1% of the U.S. population. In tight races in swing states with large Muslim populations, though, their vote could potentially sway the outcome of the election.

But American Muslims are a diverse lot, with interests and priorities often as varied as the general electorate. While anger over the Gaza conflict may have unified the community, it is not the only issue driving their voting decision, said Saher Selod, director of research for the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, a Muslim American research group in Dearborn, Michigan.

We need to know if [some Muslim voters] are centering this issue as a major driving force in terms of how they're going to vote," Selod said in an interview. "Other groups, while they might support a cease-fire, have other issues that that they're going to vote on."

VOA asked both the Biden and Trump campaigns about their outreach to Muslim Americans and any steps to assuage their concerns over the Gaza war.

In a statement, a Biden campaign spokesperson said, The President shares the goal of a just and lasting peace in the region. Hes working tirelessly to that end.

In a separate statement, the campaigns Michigan director said the Biden team is in contact with Arab American and Muslim groups in Detroit and Dearborn. Both cities have large Muslim populations.

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. The campaign has not publicly reached out to the Muslim community on the war in Gaza, but Trumps son-in-law, Michael Boulos, and a former Trump administration official recently met with a group of Arab Americans and Middle Eastern leaders in Michigan.

Historical patterns

Historically, Muslim American voters have oscillated between the two major political parties. Socially conservative, most voted Republican in the 1980s and 1990s, leading some party activists to hail them as natural allies. In 2000, a majority backed Republican George W. Bush.

That changed after the attacks of Sept. 11, as the Bush administrations increased scrutiny of the community amid its war on terror sent Muslims flocking to the Democratic Party. In every presidential election since 2004, Muslims have favored the Democratic nominee.

But with memories of 9/11 fading in recent years, some Muslims began to shift back to the Republican Party, driven by shared conservative values such as opposition to abortion, gay marriage and LGBTQ-inclusive policies in schools.

"This is the social conservatism within this community kind of creeping up to the surface and guiding political decisions in light of a lot of marquee policy debates," Chouhoud said.

Some polls confirm this recent voting trend.

In October 2020, an Institute for Social Policy and Understanding poll found 30% of Muslims approved of Trump's job performance, up from 13% in 2018.

In November 2020, an Associated Press exit poll found that 64% supported Biden and 35% backed Trump.

Other polls showed a more modest increase in Muslim support for Trump.

Muslim support for Republican candidates continued into 2022. During that year's midterm elections, 28% of Muslims voted Republican, up from 17% during the 2018 midterms, while 70% voted Democratic, down from 81%.

Today, the Muslim voter base is firmly rooted in the Democratic Party, though a significant slice leans Republican.

A recent Pew Research poll found that 66% of Muslim voters are Democrats or lean Democratic, while 32% are Republicans or lean Republican.

Three previous polls conducted by Pew had all shown lower-level numbers of Republican or Republican-leaning Muslim voters, according to Besheer Mohamed, a senior Pew researcher.

There are certain issues where Muslims tend to align more with the Republican Party, Mohamed said, noting positive views of religion and skepticisms toward LGBTQ issues. Then there are other issues where thats not the case.

Nehad, once an independent voter, is now a Republican. His political pivot came after he ran unsuccessfully as a Democratic candidate for constable where he said he felt pressured to champion policies that clashed with his religious convictions.

This year, he stood as a Republican candidate for Fort Bend County sheriff.

Everything the Republican Party stands for, 70% of it aligns with my beliefs and values, Nehad said, in a drawl honed over more than 25 years of living in the Lone Star state. But when I compare the same with the Democratic Party, its only maybe 20 or 40%, if that.

Zahoor Gire, another co-founder of the Muslim Americans of Texas, said Muslim Americans share conservative Republican values such as strong families, traditional marriage, traditional gender roles and opposition to abortion.

I had family members of my own that had voted Democratic before and are now voting Republican, Gire said.

Underscoring the renewed Muslim embrace of the Republican Party, he said a record eight Republican Muslim candidates have run for office in Texas this year.

So that shows you the willingness of people to embrace this party and then run for office through this partys platform, Gire said.

To many Muslim Republicans, Trump is not the anti-Muslim politician as he is seen by others. Theyve defended his so-called Muslim ban as a necessary national security measure rather than a religiously motivated injunction.

But the Gaza war has become the main issue for Muslims in America, Gire said. And with Trump urging Israel earlier this year to finish what they started, his perceived support of Israel at the expense of Palestinians is giving some Muslim Republicans pause.

Asked if he will support Trump in November, Gire said, "We need to see very specifically what his foreign policies will be, what his stance towards Muslim Americans will be.
Nigerian workers' unions launched a nationwide strike protesting the failure to implement a new minimum wage to help workers cope with the high cost of living amid economic reforms.

The strike began Monday morning following a notice by the Nigerian Labor Congress and the Trade Union Congress  the NLC and TUC respectively  on Friday.

There was widespread compliance as workers across various sectors abstained from duty.

Union representatives said the strike was triggered after weeks of failed negotiations to implement a new minimum wage.

The unions had proposed $370 as the new monthly minimum wage, citing soaring costs of living caused by government policies.

NLC spokesperson Benson Upah said unions have been patient with authorities.

"As far as we know, no government has been this lucky," Upah said. "And for our uncommon understanding and patience with this administration, we have been called names. Yet this government does not want to wake up."

Nigerias government is proposing about $49 dollars as the new minimum wage up from about $24.

Authorities have condemned the nationwide strike calling it illegal and unnecessary.

On Sunday, a Nigerian senate committee met with the unions in a bid to settle the dispute. But after long negotiations, the NLC and TUC said they failed to reach an agreement.

After Sunday's meeting with unions, Senate president Godswill Akpabio told journalists whatever agreement is reached "will be mutually beneficial to all, both the government and the workers."

In May 2023, President Bola Tinubu introduced economic reforms including the scrapping of fuel subsidy and currency unification with the aim of boosting the economy.

But the policies have been blamed for raising the cost of living, sparking strikes by workers who want policies reversed or a higher minimum wage.

Upah said the government is implementing foreign policies without considering Nigeria's needs.

"We do not know who the beneficiaries of these policies are, because we the workers are dying. Manufacturers are dying. Other entities are dying," he said. "No reasonable government leaves their national currency to the stumps of the market. They do something behind the scenes quietly. But we took a dictation from the World Bank, IMF, hook, line and sinker."
A rare fossil of an adolescent Tyrannosaurus rex has been excavated in North Dakota's badlands  a find noteworthy for the scientific insight it may offer into the life history of this famous dinosaur and for the tale of the kids who found it.

The discovery of the fossil, nicknamed "Teen Rex," was announced on Tuesday by the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where it will be studied and displayed.

In July 2022, brothers Liam and Jessin Fisher, 7 and 10 at the time, and their cousin, Kaiden Madsen, who was 9, were hiking and looking for fossils with Sam Fisher, father of Liam and Jessin, on land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management about 10 miles (16 km) from the town of Marmarth in southwestern North Dakota. Liam and his father noticed a large leg bone sticking out of the ground.

"My dad hollered for Jessin and Kaiden to come, and they came running," said Liam, now 9. "And dad asked, 'What is this?' And Jessin said, 'That's a dinosaur.'"

"I didn't know what type," said Jessin, now 12.

Sam Fisher texted a picture to paleontologist Tyler Lyson, a Marmarth native and his former high school classmate who now is curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Lyson obtained excavation permits, and in July 2023 everyone returned to the site.

Initially, it appeared that the leg belonged to a plant-eating duckbilled dinosaur.

"However, on day one of the excavation, Jessin and I uncovered the lower jaw with several big T. rex teeth sticking out of it," Lyson said.

"It still gives me goosebumps," Lyson added.

"I was completely, like, speechless," said Kaiden, now 11.

Tyrannosaurus, which roamed western North America, was one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs.

It appears this Tyrannosaurus was about 13-15 years old, two-thirds adult size, 25 feet (7.6 meters) long and 3,500 pounds (1,600 kg). T. rex was fully grown at around 18-21 years. Perhaps the largest-known Tyrannosaurus, a specimen named Sue at the Field Museum in Chicago, is 40-1/2 feet (12.3 meters) long.

This individual lived about 67 million years ago, near the Cretaceous Period's end. Tyrannosaurus and the rest of the dinosaurs, aside from their bird descendants, were wiped out 66 million years ago after an asteroid struck Earth.

The fossil comes from the Hell Creek Formation region that "preserves Earth's last dinosaur ecosystem" right before the mass extinction, Lyson said. Based on the soft sandstone in which it was found, the animal's body apparently ended up on a sandbar in an ancient river system.

The completeness of the skeleton remains unclear because a lot of the bones remain embedded inside a three-ton chunk of rock, now being studied at the museum. It appears there is a lot of the skull, the hipbone and some vertebrae in addition to the leg, Lyson said.

Tyrannosaurus had a massive head and tremendous bite force, walked on two legs, and had puny arms with just two fingers. A younger Tyrannosaurus had a different body type than an adult  more gracile and speedier, and with a skull that was more streamlined  and may have hunted different prey, reducing competition with its elders.

"Juvenile T. rexes were much more lightly built, with long gangly legs, but without the large mass of adult T. rexes," Lyson said.

Having juvenile specimens helps reveal the Tyrannosaurus growth rate and body changes during maturation, Lyson said. Only a handful of such fossils are available for study. It appears this one is slightly larger than another juvenile Tyrannosaurus fossil called "Jane" at the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois, Lyson said.

A minority of paleontologists think Tyrannosaurus lived alongside a smaller cousin called Nanotyrannus, based on fossils that most paleontologists believe represent Tyrannosaurus juveniles. Lyson said the new fossil could shed light on that issue.

A documentary crew was present during the excavation, with the film "T. REX" set to be released on June 21.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has conveyed condolences to Turkiye over a military training airplane crash, Trend reports via the ministry's X account.

We are deeply saddened by the news of the plane crash in the city of Kayseri in our brotherly nation, Turkiye. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the pilots who lost their lives and to the entire people of Turkiye, the ministry said in a publication.

To note, a military training plane crashed in Turkiye today, and two pilots were confirmed dead.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
There are new warnings about potential attacks aimed at disrupting the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris, including the potential for more terror plots like the one disrupted last week by French officials.

A report released Tuesday by the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future states that despite a high likelihood of cyberattacks, the greatest risk to the Paris Games will come from in-person threats instead of from cyberspace.

We assess that physical security threats  including terrorism, violent extremism, civil unrest and disruptive protests  pose the greatest risk of harm and disruption, the report from Recorded Futures Insikt Group said.

Terrorists and violent extremists  particularly IS [Islamic State] and al-Qaida supporters in France and neighboring European countries  will almost certainly continue to plot and incite violent attacks targeting the Paris Olympics, the report added. Though extensive security infrastructure in place for the event will make a successful mass-casualty attack very unlikely.

The warning from Insikt Group comes as French authorities have already announced the disruption of at least two terror plots targeting the upcoming Games.

In late April, French anti-terrorism forces arrested a 16-year-old from the town of Marignier after he announced on social media that he planned to build an explosive belt and die as a suicide bomber at an Olympic venue.

And just last week, French security officials arrested an 18-year-old, charging him of planning an attack in the name of IS at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne.

Additionally, Insikt Group warns that IS has been pumping out propaganda, urging its supporters to recreate the November 2015 series of terrorist attacks in Paris that included a suicide bombing at the Stade de France  the main venue for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

And while there is no convincing evidence yet of any large-scale plot against the upcoming Olympics, the terror group has been inciting supporters across Western Europe to carry out attacks by leveraging connections through the internet and social media.

U.S. officials further warn the IS groups Afghan affiliate, known as IS-Khorasan or ISIS-K, has been building momentum from its deadly attacks on Kerman, Iran, in January and on a Moscow concert hall in March.

We see the ISIS network sort of resettling after a period of disquiet, National Counterterrorism Center Director Christine Abizaid warned during a security forum last month in Doha.

This ability of the global ISIS enterprise, even without territorial solidity, the ability to reach out virtually to a network of supporters, some of whom are going to conduct attacks, is quite concerning, she said, calling ISIS-Ks ability to reestablish itself in Afghanistan probably the most significant additive capability weve seen to the global ISIS network in the last three years.

There are also concerns that other extremists could be motivated by the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, a U.S. designated terror group that has controlled Gaza since 2006.

Tuesdays report by Insikt Group calls potential attacks targeting Israelis or Americans due to the war in Gaza very unlikely but within the realm of possibility.

Groups connected to Iran, including the Lebanese Hezbollah terror group or supporters of various Palestinian terror organizations would likely view the Paris Olympics as an attractive venue, the report said, though it emphasized it had not identified any intelligence suggesting such groups are preparing to act.

Cyber threats

In addition to the potential for various groups to attempt to carry out physical attacks on the Paris Games, Insikt Group warns that hackers, sometimes working for criminal enterprises and other times working for other countries, are likely to target the Olympics.

Cyber threats to the Olympics include disruptive cyberattacks by various hacktivist groups as well as ransomware attacks, cyber espionage and influence operations.

Russia, China and Iran are likely to leverage Olympic-themed phishing lures or infrastructure to carry out espionage activities during the Paris Olympics, according to the report.

Networks based in Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan are also likely to work overtly and covertly to amplify narratives critical of France, NATO and Israel, the report said.
The national security trial of pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong was adjourned Monday after his legal team told the court that he felt unwell.

Lai, 76, has been detained since late 2020. He has pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiring to publish seditious materials.

Lai founded the now-defunct, pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, which the government forced to shutter in 2021. If convicted under the national security law, the British national faces life in prison.

Lais appearance in court on Monday marked the 87th day of the trial. His lawyer Robert Pang told the court that Lai was not well, according to media reports.

Lai had visited a doctor on Sunday night and been prescribed painkillers, Pang told the court. The lawyer asked whether Lai could take leave from the court to visit the doctor again.

High Court judge Esther Toh agreed, noting Lais age, and adjourned court proceedings until Tuesday.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher, who is leading Lais international legal team, expressed concern about Lai in a post on the social media platform X. Noting that the publisher has been in solitary confinement for more than three years, she wrote, Its long past time to #FreeJimmyLai.

The trial and case against Lai have been criticized by the United Nations and foreign governments, including the United States.

Media watchdogs and rights groups say the trial has come to symbolize the rapid deterioration of press freedom in Hong Kong following the introduction of Beijings controversial national security law in 2020.

Hong Kong ranks 135 out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index. Reporters Without Borders, which compiles the index, says that Hong Kong was once a bastion of press freedom but that the region has suffered an unprecedented series of setbacks since Beijing introduced the national security law.

The Chinese government and Hong Kong officials have rejected criticism that the law is harming the media environment. Hong Kong officials have also denied that Lais trial is bogus.
Russia's foreign minister said Tuesday that any French military instructors in Ukraine training Ukraine soldiers would be a "legitimate target" for Russian strikes.

"Regardless of their status, military officials or mercenaries represent a legitimate target for our armed forces," Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday. He said he thought French instructors were "already on the Ukrainian territory."

Ukraine's top military commander said last week that Ukraine was preparing for the trainers' imminent arrival.

However, French President Emmanuel Macron would not confirm that or comment on what he called "rumors or decision that could be made."

Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, said Tuesday that "instructors who train the Kyiv regime's troops don't have any sort of immunity, and it doesn't matter whether they are French or not."

On an African diplomatic tour, Lavrov made his remarks at a news conference in the Republic of Congo.

Russia has launched most of its battles and its heaviest attacks in Ukraine's Donetsk region, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his daily address Tuesday.

The president said Ukraine is doing whatever is necessary to make Russia understand that Ukraine has "the means to respond to any attempt to expand the war and increase pressure on Ukraine."

Zelenskyy also said drones are of the utmost importance in its fight to beat back Russia. "In this war, it has been proven, and especially by our warriors, that drones can give the advantage and help regain the initiative," he said.

Falling debris damages buildings

In Ukraine on Tuesday, officials said a Russian missile attack hit the central city of Dnipro, injuring at least seven people.

Ukraine's air force said it shot down two Iskander-K cruise missiles in the area.

Serhiy Lysak, the regional governor, said on Telegram that falling debris from the downed missiles damaged residential buildings and a hospital.

The Ukrainian military also reported destroying two drones over the Chernihiv region. There were no reports of injuries or damage there.

Russia's defense ministry said Tuesday it destroyed a Ukrainian drone over the Belgorod region.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the regional governor of Belgorod, said in Telegram that Ukraine used a kamikaze drone in an attack that hit a car in the village of Yasnye Zori, but caused no injuries.

US to attend peace summit

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 the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine's effort to secure a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of the United Nations 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.

Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk called Tuesday for an end to violence in the occupied West Bank, condemning the Israeli security forces and settlers for the deaths of more than 500 Palestinians since October 7.

The killing, destruction and widespread human rights violations are unacceptable, and must cease immediately, Turk said in a press release. Israel must not only adopt but enforce rules of engagement that are fully in line with applicable human rights norms and standards.

The high commissioner said the U.N. human rights office has monitored more than 80 cases which indicate the security forces have consistently violated international human rights law with unnecessary and disproportionate use of lethal force.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli security forces.

The Reuters news agency cited Israel's diplomatic mission in Geneva as saying its actions in the West Bank were in response to what the mission described as a drastic increase in attacks.

"Israel will continue to operate against Palestinian terrorism, from wherever it emanates, in line with international law, to protect and defend our population," it said.

The U.N. human rights office told Reuters that at least 490 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces and 10 people killed by settlers.

Israels Western allies have urged Israel to take further measures to stop settler violence. Some countries, including the United States, have imposed sanctions on violent settlers.

Violence surged in the West Bank after Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages. Israel's retaliatory bombardments and ground offensive in Gaza have killed at least 36,400 people, mostly civilians, according to the territorys Hamas-run health ministry.

The U.N. human rights office says since October 7, Israeli security forces have executed at least 29 militarized operations, involving airstrikes by unmanned aerial vehicles and the firing of ground-to-ground missiles on refugee camps and other high-populated areas, in which 164 Palestinians have been killed, including 35 children.

The violence by the IDF and Israeli settlers, against the backdrop of the scale of killing and destruction continuing in Gaza, have instilled fear and insecurity among Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, Turk said.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters.
A local election in northeast Syria scheduled for next week is raising mounting concerns inside and outside the war-torn country.

The voting, planned for June 11, will be held in parts of Syria that are controlled by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF. The de facto autonomous region is governed by the Kurdish-led Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

The SDF has been a major U.S. partner in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) terror group. The group made major military gains after the territorial defeat of IS militants in 2019 and now controls nearly one-third of Syrias territory.

But Turkey, a NATO ally, considers the SDF and its political entities to be an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a militant group labeled as terrorist by Ankara and Washington.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is threatening military action if Kurdish groups in Syria go ahead with the elections.

"We are closely following the terrorist organization's aggressive actions against the territorial integrity of our country and Syria under the pretext of an election, Erdogan said during a public ceremony last week.

Turkey will never allow a separatist organization to establish a terrorist entity in northern Syria and Iraq.  We have done what needs to be done before in the face of fait accompli, and we will not hesitate to take action if we encounter the same situation, the Turkish leader said, referring to Turkish military offensives against Kurdish fighters in Iraq and Syria.

The United States has also said the time is not right for holding any elections in Syria.

"Any elections that occur in Syria should be free, fair, transparent and inclusive, as called for in UNSCR 2254, and we dont think that the conditions for such elections are in place in northeast Syria in present time, State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said in a statement posted May 31 by the U.S. Embassy in Syria on social media platform X.

In 2015, the U.N. Security Council adopted Resolution 2254 to end the Syrian conflict by pursuing a political transition.

We have conveyed this to a range of actors in northeast Syria, including the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North East Syria (DAANES), and urged them not to proceed with elections at this time, Patel said in the statement.

But Kurdish officials say holding local elections in northeast Syria doesnt conflict with implementation of the U.N. resolution.

The Security Councils resolution refers to general elections in Syria. In our case, were only talking about municipal elections, said Luqman Ehme, a leading member of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political wing of the SDF.

This election is an opportunity for people to choose their representatives who can provide essential services at the local level in northeast Syria. A political settlement for all of Syria might not be possible in the next 10 years. So, its not feasible to wait that long for simply holding local elections, he told VOA.

Amy Austin Holmes, a research professor of international affairs at The George Washington University, said supporting free elections in northeast Syria is something the U.S. should do.

The United States has a long history of supporting free and fair elections around the world  including in divided societies like West Germany during the Cold War. The U.S. supported elections in West Germany as key to transitioning to democracy, even as East Germany remained in the Soviet orbit. The regime-held parts of Syria are supported by Russia. This is all the more reason for the United States to support free and fair elections in the Northeast, she told VOA.

Mesut Yegen, a political scientist at the Istanbul-based Reform Institute, said he didnt expect that statements from Turkey and the U.S. could lead to a postponement of the elections in northeast Syria.

"There is very little time until June 11, and if held, I do not expect Turkey to intervene militarily, he told VOA.

Four Kurdish parties in Syria filed a request on Tuesday asking the local election commission to delay the vote. They had previously announced their intention to participate in the election.

Turkey-backed Syrian opposition groups have also opposed the vote, calling for protests against it in areas controlled by the Turkish military and its Syrian allies in northern Syria.

The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has not publicly commented on the matter.

VOAs Mahmut Bozarslan in Diyarbakir, Turkey, and Zana Omer in Qamishli, Syria, contributed to this story, which originated in VOAs Kurdish Service.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday staunchly defended the Justice Department, rejecting claims by Republican lawmakers that he had politicized the criminal justice system to stop Donald Trump from becoming president again.

Garland, the countrys top law enforcement official, told the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee he would not allow politics to interfere with the Justice Department's independent criminal investigations. He accused Republican critics of the agency of peddling conspiracy theories that could endanger federal law enforcement officers.

"I will not be intimidated, and the Justice Department will not be intimidated, Garland said. We will continue to do our jobs free from political influence, and we will not back down from defending our democracy."

Garlands appearance before a congressional panel was his first since a New York state court jury last week convicted Trump of 34 felony counts of illegally trying to influence the outcome of his successful 2016 run for the White House. Trump was accused of falsifying his business records to keep voters from learning about a hush money payment to a porn film star who claimed to have had a one-night sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier.

Trump denied the liaison and all charges against him, but now faces a July 11 sentencing in which he could be placed on probation or imprisoned for up to four years.

Trump still faces 54 charges in three other state and federal criminal cases  two brought by special counsel Jack Smith, a Justice Department employee, over Trumps efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and his mishandling of classified documents  and a state case in Georgia also tied to his actions trying to upend the 2020 result.

All three cases are tied up in legal wrangling, possibly leaving the New York verdict as the only one decided before Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential candidate, faces President Joe Biden in the November 5 election.

Some Republicans have vowed to try to defund Smiths two investigations of Trump, currently an unlikely prospect with Democrats controlling the Senate and Biden in the White House. Trump, if he wins election, could order his attorney general to drop the charges against him.

"Many Americans believe there is now a double standard in our justice system," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan said on Tuesday. "They believe that because there is."

Garland assailed Republicans for threatening to defund Smith's investigations and also accused them of making "false claims that a jury verdict [against Trump] in a state trial brought by a local district attorney was somehow controlled by the Justice Department.

"That conspiracy theory is an attack on the judicial process itself," he said.

Republican Representative Matt Gaetz on Tuesday repeatedly asked Garland whether he had "dispatched" former Justice Department official Matthew Colangelo to work with the team of New York City prosecutors who tried the case against Trump.

Colangelo, who left the department to work for New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg, gave the opening statement in Trump's criminal trial and questioned some witnesses in the case.

"It's false," Garland replied. "I did not dispatch Mr. Colangelo anywhere."

Democratic lawmakers rejected the claim that the Justice Department only targets Republicans, noting that three prominent Democrats currently are facing criminal indictments, including Bidens son Hunter, whose trial on a federal gun charge started this week. He faces tax charges in September. In addition to Hunter Biden, Senator Robert Menendez is on trial on federal bribery charges, and Representative Henry Cuellar also faces a bribery indictment.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with top Cambodian officials Tuesday to discuss resuming joint military training programs, amid growing concerns about the Southeast Asian countrys ties with China.

"We had substantive conversations about ways to strengthen U.S.-Cambodian defense ties, and I'm looking forward to further dialogue," Austin said in a post on the social media site, X.

Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder said Austins talks with Cambodian leaders included restarting military training on disaster assistance and U.N. peacekeeping, as well unexploded ordnance clearance and de-mining.

Austin had separate meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen, who is the father of Hun Manet and served as the premier for 38 years. He also met with Defense Minister Tea Seiha.

There is measured optimism in Washington that Hun Manet will align more closely with the United States than his father, who served as prime minister until last year. Hun Sen valued a close relationship with China.

Last month, China and Cambodia kicked off annual military drills with a stated goal to strengthen cooperation and trust between the countries forces. The countries have held their annual drills, called Golden Dragon, together since 2016. Cambodias government called off similar military exercises with the U.S. in January 2017.

China has helped Cambodia finance new military equipment and assisted with upgrades to military facilities such as the Ream Naval Base, on the coast of southwestern Cambodia.

The United States and international security analysts have expressed concern about Chinas involvement in the base, warning the spot could become a strategic outpost for Beijing's navy.

Two Chinese warships have been docked at a new pier of the naval base since December. Cambodias defense ministry said last month that the five-month-long presence of the ships does not indicate the permanent deployment of Chinese forces.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
U.S. President Joe Biden, increasingly critical of Israel's conduct of its war against Hamas militants in Gaza and a mounting Palestinian death toll, said in an interview published Tuesday that there is "every reason" to believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dragged out the conflict to save himself politically.

But when asked later Tuesday whether Netanyahu was playing politics with the war, Biden seemed to backtrack, telling reporters, "I don't think so. He's trying to work out a serious problem he has."

Last week, Biden announced an Israeli proposal for a Gaza cease-fire and pushed for global support of it. Hamas has yet to agree to it, and Netanyahu has been reserved in his comments about it, prompting Biden's remark to Time magazine about Israel's prime minister dragging out the war.

Netanyahu on Monday downplayed the immediate prospects for a cease-fire in the war with Hamas in Gaza, saying that a deal was a partial outline.

As the war nears the eight-month mark, the Israeli leader faces conflicting demands: Biden and other world leaders urge him to end the conflict, while right-wing lawmakers in the Israeli parliament say they will upend Netanyahu's government if he agrees to a cease-fire without first erasing the last vestiges of Hamas control in Gaza.

Hamas said Tuesday it cannot agree to any deal unless Israel makes a "clear" commitment to a permanent cease-fire and a complete withdrawal of troops from Gaza. Netanyahu has often said Israeli forces will not leave Gaza without eliminating all Hamas elements from the territory.

Qatar, which alongside the United States and Egypt has been mediating Hamas-Israel talks in Cairo, has also urged Israel to provide a clear position on its intentions, one that has the backing of its entire government to reach a deal.

Biden acknowledged that he and Netanyahu have had tense relations as the death toll in Gaza has soared past the 36,000 mark  a figure that includes both civilians and combatants.

They are particularly at odds over whether a revitalized Palestinian Authority should govern Gaza after the war, which the United States favors, and Netanyahu rejects without offering a detailed plan of his own.

"My major disagreement with Netanyahu is, what happens after ... Gaza's over? What, what does it go back to? Do Israeli forces go back in?" Biden asked rhetorically.

"The answer is, if that's the case, it can't work," he said.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Biden, in the Time interview, "was referencing what many critics have said" about Netanyahu's actions, but that the U.S. will "let the prime minister speak to his own politics and to what his critics are saying."

"For our part though, he and Prime Minister Netanyahu do not agree on everything, and he talked in that interview about some of the things they don't agree on, such as on a two-state solution," a newly formed Palestinian state living alongside Israel.

The fate of a proposal to halt fighting in Gaza remained uncertain Tuesday. Hamas has yet to give a definitive response to the proposal, Israeli officials are questioning some of the details, and the United States is seeking U.N. Security Council support for the deal's acceptance and implementation.

A draft U.S. resolution seen by VOA calls on Hamas to fully accept and implement the cease-fire proposal "without delay and without condition."

The basic outline of the deal includes a six-week halt in fighting, the release of some hostages from Gaza, daily deliveries of 600 trucks of aid for Palestinians, and further negotiations aimed at securing a permanent end to the conflict.

U.S. officials reiterated Monday that the cease-fire proposal, though presented publicly by Biden last week, is an Israeli proposal.

Kirby told reporters that making public negotiations that officials had declined to reveal in the past for fear of disrupting the negotiation process was not about putting pressure on Israeli officials, but rather, if anything, publicly pressuring Hamas and its leaders to accept the deal.

"The president felt that where we are in this war, where we are in the negotiations to get the hostages out, that it was time for a different approach and a time to make the proposal public, to try to energize the process here, catalyze a different outcome," Kirby said.

Kirby said in earlier comments to reporters that if Hamas were to accept the proposal, Israel would, as well.

Netanyahu told a parliamentary committee Monday that "claims that we have agreed to a cease-fire without our conditions being met are incorrect," according to a statement from his office.

This image contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing. Click to reveal This image contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing - Click to reveal Hana Abdelrahaman al-Rai, a 4-year-old suffering from malnutrition and displaced from Gaza City, reacts as she is carried outside a tent in Zawayda in the central Gaza Strip on June 4, 2024.

Hamas launched the October 7 terror attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people according to Israeli tallies, and taking roughly 250 hostages. About 120 of the hostages remain in Gaza, although the Israeli military says 37 of them 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.

On Tuesday, at least 11 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza, local hospitals said. Elsewhere, two policemen were killed while helping to protect humanitarian aid deliveries in Rafah, Palestinian medics told Reuters.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
With Joe Biden and Donald Trump campaigning for the November 5 presidential election, fundraising efforts have been a focus in U.S. politics.

After Trump was convicted last month by a New York jury on charges related to the 2016 election, fundraising for the former president skyrocketed. The Trump campaign said it raised $53 million in the 24 hours following the verdict.

Money raised from individuals and the political parties fundraising committees arent the only way candidates can receive support. Political action committees also figure into the fundraising plans.

PACs are a type of political committee that is neither the direct party committee nor a committee directly authorized by the candidate  they exist outside those bounds. PACs can be supported or administered by a corporation or labor organization, or they can exist freely without a corporate-based or labor-based sponsor.

Some PACs face stricter limitations on soliciting funds and can contribute directly to the candidate and the committees directly authorized by the candidates. Other PACs, which have greater freedom in fundraising, cannot contribute directly to a candidate. These PACs can raise funds to attempt to influence an election without contributing directly to the candidate or their authorized committee.

PACs can raise money to support or oppose a candidate.

Here is a breakdown of PAC activity for the 2024 election, according to recent data by the Federal Election Commission, or FEC.

For both candidates, the largest PACs are raising funds in opposition to the campaigns they support. Make America Great Again Inc., a PAC designed to secure Trump a second term, has been Bidens greatest adversary, donating $16 million to oppose the current presidents reelection campaign.

Since January 1, 2023, out of the top 10 PACs listed by donation to support or oppose Biden, six are raising money against him.

The PAC with the largest financial record about the Trump campaign also opposes him. The Americans for Prosperity Action Inc. is a grassroots organization that raised $10 million in opposition to the Trump campaign.

For the top 10 PACs raising money in association with the Trump campaign since January 1, 2023, eight are working to oppose him.

As shown with the top PAC donations, both candidates have seen significant funds raised against them. Roughly $30 million has been raised against each of the main candidates since January 2023, according to the data.

In that same time, PACs supporting Biden have raised almost $6 million. PACs supporting Trump have raised $11 million. Make American Great Again has donated almost $10 million, making their support the second-largest PAC contribution to the Trump campaign.

In the past week, PAC support has continued, mostly for advertising purposes, including media production and placement and text messaging. On May 30, Biden received a notable donation in support of BlackPAC of $500,000 for media.

Recently, Trump received a series of smaller donations in support, including a donation of about $3,200 by the National Rifle Association on May 31.

Both sides have also seen recent contributions against their campaigns. On May 28, Make America Great Again Inc. donated more than $12,000 against Biden. On May 31, the Republican Accountability PAC spent $1,500 in opposition of Trump. The greatest recent opposition funds have been directed toward advertising and text messaging.

Yet these numbers dont fully capture recent PAC activity. Raw data, which can take weeks to be processed by the FEC, indicates that PACs have continued to contribute funds in support of and opposition to the candidates. Party committee fundraising totals have also not been confirmed, as the FEC has not processed all the filings.
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.

SEE ALSO:

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. President of the United States of America Joe Biden has sent a letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.

"Dear Mr. President:

I am pleased that you are once again hosting Baku Energy Week, which underscores the transformational role Azerbaijan has played in the global energy landscape. This years events carry particular significance as Baku prepares to host a pivotal COP29 in November. COP29 presents a unique opportunity for Azerbaijan to advance key global initiatives like limiting methane emissions in the oil and gas sector and advancing the clean energy transition as we work collectively to keep a 1.5-degree Celsius limit on temperature rise within reach.

Azerbaijan remains a significant pillar of global energy security, particularly in Europe. Caspian gas is found in a growing number of countries, helping European nations diversify their energy sources and speed up their transition away from coal. As Azerbaijan looks to the next chapter in its own energy story, I am encouraged by the increased focus and commitment to clean energy and methane abatement. The Caspians significant wind energy potential can lead to a future where Azerbaijans clean energy exports outpace oil and gas exports.

Regional stability and interconnectivity are priorities for the United States. A durable and dignified peace agreement that ends decades of conflict would transform the South Caucasus and fundamentally change Azerbaijans role in the region. The United States stands ready to support this noble ambition. We owe it to future generations to ensure peace and prosperity remain our guiding principles.

I welcome the opportunity to renew our strong bilateral relations and look forward to our cooperation over the coming months to ensure a successful COP. I send my best wishes for a successful Baku Energy Week," the letter reads.
JOHANNESBURG 

President Cyril Ramaphosa called Sunday for South Africa's political parties to overcome their differences and find common ground to form the first national coalition government in its young democracy.

His comments came in a speech straight after final election results were announced confirming that no party won a majority in last week's vote. Unprecedented coalition talks were set to start to find a way forward for Africas most industrialized economy.

Ramaphosa's African National Congress party had already lost its 30-year majority after more than 99% of votes were counted by Saturday and showed it couldnt surpass 50%.

The ANC received 40% of the votes in last weeks election in the final count, the largest share.

Without a majority it will need to agree on a coalition with another party or parties for the first time to co-govern and re-elect Ramaphosa for a second term. South Africas national elections decide how many seats each party gets in Parliament and lawmakers elect the president later.

Our people have spoken, Ramaphosa said. Whether we like it or not, they have spoken. We have heard the voices of our people, and we must respect their choices and their wishes. ... The people of South Africa expect their leaders to work together to meet their needs. This is a time for all of us to put South Africa first.

The ANC was the party of Nelson Mandela and freed South Africa from the apartheid system of white minority rule in 1994. It had governed with a comfortable majority since then, but this election saw an unprecedented slump in its support as voters deserted the party due to its failure to solve widespread poverty, extremely high unemployment levels and problems with delivering basic government services to many in a nation of 62 million.

The ANC had said earlier Sunday that it was starting its negotiations with all major parties. More than 50 parties took part in the election, and at least eight had significant shares of the vote. At least 26 of them, including the MK Party led by former President Jacob Zuma, have lodged objections and complaints with the electoral body alleging voting irregularities, which it has promised to address.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said it was open to all negotiations, even with the main opposition Democratic Alliance, which has led the chorus of criticism of the ANC for years but is viewed by many analysts as the most stable coalition option for South Africa.

The DA won the second most votes with 21.8%, and the two parties would hold a majority together and be able to govern. DA leader John Steenhuisen said his party was also initiating talks with parties. The ANC won 159 seats in the 400-seat Parliament, down from the 230 it won in the last election. The DA increased slightly to 87 seats.

There is some time pressure for coalition talks to progress and for the uncertainty to be minimized, given that the new Parliament needs to sit for the first time and elect a president within 14 days of the election results being declared.

Ramaphosa is seeking a second and final term and Mbalula said his position as leader of the ANC was not in question despite the election result. Mbalula said the ANC would not consider the demands by Zuma's MK Party that Ramaphosa step down as a condition for talks.

No political party will dictate terms to us, the ANC. They will not ... You come to us with that demand, forget (it), Mbalula said.

He said the ANC would not be arrogant, though. The elections have humbled us, they have brought us where we are, he said.

South Africa is a leading voice for its continent and for the developing world on the global stage and is due to take over the presidency of the Group of 20 rich and developing nations late this year. Its the only African nation in that group.

Everyone is looking to see if South Africa can weather the storm and come out the other side, political analyst Oscar van Heerden said on the eNCA news network.

Amid many coalition 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 nationalize parts of South Africas economy, including its gold and platinum mines, among the worlds biggest producers.

The DA has long said it will not work with the EFF and MK, calling them a doomsday coalition for South Africa. Steenhuisen, the party's leader, repeated that stance Sunday in a speech on national television but said his party was starting talks with others and would approach them with cool heads and open minds.

Political analyst van Heerden said an ANC-DA coalition would possibly give stability but there were some within the ANC who would oppose it. Other smaller parties could be involved to dilute it and make it more palatable for the ANC, some commentators said.

The DA has approached the ANC as the enemy over many, many years, van Heerden said. The next few days is going to be a very difficult period. People will have to be mature behind closed doors.
Donald Trump returns to political campaigning this week as the first convicted felon to run for U.S. president as a major-party candidate. VOA correspondent Scott Stearns looks at how voters are reacting to the verdict on the campaign trail.
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Much of stand-up comedy in the United States is rooted in the countrys freedoms of speech. In Southern California, that attracts immigrant comedians eager to express their opinions and make people laugh. Genia Dulot has our story.
At the end of January this year, 12 serving Israeli ministers, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, took part in a big show, organized in Jerusalem, under the title "Conference for Israels Victory - Settlements Bring Security: Returning to the Gaza Strip and Northern Samaria" [1]. On this occasion, the organizers threatened the Anglo-Saxons with the reconstitution of the Stern Group, which had fought against the Allies during and after the Second World War, if they opposed the colonization of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

In other words, the fascist Vladimir Zeev Jabotinsky had always wished to appropriate "Eretz Israel" (i.e. all the territories from the Nile to the Euphrates, including Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and part of Iraq), the "Promised Land", "Greater Israel". In calling Jabotinsky a "fascist", Im not making a value judgment. Im simply pointing out that he was an ally of Benito Mussolini, both before and during the Second World War. [2].

Four months ago, Jabotinskys followers demanded that they be allowed to carry out this project, to expel the Arabs from Palestine and conquer the entire region.

Washington reacted by taking unilateral coercive measures against the "Jewish supremacists" of the West Bank (February 1, 2024) [3], then by imagining an overthrow of Benjamin Netanyahu in favour of Benny Gantz [4], by suspending arms deliveries and, finally, by trying to impose a peace agreement. By "Jewish supremacists", I mean the followers of Rabbi Meir Kahane, who were banned from sitting in the Knesset, but now rule the roost.

At the same time, the UN Security Council, under pressure from the General Assembly after several U.S. vetoes, finally adopted a resolution on March 25 calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza [5]. However, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Special Representative to the U.N., in defiance of the U.N. Charter, immediately claimed that the resolution was non-binding, meaning that Israel could decide not to implement it.

For its part, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), aligning itself with the rhetoric of the White House, first ordered Israel to take precautionary measures to avoid genocide [6], then ordered it to withdraw immediately from Rafah [7].

Now, on the initiative of the Speaker of the House of Representatives (Mike Johnson), the Presidents of the Republicans in the Senate (Mitch McConnell), the Democrats in the Senate (Charles Schumer) and in the House (Hakeem Jeffries), have just extended an invitation to Benjamin Netanyahu to speak before the members of Congress. In so doing, the U.S. Legislative Branch opposes the Executive Branch and clearly supports the ongoing ethnic cleansing.

The "revisionist Zionists" (as Jabotinsky called members of his school of thought) thus failed to impose their will on President Joe Biden, but succeeded in imposing it on Congress. How did they do it?

Congressional support against the White House

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson (Louisiana), is an evangelical lawyer [8]. But he is above all a "Christian Zionist" for whom the defense of Israel, whatever it does, is a religious duty. He was elected Speaker of the House in troubled circumstances, with the unexpected help of the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus, which opposed raising the public debt ceiling.

Mitch McConnell, chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus, scornful of International Law [9] in the name of "American exceptionalism" [10], has long been known for his pro-Eretz Israel positions. In 2017, this Baptist had urged US presidents to "respect the practice of vetoing all UN Security Council resolutions that seek to insert the UN into the peace process, not recognize unilateral Palestinian actions, including the declaration of a Palestinian state, or dictate terms and timelines for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict" [11].

Hakeem Jeffries, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, is also known for his consistent alignment with the positions of the State of Israel. Although he has not defended the principle of ethnic cleansing of Arabs in Palestine, he has spoken out widely in favour of the extermination of Hamas members, without distinguishing between those affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and those from the Palestinian Resistance.

The most surprising case is that of Chuck Schumer, Chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus. For 43 years, this ultra-Orthodox Jew has supported all Israeli positions on principle, until his spectacular reversal in March, when he declared that it was possible to be both pro-Israel and oppose Benjamin Netanyahus policies [12]. At the time, he was firmly opposed to Netanyahu visiting the United States. He did, however, give Netanyahu the floor, later, on video before his caucus and, today, by receiving him in his capacity as Israeli Prime Minister, in Congress.

Of these four, only Chuck Schumer is Jewish. But the other three owe their re-election largely to the financial support of Americas Jewish oligarchs. They correspond to the emblematic politicians that John Mearsheimer denounced in his study The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy. American democracy was for sale, and the pro-Israelis bought it.

Impossible to make decisions contrary to those of "revisionist Zionists

By way of comparison, the state of democracy is different in the United States and France. Its true that in both cases, electoral backers have a greater influence on national policy than the electorate, but the characteristics are not the same. In Washington, no one is surprised by the sectarian religions of elected officials. You can be a member of parliament, a member of the government, even the president, and still believe in Gog and Magog. In Paris, on the other hand, the religious and ethnic affiliations of elected officials are ignored. We could therefore find ourselves, as we do today, without anyone being aware of it, with half the presidencies of constitutional institutions held by citizens likely to acquire Israeli nationality.

In either case, it is impossible for the Executive to take decisions that run counter to the policy of the State of Israel, or even, in the case of the United States, to that of the "revisionist Zionists", i.e. the neo-fascists who are openly practicing ethnic cleansing in Palestine.

To get out of this situation, elected representatives would have to free themselves from their backers and not hesitate to reveal the support given by the Western camp during the Cold War to criminals against humanity. If Benjamin Netanyahu and his "Jewish supremacists" are in power today, its because the collective West has for decades found it in its interest to support their ideological current, despite having defeated it in the Second World War.

Omnipresent military censorship

The crimes perpetrated by revisionist Zionists are state secrets. For decades, they have massacred communists and simple opponents all over the world. From Guatemala to the Congo, via Iran, from South Africa to Taiwan, via Bolivia, they took part in the worst twists of the Cold War. All these crimes are protected by implacable censorship [13].

Today, the Hebrew state has the most effective military censorship in the world. Hundreds of investigations by Israeli newspapers into the links between Benjamin Netanyahu, the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, into the preparation of the October 7 attack, into the failure of the security services to respond for several hours, or into the real aims of the IDF in Gaza have been censored. In the last quarter of 2023, passages from 2,703 articles were redacted, and a further 613

were completely censored, admitted the military censorship service [14].

All we know about the events of October 7 is the official version, i.e. the lies. While we know that Hamas did not behead any children, contrary to the testimony of the rescue services, we know neither how many Israelis were killed by the attackers, nor who gave Ukrainian weapons to the Palestinian Resistance. Israels supporters continue to reason as if Hamas were a homogeneous organization and Benjamin Netanyahu was unaware that it was going to attack Israel [15].

To clarify matters, General Benny Gantz has filed a request for the creation of a commission of inquiry into the preparation of the October 7 attack, its execution and its consequences, a request which is aimed directly at the "revisionist Zionists" and which, for the moment, has no chance of being followed up.

It is likely that, much later, when it takes place and reveals the secrets, Benjamin Netanyahus current supporters will try to excuse themselves by saying that they didnt know either. Indeed, there are none so blind as those who do not want to see.
Peace out. Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images

Amid mounting sexual-assault allegations and a pending federal investigation, Diddy has sold his majority stake in Revolt, the media company he founded, per the New York Times. One hundred percent of Sean Combss shares have been redeemed and retired, CEO Detavio Samuels told the Times. He is no longer chairman. He is no longer on the board. He has no shares, no equity in Revolt. We have completely separated and dissociated from each other. Though the fallen hip-hop mogul and Revolt have cut ties, the company will remain Black-owned and operated. In fact, its largest shareholder group is now a coalition of its employees and chief executive. Co-founded over a decade ago by Diddy with the goal of bringing more Black voices to television, the company is known for hit video podcasts including Drink Champs, among others. As alleged victims hit Diddy with a torrent of disturbing sexual-assault lawsuits in January, he agreed to begin separating from the company, Samuels said in an interview with the Times. A horrifying way to find oneself in the largest shareholder group in a media company.
Tower of Terror was changed to Mission: Break Out, Splash Mountain has been upgraded to Tianas Bayou Adventure, and now another Disney Parks attraction is being eyed for some historically accurate updates. Stephen Colbert has pitched some new dialogue to the Hall of Presidents at Disney World after an orange man will be color-clashing in his new uniform. I used my mushroom penis to have underwhelming sex with a porn star and then committed a bunch of fraud to hide it, shared Donald Trumps newly imagined animatronic before teaching the kiddos what it means to be a felon. I cannot buy a gun, and I cannot travel to Canada. Now, if youll excuse me, Im late for my community service. Thankfully, Disney World has plenty of trash cans.

Related
Give me MY FRENCH TOAST. Photo: Jennifer Graylock/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Look, not to victim-blame anyone in this story, but before you read what follows, please remember: It is a very dangerous game to deprive a middle-aged gay man of brunch. Its basically the bottom (heh) of their food pyramid.

Anyway, Zachary Quinto allegedly made a restaurant host cry during the most important meal of the day. Manita, a Toronto-based Mediterranean-ish restaurant, accused Quinto of being a terrible customer in a June 2 Instagram post. Maybe being in Ryan Murphy shows made him comfortable being an American horror story in Canada. According to Manita, Quinto did not respond to two texts to inform him his table was ready and then refused to believe the empty tables in the dining room werent available for him despite being politely informed they were spoken for. From there, he was apparently mean enough that the host of the restaurant cried. (We would like to see the video.)

Notably, June 2 was also Quintos birthday (making him a Gemini  tracks). So this wasnt just regular anger; this was birthday anger. 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 post concluded. Still, if we had to choose, James Cordens alleged abuse of the Balthazar staff takes the cake. At least Quinto wasnt called a tiny Cretin of a man.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree amending the decree On development of justice bodies, Trend reports.

Under the decree, the number of employees of the Ministry of Justice apparatus was increased to 455 people.

The number of staff units before the decree was 420.
Opposition members gathered at the Orbeliani Palace to sign the Georgian Charter initiated by the Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili.The document has already been signed by opposition leaders such as Nika Melia, leader of the Ahali party, Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of Lelo, and members of Droa-Girchi more freedom - Elene Khoshtaria and Zura Japaridze.Additionally, signatures have been added by representatives from United National Movement, European Georgia, Strategy Aghmashenebeli, Citizens party, For the People movement, Nika Machutadze - State for People as well as Tako Charkviani, Paata Davitaia, Bachuki Kardava, and Eka Beselia.While acknowledging certain disagreements with the charter's contents, politicians emphasized the importance of unity in the current circumstances, motivating their decision to sign the document."This charter symbolizes the collective agreement among people and parties to rid our country of the Russian regime. Lelo will stand wherever such unity exists," stated Mamuka Khazaradze.Elene Khoshtaria affirmed, "These reforms are in the interest of the people, which is why we attach great importance to this document. We sign it without reservations and commit to its meticulous implementation."However, it was revealed today that Giorgi Gakharia's party For Georgia, Girchi and Labor Party are not joining the president's initiative.President Zourabichvili had proposed to political parties to sign the Georgian Charter and reach an agreement on May 26.Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that fines for approximately 2,000 citizens incurred during the Covid pandemic will be dropped.During the government meeting, Kobakhidze announced that fines for 1,855 individuals and 38 legal entities will be exempted, totaling 5.6 million GEL.Two months ago, on April 8, the Government of Georgia announced another fine write-off campaign: it declared that all natural persons, including individual entrepreneurs, would have their recognized tax debts incurred and unpaid before January 1, 2021, fully written off.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan have exchanged views on issues of collaboration with the COP28 chair UAE as part of the preparation process in connection with Azerbaijan's chairmanship at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan told Trend.

During the phone conversation, the ministers also discussed the work being carried out between the two countries within the framework of a strategic partnership, prospects for bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues.

The significance of the recent assistance provided by the UAE to the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) in the amount of $5 million to combat the mine problem, which is one of the main threats to the return of former internally displaced persons to their native lands and in post-conflict reconstruction work in the South Caucasus region, was also emphasized, and gratitude was expressed to the UAE.

It was stressed that the assistance provided is an indicator of solidarity.

Moreover, it was noted that the laying of the foundations for the Neftchala and Bilasuvar power plants and the Absheron-Garadagh wind power plant on June 4 within the framework of Baku Energy Week, as well as the shareholder agreement signed between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Masdar from the UAE on three renewable energy projects, will have a positive impact on the expansion of investment cooperation between the two countries.

Bayramov and his counterpart also exchanged views on the current state and prospects for cooperation between the two countries towards the transition to green energy.

The discussions also covered areas of cooperation on other international platforms.

The ministers exchanged congratulations on the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday and expressed their most sincere wishes.

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.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Labour Party recorded positive feedback on doorsteps throughout the campaign leading to next weekend's local elections.

That was the view expressed to Waterford News & Star by Noel Reidy, who is the party's canvass Director of Elections for candidate and sitting Councillor Seamus Ryan.

Referencing the Waterford City South ward, Mr Reidy said the general feedback on the canvas trail to-date was very positive with a number of specific key issues highlighted by constituents.

"We started canvassing proper the first week in April, but in truth we have being leaflet dropping over the last two years," said Mr Reidy.

"Waterford City South is a huge area to cover but weve a core group of canvassers who are out on the campaign both day and night," he added.

"Thankfully the weather improved to leave us out."

Labour is running four candidates in the elections including three sitting members of Waterford City and County Council, Councillors John Pratt, Thomas Phelan and Cllr Ryan.

In addition a new face on the campaign this year is Mairead Knight who will contest the Tramore Waterford City West electoral area. Meanwhile, Cllrs Pratt and Phelan will be hoping to get re-elected in the Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District area.

"We are getting a very good reception from residents who continue to raise issues and topics on the doorstep," said Mr Reidy, with regard to the campaign in the city.

"The main issues that people are raising is housing, the lack of social and affordable houses in the city," he added. The cost of rental accommodation and young people finding it hard to get on to the property ladder are also issues that were highlighted.

"While out on the campaign it has become noticeable, the number of vacant and derelict houses on council estates, despite the fact that we are in a housing crisis," said Mr Reidy.

"This will be high on our agenda if the Labour Party return councillors to the incoming Council," he added.

Other topics being raised on the doorstep include the condition of roads, footpaths and street lighting in housing estates, the need to enforce 30KPH speed limits on housing estates, and the need for more recreation and amenities in throughout the entire county.

"People would also like to see more gardai present in their area," said Mr Reidy.

Dog fouling and the lack of dog fouling bins along streets and in estates along with illegal dumping on green areas is also an issue of concern and people want to see more CCTV cameras in operation.

Mr Reidy said 24/7 cardiac care is also still high on the agenda for people in Waterford.

"While progress has been made with construction of the new Cath-Lab, the lack of total cover and on a 24 hour / 365 days a year basis, people feel let down by the present Government on this issue," he said.
Calls for penalty points to be increased and safety fears at polling stations are among the headlines in Tuesday's papers.

The Irish Times leads with calls from the RSA for penalty points to double for speeding and using your phone while driving.

The Irish Examiner leads with calls for Air Fares to rise despite huge profits made by airlines.

The Echo leads with childcare workers in Cork calling the upcoming payrise "bittersweet."

The Irish Independent leads with the Irish towns and areas that has seen a surge in crime rates.

The Irish Daily Mail reveals Gardai are to 'target' hish-rick polling station across the country in the upcoming European and Local elections.

The Irish Daily Mirror and the Irish Daily Star leads with a German man who lived in Cork who has been jailed for the murder of his wife, as he vows to clear his name.

British papers

Nigel Farages return to politics features prominently on the front pages of Tuesdays newspapers.

The Daily Mirror reports a Conservative meltdown is on the cards, with Labour poised to take a majority of 194 seats as Mr Farages decision to stand threatens a further split in the Tory vote.

The Times covers Mr Farages decision to stand for Parliament and to lead the Reform into the election.

TIMES: Farages return and new poll deal blow to Sunak #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/EtoVyc9ybj  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 3, 2024

The i follows a similar line, saying Farage blows apart Tory election plan with surprise challenge to Sunak.

I: Farage blows apart Tory election plan with surprise challenge to Sunak #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/kkXJMbpBdr  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 3, 2024

The Independent writes of the dismay for the Conservatives at Mr Farage entering the fray.

INDEPENDENT: Farage election shock: I WILL stand as an MP - and leader of Reform #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/iLfe3Gybyy  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 3, 2024

The Daily Telegraph covers Mr Farages announcement and says he has vowed to lead a political revolt.

The Daily Express leads with words from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has warned voters that switching their allegiance to Reform may put everything they care about at risk.

EXPRESS: Vote for Farage is more likely to end up with Starmer in No10 #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/4iTMgUYCW9  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 3, 2024

The Daily Mail has dubbed a spell on Monday as Mr Sunaks darkest hour of the election campaign.

The Guardian reports on the damaging new blow to the Conservatives as Mr Farage announces his intention to stand as a candidate in Clacton.

GUARDIAN: Tory alarm as Farage takes control of Reform UK #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/aDE4NYqKdX  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 3, 2024

The Metro reports on a poll which suggests Labour may bag its biggest-ever election victory.

The Financial Times splashes on Mr Farages decision and the Prime Minister saying he is untroubled by the Reform announcement.

FINANCIAL TIMES: Twin blow to Tories as Farage enters the fray and polls predict a drubbing #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/RX90MJKrQA  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 3, 2024

And the Daily Star runs with Rob Burrows final message.
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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The documentary follows Clift from her adventurous childhood in Kiama on the NSW South Coast to her World War II career writing and editing an army magazine, then her scandalous relationship with George Johnston, a famous war correspondent who was more than a decade older and married with a child. It recounts their bohemian life together in an artistic community on the Greek island of Hydra, raising three children. Then, back in Australia, the success of Clifts trailblazing newspaper columns as Johnston triumphed with the semi-autobiographical novel My Brother Jack, and her shock suicide at 45. It shows Clift as a glamorous rebel  an unrecognised collaborator on My Brother Jack  who lived up to her declaration let us live with all our candles blazing. Marta Dusseldorp reads excerpts from Clifts wonderfully evocative writing that show her fierce intelligence, wit and spirited progressive views about such issues as the changing role of women, the importance of Indigenous recognition, and the folly of Australias involvement in the Vietnam War. Based on Nadia Wheatleys acclaimed 2001 biography The Life and Myth of Charmian Clift, the documentary adds to a growing body of creative work about her.

I instantly fell in love with Charmian and this wonderful, courageous heart that she had: director Rachel Lane. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone It includes English writer Polly Samsons 2020 Hydra-inspired novel A Theatre for Dreamers, about a young woman who goes to live in the artistic community that includes Clift, Johnson and a young Leonard Cohen on Hydra; the republication of Clifts travel books Mermaid Singing and Peel Me A Lotus in 2021; and the publication of Sneaky Little Revolutions, a selection of Clifts essays edited by Wheatley, in 2022. This year has seen the publication of Clifts unfinished novel The End of the Morning, also edited by Wheatley. Still to screen is the Norwegian-Canadian TV series So Long, Marianne, about Cohens romance with muse Marianne Ihlen in Hydra, with Anna Torv as Clift and Noah Taylor as Johnston. So why all the renewed interest in Clift? I dont think theres ever not been interest, the documentarys producer, Sue Milliken, says. Her work includes the 2001 miniseries My Brother Jack, which starred Claudia Karvan and Matt Day as the fictionalised versions of Clift and Johnston in the novel.

The ad in The Sydney Morning Herald that helped find backers for Rachel Lanes documentary Charmian Clift: Life Burns High. Adds Lane: Its always about Charmian. Its never about George. Even though he was hailed as having the writers career when they were alive, everybodys more interested in Charmian as a character. Milliken was a young script assistant on an ABC documentary about artist Sidney Nolan that Clift and Johnston, who were friends of his, worked on in 1968. I really liked them a lot, Milliken says. She was all the things that everybody says, charismatic, smart and warm, and he was utterly charming. Lane says that when she proposed the project, Milliken was immediately interested: Sue responded in about five minutes flat in an email. She said, I keep telling myself Im retired but how can I say no to such a project. 

Charmian Clift with George Johnston and Kalymnian woman Sevasti Taktikou in 1963. Credit: Fairfax Milliken thinks there is a tragic cast to Clifts story that contributes to the interest, especially when her suicide was followed by Johnstons death from tuberculosis a year later, then two of their children dying young, daughter Shane in 1974 and son Martin in 1990. The couples only surviving child, Jason Johnston, allowed the filmmakers access to the family archive of films and photographs but did not want to be interviewed. After getting the rights to the biography a decade ago, Lane tried to adapt it for a feature film but could never get it financed. Loading

Reading the biography, it just took me to this amazing place and I instantly fell in love with Charmian and this wonderful, courageous heart that she had, she says. I thought, wow, this woman was way ahead of her time. When they switched to making a documentary, it also proved to be surprisingly challenging to make. From a government or a finance point of view, were the only ones who could really see the value in the story, Milliken says. Lane has high hopes for the festival screening and later telecast on Foxtel. She says in the beginning of our film, I wanted to be a film star. I didnt think so much of being an actor, I wanted to be a film star,  Lane says. Heres your moment Charmian. Go shine. You get to be a film star.
The current Senate estimates season has failed dismally  so far at least  to bring the lols that we usually hope for out of Parliament House this time of year.

So CBD salutes Liberal senator Jane Hume for brightening up the Canberra winter gloom just a touch on Tuesday morning as she welcomed Australian Securities and Investment Commission chairman Joe Longo  Humes sort-of gym buddy, it turns out  to the days proceedings.

I feel this is very awkward  every time I see Mr Longo now, it seems to be at the gym on Saturday mornings, so I apologise for the Lycra, the Victorian senator said.

Less worthy men have seen me in far less.
Another supply chain crisis like the one experienced during the pandemic, and again this year after floods cut the WA-east coast rail connection, will hit once more in 2024.

International supply chain expert Kelly Crossley, owner of Transitainer WA, said recently imposed US tariffs on Chinese imports were impacting the availability of containers and ships, and increasing congestion in major ports like Fremantle and Singapore.

A supply chain crisis, like the one Australians experienced during the pandemic is looming for WA.

She said the crisis would worsen in the months leading up to Christmas and consumers could expect higher prices, delivery delays and empty shelves.

Two weeks ago, the US announced it was slapping severe tariffs on a broad range of Chinese imports, from electric vehicles and solar cells to steel and aluminium products, she said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Through gradual and coordinated efforts by the Government of Azerbaijan, on June 4, six Azerbaijani citizens (five children and one women) who were in conflict zones in the Syrian Arab Republic were successfully repatriated to Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The ministry stated that the initial steps involved confirming the location, identity, and citizenship of the Azerbaijani repatriates. After that, arrangements were made for their transfer to the territory of Turkiye.

"Representatives from relevant state agencies tasked with repatriating Azerbaijani citizens from Iraq and Syria were dispatched to Turkiye, where primary medical and psychological examinations were held on the repatriates.

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Turkiye facilitated the necessary coordination efforts, issuing return certificates to our citizens and overseeing their transport back to Azerbaijan.

Plans are in place for the social rehabilitation and reintegration of the returnees into society.

The Government of Azerbaijan remains committed to taking the necessary steps for repatriating citizens affected by armed conflicts in foreign territories, the ministry said.
A convicted kidnapper who worked with gangland boss Tony Mokbel has been saved from deportation by a tribunal decision on Monday to restore his visa, sparking a fight in federal parliament over who is to blame for his reprieve.

The decision is a victory for Kevin Farrugia, who was born in Malta and has a string of criminal convictions in Australia dating back to 2005, when the federal government sent him a warning but chose not to cancel his visa.

A court sketch of Kevin Farrugia when he faced a magistrate in 2004. Credit: Matt Davidson

The Coalition cited the case to pile more pressure on Immigration Minister Andrew Giles over dozens of tribunal decisions to let convicted criminals stay in Australia, blaming him for being too lenient under a rule known as ministerial direction 99.

But the government hit back by saying Opposition Leader Peter Dutton could have acted when he was home affairs minister in the previous government and cancelled the mans visa in 2019, when Farrugia made headlines for gun crimes and his ties to Mokbel.
A large group of economists has backed the federal governments Future Made in Australia policy, accusing critics of consigning the country to an extract and export business model while ignoring the potential for hundreds of thousands of well-paying industrial jobs.

The economists and policy experts, from institutions including the universities of Sydney, Melbourne, NSW, Monash, Western Australia and Newcastle, have signed an open letter declaring Anthony Albaneses $23 billion budget plan represents a chance to rebuild the manufacturing sector and support regional jobs while slashing greenhouse gas emissions.

Critical minerals such as lithium are a key part of the governments Future Made in Australia policy. Credit: Christian Sprogoe

In last months federal budget, the government unveiled a suite of measures, including production credits to support the development of critical minerals and green hydrogen, plus direct investment in quantum computing.

Key elements of the policy have been criticised by some economists, including the Productivity Commission, as a possible waste of money due to the government in effect picking winners.
Universities are warning 4500 jobs could go as the governments international student clampdown leaves a $500 million hole in their budgets and are calling for the same bipartisan support as the mining industry receives.

Universities Australia chief executive Luke Sheehy will use a speech to the sector on Wednesday to accuse Labor and the Coalition of running on a unity ticket to slash growth in international education and to reject claims that foreign students are to blame for Australias housing shortage.

Universities Australias Luke Sheehy will say universities are forecasting a collective shortfall of at least half a billion dollars this year due to the visa processing changes and increase in visa cancellations. Credit: Joe Armao

The current policy approach to international education is anything but cohesive  it is policy chaos, starting last year with the rollout of visa processing changes, Sheehy will say of Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeils December direction to prioritise visa applications to study at top-tier universities.

Framed as measures to shore up the sectors integrity, we now have every reason to believe these changes were a cap by stealth on international students.
The sea mellows on day two; icebergs shimmer into view. Distant white blobs dont make great photos but I cant help snapping away. Soon enough, icebergs appear more frequently and at closer range; only the most spectacular are immortalised in pixels. On board, the 335 passengers are organised into animal groups to facilitate Zodiac shore transfers. I become a Cape petrel, a common seabird in these parts that has a fondness for following ships. Zodiacs carry passengers for their first experience on Antarctic ice. By the time we reach Brown Station on the Antarctic Peninsula, Ive adapted to natures rhythms here. Its still twilight when we hit the sack but our cabins blackout curtains (cleverly edged with magnets) make it easier for us to fall asleep, and help the ship avoid bird strikes. Brown, an Argentinian research station, is unoccupied when we visit early in the cruising season, but it has a fascinating history. In 1984, the stations doctor was ordered to stay on for the winter. To say he was unhappy is an understatement  he torched the original facilities and station personnel were duly rescued. Guests step inside Brown, an Argentine Antarctic research station.

Unlike the bad doctor, we cant wait to step ashore at this stunning spot in aptly named Paradise Bay. The Nansens expedition team has pegged a path for us to follow. Its a steep scramble up the first few steps hacked into the snow, but using two trekking poles helps keep me upright. When I reconvene with fellow Cape petrels (after pausing at a penguin highway to allow the waddling birds right of way), most of us are emotional and a little teary that weve stepped onto our seventh continent. Gentoo penguins have gathered here to build their pebble nests and breed  but its too early to see chicks or experience the pungent smell of penguin poo that late-season cruisers often mention. Two crabeater seals laze in the distance. Some lucky passengers camp overnight on a small offshore island (tip: if youre keen but relegated to the waiting list, complete the safety briefing in case theres a last-minute drop-out). Gentoo penguins on Cuverville Island. The next day brings our final landing  although we dont know this yet. The Cape petrels, last to go ashore yesterday, are first to reach Petermann Island in the Wilhelm Archipelago. Tramping through cotton-ball snow, I wonder if early explorers ever felt overwhelmed by the beauty. My gloves stay stuffed in my pocket on this sunshiny day (I felt colder back in Ushuaia). Penguins are belly-sliding along their thoroughfares, feeding and fornicating (who wouldnt want to be a penguin in November?). Mostly, we see gentoos, although several Adelies, Antarcticas littlest penguin species, lurk too. As we return to the ship, penguins porpoise through the water alongside us, demonstrating their astonishing speed in their natural environment. I dont ever want to go to a zoo again, says a passenger, voicing my thoughts.

With pack ice preventing a third-day shore landing, I join a science-boat outing to collect water samples and see the Secchi disk water-visibility technique in action. Port Lockroys Penguin Post Office team also boards the ship to talk about life at their base and to sell souvenirs. Its still a sensational day. Weve slid right past icebergs with electric-blue innards (the disco colour is the result of air bubbles, which can interfere with the passage of light, being squeezed out of dense ice). HXs onboard Science and Education Centre. Throughout our journey, passengers gravitate to the MS Fridtjof Nansens Science Centre. Geeking-out here takes many forms, from peering into microscopes to examine water samples for tiny phytoplankton to chatting to the multidisciplinary science team members aboard the ship.

My journey includes an Australian expert on marine mammals, Connor McGarry, who grew up watching migrating whales from his familys balcony near Busselton, Western Australia. Being in a small community, youd see blows and ring your neighbours, he says. Between giving lectures for passengers, he also collects data on the abundance, distribution and behaviour of ice-loving seals  Weddell, crabeater and leopard  while noting their surrounding ice conditions. This, he says, will help scientists understand how seal populations and their distribution might change or overlap as sea ice inevitably changes. Passengers can also take a squiz at a wildlife list pinned to the wall to see what animal and bird species have been clocked during their journey and inspect green stay and food-waste charts that document daily on-board sustainability efforts. For each day that a passenger declines housekeeping services, 50 euro cents is donated to the Hurtigruten Foundation. These funds have supported organisations with projects ranging from restoring Norwegian sea-kelp forests and refurbishing a Greenland museum to using AI for whale science interpretation. Wildlife bingo a southern giant petrel glides above guests.

Our ships hotel manager, Gabriela Murara da Rocha, says green-stay numbers rise on rough sea days and sea days towards each cruises end when passengers are tired. Food waste calculation takes into account both excess production from the kitchen and leftovers from plates  which is higher on nights when theres a buffet for dinner. From my dining room window seat that night, Im hypnotised by the Lemaire Channels silky waters, ruffling like silver taffeta in our wake. Savour every moment in Antarctica. Suddenly, dinners interrupted: a surprise announcement crackles through the loudspeakers. Due to an onboard medical emergency, were returning immediately to Ushuaia. Antarctica is unpredictable - the human body even more so - yet its a disappointment. Some of us will never step foot on the continent again. In a daze, we drift to the open deck, where nature heaps consolation prizes upon us. Orcas are frolicking among the ice floes, as if to bid us farewell, and the White Continent is completely coloured-in thanks to a sunset that doesnt know the meaning of restraint.
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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is an important platform for ensuring unity and cooperation of Turkic-speaking countries, Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan Kamran Aliyev said at the international "Digitalization and Integration in Law Enforcement Practice of Turkic States" conference, Trend reports.

He noted that the foundation of the organization was laid in 2009 by the Nakhchivan Agreement and since then it has been serving to strengthen economic, political, and cultural ties between Turkic states.

Highlighting President Ilham Aliyev's emphasis on OTS and its role in strengthening Turkic unity, Azerbaijan's prosecutor general quoted the Head of State. He described the OTS as a strong foundation for safeguarding and promoting the shared interests of the Turkic world.

Additionally, Aliyev stressed the significance of experience exchange among prosecutors, judges, and specialists from Turkic states regarding the use of modern technologies.

"It's crucial to hold productive discussions to learn from each other and enhance digital platforms like Azerbaijan's Prosecutor's Office's EPIS, Turkiye's justice system's UYAP, and Kazakhstan's law enforcement agencies' Zandylyk," he underscored.

To note, the Nakhchivan Agreement was signed in 2009, and the OTS, which was named the Turkic Council in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan. Since then, it has grown from simply an annual meeting to a fully-fledged international organization containing several institutions, including its General Secretariat in Istanbul, the Turkic Academy in Astana, the Turkic Cultural Foundation in Baku, as well as several other entities, such as an OTS representative in Budapest.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The WCO held a Pre-Accreditation Workshop on Risk Management, generously hosted by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in Pretoria, South Africa, from 27 to 31 May 2024. The workshop was organized for qualified candidates from the WCO West & Central Africa and the East & Southern African regions and made possible under the framework of the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, which is funded by the United Kingdom.

The workshop was a response to the growing need for capacity-building support to enable Customs administrations deploy risk management to comply with Article 7.4 of the WTO TFA and effectively meet their revenue collection, trade facilitation and social protection goals.

The workshop aimed to create a pool of highly competent pre-accredited Technical and Operational Advisors (TOA) to lead capacity-building missions in Risk Management for WCO Members. Following a competitive selection process, twelve candidates from Eswatini, Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia participated, each showcasing their expertise in developing and enhancing Risk Management. The workshop also promoted peer-to-peer learning, knowledge sharing, and discussions on challenges and solutions related to emerging trends in illicit financial flows, smuggling techniques, and other risks impacting Customs' strategic objectives.

During the workshop's closing, the responsible officer for the SARS National Targeting & Operations Centre, on behalf of the hosting administration, underscored the importance of Customs-to-Customs cooperation for capacity building and data exchange to manage global supply chain risks. He also emphasized the importance of tools like the WCOs Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) for providing intelligence to develop risk models that enforce compliance and detect illicit activities.

Participants who successfully completed the pre-accreditation workshop will move on to the next stage of the WCO expert accreditation process, including national and regional workshops, as pre-qualified WCO experts in Risk Management. As part of this second phase of the accreditation process, they will be invited to an in-country mission as co-facilitators to demonstrate their technical, behavioural, and leadership skills.

For more information on the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, please see here.

For more information on WCO capacity building, please contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov has sent a letter of condolences to the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye Yasar Guler and the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Turkiye, Army General Metin Gurak, Trend reports via the ministry.

"I am deeply saddened by the news of becoming Shehids (Martyrs) of pilots as a result of the crash of the SF-260D type military training aircraft belonging to the fraternal Turkish Air Force in Kayseri.

Your grief is our grief too.

I pray to Almighty Allah for the repose of the souls of the servicemen who died, share the sorrow and grief of their relatives, and express my deepest condolences to their families.

May Allah rest the souls of Shehids in peace," the letter reads.

To note, a military training plane crashed in Turkiye today, and two pilots were confirmed dead.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. The state border of Azerbaijan is guarded and protected at a high level in liberated villages of the Gazakh district, a source in the State Border Service told Trend.

According to the source, high-level border guarding and protection are carried out in Baghanis Ayrim, Ashagi Askipara, Kheyrimli and Gizilhajili villages, which are taken under the control of the State Border Service in accordance with the instructions of the head of state.

To note, a 12.7-kilometer borderline was established between Azerbaijan and Armenia after border delimitation, ensuring the return of four villages, namely, Baghanis Ayrim, Ashagi Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gizilhajili (6.5 square kilometers) in the Gazakh district to Azerbaijan.

The territories of above villages were taken under the control of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan on May 24.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Nar has participated in the event organized by the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan) held on June 2 as the official telecommunication partner. The ceremony was attended by representatives from private companies across various sectors operating in the country and state institutions.

The event provided significant opportunities for networking, collaboration and exchange of innovative ideas. Nar demonstrated specially developed telecommunication solutions to support the growth and efficiency of small and medium-sized businesses. These solutions are part of Nar's commitment to provide businesses with cost-effective services.

Nar CEO Gunnar Pahnke spoke as an honored guest at the event, emphasizing his satisfaction with the cooperation with AHK Azerbaijan: "We form services according to various needs in the field of telecommunications based on our cost-effectiveness strategy. Our services and products always make communication closer to our customers. It is because Nar is the closest to you", he noted.

AHK Azerbaijan has been providing information and support to companies regarding market and business research as the official representative of the German economy in Azerbaijan since 2012. With more than 180 member companies, AHK Azerbaijan is Europe's strongest economic association in Azerbaijan. The Nar has been coorporating with AHK Azerbaijan with the primary goal of supporting the development of the country's business environment.

Nar currently provides high-quality communication services to 2.2 million subscribers. Nar is the leading mobile operator in the country according to the Net Promoter Score for the last 5 years. The mobile operator adheres to a customer-centric strategy and provides best-in-class service at an affordable price.
High Court reporters

The owners of a fishing trawler which allegedly damaged an undersea fibre optics cable providing internet and telephone connection between Ireland and Britain are being sued in the High Court over the 800,000 cost of repairs.

Virgin Media Wholesale Ltd is suing the owners and all persons claiming an interest in the MV The Lida Suzanna trawler over the alleged incident on January 26th, 2015, involving damage to the subsea cable stretching 219km between Dublin at Lytham St Anne's near Blackpool in England. The vessel was allegedly involved in scallop fishing which involves dredging the seabed.

Virgin, which has registered offices in Hampshire, is seeking damages and a declaration that a maritime lien, or claim, attaches to the Irish-registered vessel which is based in Wexford. It also seeks an order for its sale if necessary.

The defendants deny the vessel was responsible for causing damage to the cable and requires proof of this. It is also contended that Virgin is the author of its own misfortune by not taking sufficient measures to bury or protect its cables. Alternatively, it claims Virgin was contributorily negligent.

There was also an alleged failure to protect its cables in an "area of fishing ground established centuries past". The defendants say they were doing nothing more than the lawful exploitation of fishing rights and Virgin has no entitlement to expect or demand that fishing be modified, or stopped by reason of the laying of its cable.

The court heard the cable was installed in 1998 by Virgin's predecessor NTL.

It is one of two cables, the Sirius South and the Sirius North, running between Ireland and Britain and if one is damaged, Virgin can switch to the other. There have been 18 instances of damage involving trawlers since it was installed.

Repairs were carried out over the following days by the repair ship, the Pierre de Fermat.

Opening the case on behalf of Virgin on Tuesday, Edward Farrelly SC said it was their case that the defendants should have been or ought to have been aware of the location of the cable which is marked on industry-recognised charts and Ireland's Marine Atlas.

Merchant shipping regulations place a statutory duty on the vessel to carry publications which would have alerted it to the location of the cable, counsel said.

It is further alleged there was a failure to ensure the skipper and/or crew were adequately aware of and/or educated about the location of subsea cables.

The case continues before Mr Justice Denis McDonald.

A Virgin Media spokesperson said: We have brought this claim following significant damage caused by a fishing trawler to one of our undersea fibre optic cables, and are seeking to recover the costs associated with repairing the cable.

As a business with millions of customers who rely on fast and reliable connectivity, we hope that through taking this action, third parties will be better aware of the cost that can be involved and disruption it can cause when our cables are damaged.
Castlebar goldsmith and jewellery designer Nigel O'Reilly has announced a momentous occasion in the world of Irish high jewellery; the unveiling of his exquisite recent creation, the "Autumn in New York" brooch, at Sotheby's Fine Jewels Sale at Sotheby's, New York, from May 30th to June 10th, 2024.

LOT 415 is a homage to the vibrant hues of Autumn in the bustling metropolis - "Autumn in New York" is a testament to O'Reilly's unparalleled artistry and craftsmanship. At its heart lies an extraordinarily rare 0.88-carat, certified natural green diamond, a compelling centrepiece that captures the essence of the city's energy and allure.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the brooch is sculpted from recycled and refined 18kt rose gold, elevating the central rare diamond to mesmerising heights.

O'Reilly's vision for the piece was to create a harmonious blend of diverse elements, ensuring that it could be cherished by anyone who appreciates its beauty. As he eloquently describes, "I wanted to make a brooch that transcends traditional gender norms, offering a unique fusion of styles that celebrates individuality and inclusivity."

The design of the brooch is as intricate as it is captivating, with 653 brilliant cut cognac diamonds, burnt orange diamonds, green diamonds, pink diamonds, and pink sapphires adorning its surface. Each gemstone is carefully chosen to complement the natural beauty of the central diamond, resulting in a masterpiece that exudes sophistication and elegance.

See the listing on: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-jewels/fancy-intense-green-and-colored-diamond-autumn-in
Pope Francis gives interviews all the time and has no problem, even in the most informal of circumstances, delivering off-the-cuff remarks to the delight of reporters, ever anxious to file up-to-the-minute copy. Even when his words are misinterpreted and clarifications need to be issued later on, he loses no sweat over it.

A now-established feature of his plane journeys home from trips overseas is a folksy response to whatever questions hes asked  all part of his relaxed no-nonsense style of instinctive engagement with the public. But for more formal occasions, Francis tends to be much more circumspect in his comments and tends to choose his words more carefully.

Which is why his latest comments in an interview with CBS, the major American television network, have generated such a reaction. While all sorts of requests for interviews come from all around the world (and Francis has the luxury of deciding who to talk to or not talk to) CBS and senior journalist, Norah ODonnell, were out of the top drawer.

Clearly, the platform offered was taken very seriously and Francis used it to communicate a serious message, in overturning a widespread perception that had become a presumption  that the October 2024 synod in Rome would give the go-ahead to the ordination of women deacons.

Francis gave that proposal  long accepted as almost inevitable and without which many believe the synods of 2023 and 2024 (and the synodal pathway on which they were based) would lose all credibility  a robust thumbs down.

The interview, an hour-long special, took place on April 24th and was aired two weeks ago.

This was the key exchange between Francis and Norah ODonnell.

ODonnell asked him specifically about the issue of women deacons: "I understand you have said no women as priests but are you studying the idea of women as deacons. It that something youre open to?"

His reply was: "If its women with holy orders (ordained), 'No."

He then went on to say that while women give great service in the church that service doesnt include ordination.

ODonnell then asked him: "For a little girl growing up Catholic today will she ever have the opportunity to be a deacon and to participate as a clergy member in the church."

Francis bluntly replied: "No."

The categoric and unequivocal repetition of the word No left absolutely no room for doubt. Francis had, effectively, encouraged the perception and the expectation of Yes to those questions, as his previous comments didnt warrant or gave any expectation of the dramatic volte-face.

After all, he had clearly indicated his preference. He had established two special commissions to examine the theological and historical questions around the issue of women deacons. In the final report of the synod last October (2023), he specifically asked that the work of the commissions on women deacons should be presented to the next meeting of the synod this coming October (2024).

In March of this year, he set up ten working groups to study some of the synods most difficult questions and one of them was on the question of womens ordination to the diaconate. The previous month, a Spanish nun, Sr Linda Pocher, who had been asked by Francis to chair meetings on womens leadership for the Popes Council of Cardinal Advisors, said that Francis was very much in favour of the female diaconate. And Phyllis Vigano, a respected theologian, who had acted on Francis behalf around the issue of women deacons, described his about turn as unfortunate.

So why is Pope Francis apparently changing his mind? Multiple reasons are being offered to explain it  among them his fear of dividing the Church, even to the extent of a schism; that he has lost his nerve in the face of bitter, recriminations from traditionalist opponents, much of it personal; that he has lost his confidence to deliver significant change and is happy to hand over the reins soon to the next generation; that he feels he has done his bit in bringing his reforms and notably the synodal pathway to their present status; and that he fears that the October 2024 synod may become a trial of strength between traditionalists and liberals over the women deacons issue.

Another more convincing theory is that he may have decided on a change of strategy, that he has concluded that more progress may be made with his reforms not by confronting what he sees as divisive issues  like women deacons or mandatory celibacy  but by extending lay ministries within the present teaching of the Church.

As matters stand at present a priest can do three things that a lay person cant do: say Mass, hear Confession and anoint the sick. Lay people can be trained and commissioned to do everything else. And as matters stand all kinds of reforms can be introduced.

So lay people (men or women) can do much more than we have seen them do in the past if the need is there. For example, take the present focus on lay funeral ministries  now developing in Killala diocese and in other dioceses in Ireland  now mainly driven by the sharp decline in priest numbers, in turn now rapidly reaching its long-predicted cliff-face decline.

So, this theory goes, he has decided to put the hot-button stuff on the back boiler by setting up study groups to examine them and explore what can be done without changing church teaching.

What might with good reason be described as kicking the can' down the road.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have insisted that their election campaigns have been very pleasant despite some reported disruptions while canvassing.

There have been reports of racial abuse of candidates during canvasses, and the Dail has heard that one person was threatened with a box blade to take down Social Democrat candidate posters in May.

While canvassing in Co Mayo at the weekend, Taoiseach Simon Harris was challenged by the family of Enoch Burke, the secondary school teacher in prison for contempt of court for refusing to stay away from the school where he worked.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Harris said it was not a protest when you impede somebodys movement.

Doesnt matter who they are, any citizen in this country, any person in this country, when you impede their movement up and down a main street of any town or a village, thats not protest. Its the very clear laws of the land.

But he said it was not representative of how the election campaign had gone.

We should never allow a very small number of people to distort reality, and the reality is that people are fundamentally decent. People can agree with your politics and disagree with your politics, but I find people are overwhelmingly decent, and I think push back against anything that impedes anybody.

I would feel as strongly, by the way, if such actions were encountered by a leader of the opposition, and so we should always push back against it, we should always call it out, but we shouldnt overstate it.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said democracy is about allowing campaigns to happen.

This has been a very pleasant campaign actually, in terms of how people are interacting with us, he said.

Weve been walking many, many streets over the last number of weeks and its been quite a pleasant encounter. That doesnt necessarily mean the votes follow that direction. We have to work very hard over the next number of days to win votes for our local election candidates and our European candidates.

I think its important that we put into perspective whats happening and just make the point that the vast, vast, vast majority of the Irish people love their democracy and have different perspectives, but theyre engaging with us on the doorsteps. We just have to get that balance in the narrative.

Mr Harris did not explicitly clarify whether byelections would be held before the next general election if several TDs are elected as MEPs in the European Parliament elections.

This government has a very healthy majority when it comes to crucial votes in the Dail, you only have to look at the margin by which I was elected Taoiseach less than eight weeks ago, he said.

Interestingly, a number of the vacancies may indeed occur potentially on the opposition side as well obviously if an opposition TD gets elected, the (government) majority increases in the Dail.
The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life is hosting what looks sure to be a unique and enjoyable outdoor performance with Parke Arts & Drama Group at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon, 9 June 2024.

The Parke Arts & Drama Group are staging a free performance of The Park Bench, a two-act comedy by Ashley Burgoyne, in the wonderful setting of the Museum grounds at Turlough Park, Castlebar. The performance will take place beside the yew tree, just in front of the main museum galleries.

The Park Bench is a beautifully crafted and engaging comedy about miscommunication and misunderstandings. The story centres on Charles and the park bench he shared with his wife. When he mislays something important, new people enter his life, and his world opens up once again.

The group is delighted to be bringing this beautifully crafted, light-hearted comedy to Irish audiences, said Vincent McHale, Director with Parke Arts & Drama Group. The play is written by Ashley Burgoyne, an English playwright, writer, poet and musician from Norfolk, England. Ashley has written 11 plays with many of them being performed throughout the UK. Last year, The Backstage Theatre Group, from Longford performed another of his plays  The Hotel Room  which received great reviews and played to packed houses. So, if you are looking for some light-hearted comedy on a summers afternoon, in a beautiful outdoor setting, then come along. Admission is free. Booking is advised via Eventbrite. Visit www.museum.ie for further details.

As this is an outdoor performance, seating will be informal. Please dress according to the weather. The performance may move indoors depending on weather on the day.
Ballina Chamber has been shortlisted in six of the eight categories for the annual Chambers Ireland Awards, which take place on Thursday next in the Killashee Hotel, Co Kildare.

Seven of the 44 projects shortlisted nationally were submitted by Ballina Chamber. This reflects the hugely effective work of the local organisation, where a dynamic council, under President Mary Moyles and CEO Mags Downey Martin, has led to the Ballina group becoming one of the most respected and energetic in the region.

The categories in which Ballina Chamber of Commerce has been shortlisted include Community Support Initiatives, Digital Campaigns, Sustainability and Biodiversity, Event of the Year, Local Authority Engagement and Supporting Business.

The projects which qualified in the annual celebration recognise the hard work and dedication of Chambers across the country in representing their members, engaging stakeholders and fostering vibrant and thriving local communities.

Craoibhin in Tesco blue token fund

Tesco has selected Craoibhin Ballina to be part of its blue token community fund.

Craoibhin Ballina is asking for support from Tesco customers to help its charitable work. Craoibhin Ballina, an organisation which is run under the auspices of Moy Valley Resources IRD, is open to any adult who experiences social isolation, loneliness or who would like to make a friend in the community. It is a community-focused organisation that supports the social needs of all adults across the region from its centre on Cathedral Road, Ballina.

Customers decide how the Tesco Ballina Community Fund is shared by voting for their preferred cause in store through placing the blue token they receive at the checkout in the donation box of the local good cause they would like to support.

Then, at the end of a 12-week period, the number of tokens is counted. Every 12 weeks, Ballina Tesco store donates up to 2,000 between three local good causes in its community, which is distributed proportionally between the three groups. The more tokens a community group or charity gets, the larger the share of the donation they receive.

So make sure to place your token in the Craoibhin Ballina box, as every token counts.

Ardnaree jackpot winner

Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club held a bumper 50/50 draw recently to mark the clubs 75th anniversary.

The draw was held in Breathnachs Pub, Abbey Street, Ballina with the prize of 750 going to Colin Syron, Ballina.

Other recent winners in the clubs weekly fundraising activity were Enda Coyne, Ballina, who took away a jackpot of 370 from the draw held in An Sean Sibin, and Niall Clerkin, Cavan who won 400 at the draw held in An Bolg Bui.

Tickets for the draw are available from outlets in Ardnaree or through the Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club app.

Dancing at Lughnasa this weekend

Tickets for The Windmill Players production of Dancing at Lughnasa are still available for its performance in Ballina Arts Centre this weekend.

The award-winning 1990 play Dancing at Lughnasa, from the pen of the late Northern Irish playwright Brian Friel, is set in Donegal in early August 1936 around the Celtic festival of Lughnasa.

The play will be performed in Ballina on Friday and Saturday next, at 8pm each night. Tickets are priced at 15 and can be booked online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com.

Summer Outdoor Masses

A schedule of outdoor Masses in communities across the Ballina area has been outlined by the parish of Kilmoremoy.

Over the coming weeks, the priests of the parish will celebrate Mass on Tuesday evenings at five green spaces throughout the town. These include Blackrock Court /The Moorings on June 11; Childers Heights on June 18; Marian Crescent on June 25; Greenhills Estate on July 2; and the Convent of Mercy cemetery on July 9.

Mass will begin at 7.30pm each evening and everyone is welcome to participate.

Pioneers pilgrimage

Ballina members of Connacht Pioneers are advised that a pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place next month, departing from Ireland West Airport Knock for five nights on July 18.

The cost of the pilgrimage is 859 and full board is included at the Hotel Agena in Lourdes. Please contact Fr. Joe Delaney for further information on 087-6660408.

The late Sister Rita Conway

The death has taken place of Sr Rita Conway, Ard Bhride, Castlebar, and formerly of the Convent of Mercy, Ballina, 35 Amana Estate, Ballina and Convents of Mercy in Belmullet and Ballycastle. She was a native of Drumslide, Ballycroy.

Rita is deeply regretted by her brothers John and Jim, sisters Catherine and Julia, brothers-in-law Tom Lynch and Jim Hegarty and sisters-in-law Rose and Ann. Also by her nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, relatives and friends, and the Sisters of Mercy of Ard Bhride and the Western Province.

She was predeceased by her parents Mike and Bridgie and by her sister Bridgie-Mary.

Rita reposed at McGowans Funeral Home, Ballina on Monday of last week, with removal afterwards to St Patricks Church, Ballina.

Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, followed by burial in the nearby Convent Cemetery, Ballina.

Child therapy and counselling services

Ballina Family Resource Centre is providing a counselling service and child therapy service at its premises on Abbey Street, Ardnaree, Ballina.

The child therapy service is for individuals, couples, adolescents and children in the Ballina and surrounding areas. It is run in association with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, which is the dedicated State agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children.

There is also a professional and confidential counselling service available at the centre.

For more information, please contact Ballina Family Resource Centre on 096-75573 or 087-0618525, or email admin@bfrc.com.

Died in England

The death took place in England on May 25 of Barbara Helena OBoyle (Ni Bhaoill), Brookwood Road, Southampton and formerly of Crossmolina Road, Ballina.

Barbara will be sadly missed by her sister Valerie, brothers Stephen, Ronald, David, Niall and Kenneth, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends in Mayo and in Southampton.

She was predeceased by her father Valentine OBoyle, her mother Lena OBoyle and by her brother John OBoyle, late of Crossmolina Road, Ballina and of Barrack Street, Killala.

At the time of writing, funeral arrangements had yet to be announced.

St Dymphnas School function

St Dymphnas School, Ballina is organising a Leavers and Retirement celebration in The Great National Hotel, Old Foxford Road, Ballina on the afternoon of Friday June 14.

If anyone is interested in coming along then please contact the school on 096-21006. The event will run from 1 to 4pm.

25 card game in Craoibhin

The popularity of the card game 25 has never waned among the many thousands of people who love to play it.

Craoibhin Ballina is starting 25 card game sessions on Monday, June 10, at a cost of 5 per person and everyone is welcome to come along. The card game is played at 11am in the Craoibhin Ballina Centre on Cathedral Road, located just beside St Muredachs Cathedral.

Wednesday afternoon is bingo time, from 2pm to 4pm, costing 10 per person to play.

Boccia takes place on Thursday mornings from 11am to 1pm, at 5 per person, and art classes take place on Friday mornings from 10am to 12pm, also at a cost of 5 per person.

All activities are in the Craoibhin Ballina centre and for more information you can call the club on 087-2785365.

The late James Friel

The death has taken place of James (Jim) Friel, Shanaghy, Ballina and formerly of Rinboy, Fanad, Co. Donegal.

James, a retired Garda Sergeant who served in the Ballina district for many years, and who was Chairman of the Ballina Tidy Towns organisation, was the beloved husband of Anne and dear father to Declan, Eithne, Deirdre, Fergus and Aoife.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughters, brother Humphrey, sons-in-law Anthony, Michael and Enda, daughters-in-law Sandra and Aimee, 17 grandchildren, nephews, nieces and the extended Baxter and Friel families.

James reposed at his residence on Saturday of last week. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredachs Cathedral, Ballina on Sunday, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.

Congratulations to Leonard

Ballina Order of Malta stalwart, Leonard McDonnell, was honoured last week by The National Ambulance Service for his work with Ballina Community First Responders.

Leonard won the national award in the Best Community First Responder - Coordinator category of the National Ambulance Services Community Volunteer Awards 2024.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Azerbaijan continues to be a reliable energy supplier, Senior Advisor for Multilateral Energy Diplomacy of the Bureau of Energy Resources of the US Department of State Harry Kamian said, Trend reports.

He made the statement at the 29th International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and the 12th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition, known as Caspian Power, during the Baku Energy Week at the Baku Expo Center.

"I am honored and privileged to represent the United States government here at the 29th annual energy event in Baku. The US and Azerbaijan enjoy a strong bilateral relationship, and Azerbaijan remains a consistent and trusted partner in advancing energy security in the region and Europe," he emphasized.

He stated that, as the host of COP29, Azerbaijan has the opportunity to leverage its position as a reliable and trusted energy supplier to contribute to the global energy transition and climate change goals.

"The US looks forward to our appropriate cooperation in the coming months to ensure a successful COP29," Kamian added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Azerbaijan can count on the full support of the EU in holding COP29, Director of the Energy Platform Task Force and International RelationsDirectorateGeneral for Energy European Commission Cristina Lobillo Borrero said during Baku Energy Week at Baku Expo Center, Trend reports.

Hosting COP29 presents a singular opportunity to implement these concepts in a manner that enhances our energy security, boosts investment in renewable energy, fortifies our industrial foundations, fosters a just energy transition and trade within our market, and ultimately steers our economies towards achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. You can rely on the full support of the European Union to ensure the success of COP29 on a global scale, she said.

She mentioned two specific initiatives of particular significance in the renewable energy sector, one being a partnership among Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary aimed at creating a green energy corridor.



"Other countries have also shown interest in joining this initiative. An inclusive approach can enhance the advantages of infrastructure development and market integration at the regional level.

Another crucial initiative is the agreement between the Serbian Renewable Energy Agency and the European Wind Energy Association within Europe to develop offshore wind energy in the Caspian Sea. With a unique blend of potential and ambition, I believe this initiative holds immense promise and has garnered considerable interest from all parties to showcase its feasibility and translate it into reality," Cristina Lobillo added.

The Baku Energy Week, taking place from June 4 to 6, comprises three main events: the 29th Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition, the 12th Caspian International Energy and Green Energy Exhibition Caspian Power, and the 29th Baku Energy Forum.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, June 4. Turkmenistan has concluded major deals on the sale of petroleum products with foreign entrepreneurs on its State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange, Trend reports.

According to the exchange, entrepreneurs from Afghanistan purchased base oil of the SN-600 brand from Turkmenistan, as well as polyethylene buckets of the A4009 MFN 1325 brand, for a total of over $13.4 million.

Representatives of the Turkish business community purchased polypropylene of the TPP D382 BF brand produced by the enterprises of the Turkmennebit State Concern in the amount of $13 million.

At the same time, representatives of the Kyrgyz business community purchased cotton yarn and fabric worth almost $455,000 at exchanges.

Meanwhile, in recent years, Turkmenistan has seen a noticeable development of the oil refining industry, based on strategic planning and modernization of existing plants.

This includes adopting new technology and equipment, attracting foreign investment to boost oil product production capacity and efficiency, diversifying the economy, and increasing export potential.
Welcome to Molecular Medicine

The Division of Molecular Medicine and Haematology in the School of Pathology

The Division of Molecular Medicine and Haematology in the School of Pathology spearheads vital clinical and diagnostic work in both the private and public sectors. A joint initiative of Wits University and the National Health Laboratory Service, the division comprises specialised units focusing on science and research, teaching and learning and clinical work. It is represented in the main teaching hospitals, Charlotte Maxeke, Chris Hani Baragwanath, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa Childrens Hospital, and the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre.

The division plays a critical role in providing undergraduate teaching, as well as facilitating rigorous training for a large number of postgraduate students. The division provides specialist training to registrars preparing for College of Medicine examinations.

Division head, Professor Johnny Mahlangu

Figure 1: Professor Johnny Mahlangu, the division head at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology in the School of Pathology

Professor Johnny Mahlangu heads the Division of Molecular Medicine and Haematology in the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service. He is also a consultant clinical haematologist at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Professor Mahlangu received his undergraduate and postgraduate training in science and medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand with haematology specialist and clinical haematology sub-specialist qualifications through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. His main area of research is novel therapies in bleeding disorders, in which he has served as Principal Investigator for many international multicentre studies. He has published peer-reviewed journal articles and presented over 500 oral talks and posters at national and international scientific meetings. His academic citizenship includes membership in a wealth of national and international scientific committees.

Once-off gene therapy could resolve the many challenges of living with a bleeding disorder

A once-off adeno-associated gene therapy (AAV) for haemophilia types A and B will revolutionise the treatment of inherited bleeding disorders. There are promising results from four clinical trials which show that 80% of patients can live without replacement therapy and that the side effects of gene therapy are minimal.

Patients born with mutant F8 or F9 genes have impaired thrombin generation (the final and crucial step in clotting), resulting in spontaneous or trauma-induced bleeding. The hallmark of haemophilia bleeding is bleeding into the joints (known as haemarthroses).

The global standard of care for these patients is replacement therapy with plasma-derived or recombinant FVIII or FIX proteins. Replacement therapy often results in suboptimal treatment. Moreover, the cost of treating haemophilia is about R400 000 to R600 000 per patient yearly. The development of alternative therapies such as gene therapy may be able to mitigate this, explains Professor Johnny Mahlangu, head of the Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology in the Wits School of Pathology.

Now in its fifth year post-gene therapy, Mahlangu's research reveals that giving a single infusion of AAV-mediated gene therapy carrying the FVIII or FIX transgene results in. The patients quality of life drastically improves.

In AAV-mediated gene therapy, the liver cells assist the transgene in finding its way to what is known as the hepatocyte nuclear. It then uses the hepatocyte protein synthesis machinery to transcribe the AAV-delivered FVIII or FIX gene into an mRNA. The vector isnt integrated, so we arent changing anyones genetic makeup. 

Figure 2: AAV mediated gene therapy

Figure 3: The lab has carefully controlled refrigeration, with remote sensing abilities

This is the ultimate treatment that haemophilia patients require to remain bleed-free while not taking replacement therapy. Significantly, both the FDA and EMA have approved two gene therapies for haemophilia A and B, which are ommercially available. The major challenge in South Africa is that it is R60 million per treatment. Obviously, this isnt affordable, but we are looking at models to see how we can make it viable, says Professor Mahlangu.

Figure 4: Professor Mahlangu's world-class haematology clinical set-up
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Azerbaijan and the World Bank (WB) discussed the development of collaboration on the green transition, Trend reports.

According to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy, Deputy Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli met with WB Practice Manager for Macroeconomics, Trade, and Investment for the Europe and Central Asia Region Antonio Nucifora.

The meeting highlighted the importance of effective cooperation with WB.

Moreover, productive cooperation with the bank to further improve the investment environment in Azerbaijan, public-private partnerships, innovation, the development of management technologies, and other areas contributing to achieving the development goals of Azerbaijan were emphasized.

The parties discussed the development of cooperation on trade diversification, green transition, climate, COP29, and other issues.

To note, for more than 30 years of successful cooperation, the bank provided Azerbaijan with government loans (49 completed and 3 ongoing) for 52 projects totaling more than $4 billion.

Additionally, more than 115 technical assistance projects worth over $30 million were presented for grant projects in various areas.

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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At Chinas invitation, Special Envoy of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla will pay an official visit to China from June 5 to 9.

Hubei Media Group: To follow up on your announcement that Special Envoy of Cuban President, Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla will visit China, can you share more about the program and Chinas expectation for the visit?

Mao Ning: Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez is a dear old friend of the Chinese people. His upcoming visit to China as the special envoy of the Cuban President Diaz-Canel highlights the high-level political mutual trust and special friendship between China and Cuba.

China attaches high importance to the visit. Chinese leaders and heads of competent authorities will meet with special envoy Rodriguez and have in-depth exchanges of views with him on China-Cuba relations and issues of mutual interest.

China and Cuba are good friends, good comrades and good brothers. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Cuba relations have been extraordinarily strong and robust and have become a fine example of solidarity and cooperation between socialist countries and sincere mutual assistance between developing countries. China hopes that through this visit, the two sides will further enhance strategic communication, deliver on the important common understandings between the two heads of state, continue to deepen our special friendship and jointly build a China-Cuba community with a shared future.

Global Times: Election results in Mexico show that the governing coalitions candidate Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected as the new President of Mexico and is set to become the countrys first female president in history. What is Chinas comment on the election results?

Mao Ning: We express our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Claudia Sheinbaum on her election as the President of Mexico. Mexico is a major country in Latin America and an important emerging market. Under the strategic guidance of the presidents of China and Mexico, our bilateral relations have maintained a sound momentum of growth, with deepening political mutual trust, fruitful practical cooperation, vibrant cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and close coordination on multilateral affairs. China always views its relations with Mexico from a strategic height and long-term perspective. We stand ready to work with the new government of Mexico to seek closer synergy between our development strategies, enrich the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership, and bring the bilateral relations to a new level.

CCTV: We noted that during an interview on June 2, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell mentioned that its very difficult to decouple from the Chinese economy. He said we wish to continue in a mutually beneficial relationship, but it has to be fair and balanced. On whether the EU will impose tariffs on China, he said that we are not following the US and that a trade war is something that has to be avoided. He said that we believe in free trade, but trade has to be fair. Do you have any comment?

Mao Ning: We noted relevant remarks. The Chinese side always believes that China-EU economic ties are mutually beneficial, protectionism has no future, and open cooperation is the right way forward. China and the EU are each others second largest trading partners with average trade per minute approaching US$1.5 million. The stock of two-way investment between China and the EU has exceeded US$250 billion, and businesses from both sides are investing more in each others markets. The China-Europe Railway Express (CRE) has made over 90,000 trips in total, which makes it a golden route for trade in Eurasia. The supply, industrial and value chains between China and Europe have become deeply integrated and mutually embedded.

China will stay committed to advancing high-level opening-up and providing an open, inclusive and transparent business environment for companies from all countries. We hope that the EU will act on its commitment to supporting free trade and opposing protectionism, and work with us to uphold the overall economic and trade cooperation between the two sides.

Reuters: Chinese state media said on Sunday that personnel on a Philippine ship pointed guns at Chinas Coast Guard last month. The Philippine military spokesperson today rejected this at a press conference, saying that Philippine troops acted with the highest level of professionalism. What is Chinas comment on this?

Mao Ning: On the situation at Renai Jiao, China has made our position clear on multiple occasions. On this issue, it is the Philippines who has repeatedly infringed on Chinas rights, made provocations and heightened tensions. We ask the Philippines to stop going back on its word and stop its provocations.

AFP: Palau, a Pacific island, was hit by a cyberattack recently. Palau claimed that Chinese hackers were behind it. Taiwan has condemned the attack and offered support. Whats Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: Im not familiar with what you mentioned. Let me say broadly that China firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with law. Taiwan is part of China. We hope that relevant country will recognize as soon as possible the prevailing trend and make an early decision that serves its own long-term interest.

Bloomberg: In an interview earlier today, the US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel made some comments about how China seems to be more and more isolated in the region. He said countries from Japan, to South Korea, to Australia, to Singapore, to the Philippines, and even Vietnam want Americas presence because they dont want an unmoored, untethered China that disregards their own sovereignty. Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have any reaction to Mr. Emanuels comments?

Mao Ning: I have not seen the ambassadors remarks yet and dont see how he came to such a conclusion. China maintains friendly cooperation with countries in the region and beyond. I dont know on what ground he made such remarks.

Reuters: Did the Foreign Ministry notice the Philippine military spokespersons response to a Chinese state medias report on Sunday that Philippine personnel pointed guns at China Coast Guard? Could you share more information, such as whether Philippine personnel truly pointed guns at China Coast Guard? Whats the Chinese governments comment on the action?

Mao Ning: The Philippines grounding a warship at Renai Jiao is itself illegal. Since then, the Philippine side has further made frequent provocations, heightened tensions and escalated the situation. We find that simply unacceptable. China has more than once made clear its principled position on how this issue should be handled. We ask the Philippines to stop making provocations, and return to the right track of handling differences through dialogue and consultation.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 4. Kazakhstan is ready to act as a reliable logistics hub on the Eurasian transport corridors, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said at a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Nesvizh city (Belarus), Trend reports.

"Kazakhstan is ready to share its accumulated experience and act as a reliable logistics hub on the Eurasian transport corridors. The introduction of new opportunities will increase transport and economic connectivity, reduce business costs, and ensure increased mobility for the country's population," he said.

The PM noted the positive results of the Kazakh pilot project to automate railway transit through reducing the processing time of trains, automatic registration, and the issuance of transit declarations for goods transported along the China-Central Asia and China-Europe routes.

"One of the important mechanisms of logistics is the development of physical infrastructure. It is necessary to quickly resolve problems that arise when crossing the internal borders of partner countries in the EAEU. Kazakhstan, for its part, has begun to eliminate bottlenecks by reconstructing railways along the routes Orsk - Kandyagash, Makat - Sagiz, Shalkar - Beyneu. The construction of 4 sidings on the section Makat - Shubarqudyq has begun, the existing tracks on the section Mangystau - Beyneu and three sidings on the section Mangyshlak - Uzen are being extended," Bektenov noted.

To date, 13 international transport corridors have been formed and are in operation in Kazakhstan, including 5 railways and 8 roads.

Furthermore, about $30 billion has been invested in the transport and logistics infrastructure of Kazakhstan over the past 10 years.

Moreover, in the next five years, at least 40 billion euros will be needed to implement major infrastructure projects in the field of transportation in Kazakhstan.

To note, the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council (EIC) is holding a meeting in Nesvizh, Belarus, which is attended by the prime ministers of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) countries.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 4. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), a member of the World Bank Group, guarantees a loan in the amount of 114 million euros to the National Bank of Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

According to MIGA, the National Bank of Uzbekistan will implement the loan to foster the growth of small and medium enterprises across various sectors, including agribusiness, wholesale, and manufacturing.

Given the social impact of these SMEs growth plans, Standard Chartered (the UK's multinational bank) structured the financing in accordance with the Social Loan Principles (SLPs). The SLPs are designed to establish a high-level framework of market standards and guidelines, ensuring a consistent methodology within the social loan market.

Standard Chartered served as the mandated lead arranger, social loan coordinator, bookrunner, original lender, structuring bank, and facility agent. Germany's Landesbank Baden Wurttemberg (a commercial bank) also participated as a lender and mandated lead arranger.

Earlier in 2023, the National Bank of Uzbekistan and Standard Chartered concluded an agreement to attract a credit line in the amount of $100 million.

With the support of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the credit line from Standard Chartered will be directed towards financing investment projects in small and medium-sized businesses in sectors such as alternative energy, electrical engineering, textiles, transportation, telecommunications, and others.
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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. 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. [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.

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 4. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree depriving a number of large state-owned companies of exclusive rights to carry out economic activities, Trend reports.

According to the decree, Uzmetkombinat, Uzvtortsvetmet, Uztrade, UzGasTrade, Uzkimyoimpeks, and Uzenergosotish will lose their exclusive and monopoly rights as of January 1, 2025.

The document is aimed at further acceleration of market reforms and harmonization of legislation with the agreements of the World Trade Organization.

To note, Uzbekistan was granted observer status in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in June 1994, and in 1998, a working negotiating group on accession to the WTO was established.

Uzbekistan began WTO admission negotiations in June 2022. To join the WTO, Uzbekistan needs all member states' consent.
The Olympic rings and the Paralympic Games logo can be seen on a sign on a construction fence in front of the Eiffel Tower. The Olympic Games and Paralympics take place in France this summer.
BBC Wales documentary reveals firm linked to criminal probe donated to Gething

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jun 4th, 2024

BBC Wales Investigates say they have discovered a company that bankrolled Vaughan Gethings successful bid to become Wales First Minister was linked to a criminal investigation at the time.

Mr Gethings leadership campaign accepted 200,000 from a firm controlled by millionaire businessman David Neal.

The BBC say, A criminal investigation into suspected environmental offences by one of Mr Neals firms, Resources Management Limited (RML), is being carried out by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

Welsh Government ministers were briefed about the investigation before Mr Gething  the UKs only current ruling Labour leader  became First Minister.

Mr Gething, who narrowly won the Welsh Labour leader contest earlier this year, previously said he had done nothing wrong and has not broken the ministerial code.

RML runs the Withyhedge landfill site near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, which people have complained since October 2023 is a stink bomb on steroids.

Colin Barnett started the Stop the Stink campaign to force RML to fix odour issues at the Withyhedge site. It now has more than 2,000 members.

He said: Theyre probably very surprised theyve had such fierce resistance from a rural area that they thought was quite small, but the problem is, theyve affected so many of those villages.

NRW says it has identified the smell as hydrogen sulphide.

Huwel Manley, Natural Resources Wales, said the regulator was working with the local authority, local health board and Public Health Wales to fix the issues.

We identified issues of concern late last year. The company is under investigation at the moment.

In a statement Mr Neal said he would: continue to fully cooperate with any pending investigations by Natural Resources Wales, and it is working to stop the smells. And added: We have never requested or expected anything in return.

Health Secretary Eluned Morgan and then-Climate Change Minister Julie James both had meetings with the regulator about problems at Withyhedge in February.

Some Labour members have also questioned the judgement of the first minister, with the BBC learning that one senior figure within Welsh Labour offered to loan Mr Gething the money to allow him to pay back the donation  which was turned down.

But other senior party figures have also publicly backed the First Minister, including party leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens.

Speaking on the election campaign trail, she said: Vaughan didnt break any rules in that leadership campaign and we are just looking forward to getting on with the general election. Theres positive reaction for him on the doorsteps.

A spokesman for Welsh Labour said the issues had previously been addressed by Vaughan Gething and are a matter of public record.

Politicians in the Senedd will vote Tomorrow on whether they have confidence in Mr Gethings leadership.

If he were to lose the vote, he would not be forced to resign, but the BBC say it would put him in a difficult position.

It was proposed by the Welsh Conservatives leader in the Senedd, Andrew Davies MS, who said the debate will give people the chance to have their say on Mr Gethings judgement, transparency and truthfulness.

BBC Wales Investigates: A Big Stink is available now on iPlayer and was broadcast last night BBC One Wales
First ever Wrexham Pride to take place next month

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jun 4th, 2024

Wrexham Pride, the first event of its kind in the city, will be a celebration of diversity and a space for people of all identities to come together and embrace love and inclusion.

Organisers say it will showcase the rich tapestry of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in Wrecsam.

It is a family-friendly event and will feature:

a colourful, inclusive and accessible march leaving Llwyn Isaf at 1.30

following the march, a community space on Llwyn Isaf with local community organisation information stalls together with crafts and activities for children and young people. People will be encouraged to bring their own picnics to enjoy whilst being entertained by a variety of acts performing on the bandstand.

There will also be a quiet space from 10am

a street market in Queens Square made up of local businesses offering food and drinks and a variety of arts and crafts all supporting and promoting the theme of diversity and inclusion

after party events in a number of local establishments that will carry on late into the evening

Rachel Allen, part of the organising team, said, The aim is to promote Wrecsam as an LGBTQIA+ friendly city and to show support and solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. As well as the activities focussed on Llwyn Isaf and Queens Square, there will be a Pride Trail, supported by businesses around the city centre.

If youd like to take part in the please sign up on the Wrexham Pride website.

This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Underwater search team deployed to River Dee in ongoing search for missing man

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jun 4th, 2024

An underwater search team search has been deployed to the River Dee as part of the ongoing search for a missing man.

Emergency services have been scouring the area around the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct since Thursday 30 May.

Colleagues from the North West Underwater Search Team are now assisting with searches in the River Dee, in the area of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

North Wales Police are also continuing foot searches in the vicinity of the aqueduct.

Chief Inspector Stephen Roberts said: Our thoughts remain with the mans family at this extremely difficult time as searches continue.

I would also like to thank the public for their continued patience and understanding.

Yesterday North Wales Police that the force has referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).

A spokesperson said: As there had been police contact prior to the man going missing, as required in these circumstances, we have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Warning against undemocratic 10% recall threshold for Senedd Members

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jun 4th, 2024

A 10% threshold for voters to remove Senedd members from office between elections would be undemocratic, the standards commissioner warned.

Douglas Bain, who investigates complaints against Senedd members, gave evidence to a standards committee inquiry looking into introducing a system of recall.

He said: I very much welcome anything that will strengthen the ability of the public to call to account members of the Senedd. I think that should always be welcome.

But Mr Bain warned that the closed-list electoral system, which will see people voting for parties rather than candidates from 2026, poses major difficulties.

He said: If a member was recalled, the public  the electorate  would not have a choice of who might be elected, with the automatic election of the next person on the party list.

Undemocratic

He told the committee it would be quite wrong to replace a member in this way, without a byelection, because only 10% of the electorate have said thats what they want to happen.

Stressing its a personal view, and ultimately a matter for the Welsh Parliament to decide, Mr Bain said: I wouldnt regard that as democratic or acceptable.

He added: There has to be some sort of mechanism to ensure actually its the will of not just 10% of the people that the member should be replaced, but its the majority of the people.

Peredur Owen Griffiths, a Plaid Cymru member of the committee, pointed out that an MS could be elected with 40% of the vote yet removed with 10%.

Mr Bain suggested giving the standards committee powers to recommend disqualification could work as an alternative but this could be viewed as MSs marking their own homework.

Unacceptable

Asked whether proxy and postal votes should be allowed as part of a recall mechanism, Mr Bain said the extra verification steps would unduly complicate the process.

Vikki Howells asked about Westminsters criteria for triggering a recall petition: a prison sentence of less than 12 months, a ten-day suspension, or an expenses conviction.

Mr Bain, who was appointed in 2021, told the committee chair it is a good starting point.

The standards commissioner said there could be an argument for reducing the 12-month sentence threshold, above which members are automatically disqualified.

He asked: Is it acceptable that someone whos been sentenced to six months imprisonment  to remain a member of the Senedd? I think many would think the answer is no.

Agony

Asked if members should be able to appeal, Mr Bain said in his experience of the complaints process, introducing an appeals mechanism risks prolonging the agony for everyone.

He recommended following Westminsters model as closely as possible, adapting it for Wales as necessary: Why try to reinvent a wheel that seems to work reasonably well?

Mr Bain previously served as acting commissioner following Sir Roderick Evans resignation in 2019 after he was secretly recorded by Neil McEvoy, the former Plaid Cymru MS.

The commissioner, who is based in Northern Ireland, said a vote of the whole Senedd and a weighted majority should be required due to the serious nature of the recall decision.

Otherwise it could be used by a party that had a greater number of seats in the Senedd simply to remove opposition, which would be wholly unacceptable, he warned.

Missed opportunity

But Joe Rossiter, co-director of the Institute of Welsh Affairs, suggested a vote of the whole Senedd is unnecessary and risks politicisation, with members voting in party blocks.

Mr Rossiter, who joined the independent think tank and charity in 2022, described the members and elections bill as a missed opportunity to include a recall mechanism.

He told the meeting on June 3: The public have a right to expect high standards from elected officials who are having an increasing impact on everyday life in Wales.

Ms Howells asked whether politicians should be recalled for changing their allegiance, saying voters are often vexed and lack representation when an MS joins another party.

Mark Drakeford suggested members should be allowed to leave a political group but then only be able to sit as an independent for the rest of that Senedd term.

They wouldnt be able to hawk themselves around to different political groups, he said.

Unintended consequences

The ex-first minister suggested it is unlikely the main parties will exhaust their 12-candidate lists for constituencies, saying: Youd have to have a very, very substantial run of bad luck.

Prof Drakeford said any independent MS would effectively be on a list of one but he argued it would be preferable for the seat to sit vacant rather than hold a by-election.

He told the meeting the unintended consequences of holding by-elections under the new fully proportional system outweigh the problems arising from a vacant seat.

Natasha Asghar, for the Conservatives, asked whether Wales should introduce a public body, similar to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) in Westminster.

Mr Rossiter said an Ipsa-style approach could raise standards throughout the Senedd as an institution, not only among individual members, but it would require more investment.





By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
Welsh Government pauses controversial plans to shorten school summer holidays

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jun 4th, 2024

The Welsh Government has paused controversial plans to shorten the length school summer holidays.

It comes after a mixed response from the largest Welsh Government education consultation on record.

More 16,000 responses were received on plans to change the school calendar to spread school holidays out more evenly across the year.

Proposals suggested moving a week from the start of the summer break into the autumn break creating a two-week half term.

The Welsh Government argued that the move would help to improve the education experiences of young people  especially the most disadvantaged and align more effectively with how families live and work.

But the proposals were met with a mixed response from the public, opposition parties and unions which argued that there was no need to reform the existing term system.

According to the Welsh Government whilst a narrow majority of responses were in favour of changing school holidays, the findings from the consultation were equivocal and contradictory which highlights more discussion and exploration is needed to ensure any future amendments benefit everyone.

Today Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle confirmed that plans to change the school holidays will not happen this Senedd term to give teachers and staff space and time to deliver other reforms.

This will allow other reforms such as the New Curriculum for Wales and reforms of Additional Learning Needs to be fully implemented and rolled out before other changes are introduced.

The decision on the timing of implementation of the plans will also be deferred to the next Senedd term.

The Education Secretary Lynne Neagle said: My starting point is always the best interests of children and young people. This means ensuring reforms are properly planned out and have the time and space to succeed.

Opinion was hugely divided on this. To ensure we get this right, we need to continue listening to and engaging with schools, teachers, unions as well as children, young people and parents on how best we can implement any changes in the future.

I am acutely aware we are asking a lot of teachers and schools.

They are supporting our ambitious transformation of education in Wales and they need the time and the space to ensure these reforms deliver for children and young people.

I want to prioritise ongoing school reforms and improving attainment and therefore, no changes will be made to the school year this Senedd term.

In the meantime, our priority will be to maximise the support available to learners during the summer holidays including doing more to target that provision towards the poorest communities through a range of policies and activities including the School Holiday Enrichment Programme and Community Focused Schools.

Response

Todays announcement has been welcomed by the National Education Union Cymru (NEU), which argued that the priority should be supporting staff and pupils in schools with existing issues in the education system.

Nicola Fitzpatrick, Interim Wales Secretary for the National Education Union Cymru, said: NEU Cymru members will be pleased that the Welsh Government has seen sense and decided not to change the pattern of the school year.

We were clear in our response to their consultation that there was no clear rationale for reform and that any changes needed to be evidenced based to show how they would benefit children and young people in their learning whilst also

ensuring the wellbeing of the workforce.

Were pleased that the Welsh Government have listened to us and our members.

It remains a really difficult time in education and the education workforce have seen significant periods of change including implementing the new curriculum and significant additional learning needs reform.

We also have a funding crisis, major workload issues, pupil behaviour and attendance issues, and mental health challenges for both staff and students.

These should be the Cabinet Secretarys main priorities and we look forward to discussing these with her as part of her commitment to listening and working in partnership with the workforce.

Tom Giffard MS, Shadow Education Minister, has called on the Welsh Government to scrap its school holiday reform plans.

He said: Education in Wales is in crisis with soaring absenteeism, a shocking decline in education standards, the worst PISA results in the UK and rising incidences of violence plaguing our schools.

We have long called for the Labour Government to scrap this distraction and get on with tackling the problems they have created in education over the past 25 years.

Kicking this into the long grass is not good enough, Labour cannot ignore every teachers union, let alone the tourism and business sectors, who are against the plans, the policy needs to be scrapped completely.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said: I am pleased to hear that the Welsh Government has listened to the serious concerns raised over these proposals.

Changes of such a seismic scale risked adding further pressure onto the shoulders of teachers and schools that are already being weighed down by the long-lasting impact of Covid on education.

Any future reforms must be seriously scrutinised, and stress tested so that we know our children are receiving the very best education possible.
Mondays hearing of the Republican-led House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, featuring testimony from Dr. Anthony Fauci, marked a new low in the bipartisan war on science and public health by the entire American political establishment.

Exemplifying their fascistic politics, the Republicans brazenly promoted the Wuhan Lab conspiracy theory, claiming that Fauci worked with the Chinese government to engineer the COVID-19 pandemic and then orchestrated a cover-up of his own complicity in the deaths of over 1 million Americans. This McCarthyite show trial, replete with wild accusations and denunciations, was aimed at intimidating scientists and all those who advocate for public health measures against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the threat of future pandemics.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, during a hearing by the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, June 3, 2024. [AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite]

In a blatant provocation, two well-known fascists implicated in Donald Trumps January 6, 2021 coup attempt were seated directly behind Fauci so as to be visible on screen while he testified. These were Brandon Fellows, who was recently sentenced to three years in jail for participating in the coup, and Ivan Raiklin, a coup plotter and associate of Trump, who once stated, I have a deep state target list, and Im coming for all of them.

In the course of his testimony, Fauci noted that he and his family have been the target of credible death threats. Among those who incited such threats were Steve Bannon, who in November 2020 called for Faucis beheading. Bannon was also the original purveyor of the Wuhan Lab Lie, a xenophobic conspiracy theory which blamed the Chinese government for the pandemic in order to ideologically prepare the grounds for war.

Mondays hearing took place just over one year after the Biden administration scrapped the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declarationthe final nail in the coffin of any official response to the pandemicand against the backdrop of a developing new wave of mass infection in the US, driven by the latest immune-evasive KP.2 and KP.3 variants. According to models based on wastewater data, somewhere from 190,000-440,000 Americans are currently being infected with COVID-19 each day, leading to tens of thousands of daily new Long COVID cases.

At the same time, H5N1 bird flu is spreading among dozens of species globally and threatens to spill over into the human population, potentially causing a pandemic whose societal impacts would dwarf those of COVID-19. Bird flu has historically had a case fatality rate above 50 percent in humans.

None of this contemporary reality was raised at the hearing, as both capitalist political parties have united to enforce the forever COVID policy of perpetual mass infection, debilitation and death. Rather, the goal of the subcommittee, accepted by the Democrats, is to rewrite the history of the pandemic in order to undermine the ability of public health to prevent future pandemics.

The bulk of Mondays hearing was devoted to questioning Fauci about the validity of every limited public health measure implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19, including mask and vaccine mandates, social distancing guidelines, temporary school and workplace closures, and more. In each case, the economic costs of these measures were deemed unbearable, while their life-saving effects were completely denied, despite ample scientific studies proving the contrary.

Much of the media coverage about the hearing has focused on Faucis acknowledgement that the six-foot social distancing guidelines put in place at the start of the pandemic in schools and workplaces were an empiric decision that wasnt based on data.

This was perhaps the only valid criticism of pandemic policy in the entire hearing, though as Fauci himself noted this policy fell under the purview of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which he did not oversee.

In fact, the six-foot rule was the product of antiquated conceptions about droplet transmission of respiratory pathogens and a deliberate cover-up of the science of airborne transmission at the highest levels. At the very beginning of the pandemic, in April 2020, the worlds leading aerosol physicists and other scientists explained clearly to the World Health Organization (WHO) that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is airborne and spreads through aerosols which accumulate in poorly-ventilated indoor spaces.

Despite ample and continuous warnings by these scientists, the WHO and other public health agencies refused to educate the global population on the science of airborne transmission or demand that corporations renovate infrastructure to provide clean indoor air in all buildings. This was among the greatest real crimes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the Republicans unhinged statements and provocations, the House Democrats meekly defended Fauci, whom they view as a valuable political asset. They did nothing to oppose the Republicans denigration of public health measures and provided no left-wing critique of Faucis genuine social crimes committed during the pandemic. This is because the Democrats are in fundamental agreement with the Republicans that private profit must take precedence over public health.

Throughout the pandemic, Fauci has played a central political role in legitimizing every major policy decision, first under Trump but in particular under Biden, justifying the latters complete scrapping of all official responses to the pandemic. In January 2022, amid the second-largest wave of mass death fueled by the Omicron variant, Fauci blithely stated, It is an open question as to whether or not Omicron is going to be the live virus vaccination that everyone is hoping for.

Fauci retired from government at the end of 2022, amid the third winter of the pandemic. When Biden ended the COVID-19 PHE five months later in May 2023, Fauci issued no criticism whatsoever. In an August 2023 interview with the BBC, Fauci stated that older people, the ill and disabled will fall by the wayside from COVID-19, the latest in a string of eugenicist statements from leading pandemic officials.

Fauci has always been a political persona, whose purpose has been to provide a veneer of legitimacy to the utterly criminal pandemic response of American capitalism.

Perhaps the most vile moment during Mondays hearing was when Fauci stated his agreement with last months decision by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to suspend funding to, and debar EcoHealth Alliance, a non-governmental organization which works to prevent future pandemics.

EcoHealth Alliance and its leader, Dr. Peter Daszak, have been the central target of the Wuhan Lab conspiracy theory, which asserts that the group engineered SARS-CoV-2 with Chinese scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

There is not a shred of evidence to substantiate any of the wild claims made about EcoHealth Alliance or Daszak, and all major papers published in credible scientific journals indicate that SARS-CoV-2 began spreading among humans through a spillover event at a wet market in Wuhan, China.

Last month, Daszak was brought before the same subcommittee and subjected to savage bipartisan vilification and scapegoating, prompting the HHS decision to cut off funding for EcoHealth Alliance. In voicing his support for this retrograde action, Fauci has thrown to the wolves his former colleague Daszak and dozens of principled and courageous scientists still working at EcoHealth Alliance.

The bipartisan attacks on Daszak and EcoHealth Alliance are particularly ominous under conditions in which the H5N1 bird flu has been spreading widely among dairy cattle across the US over the past three months. Last week, a farm worker in Michigan tested positive for bird flu with respiratory symptoms, an indication that the virus is evolving and could develop the capacity for human-to-human airborne transmission.

More so than ever before, organizations like EcoHealth Alliance must be fully funded in order to closely monitor and respond to the threat of emerging infectious diseases, which will only accelerate as climate change deepens in the years ahead.

In the 2024 US elections, the only presidential candidate who has even commented on the Fauci hearing, let alone advanced a left-wing opposition to the bipartisan assault on science and public health, is Socialist Equality Party (US) presidential candidate Joseph Kishore. In a statement posted to Twitter/X, Kishore noted:

The fight for a society that prioritizes lives over profit is the fight for socialism. Capitalism is based on the subordination of everything to private profit, to the wealth and privileges of the capitalist oligarchy. And as they have normalized mass death during the pandemic, the ruling elites are now normalizing genocide in Gaza and nuclear war against Russia. The Socialist Equality Party fights for socialized medicine, as part of the socialist reorganization of economic life in the US and throughout the world. Health care is a social right that must be available to everyone free of charge. The giant medical corporations must be placed under democratic control. The parasitic insurance industrywhich exists solely to deny people access to health caremust be abolished and replaced with universal health care And the SEP fights for a policy of global eliminationof Covid-19 and other viruses. The public health measures necessary to eliminate and eradicate deadly pathogens are well known. What prevents their implementation is the capitalist system and the interests of the ruling oligarchy.

The same capitalist ruling elites that have overseen the needless deaths of over 27 million people worldwide during the pandemic have now plunged humanity into a Third World War. Instead of addressing COVID-19 and preventing future pandemics, all of societys resources are squandered on war and on the personal enrichment of a tiny financial oligarchy. This descent into barbarism can only be stopped through the socialist overturn of capitalist society, led by the international working class.
On Friday, Socialist Equality Party members Nick Beams and John Davis spoke on the Central Hunter Radio (2CHR) station to discuss the global campaign to free imprisoned Ukrainian socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk.

The SEP representatives were interviewed by Warren Parsons on a local program. It covers parts of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, a working-class area north of Sydney historically associated with coal mining, steel production and other manufacturing.

Beams and Davis stated that Syrotiuk is the victim of a gross frameup. He has been charged with high treason and slandered as an agent of the Russian government. In reality, Syrotiuk, as the leader of the Young Guard of Bolshevik-Leninists, has fought to unite workers in Ukraine and Russia against the US-NATO instigated war and all the governments, including the Putin regime.

The interview touched on the growing danger of nuclear war posed by ever more direct US involvement in the Ukraine war, and the relationship between the conflict there and the global war drive of American imperialism, including its support for the Gaza genocide and preparations for a catastrophic conflict with China.

Beams and Davis called on listeners to join the struggle for Syrotiuks freedom, as part of a fight to defend democratic rights and mobilise the working class against the threat of a new world war.
The unannounced appearance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the annual Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore last weekend is another sign of the global character of the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during press conference after the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, June 2, 2024 [AP Photo/Vincent Thian]

Zelensky exploited the opportunity to lash out at China for failing to line up against Russia as he sought support at Asias premier security forum for Ukraines so-called peace conference to be held in Switzerland later this month.

Speaking at a press conference, the Ukrainian president accused Russia of using Chinese diplomats to pressure governments not to attend the Swiss gathering. Zelensky, who heads the US-backed puppet regime in Kyiv, declared: It is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of Putin.

The Ukrainian-sponsored peace conference is nothing more than a propaganda exercise for the Zelensky regime and its imperialist backers. The Ukrainian president explained that the forum will revolve around a discussion of points of his peace plan which amount to a demand for Russias capitulation.

The meeting in Switzerland will take place as the US has dramatically escalated the conflict by giving the green light to Ukraine to use American long-range missiles to strike into Russian territory, greatly heightening the danger of nuclear war. That is the real character of the peace that will be discussed.

China stated last week that it would not send a delegation to the summit, insisting that a genuine peace conference should have recognition by both Russia and Ukraine, equal participation by all parties, and fair discussion of all peace plans.

Zelensky also parroted Washingtons claims that China is selling dual use items to Russia enabling it to maintain its military capabilities. Certain elements that make up parts of Russias weaponry, he said, come from China.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin mouthed the same accusation in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun, warning that there would be consequences for any Chinese support for Russias military. Washington is planning another round of punitive sanctions on China over the export of dual use items to Russia.

What staggering hypocrisy! As the Biden administration supplies tens of billions worth of actual weaponry to Ukraine to attack Russian forces, it demands that China halt trade in so-called dual use itemsan ill-defined category covering a vast array of goods.

In fact, US imperialism is seeking to bully China into assisting in the economic crippling of Russia. Washington had calculated that its far-reaching sanctions on Russiaincluding a freeze on its foreign currency reserves of $350 billion and exclusion from the SWIFT system for facilitating international transactionswould bring Moscow to its knees.

US objections are not just to dual use items but that the growth of overall Chinese trade has provided an economic lifeline to Russia. Estimates cited in the US-based Foreign Affairs journal indicate bilateral trade grew by 36 percent to $190 billion in 2022 and further expanded to $240 billion last year. The bulk of Chinas imports from Russia were oil, gas and coal, while Chinese exports were dominated by industrial equipment, cars and consumer electronics.

Chinese Defence Minister Dong denied US allegations that Beijing was bolstering Russias defence industries with dual-use exports. He pointed out that China had not provided weapons to either side of the conflict and had put stricter controls on the export of dual-use items.

Speaking on Monday, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson defended Chinas trade with Russia. We also attach great importance to our relations with Ukraine China and Ukraine have maintained communication and cooperation since the Ukrainian crisis escalated, Mao Ning said.

Even as it is waging war against Russia in Ukraine and backing Israels genocide in Gaza, US imperialism is accelerating its military build-up throughout the Indo-Pacific against China, which Washington regards as the chief threat to its global dominance.

US Defense Secretary Austin boasted to the gathering about the new era of security in the Indo-Pacific as the US strengthens military alliances and partnerships in the region such as AUKUSwith Australia and the UKand the Quadwith Japan, India and Australia. This new convergence outlined by Austin is accompanied by an expansion of joint war games aimed at rehearsing for conflict with China.

That the US build-up of collective capacity is aimed against China was evident in the comments by two close US allies to the Singapore summit, Australia and the Philippines. Both lashed out against Chinas activities in the South China and East China Seas.

In a deliberately provocative speech, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles not only blamed China for recent confrontations with Australian naval forces, but also condemned its purported aggressive actions towards the Philippines and Taiwan.

Actions by Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea [the Philippine term for the South China Sea], such as the use of water cannons and the ramming of Philippine vessels, are a serious escalation of tensions, he declared, adding that Chinas behaviour towards Taiwan creates similar concerns.

The US and its allies, particularly the Philippines, have deliberately heightened tensions with China over longstanding territorial disputes in the South China Sea. In the case of Taiwan, the Biden administration has effectively overturned the One China policy by boosting relations and arms sales to Taipei. It also has put US military trainers on the island.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr also indirectly condemned Chinas actions declaring that he would not allow the country to yield one square inch or even a millimetre of its territory and maritime zones. While claiming to want to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy, the Marcos administration has greatly enhanced the US military presence in the country and involvement in joint drills.

Austin also joined the fray declaring: Every country, large or small, has the right to enjoy its own maritime resources. The harassment the Philippines has faced is dangerous, pure and simple.

Chinese Defence Minister Dong responded on Sunday condemning the formation of exclusive military alliances and attempts to create bloc confrontation. He continued: Various small circles targeting other countries cannot make our region safer and can only cause more tension.

Dong accused Washington of hegemonic behaviour, declaring that the relevant countries should abandon their zero-sum mindset, arrogance and bias and treat regional countries with sincerity. Without mentioning the US, he accused the Philippines of being emboldened by outside powers to break bilateral agreements [with China] and make premeditated provocations.

The defence minister declared that China has exercised great restraint, but warned that there is a limit to our restraint. In particular, he condemned Manilas decision to allow the US to station mid-range missiles in the region for the first time since the Cold War.

The exchanges between Chinese officials and those from the US and its allies have been escalating over the past decade as Washington has ramped up its confrontation with Beijing. The presence of Zelensky, however, condemning China and touting for support for the war against Russia is a sharp warning the brutal war that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives already is rapidly developing into a wider conflict not just in Europe, but in Asia and throughout the world.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 4. Uzbekistan Airways will launch additional flights to Kazakhstan's Astana, Trend reports.

According to the airline, flights HY721/722 on the Tashkent - Astana - Tashkent route will be operated daily starting June 19.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan Airways launched a new flight to Kazakhstan on the Almaty-Nukus route.

The flights are operated twice a week (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) on Airbus A320 aircraft with a capacity of 174 seats.

As the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan noted, the opening of a new air route will contribute to the further development of trade, economic, business, and tourism cooperation between the two countries.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan's international airports served 25,360 flights from January through March 2024. This indicator has increased by 40 percent compared to the same period last year.

A total of 8,022 flights were operated on domestic routes and 17,338 on international routes.
Bogdan Syrotiuk

The WSWS continues to receive submissions from all over the world in support of the campaign to free Bogdan Syrotiuk, a Ukrainian Trotskyist who was imprisoned by the secret service (SBU) of the far-right Zelensky regime for his socialist opposition to the war. We are publishing a selection of these statements below.

To get involved with the campaign, submit a statement, sign the petition and make a financial contribution, visit wsws.org/freebogdan.

Linda, United States

Bogdan has done nothing wrong. He is the voice of many who want an end to the atrocities of the Ukrainian government and its repression of the common people. I call on the authorities of the Ukrainian government to free Bogdan at once and stop the police repression and war!

Nikolai, Russia

The glorification of Nazi criminals in Ukraine is an insult and outrage to the 60 million victims of the Second World War and hundreds of millions more people who died for freedom, equality and brotherhood around the world. This must end!

Efrain, Peru

Down with the false charges!

Arnaud, France

Im not a Trotskyist, but I am opposed to war and the arrest of Bogdan Syrotiuk, as well as Julian Assange. I am opposed to the persecution of all figures who fight against US and European imperialism and the Zionists, that harm humanity.

Cursed be war and its perpetrators!

Andrew, Australia

Free the young freedom fighter Bogdan from the Ukrainian jail cell. Make some noise and tell Bogdan he is not alone and our best thoughts are with him. Start a campaign by sending pictures of us reading Marxist books in unusual places showing our support for his political work and that Marxism is alive and well in the WSWS.

We should picket the embassies and tell the bureaucrats that Bogdan must be free. Follow the path of 1917 and make a socialist stand against imperialist wars and recolonisation.

Rankothge, Sri Lanka

I am opposed to the arrest of people like Bogdan, who advocate for the people affected by the war, and express ideas against the war.

Katherine, United States

I stand with Bogdan Syrotiuk, Julian Assange, the students protesting on campuses across the world, and for the truths that they are shouting. Silencing them will not change the truth about the imperialist and capitalist destruction of lives, our environment, our freedom of speech, our right to live a safe, healthy and just life.

It is time for the working class to stand up and shout even louder. Do not underestimate the strength that we have both in numbers and in the experiences of lifelong struggles and the will to survive them. The time to effect real change is now.

Free Bogdan Syrotiuk!

Jan, Czech Republic

I demand an immediate, unconditional and peaceful release of Bogdan Syrotiuk from prison!

Basil, Ireland

Its only by the efforts of those who fight against war and for peace that we in Europe even know of the Zelensky regimes repressive and fascist character, as exemplified in how it targets and frames opponents of its NATO-backed war such as Bogdan.

Free Bogdan now!

Iwan, Netherlands

Bogdan Syrotiuk must be released immediately! His persecution by the Ukrainian regime and the silence in the West exposes all support by the ruling class and media in the West for so-called democracy and self-determination as the obvious pretext for their age-old, bloodstained imperialist strivings. The horrendous numbers of sacrificed war victims clearly shows their hostility for the international working classin Russia and Ukraine, as well as in the West itself.

Free Bogdan Syrotiuk now!

Octavian, Romania

The political frame-up of Bogdan is preposterous. David Norths article exposes the omissions and mischaracterizations of Bogdans political activity which can be viewed by anyone on the World Socialist Web Site; that he is fighting for the unification of the working class in Ukraine and Russia against their respective capitalist classes that emerged after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Any doubt on the political integrity of Bogdan would be dispelled by the fact that the Putin regime has not uttered a word in defense of Bogdan. The oligarchy in Russia would be perfectly satisfied to see Bogdan rot in the dungeons of Zelenskys fascist regime. The greatest enemy of the Russian capitalist class is the Russian working class; greater than the capitalists in the imperialist centers of US, Germany, France, UK and their allies. The persecution of Bogdan serves not only the interests of the Ukrainian capitalist class, but also the Russian capitalist class. Workers all over the world must come to the defense of Bogdan and demand his release from prison and an end to his persecution.

M, Britain

Clearly this is a political frame up aimed to silence anyone brave enough to oppose the fascist regime in Ukraine. Bogdan, a dedicated Trotskyist, has sought to expose the lies peddled by Kiev and its NATO backers. Neither for Russia nor NATO or Kiev, but for the independent unification and mobilisation of the Ukrainian, Russian and international working class, against war and capitalist dictatorship.



Bogdan is a brave and dedicated internationalist and deserves the support of the entire international socialist movement. This political frame up must be opposed and Bogdan immediately released.

John, Britain

Bogdan must be supported at all costs and his release gained. The only criminals are the US-backed Ukrainian fascist regime.

Sanjaya, Sri Lanka

The arrest and persecution of the Trotskyist fighter Bogdan is an assault to the working class who are mobilizing globally against imperialist war and social counterrevolution. The capitalist ruling class and the imperialists have no right to arrest genuine fighters for socialism and their charges are bogus. Bogdan is a political prisoner for whose freedom the working class, youth and all those who defend democratic rights should mobilize and fight.

Working people must fight against this imperialist assault and for the immediate freedom of comrade Bogdan.

Volodymyr, Canada

Free political prisoner Bogdan Syrotiuk! Solidarity with the workers of Ukraine! The political repression of the Kyiv junta must stop.

Pierce, United States

The Zelensky regimes atrocious arrest of a man fighting for a just cause must not be ignored! Full solidarity with Bogdan Syrotiuk!

Felix J., Boston, United States

To honest people everywhere.

One month ago, I learned that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) had arrested a young Ukrainian socialist, Bogdan Syrotiuk, and put him in jail in Mykolaiv, Ukraine. He was accused of being a traitor to Ukraine and of supporting Russia and Putin in the current war. Under the existing wartime conditions, he is in grave danger of being railroaded to a life sentence under cruel conditions, prejudicial to his already ill health.

I am well acquainted with the history of Ukraine, since I was born and spent my childhood there. I am a Ukrainian Jew, and my father, because of being Jewish, spent three years in the Rumanian-German labor camps, until the Red Army liberated him in 1944.

Ukrainian nationalismas well as the Jewish variety (Zionism), or the Russian and American varietiesplayed and continue to play a deeply reactionary role within each of these countries. Ukrainian nationalists in 1918 surrendered Ukraine to German and Austrian occupation and pillage. In 1920 the nationalist Symon Petliura sold the Ukrainian people to the Polish Pilsudsky regime. In 1941, Stepan Bandera and the nationalist OUN assisted the German Nazis to conquer Soviet Ukraine and for the next three years participated in all the crimes of the Nazis.

The Soviet totalitarian dictatorship had nothing to do with real socialism or communism, in fact, it was a nationalist reaction to the International socialism of Lenin and Trotsky. Both the Kyiv and the Moscow oligarchs, who run Ukraine and Russia respectively, have identical origin: the Stalinist bureaucracy that ran the Soviet Union until 1991. By 1991 the Stalinist dictators of the Soviet Union had decided to use various nationalisms (Ukrainian, Kazakh, etc.) to destroy the degenerated workers state and revert to many smaller national capitalist states. This betrayal by the so-called communists has led to the present catastrophe of national, religious, ethnic and cultural conflicts throughout the former Soviet Union.

The present day oligarchsPetro Poroshenko and Igor Kolomoisky in Ukraine, Alisher Usmanov, Roman Abramovich and Vladimir Potanin in Russia, Aras Agalarov in Azerbaijanall have little in common with their workers in Kyiv, Moscow or Baku, and everything in common with American billionaires like Elon Musk and Larry Ellison. All of them grow rich by extracting surplus labor from their workers, by paying as little as possible in wages, by reducing pensions and medical care, by neglecting and killing off their surplus populations.

The former Stalinist functionaries (Leonid Kravchuk in Ukraine, Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin in Russia, etc.) became the executive heads of small and large ex-Stalinist republics, all of which are undemocratic police states. Over the past 33 years these countries have destroyed their industries, plunged their populations into deprivation and dog-eat-dog capitalism, maximized their exports, skimmed from the top and stolen the receipts of oil, gas and raw materials exports. Even before the current war started in 2022, Ukraine had one of the lowest standards of living in Europe and its population was emigrating by the million. ...

Bogdan Syrotiuk is an active member of the Young Guard of Bolshevik Leninists, a Trotskyist organization of international socialists, who share the ideas of the International Committee of the Fourth International and of the WSWS.org daily Marxist web site.

As an international socialist, comrade Bogdan is an enemy of the Kyiv regime and its imperialist overlords in Washington, London and Berlin. He is also an implacable enemy of the Moscow comprador regime of Vladimir Putin. He has publicly called for the unity of Russian and Ukrainian workers against their respective capitalist regimes. He has both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky as his enemies. Among his other enemies are Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron and OIaf Scholz, and the big bourgeois media outlets of their countries. The capitalist media get very excited over the persecution of a racist Russian chauvinist and critic of V. Putin, Alexei Navalny, but they remain quiet over the arrest on bogus charges of comrade Bogdan. In fact, the hypocrisy of the capitalist media is most visible in the current ongoing genocide by the Zionist regime of the population of Gaza and the West Bank in Palestine. The same world powers that send bombs and tanks to Ukraine, also send tanks and bombs to Israel to kill and maim thousands of women and children in the death camps of Gaza. Washington is so desperate that it is willing to risk a nuclear war in the center of Europe.

Free Bogdan Syrotiuk!

No to war!

Down with capitalism, the root source of all war!
Seemingly in response to a relentless witch-hunt in the Murdoch media and other corporate outlets, the Albanese Labor government is rushing to re-cancel visas and deport non-citizens with previous criminal convictions, regardless of their life-long and family ties to Australia.

This is occurring amid a wider offensive throughout the political and media establishment, as in the US and Europe, to falsely accuse immigrant arrivals, including refugees and overseas students, of being responsible for the intensifying housing, cost-of-living and social crisis.

Australian Immigration Minister Andrew Giles [Photo: ABC-TV screenshot]

By the weekend, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles boasted that he had, within just a few days, abruptly re-cancelled 20 visas, exercising extraordinary powers under the Migration Act to overturn rulings by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Under a ministerial direction previously issued by Giles, known as Direction 99, the tribunal had upheld appeals against government visa cancellations. As per Direction 99, tribunal members had taken into account whether a non-citizen should be allowed to remain in the country after serving a prison term because they had lived in the Australian community for most of their life, or from a very young age.

Such is the governments intent that Giles told the Australian Broadcasting Corporations AM radio program he was working night and day to review and reverse tribunal decisions. That would pave the way for immediate detentions in immigration prisons, followed by deportations if other countries would accept those affected.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese personally declared last week that his government would revoke and rewrite Direction 99 to specify that community safety must be the top priority, over and above community ties and any other consideration, in deciding whether to allow someone to remain in Australia.

Giles said this had always been the governments highest priority. He and other government ministers accused tribunal members of misinterpreting Direction 99, which the government modified in January 2023 by listing life-long ties to Australia as one factor to be considered before cancelling a visa.

That modification came after years of protests by governments in New Zealand and other countries against the decades-old bipartisan Australian policy of deporting people with criminal convictions even if they had lived in Australia for most of their lives.

In some cases, people were deported to countries where they did not even speak the language, let alone have any means of support. In other cases, people were separated from their families and children in Australia.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke with Albanese last week to express displeasure with the Australian governments vow to rewrite Direction 99, which will make it easier for people to be deported to New Zealand.

But the Albanese government is pushing ahead regardless.

Under the 2023 modification to Direction 99, other primary visa-cancellation factors were retained, leaving vast deportation powers in the governments hands. These factors include the protection of the Australian community from criminal or other serious conduct and the expectations of the community.

The government did not change Section 501 of the Migration Act, which automatically cancels a visa if someone has been sentenced to 12 months or more in prison or has been guilty of sex offences involving a child.

That draconian section, known as the character test, also gives the minister sweeping powers to deny or revoke visas because of a persons past and present criminal conduct or on even more vague and political grounds. These include failing a security assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) or a risk that a person would incite discord in the Australian community or in a segment of that community.

By vowing to rewrite Direction 99, the Labor government is not just seeking to satisfy scare-mongering demands by the media corporations and the Liberal-National Coalition for a crackdown. It is pursuing its own poisonous policies that divide workers along nationalist lines.

The Albanese government is already outdoing the previous Coalition government in deporting people after they have served prison time for criminal convictions. In the year to June 2019, when Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was home affairs minister, his department revoked 235 automatic visa cancellations, or 41 percent, to show leniency to convicted criminals with close ties to Australia.

By comparison, in the year to June 2023, under Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil and with Giles as immigration minister, the department revoked 144 automatic cancellations, or only 28 percent, for the same reasons.

The Labor government also has joined a vicious witch-hunt against 151 ex-immigration detainees, a few of whom have been charged with serious criminal offences after being released by a High Court ruling last November that partially ended the decades-long regime of indefinite immigration detention.

Labor joined hands with the Coalition late last year to rush through parliament police-state legislation that gives the immigration minister arbitrary powers to impose curfews and 24-hour ankle bracelet monitoring on ex-detainees.

Another bill was also jointly pushed through to authorise the continued imprisonment of non-citizens after they have served prison terms via preventative detention orders.

Both these measures tear up basic legal and democratic rights. They amount to thought crime laws, inflicting further punishment on non-citizens, potentially indefinitely, for what they might do in the future.

Last month, the Albanese government attempted to ram though a far-reaching immigration deportation bill, which includes the power to repeatedly imprison people for up to five years for refusing to sign documents facilitating their deportation and that of their children.

That would clear the way for the government to detain and forcibly deport at least 5,000 people currently living in the community on bridging visas.

The bill would also give the government the power to impose blanket travel bans, barring entry visas to people from designated removal concern countries such as Iran, China, Russia and South Sudan.

This bill has caused widespread concern and opposition throughout working-class immigrant communities. For now, the government apparently has delayed the bill until later this month.

The Labor government is matching governments globally, and far-right and fascistic elements, including Donald Trump, the French National Rally, the Meloni administration in Italy and the AfD (Alternative for Germany), in witch-hunting and seeking to deport non-citizens.

This is a drive to divide working people, domestically and globally. Foreigners are being blamed for the deteriorating social conditions being produced by capitalisms economic and cost-of-living crisis and the channelling of billions of dollars into military spending amid the US-backed Gaza genocide and the plunge into wider war against Russia and China.

In Australia, both the Albanese government and the Coalition are trying to divert the rising political and social unrest by blaming immigrants and international students for the growing lack of affordable housing.

The government has vowed to halve net overseas migration to 260,000 by next year, primarily by cutting overseas student numbers. The Coalition has promised even bigger cuts.

In reality, according to a study by Professor Alan Gamlen, director of the Australian National Universitys Migration Hub, Australia today has 352,000 fewer people than expected because of the migration plunge in the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic, when governments closed borders and told overseas students to leave.

The truth is that the housing crisis has been created by successive governments, both Labor and Coalition, and the corporate property developers, which have profited from their incentives, deregulation and the decimation of public housing.

The Labor governments latest budget, handed down last month, deepens the corporate agenda. It grants more than $200 billion in reduced income tax revenue over the next decade, with the lions share going to the wealthiest households. That will mean greater cuts to public health, education and other social spending, on top of the more than $368 billion to be spent on the AUKUS alliance and other military measures, including for the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine and for a US-led war against China.

Workers and young people must oppose Labors assault on non-citizens and basic democratic rights. Reactionary precedents are being set that can be used more broadly, not just against immigrants and overseas students, as opposition grows worldwide to the worsening social crisis and war drive.
On Tuesday, June 4, 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.

In the early morning hours on Friday, May 31, the University of California administration unleashed a massive police raid on a peaceful protest encampment at UC Santa Cruz, mobilizing heavily equipped officers from agencies across the state.

Police advance on pro-Palestinian demonstrators in an encampment on the UCLA campus, May 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. [AP Photo/Jae C. Hong]

The campus targeted by the raid is significant because UC Santa Cruz academic workers were the first to walk off the job as part of the ongoing political strike movement against the Gaza genocide and against the assault on democratic rights on UC campuses.

The World Socialist Web Site spoke with one of the victimized students over the weekend, who was rendered homeless after the university banned the arrested students from campus. Because the student faces criminal charges as well as retaliation from the university, his name is not disclosed.

As of Sunday night, there have been approximately 80 reported arrests in Fridays raid. The student personally saw three vans full and then two buses loaded with students in zip-ties on Friday morning. Campus shuttle buses were used to transport the arrested students, signaling that the police operation was coordinated in advance with the university administration.

The student described joining the protest encampment after the crackdown at Columbia University in April, although he had been aware of the situation confronting Palestinians in the occupied territories since middle school.

I had a friend at Columbia who was telling me about what was happening, he said. But after seeing what happened at UCLA and what happened to my friends at UCLA who were also there, it really motivated me to do my own part here at UCSC. I also have friends at UCI and Cal State LA.

The University of California, Los Angeles, where academic workers are also on strike, was the site of an attack by Zionist thugs, a police assault, and anti-democratic retaliation from the university administration.

The student who spoke with the WSWS was not involved in organizing the encampment itself, but decided to join when he heard about it. They already had a lot of tents by the time I got there on the first day, he said.

He described the encampment as wholly peaceful. Lectures and discussions by faculty and grad students on the history of the region were regularly organized, and dozens of students frequently stayed at the encampment overnight.

Before the May 31 raid, the police had been a constant, menacing presence, but had not attempted to assault the encampment outright. They set up makeshift cameras and there was always a police car around, the student said. Their presence was always felt from the first day. But [Friday] was the first time they actually started coming in and arresting people.

Last Thursday night, the student was not at the encampment, but learned through encrypted messages from other students that a major police mobilization had begun.

They sent out a message saying that there was a 16-car caravan [of police cars] coming up to campus, the student said. Thats when I got ready and showed up. By the time I got there, they were already there.

Sign calling for a general strike on the picket line at University of California Santa Cruz, May 20, 2024

When he first saw the messages, he said, I felt it was the moment we had been preparing for, that it was finally there. I wanted to show up and do my part. It felt wrong not to join the people I knew, and to not stand up like my friends did. I just wanted to stand in solidarity with all the campuses and my comrades at my school.

I knew there was a really big chance of me getting arrested, he continued, I thought that was the only way it was going to end as soon as I got there.

The arrests began in the early hours of the next morning. The students formed a line and linked arms but did not fight the police. The police began singling out the physically smallest students in the line for their attack, jabbing them with their batons and trying to pry their arms from each other. The students held on to each other as best they could, despite injuries that left bruises.

They twisted peoples arms, the student said. They were mostly picking on women that were smaller in stature. They were picking them off the line first. One of the police officers kept jabbing a female student in the chest, even after they were asked to stop.

The student told the WSWS that later that day, after he had been released. I was just replaying what happened in my head and after the adrenaline wore off, I got emotional about it.

I thought it was, for lack of a better word, insane, because none of us were hitting back, he said. They were jabbing us with their batons. It was scary. But I think it was mostly adrenaline keeping me from feeling that way when it first happened. When they pulled me off the line, I just thoughtwell, I got arrested, I just have to wait it out and see whats going to happen nextbut the outrage didnt happen until much later.

At that time, they were still just picking people off the line. It was happening around me, not in front of me. It seemed like they were just catching the weakest links, or maybe people who didnt have a good link next to their partner.

But when the sun rose, maybe around 5 a.m., they started going with their batons at anyone they could get their hands on, the student said. They put their batons between my arm and someone elses arm and tried to pry us off. They were pulling and pushing and grabbing my head and pushing it down. Maybe at least five times they jabbed me with the baton.

The police assault was a large, coordinated operation, drawing in officers from California Highway Patrol, Scotts Valley, Salinas, Watsonville, San Francisco, and as far away as Eureka, a drive of five or six hours to the north.

After the mass arrests, the students were placed in painful zip-ties, which can leave lasting injuries.

They put all of us in zip-ties, the student reported. I got arrested at around 7 a.m. and I had them on until I got released at around 10:30. I told them that it was getting really tight and that I wanted double zip-ties, but they never did. Some students said that they got some minor cuts. It was really tough because any type of fidgeting made the zip-ties tighter.

Students tried to identify the officers and their agencies in order to make complaints, but when we asked for badge numbers, they wouldnt give them. At least one officer had his badge number covered up by a piece of tape.

The student told the WSWS that at least one student had to be taken to the emergency room with injuries inflicted by the police, while another person reportedly suffocated and lost consciousness after the police put a plastic bag over his head.

After being violently arrested, the students were given a notice to appear in court to face criminal charges for misdemeanor failure to disperse.

To add insult to injury, the arrested student was also told that in addition to the criminal charges, the university was banning the arrested students from campus for two weeks (although the formal paperwork he was given said one week, not two). The ban was issued unilaterally by the administration, without anything resembling due process, even though the students legally remain innocent until proven guilty in their criminal cases.

The ban is premised on the students supposedly posing a threat of violence if allowed back on campus. However, the student encampment was peaceful, and all of the violence came from the massive police assault that was orchestrated by the administration.

As a result of the campus ban, the arrested students can be arrested again for trespassing if they try to return to their residences on campus or to attend class. Everyone whos barred from campus that lives there is technically homeless now, the student said.

The student described how he and his classmates have been subjected to an attack on their democratic rights that will shape their thinking for the rest of their lives. In particular, the student agreed that the Democratic Party is responsible for the crackdown.

While the Biden administration prosecutes the genocide in Gaza, the Democratic Party controls the California state government as well as county and city governments throughout the state. In addition, the Democratic Party specifically controls the University of California system, which is prosecuting the ongoing campaign of vindictive retaliation against the students, including the campus ban that rendered students homeless.

The police crackdown has already led to the arrests of more than 3,000 students at campuses across the US. These police state measures and the US-backed war crimes in Gaza cannot be halted by students alone or through struggles limited to the campuses. The working class must intervene and do so with its own methods of class struggle.

To fight for this, UC strikers need to establish rank-and-file committees which counterpose the will of workers to the UAW bureaucracy, which is aligned with the Biden administration, and doing everything it can do isolate and wear down the UC strikers. These committees must fight for the shut-down of the entire UC system and establish lines of communication with UAW members in the auto, defense and other industries to prepare common action to defend democratic rights and halt the production and shipment of weapons to Israel, Ukraine and other US client states.

After seeing how they treated us, the student said, theres no way Im the same after that experience.
The death of two children in central Gaza from malnutrition within a week is fueling concern that famine has taken hold across large swathes of the enclave. Almost a month after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) began their murderous onslaught on Rafah, aid deliveries into Gaza have plummeted by two-thirds and 20 international aid organisations warn that their operations are on the verge of collapse.

A joint statement released last week by Save the Children International, Doctors Without Borders, OXFAM, and other humanitarian agencies denounced the unpredictable trickle of aid into Gaza, creating a mirage of improved access.

The joint statement warned, Aid agencies now fear an acceleration in deaths from starvation, disease and denied medical assistance, while land and sea entry points remain effectively shut to meaningful humanitarian assistance, most desperately fuel, and attacks in areas sheltering civilians intensify.

Since the IDF began its onslaught on Rafah, the Rafah border crossing has been closed for aid deliveries, while the Karem Shalom crossing from Israel has been all but inaccessible due to military operations. As part of their full-scale ground offensive, IDF soldiers have sealed off the Egyptian border from Gaza. Dozens of Palestinians continue to die in air bombardments and shelling on a daily basis, with the official death toll reaching 36,400 on Monday.

The two children who died of malnutrition were seven-month-old Fayiz Abu Ataya and a 13-year-old, both in Deir el-Balah in central Gaza. Humanitarian experts fear that this is merely the tip of the iceberg. As Jonathan Crickx, chief of communication for UNICEF in Palestine, told the Guardian, In similar crises around the world, according to UNICEF experience, usually children dont die from malnutrition and dehydration in hospitals, they die at home, in the street or where they have taken shelter. This means reported deaths of children from malnutrition only show part of the whole toll. There is a reasonable concern that in Gaza too, there are significant numbers of children affected by malnutrition who are not represented in reported figures.

Underlining the horrific scale of death by starvation that is looming, he added, If nutrition supplies, especially ready-to-use therapeutic food, used to address malnutrition among children, cannot be distributed, the treatment of more than 3,000 children with acute malnutrition will be interrupted.

Matthew Hollingworth, the World Food Programmes chief for Palestine, bluntly summed up the dire state of affairs in central and southern Gaza, saying, Weve got a week or so before people will genuinely run out of all assistance they were able to receive through April and the start of May.

The May 28 statement from the aid organisations accused Israel of systematic obstruction of aid deliveries at the border, noting that MSF had not managed to deliver any new supplies to Gaza since the Rafah offensive began. Save the Children no longer has any route out of Gaza for children requiring medical care.

The statement criticised the US-sponsored floating dock and reports of border crossings from Israel opened in the north of Gaza as largely cosmetic changes. According to UN figures, only 1,000 truckloads of aid arrived in Gaza through all crossings, including the dock, from May 7 to May 27. Between 500 and 600 truckloads of aid every day are considered the minimum necessary to meet the basic needs of Gazas 2.3 million people.

Separately, aid organisations have challenged Israels claim that the numbers of trucks entering Gaza has risen throughout May. They point out that Israels figures make no distinction between fully-loaded and partially-loaded trucks, have no standard for determining the size of a vehicle considered a truck, and count trucks arriving on the Israeli side of the checkpoint rather than the actual number that make it into Gaza. On the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, around 2,000 trucks are reportedly waiting with supplies, including food that is rotting.

Another report from the World Health Organisation based on a survey carried out during May found that four out of five children did not eat for a whole day at least during a three-day period. These are children under five who are not getting food all day, commented WHO spokesperson Dr. Margaret Harris. So, you ask, Are the supplies getting through? No, children are starving.

Israels genocidal assault has left residential buildings and all infrastructure necessary for modern civilised life in ruins. According to the latest UN estimates, 55 percent of all buildings in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged since Israel launched its attack on October 7. The satellite assessment carried out by the UN Satellite Centre found that 36,591 structures had been destroyed, 16,513 severely damaged, 47,368 moderately damaged, and 36,825 possibly damaged.

Palestinians fleeing from the southern Gaza city of Rafah during an Israeli ground and air offensive in the city on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. [AP Photo/abdel Kareem]

All universities in the enclave have been destroyed, together with hundreds of schools. Most hospitals have ceased to operate. The WFP reported last week that a facility for treating malnourished children at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza has stopped operating due to a lack of supplies.

The bursting of a sewage pipe in Khan Younis Monday, leading to the flooding of a tent encampment with sewage water, illustrates the barbaric conditions imposed on the Palestinians by the Zionist regime. Reports showed families scrambling to extricate their few belongings from the destroyed tents as people waded through the sewage. Workers reported not having appropriate tools to properly repair the pipe. Khan Younis has become over recent weeks one of the centres for those fleeing Rafah. The latest projections are that over 1 million have fled the enclaves southernmost city since May 6, with 1.7 million people now crowded into Khan Younis and the surrounding areas of central Gaza.

The inhuman conditions imposed on Gazas population, which resemble those of a Nazi concentration camp, are part of a deliberate policy pursued by the Israeli regime. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus far-right government has repeatedly made clear its intention to ethnically cleanse Gaza and use starvation as a weapon of war. The regime views the Palestinians as human animals, in the words of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

Retired Major General Giora Eiland, Gallants adviser, wrote in mid-November, The international community is warning us against a severe humanitarian disaster and severe epidemics. We must not shy away from this. After all, severe epidemics in the south of Gaza will bring victory closer and reduce casualties among IDF soldiers.

Israels genocide against the Palestinians continues to enjoy the full backing of the imperialist powers as they have done throughout. The massive bombs used to lay waste to Gaza were supplied by the United States, which has repeatedly stated it has no red lines for Israel.

Washington and its European imperialist allies have focused on defending the Zionist regime against all criticism, while cracking down ruthlessly against all anti-genocide protesters. After the International Court of Justice ordered an end to the military operation in Rafah, Washington responded by simply denying that any major operation was taking place, even as tanks rolled into the centre of the city and the IDF massacred dozens of displaced people in two barbaric bombings of refugee camps located in supposed safe zones.
On Saturday, as part of its European election campaign, the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) held its final rally in the Wedding district of Berlin. The rally was attended by around 100 workers and young people, despite the intense heat and brief heavy rain.

SGP rally in front of Wedding town hall in Berlin, June 1, 2024

The seven speakers advanced the perspective of international socialism in opposition to the genocide in Gaza, police violence against students and the escalating NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, which threatens a nuclear holocaust. The speakers also strongly condemned the arrest of Trotskyist Bogdan Syrotiuk by the Ukrainian secret service and demanded his release.

A section of the participants of the SGP rally in Berlin-Wedding, June 1, 2024

All speakers emphasised that appeals to those in power and their pseudo-left adjuncts will not stop the genocidal and pro-war course of all the establishment parties. What is needed is the development of an anti-war movement of the international working class. They urgently warned against underestimating the danger of a nuclear strike, which the NATO powers are provoking in their escalation of the war against Russia.

Johannes Stern, editor-in-chief of the German-language World Socialist Web Site, opened and moderated the rally.

We are standing in the European elections to oppose the warmongers who, after two terrible world wars and the dreadful crimes of the 20th century, are once again plunging the world into the abyss, Stern said.

The SGP called the rally to condemn imperialist crimes and denounce the warmongers in politics and the media, expose the driving forces behind them and explain what needs to be done, Stern added. We oppose the growing nationalism and the relapse into world war and barbarism with the perspective of the United Socialist States of Europe.

Johannes Stern at the SGP rally in Berlin-Wedding, June 1, 2024

Christoph Vandreier, the SGP chair and lead candidate in the European elections, and Thomas Scripps, the deputy national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party in the UK, focused on the criminal pro-war policies of Germany, the UK and the NATO powers. They explaining the role of the establishment parties in Germany and the Labour Party, trade unions and pseudo-left in the UK.

To strong applause, Vandreier declared: The parties of the federal coalition governmentSocial Democrats (SPD), Greens and Liberal Democrats (FDP) do not belong in the European Parliament, they belong in the dock! They are responsible for a bloody genocide, and they are constantly risking nuclear war!

SGP lead candidate Christoph Vandreier at the SGP rally in Berlin-Wedding, June 1, 2024

The same applied to the Left Party parliamentary deputies and those who have switched to the Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) alliance, Vandreier said. They voted in favour of supporting Israel and voted in favour of suppressing the protests against it!

Vandreier countered the claims of nationalists, such as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) or the BSW, by stating that Germany was not simply an appendage of the USA, but a driving force in this development. The elites had made the decision that they must once again enforce their economic interests globally with military power, he said. This is a direct continuation of the Nazis war aims and that, as in the 1930s, a pro-war policy went hand in hand with dictatorship at home.

Vandreier emphasised that the AfD and BSW are hostile to the struggle of the working class against war. Their programme has nothing whatsoever to do with a fight against war and militarism. The AfD is being built up to enforce militarism against the growing resistance, to agitate against Muslims and to suppress resistance to war!

The SGP, together with our sister parties of the Fourth International, opposes the growing nationalism with the international unity of the workers, across all religious, ethnic and other borders.

Vandreiers concluding call for the SGP to become a mass party and for those in attendance to become active was met with enthusiasm. Dont let the ruling class drive humanity into a catastrophe for the third time! Join the struggle for socialism!

Thomas Scripps, who is standing for the SEP in the snap general election in the UK, said, Our world movement sees our campaigns in the European elections, the American presidential election and the British general election as linked fronts in a single global offensive for socialism.

Thomas Scripps at the SGP rally in Berlin-Wedding, June 1, 2024

On developments in the UK, Scripps reported that millions of people week after week, month after month were marching in the UK in nationwide demonstrations  demanding an end to Israeli genocide. These people see the Conservative Party and the Labour Party as a single party of genocide and war and whole generations have learned the lessons of the bloody occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan in which the UK played such a central role.

Scripps also outlined the UKs provocative role even before NATOs proxy war in Ukraine against Russia, as well as Londons key role in the military escalation of the conflict, sending heavy armour and long-range missiles and pushing for the delivery of F-16 fighter jets. And it was now common knowledge that British special forces are operating in Ukraine, Scripps said.

It is in response to the massive resistance of workers to the war interests of British imperialism that the government under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had called a snap parliamentary election.

Katja Rippert, SGP European election candidate and a leading member of the International Youth and Students for Socialist Equality, IYSSE, spoke about the struggles and university occupations by students and the brutal reaction of the ruling class to these protests. She also further elaborated a perspective for the struggle of young people and students against genocide and for a future without war.

Katja Rippert at the SGP rally in Berlin-Wedding, June 1, 2024

She addressed the particular significance of the massive suppression of the student protests at Berlins Humboldt University (HU), where the IYSSE is fighting the falsification of history and the trivialisation of the Nazi regime by the right-wing extremist history professor Jorg Baberowski. The police acted like a fascist terror unit. And they did it in the heart of Berlin on Friedrichstrasse, just a few steps away from the place where the Nazis burned books by socialists, Jews and opponents of the war in 1933.

According to Rippert, it was no coincidence that this extreme violence took place at the same university where the war of annihilation against the Soviet Union was planned and prepared over 80 years ago and where, for the last 10 years, systematic efforts had been made to ideologically legitimise the new German great power policy.

The IYSSE had repeatedly warned that the rewriting of history served to prepare and justify new crimes, Rippert continued. Today we see what that means. Today, the ruling class is arming and financing a genocide, escalating the war against Russia and taking dictatorial measures against the opposition.

The arrest of the Ukrainian Trotskyist Bogdan Syrotiuk by the Ukrainian secret service was at the centre of the contribution made by SGP European election candidate Angela Niklaus.

Angela Niklaus at the SGP rally in Berlin-Wedding, June 1, 2024

Niklaus said that Syrotiuk was arrested in April because he had tirelessly called for the unity of the Ukrainian and Russian working class. His life is now under threat because inmates in Urainian prisons are subjected to a regime of violence that made cruel and humiliating abuse and torture the norm.

Niklaus therefore urged those attending the rally to join the international campaign to free Syrotiuk.

A banner at the SGP rally in Berlin-Wedding, June 1, 2024

The NATO member states involved in the war in Ukraine are just as responsible for the fate of Bogdan Syrotiuk as they are for the fate of Julian Assange and the fate of the Palestinians.

Niklaus went on to explain that Syrotiuks arrest was not only directed against the growing opposition within the Ukrainian working class to the war and the Zelensky government.

Together with the International Committee of the Fourth International, Bogdan and his comrades defend the theoretical achievements of Marxism and the gains of the October Revolution of 1917, and they continue the legacy of the two most important leaders of the October RevolutionVladimir Ilyich Lenin and Leon Trotskyagainst the slanders, distortions and crimes of the Stalinist and ex-Stalinist regimes.

The arrest of Syrotiuk is also an attack on the only authentic international voice for an international socialist perspective for the working class: the International Committee and its sections!

Hakan Ozal, a member of the Sosyalist Esitlik Grubu (Socialist Equality Group) in Turkey, warned the Turkish population against illusions in the government of President Rece Tayyip Erdogan: Despite the demands of the masses to stop trade with Israel, the Turkish government has persistently rejected these demands for a long time.

Hakan Ozal at the SGP rally in Berlin-Wedding, June 1, 2024

When Ozal pointed out that cement, chemicals and even gunpowder, barbed wire and weapon parts had also been delivered to Israel, there was a strong reaction from a participant at the rally who vehemently defended Erdogans policies. But Ozal insisted that illusions in this government lead the anti-imperialist and anti-Zionist aspirations of the masses to a dead end.

The US-NATO bases in Turkey were also still in operation, he said. As long as the military-strategic connections of the ruling class in Turkey with its imperialist and Zionist allies continue in this waywho do they think they are deceiving? asked Ozal to applause from the audience.

The historical catastrophe of Palestine and the Middle East is a product of imperialism and will only end with its abolition, said Ozal.

Ulrich Rippert, SGP Honorary Chairman and European election candidate, focussed in particular on the question of why building the SGP was the key to solving todays problems. Referring to the growing struggles of workers throughout Germany, Europe and America against wage dumping and poor working conditions, he explained that the working class would immediately come into conflict with the trade union apparatus if it wants to fight.

Ulrich Rippert at the SGP rally in Berlin-Wedding, June 1, 2024

The working class must break through the straitjacket of the trade unions, which defend capitalism and therefore fully support the ruling classs pro-war course. In order to develop the struggle against war and social devastation and a broad mobilisation of the working class, the working class needs its own party. That is the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei! said Rippert.

The SGP drew its strength and confidence from its programme and the lessons of history. Our movement, the Trotskyist movement, had fought tirelessly against the lie of the century, which equated socialism with Stalinism. We are an international party and fight for the international mobilisation of the working class against war and capitalism. We are a revolutionary socialist world party.

Not a single one of the problems facing workers can be solved within a national framework, Rippert emphasised. All todays problemswar, exploitation, the climate catastrophe or the coronavirus pandemicare global problems and can only be solved if the vast majority of working people worldwide work together and fight for an international socialist programme.

Participants at the SGP rally in Berlin-Wedding, June 1, 2024

Despite the interruption due to the weather, the entire rally met with lively interest and the international orientation of the SGP was well received. Many people bought the SGPs election declaration and were interested in the Marxist and Trotskyist literature published by Mehring Verlag. In particular, the new book by David North The Logic of Zionism: From Nationalist Myth to the Gazaz Genocide was sold and intensive discussions developed at the book table.

In conversations with SGP members, many said that no party explained the situation in the Middle East as clearly as the SGP. Some listeners were impressed to hear that the SGP alone is calling for workers in the factories to be shaken awake; no other organisation is addressing workers.

A construction worker at the book table stated, What I have heard here is incredibly good. Every person who still has a spark of principle and humanity should become a member of the SGP now.

Another was particularly impressed by the SGP as a revolutionary socialist world party. The SGP candidates decisive conclusion that war, genocide and social attacks on the working class could only be ended by abolishing capitalism met with his unreserved approval.

Was it not reasonable what Wagenknecht is calling for? someone asked. With her comments against refugees, they said, she was not being anti-refugee, but merely pointing out the lack of daycare centres and jobs, which made it necessary to limit immigration. SGP members made it clear that Wagenknechts attacks against refugees are reactionary and rooted in her nationalist perspective. The working class should not be divided and agitated against the weakest members of society.

The SGP defended the right of every worker to live and work in the country of their choice. Furthermore, the refugees from Syria or Iraq, for example, had not come of their own free will, but because the imperialist powers had fuelled war and bombed their livelihoods.

One university employee wanted to stay in touch with the SGP at all costs. He had learnt some new things today. Appeals to those responsible in the governments really wont change anything, you can see that.

A Palestinian woman who followed the rally with her son said that she was very surprised by the analysis presented on the connection between the war in Ukraine against Russia and the genocide in Gaza. So the war against Russia is part of a big war by the governments here and in the USA and by Netanyahu, she concluded. She had not seen it that way before. She now wanted to read much more about the SGP and sign the petition for the release of your comrade in Ukraine.

A central topic in the discussion was the prospect of socialism. If we build a new workers party and it comes to power, it must do what the workers demand! said one rally participant.
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.

Picketers hold up a banner at UC Santa Barbara, June 3, 2024.

The Gaza strike by academic workers at the University of California expanded Monday to UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara, adding thousands more to the strike which is now in its third week. UC Irvine is scheduled to join the strike Wednesday.

The strike now encompasses six out of ten campuses in the UC system. Only two remaining campuses in session are not on strikeUC Riverside and UC San Francisco, the latter solely a graduate medical campus.

The strike has spread in defiance of attempts by the UAW bureaucracy to limit it to one campus. Rank-and-file anger was such that it became clear that these campuses were prepared to walk without the official sanction of the UAW. In similar fashion, the UAW used a limited stand-up strike last year to force through a sellout in the auto industry, paving the way for mass layoffs.

An undergraduate student at UCLA told the WSWS:

The union leadership is obviously beholden to politics. You know, they donate millions to each political party every year. ... But the rank-and-file are the ones that really have the voice. They have the vote, they organize, and I'm sure that if the rank-and-file realize that the union leadership isnt representing them, then they can supersede them, go above and beyond.

Once UC Irvine begins striking on Wednesday, more than 30,000 workers across the state will have joined a political strike against the genocide in Gaza and the brutal police crackdowns on campuses. This significant development underscores the need for the working class, especially industrial workers, to become the basic and most powerful force against the war.

The working class must mobilize to intervene with the methods of the class struggle, preparing industrial action to force an end to the police assaults and to the genocide.

This also requires a rebellion against the union bureaucracy, which is totally integrated with the war plans of the administration of Genocide Joe Biden, whom the UAW has endorsed.

Section of the protest encampment at UC Santa Barbara, June 3, 2024.

A Ford worker at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan said:

Id tell the UC students, the stand-up strike is BS and we need to do a real strike. After the stand-up strike, they told us we won a record contractbut workers were fired and laid off. My friend at Stellantis said thousands of temporary workers were fired after they were promised full-time jobs. The arrests of students are unfair and all protesters have the right to freedom of speech. The UAW hasnt said anything about the UC strike here, they havent put out any bulletins around the plant, so we didnt know anything about it.

The situation is urgent. The Israeli genocide of Gaza has now expanded into an all-out assault on Rafah, the last remaining urban area in the enclave which was previously declared to be a safe zone for refugees. And over the weekend, the White House approved the use of long-range missiles to strike targets deep within Russia, raising the danger of nuclear war.

A postdoc researcher at UC Los Angeles spoke to the political and financial interests which dominate the universities:

I think its very important that the workers are standing up against their employer if they dont support the way the employer is acting. And yes, whos our employer? The state. But to me its very strange to be here in this so-called public university thats funded seven percent by the state. And there are a lot of interests coming from private people  And why should you be surprised [the administration cracks down on protests] if our public university is funded by some few percent from public money and the rest is the interests of private people, influential people? Because if you are the chancellor and you have to think about how you finance 90 percent of the university. I think there is a high difference between rich and poor, its the land of the free but the freedom is only for the rich. And there are powerful interests to keep it exactly like this. Im a scientific researcher and I feel very privileged to be paid for doing that. But if I strike, its not that production is shut down  its different from shutting down production or shutting down the railroad system and that creates huge losses. If people who work in factories connect with academic workers who are in a similar situation as the workers of these companies and there is a communication among organizations, then its different.

Protest rally at UCLA, June 3, 2024

The UAW bureaucracy, having been forced to call out the majority of its members in the UC system, is working to isolate them from the working class as a whole. On Monday, UAW officials attempted to keep picketers from speaking to the World Socialist Web Site, which has been the only publication informing autoworkers of the UC strike, and urging them to take industrial action against the genocide.

The UAW bureaucracy is also promoting the illusion that academic workers and students can settle accounts with the American war machine through divestment deals with individual university administrations.

A recent deal at UC Riverside between student protesters and school administrators is an indication of the type of maneuver which the UAW is seeking in exchange for shutting down the strike.

The school announced it will disclose its investments online and convene a task force to explore the removal from UCRs endowment of arms manufacturing companies. This will result in a report to the UCR Board of Trustees by the end of Winter Quarter 2025 as well as an ongoing review of Israeli-based food brand Sabra hummus.

This commits the University to nothing. But more fundamentally, this limited focus on the campuses detracts attention from the real criminals in the White House, whom the UAW supports.

The support for genocide, as well as the reckless decision to risk nuclear war in Ukraine, is not simply a mistaken policy that capitalist politicians can be turned away from through mass pressure. As with the eruption of the first two world wars, it is the inevitable consequence of an historic crisis of the capitalist system and of world imperialism.

The struggle against war and in defense of democratic rights requires a revolutionary struggle, based in the working class, against capitalism and for the socialist reconstruction of the planet.

These are the questions we will be discussing at todays meeting. We encourage the widest attendance from workers across industries, particularly among autoworkers and UC academic workers. Register here to get the link to join.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 4. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay an official visit to Turkiye on June 6 at the invitation of President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trend reports, referring to Uzbek president's office.

As it is reported, the program of the visit envisages holding the third meeting of the Strategic Cooperation Council chaired by the leaders of the two states in Ankara. The agenda of the summit includes matters of further development and strengthening of Uzbek-Turkish relations through comprehensive strategic partnership.

The sides will talk about enhancing practical interaction, especially increasing trade turnover, and advancing joint ventures in the industrial, green energy, electrical, textile, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and other sectors, including those covered by the public-private partnership program.

While reviewing current events in international politics, the two officials will discuss the importance of maintaining active cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Several bilateral documents are anticipated to be adopted by the conclusion of the visit.

Regarding Uzbekistans trade turnover volume with Turkiye, it amounted to $920.2 million from January through April 2024. This figure is 7.9 percent lower compared to the same period last year ($1 billion in JanuaryApril 2023).
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 4. Uzbekistan Airports and French CMA CGM Air Cargo discussed issues related to the implementation of cargo flights, Trend reports.

According to Uzbekistan Airports, cargo flights are expected to be conducted from China to France with a technical stopover in Uzbekistan, in particular at Navoi International Airport.

The sides envisage that the airline will perform five flights a week on Airbus A330 aircraft, and Navoi airport will become a transfer point for technical landing, refueling, and crew change of the airline's aircraft.

Also within the framework of the visit, the representatives of the French company were shown the technical and operational capabilities of Navoi airport.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistans trade turnover volume with France amounted to $386.4 million from January through April 2024. This figure is 52.1 percent more compared to the same period last year ($254 million in JanuaryApril 2023).

France ranked fifth among the countries with the largest volume of foreign trade turnover in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan's exports to France totaled $264.6 million, while imports from France reached $121.8 million from January through April 2024.
Tinashe Makura plays keys and guitar as well as sings at at Spring Hills Baptist Church in Granville, where he is also the associate director of worship and operations.

GRANVILLE  Hes a musician from Zimbabwe, now living and performing locally  and internationally.

My dream was to either become a doctor, a lawyer or an astronaut, Tinashe Makura said. I just had an inclination that I wanted to do something meaningful and substantive. I suppose that was influenced by observing how both my parents served people. I never thought Id end up being a musician at all.

Today, Makura is indeed a musician.

My first exposure to professional recording was in 1999, he said. In 2005 I wrote, recorded and released my first ever professional single titled Changed. From 2010-2012, I was a voice-over artist in Malaysia. In 2014, I released another single Zvekupenga. It was a global collaboration of artists who were separated by distance but created a No. 1 hit single in Zimbabwe for 15 weeks straight. In 2023, I was a composer and vocal performer for a soundtrack to a Disney short film Kizazi Moto. Its a sci-fi animated short film series produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. In 2024, Im releasing my latest Single Bold Enough. I'm excited to share this new release soon.

Aces of Trades: Northridge's Kim Garee finds her voice as author through life experiences

Makura is also the associate director of worship and operations at Spring Hills Baptist Church in Granville.

Im the director of turning burdens into blessings, lemons to lemonade, he said. I play keys and guitar, but the instrument God has given me is my voice: I sing.

Makura grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe, graduated from high school there, went to college in Malaysia and eventually graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in international business management. He moved to the US in 2019.

I come from a musical family, he said. My late dad loved singing and playing guitar, and my mom played the piano. As a pastors kid, I grew up being exposed to Christian music and all kinds of instruments. Then, when I was 9 years old, I watched a VHS recording of The Jackson 5 in concert. I had never seen a young boy singing to thousands of people. Thats when I knew I wanted to be a musician. This sparked a curiosity within me to explore and learn more about creating music.

Makura first learned to play the trumpet when he was 9, he said, by merely observing and mimicking the brass band players at our local church. Little did I know I was memorizing finger patterns and associating them to their respective sounds/notes. This is the model I still use today with my songwriting and compositions. I instinctively follow my emotions to their core to extract melodies, rhythms, words and phrases that express the essence of the environments Ive seen, heard and experienced.

Aces of Trades: Ethan Romine finds purpose as Granville Inn's executive chef

Tom Pound is senior pastor at Spring Hills Baptist Church.

We are absolutely thrilled to have Tinashe on staff, Pound said. Tinashe is an incredibly talented musician, but he is an even better person. Its a true blessing to see God work through him as he leads worship here at Spring Hills.

Its who I am at the core, Makura said. My family and I partnered with Spring Hills Church when I was still in Zimbabwe by helping them implement humanitarian projects in Zimbabwe. Spring Hills has been a part of my community before I even set foot in the U.S. Its amazing how a people are bound together beyond borders, distance and other limitations.

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 advocate@newarkadvocate.com.

More about Tinashe Makura

For more information about Tinashe Makura, log on www.makuramusic.com.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Aces of Trades: Tinashe Makura finds community at Spring Hills Baptist
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Tehran will definitely respond to the approval of the anti-Iranian resolution on the nuclear program, Vice President of Iran and head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami told reporters in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, located in western Iran, Trend reports.

"Tehran will definitely respond to the approval of the anti-Iranian resolution on the nuclear program," he said.

He said the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is following parliament's strategic action plan. It values its operations within the Agreement on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

"The opposing sides have not fulfilled their commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program, and Iran, in turn, has reduced its commitments. Currently, Iran is in a phase of reducing commitments," Eslami noted.

The Vice President noted that the parties to the JCPOA, as well as the US, which withdrew from the agreement, did not fulfill their obligations.

"Moreover, the US does not allow other countries to cooperate with Iran. According to Article 36 of the JCPOA, Iran has the legal right to reduce its obligations if the parties withdraw from the agreement, do not return to the agreement, and do not fulfill their obligations," he added.

Under Article 26 of the nuclear deal, if one party fails to fulfill its obligations, the other party may suspend its obligations in whole or in part. Under Article 36 of the nuclear agreement, if Iran believes that the 5+1 group has not fulfilled its obligations under the agreement, it can raise this issue in the joint commission.

The Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's Nuclear Program was executed in January 2016 by Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany). The United States declared in May 2018 that it was withdrawing from the plan and slapped sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran stated that there would be no constraints on the Iran nuclear agreement until 2020.

The Iranian parliament established a strategic strategy to oppose the sanctions in late 2020, citing the failure to meet the Joint Comprehensive Strategy of Action (JCPOA) signed by Iran and six other nations, as well as the imposition of sanctions against Iran.

In late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran. Based on the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent.
Actor Jonathan Tucker, well known for his role in the television series Kingdom and films like The Ruins and Hostage, sprang into action Sunday night in a real-life drama in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The actor reportedly called the Los Angeles Police Department at around 6:30 p.m. after witnessing a suspicious stranger entering a residence near his own, Los Angeles Magazine reported.

While waiting for police, who responded within minutes of his call, he saw the door that the intruder had gone through was wide open. Thats when Tucker is said to have run into the house where he found a frightened young girl and brought her outside to his wife before running back into the home.

Actor Jonathan Tucker rescues family during home invasion in Los Angeles

During his second run inside the residence, he discovered the young girls mother and an infant, who were beyond afraid with the male suspect inside the house and led them out to safety.

LAPD arrived at the scene, even deploying a helicopter after the 911 call, according to TMZ, swept the house and took the man into custody.

The suspect was reportedly placed on a mental health hold after his arrest.

If you want a quote, call the LAPD because those guys are the real heroes, Tucker told Los Angeles Magazine. They put their lives on the line every day, multiple times a day.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Eric Stonestreet on why Big Slick was bittersweet this year  and so important

Royals fans who watched the Big Slick softball game at Kauffman Stadium on Friday afternoon undoubtedly tried to identify the celebrities who were playing.

All of the stars on hand were in Royals jerseys (blue and white), including Emmy Award winning actor Eric Stonestreet. But Stonestreets last name wasnt on his white No. 19 jersey.

Instead, the name was Isabelle.

Stonestreet, who is one of the Big Slick co-hosts, did that in honor of Isabelle Sears. Earlier this year, my colleague Lisa Gutierrez wrote about Sears, who as a 5-year-old had a tumor removed from her brain at Childrens Mercy.

Unfortunately, the cancer returned while Sears was at college. Stonestreet wrote in an Instagram post that Isabelle died.

Another @bigslickkc in the books. Almost 4 million raised this year and over 25 million in the last 15 years for @childrensmercy, wrote Stonestreet, who grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, at later attended Kansas State University.

Those are big numbers and they wouldnt be possible without the great people of Kansas City showing up for the kids and families that find themselves dealing with the brutal reality of pediatric cancer. And while we love to celebrate the wins, and there are many to celebrate, we must also acknowledge the losses.

We lost our friend Isabelle last week. Just before the big weekend.

Her loss is what keeps the doctors, researchers, and the kind and giving people that fund them motivated. Motivated to help manage cancer, and someday help cure cancer.
How Gypsy-Rose Blanchard Spent Her 1st Hours of Freedom: 'We Consummated Our Marriage'

After Ryan Scott Anderson picked up Blanchard from prison, the pair spent the night together in a hotel

JC Olivera/WireImage; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Gypsy Rose Blanchard, left, and Ryan Scott Anderson

The first episode of Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up takes viewers behind the scenes of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard's December 2023 prison release and the first night she shared with her now-estranged husband Ryan Scott Anderson.

In the premiere episode, Anderson is seen heading to the Chillicothe, Mo., prison where Blanchard spent eight years after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in connection with her mother's death in 2016.

The pair seemed happy to see each other and spent the night together in a hotel before going to see Blanchard's family the following morning.

Related: Read PEOPLE's Cover Story on Gypsy Rose Blanchard's Prison Release After Murdering Mom: 'Ready for Freedom'

In the morning when a producer asks Anderson and Blanchard how the night was, Anderson responds: "Great, we got to love on each other." Then, Blanchard replies, "We got to consummate our marriage" with a laugh. Anderson then adds: "We did get to do that. She was so nervous."

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Blanchard is also seen learning how to send a text on a cell phone at the hotel. "This is my first cell phone," Blanchard tells Anderson while laughing.

The couple tied the knot in a jailhouse ceremony in July 2022. After Blanchard's prison release, Blanchard and Anderson were living together for roughly three months in Louisiana before they separated.

Shortly after, Blanchard confirmed that she was back together with her ex-fiance Ken Urker. Urker will appear in the new series too, according to the trailer for the show.

Related: Gypsy Rose Blanchard Announces Separation from Husband 3 Months After Prison Release

You can watch new episodes of Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up every Monday night at 9 p.m. ET.

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Read the original article on People.
YORK, Maine  Steve Dunne did not know who the woman was who stepped out of her car Friday to make an order at his Nubble Road ice cream stand.

His young staff at Dunnes Ice Cream certainly knew it was Stefani Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga. The pop star was in town attending her sisters wedding at the ViewPoint Hotel across the street. She ordered a small chocolate walnut, then got back in her car and returned to the ViewPoint.

Every kid in here knew her, Dunne said. I stood next to her cleaning the counter, didnt know it was her.

Lady Gaga performs during the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022. The pop star visited York Beach last weekend to attend her sister's wedding.

Gaga, 38, has topped the charts with songs like Bad Romance and Paparazzi, as well as appeared in films like A Star is Born. She is appearing in the upcoming film Joker: Folie a Deux."

Gaga was in York to be the maid of honor at her sisters wedding on Saturday, according to multiple media outlets.

The Sun reported the family rented the entire ViewPoint Hotel for the wedding weekend.

The Nubble Lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean are seen from one of the new rooms as part of ViewPoint Hotel in York.

The ViewPoint declined to comment on the wedding out of respect for their guests privacy. The locally owned hotel is a favorite spot for weddings with spectacular seaside views of the Nubble Lighthouse.

Lady Gaga was a beautiful maiden of honor at her sister Natali's wedding in York, wearing a custom @TopoStudio_NY pleated chiffon gown in peach with @CorneliaJames "Arabella" ivory tulle opera gloves! pic.twitter.com/vgtmQTCmHW  La Maison Gaga (@LaMaisonGaga_) June 4, 2024

Dunne said he learned Lady Gaga was looking to keep a low profile and they kept mum about her presence while she was in town.

We felt like we would respect that for them rather than blow it all up, Dunne said.

Dunne said he got a chance to talk with her briefly when she returned to the ice cream stand Sunday night. He said she was with her boyfriend.

I scooped her some ice cream, Dunne said. She told him it was a wonderful weekend during her stay on Nubble Road.

She said it was nice to be a normal person here in York, Maine, Dunne said.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Lady Gaga makes surprise stop at York Beach Maine ice cream stand
Apple TV+ has shared the official Land of Women trailer for its upcoming Spanish comedy-drama starring Desperate Housewives alum Eva Longoria.

The video features Longorias Gala, who abruptly leaves New York City with her mother and daughter to travel to Spain in an attempt to escape her husbands loan sharks. The series is scheduled to make its debut on June 26 with the first two episodes.

The series follows Gala, a New York empty nester whose life is turned upside down when her husband implicates the family in financial improprieties, and she is forced to flee the city alongside her aging mother and college-age daughter, reads the logline. To escape the dangerous criminals to whom Galas now-vanished husband is indebted, the three women hide in the same charming wine town in northern Spain that Galas mother fled 50 years ago, vowing never to return. The women seek to start anew and hope their identities will remain unknown, but gossip in the small town quickly spreads, unraveling their deepest family secrets and truths.

Check out the Land of Women trailer below (watch more trailers):

Whos involved in Land of Women?

Land of Women is created by Ramon Campos, Gema R. Neira, and Paula Fernandez, with Campos also serving as the showrunner. Based on Sandra Barnedas best-selling novel, the series will also star Carmen Maura, newcomer Victoria Bazua, Amaury Nolasco, Santiago Cabrera, and Gloria Munoz. In addition to starring, Longoria is also executive producing alongside Campos, Neira, Fernandez, Teresa Fernandez-Valdes, Ben Spector, and director Carlos Sedes.

Besides starring in the upcoming Apple TV+ series, Longoria will also next be seen in the upcoming fourth season of Hulus Only Murders in the Building. She is set to play a recurring role opposite lead stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. The Golden Globe nominee is also currently attached to star in the heist movie The Pickup with Eddie Murphy and the Christmas comedy Oh. What. Fun. with Michelle Pfeiffer.

The post Land of Women Trailer: Eva Longoria Leads Apple TV+ Spanish Dramedy appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Lila Ike On Working With H.E.R. On Latest Song Why The Video Needed Joey Bada$$

Lila Ike On Working With H.E.R. On Latest Song Why The Video Needed Joey Bada$$ | Photo: Courtesy Photo

Hailing from Jamaica, Lila Ike is redefining what it means to be a Caribbean artist in the contemporary era.

Coming off the heels of her first EP, The ExPerience, back in 2020, Ike is on the verge of delivering her next offering to the world.

Blissfully fusing together sonic elements of reggae, dancehall, R&B, and hip-hop, the blossoming star is a multi-hyphenate brimming with limitless possibilities and untapped potential.

Her next venture will be the release of her long awaited debut album, which is projected to drop sometime this year.

My vision for my upcoming album is to give people an opportunity to learn more about me and my capabilities musically, Ike said to Blavity. And I hope to reach a new fan base. It is still a work in progress but well executed and Im proud of where it is going.

Last week, Ike dropped her first single from the upcoming project entitled He Loves Us Both, where she teams up with Grammy Award winning star H.E.R. for a compelling duet amongst the two.

In the video, iconic Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$ plays the central love interest.

I was excited [about him playing the role]. Ive always been a fan of Joe, Ike said to Blavity. I always thought that for a song like this with H.E.R. and me, it needed a man like Joey to play that part, so he was perfect for it.

While there isnt too much information out yet about the record, we are aware that some of her production was produced by frequent collaborator, good friend and fellow Caribbean artist Protoje.

Protoje is both my best friend and my mentor and working with him over the years has been a fulfilling experience, Ike said to Blavity. He has completed six successful studio albums so working with him on my album is a blessing given his expertise.

With so much momentum on her side, the Caribbean starlet is well on her way to becoming a household name in the foreseeable future and beyond.
Academy Award winner Lupita Nyongo has opened up on overcoming her fear of cats, recovering from a breakup so bad her mother flew to be by her side from Kenya, and what she believes to be the worst part of her job: interviews.

Ironically, the star sat down with Glamour to talk about her upcoming role in A Quiet Place: Day One, releasing on June 28, where her character owns a cat. I asked the director Michael Sarnoski if there was any way that we could change the animal, Nyongo said. I suggested an armadillo; he was not having it.

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But after some intense cat therapy, Nyongo was so besotted with the animal that she adopted her own after the shoot. It coincided with a particularly gut-wrenching break-up, following her announcement on Instagram that she had split from boyfriend Selema Masekela in October last year. (She has since been photographed with Dawsons Creek alum Joshua Jackson). I was flirting with depression, she said. I wasnt there yet, but I was flirting with it. And I had a voice say in my head, Get a cat.'

Nyongo credits her cat Yoyo for pulling her out of a super-low point as she grappled with a severely broken heart. Her mother hurried to be by her side from Kenya, as did one of her best friends. Arriving at Best Friends Animal Society in search for a pet, she saw a sign. There was a poster that said something like, Not over your ex? Foster a cat. It was spot-on.

The actress discussed her Oscar win for 12 Years a Slave in 2014 and the ensuing fame frenzy. I didnt think I was not going to win, she said. I hoped I would win. How could I? It was my first film. I had absolutely no expectation; I cannot stress that enough.

She also touched on what she thinks is the biggest downside of her job. Interviews, she explained, describing press junkets as like a torture technique, where different people are being ferried in to ask the same questions. You have to give each one of them attention, focus, and an articulate answer that you just gave to the person before, she says. Thats irritating.

Nyongos role in the A Quiet Place prequel is a young woman who, while on a day trip to New York City, finds herself in the middle of an alien invasion. The star is no stranger to horror as a genre  she famously led the cast of Jordan Peeles Us. She tells Glamour that scaring people is fun, but the energy required can be physically and mentally exhausting.

Her co-star, Stranger Things breakout actor Joseph Quinn, was a vital presence for her on set, she said. Quinn plays Eric, a stranger who teams up with Sam on their quest to stay alive. He listens and hes very surprising, Nyongo said of Quinn. You dont know what hes going to do next, and that makes it really exciting because you cant prepare too much.

A Quiet Place became a surprise smash in 2018, turning John Krasinski into an A-list director. It earned $340.9 million globally, with the sequel, A Quiet Place Part II, grossing $297.3 million globally in 2021, a strong showing as the theatrical business was coming out of the pandemic.

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The Player 2: Master of Swindlers episode 1 aired on Monday, June 3, 2024, on tvN and Viki. The new K-drama is the second installment of The Player and stars Song Seung-Heon, Oh Yeon-Seo, Jang Gyu-Ri, Tae Won-Seok, and Lee Si-Eon in lead roles.

It tells the story of a team of swindlers who target fraudsters and steal from the rich who own dirty money. The first episode begins with Kang Ha-Ri (Seung-Heon) fighting security guards and trying to stall them. Meanwhile, his team members, Im Byung-Min (Si-Eon) and Do Jin-Woong (Won-Seok), use their brains and strength to steal a statue. Their fourth member, Cha Ah-Ryung (Krystal Jung), arrives on time to pick up the trio.

Once all are in the car, Ah-Ryung showcases her rough driving skills. As they celebrate their successful heist in the car, a truck hits them. When they wake up, the four are taken hostage by a rich man from whom the swindlers have stolen. To teach Ha-Ri a lesson, he kills Ah-Ryung. The episode then introduces her sister, Cha Jae-Yi (Gyu-Ri).

The Player 2: Master of Swindlers episode 1 spoilers: What happened to Song Seung-Heons team after Krystal Jungs death?

After Ah-Ryungs death in the first episode of The Player 2: Master of Swindlers, Ha-Ri continues his work with his other two fellows. Meanwhile, Jae-Yi pushes Ha-Ri to let her take her sisters place as the groups driver. The team leader refuses, but Jae-Yi is determined.

Jae-Yi even calls up the cops on them and reveals the truth while forcing them to get in her car. This is when she showcases her driving skills and proves she is as talented as Ah-Ryung. With her on the team, Ha-Ris heists continue. Meanwhile, a businessman named Kang Do-Young grabs attention with his scheme that offers people a good investment option. However, a few days later, news states that his scheme has failed and all those middle-class people have lost a whopping amount.

One day, Ha-Ri receives a letter leading him to Pattaya, Thailand. There, he meets Jung Soo-Min (Oh Yeon-So), and a flirtatious relationship starts between them. She wants him to set his next target on fraudster Do-Young. When she invites the swindlers to Do-Youngs party, a man fires a gun at the host. Ha-Ri jumps in to save Do-Young but also advises the man to run and save himself. Later, Ha-Ri and his team learn that the mans wife invested all her savings in Do-Youngs scheme. After it failed, she died due to severe depression.

Meanwhile, Ha-Ri plans a strategy with his team to scam Do-Young and steal the money he stole from 1,200 commoners.

The Player 2: Master of Swindlers episode 1 ending: How did the swindlers get scammed?

The Player 2: Master of Swindlers first episode further shows Ha-Ri meeting Do-Young as one of his juniors in school. He asks the fraudsters help to invest in his company, which scams people. The next day, Ha-Ri and Byung-Min, disguised as rich people, visit Do-Young in a secluded building.

Ha-Ri assumes his plan is working, as Do-Young shows interest in his scheme. When Ha-Ri mentions that Do-Young will have a 50 percent share, the latter begins to laugh. Suddenly, the atmosphere changes and Do-Young says, Dont you think I know you will try to steal my money if I rush to hop on board? With bodyguards pointing guns at them, Ha-Ri and Byung-Min try to calm down Do-Young and state that there must be some misunderstanding.

The episode then focuses on a woman coming down the stairs. Do-Young turns around and asks, Did I misunderstand? Ha-Ri becomes shocked as the woman turns out to be Soo-Min. She comments, What did I tell you? I told you they are all scammers, and points at Ha-Ri and Byung-Min.

To watch what happens next in The Player 2: Master of Swindlers, tune in to tvN and Viki every Monday and Tuesday.

The post The Player 2: Master of Swindlers Episode 1 Recap: Did Jang Gyu-Ri Replace Krystal Jung After Her Death? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the fourth installment in the Will Smith-Martin Lawrence action-comedy series, is about a fight to redeem a tarnished legacy.

No, not that one. The reputation of Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano), the beloved captain of detectives Mike (Smith) and Marcus (Lawrence), has been posthumously besmirched. After his death, Conrad is framed as an informant for a Mexican drug cartel as a way to cloak more sinister corruption. Our detectives set out to clear his name.

Of course, the real image restoration thats going on here is for Smith. Ride or Die was in development in 2022 when Smith strode onto the Oscar stage and smacked Chris Rock. The film was temporarily put on hold. Options were weighed. But 2020s Bad Boys for Life made a hefty $424.6 million before COVID-19 shut down theaters. Watcha gonna do?

The result is the first movie Smith has made in that era defined as Post Slap. Here he is, back in the drivers seat and flying around the Miami waterfront with Lawrence riding shotgun. Thats to say: Smith is very much back in his element.

Ride or Die, which opens in theaters Thursday, is an attempt to pretend there havent been any bumps in the road along the way. More than that, this Bad Boys, coming 29 years after the original, would like very much to act as if nothing much has changed in not just the last two years but in the previous three decades.

Some signs of age is creeping in Ride or Die." Marcus has a heart attack on the dance floor and Mike is suffering from panic attacks. But with the exception of a drone or two, this is a movie that feels like it exists in the 1990s. Jerry Bruckheimer is still a producer, while original director Michael Bay has, as he did in the previous one, steps aside for Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. (Bay returns for a cameo.) But Ride or Die, set against Miami nightclubs and alligator-crawling hideouts, has largely stuck to its old buddy-cop formula with all the requisite explosions and slow-moed car chases mixed in.

As before, the key is the comic chemistry and endearing bond between Smith and Lawrence. And, really, as much as the response to Ride or Die is sure to be taken as a referendum on Smiths recalibrated drawing power, Lawrence is the MVP of these movies. Its his manic comic energy that propels them. The schtick may be a little stale at this point, but no one can deliver a line like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! in a gunfight with quite the same panache. Ride or Die, scripted by Chris Bremner and Will Beall, knows to prioritize crafting ripe situations for Lawrence. After his heart attack, Marcus wakes up with a new zest for life and a foolhardy feeling of invincibility.

The same might have once been said of Smith's bulletproof screen presence, of course. Here, Smith seems a little less cocksure than he once did; those panic attacks keep coming for Mike. Smith is also playing more of a straight-man to Lawrence. If the slap caused a reassessment of Smith as a movie star, Ride or Die is the kind of the tailor-made vehicle that reminds you there havent been many better male American action stars in the last few decades.

None of this is enough to lift Ride or Die beyond its paint-by-numbers plotting, or prevent the film from being inevitably tethered to the Slap  not least because the film climaxes with Marcus smacking Mike with an open hand. But the directing duo of Adil & Bilall keep the pace moving quick enough to prevent you from dwelling too much on ridiculous details  like that Mike, as revealed in the last film, is the father to an imprisoned cartel assassin named Armando (Jacob Scipio), a prominent character this time around. And silliness is more of a feature than a bug in movies like Bad Boys.

You end up questioning less why Smith and Lawrence are still making Bad Boys movies than wondering why such breezily watchable genre movie-star platforms more or less dont exist any longer. This summer will also bring back Beverly Hills Cop, with Eddie Murphy, another reminder that  outside something like the Fast and Furious films  the movie industry just hasnt produced anything like these guys for years now. Will Smith might not be going anywhere, after all.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die, a Columbia Pictures release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for strong violence, language throughout and some sexual references. Running time: 115 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Iran's activities within the nuclear program have never stopped and will never stop, Vice President of Iran and head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami told reporters after a cabinet meeting in Tehran, Trend reports.

"Iran's activities within the nuclear program have never stopped and will never stop," he said.

According to Eslami, Iran cooperates with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) within the framework of the NPT and continues its activities within its framework. IAEA inspectors also conduct inspections in Iran.

Commenting on the beginning of the meeting of the IAEA Board of Directors on June 3, the Vice President of Iran noted that the meeting of this council is held once every 3 months.

"IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is required to submit his report on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) resulting from the approval of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 once every 3 months to the Board of Directors and once every 6 months to the UN and the UN Security Council. Iran has never allowed pressure on the country and will never do so," he added.

On June 3, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said at a board meeting that since Iran has suspended compliance with its obligations under the Additional Protocol, the agency cannot access complete information about Iran's nuclear program over the past 3 years. In addition, the agency lost a constant stream of data on the production and number of centrifuges, heavy water, and so on.

The Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's Nuclear Program was executed in January 2016 by Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany). The United States declared in May 2018 that it was withdrawing from the plan and slapped sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran stated that there would be no constraints on the Iran nuclear agreement until 2020.

The Iranian parliament established a strategic strategy to oppose the sanctions in late 2020, citing the failure to meet the Joint Comprehensive Strategy of Action (JCPOA) signed by Iran and six other nations, as well as the imposition of sanctions against Iran.

In late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran. Based on the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent.
The world is full of beauty, from stunning islands to spa getaways, but none compares to taking in the breathtaking scenery of Mother Nature herself. Here, we have rounded up 10 of the most beautiful hikes around the world that will transport you to vistas like none other. While there are plenty of trails that can take you deep into nature for days at a time, we focused on day hikes for beginners and experienced hikers that allow you to end your day with fine dining and the comfort of fine linens not too far away.

From the U.S. to Europe to Asia, these destinations are a delight to the eye with views of mountains, lakes, seaside cliffs, waterfalls, and lava fields. Since they are located worldwide, most require more than a weekend getaway, but there's plenty more to explore while you are in Utah, Italy, Norway, or Bhutan. Get your hiking shoes ready, there's much in the world ripe to explore! Here are some of the most beautiful hiking trips around the world.

Trolltunga, Norway

Norway's most spectacular cliffs hover 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnet lake and were carved by the icecap that once covered most of Scandinavia. The hike up to Trolltunga (meaning "the trolls tongue") is a rigorous 17 miles or just over 12 miles depending on the trailhead, but well worth it for the awe-inspiring views. It's located near the town of Odda.



Alexey Karamanov - Getty Images

Path of the Gods, Almafi Coast, Italy

According to legend, the Almafi Coast's il Sentiero degli dei (the Path of the Gods) was created when the gods stampeded down from heaven to save Ulysses from the mermaids song. The 4.34-mile mountain ridge trail offers stunning views of the jagged seacoast and also winds through olive groves and vineyards.

imagoDens - Getty Images

The Narrows, Zion National Park

Soaring, picturesque walls climb a thousand feet tall in the narrowest section of the breathtaking Zion Canyon. Hikers should be prepared to get their feet wet once the trail enters the Virgin River as a part of The Narrows, and you can choose how far you want to hikefrom 4 to 10 miles or more.

Matteo Colombo - Getty Images

Tigers Nest, Bhutan

The Paro Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest Monastery) was built in on the site of a cave set into a cliff 3,000 meters above the Paro valley in the late 17th century, and views of it are just as breathtaking today. The hike to it is about 4 miles round trip and gains 1,700 feet in elevation. Hikers should allow time to visit tour the monastery's incredible temples after their journey.

Suzanne Stroeer - Getty Images

Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii

Welcome to paradise. Traverse the rugged, scenic Napali Coast on Kalalau Trail for 11 miles from beach to beach to take in valleys and vistas, waterfalls and sea caves. To hit the highlights, take the trail from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach for a 4-mile roundtrip hike.

Colton Stiffler - Getty Images

Five Lakes Trail, Zermatt, Switzerland

Take in the majesty of the Matterhorn and its reflection in three of the five Alpine lakes you'll see on this Five Lakes Trail around Zermatt's most gorgeous scenery. The trail is just over 6 miles, and you can stop to swim in Leisee and Grunsee lakes too.

Alex Treadway - Getty Images

Plitvice Lakes Loop, Croatia

Traverse boardwalks suspended over the turquoise water with stunning views of picturesque waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park offers several walking routes, but this loop, known as Trail A, is a short 2.2 miles and the most popular of them.

Tuul & Bruno Morandi - Getty Images

Tongariro Valley Crossing, New Zealand

Mountains abound across the world, but it's a special day when you can take in a volcanic landscape on New Zealand's greatest day walk, Tongariro Valley Crossing. The 12-mile journey takes you through the shadow of Mount Ngauruhoe and allows you to take in its emerald green lakes and watch semi-dormant volcanoes smoke not far off in the distance.

Matteo Colombo - Getty Images

Mutianyu, Great Wall of China

Stunning scenery surrounds Mutianyu, one of the best preserved sections of China's Great Wall located 40 miles north of Beijing. For a more challenging hike, walk its unrestored sections from Jiankou to Mutianyu, a 4.2-mile journey one way.

Istvan Kadar Photography - Getty Images

Landmannalaugar Short Loop, Iceland

You've never seen anything quite like the colors and textures of Landmannalaugar's hills and ridgelines, and this 2.9-mile loop will take you through the highlights of its scenery with pretty lava fields beneath mountain views. It's all postcard-perfect.

Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost - Getty Images

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Of the 63 U.S. national parks, none is more popular than the Great Smoky Mountains. According to the National Park Service, in 2023 it attracted a whopping 12,297,647 visitors, nearly triple the second most popular park, the Grand Canyon. And while the Southern Appalachian views are undoubtedly stunning, I, for one, am not so enthused by the idea of standing elbow to elbow with a sea of other tourists waiting to snap my perfect photo. So rather than join the masses at the most popular destinations, Im much more interested in planning a trip to one of the 15 least-visited national parks for breathtaking views, unique geography, fascinating wildlife and few (if any) other people in sight.

Some of these parks remain low on the list because they require a certain level of wilderness proficiency (dont forget to pack the bear spray), but others are great for outdoor explorers of all ages and experience levels. So, whether youre hoping to peep gorgeous vistas from the comfort of your cabin porch, coffee in hand, or are more drawn to the idea of exploring true wilderness in a park like Gates of the Arctic, with no formal roads or trails within the park, these 15 national parks have plenty to offer. Read on for all the inspiration you need to plan your next vacay.

The 15 Best American Road Trips, Ranked

1. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska

The Washington Post/Getty Images

Visitors in 2023: 11,045

Nearest Airport: Fairbanks, AK

Best Time of Year to Visit: July and August

This stunning 8.4 million-acre park located in the north of Alaska has no internal roads or trails, giving visitors a true backcountry experiencewhich is why its really only recommended for experienced adventurers. That said, companies like Alaska Alpine Adventures, organize guided trips within the park, and there are also local air taxis that offer a fly-over tours or drop downs within the park for the afternoon. That said, the virtually untouched wilderness is truly magnificent, if youre willing to camp out, there are few better places in the world to see the northern lights (https://www.purewow.com/travel/where-to-see-northern-lights).

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2. National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa

Luka Pettine/Getty Images

Visitors in 2023: 12,135

Nearest Airport: Pago Pago International Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: June through September

Getting to American Samoa is no easy feat, with limited (and pricey) flights from the mainland to these remote Pacific islands, so it comes as it no surprise that few visitors make the trek each year. But for adventurers with a passion for observing wildlife, on land, in the sea and in the skies, it offers unique opportunities for learning and exploration. With a tropical climate, the weather is hot and humid year-round and there are lush forests and vibrant flowers covering the mountainous land. There are also gorgeous beaches where you can take a dip or explore the surrounding reefs. The park officials and nearby towns and villages work hard to preserve Samoan culture, with tons of resources made available to really immerse park visitors. And while American Samoa is quite remote, the National Park Service notes there are lots of family-friendly activities throughout the park to entertain kids of all ages.

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3. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Michael J. Cohen, Photographer/Getty Images

Visitors in 2023: 16,728

Nearest Airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: June through August

Larger than the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined, Lake Clark National Park is home to some of the most stunning mountain ranges in North America. Like many other Alaskan parks, it can only be accessed by plane, but is well worth the effort according to National Geographic travel photographer, Jonathan Irish. There are also cabins and lodges available for those who dont want to backpack, as well as kayak and canoe rentals to give you full access to the stunning turquoise Lake Clark. If youve ever wanted to get a peek at bears in their natural habitat (from a safe distance, of course), this is one of the best places in the world to do so.

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4. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

BlueBarronPhoto/Getty Images

Visitors in 2023: 17,616

Nearest Airport: Kotzabue Regional Airport or Bettles Regional Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: June through August

Although Kobuk Valley is located just north of the Artic Circle in Alaska, one of its most remarkable features is the 25-square-mile Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. These acres of rolling sand are a relic of the last Ice Age and act as a path for the parks herds of Western Arctic Caribou who migrate through twice a year in spring and fall. To access the dunes or any other parts of Kobuk Valley, youll need to book a bush plane, and while its recommended you have a high level of wilderness knowledge, there are local tour companies you can hire for trips as short as a few hours or as long as a week.

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5. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

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Visitors in 2023: 28,965

Nearest Airport: Houghton County Memorial Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: June through August

Although Isle Royale is the fifth least-visited national park in the U.S., it is reportedly one of the most revisited, meaning those who do make it there are very likely to return. The park covers an island archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior (just south of the Canadian border), accessible only by boat or seaplane and there are no cars of any sort on the island. Indeed, boating is one of the biggest attractions in the park, whether you prefer motorboats, canoes or kayaks. Here, you can observe the activity of moose and wolves, hike along 165 miles of forest trails and scuba dive to explore shipwrecks that have been incredibly well preserved in the cold waters. Note: Isle Royal National Park is closed entirely during winter, with the opening and closing dates depending roughly on weather conditions.

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6. Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Chase Dekker Wild-Life Images/Getty Images

Visitors in 2023: 33,763

Nearest Airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: June through August

Fans of Fat Bear Week will know Katmai as the home of more than 2,000 brown bears, as well as a rich array of other wildlife, including moose, eagles and even humpback whales. Visitors can access the 4-million acre park via plane, and there are lodges and cabins available to book if backpacking isnt your jam. There is plenty of stunning wilderness to explore, but the top activity is observing the wildlife, with guided groups or solo trips to see the birds, mammals and fish in their natural environments.

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7. North Cascades National Park, Washington

Lidija Kamansky/Getty Images

Visitors in 2023: 40,351

Nearest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: June through September

Having been to North Cascades multiple timesand loving itI was surprised to see it receives so few annual visitors. Less than three hours from Seattle, the park is much more easily accessible than the remote parks of Alaska and American Samoa and has tons to offer for outdoor adventurers of all ages and experience levels. The park hosts more than 300 glaciers with snow coverage making it more difficult to explore in the colder monthsbut summer reveals fields of colorful wildflowers and lush forests accenting the rugged mountain peaks. There are also more than 400 miles of hiking trails, as well as river rafting, canoeing, horseback riding and rock climbing.

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Lumir Pecold/Getty Images

Visitors in 2023: 78,305

Nearest Airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: June through August

Covering a whopping 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest U.S. national park. It contains nine of the 20 highest peaks in the country and is home to the nations largest glacial system. There are trails throughout, but most of the terrain is left wild, allowing visitors a unique backcountry experience blazing their own paths. Perhaps one of the best ways to appreciate the majesty and breadth of this Alaskan park is by plane with a guided bush pilot who can point out all the best the park has to offer.

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9. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

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Visitors in 2023: 84,285

Nearest Airport: Miami International Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: April and May

The rather ironically named Dry Tortugas is comprised of seven small islands located about 70 miles west of Key West. Visitors will need to take a boat or seaplane to get there, but once youve landed, youre sure to be in awe of the stunning white sand beaches, colorful reefs and abundant marine life. For those with scuba diving experience, there are multiple shipwrecks to explore, or you can rent kayaks to paddle through the shallow waters observing sea turtles and nurse sharks. Of course, no trip to Dry Tortugas is complete without a tour of Fort Jefferson, a Civil War-era fort and prison, where visitors can also get a permit to camp out for the night.

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10. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

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Visitors in 2023: 143,265

Nearest Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: June through September

Walk among some of the oldest living trees in the world, the ancient twisting bristlecone pines, that populate this desert oasis. The variation of terrain to explore is notably vastyou can stroll through desert dunes, hike up to Nevadas only remaining glacier surrounded by pine trees, explore the expansive underground Lehman Caves system and more. Budding astronomers and stargazers can also enjoy some of the most stunning night skies in the country. With little to no light pollution, thousands of stars and views of the Milky Way are visible to campers throughout the park.

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11. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

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Visitors in 2023: 220,825

Nearest Airport: Duluth International Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: June through September

Voyageurs National Park contains 30 lakes of various sizes, making it an ideal destination for fans of canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and other water exploration. In fact, most of the park is only accessible by water, though there are tons of hiking trails and camping spots on land for visitors to explore as a reward for all that paddling. You can also rent a houseboat at any of the four largest lakes, giving you a unique camping experience unlike any other. P.S. Voyageurs is a certified Dark Sky Park, meaning the night sky views are truly stunning and giving visitors a high chance of spotting the Northern Lights during their stay.

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12. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Robert Waltman/Getty Images

Visitors in 2023: 227,340

Nearest Airport: El Paso International Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: April, May, September and October

Four of Texas highest peaks are located within this 86,000-acre park, including Guadalupe Peak, aka the Top of Texas. Summer temperatures can soar well past 100 degrees during the day, but weather in spring and fall is much more comfortable, making it easier to explore the 800 miles of trails. The ecosystem is surprisingly varied, with salt flats and the Chihuahuan Desert to the west and grasslands, pinyon pine and juniper forests to the east. The internal canyons are fed by sparkling springs, and there are alpine forests dotting the higher elevations. For those visiting in fall, the McKittrick Canyon Trail offers particularly beautiful views as foliage colors change. An important note: There is no gasoline available within the park, and the nearest gas stations are 35 miles from the visitor center, so plan ahead. Relatedly, there is no food sold within the park, so youll also want to stock up on snacks and meals before entering.

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13. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Mark C Stevens/Getty Images

Visitors in 2023: 250,114

Nearest Airport: Charleston International Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: March through May and September through November

There are lots of unique experiences to be had at this South Carolina park. For starters, Congaree is home to some of the tallest trees in the eastern U.S. and the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Due to frequent heavy rainfalls, much of the parks 25-plus miles of hiking trails lope along elevated platforms. (Seriously, youre going to want to pack waterproof shoes, no matter what time of year you visit.) You can also rent kayaks or canoes to explore the park by boat, if you prefer. And if you come between mid-May and mid-June, you may just get to see a field of synchronous fireflies all sync up to flash in unison as they search for mates.

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14. Channel Islands National Park, California

benedek/Getty Images

Visitors in 2023: 328,746

Nearest Airport: Santa Barbara Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: year round

Just 25 miles from the shores of Southern California is a collection of islands that play host to an incredible array of wildlife. Although all eight Channel Islands are designated a biosphere reserve under UNESCO, only five are recognized U.S. National Parks. The largest of the five, Santa Cruz, is home to nearly 60 plants and animals that can be found nowhere else on Earth. (No wonder some call the park the Galapagos Islands of America.) Depending on what types of outdoor exploration you preferkayaking, hiking, scuba diving, observing the animals, peeping wildflowers, backcountry campingeach island has something different to offer, and Irish and his wife Stephanie Payne so an excellent job outlining the highlights of each.

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15. Pinnacles National Park, California

tanagamine/500px/Getty Images

Visitors in 2023: 341,220

Nearest Airport: San Francisco International Airport

Best Time of Year to Visit: March through May and September through November

One of the newest National Parks (it joined the ranks in 2013), Pinnacles is about 80 miles southeast of San Jose near the middle of California. The namesake pinnacles were formed by an ancient, extinct volcano that has since migrated 200 miles from its original location on the San Andreas Fault. There are two distinct sides to the park with shady forests and ample water to the east (excellent for hikers and those looking to take in sweeping views of the landscape), and high rock walls and deep caves to the west (a must-visit for rock climbers and geology buffs). Bird watchers can also spot prairie falcons and California condors in their natural habitats.

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30 Cheap Family Vacations You Havent Thought of Before
If ever you want to experience a time warp, take a trip to Bulgarias Black Sea coast. Its 1960s beach hotels are everything you might expect from properties that were built in the Soviet-era and not since updated.

Though my three-star hotel room is pleasant enough and I can drift off to sleep to the sound of the waves, its a space with scant consideration for interior design. But what it lacks in up-to-date style, it more than makes up for in value for money.

While budget resorts elsewhere in Europe  Mallorcas Magaluf, say, or Faliraki in Rhodes  have tried to upgrade from their mass-market roots, Bulgarias sun-and-sand offering remains unashamedly cheap and cheerful.

Im in Nessebar, about a half-hour drive from the airport at Burgas (and ten minutes from rowdier Sunny Beach), and my sea-facing room, with breakfast, is costing me 50 per night.

OK, so it may not be all that sophisticated, but does it really matter when theres a sweep of apricot sand outside and Im only a 15-minute walk from Old Nessebar: a walled World Heritage City that, though touristy, is utterly charming?

South Beach in Nessebar - Shutterstock

Either way, Ive not come to Bulgaria for fancy hotels and five-star service. Im here because  beyond affordable beach breaks  its Black Sea Coast offers excellent birding.

As well as being incredibly biodiverse in and of itself, the region is a pinch-point on the Via Pontica, one of Europes major migratory flyways. In spring and autumn, birds of all kinds pass through in their thousands as they journey between their summer and winter domains.

And what birds they are. At peak migration times, there will be pelicans, storks and eagles soaring high up on the thermals, while others  turtle doves, nightingales, red-footed falcons  pass through at less lofty altitudes.

Add in an impressive roster of breeding species from colourful rollers and golden orioles to regional specialities like pygmy cormorants and its no wonder that Bulgaria is so beloved by visiting birdwatchers.

To maximise avian encounters, Ive hired a birding guide for the day. As the founder of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds and one of Bulgarias leading ornithologists, theres nobody more qualified than Petar Iankov.

Petar Iankov observing distant pelicans through a telescope

As we set off from Nessebar on a May morning, Petar explains why Burgas is such a magnet for birds. The key thing here is the complex of lakes around Burgas, he reveals, which itself is at the Black Seas westernmost point.

The four main lakes vary between saline, brackish and freshwater habitats, with each surrounded by landscapes that provide opportunities for birds to breed, winter or pause on their journeys from Africa and the Mediterranean towards Poland, Germany, Russia and Ukraine.

Our first stop is saline Pomorie Lake. As we step out of the car, were accosted by the calls of Sandwich, little and common terns as the males try to impress potential mates with gifts of silvery fish.

Avocets and black-winged stilts are taking a quieter approach to the nesting season, with many birds already incubating. We admire a group of pygmy cormorants standing in line with their wings held out to dry: so much smaller and more reptilian-looking than their commoner cousins that I know from back home.

A female golden oriole, one of several breeding species to frequent the area - Getty

With lots of ground to cover, we soon move on to Atanasovsko Lake: another saline water body but with rather different birds. The stars of the show here are flamingos standing tall with heads immersed, sifting the water for shrimp. They look underwhelmingly pallid until a party of them takes flight and flaps away on crimson wings, their long pink legs trailing behind.

We pause for a picnic at the lakes far end, where cuckoos are calling and energetic bee-eaters live up to their name. While we watch the birds comings and goings, Petar tells me more about Bulgarias wildlife riches. One of the few good things to result from a half-century of communist rule was that technology didnt move as fast as in Western Europe, he explains.

Had our harder-to-reach old-growth forests been in Germany, for example, they would have been felled after the war, and our birdlife would have been decimated by agricultural chemicals. So as foreign birdwatchers began to discover Bulgaria when the Iron Curtain fell, they were stunned at our abundance of wild birds.

Red-backed shrike - Getty

As if to accentuate his point, a mid-sized songbird chooses that moment to perch on a fence post nearby. Its a red-backed shrike: once common in Britains countryside, but a species whose disappearance from our isles is attributed to pesticides.

To mix things up, we make a post-lunch visit to an area of lark-rich steppe, via villages with a storks nest atop every lamppost. At a disused quarry, Petar performs a convincing (but unsuccessful) attempt at luring the local eagle owl into view by mimicking its call. And at Aquae Calidae, famed since antiquity for its health-promoting hot springs, we fill our bottles with mineral water before heading back to the lakes.

Brackish Burgas Lake adds pelicans, grebes and black terns to our tally before we conclude at PODA Nature Reserve, where the last lake, Mandrensko, meets the sea. Though only one square kilometre in size, this patch of scrub, reeds and open water has racked up sightings of 315 bird species: around a quarter of Europes avifauna.

Poda Nature Reserve

From the visitor centre, we watch spoonbills and ibises ferrying food to their nestlings, while the colony of terns goes berserk whenever a predatory harrier glides over. Its a marvellous sight, full of energy and life; but theres only a handful of others here to witness this avian spectacle.

Bulgarians are pragmatic, Petar says by way of explanation. Birdwatching isnt popular nationally as it has no specific purpose.

But an appreciation of nature is essential to its conservation.

Bulgarias biodiversity has been eroded since The Changes [post-communism], he admits. Its important that locals see the value that nature-based tourism brings to our countryside; we just need more visitors coming to experience it.

How to do it

Jet2 flies to Burgas from nine UK airports including Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester and London Stansted. Seven nights B&B at Nessebars beachfront Hotel Mirage costs from 619pp in September, including flights and transfers.

A days guided birding with Petar Iankov costs around 85 (contact via poda@bspb.org). For birding and photography day tours, also from 85, try Nature Monitoring. April/May and August/September are the peak migration months.

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Leigh Milner had no pain relief apart from an injection of local anaesthetic that had no time to take effect while in labour, leaving her traumatised - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

Leigh Milner had one requirement for her upcoming birth: she wanted epidural pain relief. I dreaded being in agony and knew Id enjoy my pregnancy if I could avoid suffering during labour, she says. Following the advice from my National Childbirth Trust [NCT] course, I put my epidural request at the top of my birth plan in block capitals and bold type. Then I laminated it.

Few birth plans make it out of the hospital bag, and Milners glossy manifesto was no exception. On February 1 2023, two weeks before her due date, Milner, 34, was rushed into hospital with high blood pressure and suspected pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that can be fatal to both mother and baby, so the hospital said Milner needed to be induced right away. As the midwife prepared for me this, I asked for an epidural, says Milner, who works as a news presenter for BBC Look East. The midwife batted me off with a number of excuses, telling me I needed to be on the labour ward, it was too busy  there would be time to do it later.

The midwife broke Milners waters, and her labour progressed with shocking speed. The pain was immediately so brutal that I threw up on the way to the labour ward, she says. I was screaming that I wanted my epidural, begging the staff over and over again. They came up with all sorts of reasons to delay: that they needed to get the results of a blood test, and that certain forms had to be signed.

The gas and air machine on the unit was broken and Milner was offered only paracetamol. When a monitor indicated that the babys heart rate was dropping, Milner was prepped for a caesarean. She desperately wanted to avoid surgery, and steeled herself for one last push  to aid her delivery, she was given an episiotomy, or a surgical cut to the perineum. Milner had no pain relief apart from an injection of local anaesthetic that had no time to take effect. Theo was born safely, weighing 6lb 4oz, but Milner was traumatised.

The whole thing was medieval, she says.

Over the next few months, Milner suffered flashbacks and nightmares about the pain she experienced, to the extent she needed therapy. I later had a meeting with the hospital, and they told me I should have been offered an epidural at the time I was induced, she says. They said there had been no need for this mysterious blood test. Im 100 per cent certain I would not have suffered all this distress if Id had an epidural.

Pain-relief politics

The issue of pain relief in childbirth has always been political  and now it is entering the election race. In their manifesto, released this week, the Green Party remarked on the escalation of medical interventions, and their disapproval of such. We will work to reduce the number of interventions in childbirth and change the culture of the NHS so that birth is treated as a normal and non-medical event, they said.

According to guidance released in 2012, natural childbirth, as defined by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists includes births without induction, without the use of instruments, not caesarean sections, spinal or epidural anaesthetic before or during delivery.

If the Green Party had their way, mothers-to-be like Milner would be even less likely to receive pain-relief.

This flies in the face of better news about the health consequences of epidurals. Last week, the issue was in the news again: a report published in the BMJ revealed that women who had epidurals during labour were a third less likely to develop life-threatening conditions such as sepsis or heart attacks after giving birth than those who did not.

An epidural is a type of local anaesthetic given into the lower back, which numbs the nerves that carry the pain impulses from the birth canal to the brain. The idea is to numb the sensory nerves, which affect pain, but not the movement nerves that affect feeling, says Dr Fiona Donald, the president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. The range of anaesthesia can vary: patients can vary from feeling nothing, to a sense of tightening when their contractions take place, she says. A few hospitals offer mobile epidurals where the patient is free to move around.

The procedure is safe, says Donald, though by its very nature, an epidural makes a birth more medicalised. It has to be given by an anaesthetist, the patient needs to be in bed, attached to a drip and have one-to-one midwife care in case their blood-pressure dips too much, she says. The babys heart rate also needs to be monitored.

There is a one in 10 risk of the anaesthetic failing, as well as a small risk of negative consequences such as a postdural puncture headache (which happens in around 1 per cent of births) and one-in-10,000 chance of permanent nerve damage.

Fiona Gibb is director of professional midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives. Different areas operate under different guidelines, but epidurals are usually given when a woman is in established labour  having three contractions in the space of ten minutes  and her cervix is around 3 to 4cm dilated, she says. Epidurals are also often given before an induction.

In certain scenarios, epidurals can be contraindicated  not performed because it may be harmful to the mother. This can happen if the woman has certain pre-existing medical conditions such as low blood clotting levels, has cardiac instability, or has had spinal surgery, says Gibb. An epidural might also be contraindicated if the baby is descending quickly, or the woman is not able to lay still or sit upright.

Otherwise, according to Gibb, all women should have the choice to have an epidural, as long as the hospital can provide a safe, clinical environment.

However, as Milner discovered, many labouring women find they do not have access to adequate pain relief. Statistics show that, despite the safety and effectiveness of the procedure, significantly fewer epidurals are given in the UK than in other Western nations.

A 2020 report in Anaesthesia, the journal of the Association of Anaesthetists, revealed just 22 per cent of women who gave birth in the UK between 2007 and 2020 received an epidural. This compares quite starkly with the United States, where between 70 and 75 per cent of women have epidurals. In France, its 82 per cent.

Even before the Green Party edict, epidurals came with oddly political connotations. In some middle-class circles, it almost seemed a badge of honour to not need an epidural. Childbirth education organisations such as the NCT seemed opposed to  or at best ambivalent  towards them. There was the sense that epidurals were the gateway to all manner of unpleasant interventions such as a ventouse or forceps delivery or  the biggest failure of all!  an emergency caesarean section.

New mum coffee mornings were full of the sense that, the more pain relief you had requested, the more you had failed. Do you feel less of a mother because you didnt breathe your baby out in a cloud of lavender oil? Good, you deserve it.

This approach now appears  thankfully  outdated. Its not true that epidurals make an intervention more likely, says Donald. Though its also the case that the local anaesthetic is less strong than it used to be. A 2018 Cochrane Review paper found that: the need for an assisted vaginal birth no longer appeared as an outcome when adjusted for modern anaesthesia approaches.

Maxine Palmer is a former antenatal practitioner and head of service development at the NCT. While she defends the notion that an epidural given too close to birth can slow down the pushing stage, she accepts there has been a culture change within the organisation.

The cascade of intervention was incorrectly correlated, she says. The evidence is now clearer as to what causes birth complications, especially as epidurals are now given at a lower dose. The NCTs main task is to educate women to understand their pain relief options and have a flexibility of mindset in the context of the clinical situation.

Resource constraint

So why, despite this culture change, are women still struggling to get sufficient pain relief? An investigation by The Telegraph as recently as 2020 identified six NHS trusts where women pleading for pain relief were refused it, with one woman talking about a cult of natural childbirth.

Palmer of the NCT denies any nefarious plan on the part of midwives. Its true that in this country we have more of a culture of vaginal birth than places like the US, she says. In other countries, births are more medicalised: you cant have gas and air in America, for example. There is also far more of a culture of birth litigation in the US, though it is getting worse here. Trusts are now spending a third of their budget on claims where a birth has gone wrong.

According to Palmer, the main reason we arent getting epidurals is because of resource constraint  there simply arent the midwives or the anaesthetists available for the personalised care needed for the epidural process. This was beginning to brew before the pandemic, she says. People were starting to leave the profession, and now they arent being retained. It started to stabilise in 2023, but after that we had the Ockenden Report. (The Ockenden Report found a string of catastrophic failures in the maternity services at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, leading to the death of more than 200 babies.) Since then, more resources are going into safety concerns than the continuity of care, says Palmer.

For while the number of epidurals is going down, the number of caesareans and inductions is rising. NHS figures from 2022 revealed 35 per cent of births in the previous year were through a caesarean, up by a quarter in the past decade. This is partially because of complex births related to ageing and increasingly overweight mothers-to-be. Plus, if a first baby is born by C-section, their sibling will almost certainly enter the world in the same way. Then there is the renewed emphasis on safety since the maternity unit scandals, meaning that pregnant women are now able to elect a caesarean section, even if this is not for medical reasons.

For those who have had difficult births, Gibb suggests it can help to later reflect on their labour with the help of a hospital professional. This can be an informal chat with their midwife, some areas offer a programme, which is a dedicated clinic, she says.

New mother Milner made use of her Reflections appointment at the Essex hospital where she had her son, but for her this was ultimately a case of too little, too late. After my awful experience giving birth to Theo, I will question every decision in my next pregnancy, she says. In fact, I am almost certainly going to opt for a planned C-section. Lots of my mum friends feel the same way. We no longer trust the NHS.

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The SolArt Center is hosting a Battle Jacket Workshop, Saturday, June 8 from 1-3 p.m. Learn how to create and attach your own patches, how to use various needlework stitches to mend and customize your jacket, and how to express your own unique identity through the DIY art of punk battle jackets.

STAUNTON  Even the experts sometimes struggle to find the best definition to describe their art. Emily Fasick, who grew up in Staunton and now lives in Northern Virginia, helps people design battle jackets. So what exactly is a battle jacket?

Fasick paused when asked the question, started to answer then paused again. Then she gave the simplest explanation she could think of.

"It would be an embellished vest or jacket that expresses the wearer's interests," Fasick said.

It's not necessarily easy to describe because battle jackets are, at their core, about self-expression and that will mean something different to every person who designs one.

Fasick explained that battle jackets began in the motorcycle community before becoming a staple in the metal and punk music scenes. The jackets are adorned with patches and pins and other embellishments as a way to express oneself.

Now it's become popular in the fandom communities, Fasick said, as well as the queer community.

"It especially speaks to the (LGBTQ) community because there's a lot going on with identity there," she said. "Folks are exploring and working through and needing to express."

Fasick will be hosting a battle jacket workshop Saturday, June 8, from 1-3 p.m. at Staunton's SolArt Center at 6 Byers Street in the Staunton Wharf. It's free to attend. All materials are provided. Participants can bring a jacket or other article of clothing they want to embellish. No preregistration is required.

"What we're doing is teaching folks how to create and decorate and embellish these punk vests and jackets," she said. "It really is a way for folks to signify parts of their identity and their various interests. It's almost like having tattoos that you can take on and off."

Emily Fasick said it doesn't matter what your skill level is with fabric or sewing, all are welcome at the battle jacket workshop Saturday, June 8, at Staunton's SolArt Center in the Wharf.

The workshop is open to all ages. She hopes to do the same workshop every other month in Staunton, with plans to return in August.

"These workshops are for everyone," she said. "It doesn't matter how old you are, what you feel your skill level is with fabric or sewing. It doesn't matter what your identity is or what community you are part of. We would love to have you and make you part of our community."

Fasick said if someone doesn't have a jacket, but maybe has a flannel shirt or bag or hat, bring it. It's not limited just to jackets.

Fasick is a 2008 graduate of what is now Staunton High School, moving to the Queen City with her family just before her teenage years. Fasick was also a student at the Shenandoah Valley Governors School, and was active in community theater, the Frontier Culture Museum and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Librrary, where she led tours.

Currently she's a program assistant for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative at George Mason University in Manassas, offering community arts programing to veterans and current military personnel in the Washington, D.C. area.

She has a degree in historic preservation and museum education from the University of Mary Washington. She's worked in museum and classroom education. She returned to school, receiving a master's in art education, which is where she began her capstone project for the battle jacket workshops that she now leads.

"It initially started out as just a project," Fasick said. "When I started seeing the need almost immediately, how people received it, I realized I really needed to do this past graduation."

She was a theater kid growing up, but the visual arts weren't on her radar until her work on the master's degree. She realizes she came to the medium later in life that some artists, and admits that it took her time to feel confident in that world.

Now, she works to make others, maybe some who came to the visual arts later in life, feel comfortable and ease that transition.

"Anyone can make art," she said. "And it's beneficial to anyone."

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 Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Battle jacket workshop planned at Staunton's SolArt Center Saturday
Five doughnut shops in the Jackson area you will want to try on National Doughnut Day

Need and excuse to chow-down on some delicious doughnuts?

Never fear, National Doughnut Day is celebrated the first Friday in June each year and this year falls on Friday, June 7, giving you the perfect excuse to enjoy a nice glazed doughnut or a whole dozen of a variety of doughnuts.

And, the Jackson area has plenty of places offering the sweet confections that are worth the drive on Doughnut Day, or any day, some even offering special deals on National Doughnut Day.

Below we have rounded up five places beyond the standard Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts to help you enjoy National Doughnut Day in and around Jackson.

Pillow Donuts

Doughnuts

Pillow Donuts offers many different flavored doughnuts, including holiday-style doughnuts made for Valentine's Day, Halloween, Christmas and more.

"They make delicious donuts overall, but I love the cake donuts," Robert Taxton, longtime customer told the Clarion Ledger.

Location:

1679 Old Fannin Road, Flowood

707 Beau Pre Drive, Ridgeland

More: Looking for something sweet and cold? Try these five Jackson area locations

Shipley Do-Nuts

Shipley Do-Nuts, founded in Texas, has more than 300 stores worldwide and seven locations in Mississippi serving coffee and a variety of doughnuts.

"The most popular doughnut is the chocolate iced glazed doughnut," Anthony Moore, owner of Shipley Do-Nuts told the Clarion Ledger. "We also have lots of options such as mini and regular doughnut holes with or without sprinkles for children."

Shipley Do-Nuts National Doughnut Day special:

Shipley will be giving away just one free glazed doughnut to every customer at both Jackson-area locations.

Locations:

213 Promenade Blvd., Flowood

775 Lake Harbour Drive, No. 157, Ridgeland

Star Donuts & Coffee

Hot and cold drip coffees

Known as a quiet little doughnut shop located in West Jackson, Star Donuts & Coffee serves classic doughnuts.

Locations:

2920 John R. Lynch St., Suite A, Jackson

Donut Palace

The Donut Palace bills itself as not just a doughnut place. They also serve croissants sandwiches, burritos, beverages and more.

Locations:

119 Colony Crossing, Ste. 880, Madison

5651 MS-25, Flowood

702 E. Northside Drive, Clinton

1530 W. Government St., Ste A, Brandon

Donut Barn

The Donut Barn is a family-owned doughnut business that offers a variety of different doughnuts at reasonable prices.

"I love that It's a family-owned business and everyone, even the employees are always so nice," Amya Cokeler, a customer told the Clarion Ledger. "I try to make sure I support businesses like this."

Location:

1069 US-51, Ste. D, Madison

More: This Grammy winning, country singer will perform at Trustmark Park on July 26. See who

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Know an event coming up or have a good story idea? Reporter Kiara Fleming can be reached via email KDFleming@jackson.gannett.com and on X @Ki_dajournalist

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: National Doughnut Day Jackson MS sweets
St. Joseph County residents in need of supplemental food this month may pick up a food box at any of several upcoming community food distributions.

The first South Michigan Food Bank distribution will take place at 4 p.m. June 11, at the Centreville Seventh Day Adventist Church, 23683 M-86, in Centreville. A free ride to and from the premises is available through the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority depending on availability. A 24-hour advanced notice is required and inquiries may be made by calling (269) 273-7808.

Volunteers at the Battle Creek South Michigan Food Bank sort food to be distributed to eight south Michigan counties.

At 4 p.m. June 13, the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis, 1320 S. Lakeview Ave., will host a food box giveaway. Beginning at 9 a.m. June 15, The Huss Project at 1008 Eighth St., in Three Rivers, will give out food boxes until supplies are depleted. Those in the Burr Oak area may visit Railroad Park there at 4 p.m. June 19, for a box of food.

Gateway Village Apartments, 409 Gateway Court in Sturgis, will host a distribution at 10:30 a.m. June 20, followed by a giveaway at Colon High School, 400 Dallas St., in Colon, at 4:30 p.m. the same day.

The White Pigeon Schools campus, 410 Prairie Ave., will be the site of a food distribution at 3:30 p.m. June 25.

For additional food distributions in St. Joseph County through other agencies, food pantry hours and other supporting events, visit the human services calendar and St. Joseph County community resource guide at sjchumanservices.com.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Food giveaway dates set in St. Joseph County
When Harry Met: The Rev. Charles Smith, the recipient of a surprise gift from his son

Let me tell you aboutTodd Albert Smith and a surprise gift he gave his father.

Smith, a native of Etowah County, lives in Greenville, South Carolina, and worships there at the missions-oriented Edwards Road Baptist Church.

The church sponsors a group of churches that regularly goes to minister in Cuba; Smith is a regular on those trips.

Cuba is a communist country today, but its religious roots have played a significant role in its history. A 2020 census cited by Wikipedia found that its citizens' religious affiliations are 60.66% Christian, including 53.7% and 2.68% from Protestant and Catholic backgrounds, respectively. The most common Protestant denominations are Pentecostal and Baptist, but there also are Anabaptists, Anglicans, Methodists, Presbyterians and Quakers.

Edwards Road Baptist Church's regular trips to Cuba are through an organization called CPA, which has 200 affiliated churches there (spanning 20 denominations). The organization was founded by a Cuban pastor and seeks to support pastors and their families. Each pastor, as part of their financial support, is paid $1.20 a year to own, and another 80 cents to maintain, a cellphone.

Those making the mission trips are told that the Cuban government has spies attending the preaching services, wanting to know if anything is said against the government.

The gift to the Rev. Charles Smith, Todd's father, who's approaching age 83, was a vacation in Cuba a few weeks ago  a surprise invitation from his son to join him in a week of ministry.

Now let me tell you about the Rev. Charles Smith.

The Rev. Charles Smith

He and his wife, Sandra  daughter of Juanita and Bob Moman, both gone to glory in recent years  decided in their seminary days that they wanted to work with the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board.

His first pastorate after graduating was Mount Hope in Moulton, a few miles north of Cullman, then the young couple moved to the First Baptist Church in Hokes Bluff.

Seven years later, however, they received the long-awaited call from foreign missions. A dozen years after that seminary decision, the International Baptist Convention issued an invitation  the Lords intervention, the Rev. Charles Smith said  for the pair to serve a church thousands of miles away from Hokes Bluff, on the outskirts of Naples, Italy.

The congregation was made up of English-speaking people  many American military folks stationed there and other nationalities. The husband-and-wife team called their five and a half years of ministry there fruitful and fulfilling.

The Lord intervened again, according to the Rev. Charles Smith, and they answered a call to Paden Baptist Church in East Gadsden. Still, he said, he felt that God was calling him away, adding, I had made a commitment to never leave a church unless he led me to another, so we prayed and waited.

And after several months of prayer, the Smiths answered a call to Stavanger, Norway, that country's third-largest city and its oil capital.

They were there for five years, and many times the Rev. Charles Smith would put on a parka and snow boots when he went to his basement study to pray and prepare his sermons  and tell Sandra that he wished for a warmer climate.

Remember the adage be careful what you pray for? After their time in Norway, the Smiths returned to their Hokes Bluff home. He was due for a sabbatical and enrolled at the Beeson School of Divinity at Samford University in Birmingham.

While there, however, the International Mission Board contacted him about a church that needed a pastor  in Dubai, on the Persian Gulf, where it's 80 degrees in December and 107 in June.

The Rev. Charles Smith served there for four years, then he and his wife returned to their Alabama home after learning there was an opening for a hospice chaplain at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. He served in that position for seven years before retiring after a half-century of pastoral ministry. He now works as a removal technician for Collier-Butler Funeral Home.

Harry D. Butler, a former broadcaster, is a motivational speaker and author of Alabamas First Radio Stations, 1920-1960. Butler periodically sits down with someone of note, then brings the conversation to readers.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Harry Butler on the Rev. Charles Smith's surprise gift from his son
The sale is available for select departures from June through May 2025.

Courtesy of Holland America Line The Holland America Line Westerdam in Alaskas Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.

Sail away for less with Holland America Line this summer thanks to a sale that has up to 40 percent off cruise fares, onboard credits, and more.

The cruise lines Summer Savings Event is offering big savings on cruises around the world ranging from four to 58 days, Holland America shared with Travel + Leisure. The sale is available for select departures from June through May 2025.

To take advantage of the savings, travelers must book by June 28.

In addition to savings on the cruise fare, the sale includes up to $100 in onboard credits per stateroom, 50 percent reduced deposits, and a free third and fourth guest when traveling in the same stateroom.

Whether travellers are looking to cruise this summer or into next year, our robust Summer Savings Event is a great time to book, especially for families and group getaways taking advantage of the third and fourth guest free perk, Beth Bodensteiner, the chief commercial officer for Holland America Line, said in a statement shared with T+L. The Summer Savings Event features itineraries in nearly all the places we visit around the world and even includes some of our longer voyages.

As part of the sale, travelers can head to Alaska, Europe, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia, Australia, and more.

Spend a week in August sailing to Alaska roundtrip from Seattle on the Westerdam, for example, with cruise fares starting at just $599 per person, or spend two weeks traversing the Northern Isles on the Rotterdam starting at just $1,459 per person. Travelers can also save big on the epic 53-day Majestic Japan cruise on the Westerdam in September starting at $6,999 per person.

In addition to this sale, Holland America offers the chance to save on a last-minute trip with its Standby Program, which allows guests to sign up to be on standby to cruise on eligible sailings for just $49 per person per day. Guests find out if they got on a trip a few days before the scheduled departure.



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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
In a town renowned for hot dogs, a young Connor Eisenhart has a dream.

Eisenhart, who runs The Homedog LLC., a hot dog cart, wants to be more than just Hanover's hot dog brand.

"I want to become the McDonald's of hot dogs," said Eisenhart during an interview as he slung hotdogs at his cart through a busy lunch rush outside of W.E. Sell Sporting Goods in Hanover on a recent Monday afternoon.

Eisenhart, only 22, has been running his hot dog business for roughly a year. He's got some stiff competition: Hanover is well known for its hotdog businesses, from the Famous Hot Weiner, to the Texas Lunch.

In fact, even the largest local community group on Facebook, the Hanover Area Watch Group, or "HAWG," was named in tribute to the town's love for hot dogs.

Still, Eisenhart isn't intimidated.

Related: Famous Hot Weiner: This Hanover staple is celebrating 100 years in the community

Connor Eisenhart, owner of The Homedog LLC, poses for a photo with his hot dog cart in the parking lot of W.E. Sell Sporting Goods on the corner of Pleasant Street and York Street, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Hanover Borough.

"I always remember, competition drives business," said Eisenhart. "The more hot dog places there are, the more business there is."

Eisenhart's Homedog brand has already become a Hanover sensation.

Many of Eisenhart's customers on social media refer to his hotdogs as "the best in town," including Josh Bair, one of Eisenhart's frequent customers who stopped by during a recent lunch.

"I haven't found a better hot dog in town," said Bair as he waited in line for yet another lunch break. Bair, who owns his own small business, said he appreciates Eisenhart's personability and great food.

'We probably eat six, eight of them a week," said Bair of his favorite "homedog with everything" option.

Not just popular among Hanoverians, Eisenhart recently started a TikTok for his business, @thehomedoglcc, with over 14,800 followers and several videos gaining several million hits.

'I can do that'

"I always loved food," said Eisenhart. "I grew up watching the Food Network with my dad."

Eisenhart's culinary roots date back to his first job as a 14-year-old, when he was employed by the Gettysburg Family Restaurant. While he mainly cleaned dishes, he was introduced to the fryer.

Connor Eisenhart, owner of The Homedog LLC, slings hotdogs from his hot dog cart in the parking lot of W.E. Sell Sporting Goods on the corner of Pleasant Street and York Street, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Hanover Borough.

From there, Eisenhart worked as a cook at numerous local restaurants and businesses, including in the kitchen of the Hanover Republican Club.

Originally, as he looked to start his own business, Eisenhart wanted his own food truck.

The prices on food trucks were out of reach for Eisenhart, who was saving his money to start a business.

"I knew I wanted to do something with food," said Eisenhart. One day, Eisenhart saw a hot dog cart outside of the local Hanover Lowe's and thought, "I can do that."

Eisenhart found that the prices on food carts were well within his reach, put all of his savings towards one, and the rest is history.

Now, Eisenhart is frequently open for business outside of that very same Lowe's, though his most popular spot remains W.E. Sell Sporting Goods on York street.

Juli Madrigal hands an order to a customer at The Homedog LLC hot dog cart in the parking lot of W.E. Sell Sporting Goods on the corner of Pleasant Street and York Street, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Hanover Borough.

Joining Eisenhart in this business journey has been his girlfriend, Juli Madrigal, who started dating Eisenhart around the time he began his business.

"I'm just really proud of him," said Madrigal, who can often be seen helping Eisenhart out at his cart whenever she isn't at her day job. Typically, Eisenhart is slinging dogs while Madrigal runs payment and hands off orders to customers.

The Homedog and the Doghouse

The Homedog provides customers with a relatively extensive and frequently updating menu.

There are more than 13 options on Eisenhart's menu, with numerous toppings and custom orders to be had.

The cart's namesake dog, the Homedog, is a favorite, topped with mustard, homemade chili and raw onions.

Connor Eisenhart, owner of The Homedog LLC, holds up one of his hotdogs from his hot dog cart in the parking lot of W.E. Sell Sporting Goods on the corner of Pleasant Street and York Street, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Hanover Borough.

While the Homedog's most popular item varies based on the day, it's the Doghouse dog that sells out every single day.

"The Doghouse" is a hotdog covered in special onions and Eisenhart's proprietary "Dog sauce."

Dog sauce isn't Eisenhart's only homemade recipe, with his cart serving his own homemade chili, coleslaw, and sauerkraut recipes.

"In Pennsylvania, they want their coleslaw creamy, and they want it sweet," said Eisenhart of his recipe. "People seem to love it."

Eisenhart learned many of his recipes online, thanks in part to a hot dog group chat he was a part of. From there, the young cook tweaked his recipes to his own taste.

Dogs and onions sit on the grill of The Homedog LLC hot dog cart in the parking lot of W.E. Sell Sporting Goods on the corner of Pleasant Street and York Street, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Hanover Borough.

"I only serve what I would want to eat," said Eisenhart, who cites quality control as his biggest focus in business.

Along with his homemade recipes, Eisenhart sources his products locally, using Wayne Nell & Sons Meats Inc. in East Berlin, smoked dogs from the Sechrist Brothers in Dallastown, and Kessler's from Lemoyne.

As for the rolls, Eisenhart recently signed a contract with Martin's Potato Roll from Chambersburg, something he was very excited to add to his cart. "It's a huge upgrade," said Eisenhart of the rolls. "Soft pillows, I call them."

A Hanover brand

A year into dog slinging, Eisenhart has his eyes set on the future.

"It looks like we're going to keep expanding this," said Eisenhart with an air of determination. "This is gonna be a Hanover brand."

Along with his frequent shifts outside of W.E. Sell and Lowe's, Eisenhart has been a common sight at local events, including recently the Hanover Memorial Day Parade.

Connor Eisenhart, owner of The Homedog LLC, hands an order to a customer during the 2024 Hanover Memorial day parade, Monday, May 27, 2024, in Penn Township.

In the future, Eisenhart wants to host events, including a Hanover hot dog eating competition that he is currently in talks of setting up.

Ultimately, the biggest surprise for Eisenhart over the last year has been the groundswell of support he's experienced for his business, which has rocketed across social media.

"I thought it was going to be harder," said Eisenhart, "People have been coming to support the dogs."

"It's been great, it's been really awesome."

Typically, Eisenhart tries to have the cart open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, along with weekends.

Harrison Jones is the Hanover reporter for the Evening Sun. Reach him at hjones@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Hanover Evening Sun: Homedog LLC: The hottest new hot dog in Hanover, Pa.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has expressed its support for Azerbaijan's efforts in combating climate change and pledged to assist in the successful hosting of the upcoming COP29 climate conference, Azernews reports.

During the opening ceremony of the 29th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition - Caspian Oil & Gas and the 12th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition - Caspian Power as part of the Baku Energy Week at the Baku Expo Center, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais commended Azerbaijan's approach to the conference.

"It was heartening to hear that Azerbaijan is adopting an inclusive approach to COP29, considering all opinions, including those of the oil industry," he said.

Azerbaijan has been taking significant steps towards sustainable energy and reducing its carbon footprint. The country has set ambitious targets for renewable energy development, aiming to increase the share of renewables in its total energy mix to at least 30% by 2030.

Secretary General Al Ghais further emphasized OPEC's readiness to stand shoulder to shoulder with Azerbaijan in its climate change mitigation efforts.

"We support Azerbaijan's constructive activities, as they listen to everyone while being pragmatic and progressive. I am confident that the event will be a great success, and we are ready to stand by your side," he affirmed.

The OPEC leader also stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation in the fight against climate change. He called for allowing each country to chart its own path based on its national circumstances, considering the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as respective capabilities, in line with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Iran would fail to produce radiopharmaceuticals currently without having a nuclear industry and enriching uranium, Iran's Vice President and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, said in today's meeting with provincial officials in Iran's Chahar-Mahal and Bakhtiari province, Trend reports.

According to Eslami, currently, one million people in Iran use radiopharmaceuticals.

He pointed out that, due to the sanctions applied against Iran, the country wasn't producing these radiopharmaceuticals.

However, according to him, with the help of the nuclear industry, the products are manufactured in the country.

Eslami also said that more than one million tons of agricultural products are grown in Chahar-Mahal and Bakhtiari province.

Until now, the existing radiation center in the province has not been used to the maximum extent; however, it's possible to irradiate 200,000 tons of agricultural products per year through this center.

The vice president noted that in the current year (from March 20, 2024 through March 20, 2025), it was decided to commission eight radiation centers in the country.

So far, as he explained, one radiation center has been commissioned, and seven more will be commissioned by the end of the year.

Radiation centers are of great importance in various fields, mainly in the field of agriculture, he added.

Meanwhile, Iran claims that using its nuclear program for peaceful purposes is its natural right.

On June 3, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said at a board meeting that since Iran has suspended compliance with its obligations under the Additional Protocol, the agency cannot access complete information about Iran's nuclear program over the past 3 years. In addition, the agency lost a constant stream of data on the production and number of centrifuges, heavy water, and so on.

The Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's Nuclear Program was executed in January 2016 by Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany). The United States declared in May 2018 that it was withdrawing from the plan and slapped sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran stated that there would be no constraints on the Iran nuclear agreement until 2020.

The Iranian parliament established a strategic strategy to oppose the sanctions in late 2020, citing the failure to meet the Joint Comprehensive Strategy of Action (JCPOA) signed by Iran and six other nations, as well as the imposition of sanctions against Iran.

In late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran. Based on the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Hurricane season 2024: Make sure you have safely installed shutters, tips on maintenance

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 with the peak of the season on Sept. 10. The most activity happens between mid-August and mid-October, according to the National Hurricane Center.

An overheated Atlantic Ocean and a rising La Nina have forecasters predicting a highly active hurricane season, one that could rival one of the busiest years on record.

The key to getting through storm season is being prepared. That's why The Palm Beach Post has compiled tips, lists, contact numbers, graphics and maps that should help you prepare for a storm, and, if need be, get through it fine.

Hurricane shutters, such as accordion or permanently applied ones, require regular maintenance

Do a trial run now to make sure your shutter system is functioning properly.

If you have removable panels , get them out to see if any are missing or bent.

Make sure you have enough mounting fasteners. If not, hardware stores often carry extras. Make sure mounting tracks are clean and debris-free.

Apply some light machine oil to lubricate parts and deter rust.

Permanently applied shutter systems, such as roll-up, Bahama or accordion shutters should be serviced yearly (twice yearly, if you live on the beach) by a professional, especially if the system is motorized. If rollers are accessible, they can be sprayed with aerosol white grease, according to Bill Feeley, president of the International Hurricane Protection Association. All motors should be professionally serviced.

Owners of newly built homes with shutter systems should make sure their builder demonstrates how to use the system and that all parts are provided before moving in. Missing or wrong-sized components are common, according to Feeley. The homeowner assumes they fit and then when the storm is bearing down, they find out they dont, he said.

Hurricane Survival Checklist: How do I prepare my house and yard for a hurricane?

Hurricane preparation: Trim your trees now, before the storm

If you don't have shutters, plywood may be an inexpensive option.

Contact numbers for help with storm shutters in Florida

International Hurricane Protection Association: (844) 516-4472, www.inthpa.com

American Shutter Systems Association: (800) 432-2204, www.amshutter.org

How to install plywood

Least expensive option: Plywood

Shutter orders and backlogs rise near the height of storm season. So the time to choose your coverings, if you havent already, is now. The least expensive option is plywood.

Plywood does not meet Florida Building Code specifications unless its installed according to code; however, plywood does not meet building codes in most Palm Beach County jurisdictions.

However, if a storm is close and survival is the goal, follow instructions in the accompanying graphic for correct installation.

What is plywood? Here are some helpful tips

Plywood comes in 4-by-8-foot sheets. Measure windows and doors, adding 8 inches to each measurement for a 4-inch overhang. (If your window has an exterior sill, rest the plywood on the sill and add 4 inches to the other 3 sides.)

Make your shutters now, before a storm approaches. Label them, for example 'east dining room' and waterproof with sealant or paint.

Store plywood off the ground.

Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers weather, real estate and how growth affects South Florida's environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Hurricane season 2024: Best tips on shutters, accordion or permanent
QUINCY  A week ago, surrounded by parents and grandparents with excitement in the air, I stood outside a classroom at the Bernazzani Elementary School on Furnace Brook Parkway. The closed door to Mrs. D'Andrea's kindergarten was covered by a large image of a castle entrance.

It was the day for parents to come in to hear children's year-end concerts; there was lots of activity in the hallway. Principal Peter Dionne hurried by, along with children returning to their classrooms.

Teacher Colleen D'Andrea, back left, watches as her kindergarten students enjoy their banquet. The children, L to R: Bernadette Roussell, MinhChan Do, Eva Ovalle, Emerald Esguerra, and Indigo Ragonesi-Teixiera. May 24, 2024.

A chorus was singing in the large room at the opposite end of the building and I walked down. A mother standing in the back sang along to her baby daughter, who was being held in the arms of a friend; both mother and daughter, their eyes locked, had the broadest smiles of delight with every word.

Inside the kindergarten room, another festivity was in the works. Teacher Colleen D'Andrea and her staff were about to hold the end-of-year Fairy Tale Banquet to celebrate the students' success in learning to read.

The room had been decorated by the children and staff, with a large cardboard castle and tributes to Cinderella and other magical figures who had encouraged them along the way.

Time to don the Emperor's New Clothes

The door to Mrs. D'Andrea's kindergarten at the Bernazzani Elementary School in Quincy on the day of the Fairy Tale Banquet. May 24, 2024

Students' worksheets for different lessons were taped on windows and walls. The luncheon, Kentucky Fried Chicken, was being provided and served by the parents.

As the banquet got underway, the parents both helped and observed.

"It's a great opportunity for the kids," Jackie Bock, of Hull, said. Her grandson Jack Irwin, 6, is in the class. His mother, Melissa Irwin, of Quincy, appreciated "the community feeling" the event carried and said her son "loves it here."

Teuta Hajrizaj-Beqaj, who teaches English at Quincy High School, came to support her son, Lir, 6.

"I love the school," Hajrizaj-Beqaj said. "He is reading much better and it is great to see the integrated community."

I had recently received an email from Colleen, who has been teaching kindergarten at the school for 12 years. She wrote that she is following in the footsteps of her mother, Ginny Meskell, 73, a retired Weymouth kindergarten teacher, by using classic fairy tales to help the children learn to read and other life skills.

Her crowning achievement filled with magical charm

Back in 2008, The Patriot Ledger featured Meskell for her "crowning achievement" as she retired. In the last 10 years of her 32 years teaching in Weymouth, Meskell had the novel idea of making the works of Hans Christian Andersen and The Brothers Grimm part of the curriculum.

This was not just for the magical charm.

Meskell wanted to use the drama and plot development of fairy tales, including Jack and the Beanstalk, to help children learn reading skills such as sequencing ideas and decoding words.

Kindergarten students learning to read and write, including expressing opinions, at the Bernazzani School in Quincy wrote these messages while studying fairy tales. They were giving their opinions to Cinderella.

She had grown up having fairy tales such as "The Ugly Duckling and The Emperors New Clothes, both by Hans Christian Anderson, read to her. She had shared them with her own three children. Then as a teacher during the 1990s and new millennium, she noticed that children didn't come to school knowing the classics she had loved.

Keeping the classics of children's literature alive

Meskell wanted "to keep this lost part of literature, a classic genre of literature, alive." She especially liked that one common theme in fairy tales is that "good usually wins over evil."

For 10 years, Meskell had organized an end-of-the-year fairy tale banquet to celebrate all the hard work her 5- and 6-year-old students had done and what they had learned. The children dressed up in outfits inspired by some of the fairy tales, with the help of both parents and school staff.

In her email, Colleen explained, "The year after she (Meskell) retired, I became a kindergarten teacher myself and have kept her tradition alive."

This year, the fairy tale banquet was especially important because the Quincy kindergarten began using a new program grounded in the Science of Reading and Colleen has had her best results ever.

Her way of using fairy tales has advanced in some ways from her mother's.

In reading "The Princess and the Pea," for example, Meskell had asked her students to place pictures of four scenes from the fairy tale in the right order to tell the story  using a skill known as sequencing.

Fairy tales like Sleeping Beauty are used to help teach reading skills including story sequencing at the Bernazzani Elementary School kindergarten in Quincy.

Colleen relied more on the children's reading skills. In reading "Sleeping Beauty," she asked them to read four sentences about what happened in the story and then place the sentences in the right order  first, next and final. She had advanced the idea of sequencing.

The Three Little Pigs as Wicked Engineers

This helped them to understand story structure in a more advanced way. "Jack and the Bean Stalk" could be used to teach elements of science and "The Three Little Pigs" gave openings for some basics of engineering.

In another exercise, the children were asked to research their own family coat of arms  by going home and asking questions of their parents.

The Fairy Tale Banquet in the kindergarten class at the Bernazzani School in Quincy featured a castle made of cardboard boxes. L to R, high school helper Dan Hudach from North Quincy High School and two kindergarten students, Danny Carr and Lir Beqaj.

In another exercise, they wrote chat messages to Cinderella, which required them to use opinion writing and critical thinking skills. Fairy tales were also used to learn about different cultures and how to overcome obstacles.

"They really come to life with this unit," Colleen said at the banquet. "We have worked so hard with the new reading program and we can pull it all together into this celebration."

Kindergarten students learning to read and write at the Bernazzani School in Quincy wrote these messages as part of a classroom study of fairy tales. The children are asked to write opinions and also to write with imagination.

Colleen invited both her parents, Ginny and Kevin Meskell, to the banquet and Principal Dionne introduced them.

"It is a very different time today in schools," Ginny Meskell said. "Now, many kids in kindergarten have had two years of preschool and they have more skills."

She was impressed to learn that some children at the end of kindergarten are reading whole short stories when they leave the classroom.

She wanted a job with 'Aha!' moments

Quincy kindergarten teacher Colleen D'Andrea, right, was inspired in her reading curriculum by her mother, Ginny Meskell, left, a retired Weymouth kindergarten teacher. Both have used fairy tales.

Inspired by her mother, Colleen came to teaching after first trying the business world and going into insurance, as her father and two brothers had done. She found she didn't have the true job satisfaction she wanted, returned to school to earn her master's in education at UMass-Boston in 2011 and soon found the job she loved in Quincy where she had student taught.

"Now, everyday feels like a new 'Aha!' moment," Colleen said. "The children are mastering something new every day."

She is very grateful for the paraprofessional in her kindergarten  Susan Petitti, of Quincy  who also played a major role in the banquet  she built the cardboard castle. Pettiti used three refrigerator boxes and three stove boxes which were donated by George Washington Toma TV and Appliances in East Weymouth. The students helped to paint the large castle gray with supplies donated by Home Depot.

Kindergarten students at the fairy tale banquet at the Bernazzani School in Quincy.

"They had a lot of fun doing it," said Pettiti, whose children, Jen, 35, and Tommy, 32, also went to the Bernazzani school.

He's a veteran of fairy tale banquets

One of the busiest banquet hosts was fast-moving Dan Hudach, a senior at North Quincy High School, who is a high school helper in the school and plans to go on to study early childhood education in college.

In his bright blue robe, Hudach was everywhere, serving food, clearing plates, guiding the children through the fort.

The banquet had extra ambience for Hudach.

"I was in Mrs. D'Andrea's kindergarten back in 2012 and we had this very same fairy tale banquet," he said with a broad smile.

Reach Sue Scheible at sscheible@patriotledger.com.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: How Cinderella's glass slipper helps Quincy kindergarten keep in step
MONTPELIER  The forced break during the COVID-19 pandemic gave management at Barr Hill the chance to reset. If the distillery is known for award-winning spirits, shouldnt the new facility in Vermonts state capital have a food and hospitality program to match?

Patrick Amice, who described himself as a longtime friend of the brand, received a call from Barr Hill in late 2021. Would he be willing to relocate from New Jersey to Vermont to become Barr Hills general manager of hospitality operations?

For someone who had been visiting Vermont for years to enjoy the states refreshing natural setting and world-renowned craft beers, the answer was not complicated. Amice arrived at Barr Hill in January of 2022 and began overseeing the bar/distillerys addition of a restaurant offering small plates of locally sourced food, ramping up Barr Hills focus on hospitality.

They knew in hiring me that thats what I brought to the table, said Amice, who had worked in New Jersey at a wine shop/liquor store that carried Barr Hill products as well as at a restaurant affiliated with a highly regarded brewery.

Two years later, the transformation paid high-profile dividends. Barr Hill is a finalist for Outstanding Bar in the James Beard Awards, the top prize in the American restaurant and hospitality world. Barr Hill joins bars from Baltimore, New Orleans, San Francisco and Brownsville, Texas, in the category that will see winners announced at the award ceremony June 10.

The nomination, according to Amice, acknowledges the prime emphasis since he arrived at Barr Hill  hospitality at the highest level.

Jack Stuart pours an All the Way May cocktail May 17, 2024 at the Barr Hill distillery/bar/restaurant in Montpelier.

Highlighted by honey

The distillery has its roots in 2011 in the Northeast Kingdom, where parent company Caledonia Spirits began in Hardwick. All production of the companys spirits has now moved to the facility that five years ago opened off Barre Street a short drive from downtown Montpelier.

Barr Hills eponymous gin is distilled with juniper and honey as is the companys Tom Cat gin, which is aged in barrels and resembles a gin-meets-whiskey hybrid, according to Amice. The company also produces vodka and, as of December, a rye whiskey called Phyllis thats sold under the Caledonia Spirits brand. All the companys products are made with Vermont grains, according to Amice.

Honey is the key ingredient for Barr Hill, which Amice said lends a unique, rum-like versatility to its spirits. Honey is a theme for this years James Beard Award finalists from Vermont: Executive chef/co-owner Cara Tobin of Honey Road in Burlington is a finalist for Best Chef: Northeast for her restaurant named in part for a famed honey-producing region of Turkey.

Patrick Amice, general manager of hospitality at Barr Hill, stands in the barrel room at the Montpelier distillery on May 17, 2024.

Sourcing from Vermont farms

Amice majored in accounting and finance at Rider University in New Jersey but realized quickly he didnt want to spend his working life sitting behind a desk. He worked at a wine shop/liquor store called Princeton Corkscrew where Caledonia Spirits co-founder Todd Hardie came to bring Barr Hill products. (Barr Hill now distributes in 35 states.) Amice established a rapport with Barr Hills representatives and watched from afar as the brand grew in stature, winning national and international honors.

Amice honed his hospitality skills at Brick Farm Tavern in Hopewell, New Jersey, on the grounds of award-winning Troon Brewing. The New Jersey native felt the lure of Vermont, though, heading north often to hike and swim and enjoy the states food and drink scene. He moved to Vermont just over two years ago with his girlfriend, Bernadette Pearson, a fellow alum of Brick Farm Tavern who is now head chef at Prohibition Pig in Waterbury.

Barr Hills previous food options, according to Amice, consisted primarily of a food truck and a few items that could be heated up easily. The company wanted to raise its dining offerings to the level of its spirits and cocktails and began that transformation once Amice arrived in early 2022.

Barr Hill hired Brandon Arms, a veteran of the Boston dining scene who most recently worked at Michaels on the Hill in Waterbury Center, to serve as the distillerys chef. He oversees a menu emphasizing sharable bites and ingredients sourced largely from Vermont farms. The menu on a recent Friday included maple roasted carrots, a Vermont cheese board and crispy pork belly glazed with Tom Cat gin. Barr Hill works to pair its cocktails with its dishes, Amice said.

Its really endless what Vermont farmers provide, according to Amice. We can create so many things with these flavors.

Chef Brandon Arms at the Barr Hill distillery/bar/restaurant in Montpelier prepares a hummus dish May 17, 2024.

A team award

Barr Hill learned April 3 that it made the James Beard Award finals but had little time to celebrate. That was five days before the total eclipse that drew thousands of visitors to Vermont and hundreds of customers to Barr Hill to mark the celestial occasion.

The nomination comes as a direct result of Barr Hill hiring Amice to ramp up its hospitality, but he said the honor is about Barr Hills 20 hospitality employees buying into what he and the company are preaching, namely What can we do to help and what can we do to make it better? Barr Hills staff members, according to Amice, stay positive no matter how difficult and stressful their days are.

It doesnt go unnoticed by me how hard that can be, said Amice, a former bartender himself.

Amice and company co-founder/head distiller Ryan Christiansen are going to Chicago for the award ceremony.

I would love to bring the team because its a team award, according to Amice. But after Memorial Day, he said, its Barr Hills prime season, and the distillery cant shut down or part with that many staffers if it wants to maintain its level of hospitality.

The Barr Hill distillery in Montpelier on May 17, 2024.

If you go

WHAT: Barr Hill distillery/bar/restaurant

WHEN: 4-8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday-Thursday, 2-9 p.m. Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: 116 Gin Lane, Montpelier

INFORMATION: (802) 472-8000, www.barrhill.com

Anniversary celebration

WHAT: Five-year Ginniversary celebration featuring special tastings, distillery-only releases and live music from Nick Cassarino and opening act Baby Fearn and the Plants

WHEN: Noon-8 p.m. Saturday, June 29 (music from 4-7 p.m.)

WHERE: Barr Hill, 116 Gin Lane, Montpelier

INFORMATION: Free. (802) 472-8000, www.barrhill.com

Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Barr Hill bar and distillery in Montpelier VT earns James Beard nod
One of Americas most visited park became more accessible: 'This is everyone's park'

On a recent afternoon in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Carly Pearsons hiking gear had three wheels.

Pearson, who is paralyzed below the waist following an injury she sustained as a wildland firefighter, used an all-terrain wheelchair to maneuver around tree roots, mud and other hikers on her way to a nearby waterfall.

Just two years ago, that wouldnt have been possible. The National Park Service  along with several partners  launched adaptive programming to make the countys most-visited national park more accessible for visitors with disabilities.

Today I can hike on up to Cataract Falls with my daughter and say, Look at this. Look at this waterfall right now, and give her the opportunity to be immersed in nature, said Pearson, who is an Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator for Knox County in Tennessee and an ambassador and volunteer for adaptive recreation nonprofit Catalyst Sports, both of which are park service partners.

Carly Pearson in a GRIT Freedom Chair at Cataract Falls.

After debuting in 2023, the offerings have been expanded this year. We want the park to be an inclusive outdoor community where members of the public can come with their family and friends, and they can go on a hike together no matter what their abilities are, said park ranger Katie Corrigan.

Is Great Smoky Mountains National Park accessible?

The park, which straddles North Carolina and Tennessee, will host adaptive ranger-led programming this year from June 8 to Oct. 5. Visitors can choose from bike rides and hikes (including one with a boat tour), along with new kayaking and camping options. A full list is available on Catalysts website.

For visitors who want to explore on their own, the park has four GRIT Freedom Chairs  three for adults and one junior chair  available for checkout. The equipment can be used on roughly 12 miles of trails across various sections of the park.

The park hosts adaptive bike rides, among other programming.

Visitors should note that the chairs require some upper-body mobility to operate independently. If you are a person that doesn't have use of your arms, the levers can be removed and someone can just push it, Corrigan said. All users must have a companion with them, such as a friend or a park volunteer.

How do I register for the parks adaptive programming?

Participants can register online for ranger-led programs. Activities are typically offered in morning and afternoon sessions.

Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis Monday-Tuesday at the parks Sugarlands Visitor Center. On Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can reserve the chairs for specific times. Reservations for this year opened on Saturday.

As of Oct. 1, the chairs will be available first come, first served only (though that could change and will be reflected on the park's website).

The park saw high demand when it first offered the chairs last summer. Oftentimes, we get more requests than we have chairs or people or people to help check them out, said Corrigan. They are working to train more volunteers and looking into adding other equipment.

Accessible travel: What national parks can do to make the outdoors more accessible to people with disabilities

How much does the parks adaptive programming cost?

Both the ranger-led programming and the wheelchairs are free for visitors.

This is everyone's park, said Pearson. We should all be able to enjoy it. We should all be included.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers adaptive hiking, kayaking
Pride on the Bay, other Erie-area Pride events celebrate LGBTQ+ community this month

The NWPA Pride Alliance is giving their Pride on the Bay event a new home.

The NWPA Pride Alliance announced that because of growing safety concerns, Erie Pridefest, also called Pride on the Bay, will be moved from downtown Erie to Liberty Park and the Highmark Amphitheater at 726 W. Bayfront Parkway on June 29.

It just fit our needs (and was) the best of the options we had available, said Alex Sphon, President of the NWPA Pride Alliance. This allows us to have better control of whos allowed into the park and to keep some of the actors weve had over the years at bay.

People ride the Erie Insurance antique fire engine during the Erie Pride Parade in Erie last year. Thousands turned out for the parade and subsequent Pridefest events as State Street was closed from 12th Street to North Park Row.

As they change venues, the Pride Alliance also hopes to keep the Pride traditions alive.

Were having a show, but were also about having just shy of 130 vendors that are local who are info tables, queer specific," Sphon said. "So our Pride is really about connecting resources with the queer community in a manner that you dont typically see in the larger cities. While were moving, its going to look like a bigger city Pride, were keeping the root of what keeps Erie Pride, Erie Pride.

Mark your calendar: Find out when and where Erie-area festivals will be held in 2024

NWPA Pride Alliance is also looking for volunteers to help with simple tasks, such as cleaning up and moving tables, at Pride on the Bay. Sign-up opportunities can be found on their website, nwpapride.org.

What is Pride Month?

According to the Library of Congress, Pride month is celebrated in the month of June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising which was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States.

The movement originally began as a day of celebration but then grew in major cities across the U.S. to encompass monthlong events for the LGBTQ+ community.

Change of date for Pride parade

With a new venue also comes a new date for the Pride parade. The pride parade usually precedes Pride Fest, but this year the parade will be moved to June 30 while taking the same route from State and 11th streets to Perry Square.

Im looking forward to creating a safe space for the queer community, Sphon said. What is great for me is hearing someone say, this is a space I can go to and feel welcome independent of what is happening in the communities. So I like to create that community outside of a space that doesnt welcome everybody.

People march in the Erie Pride Parade in Erie on June 24, 2023. State Street was closed from 12th Street to North Park Row.

Pride happy hour and other upcoming events

For Pride Month, NWPA Pride Alliance is launching a new monthly Queer Happy Hour at Oasis Pub, 3122 West Lake Road. The happy hour will take place the first Wednesday of every month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to everyone, however anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and anyone under the age of 21 will not be served alcohol.

To conclude the summer, the Pride Alliance will hold its 31st annual Pride Picnic Aug. 10 at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park.

Other events, including Pride Day at Waldameer and Pride Night at an Erie Otters game, will be announced later this year.

Drag queens part of Pride

The Zone, a queer bar and dance club in Erie, will bring out the drag queens for the month of June.

The Zone, 133 West 18th St., will host Pride Month events throughout June, as listed below with other Pride events going on around the area.

Other Pride events in and near Erie

Letter: Honor the pioneers of Erie's LGBTQ+ movement for justice and equality

You can learn more about these events by following NWPA Pride Alliance on social media, including Facebook and Instagram.

If you know of any other Pride events going on in Erie around Pride Month, please let us know at nsorensen@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Pride month events: NWPA Pride Alliance planning parade, drag queens
Mama, soy gay, one of the art installations on display at the Las Fallas festival in Valencia, Spain, last March, was the gayest work of art Ive ever seen  which makes it perfect to celebrate Pride this month.

Drag queens? Two women kissing while riding a winged unicorn and carrying a rainbow flag? And  at the center of it all  a sensitive young man staring forlornly into the future?

The title even means Mama, Im gay in Spanish  although Mama had probably already figured that out for herself, hadnt she?

Possibly the gayest thing I've ever seen. (Michael Jensen)

What is Las Fallas?

Las Fallas is a two-week cultural festival every March in Valencia, Spain.

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The festival is notable for many reasons: the fireworks shows, the parades, and the hundreds of fallas  sculptures of varying sizes made from wood, styrofoam, and papier mache  installed in neighborhoods all over the city.

And yes, all of the fallas sculptures tend toward the outrageous and over-the-top.

But the festival is most famous because of something called La Crema  the burning of all those sculptures in a surreal celebration on the final night.

La Crema is a fantastical experience. (Michael Jensen)

Las Fallas had never been this gay

Spain is a progressive, pro-LGBTQ country, and Mama, soy gay isnt the first time Las Fallas has had gay visibility.

In 2017, a mascletas  a pyrotechnic display  included a tribute to the LGBTQ community. In 2021, one fallas featured two women kissing in traditional Valencian outfits. And in 2023, a transgender woman represented one of the casals  the community organizations at the heart of Las Fallas.

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But theres been controversy too. In 2018 a sculpture showing a chaste kiss between two boys was vandalized. And another fallas this year used gay sex to show a politician being humiliated.

Mama, soy gay is, to date, the biggest step forward for LGBTQ visibility at Fallas, and I was eager to meet the out artist, 40-year-old Valencian Mario Gual.

The inspiration for the work was partly my life story, he told me back in March. But this is also the fallas I would have liked to have seen when I was a kid.

The artist Mario Gual. (Michael Jensen)

This was Gual's long-term vision

Gual knew he wanted to be an artist at a very young age. He started participating in fallas workshops in 2001 when he was in secundaria  Spains version of high school.

He studied graphic design at university and soon began working on various fallas projects.

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By 2021, he was considered one of the citys top fallas artists and has created the fallas for Jordana Na  one of the most prestigious casals in Valencia  four years in a row.

But Mama, soy gay is the artists most personal work.

Everybody knows a person, a brother, a sister, a friend who is LGBTQ, he said. We needed a fallas to tell their story. Because it can still be an elephant in the room no one talks about.

Gual's work is groundbreaking. (Michael Jensen)

The work is very personal

Gual first had the idea for Mama, soy gay in 2009, but it took more than a decade to realize his vision.

We presented it to a couple of casals over the years, but they always rejected it, he told me.

Finally, in 2023, he proposed the project to La Nova d'Orriols, one of the citys smaller casals. They said yes very easily, he said.

As we walked around the installation, the tall, lanky artist explained to me the artworks different elements.

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The statue of the Christian martyr Saint Sebastian pierced with arrows?

Those are the insults suffered by the LGBTQ community, he said.

The small pink child coming down the steps?

Thats me coming out of the closet, he told me  metaphorically speaking since he really came out at age 19.

And another section featured two newsstands  a drab green one with dark headlines about homophobia in 2024, and a pink one with a happier version of the future. The first transgender governor of Spain, he said with a smile, noting one of the headlines.

A few of the many elements at work in "Mama, soy gay." (Michael Jensen)

The installation also included a fiery orange boat carrying gay historical figures such as Alan Turing, Josephine Baker, and Alexander the Great.

Meanwhile, the sensitive young man staring into the future is, of course, Gual.

As for the two women kissing while riding a winged unicorn and carrying a rainbow flag, well, perhaps that speaks for itself.

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I found myself drawn to a collection of figurines off to one side.

Thats Liberte guiding the people to equality, Gual told me.

Liberte leading the way for the LGBTQ community. (Michael Jensen)

The reaction was very positive

Once Fallas was over, I asked Gual about the reaction to Mama, soy gay.

It was amazing, he said. Everyone wanted to take a photo with it, and its become a symbol of LGBTQ rights. Even the politicians were interested and came to visit.

But Gual heard from one person who especially moved him. In Mama, I included a small sculpture of Manuela Trasobares with the other historical figures. Shes a famous older transgender woman. She came to see it, which was a complete surprise. It was like an angel appeared, and we had an incredible talk about life, my work, my parents, men. It was wonderful!

Alan Turing, Josephine Baker, and others. (Michael Jensen)

The art lives on

Mama, soy gay was burned during La Crema along with most of the other installations back in March, but it lives on in the impressions it made and the conversations it started.

Gual is already planning two future installations to complete a LGBTQ trilogy-of-sorts: one about lesbians and one about transgender people.
Top 10 beaches in Texas, per national experts. Heres how far to drive from Fort Worth

Finding the perfect beach paradise in Texas can be hard with so many options from its over 300 mile picturesque coastline on the Gulf of Mexico.

Beaches in the Lone Star State give visitors an opportunity to swim, kayak and discover sandy treasures while basking in or cooling off from the summer heat.

USA Today experts put together a list of top 10 Texas beaches, including some that the Star-Telegram named the best for families. Here are the top 10 beaches in Texas for 2024 according to USA today.

 More trending stories from our newsroom:

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 Fort Worth increases property tax breaks for seniors

 Want to visit new Palo Pinto state park? You'll have to wait.

Galveston Island State Park

A four-hour and fifty-minute drive from Fort Worth, Galveston Island State Park boasts opportunities for discovery and adventure. Visitors can bird watch along its pristine beaches or kayak across the calm bay waters as the park provides a peaceful haven along the coast.

South Beach, Padre Island National Seashore

Located along the Padre Island National Seashore, South Beach stretches for sixty miles and is a 7-hour drive from Fort Worth. Visitors can drive, camp, or nestle in an RV on the beach and bring pets, as long as they are leashed.

Mustang Island State Park

The beaches in Mustang Island State Park are known for camping, shelling, and tanning. They are dog friendly and offer a range of activities, including paddling routes along the shore.

Whitecap Beach

Whitecap Beach is a 5-hour and 45-minute drive from Fort Worth and is known for its picturesque scenery. Located in Corpus Christi, the beach offers a range of outdoor adventures including surfing, kayaking, dolphin viewing, and jetty fishing.

Surfside Beach

Secluded and peaceful, Surfside Beach is approximately 5 hours from Fort Worth. The 4-mile beachfront is ideal for swimming, surfing, horseback riding, fishing, and sunbathing in peace.

A couple on bicycles take a snapshot of themselves on the sand. Many Texans spent their Thanksgiving Day on the beach in Port Aransas Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023.

I.B. Magee Beach Park

I.B. Magee Beach Park offers 167 acres of soft sand, beach side camping options, and fresh seafood from the Gulf. Located in Port Aransas, the beach is a 6-hour drive from Fort Worth.

The Malaquite Visitor Center has rocking chairs with a view of the Gulf of Mexico inside Padre Island National Seashore in Texas Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.

Malaquite Beach

Malaquite Beach is ideal for families searching for a car-free family-friendly swimming spot. The beach stretches 4.5 miles long and is located in Corpus Christi, approximately 6 hours from Fort Worth.

Boca Chica Beach

A broad stretch of stunning white sand ideal for surfing, tanning, and surf fishing can be found at Boca Chica Beach. Located in Cameron County, camping and driving is allowed on the beach. It is a 6-hour drive from Fort Worth.

Rockport Beach

Rockport Beach is the first officially recognized Blue Wave Beach in Texas and takes pride in its crescent-shaped length of sand. It is located in Rockport, five and a half hours from Fort Worth, and is well-liked by families because of its shallow water, convenient amenities, walking trails, and shaded picnic spaces.

Isla Blanca Park

The powder-soft white sand and lively beach culture attracts visitors to Isla Blanca Park in South Padre Island, It provides a plethora of enjoyable activities, such as beach volleyball, swimming, and snorkeling in the pleasant Gulf waters.
In 1798, the vice president of our young nation  a man named John Adams  penned a letter to officers of the Massachusetts Militia in which he wrote that (w)e have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion.

Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people, Adams declared. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

Adamss conception of constitutional republican government necessarily sustained by widespread respect for religion and universal moral norms is a principle upon which the United States was founded  and is one in which I firmly believe. But more than 225 years later, Adamss vision for our countrys moral foundation seems to be slipping away.

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 80% of Americans believe that religions role in public life is shrinking, and a widely circulated Wall Street Journal poll last year uncovered startling decreases in our fellow citizens beliefs in the importance of such values as patriotism, religious faith, having children, community involvement and hard work. Of the values and priorities the Journal surveyed, only one  money  was cited as very important by a higher percentage of respondents than when the poll was first conducted in 1998.

These precipitous declines in the core values that have united us as Americans  values we ought to cherish  threaten to further entrench the already deep divisions and polarization that have befallen our country. It is for this reason that last year, by the power vested in me by absolutely no one, I declared June to be Fidelity Month  a month dedicated to the importance of fidelity to God, our spouses and families, and our country and communities. Thousands of people joined me. We are now celebrating our second annual Fidelity Month, and tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, are participating.

For anyone who would like to join us again this year in celebrating June as Fidelity Month, please feel free to use the Fidelity Month logo on your social media accounts. Fidelity Month unites people of different traditions of faith and cultural backgrounds who wish to reaffirm pic.twitter.com/nfOQo9Jce4  Robert P. George (@McCormickProf) June 1, 2024

We Americans are people of many races, ethnicities, traditions of religious faith and cultural heritages. Despite our differences  some profound, others less so  we have historically found fellowship with each other in our shared commitments not only to our nations constitutional principles, but also in our shared fidelity to God. After all, our official national motto is In God We Trust.

At Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln called for this nation under God to have a new birth of freedom. The first prayer of the Continental Congress, recited in 1777, beseeched God to look down in mercy  on these American states, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor, and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection.

We Americans have also historically been united by our shared commitments to the importance of faithful marriages, family life and our dedication to our children and their futures  as well as our patriotism, our love of neighbor and our belief in the importance of serving our communities.

When we celebrate June as Fidelity Month, we recommit ourselves to the importance of all of these virtuous things. By acting in service of God, family, country and community, we honor the highest and best of values  those things that are not merely means to other ends, but are good in themselves.

This is not so when we act in service of money or material enrichment, or on behalf of other things that are, or can be, legitimate means to other ends, but are not intrinsically valuable, that is, good in themselves.

The Fidelity Month movement proposes a positive and uplifting project  one that is committed to the popular rejuvenation of the values that have historically been our societys central sources of strength and unity. Our movement is not a reactionary one; on the contrary, we are lighting a candle rather than merely cursing the darkness. Of course, there are people who do not share our beliefs and values  there are no doubt some who might object to Fidelity Month and promote beliefs and values that run directly contrary to its mission. But instead of simply reacting to their errors, we are joyously proclaiming an alternative (and timeless) vision of the true, the good and the beautiful.

Whats more, rather than coercing or demonizing those who disagree with us, or even attack us, we are happy warriors  tirelessly seeking conversions of heart and mind through sound teachings and setting a good example.

To be sure, Fidelity Month is not intended to supersede, replace or distract from other designations of the month of June. Catholics, for instance, traditionally dedicate the month of June to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thats a beautiful and spiritually enriching devotion that Catholics (I myself am one) can observe while at the same time celebrating Fidelity Month alongside our friends from the Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Latter-day Saint, Jewish and Muslim traditions, among others.

If this vision moves and inspires you, please join us in rededicating ourselves in this month of June to fidelity to God, family, country and community. And please help us spread the word. The Fidelity Month movement needs you.

Robert P. George is McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. To learn more about Fidelity Month, visit www.fidelitymonth.com.
10,000 pieces of remains found: What we know about the Herb Baumeister serial killer case

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. (WXIN)  The investigation into an Indiana serial killer has gained renewed attention after more remains found on the suspects farm have been positively identified.

The remains belonged to Jeffrey Jones, officials said in May. They were originally recovered in 1996 from Fox Hollow Farm, the home of suspected serial killer Herb Baumeister in Westfield, Indiana.

Its believed Baumeister targeted gay men, luring them from bars to his home in the 1980s and 1990s, before killing them and disposing of their bodies on the property.

He was under investigation for about a dozen deaths when he died by suicide in 1996. The investigation began when Baumeisters 15-year-old son stumbled upon bones on the familys 18-acre estate.

The Hamilton County Coroners office has been working to give names to the remains of victims found on the sprawling estate.

Officials say more than 10,000 pieces of remains have been recovered, including bones, fragments and body parts. However, identifying who they belong to is difficult. Because many of the remains were found burnt and crushed, this investigation is extremely challenging, said Jeff Jellison, the Hamilton County Coroner.

Investigators believe there are at least 12 victims  possibly more  though they have only positively identified three.

Here is what we know about the case and its developments.

Grisly discovery

On June 24, 1996, Herbert Baumeisters 15-year-old son stumbled onto bones while on the familys 18-acre property in a remote wooded area of Hamilton County. The discovery took place about 60 yards away from the home.

The Dayton Daily News reported that the 15-year-old found a skull on the property and showed it to his mother. At the time, Herb Baumeister explained away the skull, saying it was part of his dead fathers medical practice. It didnt seem out of character, as Baumeister collected and kept everything.

While the discovery at the time would only merit a brief mention in the staff reports for the Indianapolis Star, it started an investigation.

Three days after the boy discovered the bones, they were identified as human remains. More remains were discovered by Hamilton County firefighters. At the time, the discovery perplexed investigators.

Its an unusual spot to find bodies, then-Sheriff Joe Cook is quoted as telling The Indianapolis Star.

Trouble at home

The investigation began amid divorce proceedings between Herbert and his wife of 24 years. The day after the teenager found the bones, Baumeisters wife was granted an emergency protective order and custody to keep Herbert away from her and the three children.

She did not know how hed react to discovering the bones and the investigation that was unfolding, Bill Wendling Jr., the womans divorce attorney said at the time.

The divorce records indicate that the Baumeisters accused the other of mismanaging the family business. They operated two Sav-A-Lot thrift stores, which had judgments and lawsuits filed against them.

Less than two weeks after the discovery, Herb Baumeister died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound near Toronto. He skipped out on a divorce hearing the Tuesday before he died.

After his suicide, the Indianapolis Star reported that Baumeister mentioned several regrets in his note, but did not mention the bones.

However, it would not be long until prior allegations came to light, connecting him to the mysteries surrounding the deaths of young gay men and male prostitutes missing from Indianapolis.

Double life

After Herbert Baumeisters suicide, a confidential source told Nexstars WXIN that Herbert may have been leading a double life.

The source said that in 1994, Baumeister picked up a man in the neighborhood of an Indianapolis gay bar. He brought the man to his Westfield home for a sexual encounter that the man says he is lucky to have escaped from alive.

The man contacted the police, who were investigating the disappearance of several gay men in the area. Baumeisters widow said she knew nothing about her husbands apparent double life.

In November 1996, The Indianapolis Star reported that Baumeister used two aliases at downtown Indianapolis gay bars that he frequented. One alias he used was the name of a man who had gone missing.

Hints at a larger case

The Dayton Daily News reported that the case tantalized an investigator with the Preble County, Ohio, prosecutors office. Between 1980 and 1991, the bodies of a dozen men were found strangled and dumped in rural areas. All the men were missing from a three-to-four-block area frequented by gay men in Indianapolis.

The last of the victims was found shortly before Baumeister moved into his secluded 18-acre estate. The investigator speculated no more bodies were found after that point because he had room to dispose of them.

Of the remains on the estate initially identified by police at the time, three had been previously arrested for prostitution. All the victims disappeared when Baumeisters wife and children were out of town while he remained home.

The man that WXIN learned about told police that during his encounter with Baumeister, he was choked with a hose.

If Baumeister was behind the mens deaths, it was a secret he took to the grave with him. With his suicide, he took away the polices ability to definitively solve the cases.

DNA could help identify more victims

The Hamilton County Coroners Office has been redoubling its efforts to identify the remains of what could be 25 people found on the estate.

The office said in 2022 that improvements in DNA technology make them hopeful that they can provide families with the answers they have been searching for.

DNA was a relatively new tool for law enforcement 26 years ago. It was very expensive and often took months to complete, said Jellison. Now, DNA profiling has become faster and more user-friendly.

Investigative genealogy has helped crack several cold cases, including identifying the I-65 killer after 30 years. Investigators can turn to labs to sequence samples of DNA that were collected during the initial processing of the crime scene. Those samples are run through online genealogical databases to try to find a relative.

How genealogical investigators are using your DNA to solve cold cases

The Hamilton County Coroners Office is working with a group of investigators in an effort to identify the remains found on the Baumeister estate. For the investigation, they need comparison samples.

If anyone is a family member of a male individual that went missing in the mid-80s to mid-90s, we need you to step forward and provide us with a DNA sample, said Jellison. The process is quick, simple, and only involves swabbing the inside of the cheek.

With nearly 10,000 bones and bone fragments, the office has a long way to go to get answers for families.

We have a huge job in front of us; however, I have confidence this team of police officers and forensic specialists will exhaust all efforts to identify the individuals that were brutally murdered and discarded on Herb Baumeisters property, said Jellison.

Anyone who believes they are a relative of a missing person who may be connected to this case is asked to contact the Hamilton County Coroners Office at (317) 770-4415.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. The European Union (EU) monitoring mission in Armenia is engaged in gathering intelligence against Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told TASS, Trend reports.

"Many of the risks Armenia is facing today could have been mitigated if Yerevan had agreed in 2022 to implement, through the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization), a set of measures to stabilize the situation on the border with Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, the Armenian leadership chose to invite the EU mission, which does not protect the state borders at all but rather engages in intelligence gathering against Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia under the guise of 'monitoring'," he said.

According to Galuzin, regarding the CSTO, "serious initiatives were discussed, including military-technical assistance, the deployment of a monitoring mission, and assistance in training border guards".

To note, the EU monitoring mission in Armenia was initiated on January 23, 2023. Initially, there were 100 employees. However, on December 11, the same year, it was decided to expand the number to 209 people.

In April, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stressed the importance of the EU surveillance mission, claiming it provides "objective" information regarding the border situation with Azerbaijan. Pashinyan also recommended extending the mission's mandate.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Today marks 14 years since Kyron Horman disappeared from Skyline School.

On June 4, 2010, 7-year-old Horman was last seen attending the Skyline School science fair.

What began as a missing persons case eventually expanded into one of the largest investigations in Oregon history and to this day there have been no signs of Horman and no arrests made in the case.

Fleet Week, Grand Floral Parade on tap in Portland

Horman has brown hair, blue eyes and a v-shaped birthmark on his forehead. The case and investigation remain open and active.

This year, MSCO has launched a new webpage where the public can find information on the case and send tips.

You can also call the MCSO TipLine at 503-988-0560, email MCSOTipLine@mcso.us or contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children TipLine at 1-800-THE-LOST or provide an online tip at the organizations CyberTipLine.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
1st shooting victim of the Son of Sam serial killer shares her story

1st shooting victim of the Son of Sam serial killer shares her story

NEW YORK (PIX11)  A cold case tied to a notorious serial killer has been solved nearly half a century later, with the NYPD identifying the son of Sams first-known shooting victim.

Wendy Savino, 87, survived and spoke out on TV for the first time to PIX11 News, crediting a stranger on social media with helping crack the case.

For nearly 50 years, Savino has been insisting, I was shot by the Son of Sam, but no one believed her until now.

They say, Oh sure, everyone was, I had coffee with him last week,' she recalled.

More Local News

Now, the Rockland County grandmother is the first known survivor of David Berkowitz, who terrorized women in the city in the 1970s.

It was April 9, 1976, on Boston Road in the Bronx; shed just left dinner with her husband when she saw an unassuming man walking toward her car.

She vividly remembers that night. The next thing, my chest exploded, she recounted. I said, Oh my God, Ive been shot!'

Despite being shot five times, Savino had the will to survive to see her two young sons again.

Thanks to her initial detailed description, a composite sketch was uncovered decades later by a social media sleuth.

Now Savino finally has closure 48 years later, calling it surreal.

Manny Grossmans YouTube channel, devoted to examining the Son of Sam cases, played a crucial role in bringing attention to Savinos shooting.

Grossman implored the NYPD to take another look at her original composite sketch, and detectives did.

They met with Wendy and interviewed Berkowitz from prison last week.

In a statement to PIX11 News, the NYPD said detectives are dedicated to reviewing cases if unanswered questions or new evidence emerges.

While Berkowitz never confessed to shooting Mrs. Savino, detectives reportedly caught him in a lie.

The 70-year-old just lost his 12th bid for parole, and the statute of limitations on Savinos shooting has long run 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 PIX11.
Sage Cowit, an educator with Aquarium of the Bay, talks to fourth graders about sea lions at Pier 39, Thursday, May 2, 2024, in San Francisco. Around 2,000 sea lions have overwhelmed the waters by Pier 39, resting on rows of wooden floats. | Godofredo A. Vasquez

If youve ever lived near the California shores  or even vacationed there, for that matter  youve probably glimpsed an affectionate sea lion or two.

There are an estimated 300,000 California sea lions in the U.S., according to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. All of them can be found on the Pacific Coast.

San Francisco is seeing record-high amounts of sea lions on their docks and beaches. Per The New York Times, around 2,000 sea lions have overwhelmed the waters by Pier 39, resting on rows of wooden floats.

Why are there so many sea lions in San Francisco?

Sea lion migrations to San Francisco arent a new phenomenon. The previous sea lion record was 1,400 in the 1990s, according to The New York Times. Originally, the sea lions came in pursuit of a large school of anchovies situated next to the Golden Gate Bridge.

According to The Associated Press, sea lions first appeared at Pier 39 in 1989. The harbormaster, Sheila Chandor, told The Associated Press why the marine mammals have stayed in such large numbers this season.

Its all about the seafood. Its all about the food, Chandor said. A very good way to put it is they are fueling up for the mating season. Its spring. They are ready to rock and roll down in the Channel Islands, and were a nice pit stop with some great seafood.

Sea lion expert Adam Ratner told The New York Times that the amount of sea lions was truly remarkable.

Every dock is full, Ratner said. Its quite the sight, quite the sound and quite the smell.

It isnt clear what has kept them around. The number of animals has grown so high that many of them have taken to docks further away.

Where can you see the sea lions?

Pier 39 is a generally popular tourist spot, according to The New York Times. Its situated near one end of Fishermans Wharf with a carousel, T-shirt shops and restaurants famous for their sourdough bowls of clam chowder.

And now that the sea lions have gathered in such large numbers, more tourists and locals have been flooding in to see the spectacle for themselves.

The locals seem to have been enjoying the sea lions sightings as much as the tourists. Erica Schmierer, a San Fransisco local, told The New York Times about her surprise.

I always thought this was just a carousel and shopping, she said. I didnt know there were 2,000 sea lions in my backyard.

Visitors can see the sea lions on Pier 39 as well as other piers in the area.
Two families were displaced after a fire in an Ohio Apartment building Sunday night.

The Cincinnati Fire Department is investigating after a fire in an Avondale apartment building was deemed suspicious, our news partners at WCPO-9 TV reported.

Firefighters were called to the four-story apartment complex at around 10:55 p.m. Sunday.

When crews arrived on the scene, the fire could be seen on the fourth floor of the building, and smoke alarms inside were sounding, according to a report from the fire department.

>> 3-year-old boy dies after stabbing at Ohio grocery store

No injuries were reported and firefighters were able to get the fire under control.

Two families were displaced as a result of the damage.

The fire is suspicious in nature and under investigation by the CFD Fire Investigative Unit, reads the report, which lists only incendiary as a cause for the fire.

The estimated cost of damages is roughly $50,000 in damage.
Russian forces attacked 12 communities in Sumy Oblast on June 4, injuring two people, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported.

The communities of Khotin, Yunakivka, Mykolaiv, Konotop, Svesy, Novoslobidsk, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Esman, Seredyna-Buda, and Shalyhyne were targeted.

Two people were injured in the communities of Konotop and Khotin in separate Russian mortar and missile strikes. No details were provided on the extent of the victims' injuries.

Throughout the day, Russia assailed the border communities with mortar, artillery, missile, and drone attacks. Explosives were also dropped by drones onto a community.

Earlier in the day, the Russian military struck the village of Seredyna-Buda with artillery, killing a 70-year-old man in the yard of his house.

In total, 106 explosions were recorded in 36 separate attacks on the region.

The village of Khotin, with a pre-war population of about 2,200 residents, experienced the bulk of the attacks reported with 21 explosions recorded in the area. The community is located just 10 kilometers south and 27 kilometers west of the Ukraine-Russia border.

Russian strikes against Sumy Oblast have become increasingly destructive in recent months, amid fears that Russia may launch a new attack on Sumy Oblast in the coming months.

Shelling is a daily occurrence for the communities near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia, with residents in the region's vulnerable border settlements experience multiple attacks per day.

Read also: Fortifications put strain on Sumy Oblast farmers as Ukraine sacrifices farmland for defense









Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Two men who were killed from a wrong-way DUI crash on Sunday have been identified as U.S. Army soldiers.

A 23-year-old Tacoma woman was driving east in the westbound lanes of state Route 512 when her vehicle crashed into another car at about 2 a.m. There was a 19-month baby girl in the car with her, according to a Washington State Patrol news release.

The second vehicle was driven by Charles T Fairbairn, 29 of Georgia. Fairbairn and a passenger, Wendell T Cerio, 22 of Arizona, died at the scene. A 22-year-old man was also in Fairbairns vehicle and survived his injuries.

All three men were soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, according to a military spokesperson.

We are saddened to learn that two 7th Infantry Division soldiers passed following an off-post vehicle accident the morning of June 2, 2024. One additional 7th Infantry Division soldier was admitted to the hospital where they have since been released. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of these soldiers during this difficult time. This incident remains under investigation, the spokesperson said in a statement.

The woman was taken to Tacoma General Hospital for her injuries, and the baby was taken to Mary Bridge Childrens Hospital. Both are expected to survive, a previous News Tribune story reported.

Investigators believe the woman had been driving under the influence, and she is under investigation for two counts of vehicular homicide.
BESSEMER CITY, N.C.  (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A child was held hostage Monday morning by his father who had also attacked the mother, according to Bessemer City Police.

Officers say the incident began in a camper around 9:30 a.m. in the 100 block of Hartford Avenue. Thats when 46-year-old Benjamin Russell Clemmer, of Dallas, reportedly assaulted his wife with a metal pipe, strangled her and attempted to suffocate her before leaving the scene with the couples 2-year-old son.

Gaston County taking over towns ambulance services after 48-year contract not being renewed

Clemmer then allegedly barricaded himself inside the camper with his son, threatened to kill the child, the officers, and himself, claiming to have a gun and a pipe bomb.

Hostage negotiators from the Gaston County Police Department were called to the scene and established contact with Clemmer. After negotiations, Clemmer agreed to release the child just before 11 a.m.

Following the childs release, officers say Clemmer continued to threaten them and expressed a desire to commit suicide. In response, members of the Gaston County Emergency Response Team deployed tear gas and made entry into the camper, successfully taking Clemmer into custody.

Clemmer was transported to CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia after officers say he sustained self-inflicted injuries.

He was charged with kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, in addition to strangulation, and may have additional charges.

The child was unharmed and has been safely reunited with his mother.

Bessemer City Chief Thomas Ellis praised the outstanding work of the responding officers and negotiators with the Gaston County Police Department, Gaston County Sheriffs Office and the Cherryville Police Department.

Their swift actions and professional conduct were instrumental in resolving this dangerous situation without further harm, Ellis said. We are grateful for their dedication and service.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
2 people found dead in vehicle along I-70; deaths being investigated as murder-suicide

Investigators in Preble County are investigating a murder-suicide that took place on Interstate 70 on Monday night.

Around 5:15 the Preble County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) were called out to I-70 at the Indiana state line in regards to a vehicle that was going eastbound in the westbound lanes. When they got to the scene, they were unable to find the vehicle.

>> Woman dies after falling into trash chute at high-rise apartment building

Hours later, around 9:17 p.m., Sheriffs deputies were called back to the area regarding a vehicle that was in a ditch on the north side of I-70 near the US 35 onramp.

PCSO, OSHP, and a Wayne County Indiana Sheriffs deputy got to the scene and found the vehicle, which was believed to be the same vehicle from the initial call.

Two people were both found in the vehicle. They both were dead with apparent gunshot wounds, according to the PCSO.

>> Driver convicted in deadly school bus crash files notice to appeal conviction

Investigators are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide.

The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Alysha Rountree, 31, of Pryor, Oklahoma. The passenger was an acquaintance identified as Robert Wilson III, 31, formerly of Twinsburg, Ohio.

The case remains under investigation by the PCSO, the Preble County Coroners Office, and the Pryor Creek Oklahoma Police Department.




After 20-year hiatus, Dairy Queen to return to Franklin, open new Middle Tennessee eatery

After more than 20 years, Dairy Queen is making a return to Franklin with a new Grill & Chill, opening Tuesday at the Mack Hatcher/Hillsboro Road intersection.

The new location is under the ownership of the nations largest Dairy Queen franchisee, Fourteen Foods, which recently moved its headquarters to Franklin from Minnesota.

We are thrilled to bring Dairy Queen back to our hometown, said Fourteen Foods CEO Matthew Frauenshuh. Dairy Queen is a community staple, and we look forward to sharing all the DQ fan favorites and building great memories with the community.

The new Franklin Dairy Queen Grill & Chill will also be the first to offer breakfast. Served daily from 6-10:30 a.m., breakfast menu will include biscuits and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, breakfast bowls, pancakes, bacon and fresh made-to-order eggs.

Our mission is to shepherd world-class restaurants that celebrate our commitment to faith, people and community, Frauenshuh said. Youll see that in everything we do, including our support of organizations like Folds of Honor and Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital. We will be partnering with the community through fundraisers and sponsorships. We want to be the place people come to celebrate lifes moments.

As part of a grand opening celebration Tuesday, there will be several special promotions. Once the restaurant opens at 6 a.m., the first 100 customers to purchase a cake will receive free breakfast for a year.

They will also have the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition breakfast tumbler for $5.

The tumbler entitles customers to receive free coffee through Dec. 31. Proceeds from every tumbler purchased will go to Folds of Honor, an organization that provides support to families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders.

The Franklin Dairy Queen Grill & Chill will be open Sunday-Thursday from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m.-11 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Dairy Queen to open new Middle Tennessee eatery in Franklin
Breitling and Triumph Motorcycles Unveil a Collaboration that Unites the Liberating Spirit of Motorcycling with the Meticulous Craft of Watchmaking

In their third partnership stride, the Swiss luxury watchmaker and British motorcycle brand introduce the Chronomat B01 42 Triumph watch, a fusion of titanium and 18 k red gold graced with an anthracite dial. This new iteration is perfectly complemented by a perforated brown leather strap, capturing the essence of freedom on the open road.

Chronomat B01 42 Triumph  Breitling

Meanwhile, Triumph revs up the excitement with its introduction of the Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition motorcycle. Those who purchase one of the 270 co-branded machines gain the privilege of acquiring the Chronomat B01 Triumph Owners Exclusive, featuring a carbon dial that mirrors the high-octane aesthetic of the limited-edition bike and a caseback engraved with the motorcycles individual number.

Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition motorcycle  Breitling

Originally designed for the Italian aerobatics team Frecce Tricolori in 1983, the Chronomat bucked the quartz trend by reinstating mechanical chronographs to their former prominence. Its this spirit of bold innovation that thrives in the new Chronomat B01 42 Triumpha watch born from a shared philosophy with Triumphs own pioneering role in the world of motorcycles.

Chronomat B01 42 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR  Breitling

The Chronomat and the Speed Triple 1200 RR exemplify our joint devotion to the highest standards of design and performance, says Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. With Triumph, we share a rugged spirit that combines artistry with adventure.

Echoing this sentiment, Triumph CEO Nick Bloor says: Teaming up with Breitling, weve united two worlds with our shared passions for precision, speed, and impeccable style.

CONVERGENCE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP: THE OWNERS EXCLUSIVE AND THE SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RR

For enthusiasts craving the thrill of both worlds, Triumph presents the Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition motorcycle, capped at 270 machines. Each bike owner receives a special QR code on their limited-edition certificate, granting them the option to purchase the Chronomat B01 Triumph Owners Exclusive from Breitling.com. This made-to-order watch mirrors the motorcycles high-performance nature with a carbon dial and brown alligator-leather strap.

Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition motorcycle  Breitling

Meanwhile, a distinct engraving on the caseback matches the individual number inscribed on the top yoke of the bike, creating a unique set where the watch and motorcycle enrich each others story.

The Speed Triple 1200 RR motorcycle is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, a modern roadster flaunting a stunning metallic paint finish with hand-painted detailing, ultra-light carbon fiber parts, a unique high-specification Akrapovic titanium silencer, and a bespoke leather seat with exquisite French stitching. Breitlings presence is in the details: a custom Breitling start screen, the Breitling logo laser-etched onto the machined rear wheel finisher, and a distinct gold Breitling badge on the tank. Each bike is individually numbered, enhancing the exclusivity of the Triumph Owners Exclusive watch.

The new Chronomat B01 Triumph editions in titanium and 18 k red gold echo the dark shades of the motorcycle, while their golden details pay homage to the Speed Triple 1200 RRs class-leading Ohlins front forks.

Chronomat B01 42 Triumph  Breitling

As the Chronomat holds a special place in Breitlings history, this collaboration is not just an intersection of paths but a shared journey of pioneering spirit and bold design philosophy.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The stage is set for election season as candidates made their last-second bids for office on Monday.

At noon on June 3, Secretary of State Scott Schwab dropped the gavel, which signifies the filing deadline for candidates.

It can be a bad rush because parties are scrambling to recruit to make sure every seat has a candidate in it, Schwab said. Also, the parties are doing precinct races as well which is a big recruitment effort.

Felon files for Kansas congressional seat

For candidates, name recognition and community support goes a long way in the campaigning process.

Im the guy to beat, Kansas Senate District 1 incumbent Dennis Pyle said. Those that run against me are basically running against my record. And so, the question to the voters is Why are they running against the Dennis Pyle, conservative record?'

There are lots of races coming up, but the race for Kansas second congressional seat is currently one to watch. Shawn Tiffany, Jeff Kahrs, and Derek Schmidt are currently on the ballot, but on Monday, Nancy Boyda and Michael Ogle threw their hats in the ring.

More candidates enter Kansas District 2 Congressional race

18 years ago, I did this and I loved representing Kansas, Boyda said. No, this isnt what I was expecting to do again, but I feel that call.

Below are a list of important election dates in the coming months:

Primary Election: Aug. 6, 2024

July 16  Deadline for voters to register or update voter registration

July 17  First day of advance voting for 2024 Primary Election

July 30  Last day to apply for an advance voting mail ballot

Aug. 5  In-person advance voting ends at noon

General Election: Nov. 5, 2024

Oct. 15  Deadline to register to vote for General Election

Oct. 16  First day of advance voting for 2024 General Election

Oct. 29  Last day to apply for advance voting mail ballot

Nov. 4  In-person advance voting ends at noon

How many laser strikes on planes are reported in Kansas each year?

For more Capitol Bureau 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.
A 23-year-old man drowned at Lake Allatoona last week, just days after celebrating his sisters high school graduation.

The incident happened on May 30 around 4:15 p.m. at Coopers Day Use Area.

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Witnesses said the victim, later identified as Alonso Feliciano Alvarado Tojin, went under while swimming and didnt resurface.

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Game Wardens began to search for Tojin with side scan sonar and called in Bartow County firefighters and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rangers.

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Tojins body was found in 10 feet of water around 6 p.m.

Tojins sister, Beatrice Tojin, said the family is from Guatemala and they would like to bury him in his home country.

He was a person full of dreams, but unfortunately God took him away and wanted him by his side, Tojin wrote. I hope God touches the heart of each of you to help us fulfill my brothers last wish, may God multiply them, Thank you very much!

According to her social media profile, Beatrice Tojin just graduated from Cartersville High School on May 25.

You can contribute to the GoFundMe HERE.




Gov. Andy Beshear announced $223 million in funding to build nearly 1,000 rental units across Western Kentucky, particularly in counties most affected by historic tornadoes and storms that killed more than 80 people late 2021.

At a Monday news conference, Beshear unveiled the plan to fund 953 income-restricted units as way to heal the tornado-ravaged region and to accommodate for major expected growth, particularly in Warren County, which is home to Bowling Green.

The 11 multi-family apartment complexes will be built and run by private affordable housing developers. Theyre to be located in Christian and Warren counties as well as Graves and Hopkins counties  the home of Mayfield and Dawson Springs, the two hardest-hit cities in the 2021 tornadoes.

Most units will have two or three bedrooms and construction is set to begin spring 2025 at the latest, state officials say.

Mayfield Mayor Kathy ONan said the 122 units in the town of around 10,000 will have a significant impact. Much of the damage occurred in downtown Mayfield, where many of the citys low-income residents lived.

This tornado struck in the heart of our community, to the heart of our people who are most vulnerable. It was those people who live in the subpar rental homes that are now still struggling, ONan said. These units will help individuals and families who have suffered enough and have continued to stay and continued to help us rebuild a community.

Both developments slated for Mayfield will be built on the southern edge of town.

In Dawson Springs, a town of about 2,500, a total of 88 units will be built. Madisonville, the more populous Hopkins County city, will get a 32-unit apartment complex.

The plan is similar to a public-private partnership, though officials did not use that phrase.

Public funds will go to private developers to build the apartment complexes. Those complexes, in turn, must be income-restricted to moderate- and low-income households, according to the governors staff.

The developers also must accept Section 8 housing vouchers, according Wendy Smith, deputy executive director of housing programs at the Kentucky Housing Corporation. The Kentucky Housing Corporation is a quasi-government agency attached to the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet.

Almost $135 million will come from the corporation in the form of tax-exempt bonds. The Department of Local Government will direct about $60 million from the federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program to the project.

The remainder will come from a projected tax credit equity and various public trust funds.

What does affordable look like for the units? Smith said that it will vary based on the location, but the average two-bedroom unit will rent out around $750 to $900 per month.

Disaster survivors will get priority for renting the units, Smith said. Beyond late 2021s historic tornadoes, the region last month saw an outburst of storms that killed five.

In a release, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, said that he worked to secure the federal funding via the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program. He called the housing announcement welcome news for the region.

Communities devastated by the 2021 tornado outbreak will see $60 million in federal funding that I fought to secure go toward building hundreds of new housing units across the region. Im glad to see my home state put these federal dollars to work and take this crucial next step in delivering real relief to Kentuckians, McConnell said.

Beshear said staffers in the Department of Local Government and the Kentucky Housing Corporation came to him with the idea. He lauded their creativity in addressing a need many have pointed to in the wake of mass property damage due to the tornadoes.

This is folks in government coming up with a new way to do something, and we dont always see that. They deserve a lot of credit for not just doing things the same way we always do, Beshear said.

While all counties were affected in the storms, there is also an economic development angle to the project

Bowling Green, home to Western Kentucky University and Corvette, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Kentucky. Of the 953 units being built, 635 will be there.

Bowling Greens 600-plus units, theyre necessary because of how hard that city was hit by the tornadoes, but theyre also necessary because Bowling Green is absolutely booming, Beshear said.

A 2,000-job, $2 billion electric vehicle battery plant has plans to open there in the near future, not far from the record-breaking Ford/SK Innovations plants near Elizabethtown. A majority of the units in Bowling Green will be built near the center of town, within two miles of downtown and Western Kentucky University.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Three people are facing multiple felony charges after a drug bust at a North Memphis home revealed a large amount of guns, ammo, and illegal pills.

According to reports, on May 31, detectives with the Memphis Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant at a home in the 1500 block of North Trezevant Street.

During the search, detectives found four handguns, one rifle, 382.4 grams of Promethazine, 94 ecstasy pills, 17 Alprazolam pills, digital scales, 787 rounds of ammunition, and a large amount of marijuana and cash.

Deonte Adams, Elton Benson, and Jakki Chalmers were arrested in connection to the illegal drugs and weapons.

Photo courtesy of the Memphis Police Department

Left to right: Elton Benson, Deonte Adams, and Jakki Chalmers (Photos courtesy of the Memphis Police Department)

Deonte Adams, 26, was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, fabricating/tampering evidence, possession of a controlled substance to wit: ecstasy, possession of a controlled substance to wit: Alprazolam, and possession of a controlled substance to wit: marijuana. He is being held on a $400,000 bond.

Elton Benson, 35, is charged with five counts of convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance to wit: ecstasy, possession of a controlled substance to wit: Alprazolam, possession of a controlled substance to wit: marijuana, and possession of a legend drug without a prescription to wit: Promethazine. His bond is set at $175,000.

Jakki Chalmers, 27, is charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, possession of a controlled substance to wit: ecstasy, possession of a controlled substance to wit: Alprazolam, possession of a controlled substance to wit: marijuana, and possession of a legend drug without a prescription to wit: Promethazine. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.

Adams and Benson were also arrested earlier this year on multiple felony drug charges.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Behind-the-scenes footage from the rare discovery was documented in the 40-minute movie 'T. REX'

Dr. Tyler R. Lyson The fossil finding trio, Liam Fisher, Jessin Fisher, and Kaiden Madsen, holding their personalized rock hammers; The fossil finding family (clockwise from upper left: Sam Fisher, Emalynn Fisher, Danielle Fisher, Liam Fisher, Kaiden Madsen, and Jessin Fisher) pose with the field jacket after it was rolled into a helicopter net.

Three teen boys made a grand scientific discovery while on a family hike in North Dakota!

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science shared on Tuesday, June 4, that a group of young boys found a rare juvenile tyrannosaurus rex fossil while on an outing in 2022.

Jessin and Liam Fisher were on a hike in the badlands with their father, Sam Fisher, and their cousin Kaiden, according to the release. At the time, Liam was 7, Jessin was 10 and Kaiden was 9, per ABC News.

You just never know what you are going to find out there," Liam and Jessin's dad told the outlet. "You see all kinds of cool rocks and plants and wildlife."

Dr. Tyler R. Lyson The Fossil Finding Family

Upon their discovery, the family reached out to the museums Curator of Paleontology Tyler Lyson, who knew the Fisher patriarch from high school, to help with identification.

The following summer, Lyson and the boys returned to the site with a team of paleontologists to dig up the fossil.

Related: The Science Behind 'Jurassic World' : How Dinosaurs Could Be Making a Comeback in the Next Five Years

Lyson spoke highly of the children, telling the museum, "By going outside and embracing their passions and the thrill of discovery, these boys have made an incredible dinosaur discovery that advances science and deepens our understanding of the natural world."

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

The fossil will be showcased in the Denver museum's temporary exhibition "Discovering Teen Rex," which opens to the public on June 21. Behind-the-scenes footage from the discovery was documented in the 40-minute movie T. REX, set to screen in the museum's Infinity Theater.

Rick Wicker "Discovering Teen Rex" Experience

"I'm excited for Museum guests to dig into the 'Teen Rex Discovery' experience, which I think will inspire the imagination and wonder, not only our community, but around the world," Lyson added.

Related: Man Found 70 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Skeleton While Walking His Dog  and Kept It a Secret for 2 Years

In a recent interview with The New York Post, Liam recalled finding the prehistoric fossil.

"I went up to a ledge with my dad and then he and I spotted the bones," the young boy told the outlet. "We called for Jessin and Kaiden and Jessin said, 'Thats a dinosaur.' "

Dr. Tyler R. Lyson Rooted T. Rex Tooth

Jessin said that he had previously found "buffalo and cow bones," and noted that the dinosaur remains were "definitely bigger."

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The press release amplified the rarity of the boys findings calling it a "significant moment for science as only a handful of juvenile T. rex skeletons have ever been found."



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Read the original article on People.
Three boys under the age of 10 discovered something while hiking in the North Dakota Badlands that had them completely speechless. What they found was a T. rex bone.

Brothers Liam Fisher, then 7, and Jessin Fisher, 10, with their cousin Kaiden Madsen, 9, made the find and shared their experience in the summer of 2022 and sent the photos to a paleontologist contact of the Fisher boys father. The paleontologist confirmed theyd made a staggering discovery: Theyd stumbled upon a rare juvenile skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex, The New York Times reported.

You just never know what you are going to find out there. You see all kinds of cool rocks and plants and wildlife, Liam and Jessins father, Sam Fisher, told The Associated Press.

In this photo provided by Giant Screen Films, Jessin Fisher digs for fossils on public lands near his home in Marmath, N.D. | Sam Fisher

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science T. rex exhibit

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science announced that their finding turned into a signifiant moment for science as only a handful of juvenile T. rex skeletons have ever been found. Its believed the fossil is part of the ancient dinos tibia, or shin bone.

The museum is prepping to display the fossil at its temporary exhibition Discovering Teen Rex, which opens to the public June 21. Their story will also be featured in the documentary the museum will be screening starting the same date titled, T. REX, per a release.

By going outside and embracing their passions and the thrill of discovery, these boys have made an incredible dinosaur discovery that advances science and deepens our understanding of the natural world, the museums curator of paleontology, Tyler Lyson, said, per a release. Im excited for Museum guests to dig into the Teen Rex Discovery experience, which I think will inspire the imagination and wonder, not only our community, but around the world!

Excavating the fossil site for the T. rex fossil

Lyson had attended school with Fisher and was the paleontologist friend who identified the fossil from the original photos. He began excavating the fossil site and included the three boys and their 14-year-old sister, Emalynn Fisher, with his team to extract the fossil from the site. They also found other fossils, including a T. rex tooth, according to Live Science.

Scientists can really only speculate on how Teen rex might have lived and behaved, so discoveries like this one have the potential to provide important new information about those earlier life stages, when (the) fastest growth likely occurred, Thomas Holtz, T. REX lead adviser and vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Maryland, told Live Science in a statement.

In this photo provided by Giant Screen Films, vertebrate paleontologist Tyler Lyson, left, poses with young fossil finders Liam Fisher, Jessin Fisher and Kaiden Madsen on the day their expedition uncovered diagnostic features of a juvenile T. rex the boys discovered in the Badlands of North Dakota. A documentary film caught the moment of discovery on camera. | David Clark
3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

Three people were hospitalized and dozens were displaced after a fire ripped through an apartment building in Worcester.

According to the Worcester fire chief, a call came in around 2:26 a.m. for a fire in an apartment building on Outlook Drive.

Upon arrival, crews were greeted with heavy fire through the home with people trapped inside.

Firefighters started an interior attack and search.

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

3 hospitalized, dozens displaced after fire rips through apartment building in Worcester

Crews took a ladder to the back of the building and rescued two people down the ladders. A third person from the same unit was also hurt. All three people were taken to UMass Hospital and their conditions are unknown.

The fire chief says that fire crews had water issues but it was manageable.

Three units have been impacted by the fire with dozens of people displaced.

Red Cross is on the scene assisting and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

BREAKING: Worcester Fire responds to multiple-alarm fire on Outlook Drive. Fire department says three people were rescued and taken to the hospital but they dont know their conditions. Three separate units have been impacted. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/Iemw8PB00G  Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) June 4, 2024

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Wisconsins attorney general on Tuesday charged three people involved in a scheme to send slates of pro-Trump fake electors in 2020.

Kenneth Chesebro, James Troupis and Michael Roman  allies to the former president who each played different roles in his 2020 campaign efforts  were charged in state court with a single count of forgery, a low-level felony, a court docket shows.

Following the election, all three men were involved in a plan to send slates of pro-Trump electors to Congress in battleground states the former president lost to Joe Biden.

Though the scheme ultimately spanned seven states, the effort spawned in Wisconsin, including when Chesebro in the days following the election communicated with Troupis, a former state judge, and wrote a series of memos devising the strategy.

Roman, a Trump campaign political operative, allegedly helped coordinate the efforts in multiple states alongside Chesebro and called for a tracker to be made of the individuals who would sign the documents, intended to be sent to Congress for counting on Jan. 6, 2021.

Copies of the criminal complaints were not immediately available, but the court docket indicates the date of the offense was two weeks following Election Day in 2020.

Wisconsin is the fifth state to bring charges against individuals involved in the fake elector scheme, though Trump allies sought to execute the plan in seven battleground states.

State and local prosecutors previously brought charges in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and Nevada. The attorney general in New Mexico said the states laws prevent criminal prosecution there, and Pennsylvanias top prosecutor at the time made similar remarks.

Chesebro and Roman were previously indicted alongside Trump in Georgia over similar alleged conduct.

Chesebro has since pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate, while Roman maintains his innocence. He first revealed the accusations of misconduct against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) over her romance with a top prosecutor on the case. Roman also faces charges in Arizona.

Chesebro reportedly sat for interviews in Arizona and Nevada, where charges were eventually filed against several Republicans, including top Trump allies.

In Wisconsin, none of the 10 individuals who signed the Electoral College documents have been charged, though they have faced civil litigation.

Though Tuesday marks the first criminal charges against Chesebro and Troupis in Wisconsin, they faced a civil lawsuit brought by Democrats there in 2022, which was settled in March. As part of the agreement, they turned over more than 1,400 documents and agreed never to participate in similar efforts, though the agreement did not include any admission of wrongdoing or liability.

The criminal complaint in this case alleges that the defendants were part of a conspiracy to present a certificate of purported electoral votes from individuals who were not Wisconsins duly appointed electors, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said in a statement. The Wisconsin Department of Justice is committed to protecting the integrity of our electoral process.

Good, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) wrote on the social platform X.

The three Trump allies initial court appearance in Wisconsin is scheduled for Sept. 19.

Updated at 1:17 p.m. EDT

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Deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department arrested a total of 56 individuals  19 of them juveniles  in connection with what authorities are calling a car club sideshow incident.

According to a media release from SBSD, a deputy from the Highland station was en route to a call on May 11 when he encountered a street takeover at the intersection of Highland and Victoria avenues in San Bernardino.

As the deputy attempted to disburse the crowd, spectators surrounded the marked Sheriffs patrol vehicle and proceeded to vandalize it, SBSD said. The spectators damaged the windshield and body panels of the patrol vehicle.

A 15-year-old from Menifee was arrested in connection with the vandalism of the squad car on May 24, law enforcement officials said.

Rebecca Grossmans bid for new trial denied: reports

Deputies extensively investigated the presence of several car clubs in the High Desert area and found that they all showed similar behavior of street takeovers and sideshows in videos posted to social media, the sheriffs department said, adding that some of the participants openly displayed firearms in some of their posts.

Authorities were able to identify one of the car club meetup locations as a private property in the city of Adelanto. Using evidence obtained through their investigation, deputies authored and served several search warrants in nearby Victorville which yielded stolen firearms and a stolen Dodge Hellcat.

The department launched Operation Consequences on Saturday, and personnel from several sheriffs stations, SBSDs Gangs/Narcotics Division and the San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force (SANCATT) conducted a suppression operation at an abandoned property in Adelanto.

The High Desert car clubs entered the private property and performed sideshow maneuvers, deputies stated. Investigators detained participants and spectators as they fled from the location.

L.A. Co. Supervisor Hahn hosts Pride flag raising ceremony in Downey after council banned them from city property

In total, 37 adults and 19 juveniles were arrested, SBSD confirmed. The adults were taken to the High Desert Detention Center before being cited and released.

The juveniles were taken to the Victorville City Sheriffs Station, issued a citation and released back into the custody of their families.

Additionally, 23 vehicles were towed and another stolen vehicle  a Chevy Camaro  was located.

This type of recklessness wont be tolerated in San Bernardino County, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said. Arrests will be assured, and cars will be impounded if these street takeovers continue.

Anyone with information on the May 11 incident or the apprehension of the suspects is asked to contact the Victorville Sheriffs Station by calling 760-241-2911 or calling Sheriffs Dispatch at 760-956-5001.

To submit an anonymous tip, call the We-Tip hotline at 1-800-782-7463 or visit the We-Tip website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Up to 4,000 soldiers to protect Peace Summit in Switzerland

The Swiss army began providing security on Monday, 3 June for the upcoming Global Peace Summit in Switzerland at the Burgenstock mountain resort near the city of Lucerne.

Source: Swissinfo, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Up to 4,000 military personnel from the Swiss Armed Forces will assist in various tasks from 5 to 19 June, including security, surveillance, command support and logistics.

The authorities are also stepping up measures to protect the airspace. The government has implemented airspace restrictions at the request of the canton of Nidwalden.

The Peace Summit in Switzerland will take place on 15-16 June.

Background:

John Kirby, US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, stressed that the United States' support for Ukraine would remain unchanged, regardless of who represents the US at the planned Peace Summit in Switzerland.

The White House announced that US Vice President Kamala Harris and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan would represent the US at the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland on 15-16 June.

The media reported that US President Joe Biden had scheduled pre-election events in California in mid-June, so neither he nor Vice President Kamala Harris would be able to participate in the conference in Switzerland.

In total, 107 countries and organisations have confirmed their participation in the summit.

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This Geopolis is not just a watch. Its an invitation to put creativity back at the centre of the watchmaking game

This year, Jean-Marie Schaller is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Les Ateliers Louis Moinet. The anniversary is as discreet as the CEO who, over the course of two decades, has succeeded in bringing the name of the eponymous watchmaker (1768  1853) back into the watchmaking universe.

And that was no easy feat. In 2004, no one had heard of Louis Moinet. Today, he is recognised as a renowned scholar responsible for a number of seminal inventions (the chronograph and the high-frequency movement) as well as for his contribution to watchmaking literature. His Treatise, written in the autumn of his life, was still being used in some countries a century later, in the 1950s. Thanks to Jean-Marie Schaller, Moinet's hometown of Bourges in France now even has its own Rue Louis Moinet. All that remains is to get hold of one of his paintings or sculptures, none of which have been found, despite the fact that he is known to have executed several in France and Italy.

Geopolis Opal  Louis Moinet

Mineral exploration

For the time being, Les Ateliers Louis Moinet are keeping his name alive with evident talent. Beyond the masterful Memoris, a tribute to the invention of the chronograph, Jean-Marie Schaller has explored the vastness of space just as Louis Moinet, in his day, scrutinised it at the frenzied pace of his Compteur de Tierces (30 Hz, more than seven times the average rate of a watch at that time).

In addition to these chronographical and astronomical dimensions, Jean-Marie Schaller has for a long time explored the possibilities of minerals in watch design, first through extensive use of fossils, followed by semi-precious stones in a broad spectrum of intoxicating colours. Opal is one of them.

Geopolis Opal  Louis Moinet

A new genre

Opal has a distinctive lustre that varies from blue to green, turquoise and even purple, depending on the angle of the light. Its a vibrant stone that immediately draws attention. It has been used by Chopard, Piaget, Jaquet Droz, Dior, Chaumet and, more recently, Gucci. But there are two important things to note: first, with the exception of Jaquet Droz, these are all primarily jewellery houses. And second, all the watches concerned are for women.

Les Ateliers Louis Moinet Ateliers are therefore forging a new path, or rather, two new paths. The first is that this 40.7 mm Geopolis is unisex, perhaps even erring on the masculine side. For a watch whose main aesthetic draw is opal, this is a first. The second innovation lies in how the stone is used  not for the dial, but for the indices. The dial itself is made from onyx of the deepest black.

Geopolis Opal  Louis Moinet

Opal indices

The way this Geopolis is constructed seems to have no equivalent in watchmaking. Opal is used for 10 of the indices around the outside of the dial. The last two are present in spirit beneath the tourbillon at 6 oclock, whose cage rotates against an opal background. Finally, the two central hands revolve around an opal centre.

This focus on the indices opens up new creative possibilities. Traditional watchmaking has ignored them for decades, relegating these discreet decorative elements to conventional treatment in gold or, at most, baguette-cut diamonds. Watch hands, too, are largely standardised.

Clearly, customers can be conservative, and rarely quibble over such classic details, often believing theres no real alternative to dauphine hands and baton indices. But its up to the watch brands to shake up the things the market takes for granted, and offer alternatives. Unique, sparkling mineral indexes such as those we see on the new Geopolis are both surprising and welcome. This is not just a watch: its an idea. The idea that things can be done differently, without complication (in the literal and figurative sense), simply by taking the time to look at all the constituent elements of a dial, and considering how they could be enhanced. Louis Moinet has paved the way. Lets hope others will follow.
Dave's Hot Chicken food - Static Media / Getty / Instagram

Have you tried the spicy food of Dave's Hot Chicken? If not, you're missing out on a Nashville-hot-chicken-style treat that even many celebrities love. In fact, almost 80 new locations opened in 2023 alone. At least 700 locations are planned for the future, and many stores already opened in the U.S. and four other countries (Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia), meaning there is no shortage of places to enjoy its flavorful offerings.

The restaurant got its start in 2017 when two brothers, Gary and Tommy Rubenyan, first set up their makeshift chicken stand for Dave's Hot Chicken, along with friends Dave Kopushyan and Arman Oganesyn. At the time, chef Kopushyan and the other three men couldn't possibly have known how big the return would be on their small investment of $900 or that it would quickly become a global phenomenon.

By 2022, over 31 million Dave's Hot Chicken customers had taken to social media to sing the chain's praises. Of course, it helps that several of those customers were also famous people. It's no wonder the chain has gone international.

Read more: 41 Must Try Hot Sandwich Recipes

How Dave's Hot Chicken Expanded

Dave's Hot Chicken Store - Hapabapa/Getty Images

With celebrities like Drake, Usher, Michael Strahan, Samuel L. Jackson, and Maria Shriver supporting Dave's Hot Chicken as investors, it didn't take long for it to become a big deal all over the world. By 2023, Dave's had already signed an agreement with famous franchiser Walid Hajj to open at least 31 new locations in six countries, including Kuwait and Bahrain (still to be completed).

This came after another deal, to open 30 locations in Canada, had already been struck. The new locations in the Middle East are expected to reach completion within eight years. Dave's Hot Chicken has also reported plans to open seven more locations in St Louis. Meanwhile, locations in Saudi Arabia took things a step further and offered its patrons home delivery of its chicken. It's also great news for Muslim customers in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world that -- according to several different sources, including store owners -- Dave's Hot Chicken serves halal meat. As of April 2024, there were just under 200 Dave's Hot Chicken locations worldwide, with many more to come!

Read the original article on Mashed
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Four people were killed when the driver of a pickup truck towing a travel trailer attempted to pass a car and struck the front of an oncoming RV towing a flatbed trailer, Nevada Highway Patrol said in a news release.

Deadly crash on U.S. 6 near Ely, Nevada on May 30, 2024. (Credit: NHP)

The crash, which happened on U.S. Highway 6 near Ely on May 30, caused both vehicles to erupt into flames and all four occupants, two in each vehicle, died at the scene. The identities of the deceased are being withheld at this time, troopers said.

The crash is under investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
4 more states and DC vote in the 2024 presidential primary: Biden, Trump projected to win

Four more states and Washington, D.C., cast ballots on Tuesday in the 2024 presidential primary.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are projected to win the Democratic and Republican primaries, respectively, ABC News reports.

They clinched their parties' nominations earlier this year.

Montana

Polls were open in the state from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Montana voters were not required to register with a political party. They could choose to vote in whichever primary they wanted.

The state will not allocate delegates from the Republican presidential primary. Instead, its 31 delegates will proceed to the party's national convention in the summer unbound, where they will be able to vote for the candidate of their choice.

There were 20 delegates up for grabs in the Democratic presidential primary, which will be allocated proportionally based on Tuesday's results.

New Jersey

Polls were open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There were 12 delegates up for grabs in the Republican presidential primary, one of the lowest amounts on the path to the party's nomination.

In the Democratic primary, there were 126 delegates awarded.

New Mexico

Voters could cast their ballots in person or via the mail, though all votes had to be received by local officials by 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Early voting began on May 7.

Twenty-two delegates were up for grabs in the GOP primary, and 34 delegates were on the table in the Democratic race.

South Dakota

Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Absentee ballots must have been collected by the county clerk by the end of the day on Tuesday. Voters could also hand in their absentee ballots to their county clerk in person.

South Dakota awards 29 delegates in the Republican race and 16 delegates to Democrats.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., held its presidential primary for Democratic candidates on Tuesday.

Voters could cast mail ballots that must have been returned by Tuesday or dropped off by 8 p.m. that day.

Polls were open on primary day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The district -- the nation's capital -- held its Republican presidential primary in March and Nikki Haley won out over former President Donald Trump, one of her two victories in the race, which made her the first woman to win a GOP nominating contest.

Twenty delegates will be awarded to the winner of the Democratic race.

4 more states and DC vote in the 2024 presidential primary: Biden, Trump projected to win originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
4-year-old playing hide-and seek accidentally shoots herself after finding gun, cops say

A girl accidentally shot herself in the arm after finding a gun while playing hide-and-seek, Maryland police say.

Jayvon Thomas, the 4-year-olds relative, was arrested on multiple charges stemming from the incident, the Prince Georges County Police Department said, WJLA reported.

Officers responded to a Cheverly apartment shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday, June 2, and found a girl with a gunshot wound, police said in a June 3 news release.

Others in the apartment were not hurt, according to police.

The girl, who had non-life-threatening injuries, was taken to a hospital, police said.

Through investigation, police said they learned the girl was playing hide-and-seek when she found the loaded ghost gun (unserialized) under a bed.

Thomas was arrested on multiple firearm charges, including possessing the weapon and leaving it unsecured, police said.

In January, Thomas, along with another man, was charged with murder in connection with the death of Anwar The Silent Assassin Wingate, a professional boxer, the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia said in a news release.

During the November armed robbery, prosecutors said Wingate was shot in the neck while trying to fight off the two men in a Washington, D.C., parking garage.

A judge approved Thomass request to be released for home confinement in April, court documents show, WTTG reported.

The attorneys office told the outlet Thomas was released over their objection.

The court case is expected to resume June 8, according to WJLA.

Cheverly is about a 35-mile drive southwest from Baltimore.

12-year-old playing with gun accidentally kills 13-year-old friend, Iowa officials say

4-year-old shoots himself after finding gun under pillow before his nap, cops say

2-year-old nephew finds deputys unsecured gun and shoots self, Missouri cops say
$5,000 reward being offered for information on pistols stolen from Fort Moore

FORT MOORE, Ga. (WRBL)  The Armys Criminal Investigation Division is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information on dozens of pistols stolen from Fort Moore.

On May 16, the Southern Field Office was notified of 31 M17 Pistols stolen from the Cresenez Consolidated Equipment Pool on Fort Moore.

Those pistols are believed to have gone missing sometime between March and May of this year.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Southern Field Office at (706) 557-4074.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
5 dogs with military intelligence unit in violence-plagued Ecuador given medals for service

Dayco the dog walks to receive a medal during a ceremony that recognizes the work of dogs that belong to the Counterintelligence Group of the Army in Quito, Ecuador, Monday, June 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

QUITO, Ecuador (AP)  The dogs were quick and precise. One located the drugs and neutralized the person carrying them. Another found explosives hidden under a car's tire.

The dogs  Dayco, Amanda, Apolo, Zeus and Maly  were showing their skills Monday at a military intelligence brigade ceremony south of Ecuadors capital of Quito in which they received decorations for their service.

Uniformed men stood in formation as the canines received their medals.

The dogs have played a crucial role in public security and the fight against organized crime, said Col. Santiago Salazar, commander of the Calicuchima General Intelligence Brigade.

We want to pay fair tribute and recognition to the dogs for their role in the military operations that have intensified following the declaration of an internal armed conflict in response to gang violence, Salazar said.

This declaration has allowed Ecuadors military to participate alongside police since January in tasks of controlling public order and conducting searches on the streets and in prisons.

In the demonstration, Apolo and his handler approached a group of people. A man in the group ran away at full speed. Apolo reached him in a few seconds and brought him to the ground. During a search, drugs were found on the man.

When Zeuss turn came, his handler gave an order and the dog went to a parked vehicle, walked around it then sat next to the rear left tire. An explosive was found underneath the tire.

Salazar said the canine unit has become a power of enormous importance and a vital resource for the security and well-being of society.

Since the start of 2021, Ecuador has been rattled by a violent onslaught of criminal gangs linked to cartels in Colombia and Mexico fighting for control of drug trafficking routes and territory.
Five people have died and thousands were evacuated in southern Germany after heavy rainfall hit the region and caused vast floods, prompting warnings from senior officials that the climate crisis was set to worsen extreme weather in the country.

Two people and a firefighter have been confirmed dead in Bavaria state, Juergen Weiss of the Bavarian firefighters association told CNN.

One of those killed was washed away in her car, while the cause of death for the second civilian is not yet known. The firefighter died when his inflatable rubber boat capsized on Saturday.

Meanwhile, two more people died in their basement in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, police said. Authorities believe they perished while trying to pump water out of their basement.

Six people and a 22-year-old firefighter remain missing, regional authorities say.

After heavy rainfall, the German Armed Forces has sent 800 personnel to the region to help with rescue efforts. The German weather service has forecast no more heavy rainfall.

The River Danube is the center of concern for rescue efforts, with high levels of water passing through the city of Regensburg on Tuesday morning, following an evacuation effort the evening before.

Aerial view of a house destroyed by recent flooding in Rudersberg, Germany on Tuesday. - Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images

Parts of the Bavarian old town of Passau have been flooded by the Danube. - Armin Weigel/dpa/AP

On Tuesday morning, the level of the Danube had reached 31.5 feet (9.6 meters) in Passau, according to the Bavarian State Environmental Office, almost double the normal level for this time of year.

Three rivers meet in the historic university town, where authorities have stopped motorized traffic and emptied underground car parks.

In Bavaria, more than 52,000 emergency workers have been deployed, most of them volunteers, the firefighters association said. But it added the vast area of flooding posed challenges for them.

Climate change to blame

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said during a visit to the flood areas on Monday that increased flooding was an indication of climate change.

We are very clear about the fact that this is not just an event that has been happening for centuries, but that there are already more and more cases where we have to deal with disasters, floods in particular, Scholz said.

Economy Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck also noted Sunday that climate change is causing more severe weather events.

What we are seeing is that the frequency of these events is increasing significantly. Record floods occur every few years  record rainfall every few years, Habeck, of the Greens Party, told broadcaster n-tv.

Deadly floods hit Western Europe in 2021, with at least 220 people killed between July 12 and 15, mostly in Germany.

Analysis into that event by climate scientists found that the record rainfall which triggered the deadly floods was made between 1.2 and nine times more likely by human-caused climate change.

Other areas of Europe have also been affected by heavy rainfall in recent days.

Firefighters near the city of Udine in Northeastern Italy said Sunday they recovered the bodies of two young women who were swept away by strong currents in the Natisone river, which was swollen by the precipitation. Firefighters say they are looking for the body of a third person.

Slovenia was hit by flooding Monday evening. The Radenci and Gornja Radgona municipalities, near the Austrian border, were the worst affected in the country, according to public broadcaster RTV SLO.

Likewise, flooding and landslides hit Croatias Krapina-Zagorje county, in the north of the country on the border with Slovenia, following heavy rainfall on Monday, according to public news agency HINA.

CNNs Barbie Nadeau and Louis Mian contributed to this report.

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A short time ago in a galaxy not so far away, a Star Wars action figure set a new auction record.

A small model of bounty hunter Boba Fett hammered down for $525,000 at Heritages first Star Wars Signature sale on May 31, becoming the most expensive vintage toy to be sold at auction. The rarityone of only two hand-painted, rocket-firing Boba Fetts still in existence, according to the auction housecomfortably eclipsed a one-of-a-kind vintage Barbie that sold for $302,000 in 2010 to claim the title. It also cemented itself as the priciest Star Wars action figure to be sold at auction, surpassing a rocket-firing Boba Fett that went for $236,000 in 2022.

More from Robb Report

A large part of the toys appeal is its legendary backstory. For the unversed, the Boba Fett saga began 45 years ago. In early 1979, toy company Kenner started spruiking an action figure based on the bounty-hunter character set to appear in The Empire Strikes Back the following year. The Boba Fett with a rocket-firing backpack couldnt be purchased in-store, rather it was part of a giveaway. All kids had to do was provide proof theyd purchased four other Kenner toys, then wait six to eight weeks for the mini bounty hunter to arrive. However, Kenner swiftly pulled the advertised toy from the production line after reports surfaced that Mattels missile-firing Battlestar Galactica toys had become choking hazards. The Boba Fett eventually rolled out, but the rocket was glued into place. The toy company added a Note to Consumers, stating The launcher has been removed from the product for safety reasons.

This hand-painted Boba Fett figurine is the only one with a gray head and appendages.

Kenner reportedly created as many as 100 prototypes of the rocket-firing Fett, many of which were saved from the trash by employees. This particular example is among the rarest, as it is the only one with its head and appendages painted gray. It was made at Kenner in Cincinnati and salvaged from a box of discarded toys left for employees. It eventually ended up with collector Justin Kerns, who once had nine unique survivors from the discarded lot.

The rocket-firing Boba Fett action figure long ago became such a mythic icon that people worldwide know about it even if they dont collect anything at all, Joe Maddalena, executive vice president at Heritage Auctions, said in a statement. We knew this one had a chance to enter the record books, and it was thrilling to see it become the most valuable vintage toy in the world.

Heritages Star Wars Signature auction realized just over $1.6 million, with the top two lots both Boba Fett figurines.

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This year's Book Arsenal was attended by more than 35,000 people, including high-ranking officials, including the Chief of the Main Intelligence Service of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, who, although unable to attend in person, still added new books to his home library. Military topics are a priority for the military chief.

ADVERTISIMENT

On Facebook, Budanov even boasted that he had received autographs from several writers. Moreover, the DIU chief emphasized the importance of reading and publishing in times of war, as an educated society is an advantage for Ukrainians over Russians.

"This weekend, Kyiv hosted the 12th International Book Arsenal Festival, which brought together thousands of people, the best authors, and the most powerful publishing houses in the country. Despite the war and the constant danger of Russian attacks, the lines of people wishing to enter the book festival stretched for hundreds of meters. Ukrainians have once again demonstrated that a nation that loves and reads books will always defeat the enemy, who is zombified by Putin's TV," Budanov summarized.

ADVERTISIMENT

Most of the books shown by the DIU chief are by Ukrainian publicists. The entire list of purchased books can be found below:

Andriy Kokotiukha: "Black Fox";

Dzhokhar Dudayev: "Knight of Freedom";

Serhiy Rudenko: "Anatomy of Hate. Putin and Ukraine";

Oleksandr Kucheruk, Yuriy Cherchenko, Mykhailo Kovalchuk: "Yevhen Konovalets";

Harold G. Moore, Joseph L. Galloway: "We Were Soldiers... and Young";

Anton Sanchenko: "On the Black Sea Wave. The 33rd Century of the Dug Sea";

Vitalii Ohienko: "The Holodomor. The History of Unconscious Trauma".

Next to the new books was the two-volume Reims Gospel, a monument of Ukraine-Rus' history.

ADVERTISIMENT

"A nation that reads books always wins! As in all times, Russia does not stop trying to destroy Ukrainian thought: killing our writers and attacking publishing houses and printing companies. But the Ukrainian book still rises from the ashes of missile strikes, lives, develops, and continues to inspire millions of readers around the world," Budanov writes.

According to the Book Arsenal's Facebook page, the festival was attended by more than 35,000 people in total.

"This year's festival featured 100 Ukrainian publishing houses and 5 bookstores. The program included literary and professional events, events for children and teenagers, special programs from PEN Ukraine and the Fifth Kharkiv Festival," the organizers reported.

ADVERTISIMENT

In addition to Kyrylo Budanov, former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and his wife Maryna visited the Book Arsenal. They bought books that totaled "about five bags". In total, about fifty books were sent home.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that the first lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska also appeared among the rows of various Ukrainian publishers at the festival. Among non-fiction, she bought fiction and even well-known bestsellers.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Seven freshwater mussels found in Central Texas waterways are now classified under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced Monday.

The new classification also came with the designation of 1,577 river miles of critical habitat for the seven species, which are found in the Colorado, Guadalupe, Brazos and Trinity river basins, the release added.

Among the seven species flagged, six received endangered species listings:

Guadalupe fatmucket

Texas fatmucket

Guadalupe orb

Texas pimpleback

Balcones spike

False spike

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service deemed the seventh species earmarked, the Texas fawnsfoot, as a threatened listing. Mondays release noted the seven species were once prevalent in the four flagged basins, but their populations have since declined due to reduced water quality and habitat destruction.

Texas fatmucket mussels (Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

Texas pimpleback mussels in water (Courtesy Aubrey Buzek/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

Texas pimpleback mussel found on the San Saba River (Courtesy Aubrey Buzek/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

These latest classifications are designed to help support new and present conservation efforts already underway. Officials with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said existing partnership with Central Texas river authorities have helped minimize the Texas fawnsfoots endangerment, receiving a threatened listing instead of an endangered one.

Creative collaboration with Central Texas river authorities has led to some ground breaking conservation actions making it possible to list the Texas fawnsfoot as threatened, said Amy Lueders, the Services Southwest Regional Director, in the release. Thats important because it opens the door to more flexibility for solutions that reduce the threats to these mussels while boosting water quality in the watershed.

Lueders added in the release these seven freshwater mussels arent found anywhere else in the world, save for the rivers and streamways in Central Texas. The Brazos River Authority, the Lower Colorado River Authority, the Trinity River Authority and the Tarrant Regional Water District have each worked with the federal service to create voluntary Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances, or CCAAs.

The service is also working in tandem with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority on a Habitat Conservation Plan, the release noted.

A spokesperson for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department told KXAN four additional mussels species have been proposed for possible listings under the Endangered Species Act. Those are:

Texas heelsplitter

Louisiana Pigtoe

Salina mucket

Mexican fawnsfoot

The spokesperson said those four species have been classified as state-threatened mussels since 2010, adding TPWD is working with federal, state and academic partners along with other affiliates to aid listing classifications and help develop conservation measures.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A 7-vehicle car crash Tuesday morning closed all westbound lanes on Interstate 10 near Waveland and backed up traffic for hours on the Mississippi Coast, the state Highway Patrol said.

Six cars and one semi-truck crashed about 9 a.m., Cpl. Calvin Robertson said.

Four people were injured but none of the injuries are considered life threatening, he said.

Traffic cleared by 1 p.m.

The crash closed all westbound lanes near the Waveland exit and caused congestion down the interstate Tuesday morning. The Mississippi Department of Transportation estimated at 10 a.m. that delays would last another hour and 30 minutes.

Robertson said at 10:15 a.m. he expected authorities to open one lane within the next 30 minutes.

The crash came hours after MDOT warned of additional congestion and alternating lane closures at the Pearl River Bridge Tuesday morning. The agency warned all drivers to proceed with caution in the area and be prepared to stop.
This is a very unusual case, Lancaster County Sheriff Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said

Getty Stock image of funeral home

A 74-year-old woman thought to be dead was found breathing ahead of her funeral.

On Monday, June 3, the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office held a press conference where authorities identified Constance Glantz of Lincoln, Nebraska, as the individual who was nearly buried alive.

This is a very unusual case, Lancaster County Sheriff Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said during the press conference. Been doing this 31 years, and nothing like this has ever gotten to this point before.

Related: Elderly Woman Declared Dead in Ecuador Shockingly Comes Back to Life, Banging on Coffin During Her Wake

Around 9:45 a.m. local time, staff at The Mulberry nursing home in Waverly pronounced Glantz, who had been in hospice care, dead.

Her body was then transported to the Butherus-Maser & Love Funeral Home. However, at approximately 11:43 a.m., Lincoln Fire and Rescue was called for a medical emergency after a staff member at the funeral home noticed the woman was still breathing.

A spokesperson for the Lincoln Fire and Rescue said they responded to a CPR in progress.

Lancaster County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Lancaster County Sheriff's Office press conference

She was taken to a local hospital, and is still alive, Houchin said of Glantz.

LSO has been to the nursing home, and we have started our investigation into what happened. At this point, we have not been able to find any criminal intent by the nursing home, but the investigation is ongoing, he continued.

According to Houchin, the sheriffs department had not been dispatched earlier that day when staff at The Mulberry nursing home thought Glantz had died  authorities were only called once the funeral home staff member realized she was still breathing.

Related: N.Y. Nursing Home Under Investigation After Woman Declared Dead Found Breathing at Funeral Home

Getty Stock image of funeral home

It did not fall into those parameters for them to have to call us to have to do a coroner investigation, Houchin explained. Those are a death of a patient whose death is anticipated, which this was, and a physician had seen her in the last seven days, and the physician was willing to sign the death certificate, and that there was nothing suspicious at the time of the death.

All of those fit, Houchin said of why his deputies were not initially dispatched to the nursing home.

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.

He added that Glantzs family had been notified of the situation.

Houchin also took questions from the media, where he confirmed that at least one nurse was with Glantz before the funeral home employee discovered her to be still breathing. He also said there are usually two people present to transport the body, but he was unsure how many people had done that part of it.

Were still ongoing with the investigation and trying to determine what transpired in it, Houchin said.



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Read the original article on People.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  David Abbasi, former candidate for Kern County 5th District Supervisor, received new legal representation Monday after the Public Defenders Office declared it had a conflict in representing him on allegations he made annoying or harassing calls to 911 and the sheriffs communications center.

Specifically, Deputy Public Defender Richard Jackson and his wife are friends with Supervisor Leticia Perez  whose seat Abbasi ran for and against whom Abbasi has repeatedly lobbed accusations of wrongdoing.

During Mondays hearing, Abbasi asked if Perez told Jackson not to take his case.

I have not talked with her for three months or more, Jackson said.

Abbasi was assigned attorney Zaura Villagomez through the Indigent Defense Program. Hes due back in court June 10.

Abbasi was arrested twice in March, first for repeatedly calling 911. Abbasi told 17 News he called the emergency number multiple times because a neighbor with whom he shares a wall was smoking indoors and he feared the smoke would trigger an asthma attack.

Within a week, Abbasi was arrested again, this time for alleged annoying or harassing calls to the staff of the Kern County Sheriffs Office.

Abbasi made 181 calls in total, according to court documents filed by sheriffs investigators. Prosecutors in late April charged him with two misdemeanors: making annoying calls to 911 and making annoying or harassing calls to the Kern County Sheriffs Office.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala (WDHN)  A Henry County man accused of shooting a pregnant 19-year-old from Florida to death last summer is maintaining his innocence based on mental defect in a new plea.

During his arraignment on Tuesday, Marquis McCloud pled not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

McCloud is charged with one count of Capital Murder-Kidnapping and one count of Capital Murder-Two or More Persons in the murder of 19-year-old Anastasia Gilley and her 4-month-old fetus.

Gilleys badly decomposed body was found in a Houston County field in early May 2023 after she went missing from her Jackson County home.

At the time of the murder, Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza said Gilley may have wilfully met McCoud in person after speaking with him through social media.

According to Sheriff Valenza, at some point after meeting in person, McCloud began holding Gilley against her will and then shot her to death in the field off Headland Avenue.

McClouds indictment from October 2023 claims McCloud shot Gilley multiple times.

McClouds trial is tentatively set to begin on July 29.

Houston County District Attorney Russ Goodman says he plans to prosecute this case personally, and if McCloud is convicted, his office will seek the death penalty.

Stay with WDHN for updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
SUSSEX, Va.  Before the theme song to another Saturday morning cartoon blared from the TV, Shannequia Gays aunt urged her and her little cousin to go outside to play. The pair hopped on their bikes and rode around the Waverly Village Apartments in Virginia.

As the spring air brushed across their cheeks, the echoes from the kids giggles were silenced shortly after 11:14 a.m. when the 9-year-old witnessed the murder of a police officer that took place in the woods behind the complex.

Hours later, on the night of April 25, 1998, investigators asked Gay to look through a photo lineup to identify a man she said she saw struggling with police officer Allen W. Gibson. She said a man with locs pulled back into a ponytail was wearing a white T-shirt that she later saw stained with blood. Her account was documented in cursive on three pages that was written by a law enforcement official with the Sussex County Sheriffs Office. Her signature was handwritten, too, and seemed to match another signatory.

Thats my name. I didnt even know I could write in cursive at that age, the now 34-year-old told a Sussex Circuit Court judge during a crucial hearing last month.

In the hours after the first and only on-duty fatal shooting of a police officer in Waverly, a small town about an hour away from Richmond, Terence Jerome Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne were a part of a round-up of Black male suspects police gathered in the area. Waverly is a suburban-rural-mixed town with a population of nearly 2,700 made up mostly of Black and white residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Richardson and Claiborne both maintained their innocence, but after a pretrial hearing, they were charged with capital murder which meant they were facing the death penalty. Afraid of trying their luck with a jury, they took a plea deal in a Virginia court to involuntary manslaughter charges. The two were later tried in federal court, where they were convicted on drug charges but were acquitted by a jury of murder. But heres where their story took a strange turn.

The judge in the federal case put aside the jurys acquittal and instead sentenced the pair to life in prison. The judge, Robert E. Payne, used a controversial legal precedent and took Richardson and Claibornes guilty plea in state court to apply it to the federal case.

Decades later, Richardson is hoping to finally be free. After the two-day hearing in May, he learned on his 53rd birthday that hes allowed to use newly discovered evidence to continue his 26-year legal battle to overturn his federal and state convictions.

Gay, her statements, as well as other evidence that named another suspect in Gibsons death, had been hidden from prosecutors and defense attorneys for nearly two decades. Without those key pieces of evidence, attorneys for Richardson and Claiborne in their state murder case were stifled from putting on their best defense.

In 2018, Jarrett Adams, an attorney for Richardson and Claiborne, filed several petitions in Virginia courts on behalf of Richardson that rose to the states Supreme Court. An evidentiary hearing was ordered to prove that previously suppressed evidence can now be considered to prove Richardsons innocence. Claibornes case will be handled separately.

While there is still more work to be done, this evidentiary hearing represents a significant victory for Richardson, Claiborne and the family of Officer Gibson, who deserve to know the truth about what happened, said Adams, co-founder of Life After Justice, a legal advocacy nonprofit organization.

Prior to the May 22 hearing, attorneys for Richardson spent years trying to contact Gay about that fateful morning. Following a series of I dont remember responses, the judge said that he did not fault the young woman for her memory being foggy.

Before Gay finished her testimony, she asked for Richardson to turn his face and look in her direction from the defense table. Wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, Richardson, with his mostly salt-and-pepper colored hair cornrowed straight back, obliged. He remained handcuffed throughout the several hours of witness testimony and occasionally took notes.

Mr. Richardson, look at me. I always thought I would remember if I saw you, Gay said as she leaned in closer from the witness stand. Nope, I dont remember if I saw you or not. I havent seen him.

A guilty plea to avoid the death penalty

Richardson and Claiborne have been dubbed by journalist Kerri OBrien as the Waverly Two.

The federal jury had convicted them on drug charges. Yet, there were no drugs in the car, no drugs found on them and no drugs found at their home, and the whole case is built on a conspiracy to sell crack cocaine. So, wheres the drugs? OBrien questioned in 2018. And they were found not guilty of the murder. Yet, they were sentenced to life behind bars.

Police said Gibson was on patrol in the neighborhood that morning when he reportedly attempted to stop the pair from committing a drug trafficking offense. Gibson, a 25-year-old rookie officer and single dad, was shot with his own service weapon. Prosecutors said Richardson, then 27, was the shooter. Claiborne, then 22, was present for the alleged botched drug bust and that made him equally responsible for the homicide, according to heavily criticized felony murder laws.

The stakes were high for whoever would be prosecuted by the Sussex County commonwealth attorney.

As local and state law enforcement officers randomly rounded up Black men in the area and brought them in for questioning, Gay provided a description that matched Gibsons dying declaration of what his assailants looked like.

Gibson was shot in the abdomen as he said he struggled for his gun with a tall, skinny Black male with locs. The alleged shooter was wearing a white T-shirt and an old blue baseball cap. The other alleged suspect was short, balding and had a medium-build, according to the last words spoken by Gibson and relayed during an October 1998 probable cause hearing by a Virginia state trooper who responded to the scene minutes after the shooting.

The record does not reveal why they eventually became the chief targets of the investigation, as neither matched Officer Gibsons description  Mr. Richardson was shorter than Officer Gibson and wore his hair in cornrows; Mr. Claiborne was tall and bald, according to Richardsons petition for appeal.

It wasnt until 2017 when Adams thumbed through Richardsons state investigation file and grew suspicious of scattered mentions of Gay. Adams then requested Richardsons federal investigation file that contained thousands of pages of documents that were not turned over and were favorable for their defense in the state case.

Jarrett Adams, Richardsons attorney and co-founder of Life After Justice, is seen walking out of Sussex Circuit Court on May 22. (Christina Carrega/Capital B)

Adams, who is an exoneree, filed a petition in April 2021 to prove Richardsons innocence and submitted a pardon application with the Justice Departments pardon attorney to get President Joe Bidens attention. Former President Donald Trump denied his request to commute his sentence in 2017, records show.

Their petition received support from Gibsons daughter and the former states attorney general. But under a new regime, federal prosecutors quickly changed their tune by continuing to stand behind the convictions. Throughout the first day of the hearing in May, Brandon Wrobleski, senior assistant to the Virginia office of the attorney general, did just that by spewing dozens of objections related to any of the unearthed evidence.

Richardsons trial lawyer from 1998, David Boone, testified on behalf of his former client via video conference from his retirement home in Florida. Boone said if he had been privy to any of the newly discovered evidence, he would have crafted a different trial strategy and not encourage Richardson to take a plea.

Boone says he believed the former Sussex County Commonwealth Attorney J. David Chappell provided him with all forms of evidence his office had that was favorable to Richardsons defense  also known as Brady material. Chappell also testified during the hearing and agreed that he believes he did turn over all the favorable evidence.

The retired defense attorney said he was aware of Gay, but his private investigator didnt have luck speaking to her in person with her parents consent, and prosecutors didnt have her listed as a witness. Also, Richardsons alibi witness, Shawn Wooden, became the prosecutions star witness, giving inconsistent statements about his own role in the alleged drug operation.

If he went to trial it would be a great risk, Boone said, adding, This was 1998, in Sussex County. I have a young Black man accused of killing a police officer, a white police officer  knowing this was a capital murder case, it was too big of a risk.

Richardson pleaded guilty in December 1999 to involuntary manslaughter and received a 10-year prison sentence. Claiborne pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of accessory and served no jail time.

During Richardsons guilty plea hearing, Chappell listed the evidence stacked against Richardson to prove his guilt to a jury. There wasnt a mention of Gay, the photo array, or notes about an April 30, 1998, call to 911 from an anonymous male caller identifying another person who recently cut off his locs as a possible suspect.

Their backs were against the walls, Adams said, and if they didnt take those pleas, they would not have been alive today to fight to clear their name. The state abolished the death penalty in 2021.

How does someone get sentenced for an acquitted charge?

In 1999, there was public outcry over Richardson and Claibornes lenient sentences. This was Richardsons first conviction, and the case had several problems that Chappell said at the time may fall apart in front of a jury.

Less than a year into Richardsons 10-year sentence, Gay was 12 years old. In October 2000, federal investigators showed up at her home to interview her about Gibsons death. Her mom and dad were present in an adjacent room with a wall dividing them, according to court documents.

A month later, Richardson and Claiborne were federally indicted for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and murdering Gibson when he attempted to stop them from allegedly negotiating a sale. Once that single bullet exited Gibsons service weapon during a struggle and he died, Richardson and Claiborne became accessories to murder. This time, they took their chances with a jury. After an eight-day trial, they were acquitted of murder, but convicted of a drug trafficking charge.

During their September 2001 sentencing hearing, Judge Payne utilized a legal precedent  United States v. Watts  to sentence Richardson and Claiborne to life in prison by leaning on their guilty pleas from state court as a form of admission to their role in Gibsons death.

The Sentencing Commission and Congress  has concluded that any murder that occurs in the context of a drug trafficking crime merits punishment of the same effect as if its a first-degree murder charge, the assistant U.S. attorney said during their sentencing hearing.

Had Richardson and Claiborne been sentenced for their sole federal conspiracy drug trafficking conviction, they would have paid their debt to society two times over with the charges 10-year minimum sentence terms.

The conversation surrounding the use of United States v. Watts has been awaiting action by the U.S. Supreme Court since it ruled in 1997 that judges are allowed to consider conduct that an individual was previously acquitted of for sentencing in a separately convicted case.

Last month, the U.S. Sentencing Commission, an independent agency that tracks federal sentencing practices, voted to restrict the controversial practice and will consider retroactively applying those restrictions for those currently incarcerated for an offense they were acquitted of.

Nailing down an exact number of the over 158,000 individuals currently incarcerated in federal prison who were convicted after trial and acquitted of one or more of the charges against them, is not simple. Since less than 1% of cases go to trial, the U.S. Sentencing Commission was able to narrow those figures down to 13,500 individuals who went to trial, were convicted and sentenced to prison.

The researchers then took a random sample of 10% of those incarcerated individuals and estimated that 1,971 were acquitted of one or more of the charges against them and might benefit from retroactive application of the amendment.

Richardsons case may or may not have been included in that headcount, but it is an avenue Adams said his client will also pursue. Until those new rules are implemented, theyll continue to wait on the judicial process. In the coming weeks, Virginia 6th Circuit Court Chief Judge William Edward Tomko III will issue his written opinion that will grant the newly discovered evidence into Richardsons actual innocence appeal.

Yet, closure and some semblance of justice for the Richardson family is long overdue.

Iquisha Wyatt-Richardson was only 5 when her father was arrested, and her little brother was 2 by the time he was sentenced. As she got older, she often worried about her dad.

In 2015, she became a state prison guard where she saw and read about dozens of wrongfully convicted, mostly Black men, being released from prisons across the state. She was aware of how incarcerated people were often mistreated by her former colleagues and prayed her dad was spared by a prison guard like herself. She worked as a guard for seven years.

As the number of exonerees continues to grow each year, Wyatt-Richardson says that prisons may want to rethink and reform their punitive disciplinary policies to not be one-size fits all. Virginia has had 26 exonerations since 2015.

We just want my dad to have justice so he can be out here and be able to, not get time back because he cant do that, but to spend time with his family and everyone who has missed him all these years, she said. I have faith.

This story has been been updated. Terence Richardsons first name only has one r, not two as its written in court records. His attorneys are in the process of trying to correct that in official documents.

The post Acquitted of Murder Decades Ago, Virginia Man Serving Life Fights for His Freedom appeared first on Capital B News.
Tony-nominee Wendell Pierce shocked just about everyone when he tweeted on Tuesday night that he was discriminated against by a white landlord while trying to rent a Harlem apartment last year.

The star of hit shows including The Wire and Elsbeth, who earned a 2023 Tony nomination for his leading role in Broadways Death of a Salesman, shared the story to show that racism affects people of color no matter what their status is.

For those of you who dont understand my righteous anger Even with my proof of employment, bank statements and real estate holdings, a white apartment owner DENIED my application to rent the apartment in Harlem, of all places, Pierce wrote. Racism and bigots are real. There are those who will do anything to destroy lifes journey for Black folks. When you deny our personal experiences, you are as vile and despicable.

The MAGA agenda is to reward white supremacy socially and economically. This is a violent attack on Black women entrepreneurs. These white supremacists see everything through a zero sum lens. Opportunity only for them, education only for them, economic development only for them.  Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) June 4, 2024

His followers were overwhelmingly shocked that a man as successful as Pierce was still subject to Jim Crow-era treatment.

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Beast, Pierce said that he was moved to share the deeply personal story after the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a district courts decision and sided with the American Alliance for Equal Rights against the Fearless Fund. The ruling essentially blocked the fund from awarding grants to Black women-owned businesses in the Atlanta-area, saying it would inflict irreparable injury.

Affirmative Action Is Gutted. Nows the Time for Reparations

Pierce said he shared his story to show a personal example of how destructive and insidious bigotry and racism are, and how it is memorialized into what institutionalized racism is.

He said the whole move to block the investment firm reminded him of a phrase from the Civil Rights Movement.

When evil people plot, good people plan, Pierce told The Daily Beast. It was a call to action for me. It infuriated me, but I realized that that meant nothing if I didnt try to shed light on it, and thats what Im trying to do.

The law was put in place to protect former slaves from discrimination. Edward Blum, an opponent of affirmative action, has argued its text means that race cant be considered at all in contractual relationships, Pierce wrote on X. Private funding blocked by the courts. NOT TAX DOLLARS.

Private investment into Black businesses being blocked with laws in place to prevent discrimination against Black businesses. The racist irony, Pierce added. Racist, bigoted, fascist Americans who burned down Black Wall Street in Tulsa 100 years ago are still alive and well.

It makes me sick motherfucker how far you will go to destroy our ability to live our lives in peace and prosperity, he said. Attacked in schools, attacked by police, attacked for expecting to live the stated values of this country, and attacked when successful in business. We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal. For generations we have embraced that lie as the violence against our community proves otherwise. Its getting harder to stay in denial, America.

Republicans Actually Love Affirmative Action (for Themselves)

Pierce told the Beast hed understand if the decision was concerning public funds, but denying private funds would end up hurting many other organizations.

That means every Black church that wants to give to a kid in that congregationthat is illegal. If a women engineers group wants to help young women get scholarships for school to go into sciencesthat is illegal, Pierce explained. If a business sees the benefit of going to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and hiring some of the students that are coming out of that talentthey are saying that that is illegal. It sets a precedent that I felt as though it was going under the radar, very stealth by folks who do not have our best interests at heart.

Pierce called the ruling one of the most devastating in history and said that if this is the policy for firms providing grants for Black women-owned businesses, then the same should apply for companies like J.P. Morgan, which privately runs a food and welfare program, and ExxonMobil, which gets tax breaks for its association in the oil industry.

In my industry, 33% tax credits are given to Hollywood studios to bring production to Louisiana, Georgia, and many other states. Oil companies are given subsidies to develop and drill for oil. TAX DOLLARS GIVEN AS CORPORATE WELFARE, he said in his Twitter comments. Yet a private investor wants to invest in Black women investors with private equity and the racist agenda of the right wing seeks to destroy any economic development in the Black community. As a businessman, thats a violent personal attack. Venture capital denied by the court.

According to its website, the American Alliance for Equal Rights believes that the ancient faith that gave birth to our nations civil rights laws is the principle that an individuals race should not be used to help them, or harm them, in their lifes endeavors.

However, nowhere on the site does it mention how systemic racism has been put in place to prevent specific groups of people from achieving equality and how equity is a tool to help reverse those discriminatory policies.

Programs that exclude certain individuals because of their race such as the ones the Fearless Fund has designed and implemented are unjust and polarizing, American Alliance for Equal Rights President and anti-affirmative action advocate Edward Blum said after the ruling, according to The Wall Street Journal. Significant majorities of all Americans believe that an individuals race should not be a factor in our nations public policies.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Ad quotes Robinson on abortion: Women should keep your skirt down. What else he said.

Democrat Josh Steins campaign is out with a million-dollar ad buy in the governors race against Republican candidate Mark Robinson, focused on abortion using Robinsons own words.

The campaign is spending more than $1 million this week on the ad that is airing on a mix of broadcast, streaming and digital platforms. It shows various video clips of Robinson, who was elected lieutenant governor in 2020, talking about abortion  including in a 2019 Facebook Live video that was previously unreported.

Abortion in this country is not about protecting the lives of mothers. Its about killing the child because you werent responsible enough to keep your skirt down, a video clip of Robinson on Facebook Live shows.

The full video, which Robinson broadcast on Jan. 24, 2019, is about 20 minutes long. Before the comments, he talks about abortions in New York City.

It kills me, somebodys always talking about babies that are dying, and mothers that are in trouble, Robinson said. Everybody knows that abortion in this country is not about protecting the lives of mothers. It is about convenience. It is about abortion on demand. That is exactly what its about.

Its about killing the child because you werent responsible enough to keep your skirt down or your pants up  and not get pregnant by your own choice, because you felt like getting your groove thing on. And now instead of taking care of that child, you want to kill that child so your life can go on, being on easy street and you can keep running to the club every Friday night.

He goes on to say he thinks 99% of abortions are for those reasons, not because they are poor. He talks about growing up in poverty and how his mother did not choose abortion.

He also talks about a culture of death bringing the wrath of God. Robinson also says the sexual revolution of the 1960s has ended up in broken homes and disease, AIDS, and unwanted pregnancies, massive amounts of abortion.

Robinson has previously acknowledged that he and his now-wife, Yolanda Hill, once decided to end her pregnancy in abortion.

It was the hardest decision we have ever made, Robinson said in 2022. Sadly, we made the wrong one. This decision has been with us ever since. Its because of this experience and our spiritual journey, that we are so adamantly pro-life.

In Robinsons 2019 Facebook Live, he says we are all sinners, and urges people to ask God for forgiveness. He tells viewers he is passionate about the issue and could go on and on and on. He said for those who comment on his page to come on, keep coming, keep getting mad, keep getting angry, because you aint changing me, you aint swaying me.

After about 14 minutes, Robinson moves on to talk about gun rights and being nominated to the National Rifle Association board, and asks viewers to buy We are the majority T-shirts.

He ends with saying that the fight against abortion is not political, but spiritual.

In a speech at the Raleigh March for Life in January 2023, Robinson did not mention his own experience with abortion. He said that abortion is not compatible with this nation, the same way slavery was not compatible with this nation. We speak of life and liberty, how can you have life and liberty if you end life in the womb, and do not give people their freedom after theyre born? The N&O previously reported.

Robinson campaign response

The Stein ad also shows a video clip of Robinson talking about abortion on the radio show of state Rep. Jeff McNeely, an Iredell County Republican.

Robinsons campaign took issue with that part of the ad, calling it deceptively edited.

Steins ad leads off with a deceptively edited clip meant to mislead the viewer. Once again, he is twisting words to falsely smear his opponent because he has no real plan to offer the voters, Robinson campaign spokesperson Mike Lonergan told The N&O in a statement.

In the ad, Robinson tells McNeely that if I had all the power right now, lets say I was the governor, I had a willing legislature, we could pass a bill that says you cant have an abortion in North Carolina for any reason.

On the show, Robinson goes on to say: Would that stop abortions? No sir, and talks about people going to other states.

In that same episode, he talks about supporting a heartbeat bill.

Lonergan has said that Robinson would sign a heartbeat ban bill. Such a law would ban abortion after cardiac activity is detected, or around five or six weeks into pregnancy. Robinsons campaign said previously that Robinson supports exceptions to a heartbeat ban for rape, incest and the life of the mother, but not at what number of weeks pregnancy.

Cooper: Robinsons stunning comment

Asked about what Robinson is shown saying in the ad  as well as Robinson saying Republicans were right about House Bill 2, the now-repealed bathroom bill that led to economic boycotts of the state  Cooper said:

Its just another stunning comment that shows why he should not be governor.

Current NC abortion law

The current law in North Carolina, passed when the Republican supermajority overrode Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto in 2023, bans abortion after 12 weeks, with exceptions up to 20 weeks for rape, incest and medical emergency; and up to 24 weeks for life-limiting fetal anomaly.

Medical emergency is defined in the law, Senate Bill 20, as A condition which, in reasonable medical judgment, so complicates the medical condition of the pregnant woman as to necessitate the immediate abortion of her pregnancy to avert her death or for which a delay will create serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, not including any psychological or emotional conditions.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is calling on the FCC to allow cell phone jammers inside state prisons and local jails.

The FCC currently prohibits the use of cell phone jammers, and that prohibition extends to state and local governments. Yet in prisons and jails throughout the country, contraband cell phones are being used to plan and orchestrate violent attacks and other criminal activity, posing a real and substantial safety risk to correctional officers, visitors, inmates, and the public at large, a news release from Carrs office said on Tuesday.

Channel 2 Action News has reported extensively on the issues within metro jails of inmates having cell phones, some even organizing outside crimes with them.

This outdated guidance limits legitimate law enforcement tools, presents dangerous conditions for correctional officers, and allows for the escalation of criminal networks both inside and outside prison walls, Carr said.

Nearly 8,100 cell phones were confiscated inside Georgia jails last years, Carrs office said, and another nearly 5,500 just this year alone.

RELATED STORIES:

As attempts to infiltrate our facilities with contraband cell phones evolve, access to jamming technology is paramount in our efforts to combat those attempts. We appreciate the support of Attorney General Carr in our ongoing commitment to public safety and the safe operations of our facilities, Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said.

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff entered a bill last month that would impact federal prisons, making the penalty for having contraband cell phones a felony instead of a misdemeanor.

Without it being a felony, there arent serious enough consequences that would result in people potentially facing a jail sentence for doing it, said Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz.

Ossoff said under current law, its difficult even to fire a prison guard caught smuggling contraband. He said changing this to a felony would fix that.

The Bureau of Prisons was unable to crack down on the flow of contraband in and out of federal prison facilities because smuggling contraband in and out, is just a misdemeanor in the federal criminal code. Unbelievable, Ossoff said.

A report from the Inspector General earlier this year found the Atlanta facility had more non-natural deaths behind bars between 2014 and 2021 than any other federal prison. Seventeen inmates have died here in Atlanta.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer's daughter, 19-year-old Clementine De Vere Drummond, attended the Dior fashion show that recently took place at Drummond Castle in Scotland. Netizens saw a striking resemblance between mother and daughter.

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Clementine's appearance marked her solo social debut. The young beauty was dressed in an ankle-length leather trench coat, El Espanol writes. She emphasized her waist by tying a black belt.

Following the rule "less is more", DeVere Drummond refused to use accessories and bright colors. The girl's dramatic look was reminiscent of her mother Claudia Schiffer's style in the 90s.

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It's interesting that Clementine's surname and the name of the castle coincide for a reason. The fact is that her father, British director Matthew Vaughan, learned about his roots at the age of 30. It turned out that Matthew's father was not the American actor Robert Vaughn, but Earl George Elbert Harley De Vere Drummond, who left the celebrity's mother shortly before his son was born.

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The British aristocrat was the godson of King George VI, the father of Elizabeth II. He was a member of the Drummond family, which built the eponymous castle in Scotland. Currently, Matthew Vaughan uses his old surname in his official and personal life, but in his professional life, he has kept his former name.

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U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland testifies Tuesday before the House Judiciary Committee on Oversight of the U.S. Department of Justice on Capitol Hill. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

June 4 (UPI) -- Attorney General Merrick Garland sought to defend the Justice Department from conspiracies and "repeated attacks" in testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

In his opening remarks during the hearing in the GOP-led chamber that said it sought to "examine how the DOJ has become politicized and weaponized" under his leadership, Garland, called out "certain members" he claimed are seeking to charge him with contempt "as a means of obtaining -- for no legitimate purpose -- sensitive law enforcement information that could harm the integrity of future investigations."

The Oversight and Judiciary committees sought to hold Garland in contempt last month after he and the Justice Department declined to release audio recordings from special counsel Robert Hur's investigation into President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents.

"This effort is only the most recent in a long line of attacks on the Justice Department's work," Garland said on Tuesday.

Biden last month invoked executive privilege to block the release of the documents and attempt to shield Garland from the charges.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland slammed the "repeated attacks" and "conspiracy" theories floated by Republicans about the Justice Department being weaponized against former President Donald saying, "I will not be intimidated." Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

Hur released a report on the conclusion of his investigation in February declining to file charges against Biden that also included comments that questioned the president's memory. The Republicans, who are in possession of the transcripts, which were made public in March, issued a subpoena in demand of the recordings as part of their impeachment investigations into the president.

Garland answered a wide-range of questions from Republicans and got into a heated exchange with Rep. Matt Gaetz, R- Fla., who clashed with Garland over if DOJ will release alleged communications with prosecutors involved in Trump's other legal imbroglios.

Garland's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee arrives as Republican lawmakers seek to hold Garland in contempt of Congress over special counsel Robert Hurs investigation into President Joe Bidens handling of classified documents.Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

A spokesperson for the Justice Department said earlier that the 86th attorney general's intent on Tuesday was to reject "false narratives regarding the Department's employees and their work."

Garland told lawmakers he views contempt "as a serious matter," but that he will "not jeopardize the ability of our prosecutors and agents to do their jobs effectively in future investigations."

At the hearing during his opening remarks, Garland called out certain members of the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees who, he claimed, are seeking contempt as a means of obtaining -- for no legitimate purpose -- sensitive law enforcement information that could harm the integrity of future investigations. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

"I will not be intimidated. And the Justice Department will not be intimidated," he said. "We will continue to do our jobs free from political influence. And we will not back down from defending democracy."

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, took aim at the Justice Department over former President Donald Trump's conviction on 34 counts related to falsifying business records to facilitate hush-money payments seeking to cover up alleged affairs during his remarks Tuesday as he said justice "is no longer blind in America," he claimed.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday enters a House Judiciary Committee hearing before giving his testimony on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

"Today it's driven by politics. Example number one is President Trump," the Ohio Republican said.

Garland disputed unfounded claims by Republicans that state prosecutors brought charges against Trump at the urging of the U.S. Justice Department despite the fact the federal government declined to prosecute.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland getting sworn-in on Tuesday before the House Judiciary Committee on Oversight of the U.S. Department of Justice on Capitol Hill. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

He called the "repeated attacks" on the Justice Department "unprecedented and they are unfounded," adding how such attacks "have not, and they will not, influence our decision-making."

"It comes alongside false claims that a jury verdict in a state trial, brought by a local district attorney, was somehow controlled by the Justice Department," said Garland. "That conspiracy theory is an attack on the judicial process itself."

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland was on Capitol Hill on Tuesday where he slammed Republicans for "repeated attacks" and "conspiracy" theories. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

The Judiciary Committee's ranking Democrat Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., accused his Republican colleagues of not caring "about what's in the interest of the American people.

"They just care about getting their favorite felon back in the White House," Nadler commented Tuesday, also saying his Republican counterparts are "little more than a field office for the Trump campaign."

U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz R-FL questions Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday before the House Judiciary Committee on Oversight of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

Trump's ex-national security adviser John Bolton said last week that enemies of the United States rejoice when citizens question their institutions.

"It's dangerous to question the integrity of our entire legal system," said Bolton, who was also an appointee of former President George W. Bush.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said Tuesday during his remarks that justice is no longer blind in America, he claimed. Today its driven by politics. Example number one is President Trump." Photo by Annabelle Gordon/UPI.
Air quality alert: Northern Ohio is under the threat of poor air quality on Tuesday

There's a risk of poor air quality across northern Ohio on Tuesday. Yellow indicates poor air quality.

There is an Air Quality Alert for much of northern Ohio.

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency has issued a warning that ground level ozone could reach harmful levels on Tuesday in eight northern Ohio counties.

The impacted counties include: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties.

Compounding the air quality will be the temperatures on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service says highs in the region are expected to be near 90 degrees with little or no wind.

Northeast Ohio air quality: Will Canadian wildfires create another hazy summer for Northeast Ohio?

Some relief is expected on Wednesday with slightly lower temperatures and showers and even isolated severe thunderstorms in the forecast.

The advisory will run through midnight on Tuesday.

Officials warn that air quality levels in the region on Tuesday could be unhealthy for sensitive groups including children, the elderly and those with breathing difficulties.

What should I do when there's an Air Quality Alert?

There are ways residents can help to reduce pollution during the air quality alerts.

These are things residents can do:

Drive less. Bike, walk, use transit to get around, work from home and combine trips

Don`t idle vehicles. Turn off the engine.

Refill your gas tank after sunset.

Wait to mow the lawn.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Air quality alert issued for Northeast Ohio
A new government tool aims to clarify the benefits troops and their families can receive from Americas 10 largest airlines to make their air travel easier.

The U.S. Department of Transportations Support Our Troops dashboard offers a chart comparing each airlines policies on fee waivers, free luggage and refunds for military families during personal travel, or when travel plans change because of a military order. Four companies  Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines  offer some combination of those perks, according to the chart.

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways and United Airlines are also included in the roundup but have not committed to provide current troops and their families with additional benefits.

In April, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg sent a letter to the CEOs of these 10 largest airlines, urging them to improve their military travel benefits and publicize them more effectively.

The department appreciates that carriers currently provide active duty service members and their families various military travel benefits, Buttigieg wrote. However, these benefits are not consistently detailed in carriers public-facing customer service plans, resulting in many service members being unaware of them.

The travel benefits often do not fully address the needs of service members who may need to cancel or change personal travel plans due to military directives, Buttigieg added.

Following the letter, Spirit, Allegiant and Frontier stepped up their existing commitments to troops and families, according to the Department of Transportation.

Six others  Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue and United  declined to make clear and enforceable promises of extra benefits, the department said.

Airlines are required to stick to the benefits outlined in their customer service plans, including commitments to care for service members and their families. The department pledges to hold airlines accountable if they fail to do so.

To build the new Support Our Troops dashboard, DOT and Pentagon officials collaborated to evaluate airlines on four basic commitments the government believes are the top priorities for troops and families on the go:

Whether they waive cancellation fees and ensure full refunds for service members and accompanying family members who cancel travel plans because of a military order or directive (documentation may be required). Three airlines make this commitment.

Whether they waive change fees for service members and accompanying family members who reschedule flights because of a military order or directive (documentation may be required). Four airlines make this commitment.

Whether they offer at least one free standard carry-on and at least two free standard checked bags for service members and their accompanying spouse and children, with appropriate identification such as a valid military ID. Four airlines make this commitment.

Whether they provide the lowest fare for a flight for immediate family members to visit service members recently injured in the line of duty, with supporting documentation. Two airlines make this commitment.

Two airlines  Allegiant and Spirit  pledge to provide all four benefits.

Airlines might offer additional perks to troops and their families, but for those benefits to be reflected on the dashboard, the airlines are required to make those commitments in their customer service plan and provide them to all service members, the department said in a release.

The dashboard applies to current members of the military who are serving or may be called to serve, and who hold a current military ID. That includes members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, National Guard and reserve components; cadets of the military academies and the Merchant Marine Academy; the U.S. Public Health Services Commissioned Corps and Ready Reserve Corps; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations officer corps.

More information is available on the airlines websites or by contacting customer service agents.

The military community can also compare prices and snag discounts on upcoming travel through the Defense Departments American Forces Travel website, which offers deals on flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel packages, and event tickets.
Antoine Mordican, CEO of Native Black Cultivation, holds part of a cannabis plant at his growing facility in Bessemer. (Courtesy of Antoine Mordican. Photo by Amir Muhammad, Quail King Productions)

One grower is nearing the first medical cannabis harvest despite ongoing delays in the states licensing process.

Antoine Mordican, CEO of Native Black Cultivation and a medical cannabis cultivation license holder, said he would like to get product into the market, but he doesnt think that will be feasible unless a restraining order on dispensaries is lifted.

My goal is to go ahead and get everything harvested, dry store it, get it tested, so I can know and understand the quality of the flower product that I do have, and just keep moving forward, keep expanding, keep growing, Mordican said.

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Medical cannabis suppliers have yet to sell products three years after the Alabama Legislature approved the medical marijuana program in 2021.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) began accepting applications in late 2022. The AMCC initially issued licenses in June but voided them due to scoring inconsistencies, later rescinding awards again in August amid a lawsuit over Open Meetings Act violations. The AMCC issued new licensing rules in October. The commission issued licenses a third time in December, but litigation halted the licensing process again in January for dispensaries and integrated facilities.

The litigation over the charges has ground the process to a halt. Even if the lawsuits are resolved, it could be months before legal medical cannabis is available in dispensaries.

Brittany Peters, spokesperson for AMCC, said in a statement that the restraining order preventing dispensary licenses from being issued is preventing products from reaching the patients.

We do have cultivators who are preparing to harvest their first crops, and they are faced with the uncertainty of when that product can be sold to patients. Processor, secure transporter, and state testing laboratory licenses have been issued and those licensees are working toward commencing their operations, Peters said in a statement.

She said the investigative hearing process is ongoing in those license categories where no stay was imposed by the Court.

Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, the chair of the Senates Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee, said the ongoing litigation over the commissions licensing process had turned it into a money pit in a recent Contract Review Committee meeting.

Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), previously said to the Reflector that theres no way to tell how long the litigation process will take. Georgia  which does not have its program up to capacity after eight years of making low-THC medical cannabis products available for certain conditions  faced lawsuits because of limited licenses on its program. The state opened its first dispensary in 2023.

When the product is available, patients certified by participating physicians will be able to use medical cannabis for 15 conditions, including cancer, chronic pain, depression and Parkinsons Disease. Patients will have to apply for a card to obtain medical cannabis from licensed dispensers.

The law bans smoking cannabis or consuming it in food. Cannabis will be available in tablets, capsules, gelatins like gummies, oils, gels, creams, suppositories, transdermal patches, or inhalable oils or liquids. Cannabis gummies will only be allowed to be peach-flavored.

Attempts in the Legislature to address the ongoing litigation mostly failed this year. The only medical cannabis bill sent to Gov. Kay Ivey was HB 390, sponsored by Danny Crawford, R-Athens, which moves licensing powers for cultivators to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission.

SB 276, sponsored by Sen. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay, would have increased the maximum number of dispensary licenses from four to seven, required the commission to issue 10 licenses for integrated facilities, and increased processor licenses from four to six. It also required confirmation of licenses granted last year by June 15.

SB 306, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, would have restarted the licensing process and reduced some powers of the AMCC, with the Alabama Securities Commission verifying applications. Both bills stalled in the Senate and never reached a vote.

Melissa Mullins, a patient advocate, said that if the program is meant to benefit Alabamians who need cannabis medical benefits, then let dispensaries open while integrated facilities challenge the commission in court.

Integrated facilities  multimillion dollar operations that can grow, process and sell medical cannabis  have been at the center of the ongoing litigation regarding licenses.

Let the integrated facilities fight for the next 100,000 years for all I care but let the other parts of the program proceed. Lets get medication out to these patients while everybody else decides what they want to do, because that is possible, Mullins said.

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The post Alabama grower nears first medical cannabis harvest amid licensing delays appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
Alamogordo man dead from apparent stab wound; case being investigated as homicide

Alamogordo man dead from apparent stab wound; case being investigated as homicide

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 65-year-old man was found dead in an Alamogordo home over the weekend from an apparent stab wound, and the incident is being investigated as a possible homicide, according to the Alamogordo Police Department.

At around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, Alamogordo patrol officers conducted a welfare check at the 800 block of Second Street, according to Alamogordo Police.

Once officers arrived, they found the man dead with an apparent stab wound, Alamogordo Police said.

The case is ongoing and is being investigated by the Twelfth Judicial District Major Crimes Unit, consisting of multiple law enforcement agencies in Southern New Mexico, according to Alamogordo Police.

The Alamogordo Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact Detective Sgt. Mark Esquero at (575) 439-4300.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Fatos Bytyci and Florion Goga

GJADER, Albania (Reuters) - Construction workers in Albania are working hard to transform a former military air base into an Italian-run migrant centre ahead of a progress-check by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni this week.

Meloni is expected to visit the former air field in Gjader on Wednesday - days before elections to the European Parliament - as bulldozers are levelling the soil to accommodate new white containers arriving from Italy.

Italy agreed a deal with Albania to set up the centre in Gjader and another in the sea side town of Shengjin 20 kilometers away to host migrants rescued at sea by Italian boats while their asylum applications are processed.

"Someone has honored us before by accepting us as refugees and we now have to do the same," said Gjok Prenga, a pensioner from Gjader, where white containers can be seen from his house. "I see no problem from migrants arriving here."

It remains unclear when the centres will be operational. An initial deadline to open them in the spring has already passed.

The deal has drawn criticism from human rights activists who say it will be harder for Italian courts to promptly process asylum requests or appeals from people hosted in another country, and lengthy procedures could put an unjustified burden on migrants.

Many in Albania fear it could impact the country's security and its tourist industry.

The deal was challenged in Albania's Constitutional Court in January but the verdict was in favour of the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

While UN officials have criticised the Italy-Albania deal, the European Commission has said it does not appear to breach EU law as it falls outside its jurisdiction.

A similar deal between Britain and Rwanda has also been hotly contested. A UK government lawyer said on Monday that Britain intends to begin deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda on July 24.

(Reporting by Fatos Bytyci; Editing by Christina Fincher)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Cheers went up in the Albuquerque City Council chamber as councilors rejected a controversial move to dial back parts of the citys immigrant-friendly policy. The policy prevents the city from helping federal officers enforce immigration laws.

Albuquerque City Council decides how to spend funds from sale of dog park

The bill, introduced by Councilors Brook Bassan and Renee Grout, would have created an exception if an immigrant is charged with a violent felony, human trafficking, or drug trafficking.

Santa Fe Archbishop John Wester joined immigration advocates inside city council chambers and outside city hall on Monday calling on councilors to keep the current policy intact. This amendment will not make Albuquerque any safer. instead, it will produce conditions that will further affect public safety for all its residents, said Archbishop Wester.

Councilors voted 5-4 against the change.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Aldo Leopold to hold classes at UWGB for remainder of the week following Tuesday morning fire

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  After a Tuesday fire canceled school at Aldo Leopold on Green Bays east side, the school announced the decision to hold classes at UWGB for the remaining three days.

According to the Green Bay Area Public School District, it was determined that it would be best not to hold school at Aldo Leopold for the rest of the week. This comes after a Tuesday morning fire that canceled school.

For the remaining three days, Aldo Leopold will reportedly have its classes at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The decision to not hold school at Aldo Leopold was made collaboratively with the Green Bay Metro Fire Department.

Former Fond du Lac Dock Spider makes MLB debut with St. Louis Cardinals

We are grateful for our partnership with UW-Green Bay and its willingness to support our students and staff at this time. Green Bay Area Public School District

The school district also thanked the following agencies for their help with the fire:

Green Bay Metro Fire Department

Brown County Public Safety Communications

Green Bay Police Department

City of Green Bay Public Works

City of Green Bay Building Inspection

Brown County Public Health

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.
Alligator found after 10 days on the loose in Missouri

June 4 (UPI) -- A small alligator that escaped from a petting zoo set up at a Kansas City, Mo., middle school was found outside the school 10 days later.

Lakeview Middle School sent an email to faculty and the families of students revealing the 14-inch gator was found outside a back door at the school by custodial workers.

The alligator escaped May 23 from a petting zoo set up at the school by third-party business Thorni Ridge Exotics. The disappearance sparked a probe by the KC Pet Project, but the search was called off after a few days.

The alligator, which was found with its mouth still taped shut, is now in the custody of the KC Pet Project.

"It's hard to say how he survived," shelter spokesperson Tori Fugate told The Kansas City Star. "But, I mean, I've been told by people who care for alligators that they can go quite a while without having food. It's more of, you know, they need heat, water and things like that."

The KC Pet Project is caring for the alligator while officials work to determine whether it will be returned to the petting zoo or placed in a new sanctuary home.

Officials earlier revealed that the proper permits had not been filed for the petting zoo, which was brought to the school to celebrate the end of the academic year.

Alligators are not legal to have in Kansas City.

Eric Smith, owner of Thorni Ridge Exotics, welcomed the news of Alex the alligator's return.

"We never quit looking for him," Smith told KCTV.
To mark the first wedding anniversary of Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, the royal Jordan family showed photos of the princess pregnant with her first child. It is known that the heir to the throne will be born in the summer.

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For the camera, Princess Rajwa posed in a bright red dress by Alice + Olivia, which emphasized the shape of her rounded tummy thanks to an elastic band under her breasts. The photos published by the Arabian Royal Agency show that the royal gathered the front strands of hair at the back of her head and made light waves.

She complemented her weightless look with long gold earrings in the shape of a fan, and put on a double bracelet with jewels on her right hand.

These photos are her first public photos as an expectant mother.

It is known that Prince Hussein of Jordan and Princess Rajwa got married on June 1 last year. Guests from all over the world were invited to the celebration, including Prince and Princess William and Princess Kate of Wales and U.S. First Lady Jill Biden with her granddaughter.

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On April 10 of this year, shortly before the princess's 30th birthday, the royal family announced the upcoming addition to the family. The couple keeps the gender of the baby in secret.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The reptile was brought by a petting zoo without the proper permit, and the circumstances of its disappearance are still being investigated

KC Pet Project The alligator whose mouth was taped when it went missing from a Kansas City school

An alligator disappeared at a Missouri middle school while its mouth was taped shut. Over a week later, it was found alive  and with its snout still covered.

The reptile was last seen around 11 a.m. on May 23 at Lakeview Middle School, and was located on June 3, according to a Facebook post by the KC Pet Project, the non-profit that runs Kansas City animal shelter KC Campus for Animal Care.

At the time of its disappearance, officials said the reptile was unlikely to survive alone in the wild with its mouth taped shut, local outlet KSHB reported.

Related: Snakes Nearly on a Plane: Reptile Caught Trying to Enter the Dallas Fort Worth Airport

According to another local outlet, KCTV, the 14-inch-long gator was brought to Lakeview by Thorni Ridge Exotics Mobile Petting Zoo.

KC Pet Project said the company did not obtain the proper permit required by city code, and noted that the code also prohibits alligators in the city altogether.

KC Pet Project The search for the missing alligator in Missouri

Any type of event that showcases animals in Kansas City, Missouri, must have the proper permit to ensure the event is safe for all participants as well as the animals, said Tori Fugate, a spokesperson for the organization, per KSHB.

The petting zoo gator was part of an exhibit by an external company and was brought to the school as part of an end-of-year celebration, the organization said.

Following its disappearance, KC Pet Projects Animal Services Division arrived at the school to locate the gator, but the search was ultimately fruitless.

With the help of the Kansas City Fire Department, officers searched the school and surrounding grounds for the animal at the site of the school for several hours, but were unable to locate the animal, the non-profit wrote.

Days later, the reptiles luck turned around when Lakeview custodial staff located it outside the schools backdoor, according to an email obtained by KCTV.

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KC Pet Project The KC Pet Project located the missing alligator 11 days after it first went missing

The organization arrived swiftly on the scene to recover the reptile  and get it the help it needed.

The missing alligator has been located, alive, and was picked up by our Animal Services Division, KC Pet Project shared in a Facebook post on June 3.

We received an anonymous tip that it was discovered to be outside of the school, on the first day of summer school, the organization wrote, noting that the alligators mouth was still taped shut.

KC Pet Project said it brought the critter to its campus as quickly as possible, where it would be examined by a veterinarian who works with exotic pets.

An investigation into the alligators whereabouts for the past week is ongoing, the organization said.

Thorni Ridge Exotics LLC owner Eric Smith told PEOPLE in an emailed statement they are "thrilled" that the alligator was found.

"We are thrilled that Alex has showed back up at the back door of the school. From the pictures, he looks like he was taken care of," Smith wrote. "We are still waiting on the Kansas City Pet project to contact us back. We filed a police report for a stolen alligator a week ago Monday."

"Alexs enclosure is specifically made so he is not able to climb out or get out of the enclosure," Smith continued. "Someone had to have taken him out of his enclosure. We have done thousands of these events and have never had a single issue like this."



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Read the original article on People.
Allowing Ukraine to strike targets in Russia with German weapons does not threaten escalation  Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has emphasised that allowing Ukraine to use the weapons provided by Germany to strike targets in Russia will not lead to any escalation and is necessary for self-defence.

Source: European Pravda; German regional daily newspaper Rheinische Post, quoting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Details: In his comments on Monday, Scholz defended the change in Germany's position, which was first publicly announced last week.

Quote: "We are convinced that this will not lead to an escalation because - as the US president has also said - it is only a matter of being able to defend a major city like Kharkiv, for example," he said.

He added that the decision was made carefully, in consultation with partners.

Background:

Earlier, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius explained Berlin's decision to allow Ukraine to use German weapons against military targets in Russia as a "strategic adjustment to the changing situation".

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Already outlawed in Missouri, noncitizen voting ban will appear on statewide ballot

A national database run by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, shows that there have been fewer than 100 cases of voter fraud tied to noncitizens since 2002 (Mario Tama/Getty Images).

Missouris Constitution has banned noncitizens from voting since 1924. And state law requires individuals to verify they are a U.S. citizen in order to register to vote.

But GOP lawmakers contend the constitutional and statutory language isnt strong enough. Instead of saying that all citizens can vote, Republicans argue the state constitution should be changed to make it clear that only citizens can vote.

So on the final day of the 2024 legislative session last month, the GOP pushed through a proposal that would, among other things, ask voters to change all to only.

If they become a citizen, then absolutely I would welcome their engagement in our electoral process, state Sen. Ben Brown, a Republican from Washington, said while presenting the bill to a House committee. However, what I aim to do is to prevent the dilution of the voice of U.S. citizens.

Critics painted the proposal as nothing more than ballot candy designed to stoke anti-immigrant sentiment and trick voters into signing off on the amendments other provision  a ban on ranked-choice voting.

Marilyn McLeod, president of the League of Women Voters of Missouri, called the proposal a red herring at a legislative hearing last month.

Its already against the law, she said.

The idea that noncitizens could be illegally voting has become an election-year talking point for Republicans across the country, often echoing the baseless conspiracy theory spread by former President Donald Trump that millions of undocumented immigrants voted in the 2016 election.

A nationwide survey by the Brennan Center for Justice found the number of noncitizens suspected to have voted in the 2016 election was only around 30. A national database run by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, shows that there have been fewer than 100 cases of voter fraud tied to noncitizens since 2002, according to a recent count by The Washington Post.

The Ohio Secretary of States Office this year announced only 137 suspected noncitizens were discovered to be on that states rolls out of roughly 8 million voters. And the Georgia Secretary of States Office found that 1,634 noncitizens attempted to register to vote over a 25 year period, but all had been blocked by local election officials.

Yet in some states, even though noncitizens are prohibited from voting in federal elections, they have been permitted to cast a ballot for local candidates.

In 16 cities and towns in California, Maryland and Vermont, noncitizens are allowed to vote in some local elections, such as for school board or city council. In 2022, New Yorks State Supreme Court struck down New York Citys 2021 ordinance that allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections, ruling it violated the state constitution.

State Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican and a candidate for governor, said the language in the Missouri Constitution designed to prohibit noncitizen voting is similar to other states where the practice is taking place locally.

He believes Democrats in Missouri could follow suit.

So do I think that if (St. Louis) Mayor Tishaura Jones thought that there was an opportunity to start engaging noncitizens to vote in local St. Louis city municipal elections, would she do it using the same procedure thats happened to these other states? he said. I absolutely think she would. So for me, its important to put these additional protections in the constitution.

Already illegal?

In 1865, Missouri voters approved a new constitution abolishing slavery. The 1865 Drake Constitution, written by what were called Radical Republicans, took the vote away from former Confederates and extended it to immigrants who were not yet citizens but who had declared their intent to become one.

The provision rewarded the largest immigrant group in Missouri at the time, Germans, who were among the most anti-slavery, and therefore Radical Republican voters.

The franchise was taken away from noncitizens in 1924, when newcomers were more likely to come from eastern and southern Europe, in an amendment proposed by a state Constitutional Convention passed with 53.5% of the vote.

In addition to the century-old constitutional prohibition, state law also requires Missourians to declare whether they are a U.S. citizen when registering to vote. And Missouri Secretary of State Jay Aschroft, a Republican and candidate for governor, has repeatedly clarified over the years that state law says you have to be a citizen to register to vote.

Much of Missouris debate this year about noncitizen voting took place as part of a session-long fight over a Republican push to make it harder to amend the state constitution through the initiative petition process.

A campaign to legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability submitted more than 380,000 signatures to the Missouri Secretary of States office, paving the way for the proposed constitutional amendment to potentially land on the November ballot.

In response, Republicans hoped to raise the threshold for amending the constitution from a simple majority statewide to both a majority of votes statewide and a majority of votes in five of the states eight congressional districts.

Under that proposal, approximately 23% of voters could theoretically control the outcome, where a vote against an amendment in four districts would be enough to defeat it statewide.

Many Republican proponents of raising the bar for amending the constitution acknowledged its chances of winning voter approval was slim.

Raising the threshold is a loser and various states have proven thats a loser, Tim Jones, state director of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, said earlier this year.

So to bolster the amendments chances, Republicans added the noncitizen voting provision.

Senate Democrats refused to allow the proposal to go to the ballot with the noncitizen language, arguing it was deceptive. They staged a 50-hour filibuster that ultimately killed the proposal amid Republican infighting.

Its in there to deceive voters, state Sen. Karla May, a St. Louis Democrat, said during the filibuster about the noncitizen voting ban. Its already law, but they want to trick voters into thinking its not law. Its deceiving language added to the bill.

Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, seemed to agree, telling a reporter from Nextar Media Group that its already illegal for an illegal to vote in the state of Missouri. Weve already got that part.

With the Senate mired in gridlock, the House picked up and passed the rank-choice voting amendment that included noncitizen provision. After months of heated debate over the issue, it was barely mentioned when the rank-choice voting ban was sent to the ballot on the sessions final day.

It seems like weve been wringing our hands for about a week or two on this particular issue, state Rep. Brad Banderman, a St. Clair Republican, said during the House debate, but on this day, on this Senate Joint Resolution, the other side of the aisle doesnt seem to be standing at mics complaining.

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The post Already outlawed in Missouri, noncitizen voting ban will appear on statewide ballot appeared first on Missouri Independent.
The office of Goodman Acker in Southfield after much of the vandalism had been scrubbed June 4, 2024 | Ken Coleman

A University of Michigan regent says the vandalism of his Southfield-based law firm early Monday occurred because he is Jewish and is the definition of antisemitism.

Jordan Acker, a partner at Goodman Acker P.C., spoke Monday afternoon at a press conference held in front of the law firms offices on West 10 Mile Road where graffiti including phrases such as, Free Palestine, Divest now and Fk you Acker, were spray-painted on the building and sidewalk in front.

I was not targeted here today because I am a regent, said Acker. I am a target of this because I am Jewish. This neighborhood is Jewish, and because some people, under the pretext of helping Palestinians, feel the obligation to single out Jews, especially liberal ones for an attack. It is unacceptable, it is un-American, and it must stop now.

Also speaking at the conference was Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren, who said the department is investigating the incident as a hate crime. Surveillance video captured four individuals approaching the building on Monday at 1:39 a.m., he said. While one person acted as a lookout, the other three proceeded to vandalize the law firm with spray paint before fleeing approximately seven minutes later.

Barren said police are also collecting video surveillance evidence from surrounding buildings to hopefully identify the suspects vehicles and license plates and are coordinating efforts with the FBI, University of Michigan police and Huntington Woods police.

Acker, along with other U of M regents and officials, have been the focus of ongoing pro-Palestinian protests demanding the university divest itself from businesses and institutions connected to Israel since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. Those protests included a masked intruder coming to his home last month, and those of other regents, and leaving a list of demands.

However, Acker notes this incident is different, as he was the only one targeted.

This action is the exact type of action that occurred on Jewish businesses in Germany and in Russia and other countries with severe antisemitism problems, he said. Before this becomes a problem that we cant help, we must stamp it out now.

Concurring with that sentiment was state Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), a friend of Acker whos also the only Jewish member of the Michigan Senate.

Many of us have sounded the early alarms about whats going on at our campuses, Moss told the media. We believe the protesters who tell Jews to go back to Poland. We believe the protesters who want to globalize an intifada right here. We believe the protesters who say all Zionists deserve to die. And when 90% of Jewish Americans support Israels right to exist as a Jewish homeland, all of us are vulnerable to these public acts of hate for how we express our Judaism. This is antisemitism. These alarms are now blaring.

Also condemning the incident was Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Michigan has been a place where people from all backgrounds, religions, and cultures have lived together peacefully for decades, Whitmer said in an emailed statement. 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.

One group who did not condemn the vandalism was the TAHRIR Coalition, a pro-Palestinian alliance of more than 80 student organizations.

Pathetic that our regents waste an inordinate amount of time tweeting at their students yet can never bother to actually meet with us and have a good-faith discussion of divestment of $6B+ of our endowment from one of the worst genocides in recent history, the group posted on social media in response to Acker.

However, University of Michigan President Santa Ono, who also has been a target of the coalition and other pro-Palestinian protestors, responded to the vandalism, saying it was shocking and unacceptable for its specific targeting of Acker.

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, said Ono. Such harassment and attempts to intimidate have no place in a civil society and certainly no place in our university community,

Other messages of support and condemnation came from state Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), who said public acts of antisemitism should be universally condemned, and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who said to target a public official with hate and intimidation because of his Jewish heritage is an infuriating reminder of the horrors of antisemitism.

Meanwhile, Southfield Police Sgt. Jared Womble told the Michigan Advance that the investigation in finding the perpetrators is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Southfield Police Department at (248) 796-5500 reference complaint number 24-19826. However, if you would like to remain anonymous and earn a cash reward if your tip leads to an arrest, please call 1-800-SPEAK-UP, said Womble.

The post I am a target of this because I am Jewish appeared first on Michigan Advance.
FILE - Amanda Knox attends a cocktail for the opening of the Innocence Project conference, in Modena, Italy, Thursday, June 13, 2019. Amanda Knox will be back in an Italian courtroom on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, to defend herself against a 16-year-old slander conviction that is the only charge against her that withstood five court rulings that ultimately cleared her in the brutal murder of her roommate, 21-year-old Meredith Kercher, in the apartment they shared in the idyllic central Italian university town of Perugia. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)

MILAN (AP)  Amanda Knox will be back in an Italian courtroom this week to defend herself against a 16-year-old slander conviction that she hopes to beat once and for all.

The opportunity for Knox, who turns 37 next month, was made possible when a European court ruled that Italy violated her human rights during a long night of questioning after the killing of her British roommate in November 2007.

The slander conviction for accusing a Congolese bar owner in the murder is the only charge against Knox that withstood five court rulings that ultimately cleared her in the brutal slaying of her roommate, 21-year-old Meredith Kercher, in the apartment they shared in the idyllic central Italian university town of Perugia.

A verdict in the slander case retrial ordered by Italy's highest court is expected on Wednesday, with Knox appearing in an Italian court for the first time in more than 12 years.

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,'' Knox wrote on social media. I hope to clear my name once and for all of the false charge against me. Wish me luck."

The slander charge was largely based on two statements typed by police that Knox signed during the early hours of Nov. 6, 2007, under extended questioning in Italian from police without a lawyer or a competent interpreter. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the conditions violated her human rights.

Kercher's killing grabbed worldwide attention as suspicion fell on Knox, then 20, and her then Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, with whom she had been involved for just about a week.

Knox and Sollecito were convicted in their first trial, but after a series of flip-flop verdicts, they were ultimately exonerated by Italys highest court in 2015. Knox returned to the United States in October 2011, after her first acquittal. She is now the mother of two small children, and has a podcast with her husband while campaigning against wrongful convictions.

However, the slander conviction against Knox endured, a legal stain that continued to fuel doubts about her role in the killing, particularly in Italy  and despite the conviction of Rudy Hermann Guede, a man from Ivory Coast whose DNA was found at the crime scene.

Guede served 13 years of a 16-year prison sentence handed down after a fast-track trial that foresees lighter sentences under Italian law.

Based on the ruling by the European court, Italys highest court threw out Knox's slander conviction last November and ruled that the two statements typed by police were inadmissible. It ordered a new trial, instructing the Florence court to consider only a handwritten statement that Knox wrote in English some hours later.

In regards to this confession that I made last night, I want to make it clear that I'm very doubtful of the verity of my statements, because they were made under the pressures of stress, shock and extreme exhaustion,'' her statement said.

A pioneer of the study of false confessions, Sal Kassin, says Knox's signed statements follow a playbook of false confessions.

It is empirical fact that most false confessions contain accurate details not yet known to the public and false-fed facts that are consistent with the police theory of the crime, but that later prove to be untrue," Kassin, a psychologist at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, wrote about the case in his book Duped, which examines the phenomenon of false confessions.

Kassin said that police contaminated Knoxs confession, which aligned with police theory at the time.

To hold her accountable for a statement in which she also implicated herself is absurd, he wrote.
Florence, Italy  Amanda Knox, the American student who spent nearly four years in an Italian prison after being convicted in 2007 of murdering her college roommate Meredith Kercher before being cleared more than a decade later, was re-convicted Wednesday of slander for wrongly accusing a bar owner she had worked for at the time of the killing.

A court in Florence found that Knox had wrongly accused the innocent Congolese man of Kercher's murder, but the American will not serve more jail time in Italy as her new three-year sentence has already been satisfied by time she served on the reversed murder conviction.

Knox showed little emotion as the verdict was read in court Wednesday, but she was embraced by her husband in the courtroom afterward and they held each other for a while.

Amanda Knox arrives with her husband Christopher Robinson, right, at the court in Florence, Italy, June 5, 2024, for her retrial on a slander charge that stuck even after she was exonerated in the brutal 2007 murder of her British roommate in the idyllic hilltop town of Perugia. / Credit: Antonio Calanni/AP

The court said Knox would have to pay the legal fees of and damages to Patrick Lumumba, the bar owner she had been working for part-time in Perugia at the time of Kercher's killing  a sum it said was still to be determined.

Her lawyers said she would appeal Wednesday's ruling, and they have 45 days to file their appeal with Italy's highest court, the Court of Cassation in Rome. That court only rules on whether a lower court's ruling has been reached in line with legal procedures, however, not on the merits of any particular case.

The Florence court was to publish the reasoning for its decision within 60 days.

Knox had returned to the court this week in an effort to clear the last legal stain on her name.

"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," Knox said in a social media post on Monday, before she returned to the court. "I hope to clear my name once and for all of the false charges against me. Wish me luck."

Kercher, a British student, was found dead in her bedroom in the apartment she shared with Knox in the Italian city of Perugia. She had been sexually assaulted and had multiple stab wounds. Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were convicted of murdering her in a sex game gone awry.

From left: Italian student Raffaele Sollecito, slain British woman Meredith Kercher and her American roommate Amanda Knox. / Credit: AP

In 2015, after seven years of legal battles and flip-flop verdicts, Knox and Sollecito were cleared of the murder, but the slander conviction against Knox stood. She made the accusation against the Lumumba during a grueling 53-hour police interrogation soon after her arrest.

Very soon after implicating the man, however, Knox wrote a four-page statement in English casting serious doubt on the testimony she had given to the police.

"I want to make clear that I'm very doubtful of the veritity [sic] of my statements because they were made under the pressures of stress, shock and extreme exhaustion. Not only was I told I would be arrested and put in jail for 30 years, but I was also hit in the head when I didn't remember a fact correctly," she wrote in the statement.

Knox's defense team has always maintained that the accusation against the bar owner was coerced.

Amanda Knox arrives at Milan's Linate airport in Italy, in a June 13, 2019 file photo, for a visit to speak at the Criminal Justice Festival. / Credit: REUTERS

In 2019, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Italy had violated Knox's human nights during police questioning. Knox said she was interrogated without a lawyer or a proper translator and that she was also beaten by the police.

Italy's highest court ordered a retrial, which culminated Wednesday with the decision against Knox.

Prosecutors had asked the court to confirm the slander conviction and impose a penalty of three years, which was granted, but as Knox already spent almost four years behind bars, starting in 2007, she won't have to spend any more time in jail.

Another man, Rudy Guede  whose footprints and DNA were found all over the crime scene  was convicted of murdering Kercher in 2008 and served 13 years in prison before being released in 2021.

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The Amazon Labor Union will affiliate with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, giving the upstart union the backing of one of the most powerful forces in labor, Teamsters announced Tuesday.

Teamsters said the affiliation decision was approved unanimously by the unions board on Tuesday, though details of the merger were not immediately made clear. The union represents about 1.3 million workers in the U.S. and Canada.

Today is an historical day for labor in America as we now combine forces with one of the most powerful unions to take on Amazon together, ALU President Christian Smalls said on social media platform X. Our message is clear we want a Contract, and we want it Now. Were putting Amazon on notice that we are coming!

ALU formed in 2022 as a grassroots organization representing the workers of Amazons JFK8 warehouse facility in New York City. Workers became the first Amazon warehouse employees nationwide to be represented by a union.

The union has faced difficulty in recent years after a union drive at a second New York City Amazon facility failed, and it faced a lawsuit from former leaders over its leadership election process.

The JFK8 facility remains the only unionized Amazon warehouse in the country, and the union is in the process of negotiating its first labor contract. An Alabama warehouse unionization effort affiliated with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union also failed in 2021.

Teamsters, meanwhile, is coming off one of the unions largest labor victories. It negotiated a new contract with UPS in July, substantially increasing wages and benefits.

Teamsters launched its own Amazon Division last year, committing to bring the disparate Amazon unionization efforts together under its banner. Amid the UPS negotiations last summer, labor experts told The Hill that Amazon is a logical next step for Teamsters expansion.

Clearly, this is a union that has deep roots in warehousing and logistics, distribution, Amazon-type of work. And they have ambitions, I think, to try to organize workers in this industry, among them Amazon, Bob Bussel, director of the Labor Education and Research Center at the University of Oregon, told The Hill.

The result of this, if theyre recognizable gains for workers as a result of collective action that the union really can deliver, is that will send a very powerful signal to workers at Amazon and workers at other places that theres a powerful union thats really prepared to take collective action and effective action on their behalf, he added.

Amazon has successfully resisted union efforts for years. In 2022 alone, the country spent $14 million on anti-labor consulting, more than three times as much as Starbucks, the countrys top anti-labor consulting spender in 2021.

The Hill has reached out to Teamsters and Smalls for comment.

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Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control rescued 27 cats from an inhospitable hoarding situation on Dec. 13, 2023. One of the rescued kittens lost one of its eyes due to an untreated corneal ulcer.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the cost incurred by the Ames Animal Shelter was more than $24 million. It has been corrected to $24,000.

An Ames woman has been sentenced to two years of probation in a significant animal hoarding case.

Jennifer Thompson, 42, was arrested on Feb. 1, 2024, for two counts of animal neglect and one count of animal neglect with injury after police officers found 27 cats living in unsanitary conditions in her apartment.

Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control staff rescued the cats on Dec. 13, 2023. The pets allegedly did not have access to fresh water or food, kept in an apartment "full of garbage and animal waste."

Thompson pled guilty on May 20 to one count of animal neglect causing serious injury or death, requesting immediate sentencing.

As a counter, the State of Iowa sought more than $24,000 in pecuniary damages for medical bills and boarding expenses the Ames Animal Shelter incurred by caring for the infected animals.

The court ruled that the Ames Animal Shelter assumed the care, custody, and control of the animals. Therefore, any expenses from caring for or providing shelter for the cats were "a result of the Citys own action."

More: Ames resident arrested on three counts of animal neglect for hoarding 27 cats

The 27 cats rescued from an unsanitary home on Dec. 13, 2023, were treated for upper respiratory infection, fleas, ticks and internal parasites.

27 cats found in unsanitary conditions

Property management alerted the Ames Police Department in late 2023 that Thompsen's apartment on Tripp Street was full of garbage and animal waste. Police said they could hear animals inside the apartment, but nobody answered the door when they arrived.

Feces were found along the doorway's threshold and flies were coming from under the door.

The 27 cats had access to only one litter box, according to court documents, while their food and water was placed in and around animal waste.

Excess animal waste covered much of the apartment along the floor and most of an uncovered mattress, according to court documents. Garbage was scattered throughout the home, and flies littered the apartment walls.

The 27 cats rescued from an unsanitary home on Dec. 13, 2023, were treated for upper respiratory infection, fleas, ticks and internal parasites.

Cats treated for neglect, sickness

A local veterinarian identified signs of respiratory disease in several rescued cats, including runny eyes, noses, and coughing. The veterinarian described it as one of the worst situations [they had] seen for animal conditions and neglect of basic needs" in their 47 years of veterinary practice and animal welfare.

Twenty-five cats needed multiple medications to cure parastate infections when they arrived at the animal shelter. All but one of those cats required treatment for ear mites, according to a statement from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.

Eleven of the cats received antibiotic treatment for feline upper respiratory infections, which included congestion, sneezing, and eye problems. Specifically, three kittens between two to six months old had severe viral infections.

One of the rescued kittens lost one of its eyes due to an untreated corneal ulcer.

Thompson allegedly said she knew the kitten needed medical care but didnt have the funds to take it to a veterinarian. Instead, she admitted to giving the kitten expired oral antibiotics, according to court documents.

The 42-year-old allegedly has a history of turning over sick cats to local animal shelters, according to court documents.

More: Hoarding cases motivate Ames Animal Shelter to warn of proper cat care

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames woman sentenced to probation for hoarding cats in poor conditions
DONA ANA COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE)  The magistrate court in Dona Ana County is launching a new initiative to help individuals facing misdemeanor charges get mental health help rather than jail time.

The goal is to empower people to lead safer and more productive lives by connecting them to behavioral health treatment and community services for food, housing and other needs, New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Briana H. Zamora said in a press release. Doing this promotes public safety by reducing rearrests and will lessen the strain on emergency rooms, courts and law enforcement who otherwise may repeatedly interact with the same individuals struggling with mental illnesses.

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The program focuses on adults with a history of mental illness and who have previously been found incompetent to stand trial. If those individuals face relatively minor charges, like trespassing or petty theft, they will have the opportunity to opt for a diversion program.

Those charged with a misdemeanor DWI are ineligible for the program, the Administrative Office of the Courts says. Individuals who successfully complete the program will get their criminal charges dismissed. Those who fail to remain in the voluntary program will simply have their criminal cases proceed as normal.

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Steering people with mental illness to the care they need and diverting them from the justice system can produce better outcomes, Dona Ana County Magistrate Court Judge Alexander Rossario said in a press release. It helps those individuals, their families, and the community by providing an opportunity for recovery and reduces the likelihood of future arrests.

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By Riham Alkousaa, Layli Foroudi and David Latona

BERLIN/PARIS/MADRID (Reuters) - Nadir Aslam, a German of Moroccan-Pakistani heritage, had been planning to vote Green in this week's elections to the European Parliament. Instead, he will throw his support behind Mera25, a start-up leftist party with a clear pro-Palestinian stance.

Aslam, 33, told Reuters it was a speech last November by a Green leader doubling down on German support for Israel, even as the Gaza death toll neared 9,000, which "destroyed" his support for the ecologist party, a member of Germany's ruling coalition.

This shift in support, echoed across Europe, represents the latest threat - this time from the left - to mainstream political parties whose project to deepen European integration is already under attack from the far-right.

The trend is not only among the EU's Muslim communities but also among left-leaning voters who see a double standard in Europe's condemnation of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel but failure to call out Israel for its military assault on Gaza which has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians.

"We have a rise in radical right and radical left parties, (which will) reshape the policy landscape in Europe, the balance of power of several parties," said Samira Azabar, a sociologist at Radboud University in the Netherlands.

This could have consequences for the bloc's position on Israel and also drive policies granting more decision-making power at a national level, she said. EU members Spain and Ireland have recognised a Palestinian state, as has Slovenia's government, pending parliamentary approval.

POLARISATION

While the popularity of the far-right has been rising in recent years, surveys show minorities have been voting more for the radical left as mainstream parties drift rightwards on issues such a migration and cultural values.

Polling last month by Ipsos showed the far-right set to make the biggest gains in the June 6-9 elections, with the Left group in the EU assembly gaining six more seats - both at the expense of the Social Democrat, Green and Renew Europe blocs.

In France, far-left La France Insoumise (LFI) has centred its campaign on a pro-Palestinian stance in a bid to win Muslim and radical-left voters, said Blandine Chelini-Pont, a historian at Aix-Marseille University.

It seeks an arms embargo, sanctions on Israel, recognition of a Palestinian state and - in contrast to other left-wing groups - refrains from calling Hamas a terrorist group. Among Muslim voters in France it polls at 44% support compared to its 8% share of the electorate as a whole.

"Some will say we are surfing on an electorate but who are we speaking about? These are citizens of this country who do not have a racist vision of society," LFI lawmaker Sebastien Delogu told Reuters.

France's Socialists also seek recognition of a Palestinian state but do not share LFI's stance on Hamas.

"LFI has a relationship with violence that is not okay," lead Socialist candidate Raphael Glucksmann told Reuters, who says his rise in the polls to third place at 14% is in part due to his choice to distance himself from LFI.

HISTORICAL FACTORS

In Germany, pro-Palestinian startup parties are eroding support for the German Greens and Social Democrats, two of the mainstream parties which have maintained a staunch support for Israel due to Germany's historical responsibility for the Holocaust.

Aside from leftist Mera25, other pro-Palestinian start-ups include socially conservative groups like DAVA and BIG and the eurosceptic party BSW - which wants an arms embargo on Israel while pushing anti-immigration policies.

Supporters of BSW, which is polling at 7%, are 50% more likely to recognise a Palestinian state than the overall German electorate.

In Spain, where tensions with Israel date back to the Franco dictatorship, government recognition of a Palestinian state is shoring up support for parties in the ruling coalition, the Socialist Party (PSOE) and far-left Sumar.

"The Palestinian issue has become central to the political debate in Spain," said David Hernandez, professor of International Relations at the Complutense University of Madrid.

MOBILISING THE MINORITY VOTE

Voter turnout could be key.

Radboud University's Azabar noted that turnout was often lower among ethnic minorities than for the general population in EU elections, but the Gaza war may be a motivation this time.

Foreign policy issues have a track record of impacting the ethnic minority vote. In 2016, Germany's Social Democrats lost some 100,000 Turkish voters after recognising the Armenian genocide of the First World War, said Teyfik Ozcan, chairman of DAVA, a new party targeting Turkish diaspora voters.

Ozcan, a former SPD member, said his party offered the option of a protest vote that didn't exist until now.

"Germans have the opportunity to say, 'Okay, I'm voting for the (far-right) AfD in protest.' Muslims cannot do that," he told Reuters.

A December survey by the Institute of Political Science at the University of Duisberg-Essen showed that one in three German Muslims did not feel represented by any party.

A new sense of political representation resonates for French voters too. LFI has named as a candidate French-Palestinian lawyer Rima Hassan, who is present at protests, active on social media and is petitioning the EU to suspend its association agreement with Israel.

Chama Tahiri Ivorra, a 34-year old French-Moroccan chef, said she had never voted in a European election but would this time.

"Voting for Rima is an act of resistance," she said. "I don't know all the points on LFI's programme but what she and their other members say about Palestine is just."

(Reporting by Riham Alkousaa in Berlin, Layli Foroudi in Paris, David Latona in Madrid, additional reporting by Elizabeth Pineau in Paris; editing by Mark John and Ros Russell)
Famous Ukrainian writer Vasyl Shkliar, who often visits the frontline, speculated on when the war in Ukraine would end. He also recalled stories of how nature itself helps our military.

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According to Vasyl Shkliar, in the war, we have to rely only on our strength, but we should not forget that we are now very dependent on our allies. Shkliar spoke about this in an interview with OBOZ.UA.

"I am often asked this question, when will the war end," says Vasyl Shkliar, "but I think that no one, not even the most respected molfars, will give an answer. Unfortunately, we are dependent on many factors. Especially on external factors. On the one hand, it is very good that we have allies. Perhaps for the first time in history. They really help us a lot, but we are very dependent on them. Unfortunately, we are not self-sufficient in the production of our military resources  weapons, etc. We cannot rely only on our forces. Although our forces are the main thing we can rely on. And it is difficult to predict anything for the future. We can only say the well-known phrase that this war will end finally when the Moscow empire is destroyed. This is what we all want fiercely."

ADVERTISIMENT

The writer often visits the frontline and confirms the information that sometimes the military encounters amazing stories, when it seems that nature itself and higher powers help them.

"First of all, I want to say that mysticism is in the traditions of the Ukrainian military," says Shkliar. "We also had such a phenomenon as characterization. Among the Zaporizhzhia Cossacks, we know of warriors who were credited with possessing magical powers. Some historical figures, such as Ivan Sirko, who, according to legend, could turn into a wolf, were also considered to be characteristic. And the Cossacks could swim across the Dnipro on a felt mat."

ADVERTISIMENT

"All of this is, of course, an exaggeration, but myths must exist in our culture, in our history, as they do in all nations. However, despite all the fiction and speculation, we know that there were soldiers who had special abilities. They were trained in special units. In today's terms, they were a kind of special forces. Despite all the tragedies, they were able to fight cheerfully, with imagination. And there is such a guy in my book Black Sun, which is dedicated to the Azov fighters," the writer adds.

"It is interesting that his story had a continuation later," says Shkliar. "When the tragedy in Olenivka occurred, where the occupiers burned our prisoners in a barracks, I received a call from a friend who said that my hero had died. Later, the phone rang again, and the name of this guy came up. I picked up the phone with a trembling hand, thinking that relatives were calling for advice or help. But I turned on the phone and heard his voice: "I came out of that hell. You know I have a strong character." There are happy stories like this. Now he is back on the contact line, fighting."

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
By Cassandra Garrison

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, an accomplished climate scientist, could struggle to fulfill her environmental pledges after she sailed to victory, in part, on the popularity of a predecessor who doubled down on fossil fuels.

Sheinbaum, elected as Mexico's first woman president by a sweeping margin Sunday, inherits a country grappling daily with climate change and environmental challenges: pervasive drought, a water crisis in the sprawling capital of Mexico City, and rampant deforestation.

The 61-year-old leftist leader, who was part of a United Nations panel of climate scientists that received a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, has spoken about her belief in an academic and scientific approach to politics. She campaigned on a pledge to significantly boost renewable energy in the oil-producing country to as much as 50% by the end of her term in 2030.

But despite her best intentions to improve Mexico's green record, Sheinbaum's mentor, the highly popular outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, spent billions propping up Mexico's fossil fuel-dependent state energy giants, oil firm Pemex and power utility CFE.

Her overwhelming victory - and the possible congressional super majority won by the ruling coalition - is in many ways a referendum on Lopez Obrador's policies and initiatives, said Mariana Campero, senior associate with the CSIS Americas Program.

Sheinbaum could be hard-pressed to break cadence with Lopez Obrador's style at the risk of losing support, limiting her ability to prioritize climate change policies.

"She has said repeatedly that she will continue with his policies and that her government will be a continuation of his government," said Campero. "But she has always said that green energy is important.. So how will she square that circle?"

GREEN AT HEART?

Sheinbaum has credited her upbringing by a chemical engineer father and cellular biologist mother for fostering her interest in science and politics. She has a doctorate in energy engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

As mayor of Mexico City, she installed a roof-top solar project at a busy central market and inaugurated a 100% electric bus line.

But she faced criticism for some projects, including the construction of a bridge in the Xochimilco ecological zone that community members said damaged wetlands. She also supports some of Lopez Obrador's most controversial projects, including the Mayan Train, a tourist railway that activists and scientists decry for endangering pristine wilderness and ancient cave systems beneath the jungle floor.

Still, her rise to the presidency has fueled hope among some that she could turn things around for the country's track record on climate change policies, which deteriorated under Lopez Obrador, according to the Climate Change Performance Index, largely due to increased subsidies for fossil fuels and poor progress in curbing deforestation.

"I definitely think that she has that will and intention to put Mexico back on net-zero targets and in the good graces of the international community," Arthur Deakin, director of energy at consultancy America's Market Intelligence.

THE PEMEX PROBLEM

Sheinbaum has pledged to boost wind and solar energy as part of a $13.57 billion investment in new energy generation projects. She is, however, also facing the biggest budget deficit in decades, left behind by Lopez Obrador, a reality that will force her to pick and choose how to dedicate spending.

Despite being the world's most indebted energy company, Pemex is still a major contributor to state coffers, said Alejandra Lopez, a public policy consultant who specializes in energy issues.

The firm is a heavy emitter of greenhouse gases, but it is also an important national symbol of energy sovereignty for many Mexicans, including Lopez Obrador.

Pemex stirs a sense of "emotional, historical and sentimental" importance within the country, Lopez said.

Sheinbaum is a vocal believer in the role of the state in Mexico's energy sector, long dominated by Pemex, which could make it tough to keep her promise to increase renewable energy.

A business-savvy approach could enable her to attract investment and spur realistic change towards decarbonizing the energy and transportation sectors, Deakin said.

Sheinbaum could start by increasing the limit for Distributed Generation (DG) projects, typically small privately-funded solar or wind farms that are built to supply energy to a specific factory or industrial site.

Upping the cap from the current 0.5 megawatts to 5 megawatts, like Brazil has done, could increase clean electricity for commercial industrial users, Deakin said. She could introduce biofuel policies and increase electric vehicle (EV) subsidies and charging infrastructure. A national carbon credit framework could help accelerate interest in low carbon initiatives.

"It's a little harder when you're struggling with a more constrained budget, but there's other ways that emerging markets are able to create a more attractive environment for renewable electricity," Deakin said.

(Reporting by Cassandra Garrison; additional reporting by Stefanie Eschenbacher; editing by Stephen Eisenhammer and Aurora Ellis)
By Laura Gottesdiener and Stephen Eisenhammer

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Claudia Sheinbaum's landslide win gives her an unprecedented mandate in Mexico, but success in handling the country's key ally and trading partner the United States hinges on how she can navigate the relationship and a possible clash if Donald Trump returns to the White House, according to former diplomats and analysts.

A climate scientist who will become Mexico's first female president, Sheinbaum is closely aligned with Mexico's outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. He has not always seen eye to eye with Washington but found surprising common ground with Trump in his first term despite tensions on trade and migration.

The smooth ties between the two populists is unlikely to be replicated with Sheinbaum, analysts and ex-diplomats said, given her more reserved and disciplined style.

"I don't think she will have the type of bromance that Lopez Obrador had with Donald Trump," said Arturo Sarukhan, who was Mexico's ambassador to the United States from 2007 to 2013.

That could make things more difficult if the U.S. Republican candidate defeats President Joe Biden in the November election. Polls show Trump leading in some battleground states.

But Sheinbaum will be all too aware that her promises to expand welfare programs and continue the policies that have helped her party lift millions of Mexicans out of poverty depend on having a stable and growing economy; and that requires the United States.

In 2023, Mexico surpassed China to become the United States' largest trading partner, and some 80% of Mexico exports are to the United States.

"The economy of Mexico largely depends on the United States," said Mexican political analyst Viri Rios.

"So part of her mandate is to keep a solid trade relationship because the best jobs in Mexico come from the export-oriented economy."

TRADE RENEGOTIATION

A review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is set for 2026 and will be a massive test to the relationship under Sheinbaum especially under a protectionist Trump administration, even though the pact itself is the product of a renegotiation that he orchestrated and boasted of during his first term.

Kenneth Smith Ramos, Mexico's former chief negotiator for the USMCA, said there will be a number of sticking points, including energy policy and a small but growing Chinese investment in strategic sectors in Mexico.

"I can perfectly imagine a second Trump presidency where President Trump comes to Mexico and says, OK, you have to decide, do you side with the U.S. or are you with China?" he said.

In addition to trade politics, Washington pressures the Mexican government to crack down on drug production and trafficking - especially of fentanyl - and on the movement of migrants north to the U.S. border. Mexico, in return, wants the United States to stop guns from being smuggled south into Mexico.

"The interesting thing is how all these issues work together," said Christopher Landau, who served as U.S. ambassador to Mexico during the Trump presidency.

"Assuming Trump wins, I think a day one issue is going to be the border and migration. So if Mexico is cooperative on that, that's certainly going to earn a lot of goodwill on the trade side," he said.

But it is not just under Trump that migration flows have become a bilateral bargaining chip.

Biden, for example, is expected to sign an executive order on Tuesday that could allow authorities to stop receiving asylum requests and deny entrance to migrants once a daily threshold is exceeded, a policy that would result in migrants from around the world who cross the southern U.S. border being returned to Mexico.

The announcement of such an executive order only days after Mexico's election shows how Mexico has been strong-armed by both Democratic and Republican U.S. administrations into enforcing U.S. policy south of the border, advocates and analysts say.

Still, the pressure on Mexico to ramp up detentions and deportations of migrants would likely increase under a second Trump term.

Trump and other Republicans have also escalated their rhetoric about mobilizing troops or firing missiles to combat Mexico's drug cartels - moves the Mexican government would vehemently oppose as a matter of national sovereignty.

And beyond personality styles and entrenched politics, there's the more simple fact that Sheinbaum will be Mexico's first woman president - a widely celebrated achievement that might nevertheless complicate her relationship with Trump.

"Claudia Sheinbaum is a scientist, a political leader and she self-identifies as a feminist," said Gema Kloppe-Santamaria, Assistant Professor of Latin American History at George Washington University.

"All of these qualifications make her a potential candidate to irritate Trump, if he is elected."

(Reporting by Laura Gottesdiener and Stephen Eisenhammer; Editing by Christian Plumb and Alistair Bell)
You might think in the run up to the general election Labour would be able to get its act together on one of the areas where many voters have traditionally trusted the party the least. But as Keir Starmer tries hard to burnish his credentials on defence and to distance himself from Corbyn, his deputy, Angela Rayner, comes out with an opposing view.

To much fanfare, Starmer announced his triple lock commitment on nuclear defence, which in reality seems no different to current Tory policy of maintaining the nuclear deterrent, building four new subs and making upgrades when necessary. But shortly after he claimed his commitment to the nuclear deterrent was absolute, Rayner announced she wants to rid the world of it. She said she seeks multilateral disarmament but has never supported unilateral disarmament. History tells a different story. In 2016 she, and many other members of her party, voted not to renew Britains nuclear deterrent, which very much amounts to unilateral disarmament.

In the face of this Labour record, Starmer was forced to flex his muscles, insisting that as prime minister he would be calling the shots on the nuclear deterrent. That might not be so easy, with a dozen other members of his current front bench team among those who voted the same way as Rayner over renewing the deterrent, including his shadow foreign secretary. David Lammy claims to have changed his mind after seeing how Ukraine got invaded by Russia. Thats a somewhat curious justification for his u-turn given that Putin first invaded Ukraine in 2014, two years before Lammy was voting in parliament for unilateral disarmament of our own country.

With the eye-watering sums needed to maintain the deterrent into the future, can we really believe that a government with so many ministers seemingly ready to change tack on such a fundamental issue as nuclear defence will stick by it at the expense of other spending demands to which they are much more ideologically attached? Rayner herself tweeted about the vote to renew the Trident nuclear capability in 2016: Amazed we can find money for this but we steal 30 a week off disabled people.

Even if he is able to hold his partys feet to the fire on nuclear defence, can we be confident that Starmer will press the nuclear button if it becomes necessary? He says yes and that is an important signal for the credibility of the deterrent. But if he becomes incapacitated at the critical moment, could it be Rayners finger hovering over the button if she is deputy prime minister? All very hypothetical, but a vitally important consideration when it comes to nuclear deterrence, which becomes severely weakened and makes conflict more likely if there is any doubt in our potential enemies minds about the willingness of the leadership to pull the trigger.

That aside we must question Rayners overall judgement on defence and foreign policy if she considers multilateral disarmament a reasonable objective to be working towards. Does she think Putin or Xi would get rid of nuclear weapons if the West said they would? Obviously not. As Lammy seemingly came to realise, Ukraine is paying the price for disarming itself in the 1990s.

Irans repeated breaches of the non-proliferation treaty and the nuclear deal it signed with the permanent members of the UN Security Council demonstrate the futility of searching for any realistic international disarmament treaty. And if a sovereign state cannot be relied on to honour its commitments in this area, how would Rayner propose to deal with non-state actors such as Iranian terrorist proxies that might be supplied with nuclear weapons in the future?

Multilateral nuclear disarmament was never a starter during the Cold War. Arguments for it are even weaker now in an era of increasing proliferation and even greater international instability. Those like Rayner who propose it are not only naive but also dangerously complacent when it comes to our countrys defence. I suspect she will be far from alone on the Labour benches.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden signed a sweeping new border measure on Tuesday that would allow authorities to quickly deport or send back to Mexico migrants caught crossing the southwestern border if the daily number of crossings exceeds 2,500.

Biden took office in 2021 vowing to reverse some of Republican Donald Trump's restrictive policies but grappled with record levels of migrants caught crossing illegally, which has become an issue in the tight rematch against in November's presidential election.

Some human rights activists and left-leaning immigration experts were sharply critical of the measure, while Republicans said it did not go far enough or was too late.

AMY FISCHER, MIGRANT RIGHTS, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

"This executive action plays into false narratives about invasions at the border and advances a policy grounded in white supremacist ideas at the expense of people in search of safety in the U.S....This is an utterly shameful move for a country that once helped draft the Refugee Convention."

UNITED NATIONS SPOKESPERSON FLORENCIA SOTO NINO

"Access to asylum for those in need is paramount and any person who claims to have a well-founded fear of being persecuted in their country of origin should have access to safe territory and have this claim assessed before being subjected to deportation or removal."

ARIZONA REP. RUBEN GALLEGO, DEMOCRAT

"Todays announcement is a step in the right direction, but we still have more work to do. We also need to hire more border patrol agents, fix our broken asylum system, and keep our communities safe."

US REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DONALD TRUMP

"Biden is pretending to finally do something about the borderbut in fact, its all for show because he knows we have a debate coming up in 3 weeks."

TEXAS SENATOR TED CRUZ, REPUBLICAN

"He could have stopped this every single day of his presidency...What the White House is doing today is they're just playing a political game."

SILKY SHAH, DETENTION WATCH NETWORK

"Biden is using the same legal authority to justify his order that Trump used in 2017 for the 'Muslim Ban.' We were outraged then and we are outraged now  particularly as Biden has completely abandoned the values he once touted of implementing a fair and humane immigration system that helped him get elected."

(Reporting by Heather Timmons; Editing by Alistair Bell)
Anglers catching this peculiar fish are urged to kill it on sight

A fisherman in Missouri caught what he thought was an odd fish that refused to die, even when left on the pavement for several hours.

The angler was fishing below Wappapello Lake Spillway in Wayne County on May 25 when he reeled in what turned out to be a northern snakehead, the fourth ever recorded in the state, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The angler recognized they had something different and researched the fishs characteristics, and realized it was indeed a snakehead, said MDC Fisheries Biologist Dave Knuth. The angler left it on the pavement for several hours thinking it would die, and it never did.

The northern snakehead, not native to the U.S., is a predatory fish with the head resembling a snake, hence the name. It can grow to up to 3-feet long, and has python-like coloration and pattern.

The snakehead was taken to the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office. Four hours later, MDC agent Jacob Plunkett recovered the bag with the fish at 11 p.m., the night of the catch.

When I picked up the fish, it was still very much alive, Plunkett said.

The Kansas City Star was very succinct in what fishermen should do if they catch a snakehead, stating this fish is one youre urged to kill on sight.

Unlike most fish, the northern snakehead can breathe air, which allows survival in poorly oxygenated water or out of water for several days if their skin stays moist, the MDC stated. They can also slither across land to return to water.

Snakeheads are an invasive species native to Asia. Theyre aggressive predators, preying on native species, and competing for resources.

Which is why the MDC urges anglers to kill them immediately when catching them. But make sure its a snakehead, the agency stated, because it can be confused with a native bowfin.

The MDC has instructions for those catching a snakehead. It asks anglers to kill the snakehead by severing its head, gutting it or placing it in a sealed plastic bag; photograph the fish so the species can be positively identified; note the location of the catch; and report it to the Southeast Regional Office at (573) 290-5730.

MDC reminds the public it is illegal to import, export, sell, purchase, or possess a live northern snakehead in Missouri, the MDC stated. MDC will continue to monitor its spread in the state.

The first northern snakehead recorded in Missouri was caught in a borrow ditch within the St. Francis River levees in Dunklin County in 2019. MDC confirmed an additional two northern snakehead captures in 2023.

Photos courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Story originally appeared on For The Win
Former President Donald Trump sits in court during the final day of testimony in his New York trial. Trump, the first former U.S. president to face trial on criminal charges, is accused of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments. (Justin Lane-Pool/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 Angry Trump pledges to appeal this scam conviction, Republicans vow resistance appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis. File photo by Bryan P. Sears.

The Anne Arundel County Register of Wills faces the possibility of being removed from office after pleading guilty Tuesday to misconduct in office.

Erica Griswold, 51, was charged in January with cashing a $6,645 check intended to pay estate taxes. She is scheduled to be sentenced July 18 in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.

The sentence that the state will be requesting is 18 months suspended incarceration with three years of supervised probation, Mary Setzer, senior assistant prosecutor for the Office of the State Prosecutor, said during Tuesdays hearing.

Prosecutors also asked for 50 hours of community service to be completed within one year of the date of the plea.

The maximum sentence for misconduct in office, a misdemeanor, is anything not cruel or unusual.

Our intent is to have all the community service completed by the 18th because the state indicated it would not oppose the probation being unsupervised if the community service is finished, Peter ONeill, Griswolds attorney, told Circuit Judge Stacy W. McCormack. There is no restitution, to be clear. Thats been satisfied.

If Griswold completes the community service prior to her sentencing, prosecutors agreed not to oppose unsupervised probation. Griswold can also ask the judge for a lesser sentence including probation before judgment.

Theres no guarantee as to the PBJ, McCormack said before Griswold she entered her plea. Theres no guarantee that I wont give the PBJ.

ONeill said he plans to offer substantial mitigation on behalf of Griswold at sentencing.

Griswold spoke only to give short answers as ONeill and McCormack ran through a list of questions required to accept her plea. During those questions, ONeill reminded his client of the potential loss of her job due to her guilty plea.

Anne Arundel County Register of Wills Erica Griswold. Photo courtesy maryland.gov.

This is a matter that weve discussed at great length, that this guilty plea could result in your termination or suspension from your current position as register of wills for Anne Arundel County, ONeill said. You understand that?

There was a short pause before Griswold said softly: Yes.

Even if youre granted probation before judgment, you still could be terminated from that position, ONeill continued. Do you understand that?

Yes, said Griswold.

The embattled public official offered no additional comments.

Both Griswold and prosecutors declined to comment after the plea hearing.

Griswold was charged in January with three counts related to the alleged theft of an inheritance tax payment. The charges included misconduct in office; theft by a fiduciary; and theft of more than $1,500 and less than $25,000.

Griswold was elected in November 2022 and sworn in a month later as register of wills for Anne Arundel County, a position that pays more than $146,000 annually.

The office is a state agency responsible for overseeing estates and ensuring proper taxes are collected. Tax payments to the office are typically made out to either the office or in the name of the register of wills.

On June 16, 2022, a beneficiary of an estate sent a $6,645 check to Griswolds office. The check, meant as payment of estate taxes, arrived without a copy of an official invoice, according to prosecutors, reading Tuesday from a statement of facts agreed to by Griswold.

Prosecutors said an employee in the office brought the check to Griswold, asking for additional information because there was no accompanying invoice. Instead of initiating a search of office records to link the payment to the estate, Griswold told the employee that she had been expecting the check.

Prosecutors said based on Griswolds false representation, the employee allowed Griswold to keep possession of the check. Griswold did not know the remitter of the check, and she knew the check was not intended for her personal use.

Six days later, Griswold cashed the check at Chase Bank on Forest Drive in Annapolis and kept the cash for her personal use, according to the statement of facts.

The person who mailed the check, who was not identified by prosecutors, continued to receive invoices from Griswolds office. On Aug. 4, prosecutors said that person contacted the office and said that the inheritance tax had been paid by a check mailed to the office.

Prosecutors said several office employees spoke to Griswold over several months about repaying the money. One employee even offered to help Griswold repay the money, according to the statement read in court.

Griswold repeatedly refused to repay the money even after she learned of an open investigation into the incident and the seizure of her personal and work cell phones and computer.

A search of Griswolds personal cell phone revealed that close in time to cashing the check, she had conducted numerous internet searches for the name of the remitter of the check, evidencing that Griswold did not know this individual and was aware that the check received at the ROW office was not intended for her personally, according to the statement of facts to which Griswold pleaded guilty.

Griswold repaid the $6,645 on Feb. 23, 2023, about one month after criminal charges were filed, the statement said.

The post Anne Arundel Register of Wills pleads guilty to misconduct in office appeared first on Maryland Matters.
A second Florida resident has been arrested in connection with alleged election fraud in Johnson County, Kansas.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced Tuesday that law enforcement in Nebraska arrested Jamie Johnson, a 47-year-old Dade City, Fla., resident, on May 29 on allegations of forging signatures on petitions seeking recognition of the No Labels political party.

The arrest comes after another Dade City resident, George Andrews, was arrested in February on similar allegations. At the time, Kobach described Andrews as part of a scheme to place fraudulent signatures on petitions.

As attorney general, I am determined to prosecute election fraud to the fullest extent of the law. It doesnt matter how far you run. We will drag you back to Kansas and prosecute you, Kobach, a Republican, said in a statement.

The people of Kansas deserve the most secure elections possible.

No Labels is a political party founded in 2009 and is similar in size to the Libertarian Party. It was recognized as a political party in Kansas in January after submitting a petition containing the signatures of registered voters equal to 2% of the total votes cast in the 2022 statewide gubernatorial general election.

No Labels considered running a third-party presidential campaign but ultimately decided against nominating a candidate.

Johnson faces 18 counts of election forgery and one count of election perjury in Johnson County District Court, including one count of election perjury and 18 counts of election forgery. Andrews is charged with two counts of election perjury and 28 counts of election forgery.

Andrews also faces legal troubles in Florida. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has previously said that Andrews and another person allegedly submitted 133 invalid petitions in multiple Florida counties for an abortion rights ballot initiative on Feb. 6. Its unclear whether Johnson is the other individual.

Kobachs office said Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican, reviewed the allegations against Johnson before forwarding the case to Kobach. On Tuesday, Schwab said in a statement that my office is committed to pursuing any evidence of election crime. Kansas has strong laws to ensure the integrity of our elections, and this case demonstrates that the process works.

The Stars Joseph Hernandez contributed reporting
Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies during a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus pandemic at Capitol Hill, Monday, June 3, 2024, in Washington. Lawmakers asked him about COVID-19-era policies from when he was a key player in the pandemic response. | Mariam Zuhaib

Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the architects behind the countrys response to the COVID-19 pandemic, found himself in the spotlight again Monday, distancing himself from the social distancing requirement and denying that he influenced research on the origins of the virus.

Fauci appeared before a House committee on Monday and was met with both praise and criticism from lawmakers. Lawmakers asked him about COVID-19-era policies from when he was a key player in the pandemic response.

Ahead of the hearing, lawmakers expressed concern over alleged misconduct of one of Faucis former advisers.

In a memo published in late May, the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic released an email from David Morens, former senior adviser to Fauci when he was the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

The email said, PS, i forgot to say there is no worry about FOIAs (Freedom of Information Act). I can either send stuff to Tony on his private gmail, or hand it to him at work or at his house. He is too smart to let colleagues send him stuff that could cause trouble.

Fauci referenced the memo containing this email in his opening statement and said, Let me state for the record that to the best of my knowledge I have never conducted official business via my personal email.

Heres a closer look at what else Fauci said during the hearing.

The origins of the pandemic

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, asked him if there was a push to downplay the lab leak theory. Fauci denied he tried to influence the discussion around the origins of the pandemic.

Studies have been published suggesting the virus originated from animals then spread to humans in China, while other reports show studies that say the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology lab. Fauci said Monday hes always kept an open mind on the origin.

Fauci said he had a conference call with around a dozen virologists from across the world to discuss whether the virus originated from animals then spread to humans, or if the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology lab.

Then, Fauci said, it was decided that several participants would more carefully examine the genomic sequence after this further examination. He said researchers published their papers in peer-reviewed journals.

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, said Fauci adding he had no input into a paper published in 2020 that discussed the virus origins.

During his testimony, Fauci also said he didnt try to cover up the theory that the virus came from a lab.

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, said Fauci.

Masks, vaccines and social distancing

During the hearing, lawmakers asked Fauci about COVID-19 regulations and policies involving masks, vaccines and social distancing. Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, asked Fauci about mask mandates for children under 5 years old.

There was no study that did masks on kids before. You couldnt do the study, said Fauci. You had to respond to an epidemic that was killing four to five thousand Americans a day.

Fauci said the 6-foot distancing rule came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and there was no controlled trial behind the recommendation.

The CDC was responsible for those kinds of guidelines for schools, not me, said Fauci. What I believe the CDC used for their reason to say 6 feet is that studies years ago showed that when youre dealing with droplets, which at the time that the CDC made that recommendation, it was felt that the transmission was primarily through droplet, not aerosol, which is incorrect because we know now aerosol does play a role.

When asked about whether or not he challenged the CDC on this recommendation, Fauci said it wouldnt be appropriate to publicly challenge the organization.

In addition to saying he wasnt responsible for the the social distancing regulation, Fauci defended closures of schools, businesses and churches by saying they were attempting to stop the tsunami of deaths that was occurring.

How long you kept them going is debatable, said Fauci.

As to whether or not vaccines prevented the spread of the virus, Fauci described the issue as complicated. Because in the beginning, the first iteration of the vaccines did have an effect, not 100%, not a high effect, he said. They did prevent infection and subsequently obviously transmission.

Fauci said at the onset officials did not know that the durability of protection was limited with respect to infection and transmission. Whereas the duration of protection against severe disease, hospitalization and deaths was more prolonged, he said. We did not know that in the beginning.
A series is a great opportunity to take a break from everyday worries, work, and problems. Some of them have captured the attention of viewers so much that one season of the project could be watched in a matter of days. We decided to recall what the actors who played the most memorable characters on TV look like now.

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OBOZREVATEL will tell you what roles Bradley James, Craig Horner, and Tia Carrere became famous for, and also demonstrate whether the actors have changed much since the release of the cult series on the big screens (to see the photos, scroll to the end).

Judy Reyes

American actress Judy Reyes is best known for her role as nurse Carla Espinosa in the TV series Scrubs. The comedy-drama project about the work and life of young doctors premiered in 2001. In 2010, ABC announced that the series would no longer be produced. At the time of filming Season 1, the actress was 34 years old.

Bradley James

From 2008 to 2012, the English actor played the lead role in the TV series Merlin. The man was born in 1983, and at the age of 25 he made his debut on ITV in the series Lewis. After that, he was invited to join the British fantasy series based on the Arthurian legends about the mythical wizard Merlin.

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Craig Horner

In addition to his role as Richard Cypher in the TV series Legend of the Seeker, the Australian actor is also known for his work in H2O: Just Add Water. After his success in the mermaid project and Blue Water High, he was invited to play a brave truth seeker. Legend of the Seeker was released in 2008 and captured the attention of viewers for only 2 years. At the time of the premiere, Craig was 25 years old.

Jennifer Garner

The American actress is best known for her role as agent Sydney Bristow in the TV series Alias, for which Jennifer received a Golden Globe Award. The project was first shown in 2001 and ended in 2006.

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Tia Carrere

The project Relic Hunter, which was broadcast not so long ago (from 1999 to 2002), conquered many viewers. In the series, Tia played the main character, Professor Sydney Fox. Carrera was born in Hawaii and has Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish roots. The American was 32 years old when she was offered the role of Sydney Fox.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

The American actress, producer, and director became famous for her role in the TV series Ghost Whisperer. This project was broadcast on CBS from 2005 to 2010. The plot centers on a woman named Melinda Gordon (Jennifer Love Hewitt) who has the gift of seeing and communicating with ghosts. The star is now 44 years old. At the time of filming, she was 26.

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Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber . Don't fall for fakes!
In a now-infamous 2021 exchange with Sen. Rand Paul (RKy.), Anthony Faucithe former longtime head of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and former chief medical advisor to the presidentsaid that the National Institutes of Health (which oversees NIAID) "has not ever and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology."

We now know this is not true.

A treasure trove of documents uncovered by congressional investigators and dogged investigative journalists has established that the NIAID was funding gain-of-function research on bat coronaviruses at the Wuhan Lab via a grant to the scandal-plagued nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance (which the Biden administration just debarred from receiving federal funding).

These revelations lead to the inescapable conclusion that Fauci was being misleading at best (and dishonest at worst) about the NIH-funded research at Wuhan. It also has fueled eminently reasonable speculation that that research precipitated a lab leak at Wuhan which caused the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his testimony yesterday at a hearing of the House Oversight Committee's Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Fauci attempted to push back on both notions.

While the NIH-funded research by EcoHealth at the Wuhan lab met the generic definition of gain-of-function research, it did not meet the narrower federal regulatory definition of dangerous gain-of-function research aimed at enhancing potential pandemic pathogens, said Fauci.

"Every time I have mentioned gain-of-functionat the Senate hearing with Senator Paul, at the [transcribed interview with the Coronavirus Subcommittee in January], and todaythe definition that I use is not my personal definition, it is a codified, regulatory and operative definition" found in the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) 2017 Framework for Guiding Funding Decisions about Proposed Research Involving Enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens (P3CO) that regulates potentially pandemic-causing research, said Fauci.

Therefore, Fauci stressed, he was not being dishonest by saying that NIH had not funded this specific type of regulated gain-of-function research.

Moreover, while that NIH-funded research might meet the more generic definition of gain-of-function (that is, research that enhances the properties of a virus), such research could not have created SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), argued Fauci.

"It would be molecularly impossible" for the viruses that EcoHealth and Wuhan researchers were manipulating with NIH funding to have become the virus that caused the pandemic, he said.

Fauci's latest defense is evasive, misleading, and arguably downright dishonest for at least three reasons.

The first is that the P3CO framework is not the only relevant definition of gain-of-function research found in federal regulations. The second is that EcoHealth's work in Wuhan arguably did meet the definitions established by the P3CO framework. The third is that we don't know all the viruses that EcoHealth and Wuhan researchers were experimenting on with NIH funding.

Let's take these three reasons in turn.

To understand the first reason for why Fauci's testimony was misleading requires a little history. In 2014, EcoHealth received a five-year, $3.7 million grant from the NIAID to collect and analyze bat coronaviruses in China.

That same year, the Obama administration paused government funding of gain-of-function research, defined as research that could make flu, SARS, and MERS viruses transmissible via the respiratory route in mammals.

For Fauci to claim that EcoHealth wasn't performing research that met the P3CO framework's definition of gain-of-function research is irrelevant for the first three years of EcoHealth's grant because that framework wasn't in effect yet. The Obama administration's gain-of-function pause was.

And as it turns out, EcoHealth's work arguably should have fallen under this pause.

In 2016, EcoHealth reported to the NIAID that they planned on using viruses collected in the wild to create SARS-like "chimeric" or hybrid viruses that might be better able to infect human lung cells in genetically engineered (humanized) mice.

In response, NIAID told EcoHealth to stop its experiments because they likely violated the then-extant pause on gain-of-function research.

After some weeks of back-and-forth in 2016, NIH did eventually let EcoHealth continue with its research on the condition that it immediately stop its work and notify the agency if any of its hybrid viruses did show increased viral growth in humanized mice.

When these hybrid viruses did show increased viral growth in mice, EcoHealth did not immediately stop work or notify the NIH. It instead waited until it submitted an annual progress report in 2018 to disclose the results of its experiments.

By that time, the NIH was operating under the P3CO framework, which imposed new regulations on gain-of-function research on potential pandemic pathogens (PPPs).

This brings us to the second reason Fauci's testimony was misleading to the point of dishonesty: EcoHealth's work arguably did meet the definition for gain-of-function research laid out in the P3CO.

Under the P3CO framework, PPPs were defined as pathogens that were "likely highly transmissible" in human populations and "likely highly virulent" in humans.

The P3CO framework required that any proposed research that could be "reasonably anticipated" to create PPPs that had enhanced transmissibility or virulence be forwarded to the HHS for review and risk-benefit analysis.

As mentioned, EcoHealth was creating hybrid SARS-like viruses, using them to infect humanized mice, and finding that those hybrid viruses did have enhanced transmissibility and virulence compared to their natural cousins.

It's eminently reasonable to say, as virologists have, that the hybrid viruses EcoHealth was creating with NIH funding did in fact fall under the definition of an enhanced PPP set out in the P3CO framework. At a minimum, EcoHealth's experiments should have been forwarded to the HHS for review.

That didn't happen.

Indeed, a steady, mainstream criticism of the NIH prior to the pandemic was that it was interpreting definitions in P3CO policy so narrowly so as to not have to send any research up the chain to the HHS for review. In his testimony yesterday, Fauci continued this tradition of effectively defining gain-of-function research subject to P3CO out of existence.

In his testimony yesterday, Fauci also asserted that the entire inquiry into whether EcoHealth's research at Wuhan met this or that definition of gain-of-function was irrelevant to the inquiry into the origins of COVID-19. That's because the viruses they'd reported working on in Wuhan couldn't possibly have caused the pandemic because they are so dissimilar from SARS-CoV-2.

This brings us to the third way that Fauci's testimony was misleading in the extreme: We don't know all the viruses that Wuhan researchers were experimenting with.

As Harvard molecular biologist Alina Chan notes in a New York Times essay arguing COVID-19 "probably" started in a lab, the Wuhan lab EcoHealth partnered with has thousands of unpublished virus samples, and Chinese researchers have long been incredibly cagey about sharing all their virus samples with their American collaborators.

In 2018, EcoHealth had also proposed to engineer viruses at Wuhan with features "strikingly similar" to SARS-CoV-2, Chan notes. The Biden administration also cited EcoHealth's failure to monitor the work of its Chinese partners and report the results of its own experiments on time as the reason for debarring it from receiving federal funds.

When representatives asked Fauci yesterday whether Wuhan researchers might have performed experiments on these unpublished viruses that could have sparked the pandemic, his repeated response was that he couldn't comment on all the virological work being done across China.

At a minimum, that's an incredibly brazen exercise in blame shifting. By funding EcoHealth's virological work in Wuhan, Fauci's agency (and he, as director) had a responsibility to ensure the work being done there was being conducted safely and transparently.

Now, Fauci is baldly saying that he can't be expected to really know all of what's going on at a lab receiving U.S. taxpayer funding.

That's maddening all by itself. It also undermines Fauci's definitive statement that "the viruses that were funded by the NIH bio-genetically could not be the precursor to SARS-CoV-2." If Fauci doesn't know the full extent of the work the NIH funded, he can't say with certainty that it didn't spark a pandemic.

So in short, Fauci's latest position, repeated by congressional Democrats and his fans in the media, that a lab leak origin of COVID is possible but that it's still a conspiracy theory to say it resulted from NIH-funded research at Wuhan is as mendacious as his original word games with Sen. Paul.

The post Anthony Fauci Gives Misleading, Evasive Answers About NIH-Funded Research at Wuhan Lab appeared first on Reason.com.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., hijacked the House Oversight Committee meeting on Monday to lambast Dr. Anthony Fauci over has response to the COVID-19 pandemic, resorting to all sorts of name-calling and bizarrely insisting that the retired medical professional is not a doctor.

Fauci, former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was summoned to the hearing as part of a effort by Republicans to push conspiracy theories about the origins of and response to the pandemic, Raw Story reported. Theories included that there was no scientific evidence for social distancing and that the real origins of the virus were still unknown because of an international cover up.

Greene kicked things up a notch when she told the doctor, who served under former President Donald Trump, that he belonged in prison because of his crimes against humanity, The Independent reported.

Greene added that Fauci experimented on beagles with disease-causing parasites, something that she simply couldnt bear as a dog lover" (she was referencing a scientific study that had received an NIAID grant).

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 told Fauci. And I want you to know that Americans dont pay their taxes for animals to be tortured liked this.

After the hearing, Fauci appeared on CNN with Kaitlin Collins to set the record, calling Greene's attack on him an unusual performance but noting that there is a "segment of the population out there that believe that kind of nonsense. He blamed Fox News and public figures like Greene for him still receiving death threats, two years after leaving government service.
Argument between roommates ends with 50-year-old shot dead, New Mexico cops say

A man fatally shot his 50-year-old roommate during an argument and was arrested, New Mexico police said.

Roman Hernandez, 38, is accused of shooting his roommate in the chest at their Roswell home, officers said.

Hernandez called 911, and when officers got to the scene, they found the victim in the kitchen and Hernandez on the back porch, police said.

Officers didnt specify what that argument was about.

Evidence showed that Hernandez had moved the man from a bedroom where the shooting happened to the kitchen, officers said.

Hernandez, who officers said was intoxicated during the shooting, moved the gun used in the shooting to a car that was behind the home, police said.

Officials are confirming the victims identity as he may have used aliases, officers said.

Hernandez was arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter, tampering with evidence and felon in possession of a firearm, officers said.

He was booked into the Chaves County Detention Center, police said.

Roswell is about a 200-mile drive southeast of Albuquerque.

61-year-old is stabbed to death in her sleep by 24-year-old son, New Jersey cops say

Woman tells roommate to move out, then kidnaps him and has cousin beat him up, feds say

Man stabs his roommate, follows them and starts fire in Utah home, cops say
Arizona voters will decide if local police can arrest people for crossing into the US from Mexico

Arizona State Representatives Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, D, and Lydia Hernandez, D, left, speak during debate at the Capitol, Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

PHOENIX (AP)  The Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature gave final approval Tuesday to a proposal asking voters to make it a state crime for noncitizens to enter the state through Mexico at any location other than a port of entry, sending the measure to the Nov. 5 ballot.

The vote came as President Joe Biden unveiled plans Tuesday to restrict the number of migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, saying This action will help to gain control of our border, restore order to the process."

Arizona's proposal, approved on a 31-29 vote by the state House, would allow state and local police to arrest people crossing the border without authorization. It would also give state judges the power to order people convicted of the offense to return to their countries of origin.

The proposal bypasses Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who had vetoed a similar measure in early March and has denounced the effort to bring the issue to voters.

Hobbs spoke out against the bill's approval, saying, Extremists in the Legislature have chosen to prioritize their political agendas over finding real solutions.

She said the legislation "will hurt Arizona businesses, send jobs out of state, make it more difficult for law enforcement to do their jobs, and bust the states budget. It will not secure our border.

House Republicans closed access to the upper gallery of the chamber before the session started Tuesday, citing concerns about security and possible disruptions. The move immediately drew the criticism of Democrats, who demanded that the gallery be reopened.

House representatives voted along party lines, with all Republicans voting in favor of the proposal and all Democrats voting against it.

Supporters of the bill said it was necessary to ensure security along the state's southern border, and that Arizona voters should be given the opportunity to decide the issue themselves.

When the federal government fails, the state has to step in," said state Rep. Timothy Dunn, a Republican who grew up in Yuma, Arizona, near the border with Mexico.

Opponents called the legislation unconstitutional and said it would lead to racial profiling and create several millions of dollars in additional policing costs that Arizona cities, counties and state can ill afford.

State Rep. Analise Ortiz, a Democrat whose family has lived in the United States for generations, said that under the law, My brown skin could allow a police officer to pull me over on suspicions in the state where I was born.

The measure will go before voters in a state expected to play a crucial role in determining which party controls the White House and the U.S. Senate  likely razor-close races in Arizona. Republicans hope it will focus attention on the border, which they accuse Biden of mishandling, and dilute the political benefits Democrats seek from an anticipated abortion-rights initiative.

Disorder on the border is a top motivator for many Republican voters who former President Donald Trump hopes will vote in big numbers. Immigration also concerns highly educated suburban voters who abandoned the GOP under Trump and helped power the Democrats rise in Arizona.

The proposal is similar to a Texas law that has been put on hold by a federal appeals court while its being challenged.

While federal law already prohibits the unauthorized entry of migrants into the U.S., proponents of the measure say its needed because the federal government hasnt done enough to stop people from crossing illegally over Arizonas vast, porous border with Mexico. They also said some people who enter Arizona without authorization commit identity theft and take advantage of public benefits.

Opponents say the proposal would saddle the state with new costs from law enforcement agencies without experience with immigration law, as well as hurt Arizonas reputation in the business world.

Supports say the measure focuses only on the states border region and  unlike Arizonas landmark 2010 immigration law  doesnt target people statewide. Opponents point out the proposal doesnt contain geographical limitations for enforcement.

The ballot proposal contains other provisions that arent included in the Texas measure and aren't directly related to immigration. Those include making it a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison for selling fentanyl that leads to a persons death, and a requirement that some government agencies use a federal database to verify a noncitizen's eligibility for benefits.

Warning about potential legal costs, opponents pointed to Arizonas 2005 immigrant smuggling ban used by then-Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio to carry out 20 large-scale traffic patrols that targeted immigrants. That led to a 2013 racial profiling verdict and taxpayer-funded legal and compliance costs that now total $265 million and are expected to reach $314 million by July 2025.

Under the current proposal, a first-time conviction of the border-crossing provision would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. State judges could order people to return to their countries of origin after completing a term of incarceration, although the courts would have the power to dismiss cases if those who were arrested agreed to return home.

The measure would require the state corrections department to take into custody people charged or convicted under it, if local or county law enforcement agencies dont have space to house them.

The proposal includes exceptions for people granted lawful presence status or asylum by the federal government.

This isnt the first time Republican lawmakers in Arizona have tried to criminalize migration.

When passing its 2010 immigration bill, the Arizona Legislature considered expanding the states trespassing law to criminalize the presence of immigrants and impose criminal penalties. But the trespassing language was removed and replaced with a requirement that officers, while enforcing other laws, question peoples immigration status if they were believed to be in the country illegally.

The questioning requirement was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court despite the racial profiling concerns of critics, but courts barred enforcement of other sections of the law.



Associated Press writer Jonathan J. Cooper contributed reporting.
Arizonans will vote on a statewide ballot measure in November to determine whether state police should have authority to arrest people who cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally, the state legislature decided Tuesday.

The GOP-backed ballot measure is intended to supersede a veto on a similar bill by Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) in March. The state Senate approved the proposal in a 16-13 party-line vote last month, and the House passed it on an even closer 31-29 margin Tuesday.

Im an immigrant. This is not anti-immigrant. This is anti-lawlessness, House Speaker Ben Toma (R) said on the floor Tuesday, casting the final aye vote. Its about securing our border because the federal government has failed to do their job. The people of Arizona will get the final say in this issue. And Im proud to send it to them.

Texas was the first state to pass a bill similarly allowing state police to make border crossing arrests earlier this year. That law marks a major shift in immigration enforcement and has not gone into effect pending legal challenges.

Arizonas law also allows state judges to order deportations. Under the proposal, a first-time conviction of the border-crossing provision would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail.

Hobbs warned in her earlier veto of the similar measure that it could cause significant legal costs for the state, and predicted that it could be found to be unconstitutional by courts.

This bill does not secure our border, will be harmful for communities and businesses in our state, and burdensome for law enforcement personnel and the state judicial system, Hobbs wrote in her March veto statement.

Federal law already prohibits the unauthorized entry of migrants into the United States. However, Republicans in Arizona and Texas say that the U.S. government is not doing enough and they need additional state powers.

Critics, including Hobbs, have warned that the proposal could increase racial profiling in the state and harken back to Arizonas controversial 2010 immigration law that allowed police to question people on suspicion of being in the country illegally. That law was later pared back by the Supreme Court for infringing on the federal governments jurisdiction.

Business leaders, border law enforcement, and bipartisan local leaders throughout the state who oppose this bill know it will not make us safer, instead it will demonize our communities and lead to racial profiling, Hobbs said in a statement last month.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition has filed a lawsuit in federal court against Washington County over the misuse of federal funds received during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.

The release says the county received $46 million in federal funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative economic impacts associated with it.

In an interview we did in 2022, jail leaders said the expansion is necessary to stop the spread of covid-19 by creating more space to spread out and quarantine, adding about 230 beds and creating more warehouse space to store covid-mitigating supplies.

AJRC said regulations released by the U.S. Treasury prohibit the use of the funds to construct a new jail facility.

Community members like Alan Rodriguez who has been incarcerated in the countys jail says the expansion is not needed and instead should have resources for those who are mentally ill and unhoused.

I had to witness old men, senior citizens fight for a blanket, Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez was at a press conference Tuesday evening hosted by the AJRC where members of the non-profit like Washington County Justice of the Peace Beth Coger and Fayetteville City Council Member Sarah Moore addressed the lawsuit.

At such a time when people were hurting so much, that money could have been so much used to help people. And thats what AJRC was wanting to do, Coger said.

Moore says whenever this plan as on the ballot, community members has said no the expansion and additional taxation to support that

One person told the crowd the jail needs basic medial care.

Her partner has epilepsy and was told he would receive his medication.

When he got out a week later, he had not had one dose of his epilepsy medication, she said.

American Rescue Plan Act funds were provided to communities to directly respond to areas affected by the pandemic to provide housing, mental and health care expansions, and substance and recovery assistance among other things, according to the release.

I am hopeful that the court will look at it and will evaluate it and make sure that the taxpayer to get a fair shake on this and that we have an opportunity for our generations today. But also this will impact folks on the future as well, Moore said.

Washington County closes second bidding process for jail expansion

Today, the jail is filled with individuals who are too poor to buy their freedom and often in need of therapeutic and healing services, the release said. Investments and improvements in resources and services have been listed in the 2020 taxpayer-funded National Center for State Courts criminal system study of which the recommendations would all be eligible uses of the ARPA monies.

AJRC said 46 agencies including them made applications to the county to aid recovery efforts requesting $30 million, which was reportedly not awarded to applicants.

Moore says this year is their last chance to find an alternative solution.

Before we hit the deadline that currently exists to use these monies to have them allocated by the end of 2024, Moore.

Moore hopes the money can be reallocated and go to the community resources that are needed.

KNWA/FOX has reached out to Tad Sours with Washington County.

He says the county has not been served yet and it is too early in the process to comment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Arkansas State Police seize 120 pounds of illegal marijuana, gun and ammo in Lonoke County traffic stop

LONOKE COUNTY, Ark.  A Sunday afternoon traffic stop led to Arkansas State Police troopers seizing more than 100 pounds of illegal marijuana in Lonoke County.

ASP officials said troopers conducted a traffic stop around 12:14 p.m. on a van on eastbound Interstate 40 near mile marker 164.

Arkansas State Police seize 400-plus pounds of marijuana, cash in Conway County traffic stop

During the stop, troopers said they found two wooden crates containing 120 one-pound bags of illegal marijuana. Authorities said the troopers also found and confiscated a handgun, multiple magazines and ammunition.

Courtesy of Arkansas State Police

Courtesy of Arkansas State Police

Police said the driver, 55-year-old Brian High of Townsend, Delaware, was arrested. The release said that High told investigators he was traveling from Mesa, Arizona, to Townsend, Delaware.

Arkansas State Police seize almost 900 pounds of illegal marijuana from I-40 traffic stops in the last 10 days

Officials said High was taken to the Lonoke County Detention Center and is facing multiple charges, including possession of drugs and firearms, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
(KRON)  The San Jose Police Department is looking for three suspects in connection to the armed robbery of a cannabis dispensary in February. Officers responded to the incident at 4:25 a.m. on Feb. 14 on a report of armed robbery and attempted homicide.

At the scene, officers learned that three suspects forced their way into the business and took various products. A fourth suspect, police said, remained outside.

The suspects attempted to flee in a vehicle but were confronted by onsite security personnel. The suspect driver, according to police, pointed a handgun at security personnel and fired one shot.

46 suspects arrested in sexual assaults warrant sweep, SJPD says

The four suspects fled the scene in the vehicle, firing at least one more round as they fled.

The investigation was taken over by detectives from the San Jose PD Robbery Unit. One of the suspects was identified. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect and a search warrant for his San Francisco residence.

Detectives served the search warrant on May 28 and seized a loaded stolen handgun, magazines for a different firearm, extra ammunition and several vehicle license plates, some reported stolen.

The suspect, police said, was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Jail for armed robbery and attempted homicide. SJPD is asking for the publics assistance in identifying the other three suspects. They are described as men in their 20s, between 5 foot 5 inches in height to 5 foot 8 inches in height.

Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact the San Jose Police Department.

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CHESTER COUNTY, S.C (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Arrest warrants have been issued for one individual in connection to a deadly shooting back in May, according to Chester Police.

PREVIOUS: 2 teens shot, 1 fatally in Chester County; suspects sought

On May 17, deputies responded to an incident at Jones Adair Park on Odom Street. Two victims were found suffering from gunshot wounds and both were transported to an area medical center where one of those victims, later identified as 19-year-old Demarcus Sanders, was pronounced dead.

The other victim was 17 years old and had severe injuries.

Following the investigation, an arrest warrant has been issued for Sincere ONeal Streeter, 20 for Murder, Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime and Attempted Murder

Chester Police, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Chester County Sheriffs Office, and EMS are among the departments that assisted in the investigation.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

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Google's new search feature, Artificial Intelligence Reviews, received a negative reaction after users pointed out some factually inaccurate answers to queries. Experts explained why artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots can display false or misleading information.

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AI Reviews, which was launched two weeks ago, displays answers to the most frequently asked questions received from various sources on the Internet at the top of the Google search page. The new feature aims to help users answer "difficult questions," as stated in the Google blog.

The system gave false answers. For example, the user was asked to glue the cheese to the pizza if it came off, to eat stones to improve health, or that former US President Barack Obama is a Muslim, which is a conspiracy theory that has been debunked.

A study conducted by Vectara, a startup that develops generative AI, showed that chatbots invent information in the range of three to 27% of cases.

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What are artificial intelligence hallucinations?

Large language models (LLMs), which power chatbots such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, learn to predict responses based on patterns. Hanan Ouzan, partner and head of generative AI at Artefact, said that the model calculates the most likely next word to answer your question based on what is in their database.

"This is exactly how we work as humans. We think before we speak," he said in an interview with Euronews.

Sometimes, the model's training data can be incomplete or biased, leading to incorrect answers or "hallucinations" on the part of the chatbot.

According to Oleksandr Sukharevskyi, senior partner at QuantumBlack at McKinsey, it is more correct to call AI a "hybrid technology" because chatbot answers are "mathematically calculated" based on the data they observe.

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Google assures that there is no single reason why hallucinations occur: it may be insufficient training data used by the model, incorrect assumptions, or hidden biases in the information used by the chatbot. Google has identified several types of such inconsistencies. These include incorrect predictions of events that may not actually happen, false positives due to the detection of fictitious threats, and negative results.

The company acknowledged that hallucinations of sorts can have significant consequences, such as when a medical AI model misidentifies a benign skin pattern as malignant, leading to "unnecessary medical interventions."

According to Igor Sevo, Head of AI at HTEC Group, an international product development firm, it all depends on what artificial intelligence is used for.

"In creative situations, hallucinations are good. The question is how to teach models to distinguish between creativity and truthfulness," he explained, noting that AI models can write new pieces of text or emails in a certain voice or style.

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It's all about data

According to Wazan, the accuracy of a chatbot depends on the quality of the data set it receives.

"If one of the data sources is not 100 percent accurate, the chatbot may say something wrong. This is the main reason why we experience hallucinations," he said.

Currently, according to Ouzan, AI models use a lot of data from the Internet and open sources to train their models.

OpenAI, in particular, is also signing deals with media organizations such as Axel Springer and News Corp, and publications such as Le Monde, to license their content so that they can train their models on more reliable data. According to Wazan, it's not that AI needs more data to formulate accurate answers, but that the models need high-quality input data.

Sukharevsky says he's not surprised that AI chatbots make mistakes  they have to so that the people who run them can improve the technology and its data sets as they go.

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Retired Cmdr. John Herrington, center, receives the Circle of Honor Award, kicking off Tulsa City-County Librarys monthlong American Indian Festival of Words. (Photo/Courtesy of Meredith Johnson, MVSKOKE Media)

As a kickoff of the American Indian Festival of Words, the Tulsa City County Library honored astronaut and retired Naval aviator Cmdr. John Herrington by adding him to the Circle of Honor.

If people hadnt come along in my life to encourage me. If they hadnt done that we wouldnt be having this conversation today, Herrington, a Chickasaw citizen, said. I wouldnt have had the opportunity or privilege to be presented with the Circle of Honor from the American Indian Resource Center. I am humbled and to have my family here is a blessing.

The Chickasaw Honor Guard was in attendance to do the posting of colors during the celebration.

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We posted colors, along with displaying our eagle staff. It is always a pleasure to be a part of ceremonies honoring Chickasaw citizens, especially those for other veterans, honor guard member Silas Welch said.

The Circle of Honor Award recognizes First Americans from Oklahoma for their lifetime achievements. Recipients contributions have had to enhance the life of others, while drawing attention to First American customs, traditions and culture.

Representing the Chickasaw Nation is truly an honor, Welch said.

Richard Andrews, Mary Baken, David Cavener, Keith Mowdy, Doyle Somers and Welch were the Chickasaw Honor Guard members who participated in the ceremony.

Herringtons illustrious military career included the dangerous job of becoming a test pilot. Recognized for his nerves of steel, along with his engineering aptitude, NASA selected Herrington for the nations astronaut program. A member of an elite group of individuals, Herrington is in a cohort of nearly 650 people worldwide having the privilege of traveling to space.

It is estimated that 108 billion people have lived on the Earth. As of today, 644 of us have had a chance to fly in space. (I was told by a friend) Never forget how fortunate you are to have done something so very few people have done. Out of the 644, only 277 have stepped outside and done a spacewalk. Herrington said at the Festival of Words.

Herrington was the first tribal citizen of a federally recognized tribe to become an astronaut. According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, eight astronauts have had ties to Oklahoma.

He logged nearly 14 days orbiting the Earth, during which he completed three spacewalks.

While Tulsa is in another reservation, the Tulsa Library recognized Herringtons Chickasaw heritage and veteran status. Having us there was a sign of respect, both to Cmdr. Herrington and to his tribes honor guard, Welch said.

It feels good to be able to honor citizens and veterans for their dedication, achievements and representation of First Americans for organizations like the Tulsa Library, Welch said.

Upon retirement from the U.S. Navy, Herrington continued his education. He earned a Ph.D. in education from the University of Idaho. He can often be found in his home state of Oklahoma promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.

My journey to space began here in Oklahoma, Herrington said. You dont know the people from Oklahoma until you are here, until you are with and spend time with them. To really apricate the people and the red dirt of Oklahoma you must be on the ground. To see it from their perspective.

Past recipients of the Circle of Honor Award include Oklahoma educators, community leaders, artists and legal scholars. Herrington joins the ranks of First Americans such as Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee; Ruth Blalock Jones, Shawnee/ Delaware/Peoria; and fellow Chickasaw, Neil McCaleb.

To honor my Native American heritage, I flew a feather and a flute while on the space station, Herrington said. The flute was given to me by Jim Gilliam, a Cherokee. He was an engineer at the Kennedy Space Center. The feather was given to me by an elder who was and elder with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. His wife is Chickasaw.

Instated in 2004, Herrington is among 11 other First Americans selected during the last two decades to receive the Circle of Honor Award. Circle of Honor Awards are presented biannually by the American Indian Resource Center (AIRC).

The Tulsa Library AIRC did an excellent job honoring Cmdr. Herrington and were extremely hospitable hosts to the Chickasaw Honor Guard, Welch said. This was expressed during a Blanket presentation from the AIRC to the Chickasaw Honor Guard.

AIRC is located within the Tulsa Library System and maintains the systems First American collection. AIRC has provided more than 20 years of service to Green Country.

With more than 4,000 artifacts, materials within the collection include fiction and nonfiction books, rare historic treasures, film, music and artwork.

The Chickasaw Honor Guard presenting colors during the opening ceremonies paid homage to all First Americans, as well as acknowledging Herringtons Chickasaw heritage and service to country.

The (Chickasaw) Honor Guard participates in the neighborhood of 180 events annually. This year we have already participated in more than 90 postings of colors, community events and funerals, Welch said. Community engagement really ramps up during the spring and summer months. We are always looking for new Chickasaw veterans to join our ranks so that we dont have to turn anyone away.

The Chickasaw Honor Guard has a dedicated group of 15 volunteer members. Working around each members schedule often stretches the honor guard thin in attempts to fulfill event requests. Chickasaw veterans interested in joining or learning more about the Chickasaw Honor Guard are encouraged to visit its office at 1911 Warrior Way, Ada, Oklahoma, or submit a membership application via the Chickasaw Honor Guard service page at Chickasaw.net/ HonorGuard.

For more information about the Chickasaw Honor Guard, call (580) 310-7930.

Other activities during the Festival of Words included a Plains Indian sign language demonstration, First American storytelling, pottery and patchwork make and take workshops, dancing demonstrations, and more.
Tips from Austin leaders on how to deal with the summer heat

AUSTIN (KXAN)  Austin and Travis County leaders held a press conference Tuesday to discuss summer safety as temperatures increase.

The seasonal outlook for Austin forecasts a hotter than normal summer from June to August, Mayor Kirk Watson said.

According to the KXAN First Warning Weather team, Central Texas temperatures will climb into the low to mid-90s this week. The Heat index will be between 105-112, prompting a Heat Advisory on Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

KXAN First Warning Weather forecast

This is Texas and yes, Texas has always been hot, but climate change is causing more extreme heat, Watson said. Recent climate projections developed by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin show an increasing trend in higher summer temperatures with a prediction of more frequent and intense heat waves.

Several local leaders during the press conference discussed preparedness and what residents need to know about heat, drought, water safety, water and power conservation.

Watson said this summer will likely be another record-breaking year when it comes to energy demand. He said Austin Energy recently completed its summer weatherization inspections and maintenance activities and is summer ready with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT.

Watson also gave some energy conservation tips, including the following:

Avoid major appliance usage during the hottest parts of the day

Raise your thermostats a few degrees

Use fans to help cool

He also reminded people about Austins water conservation efforts and said though the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) loosened its water restrictions in Central Texas Monday, Austin remains in Stage 2 of its drought contingency plan. This is because Austins drought contingency plans are based on the long-term projections for the lake levels, and the water supply has been stressed from years of drought, Watson said. Austin residents can find information about watering restrictions online.

Ken Snipes, the direct of Austins Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said the city is seeing an increase in the number of cases related to heat illnesses, which included 123 visits to Austin area hospitals in May alone. During the same time period last year, there were only eight.

Snipes said typically when there are three or more days of heat over 100 degrees, there tends to be a spike in heat-related illnesses and encouraged people to be prepared for a long, hot summer, and encouraged them to take advantage of the citys cooling centers.

City facilities like libraries and parks and recreation buildings serve as cooling centers during normal operational hours. Cooling center locations can be found online.

Cooling centers now open in Austin: How to find a location

Snipes also reminded residents to be prepared for wildfire season, which is most active over the summer. He said Austin ranks No. 6 in the nation for the number of homes at risk from wildfires. Information and tips on wildfire preparation can be found online at readycentraltexas.org.

Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz echoed Snipes in encouraging people to be prepared for the heat, as heat-related illness and emergency calls have already spiked for the agency so far this year.

Luckritz said over the Memorial Day weekend, ATCEMS responded to 54 heat-related emergencies compared to last years holiday weekend seeing only 8. He also said there has been a 90% increase over last year in heat-related calls since the beginning of April.

Watson and Luckritz believe the spike in heat-related emergencies could be in part due to more people being more educated and informed on what the symptoms are and what to do when experiencing them.

David Gray, the citys Homelessness Strategy Officer, said the city and its partners are also well prepared for the heat. He mentioned that cooling centers are available for everyone, and said the ARCH serves as a cooling center seven days a week. He said the office is also working with Urban Alchemy and other nonprofits in the area to ensure the homeless population has water and stays informed on the weather conditions.

Heat illness symptoms, what to do

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

Cool, pale, clammy skin

Weakness

Dizziness

Heavy sweating

Nausea or vomiting

Fast, weak pulse

What to do for someone experiencing heat exhaustion:

Cool them and move them to a cooler area immediately

Loosen clothing

Sip cool water slowly

If symptoms do not improve, last longer than an hour, or the victim begins vomiting, seek medical help. Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke within minutes.



Heat stroke symptoms include:

Hot, red, dry or damp skin

Rapid and strong pulse

Throbbing headache

Confusion

Nausea or dizziness

Body temperature above 103 F

Lethargy or loss of consciousness

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Firefighters on duty for flood prevention operations following heavy rains that caused flooding in various regions. Fotokerschi.At/Taras Panchuk/APA/dpa

The entire course of the Danube in Austria has been closed to shipping due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the country, and in neighbouring southern Germany.

The state waterway company, via donau, announced the closure on Tuesday. "Safety cannot be guaranteed above a certain water level," Christoph Caspar, spokesman for via donau, told dpa. How long the measure will remain in force depends on further rainfall and the water levels in the Danube's tributaries.

The Danube flows over 350 kilometres through Austria, from the Bavarian border city of Passau to the Slovakian capital Bratislava, also on the border.

The closure forced some cruise ships to dock in Linz, where the Danube burst its banks on Tuesday. Some roads were also closed. In Scharding, which lies on the river Inn, a tributary of the Danube, defences were increased to prevent major flooding.

As water levels on the Bavarian Danube across the border in Germany continued to rise, slight increases were also recorded on the Upper Austrian Danube, the Hydrographic Service of Upper Austria reported on Tuesday afternoon. Overall, however, the experts expected the situation to ease soon.

Firefighters on duty for flood prevention operations following heavy rains that caused flooding in various regions. Fotokerschi.At/Taras Panchuk/APA/dpa
Authorities searching for suspect who vandalized business with fire extinguisher

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department is asking for the publics help to locate a person who vandalized a restaurant in Agoura Hills last month.

It happened on May 28 around 4:30 a.m. on the 5600 block of Kanan Road, the Sheriffs Department said.

Specific details were not provided, but the Sheriffs Department did state that the suspect used a fire extinguisher during the alleged crime.

Photos of the suspect were shared on Tuesday, as well as a brief description.

Authorities say hes a man standing around 5 feet 8 inches and weighing around 140 pounds. Hes believed to be between 20 and 30 years old.

Detectives from the LASD Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriffs Station are investigating.

Additional details were not made available.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect in the provided photos is urged to contact L.A. Crime Stoppers online or by calling 800-222-8477.

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Keneth Chesebro was among three Donald Trump associates to be dealt yet another legal blow on Tuesday, with each of them charged in Wisconsin with forgery stemming from the 2020 election.

The charges relate to Chesebros alleged fake electors plot that sought to have Wisconsin and its 10 electoral votes flipped from a Joe Biden victory to a Trump wina longshot scheme that never gained any real traction.

That foiled plan involved fake elector paperwork being signed by 10 Wisconsin electors and passed by to then-Vice President Mike Pence on Jan. 6, 2021a plot that Chesebro is said to have helped draw up.

Despite the plots predictable failure in Wisconsin and elsewhere, those in Trumps orbit, like Chesebro, have found themselves staring down potential prison time in swing states across the country.

Another Trump Lieutenant Flips on Him in Georgia Racketeering Case

Chesebro, 62, was among 18 co-defendants named alongside Trump in his criminal racketeering case in Georgia, but he reached a plea deal in October. He was also named a co-conspirator for a similar plot in Arizona.

The others charged Tuesday included Michael Roman, a former Trump campaign aide, and James Troupis, a former attorney for Trump who represented the then-president in Wisconsin during the 2020 election. Its the first time Troupis, 70, has faced charges, but Roman, 51, was among Trumps co-defendants in his Georgia case and is listed as a co-conspirator in Arizona.

Prosecutors have also separately charged other Republicans involved in alleged fake elector schemes in Michigan and Nevada. Fake elector plots also allegedly took place in Pennsylvania and New Mexico, but no charges have stemmed from them.

The three defendants in the Wisconsin case are scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 19. They could be sentenced up to six years in prison and fine up to $10,000 if convicted.

Heres my full statement regarding media reports today indicating charges are being filed against individuals involved in Wisconsins 2020 fake elector scheme. pic.twitter.com/TUSRS42KEV  Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) June 4, 2024

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, issued a one word response to the charges being filed Tuesday: Good.

Trump lost Wisconsin by less than 21,000 votes in 2020approximately the same margin Trump carried the state with in 2016.

Like other times his pals have been slapped with charges but not him, Trump did not immediately comment on Tuesday despite firing off 15 posts to Truth Social before noon.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaks at a campaign event of the Alliance 90/The Greens (Bundnis 90/Die Grunen) for the 2024 European elections. Against the backdrop of the fatal knife attack on a police officer in the south-western German city of Mannheim, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has appealed for a careful study of the situation in Afghanistan before possible deportations to the country. Christoph Soeder/dpa

Against the backdrop of the fatal knife attack on a police officer in the south-western German city of Mannheim, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has appealed for a careful study of the situation in Afghanistan before possible deportations to the country.

"In this particular case, the Ministry of the Interior has been investigating for some time," the Green politician explained in Berlin on Tuesday. "This is anything but trivial, because there is no getting around central constitutional and, above all, security issues."

The suspected Islamist attack during an anti-Islam gathering in Mannheim has reignited the debate surrounding Germany's suspended deportations to Afghanistan.

"Of course we have an interest in ensuring that perpetrators who have committed serious criminal offences are repatriated as quickly as possible," said Baerbock. That is why the rules have already been tightened, she added.

However, at the same time she asked: "How do we want to cooperate with an Islamist terrorist regime with which we have no relations at all? And how do we ensure that the next terrorist attack is not planned from there?"

Like its European partners, Germany does not have an embassy in Afghanistan that can accompany the repatriations, said Baerbock. The then interior minister Horst Seehofer had stopped the federal police from accompanying deportations "because the federal police officers are not safe under these conditions."

Baerbock continued: "Last but not least, we owe it to the victims that the perpetrators serve their sentence in prison and that murderers are not set free in Afghanistan."

On the online platform X, Baerbock called on society to stand together. The police officer killed in the attack had "not only shown courage, but also #decency and #attitude."

"And that's exactly what's missing in our debate," she said.

The aim of extremists is to divide Germans, "regardless of whether it is Islamism or right-wing extremism," Baerbock asserted.

A quarter of all people in Germany have a migration background and "naturally stand up for [its] liberal society, seeing this is a question of #decency and attitude."
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaks at a campaign event of the Alliance 90/The Greens (Bundnis 90/Die Grunen) for the 2024 European elections. Against the backdrop of the fatal knife attack on a police officer in the south-western German city of Mannheim, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has appealed for a careful study of the situation in Afghanistan before possible deportations to the country. Christoph Soeder/dpa

Against the backdrop of the fatal knife attack on a police officer in the south-western German city of Mannheim, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has appealed for a careful study of the situation in Afghanistan before possible deportations to the country.

"In this particular case, the Ministry of the Interior has been investigating for some time," the Green politician explained in Berlin on Tuesday. "This is anything but trivial, because there is no getting around central constitutional and, above all, security issues."

The suspected Islamist attack during an anti-Islam gathering in Mannheim has reignited the debate surrounding Germany's suspended deportations to Afghanistan.

"Of course we have an interest in ensuring that perpetrators who have committed serious criminal offences are repatriated as quickly as possible," said Baerbock. That is why the rules have already been tightened, she added.

However, at the same time she asked: "How do we want to cooperate with an Islamist terrorist regime with which we have no relations at all? And how do we ensure that the next terrorist attack is not planned from there?"

Like its European partners, Germany does not have an embassy in Afghanistan that can accompany the repatriations, said Baerbock. The then interior minister Horst Seehofer had stopped the federal police from accompanying deportations "because the federal police officers are not safe under these conditions."

Baerbock continued: "Last but not least, we owe it to the victims that the perpetrators serve their sentence in prison and that murderers are not set free in Afghanistan."
Kamran Huseynov, Deputy Director of the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency (AREA) under the Ministry of Energy has met with Alex Lee, the Director General of China's LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. for the Middle East, Africa and Turkiye regions, Azernews reports, citing AREA.

The meeting focused on collaboration related to solar energy projects in Azerbaijan and the role of Chinese companies in this field.

Detailed information about green energy projects in Azerbaijan was shared, and both sides discussed LONGis participation in solar energy initiatives, potential areas for cooperation, and exchanged views on mutual interests.
On June 4, Polish farmers resumed a partial blockade of the Ukrainian border. Trucks are not allowed to cross the Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne checkpoint, and no truck can enter Poland from Ukraine.

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This was reported by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS). "Truck traffic is blocked at the Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne checkpoint," the statement said.

The protesters completely stopped the movement of trucks leaving Ukraine. The Poles allow trucks to enter Ukraine in the following mode:

no more than 24 trucks per day (two runs of 12 vehicles each);

4 trucks with humanitarian cargo per hour.

Other categories of vehicles in both directions are allowed to cross as usual. The action is expected to last until the evening of June 6.

The protesting farmers are again demanding to restrict imports of agricultural products from Ukraine. In particular, they advocate "reducing the import of grain to Poland," although such crops are still transiting the neighboring country. Similar one-day protests took place on May 10 at the Dovhobychuv-Uhryniv checkpoint.

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The large-scale, month-long blockade of the Ukrainian border ended in late April. Thus, on April 29, the Poles started letting trucks through at the Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne checkpoint. A week earlier, on April 22, protesters unblocked the largest checkpoint, Yahodyn-Dorohusk. A week earlier, farmers stopped blocking the Shehyni-Medyka and Krakovets-Korchova checkpoints.

Danylo Hetmantsev (Servant of the People), chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Taxation and Customs Policy, previously noted that by blocking the border, the Poles are "shooting themselves in the foot," as in 2023 Poland exported $12.3 billion worth of goods to Ukraine and imported $6.6 billion worth of goods from Ukraine.

"According to the Polish State Statistics Service, in 2023, Ukraine accounted for 3.2% of all merchandise exports from Poland. According to this indicator, we were in 7th place among our trading partners, overtaking the United States and such EU members as Spain, Slovakia, and Hungary." At the same time, the dynamics of growth of Polish exports to Ukraine in 2023 was the highest, if we take into account the top ten countries  the largest trading partners," the MP explained.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, after the unblocking of the Polish-Ukrainian border, the cargo flow of agricultural products from Ukraine increased by 20%. This resulted in a UAH 2.5 billion replenishment of the state budget in just one week.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Welcome to Bartlesville sign sit just south of the 15 acre Cherokee Nation Entertainment property.

The City of Bartlesville expressed substantial concerns regarding the Cherokee Nation's recent moves, which could leave the way to building a new casino behind the 'Welcome to Bartlesville' sign.

In a detailed letter addressed to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bartlesville Mayor Dale Copeland outlined the city's objections and requested comprehensive impact assessments before further action is taken.

The letter addresses the BIA notification concerning the Cherokee Nation's request that their 15 acres of land, referred to as the "Bartlesville Property," be held in trust for "gaming" purposes, which was sent to the City of Bartlesville and Washington County officials.

Mayor Copeland emphasized that while the city respects the Nation's interests, there are significant concerns about potential adverse impacts on the community.

Stormwater runoff concerns

One of the issues highlighted is the potential for increased stormwater runoff. Mayor Copeland noted that the "construction and operation of a large gaming establishment could significantly alter local hydrology."

Copeland explains the development is expected to increase impervious surfaces, leading to heightened stormwater runoff, which could result in flooding, erosion, and water quality degradation.

The letter stated, "Consideration must be given to the impact on the environment." The city has requested that the Cherokee Nation conduct a comprehensive Environmental Stormwater Impact Assessment.

Copeland asks that the study include detailed hydrological modeling and propose mitigation strategies such as retention basins, permeable pavements, and green infrastructure.

Traffic impact analysis

The city also raised concerns about the potential traffic impact of the proposed casino.

According to Mayor Copeland, a gaming facility is expected to attract a significant number of visitors, increasing traffic volumes on Oklahoma State Highway 75 and surrounding roadways. This influx could lead to congestion, a higher risk of accidents, and degradation of road infrastructure.

Bartlesville has requested that the Cherokee Nation coordinate with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to perform a Traffic Impact Analysis. Based on the findings, necessary roadway improvements should be implemented, such as traffic signal installations and road widening.

Water and sewer system impact

Mayor Copeland's letter highlighted potential strains on the city's water and sewer systems. The increased demand from a gaming establishment could lead to service disruptions or necessitate costly upgrades.

Alternatively, if the Cherokee Nation opts for on-site wastewater treatment systems, there is a risk of environmental contamination.

Bartlesville has proposed entering into an agreement with the Cherokee Nation for connection to the municipal water and sewer systems, including provisions for capacity studies and cost-sharing arrangements.

Looking west towards the 15 acre Cherokee Nation Entertainment property from Highway 75.

Proposed approach moving forward

Including the requested studies, the City of Bartlesville proposes forming a task force comprising representatives from the Cherokee Nation, the City of Bartlesville, and relevant state agencies to oversee the implementation of mitigation measures and ensure ongoing communication and cooperation.

The letter concludes by emphasizing the city's commitment to working collaboratively with the Cherokee Nation and the BIA to ensure a thorough evaluation and mitigation of potential impacts of the project.

"We appreciate your attention to these matters and look forward to working together to ensure a thorough evaluation and mitigation of the potential impacts of the proposed gaming establishment," Mayor Copeland wrote.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Bartlesville calls for comprehensive studies on Casino's impact
Bartow officer accused of sex party with teen girls has new charges - one a life felony

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, with Acting Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker in the background, discusses the arrest of Bartow Officer Markanthony Fernandez last week. Since his arrest, Fernandez has had additional charges added, one of which is a life felony, after the Sheriff's Office said another victim came forward.

The former Bartow police officer arrested last week on charges that he held a drug- and alcohol-fueled sex party with teenage girls has been charged with additional crimes, including a life felony, after the Polk County Sheriff's Office said another victim came forward.

Markanthony Fernandez, 24, of Lake Wales was arrested May 28 and charged with six misdemeanors and four felonies, including promotion of a juvenile in a sexual performance, use of a juvenile in a sexual performance and battery by strangulation.

In announcing the arrest last week, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Acting Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker said videos showed four girls  two of whom were 18, one 17 and one 16  at Fernandez's apartment in various states of undress using alcohol, THC gummies and smoking THC vape pens. In at least one video, the 17-year-old was directed by Fernandez to perform a sex act, according to the sheriff.

Upon interviewing the girls, Judd said the 18-year-old told deputies Fernandez had choked her until she fell unconscious. The teen told deputies she gave Fernandez permission because Fernandez had said it was a sexual kink.

The 17-year-old girl also told deputies Fernandez choked her, Judd said, to the extent she was scared of him. Fernandez is accused of going into a bedroom of his home where the 16-year-old was, beginning to choke and inappropriately touching her.

In a news release Tuesday morning, the Sheriff's Office said a comment on a Facebook post about Fernandez's arrest last week indicated the commenter might also be a victim.

PCSO detectives contacted the adult woman, who told them Fernandez had found her on Facebook and became persistent about going out on a date. She eventually agreed. But she told detectives that during the date, Fernandez slapped her, hit her with a fist and choked her to the point she couldnt breathe. She said she screamed and begged Fernandez to stop as he sexually battered her, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The woman provided detectives with text messages from Fernandez that showed he attempted several times to solicit her for sex, but she refused. The Sheriff's Office said a detective attempted to speak to Fernandez in the Polk County Jail about the new accusations against him, but he declined to make a statement.

Fernandez's additional charges include aggravated stalking, a third-degree felony, and sexual battery with physical force, which carries a possible life sentence.

Fernandez first became a Bartow police officer in September 2020, before being hired by Polk County Sheriff's Office in October 2021. He transferred back to the Bartow Police Department in December 2022. He has been on paid administrative leave since February, Walker said.

The Ethan Fussell case: Two men arrested and charged in disappearance and suspected killing

At the time of his arrest, Fernandez refused to submit his resignation, Judd said, and he had a a pre-disciplinary hearing scheduled for Monday in accordance with Florida's Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights. Brian Bruchey, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Office, said Tuesday that Fernandez was officially fired Monday.

Fernandez previously was involved in an officer-involved shooting in September. Judd said it was ruled justified by the State Attorney's Office as he was pursuing an armed robbery suspect in Highland City who was attempting to evade law enforcement, and pulled a gun on officers once surrounded.

Previous reporting from Ledger reporter Sara-Megan Walsh was used in this report.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Former Bartow officer faces new charges, including a life felony
BBC announces new true story drama from makers of The Salisbury Poisonings

The BBC has confirmed a new drama from the makers of The Salisbury Poisonings.

The four-part show will focus on the real-life story of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British Iranian citizen who was detained in Iran for six years.

The currently-untitled series will also focus on Nazanin's husband Richard Ratcliffe, who tirelessly campaigned for her freedom. It's based on the couple's forthcoming book A Yard of Sky: A Story of Love, Resistance and Hope.

Getty Images

Related: BBC's Liverpool-set crime drama announces Sean Bean as lead star

Zaghari-Ratcliffe was detained in Iran in 2016 on spying charges, which she denied, and was freed and returned to the UK in 2022 amid a long-standing campaign for her release.

The series will cover "the period from the day Nazanin was arrested at the airport in Tehran to her release and return to the UK six years later".

Dancing Ledge Productions (the production company which made BBC drama The Salisbury Poisonings) will make the drama.

Getty Images

Related: BBC's returning crime drama Showtrial shares first look with Fool Me Once star

"Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Richard Ratcliffe's extraordinary experiences captured everyone's hearts," a BBC spokesperson said.

"Their journey is one of despair, courage and hope, spanning two countries and six years, and ultimately, it's a story of how this family, who were forced apart by international events, were finally reunited."

The Salisbury Poisonings originally aired on BBC One in June 2020. It told the true story of the 2018 Novichok poisonings of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, and the subsequent major incident response and investigation.

BBC

Related: BBC acquires suspense drama with Peaky Blinders star

The cast includes Anne-Marie Duff, who spoke at the time about how her character Tracy Daszkiewicz  the then-director of public health and safety at Wiltshire Council  and other women's efforts to contain the incident went unrecognised at the time.

"As a woman, I can't help but think...lots of men in suits were recognised, and she wasnt," she said.

"And I just felt that [co-creators] Adam [Patterson] and Declan [Lawn's] script, the way that they do just swell her in so much integrity was amazing and a real gift and also she gets to testify, she gets to exist inside of that scenario."

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Democratic Assembly candidate Brad Cook doesn't have a bad thing to say about Portage now that he's running this fall to represent the city at the Statehouse.

But that wasn't always the case.

Democratic Assembly candidate Brad Cook posted derogatory comments about Portage residents on social media in 2013 and 2014. Cook is now campaigning to represent the area in the state Legislaturel.

Look at what he had to say on social media about the female shoppers at one of Portage's larger stores a few years back.

"Caution: Bearded Lady Convention being held now Portage Walmart!"

Democratic Assembly candidate, Brad Cook

Or this Facebook post about the city in general.

"Finding intelligent life forms in the City of Portage today is more of a struggle than normal. Grrr..."

But Cook, a Columbia County supervisor, may have been even worse when he left his home county.

Brad Cook, a Democrat running for state Legislature in the Portage area, disparaged customers of Madison's East Town Mall in social media posts in 2015.

In 2015, he disparaged the racially diverse customers at the East Towne Mall in Madison, calling the shopping center an "Obamanation" made up of nothing but "beggars, bangers and white trash wannabes." Within five minutes of arriving, he said he saw "hair pulling and haymakers."

"Space travel can't come soon enough," Cook wrote.

His commentary was even worse in another post in 2015. He attacked a group he called "frickin idiots" without specifying his location.

"Nothing to do with justice for anyone or anything. All about busting into liquor stores and payday loan shops. Bring in the National Guard and shoot first (and) ask questions later."

Yikes.

Cook is one of three Democrats and one Republican running in the 40th Assembly District, which had traditionally been a red district but turned blue as a result of redistricting. Incumbent Rep. Dave Considine, a Baraboo Democrat, decided not to run for reelection.

When asked about the social media posts, Cook, a 50-year-old real estate agent, initially hedged, saying only that the items sounded like something he may have posted in the past. But later he acknowledged that he erased the posts when clearing his Facebook history.

"Yes, I do recall deleting these," Cook said.

In the interview, he said the posts were written out of "a bit of frustration and immaturity" nearly a decade ago, when he was in his late 30s and early 40s. For example, he said he believes the item about the lack of intelligent life in Portage probably had to do with drivers without their lights on in stormy weather.

As for the others, he didn't have a real justification.

"I'm sure they were mentioned in a jokey fashion," Cook said. "Sitting here today with you reading them to me, It doesn't come across well at all."

Two of Cook's opponents criticized him over his past Facebook posts. Karen DeSanto, a 59-year-old Democrat and former CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Wisconsin, offered no response.

"It's hard to believe that those comments were made," said Kyle Kunicki, a 23-year-old Democrat who is the son of former Assembly Speaker Walter Kunicki. "I think they're hurtful, and I mean they're disparaging at best. They're things that he'll have to answer for it to the people of the 40th Assembly District."

And the folks in Madison if Cook wins.

Gerald Helmer, a 73-year-old businessman, said he restricts himself to memes and comments to family and old school buddies with his Facebook remarks. He is the only Republican in the now-liberal district.

Helmer said Cook must have realized that he crossed a line.

"It's obvious that he knows that this is very detrimental to his campaign since he deleted those things," Helmer said.

Cook argued that he is a different person now than he was when he posted the controversial items back in the mid-2010s.

Today, he is heavily invested in his community, having been a volunteer firefighter in Pardeeville for 24 years, sat on the Columbia County Board since 2020, worked in real estate in Portage and participated in many volunteer groups and activity.

That leaves him with little time for social media, he said.

"If you speak with anybody that knows me in the recent past, I do not espouse those types of things," Cook said. "I rarely post anything on Facebook of that nature anymore."

Perhaps not. But try as he might, Cook was unable to completely erase his Facebook history. To cite one of his old posts, time travel didn't come soon enough.

Contact Daniel Bice at (414) 313-6684 or dbice@jrn.com. Follow him on X at @DanielBice or on Facebook at fb.me/daniel.bice.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bice: Assembly candidate attacked looks and IQ of city he'd represent
The behind the scenes chaos which led the Social Security watchdog to resign

Social Security Inspector General Gail Ennis resigned from her post following allegations that she tried to bar a major investigation into the agency and retaliated against whistleblowers. (SSA)

Stonewalling federal investigators, retaliation and whistleblowers and levying large fines against the most vulnerable Americans had become commonplace inside the office that was supposed to oversee the Social Security Administration.

It finally came to a head last week.

Gail Ennis, resigned after years of criticism of her management, on Friday from her role as the adminstrations Office of Inspector General. She was nominated by former president Donald Trump to run the post in 2018 and took office a year later.

The inspector general helps oversee an office and issues reports and corrective measures to address problems. In this case, Ennis oversaw the administration responsible for the monthly checks received by 69 million retired Americans and another 15 million who receive disability payments.

What Ennis inherited from her predecessor was a debacle that would spiral into a scandal due to her actions, eventually leading to her downfall nearly six years later.

Ennis was a vocal supporter of Trumps 2016 campaign for president and donated thousands of dollars in a relationship that was first exposed by the nonpartisan watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Her loyalty was rewarded with dual roles  under Trumps administration, she also served as Inspector General for the Department of Interior for several months.

Social Security Inspector General Gail Ennis resigned from her post following allegations that she tried to bar a major investigation into the agency and retaliated against whistleblowers. (SSA)

But her management of the Social Security Administration as it dealt with accusations of improperly levying fines against poor and disabled Americans, in some cases in violation of due process, eventually resulted in her resignation.

Upon taking office as inspector general, Ennis inherited a program that had begun just one year earlier, which was crippling the financial house of elderly Americans, according to a Washington Post investigation.

The office was levying massive fines, sometimes into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, against dozens of Americans who received (and kept) improper Social Security benefit payments.

The improper fines only affected slightly more than 100 Americans, according to the Posts investigation, but were levied without proper procedures being followed and were done in violation of office regulations. The fines triggered a series of investigations from the Post, which in 2022 reported how the fees had financially devastated those targeted, such as one elderly woman who kept receiving payments from the agency after the death of her husband.

Those payments, she explained, had been mistaken for estate payments.

Im going to be dead by [the time I can afford to retire], Gail Deckman told the Post. Theyre taking away my Social Security. Theyre charging me so much. Do they think I can afford a lawyer to fight this?

Its unclear still how much of a hand Ennis had directly in what the Post described as a giant jump in the size of fines levied under her office, especially given that the practice began before her tenure. But Enniss problems do not end there.

As the Posts investigations triggered interest from Congress and the Justice Departments Office of Inspector General got involved, Ennis played hardball.

A report from DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz, in March of 2024 accused Ennis of stonewalling his probe by ordering staff to refuse comment to investigators and by withholding documents herself.

In 2022, the Post released a report detailing a culture of retaliation and toxicity within the Inspector Generals office, where those who originally flagged the issue of the excessive and improper fines to Ennis found themselves begging for meaningful work at the office.

They pretend I dont exist, hoping that eventually I will exhaust my emotional and financial resources and walk away, longtime SSA-OIG attorney Joscelyn Funnie told the Post.

With reporting of her management increasingly appearing in the Post, Ennis found herself under increasing criticism. Throughout 2023, she faced calls for her resignation, including in a letter sent to Biden last fall by the Project on Government Oversight (Getty Images)

With reporting of her management increasingly appearing in the Post, Ennis found herself under increasing criticism. Throughout 2023, she faced calls for her resignation, including in a letter sent to Biden last fall by the Project on Government Oversight.

But the real source of her doom was the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Democrat Oregons Ron Wyden. The committee launched an investigation into Ennis and her management of the agency in late 2022, and in 2023 the committee demanded answers from Ennis on a wide range of topics and allegations raised by current and former employees of the office. Among the complaints - misuse of federal funds and retaliation against whistleblowers.

It was Wyden who led for her resignation.

When Inspector General Ennis appeared before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance as a nominee, she assured me and my colleagues that she would establish a culture that welcomes debate, collaboration, and transparency, which is why I supported her nomination, Wyden wrote this winter to President Biden. Unfortunately, over her five-year tenure as Inspector General, those promises appear to have been hollow.

Since taking the helm at SSA OIG, her office has gone from one of the highest performing in government, to one in disarray. Under her leadership, SSA OIG has been plagued by complaints of a hostile work environment, retaliatory civil lawsuits filed against fellow employees, abysmal staff morale ratings, and falling productivity, his letter continued. Rather than taking accountability, Inspector General Ennis has provided empty promises, refused to acknowledge her shortcomings and attempted to discredit the whistleblowers she was found to have retaliated against.

Biden sat on that recommendation for months.

On Friday, a spokesperson for Ennis denied that the incumbent president had been involved in her decision to quit her position at all.

In her resignation letter, Ennis described the agency she had run for five years as vibrant and thanked her colleagues. She offered no reason for the timing of her leaving the post.
Benjamin Netanyahu is set to become the first foreign leader to address a joint session of the US Congress four times, despite deep differences with the Biden administration.

The Israeli prime ministers office said in a statement that a date for his address to Congress had yet to be set, but that it would not take place on 13 June as had been reported, due to a Jewish holiday.

The formal invitation came from congressional leaders of both parties within hours of Joe Bidens disclosure of the terms of a new peace proposal for Gaza endorsed by Israel. Over the weekend, however, Netanyahu played down the significance of any Israeli concessions in the new plan, and insisted that any proposal for a lasting ceasefire without the destruction of Hamas as a military and governing force would be a non-starter.

He also has suggested that Israel was under obligation only to carry out the first of the peace plans three phases, which may increase Hamass reservations of a deal. The White House says it is waiting for an official response from Hamas on the proposal.

Related: Bidens botched Gaza ceasefire deal only demonstrates his lack of influence | Julian Borger

Netanyahu had earlier defied Biden by adamantly opposing any steps towards the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, and by pressing ahead with an offensive on the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah, despite repeated appeals not to from the Biden administration.

Before this months scheduled appearance, Netanyahu was the only foreign leader apart from Winston Churchill to be accorded the honour of an address to a joint sitting of Congress three times. With his fourth address, he will outdo even Churchill in the record books.

The invitation to Congress is a reminder than while Biden is seeking to influence Israeli politics to forge a peace agreement for Gaza and a broader long-term settlement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Netanyahu also has the means to sway US politics  and possibly hurt Bidens re-election chances if he were to accuse the president of being insufficiently supportive.

Netanyahu used an address to Congress in 2015 to speak out against the efforts of then President Barack Obama to reach an agreement with Tehran on Irans nuclear programme. The Israeli prime minister was highly critical of Biden last month when the president stopped a delivery of heavy bombs to Israel forces.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson hosting a press conference during the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference | Kyle Davidson

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson told the Michigan Advance one policy she would like to see in Michigan ahead of the 2024 election, apart from funding, is greater protections for election officials.

Benson sat down with the Advance on the porch of the Grand Hotel during the Mackinac Policy Conference last week and discussed changes to Michigans election laws, incoming measures to protect poll workers and the Democratic process and the 2024 election.

Since 2018, Michigan voters and the Legislature have approved multiple changes to Michiganss election system, allowing for same-day voter registration, no-reason absentee voting and nine days of early voting, among other measures.

Out of all these changes, Benson said efforts modernizing the states registration laws have had the greatest impact.

When I took office you had to register 30 days in advance. Now, you can register up to and on Election Day itself, you can register online, and its easier to get on the rolls, said Benson, a Democrat. We now have pre-registration of 16- and 17-year-olds. I think collectively, that plus automatic voter registration has transformed how accurate our voter rolls are as a reflection of whos eligible to vote and making sure everyone is on the rolls.

There also are expanded options for voting, Benson said.

You used to only really be able to vote in person on Election Day. If your precinct was closed in the morning, youre out of luck, she said.

Right now, youve got several options to vote early  nine days [ahead of time]; youve got Election Day voting; youve got no-reason absentee. So I think those things combined certainly have put us in a position where were now leading the nation in turnout and election administration, you know.

When I took office, we were ranked 31st nationwide [in election administration], were now ranked second. And a very close second, I might add, to New Mexico, Benson said, crediting Michigan citizens for pushing the state forward with the changes they approved.

Looking toward the next election, Benson said her biggest concern is voters getting caught up in the chaos and confusion and deciding to give up on democracy and choose not to vote.

Whether its young voters we desperately need to be engaged, or people of color who are targeted by misinformation, we want people to be able to rise above the noise and still participate and have their voice heard, and thats been my focus, she said.

While Benson expressed gratitude for new laws to help protect election officials, she would like to see more.

Weve seen so [many] new laws in our state that help us to protect election officials and draw a line in the sand about what is and isnt OK. But I worry very much about the potential disruptions that we could see in Detroit and elsewhere in the aftermath of this election, and having more protections for those folks is going to be critical so that everyone can feel safe doing their jobs, Benson said.

Following the 2020 election, pro-Trump protestors chanted Stop the count, from within and outside the then-TCF Center in Detroit where votes were being counted, with civil rights leaders later describing the incident as a terror tactic, aimed at dismissing votes in the majority-Black city.

In 2023, Benson announced she was working with lawmakers on laws banning the open carry of firearms at polling places and around absentee voting drop boxes. The bills passed the House on party lines in November before receiving approval from the Senates Democratic majority in March with several amendments. The House will need to give final approval due to the amendments before the bills are sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmers desk for her signature.

I think we have to protect the people who protect democracy. And we also have to protect our voters and make sure under all circumstances, that these acts of voter intimidation are curtailed, and that we draw a very clear line in the sand that makes people feel protected in voting places, Benson said.

In a previous interview with the Advance, Benson said she and Attorney General Dana Nessel, whos also a Democrat, were working on policies to minimize the potential for election interference and strengthen the penalties for individuals attempting to interfere with election result, including individuals who submit false elector certificates to institutions like the National Archives, as seen in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Benson said state Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield)  who chairs the Senate Elections Committee  state Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), as well as Reps. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) and others have been great partners on these issues. While it would be great to see additional measures in addition to the rapid changes of the past year and a half, Benson said they would continue pushing if not.

While working to combat election misinformation in the current cycle, Benson said a lot of it focuses on trust in institutions and the trust that votes will be counted.

We see a particular focus on the issue of citizenship and have worked doubly hard to make sure folks know that only U.S. citizens can vote in our elections and that were committed to ensuring the accuracy of our voter rolls and that only valid votes count, Benson said.

In all cases, the truth is on our side, and transparency is our friend. But certainly there seems to be a concerted effort to kind of cause people to be prepared to question results, if they are not results that they like, as opposed to simply accepting results even if they dont go your way.

The following are more excerpts from the interview:

Michigan Advance: What can the everyday person do to help protect our democracy?

Benson: One: Know that you have more power than anyone else to ensure our democracy survives and thrives in this moment. So in this year, in particular, making sure you know the ins and outs of voting and can be that voice for trusted information. Become an election expert, become a poll worker even. Get involved in voting and being a part of the process.

And then secondly, think about how this moments really going to define our future and make sure our votes reflect who we want to be moving forward as a state, as a nation. Because we have that responsibility right now, to do more to reflect the type of world we want to live in, a truly multiracial, multicultural democracy where every voice is heard and everyone is at the table. Thats when we make our best decisions in a governing standpoint. And so on all those fronts, I want to make sure that citizens recognize the power they have in this moment, not just to become experts in democracy, but to be a part of defining and shaping who we are in the future, as well.

Michigan Advance: In a similar vein, you recently announced that your book and your hope that it can empower people to fight for themselves and on behalf of their community, any tidbits you might be willing to share?

Benson: Oh, weve got time for that. But I think the book is really, its a combination of both what Ive seen as the chief election officer during this challenging time, but also what I found as the dean of a law school [Wayne State University], as a previous investigator of hate crimes [for the Southern Poverty Law Center] and as an Army spouse, on all fronts how we  as Americans and Michiganders  have the best shot a thriving state and country when were all a part of it and were all engaged and all warriors on behalf of ourselves and our communities.

So the book is also a roadmap on how we can all become warriors in that regard. And I think Michigan in general is a state and can be a state full of warriors for themselves and our state.

Michigan Advance: Youve had pro-Trump activists demonstrate outside your home following the 2020 election. What do you think of the pro-Palestinian activists protesting outside of homes of officials like Gov. Whitmer and the University of Michigan regents?

Benson: Im fully supportive of citizens right to protest and have their voices be heard, but a line is crossed when you show up outside someones home, especially when there are kids inside. And I think folks need to think about whether or not thats even an effective way to achieve the ends of what a protest is seeking to achieve. And I think in many cases, weve found it to be ineffective and see more backlash than anything.

I know for me, when people showed up outside my home to try to demand that I had block certification of the election, it only emboldened me even more to stand firm in protecting the voices and votes of every citizen and fight on their behalf to protect these valid election results in 2020.

Michigan Advance: Do you have any concerns about the aftermath of the 2024 general election, regardless of who wins?

Benson: We always hope for the best and plan for every contingency. And so once weve lived through everything we lived through in 2020, where people pulled every lever and tried every tactic they could employ to get the election results blocked or overturned, we knew to never underestimate how far or how low people would go to interfere with this basic element of American democracy.

So were prepared for all potential contingencies, Jan. 6, 2021, taught us the importance of doing that. And were very hopeful that folks will recognize that if they try to interfere with the valid votes of citizens, that they will not be successful, and there will be serious legal consequences.

Michigan Advance: Youve said that youre interested in potentially running for governor in 2026 [when Whitmer is term-limited]. Any idea when we might hear an announcement one way or another?

Benson: Im fully focused on this years elections and on 2024, and then Ill make a decision and announcement about my next steps in the year.

The post Benson shares outlook on election law and poll worker protections ahead of November election appeared first on Michigan Advance.
The best hidden gems to visit in summer tourist hot spots, from someone who's been to every European country

Lee Abbamonte is a banker turned travel blogger who has visited every country in Europe.

He calls Spain, Italy, France, and Greece Europe's "Big Four" because of how popular they are.

If you're visiting one of the "Big Four," here are Abbamonte's off-the-beaten-path tips.

Traveling to Europe this summer? If so, we'll take a wild guess that you're visiting either Spain, Italy, France, or Greece.

These countries, nearly all of which are in the southern or Mediterranean regions, are what travel blogger Lee Abbamonte dubs Europe's "Big Four" because of their popularity among American tourists.

Abbamonte, 45, knows a thing or two about travel. He's not only visited every state in the US but every country in the world, as well as the North and South Poles.

Across the pond, Abbamonte prefers exploring underrated European countries, but he gets why people gravitate to the "Big Four."

"If you don't like it, you're the problem," he said. "They're all good."

Still, he's a fan of venturing off the beaten path.

Here, Abbamonte shares a few alternatives to popular tourist hot spots that anyone visiting Spain, Italy, France, and Greece should check out.

In Spain, forget Barcelona or Madrid and explore the cliffside city of Ronda

Ronda is a historic city in Spain's Andalusia region. Colin Rieser/Getty Images

"Everyone knows Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Ibiza, Majorca," Abbamonte said. But not many Americans are familiar with the historic city of Ronda, perched atop a deep rocky gorge covered in lush greenery in the Andalucia region.

"If you're in Marbella, or if you're in Sevilla or Gibraltar, you can go out there and check out this awesome little town," Abbamonte said.

He also can't speak highly enough of northern Spain. One highlight is the seaside town of A Coruna, which is close to the Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimage routes leading to a holy site in the city of Santiago de Compostela.

"I've done a lot of road trips around the north of Spain," Abbamonte said. "It's just an awesome little slice of Europe that nobody ever goes to."

If you're planning to island-hop in Greece, Abbamonte has recommendations that aren't Mykonos or Santorini

No cars are allowed on the Greek island of Hydra. Shutterstock/imagIN.gr photography

Mykonos and Santorini are two of the most well-known islands in Greece. Naturally, they're also two of the most overcrowded.

People familiar with Greece, like Abbamonte, often advise against visiting Mykonos and Santorini in favor of smaller islands that are quieter but just as beautiful, such as Aegina, Poros, and Hydra.

Abbamonte said Hydra, in particular, is worth seeing.

"There are no cars, and it's just goats and donkeys and walking. It's a very cool place to go."

On the mainland, he'd also advise stopping by Meteora in Thessaly, known for its "otherworldly" monasteries built atop towering rock formations.

In Italy, there are places just as beautiful as Lake Como and Florence that are far less crowded

Small towns like San Gimignano in Tuscany are less touristy than Florence and Siena. Peter.Zelei

According to Abbamonte, "With Italy, you can just throw a dart at a map, and you're in the coolest place you've ever been to."

Even so, some of Abbamonte's favorite spots in Italy don't get the love he believes they deserve. In the region of Tuscany for example, he says people tend to prioritize Florence, Pisa, or Siena.

All three are definitely worth seeing at least once, Abbamonte said, but he'd also recommend exploring smaller villages nestled between Tuscany's rolling hills, such as San Gimignano, Montalcino, and Montepulciano  all known for their endless vineyards and wines.

"Those are actually really awesome little villages and well worth checking out," he said.

Up in the north, Abbamonte said he'd skip Lake Como for any of the other Italian lakes close to the Dolomite mountains.

"It's my favorite place to road trip, probably, in all of Europe," he said.

Vacation like a local in France and visit Biarritz instead of Paris or Nice

Abbamonte said Biarritz has an old money, "Grace Kelly" feel to it. Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images

Abbamonte cited Paris and Nice as examples of some of France's best-known vacation spots.

However, he said they are mostly hot spots for tourists rather than French locals, who tend to vacation in places "completely overlooked" by outsiders.

One of his favorites is Biarritz, a seaside hub known for its surfing culture in the Basque region of France. It's north of San Sebastian, a coastal Spanish city popular with tourists that is about a half-hour drive from the French border.

"Everyone knows San Sebastian now. Not a lot of people know Biarritz except for French people," he said. "But that's why I like it because it has a real, local kind of old money, Grace Kelly feel."

Other spots in France that he recommends checking out are the medieval town of Saint Paul De Vence on the French Riviera, beloved by generations of artists and poets, and the riverside city of Avignon in the southeast, one of his "favorite towns in all of Europe."

Correction: June 4, 2024  An earlier version of this story misstated the location of A Coruna. It's in northwestern Spain, not in Spain's Basque region. The story also misstated the location of Monte Carlo, which is in Monaco, not France.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Despite Russia's full-scale aggression, Ukraine continues to sell its products abroad, with exports of some products even exceeding pre-war levels. In particular, in May, producers sold 108 thousand tons of sugar to other countries, which was a new historical record.

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This was reported by the national association of sugar producers Ukrtsukor at the Grain Ukraine 2024 conference by the acting chairman of the board of the organization Yana Kavushevska. She noted that last month, 65% of Ukrainian sugar was sold to the European Union, and 35% to other countries.

Given this intensity of exports, Ukraine has reached the maximum volume of sugar exports stipulated by the EU  262 thousand tons. In order to avoid exceeding the quota, the government has completely stopped exporting this product to the EU until the end of 2024. At the same time, the Cabinet of Ministers assures that there is enough sugar for domestic consumption, so Ukrainians should not expect either a shortage of the product or a rise in prices.

"On May 30, the government imposed restrictions on the export of Ukrainian sugar to the EU, but I am pleased that our producers have restored the routes not only to Europe but also to the world market (to the Mediterranean and West Africa)," said Yana Kavushevska.

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She emphasized that the last season was not bad for sugar beet, and therefore this crop will remain in the top 3 in terms of profitability. Moreover, sugar beet can become an alternative to grain, which is traditionally considered the most profitable crop for export.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club expressed concerns that due to restrictions on duties and quotas, producers may be limited in their access to European markets. High duties on exports to Europe will make it uneconomical to export value-added goods. A particularly high rate is proposed for sugar.

OBOZ.UA also reported that in 2023, sales of Ukrainian ice cream abroad reached a record high. Most of this Ukrainian product was exported to Moldova and various EU countries.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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Better Call Behnken: Woman at center of check fraud investigation pleads not guilty

Better Call Behnken: Woman at center of check fraud investigation pleads not guilty

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Keelee Jaydan Watkins, the woman at the center of a Better Call Behnken investigation, had an arraignment Monday in a Pinellas County court. She pleaded not guilty.

Watkins was arrested in April and originally faced three felony charges. Since then, two charges were dropped, leaving just one felony charge of forging a check.

That one forged check led to a Better Call Behnken investigation about something much larger, something that is still unraveling.

Phyllis Faber, a hairstylist in Temple Terrace was the first to call Consumer Investigator Shannon Behnken for help in this case.

Faber paid a bill by check in January for pool services to Pinch A Penny. It was altered and cashed. The culprit changed the $170 to $970.

By the time Faber called Better Call Behnken, Temple Terrace police had closed their case, even though they said they had Keelee on video cashing the check. Thats because the bank is in Pinellas County, out of their jurisdiction.

Check cooking scheme: What we know about the people linked to seized car

It was weeks after our story aired that the Temple Terrace PD referred the case to the sheriffs office, and now, seven weeks after my first story about the checkthat was stolen a month before thatKeelee has been arrested and charged with grand theft, forging a check and fraudulent use of personal identification.

Our Better Call Behnken investigation into Fabers stolen check led to more stories revolving around Keelee, including the discovery that the Largo Police Department seized Keelees car in January. It was packed with hundreds of personal documents belonging to individuals and businesses, check paper, a printer, a metal grinder, IDs, bank cards and checks.

And now, Janice Taylor of Tampa, has stepped forward to say she too is a victim.

Her check to the same Pinch A Penny was stolen, altered and cashed. Someone also added a nine to the amount. The check was also cashed in the name of Keelee Jayden Watkins.

The Pinellas Park Police Department confirmed it was investigating that case.

Watkins pretrial hearing was set for July 8.

Also on Monday, the man who was arrested by Largo police after he was found in Watkins car, which was filled with documents, had an arraignment as well.

He faces two felony charges and has also pleaded not guilty.

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YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Police are asking for the publics help to identify a bicyclist who struck a child getting off a school bus in York County Friday.

Northern York County Regional Police shared on Facebook that a 10-year-old boy from North Salem Elementary was getting off the school bus in the 2600 block of W. Canal Road in Dover Township when the bicyclist hit them.

Children forced to stay in filthy dog crates, two charged in Dauphin County

Police said the school bus was stopped to let students off with its red lights and stop arm activated when the biker tried to pass by on the sidewalk and hit the boy.

The boy suffered various scrapes and cuts to his body but did not need medical attention, police said, while the biker was able to stay upright. Police said the person riding the bike did stop to check on the child, but they did not report the crash.

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Police are investigating the crash and are asking if anyone can identify the bicyclist to contact them at 717-467-8355.

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WASHINGTON (NewsNation)  President Joe Biden announced a series of executive actions Tuesday that would limit the flow of migrant illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The changes will allow his administration to close the border between legal ports of entry, meaning border agents could turn away asylum-seekers if crossings surpass a certain number per day. The expected threshold has been frequently exceeded, including this past April.

The president began by noting that he was using executive powers to do what Congress did not, referencing the failure of a bipartisan immigration deal that failed in the Senate twice. The bill had seemed to be on track to pass until former President Donald Trump urged Republicans to vote against it.

Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey to seek independent reelection bid amid federal corruption trial

I would have preferred to address this issue through bipartisan legislation because thats the only way to get the kind of system we have now, thats broken, fixed, Biden said. But Republicans left me no choice.

The Tuesday announcement comes two days after Mexico elected a new president, who will become the first woman president in the countrys 200-year history.

Biden also slammed Trump for his policies, saying immigrants are an important part of America, and he would never refer to them as poisoning the blood of the country, nor would he ban anyone based on religion or send agents to pull people from their homes for deportations.

The Statue of Liberty is not some relic of American history. It stands for who we are in the United States, Biden said.

He also slammed Congress for failing to take action, saying those who refuse to pass legislation that would fund border agents, immigration court and asylum officers are not serious about taking on the immigration crisis.

Whats to be included in the border executive order?

The executive action will make it easier for immigration officials to remove migrants and lighten the burden on the asylum-seekers, senior administration officials confirmed to NewsNation.

People who illegally cross the southern border will generally be ineligible for asylum, barring unusual circumstances. They will only be able to see an asylum officer if they have a credible fear of returning to their country of origin. The new standards for the threat of violence or torture in the country of origin are now higher than before.

If an individual chooses not to use legal pathways, they will be restricted from receiving asylum and staying in the U.S., Biden said.

Watch live: AG Merrick Garland testifies on DOJ oversight

The new guidelines will be in place until it is determined that the levels of illegal crossings have been consistently low, under 2,500 for seven consecutive days.

The measures will increase the speed and scope of the Border Patrols ability to stop unlawful entries. The suspension of entry will not apply to those who attempt to enter lawfully, including through the use of the CBP One phone app.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has proposed a rule that migrants who pose a public safety or national security risk be removed as soon as possible in the asylum process rather than remaining in prolonged detention before removal, senior administration officials said.

Additionally, visas for CEOs and government officials who profit off operations to bring immigrants to the U.S. unlawfully will have their visas revoked.

The actions will also allow law enforcement officers to more quickly remove asylum-seekers with criminal convictions from the country.

2.5K daily migrant crossings would trigger shutdown

The order would shut down the border after daily encounters reach an average of 2,500, and the border would reopen once that number drops below 1,500, senior administration officials said.

The impact of the 2,500 figure means that the executive action could go into immediate effect because daily crossings are currently higher than that.

According to Customs and Border Protection, there were 179,725 encounters by Border Patrol agents along the southern border in April, which averages to 5,991 encounters per day.

So far this fiscal year, CBP has reported more than 1.5 million encounters along the southern border, consistent with last years record-setting numbers.

The last time the daily average dipped to 1,500 encounters was in July 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, per the Associated Press.

Biden said the ban would continue until the level of people trying to cross illegally is reduced to a number that can effectively be managed by the immigration system.

Migrant who shot 2 police officers in Queens crossed into US illegally: NYPD

White House event leaves out some border town officials

Biden was expected to unveil his plan alongside invited mayors of border cities; however, some communities hit hardest by the border crisis feel theyve have been left out in the cold.

Several Republican and Democratic mayors werent invited, including the mayor of El Cajon, California, in the Border Patrols San Diego Sector, who shared a statement with NewsNation that Biden handpicked the invited mayors.

This is nothing but a sham, and an insult to those of us dealing with the real consequences of his failed border policies, Mayor Bill Wells said.

Brownsville, Texas, Mayor John Cowen and Edinburg, Texas, Mayor Ramiro Garza confirmed to the Associated Press that they were invited.

Greene floats forcing vote on impeaching Biden over the border

The White House also invited all Democratic senators to the event, but several in competitive races declined the invitation, Axios reported. At least Sens. Jon Tester of Montana; Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin; Jacky Rosen of Nevada; and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania  all of whom are seeking reelection in battleground states  will not attend, per Axios.

Progressives warn against asylum crackdown

Jennie Murray, president and CEO of the nonpartisan immigrant advocacy group National Immigration Forum, told NewsNation her organization doesnt support executive actions and that she believes a cap on asylum-seekers would only be a Band-Aid on the problem.

We dont need to see anything else being compounded down there, and an executive order. While it looks on the surface as if it would be a solution, it will compound the issue, we will have more of the asylum seekers, you know, backed up.

Meanwhile, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., told The Hill Sunday that the executive action needs to include limiting and banning migrants from crossing the border illegally.

The devil is always in the details. Like that Senate bill that came through, there were a lot of great ideas. But for every good idea, there was a loophole on the next page that basically meant nothing. So, I would want to make sure that were building the wall, that we are limiting and banning these people from coming across the border illegally, she said.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., declined to give the Biden administration credit for acting on the U.S. border as they work to clamp down on illegal immigration. He said the bill is too little too late now on Fox News Sunday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Biden announces order limiting asylum at the southern border: Heres what it will do

President Biden took long-expected executive action Tuesday that will turn away migrants seeking asylum who cross the southern border illegally at times when there is a high volume of daily encounters.

The order will be in effect when the seven-day average of daily border crossings exceeds 2,500 between ports of entry, senior administration officials said, meaning it will go into effect immediately. Biden issued a proclamation announcing the change under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Senior administration officials framed the order as a response to congressional inaction on immigration after a bipartisan framework in the Senate was blocked by Republicans for a second time.

Administration officials walked a tightrope announcing the order, a forceful but targeted shift on asylum rights  one that administration officials said is not comparable to the Trump administrations system-wide crackdowns.

There are several differences between the actions that we are taking today and Trump-era policies. The Trump administration attacked almost every facet of the immigration system and did so in a shameful and inhumane way, a senior administration official told reporters on a call Monday.

But the order, which comes during an election year when immigration is set to play a key role, is almost certain to face legal challenges, as well as criticism from some on the left who have argued it echoes Trumps moves against the asylum system.

What the order does

The core of the new policy is the ability to refuse entry to most foreign nationals who cross the border without prior authorization.

For purposes of immigration law, a foreign national enters the United States when they are lawfully admitted by a U.S. official; the new policy will prevent border officials from admitting new asylum seekers while it is active.

The order, an interim final rule released by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick Garland, will kick in when the seven-day average of daily encounters at the southwest border and the southern coastal borders exceeds 2,500.

When it does, U.S. border officials will stop implementing credible fear interviews for asylum claims and work to quickly expel foreign nationals whove crossed the border between ports of entry.

Migrants who are expelled under the order will receive a minimum five-year bar on reentry to the United States and potentially be criminally prosecuted.

According to administration officials, Mexico will receive nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, as well as its own nationals, in expedited deportations.

Its unclear whether the Biden administration will have enough resources to quickly expel or detain migrants barred from asylum, raising the possibility that more migrants will be released to the interior with orders of deportation rather than asylum claims, limiting their ability to apply for work permits.

Officials said the Biden administration will enhance its capabilities to return nationals of other countries, including extracontinental migrants from places such as China.

We have been working tirelessly both in the region and throughout the world to enhance to both restrict the routes into the hemisphere for extra-hemispheric migrants  and weve also been working with governments all over the world to enhance our ability to repatriate individuals to countries that have historically been challenging, an administration official told reporters.

The asylum restrictions will have exceptions.

For instance, they will not apply to unaccompanied minors, and officials will still be able to conduct credible interviews with migrants who manifest a fear of returning to their country because of persecution or potential torture situations.

According to administration officials, the new policy will adhere to U.S. international obligations on treatment of asylum seekers and refugees, though that assessment will almost inevitably be challenged in court.

Officials also said the asylum crackdown will be bolstered by several enforcement measures targeting smuggling networks and organizations that profit from migration in the Western Hemisphere.

The measures include revoking U.S. visas for government officials from places including Nicaragua, as well as top corporate officials from companies that provide services like transportation to migrants.

And officials said the departments of Justice and Homeland Security will work in tandem to more quickly resolve the immigration cases of recent arrivals, looking to swiftly expel or deport people without a valid asylum claim.

Order will go into effect immediately

Senior administration officials said the measure would take effect Tuesday because the seven-day average of daily encounters at the border is more than 2,500, despite the fact that illegal crossings have been on the decline in recent months.

One official said the 2,500 number was determined based on similar numbers negotiated by Republicans and Democrats in the Senate as part of a border security deal that failed to pass the chamber.

The goal here is to secure our border while preserving our values as a nation, one official said.

While the measure would be lifted once the seven-day average of daily encounters drops below 1,500, that threshold could prove difficult to meet. The last time the average of daily encounters was below 1,500 was in July 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The Associated Press.

White House seeks to blame Republicans

The timing of the order comes in the heart of an election year, where polling has consistently shown voters trust former President Trump  the presumptive GOP nominee  more than Biden on the issue of immigration and border security.

Senior administration officials on Tuesday did not explicitly tie the timing of the order to the election, but they argued the measure was a result of congressional Republicans inaction.

If Congress refuses to act, and if congressional Republicans refuse to act, the president is prepared to do so, one official told reporters.

The president and White House officials previously said it was up to Congress to enact changes at the border and suggested Bidens hands were tied on the issues.

The president and his team lobbied hard for a bipartisan bill in the Senate that would have provided funding for thousands of additional Border Patrol agents, investments in technology to catch fentanyl and target drug traffickers and the addition of asylum officers and immigration officers who could help relieve the backlog of asylum cases.

But Republicans in the Senate blocked passage of that bill twice.

Trump had urged Republicans to oppose the legislation, suggesting it could give Biden an election year win.

For 3 years, Americas border security has been devastated by congressional Republican opposition to the law enforcement resources that President Biden has sought, deputy White House press secretary Andrew Bates wrote in a memo shared with reporters.

For 3 years, Joe Biden has led on border security and congressional Republicans have obstructed it  all in the name of politics, Bates added.

Republicans have chastised Biden for waiting to take executive action on the border and argued Tuesdays measure is too little, too late.

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President Joe Bidens announcement on Tuesday of an executive action that would allow him to temporarily shut down the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers appears intended to shore up voters ahead of this Novembers election, as increasing numbers of Americans view immigration as their top issue.

But it placed the president once again at odds with the progessive wing of his party, a new point of contention after many vehemently disgreed with him on his support for Israel amid its war against Hamas in Gaza, which has led to almost 35,000 Palestinian deaths, many of them women and children.

The new action would allow for Biden to halt the processing of new asylum claims if more than 2,500 people cross the southern border in one day and would be dropped if crossings fell below 1,500 a day.

Bidens order is essentially the shards of a bipartisan immigration deal which died in Congress earlier this year after Donald Trump put pressure on Republicans to back out of it. Even then, progressives had a difficult time swallowing that measure, with New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez telling The Independent that we are, in a lot of ways, contributing to an even worsening border crisis with this bill.

Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York (center) pictured with President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Ed Markey following an Earth Day event in April. She has had to balance criticizing Biden while praising his record (Getty Images)

There was little reassurance before Tuesdays announcement.

Ill have to read the text of it, but I'm certainly concerned about any enforcement, executive orders, Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent on Monday.

In recent months, Ocasio-Cortez has had to balance supporting Biden while he has occasionally taken steps that have frustrated progressives. As the co-author of the Green New Deal, she appeared with him for an Earth Day celebration touting his record on the environment even after he approved the Willow Project, a major oil drilling site in Alaska.

Progressives now have to come to grips with the fact that Biden is planning to severely restrict immigration, which polling shows Americans consider a major problem.

But progressives, particularly Hispanic Democrats, fear that focusing solely on enforcement moves the pendulum too far - and plays into the hands of Republicans. Thats a far cry from a decade ago when Democrats and Republicans talked about tying border security to a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

Now we're at a place where instead of having Republicans have to come to the table and compromise on immigrant rights, we're basically giving the right wing some of the things that they want without delivering for our communities, Texas Representative Greg Casar, the whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told The Independent.

Similarly, Senator Alex Padilla of California, a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, expressed concern that provisions in Bidens action was becoming the Democratic default line on immigration.

Democratic Senator Alex Padilla of California criticised the fact that Democrats are only talking about immigration enforcement and not talking about relief for migrants (Getty Images)

This should not be the starting point in the next round of negotiations, he told The Independent on Monday.

For the past two years, Biden has offered numerous olive branches to progressive Democrats after they chose both Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren in the 2020 primary over him. To show that he was serious about having them in his coalition, Biden enacted massive student loan forgiveness, even after the Supreme Court blocked his efforts; passed the most important climate legislation in US history; and expanded the Child Tax Credit to slash child poverty.

But progressives may find themselves taking more hits as the campaign season goes on. Traditionally, candidates of both parties tend to move more toward the center as a means of appealing to moderate and swing voters - though Trump seems to be in no mood to appeal to anyone other than his most faithful supporters.

And despite the fact that public opinion has turned on Israel, Biden has shown little willingness to shift course in his ardent support.

When Sanders lost the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, progressives realized the majority of the party remained moderate. Now, they are coming to grips with the fact much of the country has moved away from them on immigration, which makes it more difficult for them to influence Biden on the border.
By Andrea Shalal and Nandita Bose

GREENWICH, Connecticut (Reuters) -President Joe Biden on Monday for the first time called former President Donald Trump a "convicted felon" who poses a higher threat to the United States if he wins another term - the most biting attack on his opponent's legal troubles to date.

Trump became the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime last week when a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying documents to cover up a payment to silence a porn star ahead of the 2016 election.

"For the first time in American history, a former president that is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the presidency," Biden told a small group of donors during a fundraiser in Greenwich, Connecticut.

"But as disturbing as that is, more damaging is the all-out assault Donald Trump is making on the American system of justice," Biden said, adding it was "reckless and dangerous" to say the justice system is rigged because Trump and his allies don't like the outcome.

Biden until now had largely stayed away from addressing Trump's guilty verdict to avoid creating the impression he was politicizing the process, according to Biden campaign officials.

The president's comments on Monday offer a glimpse into how he and his campaign could use Trump's conviction to make the case to voters Trump is unfit for office - an issue that could help define this year's presidential race by pushing Trump's felonies to the center of the election.

A Trump campaign spokeswoman said on Fox News its "shameful" for the Biden campaign to call Trump a convicted felon. Trump has railed against the verdict and the legal proceedings since he was convicted, and plans to appeal. On Sunday, he said he would accept home confinement or jail time but that it would be tough for the public to accept.

Earlier in the day, Biden's son Hunter was in court for a criminal case against him over his purchase and possession of a revolver in 2018, a historic criminal prosecution of a sitting president's son with the potential to influence the 2024 presidential election.

Biden did not comment on his son's legal troubles. He had issued a statement earlier in the day saying "Jill and I love our son and we are so proud of the man he is today," and added that a lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction.

At the Greenwich fundraiser, Biden also called Trump "unhinged" and unable to accept defeat. He stressed Trump's earlier comments about terminating the U.S. Constitution and wanting to be a dictator on day one if he wins a second term.

"Throughout this campaign Trump has made it clear he is running to exact for revenge. Now after his criminal convictions it's clear he's worried about preserving his freedoms," Biden said.

Democrats are wrestling with how central Trump's felonies should be to Biden's reelection campaign. Many - including top officials in Biden's campaign - are taking a wait-and-see approach to advertising and new strategies and want to see polls and voter feedback before they react strongly to this unprecedented moment in U.S. history.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll last week found 10% of Republican voters said they are less likely to vote for Trump in November after his conviction.

Trump still faces criminal charges in three other cases: a Georgia election interference case, a Florida documents case and a federal election interference case. He is also appealing the results of his civil trials.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal in Greenwich, Connecticut and Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Sonali Paul and Lincoln Feast.)
President Joe Biden said the 2024 presidential race was now in uncharted territory and called Donald Trump a convicted felon in harsh remarks at a campaign event on Monday, a signal the historic verdict will soon play center stage on both sides of the campaign trail.

Folks, the campaign entered uncharted territory last week, Biden said at a reception in Greenwich, Connecticut. For the first time in American history, a former president that is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the Presidency.

He added, But as disturbing as that is, more damaging is the all-out assault Donald Trump is making on the American system of justice.

Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts in his hush money trial after a jury unanimously agreed he had falsified business records to cover up allegations of an affair with porn star Stormy Daniels. Trump and his allies have raged  and fundraised  on the back of the conviction, but many in the Biden camp had been waiting to see how the historic decision played with voters.

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Trump Tower, May 31, 2024, in New York. The former president has vowed revenge after his historic conviction. Julia Nikhinson via Associated Press

The former president is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention where he is all but certain to become the partys official nominee.

Biden went on to lambaste his predecessor for his constant attacks on the justice system, saying Trump wanted his followers to believe that its rigged.

Now, he will be given an opportunity to appeal, the president said, adding that it was reckless and dangerous for anyone to say that [a trial] is rigged just because they dont like the verdict.

Biden added, Nothing could be more dangerous for the country, more dangerous for American democracy.

Trump has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene on his behalf and vowed revenge on those behind the hush money case and the three other indictments he is facing.

My revenge will be a success, he said on Fox News this weekend. These are bad people. These people are sick, and they do things that are so destructive.

Biden said such remarks demonstrated how dangerous a second Trump term would be for the country, calling his predecessor unhinged and a man who doesnt deserve to be president, whether or not Im running.

This isnt the same Trump that got elected in 2016, Biden said Monday. Hes worse.

Related...
President Bidens reelection campaign on Tuesday defended the executive order to limit asylum at the U.S. southern border, accusing Republicans and former President Trump of only wanting chaos.

In a statement first shared with The Hill, Biden campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz highlighted how Trump urged the GOP to block a bipartisan border bill negotiated in the Senate so the border would remain a major issue for Election Day.

The American people demand solutions to fix our broken immigration system, but at every step of the way, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans have made clear they only want chaos and partisan politics as usual, Munoz said. Every American should know that Trump proudly killed the strongest bipartisan border bill in a generation  siding with fentanyl traffickers over the Border Patrol and our security.

He added, President Biden knows being president is not about theater  its about taking action on the issues our communities care most about. Despite Trump and his loyalists inaction, President Biden is taking action today.

The order announced Tuesday will be in effect when the seven-day average of daily border crossings exceeds 2,500 between ports of entry. When it kicks in, U.S. border officials will stop implementing credible fear interviews for asylum claims and work to quickly expel foreign nationals whove crossed the border between ports of entry.

The order comes after the bipartisan framework in the Senate was blocked by Republicans for a second time. Biden has faced intense pressure to act unilaterally on the border and during an election year, when the situation at the southern border is set to play a major role.

The Biden campaign on Tuesday highlighted that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) killed the border deal in February, calling it dead on arrival. And, it noted that Trump in January told supporters hes fine being blamed for tanking the bill.

The campaign also pointed to a Navigator Research poll from February that found that 2 in 3 Americans supported the border deal and noted Trump has vowed to implement a deportation operation in a second term.

Trump, in touting his deportation proposal to remove immigrants who illegally entered the U.S., has cited the Eisenhower administrations deportation efforts through a program known as Operation Wetback that used military tactics to round up migrants. He said during a visit to Eagle Pass, Texas, that local police would be the key to his proposal.

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The United States and the European Union have announced sanctions against Iran over its military cooperation with Russia. These measures apply to individuals and legal entities, including companies and individuals involved in the development, production, and supply of drones that Iran is transferring to Russia.

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This is stated on the website of the US Department of State. "The United States is imposing sanctions on four Iranian companies and one individual associated with the development, production, and supply of UAVs that the Iranian regime provides to Russia and its paramilitary proxies and partners in order to prolong the conflict and destabilize the region," said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

The sanctions target four Iranian companies and one individual associated with the production and transfer of drones, as well as the head of Iran Aviation Industries, a subsidiary of the Iranian Ministry of Defense and Logistics. "We applaud the first use of the EU's new sanctions powers to target Iran's destabilizing behavior and support for terrorism in the Middle East," Miller added.

It should also be noted that in addition to the Russians, militants in the Middle East have also obtained drones, which is an additional concern for international partners seeking to ensure stability in the region. All of these measures are being introduced in the context of the escalating situation in the international arena and require a comprehensive approach to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East.

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As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the United States is ready to take measures against Chinese companies and financial institutions that support Russia in the war against Ukraine, considering the possibility of imposing sanctions. Representatives of the United States, South Korea, and Japan also agreed to cooperate on reducing dependence on China and Russia for critical resources.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
From left to right, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, U.S. President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Council President Charles Michel and President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen pose for a group photo with G-7 leaders following the second-day of July 2023's NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photo by Ukrainian President Press Office/ UPI

June 4 (UPI) -- The White House on Tuesday said President Joe Biden will be in Italy next week to represent the United States at the G7 Summit where leaders will discuss "a range of the most pressing global issues," including the G7's "unwavering support" for Ukraine.

The G7 Summit June 13-15 in Borgo Egnazia, in Apulia, which is the 7th G7 summit held in Italy, will bring the leaders of seven member states together, the European Council President Charles Michel and the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, which represents the European Union.

It was established as a platform for economic and financial cooperation in response to the 1973 energy crisis.

Along with Biden and the United States, it will also bring Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunk who is weeks away from a July 4 election, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Italy's Ministry of the Interior has taken steps ahead of the G7 to place temporary border restrictions from June 5-18

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a press conference at the conclusion of the May 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan. At next week's summit in the southeast part of Italy, G7 leaders will advance efforts to make use of Russias immobilized sovereign assets to help Ukraine, as well as actions to continue imposing costs on Russia and those who support Russias war effort, the White House said Tuesday. File Photo By Keizo Mori/UPI

At the summit next week in the southeast part of Italy, G7 leaders "will advance efforts to make use of Russia's immobilized sovereign assets to help Ukraine," as well as actions to "continue imposing costs on Russia and those who support Russia's war effort," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a news release.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to attend Italy's G7 after visiting France for D-Day's 80th commemoration. He hopes to meet with Biden, who will be there on June 7 to deliver remarks, amid intensifying Russian aggression on the Ukranian eastern front.

But it is unclear if the embattled Ukranian leader will attend in person or virtually, according to a spokesperson.

Biden and the other G7 chiefs will take steps "to promote economic security and resilience, including by addressing harmful overcapacity," and will also "redouble commitments to support developing countries seeking to make investments in their future and to help strengthen food security and health financing."

It comes as the G7 leaders on Monday issued a joint statement saying they "fully endorse" Biden's "comprehensive deal" for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza which calls for "a credible pathway towards peace leading to a two-state solution."

The plan likewise calls for the release of hostages taken Oct. 7 by the terrorist group Hamas, a "significant and sustained increase in humanitarian assistance for distribution" in Gaza," and an "enduring end to the crisis, with Israel's security interests and Gazan civilian safety assured."

"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," their statement read.

The White House statement on Tuesday also came the day after it was announced that Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Switzerland to represent the United States on June 15 at the international Summit on Peace in Ukraine at Burgenstock Resort in Lucerne.
Biden doesn't think Russia's proposal to end war in Ukraine is best that Ukraine can hope for

US President Joe Biden does not think that Russias proposal to end the war in Ukraine is the best that Ukraine can hope for.

Source: President Biden in an interview with TIME, as reported by European Pravda

Details: When asked whether Russias proposal to end the war in Ukraine is the best that Ukraine can hope for, Biden replied: "No, it's not."

He said that it is important to remember that the Russian military "has been decimated".

Biden also stressed that NATO is currently much stronger than it was when he started his presidential term: "We have the strongest alliance in all of America, all of history."

Biden stressed the importance of not skipping over what the consequence of a Russian success in Ukraine would be: "this is part of reestablishing the Soviet Union. That's what this is all about. [...] [Russian leader Vladimir Putin] wanted to go back to the, to the days when there was NATO and there was that other outfit that Poland, everybody belonged to. So thats what it was about."

While Biden admitted that the US has spent "a lot of money in Ukraine", Europe has spent more.

"Europe has spent more money than the United States has, collectively. Europe has spent more money in taking on Russia," Biden said.

Background:

US President Joe Biden has said that peace in Ukraine means a guarantee that Russia will never be able to occupy Ukraine, but he does not think that Ukraine has to become a NATO member for this to be the case.

UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has said that the UK will never pressure Ukraine to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, as the decision to do so is Ukraine's alone.

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President Biden in a new interview said it was reasonable for people to conclude that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the war in Gaza for his political benefit.

Im not going to comment on that, Biden told Time magazine in an interview conducted May 28 and published Tuesday. There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion.

Biden noted that before Israels war with Hamas began in October, Netanyahu was facing criticism for pushing judicial reforms that would reduce checks and balances.

And so its an internal domestic debate that seems to have no consequence, Biden said. And whether he would change his position or not, its hard to say, but it has not been helpful.

Biden said his major disagreement with Netanyahu over the war is about what would happen when it ends. Biden has supported a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, but Netanyahu has opposed such an idea. While Netanyahu has said Israeli occupation is not the solution, he has not proposed an alternate vision for the day after the war.

Israel has faced international criticism for its handling of the war against Hamas, which began last October after the group killed more than 1,100 Israelis. Subsequent Israeli military strikes in Gaza have killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, and those in Gaza have been without adequate access to food, water and medicine.

Netanyahu has faced mounting criticism from the U.S. and other countries over its handling of the war as the humanitarian crisis worsens in Gaza and as civilian deaths mount. Biden has said U.S. support for Israel is ironclad, but he has voiced frustration with Netanyahu over his handling of the war, particularly over the deaths of civilians and plans to invade Rafah in southern Gaza.

The president earlier this week laid out a three-phase peace plan that would wind down fighting between Israel and Hamas and allow for the rebuilding of Gaza. Biden argued Hamas has been degraded to the point that it cannot carry out an attack similar to last October. But Netanyahu has said the war should continue until Hamas is completely destroyed.

Biden told Time it was uncertain if Israeli forces had committed war crimes in Gaza. He has previously criticized an International Criminal Court (ICC) request for arrest warrants against Netanyahu and his defense minister, and said the U.S. doesnt recognize the ICCs jurisdiction over Israel or Gaza.

But one thing is certain, the people in Gaza, the Palestinians have suffered greatly, for lack of food, water, medicine, etc. And a lot of innocent people have been killed, Biden told Time. But it is  and a lot of it has to do not just with Israelis, but what Hamas is doing in Israel as we speak.

Biden also told Time he does not think Israel is intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, but that the Israelis have engaged in activity that is inappropriate.

When I went over immediately after the  Hamass brutal attack, I said then, and it became public, I said, dont make the same mistake we did going after bin Laden, Biden said. Dont try the idea of occupying Afghanistan, the idea that you had nuclear arsenals in Iran, that were being, I mean, in Iraq, that were being generated, simply not true. And it led to endless wars. They were not true. Dont make the mistakes we made. And theyre making that mistake, I think.

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Biden: Every reason to think Netanyahu wants war with Hamas to go on

There is every reason for people in Israel to conclude their prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is prolonging the war against Hamas to stay in power, President Joe Biden said in a Time interview published Wednesday.

Biden also said that Israel made the mistake of conducting a Gaza campaign in destructively similar ways to the U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

It led to endless wars, Biden told Time. Don't make the mistakes we made. And they're making that mistake.

Those are among the harshest comments Biden has leveled at Netanyahu since Israels retaliation for Hamas Oct. 7 attack. The interview with Biden, conducted on May 28, days before he called on Israel and Hamas to broker a cease-fire, confirms the president no longer reserves his broadsides for private phone calls. They are now out in the open, potentially further straining a relationship that has suffered over eight months of war.



Asked whether Netanyahu wanted the war to continue for his own political self-preservation, Biden initially replied, I'm not going to comment on that. But then he said: There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion.

Biden, however, used the wide-ranging interview to offer qualified support for Netanyahu. He said Hamas was at fault not only for starting the war, but also failing to reach an agreement that could temporarily halt the fighting and lead to hostage releases. He said it was uncertain if Israel had committed war crimes. And he pushed back on former President Donald Trumps criticism that Netanyahu is to blame for allowing the Oct. 7 attack to happen on his watch.

I don't know how any one person has that responsibility. He was the leader of the country, so therefore, it happened. But he wasn't the only one that didn't pick it up, Biden said, alluding to reports that Israeli officials had Hamas assault plans for more than a year.

But its Bidens hint that Netanyahu doesnt want the war to end so he can remain in power that will land heaviest in Israel and with the administrations critics. Rebeccah Heinrichs, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, posted Wednesday on X: A ridiculous and harmful thing to even imply.



Netanyahu is in a political and legal bind.

The far-right leaders of his coalition government say they will depart if the prime minister backs the cease-fire deal Israel proposed and Biden touted Friday, which would see fighting stop for at least six weeks and potentially lead to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. That would collapse the government and likely end Netanyahus premiership, as current polls show war cabinet member Benny Gantz with more support.

A corruption trial for Netanyahu, which began in January 2020, resumed two months after Hamas attack. He faces charges in three separate cases: one related to receiving gifts from foreign business leaders, a second on seeking favorable coverage from a newspaper in exchange for curbing a rival outlets circulation, and a third alleging bribery and fraud.

Netanyahu has long denied those charges. But his government proposed reforms to declaw Israels Supreme Court, widely seen by the Israeli people as Netanyahus attempt to avoid prison should he be found guilty. Protests rocked the country for weeks, calling on Netanyahu to step aside, but those concerns fell into the background following Oct. 7.
By Ted Hesson and Mica Rosenberg

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday instituted a broad asylum ban on migrants caught illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, a major enforcement move in the run-up to November elections that will decide control of the White House.

Migrants caught crossing illegally could be quickly deported or turned back to Mexico under the measure, which will take effect just after midnight. There will be exceptions for unaccompanied children, people who face serious medical or safety threats and victims of trafficking, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said.

Biden, a Democrat, has toughened his approach to border security as immigration has emerged as a top issue for Americans in the run-up to Nov. 5 elections where he will face Republican Donald Trump, who made a hardline stance on immigration a centerpiece of his administration and vowed a wide-ranging crackdown if reelected.

Biden took office in 2021 vowing to reverse some of Trump's restrictive immigration policies but grappled with record levels of migrants caught crossing illegally, a trend that has strained U.S. border authorities and cities receiving new arrivals.

During a White House press conference explaining the proclamation, Biden said asylum access would remain available to migrants who registered for an appointment using an app known as CBP One or used other legal pathways instead of crossing illegally.

"This action will help us gain control of our border and restore order into the process," Biden said. "This ban will remain in place until the number of people trying to enter illegally is reduced to a level that our system can effectively manage."

Even as Biden rolled out new restrictions, he criticized Trump's most controversial policies, including separating migrant families at the border and comments that immigrants in the U.S. illegally were "poisoning the blood of our country."

"I will never demonize immigrants," Biden said.

When it comes to immigration policy, registered voters prefer Trump over Biden by a 17 percentage point margin, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in mid-May.

QUESTIONS REMAIN

The new asylum ban becomes active when the daily average of border arrests tops 2,500 over a week, and figures are currently higher than that, officials said on a call with reporters, requesting anonymity as a condition of the call.

U.S. border arrests averaged 4,300 per day in April, according to the most recent government statistics available.

The ban will be paused when arrests drop below an average of 1,500 per day for three weeks. The last time crossings fell to that level was in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020 when global travel was at historic lows.

Key operational questions about the measure's implementation remained unclear, including how the administration would quickly deport migrants from far-away and uncooperative countries and how many non-Mexican migrants Mexico would accept under the new enforcement regime.

The new restrictions resemble similar policies implemented by Trump and use a legal statute known as 212(f) that served as the underpinning for Trump's travel bans blocking people from several majority-Muslim nations and other countries.

The Biden ban was attacked by critics on both sides of the political spectrum on Tuesday.

Lee Gelernt, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, said they intended to sue over the new restrictions. The group and other immigrant advocacy organizations have criticized Biden for adopting Trump-like policies and backtracking on U.S. legal obligations to asylum seekers.

In advance of the announcement, Trump's campaign issued a statement criticizing Biden for high levels of illegal immigration and said the move to exempt unaccompanied minors would encourage child trafficking.

Republicans also slammed Biden's moves as politically motivated and insufficient.

INACTION IN CONGRESS

Biden has pushed unsuccessfully for months to pass a Senate bill crafted by a bipartisan group that would toughen border security but Republicans rejected it after Trump came out in opposition.

In addition to the latest measure, the Biden administration has taken a number of steps over the past year to toughen the asylum process, including issuing a regulation in May 2023 that heightened the standard for an initial asylum claim.

The number of migrants caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally dropped in recent months, a trend U.S. officials partly attribute to increased Mexican enforcement.

Claudia Sheinbaum was elected as Mexico's first female president in a landslide victory on Sunday and will take office on Oct. 1. Biden's border restrictions could put pressure on Sheinbaum, the successor to current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, to keep illegal border crossings down.

Biden thanked Lopez Obrador on a phone call Tuesday for his continued cooperation on immigration and Lopez Obrador at his daily press conference said the two countries "have been making good progress" on the issue.

Enrique Lucero, the director of migrant affairs in Tijuana, Mexico warned the new measures could overwhelm migrant shelters as more people will be stuck waiting or returned. He said he thought desperate people would continue to find ways to cross the border illegally.

"The question is where are all those people going to go?" Lucero said. "Many will end up on the streets or prey to traffickers."

Across the border from Tijuana in San Diego, California, a 31-year-old Colombian man who identified himself as John said he spent eight days and 20 million Colombian pesos ($5,200) to cross into the U.S. and seek asylum. He said his immigration court hearing is scheduled for April 25.

"It would have been very painful to have to start over, in debt," John said. "People give up everything they have."

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington and Mica Rosenberg in New York; Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Jason Lange and Doina Chiacu in Washington, Michelle Nichols in New York, Raul Cortes and Lizbeth Diaz in Mexico City, and Dan Trotta in San Diego; Editing by Alistair Bell)
Migrants surrender to the U.S. Border Patrol after crossing the border wall from Mexico near Campo, California, about 50 miles from San Diego, on March 13. On Tuesday, President Joe Biden is expected to sign an executive order, allowing the United States to turn away migrants who claim asylum once daily crossings surge above 2,500, according to sources familiar with the plan. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

June 3 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden is expected to sign an executive order Tuesday that would allow the United States to turn away migrants who claim asylum once daily crossings surge above 2,500, according to sources familiar with the plan.

The executive order, using section 212 (f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, is scheduled to be signed Tuesday as Biden faces ongoing political pressure over his handling of the border, sources told ABC News, Politico and USA Today. Former President Donald Trump used the same section of the immigration act when he restricted border crossings during his term.

"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," the White House said in a statement.

A spokesperson for Brownsville, Texas, Mayor John Cowan also confirmed the report, telling ABC News that he will be attending a meeting at the White House for an immigration announcement. El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser said he also planned to be in attendance.

"I look forward to hearing more about the president's plan on Tuesday, and we stand ready to work with our partners at the local, state and federal level on this effort," Leeser said.

"Our immigration system is broken and it is critical that Congress work on a bipartisan long-term plan to work with other countries in order to create a more manageable, humane and sustainable immigration system for our country."

Last month, the U.S. Senate voted down a bipartisan border bill for the second time. The bill set conditions for border closures to come after an average of 4,000 crossings per day within a week, or at 5,000 migrants in any given day.

While Republicans argued that number was too high, the Biden campaign claimed the GOP was not invested in finding legislative solutions.

On Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson said any executive action on immigration now would be "too little, too late."

"President Biden has engineered a wide-open southern border and is now trying to convince Americans that he wants to address the chaos he created," Johnson wrote Sunday in a post on X.

Progressives argue an executive order on the border would only concede the immigration debate to conservatives.

"I anticipate that if the president would take executive action, and whatever that executive action would entail, it will be challenged in the court," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters last month.

The timing of Biden's expected immigration order Tuesday would come two days after Mexico elected its first female president, former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum. It would also come as Biden heads to France this week to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
President Biden signed a proclamation Tuesday that bars migrants from seeking asylum along the U.S. border with Mexico while crossings are high, a change designed to make it harder for those who enter the country without prior authorization.

Under a new interim rule issued by the Biden administration, the president can put the border restrictions into effect when average border arrests surpass 2,500 migrants for seven days in a row  as was the case Tuesday. The rule also raises the legal bar for an asylum claim at the border from reasonable possibility the migrant will face torture at home to reasonable probability it will happen.

The heightened restrictions were scheduled to go into effect just after 9 p.m. Pacific time and would end two weeks after the number of crossers stopped at the border dips below 1,500 for more than a week. For most of the last nine years, there have been more than 1,500 border stops per day.

"This action will help us gain control of our border, restore order into the process," Biden said during a press conference Tuesday. "This ban will remain in place until a number of people trying to enter legally is reduced to a level that our system can effectively manage."

Read more: Biden administration wants to speed up deportation for some migrants. How will it work?

The restrictions would not apply to those who enter at official ports of entry or use other legal means, including those who use a relatively new mobile app to request an appointment. They would also exempt certain groups, including unaccompanied children, victims of severe forms of trafficking and people with dire medical emergencies or extreme threats to life and safety.

Administration officials defended their efforts to secure the border, saying they have returned more migrants in the last 12 months than in any year since 2010. They sought to blame Republicans for Congress' failure to pass a bipartisan bill that would have given the administration more money and authority to control the border.

A family seeking asylum is detained by Border Patrol after crossing from Mexico into the United States. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Officials conceded that the presidents executive action, which is likely to face legal challenges, is essentially a stopgap. The lack of additional funding for resources at the border, along with potentially limited cooperation from Mexico and migrants' home countries, could also hamper the administration's efforts.

Biden slammed Republicans in Congress during his speech Tuesday, saying many legislators abandoned the bill "because Donald Trump told them to."

"Frankly, I would have preferred to address this issue through bipartisan legislation, because that's the only way to actually get the kind of system we have now that's broken, fixed  to hire more Border Patrol agents, more asylum officers, more judges. But Republicans left me no choice," he said.

While Mexico has agreed to take migrants from several Latin American countries, the Biden administration is facing an increase in arrivals from other continents, including Asia. Officials said they were working to strengthen deals to fly people to India, China and other countries of origin, but it remains a challenge.

Officials have faced a barrage from critics on the right, who blame Biden for what they call an out-of-control border, and on the left, who accuse him of replicating xenophobic policies advanced by former President Trump. Officials took pains to differentiate their policies from Trumps most well-known practices, including attempts to ban the entry of people from Muslim-majority countries and to separate children from their families.

Read more: Biden, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador discuss migration in latest call

"We will not separate children from their families," said one official. "It is not only inhumane, it's grossly ineffective."

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), who chairs the Senate judiciary subcommittee on immigration, citizenship and border safety, criticized Biden's decision, saying it would be ineffective and "undermined American values and abandoned our nation's obligations to provide people fleeing persecution, violence and authoritarianism with an opportunity to seek refuge in the U.S."

Biden's border policy places Gov. Gavin Newsom  who sharply criticized Trump's calls to end the asylum system and threat to close the border in 2018  in a tricky political position. Newsom, an ally of the president and a top surrogate for his reelection campaign, called out Republicans in Congress in a post on X for voting against more resources for border security.

Only thing theyre interested in is playing politics, Newsom posted Tuesday.

In a separate statement, the governor's office said immigration is vital to California, and Bidens leadership has bolstered border security.

Men seeking asylum are detained by Border Patrol after crossing the border. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The pursuit of asylum, regardless of how one arrives on U.S. soil, is a right under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act and international law. That issue proved problematic for the Trump administration's efforts to limit border crossings, and it could trip up Biden's latest order as well.

Biden is relying on two provisions of immigration law to justify his executive actions, including section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows a president to suspend the entry of individuals or classes of migrants if it's in the national interest. Trump also used that section to bolster his travel ban. Though it was challenged, the Supreme Court upheld a revised version of the ban.

"People like the ACLU and other immigrants rights organizations are sure to argue that in this case, section 208 of the immigration statute explicitly allows someone to apply for asylum, whether they cross at a port of entry or enter illegally between a port of entry. And so they're going to argue that 212(f) does not extend that far," said Stephen Yale-Loehr, professor of immigration law practice at Cornell Law School. "That'll be what a court has to decide."

A legal challenge would likely take months or years. The American Civil Liberties Union said Tuesday in a statement that it plans to challenge the executive order in court.

"It was illegal when Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now," Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, said.

Biden's decision was applauded by some lawmakers who represent areas along the border, including Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), who called it a "decisive, commonsense action to restore order at the southern border at a time when Congressional Republicans continue to use it as a political football."

Amy Fischer, director of Refugee and Migrant Rights at Amnesty International USA, said the executive action "plays into false narratives about the invasions at the border and advances a policy grounded in white supremacist ideas at the expense of people in search of safety in the U.S."

President Bidens action sets a dangerous international precedent as a first-of-its-kind numerical cap on asylum, limiting the number of people who can claim asylum in the U.S. and effectively shutting down the U.S.-Mexico border, using the same legal authority that the Trump administration used to implement the dangerous and xenophobic Muslim and African travel bans," Fischer said.

Men seeking asylum are detained by Border Patrol. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Immigration has been one of Bidens thorniest problems, practically and politically. He campaigned in large part on reversing Trumps most hard-line policies and rhetoric, but after Biden assumed office, border crossings and arrests rose dramatically.

Chad Wolf, who was head of the Homeland Security Department in Trump's administration, said during an appearance Tuesday on Fox News that he doesn't believe the border plan will work and is "too little, too late."

"They've been telling the American people there's no crisis along that border now for three years, and they've tried to convince the American people they can't take executive action," he said. "Five months out from an election, now they're serious about border security. I don't buy it, and I don't think the American people buy it."

Polls show that many voters rate immigration and the border as a top issue for the presidential candidates, alongside the economy, character, democracy and abortion. Its the area where they are most likely to rate Trump ahead of Biden, according to an ABC News poll released last month. The poll found that 47% of Americans trust Trump more on immigration, compared with 30% who trust Biden more.

Times staff writer Taryn Luna contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Biden finally acts on border crisis, showing he could've done something about it all along

After watching illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border explode throughout his presidency, President Joe Biden has finally decided its time to act.

Nearly four years into his term, it feels more than a little late. Apparently, Biden can no longer ignore the polls.

Biden has hemmed and hawed for years that hes helpless to slow down border encounters that have more than doubled during his tenure and that hes reliant on Congress to help out.

That was always untrue. In his first days in office, after all, Biden used his executive authority to end Trump administration policies like "Remain in Mexico" that were helpful in curbing asylum claims that have overwhelmed our border.

Biden simply chose to ignore the problem. Plus, he didnt want to pick fights with progressives in his party whod rather there not be any limits on the border.

That strategy has backfired spectacularly. Bidens tanking poll numbers are due in no small part to his mismanagement of illegal immigration.

Border chaos: Trump and Biden keep blaming each other. But voters want solutions, not chaos at border.

Immigration, along with the economy and inflation, has soared to one of the top issues on voters minds as we head toward the presidential election. Its not just a border problem anymore, as cities  often large, Democratic ones like Chicago and New York  are dealing with an influx of migrants.

Its no surprise that voters trust former President Donald Trump over Biden by double digits on these issues: Trump has a 17-point lead on immigration and a 14-point lead on the economy and inflation, according to an ABC News/Ipsos poll from last month.

An executive order with power to shut down border

President Joe Biden listens to Border Patrol agents as he visits Brownsville, Texas, on Feb. 29, 2024.

Biden reportedly plans to sign the executive order Tuesday, in the presence of several mayors from South Texas.

The order will more strictly cap the number of illegal crossings. If the number of crossings average 2,500 a day, then border officials would be able to quickly expel migrants without a chance for asylum.

Trump convicted: Trump is guilty. It won't matter at all this election.

While numbers have fallen since late last year, they have remained high. In December, there was an all-time monthly record of migrant encounters  250,000  crossing into the United States from Mexico.

In the first three weeks of May, the U.S. Border Patrol reported a daily average of 3,700 apprehensions of migrants, according to internal government data obtained by CBS News.

So Bidens new order will have immediate consequences if these numbers remain high.

Could Hunter Biden's trial have played into timing?

In addition to all the surveys showing Americans dont trust Biden to handle the border crisis, there could be something else that nudged the president to take action this week.

Trump, who was convicted in his hush money trial Thursday, isnt the only one in the hot seat. Bidens son Hunter is in court in Wilmington, Delaware, as his felony gun trial begins. The younger Biden is charged with lying on a federal gun form in 2018 about his drug addiction. A jury was selected on Monday.

Separately, he faces three felony tax offenses and six misdemeanors in a California federal court after he failed to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes, instead spending the money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends.

De Niro's Trump rant: Hate to break it to you, Joe. Robert De Niro's Trump rant won't win Biden more fans.

All of this is bad enough, not to mention the attention Republicans in Congress have brought to Hunter Bidens shady business deals.

In other words, its embarrassing for the president, who's trying to write off all his sons bad behavior as a result of his addiction.

Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today, Biden said in a statement.

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.

That may be. But these arent the kind of headlines that will buoy a floundering reelection campaign.

So why not try to change the conversation with an executive order on immigration?

Bidens now taking the right action. He just shouldnt have waited nearly four years to do it.

Ingrid Jacques is a columnist at USA TODAY. Contact her at ijacques@usatoday.com or on X, formerly Twitter: @Ingrid_Jacques.

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: Biden executive order on immigration comes much too late for border
Biden on foreign election meddling: All the bad guys are rooting for Trump

President Biden said in a new interview there is evidence China is meddling in the upcoming U.S. election, quipping that all the bad guys are rooting for former President Trump in Novembers race.

There is evidence that meddling is going on, Biden told Time magazine in an interview published Tuesday, declining to go into greater detail.

When a reporter interjected to say it sounded as if China was meddling, Biden said China would have an interest in meddling.

Everybody, all the bad guys are rooting for Trump, man. Not a joke, he added.

Biden earlier in the interview, conducted May 28, recounted how foreign leaders frequently tell him its important for him to win reelection to protect democracy in the U.S. and abroad.

The presidents comments come after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in April, following a three-day trip to China, that there were signs Beijing was attempting to influence and potentially interfere in the upcoming U.S. election.

CNN reported that Biden warned Chinese President Xi Jinping during a November meeting in San Francisco not to interfere in the 2024 elections.

Taiwanese groups earlier this year outlined a major disinformation campaign employed by Chinese actors during the island nations national elections, which concluded in January and delivered a blow to Beijing with the victory of a pro-U.S. candidate.

The alleged tactics from Chinese actors involved using generative artificial intelligence to manipulate videos and sow discord in Taiwan, including by completely distorting the words of at least one U.S. member of Congress, raising concerns about the risks in the U.S. election.

Foreign efforts to influence U.S. elections would not be new. Federal officials concluded Russia interfered in the 2016 election between Trump and then-Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

The National Intelligence Council released a report in March 2021 that found Russia and Iran carried out efforts to influence the 2020 presidential election. Russia, the report stated, sought to denigrate Bidens candidacy, while Iran sought to sow division and undercut Trumps prospects.

The same report found China considered but did not deploy influence efforts in the 2020 election.

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By Jeff Mason

PARIS (Reuters) -President Joe Biden landed in France on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day on a trip designed to underscore his commitment to U.S. allies in Europe and contrast his vision of democracy with his 2024 political opponent Donald Trump.

Biden will spend five days in France and attend D-Day celebrations in Normandy, where U.S. and allied forces stormed French beaches in an attack that helped defeat Nazi Germany in World War II, as well as deliver a high-profile speech and hold a formal state visit with President Emmanuel Macron.

While in Normandy Biden will sit down for talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about the war effort to repel Russian invaders, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters aboard the presidential flight to Paris.

Biden's remarks in Normandy, both on Thursday at the formal 80th anniversary ceremony and on Friday at the famed Pointe du Hoc cliffs, will center around the dangers of isolationism and the need to stand up to dictators, Sullivan said.

Biden will draw a connection from World War Two through the Cold War and creation of the NATO alliance to today, "where we face once again war in Europe, where NATO has rallied to defend freedom and sovereignty."

In what promises to be an emotional moment, Biden will meet the aged veterans who participated in the D-Day invasion.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the potential use of some $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine would be discussed by Biden and Macron during the visit.

Biden, a Democrat, is running for re-election in November against Trump, a Republican, and has made preserving and strengthening U.S. democracy a key part of his campaign in the aftermath of Trump's chaotic four years in office.

Trump refused to accept the results of the 2020 election, which sparked a deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters on January 6, 2021; he has vowed to go after political opponents, deport immigrants and punish whistleblowers in a second term.

Trump has threatened to abandon NATO allies if they do not bolster their defense spending and some fear he would pull the United States out of the alliance altogether if he were elected president again.

Biden's message on democracy could be complicated by his staunch backing of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, after Hamas attacked Israel in October last year, killing over one thousand.

The International Criminal Court has charged Netanyahu with war crimes and some international allies and left-leaning voters in the United States want Biden to stop the flow of U.S. military aid to Israel. The issue could hurt Biden in key states, including Michigan, in the November election.

The D-Day commemorations are set against a backdrop of a modern conflict in Europe, Russia's more than 2-year war with Ukraine.

At a political fundraiser before his trip, Biden called the D-Day invasion "one of the most important moments in the history of defense of freedom and democracy in the history of the world" and said the sacrifices from that day must not be given up.

"Democracy is literally on the ballot this year. The future of democracy and freedom is at stake. We have brave soldiers who gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy who did their part," he told donors in Connecticut on Monday.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason and Paris newsroom; additional reporting by Steve Holland, Eric Beech, Kanishka Singh, Katharine Jackson and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Heather Timmons, Stephen Coates and Michael Perry)
Russians complain about constant shelling in the Belgorod region by the aggressor country  allegedly 30 rockets arrive at a time. According to them, a "sanitary zone" is allegedly being created in the region, but this only makes things worse.

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This is stated in the interception of a conversation between civilians from Shebekino, Belgorod region. The interception was published on the channel of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on Monday, June 3.

The Russian woman complained that she did not sleep all night because of the shelling.

"Of course, I didn't sleep last night. They were shelling so hard that... pretty good. It was burning... and how many cars burned down again, both on Konev and Gubkin streets. On Gubkin Street, they hit a house. Glass and cars were just burning. It's getting worse and worse. We are making a sanitary zone, but it is getting worse and worse," she said.

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According to the resident of Belgorod region, 12 rockets used to come in at a time and it was a "disaster," but now 30 rockets are coming in.

"Have you paid attention to this? Even if there were 12 missiles, or 16, 18, it was a disaster. And now it's 32, 26... What is this? That's what kills the most, they're done, we're fine," the Russian woman whines.

She also said that the aggressor country does not tell people the whole truth.

"No one knows the truth, if people told the truth, they would have to endure so much more, and people would endure, what can I say, there is no panic, there is nothing, but people somehow cope, they endure all this, because no one will tell the truth," she added.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the interception of the GUR confirmed that the occupiers refuse to go on the offensive in Kharkiv region. Russian commanders threaten to shoot them in response. The recording shows a Russian commander desperately urging his subordinates to attack Ukrainian positions and not to be "traitors."

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Joe Biden on Tuesday signed an executive order that will temporarily shut down the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers attempting to cross between lawful ports of entry, when a daily threshold of crossings has been exceeded.

The order will take effect immediately, senior administration officials said on a press call. Those seeking asylum will be held to a much more rigorous standard for establishing credible fear of returning to their home country, although certain groups  including human trafficking victims and unaccompanied children  would be excluded from the ban.

Delivering remarks at the White House alongside mayors of border towns, Biden said congressional Republicans had left him with no choice but to take unilateral action after they blocked a bipartisan border security bill earlier this year.

So today, Im moving past Republican obstruction and using the executive authority thats available to me as president to do what I can on my own to address the border, Biden said. Doing nothing is not an option. We have to act.

The move comes amid rising public concern over the number of people crossing into the US, with polls showing a majority of Americans dissatisfied with the presidents handling of the border. The White House has been under immense pressure from Republicans and some Democrats to reduce the number of people arriving at the southern border.

Under the executive order, the administration would shut down asylum requests to the US-Mexico border once the number of daily encounters has reached 2,500 between legal ports of entry, which regularly occurs now. The border would reopen two weeks after that figure falls below a daily average of 1,500 for seven consecutive days.

People who make appointments with border officials using the Customs and Border Protection app would also be exempt, though advocates emphasize that scheduling one can take months.

The directive is not expected to hinder other border activity, such as trade or traffic.

The measure relies on the same legal framework adopted by Donald Trump to restrict unlawful crossings in 2018, but was blocked by a federal court. At the time, Democrats assailed Trumps border policies as draconian and rooted in xenophobia. The announcement triggered immediate threats of legal challenges, as the American Civil Liberties Union said it would sue the administration over the new policy.

We intend to challenge this order in court. It was illegal when Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now, said Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project.

Many progressive and Hispanic lawmakers expressed alarm at the sweep of the order, the most aggressive border move taken by the administration so far.

Senator Alex Padilla, the Democratic chair of the Senate judiciary subcommittee on immigration, citizenship and border safety, said in a statement: By reviving Trumps asylum ban, President Biden has undermined American values and abandoned our nations obligations to provide people fleeing persecution, violence, and authoritarianism with an opportunity to seek refuge in the US.

But Biden and his advisers fiercely rejected comparisons between the new measure and the severe immigration policies enacted during Trumps presidency.

I believe that immigration has always been the lifeblood of America. Were constantly renewed by an infusion of people and new talent, Biden said. The Statue of Liberty is not some relic of American history. It stands for who we are as the United States. So I will never demonize immigrants. I will never refer to immigrants as a poisoning the blood of a country. Further, Ill never separate children from their families at the border.

The United Nations issued a statement saying it was profoundly concerned by the new restrictions and urged the US government to reconsider its actions. The new measures will deny access to asylum for many individuals who are in need of international protection, and who may now find themselves without a viable option for seeking safety and even at risk of refoulement, meaning being sent back across the border, the statement read.

Any person who claims to have a well-founded fear of being persecuted in their country of origin must have access to safe territory and have this claim assessed before being subject to deportation or removal. We call on the United States to uphold its international obligations and urge the government to reconsider restrictions that undermine the fundamental right to seek asylum.

Although the policy sparked intense criticism among many progressives, a number of centrist Democrats rushed to Bidens defense. Leaders of the centrist New Democrat Coalition said they were encouraged by Bidens order, although they emphasized the need for Congress to take additional action.

With todays announcement, President Biden is taking decisive, commonsense action to restore order at the southern border at a time when congressional Republicans continue to use it as a political football, the leaders said.

At the San Ysidro port of entry, the border crossing between Tijuana and southern California, it was seemingly business as usual on both sides of the border shortly after the executive order was announced.

The corridor is one of the busiest land crossings in the world, and the San Diego sector has seen a surge in asylum seekers over the last few months. But on the US side of the border this week, the scene was quiet.

On Tuesday afternoon, families and individuals walked calmly across the bridge that connects the two countries. Red trolleys at the San Ysidro transit center waited to take passengers to other cities in southern California, and groups of people filtered in and out of the small shops near the border, exchanging cash at money-exchange stores and ordering food at McDonalds.

On the Tijuana side, cars waiting to enter the US were lined up as far as the eye could see, but moved forward incrementally. Men and women hawked churros, candy and Mexico-themed trinkets to drivers, weaving in between the idling cars.

Some hadnt heard of the Biden administrations new rules, while others expressed mixed feelings over the decision.

Abel Walser, a 26-year-old from Oceanside who has Mexican heritage, was crossing the bridge that funnels into the US with a friend around noon. On one hand, this country was built to be a melting pot, he said, adding that he knows people who initially came to the US illegally, but have since endured the extremely difficult, years-long process to become an American citizen. On the other hand, immigration has vastly increased, he said.

Meanwhile, Erika Palomo was passing through the palm tree-lined transit center on her way back to the Mexico side. She crosses through the border checkpoint almost every day, either for work or to visit relatives, and has seen a big increase in the number of people hoping to get into the US in the past year.

Related: What the US asylum process is really like, in applicants own words: Ive waited 10 years

I have seen all the people trying to cross and get better opportunities, especially kids, she said. Its a lot of people. Mothers and children should be given extra consideration when it comes to asylum, she added.

Immigration and border policy are at the heart of Republicans 2024 campaign message, with Trump bashing Biden as weak and vowing to unleash the biggest mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in US history should he win re-election in November.

Trumps campaign quickly weighed in on news of the order, dismissing the policy as insufficient. Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaign press secretary, said in a statement: If Joe Biden truly wanted to shut down the border, he could do so with a swipe of the same pen, but he never will because he is controlled by radical left Democrats who seek to destroy America.

The action comes months after Senate Republicans, at Trumps behest, voted down a bipartisan border security deal. Trump, wary of handing Biden a political victory on his signature issue, had announced his opposition to the bill and encouraged Republicans to block its advancement.

The Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, last month held another vote on the border package, which included measures Republicans have been clamoring for, including a far-reaching clampdown on the number of people allowed to claim asylum, while providing billions to the Department of Homeland Security to hire more border officers and immigration judges. The measure failed, as expected, but Democrats hoped the vote would underscore Republican resistance to a border deal they helped negotiate.

Biden made clear on Tuesday that he does not view the new order as a replacement for congressional action, and he again called on Republicans to work with Democrats to improve the US immigration system.

Frankly, I would have preferred to address this issue through bipartisan legislation, Biden said. Lets fix the problem and stop fighting about it. Im doing my part. Were doing our part. Congressional Republicans should do their part.

 This article was amended on 4 June 2024 to show that Joe Bidens executive order will limit the number of asylum seekers crossing the border, not to prevent all of them from crossing it.
President Joe Biden issued long-expected executive actions on Tuesday to clamp down on migrants seeking asylum, and in doing so set the stage for the U.S. border with Mexico to be shut down between ports of entry at midnight.

The action and accompanying rule from the Biden administration allows the president to suspend asylum claims in between ports of entry when there is an average of 2,500 crossings a day over a seven day period. That threshold, administration officials said, has already been hit over the past week.

The announcement represents an aggressive attempt by Biden to bolster his standing on the border in advance of the November election. Biden is expected to use a speech on Tuesday to highlight his unilateral efforts to resolve the crisis, while congressional Republicans  at the behest of Donald Trump  killed efforts to pass bipartisan border legislation earlier this year.

Today Im moving past Republican obstruction and using the executive authorities available to me as president to do what I can on my own to address the border, said the president, flanked by two screens reading SECURING OUR BORDER in the White House East Room.

Frankly, I would have preferred to address this issue through bipartisan legislation, he added, but Republicans left me with no choice.

The president was joined on Tuesday by members of Congress and local and state leaders from border cities and states, in an effort to project consensus and political strength on a topic that has long dogged him politically. Its expected to spur blowback from progressives and immigration advocates, who plan to speak out against the move Tuesday afternoon.

In his remarks, Biden criticized Trump for encouraging Republicans to vote against the bipartisan border bill. But he also sought to draw a contrast with his predecessor amid criticism from progressives that he is mimicking Trump-era policies.

I will never demonize immigrants. I will never refer to immigrants as poisoning the blood of a country. And further, I will never separate children from their families at the border, Biden said.

The new rule from the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice will restrict asylum during periods of high volumes of border crossings, allowing the Biden administration to remove some migrants immediately from the U.S. in a matter of hours or days. These migrants would face a five-year ban on reentering the country, as well as potential criminal prosecution.

When crossings exceed a daily average of 2,500 over the course of a week, the president will have the authority to shut down the border in between ports of entry. Once the shutdown is in effect, DHS secretary Alejandro Mayorkas can reopen the border once average crossings have fallen below 1,500 for seven consecutive days. That determination allows the border to reopen 14 days later.

There will still be a number of exceptions, including for unaccompanied children, some victims of trafficking, migrants facing acute medical emergencies or imminent threats to their safety. Migrants who also have an appointment at a port of entry via Custom and Border Protections smartphone app will still be processed. The Biden administration is currently processing roughly 1,500 migrants a day at official ports, and the presidents actions will not affect his humanitarian parole pathways established for certain migrants.

The new actions aim to restrict asylum by making a number of changes to the presidents Title 8 authority, long-established procedures that allow the government to remove from the country people who are unable to establish a legal basis. People who cross the border unlawfully will be deemed ineligible for asylum absent of compelling circumstances, and they will only be referred to an asylum officer under specific circumstances. And migrants who are screened by an asylum officer will also face higher standards than what was previously used to determine fear or the intention to seek asylum.

Senior administration officials on Tuesday framed the action as a last resort after Congress failed to pass the bipartisan border deal earlier this year. They continued to warn that the president is constrained by funding and resources approved by lawmakers.

We have repeatedly asked Congress for emergency supplemental funding to allow us to enhance and increase our ability to deliver consequences at the border. And unfortunately, Congress has failed to act on those requests, a second senior administration official said.

The actions Biden announced on Tuesday are expected to face legal challenges, just as the Trump administration did when relying on the same presidential authority to make sweeping changes to the immigration system. The presidents officials said they included important humanitarian and legal changes in their implementation of the authority. But they also said theyre prepared to defend the policy changes in court.

The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday swiftly announced that it would challenge the Biden administrations policies in court, noting that the actions take the same approach as the Trump administrations asylum ban.
Biden issues rule allowing him to shut down US-Mexico border as immigration emerges as top voter concern

Migrants on the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border engage in a confrontation with Texas National Guard troops on May 13, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden issued an order on Tuesday which intends to shut down the US-Mexico border when the number of migrants crossing hits a certain level, as immigration emerges as a top voter concern in the 2024 presidential race.

The executive order will allow the United States to close the southern border to asylum seekers, temporarily removing longtime protections. Biden had previously hinted that he would take executive actions of this nature after a bipartisan agreement to restrict immigration in exchange for aid to Ukraine and Israel failed to pass the Senate after Republicans came out against it in response to Trumps opposition.

It will take effect if more than 2,500 migrants cross in a single day - a number which has become commonplace in recent months - meaning that the order could be instituted immediately. The order will be suspended if crossings drop below 1,500 people.

During periods of suspension, anyone who crosses into the US without authorization would not be permitted to claim asylum absent exceptionally compelling circumstances, according to senior administration official.

Exemptions would apply to children, victims of a severe form of trafficking, those experiencing an acute medical emergency or an imminent and extreme threat to life and safety, as well as other non-citizens who have a valid visa or some other lawful permission to enter the United States, according to a Biden administration official.

The decision has met with backlash from progressive Democrats and immigration advocates, with some drawing similarities between Bidens border rule and what former president Donald Trump attempted to do while in office.

US President Joe Biden walks along the US-Mexico border fence in El Paso, Texas, on January 8, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)

California Senator Alex Padilla, a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, told The Independent that Bidens actions appeared to be paralleling some of what the Trump administration tried to do unsuccessfully.

Illinois Democrat Rep. Chuy Garcia, also told The Independent on Monday that he was concerned that the asylum restrictions could be eroding one of the things that sets us apart from every other country.

Freshman Texas Democrat Representative Greg Casar noted that an enforcement-only approach would not help Biden politically because it would not solve the root causes of the record migration flows.

He also warned that the president is falling into what he described as a trap set by Republicans, and said that the way to make the border safe and take on cartels was to create legal pathways for migration and strengthen the asylum system.

A Biden administration official, who asked for anonymity to brief reporters candidly, pushed back on the suggestion that Bidens immigration policy is comparable to Trumps border policies.

The Biden administration also pointed to efforts to expand lawful pathways into the US and a program where asylum seekers can use a Customs and Border Protection smartphone app to facilitate appointments at legal ports of entry.

Donald Trump participates in a ceremony commemorating the 200th mile of border wall at the international border with Mexico in San Luis, Arizona, 23 June 2020 (AFP via Getty Images)

The administration has also worked to establish processing centers abroad at which potential asylum seekers can begin the process rather than make their way to Mexico and cross illegally before presenting themselves to border agents.

The border action has been anticipated for months after Republicans voted against a bipartisan border bill earlier this year at the behest of presumptive Republican nominee Trump, who publicly said that passing the legislation would hand Democrats a win and help Biden in his re-election bid.

The President worked with a bipartisan group of senators to reach a historic border security agreement, an agreement that would have delivered significant policy changes resources and personnel necessary to secure our border and make our country safer, a White House official said on Tuesday.

[R]ational Republicans had an opportunity to support the fairest and toughest set of reforms in decades and they chose to put partisan political interests ahead of fixing our immigration system and securing our borders.

Republicans have criticized Bidens immigration policy as too lax and said it triggered an influx of migrants at the US-Mexico border. They have frequently traveled to the US-Mexico border to criticize Biden and earlier this year, House Republicans impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, though the motion was tabled in the Senate.

Polling shows that most voters see immigration as a serious issue. A Gallup poll from last month showed that 27 per cent of Americans say immigration is the most important problem facing the country.
President Biden on Tuesday unveiled a long-anticipated measure that will significantly limit the number of migrants seeking asylum at the southern border, an attempt to tackle a complicated election-year issue head on after legislative efforts failed.

Today Im moving past Republican obstruction and using executive authorities available to me as president to do what I can on my own to address the border, Biden said in remarks from the White House. Frankly, I wouldve preferred to address this issue through bipartisan legislation, because thats the only way to get the kind of system we have now thats broken fixed.

The action means non-citizens who cross the southern border between ports of entry will be turned away whenever the seven-day average of daily border crossings exceeds 2,500 between ports of entry. Because the seven-day average is already over that threshold, the measure went into effect immediately.

Polling has shown immigration is a top issue for many voters ahead of Novembers presidential election, and surveys have consistently showed voters trust former President Trump more than Biden on the issue.

And while Biden and other Democrats argue he had no choice but to act because Republicans blocked bipartisan legislation in the Senate, the policy drew swift criticism from both sides of the aisle, underscoring the fraught nature of trying to address the border.

Republicans dismissed the measure as window dressing intended to give the White House a talking point with voters. Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, called the policy weak and pathetic and suggested it was all about show, because he knows we have a debate coming up in three weeks.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said in a statement that Bidens decision-making was based on the proximity of the next election and sinking poll numbers.

This executive order is just political cover, and the American people arent going to be fooled, said Cornyn, who is running to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) as GOP leader in the Senate.

Progressive Democrats bemoaned that Biden was using tactics similar to the Trump administration that would threaten millions of migrants fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) promptly said it would challenge the order in court.

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) said Bidens crackdown would fall flat with the Republicans who have turned the border into a prime political issue.

This is going to be a political message: Here I am, responding to Republicans. But Republicans dont care what we say and do. They will continue to cause chaos at the border because they have decided that immigrants are the scapegoat that will help them win the White House, Ramirez told The Hill.

And we, instead of actually bringing solutions that live out our values, are responding to them, hoping that theyll agree with us.

Some centrists, however, cautiously lauded Biden, warning of long-term threats to asylum.

President Biden has acted in the face of Congressional Republicans cynically deciding to block bipartisan border security legislation, wrote Rep. Bennie Thompson (Miss.), the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee.

That being said, I am concerned about the impact of the Executive Order on vulnerable people coming to the United States for safety and protection. We must ensure continued access to asylum under U.S. law, added Thompson.

Biden tackled some of those criticisms directly in his White House remarks.

He cast the order as the result of Republican obstruction in Congress that blocked passage of a bipartisan border deal in the Senate. That agreement would have enacted a similar asylum cap and funded additional Border Patrol agents and immigration judges, among other things.

The president also pushed back against those on the left who have chastised him for going too far.

Doing nothing is not an option. We have to act, he said. We must act consistent with both our law and our values.

Biden also said he would in the weeks ahead  speak to how we can make the immigration system more fair and more just.

News of the asylum crackdown, timed to come after Mexicos presidential election, had been circulating for weeks.

Meanwhile, advocates are also expecting an order that could provide specific groups of undocumented immigrants a pathway to regularize their status.

If the Biden-Harris administration feels they must take executive action on the border, then they can and should swiftly do the same for our nations mixed-status families and Dreamers who are too young to qualify for DACA, said American Business Immigration Coalition executive director Rebecca Shi.

The White House had for months lobbied hard for the bipartisan bill in the Senate, and Biden in January said he had done all he could on the border and that it was on Congress to act.

But Tuesdays step reflected the reality that he could not wait out the issue.

A Gallup poll published in late April found 27 percent of Americans listed immigration as the top problem facing the country, more than any other issue.

A Marquette University survey of registered voters nationwide conducted last month found 52 percent said Trump did a better job on immigration and border security, compared to 25 percent who said Biden did a better job.

Biden on Tuesday did not exactly shy away from the political implications, seeking to draw a clear contrast between his efforts to secure the border with Trumps rhetoric and past policies.

I will never demonize immigrants. I will never refer to immigrants as poisoning the blood of a country. Further, I will never separate children from their families at the border. I will not ban people because of their religious beliefs, Biden said. I will not use the U.S. military to go into neighborhoods all across the country to pull millions of people out of their homes and away from their families to detention camps while awaiting deportation as my predecessor says he will do if he occupies this office again.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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US President Joe Biden has declined to comment on speculation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be continuing the war in the Gaza Strip for his own political self-preservation.

In an interview with Time magazine, Biden said: "I'm not going to comment on that." But he added: "There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion."

Biden noted that before the Gaza war, Netanyahu had come in for heavy criticism for his judicial reforms. "And so it's an internal domestic debate that seems to have no consequence. And whether he would change his position or not, it's hard to say, but it has not been helpful."

In the interview, which was conducted on Tuesday last week but only published this Tuesday, Biden emphasized his support for Israel in the fight against the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement.

"My major disagreement with Netanyahu is, what happens after, what happens after Gazas over? What, what does it go back to? Do Israeli forces go back in?" Biden asked.

"I've been talking to the Egyptians and been talking to the Saudis. Ive been talking to the Jordanians, I've been talking to the Emiratis. The answer is, if that's the case, it can't work,"

the US president added.

When asked whether, according to US information, the Israeli military was committing war crimes in the Gaza Strip, Biden did not give a direct yes or no answer.

"The answer is it's uncertain and has been investigated by the Israelis themselves. The ICC is something that we dont, we don't recognize," he said, referring to the International Criminal Court.

"But one thing is certain, the people in Gaza, the Palestinians have suffered greatly, for lack of food, water, medicine, et cetera. And a lot of innocent people have been killed. But ... a lot of it has to do not just with Israelis, but what Hamas is doing in Israel as we speak."
Can Biden pardon Trump? No, that power applies only to federal offenses | Fact check

The claim: Biden can pardon Trump

In a May 30 Facebook post, Shark Tank entrepreneur Kevin OLeary shared a video of himself on Fox News Networks The Five discussing former President Donald Trump's New York hush money trial and President Joe Biden.

What Biden should do is pardon Trump the moment he gets convicted of any of those charges, OLeary wrote in the caption of the video.

Some users appeared to believe Biden could pardon Trump.

"He can only help himself by pardoning Trump of any wrongdoing & try to be presidential & win over some brownie points with the undecided," one user wrote.

Another wrote, "If Biden were so inclined to pardon Trump for his non crimes, everyone would see through it due to his constant lie filled rants regarding Trump."

Conservative pundit Bill OReilly shared a similar take that day in a radio interview and on Facebook, where he posted, "Biden could immediately perform an act of great public service by issuing a full pardon to Donald Trump."

Fact check roundup: Debunking false claims about Donald Trump's conviction in hush money trial

More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page

President Joe Biden's authority to pardon covers only people convicted of federal crimes.

US Constitution lays out presidential pardon powers

Trump was convicted May 30 on all 34 counts for falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election, making him the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime. Trump is also the presumptive Republican nominee in the 2024 election.

The U.S. Constitution states that presidents can grant clemency only for offenses against the United States. That means a presidents authority is limited to federal offenses, the Department of Justice explains in an FAQ on its website.

"The presidents authority to grant clemency is limited to federal offenses and offenses prosecuted by the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia in the name of the United States in the D.C. Superior Court," the site says. "An offense that violates a state law is not an offense against the United States. A person who wishes to seek a pardon or a commutation of sentence for a state offense should contact the authorities of the state in which the conviction occurred."

Trumps hush money case was prosecuted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr. and was tried in the New York State Supreme Court, which means it would be outside Biden's authority to grant a pardon even if he wanted to.

John Moscow, a New York lawyer who formerly worked in the Manhattan district attorneys office, confirmed to USA TODAY that Trump can't get a presidential pardon.

The United States is a sovereign, but so too is each state. The president can pardon a violation of federal law but not a violation of state law, Moscow said. The governor of New York has the power to pardon a person convicted in and by the state.

Fact check: How long will Trump go to prison for? Not 187 years like he claims

Trump will be sentenced July 11, a date that falls between his first presidential debate against Biden and the Republican National Convention, where he is slated to officially become the partys nominee. He could go to prison, but it's not clear whether or when that would happen.

USA TODAY reached out to OLeary and OReilly but did not receive an immediate response from either.

Our rating: Missing context

The implied claim is wrong. Biden cannot pardon Trump because it is a state-level case in New York. Presidents have the power to pardon only federal offenses.

Our fact-check sources:

John Moscow, May 31, Email exchange and phone interview with USA TODAY

Annotated U.S. Constitution, accessed May 31, ArtII.S2.C1.3.1 Overview of Pardon Power

U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Pardon Attorney, accessed May 31, Frequently Asked Questions

Manhattan District Attorney's Office, April 4, 2023, District Attorney Bragg Announces 34-Count Felony Indictment of Former President Donald J. Trump

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here.

USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden can't pardon Trump since it's a state conviction | Fact check
Peace in Ukraine means a guarantee that Russia will never occupy the country again, but Kyiv's membership in NATO is not necessary for this, U.S. President Joe Biden told in an interview with Time published on June 4.

Biden said that he had not been prepared to support the "NATOization of Ukraine before." A part of the condition for peace in Ukraine is the relations with Kyiv, like with other countries, "where we supply weapons so they can defend themselves in the future."

"Peace looks like making sure Russia never, never, never, never occupies Ukraine. That's what peace looks like. And it doesn't mean NATO, they are part of NATO," Biden said.

Kyiv did not receive the much-desired invitation nor a firm deadline to join the alliance during the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius, even though NATO took steps to tighten cooperation.

Ukrainian officials have voiced hope that the Washington meeting, scheduled for July 9-11, will bring a more definite signal.

Julianne Smith, U.S. Ambassador to NATO, said that Kyiv is unlikely to receive a membership invitation at the alliance's July summit, promising to offer a security package as a bridge to membership.

Biden said that when he visited Ukraine as a senator and vice president years ago, "there was significant corruption, a circumstance that was really difficult."

"The point is, though, that if we ever let Ukraine go down, mark my words: you will see Poland go, and you will see all those nations along the actual border of Russia, from the Balkans and Belarus, all those, they are going to make their own accommodations," he added.

Ukraine applied for NATO membership in September 2022, half a year into Russia's full-scale invasion.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has repeatedly called on partners to issue a membership invitation to Kyiv, said that Ukraine will join NATO only after Russia's full-scale war ends, echoing the words of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Read also: Deputy PM: NATO summit to express position on roadmap, irreversibility of Ukraines membership

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

President Joe Biden is pulling from former President Donald Trumps immigration playbook as he tries to stop a flow of asylum-seekers from around the world who are crossing into the US at the border with Mexico.

Unveiled at the White House on Tuesday, Bidens new plan to all but shut down the US border to asylum-seekers who cross the border illegally uses executive authority Trump once used to bar people from mostly-Muslim countries from entering the US in 2017 and also to bar most asylum-seekers in 2018  days after Republicans suffered huge setbacks in midterm elections that year.

Its an odd, election-year twist, since Biden actually ran his 2020 campaign in part on a promise to revoke those actions, which he did in the months after taking office. Trumps asylum policy was also blocked by federal courts before Biden revoked it.

In addition to slowing the flow of asylum-seekers, Bidens action could have the political effect of chipping away at Trumps lead on the immigration issue and triangulating some middle-ground support, even if it leaves progressives angry.

Read the full story on Bidens announcement from CNNs White House team.

Trump and Biden remain very far apart

Its still very true that their rhetoric on immigrants remains very different. Biden expresses openness to immigrants as an important segment of American society. He wants to protect the children of undocumented immigrants who have grown up in the US and to create a pathway to citizenship for those already here.

Trump routinely employs over-the-top rhetoric to demonize migrants and asylum-seekers as being from a criminal class or part of a coordinated invasion of the US, although theres no evidence to support those claims. Trump has promised a militaristic approach to the border and a massive deportation program if hes elected in November.

Former President Donald Trump visits the US-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, Texas, as seen from Piedras Negras, Mexico, on February 29. - Go Nakamura/Reuters

Biden, meanwhile, has been pivoting to the middle on immigration all year. The decision to invoke executive authority comes months after a bipartisan border proposal in Congress failed to yield a new permanent law to reform the asylum process. Republican lawmakers, bowing to Trump, refused to work with the White House. Trump had said he wanted to run on the issue of immigration in this election year.

Announcing the new action at the White House, Biden said he was trying to do what the Republicans in Congress refused to do.

Even if hes adopting the authority behind Trumps policy, he promised not to adopt Trumps rhetoric.

Ill never refer to immigrants as poisoning the blood of a country, Biden said at the White House.

Biden argued that exceptions in his action make it more humane than Trumps proposals. Asylum-seekers can still try to make an appointment with border officials and seek asylum at a port of entry.

Expect challenges

The American Civil Liberties Union, which challenged Trumps border actions when he was president, now plans to challenge Biden.

It was illegal when Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now, Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, said in a statement.

But todays Supreme Court, which has a majority of conservative appointees, could be more friendly to Bidens action.

Border crossings are actually down

CNNs Rosa Flores reported from Hidalgo, Texas, on Tuesday and noted the decline in crossings. Whereas last December, there were around 250,000 border apprehensions, figures in recent months are less than 140,000, and Flores reported the figures dropped even further in May.

The Biden plan would bar migrants who cross the border illegally from seeking asylum once a daily threshold is met, with some exemptions. The measure would stay in place until encounters drop below an average of 1,500 per day.

A drone view shows the US-Mexico border wall in Jacumba Hot Springs, California, on June 3. - Go Nakamura/Reuters

Officials in Hidalgo County told Flores that any measures to address the influx of asylum-seekers would need to take into account the cross-border traffic that generates economic activity in the area.

A top official in Hidalgo County, Judge Richard Cortez, told Flores that Bidens action, while welcome, was a Band-Aid and not a permanent solution.

Comprehensive immigration reform remains the sole solution and Congress remains the sole venue to achieve this reform, Cortez said in a statement to Flores.

Flores described her interviews with women who became victims of sexual violence while waiting on the Mexico side of the border for asylum claims to be processed and pointed to the vulnerable position todays action could force migrants into if they wait on the Mexico side of the border.

Why now?

CNNs Priscilla Alvarez, reporting from the White House, said part of the administrations calculus had been to wait until after Mexicos presidential election, which took place over the weekend, to announce this new action. Americans ability to cut border crossings will rest, she said, in part on Mexicos ability to stop the flow of asylum-seekers within its borders.

We continue to work closely with our Mexican neighbors instead of attacking Mexico, Biden said at the White House, drawing a distinction between his approach and Trumps. Biden said he spoke with Mexicos president-elect on Monday.

Trump holds an advantage on immigration

CNNs Harry Enten notes that in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic, immigration has taken on increasing importance in the minds of voters.

Troubling for Biden is that Trump is favored by 27 percentage points on the issue, according to polling from CNBC.

Watch more from Enten:

Long-standing authority

Presidents have been using the authority to act on the border for decades; it is based in a 1950s immigration law. Heres the specific language:

Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.

The authority has routinely been used, according to the Congressional Research Service, by all recent presidents to restrict entry to the US for specific groups of people, like Europeans at one point during the Covid-19 pandemic, suspected terrorists or officials from countries like Iran.

A fact sheet released by the Department of Homeland Security outlines the specific changes in how noncitizens will be processed at the border. People apprehended and slated for expedited removal would need to express fear of returning to their home country in order to be interviewed about their situation. Otherwise, they will quickly be returned to either Mexico or their home country.

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President Biden on Monday railed against President Trump after his conviction to donors at a fundraiser, arguing that something snapped after he lost the 2020 election.

Here is what is becoming clearer and clearer every day. The threat that Trump poses would be greater in a second term than it was in his first term. This isnt the same Trump who got elected in 2016. Hes worse, Biden said, according to prepared remarks.

Something snapped in him when he lost in 2020. He cant accept he lost, and it is literally driving him crazy, he added. Now hes running again. And hes not only obsessed with losing in 2020, he is clearly unhinged.

Biden called Trump a convicted felon, which his campaign has done several times since the conviction, but it marks the first time the president has.

For the first time in American history a former president that is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the presidency, Biden said. But as disturbing as that is, more damaging is the all-out assault Donald Trump is making on the American system of justice.

The presidents remarks came during a fundraiser with wealthy donors in Greenwich, Conn., and follows comments on the conviction on Friday, during which he said its irresponsible for Trump to say the trial was rigged.

Biden on Monday told donors that he thinks Trump is running to keep his freedom.

Throughout this campaign Trump has made it clear he is running to exact for revenge, the president said. Now after his criminal convictions its clear hes worried about preserving his freedoms.

Additionally, the president outlined recent comments from Trump, including that he would be a dictator on day one of a potential second term and that if he doesnt get elected it will be a blood bath.

Trumps campaign pushed back on Bidens comments, highlighting that the presidents son is on trial for federal gun charges in Delaware.

Crooked Joe Biden will do anything to distract from Hunters trial and the fact his family has raked in tens of millions of dollars from China, Russia and Ukraine, Jason Miller, Trumps senior adviser, said in a statement. The Biden Family Criminal Empire is all coming to an end on November 5th, and never again will a Biden sell government access for personal profit.

A jury found Trump guilty Thursday on all counts of falsifying business records to conceal alleged affairs during his 2016 campaign. Trump has since called the trial rigged, and he has vowed to appeal the case.

The president issued a short statement Thursday evening on the social platform X, calling for donations to the 2024 race and saying, Theres only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: At the ballot box.

His campaign called Trump a convicted felon in its first statement after the verdict and has seized on the verdict to raise money for the 2024 race.

Updated June 4 at 8:42 a.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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An African man was detained at the border who tried to illegally enter Ukraine, claiming that he wanted to "improve his health" here. The cameras of Slovak border guards recorded his movement towards the Ukrainian border, after which Ukrainian border guards detained him.

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The information was published on the Telegram channel of the State Border Guard Service. The man did not have any documents on him.

He identified himself as a citizen of Guinea and stated that he had been living in the EU for a long time. Due to health problems, he decided that the best medical care could be provided in Ukraine.

The man was brought to administrative responsibility. Subsequently, he will be returned to the Slovak side in accordance with the readmission procedure.

Earlier, Ukrainian border guards at the Smilnytsia checkpoint in Lviv region caught a man trying to leave Ukraine by hiding under a passenger seat. In this way, the offender planned to get to Poland and then to Germany.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, seven men in Zakarpattia broke through the barrier grid to get abroad through the Tisa River. They gave the organizers of the smuggling 55 thousand dollars but were caught 100 meters from the state border.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Biden says only Hamas stands in way of cease-fire, but questions about Israel remain

Since President Joe Biden's extraordinary move to lift the veil of secrecy surrounding sensitive negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza -- by detailing the terms of the deal on the table -- U.S. officials have launched into a flurry of diplomatic activity to maximize pressure on Hamas to accept the deal and to ensure Israel would stand by it.

Despite the hard sell from the administration and Biden's appeal to all sides, the many open questions about the long-term provisions of the proposal may jeopardize its future.

On Monday, Biden spoke by phone with the Emir of Qatar -- another critical mediator in the negotiations -- in order to confirm "Israel's readiness to move forward with the terms that have now been offered to Hamas," according to the White House.

During their conversation, Biden affirmed that "Hamas is now the only obstacle to a complete ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza," a readout of the call said.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden announces a proposed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza while delivering remarks at the White House in Washington, DC, May 31, 2024. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

MORE: Sec. Blinken tells Israel onus is on Hamas to accept cease-fire deal

The president's latest engagement builds on calls Secretary of State Antony Blinken held over the weekend with half a dozen foreign ministers of Middle Eastern countries that regularly communicate with Hamas leaders and can exert considerable sway over the group.

Hamas leaders issued a statement reacting positively to Biden's address covering the proposal on Friday but have yet to issue any response on the proposal itself, which was transmitted to the group days ago.

While the State Department has urged Hamas to take the deal outright, spokesperson Matthew Miller also suggested on Monday that there was still room for compromise.

"We think this is a serious enough proposal that Hamas should just accept it, but if there need to be further negotiations, we think those all imminently bridgeable -- if, and this is the if -- if Hamas wants a deal," he said.

But across Washington, officials were peppered with questions about Israel's willingness to lay down arms in exchange for the release of scores of hostages held inside Gaza.

PHOTO: Benjamin Netanyahu (Debbie Hill/Pool via AP)

MORE: Kirby: US expects Israel to agree to proposal if Hamas does

White House national security spokesman John Kirby denied that Biden's decision to convey information about the proposed deal was a play to ensure Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu would abide by the country's commitments.

"This wasn't about jamming the prime minister or the war cabinet," Kirby said. "This was about laying bare for the public to see how well and how faithfully and how assertively the Israelis came up with a new proposal, how it shows how much they really want to get this done."

Netanyahu's conviction was called into question when his office reaffirmed Israel's commitment to ensuring 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" before the war ends.

"Under the proposal, Israel will continue to insist these conditions are met before a permanent ceasefire is put in place," an Israeli statement reads. "The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter."

U.S. officials and the president himself have admitted that the proposed deal contains significant gray areas, particularly in the second and third phases of the agreement which call for "a permanent end to hostilities" and "the major reconstruction of Gaza" without imposing strict timetables.

PHOTO: Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, June 3, 2024. (Mohammed Salem/Reuters)

MORE: Biden-backed Israel-Hamas cease-fire proposal faces strong headwinds: ANALYSIS

Analysts say the ambiguity is intentional and that the framework designed to allow both sides to interpret the terms as favorable enough to implement the agreement and gradually ease tension.

However, Hamas has spurned any offer that doesn't ensure the group's longtime survival inside Gaza -- and Netanyahu's comments are unlikely to persuade the militants that this proposal is any different.

Brian Katulis, a senior fellow on U.S. foreign policy at the Middle East Institute, argues that this latest chapter of negotiations reflects a change in approach rather than substance.

"The goal appears to be to spotlight stonewalling by Hamas and right-wing members of the current Israeli government as key roadblocks to a diplomatic settlement," Katulis told ABC News.

PHOTO: Supporters and families of hostages who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, hold pictures of their loved ones outside the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem, June 3, 2024. (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)

Whether the strategy ultimately succeeds, he says, will depend on the Biden administration's ability to apply significant, consistent pressure to both sides.

"For this Biden plan to work will require the U.S. to double down on diplomatic and political efforts in the Middle East, even more so than it already has in the past few months," Kautilis said. "it is not enough to make one-time public statements and expect results."

ABC News' Fritz Farrow contributed to this report.

Biden says only Hamas stands in way of cease-fire, but questions about Israel remain originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden sought to walk back his suggestion Benjamin Netanyahu may be prolonging the war in Gaza due to his own political considerations, saying he didnt think the Israeli leader was doing so.

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I dont think so. Hes trying to work out a serious problem he has, Biden told reporters Tuesday when asked if the prime minister was playing politics with the war.

Biden, in an interview published earlier Tuesday, hinted that Netanyahu might be dragging out the conflict in order to cling to power and said it was uncertain if Israel had committed war crimes.

Asked by Time Magazine if Netanyahus political considerations were driving the war, Biden said there is every reason for people to draw that conclusion, citing the domestic blowback the prime minister received ahead of the Israel-Hamas conflict by pushing to change Israels constitution, moves critics said would weaken democracy in the country.

Whether he would change his position or not, its hard to say, but it has not been helpful, Biden said.

The rare sit down between the president and a print outlet came weeks after former President Donald Trump  Bidens general-election opponent  outlined his own second term vision in the newsweekly. That interview, in which Trump suggested state governments could monitor Americans pregnancies and vowed mass deportations, quickly became a flashpoint on the campaign trail.

But Bidens comments on Israel threatened to carry their own consequences, coming amid an effort to ramp up pressure on both Israel and Hamas to agree to a three-phase Gaza peace plan that would end the fighting and secure the release of hostages captured by Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group, during its Oct. 7 raid on Israel. On Tuesday, Hamas said they wanted Israel to accept a permanent ceasefire and withdraw from Gaza.

Netanyahu though faces pressure from far-right parties in his electoral coalition to continue the war until Hamas is rooted out from the Gaza Strip and the hostages are freed, complicating Bidens efforts. The war has posed a political risk to Biden, with key parts of his coalition, including progressives and younger voters, frustrated by his support for Israel.

Biden said also said Israel was investigating if its forces had committed war crimes, but added he did not believe the country had used starvation of civilians in Gaza as a war tactic.

China Economy

The president also addressed US-ties with China, ahead of an election in which relations between the worlds two largest economies will have a central focus and both candidates have sought to cast themselves as tough on Beijing.

Asked if China was meddling in the election and worries about the country deploying artificial intelligence to interfere in the vote, Biden said there is evidence that meddling is going on.

I think China would have an interest  let me put it like this  would have an interest in meddling, he added.

He also would not rule out deploying US troops for the defense of Taiwan.

Bidens comments threaten to upset warming ties between the two nations following the face-to-face meeting he held last year with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Even as Biden has ramped up dialogue with Beijing, the two nations have intensified their economic competition, highlighted by sweeping tariffs the US president unveiled on a range of Chinese imports last month.

Biden, who has previously called Chinas economy a ticking time bomb delivered another jab.

Youve got an economy thats on the brink there. The idea that their economy is booming? Give me a break, Biden said.

Taiwan has also been a focal point for tensions between Washington and Beijing. Biden has repeatedly said the US would defend the democracy if its attacked, while China has pledged to bring Taiwan under its control eventually, by force if necessary.

Asked if he would place US boots on the ground to defend Taiwan from a Chinese attack, Biden said it would depend on the circumstances. Biden said he had made it clear to Xi that there had been no change to US policy and that Washington was not seeking independence for Taiwan but that he would also support the island if Beijing sought to unilaterally change its status.

Not ruling out using US military force. Theres a distinction between deploying on the ground, air power and naval power, etc., Biden said.

Russias War

Biden also addressed Russias war in Ukraine, saying the Russian military had been freaking decimated in the fight. And he predicted that Russian President Vladimir Putin would seek to threaten other nations if he was successful in the war.

If we ever let Ukraine go down, mark my words: youll see Poland go, and youll see all those nations along the actual border of Russia, from the Balkans and Belarus, all those, theyre going to make their own accommodations, Biden said.

The president has made protecting democracy at home  and abroad  a centerpiece of his reelection pitch, contrasting his support for Ukraine with Trump who has been skeptical of aiding Kyiv.

Name me a world leader other than Orban and Putin who think that Trump should be the world leader in the United States of America, he said, referring to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

(Retops with new Biden comments in lede)

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Biden says vision for peace in Ukraine doesn't have to include NATO membership

US President Joe Biden has said that peace in Ukraine means a guarantee that Russia will never be able to occupy Ukraine, but he does not think that Ukraine has to become a NATO member for this to be the case.

Source: President Biden in an interview with TIME, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Biden was asked about his vision for peace in Ukraine after the end of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

"Peace looks like making sure Russia never, never, never, never occupies Ukraine. That's what peace looks like. And it doesn't mean NATO, they are part of NATO," Biden replied.

"It means we have a relationship with them like we do with other countries, where we supply weapons so they can defend themselves in the future. But [...] I am not prepared to support the NATOization of Ukraine," he added.

Biden recalled spending time in Ukraine during his terms as US senator and vice president: "There was significant corruption. There was a circumstance that was really difficult."

Still, Biden stressed that the West cannot allow Ukraine to fall, because it would destabilise every country that borders Russia, from the Balkans to Belarus.

Biden also denied that helping Ukraine puts NATO on a slippery slope to war with Russia: "No, we're on a slippery slope for war if we don't do something about Ukraine."

Background:

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that the July NATO summit in Washington, DC, should be an occasion to provide a "bridge" for Ukraines membership in the Alliance.

On 29 May, US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith said that important changes in the wording regarding Ukraine's membership prospects will be made at an upcoming meeting of NATO leaders in Washington and that NATO has agreed on the need to send a political signal about Ukraine's pathway to NATO membership.

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President Biden will depart Tuesday night for France, where he will spend the rest of the week seeking to draw a sharp contrast in values and in global leadership with former President Trump, his 2024 political rival.

Biden is set to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion alongside other world leaders and deliver remarks focused on democracy and freedom, a major tentpole of his reelection bid.

The president will cap off his visit with a stop at the same cemetery where Trump was unable to visit due to weather in 2018 and reportedly referred to those buried there as losers and suckers, comments Biden has repeatedly cited to attack his predecessor.

The trip will give Biden a stage to sharply differentiate himself from Trump at a time when the former president is already reeling from a New York jury finding him guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records as part of a hush money scheme.

President Biden has made revitalizing our relationships a key priority, recognizing of course that we are stronger when we act together and that todays challenges require global solutions and global responses, said White House national security communications adviser John Kirby.

Biden has in recent months more frequently brought up the claims from former Trump aides that, during a trip to France of his own in 2018, Trump demeaned veterans wounded or killed in action as suckers.

Biden, during a fundraiser on Monday, hit Trump for those comments.

Losers and suckers! Who in the hell does he think he is? Biden said, raising his voice in front of a room of donors.

Kirby said Biden looks forward to paying respects to these veterans when asked about the upcoming visit to the same cemetery that Trump didnt visit.

The message is simple: that the service and the sacrifice of American troops in wars overseas, World War I and of course World War II, should never be forgotten, Kirby said. Those are the messages that the president is trying to send with these visits. That in these two wars, of course these brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, they didnt sacrifice their futures for nothing and we need to take every opportunity that we can to acknowledge that.

Biden is expected to give remarks in Normandy on June 6 to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing. He will meet with U.S. veterans and veterans of other allies who participated in the massive invasion, which helped turn the tide of World War II.

He will also deliver remarks in Pointe du Hoc, France on June 7.

The symbolism of Biden commemorating the allied victory over European dictators in World War II will serve as a thinly veiled rebuke of Trump, who Biden has repeatedly claimed would be a dictator on day one and who has drawn condemnation for using rhetoric echoing dictators.

To mark Memorial Day last month, Bidens reelection campaign said in a statement that the American dream so many sacrificed for is under threat from Donald Trump, a man who called those who made the ultimate sacrifice suckers and losers, dreams of himself as a dictator who oversees a unified Reich, and would destroy the very idea of America to put himself into power.

Biden will also travel to Paris on June 8 for the official state visit with French President Emmanuel Macron.

This visit will underscore continued U.S.-French leadership on a range of consequential issues, Kirby said, noting that Biden and Macron will discuss Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region, the Israel-Hamas war, and climate change.

Kirby said to expect the two leaders to deepen their transatlantic relationship and Indo-Pacific cooperation, as well as efforts to increase clean energy investments and to highlight U.S.-French cooperation ahead of this summers Olympic games in Paris to make sure they are safe.

Other leaders, including King Charles III, are expected to travel to France at the same time, giving Biden the opportunity to talk to other key allies during the election year and give him a chance to be seen alongside counterparts.

Later in June, Biden will travel to Italy for the Group of Seven summit, giving him another opportunity to be on the world stage.

Biden has staunchly moved away from Trumps America First agenda, which was focused on isolationism, and has rejoined global alliances and partnerships. The White House noted that Bidens international engagements this week will highlight those efforts over three years into his presidency and amid a tough reelection battle.

When he talks about American leadership, its not an arrogant leadership. Its a humble leadership, Kirby said. He recognizes that for as powerful as we are and as much good as we can do. We need help. Our allies and partners bring things to the endeavor that we cant always bring and we send a much stronger signal about lofty words like peace and freedom and stability and security when were working in concert with one another.

While campaigning across the country this year, Biden often brings up his conversations with other global leaders in an attempt to distinguish himself from Trumps America First agenda.

And, he uses those conversations to highlight what he thinks are the stakes of this election.

Theres not a major international meeting I attend that before its overand Ive attended many, more than most presidents have in three and a half yearsthat a world leader doesnt pull me aside as Im leaving and say, He cant win. You cant let him win, Biden told Time Magazine in an interview published Tuesday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Migrants who have been arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border after perilous journeys will now be less likely to be able to enter the country, after the Biden administration announced a cap Tuesday on the number of undocumented migrants who can seek asylum at the border.

The federal government will close the border to undocumented migrants seeking legal protection in the U.S. when immigration authorities register a daily average of 2,500 or more encounters at the border with Mexico and southern coastal states, like Florida, for a week.

This mean that while the cap is in place, any migrant trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border or arriving by boat or raft through the Florida Straits will be sent quickly back to Mexico or deported to their home countries unless they have prior authorization to present their asylum cases or fall under very limited exceptions.

The asylum limits will be in place only for people who cross the border unlawfully, meaning those trying to cross the border without a visa and are undetected between ports of entry.

The new measures give U.S. border agents the power to determine a migrants fate instead of an immigration judge. Currently, many migrants are allowed into the U.S. after passing an interview showing they have a credible fear of being persecuted or tortured if returned home. Once paroled in, they must convince an immigration judge they have a claim to protection in the U.S., a process that can take up to seven years because of immigration backlogs.

The new rules are meant to control the backlog, but critics say it also will lead to those with genuine fear being turned away and sent back to countries where they face prosecution.

Under the new rule, migrants will be put in fast-track deportation proceedings. They will only be offered a credible-fear interview if they explicitly say they are afraid to return home or could face persecution or torture. Officials said that migrants claiming a reasonable probability of persecution or torture will be held to a higher standard for entry into the U.S. than what is currently applied.

The 2,500 daily average limit does not affect those who book appointments to present their asylum case through the CBPOne app, a phone application migrants use to schedule appointments with immigration authorities at the border. Also not counting toward the daily 2,500 limit: lawful permanent residents, people with visas, unaccompanied minors, people facing a medical emergency or a threat to their life, and trafficking victims.

The limit is not permanent, and it will be lifted two weeks after the Department of Homeland Security deems that the number of daily encounters drops to a more manageable level, set at an average of 1,500 or less for seven consecutive days.

The policy, the U.S. officials said, responds to a lack of congressional action and an overwhelming volume of undocumented migrants that the federal government cannot effectively manage. The new measures will significantly increase the speed and the scope of consequences for those who cross unlawful or without authorization and allow the departments to more quickly remove individuals, a senior administration official said.

The announcement Tuesday comes amid an election year in which immigration is at the front and center of a fierce presidential race. Both immigration rights activists and Republicans have blasted Biden for his handling of immigration issues.

On Tuesday, Biden officials criticized Republicans in Congress for not passing a bipartisan deal on the border and emphasized that the newly enacted measure would not allocate personnel and resources to the southwest border.

President Biden believes we must secure our border, the White House said in a statement. That is why today, he announced executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylumBut we must be clear: this cannot achieve the same results as Congressional action, and it does not provide the critical personnel and funding needed to further secure our Southern border.

Advocates who have criticized the Biden administration ahead of the announcement say the measure is at least partially politically driven, will place migrants in danger and bar some with legitimate asylum claims from seeking refuge in the U.S.

Voters did not vote Trump out of office only to get Trump-era immigration policies under a Democratic administration. Instead of ineffectively trying to be more anti-immigrant than Trump, the Biden administration should invest more in policies proven to work, said Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, federal campaign lead for the Florida Immigrant Coalition. Biden officials on Tuesday rejected comparisons to Trump border policies, saying that they would not separate families and offered exceptions to the measure which the previous administration did not.

The Haitian Bridge Alliance, which advocates for Haitian migrants rights, described the order as a direct assault on the fundamental human right to seek asylum. The organization said that the policy would disproportionately affect those fleeing from countries with high levels of violence and instability, in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the African continent.

The director of Immigration Studies at the Libertarian Cato Institute, David Bier, said that the order will only generate more chaos at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Biden  is requiring all asylum applicants to enter legally, yet he is maintaining his artificially low cap on asylum seekers entering at legal crossing points. This means that this action will not cause a single additional person to enter legally. Instead, more people will attempt to evade detection, undermining security, Bier said.

Cubans, Haitians taking legal pathways

Officials said the number of encounters in the U.S.-Mexico border has decreased but the volume still remains high. Immigration from Cuba, Venezuela and Haiti is on pace to match or surpass record numbers from previous years, but many are taking advantage of new legal pathways put in place by the Biden administration last year targeting those countries.

A new parole program allowing nationals from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti and Nicaragua to enter and work in the United States for two years promised to stem the flow of migrants from those countries crossing the border. About 439,000 people from the four countries have arrived in the United States through the parole processes through April of this year, according to federal government data. But as the backlog of cases grows, leaving some applicants waiting for over a year, and the situation in their home countries further deteriorates, the number of people trying their luck at the border has increased.

The number of Venezuelans and Haitians coming to the U.S. border in the fiscal year 2024, which started in October, is already over 2022 figures, according to April data published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The number of encounters with Cuban nationals has significantly increased this fiscal year after a drop following the announcement of the new parole program in January last year. From October through April, almost 100,000 Cubans have been processed at the border. If the trend continues, the yearly figure could surpass last years, when 142,352 Cubans reached the border.

But a Department of Homeland spokesperson said most migrants from those countries come with authorized appointments booked via the CBPOne app. Still, half of the Venezuelans encountered at the border crossed illegally.

Biden administration officials acknowledge the new rule will likely be challenged in court. Current immigration law states migrants can apply for asylum even if they enter the country unlawfully.

Questions remain

There are also questions about how, without more resources and increased cooperation from third countries to accept more deportation flights., immigration authorities can send back what is likely to be a large number of migrants. There are also worries about how the federal government would handle the influx of people coming from countries in other continents, such as China and Afghanistan.

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro stopped accepting deportation flights from the U.S. after the recent reimposition of some oil sanctions by the Biden administration. Deportation flights to Cuba resumed last year, and Cuban authorities said they would be willing to accept more. Despite the turmoil in Haiti, where gangs are threatening to take over the government, deportation flights resumed in April after a temporary pause amid the political instability.

The U.S. officials said they will continue deporting up to 30,000 Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians and Nicaraguans monthly to Mexico as part of a previously brokered deal with the neighboring country.
Bidens shameful asylum restrictions will face legal challenge: It was illegal when Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now

President Joe Bidens latest executive action to ban people seeking asylum from crossing the US-Mexico border will face legal challenges from civil rights groups that successfully overturned immigration rules under Donald Trumps administration.

Under Bidens plan announced on Tuesday, the US will effectively shut down asylum claims once the number of daily border encounters reaches 2,500 at ports of entry, and will only reopen once those daily encounters decline to 1,500.

Critics have warned that such an action upends international guarantees that protect asylum rights for people on US soil, and will endanger the lives of thousands of people fleeing violence, instability and corruption below the southern border.

Bidens executive order also mirrors an illegal Trump-era plan that was rejected by a federal judge as an unlawful attempt to rewrite the nations immigration laws to impose a condition that Congress has expressly forbidden.

That decision followed a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union, which now plans to challenge Bidens actions in court.

It was illegal when Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now, according to Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project.

As The Independent previously reported, Bidens order invokes Section 212(f) of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the president to suspend immigration for anyone determined to be detrimental to the interests of the United States  the same authority that Trump used to unilaterally ban immigrants from majority-Muslim countries, which was later struck down in court.

Immigrants surrender to a border agent at the US-Mexico border in California on May 15. (REUTERS)

Bidens order will put thousands of lives at risk, Deirdre Schifeling, chief political and advocacy officer at the ACLU, added in a statement shared with The Independent.

They will not meet the needs at the border, nor will they fix our broken immigration system, she added.

On a call with reporters on Tuesday, an administration official pushed against comparisons to Trumps border policies while acknowledging that the White House is preparing for legal challenges.

The Trump administration attacked almost every facet of the immigration system, and did so in a shameful and inhumane way, according to an official.

[Bidens] action will not ban people based on their religion, it will not separate kids from their mothers, the official added. Therere also narrow humanitarian exceptions to the bar on asylum, including for those facing an acute medical emergency or an imminent and extreme threat to life or safety. The Trump administrations actions did not include these exceptions.

The Biden administration will also speed migrants through fast-tracked deportation proceedings, which critics fear will expose already-vulnerable people who are seeking protection into volatile and violent circumstances on the southern border.

This executive action plays into false narratives about invasions at the border and advances a policy grounded in white supremacist ideas at the expense of people in search of safety in the US, according to Amy Fischer, director of refugee and migrant rights at Amnesty International USA.

The presidents shameful order sets a dangerous international precedent while ignoring root causes driving immigration and the needs of US cities experiencing an increase in newly arrived immigrants, Fischer said in a statement shared with The Independent.

(AP)

It will only cause more chaos and cruelty, and inevitably, more torture opens in a new tab, violence, and deaths of women, men, and children seeking safety in the US, according to Fischer. Its deeply disappointing to see President Biden so hellbent on dismantling human rights for people seeking asylum and implementing policies that are plainly illegal under international and refugee law.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Refugee Convention have affirmed asylum rights for people fleeing persecution and violence.

In the US, a person granted asylum is legally allowed to remain in the country without fear of deportation, and qualifies for legal work with potential pathways to permanent legal status. Those claims can only be made at the US border or within the US.

Bidens latest action is a direct assault on those rights, according to Guerline Jozef, executive director of Haitian Bridge Alliance. While I understand that the United States must protect its national security interests, we must do so without violating the rights of asylum seekers.
Biden to sign executive order on immigration as early as this week: Sources

Biden to sign executive order on immigration as early as this week: Sources

President Joe Biden is expected to sign an executive order on immigration as early as Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the decision.

The long-awaited executive order would limit the number of migrants that would be allowed to claim asylum at the southern U.S. border. It would immediately send them back to their country of origin to wait until the daily average goes down and, once it goes down, they would be able to claim asylum, according to a source familiar.

The daily number of encounters has to hit 2,500 for the provision to kick in, according to sources briefed on the situation, meaning that one day of more than 2,500 migrants would trigger the provision of limiting asylum at the border.

MORE: Biden administration aims to expedite migrant asylum claims from years to months

In recent days, members of Congress have been briefed on the executive action, according to sources familiar with the briefings.

Republican lawmakers on Tuesday, ahead of the expected announcement, were highly critical of the decision -- despite their repeated calls for Biden to use his authority to address the surge of migrants after the GOP tanked a more comprehensive bipartisan border bill at former President Donald Trump's direction.

Speaker Mike Johnson pointed to Biden's own statement back in January that he'd "done all I can do" with regard to presidential power on the issue.

Now suddenly he wants to issue some weak executive order," Johnson said at his weekly press conference with other GOP leaders. "Its window dressing. Everyone knows it.

Across the Capitol, a group of Republican senators gathered for their own news conference to similarly blast the executive action as "too little too late."

"It is a shell game. They are not serious about it," said Texas Sen. John Cornyn. "This is a conversion baked on the proximity of the next election and sinking poll numbers. And we think it deserves to be called out for what it is."

PHOTO: President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Middle East in the State Dining room at the White House in Washington, May 31, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

Johnson was pressed by a reporter about their opposition to Biden's decision, asking the speaker why no limit would be better than the limit Biden is seeking to implement.

Limits are fine but it's not going to solve the problem, Johnson claimed.

Any executive order, administration officials caution, would be challenged in court.

"I anticipate that if the president would take executive action, and whatever that executive action would entail, it will be challenged in the court," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters last month at Department of Homeland Security headquarters.

Mayorkas and other members of the administration have urged Congress to pass the bipartisan border bill that was negotiated and proposed earlier this year.

MORE: Unaccompanied minors are representing themselves in immigration court, alarming advocates

A spokesperson for Brownsville, Texas, Mayor John Cowen confirmed to ABC News that the White House invited him to a meeting at the White House on Tuesday for an immigration-related announcement, and he will be attending.

El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser also confirmed he is attending. He told ABC News in a statement: "El Paso is a welcoming community, and that makes me very proud, but no community can continue the effort and resources we've expended on this humanitarian crisis endlessly. We are appreciative of the funding we have received from the federal government so that our efforts don't fall on the backs of El Paso taxpayers, but our immigration system is broken, and it is critical that Congress work on a bipartisan long-term plan to work with other countries in order to create a more manageable, humane and sustainable immigration system for our country.

"I look forward to hearing more about the president's plan on Tuesday, and we stand ready to work with our partners at the local, state and federal level on this effort," he added.

ABC News' Armando Garcia and Alexandra Hutzler contributed to this report.

Biden to sign executive order on immigration as early as this week: Sources originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
President Joe Biden unveiled an executive order Tuesday that would allow his Administration to halt asylum claims at the U.S.-Mexico border once apprehensions at the border reach 2,500 per day.

Because the current daily number of people encountered by the Border Patrol between ports of entry is well over 2,500, this order would effectively shut down most asylum applications at the border when it takes effect. In May, about 3,800 people were encountered per day, according to data obtained by CBS News. The asylum claim process would only be allowed to resume if the number of daily encounters drops below 1,500.

I believe that immigration has always been a lifeblood of America, Biden said during a press conference announcing the order. Were constantly renewed by an infusion of people and new talent. The Statue of Liberty is not some relic of American history; it stands for who we are as the United States.

The simple truth is there is a worldwide migrant crisis, the President continued. And if the United States doesn't secure our border, theres no limit to the number of people who may try to come here because theres no better place [on] the planet than the United States of America.

The U.S. asylum system is heavily backlogged, with over 1.1 million asylum cases currently pending approval in immigration courts. The average asylum seeker waits around four years before receiving a hearing in immigration court, according to Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), a nonprofit research group at Syracuse University. While cases are pending, asylum seekers live in limbo, with limited rights to employment and public benefits. The number of asylum cases pending has grown seven-fold since 2012, according to TRAC.

Read More: We Are the World Power. How Joe Biden Leads

The Biden Administration says that the executive order will help reduce the backlog and make the system more efficient. "President Biden believes we must secure our border. That is why today, he announced executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum. These actions will be in effect when high levels of encounters at the Southern Border exceed our ability to deliver timely consequences, as is the case today," a senior Administration official said in a statement. The order contains humanitarian exceptions for unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking.

The announcement prompted blowback from progressive politicians and advocacy groups.

Sen. Alex Padilla, a California Democrat, said in a press release that the U.S. needs smart and strategic investments to reduce backlogs and wait times, address the root causes of migration, and open lawful pathways to migration, instead of an effective ban on most asylum requests at the border.

By reviving Trumps asylum ban, President Biden has undermined American values and abandoned our nations obligations to provide people fleeing persecution, violence, and authoritarianism with an opportunity to seek refuge in the U.S., Padilla said. This asylum ban will fail to address the challenges at our border, just as it did under the Trump Administration. It will lead to people with legitimate asylum claims being prevented from seeking safety and returned to harm.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said it intends to sue the Biden Administration over the executive order. It was illegal when Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now, Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, said in a press release.

Biden briefly acknowledged the criticism during his remarks Tuesday afternoon.

For those who say the steps Ive taken are too strict, I say to you, be patient. [The] and goodwill [of the] American people are wearing thin right now, the President said. Doing nothing is not an option. We have to act. We must act consistent with both our law and our values, our values as Americans. We take these steps today not to walk away from who we are as Americansto make sure we preserve who we are for future generations to come.

Meanwhile, Republicans criticized Biden for what they saw as a political ploy to gain votes ahead of the November election. U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said on X that the order was too little, too late.

President Bidens Executive Order is nothing more than a desperate political stunt to try and stabilize his plummeting poll numbers, House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik said in a joint statement posted on X. It does nothing to deport the millions who have poured over our open border every year since Biden took office. And it will still allow scores of additional illegal immigrants to flood into our country before any so-called shutdown authority kicks in, they continued.

Immigration is a top priority for voters, according to a recent poll by Pew Research Center. The executive order comes as Biden struggles in the polls against Donald Trump, whose hardline views on immigration can resonate with the American public. A poll conducted in January 2024 by CNN showed that nearly half of Americans would support the detainment and deportation of millions of immigrants.

The Biden Administration also blamed Republicans for blocking a congressional border control bill which also included funding for Israel and Ukrainethat would have provided funding for an additional 1,500 new Customs and Border Protection personnel, 1,200 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, fentanyl detection machines to be used at the border, and made it easier to remove migrants believed to pose a threat to public safety.

Former President Donald Trump called the bill a "gift to the radical left Democrats," and the bill failed to pass the Senate."Legislation is still the only way to permanently address border security and immigration reform," White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in a memo addressing Tuesday's executive order. "Today we are again calling on congressional Republicans to stop choosing Donald Trump and fentanyl traffickers over the Border Patrol Union and the safety of their constituents."

The number of crossings at the U.S. southern border has decreased since December as Mexican authorities have increased their enforcement efforts. On Sunday, Mexico elected a new President, Claudia Sheinbaum. She comes from the same political party as Mexicos current president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who was cooperative with the U.S. on border policy.

-With additional reporting by Brian Bennett/Washington

Contact us at letters@time.com.
French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly spoken about the possibility of sending his troops to Ukrainian soil. However, the French military has been in Ukraine since the beginning of the Great War.

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This was stated by the former commander of the French Marine Regiment, Per de Jong, in an interview with Valeurs Acteurs. According to him, French instructors accompanied the Caesar howitzers at every stage before they arrived at the front in Ukraine.

Yong believes that Emmanuel Macron may officially announce the deployment of French instructors to Ukraine on Thursday, June 6, during the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy.

However, unofficially, the French military has been on the territory of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, noted Per de Jong. His country's instructors accompany the transferred weapons.

The ex-marine commander said that after crossing the Ukrainian border, military equipment hardly stops before arriving at the front, as it becomes very vulnerable to Russian attacks. French instructors accompanying the weapons train Ukrainian artillerymen as they move, "sometimes on the side of the road." Moreover, the equipment must be maintained throughout its journey in Ukraine, and therefore regularly requires French know-how.

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In addition, French instructors accompany Ukrainian soldiers who have been trained in France. This is done to make sure that the Ukrainians have properly mastered the howitzer course.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on April 30, Reuters, citing diplomatic sources, reported that France may soon send military instructors to Ukraine, despite the fears of some allies and criticism from Russia. Paris may announce its decision next week during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to mark the anniversary of the Normandy landings.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Zelensky has described his US counterpart's absence from the event as a gift to Vladimir Putin - MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Joe Biden will skip a peace summit organised by Volodymyr Zelensky in favour of a Hollywood fundraiser with George Clooney.

The move is likely to anger Ukraine, which has warned that the struggling summit in Switzerland needs Mr Biden.

The White House said that Mr Biden would be sending Kamala Harris, the vice-president, and Jake Sullivan, his national security adviser, in his place.

Mr Biden will instead attend a Democratic fundraiser in California with Mr Clooney, Julia Roberts, the comedian Jimmy Kimmel and Barack Obama, as he trails Donald Trump in recent donations for his re-election campaign.

Mr Zelensky has previously described his American counterparts absence from the event as a gift to Vladimir Putin, in a sign of the fraying relationship between Kyiv and Washington.

Representatives from more than 100 countries have confirmed their attendance for the summit in Switzerland, between June 15-16, that aims to unite world leaders behind the Ukrainian presidents peace plan.

The White House said Mr Biden was still committed to the plan, as it announced Mrs Harris would be leading the US delegation.

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 UN Charter, the White House said.

Kyiv had hoped Mr Biden would attend because of his plans to be in France for the D-Day 80th anniversary celebrations and a meeting of G7 leaders in Italy in the days leading up to the event.

Last week, Mr Zelensky launched a rare attack on the US as reports emerged that his American counterpart would be skipping the event.

I believe that the peace summit needs President Biden, the Ukrainian president said on a visit to Brussels, Belgium.

His absence would only be met by an applause by Putin, a personal, standing applause by Putin.

Talking point

Mr Zelenskys aides wrote a memo, which was distributed to officials and MPs, containing talking points that could be used to pressure public pressure on Mr Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping for not attending the summit.

The memo said: If they dont attend, then what is their real interest?

The Ukrainian president also condemned China for trying to deter countries from attending the planned summit.

He said Russia was using President Xi to disrupt the event during a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last weekend.

Unfortunately, regrettably, Russia, using Chinese influence on the region, using Chinese diplomats, does everything to disrupt the peace summit, Mr Zelensky said.

Regrettably, it is unfortunate that such a big, independent, powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of Putin.

China has said previously it would be hard to attend the conference if Russia was not allowed to participate.

Its foreign ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, said on Monday: 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.

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President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced new executive actions aimed at addressing surges of migrants crossing the U.S. southern border unlawfully by placing new thresholds on those allowed to seek asylum.

Biden spoke from the White House about the new measure, which his administration said will accomplish immigration reform that lawmakers have been unable to deliver.

"I've come here today to do what the Republicans in Congress refuse to do: take the necessary steps to secure our border," Biden said. He was surrounded by various officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and local lawmakers dealing with border issues.

MORE: What to know about Biden's executive action on immigration

The decision comes as Biden continues to face political headwinds on immigration in the 2024 campaign, and just weeks before he is set to debate his election rival former President Donald Trump. The new actions are a policy shift for Biden, who told reporters earlier this year that he'd "done all I can do" unilaterally on the border.

The steps establish a rule that will turn away migrants who cross illegally between ports of entry and try to claim asylum after seven consecutive days of more than 2,500 encounters. That limit will then be lifted only if there have been 14 days of encounters at 1,500 or less, according to administration officials.

"If an individual chooses not to use our legal pathways, if they choose to come without permission and against the law, they'll be restricted from receiving asylum and staying in the United States," Biden said.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, June 4, 2024. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Migrants seeking asylum between ports of entry will begin to be turned away starting at midnight, according to a White House official.

Though the new rule is sure to face swift legal challenges, with the American Civil Liberties Union stating its intention to bring the administration to court.

For months, Republicans have called on Biden to use executive power to make changes at the border. But they were highly critical of the new actions ahead of his announcement.

Speaker Mike Johnson, at his weekly press conference with House Republican leadership earlier Tuesday, criticized Biden for not acting earlier and called the measure itself "weak."

"It's window dressing. Everybody knows it," Johnson said. "If he was concerned about the border, he would have done this a long time ago."

PHOTO: House Speaker Mike Johnson, flanked by House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol June 4, 2024. (Francis Chung/politico/AP)

Across the Capitol, Senate Republicans offered a similar response in their own press conference specifically to address Biden's action.

"It is a shell game. They are not serious about it," Texas Sen. John Cornyn said. "This is a conversion baked on the proximity of the next election and sinking poll numbers. And we think it deserves to be called out for what it is."

MORE: Trump again vows to deport millions of migrants. Could he really do it?

Meanwhile, the White House is hitting Republicans for tanking a bipartisan bill that included more sweeping immigration and border security reforms at the direction of Trump -- who is ratcheting up his anti-immigrant rhetoric this election cycle and making it a centerpiece of his agenda.

"Twice this year alone, congressional Republicans blocked the toughest, fairest bipartisan border security legislation in modern history, which President Biden was crucial to putting together and which the Border Patrol Union and the Chamber of Commerce endorsed," senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a memo on Tuesday.

PHOTO: Asylum-seeking migrants from Ecuador wait to be transported by the U.S. Border Patrol after crossing the border from Mexico into the U.S. in Jacumba Hot Springs, California, June 4, 2024. (Go Nakamura/Reuters)

Democratic leadership echoed that sentiment in their weekly press conference.

"Republicans are more concerned about keeping this as a campaign issue than they are about governing and solutions," House Democratic Caucus leader Pete Aguilar told reporters. "Bottom line is that House Democrats believe we can and should secure our border while opening up more legal pathways."

But not all Democrats are on board with the administration's new actions. Some have expressed disappointment, and others fear it could backfire on Biden.

"My concern about this executive order is it's trying to be all tough on the border, and it's not going to fix anything. And it confuses the message about what we stand for," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Rep. Nanette Barragan, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, called the move a "mistake" and said it should be paired with "positive actions and protections for undocumented folks that have been here for a long time."

Biden, in his White House remarks, addressed critics who said his policy goes too far.

"For those that say the steps I've taken are too strict, I say to you that be patient, and goodwill in the American people are wearing thin right now," Biden said. "Doing nothing is not an option. We have to act."

He also sought to emphasize the differences between his approach to immigration with that of Trump. The former president and presumptive GOP nominee has vowed to deport millions of undocumented migrants, reinstate travel bans and more if elected.

"I will never demonize immigrants," Biden said. "I will never refer to immigrants as to poisoning the blood of a country. And further, I'll never separate children from their families at the border. I will not ban people from this country because of their religious beliefs. I will not use the U.S. military to go into neighborhoods all across the country to pull millions of people out of their homes and away from their families to put detention camps while awaiting deportation, as my predecessor says he will do."

ABC News' Justin Gomez, Rachel Scott, Lauren Peller and John Parkinson contributed to this report.

Biden speaks on new immigration actions restricting asylum originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
President Joe Biden dialed up his attacks on Donald Trump on Monday night, referring to his likely electoral opponent as a convicted felon for the first time and warning that the Republican would be more dangerous in a potential second term than he was the first time around.

Speaking at a fundraiser in Greenwich, Connecticut, Biden took a tougher line in criticizing Trump after he was found guilty of 34 felony counts in his hush-money trial last week. For the first time in American history, a former president that is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the presidency, Biden said.

Jon Stewart Mocks Bidens F*cking Weird Trump Verdict Reaction

But as disturbing as that is, more damaging is the all-out assault Donald Trump is making on the American system of justice, Biden added, according to Reuters. He went to say Trump wants you to believe its all rigged, when nothing could be further from the truth, the Associated Press reports.

Its reckless and dangerous and downright irresponsible for anyone to say that its rigged just because you dont like the verdict, Biden said.

That comment recalled the first remarks he gave in response to Trumps conviction last week over a scheme to hide a hush money payment made to Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. Trump depicted the state prosecution as political persecution and has falsely claimed Biden was responsible for the proceedings, with Trumps campaign continuing to blame the Democrat while announcing massive fundraising as a result of the case.

In Connecticut, Biden said Trump is now simultaneously attacking both the judiciary and elections system as rigged. Nothing could be more dangerous for the country, more dangerous for American democracy, he added.

Heres what is becoming clearer and clearer every day: The threat Trump poses in his second term would be greater than it was in his first, Biden said. This isnt the same Trump that got elected in 2016. Hes worse.

The president continued to say that Trump had become unhinged since losing the election four years ago. Something snapped in this guyfor realwhen he lost in 2020, Biden said. He cant accept the fact that he lost, its literally driving him crazy.

Biden did not address the federal gun case against his son Hunter Biden, which started in Delaware earlier in the day. Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller responded to Bidens remarks by claiming the president will do anything to distract from Hunters trial, AP reports.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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(Bloomberg) -- Claudia Sheinbaum had mere hours to enjoy the victory that will make her Mexicos first female president before her northern neighbor reminded her how difficult the new gig will be.

Most Read from Bloomberg

A congratulatory call from President Joe Biden on Monday came amid reports that he would sign an executive order limiting asylum claims at the countrys southern border, the most drastic immigration crackdown of his time in the White House  and a bucket of cold water for Mexicos newest leader.

The call between Biden and Sheinbaum was cordial, both said in social media posts afterward. The White House declined to say if Biden mentioned the order during the call that nevertheless illustrated the fraught nature of ties between the two nations that are each others largest trading partner.

Sheinbaum will take office just weeks before the US election, a race that will set the stage for the Mexican leader with little prior foreign policy experience to navigate swirling questions about Chinas investment in her nation, a looming potential rewrite of a continental trade pact, the millions of migrants arriving at the border  and the possible return of Donald Trump.

The challenges are steep with Biden, who is facing electoral pressure on the border while weighing a crackdown on adversarial nations like China that have sought footholds in Mexico in order to gain greater access to the US market.

A victory for Trump, meanwhile, would intensify the spotlight on Mexico: On the trail, he has repeatedly vowed to close the southern border to illegal immigration and promised to initiate the largest mass deportation effort in US history. One of his top priorities is to finish the border wall he started in his first term; he has also threatened 100% tariffs on cars made in Mexico by Chinese companies.

Read More: AMLO Protege Sheinbaum Becomes First Female President in Mexico

Balancing the demands of US presidents with their own policy aims is a perpetual challenge for Mexican leaders, albeit one that Sheinbaums predecessor and mentor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has often seemed to relish.

AMLO, as he is known, has lashed out at Texas lawmakers for their politicking on border issues but overcame an uneasy start to forge a surprisingly cordial bond with Trump. He often still reminisces about the relationship the pair of nationalist leaders shared, no matter that Trump once threatened to invade Mexico.

But Trump maintained few such connections with prominent female counterparts: He openly criticized former UK Prime Minister Theresa May and reserved some of his strongest ire for former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who in one infamous meeting sat stone-faced alongside Trump in the Oval Office.

Biden and AMLO, meanwhile, have reached a truce on migration matters, even while the Mexican leader regularly makes a point of challenging the US: Lopez Obrador famously demanded that the country send back a top general who had been arrested in the US and frequently mocks the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Read More: Mexicos Presidential Frontrunner Sheinbaum on Trump, Migration

Sheinbaum has pledged to maintain a good relationship with the US no matter who wins the election. She has so far remained diplomatic about the issues of the day, saying that Mexico will meet its global climate commitments and that she wants to see an end to the killing of innocent civilians in the war between Israel and Hamas. But shes yet to spill secrets about her broader foreign policy aims.

The US election outcome will likely shape how the White House approaches each of those issues as well. No matter who wins, however, Sheinbaums landslide electoral victory on Sunday is likely to give her some power over how her closest counterpart approaches her government  especially when he needs a favor.

With the levels of support that she has, it would be naive for a US president - whoever they might be - to think that they could control our shared border unilaterally, said Diego Marroquin, a researcher on North America at the Wilson Center in Washington. Only working on enforcement on the US side is not going to get us anywhere.

--With assistance from Stephanie Lai.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Joe Biden directly attacked Donald Trumps guilty verdict on Monday night, calling the ex-president a convicted felon. The remarks amount to the presidents sharpest rebuke of his opponents legal troubles to date.

Folks  the campaign entered unchartered territory last week. For the first time in American history, a former president that is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the presidency, Biden said at a campaign reception in Greenwich, Connecticut, according to pool reports. But as disturbing as that is, more damaging is the all-out assault Donald Trump is making on the American system of justice.

The comments mark the first time the president has publicly referred to Trump as a convicted felon since a jury found him guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to a porn star. Biden addressed the jurys decision on Friday at the White House, but kept his remarks focused on Trumps reckless attacks on the countrys justice system.



To this point, Biden has largely steered clear of addressing the criminal prosecution of Trump, wary of creating the impression that he was politicizing the process. But that calculus has changed after last weeks verdict.

The presidents campaign and allies plan to use the conviction to bolster a case that Trump is ill-suited for office and they believe he would go to extremes to win back the White House. The campaign team repeatedly referred to Trump as a convicted felon more than a dozen times on its account on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday as well.

Aides to Bidens campaign believe that voters will ultimately be swayed by other issues in November. The campaigns initial response to the verdict was that Trump could still win, even with a conviction.

Top operatives in the Democratic Party have disagreed over how the Biden campaign should approach the verdict, with some urging caution and others saying the presidents team should move aggressively to capitalize on Trumps conviction.

In the backdrop of all this is the trial of Bidens son Hunter over charges that he illegally owned a gun while addicted to drugs and lied about it on a form. That trial began on Monday. The presidents son also faces another trial later this year on tax evasion in California.

Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller slammed Bidens comments as a distraction from Hunters trial, and said the former president will win back the White House come November.
Insights from Al Jazeera, Al-Monitor, and Haaretz

The News

The US ambassador to the United Nations called on the 15-member UN Security Council to speak with one voice in support of President Joe Bidens proposed ceasefire deal. At least nine council members need to vote in favor, without any vetoes from permanent members, for the resolution to pass.

The deal would see Hamas release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Members of the G7 club of nations have already backed the deal.

If Biden secures a ceasefire deal, it could boost his bid for a second term as president, analysts said.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Ceasefire deal could boost Bidens electoral prospects

Sources: Al Jazeera , Al-Monitor, Vox

Some 44% of registered Democratic voters have said they disapprove of Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war. In turn, his ceasefire proposal may be more about Bidens political survival now than the war itself, Al Jazeera anchor Shihab Rattansi said. Bidens popularity among Arab Americans has dropped to 18%, according to the Arab American Institute, despite being a historically Democratic constituency. His diplomatic credibility is also at stake: Having publicly thrown his weight behind the deal, any Israeli walk-back or refusal to engage would embarrass Biden, Vox argued.

The Israeli far-right is trying to block US plans

Sources: Haaretz , Associated Press , Time

After the Israeli military confirmed Monday that four hostages held in Gaza were likely killed months ago while its forces were operating in the territorys southern city of Khan Younis, the hostages families forum called on Israel to immediately approve Bidens new ceasefire plan. But far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, along with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, threatened to bring down the government if Netanyahu does so. Their opposition could ultimately lose them popular support, one columnist for Haaretz wrote, harming the rights long-term political influence. Separately, Biden told Time magazine there is every reason for people to draw [the] conclusion that Netanyahu is prolonging the war for his own self-preservation.

Security is deteriorating in the West Bank

Sources: Al-Monitor, Reuters , Al Jazeera

Two Palestinians were killed in the West Bank on Monday, Israels military said. The announcement came as the United Nations human rights office said more than 500 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed since the war began and that the Israeli Defense Forces had demonstrated consistent violations of international human rights law and acted with pervasive impunity, Reuters reported. Israel has shown a chilling disregard for Palestinian life since the war began, Amnesty Internationals director of global research, advocacy, and policy told Al Jazeera.
In the temporarily occupied Sevastopol, the invaders have placed S-300 launchers in close proximity to a residential area. The invaders placed the complex between private houses.

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Local residents began to panic because of this "neighborhood". This is reported by the Telegram channel "Crimean Wind".

"In Sevastopol, local residents complain that the S-300 launchers have been placed in close proximity to a residential area between private houses on the 7th kilometer of the Balaklava highway," the message says.

The channel's subscribers reported that this complex used to be located on Hirnycha Hill, which is 10 km away. Balaklava highway. Subsequently, the complex was moved to a new position.

And given how methodically Ukraine is "knocking out" Russian air defense on the temporarily occupied peninsula, such "maneuvers" cause panic among residents of the residential area where the S-300 is now installed, the channel notes.

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Earlier, it was reported that SSU drones hit the Sky IED radar in Crimea. The complex, which costs up to $100 million, "tracked" the front line over 300 km long and covered Russian military facilities on the peninsula.

It was also reported that during one of the attacks on Crimea in May of this year, the commander of an air defense base on the occupied peninsula was killed. Later it turned out that the occupier, surnamed Kulakov, betrayed Ukraine in 2014, and the "reward" found the "hero" ten years after the betrayal.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
How Biden's new order to halt asylum at the US border is supposed to work

FILE - People seeking asylum, including a group from Peru, walk behind a Border Patrol agent towards a van to be processed after crossing the border with Mexico nearby, on April 25, 2024, in Boulevard, Calif. President Joe Biden has ordered a halt to asylum processing at the U.S. border with Mexico when arrests for illegal entry top 2,500 a day, which was triggered immediately. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

SAN DIEGO (AP)  President Joe Biden on Tuesday unveiled a halt to asylum processing at the U.S. border with Mexico when illegal entries reach a threshold that he deems excessive.

The measure takes effect immediately because the new policy is triggered when arrests for illegal entry reach 2,500. About 4,000 people already are entering the U.S. each day. It was a major policy shift on a critical election-year issue that's exposed Biden to Republican criticism over an unprecedented surge in new arrivals in an election year.

THE MEASURE

Advocates say it will put migrants in danger and violate international obligations to provide safe haven to people whose lives are threatened. The Biden administration denies that.

Legal challenges are imminent.

There are also serious questions of whether the new measure can stop large-scale migrant entries. Mexico has agreed to take back migrants who are not Mexican, but only in limited numbers. And the Biden administration doesn't have the money and diplomatic support it needs to deport migrants long distances, to China and countries in Africa, for example.

Those who claim asylum today are generally free to live and work in the United States while their claims slowly wind through overwhelmed immigration courts.

Some questions and answers about Bidens presidential proclamation:

HOW WILL THIS PLAY OUT ON THE GROUND?

The threshold triggers a halt on asylum until average daily arrests for illegal crossings fall below 1,500 for a week straight. The last time crossings were that low was in July 2020, during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic-related asylum restrictions known as Title 42 carried no legal consequences and encouraged repeat attempts. Now, migrants will be issued deportation orders even if they are denied a chance to seek asylum. That will expose them to criminal prosecution if they try again and ban them for several years from legally entering the country. It's a key difference.

We are ready to repatriate a record number of people in the coming days, Blas Nunez-Neto, assistant homeland security secretary for border and immigration policy, said in a conference call for Spanish-language reporters.

Migrants who express fear for their safety if they're deported will be screened by U.S. asylum officers but under a higher standard than what's currently in place. If they pass, they can remain to pursue other forms of humanitarian protection, including those laid out in the U.N. Convention Against Torture.

Unaccompanied children are exempt, raising the possibility that some parents may send their sons and daughters across the border without them.

WHAT ROLE DOES MEXICO PLAY?

A critical one.

The U.S. has limited funding to fly people home to more than 100 countries, including many in Africa and Asia. It also lacks diplomatic sway and logistical arrangements to deport large numbers to many countries, including China, Russia and Venezuela.

A 1997 court order generally limits detention of families with a child under 18 to 20 days, a highly ambitious and perhaps unrealistic turnaround time to screen people who express fear of deportation and then put them on a flight.

Even for single adults, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has enough funds to only detain about 34,000 people at a time.

Mexico has agreed to take back up to 30,000 people a month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, in addition to Mexicans. Its commitment does not extend to other nationalities.

This year, Mexico has also made it far more difficult for migrants to reach the U.S. border, largely by preventing them from riding freight trains and stopping them on buses to turn them around to southern Mexico. While Mexican authorities are blocking migrants' advance, relatively few are deported, causing many to be stuck in Mexican cities far from the U.S. border.

Alicia Barcena, Mexicos foreign relations secretary, told reporters last month that Mexico won't allow more than 4,000 illegal entries a day. President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, who takes office Oct. 1, is expected to continue policies of her mentor and Mexico's current president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

HAS THIS BEEN TRIED BEFORE?

This is the latest in a series of measures under the Biden and Trump administrations to deter asylum-seekers, none of which have had lasting impact.

In May 2023, Biden imposed similar obstacles to asylum for anyone who crossed the border illegally after passing through another country, such as Mexico. A federal appeals court allowed those restrictions to stay in place while advocates challenge it, but it appears to have little impact.

Illegal crossings fell after last year's restrictions took effect, but the lull was short-lived as the number of screening officers was inadequate for the enormous task. The rule's application in only a small percentage of arrests showed how budgets can fail to match ambitions.

Biden invoked a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that allows the president to ban entry for groups of people if their presence would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. President Donald Trump used these powers to ban entry of people from some predominantly Muslim countries, though advocacy groups are expected to argue that Biden failed to meet that detrimental criterion.

___

Associated Press writer Gisela Salomon in Miami contributed.
The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states. (Photo via Getty Images)

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza  once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

Whats more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about, said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus spread.

At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.

Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.

As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.

Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. Thats led experts to recommend that people limit their pets interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.

USDA begins expanded testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that its launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.

The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.

Its important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive, said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.

The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease, Deeble said.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus spread in dairy cattle, but he said, We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially whats causing its spread.

Were trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates, Vilsack said.

Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.

Dairy farms reluctant to test

Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus in their milk, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.

In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.

There has not been a lot of testing to date, said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. Whats being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.

Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that was found in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.

A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.

However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The Board of Animal Health didnt collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises, Crusan said. We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.

There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian who helped discover that bird flu was infecting cattle.

They might be afraid that theyll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.

Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.

Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.

The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.

He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. Its unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.

The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they dont want to have a local source of the virus, he said.

Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.

It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.

PPE for farmworkers

Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.

Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.

The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. Were much, much more worried about respiratory infections because its respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, weve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high, Plescia said.

Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isnt circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.

They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.

When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as theyre concerned, people are fearful of that and so theyll stop coming to work, Plescia said.

Plescia also cautioned that people shouldnt drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.

The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.

When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system, Shah said. The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.

Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.

We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms  again, we should be alert  but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that were at an inflection point, Shah said. It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.

Because we dont have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this, Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.

Keep pets away from wild birds

Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.

The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people  although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms  is a concern, she said, before the third case was announced.

Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cows milk, people shouldnt give raw milk to their pets.

Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.

Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since its been pasteurized and has been repeatedly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure theres no active virus in the countrys food supply.

Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to data from the CDC.

Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc. as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.

The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.

We dont know exactly what this virus is going to do, Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didnt realize it.

Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.

Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.

Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals, Roess said. It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.

The post Bird flus spread from poultry to cattle to humans provokes worry among feds, states appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states. (Photo via Getty Images)

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza  once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

Whats more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about, said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus spread.

At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.

Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.

As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.

Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. Thats led experts to recommend that people limit their pets interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.

USDA begins expanded testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that its launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.

The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.

Its important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive, said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.

The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease, Deeble said.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus spread in dairy cattle, but he said, We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially whats causing its spread.

Were trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates, Vilsack said.

Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.

Dairy farms reluctant to test

Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus in their milk, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.

In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.

There has not been a lot of testing to date, said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. Whats being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.

Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that was found in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.

A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.

However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The Board of Animal Health didnt collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises, Crusan said. We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.

There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian who helped discover that bird flu was infecting cattle.

They might be afraid that theyll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.

Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.

Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.

The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.

He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. Its unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.

The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they dont want to have a local source of the virus, he said.

Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.

It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.

PPE for farmworkers

Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.

Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.

The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. Were much, much more worried about respiratory infections because its respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, weve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high, Plescia said.

Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isnt circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.

They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.

When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as theyre concerned, people are fearful of that and so theyll stop coming to work, Plescia said.

Plescia also cautioned that people shouldnt drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.

The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.

When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system, Shah said. The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.

Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.

We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms  again, we should be alert  but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that were at an inflection point, Shah said. It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.

Because we dont have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this, Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.

Keep pets away from wild birds

Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.

The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people  although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms  is a concern, she said, before the third case was announced.

Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cows milk, people shouldnt give raw milk to their pets.

Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.

Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since its been pasteurized and has been repeatedly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure theres no active virus in the countrys food supply.

Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to data from the CDC.

Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc. as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.

The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.

We dont know exactly what this virus is going to do, Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didnt realize it.

Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.

Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.

Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals, Roess said. It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.

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The post Bird flus spread from poultry to cattle to humans provokes worry among feds, states appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states. (Photo via Getty Images)

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza  once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

Whats more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about, said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus spread.

At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.

Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.

As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.

Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. Thats led experts to recommend that people limit their pets interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.

USDA begins expanded testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that its launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.

The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.

Its important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive, said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.

The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease, Deeble said.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus spread in dairy cattle, but he said, We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially whats causing its spread.

Were trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates, Vilsack said.

Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.

Dairy farms reluctant to test

Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus in their milk, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.

In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.

There has not been a lot of testing to date, said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. Whats being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.

Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that was found in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.

A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.

However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The Board of Animal Health didnt collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises, Crusan said. We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.

There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian who helped discover that bird flu was infecting cattle.

They might be afraid that theyll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.

Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.

Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.

The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.

He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. Its unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.

The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they dont want to have a local source of the virus, he said.

Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.

It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.

PPE for farmworkers

Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.

Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.

The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. Were much, much more worried about respiratory infections because its respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, weve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high, Plescia said.

Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isnt circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.

They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.

When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as theyre concerned, people are fearful of that and so theyll stop coming to work, Plescia said.

Plescia also cautioned that people shouldnt drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.

The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.

When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system, Shah said. The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.

Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.

We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms  again, we should be alert  but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that were at an inflection point, Shah said. It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.

Because we dont have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this, Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.

Keep pets away from wild birds

Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.

The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people  although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms  is a concern, she said, before the third case was announced.

Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cows milk, people shouldnt give raw milk to their pets.

Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.

Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since its been pasteurized and has been repeatedly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure theres no active virus in the countrys food supply.

Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to data from the CDC.

Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc. as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.

The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.

We dont know exactly what this virus is going to do, Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didnt realize it.

Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.

Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.

Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals, Roess said. It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.

The post Bird flus spread from poultry to cattle to humans provokes worry among feds, states appeared first on NC Newsline.
The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states. (Getty Images)

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza  once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

Whats more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about, said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus spread.

At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.

Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.

As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.

Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. Thats led experts to recommend that people limit their pets interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.

USDA begins expanded testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that its launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.

The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.

Its important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive, said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.

The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease, Deeble said.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus spread in dairy cattle, but he said, We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially whats causing its spread.

Were trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates, Vilsack said.

Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.

Dairy farms reluctant to test

Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus in their milk, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.

In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.

There has not been a lot of testing to date, said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. Whats being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.

Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that was found in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.

A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.

However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The Board of Animal Health didnt collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises, Crusan said. We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.

There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian who helped discover that bird flu was infecting cattle.

They might be afraid that theyll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.

Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.

Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.

The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.

He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. Its unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.

The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they dont want to have a local source of the virus, he said.

Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.

It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.

PPE for farmworkers

Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.

Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.

The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. Were much, much more worried about respiratory infections because its respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, weve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high, Plescia said.

Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isnt circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.

They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.

When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as theyre concerned, people are fearful of that and so theyll stop coming to work, Plescia said.

Plescia also cautioned that people shouldnt drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.

Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

 Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.

The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.

When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system, Shah said. The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.

Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.

We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms  again, we should be alert  but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that were at an inflection point, Shah said. It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.

Because we dont have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this, Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.

Keep pets away from wild birds

Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.

The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people  although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms  is a concern, she said, before the third case was announced.

Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cows milk, people shouldnt give raw milk to their pets.

Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.

Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since its been pasteurized and has been repeatedly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure theres no active virus in the countrys food supply.

Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to data from the CDC.

Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc. as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.

The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.

We dont know exactly what this virus is going to do, Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didnt realize it.

Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.

Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.

Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals, Roess said. It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.

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The post Bird flus spread from poultry to cattle to humans provokes worry among feds, states appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states. (Getty Images)

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza  once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

Whats more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about, said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus spread.

At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.

Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.

As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.

Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. Thats led experts to recommend that people limit their pets interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.

USDA begins expanded testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that its launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.

The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.

Its important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive, said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.

The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease, Deeble said.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus spread in dairy cattle, but he said, We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially whats causing its spread.

Were trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates, Vilsack said.

Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.

Dairy farms reluctant to test

Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus in their milk, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.

In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.

There has not been a lot of testing to date, said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. Whats being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.

Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that was found in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.

A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.

However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The Board of Animal Health didnt collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises, Crusan said. We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.

There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian who helped discover that bird flu was infecting cattle.

They might be afraid that theyll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.

Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.

Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.

The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.

He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. Its unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.

The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they dont want to have a local source of the virus, he said.

Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.

It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.

PPE for farmworkers

Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.

Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.

The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. Were much, much more worried about respiratory infections because its respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, weve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high, Plescia said.

Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isnt circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.

They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.

When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as theyre concerned, people are fearful of that and so theyll stop coming to work, Plescia said.

Plescia also cautioned that people shouldnt drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.

The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.

When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system, Shah said. The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.

Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.

We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms  again, we should be alert  but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that were at an inflection point, Shah said. It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.

Because we dont have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this, Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.

Keep pets away from wild birds

Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.

The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people  although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms  is a concern, she said, before the third case was announced.

Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cows milk, people shouldnt give raw milk to their pets.

Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.

Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since its been pasteurized and has been repeatedly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure theres no active virus in the countrys food supply.

Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to data from the CDC.

Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc. as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.

The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.

We dont know exactly what this virus is going to do, Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didnt realize it.

Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.

Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.

Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals, Roess said. It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.

The post Bird flus spread from poultry to cattle to humans provokes worry among feds, states appeared first on West Virginia Watch.
The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states. (Photo via Getty Images)

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza  once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

Whats more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about, said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus spread.

At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.

Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.

As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.

Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. Thats led experts to recommend that people limit their pets interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.

USDA begins expanded testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that its launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.

The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.

Its important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive, said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.

The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease, Deeble said.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus spread in dairy cattle, but he said, We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially whats causing its spread.

Were trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates, Vilsack said.

Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.

Dairy farms reluctant to test

Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus in their milk, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.

In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.

There has not been a lot of testing to date, said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. Whats being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.

Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that was found in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.

A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.

However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The Board of Animal Health didnt collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises, Crusan said. We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.

There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian who helped discover that bird flu was infecting cattle.

They might be afraid that theyll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.

Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.

Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.

The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.

He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. Its unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.

The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they dont want to have a local source of the virus, he said.

Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.

It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.

PPE for farmworkers

Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.

Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.

The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. Were much, much more worried about respiratory infections because its respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, weve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high, Plescia said.

Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isnt circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.

They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.

When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as theyre concerned, people are fearful of that and so theyll stop coming to work, Plescia said.

Plescia also cautioned that people shouldnt drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.

The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.

When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system, Shah said. The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.

Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.

We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms  again, we should be alert  but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that were at an inflection point, Shah said. It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.

Because we dont have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this, Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.

Keep pets away from wild birds

Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.

The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people  although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms  is a concern, she said, before the third case was announced.

Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cows milk, people shouldnt give raw milk to their pets.

Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.

Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since its been pasteurized and has been repeatedly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure theres no active virus in the countrys food supply.

Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to data from the CDC.

Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc. as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.

The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.

We dont know exactly what this virus is going to do, Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didnt realize it.

Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.

Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.

Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals, Roess said. It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.

The post Bird flus spread from poultry to cattle to humans provokes worry among feds, states appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states. (Photo via Getty Images)

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza  once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

Whats more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about, said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus spread.

At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.

Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.

As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.

Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. Thats led experts to recommend that people limit their pets interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.

USDA begins expanded testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that its launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.

The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.

Its important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive, said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.

The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease, Deeble said.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus spread in dairy cattle, but he said, We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially whats causing its spread.

Were trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates, Vilsack said.

Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.

Dairy farms reluctant to test

Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus in their milk, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.

In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.

There has not been a lot of testing to date, said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. Whats being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.

Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that was found in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.

A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.

However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The Board of Animal Health didnt collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises, Crusan said. We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.

There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian who helped discover that bird flu was infecting cattle.

They might be afraid that theyll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.

Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.

Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.

The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.

He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. Its unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.

The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they dont want to have a local source of the virus, he said.

Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.

It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.

PPE for farmworkers

Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.

Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.

The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. Were much, much more worried about respiratory infections because its respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, weve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high, Plescia said.

Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isnt circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.

They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.

When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as theyre concerned, people are fearful of that and so theyll stop coming to work, Plescia said.

Plescia also cautioned that people shouldnt drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.

The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.

When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system, Shah said. The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.

Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.

We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms  again, we should be alert  but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that were at an inflection point, Shah said. It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.

Because we dont have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this, Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.

Keep pets away from wild birds

Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.

The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people  although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms  is a concern, she said, before the third case was announced.

Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cows milk, people shouldnt give raw milk to their pets.

Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.

Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since its been pasteurized and has been repeatedly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure theres no active virus in the countrys food supply.

Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to data from the CDC.

Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc. as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.

The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.

We dont know exactly what this virus is going to do, Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didnt realize it.

Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.

Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.

Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals, Roess said. It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.

The post Bird flus spread from poultry to cattle to humans provokes worry among feds, states appeared first on North Dakota Monitor.
The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states. (Getty Images)

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza  once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

Whats more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about, said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus spread.

At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.

Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.

As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.

Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. Thats led experts to recommend that people limit their pets interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.

USDA begins expanded testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that its launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.

The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.

Its important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive, said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.

The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease, Deeble said.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus spread in dairy cattle, but he said, We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially whats causing its spread.

Were trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates, Vilsack said.

Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.

Dairy farms reluctant to test

Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus in their milk, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.

In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.

There has not been a lot of testing to date, said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. Whats being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.

Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that was found in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.

A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.

However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The Board of Animal Health didnt collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises, Crusan said. We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.

There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian who helped discover that bird flu was infecting cattle.

They might be afraid that theyll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.

Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.

Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.

The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.

He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. Its unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.

The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they dont want to have a local source of the virus, he said.

Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.

It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.

PPE for farmworkers

Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.

Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.

The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. Were much, much more worried about respiratory infections because its respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, weve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high, Plescia said.

Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isnt circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.

They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.

When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as theyre concerned, people are fearful of that and so theyll stop coming to work, Plescia said.

Plescia also cautioned that people shouldnt drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.

The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.

When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system, Shah said. The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.

Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.

We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms  again, we should be alert  but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that were at an inflection point, Shah said. It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.

Because we dont have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this, Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.

Keep pets away from wild birds

Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.

The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people  although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms  is a concern, she said, before the third case was announced.

Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cows milk, people shouldnt give raw milk to their pets.

Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.

Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since its been pasteurized and has been repeatedly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure theres no active virus in the countrys food supply.

Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to data from the CDC.

Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc. as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.

The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.

We dont know exactly what this virus is going to do, Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didnt realize it.

Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.

Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.

Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals, Roess said. It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.

The post Bird flus spread from poultry to cattle to humans provokes worry among feds, states appeared first on Utah News Dispatch.
The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states. (Getty Images)

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza  once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

Whats more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about, said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus spread.

At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.

Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.

As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.

Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. Thats led experts to recommend that people limit their pets interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.

USDA begins expanded testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that its launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.

The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.

Its important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive, said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.

The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease, Deeble said.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus spread in dairy cattle, but he said, We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially whats causing its spread.

Were trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates, Vilsack said.

Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.

Dairy farms reluctant to test

Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus in their milk, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.

In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.

There has not been a lot of testing to date, said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. Whats being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.

Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that was found in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.

A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.

However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The Board of Animal Health didnt collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises, Crusan said. We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.

There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian who helped discover that bird flu was infecting cattle.

They might be afraid that theyll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.

Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.

Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.

The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.

He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. Its unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.

The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they dont want to have a local source of the virus, he said.

Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.

It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.

PPE for farmworkers

Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.

Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.

The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. Were much, much more worried about respiratory infections because its respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, weve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high, Plescia said.

Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isnt circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.

They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.

When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as theyre concerned, people are fearful of that and so theyll stop coming to work, Plescia said.

Plescia also cautioned that people shouldnt drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.

The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.

When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system, Shah said. The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.

Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.

We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms  again, we should be alert  but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that were at an inflection point, Shah said. It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.

Because we dont have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this, Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.

Keep pets away from wild birds

Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.

The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people  although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms  is a concern, she said, before the third case was announced.

Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cows milk, people shouldnt give raw milk to their pets.

Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.

Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since its been pasteurized and has been repeatedly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure theres no active virus in the countrys food supply.

Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to data from the CDC.

Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc. as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.

The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.

We dont know exactly what this virus is going to do, Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didnt realize it.

Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.

Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.

Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals, Roess said. It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.

The post Bird flus spread from poultry to cattle to humans provokes worry among feds, states appeared first on Kansas Reflector.
The administration of US President Joe Biden has suggested that the authorization for the Ukrainian Defense Forces to use US weapons on Russian territory could be extended. This will depend on the situation on the battlefield.

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According to National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby at a briefing on Monday, June 3, it is not expected that a decision will be made in the coming days. When asked to clarify what kind of authorization extensions for the Armed Forces could be in question, Kirby added that he did not want to get ahead of himself "on decisions that have not yet been made."

"As you know, at every step of this war, as the war has changed, as conditions on the battlefield have changed, we have evolved and changed our support for Ukraine. And I would not expect the current general approach to change in the coming weeks or months. We'll see how the situation evolves and what the Ukrainians need," Kirby said.

He added that Washington understands President Zelenskyy's calls for more weapons and more capabilities to use them, and promised that the dialogue would continue.

ADVERTISIMENT

"We will continue to have these conversations with the Ukrainians. Of course we will. And whether this will lead to additional policy changes, I cannot say now. But we will not turn away from the needs of Ukraine. And we will continue to try to develop our support, depending on the situation on the battlefield," Kirby summarized.

As a reminder, the United States has recently authorized Ukraine to use the weapons it has provided to Russia to a limited extent. The Armed Forces of Ukraine can now intercept missiles and aircraft over Russian territory, strike military targets and conduct counter-battery fire from the other side of the border. Launching long-range missiles at Russia, such as ATACMS, is still prohibited.

At the same time, the Netherlands has officially authorized the Ukrainian Armed Forces to use F-16s to strike at Russian territory. Defense Minister Kaysa Ollongren assured that there are no restrictions on the supply.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that the permission to attack military targets beyond the Ukrainian-Russian border is an important and long-awaited step of the partners "in the right direction." However, Ukraine continues to work to expand the area of use of Western weapons in Russia.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Veterinarian in a milking barn (Photo by Getty Images).

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza  once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

Whats more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about, said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus spread.

At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.

Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.

As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.

Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. Thats led experts to recommend that people limit their pets interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.

USDA begins expanded testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that its launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.

The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.

Its important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive, said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.

The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease, Deeble said.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus spread in dairy cattle, but he said, We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially whats causing its spread.

Were trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates, Vilsack said.

Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.

Dairy farms reluctant to test

Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus in their milk, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.

In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.

There has not been a lot of testing to date, said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. Whats being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.

Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that was found in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.

A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.

However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The Board of Animal Health didnt collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises, Crusan said. We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.

There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian who helped discover that bird flu was infecting cattle.

They might be afraid that theyll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.

Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.

Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.

The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.

He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. Its unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.

The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they dont want to have a local source of the virus, he said.

Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.

It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.

PPE for farmworkers

Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.

Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.

The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. Were much, much more worried about respiratory infections because its respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, weve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high, Plescia said.

Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isnt circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.

They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.

When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as theyre concerned, people are fearful of that and so theyll stop coming to work, Plescia said.

Plescia also cautioned that people shouldnt drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.

The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.

When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system, Shah said. The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.

Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.

We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms  again, we should be alert  but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that were at an inflection point, Shah said. It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.

Because we dont have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this, Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.

Keep pets away from wild birds

Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.

The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people  although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms  is a concern, she said, before the third case was announced.

Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cows milk, people shouldnt give raw milk to their pets.

Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.

Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since its been pasteurized and has been repeatedly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure theres no active virus in the countrys food supply.

Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to data from the CDC.

Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc. as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.

The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.

We dont know exactly what this virus is going to do, Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didnt realize it.

Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.

Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.

Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals, Roess said. It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.

The post Bird flus spread from poultry to cattle to humans provokes worry among feds, states appeared first on Daily Montanan.
The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states. (Photo via Getty Images)

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza  once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

Whats more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about, said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus spread.

At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.

Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.

As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.

Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. Thats led experts to recommend that people limit their pets interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.

USDA begins expanded testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that its launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.

The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.

Its important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive, said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.

The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease, Deeble said.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus spread in dairy cattle, but he said, We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially whats causing its spread.

Were trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates, Vilsack said.

Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.

Dairy farms reluctant to test

Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus in their milk, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.

In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.

There has not been a lot of testing to date, said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. Whats being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.

Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that was found in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.

A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.

However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The Board of Animal Health didnt collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises, Crusan said. We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.

There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian who helped discover that bird flu was infecting cattle.

They might be afraid that theyll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.

Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.

Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.

The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.

He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. Its unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.

The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they dont want to have a local source of the virus, he said.

Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.

It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.

PPE for farmworkers

Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.

Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.

The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. Were much, much more worried about respiratory infections because its respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, weve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high, Plescia said.

Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isnt circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.

They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.

When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as theyre concerned, people are fearful of that and so theyll stop coming to work, Plescia said.

Plescia also cautioned that people shouldnt drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.

The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.

When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system, Shah said. The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.

Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.

We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms  again, we should be alert  but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that were at an inflection point, Shah said. It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.

Because we dont have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this, Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.

Keep pets away from wild birds

Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.

The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people  although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms  is a concern, she said, before the third case was announced.

Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cows milk, people shouldnt give raw milk to their pets.

Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.

Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since its been pasteurized and has been repeatedly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure theres no active virus in the countrys food supply.

Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to data from the CDC.

Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc. as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.

The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.

We dont know exactly what this virus is going to do, Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didnt realize it.

Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.

Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.

Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals, Roess said. It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.

The post Bird flus spread from poultry to cattle to humans provokes worry among feds, states appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states. (Photo via Getty Images)

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states. (Photo via Getty Images)

Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza  once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

Whats more, the virus, also known as H5N1 or bird flu, was diagnosed in a third dairy farmworker last week, marking the first U.S. case with respiratory symptoms, said to be mild. The other two cases, also both mild, were diagnosed as pink eye.

The notable leap from cows and chickens to humans is not yet ringing alarm bells for public health officials or veterinarians, who believe the risk to the public remains low. However, they are closely monitoring poultry and dairy farms for any changes, despite a reluctance among some dairy farmers to test their herds.

Avian influenza is something that public health scientists are worried about, said Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Its probably the potential infection or outbreak that causes the greatest amount of anxiety just because, if this did get into a place where it was easily transmissible among humans, everybody fears that could be a really, really bad scenario.

The ongoing response has brought together a veritable alphabet soup of government agencies and agricultural organizations, highlighting the complicated nature of fighting bird flu. The mobilization is intended to stem the significant economic toll that farmers could face and curb the virus spread.

At the federal level, the Agriculture Department is responsible for the farm animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for human health, the Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over the eggs and milk sold in grocery stores, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response oversees its piece of the pie.

Then come the state agencies, interest groups, agribusiness and family farms.

As of last week, more than 40 people had been tested for H5N1 with more than 350 people enrolled in monitoring, about 220 of whom are in Michigan. Two of the human cases have been in Michigan while the other was diagnosed in Texas.

Michigan also has several dairy cattle herds diagnosed with H5N1.

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 PCR tests on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

This strain of bird flu has also cropped up in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats. Thats led experts to recommend that people limit their pets interactions with wild birds, which hold a reservoir of the virus, as well as all farm animals.

USDA begins expanded testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that its launching a voluntary pilot program to expand testing for dairy farms to gain better insight into the virus and make it easier for farmers to ship dairy cows across state lines.

The department is also transferring $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the ongoing response.

Its important to note that as these additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that we may see an increase in the number of herds that are testing positive, said Eric Deeble, acting senior adviser for highly pathogenic avian influenza and deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations.

The pilot program will test milk samples from bulk tanks for H5N1. Farms that consistently test negative will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals, knowing that their entire herd is free of the disease, Deeble said.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on a press call with reporters Monday, declined to say whether USDA has a full grasp of the extent of the virus spread in dairy cattle, but he said, We have a pretty good understanding of the nature of this virus and essentially whats causing its spread.

Were trying to essentially corner this virus, so that over time it dissipates, Vilsack said.

Dairy farmers can begin enrolling in the pilot program this week in participating states.

Dairy farms reluctant to test

Infected cows have tremendous amounts of the virus in their milk, so those that are lactating must test negative for the virus before they can be transported across state lines, the USDA has ordered.

In states such as Iowa, which has no detections of the virus in cattle, dairy farmers have been reluctant to test more than is required.

There has not been a lot of testing to date, said Rodger Main, director of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which first discovered bird flu was infecting cattle. Whats being tested is the dairy cattle that are moving interstate.

Scientists are sequencing the genetic code of an avian flu that was found in a flock of 4.2 million egg-laying hens last week in northwest Iowa to determine if it is the same variant that has been infecting cattle, said Don McDowell, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. If so, it might indicate that there are infected cattle in Iowa.

A similar detection happened more than a month ago at a turkey flock in Minnesota, another state with no known dairy cattle infections.

However, no coordinated testing was done of dairy farms near the infected turkey flock to determine whether they had infected cattle and might have been the source of the transmission, said Michael Crusan, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The Board of Animal Health didnt collect any samples from dairy farms surrounding HPAI positive poultry premises, Crusan said. We do not have authority to test those dairy farms without suspected or confirmed illness reported to us.

There is reluctance among some dairy farmers to voluntarily test their cattle for fear of what might happen if those tests reveal their herds are infected, said Dr. Barb Petersen, a Texas veterinarian who helped discover that bird flu was infecting cattle.

They might be afraid that theyll be barred from selling their cattle for an unknown amount of time or that animal movements to and from their farms will be otherwise restricted.

Petersen suspects that nearly all the dairies in her area near Amarillo were infected but that many were not tested.

Infected cows typically recover in 10 to 14 days. Infected herds suffer a drop in milk production that can last about a month.

The virus is much more severe for chicken and turkey flocks, where it often causes fatal illness. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

More testing and better biosecurity measures are important to help prevent the virus from spreading from infected cattle to the poultry flocks, said Phillip Jardon, the dairy extension veterinarian for Iowa State University.

He is aware of several dairy farms that installed noise-making systems to keep away wild birds, which are believed to be an initial source of the infections. Its unclear how many other state-recommended precautions are being adopted.

The risk to dairies is not as large as it is to poultry, but dairies should keep in mind that they have neighbors who are poultry producers where it can be devastating, and they dont want to have a local source of the virus, he said.

Vilsack said USDA needs to better educate dairy farmers about the risks to their neighboring farmers to get more voluntary help in tracking and containing the virus.

It spread from Texas to faraway states through the transportation of infected cattle, but it has likely spread locally via farmworkers, veterinarians and equipment moving farm to farm, Vilsack said.

PPE for farmworkers

Plescia from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the risk to the public remains low, health officials are paying close attention to agricultural workers.

Ensuring farmworkers have access to personal protective equipment is essential, though it could be challenging to get all workers to use it during the hotter summer months, Plescia said.

The most recent case in a farmworker in Michigan, announced May 30, is more concerning to experts. Were much, much more worried about respiratory infections because its respiratory infections, where in the past with earlier versions of H5N1, weve seen that those infections can be very, very severe and the mortality can be very high, Plescia said.

Public health officials need to work with farm owners and farmworkers to make sure that even people with mild symptoms get tested for avian flu to ensure that it isnt circulating more widely than the documented cases, he said.

They need to ensure that undocumented workers or those on agricultural work visas who are concerned about interaction with the government are comfortable enough to get tested.

When the state government starts showing up to do testing as far as theyre concerned, people are fearful of that and so theyll stop coming to work, Plescia said.

Plescia also cautioned that people shouldnt drink raw milk for the foreseeable future.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with States Newsroom the agency is focusing its attention on farmworker safety through personal protective equipment, testing and additional resources.

The CDC is also working to build trust so that workers who might be in the U.S. on visas or who are undocumented feel comfortable getting tested for H5N1 or reporting an illness to public health officials.

When H5 became a phenomenon in poultry farms, it took some time for poultry farm owners and poultry farmworkers to gain trust with the public health system, Shah said. The same thing, the same dynamic, is at play here.

Shah, speaking during a separate press briefing on H5N1, said that even with the new respiratory case, there have been no signs, either genetically or epidemiologically, that this strain of avian influenza is adapting in a way that would lead to greater transmission.

We are on the lookout for those changes, but the mere fact that this individual displayed some respiratory symptoms  again, we should be alert  but, in and of itself, is not a cause to change or suggest that were at an inflection point, Shah said. It is a cause and a reason to remain alert.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, said in a written statement that public health officials must provide incentives for individuals to report illness and to get tested, or at least we have to remove barriers.

Because we dont have meaningful, high quality and accessible health care for the majority of our population, particularly those in rural areas where the virus has first spilled over, it will be challenging to get ahead of this, Roess wrote in response to questions from States Newsroom about H5N1. Many farmworkers are hourly workers and cannot afford to take time off for what they perceive as mild illness.

Keep pets away from wild birds

Meghan Davis, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with States Newsroom this particular strain of avian flu has been spreading between mammals, including domestic pets, and will likely continue to do so.

The fact that this particular clade has been able to infect so many different mammalian species, and has now caused at least two documented cases in people  although, thankfully, with relatively mild symptoms  is a concern, she said, before the third case was announced.

Davis cautioned that because there have been cases among cats living on dairy farms that drank raw cows milk, people shouldnt give raw milk to their pets.

Pet owners should also be cautious about letting their animals interact with wild birds, which are known to spread the virus.

Milk purchased in grocery stores is safe to drink since its been pasteurized and has been repeatedly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the past few months to ensure theres no active virus in the countrys food supply.

Other mammals diagnosed with avian flu this year include a mountain lion in Montana, red foxes in Michigan and Missouri, and a raccoon in Colorado. Domestic cats have been diagnosed in Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to data from the CDC.

Davis said the surveillance system for H5N1 should be broadened to include more systematic testing, which would require us to have somewhat better access to workers, to animals on farms, etc. as well as antibody testing to determine if more people have contracted avian flu and recovered.

The additional information could help if the virus were to shift in the coming months or years.

We dont know exactly what this virus is going to do, Davis said, noting the mild nature of the virus detected so far could mean that more people have contracted it and simply didnt realize it.

Davis explained that public health officials and researchers need to closely monitor viruses like H5N1 since they can change in a way similar to how the flu changes, leading to the need for a different flu shot each year.

Roess, the epidemiology professor from George Mason University, noted that an uptick in human cases of avian influenza, could be an indication of other types of transmission than what is currently believed.

Right now, the cases reported are a result of direct contact with infected food animals, Roess said. It is critical to ramp up surveillance of people working closely with possibly infected animals, other animals in the vicinity and other people who are not directly in contact with possibly infected animals in the community.

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A bison gored and seriously wounded an elderly woman at Wyomings Yellowstone national park over the weekend, rangers said.

The attack occurred on 1 June near the Storm Point trail at Yellowstone lake, where the animal was defending its ground, according to a news release by the US national parks service (NPS).

It said the 83-year-old woman, from Greenville, South Carolina, was lifted about a foot off the ground by the bisons horns, leaving her badly wounded. She was taken by helicopter to the Eastern Idaho regional medical center, where her condition was unknown on Tuesday.

Park regulations require visitors to keep at least 25 yards distance when they encounter bison, the largest land mammal in the US. Most attacks occur, officials say, when the public gets too close  or provokes an animal.

In April, a man was arrested in the town of Yellowstone, Montana, for harassing and kicking a bison in the leg near Seven Mile Bridge, close to the parks entrance. Clarence Yoder, 40, of Idaho, received minor injuries when the bison turned on him. He was charged with disorderly conduct.

Two women were hurt in separate other recent cases involving bison in Yellowstone. A 47-year-old Arizona woman was gored during bison mating season in July last year. And in May 2022, a 25-year-old woman from Ohio approached a bison near the Old Faithful geyser and was tossed 10ft into the air and gored.

An adult male bison can weigh up to 2,000lb and grow to 6ft. Bison are not aggressive animals but will defend their space when threatened, NPS guidance states. The animals are also deceptively fast, reaching up to 30mph at full charge, three times faster than humans.

According to the NPS, Yellowstone is the only place in the US where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. The parks population, which fell to about two dozen in 1902 after years of hunting and poaching, now ranges between 3,000 and 6,000 following a highly successful breeding and repopulation program.
Large fires broke out in northern Israel overnight, Israeli police said early Tuesday, attributing the blazes to rocket fire from southern Lebanon.

The flames consumed some 4,000 dunams (1,000 acres or 400 hectares) of the northern region, chief of the Tiberias fire station Boris Eisenberg said. Israel Fire and Rescue Services said multiple firefighting teams, including an air firefighting squadron, had been deployed, working through the night.

On Tuesday, Israel Fire and Rescue Services in the north of the country dealt with two blazes. Twelve teams were deployed to Keren Naftali, where a fire had spread in several directions, while 10 teams had been deployed to the Biria Forest in the Upper Galilee area, where a falling Israeli interceptor missile caused a second blaze.

We saw the interception and responded with increased forces and high intensity, we are operating on the spot and trying to contain the fire, spokesperson Uri Cohen told CNN.

We are dealing with extreme weather conditions, changing winds, high dryness with low humidity, high temperature. All these conditions together accelerate the development of the fire, Cohen said.

By late Tuesday, all major fires in the north had been brought under control, according to the rescue authority.

Authorities had begun evacuating residents as fires broke out at noon local time on Monday in the mountainous Galilee region, Israeli police said. Israeli police said they helped to evacuate homes in Kiryat Shmona, a northern city near the Lebanese border.

The blazes came after authorities warned the public Monday that a heatwave was expected and cautioned against lighting fires in forests.

Lebanon-based Islamist group Hezbollah said Monday that it launched a swarm of drones at an Israeli military command center in the Galilee, causing fires in the building. The group said they were a response to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah forces as well as homes in southern Lebanon, adding that three Hezbollah fighters were killed on Monday.

Thousands of Israeli residents have been displaced after cross-border hostilities began between Hezbollah and the Israeli military in October. The Lebanese group said its attacks on northern Israel were in response to Israels war in Gaza.

During a tour of some of the most heavily damaged areas, the Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Major General Herzi Halevi said the IDF was ready to respond if called on.

We are approaching the point where a decision will have to be made, and the IDF is prepared and very ready for this decision, Halevi said. We have been attacking here for eight months and Hezbollah is paying a very, very high price.

We are prepared after a very good process of training  up to the level of a military exercise  to move to an attack in the north. Strong defense, readiness to attack, we are approaching a decision point, Halevi added.

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Lamor Whitehead, the politically connected Bling Bishop of Brooklyn who was convicted on a slate of fraud charges in March, is pleading for his release from the boroughs infamous Metropolitan Detention Center, where his lawyer alleges he has been deprived of food and kept in a near-constant lockdown due to a gun recently being found in another inmates cell.

Whitehead was sent to the federal Brooklyn lockup May 20 after a judge revoked his bond and ordered him detained pending sentencing on the grounds that he had kept making false claims about federal prosecutors and FBI agents after his conviction. The pastor, a self-described mentee of Mayor Adams known for his flashy fashion choices, is scheduled to be sentenced June 17, and he could face decades in prison under federal guidelines.

But in a Monday memo filed in Manhattan Federal Court, Whiteheads attorney Dawn Florio alleged her client deserves to receive a sentence of supervised release.

Among other reasons, Florio argued leniency is warranted because Whitehead has been confined to his cell for the overwhelming majority of his time at the Metropolitan Detention Center  allegedly in part due to a gun recently being found in another inmates cell.

Almost as soon as Mr. Whitehead entered the facility, it went on lockdown as a loaded and operable firearm was found in an inmates cell, Florio wrote, calling conditions in the jail shocking and unacceptable.

It wasnt clear from Florios filing exactly when a gun may have been found. She didnt immediately return a request for comment from the Daily News on Tuesday.

Federal Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman Emery Nelson, whose agency runs the Metropolitan Detention Center, confirmed jail staff received critical information on May 21  the day after Whitehead arrived  about a gun at the facility.

The [Bureau of Prisons] immediately placed the facility on modified operations status in order to protect the public, staff and incarcerated individuals until a comprehensive search could be completed. The search has concluded, and no firearm was found, Nelson said. The facility is operating under normal operations status.

The Manhattan U.S. attorneys office, which prosecuted Whitehead, declined to comment.

In her memo, Florio also alleged that Whitehead has been deprived of basic necessities in custody.

In the weeks that Mr. Whitehead has been in the [Metropolitan Detention Center], he has already lost over 5 pounds due to a lack of unspoiled and edible food, she wrote after claiming he has not been provided a mattress to sleep on, either.

Nelson disputed Florios claims about food and sleeping quarters, saying every individual at the lockup gets a mattress and access to appetizing meals that meet the needs of the general population and those at nutritional risk.

The Metropolitan Detention Center has a history of hellish conditions. Several judges have reduced defendants sentences because of what theyve endured at the Sunset Park jail.

A jury found Whitehead guilty on a litany of charges on March 12, including on a count that he extorted a Bronx businessman for $500,000 while telling him he would  with Adams help  use the cash for a real estate investment, even calling the mayor his key to financial success. The feds have stressed Whitehead knew he couldnt make good on the mayoral intervention promise, and theres no indication Adams was aware of his activities.

In pressing for leniency, Florio wrote in Tuesdays filing that Whitehead has known the mayor since Adams days as Brooklyn borough president.

[Whitehead] received numerous citations for his good works in the community from state legislators, state senators, City Council members, Mayor Eric Adams, and more, Florio wrote.

Adams spokesmen didnt immediately return a request for clarity on what citation he gave Whitehead.
(Bloomberg) -- New Jersey Democrat Bob Menendez filed to run for reelection as an independent on Monday, a move that could be costly for Democrats trying to hold on to what has been a safe Senate seat.

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Menendez, who is on trial in New York on corruption charges, could play the role of spoiler if a significant chunk of voters stick with him. Although Democrats are still favored to hold on to the New Jersey Senate seat, a Menendez candidacy could force the party to spend more money there when the party already is on defense nationally.

New Jersey Republicans and Democrats hold their primaries on Tuesday but Menendez isnt on the ballot. Democratic Representative Andy Kim is widely expected to succeed Menendez.

The senators filing appeared on the New Jersey Department of States website on Monday. His party is listed as Menendez for Senate.

Read More: Bob Menendez Urged US Official to Stop Interfering, Jury Told

Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, whos running the Senate Democrats campaign operation, dismissed the notion that Menendez decision could hurt the partys candidate, saying the Democrat is going to win. But his Republican counterpart, Steve Daines of Montana, smiled and quipped: Keep your eye on New Jersey.

Senator Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, called his colleague a tremendous senator for the state of New Jersey when it comes to delivering results and a good partner, but said the focus now should be on the trial, not November. He deserves a fair trial, where he gets to be judged by a jury of his peers, Booker said.

Menendez, 70, has pleaded not guilty, and his defense has blamed his wife, Nadine, for withholding information from him about gold bars and other items federal prosecutors say were bribes to the senator for assorted official acts.

Menendez, who was first elected in 2005, stepped down as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee after his indictment but continues to vote and attend classified briefings and committee hearings in the Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has criticized Menendez conduct, saying it fell far below the standard of a US senator, but has refused to address whether Menendez should face expulsion, be denied access to briefings or otherwise punished.

--With assistance from Mike Dorning.

(Updating with Cory Booker, in sixth, seventh paragraph.)

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A Chinook salmon leaps through the water on May 17, 2001, in the Rapid River southwest of Riggins, Idaho, as it attempts to clear a migration barrier dam. (Bill Schaefer/Getty Images)

Salmon are central to the Idaho way of life, and even more essential to Idahos Native Americans. Recently, a landmark agreement was reached that focuses on restoring abundant salmon in the heart of Idaho  places like the Salmon River.

Leaders of Six Sovereigns (the four Columbia Basin Tribes, the states of Washington and Oregon  plus representatives of fishing, conservation, and energy groups), recently signed the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI), an agreement with the U.S. government that provides a foundation to restore Snake and Columbia River salmon. The agreement also modernizes energy production, increases the resiliency of the river system, accommodates farmers, and provides stability for communities throughout Idaho and the Columbia Basin.

The agreement establishes federal commitments, including more than $1 billion in funding to implement key elements of the CBRI, with investments in habitat restoration and clean water. It is a path to salmon recovery, and a major step toward a future where Idaho salmon and affordable energy coexist.

All of this comes at a critical moment. The Northwest is undergoing a rapid transition to meet its energy needs and climate goals  and to address the escalating pressures of a warming climate. Hotter summers and colder winters, when hydro generation always drops, confirms that we must diversify our energy sources. Last winters reduced snowpack will further stress the hydrosystem, forcing us to deal with the risks of over-relying on dams for energy. As a result, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has downgraded its financial outlook for 2024.

As we modernize infrastructure in the Snake/Columbia Basin and mitigate the impacts on salmon caused by lower Snake and Columbia River dams, BPA has a vital role to play. To meet its commitments in the signed agreements, BPA must modernize its energy services with renewed focus on energy efficiency, demand response, wind, solar, battery storage and transmission  and reduce their reliance on dams.

There is good news on this front; it is affordable. A preliminary analysis by BPA shows that its $300 million commitment and operational changes under the Columbia River Salmon Agreement will affect electric rates less than 1% on average over the next 10 years. John Hairston, BPAs administrator, said so in a recent congressional hearing.

Part of the solution will come through developing new Tribal clean energy programs, which will go toward replacing the power that comes from the four lower Snake dams. Energy experts lay it out clearly: With smart planning and investments, the energy provided by the lower Snake River dams can be replaced.

The CBRI agreement also moves to honor our treaty obligations to Tribes, acknowledging that fishing rights are meaningless if there are no salmon to catch. We still have a lot of work to do to ensure that treaty obligations are actually honored  that the salmon promised to Shoshone-Bannock and Nez Perce people is a meaningful and harvestable share.

Modernizing, strengthening, and diversifying the regions energy grid is well within our reach  and it is essential if we want a future that includes both salmon and energy, along with the ecosystems that make Idaho special.

Idahoans in all walks of life can celebrate this historic agreement. The unity and leadership that guided the agreement puts Idaho and the Northwest on the right course. Regrettably, this deal occurred without Idahos leadership. But it will take the collective work of all Northwest states, tribes, stakeholders, and congressional delegations to seize the momentum and deliver on the promises the United States has made  to build a better future for Idaho and the Northwest.

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The post A bold blueprint for salmon restoration puts Idaho on the right course appeared first on Idaho Capital Sun.
U.S. President Joe Biden sees peace in Ukraine as a guarantee that Russia cannot occupy our country. To this end, he believes that NATO membership is not necessary.

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The American leader shared his thoughts in an interview with Time. He emphasized the need to provide Kyiv with weapons. As for our joining the North Atlantic Alliance, Biden seems to be more against than for it.

"Peace looks like a guarantee that Russia will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever occupy Ukraine. That's what peace looks like. And it does not mean NATO. It means that we have the same relationship with them as we do with other countries where we supply weapons so that they can defend themselves in the future," the US president said.

He reminded that he did not support the "NATOization" of Ukraine. He said that when he was a senator and was on a month-long visit to our country, "there was significant corruption, it was a circumstance that really weighed on everything."

At the same time, Biden does not believe that NATO is on a "slippery slope" to war with Russia by helping Ukraine. On the contrary, the Alliance will be on this path "if it does nothing for Ukraine," the US President emphasized.

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As previously reported by OBOZ.UA:

 On May 31, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken assured that at the NATO summit in Washington, "we will see a powerful package of support for Ukraine. It will contribute to our Euro-Atlantic integration.

 North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the allies had made progress in three areas of support for Kyiv during their meeting in Prague, Czech Republic. These are better coordination of NATO in terms of arms supplies and training, determining multi-year financial assistance, and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Photo via Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Its been nearly four years since I wrote that the Republican Party may not be dead yet, but its probably time to put it out of our misery.

GOP acolytes probably thought I was being mean-spirited. Looking back, it seems I was being generous.

As it turns out, the GOP isnt just dead, its now morphed into an army of partisan zombies wholly determined to kill democracy.

In the wake of Thursdays guilty verdict against former president Donald J. Trump, the newest incarnation of the undead (or are they just brain-dead?) is being led by a growing phalanx of pro-Trump sycophants.

Reacting to news of Trumps conviction on 34 felony counts, House Speaker Mike Johnson called it shameful. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas labeled the decision a disgrace, adding, Now more than ever, we need to rally around @realdonaldtrump, take back the White House and Senate, and get this country back on track.

Writing on X, Republican Congressman Steve Scalise proclaimed he wouldnt stand by while the leader of our party is ambushed by our own government. His post had a link to Trumps fundraising site.

And to round things out, rather disingenuously, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, the House GOP Conference chair, said Trumps trial was a sham and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott called it a hoax, even as he claimed the U.S. justice system hunts Republicans while protecting Democrats. (Stefanik and Scott, it should be no surprise, are vying to be Trumps vice presidential running mate.)

Real zombies, of course, are infamous for chomping on the brains of their victims. In a fresh twist, these guys seem satisfied with simply infecting their preys vacuous noggins with outright lies and demagoguery.

Doesnt the GOP claim to be the party of law and order? Or does law and order only apply to Trumps critics and political opponents.

Just to be clear, Trump was found guilty by a jury of his peers on charges that he committed business fraud to hide the fact that he had sex with a porn star because he believed if news of this (not his first) extramarital dalliance got out it could cripple his 2016 presidential election campaign.

To Trumps inveigled zombie base, all I can do is repeat the question I posed to a close relative after he blew off news of the New York jurys guilty verdict as BS.

So, you dont think thats a crime? I asked half rhetorically. Not to mention, though the jury didnt consider this, it also happens to be immoral. Or does none of that matter to you?

I wouldnt defend what Trump did if my own father or son did it. So, why do his supporters think we should tolerate any sort of criminality from a man, a former president no less, who once swore on a Bible to uphold our nations laws and preserve, protect and defend, this countrys master legal blueprint, the Constitution of the United States?

Is there nothing Trump can do to allow his supporters to see him for what he is: the single most corrupt and dishonest man to run for president in American history?

In the end, I take comfort in knowing that Trump was found guilty by 12 average citizens, and that no amount of threats or insults, or high-paid lawyers, and endless lies by the former president swayed them from their sworn duty.

The jury just did its job. And we should salute them.

To Trumps army of brainwashed zombies: I hope you eat each other alive.

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The post Bon appetit, Trumps zombies appeared first on Oklahoma Voice.
DENVER (KDVR)  Boulder County and the City of Boulder are trying to get $10 million to help support local mobile home communities, and the county is asking for public input on the matter.

The county is asking for input on plans to apply for nearly $10 million in federal funding to spend on mobile homes and mobile home communities.

How to live in a tiny home as a legal residence in Colorado

If approved, the funding would come from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and go toward grants to repair and replace damaged homes and make them more energy efficient, among other things.

Here are the current priorities in the funding application:

Purchase of a manufactured home community : $760,000

Replacement of unsafe, unhealthy, and damaged homes for 20 low-income homeowners : $4.28 million

Construction of a new wastewater treatment facility for the Sans Souci resident Co-op : $2 million

Supporting 100 low-income owners of HUD-certified homes (manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976) to repair their homes, reduce heating and cooling costs, and improve the accessibility of their homes (for example, building wheelchair ramps): $2 million

This funding would mark a significant expansion of our capacity to invest in the preservation of manufactured home communities, City of Boulder Climate Initiatives Policy Advisor Crystal Launder said. Aging homes and infrastructure and increasing frequency of extreme weather events have underscored the urgency of stabilizing households in these communities, many of which are inhabited by residents with lower incomes.

How to submit your input

The public is invited to learn more, ask questions and provide input during a virtual public hearing via Zoom Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Those interested in joining the conversation can register to attend online. The public can also submit written comments via email to Mobile Home Communities Program Manager Francisco Padilla at fpadilla@bouldercounty.gov.

A Spanish interpreter will be provided at the public hearing, and copies of the application in Spanish can be requested by emailing Mobile Home Communities Program Manager Francisco Padilla at fpadilla@bouldercounty.gov.

The county said it expects to know if the funding application is successful by the end of September. If it is approved, the county will hire a project manager to guide the work over the next five years and the county will also hold events for the community to be informed on the program design and implementation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Former state Sen. Randolph Bracy claims his Democratic primary opponent this year, incumbent Geraldine Thompson, doesnt live in the district she represents and hasnt for years.

Thompson was elected in 2022 to District 15 in west Orange County, but the county Property Appraisers office lists years of homestead exemptions, including 2023 and 2024, for a Windermere home in District 13 owned by her and husband, Emerson.

For the entirety of her Senate career, previously and currently, she has lived at this home that is [now] outside her district, Bracy said Tuesday.  She cant live in that house and represent that district by law.

Thompson said Tuesday she has been living for the past few years at her daughters home in Ocoee thats within the Senate district, although she said her husband still resides at the Windermere house they purchased together in 1988.

After redistricting, I moved to the Ocoee address, which is where I am for the most part, but my husband and I sometimes entertain at the Windermere address, she said. We have not sold that property.

Florida law states a legislator shall be a legal resident and elector of his or her district at the time of election and shall maintain his or her legal residence within that district for the duration of his or her term of office. While a member may have multiple residences, he or she shall have only one legal residence.

Thompson served in the state Senate from 2012 to 2016 and the state House from 2018 until her return to the Senate in November 2022.

Thompson filed to run for state Senate District 15 on Oct. 5, 2021. But in the first drafts of proposed redistricting maps released around that time by the Legislature, it showed that her Windermere house would be shifted into Senate District 13, currently held by Republican state Sen. Dennis Baxley.

Thompson said Tuesday she moved into her daughter Elizabeths home in Ocoee around October 2021.

I moved in with her and my son-in-law to help care for my newest granddaughters, Thompson said. I do not have a lease but pay for utilities and other expenses there.

Much of her voter registration information is redacted because she is listed as a protected voter, but records released by the Orange County elections office do show that Thompson is currently registered in Ocoee.

Details about when the registration was officially changed also were redacted, but the records indicate updates to her street address and zip code were made in July 2022.

As for her official candidate and Senate forms, Thompson listed the Windermere house as her mailing address on her public disclosure form and candidate oath document in June 2022. On a Senate public disclosure form filed in July 2023, she listed an address in Orlando thats the site of the WellsBuilt Museum of African American History and Culture, where she serves as director.

The only thing that shes ever put on any documents regarding [her position as senator] has been that Windermere address or the WellsBuilt Museum, Bracy said. She has never put an address in with her daughters house.

Bracy also cited the Florida law that a house with a homestead exemption must be a primary residence, creating a potential issue if Thompson doesnt live at the Windermere house.

She claims this is her homestead, Bracy said. So shes telling you one thing, but shes telling the Orange County government a different thing.

Thompson contended that Florida law allows one owner to claim a homestead exemption even if another owner lives elsewhere.

My husband lives in the house, and so, yes, we still have a homestead exemption on it, she said. We bought it together as a couple.

The Ocoee house has a homestead exemption claimed by Thompsons daughter and another person, property tax records show.

Bracy said he would hold off on filing a lawsuit demanding her removal from the ballot until the qualification deadline for state legislative races on June 14.

It just depends, he said. Im going to see if she plans to qualify, and at that point, if she does, Ill consider it.

Thompson, who said she has a history with the Bracy family going back to when she was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Bracys father, the Rev. Randolph Bracy Jr., said it was very saddening that the former Senator has veered in such a direction.
Braun making another push to expand wilderness designation and uses in southern Indiana

A bill that would expand Indianas only federally protected wilderness and open some new recreational opportunities has been reintroduced by Sen. Mike Braun, R-IN, but this version of the proposed legislation makes concessions to some groups opposed to the original bill he filed last year.

The newly updated bill also has a Hoosier sponsor U.S. House of Representatives: Congresswoman Erin Houchin, R-9th District.

Braun said he approached Houchin last year about sponsoring the Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area and Wilderness Establishment Act, but Houchin told IndyStar at the time that she was still reviewing the legislation.

Houchin has since decided to move forward and sponsor the revised bill in the House.

"The Hoosier National Forest is one of the most beautiful places in Indiana and surrounding areas, Houchin said in a statement to IndyStar. With this Act, we will increase recreation and tourism opportunities and preserve the land for generations to come."

But there are still concerns around the proposed legislation among some environmental and outdoor recreation advocates.

Recreation groups opposed to last years bill said more needed to be done to maintain user access and allow for public input. Others are concerned new designations made in the bill are not going through the typical vetting process.

Congresswoman Erin Houchin, R-9th District, introduced a companion bill built on Sen. Mike Braun's, R-IN, Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area and Wilderness Establishment Act.

What is the Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area and Wilderness Establishment Act?

The Act would enlarge the Charles C. Deam Wilderness in Monroe and Brown counties to about 28,000 acres and designate another roughly 30,000 acres of adjacent land for a National Recreation Area.

The Deam wilderness currently spans 13,000 acres of hardwood forests legally preserved under 1964s Wilderness Act, which requires land managers to maintain the areas unimpaired natural condition.

Last year's bill: Proposal would double size of Charles C. Deam Wilderness area in Hoosier National Forest

New language in this years bills introduces non-wilderness corridors within Deam that would allow outdoor enthusiasts like mountain bikers a greater ability to maintain trails.

The bill also would establish the large recreation area, which allows for more intensive uses. The recreation area would border the proposed wilderness area to the south and east in Brown County.

We tried to take everybody's input into consideration and end up with a product that was going to be pleasing, Braun said. It'll be the first big piece of legislation that acknowledges that recreation is a big part of how Hoosiers want to use their own resource, and this will make that possible to a greater extent.

Jeff Stant, executive director of the Indiana Forest Alliance, said the bill is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Theres no other area of wild forest in the lower midwestern U.S. of this size that can be protected as wilderness, Stant said. The key immediate result is going to stop burning and logging on the steep slopes at Houston South within a few miles of Lake Monroe.

Houston South is a forestry management project proposed by the Hoosier National Forest to harvest 4,300 acres of pine and hardwood trees and perform prescribed fires on 13,500 acres.

Others are reading: Hoosier National Forest officials find no negative impacts with Houston South plan

Concerns remain on Wilderness bill

Paul Arlinghaus, former board member of the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association, said as the bill moves forward in Washington, hes worried the non-wilderness corridors that allow robust maintenance access would be removed. Hes also concerned there was not enough public input baked into the process.

There is a process for dedicating wilderness and that process is to go through the National Forest planning process to identify areas that could potentially be wilderness and all user groups would be brought to table, Arlinghaus said. All that has been sidestepped.

Managing public lands is a complicated process, Arlinghaus said, and he doesnt believe designating more wilderness is the correct way to protect the land.

Wilderness is such a Draconian way to protect land, he said. There are other ways you can do it. We proposed the new wilderness to be part of the recreation area so it doesnt put restrictions on recreation or tools.

Stant said the primary purpose of the forest land is to protect Lake Monroe, which serves as a water supply, and provide for recreational use of the area while maintaining its aesthetic and scenic values, as well as the flora and fauna of the area.

The non-wilderness corridors have no chance of being removed from the bill as they are a top priority for the senator, Braun's office wrote in an email to IndyStar. The bill has gone through a two-year process, and the senator has taken feedback from both sides of the issue. The senator's team met with mountain biking groups, the email said, to discuss their ideas and concerns.

Whats next for the Wilderness bills?

With Braun running to become Indianas new governor next year, he said his goal is to get this across the finish line before he leaves the Senate. If not, he said it will hopefully be in a place where it would get picked up in his absence.

I think for something narrow like this, once youve got the two most important components in place, then its a question of: how, on any bill, if you cant get it to stand alone, how do you get it into something? Braun said. That doesn't mean there's not heavy lifting left, but we've got almost all the basics ready to go.

Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Houchin introduces House version of Braun's wilderness expansion bill
Nigel Farage, who successfully pushed for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union in 2016, was assailed with a milkshake Tuesday while on his first day of campaigning for Parliament.

Photographers captured the incident in Clacton, a seaside town where the newly appointed leader of Reform UK, a right-wing populist party, was leaving a pub after giving interviews to the media.

A woman flings her milkshake into Nigel Farage's face. BEN STANSALL via Getty Images

The milkshake was reportedly banana-flavored. BEN STANSALL via Getty Images

The drink slammed Farage right in the face. Carl Court via Getty Images

Politico, which spoke with Farage after the incident, said the drink was a banana-flavored milkshake from McDonalds that soaked his hair, face and parts of his clothes.

It was quite violently done. This doesnt happen to Keir Starmer, this doesnt happen to Rishi Sunak, he told the outlet, referencing other U.K. party leaders. You know why, they dont go out and meet hundreds of people and this is the risk of doing it.

Essex Police told the BBC a 25-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault.

Shortly after the incident, Farage  whos running on a heavy anti-immigration platform  jokingly posed with a tray of McDonalds milkshakes in nearby Jaywick.

Farage makes light of the incident. BEN STANSALL via Getty Images

Tuesdays milkshake pelter may have been inspired by a man who did the same to Farage on the campaign trail in 2019. That time, it was a banana and salted caramel milkshake from Five Guys.

I was quite looking forward to it, but I think it went on a better purpose, Paul Crowther, the man arrested for the incident, told The Guardian at the time.

This is Farages eighth time running to be a member of Parliament. None of his attempts have been successful. He announced his eighth campaign Monday after initially saying he wouldnt be running.

Related...
A Ukrainian serviceman launches a reconnaissance drone for flying over positions of Russian troops - REUTERS/Stringer

Britain is pushing to deliver 1,000 first-person view drones to Ukraine as part of an international coalition in support of Kyiv.

According to a tender notice posted on the Governments website, industry providers have been invited to submit bids to provide drones and equipment that can be fitted with armour-destroying munitions.

The appeal, worth 300,000, calls for the procurement of up to 15 batches of 20 first-person view racing quadcopter style drones.

Ukraine has turned to drones to overcome Russias advantage in troops and firepower.

Troops would often modify commercially available products, such as the Chinese-made DJI Mavic, to deliver RPG anti-tank rockets and smaller handheld grenades to targets.

The creations, often cobbled together for less than 1,000, have been credited with destroying items of Russian kit, such as tanks and helicopters, worth millions.

The drones must be capable of carrying varying payloads depending on their propeller size, the notice added.

After initial testing, which is expected to be concluded by mid-August, successful applicants could be offered future order contracts to supply up to circa 1,000 drones per month.

Britain and Latvia launched the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine in February in the hope of surging supplies of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the front lines.

Together with the UK and as part of the Drone Coalition we have launched an industry competition to provide FPV drones for Ukraine, Andris Spruds, Latvias defence minister, wrote on X.

The scheme promised to provide Ukrainian forces with more drones to target enemy positions, armoured vehicles, and ships with explosive ordinances by leveraging Western firms for their production.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, last year launched a specific drone force in recognition of the success of UAVs on the battlefield.

In December, he said Ukraine would boost current production levels to manufacture one million drones this year.

Most frontline units are joined by specially-trained drone operators who use FPV UAVs, flown with virtual reality headsets that allow the pilots to see where theyre going.

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented on the German government's decision to allow Ukraine to use German weapons to strike military targets in the Russian Federation bordering Kharkiv region. According to him, this is only an opportunity for Ukrainian forces to defend the region and the second largest city in Ukraine, Kharkiv.

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Therefore, the German Chancellor does not see any prerequisites for escalation in this authorization. Scholz said this on June 3 on the air of the Antenne Bayern radio station, DW reports.

He emphasized that he did not believe that the use of Western weapons, in particular German-made ones, for military purposes in the territory of the Russian Federation would lead to escalation.

"As the US president said, it is only about the ability to defend a large city, such as Kharkiv," Scholz said.

He explained that the decision to ease restrictions on the use of German weapons for strikes on the territory of the Russian Federation was made as a result of cooperation with Germany's "friends and allies." At the same time, the Federal Chancellor emphasized that there was no pressure to persuade him to make decisions that would be "wrong and untimely."

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The German government announced the decision to allow Ukraine to use Western weapons to strike at the territory of the Russian Federation bordering Kharkiv region on May 31. Officials explained this decision by the increasing number of attacks by the Russian army in the region. The German government emphasized that they were "prepared, coordinated and carried out" from positions near the Russian border.

"Ukraine has the right under international law to defend itself against these attacks," said government spokesman Steffen Gebestreit in his speech.

The United States and a number of other Western countries also made similar statements about easing restrictions. Moscow responded with another round of threats, saying that the use of Western weapons to strike at Russian territory would have "fatal consequences."

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Earlier, the NYT published an article on how Russia is organizing sabotage in Europe to disrupt arms supplies to Ukraine.

And such efforts are quite understandable. After all, according to Estonian intelligence, Western arms supplies to Ukraine have helped slow down Russia's offensive.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Immigrants line up at a remote U.S. Border Patrol processing center after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border on Dec. 7, 2023 in Lukeville, Arizona. Photo by John Moore | Getty Images

A new fiscal analysis confirms that a GOP plan to give Arizona police officers the power to arrest migrants will cost the state money and one law enforcement agency estimates that price tag at more than $40 million.

Republicans in the Arizona legislature are unanimously backing an effort to send a ballot referral to voters in November that would allow the state to enforce federal immigration law. House Concurrent Resolution 2060 would make it a state crime, punishable with jail time, for migrants to cross Arizonas southern border anywhere but at an official port of entry. Local police officers and judges would be charged with arresting and deporting migrants caught under the proposals provisions. The state House of Representatives is set to consider the legislation on Tuesday, and if its approved, as its expected to be, Arizona voters will get a chance to weigh in on it in the fall.

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And while business advocates, state officials, nonpartisan think tanks, law enforcement officials and GOP lawmakers themselves have all said the plan is likely to cost taxpayers, Republicans have offered no solutions for the expected strain on the states coffers. That failure to account for the proposals price tag likely renders it unconstitutional because Arizona law mandates that ballot referrals which lead to an increase in state spending must both provide a funding source and ensure that the revenue stream doesnt pull from the states general fund. The state is already struggling to deal with a $1.3 billion budget deficit in its current and upcoming fiscal years.

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee issued a report on May 31 that underscored the problems with the plan. While legislative analysts declined to put an exact number on the proposals fiscal impact, they did write that itll inevitably incur costs for the state, local governments, the courts and law enforcement agencies, including state troopers. The Department of Public Safety projects it will be on the hook for at least $3.8 million every year to arrest, process and transport migrants who violate the Secure the Border Act. The most expensive part of the proposal for DPS officials to comply with would be its directive to transport migrants to an official port of entry to leave the country under an order of deportation. And the agency estimated that the total apprehension cost for both state and local law enforcement agencies could be as high as $41 million.

Legislative analysts added that the true cost is likely to be even higher, because the ballot referral also criminalizes other behaviors that police officers would be forced to make arrests for. The act would make it a felony for undocumented Arizonas to submit false information to apply for jobs or public benefits and would create a whole new class of felony, with much harsher penalties, for people convicted of knowingly selling fentanyl that later results in someone elses death.

The report notes that law enforcement agencies arent the only public entities that will be forced to shoulder the costs of carrying out the acts provisions. Public attorneys could see an increased workload as Arizona judges take up immigration cases, and the Arizona County Supervisors Association expects the costs of judicial proceedings to spike, as more interpreters will need to be hired, courtroom maintenance costs will increase and more detainees will need to be transported back and forth between jail and the court.

And while Republican lawmakers have touted shutting out undocumented Arizonans from public benefits as a cost-cutting measure, legislative analysts pointed out that identifying who is ineligible for public benefits will likely create new costs for Arizona counties. At the state level, agencies are already equipped to verify a persons eligibility. The Department of Economic Security, which oversees retirement and unemployment benefits, and Arizonas Health Care Cost Containment System, which handles low-income health insurance, both already vet the immigration status of applicants through the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements online database. At the county level, however, some organizations that provide public benefits, such as food or housing assistance, dont have the infrastructure in place to do so and would need to hire new staff or train existing employees to comply with the acts mandates.

One area in which the proposal might prompt a decrease in spending is public education. Under federal law, Arizona is required to enroll every school-aged child in K-12 schools, regardless of an aspiring students citizenship status. The bulk of the funding for public schools comes from the state general fund and how much schools receive is dependent on enrollment rates. If the proposal succeeds in driving away immigrant families, that could lead to a reduced use of state general fund monies.

But, the report notes, a decrease in undocumented Arizonans would also mean a reduction in state and local tax collections. Sales tax revenues would see the greatest impact, and income tax collections, to a lesser degree, would also decrease.

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The post Budget committee confirms GOP border resolution will cost the state money appeared first on Arizona Mirror.
DENVER (KDVR)  Crews were battling a structure fire at an Arvada storage facility that produced heavy smoke over Interstate 70 and injured two firefighters.

On Tuesday at around 6:15 a.m., the Arvada Fire Department was called to the structure fire near I-70 and Carr Street.

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SkyFOX flew over the scene where heavy white smoke was seeping out of the storage facility. Flames could be seen coming out of the roof of one unit.

Flames coming out of a structure fire in Arvada (KDVR)

Firefighters are battling a structure fire in Arvada. (KDVR)

Smoke from a structure fire is moving over I-70 in Arvada (CDOT)

Fire crews said they used a defensive strategy to fight the fire. Arvada Fire was being assisted by Fairmount Fire Department, West Metro Fire Department and Arvada police. More than 40 firefighters were called to the scene.

The smoke was fanning over I-70 and caused visibility problems. Arvada Fire was asking drivers to prepare for a longer commute or consider taking an alternate route.

FOX31s Alliyah Sims was on scene and said two firefighters had minor injuries. At this time it is unclear what kind of injuries they sustained and what department they were from.

Arvada Fire Deputy Chief Matt Osier said there was a total of 78 units in the storage building and most of them were impacted or damaged.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, Osier said firefighters will be on scene through the night as the wind continues to be a problem.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
One Dalton, the ultra-luxury tower when it was under construction in the Back Bay. (Photo by Bruce Mohl/CommonWealth Beacon)

BOSTON  Housing advocates want real estate transfer tax. Gov. Maura Healey wants a bill.

House Democrats yesterday released their take on Healeys housing bond bill  the Affordable Homes Act  with more spending pledged but a key policy sliced out from the middle. Healeys pitch for allowing a transfer tax on high-end home sales, championed by Boston and high-cost communities like Nantucket, was not included in the redrafted legislation, setting up a potential dispute if the generally more progressive Senate has an appetite for it.

Asked Monday if shes willing to sign a bill without the transfer tax, Healey said she was very glad to see a bill come out from the House, and we look forward to seeing what the Senate does. Im going to continue to stay in close touch with the Legislature on all of this. We know how important housing is. I hope at the end of the day we get the very best law in place that will do what were trying to do, which is to increase production.

The local-option transfer tax would let communities add a levy of up to 2 percent on the share of any real estate sale above $1 million, or the countys median home sales price, whichever is greater.

House Speaker Ron Mariano, a Quincy Democrat, earlier this spring, in a talk with business leaders, expressed some openness to the transfer tax, saying if you believe that the issue of housing affordability is a genuine crisis, then we must explore all options that have the potential to make a real difference.

But he also waved a cautionary flag that he might not have the votes in the House for such a levy. On Monday, he told reporters the measure was not as universally appealing as I thought it might be among representatives.

Its so inequitable. Youd raise a ton of money in Nantucket and youd raise next to nothing in Lawrence, Mariano said. Its hard to have an effective housing policy that is going to spur development when theres that much of a difference.

Real estate groups had chafed against the proposed fee structure  particularly the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, whose political action committee in April has its highest spending month in two years, shelling out $4,429 largely on donations to lawmakers.

Greg Vasil, CEO of the organization, said in a statement that the group is thrilled to see the House bill include provisions like as-of-right accessory dwelling units while cutting out the transfer tax.

No one disagrees that Massachusetts needs housing and needs it now, he said. But increasing taxes on a smaller, targeted segment of individuals, as well as struggling businesses, is a misguided approach  especially when it is clear that this tax does not move the needle on production across the Commonwealth.

But a new University of Massachusetts Amherst/WCVB poll dropped the same day as Marianos housing proposal, showing broad support for an array of housing reforms, including the transfer tax.

It's so inequitable. You'd raise a ton of money in Nantucket and you'd raise next to nothing in Lawrence. It's hard to have an effective housing policy that is going to spur development when there's that much of a difference.

 Massachusetts House Speaker Ron Mariano, a Quincy Democrat

Asked about allowing cities and towns to tax real estate transactions above $1 million to help raise funds for local affordable housing, 62 percent of respondents said they supported the idea either strongly or somewhat  though more supported allowing housing solutions like local rent control options and offering tax breaks to developers to convert empty office buildings into housing.

Jonathan Cohn, policy director of Progressive Massachusetts, cited the poll in critiquing the Houses proposed bond bill. He said axing the transfer tax option was taking tools off the table.

Lets be clear: members of House leadership are being dishonest when they claim that they oppose a local option real estate transfer fee because it is a piecemeal solution that doesnt help every city and town, Cohn wrote in a statement. Such concerns were nowhere to be found during the budget process, when those very same representatives had no problem stuffing the budget full of outsized perks for their own districts.

Boston is now on its third attempt to get a transfer tax through the Legislature, Mayor Michelle Wu said Monday. The Wu administration was encouraged by early reports that Mariano was open to the pitch, but the mayor re-emphasized her resolve after the proposed housing bill dropped the tax.

Sometimes there are other factors and other contexts that can complicate this particular situation but we believe this is the right thing to preserve affordable housing and to be able to address our housing crisis, she said. It is the number one challenge that is going to strangle our economy and is pushing residents out of the city. And as federal dollars are starting to phase out from pandemic recovery, we need to find a reliable source of funding in order to continue those efforts.

Doug Howgate, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the group will be evaluating the array of proposed incentives to spur housing statewide. Its really always about looking at that constellation of different policies that speak to this goal of how do we make sure were making it easier to produce housing, both on the financial side but also on the regulatory, legal, and zoning side?

Though the $6.2 billion redrafted bond bill is set for debate on Wednesday, representatives rarely see an advantage to picking fights with House leadership during open floor debate. The small cohort of lefty legislators occasionally pushes for floor debate to rail against proposals shut down during closed door sessions.

The Senate is still a wild card in the discussion. Sen. Lydia Edwards of East Boston, who co-chairs the Joint Committee on Housing, said the House removing the transfer tax is all part of the conversation we have here. Its not over until its over, is what I can say. Theyre coming up with their solution and well come up with ours.

She said there was no firm timeline for the Senates version of the bill.

Senate President Spilka is keeping her cards close. Her office said in a statement that housing is one of the most important issues facing Massachusetts, and the Senate President is committed to taking action to make living in Massachusetts more affordable for every resident. The Senate will review the bill once it is passed by the House, and looks forward to proposing its own version.

When asked about whether the bar for a transfer fee  houses sold for over $1 million  was too low, Spilka told WCVB this month that that will be a big discussion and debate among the senators, but the issue hadnt yet fully been aired out.

Gintautas Dumcius contributed to this report.

This article first appeared on CommonWealth Beacon and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

The post Business groups cheer, progressives knock as Mass. House axes transfer fees on high-end home sales appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
Before he broke down in tears on the witness stand in the civil fraud case brought against the Trump Organization, corporate controller Jeffrey McConney, overcome by how very proud he was of his work at the company, signed an agreement that netted him a $500,000 severance payment.

His colleague Allen Weisselberg, the Trump Organizations former chief financial officer, did a lot better. Before he checked into Rikers Island, where he was sentenced to a five-month stint for lying under oath, the loyal accountant got a severance payout of $2 million; in exchange, the 76-year-old explicitly promised that he would never criticize the company and its owner, Donald Trump, or voluntarily provide information to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with law enforcement.

As ProPublica reported Monday, McConney and Weisselberg are just two of the people who testified in trials involving the former president and who happened to also receive big raises or other payouts from Trump's campaign and company. Others included a campaign aide whose salary doubled to more than $53,000  per month  and another who got a 20 percent raise, herself, in addition to her daughter landing a $222,000 gig on the Trump campaign.

If youre not outraged, you should be, commented Katie Phang, a legal analyst with MSNBC who says the payments suggest that testimony favorable to Trump is being rewarded, if not purchased. Is this bad? Cause it seems bad, chipped in George Conway, a conservative attorney and Trump critic.

It could all be a coincidence. In 2024, however, there is a record that one can review.

Take Paul Manafort, Trumps 2016 campaign manager who handed over internal polling to an agent of Russian intelligence: After he was indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller, Manafort assured a colleague that he would be fine, saying he had spoken to Trumps personal attorney and was told that Trump and company are going to take care of us. Manafort, who refused to cooperate with investigators, later received a pardon.

A former Trump White House aide, Cassidy Hutchinson, did cooperate with those investigating the January 6 insurrection. But as she was preparing to tell investigators what she know about the attack on the U.S. Capitol, she received a message claiming that her old boss, ex-Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows, knows youre loyal, and youre going to do the right thing when you go in for your deposition.

Timothy Heaphy, an attorney who worked as chief investigative counsel for the January 6 committee, does not believe in coincidences. Even though Trump has never been charged with witness tampering, Heaphy argued that does not mean its not happening.

In these cases you never have direct evidence of the sort of attempt to corruptly influence testimony  you dont need it, because the power of the person providing the benefit is such that its clear what the intent is, Heaphy said on MSNBC. The mob boss doesnt say, Hey, if you dont do this, Im going to kill you. But its clear, right? Because of the power imbalance and the provision of the benefit that engenders loyalty.

It is also hard to prove, or at least no prosecutors have been confident enough to charge Trump over. MSNBC anchor Nicolle Wallace argued that reflected timidity, not the facts, and has contributed to the apparent pattern identified by ProPublica.

Theres a consequence to never holding Trump accountable, she said. If someones going to keep doing this thing over and over again, the system has failed.

Trump and his acolytes, as ever, insist that the former president has done nothing wrong. A campaign official told ProPublica that the money flowing to the nine witnesses was a product of business as usual: standard raises for performance or, for example, lawyers working more hours on Trumps cases (one attorney, Jennifer Little, received $1.3 million from a Trump PAC after providing favorable testimony before a Georgia grand jury).

But former assistant U.S. attorney Richard Signorelli doesnt believe any innocent explanation.

Buying off witnesses constitutes alleged obstruction of justice, he posted on social media. But he doesnt blame Trump alone. The former president wouldnt get anywhere close to destroying us without his many craven enablers, Signorelli wrote, including lawyers unfortunately.
A man from Riverside who served as an airman of the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II and died a prisoner of the Japanese has been officially accounted for, according to a military release.

Pfc. Charles R. Powers was captured following the American surrender of the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines on April 9, 1942.

He was one of the thousands of U.S. and Filipino troops who were subjected to the torturous and brutal 65-mile Bataan Death March  the forced transfer of prisoners of war to Japanese prison camps in the Philippines.

Historical records showed that Powers, who was only 18 at the time, died on July 18, 1942, at the Cabanatuan POW camp, the same site where more than 2,500 prisoners died during the war. He was buried in a common grave alongside other unidentified servicemen.

After the war, the American Graves Registration Service exhumed the bodies buried at the camp cemetery and relocated the remains to a temporary U.S. military mausoleum near Manila. Attempts were made to identify those buried in the graves, but some, including Powers, were declared unidentifiable and were buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

But in January 2018, remains from the common grave where Powers was buried were disinterred and sent to a laboratory ran by the Defense Departments POW/MIA Accounting Agency for further analysis.

Using dental and anthropological analysis, as well as DNA technology, scientists were able to successfully identify one of the sets of remains as Powers.

Private First Class Powers entered the U.S. Army Air Forces from California and served with the 28th Materials Squadron, 20th Air Base Group in the Philippines during World War II. His remains were officially identified in May 2023. (DPAA)

Private First Class Powers entered the U.S. Army Air Forces from California and served with the 28th Materials Squadron, 20th Air Base Group in the Philippines during World War II. His remains were officially identified in May 2023. (DPAA)

Private First Class Powers entered the U.S. Army Air Forces from California and served with the 28th Materials Squadron, 20th Air Base Group in the Philippines during World War II. His remains were officially identified in May 2023. (DPAA)

Private First Class Powers entered the U.S. Army Air Forces from California and served with the 28th Materials Squadron, 20th Air Base Group in the Philippines during World War II. His remains were officially identified in May 2023. (DPAA)

He was officially accounted for in May 2023, but it wasnt until recently that his surviving family members received a full briefing regarding his status.

Powers was a member of 28th Materiel Squadron, 20th Air Base Group. Officials say he will receive a military burial in his hometown in Riverside on July 18, 2024, 82 years after his recorded death.

A rosette will be placed next to his name at his former resting place in Manila to symbolize that hes been identified and accounted for.

For family and funeral information, you can contact the Army Casualty Office at 800-892-2490.

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Rep. Vince Fong (R-Calif.) was sworn into the House on Monday, filling the seat of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) for the remainder of the term.

Fong won a special election in Californias 20th Congressional District last month against Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, handing the House GOP a two-vote margin over Democrats as Republicans attempt to keep their razor-thin majority in the chamber.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) administered the oath of office to Fong on the House floor during Monday nights vote series. Members of the California delegation gathered around him.

Im truly honored, humbled and grateful to be given this opportunity by the voters to serve and be a strong voice for our region, Fong said, later thanking his family, some of whom were in the gallery for the swearing in.

Fong thanked McCarthy, whom he said worked tirelessly for decades for the constituents of the Central Valley of California. Lawmakers on the House floor stood and clapped at the mention of the former Speaker.

I know that our concerns are very familiar with the current concerns that all of you have heard, we must do more to find solutions and deliver results, Fong said, listing off his policy priorities including the U.S. southern border, rising costs, infrastructure, water and energy resources and job opportunities.

He will fill McCarthys seat for the rest of his term, which runs through January, though he will vie for a full two-year term in Novembers election.

Fong will face up against Boudreaux again in the fall after they both advanced from a regularly scheduled primary earlier this year. In the March primary for the full-term race, Fong shored up about 42 percent of the vote, while Bordeaux scored about 26 percent, per Decision Desk HQ.

Fong, a mentee and former aide to McCarthy, had served in the California State Assembly since 2016, representing the State Assemblys 32nd District in Bakersfield.

I look forward to serving and working alongside all of you to address our nations challenges and to ensure that the voice of the congressional district and my neighbors [that] have entrusted me are heard every single day in these halls of Congress, Fong said on the House floor. We can tackle these challenges head-on and leave a better and stronger America for future generations.

McCarthy retired from the House earlier this year, just months after he was ousted from the Speakership with less than a year in the top spot. McCarthy endorsed Fong to succeed him in the district, as did former President Trump, who described him as a true Republican.

Californias 20th Congressional District, which covers much of the southern and southeastern part of the states Central Valley, is likely to stay in GOP hands this fall, with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rating the district as solid Republican.

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Four women, at times tightly holding hands, could barely contain their cries of relief as a Sacramento federal judge sentenced a prominent professional climber and guidebook author to life in prison for sexually abusing women and wielding his authority to threaten victims if they came forward.

Charles Barrett, 40, snatched away freedom and ability to pursue happiness  citizens birthright as outlined in the Constitution  for the women because his actions will reverberate through each victims entire life, said one woman, K.G., on Tuesday in downtown Sacramento.

A federal jury found Barrett guilty Feb. 13  called freedom day by K.G.  of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact stemming from incidents in 2016. She said she was raped and sexually assaulted while in Yosemite National Park for a weekend of hiking.

It is time to put a definitive end to Barretts reign of terror, the victim said during her statements in court before sentencing by U.S. District Court Judge John Mendez.

Barrett, when offered the opportunity by Mendez to address the court and his victims, declined to say anything. Bakersfield-based defense attorney David Torres said he plans to appeal the case.

I believe that the life (sentence) was quite harsh under the circumstances ... given the amount of time it took to file the case and bring charges to court, Torres said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Arin Heinz listed alleged sexual assaults beginning in 2008 and ending in 2016 as the four women in court leaned on one another while crying in the packed gallery.

The Sacramento Bee does not identify victims of sexual assault.

K.G. met Barrett at a local swimming hole where he invited her to watch a meteor shower, according to court filings. He brought her to an isolated area, physically forcing her to the ground while raping and choking her, prosecutors said.

He also sexually assaulted her while swimming together in the Tuolumne River and raped her again in a communal shower facility, court papers said.

Three other women also testified about sexual assaults during the trial. Prosecutors did not bring charges for those alleged incidents because they occurred outside the U.S. Attorneys Office jurisdiction, prosecutors said.

This defendant used his renown and physical presence as a rock climber to lure and intimidate victims who were part of the rock-climbing community, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert said in a statement after his conviction. His violent sexual assaults were devastating to the victims, whom he later threatened in the lead-up to trial.

Barrett was also convicted in 2017 for issuing threats against a woman he allegedly assaulted, prosecutors said.

Hennessy, the defense lawyer, told the judge a life sentence was not appropriate because Barrett suffers from a mental health illness. Theres more to Barrett than what was described in the courtroom, he said.

Barretts family and friends sent the judge statements describing a kind man who never made anyone feel unsafe.

But from the bench, Mendez noted the defendant hadnt displayed any remorse or respect for the criminal conduct. In jailhouse phone calls, Barrett described himself as the victim, called K.G. a liar and said the National Park Service engaged in a conspiracy to trap him.

We are grateful for the tireless work of the National Park Service investigative team and the U.S. Attorneys Office to bring this case to justice, said Yosemite National Park Superintendent Cicely Muldoon in a statement. Todays sentencing sends a clear message about the consequences of this criminal behavior. It makes Yosemite a safer place for the climbing community, park visitors and our employees.

Heinz wiped tears from her face as the crying victims hugged each other after the sentencing. One victims bawling tears reverberated through the entire court hallway.

There is no recovering what Charlie (Barrett) did to me, K.G. said.
Guest Opinion. Last Monday, the United States paid tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom. This day resonates deeply with the Navajo people whose citizens heroically served as the renowned Navajo Code Talkers in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

The Code Talkers are remembered for transmitting more than 800 messages in the Navajo language without a single error in battles in the South Pacific. Many of these Code Talkers never returned to their families. They sacrificed their lives to ensure the success of the Manhattan Project and, ultimately, victory in World War II.

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Reflecting on this proud service of the Navajo Nation to our great country, I am reminded of another chapter in our shared history. This chapter left an indelible scar on our land and our people.

From the 1940s to the 1990s, the U.S. government and private companies exploited the Navajo Nation to supply uranium for nuclear weapons and energy, critical to assert America's dominance during the Cold War. The uranium extracted from our lands was pivotal to address the rise of the Soviet Union and communist dictatorships worldwide.

Unfortunately for the Navajo Nation, this contribution came at a devastating cost  some say the highest of the Cold War.

When ownership of the mines transferred from the federal government to private companies in 1971, the U.S. failed to enforce proper safety standards. This negligence left 523 abandoned uranium mines across our land, unregulated until the last one closed in 1990.

Unaware of the deadly dangers of radiation exposure, miners and their families lived amidst toxic hazards. They drank the mine's cool spring water, washed yellowed work clothes, built homes with contaminated rocks and sediment, and let their children play on uranium byproducts and mine debris.

Despite the U.S. government's awareness of these risks, Navajo people werent told and did not even know what radiation was, let alone understand the peril it presented.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren (Photo/Navajo Nation)

The consequences were dire: cancers, miscarriages and mysterious illnesses have plagued our community for decades. This is a direct result of America's race for nuclear hegemony. This so-called accomplishment was built on the suffering and sacrifice of Navajo men, women and children  the real human cost of nuclear weapons development in the United States.

Growing up in Red Mesa, Arizona, a community shadowed by an abandoned uranium mine, I witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking and enduring consequences of uranium mining on my people. Despite the passage of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) in 1990, justice remains elusive for Navajo families who continue to suffer from the devastating health and environmental effects. While RECA has provided life-saving healthcare for some uranium miners, its limited scope has left many without recourse or compensation.

By todays reckoning, the list of diseases covered by RECA is woefully incomplete. The 1990-era law excludes conditions like renal cancer, nephritis and kidney tubal tissue injury due to insufficient scientific data linking them to radiation exposure. Moreover, RECA excludes Navajo miners employed after 1971, despite the unchanged nature of their work and the dangers they faced.

Right now  today  Congress stands at the brink of correcting this grave injustice. Approving a RECA expansion  rather than an empty extension  would finally bring justice and hope to the Navajo families that grapple with the aftermath of the arms race.

Senate Bill 3853 has already passed the Senate with a bipartisan 69-30 vote. President Biden has committed to sign it into law. My administration has worked tirelessly with the House of Representatives, and I am confident it has majority support to pass. Yet, House leadership continues to play politics with my people's lives. Speaker Johnson's recent remarks underscore this which note the bill's support from only 20 of 49 Republicans in the Senate.

In these polarized times, one might wonder what could compel 20 Senators to cross the aisle. Perhaps it was the story of Leslie Begay, a Marine veteran and uranium miner, whose advanced lung disease necessitated a double transplant and a lifetime reliance on oxygen canisters.

Or maybe it was the story of Lena Dick Cason, whose father unknowingly brought home contaminated water from the mines and died of lung disease at age 43. Soon after, Ms. Cason herself battled stomach cancer and a brain tumor.

These human beings are not mere statistics or partisan symbols. They are everyday American patriots who served the United States with honor. Their only thank-you for years of patriotic service has been death, disease and decades of advocacy to recognize their sacrifice.

It is time to put people over party and bring RECA to a vote now. Let us show the country that justice and humanity transcend political divides. The Navajo Nation has given so much.

It is time for America to give back.

Dr. Buu Nygren is the president of the Navajo Nation.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
Angela Rembert of Canton calls for police reform during Monday's Canton City Council meeting. Rembert's cousin, Frank Tyson, died in April while in Canton police custody.

CANTON  Calls for city leaders to change the way the Police Department treats residents intensified Monday, following videos showing a police dog attacking a city resident last week and the departments recent arrest of a protester.

Nine people spoke during the City Council meeting to ask leaders to hold police officers accountable for their mistreatment of residents. Several others in attendance clapped and snapped their fingers in support. Speakers have been calling for police reform at the weekly council meetings since April.

The speakers on Monday cited the deaths of James Williams, who was fatally shot by a city officer in 2022 as Williams was shooting a gun into the air to celebrate the New Year; Zachary Fornash, who was fatally shot by a city officer in December 2023; and Frank Tyson of Canton Township, who died April 18 while lying face down in handcuffs in Canton police custody. They also questioned why an officer last Thursday used his police dog to bite a man who already was lying on his stomach with his hands crossed behind his back, and why officers arrested activist Sierra Mason during a protest on May 25.

Were tired, said Charla Green, who said she saw the video of the police dog attack while in South Carolina. Im tired of seeing it. . What are you doing about this situation? Because we put you in office. The sad part is that Ive got to pay taxes for (police officers) salary and people are mistreated.

Seeking Canton police reform: 'We need to be visible.' National Action Network opening chapter to serve Stark, Summit

Green, who started a business in April helping people with special needs, also described her interaction with Canton police when she called them to help a client who had suicidal thoughts.

He needs training, Green said of the responding officer. He treated me like I was a criminal  and this (was at) a business.

Justin Nicely of Massillon, right, speaks during Monday's Canton Council meeting while his son holds a sign with photos of people who were killed by police or have died in local police custody.

Justin Nicely of Massillon asked his son to hold a sign that read Are you done yet? while he spoke to council. The sign also contained photos of people who've been killed by Canton police or died in police custody.

I want you to burn these images into your minds and keep them there for a long ass time, said Nicely who has created a Facebook page and YouTube channel called Canton Hall of Shame."  You guys could have done something a long time before any lives were lost.

He called for everyones resignation.

Why was Canton activist Sierra Mason arrested?

Canton police arrested Mason on May 25 on a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct while she led a protest in downtown Canton to commemorate the four-year anniversary of George Floyds murder in Minnesota and to call for justice for Tyson.

According to the police complaint filed in court, Mason was standing in an intersection blocking traffic and refused to obey officers who had given her a warning.

Tysons cousin Angela Rembert, who had been at the protest, defended Mason and asked council to drop the charges against her, eliminate the court costs and levy any reasonable consequences against the arresting officer.

It was calm that entire time, said Rembert, who lives in Canton. When officers arrived stating that we needed to move, Sierra Mason asked the arresting officer to give her 2 minutes  120 seconds  to have everyone moved. Upon everyone disbursing, she was put in handcuffs and taken to jail.

Rembert believes Masons arrest was retaliatory police harassment and intimidation and a violation of Masons free-speech rights.

Mason, who has pleaded not guilty, said the targeting and detaining of protesters undermines the fabric of society. She questioned whether there could be enough reform or training for the Canton Police Department or if it needed to be abolished.

There is a problem here in Canton, a problem that cannot be ignored or brushed aside, she said.  We cannot stand idly while injustice runs rampant through our streets. We demand accountability, we demand reform and we demand justice for every single one of our citizens who have been terrorized by our police department.

Masons next court hearing is today in Canton Municipal Court before Judge Richard Kubilus.

Council members did not immediately respond to Mondays speakers.

Reach Canton Repository staff writer Kelli Weir at 330-580-8339 or kelli.weir@cantonrep.com.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton residents ask council to reform Canton City Police Department
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  A Dothan Police Officer was injured in a one-vehicle crash while responding to a call Tuesday morning.

According to Dothan Police, the officer was en route to the 1100 block of South Bell Street after receiving a report of a burglary in progress when the patrol cruiser crashed head-first into a utility pole at the intersection of West Main Street and Montana Street.

Police say the cruiser was totaled, and the officer sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The utility pole was severely damaged, and the intersection was closed for several hours. Traffic was diverted to Pettus Street and Edgewood Drive, between the McDonalds and Jacks.

Emergency responses are inherently dangerous but necessary during the course of an officers tour of duty. The balance between catching a criminal and injuring an innocent person or ourselves is something we take very seriously, said Dothan Police Lt. Scott Owens. We would like to thank our fire personnel, ambulance personnel, hospital staff, nurses, and doctors who treated our officer and the electrical workers who responded to quickly repair the damage.

Stay with WDHN for updates.

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During the Baku Energy Week, Kristina Lobillo Borrero, Director of the European Commission's Directorate General for Energy, emphasized the European Union's unwavering backing for Azerbaijan in organizing COP29, Azernews reports.

She highlighted the significance of hosting COP29, citing its potential to bolster energy security, attract investment in renewable energy, fortify industrial bases, facilitate fair energy transitions and markets, and ultimately steer economies towards achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Borrero assured Azerbaijan of the EU's complete support in ensuring the success of COP29.

Borrero underscored two pivotal initiatives in renewable energy. Firstly, she highlighted the partnership between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary aimed at developing a "green" energy corridor, noting the interest expressed by other nations in joining this endeavor. She emphasized the benefits of an inclusive approach, advocating for increased infrastructure development and market integration at the regional level.

Secondly, she mentioned the agreement between the Renewable Energy Agency of Serbia and the European Wind Energy Federation within Europe for the development of offshore wind energy in the Caspian Sea. Borrero expressed optimism about the potential of this initiative, citing the unique blend of potentials and ambitions among participating parties.

In conclusion, Borrero affirmed the EU's strong commitment to supporting Azerbaijan and its partners in harnessing renewable energy resources and realizing the region's sustainable energy ambitions.
On Monday, June 3, 124 combat engagements between the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Russian occupation forces took place in all sectors of the frontline. The situation in some parts of the front remains tense but under control. The situation is most difficult in the Siverskyi sector, with fighting also continuing in the Kupianske, Kharkiv and Pokrovske sectors.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is stated in the report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 23:00. It noted that our Defense Forces are countering numerous attempts by Russian invaders to attack and advance deep into our territory, and are inflicting effective fire damage on them, depleting the enemy along the entire front line.

"Missile troops and artillery of the Defense Forces hit five areas of concentration of enemy personnel, four air defense systems and one artillery system during the day," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the enemy did not stop terrorizing the civilian population of Ukraine with shelling. The invaders launched two missile strikes on the territory of our country using six missiles and 37 air strikes using 51 UAVs, and used 359 kamikaze drones. In addition, the invaders fired more than 2,100 times at the positions of our troops and populated areas using various types of weapons.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Kharkiv sector , the enemy attacked Ukrainian positions six times near Lyptsi and Vovchansk. Five attacks were repelled, and one battle is ongoing near Vovchansk. Russian invaders are not successful, the situation is under control.

In the Kupyansk sector, the situation has not changed significantly, with tension remaining in the areas of Berestove and Stelmakhivka, where two firefights are currently taking place. The enemy's intentions to advance towards Sinkivka, Nevske and Terny failed. The situation is under control of the Defense Forces.

According to preliminary information, the enemy lost 61 people in this area over the last day. Two vehicles were destroyed, a tank, two artillery systems and one air defense system were damaged.

ADVERTISIMENT

The Siversk sector remains one of the most tense. Since the beginning of the day, Russian occupants have made 24 attempts to break into the combat formations of our units in the areas of Bilohorivka, Rozdolivka, Ivan-Daryivka, Verkhnekamianske and Vyymka. 15 attacks have already been repelled by our defenders, and nine combat engagements are still ongoing. Defense forces are taking measures to stabilize the situation.

Within the last day, the enemy lost 91 occupants in killed and wounded. Our troops also destroyed two tanks, an armored combat vehicle, an artillery system and two electronic warfare systems.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Kramatorsk sector, since the beginning of the day, Russian proxies have attacked our positions five times in the areas of Kalynivka, Ivanivske and Klishchiyivka. The situation is tense. The defense forces are taking measures to stabilize the situation in this area.

In the Pokrovsk sector, Russian invaders attacked our positions 35 times in the areas of Zelene Pole, Novooleksandrivka, Novopokrovsk, Novoselivka Persha, Kalynove, Netaylove and Nevelske. Our defenders repelled 26 attacks. The situation remains tense near Novooleksandrivka and Novoselivka Persha, where nine firefights are still ongoing. Our defenders are holding back the enemy.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Kurakhove sector, the enemy made 10 attempts to approach our positions in the areas of Krasnohorivka, Paraskoviivka and Vodiane, all of which were unsuccessful.

In the Orikhiv sector, the situation has not changed significantly, the battle in the area of Mala Tokmachka continues. No positions were lost, the situation is under control of our troops.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Prydniprovsky sector, Russian occupants continue to try to push our defenders back from Krynky. Three enemy assaults failed.

"In other areas, the situation has not changed significantly," the General Staff noted.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, as of 19:00 yesterday, 102 attacks by Russian occupants on the positions of Ukrainian troops along the entire front line took place. Our defenders continued to fight intense battles with the invaders.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
CARTHAGE, Mo.  A Carthage man will go to prison in connection to a domestic assault case.

Monday, Judge David Mouton sentenced Joshua Buzzard, 24, to five years in prison for domestic assault and four years in prison for resisting arrest. Those sentences will run concurrently.

Buzzard pleaded guilty to the charges back in April. Theyre from an incident in September 2023 when a woman told deputies she had been assaulted and held against her will overnight.

Deputies said when they went to arrest Buzzard he lead them on a pursuit for several miles before they were able to arrest him.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Clark County School District Trustee Katie Williams fired back to allegations made by other trustees that she no longer lives in Clark County as required by law.

This comes after trustees, concerned about Williams frequent physical absences from school board meetings, formally requested Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson to investigate the matter. Wolfson has the authority to remove Williams from the seat.

Where is Clark County School District Trustee Katie Williams?

Williams, who represents District B, is required by law to live in the district she represents. District B is in the northern part of the Las Vegas valley and includes the northwest and Nellis Air Force Base.

School board trustee Katie Williams released the following statement.

As a single working mother and citizen-Soldier, my schedule has certainly become difficult. Even while traveling for work, I make sure to continue to attend meetings and represent the best interests of the voters. The unelected appointees who are spearheading this political stunt are out of line; Im putting them on notice now. I am not going anywhere, and I will finish the job that an overwhelming majority of District B voters sent me to do. Katie Williams, CCSD school board trustee

Williams social media posts have indicated she lives in Nebraska. When asked about this in May, Williams told 8 News Now in a text, I work remotely for a company in Utah, Nebraska, and California and travel between the three.

Sources confirmed to 8 News Now the following trustees signed on to the letter requesting District Attorney Steve Wolfson investigate Williams residency: Brenda Zamora, Linda Cavazos, Ramona Esparza-Stoffregan, Dane Watson, and Lisa Satory.

The last three are non-voting, appointed members.

Clark County Education Association Executive Director John Vellardita said this inquiry calls into question Williamss votes on key issues, which she did remotely.

If its proven, she wasnt a resident in her district to be a responsible trustee to do these votes, those votes should be abdicated, Vellardita said.

He also criticized CCSD Board President Evelyn Garcia Morales for not taking action sooner.

We believe she has a responsibility to look into this matter, otherwise shes complicit with Williams, particularly if its proven Williams is no longer a bona fide resident here, Vellardita said.

On May 21, Garcia Morales participated in a candidate forum with a Facebook CCSD parent group, where she was asked if shed investigate Williams.

Sure absolutely, of course, Garcia Morales said.

The Clark County District Attorneys office confirmed to 8 News Now it did receive the letter from the board of trustees.

If its determined Williams no longer lives in her district, all her previous votes including, approving CCSDs budget and buying out former superintendent Dr. Jesus Jaras contract, could be called into question.

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COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France  World War II veterans from the United States, Britain and Canada are in Normandy this week to mark 80 years since the D-Day landings that helped lead to Hitlers defeat.

Few witnesses remain who remember the Allied assault. The Associated Press is speaking to veterans about their role in freeing Europe from the Nazis and their messages for younger generations.

Last WWII vets converge on Omaha Beach for D-Day and fallen friends

Papa Jake

I am the luckiest man in the world, D-Day veteran Jake Larson, a 101-year-old American best known on social media under the name Papa Jake, said as he arrived in Normandy this week. Papa Jake has more than 800,000 followers on TikTok.

Born in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson enlisted in the National Guard in 1938, lying about his age as he was only 15.

In 1941, his guard unit was transferred into federal service and he officially joined the Army. In January 1942, he was sent overseas and assembled the planning books for Operation Overlord.

He landed on Omaha Beach in 1944, where he ran under machine-gun fire and made it to the cliffs without being wounded.

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.

Im lucky to be alive, more than lucky. I had planned D-Day. And everybody else that was in there with me is gone, said Larson, who now lives in Lafayette, California.

Here I am 101, without an ache or a pain in my body. How is that possible? Somebody up there likes me, he said, pointing to the sky.

Floyd Blair

Floyd Blair, 103, served as a fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps. On June 6, 1944, he flew in two support missions across Omaha Beach as the Allied invasion began.

I saw one of the saddest things Ive ever seen. The color of the water changed, he recalled Tuesday as he was paying tribute to fallen comrades at the American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer.

Those poor guys on the ground deserve all the credit they can get. The paratroopers, the armored forces, the ground troops. They are the ones, he said.

After D-Day, Blair participated in missions to support and protect Allied troops. His targets included German tanks, troop trains and other threats to the advancing troops and his radio was tied directly into the U.S. tanks on the ground.

Bob Gibson

Im living on borrowed time now, Bob Gibson, 100, enthusiastically said when arriving at the Deauville airport in Normandy. I want to see the beach again.

Gibson was drafted into the Army in 1943 and was sent to Britain. On June 6, 1944, he and his unit landed on Utah Beach in the second wave.

Terrible. Some of the young fellows never ever made it to the beach. It was so bad that we had to run over (them) to get on the beach. Thats how bad it was, he said.

Gibson drove an M4 tractor with guns, engaging the enemy day and night. He continued to serve through Normandy and headed to Germany.

You wake up at night every once in a while, too. It seems somebodys shooting at you. But we were glad to do it. That was our job, we had to do it, right?

Gibson, of Hampton, New Jersey, pondered the time thats passed since then, and said this will probably be his last D-Day anniversary in Normandy.

British veteran George Chandler of the Royal Navy served aboard a British motor torpedo boat as part of a flotilla that escorted the U.S. Army assault on Omaha and Utah beaches. (Alastair Grant/AP)

Les Underwood

Les Underwood, 98, a Royal Navy gunner on a merchant ship that was delivering ammunition to the beaches, kept firing to protect the vessel even as he saw soldiers drown under the weight of their equipment after leaving their landing craft.

Ive cried many a time  sat on my own, Underwood said as he visited Southwick House, on the south coast of England, the Allied headquarters in the lead-up to the Battle of Normandy. The event Monday, sponsored by Britains defense ministry, came before many of the veterans travel to France for international ceremonies commemorating D-Day.

I used to get flashbacks. And in those days, there was no treatment. They just said, Your service days are over. We dont need you no more.'

George Chandler

George Chandler, 99, served aboard a British motor torpedo boat as part of a flotilla that escorted the U.S. Army assault on Omaha and Utah beaches. The history books dont capture the horror of the battle, he said.

Let me assure you, what you read in those silly books that have been written about D-Day are absolute crap, Chandler said.

Its a very sad memory because I watched young American Rangers get shot, slaughtered. And they were young. I was 19 at the time. These kids were younger than me.

Bernard Morgan

About 20 British veterans gathered on the deck of the Mont St. Michel ferry bound from England for northern France, as crowds gathered on the deck and along the shoreline to wave and cheer for them on their voyage to D-Day commemorations.

It was more pleasant coming today than it was 80 years ago, chuckled Royal Air Force veteran Bernard Morgan, who worked in communications on D-Day.

Kirka reported from Portsmouth, England.
What is chaff and how did it help the Allies on D-Day?

JOPLIN, Mo.  Its hard to shoot down an enemy plane you cant find. That was the whole idea behind a surprisingly low tech means of neutralizing German radar on D-Day.

When you cant see the plane you dont know where the target is. You dont know where to shoot, you dont know where to fire the missiles. So, it kind of takes the element of surprise and targeting away from the enemy, said Ernie Trumbly, Freedom of Flight Museum curator.

While U.S., Canadian, and British soldiers were landing on the beaches of France during D-Day, bombers with the U.S. Army Air Corps, which would later be called the Air Force, were hitting targets in Germany itself.

But, with chaff, it kind of covered up how many aircraft were coming, where they were going.

While the German Air Force, or Luftwaffe, had already been eliminated as a threat to Allied bombers, there were still ground based German artillery units to contend with, trying to shoot down the lumbering planes.

So, its just a continuing evolution Design-counter.Design-counter

This may look like a handful of tinfoil, which is essentially is, but its military term is chaff. Its what bomber crews dumped out the window to confuse German radar operators.

The waist gunners would reach in, pick it up by the handfuls, and toss it out the window. Very easy.

And Trumbly said its hard to hit what a radar screen cant find.

Then that produces a big cloud, like a fog all the way around the aircraft. Kind of just blinds the operators so they cant see where the aircraft is.

Trumbly said chaff was originally used only in bombers, but by the Vietnam War and to this day, even fighter planes are equipped with this low-tech, but effective counter-measure.

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SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA)  The Champaign County Sheriffs Office is looking for help in identifying the people who burglarized a business in Savoy one week ago.

Officials posted on Facebook that on May 27, deputies responded to 1327 Savoy Plaza Lane for a burglary alarm. When they arrived, they found the front window smashed by a brick and numerous items stolen from the store.

Trio of suspects rob Rantoul business at gunpoint: Crime Stoppers

There were two suspects involved in the crime and both were recorded on store security cameras. The Sheriffs Office posted the following still frames on their Facebook page:

Anyone who can identify the two suspects or who has additional information on this crime is asked to call 217-384-1204. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately.

To remain anonymous, even to law enforcement, tipsters can submit their knowledge to Champaign County Crime Stoppers by calling 217-373-8477. Any tips that leads to an arrest in this case can be rewarded with up to $1,000 in cash.

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A top prosecutor gave notice Monday that her office would drop the criminal charges against a Minnesota state trooper who fatally shot a Black motorist during a traffic stop in Minneapolis last year, saying she did not believe it would be possible to convict the officer at trial.

Trooper Ryan Londregan, 27, was charged in January with second-degree unintentional murder, first-degree assault and second-degree manslaughter in the death of Ricky Cobb II the previous summer. Londregan pleaded not guilty.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty explained in an open letter to the community that Londregans lawyers had recently revealed for the very first time that the trooper was preparing to testify that he feared for his partners life that night, believing that Cobb was reaching for his gun.

Moriarty said that prosecutors and a law enforcement expert had reviewed video evidence of the traffic stop and determined it neither proved nor disproved this claim, which prosecutors would have to debunk beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

We could theoretically prosecute this and just let the jury decide, she said at a Monday press conference. However, we ethically cant do that because we dont believe at this point that we can disprove that affirmative defense.

Londregans lawyers also produced a declaration from his police trainer stating that hed never instructed Londregan to refrain from pulling people out of a moving car, which is what set these events in motion, according to Moriarty.

Londregan, a white officer with less than two years on the job, killed Cobb on July 31 after the motorist was pulled over for driving without working tail lights, authorities previously said. During the stop, troopers including Londregan determined that Cobb was wanted in a neighboring county for suspected violation of a protective order involving a former romantic partner.

Refusing to exit his vehicle, Cobb was fatally shot amid a physical altercation that escalated as Londregan and another officer attempted to force their way into his car and grab him. After being struck in the torso by the bullets, Cobb was able to drive about a quarter of a mile away before his car came to a stop on the highway. He died there, authorities said.

Make no mistake, Ricky Cobb was the victim in this case. Ricky Cobb should be alive today, Moriarty said on Monday.

A former public defender, Moriarty was swept into office in 2022 on the promise that she would work hard to hold law enforcement officers to account for misconduct and brutality. She called the decision to drop the charges against Londregan one of the hardest she has ever had to make.

She explained that her team had met with Cobbs relatives before publicly announcing the move. In a statement, the family said they were disappointed but unsurprised. (A federal lawsuit they filed in April against Londregan and another trooper involved in the incident remains ongoing.)

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 statement read. The people dont believe the excuses and neither do we. One attorney for the family told the Star Tribune that there had been a unique display of cowardice by prosecutors.

Moriarty denied at the press conference that it was a situation of us backing down.

At a rally outside the Hennepin County Government Center on Monday afternoon, Cobbs mother said she had been wrecked by the announcement. They need to take accountability and stand, she added, according to CBS Minnesota.

Londregans lawyers, on the other hand, celebrated the charges being dropped. Its about goddamn time, his attorney said to the Star Tribune. Thats going to be about my only on-the-record comment.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Charges have been filed against a Utah woman for the alleged murder of her roommate, according to an announcement made by Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill on Monday.

Laura Darlene Northrup is being charged with one count of first-degree felony murder and one count of second-degree felony obstructing justice.

PREVIOUS STORY: Woman accused of killing roommate at Sandy housing facility

Northrup is accused of murdering one of her two roommates in the Medically Vulnerable People (MVP) shelter in Sandy, Utah. The facility aims to provide shelter for houseless individuals who are aging or have medical conditions, among other groups.

The D.A.s office said in a press release that previous reports to staff at the shelter indicated a strained relationship between the victim and Northrup. The third roommate told police that the other two would bicker often.

Fire and police officials were dispatched to the MVP shelter on May 26 to assist with an unresponsive individual. When they got to the scene, officials found the deceased roommate hidden underneath her bed, the D.A.s office said.

She had significant blunt force trauma to her head and neck, the D.A.s office said in the release. During the search of the room, police found a metal can of Ensure nutrition powder with blood and hair on the bottom of it.

Officials also found a red substance consistent with blood on the door frame of the room, as well as on the rooms air conditioning unit, according to the D.A.s office.

The MVP shelter is a place for those in a medically compromised state to find safety and solitude, Gill said in the release. This violent act has shaken the community.

In a statement to ABC4.com soon after news broke of the alleged murder, Michelle Flynn, Executive Director of The Road Home, called the events tragic.

We are working closely with law enforcement and other crisis services to support residents and staff, Flynn said.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
The trial of Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, has begun in the United States. He may be imprisoned if found guilty of providing false information.

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Despite the fact that Hunter is not involved in politics, this process could significantly affect his father's presidential campaign, experts say. This is reported by Western media.

54-year-old Gunther is accused of three offenses related to the purchase of a Colt Cobra revolver in 2018.

In his memoirs, he admitted that he was struggling with drug addiction at the time. Prosecutors allege that Biden Jr. knowingly lied on a federal form denying his drug addiction in order to purchase the gun, which is a federal crime. He also affirmed on the form that he was providing truthful information.

In addition, Hunter illegally possessed a firearm for 11 days during his drug addiction. His girlfriend, Hallie Biden, the widow of his brother Beau, found the weapon and threw it in the trash out of fear for Hunter.

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The trial will take place in Wilmington, Delaware, the Bidens' hometown, where Hunter purchased the weapon. The charges were filed by the U.S. Department of Justice under the direction of Special Prosecutor David Weiss, who was appointed last year to oversee the investigation.

Jury selection began on June 3 and could last until Wednesday. The trial itself could take about two weeks. If found guilty, Gunther faces up to 10 years in prison for the most serious offense and could get up to 25 years in total. However, given that he has no prior criminal record and admitted his drug addiction at the time of the purchase, it is likely that the sentence will be significantly less.

It is noteworthy that the trial of Hunter Biden begins just a few days after former US President Donald Trump was found guilty in a criminal case of concealing payments to porn star Stormy Daniels.

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This trial is also unprecedented, as it is the first time in the history of the United States that a child of a sitting president will stand trial.

As OBOZREVATEL reported, earlier Hunter Biden agreed to cooperate with the Department of Justice, which had been investigating the truthfulness of his income information and illegal possession of weapons for a long time. The heir to the 46th head of the White House admitted to violating these provisions of US law on the advice of his lawyer.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber . Don't fall for fakes!
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Service workers at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport are holding Tuesday protests in an attempt to end poverty-level wages.

On Tuesday, workers in Charlotte were joined by airport service workers from every American Airlines hub at a rally to demand the airline use their power to ensure that their airline service providers end what they call low wages and respect workers rights to form a union.

MORE: Charlotte Airport workers strike, hold picket lines as holiday travel ramps up

Protesters were also demanding affordable healthcare and a commitment to ending practices that leave Black, brown, and immigrant workers siloed in poverty-level jobs.

Tuesdays rally comes as over 10,000 airport service workers around the country bargain new contracts with their employers where they reiterate the same demands.

The rally kicks off three days of action to coincide with American Airlines annual shareholder meeting as protesters call out what they call corporate greed and a stubborn commitment to exorbitant CEO pay in the midst of slowing growth and poor business decisions.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The state of Mississippi is issuing a new drivers license design for citizens, featuring cultural and musical imagery as well as the state flag bearing a magnolia flower.

According to a press release issued Monday by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, which regulates licenses in the state, the agency held a May meeting with state officials to unveil the new licenses to Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, State Attorney General Lynn Fitch and MDPS Commissioner Sean Tindell.

"This new design does a great job capturing the special spirit of Mississippi, Reeves said. I hope Mississippians in every corner of our state carry it with pride.

Shown is the new Mississippi driver's license design effect July 1, 2024. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issued a press release announcing the new designs Monday, June 3. (Courtesy of MDPS)

How is the new Mississippi license different from the old one?

Beginning July 1, according to MDPS, the new design will go into effect and people renewing their licenses can obtain the new design.

The design moves the license ID number, birth and license expiration dates from the right to the left of the card. The license also features a grainier background design than the state's current card, a guitar with musical notes coming from it, as well as the state flag. The card also utilizes an outline of the state.

When can people receive licenses with the design?

While the new design takes effect July 1, state residents are not required to replace their IDs until they expire. According to the release, anyone looking to replace their current ID before it expires to have the new design can do that as well.

Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi drivers license new design starting July 1 2024
Police in Chester say a suspect is facing felony charges after a deadly shooting that happened a few weeks ago at Jones Adair Park.

According to the Chester Police Department, 20-year-old Sincere ONeal Streeter is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Police say Streeter is the alleged gunman in a shooting that happened on May 17 at the park on Odom Street.

Chester police said the shooting killed Demarcus Sanders and left a juvenile severely hurt.

CPD didnt say if Streeter is in custody. A search of his name didnt show any current results in the Chester County jail.

Were working on getting more information. Check back for updates.

(WATCH: 2 killed, 2 hurt in shooting at Rock Hill block party)
Child falls out of apartment window in Bedford Heights, rushed to hospital: Police

**Editors Note: Police originally said the incident took place at another apartment complex. That has been updated

BEDFORD HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW)  Police confirm a boy fell out of an apartment building window in Bedford Heights Tuesday.

City shares new details on Giant Eagle stabbing that killed toddler

Emergency responders were called to the scene at Trinity Towers on Rockside Road for reports a child had fell around 1 p.m.

Upon arrival, police learned a boy had fallen from what they believe is the seventh floor.

The boy was rushed to the hospital, but the extent of his injuries were not made clear. Police did not say what led to the fall.

Failed Parma flamingo theft suspects headed to jail

No further information has been released at this time. Check back for updates on this developing story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Chinas Change-6 probe lifts off with samples from moons far side in historic first

Chinas Change-6 lunar probe departed from the far side of the moon on Tuesday, moving a step closer to completing an ambitious mission that underlines the countrys rise as a space superpower.

In a symbolic moment before takeoff, China also reportedly became the first country to display its national flag on the moons far side, which permanently faces away from Earth.

The probe, carrying the first lunar rocks ever collected from the far side of the moon, took off and entered lunar orbit early Tuesday Beijing time, following successful sample collection over the previous two days, according to a statement from the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

Its return journey to Earth is estimated to take about three weeks, with a landing expected in Chinas Inner Mongolia region around June 25.

The successful return of the samples would give China a head start in harnessing the strategic and scientific benefits of expanded lunar exploration  an increasingly competitive field that has contributed to what NASA chief Bill Nelson calls a new space race.

This is the second time China has collected samples from the moon, after the Change-5 brought back rocks from the near side in 2020.

Earlier this year, Nelson appeared to acknowledge Chinas pace  and concerns about its intentions  were driving the American urgency to return to the moon, decades after its Apollo-crewed missions.

A photo posted by CNSA Tuesday and trending on Chinas X-like Weibo platform shows the drilled surface in a shape resembling the Chinese character zhong, or middle in English  the first character in the Chinese word for China.

The Change-6 probe withstood the test of high temperatures and collected the samples by drilling into the moons surface and scooping the soil and rocks up with a mechanical arm, CNSA said.

After collecting the specimens, Change-6 extended a robotic arm to raise the Chinese flag, according to an animation released by CNSA.

The flag, made from the volcanic rock basalt, was designed to resist corrosion and the extreme temperatures on the far side of the moon with an eye on future lunar missions, a Change-6 engineer told state-broadcaster CCTV.

The rock was crushed, melted and drawn into filaments about one third of the diameter of a human hair, then spun into thread and woven into cloth, said engineer Zhou Changyi.

The lunar surface is rich in basalt, Zhou added. Since were building a lunar base in the future, we will most likely have to make basalt into fibers and use it as building materials.

The drilled surface of the moon seen in a photo released by China's lunar mission. - Chang'e 6 lunar rover/Weibo

Historic mission

Change-6 successfully landed on Sunday morning in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the moons oldest impact basin formed some 4 billion years ago. It marked the second time a mission has successfully reached the far side of the moon, after China first completed that historic feat in 2019 with its Change-4 probe.

If all goes as planned, the mission  which began on May 3 and is expected to last 53 days  could be a key milestone in Chinas push to become a dominant space power.

The countrys plans include landing astronauts on the moon by 2030 and building a research base at its south pole, a region believed to contain water ice.

Samples collected by the Change-6 lander could provide key clues into the origin and evolution of the moon, Earth and the solar system, experts say  while the mission itself provides important data and technical practice to advance Chinas lunar ambitions.

The enigmatic lunar far side is so different from the lunar nearside in so many ways, that without returned samples, lunar scientists cant fully understand the moon as an entire planetary body, said James Head, a professor emeritus at Brown University who has collaborated with Chinese scientists leading the mission. Returned samples from Change 6 will permit major strides to be made in solving these problems.

The far side of the moon is out of range of normal communications, which means Change-6 must also rely on a satellite that was launched into lunar orbit in March, the Queqiao-2.

China plans to launch two more missions in the Chang-e series as it nears its 2030 target of sending astronauts to the moon.

Space race

Multiple nations are expanding their lunar programs, with a growing focus on securing access to resources and further deep-space exploration.

Last year, India landed a spacecraft on the moon for the first time, while Russias first lunar landing mission in decades ended in failure when its Luna 25 probe crashed into the moons surface.

In January, Japan became the fifth country to land a spacecraft on the moon, though its Moon Sniper lander faced power issues due to an incorrect landing angle. The following month, IM-1, a NASA-funded mission designed by Texas-based private firm Intuitive Machines, touched down close to the lunar south pole.

That landing  the first by a US-made spacecraft in over five decades  is among several planned commercial missions intended to explore the lunar surface before NASA attempts to return US astronauts there as soon as 2026 and build its scientific base camp.

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China could be useful at Peace Summit, but it is helping Russia  US State Department spokesman

Commenting on China's refusal to participate in the Peace Summit, Matthew Miller, Spokesperson for the US Department of State, has said that the US does not see how China can play a positive role in ending the war, as it is helping Russia restore its defence industry.

Source: Holos Ameryky (Voice of America) with reference to Millers briefing

Quote: "We have always been clear that China could play a useful diplomatic role in helping resolve this conflict if it wanted to. But that said, right now its hard to see how they could play that role given the actions that weve seen China take over recent months to rebuild, reconstitute Russias defence industrial base. So we are going to continue to make clear to China that we object to those actions, that we will hold entities responsible for those actions, and weve heard our Russian  sorry, our European counterparts say the same thing."

Details: Commenting on the Peace Summit, Miller once again stressed that the US supported Ukraine's diplomatic efforts and expected the event to be successful. "We support the peace summit. We want it to be successful, and thats why you see the Vice President of the United States attending that summit. We support Ukraines diplomatic efforts," he said.

When asked whether US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was also planning to attend the summit, Miller said he did not have any information on that yet. "I dont have any scheduling announcements to make with that peace summit. I  you heard the Secretary say a number of times over the past few weeks, you heard us say that we would be well represented at that summit," he added.

Background:

On Friday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland did not meet all the criteria set by Beijing for such events, which is why it was "unlikely" to be represented there.

It is known that China has close ties with Russia and refrains from criticising its invasion of Ukraine. Western governments have repeatedly accused the Chinese government of providing Russia with assistance for the war. Meanwhile, Beijing has offered its assistance in a peaceful settlement.

Zelenskyy has recently called on leaders, including China and the United States, to attend the event.

Beijing responded to accusations made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia and China were trying to weaken the planned Global Peace Summit. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, answering a question about the upcoming Peace Summit in Switzerland in mid-June, said that Beijing has never "fanned fire or fuelled the flames" of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

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WESTMINSTER, Colo. (KDVR)  The future of the Westminster Hills Open Space off-leash dog area will be addressed by the Westminster City Council Monday night.

The 420-acre site had about 750,000 visitors last year and now the city is considering making the space smaller to deal with overuse, but some dog owners are not happy.

New off-leash dog bar and park coming to Denver

Traci Hagie said she goes to the off-leash area every day with her dog for exercise and to improve her mental health.

Its just a beautiful place to exercise, Hagie said. Its upsetting that I would relocate here to live next to this dog park and then have it pulled away. Its my sense of community. I have so many friends here.

City staff members said they want to take steps to preserve the natural landscape and habitat for native species.

By minimizing ecological disturbance, we can promote a healthier and more balanced environment for all wildlife species, said Tomas Herrera-Mishler, director of Westminster Parks, Recreation and Libraries.

These trails can contribute to erosion, damage sensitive ecosystems and disrupt wildlife habitat, Herrera-Mishler said.

Four options will be presented to the city council. One would keep the off-leash area the same size which is 420 acres. Three other options would shrink the size to either 200 acres, 110 acres or 33 acres.

Dog owner Andrew Guthrie does not want the size of the off-leash area reduced.

That will degrade that land completely and not allow us humans to be able to recreate with our dogs, he said.

These trees in Denvers park system can be toxic to pets

Guthrie is with the group Westy Dog Park Guardians. The group is presenting the city council with 50 pages of research and recommendations including their option.

Our goal is to keep 420 acres and our map closes down half of the trails within the 420 acres, Guthrie said.

In a statement, Westminster Communications Director Andy Le said Three of the options would formally create one ofif not the biggestoff-leash areas in the Denver metro area. We have heard from the community, and the proposed options will balance the desire of the community for an off-leash area while protecting the ecology of Westminster Hills Open Space.

The city council will now decide what portion of the land remains off-leash, and which part is designated parkland versus open space.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
On Tuesday, June 4, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy chaired a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff for the first time since his return to Kyiv. The participants discussed the situation on the main frontlines and identified priority areas for the deployment of the expected air defense systems.

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The Head of State announced this on Telegram. According to him, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshyn, and Chief of the General Staff Anatoliy Bargylevych made reports.

The military command also focused on the fight against Russian Orlan, Lancet, and other drones, and the development of Ukraine's own UAV and electronic warfare technologies.

According to Zelenskyy, Bargylevych also reported on the state of training, manning, and equipping brigades and reserves, while the heads of Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv military administrations informed about the further construction of fortifications, protection of important facilities, including power generation, and the current state of electricity supply.

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As a reminder, on June 3, Zelenskyy visited Manila, where he met with Philippine leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr. They discussed the Peace Summit and plans to open a Ukrainian embassy in the island country. The presidents met for the first time in the history of bilateral relations.

On June 2, in Singapore, the Ukrainian leader took part in the Shangri-La Dialogue Asian Security Summit. He said that delegations from 106 countries had already confirmed their intention to attend the meeting in Switzerland.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

 Zelenskyy said that Russia attacked Ukraine almost a thousand times last week. The enemy used various types of missiles, anti-aircraft gunships, and attack drones to strike: there were numerous destructions, deaths, and injuries.

 Because of this, the President believes that partners should lift restrictions on the use of long-range missiles, including ATACMS, in Russia. The country is now facing the threat of a second invasion.

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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The San Angelo City Council approved a resolution to support the end of veteran homelessness during its June 4 meeting.

Neighborhood and Family Services Director Robert Salas took to the podium to give a presentation to the City Council regarding veteran homelessness. He began by sharing that in 2023, homelessness among veterans increased nationwide by over 7%, reaching over 35,000.

According to a statistic Salas quoted from the 2024 Point-In-Time Count, the number of homeless veterans in San Angelo increased from 8 to 12. Salas stated that the Concho Valley Homeless Planning Coalition believes this figure to be closer to 30.

Salas then reminded the City Council of its past efforts to remedy veteran homelessness, including the allocation of $554,000 in American Rescue Plan funding to the San Angelo Public Housing Authority to renovate an apartment complex for homeless veterans. With renovations completed and the complex in operation, Salas stated that the coalition believes an end is in sight for veteran homelessness in town.

Early voting for SAPD police chief runoff election begins

With the project completed and the homeless coalition member organizations offering resources and programs to assist homeless veterans, the coalition believes that we can end veteran homelessness here in San Angelo, Salas said.

Afterward, Salas laid out some of the steps the coalition plans to take to complete this goal. As per Salas, the organization plans to identify all homeless veterans within a 90-day period beginning in July 1. The coalition then intends to offer transitional or permanent housing for all homeless veterans who want it, followed by intense case management.

Thats in order to transition from homelessness to permanent housing and help sustain long-term success for these individuals, Salas said.

Salas then urged the City Council on behalf of the homeless coalition to support the resolution. The City Council unanimously voted in favor of it.

We must remember that freedom is not free and the men and women who have served in the military to keep our nation safe from foreign threats deserve access to affordable housing, Salas said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
Russian forces deployed missiles in a strike on the Kryvyi Rih district (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast) on Tuesday, 4 June, injuring a 69-year-old man.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Another missile strike on [Dnipropetrovsk] Oblast. The Kryvyi Rih district came under enemy attack. A 69-year-old man was injured. He will be treated on an outpatient basis."

Details: The Russian attack damaged a private house. Local authorities are still in the process of finding out about other possible consequences of the attack.

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Claudia Sheinbaum promises to govern for all. Here are the challenges shell face

Claudia Sheinbaum won a landslide victory to become the first female president of Mexico and first Jewish person in the role, adding to the growing list of accolades to the climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City.

But when she formally takes office in October, how will she tackle the biggest challenges facing the country as concerns about its security and the future of its democracy loom large?

Complicating her administrations debut, Sheinbaum will also have to contend with the shadow of her polarizing mentor, the outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, from the same Morena party.

Sundays vote was widely seen as a referendum on Lopez Obradors term. And while his popular social welfare policies have helped push many Mexicans above the poverty line, experts say his security measures have done little to address the expanding reach of organized crime in the country.

In a speech following the election, Sheinbaum promised to govern for all and to be an investor-friendly president.

We know that dissent is part of democracy. And although the majority of the people support our project, our duty is and will always be to look after each and every one of the Mexicans without distinction, she said as she struck a conciliatory tone at the end of the highly partisan race.

So, although 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.

She promised a government without corruption or impunity and guided by republican austerity, financial and fiscal discipline and autonomy of the Bank of Mexico.

A victory for the Morena party

While Sheinbaums victory was widely expected this weekend, the biggest story of last night was that the Morena party looked set to gain supermajorities in both houses of Congress, said Carin Zissis, a Mexico expert, and editor-in-chief of the Americas Society/Councils website.

On Monday morning, the Mexican peso slipped roughly 3% against the US dollar amid rising concern that the ruling party will have a clear path to pass controversial constitutional reforms sought by Lopez Obrador.

The reforms include a range of issues in areas like pensions and the energy sector, but they also include controversial judicial and institutional reforms, which critics say would weaken the separation of powers and see the disappearance of some independent regulatory agencies.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador raises Sheinbaum's hand after she was sworn in as Mexico City's mayor on December 5, 2018. - Alfredo Estrella/AFP/Getty Images

We have to see what happens when she comes into office: There has been a history of Mexican presidents breaking the path of their predecessors, even when their predecessors more or less selected them, Zissis said, adding: Though, [Sheinbaum] has pledged throughout her campaign to continue his legacy.

Lopez Obrador has pushed back on suggestions that he would be giving Sheinbaum cues, saying on Monday that he would not influence his protege. Sheinbaum is now the one empowered to make all the decisions, he said.

One of Sheinbaums biographers, journalist Jorge Zepeda, has speculated that, once in office, Sheinbaum will 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.

Gang violence and security

Violence has dominated this years election, with dozens of candidates murdered in the run-up to the vote and gangs trying to influence who was coming to power.

Sheinbaum inherits a tragic epidemic of unsolved disappearances in the country: More than 100,000 Mexicans and migrants have disappeared, with no explanation of their fate for families. According to the think tank Mexico Evalua, around 95% of all crimes nationwide went unsolved in the country in 2022.

Mexico also remains a dangerous place to be a woman and is sadly, known for high levels of femicide gender-based violence where the number of disappeared women has gone up and up year to year, Stephanie Brewer, Mexico Director at the Washington Office for Latin America (WOLA), told CNN.

Mexican Army and National Guard members take part in "Operation Juarez," aimed at reducing violence in Ciudad Juarez, on February 17, 2024. - Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters

With security at the top of voters concerns, Sheinbaum has pointed to her record as Mexico City mayor, with her team crediting her for improvements to the polices pay, working conditions and intelligence-gathering capabilities  although there is some debate as to how much impact these measures had on bringing down the crime rate, experts said.

But will Sheinbaums tactics as mayor of Mexico City be replicable at the federal level and in Mexicos 31 states, home to more than 126 million people? She will have to tackle a landscape where criminal groups have expanded their reach.

An hour away from Mexico City, in the state of Morelos, Will Freeman, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said he was told that organized criminal groups had their own political candidates in the town of Cuautla who could rely on armed wings to intimidate other people.

Gangs in the country have also diversified to sectors beyond the illicit manufacture of drugs. Theyre doing illegal logging, illegal mining. Theyre taking control of the water supply, which is increasingly scarce, Freeman said.

Lopez Obradors term saw the expansion of the militarization of public security to tackle crime, a two-decades-long approach that has coincided with historically high levels of homicides.

A May report by the Crisis Group found official corruption and collusion was hampering effective law enforcement. (CNN has yet to receive comment from Mexican Secretary of Defense and the presidents office over the findings.)

Sheinbaum has largely remained coy about her security programs, but has said that at the national level we can advance even more in terms of security, she said in a tweet on X, which listed out her security strategy that included the consolidation of the National Guard, strengthened intelligence and research, and better coordination between the police, state prosecutors offices and the attorney generals office.

Where Washington and Mexico City meet

Sheinbaum has previously signaled the importance of the US-Mexico relationship, especially around trade. With the United States there will be a relationship of friendship, respect, mutual respect and equality as it has been until now, and we will always defend the Mexicans who are on the other side of the border, she said late on Sunday, local time.

But analysts note there will probably be differences between US and Mexico when it comes to foreign policy. Sheinbaum is from the ideological and political left, and I think she will be as friendly as Lopez Obrador towards Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua [and] will not probably take the geopolitical positions the US would hope for over Gaza and Ukraine, Freeman said.

Migrants line up to be transferred by US Border Patrol after having crossed the Bravo River in El Paso, Texas, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua State, Mexico, on April 18, 2024. - Herika Martinez/AFP/Getty Images

Lopez Obrador has angered advocates on both sides of the Israel and Gaza conflict. Mexico has ruled out breaking diplomatic relations with Israel, in contrast to some of its Latin American counterparts, but it has also sought to join South Africas genocide case against Israel.

Sheinbaum condemned the violence following Hamas October 7 attack on Israel and has previously called for a Palestinian state.

In a 2009 letter to the editor of a Mexican newspaper, Sheinbaum wrote that many of her relatives from her grandparents generation were exterminated in the concentration camps. She added that because of my Jewish origin, because of my love for Mexico and because I feel like a citizen of the world, I share with millions the desire for justice, equality, fraternity and peace, and therefore, I can only see with horror the images of the state bombings, referring to an Israeli bombing campaign of Gaza that year.

No reason justifies the murder of Palestinian civilians, she wrote in La Jornada.

A partner to the US on migration?

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 candidates President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump  both of whom have relied heavily on Mexico to step up immigration enforcement and help stem the flow of migration to the US southern border.

While migration across the countries 1,933 miles long border is a shared concern, migration is not a major issue among Mexican voters, Zissis said.

Still, under Lopez Obrador, the Mexican government has accepted US deportations of tens of thousands of non-Mexican citizens under a 2023 Biden administration rule. Lopez Obradors administration also stepped up efforts to block the path of migrants heading to the US by transporting large numbers of people from the north of Mexico to the south.

But while Mexicos policies may have become a major factor in reducing some migrant crossing at the United States southern border, Brewer said it is not a sustainable model for anyone  especially not for migrants who are often targeted for violence in Mexico.

Will Sheinbaum keep up Mexicos assistance to US immigration policy? The transition of power is likely now raising uncertainty in the minds of some Biden officials about what could change with its key partner at the border.

CNN en Espanol Mau Torres and Ivonne Valdes contributed reporting.

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I cleaned wound from Russian bomb with cologne and swigged it to ease the pain

Elderly Ukrainian residents have been fleeing from Vovchansk to a processing centre in Kharkiv - David Rose/The Telegraph

As shell blasts thundered around him and drones whirred overhead, Stanislav put his head down, hunched his shoulders and carried on pushing his bike.

Nervously walking through the ruins of his home town, the 78-year-old retired driver feared one of the explosions could finish him at any moment.

Yet police had also told residents by telephone that their best hope of surviving the devastation engulfing Vovchansk was to reach the collection point where they could be evacuated.

For more than three weeks he had been sheltering in his basement, rarely daring to go above ground except to go to the lavatory.

In that time, the town outside Kharkiv and only a few miles from the Russian border had been hammered by shelling and missiles from Moscows renewed offensive against northeastern Ukraine.

The town, which four years ago had a population of 17,000, is now largely destroyed and almost empty. By some estimates 50 to 80 per cent of the buildings have been destroyed.

On Monday morning Stanislav, who declined to give his full name, decided to make a break for it. Police said they could not get to his home and he would have to make his own way. He packed two small bags with shirts, socks, tea and tinned food, perched them on his handlebars and began a terrifying two-hour journey from what was left of his home to the meeting point.

Everything was on fire: on the left of me, on the right. There was heavy shelling. I just pushed my bike, he told The Telegraph hours later, having reached safety and been embraced by tearful relatives who had fled weeks ago.

The skies were buzzing. I thought the drones were watching me and they were going to kill me, he said at a refugee registration centre in a Kharkiv suburb.

Earlier in the Russian attack on Vovchansk, Stanislav had learnt painfully the dangers of being caught in the open.

Hitching up his shirt he showed a bandaged shrapnel wound low down on his belly.

Stanislav escaped on his bike - David Rose/The Telegraph

Galina Revenko and her family fled their home in Kozacha Lopan after the shelling became intolerable - David Rose/The Telegraph

He had been forced to clean the wound himself by dousing it with cheap aftershave and said he had taken swigs of the cologne to dull the pain.

It was 60 per cent alcohol. It wasnt bad, he joked.

Large numbers of residents either fled, or were evacuated, in the early days of the Russian onslaught. However, small numbers of the elderly, vulnerable and infirm, or smallholders worried about leaving their livestock, are thought to remain.

Valentina, 84, another Vovchansk evacuee, had made a four-mile trek to the collection point on Monday morning with her friend and neighbour Klaudia, 82.

Valentina said: I have been in my basement since it since the attacks started.

I just came out of the basement and called the police to tell them I was still alive. The police said, if you manage to get to this place, maybe you will be saved.

Everything was exploding. Shells were flying. Overhead there was the constant sound of drones.

The pair had shared a basement for three weeks, eating cold food because they could not cook.

Klaudia said: Even going to the toilet I was afraid because I thought if I came out, the drones would see me and then they would start firing at me.

Ukraine has come under intense pressure since Russia launched its renewed Kharkiv offensive in the early hours of May 10. Kyiv has had to rush reinforcements to the area while ceding ground on other areas of the front.

Ukraine says its forces still control some 70 per cent of Vovchansk but it is under heavy fire.

The Institute for the Study of War, a think tank and research group monitoring battlefield movements, said in its latest update that Russian forces had marginally advanced in fields southwest of the town.

Valentina and her neighbour Klaudia hid in a basement together for three weeks before fleeing - David Rose/The Telegraph

Washington last week gave Ukraine limited permission to use Western-supplied weapons to strike some military targets on Russian territory as part of Kyivs efforts to fend off attacks on Kharkiv.

For many in the region it is the second time the war has come to their villages and towns. Towns outside Kharkiv were occupied in the early stages of the Russian invasion in February 2022, only to be liberated by Ukrainian forces months later.

Galina Revenko and her family had fled their home in Kozacha Lopan after deciding the shelling had become intolerable.

She said: I never thought that the Russians would come back like this.

Meanwhile one person was killed and two wounded in a Russian rocket attack in the Kharkiv region. Russia targeted Slobozhanske, southeast of the city, Governor Oleg Synegubov said.

Houses were damaged. One man died. Another man and a woman were wounded, he said.

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CLEARWATER  The plan on the table for improving safety on one of the citys main east-west corridors is not the version that received multiple approvals since 2018, was vetted through resident workshops and validated by state traffic studies.

But over the past two weeks, state transportation officials have formulated a scaled-back alternative that may be able to satisfy the political forces that derailed the original concept.

The City Council is scheduled to vote Thursday on whether to advance design work on a reconfiguration of Drew Street that does not include the lane elimination concept that the Florida Legislature delayed last year and three new City Council members elected in March opposed.

In comments during a work session Monday, or in interviews with the Tampa Bay Times, all five council members indicated they were supportive of the scaled-down plan as a solution for the dangerous corridor.

This alternative proposes a compromise and helps us get started on some important improvements, Mayor Bruce Rector told the Times.

The original concept proposed converting Drew Street from four travel lanes to two in the 2.3 miles between Osceola Avenue in downtown and Keene Road to the east, and adding a center turn lane for most of that portion. It included expanded sidewalks for pedestrians and cyclists and added mid-block crosswalks.

The alternative presented Monday focuses on improving intersections to reduce crashes. Without the space created with the lane elimination, it does not include the same sidewalk and crosswalk improvements. It includes a dedicated center turn lane for about 0.5 miles compared to the original 2-mile option. If approved Thursday, state officials said the plan would be tweaked in the design phase but will include:

Between Osceola and Myrtle avenues: converting the four travel lanes to two and adding a track on the north side for a two-way bicycle lane, wide sidewalk or on-street parking.

At the intersection with Myrtle Avenue: converting the inside westbound lane near the intersection into a dedicated left turn lane.

Between Myrtle Avenue and North Martin Luther King Jr. Ave: no change

Between North Martin Luther King Jr. Ave and Betty Lane: maintaining two travel lanes in each direction but widening the roadway on the north side to make space for a two-way center turn lane. At the intersection with North Missouri Avenue, adding a westbound left turn lane.

At the intersection with Betty Lane: adding an eastbound left-turn lane.

From Betty Lane to Keene Road: no change

The original plan included improvements for Drew Street east of Keene Road that never involved a lane elimination or controversy. Those changes, like wider bike lanes and additional pedestrian crossings, are preserved in the alternative concept.

The plan also includes reduced speed limits. Justin Hall, Florida Department of Transportations director of transportation development, told the council that officials are exploring ways to resolve the speeding problem, especially between Betty Lane and Keene Road. He said options such as speed feedback signs, pedestrian crossings and raised speed tables may be possible.

But there are also unknowns with the alternative concept. Hall said the road widening between North Washington Avenue and Betty Lane will require environmental permitting and could have yet-to-be-seen impacts on utilities, landscaping and drainage.

The road widening may also require money from the city to relocate underground utilities. In an email to city administrators last week, Assistant City Manager Dan Slaughter estimated the utility relocation could cost $12.8 million. But on Monday, he told the Times that was a worst-case estimate. Slaughter said actual costs will be confirmed in design and could be less.

The original Drew Street proposal did not require any city or county money and was covered by $20 million in mostly federal funds secured by Whit Blanton, executive director of the countys transportation planning agency Forward Pinellas.

In an interview, Blanton said the alternative plan could be a way to improve Drew Street without losing the $20 million. He said the alternative does not go as far to address safety, but additions may be able to be implemented during design, such as sidewalk expansions and speed mitigation.

Since 2015, Drew Street between Osceola Avenue and Keene Road had seven fatalities, 1,586 crashes and 620 injuries  55 of them serious injuries, according to county data.

A 2023 state study concluded the lane elimination concept would have reduced crashes by 57%, increased travel time by less than 30 seconds and diverted minimal cars to surrounding roads. But the new majority of council members elected in March doubted those findings and had concerns about traffic flow and impact on parallel roads.

Blanton and Hall said the updated plan focuses on improvements at the intersections where most of the crashes have been concentrated.

Im supportive of the plan moving forward because I think we all just want to move on and deliver a project thats going to improve safety, and I think this will, Blanton said.

For years, resident Mike Riordon has lobbied for the lane elimination concept on Drew Street and brought elected officials on walking tours to show how, in some areas, sidewalks are too narrow for a wheelchair. He said the alternative plan is a watered down version that doesnt address some of the most dangerous areas for pedestrians and cyclists.

Beth Davis, who lives near Drew Street and also advocated for the original lane elimination, said shes optimistic the alternative will bring some change to Drew Street.

Theres realism going on here and were not black and white people, Davis said. Youve got to get one step forward. Its better than nothing.
An image captured from a Canton police body camera after a police dog attacked a man face down on the ground with his hands behind his back.

CANTON  A Cleveland-area law firm says it now represents three men tied to recent videos showing a Canton police dog attacking one of them during their arrest.

Attorney Kenneth Abbarno is listed in Canton Municipal Court records as representing the defendants in their criminal cases, which were filed by Canton police following Thursday's confrontation in the 1100 block of 16th Street NW.

Videos released by police and on social media show a city police dog attacking a man on the ground as a gathering crowd screams criticism at Canton officers for allowing the dog to jump on him. At least two Canton council members, Frank Morris and Louis Giavasis, have questioned the way the dog was used.

On 16th Street NW: 'Alarming' video shows Canton police dog attacking man during arrest, officer on leave

Abbarno is a partner in the DiCello Levitt law firm, which is also representing the family of Frank Tyson, who died April 18 while being arrested by Canton police officers. The same firm is representing the families of two men who were fatally shot by Canton police, Zachary Fornash and James Williams.

Canton police dog bite video

Thursday's incident began when members of Canton's Coordinated Response Team, a special investigative unit, stopped a car they said failed to use a turn signal when it pulled in front of a house to park.

Officers, who had been in unmarked vehicles, said the two occupants started trying to exit the car immediately, and the driver began to argue with them, saying they could not search his vehicle. One detective said he spotted an open liquor bottle in the rear seat. Since the occupants were underage, officers advised them they would be searching the vehicle, where officers said they found a loaded handgun under the driver's seat.

Frank Tyson legal team demands justice: 'You are never allowed to say, 'Shut the 'F' up.''

As officers started to detain the two occupants, people began gathering in the road and sidewalks.

Video released by Canton police shows a bystander gesturing to K-9 officer Nicholas Casto and his dog as Casto talks with bystanders about their dogs.

Casto tells the man that he is under arrest for taunting the dog and three other police officers approach him.

While handcuffing the bystander, the three officers and the man fall to the ground.

The three officers stand back as Casto brings the leashed K-9 over to the man who is now lying face down with his wrists crossed behind his back, the video shows.

The man's hands remain crossed behind him. Roughly 15 seconds pass before Casto gets the dog to let go of the man's arm.

Officers said in their reports the man had continued to pull his hands away.

Those arrested in Canton police dog videos

State to review incident: Canton police officer shoots, kills 24-year-old man

The three men who were arrested in the incident are:

The 43-year-old bystander whom police said taunted the K-9. He is charged with obstructing official business, resisting arrest, assaulting or harassing a police dog, disorderly conduct and sexual imposition. The last charge is from a 2022 case.

The 37-year-old man whom police say was threatening officers. He was arrested on two charges of assault, accused of pushing two officers to the ground, plus resisting arrest, obstructing official business and disorderly conduct.

The 19-year-old driver. He is charged with having a weapon under disability, a felony charge of carrying a concealed weapon, improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle, obstructing official business and resisting arrest. He is prohibited from having a gun because of a previous conviction for aggravated drug possession, a felony.

All three defendants are Canton residents.

A press release issued by the DiCello Levitt law firm said the police search of the vehicle was unawarranted.

All three defendants are scheduled for preliminary hearings Monday in municipal court. The 43-year-old defendant has a pretrial hearing June 13 in municipal court on the 2022 case.

What we know: Where does NAACP request to feds to investigate death of Frank Tyson stand?

Casto has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of a Canton Police Department investigation into the K-9 incident.

A partner in the DiCello Levitt law firm has called for the police department to be investigated.

"We ask Gov. Mike DeWine, state Senators, and the Department of Justice to immediately step up and start an investigation into systemic, racially motivated violence and gang-style culture prevalent in the Canton Police Department, attorney Bobby DiCello wrote in a prepared statement.

The national NAACP has asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the death of Frank Tyson.

Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: DiCello Levitt to represent suspects in Canton police dog videos
Closure of Gaza's only route out leaves boy, 10, with no treatment for cancer

By Doaa Rouqa

GAZA (Reuters) - Siraj Yassin, 10, is rolled into the overcrowded Gaza hospital ward in his wheelchair, his light green T-shirt dwarfing his skinny frame since the leukaemia in his blood wrecked his immune system, sapped his strength and left him unable to walk.

Chemotherapy would help him, his doctors say. But he can't get it here in Gaza, and he can't get out of the enclave for treatment now that Israeli forces have shut the only exit through the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

"Two weeks ago, I stopped being able to walk. Every day my condition gets worse and I lose something," the boy said. "My bones hurt and everything hurts. I wish to leave Gaza so I can receive the treatment and be able to play like I used to."

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital is one of the only hospitals still functioning in Gaza, where most of the medical system has been destroyed by Israel's eight-month-old assault.

Residents flock here for basic medical treatment, in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, the last city that Israeli forces have yet to storm.

But doctors say they are helpless to treat seriously ill patients like Siraj, and can no longer send them out of the enclave for treatment since Israel launched its offensive on Rafah last month, shutting the only pedestrian crossing.

All they can give Siraj in Gaza is drugs for the pain.

"Siraj's case is one of hundreds of cases, whether cancer or meningitis cases, or chronic and acute cases. We have a lot of children who are in need of receiving treatment abroad," said his doctor Ziad Abu Fares.

Siraj's mother Mariam said the boy had been granted emergency permission for medical evacuation, and she had hoped to take him out before the border was shut.

"We need chemotherapy, as well as a marrow transplant. I wish for the borders to open so that we can leave and my boy is back like how he used to."

Israel shut the Rafah crossing last month in its assault on the city on the southern edge of Gaza, where around half of the enclave's residents had been sheltering.

It says the offensive there is necessary to complete its aim of destroying the Hamas militants who precipitated the war by attacking Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's assault on Gaza has killed more than 36,000 people, according to Gaza health officials.

(Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Peter Graff)
The number of cases of sexual violence against men is increasing. Stock photo: Unsplash

In the context of the full-scale war, sexual violence perpetrated by the Russian military has become commonplace as part of the terror unleashed against Ukrainians living in temporarily occupied territories.

The Russians victims include both men and women. Furthermore, the former are increasingly targeted for rape. This is the conclusion made by CNN journalists who travelled to Kyiv to speak with prosecutors and victims of such crimes.

According to Ukraines Office of the Prosecutor General, Russian military personnel compel men to expose their own bodies, mutilate their genitals, rape them, and apply electric current to their genitals.

Furthermore, Ukrainian law enforcement personnel documented attempted and actual rapes with batons, a pipe, a bottle, a shovel handle, a stick, and a pen.

Roman Chernenko, a 29-year-old Ukrainian intelligence officer, was held captive for seven months. He was tormented three times every day for four months.

"They laughed when they tortured me  they told me that my mother was being f**ked by Chechens. They took me to be shot twice, they threatened me with rape," the soldier told CNN.

Chernenko was released as part of a prisoner swap in January 2024, although he is still suffering from the trauma. The soldier says that the thoughts of his sweetheart and mother gave him the fortitude to withstand the capture.

According to Ukrainian authorities investigating allegations of sexual abuse in the context of the war, all evidence suggests that this is a purposeful technique, part of Russia's behaviour in Ukraine.

"Its in every region that was under occupation. Everywhere that Russian troops were located, were seeing cases of sexual violence and gender-based violence. The bottom line is that it looks like it is Russian policy," said Anna Sosonska, Prosecutor and Acting Head of the Department for Combating Sexual Violence.

Anna Mykytenko, Head of the Global Rights Compliance (GRC) international legal non-profit organisation, added that survivors of violence claim that the occupiers called such actions "punishment."

"In several villages in the south we heard witnesses and survivors say that the Russian servicemen came in, occupied the village, and then looked specifically for the wives of Ukrainian soldiers, or their mothers or sisters," Mykytenko said.

The Office of the Ukrainian Ombudsman declared that it holds the Russian military, the Ministry of Defence, and the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia responsible for what is happening in prisons where Ukrainian soldiers are detained, tortured, and raped.

Finding the offenders is tough, but possible, the Prosecutor Generals Office asserts. As of the beginning of May, 42 Russian officers were suspected, 19 indictments against 28 persons had been filed, and five people had been found guilty. All trials took place in absentia.

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Hundreds of service members earned an award for seizing two million pounds of "explosive precursor material" in the Gulf of Oman last year, according to a citation obtained by Military.com. It is one of the U.S. military's largest publicly revealed hauls as it works to stifle arms smuggling in the region.

Between late August and early September, Marines and sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, along with Coast Guardsmen assigned to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, intercepted a "stateless vessel" suspected of carrying the explosive material, offloaded its haul, and escorted the vessel to a naval base in Bahrain.

Marines and sailors with the 26th MEU -- a "special operations capable" unit -- provided security for the Coast Guard unit as it interdicted the vessel and offloaded its cargo, according to the citation. The award, the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation, was signed off on by the service's commandant, Adm. Linda L. Fagan.

Read Next: Navy Shakes Up Commanders' Merit Promotions

"This interservice team consisted of Coast Guard underway officers of the deck and engineers of the watch, combined with a security detachment made up from the 26th MEU," said the citation, provided to Military.com by the MEU. "Together, they executed a 17-hour, high-tension nighttime transit through the Strait of Hormuz."

The citation said that the service members transported the vessel, using a Coast Guard-led "prize team," 530 nautical miles west through the Strait of Hormuz, "resulting in the first-ever delivery of a seized stateless vessel to Naval Base Bahrain," which is located in the Persian Gulf.

According to Interpol, explosive precursors are chemicals or materials that -- when put together -- can make homemade explosives or improvised explosive devices.

The nature of the seized vessel, its origins and destination are unclear, according to the citation. Military.com asked the 26th MEU on Monday for more information about the vessel, but a spokesperson said that the citation was the only information the service would release to the public.

While details about the vessel are unclear, Tehran-backed smuggling and harassment of commercial ships in the region have been catalysts for U.S. interdiction and maritime security efforts for years.

Those efforts only increased after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which threw the Middle East into renewed turmoil, emboldening regional factions like the Houthis in their aim to disrupt maritime trade.

While the mission conducted by the Coasties, Marines and sailors ended a month before the Oct. 7 attack, it is indicative of the broader security concerns the U.S. military has about arms smuggling in some of the world's most important international waterways.

The interdiction occurred under the control of Commander Task Force 55, or CTF55, a joint entity designed for such missions, which has seen plenty of action in the region, along with partner units.

Reports surfaced around that time that Marines with the MEU were training in Bahrain for ship security. The unit originally deployed to the region in response to increased harassment of commercial vessels by the Iranian military, but its deployment was extended twice after the Oct. 7 attack, when it was rushed from an exercise in Kuwait to the Mediterranean as a deterrent measure.

The service members were awarded the commendation on Nov. 9, but it was only recently noted in a Marine administrative message in April. In addition to 192 Marines and sailors with the 26th MEU, 342 sailors assigned to the USS Carter Hall also received the commendation.

Military.com contacted the Coast Guard asking how many of its service members earned the award, but it did not provide answers by publication. Service members aboard the USS Stethem and Coast Guard Cutters Emlen Tunnell, Glen Harris and John Scheuerman were also cited in the award's writeup.

Related: Despite Talk, No Evidence Marines Have Boarded Commercial Vessels in Persian Gulf
When graduating University of Chicago senior Rayna Acha heard about the lawsuit filed by a Lebanese American attorney alleging a job offer from a national law firm was rescinded because of her pro-Palestinian views on Gaza, the revocation confirmed one of her worst fears.

The reality is we might not get jobs because of (our activism), said Acha, an undergraduate anthropology major at the U. of C. and an organizer with Students for Justice in Palestine.

Acha has more than one reason to worry. She is one of four U. of C. students whose degrees were withheld because of their involvement with the universitys pro-Palestinian encampment calling on the institution to sever its financial ties to Israel.

A U. of C. spokesman has said the school cannot comment on individual student disciplinary matters, but said that the process is standard practice after a formal complaint is reviewed by the universitys Disciplinary Committee. Meanwhile, over the weekend, hundreds of students and faculty walked out of U. of C.s convocation over the universitys actions.

All four of us arent employed yet, Acha said. Im in this situation now where I have to find a job to support myself but I also need to continue to fight for the things I need to fight for.

The fear of long-term professional consequences has been a source of concern for pro-Palestinian students out protesting, though several of them, including Acha, plan to enter professions well served by activism such as community organizing, nonprofit work, politics or academia.

We have some universities, like U. of C., that are pledging that they are going to protect student speech and the presidents (of these universities) recently have been saying that more than their policies actually do that, but at least theyre saying it, said Kimberly Yuracko, a Judd and Mary Morris Leighton Professor of Law at Northwestern University who specializes in antidiscrimination and employment law. But Ive just not heard of a single private sector employer that has said they will contractually protect speech in accordance with the First Amendment. Maybe theres one out there, but Ive not seen it.

Jinan Chehade, the lawyer who filed a complaint Wednesday in U.S. District Court, said the law firm, Foley & Lardner, discriminated against her because of her Arab Muslim background and political statements shed made on social media and at public meetings about Israels bombardment of Gaza and the ensuing crisis in Palestine.

It was devastating when they turned against me and vilified me in this way when I really respected their supposed commitment to diversity, Chehade told the Tribune on Thursday.

Yuracko said because employers like Foley & Lardner can rescind employment offers for any reason, cases such as Chehades would not fall under a breach of contract.

According to the complaint, Chehade, a Georgetown Law School graduate, had been interning with Foley & Lardner in July 2022 when they offered her a full-time position to begin in fall 2023. Then, 13 hours before she was set to start work, she was fired, according to the complaint.



The Sunday before her first scheduled day of work, Foley & Lardner managers asked her to come to the office where she said they interrogated her for two hours in a very hostile manner, according to the lawsuit.

As soon as we all sat down, they pulled out a packet of about 15 to 20 pages with screenshots of my social media posts, about speeches that Ive made, about my background, my identity, Chehade told the Tribune. When I really started to feel the anxiety and panic was when they asked me about my dad, and where he worked  and obviously as a child of immigrants, a big law firm asking you about your father  alarm bells just started going off in my head.



Chehades father serves as communications director of the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview.

The complaint also alleges that several Foley & Lardner partners openly and publicly supported the actions of Israel toward Palestinians in Gaza without facing consequences.

In an emailed statement Friday, a Foley & Lardner representative said they believed Chehades complaint was without merit.

We stand behind our decision to rescind Ms. Chehades employment offer as a result of the statements she made surrounding the horrendous attacks by Hamas on October 7, a firm representative said.

Chehades claim is actionable, Yuracko said, because she is arguing that shes being discriminated against based on race or national origin, not just based on her political view.

Yuracko said that if a company wants to not hire a person because of opposing viewpoints, viewpoint discrimination by a private employer is fine.

But whats legally problematic is if theyre treating people who, lets say, engage in protests, who are race A, differently than people who engage in protests who are of race B, she said.



Acha, who is Black and was a vocal organizer of the protest encampment for Gaza at U. of C., said shes noticed a differential treatment of people who are pro-Palestine compared to those that are pro-Israel.

For example, there were certain students who were so actively harassing us during the encampment who have now received their degrees, she said.

Jeffrey Sun, a literature major at U. of C. who is graduating this summer, said he plans to find a job that aligns with his values and his social work, which includes continuing to raise awareness about Palestine. He said the current climate might put pressure on private sector employers who will likely be faced with job candidates and clients who are clear and confident about the issues they support.

So many of us are pro-Palestine  my friends and I once went on a university-sponsored trip to L.A. and there was a restaurant that had Israeli flags, and I remember we just all agreed to not eat there and got up and left, Sun said. I think were making it very uncomfortable for private businesses, and businesses are becoming more aware that we dont consider our work separate from our lives.

But not everyone has the same type of privilege to pick and choose their job prospects, he said.

Acha, who comes from a lower-income background, said shes considering scrubbing her social media platforms while she looks for work, even though her accounts are private.

Yuracko said more student activists should consider doing the same. She said employers generally want to hire people who can fit into their company culture, rather than be agents of change.

Acha and the three other students whose degrees were held back still participated in graduation, and hope to get their degrees after a resolution in the disciplinary process. But if the Standing Disciplinary Committee on Disruptive Conduct finds that certain policies were violated, their degrees could be denied despite four years of coursework and a staggering tuition.

I want to be hopeful for what the next chapter looks like away from the university, Acha said. But its terrifying to not know whats next and to not have my future lined up because Im choosing to fight for whats right and choosing to fight for humanity.

Chicago Tribunes Caroline Kubzansky contributed.
China has never "fanned or stoked the flames" of the Russian-Ukrainian war. At the same time, China's position on the peace conference in Switzerland is very "open and transparent."

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This was stated by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a briefing on Monday, June 3, when asked about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's statements about attempts to disrupt the Peace Summit. She was quoted by The Guardian.

The day before, Zelensky accused China of supporting Russia's efforts to deter leaders from participating in the Peace Summit and called China "a tool in Putin's hands."

"Unfortunately, Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, including Chinese diplomats, is doing everything to disrupt the peace summit. Unfortunately, such a large, independent, powerful country as China is a tool in Putin's hands," Zelensky said.

In turn, Mao Ning said on Monday that China attaches great importance to its relations with Ukraine and remains its largest trading partner. She also added that Beijing's position on the peace conference is very "open and transparent."

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This position was voiced by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 31. The ministry said that China would not attend the peace summit in Switzerland, as Beijing believes that both Ukraine and Russia should take part in such an event.

"We believe we can achieve understanding and support from all parties," Mao emphasized.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Beijing's position on the Peace Summit in Singapore. According to the head of state, Beijing is working to prevent other countries from attending this conference.

Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also said that by cooperating with Russia, China is fueling a war in Europe. He warned that Beijing's position could lead to a loss of relations with Western countries.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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CHICAGO -- When graduating University of Chicago senior Rayna Acha heard about the lawsuit filed by a Lebanese American attorney alleging a job offer from a national law firm was rescinded because of her pro-Palestinian views on Gaza, the revocation confirmed one of her worst fears.

The reality is we might not get jobs because of (our activism), said Acha, an undergraduate anthropology major at the U. of C. and an organizer with Students for Justice in Palestine.

Acha has more than one reason to worry. She is one of four U. of C. students whose degrees were withheld because of their involvement with the universitys pro-Palestinian encampment calling on the institution to sever its financial ties to Israel.

A U. of C. spokesman has said the school cannot comment on individual student disciplinary matters, but said that the process is standard practice after a formal complaint is reviewed by the universitys Disciplinary Committee. Meanwhile, over the weekend, hundreds of students and faculty walked out of U. of C.s convocation over the universitys actions.

All four of us arent employed yet, Acha said. Im in this situation now where I have to find a job to support myself but I also need to continue to fight for the things I need to fight for.

The fear of long-term professional consequences has been a source of concern for pro-Palestinian students out protesting, though several of them, including Acha, plan to enter professions well served by activism such as community organizing, nonprofit work, politics or academia.

We have some universities, like U. of C., that are pledging that they are going to protect student speech and the presidents (of these universities) recently have been saying that more than their policies actually do that, but at least theyre saying it, said Kimberly Yuracko, a Judd and Mary Morris Leighton Professor of Law at Northwestern University who specializes in antidiscrimination and employment law. But Ive just not heard of a single private sector employer that has said they will contractually protect speech in accordance with the First Amendment. Maybe theres one out there, but Ive not seen it.

Jinan Chehade, the lawyer who filed a complaint last Wednesday in U.S. District Court, said the law firm, Foley & Lardner, discriminated against her because of her Arab Muslim background and political statements shed made on social media and at public meetings about Israels bombardment of Gaza and the ensuing crisis in Palestine.

It was devastating when they turned against me and vilified me in this way when I really respected their supposed commitment to diversity, Chehade told the Tribune on Thursday.

Yuracko said because employers like Foley & Lardner can rescind employment offers for any reason, cases such as Chehades would not fall under a breach of contract.

According to the complaint, Chehade, a Georgetown Law School graduate, had been interning with Foley & Lardner in July 2022 when they offered her a full-time position to begin in fall 2023. Then, 13 hours before she was set to start work, she was fired, according to the complaint.The Sunday before her first scheduled day of work, Foley & Lardner managers asked her to come to the office where she said they interrogated her for two hours in a very hostile manner, according to the lawsuit.

As soon as we all sat down, they pulled out a packet of about 15 to 20 pages with screenshots of my social media posts, about speeches that Ive made, about my background, my identity, Chehade told the Tribune. When I really started to feel the anxiety and panic was when they asked me about my dad, and where he worked  and obviously as a child of immigrants, a big law firm asking you about your father  alarm bells just started going off in my head. Chehades father serves as communications director of the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview.

The complaint also alleges that several Foley & Lardner partners openly and publicly supported the actions of Israel toward Palestinians in Gaza without facing consequences.

In an emailed statement Friday, a Foley & Lardner representative said they believed Chehades complaint was without merit.

We stand behind our decision to rescind Ms. Chehades employment offer as a result of the statements she made surrounding the horrendous attacks by Hamas on October 7, a firm representative said.

Chehades claim is actionable, Yuracko said, because she is arguing that shes being discriminated against based on race or national origin, not just based on her political view.

Yuracko said that if a company wants to not hire a person because of opposing viewpoints, viewpoint discrimination by a private employer is fine.

But whats legally problematic is if theyre treating people who, lets say, engage in protests, who are race A, differently than people who engage in protests who are of race B, she said.

Acha, who is Black and was a vocal organizer of the protest encampment for Gaza at U. of C., said shes noticed a differential treatment of people who are pro-Palestinian and people who are not.

For example, there were certain students who were so actively harassing us during the encampment who have now received their degrees, she said.

Jeffrey Sun, a literature major at U. of C. who is graduating this summer, said he plans to find a job that aligns with his values and his social work, which includes continuing to raise awareness about Palestine. He said the current climate might put pressure on private sector employers who will likely be faced with job candidates and clients who are clear and confident about the issues they support.

So many of us are pro-Palestine  my friends and I once went on a university-sponsored trip to L.A. and there was a restaurant that had Israeli flags, and I remember we just all agreed to not eat there and got up and left, Sun said. I think were making it very uncomfortable for private businesses, and businesses are becoming more aware that we dont consider our work separate from our lives.

But not everyone has the same type of privilege to pick and choose their job prospects, he said.

Acha, who comes from a lower-income background, said shes considering scrubbing her social media platforms while she looks for work, even though her accounts are private.

Yuracko said more student activists should consider doing the same. She said employers generally want to hire people who can fit into their company culture, rather than be agents of change.

Acha and the three other students whose degrees were held back still participated in graduation, and hope to get their degrees after a resolution in the disciplinary process. But if the Standing Disciplinary Committee on Disruptive Conduct finds that certain policies were violated, their degrees could be denied despite four years of coursework and a staggering tuition.

I want to be hopeful for what the next chapter looks like away from the university, Acha said. But its terrifying to not know whats next and to not have my future lined up because Im choosing to fight for whats right and choosing to fight for humanity.

____

Chicago Tribunes Caroline Kubzansky contributed.
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.

More PIX11 Stories

Israel at War

Read More

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.

NYPD on Columbias campus, protests reset off-campus

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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PAINTED POST, N.Y. (WETM)  Painted Posts annual Community Days celebration is returning to the village at the end of the week.

Most of the events festivities will be on Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8, this year, but a pageant will start the celebration on Thursday evening. Girls from the ages of four to 18 who live in the Painted Post area will compete in the Miss Colonial Days Pageant from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Sit-N-Bull Pub.

Local vendors will be selling crafts from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday at Village Square. After shopping, residents can catch Blue Eyed Soul performing during Rock the Block in Sit-N-Bulls parking lot from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Corning and Elmira farmers markets to return Thursday

The same vendors will be at Village Square again from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday. The Colonial Days Parade will take to the villages streets at 10:30 a.m. This parade starts at Craig Park and promises to be one of the biggest parades in New York State. After the parade, attendees will be able to grab a chicken barbecue lunch at Craig Park Pavilion from noon until it runs out. Meal tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance at the village hall or local businesses. Meals can be purchased for the same price on the day of the event.

Painted Post has been celebrating its heritage with Colonial Days for more than 50 years. Any updates about the event will be posted to the villages Facebook page.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
Election workers verify signatures on ballots at the Adams County Government Center in Brighton, Nov. 7, 2023. (Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline)

Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Molly Fitzpatricks job used to be a largely behind-the-scenes role focused on the unremarkable work of facilitating elections and other county administrative functions. Those days are long gone.

Now, Fitzpatrick said in an interview, clerks are front and center, included in regular conversations about election credibility and security. In the wake of the 2020 election, many clerks have their integrity questioned daily and have faced regular harassment and threats from people who believe the election was stolen from former President Donald Trump.

Pre-2020, we werent called traitors. We were not told that were part of the problem, said Fitzpatrick, a Democrat first elected in 2018. Clerks didnt receive death threats. We werent told, You cannot stop whats coming, no one can, or talking about public executions. None of that rhetoric was there prior to 2020.

Election officials around Colorado and the rest of the country have upped security measures to protect their staff and volunteers, as well as to safeguard their election systems from potential tampering. At the same time, theyve sought to increase transparency and share more information to instill trust with their workers and their processes as they run elections.

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Fitzpatrick, who also serves as president of the Colorado County Clerks Association, said security around elections comes in two forms: ensuring safety for election workers who are facing threats from election deniers, and protecting elections equipment and processes from potential disruptions.

Claims that the 2020 election was fraudulent or compromised have been debunked by elections officials, experts, media investigations, law enforcement and the courts.

Most clerks are adding additional security camera coverage around ballot drop boxes and their elections offices. Many are implementing more training on safety and election security for staff and volunteers, as well as access controls for certain rooms with election equipment. Some also open their offices up to the public so they can show people exactly how they run elections and verify ballots and vote counts.

Matt Crane, executive director of CCCA, said elections teams have always conducted safety and security assessments and reported any potential vulnerabilities. He said in recent years theres been a larger focus on sharing information and reporting anything clerks could construe as a potential threat or problem so others can be aware.

Fitzpatrick said her office has ramped up training on so-called insider threats, like the one allegedly posed by former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters in a 2021 breach of secure election equipment. Election workers are receiving training on what to look out for and how to report any suspicious activity, as well as emergency responses for situations including active shooters and white substances found in ballot envelopes.

We are in better communication than we ever have been with our district attorneys office and the sheriffs office just to make sure that everyones aware of whats going on, ensuring that they have the latest information on situational awareness, Fitzpatrick said. We do not have active threats in Boulder County, but we want to make sure that were looking at whats happening across the country, because we know that patterns matter and were not immune from something happening in Boulder County.

These arent conversations we were having in 2020

Federal law enforcement agencies have issued dire warnings about potential threats to the 2024 election, with one FBI official telling the winter conference of the National Association of Secretaries of State in Washington earlier this year that the outlook is extremely alarming, according to Stateline. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold in February launched a grant program to help county clerks pay for security upgrades to deal with election-related threats.

El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker, a Republican, said he needs to be able to answer any voter who asks what El Paso County is doing to ensure their safety when exercising their right to vote. He upgraded every security camera at ballot boxes in his county so they are now solarpowered, and he streams live footage from those cameras at all times.

Because he said safety for his staff and election workers is his top priority, Schleiker also installed a film that is resistant to bullets of a certain caliber over the windows looking into the ballot processing room. The door to the elections department remains locked at all times with a security camera, so anyone trying to enter must identify themselves and be let in by staff.

Schleiker is in contact with local law enforcement agencies to discuss having a security presence around voting centers in case any emergencies arise.

He also started training his team on how to use Narcan, an opioid-overdose reversal antidote, and keeps doses at all of his countys voting service and polling centers after elections officials in other states received letters contaminated with fentanyl. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid linked to tens of thousands of accidental overdose deaths annually, though toxicologists say that fears of passive exposure to aerosolized fentanyl powder are largely unfounded.

I never thought I would be sitting here looking at the different things, the conversations Im having today, Schleiker said. The security measures that Im putting in place today, such as having conversations about Narcan  these arent conversations we were having in 2020.

When Schleiker started as clerk, he said he worked with the El Paso County Office of Emergency Management to implement plans for a variety of different emergencies. He said conversations around security have become a weekly occurrence for clerks and election staff at the secretary of states office.

A situation may never ever happen, however, we should be prepared for it, because if it does happen, we have everything in place, Schleiker said.

It is healthy to have conversations. It's healthy to disagree. It is not okay to incite violence. It is not okay to attack our election systems in a really disingenuous way.

 Jefferson County Clerk Amanda Gonzalez

Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez, a Democrat, said shes put additional focus on her offices relationship with emergency response teams in place in the county. She said while some of the threats elections departments are facing may be new to them, the local sheriffs office might have familiarity with similar threats in a different context and can lend a hand in addressing their concerns.

Prior to 2020, I did not think that particularly on a national level, our disagreements would take the tone they did, Gonzalez said. It is healthy to have conversations. Its healthy to disagree. It is not okay to incite violence. It is not okay to attack our election systems in a really disingenuous way.

Increasing transparency

Gonzalez said her office has started running tours for the public earlier and more frequently than in years prior in hopes of furthering public awareness about election systems. She said after 2020, more people started criticizing and questioning the systems in a rude, disingenuous way.

When her office gets calls or emails expressing concerns about allegations that are inaccurate, Gonzalez said they will invite people to come in and talk about the systems directly. She said sometimes people will come out with a better understanding and respect for the clerks processes, but sometimes they will continue to be rude and reiterate their distrust in the elections process.

One of the things that we can do to help people have faith in our elections, and hopefully be kinder to our election workers, is to be transparent about the system, Gonzalez said. We are happy to answer those questions and engage with voters when its coming from a place of wanting to understand more about our systems.

Fitzpatrick said her team has also added security as part of its public tours. Visitors are asked to leave personal belongings in their cars during tours.

I think this moment demands deep transparency into our operations, and were trying to meet that moment by doubling down on anything that provides transparency to the public, but we have to ensure thats balanced with security measures for our staff and our judges, because they deserve it, Fitzpatrick said. They are here implementing the election despite enormous circumstances, and its important that were continually improving how were supporting and securing their environment.

Rio Grande County Clerk and Recorder Cindy Hill, a Republican, also added video cameras in and around her office and increased security training for election workers. She said her office shares the added concerns around physical safety to the office and elections equipment and is training everyone to be aware of their surroundings.

We held a training for the public during the presidential primary explaining the process, Hill said in an email. We asked the attendees to bring their ballots to the training so they could see how we do signature verification, batching, and processing of the ballot.

A citizen election academy

One opportunity the CCCA is pursuing to help members of the public gain a better understanding of elections is through a citizen election academy currently in the works. Crane said he hopes to have the first two online classes from the program available in August or September ahead of the general election.

The idea is over the next couple of years, we will build this out to cover all aspects of the election, Crane said. But really it is so that citizens, if they want to know how the election is really run and hear from the experts who run them, this academy is a great opportunity for them to come and learn about what really happens.

The academy will aim to preemptively debunk some of the disinformation the association is anticipating will spread during the height of election season  but Crane said hes already anticipating that some candidates will reject election results if they lose in the primary or general elections.

Being honest about our elections is not in their DNA and certainly not advantageous to them either politically or financially, Crane said. So we do expect that, but our folks are more ready than ever in terms of documenting everything and being prepared if somebody tries to come back and say Well, you didnt do this, and then saying, Well, yes we do and heres how we can prove it.

Three historically Republican leaning congressional districts in Colorado all have open races for their next representative in Congress this year, and Crane said teams in those districts are prepared to face higher levels of disinformation.

Schleiker said he also anticipates people will continue to reject election results, despite all the efforts he and other clerks have made to increase transparency and awareness around election systems. To him, continued education at the most basic level is the best way to combat disinformation.

I respect everybodys opinions and things like that, but were here to conduct a job, Schleiker said. My job as clerk and recorder is not to be partisan  my job is to call the balls and strikes. I am the referee, and we are going to coordinate the best and safest elections that I possibly can.

Gonzalez said her office has also ramped up its presence at community events to help share accurate information about Jefferson County elections and recruit election judges, bipartisan teams that support county clerks in executing elections. She said her county hires about 300 people for primary elections and about 900 for the general election in November, and one of the first questions she gets from people interested in being an election judge is, Is it safe?

While concerns about safety have been heightened, Gonzalez said interest in serving as a judge has also grown. Her office filled their temporary election worker team quicker than any years prior, which makes her optimistic.

What that says to me is that people are seeing the threat to our democracy, and theyre not having it, Gonzalez said. They know that you should be voting, you should be participating in events in your community, you should be civically engaged. And if we want our democracy to survive, you have to fight for it.

You have to show up, she added. You have to do your part, and were not going to be scared off by this vocal but small group that wants to dismantle our democracy. Those people are just not the majority.

Colorados primary election is June 25. The general election is Nov. 5.

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The Republican Party of Colorado has called to "burn all Pride flags" in a shocking Pride Month message to its followers.

The state's GOP recently sent out a campaign email that referred to LGBTQ+ people as "barbaric," "creeps," degenerates, "godless," "groomers," "predators," radicals, and reprobates." The message also linked to a sermon from Pastor Mark Driscoll, which proclaimed in the video thumbnail "God hates flags," wordplay on a popular conservative slogan that uses a derogatory slur.

"The month of June has arrived and, once again, the godless groomers in our society want to attack what is decent, holy, and righteous so they can ultimately harm our children," the email stated, via Denver journalist Kyle Clark.

The email then referred to gender-affirming care as "barbaric medical procedures" and falsely claimed the treatment is "irreversible." While surgical procedures  which are rarely, if ever, performed on minors  are permanent, puberty blockers and many side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are reversible.

"These degenerates want to violate our children and their innocence," the message continued.



After Clark posted the emails to social media, the official account for the Colorado GOP responded with a gif of pixelated fire and the message: "Burn all #pride flags this June."

The email is not the first viciously anti-LGBTQ+ message to appear in Colorado Republicans' inboxes  the party sent out another email just two weeks ago that called for parents in the state to take their kids out of public schools because Democrats are trying to turn more kids trans.

The May message referred to transgender identity as a "fetish" and "disturbing behavior which should be treated rather then [sic] encouraged." It also claimed that using a persons pronouns does not make any sense and causes gender confusion.
Pride Month in Colorado was marked by the state Republican Party blasting out a homophobic mass email that refers to LGBTQ+ people as "godless groomers and telling followers on social media to burn all Pride flags.

The Colorado GOPs campaign email went out with the subject line, God Hates Pride." It called members of the LGBTQ+ community barbaric, creeps, degenerates, predators, radicals, and reprobates, The Advocate reported.

The outlet also noted that the email contained a link to a sermon by Pastor Mark Driscoll with the video title, "God Hates Flags, a reference to the Westboro Baptist Church's anti-gay posters. The partys message was signed by chairman Dave Williams, KUSA reported.

"The month of June has arrived and, once again, the godless groomers in our society want to attack what is decent, holy, and righteous so they can ultimately harm our children," the email stated, according to screenshots posted by Colorado journalist Kyle Clark.

The email went on to call gender-affirming care a barbaric medical procedure and falsely stated that the treatment is irreversible. The message continued on a loathsome note: "These degenerates want to violate our children and their innocence."

After Clark posted the emails to social media, the Colorado GOP took its hate to X, urging followers to "Burn all the #pride flags this June, with an image of flames attached.
The Colorado Republican Party rang in the start of Pride month in ultra-fascist fashion, invoking a hateful slur used by the extremist Westboro Baptist Church and calling for people to burn all Pride flags.

In addition to the post on X (formerly Twitter), the Colorado Republican Party sent an email blast to its followers, heinouslyand falselyaccusing queer people of being godless groomers, a bigoted conspiracy popularized by far-right extremists in recent years.

The email blast incomprehensibly claims progressivism is a demonic lie and links to a YouTube video from disgraced megachurch leader Mark Driscoll, who espouses homophobic propaganda in line with Christian extremists and has been repeatedly accused of cultlike abusive behavior toward other church leaders.

As Colorados 9News notes, the email also included a direct reference to 9News reporter Kyle Clark, who first reported news of the email and is frequently harassed by far-right extremists for his tireless work disassembling and rebutting far-right propaganda.

As Clark notes, The [Colorado Republican Party]s call to burn all Pride Flags reflects that the state partys allegiance is to the values of state chairman Dave Williams, even more so than those of Donald Trump. Williams, like Colorado Republican Representative Lauren Boebert, is a far-right politician whos taken to inflammatory rhetoric to make a name for himself.

In 2020, Williams proposed a same-sex marriage ban that the [Colorado Republican Party] and [Republican] legislative leaders wouldnt back, Clark added, citing the failed legislation.

In November 2022, an anti-LGBTQ extremist opened fire on patrons of a queer nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and wounding 25 others. The Club Q shooting marked a peak in anti-LGBTQ hate that had begun ramping up in mid-2022 after Proud Boys attacked a childrens literacy event in California, inspired by the bigoted conspiracy that drag performers are groomers.

Extremist harassment and violence toward LGBTQ people exploded in 2023, fueled by far-right propagandists launching inflammatory accusations toward queer educators, Drag Story Hour events, internet darling Dylan Mulvaney, and corporations like Target for carrying Pride merchandise. The far-right outrage manifested in widespread legislative attacks on gender-affirming health care and violently harmful disinformation.
Get the EMT! Cameron Jones shouted through a tiny opening in a dormitory window after he spotted a protester lying motionless at the bottom of a set of concrete steps on Columbia Universitys campus. Jones was with a dozen or so other students who were huddled next to two tall panes of glass and looking out in horror at Hamilton Hall, an administrative building that Columbia protesters had broken into and occupied in the early hours of April 30. Some 20 hours after the building had been occupied by studentswho were pushing for their schools divestment from Israel over the war in Gaza, and were inspired by occupations of the building by students in 1968, 1972, and 1996hundreds of police had arrived at the university, some armed with handguns and wearing riot gear and body armor.

I saw my fellow students being pushed, shoved, and thrown down stairs by police, Jones said of the police crackdown. He was one of a few who actually witnessed what happened to the protesters once the police raid began. Moments earlier, police had cleared the area around Hamilton Hall of students and press, threatening to arrest anyone who did not leave. Officers pushed Jones and many other students into an on-campus residential building, John Jay Hall, before guarding the doors and blocking their sight of Hamilton. But Jones knew this building connected to another dorm called Hartley Hall, and from there, he got an unobstructed view of the occupied building. He squeezed his phone through a gap in the window and pressed record. If he couldnt help, he felt he had to at least document it.

As protests spread across campuses nationwide in April and police responded with various forms of violent crackdowns, many horrifying interactions between students and professors and law enforcement officers circulated in videos online. At the University of Texas at Austin campus, students were slammed to the ground, dragged around, and blasted with pepper spray. At Dartmouth, law enforcement in riot gear arrested 89 students, faculty, and community members, including a 65-year-old professor who they yanked to the ground while she was recording officers. At UCLA, 200 students were arrested as officers used flash bangs, rubber bullets, batons, and tear gas. Three days earlier, violent attacks by counterprotesters at a UCLA encampment lasted three hours before law enforcement intervened. (The UCLA police chief has since been removed from his post and reassigned.)

But so many other interactions were not recorded. Even at Columbiathe campus that seemingly every media organization swarmed to in the days after university president Nemat Shafik first called the police to arrest students and clear the campus of tents on April 18so many stories of students interactions with the police have not yet surfaced. It may take months, as lawsuits make their way through the court system, for much more documentation of what actually happened at Columbiaand so many other campusesto come out.

So far, there hasnt been any sort of national reckoning on the use of force against student protesters. Its as if the outraged movement to improve police accountability after the summer of 2020 never happened. But as the violence in Gaza worsens and the U.S. heads into yet another volatile election season, the lack of introspection at a national level about police tactics is plainly dangerous.

I was on Columbias campus on the night Hamilton Hall was raided by police and had been reporting on the protests since the Gaza Solidarity Encampment there began. Since April 30, Ive been in touch with several students who were both inside and outside of Hamilton Hall and experienced the police raid, some of whom shared their accounts and medical records to shed light on police action. I have seen documentation of lacerations, broken bones, extensive bruising, and hearing loss. Many of the students who were injured and shared their records with Slate asked to remain anonymous so as not to risk their legal cases. But thanks to them, we know that what actually happened during the police raid that night was far uglier than the NYPDs highly edited, propagandistic narrative of it.

Iam Clay, one of the protesters who occupied Hamilton Hall, was diagnosed with an orbital fracture following the police raid. Iam Clay

Iam Clay, a student at the nearby Columbia-affiliated Union Theological Seminary, was one of the protesters inside Hamilton Hall. In a written testimony shared with me with Clays permission, he wrote that an officer kicked him directly in the head, and that he fell to the ground with his ears ringing and then had an officer on top of him cuffing him while still disoriented. Clay received no medical care while detained, and it was only after he was released that medics (who were waiting outside the jail to help protesters) told him he likely had a concussion. He later went to urgent care, where he was officially diagnosed with one. Three days later his eye swelled up and he went to Mt. Sinai Emergency Room, where he was diagnosed with the orbital lobe fracture, the written account of Clays injuries reads, a description that is corroborated with medical records and photos.

Clays friend Linnea Norton was arrested in the previous police sweep at Columbia on April 18, and she was later suspended from her Ph.D. program. After Clay was released from detention, she accompanied him to collect his personal belongings from One Police Plaza, where he had been held before being taken to central booking. He was charged with criminal trespassing. He told Norton how police threw him to the floor in Hamilton Hall before kicking him in the face as he was sitting up. They flipped him onto his belly, lifted him up, and slammed him to the ground, she said.

I saw his face was swollen, and he was, you know, a bit loopy and delirious, said Norton. He was in jail without water or anything for 16-plus hours.

My friend is a seminary student; he is like the most peaceful, chill guy, Norton added. He just cares a lot about Palestine.

Before police cleared the area around Hamilton Hall on April 30, 30 or so students interlocked arms outside the building in a human barricade to protect the protesters inside. By this time, everyone present was bracing themselves for arrests. That afternoon, students had received a note from the university administration with a warning to shelter in place due to heightened activity on the Morningside campus, or face disciplinary action. (As a journalism graduate student, I received the same email. It was unclear if students who were reporting were classified as press and therefore excluded from this order, but I stayed close to the protesters.)

Around 400 police arrived in buses and vans, organizing themselves around all the exits. They also barricaded the streets along five blocks on either side of the campus.

The officers began ordering all of us, student reporters and protesters alike, to move backward away from the students who formed the human chain, threatening to arrest us if we did not. Dalia Darazim, a 19-year-old Palestinian undergraduate who had taken part in the encampment, recorded it on her phone as they forced her back with their hands and batons. I was pushed along with all the other student reporters while insisting on our right to report. But once we were at the edge of the university grounds, officers ordered us to either enter John Jay Hall if we lived there or exit through gates onto Amsterdam Avenue and West 114th Street, where they barricaded us onto the sidewalk. They would not allow us back into Pulitzer Hall, the schools journalism building. Anyone who was inside Pulitzer from earlier that day was not allowed out.

Protesters occupying Hamilton Hall at Columbia University pull food up to the balcony on April 30. Jazzmin Jiwa

Then, police marched up to those in the human chain. Watching from the dorm window, Jones saw officers grab, throw, and beat the protesters, using shields and batons to try to separate the students, who were singing.

It was just kind of a feeling like if youve gone to the beach and you get hit by a really big wave, where you all of a sudden feel like you cant stand and you cant control where your body is going, Allie Wong, a 38-year-old Ph.D. candidate who was in the human barricade, told me. All of a sudden I was just being hit by, you know, multiple police officers coming from multiple directions without a single conversation or a single warning.

As police cleared the line of students, 24-year-old Gabriel Yancy was inside Hamilton Hall. Yancy had worked as a research staff assistant at Columbias Zuckerman Institute, a neuroscience research center, for nearly two years. He heard banging and the whirring of electric saws that police were using to cut through the metal of the doors and the locks of chains that were keeping them shut. The protesters chanted: Free, free Palestine. To get into the building, police were flinging parts of the chairs and tables that students had stacked against the door the previous night. The flying debris pushed Yancy onto his back.

When many of the police came in, they were still holding these giant, massive power tools, he said. Then they threw in flashbangs, and I am unclear whether it was one or multiple, but it had multiple detonations.

Flashbangs are stun grenades that flash blinding light and make a loud explosive noise. In NYPD body camera footage published by CNN, eight consecutive flashbangs are heard.

We were not anticipating that, and its not something we had talked about. I didnt even really know they existed, Yancy recalled. All you can think is that youre being fired at. I thought they had just decided to shoot into the building.

A few days later, the Manhattan District Attorneys office confirmed to the local outlet the City that in fact, an officer had fired his gun inside Hamilton Hall that night, albeit accidentally. (The NYPD likewise later confirmed the incident.) The bullet traveled through the glass in an office door, hit the frame of a wall, and landed on the floor.

After being knocked to his back, Yancy stood up and sat with other protesters at the back of the room. While they waited to be arrested, Yancy saw some of the other protesters being thrown to the ground and against a marble staircase.

Some people were being stepped on and kicked by police, Yancy said. I did see officers put the boot on the back, holding people down, and also kicking their bodies.

An officer pushed Yancy onto his chest with his face against the back wall, attached zip ties to his wrists, then kept him restrained in that position so Yancy was not able to see what else was happening.

He was one of two people who were Columbia staff members who were inside Hamilton Hall that evening. The university terminated both of their positions the next day.

Meanwhile, Wong, still outside, spotted a female student who had rolled down the steps leading from Hamilton Hall toward a grassy area. She rushed over to her, finding the student groaning and in and out of consciousness. Police ordered Wong to back away.

From his vantage point, watching from the window, Jones saw Wong and a few others huddled over the girl to protect herbut then he saw police hit them and drag them apart. Thats when an officer pulled Wongs arms behind her back and cuffed her with zip ties. They walked her toward the gate to West 114th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. She says she was behind a female student who was beaten so badly that three police officers had to carry her out.

In total, 109 people were arrested, including the 34 inside Hamilton Hall, some of the students who had been singing outside it, and some outside the gates. Once Wong was in the bus with other students, as police drove them to the NYPD headquarters, she realized how badly one of her hands was hurt from being crushed. She later found her ribs were injured.

It was a horrible night, and not only on Columbias campus. The officers the NYPD sent into Hamilton Hall and to the City University of New York that same night were from the Strategic Response Group that was formed in 2015 for counterterrorism and the policing of political protests. The unit has become notorious for its violence against protesters.

Norton is still stunned that the school invited the most violent section of the NYPD inside of campus with students and young people who are just trying to raise their voices and who feel the administration has not listened to them, she said. Im just honestly feeling so relieved that nobody died.

These police officers were literally brutalizing people and treating them like animals, tying their zip ties so tight that theyre bleeding; it was just awful, Wong recalled.

In a statement sent to me, an NYPD spokesperson denied police responsibility for any student injuries. A demonstrators footage showed a protester dramatically rolling himself down the wide front steps, the statement read. Ultimately, no injuries were reported to police before, during, or after the trespassers removal.

The men and women of the NYPD take their public-safety role in society very seriously, the statement continued. The NYPD has more experience protecting and facilitating First Amendment rights than any other municipal police department in the nation. And what we have learned is that reversing the roles between offender and victim is a tactic often employed by professional demonstrators and their sympathizers (the same method, incidentally, exploited by serial sex offenders and perpetrators of domestic violence against their victims). It is an insidious form of psychological manipulation  gaslighting  usually displayed through outlandish claims and hyperbolic statements.

Finally: Those arrested at Hamilton Hall were not victims, a fact that will not be reversed by any amount of urgent imploring to the contrary, the statement concluded. On May 18, NYPD officers were captured on video repeatedly punching, tackling, and otherwise attacking several pro-Palestinian protesters in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

Why go through every detail of the Columbia police raid? In short, it may prove to be a serious harbinger of things to come.

The NYPD accusing college students of gaslighting them would be funny if it werent so grim and, frankly, juvenile. It shows just how little soul-searching has been done in the aftermath of the decisions made to arrest students engaging in political speech on their own campuses. The NYPD also ended up dropping all trespassing summonses they gave to students on April 22 and April 30. This included those arrested inside the encampment and most who were part of the human chain outside Hamilton Hall.

From Friday to Sunday night, around 70 students created a new encampment, Revolt for Rafah, at Columbia during the schools alumni reunion. The demonstration included eight tents and a life-sized cardboard replica of an MK-84 bomb, which the Israeli military has used in Gaza. The universitys public safety officers tried to drag protesters out and dismantle their tents, but the students only took down the installation as the reunion wrapped. In a statement, Columbia University Apartheid Divest said: Disruptions and demonstrations like these will continue throughout the summer and beyond until Columbia ceases to align with occupation and genocide.

Already, the same police unit that came to Columbia on April 30 has responded to other protests with violence, including a protest at the Brooklyn Museum this past weekend. The scene at the museum was chaotic. But its no surprise that as police have responded to peaceful protests aggressively, some protests are getting more aggressive in kind.

Its a chilling preview of what could be a chaotic, violent, and protest-filled summer. There is already lots of planning going toward protests at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August, an echo of the 1968 DNC, when Vietnam War protesters battled police in the same streets. And there will be money behind the efforts to shut protesters down. The Washington Post reported, about the police raid on Columbia, that a group of billionaires had pressured New York Mayor Eric Adams to send in the NYPD to break up the protests at the school.

Its no surprise that the NYPD tried to keep reporters out of Hamilton Hall that day, but as the stories of those inside Columbia continue to come outand as the police are called to respond to more and more proteststhe story the police have been telling will become harder and harder to maintain.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Columbus City Council is looking to relieve dozens of homeowners of a debt burden that goes back years.

New legislation would forgive liens on more than 50 homes, and those homeowners say its long overdue.

For one family, its been 12 years of pushing for answers. Multiple people in the family signed up for a home improvement program in the late 1990s.

They were under the impression it was a grant and the lien would be removed in 10 years if they lived in their homes. That wasnt the case, for all of them, until June 3.

One member of the family said she had her lien forgiven in the early 2000s. Two others did not and found out when one tried to refinance her home.

When we got to the very end, the lender informed her that she would have to get approval from the city of Columbus in order to get the refinance approved, Quanetta Batts, who has been helping her family fight for the loan forgiveness, said.

That was 12 years ago. Batts said that about five years ago, she finally got through to someone in the city who looked into the issue.

It really just took somebody to stop and listen and look into what it was that we were telling them, Rita agreed immediately that this doesnt seem fair, something doesnt seem right, Batts said.

Rita is with the city and Batts said the woman has been a huge help in this process.

The family just wanted to know why one family members contract had the forgiveness language, while the other two did not.

Their sister who lives on the south side of Columbus, shes the one that had a very similar program. The contracts were almost identical, but hers said forgiveness after 10 years, Batts said.

Now city council is helping this family as well as many others.

Recognizing that home ownership is the number one way in which people build wealth and knowing that there needs to be equity in the way in which homeownership continues to thrive in our community, this is a way to take into accounting some of those realities, Columbus City Councilmember Shayla Favor said. We want to make sure that our current homeowners dont lose their home because of something like a lien that has been way past due.

The Department of Development Chief Communications Officer Cameron Keir sent a statement saying:

When the contracts in discussion were initially signed, there was not any language contained indicating a forgiveness program that Columbus has since adopted. Previous legislation indicated Council action to forgive those loans is required, that is what tonights Council action does for these families. This is part of a citywide initiative to ensure housing security and equitable housing investment across Columbus  two significant pieces of Mayor Ginthers housing strategy. If any families impacted by this or previous legislation have questions or concerns about their contracts, we encourage them to reach out to the Department of Development individually.

Batts and her family came to council Monday, and for them, the passage is a sigh of relief.

Im just glad that our situation is helping 200 other families in our community who would have been burdened with paying these grants back had they tried to sell their homes, Batts said.

In total, the city said 158 homeowners have been approved for the homeowner service program loan forgiveness; 54 of those were on Monday.

The city says loans of more than $20,000 are the ones that need to be approved by council. The Department of Development is encouraging families who are impacted by this or previous legislation to reach out to them with any questions.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
The United Nations will be represented at the Peace Summit to end the war in Ukraine, which will take place in June in Switzerland. It is not yet known which representatives of the organization will attend the event.

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This was announced at a briefing on Monday, June 3, by Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq, Ukrinform reports. He noted that the UN will name its representative closer to the date of the Peace Summit.

"The fundamental comment on this is as follows: we will participate in the Summit. Closer to the date of the event, we will be able to inform you who exactly will be there," emphasized Haq.

The Global Peace Summit will be held on June 15-16 in Switzerland. It is expected to be attended by representatives of more than a hundred countries from all continents.

Earlier, Ukraine's permanent representative to the UN, Serhiy Kyslytsia, said that Russia is putting enormous pressure on officials and UN member states because of their participation in the Peace Summit.

According to him, the Russians are trying to keep member states and the UN General Secretariat from joining the Peace Formula.

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"Russia is making a lot of efforts to undermine this event. We are talking about both open and covert pressure on the Secretary General and other UN officials to prevent their presence at the summit in Switzerland," Kyslytsia said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, US 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.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Columbus firefighters will get an 18.5% pay raise between now and October 2025 under a new three-year contract recommended by a factfinder after Columbus City Council took no public action on the matter Monday.

The first pay raise, 7.5%, is retroactive to October 2023. This coming October, firefighters will get another 5% raise, followed by 5% in October 2025. Compounded, the raises add up to about an 18.5% raise over the period. The contract expires in October 2026 - meaning the annual pay raises would end but its other terms would continue until a new deal is reached.

Neither the city nor the firefighters' union were able to provide The Dispatch with salary information for Division of Fire personnel as of early Tuesday afternoon.

A factfinder's recommendation for an 18.5% pay raise for Columbus firefighters by October 2025 under a new three-year contract will now go into effect after Columbus City Council took no action Monday.

It was unclear Monday whether Mayor Andrew J. Ginther was opposed to the deal, and whether the City Council overruled him.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Ginther's office did not directly address whether the mayor opposed the pay increase, but said the raises will cost the city an additional $103 million to implement over the next three years "without making the changes and reforms we need."

Making those changes and reforms will be the city's top priority in the next round of negotiations in 2026, the spokesperson said.

City Council went into a rare closed-door executive session Monday with the mayor's Department of Human Resources staff as dozens of firefighters stood outside the chamber doors.

Steve Stein, president of Columbus Local 67 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, said union members had overwhelmingly approved a recommendation to use a factfinder after the former contract expired without progress on a new agreement last October. The factfinder, appointed by the State Employment Relations Board in November, recommended the new contract with the pay raise.

The union voted 1,644 to 68 to accept the factfinder's contract recommendation, Stein said. City Council didn't have to do anything for the wage raises to go into effect, he said, but the full contract will have to come before council for final approval because there are changes beyond wages.

"While the proposal is costly, our firefighters deserve raises," City Council President Shannon Hardin said after council members emerged from the more than two-hour closed executive session. No further discussion occurred about the contract among members when they reconvened, and the council immediately adjourned into a zoning meeting.

Asked outside the meeting whether the mayor had recommended that City Council reject the factfinder's recommendation, Hardin said he would take no questions about the contract, which covers city firefighters, paramedics and EMTs.

Chris Moses, the city's director of Human Resources since April, also declined to say whether the Ginther administration recommended that City Council vote to reject the contract recommendation, which he said would have required the support of six of the nine members. If council had rejected the recommendation, that would have sent the matter into a final binding arbitration before a "conciliator," which raised uncertainty for both sides.

"So by not voting on it, it's being accepted," Stein said after Hardin's announcement, as firefighters celebrated in the hallway. "It was hugely important for our firefighters."

Melanie Crabill, the mayoral spokesperson, also said Tuesday that, "Our goals for this contract were to make sure our firefighters were well compensated for their service, modernize our deployment system and implement a nurse triage program to protect our high-quality of fire and EMS response for our residents as we continue to grow."

Columbus Division of Fire is one of the busiest fire departments in Ohio, and Local 67 is the largest IAFF affiliate in the state.

Stein noted that Ginther's proposed new zoning code, now under consideration by City Council for a potential July vote, "is going to change the type of fires we're responding to." The new code, which would initially change the zoning along major transportation corridors, would allow developers to build denser, taller, structures than the current rules.

Aside from pay, Stein said other major issues in the contract were the union allowing expanded drug and alcohol testing for arson investigators because they carry guns like police officers, and compressing the pay differential between firefighters and their commanding officers by a couple percentage points.

In April, City Council unanimously gave Columbus police officers a nearly 16% pay increase  a deal that will cost the city an extra $80.4 million through December 2026.

In other business Monday, City Council:

 Settled a lawsuit stemming from the 2020 racial injustice protests and rioting Downtown by two protesters who said they were injured by Columbus police officers. Alexandra Davis, who was arrested at the protests over the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer for spitting on an officer after being repeatedly asked to stop, alleges that excessive force was used against her during her arrest, which injured her ankle. Charges against Davis of harassment with a bodily substance, a fifth-degree felony, and resisting arrest, a second-degree misdemeanor, were dropped. Austin Williams, who tried to assist Davis and also was arrested, claimed excessive force was used by police due to poor training. The city will pay $50,000 to settle the joint suit, avoiding potentially hundreds of thousands in legal fees.

 Approved a one-year, $1.2-million contract with Helicopter Minit-Men Inc. for maintenance and repairs of the Division of Police's helicopter fleet as required by the Federal Aviation Administration. The firm was the sole bidder.

 Authorized the city Recreation and Parks Department to modify an existing contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to provide architectural and engineering services for the Gender Road Park and McCoy Park Improvements Project, costing $1.2 million from bond funds.

wbush@gannett.com

@ReporterBush

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus City Council meeting: Firefighters to get 18.5% pay raise
For Columbus parents looking to get summer meals for students, it may be harder now

Free meals provided for students by the Muscogee County School District will have to be eaten on-site this summer.

In previous years, Muscogee schools have offered a pickup option for parents or guardians of students. This allowed them to take home seven days worth of free meals every Monday.

This year, Muscogee County is only offering in-person meals for breakfast and lunch. A spokesperson for the district said it is reverting to pre-pandemic policy, which required all meals to be eaten on-site.

Students will have the option of eating at one of 10 elementary schools across the district between May 28 and July 3. The district will add meal service at seven middle schools between June 3 and June 27.

Not everyone is happy about the updated process.

LaTeya Sparks has three children in elementary school and a full-time job. She said she cant take her kids to a school twice every day.

It was easy to pick up meals and have them for the kids during the day, she said.

Sparks said the free meals were a significant financial help to her family, but this summer she wont be able to take advantage of the opportunity.

My mom watches them during the summer for me, but she doesnt have a car, she said. And its a 40 minute walk to the closest school with food, so were going to have to figure something else out.

A district spokesperson said Muscogee County schools served more than 76,000 lunches and 42,000 breakfasts for students last summer. Estimates for this year are not available yet.

Harris County gives options

In Harris County, students will be able to either eat breakfast and lunch on campuses or pick up a weeks worth of meals from Park Elementary.

Harris County school nutrition director Brad Johnson said the meal pickup depends on the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced school lunch in an area.

The percentage of free and reduced lunch students isnt high enough in certain areas to allow meals to be picked up at every school, he said.

Park Elementary, the only campus offering weekly meal pickups, is one of two Title I schools in the county.

Harris has been designated a rural county by the Georgia legislature, which is one of the reasons meal pickups have been popular.

People arent driving out here for breakfast and lunch every day, Johnson said.

Johnson estimated around 200 people took advantage of the summer meal service last year. This year, he hopes the pickup option will increase that number.

We may be up in the 10,000 area this summer because of all the pickups, he said, referring to the number of meals the district may provide.

A district spokesperson said Muscogee County schools served over 76,000 lunches and 42,000 breakfasts for students last summer. Estimates for this year are not available yet.

Both the Harris and Muscogee county summer meal services are funded by the USDA.
Claudia Sheinbaum greets supporters Monday after the National Electoral Institute announced that she held an unsurmountable lead in Mexico's presidential election. (Fernando Llano / Associated Press)

Of the many terrible things that have been said about Mexico's supposed inferiority to its northern neighbor, the most damning wasn't even uttered by a gringo.

Poor Mexico: So far from God, so close to the United States.

Attributed to 19th century Mexican dictator Porfirio Diaz, the lament first bubbled up in the mainstream American press during the 1940s and has been rubbed in the faces of Mexicans ever since. Even though there's no proof that Diaz actually said the apocryphal quote, I get why it has lingered: Its a great insult on multiple levels.

It portrays the country of my parents as forever lesser than the United States. It makes Mexico out to be lawless and unholy. Putting those words in Diaz's mouth implies that Mexicos government is condemned to lawlessness and strongmen.

Well, whos crying now?

On Sunday, Mexico elected Claudia Sheinbaum as president, and history was made in a way that makes American politics seem as antiquated as the Whigs.

Sheinbaum will become the first female president of a country long cast as a macho wasteland. Of Jewish heritage, shes the first non-Christian to assume the presidency in a nation where Catholicism still holds the countrys psyche, if not its pews. She handily beat another woman, Xochitl Galvez Ruiz, who made history even while losing by becoming Mexico's first female runner-up in a presidential election.

The United States, by the way, has broken only the last of those barriers.

Read more: Mexico elects leftist Claudia Sheinbaum as the first female president in its history

Sheinbaum will be sworn in Oct. 1. By then, the eyes of the world will be focused on the U.S., where a far different presidential campaign will be wheezing to its end. The top candidates are two old white guys who have held the job before and are repeating their face-off from four years ago. Joe Biden is running on his fourth Democratic presidential ticket. Donald Trump is the Republican Party's presidential nominee for the third straight election.

It's the type of hoary leadership that Americans have long associated with Third World countries  but nope, this is the U.S. in 2024.

Americans have snidely looked down on Mexicos government for decades while holding ours up as a beacon for the rest of the world to emulate. But in 2024, which country can boast of a better track record in its presidential milestones?

Mexico elected a Black president, Vicente Guerrero, in 1829, when the U.S. Constitution still considered a slave to be three-fifths of a person and didn't give freedmen the right to vote. The first Mexican president of Indigenous descent, Benito Juarez, assumed office in 1858, when the U.S. government was still pursuing a campaign of extermination against Native Americans.

Josefina Vazquez Mota became the first female presidential candidate for a major Mexican party four years before Hillary Clinton became the first in the U.S. In 2018, current president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was the first winner who wasnt a member of Mexicos two traditional top parties, PAN and the PRI. In this country, candidates who aren't Democrats or Republicans are treated as weirdos who threaten civilization  as are the people who vote for them.

Irma Selene Hernandez Atondo waits to vote Sunday outside the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)

This weekend, consulates around the U.S. offered in-person voting for a Mexican presidential election for the first time but weren't prepared for the hours-long lines of people excited to take part. The turnout  60% so far  lags behind the 66% of Americans who voted in the 2020 presidential election. But most Mexicans filled out their ballots with optimism, while we did so with dread.

Mexicos democracy is nowhere near perfect, of course. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna served a total of 11 terms as president, while Diaz ruled with an iron fist for 35 years. For most of the 20th century, presidential elections were the domain of one party, the PRI. In the present day, violence against political candidates, particularly those running for local office, persists. At least 37 candidates were assassinated in the months leading up to Sundays elections, and hundreds more were threatened, to the point that Lopez Obradors administration assigned them security guards.

Sheinbaum needs to prove shes more than just an acolyte of her mentor, Lopez Obrador, whom critics portray as a leftist version of Trump for his cult of personality, imperious attitude toward haters and desire to hold onto power even if hes not officially in office. On social media, Galvez complained that she faced "unequal competition against the entire state apparatus dedicated to favoring its candidate," even as she conceded her defeat because "I am a democrat and I believe in institutions."

Read more: Mexico's presidential race is between two women. So why is everyone talking about one man?

But the fact remains: Mexico's democracy worked Sunday, at least on the presidential level. Mexicans treated the election as a chance to elect a new leader, not an apocalyptic referendum on the nations future, the way that too many Americans view the Biden-Trump rematch. Despite her grumbling, Galvez isnt crying about a stolen election  something that has actually happened in Mexico  while Trump continues to insist he was the rightful winner in 2020.

Sheinbaums opponents aren't threatening an insurrection, as Trump supporters did on Jan. 6 by storming the Capitol. And never in Mexico's history has a convicted felon dared to run for the presidency, let alone with a shot of winning, as Trump now does.







Poor Mexico, indeed. So close to the United States, which is so far from a democracy that inspires hope.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Donald Trump is the first sitting or former president in U.S. history to be convinced of a felony. That presents a stark choice to voters in November.

When he isnt fetishizing the fictive cannibal Hannibal Lecter  a wonderful man  Donald Trump rhapsodizes over the gangster Al Capone.

He was seriously tough, right? Trump said of the murderous bootlegging pimp and drug dealer. If you looked at him in the wrong way, he blew your brains out.

The reverie, twisted as it may be, is an apt one.

Though Capone cut a sanguinary trail broader and wider than the Windy City, the Chicago mobster landed behind bars only after being nailed for tax evasion  certainly one of the least of his crimes.

So it is with Trumps New York conviction for falsifying business records  mere pieces of paper, in the words of his thwarted defense counsel.

Its possible, amid the yuckiness and the yucks  too much information about Trumps bedding of Stormy Daniels, snickering accounts of the defendants courtroom siestas  to lose sight of the wrongdoing at the heart of the case.

Trump paid $130,000 in hush money to cover up his extramarital liaison with Daniels, knowing the facts would very likely cost him the 2016 presidential election if voters found out. (His wife, Melania, was home with their newborn when Trump stepped out on her.)

Read more: 'Stormy' filmmakers explain how Daniels helped convict Trump: 'Let's give the woman her due'

Its hardly the most egregious of Trumps myriad offenses: pilfering highly classified documents from the White House; trying to strong-arm Georgias secretary of state into stealing enough votes to overturn Trumps defeat; siccing a deadly mob on the Capitol to reverse the result of the 2020 presidential election.

But thanks to a Florida judge evidently in Trumps back pocket, the blundering of a Georgia prosecutor and a pliant U.S. Supreme Court, none of the ex-presidents other criminal cases are likely to reach a jury in time for a verdict before Nov. 5.

Thus, Trumps conviction on 34 felony counts by a Manhattan jury is a welcome and important political marker.

Imperfect justice. But justice nevertheless.

The response from many of Trumps fellow Republicans was no less sad or pathetic for its utter predictability.

Falling in line as they dropped to their knees, a parade of vice presidential wannabes  Doug Burgum, Marco Rubio, Tim Scott, Elise Stefanik among them  decried the verdict as a cosmic miscarriage of justice.

When Larry Hogan, Marylands former Republican governor and a candidate for U.S. Senate, called on Americans to respect the verdict and the legal process  a statement that is not only reasonable and respectful but a kind of political boilerplate  the response from Trump World was telling.

You just ended your campaign, Trumps consigliere, er, top campaign strategist fired back.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Trumps conviction marked a shameful day in American history, which certainly puts things like the Dred Scott decision and Wounded Knee Massacre in perspective.

Like many  including the groveling Rubio, Scott and Stefanik  Johnson was once a Trump critic. Now Johnson unflinchingly embraces him, whiplash being a common condition in todays Republican Party.

Trump isnt just the GOP nominee-in-waiting, Johnson said at a weekend fundraiser in Peoria, Ill., but a symbol of one who is willing to fight back against ... corruption, the deep state and all the rest.

Republicans have long run against government and its perceived overreach, but the strategy has reached new heights in the last few years.

The Party of Lincoln, which appealed to the better angels of our nature, has become the Party of Trump, who panders to the baser instincts of his aggrieved followers.

If its uplift you want, catch an elevator.

The country needs a strong, vibrant and serious-minded GOP, to compete against and hold the Democratic Party in check. A see-no-evil personality cult dedicated to the presidential restoration of a grifting, vengeance-minded felon just doesnt cut it.

The party, and the country, needs to purge Trump once and for all, and the only way that will happen is a resounding and unequivocal defeat at the polls,

Again.

Trump has been a loser in three straight elections, starting with the 2018 midterms. Even the most zombified Republican politician will eventually come to realize the party needs to move on.

More broadly, the election in November amounts to a test of character. Not Trumps. Its about the character of our country.

In 2016, many voters chose to overlook Trumps serial bankruptcies, mendacity, extravagant malice and utter lack of qualifications, assuming he would pivot  a term fashionable at the time  and become more sober and responsible once he became president.

Eight years later  after two impeachments, four criminal indictments, two libel verdicts, a civil j udgment for business fraud, a judges finding Trump committed sexual assault and, now, his felony convictions  there is no doubt about the fundamental rot that festers at Trumps core.

Will voters put him back in the White House? And what does that say about Americas values, not to mention the countrys judgment, if they do?

Read more: In a battleground congressional district north of L.A., Trump verdict may be a wildcard in the November election

Every four years, a candidate for one party or the other  whichever happens to be out of power in the White House  describes the upcoming election as the most important one of our lifetime.

Its a cliche so old it has wrinkles atop its wrinkles.

But this time it happens to be true.

Get the latest from Mark Z. Barabak

Focusing on politics out West, from the Golden Gate to the U.S. Capitol.

Sign me up.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Me.) issued a statement on the Trump felony verdict a few days ago:

It is fundamental to our American system of justice that the government prosecutes cases because of alleged criminal conduct regardless of who the defendant happens to be. In this case the opposite has happened. The district attorney, who campaigned on a promise to prosecute Donald Trump, brought these charges precisely because of who the defendant was rather than because of any specified criminal conduct.

Senator Collins, in a statement devoid of any facts or discussion of the actual case, predictably toadies to the Trump-controlled GOP party line. This seems to be the emerging narrative from the Trump-centered GOP: that the prosecution was purely political and may therefore help Trump in November. Well find out about that. But almost all of the post-verdict blather over the Trump felony verdict appears, as with Collins, to be evidence free; that is, few of the critics or critiques since the verdict really canvas the evidence and look at the process by which the jury arrived at this verdict.New York law criminalizes falsifying internal business records even when they are private and not used to cheat the tax system or defraud anyone. In New York, falsifying private business records is generally a misdemeanor. It becomes a felony only if, as the jury found here, the actions are used to cover up or conceal a crime. In this case, the jury appears to have been persuaded by the prosecutions argument that the crime covered up was essentially a scheme to defraud the American people by concealing information about the character and conduct of a presidential candidate.

Christopher Cole

The prosecution of Trump is, fundamentally, only unique because only a very few people are in a position to defraud the public in a presidential election.Looking at the evidence, there is no doubt -- no reasonable doubt -- that after the disclosure of the Access Hollywood tape, Trump and his campaign (separate things) both wanted desperately to keep the public from finding out that Trump had been serially unfaithful to his wife, with a Playboy model and an adult film actress. He, with the assistance of Cohen and Trump's friends at the tabloid, arranged to pay these women off, for their silence -- so the rest of us wouldn't learn in advance of November 2016 about the loathsome creature this guy was. The prosecution's case was buttressed by an enormous body of evidence, built to pre-corroborate what would be Cohen's testimony (and hold against the inevitable attacks on Cohen's veracity and trustworthiness).The issue to cavil with can only, reasonably, be the decision to prosecute in the first place, as Collins and others appear to do. But Bragg did not run for Manhattan District Attorney on a "get Trump" platform. Articles from the time period after Bragg took office note that he stunned the public and his own staff by pausing the prior District Attorneys investigation into the former President, which appeared to be heading toward an indictment. Two of his prosecutors were sufficiently upset by the decision that they quit. One of them called Braggs disinclination or hesitation to bring a case against Trump a grave failure of justice. In fact, Bragg slowed the investigation and prosecution, and took a very hard look at the evidence, consulted with his career prosecution staff and evaluated the wrongs at issue.

A grand jury then indicted Trump, in criminal procedure a routine and necessary step that certainly favors the prosecution view of the world. There was then extensive evidence disclosure and sharing with the defense team, which in this case appears to have been made up of experienced and skilled trial lawyers, deeply familiar with the New York courts and court system, particularly Emil Bove and Susan Necheles. They tried the case, and confronted and cross-examined the prosecution's witnesses, including the crucial triumvirate of witnesses, Cohen and Daniels and Pecker.Trump and his legal team made decisions. For example, counsel for the former President  according to them, with Trumps involvement in the decision  made a decision not to directly confront a handwritten note from former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg revealing that the $130,000 payment to Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen had been grossed up to $360,000, so that Cohen could avoid federal taxes. Trump's team likewise failed to confront and reduce the impact of a note from former Trump Organization controller, Jeffrey McConney, that mentioned the need to increase the payment to Cohen to cover his taxes. Moreover, Trump's legal team had no factual answer to (or, more importantly, witness to credibly and creditably rebut) the body of evidence that overwhelmingly suggested that the purpose of the overall scheme, pursuant to which records were falsified, was to help Trump's 2015 campaign, which was then thought to be in trouble against Mrs. Clinton. Trumps legal team didnt call Weisselberg or McConney to provide their own view of those documents. And didnt call Trump to testify at all.And the prosecution's presentation resounded enough with the jury for 12 citizens (who themselves were seated only after significant voir dire by the lawyers, aimed at their ability to be and remain impartial), after 11 hours of deliberation, to convict Trump of the crimes asserted by the State.Juan Merchan presided over the trial and managed his courtroom very well, particularly in the face of a defendant whose principal interest and effort was to distort and discredit the judicial process in which he was entangled, and malign the people managing it. The jury wasn't composed of crazy Trump haters. Trump appears to have falsified business records for the very purpose that the prosecution posited  to keep the fact of his tryst with Daniels and affair with McDougal a secret from the voters weighing in on his fitness for our highest office. He has all his appellate rights, and access to good counsel to prosecute his appeal.

Collins and the other toadying serfs of todays GOP had access to all of this information, and well-paid staff to distill it for them. But they opt instead to demean and vilify the bedrock system by which the rule of law is applied to all of us. Its a disgrace, maintaining employment in a system that, at the same time, they work soullessly to tear down. But if you avoid the detail-free spin, what you will see is conduct, an investigation, a prosecution, a jury, the application of the law in a courtroom, and a big shot trying to get away with something and finally getting caught.

Christopher Cole is a lawyer who lives in Portsmouth.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Commentary: Susan Collins and other toadying serfs of todays GOP
TechCrunch

The FCC just decided that anyone affected by a natural disaster can get a break on broadband and mobile service; it's not much, but every little bit counts. The Lifeline program is a long-running program that helps lower the cost of internet access for anyone that, temporarily or chronically, finds it difficult to pay for. Because of the exigent circumstances that arose from Hurricane Milton, we find that there is good cause for further action to expeditiously ensure that households receive critical assistance for their communications needs in the aftermath of hurricanes and other tropical weather systems in the near term.
Momentum is growing to create a tax filing system that will allow people to easily file their tax returns at no cost. (Getty Images)

Barely had tax season come to a close when we were reminded  in case anyone could forget  of how absurdly complex tax filing has become.

First came the news that some 12,000 Oregonians who paid TurboTax to file their tax returns overpaid in state taxes because of an error in the software. Next, we learned that some 93,000 Oregon families eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit  a key anti-poverty strategy  did not claim it, many of them deterred by the complexity and cost of filing a tax return.

But theres also good news: A new system is coming that will allow people to easily file their tax returns at no cost. Such a system is long overdue.

Most people know first-hand the headaches that come with tax filing. It takes on average about 13 hours and $270 to complete a federal tax return, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Thats not even counting the added time and cost of filing a state tax return.

As often happens, the problem weighs most heavily on those with the fewest resources, like families eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. An anti-poverty program that has long enjoyed bipartisan support, the EITC can be worth thousands of dollars for low-income families scraping by on low wages. But to get the credit, they must file a tax return. And thats the rub.

About one-third of Oregon families eligible for the credit did not claim it in 2020, the year with the most recently available data. That was the worst showing among all states. But the national figure isnt great either, with about one-quarter of eligible families leaving money on the table that could make life a bit easier.

The problem of eligible families not claiming the credit is directly tied to the complexity of tax filing. Research shows complexity leads eligible families to avoid the hassles of filing taxes, creates confusion about eligibility, imposes transaction costs and creates fear of errors and potential penalties resulting from those errors.

The woeful state of our current tax filing system, however, is unnecessary. A better system begins with having the Internal Revenue Service and Oregon Department of Revenue provide an online tool for people to prepare and file their taxes directly with the agency  the same type of service TurboTax offers, only free.

To make life even easier, tax agencies could also provide pre-filled tax returns, basically eliminating all the work involved in tax filing for many people. The IRS and Department of Revenue already have your W-2s, 1099s and other information used to fill out your return. Researchers estimate that the IRS can produce accurate returns for nearly half of all filers. For most of the rest, the IRS can produce a draft return requiring only one change, such as updating the address or completing an additional schedule.

Oregonians receiving a pre-filled return would be able to accept it, amend it or reject it and prepare a tax return from scratch. For many people, the introduction of pre-filled returns would make tax filing a cinch.

If its possible to have a simple and free tax filing system, why doesnt it exist? Because a few corporations, and one above all, have fought tooth and nail to prevent that from happening.

Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, rakes in billions from tax filers every year. Thanks to reporting from ProPublica, its now clear the extent of the companys lobbying and dirty tricks to derail the creation of a simple and free tax filing system.

In a hopeful development, the just-completed tax filing season saw initial steps toward a simple and free tax filing system. Both the IRS and Department of Revenue launched online tools allowing people to prepare and file returns directly with the agencies. Known as direct File, the public option guides users by asking a series of questions. Customer-friendly features such as live chat ease people through the filing process.

More than 140,000 filers used IRS Direct File, collectively saving themselves $5.6 million in tax preparation fees. As for its quality, the vast majority of users gave IRS Direct File high marks. The tool created by the Oregon Department of revenue also received positive reviews by thousands of users.

In its first year, IRS Direct File was available only in a dozen states. But in what may prove to be a watershed moment, the IRS recently announced that the program is going nationwide next tax season and will be permanent, meaning that Oregonians too will have access to this free tax preparation and tax filing tool going forward.

Achieving a simple and free tax filing system ultimately requires integrating the federal and state filing tools, so that tax filers need only input their information once. It requires pre-filled tax returns. And it requires greater investments in tax assistance programs for working families with more complicated returns.

Tax filing is our civic duty, but fulfilling that obligation should not come with unnecessary costs and headaches. The people of this nation and state deserve a simple and free tax filing system.

The post The complexity of tax filing is harming Oregonians, but a solution is coming appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani addresses the press as Governor Ned Lamont watches. (Shahrzad Rasekh/CT Mirror)

The Connecticut Department of Public Health will receive $700,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to help clear a backlog of unaddressed complaints from nursing home residents and their families.

Lawmakers set aside the funding in a budget stabilizer bill passed during the final week of the legislative session. The Connecticut Mirror reported in April that the health department had a backlog of 2,400 complaints from nursing home residents and their loved ones, and another 1,300 complaints related to incidents at hospitals, some of which date back five years.

The funding was designated for nursing home survey teams.

And even as the department is trying to catch up on complaint inspections, Dr. Manisha Juthani, the states public health commissioner, said DPH is getting about 75 new grievances from nursing homes each month.

Chris Boyle, a spokesman for the department, said this week that officials are weighing how to use the ARPA funds. DPH is currently reviewing the proposal to assess whether and how we might use it to increase weekly work hours for surveyors, he said.

The health department currently has 46 nursing home surveyors, including trainees, all of whom work 35 hours a week, Boyle said.

One option would be to allow those employees to work 40 hours a week voluntarily.

We believe some surveyors will be interested in moving from 35 to 40 hours per week, Boyle said. Moving employees from 35 to 40 hours per week is subject to a collective bargaining agreement covering these employees and requires such moves to be made on a voluntary basis.

Over the last two years, DPH has [also] brought on board temporary worker retirees to help with survey work, he added.

The pandemic and a wave of retirements in the agencys Facility Licensing and Investigations Section contributed to the complaint pileup. At one point, FLIS was more than 40% understaffed, but through aggressively recruiting, its leaders said, the vacancy rate is down to 14%.

The unaddressed complaints date back as far as 2019, Boyle has said.

At the height of the pandemic, survey and complaint inspections were put on hold while health officials carried out infection control visits. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services halted our investigations for all complaints other than the most serious in early 2020, meaning that we had some complaints from 2019 on the books when the pandemic hit, Boyle said.

As the department deals with the backlog, surveyors are handling immediate jeopardy and high-priority events quickly, while complaints that are considered medium or low priority can take longer to resolve. Immediate jeopardy cases  findings that indicate violations in a nursing home caused or were likely to cause harm or death to residents  are responded to within three business days. For high-priority events, the state must initiate an on-site survey within 18 business days, and for medium-priority incidents, within 45 calendar days. Low-priority events are typically dealt with during the facilitys next routine inspection.

A high-priority event could be a door falling off its hinges and hitting a resident, injuring them, or a staff member humiliating or speaking rudely to a resident. A medium-priority incident could be a resident receiving cold coffee, a resident missing a recreational activity, or that soiled clothes were left on the bathroom floor. Low-priority events could be an issue with coding in someones medical record that did not impact care.

Every single complaint that comes to the agency is important to us, because its impacting someones life, Barbara Cass, the health commissioners senior advisor for long-term care, told the CT Mirror.

Medium- and low-priority grievances are important to us, but they are not suggesting an imminent threat to life or safety or an immediate negative outcome, she said.

Legislators said that although high-priority events are being addressed, quality of life issues that could generate lower-priority grievances are also crucial.

The atrocities weve been seeing in nursing homes, we need to be able to answer those complaints, said Rep. Jane Garibay, D-Windsor, co-chair of the Aging Committee. We hear from the public all the time, and we shouldnt [only respond] because someone choked to death.

If someones being mistreated  five years later, that person could be dead. Some of the people who complained in 2019 arent even alive now. So its very important to reach out to them. Were hoping that with this support, theyre going to be able to pull this together.

Theres no such thing as a minor complaint. If somebodys complaining, its quality of life stuff, added Rep. Mitch Bolinsky, of Newtown, a ranking Republican on the Aging Committee. The goal is to get every complaint taken care of. We have to clear the backlog. The intent of the funding is to get those teams up to 40 hours [a week] and give them the opportunity to sort through their workload.

Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, co-chair of the Appropriations Committee, said the health department should also consider mandatory overtime for workers to help clear the complaint backlog.

They should have overtime until these cases are caught up, she said. What is termed a low or medium complaint is still something important to the family member or person whos inside a nursing home. If theyre stuck in bed for too long or the food theyre given doesnt taste well or its not warm enough  those are big deals.

I wont eat a meal thats not cooked enough. I dont expect anyone to lay in a bed all day long. These are things we shouldnt accept.

The post Conn. Department of Public Health gets funds to help address complaint backlog appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
Lansing Township wetland, April 19, 2024 | Susan J. Demas

A mix of state-level policies and funding can help Michigan preserve wetlands and reduce flooding, according to speakers at Audubons Great Lakes Advocacy Day.

Conservationists gathered in the state Capitol Tuesday to advocate for wetland protection through policy measures. The event was hosted by Audubon Great Lakes, an organization focused on protecting birds and their habitats.

The group highlighted recent policy and funding opportunities in Michigan to support wetlands and wildlife and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The event featured state House Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) adviser Steven Chadwick and Audubon Great Lakes policy director Marnie Urso.

The Michigan DNR is using COVID-19-era federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act for some conservation projects around the state. One opportunity would include wetland restoration, Chadwick said. Another project he mentioned was restoring a wetland in southeastern Michigan to help prevent algal blooms in Lake Erie, which may help protect drinking water.

Theres some opportunity to purchase some agricultural ground that has some wetland restoration potential, Chadwick said. Thats a big chunk of money, and were working on that process. Hopefully we have that wrapped up here this summer, as well.

Chadwick also spoke about funding in the Michigan DNR budget that can be used for wetland restoration and flood prevention in rural and urban areas. The DNR was given $2 million in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget for wetland restoration projects.

Pohutsky, who serves as a chair of the Natural Resources, Environmental, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee, spoke about Michigans Clean Energy Future Package, which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed last year and supports a goal of the state using 100% carbon-free energy sources by 2040.

Urso said Audubon was pushing for the initiative to be fully implemented and funded, so the collection of bills could reach the set-out clean energy goals.

We needed an aggressive plan, and it is one, Pohutsky said.  One only needs to look around at changing climate patterns, increases in extreme weather events and the impact that all of those things have on wildlife, to recognize that were, frankly, on borrowed time when it comes to correcting our course.

Urso said Audubon was also invested in renewable energy policy, including SB 152, which would create community solar energy projects.

Pohutsky also highlighted the importance of state investment in environmental goals, including wetland protection.

Were all very proud to call ourselves a Great Lakes State, and Im happy that we are able to put our money where our mouth is, she said. But investment is just that. It requires consistent investment. Looking forward, that is a huge goal of mine, to make sure that we continue to put money into our wetlands and make sure that theyre as protected as we can get them.

She ended her talk calling out the mission of Audubon as being uncontroversial and cutting through some polarization that surrounds environmental policy. Pohutsky joked that many of her colleagues had strong negative reactions to renewable energy sources, but no one has anything bad to say about birds.

The post Conservation advocates push for renewable energy policy and funding to help preserve wetlands appeared first on Michigan Advance.
Black Creek separates Eddie Shumans property and that of a relative. The Bryan County mega site property is about 100 yards up the creek from this location.

A coastal Georgia conservation group on Monday informed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that it will take legal action to stop work on Hyundai Motor Companys soon-to-open electric-vehicle manufacturing facility near Savannah.

In a letter of intent filed Monday, the Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) informed USACE that it is challenging the October 2022 approval of a permit that helped clear the way for the $7.6 billion project in Bryan County.

The organization accuses USACE of not completing required steps and overlooking water supply concerns during the permitting process for the 2,500-acre site.

The federal Clean Water Act requires USACE to collect pertinent information and analyze permit requests that impact or disturb waters of the U.S., including wetlands.

Despite major updates and changes to ... permit requests between 2019 and 2022, USACE did not reconsider these additional substantial impacts, ORK said Monday.

Chief among those alterations was the addition of nearly 600 acres to the project. The 2019 site analysis on which the permit application was based should have been revisited to address potential implications of an expanded operation, ORK argued.

The required procedural planning steps for this project were not properly completed and, therefore, any activities related to this project should be immediately halted until these crucial steps are properly completed, ORK says in its letter addressed to Lt. Col. Sott A. Spellmon, commanding general and chief of engineers; Col. Ronald J. Sturgeon, USAC Savannah District commander and engineer; and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

Quality concerns: Industry, residential development threaten Savannah's drinking water sources, report says

Solar panels will hover over nearly 2,000 parking spots at the Hyundai EV and battery plant.

6.6 million gallons per day

The organization also challenged USACEs findings that it would be reasonable to assume that the Bryan County (water) supply is adequate to support the plant and related growth and would not require water withdrawals or a permit from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

The applicants  Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority Secretary Trip Tollison and Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development  knew months before the permit was approved that the Hyundai plant and related development would require up to 6.6 million gallons of water per day and the drilling of four new wells.

That information was included in a confidential letter of intent dated April 25, 2022, to Robert Boehringer, managing partner at consulting firm KPMG International. That letter, which laid out plans for the Hyundai project, also was signed by Tollison (who also is president and CEO of the Savannah Economic Development Authority) and Wilson.

However, the water needs were not mentioned in the permit application, also signed by Tollison and Wilson and submitted 12 days after the letter, on June 7, 2022.

USACE approved the permit, including the findings that no additional water or wells would be needed, nearly four months later, on Oct. 4, 2022.

When questioned in March as part of a Savannah Morning News investigation of the process, a USACE Savannah District spokeswoman said the corps had no reason to think otherwise.

We rely on information made available to us during the permitting process, Cheri Pritchard said in an email response. Information regarding water supply impacts, such as the information provided in the letter (of intent) you shared, is most helpful during the permit review process. This information was not previously provided to us during that process.

That shouldnt matter, ORK said Monday.

There was an assumption that existing water utilities could meet the demand, but its the job of USACE to challenge that assumption and require more of the applicant, said Ben Kirsch, ORKs legal director.

When asked about the process in March, Tollison said the application satisfied all requirements.

More water: Four wells might not be enough for Hyundai's Savannah-area factory, state says

Ogeechee Riverkeeper Damon Mullis says work on Hyundai's electric-vehicle plant in Georgia should be halted under agencies have "done their due diligence."

Aquifer to be impacted

The new wells will draw water from the Floridan Aquifer in Bulloch County and pump it to the Hyundai site, which the company expects to begin operating later this year.

Overwhelming local demand on the aquifer  part of a 100,000-square-mile underground water source covering all of Florida and portions of Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi  led to the intrusion of saltwater near Savannah and prompted the state environmental officials to cap withdrawals in 2008.

The limits covered Chatham, Bryan, Liberty and a portion of Effingham counties.

To meet the Hyundai-related demand, the depth of the aquifer could drop by as much as 19 feet near the wells, and private wells could decline by up to 15 feet, according to projections from Georgia EDP.

The potential impact within a 5-mile radius of the Hyundai facility prompted EPD to include the protection of property owners among conditions tied to state permits for the new wells. Under the provisions, Bryan and Bulloch counties will be required to establish a fund to help well owners who experience unreasonable impacts related to the increased extraction.

The available pool is expected to start at $500,000, Tollison said.

As the largest economic development investment in Georgia history, the Hyundai project should be subect to strict scrutiny, Ogeechee Riverkeeper and ORK Executive Director Damon Mullis insisted Monday.

One of ORKs directives is to be a watchdog for water resources and make sure permitting processes are done correctly, Mullis said. "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.

ORK's letter also names the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which disbursed millions of dollars in infrastructure funding for the projects.

John Deem covers climate change and the environment in coastal Georgia. He can be reached at 912-652-0213.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Group eyes Army Corps of Engineers in fight over GA Hyundai project
A single mother died after becoming trapped under a forklift machine while working on a construction project at an Oregon high school.

Samantha Sam Deschenes, 33, was fatally injured after reportedly becoming trapped under the machine while working at Portlands Benson High School on 30 May.

She was transported to hospital but died of her injuries a day later, according to Ironworkers Local Union 29. The union, as well as many of its members, expressed their love and support for the family of Deschenes, who they described as their sister.

It is with great sorrow that we confirm the loss of one of our members due to injuries sustained in a jobsite accident, the union wrote in a post on social media.

The family has requested privacy and an investigation by the Oregon Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is ongoing. The preliminary investigation revealed that a forklift truck had been involved, an OSHA spokesperson told.

Samantha Sam Deschenes died after a forklift accident at Benson High School in Portland Oregon (Ironworkers Local 29/ KGW)

Andersen Construction, who was undertaking the project at Benson High School, described her as a valued team member.

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, a statement shared with The Independent, read.

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 company said that work on the project had been suspended in the interest of the health and well-being of our team members and that it was working with safety and health officials as part of the accident review.

Our primary focus is helping Sams family as well as providing mental health support to our team members, the statement continued.

We respect the privacy of the family and will not be sharing further details at this time.

A donations page to support Descheness family has been set up. Andersen Construction said it would match donations.

Members of the community expressed their sorrow online, as they shared links to the donations page. It breaks my heart having to post this, wrote one.

We are asking for prayers, positive energy, love, and hope to be sent out for Sister Deschenes.

Another added: My heart goes out to our fellow Sisters Family and friends as they mourn her passing. Although I may have not known her personally, I among many other Trade Sisters are saddened by this news.

We send our condolences...I will change my profile temporarily in solidarity with Sam...An Ironworker of Oregon. I encourage you all to donate to her memorial fund.
Out of control: People weigh in on police pursuit that injured FHP trooper

Drivers are voicing their opinions about a Northbound I-95 high-speed chase involving law enforcement. It began with St. Johns County deputies making a traffic stop and ended with a state trooper spinning out a truck with a pit maneuver.

Today, the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office released footage of the May 29th chase and the mugshot of suspect Alexandria Mason.

The video shows a St. Johns County deputy pulling Mason over at a McDonalds near I-95 and State Road 16. Deputies say they stopped her because she had a felony warrant out of Citrus County for not appearing in court on drug possession charges.

In the video, you can hear Mason saying, Youre not allowed to stop me.

Soon after, she drives off.

Deputies began chasing Mason northbound on I-95 for nearly 30 miles from St. Johns County into Duval County. The video shows the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) taking over and driving around 90 miles an hour.

Helicopter video shows the moments state troopers stopped the woman by the exit to Atlantic Boulevard -- near San Marco.

State troopers used whats called a pit maneuver, hitting the side of the truck Mason was driving and sent it swerving into the barrier wall.

Florida highway patrol  were trained in the pit maneuver and that is something that we take very seriously, FHP Spokesperson Dylan Bryan said.

An FHP report says the truck lost control and hit a black sedan, but its not shown in the video. The report says no one in the sedan was injured.

Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson has over two decades of law enforcement. He said car chases should be used as a last resort.

To chase individuals when youve already identified who she is you can find her later, Carson said. When you pursue someone in an automobile, youre on a public road. This is not a racecourse. So, there are other people whose lives are in extreme danger.

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FHPs newly updated policy from December allows for troopers to pursue a suspect if they believe theyre actively eluding law enforcement.

The Florida Highway Patrol, as far as Im concerned, is out of control, I think, Rocky Caggiano, a Florida resident, said.

Action News Jax Annette Gutierrez spoke with Rocky Caggiano and Carol Gardner at a rest stop on I-95, on Monday. They were traveling south from New York to their home in South Florida.

Its pretty scary, Gardner said. Im glad it wasnt us. Its just frightening.

Caggiano said he doesnt believe FHP should chase someone on a warrant for drugs, saying, Get the plate number, go to his residence, go and pick them up.

But Bryan says they use it only when necessary.

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When our agency is available to assist, we intervene as quickly as possible, Bryan said. Obviously the longer a pursuit continues, the higher possibility of something going awry.

The FHP report says Mason and two troopers were hurt. One trooper reportedly had sustained significant hand injuries.

FHP arrested Mason, and shes now facing charges from both FHP and the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office -- including running from law enforcement, reckless driving, and armed possession of a controlled substance.

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COLTS NECK  A group of neighbors and environmentalists say a plan to erect 360 apartments along Route 537 risks contaminating the drinking water of more than 300,000 Monmouth County residents.

Now the group is waiting to find out if the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will approve a permit for the proposed "Colts Neck Manor" sewage treatment system, which is one of the last remaining hurdles standing in the way of construction.

The controversial project would build 180 one-bedroom apartments, 165 two-bedroom units and 15 three-bedrooms along Route 537 near Colts Neck High School and Five Point Park. Of those apartments, 72 would be for very low, low and moderate income renters. The apartments would be spread across 15 buildings, each three stories high, on the 39-acre parcel.

Colts Neck Manor also includes plans for a swimming pool, clubhouse, wastewater treatment facility and four pocket parks.

The project would partially satisfy the township's affordable housing obligation under New Jersey's Mount Laurel Doctrine, which requires each municipality in the state to provide its "fair share" of affordable housing.

A 2021 architect's rendering shows plans for Colts Neck Manor.

Rose Ann Scotti, a former Colts Neck mayor, said the Manor project is a on a poor location for a high density housing development.

"The proposed wastewater treatment system is a new treatment system that has only been used for much smaller developments," she said in a statement.

Developer Colts Neck Building Associates LLC is seeking a Treatment Works Approval permit from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for its proposed sewage facility. The Colts Neck Manor development would use what is known as an Amphidrome system for sewage, an underground system that treats and then releases wastewater into a dispersal field.

A report by TRC Companies, a Connecticut-based engineering and construction consulting company hired by neighbors to study the proposed system, found "major flaws" in Colts Neck Manor's sewage treatment plans.

The proposed system failed to account for "actual site conditions" and provided "completely unreliable projections," the report said.

Previously: Monmouth County commissioners send Colts Neck housing project back to Planning Board

"In a failure of the system, this first stage is isolated from the rest of the system, but continues to be loaded by raw sewage and essentially becomes a giant holding tank," the TRC report said. "If the system cannot be repaired or restored in time, or the tanks pumped out, it will overflow raw sewage from manholes atop the tanks  on a rise above Yellow Brook, whose stream bed is less than 300 feet away."

Yellow Brook is a tributary of the Swimming River Reservoir, which provides drinking water to 335,000 Monmouth County residents.

Marianne Cucolo, one of the neighbors who helped hire TRC to review the sewage treatment plan, said she is trying to get the state Department of Environmental Protection to read the firm's report before it decides on issuing a permit.

"This report clearly shows that this is way too big a project for the site," she said. "We're not saying don't build it, but they really should cut it in half."

Colts Neck Manor's proposed sewage system, as it is designed, "still allows contaminants to move into the Yellow Brook," said Kip Cherry, conservation chair of the Sierra Club Central Jersey, an environmental organization.

"According to the permit (application), the wastewater system will still produce effluent that will contain fecal coliform (a type of intestinal bacteria)," Cherry said. "They are relying on a disposal system in the ground to take care of that problem, and we have big concerns about whether or not that's geologically possible."

The treatment system also would allow various chemicals found in sewage  PFAS from cookware and medications excreted in urine, for example  into the soil near Yellow Brook, Cherry said.

The issue has drawn attention and concern from nearly 2,400 nearby residents who signed a petition opposing the Colts Neck Manor project.

Permit application correspondence between the developer and state environmental department show the sewer treatment facility is being designed to process 71,250 gallons of wastewater each day. To treat that much sewage, the property will use "flow equalization, membrane filtration and ultra-violet disinfection" to treat the sewage and then disperse the treated wastewater into a 71,800-square foot dispersal field.

Tuesday is primary election day in NJ: What you need to know

According to Department of Environmental Protection documents, fecal coliform bacterial will remain in the treated material that then pumped into soil of the underground dispersal field. Dispersal fields, which are common in septic systems, serve to filter the wastewater before it combines with underground water, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"This (Colts Neck Manor sewage treatment) system is more complex and effective than a typical septic system since advanced wastewater treatment is being proposed to meet discharge limitations prior to disposal," state environmental officials wrote in the comments section of the developer's permit application for groundwater discharge. "The Department has determined that use of an advanced wastewater treatment system, such as an Amphidrome treatment system, is advantageous to the environment and public health and appropriate considering the size of the proposed facility."

Joshua Bauers, director of exclusionary zoning litigation for the Fair Share Housing Center, a New Jersey-based affordable housing advocacy organization, said the state environmental department has stringent rules protecting water from pollution and untreated sewage.

"It's important that all of the towns in New Jersey provide their fair share (of affordable housing)," Bauers said. "Towns are not allowed to use their zoning to exclude (lower income residents), and I think that's what Colts Neck has done for a very long time. They use the powers of zoning to keep out basically anything that's not a mansion or a McMansion."

To solve the housing crisis, more affordable homes need to be built, he said.

"This particular site (in Colts Neck) has been studied somewhat endlessly, and found to be a suitable site," Bauers said. "It's going to provide some much needed affordable housing that's going to be made available to New Jersey's working families. It's important that Colts Neck finally become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

A spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Protection said that the TWA permit was still under review as of Monday.

Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 15 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Could the Colts Neck Manor project pollute local drinking water?
GAYLORD  Work may soon start on Gaylord's long anticipated Elkview Park after the city council accepted a bid on the project at their May 28 meeting.

City manager Kim Awrey said three bids were submitted to build a a four-season viewing platform, a pavilion with a fireplace, a playground, parking lot and restrooms on the corner of Commerce Boulevard and Elkview Drive next to the building housing the Otsego County Commission on Aging.

The bids were $2.1 million, $1.8 million and slightly over $1.4 million, as all exceeded the $1.3 million estimate from an engineering firm for the project. Council accepted the $1.4 million bid from EF Wilkinson & Sons Inc. of Cheboygan.

"(Wilkinson) has done projects for the city within the last five years or so," Awrey said.

Awrey said there was some discussion about cutting some things from the project, like irrigation and parking lot lighting, to get the cost closer to $1.3 million.

"We have been trying to do this project for about 20 years and council decided not to cut anything. Instead we will spend the money to make it an iconic park and get what we want," said Awrey.

"We will hold a pre-construction meeting as soon as possible and find out their (Wilkinson) schedule. We are good to go and it's our hope that they will start perhaps by this summer. We want to have it all wrapped up by fall so we can do a ribbon cutting then," she added.

The project will also include a trail that will connect to neighboring Aspen Park.

Meanwhile, council appears poised to give Woda Cooper Companies an extension to its purchase agreement for a vacant 18-acre parcel of land that borders I-75 and West Street. The firm intends to construct 41 single-family homes on the property that will sell for approximately $215,000 to $295,000 each.

The purchase agreement is due to expire on June 15 and P. Craig Patterson, a senior vice president with the Woda Cooper, said the company wants to extend that date until at least Sept. 23.

P. Craig Patterson of Woda Cooper said the company wants to extend the date for its purchase agreement with the city on an 18-acre parcel of land until at least Sept. 23.

Patterson told the council that the Michigan State Housing Development Authority wants to fund the project, but even with that there is a gap in the money needed for the development.

"I need an extension to get additional funding from somewhere. We are also looking at our budget and looking at our price points to make sure they are correct. Perhaps the price (of the homes) could go up based on the recent comps (comparable sales) in the last 30 days. That would help us fill in at least some of that gap," Patterson said.

Right now, that funding gap totals $50,000 a unit or about $2 million, said Patterson.

"We believe if we can lower that gap we have a higher probability of being funded," he added.

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Patterson said a new state budget due in July may contain some potential new funding for the project. Council will consider the extension request at its June 10 meeting.

Council will also consider a proposed 2024-25 budget at the June 10 meeting that will include property tax millage rates for city operations along with fire and police services.

 Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Council awards elk park contract to Cheboygan company
Counseling service in Rogers looking at options after office destroyed by tornado

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Before the Rogers tornado struck on Memorial Day weekend, Waters Edge Counseling Services was a place full of positivity.

Weve heard a lot of laughter in here. Weve heard a lot of playing in here, said Jeannine King, clinical director at Waters Edge Counseling Services.

The building has served the community since 2017.

Local organization receives tornado cleanup help from Benton County inmates

I rented a third of this building and it was just me. And that third of the building had seven offices. Within about six months, we had all seven offices full with clinicians and I was meeting with the landlord to try to figure out how we could expand and add more space, Terrie Barton, owner and CEO of Waters Edge Counseling Services, said.

When King and Barton saw the aftermath of the tornado damage to their building, their emotions were much heavier.

Its a bit overwhelming. Last week we took Sunday and Monday. It took us two full days to get the building cleaned out and pretty much until Wednesday, or Thursday, we were just working on adrenaline and just the shock of everything, Barton said.

King says she felt shocked and overwhelmed but immediately went to find a solution.

Its hard to be here today to see such a beautiful environment. Its not the building, it was the environment that our clinicians offered to our community, a safe place for our community, King said.

The building in Rogers is torn apart.

Tornado damage at Waters Edge Counseling Services. Photo taken by Cayla Cade.

Wires are hanging from whats left of the ceiling. The front of the building and the roof are missing, and furniture and doors were thrown to the ground.

We do have to be grateful that this did not happen during normal business hours because our story would have been much more traumatic, King said.

The counseling service had 22 employees and more than 300 to 400 sessions a month, serving clients of all ages.

But now, they are forced to go to a different location or have telehealth appointments.

If the insurance policy that the client has will cover telehealth or it would roll over to a self-pay option, Barton said.

Tips to maintain mental health after Northwest Arkansas tornadoes

Barton says they have lost a few clients already.

We have had a few clients that dont want to drive to our Bentonville location because of the traffic, Barton said.

She says some clients also took a month or two off from therapy.

To kind of see where were going to land and how were going to work all this out, Barton said.

Barton and King are not letting the damage stop them from continuing life-saving work for their clients.

Christ and Neighbor, a church in Rogers, offered to let them rent a space.

They have kindly reached out, and its going to allow us, or at least, were in talks to be able to practice under one roof together, Barton said.

Barton is meeting with church members this week to finalize these plans and determine when they can start helping people again.

Tornado damage at Waters Edge Counseling Services. Photo taken by Cayla Cade.

Barton says finding a new space in Rogers will be difficult.

When you factor in that we need 16 offices and then space for at least seven to eight support staff, that task is very daunting-looking within the Rogers city limits because its just not available, Barton said.

There are also plans of rebuilding and King says its going to be better than it ever was before.

We have told all of our employees that bigger and better things are to come. This happened for a reason, King said.

Barton says she is grateful for her team in Rogers who have built this safe space and provided services to clients.

She is also thankful for all the volunteers and other counseling group practices who have offered them office space.

Its just been very humbling and very emotional to see the outpour and the outreach of the community, Barton said.

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PLAINS TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Police are investigating an incident where counterfeit cash was attempted to be used at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino.

According to PSP, on May 25 a 52-year-old woman from Avoca tried to use a $50 bill at a slot machine but it would not take.

PSP: Man kidnaps woman at McDonalds, leads troopers on chase

The victim learned that the bill she was using was fake and labeled for motion picture.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP BGE Wilkes-Barre Gaming Office.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  It could be a long night for Shelby County Commissioners, as they are meeting to tackle the mayors proposed $1.6 billion budget.

County commissioners are faced with weeding through Mayor Lee Harris $1.6 billion consolidated budget that calls for no proposed property tax increase but does include a 6% raise for county employees.

County budget contains no tax hike, 6% raises

Commission Chairwoman Miska Clay-Bibbs calls this budget challenging.

I think the conversation around do employees need pay raises, absolutely. But, its at what cost and how do we get there where everybody can feel good about being on the same page together? said Bibbs.

Commissioner Mickell Lowery said he supports the raises, but doesnt want them to be a burden on the taxpayers.

Where we get the money from is still on the table. So, I hope we can get there on both making sure were taking good care of the employees, and not be a burden on the taxpayer, he said.

The proposed budget also means there is no room for new employees and many vacant positions would not be filled.

Because of this, Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner has threatened to sue the county.

County leader says job cuts in sheriffs office smoke and mirrors

If you look at what the mayor (Lee Harris) is proposing, it is taking away positions. Were talking 441 positions, said Bonner.

County Commissioner Bibbs says that if you currently have a job, you wont be touched.

Im certainly for having the sheriff have as many jobs as he needs. I think the question comes to can those be filled this year or can we not fund them for another year, said County Commissioner Lowery.

There are also questions about the mayors plan for the county to pay for the entire first phase of rebuilding the Regional One Health campus at $500 million over the next 10 years and building new schools.

Ive been a champion of that project. I also want to make sure at the same time, were talking about what the deferred maintenance of schools looks like. When youre talking about a capital improvement budget that will last ten years, the reality of it is making sure all things are touched, said Bibbs.

County leaders could allocate $1.8M to Juvenile Court

Also on Mondays county commission agenda is the future of the juvenile detention facility on Old Getwell Road.

Last year, the sheriff announced that his office would be ending its agreement with Juvenile Court to operate the facility to focus on the Criminal Justice Center on Poplar.

Story continues

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The Missouri Supreme Court has set an execution date for Marcellus Khaliifah Williams, despite prosecutors ongoing attempts to overturn his conviction.

A warrant of execution goes into effect at 6 p.m. on Sept. 24.

Williams has faced execution twice, but they were halted to conduct DNA testing and further investigation.

Results determined that Williams is not linked to evidence from the crime scene, including DNA on the murder weapon, shoe prints, fingerprints or hair.

Hours before his Aug. 22, 2017, scheduled execution, former Gov. Eric Greitens enacted a stay and appointed a board of inquiry to look into his case.

Last June, Gov. Mike Parson lifted the stay and dissolved the board.

We could stall and delay for another six years, deferring justice, leaving a victims family in limbo, and solving nothing, Parson said in a statement then. This administration wont do that. Withdrawing the order allows the process to proceed within the judicial system, and, once the due process of law has been exhausted, everyone will receive certainty.

Williams legal team filed a lawsuit in August arguing that Parson did not have authority to lift the stay without receiving a recommendation from the board.

Oral arguments before the Missouri Supreme Court were heard in April.

The court decided Tuesday that governors have absolute discretion to grant clemency relief and that the Governor was free to rescind it at his discretion.

Tricia Bushnell, executive director of the Midwest Innocence Project, said Williams legal team was disappointed by the courts decision, but will continue to push on a separate case filed by the St. Louis County Prosecutors Office.

This injustice can still be righted, she said in a statement.

Using a law that allows prosecutors to intervene in wrongful convictions, Prosecutor Wesley Bell filed a motion to vacate Williams conviction in January. He emphasized that physical evidence was not a match to Williams. He also identified issues related to the fairness of Williams trial and noted that Williams defense attorney had not looked into the credibility of two key witnesses who had been incentivized by reward money.

A hearing in that case has not yet been scheduled, according to court records. The matter remains pending, Christopher King, with the prosecutors office said Tuesday.

The court announced the execution date a few hours later after handing down their ruling regarding the governors powers.
A federal appeals court has stopped accepting public complaints, many seeking the recusal of U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, from the U.S. Governments classified documents case against former President Donald Trump, citing a flood of 1,000 filings in recent weeks that appear to be part of an orchestrated campaign.

The court acted after a general order from Chief Judge William Pryor Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, which is based in Atlanta and covers Florida, Georgia and Alabama. A link entitled, Judicial Council Order In the Matter of Judicial Complaints Against Judge Aileen M. Cannon, appears on the courts home page.

Many of the complaints against Judge Cannon request that the Chief Circuit Judge remove her from the classified-documents case and reassign the case to a different judge, Pryor wrote in an order dated May 22.

He added that many also question the correctness of her rulings or her delays in issuing rulings in the case. The judge instructed the clerk of the appeals court not to accept further judicial complaints against United States District Judge Aileen M. Cannon on or after May 16 to the extent they are similar to previously filed complaints.

The judges order was first reported by CNBC.

For months, Cannon, a 2020 Trump appointee who presides in Fort Pierce and who was assigned the Trump case after a federal grand jury handed up an indictment against the former president last year, has been the target of repeated media commentaries for allegedly slow-walking the case at the behest of defense lawyers. In open court and in filings, those lawyers have repeatedly insisted the case should not be tried until after the presidential election in November.

Defense lawyers also have filed a wide-ranging suite of motions to dismiss the case. They are based on allegations that the Biden Administrations Justice Department is waging a vindictive prosecution against the former president, appointed Special Counsel Jack Smith without proper authorization, violated attorney-client privilege during the investigation and used the FBI to stage a raid on Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, among other things.

Although most of those motions were filed months ago, the judge has yet to rule on them, raising an outcry from critics who assert that she is accommodating the defense in a bid to prevent a trial before the election. If Trump defeats Biden and wins a second term in the White House, critics argue, he could order the Justice Department to drop the case against him.

But in his order, Judge Pryor noted that the complaints also do not establish that Judge Cannon was required to recuse herself from the case because she was appointed by then President Trump.

Flood of complaints

He said that before May 16, multiple complaints of Judicial Misconduct or Disability were filed against Cannon. Some of those complaints have been acted upon, and others will be acted upon in due course, Pryor wrote.

Since May 16, the court clerk has received over 1,000 judicial complaints against Judge Cannon that raise allegations that are substantially similar to the allegations raised in previous complaints, Pryor wrote. These complaints appear to be part of an orchestrated campaign.

The court went on to dismiss four of those orchestrated complaints as merits-related and as based on allegations lacking sufficient evidence to raise an inference that misconduct has occurred.

Moreover, he added, although many of the complaints allege an improper motive in delaying the case, the allegations are speculative and unsupported by any evidence.

Legal experts agreed that Pryor could hardly move any complaint forward without evidence.

There are lots of reasons why a federal district judge can be removed from a case, but the bottom line is that there has to be good evidence of a violation of one of the judicial ethics rules, Robert Jarvis, a professor of law at Nova Southeastern University, said in an email. Removal is not permitted simply because the judge is making rulings that one side or the other doesnt like. That is why Pryor did what he did  he thinks these are just partisan complaints and have nothing to do with Cannons actual performance.

Lawyers who have practiced in South Florida for a number of years suggested Pryor had little choice but to act.

When judges perceive or observe an abuse of the system, they step in, said Miami attorney David Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor who is now in private practice with the Jones Walker firm. Normally, the only people who can move for recusals are the parties in the case.

Weinstein said he was not surprised that Pryor issued an order to stop the stream of complaints.

The numbers (of complaints) filed doesnt necessarily make it right, he said. It doesnt mean the complaint is valid.

David Markus, a longtime Miami criminal defense lawyer who authors the Southern District of Florida blog, filing unsubstantiated complaints are not helpful to the court.

Like the old Saturday Night Live skit where William Shatner tells fanatics at the Star Trek convention to Get a Life, perhaps the mobs filing complaints about a federal judge they know nothing about should heed the same advice.

_____
COVID-19 answers? On Monday, Anthony Fauciformerly the chief medical adviser to the president during the COVID-19 pandemic and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases directortestified before Congress about his role in the pandemic and the origins of the coronavirus.

Fauci, deified by many mainstream liberals, made a few preposterous claims. When Rep. Jim Jordan (ROhio) asked, "You agree that there was a push to downplay the lab leak theory?" Fauci responded, implausibly, "None on my part."

This strains credulity; many, including those questioning him yesterday, have pointed to the fact that Fauci directed funding toward gain-of-function research, including toward the lab in Wuhan, China, that COVID-19 is believed to have emerged from. When social media companies, under pressure from the federal government, worked to suppress the spread of information related to the lab leak, mainstream publications treated it like a crackpot theory (with the exception, interestingly, of some writers at The New York Times). And groups of virologists, who had been encouraged by Fauci, published articles in scientific journals casting doubt on the theory. Together, these actions reveal a more complete picture that contradicts Fauci's rosy revisionism.

Back in a private testimony in January, Fauci had told Congress that the six-foot social distancing recommendation "wasn't based on data." But yesterday, he clarified that he'd meant there was no clinical trial that settled on the six-foot recommendation and that "officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who crafted the recommendation were basing the distance on early expectations of how the virus spread," per The Washington Post. When congressional Republicans voiced their discontent with this answer and emphasized that the arbitrary six-foot rule crippled schools' ability to have kids inside their classrooms, keeping many shuttered for a year and a half, Fauci had little remorse to offer.

Biden immigration crackdown expected: President Joe Biden is expected to sign an executive order today that seals the border under an unprecedented surge of migrants, curbing the protections available to asylum seekers.

"The restrictions would kick in once the number of illegal crossings exceeds 2,500 in a day, according to several people who have been briefed on the order," reports The New York Times. "Daily totals already exceed that number, which means that Mr. Biden's executive order could go into effect immediately."

It seems Biden is worried that the crisis at the border is a political liability that may hinder his ability to get reelected, thus the rightward shift in immigration politics.

Scenes from New York: The pot shops down the block from my house have these types of signs on thema sign that masking, which caught on (and was in many places legally mandated) during the pandemic has now become another tool available to robbers, who have been reportedly targeting these head shops.

(Liz Wolfe)

Republicans in some places, like North Carolina, have been pushing a bill that bans people from donning masks in public, possibly in an effort to help police crack down on protesters. But some New Yorkers favor this type of legislation because they've seen just how bad theft can get and how CCTV cameras are unable to surveil offenders if their faces are covered. It feels like there's no libertarian answer here: Of course, people should be free to try to hide from surveillance, but what happens when it's bad people doing rights-violating things?

QUICK HITS

"Had the government not provided COVID-19 vaccines for free and shielded vaccine makers and administrators from any liability for adverse reactions, prices could have better rationed vaccine supply and better informed people about their risks and benefits," writes Reason's Christian Britschgi. "Without prices, people were instead left with flawed government recommendations, incentives, and rationing schemes."

Death spiral:

"We are losing large amounts of money. Your audience has halved in recent years. People are not reading your stuff. I can't sugarcoat it anymore," WaPo CEO and publisher Will Lewis told staff Monday, amid a major leadership shakeup at the paper: https://t.co/qNHQWFA6ho  Charlotte Klein (@charlottetklein) June 3, 2024

Seems insane that former President Donald Trump should have to surrender his guns post-felony conviction. Who is made safer by this?

Speaking of guns and feloniesinside Hunter Biden's legal troubles.

"The challenge with freezing organs, brains or whole bodies is figuring out how not to cause irreparable damage," reports Bloomberg. "When ice crystals form during the freezing process, they can tear and burst cells. This can be combated to a degree by freezing tissue very quickly and shielding it with chemicals, the cryoprotectants, that blunt the crystallization process. Still, it's very difficult to treat large amounts of tissue in a uniform manner with these techniques, as the innards of an organ or body prove tougher to reach with cold and chemicals."

True:

gender disparities are generally not dismal at all. they reflect free men and women following their interests, which uncomfortably reveal general differences between men and women  something we all agree exist when it's convenient (crime), and forget when we want to be angry. https://t.co/AxowpLOHlm  Mike Solana (@micsolana) June 4, 2024

The post COVID Accountability Never appeared first on Reason.com.
Covid vaccines could be partly to blame for the rise in excess deaths since the pandemic, scientists have suggested.

Researchers from The Netherlands analysed data from 47 Western countries and discovered there had been more than three million excess deaths since 2020, with the trend continuing despite the rollout of vaccines and containment measures.

They said the unprecedented figures raised serious concerns and called on governments to fully investigate the underlying causes, including possible vaccine harms.

Writing in the BMJ Public Health, the authors from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, said: Although Covid-19 vaccines were provided to guard civilians from suffering morbidity and mortality by the Covid-19 virus, suspected adverse events have been documented as well.

Both medical professionals and citizens have reported serious injuries and deaths following vaccination to various official databases in the Western World.

They added: During the pandemic, it was emphasised by politicians and the media on a daily basis that every Covid-19 death mattered and every life deserved protection through containment measures and Covid-19 vaccines. In the aftermath of the pandemic, the same morale should apply.

Tens of millions of people were vaccinated during the pandemic - WPA POOL/GETTY

The study found that across Europe, the US and Australia there had been more than one million excess deaths in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, but also 1.2 million in 2021 and 800,000 and 2022 after measures were implemented.

Researchers said the figure included deaths from Covid-19, but also the indirect effects of the health strategies to address the virus spread and infection.

They warned that side effects linked to the Covid vaccine have included ischaemic stroke, acute coronary syndrome and brain haemorrhage, cardiovascular diseases, coagulation, haemorrhages, gastrointestinal events and blood clotting.

German researchers have pointed out that the onset of excess mortality in early 2021 in the country coincided with the rollout of vaccines, which the team said warranted further investigation.

However, more recent data regarding side-effects has not been made available to the public, with countries keeping their own individual databases of harms, which rely on self-reporting by the public and doctors, the experts warned.

Researchers said that it was likely that the impact of containment measures, restricted healthcare and socioeconomic upheaval during the pandemic had contributed to deaths, although accepted that was difficult to prove.

Gordon Wishart, chief medical officer at Check4Cancer, and visiting professor of cancer surgery at Anglia Ruskin University, warned repeatedly that delaying cancer diagnosis would lead to deaths.

It was predicted early in the lockdown period that limited access to healthcare for non-Covid conditions would lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment of time-critical conditions such as cancer, cardiac disease, diabetes and dementia and that this would lead to excess deaths from these conditions, he said.

NHS England data shows that per 100,000 people the cancer incidence was 521 in the pre-lockdown year, then fell to 456 in 2020/2021 suggesting around 45,000 cancers were missed in the first pandemic year.

The incidence rate rose to 540 per 100,000 the following year suggesting many cancers were diagnosed late, when treatment would be less effective.

Speaking about the potential for vaccine harm, Mr Wishart added: The authors are correct to point out that many vaccine-related serious adverse events may have been unreported, and point to the fact that the simultaneous onset of excess mortality and Covid vaccination in Germany is worthy of further investigation on its own.

The paper provides more questions than answers but, it is hard to disagree with their conclusion that further analysis is required to understand the underlying causes of excess mortality to better prepare for the future management of pandemic crises

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Crews recover body of missing woman who was member of SC National Guard from lake

LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  The body of a woman who went missing while tubing at Lake Greenwood has been found more than a week after she was last seen.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said they recovered the body Monday.

Porsha Griffin, 30, has not been seen since Saturday afternoon, after going underwater while tubing at Lake Greenwood.

We extend our gratitude to all of the officers, investigators and divers involved, as well as the supportive Greenwood community and everyone who offered additional help, SCDNR said in a statement. Our heartfelt condolences remain with the victims family and loved ones.

30-year-old Porsha Griffin was tubing with a friend at Lake Greenwood on May 25 when the tube flipped, tossing the pair into the lake.

Though her friend was pulled from the lake by a bystander, Griffin never resurfaced.

Neither was wearing a life vest at the time.

Crews have been patrolling Lake Greenwood from sunrise to sunset since May 25 with officers conducting searches on the surface and with sonar. Divers also spent hours underwater during the search.

SCDNR said Monday that Spartanburg County Search and Rescue along with North Carolina Aqua Marine Recovery were assisting in the search.

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Crime Reports: Abilene man reports he was assaulted by mother of child

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

3200 block of S 23rd Street  Violation of Bond/Protective Order

A victim reported a known suspect assaulted her.

400 block of S Leggett Drive  Violation of Bond/Protective Order

A victim reported she was assaulted by her ex-boyfriend in south Abilene.

400 block of Tucker Lane  Theft of Firearm

A firearm worth $775 was reported stolen.

700 block of Park Avenue  Assault

A victim reported he was assaulted by the mother of his child during an argument.

1600 block of S 1st Street  Burglary of Building

Construction equipment worth $2,000 was reported stolen.

4200 block of Oil Belt Lane  Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse

Police took a report in reference to debit/credit card abuse.

4500 block of S 1st Street  Harassment by Person in Correctional/Detention

Police took a report in reference to harassment.

4300 block of Caldwell Road  Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon

Police responded to an assault in north Abilene.

3000 block of Orange Street  Assault

A report was taken for assault.

800 block of Orange Street  Assault

800 block of E Hwy 80  Assault Family Violence  Impede Breath

A suspect was arrested for assault family violence.

3000 block of W Lake Road  Criminal Mischief

A report for criminal mischief was taken in north Abilene.

Arrests

Thomas Lewis  Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon

Kristian McGill  Public Intoxication, Failure to Identify

John Morelan  Warrant, Possession of Dangerous Drug

Brandon Jones  Public Intoxication, Assault Family Violence

Don Jones  Driving While Intoxicated

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Crime scene analysts testified Monday about the SUV prosecutors say a Massachusetts woman was driving more than two years ago when she backed into her Boston police officer boyfriend and left him to die in a snowbank.

Karen Read is charged with second-degree murder in the January 2022 death of John OKeefe.

Prosecutors say she dropped him off at a house party hosted by a fellow officer in Canton, Massachusetts, after a night of drinking, struck him with her SUV and then drove away.

The defense has said Read was framed by someone who beat OKeefe inside the home and that the homeowners relationship with local and state police tainted the investigation.

WATCH DAY 19 OF WITNESS TESTIMONY:

As the highly publicized trial entered its sixth week, jurors heard from several state police forensic scientists, including Maureen Hartnett, who examined Reads vehicle a few days after OKeefes death. She observed a dent in the trunk door, scratches on the rear bumper, and a broken taillight, as well as what appeared to be a hair next to the taillight and pieces of glass on the bumper. The hair and a swab used on the taillight were sent to outside labs for DNA testing, said Harnett, who also analyzed OKeefes clothing.

Questioning Hartnett, Reads attorney suggested the glass and hair may have been planted. Alan Jackson asked Hartnett if those items were just sitting or perched on the SUV despite the fact that the SUV had been driven or towed roughly 50 miles in a snowstorm. She agreed with his characterization of the items placement but declined to speculate about the travel involved.

I dont know when the glass pieces ended up on the bumper, she said. I dont know when that hair was deposited on the vehicle.

Jurors also heard from a state police officer who helped search the area where OKeefe was found. Lt. Kevin OHara described finding six or seven pieces of a broken taillight and OKeefes sneaker in the snow but acknowledged that the scene was left unsecured for hours before the search. Though he said that wasnt unusual, Id prefer that it was secured, he said.

Multiple witnesses have described Read frantically asking, Did I hit him? just before OKeefe was found the next morning or saying afterward, I hit him. Others have said the couple had a stormy relationship and OKeefe was trying to end it.

The defense, which has been allowed to present what is called third-party culprit evidence, argues that investigators focused on Read because she was a convenient outsider who saved them from having to consider other suspects. Those they have implicated include Brian Albert, who owned the home in Canton where OKeefe died, and Brian Higgins, a federal agent who was there that night.

There is no court on Tuesday. Testimony will return on Wednesday for a full day.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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New CT senior housing opens next to grocery store. We could have filled this eight times over

The completion of a $10.5 million development is leaving little doubt about the need for more upgraded, subsidized housing for low-income seniors in the Connecticut city.

All 22 rentals at 3-story, New Samaritan Parkville apartments on New Park Avenue in Hartford have already been leased, all ahead of Tuesdays grand opening ceremonies at the property, next to the Stop & Shop supermarket.

We could have filled this eight times over, said Jennifer Young Gaudet, chairman of the non-profit developer New Samaritan Corp, based in North Haven. This is just a drop in the bucket.

Gaudet estimates that dozens more units are needed in Hartford and thousands more across the state.

New Samaritan focuses on creating quality affordable living environments, and Gaudet said the project in the Parkville neighborhood is just the beginning of chipping away at the shortage of senior housing in Hartford. The apartments are reserved for people 62 years of age or older.

Rents for the one apartments, which range in size from 600 to 650 square feet, are pegged at 30% of a tenants adjusted gross annual income. Tenants must have incomes below 50% of the area median income. Federal subsidies make up the rest of the rent.

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said the high cost of housing for seniors in Hartford and across the country make projects like New Samaritan Parkville critical.

Ive been seeing, in my short time as mayor, so many more elderly people who served our country, built lives here, built families here, unable to afford housing in the twilight years of their lives, Arulampalam said, prior to a ribbon cutting Tuesday. And thats why projects like this are so important.

The apartments are equipped with stainless steel appliances, durable vinyl composition tile flooring and walk-in showers that have next to no threshold to cross over. Common areas include multi-purpose rooms, laundry rooms on each floor and a library.

The city agreed to sell the property, at the corner of New Park and Francis Court to New Samaritan for $87,000 in 2020. Construction began about two years ago, New Samaritan officials said.

Financing for senior housing included $4.5 million in federal housing funds, $2.1 million from city HOME funds and $873,000 from the state, plus other sources of funding.

The sale to New Samaritan came after an earlier proposal for a gas station that would have been operated by Stop & Shop.

State Rep. Minnie Gonzalez, D-Hartford, prior to a ribbon cutting Tuesday, said there was long the thought that the property should be used for senior housing. The property had been vacant for years after a building had been torn down. The city had owned it since 2010.

Gonzalez said she remembered her first thought when she heard about the plan for the gas station.

Unh-uh, Gonzalez recalled. I dont think so.

There was vigorous opposition by the neighborhood  and later, the city council  to those plans, clearing the way later for the New Samaritan plan.

Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@courant.com.
A lot of us will change our wardrobe to fit into a crowd, and the brood parasite known as the cuckoo has used evolution to do the same thing.

Because cuckoos lay their eggs in the nest of a host bird, the nestlings need to develop similar attributes to the host species in order to not get kicked out.

A new study analyzing the DNA and behavior of two cuckoo species shows that this drive to survive, along with the host species own evolutionary defenses, has sparked a coevolutionary arms race leading to a diverse speciation of cuckoos.

Work smarter, not harder is the unofficial-yet-totally-appropriate tagline for the bird family Cuculidae, known more commonly as cuckoos. Thats because most of these birdsstretched across 35 different generaare brood parasites, meaning that they trick other birds into raising their young by laying eggs in their nests. In fact, these birds are so infamous for this sneaky practice that cuckoo is actually the root for the word cuckold.

However, to pull off this deviously clever bit of absentee parenting, cuckoo chicks need to look similar to their host species chicks, or theyll be ejected from the nest. Now, a new study from the University of Cambridge and the Australian National University reports that this biological pressure is one of the first pieces of evidence for coevolution driving speciation. When analyzing bronze-cuckoos, the scientists discovered that as they developed certain host preferences, the cuckoos began to evolve into different lineages based on the appearance of that hosts chicks. The results of this study were published in the journal Science .

This exciting new finding could potentially apply to any pairs of species that are in battle with each other, Rebecca Kilner, a co-author of the study, said in a press statement . Just as weve seen with the cuckoo, the coevolutionary arms race could cause new species to emergeand increase biodiversity on our planet.

The researchers looked at two cuckoo species in particular: the shining bronze-cuckoo (Chrysococcyx lucidus) and the little bronze-cuckoo (Chrysococcyx minutillus). Both of these species exploit the Gerygone birds of Southeast Asia, Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand. For their analysis, the team relied on DNA analysis from egg and bird samples in historical collections, as well as two decades worth of field-based behavior analysis.

Their results showed that a coevolutionary arms race between cuckoos and their hosts was a major engine for speciation and the creation of greater biodiversity. This is largely due to the fact that cuckoo nestlings began specializing in mimicking their host chicks skin, down, flange color (the flange is where the two mandibles join at the base of the beak), and even begging calls. Furthermore, these changes in lineage also bring with them subtle variations in an adult cuckoos bird calls that allow male and female cuckoos to specialize in the same host.

Cuckoos are very costly to their hosts, so hosts have evolved the ability to recognize and eject cuckoo chicks from their nests, Naomi Langmore, a lead author of the study, said in a press statement. Only the cuckoos that most resemble the hosts own chicks have any chance of escaping detection, so over many generations the cuckoo chicks have evolved to mimic the host chicks.

The researchers stress that this increased speciation only occurs with cuckoo species that are very costly to their hosts, which is what sets off the coevolutionary arms race between the host species defenses and the cuckoos parasitic mimicry.

Understanding the complex interspecies evolutionary dynamics is particularly important as anthropogenic climate change threatens ecosystems around the world. As warming temperatures impact these creatures, it could lead to a rapid increase in speciation among cuckoossomething any bird on the receiving end of a cuckoos parasitic attention would probably consider bad news.



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Cyber attack forces hospitals to cancel surgeries in major incident that could last for weeks

A cyber attack has affected some major hospitals in London, affecting the delivery of blood transfusions, according to memos to NHS staff.

Kings College Hospital, Guys and St Thomas (including the Royal Brompton and the Evelina London Childrens Hospital) and primary care services in the capital have been hit by a major IT incident involving pathology partner Synnovis, the letters said.

Trusts reported that the incident has had a major impact on the delivery of services, with blood transfusions particularly affected.

Some procedures have been cancelled or have been redirected to other NHS providers as hospital bosses continue to establish what work can be carried out safely.

A spokesman for Kings College Hospital in London confirmed it was affected by the attack.

The incident is thought to have occurred on Monday, meaning some departments could not connect to a main server.

Pathology results could take weeks

According to the Health Service Journal (HSJ), several senior sources have told it the system has been the victim of a ransomware attack.

One said gaining access to pathology results could take weeks, not days.

There are suggestions urgent and emergency care at the hospitals will be affected as they may not be able to access quick-turnaround blood test results.

One patient, Oliver Dowson, 70, was prepared for an operation from 6am on Monday, at Royal Brompton when he was told by a surgeon at about 12.30pm that it would not be going ahead.

He said: The staff on the ward didnt seem to know what had happened, just that many patients were being told to go home and wait for a new date.

Ive been given a date for next Tuesday and am crossing my fingers - its not the first time that they have cancelled, they did it on May 28 too, but that was probably staff shortages in half term week.

Prof Sam Shah, NHS Consultant and Professor of Digital Health, told The Telegraph: Cyberattacks and major IT outages in two of the UKs most prominent hospitals will be extremely distressing for staff and patients.

Patients will be left anxious not knowing the results of urgent diagnostics. Operations and treatment will be delayed and cancelled as critical pathology results will not be available and staff wont be able to make key medical decisions.

Some patients will suffer deterioration and others will be made to wait months to be rescheduled. There will be a knock-on impact on other hospitals too as patients are diverted elsewhere across London, causing a domino effect on already stretched services. This is catastrophic and senior hospital IT bosses need to be held to account.

Significant impact on services

NHS officials said they were working with the National Cyber Security Centre to understand the impact of the ransomware cyber attack affecting some London hospitals.

A spokesman for NHS England London region said the ransomware attack was having a significant impact on the delivery of services at Guys and St Thomas, Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts and primary care services in south-east London and we apologise for the inconvenience this is causing to patients and their families.

Emergency care continues to be available, so patients should access services in the normal way by dialling 999 in an emergency and otherwise using 111, and patients should continue to attend appointments unless they are told otherwise. We will continue to provide updates for local patients and the public about the impact on services and how they can continue to get the care they need.

We are working urgently to fully understand the impact of the incident with the support of the Governments National Cyber Security Centre and our cyber operations team.

Synnovis is a partnership between Synlab UK & Ireland, Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and provides services to the NHS, Synlab, clinical users and other stakeholders.

It announced its partnership with the NHS on April 1 promising to transform pathology services and help to improve the quality of patient care across south east London.

Pathology is the study of disease and plays a key role in supporting the diagnosis of illness and devising new treatments to fight viruses and infections.

The medical diagnostic service provider said it would work with Guys and St Thomas and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts to deliver and transform pathology services for hospitals, GPs, community services and other NHS healthcare providers.

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A Dominos Pizza branch in Galapagar and a Starbucks in Fuenlabrada, both in Spains Madrid region, are the two latest openings by Alsea, the Mexican multinational that operates these and other high-profile restaurant brands such as Fosters Hollywood, Chilis Bar & Grill, Popeyes, Burger King and California Pizza Kitchen. By the time this article is published, there will surely be more, as the group is growing at a rate of two openings a week in at least one of the six European countries where it operates: France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain. Jose Luis Portela, its European CEO, explains that they managed 100 new restaurants in 2023 (60% owned and 40% franchised), and that in 2024 they will continue on the same path, having exceeded a total of 1,500 establishments on the old continent. Its plan, announced in 2023, is to open 400 more establishments by 2025.

The groups origins lie in a Dominoss franchise opened by brothers Cosme and Alberto Torrado in Mexico City in 1990 with the help of their mother. It took them only nine years to be listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange. With the family as the main shareholder, they then expanded throughout Latin America and branched out into Europe in 2014, buying the Zena group. In the past 10 years, they have devoured the market share of fast-food operators on that side of the Atlantic.

At the end of 2018, Alsea acquired the Vips group and, in 2019, the exclusive rights to operate Starbucks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Although in 2019 rumors circulated of a possible public offering (IPO) in Europe, the company states that there are no such plans for now. The last announcement dates back to March, when they acquired the remaining minority stakes in the capital of its European subsidiary, including those of the Arango family, founders of Vips, which held 5.13%, for 238 million ($259 million).

Behind this meteoric growth is a steady increase in sales with a record turnover of nearly 1.27 billion ($1.38 billion) in Europe last year with 6% growth in the first quarter of 300 million ($326 million), despite the fact that in many European countries where they operate consumption has become more restrained, as acknowledged by Portela. His quarterly balance sheet reflects the fact that many consumers are turning their backs on U.S. franchises in France and the Netherlands due to Israels offensive in Gaza. There has been an impact since October, especially with the Starbucks brand in Central Europe and France, but we think it is temporary and we are looking ahead with optimism, he says. Now, with the Olympic Games coming, we are getting ready and hiring people to meet an increase in demand.

The companys accounts are experiencing another positive cyclical effect: both the fall in energy costs  which have not, however, been matched by an equivalent fall in prices  and the normalization of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in many food products have boosted its operating profits by almost 11% in the first quarter of the year. Globally, Alseas European business accounts for 30% of sales and 20% of profit. Latin America and Europe are different markets, says Portela. Lower labor and leasing costs in Mexico mean that margins are higher back home.

Four factories

Alseas operating strategy is, however, similar across the board. Alsea has four factories in Spain that make everything from the dough for its Dominos pizzas to Starbucks sandwiches and Fosters Hollywood ribs. Its main loyalty club in Spain has almost 1.8 million followers and offers discounts and incentives to customers to eat at one of its restaurants. We have very varied client profiles, says Portela. At Starbucks, we get everything from 15-year-olds to older people who tend to use and consume different products. Those of my generation drink lattes or black coffee, while younger people like cold drinks or cappuccino. Vips is a brand that has been around forever, and some people come to snack on its famous pancakes. Dominos Pizza has everything and attracts a slightly younger clientele.

Consumers are looking for novelty and variety in how they can order. At Burger King, we have digital kiosks for ordering, says Portela. At Starbucks, you can order through the app and pick up your order directly at the delivery area without going through the cashier. At Fosters, Vips and Fridays, you will be served by a waiter, but if you are in a hurry and dont want to wait for the bill, you can pay on the app and leave.

Alsea has 22,626 employees on the continent with most on minimum wage. Employees in Spain, at least, have benefited from the 2024 minimum wage hike. Here, and in the world in general, there has been strong growth. Better wages offer more consumption capacity, adds Portela.

In terms of distribution, 30% of Alseas sales are digital. They operate through their own platforms and through aggregators such as Glovo. Customers ask us to make interaction with other brands easy, explains Portela. If I want a delivery, I can do it through the app, the phone, whatever channel offers you the best experience. Its not just about the burger, the salad or the pasta dish, but the service, the ordering facilities and the cleanliness. Alsea is confident that they will continue to grow despite widespread concern regarding obesity and sedentary lifestyles  in Mexico, almost four out of every 10 people over 15 years of age suffer from obesity. The country has the second-highest obesity rate of all the countries that make up the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), just six points below the United States (42.8%). Fortunately, there is plenty of room to grow, Portela says.

The franchise system Alseas business uses a range of formulas with to operate third-party brands, something they can do exclusively in one country or as franchisees of another company, as is the case with Burger King in Spain, where the main operator is Restaurant Brands Iberia. They also have their own brands such as Vips, some of which are franchised. The brand present in most European markets (six) is Starbucks and the brand with the most stores is Dominos (384).
Whatd I get the cops called on me for? escaped inmate asks after Florida woman finds him 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 over reports of a vehicle burglary in progress.

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.

She was able to break free and ran back into her home, arming herself before authorities arrived, the arrest affidavit said.

Hall ran away after officers found him near the BMW. 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 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.

Worlds largest Buc-ees opens next week but Floridas newest store will be even bigger

Police searched the car and found a black Nokia cellphone, which did not belong to the woman. 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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Alec Penstone, who cast a wreath into French waters, said he had no idea where the invasion would take place - Paul Grover

For weeks Alec Penstone, a 19-year-old sailor onboard HMS Campania, thought the invasion would go through Norway.

He had been on exercises up and down the Scottish coast on his escort carrier, transporting the Swordfish submarine-hunting planes that would protect the allied seaborn assault on occupied Europe.

The allies knew any invasion of Normandy could be seriously jeopardised by German U-boats, so Mr Penstones job was to find the submarines and steer the Swordfish to their targets.

It came as shock, then, when after hours below deck he came up on June 4 1944, to see the Isle of Wights Needles in the distance.

Nobody told us where we were going, we had no idea at all, remembers Mr Penstone, a 99-year-old veteran of the Arctic Convoys.

He asked his mates where they were. Everywhere he looked were warships and though he realised the D-Day invasion was on, he had no idea where or how it would take place.

Alec Penstone embraces French piper Corinne Sagnier in Normandy - Paul Grover

It was all a long time ago, he says, and he is full of wonder that he is still alive.

Some 80 years ago, he was making a crossing to Normandy to fight. This time, he was making the same journey to remember lost fellows.

Alec and fellow veteran Harry Birdsall, 98, receive the wreath - Jordan Pettitt/PA

He was on the Brittany Ferries ship, Mont St Michel, which was taking 40 veterans back to Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations.

As the final notes of Nimrod played by the central band of the Royal British Legion, Mr Penstone and a fellow veteran, Harry Birdsall, 98, from Wakefield, cast a wreath into the still French waters at the stern of the ship. They had carried the wreath together before saluting to Last Post

Wellwishers wave Union flags as D-Day veterans depart from Portsmouth - Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty

As the wreath disappeared from view, the Kohima Epitaph was read.

The Mont St Michel was accompanied by Royal Navy patrol vessels Trumpeter, Medusa and Basher as well as HMS Cattistock and the Training Ship Royalist, with tugs spraying water as it sailed out of Portsmouth Harbour.

Normandy veterans wave from ferry Mont St Michel - Andrew Matthews / PA

The Rev Mandy Reynolds, chaplain of the Spirit of Normandy Trust, led the service and explained how the wreath was an act of remembrance for all those who did not make it.

They came off the landing craft and were killed before they could get on to the beaches, she said.

We remember them because there may be a plaque somewhere with their names on, but there are no graves. We remember all those who were lost at sea.

Ms Reynolds added: Its very poignant for the veterans because although we are celebrating them while we are here, they are here to remember their mates who never came home.

Earlier this week, a survey by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission found nearly half of young adults did not know what D-Day was.

Ms Reynolds said: We have to keep telling people. Its not going to be long now before there are no veterans left, sadly.

But we have to keep telling the story because its thanks to these people that you and I can stand here today, chatting, and have the freedom to move around. If it wasnt for these guys that we are honouring then we wouldnt have that.

Earlier in the day, several small boats and yachts waited outside the harbour to see the ferry off on its journey to Caen.

Crowds waving Union and D-Day flags gathered on the Round Tower and harbour walls in Old Portsmouth and cheered and clapped as the ferry passed, with the veterans and families waving back from the ships decks.

Janet Welling, 71, said: I came here to remember the day and to reminisce. It shouldnt be forgotten, what those poor lads went through, leaving here and embarking on France, and what they put themselves through. They said they werent scared  they must have been petrified.

Maisie Brown, 20, said: I came down with my nan to celebrate D-Day and that it should always be remembered. Being the younger generation, and my dad and my uncles being in the Navy, I feel its always important to remember and never to forget.

Chester Pike 'Buck' Sloan, a 100-year-old veteran of the 2nd Infantry Division, returns to Normandy 80 years after fighting there - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

Mark Atkinson, the Royal British Legions director general, said it was a momentous occasion. He added: The veterans are remarkably sprightly, theyre up and about and engaged.

There were a lot of mixed emotions as youd imagine but a lot of people are really excited to be going back. Its an opportunity for them to pay their respects and remember the fallen.

Commander Glen Hickson, far left, and Commodore John Voyce, centre right, with D-Day veterans Jim Grant, centre left and Charles Horne, far right - Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

All the veterans sang Land of Hope and Glory before they were cheered by the other passengers.

As the ferry headed out into the Solent, an RAF A400 aircraft flew past to honour the veterans.

One of those veterans who waved back from the ships decks included Albert Keir, a sailor who was part of a Navy crew escorting US troops on to Utah Beach.

Speaking to The Telegraph, he grew emotional as he spoke of seeing serving sailors salute him.

Theres something amazing when you see the sailors going out and saluting, because it makes you think of it having been you once, he said.

Mr Keir, originally from the Scottish Highlands, was on the guns on the front of his escort vessel on D-Day providing cover to the landing crafts approaching the beach.

When you are in action you arent scared, you do what you have to do in the moment, he said. Its only after that you realise the importance of what you did.

Bernard Morgan, 100, salutes as Harry Birdsall, 98, becomes emotional as they make the journey towards Normandy - Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

Mr Keir will turn 99 later this month. He said he was happy he was healthy enough to return to France, having attended numerous D-Day commemorations over the years.

I like coming back here, he said, adding that while the celebrations are always enjoyable, he never forgets those men who did not make it out of the war alive. Those poor devils, he said.

As the service finished, Mr Penstone took his seat with quiet nobility, just as the Normandy coastline came into view.

A bugler sounded Last Post followed, after a minutes silence, by Reveille.

Just as a piper played Flowers of the Forest, the menacing grey clouds that threatened rain during the service parted allowing sun to break through as the beaches of Normandy came into view.

Earlier, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said: The veterans, travelling with the Spirit of Normandy Trust and the Royal British Legion, will carry with them a commemorative torch from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission which will form the centrepiece of the vigil at Bayeux War Cemetery on June 5.

A young person will pass this symbolic torch to a veteran before they board the ferry. At 1300 (ships time), a wreath-laying will take place on the ferry to remember those who never made it to shore.

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FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The man accused of killing a 56-year-old in Fresno County has been sentenced on Monday, the Fresno County District Attorneys Office announced.

The DAs office says Brandon Engelman of Coarsegold, accused of killing Pacer Hampton of Fresno, has been sentenced on Monday. Earlier this year, Engelman pleaded down to voluntary manslaughter with a firearm.

On April 13, 2021, the Fresno County Sheriffs Office say they received a report at around 2:15 p.m. from a service worker who called to say a man was inside a car that had crashed through a fence and it looked like someone was sleeping inside. However, deputies found the victim, identified as 56-year-old Pacer Hampton of Fresno, to be deceased.

Sheriffs officials say they determined his injuries were not consistent with a car crash.

Man associated with white supremacist Fresneck gang arrested for murder of Pacer Hampton, deputies say

On May 14, 2021, deputies announced the suspect, then 40-year-old Brandon Engelman, was arrested earlier that week under suspicion of homicide and he was also facing a kidnapping charge unrelated to Hamptons death.

Sheriffs officials say Engelman was part of a white supremacist gang group. In 2021, investigators stressed the investigation is ongoing and would say that others were involved in this crime, but deputies were confident that Engelman was the shooter.

On Monday, the DAs office say Engelman was sentenced to 10 years in state prison.

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Dad dies during motorcycle ride for his murdered daughter: Almost too unbelievable to be true

An Alaska father whose daughter was murdered in a 2019 catfishing plot died in a tragic motorcycle crash while riding to honor the 19-year-old's memory.

Timothy Hoffman, 58, died after he lost control of his motorcycle on Sunday near Mile 49 of the Parks Highway, according to the Anchorage Daily News. The ride tragically marked the fifth anniversary of Cynthia Hoffmans death.

His motorcycle left the road shoulder and then rolled into the center median, Alaska State Troopers said in a statement.

Barbara "Jeanie" Hoffman, Mr Hoffman's wife and Cynthia's mother, was riding on the back of the motorcycle and was seriously injured in the accident. This was the first year she joined her husband on his motorcycle for the memorial ride. In previous years she followed the event in a car.

When emergency responders arrived, the couple was unresponsive and required transport to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Timothy Hoffman, the father of an Alaska woman killed in a murder-for-hire scheme in 2019, died during a weekend memorial motorcycle ride commemorating the fifth anniversary of her death. (AAnchorage Daily News)

Mr Hoffman was pronounced dead at the hospital. His wife was in critical condition and required sedation, according to a family member who spoke to Anchorage Daily News.

State troopers said that Mr Hoffman was not wearing a helmet when he crashed. Ms Hoffman was wearing a full-face helmet, but still sustained skull fractures, a broken back, and other broken bones, according to Tanya Chaison, who told the Anchorage Daily News that she was engaged to Mr Hoffman's twin brother.

Cynthia Hoffman's murder was part of a bizarre plot enacted by then-18-year-old Denali Brehmer, who Cynthia considered to be her best friend.

Brehmer began an online relationship with 21-year-old Darin Schilmiller, a man from Indiana who claimed to be a millionaire, according to prosecutors. He promised to pay Brehmer $9m if she killed someone and sent him photos and videos to prove she carried out the act, prosecutors said.

Brehmer then recruited four friends to kill Cynthia. They traveled with Cynthia to Thunderbird Falls on 2 June 2019, where they used duct tape to bind her, shot her, and then threw her body into the Eklutna River, according to authorities.

Schilmiller, Brehmer, and two other defendants charged in the case have pleaded guilty to the crime. Both Brehmer and Schilmiller were sentenced to 99 years in prison.

Timothy Hoffman, right, sits next to a picture of his daughter Cynthia Hoffman, during Darin Schilmiller's arraignment for murder charges Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, in Anchorage, Alaska

Mr Hoffman was a continuous presence in the courtroom during the trial, and was a "zealous advocate" for his daughter, according to Patrick McKay, the prosecutor on many of the cases relating to Cynthia's murder.

I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tim Hoffman on the fifth anniversary of Cynthia Hoffmanns murder. It seems almost too unbelievable to be true, he told the Anchorage Daily News. I hope his family and friends take comfort in remembering that Tim died doing something he loved, with people he loved, in memory of someone he loved.

Mr Hoffman took his final ride with 15 other motorcycle drivers and others following in cars, totaling about 50 participants. Leslie Sonnenberg, a friend of Mr Hoffman's, told the paper that the group tossed roses over the bridge at Thunderbird Falls to remember Cynthia.

He crashed while traveling to the final stop in the ride, Big Lake, where live music and a celebration were planned.
Part of the Signal Peak coal mine near Roundup, Montana (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan).

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines introduced a series of bills during the past two weeks that seek to force the restart of coal mining on federal land in the Bull Mountains and could put coal money back into the hands of the Crow Tribe as part of a revenue sharing agreement that would involve a land swap.

Montanas Republican U.S. senator introduced the bills  two of which seek to reinstate an amendment to Signal Peak Energys mining plan that was vacated by a federal court in 2023  as litigation plays out among the company, the Department of Interior and its Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, and several Montana environmental groups over the timeline for an environmental impact statement the Interior Department has ordered before any more mining could continue on those pieces of federal land.

Two of Daines bills aim to put the amendment that was vacated by a judge last year back in place so Signal Peak could again start mining federally leased coal at the Bull Mountains Mine north of Billings, which environmental groups said they see as a way to skirt the new environmental impact statement and analysis.

A third bill, the Crow Revenue Act, would transfer 4,660 acres of subsurface coal tracts owned by the Hope Family Trust to the tribe, while the trust would receive 4,530 acres of federal subsurface and 940 acres of surface interests in the Bull Mountains Tract, currently leased by Signal Peak.

Following nine years of environmental assessments, lawsuits, and court orders saying that the assessments violated the National Environmental Policy Act because they did not fully account for water supply and emissions impacts, Signal Peak sued Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and the Interior Department in February, then asked for a preliminary injunction on May 9.

The company alleged the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement was wrongfully delaying the completion of the environmental impact statement that was officially announced last August.

But in a response last week, attorneys representing the Interior Department said the deadlines for the environmental impact statement have not passed, so a judge cant legally allow a faster deadline. They also said that Signal Peaks modifications to its permit requests during the past year have caused the delays that are, according to the company, threatening the mines future.

Years of litigation over mine expansion continue

In February 2023, U.S. District Court of Montana Judge Donald Molloy threw out a decision by the Interior Department to allow Signal Peak to expand its operations at the Bull Mountains Mine, saying the environmental reviews the department performed during the course of several years contained serious errors in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act.

Environmental groups had challenged the expansion plans over emissions and water supply pollution potential, as well as the Montana Department of Environmental Qualitys oversight of the mine.

Local landowners have also fought the Bull Mountains Mine expansion, saying it is sucking groundwater out from underneath them and creating subsidence cracks on their land.

And last year, the New York Times published a story detailing how former Signal Peak executives had been charged or convicted as part of a federal investigation into bribery, drug trafficking, worker safety, and more, and how it had been fined for not reporting injuries to workers and illegally dumping toxic waste.

Last August, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement gave notice it was going to develop another environmental impact statement on the proposed mine expansion after Molloy vacated the previous plan.

Though the draft environmental impact statement was initially scheduled to be published this spring, a spokesperson for the OSMRE said Friday it was not yet available. According to the Federal Register publication from last August, the final EIS would be published this fall and a record of decision early next year.

Mining on the proposed expansion area, which would extend the mines life by an estimated 8 to 10 years, is halted until a new plan can be approved. If a new plan is not approved, the mine would only be able to produce coal until this year or next, according to the notice of intent.

However, the recent filings in the companys lawsuit show those deadlines have been delayed. The company said it might be forced to close the mine before the decision is published.

But the federal government says the company has consistently been making changes to its plans, which keeping pushing back the timeline for the completion of the environmental impact statement and record of decision  now possibly until 2026  and the companys ability to start mining the federally leased land.

OSMRE has worked diligently on preparing the EIS, but that progress has been repeatedly thwarted by Signal Peaks repeated changes to the proposed action and no action alternatives, refusal to approve a modified statement of work to fund the contractor preparing the EIS, and inability to provide information necessary to develop the alternatives in the EIS, attorneys for the U.S. Department of Justice wrote in a response filing last week.

Daines introduction of the bills comes amid the litigation and as Montana Republican officials decry what they say are attacks on Montanas coal producers and workers. The Bureau of Land Management recently announced it planned to end future federal coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, which accounts for about 40% of annual American coal production.

The Bull Mountains Mine sits just outside of the field office area to which the proposal, if adopted, would apply. The Bureau of Land Management proposal, which is still going through a public comment period, incensed Daines, Gianforte, and the rest of Montanas Republican federal delegation, who said the proposal singled out the generation plant at Colstrip and its emissions and would cost Montana jobs and money.

The Crow Revenue Act

Daines office issued a news release last week announcing the Crow Revenue Act, calling it a win-win piece of legislation. His office did not publicize the other two bills, but a spokesperson provided copies to the Daily Montanan and called them narrow and short-term fixes that will allow mining to continue.

The tribe wouldnt own anything at the mine, theyd just be able to benefit from revenue payments, said Daines spokesperson, Rachel Dumke. This is huge for Signal Peak because without this fix, they will run out of mineable coal.

The Crow Tribe and the family trust would each get revenue from the development of the mineral interests by the company if that occurs.

Not only will we help preserve the jobs and economic impact from the Bull Mountains Mine in Musselshell County, it will also bring in new revenue for the Crow Tribe to help support their communities, Daines said in a statement.

Dating back to 2013, companies including Signal Peak have looked into mining hundreds of millions of tons on Hope Ranch, which sits on private property within the reservation. But the deals have not gone through.

With the Absaloka Mine, whose mineral rights are owned by the Crow, no longer shipping coal as of April, the tribe has worried that the money it receives from mining and mineral production could run dry.

Frank White Clay, chairman of the Crow Tribe, said in a letter in support of Daines bill that the measure would ensure the Tribe receives much needed revenue from mineral production that would otherwise be lost.

This transfer will ensure a sustainable source of income for the Crow Tribe, employees of the Bull Mountains Mine in Musselshell County, and energy for the nation, White Clay said in the letter.

Signal Peak Energy CEO Parker Phipps said the company supported the proposal and said it would benefit the tribe, adding that the companys mineral leases are needlessly held up in litigation.

The Act will directly promote the economic welfare and sovereignty of the Crow, Phipps said in a letter of support. SPE recognizes that these benefits outweigh the cancellation of the federal leases it currently holds in the Bull Mountains and fully supports the Crow Revenue Act.

The company did not respond to a request for comment on how it stood to benefit from the land swap measure and whether it would seek to develop the mineral interests if the bill to transfer its leases were to pass and be signed into law.

Joseph Hope, a trustee for the Hope Mineral Trust, said in a letter the family fully supports the transfer. The family has owned the ranch since 1944.

We believe this Act not only resolves land ownership issues but also strengthens the historical ties and shared efforts between us and the Crow Tribe, Hope wrote in the letter. Additionally, the legislation provides essential revenue to the Crow Tribe and ensures stability for the Bull Mountains Mine and surrounding communities.

The measure also received letters of support from Roundup Mayor Sandra Jones, the Big Horn County Board of Commissioners, the Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners, and the Montana Association of Oil, Gas and Coal Counties. The latter said 260 employee jobs and millions of dollars in state tax revenue were at risk if the mine were to close.

About 4% of the mines coal is burned domestically, while most of the rest is exported for combustion in South Korea and Japan.

Environmental group says Daines effort would give free pass to Signal Peak

The Montana Environmental Information Center is one of four environmental and conservation groups that have asked to intervene in Signal Peaks latest lawsuit against the Interior Secretary seeking to speed up the timeline for the environmental impact statement.

The consortium, which has not yet been granted intervention in the case, filed a response to the companys ask for a preliminary injunction last week a day after the government filed its response.

They both argue the court cannot render a judgment against a deadline for the environmental impact statement before the deadline has passed, and that the companys multiple modifications to plans and failure to provide certain information needed for the environmental impact statement were causing the delays.

In short, Signal Peak took a gamble, accepted the risk, and lost, the intervenors attorneys wrote in their filing. If an EIS had been completed years agoas it should have been and as regulators desiredone might not be required now. Signal Peak is an architect of its own problem and cannot complain of a predicament it brought upon itself.

The MEICs policy and legislative affairs director Anne Hedges said the groups have no issue with trying to help the Crow Tribe raise revenues through the proposed land swap, but said giving the publicly leased mineral rights to a private company negates their value for U.S. citizens.

She said she believes Daines bills trying to reinstate the vacated mining plan is giving a mining company a get-out-of-jail-free card because Signal Peak pressured the government to do a less-thorough environmental assessment for the expansion instead of an environmental impact statement years ago.

Hedges suggested instead of running the bills, Daines should provide the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement more resources to speed up the assessments.

They created this problem and now theyre asking for a free pass. Thats absolutely what is happening here, she said. So, any company that doesnt want to have to follow the law can just go to somebody like Daines and get an exemption. Thats pretty handy. The rest of us who have to follow the law day-in and day-out are kind of screwed.

The post Daines proposes coal land swap, reinstatement of Signal Peaks mine expansion plan appeared first on Daily Montanan.
A Dallas woman has been sentenced to 60 years in prison in the shooting that killed her childs grandmother at a Starbucks, the Collin County District Attorneys Office said in a social-media post.

Tranisa Watts, 26, of Dallas, was sentenced after pleading guilty to murder on May 21.

On the evening of April 18, 2022, Richardson police were dispatched to the Starbucks at 1405 E. Renner Road in response to a shooting.

When officers arrived, witnesses pointed out a woman as the shooter, later identified as Watts. She was seen running past several neighboring businesses with a small child in her arms, according to the DA.

Watts was arrested while officers found the victim, Kentoria Edwards, who had a gunshot wound to the chest.

At first, the suspect denied shooting Edwards, but an eyewitness who knew both women told police Watts shot the victim during an unscheduled visit that Watts had demanded with her child, the post states.

Edwards, the childs grandmother, had custody of the child since 3 months of age following an investigation by Child Protective Services into Watts ability to care for her daughter, according to the DA.

Three years after CPS began its investigation, Watts declined to follow a visitation schedule, would often show up unannounced, and would cause problems, including physical fights with the family.

When Watts showed up to Edwards home on the day of the shooting, the grandmother agreed to meet her in a public place with another family member. Watts asked Edwards to stand the child up on a table so that she could say goodbye. Instead, Watts grabbed a gun from her purse, shot Edwards in the chest, and attempted to run with the child, authorities say.

In an interview with police, Watts said she acted in self-defense before admitting shooting Edwards. She also told authorities that the entire family was always out to get her and would never let her hold her child. She finally said she had had enough and wanted her child back.

Ms. Edwards was a loving grandmother, mother, wife, and sister. She devoted her life to her family, especially her beloved granddaughter. Watts unthinkable act of shooting and murdering her  in front of Watts innocent three year old child  has shattered this family. We hope this sentence provides a measure of justice and allows the family the time and space they need to begin the healing process, said Collin County DA Greg Willis.
Dangerously hot heat expected to take over in Southern Utah

ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4)  The first real heat wave of the summer will be taking over Southern Utah this week, bringing dangerously hot temperatures to the lower valleys.

The heat is expected to hit much of Washington County, including cities such as St. George, Hurricane and Ivins. The National Weather Service said southern Utahns can expect highs in the triple-digits, which is about 20 degrees higher than the seasonal norms.

The first triple-digit day could come as early as Tuesday, June 4 or Wednesday, June 5, according to ABC4s 4Warn Weather Team. Daytime highs could climb up to 109 degrees on Thursday, which would break the previous record high of 107 degrees for June 6, set in 2016.

As a result of the expected heat wave, the National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning for much of Washington County, as well as the Glen Canyon Recreation Area and Lake Powell.

Temperatures in southern Utah are expected to stay warm throughout the night, only falling into the mid-70s, meaning there wont be much relief from the heat.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors, the National Weather Service advised.

Residents are also advised not to leave young children or dogs unattended in cars as temperatures inside could reach lethal levels in minutes.

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Violence is becoming unmanageable in Ecuador. The governments message that they have harnessed the mayhem has been thrown into doubt. President Daniel Noboa and his ministers based the claim on the fact that violent deaths are down by 485 so far in 2024, compared to the same period last year. The problem is that 2023 was the most violent year in the history of the country with an unprecedented homicide rate of 40 per 100,000 inhabitants. And with 2,400 crimes in six months, security remains a priority.

Daniel Noboa and CAF Executive President Sergio Diaz Granados attend a security meeting on organized crime groups on Monday in Quito. Jose Jacome (EFE)

We are at war, and wars dont last a day or a week; they are long-term, warned the countrys Minister of Defense, Gian Carlo Loffredo. Naturally, war implies that those who belong to neither side get caught in the crossfire with no guarantee of safety even behind closed doors. In the last week alone, 127 people have been gunned down, 33 of whom were killed at home. Most of the deaths were registered in the countrys coastal cities. The assassins take advantage of open windows and randomly open fire. This is how a woman and her 13-year-old daughter were murdered on June 2 while having lunch. The gunmen fired without checking who was inside, said a survivor. The crime occurred in Duran, where violent deaths have increased by 1300%. Here, inhabitants were recently shocked by the sight of a 17-year-old lying dead on the sidewalk, shot as he was taking a family member to school.

According to the authorities, the violence has been intense in seven of the countrys 24 provinces. Hence, the signing of a new presidential state of emergency decree in those regions, with no explanation regarding the strategy, beyond increasing the presence of the military and police.

A small city on the Pacific coast that has become the epicenter of violence is Manta, used by criminal gangs to move drugs and money to international destinations. Criminal behavior seeks to be both adaptable and agile, making their criminal activities and forms of financing viable, explained Monica Palencia, Minister of the Interior, in a press conference given together with a security bloc consisting of the Police, the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defense, hours after a triple murder in Manta.

This shooting took place on June 2 outside a circus, where hundreds of people had lined up for tickets to the show. Among them was Cristhian Nieto, an activist working on behalf of addicts and derelicts and the alternate legislator for the incumbent Citizen Revolution partys assembly woman, Monica Salazar. Nieto was one of the administrators of the circus that had been in Manta for approximately two weeks. The shooting was filmed by witnesses and images of the consequent chaos and fear were posted on social media. Nieto, his wife, Nicole Burgos, and a 24-year-old man who was standing near them were killed.

The circus shooting triggered the signing of a new presidential decree, this time ordering the security bloc to move to Manta. We will fight this war and this internal armed conflict from there, said Daniel Noboa. So far this year, 150 violent crimes have been registered in Manta, 53% more than in 2023. In the decree, the president ordered that the countrys four security institutions temporarily act out of the city.

Ecuadorians have meanwhile agreed to a significant VAT hike to strengthen the military in a bid to curb insecurity.
How Dare You Suggest The Political Party That Keeps Talking About Civil War Is Talking About Civil War

Right-wing media reacted in hysterics Monday to some remarks that Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) made on MSNBC over the weekend, expressing concern about the specter of violence Donald Trump and Republicans have spent the last four-plus years conjuring.

Fox News published an article inaccurately headlined around Waters supposed call to investigate Trump supporters (she did not, in fact, say anything about opening any new investigations): Rep. Maxine Waters says Trump supporters should be investigated: Are they preparing a civil war?

The conservative Washington Examiner whipped its readers into a frenzy by fronting Waters suggestion that people who try to overthrow the government could be considered domestic terrorists: Maxine Waters suggests Trump-supporting domestic terrorists are preparing to start civil war.

A Twitter account associated with the RNC and the Trump campaign also spotlighted Waters remarks, calling the 17-term congresswoman, former congressional Black caucus chair and the ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee Low IQ Maxine Waters.

Low IQ Maxine Waters calls supporters of President Trump "domestic terrorists" and wonders if they're "preparing a civil war against us" pic.twitter.com/iOvXuJXSwy  RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 3, 2024

Each of the write-ups in right-wing media tried to insinuate that Waters is some sort of crazy person for having concerns about Trump supporters (and even some elected members of the Republican Party) who have repeatedly ruminated about Civil War in recent years  including around the Jan. 6 attack, when the Capitol was stormed by Trump supporters trying to halt the certification of President Bidens win.

Heres what Waters actually said on MSNBC Sunday:

Im worried that hes so divisive and that hes talking about retribution and theyre talking about revenge, and I think that thats dangerous. Hes even mentioned the Civil War at one point, talked about there would be bloodshed. I am going to spend some time with the criminal justice system, with the justice system, asking them  tell us whats going on with the domestic terrorists. Are they preparing a Civil War against us? Should we be concerned about our safety? What is he doing with this divisive language? It is dangerous, and we have to make sure that we understand that were not at risk with this man talking in the way that hes doing.

Its certainly not the first time the right-wing mediasphere has spun up outrage around Waters. She is one of the most vocal Democratic congressional leaders, and is willing to raise alarms about Trump and the dangers of a second Trump administration. But the claims of scandal after Waters brought up a topic that Trump and his supporters talk about routinely is disingenuous at best.

Not only is Donald Trump obsessed with talking about the idea that he couldve handled the Civil War better than Abraham Lincoln, he also routinely shares posts on TruthSocial that either nod toward political violence or thirst for war. As far back as September 2019 Trump was circulating quotes about a civil war-like fracture in the U.S. if Democrats then-impeachment inquiry resulted in his removal from office. Nor does he shy away from invoking violence routinely at his campaign rallies. Most recently at an Ohio rally in March, he came under fire for suggesting there would be a bloodbath if he doesnt win in the fall. Waters nodded toward those remarks in her MSNBC appearance.

And youre not going to be able to sell those cars, if I get elected. Now, if I dont get elected, its going to be a bloodbath for the whole  thats going to be the least of it. Its going to be a bloodbath for the country. That will be the least of it.

The Washington Examiner went so far as to fact check Waters for bringing up tthat comment, saying the congresswoman was apparently referring to misconstrued remarks when Trump warned of the decimation of the auto industry, which he described as a bloodbath.'

The details of what Trump meant or didnt mean  and whether or not he was being intentionally vague  matter a bit less when coupled with his allies rhetoric. Republicans have been talking about the possibility of civil war for years, not just to describe the current state of their party, but also to speculate about an actual, physical war.

Most recently, Texas Republicans elevated talk of a civil war when the Supreme Court ruled allowing federal border patrol to cut through razor wire state law enforcement had installed at the U.S.-Mexico border. In response to Trumps indictment in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Clay Higgins (R-LA) were criticized for encouraging war and a violent uprising.

We have now reached a war phase. Eye for an eye, Biggs tweeted at the time.

Last year Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) garnered headlines for tweeting that We need a national divorce. We need to separate by red states and blue states and shrink the federal government.

In the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) suggested America was already engaged in a cold civil war.

Thats just a handful of examples. There are many many more. The point is: despite what the right-wing media would have you believe, Maxine Waters is not the one stoking violent rhetoric. She is reacting to it.

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Do tourists need to think twice about the Maldives after all? - Moment RF

With tourism responsible for 90 per cent of its tax revenue, the Maldives is keener than most to welcome international visitors. Each year the tiny island nation (population 524,000, or roughly the size of Manchester) spends tens of millions promoting itself with one simple message: come on in  if you can afford it.

Now that offer comes with a caveat: no Israelis allowed. This weekend, Mohamed Muizzu, the countrys sixth elected president, announced to the world that his government would pass new legislation to ban anyone entering the Maldives on an Israeli passport.

The move is part of Muizzus wider push to bolster his pro-Palestinian credentials in the face of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

According to Maldivian government numbers, around 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, accounting for 0.6 per cent of total arrivals.

While the move might be blatantly discriminatory, it probably isnt causing tourism bosses to lose sleep just yet  even if some Jewish campaigners have pushed for a wider boycott on social media.

But could it backfire in the long run?

For the average tourist, the Maldives remains synonymous with high-end lagoon resorts, peppered with dreamy overwater bungalows and stylish beachside restaurants. Yet away from the private islands and honeymoon jaunts sits the real Maldives: a hardline Islamic state with tempestuous politics.

A pro-Palestine rally in the capital city of Male on October 14, 2023 - Mohamed Afrah/AFP

For years, the country has sought to keep these worlds separate. But has it now shown its hidden side?

This duality may even be a surprise for people who have visited the Maldives, many of whom will have flown into Males charmingly ramshackle airport to find themselves met by reps ready to whisk them off to an island resort.

But how many of the tourists sipping their cocktails by their overwater bungalows realise that, on the other side of the blue waters, they could be fined or even flogged for doing the same thing?

Funnily enough, it isnt something that most resorts or brochures care to mention. But with the country in the headlines for its anti-Israeli stance, could it inadvertently draw attention to real Maldives?

A country where everything from conservative dress codes to public displays of affection and same-sex relationships (both banned) are enforced by criminal law, and where politics occasionally spills over into violence.

In his excellent book The Maldives: Islamic Republic, Tropical Autocracy, the British journalist JJ Robinson (who edited the countrys only independent, English-language newspaper) compares Maldivian politics, at least to outsiders, to an episode of Game of Thrones.

Rather than classic left-right divides, parties are based on personal vendettas, with administrations seeking to weaponise the levers of power against their opponents.

In recent years, the countrys politics appear to have taken on a more strident and nationalistic turn to outsiders. Recent developers have definitely focused more on prioritising the Maldives own interests and sovereignty, says Viraj Solanki, a researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies which has hosted security dialogues across South Asia and the wider region.

Indeed, in the run-up to last years presidential election, current president Mohamed Muizzu rallied behind a Trump-esque Maldives First platform, campaigning against the Indian militarys longstanding presence in the countrys waters.

By contrast, Muizzu has been more welcoming to China, which has not gone unnoticed by the US.

The Chinese-funded and built Sinamale bridge in Male, the capital of the Maldives - AFP

Could populism pose a threat to tourism? Unlike in Mallorca and the Canary Islands, Maldivians arent taking to the streets to complain about an influx of visitors (most of whom jet off to their bubble islands within hours of arriving and arent going to be partying in the local restaurants).

That said, the avenues for angry protests are somewhat more limited in the Maldives than in a European social democracy.

Then theres the elephant in the room: terrorism. On a per-capita basis, more foreign recruits to the Islamic State came from the Maldives than any other country, says Viraj Solanki.

Indeed earlier this year, the Maldives repatriated 21 of its citizens (mainly women) who had gone to join Jihadi groups in Syria. They will now undergo anti-extremism training.

Given all that, do tourists need to think twice about the Maldives after all? For all the geopolitical intrigue, for the vast majority of visitors, its probably plus ca change.

Cocooned on your own island, ignoring Maldivian politics is as easy as tuning out of Westminster or Holyrood. Sure, it might not be the most enlightening approach to tourism, but it evidently works for plenty.

But in recent years more tourists have been looking to escape the highly-curated luxury of the corporate resources. The Maldivian government, which oversees the entire tourism industry, has given locals permission to open small guesthouses on residential and fishing islands, offering visitors the chance to see real Maldivian life.

While popular with backpackers, this hasnt been entirely without incident. In 2014, there was a skirmish when an Israeli surfer staying on the island of Thulusdhoo vandalised a poster equating the Star of David with the swastika. The action drew an angry backlash from locals with the police choosing to evacuate a group of Israelis for their safety.

Incidents like this have even prompted one Maldivian human rights activist to bravely sound the alarm about anti-Semitism. Ahmed Shaheed served as the Maldives foreign minister before becoming a UN special rapporteur on religious freedoms. In 2022, he told a reporter: I grew up in a country which wasnt anti-Semitic to begin with, but then turned anti-Semitic over time.

As well as the small fishing islands, there are the two city islands of Male and Hulhumale: the equivalent of the Maldivian mainland. When I visited the Maldives in late 2022, I made a point of bookending my resort trip with a stop on each. With 500,000 or so residents in just a few square miles, theyre as far away from the typical fly-and-flop experience as you can get. All the better, I thought.

Hulhumale in particular may have passable hotels and very good South Asian restaurants. But tourists get none of the exemptions that they do on the resorts. Anyone caught with alcohol faces arrest and deportation and public displays of affection, even between married couples, could result in prosecution or an angry blowback from locals. Trudging through the moped-dominated streets, you often feel like an inconvenience at best.

A small handful of visitors have had far worse. In 2021, a British tourist was caught in the blast of an explosion intended to assassinate former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed. One year earlier, three foreign visitors (two Chinese and one Australian) were attacked by a knife-wielding terrorist affiliated with a local offshoot of the Islamic State. Luckily, all four survived.

Tales of knife attacks in particular, no matter how rare, will inevitably send a shiver down the spine of any traveller. Yet visitors can at least make a cynical appraisal of the situation: given that tourism accounts for one third of the Maldives GDP, its government isnt going to take any threats to travellers lightly. Anyone joining a terrorist group faces decades in prison or even death.

Still, while the risks to tourist safety may be reassuringly low, the Maldives remains a complicated and conflicted country, at least to anyone who bothers to do their homework. To bring that fact to the attention of the world, all for the reward of scoring some anti-Israel points, seems a serious own goal.

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A 39-year-old Davenport man is in custody after police say he threatened a victim with a sword-like object, according to court records.

Shaun Jackson (Scott County Jail)

Shaun Jackson faces a charge of interference with official acts and two charges of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, according to court records.

Shortly before 5 a.m. Monday, Davenport Police responded to the 1800 block of Tremont Avenue and East Locust Street for a disturbance, arrest affidavits show.

Jackson, police allege in affidavits threatened to chop up the victim into pieces using a metal sword-like object in a threatening manner. At one point (Jackson) shoved the object through a door in an attempt to injure the victim, placing the victim in fear and also threw a glass bowl at the victim with the intent to injure the victim.

In affidavits, officers say Jackson refused to exit the building after having contact with police in fully marked squad cars and fully uniformed (officers) and after being instructed to do so.

Jackson was being held on $4,300 bond Monday in Scott County Jail.

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Dead man found in car underwater at Discovery Park. Vehicle linked to missing person in Reno

The Sacramento County Regional Park Department is investigating after a dead man was found in a vehicle  linked to a missing person from Reno  submerged underwater at the Discovery Park boat launch.

The startling find came to light after a person navigating a houseboat last week bumped into an obstruction in the river and damaged the vessel, said Ken Casparis, a spokesman for the county.

County park rangers were called to the area by the houseboat owner and began working with the Sacramento Police Department to dive underwater to recover the object.

On Sunday, divers recovered the vehicle and found a man inside. The man has not been identified by the Sacramento County Coroners Office, which is expected to release the identify pending next-of-kin notification.

Its unclear how long the vehicle has been inside the water. The incident was still under investigation, Casparis said.

The houseboat caught on fire days after it hit the underwater vehicle, but that incident was unrelated to the damage it suffered after striking the submerged vehicle, Casparis said.
This article was first published by Searchlight New Mexico.

One Wednesday morning in April, Las Cruces City Councilor Johana Bencomo sat in a federal courtroom, watching with concern as a man was arraigned for making a death threat against her. Stupid little bitch, get suicidal, he had growled into her voicemail. Cause I will kill you.

Bencomo had initially shrugged off the threat. A community organizer known for her outspokenness on immigration reform and homelessness, she was so inured to the noise of harassment and insults that she didnt think much of the message when she first listened to it earlier this year.

Her colleagues on the city council were not so sanguine. At their urging, Las Cruces Police were called in, then the FBI. It turned out that the caller, who was arrested in El Paso in March and extradited to New Mexico, had a history of violent behavior. Guns were found in his house.

The incident stood out for Bencomo as a new low. Since being elected to the council in 2019, shes been the target of a relentless stream of abuse and mistreatment, including racist emails, hostile Facebook posts, messages questioning her citizenship and demeaning images of her posted online. And hers is hardly an isolated case. She and her five women colleagues, a group that made history in 2022 as the citys first all-women council, have been denounced as a lesbian cabal and crudely attacked in emails and on social media. The women  including three Latinas and one who identifies as LGBTQ  have been belittled in meetings and demeaned online by people from both inside and outside their districts.

Peoples criticism is no longer in good faith, Bencomo said of the barrage. There isnt this back and forth of democracy. Its incredibly polarized.

Of the six women, Bencomo, a Mexican immigrant, has by most accounts borne the brunt of the attacks. I am this brown woman whos been very outspoken about her immigrant story and now is this progressive beacon in southern New Mexico. I think folks are trying to knock me down.

Becki Graham, Becky Corran and Johana Bencomo  in their seats at Las Cruces City Council.

'It feels like poison'

The vitriol in Las Cruces has grown so extreme that the city recently installed a bulletproof dais to protect its councilors at public meetings.

Bencomo is not the only one whos been menaced. Councilor Becki Graham said she has been stalked by a man who regularly drives down her street, slows as he approaches her house and sometimes parks nearby to watch her, a pen and notebook in hand. Another councilor, Becky Corran, said she has similarly been stalked and threatened. Ive got a big surprise for you, a former political opponent wrote in an email, adding, ominously, that he planned to come to a city council meeting and show her exactly what he meant.

Corran and Graham have had their lives so disrupted by harassment that theyre now seriously considering leaving politics.

Its a very obvious strategy to exhaust people out of public service, said Graham, who is looking for someone to run in her stead in next years race. Though she initially planned to serve multiple terms, the constant attacks have just become too trying for her husband and friends.

The really sad thing is that I love this work, she said. When all of these people are hating you, it feels like poison.

Former councilwoman Kasandra Gandara, who served two terms and narrowly lost the mayors race in 2023, says shed like to run for office again but isnt sure its worth the sacrifice. During her campaign for mayor last summer, a hostile constituent confronted her in a restaurant, shouting in her face and refusing to back away. The encounter was so ugly that he had to be escorted out, and Gandara filed a police report. The undercurrent of violence was disturbing, she said: Its really about a threat to our democracy.

A city of political divisions

Less than an hour from El Paso and 50 miles from Ciudad Juarez, Las Cruces is the states second-largest city. At its cafes, New Mexico State University students work on laptops while sipping CBD-infused drinks; in May, 13 antiwar protesters were arrested after a campus sit-in. Local politics tend toward liberalism, allowing progressive projects to take root. Camp Hope, where unhoused people can access temporary shelter, water and food, mental health care and addiction treatment, has been lauded nationwide for its role in bringing the citys homeless veteran population to near-zero.

But the city is also home to a substantial conservative faction, including the small but vocal Coalition of Conservatives in Action, whose members have pushed back against critical race theory and cited passages from the Bible in their support for book bans in schools.

Public safety is chief among the conservative causes, and earlier this year the rhetoric hit a fever pitch during a city council meeting discussion about the killing of Jonah Hernandez, a Las Cruces police officer and father of two who was stabbed by a 29-year-old homeless man. Residents blasted the council, holding up the tragedy as a symbol of misguided progressivism. One speaker cast the blame for Hernandezs death on Bencomo, mocking her efforts to decriminalize homelessness.

Gunfire and statewide hostility

Antagonism toward women legislators in Las Cruces also affects their counterparts across the state. It came to a head last year when gunshots rang out at the homes of Bernalillo County Commissioners Adriann Barboa and Debbie OMalley and state Sen. Linda Lopez. (A fourth officeholder, Javier Martinez, an immigrant and advocate for reproductive rights, was also targeted.)

Solomon Pena, a failed Republican candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives, was arrested and indicted for orchestrating the shootings; on his campaign website he had equated feminist politics with demonic beliefs.

Political observers speculate that New Mexicos women legislators are especially vulnerable, given that theyve been so successful at winning elections. New Mexico ranks sixth in the nation for representation by women, who comprise 32 percent of municipal officeholders, according to the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), based at Rutgers University. In addition to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, women hold more than half of all House seats and a quarter of Senate seats.

Research has shown that women are three times more likely than men to experience abuse or harassment in local office, said Jean Sinzdak, CAWPs associate director. The number of targets for harassment rises along with womens representation. And because so much of the abuse is steeped in misogyny and sexism, its clear the abuse is intended to push women out of political office or curtail their political power.

A chart showing data on the number of threats and harassment experienced during campaigning by candidates.

Serious threats against women are not uncommon. In 2020, an Albuquerque man threatened to kill the governor on her official Facebook page. An FBI investigation traced the threats to Daniel Mock, 33, who was found with firearms and a bulletproof vest at his home in Albuquerque. He was tried in federal court and sentenced to 14 months in prison.

Two years later, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver was threatened repeatedly after she pushed back against Otero Countys refusal to certify the 2022 election results. And last fall when Lujan Grisham issued an emergency health order suspending the right to carry guns in public in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, she was met with an avalanche of profanity-laced comments, insults and veiled attacks, online and in person.

The impact of intimidation, threats and harassment on state and local politics was the subject of a recent report by the Brennan Center for Justice, a nonprofit public policy institute. The study found that women and people of color  in other words, people like Bencomo, Barboa, Gandara and Lujan Grisham  are increasingly subject to public hostility and personal attacks. As a result, those candidates and officeholders are less likely to appear in public, be interviewed, hold public events or bring their families to those events.

The study echoed a 2022 survey of political candidates by The Pipeline Fund, a network of progressive organizations and leaders across the country. It found significantly higher rates of harassment among underrepresented candidates versus their peers, with 69 percent of women under 40, 67 percent of LGBTQ candidates, and 62 percent of candidates of color experiencing harassment.

Is it worth the fight?

A longtime liberal, Bencomo was sympathetic to the role that substance abuse and mental health problems might have played in the actions of the man who allegedly threatened her. Back in April, as she watched him enter the courtroom in shackles, she worried that incarceration would only harden his views. The conflict between her ideals and her safety was almost too much to bear. She even wrote a note to the judge expressing her hope that the man would receive treatment.

Sitting in the courtroom that day, however, what she mostly felt was worn down. She had already installed cameras at her house and a home security system; now she was considering what other personal safety devices she might employ.

Like many of the other women on the Las Cruces City Council, she is asking herself whether it makes sense to stay in politics. Is it safe? Is this how she wants to live? Is it worth the fight?

For now, at least, the answer is yes.

Were going into an election year that feels like its going to be dangerous, said Bencomo. Theres a lot at stake and I cant be quiet about it.

Susanna Space is a writer based in Northern New Mexico. Her work has appeared in Guernica, Longreads, The Los Angeles Review, Edible New Mexico magazine and elsewhere. Read more about her at susannaspace.com.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Death threats. Harassment. Intimidation. For New Mexico women, a life in politics can bring all three
Depending on your perspective, the conviction of Donald Trump on 34 counts in a Manhattan courtroom was either a refreshing affirmation of the rule of law or a miscarriage of justice in a politically motivated prosecution. A jury returned a verdict finding that Trump had caused the falsification of checks, invoices, and ledgers to conceal the payment of $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 presidential election, with intent to conceal the violation of campaign finance and tax laws.

We are all entitled to our own views of the case, of course, but opinion should also be based on facts. Certain myths are creeping into the conversation and distorting the truth about Trumps conviction. And its worth examining some of these myths in order to dispel them.

Myth: No one knows what Trump was charged with.

Response: Trump was charged in a 15-page indictment, handed up by a grand jury, with 34 counts of violating New York Penal Law 175-10 in the first degree, which is a felony. A violation in the first degree occurs when a person falsifies business records with an intent to defraud that includes an intent to commit, aid, or conceal another crime. In addition to the indictment, the Manhattan District Attorney filed a 13-page statement of facts detailing the allegations.

Myth: Prosecutors stretched the law to convert a misdemeanor into a felony.

Response: Under New York law, a simple falsification of business records without any intent to commit or conceal another crime is a violation of the statute in the second degree, punishable as a misdemeanor.

An intent to conceal another crime is an aggravating factor that brings enhanced penalties, such as a felony. This law containing degrees of severity was enacted by the New York legislature, and it is a common way of structuring laws with escalating penalties for more egregious violations. (For example, penalties for federal drug offenses range from misdemeanors for simple possession to lengthy terms of imprisonment for aggravating factors based on quantity or intent to distribute.) The grand jury found probable cause of 34 violations in the first degree, and the trial jury found proof of these crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.

Myth: The prosecution didnt tell Trump what he was charged with until closing argument, a violation of due process.

Response: While the indictment specified each of the checks, invoices, and ledger entries alleged to have been falsified, it did not specify which crime Trump allegedly concealed. A defendant is entitled to fair notice of the crime with which he is charged so that he can effectively defend himself at trial, but New York law does not require this level of specificity in the charging document. New York case law requires that the indictment allege only a general intent to conceal a crime, not an intent to conceal a specific crime.

Nonetheless, prosecutors provided this specificity in a prosecution filing in November 2023, five months before his trial began. In that filing, prosecutors disclosed that the crimes they alleged Trump intended to conceal were violating state and federal campaign finance laws and violating state tax laws. The court rejected an additional basis offered by the prosecution, falsifying business records outside the Trump organization.

Myth: It was improper for a state prosecutor to charge a federal offense.

Response: The parties litigated this issue months before the trial and the court found that statutes outside of the laws of New York were proper bases to be considered other crimes. For example, case law has held that an offense under the New York statute prohibiting possession of a concealed weapon by a person who has been previously convicted of any crime may be proved by showing that the person was convicted of a crime in another state.

New York courts have also upheld the use of federal offenses as the predicate crimes in other cases involving the falsification of business records in the first degree, the very crime charged in Trumps case.

Myth: Trump would not have been charged for a mere bookkeeping error if his name were anything other than Donald J. Trump.

Response: The Manhattan DAs office has filed charges for falsification of business records 9,794 times since 2015. When announcing the charges, Bragg emphasized the importance of the integrity of business records in Manhattan, the home to the countrys most significant business market. He explained: We cannot allow New York businesses to manipulate their records to cover up criminal conduct. At the time of Trump s indictment, Bragg, had already filed 120 cases alleging violations of 175-10, all of them in the first degree based on the concealment or commission of another crime.

Myth: There is nothing illegal about paying hush money, and famous people do it all the time.

Response: Paying hush money itself is not a crime, but it is a crime to falsify business records. And it is a more serious crime to falsify business records with, as in this case, intent to conceal other crimes. These include violations of campaign finance laws, by accepting donations over the legal limit, and violations of tax laws, by inaccurately characterizing the payments as income.

Myth: The charges were filed after lengthy delay to interfere with Trumps campaign for president.

Response: While prosecutors have discretion as to whether and when charges should be filed, there is no evidence that this case was brought to interfere with an election. In fact, the trial court found that the reason for the delay in bringing charges was partly Trumps own doing.

In 2018, the case was being investigated by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, which convicted Trumps lawyer, Michael Cohen, for the same conduct, and referred to Trump in the charging document as Individual-1. For reasons unknown, federal prosecutors during the Trump Administration did not bring charges against Trump. Once federal prosecutors closed their investigation, Braggs predecessor, Cyrus Vance, Jr., started this investigation, but was delayed by Trumps prolonged challenges to grand jury subpoenas for his financial records, taking his objections all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

When Vance retired and Bragg was elected, Bragg insisted on reviewing the evidence before deciding whether to continue with the case. Ultimately, he decided to go forward. All of these factors contributed to the delay.

Myth: Justice Juan Merchan was biased because of his $35 financial contribution to Joe Biden and because of his daughters work as a democratic political consultant.

Response: Justice Merchan sought an opinion from the New York Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics, regarding both of these issues, and received an opinion that he need not recuse himself from the case. The finding of Trumps guilt was made by a jury that Trumps lawyers helped select.

Myth: Juan Merchan is a judge on the New York County Supreme Court.

Response: Merchans correct title is justice, even though he presides in one of New Yorks trial courts, which are called the Supreme Court of each county. The states highest court is called, oddly enough, the New York Court of Appeals.

Myth: Justice Juan Merchan violated Trumps rights to defend himself by refusing to permit him to call an expert witness.

Response: In Trumps defense, he wanted to call Brad Smith, a former member of the Federal Election Commission, as an expert witness on federal election law. Expert witnesses are permitted to testify in trials to assist the jury in understanding facts about matters beyond ordinary understanding. Matters of law, in contrast, are for the judge to provide.

Justice Merchan did not prohibit Smith from testifying, but when he ruled that he could testify only about facts, and not law, Trumps team decided not to call him as a witness. Contrary to this myth, Justice Merchan would have erred if he had permitted Trump to call an expert witness to testify about the law.

Myth: Justice Merchan violated Trumps First Amendment rights to free speech and to testify in his own defense by imposing a gag order in the case.

Response: The gag order entered by Justice Merchan and upheld by the five-judge appeals division did not prevent Trump from testifying in his own defense, a right Merchan expressly explained to Trump in open court during the trial. Trump had every right to do so, and chose to instead exercise his right to remain silent at trial.

The gag order restricted the defense from making statements outside of court that targeted witnesses, jurors, staff and family members of the court and prosecution team, though not Justice Merchan or Bragg himself. The court of appeals found that the order properly protected witnesses and the fair administration of justice.

Myth: The U.S. Supreme Court may intervene and overturn Trumps conviction before the his sentencing on July 11, which is four days before the GOP convention.

Response: Trump may appeal his conviction after he is sentenced on July 11. The case could not go before the U.S. Supreme Court until he exhausts all of his appeals in the New York state court system, which likely will take more than a year. Then, Trump could ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review his case, but only for alleged errors applied to federal statutes or the U.S. Constitution, such as the due process clauses of the 5th and 14th Amendments.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
An asylum-seeking migrant from China rests on a rock while waiting to be transported by the US border patrol after crossing the border from Mexico into Jacumba Hot Springs, California, on 4 June 2024.

An asylum-seeking migrant from China rests on a rock while waiting to be transported by the US border patrol after crossing the border from Mexico into Jacumba Hot Springs, California, on 4 June 2024. Photograph: Go Nakamura/Reuters

Progressive Democrats and immigration advocates have shared their outrage after Biden signed an executive order on Tuesday that would turn away some asylum seekers.

Bidens order will effectively shut down the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers attempting to enter the country when authorities have determined that the border is overwhelmed.

The president said the order comes after Republicans rejected a bipartisan immigration deal that would have changed several areas of US immigration policy.

Related: Biden issues order limiting asylum seekers from crossing US-Mexico border

Today, Im moving past Republican obstruction and using the executive authorities available to me as president to do what I can on my own to address the border, Biden said during remarks on the order on Tuesday.

Frankly, I would have preferred to address this issue through bipartisan legislation, because thats the only way to actually get the kind of system we have now thats broken fixed  to hire more border patrol agents, more asylum officers, more judges.

US representative Nanette Barragan of California, who chairs the Congressional Hispanic caucus, said Tuesday morning that she was disappointed in Bidens direction with immigration policy, the New Republic reported.

California representative Judy Chu, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American caucus, said she was disappointed at the enforcement-only strategies announced by Biden.

Rather than address humanitarian issues at the border effectively and with the nuance they deserve, todays actions will gut protections for countless migrants exercising their legal right to claim asylum, she said.

US representative Raul Grijalva, whose Arizona district borders Mexico, said that the order is a significant departure from President Bidens promise of a more humane and just approach to immigration.

He added: It tramples on the universal right to claim asylum and prevents migrants from attempting to legally access safety and security in the United States. It is ripe for legal challenges and antithetical to our values.

The American Civil Liberties Union denounced Bidens executive order and said they will be challenging it in court.

The Biden administration just announced an executive order that will severely restrict peoples legal right to seek asylum, putting tens of thousands of lives at risk, the organization said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, other Democrats have welcomed Bidens actions as a necessary step to address the humanitarian crisis at the border.

Senator Sherrod Brown from Ohio told the Washington Post that he believes it is the right direction, adding: I want to see more.
President Bidens executive order to shut down asylum is already drawing criticismfrom within the Democratic Party.



Biden issued an executive order Tuesday that will shut down the southern U.S. border if the average number of border encounters exceeds 2,500, which it already has, and only resume them once the number drops to below 1,500. That means the order could go into effect immediately.

Several Democrats have already slammed the plan, which they say ignores established law requiring the granting of asylum to people with a credible fear in their home countries. A lack of legal paths to immigration has led to more people requesting asylum, and to some Democrats, the new restrictions seem similar to Donald Trumps immigration policies.



Im disappointed that this is a direction that the president has decided to take, Representative Nanette Barragan, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said Tuesday morning.

We should be distinguishing ourselves from Donald Trump on immigration, Representative Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told The Washington Post. We should be offering the contrast.

Some saw Bidens order as more tough talk about the border that wouldnt solve the underlying issues.



I do not think that shutting down the border, quote unquote, is a remedy that will get us to where we need to be on immigration reform, said Representative Sylvia Garcia.

Even Democrats in swing districts vulnerable to Republican attacks on immigration arent happy with the plan.

I understand that the Biden administration feels like they need to do something, said Representative Hillary Scholten, an immigration lawyer in Michigan. Its heart-wrenching to see that this is the something that they are choosing, knowing full well that this is not going to come close to solving the problem that we are experiencing.

Biden has drawn fire for his immigration policies as president, drawing accusations that he has done little to reverse Donald Trumps widely criticized actions. With Republicans opposing just about anything Biden enacts, hell need support from his own party for any plan to hold up. To Representative Alex Padilla, Biden should include more humanitarian provisions, as opposed to tough talk to win over Democrats and the wider public.

While some people point to how well an orderly and secure border polls, what polls even better is support for dreamers and farmworkers and other essential workers who happen to be undocumented, said Padilla. What polls the best is a combination of the policies taken together.
Hate hearing a recording of your own speaking voice? Try listening to a recording of yourself singing karaoke without backing music  and then having your sleep disrupted by scientists.

That was, in essence, the methodology used by a group of Finnish scientists whose new study in the eNeuro journal described using karaoke as a tool for the induction of stressful memories.

To be clear, karaoke itself wasn't the focal point of the study. Rather, the scientists from the SleepWell program at Finland's University of Helsinki wanted to see whether emotional stress was exacerbated during so-called "rapid eye movement" (REM) sleep as compared to slow wave sleep (SWS), which is deeper and more relaxing.

While REM is known to play a role in emotional processing, little is understood about exactly how it works. It's during REM sleep that we do our most vivid and easily-recallable dreaming, and the Finnish scientists at the SleepWell center decided to see whether stress recall may be heightened during that part of the sleep cycle, too.

After being instructed to sleep normally for three days, the 29 study participants  roughly half and half men and women between the ages of 19 and 36  were brought into the lab and had their vocals recorded while belting out Abba's "Dancing Queen." The subjects went about the rest of their days until 9 pm, when they returned for the "memory encoding" task  which included, horrifyingly, hearing their singing played back at them with no backing track.

After that ordeal, the participants slept in the lab's sleep study rooms between 11 pm and 7 am, with half of the group being woken intermittently by an attendant during REM sleep and the other half being woken during slow-wave sleep.

The next morning, participants were then subjected to a battery of biofeedback and self-reporting tests. And the following day, they were brought back in to do some more tests to gauge their level of emotional distress.

As the scientists explain in their study, the group whose SWS was disrupted but whose REM sleep was left intact had heightened stress and shame responses the mornings after their karaoke debacles, while those who were interrupted during REM didn't have the same amount of distress.

Translation: processing the memory of hearing oneself singing off-key during uninterrupted REM sleep makes it all the more embarrassing the next day.

There could, of course, be several factors that could cloud the results of the study. For one, the biggest religion in Finland is evangelical Lutheranism, which like most other forms of Christianity is pretty huge on shame, and this study being conducted in a less guilt-oriented culture  such as Japan, where karaoke hails from  could yield different results. For another, the very fact that these experiments took place in a lab could contribute to the way participants felt about the situation, doubling down on the embarrassment of it all.

Overall, however, a devilish way to go about inducing embarrassment in test subjects that isn't likely to be permanently scarring  unless, of course, a subject's voice was particularly bad.

More on sad psychology: Study: Mid-Life Conspiracy Theorists Are Indeed Lonely Weirdos
Garry Kasparov, 61, knows that he could be assassinated at any moment. This is because he occupies a prominent place on Vladimir Putins blacklist and considers himself to be the most radical of his opponents. Back in 2005  after being the number one chess player in the world for two decades  he retired from the competition to fight the Russian leader. He now chairs the Human Rights Foundation and the Renew Democracy Initiative (RDI), while continuing to publish books and give conferences. Kasparov, who has visited 104 countries, has lived in New York City since 2013. This is where he received EL PAIS.

Once known as the Ogre of Baku  due to the terror that the Azerbaijan-born Kasparov caused among his rivals on the board  his voice sounds firm and powerful, even when he speaks about the threats to his life. He only breaks a little when he has to talk about his strong-willed mother, who died on Christmas Day in 2020. He wasnt able to attend her funeral in Moscow.

Question. By 2012, the three most popular leaders of the opposition to Putin were Boris Nemtsov (killed in 2015), Alexei Navalny (who was poisoned, imprisoned and died four months ago under unexplained circumstances) and you. Putin has placed you on his list of terrorists and extremists. Could you be the next victim?

Answer. Maybe yes, maybe not. Who knows? They consider me an enemy of the state and I am. Now, being included on that list is another sign. But I dont want to think about it, because it doesnt change my beliefs. Many of my friends or fellow fighters are dead or imprisoned. Most of us are in exile. Nemtsov and Navalny are the best known, but the list is very long. The irony is that we havent done anything related to terrorism, but those who are pursuing us are well-known terrorists or thieves. But this is the situation in 2024: war is called peace. And there will be no solution so long as Putin remains in power. Its very difficult for me to answer these types of questions, especially when my wife is in front of me. But I think about how many Ukrainians have died from Russian bombs and I realize that my position is much better.

Q. But how do you live with that fear of being murdered?

A. I dont think about it, I dont panic. I cant do anything except minimize the risks, because I dont want to betray my principles and my friends, especially the dead ones. I take safety measures; I travel much less than before. I dont go to countries where I know I would be in serious danger and I protect myself a lot in others. For example, I would never go to Vienna, London, Dubai, Hungary [or] Turkey without very strict safety measures, because there are many Russian agents in those places. There are barely a dozen [countries that] I can trust with any degree of confidence. But theres no way Im going to stop doing what Ive been doing for so many years. Also, I cant show weakness, because thats not a good sign for a leader.

Q. In 2008, you were already living your life while surrounded by bodyguards.

A. Yes. In reality, that protection is useless when the state wants to kill you. But during that period  which I call vegetarian  the danger wasnt that [the government] would kill me, but rather [that they would deploy] other kinds of violence, which I prevented [by having bodyguards]. In 2007, I was arrested. In February of 2013, I decided to leave. When I was already traveling abroad and was called as a witness in a trial, Nemtsov warned me not to return, because my life was in danger. I listened to him. Unfortunately, he was too proud to follow his own advice and he was murdered.

Q. You once said: I cant stand the prospect of my children living in a dictatorship disguised as democracy. The situation is much worse today than back then. Do you still hope to return to a democratic Russia one day?

A. To begin with, the two children from my last marriage live in a free country: the USA. And I do maintain the hope of returning to a democratic Russia. That process may take a year or two, or more but I believe that it will happen. For this, its essential that everyone understands that the war will continue as long as Putin is in power, because Putin means war, with a damaged and deceptive economy, because its based on printing money and spending it on war. And its especially important that people understand this in Europe.

By the way, Im very struck by the fact that Portugal is the country with the most people opposed to Putin. But what they understand in Germany is that they must prepare for another war, instead of trying to win this one. Certainly, if Ukraine doesnt defeat Russia in this war, there will be another, because Putin cannot stop and has already hinted as much. It may be against Moldova or the Baltic countries, but war is what keeps him alive. And hes willing to cross all red lines.

Q. Is Russia still an empire?

A. Yes, its the last real empire, because China doesnt really act like one. And thats an added reason to want Russia to lose the war, because its likely that it will then cease to be an empire and have a place among democratic countries.

Q. Its difficult for non-Russians to accept how big Russia is, from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. How much reliable information about Putin or the invasion of Ukraine do citizens living deep in Russia receive?

A. I dont believe in that argument of associating the persistence of war with ignorance. Now, we cannot know for certain, because the polls arent reliable [regarding] what percentage of the Russian population is now in favor of war. At first, it was very high but now, I dont think it exceeds 30%, especially in big cities. And Putin has been careful to recruit many people from depressed areas, as well as prisoners. Few [recruits have come] from Moscow until now. But when he has no choice but to do so, public opinion can easily turn against him.

Putin successfully sold the concept that the war was Russia against the West. And the West has made the big mistake of treating all Russians equally, whether or not theyre in favor of the war and Putin. There are people who have fought against Putin all their lives and who are now treated by Western countries as if theyre criminals. Thats why Im proposing to create a kind of Russian Taiwan: that is, those Russian citizens who have demonstrated against the war and Putin  those in favor of Crimea being Ukraine  will be protected and supported. If that idea works, it will help isolate Putin and cause many talented people to abandon him. Surely we would have done it during World War II with the German scientists. So, why dont we do it now, with the Russians? The problem is that many politicians  not those in the Baltic countries or Poland, who see the threat as being very close  dont look beyond the next four years. And they want to play it safe, without assuming that winning the war means defeating Russia and Putin, with decisive and short-term actions.

Q. Is there any truth in that cliche that many Russians need a tsar, a strongman in charge of the country?

A. This idea that entire nations can be dumbed down to be governed by their beloved leader doesnt stand up to historical analysis. Look at Korea, divided for 70 years: the North is as you say, but the South is a very advanced democracy. Or in the old Germany, East and West. Or in China and Taiwan.

What history tells us is that countries with a greater democratic tradition, such as the Anglo-Saxon or Scandinavian ones, function better. But no country is prevented from having authentic democratic institutions. Support for Putin is largely passive: war is war, what can we do? And furthermore, the war machine benefits the elite. Its true that sanctions may prevent them from enjoying their mansions in Paris or Marbella, but theyve already found some ways to live very well. And its true that Putin is still the strongman for them. Therefore, since were talking about a fascist dictatorship, we cannot expect the elites to rebel. Today, in Russia, you can be jailed for a tweet. If we look at other wars in history, the only way to weaken Putins position is for the population to think that they can lose the war.

Q. In 2016, you said: Putin is a strong leader in the same way that arsenic is a strong drink. Do you want to update that sentence with everything that has happened since then?

A. He updates it himself with his actions. The facts make it clear that leaders like Putin are poison to the world. He needs blood and more blood, like a drug, and he will never stop seeking it.

Q. In an interview you gave on Spanish TV at the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, you said that we shouldnt fear the potential use of nuclear weapons by Putin, because to press that button, Putins finger isnt enough: at least two other peoples fingers are necessary. But, knowing Putin, how confident can we be that he wont force those two people to push the button?

A. I still think that the nuclear risk is very low, although it will never be zero. I think the main fear of the U.S.  of the Biden administration  isnt that. [Their fear] is that Putin loses the war and Russia falls into even worse hands which would also mean the rise of China as a great power. Thats why their help to Ukraine is so timid.

Regarding nuclear weapons, there are two types. The strategic ones (large missiles) and the tactical ones. As for the former, I believe that the risk of Putin using them is almost zero, because a large part of the ones he has are very old and because of the terrible consequences for Russia that this would have. As for tactical ones, in fact, its not easy to convince several people in the Russian high command to make a decision that involves such tremendous risk, because the U.S. response would be immediate and very harsh. And [nukes] can also be used to destroy many tanks, but perhaps not to win the war. The functioning of the Russian mafia isnt based on loyalty until death, but on loyalty in exchange for benefits. That general who must press the button will think of his family and his assets before doing so. Its one thing to kill for ones country, but quite another to die for it.

Q. But you maintain that this game cannot end in a draw.

A. Exactly. I believe that the plan for Ukraine must be liberation, reparation and justice. Theyre the elements of a strategy that consists of Ukraine winning and Russia losing. To achieve that, Western countries have more than enough weapons and resources. The combined GDP of NATO countries is 25:1 compared to that of Russia, Iran and North Korea combined, excluding China. But the current situation of investment in the war is very far from that proportion. In fact, it favors Russia. Correcting that by sending Ukraine, for example, some of the 12,000 tanks that the U.S. has in its warehouses would achieve liberation.

As for justice, its very important that there be a list of all Russian war criminals to scare and divide the Russian bureaucracy. Its one thing to be labeled a thief or gangster, quite another to be identified as a war criminal. For example, the mayor of Moscow is a thief, but not a war criminal. Perhaps he can be negotiated with. But we need a strategy. And today, we dont have one.

Q. In any case, what Europe does could be decisive, given the prospect of Trump being re-elected.

A. I totally agree. Europe has enough resources. And NATO still exists. Therefore, it must be active. All military experts agree that a joint action by the northeastern countries (Finland, Sweden, the Baltic countries, Poland, etc) would be enough to win the war.

Q. In your book Winter is Coming (2015), you predicted the misfortunes that have occurred over the last decade and warned about how dangerous Putin is. If you were to write an updated version now, what would be your new warnings or predictions?

A. Im a born optimist, as you well know. I believe democracy will survive, but the question is the price we will pay. If you asked me a year ago, I would have had more confidence in the victory of Ukraine and the transformation of Russia. Now, I still think [democracy will survive]... but the price will be higher.

Putins regime is a cancer. And you cant negotiate with cancer: you have to cut it. Right now, theres a struggle in the world  not only in Ukraine and Russia  between freedom and tyranny. And I fear that things are going to get worse before they get better. For example, Europeans dont realize that the consequences of this war are everywhere. For example, [Venezuelan President Nicolas] Maduro wouldnt have dared to claim Essequibo if he werent inspired by Putin and saw signs of weakness in Europe and the U.S. And in Africa, the influence of Russia and China is greatly increasing. Lets not forget that a good part of the raw material for our cell phones is there.

More people can die in one hour in Sudan than in Gaza. And no one talks about this problematic global situation. I am, of course, in favor of fighting climate change, which can end everything in 100 years. But what are we doing to fix todays problems? In short, I still trust that democracy will prevail, but at a very high price.

Garry Kasparov poses after his interview with EL PAIS. Brenda Maytorena Lara

Q. Putin, Netanyahu, Trump, Biden, Xi Jinping who is the best chess player?

A. In general, the comparison of todays politicians with chess players makes me uncomfortable, because in most cases its insulting. Putin has always been a poker player, with his ability to bluff. He has nothing to do with chess, where 100% of the information is available [for each player] to make a decision. And Trump is the same: he doesnt believe in the same values as you and me. While the U.S. is a solid democracy, Trumps lack of attachment to the law is obvious. Biden doesnt count for me, because he can barely talk or walk. Netanyahu is a morality dealer who doesnt care about the price. He was democratically elected, but now he needs war to survive. The most complicated case to analyze is Xi Jinping. Hes a dictator, without a doubt but at least he has a strategy. While I dont like him at all, that brings him closer to a chess player.

Q. Teachers today have a big problem: what to teach with the guarantee that it will be useful 10 years from now, in a world thats changing at rapid speed. But knowing how to think will still be useful. And chess teaches us how to think.

A. Indeed, traditional teaching methods  such as reading books or accumulating information  no longer work, because that information can become obsolete in a matter of days, or you can become saturated by excessive information. Chess can be a critical thinking tool, an algorithm to select the really important information, analyze it and create your own opinion. Ultimately, its about moving from what to how. Chess isnt a magic solution, but it serves, for example, for children to understand that each action is connected to others and has its consequences, as well as the relative value of each piece in a position. Very few games can offer that algorithm in the way that chess can.

Q. Artificial intelligence is also one of your favorite fields of research. Do you think that it can put an end to chess as a sport, due to the ease of cheating with the help of very powerful computers?

A. First of all, this danger isnt only for chess. Its a global threat, even in much more important fields. If we stick to chess  in addition to the actual cheating  theres a growing paranoia of thinking that everyone cheats. Regarding elite tournaments, I think there are technological and other types of measures that can be taken to prevent that, such as delaying the online broadcast of games, so that they are not strictly live. Its true that solutions for massive tournaments will be more difficult. Now, if were being pragmatic, every time theres a cheating scandal, the number of fans increases

In any case, the contribution of computing and artificial intelligence to chess is much more positive than negative. For example, its fantastic that my defeat to the Deep Blue computer in 1997 was exploited by IBM for important advances in science. Or that today, [Google] DeepMind has made enormous advances in biology, thanks to what it learned with its chess and Go programs.

Q. How do you feel when someone says that Magnus Carlsen of Norway is the best player in history?

A. I dont argue about that because its very subjective. [I dont know] how much my 20 consecutive years as number one in the world are valued. Also, Magnus himself doesnt say that.

Q. In December of 1985, a month-and-a-half after you became the youngest world champion in history, at the age of 22, EL PAIS did a profile about you. Your mother said: Always being number one is very hard. Therefore, living for the pleasure of living is something that neither my son nor I understand.

A. She maintained that formula until her final days. And the truth is that it worked very well for me. Her life revolved around me thats why it was so tragic that, when she died [on December 25, 2020], I couldnt be there [due to the risk of being detained]. All she wanted at that moment was to die next to me.

With age, living with two children  and being in constant contact with my daughter  Ive become less harsh. I seek to have some free time for my family. Most of my time is spent fighting Putin and improving democracy in the U.S. through my organization, RDI. I also train young chess talents. And I give lectures on various topics, including artificial intelligence. My life is full of struggle, but in a world as turbulent as the current one, my refuge is my family.

Q. Are you a reasonably happy person?

A. In general, yes, because, in addition to my family stability, I see that some of the actions that I undertake or support to help Ukraine are successful, such as the recent decision made by the U.S. Congress (Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S. weapons on parts of Russian territory). I clearly see the path I must follow, although I know its dangerous, and what I must do. And I also know what things I do well.
DENVER (KDVR)  A group of advocates for the unhoused said Monday that Denvers enforcement of laws against homeless people is up almost 50% under Mayor Mike Johnston and called for an end to the citys civilian enforcement team.

Housekeys Action Network Denver held a rally and shared data highlighting the citys enforcement of what they called anti-housing law. HAND and other advocates for the unhoused are asking the city to dissolve its Street Engagement Team, which permits civilian enforcement of some city ordinances.

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According to Ana-Lilith Miller, with HAND, the Denver Police Department and SET are not taking a much more compassionate, lowered approach.

Denver camping enforcement rises

HAND released new data with the help of the Newman McNulty law firm. The group said the numbers reflect what they have been experiencing over recent months.

Where the general public looks and doesnt see large visible encampments, its not just through getting people into units. Its primarily through policing, HANDs Terese Howard said at the rally on Monday.

Denver Police Department figures show 1,017 incidents where police made contact for unauthorized camping between January and March of this year. Thats up 46.5% compared to January through March of last year, when the department only recorded 694 such incidents.

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Reading real-life experiences from their peers, folks in the unhoused community said the enforcement gives the city the illusion that unhoused people are off the streets when they are instead being shuffled around.

They kind of just forced me to be out of the public eye. It is public property, Jerry, with HAND, said as he read testimonies to members of the press. When told to leave, you just kind of go. They brought the police with them. They said we cant be in tents and we cant be in the park, so I dont know where to go.

Denver mayors office responds

The groups say data around the Street Enforcement Team show all encounters from the civilian team involved homeless people. Advocates are now calling for that team to be dissolved.

Were calling on him to drop SET, change course, and invest those resources instead with the on-the-ground communities who are already doing the work, said Lisa Calderon, who placed third in the mayoral race that Johnston won in 2023.

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Calderon said she endorsed Johnston partly because of his commitment to a humane approach to housing. On Monday, she gave Johnston a grade of D following the release of the data, telling the press that he has failed to meet his promises.

Johnstons administration sent FOX31 a statement following the rally:

Mayor Johnston and his administration took bold and decisive action on homelessness on his first full day in office and has since helped more than 1,500 Denverites get off the streets and into housing while permanently closing 14 encampments. This administration has also drastically reduced the number of encampment sweeps, instead working to permanently resolve encampments and connect individuals to the housing and services they need to be successful. Our first priority is always to connect people with resources and housing first  which is why weve strongly prioritized encampment resolutions that bring people directly into individual units. We know that we can build a Denver that ensures individuals have safe and stable housing while ensuring sidewalks, parks, and public spaces are open and accessible for all by pairing outreach with fair and compassionate enforcement that connects people to resources first. Jordan Fuja, spokesperson for Mayor Mike Johnstons office

HAND members and other advocates testified about the issue before Denver City Council on Monday night.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
DENVER (KDVR)  It was a sunny and warm Saturday morning when Callie Murray left her Denver home to go to the local farmers market. She had just left her porch when she saw a sight she had grown accustomed to: a couple of squirrels hurrying up her driveway to greet her.

But thats when she noticed something off about one of them.

I thought she had a twig or a stick stuck on her back, Murray said. And as she got closer, I could start to see what was happening.

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One of them had what looked like an arrow or a dart stuck in its back.

It was just traumatic shock and disbelief and a little bit of panic, she said.

This squirrel was not any old squirrel. Murray and her son first met this mother squirrel in October when she had gotten into their pumpkins. Rather than getting upset that she had chomped on their Halloween decorations, they found it cute, especially when they noticed something else about her.

She was extremely pregnant when she was eating our pumpkins, and so we knew she was going to be a mama soon, Murray said.

From there, it was just the beginning.

Every morning since then, she has just returned to the porch for her peanuts and comes every day, multiple times, hangs out, eats from our hands, sits on the porch while we have coffee and just kind of spends part of our day with us, Murray said.

What to do about the injured squirrel?

Then she learned that Saturday that it was their squirrel who had the arrow in its back. She called Denver Animal Protection and other wildlife agencies, who told her the best thing she could do was capture it.

Setting out traps is a good step, said Lt. Josh Rolfe with Denver Animal Protection. Then just keeping an eye on it and trying to monitor the situation. And then call us if it was mobile and then ends up not being mobile.

Rolfe also weighed in on the situation. He said according to state law, it is legal to hunt or exterminate squirrels because they are considered small game and pests.

As long as the practice is humane in the way that people are trapping and removing them or exterminating them, then the city is not going to have a problem with that, Rolfe said. The squirrel is still alive and running around, and so I think that we would consider that an inhumane practice to be shooting it with an arrow. In a way that injured or maimed the animal, but didnt kill it.

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A Denver Police Department spokesperson also told FOX31 that shooting an arrow or dart at an animal would, at minimum, fall under unlawful throwing of projectiles and missiles. Colorado law says it is illegal to throw stones, projectiles or other missiles on public or private property for any reason.

Knowing people like this exist in her neighborhood, Murray said is not a comforting thought.

Its just senseless violence. I mean, we understand hunting and fishing for purpose and this is not that, she said. I mean, that scares parents, that scares pet parents, you know  just that thats happening close by is dangerous.

An injured squirrel eats some nuts.

A squirrel with an arrow in it helps itself to some nuts.

Rolfe said the best way to deal with squirrels if they are being a nuisance is to catch them in a live trap and release them.

There are guidelines within the state for, you know, how close you have to remove an animal and relocate it. You cant just, like, take a squirrel from here, take it up to the mountains and release it. You have to do it within a certain distance from where it was found, Rolfe said.

Denver neighbors pitch in to help hurt squirrel

In the meantime, Murray has set up live traps to try and catch her squirrel. She is thankful the squirrel has made it this long, but she knows its only a matter of time.

Were hoping well get her in the next couple of days and we can catch her before the infection gets too bad, she said.

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She is also thankful for her neighbors and the community who made this their mission too.

We have had neighbors help watch the porch. We actually picked up a trap from a neighbor we never met last night that has been checking in with me multiple times throughout the day just offering words of encouragement, Murray said. I think were all just kind of in support of bringing her back and getting her fixed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Deputies search for suspect they believe beat Georgia homeless man to death in alleyway

The Bibb County Sheriffs Office is asking for help identifying a man they believe may have attacked a homeless man in a Macon alleyway and left him for dead.

Deputies said Albert Knight, 59, died of blunt force trauma in an alleyway near the intersection of Poplar Street and Second Street on May 26.

The Bibb County Sheriffs Office has released surveillance video of a man they believe to be the suspect in the case. He is seen wearing a ball cap, a green shirt that possibly says Hilton Head Island Bike Shop in white letters, denim jeans, and black shoes.

At one point, he is seen wearing orange gloves and holding an object that deputies have blurred out.

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Reverend Jake Hall with the United Way of Central Georgia told WGXA-TV that the community is shaken by Knights death.

He was somebody who was known to so many of our providers that theyre really hurting right now by something so horrific that has taken place, Hall said.

Hall told the TV station that he is worried more of the homeless community could be at risk.

The person who is likely to be harmed is the person who is homeless, who is most vulnerable, open not only to the elements but to moments of violence like this and its up to us as a community to make sure there are protections, spaces that are safe harbors, shelters that are open to folks, Hall said.

Anyone who knows who the man in the surveillance video may be is asked to call Bibb County Sheriffs Office at 478-751-7500 or the Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.

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For the first time ever, central Iowa residents could face restrictions on watering their lawns, given challenges Des Moines Water Works faces keeping nitrate levels below the federal drinking water standard.

A forecast for a hot, dry week prompted the central Iowa utility Monday to ask its 600,000 customers to avoid watering their lawns, saying the voluntary request could become mandatory with rising water demand and higher nitrate concentrations in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, the utility's primary drinking water sources.

Even with a nitrate removal system and other measures, the utility expects it will be unable to meet the federal limits at peak demand. "We want customers to be aware that nitrate concentrations are on the increase. Demand is on the increase," said Ted Corrigan, Des Moines Water Works CEO. "Something's got to give."

"We didn't want to say a week from now, everyone is prohibited from watering their lawns," Corrigan said. "We wanted to let people know that we're struggling with it."

Des Moines Water Works its asking its 600,000 customers to not water their lawns, saying it will be unable to meet federal limits on nitrate levels with rising concentrations in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers  and rapidly rising water demand from customers.

Already, Des Moines Water Works says it's working on multiple fronts to ensure nitrate levels remain below the federal requirement of 10 milligrams per liter. The utility said Monday nitrate levels were near 17 milligrams per liter in the Raccoon River and 14 milligrams per liter in the Des Moines River.

Concentrations above the federal level create a dangerous condition for infants, called blue baby syndrome.

Since early April, Des Moines Water Works says it has blended water sources; maxed out production at its treatment plants using reverse osmosis filtration; tapped low-nitrate water from reservoirs, lakes and underground storage wells; and on May 6, began operating its nitrate removal facility.

The utility produces an average of about 55 million gallons of drinking water per day, but the amount can climb between 80 million and 85 million with increased lawn watering and outdoor water use, it said. We just don't have enough nitrate removal capacity to meet peak demand conditions with high nitrates in our source waters, Corrigan said, adding that it costs about $10,000 a day to run the nitrate removal system.

Corrigan said the utility typically sees high nitrate concentrations in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers when a wet year follows drought years. Nitrate concentrations can come from fertilizers used on crops, but theyre also naturally occurring and can come from industrial sources as well.

"During dry periods, those nutrients can get banked in the soil," Corrigan said. And when the rains come, it becomes "kind of a flushing effect" and "we see high nitrate concentrations downstream."

"It's all related to land use" and upstream fertilizer application, he said.

As a top U.S. corn and soybean producer, Iowa grows crops on about 24 million of the state's nearly 37 million acres annually. The utility unsuccessfully sued three north Iowa counties in 2015, saying underground drainage tiles acted as conduits, sending high nitrate concentrations down the Raccoon River that central Iowa residents must pay to remove.

After 203 weeks, Iowa only just escaped drought conditions last week. The nearly four-year drought is the states longest on record after a 1954-1959 stretch, state officials say. And last month was on pace to be among the top 10 wettest Mays on record, Justin Glisan, the state climatologist, said last week.

Many Iowa cities received between 5 to 10 inches of rain in May.

Last summer, the utility was concerned about having adequate water supply during the drought. With large rainstorms, most people aren't thinking that there's any problem with water whatsoever right now, Corrigan said, adding that nitrate concentrations in the utilitys source waters could stay elevated for another month or more.

There is a time we hope the nitrates will go down, but it's not going to be for a while, he said.

Des Moines Water Works says that Ankeny and West Des Moines Water Works  members of Central Iowa Water Works, the newly created regional water system  have boosted production at their facilities as well.

While high nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome, a condition that can be fatal to infants 6 months and younger if not treated, some studies also have linked even moderate nitrate levels to health concerns that include birth defects, cancers and thyroid problems.

Going over the federal standard means utilities must warn customers not to use the water for infants under 6 months old.

Donnelle Eller covers agriculture, the environment and energy for the Register. Reach her at deller@registermedia.com or 515-284-8457.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Water Works asks residents not to water their lawns
TALLAHASSEE  Gov. Ron DeSantis accused the federal government Tuesday of not doing enough to help the state recover from hurricanes, as he urged Floridians to take advantage of a sales tax holiday on emergency supplies for the storm season.

We dont typically depend on the federal government for anything because we figure that is not a place where you want to be, DeSantis said at a Home Depot in Fort Myers. Hurricane recovery is a bottoms-up thing. You dont want Washington directing anything.

The governor didnt mention more than $9 billion that Washington pumped into Florida following Hurricane Ian in 2022, an amount that doesnt include aid sent to help recover from other hurricanes since the governor took office in 2019.

Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida, said the governors comments were ridiculous. Hurricanes and other major natural disasters are times when politicians come together, regardless of their party affiliation and work together to get federal help, he said.

To suggest you dont need federal assistance is just over the top, Jewett said. Maybe hes just ratcheting up the political side of things. Its never a bad time to bash Joe Biden if youre Ron DeSantis.

And its incorrect to suggest Florida has had to go it alone, he said.

The federal government has a huge role to play in helping communities recover, Jewett said.

At the event, the governor did tout state legislative measures to beef up the reinstated State Guard, provide grants for people to harden their homes against future storms, and the tax break for hurricane supplies, which will run this month until June 14.

DeSantis also mentioned the $500 million emergency fund the Legislature provides him each year to use at his discretion during natural disasters.

DeSantis thinking about federal support for disaster relief has changed over the years.

Eleven years ago, as a freshman member of Congress, DeSantis voted against a $50.5 billion aid package for victims of Superstorm Sandy in New York. He called it an irresponsible boondoggle, and an example of the put it on the credit card mentality hed come to Congress to eliminate.

But when Hurricane Ian tore through the center of Florida two years ago, DeSantis sought and received from President Biden a major disaster declaration.

DeSantis made his comments Tuesday in one of the counties hardest hit by Ian, a devastating Category 5 storm that caused up to $117 billion in damage and was responsible for 84 deaths, making it the most expensive hurricane on record in Florida.

It caused a 10- to 15-foot storm surge that destroyed thousands of homes, roads and bridges and other infrastructure. It wreaked havoc on the electric power grid, leaving more than 9 million people without power.

Within a year after Ian struck, the federal government had provided $9.27 billion in recovery assistance to Florida.

That included $1.13 billion in grants from FEMA to 386,000 homeowners in 26 counties, loans totaling $1.94 billion from the Small Business Administration, and $4.4 billion paid out by the National Flood Insurance Program for more than 47,300 claims filed.

It also includes more than $1.8 billion tapped by FEMA to reimburse state and local applicants for emergency response, debris removal and repair or replacement of public facilities.

In addition, Florida farmers received millions of dollars from the Department of Agriculture, employment assistance from the Department of Labor and housing aid from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

To this day, FEMA continues to dole out millions in aid to Florida counties affected by Ian, including $6.7 million for debris removal expenses in Fort Myers and Punta Gorda, $15.4 million in Lee County, $16.4 million in Charlotte County and $6.4 million in Orange County.

Floridians pay a lot of dollars in federal taxes and are well represented in Congress and deserve to get federal aid in the aftermath of a disaster, Jewett said.
Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28, 2022. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory image by Joshua Stevens

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference Tuesday urging Floridians to take advantage of a tax holiday that will last until June 14 to stock up on nonperishable food, water, and other items necessary during hurricane season.

Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year, with four to seven major hurricanes of category 3 to 5. During the press conference at a Home Depot in Fort Myers, DeSantis expressed skepticism about forecasts but said the state is prepared for hurricane season.

People can say theres going to be a lot, not a lot. People have always had their predictions. Look, we prepare for the worst and hope for the best, DeSantis said. So, it doesnt matter what the forecast is, a lot of them arent right. If people said that were not going to have one, we would not just not do our job. We would be ready to go.

The sales tax holiday applies to pet food, portable radios, batteries, gas tanks, power banks, generators, tarps, carbon monoxide detectors, and other items. Find the full list through this link. Another sales tax holiday is set for Aug. 24 to Sept. 6, peak hurricane season.

The governor and Kevin Guthrie, the Florida Division of Emergency Management director, stressed the importance of people taking the initiative to prepare their households. That they might not probably keeps me up more at night than anything else, he said.

I need all residents to be ready for their one [hurricane], Guthrie said. I, physically, the governor physically, cannot go in your house and prep you for what you need to do. You need to be ready.  Counties are ready; cities are ready; the state government is more than ready and prepared. We need folks to be ready.

Other tips provided during the press conference included maintaining enough nonperishable food and water to last for up to a week, knowing your evacuation and flood zones, being ready to evacuate within your community instead of driving long distances, and filling up your gas tanks if theyre at least half empty.

Additionally, the governor warned people to use generators safely. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, generators have to stay outdoors and 20 feet away from doors and windows.

During the press conference, DeSantis awarded Lee County $7.5 million from the Job Growth Grant Fund to rebuild a shrimp deck. Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in September 2022, ravaged the county and Southwest Florida.

The post DeSantis emphasizes Floridians responsibility to prepare for hurricane season appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Despite the spread of bird flu, lawmakers in some states are pushing to legalize raw milk

As health officials scramble to determine the spread of avian flu in U.S. dairy cattle, some lawmakers are pushing to legalize and increase access to raw milk. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

For more than 160 years, pasteurization has been heralded as one of the most effective and efficient forms of ensuring public food safety. But as health officials scramble to ascertain and contain the spread of bird flu in the nation's dairy cattle, a growing number of state governments are turning their back on this gold standard of public health.

In the last four weeks, Iowa, Louisiana and Delaware have either passed legislation or are in the process of moving bills that would legalize the commercial sale of raw milk for human consumption within their borders.

The commercial sale of raw milk in California is legal, although not all stores choose to sell it.

"The science and technology of pasteurization has been keeping people safe since the 1860s," said Michael Payne, researcher and outreach coordinator at the University of California's School of Veterinary Medicine's Western Institute of Food Safety and Security.

"When we dont pasteurize milk we get outbreaks," he said, citing recent outbreaks from salmonella in California and three other states, as well as a 2023-24 E. coli outbreak caused by cheese made with raw milk that sickened 11 people across five states. He said five of the 11 victims were hospitalized and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure and brain damage.

Read more: Despite H5N1 bird flu outbreaks in dairy cattle, raw milk enthusiasts are uncowed

"While I believe strongly that people should be able to eat whatever they choose to produce or herdshare, including raw milk, I have campaigned aggressively in the past against sale of commercial raw milk in stores as a matter of public safety," he said. (A herdshare is a system in which a customer can buy a "share" of dairy herd, and receive milk and other dairy products in return).

"People desperate to believe theyve found the silver bullet for health cannot be dissuaded and villainize a technology that has done more for food safety than any other invention. After testifying to the state Legislature against the sale of raw milk in stores I was once escorted out the 'members only' access because of police fears for my safety," Payne said.

But state lawmakers pushing for raw milk access say they are more concerned about "food freedom" and the potential benefits that would come to dairy farmers  i.e., being able to charge more money for their product  than a problem they don't see discussed in the news.

"There is very real evidence to say that this space is safe... and I haven't seen those deaths... across folks that use raw milk," said Delaware state Sen. Eric Buckson, who was author of a bill that would allow consumers to purchase raw milk from farms. "Certainly, there are those that can get an upset stomach or get sick from it. They recover rather quickly from it."

It's a comment that confounds Mary McGonigle-Martin, a Murrieta resident, who believed that providing her young son raw milk would make him healthier, until it nearly killed him.

In 2006, her son Eric drank raw milk contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7. Over the next 24 hours, he became increasingly ill. Hospitalized, he was diagnosed with HUS.

Although he eventually recovered from renal and congestive heart failure, as well as a collapsed lung, acute pancreatitis, high blood pressure and seizures, his kidneys are still compromised, requiring yearly monitoring. He is now 26.

McGonigle-Martin said the embrace of raw milk by politicians, alternative health food influencers, and others is the result of "generational amnesia."

"One hundred years have passed" since pasteurization became widespread in our food supply, she said. "We did not live in the time where kids died. We didn't live in the time when pasteurization was invented and pasteurized milk was sought" because parents knew it was safe.

"We would never think of letting our children eat raw chicken or beef," she said. "That would be crazy, right? Yet we do it with milk. We have lost the wisdom."

Read more: What you need to know about the bird flu outbreak, concerns about raw milk, and more

Federal officials say they have found high levels of active H5N1  a highly pathogenic avian influenza  in raw milk. Observations and studies have show that barn cats who drank the contaminated raw milk have suffered horrific symptoms  including blindness, brain swelling and neurological issues  as well as death.

Also, lab mice that were given raw milk from cows infected with H5N1 experienced high virus levels in their respiratory organs and lower virus levels in other vital organs, according to a recent study.

Because of uncertainty about how widespread the infection is within U.S. dairy herds, and the announcement of the third human case of H5N1 earlier this week, officials are warning people to avoid raw milk and products made from raw milk.

Buckson, the Delaware lawmaker, said he understands the concern, but when he looks around, "we know that 30-plus states actively permit the use of raw milk, and we do not have a pervasive breakout or outbreak of avian influenza," he said.

He said the science on the flu was "unsettled" and early indications suggest "it is not transferable," and it wasn't likely going to be "something that's going to present as a kind of a wave of illnesses that injects itself into raw milk or pasteurized milk, for that matter."

Delaware currently has some of the nation's strictest laws regarding the sale of raw milk, adhering to the FDA's policy that raw milk should not be consumed for any reason. It is currently illegal to sell or transport "any unpasteurized fluid milk or milk product in final packaged form for direct human consumption."

Laura Matusheski, a spokeswoman for the Delaware Division of Public Health, said her agency "does not comment on pending legislation."

Kimberly Coates, the Louisiana lawmaker who wrote that state's pending legislation, which would legalize commercial sales of raw milk, declined to respond.

Read more: Are pet dogs and cats the weak link in bird flu surveillance?

That legislation, which passed the Louisiana House and Senate, would require warning labels on raw milk products, stating the milk "has NOT been pasteurized and therefore may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems."

For products that use raw milk for animal or pet feed, the label would read: "Warning: Not for human consumption  This product has not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria."

Buckson said that requirements written into the Delaware law will help to keep the product safe.

It's a sentiment that McGonigle-Martin holds onto. She said she knows the battle to keep raw milk out of stores and in children's mouths is lost. So, she's hoping safeguards are put in place that reduce risk and harm. And she wishes parents would educate themselves and turn to public health experts, not TikTok and Instagram influencers, or the raw milk industry.

"I just think that politicians should take a deep breath and realize that the reason why we pasteurize milk is because, you know, back before pasteurization milk was one of the leading causes of children's deaths," said Bill Marler, a foodborne illness attorney with the Seattle-area Marler and Clark law firm.

In an email, California Department of Food and Agriculture spokesman Steve Lyle said that his agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration "take milk safety very seriously and there are laws on the books that require that milk for human consumption comes from healthy cows."

"Because cows can be infected before they show signs of being sick, pasteurization provides added food safety assurance. For dairies that do not pasteurize, ensuring that each cow is monitored for health is particularly important. Like most modern dairies in California... progressive methods [are used] to monitor the health of each cow that is producing milk," he said.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
New Details: Child sex predator wanted for alleged rape of child arrested in Macon County

NOTASULGA, Ala. (WRBL)  We have new details on the arrest of a Dothan man wanted for the alleged sodomy and rape of a young child in Dale County, Alabama. Bryan Lecuyer, 33, was taken into custody over the weekend after a multi-agency manhunt, as Notasulga residents helped investigators track down the convicted sex offender through a heavily wooded area.

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 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, said Sheriff Bynum.

Investigators told WRBL that the incident began on Tuesday, May 31, when Ozark-Dale County E911 received a call from a Level Plains resident who described seeing sexual contact involving Lecuyer and a young child, under the age of 10, in the back of Lecuyers vehicle.

Prior to the arrival of Level Plains Police, the suspect, a registered sex offender and federal supervised release inmate, fled the scene in his vehicle, said Sheriff Bynum.

A BOLO was issued for Lecuyer. Shortly after 10 p.m., an Auburn police officer spotted the suspects vehicle abandoned at the South College Street Walmart. DCSO investigators responded to Auburn.

Two days later, on Sunday, June 2, Notasulga homeowners saw a man walking on private property near Tuskegee National Forest and notified local law enforcement.

The Macon County Sheriff, ALEAs Aviation Unit, SBI, and DOC K9 teams tracked the suspect for four miles before taking him into custody in a wooded area off County Road 57 in Macon County.

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.

Lecuyer will be booked into the Dale County Jail and charged with first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy.

I would like to thank Sheriff Andre Brunson and the members of the Macon County Sheriffs Office, DOC K9 teams and ALEA, Auburn Police, Lee County Sheriff, and residents for their assistance, said Sheriff Bynum.

According to criminal records, Lecuyer is a registered sex offender. In 2012, he was convicted of attempting to entice a child for immoral purposes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Bond was denied Tuesday for Karl Loucks, the Army veteran accused of pepper-spraying, then gunning down a homeless man on a downtown Memphis street.

A homicide detective told the court that Loucks appeared to be on a hunting mission.

Loucks defense attorney, however, says his client was acting in self defense.

Loucks, who served two tours in Afghanistan, was in Veterans Court on Tuesday. It was the second time in as many days he has appeared before Judge Bill Anderson.

The 41-year-old is charged with first-degree murder after he allegedly shot and killed a homeless man with a semi-automatic rifle near Court Square around 3 a.m. Friday.

The fatal attack is said to happened after Loucks pepper-sprayed the victim, who was identified as Shaun Rhea. It was captured on video by a security guard at a nearby hotel.

MPD Sgt. Jeremy Cline, a homicide detective who was called to Front Street following the deadly attack Friday, stood a few feet from Loucks in court Tuesday. Loucks looked straight ahead except for an occasional glance at family members sitting nearby.

Couple carjacked at East Memphis McDonalds by 10 armed men, police say

You do hear Mr. Rhea ask, Why did you pepper-spray me? in that video. You do see Mr. Loucks don himself with pepperspray from his pocket. He also produces a knife from his pocket, Cline said, describing the scene.

Cline said Rhea grabbed an electric scooter, throwing it at Loucks as he approached with the knife. A security guard nearby yelled that the the encounter was being recorded.

Loucks backed off, but the two were still going at it verbally, as the victim followed Loucks to the front of his apartment complex. Rhea then made his way to a water fountain to wash the pepper spray from his face.

Sgt. Cline then said Loucks spent several minutes using a code to get into his secure apartment complex, waiting on an elevator, opening his unit, looking for the semi-automatic rifle, finding a jacket to cover it, going back down in the elevator and crossing over Main Street to find the victim.

Once the victim saw Loucks, he started to yell at him again, but stopped when the security guard warned him that it appeared Loucks was carrying a gun.

Cline described it as a hunting mission.

He was very calm, Cline said. I do believe that Mr Loucks actually believes that acted in self-defense, I do believe he thinks that. However, when asked about calling the police at any point in time, he stated that he did not. In fact, that he had to actually go out and across the street to go find  to advance straight to the victim. That to me indicates he had made up his mind.

Cline continued, If he were allowed to roam the streets, I do believe hes a danger to the community.

MSCS superintendent Feagins receives death threat from unknown man: MPD

In the end the Judge agreed, despite the defense claiming this was self defense, and suggested a mental evaluation. The state requested a $1 million bond, but the judge denied bond altogether.

The judge said he wished he could release Loucks on his own recognizance, but said he knew he could not.

It was unclear from Tuesdays hearing what may have started the fight, but Loucks attorney, Blake Ballin, stood firm on his clients self-defense claim.

You heard the officer say he believes Mr. Loucks absolutely 100% thought he was acting in self defense, so as far as hurdles go, we think the state has some hurdles to get over in regards to our claim of self defense, Ballin 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 WREG.com.
The families of two victims of the collapse of the Jackson Jet Center Hangar at the Boise Airport have notified Boise that they may sue the city in the coming days.

The families of Mario Sontay and Mariano Coc, two workers who were killed in the buildings collapse in January, are seeking $30 million, though their lawyer told the Idaho Statesman he is not sure whether the city of Boise will be a defendant in the case.

Mario Sontay, 32, left, and Mariano Coc, 24, were two of the people killed in the collapse of a hangar at the Boise Airport. On May 10, their families filed a tort claim against the city of Boise.

In a tort claim filed May 10, obtained by the Statesman through a public records request, the families lawyer accused the city and its contracted engineering firm, AHJ Engineers, of approving building plans for the hangar that were deficient.

Jill Youmans, a spokesperson for the city of Boise, declined to comment on the case, citing the ongoing litigation. David Haugland, president of AHJ Engineers, did not respond to a phone call or email requesting comment.

Craig Durrant, co-founder of Big D Builders, the projects general contractor, was also killed in the collapse. All three men were pronounced dead at the scene, with traumatic blunt force injuries as the cause, the Statesman previously reported. Nine other people were injured.

The claim cites flaws in the structural design, including inadequate bracing of the beams and columns and all connections in the approved plans.

This was no ordinary hangar, the claim says. The size, weight, shape, and uniqueness of the designed (sic) called for a responsible and in-depth review based on actual engineering probabilities. The aforesaid deficiencies were contributing causes to the structural instability that lead (sic) to the Hangar collapse.

The families lawyer, Enrique Serna, said that there were nearly 20 parties  including Big D Builders, the Boise-based Inland Crane and other engineering firms  that could be included as defendants in the lawsuit, which he expects to file in about 10 days. In the meantime, he was required to put the city on notice within 180 days of the incident if there was a possibility it would be one of the defendants.

The claim was a notice that if the evidence is there to support the fact that the city was also negligent in the granting of or (approval of) permits in the management of the site, etc., then they stand a shared responsibility in all this demand that were seeking, he said. Thats why Im saying, whos going to bear the brunt of it? Whos going to be the most? I couldnt tell you yet.

The lawsuit will be based on the findings of his firms construction and engineering experts who have reviewed the case, Serna told the Statesman by phone. He declined to share those findings, saying they were still being finalized and would be publicized when the lawsuit is filed.

The suit may later incorporate or build on findings of a federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration report due to be released in July, he said.

The federal government and I may agree in a lot of those points, he said. They might go a little deeper. I might go a little deeper. We never know until my lawsuit is filed and until the OSHA report is written and issued.

In a February press conference, Serna shared details about Sontay, 32, and Coc, 24, immigrants from Guatemala who came to Idaho to work in construction.

They were very happy in Idaho. Lawyer shares new details on hangar-collapse victims

They were very good at their trade, he said. They were very happy in Idaho. They used to go to the Chevron station by the airport to get their morning coffee en route to building this hangar. They were proudly supporting their families in Guatemala, sending money back every week. They were taking care of their kids, their parents, their uncles. They were living the American Dream.

Sontays family, including his parents, wife, and brother, dialed into the press conference from Guatemala and briefly introduced themselves. Throughout the event, they kept their camera trained on a small memorial to Sontay: a framed photo of him smiling, wearing a safety harness; a smaller family photo; and a votive candle burning in front of both.

Supervisor charged Idaho farmworkers illegal fees, defrauded company. Heres whats next

Six ag workers from Mexico died in Idaho Falls crash. Boise consulate offers assistance
The chief negotiator of COP29, Yalchin Rafiev, held a meeting with Adonia Ayebare, the Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations, Azernews reports.

"Valuable discussions with Adonia Ayebare, Chair of the G77 and China, at the Bonn Climate Conference. The G77 perspective is crucial to the COP29 Presidency in advancing climate negotiations ahead of COP29," according to a post on COP29's account on X.
On October 12, 2018 Hunter Biden stopped at the StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply, a firearms store off Highway 202, north of Wilmington, Delaware. Joe Bidens son decided to buy a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver. To do this, he filled out an application known as form 4473, 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 asked him to certify that his answers were true and warned him that he was prohibited from purchasing a gun if he answered yes to said question and that making a false statement 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. More than five years later, Hunter Biden has ended up in the dock, becoming the first son of a United States president to be tried in a criminal case.

The trial, which is being held in Wilmington (Delaware), began on Monday with jury selection. There are 12 people (six men and six women), plus four substitutes (all women), who have at their disposal more than 20 pages of instructions on how they should carry out their task. These instructions explain that their deliberations are secret and that they wont have to explain their verdict to anyone. The verdict must be unanimous; all 12 must agree or there will be no verdict.

These are the keys to the case:

What is Hunter Biden accused of?

The presidents son is facing three felony counts: lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the federal firearms application, and possession of an illegally obtained firearm. Prosecutors maintain that he was a drug user and addict when he bought the gun.

Biden is specifically accused of violating the following provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code: section 922(a)(6), which punishes any person in connection with the acquisition or attempted acquisition of any firearm or ammunition from a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, knowingly to make any false or fictitious oral or written statement or to furnish or exhibit any false, fictitious, or misrepresented identification, intended or likely to deceive such importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector with respect to any fact material to the lawfulness of the sale or other disposition of such firearm or ammunition under the provisions of this chapter.

The second charge pertains to section 924(a)(1)(A), which punishes anyone who knowingly makes any false statement or representation with respect to the information required by this chapter to be kept in the records of a person licensed under this chapter or in applying for any license or exemption or relief from disability under the provisions of this chapter.

The third offense involves section 922(g)(3) that makes it illegal to purchase firearms for anyone who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance.

What penalties can he get?

At the time of the indictment, the court made clear in a document the maximum penalties that Hunter Biden faces. Up to 10 years for the first felony, five for the second and another 10 for the third, along with fines of up to $250,000 for each of them and up to three years of supervised release. But these are maximum penalties. For someone with no criminal record, who has undergone rehabilitation and where the illegal purchase and possession of the weapon was not accompanied by any other violent crime, prison sentences are not common.

How does the trial proceed?

After the jury selection, the next step is the opening statements, starting with the prosecutor. The prosecution must present evidence of the crimes of which it accuses Hunter Biden. This evidence can be documents or statements from witnesses, whom the defense can also question. Hunter Bidens lawyers can present their own evidence and witnesses, if they wish. At the end of their turn, the prosecution will present their conclusions in their final arguments. The judge will then give instructions to the jury, who will retire to deliberate. Their decision needs to be unanimous.

What must the prosecution prove?

The defendant is presumed innocent. The prosecutor needs to prove each and every element of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. To achieve a conviction on the two counts related to the purchase of the gun, prosecutors must convince the jury that Hunter Biden knowingly made a false statement on his gun purchase form and that the lie was relevant to the sale. For the weapons possession charge, they must prove that he knew he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance or that he was a drug addict and still knowingly possessed a firearm.

What evidence will prosecutors provide?

The prosecution will use excerpts from Hunter Bidens own memoir, Beautiful Things, in which he acknowledges that he was addicted to drugs for four years until March 2019. Prosecutors have also accessed text messages from the defendant sent around that time. I was sleeping in a car smoking crack, he said in one of them. The Prosecutors Office is considering calling as witnesses Hunter Bidens ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, and his brother Beau Bidens widow, Hallie Biden, with whom Hunter later had a relationship, to testify about his addiction.

What does the defense allege?

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty. However, the judge has made two of his lines of defense difficult. She has prevented an expert from testifying about Hunter Bidens state of denial regarding his addiction when he bought the gun, especially considering that he had undergone an 11-day rehabilitation program. She has also vetoed a version of the form altered by store employees, arguing that this does not change the facts and would introduce confusion. The judge has also rejected the defenses claim that the accused is suffering political persecution.

What happened to the plea deal with prosecutors?

Hunter Biden initially admitted the illegal purchase and possession of the weapon as part of a plea deal with prosecutors to be sentenced with lesser penalties for two tax crimes that were already regularized and to shelve the gun case. Prosecutors initially were ready to waive pursuing the gun purchase in exchange for him staying away from drugs for two years and giving up having a firearm in the future. It is a common agreement in similar cases in which the accused have undergone rehab and have no criminal record. The agreement, however, was derailed just as it was going to be endorsed. Judge Maryellen Noreika, a Trump appointee, rejected it due to the different interpretation of the agreement between the prosecution and the defense and pressure from Republicans.

The first lady of the United States, Jill Biden, arrives at the federal courthouse on the opening day of Hunter Biden's trial. Kevin Lamarque (REUTERS)

Can the president pardon his son?

Yes. The crimes of which his son is accused are federal and the president has a broad capacity to pardon them if he were sentenced to jail. So far, Biden has stayed away from the case, but has shown strong support for Hunter as a father. Biden stayed in Wilmington on Monday to support his son. First Lady Jill Biden accompanied him to the courthouse. In a statement, the president said Monday that he has unlimited love for his son. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today, he said.

What other charges is Hunter Biden facing?

Hunter Biden has been charged with nine alleged tax crimes before California courts. Bidens son has since made his pending payments and the case was going to be closed in accordance with the plea deal that finally derailed.

Do the cases affect the president?

Both the charges for the purchase and possession of the gun and the alleged tax crimes concern only Hunter Biden. Republicans have spent years unsuccessfully trying to find links showing that Joe Biden benefited from his sons business dealings, commissions and other irregularities. Their harassment of the president through requests and interrogations of supposed witnesses, and the opening of an investigation for a possible impeachment, has reached a dead end after no evidence was found against President Biden. Much of the accusations centered on the testimony of an FBI informant who said that Joe Biden had collected a $5 million commission from Ukraine. It was later proven that it was all a fabrication by a person with ties to Russian intelligence.

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Planters illegally bolted to an L.A. street to deter RV parking are gone. Who did it remains a mystery

More than a dozen metal tubs were installed in parking spots on Coral Tree Place, an area behind Home Depot's Playa Vista location that is frequently used by RV dwellers. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

More than a dozen steel planters illegally bolted to the ground in a Playa Vista neighborhood to deter people experiencing homelessness from parking their vehicles on the street have been removed, and those responsible have been cited, according to city officials.

In recent years, the encampment of RVs, campers and other vehicles parked on Coral Tree Lane, behind a Home Depot store, has become a major concern for parents at a nearby private school. Parents say that their kids have found syringes in and around their campus and that people experiencing mental health crises often scare the elementary-school-age children.

Two men wearing orange Home Depot aprons had been seen working with a third person to bolt the metal tubs to the street.

The Los Angeles Department of Public Works cited the responsible parties for placing the planters on the city street, Jonathan Davila, communications deputy for District 11 Councilmember Traci Park's office, said Tuesday. Less than a week after they were installed, the 18 steel tubs filled with fresh soil and green succulent plants have been removed.

But city officials have not disclosed who was cited and who was behind the operation.

It all began on May 29, when the men teamed up to bolt the metal tubs into parking spots on Coral Tree Place. They then filled the tubs with soil and plants.

A Home Depot spokesperson said a customer purchased the metal tubs and repurposed them as planters. The company would not say whether its employees helped install the planters, but video shot by homeless activists showed workers dressed as Home Depot employees installing the planters.

The tubs were installed just after Los Angeles city workers cleared the area of vehicles as part of a scheduled sanitation sweep.

Parent Vanessa Garcia, whose 6-year-old and 7-year-old children attend the nearby Westside Neighborhood School, hopes the city will take notice of the encampment now that the planters have drawn so much attention to the street.

One day, her 7-year-old son came home from school and told her that he and his classmates had found a syringe on the campus. They told their teachers. There have also been people experiencing mental health crises right outside the preschool, screaming while class was in session.

"We have a lot of parents who live near the school that would like to walk their kids through the area, but they feel that they can't," Garcia said. "It's just not safe for the kids."

When the steel planters were in place, Garcia said, she felt like the city had made a positive step to address the RV encampment.

"That's great, I thought. We're putting in flower planters, we're putting in greenery. It's great for everyone," she said.

Days after the planters were installed, only a handful of oversize vehicles remained on the street. Handyman and artist Michael Michelangelo was among them.

Michael Michelangelo, an artist and handyman, pets his dog Rocky next to the van where he lives. He says Home Depot's Playa Vista store has taken actions to make the property inhospitable to anyone who wants to park nearby, including replacing the grass with rocks. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

He has parked near the Home Depot for the last several months and said he's noticed the big-box hardware store has increasingly made the property inhospitable to anyone who wants to park nearby.

"They placed these rocks, boulders really, where there used to be grass," Michelangelo said. "I used to walk my dog from my van over there."

Many of the residents who have been staying in their vehicles on Coral Tree Place say they chose it because it is well lighted and they don't have to worry about residential parking restrictions. But people who work in the area also have concerns.

One man who works in the area but was not authorized to speak on behalf of his company said the encampment on Coral Tree Place has grown sharply since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. He said there is more trash along the street, people using the street as a bathroom and graffiti on the sidewalk. Some of that graffiti includes positive affirmations and messages to other people in the homeless community.

Spencer Rosenheck's 10-year-old son has attended Westside Neighborhood School for nearly a decade. Rosenheck said he wouldn't mind the RV encampment if the residents made more of an effort to regulate their activities while living on the street.

The scene around the school appears unbridled, he said, with people working on car engines on the sidewalk, tampering with the street-lighting fixtures and showing signs of needing some type of a mental health intervention.

"This should not be a shantytown," Rosenheck said.

Like other parents at the school, he welcomed the planters and applauded the person who did it.

"The parents, all of us, were thrilled to see someone go after this," Rosenheck said.

In December 2021, parents dropping their children off at Westside Neighborhood School witnessed police standing over the body of a dead man who probably had overdosed, according to reporting from the Westside Current.

More than 14,000 people lived in some type of vehicle in Los Angeles County in 2023, including vans and RVs, according to the latest data from the county's Homeless Services Authority. There are about 1,200 more vehicles than in the previous year and more vehicles than the county has spaces to provide for under its Safe Parking LA program.

Read more: New parking restrictions could make it harder to hike at this popular L.A. spot

When sanitation crews cleared the area last week, homeless advocate and UCLA sociology doctoral candidate Sam Lutzker was there as part of his work, documenting the lives of people living in vehicles in Council District 11.

After the area was cleared, men wearing the signature Home Depot aprons installed the steel tubs and appeared to bolt them to the city street with power tools, according to a post from the X account Venice Justice, an advocacy group.

Lutzker, also a member of Venice Justice, approached the men and asked if they had permits to install the planters. He recorded his interaction with the men, who refused to identify themselves.

One of the men wearing a Home Depot apron told Lutzker they were "authorized by the city" to install the planters, according to video he shared with The Times.

The men installed the planters, then told the remaining vehicle dwellers on the street that they planned to install more.

Read more: After the city removed RVs from Forest Lawn Drive, it also banned parking  for everyone

Homeless advocates say city sweeps coupled with citations push vehicle dwellers into neighboring districts and cities, because there are not enough resources to accommodate them. The area around the Playa Vista Home Depot is made up of business parks and the elementary school.

Park's office said that the sanitation sweep on May 28 was part of "our continued efforts of offering housing solutions to everyone while addressing the health and safety hazards of oversize vehicle dwelling."

Park's office would not say whether it was aware of the operation before the planters were installed.

The issue is especially tense in Council District 11, said Venice Justice member Peggy Lee Kennedy, because vehicle dwellers find themselves being pushed from one encampment to the next.

Read more: After the city removed RVs from Forest Lawn Drive, it also banned parking  for everyone

"The current process in Council District 11 is aimed at permanently removing RVs through creating parking restrictions and 'No RV Zones' including bollards, red curbs, planters, fences and no 'Oversized Parking' signs," Kennedy said in an email.

This results in less public parking and, Lutzker said, forced some people to park behind the Playa Vista Home Depot in the first place.

"I'm stuck because I need a new transmission for my van," said Michelangelo, the artist. "You think I want to stay here? There are opportunities elsewhere."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
What did Hunter Biden do? Here's what you need to know about the gun charges

Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, faces three felonies over whether he lied on a federal gun form in 2018 that asked if he was addicted to drugs in federal court.

Here is what you need to know:

Hunter Biden leaves the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, after jury selection in his federal gun trial in Wilmington, Delaware on Monday June 3, 2024.

What did Hunter Biden do?

In October 2018, Hunter Biden walked into the StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply gun shop on U.S. Route 202 north of Wilmington and purchased a .38 special revolver along with other items.

Hunter Biden trial live updates: Here is the latest from the Delaware courtroom

People who purchase firearms are required to provide identification and fill out a standardized form collected by federal authorities. On that form, they are asked whether they are an unlawful user or are addicted to controlled substances, narcotics and other listed substances. Biden is accused of answering "no" to that question on the form.

Biden has been open about his longtime struggles with crack cocaine addiction. He's written about it in his book and discussed it during a court hearing last year, stating he's been sober since 2019.

He was able to purchase the gun and kept it for less than a month before it was thrown by his then-lover, Hallie Biden, into a trash receptacle outside the upscale Janssen's Market grocery store in Greenville.

This prompted a Delaware State Police search for a man who found the gun while collecting recyclables outside the store and  several years later  drew federal prosecutors' attention back to the form.

Why is that allegedly a crime?

Prosecutors are focused on the form Biden filled out in order to buy the gun, which does not permit people using drugs or addicted to drugs to purchase a weapon or possess a weapon.

The first two felony charges Biden faces relate specifically to the form he filled out to purchase the gun, accusing Biden of lying about this drug use on the form.

The third charge pertains to Biden's possession of a firearm while he was allegedly an unlawful user or addicted to controlled substances.

Hunter Biden's wife: Who is Melissa Cohen Biden?

Hunter Biden also faces tax charges

The president's son isn't only facing federal firearm charges. He also faces nine tax charges in California in another case, in which he's accused of avoiding paying at least $1.4 million.

He's charged with three felony and six misdemeanor charges tied to the allegations. He has pleaded not guilty.

USA Today reporter Marina Pitofsky contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Hunter Biden felony gun trial charges explained
Jason Pollock, Jenifer Lewis and supporters attend the Los Angeles rally for Kendrick Johnson & premiere screening of "Finding Kendrick Johnson" at Laemmle NoHo 7 in North Hollywood, California (Photo Credit: Robin L Marshall | Getty Images)

Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of death. Reader discretion is advised.

CNN stated that Kendrick Johnsons autopsy revealed his death was an accident. On January 11, 2013, Johnsons body was found in a vertically rolled-up wrestling mat in the school gym. After an initial investigation, authorities determined that the 17-year-olds death was accidental. Law enforcement officers believe he was trying to reach for his shoes when he accidentally fell into an opening. They claim he couldnt get out of there, per Business Insider.

However, there were several discrepancies in official reports and the theory around Johnsons accidental death. His parents and community members have accused law enforcement officers of botching the investigation and covering up a crime. They strongly believe someone murdered the Black teenager. The case made national headlines and is in the news again after his parents filed a lawsuit against Georgia police.

A famous documentary, Finding Kendrick Johnson, revisits the case and chronicles the theories around his death. Directed by Jason Pollock, the film premiered in 2021 and is streaming on Tubi and Prime Video now.

Kendrick Johnsons autopsy: Was the case reopened & what was his cause of death?

Georgia Bureau of Investigation, via Kendrick Johnsons autopsy, ruled his cause of death was accidental positional asphyxia. However, the teens parents have accused authorities of trying to cover up his murder via the false narrative about an accidental death. Business Insider stated that in September 2023, Johnsons parents filed a federal $1 billion lawsuit against Georgia police.

Johnsons death in the gymnasium of Georgias Lowndes High School has been in the news for over a decade now. Detectives have reopened the investigation into his death a couple of times after the initial investigation ruled it an accident. According to CNN, there have been several inconsistencies in official reports regarding the positioning of the teens body. This then led his family and other people to believe his death was a murder.

An independent pathologist conducted Kendrick Johnsons autopsy separately after exhuming his body. However, this examination ruled that the teens cause of death was unexplained, apparent non-accidental, blunt-force trauma to the neck.

The outlet reported that the first investigation into Johnsons death began in October 2013. The Justice Department then closed this probe in 2016 after failing to find sufficient evidence to support federal criminal charges.

In 2021, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk claimed they had reopened the investigation into Kendrick Johnsons death. Later, in September 2023, Johnsons parents filed a lawsuit against law enforcement, accusing them of botching the investigation, per Business Insider.

The lawsuit stated that authorities clearly agreed to make false writings in each of its official documents. It further claimed their findings misrepresent material facts and present an invented narrative and erroneous cause of death for Kendrick Johnson.

It added that at the time of the discovery, Johnsons body was in a pool of blood on the floor. Moreover, there were visible injuries to his body, including bruises on his face, lacerations to his ear, lip, and knuckles. The lawsuit also stated that two circular markings near his waist were consistent with the prongs of a stun gun.

The GBI reportedly told Business Insider that their Medical Examiners Office conducted Kendrick Johnsons autopsy thoroughly. Furthermore, their statement said they stand behind our original findings and have closed the case.

GBIs statement was a response to the lawsuit, which cited the coroners report, calling the initial investigation and the investigative environment very poor. These reports also stated that authorities had compromised the crime scene and their lack of cooperation, among other things.

Jason Pollocks documentary Finding Kendrick Johnson details the mysterious death of the high school teenager.

The post What Did Kendrick Johnsons Autopsy Reveal About His Death? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
The different heat-related advisories from the National Weather Service

(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento region is set to endure its first day of triple-digit temperatures of 2024.

Sacramento and other parts of Northern California were issued an Excessive Heat Warning by the National Weather Service for two days due to hot temperatures.

Video Above Sacramento among the sunniest cities on Earth

Temperatures in the Sacramento Valley and foothills could have highs between 95 to 108 degrees with the hottest time of the day expected to be 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There are multiple ways the NWS measures the danger of heat and here is what those terms mean.

Excessive Heat Watch

An Excessive Heat Watch is issued when theres potential for excessive heat and hotter than normal temperatures are expected to occur in the next one to three days.

The NWS could upgrade the heat watch to an advisory or warning depending on the forecast.

To prepare for an Excessive Heat Watch, the NWS said to find access to cooler areas, drink extra water and take breaks when outdoors.

City, county governments prepare for Northern California heat wave with cooling centers

Heat Advisory

A Heat Advisory is issued when temperatures are forecast to be significantly above normal within the next one to two days.

Under a Heat Advisory, the NWS said heat-sensitive groups such as children, elderly, and those with medical concerns may be impacted. People or pets should never be left in a parked car unattended, officials said.

Heat illnesses are possible in areas under a heat advisory and the public should limit outdoor activities to avoid getting sick, officials said.

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Excessive Heat Warning

When an Excessive Heat Warning is issued, the NWS said its due to a high confidence of record level heat within the next one to two days.

All groups of people are urge to avoid outdoor activity and take precautions to prevent heat illnesses. Heat stroke is a major risk during an Excessive Heat Warning, the NWS said.

Sensitive groups may be highly impacted and the NWS urges to check on children, the elderly and those with medical concerns.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
The News

House progressives raged against former colleague Mondaire Jones after he endorsed Rep. Jamaal Bowmans primary opponent George Latimer.

I am appalled, Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif. said.

In backing Latimer, Jones accused Bowman in a New York Times interview of causing pain and anxiety among his Jewish constituents with his rhetoric criticizing Israel. Democratic donors and groups supportive of Israel have poured millions into unseating Bowman this cycle. Jones, meanwhile, faces a competitive race to unseat Republican Rep. Mike Lawler.

Both Jones and Bowman were elected in 2020, when a new, diverse slate of left-leaning Democrats headlined by fellow New Yorker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez were ascendant in the House. Some of Bowmans allies on the left took the move against him personally.

Its disgusting, said Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., who also faces a well-funded primary challenge this cycle. Is that who he wants to be? Someone that the members cant even trust? Someone that the members know will be your friend one day, and then as soon as its beneficial to him, will completely not only turn on you, but will go and support the person that is challenging you?

Rep. Summer Lee, D-Penn. called the endorsement incredibly disappointing.

Here we have a former CPC and CBC member whos endorsing against both a Progressive and Black man who was the first Black man in his seat, she said. So it couldnt be me. But I think and I hope that people will look at that for what that is.

Reached for comment by Semafor, Jones said in a statement that he has a longstanding relationship with George and that he is making this endorsement to stand up for my Jewish constituents because Rep. Bowman and I have deeply different views on Israel.

Kadias view

Jones is in a tough position. Turning on Bowman could bolster his campaign against Lawler, a moderate who is also backed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, but at the risk of a break with his former Democratic colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus. It would make for an especially awkward reunion in the House if Bowman and Jones both win their respective races.

The View From Mike Lawler

Lawler scoffed when I asked him if hed heard about the recent endorsement. He noted that Jones had previously said we need more people like Bowman in Congress in 2020. That quote has featured prominently in Lawlers campaign material, a sign of the pressure Jones is facing to distance himself from Bowman.

Notable

Bowman got a small boost in his race from a redrawn Congressional map this cycle, which now includes the middle school where he served as principal.
Dog Saved from Sweltering Truck After Owners Leave Pet Locked in Vehicle to Go to Beach, Police Say

Dog Saved from Sweltering Truck After Owners Leave Pet Locked in Vehicle to Go to Beach, Police Say

"This dog is so thirsty," says one of the officers in the body cam footage

New Smyrna Beach Police Department/Facebook Dog Rescued from Dangerously Hot Truck

A dog was left inside of a U-Haul truck while the owners went to the beach on a hot summer day.

On Sunday, June 2, the canine was left inside of the moving vehicle for roughly an hour at New Smyrna Beach in Florida, according to a report received by the local police department.

New Smyrna Beach Police Department shared a video of the dog rescue on Facebook on Monday. In the footage, the animal can be seen heavily panting and trying to escape through the cracked window.

In the body cam footage, taken around 3:30 p.m. local time, the officers poured water into the truck through the small window opening.

Related: The Osbourne Family Adopts a Dog That Was 'Severely Burned': He's the 'Most Beautiful Thing'

"This dog is so thirsty," one of the officers can be heard saying in the clip.

Per the police, "the windows were cracked only slightly, and no water was left inside for the dog." They add that the "temperature outside at the time was 86 degrees with no cloud cover, meaning the temperature inside the vehicle was likely 100 degrees or more."

Following the rescue, the dog was transported to the Southeast Volusia Humane Society and charging affidavits were sent to the State Attorney's Office for the owners of the dog.

New Smyrna Beach Police Department/Facebook Dog Rescued from Dangerously Hot Truck

Related: Animal Experts Share 14 Must-Know Tips For a Safe, Pet-Friendly Summer

"Never leave an animal or a child alone inside a vehicle, even for a short period. It could be deadly. Thank you to the vigilant person who noticed the dog in the car and reported it so we could help," the police wrote on Facebook.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion every year due to being left in parked vehicles. The organization states that the temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, and almost 30 degrees in 20 minutes.

Related: Can Dogs and Cats Get Seasonal Allergies Like Their Owners? A Veterinary Technician Answers

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Signs of heatstroke in animals include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.



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Read the original article on People.
DOLTON, Ill.  Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was in south suburban Dolton on Monday night where she has been asked to investigate Village Mayor Tiffany Henyard.

During the meeting, four members of the Dolton Board of Tustees voted to override Mayor Henyards veto of their Lightfoot hire.

The meeting devolved into chaos and police eventually threatened to jail anyone who failed to clear the room.

Before the meeting, which was expected to be contentious, police blocked off the road in front of Village Hall and the parking lot.

Trying to steal from everybody: Allegations of corruption fuel anger at Thornton Township budget hearing

When WGN-TV asked the deputy police chief why the barricades were put up, he said he would not answer.

During the meeting, Lightfoot tried to deliver remarks about her investigation, but her mic was cut. Lightfoot continued speaking, however, and said her work never stopped, even though Henyard vetoed her appointment.

I commend the Village of Dolton Board of Trustees for decisively exercising their authority to override Mayor Henyards veto and preventing any attempts to stall an independent investigation into the matters outlined in the resolution. A majority of trustees remain committed to performing their fiduciary responsibilities on fiscal oversight and advocating for the best interests of Dolton residents. They understand that Village residents deserve a transparent and thorough process. I look forward to the work ahead and urge Mayor Henyard and her administration to fully cooperate with this investigation by promptly providing the requested documentation to give all concerned a complete and accurate accounting of the fiscal conditions for the Village, Lightfoot said in a statement following Mondays meeting.

Tensions flared throughout the lengthy meeting. At one point, some attendees even accused Henyard of filibustering and turned their backs to the mayor while she spoke.

Trustee Andrew Holmes showed up to Mondays meeting, it was his first appearance at a meeting since he was accused of sexual assault during a taxpayer trip to Las Vegas. Holmes has not been charged with any crimes.

Subpoenas reveal Tiffany Henyard & her allies are FBI focus

Mayor Henyard made another veto on Monday. She struck down the appointment of Jason House as Mayor Pro-Tem.

Trustees who appointed House to the position say it was because Henyard has a history of missing special meetings and often refuses to allow some business to be put on the agenda for the villages regular meetings.

Mayor Henyard is the focus of a wide-ranging federal investigation over questionable spending and cronyism.

Henyard is accused of spending $100,000 in taxpayer money on lavish travel. Many of the accusations against her were uncovered by WGN Investigates.

WGN is now suing the Village of Dolton for refusing to release spending records and documents related to Henyards pay.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Dont donate your money when you see these types of posters

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Taylorsville Police Department is warning you of another potential scam  one where people are raising funds for funerals.

According to police, there have been two fraudulent groups traveling through Taylorsville within the last month.

READ NEXT: The phantom toll: Heres the latest method scammers are using to try and take your money

If you see a group with signs like the one pictured, please contact TVPD so we can investigate the legitimacy of the charity group, the Taylorsville Police Department said on social media. (Taylorsville Police Department)

Police said the most recent group was observed by officers carrying four different signs soliciting money for four different people.

If you see a group with signs like the one pictured, please contact TVPD so we can investigate the legitimacy of the charity group, TVPD said on social media.

Police have urged Utahns to verify the organization they are donating to before sending money.

If you donate to this type of scam, there is little TVPD can do to help recover your money, police said.

According to the FBI, this type of scam is called charity fraud  and often comes about after major disasters.

Charity fraud scams can come to you in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc., the FBI said. Always use caution and do your research when youre looking to donate to charitable causes.

The FBI has also offered several tips to help people avoid charity fraud scams, such as giving money to established groups or charities, or being aware of organizations with names that are copycats of reputable organizations.

People are also urged to be cautious of organizations that are created recently after high-profile disasters, and to do research on the charity.

Give using a check or credit card, the FBI said. If a charity or organization asks you to donate through cash, gift card, virtual currency, or wire transfer, its probably a scam.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
If you believe everything you read, it would seem the European Union wants to ban drivers from getting their old cars repaired, or that it plans to limit the flights people can take by implementing carbon passports. It might even impose Covid-style climate lockdowns.

None of these things are true, but as 373 million eligible voters head to polls this week to elect a new EU parliament, a torrent of disinformation is flooding the continent.

The EU and several of its member countries have set up investigative agencies to counter disinformation ahead of the vote  and they are squarely focused on campaigns originating in Russia.

Allegations of Russian disinformation around elections are nothing new  they have been a feature in the run-up to votes in the United States, United Kingdom and the EU before, though Russia has always denied waging such campaigns. But the tactics are becoming more sophisticated, and are leaping from online platforms into parliaments and public discourse.

Artificial intelligence and deepfakes are quickly becoming the tools of choice by those looking to spread false narratives, said Morgan Wright, chief security advisor for SentinelOne, an American cybersecurity company.

SentinelOne, alongside the independent research group EU DisinfoLab, has worked to uncover a Russia-based influence network operating in Europe since 2022 dubbed Doppelganger.

The network puts out clone sites of prominent European media organizations, including major publications like the Guardian and Bild in Germany, as vehicles to spread misleading and false content. There is a focus on fake stories to influence attitudes on subjects like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. But for the past year, the climate crisis has been the second-most targeted subject, according to the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO).

One such fake story, published on a website mimicking Bild, described how a teenage cyclist bled to death after streetlights were turned off to save electricity. The fake article claimed the German government cut the lights because of an energy crisis fueled by sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine. Before the war, Germany had relied heavily on Russian gas for energy. The story was debunked by numerous German media outlets, but continued spreading on Facebook.

Paula Gori, EDMOs secretary general, said that spreading false climate narratives fits in with Russias geopolitical goals as the countrys lucrative oil and gas sector has been hit with sanctions and an EU ban on imports.

Its quite easy for Russians to spread disinformation that the EU is struggling because of the sanctions, and European citizens are struggling because there is no gas from Russia, she said.

False narratives that renewables are doing little for the EUs energy security have also emerged, Gori said. Official statistics, however, tell a different story: In 2022, renewables accounted for 23% of the energy consumed in the EU. Some European countries are now using more renewable energy than fossil fuels.

EU DisinfoLab found other stories falsely claiming wind turbines were causing toxic pollution.

The aim also appears to be to sow confusion and division, rather than to bring about a change in climate policy, Wright said.

Russia has been very opportunistic. Its looking for controversy and strife, and any current issues that they can exploit, he said. The goal is to get (people) fighting with each other. They dont care about climate policy.

French farmers tractors arrive to block a highway on the border between Spain and France during a protest in Biriatou, southwestern France, on June 03, 2024. - Gaizka Iroz/AFP/Getty Images

Russia has another interest in undermining the EUs messaging on climate. As it seeks to strengthen its relations in the Global South, particularly in Africa and Asia, where it is competing with the West for business and influence, it is trying to depict Europes climate policies to exploit poorer countries and stop them from industrializing, Gori said.

This idea of using disinformation to widen existing divisions is straight from Russias old disinformation handbook, according to Wright.

If you go back to 1917, to the creation of Cheka, the first of Russias intelligence organization, theyve been the masters at disinformation for over 100 years, he said. Theyve been using the same tactics for decades, its the tools that change  now its artificial intelligence and social media.

Forced to eat insects?

Campaigns that begin online are seeping into Europes parliaments, where populist politicians are peddling some of the same false narratives.

Politicians in France and Italy have shared false news that climate policies to cut pollution from farming will force EU citizens to eat insects, while people in Croatia, Germany and Poland were told politicians in England were imposing climate lockdowns on their citizens and similar restrictions could be coming to their countries.

The campaigns are having real-life consequences, particularly for the EUs Green Deal legislation, the blocs overarching vision for climate action.

The EU is considered a global leader in tackling planet-heating pollution, but climate disinformation could undermine the blocs ambitious goal to reduce carbon emissions by 90% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels.

That umbrella goal is already under threat. Thegreen wave that brought many climate-focused politicians to power in the 2019 European elections looks to be over, with green parties predicted to suffer heavy losses this month, which would mean fewer progressive climate voices in parliament.

Other fake stories have targeted the EUs agricultural policies, most notably through farmers protests that swept through a number of EU states, including France, Germany, Spain and Poland this year.

Gori said EDMOs researchers found clear evidence of attempts to hijack the protests, which started as grassroots initiatives over genuine farmer concerns. She pointed to a widely shared false story claiming famers in France and Spain would be booted off their land to make way for solar plants.

There were many reasons farmers took to the streets, but some of the perceived negative impacts of green farming proposals led to the EU dropping or diluting a number of the policies.

The EU scrapped a plan to cut the use of pesticides in half by 2030, and it delayed new rules on soil health and biodiversity. It also dropped a requirement to cut non-carbon greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture.

The protests were legitimate, of course  but they were used and exploited by Russia to share disinformation that attacks the EU institutions and causes polarization, Gori said.

Pallavi Sethi, a climate change misinformation policy fellow at the Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics, said climate is just the latest in a string of issue some far-right politicians have targeted to stoke division. Before climate, it was migration.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), for example, has weaponized the debate around heat pumps. When the ruling coalition government proposed phasing out home heating systems running on methane gas, the AfD branded them an eco-dictatorship and made the issue a key part of its campaign, despite scientific evidence showing the climate benefits of electrifying heating.

Right-wing populism political ideology often emphasizes the rights of ordinary citizens and demonizes the corrupt elite  the governments who want to do something about climate change, who are forming these climate policies, and the scientific community that is providing evidence, she said.

The EUs answer to the problem has been its Digital Services Act, which specifically targets illegal content, misleading advertising and disinformation. It has been using the new legislation to force big social media companies to clean up their platforms. Most recently, the European Commission  part of the EUs executive government  opened formal proceedings against Facebook and Instagram over disinformation targeting the European election.

And last month, the EU imposed sanctions on the Prague-based Voice of Europe, an online media outlet that it accused of running a pro-Russian influence operation. Voice of Europe could not be reached as its contact page shows an error message.

But these efforts can only go so far to address what has become an enormous problem. Climate Action Against Disinformation, an international coalition of groups, said the response by social media companies and governments has been woefully inadequate.

CNN in February reported on a fake AI-generated audio recording of a top candidate in Slovakia admitting he would rig the parliamentary elections, which was published on Facebook just days before a key vote last fall.

A spokesperson for Meta, Facebooks parent company, said in a statement at the time: Our independent fact-checking network reviews and rates misinformation  including content thats AI-generated  and we label it and down-rank it in feed so fewer people see it.

While the statement said content that violates company policies is removed, it did not address why some posts containing the Slovak deepfake were not marked as false.

Facebook has removed content that breaches its policies for several years, but it does not automatically remove content just because it has been doctored or generated by AI. Instead, it aims to label altered content as such.

Its community standards policy in the past had only targeted video, but in April, it was expanded to include audio.

In Slovakia, however, the damage may have already been done. The candidate targeted  a pro-Western politician  was defeated by another with close ties to Moscow.

There was a flaw in how Meta  Facebook  looked at stuff. They would only take down things if it was a video that was doctored, Wright said. They had no policy on taking down doctored audio. That was a flaw, and they exploited it.

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Dothan man sentenced to 15+ years in prison after federal drug and firearm convictions

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WRBL)  The U.S. Attorney Johnathan Ross with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Alabama shared on Tuesday through a press release that a felon with multiple prior convictions was sentenced to over 15 years in prison for federal drug and gun convictions.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, 36-year-old Jamere Deshun Dowdy, received 188 months in prison after he entered a guilty plea for possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Besides his prison sentence, the judge also ordered Dowdy to serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison term.

Based on his plea agreement and other court documents, Dowdys conviction came after law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Dowdy and later found drugs in his vehicle.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said on Aug. 5, 2021, authorities attempted to stop a vehicle after seeing a traffic violation. The driver, which law enforcement later identified as Dowdy, refused to stop and a pursuit ensued.

The chase ended after Dowdys vehicle became inoperable. After the chase, authorities searched his vehicle and found marijuana and a handgun. At the time of the traffic stop, the U.S. Attorneys Office said Dowdy already had multiple felony convictions and was prohibited from owning a firearm or ammunition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dothan Police Department investigated Dowdys case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Jones prosecuted the case.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
When it comes to speaking about Donald Trump, Joe Biden has been seeking a balance between his institutional role as president and his partisan role as candidate. From the White House he has been cautious in his assessment of the verdict that declared his rival guilty of 34 felony counts, but on the campaign trail ahead of the November 5 election he has chosen to be more forceful. On Monday, at an event held in Greenwich (Connecticut), he openly called his predecessor a convicted felon and warned that a second term for his predecessor would be more dangerous than the first.

The president and Democratic candidate has acknowledged that Trumps conviction represents an unprecedented political earthquake. Friends, the campaign entered unchartered territory last week. For the first time in American history, a former president that is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the presidency. But as disturbing as that is, more damaging is the all-out assault Donald Trump is making on the American system of justice, he told a crowd at the campaign event that took place on the same day that his son Hunter Biden underwent the first day of his trial on gun charges.

One of the persisting doubts among Democrats was whether to systematically refer to Trump in the remaining five months of the campaign as a convicted felon. Mondays speech was the first time that Biden said it, although the Democratic rank-and-file had already begun to define him as such. The president, however, avoided using the term when he spoke at the White House on Friday. That day he instead insisted that the verdict proves that no one is above the law. He also said that it is reckless and dangerous for anyone to say that [the trial] is rigged just because they dont like the outcome.

On Monday, the president revisited some of the topics he has covered in the past, such as the threat that, in his opinion, Trump poses to democracy. It was one of the successful pivots of his campaign in the 2022 midterm elections, and in a way, it was also at the core of his message in the 2020 presidential elections. Biden has shown signs that he wants to insist on that message.

Here is what is becoming clearer and clearer every day. The threat that Trump poses would be greater in a second term than it was in his first term. This isnt the same Trump who got elected in 2016. Hes worse. Something snapped in this guy for real after the 2020 election. Its literally driving him crazy (...) Now hes running again. And hes not only obsessed with losing in 2020, he is clearly unhinged. Asked if he thought there would be violence if he lost again, he said it depends, noting that Trump has called the convicted insurrectionists who are now in jail patriots and pledged to pardon them if he gets elected.

Throughout this campaign Trump has made it clear he is running to exact for revenge. Now after his criminal convictions its clear hes worried about preserving his freedoms, the president added.

Trump will be sentenced on July 11 by Judge Juan Merchan. The 34 felony counts of falsifying business records are punishable by up to four years in prison. It is not yet clear whether prosecutors will seek prison and even less clear whether the judge would impose such a sentence. For first-time offenders like Trump, probation is the most likely option, especially while the former president appeals the verdict.

Besides criticizing his predecessor for his criminal problems, Biden also pointed out in his event that Trump is selling bibles and gold slippers and selling his presidency to the highest bidder. He criticized the former presidents promises to oil industry leaders in exchange for them making contributions to his campaign. At a recent event at Mar-a-Lago, Trumps mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, the former president asked oil company executives to contribute $1 billion to his campaign. Following reports that Trump had asked for that sum of money in exchange for rolling back environmental regulations, speeding approvals of drilling permits and leases, and preserving or improving tax benefits enjoyed by the oil and gas industry if he returns to the White House, several Democratic senators opened an investigation. Such an obvious policies-for-money transaction reeks of cronyism and corruption, their letters said.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  A Dothan man has been ordered to serve the next 15 years in federal prison.

A federal judge sentenced 36-year-old Jamere Deshun Dowdy to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, in August 2021, police attempted to stop Dowdy for a traffic violation in Dothan, and he fled, leading officers on a chase before his car broke down.

Attorneys say officers searched the car and found marijuana and a pistol. Dowdy had multiple felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing a gun.

Following his 15-year sentence, Dowdy was ordered to serve three years of supervised release.

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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.

Expect the cost of your airfare to continue to rise

No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up, the CDC wrote. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans.

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.

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Dr. Wendell Roy Kingsolver, a longtime physician and advocate for family medicine and public health, especially in rural Kentucky, died Thursday, May 30. He was 95 and lived in Nicholasville.

Dr. Wendell Kingsolver

After graduation from the University of Kentucky and an internship and residency, Kingsolver set up a family practice at Carlisle in his home Nicholas County. He was one of the few physicians in the area and served patients of all ages at all hours in emergency, operating, and delivery rooms, He was among the first physicians certified by the American Board of Family Practice, and trained UK medical students in rural family practice as they lived in his home and learned what a diverse rural medical career was like.

In the 1960s he was a medical volunteer in the Republic of Congo, and later on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia and the Newfoundland coast town of St. Anthony. After retiring from five decades of full-time private practice, he was a public-health doctor for the Wedco District Health Department in in Nicholas, Harrison, Bourbon and Scott counties.

Kingsolver was an early adopter of organic farming, and he and his first wife Virginia were founding members of the Sierra Club chapter in Kentucky, the group that built Lake Carnico in Nicholas County, and the First Christian Church in Carlisle, where he was an elder and sang in the choir. He was a board member of the Cane Ridge Meeting House, where the Disciples of Christ denomination began. He enjoyed birdwatching and served a term as president of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. He and Ginny, who predeceased him, established a KOS scholarship for young people interested in the study of birds, and worked to preserve natural land in Nicholas County, some of it donated to the Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park.

Kingsolver was born in Winchester on July 21, 1928 to Roy Alva Kingsolver and Louise Auxier Kingsolver.

His survivors include his wife, Eva Lee (Lynam Kanatzar) Kingsolver; son Robert (Paula) Kingsolver; daughter and noted author Barbara Kingsolver (Steven Hopp); and Ann Kingsolver, former director of the Appalachian Center at UK. A viewing will be held Tuesday, June 4, at 2 p.m., followed by the funeral at 4 p.m., at Milward Funeral Home, 391 Southland Drive in Lexington.

Information for this article was taken from the obituary.

This article is republished from Kentucky Health News, an independent news service of the Institute for Rural Journalism in the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Kentucky, with support from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

The post Dr. Wendell Kingsolver, advocate for family medicine and rural health, dies at 95 appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
Drinking On Planes Could Be Bad For You, New Study Finds

Credit - Getty Images

The next time you board a long flight and decide to enjoy an alcoholic drink before taking a nap, you might want to avoid the temptation.

A new study, published in the medical journal Thorax on Monday, found that when people fell asleep after drinking alcohol in a low air pressure environment similar to that on airplanes, their blood oxygen decreased and their heart rates increased. Researchers observed this trend even in people who were young and healthy.

Even in young and healthy individuals, the combination of alcohol intake with sleeping under hypobaric conditions poses a considerable strain on the cardiac system and might lead to exacerbation of symptoms in patients with cardiac or pulmonary diseases, researchers said in the study.

Higher doses of alcohol could amplify these observed effects, potentially escalating the risk of health complications and medical emergencies during flight, especially among older individuals and those with pre-existing medical conditions, researchers continued. Our findings strongly suggest that the inflight consumption of alcoholic beverages should be restricted.

To conduct the study, researchers split 48 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 40 into two groups: the first went to a sleep lab with sea-level air pressure, and the second went to an altitude chamber with air pressure similar to that on planes traveling at cruising altitude, NBC News reported. In each group, 12 participants slept for four hours after consuming alcohol, equivalent to two cans of beer or two glasses of wine. The other 12 in each group slept without consuming alcohol.

The experiment had a break of two days, and then the participants roles were reversedthe participants who had consumed alcohol before sleeping then slept without consuming alcohol, and vice versa.

The participants who drank alcohol before sleeping in the altitude chamber had their blood oxygen saturation decrease to 85%, on average, the study found. Their heart rates increased to an average of about 88 beats per minute, likely to compensate for the lower oxygen levels.

In comparison, those who drank alcohol at sea level before sleeping had their blood oxygen saturation dip to 95% and their heart rates increase to 77 beats per minute, the study found.

Read More: Yet Another Study Suggests Drinking Isnt Good for Your Health

Healthy individuals typically have an oxygen saturation between 95% to 100%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts say that an oxygen saturation below 90% is cause for concern.

Researchers told NBC News that they hoped people who like to drink on flights reconsider next time, given the results of this study.

We were surprised to see that the effect was so strong, Dr. Eva-Maria Elmenhorst, one of the studys authors and deputy of the department of sleep and human factors research at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the German Aerospace Center in Cologne, Germany, told NBC News. Please dont drink alcohol while being on an airplane.

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Contact us at letters@time.com.
Toxic forever chemicals detected in the water around Luke Air Force Base in December and January exceeded the Environmental Protection Agencys new regulatory limits.

Single-day test samples collected this past winter and reported to the EPA found that the areas drinking water, which serves nearly 9,000 people, contained PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Such chemicals have been widely used in food packaging and firefighting foam for decades and can take centuries or millennia to break down. They can build up in human bodies, increasing the risk for certain cancers and other serious health complications.

The areas water supply was among the hundreds of drinking water systems across the country that measured PFAS at or above the agencys new limits in at least one sample over the past year, according to EPA testing records as of May 16.

"EPA cannot determine whether these incidents are isolated or point to a more significant issue at (Luke Air Force) Base," the agency said in an email. "However, it's important to note that the Air Force is actively investigating the nature and extent of PFAS on- and off-base."

The findings  the latest in the EPAs ongoing release of testing data  come nearly two years since the Air Force installed a new filtration system as a long-term fix to address water contamination around the base.

Contractors working with the United States Air Force distribute bottled water at a site near Luke Air Force Base in Glendale on Feb. 23, 2021. The water was being distributed to residents after high levels of contaminants known as "forever chemicals" coming from the Air Force base were found in the communitys drinking water.

For months in 2021, nearby residents and business owners relied on bottled water that the U.S. Air Force gave out after water tests found high levels of the contaminants perfluorooctane sulfonate, or PFOS, and perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA.

The same chemicals appeared in the samples collected on Dec. 6 and Jan. 9.

As part of its effort to track the spread of these contaminants in the nations drinking water, the EPA established new limits and started requiring public water systems to test for more than two dozen types of PFAS last year.

The EPA is releasing testing data every three months for its five-year review of the water systems.

USA Today is compiling the data for its interactive map on where water systems reported contaminants.

Contractors working with the United States Air Force distribute bottled water at a site near Luke Air Force Base in Glendale on Feb. 17, 2021. The water was being distributed to local residents after high levels of contaminants known as "forever chemicals" coming from the Air Force base were found in the communitys drinking water.

What did the tests reveal?

A review of the map shows that contaminants were detected either at or over the EPAs maximum level in the water that Valley Utilities Water Company and Liberty Utilities provided to the base's surrounding area on Dec. 6 and Jan. 9, respectively.

According to the EPA, Luke Air Force Base receives water from two on-base production wells that Liberty and Edmonton Power Corporation operate.

Valley Utilities serves 2,200 customers just east of Luke Air Force Base. Liberty has about 21,000 customers in its Litchfield Park water system.

The levels of PFAS are measured in parts per trillion. The EPAs Maximum Contaminant Level for both PFOA and PFOS is 4 parts per trillion.

Out of 36 tests for PFAS, the three chemicals PFOA, PFOS, and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid, or PFHxS were detected.

Here are what the tests showed:

Valley Utilities water had a PFOA level of 9.3 ppt (2.3 times above the limit)

Its water also had a PFOS level of 10.5 ppt (2.6 times above the limit)

And a PFHxS level of 8.9 ppt (below the limit of 10 ppt)

Libertys water had a PFOS level of 11.7 ppt (2.9 times above the limit)

Its water also had a PFOA level of 10 ppt (2.5 times above the limit)

And a PFHxS level of 8.7 ppt (below the 10 ppt limit)

Additional work to do

The results of the single-day tests, the EPA said in its email, indicate that the Air Force and its water utility companies have additional work to do to provide drinking water with PFAS below the (Maximum Contaminant Levels).

Public water systems are not yet required to make changes and comply with the EPAs Maximum Contaminant Levels. Thatll come in 2029. The agency is giving water systems five years to treat their water before enforcing the new limits.

Contractors working with the United States Air Force distribute bottled water at a site near Luke Air Force Base in Glendale on Feb. 23, 2021. The water was being distributed to local residents after high levels of contaminants known as "forever chemicals" coming from the Air Force base were found in the communitys drinking water.

At the base, the EPA recommends that the Air Force work with the companies to determine how on-base drinking water will be cleaned.

They should be looking into the status of the treatment systems in place and determining whether an alternative drinking water source is necessary, the agency stated.

The Arizona Republic emailed Luke Air Force Base and Liberty questions last week. Both stated that they won't be able to respond to each inquiry, opting to provide general statements.

The Department of the Air Force is working with state and federal regulators to address drinking water impacts from PFAS that may be associated with our mission activities, base spokesperson Sean Clements stated, in part.

Regarding the on-base drinking water supply, Luke AFB routinely conducts water sampling in accordance with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and federal Safe Water Drinking Acts standards, he continued.

In Libertys statement, the company said it monitors its water resources for PFAS and is developing plans, where possible to comply with the EPAs new requirements.

Liberty is exploring infrastructure improvements to add treatment processes that remove PFAS from water, examining the impact this will have on the cost of delivering water to our customers, and identifying grants and other potential funding sources to help offset these necessary costs, Liberty stated.

Bryan Thomas, president of Hearthstone Water, Valley Utilities parent company, disagreed with the latest findings. He said he hadnt seen the December testing data before and wasnt sure where it originated.

What I can tell you is the most recent samples that we did do, all of our PFAS in our facilities were all no-detect, he said, noting that the samples were taken in October.

He also pointed to the Arizona Department of Environmental Qualitys Consumer Confidence Report for 2023, which reported that PFAS substances werent detected in Valley Utilities system.

The states environmental department typically samples the companys water annually, Thomas said.

According to Clements, the base saw the same detection numbers published in the EPAs database.

How did we get here?

Testing water around Luke Air Force Base started in 2019 after the areas water supply showed high levels of toxicants.

In 2021, three drinking water supply wells near the base detected PFOS and PFOA at or above the EPA's lifetime health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion.

It prompted the Air Force to issue bottled water to nearby residents and businesses. The Air Force Civil Engineer Center also installed a new filtration system to catch contaminants.

Luke AFB has worked for years to identify, remediate, and monitor PFAS contamination caused by Air Force operations, Clements stated. But this is a small part of the national effort to protect the public from PFAS contamination.

Every five years, the Air Force evaluates its remedies at Luke Air Force Base and publishes a report. The EPA disagreed with the Air Force's latest findings in the 2023 report, advising the military branch that its remedies were only "short-term" protections.

The remedies at the base didn't address ways to identify and control PFAS exposure, and therefore don't provide long-term protections, the agency stated.

How do forever chemicals get into the water?

PFAS are known as forever chemicals because theyre nearly indestructible, taking hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of years to break down naturally.

Such substances are found in products like cookware, cosmetics and firefighting foam.

After decades of use and disposal, theyve been found in the atmosphere, ocean, soil and surface water. As a result, humans have consumed these chemicals that have seeped into drinking and groundwater systems.

Studies have shown that overexposure to the chemicals could increase the risk of kidney, prostate and testicular cancers.

The EPA notes that through the Presidents Investing in America agenda, the Biden Administration has committed $1 billion to support states and territories efforts in testing for PFAS and treating public water systems.

Shawn Raymundo covers the West Valley cities of Glendale, Peoria and Surprise. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Drinking water near Luke Air Force Base exceeded EPA's new PFAS levels
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Independence Police Department is investigating a deadly overnight crash that killed one person and injured another after a chase with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

IPD said 23rd Street is closed both ways between Sterling and Harvard Avenues while investigators work the scene Tuesday morning. The crash happened just before 2:50 a.m.

Woman hit by car on I-49 ramp is critically hurt

In a post to X by MSHP Troop A, a trooper attempted to stop a Jeep on Highway 40 at South Crysler Avenue. MSHP said the driver had committed lane violations and was suspected of driving intoxicated. This led to the pursuit.

According to the post, as the chase started, IPD placed spike strips on South Sterling Avenue, just south of East 23rd Street to stop the Jeep. However, at 2:51 a.m., the driver lost control and crashed into a utility pole.

MSHP said the driver was found dead at the scene alongside an injured passenger who was taken to a hospital.

Police investigating vehicle thefts, car break-ins at Kansas City Zoo

There is no update on the drivers identity or the road closures near Sterling and Harvard Avenues.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned at FOX4 News for the latest updates and information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Driving around the traffic circle at Bellevilles iconic Public Square can be an adventure

As my friends and I acquired drivers licenses in high school, one of the things to do on the weekends was to go cruising.

It was nothing like American Graffiti, of course, but it passed the time when there wasnt much else for bored teenagers to do on a Friday or Saturday night.

Cruising around New Baden or Trenton didnt take long, so we ventured elsewhere. Breese, Highland, Fairview Heights  and Belleville.

Thirty years later, I still remember the time I was in the drivers seat, driving around the Veterans Memorial Fountain at Bellevilles Public Square with a couple of my girlfriends, and almost died.

OK, Im being dramatic. It really wasnt an ohmygod-were-gonna-die! moment. Nowhere near it.

It was an Im-in-the-roundabout-and-almost-got-sideswiped-by-another-driver moment.

No big deal, and I lived to tell the tale.

The roundabout on Public Square has been a part of our lives in Belleville for decades, whether its figuring out who has the right of way (The vehicles in the roundabout do, but many of us have been confused over the years. More on that later.) to the beauty of the fountain with its sunlit sprays during clear days and lovely lighting at night.

So when did Belleville add the traffic circle to Public Square? I happily went back into the BND archives to find out.

Public Square looking north from the Courthouse stairs, circa 1930.

A new and improved Public Square

In 1936, St. Clair Countys Board of Supervisors allocated $20,000 for the improvement of Public Square.

At that time, the intersection of Illinois and Main streets was a regular four-way intersection, very unlike what were used to today.

Plans drafted by then County Superintendent of Highways B.C. McCurdy included repaving of the street, a system of traffic control and much better illumination of the center part of the downtown section, stated a June 9, 1936, article in the Belleville Daily News-Democrat.

A few weeks later, McCurdy revealed that the project would entail the removal of the brick in the driving areas. Brick would remain in the parking areas at each corner of the intersection. The streetcar tracks at the squares center would also be removed.

The four large white-way standards [light poles] in the center of the square most likely will be taken down and the center will be marked by an ornament of some kind, probably a fountain, stated a June 29 article.

The brick in the traffic area would be removed but would remain in the spaces adjacent to the curbing to be reserved for parking.

Islands with ample lighting would be installed at the corners of the square to separate moving traffic from parking areas and for pedestrians safety.

A drawing of the planned Public Square traffic circle from the Aug. 22, 1936, edition of the Belleville Daily News-Democrat

(By September, the city decided that the squares new design would be impractical for jaywalking. Any pedestrians caught cutting across the Square could be arrested, according to a Sept. 3, 1936, story.)

City Supervisor Herbert Schwind would solicit contributions from local businesses to pay for an electric fountain that would be the centerpiece of the traffic circle.

Work on the Public Square intersection started Sept. 1, 1936, after the Junior Chamber of Commerce street fair and homecoming held a few days earlier.

A clipping from the Sept. 24, 1936, edition of the Belleville Daily News-Democrat

The new and improved Public Square was completed in little more than a month, reopening to traffic on Oct. 3, 1936, as work on the parking areas on the corners continued.

BND Public Square 1936 Clips by Jennifer Green on Scribd

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Work relating to the fountain began Tuesday, April 13, 1937, with the turning of the first spadeful of earth, followed by the digging of trenches to determine exact locations of utility pipes.

Construction for the fountain started May 22. On Oct. 23, the first Veterans Memorial Fountain was formally dedicated.

In 1985, after nearly 50 years that included occasional updates and repairs, multiple veterans groups campaigned to raise funds for the fountains renovation. In February 1986, work started to remove the concrete sections of the original fountain.

Replacement of the concrete sections with a granite cone took place in April 1986. By this time around 85% of the electrical and plumbing work was completed.

On Saturday, May 3, 1986, a dedication ceremony took place for Veterans Memorial Fountain, version 2.0.

The fountains original base is now located at Melvin Price Memorial Park in Swansea.

This photo of Bellevilles Public Square from 1937 shows preparations for the Junior Chamber of Commerce Street Fair and construction of the Veterans Memorial Fountain.

Northeast quadrant of the Public Square looking northeast, circa 1943 (photo taken from a National Hotel room).

BND Public Square 1937 Clips by Jennifer Green on Scribd

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Right of way in a roundabout way

Belleville Public Squares roundabout is a landmark in the metro-east.

In recent years, additional traffic circles have been added in Belleville, as well as in OFallon, Highland and other communities to help alleviate heavy traffic flow.

On the night of my near death experience, I shouldve learned that being in the Public Square roundabout did not give me the right of way. At least that was the case at the time.

The official rule today is that vehicles in the roundabout have the right of way.

But for a long time, it remained unclear to me who had the right of way. This was an issue for other drivers too.

In April 1984, the News-Democrat asked metro-east residents who had the right of way in Bellevilles Public Square.

The answers varied. Drivers on Main Street had the right of way. Those in the roundabout had it. Someone said he avoided the Square altogether to not have to deal with it.

Jim Goodwin, a traffic sergeant with the Belleville Police Department, stated in the article that he didnt know if there was a law to govern the right of way on the Square.

In an April 1987 Answer Man column, Roger Schlueter replied to a reader who asked if there was a way to determine who had the right of way.

He replied, Funny you should ask  Ive been living here 34 years and Im still wondering.

Roger wrote that according to then City Clerk Art Baum, the person on the right has the right of way.

If you are in the traffic circle and you meet another car approaching from Main or Illinois Street, youre supposed to be a good Josephine and let that car into the circle before you proceed, he wrote.

Hopefully, theyll cooperate and take turns going around, Baum stated at the time.

Of course, this didnt always happen.

Most people seemed to know how to successfully navigate the traffic circle. Then in 2008 the unofficial rule was changed to match what is required by the state of Illinois: The vehicle in the roundabout has the right of way.

Yield signs for drivers approaching the square and crosswalks with signs to yield to pedestrians were added.

It took time for residents and regular visitors to get used to it. Even now, I occasionally see drivers who dont follow this rule.

Still, I figure as long as I dont get sideswiped or stuck in the roundabout like the Griswolds in National Lampoons European Vacation, its a good day.

BND Roundabout Right of Way Clips by Jennifer Green on Scribd

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BND Public Square Renovation 1970s by Jennifer Green on Scribd

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BND Public Square Fountain Renovation 1986 by Jennifer Green on Scribd

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  Blood donations have decreased in New York, leaving the state in dire straits ahead of an expected spike in traumatic accidents, according to New York Blood Center.

Over the past three weeks, donations have been 2,100 units short of whats needed to meet hospitals needs. For some blood types, like O- and B-, the region only has a 2-day supply on hand, far less than the ideal 5-7 day reserve, according to the center.

Biden rolls out migration order that aims to shut down asylum requests, after months of anticipation

Its particularly concerning timing given a huge number of traumatic incidents happen during the summer months, according to the center.

Summer fun  holidays, vacations, school breaks  unfortunately is often accompanied by a decrease in blood donations, with lifesaving consequences NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said in a statement. Thirty minutes of your day will save lives.

One blood donation can save up to three lives, and blood donors can give every 56 days, according to Devika Mathrani, Senior Vice President at NewYork-Presbyterian and the center.

You can make an appointment to donate blood on NYBCs website or by calling 800-933-2566.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter 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.
IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY)  A drug investigation into the owner of an Iberia Parish mobile home park has the subject in deeper hot water than originally thought, authorities said.

Eric Bulliard, 44, who has been in custody at the Iberia Parish Jail since April 26, has been charged with multiple sex crimes alleged to have been committed in recent years, according to the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office.

In February, the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office Special Investigations Unit initiated a narcotics investigation into the activities of Bulliard, owner/operator of T-Johns Mobile Home Park on Norris Road in rural Iberia Parish.

During the investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service contacted the unit regarding an ongoing investigation into Bulliard. As these two investigations progressed, other possible criminal activity emerged, officials said. Given the serious nature of the allegations, the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit was brought in to assist with the investigation.

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Bulliard faces Louisiana State Police felony charges of first degree rape and molestation of a juvenile or a person with a physical or mental disability. Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office has charged him with indecent behavior with a juvenile (a felony) and misdemeanor sexual battery.

Bulliards bond has been set at $1,250,000.

The investigation is ongoing. The Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office urges anyone who believes they may have been a victim of similar alleged crimes by Eric Bulliard to contact the Sheriffs Office at 337-369-3711.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  An on-duty New York City Housing Authority employee was arrested on Monday in East Harlem, according to the NYPD.

Tsaddiyq-Nasah Makarios, 66, was taken into custody at around 10:35 a.m., police said.

More Local News

Authorities said there was a dispute between Makarios and a resident in an elevator, which turned physical.

Makarios was charged with attempted assault, menacing, criminal possession of a weapon, and harassment charges, according to the NYPD.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. 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.
In a remote area of the Siberian tundra, dotted with low trees and shrubs, theres a place that locals call The Gateway to Hell. During the summertime, the sound of water pouring over the cliff sides is interrupted every so often by the boom and crash of falling earth. Its quite noisy says Julian Murton, a geologist at the University of Sussex in England who has visited the site as part of his research. Those ominous sounds feed into Indigenous Yakutian peoples wariness surrounding the vast pit. In some ways, the fear is warranted. It may not be a portal to another realm, but the gateway or Batagay Crater is an unsettling mark of our own changing world. And, in a sense, the formation is an opening to a hidden subsoil dimension, just a scientificnot supernaturalone. NASA Earth Observatory images by Jesse Allen, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. (2017). Credit: NASA What is the Batagay Crater? The Batagay Crater (also sometimes called the Batagaika Crater) is not a crater at all. Rather, its a retrogressive thaw slump (RTS) or a widening chasm caused by permafrost thaw and rapid land subsidencebasically a slow motion landslide. Its the largest RTS in the world, and its ever-expanding size, currently sitting at more than 87 hectares (about 215 acres), qualifies it for the categorization of megaslump, an RFS larger than 20 hectares. It began forming in the mid-1900s and was first observed on satellite images from the 1960s, says Murton. The megaslump, now shaped like a giant tadpole, was likely initially triggered by forest clearing and the passage of off-road, tracked vehicles moving across the delicate tundra during mineral and mining exploration, he explains. The vehicles and the clear-cutting destroyed the vegetation, which acts as an insulating blanket, keeping permafrost cool. With that cover gone, soil erosion swept away the top layer of ground, exposing permafrost to the elements. Credit: NASA Permafrost is any ground that remains completely frozen for at least two yearsbut much of it is significantly older than that, dating back thousands to tens of thousands of years to past glacial periods. About 15% of the Northern Hemispheres land is underlain by permafrost, and the northern permafrost region holds up to 1,600 million metric tons of organic carbontwice as much as is currently in the atmosphere, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Under climate change, the Arctic is warming between 2.5 and 4 times faster than the rest of the world, and permafrost is degrading and thawing worldwide. The Batagay megaslump is one particularly conspicuous signal of that human-caused global heating. Since it first appeared on the landscape as a narrow crevice, its expanded every year in a characteristic horseshoe pattern, growing fastest at the upslope headwall, where silt and soil slide away most easily, says Antoni Lewkowicz, a professor emeritus in the geography department at the University of Ottawa in Canada. As the exposed permafrost melts, the soil contained within softens into mud and collapses in on itself, flowing downstream into local waterways and rivers along with the melted ice. And this expansion is happening fast. Between 1991 and 2018, the 180-foot-tall headwall has retreated by up to 37 feet per year and up to 98 feet in some instances, according to a study characterizing the megaslump published March 31 in the journal Geomorphology. In total, Batagay has lost 34.6 million cubic meters of material, including ground ice and thawed soilreleasing about 169,500 tons of organic carbon altogether (~4-5,000 tons each year), per the new research. These carbon estimates can help scientists better understand the climate and landscape consequences of permafrost thaw. Credit: JAXA and ESA Our results demonstrate how quickly permafrost degradation occurs how dynamically the landforms in permafrost areas change, Alexander Kizyakov, lead study author and a glaciologist at Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia, tells Popular Science in an email. Kizyakov and his co-authors used remote sensing techniques, drone images, and soil and ice cores to come to their comprehensive and up-to-date estimates. The findings shed light on this particular megaslump, and also improve our understanding of how RTSs evolve more generally, says Roger Michaelides, a geophysicist at Washington University in St. Louis, who wasnt involved in the study. Where are the other slumps? Though Batagays size is stand-out, RTS formations are not rare and theyre becoming increasingly common. Thaw slumps can be found across the Arctic, particularly in parts of northern Russia, Canada, and Alaska. Theres no official count, but over the past 30 years slumps have proliferated, says Lewkowicz. Hes conducted years of research on Banks Island in Canadas Northwest Territories. At the beginning of his career in 1983, there were about 60 active thaw slumps on the island, which is about as large as Ireland. Now there are 4,000, he says. Over just a handful of particularly warm seasons and intense heat waves, he recalls watching the number of slumps double. Most permafrost degradation is hidden, happening underground through a subtle and slow deepening of the active layer of unfrozen earth that sits atop permafrost. But RTSs are an especially conspicuous marker of a shifting climate and landscape. Thaw slumps are indicators of change taking place throughout the permafrost world, Lewkowicz says. Theyre geomorphology in action, he addsakin to watching waves in a storm, theyre sites where we can actually see Earths surface doing something. In some places, the distant, existential threat posed by that change is much more immediate. Batagay is in a remote location, miles away from the nearest human settlement, but thaw slumps can occur near human infrastructure, threatening towns and transportation. In Whitehorse, Canadathe capital of the Yukonone active slump is within sight of the Klondike Highway. I suspect the road may need to be rerouted to avoid the slump, says Murton. What do thaw slumps reveal? As they expand and release long-frozen organic carbon, thaw slumps become part of the permafrost positive feedback loop, where the carbon dioxide and methane they emit contributes to global warming. Though the volume of carbon currently being released by thawing permafrost is far less than the amount produced through the burning of fossil fuels, the permafrost contribution is not negligible, says Michaelides. And in the future, it could become much more significant as climate change continues. By the end of the 21st century, the greenhouse gasses released from permafrost could equal that of a large industrialized nation. But thaw slumps arent all doom and gloom. They also have a serious silver lining: The geological history they reveal. Batagay offers an unprecedented look into hundreds of thousands of years of Earths past, exposing some of the most ancient permafrost on the planet, which is about 650,000 years old. The Siberian megaslump has provided a glimpse into past climates and well-preserved remains from extinct plants and animalsincluding ancient bison, horse, and mammoth bones. And theres likely more to come from the growing feature (though hopefully no live pathogens). At the moment, Batagay remains active, says Kizyakov. Thaw slumps can keep expanding for decades, and only stop when they reach geologic constraints. Batagays bottom, a sweep of rivulets and shifting silt dunes, has nearly reached the bedrock in many places, so it cant go much deeper. But the headwall is expected to keep pushing forward. Thaw slumps will grow until they reach some topographical limit, usually the top of a slope or a body of water. Batagay still has a ways to go.

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EasyJet turns four-year-old away from Gatwick  but lets him fly from Southampton

A four-year-old and his mother took easyJet flight 1586 from Southampton to Geneva for a weeks holiday in the Alps. Shortly after 6pm on 17 December 2023, they cleared Swiss passport control.

Which, according to easyJet, they should not have been able to do. Earlier that same day, the airline had turned them away from a Gatwick-Geneva flight.

Yet easyJet immediately sold them flights for a further 198 and allowed them on the plane from the Hampshire airport.

The four-year-old, his two siblings and their parents live in Guernsey. They were all booked on the easyJet morning flight from London Gatwick to the Swiss airport, paying just over 150 each.

A few days before their holiday, the parents had realised the four-year-olds passport would not meet the post-Brexit passport validity requirements the UK requested after leaving the EU.

Fortunately, the Guernsey passport office is able to issue temporary passports for children that are valid across Europe for one year. They duly obtained the document and travelled to Gatwick.

The father describes events at the departure gate at the Sussex airport: We attempted to board the easyJet flight. The gate picked up that my son had a green-covered UK/Guernsey passport valid for one year.

The gate staff called their office, and the office refused him to board. We tried to explain but to no avail. So my wife had to stay with our four-year-old, who was distraught, whilst I travelled with our other two children, who were also distraught.

When my wife and son were escorted from airside to landside, a Gatwick immigration officer asked what was happening. The gate staff said it was an invalid passport. When the immigration officer checked, he said: No, this is a valid passport  at which point the ground staff told him the flight had left anyway and hurried my wife and son away.

Knowing the document was valid for travel to Switzerland, his wife booked a same-day flight with easyJet from Southampton to Geneva. The pair travelled without incident. Due to their late arrival, they had to take a taxi for the last past of their journey.

On their return, the father sought recompense for the extra costs as well as the denied-boarding compensation they were due.

The response from the airline mirrored the case of Jacqueline McGeough, who easyJet refused to allow on a holiday flight to Italy. The airline told her six times she was correctly denied boarding  even though a moments scrutiny of her passport and travel dates would reveal she was clear to travel. Only when The Independent became involved did easyJet accept its mistake.

In the case of the family from Guernsey, easyJets customer service department once again repeatedly rebuffed the fathers appeals.

The airline initially said: Having checked the booking, your records show that the passenger on the booking was refused carriage due to insufficient or invalid documentation (passport) which is required to travel with easyJet.

When he challenged that decision, he was told: We have received an update from our senior team, they have investigated and have confirmed that a temporary passport is not accepted to travel to Switzerland, and was denied correctly. Therefore under the regulation guidelines we are unable to reimburse your claim for expenses and compensation.

The father was baffled, because easyJet itself had demonstrated his son was perfectly able to travel.

His final attempt before contacting The Independent was also rebuffed: Our assessment team have had another look at your claim request and investigated all of the information available have documented that you were refused carriage due to insufficient or invalid documentation (Temperory [sic] passport) which is required to travel with easyJet.

Once The Independent contacted easyJet, the airline accepted it was wrong to turn the four-year-old away  blaming a third-party documentation system.

A spokesperson said: Like many airlines, easyJet uses an automated verification system called TravelDoc to validate passengers travel documents which uses immigration data collected from various sources including government agencies.

Unfortunately, on this occasion the system incorrectly informed the ground agent that the passenger was unable to travel on their flight from London Gatwick to Geneva and the same information was subsequently provided to our customer service team.

We have raised this with TravelDoc who have corrected this and we are in touch with Mr Newark to apologise for his experience, reimburse him for his flights and any travel expenses he incurred and to provide the compensation they are due.

It appears that ground staff at Southampton, knowing the passport to be valid, did not consult TravelDoc and therefore were unaware of the false information.

EasyJet says TravelDoc has now corrected its error.

The mother and four-year-old are due 220 each in denied boarding compensation and a refund of the unused easyJet flights from Gatwick, as well as the extra costs triggered by the airlines mistake.
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.
California lawmakers keep trying to make it easier for local officials to evade the public.

Ever since the end of the COVID emergency, they have introduced bill after bill to whittle away the states important open meeting laws so that they and their local-government counterparts can participate in public policy discussions from the privacy of their own dining room tables, drivers seats or, for all we know, beach blankets.

Already, any member of any local government body in California may attend a meeting by phone as long as they meet basic transparency measures, like posting an agenda at the remote location and allowing the public to be present at their end. Under Assembly Bill 2449, which sunsets after next year, they can even conceal their location  as long as there is an emergency or "just cause" as defined in the statute; for example, illness or child-care responsibilities.

Read more: Editorial: Dont let local officials just phone it in. They must show up to public meetings

Lawmakers want to go further by allowing local leaders to attend meetings by video from secret locations without stating any reason.

When their bills fail due to public objections, they simply bring them back the following year.

That's what has happened with Assembly Bill 817, which would strip away the requirement that members of a local government body who participate in meetings by teleconference at least notify the public of their location and make it accessible.

The bill would apply only to "subsidiary" bodies without final decision-making powers, but that doesn't mean just informal advisory groups. City Council committees, for example, would be included. Meetings like these are where the important details of new laws are hammered out, and where public input has the greatest impact.

Read more: Editorial: It's time for California's public officials to return to work. In person

The bill was approved by the Assembly last year but died in the Senate. Now it's back and faces a key hearing in the Senate on Wednesday.

Let's hope the committee kills the bill once and for all.

The Legislature has poked enough holes in local governmental meeting requirements already. The point of the Ralph M. Brown open meeting law is to permit the public and the news media to be physically present in the same room as the people who make decisions supposedly on the publics behalf. This allows the public to watch them deliberate, observe who speaks with them between votes and directly address them from the public microphone. Reporters and constituents can flag lawmakers down during breaks to ask questions.

Watching them on television or a laptop is not the same. Commenting on their proposals through a telephone or on Zoom is not the same.

Read more: Editorial: SoCal air quality officials haven't acted to cut port pollution. They escaped to a desert resort instead

Certainly government bodies should use those technologies to permit a larger portion of the public to participate if they cant attend meetings in person, but the reverse isnt true. Remote participation should not be the publics only way of attending. Nor should remote participation be the norm for officials. Remote access is a convenience for the public, not for officials whod just as soon avoid scrutiny.

Supporters of the bill claim that its a necessary route to allowing more people to serve as elected or appointed officials. Competing commitments like child care or physical challenges can make it excessively difficult to attend meetings.

But they can already do that under AB 2449's "just cause" exceptions and can discuss making those changes permanent next year when it's up for review. AB 817 would circumvent that review and permanently eliminate the need for a just cause.

Six bills just passed out of the Assembly, along with AB 817, to carve away even more public rights and official responsibilities in public meetings, based on factors such as the subject matter being discussed (threats to cybersecurity, for example) or the particular body that is meeting (the Tri-Dam Project or the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California).

Its the governmental version of long COVID  a lingering nostalgia among public officials for 4-year-old emergency lock-down provisions that suspended open meeting requirements and allowed them to escape the direct scrutiny of their constituents.

But the emergency is over, and so is the need to keep making exceptions to the publics right to be present at government meetings. AB 817 is not a step forward for the public.

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.
Elderly Woman Dies in Car Crash After Suspect Steals Her Vehicle from a D.C. Hospital: 'A Tragic Event'

"Our condolences are with the family at this time," police said of the victim, who was in the passenger seat when the vehicle was stolen

A woman has died after the car she was in was stolen in Washington, D.C.

An elderly woman has died after the car she was in was stolen from a Washington, D.C. hospital.

Calling it a "tragic incident," Assistant Chief Darnel Robinson of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) confirmed on Monday, June 3 that an adult female was pronounced deceased after the stolen vehicle collided with a building at 6th and D Streets, Northwest.

The car was taken from the Washington Hospital Center, with officers responding to a report of a stolen vehicle at approximately 1:11 p.m. local time, per a message shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) by the MPD.

"The victim reported their elderly parent was still in the vehicle when the suspect drove away," police confirmed in the initial post, but Chief Robinson would only identify the victim as an adult female in the follow-up news conference.

Related: Sweethearts Who Were About to Get Engaged Die in Tragic Motorcycle Crash: They Were 'Infatuated,' Family Says

Robinson confirmed it was a white SUV that had been stolen and the victim was in the front passenger seat. The suspect, who has been captured and placed under arrest, is also an adult female.

An officer on patrol witnessed the crash at 6th and D Streets  which is near the D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office downtown, per ABC News  and managed to arrest the suspect after she attempted to flee the scene.

"As he went to investigate, he observed the driver of that vehicle exit and attempt to flee. The suspect was captured and placed under arrest [and] was detained for further investigation," Robinson said during the news conference.

It's not yet been confirmed whether the victim died as a result of injuries from the single-car collision after the vehicle crashed into a building.

After the collision, the passenger was unconscious before authorities rendered aid, Robinson confirmed. The victim was later pronounced dead.

Related: Woman, 3 Kids Dead in Washington State Crash: 'Really Hard Situation'

The crash was connected to the vehicle that was stolen at Washington Hospital Center, Robinson added.

Per an update posted on X by D.C. Fire and EMS, there was "superficial damage to structure" after the vehicle struck the building.

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"It is a tragic event, our condolences are with the family at this time," Robinson said during the conference.

The MPD had no further updates to add when contacted by PEOPLE.



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Read the original article on People.
Lee Harvey Oswald is flanked by Elmer Boyd on his left and Richard Sims on his right on his way into the police station in Dallas on November 22 1963 - AFP/Getty Images

Elmer Boyd, who has died aged 96, was one of the detectives who took Lee Harvey Oswald into custody following the assassination of John F Kennedy; he was thought to be the last surviving investigator of the presidents murder.

He was initially assigned to Kennedys motorcade for its journey through Dallas on November 22 1963 but at the last minute he was switched with his partner Richard Sims to carry out a sweep of Trade Mart, where the president was due to have lunch and deliver a keynote speech about the future of science.

We were told Kennedy was five minutes away from arrival, but then we got word hed been in an accident, Boyd recalled in 2017. He and Sims got to the motorcade and followed on as it rushed the stricken president to hospital; they were then sent to the Texas School Book Depository on Dealey Plaza, the scene of the shooting, where a man had been seen with a rifle.

Boyd was one of three policemen sent to comb the sixth floor, where they found bullet casings bear the window; while they were there, they heard that their colleague, Officer JD Tippitt, had been shot dead  as it transpired, by Oswald, who had been confirmed by staff at the Depository as missing. Later that day Oswald was arrested after slipping into a cinema without paying  the film playing was War Is Hell  and in a famous photograph Boyd and Sims were pictured escorting him into the police station.

Having worked several double shifts helping to interrogate Oswald, Boyd was sent home to rest, and was watching television with his family when Oswald was shot dead by Jack Ruby as he was being transferred to prison. Boyd recognised Ruby, a well-known local figure, instantly.

Boyd escorts Oswald into custody - Archive Photos/Getty Images

Jack Ruby thought of himself as a big gangster, but he was just a nightclub owner, said Boyd. He wanted to be the hero by killing Oswald, though he said it was to spare Jackie [Kennedy] the trauma of having to come back to Dallas for the trial.

Boyd only became aware of the historical photo of himself with Oswald many years later when a man from Ireland sent him a copy. He wanted me to sign it and send it back so he could put it up in his brothers pub, he said.

He was called back in with Sims following the killing, and guarded Ruby following his arrest.

Elmer Boyd, always known as Sonny, was born on September 21 1927, in Cryer Creek, Texas, south of Dallas, before moving with his family to nearby Blooming Grove, where he went to high school.

He served in the US Navy between 1946 and 1948 and joined the Dallas police department in 1952, working his way up from patrolman to become a robbery and homicide detective in 1957.

Boyd left the Dallas police department in 1978, going on to work for the nearby Euless police department south of the city until retiring in 1989. He refused to talk about the Kennedy assassination for 40 years; when he did begin giving interviews, he was unwavering in his belief that Oswald had acted alone.

Away from the police force, Boyd was passionate about country music and played the harmonica. In 2023 he donated his firearms, cowboy hat and the handcuffs he used on Oswald to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

In 1950 Elmer Boyd married Yvonne Smith, his childhood sweetheart, whom he had met at an ice rink; she died in 2015 and he is survived by their three daughters.

Elmer Boyd, born September 21 1927, died May 24 2024

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Elon Musks X Corp. has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court in its ongoing retaliation against special counsel Jack Smith, who was able to take a deep dive into Donald Trumps social media account without the former president even knowing it was happening.

In a new filing, the company asked the Supreme Court to determine under what circumstances a tech company can be compelled to turn over information on its users, while being prevented from alerting those users that theyre being investigated.

Last year, Smiths team was able to use a search warrant to obtain private communications from Trumps X (formerly Twitter) account, including direct messages, location data, and his drafts from the weeks leading up to the January 6 insurrection. Smith was also able to issue a nondisclosure order, which prevented the company from notifying Trump.

X initially delayed responding to this request for information, and shortly afterward challenged the order in U.S. District Court, on the grounds that it violated the First Amendment.

Instead of blocking the warrant as the company had hoped, U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell found X in contempt, and as a result, the company was hit by hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.

Prosecutors had presented evidence to Howell demonstrating that alerting Trump to their investigation would likely endanger the evidence and interfere with Smiths probe.

X tried to appeal Howells decision last July, but the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the initial ruling. Clearly dissatisfied, the company is taking its troubles to the highest court in the land.

Dismissing these requests, the courts below diminished the constitutional interests at stake, the petition said of the decisions of the lower courts. In the filing, X Corp. argued that the information in Trumps social media account may have been subject to executive privilege. The petition argues that investigatory methods that do not offer the opportunity for a user to assert their privacy privileges may violate other privileged relationships, such as attorney-client, doctor-patient, and journalist-source.

The company is asking the high court to consider whether electronic service providers can be compelled by search warrants before the constitutionality of nondisclosure orders are decided, and whether the First Amendment allows for the gagging of such providers in a highly public investigation in which the government does not demonstrate that disclosure would jeopardize the investigations integrity or disprove the workability of a less-restrictive alternative.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 4, 2024 - 23:00 | All, Japan

The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

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Toyota HQ inspected over improper vehicle quality certification

TOKYO - The transport ministry inspected Toyota Motor Corp.'s headquarters in Aichi Prefecture on Tuesday, a day after the company admitted to improperly obtaining vehicle quality certifications in a setback for the carmaker that has risen to the world's No. 1 spot on its reputation for product reliability.

Government inspectors are expected to examine whether the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism should instruct the carmaker to issue recalls through the probe.

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Japan PM Kishida says he won't dissolve Diet during ongoing session

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday that he has no intention of dissolving the House of Representatives during the ongoing parliamentary session through June 23, with his Cabinet's approval ratings falling amid a political funds scandal.

"We are concentrating on resolving issues that cannot be put off such as political reform. I am thinking of nothing other than achieving results on these issues," Kishida told reporters at his office, ruling out a snap election.

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Japan's imperial couple to visit Britain as state guests from June 22

TOKYO - Japan's Cabinet on Tuesday approved a trip by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to Britain as state guests from June 22 to 29, after the plan was postponed in 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The couple plans to attend a luncheon with the royal family and visit the grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey to lay flowers on June 25. A banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be held at Buckingham Palace that night.

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China collects samples from Moon's far side in world-1st mission

BEIJING - A Chinese unmanned probe lifted off from the far side of the Moon on Tuesday after successfully collecting samples there to bring back to Earth in the world's first such mission, according to state-run media.

The Chang'e-6 spacecraft, launched on May 3, successfully landed on the far side of the Moon on Sunday. After liftoff Tuesday morning, the probe entered a preset orbit around the Moon, the China National Space Administration said.

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Global chip market estimated to expand to record $687 bil. in 2025

TOKYO - The global semiconductor market is expected to grow 12.5 percent in 2025 from a year earlier to a record $687.38 billion, heading for the second straight year of increase, as demand for chips used for artificial intelligence continues to expand, an industry organization forecast showed Tuesday.

The World Semiconductor Trade Statistics, an organization formed by major chip manufacturers, also revised its growth forecast for 2024 higher to 16.0 percent, or $611.23 billion, from the previous estimate made in November of 13.1 percent.

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China, Hong Kong tighten security on 35th anniv. of Tiananmen crackdown

BEIJING/HONG KONG - China and Hong Kong tightened security on Tuesday, the 35th anniversary of the 1989 military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, to clamp down on any vigils in remembrance of the victims.

On June 4, 1989, People's Liberation Army troops opened fire on student-led protesters who had gathered in the square to call for democracy, resulting in 319 deaths according to the Chinese government, though some estimates put the actual number in the thousands.

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Modi's BJP set to win India poll despite strong showing of opposition

NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party and its coalition partners are set to maintain a majority of seats in the lower house, according to local media reports Tuesday, but the ruling camp is facing a stronger-than-expected showing from the opposition coalition.

With the counting under way of the votes cast in the seven-phase polls, which started on April 19 and ended Saturday, the ruling coalition led by Bharatiya Janata Party has won nearly 300 seats of the 543 seats, allowing the 73-year-old Modi to secure a third five-year term.

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Japan doctor convicted over girl's death in high-speed driving crash

HIROSHIMA - A Japanese court on Tuesday convicted a doctor of driving a sports car at speeds upward of 120 kilometers per hour and crashing into a minicar, leaving a 9-year-old girl dead in western Japan in 2022.

Hiroyuki Takakura, 37, was given a three-year prison sentence, suspended for five years, for negligence resulting in injury and death, according to the ruling by the Hiroshima District Court's Fukuyama Branch.

Video: Whales get their teeth brushed in Wakayama
The chief financial officer of the company that publishes the Epoch Times newspaper and website, which has been criticized for promoting far-right views and conspiracy theories, has been charged in a $67-million US money laundering scheme. (Submitted by Carol Harman - image credit)

The financial head of the publisher of the Epoch Times is facing money laundering charges in an apparent $67-million US scheme to benefit himself and the company.

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York alleges Weidong Guan, also known as Bill Guan, conspired with others in a "sprawling, transnational scheme" to "benefit himself, the media company and its affiliates."

Financial records on the ProPublica website show that Guan is the chief financial officer of the New York-headquartered Epoch Times Media Group, which publishes the conservative newspaper and website of the same name.

The 61-year-old from New Jersey is charged with one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and two counts of bank fraud, which each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years.

In an email to CBC News, a spokesperson for the Epoch Times said Guan is "innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt" and that the company would co-operate with any investigation into the allegations against him, but that he has been suspended "until this matter is resolved."

In a statement on Monday, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams accused Guan of "laundering tens of millions of dollars in fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits and other crime proceeds."

Submitted by Lisa Armstrong

Williams alleges that members of the Epoch Times' "Make Money Online" team, which Guan managed, used stolen personal identification information to launder illegally obtained funds through bank accounts set up in the media company's name, as well through using prepaid debit card and cryptocurrency accounts.

"After the crime proceeds reached those bank accounts, they were often further laundered through other bank accounts held by the media entities, Guan's personal bank accounts, and through Guan's personal cryptocurrency accounts," the district attorney's statement says.

It also says the media company's increased annual revenue jumped from approximately $15 million US to about $62 million US year over year, during a period "in or around the same time the money laundering scheme began."

Guan allegedly oversaw the scheme from at least some time in 2020 through May of this year while working for the company, which is not named in the statement.

The news release clearly states that the charges against Guan "do not relate to the media company's news-gathering activities."

Controversies and conspiracy theories

The Epoch Times was founded by Chinese immigrants as a non-profit media organization in 2000 and is closely associated with followers of Falun Gong, a religious practice declared a cult by the Chinese government in 1999.

Falun Gong's global headquarters are located in a 1.73-square-kilometre compound in upstate New York.

Once a free newspaper available in curbside boxes or handed out in major cities, promoting an anti-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) message, the Epoch Times has morphed into an online purveyor of right-wing political views aligned with former U.S. president Donald Trump. Critics have accused it of promoting misinformation and conspiracy theories.

According to its website, the Epoch Times has editions in 23 languages in 36 regions and countries  including Canada, with operations based in Toronto.

Its current and past columnists include Canadians like former newspaper publisher Conrad Black, former CRTC vice-chair Peter Menzies and National Post opinion writers Barbara Kay and the late Rex Murphy.

There was controversy surrounding the Epoch Times in Canada in 2020, when unsolicited copies of the newspaper were delivered to homes across the country.

The union representing Canada Post workers said the special-edition issue focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, and was headlined "How the Chinese Communist Party Endangered the World," referring to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as the "CCP virus."

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers made a request for Canada Post to cease delivering the paper, citing fears of fuelling xenophobia and reprisals against Asian Canadians and postal workers, but the federal government denied it.

The Epoch Times has also run afoul of social media platforms  Facebook, in particular  over its advertisements promoting Trump and conspiracy theories under various different pages posing as news outlets.

According to NBC News, the Epoch Times spent $2 million US on pro-Trump advertising on Facebook over a one-year period spanning 2018 and 2019  more than any other organization aside from the Trump campaign itself.

The New York Times reported that the Epoch Times then shifted to YouTube, which demonetized its channel in 2021.

The company has accused "Big Tech and the legacy media" of unfairly targeting the publication and costing it revenue as a result.

"We have been demonetized on YouTube, blocked from advertising on Facebook, and shadow-banned on several social media platforms, in some cases, due to pressure from advocacy journalists," its website reads.

It also claims it lost contracts with companies in the United States and Canada after they received "phone calls or written communication from Chinese embassies or other front groups of the Chinese Communist Party."
Representative Eric Swalwell slammed GOP lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, arguing that the blatant hypocrisy in their devoted defense of a freshly convicted Donald Trump was nothing less than cultish.

Guys, Im starting to think you guys are in a cult, Swalwell said. That is your right, but its not your responsibility. I promise you, thats not what your constituents would want.

So if you believe in states rights except when a jury in that state convicts your nominee for president: You might be in a cult. If you claim you back the blue but want to defund the police when the police go to your nominees house to retrieve national security secrets: You might be in a cult. If youre supporting a guy whose felony convictions prevent him from getting security clearance: You might be in a cult, Swalwell continued.

And if the guy youre supporting for president has felony convictions that prevent him from going to Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic 

As he spoke, one lawmaker demanded that the California Democrats words be taken down. Swalwell continued in an alphabetized list of all the countries to which Trump can no longer travel.

Egypt, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel  Swalwell continued, well after his time had expired. You might be in a cult.

Swalwell: If you believe in states rights except when a jury in that state convicts your nominee for President, you might be in a cult.



I demand that his words be taken down



Swalwell: *keeps going* pic.twitter.com/xi9cWo3A8y  Acyn (@Acyn) June 4, 2024

Swalwell is no stranger to openly mocking his Republican colleagues. Hes also keeping a running timer on how long its been since House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan refused to comply with a subpoena to testify on his involvement in the January 6 insurrection. The counter is currently at 754 days.


Escambia County Sheriffs Office asking for publics help in finding alleged church smoker burglars

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  The Escambia County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help in finding and identifying two men who allegedly stole a smoker from a church last month.

Mobile County Sheriffs Office looking for missing teen

Two men were seen stealing a large smoker on May 2 from a church on Palafox Street.

LOCATION:

This embedded content is not available in your region.

(Photo courtesy of the Escambia County Sheriffs Office Facebook page)

(Photo courtesy of the Escambia County Sheriffs Office Facebook page)

(Photo courtesy of the Escambia County Sheriffs Office Facebook page)

Those with information about the case can call Crime Stoppers at 850-433-STOP or the sheriffs office at 850-436-9620.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Jan Strupczewski

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union finance ministers will hold a videoconference on Wednesday on a G7 proposal to leverage Russian central bank assets immobilised in the West to allow Kyiv swiftly to receive a loan of around $50 billion, senior euro zone officials said.

The size of the loan has not yet been agreed in the EU, the officials said, but the $50 billion was mentioned by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen as a possible amount after a meeting of Group of Seven finance ministers on 23-25 May in Italy.

The idea is that the money for Ukraine, struggling to buy weapons to fend off the Russian invasion, would be raised through a bond that could be backed by annual windfall profits generated by the $300 billion of Russian central bank assets frozen in the West after Moscow's attack on Ukraine in February 2022.

European officials have said that, while seizing the capital of the assets would be legally very risky, using the profits generated by the frozen capital is fine because the profits do not legally belong to Moscow.

"There is a lot of uncertainty about the potential modalities, but the key issue on the table is whether the EU would be open to some sort of concessional loan to Ukraine, based on future revenue stream from the frozen Russian assets," one senior euro zone official said.

European governments have already agreed to transfer profits of 2.5 to 3 billion euros ($2.7-3.3 billion) per year generated by the Russian assets to a special fund that would finance the purchase of weapons and also reconstruction of Ukraine.

If the EU were to agree to using the profits as a leveraging tool to get more money up front, as proposed by the United States, it would have to amend its decision to spend the cash on weapons and reconstruction.

"In practice, that would mean changing for 2025 and beyond the recently adopted decision on windfall profits in EU. There would also be potential changes to the EU sanctions regime when it comes to the assets," the senior euro zone official said.

Officials said that another open issue was who would issue the bonds to raise the money: should it be the United States and other G7 countries, or should be it be the EU, which has holds by far the biggest amount of the immobilized assets.

For the EU to agree to issue the bonds, either alone or as part of a G7 consortium, would likely open a tricky question of joint responsibility for the debt, something that some, like Germany, normally strongly oppose.

"I do not expect any concrete outcome after the video-teleconference. I see it more like a check of temperature before next week's G7 leaders' summit," the senior official said.

Leaders of the United States, Canada, Japan, Britain, Germany, France and Italy - the G7 - are set to meet in Italy on June 13-15 and the issue of the Russian assets is on their agenda.

(Reporting by Jan Strupczewski; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Robert Habeck, German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, takes part in the opening panel "Hydrogen as an energy carrier in business and everyday life" at the Week of the Environment in the President's Office. Around 190 exhibitors will present the current state of research and discussion on climate protection, energy storage, land use, biodiversity, mobility, transport, urbanization and construction in the park of Schloss Bellevue. Fabian Sommer/dpa

The European Commission has given the green light in principle for the German government to pay compensation to cushion the impact of the coal phase-out in the east of the country.

This involves paying the mining company Leag up to 1.75 billion ($1.9 billion), the Economy Ministry announced in Berlin on Tuesday. Germany is to gradually phase out the use of all coal by 2038.

Economy and Climate Protection Minister Robert Habeck spoke of an important step, especially for the people of the region. "This secures compensation funds for the social security of employees during the transition and for the post-mining costs."

Leag's chief executive Thorsten Kramer said that the compensation was an essential building block for the company's continued successful transformation into a "green powerhouse."

The competition authorities in Brussels had to approve the move, because EU members wishing to support companies with state money must adhere to strict rules. The European Commission has now confirmed the principle of the compensation scheme for Leag's coal phase-out.

The deal involves about 1.2 billion for post-mining costs to help heal some of the environmental and social scars left behind after the use of coal ends.

The ministry says the remainder of up to 550 million is subject to conditions.

Politicians and the energy company RWE have agreed to phase out coal mining in western Germany eight years earlier, in 2030.

However, an earlier coal phase-out in the eastern German mining regions is controversial. In its coalition agreement, the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and Free Democrats (FDP) agreed to "ideally" bring forward the coal phase-out from 2038 to 2030.

Robert Habeck, German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, takes part in the opening panel "Hydrogen as an energy carrier in business and everyday life" at the Week of the Environment in the President's Office. Around 190 exhibitors will present the current state of research and discussion on climate protection, energy storage, land use, biodiversity, mobility, transport, urbanization and construction in the park of Schloss Bellevue. Fabian Sommer/dpa
By Francois Murphy

VIENNA (Reuters) -A draft resolution European powers submitted to the U.N. nuclear watchdog's Board of Governors on Monday for a vote this week presses Iran again to explain uranium traces found at undeclared sites and also covers issues such as its barring of inspectors.

The text seen by Reuters follows a resolution passed 18 months ago ordering Tehran to urgently comply with a years-long International Atomic Energy Agency investigation into those traces. The new text calls on Iran to cooperate without delay, including by letting the IAEA take samples if the agency needs to.

It also goes further, addressing problems that have arisen more recently, such as Iran's barring of many of the IAEA's top uranium-enrichment experts on the inspection team. It calls on Iran to reverse that step and implement a March 2023 joint statement that the IAEA saw as a sweeping pledge of cooperation.

"(The Board) Calls on Iran to provide sufficient cooperation with the Agency and take the essential and urgent actions as decided by the Board in its November 2022 resolution, to resolve safeguards issues which remain outstanding despite numerous interactions with the Agency since 2019," the text said.

Iran will react if the Board of Governors passes a resolution against Tehran, the semi-official Fars news agency quoted the country's nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami as saying.

The 35-nation Board of Governors meets quarterly and is one of the IAEA's two top policy-making bodies. The other meets only once a year.

Since that 2022 resolution the number of sites being investigated over the traces has been narrowed to two from three but Iran still has not explained how the traces got there. The IAEA refers to that as "outstanding safeguards issues".

Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, are pushing for the resolution despite U.S. concerns the move could lead Iran to respond by escalating its nuclear activities, since Tehran has bristled at such resolutions in the past and taken such steps in response.

The E3 argue that Iran's continued lack of cooperation with the IAEA and its advancing nuclear programme make such a step necessary, diplomats say.

The E3 would not have submitted the text had they not been confident it would pass. Only Russia and China opposed the last resolution against Iran.

Iran is enriching uranium to up to 60% purity, close to the 90% of weapons grade, and has amassed enough material enriched to that level, if enriched further, for three nuclear bombs, according to an IAEA yardstick.

Western powers say there is no credible civilian justification for enriching to that level, and the IAEA says no other country has done so without producing nuclear weapons. Iran says its aims are entirely peaceful.

The text said if Iran failed to cooperate, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi might draw up a "comprehensive" report, which would raise pressure on Tehran further.

"Continued failure by Iran to provide the necessary, full and unambiguous cooperation with the Agency to resolve all outstanding safeguards issues may necessitate the production, by the Director General, of a comprehensive and updated assessment on the possible presence or use of undeclared nuclear material," it said.

(Additional reporting by Parisa Hafezi in DubaiReporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Stephen Coates, Lincoln Feast and Ros Russell)
A call for a missing swimmer at Lee Street Beach in Evanston Monday afternoon proved to be a false alarm, according to a news release by the Evanston Fire Department.

The news release, sent at approximately 7:45 p.m., stated no victims were found and all credible evidence indicates all swimmers were accounted for.

Officials announced an end to the search around 6:45 p.m. after all Evanston swimming beaches were closed for the search.

According to the news release, a call for a lost swimmer was made from Lee Street Beach at approximately 3:15 p.m.

Initial reports said the swimmer went under the water at Greenwood Beach and did not resurface with initial investigations showing the beachgoer was unaccounted for.

Further investigation showed the swimmer had ventured about 25 yards past the sanctioned swimming area. A search of the entire Evanston lakefront via dive rescue and helicopters found no victims.

According to the news release, initial search efforts were conducted by lakefront personnel including lifeguards along with several EFD teams including the personal watercraft team, rescue divers, an EFD drone and Chicago Fire Department helicopters. Efforts were then increased with the search expanded to include Mutual Aid Box Alarm Division 3 Dive Team and EMS Box Alarms, according to the news release.

Police also reported several Marine Units, including Highland Park and Evanston Fire Dive Rescue teams, were on the scene as well as a Chicago Police Department helicopter. Multiple fire departments were on the scene including Des Plaines, Glenview, Northbrook, Lincolnshire and Wilmette.

Beaches will reopen Tuesday morning.
A former U.S. Army soldier who unsuccessfully sought asylum in Ukraine after allegedly murdering a Florida couple in 2018 is finally back in U.S. custody to face charges of double homicide and armed robbery.

Craig Lang, 34, made his first court appearance in Fort Myers, Florida, on Monday, federal prosecutors said in a press release. His extradition marks the end of a wild international saga dating back nearly a decade, when Lang said he served in a Ukrainian volunteer battalion in 2015-2016 fighting pro-Russian forces in the Donbass during the first phase of Moscows war against the country.

Along with his alleged co-conspirator Alex Zwiefelhofer, Lang is accused of then murdering a Florida couple in 2018 to fund more foreign-fighting adventures, allegedly gunning down 50-year-old Deana Lorenzo and 52-year-old Serafin Danny Lorenzo before stealing $3,000 the couple had brought to purchase firearms advertised for sale online.

Zwiefelhofer, another former U.S. soldier, was convicted on several charges related to the case in March and faces sentencing in August.

Truth About the Wild Drug-Taking and Illegal Booze on Ukraines Front Lines

Prosecutors say the pair robbed the Lorenzos in order to pay for travel to Venezuela, where the defendants planned to fight the Venezuelan regime. They had also traveled to Kenya and tried to enter South Sudan before being deported back to the U.S. and winding up in Florida, prosecutors said.

Craig Austin Lang went on an international crime spree that included a double murder in Florida, attempts to travel internationally to engage in other acts of violence outside the United States, and a plot to evade law enforcement detection by trading guns, a grenade, and cash to use another persons identifying information to apply for a U.S. passport under an assumed name, said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Departments Criminal Division.

Lang, who pleaded not guilty to the charges Monday, according to court documents, made it back to Ukraine following the alleged 2018 murder and reportedly tried unsuccessfully to join Ukrainian forces after Russias full-scale invasion in 2022.

After fighting extradition there for years, the European Court of Human Rights ultimately rejected his extradition challenge.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A former U.S. soldier has been extradited from Ukraine on charges alleging he went on an international crime spree beginning more than five years ago.

Craig Austin Lang, 34, made his first court appearance Monday in Fort Myers, Fla., related to numerous charges he faces across three federal districts, according to the Justice Department. The charges are in connection to double homicide, armed robbery, making false statements in a passport application and aggravated identity theft, among other charges.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri said Lang went on an international crime spree in a statement.

Langs alleged conduct is shocking in its scope and its callous disregard for human life. His wrongdoing, however, was no match for the efforts of dedicated law enforcement personnel and prosecutors in the United States and abroad to investigate, locate, arrest, and extradite Lang so he would face justice before courts in the United States Argentieri said.

The department said he was extradited to the United States after the European Court of Human Rights rejected his claim to avoid extradition. He was escorted by the FBI to the U.S.

He faces charges in the Middle District of Florida, the Eastern District of North Carolina and the District of Arizona. The charges in Florida accuse Lang, along with co-defendant Alex Jared Zwiefelhofer, of murdering a couple in 2018.

Lang and Zwiefelhofer, who met in Ukraine in 2017, are accused of killing the couple during an armed robbery. The couple was allegedly looking to purchase firearms from Lang and Zwiefelhofer, but instead the two defendants stole the $3,000 the couple was going to buy the firearms with, prosecutors said.

He is charged in North Carolina with conspiracy to commit passport fraud and aggravated identify theft, along with other identity-related charges. The Justice Department said he was allegedly trying to avoid law enforcement detection and scrutiny while traveling internationally.

Lang is also charged with a misuse of a passport in Arizona for allegedly showing a U.S. passport to Mexican authorities to get a Mexican visa, according to the Justice 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 The Hill.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 4, 2024 - 22:22 | World, All

China and Hong Kong tightened security on Tuesday, the 35th anniversary of the 1989 military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, to suppress any vigils in remembrance of the victims.

On June 4, 1989, People's Liberation Army troops opened fire on student-led protesters who had gathered in the square to call for democracy, resulting in 319 deaths according to the Chinese government, though some estimates put the actual number in the thousands.

China's Communist Party, which maintains one-party rule, has justified the 1989 crackdown by framing it as a necessary move to quell political unrest. Open discussion about the massacre remains taboo in the country.

Many police officers, including armed units, were deployed to the square and the surrounding area.

The Tiananmen Mothers, a group of the victims' relatives, posted a video on the internet in May in memory of those who lost their lives and repeated their call for the truth about the incident to come to light.

"For 35 years, we have never forgotten the moment (the victims) left home," the relatives said in a statement, urging Chinese President Xi Jinping to engage in dialogue with them.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters Tuesday the government had made a "clear conclusion" regarding the "political turmoil." She said, "We firmly oppose anyone smearing China and interfering with China's internal affairs by using this as a pretext."

In Hong Kong, thousands of people used to gather annually in Victoria Park on June 4 and light candles to mourn and remember the victims. But the candlelight vigil has been banned since 2020 under restrictions, apparently as part of a broader clampdown that has all but erased the public's ability to protest against the authorities.

Dozens of uniformed officers were seen surveying areas around Victoria Park on Tuesday. Police also took in several individuals, including artist Sanmu Chen, who was detained for questioning after he appeared to mime writing the numbers "8964," the date of the incident, in the air on Monday evening, according to local reports.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee defended the action of law enforcement agencies, saying, "The threat to national security is real...It is important we all bear that in mind to be on guard all the time against attempts to cause trouble to Hong Kong, particularly disturbing public peace."

The somber observance of the 35th anniversary comes a week after the national security police in Hong Kong arrested seven individuals, including democracy activist Chow Hang-tung, on suspicion of acting with seditious intention.

Chow was a vice chairwoman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which was known for organizing the annual vigil. The group was disbanded in 2021 after some other leaders were arrested under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020.

In Taiwan's capital Taipei, over 2,000 people joined a candlelight vigil at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to mourn for the victims of the Tiananmen crackdown, according to organizers.

Taiwan new President Lai Ching-te, who took office last month, stressed the importance of freedom and democracy that are hard-won in his social media posts.

Amid mounting military pressure from mainland China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, Lai urged people to "respond to autocracy with freedom" and "face authoritarian expansion with courage."
One of nine Egyptian men accused of causing a 2023 migrant boat disaster off Greece speaks to Reuters in Athens

One of nine Egyptian men accused of causing a 2023 migrant boat disaster off Greece speaks to Reuters in Athens

By Karolina Tagaris

ATHENS (Reuters) -Ahmed Alkwrab thought his ordeal was over last June when he survived one of the deadliest shipwrecks ever recorded in the Mediterranean Sea and finally set foot on European soil.

Hours after a fishing trawler carrying hundreds of migrants capsized, however, the Egyptian housepainter found himself being interrogated by Greek authorities who then charged him and eight others with smuggling and causing the disaster.

If convicted, he would have faced life imprisonment.

"When they sat me in a room by myself and shut me in, the fear began. What's wrong? What's happened? Did I do anything?" he told Reuters.

"They're telling us that we are smugglers. Traffickers? No, no, no, no - that's not how it is at all."

Their arrests sparked outrage from international rights groups who said the migrants were being used as scapegoats for coastguard errors and that the case against them was flimsy.

Alkwrab and the other accused spent 11 months in pre-trial detention waiting for a chance to argue their innocence. When that opportunity came last month, the judge threw out the case within hours, allowing the men to walk free.

Alkwrab's often emotional account, shared exclusively with Reuters, is the first time any of the accused have spoken publicly about their ordeal.

He and the others were accused of being part of the ship's crew, handing out water and fixing things. He denies this.

"I didn't do it. Nor did I give anyone a mouthful of water, nor did I fix a boat or go down to the engine."

The overcrowded Adriana was carrying up to 750 Pakistani, Syrian and Egyptian migrants before it capsized off Greece on June 14, one of the worst disasters in a decade-long Mediterranean migrant crisis. It raised questions about the EU's treatment of migrants, many of whom risk death for a more prosperous life in Europe.

Only 104 survivors and 82 bodies were found.

The cause of the shipwreck is disputed. Survivors say the coastguard caused the boat to capsize during a failed attempt to tow it. The coastguard denies this, saying that the migrants' movements on board had caused it to sink.

NOT QUITE FREE

Alkwrab said poverty had forced him to leave Sadat city in Egypt.

The youngest of his three children was born with a lung condition that required expensive treatment that two jobs couldn't pay for.

He hoped to reunite with his brother in Italy and find work and borrowed 140,000 Egyptian pounds ($2,954) from friends to pay for the journey.

Alkwrab broke into sobs as he recounted his time in prison, missing his children growing up and his son Omar's first words. He did not interact with the prison guards. Fellow inmates told them there was no way they would ever be released.

Brief calls with his family kept him going. They told him to take care of himself and that God would not forget him.

"The thing that hurt me the most was Omar calling me 'Dad' when I was in prison," Alkwrab said.

"The happiest day in 11 months was when I came out innocent. One day in 11 months," he added.

Alkwrab is staying now in Athens awaiting word on his asylum request. He doesn't feel fully free yet.

"I really wish to become legal in this country," Alkwrab said. "To prove to everyone that we are here for a purpose, to do something to change our lives."

($1 = 47.4000 Egyptian pounds)

(Editing by Edward McAllister and Gareth Jones)
In an aerial view, a Texas National Guard soldier walks past a barrier of shipping containers and razor wire at the U.S.-Mexico border on March 17, 2024 in Eagle Pass, Texas. (File/John Moore/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden on Tuesday issued an executive order that will allow him to partially suspend asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when daily unauthorized crossings reach a threshold of 2,500 migrants.

This action will help us gain control of our border, Biden said.

The 2,500-crossing threshold would likely be triggered immediately, a senior administration official said on a Tuesday call with reporters previewing the executive order. Thats because daily crossings already exceed the threshold.

The order would terminate once unauthorized crossings drop. It only applies to the southern border, including the southwest land border and southern coastal borders.

Biden was joined by lawmakers, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and local leaders from Texas cities.

Biden added that in the coming weeks hell talk more about how we can make our immigration system more fair and just.

Lawmakers from both parties panned the order Tuesday, while immigrant advocacy groups promised legal challenges.

Border changes

The White House has been dealing with the largest number of migrant encounters at the southern border on record. Crossings from the southern border reached an all-time high in December, when U.S. Border Patrol agents had nearly 250,000 encounters (for an average of more than 8,000 daily). Thats an increase of about 26,000 from the previous record set in May 2022. Those numbers reflect migrants crossing between official ports of entry.

The numbers have fallen since December but remain well above the threshold set by Bidens order. Border Patrol agents processed nearly 4,300 migrants on average daily in April, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

In addition, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made it a top issue for voters. Bidens move marks his most drastic crackdown on immigration during his administration.

The order makes three changes to current asylum law under Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act when that threshold of 2,500 migrants is reached, a senior administration official said. The first is that a noncitizen who crosses the border without authorization will be ineligible for asylum.

The second is any noncitizen who crosses the border while the order is in effect and is processed for removal will only be referred to a credible fear interview with an asylum officer if they manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, a fear of persecution or torture, or an intention to apply for asylum, a senior administration official said.

And the third is raising the standard for credible fear interviews to a reasonable probability of persecution or torture standard, which is a new, substantially higher standard than is currently being applied at the border, a senior administration official said.

Taken together, these measures will significantly increase the speed and the scope of consequences for those who cross unlawfully or without authorization and allow the departments to more quickly remove individuals who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States, a senior administration official said.

Trump comparisons

The order, versions of which were reported ahead of the White House announcement, drew criticism from both parties.

Republican leaders said the order didnt go far enough. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana called it a weak executive order. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky called the order too little, too late.

If you want the border secured, and youre waiting on [the Biden Administration] to do it, youre going to die waiting, said U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Progressive Democrats, meanwhile, slammed it as a partial ban on asylum, and advocacy groups blasted the order for betraying Bidens campaign rhetoric.

Biden tried to frame the order as different from the immigration policies of the Trump administration by stating he would not separate children from their parents, bar people from the U.S. because of their religion or invoke white supremacist language that refers to immigrants as poisoning the blood of a country  all actions taken by Trump.

I believe that immigration has always been a lifeblood of America, were constantly renewed by an infusion of people and new talent, he said. So I will never demonize immigrants.

A senior administration official also argued that the executive order is different from the Trump administrations immigration policies because the order will only apply during times of high encounters.

Biden, who campaigned in 2020 on protecting asylum law, is relying on the same presidential authority  Section 212(f) of the Immigration Nationality Act  that the Trump administration used to justify several immigration-related restrictions, such as the travel ban from predominantly Muslim countries.

The Biden order would also allow border officials to return certain individuals who cross the border without authorization back to Mexico  nationals from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti and Venezuela.

There will be exemptions for lawful permanent residents, unaccompanied minors, people with an acute medical emergency or an extreme threat to life or safety, and for victims of human trafficking, a senior administration official said.

A senior administration official said this temporary order would go away when there are seven consecutive days when daily encounters are less than 1,500 migrants between ports of entry. Once that is established, the order expires in 14 calendar days.

Blocked bill

The Biden administration began to consider the executive order after an immigration deal the White House and Senate brokered earlier this year fell apart after Trump came out against it and Republicans quickly fell in line to oppose it.

Among other things, that deal would have given Biden the authority to shut down any asylum requests once encounters reached 5,000 people in a week or 8,500 in a day.

Thats why today, the President is announcing new historic executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum. Because of President Bidens leadership, law enforcement will gain new capabilities that congressional Republicans cannot block.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, tried in late May to bring up the bipartisan border bill in the Senate but it failed for a second time during a procedural vote.

The lead Democratic negotiator on that bipartisan deal, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, expressed skepticism Tuesday that the Biden administration could move forward with its executive order.

I am sympathetic to the position the administration is in, but I am skeptical the executive branch has the legal authority to shut down asylum processing between ports of entry on its own, Murphy said. Meaningful asylum reform requires a bipartisan solution in Congress.

Immediate litigation

Section 212(f) of the Immigration Nationality Act allows the president to suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens, if the president finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.

Since the 1980s, administrations, including Bidens, have evoked this code in certain circumstances, such as in 2022 for any individuals connected with Russia amid its war with Ukraine.

In general, the 212(f) code has been narrowly applied, said Amy Grenier, policy and practice counsel for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She added that she expects Tuesdays executive order to be legally challenged.

There will be pretty much immediate litigation around whether or not that conflicts with the part of the statute that guarantees the ability to apply for asylum, Grenier said.

A senior administration official said the White House expects those legal challenges.

We are prepared for any litigation on this rule, a senior administration official said.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which was at the forefront of many legal cases against the Trump administrations immigration policies that restricted asylum, has already stated it plans to sue the Biden administration over its executive order.

We intend to challenge this order in court. It was illegal when Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now, Lee Gelernt, the deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, said in a statement.

The executive order is a stark reversal of the presidents campaign promise to restore our moral standing in the world and our historic role as a safe haven for refugees and asylum-seekers, as Biden said in his 2020 acceptance speech at the virtual Democratic National Convention.

This new executive order that were expecting, (is) unfortunately part of the trend of the Biden administration adopting many of the policies that were enacted under the Trump administration that are rooted in xenophobia, and a disregard for our international obligations to provide asylum, Kate Mahoney, a senior staff attorney at Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said.

Mahoney said applying a numbers-based cap on asylum will only harm the most vulnerable of asylum seekers and will do little to deter people from coming to the southern border.

This kind of blunt instrument will just turn away everyone, she said. Its not doing anything to better identify people who have strong claims who will truly suffer harm in their home country.

A growing share of migrants at the southern border are families, according to Pew Research Center, where as of December families make up 41% and unaccompanied children make up 5%. The rest, 54%, are single adults.

Progressives disappointed

Democrats expressed their disappointment in the new executive order.

Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus and is the top Democrat on a House Judiciary Committee panel on immigration policy, said in a statement that Tuesdays announcement was extremely disappointing.

This attempt to shut down the border to asylum seekers uses the same section of U.S. immigration laws that convicted felon Donald Trump used to implement the Muslim Ban and in attempts to cut off all access to asylum, she said. While there are some differences from Trumps actions, the reality is that this utilizes the same failed enforcement-only approach, penalizes asylum seekers, and furthers a false narrative that these actions will fix the border.

Biden addressed those criticisms and said be patient.

Doing nothing is not an option, Biden said.

However, some Democrats in border states, including Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, welcomed the executive order. Kelly said in a statement that more needs to be done in Congress to address immigration.

In Arizona, where Border Patrol agents and nonprofits are often overwhelmed by daily migrant crossings, this new effort will support their crucial work and help relieve border communities from the burden of our broken immigration system, he said.

Several Senate Republicans held a Tuesday press conference where Texas Sen. John Cornyn accused the president of not being serious about the southern border for only issuing the order three years into his first term.

South Carolinas Lindsey Graham said that the only way to curb migration at the southern border is to remove hundreds of thousands of noncitizens from the U.S.  something that Trump has promised to do should he win a second term.

If you want to shut down illegal immigration, those coming need to see an outflow by the tens and hundreds of thousands, Graham said. The only policy changes that will work is to have mass deportations because people will stop coming when they see people leaving.

The post Executive order limiting asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border signed by Biden appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
Executive order limiting asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border to be signed by Biden

A Texas National Guardsman observes as Border Patrol agents pat down migrants who have surrendered themselves for processing at Gate 42, some after waiting near the wall for days, May 10, 2023. (Photo by Corrie Boudreaux for Source NM)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden will sign an executive order on Tuesday that will allow him to partly suspend asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when daily unauthorized crossings reach a threshold of 2,500 migrants.

We do expect the authority would be in effect immediately, a senior administration official said on a Tuesday call with reporters previewing the executive order. It would not be permanent and only applies to the southern border, including the southwest land border and southern coastal borders.

The White House has been dealing with the largest number of migrant encounters at the southern border in 20 years. In addition, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made it a top issue for voters. Bidens move marks his most drastic crackdown on immigration during his administration.

The order makes three changes to asylum law under Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act when that threshold of 2,500 migrants is reached, a senior administration official said. The first is that a noncitizen who crosses the border without authorization will be ineligible for asylum.

The second is any noncitizen who crosses the border while the order is in effect and is processed for removal will only be referred to a credible fear interview with an asylum officer if they manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, a fear of persecution or torture, or an intention to apply for asylum, a senior administration official said.

And the third is raising the standard for credible fear interviews to a reasonable probability of persecution or torture standard, which is a new, substantially higher standard than is currently being applied at the border, a senior administration official said.

Taken together, these measures will significantly increase the speed and the scope of consequences for those who cross unlawfully or without authorization and allow the departments to more quickly remove individuals who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States, a senior administration official said.

The order, versions of which were reported ahead of the White House announcement, drew criticism from both parties.

Republicans like U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana called it a weak executive order, while progressive Democrats slammed it as a partial ban on asylum.

A senior administration official argued that the executive order is different from the Trump administrations immigration policies because the order will only apply during times of high encounters.

Biden, who campaigned in 2020 on protecting asylum law, is relying on the same presidential authority  Section 212(f) of the Immigration Nationality Act  that the Trump administration used to justify several immigration-related restrictions, such as the travel ban from predominantly Muslim countries.

The Biden order would also allow border officials to return certain individuals who cross the border without authorization back to Mexico  nationals from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti and Venezuela.

There will be exemptions for lawful permanent residents, unaccompanied minors, people with an acute medical emergency or an extreme threat to life or safety, and for victims of human trafficking, a senior administration official said.

A senior administration official said this temporary order would go away when there are seven consecutive days when daily encounters are less than 1,500 migrants between ports of entry. Once that is established, the order expires in 14 calendar days.

The Biden administration has considered moving forward with the executive order after an immigration deal the White House and Senate brokered earlier this year fell apart after Trump came out against it. Republicans quickly fell in line. Among other things, that deal would have given Biden the authority to shut down any asylum requests once encounters reached 5,000 people in a week or 8,500 in a day.

A senior administration official said the 2,500 threshold was chosen to be similar to the deal stuck in the Senate.

To Joe Biden, the safety of American families should always come first, senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a memo.

Thats why today, the President is announcing new historic executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum. Because of President Bidens leadership, law enforcement will gain new capabilities that congressional Republicans cannot block.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

The post Executive order limiting asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border to be signed by Biden appeared first on Source New Mexico.
In an aerial view, a Texas National Guard soldier walks past a barrier of shipping containers and razor wire at the U.S.-Mexico border on March 17, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. (John Moore/Getty Images)

This article has been updated with additional details and reaction.

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden on Tuesday issued an executive order that will allow him to partially suspend asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when daily unauthorized crossings reach a threshold of 2,500 migrants.

Ive come here today to do what Republicans in Congress refuse to do, take the necessary steps to secure our border, Biden said. This action will help us gain control of our border.

The 2,500-crossing threshold would likely be triggered immediately, a senior administration official said on a Tuesday call with reporters previewing the executive order. The order would terminate once unauthorized crossings drop. It only applies to the southern border, including the southwest land border and southern coastal borders.

Biden was joined by lawmakers, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and local leaders from Texas cities.

Biden added that in the coming weeks hell talk more about how we can make our immigration system more fair and just.

Lawmakers from both parties panned the order Tuesday, while immigrant advocacy groups promised legal challenges.

Border changes

The White House has been dealing with the largest number of migrant encounters at the southern border in 20 years. In addition, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made it a top issue for voters. Bidens move marks his most drastic crackdown on immigration during his administration.

The order makes three changes to current asylum law under Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act when that threshold of 2,500 migrants is reached, a senior administration official said. The first is that a noncitizen who crosses the border without authorization will be ineligible for asylum.

The second is any noncitizen who crosses the border while the order is in effect and is processed for removal will only be referred to a credible fear interview with an asylum officer if they manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, a fear of persecution or torture, or an intention to apply for asylum, a senior administration official said.

And the third is raising the standard for credible fear interviews to a reasonable probability of persecution or torture standard, which is a new, substantially higher standard than is currently being applied at the border, a senior administration official said.

Taken together, these measures will significantly increase the speed and the scope of consequences for those who cross unlawfully or without authorization and allow the departments to more quickly remove individuals who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States, a senior administration official said.

Trump comparisons

The order, versions of which were reported ahead of the White House announcement, drew criticism from both parties.

Republican leaders said the order didnt go far enough. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana called it a weak executive order. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky called the order too little, too late.

Progressive Democrats, meanwhile, slammed it as a partial ban on asylum, and advocacy groups blasted the order for betraying Bidens campaign rhetoric.

Biden tried to frame the order as different from the immigration policies of the Trump administration by stating he would not separate children from their parents, bar people from the United States because of their religion or invoke white supremacist language that refers to immigrants as poisoning the blood of a country  all actions taken by Trump.

I believe that immigration has always been a lifeblood of America, were constantly renewed by an infusion of people and new talent, he said. So I will never demonize immigrants.

A senior administration official also argued that the executive order is different from the Trump administrations immigration policies because the order will only apply during times of high encounters.

Biden, who campaigned in 2020 on protecting asylum law, is relying on the same presidential authority  Section 212(f) of the Immigration Nationality Act  that the Trump administration used to justify several immigration-related restrictions, such as the travel ban from predominantly Muslim countries.

The Biden order would also allow border officials to return certain individuals who cross the border without authorization back to Mexico  nationals from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti and Venezuela.

There will be exemptions for lawful permanent residents, unaccompanied minors, people with an acute medical emergency or an extreme threat to life or safety, and for victims of human trafficking, a senior administration official said.

A senior administration official said this temporary order would go away when there are seven consecutive days when daily encounters are less than 1,500 migrants between ports of entry. Once that is established, the order expires in 14 calendar days.

Blocked bill

The Biden administration began to consider the executive order after an immigration deal the White House and Senate brokered earlier this year fell apart after Trump came out against it and Republicans quickly fell in line to oppose it.

Among other things, that deal would have given Biden the authority to shut down any asylum requests once encounters reached 5,000 people in a week or 8,500 in a day.

A senior administration official said the 2,500 threshold was chosen to be similar to the deal stuck in the Senate.

To Joe Biden, the safety of American families should always come first, senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a memo.

Thats why today, the President is announcing new historic executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum. Because of President Bidens leadership, law enforcement will gain new capabilities that congressional Republicans cannot block.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, tried in late May to bring up the bipartisan border bill in the Senate but it failed for a second time during a procedural vote.

The lead Democratic negotiator on that bipartisan deal, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, expressed skepticism Tuesday that the Biden administration could move forward with its executive order.

I am sympathetic to the position the administration is in, but I am skeptical the executive branch has the legal authority to shut down asylum processing between ports of entry on its own, Murphy said. Meaningful asylum reform requires a bipartisan solution in Congress.

Immediate litigation

Section 212(f) of the Immigration Nationality Act allows the president to suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens, if the president finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.

Since the 1980s, administrations, including Bidens, have evoked this code in certain circumstances, such as in 2022 for any individuals connected with Russia amid its war with Ukraine.

In general, the 212(f) code has been narrowly applied, said Amy Grenier, policy and practice counsel for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She added that she expects Tuesdays executive order to be legally challenged.

There will be pretty much immediate litigation around whether or not that conflicts with the part of the statute that guarantees the ability to apply for asylum, Grenier said.

A senior administration official said the White House expects those legal challenges.

We are prepared for any litigation on this rule, a senior administration official said.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which was at the forefront of many legal cases against the Trump administrations immigration policies that restricted asylum, has already stated it plans to sue the Biden administration over its executive order.

We intend to challenge this order in court. It was illegal when Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now, Lee Gelernt, the deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, said in a statement.

The executive order is a stark reversal of the presidents campaign promise to restore our moral standing in the world and our historic role as a safe haven for refugees and asylum-seekers, as Biden said in his 2020 acceptance speech at the virtual Democratic National Convention.

This new executive order that were expecting, (is) unfortunately part of the trend of the Biden administration adopting many of the policies that were enacted under the Trump administration that are rooted in xenophobia, and a disregard for our international obligations to provide asylum, Kate Mahoney, a senior staff attorney at Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said.

Mahoney said applying a numbers-based cap on asylum will only harm the most vulnerable of asylum seekers and will do little to deter people from coming to the southern border.

This kind of blunt instrument will just turn away everyone, she said. Its not doing anything to better identify people who have strong claims who will truly suffer harm in their home country.

A growing share of migrants at the southern border are families, according to Pew Research Center, where as of December families make up 41% and unaccompanied children make up 5%. The rest, 54%, are single adults.

Progressives disappointed

Democrats expressed their disappointment in the new executive order.

Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus and is the top Democrat on a House Judiciary Committee panel on immigration policy, said in a statement that Tuesdays announcement was extremely disappointing.

This attempt to shut down the border to asylum seekers uses the same section of U.S. immigration laws that convicted felon Donald Trump used to implement the Muslim Ban and in attempts to cut off all access to asylum, she said. While there are some differences from Trumps actions, the reality is that this utilizes the same failed enforcement-only approach, penalizes asylum seekers, and furthers a false narrative that these actions will fix the border.

Biden addressed those criticisms and said be patient.

Doing nothing is not an option, Biden said.

However, some Democrats in border states, including Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, welcomed the executive order. Kelly said in a statement that more needs to be done in Congress to address immigration.

In Arizona, where Border Patrol agents and nonprofits are often overwhelmed by daily migrant crossings, this new effort will support their crucial work and help relieve border communities from the burden of our broken immigration system, he said.

Several Senate Republicans held a Tuesday press conference where Texas Sen. John Cornyn accused the president of not being serious about the southern border for only issuing the order three years into his first term.

South Carolinas Lindsey Graham said that the only way to curb migration at the southern border is to remove hundreds of thousands of noncitizens from the U.S.  something that Trump has promised to do should he win a second term.

The only policy changes that will work is to have mass deportations, Graham said.

Nebraska Republicans criticize the action

Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., called the action inadequate. This president is not serious. He has opened our southern border, and now, because its an election year, he is trying to show the American people that hes taking steps.  If he were serious, he would implement the Trump-era policies that so successfully brought the numbers of illegal crossing at our border down.

U.S Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., said in a statement: Bidens response to this crisis has been feckless, and this order is too little, too late. There are correct and incorrect ways to apply for asylum, and illegally crossing our border between ports of entry is always the incorrect way. Serious action to address our southern border would resume wall construction, reinstate Remain in Mexico, and end catch-and-release.

U.S. Rep Mike Flood, R-Neb., said: President Bidens announcement does nothing to end the humanitarian crisis that his policies and rhetoric have created on our southern border. Under his own plan, the President continues the practice of catch-and-release, and he is still allowing hundreds of thousands who come to America illegally to claim asylum.

From Nebraska Examiner staff

The post Executive order limiting asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border signed by Biden appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
In an aerial view, a Texas National Guard soldier walks past a barrier of shipping containers and razor wire at the U.S.-Mexico border on March 17, 2024 in Eagle Pass, Texas. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden on Tuesday issued an executive order that will allow him to partially suspend asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when daily unauthorized crossings reach a threshold of 2,500 migrants.

Ive come here today to do what Republicans in Congress refuse to do, take the necessary steps to secure our border, Biden said. This action will help us gain control of our border.

The 2,500-crossing threshold would likely be triggered immediately, a senior administration official said on a Tuesday call with reporters previewing the executive order. The order would terminate once unauthorized crossings drop. It only applies to the southern border, including the southwest land border and southern coastal borders.

Biden was joined by lawmakers, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and local leaders from Texas cities.

Biden added that in the coming weeks hell talk more about how we can make our immigration system more fair and just.

Lawmakers from both parties panned the order Tuesday, while immigrant advocacy groups promised legal challenges.

The White House has been dealing with the largest number of migrant encounters at the southern border in 20 years. In addition, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made it a top issue for voters. Bidens move marks his most drastic crackdown on immigration during his administration.

The order makes three changes to current asylum law under Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act when that threshold of 2,500 migrants is reached, a senior administration official said. The first is that a noncitizen who crosses the border without authorization will be ineligible for asylum.

The second is any noncitizen who crosses the border while the order is in effect and is processed for removal will only be referred to a credible fear interview with an asylum officer if they manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, a fear of persecution or torture, or an intention to apply for asylum, a senior administration official said.

And the third is raising the standard for credible fear interviews to a reasonable probability of persecution or torture standard, which is a new, substantially higher standard than is currently being applied at the border, a senior administration official said.

Taken together, these measures will significantly increase the speed and the scope of consequences for those who cross unlawfully or without authorization and allow the departments to more quickly remove individuals who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States, a senior administration official said.

Trump comparisons

The order, versions of which were reported ahead of the White House announcement, drew criticism from both parties.

Republican leaders said the order didnt go far enough. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana called it a weak executive order. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky called the order too little, too late.

Progressive Democrats, meanwhile, slammed it as a partial ban on asylum, and advocacy groups blasted the order for betraying Bidens campaign rhetoric.

Biden tried to frame the order as different from the immigration policies of the Trump administration by stating he would not separate children from their parents, bar people from the U.S. because of their religion or invoke white supremacist language that refers to immigrants as poisoning the blood of a country  all actions taken by Trump.

I believe that immigration has always been a lifeblood of America, were constantly renewed by an infusion of people and new talent, he said. So I will never demonize immigrants.

A senior administration official also argued that the executive order is different from the Trump administrations immigration policies because the order will only apply during times of high encounters.

Biden, who campaigned in 2020 on protecting asylum law, is relying on the same presidential authority  Section 212(f) of the Immigration Nationality Act  that the Trump administration used to justify several immigration-related restrictions, such as the travel ban from predominantly Muslim countries.

The Biden order would also allow border officials to return certain individuals who cross the border without authorization back to Mexico  nationals from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti and Venezuela.

There will be exemptions for lawful permanent residents, unaccompanied minors, people with an acute medical emergency or an extreme threat to life or safety, and for victims of human trafficking, a senior administration official said.

A senior administration official said this temporary order would go away when there are seven consecutive days when daily encounters are less than 1,500 migrants between ports of entry. Once that is established, the order expires in 14 calendar days.

Blocked bill

The Biden administration began to consider the executive order after an immigration deal the White House and Senate brokered earlier this year fell apart after Trump came out against it and Republicans quickly fell in line to oppose it.

Among other things, that deal would have given Biden the authority to shut down any asylum requests once encounters reached 5,000 people in a week or 8,500 in a day.

A senior administration official said the 2,500 threshold was chosen to be similar to the deal stuck in the Senate.

To Joe Biden, the safety of American families should always come first, senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a memo.

Thats why today, the President is announcing new historic executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum. Because of President Bidens leadership, law enforcement will gain new capabilities that congressional Republicans cannot block.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, tried in late May to bring up the bipartisan border bill in the Senate but it failed for a second time during a procedural vote.

The lead Democratic negotiator on that bipartisan deal, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, expressed skepticism Tuesday that the Biden administration could move forward with its executive order.

I am sympathetic to the position the administration is in, but I am skeptical the executive branch has the legal authority to shut down asylum processing between ports of entry on its own, Murphy said. Meaningful asylum reform requires a bipartisan solution in Congress.

Immediate litigation

Section 212(f) of the Immigration Nationality Act allows the president to suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens, if the president finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.

Since the 1980s, administrations, including Bidens, have evoked this code in certain circumstances, such as in 2022 for any individuals connected with Russia amid its war with Ukraine.

In general, the 212(f) code has been narrowly applied, said Amy Grenier, policy and practice counsel for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She added that she expects Tuesdays executive order to be legally challenged.

There will be pretty much immediate litigation around whether or not that conflicts with the part of the statute that guarantees the ability to apply for asylum, Grenier said.

A senior administration official said the White House expects those legal challenges.

We are prepared for any litigation on this rule, a senior administration official said.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which was at the forefront of many legal cases against the Trump administrations immigration policies that restricted asylum, has already stated it plans to sue the Biden administration over its executive order.

We intend to challenge this order in court. It was illegal when Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now, Lee Gelernt, the deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, said in a statement.

The executive order is a stark reversal of the presidents campaign promise to restore our moral standing in the world and our historic role as a safe haven for refugees and asylum-seekers, as Biden said in his 2020 acceptance speech at the virtual Democratic National Convention.

This new executive order that were expecting, (is) unfortunately part of the trend of the Biden administration adopting many of the policies that were enacted under the Trump administration that are rooted in xenophobia, and a disregard for our international obligations to provide asylum, Kate Mahoney, a senior staff attorney at Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said.

Mahoney said applying a numbers-based cap on asylum will only harm the most vulnerable of asylum seekers and will do little to deter people from coming to the southern border.

This kind of blunt instrument will just turn away everyone, she said. Its not doing anything to better identify people who have strong claims who will truly suffer harm in their home country.

A growing share of migrants at the southern border are families, according to Pew Research Center, where as of December families make up 41% and unaccompanied children make up 5%. The rest, 54%, are single adults.

Progressives disappointed

Democrats expressed their disappointment in the new executive order.

Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus and is the top Democrat on a House Judiciary Committee panel on immigration policy, said in a statement that Tuesdays announcement was extremely disappointing.

This attempt to shut down the border to asylum seekers uses the same section of U.S. immigration laws that convicted felon Donald Trump used to implement the Muslim Ban and in attempts to cut off all access to asylum, she said. While there are some differences from Trumps actions, the reality is that this utilizes the same failed enforcement-only approach, penalizes asylum seekers, and furthers a false narrative that these actions will fix the border.

Biden addressed those criticisms and said be patient.

Doing nothing is not an option, Biden said.

Meanwhile, some Democrats welcomed the order, and said more needs to be done in Congress to address immigration.

Today, after calling on the President to take executive action to protect our southern border, he did just that, said Nevada Democratic Rep. Susie Lee in a statement issued by her office.

Legislation through Congress still remains the most effective way to have long-term solutions and funding that would stand up to legal challenges, Lee said. Right now, we have a tough and fair bipartisan border security deal, but House Republican leadership wont let us vote on it. Instead of voting on renaming 24 posts offices this week, we should be voting on the bipartisan border security deal to address this decades-long issue.

Several Senate Republicans held a Tuesday press conference where Texas Sen. John Cornyn accused the president of not being serious about the southern border for only issuing the order three years into his first term.

South Carolinas Lindsey Graham said that the only way to curb migration at the southern border is to remove hundreds of thousands of noncitizens from the U.S.  something that Trump has promised to do should he win a second term.

The only policy changes that will work is to have mass deportations, Graham said.

The post Executive order limiting asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border signed by Biden appeared first on Nevada Current.
In an aerial view, a Texas National Guard soldier walks past a barrier of shipping containers and razor wire at the U.S.-Mexico border on March 17, 2024 in Eagle Pass, Texas. (John Moore/Getty Images)

In an aerial view, a Texas National Guard soldier walks past a barrier of shipping containers and razor wire at the U.S.-Mexico border on March 17, 2024 in Eagle Pass, Texas. (John Moore/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden on Tuesday issued an executive order that will allow him to partially suspend asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when daily unauthorized crossings reach a threshold of 2,500 migrants.

Ive come here today to do what Republicans in Congress refuse to do, take the necessary steps to secure our border, Biden said. This action will help us gain control of our border.

The 2,500-crossing threshold would likely be triggered immediately, a senior administration official said on a Tuesday call with reporters previewing the executive order. The order would terminate once unauthorized crossings drop. It only applies to the southern border, including the southwest land border and southern coastal borders.

Biden was joined by lawmakers, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and local leaders from Texas cities.

Biden added that in the coming weeks hell talk more about how we can make our immigration system more fair and just.

Lawmakers from both parties panned the order Tuesday, while immigrant advocacy groups promised legal challenges.

Border changes

The White House has been dealing with the largest number of migrant encounters at the southern border in 20 years. In addition, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made it a top issue for voters. Bidens move marks his most drastic crackdown on immigration during his administration.

The order makes three changes to current asylum law under Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act when that threshold of 2,500 migrants is reached, a senior administration official said. The first is that a noncitizen who crosses the border without authorization will be ineligible for asylum.

The second is any noncitizen who crosses the border while the order is in effect and is processed for removal will only be referred to a credible fear interview with an asylum officer if they manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, a fear of persecution or torture, or an intention to apply for asylum, a senior administration official said.

And the third is raising the standard for credible fear interviews to a reasonable probability of persecution or torture standard, which is a new, substantially higher standard than is currently being applied at the border, a senior administration official said.

Taken together, these measures will significantly increase the speed and the scope of consequences for those who cross unlawfully or without authorization and allow the departments to more quickly remove individuals who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States, a senior administration official said.

Trump comparisons

The order, versions of which were reported ahead of the White House announcement, drew criticism from both parties.

Republican leaders said the order didnt go far enough. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana called it a weak executive order. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky called the order too little, too late.

Progressive Democrats, meanwhile, slammed it as a partial ban on asylum, and advocacy groups blasted the order for betraying Bidens campaign rhetoric.

Biden tried to frame the order as different from the immigration policies of the Trump administration by stating he would not separate children from their parents, bar people from the U.S. because of their religion or invoke white supremacist language that refers to immigrants as poisoning the blood of a country  all actions taken by Trump.

I believe that immigration has always been a lifeblood of America, were constantly renewed by an infusion of people and new talent, he said. So I will never demonize immigrants.

A senior administration official also argued that the executive order is different from the Trump administrations immigration policies because the order will only apply during times of high encounters.

Biden, who campaigned in 2020 on protecting asylum law, is relying on the same presidential authority  Section 212(f) of the Immigration Nationality Act  that the Trump administration used to justify several immigration-related restrictions, such as the travel ban from predominantly Muslim countries.

The Biden order would also allow border officials to return certain individuals who cross the border without authorization back to Mexico  nationals from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti and Venezuela.

There will be exemptions for lawful permanent residents, unaccompanied minors, people with an acute medical emergency or an extreme threat to life or safety, and for victims of human trafficking, a senior administration official said.

A senior administration official said this temporary order would go away when there are seven consecutive days when daily encounters are less than 1,500 migrants between ports of entry. Once that is established, the order expires in 14 calendar days.

Blocked bill

The Biden administration began to consider the executive order after an immigration deal the White House and Senate brokered earlier this year fell apart after Trump came out against it and Republicans quickly fell in line to oppose it.

Among other things, that deal would have given Biden the authority to shut down any asylum requests once encounters reached 5,000 people in a week or 8,500 in a day.

A senior administration official said the 2,500 threshold was chosen to be similar to the deal stuck in the Senate.

To Joe Biden, the safety of American families should always come first, senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a memo.

Thats why today, the President is announcing new historic executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum. Because of President Bidens leadership, law enforcement will gain new capabilities that congressional Republicans cannot block.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, tried in late May to bring up the bipartisan border bill in the Senate but it failed for a second time during a procedural vote.

The lead Democratic negotiator on that bipartisan deal, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, expressed skepticism Tuesday that the Biden administration could move forward with its executive order.

I am sympathetic to the position the administration is in, but I am skeptical the executive branch has the legal authority to shut down asylum processing between ports of entry on its own, Murphy said. Meaningful asylum reform requires a bipartisan solution in Congress.

Immediate litigation

Section 212(f) of the Immigration Nationality Act allows the president to suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens, if the president finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.

Since the 1980s, administrations, including Bidens, have evoked this code in certain circumstances, such as in 2022 for any individuals connected with Russia amid its war with Ukraine.

In general, the 212(f) code has been narrowly applied, said Amy Grenier, policy and practice counsel for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She added that she expects Tuesdays executive order to be legally challenged.

There will be pretty much immediate litigation around whether or not that conflicts with the part of the statute that guarantees the ability to apply for asylum, Grenier said.

A senior administration official said the White House expects those legal challenges.

We are prepared for any litigation on this rule, a senior administration official said.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which was at the forefront of many legal cases against the Trump administrations immigration policies that restricted asylum, has already stated it plans to sue the Biden administration over its executive order.

We intend to challenge this order in court. It was illegal when Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now, Lee Gelernt, the deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, said in a statement.

The executive order is a stark reversal of the presidents campaign promise to restore our moral standing in the world and our historic role as a safe haven for refugees and asylum-seekers, as Biden said in his 2020 acceptance speech at the virtual Democratic National Convention.

This new executive order that were expecting, (is) unfortunately part of the trend of the Biden administration adopting many of the policies that were enacted under the Trump administration that are rooted in xenophobia, and a disregard for our international obligations to provide asylum, Kate Mahoney, a senior staff attorney at Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said.

Mahoney said applying a numbers-based cap on asylum will only harm the most vulnerable of asylum seekers and will do little to deter people from coming to the southern border.

This kind of blunt instrument will just turn away everyone, she said. Its not doing anything to better identify people who have strong claims who will truly suffer harm in their home country.

A growing share of migrants at the southern border are families, according to Pew Research Center, where as of December families make up 41% and unaccompanied children make up 5%. The rest, 54%, are single adults.

Progressives disappointed

Democrats expressed their disappointment in the new executive order.

Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus and is the top Democrat on a House Judiciary Committee panel on immigration policy, said in a statement that Tuesdays announcement was extremely disappointing.

This attempt to shut down the border to asylum seekers uses the same section of U.S. immigration laws that convicted felon Donald Trump used to implement the Muslim Ban and in attempts to cut off all access to asylum, she said. While there are some differences from Trumps actions, the reality is that this utilizes the same failed enforcement-only approach, penalizes asylum seekers, and furthers a false narrative that these actions will fix the border.

Biden addressed those criticisms and said be patient.

Doing nothing is not an option, Biden said.

However, some Democrats in border states, including Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, welcomed the executive order. Kelly said in a statement that more needs to be done in Congress to address immigration.

In Arizona, where Border Patrol agents and nonprofits are often overwhelmed by daily migrant crossings, this new effort will support their crucial work and help relieve border communities from the burden of our broken immigration system, he said.

Several Senate Republicans held a Tuesday press conference where Texas Sen. John Cornyn accused the president of not being serious about the southern border for only issuing the order three years into his first term.

South Carolinas Lindsey Graham said that the only way to curb migration at the southern border is to remove hundreds of thousands of noncitizens from the U.S.  something that Trump has promised to do should he win a second term.

The only policy changes that will work is to have mass deportations, Graham said.

The post Executive order limiting asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border signed by Biden appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
New Hampshire National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Cameron Holt-Corti and Lt. Ryan Camp look across the Rio Grande, into Mexico, from Eagle Pass, Texas, in April. (Annmarie Timmins | New Hampshire Bulletin)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden on Tuesday issued an executive order that will allow him to partially suspend asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when daily unauthorized crossings reach a threshold of 2,500 migrants.

Ive come here today to do what Republicans in Congress refuse to do, take the necessary steps to secure our border, Biden said. This action will help us gain control of our border.

The 2,500-crossing threshold would likely be triggered immediately, a senior administration official said on a Tuesday call with reporters previewing the executive order. The order would terminate once unauthorized crossings drop. It applies only to the southern border, including the southwest land border and southern coastal borders.

The presidents order reflects just how much illegal immigration has become a concern for voters and lawmakers from both parties throughout the country, New Hampshire included.

In March, the UNH Survey Center released results showing that 43 percent of Granite Staters it polled said illegal immigration is a very serious or somewhat serious problem in New Hampshire. That jumped to 83 percent when asked about illegal immigration in the United States.

The following month, Gov. Chris Sununu deployed 15 National Guard soldiers to the Texas border to assist that state with security efforts. They are due home this week.

Meanwhile, state lawmakers are making last minute attempts this week to revive two immigration-related bills that were defeated earlier this year. One would outlaw so-called sanctuary cities and require local police to assist with federal immigration enforcement. The other would invalidate out-of-state licenses issued to undocumented immigrants.

Biden was joined by lawmakers, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, and local leaders from Texas cities.

Biden added that in the coming weeks hell talk more about how we can make our immigration system more fair and just.

Lawmakers from both parties panned the order Tuesday, while immigrant advocacy groups promised legal challenges.

New Hampshires full federal delegation, however, issued statements Tuesday supporting Bidens executive order and called on Republican colleagues to support a bipartisan border deal theyve rejected twice.

The new provisions announced today will help improve the situation at the border and should have come sooner, said U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas. We must do more, and this cannot be the end of the conversation.

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan said it will take a more comprehensive border security bill to stop the flow of illicit drugs into the country.

Rep. Annie Kuster called the countrys immigration system broken.

Its been broken for decades, and the situation at our border is unacceptable  this is an issue that has spanned both Democratic and Republican administrations, she said.

Border changes

The White House has been dealing with the largest number of migrant encounters at the southern border in 20 years. In addition, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made it a top issue for voters. Bidens move marks his most drastic crackdown on immigration during his administration.

The order makes three changes to current asylum law under Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act when that threshold of 2,500 migrants is reached, a senior administration official said. The first is that a noncitizen who crosses the border without authorization will be ineligible for asylum.

The second is any noncitizen who crosses the border while the order is in effect and is processed for removal will only be referred to a credible fear interview with an asylum officer if they manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, a fear of persecution or torture, or an intention to apply for asylum, a senior administration official said.

And the third is raising the standard for credible fear interviews to a reasonable probability of persecution or torture standard, which is a new, substantially higher standard than is currently being applied at the border, a senior administration official said.

Taken together, these measures will significantly increase the speed and the scope of consequences for those who cross unlawfully or without authorization and allow the departments to more quickly remove individuals who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States, a senior administration official said.

Trump comparisons

The order, versions of which were reported ahead of the White House announcement, drew criticism from both parties.

Republican leaders said the order didnt go far enough. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana called it a weak executive order. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky called the order too little, too late.

Progressive Democrats, meanwhile, slammed it as a partial ban on asylum, and advocacy groups blasted the order for betraying Bidens campaign rhetoric.

Biden tried to frame the order as different from the immigration policies of the Trump administration by stating he would not separate children from their parents, bar people from the U.S. because of their religion, or invoke white supremacist language that refers to immigrants as poisoning the blood of a country  all actions taken by Trump.

I believe that immigration has always been a lifeblood of America, were constantly renewed by an infusion of people and new talent, he said. So I will never demonize immigrants.

A senior administration official also argued that the executive order is different from the Trump administrations immigration policies because the order will only apply during times of high encounters.

Biden, who campaigned in 2020 on protecting asylum law, is relying on the same presidential authority  Section 212(f) of the Immigration Nationality Act  that the Trump administration used to justify several immigration-related restrictions, such as the travel ban from predominantly Muslim countries.

The Biden order would also allow border officials to return certain individuals who cross the border without authorization back to Mexico  nationals from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Venezuela.

There will be exemptions for lawful permanent residents, unaccompanied minors, people with an acute medical emergency or an extreme threat to life or safety, and for victims of human trafficking, a senior administration official said.

A senior administration official said this temporary order would go away when there are seven consecutive days when daily encounters are less than 1,500 migrants between ports of entry. Once that is established, the order expires in 14 calendar days.

Blocked bill

The Biden administration began to consider the executive order after an immigration deal the White House and Senate brokered earlier this year fell apart after Trump came out against it and Republicans quickly fell in line to oppose it.

Among other things, that deal would have given Biden the authority to shut down any asylum requests once encounters reached 5,000 people in a week or 8,500 in a day.

A senior administration official said the 2,500 threshold was chosen to be similar to the deal stuck in the Senate.

To Joe Biden, the safety of American families should always come first, senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a memo.

Thats why today, the President is announcing new historic executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum. Because of President Bidens leadership, law enforcement will gain new capabilities that congressional Republicans cannot block.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, tried in late May to bring up the bipartisan border bill in the Senate but it failed for a second time during a procedural vote.

The lead Democratic negotiator on that bipartisan deal, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, expressed skepticism Tuesday that the Biden administration could move forward with its executive order.

I am sympathetic to the position the administration is in, but I am skeptical the executive branch has the legal authority to shut down asylum processing between ports of entry on its own, Murphy said. Meaningful asylum reform requires a bipartisan solution in Congress.

Immediate litigation

Section 212(f) of the Immigration Nationality Act allows the president to suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens, if the president finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.

Since the 1980s, administrations, including Bidens, have invoked this code in certain circumstances, such as in 2022 for any individuals connected with Russia amid its war with Ukraine.

In general, the 212(f) code has been narrowly applied, said Amy Grenier, policy and practice counsel for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She added that she expects Tuesdays executive order to be legally challenged.

There will be pretty much immediate litigation around whether or not that conflicts with the part of the statute that guarantees the ability to apply for asylum, Grenier said.

A senior administration official said the White House expects those legal challenges.

We are prepared for any litigation on this rule, a senior administration official said.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which was at the forefront of many legal cases against the Trump administrations immigration policies that restricted asylum, has already stated it plans to sue the Biden administration over its executive order.

We intend to challenge this order in court. It was illegal when Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now, Lee Gelernt, the deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, said in a statement.

The executive order is a stark reversal of the presidents campaign promise to restore our moral standing in the world and our historic role as a safe haven for refugees and asylum-seekers, as Biden said in his 2020 acceptance speech at the virtual Democratic National Convention.

This new executive order that were expecting, (is) unfortunately part of the trend of the Biden administration adopting many of the policies that were enacted under the Trump administration that are rooted in xenophobia, and a disregard for our international obligations to provide asylum, Kate Mahoney, a senior staff attorney at Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said.

Mahoney said applying a numbers-based cap on asylum will only harm the most vulnerable of asylum seekers and will do little to deter people from coming to the southern border.

This kind of blunt instrument will just turn away everyone, she said. Its not doing anything to better identify people who have strong claims who will truly suffer harm in their home country.

A growing share of migrants at the southern border are families, according to Pew Research Center, where as of December families make up 41 percent and unaccompanied children make up 5 percent. The rest, 54 percent, are single adults.

Progressives disappointed

Some Democrats expressed their disappointment in the new executive order.

Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus and is the top Democrat on a House Judiciary Committee panel on immigration policy, said in a statement that Tuesdays announcement was extremely disappointing.

This attempt to shut down the border to asylum seekers uses the same section of U.S. immigration laws that convicted felon Donald Trump used to implement the Muslim Ban and in attempts to cut off all access to asylum, she said. While there are some differences from Trumps actions, the reality is that this utilizes the same failed enforcement-only approach, penalizes asylum seekers, and furthers a false narrative that these actions will fix the border.

Biden addressed those criticisms and said be patient.

Doing nothing is not an option, Biden said.

However, some Democrats in border states, including Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, welcomed the executive order. Kelly said in a statement that more needs to be done in Congress to address immigration.

In Arizona, where Border Patrol agents and nonprofits are often overwhelmed by daily migrant crossings, this new effort will support their crucial work and help relieve border communities from the burden of our broken immigration system, he said.

Several Senate Republicans held a Tuesday press conference where Texas Sen. John Cornyn accused the president of not being serious about the southern border for only issuing the order three years into his first term.

South Carolinas Lindsey Graham said that the only way to curb migration at the southern border is to remove hundreds of thousands of noncitizens from the U.S.  something Trump has promised to do should he win a second term.

The only policy changes that will work is to have mass deportations, Graham said.

Bulletin senior reporter Annmarie Timmins contributed to this report.

The post Executive order limiting asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border signed by Biden appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin.
By Crispian Balmer

ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Albania on Wednesday, where her government plans to build reception camps to house thousands of migrants picked up at sea.

Looking to curb migration to Italy, Meloni signed a deal with Albania last year to send some asylum-seekers to the Balkan country and process the asylum requests there.

Here are some facts about the plan.

WHAT IS IN THE DEAL?

The accord, agreed for an initial five years, foresees disembarking 36,000 migrants a year at the Albanian port of Shengjin, about 75 km (45 miles) south of the country's capital, Tirana. Their cases will be processed at a centre being built at a nearby air base in Gjader, which can hold 3,000 people.

Both facilities will be staffed by Italian personnel and will operate under Italian jurisdiction. However, outside security will be provided by Albanian guards.

CAN ANY MIGRANT GET SENT TO ALBANIA?

No. Only those migrants who come from countries that Italy deems safe will be able to be processed in Albania. At present there are 21 such countries, recently increased from 15, including Bangladesh, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Tunisia. Last year, 56,588 migrants arrived in Italy from those four nations.

Meloni has said that pregnant women, minors and other vulnerable people would not be sent to Albania.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Meloni said on Wednesday that the scheme would cost 670 million euros ($729 million) over five years - 7.5% of what Italy currently spends on its migrant reception centres.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

The idea is that selected migrants will be sent directly to Albania after they are picked up at sea. Meloni has said officials will endeavour to examine asylum requests within 28 days, much quicker than the months it currently takes in Italy.

Anyone whose request is accepted will be brought to Italy.

The vast majority of requests are expected to be rejected, because the countries the migrants come from are considered safe, which automatically limits the scope for asylum to be granted. Those whose requests are turned down will be detained ahead of their eventual repatriation.

However, this process is very slow because some countries refuse to take back their citizens or impose limited numbers for returnees. There is a possibility that the centre in Albania will rapidly fill with migrants waiting to be returned home.

It has still not been established whether those awaiting a final decision on their refugee status will be able to leave the centres. Many migrants in Italy vanish from reception centres and disperse around Europe, living under the radar.

WHEN WILL IT START?

It was meant to start this month, but the buildings are not yet complete. Meloni said the two centres would be operational from Aug. 1, but added that Gjader would not be able to take the planned full quota of 3,000 immediately.

WHAT DOES ITALY GET OUT OF THE DEAL?

Italian officials have said the deal could help relieve overcrowding at processing centres in Italy. Meloni also said on Wednesday it would prove an "extraordinary deterrence" for those thinking of coming to Italy. Albania is not a member of the European Union, it is a poor country and does not offer easy access to the wealthy north of Europe.

WHAT DOES ALBANIA GET OUT OF THE DEAL?

By helping out Meloni, the government in Tirana is securing her support as it pushes to become an EU member. It is also showing the rest of Europe that is willing to help the 27-nation bloc deal with one of its most intractable problems of recent years. Ordinary Albanians have also said it is a way of thanking Italy, which took in many thousands of Albanians fleeing poverty after the fall of communism in 1991.

HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM BRITAIN'S DEAL WITH RWANDA?

Britain wants to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, but it is a very different plan from Italy's initiative. One key difference is that migrants sent to Rwanda will need to stay in the central African country even if they win refugee status. Another difference is that, unlike Rwanda, those sent to Albania will be protected by the European Convention on Human Rights.

($1 = 0.9195 euros)

(Reporting by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Alex Richardson)
Explainer-Mexico constitutional reforms more likely with super-majority in sight

By Anthony Esposito

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum's ruling coalition is close to securing a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress, which would pave the way to passing controversial constitutional reforms on its own.

Preliminary results from Sunday's election show Sheinbaum's leftist Morena party and its allies will have the super-majority in the lower house, but likely came up short in the Senate once new lawmakers are seated in September.

Sheinbaum will take office one month later in October.

Below are potential reforms that have markets and investors concerned, and led to a sharp decline in Mexican asset prices on Monday.

LAST-DITCH EFFORT

Sheinbaum's mentor, outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, proposed a series of constitutional reforms in February, some of which critics argue would eliminate crucial oversight bodies, erode judicial independence and concentrate more power in the executive branch.

The 128-member upper house will have at least 82 senators from Morena and its junior partners in the Green Party and Labor Party, just short of a two-thirds majority, according to a government presentation using preliminary election results. In the 500-member lower house, meanwhile, Morena and its allies will have at least 365 members, or 73% of the body.

Lopez Obrador will overlap with the newly-elected lawmakers in his final month in office in September, and on Monday he suggested he will make a last-ditch effort to enact the reforms before handing the baton to Sheinbaum.

"I'm going to talk it over with Claudia ... to see which of those initiatives we can push for and get approved," said Lopez Obrador.

Concern about the shakeup sent stocks falling over 6% and the peso as much as 4.3% lower.

INDEPENDENT OVERSIGHT BODIES

Among his proposals to eliminate what he has described as inefficiencies and wasteful spending, Lopez Obrador has proposed to scrap the constitutionally-enshrined freedom of information body INAI, federal anti-trust agency COFECE, development evaluation agency Coneval and telecoms regulator IFT.

It would also put the energy ministry in charge of energy regulators CRE and CNH, both of which are now independent.

At times, he has accused some of the agencies of fostering corruption.

OVERHAULING THE ELECTIONS AUTHORITY

Throughout his administration, Lopez Obrador often lambasted the agencies, also including the national electoral authority INE, which he is seeking to completely overhaul.

As many as 700,000 people filled the streets of Mexico City in February to protest the proposed dismantling of the INE.

The reforms are a way of "instituting electoral reform to cement Morena's political hegemony," said Nicholas Watson, managing director of consulting firm Teneo.

Lopez Obrador also proposes lowering the minimum required level of voter participation for binding citizen referendums, a tactic he used in the past when only a small fraction of the public participated, and require they be scheduled on same day as elections.

JUDICIAL, LEGISLATIVE CHANGES

Lopez Obrador also wants big changes in the judicial system, including the popular election of Supreme Court judges, other magistrates, plus electoral authorities. Critics argue such elected roles would erode their current independence.

The number of Supreme Court judges would further be cut to 9, from 11, and all judges would need to be renewed in an extraordinary election to take place in 2025, which has also been criticized as a hit on an independent court system.

Lopez Obrador has argued the changes are needed because the current judiciary serves a minority and sometimes organized crime at the expense of society.

Regarding the legislative branch, the reforms would also cut the number of members of the lower house of Congress to 300, from 500, and slash the number of senators to 64 from 128.

S&P Global Ratings said while greater centralization of political decision-making and mixed political signals under Lopez Obrador had reduced the independence of several agencies, important checks and balances remained.

"Measures that weaken checks and balances could affect private-investor confidence by creating perceptions of greater risk, potentially affecting economic growth and sovereign creditworthiness," it warned.

LAUNDRY LIST

Lopez Obrador may need to be narrow his list of reforms given the tight window between the final legislative session under him and Sheinbaum's October inauguration. Still more proposed constitutional reforms include:

-- Expanded retirement benefits for senior citizens 65 years or older and disabled people, which some experts warn could add to long-term pressures on public finances

-- Paid vocational training for young people between the age of 18 and 29

-- a prohibition on genetically modified corn that critics say could deepen a current corn dispute with the United States

-- a ban on water rights in areas facing drought

-- a ban on open pit mining and fracking

If enacted, some of the reforms could aggravate a budget deficit which analysts say is likely to be a major burden for Sheinbaum once she takes office.

"Investors are not only concerned that these constitutional amendments will now be passed, but maybe that Sheinbaum, Lopez Obrador and MORENA may try to further entrench their brand of politics and economics into the constitution," said Jason Tuvey, deputy chief emerging markets economist at Capital Economics.

(Additional reporting by Noe Torres; Editing by Christian Plumb, Alistair Bell and David Alire Garcia)
Extremely rare dinosaur discovered by 3 tweens: My friends dont believe me that I found a T. rex

Call it shovel and pail-eontology.

Three North Dakota boys made the extraordinary discovery of a highly rare Tyrannosaurus rex fossil that could change what we know about dinosaurs.

Now, the achievement of the young brothers Liam and Jessin Fisher and their cousin Kaiden Madsen is being immortalized in a documentary narrated by Jurassic Park star Sir Sam Neill, known on-screen as Dr. Alan Grant.

The upcoming film, titled T. Rex  set to debut on June 21  captures the young archaeologists unexpected journey, which began as an ordinary hike in the Hell Creek formation of their home state in July 2022.

Liam Fisher, 9; Kaiden Madsen, 11; and Jessin Fisher, 12. Photo by David Clark

The Tyrannosaurus rex fossil could change what we know about dinosaurs. Handout

Millions of years ago, the near-Canada region was an environment comparable to modern-day Florida, abundant with prehistoric turtles, fish, crocodiles and, of course, the king of the dinosaurs among other cold-blooded species.

But two years ago while out with their dad, Sam Fisher, the group thought they uncovered a common fossil of a duckbill dinosaur  which is known for its peculiar head shape.

The discovery is being immortalized in a documentary narrated by Jurassic Park star Sir Sam Neill, known on-screen as Dr. Alan Grant. Sam Fisher

The upcoming film, titled T. Rex, is set to debut on June 21. Photo by Andy Wood

I went up to a ledge with my dad and then he and I spotted the bones, Liam, 9, told The Post. We called for Jessin and Kaiden and Jessin said, Thats a dinosaur.'

Jessin, who dreams of being a paleontologist and dressed as one for Halloween, played a pivotal role in the discoverys unraveling. For years, he had been out on several expeditions trying to find dino bones but never succeeded until that day.

The young archaeologists unexpected journey began as an ordinary hike in the Hell Creek formation of their home state in July 2022. Photo courtesy Giant Screen Films

Jessin dreams of being a paleontologist and dressed as one for Halloween. Sam Fisher

I had found buffalo and cow bones in the past and knew these were definitely bigger, Jessin, 12, told The Post of the discovered leg bone. It was pretty cool.

They first sent a photo to a family friend, Dr. Tyler Lyson, the associate curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

After a years worth of paperwork, the group returned to the site for a much closer look, along with the brothers mom Danielle and their sister Emalynn, 14.

The boys worked with family friend Dr. Tyler Lyson, the associate curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Photo by David Clark

Millions of years ago, the near-Canada region was an environment comparable to modern-day Florida.

Jessin and Lyson excavated hand in hand. They first etched out the creatures neck, jaw and teeth  pivotal parts to reconstructing its dated anatomy.

To go out with the intent of finding a dinosaur fossil and your first one is a T. rex? That is, even being conservative, one in a million, Lyson told The Post.

The entire uncovering was captured by the documentary crew, who agreed to tag along after Lyson had only mentioned a few details about how the boys were digging up a dinosaur fossil.

I went up to a ledge with my dad and then he and I spotted the bones, Liam, 9, told The Post. We called for Jessin and Kaiden and Jessin said, Thats a dinosaur.' Sam Fisher

I had found buffalo and cow bones in the past and knew these were definitely bigger, Jessin, 12, told The Post of the discovered leg bone. It was pretty cool. Sam Fisher

Never in a million years did I think we would chronicle the discovery of a T. rex in real time, producer Andy Wood told The Post.

Kaiden, 11, told The Post he was speechless.

I started bawling when I saw it, mom Danielle, whose family lives south of Marmarth, told The Post. She admitted that when everyone first came home a year before, her attitude was, Yeah, okay whatever.

Not only did they make a discovery lying 67 million years in waiting, but the specimen was a unique, juvenile T. rex.

Never in a million years did I think we would chronicle the discovery of a T. rex in real time, producer Andy Wood told The Post. Photo courtesy Giant Screen Films

To go out with the intent of finding a dinosaur fossil and your first one is a T. rex? That is, even being conservative, one in a million, Lyson told The Post. Photo courtesy Giant Screen Films

If we want to understand how quickly a T. rex grew up from a little chick-sized animal into an 8,000-pound monster, we need juveniles, Lyson said.

This is going to be an important fossil and help us determine the rate of growth for the T. rex and how its skeleton changed over time.

At the end of it all, a Black Hawk helicopter  which Liam bragged he got an exclusive tour of  choppered out the plaster-covered teen rex bones to a truck. Lyson then drove 10 hours back to the Denver Museum and prayed not to run out of gas with the 6,000-pound payload in the trailer.

If we want to understand how quickly a T. rex grew up from a little chick-sized animal into an 8,000-pound monster, we need juveniles, Lyson said. Sam Fisher

Im excited for my friends to see the film, said Liam. They dont believe me that I found a T. rex. Photo by Andy Wood

Further analysis estimated that the 10-foot-fall young Rex likely weighed in at a whopping 3,500 pounds and was about two-thirds the size of an adult at 25 feet from tail to nose.

It was believed to have been between 13 and 15 years old.

Im excited for my friends to see the film, said Liam. They dont believe me that I found a T. rex.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 4, 2024 - 12:56 | All, Japan

Japan on Tuesday decided to speed up replacing cedar forests with trees that produce less pollen as a measure to tackle hay fever, an allergy believed to affect some 40 percent of the country's population.

Japan has set a goal of around a 20 percent reduction in planted cedar tree areas by fiscal 2033. A large number of cedar trees were planted to meet housing demand during Japan's period of rapid economic growth after the end of World War II.

Pollen dispersion increased as planted cedar forests grew, making hay fever prevalent in Japan since 1970, with many experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes, mainly during the spring season.

The government will accelerate the felling of cedar forests and replace them with seedlings or other tree species that release less pollen, according to a white paper approved Tuesday by the Cabinet.

To achieve the goal, securing a labor force for logging work, stirring demand for cedar lumber and increasing the production of low-pollen seedlings will be needed, the white paper said.

Cedar pollen allergies were estimated to have affected 39 percent of the population in Japan in 2019, up sharply from 16 percent in 1998, according to a nationwide survey of ear, nose and throat doctors and their families.
Facial thermal imaging used with AI can detect coronary artery disease, study says

Facial thermal imaging "can identify areas of abnormal blood circulation and inflammation activity through the measurement of skin temperature patterns," researchers wrote in their findings. Photo by Mart Production/Pexels

NEW YORK, June 4 (UPI) -- Facial thermal imaging, combined with artificial intelligence, can correctly detect coronary artery disease better than traditional methods, new research from China suggests.

The findings were published Tuesday in BMJ Health & Care Informatics.

"This non-invasive, non-contact technique may hold promise for coronary artery disease screening in the community," the study's corresponding author, Dr. Zhe Zheng, chief doctor in the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases at Fuwai Hospital in Beijing, told UPI via email.

It's the world's largest cardiovascular center, according to the World Health Organization.

Facial thermal imaging "can identify areas of abnormal blood circulation and inflammation activity through the measurement of skin temperature patterns," the researchers wrote in their findings.

"Our algorithm had superior performance compared to the current guideline-recommended clinical tool for coronary artery disease screening," said the studys corresponding author, Dr. Zhe Zheng, chief doctor in the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases at Fuwai Hospital in Beijing. Photo courtesy of Dr. Zhe Zheng

However, they cautioned that validating this technique's effectiveness on more substantial and ethnically diverse groups of patients would be necessary before its adoption in clinical practice.

Present guidelines for diagnosing coronary heart disease depend on the probability assessment of risk factors that aren't entirely accurate or widely applicable, so the researchers called for investigating more precise detection tools.

Dr. Jennifer Avari Silva, a professor of pediatrics and biomedical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, called the technique "a solid first step toward a clinically and commercially viable tool" for diagnosing coronary artery disease. Photo courtesy of Washington University in St. Louis

The results, though, were most encouraging.

During testing, "our algorithm had superior performance compared to the current guideline-recommended clinical tool for coronary artery disease screening," Zheng said.

Supplementing information about risk factors with other current methods is often time-consuming and invasive. In addition to blood work, clinicians frequently order an electrocardiogram to record the heart's electrical signals or an angiogram, which uses imaging to visualize blood flow through the vessels or heart, the researchers said.

By contrast, thermal imaging is noninvasive. It captures temperature distribution and variations on the object's surface by detecting infrared radiation.

"The advent of machine learning technology to extract, process and integrate complex information has shown impressive capability in harnessing myriad imaging information for various disease predictions," the researchers noted.

They explored the feasibility of using thermal imaging plus AI to accurately detect the presence of coronary artery disease without resorting to invasive, time-consuming techniques.

In the 460 people with suspected heart disease in the study, the average age was 58, and 126 (27.4%) of them were women.

The study captured thermal images of participants' faces before confirmatory examinations to develop and validate an AI-assisted imaging model for detecting coronary artery disease.

Researchers confirmed that 322 participants (70%) had coronary artery disease. They tended to be older and more likely to be men. They also tended to have lifestyle, clinical and biochemical risk factors, as well as higher use of preventive medications.

The combined approach of thermal imaging and artificial intelligence was about 13% more effective in detecting coronary artery disease than the pre-test risk assessment involving conventional risk factors and clinical signs and symptoms, researchers said.

Among the three most significant thermal indicators, the most influential was the overall left-right temperature difference of the face, followed by the maximal facial temperature and average facial temperature.

In particular, the average temperature of the left jaw region was the strongest detection feature, followed by the temperature range of the right eye region and the left-right temperature difference of the left temple regions.

This approach also effectively identified traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease: high cholesterol, male sex, smoking, excess weight, fasting blood glucose and inflammation indicators.

As for limitations, the researchers acknowledged the relatively small sample size in their investigation and the fact that it was conducted at only one hospital. The participants had all received referrals for tests to confirm suspected heart disease.

The study only enrolled those of Chinese origin, so it's unknown how well this screening method would work on people with different skin pigment, said Dr. David Maron, director of preventive cardiology at Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, Calif. He was not involved in the study.

However, "to my knowledge, this is the first effort combining facial skin temperature patterns and AI to predict the presence of coronary artery narrowing," Maron said.

"This test performed better than conventional risk factors, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, to assess a person's risk for heart disease," he added, noting that "temperature may reflect an individual's state of inflammation" -- a cause of coronary artery disease.

Significant research into facial temperature needs to occur before this tool can be integrated into patient care, but if validated, it may become an efficient, cost-effective way to screen many patients for cardiac risk, said Dr. Mitchell Weinberg, chair of the department of cardiology at Northwell Health's Staten Island University Hospital in Staten Island, N.Y.

"Growing patient volume, cardiac testing and the increasing complexity of patient disease place even greater demands on today's cardiologist," Weinberg said. "Artificial intelligence might emerge as the future cardiologist's most valuable clinical partner."

While this technology will probably represent the next chapter in clinical medicine, "we're many years away from machines taking away decision-making from clinicians, if ever," said Dr. Shahbaz Malik, director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Even so, in the near future, Malik said he expects "machine-based learning will serve to be an important tool at the disposal of clinicians diagnosing and treating patients."

"This kind of study is a wonderful demonstration of using AI for patient-centric, noninvasive diagnostic purposes -- very innovative," said Dr. Jennifer Avari Silva, chair of the Health Care Innovation Council at the American College of Cardiology, an organization of cardiovascular specialists.

It's "a solid first step toward a clinically and commercially viable tool" for diagnosing coronary artery disease, said Silva, a professor of pediatrics and biomedical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis.

"Cardiology is a minimally invasive field with technology quite suited to AI analysis."
Multiple instances of alligators killing unleashed pets in Hilton Heads Sea Pines last month sparked a flurry of online posts claiming the reptiles are overpopulated in the Lowcountry. Biologists at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources say there are no issues with the current alligator population  but when it comes to preventing future attacks, the numbers get more complicated.

Despite being hunted close to extinction before being classified as an endangered species in 1967, American alligator populations in South Carolina have been stable since at least the late 90s, according to Morgan Hart, the alligator project leader for SCDNR. The species rebound was so successful that the state instituted a hunting season in 2008, which accounts for the yearly harvest of 300-400 gators across the state.

DNR estimates there are about 100,000 alligators total in South Carolina. Exact numbers are hard to come by, especially for individual counties and municipalities. Instead, scientists monitor the change in population size over time, which stays relatively consistent due to hunting seasons and other natural factors.

Its very difficult for an area to be overpopulated by alligators because big alligators eat little alligators, and smaller alligators are eaten by everything, said Morgan Hart, the alligator project leader for DNR.

Beaufort County has seen seven alligator attacks in the last six years, three of which were fatal. The incidents have long sparked debate about whether the apex predators can coexist with residents.

An alligator sits as a spectator across the green of the 14th hole during the first round of the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing at Harbour Town Golf Links on Thursday, April 18, 2024 in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island.

Can gator hunting reduce attacks?

State environmental officials have chosen the September-October hunting period very carefully as to not interfere with the alligators nesting season. The permitted scope of each years hunt can vary; SCDNR issued 1,100 tags in 2022 as opposed to the usual 1,000.

But Hart said the yearly harvest numbers are very unlikely to have an impact on the prevalence of alligator-related incidents on Hilton Head and beyond, as the few hundred alligators that are hunted every year is a drop in the bucket relative to total populations. Instead, tags are issued in certain numbers to help manage public opinion after incidents of aggressive alligators.

So its not that, We looked at the population that year and there are more alligators; were going to do more tags, Hart said. Its more like, The perception is weve got too many alligators, so we are willing to issue a few more tags to help with that perception.

The environmental agencys alligator hunting season report for 2022  the year 100 additional hunting permits were issued  says 50 extra tags were offered to both the Middle Coastal and Midlands units due to increased negative interactions with alligators in the area.

Hart added that whenever DNR issues an increased number of tags, experts are confident the slightly larger hunt wont affect the population at large.

Theres sort of a misconception that increasing the number of hunt tags would have an impact on how many people are having their dogs eaten ... or nuisance alligator problems. These alligators living in neighborhoods are often not the alligators that are being targeted during the hunts, Hart said, adding that hunting is only allowed in South Carolinas navigable public waters.

In fact, hypothetical models of alligator populations in the U.S. show that hunters would have to decrease the gator population by more than 90% in order to completely prevent human interaction with nuisance alligators. So the idea that we could remove animals to a point that people will be safe is not a functional idea, Hart said.

A sign warning of alligators and not to feed them are positioned on property owned by the Town of Hilton Head Island as seen on Monday, Aug. 23, 2022 near parking for The Legends on the Green Condominium Villas on Hilton Head.

Even still, any alligator displaying aggression or habituated behavior toward humans is euthanized by a licensed trapper, contributing to the few hundred alligators killed by humans per year in the Lowcountry. DNR data for Beaufort County says 85 and 82 nuisance alligators were harvested in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Although local alligator populations arent rising, their interactions with humans are increasing as more people move into the Hilton Head area, according to Hart. Whether its a 10-foot behemoth crossing a busy roadway or a younger gator stuck in a drainage pipe, those encounters become more likely beginning in April of every year, as alligators emerge from their hibernation period known as brumation.

Heres a list of SCDNR recommendations for alligator encounters:

Dont feed alligators. Providing food for these wild animals makes them bolder and encourages them to seek out people.

Keep your distance. Although they may look slow and awkward, alligators are extremely powerful and can move with a startling burst of speed on land over short distances.

Do not attempt to move alligators out of the road. If you see an alligator on the move, leave it alone and let it pass on through. Alligators move the most in spring and summer when they are breeding.

It is illegal to harass or throw things at alligators. They are living organisms that warrant respect and it is not productive to annoy them.

Never disturb nests or small alligators. Some female alligators protect their young and may become aggressive if provoked.

Do not attempt to keep alligators as pets. Keeping a baby alligator as a pet is a foolish idea, not to mention illegal in some states.

Keep your pets and children away from alligators. Large alligators do not recognize the difference between domestic pets and wild food sources.

It is best to avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators but at the least, never swim alone.

Do not corner alligators if participating in recreational activities, such as skiing, canoeing, kayaking, or even taking photographs.

An alligator apparently trying to protect its eggs lashes out at a blue heron in March 2023 at a lagoon near the fourth hole of the Hidden Cypress golf course in Sun City. Ron Stoor, a nearby resident, said he saw the alligator on the bank and got his camera ready to capture the action.
Claim:

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a reconstruction plan for post-war Gaza called "Gaza 2035."

Rating:

Rating: Research In Progress

What's True:

A PowerPoint presentation illustrated with AI-generated images circulated widely online and was said to have been published by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 

What's Undetermined:

 but as of this writing, we have yet to receive confirmation from Netanyahu's office that such a plan exists, or whether Israel's current government intends to pursue it. The document could have been shared to address critics' claims that Israel launched into its military operation in Gaza without a clear goal in mind, or with the goal of taking over the strip.

In late May 2024, claims circulated that the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had released a post-war plan for Gaza. First picked up by The Jerusalem Post, an English-language, center-right Israeli broadsheet, a nine-slide PowerPoint presentation in Hebrew purported to envision a bright, hyper-connected, high-tech future for Gaza, free of Iran's influence and Hamas' chokehold on Palestinian society (we translated this excerpt using Google Translate):

The risk  Gaza is an Iranian outpost that disrupts the the moderate regional framework, sabotages the emerging supply chains from India through the Gaza Strip to Europe, and thwarts any future Palestinian political hope. Opportunity  Gaza prospered in the past as a crossroads between two ancient trade routes: the sea route (Egypt -> Gaza -> Babylon) and the perfume route (India -> Yemen -> Saudi Arabia -> Europe). It can return and thrive at the center of a moderate regional framework.

The Jerusalem Post, known as a reputable news outlet, said the document came directly from Netanyahu's office. While several other news outlets  including Dezeen and Al Jazeera English  picked it up, we don't know who, exactly, authored the plan and where it is archived. We contacted the prime minister's team to seek more details on the plan, as well as ask about the Israeli government's intent about its implementation. We also contacted Hebrew speakers to help us locate where the file is archived. We will update this story should we receive a response.

The Plan's Content

The plan proposed to turn Gaza  which it described, in its current state, as an "outpost of Iran"  into a thriving enclave of cutting-edge manufacturing and free trade, honoring its long history as a strategic hub at the intersection of several trade routes. The free trade zone would go from Sderot, Israel, through Gaza and to El-Arish, Egypt, about 30 miles west of Rafah. In 2015, the Egyptian government established a special economic zone around the Suez Canal that encompasses El-Arish.

To allow for the transport of people and goods, several train lines would create connections between Gaza, Haifa and Tel Aviv to the north, Beersheba and Saudi Arabia to the southeast, and Port Said to the west. The plan would include an airport south of El-Arish. To support manufacturing, the plan provides for the use of the Gaza Marine and Tamar gas fields, as well as solar fields across the Negev desert.

The precondition to such a plan, underscored in the presentation, is the deradicalization of Gaza through the elimination of Hamas, which the European Union, the U.K., the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Paraguay have designated as a terrorist group.

To reach these goals, the plan offered a timeline. It called the first 12 months the "humanitarian phase," in which Israel would "free" pockets of Gaza of Hamas. Then, supervised by a coalition of Arab countries (Saudia Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan), Gazans would run these safe areas. The second phase (five to 10 years) would see the reconstruction of Gaza, still under the supervision of a coalition of Arab countries. Gazans would run the "rehabilitation authority," financed by a "Marshall Plan" of sorts. Israel would remain as a security force. Once the reconstruction is completed, the Arab coalition would hand power over to a Palestinian government, which would run both Gaza and the West Bank ("Judea and Samaria"), under the condition that it can ensure that the regions can remain deradicalized and demilitarized.

The presentation was short and lacked details. Crucially, while it said reconstruction would be sponsored by the supervisory coalition of Arab states, it gave no indication of its cost. This is no small matter, given that the United Nations estimated that 70% of Gaza's housing had been destroyed in early May 2024, and according to Abdallah Al Dardari, director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at the U.N. Development Program, rebuilding the Gaza strip would require "at least" $40 billion to $50 billion. The UNDP released a report assessing the socioeconomic damage of the war in Gaza as of spring 2024.

Another major question that arose was whether Netanyahu would even be able to unite his cabinet of far-right ministers around this plan. More than 10 days after the presentation appeared online, Israel National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a religious ultranationalist, called for the "voluntary migration" of Gazans to make space for new Israeli settlements, indicating that he would not support a plan that left Palestinians to self-govern in the enclave.

Charm Offensive?

The plan appeared to woo the Saudis. It suggested a connection between Gaza and Neom, the skyscraper megacity we first wrote about in 2022. Neom is the widely decried project of Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Mohammed Bin Salman, the completion of which many have put in doubt. We contacted Saudi officials to ask what the they made of the alleged proposal and we will update the story if they respond.

The proposal also rested on the assumption that a self-governed, deradicalized Palestinian entity would join the Abraham Accords, a series of bilateral agreements that seek to normalize relations between Israel and Arab countries. As of this writing, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan were signatories. Saudi Arabia and Israel were in the midst of negotiating a normalization deal before Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023. An Abraham Accord between Palestinians and Israel would ensure recognition of Israel as a legitimate state, a condition to every peace deal Israel has tried to secure with Palestinian leadership since its foundation in 1948.

Still, Israel would "reserve the right to act against security threats," a Google translation of the plan revealed.

The presentation, illustrated with AI-generated imagery, was considered likely to meet with resistance on the Arab side. For starters, it showed no evidence of input from those most directly concerned: Palestinians. Secondly, suspicion was high that such a proposal would guarantee Israel's presence in Gaza for the long term. The UAE had already responded to it through its Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan:

                       .



                       (@ABZayed) May 10, 2024

The translation of the post read:

The United Arab Emirates denounces the statements of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, about calling on the state to participate in civil administration of the Gaza Strip, which is under Israeli occupation. The UAE stresses that the Israeli Prime Minister does not have any legal capacity to take this step, and the state refuses to be drawn into any plan aimed at providing cover for the Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip. The UAE affirms that when a Palestinian government is formed that meets the hopes and aspirations of the brotherly Palestinian people and enjoys integrity, competence and independence, the state will be fully prepared to provide all forms of support to that government.

Sources:

'Document Outlines Gaza 2035 Redevelopment Proposals'. Dezeen, 28 May 2024, https://www.dezeen.com/2024/05/28/gaza-2035-redevelopment-benjamin-netanyahu/.

'From Crisis to Prosperity: Netanyahu's Vision for Gaza 2035 Revealed Online'. The Jerusalem Post | JPost.Com, 3 May 2024, https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-799756.

Staff, Al Jazeera. 'Does Israel's Netanyahu Have a Plan for a "Day after" the War on Gaza?' Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/16/does-israels-netanyahu-have-a-plan-for-a-day-after-the-war-on-gaza. Accessed 1 June 2024.

Suresh, Sanjeeva. 'Opinion: Gaza 2035, A Dystopian City Born from Death & Displacement'. LUXUO, 28 May 2024, https://www.luxuo.com/business/gaza-2025-a-dystopian-city-born-from-death-displacement.html.

Nereim, Vivian. 'MBS's $500 Billion Desert Dream Just Keeps Getting Weirder'. Bloomberg, 14 July 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2022-mbs-neom-saudi-arabia/.

Brown, Eliot, and Rory Jone. 'World's Biggest Construction Project Gets a Reality Check'. Wall Street Journal, 7 May 2024, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-neom-line-construction-99b3f54f.

Dapcevich, Madison. 'Saudi Prince Plans To Construct 105-Mile-Long "Skyscraper Megacity"'. Snopes, 29 July 2022, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/saudi-prince-skyscraper-megacity/.

'Gaza War: Expected Socio-Economic Impacts on the State of Palestine'. UNDP, https://www.undp.org/papp/publications/gaza-war-expected-socio-economic-impacts-state-palestine. Accessed 1 June 2024.

'UN: Reconstructing Gaza Could Cost $50 Billion'. Voice of America, 2 May 2024, https://www.voanews.com/a/un-reconstructing-gaza-could-cost-50-billion/7595519.html.

'The Abraham Accords'. United States Department of State, https://www.state.gov/the-abraham-accords/. Accessed 1 June 2024.
Claim:

An image authentically shows quadruplet sisters posing with a cake on their 90th birthday.

Rating:

Rating: Fake

On May 30, 2024, a Facebook page posted a photo claiming to show four elderly women posing with a birthday cake. According to the post's caption, the women were quadruplets celebrating their 90th birthday. The caption read, "We are quadruplets, today we turned 90, we are waiting for congratulations from you."

As of June 3, the post had received more than 312,000 reactions, 92,000 comments and 15,000 shares. Many commenters wrote congratulatory messages, suggesting they believed the image depicted a real scene.

A Facebook post claimed to display a photo of four elderly women who are quadruplets celebrating their 90th birthday with a cake.

However, the truth was this: An unidentified user utilized one or more artificial-intelligence tools to create the image. Mostly based in Armenia, the Facebook page, Life is Wonderful, has a history of sharing AI-generated photos without disclaimers to note their inauthenticity.

In other words, the image showing the women, cake and room was fake.

Commenters Who Believed the Photo Was Real

Tens of thousands of comments congratulated the purported quadruplets, even though they were not real.

Looking at a popular Facebook post, users have the ability to categorize comments by "most relevant," which Facebook defines as "friends' comments and the most engaging comments first"; "newest," which shows the newest comments first; and "all comments," which displays all comments, including spam, with the "most relevant" comments appearing first.

Analyzing comments categorized as "most relevant" on the post containing the image, Snopes saw the message, "What a wonderful event! May God continue to bless each of you."

Facebook displays the "most relevant" comments to users by default.

A different person said, "Happy Birthday's [sic] Congratulations to everyone. God Bless you all for many more wonderful years."

Another user remarked, "Happy Birthday to quadruplets have a wonderful birthday today!! Each one of you just looks fabulous!! God Bless you!"

Each of those comments received numerous likes.

Commenters Who Were More Suspicious

Switching the display from "most relevant" to "all comments" displayed messages questioning the image's legitimacy.

For instance, when Snopes switched to "all comments," the top message read, "This is AI."

Another person pointed out what they believed to be one or more strange AI-created hands belonging to the woman sitting (left). Telltale signs of an AI-generated image of a person often include their mouths, hands, extra fingers, faces in the background and other elements. The Facebook user wrote, "The blue shirt right hand makes me pretty sure this is AI."

A Facebook post claimed to display a photo of four elderly women who are quadruplets celebrating their 90th birthday with a cake.

Signs of potential AI trickery in images sometimes include strange hands and extra fingers.

Similar AI-Created Images of Quadruplets

The Life Is Wonderful Facebook page has shared many popular AI-generated images of triplets and quadruplets. For example, a post on May 27, 2024, featured an AI-generated photo supposedly showing a group of 88-year-old quadruplets. That post had received 152,000 reactions.

Some images generated by AI are fooling at least hundreds of thousands of Facebook users into believing they are real pictures.

A different post on May 29, 2024, with a fake image supposedly honored the birthday of another group of 88-year-old quadruplets. That post received more than 94,000 reactions.

Some images generated by AI are fooling at least hundreds of thousands of Facebook users into believing they are real pictures.

On May 30, 2024, the Facebook page posted another AI-created image with a similar caption about 90-year-old quadruplets. That post received more than 93,000 reactions.

Some images generated by AI are fooling at least hundreds of thousands of Facebook users into believing they are real pictures.

The Facebook page also published a post on May 31, 2024, featuring a fake image has received more than 208,000 reactions. Its caption read, "We are quadruplets, today we turned 83, we are waiting for congratulations from you."

Some images generated by AI are fooling at least hundreds of thousands of Facebook users into believing they are real pictures.

The Life Is Wonderful Facebook page was one of many pages posting AI-generated images in 2024. Such posts are seemingly believed widely by users who like, comment on and share the content. The images featured in this article are only a very small percentage of the AI-created images on Facebook  many of which onlookers believe to be authentic photos.

Like-Farming Posts

The Life Is Wonderful Facebook page's motivation for posting such content was unknown. Snopes reached out to its managers to ask about the posts but did not receive a response prior to publishing. (We will update this story if the page managers answer our questions.)

In some cases, Facebook pages post heartwarming or compelling content as part of a strategy known as like-farming. A post might begin with captivating content  for example, an image purportedly showing four quadruplets celebrating their 90th birthday  and then turn into a scam once the post has earned loads of positive likes, comments and shares.

The Better Business Bureau once explained how this strategy works:

Often, the post itself is initially harmless  albeit completely fictional. But when the scammer collects enough likes and shares, they will edit the post and could add something malicious, such as a link to a website that downloads malware to your machine. Other times, once scammers reach their target number of likes, they strip the page's original content and use it to promote spammy products. They may also resell the page on the black market. These buyers can use it to spam followers or harvest the information Facebook provides.

In other words, once a post gains popularity, a creator may edit it to add links to suspicious sites in the caption. Then, as the post continues spreading, new onlookers may click the scammy links that could download malware to their devices or ask them for personal information. (Users who previously liked, commented on or shared the post will not be scammed simply for only taking one or more of those three past actions.)

For further reading, we recommend our article offering four tips for spotting AI-generated pictures.

Sources:

Arntz, Pieter. "Explained: Like-Farming | Malwarebytes Labs." Malwarebytes, 17 Apr. 2019, https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2019/04/explained-like-farming/.

"BBB Tip: Like-Farming Is a Facebook Scam Still Going Strong." Better Business Bureau, 10 June 2020, https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/17149-like-farming-a-facebook-scam-still-going-strong.

Emery, David, and Jessica Lee. "4 Tips for Spotting AI-Generated Pics." Snopes, 16 Apr. 2023, https://www.snopes.com//articles/464595/artificial-intelligence-media-literacy/.

"What Most Relevant Means on a Facebook Page Post." Facebook Help Center, https://www.facebook.com/help/539680519386145.
Fact Check: Photo Shared on X Purportedly Shows Marjorie Taylor Greene Wearing Mask in Airport. Here Are the Facts

Claim:

A picture shows U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., wearing a surgical-style mask in an airport.

Rating:

Rating: Outdated

On June 3, 2024, X users shared a picture purportedly showing U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. wearing a surgical-style mask in an airport after verbally attacking former White House Coronavirus Task Force member Dr. Anthony Fauci during a U.S. House hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic:

Marjorie Taylor Greene wearing a surgical mask

(@LakotaMan1 / X)

The caption on one of these posts read, "So, attacking Dr. Fauci and criticizing vaccines and mask efficacy, then WEARING a mask in public is the very definition of Republican HYPOCRISY."

The Photo Was Shot in 2021

The truth of this matter is that although the photo of Greene is real, it was taken years before the House hearing took place. Politico.com first reported the existence of the picture on Sept. 20, 2021, during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) still had in place a face mask requirement policy for airports.

The Politico.com article featured an uncropped version of the same photo (archived). The story read, "SPOTTED: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), masked and waiting in line to board a flight at the Atlanta airport." The picture's exact capture date was unclear.

A reverse-image search on the TinEye.com website found numerous past results for the photo from 2021. A Sept. 20, 2021, Reddit post displayed a meme with the picture reading, "I will comply. If I get to fly." Another Reddit post from the same day featured the text caption, "As soon as the TV cameras go away, Marjorie Taylor Greene puts on her mask." Other users also shared the photo on X, Imgur.com and TikTok, including one person who once responded with the picture under Colorado Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert's posted thoughts about a Southwest Airlines matter involving employees and vaccine mandates.

A photo purportedly showed Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene wearing a mask in an airport.

Users Respond to Photo of Greene

Even though the photo of Greene wearing a mask was three years old, some users appeared to assume it was new. One user replying to the post remarked, "Wow!!!! @RepMTG you are catching on! Now [that] you're getting Covid kills, you might want to find an N95. However, that little paper mask isn't gonna do you any good but hats off for trying."

Another response read, "I am afraid she is sick, in which case she is not exactly doing much to prevent the spread of airborne viruses."

A different user sarcastically commented with a reference to Greene's beliefs about the COVID-19 pandemic, "I thought Fauci was lying about all of it?"

Several other commenters also replied under the post to point out the photo originated in 2021, not 2024.

Greene Blasted Fauci in Contentious Hearing

A contentious congressional hearing appeared to inspire the June 3 posts highlighting Greene's photo. Earlier on the same day, Greene blasted Fauci during a hearing of the House Oversight and Accountability subcommittee on the coronavirus pandemic. Fauci was the top U.S. infectious disease expert until he left the government in 2022. He was also a leading medical voice in the news media during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the hearing, Greene verbally charged Fauci with what she claimed was a mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. She referred to him as "Mister Fauci" instead of "Dr. Fauci." According to PBS.org, Fauci "graduated at the top of his class" and earned his doctorate of medicine from Cornell University's Medical College (now Weill Cornell Medicine) in 1966.

Greene ended her speaking time by properly referencing him with his title of doctor but also making perhaps her most charged comment of the day, saying, "We should be writing a criminal referral because you should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity. You belong in prison, Dr. Fauci."

Readers can watch Greene's remarks and Fauci's responses in full on the C-SPAN website.

For further reading, Snopes recommends "The Coronavirus Collection: Fact-Checking COVID-19."

Sources:

Bade, Rachel, et al. "POLITICO Playbook: Scoop: Sinema Issues Ultimatum to Biden." Politico.com, 20 Sept. 2021, https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2021/09/20/scoop-sinema-issues-ultimatum-to-biden-494397.

Chan, Diana. "Anthony Fauci Biography and Career Timeline | American Masters | PBS." American Masters, 15 Feb. 2023, https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/anthony-fauci-biography-and-career-timeline/26116/.

"DHS to Increase Civil Penalties for Violations of the Federal Face Mask Requirement | Transportation Security Administration." TSA, 9 Sept. 2021, https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2021/09/09/dhs-increase-civil-penalties-violations-federal-face-mask.

"Dr. Fauci Responds to 'unusual' Comments from Marjorie Taylor Greene in Covid Hearing." YouTube, CNN, 3 June 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxwcdiX9dPI.

"Dr. Fauci Testifies on U.S. Response to COVID-19 Pandemic | C-SPAN.Org." C-SPAN, 3 June 2024, https://www.c-span.org/video/?536025-1/dr-fauci-testifies-us-response-covid-19-pandemic.

Evon, Dan. "Snopes Tips: A Guide To Performing Reverse Image Searches." Snopes, 22 Mar. 2022, https://www.snopes.com//articles/400681/how-to-perform-reverse-image-searches/.

Kuchar, Savannah. "'It's like Clockwork': Fauci Points to MTG in 'pattern' of Continued Threats." USA TODAY, 4 June 2024, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/06/04/fauci-responds-greene-hearing-threats/73968347007/.

Neergaard, Lauran. "Fauci Pushes Back Partisan Attacks in Fiery House Hearing over COVID Origins and Controversies." The Associated Press, 3 June 2024, https://apnews.com/article/fauci-covid-pandemic-origin-congress-a66625482f25824476ee315484790230.

Snopes Staff. "The Coronavirus Collection: Snopes Fact Checks About COVID-19." Snopes, 28 Feb. 2020, https://www.snopes.com//collections/new-coronavirus-collection/.

TinEye Reverse Image Search. https://www.tineye.com/.

"WATCH: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Tells Dr. Fauci, 'You're Not Doctor' during COVID Hearing." YouTube, PBS NewsHour, 3 June 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIwFeG1TAxY.

Weill Cornell Medicine Office of External Affairs. "Dr. Anthony Fauci M.D. '66 Returns to Weill Cornell Medicine for Debut Screening of 'American Masters' Documentary." WCM Newsroom, 15 Mar. 2023, https://news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2023/03/dr-anthony-fauci-md-%E2%80%9966-returns-to-weill-cornell-medicine-for-debut-screening-of-.

Weise, Elizabeth. "Anthony Fauci Faces Questions during Contentious COVID-19 Hearing in the House." USA TODAY, 3 June 2024, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/06/03/anthony-fauci-house-hearing-covid-response/73955411007/.
Fact Check: Posts Claim All the Eggs in Human Ovaries Form When Fetuses Are 4 Months Old. Here Are the Facts

Claim:

All the eggs a woman will carry throughout her life form in her ovaries while she's a 4-month-old fetus.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

A female fetus has approximately 6 million to 7 million oocytes  immature eggs  at 4 months old, but the number drops dramatically, to about 1 million to 2 million, by birth and continues to fall throughout the woman's life.

Over the years, people have repeatedly shared a quote from drummer and author Layne Redmond about the development of women's eggs. The quote, taken from her book "When the Drummers Were Women: A Spiritual History of Rhythm," reads as follows:

All the eggs a woman will every carry form in her ovaries while she is a four-month-old foetus in the womb of her mother. This means our cellular life as an egg begins in the womb of our grandmother. Each of us spent five months in our grandmother's womb, and she in turn formed within the womb of her grandmother. We vibrate to the rhythms of our mother's blood before she herself is born, and this pulse is the thread of blood that runs all the way back through the grandmothers to the first mother.

One Facebook post from May 2024 sharing the quote went viral, receiving more than 25,000 reactions and 13,000 shares, as of this writing.

Posts on social media have often interpreted this quote to mean that our grandmothers produced us in their wombs. For example, a TikTok video shared in February 2021 posited that "your mom didn't make your eggs. Your grandmother did," suggesting that because baby girls are born with eggs in their ovaries, a grandmother is responsible for the creation of the eggs that become her grandchildren.

However, the process is more complex. A female fetus develops her maximum supply of eggs while still inside her mother's womb, forming the basis for the idea that we started as eggs in our mothers' ovaries while they were in our grandmothers' wombs. But this doesn't mean that our grandmothers produced us in the direct sense.

According to the University of Leeds, British epidemiologist David Barker explained in the early 1990s (as part of his Barker hypothesis) that all the eggs a woman will ever develop and carry in her ovaries form while she is a 4-month-old fetus.

Between 17 and 20 weeks of gestation, the uterus and vagina of a female fetus start to form. The fetus has approximately 6 million to 7 million oocytes (immature eggs) in her ovaries (this number decreases to about 1 million to 2 million by the time she is born). These oocytes continue to diminish in number over a woman's life, with around 300,000 to 500,000 remaining at puberty. Throughout the woman's reproductive years, only about 300 to 400 oocytes mature and are released during ovulation.

So, it's true that our grandmothers carried our mothers, who  still in the womb  carried the eggs that became us. (Fetuses inherit a unique blend of both their parents' DNA, so it's inaccurate to say that an egg that becomes a person was solely created by that person's grandmother.)

Snopes has previously written about reproduction, including findings of declining global sperm counts.

Sources:

A Quote from When The Drummers Were Women. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9617856-all-the-eggs-a-woman-will-every-carry-form-in. Accessed 31 May 2024.

Almond, Douglas, and Janet Currie. "Killing Me Softly: The Fetal Origins Hypothesis." The Journal of Economic Perspectives : A Journal of the American Economic Association, vol. 25, no. 3, 2011, pp. 15372. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.25.3.153.

"Barker Hypothesis." Oxford Reference, https://doi.org/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095447459. Accessed 31 May 2024.

Home. https://www.layneredmond.com/Home.html. Accessed 31 May 2024.

How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy. Accessed 31 May 2024.

Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/thatchicklyndan/p/CU9tJcfM5Ny/. Accessed 31 May 2024.

Research Journeys: You Are What Your Grandmother Ate. https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/research-journeys-you-are-what-your-grandmother-ate/. Accessed 31 May 2024.

"This TikTok Suggests Your Grandma Had a Mind-Blowing Role In Your Creation." Shape, https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/tiktok-grandmother-mother-womb-connection. Accessed 31 May 2024.

TikTok - Make Your Day. https://www.tiktok.com/@camran_diamond/video/7220785433125555502. Accessed 31 May 2024.

---. https://www.tiktok.com/@debodali/video/6931193505997966597?is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1. Accessed 31 May 2024.

"Understanding How Heart Disease Risk Begins before You're Born." British Heart Foundation, https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/research-successes/heart-disease-risk-begins-in-the-womb. Accessed 31 May 2024.
Fact Check: Rumor Claims FBI Deleted Pride Month Post That Said, 'We Know That Diversity Makes Us Stronger.' Here's the Truth

Claim:

The official FBI account on X deleted a June 2024 post celebrating Pride Month and diversity.

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

Context:

The official FBI account on X (@FBI) posted the same message at least twice and deleted only one of the posts. One version from June 3, 2024, remained visible and available to users as of this writing. Further, the FBI's Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as official social media accounts for local FBI offices, all still featured the same message of support for Pride Month in multiple individual posts. Some social media users falsely implied that the agency was forced to delete the Pride Month post because of its content.

On June 3, 2024, X user Alex Rosen (@iFightForKids) claimed in a post that the official FBI account on X (@FBI) deleted their message celebrating Pride Month. Rosen wrote alongside laughing-with-tears emojis, "The @FBI just deleted their pride post."

Users on X claimed the FBI deleted a Pride Month message on their official X account celebrating diversity during the special month.

An account named The Quartering (@TheQuartering)  which falsely claimed in October 2023 they "busted" CNN journalist Clarissa Ward for "faking [an] attack in Israel"  also promoted Rosen's post, writing, "The FBI got bullied into deleting their Pride post. This is the way."

Users on X claimed the FBI deleted a Pride Month message on their official X account celebrating diversity during the special month.

However, the truth of the matter was the FBI deleted one version of the post but a duplicate still existed on the account as of June 4. We confirmed this fact by searching X for the word "diversity"  which appears in the post  with "@FBI" (both without quotes), sorting by the latest posts and then scrolling down to the middle of the day in the U.S. on June 3. Search results showed several users responding to the deleted version of the post.

Users on X claimed the FBI deleted a Pride Month message on their official X account celebrating diversity during the special month.

This post still available on the @FBI X account was a duplicate of the deleted post.

The FBI social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram also host the same Pride Month message, which includes a brief, colorful video. (Readers may need to open the Facebook website or app to play the video.)

https://www.facebook.com/FBI/videos/478334231273292/

Further, multiple local FBI offices with their own Facebook and X accounts posted the same celebratory message. Those messages are visible and available to users on the accounts for the FBI offices in New York, Los Angeles, Denver, Pittsburgh, Houston, Detroit and others.

https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkFBI/posts/pfbid0HdUZTGRKomAsRnqFxqzxo355gJHZ65BM9bgia1G6Kqo6v3PY34tb9G7K2Sg3x7zYl

The message across all of the FBI accounts participating in the celebration read, "At the #FBI, we know that diversity makes us stronger. During #PrideMonth, the FBI celebrates our #LGBTQIA+ colleagues' contributions to our country and our mission. Learn more about the Bureau's diversity and inclusion initiatives: https://fbi.gov/about/diversity-and-inclusion #PRIDE."

A search of the FBI.gov website also found a May 30 bulletin from the bureau's Detroit office advising of safety resources during Pride Month, saying in part, "The FBI's mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States; this responsibility includes safeguarding against hate crimes and violence. We are asking for your help in reporting any suspicious activities or threats to law enforcement and/or the FBI."

Sources:

"Diversity and Inclusion at the FBI." FBI.gov, https://www.fbi.gov/about/diversity-and-inclusion.

"FBI Brings Awareness to Safety Resources During Pride Month." FBI.gov, FBI Detroit Media Team, 30 May 2024, https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/detroit/news/fbi-brings-awareness-to-safety-resources-during-pride-month.

Liles, Jordan. "CNN's Clarissa Ward Was Not Caught 'Faking' an Attack Near the Israel-Gaza Border." Snopes, 12 Oct. 2023, https://www.snopes.com//news/2023/10/11/cnn-faking-attack-israel/.
Families of nine babies who died at scandal-hit NHS Trust call for public inquiry

The families of nine babies who died at a scandal-hit NHS Trust are calling for a public inquiry into its maternity services.

The group says that unless there is urgent intervention, children and mothers will continue to die unnecessarily.

The bereaved parents want an independent investigation into the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, where nine babies died and four mothers nearly lost their lives between 2021 and 2023.

The Trust is already the subject of a separate police investigation over allegations of medical negligence, relating to the care of adults in neurosurgery and general surgery between 2015 and 2021.

Now families who experienced poor maternity care have come forward with fresh allegations of failings at two hospitals managed by the Trust, the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and Worthing Hospital.

Bereaved parents claim management has repeatedly refused to take accountability for systemic failures or to learn from past mistakes.

Families said they had experienced a reluctance from maternity teams to act urgently and a failure to take reported symptoms seriously.

They reported maternity staff relying on telephone assessments and failing to appropriately monitor mothers and babies during labour.

Lifelong trauma and grief

Staff have been accused of repeatedly dismissing mothers concerns, particularly regarding reduced movements of babies in the womb - a red flag indicating a baby is unwell.

In a statement, the families wrote: With the volume and repetition of errors in maternity care by the Trust, we believe that babies and potentially mothers will continue to unnecessarily die under the Trusts care unless there is additional intervention.

Maternity services at the Brighton hospital were downgraded to the lowest safety rating of inadequate by the NHS watchdog the Care Quality Commission in 2021.

Although the CQC has noted some improvements have been made since, maternity services at the Royal Sussex County Hospital remain inadequate, while services at Worthing Hospital are classed as requires improvement.

Families said they had been left with unanswered questions, no guarantee that these mistakes wont be repeated, and the lifelong trauma and grief caused by the death of a baby.

They said: All our babies were otherwise healthy and would have grown up if not for the failings in care and the dismissal of our concerns.

Our children lost an entire life: they never got a chance to grow up, to learn to walk and speak, to make friends, to witness the awe and beauty of our planet.

Though our babies left their mark on this world in many meaningful ways, they had so much more to give and experience. This is a loss to us as parents, to our families and to society as a whole.

Deepest condolences

The group includes the parents of five babies who died at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and four who died at Worthing Hospital between 2021 and 2023.

They include Abigail Fowler Miller, who died in January 2022, two days after she was born by an emergency C-section performed in a foyer at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Her mother Katie Fowler had gone into cardiac arrest in a taxi on the way to hospital after midwives relying on over-the-phone assessments missed warning signs she had massive internal bleeding. An inquest concluded Abigail would likely have survived if her mother had received medical care earlier.

Other children who died, but cannot be named due to ongoing proceedings, include a baby boy who was stillborn at 37 weeks after his mother was advised over the phone to stay at home, despite reporting reduced movements, and a baby girl who was stillborn at almost 40 weeks after her mother twice attended hospital concerned about reduced movements but no appropriate action was taken.

The group is also backing calls for the next government to launch an independent national inquiry into maternity standards.

Dr Maggie Davies, chief nurse at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, said: We offer our deepest condolences and sincere apologies to each of the bereaved families for their devastating loss.

Whilst we recognise that no words can ease their pain, our dedicated teams are committed to listening, learning and improving the service, so that mothers-to-be, mothers and their babies are as safe as they possibly can be whilst in our care.

Dr Davies said the trust had recruited more midwives, changed how it supported families and has a nationally recommended triage process in place to react quickly if there are any reasons for concern.

She added: Our outcomes for mothers and babies are now better than most other Trusts in the country, but we know we must continue to listen and improve, and would always want to meet any families who have concerns to understand their experiences and make changes where possible.

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.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 5, 2024 - 19:47 | All, World

President Joe Biden issued a renewed warning to China over Taiwan in an interview published Tuesday, saying the U.S. military could be used to defend the self-ruled democratic island in the event of a Chinese invasion.

Asked by Time magazine what kinds of options could be on the table, including whether they might involve boots on the ground, Biden said, "It would depend on the circumstances."

It is not the first time Biden has touched on the possibility, angering China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.

Biden said he has made clear to Chinese President Xi Jinping the long-standing policy under which Washington refrains from seeking independence for Taiwan but will stand behind it if Beijing unilaterally tries to change the status quo, adding, "We've been in consultation with our allies in the region."

"Not ruling out using U.S. military force. There's a distinction between deploying on the ground, air power and naval power," he said in the magazine's exclusive interview, conducted at the White House on May 28, which centered on American leadership in a changing world.

Biden stopped short of saying if the U.S. military would launch strikes from its bases in Japan or the Philippines. He said, "I can't get into that. You would then criticize me with good reason if I were to tell you."

U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns has said Xi instructed his country's military to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.

China sharply reacted to Biden's latest comments, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning telling reporters Wednesday, "No pressure or threat will erode the determination, will and ability of the Chinese government and people to defend China's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Reiterating that Taiwan is "an inalienable part of China," Mao urged Washington to "stop sending any wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces."

Taiwan remains a major source of contention between the United States and China, even as Biden and Xi have agreed to ease tensions stemming from geopolitical rivalry and intense economic competition.

The United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan even after changing its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. It also supplies the island with arms to maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities.

Biden also made some disparaging comments on China's economy while citing its aging population, saying, "Where is it going to grow? You've got an economy that's on the brink there. The idea that their economy is booming? Give me a break."

He went on to say that Xi's signature Belt and Road global infrastructure drive has become a "nuisance graveyard initiative."

Biden reiterated in the interview that expanding cooperation with decades-old European and Asian allies, as well as strengthening relations with developing countries, will be critical in maintaining U.S. leadership in the international community.

On Japan, Biden said he was able to convince Tokyo that Washington is "not walking away from" its key Asian ally.

"Because Japan, collected with us, is a source of great economic strength and stability, physical stability for both of us," he said.

Related coverage:

U.S. defense chief warns of China's aggression, calls for dialogue
Family of man killed in 2023 shooting outside Longs sues North Myrtle Beach business owner who pulled trigger

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  The sister of a North Carolina man who was fatally shot along Highway 9 in September is suing two people, including a North Myrtle Beach resident responsible for pulling the trigger.

Scott Spivey, 33, of Tabor City, died in the Sept. 9 shooting along Camp Swamp Road in the Loris area. He was involved in an altercation with Kenneth Williams and Weldon Boyd, owner of the popular Buoys on the Boulevard.

The state Attorney Generals Office in April declined to prosecute Boyd because of insufficient evidence. That decision came after 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson asked the agency to assist Horry County police following a social media post by Boyd on Sept. 12 thanking authorities for their work.

In the 12-page suit filed Monday in Horry County Common Pleas Court, Spiveys sister Jennifer offered a differing account of what happened that afternoon, refuting comments Boyd made in a 911 call as the incident unfolded.

Scott Spivey was traveling on Highway 9 just before 6 p.m. when an unknown altercation took place between himself, Boyd and Williams.

At times, Boyd drives his vehicle dangerously close to the rear of Spiveys vehicle, the lawsuit states. Spivey then attempted to brake check Boyd, hoping to end the chase.

Boyd and Williams then began, without imminent threat to their persons or anyone else to threaten to unlawfully pursue Spivey even more vigorously, the lawsuit claims.

After more than ten minutes, Spivey turned onto Camp Swamp Road, where shots are fired.

Police found Spivey dead in his front seat hunched over his center console with a handgun just underneath his hand.

In April, News13 obtained 911 calls from Horry County police detailing what Boyd and a witness saw and heard.

Horry County police released five calls from the shooting, including the one made by Boyd, who told dispatchers he was going to shoot him [Spivey] if he kept waving a gun in his face.

Ive got a guy pointing a gun at me driving, were armed as well. He keeps throwing the gun in our faces, acting like hes about to shoot us. If he keeps this up, I am going to shoot him, Boyd said in the chaotic call. Hes trying to run from me now. Were on Highway 9 headed toward Loris.

The lawsuit is seeking unspecified financial damages, and blames Boyd for unsafe driving, attempting to make an unlawful citizens arrest, brandishing a firearm in the commission of a violent crime, driving too fast for conditions and killing Spivey, among other accusations.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Two days after a murder charge was dismissed against a Minnesota state trooper in the shooting death of Ricky Cobb II, the slain motorist's family says they plan to petition the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the Minnesota State Patrol for both the shooting and the department's overall training.

Speaking with Cobb's family in a news conference Tuesday at the Hennepin County Government Center, attorney Bakari Sellers criticized the State Patrol for alleged shortfalls laid out by the prosecution in a recent report. "I don't think there's any more glaring example of a department that needs to be investigated than the Minnesota State Patrol," he said.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty charged trooper Ryan Londregan with murder and manslaughter in January for the fatal shooting of Cobb, 33, during a traffic stop on I-94 last summer, as Cobb shifted into drive and his car lurched forward. On Sunday, Moriarty announced she was dismissing the murder charge and additional claims made against Londregan, citing an expert's analysis of video from the scene and recent statements by Londregan's defense attorney.

Londregan's attorney Chris Madel on Tuesday said Sellers' request for a federal investigation is "the last gasp of a dying case."

In a nine-page report by Washington-based law firm Steptoe LLP, which contracted with Moriarty's office, prosecutors recommended dismissing charges. The report indicated that evidence would "likely show support" for the defense theory that Londregan believed Cobb was reaching for the trooper's gun and that he needed to shoot Cobb to protect himself and his partner.

Sellers attributed some of his criticism of the State Patrol to the prosecutors' report, which also found fault with the tactics Londregan and fellow trooper Brett Seide used as they tried to remove Cobb from his vehicle and arrest him for violating a domestic no-contact order. A use-of-force expert is quoted in the report as saying the two troopers' tactics were "horribly executed."

The report, dated June 2, faults Londregan for unlocking Cobb's passenger side door and opening it while the car was running and as his partner was instructing Cobb to exit the vehicle. The prosecutors wrote that opening the door was a "tactical blunder" and said it appeared to surprise Cobb and "led him to reflexively shift the car into drive, causing it to lurch forward."

The report suggests that the troopers should have considered letting Cobb go and arresting him later because they knew his address. While the report says the troopers should have considered these other options, it also alleges that State Patrol training does not cover or warn against removing a driver from a car while it's running.

On Monday, Madel brushed off the notion that troopers should have let Cobb go and insisted that Londregan acted heroically to save his partner's life.

State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic defended the agency. "I stand by the intensive training provided by the State Patrol and fully support our troopers who work hard every day to keep Minnesota safe," she said.

The DOJ declined to comment for this story. Sellers said the request to investigate will be made to the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"One of the things that I won't do and his family won't do is allow Ricky's legacy to be in vain," Sellers said.
JERUSALEM, Israel (AP)  An independent group of experts warned Tuesday that it's possible that famine is underway in northern Gaza but that the war between Israel and Hamas and restrictions on humanitarian access have impeded the data collection to prove it.

"It is possible, if not likely, the group known as the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, or FEWS NET, said about famine in Gaza.

Concerns about deadly hunger have been high in recent months and spiked after the head of the World Food Program last month said northern Gaza had entered full-blown famine after nearly seven months of war. Experts at the U.N. agency later said Cindy McCain was expressing a personal opinion.

An area is considered to be in famine when three things occur: 20% of households have an extreme lack of food, or are essentially starving; at least 30% of the children suffer from acute malnutrition or wasting, meaning theyre too thin for their height; and two adults or four children per every 10,000 people are dying daily of hunger and its complications.

That's according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a collection of U.N. agencies, governments and other bodies that in March warned famine was imminent in northern Gaza.

Tuesdays report by FEWS NET is the first technical assessment by an international organization saying that famine is possibly occurring in northern Gaza.

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development, FEWS NET is an internationally recognized authority on famine that provides evidence-based and timely early warning information for food insecurity. It also helps inform decisions on humanitarian responses in some of the worlds most food insecure countries.

But for a formal declaration of famine, the data must be there.

Such a declaration could be used as evidence at the International Criminal Court as well as at the International Court of Justice, where Israel faces allegations of genocide.

The report cautioned that data collection would likely be impeded as long as the war goes on. It said people  including children  are dying of hunger-related causes across the territory and that those conditions will likely persist until at least July, if there isnt a fundamental change in how food aid is distributed.

The report also cautioned that efforts to increase aid into Gaza are insufficient, and urged Israel's government to act urgently.

The U.N. and international aid agencies for months have said not enough food or other humanitarian supplies are entering Gaza, and Israel faces mounting pressure from top ally the U.S. and others to let in more aid.

Israel has repeatedly denied there is famine underway in Gaza and rejected allegations it has used hunger as a weapon in its war against the militant Hamas group. It has opened a number of new crossings into Gaza in recent months, saying they helped increase the flow of aid.

But Israel has also been expanding its offensive in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, once the main hub of humanitarian aid operations. That invasion has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians facing hunger.

The Israeli military, which is responsible for the crossings into Gaza, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the FEWS NET report.
Young farmers sit with their tractors during a protest action of various European farmers associations. Farmers take to the streets to demand better conditions to grow, produce and maintain a proper income. Jonas Roosens/Belga/dpa

Farmers have protested against the European Union's agricultural policy in Brussels a few days before the European elections.

Around 1,200 demonstrators took part in the action with around 500 tractors, according to the Belgian police in Brussels on Tuesday. However, the Belgian news agency Belga reported that the organizers of the protest had expected 25,000 participants.

Initially, the farmers gathered near the Atomium, just outside the centre of Brussels. In the afternoon, some of the demonstrators set off in their tractors from the Brussels landmark in the direction of the European Parliament.

According to Belga, the tractors mainly came from the Belgian region of Flanders, the Netherlands and Poland. Tractors with German flags and German posters also took part in the protest.

The demonstration was organized by the Farmers' Defence Force movement.

According to a police spokeswoman, there were initially no incidents.

In the past, farmers' protests in Belgium have got out of hand, including objects being thrown at police officers and fires being set.

The European Greens said the demonstrators did not represent Europe's farmers, and criticized the protest. "In Brussels today, far-right activists disguised as farmers are trying to take over the streets," a party statement said.

The largest European farmers' organizations refused to take part in this protest.

French MEP Patricia Chagnon speaks at a protest action of various European farmers associations. Farmers take to the streets to demand better conditions to grow, produce and maintain a proper income. Jonas Roosens/Belga/dpa

An invited speaker is seen on stage during a protest action of various European farmers associations. Farmers take to the streets to demand better conditions to grow, produce and maintain a proper income. Jonas Roosens/Belga/dpa

A young farmer takes a rest during a protest action of various European farmers associations. Farmers take to the streets to demand better conditions to grow, produce and maintain a proper income Jonas Roosens/Belga/dpa
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)

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.

When youre dealing with a new outbreak, things change. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

 Dr. Anthony Fauci

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.

Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene refused to call Dr. Anthony Fauci "Dr.," and said he needed to be in jail, without presenting evidence of crimes. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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 Tennessee Lookout.
Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins

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.

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  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 Kansas Reflector.
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.

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 Ohio Capital Journal.
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. 
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. The scientific process collects the information that will allow you, at that time, to make a determination or recommendation or a guideline.

 Dr. Anthony Fauci

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.

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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 Indiana 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. (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 Source New Mexico.
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.

DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST

The post Fauci defends his work on COVID-19, says he has an open mind on its origins appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
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, 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. | 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 Michigan Advance.
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 Utah News 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 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 Washington State Standard.
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 Minnesota Reformer.
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 West Virginia Watch.
Anthony Fauci, the former head of the US infectious diseases unit, has received credible death threats stemming from his time overseeing the nations fight against Covid-19, he has told Congress.

Fauci, who was director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during the height of attempts to halt the spread of the virus, told a hearing on Capitol Hill that the threats had continued until the present day, even though he retired in 2022.

He told a subcommittee of the House of Representatives oversight and accountability committee that they also included his wife and three daughters and meant he needed round-the-clock security protection.

There have been everything from harassments by emails, texts, letters to myself, my wife, my three daughters. There have been credible death threats, leading to the arrests of two individuals, Fauci said.

Credible death threats means someone who clearly was on their way to kill me, and its required my having protective services essentially all the time. It is very troublesome to me. It is much more troublesome because theyve involved my wife and my three daughters at these moments.

Asked by the Democratic congresswoman Debbie Dingell of Michigan how he felt, Fauci, 83, seemed to visibly tremble with emotion before answering: Terrible.

When Dingell asked if he was still receiving threats, he replied: Yes, I do every time someone gets up and says, Im responsible for the death of people throughout the world, the threats go up.

Fauci was defended by Robert Garcia, a Democratic congressman from California, after he came under attack from Marjorie Taylor Greene, the firebrand far-right Georgia Republican, who refused to acknowledge his professional status as a doctor and assailed the pandemic measures he had advocated, such as masking and social distancing.

Do the American people deserve to be abused like that, Mr Fauci, because youre not a doctor, youre Mr Fauci, Taylor Greene said, before being interrupted on a point of order and told she had to refer to Fauci as a doctor.

Garcia apologised to Fauci about the questioning from Taylor Greene and other Republicans, saying: I am so sorry you just had to sit through that. That was completely irresponsible. This might be the most insane hearing Ive actually attended.

Garcia described Fauci  who said in his opening statement that he wanted to address information and disinformation during the pandemic  as an American hero.

Your team has done more to save lives than all 435 members of this body on both sides of the aisle, he said.

Posting on Twitter/X, Garcia, who told the hearing that both his parents had died in the pandemic, called Taylor Greene a national embarrassment.
Fauci on Greenes refusal to call him doctor: An unusual performance

Fauci on Greenes refusal to call him doctor: An unusual performance

Former White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci weighed in on Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.)s refusal to recognize him as a doctor, calling it an unusual performance.

So thats the reason why Im still getting death threats, when you have performances like that unusual performance by Marjorie Taylor Greene in todays hearing, Fauci told CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins on Monday night.

Fauci, who was the face of the Trump administrations COVID-19 response while the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testified before the House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on Monday for the first time since retiring.

While questioning Fauci, Greene pointedly refused to recognize Fauci as a 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, Greene said before adding, No, I dont need your answer.

Greenes remarks were slammed by some Democrats. She was later reprimanded by Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), the chair of the subcommittee, who said, The gentlelady will suspend and instructed the Georgia Republican to recognize Fauci as a doctor.

At another point in the hearing, Fauci grew emotional while describing harassment and death threats he and his family continue to face after becoming the target of criticism over the federal pandemic response.

He told the subcommittee there have been harassment by emails, texts and letters to him, his wife and three daughters.

Fauci on CNN said receiving death threats is a pattern for those in positions akin to his, who often make public statements on policies.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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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)
A federal agency is undermining SC businesses. Advancing Americas Interest can help save them.

Rake, raking in US $1 bills

Companies big and small have come to our state because it is a good place to do business. Iconic brands like Mercedes, Michelin, and Samsung set up shop in South Carolina because they know it is a place where they can compete and thrive free from much of the regulatory bureaucracy that consumes other states.

However, the federal government has always been the biggest barrier to South Carolina businesses reaching their full potential, and a little-known agency is proving the point.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) was created to protect American businesses and workers from foreign countries and businesses that try to manipulate our trade laws to undercut American industry.

Unfortunately, the agency is now doing the opposite, ruling in favor of foreign bad actors that are intent on undermining South Carolina businesses. Its an agency in desperate need of reform, and Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott can help make that happen.

Among its various responsibilities and authorities, the ITC adjudicates certain patent disputes.

The U.S. patent system fosters innovation by allowing inventors and entrepreneurs to benefit from their work.

Unfortunately, the ITC has threatened our patent system by misusing its authority under something called Section 337, which allows the ITC to ban the import of products it deems to be in violation of existing patents.

That should help American businesses, but the ITC is instead allowing foreign entities to take advantage of the agency for their own gain.

Non-practicing entities (NPEs), also known as patent trolls, typically dont produce any products. Their business model is built on buying old patents, filing meritless legal claims related to those patents, and then leveraging them to extract large financial settlements.

Many NPEs have taken advantage of Section 337 investigations to profit off of settlements from productive American companies, including those here in South Carolina.

One of the ITCs enforcement authorities  an exclusion order that bans the importation of a product into the U.S. under section 337  is usually enough leverage to force American companies to spend millions, sometimes billions, of dollars to settle.

Not only does this reward bad behavior but it exposes a real vulnerability in American trade policy that other countries and NPEs can use to harm South Carolina businesses and our economy.

These bad actors target our countrys biggest economic drivers and, unfortunately, South Carolina and the auto manufacturing industry have not been immune.

A patent troll accused Mercedes, which has a large presence in South Carolina, and other companies of patent infringement.

The patent troll, which owned an old patent unrelated to Mercedes vehicles, knew it was possible that the ITC could rule in their favor and exclude certain Mercedes vehicles from the market.

But the troll didnt need a favorable ruling. It just needed the threat of devastating consequences for Mercedes to extract a sizable settlement from the company.

Fortunately, the ITC ruled against the patent troll in this case, but the ITC often makes the wrong decision and rules in favor of bad actors targeting American businesses.

Clearly, the ITC requires reform to protect hundreds of thousands of South Carolinians who work for companies that could face senseless regulatory action from the ITC.

Thats what the Advancing Americas Interest Act (AAIA) would do.

The AAIA will require complainants to meet certain standards when asserting patent infringement, strengthening the ITCs requirement to consider the public interest, which it often doesnt do currently.

This bipartisan and commonsense legislation will ensure the ITC returns to its original mission  mitigating U.S. intellectual property theft and other illegal trade misconduct.

The AAIA has already been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, most recently by Reps. David Schweikert, an Arizona Republican, and Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat.

Sens. Graham and Scott could similarly choose to protect South Carolinians jobs and our states economy in the U.S. Senate.

Let us know what you think...

The post A federal agency is undermining SC businesses. Advancing Americas Interest can help save them. appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
When Daniel Brown was released early from federal prison in 2020, 15 years into a 42-year sentence for drug and firearm possession offenses, he was determined not to squander the chance he had been given.

By most outward measures, he's accomplished that. He's stayed out of trouble. He's a project manager at a construction company and married with children.

But like the vast majority of people convicted of a federal offense, Brown was also sentenced to supervision following his release, 10 years of it. That means that he's subject to numerous rules and monitoring by federal probation officers: random drug tests, restrictions on travel, and required pre-approval for basic adult freedoms.

For example, when Brown wants to take a weekend trip to visit his daughter, who lives out-of-state, he has to fill out a form stating where he is going, where he will be staying, and who will be there, and get it approved. He follows these rules scrupulously because despite four years of perfect compliance so far, one slip-up could send him back to prison for the rest of that long, long sentence.

"Today, it's kind of pointless," Brown says of his supervised release. "It's been four years, no infractions, I run a company, my wife and I also have a real estate business, five kids."

But unless something changes, Brown will keep jumping through those hoops because there's no practical way for him to get his supervision terminated early.

When it was created in 1984, federal supervised release was supposed to be used sparingly to keep tabs on offenders who were public safety concerns or needed extra support to transition back into society. However, it's become used by default, and both criminal justice advocates and federal probation officers say it's clogging the system with thousands of people, like Brown, who have demonstrated that they probably don't need to be in it anymore. And it's sending many others back to prison for minor rule violations that might not warrant such a harsh response.

This growing consensus has led to the Safer Supervision Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Sens. Chris Coons (DDel.) and John Cornyn (TTexas). Reps. Wesley Hunt (RTexas) and Sheila Jackson Lee (DTexas) have introduced a companion bill in the House. The legislation would streamline the federal supervised release system to give people like Brown a clear off-ramp to earn their way out.

Specifically, the bill would require courts to conduct individual assessments of the appropriateness of imposing supervision. It would also create an opportunity for a person who has served half of their term of supervised release (or two-thirds in the case of violent offenses) to petition a court for early termination, with a presumption in favor of termination if they can show good behavior and that they're not a public safety threat. Another provision would give judges discretion to avoid mandatory revocations for technical violations like missing a urinalysis appointment or a minor offense like misdemeanor drug possession.

"I'd be free today of the tether of the federal system if the legislation was in place," Brown says.

The bill's supporters say it will not only reduce the strain on a system that currently costs taxpayers $500 million a year but incentivize good behavior and reduce recidivism. Jessica Jackson, chief advocacy officer at REFORM Alliance, says the bill "aims to restore supervised release to its original intended purpose and support successful reentrywhile also reducing wasteful spending and cutting needless bureaucracy, so that the system works better for everyone."

Notably, the Safer Supervision Act has also been endorsed by law enforcement organizations, like the National District Attorneys Association and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the latter of which is a lobbying group that represents federal law enforcement agents and officers from numerous agencies, including U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services. (Federal probation officers work for the judiciary, not the Justice Department.)

Doug Burris is the former chief probation officer for the Eastern District of Missouri. He was recognized for his work reducing recidivism and unemployment in his district, but over the course of his career, he watched the federal supervision system balloon.

"Currently the caseloads are just astronomical in the federal system, from some people that I've talked with," Burris says. "I saw that when I retired about five years ago as well. In fact, I started in 1995, and from then to now the total caseload in the federal system has about tripled."

The reason for this is that terms of supervised release are tacked onto nearly all federal prison sentences. In fiscal year 2022, 82 percent of federally sentenced offenders were sentenced to a term of supervised release, according to a 2023 Justice Department report.

This has created a system of correctional control nearly as large as the Bureau of Prisons'. (BOP) incarcerated population. In June of 2022, there were about 124,000 people under federal supervision, according to the Justice Department, compared to roughly 156,000 incarcerated in the BOP prison system today.

"Congress intended supervised release to be used sparingly'for those and only those who needed it,'" says Erin Haney, deputy chief advocacy officer at the REFORM Alliance. "However, it is now tacked onto nearly all cases in which individuals are sentenced to federal prisonand it often serves not to deter crime or assist in reentry, as envisioned, but instead as an extension of punishment, which is actually prohibited under the code."

As Reason detailed in a feature story last year, probation systems across the U.S. have become a quagmire, transforming from rehabilitative models to a form of punishment that has become a secondary criminal justice system hiding in plain sight.

Burris, for example, recalls one case of an elderly woman who was convicted of cashing her husband's social security checks after he died. She was placed on supervision, including the lengthy intake process, home visits, and the whole song and dance.

"I think we're a lot better off supervising a sex offender, a terrorist, someone convicted of plotting a murder or something, rather than someone who will likely never be in a courtroom the rest of her life again," Burris says. "She had no record or anything like that."

For Brown, the restrictions actually inhibit his efforts to return to a normal life. For example, he is overseeing a contract between his company and a nearby Air Force base, but because he is on supervised release, he isn't allowed on a military installation.

"I can't do any of the meetings on the base, so I have to send project managers and try to keep it under wraps to the contract holders why I'm not coming out to the site," Brown says. "If we had a problem, I couldn't go. It really hampers me."

That's not the worst of it, though. Brown and his wife became foster parents after his release until Brown's probation officer found out and notified the foster agency, which removed the kids they had already placed at Brown's house.

"It was traumatic to say the least, after getting those children safe and settled," Brown says.

The REFORM Alliance's Haney recalls one instance where Judith Negron, a woman who received a commutation from former President Donald Trump, attended a White House event along with several other clemency recipients and megastar Kim Kardashian.

Haney says Negron soon received a call from her probation officer warning her that he could write her up and have her sent back to prison for breaking a rule against associating with known felonsthat is, the other clemency recipients at the White House. The office handling Negron's case denied her requests to participate in other criminal justice advocacy events.

Technical violations, like the kind Negron unwittingly ran afoul of, accounted for roughly two-thirds of revoked supervision cases in fiscal years 2021 and 2022, according to the Justice Department. And supporters of the bill say that's a huge reason to give judges more discretion to avoid mandatory revocations.

In the meantime, the federal government will continue spending resources on people with perfect compliance like Brown.

"I haven't needed anything from them the first four [years] and won't need anything the next six," Brown says, "but I'm still a cog in the machine, taking up time and energy."

The post Federal Supervised Release Is a Wasteful Mess. A Bipartisan Bill in Congress Is Trying To Fix That. appeared first on Reason.com.
Bill Guan, a top executive of the far-right media company The Epoch Times, was arrested Sunday for his alleged involvement in a money-laundering scheme, federal prosecutors announced Monday.

Weidong Guan, known as Bill Guan, who serves as the chief financial officer for The Epoch Times, is accused of participating in a transnational scheme to launder about $67 million in illicit funds for the benefit of himself and the media company, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York.

Guan, 61, was arrested Sunday morning and appeared before a judge Monday. He is charged with one count of conspiring to commit money laundering and two counts of bank fraud, per the indictment.

The indictment does not specify the name of the referenced media company, only describing it as a multinational media company headquartered in New York City. Federal prosecutors noted the charges are not related to the companys newsgathering activities.

A spokesperson for The Epoch Times confirmed Guan is suspended from his post until the matter is resolved, noting he is innocent until proven guilty.

The Hill reached out to the U.S. attorneys office in lower Manhattan for further comment.

Guan, from about 2020 through May 2024, allegedly managed the companys Make Money Online Team, or MMO Team, located in a foreign office of the company, prosecutors said. The team is accused of using cryptocurrency under Guans direction to purchase tens of millions of dollars in money acquired through crimes, including fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits.

Upon purchasing these crime proceeds, members of the MMO Team used stolen personal identification information to open accounts, cryptocurrency accounts and bank accounts to transfer the cash into the bank accounts of the media company and related entities, the indictment stated. Once in those accounts, the cash was allegedly laundered again through other accounts held by the entities, Guans personal bank and cryptocurrency.

The Epoch Times was founded in 2000 by John Tang, who has ties to Falun Gong, a religious group that was persecuted in China. The newsletter was started in opposition of the Chinese Communist Party and is now known for its far-right conspiracy theories and support of former President Trump.

The paper is part of the global Epoch Media Group, which distributes news in 36 regions and countries.

Around the time the alleged scheme began, the media company reported an increased annual revenue over the previous year of about 410 percent, jumping from $15 million to about $62 million in 2020, prosecutors said.

When banks asked Guan about the increase in transactions entering the bank accounts of the Media Entities, Guan lied, including to two U.S.-based banks, and claimed that the increase in funds came from donations, prosecutors wrote. However, in 2022, Guan wrote a letter addressed to a congressional office falsely stating donations constitute an insignificant portion of the overall revenue of the Media Company.

NBC News reported similar findings last year that the paper grew its revenue by 685 percent in two years, to $122 million in 2021, citing the groups tax records. The Epoch Times, as of last year, was also the countrys fourth-largest newspaper by subscriber count, NBC News added.

The spokesperson for The Epoch Times told The Hill the outlet has a guiding principle that elevates integrity in its dealings above everything else, and said the company intends to fully cooperate with any investigation into Guan.

Guan was released Monday on a $3,000,000 personal recognizance bond, per court records.

The bank fraud counts each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in jail, while the conspiracy count holds a 20-year maximum sentence.

This story was updated at 7:46 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.
Felon files for Kansas congressional seat

TOPEKA (KSNT)  A man with a violent criminal past wants to represent Kansas in Congress, throwing his name into the mix just hours before Mondays filing deadline.

The majority of Kansas is probably going to vote for a felon for president, so I figured why not take my shot and you can vote for two if you want, said Michael Ogle, the Topeka man vying to replace Rep. Jake LaTurner in Kansas second district, which represents portions of eastern Kansas.

In 2020, Ogle pleaded guilty to two felony charges following a Christmas standoff in 2019. He pleaded guilty to aggravated domestic battery for choking a family member in a rude manner and interference with law enforcement, along with misdemeanor domestic battery.

When asked about the charges on Monday, Ogle said he drank too much that day, got into an argument with his ex-wife and touched a family members face. He said hes hoping for an expungement before the general election.

New cameras track drivers in Shawnee Co. neighborhood

I came out with my hands up and I asked them what they were doing there. I said it was Christmas, Im going to go back in and celebrate Christmas with my family, he said. I went to turn to go back inside and [the police] shot me with rubber bullets [and] they put a dog on me.

From there, I was taken to the hospital and was sent to jail. I was very disoriented. I didnt know what would happen. I drank quite a bit post-coming back from deployment It was kind of hard to find me coming back, so I drank a lot, Ogle continued.

In 2019, Topeka Police Department officers said they were able to make contact with the female victim who indicated she was a victim of domestic violence and that the suspect was inside armed with a handgun and making threats.

Ogle said he also pleaded guilty, admitting to choking his ex-wife at the time. He said served one year of probation and completed a psychological welfare and recovery program through Veterans Affairs.

KSNT Pothole Map compared to early 2024

The sentence was two years of probation. They let me off early in one year because I had met every qualification and requirement that they had asked me to meet, Ogle said.

Ogle will be facing off with four other Republican candidates in the Aug. 6 primary, according to the Kansas Secretary of States Office.

Jeff Kahrs (Topeka)

Derek Schmidt (Independence)

Shawn Tiffany (Delavan)

Chad Young (Lawrence)

The United States constitution says members of congress must be 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for seven years and live in the state where he or she is elected, at the time of the election. It says no other stipulations can be put on membership.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Donald Trumps spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt doesnt seem to have a sense of irony when it comes to calling Republicans the party of law and order in defense of their presumptive nominee, who as of last week is an actual felon.

During an appearance on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, Representative Adam Schiff discussed Trumps menacing warning about the public reaching a breaking point when he is sentenced for his various crimes. Schiff said the former presidents comment was clearly Donald Trump once again inciting violence, potential violence, when he is sentenced.

The next day, Leavitt hit back at Schiff during an interview on Newsmax, and conveniently ignored her clients felony convictions to accuse the Democrats of being lawless and violent.

Adam Schiff is a vile and disgusting human being, and the Democrat Party is the party of violence; they are the party that have called to threaten the lives of Trump supporters, she said.

Its Maxine Waters who said, Do whatever you have to do to go after them. Its Adam Schiff who lied to the American public for years over a fake Russia-Russia-Russia hoax that was paid for and concocted by the Democrat Party, just like this political persecution of Joe Bidens opponent is today, she said.

Republicans stand for law and order, Democrats stand for violence, Leavitt continued. The violence we see taking place in our inner cities, at our southern border, and all around this world is the result of Democrat policies.

"Republicans stand for law and order" -- spokesperson for a guy who was just convicted of 34 felonies pic.twitter.com/yxxFelB88r  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 3, 2024

One might want to set aside Leavitts mischaracterizations of Waterss commentin which the California representative encouraged her supporters to hound Trump officials, not his MAGA followersand of Schiffs failed investigation into allegations that Trump had colluded with Russian officials, but really they shouldnt. Its all symptomatic of the Trump press secretarys necessary break with reality, as she embraces her new job description: selling a criminal as the Law & Order president.
Lee County had until June 10 to turn in all property information and supporting documentation to Federal Emergency Management Agency in its quest to have its recently slashed homeowner flood insurance discount restored.

Tuesday, county manager Dave Harner told commissioners that his team had met that deadline, putting them one step closer to a renewed discount for Lee homeowners.

"As of yesterday we completed and turned in all our documentation," Harner said. "We had just over 400 properties information provided to FEMA; as of yesterday all 414 were provided. We also provided (a) narrative of compliance, supporting documentation and an executive summary."

Lee County, along with several other municipalities, lost that discount just a few months ago, and has been fighting to get it back ever since.

"We remain committed to helping the communities take appropriate remediation actions to participate in the Community Rating System and remain in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program," said FEMA spokesperson Lea Crager. "Each of the five communities were granted 60 days to submit additional documentation. We are in the process of reviewing all documentation and anticipate providing results by mid-July."

Nearly seven months after Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida, parts of Sanibel remain damaged. Photographed Thursday, April 13, 2023.

FEMA downgraded Lee County's standing in the National Flood Insurance Program

Every three years the National Flood Insurance Program conducts a field visit to audit floodplain management activities and flood-mapping records. After each audit, the municipality governments receive a rating from the Class Rating System program.

The Class Rating System is a voluntary federal program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities exceeding the minimum NFIP standards by providing incentive premium discounts. The discounts are given out in 5% increments using a 1-10 rating system, with Class 10 being the lowest and Class 1 the highest.

For 17 years, Lee County has had a National Flood Insurance Program rating of Class 5, which gives resident policyholders a 25% discount. This saved Lee County residents roughly $17 million annually, a county press release estimated. Now, though, the rating has been revised down to a Class 10.

The decision is expected to go into effect Oct. 1, according to FEMA.

Initially, FEMA defended its decision, saying that over the year and a half since Hurricane Ian, its representatives conducted site visits across Lee County looking at how locally adopted floodplain management ordinances were being enforced, and found it lacking.

However, after county commissioners pressed the issue, the agency agreed to give the county and Southwest Florida municipalities an opportunity to resubmit documentation proving that they deserved to maintain their Class 5 ratings.

About 699,000 residents live in areas that will be impacted by the FEMA decision  the city of Bonita Springs, city of Cape Coral, Village of Estero, Town of Fort Myers Beach and unincorporated Lee County.

There are 51,103 NFIP policies in force in unincorporated Lee County, which has a population of about 388,000.

Harner told the commissioners that his team will continue to provide documentation and work with FEMA to answer any unaddressed questions as the federal agency reviews the information.

"Following that, FEMA has a 30-day period to essentially come up with a final answer after June 10," Harner said. "We still will be asked potentially to provide documentation through that time as well."

Kate Cimini is the Florida Investigative Reporter for the USA TODAY-Network Florida, based at The News-Press and The Naples Daily News. Contact her at 239-207-9369 or kcimini@news-press.com.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program discount Lee County deadline
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Eating healthy food is essential for everyone, but its especially important for those recovering from substance use disorder.

Its why two organizations in Luzerne County are working together while supporting local farmers. Cartons of fresh lettuce came pouring into New Roots Recovery Support Center in Wilkes-Barre.

Packed with nutrition, it was harvested that same morning by Amanda Banta of Rowlands Pennsylvania produce in falls.

Nothing goes to waste, it helps us financially in huge ways, and we love being part of this program.

That program is part of the Food Dignity movement.

Its a charitable organization that purchases surplus produce from farmers and distributes it to non-profits and underserved populations.

PA student loan servicer sued over alleged illegal collection of money and fraud

When there are individuals in our community who have difficulty with that access, its really not a reflection on any one person, its a reflection on our society. We want to create a structure that works to get the food that we are growing to everyone, explained Amanda Gordineer, director of food equity at the Food Dignity Movement.

Food Dignity and New Roots Recovery Support Center have a blossoming partnership.

The mission of New Roots is to help people with substance use disorder and their families get on the right track.

If you have someone who is early in recovery, is thinking about getting into recovery, or a family member of yours is someone thats struggling with addiction, we want to be that resource to give someone the opportunity for entering a life of recovery, stated Sarah Helcoski, co-founder, New Roots.

Food Dignity and New Roots were awarded a combined $700,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding. They will use it to continue to make a difference.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Disclaimer: The article contains mentions of murder. Reader discretion is advised.

On January 11, 2013, authorities discovered the body of Kendrick Johnson in the Lowndes High School gym in Valdosta, Georgia. After initiating an investigation, police sent his body for an autopsy. The preliminary autopsy found that Johnsons body had no injuries, so investigators ruled his death as an accident. In the following years, Johnsons family tried exhuming his body for additional autopsies. Subsequently, authorities reopened the Kendrick Johnson case in 2021. The case is thoroughly detailed in the documentary Finding Kendrick Johnson.

In the initial phase of the investigation, police speculated that Kendrick Johnson wanted to retrieve his shoe from a rolled-up mat. However, he couldnt get out and died, per WALB News. In May of that year, police officially announced that Johnsons death was an accident. On the other hand, Johnsons parents believed that someone murdered their kid. But things went bizarre when the attorney of Johnsons family revealed the difference between the information from the paramedics and what investigators said. The outlet reported that in June 2013, the court announced a second autopsy in Johnsons case.

Citing the second autopsy report, WALB mentioned that Kendrick Johnson died from an unexplained, apparent non-accidental, blunt force trauma. Thereafter, Johnsons family requested the police to rule Johnsons death as a homicide. In the following years, Johnsons family tried to get justice, and in 2018, a third autopsy conducted on the deceased noted that Johnsons death was non-accidental. People from the community, including Johnsons family, pressurized the law-enforcement agencies to reopen the case. As a result, authorities reopened Kendrick Johnsons death case in March 2021, per NPR.

Are there any suspects in Kendrick Johnsons death?

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the family of Kendrick Johnson came forward with a recording in which a young man claimed to have killed Johnson. Citing the recording, the publication mentioned that the man alleged that authorities would catch him eventually. The man said, They are going to catch me anyway. I shouldve never done this. I was young and stupid. Kendrick didnt deserve this, man.

Meanwhile, WALB noted that authorities started investigating the email that allegedly claimed that an ex-schoolmate killed Kendrick Johnson. However, the publication claimed that the confession was a hoax.

Last year, in September, Kendrick Johnsons parents filed a lawsuit worth $1 billion against law enforcement authorities. The Telegraph noted that the case was filed against the local sheriffs office and state investigators for allegedly giving false information to Johnsons parents and ruling his death as an accident.

The documentary Finding Kendrick Johnson is available to stream on TUBI.

The post Finding Kendrick Johnson: Was the Case Reopened? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
by Xinhua writers Wang Meiqi, Cao Pengyuan, Ren Liying

SHIJIAZHUANG, June 3 (Xinhua) -- For many years, veteran Cuban cultural anthropologist Jesus Guanche Perez viewed China as a distant and intriguing country, but it was only in 2018 that he was able to explore it for himself, thanks to an invitation from a private university.

His opportunity came when the Hebei International Studies University in Shijiazhuang, capital of north China's Hebei Province, reached out to Guanche Perez via email, asking the established scholar if he would consider joining the university as its vice president.

Having sojourned and worked on several continents, including North America, Europe and Africa, the 74-year-old scholar is deeply invested in the field of cultural anthropology and has earned various titles from academic institutions such as the Cuban Academy of Sciences and the New York Academy of Sciences.

Propelled by a perfect match between his field of interest and professional experience in academia and the position offered by the university, Guanche Perez accepted the tenure after several months' communication, finally embarking on the journey from his Caribbean hometown to the northern Chinese city.

He quickly adapted to the new cultural environment in China and continued his unrelenting pursuit of academic studies.

"From Monday to Friday, you always see him writing for hours in a row on his office desk, except for short breaks and the time to handle administrative affairs," said Yang Zhen, vice president of the Hebei International Studies University.

Guanche Perez's devotion has yielded fruitful results, with a raft of academic works published one after another, including Ethnographic Dictionaries on the Peoples of the World, Latin American and Caribbean Studies on China, Cultural Identities and Diversity: Interculturalism vs Multiculturalism.

In China, he also witnessed the country's rapid development and was impressed by the achievements of its reform and opening up drive, as well as its poverty alleviation efforts.

Gaining first-hand knowledge of China's politics, economy and culture, Guanche Perez became interested in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and started to incorporate his BRI research into his studies on global history.

The BRI has raised a new conception of cooperation and provided an equal platform for the development of different countries and different peoples, said Guanche Perez.

Under the initiative, China and Latin America continue to deepen trade flows and steadily increase the scale of trade. Since 2012, China has maintained its position as the second-largest trading partner of Latin America, data from China's Ministry of Commerce showed. In 2022, the trade volume between China and Latin America approached 500 billion U.S. dollars, maintaining rapid growth for six consecutive years.

Hailing the progress of China-Latin America cooperation, Guanche Perez said, "This is a favorable result that should grow through the implementation of joint projects."

The BRI is not only limited to economic and technological aspects. More importantly, the initiative has a cultural dimension. "This global project is an example of the strategy to achieve a shared future for humanity featuring lasting peace and increasing sustainability," he said.

Speaking highly of the eight major steps announced by China in 2023 to boost high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Guanche Perez said, "I see an excellent, brilliant future for this project of the world. It is not only an initiative for China, but an initiative for the world."

Cuba was the first country in the Western hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. For Guanche Perez, the exchanges and cooperation between China and Cuba are not only an important subject of academic research, but also a cause in which he has actively participated.

From the establishment of a China-Cuba joint BRI research center at Hebei International Studies University to the promotion of academic exchange activities between Chinese and Cuban higher education institutions -- Guanche Perez has provided support and assistance to the best of his ability.

In 2020, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the socioeconomic development of Hebei Province, he received a friendship award from the provincial government.

"This honor is not just for me but belongs to our university as well. It is also a symbol of the brotherhood between Cuba and China," said Guanche Perez during the award ceremony. 
MILAN  Finland is the latest Nordic country to beef up its coastal defense with the planned acquisition of over a dozen self-propelled artillery systems to protect the countrys territorial waters in the Baltic Sea.

The Finnish Logistics Command, which oversees military equipment acquisitions, announced a tender to purchase up to 20 artillery systems, depending on available funding, without disclosing the contract value.

The goal of these purchases will be to create a mobile artillery capability dedicated to coastal defense as to engage vessels in Finnish territorial waters at the littoral area including the archipelago and hostile forces on land, according to recently published documents .

Finlands territorial sea covers an area of 54,130 square kilometers, per the European Commissions Maritime Spatial Planning database.

Listed requirements for the artillery systems call for them to possess a high degree of mobility so as to allow deployment in the Finnish coastal environment, and for the ammunition to be compatible with NATOs Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding.

An additional option for the period 2029-2031 covers six more systems, depending on the quantity to be acquired.

Last week, Finlands neighbor, Sweden, launched a call to procure anti-aircraft guns to be placed on the Swedish-made Combat Boat 90 to intercept adversary drones and helicopters.

The Nordic strengthening of maritime defense capabilities comes amid growing concerns over Russias aspirations in the Baltic Sea region.

Last month, Moscow suggested plans to revisit and expand its sea borders around Russias islands in the Gulf of Finland and around Kaliningrad, an initiative that has the potential to stir up territorial disputes with several NATO countries.

The Finnish Navys Coastal Fleet maintains a high degree of operational readiness, focusing in part on mine warfare and maritime combat service support.
Estonia has a rich culture of singing, with its song festivals (along with Latvia and Lithuania) added to UNESCOs register of intangible cultural heritage. One Estonian village, though, was home to a world first at the weekend  the first ever song festival dedicated to eastern Estonias Kodavere dialect.

The village of Pala, just a few minutes from the shores of Lake Peipus  across which you can see Russia  played host on Sunday to the Kodavere laalupido song festival, dedicated to reviving the endangered language.

The Kodavere laalupido song festival was dedicated to reviving the local dialect. - KODAVERE PARIMUSKESKUS (Kodavere Heritage Centre) / Facebook

According to the Estonian Folk Culture Centre, a mere couple of hundred people use the Kodavere dialect in their everyday life, most of whom are older people.

With this in mind, two-thirds of the 250 performers were children and young people, Estonian newspaper Postimees said.

As well as local songs from the region, other well-known favourite tunes got the Kodavere treatment and made their debut in the dialect.

The song festival hopes to promote the use of the Kodavere dialect. - KODAVERE PARIMUSKESKUS (Kodavere Heritage Centre) / Facebook

Estonian national broadcaster ERR said the disappearance of the Kodavere dialect was predicted a century ago  but still it persists, against the odds.
(Reuters) -Two of the world's biggest solar panel makers, First Solar and Hanwha Qcells, are the first to register products under an environmental ratings system that will make them preferred in U.S. government purchasing, an industry group said on Tuesday.

Combined, the companies have seven products that meet the EPEAT standard created by the Global Electronics Council, according to Qcells, the GEC and the Ultra Low-Carbon Solar Alliance, a solar industry group.

The distinction will help First Solar and Qcells become go-to suppliers for federal projects, which are expected to be a major source of demand for solar panels. As part of his climate change agenda, President Joe Biden set a goal to decarbonize federal buildings by 2045, including a 50% reduction by 2032.

The administration earlier this year, for instance, said it would install solar panels on the Department of Defense's Pentagon headquarters in Virginia.

"This now means our USA assembled and sustainably made solar products will help the federal government achieve its ambitious climate goals," Kelly Weger, Qcells' senior director of sustainability, said in a statement.

First Solar has had EPEAT registered products since 2020. The addition of Qcells to the registry satisfies a government requirement that two manufacturers with at least three products in a category are necessary to activate the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), a set of rules that guide government purchasing.

The rules were updated last year to require federal buyers to maximize their use of sustainable products, defined as adhering to third-party standards outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPEAT standard for solar panels was among those recommended by the agency. To achieve the EPEAT label, producers must meet criteria for efficient power and water use, recycled content, disclosure of substances used in manufacturing, worker health and safety and more.

Two First Solar products became the first to achieve a new ultra-low carbon standard that addresses greenhouse gas emissions during different stages of the manufacturing process, the company said.

"As we add yet another differentiating factor that separates our technology from the competition, we are reminded that not all solar is created equal and that embodied carbon remains a challenge for the solar industry," Samantha Sloan, vice president of policy, sustainability and marketing at First Solar, said in a statement.

Producing panels in the U.S. helps lower the carbon intensity of the products. Both First Solar and Qcells have U.S. manufacturing facilities.

Several other manufacturers are in the process of getting their solar panels registered under the standard, according to GEC CEO Bob Mitchell.

"With the growing demand from global purchasers for responsibly manufactured panels, we expect significant growth of participating companies in the coming months," Mitchell said.

(Reporting by Nichola Groom; Editing by Stephern Coates and Paul Simao)
WILMINGTON, Del. (NewsNation)  Opening statements began Tuesday in the federal gun case against President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden.

The younger Biden has been accused of lying on a federal form when he bought a .38-caliber Colt Cobra Special in 2018. Hunter Biden falsely said he was not a drug user, despite being addicted to cocaine at the time. He has since pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

First witness testimony

Prosecutors called their first witness, FBI special agent Erika Jensen, to testify. Jensen was assigned to investigate Hunter Biden and specifically looked for evidence and abuse of drugs.

The prosecution hopes to use Jensens testimony to introduce much of the digital evidence in this case, including embarrassing and intensely personal messages and images from Hunter Bidens laptop.

Jenson summarized the timeline of Hunter Bidens addiction from 2014 to 2019 during her testimony. The prosecution played audiobook excerpts from Hunters memoir detailing his addiction, which was read and recorded by Hunter Biden himself.

Prosecution opening statements

Hunter Bidens defense kicked off Tuesdays court session by making some objections to evidence the prosecution wants to introduce.



U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika took time to sort the matter out. She has previously mostly ruled in favor of the prosecution.



The defense objections were to some specific pictures of Hunter Biden, one in which hes shirtless with drug paraphernalia. The judge overruled the objection, saying it was allowed. Another image showed Hunter Biden sleeping shirtless, exposing a back tattoo. The judge ruled the prosecution can use the images because they establish the presidents sons location, which is relevant to the prosecutors case.

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Hunter Bidens lawyers were allowed to examine prosecutors excerpts from his books and provide additional context. Still, the judge ruled in five instances that the context Hunter Bidens team wanted to add was irrelevant and hearsay. In three instances, she granted the defense teams requests to add their excerpts from his book.



A short break was allowed within the first few minutes because the defense sent some evidentiary exhibits to the prosecution Tuesday morning, which the defense will use to cross-examine an FBI special agent  the prosecutions first witness.

The 50-minute break was intended for both sides to discuss among themselves to see if they could come to terms on their own without the judge having to rule on it. Attorneys from both sides returned to the courtroom after break, and opening arguments began.

Prosecutor Derek Hines opened by hammering the point that no one is above the law, no matter what your name is. Hines mentioned it at least three times in the first few minutes of the prosecutions statement.

He meticulously walked the jury through the 4473 gun form that Hunter Biden filled out and allegedly lied on, saying there isnt a system in place to prevent drug users from getting guns other than this self-check box on the form.

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The prosecutor also described the romantic relationship between Hunter Biden and his late brothers widow, claiming that he introduced Hallie Biden to crack cocaine and influenced her addiction. Hines shared texts between the two in which Hunter Biden told her he was meeting with a dealer behind a local grocery store. Hines also pointed to another message in which Hunter Biden claimed hed gotten high and fallen asleep.

Hines then laid out how after 11 days of owning the gun, Hallie Biden had concerns for Hunter Biden. She allegedly took his gun, wrapped it up in his leather pouch (which he used to transport cocaine) and threw it in an open garbage can behind a grocery store, Hines said.

It was then found by a man who regularly looked through garbage cans for recycables, the prosecution argued.

Hunter Biden was then reportedly angry when he found out Hallie Biden had taken his gun and demanded they retrieve it, but it had already been found, the prosecution continued.

Defense opening statements

Hunter Bidens defense teams argument hinges on two claims: that Hunter Biden didnt knowingly break the law because he was clean and in between relapses when he filled out the gun application, and that the gun sellers were eager to sell to Hunter Biden because of who he is, overlooking protocol.

Defense attorney Abbe Lowell argued that the 4473 forms language wasnt clear, explaining that it doesnt ask, Have you ever used drugs? Rather, it says, Are you a drug user?

Lowell noted that in other places on the form, it does use the phrase, Have you ever. But on the drug question, it specifically does not.

Regarding the text messages between Hunter Biden and Hallie Biden, Lowell urged the jury to pay attention to the dates of the text messages about drug use that the prosecution will show. He said that they wont be dated just before Hunter bought the gun on Oct. 12, 2018. He said they would be dated shortly after Hunter left a rehab facility in California, where he was working on getting clean.

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Lowell argued in good faith that Hunter Biden truly considered himself not to be a drug user at that moment. After the gun was found, and he and Hallie got into a big fight, the stress of that situation caused Hunter Biden to relapse, Lowell argued.

The defense told the jury that the evidence would show Hunter Biden was acting normally in the few days around his gun purchase, and that normal behavior is impossible had he been addicted to and using crack during that period.

There are functioning alcoholics. Theres no such thing as a functioning crack addict, Lowell said.

It was highlighted by Lowell that Hunter Biden never disputed that he had a history of drug use, saying Hunter Biden, like millions of Americans, had real struggles with addiction.

Another point Lowell pushed hard on was Hunter Bidens lifelong trauma from the childhood car accident that killed his baby sister and biological mother. He had also suffered physical injuries from that crash. Plus, losing his brother, Beau Biden, fueled trauma that manifested in drug addiction, Lowell stated.

The defense also placed the blame on Hallie Biden, saying it was she who took the gun out of the blue lock box in Hunter Bidens car 10 days after his purchase. Lowell also aimed at authorities who tested the pouch, saying that although they found cocaine residue, they did not test for fingerprints which begs the question of who handled the pouch and when.

The evidence of the pouch will tell you nothing about the charge, Lowell said.

He insisted that Hunter Biden was not on drugs at the time of the guns purchase, nor in the days following.

Hunter Biden trial: Jury selection

A jury was seated Monday after prospective panelists were questioned about their thoughts on gun rights and drug addiction while the first lady watched from the front row of the courtroom. The jurors  six men and six women plus four women serving as alternates  were instructed by Noreika not to talk or read about the case.

It is the first time a sitting presidents child has been prosecuted by that same presidents Justice Department.

President Joe Biden said Monday that as president he wouldnt comment on the criminal trial but 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. 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. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

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Hunter Biden charges

Hunter Biden faces 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 a now-defunct plea 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.

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Hunter Biden trial begins

The trial begins nearly one year after Noreika raised concerns about that plea agreement that would have spared Hunter Biden any prison time.

Lead prosecutor David Weiss has said political considerations played no part in the investigation. He told lawmakers behind closed doors last year that no one at the Justice Department prevented him from pursuing charges.

If Hunter Biden were to be convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders typically do not get anywhere near the maximum and its unclear whether the judge will give him time behind bars.

This is a developing story, please check back for more updates.

The Associated Press and NewsNations Rich Johnson 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.
Five takeaways on what Trump said about locking up Hillary in 2016 campaign and thereafter

Donald Trump said in a weekend interview that he didn't agree with rally chants of "Lock her up"  a staple of his successful 2016 presidential campaign.

In fact, Trump said in the interview on Fox News that he didnt say, Lock her up, " in reference to Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, but rather "the people said, Lock her up, lock her up. 

Trump also suggested the iconic chant was just stump talk.

He said: 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 claimed he was the cooler head that rebuffed demands to investigate and prosecute Clinton after he assumed the presidency.

"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, the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential said.

So what did Trump say? Here are five takeaways.

'Lock her up' wasn't just a chant. It was central to Trump's 2016 campaign.

A principal theme of Trump's initial run for the White House was his castigation of what he said was political corruption by the ruling elite. It was a mainstay of his populist message that working Americans were being sold out, whether in trade treaties or domestic policies, by the governing class.

The "lock her up" chant was often preceded or succeeded at his rallies by another call to "drain the swamp." In his inaugural address, Trump took an even more dystopian level, claiming that the era of "American carnage" was over.

Trump made Clinton the face of the corrupt ruling class.

Supporters wave flags near Mar-a-Lago on May 30, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida after former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all counts in his New York criminal hush money trial.

The TV star-turned-political leader unfailingly referred to his rival as "Crooked Hillary." And from there, the "lock her up" call germinated.

At a speech in Lakeland in 2016, Trump called the Clintons "very dishonest and a very bad period," and referenced President Bill Clinton's 1998 impeachment.

He added: "Americans honestly have had it with the years and decades of Clinton corruption. It's corruption."

Trump said Hillary and her lawyers should be 'jailed.'

Trump often prompted the slogan in referring to the email scandal involving Clinton.

"She gets a subpoena, she gets a subpoena and after, not before, that would be bad. But after getting a subpoena to give over your emails and lots of other things, she deleted the emails," he said in that Florida speech eight years ago. "She has to go to jail."

The crowd then chanted "Lock her up" as Trump then also called for imprisoning the lawyers who represented Clinton and that he also claimed covered up the matter.

Poll: Majority agrees with Trump conviction; Biden tops Trump by a percentage point.

"Those representatives within that law firm that did that have to go to jail," Trump said.

Trump also said he believed there had been inappropriate information exchanges between the Department of Justice and Clinton during the FBI investigation of the email storage, and he vowed to appoint a special prosecutor to reopen the probe.

"This corruption is just one more reason why I will ask my attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor," he said. "And furthermore, furthermore, we are going to investigate this phony investigation."

But did Trump really mean it?

The record of Trump's pursuit of Hillary Clinton during his single White House term is unclear.

A special prosecutor was never appointed to investigate the Clinton email saga, despite his campaign pledge.

In his 2022 book, "One Damned Thing After Another," former Attorney General William Barr said then-President Trump told him in a November 2018 meeting not to prosecute Clinton.

"He said that, despite the chants of 'Lock her up!' from some of his supporters, he had felt after the 2016 election that the email matter should be dropped," Barr wrote. "Even if she were guilty, he said, for the election winner to seek prosecution of the loser would make the country look like a 'banana republic.' "

But a year earlier, congressional Republicans in the House oversight and judiciary committee announced they would investigate the FBI's conduct of the probe into then-Secretary of State Clinton's handling of emails.

Despite what Barr said Trump told him, the president's rhetoric and social-media posts continued to call for investigations and arrests of political foes.

In October 2020, Trump railed against electoral and governance actions he said were taken by President Barack Obama and Democratic rival Joe Biden when he was vice president.

"Where are all of the arrests? Can you imagine if the roles were reversed? Long term sentences would have started two years ago. Shameful!" Trump wrote in one post.

He alter added in all caps: "Wow!!! NOW DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS, THE BIGGEST OF ALL POLITICAL SCANDALS (IN HISTORY)!!! BIDEN, OBAMA AND CROOKED HILLARY LED THIS TREASONOUS PLOT!!! BIDEN SHOULDNT BE ALLOWED TO RUN  GOT CAUGHT!!!"

Trump's 'perfect' phone call  the pursuit of Joe Biden

In the summer of 2019, Trump also turned his sights on former Vice President Joe Biden.

Biden had just announced his 2020 presidential run, and Trump was seeking political dirt on the man he assumed would be his main challenger.

In a July call to new Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump pressed his counterpart to state that his government was probing Biden on allegations of corruption. Zelenskyy did not, and then the delivery of U.S. military aid to Kyiv was delayed.

The call led to Trump's first impeachment by the Democratic majority in the U.S. House. Trump denied wrongdoing and he was acquitted by the GOP-led U.S. Senate in early 2020.

But Trump's attacks on "Crooked Joe" Biden have relentlessly continued and were joined in early 2022 by the GOP-led U.S. House. So far, however, the committees investigating the president have not generated meaningful evidence to support Trump's and Republicans' claims of wrongdoing by the president.

A key figure who sparked the Biden-Ukraine investigation, Boca Raton resident Lev Parnas, now says there was no Biden fraud in Ukraine.

"The whole motive and the whole Biden stuff was never about getting justice, and getting to the bottom of Biden criminality or doing an investigation in Ukraine," Parnas said a December 2023 interview. "It was all about announcing an investigation and using that in the media to be able to destroy the Biden campaign and have Trump win."

U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat whose district covers swaths of Palm Beach County, in March called the GOP House leadership's bluff during a House Oversight Committee hearing.

Moskowitz dared committee chair James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, to call an impeachment vote on Biden. Moskowitz even made the motion  sardonically saying, "I want to help you out"  to impeach and called out Comer to second it and hold the vote.

Comer demurred, and Moskowitz then tore into the chairman and his GOP colleagues.

"No? Nothing? We got nothing," Moskowitz began. "I want  to show the America people that they're never going to impeach Joe Biden. It's never going to happen, because they don't have the evidence. This is a show. It's all fake."

Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at afins@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump says he never said to lock up Hillary. Here is what he said.
FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT)  The Florence Police Department (FPD) is looking for information about a Monday night shooting.

On the evening of June 3, officers responded to a shots fired call in the area of Helton Drive and Hermitage Drive. FPD says they found a weapon and spent rounds in the parking lot of the Southern Oaks Apartments.

Florence man arrested after being accused of domestic violence, strangulation

The department says an 18-year-old male was found in the area and taken to the North Alabama Medical Center, where he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.

If you have any information about this shooting, please call FPD at (256)-760-6610 or send a message on Facebook.

You can also send an anonymous tip by texting FPDTIP and a message 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 WHNT.com.
Cuban activists and supporters march from the White House to the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C., during a Cuban freedom rally on July 26, 2021. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

The Biden administrations announcement that it will relax financial sanctions against Cuba to boost entrepreneurship on the island has raised howls of outrage among Florida congressional Republicans  and a loud cone of silence among Democrats.

The responses reflect how the momentum to reestablish ties between the U.S. and Cuba that climaxed when Barack Obama visited the island eight years ago has significantly cooled.

The Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said last Tuesday that it would allow independent private sector entrepreneurs who are Cuban nationals (known as pymes, from the Spanish pequena y mediana empresa) to open, maintain, and remotely use U.S. bank accounts for the first time. Theyll also be able to make remote online transactions, and OFAC is allowing so-called U-turn transactions, where money is sent from one country to another but is routed through the United States.

While self-employed proprietorships  cuentapropistas  have been legal in Cuba for some years, State Department officials say that more than 11,000 private businesses are now registered in Cuba, with the private sector responsible for nearly one-third of all employment on the island.

The move was championed by Florida advocates who are promoting the private sector in Cuba.

Anything that supports the creation of these independent micro-enterprises in Cuba is a good thing, said Elio Muller, a Tampa-based Cuban native who served in the Bill Clinton administration. These microenterprises are cropping up and growing and they are teaching people to be entrepreneurs and teaching people to be capitalists and self-sufficient, and all of that insures for the possibilities of a free and independent and market-economy Cuba.

Its late in arriving but better late than never, and we in particular appreciate the very good work that the U.S. State Department has been doing in promoting the private sector in Cuba, said former Miami-based Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia. I think its a way to promote change that amplifies Cubas civil society and brings about a more vibrant opportunity for the Cuban people.

GOP complaints

But South Florida Congressional Republicans immediately denounced the news.

President Biden has just announced more concessions to the dictatorship in #Cuba, said Congressman Carlos Gimenez, who was born in Cuba but moved with his parents to Florida after the communist takeover, on X. This move will only perpetuate the regime in power & prolong the suffering of the Cuban people. The blatant complicity with these dictators is dangerous & pathetic.

Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar questioned a State Department official during a congressional hearing in January about whether the Biden administration would open the U.S. banking system to independent Cuban businesses. She says last weeks announcement confirmed her suspicions.

As I warned, the Biden Admin is now giving the Cuban private sector access to the U.S. financial system, she said last week on X. This would make a mockery of American law, considering no progress has been made toward freedom on the Island and repression has intensified.

This move poses serious national security risks as it further enriches the regime in power, added U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart on X. The regime selectively issues licenses only to the so-called entrepreneurs who support it. The regimes licenses have created an incestuous network of Communist party members which, shamefully, the Biden Administration has decided to help with sanctions relief. Rewarding those close to the regime with extensions of credit or other financial support does nothing to help the Cuban people.

The Biden administration strongly denies that allegation. A State Department official told reporters last week that the new definition of independent private sector entrepreneurship excludes prohibited officials of the Cuban government, as well as members of the Cuban military, intelligence, and security services.

Ostrich strategy

Curiously absent from any public discussion about the policy change were Floridas eight congressional Democrats, whose offices did not respond to inquiries by the Phoenix.

Well, its kind of an ostrich strategy, right? Florida International University political science professor Eduardo Gamarra said. Maybe if I hide myself for a couple of reasons this will just blow over and people will forget about it.

For years, Gamarra has documented how Republicans in South Florida have been successful in persuading Hispanic people to vote GOP by branding Democrats as socialists and comparing them unfavorably with the Cuban, Venezuelan, and Nicaraguan governments that many of those residents escaped from.

He says that while hes personally very comfortable with the Biden administrations announcement regarding Cuban independent businesses using U.S. banks, officials should have waited and made that announcement after this Novembers election.

Its timing, he said. Look, I think our policy to Cuba has been wrong for 65 years, right? Ive written and said publicly that sanctions dont work. They havent worked in most cases, but its the only policy we have. But you dont choose to lift sanctions in the middle of a very, very contested election. Ive worked in presidential campaigns all over Latin America, and its just insane to make these types of decisions in the middle of a hotly contested campaign, even if you just completely dismiss Florida.

Call for monitoring

One Democrat who did comment publicly was former South Florida Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, the partys leading candidate to challenge Rick Scott this fall for re-election to the U.S. Senate.

In the fight against the brutal [Cuban President Miguel] Diaz-Canel communist dictatorship, its important for the United States to support legitimate private enterprises and small businesses while maintaining strong sanctions against the human rights abusing regime and their allies, she said. The Biden Administration must monitor the situation closely and ensure this isnt being abused and put Cuba back on the list of countries not cooperating with anti-terrorism efforts.

While there hasnt been much daylight between Republican and Democratic members of Congress from South Florida when it comes to doing anything but supporting the 60-year-plus economic embargo against Cuba, the Tampa Bay area had been the locus pushing for stronger Cuban-American ties over the past decade.

Kathy Castor

Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor visited the island in 2013 and made headlines when she returned after she called for an end to the trade embargo. But a year ago, she acknowledged that she had curbed her enthusiasm about bringing the two governments together, telling the Phoenix that the Cuban government has become even more repressive, and so my view has definitely changed from a time of being able to work with the Cuban government. (Her office did not respond to inquiries about the banking announcement last week).

Castor made that comment after a group of GOP state lawmakers filed a resolution during last years legislative session calling out three Tampa elected officials who held a private meeting with Lianys Torres Rivera, Cubas ambassador to the United States. A Cuban exile and his son disrupted the meeting, one of whom videotaped the encounter (the resolution never came to the floor).

In the closing years of the Barack Obama administration, the U.S. enacted a number of policy changes affecting Cuba, specifically regarding travel and trade, calling the previous 50-plus years a failed approach. But a number of those policies were reversed when Donald Trump came into power in 2017.

Patrick Manteiga, editor and publisher of La Gaceta, a Tampa-based weekly that boasts of being the countrys only tri-lingual newspaper, says he would expect that Democrats outside of South Florida to support the Biden administrations move, but doesnt think that its all that significant.

Terror list

I see what Biden is doing and to me it really isnt anything, he said. This is not helping the Cuban private businesses. This is not helping the Cuban economy, and Bidens got to go a lot further than this. He really kind of promised that he would reverse Donald Trumps policies, and he has yet to do that. And if you really want to help Cuba and the people of Cuba, he will take them off the list of terrorist nations.

Former President Donald Trumps State Department put Cuba on the short list of state sponsors of terrorism on Jan. 8, 2021, just days before he left office, including it with North Korea, Iran, and Syria for repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism in granting safe harbor to terrorists.

People like me all assumed that the day after Joe Biden was sworn in, he was going to rescind all of that, and at the minimum bring us back to the days of Barack Obama, which is what he said in his campaign, says Al Fox, founder of the Tampa-based Alliance for Responsible Cuba Policy Foundation, which advocates for normalizing Cuban American relations. And hes done nothing.

While Cuba does remain on that list of state sponsors of terrorism, the State Department did just remove Cuba from a short list of countries that are not fully cooperating with the U.S. on counterterrorism efforts. While that move may win applause from those pushing for the U.S. to liberalize relations with Cuba, Professor Gamarra, citing the current state of Florida politics, calls it a misguided concession.

For many Cuban Americans, this move undermines their painful history and struggles against a regime they view as oppressive and terroristic, he wrote on his blog. This perception drives a wedge deeper between the Democratic Party and Cuban Americans, a key voter base that remains skeptical of any engagement with the Cuban regime.

Meanwhile, former Congressman Joe Garcia says its now up to the Cuban government to reciprocate.

Cuba has hundreds of political prisoners who are still in jail, he said.

A first step towards welcoming these new moves by the Biden administration would be the release of some of these political prisoners. Which, beyond the merits of whether theyre political prisoners or not, they are damaging Cubas ability to project itself and get its message out. And the faster they move to solve that damaging reality, the faster and quicker those of us who want to find ways to empower Cuban civil society and better the nation of Cuba, will be able to work and be able to achieve things.

The post Florida Democrats lie low on Biden plan to lift some Cuba sanctions appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Immigrants waited overnight next to the U.S.-Mexico border fence to seek asylum in the United States on Jan. 7, 2023, as viewed from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

Reflecting the political landscape when it comes to immigration, President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Tuesday that would bar migrants from seeking asylum at the U.S.Mexico border after entries exceed a certain point.

The policy is similar to what former President Donald Trump attempted to do in 2018, before being shut down by the courts. The plan would go into effect if the seven-day average for entries exceeds 2,500 per day.

The announcement is being blasted by members of a leading immigrant rights group based in Florida, who say they stand in stark opposition to it.

Voters did not vote Trump out of office only to get Trump-era immigration policies under a Democratic administration, said Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, federal campaign lead for the Florida Immigrant Coalition.

Instead of ineffectively trying to be more anti-immigrant than Trump, the Biden administration should invest more in policies proven to work, such as expanding lawful pathways to citizenship and other protection programs like DACA, TPS [Temporary Protected Status], and work permits. The Biden administration cannot forget the promises made to immigrant communities and voters, Mendez-Zamora said in a written statement.

Renata Bozzetto, deputy director for the coalition, said the problem is not asylum but a system that has not adapted to the current needs, including restrictive entries and backlogs created by Trump-era policies which continue to be deprioritized and unaddressed by the Biden administration and members of Congress. Theres no need to posture to look tough on an issue if you address it holistically.

Over the past few days, we have seen the Biden administration adopt many of the same anti-immigrant measures that we denounced under the Trump administration, said Sarah M. Rich, senior supervising attorney and interim senior policy counsel at the Southern Poverty Law Center. In fact, this proclamation relies on the same statutory provision that the Trump administration relied upon to issue its infamous Muslim Ban in 2017.

Also unimpressed was Evan Power, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.

Once again, Biden has put the interests of illegal aliens over American citizens, he said in a statement. Bidens Border Bill is Amnesty. It enshrines catch-and-release in federal law, allows 5,000 illegal entries per day, takes jobs from Americans by granting millions of work permits for illegals, and replaces immigration judges with asylum officers.'

A Florida Chamber of Commerce poll released last month showed that immigration was the top concern among Florida voters at 16%. Property insurance was the second most important issue listed at 14%.

The post Florida Immigrant Coalition slams Bidens border closure plan appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Florida man found with 74 stolen perfume bottles in his clothes after chase, SC cops say

A Florida man was arrested on multiple charges Monday after leading officers on a chase that began at a popular Columbia-area shopping center, according to the Forest Acres Police Department.

Bernard Nobles  a 30-year-old Lauderdale Lakes, Florida resident  was charged with shoplifting (enhanced) and is also being held on two fugitive from justice warrants, police said in a news release. Nobles was also charged with burglary, jail records show.

It was about 2 p.m. Monday, when police were called about a man  later identified as Nobles  and woman who were reportedly shoplifting inside a business at the Trenholm Plaza shopping mall, police said in the release. Police did not identify the store where the incident began.

Officers saw a man and woman matching the description leave the store, according to the release. When officers approached, Nobles and the woman ran away, police said.

After a foot chase, both were detained, according to the release. Information about how long the chase lasted, or where Nobles and the woman were taken into custody, was not available.

Nobles had 74 bottles of travel-size perfume concealed in his clothing, police said. The stolen items were valued at $2,923.48, according to the release.

Four children in SUV that crashed after their mom led officers on chase, SC police say

Police said they learned that arrest warrants from Myrtle Beach as well as Broward County and Indian River in Florida had been issued for Nobles. There was no word about what charges Nobles is facing from those other municipalities.

The woman was interviewed and released, police said.

Information about why Nobles was in Forest Acres, and any connections to the Columbia area, was not available.

Nobles is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and is scheduled to have a bond hearing Tuesday afternoon, according to the release.
TEHRAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Iran's nuclear chief warned on Tuesday that the country would take retaliatory actions should certain parties to the 2015 nuclear deal seek to exert pressure or adopt an "anti-Tehran resolution" during the ongoing board meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog.

President of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami made the remarks in an address to reporters upon arrival at the airport of Shahrekord city in the western Iranian province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.

He said that Iran had notified other parties of its potential reaction, noting, "If the other sides return to their commitments under the nuclear deal, Iran will also fulfill its obligations."

Iran signed the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with world powers in July 2015, accepting restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions. However, the United States withdrew from the agreement in May 2018.

Eslami said that Iran was in the phase of scaling back its commitments based on a strategic law passed by the country's parliament in 2020 to counter U.S. sanctions, explaining that the move was prompted by the failure of other parties to the deal, particularly the United States, to honor their commitments under the agreement.

During a meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the Austrian capital Vienna on Monday, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium continued to increase, with some enriched up to 60 percent.

Reuters reported Monday that Britain, France and Germany had formally submitted a draft resolution against Iran to the IAEA Board of Governors for it to be voted on later this week, which would press Iran to explain uranium traces found at undeclared sites. 
Florida man found with 74 stolen perfume bottles in his clothes after chase, SC cops say

A Florida man was arrested on multiple charges Monday after leading officers on a chase that began at a popular Columbia-area shopping center, according to the Forest Acres Police Department.

Bernard Nobles  a 30-year-old Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, resident  was charged with shoplifting (enhanced) and is also being held on two fugitive from justice warrants, police said in a news release. Nobles was also charged with burglary, jail records show.

At about 2 p.m. Monday, police were called about a man  later identified as Nobles  and woman who were reportedly shoplifting inside a business at the Trenholm Plaza shopping center, police said in the release. Police did not identify the store where the incident began.

Officers saw a man and woman matching the description leave the store, according to the release. When officers approached, Nobles and the woman ran away, police said.

After a foot chase, both were detained, according to the release. Information about how long the chase lasted, or where Nobles and the woman were taken into custody, was not available.

Nobles had 74 bottles of travel-size perfume concealed in his clothing, police said. The stolen items were valued at $2,923.48, according to the release.

Four children in SUV that crashed after their mom led officers on chase, SC police say

Police said they learned that arrest warrants from Myrtle Beach as well as Broward County and Indian River in Florida had been issued for Nobles. There was no word about what charges Nobles is facing from those other municipalities.

The woman was interviewed and released, police said.

Information about why Nobles was in Forest Acres, and any connections to the Columbia area, was not available.

Nobles was being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and was scheduled to have a bond hearing Tuesday afternoon, according to the release.
Florida man posed as cancer patient to steal $5K from Tampa Bay nonprofit, deputies say

Florida man posed as cancer patient to steal $5K from Tampa Bay nonprofit, deputies say

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida man allegedly posed as a cancer patient and stole money from a Tampa-area non-profit, according to the Volusia County Sheriffs Office.

Timothy Bartlett, 69, of Deltona, allegedly posed as Sally Holmes, who was undergoing treatment for breast cancer and out of work, deputies said.

Gabby Petitos mother says she forgives Brian Laundrie, calls his mother pure evil

A woman from the non-profit, which was not named, called deputies a few months ago and reported that Bartlett received $5,000.

Bartlett also allegedly pretended to be a cancer patient to steal money from four other non-profits in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, Sheriff Mike Chitwood said. All of the nonprofits help with living expenses for those with breast cancer, ovarian cancer and pediatric cancer.

I have seen a lot of morally reprehensible scams in my career, but this has to be one of the worst, Chitwood said in a statement.

Bartlett was arrested last week on charges of grand theft and organized scheme to defraud. He was taken to jail and was given a $20,500 bond, deputies 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 WFLA.
If there was any doubt, former President Donald Trumps felony conviction wont stand in his way of voting for himself in Florida, at least according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Last week, Trump was convicted on 34 counts in a New York state case of falsifying documents to hide hush-money payments to a porn star in order to influence the outcome of the 2016 election. That night, the press reported that as long as Trump wasnt incarcerated, hed likely still be able to vote in Florida come November.

On Friday evening, DeSantis confirmed that and said hed make sure the state Board of Executive Clemency quickly restored that right for Trump if need be, something others have said DeSantis hasnt always done for regular Florida felons.

Former President Donald Trump hasnt lost his voting rights in Florida. Rights are not removed in Florida where they havent yet been stripped in the convicting jurisdiction, DeSantis tweeted. That said, given the absurd nature of the New York prosecution of Trump, this would be an easy case to qualify for restoration of rights per the Florida Clemency Board, which I chair.

DeSantis added: The bottom line is that Donald Trumps vote this November will be one of millions that demonstrate Florida is now a solid Republican state!

The governor is being advised on the matter by a Tallahassee law firm, according to an email inadvertently sent by an attorney to the Herald/Times on Monday. But it would be legal for Floridas Clemency Board to restore Trumps right to vote in Florida regardless of what happens in any other state, according to a conflict-of-laws expert who spoke to the Herald/Times.

So far, Trumps been convicted in New York state court. He also has a pending federal case in Miami, a pending federal case in Washington D.C. and a pending state case in Georgia. And so, its not out of the realm of possibility that the Florida Clemency Board may actually have something to address regarding Trumps right to vote, as well as his other civil rights, such as the right to run for state office, the right to serve on a jury and the right to carry a gun.

If he is incarcerated in New York, for instance, he would be ineligible to vote in that state. And under Florida law he would therefore be ineligible to vote here. But the state Clemency Board has broad authority to restore rights as it sees fit. Its rules are agreed upon by the board itself, which is composed of the governor and the three members of the Florida Cabinet, all of whom are Republican.

It takes the governor and two other members of the Clemency Board to restore a felons rights.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, one of the members, is already on board.

Trump should be granted clemency immediately, Patronis tweeted shortly after the conviction on Thursday. This is outrageous.

And while Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, another Florida Cabinet member, didnt go that far, he did tweet in support of Trump just after the conviction.

This disgrace isnt justice. Its election interference, Simpson tweeted. Looking forward to the real verdict on November 5th.

Howard Simon, past executive director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, said by email that DeSantis was politicizing the right to vote.

The right to vote is the essence of democracy. But Gov. DeSantis statement reveals that for him its all about partisan advantage, saying that he is eager to restore Trumps right to vote to demonstrate that Florida is a solidly Republican state, said Simon. His new found passion for the right to vote should extend to everyone, not just to his authoritarian role model.

FLORIDAS CLEMENCY PROCESS

The Florida Constitution grants the governor, with approval of two members of the Florida Cabinet, the ability to restore a felons rights, including granting full or conditional pardons, lesser sentences and canceling fines and forfeitures for offenses.

Historically, the Clemency Board, which last met on March 27, has met quarterly. The Florida Commission on Offender Review and DeSantis office didnt respond to questions in time for publication regarding how many times the board has met or how many former felons for whom it has restored civil rights since DeSantis took office in January of 2019.

(In Florida, barring a vote by the Clemency Board, a person convicted of a felony must generally serve out all terms of their sentence before becoming eligible to have their civil rights restored, including the right to vote).

But the board under DeSantis has been accused of restoring few rights in the past.

So far this year, under this Clemency Board, four [former felons] have gotten their rights back, then-Democratic Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried told reporters on Oct. 29, 2019 at a pre-legislative session press conference, a comment PolitiFact Florida rated mostly true.

Fried put that number in context: Under Governor [Charlie] Crist, over 155,000 Floridians had their rights restored. Under Governor [Jeb] Bush, over 76,000. Even under Governor [Rick] Scott, more than 3,000 of our fellow citizens earned back their right to participate in society.

Roughly a year later, Fried told the Herald/Times in a statement that just 30 former felons had their rights restored by that point under DeSantis state Clemency Board.

Its an absolute mockery that in nearly two years under Governor DeSantis, only 30 Floridians have earned back their rights, compared to 234,000 under his three predecessors, Fried said.

Voters in 2018 approved a constitutional amendment to automatically restore the right to vote for most people convicted of a felony after they served all terms of their sentence, including fines and fees. But there has been confusion over when these former felons are truly eligible, often relating to outstanding fees in various counties of which they may or may not be aware.

The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition worked with DeSantis Clemency Board to update the rules so that a person who has had their voting rights restored would also have other civil rights restored, including the right to run for state office and the right to serve on a jury.

But to restore those rights, former felons must still apply, and have their case investigated by the Florida Commission on Offender Review, which can take years. And once their cases are approved, they have to wait in line for the Clemency Board to approve the restoration, and theres a backlog, according to Neil Volz, deputy director for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.

As it relates to implementing those changes, were not seeing a lot of activity, Volz told the Herald/Times. Its getting bogged down in the bureaucracy a little bit right now.

Volz added: Theres still too far of a line for people to fully take advantage of these policies.

Volz sees Trumps felony conviction as an educational moment in Florida around restoration of civil rights for people who have served their time. He said he hopes the fact that millions of people in Florida are likely about to vote for a convicted felon will remove some of the stigma.

The Clemency Board has immense flexibility and power to change their own rules and to make decisions They definitely have the ability to make a lot of moves that could be helpful to former President Trump, Volz said. Our hope would be that any process afforded to former President Trump would be available to regular folks with past convictions as well.

TRUMPS OUTSTANDING CRIMINAL CASES

Now that Trumps New York state case is over, he still has three outstanding criminal cases to go.

One case is in South Florida. It is a federal case following FBI and federal grand jury investigations alleging that Trump refused to return classified documents after he left the White House. He is facing 38 counts in this case, many of which come with a maximum sentence of 20 years, according to the indictment. The judge overseeing it, however, indefinitely postponed the case on May 7, making a ruling unlikely to happen before the November election.

A second federal case brought by the Justice Department is in Washington D.C. and centers on Trumps alleged conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election and involves the January 6 riot. He is indicted on four counts in that case. On December 13, the judge overseeing the case put it on hold while Trump appealed a ruling that said he doesnt have broad immunity from criminal charges stemming from his actions while president. That immunity case is now with the U.S. Supreme Court and whether the January 6 case resumes will depend on the high courts ruling.

The third case is also related to Trumps alleged conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election. This case is a state case in Georgia where a Fulton County grand jury found he sought to interfere with the election results in that state, according to the indictment. The proceedings were sent off course when Trump sought to have County District Attorney Fani Willis removed for having a romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. The request was denied but Trump has appealed the decision. An oral argument on that appeal is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 4, CBS News reported. The Georgia case trial wont begin until the appeal proceedings finish.

If Trump is convicted in either of the federal cases, he can pardon himself.

If hes somehow convicted in the Georgia case before November, it wont affect his right to vote in Florida. Thats because how a conviction plays out in Florida is up to Florida officials, said Kermit Roosevelt, an expert on constitutional law and conflict of laws at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.

Ive never seen a case, and Id be awfully surprised if there was a case saying that Florida cant decide what effect to give to convictions in other states, Roosevelt said. What Desantis was talking about there [in his tweet on Friday] was saying: our Board of Clemency can give you relief from this disability thats imposed by Florida law. And I think thats pretty clearly okay.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A Florida woman is under arrest in connection to an alleged case of Kansas voter fraud tied to a new political party.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced in a press release that a 47-year-old woman from Dade City, Florida was arrested by law enforcement in Nebraska on May 29. Her arrest is tied to the alleged forging of signatures to help the political party No Labels become officially registered in the state of Kansas.

As attorney general, I am determined to prosecute election fraud to the fullest extent of the law, Kobach said. It doesnt matter how far you run. We will drag you back to Kansas and prosecute you. The people of Kansas deserve the most secure elections possible.

Invasive tree-eating insect expands in northeast Kansas

The arrest follows an extensive investigation by the Kansas Attorney Generals Office with assistance from law enforcement agencies in Nebraska and Kansas. The Secretary of the State (SOS) initially forwarded the possible evidence of voter fraud for investigation by these law enforcement agencies.

The woman is being charged with multiple counts of election fraud in Johnson County District Court. This includes one count of election perjury and 18 counts of election forgery. She is currently being held in Nebraska before being sent to Johnson County.

As I have always said, my office is committed to pursuing any evidence of election crime. Kansas has strong laws to ensure the integrity of our elections, and this case demonstrates that the process works, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab said.

Felon files for Kansas congressional seat

No Labels became an officially recognized political part in Kansas in January 2024. Another man hailing from Dade City, Florida was arrested in February 2024 for alleged election fraud. 27 News previously asked the the SOSs office if this previous case would impact the partys status in Kansas.

For more Capitol Bureau 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

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Officer Harry Dunn (speaking) and Sergeant Aquilino Gonell (left), who were members of the Capitol Police on Jan. 6, 2021, campaigned in Pittsburgh for President Joe Biden on June 4, 2024 (Capital-Star photo)

PITTSBURGH  Two former Capitol Police officers who were at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 campaigned for President Joe Biden in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, warning that if former President Donald Trump wins another term, there would be nothing preventing a repeat of the insurrection that took place that day.

He doesnt deserve the benefit of the doubt any more, former Officer Harry Dunn said of Trump at a press conference in front of the Fred Rogers memorial statue on the citys North Shore. Hes told us, hes shown us what he is, what he means. He calls the people who attacked our capital patriots. He called the men and women who died serving our country suckers and losers.

Dunn, who made an unsuccessful bid for Congress in Maryland this year, clashed with Jan. 6 rioters as he helped guard former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosis office that day.

This is about democracy versus dictatorship, Dunn said of the 2024 election. The choice could not be more clear.

Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, an Army veteran, described the injuries he received on January 6, including being beaten with a flagpole, which he said required two surgeries. Gonell resigned from the Capitol Police in 2022.

He criticized Trump for referring to the people who participated in the attack on the Capitol as hostages and political prisoners, noting that Trump plays footage of that awful day at his rallies now.

We were assaulted and beaten by a mob who believed Donald Trumps lies that the 2020 election was stolen, Gonell said.

The officers appearance in Pittsburgh comes a few days after Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts at his hush-money trial in New York. Trump is scheduled to be sentenced July 11, just a few days before the Republican National Convention begins. He has said he plans to appeal the verdict.

Trump has called the people who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6 patriots at his campaign rallies, and argues they have been treated unfairly. He has said he plans to pardon them if he wins another term in office.

In February, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals denied Trumps request to throw out federal charges accusing him of lying to and encouraging his supporters ahead of the Jan. 6 attack. Trump and his attorneys had argued the case should be dismissed because Trump was acting in his official capacity as president and therefore had immunity. The U.S. Supreme Court is considering Trumps appeal in the case.

The Trump campaign did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Tuesday.

Gonell and Dunn also had harsh words for the members of Congress, many of whom were helped to safety by Capitol Police on Jan, 6, for supporting the rioters in the months and years since. The day that we testified [before the Jan. 6 committee], they were outside the D.C. jail protesting that those guys be released, Dunn said.

The only reason theyre able to make those statements is because they were able to escape, with the time and effort we put in that day, Gonell said, adding the lack of support for the officers was disappointing.

The two officers were introduced at Tuesdays press conference by Lindsey Scott, an Iraq War veteran who described herself as a former John McCain Republican, but said she switched her registration to the Democratic Party out of disgust after Jan. 6. The threat that Trump poses to our democracy is far from gone, Scott said. Trump has pledged to be a dictator on day one. Has a dictator ever willingly given up power?

Tuesdays appearance was the first of several campaign events that Dunn and Gonell are planning across Pennsylvania this week. The two have stumped for Biden in other battleground states, and appeared outside the courtroom in New York City ahead of the guilty verdict in Trumps hush money trial.

The post Former Capitol police officers attacked on Jan. 6 campaign for Biden in Pittsburgh appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
As I sat across a table from a minister in the Bulgarian government in his office in Sofia, he shook his head and then held it in his hands. I cant believe it. It is impossible, he said. It would be a disaster. How can Americans not see that?



He was speaking about the prospect of Donald Trump being reelected president of the United States. His despair at the prospect echoed that of others from government, business, and the media with whom I spoke during a recent trip to Eastern and Central Europe. But his palpable fear of a Trump return to office was not abstract or in any way based on political preferences. As he and others explained to me, it was based on the fact that they all felt that a Trump win would have a direct and profoundly negative impact on the lives of people in all of Europe.

The view the Bulgarian minister and others expressed to me was that a Trump win would result in a redrawing of the map of Europe in ways that would enable and embolden Vladimir Putin while simultaneously weakening the NATO alliance. Indeed, a Trump win would amount to nothing less than an undoing of many of the gains that came to the West through winning the Cold War and of many of the most important achievements forged in the wake of World War II.

This view is based not only on Trumps public statements and actions while in office and since but also on a European perception of the Russian threat that is much more sweeping and menacing than most Americans and many of our leaders in Washington seem to grasp.

Anne Applebaum, the Pulitzer Prizewinning author who has written extensively on the former Soviet Union and emerging authoritarian threats, told me, Many Europeans are afraid that a second Trump administration would work together with the Russians and their far-right allies in Europeboth those in power in Hungary and Serbia, as well as those who lead opposition parties in France and Germanyto transform European politics, destroy the European Union, and eventually dismantle NATO as well. That would make it easier for Russia and China to divide and dominate the continent for both economic and political advantage.

Of course this is not in Americas interest, she went on, but Trump does not act in Americas interest.

As for awareness of the sweeping nature of this threat, she said, Many Europeans do understand this threat. A German member of parliament recently said to me that he fears Europe will soon be facing three hostile, autocratic, and illiberal states: Russia, Chinaand the U.S.

When I mentioned my impressions of my conversations to former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, he said, What youve heard is fairly widely shared and feared across not only Central and Eastern Europe but the rest of Europe as well. The general assumption, especially after Trumps If you dont pay, Ill tell Russia to do whatever the hell they want, conjures up the images of Bucha, mass killings, torture, rape, etc., we have come to associate with Russia. It cant be undone.

This has, in Ilvess eyes, produced increasing support for developing plans for Europe to attempt to go it alone in the wake of a Trump victory. Countries that were once skeptical of such approaches, like France, are in the process of developing them. [Emmanuel] Macrons Autonomie strategique is purely the result of an understandingright or wrongthat Trump will abandon Europe and NATO in favor of his strongman buddy Putin, Ilves wrote in an email. Someone who believes Putin more than his own intelligence services (as we saw in his Helsinki meeting) is not someone people in Europe trust. Ominously, he concluded, In any case everyone seems to expect that after a Trump victory, transatlantic relations will be worse than they have been since WW2.

General Mark Hertling, who commanded the U.S. Army in Europe and spent 12 years working with leaders and other military commanders within the region, said, A former senior ranking military leader from Romania recently said something that I found insightful. Many of us thought that the election of Trump by the people of the U.S. in 2016 was just an anomaly, he said. We saw the effects of his presidency by the way he disparaged the members of NATO, implied he wouldnt support (and [would] even pull out of) the alliance, and through the appointment of specific terrible ambassadors to European postings. We were glad, he continued, that you returned to normalcy with the Biden election, but the potential of another Trump presidency would cause a complete loss of faith in the U.S. He said, It would be much like how we all feel about Hungary, or Turkey.

The concerns of the military leader with whom Hertling spoke echoed those I encountered on my trip. They were predicated on a sense that Russias menace extended far beyond its brutal aggression in Ukraine. They saw Russia as being broadly active across an extensive front, one that traced in many ways Churchills description of the Iron Curtain the Soviets had brought down in Europe, extending from Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic.

That includes efforts not just to seize land like Russia has done in Ukraine or in Georgia or threatens to do in places like Moldova or the Baltics, but also to engineer political tilts toward Moscow and to promote laws and leaders favorable to Moscows interestsin Georgia and Moldova but also in places like Bulgaria, where a pro-Russian tilt among populists is readily apparent. These efforts echo the progress Putin has already made in Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia by supporting pro-Russian governments.

Further, there is a widespread concern, most recently manifested in the wake of several incidents in Poland, of Russia employing hybrid measures like sabotage to damage and weaken neighboring governments that oppose it. Threatening language from Putin and his supporters directed at new members of NATO like Sweden and Finland, at the Baltics, and indeed at all of NATO are the reason that most of those states closest to Russia are so committed to stopping Russia in Ukraine and making the country pay a heavy price for its aggression as a way of mitigating the threat they collectively face from Moscow.

How Trump may handle these issues in a new administration with a new team is of grave concern to those in the region and U.S. experts. For example, Hertling told me, One of the other things I heard (from Europeans) after Trump was elected was that while he and his staff in the [White House] were often out of touch with the culture and issues in Europe, several European leaders told me they depended on the old hands in State, and the competency of the military assigned to Europe, to keep things on the rails. I would be afraid that the 2025 plan would take those old hands out of their positions, replacing them with those who dont understand the history of the former Soviet satellites, their fight for freedom over the last three decades, or the intricacies of places like Transnistria, South Ossetia/Abkhazia, and Nagorno-Karabakh. If Russian actions are not countered in Ukraine, those who used to be under the Russian bootthe Baltics, Poland, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, and Bulgariawould then be in the crosshairs. We are already seeing increased Russian actions in Georgia, Moldova, Poland, and Kaliningrad. (Kaliningrad Oblast is Russian territory that sits between Lithuania and Poland, extending to the Baltic, a vestige of postWorld War II territorial division that provides a strategic forward position for the Russians in Eastern Europe.)

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who worked on East European issues during his time on the National Security Council staff, described his perception of how the dominoes would fall across the continent should Trump once again occupy the Oval Office. A Trump victory in 2024 would undoubtedly lead to the end of American support for Ukraine, Vindman said. Without American political and material support, Ukraine would be forced to fight the war with considerably less resources and would likely remain on the defensive footing indefinitely. Trump would also likely push [Volodymyr] Zelenskiy to immediately enter negotiations with Putin (despite the Russian governments repeated bad-faith approach to negotiations over the past two years). While Trump and his team would likely present this as a diplomatic victory, we should remember that Trumps interests in Ukraine are mostly grounded in seeking Vladimir Putins personal approval and his personal vendetta against Zelenskiy and me.

He continued: Any negotiation signed by the Ukrainian government in this state of duress would be a victory for Russian interests in Eastern Europe and would be followed by renewed hybrid warfare efforts against Georgia and Moldova. The end result of this would be effectively canceling Georgian, Moldovan, and Ukrainian EU membership and keeping all three states within Moscows sphere of influence.

Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Douglas Lute offered the following critique of the current Washington understanding of the evolving situation along Europes Eastern flank and specifically of the constraints the Biden administration has placed on support for Ukraine, such as limitations on where U.S.-supplied weapons can or cannot be used that weaken Ukraines position and may increase the risks associated with a potential second Trump presidency: In a time when we are fixated on Putins redlines, we have missed the most important: He has set Russia on a path of constant and enduring conflict with the West, requiring aggression and provocations that justify a wartime economy and complete concentration of political power in him as president. His aggression takes a variety of forms: combat in Ukraine, cyberattacks on NATO allies, disinformation campaigns, and election interference. He has subjugated the long-term prospects of Russia to his campaign of aggression, meaning Russia will suffer political and economic isolation for the foreseeable future. Finally, he relies on Russias relationship with China, despite Russia being the clearly junior partner. These moves will not be easily reversed, even when Putin leaves the scene.

I have had many conversations with Americans who have expressed fear about the domestic consequences of a Trump win in November. But few have expressed the kind of real fear I saw in the eyes of those with whom I spoke on my trip. That may be because the prospect of the United States becoming an authoritarian state is hard to grasp for us. It has never happened here.

But in Eastern Europe, reminders of what life was like under Moscows domination are everywhere. So too are signs that a return to those very bad old days could be just around the corner. Our delays in providing aid to Ukraine and the limitations we have placed on the use of that aid are one sign that many in Washington do not fully realize the implications or extent of Putins moves against the West. But for those in the region, there would be no sign more frightening of that disconnect from reality than electing to the U.S. presidency an avowed Putin fanboy like Trump.
A former Holton Police Department officer has been stripped of his law enforcement certification after brandishing a firearm and holding it against his chest during a graduation party.

William Cline was employed by the department from Dec. 15, 2021 to Oct. 5, 2022, a summary order of revocation from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training, also known as KS-CPOST, said.

Cline was not working in law enforcement when the incident happened. He did not want to comment when contacted by an Eagle reporter.

The summary order gave this account:

Deputies with the Pottawatomie County Sheriffs Office responded to a report of an intoxicated person brandishing a firearm at a graduation party on May 19, 2023.

Guests at the party said that Cline pulled out a firearm, racked the slide and held it to his chest, making several guests uncomfortable. He was asked to leave.

Cline fled on foot after authorities arrived. He was found, interviewed and arrested by Pottawatomie County deputies.

He was charged with five counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm under the influence. Cline entered a plea agreement and was convicted of five counts of assault and one count of possession of a firearm under the influence, all misdemeanors.

Clines behavior had previously been investigated by the commission, according to the summary.

CPOST Executive Director Doug Schroeder did not say what that investigation involved, citing a state law regarding personnel matters.

Holton Police Chief Steven Frederick said Cline held the rank of police officer. He did not answer additional questions about Clines employment.

The Eagle asked why Cline still had his law enforcement certification after being previously investigated and after leaving the department. Schroeder said officer licenses have a time limit.

An officers certification status stays active for 5 years after their last date of employment unless there is a certification such at this order [revocation order], Schroeder said. After 5 years the certification will lapse.

Holton is a city of under 3,400 people in northeast Kansas and is just over a 2 1/2 hour drive from Wichita.
Gaurav Pahwa, a former LA Models executive, has filed a harassment lawsuit in the Superior court of California against his former employer.

Heinz Holba, the founder and owner of LA Models, and Karine Roman, vice president of LA Models, are also named in the complaint that is calling for a trial by jury. Holba is not commenting at this time, according to a representative for him at LA Models.

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Roman also declined to comment Tuesday afternoon.

Holba also owns LA Talent and NY Models, and Roman also has the vice president title at both of those sister agencies. Pahwa made numerous allegations including that Holba engaged in sexual misconduct, there was a hostile work environment at LA Models and that Pahwa had faced wrongful constructive termination and suffered economic damages.

Pahwa is seeking damages in the range of $8 million to $10 million, according to Arnold Peter, an attorney at the Peter Law Group. This is one of the most outrageous claims of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment that Ive ever seen, Peter said.

Pahwa is bringing the suit also on behalf of all of the other employees that have been [allegedly] harmed by this hostile work environment, Peter added. However, Pahwa is the only plaintiff in the lawsuit and is seeking damages solely on his own behalf.

Among other claims, Pahwa alleged that there was a hostile work environment and intolerable working conditions that he claimed were created by Roman. The defendant referred to Romans alleged repeated use of derogatory and degrading language and discriminatory comments. The suit alleged that behavior was based on sexual orientation and age.

Pahwa, a California resident, was previously the chief financial officer and chief operating officer at LA Models. In April, he joined a rival company, Wilhelmina, as CFO. In addition to his run at LA Models, he consulted for Slash during part of that time.

Pahwa was first hired by the company in October 2011 as controller, and he took on the CFO and COO titles in February 2023. His employment agreement at that time allowed for a severance payment upon termination without cause that would be based on two months of his then-current base salary for each year of service since October 2011 including partial years up to a maximum of 36 months.

The complaint alleges that Holba and Romans personal relationship adversely impacted the workplace. Once married, the couple remained co-parents and coworkers with Roman reporting directly to Holba. The suit claims that despite repeated cautionary advice from legal advisers and high-ranking executives within the company, their tumultuous relationship introduced conflicts of interest and personal grievances into personal matters. Cory Bautista, who is now a senior agent at Wilhelmina, and Valerie Tullio, who is now a talent manager at Muse Model, were among the departures. Bautista did not respond immediately to a request for comment Tuesday afternoon and Tullio could not be reached.

The pair allegedly frequently argued about child support payments for their daughter, who is described in the complaint as disabled, and continiuosly involved Pahwa in their conversations. Roman was said to have tried to hide her actual income from her other childs father, who is not named in suit, to continue receiving child support payments.

Pahwas filing references Wilhelmina Models ties to Gigi Hadid, Coco Rocha and Robyn Lawley among others. It claims that from 2021 through 2024, eight new hires at LA Models were under the age of 40 and a notable number of veteran agents parted ways with the agency and allegedly cited struggles with Romans management style as the primary reason for their departures.

The suit cites seven causes of action including failure to prevent discrimination and retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, failure to furnish accurate itemized wage statements and unfair business practices.

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CHANGSHA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Drawn by the rich opportunities in China's central region, various foreign-funded enterprises have cast their vote of confidence by settling there and expanding their investment or operations.

Among them is the German chemical giant BASF, which has set up a branch in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province.

And earlier this year, Volkswagen Group China announced an investment of 2.5 billion euros (about 2.73 billion U.S. dollars) for the expansion of its innovation hub in Hefei in Anhui Province.

China's central region comprises six provinces: Shanxi, Henan, Anhui, Hubei, Hunan and Jiangxi. The country has emphasized the need to accelerate the rise of its central region as part of its efforts to promote coordinated regional development.

From May 31 to June 2, the 13th Central China Investment and Trade Exposition (Expo Central China 2024) was held in Changsha to facilitate trade and investment in this region. This year's expo attracted the participation of more than 200 multinationals.

Vincenzo Raffa, general manager of Yita Business Affairs, a business affairs firm based in China, said that China's central region offers abundant opportunities for Italian companies. With China's growing consumer market and increasing demand for high-quality products and services, Italian companies can leverage their expertise in fields such as manufacturing, design and fashion, he noted.

Cooperation and partnership between Italian and Chinese companies will yield win-win results. Italian companies have unique advantages in technology, design and quality, while central China offers a vast market and geographical benefits, so there is significant potential for collaboration between the two sides, according to Raffa.

China's central region, known for its agriculture, energy and equipment manufacturing industries, is striving to build a modern industrial system at an accelerated pace.

This year's exhibition, covering an area of approximately 40,000 square meters, featured exhibits from the aforementioned six provinces, including a 5G+ hydrogen-powered unmanned tractor and an intelligent self-driving bus.

Raffa said he was very impressed by the industrial upgrading and innovation capabilities of the central region showcased at the expo, adding that the concentration of resources in the region provides opportunities for Italian companies specializing in advanced technologies and green solutions.

China's faster-than-expected economic growth of 5.3 percent in the first quarter of this year reaffirms its attractiveness for foreign investment. The number of newly established foreign-invested firms in the country hit 12,000 during the period, up 20.7 percent year on year.

An ever-improving industrial system, a vast consumer market and an increasingly optimized business environment have made China's central region a magnet for foreign-funded enterprises.

According to Wang Xueli, CEO of Zurbruggen Business Management Co., Ltd (China), which is the China headquarters with the German enterprise Zurbruggen Group, since their establishment in Changsha, the city has experienced an improved business environment, rapid infrastructure upgrades and significant economic development.

Wang said that central China boasts abundant human and educational resources, extensive transport links and great potential for further economic development. "We hope that by participating in the expo, we can explore more investment and cooperation opportunities in a region worthy of long-term efforts." 
Mike Shelton takes the oath of office as the District 5 representative on the Oklahoma City Board of Education on Monday at the Clara Luper Center for Educational Services. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Mike Shelton is back in public office.

The former Democratic state representative took the oath of office for an open position on the Oklahoma City Board of Education on Monday evening. The board appointed him to the District 5 seat that Adrian Anderson vacated in April.

I can tell you, as a member of the House of Representatives in the past, that theres no single more important office than the school board, he said in his inaugural remarks.

Anderson moved out of District 5 and had to leave the school board position.

Shelton will represent northeast Oklahoma City again in District 5. He did so in the state House from 2004 to 2016.

He is the inter-governmental and community liaison at Metro Technology Centers. Shelton earned a bachelors degree in agricultural economics from Langston University and a masters degree in management and leadership from Webster University in St. Louis.

He graduated in 1991 from Millwood High School in Oklahoma City.

Shelton wasnt the only one to sit at the school board horseshoe for the first time on Monday. Oklahoma City Public Schools incoming superintendent, Jamie Polk, led her maiden meeting, as well.

Oklahoma City Public Schools incoming superintendent, Jamie Polk, sits the school board horseshoe during a meeting Monday at the Clara Luper Center for Educational Services. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Polk is the districts head of elementary schools. She will succeed Superintendent Sean McDaniel as the districts chief executive on July 1.

McDaniel wasnt present. He hasnt attended any board meetings since Feb. 29, when the board accepted his decision to resign.

His resignation letter cites disagreements with a board member as the reason for his departure. He has never named the official with whom he had conflict.

Polk will be a first-time superintendent. She has been with the district since 2019 after spending 25 years as an administrator, principal and teacher in Lawton Public Schools.

She will lead the district as it begins a bevy of projects funded by a 2022 bond issue. The board spent much of Mondays meeting reviewing bond construction plans.

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The post Former Oklahoma lawmaker appointed to fill OKCPS board vacancy appeared first on Oklahoma Voice.
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  A former Scranton police officer has been sentenced for committing overtime fraud in the department.

According to the United States Attorneys Office, 48-year-old Paul Helring, a former Scranton police officer and the former elected police union president, was charged with theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.

PSP: Man kidnaps woman at McDonalds, leads troopers on chase

Investigators say while serving as the coordinator of Scranton Police Departments extra duty overtime program, Helring knowingly received over $5,000 in compensation after he fraudulently reported working extra duty patrol shifts at several local, lower-income housing complexes.

United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Herling to 6 months of prison and a 2-year term of supervised release for the offense.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Wisconsins attorney general, Josh Kaul, filed felony forgery charges Tuesday against one of former President Donald Trumps aides and two attorneys who worked on the scheme to have fake electors overturn the 2020 election.

The charges against the three men  Kenneth Chesebro, Jim Troupis, and Michael Roman  are classified as class H felonies, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and up to six years in prison.

State prosecutors first filed the charges against anyone who appeared to be involved in the scheme, wherein 10 Wisconsin Republicans met in the state capitol and signed paperwork falsely claiming to be legitimate electors for Trump after Biden won.

Chesebro orchestrated the overall scheme, the Guardian reported. He emailed Troupis, the former judge who represented Trump in Wisconsin during the 2020 election, five days after the election to discuss overturning Bidens 21,000 vote victory in Wisconsin. Over the next few months, the two developed the fake electors scheme.

Later, Chesebro worked with Roman, Trump's former director of election day operations, who delivered the fake elector paperwork to a Pennsylvania congressmans staffer, aiming for it to reach Vice President Mike Pence on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump was able to seek a recount in Dane and Milwaukee counties only to confirm Bidens win, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

The criminal complaint filed against Chesebro and Roman detailed a text exchange between the two about changing the language in their fake elector certificates to be more conditional than the ones that were ultimately signed by the fraudulent electors. The text messages reveal that Roman disagreed with Chesebro on the changes, which were intended to limit their legal liability, and when the attorney offered to help out with the draft, Roman simply wrote: "fuck these guys."

Chesebro pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme in a different case in Georgia earlier this year. He is also believed to be one of the unidentified co-conspirators mentioned by special counsel Jack Smith in his federal election interference indictment of Donald Trump last year.

Roman still faces charges in Georgia and is a defendant in an Arizona fake elector case that also involves Chesebro. Prosecutors in Michigan and Nevada have also brought up charges against Trump's fake electors.
Kenneth Chesebro, an attorney for former President Donald Trump, is among three people who are facing felony charges in Wisconsin saying they helped submit paperwork falsely saying that Trump won the battleground state in 2020.

Chesebro is one of four people who have already pleaded guilty in the Georgia election interference case. In October, Chesebro pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit filing false documents.

Chesebro agreed to five years of probation, $5,000 in restitution, community service hours and to write an apology letter to the citizens of Georgia. He will also have to testify truthfully and cannot have contact with witnesses or other co-defendants.

The Jan. 6 Committee said Chesebro was one of the architects of the fake elector scheme not only here in Georgia, but in at least six other swing states across the country.

On Tuesday, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul filed charges against Chesebro, Jim Troupis, 70, and former Trump aide Mike Roman, who is also under the Georgia indictment as well.

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Roman allegedly delivered Wisconsins fake elector paperwork to a Pennsylvania congressmans staffer in order to get them to then-Vice President Mike Pence on Jan. 6, 2021.

Michigan and Nevada have also criminally charged fake electors.

The 10 Wisconsin electors, Chesebro and Troupis, who was Trumps attorney in Wisconsin, all settled a civil lawsuit that was brought against them last year.

Documents released as part of those settlements showed that the strategy in Wisconsin replicated moves in six other swing states.

Trump lost Wisconsin to Biden, a Democrat, by fewer than 21,000 votes. Trump carried Wisconsin by a similar margin in 2016.

Wisconsin is one of a handful of swing states again this year.

Government and outside investigations have uniformly found there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could have swung the 2020 election. But Trump has continued to spread falsehoods about the election, particularly in Wisconsin.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Former students of Woodson Elementary School took a tour of the historic facility on Monday after learning that the school could possibly be sold with an uncertain future ahead.

Abilene ISD tossing out vacant campuses

The Abilene School Board proposed in an April board meeting, the intent to sell some of its unused properties which included Woodson Elementary (520 North 9th Street). Woodson was declared a historic property in 1996 as the first Black school in Abilene before schools were integrated, and had not been in use by the school district since its last head start class concluded in 2017.

It was a beacon: Abilene community leaders rally to save historic Woodson Elementary

The tour invited alums who attended Woodson Elementary as well as anyone connected to the historic facility, such as former teachers, staff, students, and family members of those involved. Walking the old grounds caused many to reflect on the memories they had there, that were both joyous and painful.

Woodson alumnus, Steve Thomas laughed as he reminisced on a tim he and a peer got into trouble in his old chemistry class, Me and Johnny got in trouble, and he tried to run. She (a teacher) took a shoe off and throwed it and hit him right in the back of the head, and he slid down the hall for about 15 feet!

I do remember that when President Kennedy was shot, it came over the loudspeakers and everybody just started crying and weeping, and it was something else, recalled Woodson alumna, Evelyn Holcomb.

Since 2017, the school has mostly been used as a storage facility for the school district, but has encountered some unfortunate uses for vandals and people experiencing homelessness. The group touring the vacant halls said seeing todays state of the property was a shock.

When they said that tour, I didnt know that it was going to be all torn down, ceilings down. We werent able to walk up and down the halls. I didnt have any idea was like that, Holcomb remarked.







I had so many good times there: Former student remembers halls of Fannin Elementary as Abilene ISD looks to unload unused properties

A final decision to officially sell the property has been postponed by the school board for the time being, but many who toured the historic facility were concerned that if the decision does go through, that Abilenes Black community could lose another facet of their history within the town. Because of this, many of the former students of Woodson and others within the community are developing plans to raise funds to purchase the school from Abilene ISD if they choose to sell it.

Thomas spoke to these plans and how their initial idea is to refurbish the property and turn it into a community center, I want this building to be a thriving heartbeat, if you will, of Abilene for the black community. Proper. Built for the community, period. I am not drawing the line. Black, white, brown, blue. But, I want the Black nonprofits to lead the charge. To us, this is the last remaining standing structure for the Black community as we knew it when we grew up.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Viacheslav Dydarenko, a farmer in the Myropillia community in Sumy Oblast that borders Russia typifies the hardship faced by the agricultural sector in the area.

Shrapnel scars and gaping holes mark his farm buildings, and he cannot work some of his rented 4,450 acres  70% of which is located on the Russian-Ukrainian border.

He estimates he has lost millions of hryvnias, but says his accountants are still trying to estimate the losses from three less-than-desirable seasons.

But following a closed-door meeting of officials and farmers to discuss a ban on farming near the border in Myropillia attended by the Kyiv Independent, he says he has no plans to abandon his fields.

If I'm lucky, Im lucky. Heading to the field every day, I dont know if I'll return, Dydarenko said.

Dydarenko is not alone. Choosing between their livelihoods and their lives, some farmers in the area are willing to risk it all to continue working land thats littered with landmines and subject to Russian attacks.

Oleksandr Moroz, farm owner in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine on May 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

Local authorities in the area have implemented a ban on farming in areas close to the border, but have had a hard time keeping farmers away from their land and source of income.

The area is suffering heavy losses. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Myropillia community has lost over a third of its agriculture-driven budget.

The community lives at the expense of farmers. From our $550,000 budget, we didnt get $213,000 because farmers could work the land near the border, acting community charwoman Olena Sharkova told the closed-door meeting.

Meanwhile, officials in the area continue to build fortifications, cutting into farmers land and any potential profits. Russia's renewed incursion into Kharkiv Oblast has given impetus to the need to fortify.

But despite tax relief efforts, compensation from the state has been slow to take.

Mykola Kalinichenko, the community's largest farmer, owns sprawling farmlands within the border area. The fortifications cut up part of his tillage, which he partially sowed while not cultivating the rest because it was unsafe.

Why can't we work the fields where wheat, rye, and soy have already been planted? Kalinichenko said at the meeting.

Fortifications versus farmers

While local officials have banned farmers from working their land over safety concerns, another big reason is the need to build fortifications to protect against Russia.

Farmers like Oleksandr Moroz face significant challenges due to fortifications. Some of his 2,470 acres located within the 20-kilometer zone from the border in the Velyk Pysarivka and others communities are being used for building defenses.

After demining part of his land himself  an incredibly dangerous undertaking  he has been able to continue to grow some corn, soybeans, wheat, and rapeseed.

Corn scattered on the field in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine on May 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

Workers build fortifications in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine on May 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

Moroz says that while he has faced losses of nearly $25,000 so far this year, he understands the necessity of building fortifications to stop the Russian troops intent on attacking the region.

Im not against fortifications (on my land). If it isnt here, there will be a Bucha all over the country, Moroz told the Kyiv Independent, referring to the Kyiv suburb where Russian forces massacred dozens of civilians while occupying the leafy town just outside Ukraines capital.

Serhii Starovoit, a private contractor building some of the fortifications in the Sumy Oblast, praised Moroz for understanding the necessity of defensive structures despite losses.

Serhii Starovoit, a private contractor building some of the fortifications in the Sumy Oblast, Ukraine, in May 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

If only all farmers were like Oleksandr Moroz, Starovoit, a chief engineer, told the Kyiv Independent, adding that nonetheless, the state needs to help farmers who are losing income due to the war.

Compensation

Farming has been a linchpin for the Sumy Oblast and a major employer in many local communities, like Myropillia, that lies inside the 3-mile strip from the border where farmlands are being fortified.

To support farmers, the Ukrainian government waives taxes for them in areas affected by ongoing hostilities or landmines. But it is unclear how much agricultural land has been repurposed for security as data on the fortified areas is classified.

The (land) owners cannot receive rent in advance, and the (land) tenants, in turn, cannot cultivate the land, Ihor Lisetskyi, an expert with the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club Association, a Kyiv-based business association, told the Kyiv Independent.

All farmers in Sumy Oblast suffer. And they also depend on the sale of crops, he said, adding that the government needs to address both border and logistics issues to alleviate farmers plight.

Although the government has enacted tax benefits for affected farmers, Lisetskyi believes it might also compensate the losses of unharvested corps on the fields within the 3-mile border strip.

Compensation within a 3-mile strip can be addressed once all fortification and defense activities are done. A thorough evaluation will assess the affected land and resulting damages, he said, adding that compensation could be based on these findings.

Lisetskyi acknowledges farmers' hardship with unusable land, but its too early for the compensation talks. The ongoing war makes it impossible to determine the full scale of the affected area.

Worker building a fortification on a farm field in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine on May 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

Ukrainian farmers grapple with mounting financial losses as Russia's war disrupts planting for a third consecutive season.

Russias war rages on, and thousands of acres of fertile Ukrainian soil hang in the balance. The full extent of the breadbasket farmlands affected is yet to be determined.

Many farmers in front-line regions are refraining from planting yet another season either due to the inherent danger posed by their mined lands or contaminated soils. But there are some, who are determined to keep working their land despite the huge risks.

A local cattle breeder, Vasyl Vlasenko, sees no reason to depart from his usual practice. This ranch is among the few to have bucked the trend of declining farming in the area.

His ranch, the closest to the Russian border in the region, bears the scars of repeated attacks. Shorthanded and stoic, he toils farmlands alone, tending to his 120 head of cattle near a deserted border village.

Let (the Russians) kill me, because I have nothing to feed my cattle, he told the Kyiv Independent.

Olena Huseinova and the Ukrainian Association of Professional Photographers contributed reporting.

Wheat field belonging to Oleksandr Moroz in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine on May 2024. (George Ivanchenko / The Kyiv Independent)

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Longtime Fox News analyst Brit Hume called out Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump for attacking one of her partys own candidates for not being loyal enough to her father-in-law, Donald Trump.

Its political malpractice, Hume said on Monday after Lara Trump slammed Larry Hogan, the popular former Republican governor of Maryland now running for Senate.

Hogan issued a statement before Donald Trumps verdict last week calling on all Americans to respect the verdict and the legal process, regardless of the outcome.

Lara Trump fired back by saying Hogan doesnt deserve the respect of anyone in the Republican Party at this point, and quite frankly anybody in America.

But Hume said Hogan is giving the GOP the best shot its had in a long time in Maryland, which hasnt sent a Republican to the Senate in decades.

And the Lara Trumps of the world ought to be saying, Please, Mr. Hogan, Please Gov. Hogan, you do whatever you have to do to get elected, and some of the things you say and you believe in dont agree with what I think, thats OK, do what you have to do, Hume said. Thats how politics is played by smart people.

Hume pointed out that Donald Trump gummed up the works in Georgia in 2020 after he attacked Republican officials in the state during a tight Senate race.

It cost the Republicans control of the Senate, Hume said, warning that Trump could repeat that mistake. Thats what could happen with this kind of stupid stuff.

There is a chance this whole thing could backfire  Foxs @brithume on Trump legal trials. People may say they have been going after this guy since the day he was elected and resist that. pic.twitter.com/n7th5v8kz0  TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) June 3, 2024

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This photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows photovoltaic panels at Datong Coal Mining Subsidence Area National Advanced Technology Photovoltaic Demonstration Base in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province. Dubbed "sunflowers" by the maintenance staff, rows of photovoltaic panels rotate with the rising and setting of sun. This consistent provision of clean energy to the grid, amidst the surrounding greenery, has drastically improved the lives of local residents who were once plagued by blowing sand.(Xinhua/Liu Lihang)

by Xinhua writers Ye Ting, Li Ziyi, Liu Lihang

TAIYUAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Dubbed "sunflowers" by the maintenance staff, rows of photovoltaic panels rotate with the rising and setting of sun. This consistent provision of clean energy to the grid, amidst the surrounding greenery, has drastically improved the lives of local residents who were once plagued by blowing sand.

The Datong Coal Mining Subsidence Area National Advanced Technology Photovoltaic Demonstration Base is located in Datong City, north China's coal-rich province of Shanxi, where an area of about 1,687 square kilometers has subsided due to prolonged and large-scale of coal mining.

The harmonious coexistence of photovoltaic technology and ecological shrubs we see today was once hard to envision, as the subsidence area was previously identified as uninhabitable and unsuitable for industrial use.

Nevertheless, the area boasts advantageous conditions such as abundant solar energy resources and favorable grid access. These benefits have allowed the local government to revitalize the area with the photovoltaic industry.

The base began construction in September 2015 and has drawn a total of 13 enterprises to invest and operate the photovoltaic panels, such as China General Nuclear Power Group and State Power Investment Corporation.

It was built with a total construction scale of 1.5 million kilowatts, comprising twelve 100,000-kilowatt projects, six 50,000-kilowatt projects, three 220-kilovolt gathering stations, and 68 monitoring points for subsidence conditions.

The first-phase project covers 49,600 mu (about 3,306.7 hectares) with a construction scale of 1 million kilowatts. By the end of April 2024, the base had generated a cumulative total of 12.67 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, according to Wang Zhiwei, chairman of Datong City New Energy Resources Development Corporation.

Over the course of nearly eight years of operation, the photovoltaic modules at the base have undergone continuous upgrades and iterations in an effort to increase power generation efficiency.

"We employ four types of mounting methods for the photovoltaic modules at our base. Among them, the dual-axis tracker can rotate the panels to follow the direction of the sunlight, consistently maintaining the optimal angle and capturing solar radiation more efficiently," said Han Zhicheng, director of an information monitoring service center with the base.

To optimize the use of solar energy resources and efficiently utilize the idle land in the coal mining subsidence area, the base adopted an 'agrovoltaic' ecological restoration model. This involves planting vegetation beneath the photovoltaic panels, maintaining power generation efficiency while promoting soil and water conservation and improving the ecological environment.

Data provided by the municipal energy bureau showed that last year, Datong's new and renewable energy capacity reached 8.75 million kilowatts, accounting for 52 percent of the total installed capacity. The grid-connected capacity for photovoltaic and wind power reached 8.62 million kilowatts, placing Datong in the top tier in Shanxi Province.

New energy, together with traditional energy, has turbocharged the sustainable development of high-tech enterprises and boosted the economic growth of local industries.

In Yanggao County, 89 kilometers away from the base, one of China's largest data center clusters -- the ZDATA Green Cloud Valley -- is working on the construction of a zero-carbon data forest.

"Yanggao County is close to Beijing and rich in energy resources, meeting our high energy demands," said Ma Chao, vice president of ZDATA Group. He noted that the company aims to build a green, low-carbon data computing center, introducing various self-built and cooperative new energy projects to provide clean energy for the data center.

In the future, the municipal energy bureau will focus on new energy projects in the coal mining subsidence area, advance digital innovation in the energy system, meet the energy needs of high-tech enterprises, and promote integrated wind, solar, thermal, and storage energy solutions to drive Datong's energy transition and ecological development. 

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows photovoltaic panels at Datong Coal Mining Subsidence Area National Advanced Technology Photovoltaic Demonstration Base in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province. Dubbed "sunflowers" by the maintenance staff, rows of photovoltaic panels rotate with the rising and setting of sun. This consistent provision of clean energy to the grid, amidst the surrounding greenery, has drastically improved the lives of local residents who were once plagued by blowing sand.(Xinhua/Liu Tianyu)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the Datong Coal Mining Subsidence Area National Advanced Technology Photovoltaic Demonstration Base in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province. Dubbed "sunflowers" by the maintenance staff, rows of photovoltaic panels rotate with the rising and setting of sun. This consistent provision of clean energy to the grid, amidst the surrounding greenery, has drastically improved the lives of local residents who were once plagued by blowing sand.(Xinhua/Liu Tianyu)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the Datong Coal Mining Subsidence Area National Advanced Technology Photovoltaic Demonstration Base in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province. Dubbed "sunflowers" by the maintenance staff, rows of photovoltaic panels rotate with the rising and setting of sun. This consistent provision of clean energy to the grid, amidst the surrounding greenery, has drastically improved the lives of local residents who were once plagued by blowing sand.(Xinhua/Liu Tianyu)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows photovoltaic panels at Datong Coal Mining Subsidence Area National Advanced Technology Photovoltaic Demonstration Base in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province. Dubbed "sunflowers" by the maintenance staff, rows of photovoltaic panels rotate with the rising and setting of sun. This consistent provision of clean energy to the grid, amidst the surrounding greenery, has drastically improved the lives of local residents who were once plagued by blowing sand.(Xinhua/Liu Lihang)
Attal and Hayer during the Besoin d'Europe European election campaign rally - Nathan Laine

Gabriel Attal, the French prime minister, has been accused of sexism after manterrupting a female colleague during a European parliamentary election debate.

The 35-year-old caused outrage when he jumped into the debate on live radio to encourage Valerie Hayer, 38.

Ms Hayer is the lead candidate for Mr Attals Renaissance party coalition in this weekends poll to choose 81 French MEPs, but the prime minister suggested she could not do the job without him.

Hello, sorry, Im bursting onto the stage, he said, during the event organised in Paris on Monday by FranceInfo.

Beyond kissing Ms Hayer on both cheeks and hugging her, he largely ignored her, before launching into a speech about multiple issues that can only be tackled through Europe.

Worried about Europe

Asked by the host if he was worried about having Ms Hayer as a candidate, given her low popularity ratings, Mr Attal evaded the question, and simply said he was worried about Europe.

He was finally encouraged to end his monologue, so that the audience, mainly made up of young people including students, could carry on questioning Ms Hayer.

Manon Aubry, an ardent feminist and leader of the Left Group (Groupe de la Gauche) in the last European Parliament, described Mr Attals sudden intervention as the definition of mansplaining.

She was supported by Raquel Garrido, MP in the France Unbowed party, who described it as mansplaining or, to be more precise, manterrupting.

Valerie Hayer is a member of the European parliament and president of the Renew Europe party - Nathan Laine

Conservatives also mocked Mr Attal, comparing his behaviour to a stunt straight out of the quiz show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

This is the new Phone-a-Friend lifeline, said Francois-Xavier Bellamy, of the Republican party.

Clearly people around her think theyre better at campaigning  theres a bit of a macho aspect to all this, Mr Bellamy added.

Marine Le Pen, runner-up in the last two French presidential elections as candidate for the National Rally (RN) said the incident was truly shameful and that Mr Attal would never have allowed that to happen if the candidate was a man.

Mr Attal was first accused of eclipsing Ms Hayer when he took part in a TV debate last month with Jordan Bardella, lead European election candidate for the RN.

The hard-Right party is set to push the Renaissance coalition into second place, and possibly even into third, behind the Socialists, according to the latest polls.

Proud to have him

Ms Hayer herself denied there was anything sexist about what Mr Attal did, saying she was proud to have him by my side.

Instrumentalising the feminist cause only harms it. Real sexism is believing you can think for me, she said.

Emmanuel Macron, the French president, is often criticised for his macho approach to government.

He fired female prime minister Elisabeth Borne after only 19 months in the job in January, replacing her with the ambitious Mr Attal.

An Ipsos poll released this week puts the RN on 33 per cent of the popular vote before polling closes in the European elections on Sunday  June 9th.

The Renaissance coalition is on 16 per cent, with the Socialist Party just behind.

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FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A homeowner in Fresno set his home on fire when trying to kill a spider, the Fresno Fire Department said.

Firefighters say they responded to a structure fire in west Fresno over the weekend.

According to fire officials, a homeowner had accidentally started the fire using a torch to exterminate a spider. Nobody reported injuries after the incident, and crews were able to prevent the fire from damaging more of the home.

We get it, we dont like spiders either, but its never a good idea to use a blow torch or any other flammable device for pest control, firefighters said in a social media post.

The Fresno Fire Department encourages residents to use safer methods or contact a professional to eliminate spiders or any pests in their homes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Fresno woman hit with $88,000 fine after kids collected 72 Pismo clams. I was in shock

When Charlotte Russ visited Pismo Beach last November, she expected her kids to play in the sand and gather seashells.

She didnt expect them to collect 72 undersized Pismo clams  accidentally violating local rules and landing her with an $88,000 fine.

My kids had only plastic play toys, and they were trying to dig in the sand, Russ said. They thought, These are seashells, wow!

The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court originally fined the Fresno resident $88,993 for fishing without a license and collecting undersized clams, according to court documents.

But after Russ pleaded her case in court, the judge took mercy on her and eventually lowered the fine to $500.

I was so grateful, she said.

A Fresno family collected 72 Pismo clams by accident in November 2023, they said, resulting in a hefty fine.

In San Luis Obispo County, a person can only harvest 10 Pismo clams a day, and they must be at least 4.5 inches long, according to California Department of Fish and Wildlife Lt. Matthew Gil.

The clams have been recovering from a history of overharvesting, and the size limit gives the clams enough time to become adults and reproduce, which sustains the population, he said.

Clammers must also have a valid fishing license and an accurate measuring device, and they can only harvest clams from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, according to Gil.

Those who dig up undersized clams must rebury them 2 inches deep in the sand.

Clams cant bury themselves, Gil said. If they dont get re-buried, theyll just tumble on top of the surf and a seagull will pick them up and theyll die.

Its not uncommon for people to run afoul of the clamming laws in Pismo Beach.

In 2023, 58 citations were issued to people for harvesting undersized clams  including the citation issued to the Russ family, Gil said.

And another 61 citations already have been issued this year, he said.

A seagull snatches a Pismo clam for lunch at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.

Fresno family fined for collecting 72 Pismo clams

Russ knew none of that information when, with eight children in tow, she and a friend embarked on a fall trip from Fresno to Pismo Beach. Their kids ranged in age from 4 to 11, she said.

Russ, her friend and the younger kids set up on the sand, while the five older kids ran off to play closer to the water.

Russ didnt notice posted signs that explained the clamming rules, so she wasnt aware it was illegal to harvest undersized clams.

The older kids spotted the Pismo clams and thought they were seashells, so they filled their plastic buckets with 72 of the shellfish.

My kids came back with a couple buckets of seashells  or what they thought were seashells, Russ said. As soon as I saw them, I was like, Oh, those are not seashells, take those right back.

But it was too late.

When the kids turned around to return the clams to the water, an officer approached the group.

I had no idea what they were in trouble for, Russ said. I was kind of hoping hed give an explanation, or even just explain to my kids what they did wrong because we actually had no idea  but he just refused.

He pulled the clams out of the bucket and laid them in a line to count them, similar to a drug bust, Russ said. Then the officer wrote Russ a ticket for collecting undersized Pismo clams.

It was, at the time, really hard for me to wrap my head around, she said. I was in shock.

A Pismo clam partly buried at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.

The officer did not tell Russ what he did with the clams after seizing them, she said.

After Russ returned to Fresno, she received a $88,993 fine in the mail to go with her ticket.

When I opened it up, I was just shocked, she said. When I saw that number $88,000, I just couldnt believe it.

She went to small claims court to address the ticket, and the judge lowered the fine to $500, Russ said.

I was so grateful. I actually was emotional in the courtroom, Russ said. It almost was as if she had seen this multiple times.

The day she won her case, Russ got a tattoo of a seashell to commemorate the experience.

I definitely laugh about it now, she said. We learned our lesson. Ill just have more respect and be more careful, especially when were in places where we dont know everything about the area. My kids are well aware, and I love that they know now.

Hundreds of Pismo clams surfaced on SLO County beaches on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.

Clam population bouncing back

Clams are a significant part of the Pismo Beachs history. The city even named itself the Clam Capital of the World in 1947.

Pismo clams almost disappeared during the 1990s, which could have been caused by over-harvesting by fishermen and sea otters. They didnt start to resurface on local beaches until about 2016.

Were not quite sure why they disappeared in the first place and why theyre back now, Gil said.

Luckily, the clam population seems to be bouncing back.

In 2019 and 2020, biologists saw the big pop explosion happen, Gil said, when clams started resurfacing on the shore in large quantities.

In 2023, someone found the first 4.5-inch-long Pismo clam in SLO County since the 1990s, Gil said.

This year, people are finding enough full-sized clams to harvest 10 at a time  but only in certain places on the beach, according to Gil.

You have to be cautious where youre at. Near the Pismo Pier, youre going to find thousands of Pismo clams, but none of them will be legal size, Gil said. Theres some people, especially locals, that have figured it out.

Hundreds of Pismo clams are surfacing on SLO County beaches. Dozens of seagulls were seen north of Pismo Beach Pier and at Oceano Dunes SVRA having a feast on the shellfish on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.

Before, people only got citations for harvesting undersized clams. Now, people are also getting cited for harvesting legal-sized clams without a fishing license, co-mingling their 10 clams with another persons, or failing to rebury undersized clams after digging them up, Gil said.

Gil advised tourists to educate themselves on local clamming regulations before visiting. He also told them to be mindful of signs posted at the pier and on the beach that advertise the clamming rules.

Pismo clams have a shiny, smooth finish, a triangular shape and horizontal striping, he said. Live clams will have both shells pressed together. Dead clams would be open or missing one of their shells.

If youre picking up a shell, you should be able to see inside of the shell. Gil said.

He said locals have been reporting clam poaching to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, which helps them with enforcement.

Locals in SLO County have been doing a great job taking ownership of the clams, he said. Its been neat to see that.
A Ukrainian man who was allegedly remotely recruited by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) was arrested while plotting a terrorist attack against officers from a military enlistment office in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on June 4.

The man allegedly worked as a security guard for a local energy company, but was recruited by the FSB in April, the SBU said. He was supposedly recruited via his daughter, who lives in Moscow.

The suspect was detained while allegedly surveilling potential targets for an attack, the SBU said. Photos of other possible targets, including energy infrastructure, were then found on his phone.

The suspect allegedly surveilled parking lots and facilities related to the enlistment office on a daily basis, and was reportedly awaiting further instructions on when to carry out the attack.

The suspect has been charged with treason and could face life in prison if convicted, the SBU said.

Read also: SBU detains 6 alleged Russian agents accused of aiding deadly strike in Donetsk Oblast

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) stoked the flames of her own partys implosion on Tuesday, calling her Republican colleagues feckless over their unwillingness to support her solo effort to impeach President Joe Biden.

Today, we should be voting to impeach Joe Biden, because of the invasion in the United States, she said on Steve Bannons War Room podcast. Oh, but no! None of that is happening up here in Washington, D.C. because Republicans continually have their head up their ass.

This is a new time in America, and I am so fed up, Steve. I am so fed up, she continued. I am so sick of it because I know people at home are sick of it. People are sick and tired of a feckless, useless Republican Party that never does a damn thing to stop any of this. They just sit in the boat and row along with the Democrats and row.

Marge says the Republican Party is just a bunch of feckless, useless people who all have their heads up their asses. pic.twitter.com/nb55verind  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) June 4, 2024

Greene told reporters outside the Capitol earlier on Tuesday that she had articles of impeachment related to Bidens handling of the southern border ready to go and that she was happy to force them to a vote, according to an X video she posted.

House Republicans opened an impeachment inquiry into Biden last year, citing allegations that his relatives profited off his job, but they have yet to find a smoking gun and the inquiry has flamed out amid intraparty skepticism, Politico reported Tuesday. The party has also threatened to impeach Biden over aid to Israel.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) told reporters that impeachment needs to be very methodical and that his colleagues should wait to see what current investigations will yield, according to Roll Call.

Greene also derided her colleagues on Tuesday for not wanting to shut down the government to get former President Donald Trumps convictions overturned.

Republicans up here in Washington just want to toss it over to the Supreme Court, Greene told Bannon.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A Nebraska funeral worker accused of attempting to steal a life-size sex doll from the home of a recently deceased man allegedly planned to use a body bag to remove the object, according to recent court documents.

Omaha police arrested 42-year-old Ryan Smith in October on charges of burglary, criminal trespassing and tampering with physical evidence in connection with the incident.

The story is getting widespread media attention now after a recent court hearing where Smith attempted  and failed  to challenge a probable cause finding that he committed attempted burglary.

At the time of the incident, Smith was employed by Mid-America First Call, a company that assists authorities in transporting dead bodies. He was one of two male employees who visited the home of a recently deceased man on a Friday afternoon.

According to court documents obtained by The Smoking Gun, Smith and his unidentified co-worker entered the residence with law enforcement personnel.

The two men noticed what court documents described as a very real life size version of an adult female near the decedents bed, and the men made comments about it.

Although law enforcement personnel secured the scene, Smith allegedly returned later that day with a body bag and told apartment complex staff the sheriffs office wanted him to collect the sex doll for evidentiary purposes.

Smith was let into the apartment a second time, and a management official later discovered the units front door was deadbolted and latched with the chain across the door.

The complex representative then confronted Smith, whose shirt, they told investigators, was untucked and his pants were in disarray, and refused to let Smith take property from the dead mans home.

Smith left the complex but allegedly asked a janitor when the manager of the apartment building left.

The apartment manager later told police she feared the suspect was going to return to the complex and break in and steal the doll.

Officers who examined the sex doll after Smiths arrest said there seemed to be some tampering in the inner thigh area. Investigators said it was sticking to the touch and collected it for DNA processing, according to the New York Post.

A judicial order filed last week denying his motion challenging a probable cause finding that he committed attempted burglary contains details about Smiths actions.

A District Court judge found that Smith unlawfully entered the apartment with a body bag, which is indicative, based on circumstantial evidence, that he had the intent to take the sex doll, an item of nominal value. Therefore, the Court finds that Defendant committed a substantial step and a course of conduct intended to culminate in the commission of burglary.

Smiths next court date has not been scheduled.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene seems to have grasped the obvious: The Republican Party is going nowhere.



The far-right congresswoman complained to Steve Bannon on Real Americas Voice that her colleagues wouldnt support her quest to impeach Joe Biden.



Republicans continually have their head up their ass and cant figure out how to actually use the power that the people gave us, Greene ranted.



People are sick and tired of a feckless and useless Republican Party that never does a damn thing to stop any of this, the far-right congresswoman added, referring to mass immigration from the southern U.S. border.



Marge says the Republican Party is just a bunch of feckless, useless people who all have their heads up their asses. pic.twitter.com/nb55verind  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) June 4, 2024

While Democrats would agree with the wording of her criticisms of the GOP, if not the substance, Greene still doesnt realize that she is as much responsible for her partys dysfunction as anyone. She tried and failed to oust Speaker Mike Johnson over Ukraine aid funding, earning her several enemies among her fellow Republicans in Congress. She hijacked a hearing about the Justice Department to insult Representative Jasmine Crockett, only to be turned into a trademarked meme for her efforts.

Instead of proposing any meaningful legislation herself, she is now working to defund the state of New York after Donald Trumps felony conviction in his hush-money trial.



Green also tried to grandstand by attacking Dr. Anthony Fauci in a subcommittee hearing on Monday, only to be reprimanded by the Republican chair and thoroughly discredited by Fauci. Even her criticisms of Bidens immigration policy may be unfounded: His latest executive order restricting asylum has been criticized as a Trump-like policy by Democrats.

Maybe one day it will dawn on Greene that she contributes to the many problems with the Republican Party. Or shell face electoral consequences from her fed-up constituents. But, in a district as red as the Georgia 14th, thats not likely this November.




Gabby Petitos mom says she forgives Brian Laundrie for killing her daughter

The mother of Gabby Petito says she forgives the man believed to be responsible for killing her daughter.

Nichole Schmidt said she forgives Brian Laundrie because she needed to release herself from the chains of anger and bitterness.

Petitos disappearance in 2021 grabbed national attention.

Read: My daughter would be alive: Gabby Petitos mother speaks about Floridas new Lethality Assessment

Her body was found in Wyoming, and officials determined she died of strangulation.

Laundrie later took his own life, and his remains were found in North Port, Florida.

Read: New bill would require police ask certain questions to suspected domestic violence victims

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Related video: Joe Petito speaks in February 2024 interview on #HEYJB Live

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Nichole Schmidt, mother of Gabby Petito, said she forgives her daughters killer but said his mother epitomizes pure evil in a Friday speech at CrimeCon in Nashville.

Gabby Petitos family, Laundries reach deal, will avoid civil trial

In 2021, Gabby Petito disappeared while going on a cross-country trip with her fiance at the time, Brian Laundrie, who came back home to Sarasota without her.

Her body would later be found on Sept. 19, 2021, at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, which allowed a coroner to determined that she was strangled to death and left out in the wilderness for weeks before she was found.

From left to right: Roberta Laundrie, Brian Laundrie, Gabby Petito.

While Brian Laundrie was the prime suspect in his fiancees death, he too disappeared after killing himself in the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park. His remains and a notebook in which he confessed to killing Gabby Petito. were found on Oct. 20, 2021.

According to CNN, Schmidt said she forgave Brian Laundrie for her own sake while speaking at a CrimeCon panel.

I speak for myself here when I say Brian, I forgive you, she said. I needed to release myself from the chains of anger and bitterness, that I refuse to let your despicable act define the rest of my life. Your atrocious decision to take a life, my daughters life, has ignited a fire within me, a fierce determination to protect the innocent from falling victim to monsters like you.

Nichole Schmidt and other panelists speak at CrimeCon in Nashville (WFLA)

However, Schmidts forgiveness did not extend to Brian Laundries parents, Christopher and Roberta.

Burn after reading letter: Brian Laundries mother offered shovel, garbage bags to dispose of body if needed

Gabby Petitos family had an ongoing legal dispute between the Laundrie family over allegations that Roberta and Christopher Laundrie were aware that their son killed his fiancee.

Phone calls released in court documents said that Brian Laundrie told his father that Gabbys gone. A burn after reading letter obtained by the Petito family also also revealed that Roberta Laundrie offered to help her son dispose of a body, although it did not have a date when it was written or any mention of Gabby Petito.

Brian Laundries mother explains burn after reading letter sought in Gabby Petito lawsuit

The Petito family eventually reached a settlement with the Laundries in February, avoiding a civil trial over the matter.

However, although the legal dispute ended, Schmidts feelings against Brian Laundries parents remained. In her speech, Schmidt directly said she would not forgive Roberta Laundrie.

I see no empathy in your eyes, no remorse in your heart and no willingness to take responsibility for your actions, Schmidt said. You do not deserve forgiveness. You deserve to be forgotten.

We were denied the chance to confront our daughters killer, to look him in the eye and express the profound pain his actions inflicted upon us, she added. The unbearable weight of Gabbys absence is compounded by the sickening injustice of her murder remaining unpunished.

Schmidt spoke at two different panels in CrimeCon, one to help crime victims find their voice by sharing their stories and another panel to help shed light on the plight of missing and murdered indigenous women. The second panel was an attempt by the Petito family to help raise awareness for the underserved indigenous community after critiques said that missing white women get more coverage than missing women of color.

In Gabby Petitos honor, her family founded the Gabby Petito Foundation to support victims of domestic violence. You can learn more 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 WFLA.
As the result of an investigation by the Galion Police Department, a Galion woman is facing additional charges after pleading not guilty to drug charges a few months ago in Crawford County Common Pleas Court.

Jennifer A. Salisbury, 46, pleaded not guilty to one count of possession of drugs (heroin), a fourth-degree felony, and her bond was set at $10,000 on March 12 after she was served with a search warrant Feb. 28 at a residence in the 400 block of South Union Street and arrested by police officers.

According to Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall, Salisbury posted bond and was not incarcerated until the Galion Police Department completed its drug investigation.

3d gavel on white background

They found additional evidence in relation to the overdose death of another person where Ms. Salisbury had supplied the drugs which allegedly caused the overdose death, said Crall. Upon receiving confirmation of the cause of death, Ms. Salisbury was indicted by the grand jury for involuntary manslaughter on May 21.

Crall said Salisbury also has been indicted for corrupting another with drugs, a felony of the second degree, as well as trafficking in drugs (Fentanyl), a fifth-degree felony.

Salisbury pleaded not guilty to all three of the new charges during her arraignment on May 22 and is being held on a $500,000 bond.

She is being represented by local attorney John ODonnell.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Investigation leads to additional drug charges against Galion woman
SEOUL, June 4 (Xinhua) -- South Korea on Tuesday approved the full suspension of the Sept. 19 military agreement with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) during a cabinet meeting after deciding on it in the previous day, according to Yonhap news agency.

The agreement was signed by defense chiefs of the two sides during the 2018 inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang to stop all hostile acts across the border. 
How absurd of Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi to claim publicly that Mahatma Gandhis legacy was rediscovered by the Richard Attenborough biopic of the 1980s. The truth is far from being so simple.

Has Modi forgotten that Gandhi was assassinated by an activist of the very same paramilitary RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), which remains tightly linked to Modis own ruling party, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)? The Mahatma (Great Soul) was hated by Hindu chauvinists for his attempts to protect Muslims during the communal massacres of Indias Partition in 1947-48.

The Congress governments that ruled India for the next 30 years claimed him as their revered and martyred patron saint and erected innumerable memorials and monuments to him, ranging from statues to schools, hospitals and street names. He was never forgotten and had no need to be rescued by Attenborough.

True, Gandhis political philosophy mostly became the preserve of a non-party organisation led by Jayaprakash Narayan, JP, a hero of the nationalist movement. Gandhi had perfected the use of civil disobedience against the British Raj. JP used the same tactics to fight against the native authoritarianism of a Congress Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, no relation of the Mahatma, during her notorious Emergency of 1975.

The JP Campaign, as it was known, united opposition and swept aside Indira in an election landslide in 1977. That ended the Emergency and spawned Indias first non-Congress government, formed by the newly constructed Janata or Peoples Party, a broad church that included both former Congressmen and Hindu chauvinists. The latter soon split away to form Modis ruling Bhartiya (Indian) Janata Party. Mrs Gandhi took advantage of that split to make a successful comeback, and she presided over India and supported the filming of Attenboroughs Gandhi biopic in the 1980s.

All rather confusing to the uninitiated, but in Indias politics the wheel of fortune often turns in unexpected ways. The arrival in power of Hindu chauvinism with the BJP and Narendra Modi would hardly have been welcomed by the Mahatma, assassinated for his opposition to Hindu communal violence. It is extraordinary that his mantle is now being claimed by both the much diminished Congress he once led and its Hindu chauvinist Nemesis.

Might Modi have a point in the rather ambivalent nature of Gandhis own views on religion? As against the secularism of Indian liberals and socialists, both of whom were committed to keeping religion out of politics, Gandhi took a syncretic approach that advocated respect for all religions. Despite his attempts to protect Muslims in 1947, it was Gandhi, more than any other politician, who had brought Hindu mysticism, ritual and traditions into the Congress Party, symbolised by his own ascetic dress code and complex food fetishes. Few non-Hindus in India could easily identify with his doctrines of poverty and non-violence.

Gandhis religious ambivalence was reflected in Indias constitution, which enjoins equal respect for all religions and criminalises causing offence to any religious sentiments. And yet Indias first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was committed to a secularism far closer to Western socialist models, with Hinduism firmly kept out of the public sphere. He was very much an atheist, and his Will requested no religious observances at his funeral, a request ignored by his very Hindu-observant daughter and political heir, Indira Gandhi. This religious merry-go-round was completed when Indira, as Prime Minister, and now a very observant Hindu, made much-publicised temple visits and courted the Hindu vote, but also got the constitution amended to make India officially a secular republic.

So though ostensibly secular, India is currently run by Hindu nationalists who make no bones about their religious triumphalism. Their espousal of the Gandhi legacy is very much an attempt to wrong-foot the rival Congress Party, itself deeply divided over its own secular pretensions. Nothing is quite what it seems in the smoke and mirrors of Indian politics.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  House Republicans grilled Attorney General Merrick Garland Tuesday over what they say is the weaponization of the Justice Department.

I will not be intimidated, and the Justice Department will not be intimidated, Garland told the House Judiciary Committee.

That was Attorney General Merrick Garlands message to House Republicans who accuse the Justice Department of targeting former president Donald Trump.

For the first time in American history, we do have a presidential administration thats working to put its opponent in jail, Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) said.

The Attorney General pushed back, saying the DOJ had nothing to do with Trumps conviction in New York state court, calling the allegations dangerous.

It raises the threats of violence against prosecutors and career agents, Garland said.

Republicans also railed against the DOJs refusal to turn over audio recordings of Special Counsel Robert Hurs interview with President Biden.

The transcript from the classified documents case is already public.

Substantively the transcript may be accurate, but you know what, the audio would tell us so much more, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) said.

Garland said releasing the audio would have a chilling effect on future investigations.

Democrats also defended the DOJ against accusations of politicization, pointing to the federal Hunter Biden trial.

These Republicans dont care about whats in the interest of the American people. They just care about getting their favorite felon back in the White House, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) said.

They say this hearing isnt really about oversight of the Justice Department, but House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) says it is.

The stakes are too high, and because people are losing faith in our institutions, and that at the end of the day is something that should concern every single one of us, Johnson said.

Johnson said Congress will soon take steps to restore that faith.

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Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday will push back against lawmakers who have vowed to hold him in contempt, casting the effort as only the most recent in a long line of attacks on the Justice Department.

Garland is set to appear before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday after it, along with the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, voted last month to hold him in contempt  an effort left in limbo over recess, as its unclear whether the GOP will be able to secure enough votes to pass the measure on the floor.

Its a busy time for Garland to appear before some of the Houses biggest bomb-throwers, though a spokesperson for the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the attorney general plans to forcefully push back on false narratives regarding the Departments employees and their work.

Numerous Republicans have vented frustration at the DOJ over former President Trumps conviction by a New York jury, despite the fact that the federal agency has no control over the state-level prosecution. Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) on Monday called for eliminating federal funding for state prosecutors engaged in abusive lawfare tactics to target political opponents.

Garland on Tuesday will call such claims a conspiracy theory [that] is an attack on the judicial process itself.

And though Republicans already have a transcript of President Bidens conversation with special counsel Robert Hur, lawmakers are sure to ask questions about the interview as well as the decision not to turn over audio recordings of the conversation. They are also likely to ask him about DOJ investigations into the presidents son, Hunter Biden, who faces trial this week.

Certain members of this committee and the Oversight Committee are seeking contempt as a means of obtaining  for no legitimate purpose  sensitive law enforcement information that could harm the integrity of future investigations, Garland will say, according to prepared remarks obtained by The Hill.

I view contempt as a serious matter. But I will not jeopardize the ability of our prosecutors and agents to do their jobs effectively in future investigations. I will not be intimidated. And the Justice Department will not be intimidated. We will continue to do our jobs free from political influence. And we will not back down from defending our democracy.

President Biden claimed executive privilege over the audio on the eve of the committees meetings to vote over whether to hold Garland in contempt  providing the attorney general cover from having to turn over the files.

Republicans interest in holding Garland in contempt comes, they say, as an offshoot of their impeachment investigation.

Both the Judiciary and the Oversight committees sent subpoenas to Garland asking a series of questions seeking to tie the conversation about President Bidens classified documents probe back to their own investigation about influence peddling.

Republicans argue they need the audio for a broader investigation into whether Biden was involved in his familys business dealings. They say it may shed light on whether Biden took action to limit prosecution of his son, or whether he sought to limit the scope of questions asked of him.

But the suggestions are far afield of Hurs work, and the transcript of both days interviews makes clear those topics were not discussed.

Nothing in the interview transcripts the department has already produced speaks to or supports the committees speculation on this point, and nothing in the audio file of the same conversations would do so either, Carlos Uriarte, head of the DOJs office of legislative affairs, wrote to the two committee chairs repeatedly in an 11-page letter in April.

Democrats have accused Republicans of wanting the audio to use for campaign commercials.

Republicans linking of Hurs investigation with their own follows the arrest of a former FBI informant who accused Biden of accepting a bribe  an allegation underlying the GOP probe  on charges in relation with fabricating the claim.

When lawmakers met last month to vote on the Garland contempt resolution, the Oversight hearing was overshadowed by conflicts between members, after being rescheduled in order to allow Republicans to go to the Trump hush money trial in New York. Lawmakers instead traded insults over one anothers appearance after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) mocked another lawmakers false eyelashes.

Garland also plans Tuesday to address threats to defund particular [DOJ] investigations  a group he notes includes special counsel Jack Smith.

Without naming names or nodding to committee investigations into line agents, Garland also notes a rise in individual career agents being singled out just for doing their jobs

It comes as baseless and extremely dangerous falsehoods are being spread about the FBIs law enforcement operations. And it comes at a time when we are seeing heinous threats of violence being directed at the Justice Departments career public servants, he says in the remarks.

These repeated attacks on the Justice Department are unprecedented and unfounded. These attacks have not, and they will not, influence our decisionmaking.

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As Gaza hostage crisis drags on for Israel, here's what we know

FILE - Relatives and supporters of the Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group attend a rally calling for their release, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 16, 2024. Fears are rising that time is running out for hostages in Gaza that are still alive. Nearly eight months later, there are 43 hostages whose remains are being held by Gaza militants and roughly 80 who have not been declared dead. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, File)

JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel's announcement that four more hostages died in Hamas captivity, including three men in their 80s, stoked fears that time is running out for captives in Gaza who are still alive.

It set off protests across Israel calling for an immediate cease-fire deal that would secure the release of the dozens of remaining captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

About eight months into the Israel-Hamas war, here's where things stand, according to official Israeli figures:

HOSTAGES TAKEN OCT. 7 AND EXCHANGED

Israels hostage crisis began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and kidnapping about 250 back to Gaza.

Of the hostages taken, 105 were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November, in an exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. The released hostages included 81 Israeli citizens and 24 foreign nationals, most of them Thais.

Four female hostages were released prior to this cease-fire through deals brokered by the U.S. and other mediators.

HOSTAGES REMAINING IN GAZA

After the November cease-fire, more than 120 hostages remained in Gaza, including four Israelis captured years earlier. Two of them, Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, were Israeli soldiers believed to have been killed in a 2014 war.

HOSTAGES DEAD IN GAZA

Of those still in captivity, Israel has pronounced 43 dead, saying their remains are being held by militants. Some are believed to have been killed during the Oct. 7 attack. The cause of death for others is unknown, although Hamas has claimed some were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Israeli officials believe that the number of dead hostages could be higher.

HOSTAGES NOT DECLARED DEAD IN GAZA

There are about 80 hostages left in Gaza who Israel has not pronounced dead.

That includes about 15 women and 2 children under the age of 5  Kfir and Ariel Bibas, whose mother, Shiri Bibas, is also still in captivity. Two men in their 80s are also among the captives.

Also included is Hersh Polin-Goldberg, a 23-year-old American-Israeli who was taken hostage at a music festival where over 300 people were killed. Polin-Goldberg's parents have led a global campaign seeking their son's release and drawing attention to the plight of the hostages. Hamas released a video of Polin-Goldberg in April. Badly wounded in the Oct. 7 attack, his left hand was amputated. But the video marked the first sign he was alive.

Another hostage believed to be alive is 26-year-old Noa Argamani, whose mother Liora Argamani has stage 4 breast cancer and hopes to see her daughter alive once more.

DEAD HOSTAGES BROUGHT BACK TO ISRAEL

Israeli troops have recovered from Gaza the bodies of at least 16 hostages, according to Israeli government figures.

The bodies of two hostages, including female soldier Noa Marciano, were brought back from Gaza in November. So were the bodies of three hostages killed by friendly fire in December.

The bodies of seven hostages, two women and five men, were recovered in Gaza last month.

HOSTAGES FREED THROUGH MILITARY RESCUES

The Israeli military says it has rescued three hostages in Gaza.

It brought 1 home in the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack.

Two men were rescued in February when troops stormed a heavily guarded apartment in a densely packed town in the Gaza Strip. Airstrikes carried out to provide cover during the raid killed more than 60 Palestinians, including women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Palestinians arrive at Rafah after being evacuated from Nasser hospital

GENEVA (Reuters) - Healthcare systems of neighbouring countries are feeling the strain as thousands of critical patients from the Gaza Strip are evacuated for treatment of complex injuries and ailments, a top WHO official said on Tuesday.

"The ripple effect on Egypt, Lebanon, Syria as the immediate neighbours of the OPT (occupied Palestinian territories) is significant," said Hanan Balkhy, the World Health Organization's regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Fewer than half of Gaza's 36 hospitals are partially functional as of May 30, the global body has reported, as most of the medical infrastructure has been destroyed by Israel's eight-month-old assault.

"Egypt has been hosting a significant number of the patients, but the needs are between minimum 7,000 to over 11,000 patients that require evacuation and treatment and support," she said at a briefing with journalists. "And they require it in specialized hospitals."

This has caused pressure on "already fragile health systems in the neighbouring countries."

"It's not like sewing a laceration," she added, referring to the typical injuries seen among patients from Gaza.

"You're talking about compound fractures, skull fractures, compound femur fractures, ruptured visceral organs... It's very difficult to find and to quickly transport patients to get that type of care."

No medical evacuations have been carried out since May 7, after Israel took control of the Rafah crossing, according to WHO.

The closure of the crossing in the south of the Gaza Strip has also significantly affected the WHO's ability to deliver essential medical supplies to the enclave.

(Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
A 72-year-old Geneseo man faces charges including a Class X felony charge of possession of child pornography, according to a news release from the Geneseo Police.

Paul Higgins (Geneseo Police Department)

Investigators with the Illinois Attorney Generals Office Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in collaboration with Geneseo Police Department Investigators assigned to this task force, executed at a residence in Geneseo, the release says. This search warrant was in reference to an ongoing investigation into an individual possessing child pornography, according to the release.

During a search of this residence, numerous images and videos consisting of suspected child pornography were located on electronic devices in the residence. Along with the alleged child pornography, investigators also recovered multiple firearms, along with one whose design is illegal under Illinois and Federal statutes, the release shows.

Investigators arrested 72-year-old Paul Douglas Higgins, who also faces a Class 3 felony charge of unlawful use of weapons and a Class A misdemeanor charge of firearm owners identification card required, the release says.

After consultation with the Henry County States Attorneys Office, Higgins was in custody in Henry County Jail on Tuesday pending court proceedings.

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The Georgia Court of Appeals on Monday set a tentative date to hear oral arguments in Donald Trumps appeal against a lower court ruling that allowed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to stay on the case prosecuting the former presidents efforts to undo the 2020 election results in Georgia, according to a docket notice.

The hearing set for Oct. 4 likely means that the trial in the Georgia election case will take place after the Nov. 5 presidential election, where Trump is a major candidate as the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party.

The appeal will be heard by a panel of three judges  appointed by GOP governors  who were randomly selected, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Todd Markle, Trenton Brown and Benjamin Land.

Steve Sadow, one of the lawyers representing Trump in the case, said their team is looking forward to making the argument on why this case should be dismissed, and Fulton County DA Willis should be disqualified for the trial courts acknowledged odor of mendacity misconduct in violation of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct.

Willis office has not commented on the docket notice.

Trump and some of his co-defendants moved to have Willis removed from the case, citing her relationship with a top prosecutor on her team, Nathan Wade, claiming she had benefitted from Wades hiring through dates, trips and meals he paid for with his public salary from his work on the case.

However, Judge Scott McAfee ultimately ruled that Willis could continue prosecuting the case if Wade resigned from her team.

The evidence demonstrated that the financial gain flowing from her relationship with Wade was not a motivating factor on the part of the District Attorney to indict and prosecute this case, McAfee wrote.

Still, McAfee noted Willis showed a tremendous lapse in judgment.

Wade submitted his resignation shortly after the ruling.

Yet, Trumps team chose to appeal the decision, and the states court of appeals agreed in May to take up the case.

Trump and 18 other defendants were indicted in August 2023 under Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations law. Four of the former presidents co-defendants reached plea deals with prosecutors. Trump and the remaining 14 co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Mondays docket notice comes as Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records in his New York hush money trial last week, likely the only case to go to trial prior to the presidential race.

The case centered around a $130,000 hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. Trump has pledged to appeal his conviction.

Related...
The Atlanta-based social service organization Caring For Others provided food, clothes, toys, shoes, furniture, and other essentials to more than 129,000 households in 2023. Submitted photo/Caring For Others

A little extra money to buy groceries during a recent summer gave Augusta parent Tasha Marshall a rare chance to spice up the meals she cooked for her family by adding meat.

Thousands of low-income families in Georgia began receiving emergency pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer benefits that provided extra food assistance for days that schools were closed during the 2019-2020 school year. The program would continue to be available during the summer months when an extra $40 per child in monthly food assistance allowed parents to purchase groceries while school was on break.

Georgia is among 14 states that no longer provides the federal benefit that has now become a permanent program for the first time.

With the extra money, Marshall wasnt forced to cook Hamburger Helper without ground beef and make meatless pasta sauce and noodles to feed her family.

Marshalls resourcefulness once led her to stretch out three pork chops purchased by a friend by cutting them up into small pieces that would be added to rice and noodles for several meals.

As the mother of a 3-year-old boy and a 12-year-old daughter, Marshall has been relying on her husband and roommates to help her get by financially since moving to a neighboring community. The family currently makes just enough money to earn above the 130% of the federal poverty line needed to get an EBT card.

She still gets government help from the Georgia program that helps moms buy fruits, vegetables, proteins, and other healthy foods.

She said its crucial Georgia officials make sure families who rely on free meals throughout the school year get an extra $80 per month during the summer.

I really wish that they were in more touch with those of us that are living with food insecurity who are worrying about how were going to make rent and have to pay bills versus what food we can buy, Marshall said. Because theyre out of touch with that, they dont understand the struggle.

A petition has been organized by ParentsTogether Action to press public officials in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and several other states to enroll in the program so its available in the future. The family advocacy organization sent out advisories to its 3 million members across the country.

ParentsTogethers program director Allison Johnson said families can use EBT to buy groceries at their convenience. Food insecurity has a big impact on local economies and the well-being of families, she said.

Georgia parents are advised to check with local school districts about free summer meal programs and with local food banks.

August is the deadline for states to have to say that theyre going to opt in for next year so there is an opportunity to pressure governors in the states that wont have it to change course so that these families will have access to it next year, Johnson said.

Georgia became one of the states that ceased to provide enhanced SNAP benefits following the 2023 summer after Republican Gov. Brian Kemp declined to apply for an extension.

The program allowed the parents and guardians of 1.1 million kids who qualify for free- or reduced-price lunches across the state to get an extra $290 million in food assistance. The final year of the Georgia program was opened up to SNAP-enrolled children five years and younger.

Kemp last year awarded $38 million to Georgia food banks to help offset some of the food insecurity gaps.

The federal program was first expanded in 2020 as part of the American Rescue Act, but there were bureaucratic hiccups along the way. Putting together a plan for the added pandemic while aid agencies also handled other assistance programs became a growing burden over the last year, leaving many state SNAP administrators overworked. a

For Atlanta agency Caring For Others, losing the extra food allowance compounds the pain of high groceries prices. Donations are the only way Caring For Others can provide its weekly food distribution and other social services because it doesnt receive government funding.

Eslene Richmond-Shockley, CEO, president and founder of Caring for Others, said there is a crisis in Georgia with numerous food deserts communities where there are no adequate grocery stores available..

When we do a food distribution out there, you have people at three oclock in the morning just trying to get a meal for their kids, Richmond-Shockley said.

So many people cannot afford to buy the basic necessities; bread, eggs, milk, all of those things that are needed, and then there is the high cost of electricity that they have to pay for them to cool down over the summer, she said.

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JALALABAD, Afghanistan, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's security forces have seized 768 kg of illicit drugs in the eastern Nangarhar province, provincial police spokesperson Mawlawi Abdul Basir Zabuli said on Monday.

The contraband was confiscated during counter-narcotic operations conducted in the vicinity of the province's Durbaba district, Zabuli added.

Five people were arrested in connection with the case and their dossiers were referred to the judiciary for further investigation and possible legal process, the source concluded.

Similarly, police discovered 100 kg of illegal drugs including heroin in the south Helmand province on Friday.

The Afghan caretaker government has vowed to fight illicit drugs, drug production and trafficking across the country. 
A view of the rainbow flag waving. Following the adoption of a Russian-style law against foreign influence, the Georgian leadership also wants to restrict the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people in a similar way to Russia. Patrick Pleul/dpa-Zentralbild/ZB

Following the adoption of a Russian-style law against foreign influence, the Georgian leadership also wants to restrict the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people in a similar way to Russia.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has submitted a package of laws to parliament under the heading "Family values and the protection of minors," Parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili announced in Tbilisi on Tuesday.

The civil law, labour law and education laws in the country in the South Caucasus are to be amended.

According to media reports, Papuashvili explained that the constitution only provides for marriage between a man and a woman. Same-sex marriages should therefore be excluded by law.

Non-heterosexual people should not be allowed to adopt children, he added.

Only the biological gender male or female should be entered on identity documents, he said, and doctors would also not be allowed to perform gender reassignment surgery.

As in Russia, alleged "LGBT propaganda" is also to be banned in Georgia. Papuashvili said that there should be no rallies about homosexual relationships or transgender issues. This type of information would be banned in schools. Such depictions should also not be permitted in the media and advertising.

Small Georgia has a long Christian Orthodox tradition, and society is rather conservative in character.

Events like Pride in Tbilisi are often accompanied by massive counter-demonstrations, which have in the past turned violent.

Opponents of the current Georgian government fear that Georgia, like Russia, will also further tighten its repressive laws against the LGBT+ community.
FILE - LGBT activists hold their flag at a rally to collect signatures to cancel the results of voting on amendments to the Constitution in Pushkin Square in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Georgias ruling party on Tuesday introduced draft legislation curtailing LGBTQ+ rights. The proposals by the Georgian Dream are similar to laws enacted in Russia and come on the heels of the authorities adopting another law critics denounced as borrowed from Moscows playbook  the foreign influence law. (AP Photo, File)

TBILISI, Georgia (AP)  Georgia's ruling party on Tuesday introduced draft legislation curtailing LGBTQ+ rights.

The proposals by the Georgian Dream are similar to laws enacted in Russia and come on the heels of the authorities adopting another law critics denounced as borrowed from Moscow's playbook  the foreign influence law. It ignited weeks of mass protests and was widely criticized as threatening democratic freedoms and jeopardizing Georgia's chances of joining the European Union.

If adopted, the bill will ban same-sex marriages, gender-affirming care and changing one's gender marker in the official documents, adoption by same-sex couples, public endorsement of same-sex relations at gatherings and at educational institutions, and depiction of same-sex relations in the media.

The new initiative was announced by parliament speaker and Georgian Dream member Shalva Papuashvili just a day after he signed the foreign influence law into force.

The foreign influence law requires news media and nongovernmental organizations to register as agents of foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their budget from abroad. It set off mass protests last month in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, and opponents have dubbed it the  the Russian law  because it resembles regulations in Russia that the Kremlin uses to crackdown on dissent.

Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili vetoed the bill, but the parliament overrode her veto, and on Monday Papuashvili signed it into the law.

Georgian Dream's proposals curtailing LGBTQ+ rights could also draw comparisons to laws in place in Russia. The Russian authorities over the last decade also banned public endorsement of non-traditional sexual relations,gender-affirming care and changing of one's gender in the official documents.

In the latest step against the already beleaguered community, Russia's Supreme Court effectively outlawed LGBTQ+ activism by labeling what the authorities called the LGBTQ+ movement operating in Russia as an extremist organization and banning it.
Climate activist Wolfgang Metzeler-Kick speaks at a press conference in the hunger strike camp in Invalidenpark. Paul Zinken/dpa

German climate activist Wolfgang Metzeler-Kick intends to continue his hunger strike following treatment in hospital, as he called for Chancellor Olaf Scholz to take a stronger official position on climate change.

The ongoing strike was announced on Tuesday morning by the campaign "Starve until you are honest."

The 49-year-old was taken to hospital on Monday evening due to a circulatory collapse after 89 days of hunger strike. However, his condition was stabilized in hospital.

He returned to the activists' camp at the Economy Ministry in Berlin.

Metzeler-Kick said: "I had already decided beforehand: If I go to hospital, I will continue to starve myself afterwards. I will continue to starve until Scholz finally says what is a fact: there is no remaining CO2 budget."

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 are calling for 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.

The activists are living in a tent camp at the Economy Ministry. Metzeler-Kick began his action on March 7, with the others joining in gradually.
German officials regret not lifting ban on Ukraine striking targets in Russia sooner

German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has said he regrets that the government led by Olaf Scholz did not allow Ukraine to deploy Western-supplied weapons to strike military targets in Russia sooner.

Source: Robert Habeck in an interview with Augsburger Allgemeine, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Habeck said that Ukraine should be allowed to do what it needs to prevent Russian attacks and protect the lives of civilians.

A ban on striking military targets in Russia means that more people might die, he explained.

"The permission currently covers a strictly localised area around Kharkiv. For self-defence, for protection. But its true that the decision we made couldve been made earlier," Habeck said.

However, Habeck defended Scholz against accusations of delaying granting Ukraine permission to strike targets in Russia.

According to Habeck, "Delay is the wrong word. We are making very difficult decisions, so we have to weigh everything carefully. In this case, the right decision was made."

Background:

Last week, the German government confirmed that it has given Ukraine permission to use German-supplied weapons to strike military targets in Russia.

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 a changing situation".

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasised that allowing Ukraine to use the weapons provided by Germany to strike targets in Russia will not lead to escalation and is necessary for self-defence.

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BERLIN (Reuters) -Over 700 police searched properties in three German states on Tuesday associated with two suspects in the far-right "Reichsbuerger" group that plotted to overthrow the government, the federal prosecutor's office said.

The search warrants were carried out against a 73-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman residing in the southwestern German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg.

Prosecutors said they are suspected of providing the group surrounding German aristocrat and property investor Heinrich XIII Prinz Reuss with facilities to recruit new members.

According to Spiegel newsmagazine, which was the first to report the news on Tuesday, investigators were also looking for possible weapons depots as the 73-year-old suspect possessed a considerable number of firearms.

No arrests were made during the searches, Spiegel added.

Reuss went on trial last month, and he and eight other defendants in custody have denied charges of terrorism and high treason.

They are among a total of 27 people facing trial this year on accusations that they conspired in a plot foiled by authorities at the end of 2022. Together they amount to one of the largest legal proceedings in German history.

The "Reichsbuerger" (Citizens of the Reich) believe that today's German democracy is an illegitimate facade and that they are citizens of a monarchy which, they maintain, endured after Germany's defeat in World War One, despite its formal abolition.

The group planned to install Reuss, who is a scion of a now-throneless dynasty, as caretaker head of state, prosecutors say.

The large-scale police operation began on Tuesday morning and involved more than 700 officers including special forces from several states and the explosive ordnance disposal service.

Police were combing through seven properties and three plots of land across the states of Saxony, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Schleswig-Holstein, prosecutors said.

The targeted properties include bunkers and a former military training site, Spiegel reported.

(Reporting by Andrey Sychev and Madeline Chambers; editing by Miranda Murray and Mark Heinrich)
Police vehicles parked in Althengstett. Police are searching properties in three German states belonging to suspected supporters of the far-right Reich Citizens group, a public prosecutor spokeswoman said on 04 June.A large contingent of police has been searching 10 properties in the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein since early Tuesday morning, according to the spokeswoman. Silas Stein/dpa

Police are searching properties in three German states belonging to suspected supporters of the far-right Reich Citizens group, a public prosecutor spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

A large contingent of police has been searching 10 properties in the states of Baden-Wurttemberg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein since early Tuesday morning, according to the spokeswoman.

The measures were directed against two suspects from Baden-Wurttemberg who are accused of supporting a domestic terrorist organization, the spokeswoman added.

There have been repeated raids targeting the Reich Citizens group, which allegedly planned to violently overthrow the German government. Various suspected members, including suspected ringleader Prince Heinrich XIII of Reuss, are currently on trial.

Police vehicles parked in Althengstett. Police are searching properties in three German states belonging to suspected supporters of the far-right Reich Citizens group, a public prosecutor spokeswoman said on 04 June.A large contingent of police has been searching 10 properties in the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein since early Tuesday morning, according to the spokeswoman. Silas Stein/dpa

Police vehicles parked in Althengstett. Police are searching properties in three German states belonging to suspected supporters of the far-right Reich Citizens group, a public prosecutor spokeswoman said on 04 June.A large contingent of police has been searching 10 properties in the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein since early Tuesday morning, according to the spokeswoman. Silas Stein/dpa
Police vehicles parked in Althengstett. Police are searching properties in three German states belonging to suspected supporters of the far-right Reich Citizens group, a public prosecutor spokeswoman said on 04 June.A large contingent of police has been searching 10 properties in the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein since early Tuesday morning, according to the spokeswoman. Silas Stein/dpa

Police are searching properties in three German states belonging to suspected supporters of the far-right Reich Citizens group, a public prosecutor spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

A large contingent of police has been searching 10 properties in the states of Baden-Wurttemberg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein since early Tuesday morning, according to the spokeswoman.

There have been repeated raids targeting the Reich Citizens group, which allegedly planned to violently overthrow the German government. Various suspected members, including suspected ringleader Prince Heinrich XIII of Reuss, are currently on trial.

Tuesday's raids were directed against two suspects from Baden-Wurttemberg who are accused of supporting a domestic terrorist organization, the spokeswoman added.

The two suspects, a man aged 73 and a 63-year-old woman, are suspected of having made premises in Saxony available to the group for the organization of recruitment events at the turn of the year 2021/2022.

The woman accused also allegedly gave a car to one of the suspected members in autumn 2021.

More than 700 police officers are involved in the search measures.

Reichsburger, or "Citizens of the Reich," claim the historical German Reich, founded in 1871 with an emperor at the head, continues to exist and did not end with Germany's defeat in World War II in 1945.

They do not recognize the Federal Republic of Germany, or its constitutional structures such as parliament. They also do not believe they should pay taxes, fines or social security contributions.

Germany's domestic intelligence service estimates there are around 23,000 people in the scene.

The coup plot was uncovered during a large-scale anti-terror raid in December 2022.

Police vehicles parked in Althengstett. Police are searching properties in three German states belonging to suspected supporters of the far-right Reich Citizens group, a public prosecutor spokeswoman said on 04 June.A large contingent of police has been searching 10 properties in the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein since early Tuesday morning, according to the spokeswoman. Silas Stein/dpa

Police vehicles parked in Althengstett. Police are searching properties in three German states belonging to suspected supporters of the far-right Reich Citizens group, a public prosecutor spokeswoman said on 04 June.A large contingent of police has been searching 10 properties in the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein since early Tuesday morning, according to the spokeswoman. Silas Stein/dpa
The police are in action near Bad Teinach. Police are searching properties in three German states belonging to suspected supporters of the far-right Reich Citizens group, a public prosecutor spokeswoman said on 04 June.A large contingent of police has been searching 10 properties in the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein since early 04 June, according to the spokeswoman. Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa

Police searched properties belonging to suspected supporters of the far-right Reich Citizens group in three German states, a spokeswoman for the public prosecutor's office said on Tuesday.

A large contingent of police searched 10 properties in the states of Baden-Wurttemberg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein starting early Tuesday morning, according to the spokeswoman.

No arrests were made in the raids, the spokeswoman told dpa on Tuesday evening.

There have been repeated raids targeting the Reich Citizens group, which allegedly planned to violently overthrow the German government. Various alleged members, including suspected ringleader Prince Heinrich XIII of Reuss, are currently on trial.

Tuesday's raids were directed against two suspects from Baden-Wurttemberg who are accused of supporting a domestic terrorist organization, the spokeswoman added.

The two suspects, a man aged 73 and a 63-year-old woman, are suspected of having made premises in Saxony available to the group for the organization of recruitment events at the turn of the year 2021-22.

The woman accused also allegedly gave a car to one of the suspected members in the autumn of 2021.

More than 700 police officers are involved in the search measures.

Reich Citizens, or Reichsburger in German, claim the historical German Reich, founded in 1871 with an emperor at the head, continues to exist and did not end with Germany's defeat in World War II in 1945.

They do not recognize the Federal Republic of Germany, or its constitutional structures such as parliament. They also do not believe they should pay taxes, fines or social security contributions.

Germany's domestic intelligence service estimates there are around 23,000 people involved in the movement.

The coup plot was uncovered during a large-scale anti-terrorism raid in December 2022.

They plotters are said to have already worked out how they wanted to organize a state with Prince Reuss as head of state.

The police are in action near Bad Teinach. Police are searching properties in three German states belonging to suspected supporters of the far-right Reich Citizens group, a public prosecutor spokeswoman said on 04 June.A large contingent of police has been searching 10 properties in the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein since early 04 June, according to the spokeswoman. Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa
Clamping bricks lie in a container at an injection molding machine at the Dresden-based recycling start-up HolyPoly. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa

Germany is exporting significantly less plastic waste abroad than it was 10 years ago, according to official figures.

Last year exports of plastic rubbish were down to around 694,000 tons, a fall of 8% compared to the previous year, the Federal Statistical Office announced on Tuesday. By comparison more than 1.3 million tons was exported from Germany in 2013, so the volume had almost halved since then (minus 48%).

The federal statisticians say one reason for the decline is import restrictions imposed by some Asian countries on plastic waste.

According to the data, the largest amount of waste was exported from Germany to the Netherlands. "At just under 131,600 tons, almost a fifth of all plastic waste exported went to the neighbouring European country, which has an important transhipment point for sea freight in the port of Rotterdam," the statistical office said. This was followed by Malaysia (90,500 tons) and Turkey (87,100 tons).

As in the previous year, Germany is the largest exporter of plastic waste in the European Union (EU). According to the EU statistics authority Eurostat, the Netherlands was again in second place with a 550,500 tons, followed by Belgium with an export volume of just under 436,400 tons.

The Federal Office published the data the mark World Oceans Day on June 8, which is intended to remind people of the ecological importance of the oceans.

It is estimated that between 4.8 and 12.7 million tons of plastic end up in the sea globally every year. The amount of plastic waste produced worldwide threatens to triple by 2060 if nothing changes, according to an OECD study.

Yellow bags of plastic packaging waste hang on a fence in front of an apartment building. Christian Charisius/dpa
(Bloomberg) -- Germany sold a 2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) stake in Deutsche Telekom AG, the latest in a series of moves by the cash-strapped government to divest from some of its corporate holdings.

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State-owned bank KfW sold 110 million shares to institutional investors on Monday. While the placement trims the aggregate holding of KfW and the government to a combined 27.8%, they remain Deutsche Telekoms largest shareholders.

The finance ministry said the net proceeds will be used to strengthen the equity of state rail operator Deutsche Bahn AG and to build out Germanys rail infrastructure. Due to the receptive stock market environment, the placement was successfully completed, the ministry said in an emailed statement.

In response to the sale, Deutsche Telekom said Tuesday it will increase its share buyback program by 600 million. The Bonn-based company initially announced the program in November to repay investors, whod taken a hit when the company raised capital to increase its position in T-Mobile US Inc.

Deutsche Telekom shares fell 2% at 11:02 a.m. in Frankfurt on Tuesday.

The proceeds of the sale should help ease some of the pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholzs ruling coalition, after a key funding tool was struck down by the nations top court last year.

Adding to the squeeze on spending, Finance Minister Christian Lindner has insisted on restoring a constitutional limit on net new borrowing that was suspended to help deal with the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic and the energy crisis.

Lindner is aiming to complete negotiations with his cabinet colleagues on next years finance plan by early July, before its sent to parliament for approval by lawmakers. His challenge is to balance budget frugality with efforts to lift Europes biggest economy out of a slump and modernize and expand the armed forces after years of neglect.

The governments latest share sale is part of what the finance ministry called its responsible privatization policy. KfW earlier this year raised 2.2 billion selling a stake in former mail monopoly Deutsche Post AG.

As part of fundraising for investment in Germanys rail system, Deutsche Bahn is currently gathering bids for its DB Schenker logistics unit, which could fetch more than 15 billion, people familiar with the matter said last month.

Lindner has also said he wants to sell the governments 15.6% stake in Commerzbank AG, which it acquired during a bailout in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The most likely option is that the government will sell the shares on the market as it did with Deutsche Telekom and Deutsche Post, although private equity investors, sovereign wealth funds and other banks have expressed interest.

The books on the Deutsche Telekom stake sale are expected on Thursday, according to the terms. Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Deutsche Bank AG carried out the placement.

The divestment comes less than three weeks after the telecommunications operator, Europes largest, beat first-quarter earnings estimates thanks to growth in its two main markets, Germany and the US.

The companys shares have gained 1.9% this year. KfW already sold 22.4 million shares in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, Germany is nearing a decision to strip Chinese critical components from the nations 5G core network by 2026  a move that will have a significant impact on Deutsche Telekoms business. The Bonn-based company has said that a ban of Chinese components by that time is not realistic.

--With assistance from Michael Nienaber, Jillian Deutsch, Stefan Nicola and Kamil Kowalcze.

(Updates with shares, detail on Commerzbank stake)

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SHANGHAI, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientists have upgraded an AI-powered large model, forming part of the FuXi series, for climate and weather forecasting, featuring improved accuracy. They are exploring the model's application in maritime and aviation transportation, and the new energy sector.

The Shanghai Academy of Artificial Intelligence for Science (SAIS) and Fudan University unveiled the upgraded model, known as FuXi 2.0, on Monday. FuXi 2.0 is the first global large weather model for weather routing, according to a press release of the university.

"FuXi-Subseasonal," the first model of the FuXi series, was unveiled during the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in December 2023. It represented a significant advancement in AI climate modeling, as it extended the forecasting range to 42 days.

Compared to "FuXi-Subseasonal," FuXi 2.0 has made progress in terms of mid-term weather forecasting models and sub-seasonal models, targeting industries such as new energy, and aviation and maritime transportation, said Li Hao, who leads the SAIS earth science research team.

Through cooperation with China COSCO Shipping Cooperation Limited, Li said FuXi 2.0 is capable of delivering hourly high-resolution forecasts for a period of 15 days. The new model incorporates elements such as wind, waves, swells, and sea surface temperature to enhance the accuracy of predictions for wind, waves, currents, and visibility worldwide.

Li underscored FuXi 2.0's significant progress in prediction accuracy for extreme weather phenomena like typhoons, heavy precipitation, and other hazardous conditions.

FuXi 2.0 is expected to help reduce long-term dependence on foreign service providers for offshore weather routing, he said.

In the new energy sector, FuXi 2.0 offers more accurate forecasts concerning wind speed, solar irradiance and power generation to optimize the efficiency of wind and solar power generation, balancing of the grid load, and reduction of wind and solar power curtailment.

"It can be seen as an intelligent navigation system for wind and solar farms," said Li.

Feng Shuhai, an expert with the Electric Power Automation Department of China Electric Power Research Institute, praised FuXi 2.0 for its accurate forecasts of wind speed and solar irradiance.

It can improve the efficiency of power scheduling and management. "We look forward to FuXi's growth and the collective efforts to reduce operating costs in the power industry," said Feng.

Meanwhile, FuXi 2.0 has pioneered the development of meteorological parameters such as low cloud cover and total cloud cover, which are of great concern to the aviation industry.

Therefore, it is able to help predict various weather phenomena that may be encountered during flights, such as icing, turbulence, and uneven light conditions, improving flight experiences and reducing costs, said Li.

Looking at the future, Li said the research team plans to develop a large model of the Earth system to provide forecasts concerning the atmosphere, ocean, land surface and cryosphere, and explore forecasts in the categories of atmospheric pollution and climate risks. 
Its a fun comedic line: If the election were held today, some 89% of voters would be very surprised. The kernel of truth in the joke is that polls measure the opinions of voters when many voters are not ready to be measured. That early poll panic is only one of many mistakes that some politicians and many news organizations commit when trying to understand public opinion.

'Precision journalism' and ethical practices

It may be time for a quick refresher course on the intersection of journalism and public opinion measurement. There actually is a term we can use. Philip Meyer in a 1973 book crafted precision journalism to mean the use of polls, polling and social science research techniques in news stories.

The world was very different when Meyer wrote his book. Nearly everyone lived in a household with one landline phone. Best practices meant that journalists were on the lookout for polls that did not take steps toward randomized selection, used too small a group, phrased questions badly or did not fully list methods used. The American Association for Public Opinion Research later codified these ideas into a good list of ethical practices in reporting polls. A very smart editor or reporter might even know what is meant by a margin of error and how to calculate it.

"I Voted" stickers are ready to be distributed to voters at Powell High School (Clark Duncan Complex) on primary Election Day in Knox County on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Relying on landline owners skews polls

Current conditions make it a bigger, but not unsurmountable, challenge for reporters using public opinion. Refusal rates are through the roof. Most people now have cellphones. Landlines are rare and declining. Relying on them skews any poll toward an elderly demographic willing to answer a call from a stranger. Pollsters now often rely on obtained cellphone lists or even panels of respondents often recruited online and stratified to achieve certain demographic parameters.

Big newsrooms and pollsters often are partners and collaborators on polls: Fox News/ Opinion Dynamics, Siena College Research Institute and the New York Times, CBS News and YouGov, Gallup/USA TODAY. Thus, it is even more important that newsrooms understand what the partner pollsters are providing and can interpret is reasonably.

One example of how things can go wrong came from a recent Siena College/New York Times Battleground States poll. Those who relied only second-hand on reporting of the poll would think that Donald Trump is leading Joe Biden in five key states, and that young and minority voters are drifting away from Biden. Online political columnist Jay Kuo did a great public service when he did a deep dive into the small print of the polls methods.

Kuo found that the poll under-sampled Democrats, liberals and Spanish-speaking Hispanics. He further noted that a lot of the coverage of the poll breathlessly relays findings from registered voters, but when one looks at likely voters the numbers are much closer. He also took issue with the polls very broad definition of likely voters and its sampling of young people.

Polls this far out are, at best, a snapshot of opinion at one moment. This one is a blurry image with the cat filter left on. Polls have had a rocky record in the past few election cycles, partly from excess reliance and inexact reporting, but also from inadequate adjustment to the changes in the current difficult-to-measure environment.

Mark Harmon is a professor of journalism and media at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has presented public opinion research at numerous academic conferences.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: We are getting polls about voters wrong in an important election year
Donald Trump is now the first president  and also presumptive presidential nominee for a major political party  to be a convicted felon. Trump still faces far more serious felony charges in three other criminal cases. His sentencing hearing in New York's hush-money trial is scheduled for July. Given his open disdain for the court and utter lack of contrition, it is possible, however unlikely, that he could be sentenced to some type of home confinement or even prison.

To that point, convicted felon Donald Trump appears to be daring Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the New York hush-money election interference trial, and other law enforcement to take action against him. During interviews and other statements since his conviction, Donald Trump and his propagandists and other agents have been threatening and inciting violence, revenge, and mayhem against their perceived enemies, including Judge Merchan, the prosecutors and attorney generals, the jurors, President Biden and the Democrats, and anyone else they believe is part of a witch hunt and attempt to persecute him.

Of course, there is no conspiracy against Donald Trump. He was finally held responsible, in some small way, for his decades-long crime spree. If Donald Trump somehow ends up in prison, it is his own fault.

These are truly historic times here in America where long-standing assumptions and norms about the countrys political culture and values  and the future of its multiracial pluralistic democracy  are being challenged to the extreme by Trumpism, American neofascism, and a conservative movement and Republican Party that are openly contemptuous of real democracy. Trumps wanton criminality reflects these much deeper challenges and problems. But in this historic moment, opportunity exists alongside great peril. The American people and their leaders can choose to put a convicted felon and aspiring dictator who admires Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Putin back in the White House or they can instead defeat him soundly in November, and then use that momentum to renew and improve the countrys democracy and society more broadly.

In an attempt to make better sense of Donald Trumps historic felony conviction and its meaning and implications for this political moment, the 2024 election, the countrys democracy and what may happen next, I recently spoke to a range of experts.

Rick Wilson is a co-founder of The Lincoln Project, a former leading Republican strategist, and author of two books, "Everything Trump Touches Dies" and "Running Against the Devil: A Plot to Save America from Trump - and Democrats from Themselves."

That a convicted felon remains the GOP's nominee shows how the party jettisoned any semblance of principle and is nothing more than a Trump personality cult. The party's leadership response since the trial has been to attack the court and undermine the rule of law just like they've worked to create doubt in the political process. While Trump's conviction will provide some accountability for his crimes, the only way Trump and the MAGA movement will be defeated is through the ballot box.

Norm Ornstein is emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute co-author of the bestselling book "One Nation After Trump: A Guide for the Perplexed, the Disillusioned, the Desperate, and the Not-Yet Deported."

Joe Biden did not make Donald Trump a convicted felon. Democrats did not make Donald Trump a convicted felon. The Deep State did not make Donald Trump a convicted felon. Donald Trump, by cheating and lying, by falsifying business records and enlisting David Pecker, Allen Weisselberg, Michael Cohen and others to kill stories that would damage his faltering presidential campaign, committed 34 felonies. 12 ordinary New Yorkers acting as a jury, listened to weeks of testimony and followed a voluminous written trail of records, and unanimously came to the conclusion that Donald Trump was guilty.

But you would not know that if you watched Fox or listened to the likes of Susan Collins, Josh Hawley, John Yoo, Mike Lee, Speaker Mike Johnson, Jonathan Turley, and so many more. Lies and distortions, all from a script that could have been written by Trump based on his unhinged rants in front of the courthouse. It is worse than a cult simply acting as puppets. Jim Jordan, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, wants to haul in Alvin Bragg, and no doubt will not stop there. Other congressional Republicans want to bring in Judge Marshan and his daughter. John Yoo has called for Republicans to retaliate by prosecuting Democrats. Of course, that means prosecuting whether there are offenses or not.

The threats to the judge, including Trump's ethnic slur, and the fact that prominent lawyers, including many who have attended Harvard or Yale Law Schools, are attacking the fundamentals of a legal system that is operating by the book, is a giant step toward autocracy, with potential for violence along the way. It is unfortunate that the unconscionable delays in prosecuting Trump for instigating an insurrection and pilfering our most sensitive classified secrets and criminally sharing them while obstructing justice to stay out of prison have left us with just this one prosecution. But this, even if it is less serious than the others not to mention Georgia is still a clearcut violation of New York law that arguably altered the election outcome, with devastating consequences.

Will it affect the outcome in November? It very well could. It is true that most voters have told pollsters it will not affect their votes. But that is meaningless. We know this election will be decided at the margins in 7 or 8 states. And for the swing voters, especially college-educated suburban Republicans and Independents, the fact that Trump is a convicted felon, along with his assaults on democracy and women, could easily tip their votes to Biden and to a greater receptivity, for those not happy with either Biden or Trump, to the argument that a vote for anybody other than Biden is a vote for a convicted felon, sex offender and insurrectionist.

Dr. Jennifer Mercieca is a historian of American political rhetoric. She is a professor in the Department of Communication and Journalism at Texas A&M University and author of several books including "Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump."

The decision shows that Trump illegally interfered with the 2016 election, and essentially stole the presidency. This verdict is a major victory for the cause of democracy and free and fair elections. At the same time, the partisan extremes and highly engaged likely will not be persuaded by the jury's decision. They'll rationalize the outcome to be consistent with their partisan preferences.

So, what impact will this have on the election? (that's the wrong question) The right question is what impact will this trial have on democracy? A lot. All bad. Trump has used the authoritarian strategy of attacking judicial proceedings throughout this election, delegitimizing the rule of law. Trump has attacked the court daily in media appearances, his propagandists have attacked the court, the trial, the witnesses, etc. The whole strategy has been to try the case before the public as another example of corruption. That delegitimizing propaganda has been ubiquitous and reported everywhere. While Trump has attacked this case and the rule of law, he's also declared that the rule of law doesn't apply to him. In a nation ruled by laws, not men, no one is above the rule of law. Not even a president.

Autocrats "rule by law," they use the law to punish their enemies & reward their friends. Autocrats like Trump do not allow themselves to be held accountable to the rule of law. What we've seen over this case (& others) is proof positive that Trump is an autocrat, not a democrat.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

To be clear: Trump should have been tried for these crimes. What we learn from the trial is that he's guilty of the crimes he is accused of committing AND that he's an autocrat. Trump has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he's an autocrat for how he attacked the rule of law throughout the case.

D. Earl Stephens is the author of Toxic Tales: A Caustic Collection of Donald J. Trumps Very Important Letters."

The trial and Trumps conviction were about the best thing to happen to (and for) America in a long time. Im not going to go all the way to shouting no person is above the law because thats patently false. Hell, we all know there are double-dealers and liars on our Supreme Court who are wreaking havoc with our Democracy, and fancy themselves untouchable, because it looks like they are.

Still, watching this 12-person jury of Trumps peers with no dog in the fight, sit through weeks of testimony and then waste little time unanimously convicting Americas biggest loser on all 34 counts he was charged with was a real shot in the arm to the millions of us who have waited to see some consequences.

There was no gaslighting allowed in the courtroom. There was no safe harbor for the unsubstantiated waste thats rolled out by the GOP daily in public and then spread like manure by our corporate media as something resembling normal. There were simply the facts, and when the jury heard those facts, the rest was easy. Trump was guilty as charged.

Now the Republican Party knows it is left with a complete, anti-American, uncivil lowlife who lies as he breathes and contaminates everything he touches. Trump remains their problem.

Not surprisingly they have doubled down with their support for the convicted felon because there is no place left for them to go. The anti-American mob boss and his MAGA flunkies have got them right where they want them, and generally in the lowest places possible.

I could still stand to see much more outrage about this by our media, who can make literally anything seem normal these days. A convicted felon who attacked our country and stole top-secret documents heading the ticket for one of our two major parties isnt that. Its repulsive.
Glendale police officer seen kicking teen in the face charged with assault. It was caught on video

Shoppers at the Glendale Galleria in November 2022. A Glendale police officer has been charged with an assault for kicking a teen shoplifting suspect in 2021. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

A Glendale police officer who was caught on video kicking a juvenile in the face while he was pinned down inside the Galleria mall has been charged with assault, prosecutors said Monday.

Gonzalo Zendejas, 39, was charged with one count of assault under color of authority for the incident, which took place in June 2021 as officers responded to a shoplifting call inside the Dick's Sporting Goods store.

Video of the arrest, first aired by CBS, shows multiple officers wrestling with and striking the teen while he's being held down. Zendejas, who can be seen kicking the prone juvenile in the face, was the only officer charged. The Los Angeles County district attorney's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the other officers involved in the arrest or the status of the teen who was struck.

While police officers face an extraordinarily challenging and demanding job while working to protect our communities, this responsibility does not excuse actions that endanger others or undermine public trust, Dist. Atty. George Gascon said in a statement. This incident is a serious violation of the duty to serve with integrity and respect."

Read more: Video shows L.A. probation officers letting group beat teen in Los Padrinos juvenile hall

Sgt. Vahe Abramyan, a Glendale police spokesman, said Zendejas has remained on administrative leave since the incident. The three other officers who took part in the arrest have since returned to work, Abramyan said.

Zendejas has yet to appear in court but faces up to three years in prison if convicted as charged. It was not immediately clear who his attorney was.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The war on coyotes continues to this day, doomed to failure and perhaps with effects that are contrary to the intended ones. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

In 1958, Hope Ryden (1929-2017) was a flight attendant on Pan American Airways first jet transatlantic flight. In 1983 she flew that route again on Pan Ams 25th year commemorative flight in celebration of the inauguration of transatlantic jet travel.

Her life and legacy are not defined, though, by being a flight attendant. Instead, she had a long and distinguished career as a naturalist extraordinaire, photographer, film producer and author of books about beaver, bobcats and wild horses among others.

Gods Dog: A Celebration of the North American Coyote, her classic book published in 1972, remains highly popular with fans of coyote literature.

For two years, she camped in remote parts of Wyoming and Montana, including several weeks living in a van on the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming, from which she could covertly observe undisturbed coyote families conducting their affairs.

Her long-term relationship with members of a ranching family living near Powell, Wyoming who befriended her was instrumental in helping a New York City resident become an expert in coyote ecology and knowledgeable about all matters Western.

Her writing style was naturalistic in tone, full of delightful field observations, biological information and inspirational descriptions about how a remarkable animal lives its life.

J.Frank Dobie (1888-1964) was a Texan, through and through, who wrote many books about various aspects of rural Texas life in the early 1900s. Some viewed him as a gadfly. President Lyndon Johnson awarded him the Medal of Freedom four days before Dobie died.

He had a fondness for the Texas Longhorn and wrote extensively about the animal. Rattlesnakes also received his literary scrutiny.

His stellar book, The Voice of the Coyote, published in 1949, contained an incredible wealth of stories, anecdotes, mythology, biology and tales about the wily nature of the animal, its resilience, cleverness and grudging admiration extended to it even by its human adversaries.

Old Crip, a coyote missing 2 toes on one front foot and the entire foot on the other side (chewed off in a trap), made the pages because she was legendary for her ability to evade her pursuers for a year and a half before her end.

Because Dobie was writing about coyote stories and lore from the early 1900s, his book is a curious mixture of demonic accusations offset by long-lived elaborate and entertaining mythology and cultural lore.

The dominant characteristic of the coyote painted by Dobie is pure grit  a mixture of cleverness and perseverance possessed by few others.

How much grit?

Not described by Dobie since it was unknown and unappreciated at the time, is the astonishing ability of the coyote to sustain and even increase its population in the face of extreme adversity.

According to most maps, the original home range of the North American coyote was limited to the western plains states and western U.S. After wolves were eliminated from the West, coyotes expanded their range from the Alaska border to the Panama Canal.

That expansion of home range did not go unnoticed by the animals adversaries.

From 1945-1972, the federal government along with Western states attempted  and failed  to exterminate the coyote in the West by instituting a massive poisoning campaign on public lands using Compound 1080.

This highly toxic substance is lethal for any organism that requires oxygen to survive.

Nevada used more Compound 1080 bait stations than any other state in the West  over 2,000 of them  in the early 1960s when the poisoning campaign was at its peak.

(A bait station was a quarter of a cow or horse laced heavily with Compound 1080, deposited somewhere on public lands, and left for months. Strychnine and thallium, a poisonous heavy metal, were also used. Secondary poisoning of other species was a big problem.)

President Nixon signed a ban on widespread indiscriminate use of Compound 1080 in 1972.

Sadly, wildlife management agencies around the West appear to have learned nothing from this failed 27-year poisoning campaign. The war on coyotes continues to this day, doomed to failure and oddly, perhaps, with a contrary effect.

Things no better in Nevada.

The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners (NBWC), a politically appointed body overseeing the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), provides no exception.

NBWC created the Wildlife Damage Management Committee which prepares an annual document, the Predation Management Plan.

This plan contains so-called projects  now numbering in the high 40s  which detail how certain monies will be spent in accordance with commission policy and state law  to manage predatory wildlife.

Until recently, 80% of the monies funding these projects had to be spent on lethal control  that is  killing coyotes, mountain lions and ravens  and occasionally raccoons and the like, regardless of a showing of need or benefit.

Projects 14 & 15, a 5-year coyote killing effort during the mid-2000s south of Ely and northeast of Pioche in eastern Nevada was a prime example.

The assumptions behind Projects 14 & 15 were that mule deer numbers in those areas should be higher and that coyotes were responsible by consuming deer fawns.

(Curiously, a well-designed study in southern Idaho by the Idaho Fish and Game agency during the same time frame showed that coyotes preferred rabbits to deer fawns.)

After spending about $200,000 in 5 years to kill over 1,100 coyotes, the wildlife commission saw no measurable benefit to mule deer in either area.

While that result was not surprising  even predictable by those not obsessed with demonic mythology about coyotes  that was not the end of the story.

Usually, in such projects around the West, the only question to be answered is whether mule deer numbers increase after killing coyotes, mountain lions, or in other states, wolves and bears.

Those animals slain  coyotes killed can number in the thousands  are simply discarded as trash, dumped in the desert.

In this case, though, something remarkable happened  almost unheard of, really.

A NDOW biologist and a graduate student decided to look at certain characteristics of all coyotes killed over the 5 years. They found some interesting things:

During the third, fourth and fifth years, three times the number of coyotes were killed each of those years compared to the first year of the project.

The average coyote litter size tripled by the fourth year.

The average age dropped about half by the 5th year (from about age 3 to about age 1.5).

The male/female ratio shifted to a male predominance.

Projects 14 & 15 shifted a stable adult coyote population in year one to a larger juvenile population with a male predominance at the end of year five.

Although the researchers did not consider the ramifications of this shift, it is reasonable to assume that in year five, a coyote population in an area comprised largely of juveniles with a male predominance, lacking the stability and predictability of a home range and pack structure, might present a higher risk of suburban/urban conflicts with humans over pets and domestic livestock than would be the case if the disruption had not occurred.

(Compensatory reproduction is one term coined to refer to the population dynamics just described though the mechanisms involved are best described elsewhere.)

After doing their analysis and writing up their results in a professional manner suitable enough for publication, the paper ended up in a drawer at NDOW for a few years until an unnamed person thought it deserved the light of day.

Why, you might ask, would such an interesting and informative study be shelved in that manner by a state agency?

One answer is simple.

The results are embarrassing for those who hold the false belief that killing coyotes will increase deer populations.

There is also the matter of destroying public property (coyotes are part of the public wildlife trust) for no good reason.

Perhaps the biggest embarrassment, oblivious to those who complain about and demonize the coyote for various transgressions, might be phrased like this: What do you expect when you randomly and intensively kill coyotes and, in the process, create a juvenile population well supplied with males?

Are you not part of the very problem about which you complain?

Truly, Nevada citizens need and deserve an enlightened state coyote management plan, based on well-established science supported by plenty of objective data. We have nothing now.

Shouldnt we ask our state wildlife agency to do better?

The post Gods dog or devils demon: Maybe just grit appeared first on Nevada Current.
If youre going to smoke a joint, do it right, says Meloni minister

A drug-taking tip from Italys agriculture minister went viral when he scoffed at cannabis light and said that if you were going to smoke a joint, do it right.

Giorgia Melonis hard-Right government is considering banning so-called cannabis light, a weaker form of the drug containing less than 0.5 per cent of the psychoactive compound THC that has been legal in Italy for production and sale since 2019.

During a rally on Monday ahead of this weekends European Parliament elections, a journalist handed Francesco Lollobrigida, the agriculture minister, a cannabis light joint and asked him if he would like to try.

No, light, no. If youre going to smoke a joint, do it right, said Mr Lollobrigida.

The minister, a member of Ms Melonis hard-Right Brothers of Italy party and her brother-in-law, had just stated his opposition to the widespread cultivation of cannabis.

I dont plan to transform our fields of grain, our crops, into fields of cannabis light, he told the La7 television journalist.

On the contrary, I think we can survive without it.

Potential ban

Ms Melonis coalition government is considering an amendment to a security bill currently under discussion in parliament that would ban the sale of the weaker cannabis, according to Italian news reports.

The far-Right League party of Matteo Salvini, a coalition member, has reportedly filed its own amendment that would forbid images of cannabis in advertising, punishable by up to two years in jail and a 20,000 (17,000) fine.

Riccardo Magi, the secretary-general of the centrist More Europe party, responded to Mr Lollobrigidas comment on X, saying its better to make it legal. And millions of Italians think the same as I do.

Mr Lollobrigida also made headlines two weeks ago over light-hearted comments to a television reporter, defending conviviality as a vehicle for peace.

He asked: How important it is to be at the table, to discuss, to reason, to drink a glass of wine, to converse. How many wars could have been avoided over a well-organised dinner?

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Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan poses with his installation, "Sunday," at Gagosian gallery on May 1, 2024, in New York. The installation consists of 64 panels plated with 24-karat gold and pockmarked by gunfire. (AP Photo/Jocelyn Noveck)

NEW YORK (AP)  The first thing that strikes you, arriving in the gallery that houses artist Maurizio Cattelans latest satirical work, is the gleam. The brilliant gleam of 64 panels coated with 24-karat gold  in all, a glittering wall 17 feet tall and 68 feet wide.

The second is the pockmarks on all that gold, created by more than 20,000 rounds of ammunition fired from six different weapons.

But the third impression is probably the most arresting: Up close, you can see yourself reflected in the gold. And when you take a selfie, as many viewers have been doing the last month, it looks like you yourself are riddled with bullet holes.

Wealth and luxury in America, pierced by the agony of gun violence. That's the explanation most visitors take away from Cattelan's solo show, the first in more than two decades by a conceptual artist famous for a series of similarly eyebrow-raising works. They include: A simple banana affixed to a wall with duct tape that stole the show at Art Basel in Miami (and drew so much attention it had to be removed); a functioning toilet made of gold (it was ultimately stolen); and an effigy of the pope being felled by a meteorite.

But ask Cattelan himself to define his new work, entitled Sunday, and the 63-year old Italian is adamant not to point a finger at America. We cannot be so specific, he said in an interview, standing beside his work. Actually it can be about any part of the world. Ask to critique the critiques, he replied impishly: I believe in plurality. Whatever they say is fine.

The Gagosian gallery says the Cattelan show has been one of its most successful to date, with 14,000 visitors so far. Most viewers say their key emotion seems to be one of contradiction  of beauty and violence juxtaposed, leaving them confused as to how to feel.

It's beautiful, but also theres that sort of violence behind it, which is interesting because youre not sure how to react to it, said Brent Koskimaki, visiting recently from Calgary, Canada. Because the creation was quite a violent thing, right? But now its so still and quiet in here.

Hes certainly correct that the creation was uniquely violent. The artist supervised a session at a shooting range in Brooklyn, with professional armorers firing two semi-automatic pistols, two semi-automatic rifles and two 12-gauge shotguns. The 64 panels were made in Italy of stainless steel plated in gold, are 3 millimeters thick and weigh upwards of 80 pounds.

Cattelan notes the shooting session couldn't have happened in Italy. Some of these weapons, they are only used by the army, he says. Still, he says, all the gun professionals he encountered in America have been ethical and professional, which seems to have surprised him. They were not fanatics at all, he said.

Adding to the flurry of contradictions is the accompanying fountain, sculpted from Carrara marble, that Cattelan has placed facing the pockmarked wall. Modeled on a late friend, it is a likeness of a man curled up on a bench, urinating  with water coming out of, well, the obvious place.

Veronique Black, a friend of Koskimaki and his wife, Teresa, noted that the sad portrayal of the man was a direct contrast to the beauteous gleam of the wall.

"To me, its beautiful and its attractive, Black, of Montreal, said of the wall. So you want to get closer. You almost want to touch it. And then its a bit repulsive to see the man peeing. So youre attracted to something violent and pushed away from something thats humanity. We should help each other ... but you go towards the gold.

Added Teresa Koskimaki: "I guess that's what society is really like! We're attracted to something thats beautiful. But we also turn away from whats happening in society and the suffering of others.

Cattelan, describing an idea that developed over time, says that at one point, he envisioned a gallery divided in two, with shooters on one side of a see-through bulletproof wall, and visitors on the other. Perhaps thankfully, that did not happen. At another point he'd envisioned a single gold panel. But at Gagosian, "the space was asking for something bolder. One panel became 64.

This being a gallery, some (but not all) of the panels are for sale. While Gagosian won't release prices, it says a third of the panels have sold, at a reported $375,000 each.

That's likely a lot more expensive than some similar bullet-riddled panels by another artist, Anthony James, showing elsewhere in Manhattan. James' lawyer has written to the Gagosian, the gallery has confirmed, asking for elaboration on how Cattelan got the idea. Cattelan, through the gallery, says any claims of copying are without merit. It is not the first time the artist has faced such accusations; a Miami federal judge ruled in his favor over a claim involving his famous banana.

Cattelan has been called variously a shock artist and a bad boy of contemporary art, difficult and hard to pin down. But on a recent morning, smiling and sipping tea in a glass, the artist seemed affable as could be. Do I appear difficult? he asked with a grin.

Asked about the shock artist moniker, Andy Avini, senior director at Gagosian, countered: I would describe him as a very sensitive artist. The symbols being used are shocking. They are not necessarily his symbols  theyre symbols that are in society.

Avini says Sunday is a continuation of Cattelans America from 2016, aka his fully functional toilet cast in 18-karat gold that was placed in a restroom at the Guggenheim Museum, realizing an American dream of opportunity for all.

Alas, some thieves probably took that idea too literally, taking the opportunity to steal the toilet later from Blenheim Palace in Britain, where it was on loan. It has never been recovered. (Since it was connected to plumbing, the theft caused extensive damage to the 18th-century house.)

In any case, Avini said, the current show takes the idea behind the toilet one step further where the discussion is about violence and wealth. Very specifically, violence with guns. And even more specifically, the ease of getting guns.

Cattelan wont get nearly this specific. But that doesnt mean hes not interested in other takes. When Mark Folino, an art lover visiting from Boston, introduced himself to the artist and offered his own interpretation involving the longtime divide in American society, Cattelan listened intently and called out to a gallery staffer.

Take notes! he instructed.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A good Samaritan, who was visiting Florida, had just stopped to get gas when he saw a woman attempt to steal an elderly couples vehicle Saturday morning, police said.

The victim, a 74-year-old man, had parked at an Exxon gas station in Ormond Beach to use the restroom, but before he could exit his car, the suspect, Marvette Perry, 36, opened the door and pushed the man out of the way and got into the drivers seat.

Very unusual case: Woman declared dead found alive hours later at funeral home

Luckily, Adam McDaniels witnessed the incident and immediately rushed to the couples aid.

I got out with my firearm, McDaniels told NBC affiliate WESH. I ran over, pointed my firearm with a laser at her chest, and told her not to reach for any weapons.

McDaniels eventually put his firearm away since he didnt see Perry reach for a weapon, the Ormond Beach Police Department said in a news release.

As soon as she saw my laser on her chest, she stopped, became stone cold, didnt move or speak. I tried to get her to get out of the car, but she didnt do anything until the cops got there, he said.

The 74-year-old man held onto Perrys foot so she wouldnt take the car while waiting for officers to arrive. According to WESH, the mans wife was still sitting in the passengers seat during the incident.

I think she was a little worked up, but he seemed pretty calm. He held her by the ankle and said he wouldnt let go, McDaniels said.

While the attempted carjacking left the couple shaken up, McDaniels said he was glad to be there when he was.

Dog left in hot U-Haul for nearly an hour while owners went to Florida beach, police say

I come from a small town in North Carolina where people help each other, he told WESH. I just couldnt sit there and watch that transpire in a different way.

Perry was arrested and charged with carjacking, burglary with assault and resisting an officer. She is being held at the Volusia County Jail with no bond, police said.

No one was injured during the incident.

Our officers quick response, the bravery of the good Samaritan, and the resilience of the elderly couple were instrumental in preventing a potentially dangerous situation from escalating, Ormond Beach Police Chief Godfrey said in a statement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
WASHINGTON  Republicans are rallying around Donald Trump in the wake of his unprecedented conviction in New York, claiming that the U.S. justice system is being weaponized for political purposes to specifically tear down the former president, who is running for another term in the Oval Office.

The prosecution of President Trump wasnt about justice. It was about weaponizing the Democrat-controlled Justice Department to attack their political opponent, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said during a press conference on Tuesday.

Trump isnt the only high-profile figure who is in legal trouble amid an election year, however. Longtime Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez (N.J.), who recently switched parties; Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar (Texas); and President Joe Bidens son, Hunter; are also facing federal charges, with both Menendez and Biden standing trial this week.

When HuffPost pointed this out to Trump-supporting GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill this week, they doubled down on their weaponization claims and said there was reason to cast doubt on the justice system writ large.

It does look like from time to time the DOJ has been guilty of having political motives  I guess every layer, not just the Department of Justice  but every layer of justice seems to have a little bit more political play than it has in the past, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told HuffPost.

You gotta cast a skeptical eye toward all of it right now, he added.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), another member of the Senate judiciary committee, said the DOJ has gone from sticking their big toe in the water to jumping in the deep end.

It seems the courts are involved in every election thats occurring, and I dont think its a good development, he continued, saying that the DOJ could have perhaps waited to bring some charges until after the November election.

Much of the GOPs attacks on the New York case against Trump have focused on the credibility of Judge Juan Merchan and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office, accusing both of being biased against Trump. Theyve even suggested Biden was behind the whole thing by somehow ordering Bragg to charge Trump for falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to an adult film star, even though presidents have no control over state-level prosecutors.

Attorney General Merrick Garland roundly rejected that allegation during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, calling it a conspiracy theory and an attack on the judicial process itself.

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) also noted during the hearing that the Justice Department had chosen not to prosecute Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) over sex trafficking allegations.

He is a living testament to the fact and direct evidence that you have not weaponized the Justice Department. He was investigated for sex trafficking and while many expected a prosecution, you chose not to prosecute, Cohen said to Garland, the hearing witness.

That hasnt stopped Republicans from insisting the Department of Justice is singularly focused on prosecuting Trump, however.

Asked about Hunter Biden standing trial this week, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters he didnt think one case disproved their theory that Trump is being persecuted. He also complained that the DOJ chose not to charge Biden for his handling of classified documents.

We have rogue prosecutors around the country that have dragged President Trump through this process because of who he is. Everybody knows if it wasnt him, the charges in Manhattan would never have been brought, he said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, defended the younger Biden from charges that he illegally purchased and possessed a gun while abusing or being addicted to drugs in 2018, a violation of federal law.

I dont think the average American would have been charged with the gun thing, Graham told HuffPost. I dont see any good coming from that.

Hunter Biden admitted that he was habitually using crack cocaine at the time. He, too, has argued hes being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department and has pleaded not guilty.

Democrats dismissed the GOPs attempts to wave off Trumps historic conviction in New York, a first for a former president who is expected to be formally picked for the Republican presidential nomination next month.

All these cases show that no one is above the law and prosecutors are making decisions based on the facts and statutes, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said. The justice system is working.

The Justice Department is also pursuing separate charges against Trump for hoarding classified documents after his presidency and attempting to overthrow his 2020 election loss. But those cases arent likely to proceed until after the November 2024 election.

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), a vocal Trump critic, said he didnt see the kind of weaponization that might be suggested in the way the Department of Justice prosecutes cases. Still, he disapproved of the New York case against the former president, calling it not an appropriate first step.

Most Republicans are still supporting Trump despite the fact that hes now a convicted felon, and many are heartened by the fact that it helped his presidential campaign raise over $50 million in just one day, contributing to a massive $140 million haul in May.

But not every Republican is pleased. Asked if she could believe that her party is rallying around a convicted felon, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), another Trump critic, said, I never thought we would.

Arthur Delaney and Jonathan Nicholson contributed reporting.
WASHINGTON  Republican lawmakers are seeking revenge for the historic conviction of former President Donald Trump in a New York hush money case, which theyre calling a miscarriage of justice and a pointed political maneuver.

In the Senate, a cohort of conservative lawmakers are pledging to stop all Democratic priorities and block Biden administration nominees from approval.

And in the GOP-led House, lawmakers plan to interrogate the Manhattan prosecutors that sought the conviction, strip federal funding from the state of New York, and defund the efforts of special counsel Jack Smith, who is overseeing Trumps classified documents case.

Their efforts may not be successful  the Houses pushes are sure to face a dead end in the Democratically-controlled Senate, for example  but it reflects the partys continued loyalty to Trump and the political opportunity they see to rally support for his reelection bid.

On the campaign trail, theyre using the conviction to their advantage. The GOPs donor platform, WinRed, was overwhelmed with traffic in the wake of the ruling, and both the Senate and House GOP campaign arms have reported a surge in fundraising.

Candidates in competitive states are also already pushing messages that their Democratic competitors refuse to condemn the ruling, including new advertisements from GOP senate candidates in Montana and Ohio alleging their opponent supports a judicial strategy to interfere in the presidential election.

The verdict adds fuel to Trumps campaign. I think people view this more as a cause now than just a head-to-head matchup, said Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., who was one of the senators to pledge to block movement in the Senate. He noted the fundraising jump and the new Senate ads.

I think its touching a nerve with the American people. Theyre going to run their own races, but the truth is, I think the American people understand whats at stake, which is, do we want to have a constitutional republic or a banana republic?

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., talks during a weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on May 22, 2024 in Washington, DC.

A Senate blockade is likely

A group of eight conservative senators led by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, released a statement Friday in the wake of the verdict claiming that the Biden Administration has made a mockery of the rule of law.

As a Senate Republican conference, we are unwilling to aid and abet this White House in its project to tear this country apart, they wrote.

The group, which has since added three other members, pledged to block any additional funding that doesn't address national security, block confirmations of Bidens political and judicial nominees, and purposely slow down consideration of any Democrat-led legislation.

Most of the significant policy that Congress will pass this year has already gone through  the closer lawmakers get to an election, the harder it is for them to compromise on significant legislation. So most of the policy the conservative group plans to block would likely be Democratic messaging bills that stand no chance of passage anyway.

We dont have a lot to do between now and (the election) other than judges and nominations, said Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., who is part of the blockade effort. But as Republicans, we need to stand up for our country. This wasnt against Donald Trump. This was against people that are true Americans and believe in this country.

Confirming the presidents nominees for political and judicial positions is a key duty of the Senate  and can have big ripple effects in peoples lives, as they carry out basic government functions. It's also key to judicial appointments, reflecting the perspective of the president that appointed them well after leaving office.

The upper chamber requires every single senator to agree to speed things up for timely consideration of legislation and appointments, so the lawmakers threat to clamp down on nominees could be a serious headache for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, clogging up the Senate floor with lengthy appointment considerations instead of policy.

Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) speak to reporters outside the Senate Chambers in the U.S. Capitol on March 22, 2024 in Washington, DC.

House GOP to fight with 'everything in our arsenal'

House Judiciary Committee Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has requested Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg along with Matthew Colango, an attorney on Braggs team, to testify before a subcommittee probing weaponization of the federal government next week.

The two would speak in a hearing to examine actions by state and local prosecutors to engage politically motivated prosecutions . . . in particular, the recent political prosecution of President Donald Trump, Jordan wrote in a letter to the prosecutors last week.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., pledged on Fox News Sunday that his conference would fight back . . . with everything in our arsenal, but its unlikely the lower chamber could do much to help the former president. Johnson noted Jordans panel and added that Republicans would work within the confines of the rule of law.

The conviction is certain to reignite calls from Johnsons right flank to restrict federal funding for the Justice Department and namely, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. Conservative agitators have taken aim at special counsel Jack Smith, who indicted Trump last year for mishandling classified documents and trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election he lost.

Jordan sent a letter to House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla., on Monday, recommending the committee to withhold funding for rogue prosecutors (who) abuse the rules of professional conduct and their duty to do justice in service of politicized ends.

Though even if Republicans did move to defund the special counsel's office, that would happen through the annual government funding process, which isn't expected to be completed anytime soon.Even if Republicans were to try cutting off funding for the special counsels office, such a move has a next-to-zero chance of passing the Democratic-controlled Senate and White House.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, center, arrives for a House Republican conference meeting on Capitol Hill on May 22, 2024 in Washington, DC.

Were gonna try but (if) we send it over the Senate, its not gonna do anything, Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., who supports defunding the office of special counsel, conceded.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., wants to go further and hold back all federal funding  such as money for education and law enforcement  for the whole state of New York. She posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Republicans should not vote to fund a single penny to that corrupt state.

The Georgia Republican also told reporters on Monday she has articles of impeachment against Biden ready, but said she would talk to Johnson first and introduce it to her colleagues in a closed-door meeting on Tuesday morning. House Republicans existing impeachment inquiry into the president has largely fizzled out as GOP lawmakers have grown skeptical about the investigations lack of evidence.

Surge in fundraising

The conviction is already becoming a talking point for Republicans in competitive Senate and House races.

Republican candidate Tim Sheehy took out an ad claiming Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., is among the Democrats cheering on state sponsored political persecution.Also, GOP candidate Bernie Moreno released an ad saying Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, stands with Biden even as he turns the judicial system into a weapon to interfere in a presidential election.

There is no evidence to suggest that the Biden Administration was involved with the criminal trial, which was prosecuted in the New York state legal system.

The Trump campaign said on Friday that it had raised nearly $53 million in the 24 hours after he was convicted. By comparison, the campaign had raised around $58 million in the second half of 2023.

The two campaign arms for House and Senate Republicans  the National Republican Congressional Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee  reported the largest single day of online fundraising for the campaign cycle on the day after the verdict, raising more than $300,000 and $360,000, respectively.

Senator Jon Tester, D-Mont., speaks to reporters outside of the Senate Chamber ahead of a vote on a foreign aid package at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on April 23, 2024.

The surge could close the financial gap with Democrats, who had been outpacing Republicans in fundraising this cycle.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., who is running for the open Senate seat in her state, said its too early to know how much impact the verdict might have on competitive races like hers. She acknowledged that Republicans had a spike in donations after the verdict was announced, but said Democrats are also working to leverage the news for fundraising.

Everyone I know was talking about a spike in donations in the first 24 hours after the verdict, so it just re-emphasizes just how polarizing Trump is, she said. I dont think it helps Trump win those independents because a lot of them are like, well, I dont love the idea of a convicted felon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GOP plots revenge as Donald Trump conviction hits Congress
CANBERRA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Australians have struggled to make debt repayments in the last 12 months, government research has found.

The research, which was published by corporate regulator the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) on Monday, found that 47 percent of Australian adults with debt -- the equivalent of 5.8 million people -- have struggled to make repayments in the last 12 months.

A survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of the ASIC found that cost of living pressures, reduced income and unexpected expenses were the most common reasons given for financial difficulties.

Thirty percent of respondents to the survey said they would not seek hardship assistance from their bank or lender despite being entitled to do so under Australian law.

Forty-two percent said they would sell belongings or assets before applying for hardship assistance and 40 percent said they would get a second job before seeking assistance.

"For many Australians, the path to seeking help feels daunting, confusing, and challenging. It is concerning that people would rather sell their personal belongings or get a second job rather than seek financial hardship assistance," ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland said in a media release.

Among respondents to the survey facing financial hardship, 96 percent said they experienced negative side effects, most commonly stress or anxiety, loss of sleep or a decline in physical health.

Anxiety and stress caused by hardship was the leading emotional barrier to accessing assistance, the ASIC report said, followed by feeling shame or embarrassment and feelings of failure. 
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said President Bidens anticipated border proposal this week could end up hurting him with Democrats.

Biden is expected to sign an executive order on Tuesday that would give the administration additional authority to limit the number of migrants coming across the southern border. Cramer suggested Monday that Biden is only taking action on the border because it is an issue that voters are concerned about.

And then suddenly the last five months before an election, he decides hes got the power to do something about it now. Hes irredeemable on this topic, and frankly, I think hes gonna irritate his base a lot more than he does any good for himself, Cramer said Monday on The Hill on NewsNation.

Cramer said Biden sees hes in a lot of trouble, and the number one concern for the American people is the border crisis. He also said the executive order is an admission that he could have done something about it all along.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

The White House has pressed Senate Democrats to support its border security bill last month after Republicans first blocked the measure earlier this year. But the Senate voted down the bill last month, marking the second time in months that the bill failed to clear the upper chamber.

Republicans torpedoed the effort earlier this year to pass a national security bill that would have provided provisions for the border. Democrats and the White House have criticized GOP lawmakers for not voting for the measure earlier this year after former President Trump expressed his opposition to it.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Sunday that Bidens expected executive order was too little too late.

The Hill has reached out to the Biden campaign and the White House for comment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Senate Republicans are warning New York Judge Juan Merchan not to sentence former President Trump to prison or house arrest or take any other action that could disrupt the likely GOP nominees ability to campaign ahead of the November election.

It could take months for Trump to appeal his conviction on 34 felony counts related to the falsification of business documents, and legal experts dont expect the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court to intervene to help him.

That means that Trumps fate rests largely with Merchan, who could choose punishments ranging from prison and house arrest to probation and community service.

Merchan, who earned favorable reviews from legal experts for his careful handling of the case, will sentence Trump on July 11, four days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Republican senators acknowledge that legal experts say it would be highly unusual for Trump to receive a prison sentence for a class E felony and that he would most likely be allowed to remain free pending his appeal to higher state courts.

But theyre nervous about what may happen, because Merchan wields a lot of discretion over the terms of the sentence and they felt he tilted the trial against Trumps team.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said it would be a further abuse of power to incarcerate Trump or sentence him to home confinement.

Im very troubled by what I see in the way the courts have been weaponized, he said. It used to be there were some institutions in America, namely the FBI, the Department of Justice and the courts, which were regarded as out of bounds for overt partisan politics, but unfortunately thats changed, and not for the better.

Republican senators warn any sentence that would impact Trumps mobility or ability to communicate with voters could seriously undermine voters confidence in the fairness of the 2024 election.

Legal experts predict Merchan wont sentence Trump to prison right before the convention, but some GOP lawmakers fear that scenario is possible given what theyve seen of the prosecution and trial so far.

Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) said it would be foolish for the judge to sentence Trump to jail or House arrest.

But when you see the conviction and the rules that he instructed the jury with, its completely unfair, its unconstitutional, and I would put nothing past him at this point, he said of Merchan.

Budd said a tough sentence would only strengthen the resolve of the Americans to support President Trump.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a member of the Judiciary Committee, had felt certain that Trump would never be convicted by the Manhattan jury and now doesnt know what to think about the prospect of the likely GOP nominee for president winding up in prison before Election Day.

With this process, anything is possible, he said.

Tillis said if the judge restricts Trumps ability to campaign, he would need to show the sentence does not diverge from those of other defendants convicted of the same or similar crimes.

Unless they can pretty quickly find examples of where similar cases have resulted in prison time, it just adds more fuel to the fire that it was [District Attorney Alvin] Braggs politically motivated decision to ask for jail time, he said.

Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records, a class E felony, and faces up to four years in prison on each charge, though most legal experts say the judge could not sentence him to more than 20 years in prison.

Trumps legal team would push hard to defer any sentence until he completes his appeals, which likely would drag on past Election Day.

An analysis by Norm Eisen, a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution, found that only 1 in 10 cases of first-degree falsification of business records in New York resulted in imprisonment. His findings were first published in The New York Times.

Some New York legal experts note, however, that Merchan, the judge, has a reputation of being tough on white-collar criminals.

Trump warned over the weekend that the public would reach a breaking point if he were imprisoned or confined to his home, acknowledging it could happen.

I think it would be tough for the public to take, he said.

Tills said a tough sentence might help Trump politically, because it would further enrage his supporters.

Now he looks like he truly is being treated in a punitive way by the courts, he said of time in jail. It would  really undermine the credibility of the case being brought forward to begin with.

Some Republican senators have predicted the Supreme Court would overturn any criminal conviction of Trump.

I think it ultimately all will be reversed by the Supreme Court, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said last month. I think a lot of these cases [will] work up, and the Supreme Court finally says enough is enough, were not a banana republic.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Judiciary Committee, predicted last year that the ultimate outcome of any Donald Trump conviction on this indictment would be a reversal in all likelihood at the U.S. Supreme Court.

But legal scholars say they dont expect nations highest court to get involved in a state criminal matter, pointing out that Trumps conviction doesnt raise any obvious constitutional concerns.

The most likely answer is the Supreme Court is going to do nothing, said Ilya Somin, a professor of law at George Mason University whose research focuses on constitutional law.

There is no procedure for a case like this to go directly from a state trial court to the federal Supreme Court. There just isnt, he said. So far, at least, there isnt really an issue of federal law here. You can try to concoct one, but thats another obstacle to getting it to the Supreme Court at all.

At the very least, I think the federal Supreme Court wont do anything unless and until this gets all the way to the New York state supreme court, or whatever is the highest New York court that would make a decision, he said.

Barbara McQuade, a law professor at the University of Michigan who specializes in criminal law and procedure and previously served as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, said theres no chance of the U.S. Supreme Court stepping in to wipe out Trumps conviction or to stave off a prison sentence before the election.

I see zero chance of the U.S. Supreme Court intervening in Donald Trumps conviction before the election. He must exhaust his appeals in the New York state court system, which will take more than a year, she said.

Even then, the case would reach the Supreme Court only if there is some issue of federal statutory or constitutional law, she noted.

But some Republican senators say it would be necessary for the U.S. Supreme Court to get involved before Election Day.

It would be unprecedented, but look at the response weve seen already with the conviction, with fundraising numbers weve never seen before, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) said of what the public response would be to putting Trumps behind bars.

Asked about the U.S. Supreme Courts role, Daines said, We shouldnt allow a kangaroo court in New York to be interfering in this election.

The people of America should be the jurists, he said.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a former chair of the Judiciary Committee, said the Supreme Court doesnt need to get involved in Trumps criminal case now, but he argued it may need to if the appeals threaten to drag past the election.

Not at this point, he said of whether the U.S. Supreme Court needs to review the conviction. Might be if other appeal processes are bogged down and it could go beyond the election that you get an answer on whether this is a fair or not, then I think there might be a reason for the Supreme Court to step in.

Grassley said everybody Ive heard talk about it thinks a prison sentence is highly unlikely, given this is Trumps first criminal conviction.

But he thinks Trump could still win the election if locked up on Rikers Island.

It would probably help him get reelected if hes behind bars, he 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.
First Partner Joanna Lydgate gently wrapped her arm around Gov. Maura Healeys waist for a moment as the pair marveled at the murals adorning Nurses Hall and read a plaque on Monday morning in a State House hallway.

The stop marked one of the last points of interest on their State House tour, which was filled with bursts of giggles as Healey and Lydgate quietly admired the capitols artwork and learned Massachusetts trivia from Lynn Grilli, a member of the Doric Docents.

Later Monday, just days into Pride Month, Lydgate assumed her role as the honorary president of the Doric Docents, as the first partner takes on a more public role alongside the states first openly gay governor. Her entrance into the public eye inched forward in December, when Lydgate read Twas The Night Before Christmas to children during a celebration for Massachusetts Gold Star families.

Healey, speaking to reporters after the roughly 45-minute tour concluded, called Lydgates new role wonderful.

I know shes honored to do it -- very honored to do it, Healey said on behalf of Lydgate, who did not participate in a post-tour media scrum due to a meeting, according to the governor.

Healey and Lydgate started their tour in Doric Hall, making their way through key landmarks throughout the building, including Nurses Hall, Bartlett Hall, the Great Hall, the Grand Staircase, the State Library, and the House and Senate chambers. As they ventured onto the chamber floors, Healey asked several court officers, Do you know Joanna?, as she launched into introductions.

After an annual meeting and luncheon for the Doric Docents, Lydgate, the founder and CEO of the nonpartisan organization States United Democracy Center, said she was thrilled about the honorary position.

The work that the docents do is critical, educating the public, educating the next generation, being able to share the history of this beautiful space and the importance of it, Lydgate later told the News Service, which caught up with her in the Great Hall. And as I said today, this is also the birthplace of American democracy, and so I think helping to teach, especially the next generation, about why this space matters, how hard fought our freedoms were in this country, is a really important thing.

By tradition, the governors spouse is installed as president of the Doric Docents. The organization was founded in 1969 by First Lady Jessie Fay Sargent, during the first year in office of her husband, Gov. Francis Sargent. It was known until 2005 as the Doric Dames.

The Doric Docents describe themselves as a non-political and non-profit organization operating with the cooperation of the Secretary of States Office and supported by the State House Archives Division. The groups primary purpose is to provide and support highly trained volunteer guides acting in the capacity of docents who regularly conduct historical and informational tours.

The organization was named after Doric Hall, the central room in the original 1798 Bulfinch State House, where the guides maintain their headquarters.

First Lady Lauren Baker served as the groups ninth president, and in 2016 she held a gathering to celebrate the Docents during the 100th anniversary year of Sargents birth.

Lydgate joked that she doesnt think she is qualified to lead tours of the State House. But Lydgate pledged to bring her middle-school-aged son and daughter for a tour, saying it would happen hopefully this summer.

In Doric Hall, Lydgate playfully patted Healeys shoulder, as Grilli explained the special situations in which the front doors of the State House are opened and used, including when a governor leaves office.

In the Great Hall, where nearly all 351 cities and towns have flags on display, Lydgate navigated a touch screen to help find the location of the flag for Arlington, where she lives with her children. Healey moved in last year, after living in Cambridge.

I love it, thats great, Healey said, after Lydgate had to press the touch screen several times before getting it to cooperate. The pair then peered upward, eager to use the new information to pinpoint the Arlington flag.

Healey and Lydgate both described the State Library as beautiful, as they looked up at the elaborate ceiling before peering at a display of books from Massachusetts authors. Lydgate quietly told Grilli about the fiction genres that her son and daughter enjoy, as she praised the Arlington library.

The pair laughed inside the Senate Reading Room, as Grilli directed their attention to the sculpture of a bird on a historical clock on the wall, above a scroll that unfurls the words E pluribus unum. Grilli shared a popular, though possibly apocryphal, anecdote that the bird is a teagle, or combination of a turkey and an eagle, from the days when the new country had not yet settled on a national avian emblem.

Is that for real? Lydgate asked.

Lydgate said she and Healey learned something new wherever they turned in the capitol. But for the first partner, one tidbit in particular struck her from their time in Doric Hall, where a massive portrait of Abraham Lincoln captures the president with one arm behind his back.

Probably the thing that stood out to me most was learning the origin of the phrase, an arm and a leg, Lydgate said. I think its actually cheaper if you dont paint all four limbs. That was an interesting fun fact, so I think lots thats really appealing, especially for younger people, just because the docents can point out fun, cool, weird things. We had a blast, so well be back for sure.

Healey, asked about her takeaways from the tour, said Bay Staters are so lucky to have a public building like the State House.

Its a wonderful building. Its full of history, the governor said, as she expressed appreciation for their docent. It was great even learning more about things that I just didnt even know. So its a real gift to the people of the commonwealth. Its living history, too, as you can see because matters are in session right now.

[Sam Doran contributed to this story.]

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Gov. Mike DeWine: Jail deaths should be investigated by an outside agency, not sheriffs

Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday that jails are not equipped to handle people struggling with addiction and mental illness.

Gov. Mike DeWine said every death in county jails should be investigated by an outside agency, not the sheriffs who runs the jails, and Ohio needs to do more work to divert people with mental illness or drug addiction to treatment, rather than lockups.

Currently, sheriffs investigate most of the deaths that occur in their jails but have the option to ask the Ohio Bureau of Investigation to investigate. A spokeswoman for BCI said it doesn't have the capacity to investigate all in-custody jail deaths under its current staffing and budget.

"We know that our jails are generally not equipped to deal with people with addiction and ... they're not the ideal place for someone with a mental health problem," DeWine said Tuesday after publication of a year-long investigation by the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer and USA Today Network Ohio.

Special Investigation: In Ohio's jails 220 inmates have died in 4 years

DeWine said his heart goes out to the people whose family members died in jail and their stories are "deeply disturbing."

The governor noted that his administration has increased the number of jail inspectors from three to nine and the state provides money for medications for opioid use disorder in the jails. He said the state has invested about $175 million in jail improvements.

DeWine announced he would appoint a group of experts to examine overcrowding in state psychiatric hospitals and mental health services in county jails in February. He said the same group may focus more on jails after they come back with their initial recommendations.

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith said she's considering state certification for about 20 jails to highlight successes and give jails in the state something to strive for. Chambers-Smith said the state hasn't used its certification process in many years.

Sheriffs' association has a plan for third-party investigations

Stark County Sheriff George Maier, president of the Buckeye State Sheriffs' Association, said the sheriffs take it to heart when someone is injured or dies in a jail.

He said he welcomes third-party investigations. When sheriffs reach out to the association after a critical incident or in-custody death, the association will assign a sheriff's office from at least one county removed to investigate and make recommendations for any criminal charges to the county prosecutor.

"I know on the surface that looks like that's inside baseball. But let me tell you that is reviewed not only by a third-party agency, they're not going to put their credibility at stake. They're not going to compromise their integrity. They come in and do a thorough and complete investigation," he said.

Maier said the separate investigation is necessary because if someone working for his department is not doing their job, he would want to weed them out.

Maier also said he thinks the Bureau of Adult Detention should have a special division to oversee jails that fail standards and ensure the jails have a plan to be in compliance and follow through on that plan.

"That piece could help everybody across the state of Ohio. Our association plays an active role in setting standards and we're happy to continue to do that for the better people who are in our custody and our care," he said.

"Jails have to change," said Phil Plummer, the only current state lawmaker who also served as a county sheriff.

Plummer said he would push for more crisis intervention training for law enforcement officers, more robust state oversight of local jails and stronger coordination of efforts to address the ongoing opioid addiction crisis.

Most of the 16,000 people in Ohio jails each day suffer from substance abuse, mental illness, or both.

Plummer, who spent 10 years as Montgomery County sheriff, said he'd work with other state lawmakers with law enforcement backgrounds.

At least 219 people died in Ohio jails between 2020 and 2023, including Victoria Bristow's son, Malcolm Willis, 21.

During Plummer's tenure as sheriff, the county was sued multiple times over the treatment of incarcerated people and paid out millions of dollars in settlements.

State Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, who chairs the Corrections Institutions Inspection Committee, which oversees state prisons, said that outside investigations of deaths, more drug treatment and mental health services and better training for jail employees are all good steps.

But she cautioned against the state taking a heavy hand in telling elected sheriffs what to do. "There would be many sheriffs that would be reluctant to accept our help."

ACLU of Ohio lobbyist Gary Daniels said the year-long investigation shows the failure of mass incarceration in Ohio.

"It is crucial to note much of what is detailed in this reporting is avoidable with proper attention and political will from policymakers," he said. "However, for decades, the approach from all levels of government around the state has been, and still remains, to sweep these complex issues under the rug and hope for the best."

Laura Bischoff and Erin Glynn are reporters for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio governor said stories of jail deaths are 'deeply disturbing'
A 2009 file photo of a Virginia-class attack submarine, the same model now under construction that will be named the USS Oklahoma. Gov. Kevin Stitt announced May 28 that for the first time since the battleship USS Oklahoma was sunk by the Japanese in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy will have a vessel in its fleet bearing the state's name.

Gov. Kevin Stitt has announced that a new U.S. Navy submarine now under construction will be named the USS Oklahoma.

"Not since the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was sunk by the Japanese when they attacked our naval fleet at Pearl Harbor, has a ship or submarine borne the name Oklahoma, said retired Navy Adm. Greg Slavonic, now executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. Slavonic was named by Stitt to be a member of the "commissioning committee" for the new vessel.

The new USS Oklahoma will be a Virginia Class, Fast Attack Nuclear Submarine, which has a crew of 132 sailors and 18 officers. It carries both Tomahawk Missiles and MK-48 torpedoes and has advanced stealth capabilities to make it virtually undetectable in water, according to the governor's announcement.

The citizens of Oklahoma should take pride in knowing the U.S. Navy decided after 80 years to have another navy vessel named Oklahoma,'" said Slavonic, noting that "429 sailors and Marines lost their lives that fateful day second most to USS Arizona."

The Virginia-class submarines, also known as the VA-class or 774-class, are designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions. They were conceived as a less expensive alternative to the Seawolf-class attack submarines, designed during the Cold War era, and are replacing older Los Angeles-class submarines, 29 of which have already been decommissioned.

The submarine is being built in Groton, Connecticut, and Newport News, Virginia. The traditional keel laying occurred Aug. 2, 2023, and the christening will occur late 2025 or early 2026. After a year of sea trials, the commissioning ceremony, where the U.S. Navy officially accepts the submarine in her fleet, will be in mid-2027. The USS Oklahoma already has a 60-man crew training and overseeing the boats construction.

The sub's commander already has been selected. Stitt's announcement said Cmdr. Aaron Okie Skipper Stutzman, plans to have crew members visit Oklahoma regularly to embrace the Okie spirit.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: New USS Oklahoma submarine to be named after ship sunk at Pearl Harbor
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Governor Kevin Stitt has now signed into law a measure that gives poultry farmers/companies immunity for polluting Oklahoma waterways.

Senate Bill 1424 says if companies or farmers are following state laws then they cant be sued, even if their actions caused harm.

The proposal states if chicken companies or farmers follow a nutrient management plan, theyll be protected from any criminal or civil accountability.

Hes the guy that pulls Ryan Walters strings: Subpoena reveals highly-paid OSDE advisor has no formal employment contract

Youre immune, said Gov. Stitt.

The proposal does include consequences. It makes the pollution of chicken waste while not following safety guidelines a misdemeanor. It carries a fine no less than $500/day and caps it at $10,000/day.

The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes sent a letter to lawmakers May 27 detailing their opposition of SB1424. The council consists of the Seminole Nation, Choctaw Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Muscogee Creek Nation, and Cherokee Nation.

Under the guise of increasing fines for poultry producers and integrators who violate nutrient management plans, SB1424 grants blanket immunity to an industry with a long history of polluting Oklahomas water. The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes

It doesnt mean that were anti-industry, anti-company, anti-farmers, people trying to make a living in various industries. But what we do want to see is the integrity of our water systems held up and make sure that they are clean and that they are not polluted.

In 2005, then-Attorney General Drew Edmondson filed the suit against 13 poultry companies and subsidiaries for improper litter disposal.

U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell in Tulsa ruled in 2023 that Arkansas-based Tyson Foods, Minnesota-based Cargill Inc. and other companies polluted the Illinois River, caused a public nuisance and trespassed by spreading the litter, or manure, on land in eastern Oklahoma, and that it then leached into the rivers watershed.

You cant have a business have a permit, doing what theyre supposed to do and then come in and let a frivolous lawsuit take place and somehow put them out of business. Thats un-American. Its not going to happen in Oklahoma, said Governor Stitt Friday morning. We had a former Attorney General that sued the chicken industry even though they were following all the rules at the time, saying they should have done something different. Hopefully this will settle this once and for all.

Thats too big of a price to pay. The almighty dollar is not the bottom dollar for the Muscogee Creek Nation. We still care about our people, our communities and our future. That ties into our water and our drinking water and peoples very livelihood. Muscogee Creek Nation Press Secretary, Jason Salsman

While chicken waste does not significantly affect the Muscogee Creek Nations waterways, according to Salsman, he said the Cherokee Nation will be severely impacted.

We are deeply disappointed by [Thursdays] vote and the fact that this critical issue was rushed through on the final day of the session. The complete lack of transparency surrounding the bills advancement is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to the safety of our natural resources in northeast Oklahoma. The Cherokee Nation, as the largest tribal sovereign government in the state, remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting our waterways and ensuring the health of all citizens within our reservation. We will continue to explore ways that we can protect our citizens despite the actions of the state, said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.

Salsman said the Inter-Tribal Council will meet again before the law takes effect November 1 to discuss whats next.

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I wouldnt speculate without speaking with our legal team, but youve seen [lawsuits] before and sometimes thats the only recourse in this day and age, explained Salsman. We believe in being good stewards of our environment and what were called to do to take care of this land.

News 4 reached out to Tyson Foods Monday morning for comment on SB1424, but did not receive a response.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Gov. Brian Kemp has signed an executive order to form an investigative committee to look into the arrest of Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols.

Nichols was arrested and charged with sexual battery and public indecency last week after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation started looking into allegations against him.

Rabun County jail records show Nichols faces charges of public indecency, sexual battery, and violation of oath by a public officer.

The Rabun County Sheriffs Office has no comment on the ongoing and active investigation being conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Rabun County Sheriffs Office Public Information Officer Kevin Angell said to Channel 2 Action News.

TRENDING STORIES:

Were managing through it. Its new territory so were doing the best we can, Major Beth Darnell with the Rabun County Sheriffs Office told Channel 2s Audrey Washington.

The GBI did not release any victim information.

According to the order, the committee with be made up of Attorney General Chris Carr, Morgan County Sheriff Robert Markley, and Jackson County Sheriff Janis Magnum.

The committee is required to make a report to Kemp within 30 days.

RELATED NEWS:
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Monday he thinks most Americans would not have to face the gun charges for which President Bidens son, Hunter Biden, is currently on trial in Delaware.

In remarks to HuffPost, Graham defended the presidents son against the gun charges but said he thinks the second indictment Hunter Biden faces, charging him with tax crimes, is more legitimate.

I think any average American whos done their taxes like Hunter Biden would have probably faced prosecution, Graham said about the tax case, which is slated to go to trial in California in September.

However, I dont think the average American would have been charged with the gun thing, he continued. I dont see any good coming from that.

The presidents son faces three felony charges, including two for allegedly lying on a federal background form when purchasing a gun in 2018. Prosecutors say he indicated on the form that he was not using illegal drugs and that he was not an addict, when, in fact, he was addicted to crack cocaine at the time.

He faces a third charge for unlawfully possessing the firearm for 11 days.

Hunter Biden, who has pleaded not guilty, has more recently been open about his experiences with addiction, detailing his journey in his 2021 memoir.

His attorneys have suggested, however, that he may have thought he was telling the truth when filling out the form, contending that he did not then view himself as an addict at the time.

The issue here is Mr. Bidens understanding of the question, which asks in the present tense if he is a user or addict, Hunter Bidens 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.

Hunter Biden faces a separate criminal indictment in California, his second indictment stemming from special counsel David Weisss probe of his business dealings. He faces three felony tax charges related to tax evasion and filing a false return, as well as six misdemeanor charges for failure to pay taxes between 2016 and 2019.

Bidens attorney has dismissed the charges as part of a broader case that would not have warranted a prosecutors attention without the scrutiny brought by the GOP.

Based on the facts and the law, if Hunters last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought, Lowell said in a statement at the time the case was brought.

The Hill has reached out to Grahams office for further comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NEWPORT  During his first semester at Maine Maritime Academy, last fall, Andrew Weaver II more than once thought to himself that the course instruction he was receiving sounded familiar.

And even some of his Maine Maritime professors weren't total strangers.

A 2023 graduate of North Kingstown High School and a marine transportation and operations major at Maine Maritime, Weaver arrived at the Castine, Maine, school with an educational head start thanks to his participation in the PerryCorps program at the Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island nonprofit organization in Newport.

Weaver participated in PerryCorps during his senior year at North Kingstown High School, generally on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from noon to 4 or 5 p.m.

High school credits can be earned through PerryCorps and the organization has strong university ties. The educationcan help in the obtaining of a captain's license.

What is PerryCorps and the Oliver Hazard Perry?

PerryCorps specifically targets high school (and incoming high school) students and teaches them about the maritime industry, marine trades and defense sectors for Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, and enlightens them to the associated career opportunities. They also learn about operating an old-school tall ship.

The OHPRI main campus is Rhode Island's official flagship, the Oliver Hazard Perry, docked at Fort Adams. According to OHPRI website, the three-masted ship, launched in 2015, is the largest civilian sailing school vessel in the United States and the first ocean-going, full-rigged ship built in the U.S. in more than a century.

Rhode Islander Oliver Hazard Perry, the OHPRI site explains, was the hero of the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812.

A few facts on the Oliver Hazard Perry: The two-engine turn-screw vessel carries 49 at sea, 14 heads (toilets), 12 showers, washer/dryer, reverse osmosis water maker and 49 bunks. As a sailing school vessel, she carries no passengers; all aboard her are considered crew and are required to fully participate in the operation of the vessel.

On one level, the Oliver Hazard Perry is early 19th century. It's also very 21st century with its technology and onboard classroom teaching.

Weaver had a love of sailing before his PerryCorps experience. He had worked as a summer deckhand. PerryCorps took things to a new level.

I wanted to get some more hands-on experience, and a teacher told me about this, he said. It was worth it because I got more experience. A lot of the stuff I was taught over here (Maine Maritime) in the the first semester. And it's still (happening). I'm definitely glad I did it. I recommend it to anyone who might be interested in the maritime world.

Weaver said that during his PerryCorps time, he heard and met field experts who would soon after be his college professors.

PerryCorps teaches ocean literacy, and the hands-on work involved with operating the tall ship teaches team building, the need to put differences aside to get the jobs done.

How to join PerryCorps

There's no tuition for PerryCorps, no fees for students to pay. They just have to get to Fort Adams. And be ready to learn. And work. And to be part of a team. Weaver's one regret is that a prior commitment prevented him from actually sailing on the Oliver Hazard Perry during its warm-weather adventures on Narraganset Bay, the Sakonnet River, and beyond to Block Island and Martha's Vineyard.

There's nothing to lose, Weaver said. It got me some very good connections. One hundred percent worth my time  the blood, sweat and tears. I have a friend who did it. She knew nothing about boats. She enjoyed it.

Opening up maritime career pathways

We're trying to show people career pathways, said Holly Buresh, OHPRI's educational program manager. The Ocean State has so many opportunities.

PerryCorps, she emphasized, teaches ocean literacy, and the hands-on work involved with operating the tall ship teaches team building, the need to put differences aside to get the jobs done.

High school credits can be earned, she said, and the organization has strong university ties. The education here can help in the obtaining of a captain's license. There are satellite sites, including the United States Maritime Resource Centers facilities in Middletown. USMRC has simulators. Courses are Coast Guard approved.

PerryCorps specifically targets high school (and incoming high school) students and teaches them about the maritime industry, marine trades, and defense sectors for Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

'Maritime has better-than-average salaries'

Jonathan Kabak is OHPRI CEO and captain of the ship. Growing up in Manhattan, he got tall ship experience at the South Street Seaport. He has vast and varied maritime experience beyond tall ships. According to his OHPRI online biography, Kabak has sailed in command of vessels ranging from landmark tall ships to high performance racing sailboats, maritime academy training vessels to luxury motor yachts.

Kabak has a passion to educate young and old about the blue economy. To Rhode Islanders, it's right there and yet, he said, too few have any clue about the career opportunities. Rhode Island, he said, suffers from ocean blackout.

He noted that 92 percent of the world's goods are transported by ship but that 99 percent of the world's people have no idea about it.

He said his organization is incredibly proud of the PerryCorps, which was named 2022 Sea Training Program of the Year by Tall Ships of America.

While high school students is a vital focus for PerryCorps, it is also open to adults looking for a second, third, or fourth careers.

There are great careers to be had, Kabak said. Maritime has better-than-average salaries.

Anyone interested in joining the Perry Corps or just learning more should contact Buresh at hollyb@ohpri.org. They may also visit ohpri.org.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Newport tall ship is classroom for students interested in maritime work
TEHRAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Constitutional Council spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif announced on Tuesday the start of the process to vet the registered candidates for the country's 14th presidential election, scheduled for June 28.

Tahan Nazif said in an interview with state-run IRIB TV that the council sought to complete the assessment of candidates' qualifications within five days, while noting that the country's law permits an extension of the vetting process for an additional five days if necessary.

"The president must be elected from among religious and political personalities who are of Iranian origin, have Iranian nationality, administrative capacity, resourcefulness and a good track record, are trustworthy and pious, and have a firm belief in the fundamental principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the country's official religion," stressed the spokesman, citing Iran's Constitution.

According to Iran's election headquarters, after the vetting process, the Interior Ministry would announce the final candidates on June 11, and the qualified candidates would have 15 days, from June 12 to June 26, to conduct their electoral campaigns.

The registration process concluded on Monday, with 80 candidates entering the race for the country's top executive position.

The 14th presidential election, originally scheduled for 2025, was brought forward due to the unexpected death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19 in the northwestern province of East Azarbaijan. 
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  Green Bay Area Public Schools are hosting open houses at Keller, Tank, and Wequiock Elementary Schools as part of a goodbye celebration on Sunday.

The public will get a chance to wander through the school halls for one last time, view school memorabilia, and reminisce.

Pride flag beams over Green Bay City Hall as Mayor Eric Genrich hosts raising event

As previously determined by the Green Bay Area Public Schools Board of Education, all three schools are closing as the district adjusts its boundaries.

The boundary adjustment is to accommodate for declining student enrollment within the district.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Monday said she may move to force a vote on impeaching President Biden over the situation at the southern border this week, a threat that comes as the president prepares to roll out a highly anticipated executive order that would crack down on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Greene told reporters Monday evening that she was going to move to force a vote on her articles of impeachment that night, but decided to hold off to first talk to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). She warned, however, that she may trigger the resolution later this week.

Right here, privileged resolution of impeachment, Greene told reporters, dangling the articles. I can force a vote this week. But you know what, I was gonna do it tonight but I decided Im gonna go talk to our Republican elected Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, that I actually voted for that claims he supports Trump, and ask him if hes gonna do something about it.

Pressed on what would happen if Johnson declined to put the articles of impeachment on the floor for a vote, Greene said she would force a vote.

Ill just drop them on the floor and then we can vote and see where everybody stands, she told reporters. Im mad. I didnt come up here to hang out with everybody and go oh, hey, guys. I mean, my people at home are mad. Everybody across this country are furious. We dont want a banana republic  we want an actual legitimate government. We want a real justice system. We dont have one right now.

Greene could call her impeachment resolution as early as Tuesday, after which leadership would have two legislative days to stage a vote on the measure. It is likely, however, that the chamber would vote on a motion to table the resolution or refer it to committee  which was the case last June, when Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) forced a vote on her resolution impeaching Biden over the border.

The threat by Greene came the day before Biden is expected to sign an executive order that would shut down asylum requests at the border if the average number of daily encounters reaches 2,500 at ports of entry.

Its a plan that closely mirrors a policy first floated in legislation from a bipartisan group of senators that was negotiated with the White House. Conservatives quickly sank the bill.

It also follows accusations from some Republicans that Biden should use his executive authority to enact tougher policies at the border, though its unclear whether the move is lawful and immigration rights groups have pledged to sue.

The move comes as the border continues to dominate conversations on the campaign trail, with voters saying it is one of their top issues in the lead-up to the November elections.

Republicans have slammed Bidens reported plans to issue an executive order, arguing that he is acting for political reasons. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Fox News Sunday called the planned move too little too late.

Greenes resolution reads much like an earlier resolution crafted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas  another effort the GOP struggled to pass, though it eventually succeeded.

The legislation accuses Biden of violating his oath of office and failing to follow immigration laws.

Its an argument that comes with many of the same pitfalls as the Mayorkas impeachment articles.

Like with Mayorkas, the resolution accuses Biden of failing to maintain operational control of the border. But the law cited in the bill, the Secure Fence Act, set a standard of perfection that no president or Homeland Security secretary has met  determining compliance to be met only when no person or contraband illegally crosses the border.

Greenes resolution also takes issue with Bidens approach to immigration in general, saying hes violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) both with his policies and by failing to detain all migrants who cross the border.

But no president has ever detained all migrants that cross the border as the U.S. simply does not have the capacity to do so. And immigration law experts previously countered claims that Biden administration policies violated the INA, determining that the administrations policies were within the bounds of the law.

Greene nonetheless writes that Biden has failed to enact policies and has created an environment of lawlessness to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.

President Biden has created a national security crisis and is endangering the lives of everyday Americans with his open borders policies, the resolution states.

If Greene follows through on triggering a vote on her impeachment resolution, it would mark the second time this Congress that the House was forced to weigh in on articles of impeachment against Biden in a hasty fashion.

Boebert forced a vote on her resolution to impeach Biden over his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border and immigration policy. The House ultimately voted to refer the resolution to the Judiciary and Homeland Security committees, sidestepping a direct vote on the charges against the president.

Boeberts move, however, emerged as a point of contention in the bitter relationship between her and Greene. The Daily Beast reported at the time that Greene had accused Boebert of copying her articles of impeachment against Biden. Boebert approached Greene over those statements amid votes, and at one point, Greene called Boebert a little b-, according to the report.

Greene later confirmed the conversation and said The Daily Beasts story was impressively correct.

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(WSPA)  An 83-year-old Greenville woman was seriously injured on Saturday after officials said a bison at Yellowstone National Park gored her near the Storm Point Trail at Yellowstone Lake.

According to the National Park Service, the bison was defending its space and came within a few feet of the woman and lifted her about a foot off the ground with its horns.

The woman was seriously injured and taken to Lake Medical Clinic where she was flown by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Her condition is unknown at this time.

VIDEO: Bear spotted on Lake Norman; believed to have swum across the lake

Wildlife officials said it is the responsibility of park visitors to keep their distance from wildlife and to move away from wild animals if they approach.

Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous. Wild animals can be aggressive if people dont respect their space. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot or in a developed area, give it space, read a release from the National Park Service. It is your responsibility to stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals  bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes  and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If need be, move or turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity. Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. Bison are not aggressive animals but will defend their space when threatened. They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.

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After guilty verdict, Trump will appear on ballot in the last presidential primaries

NEW YORK (AP)  Donald Trumps name will appear on the ballot Tuesday for the first time since his historic conviction on felony crimes as a handful of states hold the last Republican presidential primary contests of 2024.

The former president will be on the ballot in Republican contests in Montana, New Jersey and New Mexico. President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, will compete in primaries in the same states, plus the primary in Washington, D.C., and one in South Dakota.

Republicans in D.C. held a party-run primary in March. South Dakota canceled its GOP presidential primary because Trump was uncontested.

Voters will also cast ballots in primary races for federal, state and local offices in those states.

Trump and Biden are both expected to easily prevail in the contests, where theyre the last major candidates still running.

But the results could signal voter concerns about their choices as Novembers election barrels closer.

If Trumps margins of victory are closer than expected, it could be a sign that voters have hesitations about nominating a presidential candidate with a felony criminal record.

Trumps domination in the primary has also been shadowed by ongoing support from a minority of GOP voters for former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who dropped out in March. Tuesdays contests will be the first since Haley said two weeks ago that she would vote for Trump in November. They may be an indicator of whether her supporters will follow her.

Biden has faced his own ongoing protest vote in recent contests as Democratic voters unhappy with his handling of Israels war with Hamas seek to register their disapproval. There are organized campaigns in several states Tuesday to vote for uncommitted in the Democratic contests. In New Jerseys primary, uncommitted will be on the ballot in many counties above the phrase, Justice For Palestine, Permanent Ceasefire Now!

After Tuesday, Democrats have two additional caucuses on June 8, for Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, to close out their 2024 primary calendar.

Beyond the presidential contests, the states are holding primary elections for federal and local races Tuesday, with one of the most watched being the Republican Senate race in Montana.

Retired Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy has the backing of Trump and national Republican leaders as he faces two other candidates in the race. The winner will challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in whats expected to be one of the most competitive races that could decide control of the chamber.

Republicans will also pick a nominee to replace Rep. Matt Rosendale, who is retiring after he originally sought to run in the Senate contest but dropped out when Trump endorsed Sheehy.

In New Jersey, Democrats will pick a candidate to replace scandal-plagued Sen. Bob Menendez, who is on trial in New York on federal corruption charges. Menendez decided not to run in the primary. He filed paperwork Monday to run in the general election as an independent candidate.

Rep. Andy Kim is seen as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination.

Vying for the Republican nomination are GOP fundraiser Curtis Bashaw, Navy veteran Albert Harshaw, former Tabernacle Deputy Mayor Justin Murphy and Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner, who has Trumps backing.

Five Democrats will compete in a primary for the states 3rd District, which Kim holds and is expected to stay in Democratic hands in November.

Menendezs son, first-term Rep. Rob Menendez, is facing a tough primary challenge in New Jerseys 8th District from Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla.

In New Mexico, where Democrats hold all three of the states U.S. House seats, only one primary will be held in the 1st District. Republicans Louie Sanchez and Steve Jones will compete to take on incumbent Melanie Stansbury in a Democratic-leaning district based in Albuquerque.

In D.C., voters will decide a primary for the citys nonvoting delegate to the U.S. House, and in Iowa, which kicked off the presidential contests in January with its first-in-the-nation caucuses, voters will pick nominees in primary elections for local races and U.S. House seats, including one that could play a key role in determining control of the House.

Democrats in the Des Moines-area 3rd Congressional District will choose a nominee to take on a first-term Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, who edged out an incumbent Democrat in 2022.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Hamas wants Israel to commit to permanent ceasefire, full withdrawal from Gaza

Smoke and flames rise during an Israeli air strike in central Gaza Strip

CAIRO (Reuters) - Hamas cannot agree to any deal unless Israel makes a "clear" commitment to a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, a senior official from the Palestinian militant group said on Tuesday.

Qatar, which alongside the United States and Egypt has been mediating talks between Hamas and Israel, has also urged Israel to provide a clear position that has the backing of its entire government to reach a deal.

"We cannot agree to an agreement that doesn't secure, guarantee, and ensure a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and completing a real serious swap deal accordingly," Osama Hamdan, a Hamas official, told a televised press conference.

A three-phase proposal presented by U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday involved in its first phase a six-week ceasefire when Israeli forces would withdraw from "all populated areas" of Gaza and some hostages - including the elderly and women - would be freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Under that plan, Hamas and Israel would negotiate in the same phase a permanent ceasefire that Biden said would last "as long as Hamas lives up to its commitments."

In the second phase, Biden said there would be an exchange for all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza and the permanent ceasefire would begin.

Hamdan said: "Israel only wants one phase where it takes all its hostages, then it resumes its aggression and war on our people."

"We ask mediators to get a clear position from the Israeli occupation to commit to a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal," he added.

Hamas has previously said it viewed the contents of the proposal positively.

The United States said on Sunday that if Hamas accepted the proposed plan it expected Israel to follow suit.

The third phase in the proposal would include a major reconstruction plan for the enclave, which has been devastated by eight months of war, and the return of the remains of dead hostages to their families.

(Reporting by Muhammad Al Gebaly and Nayera Abdallah; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Deepa Babington)
Harpootlian holds cash lead over Ott thanks to $150K loan in SC Senate race home stretch

In the last week before the June 11 primary, state Sen. Dick Harpootlian is using his campaign cash lead to join the television ad battle against state Rep. Russell Ott in the Senate District 26 Democratic primary race.

But Harpootlians campaign cash lead is buoyed by a $150,000 loan his campaign took out.

The race has become contentious between the two hopefuls as they seek the Democratic nomination to succeed state Sen. Nikki Setzler, D-Lexington, in the district.

Going into the last three weeks of the race, Ott had $81,000 cash on hand. Harpootlian had $233,000 cash on hand. However, Harpootlian took out a $150,000 loan for the campaign in April, according to State Ethics Commission reports.

During the cycle, Harpootlian has raised $187,000. Ott has brought in $182,000.

Between April 1 and May 22, Ott raised $85,000. Harpootlian brought in $53,000, as Ott says hes in a good spot in the final week of the race.

The reason hes doing everything is because hes in trouble. Hes not giving himself $150,000, without thinking hes in trouble, Ott said. I think thats pretty clear.

Harpootlian said the loan is a renewal of a previous loan he had in 2020, which he intends to pay back with campaign contributions.

Harpootlian first took out the loan in 2020, after he spent several hundred thousands of dollars of his money in a 2018 race, but was unable to pay himself back.

With the available cash, Harpootlian has gone up on the air.

He has reserved about $31,000 in broadcast television time in the Columbia television market according to Federal Communications Commission records. Harpootlians total broadcast and cable buy is about $50,000, according to his campaign.

Harpootlian says this last week of spending and the ad blitz is not a sign he is worried about the election.

We had a plan that we started months ago, Harpootlian said. Were merely executing on that plan. Were spending the resources we have to educate voters.

Harpootlian said his ads focus on abortion, guns and efforts on economic development.

Ott has been advertising on television calling it a new day in South Carolina with the need for access to a quality education and health care, while talking about respecting workers, supporting businesses and bringing down the cost of living.

Ott went on the air last week, according to FCC records and said he intends to be on the air through primary election day.

Ott bought TV ads starting last week, but only had about $7,000 worth of time reserved on broadcast channels in the Columbia market, FCC records show. Otts total television ad buy is about $22,000 through Friday, he said as not all records are immediately available.

Ott said a lot of voters have yet to make up their minds on this race.

His campaign has been all about me, and paint me in a negative light, Ott said. Dick has focused on Columbia. Weve gone to every part of this district.  Voters will see that and be much more encouraged by what I bring to the table than what he brings to the table.

Although Harpooltian would not disclose internal polling numbers he said he believes hes ahead in the race.

Weve done some polling, were comfortable with where we are, Harpootlian said.
The Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) said Monday it will no longer require diversity statements when hiring faculty.

FAS, the schools biggest faculty division, said that it has expanded its approach to learning about candidates being considered for academic appointments by requesting broader and more robust service statements as part of the hiring process, according to a statement provided to The Hill.

This updated approach acknowledges the many ways faculty contribute to strengthening their academic communities, including efforts to increase diversity, inclusion, and belonging, an FAS spokesperson said.

The decision was first shared by Dean of Faculty Affairs and Planning Nina Zipser in a Monday email to colleagues. Zipser said the shift came after numerous faculty expressed concern that diversity statements were too narrow in the information they attempted to gather and could be confusing for international applicants, according to The New York Times.

In making this decision, the FAS is realigning the hiring process with long-standing criteria for tenured and tenure-track faculty positions, the spokesperson said. These criteria include excellence in research, teaching/advising, and service, which are the three pillars of professorial appointments.

Harvard had announced last week that it would no longer be issuing official statements on controversial issues, a decision that follows weeks of high-profile campus protests both at the school and at others nationwide.

The changes at the Ivy League institution come months after the schools then-President Claudine Gay resigned following plagiarism and antisemitism allegations.

Conservatives have long been critics of diversity statements, writings where candidates were asked to share how they would contribute or bolster to the diversity of the campus.

Supporters of diversity statements have argued they are another way to present a range of views.

Harvard last year said it would comply with the the Supreme Court decision to strike down race-based admissions process.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) also said last month it would no longer require diversity statements from prospective faculty, a decision that was directed by President Sally Kornbluth with the support of the Provost, Chancellor, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, and all six academic deans.

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DHAKA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh's leading mobile money carrier Nagad has become the South Asian country's first full-fledged digital bank, said the Mobile Financial Services (MFS) operator's spokesman on Tuesday.

Muhammad Zahidul Islam Sajal, head of Media and Communications at Nagad, told Xinhua that the central bank of Bangladesh granted the final license to Nagad Digital Bank PLC on Monday and added it to the list of scheduled banks.

Mohammad Shahriar Siddiqui, director (BRPD) of Bangladesh Bank, handed over a copy of the digital bank license to Tanvir A Mishuk, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Nagad Ltd., on Monday at the office of Bangladesh Bank's Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder.

To grow into a complete financial solution, the MFS provider said it established the digital bank that will make available all financial services on a single platform, with the aim of taking the company's valuation to 2 billion U.S. dollars.

Upon receiving the digital bank license, Mishuk said, "We have been advocating for a digital bank to transform Bangladesh into a smart economy through cashless transactions."

He said a significant portion of the country's people remains out of financial inclusion, and the Nagad Digital Bank will work with them.

In about five years of its journey, Nagad's registered customers now stand at 95 million, with its daily transactions hitting more than 153 million U.S. dollars on average.

Nagad last year emerged as a unicorn startup in only four years, becoming the fastest one in Bangladesh to achieve this remarkable feat. 
Ascension Texas hospitals, including Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin, finally have access again to their electronic health records system after a cyberattack on May 8.

After almost a month of not having its electronic medical records system available because of a cyberattack, Ascension Texas hospitals had that system restored Tuesday morning, the national Ascension spokesperson said Tuesday in a statement.

Ascension Texas joined hospitals in Florida and Alabama in having their electronic health record system restored. "Electronic Health Record (EHR) access has been among the top priorities of our recovery process," an Ascension spokesperson said in its announcement Tuesday.

"Patients should see improved efficiencies and wait times," the announcement said. "Our team continues to work tirelessly to restore other ancillary technology systems."

Ascension believes that by the end of the next week, it will have restored all of its health records system in all its markets. Ascension has hospitals in 15 states.

Ascension's hospitals in the Austin area include Dell Children's Medical Center, Dell Children's North Campus, Ascension Seton Medical Center, Dell Seton Medical Center, Ascension Seton Northwest Medical Center, Ascension Seton Southwest Medical Center, Ascension Hays Medical Center, Shoal Creek Hospital, Ascension Seton Williamson Medical Center, Ascension Seton Bastrop Medical Center and Ascension Seton Smithville Medical Center.

This attack was especially worrying because Dell Seton Medical Center is the only Level 1 trauma center in Central Texas, and Dell Children's Medical Center is the only Level 1 pediatric trauma center in Central Texas.

Ascension also had to close its pharmacy sites, but Ascension Rx pharmacies have now been restored.

What happens without an electronic health record system?

The attack on May 8 resulted in doctors and nurses having to relearn or learn for the first time how to paper chart every patient's medications and medical orders. It meant hospital staff was having to do without the checks and balances of the computer system to alert nurses and doctors of medication interactions, medication dosing, scanning to make sure this is the right patient, and even doctors knowing which room their patients are in.

Patients were waiting hours to get lab results, see a doctor or get treated in an emergency room. Staffers pointed to using an ad hoc system that was taking three to five times longer.

Hospitals not within the Ascension system also saw an increase in the number of patients they were handling, as some patients were diverted from Ascension Texas hospitals to St. David's HealthCare or to Baylor Scott & White hospitals.

What happened to cause the cyberattack?

Ascension is working with federal law enforcement officials and has hired an outside consulting firm to investigate the cyberattack.

"Our investigation into this incident remains ongoing, along with the remediation of additional systems," Ascension said in its statement. "This is a complex process, and it will still take time to complete."

The American-Statesman has reached out repeatedly for information about the cyberattack, including information about the investigation, the timeline for restoration, how many patients have been diverted to other hospitals and what types of patients, as well as what safety measures were put in place during the disruptions. Ascension Texas has declined to offer any information other than what is on the Ascension website.

Are my patient records affected?

Ascension has said it is still investigating the "scope of the incident." It will notify patients if their information was leaked.

What should a patient do if they are going to a clinic or hospital?

Patients should bring with them a list of their medications or their medication bottles, their allergies, as well as any printed medical notes from a recent visit they have on hand. They also should bring a list of recent symptoms.

Hospitals and clinics have been able to stay open while their electronic systems were disabled. Ascension Texas has not indicated if, how, and when the paper charts created in May will become part of the electronic records.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Records restored in Austin after Ascension hospitals cyber attack
The U.S. Border Patrol in El Paso reported four heat-related deaths over the weekend in the "extremely unforgiving" Santa Teresa desert even as the weather will get even hotter this week.

The temperature is forecast to climb as high as 107 degrees on Thursday, June 6, which would make it the hottest day of the year so far, weather officials said. The normal high at this time of year is 95.

With regional temperatures floating around 100 degrees, four persons died because of heat stroke and dehydration in connection with illegal border crossings near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, just west of El Paso, Border Patrol officials said on Monday, June 3.

Border deaths series: La perdida - The loss: Deadly disaster at El Paso, Juarez border

The death investigations are being handled by the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico. The identity and country of origin of the deceased were not immediately available.

There will be increased deployments of the U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) teams amid increasing heat emergencies among undocumented migrants in the El Paso region. A BORSTAR member follows a search dog during field rescue training at McGregor Training Area in Fort Bliss in 2022 in this file photo.

"The desert environment is extremely unforgiving, especially during the summer months," El Paso Border Patrol Chief Anthony "Scott" Good said in a statement. "We urge anyone considering crossing illegally to understand the severe risks involved. Our agents are working tirelessly to save lives. But the best way to stay safe is not to attempt an illegal crossing."

With a record-shattering heat wave amid an immigration influx, last year was the deadliest summer on the El Paso border with more than 140 deaths.

Six heat emergencies in six hours

With the rise in temperatures, Border Patrol agents are seeing an increase in heat emergencies and dehydration among undocumented migrants, especially in the border-crossing hot zones in the desert surrounding Santa Teresa.

During a six-hour period on Friday, May 31, border agents responded to six heat-related emergencies involving migrants, Good stated on X, formerly Twitter.

The Sunland Park Fire Department, which helps in rescues and body recoveries in the desert, responded to the emergencies.

On Friday afternoon, the Sunland Park Fire Department reported it responded to four separate heat emergencies involving five patients. Three of the patients had life-threatening heat injuries, including one who was transported to a hospital by a Native Air ambulance helicopter that had to land on a street, the Sunland Park Fire Department said on a post on X.

More: 'It's heartbreaking': Day after day, New Mexico investigator recovers migrant remains

The heat-emergency rescues took place between about 1:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., the hottest parts of the day.

To help prevent more deaths, the Border Patrol is increasing patrols and deployments of its specially-trained Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue, or BORSTAR, team, which is equipped with drones and heat-sensor devices to help find lost persons faster in emergencies.

Temps to hit 107, heat advisory for El Paso, Las Cruces

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the El Paso-Las Cruces region with temperatures expected to climb up to 103 degrees on Wednesday and 107 on Thursday, June 5-6.

"Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur," states the NWS heat advisory, which is a step lower than the more serious "extreme heat warning."

More: When is monsoon season? El Pasoans should expect below-average rainfall in 2024

The heat advisory will be in place from 9 a.m. Wednesday until 9 p.m. Thursday covering El Paso, Las Cruces and eastward along the Rio Grande to portions of Hudspeth County, Texas.

Last summer, El Paso had a record-melting 70 days of 100 degrees or hotter. The Sun City averaged 27 days of 100 degrees or hotter between 1990-2023, according to the National Weather Service.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso Border Patrol reports 4 migrant heat deaths over weekend
As a heat wave envelops the West, 32 million people from Texas to California are on alert for life-threatening temperatures.

Thursday and Friday will be the hottest days, when temperatures could surpass 110 degrees in some places.

PHOTO: A person waits for the bus in the shade of a sidewalk as temperatures are expected to soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer's first heat, in Sacramento, Calif., June 4, 2024. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

MORE: Climate officials mark World Environment Day by announcing 12 months of record high temperatures

Record highs were recorded in Texas on Tuesday, including 111 degrees in San Angelo and 109 degrees in Del Rio.

On Wednesday, temperatures are forecast to soar to a scorching 109 degrees in Phoenix and Palm Springs, California; 108 degrees in Las Vegas; and 105 degrees in Tucson, Arizona, and Fresno, California.

PHOTO: Early season heat wave today. (ABC News)

MORE: Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion: Extreme heat safety tips

If Las Vegas hits 112 degrees on Thursday, itll be the citys hottest temperature ever this early in the season.

The dangerous heat will spread north by Friday and Saturday, with record highs possible in Oregon, Idaho and Colorado.

PHOTO: Record breaking heat the next few days. (ABC News)

Doctors recommend taking excessive heat warnings seriously. There are hundreds of deaths each year in the U.S. due to excessive heat, according to CDC WONDER, an online database, and scientists caution that the actual number of heat-related deaths is likely higher.

Click here for what to know about staying safe in the heat.

Heat wave: Triple-digit temperatures hit Texas, California, Nevada originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A woman and her children light candles during a vigil. More than 1,000 people gathered in Taiwan's capital Taipei on Tuesday to commemorate the victims of the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989 and to call on the regime in Beijing to stop trampling on human rights. Yu-Tzu Chiu/dpa

China and Hong Kong reacted to Tuesday's 35th anniversary of the bloody crackdown on protests in Tiananmen Square in Beijing with an increased police presence.

Soldiers were posted at important bridges in the Chinese capital on Tuesday. Anyone wishing to enter Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing had to pass through several strict passport and security checks.

In the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, which for a long time was the only place in China where the victims of the Tiananmen protests could be commemorated, there were also numerous police officers on the streets.

Public commemorations of the events of Tiananmen Square in 1989 have been prevented in Hong Kong for several years, accompanied by a tougher crackdown by Beijing.

Security officers patrolled the area around Hong Kong's Victoria Park in particular on Tuesday, where a registered candlelight vigil was held every year until 2019.

There had already been several arrests in connection with the anniversary in the run-up to June 4.

On Monday night, the German embassy in Beijing projected flickering candles in several windows of its building as a symbol of remembrance. It published a video of this on its Weibo account, China's version of the social media platform X. It was removed by censors just seven minutes later.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized outside interference on the occasion of the anniversary. "The Chinese government came to a clear conclusion early on about the political unrest that occurred in the late 1980s," said spokeswoman Mao Ning, without going into further detail about the events of June 4, 1989.

A man on a bicycle takes part in a demonstration. More than 1,000 people gathered in Taiwan's capital Taipei on Tuesday to commemorate the victims of the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989 and to call on the regime in Beijing to stop trampling on human rights. Yu-Tzu Chiu/dpa

More than 1000 people gather in Taiwan's capital Taipei to commemorate the victims of China's violent suppression of the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protest in 1989, urging the Beijing regime to stop trampling on human rights. Yu-Tzu Chiu/dpa
Former President Donald Trump has until June 14 to respond to the prosecutions motion for a gag order in his classified documents case amid shrinking odds that the trial could take place before the November election.

Trump has faced gag orders in legal proceedings in New York and Washington, D.C.  and was hit with fines for violating orders in his criminal hush-money trial and his civil fraud case. He's repeatedly called the gag orders unconstitutional and challenged them in court.

Some experts have questioned the constitutionality of a potential gag order in the Florida case overseen by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon.

The problem is that the only court that seems to take the constitutional issues seriously is the Supreme Court, and getting to the Supreme Court is a long way away, Syracuse University law professor Gregory Germain told Salon.

But Germain said a gag order is less likely in the classified documents handling case for a different reason.

Judge Cannons very unlikely to grant it just because she seems like shes pretty biased in terms of Trumps favor, he told Salon.

Lyrissa Lidsky, constitutional law professor at the University of Florida, said Cannon could point to First Amendment concerns.

We're very, very suspicious of gag orders, because they go into place before there's been a full adjudication of wrongfulness of the speech at issue, Lidsky said. Gag orders are rarely resorted to because they're presumptively unconstitutional under the First Amendment.

The 40 charges against Trump, stemming from the discovery of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago after he left office, have been stuck in limbo since Cannon indefinitely pushed back the trial date in May.

An unsealed legal filing from the Trump defense described the FBIs 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago and led to Trump making claims that President Joe Biden was locked & loaded ready to take me out."

But there is no evidence of a plot to kill Trump, as The Associated Press reported. Trump was pointing to boilerplate language about use of deadly force in the operations order for the Mar-a-Lago raid. Its standard to include that language  which sets out Department of Justice use-of-force policy  in those orders.

Lidsky said judges overseeing the Trump cases are faced with a very unusual scenario.

It's the rare criminal defendant that continues criticizing the entire process while the process is taking place, Lidsky said. How many criminal defendants do you see who just keep going out there on social media, basically taking it to everybody involved in the process? That's just not a very common strategy that criminal defendants resort to for fear that it might backfire.

Last week, Cannon dismissed special counsel Jack Smiths request for a gag order, writing that the Court finds the Special Counsels pro forma conferral to be wholly lacking in substance and professional courtesy Sufficient time needs to be afford to permit reasonable evaluation of the requested relief by opposing counsel and to allow for adequate follow-up discussion as necessary about the specific factual and legal basis underlying the motion.

Smith refiled the motion Friday, and Cannon gave Trump until June 14 to respond.

Smith's motion asked Cannon to modify Trumps conditions of release to ensure he cannot make statements that pose a significant, imminent, and foreseeable danger to law enforcement agents participating in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

The Governments request is necessary because of several intentionally false and inflammatory statements recently made by Trump that distort the circumstances under which the Federal Bureau of Investigation planned and executed the search warrant at Mar-a-Lago, the motion reads. Those statements create a grossly misleading impression about the intentions and conduct of federal law enforcement agentsfalsely suggesting that they were complicit in a plot to assassinate him and expose those agents, some of whom will be witnesses at trial, to the risk of threats, violence, and harassment.

The motion says Trumps deceptive and inflammatory claims expose law enforcement agents to the sort of threats and harassment that have occurred when other participants in legal proceedings against Trump have been targeted by his invective.

The gag order would fully comport with the First Amendment, the motion argues, adding that Trump does not have an unlimited right to to speak.

Smiths motion says whether a particular Trump statement would pose a significant, imminent and foreseeable danger to law enforcement agents would be determined by reference to the statements full context.

But that condition would clearly prohibit further statements deceptively claiming that the agents involved in the execution of the search warrant were engaged in an effort to kill him, his family, or Secret Service agents, reads the motion.

Prosecutors are also arguing that criminal courts must take steps to limit the influence of prejudicial outside interferences on the trial process.

Neama Rahmani, an attorney and former DOJ prosecutor, called a gag order warranted.

He has arguably threatened witnesses, or dissuaded them from testifying, and we know that his supporters can  some of them can be extreme, so protecting the safety of the witnesses and the integrity of the proceedings is very important, Rahmani said. Any other judge would have probably granted this order. It's not a controversial order. Don't say or do things that may put witnesses in harm's way. But we know that Judge Cannon has sided with Trump's defense team on almost every step of the way.

Rahmani said that courts have upheld gag orders to protect criminal trials.

Trump has been given a lot more leeway than any other criminal defendant, Rahmani said. You or I would be held in contempt in custody by now.

Lidsky said gag orders have to be narrowly written and sufficiently justified to protect fair trial rights.

The gag orders in New York were, ostensibly, issued to protect the fair trial rights of everybody concerned, to make sure that the trial process was not tainted by out-of-court statements influencing witnesses or influencing other parts of the proceeding, she said. In contrast: the gag order sought here seems to be tailored to protecting certain personnel involved in the process."

Some of the claims are that law enforcement needs are getting threats because of statements that the defendant has made, Lidsky said. And that's a very unusual scenario.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

However, Smiths motion does state that some of the law enforcement agents will be witnesses at trial.

Trumps documented pattern of speech and its demonstrated real-time, real-world consequences, have often posed significant, imminent, and foreseeable threats to witnesses, particularly where, as here, they include deceptive and inflammatory claims, reads the motion.

The motion also says that Trump has not disputed court authority to prohibit him from communicating with witnesses as a condition of pretrial release.

Still, Lidksy said she thinks "the judge will be skeptical of the request for a gag order because of the strength of the First Amendment rights at stake."

This speech has not been adjudicated as falling into an unprotected category, Lidsky said. So, you might say, well: The speech is a threat. A threat is a legal term. And to determine if something's a threat, you have to meet very high standards of intent and likelihood of violence ensuing or effect on the victim.

Germain has written about the constitutionality of Trump's New York gag order, and whether gag orders can restrict out-of-court statements criticizing the court process or other participants.

Germain said the government may have legitimate concerns about how Trump's supporters could respond to his social media posts and campaign statements that baselessly claim that Biden's administration set out to kill him. But, Germain said, "free speech cases make it pretty clear that you can't restrict someone's speech because of how someone else might respond to it.

Germain said prosecutors could have a case for a gag order if they can prove Trump himself is inciting violence. Germain defined the test of incitement as imminent threat of immediate violence, and he's got to be advocating for that violence.

Germain said instead of bringing up incitement, prosecutors are raising concern about his supporters potential behavior.

So that's the problem I think the government has here is  yeah, Trump shouldn't be doing what he's doing, but it's not illegal, Germain said.

Germain said it appears Trump is making political arguments about the propriety of the use-of-force order.

If we're worried about how some crazy person might respond to somebody's political arguments, well, then there wouldn't be free speech to make political arguments, he said.
Henderson City Hall in May 2024. (Photo: April Corbin Girnus/Nevada Current)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

The charter school landscape in Nevada is changing.

The Nevada Department of Education on Monday announced that the Cities of Henderson and North Las Vegas have been approved to become charter school authorizers. This will allow the cities to sponsor and oversee charter schools within their municipality boundary lines.

Cities and counties were granted the ability to sponsor charter schools last year through Gov. Joe Lombardos omnibus education bill, Assembly Bill 400, and in late February the Nevada DOE began accepting from municipalities to become authorizers.

Previously, charter schools in Nevada could only be sponsored by the State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA), school districts, or colleges. And only the SPCSA was actively working toward growing the number of charter schools across the state.

While individual charter schools are given student enrollment caps, the SPCSA as a whole does not have a cap on the number of schools it can open or students it can enroll. But total enrollment for each municipal authorizer will be capped at 7% of the number of student residents enrolled by the zoned traditional public school district. That provision was amended into Lombardos bill, which was subject to heavy negotiations with the Democratic-controlled Legislature.

Enrollment at Clark County School District fluctuates, but Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero says the city estimates it will be able to open up to four small schools.

Wed love to increase that, she added.

Wilson Ramos, the director of community services and engagement at the City of North Las Vegas, said the city doesnt yet have an estimate for how many students it will be capped at enrolling.

Both cities expect to sponsor new charter schools that open for the 2025-26 academic year.

The municipal authorizers will also have the ability to bring in existing charter schools that are sponsored by other authorizers, said Romero. Enrollment numbers at those transferred schools will not count toward the municipal authorizers 7% cap.

There are currently 18 SPCSA-sponsored charter schools located within Henderson, according to the city.

Ramos says North Las Vegas has not yet contemplated the possibility of absorbing any existing charter schools.

The majority of charter schools in Nevada are sponsored by the SPCSA. If looked at as a quasi-district, the SPCSA is the third largest local education agency in the state of Nevada and on track to being the second largest. As of the DOEs most recent official enrollment count, Washoe County School District had approximately 2,800 more students enrolled than the SPCSA, and the growth rate of the SPCSA far exceeds that of WCSD.

Henderson and North Las Vegas are the second and fourth largest incorporated cities in Nevada, respectively, with a combined population around 612,000.

The cities will now have to create boards to manage and review charter school applications.

Romero says Henderson hasnt finalized how its board will be structured, but she expects it to be similar to the SPCSA Board, with members appointed for their expertise or backgrounds in key areas like education and law.

Ramos says North Las Vegas plans to have a board of city employees review applications, which will then be presented to the mayor and city council for approval. But before that process actually begins, his department will seek public input on what residents want from their city-sponsored charter schools. Information on how to participate will be posted to the citys website when available, he added.

North Las Vegas Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown in a statement said the city aims to empower educators, support diverse learning environments, and ensure that every child has access to the best possible education. This initiative is not just about schools, its about our entire community.

Ramos added, We can change what education looks like and what kiddos get from them. We are very excited, although we know this is not an easy or simple lift.

Mayor Romero struck a similar hopeful tone.

Residents (in Henderson) have been asking over and over again for more choice, more availability of schools that meet their needs, she told the Current. This is a first step. This gives us more flexibility and autonomy. Its another tool in our toolbelt to improve outcomes in our city.

Clark County School District declined to comment on Mondays announcement.

CCSD moves in opposite direction

As Henderson and North Las Vegas blaze a path toward more involvement with charter schools, CCSD is moving further away from them.

The Clark County School Board on May 16 approved the districts request to submit to the Nevada DOE notice to withdraw as a charter school sponsor, effective June 30, 2026. That timeline aligns with the end of existing contracts for the six charter schools it sponsors.

The six CCSD-sponsored charter schools are: Delta Academy, Explore Knowledge Academy, Innovations International Charter School of Nevada, Odyssey Charter Schools, 100 Academy of Excellence, and Rainbow Dreams Academy. What happens to those schools after CCSD ceases sponsoring them will be up to the individual school leaders, but in an email to the Current, the district said it is expected they will apply for sponsorship from the SPCSA.

Trustees approved the withdrawal request as part of their consent agenda, meaning no public presentation or discussion occurred, but in an email announcing the decision, the district stated the move will allow CCSD to focus its limited resources on District students.

CCSD stopped considering applications for new charter schools in 2007, according to its communications office, so the May decision aligns with existing practices.

A Nevada DOE spokesperson said that, as of Monday, no other city or county in the state had applied to become a charter school authorizer.

The City of Las Vegas is not pursuing becoming an authorizer at this time, a spokesperson told the Current Monday. The City of Las Vegas does operate a charter school, Strong Start Academy, but it is sponsored by the SPCSA.

A spokesperson for Clark County said they are unaware of any conversations about this at the time.

The City of Reno did not respond to the Currents request for comment.

The post Henderson, North Las Vegas approved to open quasi-school districts, sponsor charter schools appeared first on Nevada Current.
COLLINSVILLE, Va. (WFXR)  The Henry County Sheriffs Office reports that an armed robbery investigation out of North Carolina has led to the arrest of a man in Collinsville on June 3.

According to Eden PD, on Friday, an investigation began after an armed robbery allegedly occurred at the Truist Bank located in Eden, NC. On the scene, officers learned a man, later identified as 53-year-old Bobby Dobbins, allegedly entered the bank and demanded money from a clerk at gunpoint.

Dobbins then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.

Multi-state high-speed chase ends with wanted NC mans arrest in Henry County

On Monday, June 3, Dobbins was identified as a suspect, and the Henry County Sheriffs Office and Patrick County Sheriffs Office began assisting the investigation.

Dobbins was then located in Collinsville, which resulted in an arrest warrant being issued by the Henry County Sheriffs Office for Felony Robbery out of Eden, North Carolina.

Bobby Dobbins has been arrested and is currently held in the Henry County Adult Detention Center without bond.

The investigation is still ongoing. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Henry County Sheriffs Office at 276-638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 63-Crime (632-7463).

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International clothing retailer FrooMira recently opened at Northwoods Mall.

Small, local businesses are abundant inside of Northwoods Mall.

General manager Julie Revallo told the Journal Star that local tenants are exceeding the nationals now, with the mall housing 39 local businesses and 33 national brands.

Revallo described Peoria as a hometown where people want to see each other succeed. Some establishments have operated at the mall for decades, Revallo said, and people in the community "want to see Northwoods survive."

The young people all the way to the senior citizens  they've all had memories at Northwoods Mall" she said. "I think, it's just reminiscing of the good old days and the changes.

In 2024, Northwoods Mall has continued to evolve as new storefronts open and small businesses expand.

'Nothing but love': Family brings its popular BBQ from California to central Illinois

Which stores have opened this year at Northwoods Mall?

Mabuhay Leather Craft held its grand opening at Northwoods Mall on Feb. 2. The business offers a variety of leather products including bags, wallets, cosplay, custom items and more.

Revallo said FrooMira also recently opened in the malls lower level. She said the shop features an array of clothing from around the world.

We're getting all of it because Peoria is so diverse. So, its all about diversity, Revallo said. So, let's give everybody a place to shop.

Northwoods Mall: Another shoe store closes at Peoria mall. Here are other options there

Businesses are doing so well, they're expanding

The Zone II Collectibles retail store is moving downstairs to the much-larger former SHOE DEPT. ENCORE space at Northwoods Mall.

The growth at Northwoods Mall is not limited to new stores. Revallo said a variety of local businesses have transitioned to larger storefronts in recent months. These include:

Some of these smaller, local stores that opened  they're actually doing so well, they're expanding. So, they're going to bigger spaces, Revallo said. So, we like to see that for them, as well.

The Zone II is also in the process of transitioning to a larger storefront. Currently situated in a 3,000 square foot space, Revallo said the business's new unit will be 10,000 square feet. The new space was formerly home to SHOE DEPT. ENCORE, which closed in April.

Revallo said the American Red Cross recently shifted operations to a new location, as well. Now located near the mall offices on the upper level, Revallo said Northwoods Mall was able to provide the space rent free for 13 months.

I'll continue to do that as long as I'm the manager because it's a non-for-profit and they do such a great job, she said.

Coming soon to Northwoods Mall in Peoria

In the coming months, Northwoods Mall will continue to grow as new storefronts open there. Revallo said new businesses will include:

Story continues

309 Sandwich N Salad Bodega: According to its Facebook page, the business expects to open in the mall food court by August. The restaurant plans to offer build-your-own sandwiches and salads.

Anay's Deals: Revallo said the shop will feature new appliances, furniture and other items "at a discount price." She said the store will be operated by the owner of Taqueria Jalisco Antojitos Mexicanos  which is situated in the mall's food court.

Everything Sound: The business is described as "The Midwest's Premier Audio Boutique" on the mall's online directory. Revallo said the business plans to open in July.

Revallo said the owner from Press Play Gaming LLC will be opening a space for laser tag in the unit previously home to rue21, which closed near the end of May.

For Revallo, it is exciting to see tenants thrive enough to open multiple businesses within the Northwoods Mall.

I'm proud of them  very proud of them for succeeding, Revallo said. It just makes me happy.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Four new businesses coming to Peoria mall
TOKYO, June 4 (Xinhua) -- A cargo plane announced an emergency landing seconds after its takeoff from Tokyo's Narita Airport on Tuesday morning, national broadcaster NHK reported.

Live footage showed the plane's right engine caught fire.

According to the airport, the plane is scheduled to land at around 11:20 a.m. local time. There were no plans to close the runway after the emergency landing. 
Flight Lieutenant Richard Rycroft was one of only a very few RAF personnel to land on D-Day itself - RAF Air Historical Branch

The extraordinary heroism of a Royal Air Force doctor who saved the lives of scores of Allied soldiers landing on D-Days bloodiest beach can now be recounted 80 years on from the Normandy invasion.

Flight Lieutenant Richard Rycroft was one of only a very few RAF personnel to land on D-Day itself, and was attached to his unit just a week before the Allied invasion of Occupied France.

Rycroft and his orderly were the only medics to remain on Omaha Beach until June 7, fearlessly attending to wounded soldiers while under heavy German fire and saving many lives.

The 29-year-old was married just three days before landing on Omaha, where the carnage of June 6 1944 was memorably recreated in the Tom Hanks film Saving Private Ryan.

The involvement of RAF personnel is little-known among the general public. Rycrofts unit, 21 Base Defence Sector (21 BDS) was tasked with setting up a radar station, and were supposed to have landed on Omaha Beach after American infantry had cleared it.

The RAF doctors presence on Omaha was accidental, his son Richard Rycroft told The Telegraph, explaining that strong tidal currents pushed their ship off course as it crossed the Channel.

Richard, 79, said: Without putting words into his mouth, he felt the whole thing was rather a cock-up.

The RAF unit were actually landed about a mile down the beach from where they should have been landed, which was an unfortunate accident.

US reinforcements land on Omaha beach during the Normandy D-Day landings near Vierville sur Mer, France, on June 6 1944 - Reuters

Although Flt Lt Rycroft became one of a tiny handful of RAF officers to be awarded the Military Cross, traditionally seen as an Army decoration, his heroism on one of D-Days most infamous beaches has received little public attention until now.

A Cambridge graduate and Rugby School alumnus who trained in medicine at Birmingham Hospital, Flt Lt Rycroft had spent most of the Second World War up to that point as a base medical officer.

He was drafted to 21 BDS just days before the unit embarked for Normandy after one of their number, Flt Lt Douglas Duggie Highfield, suggested they ought to have a doctor with them.

At the last moment they found they hadnt got a medical officer going with the advanced party, explained Mr Rycroft.

That was why my father was suddenly drafted from going over on D-Day plus five, which had been what hed been told originally.

Flt Lt Rycrofts diary, hand-written under German fire on D-Day, hints at the grim reality of what he faced after landing on the beach.

The entry for June 6 reads: Hole in shingle would be safe as houses. Quickly disillusioned. American wounded too. Dashing about everywhere with panniers. Only a matter of time. No plan. No exit. Duggie killed next to me under lorry. Miraculous escape.

Felt it to be last night on earth.

Once on the beach, Flt Lt Rycroft and his orderly tended to wounded Americans, after the US armys own medics were killed by German fire.

The doctor said in his official after-action report: During the treatment of these freshly-wounded personnel, it was discovered that there were about twenty American soldiers, who had been wounded in the early morning assault, lying in holes in the shingle.

They had only received elementary first aid and after twelve hours in the open were in some cases severely shocked.

Together with 21 BDS padre, Geoffrey Harding, Flt Lt Rycroft treated the wounded and helped rally the shell-shocked Americans.

The padre led them in a charge that secured the main exit from Omaha Beach into the hamlet of Les Moulins  clearing the path for the liberation of occupied Europe.

Men of the American assault troops of the 16th Infantry Regiment, injured while storming Omaha Beach - US Army

Dr Sebastian Ritchie, the deputy head of the RAFs Air Historical Branch, said that 21 BDS history had faded from view for around half a century until historians started looking afresh at the Normandy landings.

RAF people landed there on D-Day and found themselves facing a very perilous situation, he said.

Of the 64 men who landed with 21 BDS advance party, 47 were killed or wounded.

Out of 10,386 Military Crosses awarded during the Second World War, Flt Lt Rycroft and Padre Harding became some of the 69 RAF recipients of the medal.

This week the King will travel to Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, taking part in a ceremony at the British cemetery in Ver-sur-Mer.

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More states will receive Medicaid funding for all-in-one mental health and substance use clinics offering 24-hour crisis services.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Tuesday that a newish model of the clinic, called certified community behavioral health clinics, in 10 states will now be eligible to receive Medicaid reimbursements under the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration Program.

This is a game changer for so many Americans, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a phone call with reporters. Just as 988 is saving so many lives, these new 10 additional CCBHCs are going to save lives even more.

The demonstration program was created and then applied to a handful of states after the passage of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act in 2014. But as the contended with a raging mental health crisis after the COVID-19 pandemic, program was then expanded as part of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

Now, CCHBCs in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont can receive Medicaid funding in addition the original program member states.

Beginning in July, CCHBCs in ten more states will become eligible for Medicaid reimbursements every two years as part of the expansion to the demonstration program provided under the Safer Communities Act.

CCHBCs are meant to offer a range of mental health and substance use services to anyone seeking care regardless of condition, age, ability to pay or housing status.

These clinics are required to directly provide or partner with another organization to provide nine types of services, according to the National Council of Mental Wellbeing, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit organization that has helped with CCHBCs.

Some of these services include offering 24-hour mobile crisis teams, emergency crisis intervention and outpatient mental health and substance use disorders.

About 3 million Americans are already receiving care at a CCHCS, according to the National Council of Mental Wellbeing.

Almost 80 percent of clinics reporting serving more people after becoming a CCBHC and 87 percent of CCHBCs report offering one or more forms of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder compared to 64 percent of substance use treatment facilities overall, according to the nonprofit.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Donations totaling $28 million to Georgetown College have eliminated the schools long-term debt, meaning the college is now operating debt-free.

Donations from 46 alumni, trustees and community members made paying off the schools debt possible, the college announced in May. The largest donation came from Robert Wilson, an alumni, and the Pheasant Hill Foundation, who donated $16 million  the largest single donation in Georgetown Colleges history. Additional donations brought the total to $28 million.

This is a transformational moment for the college, President Rosemary Allen said. In an era when many small colleges are struggling to survive, the elimination of our long-term institutional debt provides us a stable foundation for future growth.

Because of these donations, Georgetown will now be able to focus on community partners and investing in workforce development, Allen said. The school is planning a celebration of the donations during homecoming later this year.

Have something that should be considered for the next round-up? Contact higher education reporter Monica Kast at mkast@herald-leader.com.

College of Design dean named at UK

Ned Crankshaw, who has been the acting dean of the University of Kentucky College of Design, will move into the role permanently beginning July 1, the university announced last week.

Crankshaw has been acting dean since August 2022. Before that, he was the chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture from 2010 to 2022. Crankshaw noted his excitement to lead the college, especially as it moves into the newly renovated Grey Design Building that brings students in all of the design courses into one location.

The exposure of our disciplines to each other is enriching our students educational experiences and encouraging creative and research collaborations between faculty members, Crankshaw said. This is an optimistic and energizing time in the college, and I am glad to be continuing as dean.

Before coming to UK, Crankshaw taught at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and the Iowa State University College of Design. He has won multiple national awards for his teaching, including the Outstanding Administrator award from the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture last year.

Professor Crankshaw has demonstrated excellent leadership of the College of Design in his tenure as acting dean, said UK Provost Robert DiPaola. His understanding of the needs of the college and its faculty, staff and students helped guide the transition into the new Gray Design Building and he has continued facilitating the colleges growth.

Head distiller of James B. Beam Institute named

The first head distiller of the University of Kentucky James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits has been named.

Glenna Joyce is a UK alumna who has experience in the distilling industry and previously worked as the education coordinator at the Institute. As head distiller, she will oversee all aspects of spirit production.

Being at the Beam Institute is exciting because we arent necessarily limited by making a profit; the work we do is driven by passion and a desire for innovation, Joyce said.

The Beam Institute is designed to expand bourbon and spirit education, with a focus on research and advancement in the whiskey industry. It filled its first barrel of bourbon earlier this year.

Glenna is an excellent communicator and educator; she connects with students and truly listens to them, said Beam Institute Director Seth DeBolt. Not only that, but she has worked with many across the industry, from the distilling team at Suntory Global Spirits to many craft producers. She is the perfect person to be the Beam Institutes first head distiller and inspire the next generation.

Longtime UK dean announces plans to retire

Nancy Cox, who has been the dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment since 2014, announced plans to retire later this summer.

Cox has been at UK for more than 20 years, and the dean for a decade. Since 2020, Cox has been the vice president for land-grant engagement, leading the university in its land-grant mission of education and research in agriculture and science.

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is at the heart of UKs land-grant mission  educating and preparing young people to better our state, serving in every community of the Commonwealth, Cox said. It has been my honor to help lead those efforts for more than 20 years at UK  in research, extension, guiding the college and forging new efforts to expand our land-grant mission through expanded engagement efforts.

Cox will continue to serve as dean and vice president until a new dean is selected, the university said.

Nancy is irreplaceable as a leader, UK President Eli Capilouto said, Her legacy and commitment are profound examples for us to follow as we continue our work as stewards of a sacred promise to be Kentuckys university in all that we do.
Highest number of combat clashes occurred on Pokrovsk front within last 24 hours  General Staff

Photo: web page of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The number of combat clashes on the battlefield in Ukraine has increased to 80, with most of them occurring on the Pokrovsk front. Russian forces are putting pressure on Ukrainian defences on the Kupiansk and Kurakhove fronts.

Source: information of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 20:00 on 4 June

Quote: "Kharkiv Oblast is constantly under terrorist attacks by enemy aircraft. The enemy launched two attacks with six guided aerial bombs on the city of Vovchansk, two guided aerial bombs on Bilyi Kolodiaz and one more bomb on Staryi Saltiv from Shebekino in the Russian Federation. The occupiers launched eight unguided aerial rockets on Vovchanski Khutory."

Details: On the Kupiansk front, the number of combat clashes increased to 13. On the Lyman front, the Russians mounted attacks near the settlements of Nevske and Yampil.

On the Pokrovsk front, the situation is tense. 37 combat clashes have occurred since the beginning of the day. The Defence Forces of Ukraine successfully repelled 27 Russian assault actions. 10 combat clashes are still ongoing.

The Russians made seven attempts to attack on the Kurakhove front.

On the Vremivka front, Ukrainian forces repelled six Russian attacks.

On the Orikhiv front, fighting is ongoing near Mala Tokmachka and Novodanylivka.

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House liberals  particularly those in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus  are blasting President Bidens executive policy limiting asylum seekers at the southern border, saying it belies Americas historic place as a global refuge for persecuted people.

Im disappointed that this is a direction that the president has decided to take, Rep. Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, told reporters in the Capitol Tuesday morning.

The Democratic critics are quick to blame Republicans for sinking a bipartisan immigration reform package earlier in the year at the behest of former President Trump, saying GOP leaders denied Biden the resources to address the border crisis in a more orderly  and humane  way.

But theyre also voicing strong reservations with Bidens executive order, which is expected to put a new cap on daily crossings for asylum seekers, set at 2,500, and close the border to additional applicants afterwards.

Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) invoked the tragic case of the St. Louis, a German ship carrying hundreds of Jewish refugees out of Nazi Germany in 1939 only to be denied entry into the United States. The ship was forced to return to Europe, where more than 200 were killed in the Holocaust.

Republicans havent shown any good faith efforts to really solve the crisis and to authorize the president with the resources that he needs. I think we need more resources towards immigration officers [and] judges, Takano said. But Im very troubled by a movement away from our country being a sanctuary for people who have credible fear of persecution.

Takano, a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, also questioned whether Biden has the authority to cap the number of daily asylum seekers without congressional action.

Hes asserting authorities that I dont think he has, Takano said. And well see how this moves its way through the courts.

The pushback highlights the difficulties facing Biden and other Democratic leaders as they scramble to manage the thousands of asylum seekers arriving at the southern border each day. Republicans, including Trump, have bashed the administration for doing too little to address the crisis, and polls indicate that border security concerns rank high on voters minds, making the issue a material liability for the president as he seeks another term in office.

Barragan said she and other members of the Hispanic Caucus had huddled with the president in recent weeks to propose their own list of potential executive actions Biden could take on immigration and border policy, including new rights for undocumented immigrants who have been in the country for an extended period of time. She said shes holding out hope that Bidens formal unveiling of his new asylum policy, scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, will feature some of those other actions.

We think it needs to be paired with positive actions and protections for undocumenteds, folks that have been here for a long time, she said.

The criticisms have created a dilemma for Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill, caught between supporting their ally in the White House while paying regard to the concerns of members in their own caucus.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) seemed to be straddling that divide Tuesday morning ahead of Bidens rollout.

Its important that President Biden is planning to take decisive action given the fact that extreme MAGA Republicans have decided to try to weaponize the issue of the challenges at the border, as opposed to solving the issue legislatively, Jeffries said.

Pressed on the wisdom of setting a limit on asylum seekers, Jeffries declined to comment.

I will reserve any further comment until after I hear the president publicly articulate to the American people the reasons why he is taking these actions, he said.

Rep. Gregory Meeks (N.Y.), the senior Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, said he supports a system where anyone being persecuted at home can seek asylum in the United States, warning that closing the border is a dangerous move, not least because it could harm local border economies. But he also bashed Republicans for opposing legislative solutions for fixing Americas broken immigration system, which GOP leaders killed earlier in the year after Trump came out against a fix.

They dont want the issue to be resolved and solved. They want this to just be a political issue, Meeks said.

The responsibility lies on us in Congress, he added. The president feels right now that he has no other alternative.

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PORT ST. LUCIE  For the first time in its two-decade history, the union representing St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office deputies has endorsed someone from outside the department's ranks in a race against a sitting sheriff.

In front of more than 50 people gathered at Babalu's Cuban Cafe on Monday evening, members of the St. Lucie County Deputies Association executive board presented Republican candidate, and current interim Port St. Lucie Police chief, Richard Del Toro with the union's endorsement.

Members of the St. Lucie County Deputies Association executive board present interim Port St. Lucie Police Chief Richard Del Toro, left, with the union's official endorsement in the race for St. Lucie County Sheriff.

This comes on the heels of at least one similarly historic endorsement in this race. State Attorney Tom Bakkedahl, who hasn't backed candidates in any previous races, also endorsed Del Toro.

Union members back Del Toro over their boss

About three-quarters of the union's voting members backed Del Toro, according to Vice President Tina Speicker, over other candidates including their current boss, Sheriff Keith Pearson. Another Republican, Preston Michael DiFrancesco, is also in the race. The winner of the Aug. 20 Republican primary will face a Democrat in the general election, with three current active candidates: Steven Giordano, Indony Pierre Jean Baptiste and Gerald Newburry.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Pearson in December to replace former Sheriff Ken Mascara, a Democrat. Previously a lieutenant, Pearson filed to run for sheriff just days after the appointment. As a Republican, Pearson's filing gave Del Toro a de-facto incumbent primary challenger.

Union members comprise about 40% of deputies in the office, according to President Melvin Goycochea.

"As the executive board of the St. Lucie County Deputies Association, we are tasked for one thing and one thing only. It is for the members to be heard. The members spoke, and that's why we're here," Goycochea said.

Though executive board members were hesitant to discuss specifics of their opposition to Pearson, the endorsement, read aloud by Speicker, explained the support for Del Toro.

"During your tenure as police chief of Port St. Lucie, you have exemplified strong leadership skills and uncompromising integrity, morals and ethics," the framed endorsement read. "We believe that these qualities, together with your commitment to public safety, make you the ideal candidate for the position of sheriff."

Goycochea later said he is "very confident" that Del Toro, if elected, can gain the support of the union members who voted for other candidates.

Historic union endorsement

Del Toro said the historic endorsement made him clear his schedule.

"The fact that they're endorsing me, in a historic endorsement like this, there's no other place that I'd rather be," Del Toro said Monday at the restaurant.

Daniela and Port St. Lucie Police Chief Richard Del Toro

The son of a former local police-union president, Del Toro described himself as coming from "a very pro-union background." Prior to becoming interim chief, he was a union member within the Port St. Lucie Police Department. The officers' union there previously endorsed him.

Shortly after Pearson's appointment, the deputies' union gave Del Toro the maximum $1,000 donation. Del Toro said it gave him confidence an endorsement could happen. Del Toro hopes the support he saw from the deputies' union vote will be a sign of his fate with the voters.

In an email Tuesday, Pearson emphasized that he was DeSantis' choice for the job.

"The only endorsement Im seeking is the one from the people who want a no-nonsense, call-it-like-it-is, lock the bad guys up Sheriff  which I am, everyday," Pearson said.

Del Toro goes on the attack

While much of Del Toro's speech Monday focused on his experience and his mission of servant-leadership, he touched on his most prominent primary opponent, whom he called the "interim sheriff."

Some comments seemed to reference Pearson's viral TikTok videos, some of which prominently included handcuffed suspects. Del Toro promised to be "hard on crime," but also said he would ensure people were treated with "dignity."

"No one is bigger than our organization, including the sheriff. That office doesn't belong to the person that's elected or appointed. It belongs to the people of this community. It belongs to the deputies," Del Toro said. "Unfortunately, it has become a self-promotion clown show, in my opinion, over the last six months, and it's giving law enforcement a bad name."

Other endorsements

St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson speaks during a press conference following the death of Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Zachary Fink, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, in Port St. Lucie at Christ Fellowship Church. Fink was in pursuit of a fleeing felon, when he collided with a semi-truck on I-95, FHP officials said. The truck driver died at the scene. Fink, 26, was taken to HCA Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where he died.

In addition to the local unions, the president of the wider Sarasota-based International Union of Police Associations, Sam Cabral, attended the endorsement. The wider organization said DeSantis did not consult it or the St. Lucie County Deputies Association before Pearson's appointment.

Del Toro also touts endorsements from the Broward County Police Benevolent Association, the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, the Hispanic Political Action Committee, the National Association of Police Organizations and the Republican Party of St. Lucie County. Many of those endorsements came before Pearson's appointment, but he has maintained support, including from the county party, whose leadership has been heavily critical of Pearson.

More: See who is giving money to each candidate in an expensive St. Lucie County sheriff election

More: SLCSO deputy fired days after arrest on battery, falsifying an official statement charges

As for Pearson, whose yard signs say he is "Governor DeSantis' Choice," he does not have an active campaign website that lists endorsements. He also does not list any on the election supervisor's website, where candidates can post a submitted bio.

In a Facebook post on March 26 announcing he had gathered enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, Pearson told voters, "The only endorsement I need now is YOURS." In the same post, Pearson thanked DeSantis and Mascara, though neither has formally issued an endorsement in the race.

Wicker Perlis is TCPalm's Watchdog Reporter for St. Lucie County. You can reach him at wicker.perlis@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Endorsement: union members back Richard Del Toro over current sheriff
On Sept. 24, 1897, the family and friends of William H. "Uncle Billy" Bell gathered at his home on Grant Street in Dennison to celebrate his 70th birthday.

Bell, a Civil War veteran, was described by the 1884 History of Tuscarawas County as "a prominent citizen of Dennison."

William H. Bell, his family and friends are pictured at his 70th birthday party at his home in Dennison on Sept. 24, 1897. Bell is likely the bearded man seated in the center of the photo.

His two sons, Calvin and John, were equally well-known in the community, especially John, who had operated a store in town. He is noteworthy because his business partners included William Boyce "W.B." Penn, owner of the W.B. Penn Co., Bowerston's leading retail establishment, and Theodore Lanning, owner of the T. Lanning & Co. department store in Dennison.

A native of Maryland

William H. Bell was born Sept. 16, 1827, in Washington County, Maryland, the son of Daniel and Mary "Polly" Warner Bell. The family moved to Ohio when William was 16, settling in Wilmot in Stark County. In 1855, he married Mary E. Weimer, daughter of the Rev. David Weimer. The Weimers came to Stark County in 1815.

The 1884 History of Tuscarawas County said William was a natural born mechanic and a proficient workman. He was listed as an engineer in the 1860 census.

On May 2, 1864, his National Guard unit was called into federal service for 100 days during the Civil War and became Company K of the 163rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment did garrison duty around Washington, D.C., and saw service in the Petersburg, Va., area. Bell was a private. He mustered out with the regiment on Sept. 10, 1864.

The Bell family moved to Bowerston in the late 1870s. John attended the nearby New Hagerstown Academy in Carroll County and then went to work as a clerk in W.B. Penn's store. That was the beginning of a lifelong friendship between John and W.B. Penn. William Bell was listed in the 1880 census as a carpenter, living next to Penn.

Opening a store in Dennison

Then in 1882, the family moved again, this time to Dennison. John went into partnership with Penn, opening the Bell & Penn store on the southeast corner of Grant and Third streets.

John was highly thought of in the community. The Uhrichsville Chronicle later wrote of him, "Few men who have done business in the Twin Cities are more highly respected or have more friends than John H. Bell. He was an ardent church worker, and his character was above reproach. His life was clean. He was opposed to shame. He detested dishonesty and dirt of every kind. He was a splendid model of good citizenship."

William, Mary and John were all members of the Dennison Presbyterian Church.

In 1888, William went on a monthlong trip to visit his old home in Maryland, as well as Washington, D.C., and places in Virginia where he had served during the war. "We hope he may have a pleasant and profitable trip," the Chronicle commented.

Tragedy struck the family when Mary died on April 10, 1891, at age 60.

John eventually bought out W.B. Penn's share in the store and ran it solo for a short time. In 1892, he took on Theodore Lanning, a merchant from Gilmore, as his partner. Lanning eventually bought him out and went on to create a department store that would become the center of Dennison's downtown for decades. The Lanning store, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is now an apartment building.

No luck at squirrel hunting

Calvin Bell, John's older brother, was mentioned frequently in the local newspaper during the 1890s. In the fall of 1892, he went squirrel hunting with W.J. Anderson, C.J. Wagner and A.W. Brown. Bell hunted all day without getting a squirrel.

"One of the men took pity on him and showed him a squirrel in a tree and gave him the first shot," the Chronicle reported, "but he missed and immediately blamed Mr. Anderson for not putting any shot in his cartridges. Coming home in the evening, Mr. Anderson saw a rabbit sitting and told Mr. Wagner to come over and hold it until Mr. Bell could shoot it. He managed to get it this time and nothing was said about the blank cartridges."

William Bell was involved in a lawsuit with the village of Dennison in 1900. He claimed that damage had been done to his property by the village sewer system. A jury in Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court ruled in his favor, but the village appealed to the circuit court. The circuit court remanded the case to the common pleas court and ordered a new trial. A second jury ruled in Bell's favor after a two-day trial, awarding him $137.50 ($5,100 in 2024 dollars).

A move to Canton

John, his wife and two children and William moved to Canton in 1902. Just a year later, John died at his home of heart failure at age 44 on Aug. 20, 1903. Residents in the Twin Cities got the news when his old friend, W.B. Penn, telephoned the Chronicle office with the information.

"In Uhrichsville and Dennison many hearts are beating sadly in unison with the crushed and bleeding ones whose home has been bereft by John Bell's death," the newspaper said on Sept. 2, 1903. "If tears of friends could bring them comfort the sorrowing wife and children might cease grieving for a time to give thanks to God that he gave them such a husband and father  such a dear one to love, such a true one to mourn, such a pattern of fidelity to imitate."

William Bell was survived his son by a few years, dying on April 5, 1910, at age 82. The other son, Calvin, died in 1913.

Jon Baker is a reporter for The Times-Reporter and can be reached at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Bell family made many friends while living in Dennison
HOT SPRINGS, Ark.  A swimming area at Lake Catherine in Hot Springs closed briefly late last week due to concerns over water quality as a result of sewer overflow.

Arkansas State Parks announced last week the closure of a swimming area of Lake Catherine for the safety of people who swim there due to concerns from the Department of Environmental Quality about sewer overflow into Gulpha Creek, which flows into the lake.

Arkansas getting $343,000 in federal funds as part of EPA Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure program

The swimming area has reopened after water tests from the Arkansas Department of Health met the appropriate standards though the issue of sewer overflow remains, leaving people who live in the area concerned. The city said theyve been working to fix the problem.

City manager Bill Burrough said this has been an ongoing issue and theyre working to fix infrastructure across the city.

The issues that were experiencing, we had a 20-inch force main, basically what conveys wastewater from that pump station to our plant, has failed. Were not able to operate all the pumps at the pump station, Burrough said.

Working4You: Tracking down sewage company after months of wastewater overflow in Higgins

Theyre now installing a new 24-inch pipe, larger than the one that is failing now.

In that specific area, weve got about $16 million, and thats for a new 24-inch wastewater main, as well as a $10 million new pump station that will be in addition to the one we have now, Burrough said.

Lots of rain can cause overflow too, but he doesnt expect that to be a huge problem with the new pipe.

JD Beasley and Sonja Hogsett live in the area. They said are ready for the problem to be fixed and shared their hope for the future.

Its a start, and Ive seen it and Ive been watching, Beasley said.

Cleaner lake, Hogsett added

Burrough said the new pipe should be complete by June 21.

Arkansas announces $79 million in water project funding

KARK 4 News reached out to the ADH and the ADEQ for more details on the testing and are waiting to 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 KARK.
The Houses annual Pentagon spending bill only funds the procurement of one Virginia-class attack submarine for fiscal 2025 instead of two vessels as it has in previous years.

The draft spending bill, released Tuesday, overrides legislation the House Armed Services Committee advanced last month, which authorized partial funding for a second Virginia-class submarine. Instead, defense appropriators in the House have sided with the Navy, which requested funding for just one attack submarine this year citing production delays amid industrial base constraints.

We have to rebuild the industrial base in order for us to build submarines, House defense appropriations chairman Ken Calvert, R-Calif., told Defense News. I want more submarines. But in order for us to get there, we have to rebuild the industrial base to get the necessary workforce to build the submarines. So were focusing on fixing the problem in order for us to build more submarines.

The decision comes despite intense pressure from a large, bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn. They have lobbied defense appropriators to fund two submarines, arguing that only funding one submarine would adversely affect companies further down the supply chain.

House Republicans first take at the defense appropriations FY25 bill will never become law, Courtney said in a statement. Aside from its hyper-partisan policy riders, it does not reflect the stated need of combatant commanders, the [FY25 National Defense Authorization Act], which advanced 57-1, and the will of 133 Democrats and Republicans who requested steady Virginia-class funding.

The defense appropriations bill allocates $3.6 billion for a Virginia-class submarine as well as $3.7 billion in advance procurement funding to continue buying long-lead time materials for future attack submarines. The Navy hopes that the advance procurement funding will sustain vendors in the meantime.

But, Courtney argued, the bill also does nothing to support the supply chain companies that do not receive advanced procurement funding, leaving many suppliers in the industrial base uncertain about future business.

Courtney is the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committees seapower panel, and his Connecticut district includes General Dynamics Electric Boat, which makes the Virginia-class submarines.

The Armed Services Committee authorized $1 billion in incremental funding for a second Virginia-class vessel in its FY25 National Defense Authorization Act, which the House is scheduled to vote on next week. That money will not be available for industry unless congressional appropriators opt to include it in their spending legislation.

Courtney and Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., recently led 131 other lawmakers in a letter to defense appropriators beseeching them to fund two Virginia-class submarines against the Pentagons wishes.

Preserving a consistent production schedule is essential for shipyard and industrial base stability, and to meet the Navys operational requirements, the lawmakers wrote in a May letter to Calvert and Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., the panels top Democrat.

While industry works to overcome production delays stemming from labor shortages and lingering pandemic-related supply chain shocks, the Navy assesses that it needs to build two Virginia-class vessels and one Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine to meet its fleet requirements.

The AUKUS agreement, in which the U.S. will transfer at least three and as many as five attack submarines to Australia in the next decade, would require a production boost of 2.3 to 2.5 Virginia-class vessels per year, on average.

The $833 billion defense spending bill includes $31.6 billion in the shipbuilding budget to procure four battle force ships.

It includes another $4 billion in funding to continue bolstering the submarine industrial base. Congress allocated another $3.3 billion in submarine industrial base funding when it passed its massive foreign aid bill in April.

The Senate is expected to mark up its version of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act next week, and senators have not yet released their FY25 defense spending bill.
China's Shenzhen builds complete innovation chain to empower synthetic biology enterprises

09:43, June 04, 2024 By Cheng Yuanzhou, Sun Zhen ( People's Daily

Photo shows the Industrial Innovation Center for Engineering Biology in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province. (Photo from the WeChat public account of the publicity department of Guangming district, Shenzhen)

In less than five years, Synceres Biosciences, a high-tech startup located in the Guangming Science City, a cluster of scientific and technological facilities in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, has grown into a "rising star" valued at over 1 billion yuan ($137.95 million) in the synthetic biology industry.

It has developed from a company initially staffed with two or three employees to a high-tech pioneer drawing nearly 300 million yuan in funding and hiring nearly 200 employees, turning from a research-focused organization publishing papers in prestigious journals like Nature to a manufacturer that sells products globally.

This remarkable progress would not have been possible without the supportive innovation ecosystem fostered by the Guangming Science City.

Luo Xiaozhou, co-founder of Synceres Biosciences, showed People's Daily reporters around at the Industrial Innovation Center for Engineering Biology (hereafter referred to as the "Innovation Center"), which was co-established by the People's Government of Guangming District of Shenzhen and the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). It helps build the Guangming Science City into a national synthetic biology industry hub, also where Luo's company is located.

He explained that the Innovation Center enables startups not only to undertake basic research but also to commercialize their findings into actual products. Furthermore, he added, there is an industrialization park nearby where companies can scale up to mass production.

"A complete innovation chain is our greatest strength," he told People's Daily.

As a pilot zone for the comprehensive national science center in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Guangming Science City aims to build itself into a source of original innovation in basic research and a test bed for efficient commercialization of technologies.

Photo shows a laboratory of a synthetic biology facility in a life science park in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province. (Photo from the WeChat public account of the publicity department of Guangming district, Shenzhen)

Based on major scientific and technological innovation facilities and institutions, the Guangming Science City has established engineering and technological innovation centers, and built a model of "fostering innovation upstairs and nurturing entrepreneurship downstairs" in the Innovation Center that serves enterprises from scientific research to industrial application.

On the first floor of the Innovation Center, the latest products developed by synthetic biology enterprises are exhibited, including Synceres Biosciences, Bontac Bio-engineering, and Cytorola Biomedical.

Luo Wei, a researcher with the Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology (iSynBio), a scientific research institute led by SIAT, told People's Daily that researchers gather here for original innovations, striving to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields of the synthetic biology industry.

Besides, business incubators also cluster here for engineering development and pilot-scale commercialization of the original innovations, thus driving the industrial application of scientific and technological achievements, Luo Wei added.

"With researchers and companies working side-by-side, a single creative spark could ignite a new idea, and commercialization bottlenecks could be cleared, which greatly shortens the cycle for converting research into viable products," said Luo Wei.

Luo Xiaozhou, apart from being a researcher at the iSynBio of SIAT, is also an entrepreneur at the Innovation Center. Through an equity investment model, the SIAT can transfer its research achievements to Synceres Biosciences. They have also established a joint lab, sharing research resources and talent to promote the deep integration of the innovation, industrial, capital, and talent chains.

Last November, a major scientific and technological infrastructure for synthetic biology research was launched in the Guangming Science City, providing further momentum for enterprises here. The new products launched by Synceres Biosciences this year were exactly developed with its support.

Photo shows the Guangming Science City in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province. (Photo from the WeChat public account of the publicity department of Guangming district, Shenzhen)

To promote the development of the synthetic biology industry, the Guangming Science City has rolled out targeted policies, set up a special fund to support industry development, built specialized industrial parks, and established a relatively complete industrial ecosystem. Thanks to these efforts, the local synthetic biology industry has rapidly developed into a cluster of over 90 companies with a total value of around 27 billion yuan in just a few years.

In the Guangming Science City, the development model of "fostering innovation upstairs and nurturing entrepreneurship downstairs" is being vigorously promoted, which is based on the 24 major scientific and technological innovation facilities and institutions established there, including a major scientific and technological infrastructure for brain analysis and brain simulation, a materials genome facility, and the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation. This model is evolving into various innovative ecosystems tailored to local conditions.

Leveraging the major scientific and technological infrastructure for brain analysis and brain simulation, a team led by researcher Wei Pengfei with the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute of SIAT has developed mature technologies in non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) devices. These technologies have been invested in Shenzhen Zhongkehuayi Technology Co., Ltd., or Neuroplus, which was initially set up at the Shenzhen Guangming Industrial Innovation Center for Brain Science and Technology.

"High-level scientific research and clinical research institutions, upstream and downstream enterprises, as well as professional investment and financing institutions are clustered here, forming an innovative brain science alliance. Researchers and entrepreneurs have become 'next-door neighbors', helping startups grow rapidly," said Wei.

According to Wei, Neuroplus has "graduated" from the Shenzhen Guangming Industrial Innovation Center for Brain Science and Technology and moved to another brain science and brain-inspired intelligence industrial park.

So far, the SIAT has incubated 14 companies related to brain science with a total value exceeding 2.2 billion yuan.

"While driving the industrial application of technologies, Guangdong province has taken a forward-looking approach to developing biological manufacturing. We have established world-leading scientific and technological infrastructure for synthetic biology and created an innovative service platform for biological manufacturing. In the past three years, half of Chinese synthetic biology companies have settled in Guangdong," said an official with the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Laman Ismayilova

Deputy Director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theater, Honored Cultural Worker Ilham Mammadov and theater director Tural Vagifoglu have participated in the 14th International Shakespeare Festival in Craiova, Romania, Azernews reports.

"The International Shakespeare Festival traditionally brings together famous directors and directors of theater groups. We were invited to the festival as guests of honor. Azerbaijan is well known and highly valued abroad. Many with whom I spoke during the festival shared the impressions of their friends and friends who have already visited Azerbaijan and expressed a desire to see our country in person, get acquainted with our traditions and culture, everyone is waiting for an invitation to Baku," Ilham Mammadov said.

The deputy director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theater emphasized that a detailed dialogue took place with the director of the Shakespeare Festival, Alexandru Boureanu, who is also the director of the National Theater named after Marin Sorescu.

"In March of this year, Alexandru Boureanu, as part of a working visit to the capital of Azerbaijan, visited our theater, got acquainted with its activities and invited the team to participate in the festival. During the festival, I had meetings with the director of the Shakespeare Institute, Professor Michael Dobson, theater directors Robert Wilson (USA), Robert Lepage (Canada), Russian theater scholar and critic Roman Dolzhansky, Portuguese actor, playwright, theater director, director of the Avignon Festival Thiago Rodriguez , as well as with the leaders of the Bucharest National University of Arts and the National Theater of Bucharest. We exchanged experience in the field of modern theater and discussed the possibilities of cooperation, said the deputy director of the Azerbaijani theater, adding that he also had a meeting with the mayor of Craiova, Lia Olguca Vasilescu," he noted.

Ilham Mammadov mentioned that the participation of theater director Tural Vagifoglu in the festival was also useful, as it provided an opportunity to meet colleagues from other countries and exchange creative ideas.

As part of the visit, Ilham Mammadov and Tural Vagifoglu met with the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Romania Gudsi Osmanov. At the round table meeting, a discussion of cultural exchange between the two countries took place.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, with whose assistance our visit was carried out. Participation in the festival opened up great opportunities for creative exchange, discussion of cultural initiatives and establishing connections with the heads of leading theaters in the world," Ilham Mammadov said.

Note that the International Shakespeare Festival in Craiova was founded in 1994. It is considered one of the most important thematic festivals in Europe and one of the most important Shakespeare festivals in the world.

The permanent organizers of the festival are the National Theater Craiova and the William Shakespeare Foundation. The festival includes musical concerts, seminars, conferences, master classes, round tables, creative meetings and discussions.
CANBERRA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Foreigners who have lived in Australia for at least 12 months will be eligible to join the nation's armed forces from 2025, the federal government has announced.

Richard Marles, the minister for defence and deputy prime minister, and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh announced the initiative on Tuesday in Canberra, saying it would help grow the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Under the expanded eligibility criteria, New Zealanders who are permanent residents of Australia and have lived in the country for at least 12 months will be able to join the ADF from July 1.

Starting in 2025, citizens from all other countries who meet the same criteria will become eligible to serve in the ADF.

Applicants must not have served in a foreign military in the previous two years and will be subject to ADF entry standards and security requirements.

Keogh said in a joint statement with Marles that expanding eligibility would help reverse ADF recruitment shortfalls.

According to the National Defence Strategy, which was launched by Marles in April, the ADF is currently facing a shortage of 4,400 enlisted personnel after achieving 80 percent of recruitment targets between 2020-21 and 2022-23. 
House passes GOP bill to sanction ICC as it seeks arrest warrant for Netanyahu

House passes GOP bill to sanction ICC as it seeks arrest warrant for Netanyahu

The U.S. House on Tuesday passed a Republican-led bill that would impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court after its top prosecutor recommended war crimes charges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The legislation passed in a 247 to 155 vote. Forty-two Democrats crossed party lines to help Republicans pass the bill despite opposition from the White House.

The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, led by Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy, would require mandatory sanctions and visa restrictions on any foreign person working or providing funds for the ICC in prosecutions against the U.S., Israel or any other U.S. ally that is not party to the ICC.

The vote came weeks after the international court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, filed applications for warrants of arrest for Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Khan said in a statement their office had "reasonable grounds to believe" the two leaders bore responsibility for "war crimes and crimes against humanity" committed in Gaza. Khan said the alleged crimes included starvation of civilians, intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population and more.

MORE: 'Hit Job': ICC prosecutor seeking arrest warrants for Israeli leaders is 'absurd,' Netanyahu says

Khan also requested arrest warrants for Hamas leaders Yehya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh. The prosecutor alleged the three were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Israeli civilians and included charges of taking hostages, rape, extermination and more.

Netanyahu told ABC's "Good Morning America" that the court's plan was "absurd" and a "hit job."

"These are fallacious charges," Netanyahu said. "I think that they cast a terrible stain on the ICC."

PHOTO: House Speaker Mike Johnson, flanked by House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol June 4, 2024. (Francis Chung/politico/AP)

The ICC action prompted condemnation from both political parties. President Joe Biden specifically denounced the ICC's request for warrants against Israeli leaders and said there was "no equivalence between Israel and Hamas."

Sanctioning the court was initially designed to be bipartisan, Speaker Mike Johnson said weeks ago.

The White House said Monday it was "deeply concerned" about the ICC actions but that, ultimately, the Biden administration "strongly opposes" the legislation.

"There are more effective ways to defend Israel, preserve U.S. positions on the ICC, and promote international justice and accountability, and the Administration stands ready to work with Congress on those options," a statement from the White House read, though it did not include a veto threat.

MORE: Blinken calls ICC warrants 'wrongheaded,' says they complicate efforts for Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal

Speaker Johnson, at his weekly press conference earlier Tuesday, said they "cannot allow" the ICC action to stand.

"President Biden ought to recognize the danger of letting them pursue these illegitimate investigations and the need to sanction the ICC in response," Johnson said.

The United States does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC, and neither does Israel.

ABC News' Alexandra Hutzler contributed to this report.

House passes GOP bill to sanction ICC as it seeks arrest warrant for Netanyahu originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The House voted Tuesday to pass a bill to sanction International Criminal Court officials  House Republicans response to the court seeking an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The ICCs targeting of Netanyahu has sparked widespread backlash from Republicans and Democrats in Congress. President Joe Biden has also forcefully denounced the ICC move, saying there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas, but the administration has said it does not support the GOP-led effort to sanction the court.

It is unlikely that the Senate will take up the sanctions bill. The House passed the bill in a 247 to 155 vote, with 42 Democrats joining Republicans in support. Two GOP members voted present.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan told CNNs Christiane Amanpour in an exclusive interview last month that the court is seeking arrest warrants for the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, and Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the October 7 attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.

According to the legislative text, the bill would impose sanctions on individuals engaged in any effort to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute any protected person of the United States and its allies. The sanctions include prohibiting US property transactions and blocking and revoking visas.

Headquartered at The Hague in the Netherlands, the ICC was established in 2002 and is tasked with prosecuting individuals for crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The ICC does not have its own enforcement mechanism and has relied on countries support for arrests. A decision to seek arrest warrants doesnt immediately mean an individual is guilty, but is the first stage in a process that could lead to a lengthy trial.

Both Hamas and Israeli politicians denounced the ICCs move.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has condemned the ICC over its move to seek warrants for top Israeli officials, saying at the end of last month that Congress would take action to punish the ICC and ensure its leadership faces consequences if they proceed.

The move against the Israeli politicians mark the first time the ICC has targeted the top leader of a close ally of the United States. A panel of ICC judges will consider Khans application for the arrest warrants.

A Biden administration statement of policy on the bill states that the administration strongly opposes the legislation.

The Administration is deeply concerned about the ICC Prosecutors heedless rush to apply for arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials. At the same time, the Administration opposes the imposition of sanctions against the ICC, its personnel, its judges, or those who assist its work. There are more effective ways to defend Israel, preserve U.S. positions on the ICC, and promote international justice and accountability, and the Administration stands ready to work with the Congress on those options, the statement reads.

Congressional Democrats and Biden continue to face intense pressure from different constituencies over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Its shameful to see 42 Democrats in the House vote with Republicans to undermine human rights around the world by sanctioning the ICC, all to shield Netanyahu from arrest, Josh Ruebner, the policy director for the Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project, a pro-Palestinian advocacy group, said in a statement.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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Hunter Biden Allegedly Not An Addict When He Purchased The Gun

Hunter Biden is on trial for three felony charges related to a gun he purchased in 2018. According to claims, the President's son lied on the paperwork he filled out, checking off that he was not addicted to drugs at the time.

The 54-year-old has a history of drug abuse, which allegedly started when he was a teenager. He has also acknowledged abusing cocaine as a college student.

The defense team for President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, told the jury that the 54-year-old was not an addict when he purchased the gun.

Hunter Biden Goes To Trial

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Hunter Biden is facing trial following a four-page indictment that accuses him of lying on the paperwork required to purchase a Colt Cobra revolver in 2018.

The Washington Post reported that official documents state the individual falsely claimed on a required form that he was not addicted to or using illegal drugs. However, the indictment alleges this statement was knowingly false and fictitious.

For the first time in American history, the child of a sitting President is on trial.

Did He Lie On The Paperwork?

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On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, during opening statements of Hunter Biden's gun trial, the 54-year-old's attorney claimed Hunter was not actively using drugs at the time of his gun purchase and "did not knowing violate these laws."

Attorney Abbe Lowell then claimed "nothing on the form about the definition of a user" and that Hunter's drug use "did not start until later." He also told the jury that Hunter Biden's behavior when purchasing a gun in Delaware was "totally inconsistent" with how he had acted while under the influence of drugs.

"He spoke with his father, his uncle, his daughters," Lowell said, suggesting that f he was "smoking crack every 15 minutes," his family would have known. "There is no such thing as a high-functioning crack addict," he said.

Entering A 12-Day Rehab Program

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During opening statements, Hunter Biden's attorney said before he went back to Delaware, he entered a 12-day rehab program in California in 2018 -- one week before he purchased the gun.

As The Blast reported, the now 54-year-old entered StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington, Delaware, looking to purchase a Colt Cobra revolver on October 12, 2018.

Hunter Biden Purchases A Gun In 2018

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In order to purchase the weapon, Hunter Biden had to fill out a federally required form, which asked questions such as height, weight, and birthdate. One question asked if he was a fugitive or if he had ever been convicted of a felony, to which he said no. He also said he had never been committed to a mental institution.

Lastly, the form asked: Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance? Hunter checked the "no" box.

A background check was run, and Hunter was allowed to purchase the gun and some ammo. According to a receipt, he paid in cash.

Opening Statements In Gun Trial: 'No One Is Above The Law'

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Prosecutor Derek Hines delivered his opening statements, telling the jury that "no one is above the law."

Were here because of the defendants lies and choices, Hines said of Hunter Biden. No one is above the law. It doesnt matter who you are or what your name is. Hines also claimed the President's son chose to illegally own a firearm."

Hunter's trial comes just days after former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 charges in his hush-money trial.

Hallie Biden Disposes Of Gun

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According to BBC, Hallie Biden "found the weapon in his vehicle and, fearing he might hurt himself, tossed it in a bin behind a grocery store 11 days after he bought the firearm."

In his memoir, Hunter Biden claims he was suffering from a "full-blown addiction" at the time. In 2019 Hunter spoke on his addiction, admitting, "You don't get rid of it. You figure out how to deal with it."

Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty but could now face up to 25 years behind bars if found guilty. This latest trial comes months after prosecutor David Weiss brought nine charges against him, including failure to pay taxes from 2016 through 2019.

It also comes six years after cocaine was found in the White House, which is believed to have belonged to the President's son.
Abbe Lowell's decision to work for the Trump family shocked some of his colleagues - Mario Tama/Getty Images

Defending the child of a sitting president would be a daunting task for any lawyer. But for Abbe Lowell, the man entrusted with the defence of Hunter Biden, this weeks case will not be his first time.

Back in 2017, the Democrat-aligned superstar trial lawyer was taken on by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, the daughter and son-in-law of Donald Trump, as allegations mounted over the Trump familys links to Russia.

As Robert Mueller, the former FBI director, prepared his Russia Report  the biggest political circus of Donald Trumps tenure in the White House  those around the then president started to lawyer up.

For Ms Trump and her husband, the man known for his intimate and diverse knowledge of Washington Democrat politics, the Trump White House and the Department of Justice was the perfect man to consult.

Over the years Mr Lowells clients have included some House Democrats during the impeachment proceedings against Bill Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky affair, the scandal-hit senator Bob Menendez, and Stephen Jin-Woo Kim, a state department contractor who leaked US government information about a North Korean nuclear missile test.

Mr Lowell has made his name in legal circles defending political figures accused of headline-grabbing crimes, but his decision to represent Ms Trump and Mr Kushner in 2017 was shocking to some of his Democrat friends in Congress.

The lawyer first moved to Washington shortly after graduating from Columbia Law School in 1977 and worked as a special assistant to the attorney general in Jimmy Carters administration.

Hunter Biden with Mr Lowell, who must try to protect the reputation of his client's father - J Scott Applewhite/AP

In 1982 he ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat in state elections in Maryland.

By 1998 Mr Lowell had become entrenched in Mr Clintons Democratic party, and was appointed chief minority counsel to Democrat representatives during his impeachment over the Lewinsky scandal.

After a handful more political clients over the next two decades, he made inroads into the Trump White House. He secured a job offering ethics advice to Ms Trump and represented Mr Kushner as he faced a congressional probe into his use of WhatsApp to communicate with foreign leaders.

After Joe Biden won the 2020 election Mr Lowell fell back into the orbit of the White House. He was recommended by Hunter Bidens advisers as a man who would respond in kind to Republican attacks, according to The New York Times.

He now finds himself at the centre of the second biggest legal battle of the 2024 election campaign, as the presidents son defends himself against allegations of lying on a federal gun control form and evading tax.

The charges were originally subject to a plea deal that would have avoided an embarrassing trial. After it collapsed in July 2023, Mr Biden Jrs team suggested that the fearsome white-collar lawyer should be at his side.

Despite his colourful trial history, Mr Lowells latest case with Hunter Biden has the potential to be the most explosive.

This week he will defend the former lawyer as prosecutors present lurid evidence of his alleged crack cocaine usage at the time he bought a gun in October 2018.

Son unfairly targeted

The federal prosecution team, led by David Weiss, has already released a series of text messages in which Mr Biden Jr refers to smoking crack and an extract from his book in which he discusses procuring drugs as his superpower.

The defence, to be presented by Mr Lowell, will argue that the presidents son has been unfairly targeted by the Department of Justice because of his high-profile family.

If Hunters last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought, Mr Lowell said in December 2023 after his client was indicted in the tax case.

As the jury was selected for the gun trial on Monday, Jill Biden, his stepmother, accompanied him into the court.

Mr Lowell is in the precarious position of defending a client whose main concern is not his own reputation, but that of his father.

With Republicans braying from the sidelines, his trademark robustness in the courtroom will make for interesting viewing.

The trial continues.

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BAGHDAD, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday that its forces had arrested some individuals responsible for attacking branches of American and British companies in the country's capital Baghdad.

According to a ministry statement, sabotage incidents occurred on May 26, 27, and 30, targeting American restaurants Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Chili House, as well as Lee's, a language education center of the British Cambridge Institute, and American heavy machinery company Caterpillar.

Following an investigation, security forces identified and arrested some of the vandalizers after issuing arrest warrants, the statement noted.

It said that the detainees confessed to participating in acts of sabotage alongside other fugitive defendants, stressing that arrest warrants were also issued to hunt other vandalizers.

The Interior Ministry expressed its regret that some of the vandalizers were affiliated with the security services, noting that they carried out the sabotage under the pretext of undermining U.S. interests in Iraq.

The statement did not mention the attacks carried out on Monday evening by some "protesters" who again stormed the KFC restaurant on Palestine Street and the Chili House and Lee's restaurant in the Jadriya neighborhood.

Responsibility for the attacks remains unclaimed. However, local observers speculate a connection to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, suggesting that the targeted companies could be perceived as representing countries supporting Israel. 
President Bidens 54-year-old son is accused of lying about his drug addiction on an application he used to purchase a firearm in 2018.

Hunter Biden arriving at federal court in Wilmington, Del., on Tuesday for his felony gun trial. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Opening statements in Hunter Bidens federal gun trial concluded Tuesday in Wilmington, Del., where President Bidens 54-year-old son is facing three felony charges over whether he lied about his addiction to crack while applying to purchase a firearm six years ago. He has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors allege that Hunter Biden falsely claimed he was not a drug user on the application and illegally possessed the handgun for 11 days. He faces up to 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines if found guilty of all three charges.

Jury selection concluded Monday with 12 jurors and four alternates seated after being quizzed about their relationships with people struggling with addiction.

Hunter Bidens trial comes just days after former President Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 charges of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to a porn star whose alleged affair with him threatened to torpedo his 2016 election campaign.

Heres what happened in court on Tuesday.

Prosecutors say their case has nothing to do with drug addiction  or his name

Joe Biden and Hunter Biden step off Air Force One in Syracuse, N.Y., Feb. 4, 2023. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

In his opening statement, prosecutor Derek Hines told the jury that Hunter Biden is on trial because he lied about his drug use while applying to buy a gun  not because he was a drug addict and certainly not because he is the presidents son.

Were here because of the defendants lies and choices, Hines said. "Nobody is allowed to lie, not even Hunter Biden.

Addiction may not be a choice, but lying and buying a gun is a choice, Hines added. We would not be here today if he was just a drug addict.

The jury was shown a photo of Hunter Bidens Colt revolver as well as the hollow-point ammunition that he bought in 2018. In court filings, Hunter Biden's lawyers said that he never used or loaded the gun during the 11 days he had it before his then-girlfriend Hailie Biden threw it away.

The jury then heard portions of an audiobook Hunter Biden recorded for his 2021 memoir, Beautiful Things, in which he described his addiction to crack.

Hunter Biden did not knowingly violate the law, his defense lawyer says

Hunter Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

In his opening statement, defense attorney Abbe Lowell argued that Hunter Biden did not knowingly violate the law when he omitted his drug use on the firearm application.

Lowell told the jury that Biden took the gun out of a locked box only once in the 11 days between the time he bought it and when his girlfriend tossed it in a trash can.

Hunter Biden later told police that he purchased the gun for target practice but hadnt shot it yet.

The gun was never loaded. It was never carried around, Lowell said.

Lowell also said that Hunter Biden struggled with addiction like literally millions of people in this country.

Prosecutors call an FBI agent as their first witness

Security personnel stand outside the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Del., before the start of Hunter Biden's felony gun trial. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Following opening statements, prosecutors called their first witness: Erika Jensen, an FBI special agent who testified about what she knows about the timeline of Hunter Bidens drug abuse from 2015 to 2019.

While Jensen was on the stand, prosecutors played more audio excerpts from Hunter Bidens memoir in which he described his four-year addiction to crack cocaine. They also showed video footage of Hunter Biden holding what appeared to be a crack pipe.

The prosecution alleges Hunter Biden was aware that he was an addict when he said the opposite in his federal gun application in 2018.

Under cross-examination by the defense, Jensen conceded that Hunter Biden may not have been abusing drugs throughout the four-year window about which she was testifying.

I didnt get the sense it was the entire period, Jensen said.

She is expected to return to the witness stand when court resumes on Wednesday.

A juror is dismissed  and another is late

Hunter Biden departs federal court in Wilmington, Del., on Tuesday. (Matt Rourke/AP)

One juror was dismissed prior to opening arguments Tuesday after she sent an email overnight explaining that she lives an hour away and is unemployed.

So, we lost a juror, Judge Maryellen Noreika announced as she entered court.

According to Noreika, the juror did not realize she would be expected to be at the courthouse every day.

Another juror was about an hour late to court, delaying Tuesdays opening statements.

First lady Jill Biden is in court to support Hunter

First lady Jill Biden departs federal court in Wilmington, Del., on Tuesday. (Matt Slocum/AP)

First lady Jill Biden, Hunter Bidens wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, and sister, Ashley Biden, were in court to support him.

Jill Biden left Tuesday's proceedings early to travel back to Washington, D.C., where she was due to attend the White House's annual congressional picnic.

President Biden is not planning to attend the trial but did release a rare statement on Monday about the case.

I am the President, but I am also a Dad, Biden said. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today.
Opening statements in Hunter Bidens felony gun trial began Tuesday morning, kicking off the presentation of evidence in the historic case.

Hunter Biden faces three felonies over whether he lied on a federal gun form in 2018 that asked if he was addicted to drugs. It is the first criminal case against the child of a sitting president in U.S. history.

On Monday, a jury of 12 was seated in the federal courthouse in Wilmington. First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden's wife Melissa Cohen Biden and his sister, Ashley Biden, attended both the first and second day of proceedings.

Tuesdays opening addresses to the jury by both federal prosecutors and Hunter Bidens defense attorney were followed by testimony from an FBI agent who investigated the case. The day ended with the agent still on the stand.

DAY 1 RECAP: Hunter Biden gun trial: Jury selected after full day in court. What happened?

Defense attorney Abbe Lowell begins FBI agents cross-examination late Tuesday

Prosecutors spent the second half of Tuesday with Special Agent Erika Jensen on the witness stand.

They used her testimony to introduce a raft of text messages they say evidence drug use, as well as excerpts of Hunter Bidens memoir.

The evidence included photos from Hunter Bidens phone backup they say depict drugs.

Late into Tuesday, Abbe Lowell, Hunter Bidens defense attorney, began his cross-examination of Jensen.

In it, he questioned her about the relative scarcity of text messages from October 2018, the month the gun was purchased, that actually reference drug use.

His cross-examination took the trial through its 4:30 p.m. adjournment and will continue Wednesday morning.

Hunter Biden's gun sale form entered into evidence

During the testimony of FBI Agent Erika Jensen, prosecutors entered the federal firearms form central to the trial into evidence.

Prosecutors claim Hunter Biden lied about his drug use on the form, which is the root of two of his felony gun charges.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Jensens testimony has also been used to introduce a raft of text messages referencing drug use, bank records showing cash withdrawals and excerpts from Hunter Bidens memoir.

--Xerxes Wilson

Hunter Biden's laptop could be used as evidence in federal gun charges trial

Hunter Biden's laptop and its contents have been a point of controversy since October 2020, weeks before the contested election, when Donald Trump's former lawyer Rudy Giuliani turned it over to police and the New York Post.

The laptop eventually led to aggressive House investigations into President Joe Biden. But its more salacious contents, including explicit photos and videos of Hunter Biden, have continuously stoked the fire of controversy.

It all started with John Paul Mac Isaac, the owner of The Mac Shop in Wilmington, Delaware, who said a man identifying himself as Hunter Biden brought in three liquid-damaged laptops in April 2019. One laptop was left behind, and Mac Isaac ended up sharing it with Rudy Giuliani's lawyer because he believed it would make him safer.

The contents not only stoked a Ukraine interference conspiracy but revealed sexually explicit photos of Biden, as well as him using drugs.

--Xerxes Wilson and Kinsey Crowley

FBI agent testimony delves into Hunter Biden messages

After playing more than one hour of audio excerpts from Hunter Bidens 2021 memoir, FBI agent Erika Jensen is now discussing text messages and emails sent to and from Hunter Biden.

Jensen told the jury that some of the communications were derived from hard drive backups directly from Apple.

Others were derived from the hard drive of the infamous laptop that computer repairman John Paul Mac Issac said was abandoned at his shop in Wilmington.

WHAT TO KNOW: Hunter Biden's laptop could be used as evidence in federal gun charges trial

Jensen testified the subpoenaed data that includes Whats App messages, text messages and other data shows his drug use.

Hunter Bidens uncle, James Biden, will be a defense witness

Hunter Bidens uncle, James Biden, will be a defense witness at his nephews trial on federal gun charges.

James Biden, who is President Joe Bidens brother, has helped his nephew pay for rehabilitation and therapy to deal with his addiction to drugs, according to the defense.

James Biden will be a witness for the defense in Hunter Biden's federal firearms trial.

The appearance threatens to attract more political attention to the trial. House Republicans have investigated Hunter and James Biden to see whether their foreign business deals benefited President Biden.

Hunter and James Biden have denied wrongdoing and the White House described the inquiries as baseless. A key witness has been charged with lying to the FBI.

--Swapna Venugopta Ramaswamy

Jury hearing Biden memoir excerpts

Prosecutors called FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen as the first witness, using her to introduce evidence like text messages, bank statements and book excerpts they say show Hunter Bidens drug use.

The jury is now listening to a series of excerpts from Hunter Bidens memoir Beautiful Things. Passages from the book are displayed on a large screen in the courtroom as prosecutors play a narration of the book by Hunter Biden.

--Xerxes Wilson

Hunter Biden's cash withdrawals due to lack of credit card, not for drugs: defense

Prosecutors have said they will show Hunter Biden withdrew large amounts of cash, inferring that was for drugs. Prosecutor Derek Hines said that includes a $5,000 withdrawal the day he purchased the gun.

In opening statements to the jury, defense attorney Abbe Lowell told the jury those withdrawals have a more innocent explanation: Hunter Biden didnt have a credit card.

He withdrew cash for lots of things, which are the opposite of buying drugs, Lowell said, noting Hunter Biden spent thousands and thousands on recovery and rehab around that time.

--Xerxes Wilson

Defense seeks to distance drug use from Hunter Biden's gun purchase

In opening statements, prosecutors said Hunter Bidens drug abuse occurred both before, during and after he purchased the gun central to his felony trial.

However, Abbe Lowell said evidence will show Hunter was not using when he bought the gun.

He noted the forms question about drug use asked whether a person is using drugs, not have you ever been.

When the form wants to ask someone have you ever done something, the form knows how to do that, Lowell said.

He told the jury what is important is Hunter Bidens state of mind when he walked into the gun shop, not what he wrote in a book in 2021.

Both sides have disputed precisely what timeframe jurors should use when evaluating whether Biden was an unlawful drug user or addicted when he purchased the gun. Final jury instructions have not yet been approved by the court.

--Xerxes Wilson

Gun shop cut corners to sell Hunter Biden a gun: defense

Defense attorney Abbe Lowell noted that the people who sold Hunter Biden his gun did not receive verification of his address, as they are legally required to do.

Its part of a defense that will emphasize that Hunter Biden did not knowingly lie when he filled out the form to buy the gun.

A sale is a sale and that was their goal that day, Lowell said. You will hear they wanted it done quickly.

Lowell emphasized that the gun form defines things like fugitive, but not portions that pertain to drug use.

He implored the jury to listen to whether people who work at the gun store know what the drug-related terms actually mean and said the man who sold the gun to Hunter Biden did not explain what the terms meant.

--Xerxes Wilson

Hunter Biden's defense: prosecutors cant prove Biden believed he was addicted

In opening statements, defense attorney Abbe Lowell told jurors prosecutors cant prove Hunter Biden knowingly lied on the gun form.

Pounding the lectern, Lowell said nobody will dispute that Hunter Biden struggled with drug use.

But he emphasized that much of the evidence outlined by prosecutors pertains to instances well before and after when Hunter Biden purchased the gun central to the case.

He noted Hunter Biden had been in rehab in California months before buying the gun. He emphasized that prosecutors cant prove at the time he bought the gun, that he believed himself to be addicted or an unlawful user of drugs.

--Xerxes Wilson

Gun dealer unaware that Hunter Biden used drugs: prosecutors

In opening statements Tuesday, Prosecutor Derek Hines outlined the evidence against Hunter Biden.

He told the jury about Biden going into a northern Delaware gun shop to purchase a .38 caliber revolver and how a gun shop employee will tell the jury he watched Biden fill out a federal form stating he was not an unlawful drug user or addicted to controlled substances.

What Mr. [Gordon] Cleveland didnt know was that Mr. Biden was an unlawful user and he lied, Hines said.

He laid out how Bidens gun was tossed in the trash of a Delaware grocery store by Hallie Biden, his brothers widow and his ex-girlfriend.

He said prosecutors will show that Biden was addicted and an unlawful drug user through his text communications, as well as excerpts from his memoir.

--Xerxes Wilson

Hallie Biden granted immunity to testify about Hunter Bidens drug use

A prosecutor told jurors that Hallie Biden, the widow of Hunter Bidens brother, would testify about his drug use and her own, under a grant of immunity.

Hallie Biden was married to Beau Biden, who died in 2015. She was then in a relationship with Hunter Biden after the death.

Prosecutor Derek Hines said she had become a drug user at the time as well but ceased using months before October 2018, when Hunter Biden purchased the gun at issue in his federal trial. Hallie Biden is the one who threw the gun at the center of the trial into a grocery store trash can.

Hines said prosecutors will also call Zoe Kestan, Hunter Bidens former girlfriend, to discuss his frequent use of crack cocaine. She is also testifying with a grant of immunity.

The agreement they have requires them to tell the truth noting more nothing less, he said.

--Xerxes Wilson

One juror dropped from Hunter Biden trial

A juror dropped out the day after being selected for Hunter Bidens federal trial on gun charges because she didnt have transportation from southern Delaware to the Wilmington courthouse, U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika said Tuesday.

Twelve jurors  six men and six women  had been chosen Monday, along with four women alternates.

Noreika said one of the jurors had been lost before the start of opening arguments Tuesday because she begged to be dismissed for living an hour away and not having a car, job or money for parking.

--Bart Jansen

No one is above the law: Hunter Biden prosecutor tells jury

The prosecution in Hunter Bidens trial on gun charges told the jury Tuesday the reason the presidents son was in the courtroom was because of choices he made.

"No one is above the law, it doesnt matter who you are or what your name is," special prosecutor Derek Hines told the jury.

"Each day in courtrooms like this one, defendants from all walks of life are tried because of the choices they make, not the people they are, Hines added. Choices they made to break the law. This case is no different."

 Xerxes Wilson

Who is David Weiss?

Justice Department special counsel David Weiss, who is overseeing the prosecution of Hunter Biden, was appointed the U.S. attorney in Delaware by former President Donald Trump in 2017.

Weiss investigated Biden for years before reaching a plea agreement for the presidents son to admit two tax misdemeanors and enter a pretrial program to potentially erase a drug charge. But U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika refused to rubber stamp because of disputes about whether it would protect Biden from future charges.

David Weiss was appointed as the U.S. attorney in Delaware by former President Donald Trump in 2017.

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Weiss as special counsel in August to continue his investigation. Weiss secured indictments on gun charges in Delaware, in the trial that started Monday, and on tax charges in California, with that trial set to begin Sept. 5.

Weiss has been criticized by Republicans as going too soft on Biden by reaching a sweetheart deal in the plea agreement. Democrats have criticized him for being too hard on Biden by pursuing charges that are rarely enforced.

Garland has defended Weiss as an independent prosecutor following the facts and the law.

 Kinsey Crowley and Bart Jansen

Who is Abbe Lowell?

Hunter Bidens main lawyer, Abbe Lowell, has a long history of working with Democrats and Republicans.

Lowell represented Ivanka Trump while she was a White House aide, chiming in as an ethics adviser. He also defended Jared Kushner when House members questioned his use of WhatsApp to communicate with foreign leaders.

Now, he is defending Hunter Biden who faces three felony charges related to purchasing a gun in 2018. Biden officially added Lowell to his legal team after a plea deal fell through in July that would have covered tax charges and the gun charges. It was seen at the time as a way to take a more aggressive response to the investigation into him, which have been going on for more than five years.

He was the chief minority counsel during the impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton.

 Kinsey Crowley

Whos testifying at the trial?

While every witness in the case isn't set in stone, there have been reports about who's expected to testify at the Delaware trial.

StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply, where Hunter Biden purchased his gun, is owned by Ron and Stephanie Palimere. Ron is expected to be called to testify.

At least two employees from the gun store at the center of the case are expected to testify at the trial. Millard Greer, a former state police officer who authored the final investigative report on the incident included in court files, is expected to testify.

Hallie Biden, who was married to President Joe Biden's other son, the late Beau Biden, is also expected to provide testimony. Hallie Biden and Hunter Biden were in a relationship in 2018, and she told law enforcement officials she found a gun in Hunter Biden's vehicle and threw it away outside of a Delaware store.

Who is Hunter Biden's wife, Melissa Cohen?

Hunter Biden is currently married to Melissa Cohen, a 38-year-old South African filmmaker.

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.'

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Hunter Biden news: Gun trial takes off as FBI agent takes stand
Melissa Cohen Biden (right) attends her husband Hunter Bidens (left) gun trial in Wilmington, Delaware on June 4 (REUTERS)

Hunter Bidens wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, got into a heated confrontation with a former Trump White House aide during a brief recess at her husbands trial on federal gun charges, according to an NBC News report.

In the hallway of the J Caleb Boggs Federal Building on Tuesday, Melissa allegedly confronted Garrett Ziegler  who Biden is currently suing for his alleged role in publishing emails and photos from Bidens laptop.

Upon seeing Ziegler, Melissa approached him and pointed her finger in his face, loudly saying, You have no right to be here you Nazi piece of s****.

Ziegler apparently did not respond before Melissa walked away.

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, arrives at the federal court with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, during the second day of his trial on criminal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., June 4, 2024. (REUTERS)

He later told NBC News, Its sad Ive been sitting here the whole time and havent approached anyway.

He added, For the record, Im not a Nazi, Im a believer in the U.S. Constitution. I havent said one thing to them.

Ziegler worked in the White House under Trump adviser Peter Navarro as a staffer, and gained notoriety for his outspoken criticism of Biden.

Much of Zieglers post-White House life has consisted of digging into Bidens financial records and personal life to publish allegedly incriminating or embarrassing details via his nonprofit website Marco Polo. He once admitted to being obsessed with studying the [Biden] family to The Washington Post.

Zieglers website was central to the circulation of embarrassing photos, videos, emails and more that he allegedly found on Bidens laptop.

Last year, Biden filed a lawsuit against Ziegler and 10 others, accusing them of illegally obtaining emails, photos, videos and recordings from his laptop and publishing them. In addition to that lawsuit, Bidens friend who loaned him millions of dollars, Kevin Morris, also sued Ziegler for harassment and doxing.

Ziegler told NBC News on Tuesday that the lawsuits were frivolous and urged Biden to focus on paying his attorneys.

When asked why he was attending the trial, Ziegler told the news outlet it was prudent for him to be there.
Federal prosecutors in Hunter Bidens history-making federal trial brought out his infamous laptop on Tuesday as they laid out their case against him for allegedly illegally owning a firearm.

But it wasnt even the only bombshell moment on Tuesday, as proceedings got underway in the first criminal case ever to be prosecuted against the son of a sitting president. The fireworks began early Tuesday when Hunter Bidens wife reportedly went scorched earth on a former Trump aide.

You have no right to be here, you Nazi piece of shit, Melissa Cohen Biden told former Trump White House aide Garrett Ziegler as he tried to enter the courtroom during a brief morning break, according to an NBC reporter who heard the comment. (Hunter Biden sued Ziegler last year after his website allegedly published hundreds of thousands of leaked emails from Bidens laptop.)

The infamous Macbook Pro 13, whose contents were released shortly before the 2020 election after Biden allegedly left it at a Delaware repair shop a year prior, was among the first pieces of evidence introduced by prosecutors in the Delaware trial on Tuesday.

Hunter, 54, is fighting three charges after he allegedly lied on an October 2018 federal form to buy a $5,000 gun by saying he was not addicted to drugs.

FBI agent Erika Jensen testified that a series of messages recovered from the laptop, dated between April 2018 and July 2018, described Bidens drug use around the time he bought the gun.

One message showed a photo of white power on a scale, Jensen said. You want 10 grams? another message to Hunter Biden allegedly read.

NBC reported that as the laptop was introduced as evidence, Cohen Biden shook her head and whispered to a lawyer next to her.

No one is above the law. It doesnt matter who you are, or what your name is, Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Hines said in his opening remarks. We would not be here today if he was just a drug addict.

Hines revealed that among the prosecutions witnesses who will testify is Hallie Biden, the widow of the presidents late son, Beau Biden. He said Hallie will testify about finding the gun, disposing of it, and using drugs with Hunter, with whom he had a relationship after Beaus death.

Hallie will testify about her own crack use [with Hunter], he added.

Jurors later heard excerpts of Hunters memoir in which he described his superpower of finding crack anywhere, anytime.

Hunter Biden Reveals Why Hes Punching Back at Fox News

In his own opening statement, defense attorney Abbe Lowell insisted to jurors that Hunter may not have knowingly broken the law. He noted Hunters state of mind in 2018 and that he was in a deep state of denial about his drug use.

CNN reported that one juror appeared emotional during Lowells opening statement, reaching for tissues in her bag to dab her nose and eyes.

Hunter bought a small handgun, Lowell said. It was never loaded. He never used it.

He also said that the pouch where the gun was found was actually Hallie Bidens and that she threw away the firearm near a grocery store days after it was purchased.

They have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Hunter knowingly violated the law, he said.

Cohen Biden did not comment to NBC about her outburst at Ziegler earlier in the day. But Ziegler, who didnt have a retort to Cohen Biden, later told NBC the insult was sad because he had not approached anyone at the trial.

For the record, Im not a Nazi, Im a believer in the U.S. Constitution. I havent said one thing to them, he told NBC, adding that he was at the trial because its prudent for me to be here.

Minutes after the confrontation, Cohen Biden returned to the courtroom and looked at Ziegler before taking her seat next to first lady Jill Biden.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Hunter Biden, 54, the son of President Joe Biden, 81, is facing three felony charges related to a gun he purchased in 2018. This comes months after he had nine charges brought against him by prosecutor David Weiss, which include failure to pay taxes from 2016 through 2019.

A jury of six men and six women with a wide age range and multiple gun owners was selected on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Ahead of the opening statements, expected on Tuesday, in Hunter Biden's gun trial, his sister, Ashley Biden, arrived at the courthouse along with Hunter's friend, Kevin Morris.

Hunter Biden Goes To Trial

MEGA

Hunter Biden is on trial after a four-page indictment accused him of lying when filling out the required paperwork to purchase a Colt Cobra revolver in 2018.

According to The Washington Post, the documents state that when he filled out the required form, he said he was not addicted to or using illegal drugs, however, the indictment claims, when in fact, as he knew, that statement was false and fictitious."

After jury selection on Monday, the 12 individuals, which include a substitute teacher, a former Secret Service employee, and multiple gun owners, were ordered back in court on Tuesday for opening statements.

Hunter's gun trial comes six years after cocaine was found in the White House, which is believed to have belonged to the President's son.

Family And Friends Arrive At The Courthouse

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As the court prepares to hear opening statements in Hunter Biden's gun trial, his sister, Ashley Biden, arrived at the courthouse and walked in with Kevin Morris, a close friend of Hunters, per The Washington Post.

His wife, Melissa Cohen, also arrived alongside the President's son shortly before.

After the proceedings ended on Monday, the 54-year-old was seen hugging and exchanging kisses on the cheek with the First Lady. He then hugged and kissed multiple family members and friends on the cheek, including Kevin Morris.

He then exited the courtroom with his wife, Melissa Biden, with his hand on her shoulder.

President Joe Biden did not appear on Monday and isn't expected to appear on Tuesday for opening statements either. He is scheduled to deliver opening remarks at 6:20 p.m. at the White House congressional picnic.

Why Is Hunter Biden On Trial?

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Hunter Biden faces allegations of illegally buying and possessing a firearm while he was abusing or addicted to drugs, which breaches federal law. Hunter has entered a not-guilty plea to the three charges despite being candid about his battles with alcohol and crack cocaine addiction.

On October 12, 2018, the now 54-year-old entered StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington, Delaware, telling the salesman he was interested in purchasing a Colt Cobra revolver, according to The Washington Post.

The store owner claimed he knew the Biden family lived a few miles away and that Joe Biden was not considered a gun rights supporter despite being a sponsor of a federal assault weapons ban that passed in 1994.

According to the outlet, the store owner wanted to close the sale as quickly as possible because he did not want the public to know that the President's son was a customer.

The President's Son Purchased The Gun

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In order to purchase the weapon, Hunter Biden federally required a federal-required form that asked questions such as height, weight, and birth date. According to The Washington Post, he checked boxes declaring he was not a fugitive, had never been convicted of a felony, and had never been committed to a mental institution.

The form also asked: Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance? Hunter marked no.

After running a background check, the 54-year-old bought the gun and several other items, including ammunition and a speed loader, and paid $886.81 in cash, per a receipt.

This marks the first time in American history that the child of the sitting President is going on trial.

Donald Trump Found Guilty In Hush-Money Trial

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Opening statements in Hunter Biden's trial come just days after former President Donald Trump became the first President to become a convicted criminal after he was found guilty on all 34 charges in his hush-money trial.

As previously reported by The Blast, the former President of the United States was on trial in relation to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts.
Hunter Biden, 54, is currently on trial for gun-related charges dating back to October 2018. The President's son is facing accusations of deceiving a gun dealer with a federal license, providing false information on the gun application, and unlawfully possessing the gun for 11 days.

A jury was selected on Monday, opening statements were delivered on Tuesday, and the first witnesses took the stand later that afternoon.

Outside the courtroom where Hunter Biden is on trial for gun charges, Melissa Cohen Biden, 38, the wife of Hunter, lashed out at Garrett Ziegler, 28, a former Trump aide.

Hunter Biden Goes To Trial For Gun Charges

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As The Blast reported, Hunter Biden is currently facing trial for allegedly lying on the paperwork needed to buy a Colt Cobra revolver in 2018. He is accused of giving false information during the gun purchase regarding his drug addiction.

Despite being open and honest about his addiction in the past, President Joe Biden's son has pleaded not guilty to the three charges.

History has been made twice within a few days. First, Hunter Biden's trial marks the first time a President has ever faced the challenge of running the country while their child is on trial. Second, a jury found Donald Trump guilty on 34 charges last week, making him the first President in history to become a convicted felon.

Melissa Cohen Biden Attacks Garrett Ziegler

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According to NBC, outside of the courthouse on Tuesday, 38-year-old Melissa Cohen Biden lashed out at Garrett Ziegler, a former Trump aide, who was sued by Hunter Biden last year for publishing the contents of his infamous laptop.

Hunter's wife approached Ziegler at the trial, pointing her finger at him, saying, "You have no right to be here, you Nazi piece of sh-t." She then walked away and returned to the courtroom alongside first lady Jill Biden.

Garrett Ziegler Confirms The Encounter

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NBC further reported that Ziegler did not respond to her remarks, but he did confirm the encounter with Hunter Biden's wife. "It's sad I've been sitting here the whole time and havent approached anyone," he said, according to the outlet.

"For the record, Im not a Nazi, Im a believer in the U.S. Constitution. I havent said one thing to them," Ziegler added.

Melissa was also asked about the encounter, to which she claimed Ziegler had called her "the most horrific Jewish slurs." She then told reporters that he should be asked why "he's never called Jared Kushner any of those Jewish slurs," referring to Trump's son-in-law.

Laptop Becomes Prominent In Hunter Biden's Gun Trial

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During the trial, the jury was presented with Hunter Biden's old laptop, which was the same one he had left at a Delaware repair shop and never collected. In 2020, the laptop's contents found their way to Republicans and were publicly leaked, exposing highly personal messages about his professional and personal life.

He filed a lawsuit against Garrett Ziegler over the data breach.

The laptop became a popular topic during Tuesday's court testimony, with FBI agent Erica Jensen testifying that it was "obtained via subpoena from the Delaware computer shop where Trump's allies said it was abandoned and they too were able to access it," per NBC.

This is the laptop that was recovered from the computer store, she said. Jensen was able to confirm with the serial number on the back of the laptop as it matched the serial number provided in Apple Inc.s response to a subpoena.

'No One Is Allowed To Lie On A Federal Form'

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On Tuesday, Prosecutor Derek Hines told the jury that Hunter Biden was trying to obtain drugs just days after he lied on the form.

No one is allowed to lie on a federal form like that, even Hunter Biden, Hines said during court, per PBS. He crossed the line when he chose to buy a gun and lied about a federal background check ... the defendants choice to buy a gun is why we are here.

When the defendant filled out that form, he knew he was a drug addict, Hines claimed, adding that prosecutors dont have to prove he was using the day he purchased the firearm.

Hunter Biden faces three felony charges related to buying a Colt revolver while he was struggling with a crack addiction, as mentioned in his memoir. The trial is ongoing.
Hunter Biden's words come back to haunt him as trial on gun charges begins

Hunter Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, arrive Monday for his trial at the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Del. (Matt Slocum / Associated Press)

Hunter Biden was not on the witness stand, but his voice filled the courtroom.

In the opening day of Biden's trial on gun charges Tuesday, federal prosecutors projected page after page of his 2021 memoir, "Beautiful Things," while playing an audiobook of his voice narrating the gritty years of his crack cocaine abuse.

Jurors heard the president's son describe how he developed a crack habit and learned to cook the drug, which he wrote takes you "into the darkest recesses of your soul, as well as the darkest corners of the community."

In graphic detail, Biden spoke of dangerous drug deals in Los Angeles' Skid Row, driving while high and his time as a "bloodhound" chasing crack in Nashville. His superpower, he wrote, was procuring crack anywhere, shelling out tens of thousands of dollars while taking up residence in a string of L.A. luxury hotels, as well as budget motels dotting the East Coast.

"I could get off a plane in Timbuktu and score a bag of crack," he wrote.

The president's son, 54, sat stoically during the airing of his words while First Lady Jill Biden sat in the front row beside her daughter, Ashley, and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, along with a coterie of relatives and supporters, including L.A. lawyer Kevin Morris.

Some in the court grew emotional, with Ashley Biden appearing to dab tears and her mother reaching an arm around her.

The harrowing recounting of Hunter Biden's descent fueled by drugs and alcohol bore out federal prosecutors' promise earlier in the morning to delve into his sordid past  summoning his ex-wife and two former girlfriends, including his late brother's widow, to testify in coming days  as they began the trial in a Delaware courtroom.

Biden also faces trial on tax charges in Los Angeles later this year.

No one is above the law. It doesnt matter who you are or what your name is, senior assistant special counsel Derek Hines told jurors as Biden sat feet away, flanked by defense lawyers.

In his opening statement, Hines boiled the case down to two elements: that Biden was addicted to crack cocaine for years, and that he had lied about his illicit drug use on a federal background check form in October 2018, when he purchased a Colt revolver at a Delaware gun shop.

No one is allowed to lie on a federal form like that  not even Hunter Biden, Hines said, noting that federally licensed gun sellers lack a "crystal ball" to determine whether customers are telling the truth about illegal drug use.

Moments later, defense attorney Abbe Lowell zeroed in on the form that his client filled out in 2018 and, with excerpts projected onto a large screen, asked jurors to study language asking applicants whether they are unlawful users of narcotics or controlled substances.

It doesnt say, Have you ever been? Have you ever used? Lowell said, and pointed to other questions on the document that did rely on the words have you ever.

The distinction was critical, Lowell said, because his client's years-long drug addiction was punctuated by multiple stays in rehab and periods of sobriety. At the time of the gun purchase, Lowell said, Biden had completed rehab in Los Angeles  where his uncle James Biden and daughter visited him  and had returned to Delaware.

Lowell urged jurors to be mindful of how Biden would have understood the question about drug use on the form and what he had "knowingly" done.

What was his state of mind when he walked into the gun store? Lowell said. Did he knowingly think of himself as someone who should not buy that gun?

David Weiss, the U.S. attorney for Delaware and the special counsel appointed by U.S. Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland to handle the Hunter Biden investigations, sat in the front row of the courtroom with colleagues.

Weiss team has charged Biden with three felony counts: two related to lying about his substance abuse to purchase the Colt revolver, and the third for the 11 days he owned  but never fired  the handgun.

If convicted, Biden could face years in prison. But as a nonviolent, first-time offender, he is less likely to end up behind bars.

The same prosecution team has also indicted Biden in Los Angeles on multiple allegations of tax violations, and that trial  a more complex case that will delve into his foreign consulting business  is scheduled for September.

Biden's fate rests with a jury of 12 Delawareans  six men and six women, with three female alternates  drawn from all corners of the first familys home state.

The trial is expected to put a harsh spotlight on the Biden family's secrets, struggles and tragedies. Prosecutors are expected to show jurors a ream of text messages from Hunter Biden in which he describes his drug use and arranges drug deals  messages intended to bolster the power of his own words in his memoir.

But Lowell urged jurors to scrutinize the timeline of events in the case, telling them in his opening statement to "pay attention to the dates" and focus on October 2018 and what came before it.

Late Tuesday, while cross-examining FBI Special Agent Erica Jensen, Lowell elicited the investigator's admission that indeed there were times when Biden was sober.

"I do believe that there were ... periods when there was no usage," Jensen said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Conviction

Donald Trump has been found guilty of committing 34 felonies. The 12-member jury unanimously found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Idaho Gov. Brad Little and most GOP elected officials make excuses for Trump. They dont make up these excuses; they get them from the Republican National Committee. They are required to repeat them to prove they support their party over the country. This will continue going forward, as more guilty verdicts come in for obstruction of justice, sending fake electors to Congress, and sedition on Jan. 6. I hope Trump gets a prison sentence, but I dont think Trump will ever actually go to prison. Trump is too rich and too selfish to follow a court order. I think Trump will leave the country, get in his private jet and leave America forever. He will have to go to a country that does not have an extradition treaty with America, probably Russia or North Korea. Trump can set up a government in exile and pretend he is still president. Hopefully, he will take Governor Little and other GOP officials with him; they can be his cabinet in exile. What a win for us, swamp drained.

Allen L. Wenger, Boise

Justice system

The orchestrated responses from Governor Little, Senators Risch and Crapo, Congressmen Simpson and others were alarming. Although utterly lacking evidence, they nonetheless compared New Yorks judicial system to a third world country; its courtrooms as politically weaponized cells and its jurors complicit in a mock trial.

New York City is the most diverse city in America. From this vast jury pool, both prosecutor and defendant agreed upon 12 jurors and four alternates. For five weeks, the parties engaged in a robust trial. Motions were argued, witnesses examined and decorum maintained. After due deliberation, the 12 jurors cast 408 guilty votes and 0 votes for not guilty.

Our legal system worked. In their baseless, biased condemnations, our political leaders failed us.

Ralph Sims, Eagle

Trump

So rather than show true leadership, Idahos government leaders have all basically bowed to the Trump creed (should I say, screed?) and used the weaponized justice system phrase to respond to Trumps trial outcome. Things to considerthe jury pool was randomly chosen, the empaneled jury was screened by attorneys for both sides, the guilty verdicts had to be unanimous, Trump chose not testify (perhaps due to the threat of a perjury charge?) and Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts. This was not an impeachment trial; it was a trial in criminal court where the judge gave extraordinary leeway to the defendants noncompliance to a clear gag order, yet the GOP claims prejudice. Give me a break. You all need to get a spine, work on developing character and integrity and start thinking for yourselves. It will take hard work, but maybe youll like better what you see in the mirror each morning.

Constance Carlson, Eagle

Republicans

With nary a breath of variation in their script, Republicans have condemned the Trump hush-money verdict as a massive conspiracy by Democrats to destroy everything lovely, true, patriotic, and right about America.

Republicans look past the matter of the stealing of the 2016 election by means of illegal manipulation of business records as if that were a totally inconsequential concern. They similarly marginalize Americas jury trial system as if that were a small matter as well.

Trump recently said of possible jail time that he is not sure the public would stand for it. His supporters could possibly reach a breaking point. (Fox News, 6-2-24) This is a dog whistle signal for them to break a lot of things in protest.

This all sounds like the death rattle of a once admirable political party.

This is how ridiculously lost we are in America today.

As a convicted felon, Donald J. Trump is barred by law from owning a gun. On the other hand, he can run for President and, if he wins, put his jittery finger on the trigger of the largest gun arsenal ever assembled by mankind.

Wont this do wonders for our criminal justice system and our national pride!

Kimball Shinkoskey, Woods Cross, Utah
The entrance to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission office is pictured in Boise, Idaho. (Mia Maldonado/Idaho Capital Sun)

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has denied a request from Rocky Mountain Power to limit its own liabilities, even in cases of gross negligence.

Last month, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission issued an order denying the application to revise terms of service in Rocky Mountain Powers electrical service agreements. The utility sought to limit its damages to only actual damages, not punitive damages, special damages, consequential damages, indirect damages or noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, according to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.

After a review of the application and other information, the commission determined it was not fair, just, or reasonable to approve the application, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission said in a written statement issued May 16. The commission also determined that limitations of liability regarding willful conduct or gross negligence are contrary to the public interest, unfair, and unreasonable.

Rocky Mountain Power is a division of PacifiCorp that provides electric power to customers in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. Rocky Mountain Power serves almost 90,000 retail customers in Idaho, according to Rocky Mountain Powers application. Overall, PacifiCorp serves 2.1 million customers in the West, including in California, Oregon and Washington, according to the utilitys website.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission comprises three commissioners who are appointed by the governor. The commission regulates publicly owned and investor-owned utilities that provide gas, water, electricity and some telephone services for profit.

The Sierra Club, an environmental organization founded in 1892 that has 3,000 members in Idaho, fought Rocky Mountain Powers application from the beginning.

In public comments opposing the utilitys request, the Sierra Club pointed out that Rocky Mountain Power filed the request to limit its liability in Idaho after its parent company PacifiCorp was found liable for causing devastating wildfires in Oregon over Labor Day 2020. In 2023, the Associated Press reported that an Oregon jury found PacifiCorp responsible for causing the wildfires, which killed nine people and destroyed 5,000 homes or structures.

Yet, avoiding liability for its gross negligence appears to be precisely (Rocky Mountain Powers) intention, considering that the companys gross negligence verdict for wildfires started in Oregon is presumably what prompted the current tariff revision proposal, the Sierra Club wrote in opposition to the utilitys request. Strikingly, (Rocky Mountain Power) seeks to avoid paying out rightful damages should it again be found grossly negligent, without the burden of committing to any additional actions that would reduce the risk of wildfire in the first place.

Why did Rocky Mountain Power seek to limit its liability in Idaho?

After the decision, Rocky Mountain Powers parent PacifiCorp said it stood by its request.

PacifiCorp continues to believe its proposed change would strike a balance between everyones priorities of safety and affordability in providing electric service, PacifiCorp spokesman Simon Gutierrez said Thursday in a written statement to the Idaho Capital Sun. The proposed change would limit damages arising from the companys provision of electric service to actual damages, and customers would still be compensated for losses such as damage to homes or property. The measure would not have affected ongoing litigation.

In a phone interview with the Idaho Capital Sun on Wednesday, Rose Monahan, a staff attorney for the Sierra Club, described Rocky Mountain Powers liability application as an audacious request. Monahan said the Idaho Public Utilities Commission issued a well reasoned decision that protected customers.

Customers dont have leverage to negotiate these terms of service and dont have other utility companies they can take service from, so this was a take-it-or-leave it position and all of the bargaining power was on the side of the utility, Monahan told the Sun.

Bayer Corp also submitted public comments opposing Rocky Mountain Powers request, arguing that the proposal to limit the utilitys liability would violate Idaho law.

Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com. Follow Idaho Capital Sun on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Idaho Public Utilities Commission denies Rocky Mountain Power request to limit liabilities appeared first on Utah News Dispatch.
DAMASCUS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani on Tuesday embarked on his first visit to Syria since his appointment last month to address the urgent need to stop Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip against the Palestinians.

During a press conference with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad, Bagheri Kani emphasized the importance of immediately halting "Israeli occupation crimes," particularly in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah, and ensuring the prompt and unconditional delivery of aid.

"Iran stands with Syria in the fight against terrorism and supports the Syrian government and people in achieving stability and development," Bagheri Kani added.

The two ministers condemned foreign interference in the region and expressed their condolences over the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who died in a helicopter crash last month.

"The Syrian people stand in solidarity with our Iranian brothers and emphasize the importance of continuing and strengthening our strategic relationship," Mekdad said.

Iran and Syria maintain a long-standing political and military relationship, with Iran providing substantial support to the Syrian government in its fight against rebel forces and extremist groups. 
In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division tried to ease the concerns of Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had just given the go order for the D-Day landings after one last bout of wrangling with the allies.

Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander Allied Expeditionary Force, now was out on the wharves and at the airfields to meet with the soldiers, airmen and sailors he was sending into battle.

The 101st Airborne troops could sense the stress he was under, and several piped up along the lines of "Quit worrying, general. We'll take care of this thing for you," Eisenhower recalled in a 1964 CBS special report: "D-Day Plus 20 Years, Gen. Eisenhower Returns to Normandy."

Read Next: Navy Shakes Up Commanders' Merit Promotions

CBS correspondent Walter Cronkite pressed Eisenhower on a report that he had tears in his eyes when he left the paratroopers. "Well, I don't know about that," Eisenhower said, but "it could've been possible."

The hours before a major battle is joined "are the most terrible time for a senior commander," he said. "You know the losses are going to be bad," and "Goodness knows, those fellas meant a lot to me."

Earlier on June 4, in the "war room" of Southwick House, a Victorian mansion near the Royal Navy base at Portsmouth, Eisenhower had settled the ongoing debate with allied commanders on when to launch the invasion.

Eisenhower said he had picked June 5 as the best date, but he deferred to British Group Captain James Stagg, the chief meteorologist, who warned of gale force winds on June 5 that would scuttle the landing.

"I believe Montgomery wanted to go on June 5" despite Stagg's prediction, Eisenhower said of the famously fractious British Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, but Eisenhower stuck with Stagg's forecast of a break in the weather on June 6.

The time had come for Eisenhower to make his final decision. The war room at Southwick fell silent as the general pondered the call. He noted that some of his aides later said it took about five minutes for him to make up his mind, but Eisenhower insisted that it took only about 35 to 40 seconds.

Finally, "I just stood up and said, 'OK we'll go'" on June 6. "It was still a chancy thing," but "I thought it was the best of a bad bargain," he said. "Finally, the thing that pulled this thing out was the bravery, courage and initiative of the American GI."

The last comment was typical of the self-effacing Eisenhower, who lacked the blustery ego of other generals but rose from obscure staff colonel at the beginning of the war to supreme allied commander on the strength of his ability to work with others and inspire confidence in those he led.

U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt still had not made a decision on who was to be the overall commander of allied forces in the European theater by the time of the Tehran Conference with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin in late November 1943.

The betting in Washington was that Gen. George C. Marshall, the respected Army chief of staff, would get the job to command Operation Overlord, the code name for the invasion of northern France.

But in a stop in Cairo on the way back to the States from Tehran, Roosevelt dictated a note to "Marshall Stalin" that read: "The immediate appointment of General Eisenhower to command of Operation Overlord has been decided upon," according to the records of the Eisenhower Presidential Library in the general's hometown of Abilene, Kansas.

In the CBS special, Eisenhower related some of the stories of the D-Day landings that may have escaped the historians to that time -- about struggling to keep Churchill off the British warships on June 6, and about running aground himself aboard a British minelayer off the D-Day beaches on June 7, the day after the landings.

"I told him he couldn't do it," Eisenhower said of Churchill's plan to be aboard a British ship to get up close to the landings, but then Churchill began to lawyer him. He asked whether Eisenhower could still stop him if he signed up as a member of the crew. Eisenhower said he couldn't, but "luckily, the king [King George VI] learned of his intentions."

The king said that if Churchill was going, he was going too, and Churchill backed off. Churchill "was not going to risk him [the king] because he was worth too much to the allied cause," Eisenhower said.

Eisenhower had only himself to blame for the embarrassment that would meet his efforts to get to the European continent swiftly -- running aground off the Normandy beaches on the day after the landings. He had asked for and boarded the fastest ship available, the British minelayer HMS Apollo.

Eisenhower admitted to pressing the captain to go at full speed. "It was partly my fault. We got in a little too close" and hit a sandbar. "Everything shuddered and shook. Nearly all of us fell on our faces," he said.

A destroyer eventually came by to take him and his party off the Apollo, but Eisenhower noted that German shore batteries were active while he was stranded.

Perhaps the highlight of the 90-minute CBS special took place in the small French town of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, just off the beaches where a bench was set up in front of its iconic church for Eisenhower and Madame Simone Renaud, wife of the wartime mayor of the town. She became known as the "Mother of Normandy" for tending to the graves of the allied troops who fought on D-Day.

Renaud said the first American paratroopers dropped from the night sky at about 10 p.m. on June 5. "It was a wonderful surprise. It was a wonderful thing that happened to us," even though about 60 civilians were killed in the battle, which touched off raging fires in houses and barns, she said.

That night, she also saw that the parachute of one of the 82nd Airborne paratroopers, later identified as Pvt. John Steele, had been caught on one of the church's pinnacles, leaving him dangling above the firefight raging below.

Some of the townspeople shouted up to him, trying to tell him to play dead. "I suppose he had a very bad time," Renaud said.

"I don't think many of us would have liked that," Eisenhower said of the plight of Steele, who survived the war and later returned to visit Sainte-Mere-Eglise.

The American paratroopers were scattered widely, but in a way "that was quite lucky for us," Eisenhower said. "Because they were scattered so badly, the Germans didn't know anything about what we were doing."

Renaud agreed with Eisenhower, saying of the Germans, "They were terrified. They did not know what happened. It was a disaster for them to see the airborne troops."

The only frustration Eisenhower showed during the course of the CBS program was with the leak of the handwritten statement he had prepared in case the landings had failed.

"The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt, it is mine alone," the statement said.

"I don't know who found out about it," Eisenhower said of the statement, "but it was published. It must have been an aide got this thing out."

"I was going into oblivion anyway" if the invasion had failed, he said, so his thinking at the time was that "I might as well take full responsibility."

Related: A Jacket, a Coin, a Letter  Relics of Omaha Beach Battle Tell the Story of D-Day 80 Years Later
Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 4 has announced the arrest of 37-year-old Jean C. Santiago-Nieves of Beardstown, for first-degree murder,

Jean Santiago-Nieves (Illinois State Police)

On Friday, May 31, the Beardstown Police Department (BPD) responded to a 911 call at

residence in the 1400 block of Clay Street in Beardstown. Officers found a dead man in a vehicle near a residence. The victim was later identified as 27-year-old Steve Dominguez of Beardstown.

ISP DCI Zone 4 agents were requested by Beardstown Police to conduct a death investigation.

The suspect, Santiago-Nieves, remained on the scene and was immediately taken into custody, the release says. After a thorough investigation, ISP presented its case to the Cass County States Attorneys Office and a charge of first-degree murder was approved.

Santiago-Nieves was transported to the Schuyler County Jail pending his first court appearance.

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Migrants between the primary and secondary fencing at the Tijuana-San Diego border on May 11, 2023, are waiting and hoping to be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. more easily after the "Title-42" deportation order expires. File Photo by Carlos Moreno/UPI

June 4 (UPI) -- As debate over U.S. immigration policy heats up during the 2024 presidential campaign, separating fact from fiction on the U.S.-Mexico border becomes increasingly difficult.

In May 2023, shortly after the end of a public health restriction that allowed U.S. officials to immediately expel asylum-seekers, a team of academic and humanitarian aide colleagues and I went to the Mexican city of Matamoros, just across the Rio Grande from the banks of Brownsville, Texas.

At the time, we didn't encounter the "invasion at the border" that conservative lawmakers such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott predicted would happen once the COVID-19 restrictions -- officially known as Title 42 -- expired.

From what we learned, the actual rush of thousands of people across the border occurred in the days before Title 42 was lifted on May 11, 2023. Many migrants told us they saw it as their last chance to cross the U.S. border.

Most people we talked to were waiting in overcrowded, temporary camps in Mexico. They feared that if they tried to cross into the U.S., they would lose their opportunity to seek asylum and would be deported under restrictive polices unveiled during the Biden administration.

The situation at the border has constantly changed ever since. But the brief period when Title 42 ended is a perfect illustration of the differences between right-wing hysteria and the realities on the ground.

The evolution of U.S. border policy

Since the fall of 2019, I have been working at the Mexican border cities of Reynosa and Matamoros -- across from McAllen and Brownsville, Texas. That year, the Trump administration had started the Migrant Protection Protocols.

Known as "Remain in Mexico," the restrictive policy ended the possibility of asylum for about 70,000 migrants, mostly from Central America. Instead, they were forced to wait in Mexico with little realistic chance of being able to legally enter and stay in the U.S. Anyone who entered the country illegally was deported immediately and barred from applying for asylum for five years.

The border became even more restrictive during the COVID-19 pandemic when Title 42 was implemented in March 2020. It limited entry into the U.S. at the border to U.S citizens and residents.

Traditional ports of entry at the U.S.-Mexico border were closed to asylum-seekers in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For example, those who came to the ports of entry at the international bridges in Reynosa or Matamoros would be turned back at the halfway point and not allowed to touch U.S. soil.

As a result, most of the people whom we talked to in 2023 were waiting in Mexico and fearful.

Inside the asylum camps

Throughout 2020 and 2021, my academic and nonprofit colleagues witnessed migrants toiling in squalid, makeshift camps.

One of the first asylum camps was formed during the last days of the Trump administration across from Brownsville, Texas, in Matamoros, Mexico. The Mexican government allowed faith-based organizations and nongovernment organizations such as Team Brownsville and Solidarity Engineering to bring in tents, food, water and other supplies.

Before long, thousands of individuals -- primarily from Central America -- were sleeping on the streets next to the international bridge that connected the town to Brownsville.

At one point, the camp had about 3,000 people living in it. There were only two portable toilets.

A second, unofficial camp started around the same time in the city square of Reynosa, a town located across the border from Hidalgo, Texas. It also became overrun with people, making it difficult to even walk through the camp. Mothers told us stories of being unable to sleep at night because of the constant fear of sexual assault and violence.

Unlike many refugee camps around the world, these camps often have very little structure, almost no security and little organization. Though there are some portable toilets and, at times, makeshift showers, sanitation is a serious issue. Many people bathe in the nearby Rio Grande.

Food is scarce. Every so often, churches and nonprofit relief groups provide some aid. But it is never enough to meet the demand.

The most serious issue for those staying at the camps is protection from organized crime and drug cartels. Families with young girls were especially concerned, as sexual assaults were reported in the camps.

Women were afraid to venture out at night. Out of desperation, some even sent their children across the U.S. border alone in the hope they would be allowed to stay in the U.S.

As dangerous as that journey was, they believed it was more dangerous for the children to remain in the cartel-filled camps.

Critical choices

Thus far in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, immigration has emerged as one of the top issues among voters.

In this polarized political environment, it would be easy for those across the political spectrum to conclude that the border is chaotic and needs to be closed.

In my view, closing the border permanently -- as former President Donald Trump and other right-wing lawmakers have sought to do -- would be a mistake and not in the best interests of national security, the U.S. economy and, ultimately, the lives of asylum-seekers.

As a researcher who has spent countless hours with asylum-seekers and other migrants, I believe that restrictive policies -- from either Trump or Biden -- are helpful only to organized crime, which is often controlling immigration on the ground along the U.S.-Mexico border.

This often puts asylum-seekers in great danger, both from direct violence from the cartels and from the harsh terrain they must traverse to avoid detection by immigration officials.

If Trump returns to the White House or U.S. President Joe Biden chooses to take a harsher stance, more restrictive border policies could force people who have already fled their homelands to either stay in cartel-controlled camps or risk dying trying to enter the U.S. illegally.

The Conversation

William McCorkle is an assistant professor of education at College of Charleston. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.
WASHINGTON Co., Ga. (WJBF)  On the evening of June 3rd, a Washington County Deputy was involved in a serious accident while responding to a request for backup from a fellow deputy.

The deputy was en route, when he encountered a sudden and intense downpour, causing hazardous driving conditions. Despite his efforts to maintain control of his vehicle, the deputy lost control, and the car veered off the roadway, and hit a tree.

Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene. The deputy was found trapped inside the vehicle. Washington County Firefighters were able to successfully extricate the deputy from the wreckage.

The injured deputy was transported to Wellstar Hospital in Augusta, where he is currently undergoing surgery for injuries sustained in the accident.

ALSO ON WJBF: Long road to recovery GSP Trooper recovering following serious head-on crash

Washington County Sheriff, Joel Cochran stated, Our thoughts and prayers are with our deputy and his family during this difficult time. We are grateful for our firefighters and medical personnels swift response and professionalism. The safety and well-being of our deputies are of utmost importance, and we will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

The accident is being investigated by Georgia State Patrol Post 33. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The Washington County Sheriffs Office requests that the public keep the deputy in their thoughts and prayers for a speedy and full recovery.

The deputys name has not been released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
Narendra Modi won a third term as Indias next prime minister Tuesday, however his political party won a slimmer-than-expected margin despite the polls overwhelmingly indicating a blowout.

Indias opposition, largely written off heading into the election, defied all expectations and poses a serious threat to Modis majority.

Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its National Democratic Alliance has yet to secure the 272 seats needed for a parliamentary majority, as it had easily won in 2014 and 2019.

This is clearly a setback for Modi, in large part because he was expected to do so much better than he did, said Sadanand Dhume, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

Modis aura of invincibility has been severely dented.

Heres what to know.

Modis majority to shrink after surprise results

While Modi and the BJP are claiming victory, the results will sting, having come well short of the projected landslide. The biggest setback for Modis party came from three states that send the highest number of members to Indias lower house, or Lok Sabha  Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

While counting is still underway in India, as of Tuesday morning the initial numbers suggest that the BJP party has fallen short of the 272 seats needed for a majority on its own and will need members of its alliance to form a government.

The main opposition Indian National Congress, or Congress Party, is projected to more than double its 2019 tally, with around 100 seats on its own and 230 for its opposition bloc.

Despite results still trickling in, Modi addressed his supporters Tuesday declaring the results a very big win.

I will say to every voter of the country on this moment of victory, I want to bow down and salute them, Modi said in New Delhi.

According to Rohan Mukherjee, an assistant professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, if current projections hold, Modis BJP will need to change its approach.

Modi will have to govern more cautiously as there will be parties in his coalition with the power to undermine his governments initiatives, Mukherjee added.

Before Modis meteoric and overwhelming rise to power in 2014, this was often the case in past coalition governments.

And it stands in stark contrast to predictions ahead of the election that Modi would use a massive mandate at the ballot box to push ahead with divisive reforms.

This rests speculation that he could embark upon a dramatic agenda on things like constitutional amendment, thats just not going to be possible, Dhume said of Modis shrinking majority.

Its going to be, have to be much more negotiated, much more of the kind of governance that you would normally see in a highly contested parliamentary democracy.

How did Modi lose his mojo?

According to Dhume, Modis shrinking majority could be attributed to a complex mix of politics, economic dissatisfaction and concerns about democracy.

Some of this is truly befuddling, because he did pretty badly in Uttar Pradesh. He swept Madhya Pradesh next door. So its a whole bunch of causes, and you also have to factor in the fact that despite all this hype, its very, very difficult to win three terms in a row in India, he said.

The last time a political party won a third term in India was in 1962 with Congress and Indias first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

In April, Modi was accused of using hate speech after he called Muslims infiltrators  some of his most incendiary rhetoric about the minority faith.

Critics of the prime minister  an avowed Hindu nationalist  say Indias tradition of diversity and secularism has come under attack since his BJP won power a decade ago.

They accuse the party of fostering religious intolerance and sometimes even violence. The party denies the accusation and says its policies benefit all Indians.

According to Deepa M. Ollapally, research professor of International Affairs at George Washington University, Modi and by extension, the BJP have been weakened, maybe even humbled.

Ollapally added that the challenge they faced in their traditional Hindi heartland stronghold is a sobering wake up call that jobs, economic relief and social justice are more important than religious sentiment or international prestige.

Opposition leader says voters sent a clear message

Rahul Gandhi, the scion of Indias powerful political dynasty, the Nehru-Gandhi family, hailed the election results as a win for democracy in India.

The main thing that this election has said, the country has clearly and unanimously stated: We do not want Narendra Modi and Amit Shah to be involved in running of this country. We do not like the way they have run this country. We do not appreciate the way they have attacked the Constitution. That is a huge message to Narendra Modi, Gandhi said at a party press conference.

Shah is Modis powerful minister of home affairs and right-hand man.

Gandhis father, grandmother and great-grandfather were all previous prime ministers of India.

What this means for India-US relations

Despite the unexpected drama, Modi will remain in the top job, and there is unlikely to be significant change in relations with the U.S.

It was coalition governments that developed the strong foundations for cooperation with Washington in the first place, Mukherjee said to The Hill.

While the cost of foreign policy initiatives may be higher now for Modi in terms of keeping his ruling coalition together, the BJP is still a dominant party and there is a political and economic logic to U.S.-India relations that will keep things ticking along, he added.

Shared concerns about Chinas strategic challenge will keep India and U.S. closely aligned, no matter the political equation, Ollapally said.

However, according to Mukherjee, if there is change, it will be due to differences in national interests and not Modis diminished mandate.

If anything, the result is an affirmation of Indian democracy, which should also assuage some India skeptics in Washington, he added.

The Associated Press contributed.

Updated: 2:38 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.
These Are Indias Kingmakers Who Will Determine Modis Future

(Bloomberg) -- After falling short of a majority in Indias election, Narendra Modis future is now in the hands of two notoriously unreliable allies.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party won 240 seats, short of the 272 needed for an outright parliamentary majority. He can still form a government if his National Democratic Alliance sticks together  but that is no sure thing.

Modi claimed victory for that coalition Tuesday, calling it a historical feat in Indias history, and signaled that he intends to return as prime minister.

Two main allies in his coalition with a combined 28 seats  Telugu Desam Party in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh and the Janata Dal (United) in the eastern state of Bihar  are led by two veteran politicians who have often switched sides over the years. Both of them only re-joined Modis coalition in the months leading up to the 2024 election.

Heres a closer look at some of the kingmakers who may determine Modis fate:

Nitish Kumar, leader of the Janata Dal (United)

Kumar joined the BJP-led alliance only a few months before polling began in April. Since 2010, he has changed political allegiances four times.

Hes governed Bihar, one of Indias poorest states, for almost 18 years by forming alliances that allow him to continue as the states chief minister. In 2022, he broke with the BJP and became one of the architects of the opposition alliance, before flipping back to Modis camp.

Kumars JD(U) won 12 of the 40 seats in Bihar in the election, capturing about 18.5% of the vote share in the state. A spokesman for the party said Tuesday it was standing with the NDA.

With Modis party falling short of a majority, social media was rife with Nitish Kumar memes. He met Modi at his residence Monday, the day before the votes were counted.

N. Chandrababu Naidu, leader of the Telugu Desam Party

Naidu is another leader who has switched sides on several occasions. A member of the BJP-led alliance, Naidus TDP pulled off a win in the simultaneously held assembly elections in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. His party won 16 of the 25 seats the state sends to parliament.

In 2018, Naidu pulled out of the BJP alliance over a disagreement regarding the special category status of his state. One year later he lost the state election and won just 3 of the 25 seats in the national polls.

Last year, he was arrested over allegations that he misappropriated public funds but is expected to return as the states chief minister after his party won the assembly elections.

In a press conference Wednesday, Naidu confirmed he would support the BJP-led national coalition. We are in NDA, he told reporters before leaving to meet with the alliance members in New Delhi.

Some local newspapers reported that Modi, as well as Home Minister Amit Shah, spoke with Naidu over the phone on Tuesday.

Mamata Banerjee, leader of the All India Trinamool Congress

A long shot is Indias only female chief minister, who is part of the opposition I.N.D.I.A alliance.

A fierce Modi critic, Banerjee is unlikely to partner with the BJP. But unlikely alliances have been forged in India following other close elections, and she does have some history with Modis party: Some two decades ago, she served as a minister in a BJP-led federal government.

In a press conference Tuesday, Banerjee criticized Modi and the BJP for harassing her party workers and added, Im happy that Modi has not got single-largest majority, he has lost credibility and he should immediately resign as the prime minister.

Banerjees relationship with the main opposition Congress party, which she quit to form her regional outfit, is also fraught with tensions. The ostensible partners are contesting against each other in several constituencies in the state.

--With assistance from Akriti Sharma and Advait Palepu.

(Updated with more details on the leaders)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
This article was originally published in Mirror Indy.

Butler University is adding a bachelors degree in nursing, the university announced May 20, in an effort to address Indianas nursing shortage.

According to the Indiana Hospital Association, Indiana would need to graduate 1,300 additional nurses annually until 2030 to meet demand.

All of this evolved from rising to the need of a huge shortage, but also realizing that Butler was in a unique position to offer a quality education to students in a traditional four-year degree, said Seth Carey, Butlers inaugural nursing program director.

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Several other Indianapolis colleges and universities offer nursing programs, including IUPUI, Marian University, University of Indianapolis and Ivy Tech.

Carey said Butler plans to differentiate itself by giving clinical experience to nursing students in their first year. If students are working in clinics and hospitals early, Carey said, theyll be more set up to get health care internships during school or nursing jobs after they graduate  ideally in-state.

Were hoping to keep students in Indiana or in the Indianapolis area, giving back to that community whos given to them during our education, he said.

Related

New Study: School Nurses Are Untapped Resource to Combat Chronic Absenteeism

Butler nursing students will be exposed to a variety of nursing specialties, including OB-GYN, pediatrics and behavioral health. As a graduation requirement, students in the Butler nursing program also will have to complete a short-term apprenticeship, called a preceptorship, under a fully qualified nurse.

How to apply

The program will welcome its first class of nursing students in fall 2025, and the application will open Aug. 1. The school has been approved to start 48 students in the first class, Carey said.

Students interested in the program should apply to Butler through the Common App. Youll select your choice of major as nursing, where youll be directed to answer a few additional questions.
India's PM Modi is set to win a 3rd term, but his party has taken a hit

New Delhi  India's 2024 election results show Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to win his third term in office, with the political alliance led by his Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on track to win a solid majority of the seats up for grabs in India's Parliament. Final numbers were expected later Tuesday, but the results of the world's biggest democratic elections appeared clear: Modi will keep his job, but with a smaller mandate than was widely expected or promised by his party.

For the first time ever, the giant of Indian politics for more than a decade will be forced to form a coalition government with smaller, albeit allied parties.

The final results were expected to maintain the balance revealed by preliminary ballot counting, which showed the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) winning around 295 of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament.

That would put the NDA easily over the 272-seat threshold required to form a new government and almost certainly see Modi carry on as premier  but it's a much smaller share of the votes than the BJP had promised with its slogan of "Abki Baar 400 paar," or "will cross 400 this time."

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Shah (R) shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) as India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh looks on during the celebrations after their victory in India's general election, in New Delhi, June 4, 2024. / Credit: MONEY SHARMA/AFP/Getty

The BJP alone did not muster the votes to form a third single-party government under its leader.

It's also a much smaller majority than was predicted for the NDA by most exit polls, which had largely forecast a huge 350-seat win for the alliance.

More than 643 million people  among nearly a billion eligible voters  headed to the polls over the course of India's massive, seven-phase election. It was conducted over six seeks and was marked by a bitter campaign that played out along religious and sectarian lines. The voting was also held during a scorching heat wave that has been blamed for the deaths of about 80 people across the country, including at least 10 polling officials.

Overall, the NDA alliance appears set to lose more than 60 seats in comparison to its performance in the last general elections five years ago, and the rival INDIA alliance (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), led by the opposition Congress party, looks set to gain more than 100 new seats. That will give INDIA more than 230 seats in total  at a time when it had been all but written off by many political pundits and pollsters.

Still, speaking Tuesday evening at BJP headquarters, Modi remained upbeat about what was, regardless of margins, a victory, calling the results a "victory of the world's biggest democracy" and "a win for the 1.4 billion people of India."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi, India, June 4, 2024. / Credit: Adnan Abidi/REUTERS

"Every Indian is proud of the country's election process and credibility," declared the incumbent.

But the mood on Tuesday at the Congress party headquarters in Delhi was also celebratory, despite them not winning the election, as leaders declared the performance a sign of the "revitalization" of a party that has ruled India for more than 50 of its 77 years as an independent nation.

"It was a fight to save the constitution," senior Congress figure Rahul Gandhi told reporters Tuesday. "Congress and its alliance partners were not only fighting against the BJP, but also against the government institutions, intelligence agencies, half the judiciary which were captured by PM Modi."

"The people of India have saved the Constitution and democracy," he said in a tweet. "The deprived and poor population of the country stood with India to protect their rights."

The BJP-led alliance suffered major losses in the bellwether states of Uttar Pradesh, which sends 80 members to parliament, and Maharashtra, which has 48 seats, when compared to its performance in the last two general elections in 2019 and 2014, when they won record-breaking majorities.

The Congress-led alliance made major gains in both states, including in the Uttar Pradesh metropolis of Ayodhya, where Modi personally  and controversially  opened a vast new Hindu temple, the Ram Mandir, just months ahead of the election.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the inauguration of the grand temple of the Hindu god Lord Ram in Ayodhya, India, Jan. 22, 2024. / Credit: India's Press Information Bureau/Handout/REUTERS

"I think the BJP played the Ram Mandir card too early," Dr. Subir Sinha, Director of the South Asia Institute at the University of London, told CBS News, referring to the temple in Ayodhya. Construction of the massive temple, on the site of a razed mosque, has been central to the BJP's Hindu nationalist politics for a long time, in a country deeply divided along religious lines.

"The BJP had thought it was a vote-getting machine," said Sinha.

The BJP alliance's reduced parliamentary majority may mean that some of Modi's unspecified, "big and tough decisions," which he'd vowed to make in the first 100 days of his third term, "will have to be off the table," Sinha predicted.

"The BJP relied on Modi's popularity to push through a lot of local candidates who were not popular themselves," Dr. Irfan Nooruddin, professor of Indian politics at Georgetown University, told CBS News.

He said the BJP's shrunken majority would make it harder for Modi's government to push through some of its anticipated reform measures and force him to work more flexibly with a new coalition government, "something that Prime Minister Modi was not used to."

Vote counting was expected to conclude Tuesday night and the swearing-in ceremony of the new government was expected on June 10.

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CANBERRA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Over two thirds of Australians are in favor of increasing the age limit for using social media from 13 to 16, a new poll has found.

The poll, which was conducted by market research company Essential Research and published on Tuesday, found that 68 percent of Australian adults support raising the minimum age limit for social media.

Forty-four percent of respondents said they strongly supported the proposal and 24 percent said they somewhat supported it, with 15 percent opposed and 17 percent uncommitted.

Among female participants in the survey, 74 percent supported increasing the age limit to 16, including 48 percent who were strongly in favor.

The survey found that support for raising the age limit was above 50 percent in all age groups and strongest among those aged 55 and over.

Forty-seven percent of participants said they believe large technology companies have had mostly negative impacts on young Australians compared to 19 percent who said they have been mostly positive.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in May said it was time to take strong action to protect young Australians from the harm of social media after the federal government set up an inquiry into the influence of social media.

Peter Malinauskas, premier of South Australia, earlier in May appointed a former high court chief justice to examine the legal practicalities of banning social media for children younger than 14.

The premiers of Australia's three largest states of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland also signaled support for increasing the age limit. 
The U.S. Department of Justice has secured the largest ever fine in an Animal Welfare Act case involving an Indianapolis-based company.

An Indianapolis-based company pleaded guilty today to both animal welfare and water pollution crimes at a now-shuttered dog-breeding facility in Virginia. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice secured the surrender of more than 4,000 beagles from the facility which would have been sold to laboratories for drug testing.

Envigo RMS, which is now owned by Inotiv, reached an agreement with the DOJ that has the company paying more than $35 million in fines  the largest ever fine in an Animal Welfare Act case. Also as part of the resolution, Inotiv will be subject to increased animal care standards and a compliance monitor.

Inotiv, which acquired Envigo RMS in 2021, is a research organization whose services are geared toward bringing drugs and medical devices through various testing phases, according to the companys website.

Todays agreement will allow us to comprehensively resolve this matter, bringing to an end uncertainty around the investigation, Inotiv said in a statement published to its website. Inotivs top priority has always been  and remains  practicing appropriate standards of animal welfare for our animals, while supporting the scientific objectives of the studies conducted.

The DOJ said that Envigo RMS prioritized profits over following the law, which resulted in dire consequences.

According to the DOJ release, Envigo RMS conspired to knowingly violate the Animal Welfare Act by failing to provide adequate veterinary care, staffing and safe living conditions for the beagles housed at its facility in Cumberland County. The rescued beagles were made available for adoption.

Even in those instances of animals being bred for scientific and medical research purposes, they still must be provided with safe and sanitary living conditions, Charmeka Parker, special agent in charge of the Department of Agricultures Office of Inspector General, said in the DOJ release.

Animal welfare: Last group of nearly 4,000 beagles rescued from Virginia facility breeding them for experiments

The company also conspired to knowingly violate the Clean Water Act by failing to properly operate and maintain the wastewater treatment plant at its facility. This lead to massive unlawful discharges of insufficiently treated wastewater into a local waterway, negatively impacting the health and well-being of the community as well as the dogs.

Everyone victimized in this precedent-setting animal welfare case deserved better: the workers, the beagles, the environment and the community, said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Envigo deserves every dollar of its record fine.

As part agreement and record-setting payments, $22 million is criminal fines to be paid over four years. The companies will also pay at least $7 million to improve its facilities beyond the standards of the Animal Welfare Act. Additional funding will go to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Humane Society of the United States and the Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force.

Call IndyStar reporter Sarah Bowman at 317-444-6129 or email at sarah.bowman@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @IndyStarSarah. Connect with IndyStars environmental reporters: Join The Scrub on Facebook.

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana company fined $35M for inhumane treatment of over 4,000 dogs
Quaker, left, and Vida, pictured at the Horse Trust in the Chilterns, are expected to join the other three horses in making a full recovery

Three of the five Household Cavalry horses injured when they bolted and ran wild through the streets of London are expected to join the Kings Birthday Parade after recuperating in the country.

Meanwhile, the two horses most seriously hurt in the incident are continuing their recovery, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.

Vida, Quaker, Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish were being ridden on a training exercise in Belgravia on April 24 when they were shocked by the noise of rubble crashing down on a building site.

Throwing off their riders, the horses careered through the streets during the morning rush hour, smashing into several vehicles including a double-decker tour bus and a Mercedes people carrier. Blood was seen streaming down the sides of Trojan, a black, and Vida, a grey.

Vida, a grey, was covered in blood as he ran through the streets of London - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

Trojan, who was seen with blood pouring from him as he stampeded through London, is to return for the King's Birthday Parade with Tennyson and Vanquish

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence said all five horses had been making remarkable progress under the care of staff at the Horse Trust, a Chilterns-based charity, and are expected to fully recover from their injuries.

Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish are back on duty and are expected to participate in Trooping the Colour on June 15.

The five soldiers riding the horses were injured, but three have now recovered and are back on duty. The other two are continuing to convalesce but are also expected to make a full return to service.

Seeing them having fun is a joy

Jeanette Allen, the chief executive officer at The Horse Trust, said: It has been a privilege to provide these wonderful horses with the space and time needed to fully recover.

Its been so lovely to see Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish enjoying such a relaxing break and now we have Vida and Quaker already loving their time here.

All five horses are much younger than our regular Service residents and seeing them running, rolling and generally having fun after such a challenging experience, is a real joy.

Lt Colonel Mathew Woodward, the commanding officer of the Household Cavalry, said: All five of the horses injured during the incident on April 24 are recovering with remarkable speed, and it is very likely that Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish will participate in the Kings Birthday Parade later this month.

The remaining two, Vida and Quaker, are enjoying a summer holiday in the Chilterns thanks to The Horse Trust.

They are expected to make a full recovery and we look forward to seeing them back on duty in due course. Of the two most seriously injured soldiers, one is continuing his recovery at home and the other at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall. They are both considered likely to return to military service in the fullness of time.

Horses bright and in good spirits

Vida and Quaker were treated by Army vets for more than a month before they were fit enough to be discharged and transported to the charity.

The Army said the pair had made a remarkable physical recovery and were quick to start galloping across the 200 acres of Chiltern countryside.

Photographs show Quaker and Vida nuzzling their heads against one another in a field of dandelions.

A spokesman said: Vida wasted no time in turning from white to brown as he rolled in the grass.

The horses appeared bright and in good spirits, clearly displaying a close bond with each other and the soldiers who accompanied them.

Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish were sent to the Horse Trust for two weeks before being handed back into the care of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

Both the Army and The Horse Trust have been overwhelmed by the amount of public care and interest in the recovery of the soldiers and horses affected by the incident on April 24 and would like to thank everyone that expressed their concern and best wishes for a speedy recovery. They look to have been granted.

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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.
EMPORIA (KSNT)  State officials confirm an invasive insect targeting local trees has spread to a new area in northeast Kansas.

The Kansas Forest Service (KFS) updated its website recently, confirming that emerald ash borer (EAB) insects have now spread further south to Lyon County. This marks the 14th county in the Sunflower State to be afflicted by the pests since their discovery in 2012.

Kansas State Universitys Research & Extension Office issued a news release on the discovery in late May, stating that emerald ash borers are confirmed in the City of Emporia as of May 24. The insects were suspected to be living in the surrounding county but it was difficult for officials to make the declaration.

In order to officially confirm EAB, the Kansas Department of Agriculture requires an adult or larvae specimen, said Matt Norville with the Kansas Forest Service. It can be challenging for foresters or arborists working in these communities who may see declining ash and the galleries the insects leave behind, but detecting the actual insect is essential to making the call that it is officially in the county.

Orange maggots swarm into northeast Kansas farm fields

The full list of counties which have emerald ash borers include the following:

Wyandotte  2012

Johnson  2013

Leavenworth  2014

Douglas  2015

Jefferson  2015

Atchison  2016

Doniphan  2017

Shawnee  2017

Miami  2019

Jackson  2019

Brown  2022

Osage  2022

Franklin  2023

Lyon  2024

(Photo Courtesy/Kansas Forest Service)

The EAB is described as a green invasive, wood-boring beetle which targets and kills ash trees by eating tissues beneath the bark. They tend to emerge in May from trees infested the previous year. Larvae bore into the ash tree and feed under the bark, leaving behind distinct tracks. Infested trees, depending on their size, may endure the insects for one or two years if they are small while larger ones may linger for around four years.

Trees can tolerate borer activity for a few years, but without treatment they will eventually decline, Norville said.

Biologists remove 61,000 pounds of invasive carp from Kansas River

Norville recommends early detection and treatment to prevent tree death. Pesticides, if applied quickly, can save some trees from being destroyed by the insects.

We mostly want to encourage communities to plan for pests and diseases and increase their community tree diversity, Norville said. Weve seen how diseases like Dutch elm disease and pests like emerald ash borer can have a devastating impact on communities that have an abundance of one type of tree. Communities that plan for tree removal due to age and overall health should be planting replacement trees that are a mix of native and proven cultivars.

For more Kansas Outdoors, 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

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Saeed Abyar, an Iranian military general, has been killed in Syria

An Iranian general has been killed in a suspected Israeli air strike near the Syrian city of Aleppo, nearly two months after the Islamic republic warned it would retaliate against attacks on its interests.

Saeed Abyar, described as a military adviser, was targeted in a bombing raid on Monday morning, resulting in the death of several civilians and material losses, according to Syrias official Sana news agency.

The alleged assassination comes just weeks after a suspected Israeli air strike on Irans consulate in Syria that killed several high-ranking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials, including two commanders.

In response to the attack, Tehran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel as the decades-old shadow war between the two countries exploded briefly into open conflict.

Iran fired a barrage of more than 350 drones and missiles, most of which were intercepted by Israel, with help from its allies including the United States and Britain.

Since Syrias civil war erupted in 2011, Iran has sent military advisers to support president Bashar al-Assads regime, leading to regular suspected Israeli strikes against Iranian military targets.

Israels air operations in Syria have picked up since the Oct 7 attacks by Hamas, which is backed by Iran.

Alongside the war in Gaza, Israel has since been targeted by Irans proxies from Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon.

Israel rarely acknowledges strikes it carries out in Syria. The two countries have been at war since the founding of the Jewish state in 1948.

It is the second strike within a week. Last week, the Sana news agency quoted a military source who said an attack took place from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights, targeting some areas in the vicinity of Damascus.

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Iranian military adviser killed in Syria, reports say, two months after Iran and Israel came close to war

Israeli airstrikes near the Syrian city of Aleppo early Monday killed an Iranian military adviser, Iranian media reported, two months after the Middle East came to the brink of a major war as Israel and Iran engaged in unprecedented direct attacks on each others soil.

Saeed Abiyar, an adviser to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in Syria, died in the attack, Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

Syrian state news agency SANA said the incident occurred around 12.20 a.m. local time on Monday after Israel launched an aerial attack with missiles, targeting a number of points in the vicinity of Aleppo, without providing information on fatalities.

CNN has requested comment from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which does not usually acknowledge such strikes.

Abiyar is the first member of the IRGC to be reported killed by Israel since April, when Israel is suspected to have bombed the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus, killing several commanders, including the top IRGC commander in charge of relations with Syria and Lebanon.

The Islamic Republic retaliated to that attack by launching a barrage of drones and missiles toward Israel, most of which were intercepted. Israel fired back, a US official told CNN, targeting a major Iranian military airbase near the city of Isfahan.

Iran has deployed military advisers to Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since civil war broke out there in 2011. Israel is believed to have launched several strikes on Iranian and Hezbollah targets in Syria in recent years, particularly since the start of its war with Hamas in Gaza. It has warned that Iran is turning it into a base for aggression against Israel.

What happens next?

After the tit-for-tat exchange in April, Iran said it had created a new equation with Israel, pledging to retaliate every time Israel attacks its interests in the future. The era of strategic patience is over, said Mohammad Jamshidi, deputy chief of staff to the Iranian president.

Mondays attack suggests that Irans new equation, indicating that it has restored deterrence, may not have been achieved, said Trita Parsi, a Washington DC-based Iran analyst and executive vice president of the Quincy Institute think tank, adding that this is the first attack of its kind since Aprils exchange of fire.

It took place at a time of domestic turbulence for Iran. Former President Ebrahim Raisi was killed last month in a helicopter crash along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other Iranian officials. Iran is now in the process of electing a new leader.

The Israelis may very well have calculated that this is an opportune time to strike, Parsi told CNN, adding that the attack may leave Iranian officials in a quandary on how to respond.

The killing also occurred as Israel faces growing isolation on the world stage for its devastating war in Gaza, as pressure mounts from multiple fronts for it to end hostilities. Last week, US President Joe Biden joined the chorus of world leaders to call for an end to the war.

Abiyars killing raises the stakes of a repeat of Aprils unprecedented tit-for-tat direct strikes between Iran and Israel. But escalation is not a given.

What triggered Irans ire in April was likely a combination of escalatory factors, that the strike took place on its consulate in Damascus, which is technically Iranian soil. Israel contested this, claiming the target was an Iranian military headquarters.

Mondays strike doesnt reach the same threshold. Neither country, in April or now, appears to want escalation.

Tehran will have a choice to make, Parsi said. On the one hand, theyre going to have pressure to respond in order to claim that their deterrence has been restored. On the other hand, do they want to have an escalation in the midst of this very sensitive election?

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Iran's allies in Iraq are firing at Israel. What if they draw blood?

FILE PHOTO: Protesters and militia fighters carry the logo of the U.S. Embassy, during a protest to condemn air strikes on bases belonging to Hashd al-Shaabi (paramilitary forces), in Baghdad

FILE PHOTO: Protesters and militia fighters carry the logo of the U.S. Embassy, during a protest to condemn air strikes on bases belonging to Hashd al-Shaabi (paramilitary forces), in Baghdad

By Timour Azhari and Laila Bassam

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iran-backed Shi'ite armed groups in Iraq have ramped up rocket and missile attacks on Israel in recent weeks, raising concerns in Washington and among some Iranian allies of potential Israeli retaliation and regional escalation should they draw blood.

Though the attacks, often from hundreds of miles (kms) away, are not seen by western officials and Israeli experts as posing the same level of threat to Israel as point-blank strikes by Hamas and Hezbollah, they have increased in number and sophistication.

At least two have hit their targets and many have had to be shot down by U.S. and Israeli defences, according to U.S officials and public statements by the Israeli military.

New weaponry such as cruise missiles have been regularly used since May and are harder for air defences to destroy.

"Overall, the intensity and the types of weapons systems used have steeply escalated," said Mike Knights, a fellow at the U.S.-based Washington institute for Near East Policy, where he tracks the attacks. "It complicates the Israeli task and is an increased financial cost," he said.

Reuters spoke to more than a dozen people, including sources in Iraqi armed groups and other factions in Iran's network of regional allies known as the Axis of Resistance, alongside U.S. and other regional officials, most of whom spoke on condition of anonymity to give candid assessments of a sensitive issue.

They said the attacks by Iraqi factions, including Kataib Hezbollah and Nujaba, were a cause for rising concern for Washington and also viewed with unease among some in Iran and its powerful Axis ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has carefully calibrated its own engagements with Israel to prevent all-out regional conflict.

"They could get the Axis involved in something it does not currently want," a senior figure in the Axis of Resistance said, describing the view among pro-Iran groups on condition he not be identified.

Iran and Hezbollah, the most organised members of the network, have in the past struggled to rein in Iraqi factions.

Hussein al-Mousawi, a spokesperson for Nujaba, one of the main armed Shi'ite factions in Iraq participating in strikes on Israel, told Reuters the strikes were a natural evolution of the role of Iraqi groups and aimed to increase the cost of the war in Gaza. They intend to strike from anywhere, for as long as is necessary.

"The operations carried out by the Resistance are not bound by temporal or spatial boundaries," Mousawi said. "We, as a resistance, do not fear the consequences as long as we are in the right and we represent the popular and official will."

The Iraqi government, which carefully balances its alliances with both Washington and Tehran, does not officially approve of the strikes but has been unable or unwilling to stop them.

Critics say this shows the limits of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's power in a coalition government that includes Iran-backed armed groups, and may undermine efforts to rebrand Iraq as stable and open for business.

Iraq does not recognise Israel and a 2022 law punishes those trying to normalise ties with death or life in prison. Israel views Iraq as an Iranian vassal state and main corridor for weapons from Iran to other armed groups including Hezbollah.

The Israeli and Iraqi governments did not respond to requests for comment. The U.S. State Department declined to comment.

ESCALATING THREAT

The Iraqi groups trace their roots to the fight against U.S. troops in Iraq after the toppling of dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. They have since grown their regional reach, mirroring the evolution of other Iranian allies such as the Houthis in Yemen who have launched strikes on shipping in the Red Sea.

Iraqi groups joined the Syrian civil war in support of Iran's ally President Bashar al-Assad, gaining a foothold in territory near the border with Israel. A shadowy Iraqi group claimed drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2021 and 2022.

The attacks by Iraqi groups on Israel are launched from areas south of Baghdad and in the Iraqi-Syrian border area where Iran-backed factions hold sway, according to Knights.

To get from Iraq to Israel, projectiles must fly over Syria, Jordan or Saudi Arabia.

While Iran has been keen to have Iraqi factions contribute to the regional battle against Israel, their propensity to miscalculate was a constant cause for concern, the senior figure in the Axis said.

He noted that the Iraqi groups had already unwittingly caused a major regional escalation in January, when they killed three U.S. troops in a drone attack on a U.S. outpost in Jordan.

That attack - which crossed multiple U.S. and regional red lines by hitting a neighbouring Arab state and killing Americans - led to a deadly campaign of U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria.

So serious was the risk of escalation then, that the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force travelled to Baghdad to tell the factions to dial down their attacks, Iranian and Iraqi sources told Reuters at the time.

Attacks on U.S. forces stopped. There was a brief lull. Then, they turned their attention to Israel.

A senior Iranian official who asked not to be identified to discuss sensitive matters said this shift in focus was part of a plan to keep the pressure on Israel over the Gaza war.

A U.S. defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said the attacks on Israel jeopardized the stability of Iraq and the region by increasing the risk of military action, including potentially by the U.S. and Israel.

"The sophistication and frequency of these attacks highlight the escalating threat posed by these groups" the official said.

"The U.S. military will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defence of our allies."

'FREE HAND'

Iraq has posed a threat to Israel before - notoriously during the 1991 Gulf War when Saddam fired barrages of Scud missiles at Tel Aviv and Haifa.

At the time, Washington prevailed upon Israel not to retaliate to avoid an escalation that could undermine a U.S.-led coalition, including Arab armies, which had been pulled together to eject Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

After Hamas militants launched their attack on Israel on Oct. 7 last year precipitating the war in Gaza, Iraqi Shi'ite armed factions, like other pro-Iranian groups, pledged to carry out attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians.

They initially targeted mainly U.S. forces based in Iraq and Syria. But on Nov. 2 they claimed their first ever attack on Israel.

A handful of other claimed attacks on Israel followed in the next few months, including four in February, even after the groups had publicly halted attacks on U.S. forces, according to public claims of responsibility by the Iran-backed groups.

The number of claimed attacks shot up to 17 in March, and doubled again in May, averaging more than one a day, though U.S. officials and the source in the pro-Iranian Axis said they are not certain all the claimed attacks were genuine.

Reuters was not able to determine exactly how many attacks have been launched nor how many hit their intended target.

The attacks are frequently accompanied by video released on social media purporting to show the projectiles being fired from remote Iraqi desert sites as militants shout the names of holy figures revered mainly by Shi'ites. Reuters was not able to verify the date or location of the videos.

While Israel rarely comments on its operations in neighbouring states, it is thought to have struck pro-Iran groups in Iraq before, in 2019, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had given the military "a free hand" to act "to thwart Iran's plans".

Asked to provide information on launches by Iran-backed factions in Iraq, the Israeli military declined to comment.

Israeli authorities have publicly confirmed at least two impacts on the coastal city of Eilat that Israeli media said came from Iraq, on a school in November and a naval base in April.

Additionally, the military has announced many interceptions of projectiles coming "from the east", widely seen as a reference to Iraq. No injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of the attacks.

Amos Yadlin, a retired Israeli air force general who formerly headed military intelligence, said he would rate the level of threat the attacks pose to Israel as "one step down" from Hezbollah or the Houthis.

The U.S. defence official said projectiles fired from Iraq had been intercepted by U.S. forces operating "from various locations in the Middle East, as part of our commitment to Israel's defence and regional security."

"The frequency of these actions has increased in response to the rising number of threats," the official said.

(This story has been refiled to add reporting credits)

(Reporting by Timour Azhari in Baghdad and Laila Bassam in Beirut; additional reporting by Dan Williams in Jerusalem and Parisa Hafezi in Dubai; writing by Timour Azhari; Editing by Peter Graff)
Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant addresses the annual Conference of Presidents at the MoD Headquarters in Tel Aviv. Israel has agreed to buy 25 F-35 fighters jets from the United States, the Defence Ministry confirmed on 04 June. Shachar Yurman/GPO/dpa

Israel has agreed to buy 25 F-35 fighters jets from the United States, the Defence Ministry confirmed on Tuesday.

The ministry said this is the third squadron of Lockheed Martin fighter jets of this type to be integrated into the Israeli armed forces.

The Israeli Air Force will then have 75 of these stealth jets at its disposal.

Delivery to Israel is scheduled to begin in 2028, at a rate of three to five fighter jets per year. The costs would amount to around $3 billion.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that the procurement of the third F-35 squadron "reflects the strength of the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States."

"This capability has a significant impact on arenas both near and far. At time when some of our adversaries aim to undermine our ties with our greatest ally, we only further strengthen our alliance. This sends a powerful message to our enemies across the region," Gallant added.

In view of the severe destruction in the Gaza Strip, there have recently been frequent international protests against arms deliveries to Israel.

Last month, US President Joe Biden threatened Israel with suspending the delivery of some US weapons if Israel's army invaded densely populated urban centres in Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip.

Since the start of the Gaza war in response to the attack on Israel by militants from the Palestinian militant organization Hamas and other groups on October 7, the Israeli armed forces have become increasingly reliant on US weapons, the news portal Axios reported.

Gallant had pledged in a letter to the US government that US weapons would only be used in accordance with international law.
"We are two iron brothers, our friendship is unshakable and our hearts beat together," Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in an interview with Chinese media in Islamabad ahead of his China tour.




Israeli forces launch new ground and air assault on central Gaza, killing at least 15 Palestinians

The Israeli military launched a new ground and air assault in central Gaza on Tuesday, as its forces ramp up attacks amid a deepening humanitarian crisis.

The IDF claimed Tuesday afternoon local time that fighter jets were attacking Hamas targets in the Bureij area at the same time as ground forces that are operating in a targeted manner and with intelligence guidance, in the same area.

CNN cannot independently verify the IDFs statement.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said that 15 people had been killed and dozens injured during the Israeli operation, with the casualties occurring east of the Bureij and Al-Maghazi displacement camps. It said the local Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital was overwhelmed with admissions.

A CNN producer in the area said that at least six bodies had been brought to the hospital, along with more than 30 injured people.

Among those killed were a father and his 12-year-old son, when an artillery shell hit an apartment building east of Al Bureij, according to the CNN producer, as well as a boy and a girl.

A woman in her 20s was also killed.

The ministry said the number of patients was more than three times the hospitals normal capacity and that it was unable to bear receiving more martyrs and injuries in light of this dangerous aggression against civilians, children and women.

It called on the World Health Organization to visit the hospital.

Witnesses say civilians started to leave the Bureij area  heading towards the coast  after military activity there intensified.

Palestinians mourn relatives killed in an Israeli bombardment in the Bureij area of central Gaza on June 4, 2024. - Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images

Another CNN producer reported tank-fire in recent days from the east-west Netzarim corridor that the IDF has carved through central Gaza towards neighborhoods south of Gaza city. He said there had been a limited ground incursion in the same neighborhoods over the past three days.

News of the latest assault comes as the former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told CNN the war with Hamas had lost momentum and that Israel should pressure Hamas by pushing on with its controversial operations in Gazas southernmost city of Rafah.

We need to act much quicker. This whole war is going on way too long. We couldve done Rafah three, four months ago. I think a combination of poor execution of the Israeli government and the American administrations constant slowing down of Israel coupled together made for a very slow and prolonged war, Bennett told CNNs Jake Tapper.

He said that prolonging the war is what Hamas wants, and the only way to get a ceasefire and hostage deal on the table is to put more pressure on Hamas and push harder in Rafah, adding that operations there have not concluded.

He said Israel is paying an international price as other countries criticize the wars humanitarian toll. We are trying to conduct the most just war in history, Bennett said, but everybody in the world is double-guessing and telling us how to do it and how they would do it better, but theyre not in our shoes, and we have to defend our citizens first.

Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza on October 7 after the militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza, killed at least 1,200 people and abducted more than 250 others.

Israeli attacks in Gaza have since killed at least 36,550 Palestinians and injured another 82,959 people, according to the Ministry of Health there. CNN cannot independently confirm the figures.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Khader Al-Zaanoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, contributed reporting.

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Palestinian health officials in the Gaza Strip said Israeli strikes killed at least 11 people overnight into Tuesday, including a family of three in the built-up Bureij refugee camp and eight police officers.

In the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military said it killed two Palestinian militants who were attempting to launch a shooting attack toward Israeli communities.

A cease-fire proposal announced by United States President Joe Biden has placed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a crossroads. The proposal offers the possibility of ending Israels war against Hamas, returning scores of hostages held by the militant group, quieting the northern border with Lebanon and potentially advancing a historic agreement to normalize ties with Saudi Arabia.

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. Israels expanding offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians facing widespread hunger.

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. Israels military confirmed the deaths Monday of four more hostages held by Hamas. Around 80 hostages captured on Oct. 7 are believed to still be alive in Gaza, alongside the remains of 43 others.

Currently:

 The U.S. urges U.N. Security Council to support a cease-fire plan in Gaza announced by President Biden.

 Proposed Gaza cease-fire puts Netanyahu at a crossroads that could shape his legacy.

 Irans acting top diplomat dismisses U.S.-proposed Gaza cease-fire deal in visit to Lebanon.

 Palestinian officials apply to join South Africas case accusing Israel of genocide at the top U.N. court.

 Israeli airstrikes near Syrias Aleppo kill several, including an Iranian adviser, reports say.

 Israel declares four more hostages are dead in Gaza.

Follow APs coverage of the war in Gaza at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Heres the latest:

PALESTINIANS RETURN TO KHAN YOUNIS TO FIND HOMES DESTROYED AND NO INFRASTRUCTURE

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  Palestinians displaced from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis are setting up tents atop the ruins of their obliterated homes.

Many residents who fled fighting in the city months ago were once again forced to flee Israels offensive in the southernmost city of Rafah. The returnees came home to a barely recognizable city, their homes part of a vast landscape of ruin.

This is my house but I cannot see where its foundations or borders are. I cannot find where it used to begin and end, said Ayad Abu Khries, who returned to Khan Younis after being displaced to Rafah.

In one gutted second-floor apartment, a woman heated a pot on a makeshift stove  the building a shell surrounded by rubble. One familys laundry hung from a rope and dangled above piles of stone, metal rods and other debris.

Israel withdrew troops from Khan Younis, Gazas second largest city, in April. Residents quickly returned to find what remained of their homes. The incursion into Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were sheltering before fleeing again, prompted a new influx of returnees back into Khan Younis. The United Nations says more than 1 million Palestinians have fled Rafah, many of them having already been displaced multiple times.

Those who have returned to Khan Younis have struggled to find services. Some returned residents said they must walk a mile or more to access food and water.

The infrastructure is destroyed. There is no electricity or sewage system or water of anything. We live in tents and life is exhausting, said Basima Moammar, who is living in a tent near her destroyed home.

ISRAELI STRIKES KILL 11 PALESTINIANS OVERNIGHT IN THE GAZA STRIP

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Palestinian health officials in the Gaza Strip said Israeli strikes killed at least 11 people overnight into Tuesday, including a family of three and eight police officers.

A strike on a home in the built-up Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza late Monday killed two parents and their young daughter, while a second strike early Tuesday hit a police vehicle in the central town of Deir al-Balah, killing eight officers with the Hamas-run Interior Ministry.

An Associated Press journalist counted the bodies as they arrived Tuesday at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah 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, underground tunnels and rocket launchers in dense, residential areas. The military rarely comments on individual strikes.

President Joe Biden detailed an Israeli cease-fire plan that the sides were considering.

The war, sparked by Hamas Oct. 7 attack, has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and noncombatants in its tally. Many of the dead have been women and children, the ministry says.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, speaks during a memorial ceremony for late controversial Rabbi Meir Kahane. Ben-Gvir has called for war with the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah. "All Hezbollah strongholds must be burnt down and destroyed. War!" Ben-Gvir demanded in a video published on social media platform X on 04 June. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

Israel's far-right police and security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has called for war with the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah.

"All Hezbollah strongholds must be burnt down and destroyed. War!" Ben-Gvir demanded in a video published on social media platform X on Tuesday.

It was unacceptable for parts of Israel to be attacked and people evacuated while peace prevailed in Lebanon, he said during a visit to Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel. The town has been particularly affected by shelling from the neighbouring country.

Ben-Gvir complained that Hezbollah was burning large areas of Israel, a reference to several fires in the north of the country caused by rocket fire from Lebanon in recent days.

He said that he had published the video after assessing the situation with the fire service and police in the region.

There have been daily military confrontations between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah militia in the border area between Israel and Lebanon since the beginning of the war in the Gaza Strip almost eight months ago. There have been casualties on both sides.

The tit-for-tat shelling has caused severe destruction in villages on both sides of the border. There have also been wildfires in Lebanon as a result of the attacks in the past. Around 150,000 people in both countries have been evacuated or have left the combat zone.
ROME  Italy has confirmed it will send a second SAMP/T air defense battery to Ukraine in response to urgent appeals by Kyiv to help defeat Russian missile attacks.

It is known that we will send SAMP/T, which is an instrument of air defense, therefore of protection, that Ukraine itself asked us for, Italys foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, said late on June 3.

One of five systems now operated by Italy, the battery due for dispatch to Ukraine is reportedly currently deployed in Kuwait. Another system has recently been stationed in Slovakia as part of a NATO program, and another is due to be set up in June in southern Italy to protect a G7 summit.

The battery is set to be included in the ninth package of arms to be delivered to Kyiv since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been a keen backer of Kyivs campaign to oust Russian forces, but so far the Italian government has kept details of its arms supply secret amid widespread opposition among Italian voters to sustaining the war effort.

The ninth package of arms including the SAMP/T system is unlikely to be approved until after European Union elections this weekend. Italy jointly supplied a battery with France to Ukraine last year.

SAMP/T is a truck-based tactical antimissile system designed to destroy hostile cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft and tactical ballistic missiles.

Tajani said that Italy would not allow Ukraine to use Italian weaponry to strike targets inside Russia. Italian arms cannot be used against Russian territory, but we will help Ukraine to defend itself from the Russian invasion, he said.

The United States last week gave Ukraine limited permission to Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons to hit targets inside Russia close to the border with the Kharkiv region.

On June 2 the Russian ministry of defense claimed U.S.-supplied HIMARS artillery had been fired into Russia.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands has been trying to quickly pull together an additional Patriot air-defense system for Ukraine, and has called on other European nations to contribute, the Dutch government said last week.

The Netherlands will provide core components and parts for a Patriot system from existing stocks, and has identified which countries could offer additional parts and munitions, the Defence Ministry said in a May 28 statement. The government is in talks with several partners to assemble a complete system, including training of Ukrainian crews.

With our offer, and consulting with partner countries providing several key parts and munitions, we can provide Ukraine with at least one fully operational system in a short time frame, Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren said in a statement.

The Netherlands said that while Patriot systems are admittedly scarce, Ukraine is also fighting Europes fight, and the countrys war-fighting capability, energy production and infrastructure are under daily attack.

Ollongren cited remarks by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg that member countries could temporarily move below the alliances own defense capability pledges, so the room for creativity is there.

The Netherlands is counting on pledges made by industrial suppliers to speed up production and delivery of replacement systems, Ollongren said.

Stoltenberg said in an April 17 speech that if allies face a choice between meeting alliance capability objectives and providing more aid to Ukraine, my message is clear: send more to Ukraine.

The Netherlands has so far contributed two Patriot launchers as well as air-defense missiles for the system, according to the Defence Ministry.

Ruitenberg reported from Paris.
RAMALLAH, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Palestine appreciates China's firm support for the Palestinians' just cause and looks forward to closer cooperation with China to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, said a senior official in an interview with Xinhua.

On the China-Arab states joint statement on the Palestinian issue released in May, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, minister of state for foreign affairs and expatriates, said it reflected the depth of the partnership between the Arab world and China as well as China's position on the legitimate national rights of Palestinians.

"We also stress the importance of China's call to convene an international peace conference with broader participation, greater credibility and effectiveness," Shahin said. "We believe that such a conference can be a platform to revive the peace process and achieve real progress towards the two-state solution."

China has always supported the Palestinian people's just cause, whether in the United Nations or other international institutions, she said, noting that in addition to political and diplomatic support, China has provided economic and humanitarian aid to support the Palestinian people, especially in difficult times.

China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, plays a major role in promoting stability and peace in the Middle East, Shahin said, adding that Palestine highly values China's efforts and expects further cooperation with China to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.

"Our strategic partnership with China is based on the principles of mutual respect and cooperation, and we believe that it will be an important element in achieving a better future for the peoples of the region," she said.

Noting that China is one of the first countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine, Shahin said the Palestinian side greatly appreciates China's continuing role in supporting its pursuit of full membership in the United Nations.

In June 2023, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas paid a state visit to China, during which the two heads of state announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Palestine.

"We are committed to deepening bilateral relations between Palestine and China, and we believe that this strategic partnership will contribute to achieving sustainable development and prosperity for our two peoples," Shahin said.

"This is a strategic priority for us, and we will work to intensify the political dialogue between our two countries at all levels, focusing on regional and international issues of common interests. We will seek more official meetings and mutual visits to enhance coordination and common positions," she added.

Shahin affirms Palestine's firm position on the one-China principle, its support for China's core interests and China's efforts to preserve its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and rejection of interference in China's internal affairs.

Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, Shahin expressed appreciation for the forum, which has proven its effectiveness in promoting relations between China and Arab countries, including Palestine.

"Over the past 20 years, the forum has provided multiple opportunities to develop cooperation in the fields of politics, economics, and culture, strengthened ties between our peoples and served common interests," Shahin said.

"We believe that the forum can play a greater role in promoting strategic dialogue, working to build a China-Arab community with a shared future towards the new era," she said. "I believe that the China-Arab Cooperation Forum is a successful model of international partnership, and we are confident that the future holds great opportunities to deepen and develop these relations."

"We also affirm our commitment to continue working with our Chinese partners to strengthen this partnership and achieve more common prosperity towards a horizon of peace, security and progress," she said.

In April, the United States vetoed a draft resolution recommending that the General Assembly admit Palestine to the United Nations, while more countries including Norway, Ireland and Spain recognized Palestine as a state in the past month.

"Palestine's full membership at the United Nations is considered a necessary and vital step towards strengthening the international legitimacy of the rights of the Palestinian people and enhancing the status of the Palestinian cause in the international arena," Shahin said.

During the interview, Shahin said the double-standard American policy towards Palestine, its people, and their legitimate rights represents a "blatant aggression" against international law and does not help in creating the necessary climate to revive the peace process and implement the principle of the two-state solution.

"As more countries recognize Palestine as a state and support its rights, it becomes clear that the United States is adopting an isolated position that is inconsistent with the aspirations of the international community," she said. 
New Jersey Man Charged with Fatally Stabbing His Mom, 61, in the Chest While She Slept

Robert Parody, 25, was charged with first-degree murder and a related weapons offense

Brian Johnston/Asbury Park Press / USA TODAY NETWORK Police investigate a home in Howell Township, New Jersey

A New Jersey man has been charged with "fatally" stabbing his mother to death in her sleep.

The Monmouth County Prosecutors Office (MCPO) shared in a press release on Monday, June 3 that Robert Parody, 25, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and a related weapons offense in the death of his 61-year-old mother Loretta Parody.

Officials said the Howell Township Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing taking place on Porter Road, around 34 miles east of Trenton, New Jersey, at 1:30 a.m.

When officers arrived on the scene, they said they found Loretta wounded. She was then taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, where she was later pronounced dead. Robert was arrested by officers on the scene without incident, added the release.

Related: Calif. Mom Had an Intuition Daughter Was Harmed. Now Womans Ex Is Convicted of Murdering Her

Brian Johnston/Asbury Park Press / USA TODAY NETWORK Police investigation at a residence in Howell, New Jersey

An investigation involving members of the Major Crimes Bureau and the Howell Township Police Department revealed that Robert Parody had entered his mothers bedroom and stabbed her in the chest while she slept, the MCPO said in its release.

Robert is currently being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) while he awaits a detention hearing, according to the release.

Related: Fla. Dad Allegedly Confessed to Murdering 2-Year-Old Daughter by Cutting Her Throat: Police

The Asbury Park Press (APP) reported that Robert had lived at the home with his 60-year-old father and a 28-year-old woman, though it is unknown whether they had been present at the home at the time.

Lorettas friends identified her to the outlet as a real estate agent at the Century 21 office in Brick Township, New Jersey.

Rosa Cavallaro, who worked with Loretta, told APP, There was no other way to describe her than an angel. She was a great person and shes going to be missed.

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.

Photos and video captured by the APP showed the two-floor home cordoned off with yellow police tape with several police vehicles parked alongside the homes driveway. Investigators could be seen walking inside and out of the home.

The MCPO said the incident is still under investigation and that anyone with information can contact MCPO detectives at 800-533-7443 or Howell Township Police at 732-938-4111.



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New Jersey man stabs mother to death while she was sleeping: Police

New Jersey man stabs mother to death while she was sleeping: Police

A New Jersey man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing his mother to death while she slept, police say.

The attack took place in the early hours of Monday morning at approximately 1:30 a.m. when 25-year-old Robert Parody of Howell Township, New Jersey, reportedly entered his mothers bedroom on Porter Road while she slept and stabbed 61-year-old Loretta Parody in the chest, according to a statement from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office released on Monday.

MORE: Person killed after being sucked into plane's turbine engine on runway

An investigation involving members of the Major Crimes Bureau and the Howell Township Police Department revealed the Robert Parody had entered his mothers bedroom and stabed her in the chest while she slept, authorities said. He remains lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending a detention hearing.

The Howell Township Police Department responded shortly after 1:30 a.m. and reported to the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Bureau that a stabbing had taken place.

MORE: Father and teenage son drown as dad tries to rescue him from lake

The first arriving officers quickly located Robert Parody and took him into custody without incident, while Loretta Parody was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment, where she was later pronounced deceased, authorities said.

Police did not reveal a possible motive in the case or whether the suspect or the victim were known to authorities before the attack.

MORE: Company that posted discriminatory 'whites only' job ad settles with federal government

The case has now been preliminarily assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner, Director of the Major Crimes Bureau, and anyone with information regarding this case is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Josh Rios at 800-533-7443 or Howell Township Police Sergeant Nick Saltzman at 732-938-4111.

New Jersey man stabs mother to death while she was sleeping: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey would help ensure every voter can safely cast their ballot and know it will be counted. (Photo by Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

New Jerseys primary election is today. Regardless of who you vote for, one thing is clear: If you want to have a voice in determining the future of both your local community and our nation, you should vote. In New Jersey, unfortunately that can be easier said than done.

Although Gov. Phil Murphy has taken some great steps to help make voting more accessible, the state still has room to strengthen voting rights further. The state is home to some of Americas worst racial disparities in voter turnout. Additionally, New Jersey citizens have faced language barriers at the polls, and New Jerseyans with disabilities have even been denied opportunities to register to vote.

Just across the Hudson River, prospects look brighter for New Yorkers casting their ballots. This is in part due to the fact that in 2022, New York passed a state-level voting rights act  the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of New York. This law helps remove barriers to the voting booth by prohibiting voter suppression, expanding language assistance for voters, prohibiting vote dilution, and more.

At the time of this columns publication, six other states have passed similar state-level voting rights acts. New Jersey has a chance to join them with its own voting rights act, known as the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey, or NJVRA for short.

You may be wondering why states like New Jersey need to pass their own acts when we have the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965. Simply put, the federal act does not fully protect voters. Many of the protections it offered have been gutted by the Supreme Court, and judges across the country are continuing to undermine its surviving protections. As I explained in a recent report for the Center for American Progress, while federal legislation awaits action in Congress, state voting rights acts can help fill these holes and even offer expanded protections for voters.

Voters of color continue to face disproportionate barriers to casting their ballots in New Jersey. The NJVRA would protect them both from voter suppression and from vote dilution methods that weaken their right to have a say in the outcome of an election. Whats more, this legislation would establish a state version of a key voter protection tool called preclearance, which prevents jurisdictions with a history of discrimination from passing discriminatory voting policies  stopping these policies before they can harm voters.

Citizens who speak limited English also face steep voting barriers in New Jersey. While the federal Voting Rights Act requires that certain jurisdictions provide language assistance to voters, its reach is limited. As a result, many New Jersey citizens fall outside the laws protections. The NJVRA would expand access above the levels currently provided by the federal Voting Rights Act  meaning more citizens could exercise their right to vote.

On an even broader scale, this voting rights act would help New Jersey strengthen its democracy by protecting voters and election workers from deception, intimidation, obstruction, and even violence. Over the past few election cycles, political violence and partisan attempts to interfere with fair elections have spiked to alarming levels across the country.

Its already been over half a century since the federal Voting Rights Act passed. The NJVRA would help ensure every voter can safely cast their ballot and know with confidence that it will be counted according to law.

The post New Jersey voters have fewer protections than New Yorkers. Its time to fix that. appeared first on New Jersey Monitor.
Jill Biden has attended each day of Hunter Biden's trial so far. Melania Trump missed every day of Donald Trump's.

First Lady Jill Biden has so far attended each day of Hunter Biden's trial, which opened Tuesday.

Her presence underscores the absence of another first lady, Melania Trump, at Donald Trump's trial.

Both the Biden and Trump trials feature unsavory personal allegations.

First Lady Jill Biden has sat in the front row each day of Hunter Biden's federal gun trial in Delaware this week, wearing crisply tailored pants suits, jotting on a white legal pad, and joking during breaks with her son.

Her presence underscores how the first family is rallying behind Biden during his trial. And it sets up a stark contrast to another first lady, Melania Trump, who was a no-show for the entirety of Donald Trump's seven-week hush-money trial in Manhattan.

First Lady Jill Biden walks into federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, on the first day of Hunter Biden's gun trial. AP/Matt Slocum

Jill Biden turned 73 on Monday and spent part of the day watching jury selection at the Delaware courthouse.

"Happy Birthday," Hunter Biden was overheard telling the first lady at one point, according to The Washington Post. "I got you a special event."

The first lady returned to court on Tuesday for opening statements. Also attending at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Courthouse in Wilmington was Biden's wife, Melissa Cohen Biden.

Hunter Biden and wife Melissa Cohen Biden enter federal court in Wilmington, Delaware for opening statements in his gun trial. AP/Matt Slocum

The trial marks the first time in American history that a sitting president's child has been a defendant in a criminal trial. He is accused of lying about his then-drug use on federal paperwork when he bought a handgun in 2018.

In opening statements, his attorney, Abbe Lowell, argued that Biden kept the gun in a locked box until his sister-in-law-turned girlfriend, Hallie Biden, threw it in a grocery store trash can 11 days after its purchase.

Lowell suggested that Biden, an admitted recovering crack-cocaine addict, misread a federal firearms application and believed he was telling the truth when he affirmed that he was not an "unlawful user" of controlled substances, according to trial coverage by multiple news outlets.

Biden may have believed he was being accurate because he was not using drugs at the time he filled out the paperwork, Lowell's opening statement suggested.

The president's son tried to strike a plea agreement with prosecutors last year, but that deal collapsed under Judge Maryellen Noreika, a Trump appointee.

The visible presence of close family members can have a positive impact on jurors, experts say.

In the weeks before his conviction on Thursday on 34 felony records-falsification counts, Donald Trump attended his hush-money trial without his wife attending at all.

Trump's son, Eric, attended roughly half the trial. Donald Trump, Jr., and daughter Tiffany Trump attended for several days. But a rotating cast of Republican Trump supporters was a constant trial presence.

A spokesperson for Melania Trump did not immediately return a request for comment, and the White House did not immediately return a request for comment on behalf of Jill Biden.

Both the Biden trial and Trump hush-money trial featured testimony that close family members could find difficult to sit through.

In Trump's trial, the jury and audience heard testimony about two of Trump's long-denied, alleged infidelities from nearly 20 years prior  involving porn star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy Bunny Karen McDougal.

In his 2021 memoir "Beautiful Things," Hunter revealed that he was smoking crack cocaine every 15 minutes back in 2018.

NEW POTUS statement as son Hunter Bidens trial gets underway. pic.twitter.com/GS50fddvt8  Kellie Meyer (@KellieMeyerNews) June 3, 2024

President Biden reaffirmed his love for his son on Monday in a rare statement addressing his son's legal troubles.

"I am the President, but I am also a Dad," Biden said in a statement. "Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today."

Read the original article on Business Insider
First lady Jill Biden arrived Tuesday morning at a Delaware courthouse where her son, Hunter Biden, is on trial on federal gun chargers.

The first lady attended the first day of the trial Monday after she and President Biden spent Sunday night at their home in Wilmington, Del., where the trial is taking place. The president has not attended the trial.

Tuesday may be Jill Bidens last appearance in the Delaware courthouse this week. Shes expected back at the White House for the Congressional Picnic at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday and then is expected to travel to France for engagements with the president.

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.

Twelve jurors and four alternates were selected Monday in the first of what could be two federal criminal trials. Prospective jurors from a slate of Delaware residents were questioned over their views on gun rights, political prosecutions and whether the defendants father could influence their ability to be fair and impartial.

The younger Biden was joined in the courthouse on Monday by his wife, Melissa, and sister, Ashley Biden, as well as his brother-in-law, Peter Neal.

Republicans have repeatedly used him as a target for political attacks, attempting to tie his business dealings directly to 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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, has filed paperwork to run in 2026 for state chief financial officer as incumbent CFO Jimmy Patronis faces term limits. Gruters, a former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, opened a campaign account for the Cabinet race last week, according to the state Division of Elections website. He is the first prominent candidate to file paperwork for a 2026 Cabinet campaign.

Gruters, a certified public accountant, has been widely expected to run for CFO. In March, former President Donald Trump said he would support a Gruters campaign.

Joe was on the Trump Train before it even left the station and, if he decides to run, he will have my Complete and Total Endorsement, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Gruters was first elected to the Senate in 2018 after serving two years in the House.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Endorsed by Trump, Sarasota's Joe Gruters to run for Florida CFO
The John Deere Foundation has partnered with the University of Iowa and Davenport Community School District to offer a pipeline to higher education for Davenport students. (Photo courtesy of the Davenport Community School District)

The John Deere Foundation has committed $6.6 million over six years to a collaboration with the University of Iowa and Davenport Community School District to provide additional education, support services and funds to high school seniors.

I think this is an excellent example of the public sector and the private sector coming together to solve real world problems, and address things like poverty, address things like access to education and then, obviously, address workforce needs, said Liz Tovar, UI executive officer and associate vice president of the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity.

Starting this fall, seniors at Davenport Central, North, West, and Mid City high schools will have access to extracurricular college prep courses and other activities, as well as help with processes to access financial aid and enroll in college through the John Deere Scholars program. Tovar said the program will also expose the students to higher education through campus visits and the like.

In spring 2025, those overseeing the program will select 20 seniors to receive scholarships that will fund 90% of their cost to attend the UI for four years. Sixty seniors in total will receive these scholarships over the next three years, Tovar said.

Some parts of the program are still in progress, Tovar said, including the hiring of a local director to work with the Davenport school counselors in teaching the courses and overseeing other aspects of the program. All of these efforts will set students up for success, especially those with financial or other needs, and will hopefully bring Davenports best and brightest to the UI.

This partnership will provide a tremendous opportunity for our students, said TJ Schneckloth, superintendent of the Davenport Community School District, in a news release. Our district is committed to preparing our students for their post-secondary education. The John Deere Scholars Program offers a generation changing opportunity for our students to receive the college education they might never have thought was possible.

When choosing students for the scholarships, Tovar said theyll have needed to engage with the program throughout the year, file the FAFSA federal student aid application and demonstrate a financial need. Theyre taking a more holistic approach overall, however, Tovar said, wanting to know about these students future goals and where they want to end up, whether thats in Iowa or somewhere else.

Tovar said she sees the John Deere Scholars program as an opportunity to build future leaders, young people who can succeed in a global society and diverse workforce. Skills that John Deere looks for in employees could be incorporated into the precollege coursework, she said, and work with the companys foundation may be worked into scholar program requirements during the students time at the UI, which will also include fieldwork and networking opportunities in their field of study.

We believe education is the foundation for success, said Mara Downing, president of the John Deere Foundation and vice president of global brand and communications at John Deere, in the release. By investing in our community, John Deere is also investing in opportunities for the leaders of tomorrow. We are excited to begin the John Deere Scholars Program and watch these future leaders achieve their dreams.

The John Deere Foundation has a longstanding relationship with the UI, Tovar said, having lent support to past initiatives on campus. When the foundation reached out to the UI Center for Advancement, looking at ways to give back to students in the companys community, the university put together a proposal for the scholars program. The Davenport Community School District was then brought in to work with its counselors and pinpoint where the greatest needs are.

An average of 90 students come from Davenport to the UI every year, Tovar said, some of whose families have great financial need. Knowing that the John Deere Scholars program will help more future students seek a higher education, Tovar said the goal is to continue it and expand to other schools and areas of the state, if they can get financial backing.

We know that were going to be successful with this program, and we know that theres a need, not just in Davenport but across our state, Tovar said. So our hope and goal is to find as many individuals as possible who can financially support it and back this type of a program  hopefully we can duplicate it.

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The post John Deere Scholars program offers pipeline to UI education for Davenport students appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed an executive order Tuesday to temporarily shut down asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border, depending on the volume of migrants seeking asylum.

The order would turn away migrants crossing the border once the average number of daily encounters hits 2,500 between ports of entry.

Following the order, Missouri U.S. Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt offered responses to FOX 2:

Josh Hawley

Hawley told FOX 2 in a virtual one-on-one interview that there should be stronger limits on border security.

What a joke, said Hawley. Here is a guy who has let in 9 million illegal immigrants into this country in the last three years.

Hawley says this has led to crime concerns in Missouri and nationally.

This president is responsible, and now he says, maybe if a few thousand more [migrants] every single day cross the border, maybe hell think about closing it down. Close it now. He should have closed it years ago, but close it now.

Hawley describes the order as window-dressing ahead of the November 2024 reelection.

Its total window-dressing, and I dont think the American people are going to buy it, said Hawley. But its 100% window dressing. This is the guy who opened the border. Lets not forget, he opened it, and now hes saying, Oops, a lot of people came in.  Maybe Ill think about closing it temporarily in the future. Hes not even doing it today. This executive order does not close the border. It doesnt do anything. It says, Maybe in the future, Ill take some action. Its a joke.

Eric Schmitt

Schmitt shared a video Tuesday of him speaking against the executive order. He argues that the Biden administration has reversed Trump-era policies that have weakened border security.

Schmitt also offered this statement to FOX 2 on Tuesday.

Americans see right through this election year posturing. In his first 100 days, Biden reversed nearly 100 executive actions, which opened up our border to the tune of 10 million illegal immigrant crossings since he took office. This executive order would normalize another 1.75 million illegal immigrant crossings each and every year and further encourage cartel trafficking of children. Joe Biden has every authority he needs to completely close the border  he just doesnt want to,

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
JERUSALEM, June 4 (Xinhua) -- An annual report issued Tuesday by the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) reveals continuous growth in the Israeli hi-tech sector despite the country's ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The report revealed a 2.6 percent increase in hi-tech sector employment in 2023, with the workforce climbing to 396,000 following the addition of 10,000 new employees last year.

Other positive growth indicators included the hi-tech sector's significant contribution to Israel's gross domestic product, which approached one-fifth in 2023. Moreover, the sector's share of Israeli exports reached 53 percent, amounting to a total of 73.5 billion U.S. dollars.

However, the report also pointed to a downturn in some indices related to key business activities, reflecting underlying concerns among companies and investors about the sector's future sustainability and growth potential.

Investment in Israeli startups saw a sharp decline of around 55 percent year-on-year in 2023, with later funding rounds being the most affected.

Furthermore, the impact of the conflict on tech companies has manifested in slowed business activity, delays in product development, and failure to meet initial goals, according to the report.

IIA CEO Dror Bin warned that the impact of the war, already reflected in the country's credit rating downgrade, could lead to a decrease in investments and capital inflows to Israel.

"In a sector reliant on foreign capital for growth, this is a significant threat," he added. 
Giant venomous flying spiders with 4-inch legs are real, and they're going to potentially invade the New York area sometime this year, according to the New Jersey Pest Control.

Joro spiders are coming to the Northeast after initially infiltrating the Southeastern U.S. from Japan, the pest control service said in a news release earlier this year. Georgia served as the "ground zero" for the arachnids in 2021 as residents saw the spiders in urban and rural areas, WUGA, the University of Georgia's public FM radio station, reported.

Joro spiders: Invasive Joro spiders are weaving their web across the US: What to know about the arachnid

This image shows a Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata).

The Japanese spider is "hard to miss " due to its "striking appearance and distinct behavior," according to the Flanders, New Jersey-based pest control service. The spiders are a "vibrant yellow" and have black coloration, the extermination service's release said.

What makes the Joro spider different from other spiders is its ability to fly by using a technique called "ballooning," the pest control service said. Ballooning involves the spider releasing silk threads into the air, which allows them to be carried by the wind, according to the release.

How did Joro spiders come to America?

The theory behind the Joro spiders' origin in the U.S. is that the venomous arachnids were unintentionally transported by way of cargo shipments, international trade and personal travel, the New Jersey Pest Control said.

It is unclear exactly how they got to America, but the "consequences of their arrival are becoming increasingly evident," according to the pest control service.

The Joro spiders ability to adapt to various environments and reproduce rapidly led to them successfully establishing the Southeast as its initial epicenter, the pest control service said.

This spider is going to be able to inhabit most of the eastern U.S., David Coyle, invasive species expert at the University of Clemson, said in October 2023. It shows that their comfort area in their native range matches up very well with much of North America... Barring some unforeseen circumstance, we expect the range of these things to continue expanding, likely to the north, and weve already seen that with some populations in Maryland."

Jose R. Ramirez-Garofalo, an ecologist at Rutgers University's Lockwood Lab, told the Staten Island Advance in April that "it is a matter of when, (and) not if" the spiders make their way to New York and New Jersey.

How will Joro spiders affect local ecosystems?

The introduction of the Joro spiders can "disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems," according to the exterminators.

When in their native habitats, which are within the borders of Southeast Asia, Joro spiders control insect populations because they act as "natural pest controllers," the pest control service said.

This undated image shows a Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata).

"The Joro spiders predatory nature may decrease native insect populations, affecting the food web and potentially causing a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem," according to the exterminators.

For humans, particularly residents and local authorities, Joro spiders could cause "fear and apprehension" due to the intimidating appearance of the arachnids, the pest control service said. The Joro spiders' venom is typically not deadly to humans, but when bit, it can cause discomfort and allergic reactions in some people, according to the release.

How to get rid of the Joro spiders?

The Joro spiders seem to be here to stay, so there are not any definitive ways to get rid of them.

"In the face of the unprecedented Joro spider invasion, communities must unite, educate, and adapt," the pest control service said. "The delicate balance of ecosystems requires a nuanced understanding of these arachnids, emphasizing coexistence and responsible management. As we conclude, let us remember the importance of harmonizing with nature to foster resilient and sustainable ecosystems."

People who encounter Joro spiders can call their local pest control services to exterminate them from their homes or property. Aside from extermination, the public's options are limited as entomologists and ecologists continue to study the colorful creatures' migration to America.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Giant venomous flying joro spiders to invade the New York area in 2024
Over the course of his career, the longtime journalist worked for Politico, CNBC and The New York Times

x Journalist Ben White

Journalist Ben White has died, according to his partner.

Im heartbroken to tell you that Ben died on Saturday, June 1 after a brief illness, his partner Sara announced in in a message to his X account on Tuesday, June 4.

He loved his family, being a journalist, rooting for the Yankees and the Commanders and so much more. Hell forever be in my heart and will be missed by so many, she continued, adding a broken heart emoji.

Additional details about his cause of death have not yet been publicly shared.

White joined Politico in 2009, serving as their chief economic correspondent and author of the Morning Money column, where he regularly covered finance and public policy, per his bio on the news site.

x Journalist Ben White

Before that, he worked as a Wall Street reporter for The New York Times, during which time he was honored with a Society of Business Editors and Writers award for his coverage of the financial crisis.

Additionally, he served as a Wall Street correspondent and U.S. Banking Editor at the Financial Times from 2005 to 2007 and had worked as a CNBC contributor since 2013.

Related: CNN Political Commentator Alice Stewart Dead at 58: Our Hearts Are Heavy

Following news of his death, a number of fellow journalists expressed their condolences via social media.

"What terrible news," CNN's Jake Tapper wrote in one social media tribute. "I'm so sorry."

Ben was an outstanding reporter and human. We all looked up to him, Brian Stelter added in another message.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In a third tribute, Chuck Todd, chief political analyst for NBC News wrote, Im just at a loss for words. Bens a former Hotliner and was just, frankly, one of the good ones, both as a person and a journalist. Im so so sorry for his family.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
(Photo via Getty Images)

A district court judge declined to reduce the sentence of a former police officer accused of repeatedly harassing and stalking a woman in recent years, according to court records.

Walter Pacheco, 29, of Pleasant Hill, was sentenced to up to 19 years in prison in April after the judge decided he had wantonly violated the terms of his probation and ignored a warning from another judge that he was teetering toward incarceration.

Less than a month later in May, Pacheco asked the judge to reconsider the sentence and put him back on probation, which he pledged to not violate again.

The courts action of sentencing the defendant to prison has impressed upon him the importance of living a lawful lifestyle, his attorney, David Barajas of Des Moines, wrote in the request.

Pacheco  a former police officer in Carroll and Eagle Grove who is also known by the surname Pacheco Belen  has been convicted of burglary, stalking, tampering with a witness and willful injury.

A Des Moines-area woman was the victim of most of those crimes, and court records show Pacheco frequently sought to contact her and convince her to drop the charges against him through dozens of emails, telephone calls from jail and by using his mother as a conduit for the communications. All of that was barred by no-contact orders.

Pacheco initially received suspended prison sentences and probation until a judge sentenced him in August to 24 days in jail for attempting to contact the woman at her workplace.

Defendant was knocking on and looking into windows for the victim, District Judge Jeffrey Farrell wrote. This is very concerning conduct, particularly in light of the stalking and burglary convictions.

Farrell warned Pacheco that he might go to prison for further infractions, but less than two months later Pacheco was arrested for felony stalking in violation of a protective order.

He is accused of approaching the woman at a fitness center on Oct. 16 despite her attempts to avoid him, which included being escorted from the building by employees to her vehicle, court records show. Video evidence presented at a recent court hearing showed Pacheco and his mother yelling at the woman from right outside her vehicle and that Pacheco tailed her in his vehicle.

Pacheco is further accused of sending her 39 emails after the incident, court records show.

The defendant has made it clear that he will not abide by the no contact order, and based on the sentencing goal of protection of the public, the court found that revocation (of probation) was appropriate, District Judge Sarah Crane wrote when she denied Pachecos motion to reconsider the sentence. The defendant has not raised any argument that would lead the court to reconsider this determination.

Pacheco is still held in the Polk County Jail, according to jail records. His trial for the stalking charge is set for next month, and he faces up to 10 additional prison years.

The post Judge denies ex-cops request to reconsider prison sentence appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Jared Hendrix, left, and Scott Tillman haul boxes full of signed petitions for a ballot measure to establish an age limit for North Dakota congressional delegates into the Capitol on Feb. 9, 2024. The measure, if passed by voters, would make it so no North Dakotan could be elected to Congress if they will reach their 81st birthday by the end of their term. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

A federal judge granted a request from plaintiffs to dismiss a lawsuit against North Dakota over its prohibition on out-of-state residents circulating political petitions.

In a motion to dismiss, the plaintiffs said that instead of moving forward with the case, they want to instead focus on legal challenges against similar bans in Arkansas and Missouri.

In the motion, filed last week in U.S. District Court, the plaintiffs said their ultimate goal is to overturn a 2001 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that found North Dakotas ban constitutional.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland granted the motion Monday.

The lawsuit challenging the provision was filed in September by Fargo resident Jared Hendrix, Texas resident Trenton Pool and his petition company Accelevate 2020, and two political advocacy groups: Retire Congress North Dakota and the Liberty Initiative Fund, which is headquartered in Virginia.

In a Monday text to the North Dakota Monitor, Hendrix said he still supports the aim of the lawsuit, but that he and the other plaintiffs no longer have the time and money to pursue it.

We should have the same ability to hire campaign professionals as any other campaign, he said.

The North Dakota Constitution requires voter-initiated ballot measures to be circulated by North Dakota residents. The point of the provision is to make sure major changes to North Dakota law come from North Dakota residents.

A state law makes violating this requirement a class A misdemeanor, which comes with maximum penalties of up to 360 days in jail, an up to $3,000 fine or both.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs claimed that the rule makes it more difficult and more expensive to recruit competent petition circulators. They said this was unfairly burdening organizers behind a voter-initiated measure to set age limits on North Dakota congressional delegates  a proposal Hendrix also spearheads as chair of Retire Congress North Dakota.

The plaintiffs also argued in the complaint that petition circulation counts as grassroots political speech protected by the First and Fourteenth amendments of the U.S. Constitution.

Unfortunately, the legal process was unable to resolve this for us in time to impact our campaign, Hendrix said in the text.

Originally, the plaintiffs said they feared the restriction would preclude supporters of the voter-initiated measure from gathering enough signatures to get on the election ballot.

However, petitioners successfully submitted the required number of signatures by the February deadline. The proposal will appear on the June 11 primary ballot.

If approved by voters, the measure would amend the North Dakota Constitution to bar residents from being elected or appointed to Congress if they would turn 81 by the end of their term.

Secretary of State Michael Howe (Provided)

Secretary of State Michael Howe said hes glad the plaintiffs dropped the case, but frustrated that North Dakota has already spent thousands in taxpayer money litigating it.

North Dakotas constitution was intended for North Dakotans  that only the people of North Dakota are allowed to change North Dakotas constitution, Howe said.

The state spent roughly $51,000 in attorney fees and another $5,500 in other costs on the suit, according to documents filed by an attorney representing North Dakota in the case.

The state said in the response it is not seeking to recoup those costs at this time, but may in the future if the plaintiffs were ever to bring a similar suit.

The case was scheduled to go to trial in 2025.

The post Judge dismisses lawsuit against North Dakota related to petition circulators appeared first on North Dakota Monitor.
Hunter Biden, 54, is currently on trial after being indicted for allegedly lying on the paperwork required to purchase a Colt Cobra revolver in 2018. The four-page indictment accuses him of providing false information during the firearm transaction.

President Joe Biden's son has pleaded not guilty to the three charges against him despite being open about his struggles with alcohol and crack cocaine addiction.

Jury selection in Hunter Biden's trial was selected on Monday, however, the Judge has announced they "lost" one juror overnight.

Jury Selected In Hunter Biden's Gun Trial

MEGA

The initial jury selection ended on Monday, with a total of 12 individuals, which include a substitute teacher, a former Secret Service employee, and multiple gun owners.

The jury also includes a woman who mentioned she has lost many friends to drug addiction, as well as gun owners, including one who believes that people who smoke marijuana should still be allowed to own firearms.

They were ordered back in court on Tuesday for opening statements.

Jury 'Lost' One Overnight

MEGA

According to ABC, Judge Maryellen Noreika took the bench this morning ahead of opening statements, telling the courthouse attended that they had "lost" one juror overnight.

"We lost a juror overnight," Judge Noreika said, noting that the individual "begged" to be released as they live far away and do not have reliable transportation. The individual said they could only attend on Monday because their father was off work. They claimed they did not know they were required to be in court daily.

After an hour delay, opening statements in Hunter Biden's trial began.

'No One Is Above The Law'

MEGA

Opening statements began on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, with prosecutor Derek Hines telling the jury that "no one is above the law."

Were here because of the defendants lies and choices, Hines said of Hunter Biden. No one is above the law. It doesnt matter who you are or what your name is. He then claimed that the 54-year-old chose to illegally own a firearm."

According to CNN, prosecutors showed a picture of the 54-year-old's Colt revolver during their opening statements, as well as images of the hollow-point ammunition that he bought that same day.

Hines also told the jury that the employee at the gun store who sold Hunter the gun is expected to testify about the form the Presidents son filled out, where Hunter said he was not addicted to or using illegal drugs. However, the indictment claims, when in fact, as he knew, that statement was false and fictitious."

A gun salesman doesnt have a crystal ball to determine whats true or false, Hines said as they showed the form to the jury. He lied on the ATF form, the prosecutor claimed.

History In The Making

MEGA

This marks a historic moment for the United States and the presidency, as no President has ever faced the challenge of running the country while their child is on trial.

For any parent to watch their child go through addiction and now face possible jail time, its harrowing," CNN presidential historian Douglas Brinkley said. "You would hope that family would be his comfort zone. But in this case, family is probably his biggest worry of the moment."

Hunter Biden's trial comes days after Donald Trump became the first President in history to become a convicted felon.

Hunter Biden's Trial Comes Days After Donald Trump Was Found Guilty

MEGA

As these two trials have occurred days apart, many are trying to compare the two, but Democrats are dismissing it.

Hunter Biden is not running for president. President Donald Trump's running for president," Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland said, per CNN. Democrats are not out there saying that Hunter Biden's trial is a farce, it's a fraud, it's rigged. We're not attacking the justice system."

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," he added. "That's where their party is.

Rep. Robert Garcia of California agreed. Hes not the President of the United States, hes not a public figure," he said.
Judge strikes down NC restrictions on abortion pills. What it means for access

The laws for North Carolinians seeking to take a pill to end a pregnancy are changing.

A federal judge issued her final ruling Monday in a lawsuit by an OB-GYN challenging state regulations on medication abortion.

The ruling marks the potential end of a months-long lawsuit and means:

 Mifepristone does not need to be taken in a clinical setting and can be taken in ones own home.

 The pill can be provided by pharmacies and not solely by licensed physicians.

 A follow-up appointment is not required, but an advance consultation is.

Heres a look at what else the ruling means.

What was the lawsuit about?

The lawsuit was filed by Dr. Amy Bryant of UNC Health in January 2023. This is the same month that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a protocol for certified pharmacies to provide mifepristone directly to patients.

This approval opened access to the drug for people beyond clinical settings and for delivery by a mail-order pharmacy with a valid prescription. Mifepristone is the first part of a two-pill regimen for the termination of a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks of gestation.

Bryant challenged the states regulations on mifepristone. More specifically, she challenged state laws in place around prescribing the pill, such as requiring doctors to provide the pill in-person at certified facilities, and after a 72-hour waiting period.

She argued that the FDAs usage requirements, which are more lenient than state laws, preempt North Carolinas restrictions.

Who were the parties in the case?

Bryant filed the lawsuit against the states top lawyer, Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat. She also named Kody Kinsley, the secretary of North Carolinas Department of Health and Human Services, as well as a district attorney and members of the state medical board as defendants in this case.

After Stein recused himself from the lawsuit  opting instead to argue against the state laws in a legal brief  House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger were allowed to join the lawsuit in defense of the laws.

In a court filing, attorneys for Berger and Moore said that the lawsuit seeks to eradicate important state-law protections for unborn children and their mothers health and welfare, and that the FDA does not have the final say over one of the most divisive and consequential social and political issues of our day and the past fifty years.

What did the judge decide?

U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles, tasked with reviewing the case, had previously issued a detailed opinion in early May granting a partial victory to Bryant.

In that opinion, Eagles argued that several state abortion laws on medication abortion went against a congressional mandate that the FDA create the regulatory framework for safe drug distribution and use.

On Monday, Eagles issued a judgment and permanent injunction, essentially a final court order requiring compliance by the parties involved.

In this determination, Eagles ruled that the following provisions are preempted by federal law:

Prohibitions on health care providers other than physicians providing mifepristone.

Requirements that mifepristone be provided in-person.

Requirements that an in-person follow-up appointment be scheduled, or that efforts be made to ensure such a follow-up appointment.

Requirements on reporting non-fatal complications caused by the drug to the FDA.

Eagles ruled that not only were the state laws specifically cited in the lawsuit preempted by the FDA, but also any other similar provisions in state law.

Eagles wrote that enforcement, penalization, or requiring compliance with any of the provisions is prohibited.

She also held that requirements not preempted by the FDA, such as requirements for an in-person, 72-hour advance consultation and blood type testing, were allowed to stand.

NC Reality Check is an N&O series holding those in power accountable and shining a light on public issues that affect the Triangle or North Carolina. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@newsobserver.com
Who is Julie Etchingham? The ITV presenter hosting the first general election debate

Julie Etchinham will moderate the debate between Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak (Matt Frost/ITV via Getty Images)

Sir Keir Starmer and prime minister Rishi Sunak with go head-to-head on Tuesday evening as ITV hosts the first general election debate between the leaders of the UKs two largest parties.

It marks the first in a packed line-up of debates throughout June, all hosted by either the BBC, ITV or Sky.

Tuesdays television event will be hosted by Julie Etchingham, a veteran journalist and presenter who has been a leading figure at ITV since 2008.

Julie Etchingham is set to host the first head-to-head debate between Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak (ITV/PA)

Ms Etchingham will also host the channels second debate, which will see senior figures representing seven of the UKs largest parties hash it out on June 13.

It comes after Mr Sunak challenged Sir Keir to six TV debates in after calling the general election  one a week until the general election.

For the latest political updates in the run up to the general election, follow The Independents live coverage

I could do one, I could do one hundred, I know what hes going to say, said the Labour leader at the time.

Now it would seem the prime minister got his wish, with at least some version of a debate taking place every week in the run-up to the general election. It remains to be seen whether the party leaders take part in all of them, or if their deputies will step up to some instead.

Heres everything you need to know about the host of the debate on ITV:

Who is Julie Etchingham?

Ms Etchingham interviews Tony Blair for Sky News in 2005 (Getty Images)

Ms Etchingham began her career as a journalist 30 years ago in 1994, joining the BBC as a trainee before moving to Sky News in 2005.

Born in 1969, Ms Etchingham grew up in Leicester, where both her parents were teachers. She attended Cambridge University where she gained a degree in English.

In 2008 she joined ITV News at Ten as a newscaster and continues in this role today alongside her other ITV projects such as the Tonight programme.

The TV presenter is no stranger to hosting political debates. In 2015, she hosted the ITV Leaders Debate, the only programme of that election cycle to host then-prime minister David Cameron.

Ms Etchingham received plaudits for her cool and composed moderating style, able to reign in the big personalities and allow everyone a fair platform to speak.

Her performance earned her the same role at ITVs 2017 and 2019 leaders debates, as well as the 2022 debate between the Conservative candidates for Boris Johnsons replacement as leader.

Although generally cool under pressure, an awkward moment arose in 2007 when Ms Etchingham made a quip at the expense of then-leader of the opposition David Cameron whilst working for Sky News

Speaking about immigration at a political event, Mr Cameron said: Here our policy should be obvious...

...Extermination, followed Ms Etchingham, unaware that her microphone was on.

Sky News was quick to apologise for the slip-up, which it called regrettable. Ms Etchingham said of the incident [it was] not my finest hour, adding that she apologised to Cameron personally.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Civic leaders, community advocates, education and business leaders, and medical and behavioral specialists in the bi-state, Kansas City area are taking part in a new public health campaign that aims to help kids and teens across the metro.

Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas Mayors Quinton Lucas and Tyrone Garner, and Johnson County Commission Chair Mike Kelly launched the community-wide campaign on June 3 with a proclamation that named June RaisingKC Month.

Alzheimers & Brain Awareness Month: How to prevent, early signs

According to a news release, this campaign aims to tell communities, The #1 way to prevent toxic stress and lifelong mental, physical and behavioral health problems, the greatest public health threats of our time, is at least one safe, stable, nurturing adult-child relationship.

RaisingKC, which is led by the Raised with Love and Limits Foundation, is the effort of Kansas City civic leaders and health experts, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Childrens Hospital Association, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry to recognize how childrens lives are affected by toxic stress.

Toxic stress serves as the root cause of many mental, behavioral and medical health crises around the country. It can cause violence, bullying, suicide, anxiety, heart disease, obesity, drug addiction and more, RaisingKC said.

The campaign began on June 3 and kick started a bi-state collaboration with over 70 public libraries. These libraries will be offering RaisingKC Bookmarks that feature a coupon for two free scoops of ice cream at Culvers for a child and adult to share.

Westlake Ace Hardware, Salvation Army host Fan Drive for KC residents

In addition, from June 4 to June 15, a colorful 10-by-10-foot RaisingKC Quilt, created by several local artists, will be displayed at Union Stations Grand Hall. This piece of art symbolizes the importance of healthy, supportive and comforting child-adult relationships.

If you are looking for more information about children with toxic stress and would like some helpful resources for your family or kids you know, visit RaisingKC.org or fill out the Behavior Checker online.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
When is Juneteenth observed in 2024? Is there mail delivery? All about the federal holiday

America's Second Independence Day is coming soon.

So what is Juneteenth? And why is it celebrated? Here's what to know.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth commemorates the day -- June 19, 1865 -- when federal soldiers arrived in Galveston to take control of Texas and ensure the slaves were freed per the Emancipation Proclamation, according to the History Channel. Juneteenth -- short for June nineteenth -- marks the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest running African American holiday.

When is Juneteenth observed in 2024?

Juneteenth will be marked on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Unlike other federal holidays, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day, that are observed on a specific day of the week, Juneteenth is celebrated on the actual day.

On what date was the Emancipation Proclamation issued?

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. But its effect was limited, according to the National Archives. It only applied to states that seceded during the Civil War, leaving slavery intact for slave states that stayed with the Union.

It also could not be enforced until Confederate states were under Union control, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Therefore, it took until June 19, 1865, for slaves in Texas to be freed.

Slavery in America was formally abolished with the 13th Amendment, which was ratified Dec. 6, 1865.

Valerie Boyer, dressed as Lady Liberty, leads the procession during the Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival in the Ohio Village on the grounds of the Ohio History Center on June 18, 2023.

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?

Yes. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. President Joe Biden signed legislation on June 17, 2021, according to USA TODAY, after Congress passed The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act that same month.

Juneteenth began rising to prominence in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, a Black man, sparked protests across the country against police brutality, USA TODAY reports.

Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., first introduced the Juneteenth bill in 2020 following the killings of Floyd and Breonna Taylor of Louisville, Kentucky. His initial attempt to pass the bill was unsuccessful.

Is there mail delivery on Juneteenth? Is the post office open?

No. As a federal holiday, the U.S. Postal Service is closed that day, and there will be no mail delivered.

Are banks closed for Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a Federal Reserve bank holiday, meaning the organization that regulates the nation's banking system is closed, according to Bankrate.com.

Banks aren't required to close for Federal Reserve holidays, but they often do. Transactions made during these holidays won't be posted until the next business day.

Is the stock market closed on Juneteenth?

The New York Stock Exchange is closed on federal holidays and will be closed on Juneteenth, according to its website.

Is trash pickup delayed for Juneteenth?

Trash pickup may be delayed because of Juneteenth, depending on the hauler. Contact your municipality or private provider to learn more.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: What is Juneteenth? Is the post office open? Are banks closed? What to know
DAMASCUS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- A large fire engulfed over 247 acres of agricultural land in the southern province of Sweida late on Monday, Syria's state TV reported.

There have been no reports of casualties or injuries so far and the cause of the fire is not known, said the report.

Fire brigades, along with the Directorate of Agriculture, Civil Defense, the Water Authority, and local residents, are working to contain the blaze. 
Juror offered more than $120,000 for acquittal in ongoing federal fraud case, FBI says

A high-profile federal fraud trial in Minneapolis was rocked this week by allegations that someone tried to bribe a juror with more than $120,000. The FBI says the cash bribe was delivered by an unidentified woman to the home of a person identified as Juror #52.

The juror was dismissed Monday after serving for seven weeks in the trial of seven defendants connected to Feeding Our Future, a non-profit organization allegedly used to skim nearly $250 million from federal child nutrition programs.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune and CNN affiliate KARE reported that a second juror was dismissed Tuesday after hearing about the bribery attempt. Both dismissed jurors were replaced with alternates.

According to an FBI affidavit, a relative answered the door when the cash was delivered to the jurors home. The woman told the relative to tell Juror #52 to say not guilty tomorrow and there would be more of that present tomorrow, the affidavit said. The person delivering the bribe used the jurors first name.

While the general public did not have access to the personal information of jurors, counsel for the government, counsel for the defense, and the seven defendants on trial had access to this information, the affidavit states.

The FBI seized all seven defendants cell phones, but no one has been charged in connection with the attempted bribe.

The home of one of the defendants was raided by the FBI Wednesday, KARE reported. Neighbors saw agents carrying bags out of the home of Abdiaziz Farah, the news station reported.

An FBI spokesperson did not confirm who lived at the home.

The FBI was present in Savage, MN conducting court authorized law enforcement activity. I cannot provide or confirm any additional information, spokesperson Diana Freedman told the Associated Press.

CNN reached out to Farahs attorney, Andrew Birrell, for comment on the search Thursday. He declined to comment to the Associated Press Wednesday.

Attorneys for all of the defendants condemned the allegations, the Sahan Journal reported. The claims about a juror being approached in this way are beyond shocking theyre un-American, Birrell told the news outlet earlier this week.

Photos of the stacks of cash delivered by an unidentified woman to the home of Juror #52 were included in an FBI affidavit in a federal case targeting the defrauding of federal child nutrition programs. - United States District Court

Photos taken by police showed multiple stacks of cash  including $20, $50 and $100 bills  held together with rubber bands and placed in a large fabric shopping bag decorated with flowers and butterflies.

Juror #52 is not accused of any wrongdoing and immediately called 911 after receiving the bag of money, FBI Special Agent Travis Wilmer said.

After learning of the allegations, Judge Nancy Brasel ordered all seven defendants on trial to be held without bond and also sequestered the remaining jurors, the Star-Tribune reported.

Thursday marks the third day of jury deliberations.

This story has been updated with additional information.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Jury selection started Monday for President Joe Bidens son, Hunter Biden.

The federal trial stems from three felony charges related to the younger Bidens unlawful purchase and possession of a gun.

Its the first time in U.S. history the son of a sitting president will face a jury of his peers in a courtroom.

Prosecutors say Hunter Biden lied when he said he was not on drugs when he filled out a form to buy a gun.

These forms are filled under the penalty of perjury, said former federal prosecutor Steve Baric.

Former federal prosecutor Steve Baric told NewsNation he believes Hunter will take the stand.

Potential jurors answered questions about their views on guns, drugs and politics.

President Biden kept his son close this weekend, riding bikes and going to church.

Monday morning, he released a statement saying, 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.

Striking a tone where youre supportive of your son, but not commenting on the legal side of things is probably the most appropriate under these circumstances, said Baric.

If convicted, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)  A jury was seated Monday in the federal gun case against President Joe Bidens son Hunter, after prospective panelists were questioned about their thoughts on gun rights and drug addiction while the first lady watched from the front row of the courtroom.

Opening statements were set to begin Tuesday after the jurors  six men and six women plus four women serving as alternates  were instructed by Judge Maryellen Noreika not to talk or read about the case.

Hunter Biden 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. Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty and has argued hes being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department, after Republicans decried the now-defunct plea deal as special treatment for the Democratic presidents 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 courts have taken center stage during the 2024 campaign.

Jury selection moved at a clip. The pool was chosen from roughly 65 people. Those who answered yes on an initial questionnaire were quizzed individually by 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.

One potential juror 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.

Its not a good one, she replied when an attorney asked her opinion.

Another was excused because he was aware of the case and said, It seems like politics is playing a big role in who gets charged with what and when.

Jurors who were chosen included a woman whose sister was convicted about 10 years ago of credit card fraud and drug charges in Delaware. One male jurors father had been killed in a crime involving a gun, and his brother went to jail for possession of a narcotic. Another woman on the panel has a husband who is a gun owner and formerly in law enforcement. A third juror, also a woman, gets her news from YouTube and said she was vaguely aware of the case.

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 the 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, former U.S. attorney for Delaware, David Weiss, 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 his only living son and his sobriety and who must now watch as his sons 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 with Trump.

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, which he left shortly after court adjourned 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 Bidens sister, Ashley Biden, was also in court, and his wife, Melissa.

Aboard Air Force One on the way to Connecticut on Monday night, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked if the case might affect the presidents ability to do his job and replied, Absolutely not.

He always puts the American people first, and is capable of doing his job, said Jean-Pierre, who declined to say if Biden got updates on the trial throughout the day or spoke to his son after the proceedings conclusion.

Earlier, when the court took a break for lunch, Hunter Biden walked over to his mother 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 ladys 73rd birthday.

A family friend, Ricky Smith, sat in the audience and embraced him warmly during a break.

It aint 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 didnt 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 its unclear whether the judge would give him time behind bars.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jury to deliberate a third day in embezzlement trial for attorney of former Carhartt leader

Jurors will return for a third day of deliberations Wednesday in the trial of Grosse Pointe Farms attorney David Sutherland, who is accused of embezzling from the trusts of former Carhartt leader and philanthropist Gretchen Carhartt Valade.

The jury has deliberated more than eight hours total between Monday and Tuesday.

It indicated in a note Monday it was deadlocked and returned to deliberate Tuesday. It indicated in a note Tuesday that it was still deadlocked and asked to break for lunch.

After lunch, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Paul John Cusick told jurors this is not completely uncommon in a long trial with a lot of evidence, and gave jurors a standard instruction on what to do when deadlocked.

Attorney James Joseph Sullivan, left, speaks with his client David Sutherland, an attorney who has been charged with embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from recently deceased Carhartt heiress Gretchen Valade's trust, after an arraignment hearing at Grosse Pointe Farms Municipal Court on January 11, 2023.

"Take your time, there is no rush," he told jurors, adding if there was no verdict Tuesday, they would return Wednesday to continue deliberations.

On Tuesday, the jury had two questions related to Valade's 2009 irrevocable trust and the business/entities that are a part of the trust. The trust is one of two at the center of the case.

The Michigan Attorney General's Office accused Sutherland of embezzling millions from Valade trusts when he served as trustee of them. He is charged with two counts of embezzlement over $100,000, one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult of $100,000 or more and one count of conducting criminal enterprises. Each charge is a 20-year felony offense, the Attorney General's Office has said.

The trial began May 15 and wrapped up Friday after closing arguments. About two dozen witnesses testified, including Sutherland, who took the stand last week.

On Tuesday, jurors asked if they had the most revised copy of the 2009 irrevocable trust. Cusick told them they did and provided them with prosecution and defense exhibits regarding the trust and the limited powers of appointment, which are revisions to the trust.

The jury's second question was what entities/businesses are a part of the 2009 trust. Cusick told them the entities/businesses are: Metropolitan Hotel (also known as 33 John R Partners), Punch and Judy (also known as DGCV and Premier Equities), St. Regis Hotel, St. Regis Apartments and G4.

Valade, a businesswoman, philanthropist and arts patron, died at her Grosse Pointe Farms home on Dec. 30, 2022. She was 97 and the granddaughter of Carhartt Inc. founder Hamilton Carhartt. Sutherland was arraigned in 2023, less than two weeks after her death.

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.

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Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jury remains at loggerheads in trial of Gretchen Valade's lawyer
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)  A jury was seated 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 while the first lady watched from the front row of the courtroom in a show of support for her son. Opening statements will begin Tuesday.

A jury of 12 panelists and four alternates was selected in one day.

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.

More than 65 prospective jurors who 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.

Its not a good one, she replied when an attorney asked her opinion.

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 hes being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department, after Republicans decried the now-defunct plea deal as special treatment for the Democratic presidents son.

Donald Trump joins TikTok after previously trying to ban platform

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. 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.

One man was dismissed after telling the judge he had sold guns in the past and was familiar with the forms that need to be filled out. Also dismissed was a woman who said her husband was a friend of Joe Bidens late son, Beau, and that she thought Hunter was a good man.

A man was dismissed because his family has a long history in law enforcement, and he said he could not be impartial. Another 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.

Why some Social Security recipients may not receive a payment in June

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.

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 the 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 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 his only living son and his sobriety and who must now watch as his sons 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 Bidens sister, Ashley Biden, was also in court, and his wife, Melissa.

As the first day of jury selection broke for lunch, Hunter Biden walked over to his mother 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 ladys 73rd birthday.

A family friend, Ricky Smith, sat in the audience and embraced him warmly during a break.

It aint 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 didnt 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 its unclear whether the judge would give him time behind bars.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A shooting victim is lucky to be alive after his chain stopped what would have most likely been a fatal gunshot last week.

The Commerce City Police Department said the Colorado man was wearing the silver chain necklace when he was shot at during an argument. Police said its likely the only reason the man is still alive is because of the chain.

Very unusual case: Woman declared dead found alive hours later at funeral home

Wed say he really dodged a bullet but in reality, he LODGED a bullet, the police department wrote on Facebook.

According to police, the .22 caliber bullet got trapped in the necklace, stopping the gunshot from going into the mans neck. He walked away with only a puncture wound.

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, police said.

Credit: Commerce City Police Department

Credit: Commerce City Police Department

Police said they dont know what kind of metal the necklace is made out of but noted its most likely not pure silver as silver is soft and wouldnt have stopped the bullet.

Dog left in hot U-Haul for nearly an hour while owners went to Florida beach, police say

Side note  we dont know what kind of metal this is, but its likely not pure silver, the police department wrote. We looked it up and silver is soft. So maybe think twice before you knock a knockoff.

Just incredible, police said.

According to authorities, the suspect was arrested at the scene and is facing attempted homicide charges.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Two people from the metro area are in France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the day the Allies invaded Western Europe in World War II.

Hutchinson veteran Olen Mitchell and Newton native Connie Palacioz are in France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. (Photo Courtesy Jordan Mitchell)

Hutchinson veteran Olen Mitchell is 102 years old. Newton native Connie Palacioz is 99 years old. They were two of the 150 people chosen to be flown to Normandy to commemorate the date of the attack on June 6, which marked the beginning of the end of World War II.

Although they were not part of D-Day in 1944, they were part of Americas war effort in the 1940s.

Mitchell served in the U.S. Army in Italy. He was shot in the face by a German sniper and was sent home 14 days before D-Day. He is a Purple Heart recipient.

Palacioz was an original Rosie the Riveter. She was a teenager when she worked at Boeing, putting rivets on B-29s in Wichita. In 2000, she was one of the people who helped restore Doc, one of only two B-29s still flying.

Click here for more D-Day anniversary coverage

American veterans participate in a daily ceremony that honors fallen French service members at the Arc de Triomphe. (Photo Courtesy Jordan Mitchell)

American Airlines had the 150 people meet in Dallas before the flight to France. There was a World War II-themed kickoff dinner and music from the 1940s.

In France, the honorees will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery, cruise down the scenic Seine River, visit the iconic Eiffel Tower and participate in a daily ceremony that honors fallen French service members at the Arc de Triomphe.

After Paris, they will be taken to the Normandy region for the 80th anniversary commemorative events, including concerts, ceremonies, museum tours, and a parade.

Tune in at 10 p.m. on Wednesday for KSNs Veteran Salute as we honor Mitchell.

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Rep. Les Mason, R-McPherson, died Monday. Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order directing that flags on state property be lowered to half-staff in memory of Mason until the date of his interment. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)

Rep. Les Mason, R-McPherson, died Monday. Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order directing that flags on state property be lowered to half-staff in memory of Mason until the date of his interment. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order Tuesday directing flags to be immediately lowered to half-staff on state property until burial of the late Rep. Les Mason of McPherson.

Mason, a Republican and the assistant majority leader of the Kansas House, died Monday at age 69. He suffered a brain aneurysm Friday and was hospitalized in Wichita prior to passing away.

He represented District 73 for a decade in the Kansas House and had intended to seek reelection in 2024.

Assistant Majority Leader Mason was a devoted public servant, the governor said. For the last decade, he represented his constituents and the McPherson community with honor. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said in a message to members of the Kansas House that Mason touched many lives during his time in the House and I know he was a dear friend to many of you, myself included.

Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, said Mason was very well liked by colleagues in the Legislature.

Sen. Rick Wilborn, a McPherson Republican who had been friends with Mason for decades, filed Monday for the vacancy created by the representatives untimely death. Wilborn, vice president of the Senate, had planned to retire from the Legislature. He said in an interview that he couldnt fill Masons shoes, but he was compelled to run for the House on behalf of Les.

Former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who is a candidate for Congress, said he was saddened by the passing of his friend and asked Kansans to keep his family and his many friends in your prayers.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, said Mason was a strong advocate for central Kansas and that with an entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to serve others, Les created job opportunities and contributed to the success of McPherson.

Mason was chairman of the House social services budget committee and a member of the Houses appropriations and commerce committees. He won House campaigns in 2014 and 2016 by securing nearly 70% of the vote against Democratic Party candidates. He had no opponent in the 2018, 2020 and 2022 general election cycles.

Funeral arrangements were pending, and the governor said she would amend her order regarding lowering of flags on all state buildings, grounds and facilities when the date of interment was determined.

The post Kansas governor orders flags lowered to mark death of state Rep. Les Mason appeared first on Kansas Reflector.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Kansas City, Missouri man was sentenced for his involvement in a police chase last year in Grandview.

On Friday, May 31, Kainon K. Singleton, 26, was sentenced to 15 years for unlawful use of a weapon and 3 years for armed criminal action. Charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action and resisting arrest were dropped.

On March 10, 2023, Grandview police said officers spotted a vehicle wanted by Overland Park police around 3:30 a.m.

Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but said the driver refused and continued driving.

Police investigating vehicle thefts, car break-ins at Kansas City Zoo

A Cass County deputy picked up the chase in the same area. Deputies said someone in the car began shooting at the officer near Harry S. Truman Drive and U.S. Highway 71.

The deputy used a department-issued device to stop the car about 2 miles away at East 132 Street and Byars Road.

Grandview police arrested the 25-year-old driver of the vehicle. Officers said the man dropped a gun while trying to run away from officers.

A 22-year-old woman is also in custody. Officer said she was in the vehicle and also tried to run from officers.

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When officers searched the vehicle they said they found a number of stolen items from businesses across the metro.

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UPDATE: KCPD says Tala Diop was located safe.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is attempting to locate a 15-year-old boy who hasnt been seen since Friday afternoon.

Police say Talla Diop was last seen around noon Friday in the area of E. 26th Street and Troost Avenue.

Hes described as standing 510 and weighs 154 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Police say he was wearing a black t-shirt, black shorts and pink Croc sandals.

He has health issues and needs meds daily, according to KCPD. His family is extremely concerned for his well-being.

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Police are asking anyone with information to call the KCPD Missing Persons Unit at (816) 234-5043 or call 911.

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The seventh meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) opens in Beijing, capital of China, June 4, 2024, focusing on building a high-level socialist market economy system. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, presided over the opening meeting.

Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier, was invited to attend the meeting and delivered a report. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The seventh meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, opened in Beijing on Tuesday, focusing on building a high-level socialist market economy system.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, presided over the opening meeting.

Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier, was invited to attend the meeting and delivered a report.

Wang called on the national political advisors to carry out in-depth consultations and put forward suggestions on building a high-level socialist market economy system, and contribute wisdom and strength to advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.

In delivering a report, Ding stressed efforts to encourage state-owned capital and state-owned enterprises to grow stronger, better and bigger, and provide a sound environment and more opportunities for the non-public sector.

It is important to speed up the development of a unified national market, improve fundamental market economic systems such as property-rights protection, market access, fair competition and social credit, and build a high-standard market system, he said.

He called for giving full play to the strategic guidance of national development plans and strengthening coordination between fiscal and monetary policies, so as to promote sustained and sound economic development.

"We will take more initiative to align with high-standard international economic and trade rules, steadily expand institutional opening-up, and foster new advantages in global economic cooperation and competition," he said.

The political advisors listened to reports on a number of topics, including the transformation and upgrading of traditional manufacturing industries, the construction of water conservancy infrastructure for better production capacity in agriculture, and green and low-carbon transformation of industries.

The meeting will last for two and a half days. The political advisors will conduct group discussions on seven topics. 
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A woman who was reported missing last month in Jackson County was found dead, Kansas City police said.

Woman hit by car on I-49 ramp is critically hurt

According to KCPD, 23-year-old Alyssa McMurry was found dead in Lees Summit, Missouri on May 17 after her family filed a missing persons report four days earlier.

After she was found, investigators waited until medical examiners confirmed her identity. Police then updated the public on Tuesday afternoon.

In the initial missing persons report, McMurry was last seen on May 13 at 8 a.m. on the 4100 block of Tracy Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri.

According to KCPD, the Jackson County Sheriffs Department is leading the death investigation. No cause of death has been revealed.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

As more information is released, FOX4 News will update this story with the latest details.

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Kellogg Printing, Monmouth, celebrates 100 years

Last month, Monmouth College held its 167th commencement exercises. Not long after the college staged its 100th Commencement in the late 1950s, Kellogg Printing began producing the program for the ceremony, and the Monmouth company has been doing it ever since.

Its unclear who printed the surprise document, but Bus Kellogg of Kelloggs Printing was happy to receive it from Andrea Monroe, executive director of the Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce.

Now Kellogg Printing is the one thats reached the century mark, according to a news release. The company celebrated its 100th anniversary May 31 with cupcakes, cookies and silver balloons at its site on the northeast quadrant of the Public Square, the same location its had since Monmouths Review and Atlas newspapers merged in 1924, when C.O. Kellogg, owner Bus Kelloggs grandfather, began working there.

Bus Kellogg was the man of the hour, greeting well-wishers and singing the praises of his loyal and talented staff. Also on hand was his sister, Debbie Kellogg Smith, who worked at the company for 32 years. Kellogg has been at the print shop since he was a junior high school student, more than six decades ago.

Like father, like son

(Former Review Atlas publisher) Vic Moffet told me he started working at the paper when he was 13, said Kellogg. I came in when I was 12-and-a-half years old. I made 25 cents an hour, and I could work three hours, sweeping the floor and cleaning up after the men. By the time I was 16, I was running a commercial press.

Kelloggs experience is not unlike his fathers. While he was still a Monmouth High School student, Bus Kellogg Sr. began working at the print shop. World events dictated that his time there would be interrupted.

In March of 1943, Selective Service picked 21 senior men from Monmouth High School and said, Their mothers can collect their diplomas,' said Kellogg. Dad served until 1945. Mr. Moffet told him his job would be waiting for him when he came back. He worked for 10 years in the job shop and printing the newspaper until he purchased the business from the Review Atlas Printing Co. in July of 1955.

There are many similarities between father and son, including Kelloggs service in the Marines during Vietnam.

When it first came out, email was a wonderful thing, said Kellogg, who. Id sit down at my desk in the morning, open my computer, and four or five jobs wouldve come in overnight. Pretty soon, I realized, Im not seeing a lot of our customers anymore. I told the ladies, Heres what Im going to do. Im going to take the little stuff out to them. That way, I can stop by and thank them. I like to get out, and it lets them know we have a vested interest in them. My dad did it, too. That personal touch is important.

Indeed, Kellogg is a regular on campus, and in the colleges communications and marketing office, especially, dropping off proofs or completed jobs as part of his rounds about town.

There were other valuable lessons his father taught him.

The biggest thing I learned from Dad is if weve done it wrong, no matter whose fault it is, were going to make it right, said Kellogg. I think its a great philosophy. Too many people have gotten away from it in our industry. Dad didnt operate that way, so I dont.

The 11th hour

Kellogg took over the business from his father in 2000. He explained how the connection with Monmouth College started and gave a behind-the-scenes look at those Commencement programs.

Dad bought the account from Hutchins Printing, he said. In the old days, the College had Commencement at noon on Saturdays, and we wouldnt get all the information we needed until Friday evening. It could be as late as 8 or 9 oclock. Those were the days of offset printing, and men would work until 5 or 6 in the morning to get the program ready. The joke my dad would tell is Will the ink be dry before we hand it to them?'

A century of evolution

To print the new Review Atlas publication 100 years ago, Kellogg said its publishers purchased a Goss press from the Chicago Herald.

They took it apart and brought it by train to Monmouth, he said. It had to be really old, but it was used to print the Review Atlas until 1976.

The following year, Kelloggs father purchased the building.

The question Dad would ask if he walked in the building today is, Where did you put the big presses?' said Kellogg. About 15 years ago, we decided to go digital. I remember saying maybe wed have 10% of our business go with that. But two years ago, we closed offset printing completely. Were 100% digital now. How this place didnt burn down before then, Ill never know. There was a lot of bad chemistry in here. Today, the business is so clean. Film, plates, pouring lead  all of that is gone. If youre still doing it that way, youre going to be gone soon.

Shelly Deford, a full-time employee since 2006, credited the businesss staying power to Kelloggs willingness to try new things.

The most important change Ive seen is the technology, said Deford, who also worked with Kelloggs father. Hes always on top of that, and he always has the best. Its made things 100% quicker. The time were able to save is the most amazing part.

Years ago, Monmouth had four printing companies and a daily newspaper. Today, only Kellogg Printing remains. Bus Kellogg Sr. would be proud that his son has carried on the business so long and so well.

Im not going to do this forever, but Im not going anywhere soon, said Kellogg, who is proud of the fact that all four of his siblings have worked at the company at one point or another. I still like getting up in the morning and coming in here. I like solving problems.

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On Nov. 18, 2022, Stacey Feezor plays with her niece Delilah Jenkins, 6, in Graves County outside her camper at Camp Graves, which provided transitional housing to those who lost homes in the December 2021 tornado. (Julia Rendleman for Kentucky Lantern)

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear alongside leaders from the states housing corporation and local communities on Monday announced more than $223 million in bonds and grants will be invested to replenish rental housing in Bowling Green and other Western Kentucky communities impacted by tornadoes.

Much of the regions rental housing stock, particularly homes accessible to low-income families, including in Mayfield and Dawson Springs, was destroyed by a devastating tornado outbreak in December 2021. Local leaders have said the region suffered from a housing shortage even before the tornado outbreak.

Mayfield Mayor Kathy ONan said it was heartwarming that two of the rental housing developments to be funded in the Graves County seat will create homes for the most vulnerable in her community.

It was those people who lived in the subpar rental homes that are now still struggling, ONan said. What will come from our community to rebuild not only Western Kentucky but add to our commonwealth as a whole will be well worth every dollar invested.

Plans call for 953 rental units to be built by private housing developers across Mayfield (122 units), Dawson Springs (88 units), Madisonville (32 units), Hopkinsville (76 units) and Bowling Green (635 units). The housing developments will be income-restricted to be accessible for moderate to low-income families with most rental units having two to three bedrooms, according to a release from the governors office.

About 60% of the invested funding, about $135 million, will come from tax-exempt bonds issued to private housing developers by the Kentucky Housing Corp., the states public housing corporation. Another almost $60 million in federal grant funding is being made available by the Kentucky Department for Local Government. That grant is a large chunk of funding received last year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Other funding sources include state and national housing trust funds, another federal grant and projected equity from tax credits.

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in a statement to the Lantern said the announcement was welcome news for Western Kentucky and that federal funding he fought to secure will build hundreds of new housing units.

Im glad to see my home state put these federal dollars to work and take this crucial next step in delivering real relief to Kentuckians, McConnell said in his statement.

Will help Bowling Green continue historic growth, says Beshear

Wendy Smith, deputy executive director of housing programs at the Kentucky Housing Corporation, said developers taking advantage of the government financing must agree to accept low-income housing vouchers. Smith said the potential rent range for these units is federally determined by county which would likely mean a two-bedroom apartment will go for $750 to $900 a month. Smith said it would likely be 18 months to 24 months before prospective tenants would be able to move in.

The private housing developments receiving the funding include Leitchfield-based Wabuck Development Company, Louisville-based SOCAYR Inc., Louisville-based LDG Multifamily LLC and Lexington-based AU Associates Inc.

Winston Miller, the chief executive officer of the Kentucky Housing Corporation, called the funding announcement historic because of the amount of housing being constructed along with what he said was the unprecedented combining of federal grant funding with bonds issued by the corporation.

To keep up with the economic and job growth, Kentucky needs to build more housing units. Todays announcement of the 953 units is a very significant step in closing the supply gap that exists in West Kentucky, Miller said.

Beshear said the construction of rental housing in Bowling Green, which is receiving about two thirds of the new construction, is absolutely necessary to help the city continue historic growth. He said state officials believed the funding announcement to be the largest housing development effort in Western Kentucky in history.

A home is more than four walls. Its the security of raising your family, and for those that lost the place they were living, a new unit, a new home means so much, Beshear said.

This story was updated with a statement from U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.

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The post Kentucky investing $223 million to rebuild rental housing in tornado-impacted Western Kentucky appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
When are Kenyan cops arriving in Haiti? Heres what you need to know about the mission

Kenyan President William Ruto, back in Nairobi following his recent three-day state visit to the United States, is voicing confidence that a security mission to Haiti that his East African nation will lead will go ahead.

Ruto made the assertion in a post on X, following what he described as a comprehensive briefing from his team of security experts that visited Port-au-Prince last month to assess the ongoing preparations for the deployment of Kenyan police officers tasked with leading a 2,500-member multinational security support mission to the volatile Caribbean nation.

The highly anticipated mission, first approved by the United Nations Security Council in October, has been delayed by financial constraints and court challenges. Meantime, Haiti has been hit by some of the deadliest violence in recent years. More than 2,500 Haitians have been killed or injured since January, according to the U.N., and an additional 90,000 people in a gang-controlled Port-au-Prince have been forced from their homes, bringing the number of displaced Haitians to over 360,000 over the last three years.

The countrys main seaport and international airport were shuttered, although both have recently resumed operations, which will allow the first contingent of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission to arrive. When that will be, however, remains a mystery.

Many questions remain about the mission, which faces another legal challenge in Nairobi and continues to lack financial and logistics support from the international community. There is confusion about whether the foreign cops being deployed to Haiti will be involved in combating gangs, or tasked solely with protecting key government infrastructures such as the airport, seaport, the presidential palace and main roads. Ruto and other Kenyan officials have refrained from providing specifics.

President William Ruto of Kenya

While Haitian police have said they want the Kenyans help in dismantling the roughly 300 armed gangs running around the country, sources tell the Miami Herald that the idea of having the Kenyans protect infrastructure  what is being referred to as a static force  rather than battle gangs hand in hand with Haitian cops, is back on the table.

The reason appears to be the ongoing surge in violence that erupted on Feb. 29 after armed gangs united in an effort to oust Henry and topple his embattled government. The chaos and lawlessness led some countries and police to rethink their involvement in the crisis.

At the time the united attacks began, Henry had just finalized an agreement for Kenya to lead the security mission, a deal both Ruto and U.S. officials say remains in effect despite Henrys forced resignation by Washington and the installation of a presidential transitional council. The council tapped a longtime United Nations civil servant, Garry Conille, to head Haitis next government.

On Monday, Conille was given his official papers, which now allows him to begin forming a cabinet and working to restore order. The day before he toured the center of downtown where gangs have looted and burned dozens of pharmacies, forced the closure of the largest public hospital and brought Haiti to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.

So where things stand in Haiti and with the Multinational Security Support mission, known as the MSS?

Here is the latest.

Why Kenya is taking the lead

In October, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution authorizing the deployment of the mission to Haiti. The resolution provides the framework for the deployment. Though sanctioned by the U.N., the force is not a U.N. peacekeeping mission. It is a lot smaller, and the funding will come from voluntary donations as opposed to assessed contributions from U.N. member states.

Critics of the international intervention have raised concerns that Kenya, a former British colony and English-speaking nation in East Africa, is leading a deployment to Haiti, a French- and Haitian-Creole speaking-nation 12,000 miles away.

Prior to Kenya volunteering in July to assist Haiti, the U.S. and Henry reached out to several nations asking for help to put down the escalating violence. Kenya was the only one that raised its hand after other countries, including Canada and Brazil, declined.

Ruto has said Kenya has a moral obligation to assist Haiti. He offered to lead the mission after getting together with Henry in Paris and then meeting with a U.S. delegation in Nairobi led by Todd Robinson, U.S. assistant secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. But Ruto had conditions: his security team needed to make an assessment of the security situation, the operation needed to be green-lighted by the U.N. Security Council and the Kenyan parliament had to agree to the deployment.

Parliaments approval came with its own caveat: the mission needs to be funded by the international community.

Other countries involved

In addition to Kenya, seven other countries have now officially notified the U.N. that they will provided personnel: The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Chad and Jamaica.

The Biden administration made clear that U.S. forces will not part of the mission. It just raises all kinds of questions that can be easily misrepresented by what were trying to do, and be able to be used by those who disagree with us and against the interest of Haiti and the United States, President Biden recently said.

Arrival of the force

It was announced that the first contingent of Kenyan cops would arrive in Haiti around the time of Rutos May 23 visit with President Biden at the White House. That didnt happen. The Kenyan security team visiting Haiti around the same time found critical shortages of equipment that led to a delay in deployment, including communication gear and a helicopter to evacuate casualties. The Kenyans also want their own armored vehicles and do not want to have to share with Haitian cops.

Prior to leaving Washington, Ruto told the British Broadcasting Corp. that he expects the Kenyan force to arrive in Haiti in about three weeks. That was about two weeks ago. So far, there no definitive date has been given.

Jamaica, which has a defense force that works alongside with police to combat gangs, will lead the Caribbean security personnel that will participate in the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti.

The initial deployment

No one involved in the deployment has provided specifics. Numbers for the first contingent have ranged from 120 to 200, including support staff. During an interview with Citizen TV Kenya, Kenya Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi declined to confirm any numbers.

This is an operational issue, he said, stressing that this is a multinational security support mission. Its not a singular mission of Kenya, so theres a lot of consultations going on.

The deployment will be strategic... and we are sure that with time, the experts on security deployment will be able to have enough boots on the ground to deal with the crisis, the minister added.

Paying for the mission





The U.S. is the main donor for the mission, but the Biden administration is having a hard time getting skeptical Republicans in Congress onboard. Of the $300 million the administration has pledged, $200 million is from the Defense Department; the other $100 million is supposed to come from the State Department.

U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, have raised issues about the mission and blocked $40 million in funds the administration seeks. The lawmakers question the plan and have accused the administration of not being transparent. The administration has responded it has provided dozens of briefings, and that the situation on the ground in Haiti changes by the day.

A trust fund managed by the U.N. for the security mission has only raised $21 million. Experts fear that if the initial forces cannot be quickly bolstered once deployed to Haiti, the security situation will further deteriorate and gangs may grow even more powerful. The gangs currently control more than 80% of the capital and are responsible for the recent deaths of two young American missionaries.

Base of operations

The Kenyan force will operate out of a base currently under construction by the Pentagon. U.S. officials have been tight-lipped about the space including whether members of the mission will actually be housed on the site, or just be headquartered there.

Despite attempts to keep images of the base out of the public view due to security concerns, the public got its first glimpse last week when a member of the presidential transitional council, Leslie Voltaire, visited with a camera.

KONSEY PREZIDANSYEL LA VIZITE TRAVAY KONSTRIKSYON BAZ FOS MILTINASYONAL LA.



Manm Konsey prezidansyel yo te vizite, mekredi 29 me 2024 la, travay konstriksyon baz Fos miltinasyonal la nan zon epot la.



Konseye yo te vle we epi evalye eta avansman travay kap fet nan espas la pic.twitter.com/feUT3EoDLD  Conseil Presidentiel de Transition Haiti (@cpthaiti) May 29, 2024

Voltaire visited the dormitory, medical center, cafeteria and many other spaces that will serve the foreign soldiers, the council posted on X, showing Voltaire shaking hands with some of the civilian contractors on the site, located on part of what was once occupied by U.N. peacekeepers.

To get the base ready the base and prepare for the forces arrival, the Doral-based U.S. Southern Command has coordinated the landing so far of 84 military flights at Toussaint Louverture International Airport with construction materials.

Legal roadblocks

From the beginning the Kenya-led mission has faced legal roadblocks in Nairobi, where opposition forces have sought to block the deployment. In January, after months of refusing to allow the police to deploy, the High Court in Nairobi ruled that deployment is unconstitutional because there was no reciprocal security agreement between Haiti and Kenya.

Haiti National Police check identifications at a check point in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

After such an agreement was signed in late February, and the deployment was once more back on, a new lawsuit was filed against the Ruto government. This time, opposition groups are accusing the government of blatant disregard for the January court order. They want the government held in contempt and the deployment stopped.

Rutos government previously said the new lawsuit has no bearing on deployment plans. A court hearing has been scheduled for June 12.

The makeup of the force

All members of the force must be vetted by the United States for, among other things, previous accusations of human-rights violations. As of April, there were approximately 400 Kenyans who had been vetted and approved for the mission, along with about 250 Jamaicans. Jamaica is the Caribbean Communitys lead for the force. The Kenyan officers, meanwhile, are being drawn from several law enforcement units, including those with experience in counterterrorism operations. The mission is supposed to be headed by a force commander, a chief of operations and a special civilian representative from contributing countries.

The human-rights issue

The poor human-rights record of Kenyan police has come under scrutiny ever since the country pledged to help, but its not just the Kenyans critics are worried about.

In a statement issued last week, Human Rights Watch said a key question is whether the countries involved are taking sufficient steps to ensure the MSS respects human rights.

There were human-rights abuses in past international responses in Haiti: U.N. troops were accused of sexual violence and introducing cholera after the countrys devastating 2010 earthquake. Human Rights Watch said members of the U.N. Security Council should demand that troop-contributing countries implement a robust human rights due diligence policy, including an independent oversight mechanism, involving Haitian civil society, to monitor and report on the conduct of the Haitian National Police and MSS personnel.

In light of Kenyas lead role in the UN Security Council mandated Multinational Security support Mission(MSS) to Haiti, I have received a comprehensive brief from the team that undertook an assessment mission to ascertain the state of preparedness for the deployment of our pic.twitter.com/WCHtOIc2jr  William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) May 31, 2024

The chain of command

There has been confusion about who the mission will report to.

Kenyan officials have sought to clarify the confusion in recent interviews, dismissing reports that the Haitian police will oversee the operation and that a yet to be established National Security Council will supervise and define the missions assistance.

Its a security support mission and the framework upon which they will work is [being] negotiated, Mudavadi, the Kenyan foreign minister, said. Theres a framework that is agreed upon, a framework that is going to be followed to make sure that the deployment is in accordance with the expectations of the people of Haiti and with the United Nations.

Lack of clarity

Recent comments out of Haiti and Kenya have led to more confusion.

Voltaire, one of the more outspoken members of the presidential council, said the foreign police officers will train and equip the Haitian police and will not directly fight the gangs.

But the Kenyans and others have made conflicting comments. Mudavadi, for example, has dismissed reports that 2,000 Haitian police officers will be trained by the Kenyans.

This is not a mission where the deployed people are going for what you might call straight-on combat. It is a security support mission, he said. Definitely there could be encounters that may arise along the way. But the responses must be in accordance with the guidance provided within the deployment framework and within the guidance of the United Nations.
Kidnapped Woman Said on Ransom Call that Her Face Was 'Deformed.' Is Her Abduction Linked to Another Woman's Murder?

Quan Flowers is accused of murdering Megan Rouse, and he's a person of interest in the kidnapping of Kalie Goodwin, authorities say

Megan Rouse/Facebook; Baytown Police Department/Facebook Megan Rouse (left), Kalie Goodwin

A Texas man who faces a murder charge in connection with a woman's death is now a person of interest in the disappearance of another woman, whose mother received a chilling ransom call, per police.

Quan Flowers, 39 was arrested on Friday, May 31, in connection with the May 3 death of 24-year-old Megan Rouse, whose body was found on a road in Houston, local authorities announced on Monday.

A Houston Police Department officer was responding to an unrelated call when he discovered Rouses body with gunshot wounds, Houston authorities said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police determined Flowers to be a suspect in the case after reviewing surveillance footage and connecting ballistics information from two other shootings that authorities believe are linked to the killing, according to a criminal complaint reviewed by PEOPLE.

Prior to Rouse's killing, there was a shooting on March 29 and another one on April 4, which police claim they connected with the killing owing to "commonalities such as geographical location" as well as the "excessive violence" documented in the crimes, the complaint states.

A woman directed authorities to Flowers, who she initially identified only by the nickname "Country."

Authorities allege the listed address for "Country" is a two-minute drive from where Rouse's body was found.

City of Houston Quan Flowers

During their investigation, law enforcement also consulted with Baytown, Texas, authorities who are investigating the disappearance of Kalie Goodwin, 29, per the complaint.

Goodwins mother, Kaci Richardson, reported her missing on April 23, a day after receiving a ransom call for $600 during which she could hear her daughter apparently being beaten up in the background and screaming, Momma my face is deformed, the mother said, according to the complaint.

A payment of $1 was made by Richardson to the CashApp account, which police allegedly determined belongs to Flowers girlfriend, per the complaint. Now, Flowers is a person of interest in the case.

Flowers allegedly told police that he picked up Goodwin on April 21 "under the direction of an unknown male" and claimed that the woman "was in one piece" when he last saw her, the complaint states.

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.

In an online obituary, Rouse is being remembered "for her unparalleled compassion and unwavering kindness, touching the hearts of everyone she met."

"Her heart was as pure as her soul, and she never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need," read part of the obituary. "Her free spirit danced through life with grace and poise, spreading joy and warmth wherever she went."

Online court records show Flowers is being held on $450,000 bond but did not indicate if he has entered a plea. PEOPLE was not able to immediately reach an attorney listed in court records.



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Read the original article on People.
Killing of black bear cub splits town of Tahoe after homeowner shoots dead and claims it advanced on him and dog

A northern California community is divided after a homeowner fatally shot a black bear cub that had wandered into his home near Lake Tahoe.

The man, who has not been identified, was watching TV with his dog in the living room at around 1.30pm on Memorial Day when he noticed the creature had entered through the back door, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The man told the newspaper that he had yelled at the animal, attempting to frighten it, so that it would leave but it didnt work. The bear advanced on him and his dog, the Chronicle stated.

The homeowner then grabbed a loaded rifle, struck the cub twice, prompting the bear to retreat outside. He then shot the animal a third time, killing it.

I put it out of its misery. I dont like things to suffer, the man told the Chronicle. I didnt feel good about it at all, to be honest.

A California Fish and Wildlife warden investigated the incident and brought no charges, concluding the man had acted in self defense, department spokesperson Steve Gonzalez, told the outlet. However some of the mans neighbors think he should be held accountable.

Ann Bryant, director of the nonprofit Bear League, told theLos Angeles Times that the organization received a call from a neighbor who had witnessed the shooting, prompting two members of their organization to travel to Lake Tahoe.

Neighbors claimed that the bear cub never fully entered the house, Bryant said. They also reported that this wasnt the first time that the man had shot a bear.

Gonzalez told the outlet that he didnt know about the homeowners history involving bear-related shootings.

They believe him rather than all the neighbors who saw it and who know him and who have heard his discussions about how he feels about bears and know about the other killing, Bryant said. Its disappointing the department of wildlife would just turn a blind eye.

In 2021, the homeowner had told the Chronicle that he and his wife returned from vacation to find that bears had entered their kitchen and made a mess of it. I think theyre a pest, he said at the time.

One neighbor who reportedly witnessed the incident shared what he had seen.

He inched his way in, getting further and further inside, but he never went all the way in, the neighbor, Bogdan Yamkovenko, said. You always saw a part of the bear.

Yamkovenko told the outlet that he watched the animal step back, turn around, run off and climb up a nearby tree. Thats when I heard the first shot, he said.

The neighbor reporting hearing three gunshots, all of which were outside. He also recalled the warden telling him that four shots had been fired.

The warden told us something didnt add up about the neighbors story because the neighbor kept saying there were four shots and that he shot the bear inside the house, Yamkovenko said. The neighbor said that he had tried to call the warden, who did not return his call, after learning the case was closed.

The Bear League has launched a Change.org petition demanding a criminal investigation of Lake Tahoe Bear Cub Shooter. The nonprofit organizers wrote that it is calling on the El Dorado County District Attorney to conduct a criminal investigation into this event.

The Independent has reached out to the El Dorado County District Attorneys Office for comment.
KITTERY, Maine  A $19.7 million municipal budget proposal  with funding for four new full-time firefighters  has been approved.

The fiscal year 2025 budget was unanimously adopted by the Town Council on May 29, representing a nearly 10% year-over-year increase of $1,794,357, according to the town.

Kittery voters will finalize the tax rate after voting on the school budget June 11. The town side of the budget is set.

Kittery's tax rate poised to rise

The town side of the budget is finalized. The Kittery school district's proposed $22.5 million budget is going to a vote of the town's residents.

If the school budget is approved, Kittery's fiscal year 2025 tax rate would be $14.07 per $1,000 of assessed property value, an almost 3.4% increase, according to Town Manager Kendra Amaral. The owner of a single-family home in Kittery assessed at $500,000 would be billed $7,035 for the tax year, a $232.23 increase.

Three tax bills in Kittery are collected annually from each property owner, with one coming at the end of September, another in late January and the last in late April.

Full-time firefighter jobs approved

Judy Spiller, chairperson of the Town Council, said councilors determined it was best to fulfill its goal of addressing public safety needs in Kittery now by adding four-time firefighters. Those salaries will total $454,598.

The Town Council also approved a $65,187 reduction in on-call firefighter pay as the town bolsters its full-time ranks while its on-call staff has aged and dwindled.

Firefighting is expensive. Firefighters are expensive. It's a dangerous profession. They're exposed to hazardous chemicals. They're on call at all hours of the day and night, Spiller said.

Amaral noted 64% of the total increase in the budget year-over-year is attributed to funding for wages and benefits in Kittery.

The town is evenly splitting with the neighboring town of Eliot a $242,000 contract for Stewarts Ambulance Service.

Amaral said the ambulance service formerly provided coverage for Kittery and Eliot at no charge.

"In general though, the cost of providing ambulance service has increased over the last couple of years, as has the cost of everything," she explained. "The wages for the employees, the cost of consumables, the cost of services, the cost of fuel, all of those things have increased. The revenue that the ambulance service is getting from insurance reimbursements, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, for transports is no longer making up enough to cover the costs of operating the service and making the company viable. This is not unique to Kittery."

A total of $425,000 was budgeted for wage increases associated with collective bargaining negotiations and cost-of-living adjustments for full- and part-time employees, in addition to $88,440 for increased rates for municipal solid waste and household hazardous waste disposal.

Amarals budget proposal also notes $292,500 for a capital funding increase and $85,028 for York County tax increases.

Former Town Councilor Jeffrey Thomson, the lone speaker at the public hearing last week prior to the adoption of the budget, voiced his support for the proposal.

First of all, I would just like to say that over the years I always felt that the budget goals of a council and the manager was number one to keep the community safe, and this budget does that, he said. Secondly, to make every attempt to address citizen desires and concerns, and this budget does that. And thirdly, to move the community in a forward direction, and this budget does that.

The new fiscal year begins on July 1.

Kittery school budget up for vote

The Kittery school district budget proposal for fiscal year 2025 stands at $22,510,769. Superintendent Eric Waddell previously said the increase to taxpayers from the districts budget is 3.82% due to increased revenue in other areas.

An increase of 3.82% to the taxpayers is remarkable in the current economy and job market, he said. I hear from some of my colleagues from around Maine where increases in FY25 are in the double digits.

A new pre-kindergarten program in the Kittery school district is set to begin next school year with help expected from state funds. More additions in the budget for FY 2025 include funding for a STEM teacher, an education technician, a drug and alcohol addiction specialist, a speech and language pathologist, a technology and safety director and a board certified behavior analyst.

Two teaching positions, a first-grade teacher and a second-grade teacher, would be eliminated alongside a human resources generalist and school nutrition program funding.

Kittery residents will vote on the school budget in a referendum during the Tuesday, June 11 municipal and state primary election.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Kittery adopts $19.7M budget, funding more firefighters
by Wang Huan, Tang Binhui

ISLAMABAD/JINAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Farmers in Lahore, the capital city of Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, received special peanut seeds. Delivered from Weifang city in east China's Shandong province, these seeds are of new varieties developed under China and Pakistan's peanut breeding propagation and promotion project.

As peanut sowing season begins in Pakistan, personnel from both sides of the project communicate and collaborate more frequently. Through online meetings, Chinese technicians help Pakistani farmers check peanut growth and provide professional guidance on field management.

"Thanks to China so much for offering high-quality seeds. Peanuts grow well and yield high, and we plan to extend planting area in the future," said local farmer Babar Abbas through an online meeting. Though thousands of miles apart and having never met, people on both sides show great enthusiasm and friendliness to each other.

In 2016, Shandong Rainbow Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd in Weifang city embarked on the agricultural cooperation project. After years of selective breeding, in 2023, the company exported the first batch of original peanut seeds to Pakistan. These seeds were used for variety expansion and large-scale planting in Attock and Chakwal of Punjab Province, covering an area of around 66 hectares.

"We have successfully tested and planted five new peanut varieties in Pakistan, with an average yield of twice higher than the local varieties. This has been recognized by the local government and farmers," Fan Changcheng, vice general manager of the company told Xinhua, adding that it plans to expand the trial planting area to around 132 hectares this year.

Peanut is one of the primary cash crops in Pakistan, a major consumer of edible oil. However, lacking high-quality varieties and efficient production techniques, Pakistan is constrained by low edible oil production, with a yield of approximately one ton per hectare. China's high-oleic peanut varieties yield about four tons per hectare, indicating significant potential for cooperation between the two countries.

Imran Mehmood, a 35-year-old who studied in China for many years, joined the Chinese company two years ago. As the technical director, he participated in the peanut breeding and cultivation project and is responsible for the coordination with Pakistan in this project.

"Pakistan and China always share historic evergreen, friendly relationships. I hope I can become the bridge for this friendship and bring advanced agricultural technologies from China to Pakistan," said Mehmood.

Not only can this project enhance the local farmers' income, but also reduce Pakistan's reliance on imported edible oils, he added.

The company is an example of cooperation between the eastern Chinese city and Pakistan. Since the establishment of the China-Pakistan Agricultural Cooperation Center in Weifang in March 2023, more than 10 Pakistani agricultural companies have negotiated cooperation with Chinese enterprises.

Talking about the progress of cooperation, Fan told Xinhua that there are some cooperative projects, including peanut breeding and cultivation, tissue culture of potato and ginger, cotton pest and disease control, and agricultural technology training, in order to introduce new varieties of peanuts, potatoes, and ginger to Pakistan and enhance crop yields and the quality of germplasm resources.

"Pakistan has a large population and an urgent need for industrial upgrading. We hope these projects will help the country to build the whole industrial chain system of agriculture," said the Chinese manager.

Launched in 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is a corridor linking the Gwadar Port in southwest Pakistan's Balochistan province with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport, and industrial cooperation in the first phase, while the new phase expands to fields of agriculture and livelihood, among others.

During the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held last October in Beijing, both China and Pakistan agreed to enhance collaboration on crop cultivation, plant and animal disease control, agricultural mechanization, technology exchange, and agricultural product trade.

"The BRI is a far-reaching initiative comprising many projects and investments aiming to boost connectivity and socio-economic status of Pakistan, including energy, transportation, electricity, and other fields," said Mehmood.

China has significant advantages in crop varieties, industrial chains, technologies and equipment, while Pakistan possesses strengths in land and labor resources, and agricultural cooperation between the two countries will create more mutual benefits, he added. 
President Joe Biden took executive action Tuesday that limits the number of migrants who can claim asylum between ports of entry at the southern U.S. border.

Biden administration officials recently told reporters on a call that the executive action would do what Congress couldn't: provide substantive immigration reform.

"The administration is taking decisive action designed to strengthen the security of our southern border and reduce unlawful migration by suspending the entry of individuals across the southern border," a Biden administration official said.

Here's what to know about Biden's executive action on immigration:

The executive action establishes a rule that will turn away migrants who are claiming asylum between ports of entry after there have been seven consecutive days of more than 2,500 encounters along the southern border.

The United States would start accepting migrants who are claiming asylum only if there have been 14 days of encounters with 1,500 migrants or less between ports of entry, according to administration officials.

The rule will take effect later Tuesday, according to officials. Migrants seeking asylum between ports of entry will begin to be turned away starting at midnight, according to a White House official.

Migrants will still be able to use the CBP One app to make appointments at the border, meaning they will still be able to claim asylum. The action applies to "unscheduled" apprehensions at the border, officials said.

Migrants seeking to enter the United States through a barbed wire fence installed along the Rio Grande are driven away with pepper spray shots by Texas National Guard agents at the border with Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua State, Mexico, on May 13, 2024. (Herika Martinez/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

"The suspension and limitation on entry and the rule will not apply to individuals who use a safe and orderly process, such as the CBP [Customs and Border Protection] One mobile application to enter the United States at a port of entry in an orderly manner," an official said.

CBP doesn't provide real-time data on border crossings. However, there were 3,600 apprehensions along the southern border on Sunday alone -- well past the threshold Biden has set to shut down all asylum claims between ports of entry, according to a source familiar with the data. Border Patrol is seeing an average of 3,500 apprehensions per day in recent weeks, according to another source -- also past the new threshold.

The rule applies to and will "immediately" expel any individual encountered along the southern border if the provision of limiting asylum at the border has been triggered, according to officials.

The migrant's country of origin doesn't matter, officials said, and individuals will be removed to their country of origin in a matter of "days, if not hours," under the new executive rule.

Senate again fails to advance border security bill in election-year showdown vote

Administration officials said the measures would "significantly speed up" the current process for individuals who do not manifest a credible fear, which is the threshold for establishing an asylum claim in the United States.

"We have seen consistently over the last few years that when we have the ability to remove individuals quickly, it can significantly impact migratory flows by changing the calculus for intending migrants, especially if they know that they are going to be removed quickly and not be able to remain in the United States for many years through their immigration court process," an official said. "They're going to be much less likely to pay the thousands of dollars that it's required to the smuggling networks that more or less control access to the routes leading up to our border."

PHOTO: President Joe Biden waves as he arrives on Air Force One at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y., June 3, 2024. (Alex Brandon/AP)

There is, however, an exception for children who are crossing the border as unaccompanied minors, officials said.

The 2,500 number was picked because that's the number negotiated in the bipartisan border bill, officials said.

Officials said these steps will do what the border bill was intended to do: strengthen the immigration system.

Biden challenges Trump to drop opposition to bipartisan border security bill

"The president worked with [a] bipartisan group of senators to reach a historic border security agreement, an agreement that would have delivered significant policy changes, resources and personnel necessary to secure our border and make our country safer, and that would have made the asylum process fairer and more efficient while ensuring protection for the most vulnerable," an administration official said, placing the blame squarely on Congressional Republicans.

Earlier this year, Senate Democrats and Republicans negotiated a bipartisan border bill that was effectively killed in the House at the behest of former President Donald Trump.

"The American people told us what they want," the official said. "They want a secure border."

Officials also pushed back on the notion that the rule is similar to that of former President Trump's, which was broad and targeted people based on other factors such as their religion.

Unaccompanied minors are representing themselves in immigration court, alarming advocates

Administration officials said they made changes to the executive rule that they believe would hold up in court.

The Department of Justice will be prepared to defend any litigation should it arise.

"DOJ defends lawsuits, rules and actions on a regular basis, and we are prepared for litigation on this rule," the official said. "I think we are accustomed to being litigated frequently from both sides of a political spectrum for just about any measure we take in this space."

Chad Wolf, a Republican and former acting secretary of Homeland Security in the Trump administration, said that, from his perspective, the executive action won't make a dent in the "asylum abuse" that is being carried out along the border.

"There are holes in this plan," Wolf told "Fox & Friends" on Tuesday morning. "This plan does nothing to stop the asylum abuse, does nothing to stop the parole abuse that this administration has done, nothing to stop catch and release. I see a lot of different holes here. I don't think it's going to work. I think it is too little too late."

ABC News' Quinn Owen and Justin Fishel contributed to this report.

What to know about Biden's executive action on immigration originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
What to know about the dozens of guns stolen from a Fort Moore facility

FORT MOORE, Ga. (WRBL)  The Fort Moore Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is asking for the publics help in finding more than 30 guns stolen from the Army post.

This investigation has been going on for more than two weeks after 31 M-17 pistols were discovered missing.

Now, CID is offering up to $5,000 in reward money for information leading to the recovery of the military-issue weapons.

Fort Moore Public Affairs officials have referred all questions to CID. WRBL did reach out to CID. An official in Quantico, Virginia, says no additional information will be released at this time.

This is what we know:

The weapons were reported missing from a secure facility on May 16. They were at the Cresenez Consolidated Equipment Pool. The release offering the reward says the guns went missing between March and May of this year.

New Details: Child sex predator wanted for alleged rape of child arrested in Macon County

The M-17 is a standard issue military handgun. Gun experts tell WRBL it is similar to civilian handguns with the exception that it is more durable and capable of firing more rounds.

When weapons such as these are not assigned to soldiers, they are commonly stored in secure facilities with limited access.

People familiar with the operations on Fort Moore say there are a number of these facilities on post.

CID asks anyone with information on these stolen guns to call (706) 577-4074. You can also submit information online at this form.

WRBL reached out to the Columbus Police Department. The department is aware of the thefts and has circulated that information to officers and detectives.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
What to know about the new fake elector charges in Wisconsin against Trump associates

After months of not confirming whether the state Department of Justice was investigating the fake elector scheme in Wisconsin, Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul filed charges Tuesday against three associates of former President Donald Trump for their part in coordinating the plan.

Charges were not filed against the 10 Republicans from Wisconsin who made up the slate of false electors. They faced a lawsuit from Democratic electors.

The 10 Republicans reached a settlement in that case, in which they acknowledged their actions were part of an attempt to overturn an election. Kaul could still file charges against them, but it looks unlikely.

Here's what to know about the three people facing charges and their alleged roles in the scheme:

Who is Kenneth Chesebro?

Chesebro is a Wisconsin Rapids native and a former campaign attorney for Trump. CNN reported in December that Chesebro was cooperating with investigators in four states, including Wisconsin. At that point, Kaul had not confirmed whether he was investigating the scheme.

Chesebro was the lead architect of the 2020 fake elector plan. Chesebro spelled out the plan in a memo dated Nov. 18, 2020  the same day Trump asked for recounts in Dane and Milwaukee counties.

It's unclear whether Chesebro worked for Trump or someone else. Chesebro sent a second memo on the matter on Dec. 9, 2020, after state officials certified President Joe Biden as the victor in Wisconsin.

Chesebro has entered into agreements in several states to give him some protection from prosecution. He has pleaded guilty in Georgia to conspiracy to commit filing false documents.

Chesebro was also revealed as the anonymous "BadgerPundit" account on X, formerly Twitter. He used the account to urge Republicans to use Trump electors or Republican-led state legislatures to overturn Trump's loss.

Who is Jim Troupis?

Jim Troupis, a former Dane County Circuit Court judge hired by Trump's campaign to oversee recounts, is shown during argumens before the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Dec. 12, 2020.

Jim Troupis is a former Dane County Circuit Court judge from Cross Plains who was hired by Trump's campaign to oversee recounts. He received those memos from Chesebro.

In a settlement in the case filed by Democratic electors, Chesebro and Troupis did not admit wrongdoing but agreed to not prepare "alternate electoral votes" in future campaigns. Troupis paid an undisclosed amount as part of that agreement.

Emails released by Troupis and Cheesebro in that settlement showed they coordinated legal strategies during recounts of ballots in Dane and Milwaukee counties, during which Troupis sought to throw out thousands of absentee ballots that were cast in person through early voting.

Who is Mike Roman?

Mike Roman is a former Trump aide who allegedly delivered the fake elector paperwork to congressional staffers in order to get them to Vice President Mike Pence, who ultimately rejected them.

Records released as part of the settlement show Roman was in contact with Troupis on Jan. 6, 2021, and U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson's chief of staff in order to pass along the slates of Wisconsin's false electors to Pence.

Johnson has maintained he did not know he was trying to deliver fake elector packets to Pence despite texts released in the settlement showing he was explicitly told the documents were about the electors.

What are they charged with, and what happens next?

Kaul has filed the felony forgery charges in Dane County Circuit Court. Court records show Chesebro, Troupis and Roman are due in court on Sept. 19.

Who are Wisconsin's fake electors?

While the three Trump associates above are now charged in Wisconsin, the 10 people who signed documents agreeing to be electors for Trump were not. Those include:

Robert Spindell, a Republican appointee to the Wisconsin Elections Commission

Andrew Hitt, former chairman of the state Republican Party who recently appeared on "60 Minutes" describing the elector scheme

Kelly Ruh, current chairwoman of the 8th Congressional District GOP

Carol Brunner, former vice chairwoman of the 1st Congressional District GOP

Scott Grabins, former chairman of the Dane County Republican Party GOP

Darryl Carlson, former chairman of the 6th Congressional District GOP

Pam Travis, former vice chairwoman of the 7th Congressional District GOP and a former staffer for Sen. Ron Johnson's 2022 reelection campaign

Mary Buestrin, former national committeewoman for the state Republican Party

Bill Feehan, current chairman of the 3rd Congressional District GOP

Kathy Kiernan, current second vice chairwoman of the state Republican Party

More: Here are the 10 people who participated in Wisconsin's fake elector scheme in 2020

Journal Sentinel reporter Molly Beck contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who is facing charges in Wisconsin's fake elector scheme?
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Tuesday it was understandable that some countries were declining to take part in a Swiss-hosted peace summit on Ukraine this month because the gathering lacked clear goals and it was absurd to hold it without Russia.

Ukraine says more than 100 countries and organisations have agreed to attend the summit on June 15-16, to which Moscow has not been invited.

"This is a completely absurd activity, this is an idle pastime," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. He said it was obvious the meeting was not geared towards results, and "that's why many countries don't want to waste time."

In a blow to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, China has said it will not take part - something Russian parliament speaker Vyacheslav Volodin noted with satisfaction in a Telegram post on Tuesday.

He cited press reports saying Saudi Arabia would not go either, although the kingdom has not publicly announced its position on the summit. Peskov said that was a sovereign matter for Saudi Arabia.

The meeting is taking place at a crucial point in the third year of the war in Ukraine, where Russian forces have recorded a series of gradual gains since February.

In recent weeks a number of NATO countries have said they will allow Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with weapons they have supplied to Kyiv, something that President Vladimir Putin has warned could escalate the war into a global conflict.

Russia says it is open to dialogue on the basis of the "new realities" it has created on the ground, where its forces control about 18% of Ukraine. Kyiv says peace can only be based on a full withdrawal of all Russian forces and the restoration of its territorial integrity.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Ros Russell)
MOSCOW/ANKARA (Reuters) - Russia welcomes Turkey's reported desire to become part of the BRICS group of nations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, saying the subject would be on the agenda of the organisation's next summit.

Peskov said there was heightened interest in BRICS - a group comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates - from various states, but said it was unlikely the grouping could completely satisfy all interested nations.

On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan began a visit to Beijing, the highest-level visit by a Turkish official to BRICS member China since 2012. Fidan held talks with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and other officials during the visit.

Asked whether Turkey would want to join BRICS during a talk at the Center for China and Globalization on Monday, Fidan said "we would like to of course, why would we not?". However, he did not elaborate further.

Fidan was cited by Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency as saying Ankara was also eyeing cooperation with BRICS members and that he would attend a planned meeting of the group next week in Russia.

It was not immediately clear whether Ankara would take steps to join the BRICS group, as Ankara has not previously stated its desire to formally join.

NATO member Turkey had come under fire by its Western allies in recent years over its ties with Russia, with some saying that its "axis" was shifting away from the Western military alliance.

Ankara has rejected this, saying it remained a committed member of the alliance and maintained its goal of full membership of the European Union.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov in Moscow and Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara; Editing by Andrew Osborn, Alexandra Hudson)
The trial of Hunter Biden started on Monday to determine whether he is guilty of three felony charges related to his purchase and possession of a gun while he was a drug user.

Biden, President Joe Bidens middle son, has been an obvious mess whose substance use disorder took him in many deranged directions over the years before he got sober.

So heres my question for Attorney General Russell Coleman, and various other Kentucky Republicans who determined the New York court system was utterly dysfunctional when it convicted Donald Trump on 34 charges: If the federal court jury in Delaware finds Biden guilty, is justice still corrupt and just politics?

Surely, if Hunter Bidens dad has as much control over the court system as Republicans accuse him of having, the son wouldnt even be facing a trial and answering to criminal charges brought forward by his fathers U.S. Department of Justice.

Trump wasnt found guilty by one judge. He was found guilty by a jury of 12 peers. Thats our system and its worked for more than 225 years.

In other words, if you constantly undermine U.S. institutions like courts and elections, swear they are riddled with fraud and corruption when they have results you dont like, what happens when you win an election or get the verdict you wanted? Slink away in a puddle of hypocrisy?

I realize that asking for rational thought from our state or national political scene is a bridge too far these days. But Coleman, U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and State Treasurer Mark Metcalf are attorneys who most certainly know better than to undermine our justice system with reckless statements that do nothing but virtue signal to Trump.

MAGA politics have distorted our reality so much already that theres a very good chance our next president could be a convicted felon who tried to pass off hush money to a porn star he had an affair with as legitimate campaign expenses.

And really, thats the least serious of the charges hes facing right now.

If he wins, I guess our election system works. If he loses it doesnt.

Something else happened Friday that was drowned out by craven politicians decrying our justice system over the Trump verdict: 2000 Mules, a documentary and book purporting to describe alleged election fraud in 2020 was taken out of circulation by its production company, which apologized for it.

2,000 Mules was produced by right wing commentator Dinesh DSouza, who was himself convicted of a felony for campaign fraud in 2014.

The damage has been done, of course. As the New York Times said: More than a million people watched 2,000 Mules in just the first two weeks after its release in May 2022, and the film grossed over $10 million. Its unfounded allegations became an article of faith for an untold number of Americans convinced that the election had been stolen.

But it was wrong. Mules were not stuffing ballot boxes. Nor were the New York court jurors bought off by the Biden administration.

It would be great if we could expect our elected leaders here in Kentucky and around the nation to uphold the basic foundations of our democracy by telling the truth.

In the end, its all weve got to go on.
What a Labour government might mean for your holidays  from tourist taxes to Airbnb clampdowns

Think July 4 is just another day in the sprint towards your summer holiday? Think again. The General Election could impact how we travel, particularly if Labour win  as all the polls currently predict.

Here are eight ways that a Labour government could affect your holidays.

More tourist taxes on the horizon?

The Welsh government, currently a Labour minority administration under the leadership of First Minister Vaughan Gething, has been working to give local councils the power to charge an additional fee for overnight stays. The tax, it says, will generate revenue to pump straight back into the tourism industry.

However, some restaurant and hotel owners have argued that after the struggles of Brexit and Covid, plus the ongoing cost of living crisis, a tourist tax could have a negative effect on visitor numbers.

Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has also rolled out a 1 visitor levy or City Visitor Charge, which has raised 2.8 million in a year for street cleaning and marketing campaigns. Chester, a Labour-majority council, has also recently pitched a 2-per-night accommodation tax to fund tourism events and improve visitor services.

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister of Wales Vaughan Gething on the sea front in Abergavenny last week - PA

Stiffer penalties for parents who take kids on term-time holidays?

Shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has spoken out against parents who remove their children from school to go on holiday. This came after a record 399,000 parents last year were issued a penalty notice by local authorities for unauthorised school absences.

I think those parents that choose to take their children out of school for holidays or for trips or where its not necessary should reflect seriously, because that damages childrens life chances. They only get one chance at school, they only get one childhood, she said on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme in January.

For those parents who are facing additional challenges and for children that are facing additional challenges an incoming Labour government will make sure that we put in place the support thats needed to tackle that.

During a speech at The Centre for Social Justice, Phillipson said a Labour government would introduce annual inspections on school trusts for the first time, to clamp down on absenteeism along with other issues facing schools: Cheaper holidays, birthday treats, not fancying it today, these are no excuses for missing school, she said.

The current Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, said she wants to rebuild the social contract between parents and schools and make sure everyone plays their part and has introduced a 15m mentorship scheme to help 3,600 struggling children.

Airport expansions?

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken sympathetically about Gatwick Airports second runway plans. During a visit to the local area in February 2024, Starmer said: Having grown up around these parts, I know just what a major hub Gatwick is for passengers going in and out of the country.

For all of the local communities around here, its a massive source of work. Its very important and we must never lose sight of that. We will have to take decisions in government about what we do about airport expansion and what the competing arguments are.

Asked if he would support a second runway, Sir Keir said: We will look at the situation as we go into the election. Im a big supporter of Gatwick. It is unclear whether Starmers Labour would back a third runway at Heathrow: in 2018, he voted against proposals alongside 93 other Labour MPs, although 119 Labour MPs backed the plans and the trade union, Unite, is also in support of the runway, calling it fundamental.

Starmer says he is a 'big supporter of Gatwick' and has spoken sympathetically about plans for a second runway - Alamy

Interestingly, mentions of airport expansion and aviation are few and far between in Labours 4,000-word, 13-page environmental policy, except for one line which states: [We] guarantee that any airport expansion adheres to our tests that require noise issues to be addressed, air quality to be protected, the UKs climate change obligations met and growth across the country supported.

Manchester Airports Group (MAG)  which manages Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands and is owned by a consortium of Labour-controlled councils in Greater Manchester  has plans to expand passenger numbers. Luton Airport, also owned by Labour-run Luton Borough Council, has plans for expansion too.

A more favourable exchange rate?

While markets tend to prefer continuity over change, history shows that governments elected with big majorities can imply stability, which in turn can make the pound more attractive  even if only temporarily. Last week one money expert predicted a three per cent rise in the value of sterling should Labour gain power.

Jasmine Birtles, chief executive of the personal finance website MoneyMagpie, told The Independent: A Labour win with a large majority will imply some stability, making the pound more attractive to investors  at least for a few months. Figures are very difficult as there are so many variables, but if I were to pull one out of the air I would say a three per cent rise.

On the flipside, the weeks leading up to an election can be precarious times for exchange rates. So if you are willing to gamble on a Labour victory, you may wish to wait to exchange your travel money until after July 4, as post-election exchange rates will likely be more favourable than they are now.

Swingeing taxes on private jets?

In a blog posted on labour.org.uk in January 2024, the party pointed out that the Conservative government had increased Air Passenger Duty (APD  more on that later) but the levy on private jet journeys remained frozen.

This gobsmacking hypocrisy shows once again that Rishi Sunak is out of touch and simply cant understand the concerns of the ordinary voters he claims to represent, the Labour blog post purports. Starmer, in turn, was accused of hypocrisy after allegedly taking a 25,000 private jet owned by the Qatari government while attending a climate summit in the Middle East.

Still, given the tone of this official blog post, and the fact that Labour has previously hinted at banning private jets entirely, it would come as no surprise if levies on private jets went up under a Labour Government.

A protest against private jet flights in Farnborough on January 27 - Getty

Cheaper flights from regional airports?

Air Passenger Duty (APD) is a charge added to economy tickets for UK departures, amounting to 7 for domestic flights and 14 for short-haul trips, increasing for longer flights and premium cabins. Some argue that this is putting regional airports at a disadvantage.

London will always be fine, but where UK APD is doing untold damage is to the regional UK airports, said Ryanairs Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness. We allocate capacity based on one metric only  thats cost. [UK regional airports] are at an enormous disadvantage now versus their European competitors.

Speaking at an aviation conference in November 2023, Labours shadow minister for aviation and maritime, Mike Kane, hinted at an adjustment to APD. I am sure on the horizon we will look at how we allow our regional airports to compete in such an environment where they are disadvantaged at the moment, he told delegates.

Better Wi-Fi (and cleaner loos) on the railways?

One of Labours major election pledges is to continue plans for the introduction of a new public body, Great British Railways, which will take charge of railway infrastructure and operations in the country. This concept appeared in a different guise under the premiership of Boris Johnson, when Grant Shapps was Transport Minister.

What the renationalisation of the railways looks like for passengers, according to Labour, is a more reliable timetable system based on Switzerlands model of coordinating journeys across different modes of transport. They also promise a simpler ticket pricing structure, plus automatic compensation and digital season ticketing. On board, passengers are being told they will find better functioning power sockets, more reliable on-board Wi-Fi and  an election winner if youve ever seen one  cleaner toilets.

Labour has, however, stopped short of guaranteeing cheaper fares. Speaking at a press conference in April, shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said: I cant today set out that we will lower fares. But we have said that we will simplify them, that we will make them more accessible, more transparent and more trustworthy for passengers.

A clampdown on second homes and Airbnbs?

In a Parliamentary debate on May 23, 2023, Luke Pollard, a member of the shadow cabinet, said: There are too many people in rural and coastal communities, such as those I represent in Plymouth, who are being turfed out of their homes and seeing those homes being flipped immediately into Airbnbs with astronomical rates.

Pollards First Homes not Second Homes proposal calls for higher taxes on holiday lets and unused second homes, a licensing regime for second homes and a Community Infrastructure Levy (read: tourist tax) to support local businesses.

The Conservatives have also taken measures to manage the impact the accommodation platform has on local communities. Michael Gove announced in February this year that all second-home owners hoping to let their properties on Airbnb must get planning permission from this summer onwards, and Rishi Sunak has made sounds about penalising antisocial behaviour in Airbnb properties.

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(Bloomberg) -- Labour marginally widened its lead over the governing Conservatives as opposition leader Keir Starmer prepares to go head-to-head against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the first leadership debate of the UK general election campaign.

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Labours lead widened to 22.3 points on Tuesday from 21.5 points Monday, according to Bloombergs polling composite  a rolling 14-day average using data from 11 UK polling companies.

Sunak is reeling from a double blow on Monday. First, the populist right-wing politician Nigel Farage took charge of the Reform UK party and said he would stand in the July 4 election  a reversal of his previous stance. Less than an hour later, YouGov released modeling that suggests Labour is on course for a landslide win, with the Tories set to sink to their worst defeat in more than a century.

The prime minister  who has spent the campaign rolling out policies designed to shore up right-wing support for the Conservatives  will face Starmer on Tuesday at 9 pm in a televised debate on ITV. The opposition leader, for his part, has sought to appeal to centrist voters by annexing policy territory more typically occupied by the Tories  including by stressing his security credentials and economic prudence.

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Labour party manifesto: What will be Keir Starmers key policies for the general election?

Labour announced its triple-lock commitment to Britains nuclear deterrent on June 3, with Sir Keir Starmer aiming to prove his defence credentials before the general election next month.

The Labour leader said his party would build four new nuclear submarines if elected, and ensure Britains nuclear deterrent remains at sea 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It is the latest policy offering from Labour ahead of the general election, as both parties continue to give hints of what their final election manifestos may contain.

For the latest political updates ahead of the general election, follow The Independents live coverage

Sir Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves (Lucy North/PA) (PA Wire)

Responding to the general election announcement, Sir Keir said: A vote for Labour is a vote for stability - economic and political. A politics that treads more lightly on all our lives, a vote to stop the chaos.

They have failed. Give the Tories five more years, and things will only get worse.

While neither party has released an official election manifesto yet, which will come in the next few weeks, both have dropped hints and promises over the course of the past few years which offer a clue for their vision for the country.

Heres where Labour is likely to fall on some key policy areas ahead of the general election:

NHS

NHS waiting times have skyrocketed over the past two years, with the number of people waiting for a hospital treatment hitting a record 7.8 million in late 2023 as around a third of patients wait over 6 months.

The proportion of people waiting over 4 hours in A&E has also increased, reaching a peak of over 50 per cent last Summer, and now at around 45 per cent.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting has said the party will get the NHS back on its feet by delivering two million more appointments a week by paying NHS staff to work more evenings and weekends.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Wire)

Labour has pledged to hit the 18-week waiting list target by the end of its first term in government.

Other proposals include doubling the number of NHS scanners, creating 700,000 more urgent dentist appointments, and hiring 8,500 mental health staff.

The party also laments the loss of the family doctor, and promises it will enable patients to see the same GP for every appointment if they want to.

However, Mr Streeting raised some eyebrows in April when he announced his intention to use spare capacity in the private sector to work towards Labours NHS goals, despite what middle-class lefties might think.

The shadow health secretary has since clarified that this does not mean Labour wishes to privatise the NHS in any way, and that he believes the health service should always be free for everyone.

NHS key points

Hit 18-week waiting list target by end of first term

2 million more appointments a year by paying NHS staff to work more evenings and weekends

Improving early diagnosis for cancer by doubling the number of NHS scanners

700,000 more urgent dentist appointments

8,500 new NHS mental health staff

Enabling patients to see the same GP every appointment if they want to

New neighbourhood health centres with joined-up services

Tax and economy

Labour has been critical of the governments economic record, with shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves promising to take an approach of securonomics as an antidote to the economic turmoil caused by Liz Trusss catastrophic 2022 mini-budget.

Outlining Labours first steps for change in May, Keir Starmer said the party would impose strict rules on themselves.

Mr Starmer also says the party would introduce an Office for Value for Money to ensure taxpayers money is spent wisely and halve government consultancy spending, instead focussing on long-term staffing.

This would come alongside a Covid Corruption Commissioner, aiming to recoup billions in taxpayer money wasted on fraudulent Covid contracts, as well as ending what Labour calls the VIP fast lane government contract procurement process.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire)

Labour has also ruled out increasing income tax (or changing its bands), capital gains tax, or corporation tax.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed the party would not seek to undo the governments 2p cut to National Insurance tax if it came to power, looking to other measures to raise funds.

Chief amongst these measures is scrapping the controversial non-dom tax status held by some wealthy foreign nationals in the UK, as well as a crackdown on tax avoidance, and introducing VAT and business rates to private schools.

In April Mr Sunak beat Labour to the punch on non-doms by announcing that the tax regime would be phased out over a transitional period. Labour has said it would scrap the transitional measures, saving a further 2.6 billion.

Tax and economy key points

Introduce an Office for Value for Money

Appoint a Covid Corruption Commissioner

End the VIP fast lane government contract procurement process

Maintain the cuts to NICs

No increase to income tax, capital gains tax, or corporation tax

Cracking down on tax avoidance

Introducting VAT and business rates to private schools

No transitional measures in non-dom tax scheme scrappage

Pensions and Welfare

Sir Keir has vowed that a Labour government would aim to ensure no person receiving the state pension lives in poverty, suggesting the leader would likely want to boost the payment.

However, his party has not matched some of the Conservatives more generous offers to the UKs pensioners. In May, Mr Sunak announced the triple lock plus, which would increase the personal allowance for pensioners, ensuring the state pension is never taxed.

Labours shadow paymaster general Jon Ashworth called this policy not credible.

The opposition party has also said it would reintroduce the pensions lifetime allowance

Shadow work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall at the Euston Skills Centre, North London (Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

On welfare, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall has said there would be no option of a life on benefits under Labour, as she vowed in March to increase youth employment rates.

The MP for Leicester West said the party would be investing in young peoples futures, bringing down the sickness benefit bill, and reforming the welfare system.

This includes measures such as overhauling job centres to end tick-box culture and devolving employment support to local areas.

Pensions and welfare key points

Ensure state pension is a sustainable living wage

Bring back the pensions lifetime allowance

Retain the triple lock  but not triple lock plus

Possible policies that further encourage pension contributions

Reform the benefits system to boost employment rate

Migration

Labours plan on immigration looks to reduce the UKs reliance on overseas workers and bring down migration. The party says it would implement policies that tackle home-grown skills shortages to fill key sectors facing employment gaps.

The opposition party says it would take inspiration from Australias points-based immigration system, which assesses a migrant workers suitability for a visa based on factors such as education, language skills, and work experience.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper (Jeff Moore/PA) (PA Wire)

Another tabled plan involves limiting access to the immigration system for rogue employers who underpay workers or otherwise flout labour laws.

The Labour party has also pledged to secure the UKs borders and reduce small boat crossings by introducing a Border Security Command, which would use counter-terror style tactics.

This would come alongside a Returns Unit that would aim to more efficiently removed asylum seekers with failed applications and so end the practice of housing them in hotels.

Migration key points

Bringing down migration by filling employment gaps with UK citizens

Introduce policies closer to Australias points-based immigration system

Cracking down on unethical employers that may exploit migrant workers

Securing borders and reducing small boat crossings with several new task forces

Education

Labour has made education a key part of its policy programme in its time as in opposition. Their headline measure is to recruit 6,500 new teachers in key subjects, as well as creating a national excellence programme which would see teachers given continuous support with professional development.

The party has also said it will set out to review the national curriculum, giving it wider scope to improve creativity, and digital and communication skills.

They also plan to introduce more mental health support staff in schools in a bid to boost attendance. This will come alongside free breakfast clubs for every primary school in England.

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson has said that Labour will also look to reform Ofsted so that parents are given better, more qualitative information than the simple scorecard.

For the youngest children, the party has promised to improve the quality and availability of childcare places where needed. They also aim to boost communication and maths skills for young children.

And for further education, Labour has unveiled Technical Excellence Colleges which aim to give people specialist skills in the fields their local area most requires.

Education key points

Recruit 6,500 new teachers in key subjects

A review of the national curriculum

Employ mental health support staff in every school

Free breakfast clubs for every primary school in England

Improving childcare quality and availability

Technical Excellence Colleges to give people the specialist skills required by their local area

Housing

Labour has raised doubts around the Renters Reform Bill, which has seen several amendments that renters rights charities have called watering down. Lisa Nandy has instead promised a Renters Charter that would offer a number of new protections to renters.

These include an end to Section 21 no-fault evictions, bringing an end to automatic evictions for rent arrears, and new rights to keep pets and to make reasonable alterations to property.

On housebuilding, Sir Keir has said he would reintroduce the mandatory target to build 300,000 homes a year. The Tories watered this policy down in 2022 after the target was missed nearly every year.

Shadow International Development secretary Lisa Nandy (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Archive)

The party would look to build on what they call the grey belt  poor-quality land, car parks and wastelands that are currently classed as green belt.

Measures to help first-time buyers have also been pledged, with Ms Reeves promising a mortgage guarantee scheme and increasing the stamp duty surcharge for foreign investors into UK property.

The shadow chancellor says Labour would also give first-time buyers first-dibs on new-build homes, rather than those who already own one or more homes.

Housing key points

A Renters Charter to improve rights and protections for renters

Scrapping Section 21 no-fault evictions

Reintroducing the mandatory target to build 300,000 homes a year

Building on grey belt land within the green belt

Introducing policies to help first-time buyers secure a home

Defence

Sir Keir has made efforts to show his party is tough on national defence ahead of polling day. He has vowed that Britain will remain committed to NATO. He has also said that Labour would meet a 2.5 per cent of GDP military spending target as soon as we can.

Speaking in Derbyshire, the Labour leader made clear his commitment to the UKs nuclear deterrent, pledging to build four new nuclear submarines and ensure the programme is up and running at all times.

The party also says it would conduct a Strategic Defence Review to fully understand the state of the Armed Forces and where further funding may be required.

This would come alongside improving service accommodation to boost morale and appointing an Armed Forces Commissioner to advocate for service staff.

Defence key points

Maintain commitment to NATO

Meet a 2.5 per cent of GDP military spending target when possible

Maintain and update the UKs nuclear deterrent

Conduct a Strategic Defence Review to understand where the Armed Forces needs to improve

Improve service accommodation and appoint an Armed Forces Commissioner

Environment

Labour has laid out its plans for Great British Energy, a publicly-owned sustainable energy company, which it says will reduce household energy bills and create half a million jobs.

This is Labours plan to take control of our energy system by creating clean, UK-produced power to reduce the countrys reliance on energy from overseas.

The party says the move should permanently take hundreds of pounds off household energy bills, and bring 500,000 jobs to industrial and coastal communities.

Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband (Getty Images)

Shadow environment secretary Ed Milliband says the party would pay for the plan with a windfall tax on excess profits made by oil and gas companies.

The party has also pledged to hit water companies with automatic and severe fines for polluting waterways, as well as blocking water bosses bonuses until they have resolved issues with pollution.

However, Labour made an embarrassing U-turn in February when the party revealed its intention to ditch a pledge to spend 28bn annually on green initiatives, reducing the amount by nearly half.

Environment key points

Setting up Great British Energy to bring energy production in-house and reduce energy bills permanently

Windfall tax on excess profits made by oil and gas companies

Heavy fines for polluting water companies, and blocking bonuses for water bosses who break rules

Clean power by 2030
"Azerbaijan remains a significant pillar of global energy security, particular to Europe."

Azernews reports that US President Joe Biden said this in a message addressed to the participants of the Baku Energy Week.

US President Joe Biden noted that COP 29 presents a unique opportunity for Azerbaijan to advance key global initiatives like limiting methane emissions in the oil and gas sector and advancing the clean energy transition.

The letter was read by Harry Kemian, Senior Advisor on Multilateral Energy Diplomacy at the US State Department's Bureau of Energy Resources.

The decision to hold COP29 in Baku was made during the plenary session of COP28 in Dubai on December 11, 2023. Azerbaijan's capital is expected to welcome approximately 70,000 to 80,000 international guests for this landmark climate conference in November.
South Korea on Tuesday approved the full suspension of the Sept. 19 military agreement with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), according to multiple local media. #XinhuaNews
LAKETOWN TWP.  After months of discussion and debate, Huyser House in Laketown Township has been demolished.

Huyser House was built in 1939 and donated to the township alongside 102 acres of land in 2001 to create Huyser Farm Park. Its sat empty since, with the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission unable to settle on a use for the home. In late 2023, the commission officially voted to tear it down.

After months of discussion and debate, Huyser House in Laketown Township has been demolished.

Specialized Demolition of Hamilton took down the 84-year-old house Monday, June 3, reducing the building to a pile of rubble and debris in less than an hour.

The house was, of late, a frequent topic of discussion in Laketown.

In December 2022, a special committee concluded the house should be torn down. That kicked off a year of back-and-forth between different committees and commissions regarding the building's future.

In March 2023, the parks commission voted 3-2 to hand the homes future to the Building Authority, which was tasked with making a plan for the structure by Sept. 15, 2023. That plan was revealed in August  a suggestion to convert the home into a Living Legacy Center for a cost of roughly $125,000.

Specialized Demolition of Hamilton demolished Huyser House on Monday, June 3, reducing the building to a pile of rubble and debris in less than an hour.

Despite approval from the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, which held an easement on the property, the parks commission was unhappy with the plan and sent a letter to the township board opposing it.

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On Oct. 11, the township board asked its attorney to provide an opinion on which commission had authority and whether the easement allowed for demolition. That opinion, provided Nov. 1, came down on the side of the parks commission.

The commission is welcoming ideas for the vacant space. They can be shared at parks meetings  6 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month  or with chair Brad Laninga at parks@laketowntwp.org.

 Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Laketowns Huyser House has finally been demolished
Mike Lamborn, pictured with his wife, Terry, will speak Aug. 3 at Alliance Area Senior Center at the Greater Alliance Carnation Festival Community Luncheon. Lamborn is the great-great-grandson of Levi Lamborn, a historic figure in the early days of the city.

The Greater Alliance Carnation Festival will have a very special guest as keynote speaker for its Community Luncheon on Aug. 3.

Mike Lamborn, the great-great nephew of Levi Lamborn, will speak at the ticketed event on the first weekend of the annual Alliance festival.

Carnation Festival logo

Levi Lamborn is a crucial part of the history of the City of Alliance. A politician, physical and horticulturist, Levi Lamborn was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Alliance to set up his medical practice.

Lamborn liked to experiment with flowers  especially carnations. In fact, hes credited with growing some of the first carnations in the United States.

After a career in medicine, he retired and decided to seek political office, first running in 1858 for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives. He then sought a seat in the Ohio Senate in 1874.

He ran again, this time in 1876, and lost in a bid for Ohios 17th Congressional District seat in Washington to William McKinley. Before debates during the race, Lamborn gave McKinley scarlet carnations. When McKinley won the race, he adopted the scarlet carnation as a good luck token and wore them for the rest of his political career.

A few years after McKinleys 1901 death, the scarlet carnation was declared Ohios state flower. This year marks the 120th anniversary of that declaration.

Alliance City Schools Board of Education member Bill Koch, a self-proclaimed collector of all things Alliance, found a picture at his home and donated it to the Mabel Hartzell Historical Home, an act that helped located Mike Lamborn.

Mike Lamborn is from Lamborn Family Vineyards, located in Californias Napa Valley region. He and his family have operated a wine vineyard for four generations.

Tickets for the festival Community Luncheon are on sale now. Tickets are $15 and are available at CompuTek Computers, 703 S. Union Ave. in Alliance.

The festival will be 11:30 a.m. Aug. 3 at a new location this year  Alliance Area Senior Center, 602 W. Vine St.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Levi Lamborn relative to speak at Greater Alliance Carnation Festival event
Hopper Pit is one of the unique features at the Lowe property recently purchased by the Central Indiana Land Trust. Eventually the property will become part of the Hoosier National Forest.

In what was called a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to protect land surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest, the Central Indiana Land Trust (CILTI) purchased 80 acres in Orange County in April that will eventually become part of the Hoosier.

The property has several unique features, including a sandstone arch and two pit caves. One cave, Hopper Pit, has historical significance because it was discovered in 1804 along the Base Line of the United States by surveyors from the General Land Office while Thomas Jefferson was president. An area known as sandstone barrens just south of the sandstone arch has a rare species of grass, silver plumegrass, growing there.

The property was purchased for $541,000 through the land trust's fund established to provide money to purchase land to maintain its natural state instead of it being developed. In fact, the Orange County property, known as the Lowe property, had a couple of bidders who stated they planned to develop housing on the land, according to a CILTI news release.

Cliff Chapman, president of CILTI, said after reaching out to other agencies that might have wanted to purchase the property, it become obvious that none was able to do so quickly enough. Members of the Indiana Karst Conservancy had let Chapman know the land was going to be sold. CILTI bought the land with money from its Evergreen Fund for Nature which was established to have funds available when needed.

"Its one of those situations where the landowner wanted to sell within 60 days and the state couldnt move that quickly," Chapman said.

Additional funds for the purchase were provided by the Sam Shine Foundation.

Cliff Chapman, president of the Central Indiana Land Trust, looks at the natural sandstone arch on the Lowe property in Orange County that the land trust recently purchased.

One of the most unique features is that the property has sandstone caves instead of the limestone caves more commonly found in southern Indiana.

"Thats what makes this site really special," Chapman explained. "It has caves but they are sandstone caves" that are more like the caves found in New Mexico. Like caves in the Southwest, the two  located on the north and south part of the property  are dry caves, without rivers or streams inside, unless it rains and then a nearby waterfall gushes, sending water rushing through to the other side.

What's the future of the property?

While the land trust now owns the land, Chapman said some of the land is being farmed. That is expected to continue at least for a couple of years.

The property has Hoosier National Forest on the east and west sides with a private owner to the south. Chapman anticipates the land trust will own the land for the next three to five years, allowing time for the U.S. Forest Service to allocate funds to purchase the property.

"The way the fields are arranged, there are no right angles," he said, adding that will make it easier to eventually reforest the land, which is what the Forest Service likely will do.

Mike Chaveas, supervisor of the Hoosier National Forest, said in a statement, The Lowe tract contains some unique natural features and habitats, and Im pleased that CILTI was able to acquire it. I look forward to continuing our partnership as we pursue the funding and future potential transfer of the parcel to federal ownership to become a valued addition to the Hoosier National Forest.

A sandstone natural arch is one of the unique features at the Lowe property in Orange County. The land was recently purchased by the Central Indiana Land Trust Inc.

While visiting the property on Friday, May 31, Chapman said he heard three hooded warblers  two on the national forest land and one flying from the Lowe property to the neighboring one. The warblers are state threatened and are known to inhabit wooded areas, habitat the land trust purchase will ensure remains.

It was while walking the land that Chapman realized how special the land is. "This is one of the coolest projects weve ever done," he said.

Contact Carol Kugler at ckugler@heraldt.com

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Central Indiana Land Trust buys Orange County land with special features
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  With triple-digits temperatures in the forecast this week, the City of Las Cruces will activate cooling stations Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6.

A cooling station is a place that offers temporary shelter from the heat for the elderly, other high-risk residents, and the public. Residents are encouraged to call cooling stations beforehand to verify they are open, the City of Las Cruces said in its announcement.

The following cooling stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday:

Frank O`Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell Ave. (575-528-2455).

Henry R. Benavidez Community Center,1045 McClure Road (575-541-2006).

Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave. (575-541-2563).

Munson Center, 975 S. Mesquite St. (575-541-3000).

Sage Cafe, 6121 Reynolds Drive (575-528-3151).

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library,200 E. Picacho Ave. (575-528-4000).

The National Weather Service in Santa Teresa has issued a Heat Advisory that will be in effect from 9 a.m. Wednesday through 9 p.m. Thursday. High temperatures in Las Cruces at least the next two days are anticipated to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more over the next couple of days.

Residents are reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives, neighbors, and pets. Also, extra precautions should be taken if they plan to work or spend time outside. When possible, strenuous activities should be rescheduled to early morning or evening hours.

Residents are urged to also be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; weakness and moist skin; irritability or confusion; and an upset stomach.

Heat stroke symptoms include dry, hot skin with no sweating; mental confusion or loss of consciousness; and seizures or convulsions. Heat stroke is an emergency and residents should call 911 if anyone is experiencing these symptoms.

People at a higher risk of heat-related illness include infants and young children; older adults; people with disabilities; anyone with chronic heart or lung problems; overweight persons; those who work outdoors or in hot settings; users of some medications, especially some drugs for mental disorders, movement disorders, allergies, depression, and heart and circulatory problems; and isolated persons.

Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location as quickly as 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 KTSM 9 News.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A woman faces charges, including attempted murder, after police said she shot a man in his own home twice with his own gun, according to an arrest report obtained by 8 News Now.

On May 23 at around 4 p.m., police responded to the lobby of a residence after a man called 911 saying he was shot. Arriving officers found the victim who told police the woman who shot him was still upstairs in his room, according to the arrest report.

Officers went to the victims residence but did not find anyone inside. The floor of the residence was covered in droplets of blood and two bullet casings were found in the kitchen and the bedroom, the report stated.

Medical personnel took the victim to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The victim told police that he met the suspect a few days prior at a store in the 4000 block of South Maryland Parkway and only knew her by the name Renee.

The victim told police he decided to talk to the suspect because she was very attractive and decided to take her back to his place to hang out. He told police she spent two nights at his place, but they did not have any sex, the report stated.

He told police on the day of the shooting, he left the woman in his room fully clothed and went to the kitchen and made coffee for her. When he walked back to his room, she was naked and holding the victims gun, pointing it at him, according to the report.

The victim told police the woman said, Hey you and shot him twice. The victim ran out of his room while the woman chased him with the gun out of the apartment. Eventually, the victim was able to get to the lobby and call 911.

The victim said he had no idea why the suspect shot him.

Using the limited information the victim knew about the woman, police were able to identify Rene Taua, 26, as a possible suspect in the shooting. Police showed the victim a photo lineup including Taua, and he immediately identified her as the person who allegedly shot him.

Rene Taua, 26, faces charges of attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon and battery with the use of a deadly weapon. (LVMPD)

A passerby found a gun matching the description of the victims gun in the middle of the street less than a block from the victims residence, the report stated. Surveillance video from the residence showed Taua running out of the building shortly after police arrived after the shooting, police said.

On May 29, police received a call about a suspicious vehicle registered to Taua parked near a school. The vehicles doors were open and police saw a trail of belongings, such as womens shoes and clothing, leading toward the school, according to the report.

Police saw Taua walk toward the vehicle and stopped her. She identified herself and police took her into custody. She refused to talk to police without a lawyer present.

Taua faces charges of attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon and battery with the use of a deadly weapon. She was being held in the Clark County Detention Center on a $25,000 bail.

If Taua makes bail, she will be put on high-level electronic monitoring and will have to stay out of trouble and will not be able to have any weapons or have any contact with the victim.

Her next court date is scheduled for May 18.

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OMAHA BEACH, France  Under their feet, the sands of Omaha Beach, and in their rheumy eyes, tears that inevitably flowed from being on the revered shoreline in Normandy, France, where so many American young men were cut down 80 years ago on D-Day.

Veterans of World War II, many of them centenarians and likely returning to France for one last time, pilgrimaged Tuesday to what was the bloodiest of five Allied landing beaches on June 6, 1944. They remembered fallen friends. They relived horrors they experienced in combat. They blessed their good fortune for surviving. And they mourned those who paid the ultimate price.

Parachute jump over Normandy kicks off D-Day 80th anniversary

They also bore a message for generations behind them, who owe them so much: Dont forget what we did.

They probably wouldnt be here if we hadnt be successful, said Llilburn Bill Wall, who flew bombers in WWII and will celebrate his 101st birthday this week as world leaders gather in France to pay homage to the D-Day generation.

As decades pass, D-Day anniversaries in Normandy have become increasingly fun-fair like, clogging the regions leafy roads with WWII-era fans dressed in the uniforms and driving restored vehicles of the time. But the presence of an ever-dwindling number of veterans keeps the commemorations real, inevitably raising questions about whether the memories, pathos and lessons of WWII will fade when they are gone.

There are things worth fighting for. Although I wish there was another way to do it than to try to kill each other. But sometimes youre called upon to do something and you just do it. You know? Thats it. These people looked death in the face and just kept right on coming, said Walter Stitt, who turns 100 in July and fought in tanks  surviving the destruction of three.

All those young men that never had a chance to go home and find a love of their life and hold their children in their arms, he said on Omaha, wiping away a tear.

On the bluffs above Omaha, at the Normandy American Cemetery with 9,387 immaculately tended graves, 100-year-old Bob Gibson paid tribute to comrades who fell on D-Day, when he landed on the other, less-bloody American landing beach, code-named Utah.

You dont want other people to go through the same thing, he said. Because Ive seen a lot of these boys that never even made the beach, believe me. And we were all 18, 19 years old.

Im glad I made it. The old boy upstairs took care of me, he said, gesturing skyward.

Across the Normandy coast where the largest-ever land, sea and air armada punctured Adolf Hitlers defenses in western Europe on D-Day and helped precipitate his downfall 11 months later, Allied veterans are the VIPs of this weeks 80th anniversary celebrations.

More veterans were on their way Tuesday, traveling by ferry from southern England across the English Channel that 23,000 Allied airborne troops flew over to drop on D-Day into Normandy and which more than 132,000 others crossed aboard thousands of ships that stretched as far as eyes could see, landing on Utah and Omaha and three other code-named beaches: Gold, Juno and Sword.

It looked like you could walk across the Channel using boats as stepping stones, recalled 100-year-old Robert Pedigo, who was a nose gunner aboard a B-24 bomber that flew over the landing beaches on D-Day to pound German forces from the air.

Back at base that night, he was told the Allies had suffered thousands of casualties.

Overwhelming, he recalled. Although his bombing mission that day proved to be among the easiest of 30 he flew over occupied France and Nazi Germany, the emotional impact was the greatest.

More than 4,400 Allied troops were killed on D-Day, including more than 2,500 Americans. The Allied toll grew appallingly in the Battle of Normandy that ensued, with 73,000 killed and 153,000 wounded.

Eight decades on, veterans are making more pleasant new memories to go with painful old ones.

Aboard the Mont St. Michel ferry carrying them Tuesday to France, about 20 British veterans gathered on deck and waved like rockstars to well-wishers who cheered them off.

A pipe band struck up a stirring rendition of Brave Scotland. Sailors stood at attention. Fireboats blasted their hoses in an arc. A military transport plane flew past twice.

RAF veteran Bernard Morgan, who worked in communications on D-Day, chuckled: It was more pleasant coming today than it was 80 years ago.

Danica Kirka reported from the Mont St. Michel ferry in the English Channel.
Palestinian mourns a relative killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip outside a hospital in Deir al Balah on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Slovenia is the latest European country to recognize a Palestinian state. The countrys parliament voted Tuesday in support of the move, following in the recent steps of Spain, Ireland and Norway.

Slovenia's prime minister has said he sped up efforts to recognize a State of Palestine in reaction to Israel's expanding invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The monthlong offensive has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians who are facing widespread hunger.

In central Gaza, the Israeli military said Tuesday that its troops backed by airstrikes have launched a ground operation into the Bureij refugee camp. Local hospital officials say a strike in the urban camp killed 11 Palestinians, including three children and a woman.

The Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives across the Gaza Strip come as international mediators wait for Israel and Hamas to respond to a new cease-fire and hostage release proposal, according to Qatar, which has played a key role in negotiations alongside Egypt and the United States.

Announcing the proposal last week, U.S. President Joe Biden said the three-phase plan was Israeli, however Israeli leaders have since appeared to distance themselves from the proposal and vowed to keep fighting Hamas until the group is destroyed.

Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza has 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. Around 80 hostages captured on Oct. 7 are believed to still be alive in Gaza, alongside the remains of 43 others.

Currently:

 The U.S. urges U.N. Security Council to support a cease-fire plan in Gaza announced by President Biden.

 Proposed Gaza cease-fire puts Netanyahu at a crossroads that could shape his legacy.

 Irans acting top diplomat dismisses U.S.-proposed Gaza cease-fire deal in visit to Lebanon.

 Palestinian officials apply to join South Africas case accusing Israel of genocide at the top U.N. court.

 Israeli airstrikes near Syrias Aleppo kill several, including an Iranian adviser, reports say.

 Israel declares four more hostages are dead in Gaza.

Follow APs coverage of the war in Gaza at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Here's the latest:

U.N. HUMANITARIAN CHIEF WARNS OF GROWING DESPERATION AND HUNGER IN GAZA

UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. humanitarian chief says fuel and truckloads of food are desperately needed in Gaza, pointing to the massive looting of a U.N. convoy carrying aid and the theft of 27 of the 61 trucks last weekend as examples of lawlessness and the dire situation of hungry Palestinians.

Martin Griffiths told a U.N. press conference Tuesday that the United Nations doesnt have the capacity to deliver humanitarian assistance at scale in southern Rafah, where Israel is carrying out a ground and air operation, or in central Gaza where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled the latest attacks.

Because of insecurity caused by the fighting, he said, there are also fewer aid workers to manage aid distribution to more than a million people in need, so only a trickle of food and other items are getting through to the neediest.

He called Saturdays looting of 52 trucks carrying food and nutritional supplements for children, partial looting of nine others, and the recovery of only 34 of the 61 trucks in the World Food Program convoy a terrible event and a seminal event.

While the U.N. is remaining in Gaza, Griffiths said, it's unable to deliver nearly enough aid.

The U.N. and its humanitarian partners need all border crossings to reopen, the damaged U.S. pier to finish repairs repaired, and assurances of security and safety for convoys and aid workers, he said.

Griffiths said that for months, the U.N. has been calling for a humanitarian cease-fire, for safety and security on all convoy routes, and for embedding U.N. planners and humanitarian staff with the Israeli military so that we can make sure that our movements are safe. But this has not happened, he said.

Meanwhile, the U.N. childrens agency UNICEF warned that if nutrition supplies cant be distributed, more than 3,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition will be have their nutrition supplies interrupted, U.N. associate spokesperson Florencia Soto-Nino said.

And in Rafah city, she said, the World Health Organization reported that the United Arab Emirates field hospital is the only facility providing health services, but ongoing hostilities are making it increasingly difficult to reach.

SLOVENIA RECOGNIZES A PALESTINIAN STATE, FOLLOWING 3 OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia  Slovenia recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday after its parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of the move, following in the recent steps of three other European countries.

Slovenias government endorsed a motion last week to recognize a Palestinian state, and had sent the proposal to parliament for final approval, which was needed for the decision to take effect.

Parliament on Tuesday voted 52 for with no one against recognition in the 90-seat parliament. The remaining lawmakers were not present for the vote.

Slovenias decision came days after Spain, Norway and Ireland recognized a state of Palestinian, which was condemned by Israel. Previously only seven members of the 27-nation EU officially recognized a Palestinian state. Five of them are former East bloc countries that announced recognition in 1988, as did Cyprus, before joining the EU. Swedens recognition came in 2014.

WASHINGTON LAUNCHES BIG DIPLOMATIC PUSH FOR GAZA CEASE-FIRE

WASHINGTON  The Biden administration has launched an intense drive to convince not only Hamas and Israel to accept a new cease-fire proposal in the nearly eight-month-old war in Gaza but is also pressing Arab nations to get the militant group to go along with the terms.

It comes as President Joe Biden suggested in a Time magazine interview published Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be prolonging the war against Hamas to ensure his political survival. Biden, who gave that interview a week ago, seemed to dial back his criticism in a brief exchange with reporters following an immigration speech at the White House.

In response to a question about whether Netanyahu is playing politics with the war, Biden said I dont think so. Hes trying to work out the serious problem he has.

Netanyahu faces a far-right coalition that has threatened to break up his government if the prime minister agrees to a new cease-fire proposal, which Biden announced Friday as an Israeli plan. Since then, Biden and his top aides have not only pressed for Israel and Hamas to approve the deal but also have been working the phones to get Arab and Muslim nations to urge the militant group to agree to it.

Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan have all made calls, and Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, will be heading to region this week to further make the case for the deal.

ISRAEL LAUNCHES GROUND OPERATION INTO CENTRAL GAZA REFUGEE CAMP

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  The Israeli military said Tuesday that ground troops backed by airstrikes have launched an operation in central Gazas Bureij refugee camp.

Local hospital officials say a strike on a home in the camp killed 11 Palestinians, including three children and one woman. A strike on another house in the neighboring Maghazi refugee camp killed two men, according to officials at al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby town of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken.

The extent of the Israeli incursion into Bureij camp was not immediately clear as of Tuesday evening. The military said in a statement that it was conducting a precision operation in the camp targeting Hamas positions.

Israeli forces have been battling militants in parts of Gaza that the army said it wrested control of months ago  potential signs of a simmering insurgency.

The military waged an offensive earlier this year for several weeks in Bureij and several other nearby refugee camps in central Gaza.

Troops pulled out of the Jabaliya camp in northern Gaza last Friday after weeks of fighting caused widespread destruction. First responders have recovered the bodies of 360 people, mostly women and children, killed during the battles.

Israel has also been expanding its nearly month-old ground offensive in Gazas southernmost city of Rafah. More than 1 million Palestinians have fled Rafah, mostly into tent camps that have arisen across central and southern Gaza.

Refugee camps in Gaza originally housed Palestinians who were driven from their homes in what is now Israel in the 1948 war surrounding Israels founding. Over the decades since, they have been built up into crowded urban districts.

A PERMANENT CEASE-FIRE MUST BE PART OF ANY DEAL WITH ISRAEL, HAMAS OFFICIAL SAYS

BEIRUT  A senior official with the Palestinian militant group Hamas said it will not accept any deal with Israel that does not clearly lay out a permanent cease-fire and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Osama Hamdan said Hamas has told mediators that it was waiting for an Israeli response regarding this matter. Speaking Tuesday to reporters in Beirut, he said that Israel is seeking to bring the hostages held by Hamas out of Gaza, then resume the war there.

Hamdans comments came days after a cease-fire proposal, announced by U.S. President Joe Biden, offers the possibility of ending Israels war against Hamas, returning scores of hostages held by the militant group and quieting fighting on the northern border with Lebanon.

A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar said Tuesday that Qatar and the other mediators, Egypt and the U.S., were still waiting for a response from both Israel and Hamas to the proposal. Majid al-Ansari said clear ideas had been put to the two sides, but we do not have clear positions on it from both sides.

The Qatari spokesman pointed to disputes within the Israeli government, where ultra-nationalist allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have threatened to bring down the governing coalition if he signs onto a deal without destroying Hamas. Netanyahu says the deal includes provisions that ensure that goal  although none were publicly stated in Bidens announced outline.

Al-Ansari said the principles (of the proposal) bring together the demands of all parties.

Hamdan said Hamas described Bidens announcement as positive.

We cannot accept an agreement that does not guarantee and confirm a permanent cease-fire and full withdrawal from Gaza followed by an (prisoners) exchange, Hamdan said. This is what we want as Palestinians, and any Israel ideas that contradict this do not concern us and have no value.

Hamdan said that there are thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli jails adding that any deal should lead to their release. Around 80 hostages captured by Palestinian militants on Oct. 7 are believed to still be alive in Gaza, alongside the remains of 43 others.

SENIOR BIDEN ADVISER HEADING TO MIDEAST THIS WEEK, U.S. OFFICIAL SAYS

WASHINGTON  U.S. President Joe Biden is dispatching a senior adviser, Brett McGurk, back to Mideast this week for talks on the hostage for truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas as well as to discuss about the situation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, according to a U.S. administration official.

The official requested anonymity to discuss the yet to be publicly announced travels for McGurk, the White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa.

McGurk has been shuttling between Washington and Mideast capitals throughout the nearly eight-month Israel-Hamas war for talks with key regional stakeholders.

This visit comes after a new cease-fire proposal was transmitted to Hamas last week. The Israeli plan could immediately bring home dozens of Israeli hostages, free Palestinian prisoners and perhaps even lead to an endgame in the war.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday that Hamas has yet to offer its formal response to the proposal.

McGurk is also expected to discuss Israels ongoing military operations in Rafah with regional leaders.

Israel launched its ground assault into the city on May 6, triggering an exodus of around 1 million Palestinians out of the city and throwing U.N. humanitarian operations based in the area into turmoil.

Still, in the eyes of the Biden administration, it has yet to amount to a major operation. The U.N. humanitarian office reported Monday that only about 100,000 Palestinians are still in the city of Rafah.

___

Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani contributed.

WHITE HOUSE ADVISER JAKE SULLIVAN MEETS WITH FAMILIES OF AMERICAN HOSTAGES IN GAZA, U.S. OFFICIAL SAYS

WASHINGTON  White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan met on Tuesday with families of Americans that are being held hostage in Gaza, according to an administration official.

The meeting comes as Biden is pressing Israel and Hamas officials to accept a three-phase hostage for truce deal and potentially end the eight-month war in Gaza. The official was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Israeli officials say about 80 people captured by militants in the Oct. 7 attack are still alive and Hamas is holding the bodies of 43 others.

Sullivan has periodically met and held calls with families of the American hostages throughout the nearly eight month crisis.

President Joe Biden in an interview with Time magazine published Tuesday said that he still believes Americans being held are alive, but acknowledged that U.S. officials dont have final proof on exactly whos alive.

Hundreds of people, including relatives of the captives, gathered outside Israels Defense Ministry and military headquarters in central Tel Aviv late Monday, calling for a hostage release deal. Smaller protests took place across the country.

___

Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani contributed.

360 BODIES RECOVERED FROM JABALIYA REFUGEE CAMP IN NORTHERN GAZA AFTER LATEST ISRAELI OFFENSIVE

CAIRO  A spokesman for Gazas civil defense says first responders recovered the bodies of 360 people, mostly women and children, killed in the urban refugee camp of Jabaliya during a three-week Israeli offensive there.

Satellite photos showed extensive new damage in Jabaliya from the offensive, which ended with Israeli troops pulling out on Friday. The photos  taken by Planet Labs PBC on May 8 before the assault and on June 1  showed that the camps main marketplace had been destroyed and in several places entire blocks had been wiped away.

The Israeli military launched the assault on Jabaliya in early May, saying it was targeting Hamas militants who had regrouped there after repeated previous offensives in the densely built district.

The military said the assault saw tough close-quarters fighting with Hamas militants during which it carried out some 200 airstrikes. At the operations end, the military said it had destroyed 10 kilometers (6 miles) of underground tunnels and other Hamas infrastructure. Troops also found the bodies of seven hostages.

Mahmoud Bassal, spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defense, said Tuesday that 360 bodies had been found so far buried under rubble or strewn in the streets. Some were retrieved while the offensive was ongoing and others after the Israeli withdrawal on Friday.

He estimated around two-thirds of the bodies were women and children. Among them were 30 people killed from one extended family, the Asaliya, including 22 women and children, he told The Associated Press. He said the search for bodies was still underway.

Jabaliya camp originally housed Palestinians who were driven from their homes in what is now Israel in the 1948 war surrounding Israels founding. Over the decades since, it has been built up into a crowded urban district.

U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE COUNTS MORE THAN 500 KILLINGS OF PALESTINIANS IN THE WEST BANK

GENEVA  The U.N. human rights chief says his office has counted the killings of more than 500 Palestinians by the Israel Defense Forces and settlers in the West Bank since Oct. 7.

Volker Turk renewed his call for an end to violence in the West Bank after two Palestinian teenagers were killed near Aqabat Jaber refugee camp in Jericho over the weekend, and four other Palestinians were killed Monday by Israeli security forces.

That took the death toll of Palestinians in the West Bank to 505 since the deadly rampage by Hamas-led militants from Gaza in Israel on Oct. 7, according to his office.

As if the tragic events in Israel and then Gaza over the past eight months were not enough, the people of the occupied West Bank are also being subjected to day-after-day of unprecedented bloodshed, Turk said in a statement Tuesday. It is unfathomable that so many lives have been taken in such a wanton fashion.

Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, 24 Israelis  including eight security force members  were killed in both the West Bank and Israel in clashes or alleged attacks by Palestinians from the West Bank, the rights office said.

The U.N. office said Israeli forces have often used lethal force as a first resort against Palestinian protesters throwing stones, firebombs and firecrackers at Israeli armed vehicles.

Turk lamented pervasive immunity for crimes committed by Israel security forces, saying allegations of unlawful activity must be investigated and those responsible held to account.

The Israel diplomatic mission in Geneva, where the U.N. rights office has its headquarters, said Palestinian terrorist factions were increasing their activities in the West Bank, with the complicity and lack of leadership of the Palestinian Authority.

This is the reality that the High Commissioner chooses to ignore and dismiss, the mission said. Israel will not allow the West Bank to be turned into another terrorist stronghold.

The U.N. rights office uses a strict methodology to confirm casualties in conflict zones, and its count could fall short of the actual toll.

PALESTINIANS RETURN TO KHAN YOUNIS TO FIND HOMES DESTROYED AND NO INFRASTRUCTURE

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  Palestinians displaced from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis are setting up tents atop the ruins of their obliterated homes.

Many residents who fled fighting in the city months ago were once again forced to flee Israels offensive in the southernmost city of Rafah. The returnees came home to a barely recognizable city, their homes part of a vast landscape of ruin.

This is my house but I cannot see where its foundations or borders are. I cannot find where it used to begin and end, said Ayad Abu Khries, who returned to Khan Younis after being displaced to Rafah.

In one gutted second-floor apartment, a woman heated a pot on a makeshift stove  the building a shell surrounded by rubble. One familys laundry hung from a rope and dangled above piles of stone, metal rods and other debris.

Israel withdrew troops from Khan Younis, Gazas second-largest city, in April. Residents quickly returned to find what remained of their homes. The incursion into Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had been sheltering before fleeing again, prompted a new influx of returnees back into Khan Younis. The United Nations says more than 1 million Palestinians have fled Rafah, many of them having already been displaced multiple times.

Those who have returned to Khan Younis have struggled to find services. Some residents who came back said they must walk a mile or more to access food and water.

The infrastructure is destroyed. There is no electricity or sewage system or water of anything. We live in tents and life is exhausting, said Basima Moammar, who is living in a tent near her destroyed home.

ISRAELI STRIKES KILL 11 PALESTINIANS OVERNIGHT IN THE GAZA STRIP

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Palestinian health officials in the Gaza Strip said Israeli strikes killed at least 11 people overnight into Tuesday, including a family of three and eight police officers.

A strike on a home in the built-up Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza late Monday killed two parents and their young daughter, while a second strike early Tuesday hit a police vehicle in the central town of Deir al-Balah, killing eight officers with the Hamas-run Interior Ministry.

An Associated Press journalist counted the bodies as they arrived Tuesday at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah 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, underground tunnels and rocket launchers in dense, residential areas. The military rarely comments on individual strikes.

U.S. President Joe Biden has recently detailed an Israeli cease-fire plan that the sides were considering.

The war, sparked by Hamas Oct. 7 attack, has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and noncombatants in its tally. Many of the dead have been women and children, the ministry says.

BRUSH FIRES SPARKED BY FIGHTING WITH HEZBOLLAH INJURES 6 SOLDIERS, ISRAELI MILITARY SAYS

TEL AVIV, Israel  The Israeli military said Tuesday that six soldiers were lightly injured in a brush fire in the countrys north that was sparked by fighting with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

The blaze, which has been raging since Sunday, was mostly under control Tuesday, according to Israeli Army Radio. The military said it had sent reserve soldiers and equipment to assist Israels Fire and Rescue services to stamp out the blaze.

Fires sparked by fighting have ignited sporadically in recent weeks, but this weeks blaze was more widespread and appeared to cause more damage. Israels Nature and Parks Authority said around 10,000 dunams (2,500 acres) burned across northern Israel this week as a result of the brush fires.

Significant damage was caused to several nature reserves and parks that will take years to rehabilitate, the Nature and Parks Authority said. A total of nearly 40,000 dunams (9,900 acres) have burned since the end of May in multiple brush fires, many of which were started by rocket and other projectile fire launched by Hezbollah, the authority said.

Sharon Levy, the director of the Golan Region at the Nature and Parks Authority, said the dry summer season was exacerbating the fires.

Hezbollah began launching rockets at Israel a day after the war in Gaza broke out with Hamas Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. Since then, Israel and Hezbollah have been trading fire daily in violence that has pushed the region to the brink of wider war.

ISRAEL KILLS 2 SUSPECTED MILITANTS IN THE WEST BANK

TEL AVIV, Israel  The Israeli military said Tuesday it killed two Palestinian militants who were attempting to launch a shooting attack toward Israeli communities from the occupied West Bank.

The military said the two approached the West Bank separation barrier and were killed by Israeli forces. The military provided a photo of a rifle it said the men were set to use to carry out the alleged attack.

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, a militant group in the area, claimed the men as its fighters, saying they were killed while carrying out a shooting attack near the Palestinian city of Tulkarem.

The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the deaths.

Residents of Israeli communities just outside the West Bank have reported an uptick in shootings emanating from the occupied Palestinian territory in recent days.

A surge of violence has gripped the West Bank since the October start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Israel has been cracking down on militancy in the West Bank, killing more than 500 people there since the start of the war, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Many of them were killed in fighting with the military or for throwing stones at troops. Others not involved in the confrontations have also been killed.
LAWRENCE, Kan.  Police officers in Lawrence, Kansas went to work in the wee hours on Tuesday morning.

Investigators used a series of high tech drones to track down two suspects, even though it was pitch dark outside.

Neighbors in the citys River Ridge area told police those two people, an 18-year old man and a 17-year old, are breaking into cars and stealing anything they could. Police arent releasing those two suspects names, but theyre both behind bars.

Some neighbors told Lawrence police investigators those two people were also checking doors on homes to see if they were unlocked.

FBI looking for suspect after Tuesday Kansas City bank robbery

Kenny Kaberline, a homeowner in that area, said police officers woke him around 4 a.m. to notify him someone had broken into his car, and to numerous others on the street. Police officers often call these break-ins crimes of opportunity.

Even when we left the house just a minute ago for a quick walk, I make sure I locked the door. We have an electronic door locked. I clicked the button on that, Kaberline said on Tuesday morning.

Homeowners in the River Ridge area believe their neighborhood is safe. When Lawrence police officers arrived on that early morning scene, Douglas County Sheriffs deputies were already there.

When the two suspects saw the officers, they ran into a wooded area. Thats when Lawrence police officers used a high-tech drone that can see in the dark, using it to track down the suspects.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

Lawrence Police Sgt. Drew Fennelly said property crimes like this are common, but he wouldnt say theyre on the uptick in Lawrence either.

Its an easy thing for people to do. Get in and get out, Sgt. Fennelly said Tuesday afternoon.

Fennelly supervises the police departments 26 drone pilots. He said some items were stolen in the River Ridge neighborhood, and officers are still probing the extent of it. Fennelly said the thermal detecting drones are powerful tools.

If you dont catch someone in the moment, it does become very difficult to solve those cases. Anytime were able to get quick resolution in these cases, were very thankful for that, Fennelly said.

KCPD releases identity of missing woman found dead in Lees Summit

Were not used to having a lot of crime in the neighborhood, Mike Hansen, another River Ridge neighbor, said. Just to take it upon yourself to go out and steal something out of somebodys yard is kind of obnoxious.

Lawrence police detectives want to talk with anyone who believes they had items stolen in this incident. They ask you to call the police department at (785) 832-7509.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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SHENYANG, June 4 (Xinhua) -- In 2004, 24-year-old Lyu Linyou joined the former provincial institute of sandy land utilization, which is now the sand control and utilization research institute of the Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, after graduation. Initially, Lyu specialized in grass science and had no clear idea about sand control. He learned from senior colleagues and local farmers in Zhangwu County, accumulating experience and gradually becoming determined to apply his knowledge to sand control.

Located on the southern edge of the Horqin sandy land, Zhangwu was once plagued by sand and dust storms. Historically, 96 percent of Zhangwu County's total area was desertified land.

For the ecological management of desertified grasslands, Lyu introduced and tested over 400 varieties of grass and herb plants, ultimately narrowing down to more than 50 suitable varieties. He also led his team in developing complementary technologies, with contribution to the industrial development and practical demonstration of sandy land ecological restoration.

Lyu earned a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2016.

Lyu Linyou (L) checks the growth of plants at the Zhanggutai base of the sand control and utilization research institute of the Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Zhangwu County, northeast China's Liaoning Province, May 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Lyu Linyou checks the growth of alfalfa in Zhangwu County, northeast China's Liaoning Province, May 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Lyu Linyou (R) checks the growth of plants with a staff member at the Zhanggutai base of the sand control and utilization research institute of the Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Zhangwu County, northeast China's Liaoning Province, May 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Lyu Linyou (R) communicates with a staff member at the Zhanggutai base of the sand control and utilization research institute of the Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Zhangwu County, northeast China's Liaoning Province, May 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Lyu Linyou checks soil nutrient at the Zhanggutai base of the sand control and utilization research institute of the Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Zhangwu County, northeast China's Liaoning Province, May 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Lyu Linyou arranges soil samples of sandy land at the Zhanggutai base of the sand control and utilization research institute of the Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Zhangwu County, northeast China's Liaoning Province, May 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Lyu Linyou checks the growth of plants at the Zhanggutai base of the sand control and utilization research institute of the Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Zhangwu County, northeast China's Liaoning Province, May 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the Zhanggutai base of the sand control and utilization research institute of the Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Zhangwu County, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Reporter: Pan Yulong

Editors: Wang Qingqin, Meng Chenguang, Wu Xia, Zhang Xinjing, Zhu Weixi, Chu Jiayin

China Story Studio
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV)  Lawrence University in Appleton has opted to change food service providers, subsequently laying off 62 employees with that business.

According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Bon Appetit Management Companys contract with Lawrence University will be coming to an end.

Toyota recalls over 100,000 vehicles over stalled engine concerns

This event will unfortunately result in the closure of our operations at Lawrence University and directly impacting our staff, stated Beth Schartner, the Regional HR Business Partner.

Bon Appetit will cease to be the food service provider on June 30, 2024. The 62 employees who currently work at Lawrence University will experience a previously scheduled temporary summer furlough due to the conclusion of the academic year on June 17.

Because Bon Appetit will no longer be the food service provider, these employees will not be recalled for the summer furlough and will be permanently laid off on August 3.

Corporate officials with Bon Appetit say they anticipate the layoff will be permanent but took the time to thank their employees for their hard work.

We appreciate the dedication of our employees and deeply regret that we are required to take these steps, added Schartner.

No formal bumping rights are applicable, but Bon Appetit says theyre helping connect employees to opportunities to move into open positions within their broader company.

Dallas Stars Joe Pavelski says hes done after 1,533 games and 18 NHL seasons

Additionally, Lawrence University plans to offer employment to many of Bon Appetits existing workforce at the institute.

For more information on the job titles of the affected positions and the number of affected employees in each job classification, click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
In this 2020 photo illustration, the TikTok app is displayed on an Apple iPhone. (Photo Illustration by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The state of Utah filed another lawsuit against the social media company TikTok, accusing it of profiting off of virtual strip clubs involving minors.

Thats according to a heavily redacted complaint filed in Utahs 3rd District Court in Salt Lake County on Monday, which details a live-stream feature that attorneys for the state say promotes sexual solicitation and exploitation of young people.

The feature  called TikTok LIVE  was introduced in 2019 and quickly became extraordinarily popular, the complaint states. It includes a monetization feature where viewers can purchase virtual currency and gifts, which can then be exchanged for real money. According to attorneys for Utah, creators are promised more money by TikTok based on how popular their content becomes.

But according to the complaint, minors are sometimes incentivized by the currency to take part in sexually explicit acts  and TikTok takes a significant cut from those virtual transactions, Utah alleges.

Any responsible company would shut down a feature if it facilitated children being exploited and adults paying children for sexual acts, the complaint states. But TikTok is too hooked on LIVEs massive revenue stream.

Several pages of the complaint are almost entirely redacted, concealing TikToks earnings from LIVE, TikToks own internal findings regarding mental health impacts on minors, the number of TikTok users in Utah, TikToks ad revenue and more, making it difficult to determine the full scope of the social media companys presence in Utah.

This is Utahs second lawsuit targeting TikTok after it filed a consumer protection case in October claiming the company intentionally designed addictive features to lure in young users and keep them using the app for long periods of time. TikTok filed a motion to dismiss the suit, which the court will consider during a hearing scheduled June 13.

In response to the latest suit, a TikTok spokesperson said the company has industry-leading policies and measures to help protect the safety and well-being of teens.

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, the spokesperson said.

But in the lawsuit, the state calls those measures nothing more than hollow policy statements.

Despite what TikTok claims, it refuses to enforce meaningful and effective oversight of users ages. TikTok knows many users lie about their age and it does little to ensure its policies are adequately enforced and effective, the complaint states.

Attorneys for Utah paint TikTok LIVE as an at times seedy corner of the internet that allows the company to profit from crime and the sexual exploitation of children.

In countless live streams, minors have been encouraged by adults toamong other illicit actsstrip, spread their legs, and flash body parts to the camera, in exchange for virtual Gifts, the complaint said.

And those gifts, according to court documents, are designed to be tempting to children, described as cute, colorful emojis reminiscent of cartoons and Disney characters.

To target this young of an audience shows that even TikTok knows that many TikTok LIVE users are under 18 years old, despite TikTok saying the opposite, the complaint reads.

Whats more is TikTok does not oversee its virtual currency exchanges, the complaint said, allowing the transactions to avoid regulatory framework in place to identify and stop sexual exploitation and other illegal activities like money laundering, terrorism financing, drug sales, and illegal gamblingabhorrent conduct that TikTok is not only facilitating but also receiving huge profits from.

In a statement, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the allegations against TikTok are 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. We will take all necessary actions to protect them from TikToks egregious behavior, Cox said.

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes called TikToks monetization of the live stream money laundering, while claiming the feature connects victims to predators in real-time.

Our investigation confirmed TikTok knows of the damage to young victims but feels it makes far too much money to stop. There are so many layers of harm in its practices that we cannot wait a day longer to act, Reyes said.

The lawsuit accuses TikTok of violating Utahs deceptive acts or practices law by creating an intentionally confusing system of virtual currency while failing to notify users it takes approximately a 50% commission of all virtual transactions.

The lawsuit also alleges that TikTok is in violation of the states consumer sales practices act concerning sexual exploitation.

TikTok directly profits from its virtual currency and has continued to profit despite knowing its currency was being used for illegal activities, including, and not limited to, sexual exploitation, trafficking, the distribution of pornography, money laundering, and other illicit activities

The state is asking the court to require TikTok to pay for damages on behalf of consumers well in excess of $300,000, order an accounting of the LIVE revenue in Utah and pay at least $300,000 in civil penalties.

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The post Lawsuit: Utah calls TikToks live stream feature a virtual strip club that targets minors appeared first on Utah News Dispatch.
It may be over 20 years since Alastair Campbell resigned as Tony Blairs king of spin. But its clear that he hasnt lost his touch. Yesterday, after Kemi Badenoch pledged to protect single-sex spaces for women, Mr Campbell demonstrated that he still possesses a matchless talent for smearing his political opponents.

Im sure the world of trade and business will take note that the actual Secretary of State for Business and Trade has decided that the biggest issue on her agenda on her first big election outing is the weaponisation of trans rights, he scoffed.

This is textbook spin  because, while superficially factual, its also slyly misleading. Yes, Mrs Badenoch is indeed the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. But shes also the Minister for Women and Equalities. Which means that it is in fact her job to talk about womens rights  in this case, their rights to have their own sports, public lavatories and hospital wards. Mr Campbell, however, had made it sound as if the subject were none of her business.

But then, such tactics are all too typical of the modern Left, when it comes to the clash between the rights of women and the demands of trans activists. Since the Left know theyre bound to lose any debate on this topic, they do all they can to prevent debate being held in the first place. To this end, theres one ploy they favour above all others.

Loftily dismissing the whole issue as a culture war.

First out of the blocks yesterday was Daisy Cooper, the deputy leader of the Lib Dems. Asked about Mrs Badenochs pledge to protect womens spaces, she said: Time and again we have seen how [the Government] tries to wage these phoney culture wars.

What a handy phrase culture war is. When youve got no idea how to counter your opponents arguments, it enables you to duck out of engaging with those arguments at all. Gender identity isnt the only area where its useful, either. You can use it to dodge other awkward debates, too. Cant think of a way to defend Left-wing students who ban speeches from visitors they disagree with? Say, This is just a Tory culture war! Cant think of a way to defend cowardly publishers who rewrite classic works of fiction to appease the permanently offended? This is just a Tory culture war! Cant think of a way to defend the peculiar trend for drag queens reading stories to children? Tory culture war!

The possibilities are practically endless. In February, Keir Mather, a 26-year-old Labour MP, even told Parliament that objections to 20mph speed limits were part of a distracting culture war by the Conservative party.

So there you have it. If you think motorists should be allowed to drive at any speed above snail pace, youre a bigot. And probably a racist and a transphobe, too.

Corporate virtue-signalling over Pride fools no one

Yes, its that time of year again. Pride Month. Four weeks in which social media accounts representing capitalist corporations heroically demonstrate their unswerving support for gay people and other marginalised minorities.

Within reason, anyway.

At the weekend, a user of Twitter/X noticed that @BMW (an English-language account for Western followers) was displaying the rainbow colours of the Pride flag  yet Middle Eastern accounts, such as @BMWSaudiArabia, were not. What was the reason for this curious discrepancy? In reply, @BMW stated that it was an established practice which takes into consideration market-specific legal regulations and country-specific cultural aspects.

Right. I think I see what that means. The policy is to trumpet support for gay rights in countries where gay people have rights. But not in countries where they havent.

Of course, this is far from unusual. Plenty of other corporate social media accounts follow the same policy. I cant help feeling, however, that its ever so slightly odd. Because, if displaying the Pride colours is to serve any real purpose, surely corporations should be doing it in the Middle East. In that part of the world, after all, gay people are widely persecuted. Showing public support for their rights, therefore, might actually be useful, in promoting the case for change. At the very least, it would show that the corporations support is honest and heartfelt  and not just a shallow, virtue-signalling PR exercise.

Sadly, it may already be too late. In June last year, a poll by YouGov found that 75 per cent of British people say that brands which focus activity on Pride Month are doing so more for PR purposes than out of a sincere desire to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. A mere seven per cent of respondents said they believed the effort was genuine.

What a dreadfully cynical bunch we are.

Way of the World is a twice-weekly satirical look at the headlines aiming to mock the absurdities of the modern world. It is published at 7am every Tuesday and Saturday

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Richard Rohrer stands up in the Michigan State Senate gallery looking at lawmakers after the state Senate unanimously passed "Melody's law" in honor of his wife on June 4, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

Richard Rohrer is looking to close a loophole in Michigan law in honor of his wife, Melody, who was killed and assaulted in 2021.

Melodys Law  which would specifically criminalize engaging in sexual acts with a dead body, or necrophilia, in Michigan  passed the state Senate unanimously Tuesday, as Rohrer stood in the gallery over lawmakers. He told the Advance afterwards its an emotional day seeing the law named for his wife move forward.

I am just so grateful for today, Rohrer told the Advance, adding that although he lives out of state, hes not returning back home until he sees Melodys Law come to fruition.

Rohrer told lawmakers back in April about Melody, his soulmate and a devoted mother and grandmother to her family who spent much of her adult life working as a nurse taking care of other people.

But on Sept. 20, 2021, a man intentionally hit Melody with his car while she was on a walk, killing her. Although the prosecution at the time presented DNA evidence that the man raped Melody after her death, as well as showing that the perpetrator had searches on his phone related to necrophilia, the perpetrator was not charged with sexual assault.

Thats because there is no criminal charge in Michigan for necrophilia regardless, but Melodys Law looks to change that.

The bills, SBs 841, 842 and 843, which would assign criminal charges for sexual contact with a dead human body, would carry penalties of up to 15 years in prison and could land a person on the states sexual offender registry.

Now the bills will head to the House for approval, before being sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmers desk. State Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), who sponsored the legislation, has said its her hope that the bills can clear the Legislature by the time lawmakers leave for summer break in July. She did not expect there to be amendments made by the House.

Melody Rohrers murder and subsequent assault on her body was the catalyst for this package. Her husband, Rick Rohrer, and her family worked tirelessly to get these bills passed into law. Melody was his soulmate and the light of his life, Klinefelt said ahead of the Senate vote.

After session, Klinefelt added that Michigan would not be closing the gap in its sexual assault laws without the courage of Melody Rohrers family. The senator added that her story was the catalyst to create a law that will offer the next family an avenue for justice  and she deserves all the credit.

The post Legislation criminalizing the sexual assault of dead bodies clears the Michigan Senate appeared first on Michigan Advance.
Lets be the America that the French of Normandy see when they look at our WWII vets | Opinion

Most of the 48 American World War II veterans who arrived in Normandy on Monday to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion here insisted on standing up for us all one more time by walking down the steps of the plane on their own power, with some help.

At 103, Capt. Floyd Blair, who flew a P-47 Thunderbolt in two support missions across Omaha Beach as the Allied Invasion began, waved his cane in the air.

Merci beaucoup! shouted 100-year-old Sgt. Andy Negra, Jr., who landed on Utah Beach in July of 1944 and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Anna Mae Krier, who at age 17, in 1943, went to work in a Seattle Boeing factory building B-17s and B-29s, flexed her Rosie the Riveter muscles and said, We did it, didnt we?

Yes, maam, you did, and the people of France, and of Normandy in particular, came to tell you what that means to them still.

Anna Mae Krier flexed her Rosie the Riveter muscles.

Schoolchildren waved flags, and young people who did not have to be there were there, cheering and weeping along with everybody as some of the old soldiers struggled to their feet while the kids sang La Marseillaise and The Star Spangled Banner.

Be sure of our eternal gratitude, regional official Sophie Gaugain told the veterans, because what happened here was written not just in books, but in hearts. We will remember you forever; this country is yours. Be sure too, she said, we will remember your friends you left here on the beaches.

She and others who spoke also suggested, ever so gently, that maybe we should honor those left here on the beaches by standing up for the democratic values that are everywhere under threat. I am a little bit worried now in the moment we are all together, she said. I fear humanity has not learned the lesson, guys.

Brigitte Macron, wife of French president Emmanuel Macron, who hugged and kissed each one of the 48 American veterans who came off the plane, said she had come to the arrival ceremony after seeing a video of a former Marine, dear Neal McCallum, who expressed his wishes to see me. McCallum was wounded in the Battle of Sugarloaf Hill on Okinawa, and lost his best friend in that fight. One of his four brothers who served in Normandy died in France.

I thank those young people who rest in the soil of France forever, Mme. Macron said. After Lafayette, after 1917 and after you, she told them, nothing can separate us any more.

Unless, of course, we let that happen.

Her husband, along with President Joe Biden, King Charles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other heads of state will be here in Normandy on Thursday, at the main ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary.

One of the veterans I spoke to on Monday, 98-year-old Chet Kochan, who was shot in the neck in Saint-Malo, after the pure hell of clearing a series of Breton villages of German soldiers, told me about being taken prisoner, blindfolded -- for execution, he assumed -- and then traded for a Nazi prisoner of war in a battlefield swap. Every day since August 11 of 1944, he said, hes thought about why I was saved.

All I know is that we cannot let what both those who were saved and those who were not did be undermined now out of selfishness.

Gen. Darryl Williams, commander of the U.S. Army in Europe and Africa and of NATOs Allied Land Command, reminded a crowd that needed no reminder that what happened here 80 years ago was the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe and a sign of hope. Hope is powerful. We need hope today. The dark clouds of war in Europe are forming, yet there is reason to have hope today. Our collective support to Ukraine is a renewed sign of our current allied determination. We will need both vigilance and strength, he said, to restore and maintain peace in Europe once more. Vive la France, God bless America.

My hope is really just this: Lets be the country that the French of Normandy see when they look at these veterans. Lets be that America, the one the world still needs us to be.

Chet Kochan was shot in the neck in Saint-Malo.
To the editor: It's interesting that while Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Robert Jr. sees the impropriety of speaking only with Democratic senators to discuss an ethics code for justices, he seems to overlook the impropriety of justices flying insurrectionist-related flags or accepting valuable gifts from Republican billionaires who have a stake in cases before the court. ("Roberts rejects Senate Democrats request to discuss Supreme Court ethics, Alito controversy," May 30)

If partisanship blinds the justices to right and wrong, then perhaps the real issue is one of competency  of having the necessary foundational skills to rise above personal preferences.

Pamela Kelly, Long Beach

..

To the editor: The year was 1968, a tumultuous one for our nation. I was 11, living in a small town in Nebraska and becoming politically aware.

My father was an ardent supporter of Hubert Humphrey for president. Noticing the proliferation of political signs in the neighborhood, I asked him why we couldnt have a Humphrey sign in our front yard. My dad, a longtime civil servant, said this to me:

"I work for the federal government. If we put a sign in our yard, people who come to see me at work might not think that I could be fair with them because I voted for Humphrey. It's important, because I don't work for a political party, I work for the people and they need to trust that I'm being fair to them.

That story stayed with me and guided my own actions as a city and state employee. It's a pity that Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. does not understand what a mid-level civil servant did about professional ethics and the appearance of bias.

James Buglewicz, Los Angeles

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The son of rodeo star Spencer Wright and mom Kallie Wright had been hospitalized since he drove his toy tractor into a Utah river on May 21

Kallie Wright Levi Wright with mother Kallie Wright

Levi Wright, the 3-year-old son of rodeo star Spencer Wright and mom Kallie Wright, who was hospitalized in critical condition since he drove his toy tractor into a Utah river on May 21, has died.

Levi died on Sunday, June 2, after he was removed from life support, family friend Mindy Sue Clark confirms to PEOPLE. "Levi was the absolute best little boy. It's going to be tough navigating life without him," Clark says.

"I cannot even begin to explain how hard the last two weeks have been. From the moment my phone rang the night of his accident, to last night receiving the message that he had to go," Clark wrote in a separate social media post on Monday, June 3.

"I dont want to focus on the bad or sad, even though it feels like someone ripped my heart out and squeezed it right in front of me. I want to focus on the many miracles we all got to bear witness to in those 12 days," she wrote. "Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people surrounded our best little buddy, lifted him up in prayer, and threw their loving arms around Levi and his family."

Clark went on to remember Levi as "the most perfect three year old there ever was."

"He brought so many people together. In a world so dark, we got to see light at the hands of a child. Hes everything his mom and dad couldve wanted him to be," she added in that post. "I am so thankful for all the time I got to be his 'aunt Mindy.' That is a blessing I will never be able to top. Im also so thankful my last visit to Utah, even though I was so tired, that I stayed awake a little longer to do smores with the kids. Its all they had talked about all day that day."

Facebook Kallie Wright and Spencer Wright with their son Levi

Related: All About Levi Wright's Parents, Kallie and Spencer Wright

Kallie previously shared an update on June 2 that the family would be letting him [Levi] go.

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, she wrote.

Levi showed us just enough to buy us time for all of this, she continued. 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.

As for the impact Levi's story has had on those around the world, she added, 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?

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!" she added. "We love you baby beans and I can't wait till the day you can 'work the ground' with me again!

Kallie Wright Levi Wright with mother Kallie Wright

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Kallies announcement came days after she posted on Thursday, May 30, that Levi was back under sedation after he did not handle being weaned off it.

"It was heartbreaking to watch & he is now heavily sedated until the next step, she wrote. The MRI is tomorrow. It may show a difference from the first, it may not. We are checking & double checking all we can!

Again, Levi is our number 1 priority in all of this," she added. "We are having several conversations a day with doctors, rehabs, neurologists etc to help us better serve him!"



Related: Levi Wright's Mother Says 3-Year-Old Boy with Sepsis Has Become Like Family in the Hospital

According to a May 21 statement from the Beaver County Sheriffs Office, authorities responded to a call about the incident involving the 3-year-old, later identified as Levi. The sheriffs office said that the boy had driven his toy tractor in the river.

Life saving measures were administered on scene," the sheriff's office statement read, noting that Levi was transported to Beaver Valley Hospital and later airlifted to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.



Related: Levi Wright's Mother Says Family Is 'Taking It Day by Day': 'This Is a Roller Coaster'

On May 26, Kallie wrote in a Facebook post that the family was "taking it day by day" after they disclosed they had been "shattered" by Levi's MRI results.

"This is an experience, I pray deep in my soul you never have to know the way I am beginning to," Kallie, a mom of three, wrote then. This is a roller coaster that you go on unwillingly & blindfolded, you do not know what's coming next. "You just get to wait & ride it out. We are taking it day by day."

No two brain injuries are alike, even if the accident is similar. No two brains recover or don't recover the same. There is a lot Medical Professionals don't know, but what they do tell you is based off legitimate medical literature & history," Kallie wrote.

She also expressed gratitude to the medical staff amid the family's ordeal, adding: "Whether that is time to see if God provides a miracle to us or whether it's time for us to research, learn and process this all in order to make the most informed decisions. Every decision that Levi's Dad and I will make will be made based on what, we the two people who know him best believe he would want. In all this, he comes first."



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Read the original article on People.
Levi Wright, the 3-year-old son of rodeo star Spencer Wright, has died. In a statement posted on Facebook, a close family friend said the Wrights took Levi off of life support on Sunday, two weeks after the child rode his toy tractor near a waterway and was found unconscious in water a mile from home.

Late last month, Levi  who just turned 3 in March  was playing at the family's home in Beaver County, Utah. His mom, Kallie Wright, ran inside their home for just a moment, and when she came back out, her son was gone, according to close family friend Mindy Clark. She saw his toy tractor that he had been playing on overturned and immediately called 911 as she searched for him, Clark said.

He was later found unconscious in water a mile away.

Levi Wright and Kallie Wright. / Credit: A photo from a video on Kallie Wright's Facebook page.

The family was holding onto hope after experiencing what they said were small miracles over the past two weeks, but on Sunday, Kallie Wright wrote on Facebook that they were at "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," she wrote. "...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."

Along with a video of her and her son, Kallie Wright said the family believed "this is the best thing we can do for him" after conducting research and speaking with the "world's best neurologists."

In a separate post on Monday, Clark said the ordeal "feels like someone ripped my heart out and squeezed it right in front of me."

"I cannot even begin to explain how hard the last two weeks have been. From the moment my phone rang the night of his accident, to last night receiving the message that he had to go," she said, adding that she doesn't want to focus on the "bad or sad." "I want to focus on the many miracles we got to bear witness to," she said.

"The most perfect three year old there ever was. So perfect we didn't get to keep him," she said. "This baby boy moved mountains the last 12 days. He brought so many people together. In a world so dark, we got to see light at the hands of a child. He's everything his mom and dad could've wanted him to be," she said. "I am so thankful for all the time I got to be his 'aunt Mindy'. That is a blessing I will never be able to top."

The accident occurred on May 21, when the Beaver County Sheriff's Office said it responded to a call that a child had driven their tractor into the water. Police said "life saving measures were administered on scene" before the child was taken to the hospital and eventually airlifted to Primary Children's Hospital.

A couple days prior to Levi being taken off of life support, Kallie Wright wrote in a Facebook update that doctors had tried to take the 3-year-old out of sedation, but "he did not handle it." They conducted another 24-hour electroencephalogram (EEG)  a test to measure brain activity  as well as another MRI as part of an effort in "checking and double checking all we can," she said.

"They are keeping Levi comfortable," she said, adding that he was placed back under heavy sedation.

Levi is one of three children between Kallie Wright and Spencer Wright, who is ranked No. 40 in the world in saddle bronc riding.

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A server/bartender at the Lexington Country Club has filed a lawsuit against a Bourbon County man described in court documents as a member who allegedly touched her inappropriately last year.

In a lawsuit complaint filed May 30 in Fayette Circuit Court, the server, Kailan Flynn, alleged club member Arthur Patrick Archie St. George, (demonstrated) gross negligence, oppression, malice, and/or wanton or reckless disregard of her personal and bodily integrity and rights.

St. Georges attorney, Thomas D. Bullock, said in a Tuesday statement, We received a copy of the complaint and intend to respond through the legal process.

Lexington Country Club officials did not immediately return telephone messages Monday.

Kentucky court records show no criminal charges were filed. Flynn did not pursue charges, her lawyer said.

As anyone would expect, Ms. Flynn did not choose to be put in this position, and this has been painful for her, Flynns attorney, Michael J. Cox, said Sunday in a statement to the Herald-Leader.

She is a hard worker who was doing her job, making a living and seeking a happy life like everyone wants. She has demonstrated a considerable amount of courage in standing up for herself, something that is hard for many victims.

The address on the lawsuit complaint is the same address for a thoroughbred farm in Paris, Kentucky. Stories in national equestrian publications say St. George is a consignor, a high-profile position in the Bluegrass State. Its a role designed to maximize the price a horse brings through auction or a private sale.

According to the lawsuit, on or about June 3, 2023, St. George leered at Flynn as she served him drinks .

Flynn asked him not to look at her like that, yet...he asked her to go to a Lexington restaurant with him, saying, I want you to leave with me. He wrote his phone number on a piece of paper and slid it to her. She told him a definite no and that she didnt want to do that. He finally departed.

According to the lawsuit, St. George returned, Flynn switched places with another bartender to avoid him. She had her back to him and was completely unaware St. George was approaching her.

Without any consent or prior awareness by Flynn of his approach, he grabbed her physically by putting his right arm around her and pulling her into his body, and pushed his face into the nape of her neck, the lawsuit said.

He then took his left arm and began pushing it down her backside and went inside her pants with his hand. He pushed hard trying to get his entire hand further inside the back of her pants, although she was wearing a belt.:

Flynn was aghast and screamed for help. The other bartender ran up and yelled at him, Get off her! Get out from behind the bar!, the lawsuit complaint alleged.

After the incident, St. George was directed to stand outside the bar in the patron area. The manager was immediately summoned, and St. George then argued with the manager about his conduct, according to the lawsuit.

Ms. Flynn has been violated, humiliated, mortified, embarrassed, and emotionally tormented by defendants (St. Georges) degrading, disgusting and demeaning behavior and sexual assault upon her, the lawsuit said.

He caused emotional distress to her that no one should have to endure.
Smoke rises after rocket attacks from Lebanon near Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, on June 4, 2024. Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah Sheikh Naim Qassem said on Tuesday that the Lebanese armed group is ready to face a comprehensive war with Israel should the latter expand its attacks against Lebanon, local news website Elnashra reported. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

BEIRUT, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah Sheikh Naim Qassem said on Tuesday that the Lebanese armed group is ready to face a comprehensive war with Israel should the latter expand its attacks against Lebanon, local news website Elnashra reported.

"If Israel wants to wage a comprehensive war, we are ready for it," Qassem said, stressing that "any Israeli expansion of the war on Lebanon will be met with devastation, destruction, and displacement in Israel."

He added that "the resistance is ready for battle and will not allow Israel to achieve any victory," noting that "our decision is not to expand the war, but we will fight it if it is imposed on us."

The Hezbollah official also said that "talks about the withdrawal of the Radwan forces, a special operation forces unit of Hezbollah, from the Lebanese border with Israel, is not true," adding that the group only used "a small portion" of its capabilities during the border clash with Israel.

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's attacks on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. 

A fire breaks out after rocket attacks from Lebanon in a neighborhood in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, on June 4, 2024. Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah Sheikh Naim Qassem said on Tuesday that the Lebanese armed group is ready to face a comprehensive war with Israel should the latter expand its attacks against Lebanon, local news website Elnashra reported. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

Smoke rises after rocket attacks from Lebanon near Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, on June 4, 2024. Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah Sheikh Naim Qassem said on Tuesday that the Lebanese armed group is ready to face a comprehensive war with Israel should the latter expand its attacks against Lebanon, local news website Elnashra reported. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

A fire breaks out after rocket attacks from Lebanon in a neighborhood in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, on June 4, 2024. Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah Sheikh Naim Qassem said on Tuesday that the Lebanese armed group is ready to face a comprehensive war with Israel should the latter expand its attacks against Lebanon, local news website Elnashra reported. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)
Liberal veterans political action committee (PAC), VoteVets, is launching a pro-Ruben Gallego radio ad in Spanish, touting the Arizona congressmans upbringing, experience as an armed services member and past legislation he introduced to lower drug prices.

The one-minute ad is narrated by Luis Cardenas Camacho, a first-generation Mexican immigrant and a Marine Corps combat veteran. Cardenas-Camacho worked for Gallego as a field representative from May 2017 until early 2019, according to his LinkedIn.

I fought for my country in Iraq, just like Ruben, he said in the English translation of the ad, first reviewed by The Hill. He was raised by his single immigrant mother on a secretarys pay. He worked as a janitor and line cook to help pay the bills and earned his way into college.

But Ruben decided to do his duty and serve in the military first, he continued. Ruben Gallego knows what its like to have to fight to get ahead. Thats why he lowered the costs of the medicines for our seniors/grandparents. Improved the school lunch program for our children.

Because like them, Ruben was a school lunch kid/relied on the program. And he helped create manufacturing and construction jobs that pay a living wage. My family and I will vote for Ruben Gallego for the U.S. Senate, because he will help all Arizona families thrive.

VoteVets PAC is launching the $200,000 radio ad buy in Phoenix on Tuesday, according to the group. It is set to run through June 28.

Gallego, a five-term House member, is running against Republican Kari Lake for the seat vacated Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), who initially won the seat as a Democrat but left the Democratic Party to become an independent in late 2022. Sinema announced in March that she would not seek another six-year term in the upper chamber.

Lake, a former TV broadcaster, who previously unsuccessfully ran for governor, is competing with Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb for the GOP nomination. The primary election is set for July 30.

In response to the upcoming ad, Lakes campaign went after Gallego, calling him a far-left Democrat who supports open borders.

Ruben Gallego is a Far-Left Democrat who supports open borders, higher taxes, and Joe Bidens agenda 100 percent of the time, Lakes spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill. Arizonans are smart and wont be fooled by his gaslighting.

A recent poll had Gallego, currently a 3rd congressional district representative, up by double digits in the race.

The Arizona Democrat was leading Lake, a former President Trump ally, by 10 points, 46 to 36 percent, according to a Noble Predictive Insights poll released in May. He also had a double-digit lead with independents, 42 percent to Lakes 26 percent, although one-third of those voters were still undecided.

Gallego, 44, who was deployed in Iraq, has garnered more support from other groups, with some making ad reservations for the general election. The Congressional Hispanic Caucuss campaign arm made an ad buy last week, spending $1.1 million on Spanish digital, broadcast and radio ad reservations for September to back Gallego, who is of Mexican and Colombian descent, The Hill reported last week.

Besides the Senate race, Arizona is also a competitive state in the upcoming presidential election that President Biden won by a razor-thin margin in 2020. Democrats are also looking to leave their mark on The Grand Canyon States House races, looking to unseat Republican Reps. David Schweikert and Juan Ciscomani, both seats rated as toss-ups by nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report.

The Hill has reached out to Gallego and Lambs campaigns for comment.

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Life on the US-Mexico border is chaotic. An immigration scholar explains why  and its not for the reasons that some GOP lawmakers claim

As debate over U.S. immigration policy heats up during the 2024 presidential campaign, separating fact from fiction on the U.S.-Mexico border becomes increasingly difficult.

In May 2023, shortly after the end of a public health restriction that allowed U.S. officials to immediately expel asylum-seekers, a team of academic and humanitarian aide colleagues and I went to the Mexican city of Matamoros, just across the Rio Grande from the banks of Brownsville, Texas.

At the time, we didnt encounter the invasion at the border that conservative lawmakers such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott predicted would happen once the COVID-19 restrictions  officially known as Title 42  expired.

From what we learned, the actual rush of thousands of people across the border occurred in the days before Title 42 was lifted on May 11, 2023. Many migrants told us they saw it as their last chance to cross the U.S. border.

Most people we talked to were waiting in overcrowded, temporary camps in Mexico. They feared that if they tried to cross into the U.S., they would lose their opportunity to seek asylum and would be deported under restrictive polices unveiled during the Biden administration.

The situation at the border has constantly changed ever since. In June 2024, for instance, President Joe Biden signed an executive order limiting the number of asylum seekers at the border to no more than a weekly average of 2,500 migrants. The new restrictions would be lifted once that weekly average dropped to 1,500.

The crackdown came shortly after the election of Mexicos first female president Claudia Sheinbaum whose policies on immigration remain largely unknown.

But the brief period when Title 42 ended is a perfect illustration of the differences between right-wing hysteria and the realities on the ground.

The evolution of US border policy

Since the fall of 2019, I have been working at the Mexican border cities of Reynosa and Matamoros  across from McAllen and Brownsville, Texas. That year, the Trump administration had started the Migrant Protection Protocols.

Known as Remain in Mexico, the restrictive policy ended the possibility of asylum for about 70,000 migrants, mostly from Central America. Instead, they were forced to wait in Mexico with little realistic chance of being able to legally enter and stay in the U.S. Anyone who entered the country illegally was deported immediately and barred from applying for asylum for five years.

The border became even more restrictive during the COVID-19 pandemic when Title 42 was implemented in March 2020. It limited entry into the U.S. at the border to U.S citizens and residents.

Traditional ports of entry at the U.S.-Mexico border were closed to asylum-seekers in order to prevent the spread of COVID. For example, those who came to the ports of entry at the international bridges in Reynosa or Matamoros would be turned back at the halfway point and not allowed to touch U.S. soil.

As a result, most of the people whom we talked to in 2023 were waiting in Mexico and fearful.

Inside the asylum camps

Throughout 2020 and 2021, my academic and nonprofit colleagues witnessed migrants toiling in squalid, makeshift camps.

One of the first asylum camps was formed during the last days of the Trump administration across from Brownsville, Texas, in Matamoros, Mexico. The Mexican government allowed faith-based organizations and nongovernment organizations such as Team Brownsville and Solidarity Engineering to bring in tents, food, water and other supplies.

Before long, thousands of individuals  primarily from Central America  were sleeping on the streets next to the international bridge that connected the town to Brownsville.

At one point, the camp had about 3,000 people living in it. There were only two portable toilets.

A migrant cooks dinner in a temporary encampment in Matamoros, Mexico, on May 12, 2023. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A second, unofficial camp started around the same time in the city square of Reynosa, a town located across the border from Hidalgo, Texas. It also became overrun with people, making it difficult to even walk through the camp. Mothers told us stories of being unable to sleep at night because of the constant fear of sexual assault and violence.

Unlike many refugee camps around the world, these camps often have very little structure, almost no security and little organization. Though there are some portable toilets and, at times, makeshift showers, sanitation is a serious issue. Many people bathe in the nearby Rio Grande.

Food is scarce. Every so often, churches and nonprofit relief groups provide some aid. But it is never enough to meet the demand.

Migrants wait in line for clothes and supplies in a makeshift camp in the border town of Reynosa, Mexico, on July 10, 2021. Paul Ratje/AFP via Getty Images

The most serious issue for those staying at the camps is protection from organized crime and drug cartels. Families with young girls were especially concerned, as sexual assaults were reported in the camps.

Women were afraid to venture out at night. Out of desperation, some even sent their children across the U.S. border alone in the hope they would be allowed to stay in the U.S.

As dangerous as that journey was, they believed it was more dangerous for the children to remain in the cartel-filled camps.

Critical choices

Thus far in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, immigration has emerged as one of the top issues among voters.

In this polarized political environment, it would be easy for those across the political spectrum to conclude that the border is chaotic and needs to be closed.

In my view, closing the border permanently  as former President Donald Trump and other right-wing lawmakers have sought to do  would be a mistake and not in the best interests of national security, the U.S. economy and, ultimately, the lives of asylum-seekers.

As a researcher who has spent countless hours with asylum-seekers and other migrants, I believe that restrictive policies  from either Trump or Biden  are helpful only to organized crime, which is often controlling immigration on the ground along the U.S.-Mexico border.

This often puts asylum-seekers in great danger, both from direct violence from the cartels and from the harsh terrain they must traverse to avoid detection by immigration officials.

If Trump returns to the White House or U.S. President Joe Biden chooses to take a harsher stance, more restrictive border policies could force people who have already fled their homelands to either stay in cartel-controlled camps or risk dying trying to enter the U.S. illegally.

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: William McCorkle, College of Charleston

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William McCorkle 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.
CHICAGO  Chicago police have made two arrests in connection to the murder of a father of two from Chicagos Dunning neighborhood last month.

Deputy Chief Kevin Bruno was joined by Ald. Nick Sposato of the 37th Ward Tuesday to announce the charges in connection to a shooting that left the 24-year-old dead.

Divonte Calhoun, 32, of Gurnee and Justin Redman, 41, of Chicago, have been charged with multiple felonies of first-degree murder and armed robbery, police said.

Zet Rodriguez, who worked as a crisis counselor, was on his way to work on the morning of May 10, when he was approached by Calhoun in the 3900 block of North Pittsburgh.

According to the deputy, Calhoun shot Rodriguez and demanded money from him before fleeing the scene.

A home security camera caught Calhoun getting into a waiting vehicle that police say was driven by Redman. Homicide detectives learned that the vehicle was registered to a relative of Calhoun.

Detectives recovered his cell phone as well as the vehicle he was seen getting into after the incident.

Cell phone surveillance led detectives to track Calhouns location at the time the murder occurred. Call data records also led detectives to a gas station in Gurnee where the men stopped after the incident.

According to police, surveillance video showed Calhoun inside the gas station wearing the same clothing as he did in the surveillance footage from the scene of the shooting.

According to police, at the time of the murder, Calhoun was on parole for armed robbery and Redman was on parole for unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

Calhoun was taken into custody Sunday and Redman was taken into custody Monday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Advocates who have fought for the restoration of voting rights for Floridians with past felony convictions are crying foul after Governor Ron DeSantis promised former President Donald Trump would be allowed to vote in the November election.

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Those advocates say the Governor is poised to bend the rules to help his political ally.

Shortly after former President Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts, Governor Ron DeSantis took to social media.

Former President Donald Trump hasn't lost his voting rights in Florida. Rights are not removed in Florida where they haven't yet been stripped in the convicting jurisdiction.



That said, given the absurd nature of the New York prosecution of Trump, this would be an easy case to  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) June 1, 2024

He noted the former President has not lost the right to vote here in Florida.

If Trump loses the right to vote, DeSantis said, This would be an easy case to qualify for restoration of rights per the Florida Clemency Board, which I chair.

There are so many people that filed for clemency years ago and theyre waiting in line and theyre telling them, okay, it could take seven years. But now this individual, the former president, can just walk up and get clemency automatically, said Rosemary McCoy with Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighters.

McCoy, a Jacksonville resident, has been fighting to have her voting rights restored since being released from prison nearly a decade ago.

She advocated for the felons voting rights amendment voters approved in 2018. She signed onto a lawsuit when DeSantis and state lawmakers made payment of fines, fees, and restitution a requirement for rights restoration.

The laws are bent for the privileged and for the common people they are basically whipping us, said McCoy.

State Representative Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) noted DeSantis has touted dozens of arrests of felons who attempted to vote in past elections in violation of state law.

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Its definitely a two-tiered system. It shows that if you have more money, that the rules dont apply to you, said Nixon.

In Trumps case, the only way hed be ineligible to vote under New York State law is if hes incarcerated during the election.

That would mean DeSantis would have to grant amnesty well before the former President had completed all terms of his sentence as mandated by Florida law.

McCoy argued if its good enough for the former President, it should be good enough for all Floridians with felony convictions.

He needs to ensure that all of us have the right an eligibility to vote. He has that power and we want him to use that power for the people, said McCoy.

The Governors Office declined to weigh in specifically on this story, but in his post on social media DeSantis did cite the absurd nature of the New York prosecution of Trump as justification for his suggestion Trump would be granted clemency.

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Grab the bug spray: These bigger, aggressive mosquitoes likely to plague soggy North Texas

April showers bring May flowers, but May showers could bring more mosquitoes.

The Fort Worth office of the National Weather Service recorded 7.8 inches of rain in May, and experts are warning that floodwater mosquitoes may emerge in North Texas as a result.

What are Texas floodwater mosquitoes?

This type of mosquito isnt new to the area, said Dr. Sonja Swiger, an entomology professor at Texas A&M University. Its one of 88 types of mosquitoes known in Texas.

Unlike some mosquitoes, the floodwater mosquito does not lay eggs on the surface of standing water.

Floodwater mosquitoes lay their eggs in soil that will become flooded, Swiger said. The eggs of these mosquitoes can sit and wait for water for months to years, if needed. But when it is wet, like right now, they hatch off with every rain event that leaves behind standing water.

The insects are not known to carry any pathogens like West Nile virus, Swiger said, though they are known to be larger and more aggressive.

Mosquitoes that lay their eggs in soil areas that will become flooded do generally develop into large mosquitoes, Swiger said. As a group, they are more inclined to attack people, livestock, wildlife and pets and are aggressive by nature.

How does mosquito prevention work?

According to the Tarrant County Public Health office, the county collects insects from over 1,000 mosquito traps in various locations and tests samples for the West Nile virus and other diseases.

If a mosquito tests positive for the virus, the department notifies leaders in the area where the insect was found.

Municipal leaders then arrange for ground spraying.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, the City of Fort Worth recommends dumping outdoor containers of standing water like pools and birdbaths, as well as cleaning out gutters and tightly covering rain barrels or cisterns.

The city also recommends wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and using insect repellents that contain DEET.
(Bloomberg) -- Louisiana could soon bar banks that discriminate against firearm entities from working on government contracts, after lawmakers advanced legislation thats similar to a Texas statute that has whipsawed Wall Street firms public-finance work.

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State lawmakers passed Senate Bill 234 last week and sent the legislation to Republican Governor Jeff Landrys office for signature. Under the legislation, any company into entering a public contract of $100,000 or more must provide a written verification that they do not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that would discriminate against firearm entities or trade groups.

If passed, it would add to the pressure campaign from GOP states against Wall Street. Texas enacted a similar law in 2021 targeting Corporate Americas firearm policies, and it has hurt some large banks public-finance business in the state.

A similar Louisiana proposal was vetoed in 2021 by former Governor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat. At the time, he said the bill would reduce competition on bond sales by blocking large banks from participating.

But now the state is led by Landry, a Republican who took office in January, who is likely to sign the proposal.

Landry has emphasized his pro-gun record. Last year, when he was Louisianas attorney general, he encouraged state officials to only hire banks in advance on bond deals if the firms share the states values. Landry said at the time that he didnt want to put money directly in the pockets of the banks who have policies contrary to our way of life.

A spokesperson for Landrys office didnt respond to a request for comment.

Louisianas current attorney general, Republican Liz Murrill, would be tasked with enforcement. The measure would take effect on Aug. 1. It includes exceptions for contracts that dont receive any qualifying bids.

Higher Costs

The states legislative fiscal office said in an analysis that the law could raise costs.

Voluntarily or involuntarily removing companies that provide goods and services to the government sector from future bidding will likely result in less competition among remaining bidders, according to the analysis, which is dated May 29. In turn, this may result in a marginal but indeterminable increase in overall costs if the remaining bidders marginally increase bid rates with the knowledge that competition has been diminished.

There will also be increased costs from the enforcement of the proposed legislation by the attorney generals office, the analysis said.

The Institute for Legislative Action, the lobbying arm of the National Rifle Association, praised the advancement of the legislation, along with other bills concerning gun rights.

We saw unprecedented movement this year to restore our rights and demonstrate that the Pelican State is committed to the fight to protect and preserve our firearm freedoms, the group said in a statement on Tuesday.

GOP legislation targeting banks ESG policies is having an impact. Bank of America Corp. recently loosened restrictions on lending to the firearms and energy industries amid pressure from anti-ESG politicians in Texas and Florida.

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BATON ROUGE  Gov. Jeff Landry took office with a conservative agenda and a Republican super-majority in the Legislature after eight years of a Democratic governor, promising sweeping changes in this year's legislative session.

A major focus of Landrys agenda was to reorganize the Louisiana Constitution by moving amendments into statutes. He and conservative lawmakers made a big push for the Legislature to authorize a limited constitutional convention.

But their efforts were stymied in the Senate. It also stripped-down proposals by Landry and his supporters to provide parents with state funds to send their children to private schools and to seal many state government records from public inspection.

Senate President Cameron Henry presided over the Senate Monday near the end of the legislative session.

As a result, Landrys first regular legislative session, which ended Monday, was more of a mixed bag than expected given the Republican dominance in both chambers. He and his allies also had victories in taking more control of state boards, reclassifying abortion pills as dangerous controlled substances, limiting gender discussion in schools and deregulating home insurance providers.

The Legislature also passed $48 billion in budget bills that included the governors proposals for one-time stipends of $2,000 for public K-12 teachers and $1,000 stipends for school support workers.

Where the governor ran into opposition

Landry had momentum after pushing through most of his anti-crime proposals in a special session earlier this year. He initially wanted the Legislature to start a constitutional convention on May 20 as the regular session was going on, and the House seemed willing to go along.

This is about giving the Legislature the tools to address the problems that we know are coming, Landry said in April, referring to a projected decline of more than $400 million in state revenue next year when part of the state sales tax expires. We got to start working and figuring out how we can minimize the cuts to education and health care, he said.

One of Landrys goals was to remove constitutional protections on much of the states spending to give him more leeway in dealing with the drop-off in revenue next year.

Opponents of the bill were worried that the timeline was too rushed and that he could turn the convention into a power grab.

Under House Bill 800, the Legislature would have held joint committee meetings on different articles of the constitution throughout June and July and then convened for a two-week-long convention in August.

But there was opposition in the Senate to cementing that timetable. Sen. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, the chairman of the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee, told WBRZ that he refused to put the House bill on his committees agenda.

However, Landry and convention supporters still have plans for public meetings in June and July with intentions of calling a special session in August.

Another area where Landry got less than expected was in education reform, most notably creating education savings accounts that would allow parents to use state funding to send their children to private schools.

The steps we need to take are simple, Landry said during his opening remarks for the 2024 session. Make all education lead to a vocation and put parents back in control, and let the money follow the child.

The original plan for the education savings accounts was included in a bill that passed the House and was shelved in the Senate.

State officials and private experts estimated that Landrys plan would have eventually cost taxpayers $300 million to $500 million a year, and many lawmakers wondered where the state would find the money.

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.

Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, sponsored a compromise  a scaled-back version that would delay the plans implementation and make it easier for the Legislature to reduce the funding. It 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.

Where Landry won clear victories

Landry is expected to sign other education bills to limit the use of alternative pronouns and discussions of gender and to require schools to post the 10 Commandments in classrooms.

Landry also sought more power over state boards and commissions, leading lawmakers to pass two bills giving the governor more power over higher education and state ethics boards.

Senate Bill 462 by Sen. Valarie Hodges, R-Denham Springs, would allow the governor to appoint certain boards and commissions. Rep. Dixon McMakin, R-Baton Rouge. said 483 boards and commissions have appointed positions, and Hodges bill would affect 148 of those.

It helps us to be able to start the move  the agenda of the incoming governor, who by the way, is elected by the people, Landry said on April 24. Its only fair that he has, or she has, the opportunity to work with the boards in a manner that he or she sees fit.

Senate Bill 497 by Sen. Blake Miguez, R-New Iberia, amended provisions concerning the selection of members of the state Board of Ethics.

In appointing members, current law requires the governor to pick from a list of nominees presented by college and university leaders. The bill removes the involvement of colleges and universities, giving the governor and legislative leaders more power to appoint who they want.

The bills final version also expanded the number of board members from nine to 15. Of those 15 members, the governor would appoint nine.

Taking a risk on insurance?

Many Louisiana homes remain unrepaired after a series of hurricanes hit the state in recent years. After 2021, homeowners saw insurance companies raise prices.

Tim Temple, the new commissioner of insurance, pushed for a series of bills to deregulate the industry with the aim of attracting more competition.

Our new insurance commissioner is working tirelessly to find solutions that make Louisiana an attractive market for more companies to write here, Landry said during opening remarks for the legislative session. Commissioner Temple believes, and I agree with him, that the deregulatory measures he is undertaking will improve market conditions.

House Bill 611, one of the more controversial insurance bills, would end the three-year rule limiting policy cancellations. This means an insurer may decide not to renew up to 5% of its customers policies per calendar year for any reason, provided that no more than 5% of the insurers policies be dropped in one parish. Landry signed the bill on May 7.

Another new law will allow insurance companies to raise premium rates without obtaining prior approval from Temples office.

Some lawmakers warned that there could be a political backlash against Landry and Temple if a devastating hurricane hits Louisiana and premiums surge or insurance companies bail out of the state again.

In the final hours of the session Monday, Landry also salvaged a small part of what he wanted in closing records of state deliberations to the public. The Legislature passed an amended version of House Bill 767, which would prohibit anyone who is not a Louisiana resident from making a public records request about the governor. Public records have been a widely debated topic with the Senate blocking a push by Landrys office pushing for far greater restrictions.

This article originally appeared on Gonzales Weekly Citizen: Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry sees mixed results on agenda in Legislature
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace expensed more than a total of $19,395 over a nine-month period under a tax-payer funded program that does not require lawmakers to show receipts, The Washington Post reported.

In a Washington Post article published Tuesday, Mace was one in a handful of House lawmakers who were reimbursed at least $5.2 million under a new taxpayer funded program for food and lodging while on official business in Washington last year. The programs intent was to make it easier for lawmakers covering costs of their separate homes while being in D.C. and their districts. The program does not require the lawmakers to provide receipts.

The Washington Posts article detailed potential abuses of the program because it lacks verification whether payment are legitimate. The programs rules allow lawmakers to get reimbursement for days they were working or flying to D.C. The lawkmakers could not ask for more than their actual expenses, and were subject to daily spending caps determined by the General Services Administration.

The spending was bipartisan, as Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz was the programs top spender, and California Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell requested high reimbursements, as well.

Mace expensed $19,395 over nine months ended on Sept. 30, 2023, despite her owning a $1,649,000 Capitol Hill townhouse with her her former fiance, Patrick Bryant. Her expenses average more than $2,000 a month. The Post used anonymous sources who said they warned her of reimbursement limits. The Post reported Mace expensed over $3,000 for lodging in January, March and May.

The Post reported an anonymous source had a document listing Maces monthly expenses for the townhouse as $1,726.

Mace denied wrongdoing and declined to explain her expenses in detail to The Washington Post. Maces team did not respond to requests for explanation on the expenses from The State.

The Post further reported the anonymous sources saying Mace told her staff to seek the maximum reimbursement each day the House was in session, regardless of her actual expenses. Maces spokeswoman denied this allegation.

We follow all the rules for reimbursements, Gabrielle Lipsky, a spokeswoman for Mace told The Post.

Misusing taxpayer dollars could violate federal law and House rules, Kedric Payne, former deputy chief counsel of the Office of Congressional Ethics, said to The Post.

Catherine Templeton, one of Maces Republican opponents in the 1st Congressional District primary and former DHEC leader, responded to the Posts report. Nancy Mace stole from all of us, said Chet Martin, Templetons campaign manager. She is broke, so shes taking money out of our tax dollars to bail out her poor decision making. She should resign.
People enter Afghanistan via the Abresham crossing point from Iran in west Afghanistan's Nimroz Province, June 4, 2024. More than 300 Afghan refugee families have returned home from Pakistan and Iran over the past couple of days, reported the state-run Bakhtar news agency on Tuesday. (Photo by Aziz/Xinhua)

KABUL, June 4 (Xinhua) -- More than 300 Afghan refugee families have returned home from Pakistan and Iran over the past couple of days, reported the state-run Bakhtar news agency on Tuesday.

A total of 303 families who used to stay as refugees for years in the two neighboring countries have returned to their homeland a couple of days ago, added the state-controlled media outlet in its report without revealing the exact number of the returnees.

More than 1 million Afghan refugees, with the majority of them undocumented migrants, have reportedly returned home from the two countries since last November.

The Afghan caretaker government has been repeatedly calling upon Afghan refugees to end living abroad as refugees and return home to contribute to the rebuilding process of their war-torn homeland. 

People enter Afghanistan via the Abresham crossing point from Iran in west Afghanistan's Nimroz Province, June 4, 2024. More than 300 Afghan refugee families have returned home from Pakistan and Iran over the past couple of days, reported the state-run Bakhtar news agency on Tuesday. (Photo by Aziz/Xinhua)
By Kate Abnett, Bart Biesemans and Hicham Oulichki

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Farmers drove hundreds of tractors into Brussels on Tuesday to protest against the European Union's environmental policies, but the action was shunned by mainstream farming groups who said it did not reflect their members' concerns.

A few days before the European Parliament election on June 6-9, farmers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland and Germany travelled to Brussels to protest against EU green policies that organisers said undermine the competitiveness of European farmers.

"We came from Poland, because we know that the source of our problem is in Brussels. Because we want to change, deeply change, the Green Deal," crop farmer Damian Murawiec told Reuters at the protest in Laeken, in northern Brussels.

It is the latest in a months-long wave of farmers' protests across Europe, where agricultural workers have denounced low food prices, excessive regulation and free-trade deals they say leave them struggling to compete with cheap imports.

The protest was organised by Dutch lobby group Farmers Defence Force and supported by right-wing and far-right groups. With police counting around 500 tractors, it was smaller than previous farmers' protests held in Brussels this year.

"We want Europe to put the Green Deal away because it's not realistic," said Bart Dickens, President of Farmers Defence Force's Belgian branch.

Farmers Defence Force - whose secretary Sieta van Keimpema has described concerns over climate change as "hysterical" - said politicians from Belgian far-right party Vlaams Belang and the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists group would address the protest in the afternoon.

Europe's biggest farming lobby Copa Cogeca, and farming association La Via Campesina, each told Reuters their members would not participate.

"We reject this attempt by small groups that have no concrete proposals to address farmers' issues to hijack farmer concerns to push their own party interests," a spokesperson for Via Campesina said.

Meanwhile in Poland farmers blocked one border crossing with Ukraine, in what police said was a show of solidarity with protests in Brussels.

"This protest will last three days ... trucks travelling from Ukraine are blocked and 12 trucks are allowed to leave Poland between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.," said police spokesperson Malgorzata Pawlowska.

All other border crossings with Ukraine were operating normally.

On Thursday two of the largest unions representing farmers in Poland, Solidarity and OPZZ, said that they had no knowledge of the protests.

(Reporting by Kate Abnett, Bart Biesemans, Hicham Oulichki, additional reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk and Alan Charlish in Warsaw and Yuliia Dysa in Gdansk; editing by David Evans)
Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust is one of two London trusts affected by the cyberattack (PA Archive)

Two London hospital trusts have been forced to cancel all non-emergency operations and blood tests following a major cyberattack.

Pathology systems at Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, as well as GP services across South London, have been hit by a ransomware attack, according to emails seen by The Independent.

Synnovis, the company that supplies blood tests, swabs, bowel tests and other services for hospitals serving NHS patients across six London boroughs, warned the two NHS trusts on Monday that it had been hit by a major malware attack, the consequences of which have affected tens of thousands of patients, according to sources close to the hospitals.

The supplier covers Guys Hospital, which runs the Evelina London Childrens Hospital, as well as Harefield Hospital, Kings College Hospital, Princess Royal University Hospital, Royal Brompton Hospital and St Thomas Hospital.

In a second email on Tuesday, seen by The Independent, it confirmed it had been hit by a ransomware attack.

GPs have been told to cancel all non-emergency pathology appointments, while hospital staff have been told to request emergency blood samples only from patients who require transfusions.

The National Cyber Security Centre is now involved, while NHS England has declared a level three incident  the second-highest alert level.

In a message to staff on Monday, Guys and St Thomas said: Synnovis, the pathology provider for both Kings and Guys and St Thomas, informed us of a major incident with ICT systems.

A senior NHS source told The Independent that transplants have been affected as patients blood tests cannot be cross-checked, and that healthcare leaders in London have been warned that the incident could take weeks or months to resolve.

In a separate message, Synnovis said there would be delays for patients receiving results, and GPs have been asked to cancel all non-urgent blood test appointments.

Given the nature and magnitude of this attack, this is an evolving situation, it said.

The emails say it is unclear how long the issue will last.

In the second email, Synnovis told staff: This is a harsh reminder that this sort of attack can happen to anyone at any time and that, dispiritingly, the individuals behind it have no scruples about who their actions affect.

This incident is being reported to law enforcement and the Information Commissioner, and we are working with the National Cyber Security Centre and the Cyber Operations team.

The National Cyber Security Centre and the National Crime Agency have been contacted for comment.

A government spokesperson said: The Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and the National Cyber Security Centre are working together to investigate a cyber incident affecting a number of NHS organisations in southeast London.

Patient safety is our priority and support is being offered to the impacted organisations.

A spokesperson for NHS Englands London region said: On Monday 3 June, Synnovis, a provider of lab services, was the victim of a ransomware cyberattack.

This is having a significant impact on the delivery of services at Guys and St Thomas, Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and primary care services in southeast London, and we apologise for the inconvenience this is causing to patients and their families.

We are working urgently to fully understand the impact of the incident with the support of the governments National Cyber Security Centre and our Cyber Operations team.

The spokesperson said that emergency care continues to be available, so patients should access services in the normal way.

This story was updated with a response from NHS England and the government, and at 16.14 following new information received by The Independent regarding the nature of the cyberattack
The largest change to New Hampshire election laws in recent history: Thats how some are describing a set of Republican-backed bills that would create new requirements for people looking to register to vote. The bills would also make New Hampshire among the strictest states in the country when it comes to new voter registration.

New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlon, the top election official, has declined to take a public position on the proposed changes.

But despite the potential consequences, the top election official in the state  and Gov. Chris Sununu  have declined to say what they think of the bills.

State lawmakers and Sununu will make the final decision about whether these bills become law in the coming weeks. Heres an overview of the potential changes coming to voter registration laws, and what the path ahead looks like.

What does New Hampshires current voter registration system look like?

To vote in New Hampshire, everyone needs to prove four things:

Identity: you are who you say you are, usually proven with photo ID

Domicile: you live in the town or city where you seek to vote

Age: you are at minimum 18-years old

Citizenship: you are a U.S. citizen

While the vast majority of people seeking to register to vote bring proof of these qualifications, under a long-standing state law, if someone doesnt have proof, they can instead sign a legally binding form, known as an affidavit.

For example, if you have a driver's license and a utility bill, but you dont have your passport with you, the state permits you to sign an affidavit swearing you are a U.S. citizen. And then you can cast a ballot.

People line up to register to vote in Bedford.

What is the criticism of this current system?

The current affidavit system does come with legal penalties for people who lie when filling it out. But some Republicans say it still falls short.

In practice, the New Hampshire Attorney Generals office investigates the background of everyone who uses an affidavit when they register. And if they determine the person wasnt qualified  because, for instance, they actually lived in another state  then prosecutors can bring criminal charges. That is exceptionally rare, however.

But many Republican lawmakers point to the fact that there are some people who fill out the affidavit who the attorney generals office simply cant locate after the fact. In the 2016 election, there were about 230 voters out of more than several hundred thousand ballots cast who used affidavits who then couldnt be located or confirmed by investigators.

State Sen. James Gray of Rochester, whos been among those leading the charge for stricter voter registration rules, says even though those 230 or so voters may have been qualified legally to vote here, the fact that the state never obtained proof of that is a flaw.

Although it is true that there have not been a lot of prosecutions, I can't tell you that there weren't a lot of people who were not qualified to vote that did vote, he said.

Is there any evidence of widespread fraud in the current election system?

In a word: no.

The numbers show that its a tiny fraction of a percent of the total number of people who voted in the 2016 election who couldnt be tracked down after voting with affidavit ballots. Again, theres no proof that those 230 or so people werent qualified to vote. The state, for whatever reason, just wasnt able to find them after they cast their ballot.

The state Attorney Generals office was not able to provide NHPR with any examples of prosecutions for non-citizens who tried to cast a ballot in a New Hampshire election.

So what changes would come under the Republican-backed bills that could become law?

The big change would be the complete end of sworn affidavits for people looking to register to vote at the polls on Election Day. Gray and his GOP colleagues say that all would-be voters should have proof  in hand  when they register to vote for the first time in the state. That includes proving their citizenship.

This would be a unique system not used anywhere else in the country, and according to the proposals critics, it would create the most restrictive voter registration system nationwide.

What would this mean for people who dont have ready access to citizenship documents, like a birth certificate, or who dont have a passport?

They wouldnt be able to register to vote. And thats in part why opponents say this is just too much of a burden. They also say its likely to disenfranchise completely legitimate voters who dont hear about these new rules, and show up on election day without these documents.

This specific bill is absolutely a bill in search for a problem, because we dont have folks who we know are fraudulently voting or fraudulently filling out these affidavits, said McKenzie St. Germain, director of the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights, one of the groups opposing this proposed law.

She called the proposed change a drastic overhaul of current law.

Where does this measure currently stand as we approach the end of the legislative session?

It gets a little complicated here, but there is one version of this bill thats already cleared the House and the Senate, which means it will now head to Gov. Chris Sununus desk to either sign or veto. Sununu has not said what he thinks of the measure, but has previously told reporters that hes not looking to make any major changes to the states election laws.

There is also a second bill thats still alive that is nearly identical, in terms of removing the sworn affidavits  but its got a twist.

Gray is proposing that to remedy some of the concerns that legitimate voters are going to be disenfranchised, that the state set up an Election Day hotline, a kind of war room. It would be staffed by the AGs office, the Secretary of States office and the DMV.

How it would work, in theory, is that a local election official could call and say they have a would-be voter in front of them who can prove they are 18 and their identity but, for instance, they cant prove their residence or their citizenship. On the other end of the line, investigators would then use databases to try and look people up and either permit them to register to vote, or reject their registration, in real time.

Whats the New Hampshire Secretary of States office saying about this hotline?

That office is saying nothing, which is unusual. Secretary of State David Scanlan -- New Hampshires top elections official  has declined to say anything publicly about ending the use of affidavits or the creation of this hotline.

Hes somebody who frequently testifies on election bills, or sends one of his deputies to do so. And lawmakers often work with his office to craft policies he thinks can work.

But on this proposal  arguably the biggest change to state election laws in recent history Scanlans office has been silent, refusing to comment on if it thinks this change is necessary or if it's constitutional.

And on that last point: If this does become law, it is nearly certain to be challenged in court.

A law with some similarities about proving citizenship with documents previously passed Kansas, but federal courts blocked it.

These articles are being shared by partners in The Granite State News Collaborative. For more information visit collaborativenh.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Major NH voting law change nears finish line despite objections
The Maldives, the paradisiacal archipelago synonymous with lush tropical getaways, will ban Israelis from traveling there in protest over military action the Israeli government has taken in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.

President Mohamed Muizzu's Cabinet will move to bar Israeli passport holders from entering the country, the government announced Sunday, with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs now urging Israeli citizens currently in the Maldives to leave as soon as possible.

The decision adds to the escalating tension between the two countries. Last month, Muizzu applauded the announcement that the International Criminal Court (ICC) would consider a request from prosecutor Karim Asad Ahmad Khan KC to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on war crimes charges, calling it "a significant step in the quest for justice for the Palestinian people."

"The Maldives is confident that the Prosecutor's Office has gathered enough evidence to prove Israel has conducted war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza," he continued. "We will explore every avenue to support the people of Palestine in the international arena."

Arrest warrants aside, the pro-Palestine movement makes some valid points that transcend political tribalism. Pushback against the Israeli military striking a refugee camp in Rafah on the Gaza Strip, for instance, can and does defy partisanship. Muizzu certainly appears to have some blind spots on the subjecthe omitted from his recent comment that the ICC prosecutor made the same request for arrest warrants against Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Deifbut he is nonetheless entitled to his views. And the recent manifestation of those views, in the form of his Israeli ban, cedes a great deal of the moral high ground he claims to hold onto.

That's because, for starters, blaming and punishing an entire nationality for the actions of their government is a near-textbook definition of bigotry. And it is difficult to claim you are on the right side of history while being openly and unapologetically bigoted.

This is, of course, not the first time we've seen someone take this low road. Some have repeatedly applied the same general concept to Palestinians, the idea being that they are all responsible for the actions of Hamas, despite that the militants gained power with about 44 percent of the vote in January 2006, when a huge portion of people living in Gaza now were either not old enough to vote or not yet born.

To bring it closer to home, many Americans would find it patently absurd if they were told they bore personal responsibility for President Joe Biden's or former President Donald Trump's respective administrations. A poll last year found about 91 percent of Democrats view Trump poorly (shocking), while a grand total of 7 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are reportedly satisfied with Biden's job performance (again, shocking). This general idea arguably holds even more relevance among those who call themselves politically homeless, many of whom feel that neither man represents them well.

But the trend is also not constrained to the Israel-Hamas war. Though scanning history provides several examples, we don't have to look very far back: When the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in 2022, there was a rush among some to signal support for Ukraine by severing ties with Russians. Some of that came from governments in the form of visa suspensions and from academic institutions nixing educational partnerships.

But it also came from everyday people, like when the prodigious young pianist Alexander Malofeev, who was then all of 20 years old, lost a string of concert engagements after his hosts decided that collaborating with a Russian musician was a bridge too far. "Considering the serious impact on the civilian population of Ukraine caused by the Russian invasion, the [Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal] must announce the withdrawal of pianist Alexander Malofeev," the organization wrote at the time. Is that supposed to pass for bravery? What was a 20-year-old musician supposed to do to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin's evil ambitions?

Ironically, on the subject of courage, Malofeev denounced the war. When considering he is from a country ruled by a brutal authoritarianone who does not hesitate to try to kill his critics!it would seem perverse to argue that those who ostracized him because of where he was born were the ones taking a valiant stand. There is a critical difference between virtue and virtue signaling. As is clear from Muizzu's recent announcement, this is a lesson some have not yet learned.

The post The Maldives Banning Israelis Is a Disgrace appeared first on Reason.com.
Man accused of trafficking fentanyl within 1,000 feet of GA school, park

A Georgia man is behind bars after he was arrested on a laundry list of drug charges.

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On Friday, deputies conducted a search warrant at an apartment on W. 23rd Avenue in Cordele, Georgia.

Crisp County officials said they found a container with clear plastic bags with marijuana packaged for distribution, multiple clear plastic baggies with oxycodone packaged for distribution, a clear plastic baggie with multi-colored pills, a clear plastic baggie of methamphetamine, digital scales with residue and additional packaging material.

The Narcotics Task Force tested the suspected drugs and they were positive for meth and fentanyl.

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Trevor Donta Green, 39, of Cordele was arrested and faces the following charges:

Trafficking fentanyl

Trafficking fentanyl within 1000 feet of a housing project

Trafficking fentanyl within 1000 feet of a school

Trafficking fentanyl within 1000 feet of a park

Possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute

Possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a housing project

Possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school

Possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a park

Possession of a Schedule II control substance with the intent to distribute

Possession of a Schedule II control substance with the intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a housing project

Possession of a Schedule II Control Substance with the intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school

Possession of a Schedule II Control Substance with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a park

Possession of methamphetamine

The Crisp County Sheriffs Office wants to remind residents that small amounts of fentanyl can be lethal.

Two milligrams of Fentanyl can be lethal depending on the persons size, tolerance and past usage. Through collaboration, education and enforcement, we hope to save lives, the sheriffs office said.

Last year in May, the sheriffs office started a Fentanyl Awareness Campaign ti help reduce the use of illegal drugs and educate the community on the problems associated with drug use.

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Man allegedly tried to break into co-worker's home with weapons, rope and handcuffs

Man allegedly tried to break into co-worker's home with weapons, rope and handcuffs

A Michigan man who had a "romantic interest" in his former co-worker was arrested after he allegedly tried to break into her home with an "assortment of concerning items," according to police.

Levi Trahern Smith, a 34-year-old lawyer, was allegedly spotted "lurking" outside the woman's home in the middle of the night on Saturday and attempted to get in through a side door, the Oakland County prosecutor's office said.

Smith was found wearing latex gloves and carrying a backpack that contained a loaded handgun, a large knife, handcuffs, rope, masks, a hammer, a crowbar, duct tape and latex gloves, according to the Royal Oak Police Department.

MORE: Suspects sought in shooting of 2 girls, ages 9 and 11, caught in the crossfire on a New York City playground

Smith had previously been the woman's co-worker "and had exhibited a romantic interest in her in the past," police said.

He was caught after the woman was "startled from her sleep" and contacted police, who said they saw Smith attempting to walk away from the home before officers took him into custody.

PHOTO: Booking photo of Levi Trahern Smith. (Royal Oak Police Department)

"The quick thinking of the victim to contact police once she realized this dangerous situation was unfolding prevented a much worse outcome," Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore said. "As a result, the officers immediately located the suspect and took him into custody."

Smith has been charged with one felony count of attempted home invasion and one felony count of firearms violation.

MORE: Woman allegedly stabs 3-year-old boy to death in random attack at grocery store parking lot

His bond was set at $25,000.

He could not immediately be reached for comment at a phone number listed for his office.

"I am relieved that the victim was vigilant and contacted law enforcement immediately," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. "Without the victim's call to 911 and the work of the Royal Oak Police, this situation could have been far worse."

Man allegedly tried to break into co-worker's home with weapons, rope and handcuffs originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A 46-year-old man from Topeka was arrested Tuesday in connection to a burglary in North Topeka.

At 2:20 a.m. on June 4, Topeka police officers were sent to the 400 block of NW Lyman to investigate a burglary alarm. Police saw an individual inside the building committing a burglary, according to a press release from the Topeka Police Department (TPD).

A 27 News reporter saw a broken glass door at the House of the Rising Suds laundromat in the area of the reported burglary. According to the business owner, there was between $3,000 and $4,000 in damage caused. The owner said the laundromat would be reopening on Wednesday.

Felon files for Kansas congressional seat

Police said the suspect ran out the side door and was arrested a short distance from the business. The man was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following charges:

Burglary

Criminal damage to property, Felony

Interference with law enforcement officer; obstruction

Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant

Possession of drug paraphernalia

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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A convoy of trucks carrying food and medical aid to the Gaza Strip is seen in Ramadi, Anbar province, Iraq, on June 4, 2024. Iraq on Tuesday sent a convoy of trucks carrying food and medical aid to the Gaza Strip to help the besieged Palestinians. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

BAGHDAD, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Iraq on Tuesday sent a convoy of trucks carrying food and medical aid to the Gaza Strip to help the besieged Palestinians.

Ahmed Abdul Amir, director of the disaster management department at the Iraqi Red Crescent Society, said 35 trucks loaded with 500 tons of food and medical supplies were currently on their way to Gaza.

According to Abdul Amir, the trucks will travel to the Trebil border crossing, then to the Jordanian port of Aqaba and the Egyptian port of Nuweiba before reaching the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah by ferries.

Iraq has already sent several batches of medical aid and fuel to the Gaza Strip in coordination with the Jordanian and Egyptian authorities.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage.

Israeli attacks have killed more than 36,000 people in Gaza and its blockade has caused a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave, according to health authorities in Gaza. 

A staff member of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society walks past a convoy of trucks with food and medical aid to the Gaza Strip, in Ramadi, Anbar province, Iraq, on June 4, 2024. Iraq on Tuesday sent a convoy of trucks carrying food and medical aid to the Gaza Strip to help the besieged Palestinians. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

A staff member of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society stands in front of a convoy of trucks with food and medical aid to the Gaza Strip, in Ramadi, Anbar province, Iraq, on June 4, 2024. Iraq on Tuesday sent a convoy of trucks carrying food and medical aid to the Gaza Strip to help the besieged Palestinians. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
FILE - Connecticut Rep. Maryam Khan, second from right, with her right arm in a sling and surrounded by friends, family and fellow lawmakers, gives a harrowing account of her attack last month as she left a Muslim prayer service, July 6, 2023, in Hartford, Conn. Andrey Desmond, who attacked the Muslim state representative outside a prayer service in Connecticut, was sentenced to five years in prison Tuesday, June 4, 2024, for attempted sexual assault and other crimes, a punishment the lawmaker previously said was too lenient. (AP Photo/Susan Haigh, File)

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  A man who attacked a Muslim state representative outside a prayer service in Connecticut was sentenced to five years in prison Tuesday for attempted sexual assault and other crimes, a punishment the lawmaker previously said was too lenient.

Andrey Desmond, 31, was sentenced in Hartford Superior Court in connection with the June 2023 assault on Rep. Maryam Khan, the first Muslim to serve in the state House of Representatives. Desmond pleaded guilty in April to attempted third-degree sexual assault, attempted first-degree strangulation and risk of injury to a minor  all felonies.

After the prison time, Desmond must serve parole, register as a sex offender and receive mental health treatment.

Desmonds public defender, John Stawicki, said in court that Desmond regretted his actions and has struggled with mental illness, including schizophrenia. Desmond said the events that happened were out of my control. I didnt have any self-control.

Khan, a Democrat from the Hartford suburb of Windsor, said in a statement that the assault highlighted serious gaps in our mental health care system and victim safety and protection.

What happened to me just over a year ago was tragic and will leave a mark on my life and all of those involved, Khan said. But I am proud to see some semblance of justice today. It is important to note that what occurred that day is far more common than we would care to admit.

Court records show Desmond, who was living in New Britain, has a history of mental illness. After a court-ordered evaluation, he was found competent to stand trial.

Khan had called for hate crime charges. She was attacked after attending a service at the XL Center arena in Hartford with her family to mark Eid al-Adha, the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage by Muslims to Mecca.

She has said she and her family, including her 15-year-old daughter, were taking photos outside the arena when Desmond approached and said he intended to have sexual relations with one of them.

Desmond then followed them inside, and Khan said he started to pursue her in particular, grabbing at her face and shirt and demanding a kiss. He followed her back outside and tried to grab her face again, she said, and became angry when she dodged him. She said he slapped her across the face and later put her in a chokehold, holding up his hand and mimicking having a gun before slamming her into the ground.

Khan said she was diagnosed with a concussion and injured her right arm and shoulder.

The Associated Press doesnt generally identify people who report attempted sexual assaults unless they publicly identify themselves, as Khan has done.

Desmond was chased down and held by two bystanders until police arrived and arrested him. One of the bystanders, a military veteran, was charged with misdemeanor assault and was approved for a pretrial diversion program that will erase the charge.
Man charged with killing Sheffield PD officer in 2021 has no trial date, last court appearance was November 2023

COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  It has been two-and-a-half years since Sheffield Police Sergeant. Nick Risner was killed in the line of duty and another officer was wounded.

However, Brian Lansing Martin, the man charged with killing Risner, has no trial date and he has not had a court appearance since November 2023.

Morgan County judge makes gag order permanent in murder case against former officer

Martin is also charged with killing his friend William Mealback Jr. in Muscle Shoals in what investigators described as a deadly crime spree.



It is not clear what happens next in this case.

The Oct. 1, 2020 crime spree ended in Sheffield after Risner and other officers used their vehicles to stop the truck driven by Martin. Risner was shot and later died from his injuries, a second officer was wounded and Martin was also shot in the encounter.



Court records offer just a glimpse of where things stand. Martin had a mental health evaluation ordered in November 2022 and a hearing over that evaluation in April 2023. The judge then ordered a 90-day mental health evaluation.

Former Decatur police officer opposes gag order in murder trial

Alabama state mental health officials informed the court in November that Martin was incompetent to stand trial. But a few days later, the Alabama Department of Mental Health revised that opinion, saying their findings were inconclusive on whether Martin was competent to stand trial.

Another mental health evaluation was ordered and the ADMH said they expected to find Martin a bed in a state mental health facility by March or April.

There are no court records in Martins file since last November and it is not clear if he has had further mental evaluation or efforts to restore him to competency for trial.

Colbert County jail records list him as an inmate as of Monday, June 3.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An Altamonte Springs man used a drill to dismantle 22 Seminole County and Casselberry license plate readers, smashed some solar panels used to power the systems and threw the equipment into bushes, ditches and retention ponds, deputies said.

Eric Fiedler, 35, appeared in front of a judge Monday to face numerous felony counts that included vandalism, grand theft and burglary charges.

Deputies said on May 6, they noticed one of their cameras was missing while on patrol in Longwood. They said it appeared to be ripped off its pole, as did other nearby cameras when they went to check on them.

Read: Madeline Soto: Bodycam videos show Stephan Sterns 1st interactions with deputies

Deputies said security cameras and a witness helped lead them to Fiedler, who was seen from the agencys helicopter taking apart multiple cameras prior to his arrest on June 1.

A few days prior to the discovery of the initial vandalism, WFTV interviewed Fiedler about the license plate readers that had suddenly been appearing on major roads throughout the county.

Read: We are all a valuable part of the whole community: Pride Chamber helps LGBTQ+ businesses thrive

Fiedler, along with others who posted about the readers on social media, took issue with the lack of notice by the sheriffs office and the lack of transparency about their program. The sheriffs office has refused to disclose how many readers they have installed in the county.

Im not a criminal, but its kind of interesting when something pops up that you dont know about in your neighborhood, Fiedler said on May 2. When you realize youre being tracked every day going to the grocery or the church or the school, and you didnt have any say in it, its a little concerning to me.

He acknowledged the cameras were installed in public places where there is no expectation of privacy but called the readers a potential steppingstone to more invasive law enforcement techniques.

Read: One final spin: Pat Sajaks final Wheel of Fortune airs this week

Seminole County and the manufacturer of the readers, Flock, defend them as an effective law enforcement tool. Flock said only law enforcement have access to the data and its deleted after 30 days.

Deputies said the readers have helped them solve murder, property crime and missing persons cases. Each camera will cost $4,300 to replace, and there is no estimate on when the work will be done, reports said.

WFTV has contacted Fiedler for comment.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A man is facing life behind bars after a jury on Monday found him guilty of killing two men in a 2022 Grand Rapids shooting that police say stemmed from a small and petty disagreement.

The deadly shooting happened in June 2022 following a confrontation near the intersection of Martin Luther King Street and Eastern Avenue SE.

Trial for the accused gunman, 26-year-old Deiontreay D. Craft, got underway last week.

GRPD chief: June 2022 double murder wont ever make sense

Kent County jurors on Monday found Craft guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, carrying a concealed weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony as a fourth felony offender.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker praised Grand Rapids police and assistant prosecutor Blair Lachman for their outstanding job putting this case together.

I am tremendously pleased that this violent man was held accountable and will no longer be able to walk the streets for taking the lives of two individuals, Becker said.

Second arrest made in 2022 double murder near gas station

Grand Rapids police were dispatched to the area at about 2:35 a.m. on June 23, 2022, on a report of a shooting. Investigators say the shooting followed a confrontation between the victims and others.

Police earlier said the shooting stemmed from a small and petty disagreement.

Tony Dwayne Vaughn and Freddie James Lusk, both 58, died at the scene.

Craft will return to court for sentencing in several weeks. He is facing life without possibility of parole.

A second man, Dangelo Cordero Bankhead, 27, was also charged. He has a trial date set for October.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Man convicted in Pittsburgh murder dies 12 days after judge granted compassionate release

A Pittsburgh man ordered to spend life in prison for a 1975 murder conviction died 12 days after a judge granted him compassionate release.

Ezra Bozeman, 68, died Saturday, the state Corrections Department told the Associated Press.

Bozeman, whose medical conditions included quadriplegia, had been in jail for 49 years before an Allegheny County judge granted his request for compassionate release.

Bozeman had been convicted in the shooting death of an East Liberty dry cleaning business owner during an attempted robbery.

Bozeman maintained he was innocent.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The man who was arrested after hiding in the ceiling of a Save Mart grocery store in Fresno during a standoff in 2022 has been sentenced, according to the Fresno County Districts Attorney Office.

Pheng Vang was the suspect arrested following a 20-hour standoff during which he hid in the ceiling of a Save Mart store in Fresno. He was charged on May 24, 2022, with evading an officer, receiving stolen property, and felony vandalism.

According to the Fresno County Sheriffs Office, on May 19, 2022, then-28-year-old Pheng Vang and two other suspects were wanted for a burglary at a Fresno home. An off-duty deputy identified the suspects vehicle near the Macys in Fresnos River Park shopping center and detectives were contacted.

Deputies say two of the suspects ran back into the Macys store while the third one, Vang, got into the vehicle and used it to ram several patrol cars and escape the area. The other two suspects were taken into custody, but Vang was able to hide in the Save Mart grocery store at First Street and Nees Avenue.

A 20-hour standoff ensued followed and authorities say the supermarket had to be evacuated. Almost two days later, after several searches for Vang came up empty, officers believed he had somehow managed to escape from the building and announced the business reopened.

Standoff suspect arrested after falling out of ceiling at Save Mart, police say

However, undercover officers remained nearby to continue to search for Vang. They found and arrested the suspect after he fell through the stores ceiling into an aisle and tried to run away.

On Monday, the DAs office announced Vang was sentenced to eight years in state prison following his sentencing hearing in court on Friday.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The man found guilty in a Lansing Township shooting that left one man injured and another dead will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Anthony Anderson, Jr. was found guilty by a jury in April for the New Years Eve shootings. This crime left Shaquille Brown wounded and killed music producer Curshawn Terrell, 40. Terrell was better known as Kaz.

You took my nieces father away from her, Crystal Terrell, Kazs sister, told Anderson in court Monday. Her dad was her Superman  her everything. He would do anything in the world for her. Your kids can talk to you. My niece can never do that again.

Anthony Anderson, Jr. was convicted of murder in April. On June 3, he was sentenced to life in prison. (Courtesy Photo. WLNS)

Ingham County Circuit Court Judge James Jamo sentenced Anderson to life in prison Monday, bringing a years-long quest for justice to a close.

Lansing Township Police were called to a recording studio on Michigan Ave. on New Years Eve day 2022 and discovered the two men who had been shot. Terrell died at a local hospital.

More on This Story

Fatal shooting victim Kaz remembered for being one of a kind

Man facing murder charge after Lansing Township shooting

Man convicted in Kaz murder trial

Anderson was arrested and charged Jan. 4, 2023.

After Anderson was convicted, Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane had this to say about the shootings in 2022.

This was a brutal and senseless crime, and the death of Mr. Terrell was a great loss for our community. He was beloved, respected, and is missed by all, Dewane said in a news release in April. I believe the jury made the right decision in this matter. First-degree murder is the most heinous of all offenses and I believe the impending sentence reflects this.

It is possible Anderson could appeal his sentence and perhaps the trial process in the future.

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CLAYTON, N.M. (KRQE)  On May 30, a man was found guilty concerning a prison attack. The jury deliberated for an hour before returning with their verdict.

Angel Prieto, 30, went to trial for attempted second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit attempted second-degree murder.

New Mexico man sentenced for beating child with Louis Vuitton belt, attacking officers

In October 2023, a victim was reportedly assaulted by Prieto and a man named Louis McCallister, 36, at the Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility. The victim was injured and unconscious after the attack.

A video captured the incident. The victim was badly injured and will experience a lengthy recovery, officials indicated.

McCallister pleaded to charges in May 2024 and faces up to 8 years per charge. Prieto is awaiting his sentencing.

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Man killed in crash on I-93 in New Hampshire, state police say

A man was killed in a rollover crash on Interstate 93 in New Hampshire on Tuesday morning, state police said.

The man was not immediately identified.

The fatal crash snarled traffic on I-93 in the area of Windham. All lanes have since reopened on the northbound and southbound sides of the interstate, state police said at 12:18 p.m.

Hours earlier, at 9:54 a.m., troopers responded to a report of a rollover crash on I-93 northbound between Exits 2 and 3 in Windham.

When troopers arrived, they found an adult man dead at the scene, state police said.

A preliminary investigation found that the crash occurred on the southbound side of I-93, state police said. The victim was found on the northbound side.

An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about the crash that may assist investigators should call State Police dispatch at 603-223-4381.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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GAZA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Eight Palestinian police officers were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their vehicle in the city of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Palestinian sources said.

Palestinian security sources said that an Israeli plane targeted a police vehicle of the Hamas-run Interior Ministry west of Deir al-Balah.

Medical sources told Xinhua that the Israeli raid also wounded a number of bystanders, all of whom were taken to the hospital.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, the Israeli army has been engaged in conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which left more than 36,000 Palestinians dead. The conflict was triggered by a surprise attack launched by Hamas on several Israeli military bases and towns near the Gaza Strip border, during which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage. 
Seven years after the prisoner uprising and murder of a correctional officer at Delawares largest prison, the first civil trial over officers subsequent use of force against prisoners began this week.

Jonatan Rodriguez claims he was targeted and unnecessarily pummeled by numerous Delaware prison officers because he was one of 16 men indicted on charges of riot and murder of officer Stephen Floyd in the months after prisoners used force to take over C Building at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center  allegations Department of Correction attorneys deny in court filings.

Charges against Rodriguez and several other defendants accused of the C Building uprising were dropped in 2019 after three criminal trials featuring seven defendants saw only one man found guilty of murder: a man who admitted to the jury that he orchestrated the uprising as a protest of injustices in the prison system.

But months before prosecutors dropped charges against Rodriguez, he was housed at Sussex Correctional Institution along with other C Building defendants accused of murdering Floyd and holding two other officers and a counselor hostage in a standoff that lasted 18 hours in February 2017.

Some had nothing to do with the C Building takeover, he said, adding that they drew strength from their comradery" but also faced the potential of life in prison and a backdrop of fear. This was exacerbated by talk that state officials wanted to reinstate the death penalty specifically for their demise and their everyday interactions with officers were laced with rhetoric cheering for their death, he said.

You literally have staff that was telling us: You know they are going to kill you guys right; we can't wait for that, Rodriguez said in an interview from Pennsylvania where he is now incarcerated. When you are hearing these things constantly, consistently, its bad. It is dark and you are already in a dark situation.

Representatives for the Delaware Department of Correction declined to comment for this story. In court filings, they denied wrongdoing and claimed their use of force was appropriate to gain control of Rodriguez and the force ended as soon as that occurred.

Jon Rodriguez pictured in a screengrab of a video depicting officers using force to cuff him at Sussex Correctional Institution.

The incident was captured on surveillance video inside the prison and will be introduced as evidence in this weeks trial. The video has no sound. For minutes, it shows Rodriguez stationary and gesturing at a door. That is followed by officers rushing in.

The first deployed pepper spray. On the ground, his body is largely obscured from view of the camera before he is carried out by the officers.

In the lawsuit he filed in 2020, he claims the force amounted to battery and assault and that officers conspired to target him because of his charges. He claims the pummeling was unnecessary and continued after he had been subdued and the situation could have been de-escalated.

Herb Mondros, Rodriguezs attorney, said officers thought that his client and other men there were responsible for killing a correctional officer, and they were "quick" to assault him.

Mondros successfully petitioned the court for a bench trial so Superior Court Judge Francis Jones will preside over the case, evaluate the evidence and render a judgment. Evidence will include video, testimony from Rodriguez, the officers involved, as well as an expert on the use of force in correctional settings.

While the video shows the use of force, the judges ruling will be based on the context of the video: what led up to it and whether the force was necessary under the circumstances.

What led to the force?

At Sussex Correctional Institution, Rodriguez was responsible for cleaning the living, bathroom and shower area where he and other C Building defendants were housed. He said the normal routine would start with recreation time, then hed stay out to clean the tier and follow that with his shower.

But the day of the incident, different officers were working the tier and one told him he wasn't taking a shower and to lock into his cell.

Rodriguez said he then sought to speak to one of the regulars in a partitioned area separated from the pod by a window. He said that officer would have been aware of the routine. Another officer tells him he is not speaking to anyone else. He asks to a supervisory officer, he claims. Having just cleaned the tier and bathrooms, he felt denying this basic aspect of life wasn't right.

There is no reason to deny me a shower, Rodriguez said in the interview.

Jon Rodriguez

At that point, he said officers called a code for refusal to lock in his cell. Video shows his cell door closed remotely behind him. He said he had nowhere to retreat and saw something like 20 guards line up at the door leading onto the tier.

He claims one of them implored the other to open the door so they could beat him up. He said the door separating them has a small window that prisoners are routinely ordered to stick their hands through in order to be handcuffed, but no such order was given.

Instead, the first officer rushed through with spray and the rest followed. In court documents, correction officials contend Rodriguez threw punches at the first officers. Rodriguez denies this.

He was in the act of spraying me when I am putting my hands up to block the spray, he said.

He is quickly taken to the ground and claims that officers had him cuffed but continued to strike him with knees, elbows and punches to the face. In court filings, attorneys for the officers contend that Rodriguez continued to resist on the ground and blows to his thighs were necessary to gain control.

Mark Purnell (right) talks with attorney Herb Mondros after Purnell was released from prison Thursday, April 28, 2022. Purnell, now 32, had been incarcerated since age 16 but his conviction was overturned ten months ago.

Mondros said that attorneys for the officers told the court that photographs taken of Rodriguezs injury were turned over to Delaware Department of Justice prosecutors and destroyed once they dropped charges filed against Rodriguez tied to the incident.

The medical check that followed the force was cursory, he said. He claims he still has headaches from the day.

Defense: officers conduct justified and reasonable

State attorneys representing the officers named as defendants claim in legal filings that Rodriguez had no right to refuse the order to lock into his cell, posed a danger and his actions justified the use of force. They dispute Rodriguezs retelling of parts of the incident: like the officer demanding the door be opened so he can use force.

Their pretrial memo argues that Rodriguez refused to lock into his cell after three separate orders and responded aggressively as he demanded his shower.

They claim his cell door was closed to prevent him from potentially retrieving a weapon, noting that those who took over C Building at Vaughn had used weapons like mop wringers to attack officers. In court filings, they said they will dispute at trial the idea that they could have requested him to cuff up instead of rushing him.

Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown, Del.

The attorneys described his refusal to lock in as serious an offense as murder or escape. They said the first officer was justified in spraying Rodriguez and what happened next was justified by Rodriguez punching responding officers.

Rodriguez also claims officers conspired to use unreasonable force because of his status as a C Building defendant.

Citing discrepancies and minimizations in their incident reports, he also claimed they conspired to cover up details of the incident by huddling together to get their story straight on reports afterward. Corrections officials deny this in court filings.

What happened was wrong

Mondros said his case will focus on showing that the force used was unreasonable and that officers could have de-escalated the situation instead of attacking his client. He said they could have de-escalated the situation by calling in a superior or having him cuff up.

They never asked him to do that, he said, noting that they instead "got a bunch of guys together" and beat him.

Correction policy documents posted online state that the use of force must be reasonable under the circumstances, and should be used only when no other reasonable alternative is available and that the use of "excessive force is punishable by potential termination.

The policy document states that officers must employ such force on a continuum, starting with verbal or non-violent intervention ranging all the way up to the use of weapons like mace or dogs depending on the situation.

Rodriguez was sentenced to 40 years in prison for manslaughter when he was 21 years old. He emphasized that he went to prison as an 18-year-old child and is now a 32-year-old man and that there is not one human being that is the sum total of their worst mistake.

He said he isnt looking for a payout from the lawsuit, but rather just to make a statement.

What happened was wrong, period, he said. If I continue to fight and I share my story, the next time, it might give them pause, that is what I hope at a minimum.''

Rodriguezs claims against the officers parallel a raft of other complaints of excessive force currently being litigated in federal court: that officers are given too much freedom to escalate non-threatening situations with pepper spray and violence.

Inmates file out of the Vaughn Center C Building's yard door during the 2017 uprising.

The American Civil Liberties Union Delaware Chapter is currently litigating excessive force claims on behalf of some three dozen current or former SCI prisoners.

There are also still ongoing lawsuits filed by both former C Building defendants as well as men who were never accused of riot participation, but said they were beaten and subjected to psychological torture in the days and weeks after.

The lawsuit was dismissed by a Delaware District Court judge two years ago, but reinstated by an appeals court panel of judges and continues to be litigated.

Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Excessive force claim by Delaware inmate in riot building goes to trial
Man pleads guilty, gets nearly 50 years for murder in Arlington drug deal robbery

A 22-year-old defendant will spend nearly 50 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to murder in the 2022 shooting death of a man in Arlington, according to the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorneys Office.

Bryce Oliver, 22, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 49 years and six months in prison, according to the district attorneys office.

On Nov. 21, 2022, Oliver and a teenage boy whose name has not been released shot and killed 21-year-old Juan Jaime Merino in the 3500 block of Brookhurst Lane, authorities have said.

Police said at the time that Merino was found dead in his vehicle parked on that road. He was shot in the head while meeting Oliver and teen, who went to buy marijuana from him. During the exchange, Merino was robbed and then shot.

Merino didnt know Oliver or the teen, Arlington police said at the time. Oliver and the teen were arrested later that same day.

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Merino was found slumped over inside the car, the engine still running and the doors open. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Man Reported Girlfriend Missing, Then Was Found Dead by Suicide  and Police Think He Killed Her

Police believe Matthew A. Poole killed his girlfriend Ashley M. Kuregian before reporting her missing and dying by suicide in Keaau, Hawaii

GoFundMe Ashley Kuregian

A man who reported his girlfriend missing in Hawaii was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, said authorities.

Police investigating the disappearance of Ashley M. Kuregian, 38, executed a search warrant at a home in Keaau, Hawaii on May 23, according to a press release from the Hawaii Police Department. There, officers said they announced themselves and heard a loud pop inside the home, which resembled a gunshot.

Once inside, officers found a man  later identified as Kuregians boyfriend, Matthew A. Poole  dead of a gunshot wound, police said. A firearm was also found. A subsequent autopsy confirmed he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, per the release.

Two days earlier, on May 21, Poole had reported Kuregian missing after she hadnt been seen for approximately a week, police said.

During a search of Pooles home in the evening of May 23, police found information that led them to search for Kuregian in the Orchidland Estates Subdivision. Around 7 p.m., authorities found a body in advanced stages of decomposition, per the release. The remains were found on a vacant undeveloped property in Keaau and were later identified as Kuregian, police said.

A medical examiner determined Kuregian died of a single gunshot wound to the head and her manner of death was ruled as a homicide, according to the release. Police say they are now investigating the missing persons case as a murder-suicide.

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On a GoFundMe campaign created in the wake of her death, Kuregian was remembered as a mother to an 11-year-old daughter named Delilah.

"Our sweet, beautiful Ashley (Birdie) Kuregian was tragically taken from this world by the hand of another, fundraiser organizer Michelle McDaniel wrote.

As of June 4, the fundraiser has garnered more than $10,000 in donations that McDaniel said will go towards funeral expenses and a college fund for Kuregians daughter.



If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



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A man sat behind Fauci pulling faces at him in fiery House Covid hearing. But who is he?

Dr Anthony Fauci has responded after a Jan 6 rioter was seen sitting behind him during Mondays House Covid hearing pulling faces.

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.

During the hearing, he went head-to-head with Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene who told the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases he was not a doctor and belonged in prison amid heated questioning.

But Greene was not the only one of Faucis critics who caused a stir during Mondays proceedings.

A January 6 rioter, who served one of the toughest prison sentences yet for the insurrection, was seen sitting behind the medical expert pulling faces.

A man was seen making faces behind Fauci during Mondays Covid hearing (C-SPAN)

CNN host Kaitlan Collins also claimed that the man yelled out in agreement when Greene said that Fauci belonged in prison.

The rioter was revealed to be Brandon Fellows, who was recently released from prison on May 20 after serving three years on both felony and misdemeanor charges. Fellows was convicted of entering the Capitol and smoking cannabis in Oregon Senator Jeff Merkleys office, according to the Department of Justice.

Fauci said he was made aware of who was sitting behind him after the hearing and asked: Whats somebody like that doing at a hearing about Covid?

Fellows was arrested on January 16 2021 in New York by the FBI following the insurrection after spending days bragging about the events of January 6 and posting videos and photos online.

Brandon Fellows was arrested following the January 6 insurrection (Department of Justice)

In one video, he was seen entering senator Merkleys office where he put his feet on the table and took two drags from a joint that was handed to him by another rioter. Meanwhile, in pictures, he was seen posing with police officers.

After the riot, he gave an interview to Bloomberg where he said his Bumble dating profile had blown up with attention because of the interest in his Capitol riot pictures.

In court, he represented himself, submitting long, handwritten documents in which he compared himself to Jesus.

He also at one point asked if he should call the wife of US District Judge Trevor McFadden, who was presiding over his case. Judge McFadden later lambasted him, accusing him of showing the height of contempt for all branches of government, adding that he had flagrantly lied under oath.

Anthony Fauci takes his seat ahead of a bruising Senate hearing about Covid on Monday (AFP via Getty Images)

It is, rather, your defiance of any and every attempt to try to get your actions to conform to what the law requires that has gotten you to this point, McFadden said. He later added: Its time for you to grow up!

Since being released from prison, Fellows has continued to seek media attention, giving an interview to Bloomberg in which he said he had no regrets about the insurrection, before attending the Covid hearing on Monday.

The GOP representative claimed during the hearing that Faucis repulsive, evil science led to school children having to endure class with masks and claimed he abused puppies with his testing, something he denied.

The Republican firebrand was rebuked by colleagues for her aggressive questioning as Fauci was grilled over his pandemic response and the origins of Covid.

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.

Shortly after Greenes questioning, Representative Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, lambasted her line of questioning.

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.

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.
Man sentenced for trying to take explosives on Florida-bound flight

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Pennsylvania man was sentenced Thursday for trying to take explosives on a Florida-bound flight and then fleeing the airport when his name was paged, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

Marc Muffley, 41, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release after he checked a bag with an explosive device, butane, lithium ion batteries and a lighter in February 2023 at Lehigh Valley International Airport.

He was attempting to fly to Orlando-Sanford Airport.

The possession of an explosive device on a plane poses a grave risk of fire, explosion, and catastrophic consequences for everyone onboard, U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero said in a statement.

When Muffley heard his name being called over the airport public address system, he fled the airport and called his girlfriend for a ride, officials said. He also changed his phone number in an effort to avoid being tracked.

The man was arrested by the FBI one day later and pleaded guilty in January.

Protecting the American people is the very core of our mission at the FBI, and this case demonstrates how seriously we must take this mission, Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia, said in a statement.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A man was shot in the back in of the head while driving home from a Chinese restaurant in the Loris area, according to Horry County Police.

The man was driving home from the restaurant Saturday when he saw a black Honda following him, the police report said. The person driving the Honda then shot at him, hitting him in the back of his head.

The victim continued driving, turning on to S.C. 747 and then on to S.C. 66 headed to North Carolina while the Honda continued to follow him.

Sometime along the drive into North Carolina, the victim lost the black Honda. He stopped and walked up to a womans house and explained what happened. She then drove him to McLeod Seacoast Hospital, 4000 S.C. 9 East, Little River, where the police were called.

The police report did not say how severe the victims injury was but stated that he had a gunshot wound to the back of his head.

As of Tuesday, no one had been arrested for the shooting.
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  At least one person was taken to the hospital after a shooting near LSUs campus on Tuesday, June 4.

Baton Rouge emergency medical services responded to the 3100 block of Highland Road and Aster Street Tuesday afternoon. EMS said one person was in critical condition.

The Baton Rouge Police Department said a male victim was shot multiple times.

Details on the shooting or the identity of the victim were not immediately available. This is a developing story.

If anyone has information that could help law enforcement, contact Capital Region Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867 or make an anonymous tip online. Tips can also be made to the BRPD Violent Crimes Unit at 225-389-4869.

One person in critical condition after shooting in Baton Rouge, officials say

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com.
Man tried to kill 3, including ex-girlfriend and valet worker at St. Pete hotel: docs

Man tried to kill 3, including ex-girlfriend and valet worker at St. Pete hotel: docs

Video above: Woman injured in shooting at St. Pete hotel (previous report)

Editors note: This story has been updated to correct when the shooting happened.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A St. Petersburg man was accused of shooting his ex-girlfriend and a valet worker before trying to murder another man in a hotel parking garage in 2023, according to a police affidavit released on Tuesday.

St. Pete police announced the arrest of Bryton Dunbar, 31, last year.

Teens with gel pellet guns fire into St. Pete crowd; officers, civilians, & horse hit

According to the police affidavit, Dunbar followed his ex-girlfriend, Brittney Farewell, and Sharrod Holmes to the parking garage at the Tru Hotel. Holmes told police be believed Dunbar was removing a tracking device from Holmes car when the pair encountered him.

Dunbar was accused of pointing a rifle at Holmes and attempting to shoot him, but the gun would not fire. Police said Dunbar then fumbled with a handgun in his pocket and Holmes ran off.

Holmes told police he turned around to find Dunbar standing over Farewell, who was hiding, and shooting her, according to the affidavit. Farewell was shot twice in the face. She reportedly told police Dunbar shot a valet driver before he found her.









Holmes said he pulled out his own gun, but did not remember if he fired it, and left the parking garage. St. Pete police believe he fired a single shot.

Both Farewell and the valet driver, identified as Nicholas Loudenslager, survived the shooting.

Holmes and Farewell later told police they saw Dunbar at a restaurant the night before the incident. According to detectives, Holmes told them the shooting was not random and was a premeditated, planned attack because there was a bounty on his life.

A searched warrant was executed and Dunbars cellphones were seized. He was charged with three counts of attempted first degree murder and fleeing and eluding police the next day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Man who went viral for driving during Zoom court hearing had license restored in 2022

(NewsNation)  A Michigan man who attended a Zoom court hearing while supposedly driving with a suspended license was sent to jail due to an apparent clerical error.

Corey Harris attended a virtual hearing May 15 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on charges related to a traffic stop last year. In video footage, Judge Cedric Simpson appeared dumbfounded that Harris would appear before him while behind the wheel of a vehicle with a suspended drivers license.

Harris bond was revoked, and he was ordered to turn himself in at the Washtenaw County Jail.

Watch: Kid steals Republican lawmakers thunder on House floor

Harris drivers license was suspended in 2010 due to a now-settled child support case, USA Today reported. However, a judge lifted the suspension in January 2022, WXYZ-TV reported, but the order was never transmitted to the Michigan Secretary of States Office.

Sometimes it is simple as We at the Secretary of States 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,' Khyla Craine, deputy legal director for the Michigan secretary of state, told WXYZ.

Video of the court hearing went viral across social media, and Harris fears it could tarnish his reputation.

With the type of ties that I have with the church and the community, its very embarrassing, Harris told WXYZ.

In the video, Harris told Simpson he was pulling into a doctors office parking lot.

What was I thinking? I was thinking about getting my wife medical help. Thats what I was thinking. I wasnt thinking about the fact that I got a suspended license. I dont care about all that, Harris told the news station.

Accused shoplifter kept logs of stolen goods: Police

Upon parking, Harris legal team requested an adjournment of the case for four weeks, but Simpson wasnt having it.

Okay, so maybe I dont understand something, the judge said. This is a driving while license suspended [case] and he was just drivingand he didnt have a license.

When the assistant public defender confirmed what he had said, Simpson reviewed Harris paperwork before revoking his bond and ordering to turn himself in to the Washtenaw County Jail by 6 p.m. that evening.

As a result, Harris said he spent two days in jail after turning himself in following the hearing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Man Who Went Viral For Suspended License on Zoom Court Hearing Might Deserve an Apology From Everyone...

It looks like we all owe one Michigan man a collective apology today. The internet got a pretty good laugh at Corey Harris expense last week when he dialed into court for a Zoom hearing on driving on a suspended license while driving in his car.



Judge Cedric Simpson, who was presiding over the case, was so shocked by Harris audacity that he immediately revoked his bond and ordered him to report to the county jail where he spent two days. But now that more facts about the case are coming to light, it seems that Harris wasnt as reckless as we may have first thought.

In the end, the whole situation was based on an error in the paper trail.

In an interview, Harris told Ann Arbors ABC affiliate WXYZ that the attention has been unwanted.

Its very embarrassing. With the type of ties that I have with the church and the community, its very embarrassing, he said, adding that he was driving to the doctors office to get help for his wife, who was dealing with a medical emergency at the time.

What was I thinking? I was thinking about getting my wife medical help. Thats what I was thinking, he said. I wasnt thinking about the fact that I got a suspended license. I dont care about all that.

But according to Harris, his license should not have been suspended in the first place. He blamed the whole thing on a records error in the Secretary of States office. Harris license was suspended in 2010 for unpaid child support until a judge reversed the decision in 2022.

However, the records were never updated  even after Harris said he went back to the office to sort things out last week.

Harris advice to anyone else who finds themselves in a similar situation  when it comes to updating your personal records, dont just take a workers word for it, check for yourself.

Always double-check behind these workers because they will say that they will do something, and they dont do it, Harris said.

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BERLIN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Building up new tariffs and sliding into protectionism sends the wrong signal at the wrong time, the head of a German foreign trade association has said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Michael Schumann, chairman of the Board of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA), noted BWA's longstanding opposition to tariffs, punitive measures, and protectionist policies, particularly concerning e-mobility.

He underscored Germany's lagging progress in transitioning to e-mobility, citing a shortage of cars on the streets and the dominance of expensive electric vehicles as the major challenges.

"Competition, especially with lower-priced models (from China), would accelerate our progress towards our objectives," Schumann said, arguing that such competition would benefit both the automotive industry and consumers, reduce carbon emissions and facilitate the transition to electric vehicles.

Schumann believes that Germany should learn from the success of Chinese electric vehicles, and that both sides should strengthen cooperation in this field. "We would say, and we've been very consistent in arguing, that China's EVs could be beneficial for Europe. They could certainly be beneficial for the transition to e-mobility in Germany."

In light of escalating geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, Schumann reaffirmed Germany's commitment to free trade, balance, and fair trade practices.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining an open attitude and fostering communication and cooperation between China and Germany to achieve mutual benefits and sustainable economic development.

In a survey conducted by the German Chamber of Commerce in China among German enterprises about their future prospects, most respondents believed that within the next five years, they will have a bright and prosperous future in the industry, said Schumann, adding that more than half of the companies surveyed are planning to expand their investment in China. 
Maniac bashes NYC bike shop worker with helmet before hes stabbed by another man and bites cop: wild video

Footage obtained by The Post captured the moment the brute - who appeared to have been yelling at the 28-year-old worker - suddenly walloped him over the head with the helmet.

Wild surveillance video captures the moment a maniac bashed a Queens bike shop worker over the head with a helmet  before he was stabbed by another man who intervened, according to police.

The melee began just before 1 p.m. Monday when the 35-year-old man flew into a rage outside the Fly E-Bike shop on 42nd Street near Broadway in Astoria, authorities said.

Footage obtained by The Post captured the moment the brute  who appeared to have been yelling at the 28-year-old worker  suddenly walloped him over the head with the helmet.

Surveillance video captures the moment a maniac hit a Queens bike shop worker over the head with a helmet.

The 35-year-old man flew into a rage outside the Fly E-Bike shop on 42nd Street near Broadway in Astoria.

A second later, another man sprinted out of the store and chased the aggressor into the street, the video shows.

Someone from within the store stabbed the helmet-wielding suspect in the stomach, cops said. It wasnt immediately clear if it was the man seen running after him.

Despite being wounded, the first aggressor then could be seen on video slamming the helmet into the window of the shop.

He was stabbed by another man who intervened, according to police.

Police responded and tried to cuff the unhinged man when he bit one of the cops on the hand, authorities said.

The clip shows officers having a hard time getting the man to put his hands behind his back  a struggle that ends with them grappling on the ground.

Someone from within the store stabbed the helmet-wielding suspect in the stomach. Peter Gerber

The first aggressor could be seen on video slamming the helmet into the window of the shop. Peter Gerber

The stabbed man was taken to the Elmhurst Hospital Center, where he was listed in stable condition.

Charges are pending against him.

The officer was also taken to the hospital for his injury, cops said.

The man who had stabbed the first attacker did not face any charges by Monday evening.

It is unclear whether he is also an employee of the shop or a customer who happened to intervene, police said.
Mars may face more than twice as many close encounters with potentially dangerous asteroids as Earth does, according to a new study. This could imperil exploratory missions to the Red Planet, but also provide insight into how the inner solar system formed.

Asteroids constitute the biggest threat from space to our planet  the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor, for example, generated shock waves that injured over 1,000 people and caused more than $33 million in damage to infrastructure.

Astronomers and citizen asteroid hunters have detected around 33,000 similar space rocks that whiz closely past Earth during their orbit of the sun. A fraction of them are huge  more than 460 feet (140 meters) in diameter  and whirl on paths that approach Earth's orbit at distances of less than 0.05 astronomical unit (AU). (For reference, 1 AU is around 93 million miles, or 150 million kilometers  the average distance between Earth and the sun.) Tracking such potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs) is a key component of planetary defense programs.

Neighboring Mars should have it worse, since it lies right next to the main belt  a planet-free stretch of rocky debris between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. But precisely how many asteroids swing past Mars isn't clear. This could be a problem, study co-author Yufan Fane Zhou, a doctoral student in astronomy at Nanjing University in China, told Live Science in an email; Mars hosts many current missions and may be home to human colonies someday.

Related: Giant Mars asteroid impact creates vast field of destruction with 2 billion craters

To test whether humans on the Red Planet would be more at risk of potentially devastating impacts, Zhou and colleagues at Nanjing University analyzed how many asteroids make close approaches to Mars. They dubbed these space rocks "CAPHAs," an acronym for "close approach potentially hazardous asteroids."

To determine the number of Mars CAPHAs, the team used computer models to simulate the movement of all eight planets and around 11,000 randomly chosen asteroids over 100 million years. All of these asteroids started out in the main belt. Then, looking at each asteroid's proximity to six known gaps  asteroid-poor zones within the main belt where runaway rocks could potentially slip out  the team classified about 10,000 asteroids as "near-gap."

a deep crater on a dusty red surface

During the simulations, the researchers made the near-gap asteroids drift away or toward the sun. This drift arises due to the Yarkovsky effect, a force generated when the sunlit surfaces of asteroids re-radiate the energy they receive, behaving like mini-thrusters. Simulating this drift is critical because over the course of millennia, it causes the near-gap asteroids to meander into the gaps. Once there, periodic gravitational tugs from Jupiter or Saturn warp the paths of these asteroids, sending them on potential collision courses with the inner planets.

The simulations revealed that every Earth year, about 52 large asteroids wander dangerously close to Mars  about 2.6 times more than the 20 or so that approach Earth annually. Although these asteroids come closer to Mars than the Earth CAPHAs do to our planet, they also travel more slowly.

NASA missions may have already witnessed the effects of some of these asteroids colliding with Mars; a meteorite impact on Dec. 24, 2021, caused a magnitude 4 marsquake that was picked up by NASA's Mars InSight lander.

Although Zhou was ambivalent about whether near-Mars objects may affect current missions, he noted that, in the future, "as human visits to Mars become more frequent, the threat posed by Mars-CAPHAs may increasingly be taken seriously."

RELATED STORIES:

 Life on Mars could have thrived near active volcanoes and an ancient mile-deep lake

 Bad news for life on Mars? Red Planet's wet epoch may have been shorter than we thought

 Water ice buried at Mars' equator is over 2 miles thick

Yet the Mars-CAPHAs could also be informative for astronomers. "Asteroids around Mars can also deepen our understanding of the Martian environment, the interactions between asteroids and planets, and the evolutionary history of the inner solar system," Zhou said. In fact, Zhou and colleagues suggest that at least two of these CAPHAs may even be visible from Earth in early 2025, when Mars will lie on a line with Earth while orbiting on the same side of the sun.

The research was published online May 9 in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters.

Originally published on LiveScience.com.
Maryland's Hogan will skip GOP convention again as party leaders hedge on funding his campaign

FILE - Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan speaks during the Hogan for Maryland Primary Night Victory Party, May 14, 2024 in Annapolis, Md. Hogan, a Republican running to flip a Senate seat that could determine control of the chamber, will once again skip the Republican National Convention. The decision comes as national party leaders hedge on whether the GOP will help fund his campaign. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr., File)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)  Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican running to flip a Senate seat that could determine control of the chamber, will once again skip the Republican National Convention as a top party leader hedged on whether the GOP will help fund his campaign.

Hogan's campaign has confirmed that the former governor will not attend the GOP's convention next month in Milwaukee, July 15-18. Hogan, who has been one of the party's fiercest critics of former President Donald Trump, also did not attend the party's conventions in 2020 and 2016.

Hogan, who is trying to navigate a difficult path running in a heavily Democratic state, angered party leaders last week when he said that the public should  respect the verdict and the legal process prior to Trump's conviction by a Manhattan jury on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments.

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 posted on X before the verdict was announced. We must reaffirm what has made this nation great: the rule of law.

Chris LaCivita, a senior Trump campaign adviser, shot back on X: You just ended your campaign.

Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, was convicted on all counts related to a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election by falsifying business records to hide hush money payments to porn actor Stormy Daniels, who said the two had sex. The former president slammed the verdict as politically motivated.

On Sunday, Lara Trump, the co-chair of the Republican National Committee and daughter-in-law of the former president, sharply criticized Hogan's comments, saying on CNN's State of the Union that Hogan doesn't deserve the respect of anyone in the Republican Party at this point.

Asked whether the Republican Party would provide resources to support Hogan's campaign, Lara Trump said, Well, I will get back to you on all the specifics monetarily, but what I can tell you is that, as the Republican Party co-chair, I think he should never have said something like that. I think thats ridiculous.

In March, the RNC voted to install Trump's handpicked leadership team, including Lara Trump as co-chair.

Meanwhile, the National Republican Senatorial Committee is fully sticking by Hogan, who is perhaps the GOPs top recruit for the Senate this election cycle.

The committees chairman Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., told The Associated Press on Tuesday that of course it planned to support Hogan.

Asked about Lara Trumps remarks, Daines suggested that Hogan is running a campaign that fits the politics of his own state.

I think its important to remember that Larry Hogan is running for the U.S. Senate in Maryland and not Mississippi, Daines said.

The outgoing Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said Tuesday he supports all Republican candidates.

What I think is  we need more Republican members of the Senate," McConnell said. "And whether you are Mike Lee or whether you are Susan Collins, we need more Republicans in order to set the agenda. So obviously I support all Republican candidates, and certainly, Governor Hogan would be among them.

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who was asked Monday about Hogan, said he thought Hogan's post was a huge mistake, and that "when he says things that alienate the majority of Republicans in Congress I think its reasonable to criticize him, but I still hope he wins.

The nature of Larry Hogans candidacy and if he gets to the Senate, which hopefully he will  hes going to be to the left of the majority of Republicans on almost every issue," Vance said. "Were going to criticize him, but I still want him to win.

Hogan is trying to become the first Republican in more than 40 years to win a Senate seat in Maryland, where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 2-1 ratio statewide, with much of the Democratic support in Baltimore and the suburbs of Washington. He is running against Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, the chief executive of Prince George's County near the nation's capital.

___

Associated Press Writers Lisa Mascaro and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed in Washington.
An eight-alarm fire started on the fifth floor of a construction site in Redwood City, California and spread across on Monday, June 3, 2024.

An eight-alarm fire has engulfed a construction site Monday in California's Bay Area.

More than 100 firefighters were battling the blaze at the six-story affordable housing structure in Redwood City. Construction staff were working on the building at the time but no injuries were reported, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

Around 50 people have been evacuated so far officials said. Officials set up a temporary evacuation center the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, the city confirmed on X (formerly Twitter).

Students at the Garfield Community School were dismissed due to the blaze as school officials advised, NBC Bay Area reported.

Fire starts on fifth story and spreads with wind

Wind was one of the many challenges firefighters faced with the blaze, according to Menlo Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen.

The fire began on the north end of the building on the fifth floor at around 10:15 a.m. local time, Lorenzen said at a press conference. He added that officials main hurdles in putting out the blaze are high winds and the lack of fire-resistant barriers.

"It's just one single building that's been burned," Lorenzen said. "Our plan is current plan is to stay far back enough so if it collapses we are out of the collapse zone."

The cause of the blaze is under investigation

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Redwood City fire burns up California construction site
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A man who has represented the McPherson area at the State Capitol has died. Representative Les Mason was the Kansas House of Representatives assistant majority leader. He served as the representative of District 73 for 10 years.

Rep. Les Mason, House Assistant Majority Leader (Photo Courtesy Kansas Legislature)

McPherson County Commissioner David ODell said Mason passed away Monday evening at a Wichita hospital after a very brief illness.

Near tragedy guides Kansas firefighter to make fire trucks

On Tuesday, Governor Laura Kelly expressed her condolences for Masons family and ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff.

Assistant Majority Leader Mason was a devoted public servant, she said in a statement. For the last decade, he represented his constituents and the McPherson community with honor. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

The governors order applies to flags at all state buildings, grounds, and facilities effective immediately until sundown on the day of interment, which is yet to be determined.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Russia and Sudan are reportedly close to signing a 25-year deal entailing mutual military cooperation and access for Russia to Port Sudan on the Red Sea, the Qatari media outlet Al-Sharq reported on June 4.

Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war since April 2023 between the military government of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), under General Hemedti.

Russia and Ukraine have played a complex role in the fighting, with the Kremlin-backed Wagner mercenary group previously backing the RSF, while Ukrainian commandos reportedly arrived in Sudan in August 2023 to support the government.

In a sign of the shifting tides, Malik Agar, the deputy head of Sudan's military-backed government, arrived in Russia on June 3, reportedly with plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Bloomberg, Agar will discuss receiving Russian arms and military support in exchange for providing port access in the Red Sea.

Sources shared more details of the alleged plan with Al-Sharq, saying that Russia would be able to create a small naval base on the Red Sea with Sudan's permission, which would allow no more than 300 personnel and four ships to be stationed there. In turn, Russia would provide the Sudanese government with an undisclosed amount of military hardware.

At the same time, analysts have said that it is unlikely that Russia will unequivocally back either side in Sudan's war, so the prospects of Russia's support decisively tipping the scale in either direction are low.

"(Russians) recognize that in the end, neither side will be able to completely destroy the other, the Russians would want to be able to maintain close ties with whoever is in power when this is all over," said Samuel Ramani, an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), in comments to the New Arab media outlet.

Read also: Russias FM Lavrov visiting Africa

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Qatar says current Gaza ceasefire proposal is closer in positions of both sides

DUBAI/DOHA (Reuters) -Qatar said on Tuesday it delivered an Israeli proposal to Hamas that reflected the positions stated by U.S. President Joe Biden, adding that the paper was now much closer to the positions of both sides.

Qatar, which has been mediating on Gaza between Israel and Hamas, also stressed that there should be a clear position from both parties to reach a ceasefire deal, its foreign ministry spokesperson said in a press briefing.

"We are waiting for a clear Israeli position that represents the entire government in response to the U.S.'s Gaza proposal," Majed Al-Ansari added.

Biden on Friday laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal from Israel to Palestinian Islamist group Hamas to end the war in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis.

The offer calls for a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

"The ceasefire deal should immediately end the long suffering of all people in Gaza and the hostages and their families and provide a roadmap for a permanent ceasefire and an end to the crisis", al-Ansari said.

Qatar said that it was still waiting to reach language that was agreed by both parties.

"We are now using our best efforts to finalise an agreement," al-Ansari added.

(Reporting by Jana Choukeir, Clauda Tanios, Nayera Abdallah in Dubai and Andrew Mills in Doha; Editing by Alexandra Hudson and Alex Richardson)
Waverly Bernard Woodson, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 3, 1922. On December 15, 1942, while in a pre-med program at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, Woodson left school to enlist in the Army with his brother. His high aptitude test score earned him a slot at the Antiaircraft Artillery Officer Candidate School, one of two Black soldiers in the class. However, the color of his skin precluded Woodson from finishing the course and commissioning as an officer. Instead, Woodson was reassigned as a combat medic. After training, he joined the all-Black 320th Antiaircraft Barrage Balloon Battalion. On June 6, 1944, Woodson and the 320th boarded landing crafts and joined the invasion of Normandy. Woodsons LCT, in the third wave to hit Omaha Beach, was struck by a German artillery shell and hit two submerged mines. Several soldiers were killed or wounded, including Woodson who took shrapnel to his buttocks and inner thigh. After treating his own wounds, Woodson made it onto the beach where he set up an aid station. Omaha Beach on D-Day (Public Domain) NARA Under the cover of a rocky embankment, Woodson set to work treating his fellow soldiers. Over the course of 30 hours, Woodson patched gunshot wounds, set limbs, removed bullets, dispensed plasma, transfused blood and even amputated a foot. At 4:00 pm on June 7, Woodson collapsed from exhaustion and blood loss. Through his determined care, Woodson saved an estimated 200 lives on Omaha Beach. After recuperating on a hospital ship for three days, he requested to go back to the Beach and continue treating wounded soldiers. Woodsons actions on D-Day did not go unnoticed. His commanding officer recommended him for the Distinguished Service Cross and the award was recommended to be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. However, Woodson only received a Purple Heart for his wounds. Although a Bronze Star Medal was later approved in 1945, Woodson was rotated out of Europe and never received his medal. Along with the 320th, Woodson returned to the United States to prepare for the invasion of Japan. Following the dropping of the atomic bombs and the Japanese surrender, he was discharged from active duty and transferred to the Army Reserves. Woodsons original Army portrait (U.S. Army) Although he hoped to study medicine, Woodson was unable to find a medical school that would admit a Black student. Instead, he finished his bachelors at Lincoln University in 1950 with a degree in biology. That same year, Woodson was recalled to active duty for the Korean War. Although he was initially assigned to train combat medics at Fort Benning, Georgia, the Army did not want a Black instructor. Instead, Woodson performed autopsies at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as the sergeant-in-charge-morgue. Woodson was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant before leaving the Army in 1952. Woodson also married JoAnn Katharyne Snowden in 1952 and the couple settled in Maryland. He worked at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda and, later, the National Institutes of Health. Woodson supervised operating theaters at the NIH and performed post-op clinical procedures for in-patient procedures including open-heart surgery. He retired in 1980. Woodson at the rank of Sergeant (U.S. Army) In 1994, Woodson and three other veterans were invited to Normandy by the French government for the 50th anniversary of D-Day. There, Woodson was presented with a medallion from the French government. Unfortunately, Woodson passed away on August 12, 2005, before his own government properly recognized his heroism on D-Day. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2020, Woodson was approved to receive the Combat Medical Badge. It, and the Bronze Star that was approved in 1945, was presented to JoAnn on October 11, 2023, at a ceremony near his gravesite at Arlington. Additionally, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative David Trone introduced bills to authorize the President to award Woodson the Medal of Honor. First Army Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Prosser, left, presents JoAnn Woodson, right, with the Bronze Star her husband, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Waverly Woodson Jr. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released) Elizabeth Fraser On June 3, 2024, Sen. Van Hollen announced that Woodson was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest U.S. military honor. Waverly Woodson earned a place among the most noble of American war heroes for his courageous display of valor on D-Day, Sen. Van Hollen said in a press release, this is a momentous announcement, and Im pleased to have worked alongside the Woodson family and others to bring us to [this] important occasion. Sen. Van Hollen also noted that he will continue to make the case for Woodson to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

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A Mass General Hospital medical assistant is accused of indecent assault and battery after conducting an unauthorized exam on a patient, according to Suffolk County District Attorney. Hes also been fired by MGH.

Leonardo Hernandez of Jamaica Plain was arraigned Monday in Boston Municipal Court. Hernandez, age 29, was released on personal recognizance and ordered to stay away from Mass General Dermatology.

The DA says Boston Police took a report from the alleged victim on April 12th regarding an incident at Mass General Dermatology several weeks earlier that happened when her doctor left the exam room.

A man, later identified as Hernandez, asked the victim if she would like to have a skin examination due to a possible condition on her foot, according to the DA.

The victim said Hernandez went down to the floor and started touching her right leg, running the tips of his fingers up her leg. Hernandez then raised her undergarment exposing her buttocks and repeated this on the left side,  according to the statement from the DA.

Hernandez also allegedly asked to see the womans breasts several times, which she refused, according to the DA, before he left the exam room.

I commend this victim for speaking up when she determined that this situation was just not right, said District Attorney Kevin Hayden. All patients are entitled to safe and ethical treatment during their medical appointments. Anyone jeopardizing a patients safety or abusing and exceeding their professional responsibilities will be held accountable.

An MGH spokesperson told Boston 25 News, We are deeply troubled by the allegations and thankful to the patient for coming forward to ensure that this individuals alleged conduct was exposed.

Ensuring patients receive high quality and reliable care in a safe healthcare environment is our first priority, said the MGH spokesperson. We assisted the patient in connecting with authorities, as well as terminated Mr. Hernandez employment, and have cooperated fully with law enforcements investigation.

Hernandez is due back in court on July 24th for a pre-trial hearing.

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COLOMBO, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's cabinet of ministers, on Tuesday authorized the investigation of the cause of the recent floods, which left 17 dead and thousands displaced as heavy rains and strong winds lashed out across many parts of the country.

The President's Media Division said in a statement that the cabinet had authorized the Urban Development Authority and the Irrigation Department to launch an immediate probe to prevent such disasters in the future.

According to statistics from the Disaster Management Center released on Tuesday noon, 17 people have been killed from the heavy rains since last Sunday while 13 people were injured.

Altogether 161,290 people were affected, with 8,212 people evacuated to safer locations. 
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  An employee at a Fresno hospital group allegedly used the medical records of a Fresno Police officer to harass and stalk the officer and his family  in response to getting a citation for jaywalking, according to a lawsuit filed in Fresno County Superior Court.

The lawsuit alleges that medical records were accessed after the unidentified officer issued a jay-walking ticket to John Spatafore, a former employee of Community Hospitals of Central California  also known as Community Health System. The employee allegedly used the medical records to harass and stalk the officer; almost five years later the impact of his actions continues to be felt.

According to court documents, the defendant John Spatafore was issued a citation by an on-duty, uniformed police officer on October 25, 2019. Spatafore was seen by the officer crossing the street near Fresno City Hall over railroad tracks, an area identified by the court documents to have a historically high number of accidents and injuries. The officer approached Spatafore and issued a citation.

According to the lawsuit, when the officer asked Spatafore to provide identification, Spatafore claimed he had none. When the officer asked Spatafore for his address, Spatafore gave the address of the administrative support building for Community Health System in Downtown Fresno. The interaction was recorded on the officers police-issued body camera.

While detained, the court documents say Spatafore looked visibly upset and began asking personal, vaguely threatening questions. Those questions were about whether the officer had kids and if the officer was aware most police officers die by suicide.

Within four days, the lawsuit says the officer began receiving password reset codes from his personal email address, which suggested attempts were being made to gain access. Then the officer began receiving phone calls, emails, and texts from car dealerships responding to his inquiry. The lawsuit says those unsolicited messages continue to this day.

Beyond the online harassment, the court documents state there were indications of lurking outside the officers house to gain access to the officers wi-fi, which would require a physical presence within 150 feet of the home. Spatafore went as far as to impersonate the officer and members of the officers family to file false police reports, including false reports of domestic violence.

Due to the specific information being used by Spatafore, law enforcement believed that Spatafore and/or other healthcare employees had accessed the officers medical records. Spatafores supervisor confirmed that Community Hospitals of Central Californias resources had been used to cyber attack and stalk the officer  but could not confirm if other employees were involved.

Spatafores campaign even escalated to extortion, threatening to release videos he had acquired by illegally accessing personal computer cameras, according to the lawsuit.

Within 96 hours your public image will be fully spoiled  I require your 100% attention for the up coming 24hours, or I will certainly makesure that you live out of guilt for the rest of your lifespan. Email sent on June 21, 2021

Spatafore also allegedly posed as the officer and contacted the city where the officer lives to request the water and trash services be terminated. The officers Thanksgiving plans were interrupted when he had to rush to contact the city to have the services reinstated.

The officer, his wife, and his daughter all continue to receive threats due to the contacts and messages set up by Spatafore, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit states that Spatafore was terminated from his employment at Community Hospitals of Central California on November 21, 2019, the same day he was arrested while driving within miles of the officers home with a bag that contained a loaded handgun.

Prosecutors say staff at Community Hospitals of Central California confirmed to the Fresno Police Department that Spatafores position provided him unrestricted access to medical records. The group was approached to assist in the investigation and they responded that Spatafore was in charge and that he would assist. It was then made clear that Spatafore could not be involved in the investigation as he was the target.

Afterward, prosecutors say Spatafore allegedly sent a message to the officer saying, Hey! Hope adding me into your life isnt bugging you. Anyway, this stuff is all about discretion. Lets talk! Calling you now amigo!

Following his arrest on November 21 within a mile of the officers home, Spatafore confessed to nearly everything on a recording, according to the lawsuit.

In response to the lawsuit, Michelle Von Tersch with Community Hospitals of Central California, also known as Community Health System, released a statement to YourCentralValley.com stating that because this case is pending, we are unable to comment.

The group prosecuting on behalf of the plaintiffs, Whelan Law Group, says it is committed to pursuing justice in this case and will support the officer and his family in every possible way.

The civil action now pending will rigorously address the wrongs inflicted upon the officer and his family and seek to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. This case is not only about seeking redress for the officer and his family but also about upholding the integrity of our institutions and ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future. Brian Whelan, Whelan Law Group

For compensation damages for the officer and his family, $5,550,000 is being asked for each family member. According to court records, the case is scheduled to receive a summary judgment on September 10.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Meghan McCain, the daughter of former Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), took a swipe at Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.) after his son went viral for making some funny faces on camera while his father delivered floor remarks.

That kid has no business on the house floor  its not a daycare, McCain wrote in a post Tuesday on the social platform X.

Roses 6-year-old son, Guy, stole his fathers thunder Monday when he hammed it up for the C-SPAN cameras during floor remarks. Sitting behind his father, who was discussing a politically driven prosecution, the young Rose stuck his tongue out, rolled his eyes, shook his head and gave a series of silly hand motions, all captured on the House floor cameras.

This is what I get for telling my son Guy to smile at the camera for his little brother, Rose wrote later on X.

Guy will be shadowing his dad in Congress to give his wife, Chelsea, a bit of child care relief while she works full-time in Tennessee while taking care of the couples 3-year-old son, Sam.

While McCain wasnt too happy about Guys cameo, others on Capitol Hill welcomed the rare moment.

He knows something, Doug Andres, spokesperson for Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), posted on X with a photo of the young Rose holding his hands in a triangle motion in front of his face.

In a different post, Andres called Roses son a generational talent.

So sorry I was slow responding to your email, I was tied up watching this over and over again, Aaron Fritschner, the communications director for Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), said on X.

The young Rose made an appearance with his father on Fox Newss Fox and Friends on Tuesday morning to discuss his viral cameo on the House floor.

The Hill reached out to Roses office for further comment

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Melbourne police identify man on scooter found shot to death

Police in Melbourne are investigating after a man was found dead early Tuesday morning.

9:40 a.m. update:

Melbourne police have identified the man who was found shot to death Tuesday morning.

The victim is 28-year-old Kyeon Rashad Roberson.

No other updates were released by police.

Original report:

Officials said an officer on patrol found a man lying on the ground around 12:26 a.m. in the area of Grant and Ryoland streets.

The officer initially believed the man was hurt after crashing a gas-powered scooter.

Watch: Madeline Soto: Bodycam videos show Stephan Sterns 1st interactions with deputies

Around the same time, 911 dispatchers had received calls about shots being fired in the area.

Officers checked the man and found that he had been shot.

See: Police identify suspect in Leesburg convenience store clerks shooting death

Police and paramedics provided medical aid to the victim, but he had already succumbed to his injuries.

A search of the area involving officers, police K9s and the Brevard County Sheriffs Office helicopter could not locate the gunman.

Watch: I feel for his mom: 16-year-old driver killed in crash along I-Drive

The identity of the victim was not released by law enforcement.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Melbourne Police Department or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).

Channel 9 has a crew working to gather more information and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Melbourne detectives are searching for a suspect in the overnight shooting death of a Palm Bay man in south Melbourne.

Melbourne Police Department is investigating the death of a Palm Bay man in a shooting in south Melbourne.

Officers patroling near the intersection of Grant and Roland streets around 12:30 a.m. found Kyeon Rashad Roberson, 28, who appeared to have crashed a gas-powered scooter and was discovered to have a gunshot wound. At the same time, Melbourne Police Department said in a statement, 911 calls were being received about gunfire in the area.

More: Two 18-year-olds indicted in botched robbery that led to fatal shooting

Officers and Melbourne Fire Rescue attempted to provide medical aid, but Roberson was dead at the scene, Melbourne police said.

Police fanned out to search the area with police dogs and patrol officers as forensic agents took photos of the scene The Brevard County sheriffs helicopter was called to assist with an aerial patrol of the surrounding neighborhood. No suspects were located.

The shooting death is the 19th reported homicide in Brevard County so far this year.

J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Melbourne police: Palm Bay man, 28, dies in overnight shooting
The Memo: Democrats face choice: Is it smart to lean into Trump conviction?

Democrats are facing a choice in the wake of the conviction of former President Trump for 34 felonies.

Do they focus hard on the guilty verdict in their political messaging? Or do they let that story tell itself while concentrating on other, more traditional topics like the economy?

A focus on Trump could help sharpen the argument that the 45th president is unfit to hold the nations highest office again. He is the first president found guilty of felonies, the first president to be twice impeached  the second time for his conduct around Jan. 6, 2021  and he has been indicted in three other criminal cases.

The argument against such a focus, however, is that spending time on the criminal conviction does not actually shift many voters, the vast majority of whom have likely made their minds up about Trumps moral character a long time ago.

Time and ad money used casting Trump as unacceptable is not spent defending President Bidens record or pushing the Democratic messaging on favorable topics like reproductive rights.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) laid out the case for focusing in on Trumps conviction during a Sunday appearance on CNNs State of the Union.

Schiff said that he understood why Biden might not want to seem to be gleeful about the verdict on the day when it was announced or immediately thereafter.

But Schiff added: I think the president should be leaning into this going forward. His competitor is a convicted felon. And you can only imagine, if the situation was reversed, they would be going after Joe Biden with a vengeance.

The California congressman, who is a Senate candidate this year, also contended that Trumps conviction could be used to make the case that he could not be trusted to run the country.

You want the country run properly. You dont want a convicted felon to turn the Oval Office and the federal government [into] some kind of a racketeering operation, he said. I think thats a powerful case to make and certainly one supported by the verdict here.

So far, Team Biden has delivered a somewhat bifurcated response to Trumps conviction, which revolved around a $130,000 hush money payment to adult actress Stormy Daniels in the final stretch of the 2016 election.

The president and his White House staff have been circumspect, while Bidens reelection campaign has been much more forceful.

Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler said on the day of the verdict that it was a rebuke to Trumps purported belief that he would never face consequences for breaking the law for his own personal gain.

Later, after Trump had made remarks blasting the verdict, Tyler said America just witnessed a confused, desperate and defeated Donald Trump ramble about his own personal grievances and lie about the American justice system.

Still, when viewing the verdict through an electoral lens, the question remains as to whether Trump being found guilty does anything more than amplify the dislike Democratic-leaning voters already feel for him.

The initial evidence on the verdicts political impact is mixed.

An ABC News/Ipsos poll found that a plurality of Americans, 50 percent, believe the guilty verdict was correct and 49 percent think Trump should end his 2024 campaign. Yet the same poll showed Trumps overall favorability rating basically unchanged, albeit at a lowly 31 percent.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Saturday found a clear majority of Americans saying the verdict would make no difference to their willingness or unwillingness to vote for Trump.

Among independents, though, 25 percent said it would make them less likely to vote for him  while 18 percent said it made them more likely to do so.

Democratic strategist Joel Payne argued that the key objective for Democrats was to connect the conviction with a larger argument that Trumps legal woes make him ill-placed to take effective action on real issues.

Payne said he did not think Democrats should shy away from talking about Trumps conviction but added that he would not spend a bunch of ad money on the topic alone.

Its one thing to say, isnt it terrible that Donald Trump broke these laws and is a convicted felon? But the better message is, Donald Trump is a convicted felon and he is spending all of his time and all of his energy focusing on himself. He is not worried about the issues that matter to the American people.

Dick Harpootlian, a South Carolina state senator who also serves on the finance committee of Bidens campaign, argued that there was a moral argument to be made based on Trumps behavior.

To have a convicted felon running for president of the United States? A convicted felon who paid off a porn star because he thought it would affect his election? Its morally reprehensible, Harpootlian said.

Though Harpootlian freely acknowledged that there were some Trump loyalists who would never be peeled away from their support of the former president, he also contended there are a bunch of folks out here who can be persuaded this guy is not fit to be the president of the United States, and I think the Biden campaign should remind folks of that.

Republicans  even those deeply skeptical of Trump  seem far less likely to believe the court verdict can move voters, or that Democrats would be wise to focus much time on it.

There was nothing any voter learnt coming out of this trial that they didnt know at the beginning, said one such GOP strategist, Dan Judy.

What the Joe Biden campaign needs to worry about is Joe Biden. What he needs to worry about is sub-40 percent approval ratings.

The fundamental problem for them is not Donald Trumps unpopularity, it is Joe Bidens unpopularity, Judy added.

The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) filed to run for another term in the Senate as an independent on Monday, as his federal bribery trial continues.

Menendez had announced in March that he would not seek the Democratic nomination for his Senate seat but left the door open to possibly pursuing an independent run. The longtime senator is facing numerous charges in a wide-ranging corruption case in which prosecutors allege he and his wife accepted bribes in exchange for favors for three businessmen.

Menendez, who has pleaded not guilty, submitted his paperwork for the independent bid one day before New Jerseys Tuesday deadline for candidates.

The New Jersey Globe was the first to report earlier Monday that Menendez was planning to file to run as an independent.

Menendez seemed likely to seek and win another term in office as the Democratic nominee heading into the fall but received widespread calls to resign from his office after he and his wife were accused of accepting more than $600,000 in bribes from the businessmen.

Prosecutors allege that after receiving the payments, Menendez placed pressure on state officials to slow down or end criminal investigations against the businessmen and their allies. They also accuse him of using his position to act as an agent on behalf of the Egyptian government.

Multiple superseding indictments have been filed against Menendez since the initial one, adding other charges to the case. Menendez has refused calls to step down but stepped aside from his role as the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Menendez said in a statement posted on his campaigns X account that he submitted well above the threshold of signatures required to launch an independent run and reiterated his innocence in the case against him.

The people of this great state deserve a leader in Washington with a proven track record of fighting tooth and nail to deliver results, and I intend to keep doing so as an independent Democrat, he said. 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.

He pointed to accomplishments he has made while in office, including securing millions of dollars for the state to rebuild following Hurricane Sandy and for infrastructure projects and working to lower the costs of prescription drugs.

Simply put, I have delivered for New Jersey and will continue to do so, Menendez said. I look forward to putting these accusations behind me and getting back to work for my constituents.

The Democratic nominee for the Senate seat appears likely to be Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), who announced his run for the seat soon after Menendez was charged. Kim, who is not facing major opposition for the nomination, said upon launching his bid that seeing the accusations against Menendez contributed to his decision to run.

Kim denounced Menendezs bid in a post Monday on social platform X, accusing him of only seeking reelection for his own self-interest.

Everyone knows Bob Menendez isnt running for NJ families. Hes running for himself, Kim said. People are fed up with politicians putting their own personal benefit ahead of whats right for the country. Its beyond time for change. Im stepping up to restore integrity back to the Senate.

If Kim wins the Democratic nomination, he will be the favorite to win the seat in the heavily Democratic-leaning state. But Menendez in the race as a third candidate along with the Republican nominee could throw an unexpected curveball in the race.

One poll from Fairleigh Dickinson University from April showed Kims lead over either of the two Republicans most likely to win the GOP nomination narrows slightly with Menendez included as a third option. Menendezs support is only in the single digits.

Kim was still ahead in the polls, but Menendez did make it tighter, with the incumbents support coming from some Hispanic and Black voters.

But Menendezs filing does not definitively mean he will be on the ballot in November. He has said he would only run if found not guilty in his trial, which has been ongoing for a few weeks and may continue for at least a few more.

This story was updated at 10:21 a.m. on June 4.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The verdict in Sen. Bob Menendezs corruption trial is weeks away, but voters on Tuesday will deliver their judgment on the New Jersey Democrats political dynasty.

Menendez is not on the primary ballot, though he has filed for reelection as an independent. His son, Rep. Rob Menendez Jr., however, is facing a tough challenge from a fellow Democrat as he seeks a second term representing New Jerseys 8th Congressional District.

Menendez Jr. ran all but unopposed for the New Jersey seat in 2022 following the retirement of Democrat Albio Sires, an ally of his fathers. Progressives grumbled over the county Democratic machines work to clear the field for Menendez Jr., but he cruised to the nomination and a first term in the House.

The indictment of Bob Menendez and Democratic Rep. Andy Kims campaign for his Senate seat stoked that progressive frustration again and opened the door for Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla to challenge Menendez Jr. Local politicos now expect a close primary election, with Bhalla, though outspent, well-positioned to capitalize on a growing sense of Menendez fatigue among the electorate.

Menendez Jr. has sought to turn the tables on Bhalla by highlighting unrelated corruption allegations against the mayor. Bhalla, a former civil rights attorney, has never been charged. But he is facing a lawsuit from a former city administration member, was censured by the New Jersey Supreme Court for unethical conduct and temporarily lost his license to practice law in New York.

Bhalla is counting on a boost from his base in Hoboken and allies in neighboring Jersey City, whose mayor, Steven Fulop, is running for governor in 2025 on a similar, anti-party machine message. The Menendez campaign, while hammering the challenger with voluminous mailers and online attack ads, has walked a fine line to rally support for the incumbent. One prominent street sign urges voters to check the box for Joe Biden in the presidential primary and for Rob, with his last name printed in small text below, in the congressional race.

On Monday, the senior Menendez filed to run in for his Senate seat on an independent ballot line in the fall. While he had announced in March that he would not seek reelection in the Democratic primary, he had left the door open to running as an independent if exonerated at his trial. The senator had until Tuesday to file as an independent, though he can withdraw from the ballot by August 16.

Menendezs decision met with immediate backlash from Democrats worried that he could play the spoiler in a general election with Kim and the GOP nominee and also further complicate Menendez Jr.s efforts to keep his fathers drama in the background.

Kim, the heavy front-runner for the Democratic Senate nomination, slammed the senators move Monday.

Americans are fed up with politicians putting their own personal benefit ahead of whats right for the country, the South Jersey congressman said in a statement. Everyone knows Bob Menendez isnt running for the people of New Jersey, hes doing it for himself.

Kim and Bhalla made common cause earlier in the primary when they faced similar obstacles  confronting machine-backed candidates who would benefit from a favorable ballot design. New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy launched her bid for Senate in November and quickly racked up early endorsements from state party leaders. But after Murphy dropped out and a court ordered revisions to the ballot, Kim has mostly kept his distance from other, internally divisive races.

As his son stumped through the final hours of the primary campaign, Bob Menendezs defense lawyers in a federal courtroom on the other side of the Hudson River cross-examined a former top US Department of Agriculture official who has accused the senator of trying to pressure him to back off scrutiny of an allys New Jersey-based food industry monopoly.

Menendezs team has argued that, rather than pressing the USDA for any inappropriate or corrupt reason, the senator was simply advocating on a constituents behalf. In fact, the defense in their opening statements acknowledged that their clients behavior could be seen as unsavory or corrupt but that Menendezs advocacy was not illegal.

That line of defense, while perhaps effective in court, paints a damning political picture on the trail. Bhalla, in a video announcing his challenge to Menendez Jr. last year, said, I believe that America is better than the demagogues who seek to divide us or the politicians who strive only to serve themselves. The message did not directly mention the congressmans father, but the implication was clear.

The candidates have been less coy as the race heated up. Menendez Jr. hammered Bhalla over an alleged quid pro quo deal around the opening of a marijuana dispensary in Hoboken, frequently demanding that the mayor stop hiding, stop lying, and immediately be transparent with the public about the approval process around the contract.

Bhallas campaign has continued to tie the congressman to his father.

Rob Menendez Jr. has yet to commit to endorse Andy Kim for US Senate or even to commit to endorse the Democratic nominee because his father is mounting an Independent bid for the same seat. With the US Senate in the balance, his fathers bid could put NJ in play, Bhalla campaign spokesman Rob Horowitz said in a statement.

Bhalla got a late-but-welcome boost last week, with an endorsement from The Jersey Journal editorial board.

As a freshman in the minority party on the Hill, Menendez has undoubtedly done as well as he could, but voters have an opportunity now to correct the wrong that was done to them two years ago, the editorial board wrote.

To prevail Tuesday, Bhalla, who endorsed Menendez Jr.s bid in 2022, must also see off another opponent. Businessman Kyle Jasey is on the Democratic ballot too and could draw anti-Menendez support from voters either unfamiliar or distrustful of the Hoboken mayor.

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WASHINGTON  Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday called out Republicans for making stuff up about former President Donald Trumps legal predicament.

During testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, Garland complained of false claims that a jury verdict in a state trial, brought by a local District Attorney, was somehow controlled by the Justice Department.

Trump and Republicans like House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have suggested President Joe Biden was somehow behind Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs charges against Trump for falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments.

Johnson described Trumps guilty verdict in Manhattan as further evidence that Democrats will stop at nothing to silence dissent and crush their political opponents.

That conspiracy theory is an attack on the judicial process itself, Garland said in his opening statement.

The Justice Department is pursuing separate charges against Trump for hoarding classified documents after his presidency and attempting to overthrow his 2020 election loss.

Garlands testimony comes as House Republicans move toward holding him in contempt of Congress for refusing to hand over audio of Bidens interview with former special counsel Robert Hur. The Justice Department made the transcript public, but Republicans want the recording in order because, as House Oversight Committee chair James Comer (R-Ky.) has claimed, a cabal of government insiders may have falsified the transcript in order to protect Biden.

Hur declined to prosecute Biden for allegedly mishandling classified documents after leaving the vice presidency, partly because he said Biden would come off to a jury as an elderly man with a poor memory. The transcript showed Bidens aides helping him put major events of his own life in chronological order.

Garland said Republicans want the audio for no legitimate purpose and that making it public could harm the integrity of future investigations.

If the House voted to approve the contempt of Congress resolution against Garland, it would likely be a symbolic vote, since such resolutions typically result in referrals to the Justice Department for prosecution, and Garland would probably not prosecute himself.

Garland said he viewed contempt as serious but had to stand up for the Justice Department.

I will not be intimidated. And the Justice Department will not be intimidated, he said. We will continue to do our jobs free from political influence. And we will not back down from defending our democracy.

The key evidence for Republicans theory that the federal justice department controlled the state prosecution of Trump is that a senior DOJ official named Michael Colangelo left the department in 2022 to work for Bragg, the Manhattan prosecutor who won the guilty verdict against Trump. (Bragg and Colangelo had previously worked together in the New York State Attorney Generals Office.)

You had no problem dispatching Matthew Colangelo to the Manhattan District Attorneys office, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said during the hearing.

That is false. I did not dispatch Mr. Colangelo anywhere, Garland said.

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) noted that the Justice Department is also prosecuting high-profile Democrats, including Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Rep. Henrey Cuellar (D-Texas), and the presidents son, Hunter Biden. And he noted that the DOJ had not prosecuted Gaetz over sex trafficking allegations.

You chose not to prosecute this very active Republican. Is that true? You did not prosecute him? Cohen said.

Garland declined to answer, saying he wasnt familiar with the public record related to the case.

Related...
Merrick Garland hits back at Trump and Republicans: I will not be intimidated

US attorney general Merrick Garland has defended his stewardship of the justice department in a combative display on Capitol Hill that saw him accusing Republicans of attacking the rule of law while telling them he will not be intimidated.

Testifying before the House judiciary committee, Garland accused GOP congressmen of engaging in conspiracy theories and peddling false narratives.

I will not be intimidated, Garland told lawmakers. And the justice department will not be intimidated. We will continue to do our jobs free from political influence. And we will not back down from defending our democracy.

Related: Anthony Fauci says Marjorie Taylor Greene drove death threats against him

Garlands fiery speech pushed back hard on the claim that the prosecution of Donald Trump  in the hush-money case that last week resulted in the president being convicted of 34 felony charges  was somehow controlled by the justice department.

He described Republican attacks on the justice department under his watch as unprecedented and unfounded, vowing not to allow them to influence his decision-making.

Garland also upbraided Trump for claiming the FBI had been authorized to shoot him dead when they raided his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida to retrieve classified documents in 2022.

This is dangerous, Garland told the committee. It raises the threats of violence against prosecutors and career agents. The allegation is false.

Garland, 71, is currently overseeing special prosecutor Jack Smiths investigations into Trump, and a prosecution of Joe Bidens son Hunter. He was summoned to testify amid Republican assertions that the justice department had been weaponised against the former president, a claim Trump has stoked.

His appearance came as he faces the likelihood of being held in contempt of congress for declining to hand over audio recordings of an interview between another special prosecutor, Robert Hur. Hur was appointed by Garland to investigate Joe Bidens alleged mishandling of classified documents, an offence similar to some of those for which Trump is being investigated.

Hur concluded that Biden had committed no crime but raised questions about Bidens age and allegedly poor memory.

Referring to Republican threats to hold him in contempt, Garland said: I view contempt as a serious matter. But I will not jeopardize the ability of our prosecutors and agents to do their jobs effectively in future investigations.

A full transcript of Bidens interview with Hur was made public. But the White House rejected Republican demands for the audio to be released, arguing that it served no useful purpose other than to enable the presidents opponents to splice the recording to make him appear confused, perhaps by emphasizing his stammer.

Garland said releasing the audio could have the effect of deterring future witnesses from cooperating in justice department investigations if they thought their words might be made public.

In his opening statement, he said the Republicans were seeking contempt as a means of obtaining  for no legitimate purpose  sensitive law enforcement information that could harm the integrity of future investigations.

This effort is only the most recent in a long line of attacks on the justice departments work, he added.

The committee chairman, Jim Jordan  a rightwinger Republican from Ohio  set the tone for the hearing, saying: Justice is no longer blind in America. Today its driven by politics. Example number one is President Trump.

Matt Gaetz, another hard-right Republican from Florida, accused Garland of dispatching a former justice department official, Matthew Colangelo, to Manhattan, where he now serves as assistant district attorney and helped prepare the case against Trump.

Garland replied: That is false. I did not dispatch Colangelo.
Attorney General Merrick Garland slammed Republican attacks against the Justice Department in a tense House Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday.

I will not be intimidated, Garland said in his opening statements. The Justice Department will not be intimidated. We will continue to do our jobs free from political influence. And we will not back down from defending our democracy.

In May, Republicans initiated proceedings to hold Garland in contempt of Congress after the Justice Department refused to provide lawmakers with audio recordings of a deposition President Joe Biden gave to Special Counsel Robert Hurs investigation into classified documents found at Bidens office and residence. When Hur announced that the DOJ would not be leveling criminal charges against Biden, he described the president as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory, and claimed Biden could not remember critical dates and events, including the death of his son Beau. The White House strongly condemned the characterization of the presidents mental faculties, calling the report, released in February, highly prejudicial against Biden.

As the GOP moved to punish Garland for refusing to hand over the recordings  despite the fact that lawmakers already had access to full transcripts of the interview  the Biden administration exerted executive privilege over the recordings.

Certain members of this committee, and the Oversight Committee, are seeking contempt as a means of obtaining  for no legitimate purpose  sensitive law enforcement information that could harm the integrity of future investigations, Garland told the committee on Tuesday.

Garland: "I view contempt as a serious matter. But I will not jeopardize the ability of our prosecutors and agents to do their jobs effectively in future investigations.



I will not be intimidated and the justice department will not be intimidated." pic.twitter.com/sewL2YgH5I  nikki mccann ramirez (@NikkiMcR) June 4, 2024

Inevitably, lawmakers focus was repeatedly directed to last weeks conviction of Trump in New York on charges of falsification of business records.

Garland was adamant in his testimony that state prosecutors offices  including the New York office that brought the case against Trump  operate independently of the Justice Department.

We dont control the Manhattan district attorney and he does not report to us. The Manhattan district attorney makes its own decisions about cases that he wants to bring under his state law, Garland said.

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) pushed back on the GOPs claims that the Justice Department has been weaponized to unfairly persecute conservatives. Cohen noted that the DOJ was currently prosecuting cases against Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar , and Hunter Biden, the presidents son.

Cohen also noted that the department had declined to bring charges against Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) after an investigation into allegations of sex trafficking. He is living testimony to the fact  and direct evidence  that you have not weaponized, the department.

Cohen on "weaponization": "Did the DOJ indict Sen. Menendez? And he's a Democrat, ain't he? And Henry Cuellar, DOJ indicted him? He's a Democrat. As we speak, Hunter Biden, the son of the president, is under trial  Gaetz is living testament to the fact you haven't weaponized" pic.twitter.com/knVHXw1Jde  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 4, 2024

In one explosive moment, Republicans attempted to shout down Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) after he described members of the GOP who uncritically  and often hypocritically  backed Trump as being in a cult. Swalwell continued to read off from a list of countries that ban travelers with felony convictions as Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) angrily attempted to drown Swalwell out with his gavel.

Swalwell: If you believe in states rights except when a jury in that state convicts your nominee for President, you might be in a cult.



I demand that his words be taken down



Swalwell: *keeps going* pic.twitter.com/xi9cWo3A8y  Acyn (@Acyn) June 4, 2024

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) also went after Republicans, alleging that they are targeting the Justice Department because theyre about to nominate a convicted felon. and they dont know how to cope with that. They dont know how to cope with a justice that treats Donald Trump the same as it would any other citizen, and so they have to push these conspiracy theories they know are patently false.

Garland warned that the conspiracy theories surrounding the Justice Department, including claims that the FBI had planned to assassinate Trump during their search of Mar-a-Lago, raises the threats of violence against prosecutors and career agents.

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Palestinians mourn for victims killed during Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza Strip city of Deir al-Balah, on June 5, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 36,550, health authorities in the enclave said in a press statement on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 36,550, health authorities in the enclave said in a press statement on Tuesday.

During the past 24 hours, Israeli army killed 71 Palestinians and wounded 182 others, bringing the total injuries to 82,959 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out in October 2023.

Palestinian security sources told Xinhua that civil defense crews recovered the bodies of 14 Palestinians after the Israeli army withdrew from the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, south of Gaza City.

In the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah, the Israeli army intensified its air and artillery raids on the eastern, central and western parts of the city, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said on Tuesday that water desalination plants in the Gaza Strip had ceased operations due to fuel shortages.

UNRWA wrote in a post on social media platform X that Palestinian families and children had to walk long distances in the heat for water.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage. 

Palestinians mourn for victims killed during Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza Strip city of Deir al-Balah, on June 5, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 36,550, health authorities in the enclave said in a press statement on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians mourn for victims killed during Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza Strip city of Deir al-Balah, on June 5, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 36,550, health authorities in the enclave said in a press statement on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

A Palestinian carries his child who was killed during Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza Strip city of Deir al-Balah, on June 5, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 36,550, health authorities in the enclave said in a press statement on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians mourn for victims killed during Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza Strip city of Deir al-Balah, on June 5, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 36,550, health authorities in the enclave said in a press statement on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
CHICAGO  At a gathering in Chicagos Little Village neighborhood Sunday night, Mexican nationals celebrated the then-projected winner, Claudia Sheinbaum, as the countrys first woman president. Some had waited over 10 hours in line outside the Mexican Consulate in Chicago to cast a vote from abroad in person for the first time, but they were excited to be a part of history.

Most said they never doubted that Sheinbaum, a protege of current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his leftist Morena party, would win the election. Some of them campaigned for her in Chicago, hosting rallies, marches and other events over the past few months.

For some Mexican nationals in Chicago, the historic landslide win means another six years of a government that puts its poor and working-class first, said Elvira Arellano, one of the leaders of the Morena movement in Chicago. About 200 people danced and toasted along with Arellano Sunday night at Mi Tierra, 2528 S. Kedzie Ave., adorned with the partys burgundy colors and the Mexican flag.

The overwhelming support for Sheinbaum was evident among the thousands of Mexican nationals, who began arriving at the polls before 5 a.m. Sunday. By noon, thousands of people took over South Ashland Avenue, forcing police to close off streets and set up barricades to control the crowd.

More than 184,372 Mexican nationals voted from abroad, more than double the 2018 presidential election. Thousands across the world were left out in the 23 consular offices that held in-person voting for the first time.

Mexican nationals voiced their disconnect, criticizing the lack of coordination by the National Electoral Institute. Only 1,389 Mexican nationals in Chicago were able to cast a vote in person Sunday, according to the INE. More than 1,317 registered to vote and there were 1,500 open electronic ballots available.

Hundreds could not cast a vote even after waiting in line for more than 12 hours because they couldnt reach the polling booth before its 7 p.m. closing time.

Nonetheless, they cheered the crowd and encouraged them to vote for Sheinbaum.

Morena, Morena, some chanted after voting.

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, according to Eduardo Puga of the National Electoral Institute.

While many were excited to pick the first woman president of the country, many more were eager to vote to ensure that the Morena, led by populist leader Lopez Obrador, colloquially known as AMLO, stays in power.

Over the last six years, Lopez Obrador has been praised by some for defeating the established parties that had ruled Mexico in 2018, pushing to end corruption and strengthening the social welfare system for the poor and working-class citizens.

Sheinbaum has promised to continue current policies of expanding social programs for the low-income and working class.

Thats something that speaks loudly to Mexican immigrants in Chicago, said Lilia Fernandez a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago who specializes in the history of Latinos in the mid-to-late 20th century United States.

Most Mexican nationals living in Chicago come from small rural towns, pushed out for economic reasons or violence, she said. Most remain part of the working class and deeply care for those still in Mexico or hope to return someday. So the support for the party despite the criticism it has received, does not surprise her.

For those working-class immigrants in Chicago seeing Morena and AMLO investing in the peoples economy and strengthening the social safety net is very encouraging, Fernandez said. The landslide win shows that Morena has found more support than its critics are giving it credit for.

Though he remains popular, Lopez Obrador has shown himself to be intolerant of criticism and oversight. 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 her election cements his legacy and shows that his Morena party can survive. The new president, Fernandez said, faces a number of challenges, including cartel violence, a water shortage and the ongoing impact of global warming and climate change.

Edith Cortez waited in line for nearly 10 hours to cast a vote for Sheinbaum even though she had not been to Mexico for 34 years. Despite the frustration, she said she was committed to being a part of history to elect the first woman president.

Cortez of Guerrero, Mexico said that she voted for Sheinbaum because the lives of her family in Mexico have changed for the better over the last six years under AMLO. She also hopes to return to live there one day.

But there is still a lot of work to be done, Cortez said. Some of her family members have been victims of cartel violence and she is confident that Sheinbaum will address that though Lopez Obrador has been criticized for failing to address violence in the country. Some may not agree that AMLO has done a good job, but I disagree, he has done much more than the former president in six years, Sheinbaum can continue with those changes.

Other Mexicans in Chicago said some of the most important issues for them include social benefits for senior citizens and low-income families, safety, the economy and U.S-Mexico relationships.

Arellano, an immigrant activist, in the country without legal permission, known for seeking sanctuary and taking refuge at a church in 2006, said that she campaigned for Sheinbaum hopeful that her administration prioritized the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico to address a way to create immigration reform for the millions of Mexicans living in the country illegally.

For Juana Dominguez, 77, of Michoacan, Mexico, a new Morena era means more advancement and recognition of those in need.

Shes beautiful and wise in so many ways, said Domingez about Sheinbaum. They (Morena) have helped us older people a lot.

Por lo menos nos dan para la tortilla, said Daniel Pena Salgado, 76, of Morelos, Mexico. At least they give us some money to buy tortillas,

Pena Salgado pointed out that he and his family are carpenters, agricultural workers and artists who have worked their whole lives.

Though he couldnt vote after waiting in line for more than eight hours, he was confident that Sheinbaum would win.

While some criticize the social welfare programs that include giving an allowance to adults 65 and older, arguing it is a socialist practice, Mayra Lopez-Zuniga, a political strategist based in Chicago, said that it is a way of recognizing a population that had been systematically kept in poverty and ignored by former ruling parties.

The fact that people are willing to go out and vote, wait in line for hours, shows that they (Morena) are speaking to the people and people are responding, Lopez-Zuniga said.

____
MJ's Bakes owner Marleigh Dell holding a Smoke on the Water dessert that was made with a cookie from MJ's Bakes on May 30, 2024.

A lot has changed for MJ's Bakes owner Marleigh Dell since winning the Police's Choice Award during last year's MI Snack Competition last year.

The award came with a $2,500 cash prize and a lot of exposure.

Dell said participating in the MI Snack Competition has helped her quickly grow from a home business into a commercial business.

"It was such an exciting thing to win, especially being local," she said.

MJ's Bakes is a cookie making business located in Port Huron. Since winning the People's Choice Award, Dell has opened her business inside Smoke on the Water BBQ and Catering, located at 213 Huron Ave. in Port Huron, where her cookies are sold individually as well as on the dessert menu.

MJ's Bakes cookies inside of Smoke on the Water on May 30, 2024.

People can also find MJ's Bakes inside Electric Coffee Co. and Mama's Eatery, located at 2803 Stone St. in Port Huron and 5435 Main St. in Lexington, respectively.

Prior to selling at these locations, MJ's Bakes was strictly custom ordered.

"Having a location downtown makes it so people have access to my cookies all the time," Dell said. "Sharing a location with Smoke on the Water exposed their customers to my cookies and my customers to their restaurant."

Additionally, Dell said she was able to purchase newer baking equipment with her prize money. She said this has allowed her to speed up her baking process and make more cookies.

Dell said she had an amazing time at the MI Snack Competition last year and made many new connections with other Michigan-based snack businesses. Dell said she plans on entering the upcoming competition.

"It was really worth my while to be there," she said.

Here's how you can enter the competition

The MI Snack Competition was formerly known as the MI New Favorite Snack Competition. This year's competition will take place on Sept. 14 at McMorran Plaza. The deadline for entries is July 12, with an application fee of $100 for companies within St. Clair County and $200 for those outside.

The competition will award more than $50,000 in cash prizes at the event, with the top award recipient also receiving a distribution contract with Port Huron-based company, All Star Services

All entries will compete in three categories for cash prizes up to $10,000 per category. St. Clair County-based competitors will also compete for additional cash prizes up to $1,000 in each category.

To compete, companies must be headquartered in Michigan and have 10 or fewer employees.

Registration and additional information on the competition can be found on the MI Snack Competition page of the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.bluewaterchamber.com.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com.

Subscribe: Follow more stories from the Blue Water Area. Subscribe to the Port Huron Times Herald.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: MJ Bakes MI new favorite snack competition
Under a veil of secrecy, the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office leaned on a confessed mass shooter for years, building cases using information hed collected from jail in ways that experts called improper, and likely, unconstitutional. His involvement has already threatened at least two murder convictions.

Prosecutors and police had William Little Bill Brown ask around about suspects and rumored crimes, the Miami Herald learned from jailhouse phone calls. Brown kept an eye on a key states witness. In manufactured jailhouse meetups, he obtained confessions and gathered intel on the defense strategy of accused criminals, and gave it to law enforcement.

He owed them. Prosecutors had given Brown the plea deal of a lifetime  25 years for two murders, including one involving a middle-schooler, when he was potentially facing the death penalty. He also got a pass from prosecution after he secretly confessed to involvement in at least four other murders, including two teens killed in one of Miamis worst mass shootings. The public, and victims family members, never knew.

For more than 10 years, prosecutors have kept Brown protected at a local jail, preventing him from being sent off to prison and offering him a chance at an early release as they leaned on him for help, according to records reviewed by the Herald.

I think the whole thing looks extremely unseemly, said criminal law expert Kenneth Nunn, a professor emeritus at the University of Floridas law school. And it is beneath representatives of the state to use their authority and power in a way like that, to coerce an individual to do things that they know are unethical and perhaps violate due process.

Prosecutors clandestine relationship with Brown, pieced together in telephone recordings, internal emails and sworn statements reviewed by the Herald, comes to light now for the first time, as the office of Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle faces mounting claims of misconduct. Their use of the informant contributed to a judges decision this year to throw two prosecutors off a capital murder case, and is at the center of a push for a new trial in the murder of an eighth-grade girl.

At the center of the controversy is Michael Von Zamft, a prolific if controversial prosecutor thrown off the death penalty case of Miami gangster Corey Smith in March for  in the words of the judge  the planned manipulation of witness testimony to give the state an unfair edge in court.

Although he denied wrongdoing, Von Zamfts tenure at the State Attorneys Office ended that day when he abruptly resigned, finalizing his planned retirement amid the barrage of criticism over his conduct. Assistant State Attorney Stephen Mitchell was also booted from the Smith case for going along with Von Zamfts prosecutorial philosophy of winning at all costs, according to the judges order.

Prosecutor Michael Von Zamft presents closing arguments in a 2008 murder case.

After Von Zamfts departure, Mitchell took over as Browns contact at the State Attorneys Office. Mitchell continues to lead the state attorneys gang unit. He is still prosecuting the case involving the murder of the middle-schooler, which a defense attorney seeks to overthrow, in part based on Browns involvement.

Its unclear how many cases have relied on information supplied by Brown over the years. In the handful of phone calls reviewed by the Herald, law enforcement made extensive requests that went beyond the bounds of what was required by the plea agreement  which one defense attorney called a deal with the devil  brokered by Von Zamft in 2014.

The recorded conversations indicate that prosecutors and a detective wanted Brown to tap his connections for information about crimes to which he had no personal involvement or knowledge  essentially deputizing him as an informal agent of the state, according to court records.

A telephone recording reviewed by the Herald indicates that Von Zamft and Mitchell planned to have Brown meet up with another inmate they knew was trying to communicate with Smith ahead of his resentencing. The inmate had gleaned valuable information on Smiths defense strategy, Brown told prosecutors on the call, promising to pick his brain for details during the planned meet-up.

Encouraging someone to seek out information from people in jail about their cases or alleged crimes could violate the other inmates rights to an attorney and due process, as well as the constitutional protection against self-incrimination, according to eight criminal law experts, including five current or former Miami prosecutors.

While prosecutors can build a case using testimony from an inmate who happens to overhear something while in jail, the experts said law enforcement officials cannot direct someone in jail to prompt a confession from another inmate.

Its ok to be a listening device; its bad to ask questions in jail, where most people are represented by counsel, said former Miami prosecutor David Weinstein. Asking an informant to gather information from someone on the outside, he said, would be less problematic.

After reviewing the Heralds findings, Weinstein said what troubled him most was how prosecutors and detectives appeared to be putting people in places where theyre going to invade the defense camp or where theyre going to be actively soliciting information.

Von Zamft, Mitchell and Fernandez Rundle declined to be interviewed by the Herald. The Herald requested to interview Brown or his attorney at the Public Defenders Office, which represents him.

We have no comment at this time, Guy David Robinson, the offices general counsel, responded to the Herald.

Assistant State Attorney Stephen Mitchell attends a hearing in a case facing calls for a mistrial after a defense attorney learned about the prosecutors relationship with inmate William Little Bill Brown.

The State Attorneys Office did not answer detailed questions about Brown, saying they cant comment on the specific situation.

Chief Assistant State Attorney Stephen Talpins said, We believe deeply in our roles as ministers of justice and expect our prosecutors to do the right things, for the right reasons, in the right way, each and every day.

We are very careful to respect defendants constitutional rights, Talpins said. As a matter of policy, we do not ask inmates to do anything we cannot do ourselves, including questioning other inmates.

Talpins said the state attorney expects professionalism and fairness from prosecutors, and provides training consistent with the offices commitment to justice. He said prosecutors are handicapped by understaffing and old technology.

We are doing the best we can, given those limitations. Like everyone else, we can make mistakes, Talpins said. When we make those mistakes, we correct them, learn from them, and move forward consistent with our mission to protect our community in the most fair and just manner possible.

We love you, Bill

Von Zamft and Mitchell treated Brown like an old pal  and an honorary member of their team, in a 2023 telephone call reviewed by the Herald.

Whats up with you, my friend? Von Zamft said warmly to the confessed multi-murderer who called one day from jail on a recorded line. They bantered about a former member of Browns gang who wouldnt get the plea deal that he was hoping for.

Brown wasnt surprised. His former buddy had been toying around with the prosecutor  something he knew Mike would not appreciate.

Its not just me, Von Zamft said. Steve Mitchells the same way. Hes nastier than I am.

Mitchell, who was on speakerphone with Von Zamft, laughed at the description. By then, Brown was on a first-name basis with both prosecutors.

Von Zamft asked if Brown had any connections enough to make calls to find out more about someone the prosecutors suspected of planning a hit. Brown replied, I can look into that.

When Brown told the prosecutors not to trust one of their key witnesses, dubbing him an asshole, they gushed, Thats why we love you, Bill. Because youre straight up.

Mugshot of William Little Bill Brown.

Brown, now 33, was no run-of-the-mill street criminal when he cut a deal with the State Attorneys Office in 2014.

As the teenage leader of the A&E gang (so-named due to their affection for American Eagle branded clothing), Brown landed in jail in January 2010 indicted for first-degree murder for gunning down a 19-year-old, Bernard Bear Moore. Brown told one friend that he shot Moore like 17 times in the face. A survivor, who was shot in the back by Brown, identified him as the killer.

Browns criminal activity did not stop just because he was behind bars. Then 19 years old, Brown encouraged fellow gang members to keep up the war against a rival gang, he confirmed as part of his plea deal. But when the guys went out to shoot down its leader, they botched the job, shooting eighth-grader Sabrina ONeil in the head.

Afterward, as they drove away from the crime scene in Brownsville, the gangsters spoke on the telephone with Brown, and he was gleeful, laughing, singing and making gun sounds on the recorded line because he thought theyd taken down his enemies.

You know you made me happy, boy, Brown said to one of them.

The senseless murder of ONeil renewed outrage about gun violence in a community torn by gang fighting. Caught on the taped call, Brown was charged for her murder as well.

Potentially facing the death penalty if convicted in either case, records reviewed by the Herald show Brown began feeding information to law enforcement.

In late 2013, following a string of deadly robberies that left a 10-year-old boy and a 21-year-old man dead, Brown called a Miami police detective to say one of the accused shooters, his childhood friend, was housed in the same jail block while awaiting trial. Brown said he was planning to meet his former buddy the next day to find out more about the crime.

Following the meeting, Brown called back to say he had gotten a confession and information on three crimes, which he noted down on a sheet of paper. His public defender passed the note on to law enforcement, and it was ultimately entered into evidence and used by the State Attorneys Office. (Mitchell and Von Zamft were not handling the case.)

Under oath, Brown testified that he had not prompted the jailhouse confession out of his old friend in 2013 and when asked, he said he was instructed not to ask questions.

But, according to a summary of one call, the detective sent Brown back for more details.

Fifteen-year-old Sabrina ONeil was killed in a botched drive-by shooting in 2010. The shooters, encouraged by gang leader William Brown from jail, were targeting rival gang members.

To former Miami prosecutor Melba Pearson, all of Browns work for law enforcement appeared to be a wink, wink, nod, nod situation.

Why are you calling him and talking to him and mentioning these peoples names if you didnt want him to go follow up? said Pearson, who worked in the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office for 15 years before unsuccessfully running against Fernandez Rundle. Youre calling him and youre giving him these names specifically of people that are housed in the same prison as him with the expressed purpose of him doing something.

Aside from any legal concerns, using an incarcerated person to collect information is fraught, Pearson said, because the reality is, this particular person has an incentive to make up stories. They have an incentive to lie. That is especially true, she said, if the deal includes potential incentives like the possibility of a reduced sentence as Browns did.

But Von Zamft didnt think Brown was a liar. In fact, the prosecutor thought Brown was really fing smart, as he said on one call. In another, he praised Brown for providing accurate information.

He does well, taking care of himself, Von Zamft said of Brown on a recorded call. As long as he continues doing that, Ill continue to try and help him.

Confessions of a mass shooter

The day after the police detective confirmed receipt of Browns notes on his friends 2013 jailhouse confession, the State Attorneys Office formalized a plea agreement with Brown, the Herald found. Brown got 25 years for the charges pending against him, including the two murders that had carried the possibility of a death sentence.

By then, court records show Von Zamft had evidence that Brown had participated in a third murder  the 2007 killing of Richard Jolly. Brown was just 17. But under the plea agreement, the State Attorneys Office relinquished its ability to prosecute Brown for that or any other murder he admitted to as part of the deal.

Promised immunity, Brown confessed to what was described at the time as the worst mass shooting in Miamis history. He told prosecutors how, armed with an assault rifle, he and a friend mowed down a group of young people playing dice on the street corner. They shot nine people, killing 18 year-old Derrick Gloster and 16 year-old Brandon Mills. Most of the victims were current or former students at the local high school, Miami Northwestern.

Dubbed the Liberty City Massacre, the cold-blooded shooting on Jan. 23, 2009, sparked national outrage. But Browns confession and the accompanying immunity deal was kept quiet. Even family members of the victims said they didnt know.

In 2021, Crime Stoppers re-posted a video about the case soliciting help solving it. In the video, a woman named Tangela Johnson begs her 18-year-old sons killer to turn themselves in.

Johnson said no one ever told her that Brown confessed to the Liberty City shooting. The teens father said he wasnt told, either. Both said they knew Brown was a suspect in their sons case, but were told there wasnt enough evidence to charge him. Neither knew anything about Browns immunity deal until called by a Herald reporter.

I dont understand why would they do this when I told them how important this was to find out who did this to my son, Johnson said.

The Herald was unable to reach Mills family.

Despite the confession and deal preventing Browns prosecution, the case remains open at the Miami Police Department, rendering all of the evidence exempt from public viewing. The second shooter was already dead when Brown named him in his confession.

Derrick Gloster and his his mother, Tangela Johnson. Gloster was 18 when he was shot and killed in what was known as the Liberty City Massacre on Jan. 23, 2009.

In exchange for immunity, prosecutors and police from multiple departments got Browns cooperation in any case that relates to any criminal activity to which he was a party, or of which he was aware.

As a result of this cooperation, no additional charges will be filed except for the charges which are pending at the time of the ratification of this plea agreement, the agreement reads.

They made a deal over my sons life, said Derrick Gloster, whose teenage son with the same name was killed in the shooting. I wanted to see the person who did it prosecuted.  That was my only son, with my same name. He was my only son.

Calls for mistrial

Under his plea agreement, Brown was specifically required to testify against his four friends who carried out the botched drive-by hed ordered from jail in 2010 that killed the young girl. In exchange, he got no extra time for her death.

Two of Browns former pals took 15-year plea deals from Von Zamft and Mitchell, the prosecutors assigned to the case. The others who went to trial got life sentences. One was a shooter. The other, Taji Pearson, drove the car, but a jury found he didnt wield a weapon.

And now, Pearsons case seems to be unraveling.

In legal filings, defense attorney Michele Borchew argued prosecutors incentivized both Brown and the other primary witness, and improperly withheld that information from the defense.

Taji Pearson, seen in his early 20s, has been in jail since April 2013. Now 39, he was sentenced to life in prison in January but is seeking a new trial.

Brown was chasing the possibility of a reduced sentence, a hope Von Zamft had dangled in front of him in exchange for his testimony, Borchew alleged in legal pleadings, pointing to an email and recorded calls she obtained only after the sentence was handed to her client.

The other states witness, Dwayne Miller, who admitted providing the guns and bandanas for the shooting, was compensated  his mother was given at least $5,000 by police, Borchew found. Jurors who convicted Pearson never had that information, she said. Prosecutors in a recent court filing said they hadnt known about the payment, which was to help the woman move after she was threatened.

The defense also wasnt given an email that Dwayne Miller sent in 2022 to Von Zamft, telling him that he didnt recall what happened all those years ago, and accusing the prosecutors of trying to make me remember. Von Zamft then sent a transcript of the lead detectives testimony to refresh Millers memory.

An appeals court agreed with Borchew that important evidence related to Millers credibility might have been withheld, and on April 30 ordered the case sent back down to the local trial court.

While the state attorneys office acknowledged Millers email should have been handed over, Mitchell argued Millers credibility had little impact in this case.

Again, the recorded jail phone call between the Defendant and William Brown provided overwhelming evidence of the Defendants guilt, Mitchell argued in a response to the motion to overturn the conviction.

The case is ongoing.

Defense attorney Michelle Borchew prepares for a hearing in court at the Richard E Gerstein Justice Building.

Borchew, who wants a new trial for Pearson, told the Herald that the State Attorneys Office fosters a culture of winning at all costs.

Its a numbers game that is easy for them to play in a system that does not look at the accused as humans, she said.

Glaring instances of misconduct

It was due to a fluke of fate, or perhaps her intuition, that Borchew first learned of Browns close relationship with the prosecutors on her clients case.

A hearing in Pearsons case ended, and Borchew heard the prosecutors  Von Zamft and his co-counsel Mitchell  say they were headed to another hearing. She decided to follow.

Borchew walked into one of the most consequential cases of the year  one that would cast doubt on the prosecutors integrity and throw a negative glare on Fernandez Rundles office. It was a resentencing hearing for Corey Smith, who was convicted in 2004 for participating in four murders as a member of the John Does gang, named for the toe tags of their victims.

Smith had spent the better part of two decades on and off Death Row.

In court this year, Smiths attorneys argued that his conviction should be thrown out because they had obtained new evidence in the case indicating prosecutors had incentivized witness testimony. They also argued that the entire State Attorneys Office should be disqualified from handling Smiths case for pervasive misconduct spanning decades.

Borchew was intrigued. She sat through every day of the hearings. Cooperating witnesses housed in the nearby jail in the lead up to the 2004 trial described how prosecutors brought them together in the Miami Police Department to make sure their stories lined up. There, they said they were given alcohol, tobacco, and their choice of food, like Popeyes, Pizza Hut, K.F.C., and even Joes Stone Crab, as sort of a treat.

While reviewing the case at the police department, the inmates said they also spent time with family and friends  including conjugal visits.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle was automatically reelected to her seventh term this year when no one filed to run against her.

Von Zamft and Mitchell were not the prosecutors on the case at the time witnesses testimony was allegedly coordinated at the police department. But, defense attorneys also argued that prosecutors, including Von Zamft and Mitchell, had routinely withheld information important to Smiths defense throughout the years, and the State Attorneys Office insisted on keeping us in the dark at every turn.

At a hearing on Feb. 28, Smiths Attorney Craig Whisenhunt said, we have found time and time again additional instances of profound and persistent misconduct by this office, by Mr. Von Zamft specifically, and by the office in its entirety.

Whisenhunt argued that somewhere along the way this State Attorneys Office lost sight of its mission to seek the truth above all else, saying Smiths case became a personal vendetta, not to seek justice, not to pursue the truth, but at any cost to condemn a man to die because they had decided he was a monster.

They drove the argument home with a recorded jail call from Aug. 3, 2022, which Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Andrea Wolfson later described as a smoking gun containing glaring instances of misconduct or, at the very least, severe recklessness. On that call, Von Zamft spoke with a witness in the case, an inmate named Latravis Gallashaw, a convicted murderer who had once allegedly plotted to kill a prosecutor.

The two spoke like old friends, discussing witnesses whose testimony they could no longer depend on in the resentencing hearing that would determine whether Smith would face the death sentence for his crimes.

At one point, Von Zamft mentioned finding a way to make one witness unavailable if she refused to cooperate.

You would want to do that? replied Gallashaw.

That comment could be reasonably understood as a threat to the witness life, Wolfson wrote in a March decision, although she noted she did not personally believe that to be Von Zamfts intent. Even still, she wrote, it is unsettling to think a member of the bar, a prosecutor, would manipulate the facts of a situation in the case of a witness who is alive, well and competent to testify to satisfy the legal definition of unavailability.

Wolfson removed both Von Zamft and Mitchell from Smiths resentencing, arguing the prosecutors in this case have lost sight of their responsibility, and justice demands their disqualification.

She allowed the State Attorneys Office to retain control of the case but agreed with the defense that the States treatment of discovery in this case has been questionable throughout the litigation process.

Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Andrea Wolfson ruled that Miami-Dade prosecutors Michael Von Zamft and Stephen Mitchell were too compromised to remain on the death-penalty rehearing case of convicted killer Corey Smith.

Wolfson has not yet ruled on the motion to vacate the conviction. In her March order, Wolfson said the testimony from witnesses alleging misconduct by various prosecutors in the State Attorneys Office over the span of the two-decade trial will be relevant to the Courts future ruling on the post-conviction motion.

For Borchew, hearing the recorded jailhouse call was something of an aha moment.

While discussing how to rehabilitate a witness who had given contradictory testimony in the case, Von Zamft said he was trying to arrange a jail yard meetup between Gallashaw and another inmate he called Brown and Little Bill  the nickname of the witness in Borchews case.

When Browns name was uttered, Borchew said Von Zamft shot a glance at her, like he knew shed recognize it.

Following the hearing, Borchew got a judges order for all the taped calls Brown made to the State Attorneys Office and police detectives from jail.

She began to piece together a surprising scenario  that Von Zamft had kept Brown in the jail to collect information for 10 years now.

Brown, she wrote in a recent filing, is an informant and agent for the state and the police.
Miami man to be sentenced in U.S. Capitol riot assault

WASHINGTON, D.C.  A Miami, Oklahoma man pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer at the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot and is set for sentencing on Sept. 20.

Benjamen Scott Burlew, 44, faces up to 37 months, or two years and three months, according to his plea agreement.

burlew-pleaDownload

Burlew was captured in two videos engaging in a physical assault against an Associated Press photographer, according to a Department of Justice prepared statement. Burlew allegedly lunged toward the photographer and grabbed his upper chest and leg and forcefully threw and pushed the photographer over the wall falling several feet where he landed on his back, the release states.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Michigan may be a blueprint for Democrats looking to turn the red tide thats washed over North Carolinas presidential election results for years and limit Republican control in Raleigh, the midwestern states governor says.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke at a Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County breakfast Monday as part of a swing through North Carolina with President Joe Bidens reelection campaign. A co-chair of the Biden campaign, the two-term governor has sparked speculation about her own future presidential ambitions.

At Mondays event, she drew parallels between recent elections in Michigan  where Biden won in 2020 and Democrats took full control of state government for the first time since the 1980s in 2022  and the state of politics in North Carolina.

Im inspired by what I see here in North Carolina, she said. It looks very familiar to what I see at home in Michigan. And I know, I can tell you, I can testify: We can win.

A Democratic presidential candidate hasnt won the state since 2008, when Barack Obama defeated John McCain, but former President Donald Trump posted his slimmest margin of victory in any state in North Carolina in 2020.

Coming from a fellow swing state, I recognize how important the state of North Carolina is. I recognize how slim margins are, how hot the rhetoric is and how high the consequences are in this upcoming election, Whitmer said.

Can Michigan model work for Biden in NC?

Flipping North Carolina in the presidential race, holding onto the governors mansion and breaking the Republican supermajority in the state legislature will take a lot of on-the-ground organizing, including going door-to-door, by Democrats, Whitmer said.

Hardworking people who are trying to get ahead  are so busy that we cant make any assumptions that everyone can, you know, take in all the information around how high stakes this election is, she told The Charlotte Observer.

Trump currently leads Biden by 6% in North Carolina, according to FiveThirtyEights latest polling average. In addition to the presidential race, Democrats are also trying to hold the governorship, as Josh Stein looks to succeed Gov. Roy Cooper, and break the Republican legislative supermajority the GOP has held since state Rep. Tricia Cotham flipped parties.

Whitmer said she and fellow Michigan Democrats notched wins in part by organizing in traditionally Republican communities.

We didnt write off any part of the state because we didnt write off a single voter, even in the reddest counties. We still showed up, she said.

Democrats in Michigan swept their state offices and got majorities in both chambers of their state Legislature in 2022, the first time since 1983 the party secured both the Legislature and governorship. Whitmer secured reelection with a margin of victory of almost 11% in the state Biden won in 2020 but Trump took in 2016.

Whitmer also spoke about what she sees as the biggest issues in the election, including abortion. Michigan Democrats big gains in 2022 were attributed in part to a referendum on abortion access on the ballot, and North Carolina Democrats are looking to make reproductive health care a key campaign issue in 2024.

In a state like Michigan and certainly in a state like North Carolina, youve got such crucial races at the top of the ticket, Whitmer said.

In our CLT Politics newsletter, we offer exclusive insight into Charlotte-region politics sent to your inbox on Thursdays. Subscribe for free. Story idea? mramsey@charlotteobserver.com.
The Mid-East Career and Technology Center smashed school records this year as seven students from the Zanesville and Buffalo campuses will be traveling to Atlanta this month for the National SkillsUSA Competition.

The students come home from school districts across Muskingum and Guernsey counties, including East Muskingum, Rolling Hills, West Muskingum and Crooksville.

To advance to the national competition, the students had to first show off their skills at the 72nd Ohio SkillsUSA State Championship held in April in Columbus.

According to CTC, "The students demonstrated their career and technical skills and leadership abilities in more than 100 contests at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. They were challenged to complete a project in their area of training within a specified time period while being scored by a panel of judges. More than 5,000 competitors and business and industry partners attended the event."

Mackenzie Krenisky (left) and Haylee McNeish with the sweatshirts they designed as part of their SkillsUSA project. The team, which also included Laikyn Clark, will compete in Atlanta this month at the national conference.

Students were then awarded medals based on their projects. The gold medal winners will now advance to the SkillsUSA National Conference from June 24 to 28 in Atlanta.

From the Buffalo campus, the Career Pathways Showcase team consisted of three seniors, Laikyn Clark (Maysville), Mackenzie Krenisky (Meadowbrook) and Haylee McNeish (John Glenn). The students are part of the Graphic Art and Design program at CTC.

"Our project was a fundraiser for our lab to go on a senior trip to Otherworld and Smokey Bones in Columbusm" said Clark. "We printed shirts for all the labs at the Buffalo campus and sold them to current students and staff and later alumni." The group had to learn how to design for and use a screen press as well as develop the designs for each lab at the school.

Kreniski and McNeish said teamwork was the most impactful thing they learned during the project and presentation at state. The group produced roughly 250 shirts for the project.

Zanesville campus senior Alyvia Hinkle, from Crooksville, did her demonstration in cosmetology. "For my SkillsUSA competition I did two haircuts, a styled updo, and a mock phone call as if a client was making an appointment at a salon," she said. While the Career Pathways presentation only lasted roughly 4 to 8 minutes, Hinkle had to compete for six hours.

Mid-East CTC students Kamryn Love, Cierra Gensley, SkillsUSA Zanesville campus adviser Dennis Polvinale, Alyvia Hinkle and Priscilla Garrett.

"It was really long. I practiced a lot on it. Even in school, I would practice during labs, and after school, I would go to a local salon as well and a local stylist. She helped me a lot and trained me a lot," she continued. The salon, Midtown Studio, on Putnam Avenue in Zanesville is owned by Camry Stoffel, who previously won at the national SkillsUSA competition.

She noted that performing at state has helped her better understand the challenges she'll face at nationals. She believes the confidence she has built throughout the process has helped push her towards her full potential. She plans on working at a salon after graduation and becoming a business owner.

Digital Media students from Zanesville competed in the television/video production portion of the competition. The team consisted of Kamryn Love, a West Muskingum senior, and Cierra Gensley, a senior from Crooksville.

"We got a prompt and our prompt was to create a commercial for the Greater Columbus Convention Center. We had to make a 30-second advertisement for it. We had a storyboard, and we had to write a script and a shot list," Love said. The team shot the commercial in Columbus, as they only had four hours to complete the task.

The students were graded on their video's copyright information, time management, professionalism, music credits and how well they explained their process among other things.

Showing off job-related skills at the competition will be Priscilla Garrett, a junior from Crooksville. Garrett is a restaurant and food service operations student at the Zanesville campus. For her competition, she focused on front-of-house service in a fine dining atmosphere. The competitors in this area were judged on tableside manner, ease with guests and more.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Seven Mid-East students to attend National SkillsUSA competition
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A Venezuelan migrant is accused of running a sophisticated cellphone-snatching ring that has robbed dozens of people in New York City, authorities said.

Victor Parra, 30, was indicted Tuesday on grand larceny, attempted grand larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property charges, according to the Manhattan District Attorneys Office.

Parra is the alleged leader of the robbery crew that used mopeds to snatch phones and wallets. Parra allegedly recruited his accomplices by blasting WhatsApp messages looking for volunteers, officials said. The texts would specify the phone models he was looking for.

I have money. Im available. Go get them, Parra allegedly says in the WhatsApp messages, police previously said.

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He would then allegedly pay someone to hack the phones to steal money from the victims accounts, prosecutors said. There have been at least 25 victims.

This alleged scheme preyed on unsuspecting New Yorkers who were just walking outside going about their daily lives. We are continuing to investigate the full extent and scope of this ring in coordination with our law enforcement partners, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.

In the indictment, Parra is accused of orchestrating two incidents in December 2023 and January 2024. In the first incident, Juan Uzcatgui, was riding on the back of a moped and snatched a cellphone near West 24th Street and Sixth Avenue before meeting up with Parra in the Bronx, according to court records. The defendants then allegedly used the victims Apple card to make a $1,742 transaction and another for $1,630. A third $1,000 Zelle transaction was declined.

Parra allegedly ordered Cleyeber Andrade and another person to steal a cellphone on Third Avenue on Jan. 5, prosecutors said. The suspects then met with Parra in the Bronx, where two Zelle transactions for $1,300 and then $200 were made on the victims Zelle account, according to court records.

Uzcatgui was indicted for grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. Andrade was charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property in a separate criminal complaint, authorities said.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Manhattan District Attorneys Office at 212-335-9040.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ANKARA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Two soldiers were killed in a plane crash during military training in the central Turkish province of Kayseri on Tuesday, said the Turkish Defense Ministry.

"An SF-260D type training aircraft of our Air Force Command, which took off from the 12th Air Transportation Main Base Command in Kayseri for training/testing, was involved in a crash due to an unknown reason," the ministry said in a statement.

The plane crashed in the Hasan Arpa neighborhood of Kocasinan district in Kayseri province, according to the local governorate. 
(NEXSTAR)  Over the last few years, millions of Americans have been receiving discounted internet and phone service as part of the FCCs Affordable Connectivity Program. Thats set to change as the program runs out of funding and bills aimed at securing more money have stalled in Congress.

Since 2021, eligible households (those with an income below 200% of the poverty line, or those in which someone was receiving a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC) have been able to get cheaper internet or phone service through the Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP.

According to the FCC, more than 23 million households were enrolled in the program at one point, receiving $30 subsidies on their internet or phone bills  or $75, if they resided on tribal lands. In May, the maximum subsidy dropped to $14 and $35 on tribal lands.

NYCHA to reopen Section 8 housing waitlist: What it means for low-income NYers

As of June, funding for the program has run dry. That means millions of customers will see their bills return to pre-program totals or higher, if the provider raised rates during the pandemic. Some providers will continue to offer discounted services  Verizon and AT&T recently outlined those affordable plans to Nexstar.

It is regrettable that the Federal Communications Commission must bring to a close the most successful broadband affordability program in our Nations history, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel wrote in a letter Thursday to Ohio Republican Congressman Dave Joyce, who heads the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government.

During the ACPs winddown period, there were hopes that Congress would take action to provide more funding for the program.

In January, Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY) introduced companion bills that would provide additional funding for ACP. Both bills, as well as a similar bill introduced by Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) have, however, stalled.

What time does the sun set the latest in NYC?

It is not too late to save the Nations largest broadband affordability program, Rosenworcel said in a statement Friday. The ACP was too impactful and has too much support from both parties on Capitol Hill and across the country to just move on and say it was nice while it lasted. Bipartisan efforts to provide more funding for the ACP are ongoing, and the FCC is ready to resume the program as soon as any additional funding is provided.

President Joe Biden also called on Congress to extend funding for the ACP as the White House announced commitments from 14 companies to offer affordable internet to low-income households through 2024.

As of Friday, those companies that said they will continue to offer their $30-or-less plans to people who previously benefited from the federal subsidy include AT&T, Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, Verizon, Allo Fiber, altafiber (and Hawaiian Telcom), Astound Broadband, IdeaTek, Mediacom, MLGC, Optimum, Starry and Vermont Telephone Company, according to The Hill.

Its worth noting that eligibility for those plans may be more restrictive than those for the ACP.

The FCC has recommended customers reach out to their service providers for alternative low-cost plans.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A hint of a rainbow forms as a thunderstorm passes by over Bayside on Monday, May 20, 2024.

Milwaukees rainy start to the week is forecast to continue, with chances of rain occurring in the afternoon and increasing into the evening.

The National Weather Service forecasts that a swath of south central and southeastern Wisconsin will receive about a .5 inch of rain as a storm system moves into the area, with some areas seeing localized chances of over 1 inch of rain.

The morning hours really look like they should be dry. Thunderstorms, scattered storms start to move into the area this afternoon, said Andy Boxell, a meteorologist at the Milwaukee-Sullivan office of the NWS. Not entirely unlike yesterday in the sense there wont really be a severe weather front.

The NWS forecasts that rain chances will increase as the day goes on and that the highest chances will come late in the evening, near midnight.

Severe weather is not expected to be a part of this system, though Boxell said that gusty winds of over 60 miles per hour are a possibility. Small chances of localized flooding are possible as well. Those are mainly isolated to areas that received the bulk of the rain from Mondays system, like Rock, Columbia and Dodge counties, he said.

The system is stemming from a surge of moisture to the south of Wisconsin, Boxell said. A cold front is forecast to move into the area in the evening and end the stormy weather by the early Wednesday morning.

More rain  thunderstorms are expected today and tonight. A few strong storms are possible this afternoon, but widespread severe weather is not expected. Locally heavy rain will also pose a flood threat if storms move over the same areas. pic.twitter.com/U7Wi1LzhTz  NWS Milwaukee (@NWSMilwaukee) June 4, 2024

Milwaukee forecast

Stormy weather is expected to come to an end after todays system.

Wednesday will bring spotty chances of storms and gusty winds, but the rest of the week should be dry, Boxell said. Temperatures in Milwaukee on Wednesday are forecast at a high of 79, with that dropping to 74 on Thursday and 70 on Friday.

As the weekend progresses, temperatures should start to crawl up slightly again, with a high of 76 forecast on Saturday.

This really will be the end of our thunderstorm chances at least for a couple of days. Looks like tomorrow there will be some spotty chances, Boxell said. They should be light and really just confined to the afternoon and early evening hours.

Wisconsin weather radar

Wisconsin weather warnings

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Storm forecast for Milwaukee on Tuesday evening, .5 inch of rain expected
After a five-hour, closed-door meeting about his employment Monday night, Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Keith Posley announced his resignation.

Posley's departure comes after state and federal officials raised alarms about MPS' financial reporting delays and Head Start operations, jeopardizing the funding the district receives.

Ahead of the meeting, local officials released statements expressing disappointment in MPS. The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, which opposed the referendum passed this spring, said the community should consider a "more accountable governance structure" for the school board.

On Friday, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said he wanted to see more information before judging whether Posley should lose his job and said not submitting financial reports was a problem. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson declined to weigh in Monday.

After Posley announced his resignation, Johnson and others released additional statements. Here's a running list:

Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent takes his seat ahead of a school board meeting June 3, where board members are scheduled to discuss his possible dismissal.

Milwaukee's mayor says he hopes new leadership will be 'an impetus'

In a statement released Tuesday morning, Johnson thanked Posley for his service in Milwaukee. Johnson said he looks forward to working closely with the school board, the MPS Office of Accountability and Efficiency and the state Department of Public Instruction to "monitor their progress in bringing this matter to a close."

"I hope the resolution of the financial reporting issues and the appointment of new leadership at MPS will serve as an impetus for leaders and community members alike to work more closely together to benefit all children, and not be used as an opportunity to further divide us," Johnson said.

Johnson said he was "alarmed" to hear about the "looming crisis" facing the district. He said his office has communicated regularly with MPS and the state in the last few weeks and had established monthly meetings with the superintendent.

Asked Tuesday for his thoughts on the city taking over the school district, Johnson said he was old enough to remember a proposed mayoral takeover of Milwaukee Public Schools and "the fact that this community vehemently rejected that effort."

"There are extremes here, the extremes being the status quo that we've seen as relates to public schools and the extreme of mayoral takeover, which by the way, doesn't necessarily present itself to be a panacea," he said at a press conference on another topic.

He said there is space between those extremes that hasn't been explored.

State superintendent says DPI will work with MPS on a daily basis

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly, who leads the state Department of Public Instruction, said the state will continue engaging with MPS "on a daily basis."

In Wisconsin's system of local control, elected school boards make decisions about district superintendent staffing. No matter how the board chooses to move forward, under my leadership, the DPI will continue working with the MPS team to resolve the current challenge. As we go forward, our primary focus is on improving outcomes for all of Milwaukees children," Underly said in a statement Tuesday morning.

MTEA President Ingrid Walker-Henry says school board members must 'instill confidence and communicate their plans'

MTEA President Ingrid Walker-Henry said in a statement that MPS students, workers, families and residents "deserve an MPS Administration that will fight for our future, especially in the face of a Republican state legislature and suburban business lobby that seeks to harm Milwaukees public schools."

"As the district addresses the delayed financial reports and the search begins for the next Superintendent, the School Board must instill confidence and communicate their plans moving forward and give regular updates," she said Tuesday afternoon. "MPS students and workers need the Board to pass a budget that guarantees the resources they deserve when they return in fall. Retention and recruitment of public education workers for our students is of utmost priority and MTEA calls on the MPS Board to schedule a date to pass a budget in the very near future to ensure MPS classrooms are fully staffed going into the 2024-25 school year."

Milwaukee alderman says anger brought 'a certain blindness and lack of focus,' calls on mayor to lead on MPS reforms

Ald. Scott Spiker in a statement called Posley "an honorable man who served the district he loved as best as he knew how" and said the anger at Monday night's meeting led to "a certain blindness and lack of focus."

"Lost in that anger was the fact that the Board moved to hear the public commentary on the financial mismanagement that led to Dr. Posleys 'voluntary' resignation together with the public commentary on the business-as-usual 2024/2025 MPS budget.

"Lost in that anger was the fact that this meant there was next to zero discussion of the details of that budget by the public, despite the fact that the Board advertised this as an opportunity for the public to have their voices heard on this important matter.

"Lost in that anger was the critical fact that the early April passage of the $252 million MPS referendum in no way obligates the Board to raise the levy $140 million this year; it merely allows them to do so. It is entirely within their purview not to raise the levy and thus, impose an additional burden on the taxpayers they, ostensibly, serve."

Spiker called the problems that led to Posley's resignation "deep and systemic" and said the school board members, while good people, are "in over their heads."

He also called on Mayor Cavalier Johnson to "play a useful role in pushing forward much-needed and long-delayed reform."

City Forward Collective calls for a clean slate and fresh start

City Forward Collective said in an amended Tuesday statement that accepting Posley's resignation was an appropriate initial step, but called for further change. They raised concerns that MPS could raise property taxes again to account for the district's mistakes, on top of the referendum already approved.

"Superintendent Posleys departure represents necessary accountability  but it is clear the challenges at MPS are far deeper than one person. We join others across the city in calling for a clean slate, a fresh start, and a fundamentally new approach to governance for Milwaukee Public Schools," said Colleston Morgan, Executive Director of City Forward Collective.

City Forward Collective said it believes the mayor "has an important role to play in leading this conversation."

LIT says consequences of 'bad leadership and misguided priorities' will fall on Milwaukee's students

Leaders Igniting Transformation, or LIT, in a statement said the MPS superintendent and administration must make students' and families' success and wellbeing as the primary focus.

"As we learn more in the days and weeks, LIT urges the people of Milwaukee to stay focused on whats most important: students and investing in public education at all levels," the group said in the statement. "Milwaukees young people are our future, and we all have a role to play in supporting their needs. So whether you vote in local elections, fight back against budget cuts, become a student mentor or volunteer, or advocate at upcoming school board meetings for better leadership, listen to students. Elevate their voices. Push for a safer and more just MPS for all."

State Sen. Chris Larson calls mistakes made under Posley 'unacceptable'

State Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, in a statement said that the mistakes made under Posley were "unacceptable" and that he backed the leadership change.

"I reject the irresponsible and frantic conjecture by some elected officials and talking heads who have their own agenda," he said. "It is critical that we maintain our democratic checks and balances and soundly reject any attempted takeover, dissection, or further attacks on our kids schools, both here in Milwaukee and across the state.

"We must never lose sight of the goal of providing a quality, tuition-free public education for every child in a system where parents and the public have a say. That right is guaranteed by our states constitution."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mayor Johnson, state superintendent react after Keith Posley resigns
An empty high school classroom. (Dan Forer | Getty Images)

Milwaukee school Superintendent Keith Posley resigned early Tuesday, 11 days after the state education department warned that it could withhold state aid to the district for failure to submit required financial reports.

On Monday evening, a Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) school board public hearing that lasted almost three hours was dominated by calls for Posley to go. A closed session followed, lasting more than five hours. After reconvening in public, the school board voted unanimously at 2 a.m. Tuesday to accept Posleys resignation, Wisconsin Public Radio reported.

Posley, whose resignation is effective June 30, will receive a $160,000 severance payment in a separation agreement, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

In a May 24 letter to the district, the state Department of Public Instruction (DPI) listed several tardy financial reports that MPS has not sent, including an annual report due in September 2023 and an audit due in December. The letter said the state might withhold the districts June special education aid payment, which was $15.7 million in 2023, along with future state aid payments.

The DPI letter noted that the department had already had repeated communications with the Posley and administrators. In addition, the districts Head Start program is in the midst of a 30-day suspension by the federal government, citing deficiencies in staff conduct and supervision of children.

At a May 30 school board meeting to discuss the districts budget, board members called police to remove spectators who booed and interrupted Posley and district financial officers.

The post Milwaukee school superintendent resigns under fire over financial report delays appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty speaks at a news conference on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Minneapolis, on her decision to dismiss the politically heated case of a Minnesota state trooper who shot a motorist to death. She said she dropped the charges because she no longer thought she could win a conviction against Trooper Ryan Londregan, who killed Ricky Cobb II as he tried to pull away from a traffic stop July 31. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A progressive Minnesota prosecutor who was elected on a platform of police accountability has reluctantly dropped charges against a state trooper who fatally shot a Black man after a traffic stop.

After months of heavy criticism, even from the states Democratic governor, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty on Monday stood by her initial decision to charge Trooper Ryan Londregan in last summers killing of Ricky Cobb II. She says that new evidence makes the case would difficult to prove.

Moriarty, a former chief public defender for the county, was elected in 2022 with nearly 58% of the vote. Her announcement shows that charging officers with crimes is never simple, even in the same county where Derek Chauvin was convicted of George Floyd's 2020 murder.

Moriarty said she still believes she made the right decision to charge Londregan based on evidence available at the time. But she said a newly raised defense claim that Londregan believed Cobb was reaching for Londregans gun, along with new statements from State Patrol officials backing claims that he was following his training, made the case impossible to prove. So she filed papers Sunday to dismiss it.

I was elected by the people in Hennepin County to make ethical, courageous decisions, Moriarty said. This is the kind of county attorney everybody wanted, not one that made decisions based on politics.

The dismissal comes as progressive district attorneys and candidates in several liberal strongholds across the country have faced setbacks as frustrations have risen over public safety.

In Oregon last month, centrist DA candidate Nathan Vasquez ousted incumbent progressive prosecutor Mike Schmidt in Multnomah County, after vowing to be tough on crime. Last month in San Francisco, Alameda County supervisors set a recall election for District Attorney Pamela Price, who, like Moriarty, ran on a platform of offender rehabilitation and police accountability. Price had replaced Chesa Boudin, another progressive prosecutor who voters recalled earlier in 2022.

Gov. Tim Walz said Moriarty eventually got to the right decision, and that it became apparent that there were problems in this prosecution from the beginning.

Walz denied Moriartys allegations that he interfered in the case, but also told reporters he would have used his power to take the case from her and hand it to the attorney generals office if she had not dropped the charges. He said those powers provide a safety net to allow an egregious situation like this to be corrected.

Leaders with the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, which waged a high-profile campaign urging Walz to take the case from Moriarty, said her statements about her decision were unhinged and riddled with vengeance. Republican politicians were quick to repeat their claims that Londregan should never have been charged.

Former Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner. a Democrat, said this case is an example of how the criminal justice system has become increasingly politicized.

You have a prosecutor who was very transparent on the campaign trail about what her priorities were and what she intended to do in office. Police accountability was one of those priorities, Gaertner said in an interview. In this case, it seems to me like she made a good faith decision to charge this case, but then when other information came to her attention, she dismissed it. That was the ethical thing to do. And I'm sure it wasn't easy.

On July 31, troopers pulled the 33-year-old Cobb over on Interstate 94 because the lights were out on his car. They found that the Spring Lake Park man was wanted for a violating a domestic no-contact order in neighboring Ramsey County. Londregan arrived to assist. While the troopers were telling Cobb to get out of the car, he shifted into drive and took his foot off the brake. When Cobbs car began to slowly move forward, Londregan reached for his gun. Cobb stopped. Londregan pointed his gun at Cobb and yelled at him to get out. Cobb took his foot off the brake again while another troopers torso was at least partially in the car. Londregan then fired twice at Cobb, striking him both times in the chest.

Body camera video shows Cobb raising his hand just before Londregan shot him. Moriarty said the video doesnt prove a claim, raised by the defense in April, that Cobb was attempting to reach for his service weapon  but she conceded it doesnt disprove it either. She said prosecutors didn't know previously that this assertion would be key to Londregan's defense.

Moriarty also pointed to fresh statements by State Patrol training officials, submitted as part of the defense case, that the trooper acted in accordance with his training. She said it made the case harder to prove.

Prosecutors took all of that to a use-of-force expert whose analysis lead them to conclude that theyd lose at trial, Moriarty said. The judge might have dismissed the case without even sending it to the jury, she added.

In a fiery news conference of his own, Londregan's attorney, Chris Madel, said Moriarty knew from the start that Londregan would argue he used deadly force to protect himself, and knew since April that the defense would claim Cobb reached for Londregan's firearm.

This county attorney was hell-bent on prosecuting a cop, Madel said. She could not wait for a case like this to come up. He added: For her to come out now and say, Oh my gosh, we had no idea the defense was hiding this great evidence, its just plain absurd."

Londregan, who was free on his own recognizance, remains on paid leave while the State Patrol reviews the shooting. Madel said Londregan plans to return to law enforcement over the objections of some family members.

Moriarty called on the State Patrol to implement several changes to reduce the use of deadly force. The troopers at the scene had better options than leaning into his car to try to extricate Cobb but bungled their opportunities, she said. They could have told Cobb that they intended to arrest him, instead of just ordering him out of the car. They could have just let him drive off, she said, because they knew where to find him. Or they could have placed stop sticks under his car.

The State Patrol declined to respond to her recommendations. The Patrol said in a statement Sunday night that its ability to comment was limited because of the ongoing lawsuit filed by Cobb's family in April.

Attorneys for Cobb's family said they were disappointed but not surprised by this outcome.

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 Attorneys Office has bowed to political pressure to drop the charges," the family's attorneys said in a statement.

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 attorneys continued. "The people dont believe the excuses and neither do we.
We will miss him every second: Levi Wright dies after being taken off life support

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Levi Wright, the 3-year-old boy who fell into a fast-moving creek in southern Utah last month, has died after being taken off life support.

Levi, the son of rodeo star Spencer Wright, died on Saturday, a spokesperson for the family wrote on social media. Over the weekend, the childs mother, Kallie Wright, posted on Facebook that the family decided to take the toddler off life support.

Utah family decides to take child off of life support after toy tractor drowning

Here soon Ill climb into bed with my baby and hold him as he falls asleep for the last time on this earth, Kallie Wright wrote.

She added: 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.

Levi fell into a creek in Beaver County, in southwestern Utah, while riding his toy tractor on May 21. Emergency crews pulled the child from the water roughly a mile downstream, and a helicopter flew him to Primary Childrens Hospital in Salt Lake City.

As his family initially feared the worst, the boy clung to life. When he briefly awoke from a coma days after the accident, it gave his family  and the many people across the world whove followed Levis story  hope for a recovery.

But brain scans brought news that left the family shattered, as Kallie Wright wrote in one of her several social media updates. Last week, attempts to wean Levi off a breathing tube and sedation were unsuccessful.

According to the boys mother, the decision to take him off life support came after several sleepless nights, days of research, and multiple conversations with top neurologists.

Levi showed us just enough to buy us time for all of this, Kallie Wright wrote. We prayed those things were him defying odds and 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.

Mindy Sue Clark, the family spokesperson, wrote on social media that Levis journey over the last two weeks touched the lives of thousands of people across the world.

This baby boy moved mountains the last 12 days, she wrote. He brought so many people together. In a world so dark, we got to see light at the hands of a child. Hes everything his mom and dad couldve wanted him to be.

As part of the outpouring of support, a benefit auction was created to help the Wright family. It features dozens of items, including horses, rodeo gear, and a painting of Levi.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(KRON)  An East Palo Alto girl was missing in the Bay Area for weeks until police found her in the trunk of a vehicle, according to the San Jose Police Department.

The girl was first reported missing in East Palo Alto on February 25. A man held the girl captive and forced her to perform sex acts with clients for money, police said.

The female juvenile survivor was held against her will, threatened, and forced to engage in commercial sex acts in exchange for money, SJPD spokesperson Stacie Shih wrote.

For the investigation, East Palo Alto Police Department detectives teamed up with the SJPDs Human Trafficking Task Force.

On March 25, detectives found the girl inside the trunk of a vehicle parked outside a San Jose home. Police did not release the juveniles age.

Detectives identified the child sex trafficking suspect as 22-year-old Jolaun Canton. Four weeks later, officers made a traffic stop while Canton was driving.

Alameda County Sheriff seeks help from feds after DA declines to file charges

The suspect fled on foot during the enforcement stop. After a foot pursuit, officers were able to apprehend and arrest suspect Canton. A privately-made firearm, commonly referred to as a ghost gun, was also recovered, Shih wrote.

Canton is currently locked in a Santa Clara County jail facing charges of child sex trafficking, evading a law enforcement officer, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is being held without bail, inmate records show.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Reyes of the San Jose Police Department Special Victims Unit Human Trafficking Task Force at (408) 537-1999 or email stopslavery@sanjoseca.gov.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Missing womans mother pleads for suspect arrested after jet ski chase to say where her daughter is

A murder suspect on Atlantas Most Wanted List is now behind bars two years after a woman disappeared.

Allahnia Lenoir was last seen on July 30, 2022, at the Peachtree Midtown Apartments located at 1600 Peachtree Street. Police believe Lenoir died inside a unit and that her body was disposed of.

Police arrested two of the suspects, but the third suspect, 31-year-old Steven Oboite, remained on the run until Friday when police arrested him off Allatoona Lake in Bartow County.

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Lenoirs mother told Channel 2s Michael Seiden the latest arrest does not bring her any closure. She is focused on getting justice.

There are absolutely no words that I could describe the agony that I feel daily, Jannette Jackson said. The fact that he was found on jet skis, having a jolly good time, is probably the most hurtful part of all of this.

Two Georgia Department of Natural Resources game wardens spotted Oboite riding on a jet ski in a no-wake zone around 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

Investigators said they stopped him because they believed Oboite may have been drunk and asked for his ID. That is when authorities say he took off on the jet ski.

Oboite eventually made it onto shore and started running through a wooded area. Authorities caught up to him and took him into custody.

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Oboite and Diante Reynolds, who have been in jail since 2022, are charged with Lenoirs murder. A third suspect, Nicholas Hendrickson, is accused of helping dispose of the young womans body.

Court records show that Oboite had warrants for felony murder, concealing the death of another and tampering with evidence in connection to Lenoirs death.

Lenoirs family said she and a friend met up with two men at the apartment complex. Lenoir never returned home.

Two years later, investigators are still searching for her body.

If you could find anything, anything in your heart for me and my family just tell us where our baby is, Jackson said.

Oboite remains in the Bartow County jail but will be extradited to Fulton County.

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IN OTHER NEWS
The Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse in St. Louis, home of the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Missouri. (Photo by 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 $5 million 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.

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The post Missouri AG argues to block Biden administrations second student loan forgiveness plan appeared first on Oklahoma Voice.
An appellate court unanimously ruled Tuesday that a transgender man who formerly attended the Blue Springs School District was discriminated against when he was barred from using the boys' locker room (photo illustration by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder).

After a decade-long legal battle, a transgender man and former student of the Blue Springs School District should receive over $4 million in damages for discrimination that occurred when he was an adolescent, the Missouris Western District Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.

Judge Anthony Gabbert wrote the courts unanimous decision, ruling that the school district discriminated against the student, identified by his initials R.M.A., on the basis of sex when it barred him from using the boys locker room.

A key part of the appellate courts decision was the factor that spurred the school districts discrimination.

Attorneys for the Blue Spring School District did not contest that R.M.A. was treated differently, according to Gabberts ruling, but said it was because of his female genitalia.

School district employees suggested that R.M.A. had been excluded from the boys restrooms and locker rooms because of [the] school districts belief that he had female genitalia, Gabbert wrote. [The] school district did not actually determine the nature of R.M.A.s genitalia, however, and does not speculate, inspect or otherwise inquire as to the genitalia of other male students.

The admission of different treatment based on assumed genitalia, Gabbert wrote, was itself discrimination on the basis of sex.

Let us know what you think...

Part of the judicial proceedings included testimony from R.M.A.s doctor, who said R.M.A. was a male for as long as she has been treating him (which began at age nine).

During his time as a student, R.M.A. received an updated birth certificate with his male gender identity.

School district employees and school board members told R.M.A.s mother that locker-room access is determined by birth certificate. After she gave the corrected birth certificate to school district officials, R.M.A. was still denied access to boys restrooms and locker rooms.

The school board discussed R.M.As birth certificate in a closed-door meeting, according to court documents, but never gave his mother a clear answer about the policy.

The evidence at trial was that (Blue Springs) School District had an unwritten policy of using birth certificates to determine sex, Gabbert wrote. Yet, [the] school district refused to tell R.M.A.s mother that it would honor a corrected birth certificate stating he is male because (it) wanted to keep its options open in the event R.M.A. was able to obtain a corrected birth certificate.

R.M.As birth certificate was amended in December 2014, around a year after he began asking to use the locker room that aligned with his gender identity and two months after he filed a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

R.M.A. filed the lawsuit in October 2015, starting a complicated legal process. The initial trial court dismissed his claim in 2016, saying the Missouri Human Rights Act does not protect claims on the basis of gender identity. The Missouri Supreme Court, in 2019, reversed this decision and opened the doors for another trial.

A December 2021 jury trial awarded R.M.A. over $4.7 million in damages and legal fees, but attorneys for the Blue Springs School District asked for a judgment notwithstanding the verdict, a ruling that allows a judge to usurp a jurys decision.

The school district argued that R.M.A. only proved that he was discriminated against because of his female genitalia and not on the basis of sex.

The trial court judge sided with the school district, which would have spurred another trial. But Tuesdays decision reverses that judges call, returning the case back to the jurys verdict.

There are other similar cases currently winding through Missouris courts, including a lawsuit against the Platte County School District brought by the ACLU of Missouri.

The Blue Springs School District could not be reached for comment by time of publication.

The post Missouri appeals court sides with transgender student in $4 million discrimination case appeared first on Missouri Independent.
Fatime Letifova

The news of the plane crash in Kayseri city of brotherly Turkiye, made us extremely sad, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its official "X" account.

We offer our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of the pilots who died in the accident, and to the brotherly people of Turkiye, stated in the post.





Recall that today the SF-260D training aircraft of the Turkish Air Force Command took off for training from the 12th Air Transport Main Base Command in Kayseri. The plane crashed for an unknown reason, resulting in the tragic loss of two pilots.
Visitors take photos of lanterns from Zigong, southwest China's Sichuan Province, during the China (Sichuan) - Turkiye Economic and Trade Exchange Conference in Istanbul, Turkiye, on June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

ISTANBUL, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A senior delegation from China's Sichuan hosted a conference here on Monday to strengthen the province's economic and trade ties with Turkiye.

The China (Sichuan) - Turkiye Economic and Trade Exchange Conference lured over 100 distinguished Turkish and Chinese guests, including business leaders and government officials.

Addressing the conference, Wang Xiaohui, secretary of the Sichuan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, said the event enabled Turkish businessmen to know better about the Sichuan market and to explore chances to enter.

He noted that fostering cooperation across various fields, particularly in green energy, will allow the two business communities to grow on a win-win base.

In his speech, Chinese Ambassador to Turkiye Liu Shaobin highlighted that trade between the two countries is on the rise, noting that there are vast cooperation opportunities in the future, particularly in such tech fields as digital technology and green energy.

Mustafa Osman Turan, a foreign relations advisor to the mayor of Istanbul, said that China has a lot to share in urbanization, and the Istanbul municipality is fully open to enhancing relations with Sichuan.

A signing ceremony was held following the conference on several joint development projects across various fields, including textile, e-commerce, traditional medicine, and aviation. 

A visitor takes photos of products during the China (Sichuan) - Turkiye Economic and Trade Exchange Conference in Istanbul, Turkiye, on June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

A staff member shows tea products during the China (Sichuan) - Turkiye Economic and Trade Exchange Conference in Istanbul, Turkiye, on June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

People communicate during the China (Sichuan) - Turkiye Economic and Trade Exchange Conference in Istanbul, Turkiye, on June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

A visitor listens to an introduction during the China (Sichuan) - Turkiye Economic and Trade Exchange Conference in Istanbul, Turkiye, on June 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
The need for more robust and accessible maternal health care is particularly stark in Missouri, where lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have lamented the states woeful maternal and infant mortality rates (Getty Images).

Medical students and residents increasingly come to Dr. Colleen McNicholas with the same concern: will their training in Missouri prepare them to competently care for pregnant patients?

McNicholas, who for years was among the few doctors performing elective abortions in Missouri, said that fear is reflected in a report released in May by the Association of American Medical Colleges. It found Missouri had more than a 25% drop in applicants for OB-GYN medical residencies since 2022, when abortion became illegal in the state.

What does it mean to be an OB-GYN in a state that is telling you how to practice medicine? asked McNicholas, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri and Missouri chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

All 14 states with abortion bans saw a decrease in OB-GYN residency applications, despite a slight overall increase in physicians applying for OB-GYN residency programs nationally, the study found. Missouri was second only to Arizona for the largest decrease in applicants.

The need for more robust and accessible maternal health care is particularly stark in Missouri, where lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have lamented the states woeful maternal and infant mortality rates  among the worst in the country  and lack of maternal health care providers in nearly half of its counties.

McNicholas said legal concerns aside, there are a couple things for doctors to consider when deciding where to do their residency, since historically, most physicians remain in the community where they do their training.

Physicians tend to start families later in life, which means they are inherently at higher risk of having pregnancy complications or needing to use assisted reproductive technology, she said. And OB-GYNs are increasingly women, which means they need good maternal care if they choose to have a family.

The need for more OB-GYNs is going to be at a crisis point here soon, McNicholas said.  You cannot even seriously consider how to fix that problem until you address the reality of what a workforce crisis looks like under an abortion ban.

State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican and a board member for Missouri Stands with Women, a group formed to fight a campaign to legalize abortion in Missouri, doesnt think the studys conclusions are valid.

She instead pointed to other reasons she sees for declining OB-GYN residency numbers across the country, including a move by some universities to DEI-based admission and population declines, particularly in rural areas.

Coleman accused the medical association of fear-mongering, adding that if physicians choose not to apply to Missouri because of its abortion ban, then they are doctors shed prefer to stay away.

I wish they would focus on providing rural health care to Missourians, she said. Rather than a love affair with a violent procedure that ends a life.

Alyssa Lally, a spokeswoman with the University of Missouri-Kansas City, said the school attributes fluctuations in OB-GYN residency applicants over the past several years in part to a change in how residents are now matched.

Over the past few years, the national organization that handles residency applications stopped sending all OB-GYN applicants to all medical schools with the program, and instead started sending the applications of residents only to the schools they showed interest in attending.

Despite this, she said UMKC continues to fill all its residency slots. A spokesperson for the University of Missouri-Columbias medical school said it also has no problem filling their four openings each year.

Lisa Cox, a spokeswoman with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said the state is working to improve physician retention through its Graduate Medical Education Grant Program, which supports extra residency positions.

It is difficult to pinpoint a single cause (of the drop); however, our main takeaway is that Missouri needs more residency spots. Of course, this is an issue nationally, Cox said in a statement.   Our residency spots, while already low, are routinely filled, and it remains a competitive field, which could deter applicants.

states with bans are reaping what they sow

Pamela Merritt, the executive director of Medical Students for Choice, said she has a hard time selling medical students on coming to states with abortion bans.

I dont know anybody whos invested close to half a million dollars in their education who wants to walk into a residency program in a state where people with absolutely no background in medicine are drafting regulations that deny your ability to care for your patients, she said.

The data reflects this due diligence by medical students to research where they want to start a life and start a practice, she said.

And while she said states should be doing all they can to attract top talent, bans often have the opposite effect.

All of the states with bans are reaping what they sow, Merritt said. The tragedy is that the communities most harmed by this are rural communities and poor communities.

She guesses public health outcomes will only worsen as a result.

Maternal mortality rates were 62% higher in states with abortion restrictions, according to a 2023 study published in the National Library of Medicine.

A study from the states Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review board found that between 2018 and 2020, 210 Missouri women died while pregnant, during childbirth or within a year of birth. The majority were deemed preventable.

Missouri also scored a D- grade for preterm births in a 2023 March of Dimes report.

Missouri already has indefensible maternal mortality rates, Merritt said. Missouri struggles to keep Black children who are born in the state alive for the first year after birth, and we have far too many young people who are living in poverty and are food insecure.

Were failing children and failing families and women and this ban not only puts the health of people in Missouri who can experience pregnancy at risk, but it now is putting the health of everybody in the state at risk when you become repulsive to doctors, thats very dangerous.

More than 41% of counties in Missouri are designated maternity care deserts, meaning there are no maternity care providers or birthing facilities. Missouris rate is higher than the national rate of 32%, according to a separate 2023 report from the March of Dimes. Across the state, 10% of women do not live within 30 minutes of a birthing hospital.

In the last decade, 19 hospitals across Missouri have closed, according to the Missouri Hospital Association.

The states board of healing arts, which licenses physicians, reports there are 1,041 licensed OB-GYNs working in Missouri. The March of Dimes estimates that in 2022, there were 1.1 million women of childbearing age, which means there is approximately one OB-GYN for about every 1,050 of childbearing age in the state.

Attempts to further limit training in abortion

During a House hearing earlier this year, state Rep. Emily Weber, a Democrat from Kansas City, said shes heard about doctors first consulting attorneys before helping women in need of emergency abortions.

Under the states trigger law, health care providers who perform abortions not necessary to save the womans life can be charged with a class B felony, which means up to 15 years in prison. Their medical license can also be suspended or revoked as a result.

The only exception is in cases of medical emergencies when a pregnant persons life is at risk or when a delay will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.

Were losing physicians and doctors, Weber said. Theyre leaving the state of Missouri because they cant perform their actual duties that they had extensive education on and got their degree in.

House Minority Leader Crystal Quade pointed to some bills filed this year that didnt pass, but that put Missouri on the national stage for extremism, likely to impact physicians decisions on whether or not to move to the state or out of it.

This included a bill from state Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from Wildwood, that would have prohibited public and private medical schools from providing any abortion-specific training, including through out-of-state partnerships; and a bill filed by state Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, proposed to charge those who perform or get an abortion with murder.

Its a perfect storm situation where we are continuing to lose access to care, particularly for maternal care, said Quade, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor.

Quade has spoken with women who said they were sent home during a miscarriage because their life wasnt yet in enough danger to get an abortion, and shes spoken with providers who were unsure whether to stay in Missouri, weighing a moral dilemma between their duty to their patients and their fears of legal prosecution if they perform an abortion the state deems unnecessary.

She, too, fears this decrease in interest in Missouri as a place for providers not just to learn, but to establish roots, will only continue.

What that means is not only potential shortages, Quade said. But also that were not getting the best of the best anymore.

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Sparks said his legislation wasnt meant to target OB-GYNs, but rather was written based on conversations with Missouri physicians. He hoped to instead end abortion fellowships where doctors are sent across state lines to perform abortions.

Those conversations, he said, included doctors at Washington University in St. Louis who said their students went out of state in order to become really good at abortions, and then come back to Missouri to perform them in the cases where theyre legal.

Sparks said this argument doesnt hold water for him, since universities already teach a standard of care for emergency abortions that he finds to be sufficient.

To say that we just have to do abortions in order to maintain that level of care is disingenuous, he said, adding that physicians going out of state for training contributes to a generation of folks who wont exist.

He thinks its a stretch to correlate the decrease in OB-GYN applicants with abortion bans, but added that Missouri would not be an appealing state for physicians wanting to go into the abortion industry.

The post After Missouri banned abortion, the state saw 25% drop in OB-GYN residency applicants appeared first on Missouri Independent.
David Hosier, the 69-year-old Missouri prisoner who faces execution in one week, and his spiritual adviser have completely different perspectives, according to the Rev. Jeff Hood.

Hosier agrees  there are things the two butt heads on.

He has his beliefs and I have mine, Hosier said during an interview last month at Potosi Correctional Center, where death row prisoners are incarcerated in Missouri.

Hosier, whose father was a police officer and grandfather was a minister, was taught not to discuss religion or politics unless he was among good friends. His more conservative values, which can veer into what Hood describes as toxic masculinity, are a sharp contrast to Hoods public views on hot button topics including racism and Palestine.

Yet the two have formed a symbiotic relationship that Hood sees as love.

I tell him I love you every time we talk, Hood said. Hosier replies, OK, thank you.

They first spoke in late February after Hosiers execution date was announced on Valentines Day.

We talk a lot about the Bible and different things, Hosier said. We talk, just trying to get prepared for the state wanting to murder you.

Elyse Max, co-director of Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty, who has been in touch with both Hosier and Hood, said having a spiritual adviser was important for those on death row.

From the spiritual perspective, I couldnt even imagine the kind of questions youre faced with when you know the date that the state is going to take your life, Max said. Somebody who is trained and able to help somebody think through that time in their life  its sort of like hospice care.

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that spiritual advisers could be in the execution chamber.

Max said Hood is a voice to people that are living out their final weeks. That also makes him somewhat of a contentious spiritual adviser because he doesnt sometimes always stick into the pastoral lane and he sometimes enters into the advocacy lane.

In the past 18 months, Hood has helped six men face their execution dates, including Kenneth Smith, who was executed using nitrogen hypoxia in Alabama, the first state to use that method in January.

Hood believes the death penalty is evil and that it should cease not because of who these guys are but because of who we are.

The left out of the left out

He hasnt always held that view. He was raised Southern Baptist near Atlanta under the prevailing ideology of an eye for an eye and attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

When a close mentor was dying and disclosed that he was gay, Hoods worldview was turned upside down. That took away all of my certainties, he said, and made him realize that Jesus loves all people.

Hood was drawn to death row activism in 2009 because those guys are the left out of the left out, he said.

What I really believe about the message of Jesus is that God doesnt give up on anyone, he said.

As spiritual adviser, Hoods role has many dimensions: I engage God through their eyes. I just want these guys to be heard. I just want to be there for (Hosier).

Failure is not an option.

With that comes immense pressure. How do two people who see life in fundamentally different ways reach each other? How do you help someone find a sense of love they have not been able to cultivate in their life? How do you balance hope and impending reality? How do you prepare them to walk into the execution chamber where a lethal dose of pentobarbital will be injected into their veins?

For Hood, that means becoming someones best friend, fiercest advocate and pastoral expert. And then watching them die.

I love these guys knowing Im going to get my heart broken, he said.

Doesnt love very easy

There were no signs in Hosiers early life hinting that he would end up on death row. He was close to his father, an Indiana state trooper and his grandfather, who was a minister.

But his trajectory was irrevocably altered in April 1971 when his father was shot and killed in the line of duty. At the time, he was 16 and sent to military school where he was described as troubled and withdrawn.

Hosier went on to serve in the U.S. Navy and later as a firefighter in Jefferson City.

In 1986, he underwent a psychological evaluation after an altercation with his second wife. A doctor diagnosed Hosier with major depression with psychotic features and concluded that he had never recovered from the loss of his father. His wife filed for divorce and was awarded custody of their two children, according to the clemency petition his attorneys submitted to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.

He began dating Angela Gilpin, who he had met at a bar in 2007 in Jefferson City. She and her husband Rodney Gilpin had separated. Later, they ended up reconciling.

The couple was found dead on Sept. 28, 2009, in the hallway of her apartment building. Hosier was sentenced to death in Angela Gilpins murder and sent to Potosi Correctional Center, about 70 miles south of St. Louis.

David Hosier is seen inside the visitor center at the Potosi Correctional Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Potosi, Missouri.

Hosier was convicted on circumstantial evidence and maintains he is innocent. His advocates are not promoting his claims, but believe he should be spared from execution.

Like Hood, his opinion on the death penalty has also changed. If Hosier had been asked about the death penalty after his father was killed, he may have said it was appropriate. But now, he says he cant see by any justification, the death penalty as being anything but cruel and inhumane.

He will soon be moved to the nearby Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center, which houses the states execution chamber.

Hosier, according to Hood, did not want him to be in the chamber with him at the end. Their relationship began tentatively. Hood said Hosier is a skeptical, obstinate man.

He doesnt trust very easy so therefore he doesnt love very easy, Hood said.

Earlier in the process, Hood asked Hosier how he was going to love himself and experience love in the final months. He said he didnt know.

Hes done a lot for me

Over the past few months, the two have spoken for countless hours. The process has taken time, but sometimes they now talk three times a day. They have discussed everything from the Book of Jonah to their own families and capital punishment.

Their dynamic is simple  its based on love. But love can also be complex. Hood said Hosier has felt abandoned in life and that has hardened him in many ways. He doesnt know if Hosier could maintain a long-term relationship.

He has also harmed others, including assaults on two other ex-partners. At times, he seems unaware of the pain he has caused and sometimes lives in the world as he sees it, not in the reality that actually exists, according to Hood. In some moments, Hood feels like he is bouncing around an emotional roller coaster.

And there are some topics they dont broach, mostly related to politics. According to Hood, Hosier has called him his favorite radical.

In other moments, it is clear to Hood that God is found in moments where people find connection and that he has signed up to be the love they never experienced in their life.

The Rev. Jeff Hood became an anti-death penalty activist in 2009. He is serving as the spiritual adviser for David Hood, who is scheduled to be executed by the state of Missouri on June 11.

Hosier said they are united in their belief in God.

Ive grown up believing in Jesus Christ my whole life and God and I accepted him as my Lord and salvation. I put my faith and my trust in him, Hosier said. If he wills it that I die on the 11th, then thats what he wants. If I make it past that, then evidently he didnt want me to go on the 11th, but I have to believe in what he wants.

Hood said he reaches Hosier through scripture. John 3:16 says: 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.

Hood has also uncovered a softer side to Hosier.

Whats been meaningful, Hood said, is that Hosier has been able to talk about his life and his emotions. Initially, Hosier did not want to discuss his kids, who he is not in contact with. A couple weeks ago, Hosier said he missed them, according to Hood.

Thats real, Hood said.

Hood has also shared parts of his life with Hosier. Sometimes when they talk, Hood is on speakerphone and one of his five children chimes in to tell Hosier about their school day.

When Hosier was hospitalized for a few days in May, he didnt have access to a phone. He missed having that spiritual connection, he said.

My relationship through Rev. Hood has been through the Bible and his adamant beliefs in anti-death penalty, Hosier said. There are things that he and I would probably not agree upon in other facets of his life and my life, but as far as a spiritual leader and as far as being an advocate for persons in my position, sitting on death row, I believe he does a very good job. Hes trying very hard to help both spiritually and any other way he can.

Hes done a lot for me.

In more recent days, Hood thinks Hosier has realized that June 11 is approaching.

Hood wonders what it will be like that day, what he will say to Hosier. He said Hosier now wants him in the chamber with him in his final moments.

I think Im going to be able to tell him youre finally free.

Hosiers attorneys submitted a clemency petition to Parsons office last week. If the governor does not intervene, Hosiers death warrant goes into effect at 6 p.m. next Tuesday. Parson has not granted clemency to any of the 10 prisoners facing execution since he took office in 2018.
The Missouri Supreme Court building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday turned back an effort by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas to push an election on Kansas City police funding to November.

The court on April 30 overturned the results of a 2022 election on the issue, agreeing with Lucas that the fiscal note summary printed on the ballot was misleading. In that ruling, the court revised the fiscal summary and ordered the new election in November on the measure proposed by lawmakers.

On May 28, however, Gov. Mike Parson directed that the vote be held in August.

That set off a flurry of weekend filings by attorneys for Lucas and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Starting Friday and concluding on Sunday, attorneys for Lucas asked the court to hold Ashcroft in contempt for accepting Parsons directive and reset the election for November.

The secretarys action is especially perverse in light of the fact that this court has not yet ruled on (Lucass) motion to modify, which requested an adjustment to the courts proposed fiscal note summary, a May 31 filing signed by five attorneys representing Lucas stated.

In response, attorneys for Ashcroft responded that he had no choice except to follow Parsons order because the governor can call special elections on measures sent to voters by lawmakers.

Despite attempts by (Lucas) to claim otherwise, the Secretary of State acted appropriately and pursuant to the governors lawful order, wrote Todd Scott of the attorney generals office. At worst, the secretary was placed in the unenviable position of performing his official duties in the face of potentially conflicting directives from the Supreme Court and the governor.

The court instead changed the election date in the opinion to agree with Parsons order and dismissed the motion to hold Ashcroft in contempt as moot.

The April 30 decision wasnt final when Parson set the election date, a footnote added to the opinion states.

At the time of the governors and secretarys actions,however, this court had not ordered a special election for November 5 (or any other date) because no mandate had issued and the April 30 opinion was not final, the footnote states. Accordingly, Lucas May 31 motion is denied as premature.

And because the decision wasnt final, the footnote states, the court doesnt have to weigh the question of whether Parson had the power to alter an election date set by the courts. The court modified the order to conform with Parsons election date on its own motion, the footnote states.

As a matter of comity and to accommodate the governors apparent desire to have the question decided on that date, one of those modifications is to change the date of the special election now called by this court from Nov. 5 to Aug. 6, 2024, the footnote states.

The courts decision Tuesday ends litigation over when Missourians will vote and what they will see in the ballot language. The judges granted one minor point to Lucas in the changes made to the April 30 opinion  a footnote was added that the decision should not be taken as expressing any opinion as to the enforceability of a law setting funding levels for Kansas City police.

In a statement issued after the decision, Lucas said he appreciated the ruling in his favor on the original fiscal note summary and accepts the modifications to the April 30 opinion.

Unlike others, we understand and respect the rule of law in our country, the statement read. We continue to appreciate the courts ruling in favor of Mayor Lucas, local control for the people of Kansas City, and fair elections. We also respect the courts rewording issued today, which now makes the Secretarys prior unlawful action all good.

The ballot measure, which will be Amendment 4, grew out of a conservative reaction to the defund the police rhetoric from Black Lives Matter protests after the 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. It would allow state lawmakers to pass a law mandating that Kansas City spend at least 25% of its general revenue budget on its police department.

When voters saw it in 2022, the fiscal note summary stated that the measure imposed no new costs and created no savings for state or local governments. That summary ignored Kansas Citys estimates that it could be required to increase police funding by up to $38.7 million, Lucas argued successfully to the courts in the case to overturn the election.

When voters see it in August, the fiscal note summary will now incorporate that estimate: This would authorize a law passed in 2022 increasing required funding by the City of Kansas City for police department requests from 20% of general revenue to 25%, an increase of $38,743,646, though the city previously provided that level of funding voluntarily. No other state or local government entities estimates costs or savings.

The proposal applies only to Kansas City because its police department is funded from city taxes but controlled by the state under a board appointed by the governor. All other police departments are under the control of local officials.

The post Missouri Supreme Court backs August election on Kansas City police funding appeared first on Missouri Independent.
The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday sided with Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, finding that a measure forcing Kansas City to spend more on police can appear on the August ballot.

The states highest court released an amended ruling that officially puts the ballot measure on the Aug. 6 ballot. The court had ordered in April that the question would appear on the Nov. 5 ballot but Republican Gov. Mike Parson used his gubernatorial powers and rejected that date last week.

As a matter of comity and to accommodate the governors apparent desire to have the question decided on that date, one of those modifications is to change the date of the special election, the court said in a footnote attached to the amended opinion.

The decision, however, did not wade into the question of whether a Missouri governor has the power to move an election date ordered by the state Supreme Court. It said it leaves that question for another day.

Tuesdays ruling rejects a motion from Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who sought to have Ashcroft held in contempt of court for moving forward with the Aug. 6 election date in violation of the April state Supreme Court opinion.

The footnote said that when Parson ordered the election for August, the court had not yet finalized the election for November. Lucas challenge was therefore premature, the court found.

Jazzlyn Johnson, a spokesperson for Lucas, said in a statement that the mayors office would respect the ruling.

Unlike others, we understand and respect the rule of law in our country, Johnson said. We continue to appreciate the courts ruling in favor of Mayor Lucas, local control for the people of Kansas City, and fair elections. We also respect the courts rewording issued today, which now makes the Secretarys prior unlawful action all good.

Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who defended Ashcroft in the case, took to social media soon after the ruling to tout his huge win at the Missouri Supreme Court.

The amended ruling came after the court on April 20 tossed the results of a 2022 vote in which Missourians overwhelmingly approved the measure, called Amendment 4. It found that the fiscal note summary of the measure, which voters saw at the ballot box, was misleading.

The court ordered a do-over election and Tuesdays amended ruling means that the election will officially be held in August.

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 criticism from Kansas City officials who argue voters across the state shouldnt decide how a municipality makes public safety decisions.

Kansas City, however, has often funded its police department at or above the 25% threshold.

The ballot measure 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 state Supreme Court on Tuesday also overruled a motion from Lucas that sought to amend the fiscal note summary on the proposed ballot measure. He had argued that the language of the measure implied that it would allow SB 678, a state law passed by Missouri lawmakers forcing Kansas City to spend more on police, to retroactively take effect.

While rejecting the motion, the court added the following footnote to its Tuesday ruling:

Nothing in this opinion, including the new fiscal note summary specified herein, shall be taken as expressing any opinion as to the enforceability of SB 678, either in the event the voters approve Amendment No. 4 in the August 2024 election or in the event the voters reject it.
A group of Missouri tradeswomen took Republican Sen. Josh Hawley to task over his support for Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker who stoked uproar when he said American women should embrace traditional homemaking roles rather than fall for diabolical lies advanced by feminists and progressives.

When Harrison Butker told a group of young college graduates that working women like us have fallen for diabolical lies by providing for our families, Senator Josh Hawley had a chance to stand up for us and for our freedom, the women said in an open letter obtained by The Daily Beast.

Instead, Hawley showed us his true colors by defending that message.

The open letter was signed by 55 Missouri women, union members including carpenters, auto workers, and ironworkers.

In his speech at Benedictine College in Kansas last month, Butker told students: I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you.

Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say that her life truly started when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.

Butker also said his wife embraced one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.

Like Butker, Hawley is a stringent social conservative. The senators own wife, Erin Hawley, is a prominent anti-abortion lawyer.

Amid heated controversy over Butkers remarks, Hawley told Spectrum News: Im not going to go in for all of this lefty garbage and I just thought that his calls for folks to stand up and be bold was great.

Hawley has also spoken of his friendship with Butker, who since his Benedictine College speech has complained of a shocking level of hate sent his way.

In their open letter, the Missouri tradeswomen conceded that Butker has a right to say and believe what he wants. But turning to the kickers friend and ally, they said: The problem for us is thisJosh Hawley has taken this obsession with controlling how women live to elected office.

Hawley voted against the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Hes attacked no-fault divorce laws. He cut overtime pay for more than 200,000 Missouri workers, including women who provide their families only source of income. And hes led the charge to take away the freedom to choose how we build our families and what we do with our bodies.

Hawley, the women said, thinks it takes courage for a pair of millionaires to tell young women that most of them should be homemakers instead of choosing to follow their own dreamsand that somehow the condemnation of that message makes that pair the victims.

Thats not surprising, since he also thinks its courageous for a millionaire politician to say things like home is a promise given to a husband, made possible only by a wife and that its the mans job is to provide for his family in a book titled Manhood.

Subtitled The Masculine Virtues America Needs, Hawleys third book was published in the U.S. last year. Among mainstream critics, it was not received kindly. Some, like Hawleys political opponents, cited the absence of any discussion of perhaps the senators most famous act as a man on the national stage: being filmed running from Jan. 6 rioters he had encouraged.

Hawley did not respond to a request for comment.

The Missouri tradeswomen said: When Josh Hawley calls himself pro-worker, he doesnt mean usworking women. He thinks its his job to tell us how to live. It isnt. His job is to protect our freedom and invest in our communities so we can raise our families as we see fit.

So our advice to Josh is this: You start doing your job. Well keep doing ours.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Narendra Modi salutes the crowds as he arrives at BJP headquarters in New Delhi - Adnan Abidi/REUTERS

Narendra Modis party was set to lose its majority for the first time after falling well short of an expected election landslide, hampering ambitious plans to change the Indian constitution and cement his grip on power.

Mr Modis BJP party is projected to win the election in the worlds largest democracy, early results showed, but lose dozens of seats in parliament. He will now have to rely on alliances with smaller parties to secure an overall majority.

Stocks slumped on speculation that the reduced majority would hamper Mr Modis ability to push through reforms.

Shares in the main listed unit of Adani Enterprises  owned by key Modi ally Gautam Adani  dropped by almost 10 billion, before recovering.

Despite the results, Mr Modi said India has placed its faith in the ruling coalition for a third consecutive time.

BJP supporters rejoice in New Delhi - MONEY SHARMA/AFP

We will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people, he added.

Mr Modi has been credited with transforming India in his image as the country has become the largest by population and is projected to be the third-largest economy in the world. Critics say he has used Hindu nationalism to charge his populism.

His BJP was predicted to win a landslide super majority that would have enabled Mr Modi to change the constitution to move India away from a secular state.

Although the broader alliance that the BJP is part of has surpassed the majority threshold of 272 seats, the BJPs own seat count has dropped to around 238, way short of its 303 seats in 2019. This has made the party dependent on the alliance partners to form the government.

BJP supporters celebrate, despite the party's seat numbers having dropped since 2019 - MONEY SHARMA/AFP

This prospect is alien to a party that has enjoyed a virtual carte blanche over governance of the country for the past decade. It ushered in far-reaching constitutional and legal changes, reorienting the country away from its secular roots and towards Hindu nationalist agenda.

It did away with the semi-autonomous position of Jammu and Kashmir, the countrys only Muslim majority state, it passed the Citizenship Amendment Act that made religion a basis for acquiring Indian citizenship and it built a temple dedicated to Ram, Hinduisms principal deity.

However, early election results suggest the sweeping changes have come at a cost.

Prime Minister Modi and his party struggling to cross the simple majority of 272 is a sign of fatigue with the Hindu nationalist, communal rhetoric and is also a verdict on the economy, said Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst for International Crisis Group.

This is likely to make the BJP allies more demanding and the opposition much stronger, probably leading to changes in policy.

The opposition Congress Party, the party of the Gandhi dynasty, was set to gain seats in another remarkable turnaround from the weekend when exit polls predicted a dismal performance.

Moral and political loss

It called the strong showing a moral and political loss for Mr Modi even though he is expected to be re-elected. Rahul Gandhi, the partys campaign leader, said voters had punished Mr Modi.

Mr Modi himself was run close in his own seat, with a predicted majority of about 1,500 votes, significantly down on the last election.

Meanwhile, the BJP was forced to concede in a constituency where the inauguration of a grand Hindu temple just months ago by Mr Modi was seen as an event that would cement his legacy and the partys poll victory.

The BJP looked set for heavy losses in the bellwether northern state of Uttar Pradesh, as the opposition Samajwadi Party and Congress raced ahead in more than half its 80 seats, including in Ayodhya city in the Faizabad constituency, where Mr Modi inaugurated the temple in January.

And in Punjab Mr Modis party suffered another humiliating blow, with Amritpal Singh, the jailed separatist Sikh leader, winning a seat from prison.

Similarly, the party didnt win along the expected lines in West Bengal, with 42 seats, and Maharashtra, with 48 seats.

PM Modi will be sworn in for the third time. Congress will sit in opposition for the third time, said Jaiveer Shergill, the BJP spokesman, in defiance at the string of unexpectedly poor results.

Introspection about the slide and the decrease in the seats will be done threadbare. We will put our ear to the ground, he said.

Observers at the BJP victory party noted that the atmosphere was considerably muted. A party member was deployed to enthuse the crowds to applaud their leader, Bloomberg reported, a marked departure from the 2019 election, when the margin of victory triggered instant celebration.

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Mom of man killed by Pineville officer says he struggled with mental illness

The family of a man killed in a police shooting last month says he should still be here.

Cleopatra Bodden said her son Dennis Bodden was her only son and that she raised him by herself.

She said on Monday the Pineville Police Departments information that he was killed after allegedly shoplifting is not how he should be remembered. She said he should be remembered as the special person he was.

They did not see Dennis as a human being, but as someone that could be discarded, she said Monday.

Police: Accused shoplifter tried to grab sergeants gun before officer shot him

Pineville police said Cleopatra Boddens son was shoplifting on May 14 before he was shot and killed by an officer. The officer shot him after he allegedly reached for that officers gun, police said. They said Bodden had also been shocked with a Taser before he was shot.

His mother said Bodden had bipolar disorder as well as schizophrenia. She believes a mental health team should have responded instead of police.

Im here to fight for my sons honor, Cleopatra said. Thanks to everyone on my sons behalf. Dennis family loves him and he did not deserve to be assassinated by Pineville police officers.

In a statement, Pineville police said they do not have a mental health unit. They said the responding officers are both certified in different de-escalation techniques.

Pineville police also said they were not aware of Dennis Boddens mental health condition.

Bodden said her sons mental illness escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said he had a law degree, which he used to defend people struggling with mental illnesses before his own worsened.

She also claimed officers in the area knew him and should have handled the situation differently. His aunt agreed.

I want the people of North Carolina and the world to know, Dennis was a wonderful individual, Julia Bodden said Monday. He didnt deserve what happened.

Julia Bodden said Pinevilles police chief did call the family to apologize.

The Bodden family and the NAACPs Charlotte-Mecklenburg chapter want all footage of the shooting to be released. Theyre also calling for a new third-party investigation.

The Pineville Police Department shared the following statement in response to the Bodden familys allegations Monday:

On Monday 06/03/2024, Pineville Police watched the press conference from the Bodden family and we would like to respectfully respond to the following questions our police department has received.

The Pineville Police Department was NOT aware of any mental health concerns regarding Mr. Dennis Bodden. He did not live in the Pineville Police Departments jurisdiction. We only had one documented contact with Mr. Dennis Bodden on 04/03/2024 which he was banned from this Food Lion. Mr. Dennis Bodden had already left the scene on previous 911 calls for service at this Food Lion. The officers involved were NOT aware of Mr. Dennis Boddens history of mental illness. The Pineville Police Department does not have a mental health unit. The officer involved and his back-up officer are both Critical Incident Team (C.I.T.) certified through Mecklenburg County and internally trained under Integrating Communications Assessments and Tactics (ICAT). ICAT is a de-escalation model created by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). The estimated value of the groceries stolen from Food Lion on 05/14/2024 was $83.95. This includes numerous bottles of wine and produce items. Mr. Bodden had two outstanding warrants for felony breaking and entering and felony larceny after breaking and entering, all of which took place at this same Food Lion. The Pineville police chief did reach out to the Bodden family and spoke on the phone with them. This phone call was out of compassion and empathy for the Bodden family. We as police officers all have a high level of human decency and wish to treat everyone with dignity and respect. This includes family members we have never met before. Both the officer involved and the back-up officer are on paid administrative leave pending the joint parallel (criminal & internal) investigations. CMPD is investigating the criminal investigation regarding this incident as the third party. Pineville Police would always have a third party independent criminal investigation unit come in under situations such as an officer-involved shooting whether it be CMPD or the NCSBI. The decision to use CMPD as the investigating body was decided between Pineville Police and the Mecklenburg County District Attorneys Office.

(WATCH BELOW: Town of Pineville relocates substation plans to new property)
Mom Starts GoFundMe for Ohio Preschool Teachers Who All Resigned at Once: 'Least I Could Do'

"They give so selflessly to teach and care for our children and have asked for nothing in return," organizer Mary Kelch tells PEOPLE

getty stock image of preschool

An Ohio community member is rallying behind a group of former teachers after they all resigned from their jobs.

Mary Kelch, a parent whose children attended the preschool, has created a GoFundMe account for the most selfless group of teachers who gave everything to St. Peters United Church of Christ in Amherst. The educators recently made headlines for all resigning at once following concerns about church leadership.

In recent national news, this entire staff of teachers made the difficult decision to resign from their positions together due to the lack of transparency from St. Peters Church council with the preschool funds, she wrote in a message on the fundraising page.

Kelch claimed the teachers would ask the church for clear budgets and account balances including money from tuition payments, fundraiser, and donation money for the preschool and could never be provided with such."

The Ohio mother added that the womens livelihoods have been affected by the sudden change, as well as their end of the year bonuses they were counting on.

gofundme Ohio preschool staff

They have personally had such a positive and lasting impact on my children and family," Kelch tells PEOPLE of why she started the fundraiser. "They give so selflessly to teach and care for our children and have asked for nothing in return. The least I could do was to try and help raise the money for their end of the year bonuses."



The take away for me was that while it was not easy, they stood up for what was right, she adds. I prayed this fundraiser would have the same reach as the initial news article because they are truly so deserving of this.

getty generic preschool photograph

Related: Billionaire Resigns from Mormon Church, Gives $600K to LGBTQ Org: 'Leadership Is Not Honest'

Kelch is asking for $20,000 in donations, writing on GoFundMe that although the now-former staff has been saddened and overwhelmed by their decision to resign, that morally they have stood together for what is right.

I am asking for all of us to rally together - lets get these teachers their bonuses that they likely will not receive and show them our support for the dedication they have shown to our community and families for the last two decades! Kelch added.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In an article published by ABC affiliate News 5 Cleveland, Wendy Kosakowski, former director of the preschool, said, "We held our heads up high, and we just left with our integrity and our morals.

She also noted that the staff did "appreciate everything" they got from working at the school for a combined 50 years."

PEOPLE reached out to St. Peters United Church of Christ in Amherst for comment, but did not immediately hear back.



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Read the original article on People.
More than 90% of cultural heritage was rescued from Danish stock exchange fire, government says

A painting saved from Boersen during the fire is shown at the National Museum's warehouse in Vinge, Denmark, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. The painting has water damage from the salt water used for fire fighting and handling damage from the rescue. Boersen in Copenhagen caught fire on April 16, 2024. More than 300 art objects were saved from the burning building. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

VINGE, Denmark (AP)  As fire tore through downtown Copenhagens Old Stock Exchange in mid-April, many people in the Danish capital rushed toward the flames and emerged carrying paintings, sculptures, and other important items from Denmarks cultural heritage.

Seven weeks on and with about half the 17th-century building destroyed  including its iconic dragon-tail spire  Denmark's Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said that more than 90% of the building's cultural objects had been rescued from the fire.

People from the fire brigade, employees, and volunteers just coming out of the streets were helping to save the artworks, Engel-Schmidt told The Associated Press in an interview. More than 350 artifacts and paintings were saved from the fire."

Engel-Schmidt said some items couldnt be saved, including a sculpture too heavy for rescuers to lift, and artworks painted directly on the buildings walls. The sculpture was a copy of work by Danish neo-classicist artist Bertel Thovaldsen of King Christian IV who died in 1648. The monarch is credited for having had the Old Stock Exchange built.

The saved objects are now stored in a modern, air-conditioned National Museum warehouse in Vinge near Frederikssund, about 35 kilometers (22 miles), northwest of Copenhagen. The facility is surrounded by fences, moats, and thick concrete walls.

Some of the 170 paintings are being restored right now, Engel-Schmidt said. Others are in a very good quality and will be on loan to different museums in the months to come so the public and the Danish people can enjoy them again.

As fire tore through the over-400-year-old building, even Brian Mikkelsen, the CEO of Denmarks Chamber of Commerce, which owns the building, ventured in to rescue artworks.

Thanks to a carefully created heritage plan that deemed the most important paintings and sculptures, Mikkelsen knew exactly what to prioritize: a huge painting titled From Copenhagen Stock Exchange by Danish artist P.S. Kryer.

Completed in 1895, it depicts around 50 men in top hats gathered in the stock exchanges Great Hall and measures 254 centimeters (100 inches) times 409 centimeters (161 inches), making it one of his largest canvases.

That one was number one, Mikkelsen said of the painting, which he called a national icon by one of the country's most famous painters. He said it "symbolizes the rise of Danish industry, society, welfare society and business society.

The cause of the April 16 fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to have started on the roof while it was wrapped in scaffolding because of continuing renovations. Two days later, a large section of the buildings outer wall collapsed inwards.

Mikkelsen has vowed repeatedly to rebuild the 1615 building, considered a leading example of Dutch Renaissance style in Denmark. Such a project could take five years or more. Mikkelsen said the financing was in order but did not say how much money had been raised.

While rescued, many paintings did not emerge from the fire unscathed, said Nina Wajnman, a paintings conservator with Denmark's National Museum. She said several suffered water damage from firefighters hoses.

There wasnt any real fire damage. There wasnt real heat damage or any soot damage in a very big extent, she said. Most of it was water damage, and the first paintings that were saved were not damaged at all.

Wajnman was among the many people who rushed to the stock exchange when she heard news of the fire, and spent the day assessing rescued paintings together with National Museum colleagues.

The fire in Copenhagen was reminiscent of an April 2019 blaze at Notre Dame in Paris. The 800-year-old cathedral also lost its spire. Its partial restoration is slated for completion this year.



Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen contributed to this report.
SINGAPORE, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Singapore has invited private sectors to build, own, and operate two new hydrogen-ready Combined Cycle Gas Turbine generating units, according to the Energy Market Authority (EMA) Tuesday.

The EMA required each generating unit to be at least 600 megawatts in generation capacity and the two power plants to be ready by 2029 and 2030.

Singapore's power system peak demand is expected to grow by at least 3.7 percent over the next six years, reaching between 10.1 gigawatts (GW) and 11.8 GW by 2030, said the EMA.

The new generating units can use hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions. EMA Chief Executive Ngiam Shih Chun said Singapore welcomed industry participation to shape a greener and more resilient energy future. 
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty complained publicly again Tuesday that DFL Gov. Tim Walz treats her differently than her male predecessor because she's a queer woman, a claim swiftly rebutted by the governor and his allies.

Moriarty initially made the comment to a Star Tribune reporter on Sunday as she revealed that she would drop the murder and manslaughter charges against State Trooper Ryan Londregan in the shooting of Ricky Cobb II last summer during a traffic stop.

The top prosecutor in the state's most populous county talked at length about her critics, including the governor, delegitimizing the system.

She said the criticism was personal as well. "I never saw this happen to my predecessor," she said in the interview. "Why is the governor treating me this way? Why is the governor questioning me is something I've asked myself and others quite a few times."

When asked why she believes that to be the case, Moriarty said, "I think it's because I'm a queer woman in this role. I think it's because he looks at the political winds and which way they're blowing and I think that's what he reacts to, which is horrible."

At a news conference Monday morning, Walz was asked to respond directly to that comment, which he was hearing for the first time. "Well, that's false," he said. "Next question."

U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, a DFLer who was the first openly gay person elected to Congress from Minnesota, called Moriarty's claim ridiculous. "Tim was a steadfast champion for the LGBTQ+ community well before many politicians would take the risk," she said on X, formerly Twitter.

Kat Rohn, executive director of OutFront Minnesota, which advocates for the LGBTQ community, said she was surprised to see Moriarty's claims about Walz.

Rohn, a transgender woman and member of the queer community, described Walz as a "huge champion" of the LGBTQ+ community, both through his public expressions and "enthusiastic support" for legislation, such as making Minnesota a transgender refuge state. He has attended meetings with the community himself, not delegating the task to staff. "That would indicate to me this is a real deep commitment," Rohn said.

Moriarty was elected in November 2022 after serving as the chief Hennepin County public defender. She came into the prosecutor's office on a platform of progressive criminal justice reform in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

She continued to criticize Walz later Monday in a staff meeting about her decision to drop the Londregan case and again Tuesday in a WCCO Radio interview.

At a private meeting with prosecutors and support staff in her office, one employee asked Moriarty about her Walz comment. The employee said he was disappointed in the governor and that friends had asked about the comment and wanted to know if there was more behind it.

"I didn't say it out of frustration," Moriarty said. She said Walz has treated her "with disrespect in the press." She claimed that Walz treated long-time Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, also a DFLer, differently.

"Is the governor ever going to come out and say, 'I'm homophobic?' No," Moriarty said in the meeting attended remotely by a Star Tribune reporter. "But none of this ever happened with Freeman."

Moriarty said she'd been in only one meeting with Walz over the murder of Zaria McKeever, which the governor then reassigned to Attorney General Keith Ellison.

The prosecutor made additional criticism of Walz on the radio Tuesday as reporter Tom Hauser pressed her on whether she thought her gender and sexual orientation had something to do with the governor's plan to take the Londregan case away from her office.

Moriarty said Walz has been a "constant critic" of her in public since her second month in office. She said she knows Walz disagreed privately with Freeman.

"What I know is I have been the subject of repeated attacks and criticisms by a governor of my own party throughout my tenure without the governor ever having spoken to me."

Sen. Matt Klein, DFL-Mendota Heights, called Moriarty's attack on Walz "lazy and misdirected." The governor "has been a nation-leading trailblazer in making Minnesota a safe and supported home for the LGBTQ+ community," Klein wrote.

Third Congressional District U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, a DFLer, called it a "shameful and unprofessional attack" by Moriarty. Phillips also called Walz "a champion for the LGBTQ+ community."

Former DFL state Rep. Ryan Winkler, who briefly ran for Hennepin County attorney, was sharper on X. "Just like in the last job @MaryMoriarty got fired from, she has destroyed all trust and confidence in her leadership," he said. "She is not a [credible] leader of a public institution."

He called on her to resign instead of "dragging down the Hennepin County Attorney's office."

He referred to October 2020 when the Minnesota Board of Public Defense declined to renew Moriarty's contract, citing her inability to work with others. At that time, Moriarty accused State Chief Public Defender Bill Ward of sexism and racism.

Ward had opposed her reappointment to another four-year term because of an inability to work with others and rebuild relationships.

The concern, Ward said then, was her "inability" to work collaboratively with other "stakeholders" and the state office. Moriarty refused to follow directives or take responsibility for her actions, he said.

In June 2021, Moriarty reached an out-of-court settlement of $300,000 with the state office over her dismissal. As part of the agreement, she agreed to retire from the public defender's office and never again seek to work with Minnesota's public defense board.

Star Tribune staff writer Andy Mannix contributed to this story.
At 4:37 p.m. on Thursday, New York Justice Juan Merchan announced to his Manhattan courtroom that the jury had reached a verdict. Twelve jurors had found former President Donald J. Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with paying hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Half an hour later, a Wikipedia editor revised the first sentence of Trumps Wikipedia article so that it described the former president as an American politician, media personality, businessman, and convicted felon.

At press time for this article, the words convicted felon do not appear in the opening sentence of Trumps Wikipedia page. Instead, the guilty verdict appears farther down, in the sixth paragraph of the articles lead section and in a separate subsection about the Stormy Daniels case. But beneath the surface layer of Trumps Wikipedia entry there is an ongoing and spirited debate among editors about those two specific words. As it turns out, its not always clear how to apply Wikipedias traditional rules to as polarizing a figure as Trump.

To set the scene, Trumps Wikipedia article is a constantly evolving product of crowdsourcing, with more than 6,800 users contributing to date. However, unlike most articles on the site, its not a page that any user can editat least not initially. Thats because the article is subject to extended confirmed protection, which means only editors who have been registered on Wikipedia for more than 30 days and have made more than 500 edits can change the content. In theory, the 30/500 rule serves as a safeguard since new users are more likely than experienced accounts to try vandalizing the page.

The Wikipedia editor who added convicted felon to the intro sentenceuser ImYourTurboLoverwas able to make the change because they have been registered and active on Wikipedia since 2017. But that change was reverted 38 minutes later by another experienced user, Sirdog, who said the words should not be added until the conclusion of a new Request for Comment, or RfC, Wikipedias protocol for asking the editing community for input on an issue.

Every Wikipedia entry has an associated talk pagea non-article space where editors discuss questions about article content. A lot of times these Wikipedia talk pages are relatively sleepy, but its fair to say Trumps talk page is extremely active, with over 82,000 interactions to date. (For reference, Bidens talk page has about 13,000.)

Once an RfC is proposed on a talk page, Wikipedia editors make statements opposing or supporting the proposalin this case, whether the first sentence of the article should be rewritten in some form to include the phrase convicted felon. By my count, more than 200 Wikipedians have weighed in on the question, and at press time, the editors are still debating the issue. But how will they finally decide? Thats hard to tell, partly because wiki lawyersand there are several participating in the discussioncan probably argue the issue either way by grounding their stance in core Wikipedia concepts of neutrality and notability.

On the one hand, a fundamental principle of Wikipedia is that all articles must be written from a neutral point of view. While neutrality doesnt mean avoiding negative facts, it does mean that articles should represent notable information about a subject in proportion to the prominence of that information within the sources. Out of the vast media coverage Trump has garnered over the years, only a small, recent subset of sources refer to him as a felon. Thus, leading with this label would give it an undue weight thats not reflected by the majority of sources. Furthermore, focusing on this aspect could be seen as an instance of recency bias that misrepresents Trumps general notability. As the Wikipedian Nythar phrased it in the RfC, He isnt notable because hes a felon; he is notable because hes Donald Trump.

Then again, it certainly seems notableas in historicalthat Trump is the first U.S. president to be convicted of a felony. Isnt one of the primary purposes of a general encyclopedia to quickly summarize key historical info for the reader? The conviction is one of the main, if not THE most notable thing about him, said the Wikipedia user Oathed. Hes the only former president with this  achievement.

Trump himself is unprecedented, but that hasnt stopped Wikipedians from using precedent to argue about the writing of his Wikipedia page. Take former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevichhis article bluntly states that he was convicted and incarcerated for public corruption, but that fact isnt mentioned until the pages second sentence. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozys bribery scandal likewise appears in sentence two.

The placement of convicted felon on Trumps Wikipedia page matters because the free internet encyclopedia remains one of the largest sources of training data for artificial intelligence applications. That means the specific wiki text influences what information is spit out by Google search results and A.I.-generated descriptions. With the November election rapidly approaching, Wikipedias decision could affect the digital prominence of the phrase.

Given Wikipedias key role in the information ecosystem, its no surprise that wealthy people sometimes pay hired gun consultants to try to influence the content that appears on their Wikipedia articlesa premise that I explore, in fictional form, in my forthcoming novel, The Editors.

However, a review of the lengthy discussion on Trumps talk page reveals no clear evidence of paid agents from either political party trying to influence the outcome. Interestingly, the editors who are against including convicted felon in the first sentence do not appear to be avid Trump supporters. Rather, their main concern seems to be maintaining Wikipedias reputation as a reliable source of information for people across the political spectrum.

Bear in mind that right-wing conservatives have taken to regularly blasting Wikipedia on Fox News and other outlets. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has decided to take on the mantle of the sites most outspoken troll. The far-right is already convinced Wikipedia has a liberal bias, said the editor Gottagotospace. We shouldnt give them more fuel for that argument without good reason.

Ultimately, Wikipedia editors must consider how their decision will be interpreted by outsiders who may not appreciate the rigor of the debate behind the scenes.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 43-year-old man was killed late Friday night, May 31, when he was speeding in and out of traffic along Interstate 10 on his motorcycle and lost control, El Paso Police said.

Police say 43-year-old Ramon Espinoza Torres, of Anthony, Texas, was killed in a crash just before midnight on Friday at I-10 West at Copia.

Police said during their investigation, they learned that Torres was traveling at a high rate of speed and was swerving in and out of traffic.

When traffic slowed down, Torres tried to avoid rear-rending a semi-truck and lost control of his motorcycle, police said.

Torres and the motorcycle slid across the highway and hit a guardrail, police said.

Another vehicle could not avoid the motorcycle when it slid into their lane. Police say the driver and passenger were not injured.

Torres died at the scene, police said.

Torres speeding on his motorcycle was the contributing factor leading up to the crash, police said.

This is the 29th traffic fatality this year compared to 30 at the same time last year.

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Nicolle Baird, a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fellow, works on a real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis to better understand mpox at a laboratory in Ghana in 2022. U.S. public health officials are encouraging those at risk of mpox infection to get vaccinated as cases rise in several states compared with last year. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The number of U.S. mpox cases has more than doubled compared with last year, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been urging clinicians across states to encourage vaccinations for those at risk.

As of May 25, the nation had seen a roughly 150% increase in cases of the disease formerly known as monkeypox  from 434 at that time last year to 1,089 this year, according to the CDC. About a third of the cases are in New York state, New York City (which the CDC reports separately), New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Either their immunity is waning, or folks didn't get complete vaccination.

 Dr. Richard Silvera, assistant professor of infectious diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Anyone can contract mpox, a viral disease that can cause a rash, pain severe enough to require hospitalization and  in rare cases, primarily in patients with other complications  death. But during 2022s U.S. outbreak, the contagious infection mainly affected men in gay and bisexual communities. While its not a sexually transmitted infection, mpox can be passed through skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets or contact with bodily fluids.

June is Pride Month, and public health experts are concerned about a potentially higher caseload this summer as people gather for large celebrations. Experts are encouraging vaccination outreach, especially to Black and Hispanic LGBTQ+ people, who are less likely to be vaccinated and more likely to face barriers to getting care.

Those who are at highest risk for mpox, including men who have sex with men and people with advanced HIV, should receive two doses, four weeks apart, of the trademarked Jynneos vaccine to prevent infection.

The CDC has warned that low vaccination rates among those groups with the highest risk of mpox exposure could lead to a resurgence of the disease.

Prevention Resource Network workers staff an STI mobile health unit in New Jersey. The network has been providing mpox awareness and vaccines as mpox cases rise across several states this year and public health officials urge vaccinations. Courtesy of Ethan Anderson, Prevention Resource Network

Dr. Richard Silvera, an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, said the current mpox rates are far lower than they were in 2022, when there were more than 3,800 cases citywide, but that the numbers are growing rapidly.

I am very concerned that there will be increased rates over the summer, particularly as we hit Pride Month, Silvera said.

New York City has seen more than 200 cases this year  up from 46 at this time last year. Its unclear what is causing the surge, but Silvera and other experts say one factor could be that some patients may not have received their second doses.

Either their immunity is waning, or folks didnt get complete vaccination, he said. And so now theres been time for that virus to exploit those gaps in protection.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released an advisory in early May, noting that of the 256 diagnoses between October 2023 and April 15, 73% were among unvaccinated people or people who had received only one dose.

Theres a large overlap between people who belong to BIPOC communities, living with HIV, identifying as LGBTQ+, said Preeti Pathela, executive director of the STI program at the agency.

Our hope is that, through this kind of regular outreach which we have intensified in the last couple of months, knowing that coming into the summer is going to be a critical time to really double down, were just hoping that the messaging and the services get out to the communities that need it.

Racist language associated with the former name of mpox helped spur the World Health Organization to rename it in 2022. Public health experts also were concerned that the former name might be discouraging people from being tested and vaccinated by contributing to the stigma surrounding the disease.

In reports last month, the CDC warned of a heightened global threat of a deadlier strain of mpox that is devastating the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus is endemic. That strain hasnt been detected in the United States, but the agency and clinicians are on alert for possible cases in travelers from the country.

Infectious disease physician Dr. Anu Hazra said he and others in the field are closely watching that strain.

The only way that we can truly think about eradicating mpox is bringing vaccines to everywhere in the world thats impacted by the illness, said Hazra, who sees patients at Howard Brown Health, which runs several clinics in the Chicago area focused on LGBTQ+ care.

HIV patients are at higher risk of contracting mpox, and are disproportionately Black and Hispanic. Racism, homophobia and barriers to care such as poverty and a lack of transportation complicate prevention and treatment efforts.

When we think about, sort of, any communicable disease, we know that it tracks along racial and economic fault lines. Weve seen that with HIV, weve seen that with COVID, we see that with certain STIs  we have certainly seen it with mpox, Hazra said.

Silvera, of the Icahn School of Medicine, said clinicians and state health agencies also should consider the historic distrust of medicine among Black and Hispanic communities.

It takes a lot of time. Were undoing decades and centuries of work, he said. Its a tough job. And so, we can do that person to person, but its also going to require larger efforts as well to undo these disparities.

Along with distrust and vaccine skepticism, fear of being outed as gay is a major barrier in some Black communities, said Ryan Payne, a prevention specialist at the Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina. The organization serves six counties in North Carolina.

That is a full-blown truth. Its very hard. Me and my co-workers are talking about that all the time, Payne said.

At the end of April, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services found that 30 of the 51 cases over the previous six months were among Black people. But only 27% of patients vaccinated in the state this year were Black.

In Pennsylvania, there have been 64 reported mpox cases compared with two at this time last year, according to the CDC. The states health department said it will emphasize the importance of vaccinations throughout 2024, using an awareness campaign that will focus on reaching the at-risk populations through social media and dating apps.

Cory Haag, a registered nurse at the Central Outreach Wellness Center in Pittsburgh, said the best way to stem the spread is by addressing barriers, educating patients and quelling fears within the LGBTQ+ community the center serves.

Many patients travel for up to two hours to receive care at the center. It provides bus passes to patients so they can more easily return for a second vaccine dose.

Were just happy to be that safe space to catch them, Haag said.

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Milwaukee Superintendent Keith Posley announced his resignation early Tuesday morning after the school board met for over five hours in a closed session meeting about his employment.

The move comes days after state and federal officials raised alarms about operations at MPS that jeopardize funding to the district.

Board members voted unanimously to accept Posley's resignation agreement, which was not immediately made public. The resignation is effective June 30, according to a statement from the school board.

"It has truly been an honor to serve Milwaukee's children for almost 35 years," Posley, who has spent his career in the district, said at the meeting. "It has truly been an honor to service this community of staff, families, and I just want to get this opportunity to say thank you. And to the board, thank you for trusting in me to serve the Milwaukee Public Schools."

As the board searches for an interim superintendent, Southwest Regional Superintendent Eduardo Galvan will support and facilitate day-to-day operations, according to the school boards statement.

In an interview with the Journal Sentinel, MPS board member Henry Leonard said he had lost trust in Posley, who he said should have been more forthright with the board about the district's troubles.

We cant keep things the way they are now, and that includes leadership," Leonard said. "We need to make some significant changes. Its time to clean things up.

Board member Missy Zombor was absent but had attended the closed session meeting virtually before having trouble connecting to the virtual platform. She told the Journal Sentinel she supported the board's decision to accept Posley's resignation.

Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Keith Posley takes his seat ahead of a school board meeting Monday where board members discussed his future.

Residents called for Posley's termination

Dozens of community members filled the board meeting room Monday, with many demanding that Posley lose his job.

Maria Penager, a district parent, said she petitioned her neighbors, friends and sorority sisters to support the MPS referendum that passed in April to raise taxes for the district. She said she had lost faith in the district, blaming both Posley and board members for a lack of oversight.

We believed in you but we no longer believe in you," Penager said. "So what we will do is when election time comes, you will no longer have your job.

A few speakers said there would be a recall effort against some of the board members.

Milwaukee Public Schools teacher Angela Harris shares demands for the school board, including terminating the superintendent and conducting an equity audit.

Angela Harris, a teacher at Milwaukee Academy of Chinese Language and chair of the Black Educators Caucus, brought demands, including: removing Posley, reviewing the performance of Posley's administrative team, forming a community coalition to help find a new superintendent, adding community involvement to the superintendent's performance evaluations, ordering an equity audit of the district, and funding students with higher needs at higher levels.

"It is time for the board and district administration to rebuild the trust they have shattered," Harris said.

Some came to Posley's defense. George Jolly, pastor at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, said Posley is a member of his congregation. He said it seemed like people wanted to "do a hatchet job" on Posley. He said MPS had been "messed up" for decades because of decisions predating Posley.

I dont think we need to come out here specifically to pick on one man," Jolly said. "I stand with Keith Posley."

The Milwaukee Teachers Education Association, the union for MPS staff, didnt weigh in on whether Posley should be fired but urged MPS to complete its audit and asked board members Monday for clarity about the short-term leadership of MPS.

MTEA also called for swift passage of the districts budget to give staff confidence in the wage increases that administrators agreed to provide. Board members delayed voting on the budget last week after learning about the missing financial reports.

It also means that current hiring is hampered as prospective employees do not know what 2024-25 wages will be, MTEA President Ingrid Walker-Henry said in a statement to board members. The board and administration need to communicate effectively with families and workers going forward.

MPS failures jeopardize state, federal funding

Posley is taking heat after both state and federal officials have raised red flags about MPS operations.

On May 21, federal officials suspended funding to MPS Head Start sites, which are federally funded preschool programs. The district had failed to correct problems after some children were found unsupervised or abused by staff, federal officials said.

MPS was expecting to get about $10.5 million for Head Start programs in the next school year, according to the district's budget plan. The district could lose that funding if federal officials dont find that MPS has corrected problems in its programs.

On May 24, state officials threatened to suspend general funding to MPS schools because the district had failed to file key financial reports that were due last year  including an annual audit that has the potential to reveal more problems.

If the state Department of Public Instruction suspends funding to MPS, the district will be able to recoup the funds when it completes its reports, DPI officials have said. However, DPI has also found that MPS made errors in its reported costs for the 2022-23 school year, which a DPI spokesperson said could cause a "significant reduction" in state aid for the 2024-25 school year.

MPS has been late on its financial reports before

MPS turned its last financial reports late to the state, too. A DPI spokesperson said MPS turned in its 2021-22 reports in March and April last year, though they had been due in September and December of 2022.

Last year, MPS Chief Financial Officer Martha Kreitzman acknowledged it was a challenge to complete the previous audit because of key staff vacancies and turnover in the finance office.

In that audit  which was submitted to board members March 24, 2023  auditor Baker Tilly found that MPS had not prepared financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles or in line with state and federal funding schedules.

Kreitzman said in December that the district was solving the problem by hiring more staff, working with an employment agency and outside financial consultants from Protiviti. MPS hasnt answered a question from the Journal Sentinel about how many vacancies there are now in the finance office.

A spokesperson for Baker Tilly said the company doesnt comment on matters involving its clients.

State officials criticized for not raising red flags earlier

After MPS turned in its previous audit months late in March 2023, DPI started holding quarterly meetings with MPS beginning in April 2023, DPI officials said.

After MPS missed its reporting deadlines again in December, DPI started holding monthly meetings with MPS in February, moving to weekly meetings in March and daily meetings in May.

DPI Executive Director Sachin Chheda said while it's common for a few school districts to run late on their financial reports, MPS' delay stands out for being "especially late."

Milwaukee School Board members have said they weren't notified about late reports until May 24. Asked why DPI didn't notify school board members sooner, Bucher replied: "Because that would be an extraordinary step."

Asked when DPI would typically take that step, Bucher said there isn't a "typical point" or "standard process" for it, which he said is an "exceedingly rare circumstance."

When MPS was nearly seven months late on some its previous reports last year, DPI didn't threaten to withhold funding, Bucher said. He said this year, DPI chose to take that step because it was approaching its own July 1 deadline to estimate how much aid it will send to every Wisconsin school district  estimates that rely on the financial reports from all districts.

Daniel Bush, who was director of school finance at DPI from 2019 to 2022 and was on the team in preceding years, said in his time there, DPI threatened districts with withholding aid because of late reports once or twice. He said that step was taken much earlier than DPI did in this case.

"When I was at DPI, escalating for late reports and missing audits by going to the school board president and withholding aid happened in November or December," Bush said.

The Journal Sentinel has requested previous notification letters from DPI.

What happens next?

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.

In addition to searching for a superintendent, board members said they are working to ensure the district files the financial reports that are due to DPI. The district's Office of Accountability and Efficiency has hired a new financial consultant, Todd Gray, who will help accomplish that.

"Im looking forward to helping with this challenge," Gray said Monday. "I know nothing is ever insurmountable and my goal is to make sure we get this cleared up as soon as possible."

Contact Rory Linnane at rory.linnane@jrn.com. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @RoryLinnane.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MPS Superintendent Keith Posley resigns
Ms Rachel attends a Sesame Street benefit gala on May 29, 2024. She is now facing conservative criticism for her post to start Pride month. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Conservative activists have called for a boycott against the popular online children's entertainer Ms Rachel for posting a video in support of Pride Month.

"Happy Pride to all of our wonderful families and friends," said Rachel Accurso, who is known to her roughly 10m YouTube subscribers as Ms Rachel, in a brief TikTok video on Saturday.

"This month and every month I celebrate you. I'm so glad you're here. I'm so glad you're exactly who you are.

"To those who are going to comment they can't watch the show anymore because of this support: no worries, and much love your way, God bless. I am not chasing fame or views; I'm standing strong in love."

That was apparently enough to incense anti-LGBTQ campaigners such as Matt Walsh and Chaya Raichik, the professional poster behind Libs of TikTok, who called for like-minded parents to scrub Ms Rachel from their screens.

"This is a message to conservative parents. She doesnt want your business. You should respond accordingly," said Walsh, who has released his own children's book mocking transgender kids and compared trans healthcare providers to "Nazi scientists."

"Doing my part to spread awareness so parents know what Ms Rachel stands for! She says she doesnt want your business if you dont subscribe to the child mutilation cult," said Raichik, whose posts spotlighting queer-friendly teachers, hospitals, and businesses have frequently been linked to bomb threats and harassment.

Far-right influencer Jack Posobiec claimed that Accurso "wants to turn your kids gay," while anti-abortion activist Lila Rose urged her followers to "protect" their children from Accurso's views.

Ms Rachel attends a Sesame Street benefit gala on May 29, 2024. She is now facing conservative criticism for her post to start Pride month. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Other social media users said they would boycott Accurso, while some called her a "child predator" and a "groomer."

Accurso, 41, previously faced attacks and calls for a boycott from some parents last March over her work with non-binary musician Jules Hoffman, who uses gender-neutral pronouns.

Afterwards, Accurso told followers she was taking a temporary break from TikTok to protect her mental health.

"Hurtful videos and comments, no matter how much attention they get, will not bring you what you want. Only love can do that," she said, referencing Martin Luther King Jr's famous maxim that "hate cannot drive out hate."

In an apparent response video posted on Monday morning, Accurso said: "I've shared prayers on here before, and said 'God bless', and that's because my faith is really important to me.

"It's also the reason why I love every neighbor... everyone belongs, everyone's welcome, everyone is treated with empathy and respect.

"[Jesus] doesn't say 'love every neighbor, except'... I stand with everyone; that's who I am. And the love back, and the 'God bless' if you disagree, is genuine."
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Memphis Shelby County Schools newest superintendent, Dr. Marie Feagins, received a death threat last week, according to reports.

However, Dr. Feagins has made it clear she doesnt feel rattled by the threat.

We have no reason to believe Im in danger, Dr. Feagins said. Like I shared, anytime a threat comes through  bomb threat, personal threat, general threat for the district or any individual student, staff or anyone connected to it in terms of the district community, we take them all seriously.

Memphis Police say on Friday, May 31, Feagins brother was out of town when he received four phone calls from a 901 number.

Once he picked up the phone, an unknown man reportedly told him, Im going to put your sister in a pine box.

School security was contacted, and MPD made the scene of the MSCS School Board in the 100 block of South Hollywood Street.

WREG asked if the Board of Education had been placed on lockdown.

There was no lockdown, no additional restraints or anything had taken place, Dr. Feagins said. Nothing out of the norm.

During a press conference Tuesday, Feagins said she is okay and does not feel that her life is in danger. She expressed her appreciation for Homeland Security and its promptness in handling the situation.

You see me standing here today. I am fine, Dr. Feagins said. I have no reason to believe my life is in danger.

Dr. Feagins also thanked the community for the outpouring of support and the reminders of the focus of why shes in Memphis.

In recent weeks, Dr. Feagins announced her transition team of leaders to develop the school districts strategic plan and said reorganizing the district means some employees will see a change in jobs and pay.

Despite the latest threat made against her, she said shes still on that same mission.

I remain committed to the work, doing it well, doing it with the same level of energy and excitement as I think the general community has seen me come on board, Dr. Feagins said. I think this comes along with the territory as we think about general thoughts about superintendents overall across the United States receiving threats.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A Michigan State Police detective sergeant who is facing charges for hitting and killing a man with an unmarked cruiser during a foot chase in Kentwood has retired, according to state police.

MSP Lt. Michelle Robinson said Brian Keely elected to retire. Its unknown when he sent in the notice of retirement.

Murder charge filed against MSP sgt. who hit man with unmarked cruiser

Last week, the Michigan Attorney Generals Office filed charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter against Keely in the death of Samuel Sterling.

Keely, who joined MSP in 1998, had been suspended without pay by MSP.

Video shows man hit by unmarked MSP cruiser

Family shows News 8 a photo of Samuel Sterling.

On April 17, members of a metro Grand Rapids crime task force found Sterling, 25, a probation absconder who was wanted on felony warrants that police have not enumerated, at a gas station near the intersection of 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue in Kentwood. They say when they approached, Sterling ran away. Several officers chased him on foot into the parking lot of a nearby Burger King, as did Keely in the unmarked vehicle.

Video previously released by MSP shows Sterling running away and then being hit by the unmarked cruiser on the sidewalk leading into the restaurant.

Family wants feds to investigate death of Samuel Sterling

Sterling was hospitalized and died hours later. His death certificate shows he sustained multiple blunt force injuries.

If convicted of second-degree murder, Keely could spend the rest of his life in prison. Involuntary manslaughter carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
How much did it rain in Wisconsin on Monday?

Heavy rain fell amidst thunderstorms throughout much of Wisconsin Monday afternoon and evening.

Milwaukee County received between 0.5 and 2.25 inches of rain, with the steepest rain totals coming out of the northwestern portion of the county.

Storm damage was reported last night in parts of south-central and central Wisconsin. Reports included downed branches in Fort Atkinson, downed trees and power lines in Fond du Lac, and uprooted trees and a tree falling on a car in southwestern Waukesha County, said local National Weather Service meteorologist Aidan Kuroksi.

Above-average daily rainfall throughout much of the state yesterday comes after a rainier-than-average spring that was among Milwaukee's top three wettest on record. The forecast indicates a chance of more rain and thunderstorms Tuesday.

Tyrianna Wright (left) and Cheyenne Shelby share an umbrella while walking through the rain while registering people to to vote in the Third Ward along North Broadway Street in Milwaukee on Monday, May 20, 2024.

How much did it rain in the Milwaukee area last night?

Here are the most recent rainfall totals for southeastern Wisconsin, according to the NWS volunteer monitoring service:

Mukwonago: 2.87 inches

Waukesha: 2.36 inches

Wauwatosa: 2.28 inches

Brown Deer: 2.16 inches

Menomonee Falls: 2.08 inches

Brookfield: 2.04 inches

Milwaukee: 1.78 inches

Fox Point: 1.7 inches

River Hills: 1.68 inches

Glendale: 1.63 inches

Hartford: 1.61 inches

West Bend: 1.56 inches

Cedarburg: 1.51 inches

Pewaukee: 1.36 inches

Port Washington: 1.36 inches

Jackson: 1.33 inches

Greendale: 1.3 inches

Will it rain in Milwaukee again Tuesday?

Additional rain and thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and night across southern Wisconsin. NWS predicts less than 0.5 inches of rainfall in most areas, though more is possible, with rain chances being highest between 9 p.m. and midnight.

In the Milwaukee area, today's storms are expected to be more isolated and scattered than yesterday with weaker winds, Kuroksi said. In other areas of the state, NWS says strong storms are possible, with wind gusts as the "main threat." Flooding could also be a concern.

"Additional rainfall will pose a localized flood concern IF (sic) storms move over the same areas, though most locations should only see a half inch or less," the weather service shared on social media. "The flood risk will be highest for those locations that saw the most rainfall on Monday."

Wisconsin weather radar

Wisconsin weather warnings

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How much did it rain last night in Milwaukee and Wisconsin?
CANBERRA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy has warned that the country's economic growth will be weak through the first three months of 2024.

Appearing before a Senate hearing on Monday, Kennedy said economic growth has slowed, with household spending at its lowest level in the past decade outside of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will on Wednesday release gross domestic product (GDP) growth data for the first quarter of 2024.

"We expect activity to be very weak in the March quarter GDP," Kennedy said on Monday.

Australia's GDP grew by 0.2 percent in the final three months of 2023.

In a preview released late in May, economists from the National Australia Bank (NAB) -- one of Australia's big four banks -- forecast no GDP growth at all for the first quarter of 2024.

Kennedy said on Monday that the Treasury expects household spending to remain low through the first half of 2024 but will recover in the second half as tax cuts and higher wage growth bolster disposable incomes.

He noted that despite the economic slowdown the labor market remained strong, with employment growing even after accounting for population growth.

Australia's unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in April -- up from 3.9 percent in March. Kennedy said that the Treasury expects the unemployment rate to rise to 4.5 percent by June 2025. 
MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Newly released arrest warrants issued by Marion County authorities provide new details about the charges against a man accused of going on a crime spree with Jaremy Smith, whos accused of killing a Marion County paramedic and a New Mexico State Police officer earlier this year.

Joshua Antwain Johnson, 30, of Mullins, is believed to have joined up with Smith after Smith allegedly kidnapped and killed Phonesia Machado-Fore in March. The two men then continued on a spree of criminal activity in Marion County, before heading toward New Mexico, where authorities said Smith gunned down Officer Justin Hare.

Timeline: Whats happened so far in the case of slain Pee Dee paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore

Johnson is charged with first-degree burglary, grand larceny, conspiracy, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and five counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition. He is being held without bond in the Marion County Detention Center.

According to the warrants, Johnson and Smith were heavily armed when they allegedly entered the home where Machado-Fores was staying on Wildwood Loop between 8 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. on March 13. Machado-Fore was last seen on March 12.

Earlier warrants alleged that Smith kidnapped Machado-Fore from her home between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on March 13. Her body was found on March 15 outside of Lake View in Dillon County.

Authorities allege that Smith killed Machado-Fore, stole her white BMW, discarded her body and then returned to the home with Johnson. Johnson and Smith are also accused of taking the roommates vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado.

Authorities said Johnson was not involved in Fores killing but that he traveled to Texas with Smith, who left him at a convenience store there before going on to New Mexico in the BMW.

The new warrants show that when Johnson and Smith went to Machado-Fores home, Johnson was armed with a Ruger .243 rifle, a Marlin .22 rifle, a New England .410 rifle, a Marlin 30/30 rife, a Mossburg 20 gauge shotgun and a Maverick 12 gauge shotgun.

Smith, 33, pleaded not guilty on April 18 to several federal charges, including carjacking resulting in death; causing death by the discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; kidnapping resulting in death; and interstate transport of a stolen vehicle.

He will remain in custody until his trial. If convicted, he faces a mandatory life sentence or death for the kidnapping resulting in death charge, and any number of years up to life or death for the carjacking and discharge of firearm offenses. He could also face state charges in New Mexico, according to New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez.

Smith was arrested on March 17 by Bernalillo County sheriffs deputies in an Albuquerque neighborhood after deputies shot him several times following a brief foot pursuit. He also is facing 17 charges in the killing of Machado-Fore.

* * *

Taylor Ford is a digital journalist for News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2023. Taylor is a Florence native and covers the Pee Dee out of News13s Florence Bureau. Read more of Taylors work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Calling it the best path forward to address homelessness in our community, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler released the final version of their Homeless Response Action Plan.

Since the plans first draft was released in March, public feedback was accepted through various ways and incorporated into this final version, officials said.

Among the public suggestions now woven into this plan are an acknowledgment that East County cities are different in both diversity and service environments, and adding a member of the public to an oversight committee for the plan and the Joint Office of Homeless Services.

Construction worker dies from injury at Benson Polytechnic High School

The plan still needs final approval from the Multnomah Board of County Commissioners and the Portland City Council. A vote will likely take place in July.

The embedded collaboration and clear goals outlined in this plan give us the best path forward to address homelessness in our community, Vega Pederson said in a statement.

In his statement, Wheeler said he was encouraged by this plans commitment to address Portlands homeless crisis with measurable outcomes, meaningful data, a strong focus on behavioral health and clear accountability on who leads each action.

This unified approach will help us better serve our community, particularly our most vulnerable populations.

Key points of the plan

The finalized version of the Homeless Response Action Plan calls for sheltering or housing nearly 2700 more people by the end of 2025, add another 1000 shelter units, work to reduce homelessness among the most vulnerable, add hundreds of beds for behavioral health, increase the affordable housing supply and open a drop-off sobering center.

The city and county intend to open almost 300 shelter beds by the end of this year, expand case management services for those who are homeless with significant behavioral issues, help more people leaving prison find housing and health care and identify 20 commercial buildings downtown that could be converted into housing units.

Ryan Deibert, the director of the Multnomah County Homeless Response, June 3, 2024 (KOIN)

These goals actually look at shifting the long-term use of the building from commercial to residential, so it would be bringing additional housing into the downtown core, not just on a temporary basis and not just for people currently experiencing homelessness, said Ryan Deibert, the director of the Multnomah County Homeless Response.

At this point, officials have identified 17 commercial buildings but are keeping the specifics quiet until they can work out the details.

KOIN 6 News will have more information later in the day and will continue to follow 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 KOIN.com.
The murder trial of a Lexington man began Monday for the alleged killing of a 25-year-old Nigerian man outside a party in 2022.

You know what happens when you pull the trigger, Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Mary Tobin told the jurors in her opening statement.

This is what Tobin alleges Woody LaPierre did one September night in 2022, abruptly ending the life of Adetokunbo Tomi Okunoye, in a parking lot on Oxford Circle.

LaPierre, 31, was arrested that night and charged with murder.

Prior to the shooting, Okunoye and LaPierre had never met, according to Tobin. They were at an apartment on Oxford Circle for a party.

Okunoye had recently graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati with his Masters of Business Administration. He received a full ride to the University of Cincinnati to pursue his second masters degree in information technology. He was visiting Lexington to see friends and attended the party, according to Tobin.

When the party ended, Tobin said, Okunoye was looking for one of his friends, whom he discovered was passed out in the passengers seat of LaPierres car. Okunoye went to try and get the woman out of the car, and when he tried, several witnesses recalled LaPierre had a gun, Tobin said.

LaPierre pointed it at Okunoye, shot him in the nose and the bullet struck his brain stem, according to Tobin.

LaPierre fled the scene, Tobin said, while Okunoyes friends hysterically called 911.

LaPierre left, hid the weapon, threw out his clothes, showered and turned his phone off before going to sleep, Tobin said of the events after the shooting.

Tobin told the jurors Okunoye never had a weapon, never fought with LaPierre and had never met him.

Tobin said the jury would hear testimony from police, first responders and witnesses at the party which would give them all the evidence they need to find LaPierre guilty.

Defense: Actions of LaPierre not murder

Ben Church, the defense attorney for LaPierre, said the death of Okunoye was tragic, but it was not murder. Church said he did not know why LaPierre was being charged to begin with.

Every crime is a tragedy, but not every tragedy is a crime, Church told jurors.

He said jurors would hear from LaPierre himself, who is expected to testify later this week. Church said his client would be the only witness testifying who had not drank at the party and therefore not under the influence of alcohol.

Listen to his life, his background, and look through his eyes, Church said. That is not an easy thing to do  it is not an easy task that I am asking of you. But it is necessary.

I am pleading with you to listen to the evidence with open minds and hearts and look through his eyes when you go back to deliberate.
Mystery at Columbus Council. New member isnt sworn in despite being on the agenda

The agenda for Tuesday nights Columbus Council meeting shows Byron Hickey was scheduled to be sworn in as the District 1 representative, succeeding the late Pops Barnes. But without a public explanation, that ceremony indefinitely was postponed.

The Ledger-Enquirer was scheduled to interview Hickey an hour before the meeting. When he arrived, Hickey apologized for having to delay the interview because he was told he wouldnt be sworn in at the meeting.

Hickey said he couldnt explain why and couldnt say when he expects the swearing-in to be rescheduled.

As evidence of the suddenness for this delay, Hickey said he had to notify friends and family who were planning to attend the meeting to see him sworn in Tuesday night. In fact, he had a great-niece with him from Florida when he arrived.

And 6 minutes before the interview with the L-E was scheduled to start, Hickey texted this reporter with a request to please call me ASAP.

Before the council meeting started, the L-E asked city attorney Clifton Fay and Mayor Skip Henderson for an explanation.

Fay said he couldnt answer because its a personnel matter. Henderson told the L-E in a phone message, I dont know anything about it. The first I heard about it was when I heard your voicemail. . . . I dont have any clue whats going on.

Then, at the point of the meeting when the agenda called for Hickey to be sworn in, Henderson announced that he was informed the ceremony will be delayed, and well bring him back ... over the next couple of weeks. I know he was able to be sworn in by the probate judge yesterday, but he needs to be sworn in by the superior court judge, and that has been delayed.

Without any other comment about the matter, the meeting continued as scheduled.
N.C. Girl Was Last Seen Getting Off School Bus in 2022. Convicted Stepdad Says Shes Not Going to Be Found

Madalina Cojocari, 11, went missing in November 2022

Jessica Alba/Instagram Madalina Cojocari

It took a North Carolina jury just 14 minutes to conclude that the missing 11-year-old girls stepfather was guilty in a case connected with her disappearance.

Madalina Cojocari, a sixth grader who loved horses from Cornelius, N.C., was last seen walking off her school bus Nov. 21, 2022, according to police who released the surveillance footage.

Her mother, Diana Cojocari, reported her missing weeks later on December 15, PEOPLE previously reported. She allegedly blamed her husband, Christopher Palmiter, for the delay in reporting, saying she feared his reaction, according to court documents reviewed by Queen City News.

Palmiter allegedly drove to Michigan around the time of his stepdaughters disappearance, according to those court documents.

Madalinas body has never been found, and two days after the belated missing persons report, both her mother and stepfather were arrested and charged with failing to report her disappearance.

Madalina is a beautiful, smart, kind and loving 11 year old girl with greatness in her future, her extended family wrote in a two-page handwritten letter dated December 22, 2022, and shared by police on Facebook. We are desperate to find her right now, she needs ALL of our help.

According to authorities, the four-foot 10-inch girl weighed 90 lbs. and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, jeans, jacket and pink, purple and white Adidas shoes.

Jessica Alba/Instagram Madalina Cojocari

Related: Parents of Missing N.C. Girl Madalina Cojocari 'Not Telling Us Everything They Know': Police

In the early days of the search, Cornelius Police Department Capt. Jennifer Thompson said in a videotaped press conference that hundreds of investigators had participated in the case, following almost 250 leads, canvassing the area and interviewing hundreds of people in North Carolina, as well as across state lines and even outside of the country. The FBI also investigated the case.

"One of the challenges in this case, simply put, we were not notified she was gone, a delay of three weeks, Thompson said at the time.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage, and details of intriguing unsolved cases.



At trial in May, Palmiters defense lawyers claimed that the stepfather had been manipulated by his wife to believe Madalina was not in danger, according to Fox News.

I think Diana took her somewhere with her Moldovan family, Palmiter  who took the stand in his own defense  claimed to the jury, per the outlet. "I believe Diana has tucked her away somewhere where shes not going to be found.

But an FBI analyst testifying for the prosecution presented phone and email records suggesting Palmiter knew his stepdaughter was missing and still did not report it to authorities, per the outlet.

Mecklenburg County Jail (2) Diana Cojocari (left) and Christopher Palmiter (right) in mugshots.

Related: Mom of Missing N.C. Girl Allegedly Waited Weeks to Tell Police Because She Feared Husband's Reaction

On Friday, May 31, the Charlotte, N.C. jury found Palmiter guilty of failing to report her disappearance, The Charlotte Observer, ABC11 and WCNC report.

Madalinas mother pleaded guilty to the same charge and was sentenced in May to six to 17 months in prison. She was subsequently released after after she served 510 days, ABC 11 reported.

A judge sentenced Palmiter to 30 months of supervised probation for his role in the girls disappearance, per the outlet. His lawyer said they plan to appeal the sentence.



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Read the original article on People.
Political pundits and exit polls were quick to predict that Narendra Modi was poised to clinch a third term as Indias prime minister in this years elections, which began on April 19 and concluded on June 1. The question was: could his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), win enough votes to claim a supermajority?

The answer became clear as the final results trickled in on Tuesday, June 4. With more than 50% of the votes counted, the BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (which consists of several rightwing, conservative regional parties) have so far won 290 seats in Indias 543-seat Lok Sabha, or the lower house of parliamentfalling short of the 400-seat mark the alliance boasted it would win, and effectively losing the single-party majority Modi has enjoyed since first elected in 2014. The ruling party on its own has claimed 238 seatsalso a stark departure from the BJPs thumping victory in 2019 when it won an unprecedented 303 seats.

In contrast, the opposition INDIA alliancewhich is made up of more than 20 opposition parties including the Indian National Congresswon 235 seats, performing better than expected. Final results are expected late on Tuesday or early on Wednesday.

Under Indias electoral system, the party or alliance that wins more than 272 seats in the 543-member parliament can form a government. The vote was carried out in seven phases over six weeks and saw over 1 billion Indians heading to the pollsmaking it the largest democratic election in the world.

73-year-old Modi, a charismatic yet polarizing leader, will preside over a rare, third consecutive term in office. Only one other Indian Prime Minister, Congress leader Jawaharlal Nehru, who was Indias first prime minister, has done so before. Speaking at the BJPs headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday evening, Modi praised Indias election process and celebrated the BJPs achievements. No government has come back into power for a third time since 1962, he said, adding the number of votes for the BJP had doubled in some areas.

But while Modi will likely be able to move forward with his promised Hindu-nationalist agenda and slate of economic reforms, the BJPs smaller-than-expected majority means that he may face a more powerful opposition than at any point over the past decademaking implementation difficult unless the BJP negotiates with smaller alliances and opposition leaders.

This election is undoubtedly a rebuke for Modi and the BJP, says Milan Vaishnav, the Director of the South Asia Program at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. After ten years in power, it was in many ways a referendum on its track record in office and there are clearly many Indians who are feeling restless and uneasy.

How did India vote?

To win a landslide victory, the BJP needed to make electoral gains in two crucial areas. It needed to break ground in the southern states, which seemed unlikely given that it has traditionally had less sway among a diverse and more economically developed non-Hindi-speaking electorate. And it needed to grab more votes in strongholds like Uttar Pradesh, Indias most populous state, which is seen as a bellwether for how the rest of the country will vote.

The BJP managed to pull off stunning breakthroughs in the south, winning one seat in the left-leaning state of Kerala, where it has never won before. It retained its stronghold in Karnataka, grabbing 19 seats compared to nine for INDIA. And it tied in Telangana, where the opposition defeated the BJP in state elections held last year, by securing eight seats.

But surprisingly, the BJP performed unevenly across the Hindi belt and suffered perhaps its biggest loss in Uttar Pradesh, where Modi inaugurated a Hindu temple in the city of Ayodhya just months ago, fulfilling a three-decade-old BJP promise and cementing his Hindu-nationalist legacy. Early tally suggested the BJP alliance won only 35 out of 80 seatsa stark contrast to the 71 and the 62 seats won during the 2014 and 2019 elections that helped fuel the partys rise to power in Delhi.

This time, a divisive campaign saw Muslim votes in the state consolidated for the opposition coalition, formed between two major parties, the Samajwadi Party and the Congress. The loss in Uttar Pradesh is particularly significant as this state is the cradle of the Hindu nationalist movement, says Gilles Vernier, a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research in Delhi. These results shatter the myth of [Modis] invincibility in national elections, particularly in the Hindi-speaking North.

The BJP swept through its other stronghold states, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. In comparison, the opposition alliance made marginal gains in Bihar and Rajasthan, as well as Haryana and Punjab.

Whats complex about this election is it appears more like a state-by-state contest with no unifying national narrative, says Vaishnav. At some point, the popularity of the alternatives and other local factors also become prime factors, he continues.

What do the results say about the BJPs electoral mandate?

In this election, Modi campaigned on the slogan of Modis guarantee, referring to the more than 300 welfare programs that have delivered benefits to Indian citizens across the country, ranging from cooking gas to free housing. While these benefits were viewed as a key concern for voters, research also found limited hard evidence of schemes translating into votes.

Modi and the BJP also boasted of reducing poverty in the worlds fifth-largest economy, with development featuring high on the prime ministers agenda. While Indias GDP grew at a rate of 7.8% in the last quarter, widening inequality, the rising cost of living, and record-high unemployment nevertheless remained big concerns for voters, as evident in credible pre-poll surveys.

Narendra Modis government has ignored ground-level discontent about economic distress and jobless growth, says Verniers. This election might be the moment where economic reality caught up.

Going into his third term, Modi has touted an ambitious economic reform agenda that he hopes will make India the worlds third-largest economy by 2047. The BJPs failure to win a majority, however, means that he will now face a challenge in implementing his economic policy unless he forms alliances with smaller parties. The impact was already reverberating in Indias stock market early Tuesday when the Nifty 50 index tumbled as much as 8.5% the biggest drop in a single day in more than four yearsafter surging to a record high on Monday, when exit polls indicated a comfortable Modi win.

Modi now faces a more powerful opposition than at any point over the past decade. Throughout the election, the INDIA alliance has accused the government of crippling the opposition by jailing two state leaders and freezing Congress bank accounts.

For the first time since he became PM in 2014, Narendra Modi will have to share power effectively with coalition partners, says Verniers. This is uncharted territory for a leader who has always exercised power alone.

But the results are undoubtedly a personal setback for the prime minister, whose face has been the central promise of the BJPs campaign this electionfeatured on billboards, posters, and campaigns across the countryand who has never had to depend on coalition partners for survival.

Only time will tell whether he will learn the art of conciliation and power-sharing, or press down the path of autocratization to compensate for the loss of political ground, Vernier adds.

This is the most important question India faces at the moment.

Write to Astha Rajvanshi at astha.rajvanshi@time.com.
Nashoba Valley Medical Center workers rally to keep the facility open amid Steward Health crisis

It has fewer than a hundred beds, but Nashoba Valley Medical Center is one of few hospitals in north central Massachusetts -- and thats why employees and public safety personnel want to keep it open.

Theres no justification for the loss of any bed or any service in Massachusetts at this time, said Katie Murphy, president of the Massachusetts Nurses Association. Murphys remarks came at a press conference in downtown Ayer to petition Governor Maura Healey to do whatever it takes to keep Nashoba Valley open.

At the very least it is fated to change owners. Steward Healthcare took over Nashoba Valley in 2011 and now the company is bankrupt. Steward is looking to sell all of its hospital properties nationwide, including eight in Massachusetts. Even as the news conference was going on in Ayer, Steward lawyers were in a bankruptcy hearing in Houston, Texas, to determine how its hospital properties would be sold. Steward, created by a capital investment firm after its purchase of the former Caritas hospital chain, is heavily in debt -- mostly because of back rent payments.

Asked how it is to work for Steward, Nashoba Valley Emergency Department Nurse Audra Sprague, whos been at the hospital for 16 years, said, Terrible, to be perfectly honest with you.

Sprague said the hospital is in a financial pattern of borrowing from Peter to pay Paul -- even to the extent that hospital grounds recently went unattended. Sprague said a hospital employee and her husband finally cut the grass.

Nothing theyve ever done is for the benefit of the hospital or the community, said Sprague. Its always been a matter of what makes them money -- and what is the best for them.

Steward would not comment on the bankruptcy proceedings or the concerns at Nashoba Valley. For now, the company is keeping its hospitals open using money, in part, from a loan provided by Medical Properties Trust, which actually owns the real estate Stewards Massachusetts hospitals sit on.

Losing any hospital would be a blow to the Massachusetts health care system -- which is already dealing with overcapacity issues. Still, uncertainty about the future is creating anxiety among Nashoba Valley workers.

You know everybodys worried and nervous, said Sprague. There hasnt really been much transparency from anybody. as to whats going on.

Also concerned about Nashoba Valleys future: paramedics.

Delay in care is a problem when you close a hospital like this, said David Greenwood, president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2544 at the Ayer Fire Department. Were not the city of Boston fortunate enough to have a hospital on every street corner.

The three closest hospitals to Ayer are Emerson, Leominster, and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. They are 12-18 miles away and non-rush-hour travel times run from 20-35 minutes.

But in rush-hour traffic... all bets are off.

And if the calls at 3:30 in the afternoon going to Emerson Hospital youre looking for an hour plus ride back with the traffic, said Greenwood. Roughly about 80 percent of our patients are transported to Nashoba. Several thousand patients a year from Ayer alone go to Nashoba.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee highlighted Senate candidate Anthony Broadman and House candidates Lesly Munoz and Virginia Stapleton. (Campaign photos)

A national group focused on helping Democrats win control of statehouses is targeting three Oregon legislative races as Democrats try to expand their majorities in the state House and Senate.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee on Monday named one Senate candidate and two House challengers to its Spotlight list of high-priority races to win, a development first shared with the Capital Chronicle. That designation means that Anthony Broadman, who is seeking a Senate seat, and Virginia Stapleton and Lesly Munoz, who are vying for the House, will receive access to campaign strategy and resources through the national organization and be highlighted for donors and volunteers across the country.

Democratic power in Oregon has protected fundamental freedoms for communities across the state, and victory for these candidates in November would mean the Democratic majorities can continue improving Oregonians lives, Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams said in a statement. 2024 is the year of the states, and winning these Spotlight races will help Oregon be a shining example of the important work that state Democrats can achieve.

The national committee historically hasnt spent much on Oregon races, focusing its resources on other states. But that changed last year, when an influx of Republican spending in an attempt to flip the state Legislature caused the DLCC to give $350,000 to Senate Democrats campaign arm and $525,000 to House Democrats campaign committee. Democrats held the House and Senate, though Republicans picked up a seat in the Senate and three in the House.

The Senate doesnt appear to be in play in 2024, as Democrats running for reelection are in safe seats and Republicans are on the defensive in the Bend-based 27th District and coastal 5th District. But the House, where several Democratic freshmen won by slim margins in 2022, could be a battleground. Democrats cant lose more than four of the 35 seats they now hold to keep their majority.

Broadman, a Bend city councilor, is running to represent the Bend area in the 27th Senate District now represented by Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend. Knopp, the former Senate Republican leader, is one of 10 Republican senators barred from running for reelection for participating in a six-week quorum-denying walkout in 2023. Broadman will face Redmond school board member Michael Summers in November.

There are about 10,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans in the district. Neither Broadman nor Summers had a primary opponent, but almost 6,000 more registered Democrats voted for Broadman in the closed Democratic primary than registered Republicans voted for Summers.

Stapleton, a Salem city councilor, is challenging state Rep. Kevin Mannix, R-Salem, in the 21st House District that includes north Salem and Keizer. Former moderate Democratic Rep. Brian Clem long represented the district, which previously included more of Salem, but the addition of the more conservative city of Keizer, Mannixs long history in Salem and Oregon Republican politics and a Democratic candidates legal troubles cleared the way for Mannix to flip the district in 2022.

There are about 1,600 more Democrats than Republicans in the district, and Stapleton is well known as a city councilor. But shes also seen as the architect of a failed payroll tax, and shell have to convince Salem voters who recently ousted their payroll-tax-supporting mayor to give her their vote in November.

Munoz, a labor organizer, will try to wrest control of the 22nd House District in northern Marion County from freshman Rep. Tracy Cramer, R-Gervais. Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than 2,500 registered voters but the district was plagued by unusually low turnout in 2022, when it was the only House district in the state where fewer than half of voters returned their ballots.

The post National Democratic group spotlights three Oregon legislative races appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring five tropical waves Tuesday, June 4, according to the latest tropical outlook.

The good news is that no tropical activity is expected over the next two days, although some areas in the Caribbean are expected to get some tropical downpours through Friday.

 Track all active storms

The rain is associated with a weak tropical disturbance that has a slight chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm, according to AccuWeather. While water temperatures are warm enough, wind shear may deter any development, said AccuWeather Lead Tropical Meteorologist Alex DaSilva.

Even if a tropical depression or storm were to develop, no impact is expected to Florida or the U.S. as the system moves to the northeast into the Atlantic.

Preparing for hurricane season: Can't afford generator, weeks of food? Here are basic supplies you need for hurricane season

The first named storm of the 2024 season will be Alberto.

While the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be a very active one, with all agencies predicting well above the average of 14 named storms, it is starting quietly.

Florida's sales tax holiday continues through June 14 to help residents save money on hurricane supplies.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

When is the peak of hurricane season?

Today is June 1st - the start of the Atlantic #hurricane season. While the official season runs for six months (until November 30), nearly 95% of all major (Category 3-5) hurricane activity has historically occurred during August through October. pic.twitter.com/nu3wF0laZF  Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) June 1, 2024

The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center.

Nearly 95% of all major  Category 3-5  hurricanes historically occur from August through October, Klotzbach said.

What is out there and where are they going?

Tropical conditions 8 a.m. June 4, 2024.

The National Hurricane Center was tracking five tropical waves Tuesday, June 4. Here's the latest update from the NHC as of 8 a.m.:

Tropical wave 1: A tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic tropical is moving west at 11 mph.

Tropical wave 2: A tropical wave in the central Atlantic is moving west at 11 mph.

Tropical wave 3: Another tropical wave in the Atlantic also is moving west at 11 mph.

Tropical wave 4: A tropical wave in the central Caribbean is moving west at 11 mph.

Tropical wave 5: A tropical wave in the western Caribbean is moving west at 5 to 11 mph.

Who is likely to be impacted?

Showers from a tropical disturbance in the Caribbean are expected to bring rain to the area through June 7, 2024. The system has a slight chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm.

It's too early at this time to determine if there will be any impact to Florida or the U.S. from the tropical waves.

The tropical disturbance in the Caribbean is expected to increase showers and thunderstorms through the end of the week from Jamaica to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos, eastern Cuba and the southeastern Bahamas, according to AccuWeather. It is possible that portions of Puerto Rico are also affected by downpours and locally gusty thunderstorms through Thursday.

Forecasters urge all residents to continue monitoring the tropics and to always be prepared. That advice is particularly important for what is expected to be a very active hurricane season.

Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida

NOAA predicting up to 25 named storms in 2024 hurricane season

National Hurricane Center releases 2024 Atlantic hurricane season prediction.

Except for two tropical disturbances  one southeast of Florida earlier this month and another in April  it's been a quiet start to what is predicted to be a very active season that could double the average number of storms. AccuWeather predicted 2024 could top the 2020 record of 30 named storms.

NOAA's prediction:

17-25 named storms

8-13 hurricanes

4-7 major hurricanes

A major hurricane is a Category 3 storm or higher, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph.

Two conditions in the Atlantic basin are the reason for the above-average predictions for the 2024 hurricane season: La Nina and record-warm water. Both help the development of storms.

National Hurricane Center map: What are forecasters watching now?

Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include:

Noaa

Embedded content: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/xgtwo/two_atl_0d0.png?052051

Interactive map: Hurricanes that have passed near your address

What's next?

We will continue to update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: 2024 hurricane season: NHC watching 5 tropical waves. Tracker, radar
BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- China hopes the European Union (EU) will honor its commitment to upholding free trade and opposing protectionism, and work with China to maintain the overall interest of China-EU economic and trade cooperation, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing when responding to remarks of Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, that "decoupling" from China is very difficult. Borrell expressed the hope in a recent interview for continuing mutually beneficial trade with China that is both fair and balanced. Borrell also said that the EU will not follow the United States in imposing tariffs on China, and that a trade war must be avoided.

Mao said the China-EU economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature, adding that protectionism only leads to a dead end while openness and cooperation are the correct ways.

She noted that China and the EU are each other's second largest trading partners, with an average trade value of nearly 1.5 million U.S. dollars per minute. In addition, the total value of two-way investment has exceeded 250 billion U.S. dollars, and companies from both sides continue to increase investment in each other's markets.

The China-Europe freight train service has recorded over 90,000 trips, creating a significant trade channel between Asia and Europe. The supply, industrial and value chains of both sides are already integrated and intertwined, she said.

Mao added China will continue to promote high-level opening up and provide an open, inclusive and transparent business environment for enterprises from all countries. 
NATO has only two to three years to prepare before Russia has regained its ability to launch a conventional attack on the alliance, Bloomberg reported on June 3, citing General Eirik Kristoffersen, Norway's top general.

Kristoffersen's comments were the latest in a series of increasingly dire warnings from Western leaders and defense officials about the threat emanating from Russia and Europe's current lack of preparedness.

"At one point someone said it'll take 10 years (before Russia reconstitutes its offensive capacity), but I think we're back to less than 10 years because of the industrial base that is now running in Russia," Kristoffersen said.

"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."

Unlike its Nordic neighbors Sweden and Finland, Norway has been a member of NATO since the founding of the alliance in 1949.

Norway has increased its defense spending since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine and aims to meet the 2% of GDP threshold in 2024, with a further increase of 2.7% of GDP targeted by 2030.

"I see a window now where we can meet the requirements that NATO has agreed on, new command structure, new force structures, the new regional plans," Kristoffersen said.

"So we can fulfill 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."

According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), which tracks international aid for Ukraine, Norway has committed more than $2 billion to Ukraine as of February 2024.

Norway and Ukraine also signed a bilateral security agreement in May, which included a pledge to provide Ukraine with at least $1.3 billion in military aid in 2024.

Read also: Stoltenberg: West must be prepared for decades-long confrontation with Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
NATO develops plan for transfer of troops in case of war with Russia

The North Atlantic Alliance is creating multiple "land corridors" through which American military and armoured vehicles can be transferred closer to the front line in the event of a large-scale ground conflict with Russia, The Telegraph reports.

Source: The Telegraph, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Logistical routes in Europe have become a top focus since NATO leaders committed to prepare 300,000 troops to protect the alliance during a summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, last year.

To that purpose, the Alliance is developing land corridors that will allow the military to carry supplies freely without imposing limitations on civilians.

The current plan is for US troops to land in Dutch ports, notably Rotterdam, before being transferred by train across Germany to Poland.

If Russian attacks destroy northern European ports, another path is being prepared: through southern ports in Italy, Greece, and Turkiye. US troops can be moved from Italy via Slovenia and Croatia to Hungary, which shares a border with Ukraine.

Similar plans exist to transfer troops from Turkish and Greek ports through Bulgaria and Romania.

According to The Telegraph, plans are being made for troop transfers through Balkan ports as well as Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

According to Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank, the NATO Joint Forces Logistics Command (JSEC), which he leads, has spent the last five years investigating potential methods for delivering soldiers to resist the Russian invasion.

"Everything is created in a way so the necessary resilience exists  robustness, reserves and also redundancies," he explained.

At the same time, Sollfrank expressed concern that NATO had insufficient air defences to cover its eastern flank.

"Observing and assessing the Russian war in Ukraine, we have observed Russia has attacked Ukraines logistics bases. That must lead to the conclusion that it is clear that huge logistics bases, as we know it from Afghanistan and Iraq, are no longer possible because they will be attacked and destroyed very early on in a conflict situation." the general said.

Last year, the Alliance warned member countries about the impact of bureaucratic red tape on the movement of troops in Europe, proposing the creation of a "military Schengen" as a solution.

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Top leaders have warned Western governments that they must prepare themselves for conflict with Russia - CPL AARON J STONE/ARMY

Nato is developing multiple land corridors to rush US troops and armour to the front lines in the event of a major European ground war with Russia.

American soldiers would land at one of five ports and be channelled along pre-planned logistical routes to confront a possible attack by Moscow, officials told The Telegraph.

It comes amid warnings from the Alliances top leaders that Western governments must prepare themselves for a conflict with Russia in the next two decades.

Logistical routes have become a key priority since Nato leaders agreed to prepare 300,000 troops to be kept in a state of high readiness to defend the alliance at a summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, last year.

Existing plans have US troops landing at Dutch ports before boarding trains that transport them through Germany and onwards to Poland.

US troops will land in Rotterdam in the event of a Russian invasion - FRANS LEMMENS/CORBIS DOCUMENTARY RF

In the event of a Russian invasion of Nato, US troops would be shipped to the port of Rotterdam before being transported eastward.

But arrangements are also being made behind the scenes to expand the routes to other ports to ensure the ground line of communications cannot be severed by Moscows forces.

Lt Gen Alexander Sollfrank, the chief of Natos Jsec logistics command, told The Telegraph: Ukraine suffers very much from these Russian long-range missile attacks on the logistic systems.

If Nato forces entering from the Netherlands are hit by Russian bombardment, or northern European ports destroyed, the alliance is set to shift focus to ports in Italy, Greece and Turkey.

From Italian ports, US troops could be carried via land through Slovenia, Croatia to Hungary, which shares a border with Ukraine.

Similar plans exist to transport forces from Turkish and Greek ports through Bulgaria and Romania to reach the alliances eastern flank.

Nato leaders have agreed 300,000 troops are to be kept in readiness for a conflict with Russia - DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP

Plans are also being drawn up to transport troops via ports in the Balkans, as well as through Norway, Sweden and Finland.

In these corridors, national militaries will not be restricted by local regulations and will be free to transport consignments without normal restrictions.

Previously, the French government has complained that its tanks have been trapped at foreign borders by bureaucratic processes while trying to deploy in Romania as part of a new scheme to defend against a feared Russian invasion.

In the last five years, Jsec has carried out reviews on behalf of Nato to discover various routes that could be used to deliver troops to combat a Russian invasion.

Ports in northern Europe, like the Netherlands, Germany and Baltis states are considered particularly susceptible to Russian missile attacks.

Lt Gen Sollfrank said: Everything is created in a way so the necessary resilience exists  robustness, reserves and also redundancies.

But after warnings that Nato only has 5 per cent of the necessary air defences to cover its eastern flank, the Jsec commander is concerned about surface-to-air capabilities to defend his key logistical hubs.

Observing and assessing the Russian war in Ukraine, we have observed Russia has attacked Ukraines logistics bases, he said.

That must lead to the conclusion that it is clear that huge logistics bases, as we know it from Afghanistan and Iraq, are no longer possible because they will be attacked and destroyed very early on in a conflict situation.

With regards to air defence... Its always scarce. I cannot imagine a situation that you have enough air defence. That is a good example where a military principle applies: If you want to be strong everywhere, you are strong nowhere.

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NATO 'land corridors' will rush US troops to front lines of any future European war, Telegraph reports

NATO is creating a series of "land corridors" that would be used to rush U.S. troops across Europe to confront Russian forces in the event of a major conflict with Moscow, The Telegraph reported on June 4.

Warnings that the Kremlin could attack a NATO country in the near future have increased in urgency in recent months.

Eirik Kristoffersen, Norway's top general, said the military alliance only has two to three years to prepare, Bloomberg reported on June 3.

"At one point someone said it'll take 10 years (before Russia reconstitutes its offensive capacity), but I think we're back to less than 10 years because of the industrial base that is now running in Russia," Kristoffersen said.

At a NATO meeting in Vilnius last year, NATO leaders agreed to develop new plans to ensure the alliance could provide "300,000 troops at high readiness."

According to The Telegraph, U.S. troops and armor would land at one of five ports in the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Turkey or Norway from where they would travel through land corridors to NATO countries bordering Ukraine.

These land corridors would be free of bureaucratic local restrictions which in the past have held up the movement of troops and armor, leaving them stuck at borders.

Previous NATO plans only allowed for U.S. troops to land at Rotterdam in the Netherlands, but Ukraine's experience of long-range missile attacks since the launch of the full-scale invasion has prompted a rethink.

Expanding the number of ports and having multiple land corridors would mean if one was hit, others would still be available to use.

"Everything is created in a way so the necessary resilience exists  robustness, reserves and also redundancies," Lt Gen Alexander Sollfrank, the chief of NATOs Joint Support Enabling Command, told The Telegraph.

But concerns remain about NATO's air defense capabilities that would be needed to protect troops as they move across Europe.

More than two years into Russia's full-scale war on Ukraine, the air defense capabilities of NATO's eastern flank are only at 5% of the amount seen as necessary to deter an attack, the Financial Times (FT) reported on May 29, citing sources.

NATO members located in Central and Eastern Europe have publicized plans in recent weeks to improve their collective air defense in response to the Russian threat.

According to unnamed sources who spoke to the FT, the current air defense capabilities of NATO's eastern flank are far from sufficient.

Air defense is a "major part of the plan to defend eastern Europe from invasion," a NATO diplomat told the FT.

"And right now, we don't have that."

Read also: NATO has 2-3 years to prepare for reconstituted Russian army, top Norwegian general says

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The importance of space has been increasing for allied defense, deterrence, operations and resilience over the last few decades. This summers NATO summit in Washington presents a key opportunity to build on the alliances nascent space policy and structure at an inflection point for NATO and space power.

NATO has made slow, steady progress on space policy for just over a decade. NATO published its first policy-level document related to space in 2012 and focused on space support to operations, but not until 2019 did NATO release a new space policy and declare space an operational domain.

Two years later NATO confirmed that Article 5 applies to space  a timely development that took place a mere four months before Russias direct-ascent anti-satellite test. In 2022, the NATO Strategic Concept underlined the vital role of space for NATOs deterrence and defense posture. Based on the architecture provided by these strategies and documents, NATO has been attempting to operationalize its space enterprise in the past years in its role of harmonizer, enabler and coordinator among space-faring allies.

NATO also exhibited substantive organizational changes that reflected a commitment to its policy. For example, NATO established the Space Center at Allied Air Command in 2020, which has grown modestly and serves as a space focal point by sharing information about potential threats and space activities.

More recently, in 2023, the NATO Space Center of Excellence in Toulouse, France, was accredited. This center will convene more than 15 sponsoring nations to provide knowledge and analysis focused on three operational functions: space domain awareness, operational space support and space domain coordination.

NATO also has introduced two projects to support its efforts: one looking up at space for better situational awareness of objects and events for strategic decision-making, called Strategic Space Situational Awareness System; and one looking down from space to enhance space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, called Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space.

These developments are a good start, but they are inadequate given the growing threat to space security and the growing importance of space for NATO specifically and society more generally.

India plans to spend $3 billion on space. Can it catch up to China?

Despite the declining state of its space program, Russia has effectively attacked key elements of space infrastructure as part of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia is routinely jamming positioning, navigation and timing systems, which impacts military operations and increases risks for civilian aviation. Russia is also jamming communications satellites.

Russia has also demonstrated effective cyber capabilities against space-enabled communications. These trends in non-kinetic malicious attacks against space resources will likely increase in frequency and intensity in the future, so allied preparations will be essential in meeting the challenge.

NATO has set some broad, ambitious goals to transform for the future. The NATO Warfighting Capstone Concept, the alliances North Star for its military transformation through 2040 opens the door for space to be a significant component of a multidomain operations-enabled alliance.

However, to be successful, NATO needs to identify specific actions that move beyond understanding and appreciating space to fully operationalizing the domain. The following actions are things NATO should undertake and articulate as specific objectives at the 2024 NATO summit.

NATO should enhance its role as a coordinating hub for space-faring allies at the strategic level. NATO is not an autonomous space actor; however, it can play an essential role in harmonizing allied space efforts.

NATO should consider establishing a space committee, modeled after its Resilience Committee, to help set the priorities for space efforts within the alliance, translating NATO allies level of ambition for space into concrete actions and guidance. Given the important role of the European Union in space, NATO should create an associated NATO-EU space task force to coordinate with the EU.

Operationally, NATO should enhance allied space domain awareness and build a common allied space domain picture. This could be done by elevating the role of the NATO Space Center through greater information and data sharing, as well as additional personnel with the requisite technical expertise. Greater information sharing through both governments and industry would help fully operationalize the center, which will be important in any future conflict with an adversary that attacks space capabilities.

Related to capabilities, NATO should include space capability requirements in this years NATO Defence Planning Process. As a precursor to a focus on capabilities, allies should adopt an interoperable-by-design approach for its space architecture. This effort should focus on identifying key interoperability gaps and codifying standards to address them. Technical discussions about standards and interoperability should draw on best practices from industry and other organizations, such as the EU, rather than starting from scratch.

Finally, NATO needs to think more openly and proactively about space deterrence and defense. Allies need to understand how to operate in space  and especially how Article 5 may apply to allied activities. A scenario-based discussion involving an Article 5 contingency could be particularly helpful in outlining authorities, responses and gaps in allied planning, as well as the threats that may warrant action and the specific contexts in which this may take place.

Russias extensive use of electronic warfare and its multiyear effort to develop a space-based nuclear weapon provide clear motivation and use cases to jump-start this important effort.

Ideally, NATO will throttle up and undertake all these initiatives as part of a comprehensive package of actions announced at the NATO summit. Adopting just a few would be better than none, but failing to act now in the face of a proactive and capable Russia risks falling short of a mature NATO space enterprise at a time when the geopolitical environment needs it most.

Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Bruce McClintock is a senior policy researcher at the think tank Rand, where he leads its Space Enterprise Initiative. He previously served as a defense attache in Russia from 2014 to 2016. Anca Agachi is a defense policy analyst at Rand and a nonresident fellow with the Atlantic Council think tank.
NC lawmakers debate the promise and peril of allowing patients to try individualized treatments

Doctors would not face liability under HB 1029, but patients would be permitted to try individualized investigational drugs, biological products, or device for treatment of life-threatening or severely debilitating illness. (Photo: Getty Images)

Imagine being a patient diagnosed with a severely debilitating illness, only to learn that theres nothing readily available on the market your doctor can prescribe to ease your symptoms.

State Rep. Allen Chesser (R-Nash) said what offers hope is technological advances in the medical community that are happening at such an unprecedented rate that may offer that hypothetical patient some measure of relief.

Chesser, a primary sponsor of House Bill 1029, said the measure hes proposing builds on existing law thats been in place since 2015, and would give patients the right to try individualized treatments including investigational drugs, biological products, and other devices.

Representative Allen Chesser

Its pretty commonplace for people to get individualized treatments, explained Chesser. The medicines that people are taking are genetically engineered for it to fight a particular disease within a certain individuals body. It uses incredible technology to be that targeted and that individually specific.

Rep. Chesser told members of the House Health Committee Tuesday that while the science exists to create a very tailored approach for treatment, its simply not possible for a sample size to be achieved that would qualify for FDA approval.

Federal approval, he said, requires thousands of patients to be treated with the same exact dose of the same medication for the same exact condition  often an unrealistic burden for some rare illnesses.

What this does is it allows for people who are diagnosed with terminal or severely debilitated illnesses to be eligible to pursue those treatments on their own accord, Chesser explained.

Im just curious, if an individual who says, Im going to take this on, I know this is an experimental and its not approved by the FDA. If they got that information or a suggestion from somebody in the medical field or profession, its still saying you take on the absolute responsibility of whether or not you decide to take that medication. Is that correct? asked Rep. Mary Belk (D-Mecklenburg).

Chesser confirmed that would indeed be the case.

Rep. Carla Cunningham

Rep. Carla Cunningham (D-Mecklenburg) said experimental drugs are normally not covered by health insurance carriers because of the astronomical cost.

What would be the limitation for individuals that cannot afford it and theyre under the Medicaid coverage in the state of North Carolina? inquired Cunningham.

Chesser said there was no intent to create that in this bill.

Wake County Republican Rep. Erin Pare wanted some assurance that the legislation provided sufficient guardrails.

Is that laid out in the legislation? For example, a physician has to sign off on this. You have to have exhausted every option so far. What are the requirements to be eligible to do this? Pare asked.

Chesser said such a requirement is established under federal law and supplemented in a state law passed in 2015.

The hypothetical patients would need to have exhausted other treatment options and would need the direct supervision of a physician.

Its not a get out of jail free card, Chesser told his colleague. Its not a gateway that were trying to create.

Rep. Reece Pyrtle, Jr. (R-Rockingham) worried about what expertise the attending physician needed to have before advising the patient to move to an experimental treatment.

Rep. Reece Pyrtle, Jr. poses a question

Is there anything in this bill that would require the treating physician, although hes being held harmless by the bill, to have a working knowledge of the experimental treatment that he or she is prescribing?

Rep. Tim Reeder (R-Pitt), a doctor and co-sponsor on the bill, said theres nothing specifically in the legislation that requires the physician to have working knowledge of what theyre recommending.

But I think that inherent in that, if youre going to recommend a treatment, youd have to have some knowledge and refer them to the expert who knows about whatever the gene therapy is, he offered.

Rep. Maria Cervania (D-Wake) said the discussion should be expanded to include whether a patient is paying for said experimental treatment, doing it in exchange for sharing their medical data, or if they are in fact receiving payment to try the new treatment.

Rep. Reeder said the question of inducements would not be covered under the proposal.

[But] in any experimental study, when you are giving inducements to the participants, there are special requirements to make sure you are not doing nefarious things to patients for money when they are at their wits end, Reeder responded

The House Health Committee did not vote on House Bill 1029 Tuesday. It could be back for a vote by the committee as early as next week.

The post NC lawmakers debate the promise and peril of allowing patients to try individualized treatments appeared first on NC Newsline.
NC Proud Boy was in front ranks of Jan. 6 violence at Capitol, feds say

The FBI arrested a 46-year-old Concord man in Charlotte on Tuesday, accusing him of participating in the violent breach of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Jay Robert Thaxton joined other members of the Proud Boys in storming the Capitol to disrupt a joint session of Congress, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.

Congress convened the session to count electoral votes, certifying Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election over Donald Trump.

Publicly available footage shows Jay Robert Thaxton, 46, of Concord, at the front ranks of the rioters as they neared the Lower West Plaza of the Capitol, according a criminal complaint filed against Thaxton in the District of Columbia.

Grabbed, pushed and pulled barricades

Publicly available footage shows Thaxton heading to the front ranks of the rioters as they neared the Lower West Plaza of the Capitol, according to a criminal complaint filed against Thaxton in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia.

The FBI charged Thaxton with the felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. He also was charged with: Misdemeanor counts of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds; and obstructing or impeding passage in a Capitol building or grounds.

According to an FBI affidavit, Jay Robert Thaxton, a 46-year-old Concord, N.C., resident, is shown grabbing black fencing that rioters destroyed at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Thaxton and other members of the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, marched along the west, north and east sides of the Capitol before breaching it, an FBI agent said in an arrest warrant affidavit.

On the Lower West Plaza, Thaxton grabbed, pushed and pulled police bike racks that served as temporary barricades against the rioters, according to court documents.

Rioters eventually breached the police line on the Lower West Plaza, court records show.

According to an FBI affidavit, Jay Robert Thaxton, a 46-year-old Concord, N.C., resident, is shown in this photo grabbing, pushing and pulling police bike racks that served as temporary barricades against rioters at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Thaxton was arrested in Washington that night on a curfew violation charge, prosecutors said. He couldnt be reached by The Charlotte Observer on Tuesday.

Thaxton joins at least 1,423 others from nearly all 50 states to be charged in connection with the violence.

Members of the U.S. House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack found that Trump provoked his supporters to violence through his false allegations of fraud in the election.

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CAIRO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The foreign ministers of Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday stressed the importance of dealing seriously and positively with the U.S. President's proposal leading to a deal that guarantees a permanent ceasefire and the adequate delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip.

In a joint statement issued after a virtual meeting, the foreign ministers of the five Arab countries said they had discussed developments in the mediation efforts undertaken by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States that will lead to a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, and the adequate entry of aid into Gaza.

The foreign ministers of Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia affirmed their support for the mediation efforts, according to a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry.

The ministers also highlighted the need to stop the aggression against Gaza and end the humanitarian catastrophe it has triggered, the return of the displaced to their homes, and the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip.

They reaffirmed that achieving the two-state solution is the only way to achieve security and peace for the entire region, and to this end, implementing relevant UN Security Council resolutions with clear timelines and binding guarantees. 
North Carolina Rep. Dan Bishop (R) compared former President Trumps current legal situation to that of a Black person in the segregated South.

Its as bad as it was in Alabama in 1950  if a person happened to be Black, in order to get justice, Bishop said Monday on The Pete Kaliner Show on Charlotte radio station WBT. And thats what they did in New York. So it was fundamentally rigged, and the people who attacked me for saying so can attack all they want.

The former president became the first former U.S. president to be convicted in criminal court Thursday, when a jury found him guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made during his 2016 campaign to keep quiet alleged affairs.

Referring to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and special counsel Jack Smith, Bishop said, Ultimately, these folks are doing things  theyre using power in a way that they know is wrong, or they have no excuse for not knowing it, and they should be prosecuted for their interference with the election.

Bishop, a candidate for North Carolina attorney general, also commented Friday on the Trump verdict in posts on the social platform X.

Election interference to get Trump, Bishop said in one of the posts. Its never been about justice  its about rigging and weaponizing our justice system against anyone who threatens their grip on power. We must end the leftist lawfare in November.

Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-N.C.), who is running against Bishop to become the Tar Heel States attorney general, shot back at Bishop in his own post on X.

This is my opponent for Attorney General. He immediately dismisses 34 unanimous verdicts by a jury as rigged, Jackson said in his response. Hes never been a prosecutor  and it shows. Disagreeing with a jury is one thing, but saying the whole thing is rigged is dishonest and destructive.

The Hill has reached out to Bishops office and campaign for comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
After months of waiting for test results to come back, NC State University on Monday released the findings of a second analysis of toxic chemicals in Poe Hall.

The results confirm  as university leaders had said was likely the case  that PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, in the campus building originated from the HVAC system.

Gold-colored insulation sealant inside supply ducts was likely manufactured with PCBs, and therefore, was likely the primary source of Aroclor-1262 PCBs detected on superficial dust and air samples collected in Poe Hall, the executive summary of the 818-page report released Monday stated.

But the results also show that levels of the chemicals in the air, where they pose the greatest health risks, were found to be below exposure levels recommended by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for school environments. Those limits recommend a maximum exposure of 500 nanograms per cubic meter for adults ages 19 or older.

The results released Monday represent the findings from tests completed with the HVAC system turned on, after a previous round was completed with the system turned off. Both rounds of tests showed air samples within the EPAs recommended limits, though the samples with the HVAC turned on were found to have higher concentrations  about double  of the chemicals than those taken with the system turned off.

With the HVAC turned on, the report stated, the concentration of PCBs ranged from 77 to 155 ng/m3.

The university shut down Poe Hall last November after it found PCBs in the building. PCBs are toxic, man-made chemicals that were banned from being produced in the United States in 1979. They are considered to be probable human carcinogens, according to the EPA. They also are known to have a myriad of other negative health effects.

A month before it closed the building, the university had reached out to the states Department of Health and Human Services regarding concerns about breast cancer cases in people who spent time in Poe Hall.

The latest report

Here are some of the findings of the report released Monday.

 PCBs were found in building materials, primarily Aroclor-1262 in a gold-colored sealant used inside the HVAC supply ducts. Concentrations ranged from 0.91 to 53,000 parts per million.

Federal regulations require PCB materials to be removed from buildings at a threshold of 50 parts per million. Asked by The News & Observer in April whether the university would remove those materials, as regulations require, NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson said the university will do everything were asked to do by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Geosyntec Consultants, a private environmental consulting group, collected 111 bulk material samples from various locations. Samples included insulation materials, caulking and air filters.

PCBs in bulk materials then diffused into nearby materials and dust particles, the report says.

 All the indoor air samples had Aroclor-1262 but at levels below the EPAs recommended maximums for school indoor air for adults and children 3 and older. Concentrations ranged from 77 to 155 ng/m3. Exposure levels for school children ages 3 to 6 should not exceed 200 ng/m3, according to the EPA.

The samples were taken eight days after NC State restarted Poe Halls HVAC systems on April 16. Geosyntec took 17 indoor air sample and one outdoor air sample.

A news release by NC State says that it will begin discussions with the EPA on remediation plans and compile plans, along with a timeline, to expedite the buildings renovation. It will also determine the space needs for the College of Education and Department of Psychology, which were housed within Poe Hall, for the duration of the renovation.

The university has said that it anticipates Poe Hall being closed through at least the end of 2024. The report recommends the building remain closed until PCBs can be mitigated or remediated, and that access to Poe Hall remain limited to authorized personnel.
The sister of a North Carolina man has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a North Myrtle Beach business owner and another man accused of killing him during a roadside shootout.

No charges have been filed in the death of Scott Spivey, 33, of Tabor City, who was killed in an exchange of gunfire off of S.C. 9 Sept. 9, 2023.

Jennifer Foley filed the lawsuit on Monday, June 3. Foley referred comments to her attorney.

I think theres a lot of problems with the evidence, said Mark Tinsley, the Spivey familys attorney.

Tinsley said it doesnt make sense that if someone decides to chase that person and then shoot them, that its me standing my ground.

Tinsley said most likely Boyd got his feelings hurt through some traffic road rage, but it didnt warrant chasing and shooting Scott Spivey.

Its exclusively about the justice, for Scott Spivey, Tinsley said about the lawsuit. (The family) is never going to get ... (Boyd) doesnt have enough money ... to make up for that loss (of Spivey).

Horry County Police closed the case in April, announcing they would not seek prosecution in Spiveys shooting. The decision follows the state Attorney General Offices report that it, too, has closed the case, concluding insufficient evidence to merit criminal prosecution in the deadly exchange of gunfire that killed Scott Spivey.

Weldon Boyd, who operates Buoys on the Boulevard along South Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach, was named as one of the alleged shooters in the fatal accident. A second man, Kenneth Williams, who also lives in Horry County, is also named in the suit.

Boyd declined to comment on Tuesday. A number for Williams could not be found.

Its frustrating that once again Mr. Boyd is the subject of a false narrative, said Boyds attorney, Kenneth Moss. This lawsuit is baseless.

Moss said that Foley, Spiveys sister, knows the facts in the case and it will come out in due course.

This is too little too late, Moss said. There was a time (the family) could have intervened but not now.

This is the first time the second shooters name has been publicly released.

The suit claims that Spivey also had a reasonable ground to be in fear as the defendants aggressively chased him, brandished their weapons and eventually killed him.

Five 911 calls released by Horry County Police through a Freedom of Information Act request detail the moments when Spivey was shot and killed during the exchange of gunfire. One of those calls was allegedly from Boyd, who identifies himself as driving a white Ram pickup truck. The caller says, Ive got a guy pointing a gun at me driving. Were armed as well. He keeps throwing the gun in our faces, acting like hes about to shoot us. If he keeps this up, I am going to shoot him.

What the suit says

The suit, filed June 3, 2024, said that it is believed that some altercation occurred between Spivey and Boyd while driving near Highway 57 and Highway 9 in Little River, causing Boyd to be enraged and begin to pursue Spivey. At times, Boyd drives his vehicle dangerously close to the rear of Spiveys vehicle, the suit said.

Spivey attempted to brake check Boyd to discourage the pursuit and Boyds dangerously close distance. Boyd, along with Williams, then began, without an imminent threat to their persons or anyone else, to unlawfully pursue Spivey even more vigorously, the suit said.

At approximately 5:54 p.m., Boyd calls 911 and tells the dispatcher, if I see the gun again, Im going to take him/the mother f***** down/out. Hes speeding up. Trying to getaway from me, the suit said.

Instead of discontinuing their pursuit of Spivey or waiting for law enforcement to intervene, Boyd and Williams continued to chase Spivey along Highway 9 into the Longs area for an extended length of time, the suit said.

After an extended unlawful pursuit, Spivey turned on Camp Swamp Road while Boyd and Williams followed him, relaying this information to the 911 operator, the suit said.

Spivey stopped his vehicle and screamed at Boyd, Why the f*** are you following me? Leave me the f*** alone! Boyd and Williams started shooting at Spivey, killing him in a hail of gunfire, the suit said.

Boyd is accused in the suit of operating his vehicle dangerously and unsafe, instigating a pursuit, failing to stop the pursuit once law enforcement was notified and brandishing a firearm in the commission of a violent crime.

Williams is accused in the suit of instigating the pursuit, encouraging Boyd to give chase, and willingly being an active participant in the shooting and death of Spivey.

The suit is asking for a jury trial.

What happened in the shooting

Horry County Police have said that Spivey was killed on Camp Swamp Road in the Longs area.

The family has questioned the investigation, including why police didnt acquire cell phones that may contain evidence of the two men allegedly involved.

Jennifer Spivey Foley, Spiveys sister, had previously said that the family has questions about the investigation that they are trying to answer. I want the truth to come out, Foley said. I want justice for my brother.

Scott Spivey of Tabor City, North Carolina

The case was turned over to the state Attorney Generals Office for review. However, police have said that it appears the shooting was in self-defense.

Horry County police and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division were investigating the shooting. According to Horry County Police spokesperson Mikayla Moskov, SLED was asked to join the investigation.

The Attorney Generals Office was asked to review the case by 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson. Richardson recused himself from the case.

Richardson named Boyd in a letter he sent to the state Attorney Generals Office on Sept. 15 asking for a review of the case after Horry County Police had finished their investigation.

Richardson said that because Boyd posted on Facebook a statement thanking police and the Solicitors Office for their hard work, he asked for the review to prevent any issues of impropriety.

Boyd and Williams were allegedly involved in the shooting. It is not clear who fired their weapons and when.

Weldon Boyd with his dog Grady watch diners come to order at Buoys on the Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach. April 28, 2020

A police report said that the shooting happened on Camp Swamp Road near S.C. 9 in the Longs area. Spivey was shot about 5:50 p.m., according to an email from the Horry County Coroners Office Sept. 10. Spivey died on the scene.

The family of Spivey have met with police officials and have heard the five 911 calls, including one from Boyd, that were recorded on the night of the shooting.

According to a police report, the driver of a white Dodge TRX truck told police that the guy in the black truck jumped out and started shooting at us and I shot back. I think hes dead.

The driver said he still had his pistol on him. The officer retrieved it out of his holster, the report said. The passenger of the white truck stated his firearm was on the passenger seat, and the officer also retrieved it.

The drivers side front door in the Black Chevy pickup was open and the driver was hunched over the center console of the truck, with his right arm hanging over the console into the rear passenger area, the report said. He had no movement. A black handgun with the slide locked back was just under his hand, the report said.

The police report did not say what led to the shooting. There were multiple witnesses.

Based on the familys personal investigation, the two men had never met before the shooting, and investigators believe that a road rage incident may have started the sequence of events.
Law enforcement in San Francisco detained dozens of pro-Palestine protestors Monday after they temporarily took over a building housing the Israeli consulate, officials said.

San Francisco police department arrested 70 demonstrators protesting the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and subsequent humanitarian crisis, on trespassing charges. The majority of them, 69, were zip-tied, but were eventually released from the county Jail, police said in a statement to multiple outlets. One other was cited but got released on-the-spot.

The protestors were in the buildings lobby for a number of hours, The Associated Press reported.

They were chanting Free, free Palestine, according to video footage taken from the scene. They slapped signs on the doors of the building and called for the end of Israels military operation in the Gaza Strip, which has gone on for nearly eight months.

International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, an international group that says their membership is Jewish, wrote in a post on Instagram that over 100 people from the San Francisco area were participating in the protest.

Protestors held up various signs inside the building, including those saying anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitism.

The Israeli consulate stated it was appalled, but not surprised by the demonstrators inside the lobby, according to Reuters. The protestors in the statement were deemed as pro-Hamas rioters.

Israel has faced increased scrutiny over its operation in Gaza, one that has killed over 36,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The total number does not distinguish between fighters and civilians.

The offensive has also destroyed over 36,000 structures, according to an analysis done by UNOSAT, the United Nations satellite analysis agency.

The Israel-Hamas war started on Oct. 7, following the Palestinian militant group Hamas attack on the Jewish state that killed around 1,200 Israelis, while around 250 were taken hostage.

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Nearly half of Germans endorse Ukraine using Western weapons to strike targets in Russia

The German public is divided over whether Ukraine should be allowed to use Western-supplied weapons to strike military targets in Russia, a recent poll has shown.

Source: Forsa poll for RTL/ntv, as reported by European Pravda

Details: A total of 49% of respondents believe that Ukraine should be able to use Western weapons to strike military bases in Russia that the latter uses to carry out attacks on Ukraine.

Around 44% of respondents believe Ukraine should not be allowed to do so.

The poll revealed differences between the east and west of Germany: while 52% of residents of Germanys west support allowing Ukraine to strike military targets in Russia, 62% of respondents of Germany's east oppose it.

The differences are even greater among political parties: supporters of the Greens and the Free Democratic Party are most likely to be in favour if this decision (70% each), while supporters of Alternative for Germany (68%) and the Sarah Wagenknecht Alliance (75%) are most likely to stand against it.

The data for the RTL/ntv poll were collected by the market and opinion research institute Forsa on behalf of RTL Deutschland from 31 May to 3 June among 1,001 respondents.

Background:

Last week, the German government confirmed that it gave Ukraine a permission to use German-supplied weapons to strike military targets in Russia.

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 a changing situation".

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasised that allowing Ukraine to use the weapons provided by Germany to strike targets in Russia would not lead to escalation and was necessary for self-defence.

German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has said he regrets that the government led by Olaf Scholz did not allow Ukraine to deploy Western-supplied weapons to strike military targets in Russia sooner.

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After nearly a week, suspect in Mountain Home motel killing apprehended, police say

This is a breaking news story. Check back to idahostatesman.com for updates.

To sign up for breaking news alerts, click here.

A suspect in a homicide that occurred at the Thunderbird Motel last week in Mountain Home has been apprehended, according to the Mountain Home Police Department.

A spokesperson for the department told the Idaho Statesman that no further details could be released at this time because the investigation is ongoing.

The Mountain Home Police Department issued a news release last Wednesday asking for help locating Brian M. McGehee, 58, who they said was the primary suspect in the motel killing.

Officers found a deceased male at the Thunderbird Motel on Tuesday, May 28, at 910 Sunset Strip. The identity of the victim has not been released.
(NewsNation)  A Nebraska woman who had been pronounced dead at a nursing home this week was later found to be alive by a funeral home worker who noticed she was still breathing.

Constance Glantz, 74, had been placed on hospice care at Mulberry Nursing Home in Waverly, Nebraska. Nursing home staff said she was dead at 9:44 a.m. Monday morning, and she was taken to a funeral home in Lincoln.

Then, at 11:45 a.m., the Lincoln Police Department and the Lincoln Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the funeral home for a medical emergency, Lancaster County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said at a news conference Monday.

Is COVID-19 still a pandemic?

An employee who had been placing Glantzs body on a table to start funeral preparations noticed she was breathing and called 911. Funeral home workers performed CPR on Glantz, who was taken to a local hospital.

The Lancaster County Sheriffs Office started an investigation into what happened, but has not found any criminal intent by the nursing home, Houchin said.

Neither the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office nor the coroner had initially been called to the nursing home after staff pronounced Glantz dead, as it did not fall into those parameters, Houchin explained. This is because the death of the patient had been anticipated, and a physician had seen her in the last seven days.

In addition, the physician had been willing to sign the death certificate, and there had been nothing suspicious at the time, Houchin said.

This is a very unusual case, Houchin said. Ive been doing this 31 years, and nothing like this has ever gotten to this point before.

The Mulberry Nursing Home declined to comment when reached by NewsNation. Houchin said the nursing home and funeral home have been totally cooperative, adding that the latter did nothing wrong.

They were the ones who found she was still alive, Houchin said.

More than 1M Methodists leave church over same-sex rule change

On Tuesday, Houchin announced that Glantz officially died at 4 p.m. Monday at a local hospital.

I cant imagine what her family has went through, and we are really, really sorry for them to have to do that, Houchin said, referring to the incident that happened earlier Monday.

He said the sheriffs office gives their condolences to her loved ones.

An autopsy was performed Tuesday, but final results can take up to 12 weeks to come through.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The Woodland Park home of a conservative member of the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board, Victor Rohe, displayed the American flag upside down on May 31, one day after former President Donald Trump was convicted on 34 counts of fraud by a New York jury.

Two neighbors reached out to the Herald-Tribune to voice their concern, though neither wanted to be quoted.

An American flag flies upside down June 1, outside the home of Sarasota County Public Hospital Board member Victor Rohe. Neighbors complained that the flag was raised upside down May 31, in response to the May 30 guilty verdict in the trial of former President Trump.

Rohe's house displayed the flag outside his home in a fashion originally used by sailors to signify a state of distress. It has since been removed.

Rohe did not respond to an email and two voice messages asking to confirm whether the upside down American Flag was displayed in protest of the ruling in Trumps case.

Rohe is the hospital board member who pushed for Sarasota Memorial to adopt the COVID-19 vaccine skepticism espoused by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo.

Julie Miller, the president of the homeowners association for Woodland Park, where Rohe lives, responded with a no comment, when asked whether she had spoken with Rohe about the flag.

National awareness of the upside down flag display  as well as an overt connection with Trump supporters' Stop the Steal movement to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election  was elevated after it was reported that an upside-down American flag was flown at the home of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito after the election.

Is it legal to fly the American flag upside down?

Yes, it is protected speech following the 1989 Supreme Court case, Texas v. Johnson.

Luke Lirot, an attorney familiar with a variety of First Amendment cases, said that the rationale is it makes no sense to preserve the symbol at the expense of the freedoms the symbol stands for.

If someone thinks that flying a flag upside down expresses or conveys a message, then they have an absolute first amendment right to do that, he added.

Not surprisingly, both Democrats and Republicans interviewed agreed, but offered a more nuanced spin on whether that form of protest is appropriate.

"Flying an American flag upside down is a protected right, but it's just another demonstration of how Republicans are disrespecting our country, Danie Kuether, chairman of the Sarasota County Democratic Party, said via email. Under Trump's leadership, the Republican Party rejects traditional American principles in our judicial and electoral systems when it doesn't fit his narrative.

If local Republicans wish to follow this rhetoric and show disrespect for our nation unquestioningly, the Democratic Party will stand in contrast by upholding the freedoms that define our nation."

Representatives of the Republican Party of Sarasota County declined to comment but James Hoel, president of the America First Southwest Florida Caucus, argued the flag displayed at Rohes house was appropriate.

Sarasota Memorial Public Hospital Board Member Victor Rohe speaks at the April 10 meeting of the America First Southwest Florida Caucus at the Venice Community Center.

Were most certainly a nation in distress, since May 30 Ive witnessed several Americans flying our countrys flag upside down, Hoel said. The American flag is a symbol of patriotism as well as a symbol of defiance and rebellion. It always has been.

Hoel referenced the the federal code that reads: The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

He then added, "In the case of the Trump convictions, which is I think why a lot of people are doing this, it's a type of election interference and its appropriate for them to do that.

Upside-down flag sightings are increasing

Rohe's house was far from the only one flying the American flag upside down after the Trump verdict. Several posters on Facebook noted the appearance of such displays in Sarasota County.

Jim Coler, one of two Republican candidates for the District 3 seat on the Sarasota County Charter Review Board, wrote in a post on the Wellen Park Friendly People forum, I suspect its an attempt to peacefully communicate feelings that the Justice system is turned upside down. Do you agree? Do you know of anyone who has a flag displayed upside down? Why not ask them? It could be a great discussion starter and you both might learn something from each other!

Lou Grossman a Democratic Party activist and Democratic Party precinct captain  who posted the sighting of an upside-down flag in his neighborhood  agreed that the practice is protected speech but preferred to follow the suggestion of one of his political heroes, U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi  Dont agonize, organize.

I think they have a right to free speech but for me, as an activist and a precinct captain, I see it as a way to coalesce these people who are upset and energize them to work for our party, Grossman said. Dont get upset, use it as a way to work harder, to get more people involved. More people in my precinct are energized and are getting more involved.

Not surprisingly, Grossman also disputes the assertion that Trumps conviction as evidence of a nation in distress.

I dont see it in distress because Trump was legally convicted by a jury of peers and convicted on testimony of his former friends, I dont see it that way, Grossman said.

He later added that more Democrats should fly an American flag  right side up.

Ive said this all along, the Republican Party, the MAGA people dont own the flags, Grossman said I wear flag lapel pins as much as I can.

All American people own the flag.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota hospital board member's upside-down flag prompts concern
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has sued four tree service companies accused of price gouging customers.

Nessel calling for changes to data breach laws

The lawsuit was filed last week in Ingham County against Florida-based Canary Tree Service, business owner Justin Hartmann, and three other companies that performed the work for Hartmann: Garrison McKinney Tree and Bridge Service, E & B Contracting, and Holtslander and Sons Tree Service.

The suit alleges the companies misled consumers about several details of their deals, including the cost of services, which costs could be covered by insurance, and customers legal rights and obligations.

MSP Aviation photos of the devastation in Nottingham Forest Mobile Home Park in Gaylord. (May 21, 2022)

Photos from Michigan State Police show damage from a tornado that touched down in Gaylord. (May 20, 2022)

An overturned truck after an apparent tornado in the Gaylord area on May 20, 2022. (Courtesy Sonja Caddell)

Photos from Michigan State Police show damage from a tornado that touched down in Gaylord. (May 20, 2022)

The work was reportedly done throughout the summer of 2021 in Oakland and Washtenaw counties and following the deadly tornado that swept through Gaylord in May 2022.

After major storms, bad actors take advantage of vulnerable residents desperate to repair damage to their homes and clean up debris, Nessel said in a statement. My office will not tolerate businesses that exploit consumers with deceptive tactics and will continue to investigate and pursue predatory companies to the fullest extent of the law.

How the May 2022 tornado changed Gaylord

The AGs office advises customers seeking storm damage service to request a written quote or estimate on any work even if they expect their insurance to cover the costs.

And like any contract, its important for customers to read all the fine print.

Michigan residents who believe they have been defrauded by a business can file a formal complaint online or seek help from the states Consumer Protection Team.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
New Biden order seeks to crack down on migration at the southern border. What does it mean, and how will it affect asylum seekers?

President Biden signed an executive order Tuesday that will allow U.S. immigration officials to temporarily shut down the U.S. border with Mexico to asylum seekers if the number of migrants attempting to cross in a single day reaches a certain threshold.

Surrounded by mayors of U.S. border towns at the White House, Biden announced the move, which he hopes will curb the record-level of illegal crossings as criticism of his handling of the U.S. border looms large over his reelection campaign.

Migrants will be restricted from receiving asylum at our southern border unless they seek it after entering through an established lawful process, Biden explained during the signing.

This will actually help us gain control of our border, restore order to the process, he continued.

Heres what the executive order means for potential asylum seekers.

 What happened?

On Tuesday, Biden used sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to shut down the border when illegal crossings between ports of entry swell to a certain number over a consecutive period of days. Though the White House did not provide specific numbers in its fact sheet announcing the order, the Associated Press, citing sources familiar with the plan, reported that the threshold for shutting down the border would be 2,500 migrants per day over the course of seven days.

While the border is shut down, asylum seekers apprehended after crossing into the U.S. will be immediately deported to either Mexico or their country of origin. U.S. immigration officials will not process their asylum claims.

A fact sheet released by the White House emphasized that the actions are not permanent. Once the number of migrants attempting to cross between ports of entry drops back down to a number that is low enough for Americas system to safely and effectively manage border operations, the border will reopen. According to the Associated Press, the threshold for reopening the border will be less than 1,500 migrants per day for an additional seven consecutive days.

 Why is this happening now?

President Biden speaks with members of the U.S. Border Patrol as they walk along the US-Mexico border fence in El Paso, Texas, on January 8, 2023. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

Since Biden took office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has encountered over six million migrants at the southern border. The Biden administration recorded more than two million crossings, a record high, at the Southwest border in the last fiscal year, which ended in September.

The new border restrictions represent an effort by the Democratic president to manage the border crisis after the failure of a bipartisan bill in Congress that would have included a threshold for border crossings, similar to the executive order, as well as improvements to the asylum screening process, among other changes to the system for migrants seeking refuge at the border.

Biden used section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize Tuesdays executive order, the same presidential authority the Trump administration invoked in 2018 to enforce immigration rules. The section allows for border authorities to suspend the entry of migrants when immigration officials determine that their arrival is detrimental to the interests of the United States.

Biden's executive order is likely to be challenged in court.

 How does the order affect migrants?

The new rule will go into effect later on Tuesday, with Politico and ABC News reporting that parts of the southern border  between ports of entry  will be shut down to asylum seekers starting at midnight.

Migrants who already have appointments at an official CBP port of entry will still be processed. But those who are apprehended between ports of entry during a period of shutdown will be swiftly removed from the country, and face a five-year ban on re-entering, as well as possible criminal prosecution.

There are some exceptions to the rule, including unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has expressed concern that the executive order will lead to a surge in asylum seekers who will be forced to wait in Mexico in unsafe conditions while the border is shut down, making them a potential target for regional cartels.

In a policy brief published in anticipation of the executive order, AILA warned that, People waiting in unsafe conditions will be a boon to cartel expansion and exacerbate crime and fuel more narcotics smuggling on both sides of the border.

 Backlash from both sides of the aisle

The executive order faced swift backlash from Bidens critics and political allies alike. While progressives and immigration advocates raised concerns that shutting down the ability of asylum seekers to have their claims processed violates the U.S. refugee law, some Republicans dismissed it as political theater.

"Our country has a well-established procedure for reviewing and vetting asylum claims," Marisa Limon Garza, executive director of the El Paso, Texas-based Las Americas Immigrant Rights Center told USA Today.

"Refusing to use this process renders women, children, and families fleeing violence more vulnerable to those who would prey upon them, she said.

Immigration policy experts also warned that there could be a sharp increase in migrants trying to cross other areas of the border, according to Politico.

The measure has also been scrutinized, to varying degrees, by some Democratic lawmakers.

By reviving Trumps asylum ban, President Biden has undermined American values and abandoned our nations obligations to provide people fleeing persecution, violence, and authoritarianism with an opportunity to seek refuge in the U.S., said Californias Sen. Alex Padilla, a Democrat, according to the New York Times.

On Tuesday, Mississippis Democrat Rep. Bennie Thompson, ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security, slammed Republicans for blocking the bipartisan legislation, but also stated that he was concerned about the impact of the Executive Order on vulnerable people coming to the United States for safety and protection.

To address the situation at the border for the long term, we must fix our broken immigration system and properly resource border management needs, Thompson stated in a press release. I urge my Republican colleagues to join Democrats to pass real, lasting solutions to strengthen border security, reform our immigration system, and protect vulnerable asylum seekers.

The move seems to have done little to appease Republican lawmakers, who have been among Bidens loudest critics when it comes to the border.

Why did you wait until now if you were serious about [the border]? asked Republican Sen. John Cornyn, of Texas, according to Politico. The simple answer is, he's not serious about securing the border.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise also took aim at the executive order during a Republican conference meeting Tuesday, accusing Biden of trying to throw out another fig leaf to try to distract people from the failures of his own policies.
GENEVA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Human Rights Chief Volker Turk on Tuesday called for an end to the sharp rise in deadly violence in the West Bank, urging accountability for the killing of over 500 Palestinians by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) and settlers.

UN Human Rights Office reports indicate that 505 Palestinians have lost their lives in violent clashes with Israel in the West Bank since Oct.7, 2023.

"It is unfathomable that so many lives have been taken in such a wanton fashion," the High Commissioner said, highlighting that the fatality verification and monitoring of over 80 cases by the UN Human Rights Office indicated consistent violations of international human rights law on the use of force by the ISF, characterized by disproportionate use of lethal force and an increase of evident planned targeted killings.

He also mentioned that these findings showed the systematic denial or delay of medical assistance to those critically injured.

"The violence by the ISF and Israeli settlers, against the backdrop of the scale of killing and destruction continuing in Gaza, have instilled fear and insecurity among Palestinians in the occupied West Bank," said the High Commissioner.

Allegations of unlawful killings must be thoroughly and independently investigated and those responsible held to account, stressed Turk. 
Chatham County Board of Education District 7 Representative-elect Stephanie Campbell, a former emergency room nurse and instructor of health sciences at Virginia College and South University, doesnt know it all when it comes to the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS). She sees her need for more knowledge as an asset, however. She feels she will have a lot of learning and listening to do, which would negate complacency on her part.

She credits her recent election win to old-fashioned campaigning. She claimed that she, her husband and a handful of dedicated supporters knocked on nearly 2,300 doors and had countless conversations with District 7 constituents leading up to election night on May 21. She shared her platform and learned a lot about the community whether they had children in the school system or not.

She also far outpaced her competitors regarding campaign contributions. Her April Campaign Contribution Disclosure showed $27,700 in total, which was more than double the combined amount of both opponents funds.

Campbells expenditures were listed only as $2,008.93 on the report, leaving her with $25,691.07 on hand. While a final campaign finance report, due June 30, will provide the full scope of her campaign finances, she affirmed that any funds left over will remain for future campaign efforts.

The Savannah Morning News (SMN) recently sat done for an interview with Campbell. Heres what she had to say about key takeaways from her campaign conversations, her supporters and preparations for starting her first term as the District 7 representative in January 2025.

The following interview has been condensed and edited for clarity as well as conciseness.

Campbell wins District 7: Savannah-Chatham School Board election results from May 21

School Board District 7 candidate Stephanie Campbell looks at election results with her daughter Ashlyn during an election night watch party for State Senate candidate Beth Majeroni on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Arnie's Tavern at the Landing's Marshwood Club.

SMN: What was your campaign experience like?

Campbell: I learned early on I'm not a social media-type person. So, I wanted to make sure that people had the opportunity to talk to me that wanted to in a real way and get my attention and eye contact. Knocking on doors, though uncomfortable at first, became the way. I got to meet a lot of people, a lot of different people at different stages in their life.

SMN: Your campaign contribution disclosure listed 32 total contributors. Four were residents of Pooler, but 21 of your contributors live outside of District 7. Two live in Florida, one lives in Gainesville, Georgia, and another in Guyton, Georgia. Two more were from Richmond Hill (Daniel Defense founder Marty Daniel and his wife, Cindy). The remaining 16 contributors reside in neighborhoods within Chatham County that fall predominantly within either school Districts 1 and 4, essentially downtown Savannah to the east side of Chatham County, including areas such as Dutch Island, Skidaway Island and Wilmington Island, among others. How would you characterize those who supported you financially verses those who voted for you?

Campbell: Some were family [referring to contributors from Florida]. Others were either people I knew or people my family knew. I hated asking for money. I would rather knock on doors. I was talking to people that you don't see on the [campaign contribution] list because they were less than the allotted amount that you have to personally report. We're talking $20 here, $15 here, $25 here, $50 here.

So, whether they were in District 1 or District 4 or in Chatham or Bryan County or wherever it was, just people that I knew either already that I thought were like-minded or already active citizens, I'm going to encourage active citizenship in anyone, and if the only way that they can be a part of it is to support someone financially, I think that'scommendable because some of us don't have tons to give to campaigns like that.

District 7 is my priority for constituency, but we're working together for the entire school board, no matter what district, and I think that's important. I think people need to be more involved in local politics. As it stands right now, I ran for school board because I want to do the right thing by kids and I want to be involved and be active. And no matter what anyone says about what my motivations are, what other people's motivations are, it's irrelevant.

I think the breakdown was like 65% democrat [who voted for her]*, but it was definitely more left-leaning and right-leaning, and thats because it really isn't about politics. So, like the people that I asked for money from, if they were on board with the agenda as far as education goes, then they were with me.

*Editor's note: SMN has requested the source that Campbell was referring to in this statement. Chatham County Supervisor of Elections Bill Wooten said that "Georgia does not require voters to register or be a member of a political party in order to vote, so the info would be difficult to determine."

SMN: A Connect Savannah article about you included comments from School Board President Roger Moss. who was quoted saying he turned down a donation from the owner of Daniel Defense, Marty Daniel, during Mosss 2022 campaign. His reasoning was that Daniel Defense makes AR-15 rifles and a school shooting had occurred around that time, so Moss didnt feel accepting the donation was appropriate. What do you want people to know, if anything, about the nature of your relationship to Marty and Cindy Daniel, because they live in Richmond Hill and they supplied a combined $6,600 toward your campaign, which you still would have done well without?

Campbell: Marty (Daniel) is a friend, and he is philanthropic. He practices being a citizen. Marty can do what Marty wants to do with his money and he supported me. I didnt sign up for anything other than what I platformed for and I stand by that. [Campbell's website states that her platform was working to "boost literacy rates, enhance safety standards, and ensure fiscal transparency and accountability."] If people want to know I would certainly say ask Marty, he is the person who knows his ultimate motivations. I can just say he and his wife supported what I was about because we talked about it.

I didn't say, Hey, I need money, I said, Hey, I'm trying to do this thing [run for school board]. I would love to know what you think about it. We talked at length, and he was invested in more than just a monetary way. He wasn't blindly giving.

SMN: How would you describe the nature of your affiliation to Ladies on the Right and education chair, Beth Majeroni, who also founded Chatham County's chapter of No Left Turn in Education, a national group advocating for bans on books around the U.S.?

Campbell: Ladies on the Right, they have speakers, and Steve Friend [a Savannah native and former FBI agent who was suspended after becoming a self-proclaimed whistleblower regarding investigations related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S Capitol] was coming. I wanted to hear him speak, but I didn't get to go. I ended up having a conflict with something at my children's school. Then, I had gone to a picnic with a neighbor. She said, it was with the GOP but just to meet people and so I had gotten involved that way and I thought, well, this is another group of people.

Beth was a reading specialist. Shes a person that I knew on a level that was apolitical, truly, I didn't know that she had ever spoken at school board meetings. Not when I met her. I did later, but I didn't before that [meeting]. I didn't know that she was going to run for office [Majeroni ran in the Republican primary for the Georgia Senate District 1 seat against incumbent Ben Watson]. She wasn't someone that I knew super well.

I should not be rallying for the views of any organization other than my own... It has nothing to do with Beth Majeroni. It has nothing to do with Ladies on the Right and I mean that 1000%. I think they were glad that people were giving choices to the voter, and I was willing to talk to them.

SMN: What were some of the key takeaways from your conversations on the campaign trail?

Campbell: One thing that wasn't on my platform was the Pooler High School but that was huge. It was a very specific group of peopleparents, especially parents with children in elementary grades, it was like I only have x amount of years, until my child will be in high school. We need a school by then. New Hampstead feels distant to people within the Pooler area. So, a Pooler High School wasnt on my platform but it is a priority to me.

And what was interesting to me was that a lot of people didn't either have kids or they might have had kids in a private school or they homeschooled in some situations. One person had their 3-year-old running around and I said, What's your plan? And the parent said, We've already looked at homeschool because kids can't read. I said to him that is something that the superintendent is working on, and that's my number one priority.

But the parents I met do worry. Their concerns were there, but they wanted to be clear that it is not about the teacher. It is not about the principal and that's a good thing. That says that our culture of school is not as bad as people think and it [the challenge] is a learning issue, which sounds like something we actually can address in a very serious and pointed way.

SMN: What were some of your takeaways from meeting with members of the Hispanic community within District 7?

Campbell: Immigration laws and all that, not my wheelhouse, but kids are kids, they're here. So we have to educate them, and we want them to have the best chance for success, too. Transportation is still an issue that we need to address. One person was like, I don't care that New Hampstead is that far away. I love the school. She would drive [her child] there every day but she didn't want her kids on the bus because she didn't feel like it was safe. Now, you go across the street to this man and he says, I just hate that I have to send my kids to school that far because he didn't want them on the bus either.

SMN: You attended private school and your children attend private school. Why do you feel this should not preclude you or anyone from being able to serve on and be an effective member of a public school board?

Campbell: I think it's a fair question. I don't begrudge anyone asking it. I want all children to feel like they can have success. I don't think anyone has a monopoly on if they can or cannot or should not care about children's betterment, especially when you're a member of a community. I don't live on an island with my children. My understanding of the way the private schools have worked could be beneficial. But beyond that I have spent my life caring about children. Education is the great equalizer.

SMN: Education can be an equalizer, but not all educational experiences are equal.

Campbell: It isn't and why is it that the answer is because 'poverty'? Poverty is not the reason that kids are illiterate. Illiteracy is the reason that people are impoverished. This is where it does just breaks my heart because people live without beds in our community, not in Honduras [where she spent time doing medical mission work and teaching English]. What I'm saying is this kind of stuff is real and it's happening in kids' lives and it's affecting not just their educational attainment levels, it's affecting their psyche, it's affecting their worth, and people that don't feel worthy don't ever try. I'm not nervous or shy about learning these things, and it's not a mystery to me because I'm behind a gate and I send my kids to private school.

SMN: How do you plan to navigate varying needs and concerns within the community that you represent?

Campbell: I think it's important to talk to people. But I also think it's important to be as transparent as possible, and ethically so, but to be able to keep out there that you're working that you've heard them. It is my priority to address [constituents'] concerns specifically, but it is always going to come back down to what's possible with what time and what money is allowed. That's stuff that we'll have to work out together at a table and figure out what the needs are, but everything can't happen. I wish I could say You want more ESL teachers? Okay, done. But that might not address this travel concern for this other parent. You can't be all things to all people, but you can hear all their needs, and the more you hear, the more you can bring it up with the board. It's a group effort.

Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at JSchwartzburt@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Stephanie Campbell is ready to listen, learn on Savannah-Chatham school board
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Solid Rock Ministries founder and senior pastor John-Paul Miller tightly controlled his Market Common church for years, purging its membership rolls and eventually giving himself total control of day-to-day operations, newly filed court documents by his ex-wife allege.

Alison Williams recently asked a judge to temporarily grant her sole custody of their two youngest children, with all contact suspended until John-Paul completes a psychological and parental fitness exam.

Timeline: Whats happened so far in the death of Myrtle Beach woman Mica Miller

Initially, I was okay with phone calls and text messages however, when recently texting with them J.P. has inappropriately discussed the current state of events with them  sharing his plans of suing everyone, and being a millionaire,' Williams wrote in a May 28 custody filing in the 15th Circuit Family Court, based in Horry County.

News13 obtained the records Monday, which also depict John-Pauls infidelities, including an affair with Mica that began while she worked as a nanny for John-Paul and Alisons children. The filing also alleges that John-Paul hired prostitutes and was sexually inappropriate with several underage female members of Solid Rock.

Dozens attend Justice for Mica rally in front of Solid Rock Church

John-Pauls behavior has been under scrutiny since authorities said Mica shot and killed herself on April 27 at Lumber River State Park near Lumberton. She had served him divorce papers two days earlier.

Shortly after her death, former Solid Rock elder Bernard Kenerson told News13 he left the church amid concerns over John-Pauls behavior and an apparent lack of financial transparency. He also said that attendance had dwindled.

Williams corroborated Kenersons comments in her court filing. She said at some point, John-Paul rewrote the churchs bylaws to give himself 100% decision-making authority.

News13 exclusive: Mica Millers attorney and family speak out

As a result, almost our entire congregation left the church, and J.P. began his quest to recruit new members, and operate Solid Rock Ministries solely at his discretion, Williams said.

Williams said in her court filings that the underage girls who John-Paul allegedly contacted all gave her detailed accounts of his actions, but none was willing to come forward because they feared him.

I went to the police department for the purpose of making a report and requesting an investigation, she wrote. However, I was in essence told by police officials that nobody would believe me because J.P. was a well-known pastor and were in the middle of a divorce.

Cpl. Christopher Starling, a Myrtle Beach police spokesman, said Monday theres no probable cause to pursue charges against John-Paul Miller.

He said anyone with information regarding criminal activity inside city limits should call (843) 918-1382.

Solid Rock Ministries has plans to expand its Faith First Academy school for first through ninth grades on property along Highway 17 Bypass.

Mica and John-Paul were married in 2017, and Mica remained on friendly terms with Alison and her stepchildren, according to court documents. Things began to change in 2021, when arguments between John-Paul and Mica would occur in front of the children.

J.P. would preach sermons on Sundays our children were with him and present in the congregation, disparaging Mica and indicating she had mental health issues, and eventually putting her in a mental hospital, Williams wrote in her affidavit.

During his marriage to Mica, Williams filings allege that John-Paul began a sexual relationship with another woman, whose husband later drowned.

Just two weeks prior to this incident, (the womans) husband had confronted J.P. and asked him to leave his wife and children alone, Williams said in the filing. It is chilling to know that the spouses of both  are now dead, from tragic events.

Keep praying for me: In month before death, Mica Miller said faith, friends kept her strong

John-Pauls own mental health began to deteriorate while he was still married to Mica and having an affair with another woman, and he started buying guns, according to Williams.

Williams and Mica spoke as she sought guidance and counseling while navigating the eventual dissolution of her marriage to John-Paul, according to the court documents, which also contained an undated voicemail that Mica left with Williams.

Hey Ali, its Mica. This is a my new number  please dont give it to anybody, but I just wanted to see who your counselor was to help you walk through for forgiveness and stuff and keep your heart right through all the mess, she said through tears in the 47-second message.

I dont want to lose myself in this and I dont want to pursue anything out of anger or vengeance, I just want to be free and have peace and keep my soul right, Mica said. So if you just text me the name of a good counselor, you know Id greatly appreciate it. Thanks, bye.

A hearing is slated for June 6 on Williams custody filing.

News13 has reached out to John-Paul Millers attorneys multiple times and has yet to hear from them since the day Micas death her death was ruled a suicide.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Save Ukraine, a Ukrainian humanitarian NGO, rescued six children and their families from Russian occupation, the organization's founder, Mykola Kuleba, said on June 3.

At least 19,500 Ukrainian children have been confirmed as abducted by Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and fewer than 400 have been brought home, according to the Ukrainian government's Children of War database.

Kuleba did not specify which Russian-held Ukrainian territories the children were brought back from.

Three families escaped from Russian-occupied territories with the help of Save Ukraine. Three out of the six rescued children are half-orphans.

"The father of a big family was killed in front of his three children by a Russian shell that hit the family's yard. The children still do not believe their father is gone," Kuleba said.

The father of another family was beaten and tortured by Russian soldiers, the Save Ukraine founder added.

Russian soldiers threatened the children with relocation to an orphanage and with military service or the killing of their parents.

Kuleba said that the families found Save Ukraine's contacts and asked for help. The rescue operation was carried out in cooperation with the Humanity Foundation and other Save Ukraine's partners, according to Kuleba.

In late May, 13 children who were illegally kept in Russia were brought back to Ukraine with the help of Qatar as a mediator.

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.

The 123 member states of the ICC are required to arrest Putin if he steps foot on their territory.

Read also: Russia abducted 46 children from foster home in then-occupied Kherson in 2022, NYT reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ever since the New Hampshire Legislature passed a bill aimed at reducing the number of people held without bail in 2018, lawmakers  particularly Republican ones  have sought to roll it back. But among those seeking to limit who can be released on bail, divisions have emerged, and those disagreements have doomed past efforts.

This year, lawmakers are in the same position: considering a bill to reduce the availability of bail and wrestling over the best way to do it. But this time, some say a deal is closer than ever.

It has taken years of debate to figure out how to fix our broken bail system but this bill now presents a solution to fix the problem, argued Sen. Sharon Carson, the Senate majority leader and a Londonderry Republican, in a statement.

New Hampshire lawmakers are again considering a bill to reduce the availability of bail and wrestling over the best way to do it.

On Wednesday, House and Senate negotiators will meet to try to hammer out an agreement on House Bill 318. As passed by the House, that bill would have created a system that would allow magistrates to adjudicate bail issues when judges are unavailable, an idea intended to reduce the amount of time people have to wait behind bars after being arrested.

The House bill would have also required that people charged with a series of felonies be held in jail until they can be seen by a judge or magistrate. Currently, people who are arrested during non-court hours may be seen by a bail commissioner, who may make an initial determination of whether they can be released before seeing a judge. The House bill would block the bail commissioner option for those charged with certain felonies.

To House representatives, the legislation was intended as a compromise with the Senate. It came after months of efforts to cobble together a bill that could please both chambers. And it included most  but not all  of the 13 felonies and misdemeanor charges that Senate President Jeb Bradley had requested lead to automatic jail time until the defendants arraignment.

But the Senate has made its own tweaks to the compromise bill. And now, the matter is getting another round of negotiations.

Here are some of the sticking points.

The standard of evidence

One major difference between the House and Senate versions of the bill is how much evidence the judge would be required to see before holding someone charged with a violent felony without bail.

Currently, the standard is high. In order to deny bail, a judge must determine by clear and convincing evidence that releasing the defendant will endanger the safety of that person or the public.

But there is another, easier, standard to meet: preponderance of the evidence, in which the judge need only determine that the risk of danger is more likely true than not true.

The House had sought to create a new category  substantial evidence  to serve as a middle ground. Substantial evidence is defined as more than a preponderance of evidence and less than clear and convincing evidence.

But the Senate wants to lower the standard for bail denial down to preponderance of the evidence for all those charged with violent felonies.

The question of magistrates

Recently, bail reform proponents have pushed one recurring idea: adding magistrates to the system. Magistrates would present an alternative to judges when it comes to holding arraignments, potentially reducing the amount of time defendants are waiting in jail without bail, advocates say.

Both the House and the Senates bills require the judicial branch to hire magistrates, and both would require the branch to determine the cost of doing so and would authorize funding for it out of the states general fund. But the Senate would require at least three, and the House would require at least 10.

Both the House and the Senate bills would require either a judge or a magistrate to hold the arraignment within 24 hours of their arrest. But the Senate would also allow the magistrate to hold telephonic arraignments. Under the Senate bill, if a defendant wanted to appeal the magistrates telephonic hearing, they could request a new hearing in person.

Electronic monitoring and protective orders

The House version of the bill would require courts to order electronic monitoring of any defendant who is the subject of a domestic violence or stalking protective order. Currently, electronic monitoring is an option for judges in those cases, but not mandatory.

Under the House bill, defendants would be responsible for covering the cost of that monitoring, unless the court determined that the defendant couldnt afford to do so. The states counties would develop criteria to determine when a defendant was sufficiently indigent.

The House bill would also require police departments to attempt to contact the alleged victim within an hour, to warn them if a bail commissioner was releasing the defendant ahead of their arraignment.

The Senate removed many of those provisions from the bill  including the requirement that courts order electronic monitoring.

Paying bail commissioners

New Hampshires bail commissioners are meant to earn $40 for each defendant for whom they hold a hearing. But commissioners must collect that fee from the defendant directly, and many have testified that the defendant does not have it when arrested, making recovery very difficult.

Both the Senate and the House bills would change the system so bail commissioners would be paid directly by the court, instead of the defendant; the court would then be responsible for collecting the fee from the defendant. And both chambers bills raise the payout to $50 per bail commissioner visit. But while the House bill would pay the commissioners on a monthly basis, the Senate bill would pay them every 90 days.

A political reality

For advocates of rolling back or limiting the states 2018 bail reform, the proposed compromises in the House and Senate are welcome: They allow courts to more easily hold defendants of violent crime.

No one should be denied bail solely because they cannot afford it. This bill does not change that, said Sen. Daryl Abbas, a Salem Republican, in a May 16 statement. However, defendants accused of violent crimes should go in front of a judge to determine if they are a threat to the public. This bill is a comprehensive solution to a complex problem we are facing, and it is critical we pass this bill to ensure the safety of our state.

And for supporters of the 2018 bail reform, the bills offer measures that could ensure defendants of other crimes are released more quickly after their arrest, allowing them to return to their lives.

If it were up to Buzz Scherr, professor and chairman of the International Criminal Law and Justice Program at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, lawmakers wouldnt be changing anything about the 2018 law. Scherr, who has followed and testified on the bills for years, has pointed to falling crime rates in New Hampshire in recent years as evidence that the 2018 law has not made the state less safe and that reforms arent needed.

But, said Scherr in an interview: Thats not political reality. Thats just not going to happen.

Of the two proposals for reform, Scherr personally prefers the House version  which he terms the grand bargain  and argues that the lower evidentiary standard for holding a defendant in the Senate version would lead to more people being held after being arrested, but not necessarily the right people.

Those who want to pare back bail reform have argued that police departments have been overwhelmed with defendants who are released and reoffend. But Scherr said the impact of making bail stricter could upend individuals lives in the interest of cracking down. If people are held in jail for days or weeks after their arrest, they can lose everything  even if they are ultimately found not guilty at the end of the trial.

Youre going to hold people who shouldnt be held, he said. And its going to ruin their lives.

This story was originally published by the New Hampshire Bulletin.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH bail reform compromise may be in reach
Nicole Shanahan says she and Tucker Carlson are so on the same page in every single way

The running mate of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said she was on the same page with conservative pundit Tucker Carlson on just about everything.

Nicole Shanahan spoke at an event in Kittery, Maine, last Thursday, where she recounted seeing him debate Democratic strategist James Carville in New York when she was 18 years old. She also said she spent the last four days in Maine and had some incredible experiences.

And so I flew out there and, you know, being [a] young, idealistic Democrat, I really thought Tucker Carlson was the bad guy. And so I went out there and I stared at him in his red bow tie, and I was like, You are not it! You know, youre gonna lose this, she said.

And here we are in 2024 and Im sitting across from Tucker, and he and I are so on the same page in every single way, she said, adding that they are on the same page because we have left establishment thinking once and for all.

Kennedy announced Shanahan, a tech attorney and entrepreneur, as his pick for vice president back in March. Like Kennedy, Shanahan has also expressed skepticism of vaccines, calling for more screenings of risks for vaccinations in an interview with The New York Times earlier this year.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Carlson also questioned the use of vaccines and criticized the Biden administration at times for trying to increase vaccinations.

The Hill has reached out to the Kennedy campaign for further comment on Shanahans remarks.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Nigel Farage Gets Milkshaked by OnlyFans Model on First Day of His Campaign

Nigel Farages surprise campaign for the upcoming British general election got off to a sticky start Tuesday when someone chucked a milkshake in his face.

The right-wing populist, who announced a day earlier that hed changed his mind after originally saying he wouldnt seek a parliamentary seat in the July election, was making his first campaign appearance in the seaside town hes hoping to represent when he was drenched by the drink. Video footage of the incident appears to show a young woman throwing the beverage at Farage outside a pub before running away.

Just Nigel Farage getting a beer chucked at him pic.twitter.com/txnioRDyrD  RobGoff (@robertagoffin) June 4, 2024

The woman allegedly behind the attack was identified by The Sun as Victoria Thomas-Bowen, 25, who reportedly runs an OnlyFans account.

She told the BBC after the incident that shed lobbed the drink at Farage because she just felt like it. He doesnt stand for me, he doesnt represent anything I believe in, or any of the people around here, the woman, who gave her name only as Victoria, said, according to The Times. He doesnt represent us, hes not from here.

Clacton, the parliamentary district which Farage will be contesting on July 4, holds particular significance for him. In 2014, its where a candidate for the U.K. Independence Partythe Eurosceptic party Farage once ledfirst won a seat in the House of Commons. At the time, Farage hailed the win by saying hed shaken up British politics.

He left UKIP four years later and founded the Brexit Party, now known as Reform U.K. Farage was campaigning for the party in Newcastle in 2019 when he had a milkshake thrown at hima Five Guys banana and salted caramel milkshake, to be precise.

The attack was so predictable at the time that police in Scotland had even asked a McDonalds near to where one of his rallies took place to stop serving milkshakes. According to British press reports, the incident on Tuesday involved a McDonalds banana milkshake.

The Newcastle assailant later lost their job and was ordered to pay money to Farageincluding for his suit to be cleanedafter pleading guilty to common assault over the incident. Its not clear if anyone was arrested in connection with the Clacton hit.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Far right British politician Nigel Farage has launched a campaign for his eighth attempt at a seat in the U.K. House of Commons, a move that could lure Conservative voters to a new political home.

On Tuesday, Farage, 60, met with supporters at a rally in the beach town Clacton-on-Sea, where he is campaigning to become the Member of Parliament in the general election on July 4. Farage, it seemed, was not received well by some; locals were seeing holding a banner saying Farage not welcome here, while one woman threw a milkshake over him as he left the pub.

Best known for his staunch support of Brexit, as well as xenophobic campaigns, Farage, the former U.K. Independence Party (UKIP) leader, announced Monday that he would return to frontline politics by heading up the right-wing party Reform U.K.

The move marked a U-turn for the contentious figure, who previously said he would be focusing his attention on supporting Donald Trump in Novembers U.S. presidential race.

I cant turn my back on the peoples army, Farage said of his change in decision. I cant turn my back on those millions of people who followed me, believed in me despite the horrendous things that were being said about me.

Experts say the move could present a final blow to the incumbent Conservative party, which is trailing behind Labour in the polls and on track to lose. It could prove the proverbial nail in the coffin for the Conservatives, says Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London.

Heres what to know about Farages campaign, and how it will affect the general election.

Why is Nigel Farage running in the U.K. election?

After stating that he had no intention to run in the general election, Farage said he felt he would be letting voters and supporters down if he did not represent them at the ballot box. Farage stands a strong chance of defeating Clactons Conservative incumbent MP, a role held by Giles Watling until Parliament was dissolved on May 30.

It is thought that Farage could be foraying back into politics at a time where Labour is poised for victory, and there is a chance to form a strong opposition in the Commons. Bale says this pivot could be much more personally motivated.

If I were a cynic, I'd point out that the signs were that Farage wasn't going to do as much business in America as he hoped he would during the Presidential campaign, says Bale. Less cynically, he's looked more deeply at the polling, realized the Conservatives really are going to lose votes pretty much everywhere, which of course lowers the bar for him to win a seat.

After seven election defeats, an eighth time could be the charm for Farage, who is returning to an entirely changed battleground.

The key difference for Nigel Farages eighth attempt is that he is facing off against a Conservative Party that is polling at historic lows, says Jac Larner, a professor of political science at Cardiff University in Wales. This means his main competitors on the right are unable to put up the same level of resistance as in previous years.

What is Nigel Farage known for?

Farage has become synonymous with Brexit and wider Euroscepticism within the U.K. Once a member of the Conservative party, Farage resigned after the U.K. signed the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, which aimed to create closeness between European nations.

In Europe, he's a bogey-man for mainstream politicians and something of an inspiration for the populist radical right, says Bale of Farage. His divisive approach has earned him a reputation for being motor-mouthed chancer with some nasty right-wing views or a hero willing to challenge the political class, Bale adds.

He has straddled media and politics, acting as a founding member of UKIP, a fringe right-wing populist political party, which he led from 2006 until 2009, and then in 2010 to 2016.

In 1999, Farage was elected to represent South East England in the European Parliament, a role he held until 2020. In 2009, UKIP secured more votes than Labour and the Liberal Democrats in the European elections.

As concerns over the U.K.s position within the European Union (EU) grew and culminated in the 2016 EU referendum, Farage backed Catherine Blaiklock in launching the Brexit party in 2019. After the U.K. withdrew from the EU, the party rebranded to become Reform U.K. Farage left Reform in 2021 to focus on his media career.

What is the Reform party?

Invoking former U.S. President Donald Trumps 2016 election slogan, Reform touts itself as a party to make Britain great again. The partys website says it is seeking to reform the economy, energy strategy, the public sector, and British institutions. It also places importance on having a proper immigration policy and protected borders.

Before Farage returned to the helm, the party was steered by former Conservative party member Richard Tice. The party is home to a number of defecting Tories, such as former Conservative deputy chair Lee Anderson, the partys first MP in the commons who was previously kicked out of the Conservative party for alleging that London Mayor Saqid Khan, who is Muslim, was controlled by Islamists.

How will Nigel Farages decision to run impact the election?

The outcome of this summers election remains broadly unchanged, with Labour on course to surpass Tony Blairs landslide majority in 1997, according to YouGov polling. In fact, Bale says, Farages return could mean Labour wins even bigger than looked likely last week.

He adds that Reform voters are more likely to be defecting Conservative voters rather than former Labour voters. That means Conservative candidates will gain fewer votes, which, in turn, means they stand even more chance of losing to their Labour and Liberal Democrat opponents than would have been the case had Farage not re-entered the fray.

Larner echoes this sentiment, saying that even the safest Conservative seats are now facing battles on two fronts, one against Labours rising support, and another to former Conservative voters jumping ship to Reform.

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Write to Armani Syed at armani.syed@time.com.
A woman is seen visiting the new Museum of Hong Kong Literature in Hong Kong, south China, on May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

"It is a green bud in the spring, breathing new vitality and hope to Hong Kong's literature," said Poon Yiu-ming, curator of the Museum of Hong Kong Literature and chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Writers.

HONG KONG, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Cantilevered balconies, tiled pitched roofs, timber French doors ... 7 Mallory Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong houses a cluster of 10 "grade II historic buildings" built in the 1910s which has been revitalized into a catering, retail and event space.

On the third floor, a museum dedicated to the city's literature and covering an area of about 2,000 square feet (185.8 sq meters), was recently unveiled to the public, giving a unique twist to one of the busiest commercial areas in Hong Kong.

"This is the first literary museum in Hong Kong's history, and probably the most 'mini' literary museum in the world," said Poon Yiu-ming, curator of the Museum of Hong Kong Literature and chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Writers, proudly and jokingly. "It is a green bud in the spring, breathing new vitality and hope to Hong Kong's literature."

This photo taken on May 29, 2024 shows the new Museum of Hong Kong Literature in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

The museum quietly records the exchange and influence of literature and genres among writers from the Chinese mainland and local Hong Kong. In the 1970-80s, the reform and opening up drive made Hong Kong a "cultural station" for mainland writers on their journey to the overseas for exchanges. That is how Poon became acquainted and later friends with iconic literary figures including Wang Meng, Ai Qing and Xiao Qian.

Hong Kong boasts its irreplaceability as a "cultural station," with the nourishment from the literature lectures by these mainland writers and the inspiration from Western literature such as stream of consciousness writings, Poon said.

"As an undeniable melting pot and metropolis, Hong Kong should have its own literary museum," he affirmed. In 2004, Poon, along with more than 30 other Hong Kong literary and academic figures, jointly proposed the establishment of the Museum of Hong Kong Literature.

Now 20 years later, that dream came true. "We finally have a space and a platform of our own. We hope that through this platform, we can contribute to the collection, categorizing, research and promotion of Hong Kong literature," Poon said.

A man is seen visiting the new Museum of Hong Kong Literature in Hong Kong, south China, on May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Coming up, Poon's team is racing against time to make an oral history of the older generation of Hong Kong writers and their families. Besides protecting the relevant documents and rescuing the fading history, they are also introducing high-tech means of e-scanning and turning manuscripts into e-archives for better preservation, research and display.

Notably, the museum also pays tribute to writers who moved south from the Chinese mainland to Hong Kong, bringing a traditional Chinese culture vibe. In May, an exhibition was held to honor writers including Xu Dishan and the late Chinese martial arts novelist Louis Cha Leung-yung, more widely known by his pen name Jin Yong. In its permanent exhibition, the museum showcases manuscripts, publications and autograph books of many southern writers such as Eileen Chang and Xiao Hong.

During the age of martial arts novels in Hong Kong literature started in the early 1950s, Jin Yong and Chen Wentong, better known by his pen name Liang Yusheng, were crowned as the peak in the creation of new type martial arts novels, and the popularity of martial arts fictions also drove the flourishing development of kung fu movies in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong film, TV and other pop culture products, one can easily find these familiar elements.

"The fast-paced lifestyle and high pressure of living in Hong Kong led readers to seek spiritual solace and comfort through martial arts novels," said Poon. Martial arts fictions also became an important pillar of Hong Kong's literary landscape.

This photo taken on May 24, 2024 shows Poon Yiu-ming, curator of the Museum of Hong Kong Literature and chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Writers, speaking to Xinhua in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

To appeal to a wider public and particularly the younger generation, there is a gallery tailor-made for children through holographic projection and other vivid and interesting displays.

"It is an important responsibility of the museum to inherit and promote literature, especially to sow the seeds of love for literature among the younger generation," Poon said. To this end, the museum has partnered with Hong Kong's educational authorities to organize contests as well as campus or community events to bring fresh literary experience for young schoolers, and is planning to organize short-term master classes in literary writing at universities in Hong Kong.

The museum has co-built with other museums and institutions a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area literary alliance, with more regional and international seminars being in the pipeline.

"We want to reach out to the public, and promote literature in ways that are more accessible to them." "Literary museums and literature belong not only to writers, but also to the public," Poon said, adding "Culture cannot do without literature."

The hall is small, but Poon's vision is big. Hopefully, the literary museum can build a bridge to connect traditions with innovations and the local Hong Kong culture with that of the Chinese mainland and the overseas, Poon said.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  I-25 will close in both directions overnight from June 3  7 in Fountain to allow for road resurfacing.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the interstate will be closed in both directions from Santa Fe Avenue to Mesa Ridge Parkway starting Monday night and occurring every night through Friday. The closures will be in place at different times depending on the day and direction of travel.

Closure schedule

Temporary full closures of northbound I-25

Monday, June 3 through Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Friday, June 7, 8 p.m. to 10 a.m.

Temporary full closures of southbound I-25:

Tuesday, June 4 through Thursday, June 6, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Friday, June 7, 8 p.m. to 10 a.m.

Detours will be in place:

Northbound I-25 traffic will exit at Santa Fe Avenue, turn north onto the CanAm Highway (US 85/87), travel to Mesa Ridge Parkway, turn west and re-enter I-25.

Southbound I-25 traffic will exit at Mesa Ridge Parkway (exit 132A), travel to the CanAm Highway (US 85/87), turn south and continue to Santa Fe Avenue to re-enter I-25 (MP 128).

Courtesy: Colorado Department of Transportation

If you must travel through the area during the closures, drivers are urged to use caution and watch for crews.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
What Nikki Haley wrote on that Israeli artillery shell reminds us who she really is | Opinion

Palestinian children were burned alive when Israeli military bombed a tent camp late last month in an area Israel had designated as a safe zone.

The Biden administration called the attack devastating and heartbreaking.

Issac Bailey

Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the bombing was a tragic accident as others around the world condemned the attack. It left at least 45 innocent Palestinians dead, increasing the estimated death toll to more than 36,000 since Israel began its onslaught on Gaza after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

A day after the tent camp was bombed, Nikki Haley, who was in Israel, thought it wise to write Finish them! on an Israeli artillery shell that will no doubt kill more innocents, possibly burning more Palestinian children alive. The casual callousness of the former South Carolina governor who served as U.N. ambassador during the Donald Trumps administration is hard to describe. Her cruelty, inhumanity and bloodthirstiness is hard to overstate.

Haley tried to deflect from her disgusting decision by making a statement about the evil inflicted upon Israel on Oct. 7 instead of grieving the dead Palestinian babies the way so many grieved the Israeli babies Hamas murdered.

One in 4 of their neighbors were murdered or taken hostage in Gaza, she told CNN in a statement. No other country would accept this, Israel should not either.

If there was ever doubt that Haley is one of the most shape-shifting politicians in a world of shape-shifting politicians, what she did should erase all questions. She is.

Haleys artillery signing came in the wake of her decision to back Trump during the 2024 election cycle after not endorsing him immediately after exiting a presidential nomination race in which she had a good showing. She came in second to Trump. Gullible political watchers thought there was a chance shed be independent-minded and not fall in line with a man she called unhinged and diminished and who she said couldnt win a general election. That was a pipe dream.

Haley is very much like South Carolina Sens. Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham, as well as most elected and wanna-be elected Republicans, bowing the knee to one of the most corrupt men in politics.

This is who she is  and has long been. She found a way to sound like a reasonable person during the Republican presidential debates, at least momentarily on issues such as abortion. That version of Haley would have made a strong general election candidate. But it wasnt real, and never has been. Thats the power of shape-shifting politicians. They can mold themselves at the drop of a hat into whatever they need to be. Because they have no principles. Because morality is a talking point, not something lived.

That Haley could, just hours after Israeli bombs burned Palestinian babies alive, gleefully sign an Israeli artillery shell  likely because it would play well on TV back home, at least for Republicans shell need if she runs in 2028  is all you need to know about her. The ruse has forever been exposed.

Ill admit that I held out hope that the real Nikki Haley is the one who from time to time seems competent, compassionate even, the one who can give a good speech and perform well in a debate. Ive even tried to give her the benefit of doubt when others said I was just wasting my time.

They dont have to tell me anymore. When she was S.C. governor, she was OK with denying needy residents health care access just to make a political statement against Obamacare. Now after a star turn on the national stage as a presidential candidate, she reminded us who she really is.

Issac Bailey is a McClatchy Opinion writer in North and South Carolina.
Judges Danielle Forrest, Johnnie Rawlinson and Jennifer Sung listen to Montana Assistant Attorney General Michael Russell during arguments about whether Montana's drag ban, prohibiting storytime drag performances should be illegal. The three-judge panel heard the case in Portland, Oregon (Photo via Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals webpage).

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals wrestled on Tuesday with how Montanas drag ban law, currently on hold from a federal judge, doesnt violate the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment, protecting free speech and viewpoints.

Do you think that every word of this law is constitutional? asked Judge Johnnie B. Rawlinson.

Montana Assistant Attorney General Michael Russell, who defended House Bill 359 before the court in Portland, Oregon, said he believed so, and that Montana has a compelling interest in protecting children against conduct aimed at disrupting childhood education.

Attorneys were part of an oral briefing that discussed the case because the Montana Attorney Generals Office has challenged federal court Judge Brian Morris decision to halt the law from going into effect, citing constitutional concerns. Ten different individuals, businesses and groups are part of the lawsuit challenging the bill. The named defendants include Attorney General Austin Knudsen as well as Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen who has regulatory control of Montanas public education. Arntzen is is currently running to replace Rep. Matt Rosendale in Montanas eastern Congressional district race.

However, Russell argued that Morris disregarded the states public responsibility to protect kids, especially in places where they congregate, like libraries and schools. Furthermore, he argued that the state should have the power to decide how public funds are used, therefore justifying why the law was written to enact punishments not just for drag performers, but for any business that receives state funds, including nonprofit theaters, private businesses or even private schools.

The judges seemed skeptical that the law could measure up to the First Amendment and questioned what type of judicial scrutiny should apply. Constance Van Kley, who argued the case for the Imperial Sovereign Court of Montana drag performers, pointed out that currently there was such ambiguity about the law that several Montana cities, including Helena and Butte, cancelled events for fear they might run afoul of the law, risking criminal penalties or having state funds cut off.

Judge Danielle J. Forrest asked if the State of Montana, through HB 359, wasnt an example of a state restricting or limiting speech based on its content.

It seems to me that Montana thinks theres expression happening (at drag story reading) and thats why this law exists, she said.

Russell pushed back, saying that Montana lawmakers have a right to stop behavior or speech that is disruptive to normative behavior and development. The bill was sponsored in 2023 by Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls.

Van Kley told the court, though, that Montanas laws werent narrowly tailored, instead she characterized them as sweeping, pointing out not only did they regulate speech in public areas and schools, but also at private businesses, and that could include movie theaters. It also added criminal penalties as well as the threat of losing funding.

Van Kley said that Morris needed to stop the law from going into effect because an average person could not tell what speech is unlawful because few of the terms, like salacious dancing are defined. She pointed to more than a dozen examples of words that werent defined, arguing the law didnt give adequate notice about what behavior is illegal.

The post Ninth Circuit appears skeptical of Montanas drag ban appeared first on Daily Montanan.
No. 2 Senate Democrat: I would not have invited Netanyahu to address Congress

Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.), the No. 2-ranking Senate Democratic leader, on Tuesday said he would not have invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress.

Durbin broke with the top four congressional leaders  Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)  who invited Netanyahu in a May 31 to address Congress.

Ive been waiting for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to embrace a two-state solution, which I believe is the only way to go forward in Israel, Durbin told reporters.

I would not have sent the letter of invitation, he said when asked whether Netanyahu should address Congress.

Until he embraces a two-state solution, I dont think we can realistically expect this conflict to end, Durbin said.

A tentative plan to have Netanyahu speak to lawmakers on June 13 while President Biden is scheduled to be in Italy for a summit was ruled out Monday because it falls on the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.

Progressives ranging from Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) have criticized Republicans for leading the push to invite Netanyahu to the Capitol.

Netanyahu over the weekend largely ignored a peace plan laid out by President Biden, saying the conditions for ending the war in Gaza have not changed.

Biden said in a May 28 interview with Time magazine that there is every reason to believe Netanyahu is prolonging the war to remain in power.

Netanyahu earlier this year rejected calls for Palestinian statehood, warning it would pose a threat to Israeli security.

I will not compromise on full Israeli security control over all the territory west of Jordan  and this is contrary to a Palestinian state, he posted on the social media site X in January.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough on Tuesday acknowledged a series of massive mistakes in the improper awarding of about $11 million of incentive bonuses to senior department officials last year but told lawmakers he still has confidence in his leadership team to make up for the errors and reform agency processes.

Republican lawmakers questioned whether some senior leaders should be fired because of the scandal, which they said has undermined public faith in the department.

Ultimately, the responsibility for this failure falls on your shoulders, House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, R-Ill., told the secretary at a hearing on the issue Tuesday. And if leaders below you fail, and are not held accountable, you must be held to account.

The contested bonuses were part of the $117 million Critical Skill Incentive Payments program authorized by Congress two years ago. Money from that fund has been given to more than 13,000 staffers with high-demand skills in an effort to keep them in VA hospitals and benefits offices.

GOP senators demand firings of senior staff after VA bonus mistakes

But at least 182 senior employees who were not eligible for the awards also received payouts through the program. All of the bonuses were more than $30,000, and several were given more than $100,000.

VA Inspector General Michael Missal testified on Tuesday that the mistakes stemmed from several senior leaders  particularly Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal and Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs  misinterpreting the law, either through ignorance or intentionally skirting it to hand out generous cash rewards to senior officials.

Our work found lapses in governance, judgment, due diligence, communications and accountability at multiple levels in VA, he said.

Missal told lawmakers he would not have confidence in Elnahal or Jacobs based on their handling of the bonus issues. Republican lawmakers decried the mistakes as unforgivable, especially given that the money was intended to retain front-line employees instead of bureaucrats.

The administration decided that pushing paper in Washington, D.C. was a critical skill to VAs mission that was worthy of a maximum bonus, Bost said. Dont be fooled, this money could have been spent on hardworking VA employees, outside the beltway, who mightve used it to send their son or daughter to college, not to buy a new Porsche.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wisc., said during the hearing that Elnahal, McDonough and President Joe Biden should all resign over the issue.

Missals report largely absolves McDonough of blame in the bonus mistakes. VA leaders have been working to recoup the improper bonuses for several months. About 92% of the money has been recovered, the secretary said.

McDonough noted in his testimony that his office reported the error to lawmakers last fall shortly after he was made aware of the internal problem, illustrating that there was not an intent to hide information from oversight officials.

And committee Democrats attributed the mistakes  which they also labeled as serious and concerning  to a misunderstanding of the law and a lack of proper review procedures within the department. They called for reforms to the departments oversight system regarding bonuses, but did not call for firings related to mistakes.

But Republican lawmakers were angry that their request to hear directly from Elnahal and Jacobs was superseded by McDonoughs decision to testify on Tuesday, vowing that those leaders will soon face harsh questioning on Capitol Hill.

McDonough said he opted to testify instead of allowing them to appear because of the seriousness of the issue, and to explain broader efforts to correct the errors. He promised a response to the inspector generals recommendations in the near future.

He also said some of the senior executives may still be eligible for other bonuses in the future, but they will not be awarded in batch or through the critical skills program.

Both the inspector general and committee leaders also promised continued focus on the issue in coming months.
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

LAWMAKERS HONOR 16 LGBTQ ICONS AS PRIDE MONTH BEGINS

Via Andrew Sheeler and Jenavieve Hatch ...

As anti-LGBTQ sentiment, and anti-transgender sentiment in particular, is at its loudest, California lawmakers pushed back Monday, as the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and the entire Legislature came together to mark Pride Month by honoring 16 individuals whose contributions have made a difference in the LGBTQ community.

Californias LGBTQ Caucus is the largest such caucus in the country, with 12 members (all Democrats), and Caucus Chair Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, D-Stockton, said in prepared remarks Monday that the group hopes to grow to 15 members this November.

We just keep representing and keep getting elected because thats who we are in California, Eggman said.

The senator from Stockton remarked on how these last few years have been for the LGBTQ community. Red state legislatures across the country have introduced hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills. Even in liberal California, conservative-controlled school boards have pushed back against the state by enacting parental notification policies, referred to by opponents as forced outing policies, which require school districts to notify parents if their child goes by a different name or pronouns at school.

You know, we know that the LGBTQ community has become the kicking bags, becoming the punching bags, have become the folks that everyone likes to talk about and try to divide who we are, Eggman said. And were here to say that we are prepared and we have pushed back strong, we have pushed back loud and we do it differently than the other side would do it, with hate, because we know that we have love on our side.

Alexis Sanchez, deputy chief program officer and director of advocacy and training at the Sacramento LGBT Center, spoke of how the anti-transgender agenda is failing in California despite a vocal opposition. She specifically called out the proposed ballot measure that would have required statewide parental notification, banned gender-affirming care for minors and barred trans children from accessing gender-segregated facilities and activities, such as bathrooms or womens sports.

That measure failed to get enough signatures by deadline.

Other speakers echoed the need to support the transgender community, the T in LGBTQ at a time when the anti-trans agenda is loudest.

The 16 honorees include Araceli Mohamed, founder of Volunteer with Cheli; Bruce M. Abrams, attorney and philanthropist; David Giron, vice president of Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride; Jai Rodriguez, actor and Queer Eye star; Jonny Cota, fashion designer; Lady Java, drag performer; Les Ortiz, artist and CEO of Social Events ENT; Lori Risso, director of educational services for Stockton Unified School District; Nguyen Pham, president of San Francisco Pride; Paris Antoinette Quion, drag performer; Raul Urena, former Calexico mayor; Ronn Ruiz, co-founder and CEO of Apartment SEO; Sal Rosselli, founder of the National Union of Healthcare Workers; Sera Fernando, manager of Santa Clara County Office of LGBTQ Affairs; Soni Wolf, co-founder of Dykes on Bikes (posthumous), and Tyller Williamson, Monterey mayor.

Lawmakers recognized all 16 honorees on both the Assembly and Senate floors.

This years event was quiet and breezy, a far cry from last years event, where Democrats honored Sister Roma of the drag group Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to the protest of Republicans, some of whom stormed off the floor as she was recognized.

STUDY SHOWS BLACK AND FEMALE-LED HOUSEHOLDS STRUGGLE WITH AFFORDABILITY

A new study published by the Gender Equity Policy Institute shows that Californians are struggling with finding affordable housing, especially female-led and Black households.

You can read the report here.

The study shows that the percentage of rent-burdened (that is, people paying more than 30% of their income on rent) Californians has increased by 55% from 1970. Nearly four times as many Californians are severely rent-burdened, meaning they spend more than 50% of their income on rent.

While the number of women-led households has increased since 1970, women are 22% less likely to be homeowners compared with California households overall. And for those women who are renting, nearly 70% spend an unaffordable share of their income on housing.

Black households, too, have suffered since the 70s, according to the report.

Black homeownership has declined 9% since 1970, and white households are now nearly twice as likely as Black households to own their home.

Black households also experience the highest level of rent burden  65% spend more than a third of their income on rent while 39% spend more than half their money on rent.

The California Dream of affordable housing began vanishing in the 1970s, as the data dramatically shows, and has only continued since. Californias homelessness and affordable housing crises are a drag on the economy and negatively affect nearly every person, business, and institution in the Golden State, said GEPI president and founder Nancy L. Cohen in a statement.

Cohen added that California policymakers should aim to expand the California Dream, not simply to restore it, recognizing that the 20th century ideal was always largely out of reach for Black families and households headed by women.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Getting ready to be sworn in tonight.

- Former assemblyman and newly elected Congressman Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, via X.

Best of The Bee:

These high schoolers learned about the value of money. Should every California student? Via Jennah Pendleton .

California tribal leaders honor 100 years of Indian American citizenship at state Capitol, via Jenavieve Hatch .

What can protesters legally do on California campuses? Is civil disobedience OK? Via Angela Rodriguez.
CHICAGO  In another set of sweeping lawsuits, former residents of juvenile detention centers have alleged widespread sexual abuse in youth prisons across Illinois and are calling on state officials to reform the system.

Two complaints brought by dozens of plaintiffs  one by male detainees and another by females  accuse the Illinois Department of Correction and Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice of failing to protect vulnerable young people against known sexual abuse at the hands of state employees.

The complaints build on allegations brought in another suit filed in May, bringing the number of people making abuse claims to about 200. The plaintiffs, who detail specific acts of abuse, are listed by their initials to protect their identities.

In a statement, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice said it cannot comment on active litigation, but that it takes seriously the safety of youth in the care of the department and has enacted policies and procedures to identify possible instances of abuse or misconduct.

All allegations of staff misconduct are immediately and thoroughly investigated internally and often in partnership with the Department of Corrections, the Illinois State Police and the Department of Children and Family Services, the statement read.

Former detainees spoke out Monday at a news conference, alleging that they reported the abuse to prison staff, only to be ignored, or even punished.

I want to bring humanity to the juvenile justice system, a plaintiff said at the Loop news conference, for the sake of my own kids and for all kids who went through what I did.

Their attorneys called on Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul to take immediate steps to accept responsibility and ensure there are systems in place to prevent abuse.

There is no evidence that any of the conditions that enabled institutionalized sexual abuse have been fixed, said Jerome Block, one of the attorneys handling the case.

The facilities at issue as alleged in the suit are current and former youth centers in Warrenville, Chicago, Harrisburg, St. Charles, Murphysboro, Valley View, Joliet and Kewanee.

The suits accuse the state of failing to come into compliance with provisions of the Prison Rape Elimination Act that were enacted with the goal of preventing abuse in carceral settings. It says officials and staff systematically failed to act on reports of abuse. In some cases, detainees in the suit named common abusers that were allowed to harm minors over and over.

Jermaine Bell, a former detainee, told reporters he was abused in the St. Charles facility between 2005 and 2006. When he reported the abuse, he said, officials put him on medication, telling him he was hallucinating. Later, he said, they transferred him to a maximum security facility.

To this day, I still suffer from the abuse and my personal relationships have suffered, Bell said. I know life will never be the same.

The attorneys said that female residents, who make up a much smaller percentage of overall detainees, were abused at higher rates.

Among allegations in the suits brought by female and male detainees:

Threatening detainees with physical violence, extended sentences or with revoking phone and visitation privileges if they resisted sexual acts.

Attacking detainees in their cells.

Coercing detainees into sexual acts in exchange for privileges such as extra snacks and time outside the cell.

Groping detainees under the guise of a strip search.

One former detainee told reporters he was an impressionable kid growing up in the projects when he landed at Murphysboro, at the time, set up as a boot camp.

I tried to tell other adults around me. No one listened, he said. It gave me the message that no one cared about me, that I was less than human.

_____
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Nonprofits across northeastern Pennsylvania are gearing up for a big day of fundraising.

NEPA Gives, an annual online 24-hour giving extravaganza benefitting area nonprofits, is getting ready for its fifth and largest year yet.

Its a full 24 hours of fundraising for area nonprofits.

Its for nonprofits in our area to harness their volunteers and their communities to try and raise funds and with every donation no matter how small or big, it has the opportunity to raise even more money through grants given through the NEPA Gives platform, said Luzerne Foundation philanthropic services coordinator Jessica Baab.

Running from June 6 to June 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Luzerne Foundation is hosting the event alongside the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the Carbon County Community Foundation, the Greater Pike Community Foundation, and the Wayne County Community Foundation.

If you ever wanted to give philanthropically, this is a great opportunity to do it cause you can learn about all of the different nonprofits in our area doing good in our community, Baab explained.

Disposal event set for hazardous household waste

In addition to donations, nonprofits also have the chance to win some cash prizes.

For the nonprofits, theyre starting to strategize about how to win those prizes and how to connect with their communities and their volunteer base and their boards, and how to unite together to really win some really wonderful prizes, some cash prizes for their organizations this week, Baab continued.

This year, NEPA Gives is bigger than ever, with more than 200 nonprofits taking part.

You go to NEPAGives.org and you can search for any type of organization that you want. Therell be a list of all of the participating organizations. Well have a very very heavy social media presence June 6-7, you wont be able to miss us, Baab stated.

This years NEPA Gives will kick off Thursday at the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Rail Riders game at PNC Field in Moosic.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Abortion rights demonstrators

Abortion-rights supporters rallied outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in March as justices heard arguments about abortion medication. North Carolina regulations that made doctors dispense mifepristone in-person and required patients to go to follow-up appointments overstep the federal governments authority, a judge ruled Monday. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

A federal judge on Monday blocked parts of North Carolinas law on medication abortions.

Under the ruling by U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles any health care provider  not just physicians  and pharmacists who are certified can prescribe abortion pills, patients can take mifepristone at home and they no longer have to make three-in person visits to a doctor.

Yesterdays ruling from the court is a tremendous victory for thousands of patients statewide, particularly in rural areas, who have been deprived of full access to medication abortion because of the state legislatures oppressive tactics and maniacal focus on restricting abortion, Jenny Black, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, said in a statement Tuesday.

The lawsuit was filed last year by Dr. Amy Bryant, an OB-GYN in Hillsborough.

Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, whos running for governor, was named as a lead defendant in the case but declined to defend the law. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore were allowed to defend the laws with private attorneys. They argued that restrictions on mifepristone and abortion were necessary to protect patients health and safety.

In a statement released Tuesday, Stein lauded the ruling, saying:

Republican lawmakers enacted SB20 to control women. Their sloppy, chaotic law violated womens constitutional rights and made it harder to get a safe, effective medication abortion. I fought back against the unconstitutional parts of the law that made it harder for women  especially in rural parts of the state  to get the health care they need. Im proud to defend womens reproductive freedoms and pleased that this ruling helps women regain some control over their personal health care decisions. Politicians need to stay out of the exam room and leave these decisions to a woman and her medical provider.

Berger and Moore did not respond to a request for comment on whether they plan to appeal.

Politicians in North Carolina cannot interfere with the FDAs authority and impose medically unnecessary restrictions on medication abortion care, Bryant said in a statement. While the ruling still leaves in place some inappropriate restrictions that are not evidence-based or medically warranted, it will allow for increased access to safe and effective medication abortion care throughout North Carolina.

Eagles did not grant Bryants request to strike down state requirements for an in-person exam, ultrasound, blood testing and a 72-hour consultation before the abortion. She also let stand the provision that requires doctors to report non-fatal adverse events to state health officials.

Although she issued her final decision this week, Eagles explained her reasoning in a memorandum and opinion released on April 30. She wrote that several of the North Carolina restrictions overstepped the authority of the federal government, particularly the U.S Food and Drug Administrations regulatory powers.

These laws frustrate the congressional goal of establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework under which the FDA determines conditions for safe drug distribution that do not create unnecessary burdens on the health care system or patient access, Eagles wrote.

She said the provisions that she struck down were obstacles to Congress purpose.

But Eagles said other requirements  the in-person advance consultation and exam, ultrasound and blood testing  can remain because they help advance standards of care: If the only reasons for the in-person exam or the ultrasound were to reduce or manage safety issues related to mifepristone, the plaintiffs argument would have more force.

Eagles ruling comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is deliberating a medication abortion case. Anti-abortion doctors argue that the FDA should reinstate pre-2016 regulations on mifepristone.

Eagles is not done parsing challenges to North Carolina abortion laws. She will hear arguments Wednesday in Greensboro in a case concerning Senate Bill 20, the 12-week ban that the Republican-controlled legislature passed in roughly 48 hours last spring. State law allows abortions later in pregnancy only in the cases of rape and incest or for life-limiting anomalies.

Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and Dr. Beverly Gray, a Duke University OB-GYN, are suing over mandates that require abortions after 12 weeks to be performed in hospitals and make physicians document the existence of an intrauterine pregnancy. Plaintiffs are seeking guidance on the latter provision because early pregnancies cannot be detected on ultrasounds.

The post North Carolina abortion pill restrictions struck down by federal judge appeared first on NC Newsline.
South Korean soldiers wearing protective gears check the trash from a balloon presumably sent by North Korea, in Incheon, South Korea, Sunday, June 2, 2024. North Korea launched hundreds of more trash-carrying balloons toward the South after a similar campaign a few days earlier, according to South Koreas military, in what Pyongyang calls retaliation for activists flying anti-North Korean leaflets across the border. (Im Sun-suk/Yonhap via AP)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Animosities between North and South Korea are rising sharply again over an unusual cause: The North's rubbish-carrying balloons.

In the past week, North Korea floated hundreds of huge balloons dumping manure, cigarette butts, scraps of cloth, waste batteries and even reportedly dirty diapers across South Korea. In response, South Korea vowed unbearable retaliatory steps and suspended a fragile military deal meant to ease tensions with its northern neighbor.

Experts say if South Korea resumes live-fire drills or anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts via loudspeakers in border areas, that's certain to infuriate North Korea and may prompt it to take its own provocative countermeasures along the border.

Heres a look at North Koreas balloon launches:

WHAT DID NORTH KOREA DO?

Since May 28, North Korea has sent about 1,000 balloons carrying all kinds of trash across the border. No hazardous materials were found, but South Korean social media was still abuzz with worries that North Korea might use balloons to drop chemical, biological and other weapons next time.

After the first wave of balloons, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said they were deployed to make good on her countrys threat to scatter mounds of wastepaper and filth in South Korea, in reaction to previous South Korean campaigns by private citizens sending balloons with items to North Korea.

Kim Kang Il, a North Korean vice defense minister, said Sunday the North would halt its balloon campaign because it left the South Koreans with enough experience of how much unpleasant they feel.

South Korean civic activists have steadfastly launched their own helium-filled balloons to drop anti-Pyongyang leaflets and USB sticks with South Korean dramas and world news in North Korea, where most of its 26 million people have no official access to foreign news. Enraged, North Korea has previously fired at South Korean balloons and destroyed an empty, South Korean-built liaison office in the North.

HOW DID SOUTH KOREA RESPOND?

South Koreas military didnt shoot down the incoming North Korean balloons to avoid potential damage on the ground and an unwanted armed clash with the North.

It has instead fully suspended a 2018 military agreement with North Korea to bolster its military readiness along the border. The agreement  reached during a brief period of inter-Korean rapprochement  requires the two Koreas to cease all sorts of hostile acts against each other at border areas, including firing exercises, aerial surveillance and psychological warfare.

The deal has already been in limbo, with both Korea taking some steps in breach of it amid tensions over North Korea's spy satellite launch last November. South Korea says the deals suspension would still formally allow it to restart front-line military drills and take swift, effective responses to North Korean provocations.

The responsibility for this situation lies solely with North Korea. If North Korea launches additional provocations, our military, in conjunction with the solid South Korea-U.S. defense posture, will punish North Korea swiftly, strongly and to the end, Cho Chang-rae, South Koreas deputy defense minister for policy, said.

At the center of media attention is whether South Korea will resume blaring anti-Pyongyang broadcasts, K-pop songs and outside news from its border loudspeakers. North Korea is extremely sensitive to such broadcasts because they could demoralize front-line troops and residents and eventually weaken leader Kim Jong Uns grip on power, experts say.

In 2015, when South Korea restarted loudspeaker broadcasts for the first time in 11 years, North Korea fired artillery rounds across the border, prompting South Korea to return fire, according to South Korean officials. No casualties were reported.

WHAT'S NEXT?

North Korea's balloon campaign was among a series of provocations directed at South Korea recently. In past days, North Korea also test-fired a salvo of nuclear-capable weapons in a drill rehearsing a preemptive strike on South Korea, and allegedly jammed GPS navigation signals in South Korea.

Broadly, North Korea has ramped up weapons tests and toughened warlike rhetoric in recent years in what observers call a bid to boost its leverage in future diplomacy with the U.S. But experts say the North's latest steps were particularly designed to trigger a divide in South Korea over its conservative government's tough policy on North Korea.

The South Korean government's decision to suspend the 2018 deal invited criticism from opposition liberal lawmakers and activists, who espouse greater ties with North Korea. But it's unclear how influential their voices are, after the trash-carrying balloons deepened anti-North Korea sentiments in the South.

South Korean officials have no legal grounds to ban civilians from sending balloons with leaflets to the North. In 2023, the South Korean Constitutional Court struck down a contentious law that criminalized anti-Pyongyang balloon flying. The court called the law an excessive restriction on free speech.

Park Sang-hak, a North Korean defector-turned-activist known for his long-running leaflet campaigns, said he won't back down in the face of the North Korean threats.

We've sent North Korea the truth and love, medicines, one-dollar bills, dramas and songs, but they sent us garbage and filth?" Park said in a statement. We defectors will act ... We'll send our North Korean compatriots the truth and love.

North Korea has warned it will resumed its balloon activities if South Korean activists fly their balloons again.

I will just say that its obviously quite a disgusting tactic  irresponsible, childish  and it should come to an end," U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Monday over the North's balloon launches.
Children take part in a handover ceremony at Dzikwa Trust Fund in Harare, Zimbabwe, on June 3, 2024. The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe on Monday donated a batch of necessities to Dzikwa Trust Fund, a Zimbabwean educational charity organization, in Harare. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)

HARARE, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe on Monday donated a batch of necessities to Dzikwa Trust Fund, a Zimbabwean educational charity organization, in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.

The items, including foodstuffs and toiletries, were officially handed over by Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding.

Oili Wuolle, the program director for Dzikwa Trust Fund, expressed her gratitude for the donation, saying that the items would significantly support the children, many of whom are orphans living with extended families. "We are very appreciative of this donation because it covers food and toiletries for our kitchen for one full month," she told Xinhua after receiving the donation.

The donation also included smartphones to support the school's digital skills training programs. Support from the Chinese Embassy has been crucial in educating the children, and four students from the organization are currently studying in Chinese universities, said Wuolle.

"In Chinese culture, education is very important, and for the vulnerable children of Zimbabwe, it is the only way out of trouble and the only path to becoming self-sustained," she said.

In his address, Zhou said that the Chinese Embassy has launched a series of charitable initiatives in pursuit of a brighter future for Zimbabwean youth. "I believe that through our collective endeavors, Zimbabwe will achieve its goal of attaining an upper middle-income economy status very soon and that our two peoples will move together in building a common community with a shared future for mankind," Zhou said.

Established in 2002, the Dzikwa Trust Fund runs an educational and well-being program for about 400 children in the community every year at its multi-functional activity center. In addition to providing daily meals and educational support, the organization empowers gifted orphans and vulnerable children through scholarships and general well-being, complemented by performing arts, sports, environmental awareness and employability skills. 

Children perform during a handover ceremony at Dzikwa Trust Fund in Harare, Zimbabwe, on June 3, 2024. The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe on Monday donated a batch of necessities to Dzikwa Trust Fund, a Zimbabwean educational charity organization, in Harare. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)
Savannah Gorney poses with her diploma during the Harbor Springs High School commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN  Schools throughout Northern Michigan celebrated their graduations over the weekend.

From Boyne Falls to Charlevoix to Harbor Springs to Alanson, family and friends gathered to watch the Class of 2024 cross the stage and receive their diplomas.

The Alanson Class of 2024 graduated on Friday, May 31, 2024.

The Charlevoix High School Class of 2024 toss their caps following their graduation ceremony on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

For Harbor Springs High School, the seniors represented the school's smallest graduating class in decades, but student speaker Grandt Backus described his classmates as "a very big part of a very small town in Northern Michigan."

More: Congrats to the Class of 2024: Northern Michigan celebrates graduation season

Madeleine DeBord-Peters and Jenna Blanck celebrate together following the Harbor Springs High School commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

"With the time we have left in the world, our class will go on to a multitude of different paths, but this time without each other," he said. "Some of us will never see each other again after today. So if I can get just one message to stick with my class today for them to use throughout their lives, my message would be 'Live because you can.'"

Whether they're heading to college, the military, the workforce or another career path, we wish the Class of 2024 all the best. Congratulations!

Boyne City High School graduates toss their caps at the end of their graduation ceremony on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

The Boyne Falls Class of 2024 graduated on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Northern Michigan celebrates 2024 graduation season
Construction of the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington began in 1933 and was completed in 1942. It is the largest hydropower producer in the U.S. and also part of the Columbia Basin Project, irrigating more than 600,000 acres. (Courtesy of the Bureau of Reclamation)

Three Northwest tribes and federal agencies are getting closer to understanding how to revive Chinook and sockeye salmon runs on the upper Columbia River that were once among the most abundant in the world but were decimated by dams over the last century.

Leaders from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Coeur dAlene Tribe and the Spokane Tribe of Indians met with leaders from three federal agencies and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council in Portland late in May to discuss progress on their historic agreement from last September. The 20-year plan, separate from a related deal signed in December, marked the culmination of decades of work by the tribes, who were deprived of salmon following the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam near Spokane in 1938 and Chief Joseph Dam in Bridgeport, Washington, in 1955. The fish have historically been central to their way of life.

The tribal and federal agency leaders discussed a range of subjects, from acquiring the needed fish from hatcheries and moving them via truck to areas blocked by the dams. The Biden administration said it would allocate $200 million to the effort, but the parties agreed even more money would be needed. Officials and tribes face challenges working with Canadian dams and hatcheries as well as competing interests for the Columbias water from hydroelectric and agriculture.

Tom Biladeau, habitat restoration biologist with the Coeur dAlene Tribe, said getting the reintroduction work underway was exciting and long overdue. Members of the tribe have for decades been cut off from salmon that used to migrate to them on the Spokane River, a tributary of the Columbia. Salmon are gone from the river today due to Grand Coulee Dam. There were once at least 10 million salmon moving through the 13,000 miles of Columbia River Basin waters each year before the dams were built, according to the Columbia River Inter-tribal Fish Commission. Today, many of these salmon species are among the most endangered in the West.

Over the years, weve sat in rooms with so many federal agencies, so many people, so many leaders across this region, he said, and so often weve seen people nodding their heads in agreement and even people saying: Yeah, its an injustice. Whats happening to you guys, whats happening with the Coeur dAlene Tribe, its an injustice. And yet the wherewithal to be able to make that change just wasnt followed through.

Historic salmon agreement between tribes, federal government

The agreement was a long time coming.

About 24 years ago, the tribes urged the federal government and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, which works on power plans and fish conservation, to discuss reintroduction. In 2014, they undertook a feasibility study to explore that possibility, and in the fall of 2023, President Joe Biden acknowledged the years of injustice the tribes had experienced and committed a federal investment of at least $200 million to rectify it.

The Bureau of Reclamation, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bonneville Power Administration are involved along with the council, which is made up of two governor-appointed representatives from Oregon, Washington, Montana and Idaho and is tasked with managing energy production in the Northwest along with the health of fish and wildlife in the Columbia River Basin.

Progress for salmon research and bureaucratic challenges

So far, several hatcheries have provided researchers with tens of thousands of Chinook eggs to study as the fish grow into smolts and then adults and then study them over several generations. Researchers have begun tagging the fish to observe their migration patterns. Getting sockeye has been more difficult because one of the only hatcheries in the area that has them is in Canada. Scientists said procuring and tracking these fish across borders has been challenging because of bureaucratic procedures.

To get the fish back into needed areas, scientists are evaluating the effects of moving them on trucks. The method  called trap and haul  requires capturing the salmon, putting them in a truck and then driving and releasing them back into water in the desired location. The idea would be to haul the fish directly to traditional tributaries where they would have spawned before the dams were built, such as the San Poil River on the Colville Reservation. This and other ideas to move fish via ladders are in their infancy, scientists said.

Officials also need to study juvenile fish migration patterns, fish behavior, genetic resiliency and hydraulic modeling over the next two decades. Scientists are trying to understand how to move water through the Columbia for the fish and to meet increased demand for water storage from agriculture and hydroelectric dams. Furthermore, a treaty between the U.S. and Canada that governs hydropower and flood control on the Columbia River is up for negotiation and renewal this summer. The treaty, originally implemented in 1964, did not take into account fish and river ecosystem health or tribal fishing rights and resources that are now protected. There are 15 Columbia Basin tribes working with the two federal governments to negotiate protections and benefits for tribal resources in future iterations of the treaty.

The lower Columbia River

On the lower Columbia River, below Bonneville Dam in Cascade Locks, a decades-long battle over dams and fish restoration reached a turning point this year following a deal between the Biden administration and four tribes to restore 13 threatened and endangered fish runs and potentially breach four dams along the Snake River, the biggest tributary of the Columbia River. Such a move, however, would need to be approved by Congress.

The agreement calls for a 10-year pause in legal fighting that dates back to the 1990s. It also includes a promise  but not a guarantee  of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds and other money for wild fish restoration in the Columbia River Basin over the next decade along with support for clean energy production by the tribes, according to a White House statement.

This story was originally produced by the The Oregon Capital Chronicle,which like the Daily Montanan, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

The post Northwest tribes, feds dive into work on salmon revival in upper Columbia River appeared first on Daily Montanan.
Not responsible enough to keep your skirt down, Robinson says about abortion in Stein ad

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  State Atty. Gen. Josh Stein (D) released his first TV ads Tuesday in the race for governor, including one that compiles a series of statements his opponent Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) has said about abortion.

That ad includes previously unreported comments from a 2019 Facebook Live video before Robinson was first elected in which he says, Abortion in this country is not about protecting the lives of mothers. Its about killing the child because you werent responsible enough to keep your skirt down.

It also features Robinson saying there can be no compromise on abortion.

Its incredibly distressing the way he talks about women. And, the ad really speaks for itself because the lieutenant governor is speaking for himself, Stein said.

Stein spoke with CBS 17 following Tuesdays Council of State meeting, which Robinson did not attend.

Matt Mercer, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Republican Party, wrote on X, Stein and his backers only have one move: demonize and attack Mark Robinson to hide the fact that they have no agenda, no accomplishments and no vision.

The ad begins with a clip of Robinson speaking to state Rep. Jeff McNeely (R-Iredell) in 2023 on his radio show. Robinson said, Lets say I was the governor, I had a willing legislature. We could pass a bill that says you cant have an abortion in North Carolina for any reason.

Michael Lonergan, a spokesman for Robinsons campaign, called the clip deceptively edited. He pointed out Robinson went on to say, Would that stop abortions? No, sir. People would get in their cars, theyd go to Georgia, theyd go to South Carolina, and theyd go to Virginia. Theyd go wherever they could, order pills online and have abortions.

Once again, he is twisting words to falsely smear his opponent because he has no real plan to offer the voters, said Lonergan.

Following the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, Republicans in the state General Assembly last year enacted a law that restricts abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest, protecting the mothers life and life-limiting fetal anomalies.

Lonergan says the lieutenant governor would support restrictions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected with similar exceptions already in state law.

In an audio clip from earlier this year, Robinson was heard telling a supporter the states next goal should be to implement restrictions at six weeks of pregnancy and keep moving from there.

Stein said he favors the state returning the law to how it was when Roe v. Wade was still in effect, allowing abortion up to the point of fetal viability, which is typically around 24 to 28 weeks. Beyond that it should only be allowed if a womans life or health is at stake, he said.

Well now its been very real. The Republicans have stripped women of their reproductive freedoms instituting their 12-week ban, said Stein. And the words are very clear. Theres no compromise for that man.

The states governors race is expected to be the most competitive in the country this year. The RealClearPolitics average of recent polling from April to June shows the candidates tied at 42.4 percent.

Stein and Robinson have set new fundraising records within their respective parties. The attorney general released a second ad Tuesday focused on efforts to clear the backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits and secure settlements from opioid manufacturers.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
Barring last-minute action by Congress, a program that for more than 30 years has paid survivors of Cold War-era U.S nuclear weapons testing for radiation-related illnesses, which advocates had hoped to expand, will lapse soon.

Lawmakers arrived at the Capitol early Monday evening and are set to leave by Wednesday afternoon in an even shorter-than-usual workweek in Washington. The reason: the 80th anniversary observation of the D-Day landing at Normandy in World War II on Thursday.

Meanwhile, any new claims for compensation from victims must be postmarked by Monday, June 10, after a two-year extension of the program passed in 2022 expires.

We have the votes in the House. Speaker [Mike] Johnson its time to bring this to the floor for a vote. We have to stop making this a partisan issue because its not partisan, said Tina Cordova of New Mexico in a conference call with reporters held by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Cordova said her family, where she is the fourth generation to have cancer since 1945, is not unique. Her father had cancer of the tongue, despite not using tobacco or drinking, she said.

What he did have as a risk factor is that he was a 4-year-old child living 45 miles away from the Trinity test site drinking mass quantities of fresh cows milk and living off the land, Cordova said.

The program was created in 1990 to pay victims of nuclear weapons testing who lived in certain areas of the country near tests and who later developed specific cancers linked to radiation exposure.

Advocates like Cordova want to see the first big update to the law since around 2000, with eligibility expanded to new areas where people lived; new jobs, such as uranium miners; and a broadening of the list of illnesses covered by the law.

A bill to do that, sponsored by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) passed the Senate on a bipartisan 69-30 vote in March, but has stalled in the House. A spokesman for Johnson told Spectrum News that the costs of the bill, estimated at around $50 billion to $60 billion over 10 years, were not offset, and the bill was supported by less than half of the Senate Republican conference.

Two recent attempts at simply extending the program before it expires have failed. Hawley objected to a request to pass a simple extension in the Senate. Last week, the House had been expected to take up an extension bill when Congress returned, but that bill was yanked from the schedule. That means theres no compensation program bill, either expanding or extending the program, set for House floor action this week.

After consulting with Congresswoman [Ann] Wagner (R-Mo.), the Majority Leader and Speaker have decided not to bring the proposed [Radiation Exposure Compensation Act] reauthorization to the floor next week, a Johnson spokesman said then.

Supporters of expanding the program say the costs should be looked at as part of the tab for the defense of the country during the Cold War and that the current eligibility rules leave out many victims.

Tricia Byrnes, a state representative in Missouri, said on the conference call there were three military nuclear waste sites around St. Louis that were classified as the most serious by the Environmental Protection Agency, so-called Superfund sites.

An artificial quarry used as a local swimming hole was also contaminated, something nearby residents were unaware of when she grew up, Burns said.

They didnt even put up a proper fence up there. I swam in that quarry and so did my friends. I remember watching them take turns on cliffs, jumping into that swimming hole, she said.

She said thyroid cancers are so common in her area of the St. Louis region that the throat scars left by surgeries to remove thyroid glands gained their own local nickname.

Its actually called the North County necklace, she said.

Linda Chase said her family moved to Las Vegas and lived about 70 miles from the site in Nevada used for testing.

We enjoyed an unobstructed view of the bomb. We could see the flash in the sky and few minutes later there would be a little mushroom cloud that would come up from the desert floor, she said.

She said her family believed the government when it told them there was little fallout from the tests and no health concerns raised by the testing.

Chase said she applied for compensation when the program was set up in 1990 but was denied because most of Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, was not in the eligibility area.

I guess they figured that the radiation came to the county line and then went around it, she said.

Correction: A previous version of this story misspelled Byrnes name.
NY government transparency has been poor. But it's getting worse, watchdog report says

New York had a history of poor state government transparency before Gov. Kathy Hochul rose to power in 2021 and, unfortunately, things have gotten worse since, a new report says.

Despite Hochuls vows to make public records and data more easily accessible, many state agencies have become more secretive over the past three years, according to analysis by Reinvent Albany, a nonprofit government watchdog.

Far fewer state agencies are now reporting on transparency metrics, such as responsiveness to public-records requests, than in 2021, analysis found.

The Capitol in Albany, New York, U.S., August 6, 2021. REUTERS/Cindy Schultz

The group voiced disappointment that the 2024 (transparency) plans appearing on the Governors website are generally incomplete and underwhelming.

Still, the USA TODAY Network has repeatedly fought for and obtained public records in recent years. That included its exclusive police misconduct databases and myriad investigations that used public records to uncover systemic failures in local, state, and federal governments, spanning from nursing home complaint backlogs to emergency response disasters.

At the same time, some lawmakers have pushed state bills aimed at improving New Yorks government transparency laws.

The New York State Legislative Assembly in session in the Assembly Chamber at the New York State Capitol, in Albany, New York, U.S., March 15, 2021. REUTERS/Angus Mordant

How NY transparency got worse

A total of 66 state agencies completed 2024 transparency plans, many of which were less detailed than 2021, the group noted.

Police transparency: In NY attorney general probes of fatal police crashes, officers almost never face blame

Among the other findings:

Agencies reporting stats on public-records, or Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), plummeted from 2021 (22 agencies, or 31%) to 2024 (6 agencies, or 9%)

This year, only 49% of agencies had details on their adherence to the state Open Meetings Law. That metric dropped to 39% for the Open Data Executive Order 95 of 2013 and 32% for Project Sunlight.

In all those key transparency laws and requirements, agencies this year provided less detail about their efforts than they did in 2021.

Still, some agencies showed improvement this year in addressing transparency issues tracked by the watchdog, including the Department of Health and Board of Elections, while the Department for Aging provided the most details about its ability to achieve some goals set in 2021.

Public records: Police disciplinary records helped uncover police crashes in NY. How to use our database

NY bills aim to improve government transparency

A view of the Empire State Plaza and the State Capitol is seen in Albany, New York October 12, 2011. REUTERS/Hans Pennink

While Hochul in 2021 directed state agencies to release more transparency details, the lack of complete reporting this year underscored the need for mandates, the watchdog noted.

Lawmakers are pushing several bills seeking to force compliance, including one that would require state and local bodies to report data about their FOIL process to the Committee on Open Government, which would publish data on its website and via data.ny.gov.

Another bill would require agencies to hold hybrid meetings, ensuring in-person and remote access while closing loopholes that result in less public notice for meetings and delayed access to the materials up for discussion, the watchdog noted.

The bills are part of ongoing debates in Albany as lawmakers consider which measures to approve before the legislative session ends this month.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Report says NY's government transparency has gone from bad to worse
NEW YORK (PIX11)  NYCHA has already received more than 150,000 applications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides rental aid for low-income families.

Applications to join the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Programs waitlist opened at midnight Monday. By the afternoon, more than 150,000 people had already submitted applications, according to NYCHA officials.

More Local News

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.

People can 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.

Please, throughout the week continue to apply online, said Lakesha Miller, NYCHAs executive vice president of leased housing. We are happy that everyone is responding. Put your hat in the ring for the housing lottery.

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.

Median rent at $3,700 in NYC, but more rentals available: StreetEasy

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.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Gun violence in New York City is making headlines for the third straight day after two young girls were shot in Brooklyn.

NYPD Deputy Commissioners Tarik Sheppard and Kaz Daughtry join PIX11 to discuss the recent shootings and what the NYPD aims to do to curb gun violence this summer.

Watch the video player for the full interview.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia will develop its silver economy to support its aging population, allowing them to count on beneficial health and care services while enhancing their productivity ahead of retirement, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday.

Increasing the availability and affordability of technological devices, ranging from smart home technology to wearable devices, which can help track health markers, and may assist older Malaysians in living healthier retirement lives, he said at the opening ceremony of the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2024 here.

"Improvement in accessibility technologies, which can overcome deteriorations in mobility, hearing or eyesight, may even enhance the productivity of older persons in the workplace, allowing them to contribute to the workforce for a longer period," he said.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said Malaysia must prioritize investments in critical sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure conducive to active aging.

"By allocating resources towards these areas, Malaysia can position itself to harness the potential of a rapidly expanding market, driven by the needs and preferences of an aging consumer base," he said.

"Such investments not only promise substantial returns but also underscore Malaysia's commitment to ensuring the wellbeing and quality of life of its aging population while fostering sustainable economic growth for the nation," he added. 
(KRON)  Alameda District Attorney Pamela Prices Real Estate Fraud Unit is warning residents of an ongoing scheme in which a fraudster impersonates the owner of a vacant lot to sell property that wasnt theirs quickly at a discounted rate. The DA made the announcement on Tuesday.

According to the DA, a real estate agent was duped into working on selling a $1.1 million property in Oakland. The fraudster had contacted the real estate agent, claiming he was dying of cancer at a facility in Texas and that he needed to sell the Oakland property at nearly half of the listing price to spare his wife, the DA said.

9-1-1 services down in three East Bay cities

The exact discounted price asked by the fraudster was $560,000. Price said the real estate agent did all the work and communication over the phone since the fraudster claimed he was gravely ill and out of the state.

Despite never meeting, the real estate agent found out about the scheme 11 days before a deal was closed when the escrow officer researched where the rightful owners lived and contacted them. Upon being contacted, the owners denied any intention to sell their property, and the transaction was canceled, the DA said.

Alameda Countys Real Estate Fraud Unit said this is not just a local issue. The unit said that this fraud scheme has been seen in other states and that buyers should be wary when buying underdeveloped properties.

If you own vacant land in Alameda County, please be aware of this scam and keep an eye on

the title of your property, Price said.

Price said residents can type their propertys street address on any real estate website or search engine. If an Active Listing appears on a residents property that they did not authorize, they can contact the listing agent directly or the Real Estate Fraud Department to notify them of the problem.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) appeared to fault progressive former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.) for not backing their fellow New York Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman in his primary race.

Ocasio-Cortez reposted an article Tuesday from The New York Times that reported Joness endorsement of Bowmans primary challenger, George Latimer. She called on Democrats to unite behind Bowman in her post on social platform X to ensure he wins his reelection bid.

Jamaal Bowman has earned support across the entire Democratic Party  from House leadership and the Congressional Black + Progressive Caucuses to Labor + grassroots  bc he is a proven, effective,& beloved leader. Dem unity means supporting Bowman. Thats how we win in November, Ocasio-Cortez wrote.

In his interview with The New York Times, Jones explained he could not stand by and do nothing as Bowman became critical of Israel amid its war against militant group Hamas in Gaza.

As someone who is among the most popular Democrats in the Hudson Valley, it is my prerogative to play a dispositive role in ending this long, painful nightmare that we have been experiencing since Oct. 7, Jones told the Times, which noted he plans to make his endorsement official Tuesday.

Jones criticized Bowman in his interview, saying there is nothing progressive about rushing to call for a cease-fire in the days following Oct. 7.

Many progressives, including Bowman and Ocasio-Cortez, supported a cease-fire resolution in the early days of the Israel-Hamas war.

Other Democrats also criticized Jones for turning on Bowman in his reelection bid, according to Semafor. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said she was appalled, while Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) said it was disgusting.

Bowman said in a statement he was proud to have built strong coalition together when reached for comment on the endorsement.

I will always stand up for our shared democratic values to serve all the people in this district  especially in the face of right-wing, billionaire-funded lobbies that seek to divide us, he said.

Jones lost his seat in the House in 2022 but is now running for Rep. Mike Lawlers (R-N.Y.) seat in New Yorks 17th congressional district.

The Hill has reached out to Joness campaign for comment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Ocean City Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a strip mall in Ocean City over the weekend.

According to a Facebook post from the department, at approximately 9:46 p.m. on June 1, the fire department responded to a structure fire at Diamond Nail Salon, located at 7209 Coastal Highway.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke coming from the building and made access to the business and discovered an active fire within the unit. A search of the building was conducted and there were no occupants inside. The fire was extinguished and salvage and overhaul of the fire area was completed.

The Ocean City Fire Department responded to a fire at a nail salon in a strip mall in Ocean City on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

Firefighters then initiated smoke removal operations. Investigators from the fire department's Fire Marshal's Office are currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause and origin of the fire.

More: Somerset County has named new superintendent of schools. Get to know all about her.

More: Are swimming hotspots safe from high bacteria levels? Here's who's testing them find out

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City Fire Department respond to strip mall fire
Gary Deputy Police Chief Brian Evans said the department received a call recently about a suspicious dump truck at Tolleston Park that resulted in the arrest of a Hebron woman for illegal dumping.

The call came at 5:55 a.m. May 7, Evans said, and officers found the woman illegally dumping large tree trunks and debris from a dump truck. The officers ensured the tree trunks were reloaded onto the truck, Evans said, before it was towed and fines and citations were issued.

This case is one of many where illegal dumpers are not residents of the city, Evans said. Sometimes illegal dumping is performed by large companies that are paid to dispose of debris while doing work but instead of doing proper disposal they dump the debris in Gary.

Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, Indiana Department of Environmental Management Commissioner Brian Rockensuess, Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez and Evans announced Tuesday a major grant from the state to address two legacy illegal dumping sites and the creation of the Illegal Dumping Task Force to tackle the persistent issue of illegal dumping in the city.

The administration cannot do this alone. Its going to take community as a whole, Melton said. We wanted to  encourage the public, if you see something, say something.

The city received a $508,678.08 grant from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to clean up and secure legacy illegal dumping sites at 1100 North Clark Road and 890 Chase Street, Melton said.

Before he was sworn into office, Melton said IDEM informed city officials that it would be fined for the two illegal dumping sites. Melton said he worked with IDEM to come up with a solution, which resulted in the grant.

We already have businesses that are interested in these locations, Melton said. If we dont get them prepared, cleaned, protected, its going to be hard to make them more attractive for economic development opportunities.

During a recent Gary Common Council meeting, a resident stated during public comment that a city contractor has been illegally dumping at the 890 Chase Street location. Melton said his administration has not been able to verify that fact, but city contractors are required to bring back receipts that show debris was properly removed.

Rockensuess said cleaning and securing the two sites, which will include cameras for added security, the land can then be redeveloped.

We collectively send the message that this conduct is no longer tolerated in Gary, Rockensuess said. The issue going on was much bigger than just those two properties. What Gary needed was not a fine  they needed help to get moving toward a better future.

Martinez said illegal dumping creates public health and environmental hazards, as well as being expensive to clean up. Anyone caught illegal dumping can face anywhere from fines to criminal charges, he said.

The sheriffs department will install cameras near known sites and use its aviation unit to monitor areas to prevent illegal dumping. The sheriffs department will also help address illegal dumping by allowing inmates in the work release program to help clean the city, Martinez said.

Taking a proactive approach, holding those individuals accountable, is going to deter other individuals from such activities, Martinez said.

The task force will investigate to identify the number of illegal dumping sites and each sites condition, said Garys Chief Operating Officer Michael Suggs in an interview with the Post-Tribune.

The sites are all over the community. Some sites are in worse condition than others. There are sites in a lot of our areas that are blighted and the areas that are not well occupied, as far as a lot of homes, Suggs said.

From the city, the task force will include members from the mayors office, code enforcement department, police department, health department, public works department, legal and communications, said the citys Chief Communications Officer Erika Blackwell.

The task force will also include members from IDEM, the sheriffs office and the Lake County Prosecutors Office, Blackwell said.

City officials will conduct a root cause analysis to find out all the causes of illegal dumping in the city, Suggs said.

During the analysis, Suggs said public works employees will visit sites and go through the items there to gauge what is there, particularly if any items point to a potential company that may have dumped material at that location.

City officials will also work with the sanitary district to see if illegal dumping is impacting the system, Suggs said. The police department will work to stop illegal dumping while officers are on patrol, Evans said.

The legal department will work to see what penalties and other legal actions can be taken against people and companies found to be illegally dumping objects in the city, Suggs said.

Another important part of the task force will be communicating with the public and businesses about how to properly dispose of debris or other materials, Suggs said. Right now, residents can dispose of their garbage and debris at a location near Clay Street and East 15th Avenue, he said.

Were just trying to do a thorough method in trying to analyze and find the roots of this issue that is becoming a plague to our community, Suggs said. We feel that this is going to be our best effort.

In his 30 years with the police department, Evans said illegal dumping has been a major issue that has blighted Gary.

In the last few years, Evans said the problem has become much worse as it appears companies and contractors have been dumping materials  sometimes hazardous  which increases cost and personnel use for the city.

Our officers are out 24/7 and they see the results of dumping all the time. Unfortunately, it doesnt take very long to do this activity, Evans said.

If the task force finds debris from a specific company, Evans said the police will conduct an investigation into the company and the items it illegally dumped in the city. Depending on what debris is found, there are various degrees of fines and penalties that can be issued to the company, he said.

Evans said the police department is prepared to make adjustments to enforcement because there is a possibility that as people are deterred from illegal dumping the activity may decrease but it may also move.

We will be a fluid, mobile type of task force that will be able to change our tactics, change our ideas on the fly, Evans said.

The task force will respond to whatever the analysis of the illegal dumping sites finds, Suggs said.

I look at this process as a living process. Its constantly changing and growing as far as our new awareness and understanding of the issues, Suggs said. We just know that we have to do something.

akukulka@chicagotribune.com
Officials propose law urging people to fish and eat invading species devastating local ecosystems: 'If you can't beat them, eat them'

A Maryland politician who introduced a bill to rename the notorious snakehead fish hopes the change will help the area fight off the invasive species.

It will be an uphill climb, however, as others say it's unnecessary  and the fish may not even be that much of a problem, as the Washingtonian reported.

Republican State Sen. Jack Bailey said the switch to Chesapeake channa  the animal's scientific name is Channa argus  will increase the fish's availability at grocery stores and restaurants, enabling Marylanders to control its population. The change took effect when the bill became law in April.

"If you can't beat them, eat them," Bailey said.

But a local seafood distributor told the outlet it had no issue selling snakehead, and a fisheries biologist said, "The wholesale fish market can't keep up with demand." Maybe part of the reason is the taste. Outdoor Life recently said it "might be the most delicious freshwater fish of all time."

An Annapolis restaurant also does well with the strange name but may use channa this season if it goes "mainstream," per the Washingtonian.

The real problem might be that the fish, which can breathe air and "walk" on land, are hard to catch. The Washingtonian reported they don't swim in schools and thus are generally caught one at a time, by often by bow and arrow, though it's easy to find videos showing them being caught with rod and reel.

Snakeheads lurk in shallow, weedy waters, waiting to pounce on other wildlife. They also spawn several times per season. These invasive characteristics make them plenty worrisome, even with a more innocuous name.

"Will it drive a surging commercial [market]? I don't think so," said University of Maryland professor of fisheries science Thomas Miller, who said blue catfish pose a greater risk to local ecosystems. "And [would that] lead to the control and extinction of this species? Probably not."

Still, it's a novel approach that will likely raise awareness, as other similar efforts have. In Italy, fishers and chefs alike are focusing on the blue crab, while green crab is on the menu in Maine. Lionfish have become so plentiful in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean that they're being turned into chowder and even handbags.

By coming together with various solutions, we can all help in the push toward a sustainable future.

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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost took legal action Tuesday to stop the potential sale of rare books from the collection at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati.

The attorney general asked a Hamilton County judge for a temporary restraining order to prevent any potential sale from the college's Klau Library, which holds more than 3,500 manuscripts and thousands of rare books and ancient texts. A hearing on the matter before Common Pleas Judge Megan Shanahan is set for July 12.

The possibility of a sale involving the library's collection emerged earlier this year when school officials acknowledged they had brought in an independent consultant to evaluate the collection and determine its value.

No sale took place after the consultant, from the British auction house Sotheby's, visited the school and examined at least parts of the collection. But an HUC spokeswoman told The Enquirer on Monday the school "would consider deaccessioning," or removing books from the collection, if some texts were found to be "redundant or not central to our mission."

Yost said Tuesday such an action could run afoul of laws that protect the intent of donors who give money or objects to charitable organizations and other private institutions.

"These sacred texts are invaluable artifacts  religious and cultural treasures," Yost said in a statement. "Their sale would not only betray donor trust but also may violate legal restrictions placed on the gifts."

In his request for a restraining order, Yost argued the college is "violating Ohio law and breaching the charitable trust ... by taking measures to dismantle" the library's collection. The attorney general's office routinely takes on privately-run charities accused of breaking the law, but legal action against major educational or religious institutions, such as HUC, is unusual.

Following Yost's move Tuesday, HUC spokeswoman Patricia Keim said the college has made no plans to sell books or close the library. "We have retained a rare books expert to assess our holdings," she said. "We remain committed to responsible management of the Klau Library and its critical role in the study of Judaism, Jewish history, and Jewish civilization."

Hebrew Union College going through 'a time of strategic change'

Yost's move comes two years after he first said he would consider legal action against HUC. In 2022, when the school announced it was ending its 149-year-old residential rabbinical program as part of a consolidation plan, Yost said his office would investigate whether closing the Cincinnati campus violated the law because it failed to honor the intent of the benefactors who built and supported the school.

Officials at HUC, which also has campuses in Los Angeles, New York and Jerusalem, have said the school has struggled financially for years. When the consolidation was announced in 2022, the college faced a record $8.8 million deficit and rabbinic student enrollment had dropped by 37% over the previous 15 years.

The consolidation announcement raised concerns among staff, alumni and others about HUC's future in Cincinnati. School officials have said only that they intend to maintain a presence in Cincinnati as a research center, but they have not said exactly what that means or how many HUC staff and faculty would remain.

The possible sale or removal of books from the Klau Library collection raised more alarms among those close to the school.

"A number of us are concerned that this real jewel could have its luster diminished," said Michael Meyer, an emeritus professor of Jewish history at HUC. "It wouldn't only be a loss for the community at HUC. It would be a loss for the Jewish people."

Keim said the college is going through "a time of strategic change" but its leaders remain committed to the institution, its archive and its collections.

"We are currently asking a broad set of questions about how to best steward these cherished resources of the Jewish People and ensure they serve the widest scholarly community possible," Keim said.

What is Hebrew Union College?

Hebrew Union College was founded in Cincinnati in 1875 by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, the founder of the American Jewish Reform Movement. It is the nation's oldest Jewish seminary and has trained rabbis for all American congregations for almost 150 years.

Rabbi Isaac M. Wise spearheaded the founding of Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati in 1875.

After its founding, the school trained only rabbis for years. Later, though, it expanded to educate rabbis, cantors, experts in Jewish education and other Jewish professionals.

The library and the collection of rare books and manuscripts has remained an essential part of the school's mission to preserve Jewish tradition and history. The library's collection began with donations from Wise and his family and quickly grew to include thousands more books and manuscripts.

Today, the collection consists of more than a half million printed books, manuscripts, digital images, sound recordings and rare books, including ancient copies of the Talmud and the only known manuscripts that contain both Chinese and Hebrew characters.

If the library's staff is reduced and significant parts of the collection are removed, Meyer said, the library could become little more than a depository.

"This is not just a library," Meyer said. "It's a library of national stature."

In his request for a restraining order, Yost also noted the library's historical and cultural significance. He said his legal standing to take action is based on Ohio laws designed to protect "the integrity of institutional missions," which could include a school's obligation to honor the intent of those who donated money, books and other gifts over the decades.

"A library without its most precious artifacts and texts is like a body without a soul," Yost said. "We are committed to ensuring that these irreplaceable items remain available to the public and are cared for as their donors intended."

Yost's legal brief suggests HUC administrators may have been undermining the library and its ability to raise money for years to justify selling off portions of the collection. He cited reporting by Cincy Jewfolk, a website dedicated to coverage of Jewish issues in Cincinnati, that said HUC attempted to "quietly offload" the Klau Library to the University of Cincinnati and the University of Chicago after slashing its budget.

According to Cincy Jewfolk's reporting, HUC's leaders made financial decisions that "hollowed out" the Cincinnati campus in recent years, resulting in the decision to end the rabbinical program and, later, to consider selling rare books from its collection.

Yost said the library's former director, Yoram Bitton, resigned earlier this year after being pressured to sell parts of the collection. Bitton, who now works for the Library of Congress, did not respond to requests for an interview.

Yost said HUC officials did not comply when his investigators asked for records related to Sotheby's, the library's budget and communications among school officials about the possible sale of books.

He said he took action Tuesday because of the threat of "imminent violations of Ohio law."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Hebrew Union College faces legal action to stop rare book sale
VANDALIA, OHIO -Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ohio Republican U.S. Senator JD Vance. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images.)

If convicted felon Donald Trump had been acquitted by a jury of his peers hed be doing a perpetual victory lap and singing the praises of the judicial process that exonerated him. His backup choir of pathetic sycophants, led by Ohios always craven junior senator J.D. Vance and the states least productive but always performative congressman Jim Jordan, would provide wall-to-wall media accompaniment.

Justice prevailed, the system worked! they would crow to any TV camera from now until November. But only if the outcome in the latest Trump trial favored the glowering MAGA god with ridiculous comb-over. Otherwise the system would be derided as a perversion of justice. Due process could not result in Trumps conviction  just as a free and fair election could not result in Trumps defeat. (Although both did.)

The megalomaniac considers himself too big to fail or be held to account. And the former party of law and order nods in wholesale capitulation to the con. They fall in line behind his knowing grift and deception. If Trump doesnt win what he wants; the system is rigged. Look at the phony story Trump concocted about massive (nonexistent) voter fraud in 2020 to undermine the legitimacy of an election he lost fair and square.

He duped millions of Americans into believing the Big Lie that he won based on zero evidence. His deceit about a rigged election snowballed into a savage insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to violently upend the peaceful transfer of power so Trump could steal another term. In 2024, Trump and his chorus of cringe-worthy bootlickers invented another make-believe narrative to discredit the Manhattan prosecutor, judge, jury, and witnesses assigned to his hush-money case.

It was a scorched-earth preemptive attack to set the scene should Trump be convicted by a rigged criminal justice system. That eventual outcome was met with seething contempt by the orange idol furious that he couldnt game the courtroom like everything else.

Never mind that Trump had his day in court. Never mind that unlike many defendants, the disgraced ex-president had the best lawyers money could buy. He was accused of falsifying business records in the commission of a crime. The 34 felony counts sprung from his scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to a porn star  who said the two had sex when Trumps third wife was home with a newborn.

The coverup to conceal the scandal from voters in the waning days of the 2016 campaign came on the heels of another scandalous affair where Trump was caught on tape bragging about being a sexual predator. In his New York trial, abundant evidence of his criminality was presented by the prosecution and corroborated by witnesses. Trump declined to testify but his defense team battled on his behalf.

Twelve randomly selected citizens sat through it all, took studious notes to connect the dots and rendered a unanimous verdict of guilt. The defendant promised to appeal. Its his right under the law he disrespects to delegitimize. His MAGA Republican fascist party, which has abdicated all standards (moral and otherwise) in service to their convicted felon, is openly dismissive of the judicial system, a cornerstone of the Republic, because it had the temerity to prosecute and duly convict a criminal defendant named Trump.

Federal and state Republicans disparage as a sham and travesty the impartial adjudication of the law based on objective facts that found Trump guilty as charged. They reject the bedrock principle in America that no one is above the law. Their unprincipled lawbreaker is beyond reproach. His conviction on all counts was a bridge too far.

On Team Trump the constitutional tenet that we are a nation of laws, not men, does not apply to the presumptive GOP presidential nominee/criminal tax fraudster/coup plotter/adjudicated rapist-defamer/classified documents hoarder-obstructionist/ newly convicted felon. The rest of us, on the other hand, collectively consent to abide by and respect our legal and judicial system as an unspoken civic pactespecially when we disagree with it.

But MAGA Republicans in Ohio and the country who stand back and stand by their avatar of authoritarianism, broke that pact. They got behind the fascist enterprise fronting Trump that is consumed not with what is right or just under the law, but only power and winning. Certainly that was underscored by the gerrymandered Republican juggernaut at the Ohio Statehouse last week.

The day the Trump verdict dropped, Republican lawmakers conspired to hastily pass a measure of arbitrary and likely unconstitutional restraints on grassroots groups spearheading statewide citizen initiatives to the ballot. The pointedly retaliatory provisions aim to thwart advancement of future citizen initiatives (particularly one to end Ohio gerrymandering moving to the fall ballot) after the success of last years Issue 1 campaigns.

The contrived power grab to weaken our direct democracy with a bogus threat cooked up by the always underhanded Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (as a bargaining chip to extend a ballot deadline for the Biden campaign) was the real sham and travesty of that low day. The extremist legislature is rigged but just the way the autocratic supermajority likes it; unaccountable and steeped in dark money corruption where, as Huffman once boasted We can kind of do what we want.

Like the convicted felon who empowers them to do their worst.

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The post Ohios JD Vance leads the chorus to cheer on convicted felon Donald Trumps utter lawlessness appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
Nearly 200 individuals from fields including social work, counseling, education, law enforcement, healthcare, and community advocacy convened at Ohio University Chillicothe on May 29, for a day-long event focused on advancing prevention efforts in rural Ohio. The Innovation in Prevention in Rural Ohio conference brought together professionals and community members alike, driven by a shared commitment to fostering safety and well-being in their communities.

Nearly 200 individuals from fields including social work, counseling, education, law enforcement, healthcare, and community advocacy convened at Ohio University Chillicothe on May 29, 2004, for a day-long event focused on advancing prevention efforts in rural Ohio.

The conference featured local and state experts dedicated to fostering strength and safety in youth through schools, community programs, law enforcement, and more. Presenters shared information and led conversations on suicide prevention, substance abuse, gambling, and sexual abuse prevention, to create communities of care for youth in rural Ohio.

Jessica Pfeifer, the Quick Response Team Coordinator for Fayette County, shared her personal journey of recovery from mental health challenges and substance abuse. As an overdose survivor, she expressed her gratitude to Chillicothe Police Captain Michael Short of the Ross County Post Overdose Response Team, whose timely intervention saved her life and empowered her to dedicate herself to prevention work. Pfeifer emphasized the importance of empathy, meeting individuals where they are, and fostering a non-judgmental approach in supporting those dealing with substance use disorder. Currently pursuing her bachelors degree in social work at Ohio University Chillicothe, Pfeifer works for the Community Action Commission of Fayette County.

Post Overdose Recovery Team members participate in a panel discussion.Jessica Pfieifer, Fayette County Quick Response Team Coordinator, Creed Culbreath, Highland County Quick Response Team,Ron Meyers, Chief, Chillicothe Police Department, Ross County Post Overdose Response Team , Michael Short, Captain, Chillicothe Police Department, Ross County Post Overdose Response Team, Joanna Denny, Social Worker, Ross County Post Overdose Response Team

Chillicothe Police Chief Ron Meyers, along with Chillicothe Police Captain Michael Short and Social Worker Joanna Denny, joined other members of the Ross, Pike, and Highland County post-overdose response teams to share experiences and strategies for addressing the opioid crisis. Meyers said community engagement, in its many forms, is a key part of the police departments work.

We educate the public by participating in conferences like this, Meyers said. Hopefully people take back what we've said to their communities.

Jessie Cook, a prevention specialist in Pike County Schools, highlighted the importance of such conferences in dispelling misconceptions and equipping prevention practitioners with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively serve their communities.

Theres so much misunderstanding about the field of prevention, Cook said. Conferences like this bring clarity and understanding.

Prevention Specialist Eddie Neel leads conference participants in an icebreaker activity.

Organizer Stacey Saunders-Adams, assistant professor of social work at OHIO Chillicothe, thanked the conference presenters and participants for coming together for critical conversations about creating communities that are equipped to prevent problems that persist for their populations.

We appreciate all the work you do in our communities and thank you for spending time with us today, Saunders-Adams said. Its time for us to unite our efforts and resources to change the trajectory for our region.Ohio University Chillicothes Department of Social Work partnered with the HOPE Partnership Project Youth Coalition, Paint Valley ADAMH, the Appalachian Childrens Coalition, and First Capital Cornerstone of Change to present the second annual prevention conference.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Ohio University Chillicothe hosts prevention conference
Sophia Childs, left, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 21 years on Tuesday. Childs had been convicted in May for helping to plan the double murder of two men in July 2014.

After nearly a decade and three trials, the families of Robert Bass and Charod Houchins finally got to have their voices heard Tuesday in a Franklin County courtroom.

The two men, aged 22 and 21 respectively, were killed on July 28, 2014, in a shooting at a house on the first block of Stevens Avenue in Franklinton.

Sophia Childs, 41, had been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the men's deaths for her role in helping to orchestrate the killings. A jury convicted Childs in May at her third trial.

Before Phipps imposed the sentence, she heard from members of both men's families.

On Tuesday, Judge Karen Held Phipps ordered Childs to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole for 21 years. That sentence will be served consecutively to a six-year prison sentence Childs is already serving on drug charges, for a total of 27 years before Childs is eligible for parole.

Dorothy Johnson, Bass's grandmother, said she works in prison ministry and is praying for Childs and her family despite Childs having shown no emotion during her trial.

"I have seen what its like for people to have remorse, and Ive seen what its like for people to have no remorse at all," Johnson said. "Ms. Childs has no remorse when it comes to what happened with Robert and Charod."

Both Houchins and Bass's mothers spoke during the hearing, talking about how their sons would help care for them and be willing to do whatever it took to make things better.

Bass's mother, De'Juana Bass, said she had been writing her statement for 10 years, adding more to it after the previous two trials. She chastised Childs for her lack of remorse and for letting a petty beef result in two uninvolved people becoming victims.

Sophia Childs, far left, listens as Dorothy Johnson, the grandmother of Robert Bass, speaks at Childs' sentencing hearing Tuesday in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Childs was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 21 years.

Testimony at Childs' trials showed she had operated a drug house near the Stevens Avenue home where the shooting took place because she saw it as her competition.

"You created the situation because you were the thirsty and greedy one. You already had one, why did you need to have the whole block?" Bass said. "Now you can be the kingpin of your own cell block."

Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor Jason Manning argued that Childs should receive the maximum possible sentence Phipps could have imposed, life in prison without the possibility of parole for 36 years.

"She disrespected the court system by running in the middle of a trial. She ran the streets, people knew her, they knew of her. She continued to run those trap houses while she was out on bond," Manning said.

Childs' attorney, Mark Hunt, said Childs has maintained her innocence and believes she had no part in what happened nearly 10 years ago. Childs, who did not offer any statement on her own behalf and spent most of the hearing sitting with her arms crossed, plans to appeal her conviction.

During all three of her trials, jurors heard phone calls between Childs and her boyfriend, Roshawn Agee, a high-ranking member of a local gang.

On a call about an hour before the shootings, Agee said, "For every action, there's a reaction, you know what I mean?" They also had a conversation with an unidentified male that Childs on a three-way call about how doing a favor for Agee would put the man in Childs' good graces.

Less than an hour after the shooting, Childs told Agee on another recorded call that she wished he could watch the news.

Before her third trial, Childs had declined a plea offer that would have netted her a 15-year total prison sentence.

Childs also pleaded guilty Tuesday to two felony failure to appear charges after not showing up in September 2022 for the final day of a jury trial on those drug charges. Childs was arrested about six months later after the jury had convicted her in absentia. She did not receive any additional prison time on those charges.

Childs' codefendant, Agee, is currently serving a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for 27 years.

bbruner@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Woman who helped plan 2014 Franklinton double murder gets life sentence
SHANGHAI, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian tourism minister expressed hope for an increase of inbound tourists from China during a promotion event held in Shanghai on Monday.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MTCE) of the Republic of Indonesia kicked off a swirl of promotional activities focusing on the Chinese market.

"We hope this sales mission can help boost inbound tourism to Indonesia and help make Indonesia the favorite holiday destination for foreign tourists," said Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy.

Chinese tourists registered an average stay in Indonesia for about 8 to 11 days, with an average spending per arrival reaching 1,386.55 U.S. dollars, according to the minister.

The MTCE set a target for inbound Chinese tourists of 1 to 1.5 million for this year, citing rapid growth of the Chinese economy as one of the reasons for validating China as a major market for Indonesia's tourism.

Statistics Indonesia reported that the number of Chinese tourists to Indonesia reached 286,375 in the first three months of this year. 
OKCPS board meeting of newly appointed member Mike Shelton taking the oath of office. From left are Board Clark Craig Cates, Shelton and his children, Amelia and Alexander.

Members of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education voted Monday to name former Oklahoma state Rep. Mike Shelton to the open District 5 seat on the board.

Shelton, a graduate of Millwood High School and Langston University, replaces Adrian Anderson on the board. Anderson resigned in April because hed moved out of the district he represented. Under board policy, the board accepted applications to fill the opening, then chose the new member from among those candidates.

Were excited to serve with you, board Chair Paula Lewis told Shelton after he took his seat on the dais in the board meeting room.

Shelton, 51, served as a Democrat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 2004 to 2016. He represented a district that included all or parts of Forest Park, Jones, Lake Aluma, Midwest City, Nicoma Park, Spencer and Oklahoma City in northeast Oklahoma County.

His school-board district in northeast Oklahoma City includes Douglass High School, Star Spencer High School and Classen School for Advanced Studies, three middle schools and four elementary schools. The unexpired term will run until April 2026.

I want to thank the board for giving me this wonderful opportunity, Shelton said. Having served and been an elected official before, Ive had a great opportunity to know how important elective office is. I can tell you, as a member of the House of Representatives in the past is that there is no single more important office than the school board.

Board Clerk Craig Cates administered the oath of office to Shelton, who stood alongside his daughter Amelia and his son Alexander while he took the oath.

Shelton said he supported Anderson and I never thought in a million years that I would have the opportunity to be here. I just want to not only honor him, but those others that have served in this seat.

Shelton told The Oklahoman he might not have applied for the seat had he had to stage a campaign.

I dont know if I would have had the time to really do that, but since it was an appointment position, where I did seek out supporters in the community, it made it a little bit easier for me to do that, he said. That same feeling I got from running for office and helping the community, I get that feeling in education.

In addition to his bachelors degree from Langston, Shelton also holds a masters degree in management and leadership from Webster University in Webster Groves, Missouri.

After serving in the Legislature, Shelton has served as the vice president of business development at Refining US, Inc., and most recently at Metro Technology Centers in Oklahoma City, where he now serves as the intergovernmental and community liaison.

It's a time of significant turnover in the district, as Shelton is the third new member on the eight-person board this year. Dana Meister won a special election in February to fill an open seat, then Jessica Cifuentes ousted Cary Pirrong in a regular election in April and took her seat later that month. The district also will soon have a new superintendent, as Jamie Polk will begin her tenure in that role on July 1, replacing Sean McDaniel, who has spent six years as the district superintendent.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Former legislator Shelton appointed to Oklahoma City school board
Oklahoma County commissioners were still exploring Monday how to move forward on possible locations for a new county jail after the Oklahoma City Council voted last month against plans for a site just west of Del City.

Right now, county commissioners are saying they'd at least like to use the proposed location to build a new behavioral health facility, expected to cost up to $46 million, but they aren't certain yet if they still can.

Board of County Commissioners Chairman Brian Maughan said county engineers need to renegotiate the contract for a highly contested 1901 E Grand Blvd. site in the wake of the city council's decision. County officials have frequently stated an urgent need to move plans along quickly to not lose funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act currently earmarked for the mental health facility.

"(The contract) was on a contingency basis when we submitted it to city council, and so we'll have to have that changed if we explore it for any other optimization of it, even if it includes not for the jail," Maughan said. "If we have the opportunity to go forward and build a mental health facility, obviously the $50 million's at stake and we want to go forward."

Specific plans on future jail possibilities at the E Grand Boulevard site were not openly discussed Monday, although District 3 County Commissioner Myles Davidson said the county "would explore all options." Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair Carrie Blumert requested consideration of up to 40 acres located near Reno and Exchange avenues, while 160 acres near SW 74 and Rockwell Avenue also was listed on the meeting agenda.

Gina Standridge, Mid-Del School Board of Education member, addresses Oklahoma County commissioners, including Brian Maughan and Carrie Blumert, during a Board of County Commissioners meeting at the Oklahoma County Office Building in Oklahoma City, Monday, June 3, 2024.

"There are cost-prohibitive reasons for looking at those other sites," Maughan said. "It appears so far, from a structural standpoint, the engineers come back and said, you can do it but there's going to be more that's needed for the bedrock situation underneath. So, it again compounds the problem about driving up the price tag for this if we look at other locations."

Ward 4 City Councilman Todd Stone, who represents the area where the Grand Boulevard site is located, instead opted to deny approval of a requested special use permit that would allow the jail to be built there and received overwhelming support from councilmembers in denying the request. Chief among Stone's concerns was that the project wasn't adequately funded.

Oklahoma County may still be able to build jail near Del City without OKC approval

But even though the Oklahoma City Council voted against the Grand Boulevard plans, Maughan has suggested that county commissioners could respond by declaring sovereignty over the site, which could give the county the authority to build the jail without city approval.

It's not how Maughan would prefer to do it, he said, but "no matter where we go, we're going to have to put up with this fight."

Oklahoma County Commissioners Brian Maughan, left, and Myles Davidson answer questions after a Board of County Commissioners meeting at the Oklahoma County Office Building in Oklahoma City, on Monday, June 3, 2024.

The city had previously offered the county some property near SW 54 and Newcastle Road from the Oklahoma City Airport Trust as another potential jail site. But the Federal Aviation Administration said building a jail on Will Rogers World Airport's north side could prevent the use of federal funding to improve and expand the facility's operations, prompting the city to withdraw the offer.

The current jail, at 201 N Shartel Ave, has seen more than 40 deaths since a trust took over its operations on July 1, 2020. The most recent jail death occurred Sunday when Jeremy Birchfield, 45, was found unresponsive in his assigned cell. He was the fourth Oklahoma County inmate to die this year, and his death appears to be a suicide, according to jail officials.

More: What's next after OKC Council says no to new county jail proposal?

A yearlong investigation by The Oklahoman found the jail had become one of the deadliest in the United States, and the state's multicounty grand jury said last year that many of the deaths were preventable. The jail trust and county officials have been sued numerous times because of deaths at the facility, and opponents of county plans to build at the Grand Boulevard site are preparing further legal action of their own.

Two Del City residents  Mayor Floyd Eason and Gina Standridge, a member of the Mid-Del Public Schools Board of Education  have attempted to start a petition with state Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, asking for a grand jury investigation into Commissioner Davidson.

Eason and Standridge had previously complained that Davidson failed to fulfill an open records request made to his office, and other critics have alleged Davidson carries a longstanding personal relationship with William Garrett, a co-owner of the Grand Boulevard property who donated to Davidson's commissioner campaign.

Davidson has denied that the $2,900 donation influenced his decision to vote for the Grand Boulevard location, but Standridge has questioned why he would support the site after so many community members overwhelmingly opposed it.

"I think we're all in agreement: We need a new jail," Standridge said. "But the majority of the people have spoken: Leave it where it's at or close to where it's at. I think if you don't do this, you are going to cause chaos. Pick a location that doesn't affect the community."

Walter Jacques speaks with Oklahoma County commissioners, including Brian Maughan and Carrie Blumert, during a Board of County Commissioners meeting at the Oklahoma County Office Building in Oklahoma City, on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Jail 'would be fatal' to the nearby Del City

County commissioners and jail trustees often have said that building a new horizontally designed jail with only one or two stories to replace the current 13-story tower jail would help lessen problems that have long plagued the aging facility. But another resident, Walter Jacques, reiterated that the impact of building a jail at the Grand Boulevard location "would be fatal" to the neighboring Del City.

"You're impacting a quarter of Del City's population, with respect to their home equity," Jacques said. "You're impacting their ability to rent properties as a revenue  that's tax revenue for Del City. Del City cannot sustain that kind of blow."

Activist Mark Faulk, an organizer with the People's Council for Justice Reform, joined several other critics Monday who described the commissioners' assertion that the county would lose ARPA funds if a jail isn't built soon as "a scare tactic used to hold county citizens hostage." He said county officials should reallocate the ARPA funds and put the needs of the people first.

"It's about, are we going to criminalize people and put them at risk to die in that jail?" Faulk asked. "So, if they will completely break that mental health facility away from the jail and say, 'this will not be a feeder for people that are arrested, but it will be a community mental health facility,' then we're OK with that. But ideally, again, (ARPA funds) should go to the individual communities to build smaller facilities or use existing buildings that they have."

Mark Faulk, activist and organizer with the People's Council for Justice Reform, answers questions after a Board of County Commissioners meeting at the Oklahoma County Office Building in Oklahoma City, on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Davidson said it is still the county's intent to build a behavioral health facility that is not attached to the jail, and that the decision to continue exploring options with the ARPA funding and the Grand Boulevard site would be for the benefit of all of the county's residents, especially those with mental health issues who might end up detained at the current jail.

"The intent is not to put these people in incarceration," Davidson said. "These are people in crisis. These are people that need help. These are exactly the things that we could do today to correct some of the issues we're seeing in the jail for the past week. As things progress inside the jail and the deaths that we've had, a lot of those are mental health, and one of the reasons we have the mental health issues is because ... when they built the jail, they did not address the ability to have mental health patients inside the jail."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma County jail site still considered for mental health facility
A fisherman in southeast Oklahoma scored a record-breaking catch last month with a flathead catfish weighing in at close to 100 pounds. And photos of the beast show just what an impressive undertaking it must have been.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), the massive, 95-pound catfish was caught by Bradly Courtwright. He made the catch in Pine Creek Reservoir, located in McCurtain County, near where the state borders Texas and Arkansas. The fish was caught using a trotline, which refers to a heavy fishing line with shorter, baited branch lines that are weighed down to keep them below the surface of the water; common for catching catfish and crabs.

In a social media post, the ODWC explained that the catch is the largest flathead ever caught in Pine Creek, besting the rod and reel record by nearly 20 pounds. However, the prize catch fell just 11 pounds short of the state's unrestricted division record, which was caught using a trotline in Wister Reservoir back in 1977.

"Not to be too Oklahomish this early on a Tuesday morning," the agency wrote on X last week. "But do y'all wanna see a catfish the size of a 6th grader orrrr???"

Bradly Courtright caught this MASSIVE 95 lb flathead catfish in Pine Creek Reservoir on a trotline. This is the largest flathead ever caught in Pine Creek. This fish is almost 20 lbs larger than the Rod and reel record but 11 lbs short of the unrestricted division record - which pic.twitter.com/NcHTjTXgUi  Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (@OKWildlifeDept) May 28, 2024

In a notably on-brand follow up post, the ODWC shared another photo of the record fish, writing: "YEE *and we cannot emphasize this enough* HAW."

YEE *and we cannot emphasize this enough* HAW https://t.co/CSO4RrSPgj pic.twitter.com/fq05wnhJHv  Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (@OKWildlifeDept) May 28, 2024

While the 95-pounder is indisputably enormous, for context, it's still nearly 30 pounds away from the world record; a massive, 123-pound flathead catfish that was caught by Ken Paulie in Elk City Reservoir in southeast Kansas on May 19, 1998. Per Wired2Fish.com, that catfish was caught with a rod and reel baited with a live minnow, and measured in at 61 inches long with a girth of nearly 44 inches.
UPDATE 6/4 1:54 p.m.  Police released the identity of the driver who was shot and killed after a hit and run on Monday evening.

James Edward Saccato, 63, was from West Point, Utah. Police were not releasing his identity until after they had notified his family.

Police said the actions of both drivers  during the road rage, vehicle collision and fatal shooting  are still under investigation. The identity of the driver who was taken into custody has not yet been released.

Those who may have been along SR-193 between State Street and 1000 W in Clearfield between 6:20 and 6:35 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024 have been asked to check their camera systems for video of the involved vehicles.

Specifically, police are looking for video of a white 2000 Ford Ranger and a dark-colored 2002 Chevy K2500 truck. Those who are able to share videos are being asked to contact the Clearfield Police Department at 801-525-2800.

The Clearfield Police Department expresses condolences to all those who will be affected by this incident and encourages all drivers to control their emotions while behind the wheel of a vehicle and to report accidents, traffic violations, or road rage situations to police and allow police to do the investigating, police said on Tuesday.

ORIGINAL STORY: One dead after hit and run, shooting in Clearfield

CLEARFIELD, Utah (ABC4)  A driver died on Monday evening after being shot following a hit and run, according to officials with Clearfield City.

Two vehicles were involved in a hit and run near Industrial Parkway in Clearfield on Monday evening, officials said. One of the involved drivers called 911 and was pursuing the other driver, who was attempting to evade them.

READ NEXT: Charges filed against Utah woman in alleged murder of shelter roommate

While on the phone with dispatch, the driver continued to update police with their location during the pursuit of the other driver.

The vehicles eventually drove into a neighborhood around 75 N 1000 W in Clearfield. The driver of the vehicle that was fleeing came to a stop in the middle of the residential roadway, officials said.

That driver then got out of their vehicle and approached the 911 caller.

This encounter resulted in a shooting which left the driver of the fleeing vehicle dead, officials said. The 911 caller (driver of the second vehicle) was taken into custody and is cooperating with the investigation at this time.

The incident caused 1200 West to be closed from 200 North to 300 North, and officials said the roads were expected to be closed for several hours.

Police have not released the identity of either driver, but have said that the driver who died was a male in his 60s and the other driver was a male in his 30s.

Investigators from the Clearfield Police Department responded to the scene and planned to be there for several hours.

Those who have witnessed the hit and run and the resulting road rage incident have been asked to call Layton Dispatch at 801-497-8300 with any 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 ABC4 Utah.
One of the last of its kind: Tacoma boutique is a one-stop shop for quinceanera parties

Colorful quinceanera dresses line the inside of the small boutique. Glitter is scattered all over the floors. Porcelain dolls and diamond-encrusted crowns sit atop a large shelf.

Wendy Griselda Medina Cartagena, the owner of Anitas Boutique in Tacoma, sits in a small corner of the store while her 19-year-old daughter Julia Teresa Ramos Medina sits on the floor, hot-gluing decorations to champagne glasses for a brindis, or toasting set.

Cartagena owns one of the last quinceanera boutiques in Tacoma, according to Google search and Mapa Latino created by Latinx Unidos. Her shop, named after her eldest daughter, has been open since September 2019.

A quinceanera is a traditional celebration of a girls 15th birthday that marks the end of her girlhood and the start of womanhood. The tradition has roots in Mexico but is celebrated all over Latin America. This tradition is similar to a Sweet 16 celebration in the U.S.

Angharad N. Valdivia, chair of the Latina/Latino Studies Department and professor at the Institute of Communications Research at the University of Illinois, said in an interview that, as with all cultural rituals, there is never an agreement on where they began, but they are widely celebrated in many parts of Latin America.

Valdivia said that in the United States, these celebrations assert the communitys presence by letting the broader community know that Latinos exist and are celebrating.

It becomes a way to assert identity, presence, and visibility, despite efforts or tendencies to erase or silence a population, Valdivia said.

Valdivia said that quinceneras are now showing up in mass media. However, when they do appear, theyre often not culturally sensitive and fail to include important rituals and traditions such as the changing of the shoes from flat shoes into high heels to symbolize the transition into adult femininity. At times, they can also appear to be done spontaneously, when in reality, these celebrations take a lot of preparation and labor and are often planned at least a year in advance.

All rituals change over time, said Valdivia. Small changes may include changing the last dance to include reggaeton, merengue, or hip-hop instead of a waltz, while bigger changes include making quinceaneras more inclusive to queer, non-binary, and transgender individuals.

All of these kinds of inclusivity that are coming to the forefront in recent years also come up in quinceaneras, Valdivia said.

Starting a small business

Wendy Medina (right) and her daughter, Julia Ramos, at their Anitas Boutique quincenera and celebrations store in Tacoma, Washington, on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.

Anitas Boutique owner Cartagena immigrated to the United States from El Salvador in 1989 and has lived in Tacoma since 2011 with her six children and her boyfriend.

Medina said her moms boutique didnt always specialize in quinceaneras. Before the COVID-19 pandemic started, they sold regular clothes for men and women. That changed in 2022 after she realized that there was a market for quinceaneras in Tacoma.

Cartagena began preparing for her daughters quinceanera in 2018, one year before her daughters 15th birthday.

Cartagena recalls making a trip to California with her cousin and her daughter to go to downtown Los Angeles to look for regular clothing for her boutique and decorations for her daughters quinceanera.

Though she didnt need a dress, Cartagenas daughter still looked around.

Cartagena told The News Tribune she received bad treatment in every store she stepped foot in. The owner of the last store she went into told her itd be cheaper for her to buy dresses in bulk to get the wholesale price.

We went to another [store], and we went to another, and it was worse, Cartagena said. We were told that at The Callejones, the dresses were very cheap, but oh, Holy God, I regretted it so much.

She bought six dresses with accessories, including a custom dress for her daughter, out of spite.

I bought them because the woman made me angry, Cartagena said.

The dresses sat in Medinas storage for nearly six months because she did not plan to sell them, let alone start a business catering to quinceaneras.

From yard sale to quinceanera shop

Cartagena sold her very first quinceanera dress at a yard sale in 2019.

She opened up her boutique soon after.

Anitas Boutique was only open for three months before it had to close its doors due to the pandemic. Cartagena signed a contract with Prime Storage before COVID shut them down, so she was unable to get out of the lease and had to continue paying rent for the two years that they were shut down.

Cartagena said that she did not receive any financial assistance because she did not qualify for government help. She didnt meet the requirements of having employees or paying them with checks.

We did not receive any kind of help, not even for a light bill, Cartagena said.

Cartagena said she turned to selling masks that she and her daughter made from cloth to keep up with the payments for the space. She also had to ask family and friends to borrow money to keep the boutique open.

The boutique wasnt reopened until April 2022 when Cartagena began using the space to plan and decorate the centerpieces and other accessories for her daughters quinceanera that had been postponed for three years due to unforeseen family emergencies.

Cartagena said that although the store wasnt officially open when she started using the space to plan her daughters quinceanera, people who saw her working there began going over and knocking on the door. That was when she decided to turn her business into a quinceanera business.

She started her quinceanera business with the four remaining quinceanera dresses and accessories she had bought four years earlier.

Cartagena said her boutique looked so big and empty when they first started, so they bought mannequins to display the dresses and to fill up the space to make it more appealing to the customers.

The boutique is now filled to the brim with quinceanera dresses, wedding dresses, baptism apparel, tuxedos, shoes, accessories, and dolls.

Cartagena said she knows they have outgrown their small space on Pacific Avenue but does not want to move to a bigger space because doing so would make her feel ungrateful to the space that started it all for her.

Cartagena told The News Tribune that there used to be more quinceanera boutiques in Tacoma, but believes they went out of business because of the pandemic.

Celebrate WA is an event management company in Tacoma that offers various services such as photography, choreography, and dresses for weddings and quinceanera and is the only other business in the city that caters to quinceaneras besides Anitas Boutique.

One-stop shop for quinceanera celebrations

Anitas boutique is a one-stop shop for everything quinceanera related.

Their itemized list of must-haves includes a dress, a crown, a hair piece, artificial flower bouquets, heels, gloves, toasting sets, an envelope box, a photo album, a signature book, a teddy bear, a doll, pillow sets, a bible and rosary set, and a saint.

Anything from the dress to the toasting set to the envelope box can be customized to the customers exact specifications.

Cartagena and her daughter work 8-10 hour days at the boutique, doing fittings and customizing or personalizing accessories for their clients. In addition to working in the boutique, they offer venue decorating services and hair and makeup services. Cartagenas boyfriend is also a party DJ.

The boutiques clientele has exponentially grown over the past year, and they attribute that to their earlier clients telling other people about her business. The mother-daughter duo works up to 15 quinceaneras per month.

Cartagena told The News Tribune that she feels that her boutique is different from the others because she likes to treat people who come into her store as if they were family, and she doesnt turn anyone away.

Cartengena said she and her daughter recently created a last-minute customized toasting set for a customer within 24 hours.

If something exists or has ever existed, we are going to do it, and if it no longer exists, we will bring it back, Cartagena said. I feel there is nothing that is impossible for us at this store.

Anitas Boutique is at 10406 Pacific Ave S, and open daily from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 253-754-5331.

This article was produced in collaboration with the Washington Latino News Network.
One person dead, three others rescued in North Seattle apartment fire

A woman is dead, and three others were injured during a fire in North Seattle.

The fire happened at the Roosevelt Manor apartments on the corner of Roosevelt Way and NE 63rd Street.

Seattle Fire says this isnt the first time theyve responded to a fire in that building, and say it was supposed to be vacant.

Officials say they received reports just before 4 a.m. on Tuesday.

When our firefighters arrived on scene, they found one person in the front of the building that was able to escape, and our firefighters heard from that person there may be additional people on the fourth floor, said David Cuerpo, spokesperson for Seattle Fire.

Firefighters quickly raised ladders and went in through the top floor, they found three people inside.

A total of four people were injured. A woman died, a man was taken to the hospital in critical condition, and two others suffered minor injuries.

Yeah, thats sad. There are a lot of homeless in the neighborhood, I dont know how they got access to the building, said Bruce Pritchard, who works nearby.

Officials say there was a fire back on May 8, and since then, the building has been vacant.

The people that were living here after the original fire on the 8th were displaced, said Pritchard.

KIRO7 asked Seattle Fire if the building is on their nuisance list, and they are looking into that.

With two fires in less than a month, Pritchard says the building should be torn down.

Well, its about time for this building to come down, said Pritchard.

Fire investigators are looking into what caused the fire.
One person found dead as crews battled house fire in New Hampshire, state fire marshal says

One person was found dead during a house fire in Weare early Tuesday morning, the state fire marshal said Tuesday.

The victim was not immediately identified, pending an autopsy on Wednesday to determine the cause and manner of death, New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said in a statement.

At around 1:13 a.m. Tuesday, emergency crews responded to a report of a fire at 77 Sewell Hoyt Road.

When firefighters arrived, they found heavy fire throughout the single-family home, and learned that a resident may still have been inside.

While fighting the fire, firefighters found one person dead at the home, Toomey said.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing by Toomeys office and by members of Weare Fire and Police departments.

Anyone with information about the fatal fire is encouraged to contact the state Fire Marshals Office by calling 603-223-4289 or by sending an email to fmo@dos.nh.gov.

Several area fire departments provided mutual aid to Weare, including Hopkinton, Henniker, Dunbarton, Bow, Hillsboro, Deering, New Boston and Bradford. Goffstown provided station coverage. Weare Police and Capital Area Mutual Aid also assisted at the scene.

Weare is a small town northwest of Manchester. The towns population was 9,092 at the 2020 census.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Only Louisiana residents will be able to request the governors records

In the span of less than 45 minutes on the last day of their legislative session, Louisiana lawmakers introduced and adopted a last-minute proposal Monday crafted in a closed-door meeting to prohibit non-Louisiana residents from requesting public records from the governors office (Remi Tallo for Louisiana Illuminator)

BATON ROUGHE, La.  In the span of less than 45 minutes on the last day of their legislative session, Louisiana lawmakers introduced and adopted a last-minute proposal Monday crafted in a closed-door meeting to prohibit non-Louisiana residents from requesting public records from the governors office.

House Bill 767 by Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, was originally designed to broaden security exemptions in state public records law for statewide elected officials. But after the bill was sent to a conference committee, where three lawmakers from each chamber met privately to reach a compromise, it emerged with a provision similar to bills that had stalled in the Senate under immense public scrutiny.

The new language was adopted in the House of Representatives on a 79-19 vote and gained unanimous support in the Senate, although several senators criticized the bill during discussion.

Under the latest version of the bill, which now heads to Republican Gov. Jeff Landrys desk for approval, requesters must be Louisiana residents to obtain public records from the governors office. They will need a government-issued photo ID to prove their residence.

Kate Kelly, a spokesperson for Landry, has not yet responded to a request for comment for this report.

Companies outside of Louisiana use public records requests to gather information. To the extent HB 767 hampers this flow of information, it could deter businesses from Louisiana, Steven Procopio, president of the good government group Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana said in a statement. This might not be a problem, but more discussion would have been helpful.

The legislation received pushback primarily from Democrats, who raised concerns it could inhibit national investigative journalism. Louisiana and its criminal justice system are often the target of in-depth investigations that bring the nations attention to a state with the highest incarceration rate.

Private citizens, watchdog groups and various advocacy organizations  all with a variety of political leanings  use public records requests and are likely to be hampered by the new law.

Emerson and Sen. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, who carried the bill in the Senate, argued the proposal is necessary because the governors office has become inundated with public records requests.

Sen. Gary Carter, D-New Orleans, pointed out the Legislature gave the governors office an additional $1 million to hire more lawyers to work on public records requests.

It seems like weve given [Landrys office] the resources they need to have a response to these public records requests, Carter said.

Any documentation a requester submits to verify their identity would not become a public record. The proposal gives the governors office one year to destroy this documentation.

I am particularly unclear on why the state needs to hold onto a residents information for a year, Procopio said.

Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com. Follow Louisiana Illuminator on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Only Louisiana residents will be able to request the governors records appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
Only Louisiana residents will be able to request the governors records

Attorney General Jeff Landry stands behind a sign that says "protecting innocence." Behind him stand two women, Representative Julie Emerson and Senator Heather Cloud

In the span of less than 45 minutes on the last day of their legislative session, Louisiana lawmakers introduced and adopted a last-minute proposal Monday crafted in a closed-door meeting to prohibit non-Louisiana residents from requesting public records from the governors office (Remi Tallo for Louisiana Illuminator)

In the span of less than 45 minutes on the last day of their legislative session, Louisiana lawmakers introduced and adopted a last-minute proposal Monday crafted in a closed-door meeting to prohibit non-Louisiana residents from requesting public records from the governors office.

House Bill 767 by Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, was originally designed to broaden security exemptions in state public records law for statewide elected officials. But after the bill was sent to a conference committee, where three lawmakers from each chamber met privately to reach a compromise, it emerged with a provision similar to bills that had stalled in the Senate under immense public scrutiny.

The new language was adopted in the House of Representatives on a 79-19 vote and gained unanimous support in the Senate, although several senators criticized the bill during discussion.

Under the latest version of the bill, which now heads to Republican Gov. Jeff Landrys desk for approval, requesters must be Louisiana residents to obtain public records from the governors office. They will need a government-issued photo ID to prove their residence.

Kate Kelly, a spokesperson for Landry, has not yet responded to a request for comment for this report.

Companies outside of Louisiana use public records requests to gather information. To the extent HB 767 hampers this flow of information, it could deter businesses from Louisiana, Steven Procopio, president of the good government group Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana said in a statement. This might not be a problem, but more discussion would have been helpful.

The legislation received pushback primarily from Democrats, who raised concerns it could inhibit national investigative journalism. Louisiana and its criminal justice system are often the target of in-depth investigations that bring the nations attention to a state with the highest incarceration rate.

Private citizens, watchdog groups and various advocacy organizations  all with a variety of political leanings  use public records requests and are likely to be hampered by the new law.

Emerson and Sen. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, who carried the bill in the Senate, argued the proposal is necessary because the governors office has become inundated with public records requests.

Sen. Gary Carter, D-New Orleans, pointed out the Legislature gave the governors office an additional $1 million to hire more lawyers to work on public records requests.

It seems like weve given [Landrys office] the resources they need to have a response to these public records requests, Carter said.

Any documentation a requester submits to verify their identity would not become a public record. The proposal gives the governors office one year to destroy this documentation.

I am particularly unclear on why the state needs to hold onto a residents information for a year, Procopio said.

The post Only Louisiana residents will be able to request the governors records appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
I only speak to my kids in Spanish. When they started talking, they were already bilingual.

I'm a mom of three kids ages 6, 4, and 4.

Since they were born I've been speaking to them exclusively in Spanish.

My oldest can switch between English and Spanish depending who he is talking to.

When I found out I was pregnant for the first time, I knew little about parenting and had no idea what kind of parent I wanted to be. But there was one thing I was certain about: my kids would be bilingual in English and Spanish.

I was born in Argentina, and Spanish is my first language. We moved around a lot when I was little because of my dad's job, so my parents sent me to bilingual schools so language would be a constant throughout my youth. I quickly became fluent in English and it has opened so many doors in my life, including moving to the US for grad school, meeting my husband, and having jobs.

I wanted to give my kids the same opportunities, but as a working parent, I knew it had to be low-effort. My approach was to speak to my kids in Spanish and see what happened. It's paid off.

I speak to them in Spanish and my husband in English

From the day they were born, I've been speaking to all of them in Spanish, and my husband speaks to them in English. My American husband is fluent in many languages, but Spanish is not one of them. Since we started dating, it's gotten better and better, so he can understand everything I say.

We also bought bilingual first-word books so our kids could start making connections between images and the sounds of words in each language.

Once they were old enough to start watching a little bit of TV, we started switching the language of the shows to Spanish so that they were not exposed to it just through me.

When they started talking, people couldn't understand what they said

When all my kids started speaking their first words, only my husband and I could understand what they were saying because they would mix both languages in a sentence. For example, they would say things like, "I want mas leche, please," using the words "more" and "milk" in Spanish.

Once they started attending Pre-K, where all the kids were speaking English, they switched to full sentences in English in school and a mix of both languages at home.

At first, I didn't think they were fully fluent in Spanish since they would also speak to me in English despite me asking questions in Spanish. But when my parents  who don't speak English  are visiting, my kids can talk to them in perfect, fully-formed sentences in Spanish.

It's been magical to see them develop language skills

I've heard from other bilingual parents how hard it can be for kids to pick up another language that is not the dominant one in their lives. I get it; it would be much simpler for me just to speak to them in English.

It would avoid side-eye from people around us because I still talk to them in Spanish in public regardless of who we are with, or I wouldn't have to repeat myself so often because sometimes I use a new word they are not used to and need to go on a tangent to explain what I mean to them.

So far, my kids haven't pushed back on it. But I also don't make them speak to me in Spanish. They can choose whatever language to reply in. They know I understand both so I leave that option to them, knowing that they are still learning a lot just by hearing me speak.

As they grow older, I think I will send them to some formal Spanish class so they can learn to read and write in a second language at a time when their brains are like sponges absorbing everything.

Read the original article on Business Insider
President of the United States of America Joseph Biden sent letter to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

The letter reads:

Dear Mr. President:

I am pleased that you are once again hosting Baku Energy Week, which underscores the transformational role Azerbaijan has played in the global energy landscape. This years events carry particular significance as Baku prepares to host a pivotal COP29 in November. COP29 presents a unique opportunity for Azerbaijan to advance key global initiatives like limiting methane emissions in the oil and gas sector and advancing the clean energy transition as we work collectively to keep a 1.5-degree Celsius limit on temperature rise within reach.

Azerbaijan remains a significant pillar of global energy security, particularly in Europe. Caspian gas is found in a growing number of countries, helping European nations diversify their energy sources and speed up their transition away from coal. As Azerbaijan looks to the next chapter in its own energy story, I am encouraged by the increased focus and commitment to clean energy and methane abatement. The Caspians significant wind energy potential can lead to a future where Azerbaijans clean energy exports outpace oil and gas exports.

Regional stability and interconnectivity are priorities for the United States. A durable and dignified peace agreement that ends decades of conflict would transform the South Caucasus and fundamentally change Azerbaijans role in the region. The United States stands ready to support this noble ambition. We owe it to future generations to ensure peace and prosperity remain our guiding principles.

I welcome the opportunity to renew our strong bilateral relations and look forward to our cooperation over the coming months to ensure a successful COP. I send my best wishes for a successful Baku Energy Week.
RAMALLAH, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli army gunfire in the West Bank city of Tulkarm on Tuesday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said in a statement.

The victims were identified as Abdel Fattah Jabara and Ahmed Rajab, the ministry said, without providing further details of the incident.

A Palestinian security source told Xinhua that both Jabara and Rajab were from the refugee camp of the city, and their bodies were seized by Israeli forces.

The source, who requires anonymity, said that Israeli forces opened fire on the vehicles at a military checkpoint west of the city, obstructing ambulances from reaching the scene.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported that the Israeli army killed two gunmen in the Tulkarm area during an exchange of fire as they approached the security fence with the aim of shooting towards Israeli residential communities.

More than 500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. 
Federal prosecutors told jurors Tuesday that Hunter Bidens status as a drug addict caused him to lie on federal forms to unlawfully purchase a gun in 2018, promising that witnesses would testify to his insatiable desire to stay high.

But attorneys for the son of President Biden said a series of traumas led Hunter Biden toward a life consumed by addiction, and that when he bought that gun, he did not think of himself as someone with a drug problem.

You will see that he is not guilty, attorney Abbe Lowell said, according to The Associated Press.

Hunter Bidens addiction to cocaine, as he recounted in his 2021 memoir, took a central role in the opening statements of the first criminal trial of a sitting presidents child.

He faces three felony counts alleging he made false statements about his use of illicit drugs when obtaining the gun, and then unlawfully possessed it for 11 days. He has pleaded not guilty.

Federal prosecutor Derek Hines said Tuesday that, just days after Hunter Biden checked no on a federal gun purchase form questioning whether he unlawfully used or was addicted to marijuana or other narcotics, he was looking to score drugs.

The prosecutor called addiction depressing but maintained it wasnt the reason the case against Hunter Biden was brought.

No one is allowed to lie on a federal form like that, even Hunter Biden, Hines said, according to AP. He crossed the line when he chose to buy a gun and lied about a federal background check.  The defendants choice to buy a gun is why we are here.

Prosecutors used Hunter Bidens own words against him to show his drug use was out of control.

They played several excerpts of Hunter Bidens memoir, Beautiful Things, in which the presidents son describes himself as having a superpower for buying crack cocaine in any town and how walking into a high crime neighborhood and buying crack was like playing Russian roulette, according to NBC News.

When the defendant filled out that form, he knew he was a drug addict, Hines said, noting that prosecutors dont have to prove the presidents son was using the day he bought the gun to prove him guilty.

However, Hunter Bidens attorneys have contended that in checking no, he may have thought he was telling the truth. Lowell pointed jurors to the minutiae of the federal gun purchase form, which asks whether you are a drug user.

It does not say Have you ever been, Lowell said, suggesting that the presidents son did not view himself as someone with a drug problem when he purchased the gun, AP reported.

In recent court filings, Lowell wrote that Hunter Biden had just completed an 11-day stint in rehab and was living with a sober companion, contending he could surely believe he was not a present tense user or addict.

More from The Hill

Lowell added Tuesday that Hunter Bidens state of mind at the time of the purchase should be considered by jurors, not what he wrote in a book in 2021, and that prosecutors must prove he knowingly violated the law, AP reported.

He claimed the presidents son was in a deep state of denial about his drug use and reeling from traumas throughout his life, including when his mother and sister died in a 1972 car crash that he and his brother, Beau Biden, survived, as well as Beau Bidens 2015 death from cancer.

The defense attorney placed some blame on Hallie Biden, Beau Bidens widow with whom Hunter Biden had a relationship after his brothers death, by suggesting Hunter Biden locked up the gun while Hallie Biden put it in a bag and disposed of it. Hallie Biden is expected to testify in the governments case.

Two other women who were romantically involved with Hunter Biden are expected to testify about his drug use, too: his ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, and Zoe Kestan, who says she observed him smoking crack.

Hunter Bidens criminal trial is expected to last about two weeks. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines.

The presidents son faces separate charges in California for allegedly failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes and filing false returns, which could go to trial in September. President Biden is not accused of wrongdoing in either case.

In the first two days of trial, members of the Biden family have shown up in support of Hunter Biden. First lady Jill Biden and his sister, Ashley Biden, have been present both days. President Biden has not shown up at the courthouse but issued a rare statement in support of his son.

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.
With a jury of six men and six women selected and sworn in, arguments in the gun trial of Hunter Biden get underway Tuesday morning when prosecutors and defense counsel deliver their opening statements.

The president's son stands accused of three felony charges related to his efforts to obtain a firearm in 2018, during a time when he was in the throes of drug addiction.

Special counsel David Weiss' office has repeatedly called it a "simple case," and prosecutors' opening statement will be their first opportunity to lay out their narrative for jurors.

MORE: Hunter Biden gun trial updates

Abbe Lowell, an attorney for Hunter Biden, is expected to advance the argument that his client may have been confused by the language on the ATF Form 4473, the document he stands accused of lying on. The box where he allegedly checked "no" asked the gun 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," Lowell wrote. "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."

PHOTO: Hunter Biden, left, accompanied by his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, depart from federal court, June 3, 2024, in Wilmington, Del. (Matt Rourke/AP)

After the parties deliver opening statements, prosecutors expect to call as their first witness FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen, who is expected to introduce into evidence several of Hunter Biden's text messages and excerpts from his 2021 memoir, "Beautiful Things," as well other evidence.

First lady Jill Biden attended Day 1 of the trial Monday, as did Hunter Biden's wife, Melissa Cohen, and his stepsister, Ashley Biden. President Joe Biden spent the day nearby at his and the first lady's Wilmington home.

Before the trial began, the parties projected it could take up to three days to select a jury, but they completed the task in only one day -- meaning proceedings are thus far running ahead of schedule.

Judge Maryellen Noreika told jurors they would likely need to be available for the trial through June 14, with the possibility of deliberations stretching into the week of June 17.

Opening statements on tap in Hunter Biden's gun trial originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon and Stitcher.

In Martin Luther King Jr.s Letter From a Birmingham Jail, the civil rights leader warned that one of the biggest hurdles to racial equality was actually the white moderatesomeone who feigns outrage at injustice yet pushes back on those who seek to upend the status quo in the name of social justice.

When presented with the question of whether President Joe Biden is acting like the white moderate in Kings letter on this weeks episode of The New Abnormal, author Eddie Glaude Jr., the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University, replied by saying: At times? Yes, absolutely, to be honest with you.

I dont necessarily draw the conclusion about his heart, he added. I think its part of the American political consultant class and though Ive never heard a president speak the way this one does from the bully pulpit about white supremacy and racism, he has to be more aggressive.

Subscribe to The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Overcast.

Plus! A conversation with Vicky Hausman, the co-founder of an organization called Forward Majority, about the need for Democrats to reclaim state legislatures across the country after decades of neglect in the partys state apparatuses.

Should We Fear MAGA Riots if Trump Is Locked Up?

Weve been trying to help accelerate the fight for power and help Democrats win in state legislatures that are not just competitive, but where theres been chronic underinvestment for so long, she said, naming five states where Forward is concentrating their efforts: the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Minnesotaas well as Texas, which is a long-term project that analysts believe could turn a brighter shade of purple in the years to come.

Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon and Stitcher.

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New York tabloids on display at a bodega in Brooklyn the day after a jury found former President Trump guilty of 34 felony charges. (Ruth Brown / Associated Press)

How much will Donald Trumps conviction in the New York hush money case matter come November?

The obvious answer is that nobody knows. Still, I suspect the verdict will matter, just not in ways that are easy or even possible to predict.

A lot of the instant reaction revolves around polls. We talk about polls not because they are so important but because we lack much else to go on. Like the proverbial drunk who looks under the streetlamp for his lost keys because the light is much better there, we look at polls because they at least illuminate something, even if its not very much.

Read more: Goldberg: What's convincing voters that the economy is worse than it ever was?

The smattering of surveys conducted since Thursdays verdict show that slightly more than half of Americans think the jury was correct. A CBS poll found that the verdict changed very few minds, though a small number had more negative views of Trump. None of that is surprising given that attitudes about the trial have tracked attitudes about Trump.

Now, if the judge throws Trump in jail for an extended term  which seems both unlikely and indefensible, given the nature of the crime  its possible that attitudes will swing more in Trumps favor. But if its just for a day, attitudes probably wont change so much as intensify.

If the opinions indicated by the latest polling hold constant for the roughly 150 days to Nov. 5, one could plausibly argue that the verdict will cost Trump the election. The consensus among experts across the partisan spectrum is that this election will be decided by a tiny number of votes in a handful of states, so movement of even a couple of percentage points away from Trump could be decisive.

But opinions dont hold constant, at least not among the kind of voters who will decide the election.

Read more: Goldberg: Biden still trails Trump in the polls. His problem goes beyond inflation, Gaza and age

Until recently, Trump was enjoying higher favorability ratings than at any time during his presidency. A mixture of nostalgia for the pre-COVID Trump-era economy and dissatisfaction with President Biden has been better for Trump than anything he actually did as president.

No one knows what will happen over the next five months, but its not unreasonable to assume that the verdict will shrink in importance for everybody over time.

But given the closeness of the race and the voters who will decide it, that doesnt mean it wont have lasting consequences.

Many Trump boosters responded to the verdict with declarations such as Trump just won the election. This wish-casting stems from the belief that outrage over the verdict will cause more voters to rally around Trump. So far, however, the evidence points to the opposite.

Its true that Republican outrage over the verdict has motivated Trumps supporters in much the same way as the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago. The result has been a windfall of donations to the Trump campaign, including from crucial first-time donors. Given Trumps fund-raising difficulties compared with Biden, that could matter.

But one analytical error Trump supporters consistently make is the idea that attitudes about him inside the MAGA bubble extend to voters outside it. Trumps biggest fans believe they represent America generally, which is one reason they still believe America couldnt have voted to oust him in 2020.

We dont know how the verdict will change the behavior of not just the voters but also the candidates. If Biden overplays Trumps status as a felon, it could underscore the view that he lacks any persuasive arguments for his reelection on the merits. It could also bolster the unfounded charge that Biden orchestrated the prosecution to his benefit.

Meanwhile, if Trump listens to his biggest fans and indulges his own sense of grievance  not a particularly big if  he could end up making the election a referendum on him, and the chaos he brings, rather than a referendum on Biden.

I dont think this case ever should have been brought, but I also think its crazy to say it represents the end of the country as we know it, as Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance insisted. Indeed, its remarkable to see so many people who once claimed that the trial didnt matter to voters suddenly insisting that voters will care so much about its outcome.

Voters will care about all sorts of things. And the odds are good that, to the extent Trumps conviction matters at all, it ratifies the opinions most Americans already held.

@JonahDispatch

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Estonias parliament enacted a law on May 15 enabling the use of frozen Russian assets to compensate Ukraine for the damages caused by Russias war. Kyiv and its Western allies have discussed using around $300 billion in Russian assets held in Western accounts to support Ukraine. As of October 2023, the Estonian government estimated having 38 million euros ($41.3 million) in frozen Russian assets.

We will adopt this law because Ukraines victory is our victory, Hendrik Johannes Terras, the chairman of Estonias Constitutional Commission, said. We are adopting this law because Russia must come out of the war defeated.

Estonian President Alar Karis signed the law into effect on May 30, adding that it will apply to those who have actively committed military aggression and violated the rules of war.

According to the Ukraine Support Tracker, Estonias aid commitments to Ukraine amount to 3.5% of its GDP as of Jan. 15, 2023, positioning it as the leading contributor globally. Following Washington and Ottawa's footsteps, Tallinn opted to push the bar even further by targeting frozen Russian assets.

Read also: Opinion: Much ado about Russias nuclear rumblings?

How will it work?

A new chapter added to Estonias International Sanctions Act now stipulates that the Estonian Foreign Affairs Ministry oversees sanctions policy, monitors its implementation, and communicates updates to other government agencies.

Thus, the Estonian Foreign Ministry can decide to use the assets seized from sanctioned individuals as an advance payment for damages if they have committed unlawful acts causing damage to a foreign state. These acts typically involve violations of the rules of war or the prohibition against the use of armed force, as per the U.N. Charter.

At the request of Ukraine, or an internationally recognized compensation mechanism, Estonia can confiscate assets from individuals or entities that have financially or materially supported unlawful acts. Before applying this procedure, the Ministry must establish several conditions:

The wrongful act caused proven damage eligible for compensation under international law;

Ukraine has sought compensation from Russia, which has not been honored in a reasonable timeframe;

Ukraine or an international organization has requested Estonia to use the sanctioned property as an advance payment for damages;

The entitys connection to Russia and involvement in the wrongful act is proven;

The property belongs to the sanctioned entity;

There are no overriding exceptional circumstances protecting the entitys interests.

Once the procedure begins, the Ministry notifies the sanctioned entity, and the assets are sold. After covering storage and enforcement costs, the proceeds go to Ukraine, an international organization, or the compensation mechanism that applied.

The sanctioned person retains the right to claim compensation from Russia. If Russia compensates Ukraine, the original asset owner can seek reimbursement from Ukraine. They can also appeal the asset confiscation in an administrative court.

The Estonian model does not imply irreversible confiscation, as sanctioned persons can potentially recover their assets through future reparations from Russia, aligning with the Estonian Constitution. However, whether such reparations will be paid remains uncertain.

Not only Ukraine but also internationally recognized compensation mechanisms can request asset seizure. One such mechanism, the Register of Damages, has already started processing claims, allowing the future compensation fund to be replenished with recovered assets and victims to receive appropriate compensation.

How much can we expect?

Estonia has frozen Russian assets estimated at around 38 million euros ($41.3 million), primarily from oligarchs Andrey Melnichenko ($30.4 million) and Vyacheslav Kantor ($5.4 million).

The most valuable asset that may be confiscated is a liquid chemical and ammonia transshipment terminal linked to Melnichenko. It is a subsidiary of EuroChem, Russias largest producer of mineral fertilizers and other chemicals. Meanwhile, Kantor owns the DBT dry bulk cargo terminal.

Estonia does not possess significant sovereign assets of the Russian Federation, which globally account for around $300 billion in frozen assets. However, it does have frozen funds from Promsvyazbank and VTB Bank, which are Russian-owned.

Read also: The Counteroffensive: Some arent evacuating from Ukraines front-line towns. Why?

Why is this important?

The adoption of this law aims to achieve more than transferring millions of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. By making such decisive and morally necessary decisions, Estonia shows its strong support for Ukraine and enhances its influence on global issues. This move sets a precedent for other European Union countries to adopt similar mechanisms.

Urmas Reinsalu, chairman of the Estonian Pro Patria Union party, stated during the parliamentary debate that Estonias decision is intended to set a precedent for Western countries. Kristi Raik, the deputy director of the International Center for Defense Studies, noted that Estonias initiatives to support Ukraine are gaining international recognition and influence.

Estonias proactive approach to recovering Russian assets should serve as a model for other states that hold significantly more of the aggressors funds and have yet to take steps to use them for Ukraines needs.

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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Editors Note: Thomas Balcerski teaches history at Eastern Connecticut State University. He is the author of Bosom Friends: The Intimate World of James Buchanan and William Rufus King (Oxford University Press). The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN.

Donald Trump is the first former president to be found guilty of felonies, but he isnt the first convicted person to run for president in the US. In fact, theres even a historical precedent of a felon running for the Oval Office from prison: Eugene V. Debs in 1920. Despite having been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sedition, Debs incredibly received some 914,191 votes, a higher number than when he ran as a free man in 1912.

Thomas Balcerski - Courtesy Thomas Balcerski

The trial and prison presidential campaign of the Socialist Party candidate stand out as the closest possible comparison to the case of Trump in 2024 (Trump has vowed to appeal and his sentencing is scheduled for July 11). The experience of Debs is a reminder that being behind bars isnt a barrier to running for office, and incarceration need not stop the outreach necessary to keep ones campaign afloat.

Although Debs had repeatedly run afoul of the law, it was a speech delivered in Canton, Ohio, on June 16, 1918, that led to his arrest and ultimate imprisonment. Before a working-class crowd of 1,200, Debs railed against the governments decision to enter the conflict later known as World War I: Every solitary one of these aristocratic conspirators and would-be murderers claims to be an arch-patriot; every one of them insists that the war is being waged to make the world safe for democracy. What humbug! What rot! What false pretense!

Also in the crowd that day were agents from the Justice Department. A federal prosecutor hired a stenographer to write down hot-button lines from the speech, which proved sufficient to arrest Debs under the provisions of the Espionage Act of 1917 and the subsequent Sedition Act of 1918 that forbade use in speech or written form any language that was disloyal to the government, the Constitution, the military, or the flag.

Eugene Victor 'Gene' Debs - Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images

At his trial, after the verdict had been handed down, Debs characteristically delivered a fiery speech decrying the Espionage Act as a despotic enactment in flagrant conflict with democratic principles and with the spirit of free institutions. Not asking for mercy or immunity, he concluded: The people are awakening.

Perhaps so, but a jury of his peers found him guilty on three counts of violating the Espionage and Sedition acts and sentenced Debs to 10 years in a federal penitentiary. A later appeal to the US Supreme Court upheld the lower courts verdict.

The Socialist Party never wavered in its support for its perennial standard-bearer. At its national convention held on May 13, 1920, delegates gave unanimous consent to nominate Convict 2253. When the number assigned to Debs changed, a new campaign button emerged: For President, Convict No. 9653.

Even from prison, Debs cleverly electioneered through the new medium of motion pictures. On May 29, a delegation from the Socialist Party formally presented Debs with their partys nomination at his prison in Atlanta. Captured on film, the footage was screened at theatres across the nation.

No longer able to speak publicly, Debs issued a weekly press release to keep his candidacy front of mind with voters. I would rather have a man think and vote against me than vote like a sheep, he wrote in one message.

Following the election of Warren G. Harding in 1920, pressure was placed on outgoing President Woodrow Wilson to pardon Debs. But Wilson refused. Once in office, Harding commuted Debs sentence, declaring: We cannot punish men in America for the exercise of their freedom in political and religious belief.

Broken by the harsh conditions of his prison experience, Debs spent his final years largely outside of public view and died in 1926 at age 70. With the passage of time, history has looked kindly on Debs, with his imprisonment seen more as a case of traditional democratic liberties being undermined than a legitimate breach of the national interest.

Does this history of running from prison have any insights to offer in our unprecedented era? Certainly, there are differences at work. In our two-party system of Democrats and Republicans, Debs, running as a Socialist, faced steep odds in winning the presidency in any circumstances. By comparison, Trump is a former president and three-time candidate of a major political party. We wont find out whether Trump faces time in jail until he is sentenced in July.

But there are intriguing similarities at play. Despite being imprisoned, Debs embraced the media of the day to communicate with voters and ensure that his candidacy was taken seriously. Trump, regardless of how any subsequent appeal may proceed, will undoubtedly do the same, as evidenced by his campaigns claim that the candidate was a political prisoner immediately following the trial. Despite the guilty verdict, a post-trial Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 35% of Republican registered voters say they are even more likely to vote for Trump now (though 25% of independent voters in the poll said they are less likely to support him now).

Perhaps the greatest similarity may well be in the strategy of turning the tables and putting the justice system itself on trial. Debs maintained that the 1918 Sedition Law  passed just a month before his speech  was unjust, while Trump has decried the New York hush money trial in which he was convicted as rigged, claiming that the real verdict will come on November 5.

As has already begun, Democrats and Republicans will pivot to new lines of attack, such as labeling Trump a convicted felon and decrying the trial as a purely political exercise. Of course, it will be the American people  and not a jury or a judge  who will decide the outcome of the election, just as they did with Debs. They will choose whether the verdict at Trumps trial undermined faith in our legal system or was justice being served.

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Editors Note: David Orentlicher is the Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman Professor at the William S. Boyd School of Law at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he specializes in constitutional law and health law. He also serves as a Democrat in the Nevada Assembly. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN.

Attorney General Merrick Garlands appearance before the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday comes amidst criticism from Republicans for refusing to hand over audiotapes of President Joe Bidens interviews with Special Counsel Robert Hur after Biden invoked executive privilege to keep them private. A House committee has already found Garland in contempt for withholding the tapes and a full House vote could come soon.

David Orentlicher - R. Marsh Starks/UNLV Creative Services

Hur had investigated Bidens mishandling of classified documents from his time as vice president and concluded that criminal charges were not warranted. While Biden authorized the release of written transcripts of his interviews with Hur, made public earlier this year, he objected when Congress subpoenaed him for the audiotapes.

Hurs report of his investigation painted an unflattering picture of the president when Hur explained that if he had decided to prosecute Biden, the jury would likely see him as a sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory, and would give him the benefit of the doubt. In response, Biden released the transcripts but withheld the audiotapes. CNN is suing to obtain the audiotapes, arguing that transcripts are no substitute for recordings.

While Garlands claim of executive privilege on behalf of Biden is not airtight  having released the transcripts, its more difficult for Biden to argue that the audiotapes should remain privileged  the Judiciary Committees subpoena of the tapes rests on even shakier ground.

One might wonder whether Biden is trying to have it both ways on questions of presidential protections. On the one hand, hes asserting a strong presidential privilege when it comes to access to his information. On the other hand, hes rejected former President Donald Trumps claims of executive privilege in the classified documents case involving papers that Trump took with him from the White House to his home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, after leaving the presidency. That case is currently in pretrial proceedings in a federal district court in Miami with no date yet set for a trial.

While it might seem hypocritical that Biden is seeking greater protection for himself than for Trump, there are good reasons to distinguish their situations. In particular, Trump, claiming that many of the documents are personal rather than official, hopes to be insulated from criminal prosecutions. In addition, it is uncertain whether as a former president, Trump can assert executive privilege. Rather, it is argued, incumbent presidents can decide whether to assert executive privilege on behalf of their predecessors or waive the privilege, as Biden has done for Trump.

Biden is not only asserting executive privilege as a sitting president, he has also been cleared of criminal prosecution and now wants to prevent undue intrusion into the operations of the executive branch by members of Congress. Moreover, in releasing the written transcripts, Biden has asserted a narrower scope of privilege than the sweeping one asserted by Trump.

Although claims of executive privilege typically arise when presidents want to preserve the confidentiality of their conversations or other deliberations with aides, Bidens claim rests on the executive branchs interest in preserving the confidentiality of law enforcement proceedings. As Garland has observed, public disclosure of information learned in criminal investigations can compromise the integrity of the law enforcement process. If the audiotapes can be subpoenaed in this case, witnesses in future cases may be reluctant to talk to the authorities out of concern that these conversations could be made public, for example. To be sure, Biden already has released the transcripts, but the risks to future witnesses are much greater when their testimony can be subpoenaed by a politically motivated Congress rather than when it can be released voluntarily by the executive branch.

In addition, Bidens withholding of the audiotapes doesnt rest solely on principles of executive privilege. The congressional subpoena for the audiotapes raises important concerns about its effect on the separation of powers. Separation of powers concerns are heightened when Congress seeks information about the president because members of Congress might be more likely to try to usurp the executive authority to enforce the law when a president is the defendant, or they might use their subpoena power for political purposes.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court has adopted special safeguards to draw a proper balance between the interests both for and against public disclosure when Congress subpoenas a president. And while executive privilege gives a president greater reason to resist a congressional subpoena, the Supreme Court has recognized that presidents also may be able to protect even unprivileged information. Separation of powers concerns do not allow presidents to block legitimate exercises of the legislative power, but they do allow presidents to prevent illegitimate exercises of the legislative power. Importantly, the burden is on Congress to justify its access to the desired information.

Especially instructive are the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court, ironically in another case involving Trump. Trump v. Mazars dealt with congressional subpoenas of Trumps financial records. Democrat-controlled House committees sought the records as part of their inquiries into the need for legislative reform in areas ranging from money laundering and terrorism to foreign involvement in U.S. elections. In that case, Trump did not claim that the records were protected by executive privilege.

Since the case raised novel legal questions, the Court established guidelines for trial courts to apply when judging the validity of a congressional subpoena and returned the case to the lower courts to apply the guidelines. Ultimately, the lower courts allowed access to some of the requested records.

In its ruling in Mazars, the Supreme Court identified two important principles, the first applying to any congressional subpoena and the second to subpoenas involving the president.

First, a congressional subpoena must serve a valid legislative purpose. Thus, Congress can gather information to better understand when and how to pass laws, to determine whether impeachment is warranted or to carry out its other responsibilities. But Congress cannot compel evidence to try someone for a crime  a core executive branch function  nor is there a congressional power to expose for the sake of exposure.

Accordingly, congressional committees cannot seek the audiotapes simply because members of Congress want to validate their belief that Biden violated the law regarding classified documents. In addition, while Biden may have political reasons for withholding the audiotapes, such as fearing they will make him look bad as Election Day comes closer, Congress still needs a nonpolitical reason for seeking the tapes.

Second, even when there is a valid legislative purpose  and House Republicans have cited multiple purposes for accessing the Hur audiotapes, including the possibility of legislative reform regarding the use of special counsels to investigate presidents  any subpoena of a president must limit its reach to information that is truly needed and that cannot be obtained from other sources.

Thus, members of Congress need to explain in some detail, to a court if necessary, why the transcripts of Hurs interviews are inadequate for a valid legislative purpose and what they think they will learn from the audio that they cannot learn elsewhere. So far, as the Department of Justice observed in rejecting the subpoena, they have not. Ironically, while releasing the transcripts weakens the argument for privileging the audiotapes, it also weakens the argument for a subpoena of the tapes.

It is not surprising that a congressional committee might overreach when issuing a subpoena to a president and risk compromising executive authority. As I have previously written, the House January 6 committee intruded into the executive authority in its work. In its investigation of the violent assault on the Capitol, the committee often acted more like it was conducting a grand jury investigation than undertaking a legislative inquiry.

If House committees want to obtain information from presidents, it is not sufficient to assert a generalized interest in the information and subpoena any records that might be relevant. They need to be much more precise in justifying their desire for access than the committees seeking the Biden audiotapes have been.

This has been updated with the latest news developments.

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Policymakers, administrators and teachers in the United States, from the federal level to the classroom, operate as sea captains did before 1914. At that time, captains could sail anywhere they wanted and make decisions as they saw fit. Then the Titanic sank. The subsequent public outcry led to the adoption of the International Convention for Maritime Safety Standards, known as Safety of Life at Sea, or SOLAS. This coherent set of guardrails and guidelines impacted all aspects of seafaring, including where captains could sail. While costing captains some freedom, it empowered those who had a genuine concern for safety and benefited their passengers.

Similarly, educators share a deep concern for the well-being of their students, families and communities. However, they lack the life-saving constraints and coherent, systemwide guidance SOLAS gives sea captains.

In 2023, a team of education leaders and researchers launched the Evidence Advocacy Center (EAC) to address harms caused by the absence of SOLAS-like guidance. We saw too many education initiatives that were initially successful fail to endure because of a lack of consistent licensure, accreditation, continuing education or accountability grounded in evidence.

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To fill this void, our 84 volunteer experts are creating guidance for decisionmakers in the form of evidence-based resources. These are being vetted, curated and organized based on scientific research and on data from high-performing schools, districts and states that consistently produce strong results, especially for marginalized populations. These resources, focused on academic achievement and social-emotional well-being, could become the basis for specific education policies, programs, and practices. They will be accessible on our website, distributed through collaborating partner organizations and promulgated through convenings with education agencies.

Just as the maritime safety standards improved safety and saved lives, the EAC is committed to constraining the use of non-evidence-based programs that cause waste and even harm. For example, Reading Recovery, an intervention targeted to lowest-achieving first graders, has been used with 2.4 million students at an estimated cost of $10,271 per child, which has resulted in total expenditures of $2.5 billion. But, as noted in the Hechinger Report, Reading Recovery students subsequently fell behind and by fourth grade were far worse readers than similar students who hadnt had the tutoring, according to a [December 2022] follow-up study. The tutoring seemed to harm them.

Even the much-touted reading initiative that moved Mississippi from the lowest-performing state on fourth-grade NAEP reading scores to 21st in the nation, may have serious flaws. EAC co-founder Kelly Butler, CEO of Mississippis Barksdale Reading Institute, worries that not all components of the states education system are being held to the same level of accountability, which can undermine sustainability.

To fulfill its mission, EACs first goal is to make evidence the basis for licensure, educator preparation programs, and continuing education. Toward this end, we are collaborating with national organizations including The Reading League, The Path Forward at the Hunt Institute, Deans for Impact, National Council on Teacher Quality, NAACP and the Center on PBIS to identify evidence-based resources for licensure, educator preparation and continuing education. We plan to present the results of these collaborations to an audience of higher education professors through the Alabama Department of Education, through the University of North Dakota at a conference for K-12 educators from across the state and through the New Hampshire Department of Educations conference for teachers and administrators. We are also identifying selection criteria for model policies as a first step in recruiting and convening a coalition of states that will audit the degree to which their licensure, educator preparation programs, accountability and continuing education policies align with the evidence-based resources identified by the EAC and other trustworthy organizations.

To ensure that successful reform efforts will be sustainable, our second goal requires focusing on what is necessary to make evidence central to decisionmaking in nine major components of the U.S. education system: educator preparation, state policy, district and school leadership, assessment, parent and family advocacy, professional learning, linguistic diversity, special education and instructional materials. These components are represented by nine EAC teams that are identifying and organizing evidence-based resources for use by education decisionmakers. Already, Stephanie Stollar, co-lead of the EACs educator preparation team, is advising the leaders of 12 educator preparation programs on the use of evidence-based resources and practices to ensure new teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to improve student achievement.

Because education is a complex, multifaceted system, decisionmakers need to adopt a systems perspective, recognizing that failure of one component can impact the effectiveness of the entire ecosystem. Once the full set of constraints and guidance is in place, accountability will be possible and will contribute to educational equity by significantly and permanently improving the achievement and social-emotional and behavioral well-being of all students  with special attention to those with learning differences and other marginalized groups.

In the EACs plan for the transformation of the profession into an evidence-based system, educators will relinquish certain freedoms  notably the leeway to employ ineffective practices  but will gain guidance that empowers them to fulfill their original purpose by profoundly impacting the future of students, families and communities. The alternative is to continue rearranging the deck chairs under the guise of education reform.
SEOUL, June 4 (Xinhua) -- South Korea on Tuesday approved the full suspension of the Sept. 19 military agreement with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), according to multiple local media.

It was approved in a cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, after it was decided during a National Security Council (NSC) working-level meeting in the previous day.

The NSC decided to halt the entire effect of the military agreement until mutual trust between the two sides is restored.

The agreement was signed by defense chiefs of the two sides during the 2018 inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang to stop all hostile acts across the border. 
There is a saying in Poland that, No one will die for Gdansk. No matter what kind of security guarantees Poland gets from Western countries, most Poles believe that we will still have to fend for ourselves. After all, when the Nazis invaded in 1939, Poland had security guarantees from Great Britain and France, yet neither country came to its aid (though they did formally declare war on the Third Reich).

Yes, according to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, an attack on one NATO member is an attack on all, and faith in this mutual-defense commitment remains strong in Poland. U.S. presidents repeatedly vow to defend every inch of NATO territory. Yet in an age of hybrid warfare, the duties implied by Article 5 have become blurrier. Moreover, unlike Nazi Germany, the biggest threat to Europe today is armed to the teeth with nuclear weapons.

By constantly signaling that an escalation of the war in Ukraine is one of their greatest fears, U.S. and German leaders have not exactly inspired confidence in the NATO security guarantee. How they would respond if Russia invaded Estonia, for example, is not clear  especially at a time when European armies and arms industries are so weak. Poland itself has sent more tanks to Ukraine than the United Kingdom has.

Read also: Opinion: Estonia leads the charge on using frozen Russian assets

In this context, Poland and the Baltic countries have decided not only to arm, but also to devote considerable resources to building up fortifications along their borders with Russia, Belarus, and (partly) Ukraine. In Poland, this plan goes under the official title of Shield East, but it has already come to be known as the Tusk Line  a reference to current Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the famous French Maginot Line in World War II.

The Polish government has earmarked 10 billion zloty ($2.6 billion) for the project, which it plans to complete by 2028. But this sum seems insufficient. The fence on the border with Belarus alone (built by the previous government) cost 1.6 billion zloty ($404 million), and it often failed to block the flow of migrants that Russia and Belarus were foisting on Poland in recent years.

Nonetheless, what matters is that the Polish public is willing to make large financial sacrifices for the countrys defense. Moreover, Poland is also counting on help from the European Union, where there is a growing awareness of the Russian threat. Given that Polands border with Russia and Belarus is also the EUs eastern border, it makes sense that it should be protected through joint EU efforts. While Polands previous, illiberal government refused to join the German-led Iron Dome initiative  owing to its irrational Germanophobia  Tusks government recently corrected this strategic mistake.

Polish soldiers survey the construction of a fortification wall at Poland's border with Belarus in Tolcze, Poland, on Jan. 27, 2022. (Wojtek Radwanski/AFP via Getty Images)

Poland and the Baltic countries are in a slightly different strategic position than Finland. Not only does Finland boast an excellent army, a well-trained population, and a huge number of bomb shelters, but  most importantly  its large, sparsely populated, heavily wooded terrain would complicate matters for any invader. The Finns thus assume that they can afford to let an enemy into the country and still mount an effective defense. Success or failure does not hinge on the security of the border.

The Baltics, by contrast, recently determined that they need a linked chain of fortifications on their eastern borders  a Baltic Defense Line  to prevent an invading force from driving deeper into their territory. Under a recently agreed joint plan, Baltic governments will build around 600 fortified bunkers in Estonia alone, at a cost of some $64 million, and establish 18 counter-mobility parks  rapid-deployment hubs for anti-personnel and anti-vehicle equipment (like tank traps)  in Lithuania.

Polands Tusk Line will be structured similarly, but with much more emphasis on creating some 700 kilometers (434 miles) of natural guardrails. The main priority is to take care of the transportation infrastructure, which is sorely lacking at our eastern border, according to General Mieczyslaw Bieniek, an adviser to Polish Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak. Fortifications, bunkers or shelters alone will not deter anyone. We need to be able to cover these areas with fire positions and military units that will defend the security of our border.

Read also: Opinion: Much ado about Russias nuclear rumblings?

Swamps, floodplains, dams, dense forests, and other natural barriers will need to be used fully, and new barriers created, so that Polish forces are prepared to establish safe and effective firing redoubts, plan ambushes, organize supply centers, and channel enemy forces to vulnerable positions. Poland will also rely heavily on anti-drone defenses and satellite and aerial reconnaissance. To that end, it recently acquired U.S. reconnaissance aerostats technology (under a U.S. program code-named Barbara) that can detect targets up to several hundred kilometers away.

Despite their apparent differences, the Finnish, Baltic, and Polish eastern-defense plans are compatible, because they share the same basic goal. And they are being developed in close consultation with EU leaders in Brussels, where efforts are underway to create a new joint-defense commissioner position to coordinate and reconstitute the European arms industry.

But no plan or border-defense belt can secure the EU if it does not adequately support Ukraine in its fight against Russia. If Russian forces gain control of Ukraine, that will undermine all of Poland, Finland, and the Baltic countries plans. Since it will be years before the Baltic and Tusk Lines are built, the Ukrainian battlefield remains the highest priority.

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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Oregon State Hospital plans changes to prevent deaths like one in April

The Oregon State Hospital in Salem is overseen by the Oregon Health Authority. (Michael Romanos/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Oregon State Hospital plans to train medical staff to immediately check the vital signs of new patients and respond to life-threatening emergencies with adequate equipment.

The changes are part of the hospitals proposed plan of correction to fix violations that federal inspectors flagged when they investigated the circumstances surrounding the April 18 death of Skye Baskin, 27. Hospital staff failed to immediately check the vitals of Baskin after he arrived from the Douglas County Jail on misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He was declared dead 69 minutes after his arrival, records show.

The state hospital submitted the plan, released to the Capital Chronicle through a public records request, on Friday to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The Oregon Health Authority, which runs the states secure psychiatric facility in Salem, is waiting for the federal agency to approve the plan.

The hospitals proposal includes:

Reviewing and updating protocols for admitting new patients to include screening them for potential medical emergencies.

Tracking and organizing medical emergency equipment used for code-blue events when a patients life is in danger. Inspectors found the equipment was unorganized.

Auditing medical equipment as well as regular code blue emergency drills for hospital staff to practice life-saving procedures.

Hospital officials told the federal agency they can correct the problems by July, the plan said.

The case is the latest in a string of incidents for Oregon State Hospital that have drawn scrutiny from federal regulators. Last year, a patient escaped from the state hospital in a van, driving it down a highway in a high-speed chase. In that case, the hospital updated its security policies to secure vehicle keys.

Earlier this year, inspectors investigating a patient-on-patient assault found blind spots in the security camera system, which allowed the assault to unfold in which one patient lifted another up by the neck and shook them in the air. For 34 seconds, no one was aware of the attack.

Separately, Oregon State Police have confirmed they are investigating the death of a patient who died of a suspected fentanyl overdose.

Baskins death

The federal report on Baskins death found that rather than immediately checking his vital signs upon his arrival, hospital staff listened to Douglas County deputies tell them he routinely was unresponsive.

Skye Baskin (Provided)

His eyes were closed when hospital staff snapped his photo as part of the intake procedure, records show. A nurse checked Baskins vital signs only after he was put in a wheelchair and wheeled to his room with his head hung down and body unresponsive.

The report said the hospitals failure to immediately assess Baskin created an unsafe environment that likely contributed to his harm and death.

While Baskin was in jail, his defense attorney Angelina Hollingsworth told the court her client was unresponsive during a jail visit and asked for the misdemeanor charges to be dismissed because he was in jail for more than a month and no local programs were available to help him. Instead, the judge sent him to Oregon State Hospital, which treats defendants so they can aid in their defense.

Baskin spent about six weeks in the Douglas County Jail. Police arrested him after he was wandering along a highway in and out of traffic.

Oregon State Police are investigating the death, as they do for any unattended death at the state hospital.

The post Oregon State Hospital plans changes to prevent deaths like one in April appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
New Yorkers have been left shocked after a video went viral that shows a Parks officer trying to detain a young girl selling fruit in a Manhattan tourist spot.

The incident happened on Sunday afternoon in Battery Park between a 14-year-old child and a uniformed enforcement officer, who appears in the video holding onto her and trying to put her in handcuffs.

During the video, bystanders shout at law enforcement, saying, Let her go and Dont touch her, while other people surrounding the incident appear to try and pull the girl and the officer apart.

Officials have said that the childs mother has an unlicensed fruit cart and has been warned several times, and the girl got caught up in a response from an enforcement officer.

The New York City Parks Department will be conducting an internal investigation into the incident, after the video, which has been seen millions of times online, surfaced.

The department had said it was working with the NYPD to confiscate food sold by unlicensed vendors when several people intervened, and both the officer and the child fell to the ground, according to ABC7.

Mayor Eric Adams went off topic and spoke up about the incident during a conference on Monday about NYCs public restrooms, defending the officers on Monday and calling upon the federal government to allow migrants and asylum seekers to work so they do not have to rely on illegal vending.

The mayor said he saw the video himself and said that in that particular area, they have received complaints about illegal vendoring.

The park enforcement officers must respond to that. We have to respond to complaints that are coming from citizens. The parent there is a habitual abuser of it, and she has been told several times, and she refuses to comply, he said, adding that the parks and police departments are both conducting an investigation because they both responded.

No one wants to see a 12-year-old handled in a way that can seem offensive or abusive, he continued, speaking about the video. No one wants to see that. Were going to continue to get better at what we do. The larger problem here that no one wants to talk about, it is not dignified to have people unable to provide for themselves. Weve been saying this for almost two years now. Let them work.

Why arent we allowing able-bodied human beings that came to America to pursue the American dream, parole into the country? the mayor added in part. The bottom line is they were illegal vending because theyre not allowed to work legally.

YouTuber and musician Marc Rebillet captured the video and shared it on X, with his post alone garnering over 10 million views.

"Theyre not allowed to be there, thats fine, you can talk to the mother," Rebillet told ABC7.

"Theres a mother, a dad, whatever, adults. Then NYPD comes in and starts trying to cuff this kid. Shes 12. You just cant do this. Shes a kid, and then Parks comes in and grabs her away. Shes struggling. They get thrown to the ground. She gets away, thank God."

Organizations such as the non-profit Street Vendor Project have also criticized the incident, telling ABC7 that this is the reality that street vendors are living in.

Every single day they step out of the door, street vendors are aware this is the risk they are taking to make an honest living in a system thats not functional.

The NYC Street Vendor Justice Coalition also released a statement saying they were appalled by the aggression towards the street vendor family and their daughter.

Street vendors are primarily immigrants, people of color, and working families  exactly the New Yorkers whom our citys administration claims to support, they added.

In a statement to the outlet, the Parks Department said, "Our Parks Enforcement Patrols first course of action is to educate in order to bring violators into compliance.

When individuals have repeatedly flouted the law, we take additional enforcement actions, and there are instances when it is necessary to place violators and individuals obstructing the law under arrest."

The department also told Fox5 that the officer involved has been reassigned to administrative duties while the investigation is ongoing.

Local reports say that the mother was arrested at the scene.

The Independent has contacted the New York City Parks Department and Mayor Eric Adams Office for comment.
A law firm that investigated the March 26 arrest of a reporter on Vanderbilt Universitys campus found the arrest was not contrary to the First Amendment but recommended the university publicize its inaccessible media policy.

While noting several missteps by police that led to the arrest, the report states the Nashville Scene journalist was not arrested to prevent coverage of tense student protests on campus but because he repeatedly tried to enter a closed university building. The report concludes that regardless of whether the decision to arrest him was appropriate, Vanderbilt had not violated the First Amendment because "he may well have been treated the same way if he was not a reporter.

A journalist with the Nashville Scene is arrested while covering a student protest at Vanderbilt University in Nashville , Tenn., Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

"It was very important for us to see that, because that's consistent with our commitment to free speech and free expression," Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said in an interview.

The report states the journalist, who was interviewed during the investigation, agreed he was not arrested because he was a reporter. The Nashville Scene declined to comment on the report. At the time of the arrest, the Scene's editor called move "alarming and disappointing."

"The report confirms that Vanderbilt's Administration and the campus police were in complete disarrya during these protests, including a lack of clear policies and communication," said attorney Tricia Herzfeld, of Herzfeld, Suetholz, Gsatel, Leniski and Wall, representing the reporter Eli Motycka, alongside attorney Abby Rubenfeld. "This resulted in the unlawful arrest of (Motycka), a reporter who was just doing his job. We are hopeful that Vanderbilt will heed the recommendations in this report and develop a truly media-friendly policy while also making things right by (Motycka)."

The arrest quickly garnered a fierce pushback in Nashville and across the country. Local government officials and more than 150 Vanderbilt faculty members signed letters denouncing the university's actions, while the Future of Free Speech project, which has an office on Vanderbilt's campus, called the arrest "a disproportionate response." A little more than a week later, the university announced the outside review.

The review found that, among other things, Vanderbilt needs to formalize its media policy and publish it online. Prior to the arrest, Vanderbilt lacked a formal written policy that members of the media or the public could access.

"We want to make sure ... that there's no misunderstanding, with respect to reporters, what our media access policy is," Diermeier said.

Vanderbilt said it has maintained an informal policy asking reporters to contact the university before coming to the private university's campus, which the report states can be the basis of its formal policy.

That policy, however, was found to have only been consistently sent to broadcast media, and not to members of print publications, unless specifically requested prior to reporting.

Given the inconsistencies, the report recommends Vanderbilt Communications publicize a formal policy, as well as have someone available at all times to "promptly respond to a contact or inquiry" and that police warn "potential arrestees" and give them an opportunity to leave before arresting them.

The reporter arrested on March 26 was not asked to leave or given an opportunity to do so, the report states. The officer who arrested him also went against specific directives that no one be arrested without going through the chain of command, according to the report.

"Clearly, the communication between our officers could have been better," Diermeier said.

The incident followed a string of student demonstrations on the campus, which ended in the arrest of four students and the suspension of many more.

More: Vanderbilt University claims a commitment to free speech. But does it deliver?

How did we get here?

The investigation into the reporters arrest was announced in April following the campus protests in March. The university tapped Aubrey Harwell, Jr., a Vanderbilt law graduate at the prominent Nashville firm Neal & Harwell, to conduct the review of the controversial arrest. The report was released Tuesday.

The reporter was later released without charges.

Students protest on the steps outside of Kirkland Hall at Vanderbilt University in Nashville , Tenn., Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

On the day of the arrest, nearly fifty students descended on Kirkland Hall, the towering administration building in the heart of Vanderbilt's campus, for a sit-in of Diermeier's office. Students began protesting after administration removed from student ballots a proposed amendment to the Vanderbilt Student Government Constitution which would prevent student government funds from going to certain businesses that support Israel.

Community response to the arrests of both students and the reporter was swift.

Within the week, 20 Metro Council members signed a letter penned by Council member Rollin Horton addressing the widespread concern.

"The arrest of a reporter performing their duty to inform the public of events within our city is not only of concern to the principles of free speech and press, but also undermines the trust between the community and law enforcement," the statement read. "It sends a discouraging message to journalists and media professionals in our community that their essential role in holding institutions accountable is under threat.

"As a prestigious institution of higher learning situated within our community, Vanderbilt University plays a significant role in shaping the values and discourse of our city. We urge you to embody these principles by working to ensure incidents such as this do not occur in the future and that the values of free speech and press are protected."

Student tents line the lawn in front of Kirkland Hall, an administrative building at Vanderbilt University, where students have been protesting for over a month.

The student protest, which evolved throughout the following weeks into an established campsite on the administrative lawn, lasted just over a month before students voluntarily disbanded just before graduation, expressing intent to return the coming semester.

The USA Today Network - Tennessee's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 931-623-9485, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Review: Vanderbilt arrest of reporter not First Amendment violation
Out of the total count of early voters this year, 87,787 voted in-person, while the remaining 29,464 voted by mail. (Getty Images)

The last day of early voting was Saturday, and significantly more New Mexico voters got their ballots in before election day compared to the last statewide primary election.

Kanji Tanka (Lakota Oyate) and his partner voted by absentee ballot last week. Tanka, who lives in Santa Fe, said his partner did a lot of research into her choices, while he did what he has done in all previous elections: he voted for all Democratic candidates, because Theres nothing else to vote for.

Theres not much hope for Biden, but its better than having no hope at all, Tanka said in an interview Monday evening while heading home north on New Mexicos commuter train the Rail Runner. Basically, the system is pretty much run by white people, for white people. People like me, women and children, were at the bottom of the pile.

Tanka and his partner are among the 117,251 people who voted early in New Mexicos 2024 primary election, according to Secretary of State data released on Monday morning.

Thats almost 15% more early votes compared to the 2022 New Mexico primaries, when 102,509 people voted early.

Tanka said he has not voted for most of his life, but decided to vote in this election because everybody keeps telling me, your vote counts.

You know what? For Native Americans, its highly doubtful, he said. It might help a little, but we have a government system  doesnt matter whos running it  theyve always been anti-Indian.

Out of the total count of early voters this year, 87,787 voted in-person, while the remaining 29,464 voted by mail.

New Mexicos same-day registration process allowed 2,691 people to adjust their party affiliation in order to participate in the states primary. This included 1,528 who registered as Democrats, 1,104 Republicans and 59 Libertarians.

Absentee ballots have been requested by 38,931 people so far, including 27,593 Democrats, 11,151 Republicans, 183 Libertarians and four people who declined to state a party.

The post Over 117,000 New Mexicans vote early in the 2024 primaries appeared first on Source New Mexico.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued a statement that fisheries staff euthanized over 31,000 Atlantic salmon that were sick with bacterial kidney disease (BKD).

DNR officials say in April, Harrietta State Fish Hatchery, in Wexford County, found the bacterial kidney disease during a routine inspection.

The Michigan State University Aquatic Animal Health Lab confirmed the presence of Renibacterium salmoninarum, the bacteria that causes bacterial kidney disease. A probiotic treatment was done on May 17 but was unsuccessful.

The bacteria that causes bacterial kidney disease is listed as a Level 1 restricted pathogen in the Model Program for Fish Health Management in the Great Lakes, said Ed Eisch, DNR Fisheries Division Assistant Chief Ed Eisch. Fish that are positive for Level 1 restricted pathogens can be stocked where the pathogen is already known to exist, but only if they are free of signs of disease. This lot of fish still shows signs of active BKD so they cannot be stocked.

DNR Fish Production Program Manager Aaron Switzer says its not surprising the treatment wasnt effective.

These fish were sick enough that a significant portion of the fish were not feeding well, he said. That means that the antibiotic, which was mixed in with their feed, was not being eaten at the rate necessary to eliminate the pathogen.

The good news is the DNR stocks 20 million to 30 million fish annually in Michigans public waters, so healthy fish were stocked in four locations besides Harrietta. Torch Lake, The Au Sable River in Oscoda, the Thunder Bay River in Alpena, and Lake Hurons Lexington Harbor.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
The ceiling of the main Rotunda inside Pennsylvanias Capitol building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

The ceiling of the main Rotunda inside Pennsylvanias Capitol building. (Photo by Amanda Berg for the Capital-Star).

A Republican state lawmaker said Tuesday she opposed a bill that would make pads and tampons free for public school students because it could lead to communism.

House Bill 851 would create a grant program to provide public schools with funding to distribute menstrual hygiene products free to students. It passed the Democratic-controlled House Tuesday by a vote of 117 to 85.

Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton) objected to language in the bills co-sponsorship memo which referred to menstruating people, and said on the House floor that the legislation was just another step by the governor and Democrats to have government provide everything for you, which leads to communism. A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take everything away.

Rep. Darisha Parker (D-Philadelphia), one of the bills prime sponsors, said on the House floor that its intent is to support students. But more importantly, its also an opportunity to restore the dignity to these women and girls who have gone unsupported far too long, Parker said.

Two in five people struggle to purchase menstruation products, Parker added, and for those who cannot afford them, they end up utilizing unsafe unsanitary measures including the usage of newspapers, rags, and socks instead of pads, panty liners or tampons.

Gov. Josh Shapiros $48 billion 2024-25 budget proposal calls for $3 million in funding to provide free pads and tampons in Pennsylvania schools. The proposal notes that nationally, 1 in 4 teens have missed class due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene supplies.

This budget makes feminine hygiene products available at no cost in our schools because girls deserve to have peace of mind so they can focus on learning, Shapiro said during his budget address in February.

Shapiro praised the bill on social media Tuesday, calling it a big step forward.

As of April 2024, 27 states and Washington D.C. had passed legislation to provide free menstrual products to students in schools.

The truth we need to broadcast loudly and often is that having a period isnt shameful or unclean, and its not something you should feel obligated to hide, Rep. Carol Hill-Evans (D-York), another of the bills prime sponsors, said in a press release Tuesday. When we talk about menstrual health and acceptance, what we are ultimately talking about is our continued fight for empowerment as women.

The bill now heads to the GOP-controlled Senate for consideration.

The post Pa. House passes bill to provide free pads and tampons for students appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
COLOMBO, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's cabinet has approved a proposal to appoint a committee to evaluate the proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions until Sri Lanka prepares a carbon market strategy, the government's information department said on Tuesday.

The department said Sri Lanka signed the Paris Agreement in 2016, a legally binding international agreement on climate change, adopted by 196 Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in 2015.

According to the department, it will allow the parties to exchange the results of greenhouse gas reductions bilaterally and the reporting of such exchanges will also allow for the use of the parties to achieve their nationally determined contributions.

Under that situation, Sri Lanka is preparing the carbon market strategy and guiding principles with the technical assistance of the Dubai Regional Cooperation Center of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and expects to complete the work by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, various project developers have submitted project proposals related to the main sectors of electricity, industry, waste management, transport, agriculture and forestry identified by Sri Lanka to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the department said. 
Palm Beach County schools need to start later by 2026. Here are 3 plans to make it happen

A new state law requires later school start times for middle and high schoolers beginning in 2026. Palm Beach County school officials are wasting no time in planning for the overhaul to the school day.

On Wednesday, the school board will hear three different plans for adjusting start times to comply with the new law. The plans need to perfectly balance the requirement for middle school to start after 8 a.m. and high school to start after 8:30 a.m. with student busing needs, after-school activities, athletic practices and rush hour traffic patterns.

School board leaders won't decide start times during Wednesday's workshop, but parents and caregivers can weigh in on three options at the workshop and through community input surveys coming later this year. The school board plans to make its final decision in May 2025.

Currently, most district-operated high schools begin around 7:30 a.m., elementary schools begin around 8 a.m. and middle schools begin around 9:30 a.m.

All three preliminary proposals ultimately change start times for all grade levels. One plan moves up elementary start times to 7:30 a.m., while another plan moves middle school start times all the way back to 10:20 a.m.

Lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis passed the school start times law in 2023 in an effort to recognize the impacts of sleep deprivation on school-age children. Students, parents and some researchers have made the argument for later start times for more than a decade.

But districts, particularly large ones with hundreds of schools and hundreds of buses running multiple routes to get children to them, have often hit roadblocks when trying to iron out the logistics. Palm Beach County spans nearly 2,000 square miles and is responsible for more than 182,000 students.

Questions about forcing a child to the bus stop before the sun rises, families who cannot afford before-school or after-school care if classes start later and moving sports practices later in the day complicate the equation.

Students arrive for their first day of school at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School in Palm Beach County, Florida on August 10, 2023.

Here's what to know about the proposals Palm Beach County leaders will discuss Wednesday:

Option 1: Elementary schools first at 7:30 a.m.

The first option would move elementary start times up by 30 minutes in order to stagger school bus routes:

Elementary school day: 7:30 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.

High school day: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Middle school day: 10:15 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.

District staff said the plan would result in buses picking up elementary students before dawn beginning around 6:25 a.m. The plan may also force bus drivers to work overtime and create a significantly later start and end time for middle school students.

Middle school would also release during peak rush hour.

Option 2: Middle schools first at 8 a.m.

The second option would push all school start times back past 8 a.m.

Middle school day: 8 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.

High school day: 9:15 a.m. to 4:35 p.m.

Elementary school day: 9:45 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

This plan would likely require pre-school childcare for elementary students, whose classes start long after the traditional work day. It would also create difficulty for after-school activities for high school students and result in high school drivers being released during peak rush hour.

High school students would need to spend an extra 20 minutes in school to ensure that bus drivers could complete elementary school routes in the afternoon. That may impact working students who rely on after-school jobs.

Option 3: High schools first at 8:30 a.m.

The third option would maintain the current order in Palm Beach County, but push the whole schedule back by an hour.

High school day: 8:30 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Elementary school day: 9 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

Middle school day: 10:20 a.m. to 4:55 p.m.

This plan would require morning care for elementary school students whose days start around the start of the traditional work day. It would also push the middle school day back significantly, which school staff believe could negatively impact student attendance and school staffing levels.

Middle school students would also be released during rush hour, and high school students would again need to spend an extra 20 minutes in school to ensure that bus drivers could complete elementary school routes in the afternoon.

What does busing have to do with school start times?

Many of Palm Beach County school leaders' concerns with the later start times deal with restructuring bus routes so that the same drivers can serve all three levels of schools in one, eight-hour day.

Right now, bus drivers work a full day: They pick up and drop off high schoolers in the morning, then elementary schoolers, then middle schoolers. In the afternoon, they pick up and drop off elementary schoolers, then high schoolers and finally middle schoolers.

Any schedule change will need to coordinate pick up and drop off times so the district doesn't need to hire a massive number of drivers  which Chief Operating Officer Joseph Sanches said could create staffing shortages or a cut in hours for existing drivers.

Boca Raton, Forest Hill High Schools already start later

Sanches said Wednesday that Forest Hill and Boca Raton High Schools already begin at 8:30 a.m.  about an hour after all other high schools in the district.

He said the district's research showed there were more students who are marked tardy in schools with later start times. That finding was consistent across racial, gender and family socioeconomic groups, Sanches said.

High school start times need to factor in metal detector use

No matter which plan school leaders choose, they'll need to leave a small buffer at the start of the school day for high school students to get on campus.

Starting this fall, all high schools will have freestanding metal detectors designed to alert staff to weapons. Students must walk through the metal detectors as they enter campus in the morning.

Several schools participated in pilot programs of the metal detectors last school year. While students reported initial snarls at school entryways, campus leaders said there were few interruptions to the school day once the student body adjusted to the process.

Students walk past a free standing OpenGate metal detector on their way into John I. Leonard High School on Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Greenacres, Fla. Any changes to school start times need to factor in metal detectors at high schools.

When will school start times change in Palm Beach County?

The new school start times will begin July 1, 2026.

School district leaders hope to have a final plan by May 2025 and spend the summer communicating the new start times to parents and families.

Do later school start times help kids do better in the classroom?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends teenagers should sleep 8 to 10 hours per night to remain in good health. Without enough sleep, they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of depression, perform poorly in school, and not engage in daily physical activity, according to the academy.

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that middle and high school days should not start before 8:30 a.m. to give kids time to get the sleep they need.

A 2018 study that examined two public schools in Seattle found that students got an average of 34 more minutes per sleep each night when their start times were pushed back an hour, according to an article in the National Education Association's online publication, neaToday.

The study also focused on performance in students' biology courses and found that students whose school day started later earned grades that were 4.5% higher than those of students who took the class when school started earlier, the publication reported.

But other research has found that later school times make much smaller impacts on students' academic performance.

A 2021 study from researchers at the University of Minnesota followed 18,000 middle and high school students whose schools delayed the start of classes between 20 minutes and an hour. The study found that students' GPAs rose by an average of just 0.1 point.

"While the researchers categorized the sleep benefits as 'large,' the academic improvements were considered 'small,'" according to the neaToday article.

Want more education news? Sign up for ourExtra Credit weekly newsletter, delivered every Friday!

Katherine Kokal is a journalist covering education at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at kkokal@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today!

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Three plans for later school start times in Palm Beach County in 2026
Parents call for public inquiry after deaths of nine babies at scandal-hit NHS trust

Jonny and Robyn Davis, with their second baby Orlando Davis, who was born by emergency caesarean section at Worthing Hospital on September 10 2021 but died 14 days later (PA Media)

The families of nine babies who died under the care of a scandal-hit hospital have called for an inquiry into NHS maternity service failings.

Nine babies died and four mothers allegedly nearly lost their lives between 2021 and 2023 while under the care of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.

In a letter to MPs, the families have called for a public inquiry into repeated errors in maternity care, which they warn will lead to more babies and mothers dying.

The allegations published in a letter from families on Tuesday concern two hospitals, the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and Worthing Hospital.

The families wrote: All our babies were otherwise healthy and would have grown up if not for the failings in care and the dismissal of our concerns. Our children lost an entire life; they never got a chance to grow up, to learn to walk and speak, to make friends, to witness the awe and beauty of our planet.

Though our babies left their mark on this world in many meaningful ways, they had so much more to give and experience. This is a loss to us as parents, to our families and to society as a whole.

In March a coroner ruled neglect by staff at Worthing Hospital contributed to the death of 14-day-old baby Orlando Davis in September 2021.

Orlando died of a fatal brain injury just two weeks after his birth as the hospital failed to recognise a rare condition from which his mother, Robyn Davis, was suffering.

Maternity services at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust are rated requires improvement (Jeff Moore/PA) (PA Wire)

In 2021 the trusts maternity services were rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission and it was handed a warning notice over concerns about safety.

The CQC found some improvements in April 2022 and upgraded its rating to requires improvement.

The families letter comes as the trust faces a separate police probe into 105 alleged cases of medical negligence  84 relating to neurology and 21 to gastroenterology.

Dr Maggie Davies, chief nurse at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, said it offered our deepest condolences and sincere apologies to the families.

Whilst we recognise that no words can ease their pain, our dedicated teams are committed to listening, learning and improving the service, so that mothers-to-be, mothers and their babies are as safe as they possibly can be whilst in our care, she said.
Parking rates at ramps, meters will increase in Iowa City beginning July 1. What to know

The City of Iowa City is doubling the cost of parking to offset its fare-free public transit initiative and to pad the parking fund for future maintenance.

Starting July 1, city parking garages will charge $2 per hour, while some parking meters will charge $3 per hour.

The Iowa City City Council approved the Fiscal 2025 parking fees, as well as changes to trash and water rates, in May.

What impact will this have on the cost of parking?

The first hour of parking will remain free, but beginning July 1, each ensuing hour in a city ramp will cost $2.

This means rates will double at downtown lots like the Capitol Street Ramp, located near the Old Capitol Mall, and the Court Street Transportation Center. At the Chauncey Swan Ramp and Harrison Street Ramp, rates will increase by $1.25, more than doubling their old rates.

More: Iowa Citys fare-free transit program boasts 44% ridership increase in first 3 months

Iowa City parking meters that currently charge 75 cents or $1 per hour will increase to $1.50 per hour. Starting July 1, meters that charge $1.50 per hour will cost $3.

Cost of Iowa City parking tickets rises

More: Former University of Iowa women's gymnastics coach reaches settlement, will receive $449K

Fines for parking violations are also increasing on a per-violation basis.

City staff estimated that these rate increases would net more than $2 million in added revenue, a 136% boost to the parking fund. Projections estimate the balance heading into Fiscal 2026 will be $3.5 million.

Cars drive past a parking structure near the intersection of Burlington and Clinton streets Sunday, June 2, 2024 in downtown Iowa City, Iowa.

Why are these rates increasing, anyway?

The additional funding will be used in several ways, according to a city report.

The money will subsidize fare-free transit in Iowa City and aid in "enhanced" upkeep of city parking ramps and the general downtown area.

The city said the new fees and fines will create a "healthier" parking fund that is entirely "self-funding." A self-sufficient fund allows the city to avoid accruing debt, such as revenue bonds, to fund projects within specific departments.

For example, if the city were interested in building a new parking ramp but did not believe it had enough money in its parking fund to support it, the city likely would need to issue a bond. Bonds are typically used to acquire money for city improvement projects.

More: Kick off summer with these seven events from live music, a drag brunch and shopping

A car drives past a parking structure on Burlington Street Sunday, June 2, 2024 in downtown Iowa City, Iowa.

Additional charges for trash, water and sewage

A minor increase in residential water use will impact homes with a five-eighths or five-eighths-by-three-fourths water meter. The minimum charge will rise by 26 cents to $8.78 per month.

City staff projects that these increases will add roughly $320,000 per year.

Money in the water fund, which will rise to more than $14.2 million, is being used on certain capital improvement projects and has long been accessed to repair water main breaks.

Wastewater and solid waste rates are also on the rise.

More: 'A sham': Iowa Republican leaders quickly condemn Trump guilty verdict on 34 felony counts

For solid waste, the "tipping fee" will increase by $2.50 per ton of waste disposed. The cost will facilitate a roughly 8% increase in the solid waste fund, rising to just under $2.2 million.

The minimum rate for wastewater usage will increase by 42 cents to $8.73 per month for 100 gallons or less. Staff is projecting an annual wastewater fund bump of $628,000.

Despite the rate hike, the city projects the fund will fall by five percent because of a significant overhaul of the wastewater facility and other city projects.

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City parking ramp, meter rates to double beginning July 1
A traveler has been sentenced to time in prison after he attacked a flight attendant who cut off their alcohol service on a flight from Tel Aviv to New York City.

Long Island resident Shachar Bivas, 44, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for his violent assault on a Delta flight attendant on May 31, 2023. He must also pay a $9,500 fine for interfering with the duties of a flight crew member.

According to court records reviewed by Paddle Your Own Kanoo and The New York Post, Bivas was visibly intoxicated when he asked a flight attendant for a second vodka cocktail during the flight. The first attendant refused him, so Bivas sought out a second, male flight attendant whom he asked for vodka and a cigarette.

The flight attendant informed Bivas that there was no smoking on board the aircraft, offering him coffee instead of alcohol to help him sober up. This infuriated Bivas, who punched one of the galleys before the crew was able to subdue him and return him to his seat.

A little while later, Bivas rose again and made his way directly for the second flight attendant who refused him. Bivas forcibly grabbed, pushed, and punched the victim, in the process bruising the mans arm and tearing his uniform.

Another flight attendant helped to subdue Bivas, while one of the pilots also assisted in restraining the aggressive passenger. However, both pilots refused the crews request to perform an emergency diversion to offload Bivas from the plane. The itinerary continued to JFK, where Bivas was taken into custody.

Bivas May 30 sentencing comes after a year of legal wrangling on the defendants part. He was indicted last August and pleaded guilty in December before his fate was handed down last week. Bivas must self-surrender to authorities by August 2 to serve out his sentence.
Assistant Chief Darnel Robinson, of the D.C. Police Department, speaks to reporters Monday after a woman was killed when the vehicle she was riding in was carjacked and crashed into the U.S. attorney's building. "The suspect was captured and placed under arrest." Photo courtesy of DC Police Department

June 4 (UPI) -- A woman was killed in Washington, D.C., on Monday after the vehicle she was riding in was carjacked and then crashed into the corner of the U.S. attorney's building.

The carjacking was first reported at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, according to police who said the driver had exited the vehicle when a female suspect stole it with the passenger still inside.

"A white SUV, along with an adult female that remained in the front passenger seat," Assistant Chief Darnel Robinson, with the D.C. Police Department, told reporters Monday.

Assistant Chief Robinson provided an update on the stolen vehicle that collided with a building at 6th and D Streets, Northwest. pic.twitter.com/rYJmQnWTYq DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) June 3, 2024

As police searched for the stolen vehicle, one officer "observed a single car collision of a white vehicle into the building" at Sixth and D streets, he said.

"As he went to investigate, he observed the driver of that vehicle exit and attempt to flee," Robinson said. "The suspect was captured and was placed under arrest."

Police said the passenger in the stolen vehicle was found unconscious after the crash and later died.

"It is a tragic event. Our condolences are with the family at this time," Robinson said, adding that they are still working through the investigation to determine if the vehicle was still running when it was stolen and why it crashed.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said the passenger of a vehicle was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries after a crash in the overnight hours of Monday, June 3.

According to Police, on Monday at around 11 p.m., officers received several calls to the 1100 block of Middle Creek Parkway near Voyager Parkway about a crash with an unconscious occupant.

When officers arrived they found a Tesla Model X had hit a parked Chevrolet Silverado with enough force to move it about 30 feet. The unconscious occupant was found to be a passenger in the Tesla who was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police said the driver remained on scene and cooperated with officers. Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, the investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Patients in Frayser are sounding the alarm after not being able to fill their prescriptions.

Though the Frayser Medical Center says theyre open, residents have told WREG that they havent been able to get a hold of the doctor or the staff in some time.

I called this morning, didnt get nothing, Leroy Frazier said.

Frazier told WREG that hed tried to get ahold of Dr. Mohamad Moughrabieh or someone on his staff, but no one answered. So, he stopped by the medical center and found it closed.

Serial robbers allegedly rob woman, baby in ice cream shop

Normally, if they are going to shut down, they have a notice on the door that this place is closing, Frazier said. But I dont know whats going on with it.

Another man who spoke with WREG anonymously said he hasnt been able to get his prescription filled in at least two weeks.

So, after doing some digging, WREG learned that Dr. Moughrabiehs license is clean with no recorded disciplinary actions.

Weve also spoken with multiple employees who work at Frayser Medical Center.

One staffer said that Dr. Moughrabieh is on vacation and a notice was sent out saying that he would be absent, and the clinic would be closed.

WREG has not seen that notice and from those weve spoken to, many of his patients havent seen it either.

Cases of HIV, Syphilis continue to skyrocket in Shelby County

Lately, he hasnt had a nurse practitioner run the place, Frazier said.

In the past four to five years Frazier said hes been visiting the clinic, it wasnt uncommon for patients to meet with staff instead of the doctor.

However, if prescriptions remain unfilled, Frazier said he may have to start seeking medical attention elsewhere.

Its important to me that I get it, Frazier said. I am going to have to find another physician now.

WREG will continue to look more into why phone calls are being left unanswered and prescriptions unfilled.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Illinois Department of Public Health launched an enhanced version of a tool meant to help evaluate local health care facilities in October, and patient recommendation rates for local hospitals ranged from 49% to 78%.

The Illinois Hospital Report Card allows users to search for specific facilities and use publicly available information to make informed decisions about planned health care needs. The states Guide to Choosing a Hospital says you should always go to the nearest hospital in the case of an emergency, but when choosing a facility for something like a planned surgery, you may want to consider your options.

When looking through a facilitys report card, you can see information including patient satisfaction data, median length of stays and median costs for various health conditions, nurse staffing, infection prevention, readmission rates, inpatient mortality and more.

The state health department suggests people look for hospitals that meet the following criteria:

Has the best experience with your condition

Checks and improves its quality of care

Performs well on measures of quality, including a national patient survey. (You can check quality measures at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/.)

Meets your location and other needs, such as visiting hours.

Participates in Medicare (if applicable)

Works with your Medicare health plan (if applicable)

In a separate grading report recently, the national watchdog group Leapfrog graded five local hospitals with Bs, while one got an A, one got a C and one received a D.

Heres what to know about how seven metro-east hospitals performed on the Illinois Hospital Report Card.

Memorial Hospital Belleville

72% of patients would definitely recommend Memorial Hospital Belleville. This is 2% higher than the state average, and the numbers are based on a national, standardized survey of hospital patients.

MRSA bloodstream infections: Not significantly better or worse than state average

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI): Statistically significantly better than state average or performing at the best possible rate

Influenza vaccination rate among health care workers: 95%

While we are pleased to see the score is above the state average and at the national average for acute care hospitals who participate in the program, BJC HealthCare believes in continued improvement and is committed to the goal of providing the highest standard of care every day for every patient, BJC HealthCare spokesperson Laura High said in an emailed statement.

Our teams work closely with families and patients through ongoing conversations to improve patient experience. This makes a significant impact on the quality of care and experience.

BJC HealthCare helps the community make informed decisions when choosing healthcare services and we believe in timely transparency of patient ratings and conversations to help inform those decisions. With this, we have been publicly reporting our individual BJC Medical Group provider ratings after their visit. You can find this information on the website athttps://findadoctor.bjc.org/find-doctor.

HSHS St. Elizabeths Hospital in OFallon

78% of patients would definitely recommend HSHS St. Elizabeths Hospital in OFallon.

MRSA bloodstream infections: Not significantly better or worse than state average

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI): Statistically significantly better than state average or performing at the best possible rate

HSHS St. Josephs Hospital in Breese

78% of patients would definitely recommend HSHS St. Josephs Hospital in Breese.

MRSA bloodstream infections: N/A

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI): Not significantly better or worse than state average

HSHS officials were not immediately available for comment.

Gateway Regional Medical Center

49% of patients would definitely recommend Gateway Regional Medical Center.

MRSA bloodstream infections: N/A

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI): Not significantly better or worse than state average

Gateway Regional Medical Center officials were not immediately available for comment.

Anderson Hospital

70% of patients would definitely recommend Anderson Hospital.

MRSA bloodstream infections: Not significantly better or worse than state average

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI): Statistically significantly better than state average or performing at the best possible rate

Anderson Hospital participates in reporting quality information so it is available to the public, Anderson Hospital spokesperson Natalie Head said in an emailed statement. Its important to note that there are many different reporting agencies, each with their own methodologies and criteria for evaluating hospitals. We encourage individuals to consider multiple sources when evaluating our performance. Anderson Hospital recently completed its triennial accreditation with the Joint Commission, which is the gold standard of accreditation. For the 3rd year in a row, Anderson Hospital ranked in the top 6% of hospitals in the United States through another independent study done by Newsweek. Links to national and state programs and organizations that provide these reports are readily available on our quality page on our website.

OSF Saint Anthonys Health Center in Alton

77% of patients would definitely recommend OSF Saint Anthonys Health Center.

MRSA bloodstream infections: N/A

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI): Not significantly better or worse than state average

Patient safety and patient experience go hand-in-hand and are always at the forefront of patient care that takes place at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthonys Health Center, Jerald W. Rumph, president of OSF HealthCare Saint Anthonys Health Center in Alton, said in an emailed statement. Our physicians, nurses and staff are dedicated to providing the safest, high-quality care to those we serve every day. We support the transparency about overall patient experience and quality and safety scores that the Illinois Hospital Report Card reports. While we humbly accept and are pleased that our Patient Experience score (i.e. hospital recommendation rate) is better than state and national averages, our team at OSF Saint Anthonys also understands and embraces our need for continuous improvement. This patient-centered focus includes maintaining and enhancing our current standard infection ratios (i.e. infections acquired during hospital stays) that exceed national averages.

SSM Health St. Marys Hospital

62% of patients would definitely recommend SSM Health St. Marys Hospital.

MRSA bloodstream infections: N/A

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI): Statistically significantly better than state average or performing at the best possible rate

In an email to the BND, SSM Health spokesperson Erin Rinderer said updated survey results show a higher recommendation rate for the facility.

Per our survey reports, the likelihood to recommend is at 70% for 2024, Rinderer said.

Do you have a question about hospitals in Illinois for our service journalism team? Wed like to hear from you. Fill out our Metro-east Matters form below.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A late Monday evening crash on Northeast Sandy killed a pedestrian.

Portland Police say officers arrived at the scene just east of the 205 right before 10 p.m. They discovered there had been a crash between a car and a person and the person was pronounced dead at the scene.

Man receives 6-year sentence for deadly 2020 shooting

The driver remained at the scene and the crash is under investigation. Sandy Boulevard was closed in the area while officers investigated.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HERSHEY, Pa. (WHTM)  Penn State Health is mourning the loss of their first facility dog at Penn State Health Childrens Hospital, golden retriever Kaia, who passed away over the weekend.

Kaia began working at Penn State Health in 2016 with mostly radiology and radiation oncology.

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The hospital described her as a pioneer leading the way for five other dogs who remain on the job today. She was also the first full-time facility dog at a childrens hospital in Pennsylvania.

Michael Wade Smith, left, senior vice president and chief of staff for Penn State President-elect Neeli Bendapudi, and Bendapudi, right, meet Kaia, a facility dog, in the lobby of Penn State Health Childrens Hospital, while Ashley Kane, manager of Child Life and Kaias handler, looks on during their visit on Wednesday, March 23, 2022.

With Ashley Kane, manager of Child Life, left, looking on, Katelynn Miller, a registered nurse at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, is greeted by Kaia the facility dog after making her way into the north entrance on a red carpet on Friday, May 6, 2022. Volunteers and members of the Nursing Reward and Recognition Committee gave a Heroes Welcome to nurses and staff to start the 2022 Nurses and Hospital week celebrations.







Mariah Stoppie, a registered nurse at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, is greeted by Kaia the facility dog after making her way into the north entrance on a red carpet on Thursday, May 6, 2021. Staff and visitors were given the literal red carpet treatment with posters, cheers, candy and Kaia the facility dog as they entered the main and north entrances of the Medical Center and Childrens Hospital to kick off Nurses Week and Hospital Week.

Facility dogs at Penn State Health work 40 hours a week with their primary handler in different specialized areas after undergoing extensive training. The current facility dog program roster includes Pilot, Captain, Skyem Thor, and Baron.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ANKARA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkish security forces have detained 63 people in operations targeting migrant smuggling organizers, Turkiye's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said Tuesday.

The gendarmerie teams carried out these operations in four provinces: Van, Mugla, Sirnak, and Canakkale, Yerlikaya wrote on social media platform X.

Out of the 63 suspects, 38 were formally arrested, he said, without providing any details on the operations' timeframe.

A total of 125 irregular migrants were detained in eastern Van province during the operations, he added.

The Turkish minister also vowed to "continue with determination" the operations in every region of the country.

Turkiye is a popular destination for illegal migrants and a transit point for those seeking to reach European states. 
Person wearing Winnie the Pooh shirt exposed himself, touched teenager on bus in Wheaton, police say

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Police said Tuesday that they were looking for someone who exposed himself on a Ride On bus in May.

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCDP) said the man also touched a teenager.

Police said officers went to the Wheaton Metro bus turnaround on May 22 after they received a report of the incident. A teenager told police that the person responsible for it wore a Washington Nationals cap, gray shorts, and a Winnie the Pooh T-shirt that featured the bear on a honey pot with the words Very Good at Doing Absolutely Nothing surrounding him.

The person got off the Ride On bus at Connecticut Avenue and University Boulevard West.

Police: Rockville elementary school principal charged after allegedly assaulting student

MCDP released security camera still images of the person they believe was responsible for the incident, along with a close-up picture of the T-shirt design.

Police asked anyone with information about the person seen in the images or the incident to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at1-866-411-8477 or online. Tips with information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a reward ranging from $250 to $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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Many Americans loathe their health insurance providers.

A majority say they have severe concerns about financial hardship due to medical billseven with insurance coveragethanks to denied claims, unexpected charges, and a refusal to pay for out-of-network doctor visits. And, according to one poll, nearly half of insured adults say they were unable to solve their issues, with a percentage simply going without necessary care as a result.

In April, Baltimore-area pharmaceutical exec and Crohns sufferer Justin Dynlacht spoke to The New York Times about his frustration with Aetna and its paltry reimbursements for out-of-network doctor visits, even after paying extra for a plan that supposedly covered them.

Im being ripped off, Dynlacht told the Times. Its not right.

Dynlacht was just one of many people feeling aggrieved over Aetnas alleged nickel-and-diming, which the Times blamed partially on a cost consulting firm the insurer uses. However, over the course of roughly two years, Dynlacht allegedly took his feelings to a significantly darker place than the law generally tolerates.

The 54-year-old former AstraZeneca employee is now facing federal charges for cyberstalking former Aetna President Daniel Finke; Finkes replacement, Brian Kane; CEO Karen Lynch of Aetna parent company CVS Health; and numerous Aetna administrators who had denied his claims and follow-up appeals, according to a previously unreported criminal complaint filed earlier this month and obtained by The Daily Beast.

Some of Dynlachts communications were simply wishful thinking, according to the complaint.

I hope that the mechanics that work on the Aetna and CVS Health Corporate Jets deliberately tamper with the jets so that they crash one day soon and the three of you fucking greedy corrupt dishonest pieces of human excrement are all killed in a fiery plane crash, he wrote in an anonymous April 11 email, just four days after the Times article was published, according to the complaint. May you and your families suffer dearly for what you have done to people.

But other missives sent over the course of the past year went beyond hoping for his nemeses gruesome deaths, according to the FBI. In emails, faxes, and handwritten letters, Dynlacht allegedly laid out, in excruciating detail, a flurry of violent threats to, variously, gun down Aetna employees in the company parking lot, stage home invasion robberies and have the intruders drill holes in the Aetna executives heads, place explosives in the Aetna executives bodily orifices, smash in their skulls like a pinata, slice off their genitalia, defecate on them, murder their children, rape them with lead pipes, and dismember them with machetes or guillotine-like devices, after which their body parts would be scattered throughout the Aetna campses in OH, FL, and CT to send a message to your senior management that Aetna is not above the fucking law and you fucking human scum must pay with your lives for all of the pain and suffering and crimes you have committed on behalf of Aetna.

On Monday, Dynlachts court-appointed attorney Conor Wilson told The Daily Beast, As you are aware Mr. Dynlacht has experienced a number of severe health setbacks in recent years which have caused him anguish. We are reviewing the governments allegations against him and focusing on a plan to secure his release from custody so that he can receive the medical treatment he needs. At this juncture we are unable to comment on the matter.

We do not comment on litigation, AstraZeneca spokesman Brendan McEvoy said.

Ottawa Countys Far-Right Board Offers Health Boss $4 Million to Quit

Dynlachts anti-Aetna crusade began with a letter to Finke mailed on Nov. 13, 2022, according to an FBI affidavit attached to the complaint. In it, he referred to his doctors as fucking quacks, and told Finke he wished he never would have met you and the greedy and corrupt goddamn assholes who run Aetna, states an accompanying indictment handed down May 28.

A little over a month later, Dynlacht allegedly sent Finke another letter, which referred to a pair of Aetna employeesa resolution analyst and a senior benefit specialist identified in court filings only by their initialsas two of the greediest, most corrupt and useless people that I have ever interacted with.

Honestly, I find useless idiots like [them] in my bowel movements, Dynlacht wrote, according to the indictment.

In early January 2023, the indictment says Dynlacht sent an email from his personal account to Finke and the two Aetna employees, plus Lynch, saying, [t]he four of you are corrupt, greedy cocksuckers Go fuck yourselves, you goddamn fucking thieves Aetna is the absolutely the worst health insurance company in the U.S. and its executives are all criminals who I sincerely hope burn in fucking hell!

That same month, Aetna brass notified AstraZeneca about the letters, along with a recorded phone call during which Dynlacht shouted expletives at an Aetna customer service rep, according to the complaint. Dynlacht was pulled into a meeting with AstraZeneca HR, where he was told he had violated the companys code of ethics, the complaint states. However, it goes on, Dynlacht said he felt his communications were justified, and a response in kind to Aetnas actions.

But the powers-that-be at AstraZeneca disagreed, and Dynlacht was fired on Jan. 23, 2023.

Less than two months later, Kane, the Aetna president, various Aetna executives, and Dynlachts former bosses at AstraZeneca began receiving graphically violent threatening emails, physical letters, and faxes from an anonymous sender, the complaint explains. The missives included threats aimed at the execs children, and at least one letter was sent to a targets home, according to the complaint.

In one fax, Dynlacht allegedly posed as a Saudi named Syed Hussain and called an Aetna employee a goddamn fucking thief for offering out-of-network reimbursements as low as 5 percent.

You need to do serious prison time for your criminal activities in a maximum security facility where you will be constantly raped in the asshole and defecated on by both your cell mates and the prison guards, the message read, according to the complaint. In my home countryThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabi [sic]they would have already cut off your tits and sliced up your little tight cunt. Additionally, they would definitively behead a fucking corrupt bitch like you. You will not evade justice for much longer one way or the other you must pay for your crimes.

On May 18, 2023, the same Aetna employee received another fax, this time from a Steve Hardi, the complaint states.

Since the criminal justice system in the U.S. is also extremely corrupt and fucked up, this means that citizens must take justice into their own hands, the fax read. You really need to have your fucking brains blown out while you are walking to your car in the Aetna parking lot one day. This will teach you fucking thieves to steal hundreds of millions of dollars. May you and Aetna executive management suffer much worse than your policy members.

Throughout last year, Dynlacht allegedly mailed off at least a dozen threatening letters, virtually all of them from the Rockville, Maryland area, where he lives, the complaint states. Others went to Dynlachts colleagues and superiors at AstraZeneca, saying he hoped, among other things, that attackers would cut off your balls and your dick before smashing in your fucking skull like its a pinata, that prisoners would insert a butchers knife with a six-inch blade into your rectums before strangling you and breaking your necks, and envisioned one recipients children suffer[ing] greatly when they become motherless, according to the indictment.

A logo of Aetna is displayed on a monitor above the floor of the New York Stock Exchange . REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

As 2024 rolled around, the threats became even more sinister, the complaint alleges.

In a letter to two Aetna employees postmarked March 22, 2024, the sender changes their wording from wishing and hoping that graphic and horrific violent actions should be taken against the previous victims, to instead using more explicit threats, the complaint states.

The sender, who identified themselves as Someone Whose Family Was Severely Harmed by the Goddamn Greedy Aetna Management, promised to hack their bodies into small pieces with machetes or guillotine like devices and place the body parts in and around Aetna offices, according to the complaint.

On April 11, 2024, an Alex Stevens emailed Aetnas appeals department to say he hoped the companys executive jet crashed and killed everyone aboard, the complaint goes on.

The next day, a Christopher Thomas emailed Aetna execs, writing, I lost my stepdaughter recently because Aetna refused to pay for her reconstructive surgeries that she required from 3rd degree burns and she ended up killing herself as a result, according to the complaint. I hope the four of you are burned alive in plane crashes, as you all travel very much.

A slew of messages sent in late April ramped up the threats even further, the feds say.

In one, the sender said the executions would involve home invasion robberies whereby the home invaders use power drills with 6 inch drill bits to drill multiple holes through your skulls but not before brutally torturing and raping you in every orifice like you have tortured and raped your policyholders for years, according to the complaint.

Yet another imagined inserting very small quantities of demolition explosives (Gelignite) in your orifices including your mouths, vaginas, and rectums not to kill you but to give you four fuckers third degree burns and then you four will all commit suicide yourselves!

After tracing everything back to Dynlacht via postal data, handwriting analysis, and an IP address that led directly back to his residence, the FBI showed up at Dynlachts apartment on May 8 at 6 a.m., the complaint states.

Armed with a search warrant, agents scoured Dynlachts home for evidence. In a closet, they found an apparently unsent letter dated March 12, 2023, addressed to an Aetna employee and an AstraZeneca plan liaison.

Dynlacht was arrested and charged with cyberstalking, a felony count that carries up to five years in prison.

In a motion filed a few days after Dynlacht was taken into custody, Wilson, Dynlachts lawyer, and co-counsel Eleni Kousoulis, wrote, The nature of the messages appears to be out of character for a man who is fifty-four years old and has never incurred an arrest. Undersigned counsel needs time to have Mr. Dynlacht psychologically evaluated so that an appropriate home plan can be developed.

On Monday, Aetna spokesman Alex Kepnes said in an email, We have nothing to add to the information in the indictment.

Dynlacht is scheduled to be arraigned on June 13.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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FILE - Philippine Marines raise the national flag on the first day of their deployment at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, off the South China Sea, March 30, 2014. The Philippine military chief said on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, that the Chinese coast guard seized one of four food packs dropped by a plane for Filipino navy personnel at a territorial outpost that has been surrounded by Chinese vessels in the South China Sea. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File)

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  The Philippine military chief on Tuesday said the Chinese coast guard seized one of four food packs dropped by a plane for Filipino navy personnel at a territorial outpost that has been surrounded by Chinese vessels in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

Gen. Romeo Brawner said the Chinese personnel may have suspected the packages contained construction materials intended to reinforce a rusty Philippine navy ship ran aground at Second Thomas Shoal to serve as a Philippine outpost. After discovering the package contained food, they dumped the items, which included rice and biscuits, into the sea, Brawner said.

Chinese officials did not immediately comment on Brawners statement but they have repeatedly said the shoal, where the Philippine military deliberately grounded the navy ship in 1999, belonged to China and have demanded the ship be towed away. Operations to resupply Filipino forces at the grounded ship have led to skirmishes and collisions with Chinese coast guard ships that had damaged Philippine supply boats and injured several Filipino navy personnel.

The May 19 airdrops at Second Thomas Shoal by the Philippine military sparked a race by the Chinese coast guard and Philippine navy personnel aboard small motorboats to retrieve the four packages. The Filipinos managed to retrieve three of the floating packages and the Chinese grabbed one, Brawner told reporters in a news conference.

After the Chinese personnel dumped the food items, the Filipino sailors managed to retrieve some at sea but the rice had been soaked wet and could no longer be eaten, he said.

This action of confiscating our supplies is illegal, Brawner said. They have no right to take our supplies, which are actually food items and some medicines.

Video and pictures issued by the Philippine military showed at least four motorboats maneuvering dangerously close to each other as the occupants struggled to retrieve items floating at sea, including what appeared to be a white plate and food containers. The men could be heard in the video yelling at each other.

The Philippines says the shoal, which lies less than 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from its coast, falls within its internationally recognized exclusive economic zone and often cites a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated Chinas expansive claims in the South China Sea based on historical grounds.

The territorial disputes have strained relations and sparked fears the conflict could bring China and the United States, a longtime treaty ally of the Philippines, into a military confrontation. Washington lays no territorial claims to the busy seaway, a key global trade route, but has warned that its obligated to defend the Philippines if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack in the South China Sea.

Aside from China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are also involved in the long-seething territorial disputes, which are regarded as a flashpoint in Asia and a delicate fault line in the longstanding U.S.-China rivalry in the region.
BALTIMORE, Md. (DC News Now)  The Maryland Zoo said two trumpeter swans hatched after 30 days of incubation while in their huge nest.

The parents will help raise the hatchlings, called cygnets, until they are big enough and teach them survival skills for when they are out in the wild, the Maryland Zoo said.

(Photo courtesy of the Maryland Zoo)

(Photo courtesy of the Maryland Zoo)

(Photo courtesy of the Maryland Zoo)

This is the eighth clutch laid by our trumpeter swans. Over the past decade our swan parents, Scuttle and Buttercup, have played a very important role in the conservation of their species, Jen Kottyan, Curator of Birds at Maryland Zoo, stated in a news release.

Excitement brews over 2 new giant pandas coming to DC

Zoo staff will not be hands on with the cygnets to avoid having them imprint with humans, according to Kottyan.

That gives them the best odds for survival in the wild once they are released, Kottyan stated.

Guests can see the swans in the zoos Farmyard or watch them on the live nest cam here.

For more information on the cygnets, click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
UPDATE: She has been found safe.

Pittsburgh police are searching for a missing, at-risk woman.

Catherine Buchert, 35, was last heard from at 4 p.m. on Monday.

Buchert is 5 feet tall and weighs 100 pounds.

Police said she drives a black Acura with Pennsylvania plate LHH-1512 and is known to spend time in Bethel Park and Finleyville.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call 911.

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Man accused of putting explosive device under another mans car in Ross Township Cranberry pizza shop closing permanently 2 people killed in Penn Hills bar shooting identified; 7 others hurt expected to survive VIDEO: Jeannette Fire Chief says department is stretched thin while down to only 2 full-time firefighters DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Pittsburgh police sergeant facing charges over accusations he falsified time cards

A Pittsburgh Police officer who worked a secondary employment theft prevention detail at a store in East Liberty is accused of stealing time.

Sgt. Brian Marckisotto was charged Tuesday morning with theft by deception and unlawful use of a computer.

Investigators said Marckisotto was working a secondary detail at Target when he allegedly falsified time cards.

On numerous occasions, Sgt. Marckisotto entered times inconsistent with his actual departure times shown on video and still photographs obtained by Targets video security system, or as witnessed by other officers working the detail, a criminal complaint states.

Investigators said they discovered 65 hours and 29 minutes worth of discrepancies over 19 days for a total of $5,715.79.

Investigators said Marckisotto was paid that money but never worked the time.

Obviously I mean we trust our officers a lot, and hold them to the highest standard and are obviously disappointed when things like this happen, Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt said.

According to the criminal complaint, a fellow officer discovered the time card discrepancies after Marckisotto had scheduled himself for shifts, which the officer said he wasnt allowed to do.

Marckisotto had been on paid administrative leave since the department began its investigation, but now that charges have been filed, that will change.

It will switch to unpaid because of the charges, and thats where that is until everything is adjudicated, Schmidt said.

Marckisottos attorney, Phil DiLucente, declined to comment.

Marckisotto was released on his own recognizance, and must now appear for a preliminary hearing.

He is now on unpaid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the case.

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TRENDING NOW:

Fire tears through Robinson Township home Man accused of putting explosive device under another mans car in Ross Township Bank robbed in Washington, police searching for suspect VIDEO: Jeannette Fire Chief says department is stretched thin while down to only 2 full-time firefighters DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Pittsburgh police have issued a warning about a phone scam.

FRAUD ALERT!



Police have recently taken four reports from people who say they've received messages from a 412 number from someone claiming to be a Pittsburgh Police sergeant.



The caller states that money is owed or a warrant will be issued.



These calls are FALSE. pic.twitter.com/Ej1ldXOxwn  Pittsburgh Police (@PghPolice) June 3, 2024

The department says theyve taken four reports from people who say theyve received messages from a 412 number, with someone claiming to be a police sergeant.

The caller states that money is owed or a warrant for the persons arrest will be issued. When the person returns the call, a voicemail message claims they have reached Zone One.

Pittsburgh police say they will never demand money or take money from individuals over the phone or in person.

The department is taking reports on these incidents. Anyone who has received the calls is asked to call 911.

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TRENDING NOW:

39 Pittsburgh Public Schools facilities will switch to remote learning on Tuesday 1 person arrested at protest at the University of Pittsburgh; Cathedral of Learning closed Cranberry pizza shop closing permanently VIDEO: Healing Tree of Life mosaic mural unveiled at Frick Park DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
BEIRUT, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Two Hezbollah members were killed and three others injured in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said an Israeli drone fired three air-to-surface missiles at a motorcycle on a road linking Naqoura to Tyre in southern Lebanon. The strike set the motorcycle ablaze, killing the two riders, identified as Hezbollah members.

In a separate incident, an Israeli drone launched two air-to-surface missiles at a truck at the western entrance to Libbaya village in eastern Lebanon, wounding three Hezbollah members, the sources added.

Hezbollah announced it had attacked 14 Israeli targets on Tuesday, causing unspecified damage.

The Israeli Air Force has conducted intensified air raids over the past four days, exceeding 15 strikes per day. These strikes have targeted 10 towns and villages along the southern Lebanon border and four deeper within southern and eastern Lebanon.

In response, Hezbollah launched several attacks using assault drones and various missiles, targeting command headquarters, artillery positions, and Israeli armored vehicles along the border and in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. 
Point Park offering acceptance, housing to University of the Arts students impacted by closure

Point Park University is offering automatic acceptance to students at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia after its closure was announced.

Up to 75 students will be eligible for a semester of free housing.

Our residence halls have limited capacity, and spaces are filling up quickly. We encourage University of the Arts students to make their decision promptly so they can take advantage of this limited-time housing opportunity, said Marlin Collingwood, vice president of Enrollment Management. We understand the difficulties associated with institutional transitions. This housing initiative aims to alleviate the burden and provide a seamless start to your academic journey within our supportive community.

Automatic acceptance is available for fall 2024 and first-year transfer students. It includes direct artistic admission into the cinema production, animation, screenwriting and theatre production programs at Point Park.

UA students will not need to provide a portfolio but are invited to submit samples of their work for scholarship consideration.

Any interested students can call 412-392-3430 for more information.

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39 Pittsburgh Public Schools facilities will switch to remote learning on Tuesday 1 person arrested at protest at the University of Pittsburgh; Cathedral of Learning closed Cranberry pizza shop closing permanently VIDEO: Healing Tree of Life mosaic mural unveiled at Frick Park DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Poland arrests 18 over half a year for suspected sabotage plans on behalf of Russia, Belarus

The Polish authorities have arrested 18 people over the past six months on suspicions of pursuing hostile activities or sabotage in collaboration with Russia or Belarus, Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said on June 3.

At least one of the suspects was involved in an alleged plot to assassinate Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, while 10 others were involved in planning various forms of sabotage, such as arson, across Poland, the minister said during a press conference.

Western intelligence officials have reportedly warned about increasing Russian sabotage operations across Europe.

The individuals who were arrested in recent months were Polish, Belarusian, and Ukrainian nationals, according to the Polish Internal Security Agency.

"We do not doubt that on the bidding of a foreign country, Russia, there are some people active who are ready to threaten the life, health, and property of the Polish citizens," Siemoniak said.

The minister noted that acts of sabotage could be a part of a bigger plan that includes cyberattacks, as well as pushing migrants in Belarus to cross into Poland and threatening the security of a country that has supported Ukraine during Russia's full-scale invasion.

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In April, a joint operation by Ukrainian and Polish law enforcement agencies led to the detention of a Polish citizen who allegedly offered to Russia to assassinate Zelensky.

On his initiative, the suspect meant to spy on the security of the Rzeszow airport in Poland to help Russian intelligence services plan a potential assassination of Zelensky during the latter's visit to Poland.

The following month, a Ukrainian and a Belarusian man went on trial for their suspected membership in a Russian espionage ring.

The group was allegedly preparing railway sabotages in Poland in 2023 and monitored weapons and humanitarian aid transport routes to Ukraine. The men face up to eight years in prison.

Several other suspects have been arrested in recent months in Germany, Austria, and Estonia for allegedly spying for Russia or other forms of collaboration with Russian intelligence.

Read also: FT: Russia plotting violent sabotage across Europe, intelligence agencies warn

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Poles have blocked lorry traffic at the Rava-Ruska checkpoint on the border with Ukraine.

Source: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

Quote: "At 11:20, the Polish side informed us that they had started blocking traffic to the Hrebenne checkpoint. Representatives of local farmers demanded to reduce the import of grain crops into the territory of the Republic of Poland from Ukraine.

As part of the announced blockade, the protesters are not allowing lorries to leave Ukraine."

Details: The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reported that lorries are allowed to enter Ukraine according to the previously announced schedule of 12 vehicles per 12 hours, as well as one additional run of four lorries transporting humanitarian aid per hour.

Other categories of vehicles are allowed to cross in both directions, as usual.

As of 11:20, the queue of lorries leaving Ukraine consisted of 33 vehicles registered in the electronic queue.

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A Buncombe County Schools employee who worked with students with physical and intellectual disabilities took indecent liberties with a child, according to police and a public records database.

Greg Sharrits, 60, of Arden, was arrested and charged May 29 with the one felony indecent liberties count, a spokesperson for Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller said. A Citizen Times database of public employees showed Sharrits was an intensive intervention assistant with the Progressive Education Program, though it is not clear if that was his job at the time of his arrest. An arrest warrant said the alleged crime occurred May 28. The last day of class for the system is June 10.

Sharrits was placed in the county jail under a $200,000 bond and released May 31 to a bail bondsman, sheriff's spokesperson Christina Esmay said June 3.

A schools spokesperson declined to say how long Sharrits worked for Buncombe County Schools, what his most recent position was and what kind of access he had to students.

"Mr. Greg Sharrits is no longer employed by the Buncombe County Schools system. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff," schools spokesperson Ken Ulmer said.

Esmay, the sheriff's spokesperson, declined to offer more details because of what she said was an open investigation.

Sharrits in a brief phone interview with the Citizen Times said he worked for the school system until May 31 when he took early retirement. He declined to give more details about his job. A social media account under his name said he was an instructional assistant with the schools. The Citizen Times database listed Sharrits in the intensive intervention assistant position in the Progressive Education Program, or PEP, in 2021 and 2022  the last two updates of the database. In 2022 his salary was shown as $28,805.

PEP is a school that serves about 150 students in K-12, and sometimes beyond, who have moderate to severe physical and intellectual disabilities.

He is to appear in Buncombe County District Court on June 21. Sharrits' current attorney public defender, Ehsan Akhavi, declined to comment. According to the warrant, Sharrits took "immoral, improper and indecent liberties" with a child under the age of 16.

Indecent liberties is a Class F, or mid-level felony, in North Carolina and is punishable by up to five years in prison, depending upon circumstances and prior convictions.

Detectives with the sheriff's Major Case Unit made the arrest, Esmay said in a May 31 news release.

"We want to thank those who acted hastily to apprehend Greg Sharrits and provide a sense of peace for the survivor," the spokesperson said.

Albert Pavon, a former exceptional children's teacher with the school system, served three months in prison and is now on probation after pleading guilty to indecent liberties with a child during the 2021-2022 school year at Erwin High.

Need help?

Those who have been victimized in a sex crime can get help at the Family Justice Center at 828-250-6900 or Our Voice at 828-252-0562.

More: State: despite corrective action will revoke Western NC camp license after NY child death

More: Black Mountain man pleads guilty to 2018 rape of 15-year-old after forensic tech match DNA

Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Got a tip? Contact Burgess at jburgess@citizentimes.com, 828-713-1095 or on Twitter @AVLreporter. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Police: school assistant took indecent liberties w/ child; out of jail
VSP identifies the WV man killed during police shooting in Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  Virginia State Police have released the identity of the man accused of stealing a trailer before being shot and killed by officers on June 4.

44-year-old Jason Lee McDuffy Beckley of West Virginia died from his injuries at the scene on Peppers Ferry Road outside of Christiansburg after leading law enforcement on a motor vehicle chase that started in Giles County.

Police say that McDuffy was pulled over on Peppers Ferry Road and approached by officers when he allegedly pulled out a gun, resulting in shots being fired.

The investigation is still ongoing. VSPs Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Salem will present its evidence to the Montgomery County Commonwealth Attorneys Office for review.

WFXR News will continue to bring you the latest updates as they become available.

(Photo Credit: Peyton Albert)



GILES COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  The Giles County Sheriffs Office has released details regarding what led to the pursuit and eventual police shooting that occurred in Montgomery County early morning on June 4.

In a release provided by the sheriff, a complaint was received stating that a tow dolly was allegedly stolen from a local business in Narrows, Virginia on the evening of Monday, June 3.

Multi-state high-speed chase ends with wanted NC mans arrest in Henry County

On the morning of Tuesday, June 4, the sheriff says, law enforcement officers allegedly witnessed a Chevrolet Avalanche hauling a vehicle on the stolen dolly.

Multiple law enforcement agencies including, Giles County Deputies, Narrows PD, and Pearisburg PD then attempted to stop the Chevrolet Avalanche on Route 460 East near the Ripplemead Exit.

The sheriff says the driver allegedly refused to exit the vehicle and instead fled the scene. Law enforcement officers chased the vehicle to the Montgomery County line, where deputies and officers from that jurisdiction took over the pursuit.

WFXR News will continue to update you with more information as it becomes available.



MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  The Town of Christiansburg reports that multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in a vehicle pursuit early morning of June 4, that ended with shots being fired on Peppers Ferry Road.

According to the Town of Christiansburg, around 6:54 a.m. on Tuesday, a police chase that started in Giles County entered Montgomery County.

The Blacksburg Police Department responded and deployed spike strips to immobilize the vehicle. After hitting the spike strips, the vehicle continued to flee from police into the Town of Christiansburg.

Henry Co. Sheriff assists with NC armed robbery investigation, suspect arrested

Christiansburg Police joined the pursuit and chased the vehicle as it entered back into Montgomery County.

The chase ended when officers from the Town of Christiansburg, Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, and Virginia State Police stopped the vehicle on Peppers Ferry Rd. at Vickers Switch Rd.

Further details are limited; however, during the stop shots were fired. The status of the driver is currently unknown.

The Virginia State Police are currently handling the investigation into the incident.

WFXR News will continue to update you 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 WFXRtv.
ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now)  Arlington County police arrested a man Saturday after he used an axe to destroy a display case inside a store he had been banned from.

It happened on June 1 at around 5:30 p.m. in the 4200 block of Fairfax Dr.

When officers from the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) arrived, they found out that the man, who had been previously banned from the store, entered the business and went behind the counter. The employee then called police and the man walked towards the exit.

VDOT contractors dumped bears body in plastic bag in Arlington, animal welfare league says

Thats when he then took an axe out of his backpack and hit a display case, causing damages before running away.

Officers broadcasted a lookout for him and saw him running away. After chasing him, they were able to take him into custody in the 900 block of N. Stuart St.

ACPD said officers recovered the axe.

The man was identified as 18-year-old Daryl Palmer. He was charged with attempted robbery, destruction of property, possession of burglarious tools and trespassing.

He was 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The subject of a police pursuit crashed his vehicle into two others in Hollywood on Friday, injuring himself and at least one other person in the process.

At about 9:30 p.m., officers responded to a reported shooting in the 5600 block of Franklin Avenue, where they spotted Cornell Harvey, 35, who fit the description of the suspect, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a news release.

As officers chased him on foot, Harvey got into a parked vehicle and sped away, police said.

While Harvey, an Angeleno, initially traveled west on Hollywood Boulevard from Wilton Place, he eventually headed east on Sunset Boulevard, crashing into two other vehicles at Sunset and Vine Avenue, police said.

The suspect exited out of the drivers seat and ran away from the crash scene, leading officers in a brief foot pursuit before being taken into custody, said police, who added that they found a live round in Harveys possession.

Of the two vehicles that were struck, one driver was taken to a local hospital to be treated. The other driver complained of pain only but didnt go to the hospital.

Harvey was also injured, sustaining a minor abrasion on his head from the crash. He was treated at a local hospital and released into police custody.

Harvey faces a charge of assault with a deadly weapon and was freed on $30,000 bond Saturday.

He is due to appear in court on June 26.

Anyone with information is asked to call 213-486-0690.

During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527- 3247).

To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or go directly to lacrimestoppers.org.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
ROCKVILLE, Md. (DC News Now)  The principal of an elementary school in Rockville turned himself in Monday for allegedly assaulting a student, police said.

The Rockville City Police Department (RCPD) said that on Feb. 9 around 7 p.m., police got a call saying that a Ritchie Park Elementary School staff member allegedly assaulted a student.

Family of parole agent killed says he was kindred spirit

RCPD and the Montgomery County States Attorneys Office investigated the allegation and found out the staff member was the schools principal, 54-year-old Andrew Winter.

An arrest warrant for second-degree assault was issued and Winter turned himself in.

According to charging documents, Winter was caught on the schools video footage assaulting the student during lunch hours. Video footage showed Winter grabbing the student by their clothes, forcing them to sit down on a nearby bench and then using his left foot to stomp on the students right foot.

That student immediately started weeping, court documents said. Then, Winter sat down on the bench next to the student and put his arm around their shoulders.

Violent weekend in the District continues into Monday

Two students saw what happened and reported it to their teacher, who then told the assistant principal.

According to a letter from the Montgomery County Public Schools Office of School Support and Well-Being sent to parents of students at the elementary school, Winter had been on leave from the school, and that the school system was aware of his arrest.

Winter will appear before a District Court Commissioner.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC4)  A 17-year-old juvenile ran away from home on Sunday, and the South Salt Lake Police Department has asked the public to inform officers if they have any information about where she may be located.

Ava Montoya, 17, is said to have run away from home around 5 a.m. on Sunday, June 2. According to police, she is about 54 tall and weighs about 150 pounds. Police said she was last seen carrying a pink backpack and wearing a red jacket.

READ NEXT: Progressively worse: Cracks in Eagle Mountain home growing, family unable to relocate

If contacting the South Salt Lake Police Department about Avas whereabous, Utahns have been asked to reference case number LK2024-17639. The department can be reached at 801-412-3600.

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.
by Xinhua writer Wang Jiangang

UNITED NATIONS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, president of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), has underscored China's significant impact on global peace and sustainable development.

Espinosa emphasized the "crucial" contributions of China to the international landscape, particularly in addressing contemporary global challenges and fostering multilateral cooperation.

The former UNGA president made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua during her recent trip to the UN headquarters in New York.

Espinosa remarked, "China is a central actor. It has a very important role in the current geopolitics." She elaborated on China's leadership in the areas of developmental finance and peacebuilding, emphasizing, "China has understood the important role that it has, not only on the world of the right to development and financing for development but in the role of peace building and peacemaking and building a world that is safer for all of us."

She highlighted China's proactive engagement in environmental initiatives, stating, "If you look at efforts on renewable energies, I think that China occupies a central space."

Espinosa also commended China for its role in enhancing global solidarity and cooperation, noting, "When we speak about solidarity and cooperation, China has shown its very, very important and leading role in promoting solidarity and cooperation around the world."

She acknowledged China's constructive contributions to discussions on improving the multilateral system, adding, "I think that I have heard and followed China having a very constructive role saying, yes, we need to improve the system."

Concluding her views on China's influential global presence, Espinosa expressed her belief in China's essential role in fostering global peace and harmony: "I think that if we are to build a peaceful world, if we are to build a prosperous world based on sustainable development, if we are to build a peaceful coexistence among nations, China has a central, critical, important role to play." 
A Kentucky man who sold counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and caused the death of a teenager has been sentenced to 26 years and eight months in federal prison

A police officer had asked Akili O. Simpson to stop dealing pills just two days before he sold the deadly dose to a 17-year-old girl, according to the court record.

Simpson, 23, of Danville pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one charge of distribution of fentanyl that resulted in a death.

Simpson grew up in difficult circumstances, with little money and a father who was largely absent until he was 16 and then died soon after they reconnected, his attorney, Patrick F. Nash of Lexington, said in a sentencing memorandum.

He ultimately began selling drugs and also began using drugs and became addicted, Nash said.

Simpson sold a pill to a girl on Nov. 3, 2022 outside a store in Danville. She died of an overdose the same day in the basement of her parents home, two months after turning 17, according to the court record.

Federal authorities said the pill Simpson sold the victim was marked to look like a pill containing oxycodone.

The dangers of fentanyl

Police and public-health agencies have warned of the danger of fatal overdoses from pills that look like one type of painkiller or anti-depressant but actually contain fentanyl, which is far more powerful than other opioid drugs.

Fentanyl is cheap so drug rings mix it with other drugs or make pills from it to boost profits.

Fentanyl has been involved in most overdose deaths in Kentucky for several years.

This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of illicit fentanyl, its prevalence in our communities, and the devious methods of those selling it, U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV said in a news release. These drugs are extremely dangerous and there is little way to know for certain what a drug dealer may be selling.

Detective asks dealer to stop selling drugs

Nash said in his sentencing memo that Simpson was consumed with remorse over the death. Nash sought a sentence of 20 years for Simpson.

However, the prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Bradbury, said in a sentencing memo that Simpson was a large-scale drug dealer who admitted buying 300 to 500 pills at a time to resell, and knew they contained fentanyl.

Simpson sold the 17-year-old girl the pill that killed her just weeks after getting off probation when he was charged in state court with selling marijuana and having a gun, Bradbury said.

And just two days before the sale, Keith Addison, a detective with the Danville Police Department, told Simpson hed heard Simpson was selling drugs and asked him to stop before he got killed or killed someone.

And I said Im not gonna lie, I have sold the fake pills before, Simpson told Addison, recounting what he allegedly told others earlier. I said listen, I dont do that s--t no more, for the simple fact that 80% is what you get, and if a (expletive) ODs, youre done. And I left it alone. Im not gonna lie.

Addison recorded the exchange on his body camera and Bradbury included it in the court record.

Six months later, police arrested Simpson after he sold 57 pills for $400 to a woman outside a Danville store.

Bradbury sought a sentence of between 272 months and 293 months for Simpson, but Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves sentenced him to 320 months in prison.

Reeves sentenced Simpson May 31 in federal court in Lexington.
Polish protesters have resumed their blockade at the Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne border crossing due to Ukrainian agricultural imports, Ukraine's Border Guard Service said on June 4.

Polish farmers have intermittently protested at the Ukrainian border since last fall, but the most recent wave of blockades largely ended in late April.

The protesters are not allowing trucks to leave Ukraine. Cargo vehicles heading to Ukraine are allowed to enter by 12 trucks per 12 hours and by four trucks with humanitarian aid per hour, the Border Guard Service said.

The movement of other vehicles continues as usual.

"Representatives of Polish farmers demand reduced imports of Ukrainian crops to Polish territory from Ukraine," the Border Guard Service said on Telegram.

Disputes over crop imports have soured the relationship between Warsaw and Kyiv.

Both countries are major agricultural producers, and Polish farmers have complained that Ukrainian products create uneven competition, especially since the EU lifted tariffs in 2022 after the full-scale Russian invasion.

Poland banned the import of several products from Ukraine, such as grain, corn, or rapeseed, in 2023, but the country's farmers continue to oppose other products flowing to Poland and the EU.

Ukrainian and Polish officials have been holding talks on resolving the crisis.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) logo is projected onto a curtain at the national party conference. Sina Schuldt/dpa

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) continues to gradually lose support among the public according to the latest poll, as it deals with a series of setbacks.

In a survey published on Tuesday by the Insa Institute for the Bild newspaper, 15.5% of respondents said they would vote for the AfD if federal elections were held this week.

This would put the AfD behind Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats, which is in second place with 16%.

The conservative CDU/CSU bloc - two parties that effectively act as one a national level - remains by far the strongest force with 30.5%.

The AfD has been rocked by controversies in recent weeks, with the party's lead candidate for the European elections, Maximilian Krah, being banned from making public statements after saying that not all members of the Nazi SS paramilitary force were criminals.

The party's second candidate in the European elections, Petr Bystron, has also withdrawn from the campaign after his Berlin home was searched by police. Bystron is under investigation for money laundering and bribery and has links to pro-Russian networks.

Insa said that the Greens and the liberal Free Democrats - Scholz's two coalition patners - are at 12% and 5% respectively.

The hard-left Die Linke comes in at 3.5%.

Some 7.5% of respondents say they would vote for the newly formed Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW).

The institute surveyed 2,002 citizens between May 31 and June 3.
Sokoto House director Abdul Hafeedh bin Abdullah speaking at Sokoto House with, from left, Vance Williams of Advance Youth Outreach and Lily Nicole of the lowercase leaders in a still from Christopher Everett's upcoming film "Wilmington on Fire: Chapter II."

Since forming back in 2021, self-described "community hub" Sokoto House has played an active but under-the-radar role in trying to combat the violence and lack of opportunity that has affected Wilmington's Black communities for decades.

The executive director of Sokoto House is Abdul Hafeedh bin Abdullah, who runs his Quality Life Blueprint program out of Sokoto's headquarters on Dawson Street.

A native of California, Abdullah said he went to prison for eight years starting at age 17. Growing up in the '80s and '90s, "I was part of the 'super-predators' that the Clintons defined," he said wryly.

Once he got out of prison, "From day one, I've been building in my community, learning public health language, learning community organizing and moving as a community health worker," he said.

In Wilmington since the 2010s, Abdullah is now a nationally recognized thought leader in the field of violence prevention.

In 2023, an anti-violence study he co-authored was adopted as the official policy of Buncombe County's Justice Services division.

Sokoto House: Wilmington group's anti-violence plan is adopted by Buncombe County. Is New Hanover next?

In addition to anti-violence programs, Sokoto House has hosted such community-building programs as dance and martial arts classes, food pantry giveaways, free community markets and more, while working with such diverse groups as Advance Youth Outreach, Brenda Galloway's HOPE (Helping Others Proceed Effectively), the lowercase leaders, New Hanover for All and others.

"Summer's getting ready to kick off and there's going to be lots of activities here like there is every year," Abdullah said, although finding funding for Sokoto House's programs has been a major challenge.

"We've been thriving off of the natural ecosystem of community support," he said. "The one part of our ecosystem that we haven't been able to really optimize and grab ahold of that will really help us in the city would be the funding."

Abdullah said Sokoto House has been turned down for grants by the New Hanover Community Endowment, New Hanover County and the United Way among others.

"At some point you just have to say to yourself, 'What more do you have to do?' They decided that it's something that they don't want to support," he said. "You actually have literature backing the work you're doing, actually showing that you're able to do the work (and) they don't want to put a little bit behind that to see what's possible?"

Being better-funded would help Sokoto House scale what has been a successful model, Abdullah said.

"Over the last couple of years, we've had the lowest rates of homicides and shootings happening in our city, and no one's talking about it," he said.

Brandon Cagle brings in donations of notebooks for area youth at Sokoto House in Wilmington.

Sokoto House follows a community health worker model based on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program that treated violence and racism as a public health crisis. The approach involves training local leaders as community health workers, or CHWs, who learn to do the difficult work of addressing violence and poverty born of decades of institutionalized racism and racist policies.

Abdullah calls it "a nationally recognized, innovative way to address violence prevention."

The goals of Sokoto House are similar to those of Port City United (PCU), the New Hanover County agency founded in 2022 and described as a $5.74 million "community investment plan" that looks to help residents in various ways, from accessing available services to violence prevention.

PCU has faced high-profile struggles, from the firing of original director Cedric Harrison and the arrest of two of its employees (one for drug charges, the other for being an accessory to a shooting) to a recent controversy that had New Hanover County Commissioner Dane Scalise accusing former PCU employee Anthony Brumm of threatening him.

Brumm denies threatening Scalise and said he was merely trying to have a conversation with the commissioner about the "dehumanizing" way Brumm felt Scalise had been talking about the community PCU serves.

The fate of the agency remains uncertain, even as people like New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield have praised PCU's accomplishments in defusing potentially violent situations.

Abdullah said he's been watching all this unfold while thinking things didn't have to go this way.

"Community members have been finding themselves in the news, (but) it wasn't the community that came up with that program," Abdullah said. "It's a county program that the county itself wanted to create."

He acknowledged that PCU was "put together with feedback from the community," but said that New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet and Assistant County Manager Tufanna Bradley, who oversees PCU, "put together what they wanted to put together."

Abdullah said that PCU's three-pronged approach  violence prevention using the Cure Violence model, which, like Sokoto House's, treats violence as a community health issue; a 24-7 call center where residents can report threats of violence and request other forms of assistance; and bringing "community resource coordinators" into area schools via nonprofit partnerships  was always and remains unproven.

"Don't get me wrong, all those things could work out," Abdullah said. "But the reality was, they were testing that. It was an experiment. That had never been done before. They had no evidence that this combination would work inside a county setting."

He added that he believes PCU was started with good intentions.

"I think the county and the people who work there genuinely tried to figure it out," he said. "But these young men that have been finding themselves in the news, the reality is that the county hired them and they never properly trained them."

"They cannot allow Black faces to be in the news without us saying, 'Why did we allow them to experiment?'" he added. "You could've hired anyone in the country with that much money to come here and run a legitimate program  And now we're saying, 'Oh, it failed, let's get back to what we know works.'"

Abdullah admits he's had disagreements with people in county government and at PCU about various issues but doesn't think that should preclude exploring the ideas he's been talking about in Wilmington for years.

"Maybe because I'm not from here, or maybe it's because I got a big mouth. Maybe that's the issue," he said. "Right now in New Hanover County, we're missing an opportunity to change the way we think about violence."

Despite the recent efforts of those at Port City United, he said, "It's very important that our city understands that community-based initiatives  not only to prevent violence but also to improve the conditions of our community  have yet to get a legitimate chance to do what it is we do."

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: How Sokoto House in Wilmington, NC, works to stop violence, racism
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Portland Public Schools has ended its national search for the districts next superintendent.

Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong of Vancouver, Wash. will take over the role as the top leader of the district after serving as the deputy superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools for the past year, as first reported by OregonLive.

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She was one of three finalists for the role after former superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero stepped down in February 2024. His departure followed a month-long teacher strike that ended with a three-year deal that left the district grappling with tens of millions in budget cuts.

The PPS Board took community input into consideration in late May, despite being the only entity responsible for hiring for the role. Parents shared they wanted the next PPS leader to advocate for state educational funding and address growing class sizes. They also sought a committed leader with a long-term plan for students and an ability to rebuild trust and relationships.

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Armstrong has 25 years of experience in public schools and was once the former chief academic officer for PPS. The school board is expected to meet Wednesday morning to formally approve Dr. Armstrongs contract.

PPS shared the following statement regarding her appointment:

She has a demonstrated record of advancing student achievement, addressing racial inequities, and closing the achievement gap for students of color through her dynamic approach to classroom innovation, curriculum enhancement, and professional development.

In addition to her academic and professional credentials she is ready to start on Day One, bringing a deep understanding of Oregon, Portland and PPS as a parent, educational leader and an active member of the community.

We are confident that her experience as a teacher, a coach, a principal, a parent and national educational leader, as well as a former intercollegiate basketball player, will translate to the kind of visionary leadership and community teamwork needed to propel PPS into a new era of excellence.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Catarina Demony and Patricia Vicente Rua

LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal plans to adapt its golden visa scheme to allow wealthy foreigners seeking residency rights to invest in affordable housing for locals or accommodation for migrants, the cabinet affairs minister told Reuters on Tuesday.

Antonio Leitao Amaro said the scheme - called a "solidarity visa" - would complement an existing programme, which since 2012 has offered non-EU nationals who invest in Portugal the right to live in the country.

The golden visa scheme has attracted more 7.3 billion euros ($7.94 billion) of funds since its launch. But critics say it has also exacerbated a housing crisis and it has undergone several changes in recent years.

To secure a visa, buying real estate, which used to be foreigners' preferred route, is no longer an option but they can still invest in funds, donate to cultural or research projects and generate jobs.

"We have not changed the existing scheme, but we have created these two types of solidarity visa," Leitao Amaro said in a phone interview, a day after the Portuguese government announced its new plan that will toughen some immigration rules.

He said one of the new modalities would encourage foreigners seeking residency rights to invest in affordable homes that locals can buy or rent and the other would be used to build accommodation for migrants in need or finance projects promoting integration.

Around 800,000 migrants live in Portugal, nearly double the number from a decade ago, but even though they make significant contributions to the economy they are more likely to have precarious jobs and lower salaries, according to the Migration Observatory.

Many struggle to find homes and end up living on the streets or in overcrowded flats, an issue exacerbated by high rents and sale prices fuelled in part by a tourism boom in cities such as Lisbon and Porto.

To be eligible for the existing golden visa scheme, applicants must transfer between 250,000 to 500,000 euros depending on the type of investment they choose.

Leitao Amaro said the government was yet to set the investment amount for the new solidarity visa but that it would have to be lower than other modalities to encourage investors to opt for it.

($1 = 0.9192 euros)

(Reporting by Catarina Demony and Patricia Vicente Rua; Editing by Gareth Jones)
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The Biden administration insisted Monday Hamas was the final hurdle in its effort to strike a ceasefire in Gaza.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says the three-phase framework that would immediately stop fighting, free hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and ensure the reconstruction of Gaza was delivered to Hamas Thursday night.

President Biden outlined the details in a public speech Friday. Miller, reiterating the president, says the roadmap would also normalize relations between Israel and Arab nations in the region.

This is a proposal that is in the long-term interests of Israel, said Miller.

Over the weekend however, leaders from Israels conservative flank protested the deal. Some are threatening to break up their government if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepts the offer.

Miller says the reaction was fully anticipated but says the U.S. is completely confident Israel is on board, adding the proposal came from Israel.

Its Israels deal said Miller.

Monday Netanyahu assured the public he is not caving to threats from the right. He also says a permanent ceasefire is a nonstarter until Hamas is eliminated.



President Biden made the case Friday that Hamas is no longer capable of an October 7th level attack and says the deal authorizes Israel to resume fighting if Hamas violates conditions.

Hamas leaders say they view the proposal positively but have not yet agreed to the terms.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Displaced Palestinians flee from the Bureij and Maghazi refugee camps in the central Gaza Strip, on June 5, 2024. Israeli fighter jets targeted Hamas positions in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, with ground forces simultaneously operating in the area based on intelligence, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA/JERUSALEM, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Israeli fighter jets targeted Hamas positions in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, with ground forces simultaneously operating in the area based on intelligence, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Tuesday.

In a separate statement, Adraee reported that Israeli forces conducted a "precise raid operation" in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood last week, discovering rocket warheads hidden in bags belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The UN agency, which plays a critical role in providing humanitarian aid in Gaza, has not commented on the Israeli claims.

Adraee also announced the completion of the destruction of a 1.5-kilometer-long and 23-meter-deep underground tunnel on Monday. The tunnel, used by Hamas, bypassed areas where Israeli forces are stationed. The exact location of the tunnel was not disclosed.

On May 7, the Israeli military expanded its operations in Rafah, directing over 1.5 million Palestinians to move to Khan Younis and other central Gaza areas. The UNRWA estimates that these areas now shelter approximately 1.7 million people.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza in retaliation for the group's October assault on southern Israel, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and over 200 hostages taken. 

Displaced Palestinians flee from the Bureij and Maghazi refugee camps in the central Gaza Strip, on June 5, 2024. Israeli fighter jets targeted Hamas positions in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, with ground forces simultaneously operating in the area based on intelligence, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Displaced Palestinians flee from the Bureij and Maghazi refugee camps in the central Gaza Strip, on June 5, 2024. Israeli fighter jets targeted Hamas positions in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, with ground forces simultaneously operating in the area based on intelligence, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Displaced Palestinians flee from the Bureij and Maghazi refugee camps in the central Gaza Strip, on June 5, 2024. Israeli fighter jets targeted Hamas positions in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, with ground forces simultaneously operating in the area based on intelligence, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Displaced Palestinians flee from the Bureij and Maghazi refugee camps in the central Gaza Strip, on June 5, 2024. Israeli fighter jets targeted Hamas positions in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, with ground forces simultaneously operating in the area based on intelligence, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Displaced Palestinians flee from the Bureij and Maghazi refugee camps in the central Gaza Strip, on June 5, 2024. Israeli fighter jets targeted Hamas positions in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, with ground forces simultaneously operating in the area based on intelligence, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
A sign indicates a polling place for the Sioux Falls city and school board election at Southern Hills United Methodist Church on April 9, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

A sign indicates a polling place for the Sioux Falls city and school board election at Southern Hills United Methodist Church on April 9, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Its primary day in South Dakota, with 45 legislative contests receiving much of the attention and various local races and issues also appearing on ballots around the state.

Heres what to know about casting your vote and whats on the ballot.

Who can vote

Voters who registered by the May 20 deadline are eligible to cast a ballot.

The Democratic Party allows Democrats, independents and voters with no political affiliation to vote in Democratic primary races. Republican primary races are open only to voters registered as Republican. Voters who have no political races on their ballot may still have a local nonpartisan office (such as a school board race) or a local ballot question to vote on.

There are approximately 600,000 registered voters in the state, including about 305,000 Republicans, 151,000 voters registered as independent or non-politically affiliated, and 144,000 Democrats. Turnout in the last four primary elections ranged from 22% to 32% of registered voters.

When to vote

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

Where to vote and whats on your ballot

Find your polling place and view a sample ballot by visiting the states Voter Information Portal at vip.sdsos.gov/VIPLogin.aspx.

Acceptable forms of required ID

Voters are required to show a South Dakota drivers license, a non-driver identification card, a U.S. government photo ID (such as a passport), a tribal ID or a student ID card issued by a high school or college in South Dakota. Voters who forget to bring an acceptable ID can sign a personal affidavit attesting to their identity.

Where to find official results

After the polls close and county auditors begin tallying votes, the Secretary of States Office will publish live results tonight at sdsos.gov.

Legislative primaries

The state Legislature includes 105 members who meet annually at the Capitol in Pierre. Candidates in legislative primary elections are trying to advance to the Nov. 5 general election.

In state House primaries, the top two finishers in each party advance  except in a few split House districts (which are designated by the addition of a letter, such as District 26A). In split districts, one winner from each party advances.

In state Senate primaries, only the top finisher in each party advances.

Theres just one Democratic legislative primary today. It pits Red Dawn Foster, a state senator from Pine Ridge who is seeking reelection, against Gerald Cournoyer Jr., of Kyle. Theyre running in District 27, which includes land in Bennett, Jackson, Pennington and Oglala Lakota counties.

There are 44 Republican legislative primaries, featuring representatives of the partys rival factions. Among the many races to watch:

Spencer Gosch, a former speaker of the House, is attempting a comeback in a three-way primary against incumbents Scott Moore and James Wangsness in District 23 (which includes a broad area of north-central South Dakota).

A six-way primary in District 30 (the southwest corner of the state and part of the Black Hills) includes incumbent Rep. Trish Ladner and former legislator Tim Goodwin.

A three-way Senate primary in District 30 pits challengers Amber Hulse and Forrest Foster against incumbent Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller, who was censured by the Senate last year for alleged verbal harassment of a legislative staffer with comments including an anti-vaccine rant.

Two current state representatives  Fred Deutsch and Stephanie Sauder  are vying for one Senate nomination in District 4 (Watertown and the immediate vicinity).

A leader in the movement to switch from ballot tabulation machines to hand counting, Rick Weible, is challenging Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree in District 8 (in Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake and Miner counties).

Presidential primary race

Nobody filed to run against former President Donald Trump in South Dakotas Republican presidential primary, so its not on the ballot.

Several candidates filed to run against Democratic President Joe Biden. So although Bidens nomination by the national party is not in doubt, the contest will be on the ballot for Democrats and for independents and non-politically affiliated voters who wish to vote in the Democratic primary.

In addition to Biden, the candidates are U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, of Minnesota, who withdrew from the race too late for his name to be removed from the ballot, along with author and speaker Marianne Williamson, of Washington, D.C.., and educator Armando Perez-Serrato, of California.

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Political party positions

Voters who are registered as Republicans may see a race on their ballot for delegates to the state party convention.

This years convention is just days after the primary election, Thursday through Saturday in Pierre. The main item of business is the selection, by delegates, of a nominee for a Public Utilities Commission seat. Thats the seat currently held by Republican Kristie Fiegen, who is seeking the nomination to run for another term in the Nov. 5 general election.

Republican voters may also have a race on their ballot for a precinct committeeman or precinct committeewoman. People selected for those positions work with their county party chairperson on activities such as campaigning for Republicans in their precincts, get-out-the-vote efforts and registering voters.

Local races and issues

Voters may see a variety of local races on their ballot, such as primaries for county commissioners, states attorneys, county coroners and county treasurers.

Voters could also see races for nonpartisan local boards, such as school boards and water development districts.

Some voters also have local ballot questions to consider, such as Gregory, Haakon and Tripp counties, where voters will consider initiatives to ban tabulation machines and require hand counting for future election results (statewide ballot questions, such a proposed abortion-rights measure, will be on the ballot in the Nov. 5 general election).

Primary election news and commentary

The post Primary day in South Dakota: A guide to the election appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
"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," writes guest columnist Derek Monson. (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 commentary originally appeared in the Utah News Dispatch, which, like the Virginia Mercury, is a part of States Newsroom.

The post This primary election season, recognize that secure elections require public trust appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Primary Elections 2024: Who are Chittenden County's candidates for the Vermont Senate?

In less than three months, Vermonters will return to the polls to vote for major party candidates  Democrats, Republicans and Progressives  in the statewide primaries on Aug. 13.

Among the positions up for grabs this year are all 30 state Senate seats, including the seven spots across three districts representing Chittenden County. The Chittenden-Central and Chittenden-South districts each has three seats, while the Chittenden-North district has one. In districts with multiple seats, the candidates with the most votes will fill those positions. Each state Senate term is two years. The current term ends in January 2025.

In addition to state senators, Vermonters on primary day will also choose party candidates for U.S senator, U.S. representative, governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, secretary of state, auditor of accounts, attorney general and high bailiff. All 150 state representatives and 1,800 justices of the peace are also on the ballot this year.

A poll worker in Essex offers I voted stickers to people exiting Essex Middle School during primary voting on Aug. 9, 2022.

Who is running for Vermont Senate in Chittenden County?

The cutoff to apply to join the various primary races was Thursday, May 30. Here are Chittenden County state Senate candidates who met the deadline.

Central District (three seats)

Democrats

Incumbent Democrat Martine Larocque Gulick , Burlington (2023-Present) - Gulick is a retired educator and current Burlington School Board commissioner who has previously served as a regional representative on the Vermont School Board Association and on the Advisory Council on Literacy.

Incumbent Democrat Phil Baruth , Burlington (2011-Present) - Baruth is the Senate president pro tempore. He has taught in the English Department at the University of Vermont since 1993, and is a decorated former commentator for Vermont Public Radio.

Incumbent Democrat Tanya Vyhovsky , Essex Town (2023-Present) - Prior to her stint in the Senate, Vyhovsky served in the Vermont House from 2021-2023. She is a licensed independent clinical worker for youth and young adults and serves as a professor in UVM's graduate social work program.

Democrat Stewart Ledbetter, Winooski - Ledbetter is a retired political news anchor at NBC5 in South Burlington and former moderator of "Vermont This Week" on Vermont Public. He is a Vermont Broadcasters Hall of Famer.

No Republicans are vying for the Central District seat.

North District (one seat)

Democrats

Incumbent Democrat Irene Wrenner, Essex Town (2023-Present) - Wrenner has a background in communication, human resources and information technology. She notably founded the Essex ReTorter, which reports on local government, and a custom crossword puzzle business.

Republicans

Republican Chris Mattos, Milton - Mattos has served as a Vermont House representative since his appointment. He is a lifelong Milton resident, UVM graduate and a small business owner.

Southeast District (three seats)

Democrats

Incumbent Democrat Thomas Chittenden , South Burlington (2021-Present) - Chittenden formerly served as a South Burlington city councilor, UVM faculty senate president and chair of Green Mountain Transit. He works as a senior lecturer in UVM's Grossman School of Business.

Incumbent Democrat Virginia V. Lyons , Williston (2001-Present) - Lyons is the former chair of Williston Select Board, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and many other community boards. She is currently a part-time professor at Vermont State Colleges after decades of teaching biological sciences at Trinity College in Vermont.

Incumbent Democrat Kesha Ram Hinsdale , Burlington (2021-Present) - Prior to her time in the state Senate, Hinsdale served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 2008 to 2016. She teaches structural inequality and environmental justice at Vermont Law & Graduate School.

Democrat Louis Meyers, South Burlington - Meyers has worked as a physician in primary care and hospital science for 30 years. He previously ran for the Vermont Senate in 2016, as well as the U.S House in 2022.

Republicans

Republican Bruce Roy, Williston - Roy is a military veteran, retired engineer at IBM and former community college instructor. He has also served on the Essex School Board. Roy ran unsuccessfully for the Vermont House of Representatives in 2022.

Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont primary election: Chittenden County Senate candidates
When the British Prime Minister called a UK general election many events on the royal calendar were thrown into question, including the State Visit from the Emperor of Japan. But today it is announced that the visit will go ahead and will take place from Tuesday, June 25 to Thursday, June 27.

Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan will pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom as guests of His Majesty The King from Tuesday 25th to Thursday 27th June 2024, Buckingham Palace said in a statement today. The program will include the usual official ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade as well as State Dinner at Buckingham Palace. The Japanese couple will arrive a few days earlier, on Saturday June 22, and carry out a private program of events ahead of their official welcome.

Pool - Getty Images

The royal roles for the State Visit were also detailed by Buckingham Palace today as the working royals each take on different sets of responsibilities. Prince William will greet the Emperor and Empress on behalf of the King at their hotel on Tuesday morning before accompanying them to the official welcome at Horse Guards Parade. There, the King and Queen will formally welcome them before traveling with them to Buckingham Palace. Several members of the royal family will attend the State Dinner that evening, although details of the guests have not yet been outlined.

One Wednesday, June 26, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will join the Emperor and Empress for for a banquet at the Guildhall hosted by the Lord Mayor. On Thursday June 27 the Emperor and Empress will formally bid farewell to the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace before traveling to Windsor where the Emperor will privately lay a wreath on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II in the King George VI Chapel.

The Princess of Wales, who is receiving treatment for cancer, is not listed among the royals taking part in the visit. Last week, it was announced that Kate will be replaced by Lieutenant General James Bucknall, who will take the salute at the Colonels Review on June 8 ahead of Trooping the Colour. Last month, the Palace gave an update on one of the Princesss early years projects, during which it was made clear that she will return to work only when given the green light by doctors.

The royal familys diary of official engagements has been modified since it was announced that the UK will have a general election on July 4. The Palace said that engagements that could divert or distract from the election campaign would be postponed. As a politically neutral figure, it is important that the monarch is not seen to in any way influence the outcome of anyones campaign.

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New private college in Yellowknife says it will help the North  but its critics aren't sold

A sign for the College of Northern Canada at its campus in downtown Yellowknife. The campus is in the EPR accounting office. (Luke Carroll/CBC - image credit)

A new Yellowknife-based private college that's promising "transformational learning" for northerners has run into some roadblocks to accreditation, and critics say it's not clear what kind of programming it's offering or to whom.

The N.W.T. government formally rejected the College of Northern Canada's application to offer diplomas in global tourism management and global logistics, according to Chehrazade Aboukinane, the college's president. The college is still operating and offering non-accredited courses.

In an interview with CBC, executives of the college defended the programming they want to offer and hailed it as a new education model that aims to help Indigenous people from remote communities.

However, the college's tuition fees aren't public, it isn't eligible for student financial aid, and few details exist on the website for the college itself. A drop-down menu shows several courses with no description. Instead, applicants are instructed to call "an advisor."

Centre of excellence and logistics learning

Despite its diploma programs being denied by the N.W.T.'s Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), the college is still offering other training: a logistics pathways program that welcomed a cohort of students at the beginning of May.

Louis Blais, vice president of business development and marketing for the college, said the program grants a Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation (CITT)-Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP) designation.

"It's a great way to unlock access to a lot of great-paying careers and jobs in logistics because, as we all know, in northern Canada and especially in the territories, logistics is a very, very in-demand job," Blais said.

Louis Blais is vice president-business development and marketing for the College of Northern Canada.

Louis Blais is vice-president of business development and marketing for the College of Northern Canada. (Luke Carroll/CBC)

CITT's website lists several trucking organizations as industry partners.

Shaun Murray, a regional manager for Det'on Cho Landtran Transport, a trucking company in Yellowknife, told CBC he'd never heard of the CCLP designation. He said work experience is really what matters.

Pina Melchionna, president and CEO of CITT, who is also listed on the college's website as faculty, said the course's mandate isn't for truck drivers specifically  it's more focused on office jobs.

Blais said the school has about a dozen potential employers and companies willing to place students who go through the program, but declined to share that list with CBC.

"No further information will be shared until after the grand opening," Blais wrote in an email, but didn't say when the grand opening would be.

Diploma programs denied

As for the diplomas, college president Chehrazade Aboukinane said the college is still in discussions with ECE about the rejection and "there is little information" she can reveal.

CBC News reached out to Caitlin Cleveland, the N.W.T.'s education minister, about why the applications were rejected. A department spokesperson responded by email.

"The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is committed to taking the time necessary to work through the accreditation process with the College of Northern Canada," wrote Katherine Barton, a spokesperson for ECE.

She said the N.W.T.'s accreditation process ensures "post-secondary institutions are properly governed and that programs, courses and the institutions themselves meet rigorous quality assurance processes."

Dan Round, ECE's manager of advanced education and strategic initiatives, said the territory's Post-Secondary Education Act of 2022 gave the territory an opportunity to look at what was working in other jurisdictions.

Dan Round is the N.W.T.s manager of advanced education and strategic initiatives.

Dan Round is the N.W.T. governments manager of advanced education and strategic initiatives. (Luke Carroll/CBC)

The N.W.T.'s rules cap the number of international students any institution can have at 30 per cent of the student body. It also has two quality assurance bodies, which are organizations that look at what the applicant will be offering students. These ensure a minimum standard for all accredited institutions, and rules around refunds for students.

"The idea is that a degree taken in the North will be recognized as a degree anywhere else," Round said.

'A non-traditional educational institution'

Norman Yak'e ula, who is in the midst of running for Dene National chief, is one of the N.W.T. Indigenous leaders on the college's academic council.

"We're looking at a new transformational type of learning for the Northwest Territories," he said, adding that it focuses on getting young people into the workforce.

Other members of the academic council include former cabinet minister Tom Beaulieu, Delne Chief (ekw'ahtde) Danny Gaudet and Steven Nitah, former utsel K'e chief.

Dene National Chief Norman Yakeleya speaks at the event in Calgary.

Norman Yak'e ula speaks at an event in Calgary. He is listed on the academic council for the College of Northern Canada and says he hopes for more Indigenous professors to be a part of the faculty in the future. (Jared Monkman/CBC)

Yak'e ula said although there is a lack of Indigenous instructors at the school, he's hoping that changes soon.

"We got really smart Indigenous and northern people who could fill these positions as professors," he said.

"Maybe in 10 years or less."

Aboukinane describes it as "a non-traditional educational institution" that is "targeting primarily Indigenous learners from various educational levels and backgrounds."

In an interview with NNSL, Aboukinane said there are no students from the North currently enrolled in the logistics program that's being offered. Blais confirmed in an email that there are no northern students registered.

No student financial assistance

A lack of public information and a lack of financial support for students are two concerns Julia Christensen, an associate professor in the department of geography and planning at Queen's University, has about the college.

Christensen, who grew up in Yellowknife, said she wonders if the college will offer education that benefits northern and Indigenous communities.

"I'd really like to see a lot more presented to the northern public about the process of the development of this college," she said.

Julia Christensen is an associate professor at Queen's University. She says she has several concerns around the college, including the affordability for northern students if they can't access financial assistance.

Julia Christensen is an associate professor at Queen's University. She says she has several concerns around the college, including the affordability for northern students if they can't access financial assistance. (Submitted by Julia Christensen)

She also worries about the financial burden it could place on prospective students. Students attending the college are not eligible for the N.W.T.'s student financial assistance program.

"That really, really limits, ultimately, what kind of an opportunity this is for northerners," Christensen said.

Aboukinane, the college president, said the school is "not looking at funding for existing students."

"We've had several interested applicants who were ready to pay the price it takes to learn and pursue their professional designation," she said.

The college declined to tell CBC how much its courses cost, and also doesn't provide those costs online.

However, in its application for the now-rejected global tourism and logistics programs, it wrote that tuition for those courses would have been $7,200 a year for domestic students.

Chehrazade Aboukinane, president of the College of Northern Canada, confirmed that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment rejected applications for two diploma programs.

Chehrazade Aboukinane, president of the College of Northern Canada, confirmed that the N.W.T.'s Department of Education, Culture and Employment rejected applications for two diploma programs. (Luke Carroll/CBC)

Huge debt loads, few job opportunities

Many of the criticisms levelled against private career colleges involve them taking advantage of international students, who pay a high price for tuition.

The College of Northern Canada isn't listed as a designated learning institute that's allowed to accept international students, but in its rejected application, it did apply to be allowed.

Courtney Mo is the director of community impact at Momentum. Her organization completed a study looking at student experience at private career colleges and found there is a a really broad spectrum of quality."

Courtney Mo is a director of community impact at Momentum. Her organization completed a study looking at student experience at private career colleges and found there is a 'a really broad spectrum of quality.' (Luke Carroll/CBC)

A director of Momentum, an Alberta-based charity that offers skilled training to people with lower incomes, said private career colleges offer a wide range of quality education  depending on which ones you look at.

Courtney Mo said her organization applied for funding from the federal government to complete a study that documents student experiences with private career colleges.

"[There are] some really great colleges that are connecting students to important jobs and meaningful work," said Courtney Mo.

"[There are] other colleges that are offering really concerning educational experiences, really poor-quality instruction and instructional materials, and some that were outright misleading, that were offering false and incorrect information."

Mo said her organization encourages provincial and territorial governments to have a minimum quality standard for private colleges, which the N.W.T. has.

She also encourages them to limit which institutions can access government student financial assistance, as that can sometimes make the institution look more legitimate.

In the N.W.T., non-accredited schools don't qualify for student financial aid.
A group of about 50 pro-Palestine protesters set up an encampment outside the Los Angeles City Hall on Monday evening.

About 20 tents lined the sidewalks outside the building and several of them had Palestinian flags and phrases like Free Palestine and Free Gaza, KABC-TV reported.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed online that it was monitoring the non-permitted demonstration and urged people in the area to use caution since some people were in the road.

No arrests or injuries have been reported. The Associated Press said the LAPD went on an area-wide tactical alert out of an abundance of caution.

The Hill has reached out to the LAPD for further comment on the demonstration.

The LAPD has clashed with protesters elsewhere in the city over pro-Palestine demonstrations.

Members of the LAPD wore helmets and carried batons as they pushed back protesters on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus last month. In April, physical altercations broke out between pro-Palestine protesters and counterprotesters on the campus.

More than 3,000 people have been arrested on college campuses across the country for protesting the Israel-Hamas war, the AP reported.

Students and community members have called on universities and U.S. institutions to divest from Israeli companies or companies that supply weapons to Israel as the war in Gaza continues.

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Protests at the University of Pittsburgh have ended in what officials are calling a peaceful ending to a long few days.

Protesters were calling for the university to sever any ties with Israel or companies promoting the Israel-Hamas War.

The Pittsburgh police chief told Channel 11 that the mayor and his team were able to speak with willing and trusted participants inside the encampment on Monday night. A short time later, protestors vacated the encampment.

It came just hours after protesters clashed with police. A Pitt police officer was pulled to the ground when protestors pulled down fencing. A protestor who cut their head during the incident was taken to a local hospital.

A Pitt spokesperson said the exterior of the Cathedral of Learning was vandalized during the demonstration and the city made the decision to step in overnight.

>> Protestors defaced Cathedral of Learning, Frick Fine Arts Building on Sunday, Pitt Chancellor says

With the mayors engagement, their willingness to participate, we were able to come to an agreement that they would vacate the lawn and move on, and thats the only thing we can ask for, Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto said.

The university said there were up to 200 members of the demonstration at one point or another.

On Tuesday afternoon, a Pitt spokesman sent Channel 11 the following statement:

Following two days of demonstrations, protestors voluntarily left the encampment Tuesday morning. The Mayors office, in close coordination with University leadership and public safety teams from the University of Pittsburgh, City of Pittsburgh Police, Allegheny County Sheriffs office, and Pennsylvania State Police led negotiations with protestors who were largely unaffiliated with the University. The Cathedral of Learning lawn is now cleared, and the rest of the campus is open and under normal operations. The University is thankful for the support it received from the Mayors office, the University of Pittsburgh Police Department, and other local officials and law enforcement agencies.

Mayor Ed Gaineys communications director, Maria Montano, sent Channel 11 the following statement:

Our number one priority last night was to find a path towards a peaceful resolution so that everyone could go home safely. I want to be clear: while demonstrators reiterated some of their demands as part of the discussion, the primary focus of this meeting was not about their demands, but about how we could find a way to resolve the conflict on Pitts campus peacefully. Our decision to meet with them was in no way an endorsement of those demands.

Last night, we were able to connect with individuals inside of the encampment and were able to convene a meeting with representatives, which included a mixture of Palestinian and Jewish students and faculty, in order to try to find a path forward.

Protesters acknowledged that most of their demands were not of the City or County, but of the University, and they were appreciative of our open and honest communication about what we knew. All parties were clear that the Mayor and the County Executive could not negotiate on behalf of the University, and no actionable commitments by the University were made. We clarified the role and authority that the Mayor and County Executive had in the moment and a clarified their role as non-voting members of the Universitys Board of Trustees.

We shared information about the Mayors work to attempt to deescalate the situation and provided our assessment of what was likely to happen in the wake of violence at the encampment, to enable protesters to make informed decisions.

Once the meeting ended, we facilitated the return of the protesters to the encampment to allow them to have a conversation with others about their next steps. At 2:00 AM they made the decision to leave Pitts campus peacefully. Our City of Pittsburgh Police then facilitated their peaceful dispersal.

A press conference will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, addressing the protest.

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KINSHASA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is set to inaugurate its new government next week, about five months after President Felix Tshisekedi began his second term in January, Vital Kamerhe, president of the National Assembly, said late Monday.

The incoming government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Judith Tuluka Suminwa, who was appointed in April, will be inaugurated before the National Assembly. Kamerhe made this statement following a meeting with Tshisekedi.

"We must first receive the Prime Minister with her program, it will be multiplied and given to the national deputies," Kamerhe said.

As per the DRC Constitution, a new government can only assume office once the lower house approves the new prime minister's national program with an absolute majority.

The new government, which was revealed at the end of May, consists of 55 members, including the head of government, six deputy prime ministers and 10 ministers of state. This is a slight decrease from the 57 members in the outgoing Cabinet, which was reshuffled in March 2023.

Erik Nyindu, the communications director of the DRC presidency, said that the government's publication took time due to discussions and compromises among different parties in the coalition.

During the general elections held in December 2023, Felix Tshisekedi was reelected for a second term. He appointed Suminwa as the new prime minister in early April. 
Proposed bill would create a loan program for new farmers in New Jersey

Proposed bill would create a loan program for new farmers in New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11)  Some lawmakers are sewing seeds they hope will yield more farmers to combat what they say is a growing shortage.

Its really designed to get younger folks into farming, said Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R-NJ 12th District). Weve got to continue to incentivize folks to get into farming because its a hard thing to do.

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Sauickie is co-sponsoring a bill that would create a new loan program. If passed into law, the program would help new farmers of low to moderate net worth get a loan to acquire land, machines, trucks, and more.

A lot of people like to work from home now, said Sauickie, so to get people to come and work on a farm, which is real hard work, is a real challenge.

Not to mention, this line of work is getting more expensive. According to the USDA Census report released earlier this year, while New Jersey added more than a hundred farms, the cost of farming in New Jersey increased by nearly $40,000 per farm.

The Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture -or ACE- Committee met to discuss the bill on Monday. The Committee chair, Democratic Assemblyman William Spearman, is co-sponsoring the bill along with Republican Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia.

New Jersey officials seek to improve living standards for seniors

This is a loan program, its not a hand-me-out type of program, said Sauickie. Farmers are hard workers, theyre not looking for handouts, but we do need to help them out just like we would help out beginning homeowners.

The ACE Committee advanced the bill; its next stop is likely the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

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A proposed defense spending bill the House of Representatives released Tuesday would fund eight more F-35 Joint Strike Fighters in fiscal 2025 than the military originally planned.

The Pentagons budget request earlier this year included money to buy 68 F-35s  42 F-35As for the Air Force, and 13 F-35Bs and 13 F-35Cs for the Navy and Marine Corps.

But the House Appropriations defense subcommittees draft spending bill would add two more F-35As to the Air Forces purchase, and six more F-35Cs, for a total of 76 jets. The number of F-35Bs the Marine Corps would buy would remain unchanged under this appropriations bill.

The plan to increase F-35 purchases in the proposed defense appropriations bill would differ from the Houses proposed National Defense Authorization Act, which would cut the number of F-35 purchases by as much as 20.

The NDAA, which the House Armed Services Committee approved last month, would first cut the Pentagons F-35 purchases down to 58, and then prevent the military from accepting delivery of another 10 jets until it certifies several problems with the jet are fixed.

HASC lawmakers are growing impatient with the F-35 program and manufacturer Lockheed Martin over problems such as delays in its Technology Refresh 3 upgrades, which have halted deliveries of the newest jets for nearly a year. HASC staffers told reporters in May that the roughly $1 billion saved by cutting the first 10 F-35s would be reinvested to ensure the jets work properly when they roll out of Lockheeds factory.

The defense appropriations bill would also provide funding for 15 KC-46 Pegasus aircraft, eight MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters, and 18 F-15EX Eagle II fighters, as the Air Force requested in March. The Air Force had originally expected to buy 48 F-35As and 24 F-15EXs in 2025.

And the appropriations bill would provide the Air Force $120 million to buy two more HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters in 2025. The Air Force has sought to curtail its HH-60W buy and cap it at 75, down from 113, arguing that the helicopters would not be survivable in a future war against an advanced adversary such as China.

Lawmakers would also provide the Air Force $400 million to speed up the delivery of Boeings E-7 aircraft, known in other countries as the Wedgetail, which is meant to replace the aging E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS.

The appropriations bill also proposes $1.9 billion in procurement funds for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, and $2.7 billion in research, development, test and evaluation funds to continue the bombers development. Another $2.1 billion in RDT&E funds would go to developing and modernizing the F-35.

The Air Forces Next Generation Air Dominance future fighter program would get $3.3 billion for development, in line with the services request, and nearly $493 million in RDT&E funds for its Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile.

The Air Force would also receive $3.4 billion to continue developing the LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear missile, which is meant to replace the decades-old Minuteman III.
AUSTIN, Texas  A prosecutor said Tuesday he is asking the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to reverse the governors pardon of a former Army sergeant who was convicted of fatally shooting a Black Lives Matter demonstrator.

Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza and the family of Garrett Foster, who was killed during a protest in July 2020, have called Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts full pardon of Daniel Perry a mockery of the legal system.

Former Army sergeant convicted of killing BLM protester pardoned

Garza said Tuesday that Abbott had put politics over justice, and he vowed to use every option available to reverse the governors decision.

We will continue to use the legal process to seek justice, he said during a news conference in Austin.

The Court of Criminal Appeals is the states highest court for criminal matters. All nine elected judges are Republicans. Garza said he believes the case is unique in state history, from the rapid request for pardon and its approval to a request for the appeals court to intervene.

All of this is new ground, Garza said.

Abbotts office did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. An attorney from Perrys legal team declined to comment.

Perry was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison in May 2023 for the fatal shooting of Foster during a demonstration in downtown Austin.

Fosters mother, Sheila Foster, described the pardon as absolutely unacceptable to our family.

We will fight this until we get justice for Garrett, Foster said, her voice quivering with emotion. My own child was killed on American soil for doing nothing but practicing his First and Second Amendment rights. And our governor just said, Thats OK. Thats acceptable.

Perry, who is white, was working as a ride-share driver when his car approached the demonstration. Prosecutors said he could have driven away from the confrontation with Foster, a white Air Force veteran who witnesses said never raised his gun.

A jury convicted Perry of murder, but Abbott called the shooting self-defense, noting Texas Stand Your Ground law. Abbott ordered the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to review Perrys case, and issued a full pardon last month over the objections of Fosters family and prosecutors. Perry was quickly released from prison.

Last month, 14 Democrat attorneys general from around the country said the U.S. Justice Department should investigate whether Perry denied Foster his right to free speech and peacefully protest. Garza said Tuesday that he echoed that request.

Army to discharge sergeant convicted of murdering Air Force veteran

A federal probe could open Perry to federal charges. The DOJ has historically used federal civil-rights laws to prosecute acts of hate, especially when states refuse or fail to hold people accountable for violating their fellow Americans civil rights, the coalition of attorneys general said.

Garza said he will pursue what action he can in the state legal system, but that he would welcome federal scrutiny of the case.

People all across the country are outraged about what happened to Garrett, what happened to his family, Garza said. Were grateful for their request and would echo their request.

Foster was killed amid the widespread demonstrations against police killings and racial injustice that followed the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white Minneapolis police officer. Perrys conviction prompted immediate calls for a pardon from state and national conservatives.

Throughout American history, our freedom of speech and right to peaceful protest have been two of the most powerful tools used to combat injustice and oppression, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said last week. Vigilante violence is unacceptable, particularly when that violence is used to deprive Americans of their lives and most fundamental liberties.

Perry claimed he was trying to drive past the crowd and fired his pistol when Foster pointed a rifle at him. Witnesses testified that they did not see Foster raise his weapon. Prosecutors argued that Perry could have driven away without shooting.

Abbotts rush to wipe away the conviction also raised questions about how a governor might try to overturn a jurys verdict in the future.

After the verdict but before Perry was sentenced, the court unsealed dozens of pages of text messages and social media posts that showed he had hostile views toward Black Lives Matter protests.

In a comment on Facebook a month before the shooting, Perry wrote, It is official I am a racist because I do not agree with people acting like animals at the zoo.

Associated Press reporter Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed.
Prosecutors open their case against Hunter Biden by playing his own voice for the jury

WILMINGTON, Delaware  Prosecutors at Hunter Bidens trial on gun-related charges urged jurors Tuesday not to show sympathy or favoritism for him because he happens to be the son of President Joe Biden, while the defense suggested the case was belatedly charged and overblown.

No one is above the law, prosecutor Derek Hines declared at the outset of his opening statement. It doesnt matter who you are or what your name is, because in this country the law applies to everyone equally.  That law makes no distinction between Hunter Biden and anybody else.

Hines, who is part of the team working under special counsel David Weiss, said prosecutors would produce overwhelming evidence that Hunter Biden was addicted to drugs at the time he bought a handgun from a Delaware gun shop in October 2018 and, therefore, lied on a form when he checked a box denying that he was a drug user or addict. And the prosecution quickly gave jurors some of the strongest evidence against the presidents son: his own description of the depth of his drug addiction  not simply in his own words, but in his own voice.

With Biden sitting calmly at the defense table alongside his lawyers, his voice rang out from speakers in the courtroom as the prosecution played audio of him narrating passages from his memoir in which he described how he grappled with an intense crack cocaine habit that often led to him smoking crack as often as every 15 minutes.

Addiction may not be a choice, but lying and buying a gun is a choice, Hines told the jury of six men and six women.

Bidens lawyer previews his defense

Bidens lead defense attorney, Abbe Lowell, denied that his client lied on the federal background-check form. He noted that the form contains no detailed definition of who should be considered a drug user or addict. The way those terms are used in common parlance cant be what is meant on the form, he suggested; otherwise, anyone with an addiction, even if they have been sober for many years, wouldnt be able to purchase a weapon.

As you know, a person who recovers from alcohol or drug abuse always considers themselves an addict, Lowell told the jury. At an AA meeting, Im Abbe Lowell and Im an addict.

At times, Lowell echoed a famous semantic argument made by a different client of the high-profile defense lawyer: former President Bill Clinton. In the lead-up to Clintons impeachment  in which Lowell represented him  Clinton famously asked what the definition of the word is is.

On Tuesday, Lowell said of the gun purchasing form at the heart of Bidens case: It most clearly uses the word are.  It does not say, Have you ever been? It does not say, Have you ever used?

Lowell has argued in court filings that Weiss  a U.S. attorney appointed by Donald Trump  filed the gun charges against Biden due to political pressure from Republicans. Prosecutors rarely bring the three felony counts at issue as standalone charges.

However, Judge Maryellen Noreika barred the defense from raising such arguments in front of the jury. So, Lowell inched in that direction: He suggested that the charges were too harsh, and he repeatedly noted there was little evidence of prosecutors interest in the matter from the time the gun was purchased and disposed of in a grocery store trash can in 2018 until last year.

For these events, the prosecutors have filed three felony charges, Lowell said somewhat skeptically.

Lowell also previewed other arguments to the jury, including that the gun was an impulse buy while Biden was getting a new cell phone nearby, that therefore he might have not been paying much attention to the form and that the stores employees were rushing him. The defense attorney also said Biden wasnt using drugs when he purchased the gun and kept it for 11 days before his brothers ex-wife, Hallie Biden, whom Hunter was in a relationship with at the time, found it and threw it away.

Giving up drugs was not easy. Giving up alcohol was even harder, Lowell said, noting that the federal forms do not ask about alcohol use.

Lowell noted Bidens stays with various family members and business activities during the brief period when he is accused of possessing the gun. Those activities, Lowell said, were inconsistent with crack cocaine use by a man who has said his addiction was so powerful that he smoked every 15 or 20 minutes.

There may be high-functioning alcoholics, but there is no such thing as a high-functioning crack addict, Lowell said.

Several members of the Biden family were in the courtroom to offer support as the trial opened, including First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter Bidens wife Melissa Cohen-Biden and Hunter Bidens half-sister Ashley Biden. The first lady's adviser Anthony Bernal was also present.

Hunter Biden gave Lowell a mini-hug as he prepared to deliver his opening, giving a broad grin to his attorney, briefly gripping the back of the lawyers neck and later shaking his hand. The presidents son appeared to be trying to make eye contact with the jurors as Lowell plowed through his 50-minute statement, occasionally tapping or slapping the lectern for emphasis.

The first witness

After the opening statements, prosecutors called their first witness: FBI special agent Erika Jensen. As they did in the opening, prosecutors immediately used Bidens own words against him.

After Jensen identified Biden's memoir, Beautiful Things, Hines played lengthy excerpts of the book that detailed stomach-churning episodes of drug use. Biden himself narrated the audiobook, so jurors heard him in his own voice describe how he learned how to cook crack cocaine, how he recruited homeless people to buy crack for him, and how he nearly died when he fell asleep at the wheel while on a drug-fueled bender.

As the audio played in the courtroom, the first lady put her arm around Ashley Biden, who later left the courtroom.

The two did not return to the courtroom immediately after the lunch break, but Melissa Cohen-Biden was on hand.

During the afternoon session, Jensen remained on the stand as jurors were shown text messages to and from Hunter Biden that the prosecution said depicted his interactions with drug dealers between April and July 2018 before he did a week-long stint at a rehab and detox center in L.A.s Brentwood neighborhood in late August.

In one message, sent in April 2018, Biden wrote to an apparent drug dealer, Can you get baby powder? He later added, The really soft stuff.

Hines noted in his opening statement that a Drug Enforcement Agency agent would later testify that this referred to cocaine.

Another message to Biden from the same phone number, sent June 19, 2018, said, Bro I got it, where do I drop it bro?

Hines used other means to attempt to establish that Bidens drug habit continued after that. He introduced quotes from Bidens book that reference a relapse, and he showed jurors that Biden withdrew cash from banks at a staggering clip.

From January to November 2018, Biden pulled about $833,000 from two bank accounts in ATM withdrawals, check card transactions and teller withdrawals, according to records displayed to the jury Tuesday. From the end of August through November, he accessed about $151,000 in cash, the bank records showed. He also made cash withdrawals on all but four days in October, the month he made the gun purchase and checked the box saying he was not a drug user or addict. He took out $5,000 on the same day he bought the gun.

Jurors also saw a text message Biden sent to Hallie Biden the day after he bought the gun. I was sleeping on a car smoking crack on 4th St and Rodney, he wrote.

Lowell suggested in his opening statement that Biden may have been lying to his brothers widow about using drugs because he simply didnt want to see her.

Jurors also saw first-hand the infamous laptop that Biden allegedly dropped off at a Delaware repair shop and never retrieved. The disclosure of its contents, including photos of Biden with drugs and in hotel rooms with women, caused a major dust-up in the 2020 presidential race, as Democrats insisted it was likely Russian propaganda and discussion about it was suppressed on social media sites.

The day ended with Lowell, Bidens lead defense attorney, cross-examining Jensen, the FBI agent. He pressed her for any text messages in which Biden appeared to be arranging drug transactions with dealers in October 2018. He also noted that while prosecutors presented a lengthy text chain about an apparent drug deal that played out on Feb. 26, 2019, there were no comparably long exchanges in the month Biden bought the gun.

Lowell also pushed Jensen for any material indicating that Biden was suffering from debilitating drug use in October 2018. Jensen conceded that that month, Biden spent time with friends and family and took a plane flight  activities that he has said were difficult during times when he was actively using crack.

The linchpin of Bidens defense will be the argument that prosecutors cannot prove he knowingly bought a gun as a drug user  because in October of 2018, after an August rehab stint, he could have genuinely believed he did not have a drug problem. Lowells cross-examination aimed to start laying that foundation.

Juror substitution at the start of the day

The second day of the trial began with a minor hitch. Shortly before the scheduled 9 a.m. start, Noreika took the bench and informed the parties that one of the jurors selected Monday had dropped out, citing transportation problems. Four other jurors were running late, she said.

The juror who bowed out was replaced by one of four alternates who were also picked Monday.

As the parties waited for the tardy jurors, Noreika ruled on a series of defense objections to evidence prosecutors planned to use at the trial, including photos of Biden during the period when prosecutors say he was regularly using drugs.

The judge, a Trump appointee, sided with prosecutors on almost all the disputed issues. Among the exhibits she green-lighted to be shown to the jury are shirtless photos of Hunter Biden and a text message he sent after Hallie Biden dumped the gun. In that text, Hunter Biden allegedly suggested that she could have endangered others by throwing the gun in the trash.

Noreika also largely rejected Lowells attempt to introduce additional passages from Bidens book beyond the ones prosecutors said they plan to show the jury. She said if he wishes to give the jury more information to aid his case he is free to testify, but will be subject to cross-examination.
Prospect Park benches become canvases for NYC students perspectives on social issues

Prospect Park benches become canvases for NYC students perspectives on social issues

PROSPECT PARK, Brooklyn (PIX11)  Prospect Parks familiar green spaces have gotten a vibrant makeover, thanks to a creative project by local students.

Benches throughout the park have been transformed into colorful murals, showcasing the students perspectives on social issues.

Park visitor Parker Detchon from Hawaii was pleasantly surprised by the artistic additions.

They add a nice splash of color and some of the playfulness that comes from childrens art, he remarked.

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Detchon was particularly impressed by the messages conveyed in the murals.

You can see things like Protect Our Generation and some of the ideas coming from the youth. Its nice to have a bit of a billboard for them.

The murals are part of a citywide program organized by CEI Arts Education. Mollie Roth, a teaching artist with the program, explained the projects goals.

We did a lot of sketches and they decided their topics and then came up with the idea of mental health and how nature can affect mental health.

Roth elaborated on the participation of students from William McKinley School in Brooklyn.

About thirty students participated in painting the murals. Their design concepts focused on themes like rising up like a flower, the impact of nature on mental health, and nurturing the future.

One particularly impactful message, according to Roth, was a quote chosen by the students:

All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today, giving them the idea of wanting to project things for future generations.

The Prospect Park benches are just part of a larger initiative. Until September, 30 murals created by students from various schools across the city will be displayed throughout the five boroughs.

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Tia Walker, Senior Program Manager at CEI, emphasized the programs significance.

Social issues are something we face every day that sometimes politics or people higher up dont really have time to express or show they care about. Students doing that showcases young minds thinking about what they see in the world and wanting to actively change it.

Detchon echoed Walkers sentiment, recognizing the power young voices can have.

If we empower children to have a voice, thats always going to have a lasting impact because theyll feel they have an influence on the local culture.

The student-created murals in Prospect Park offer a unique blend of artistic expression and social awareness. Visitors like Detchon admire these vibrant additions and are reminded of these young artists important messages for the world.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Protester injured, Pitt police lieutenant knocked down during clash outside Cathedral of Learning

Pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with police as demonstrations continued at the University of Pittsburgh on Monday night.

>> Protestors defaced Cathedral of Learning, Frick Fine Arts Building on Sunday, Pitt Chancellor says

Channel 11 has learned that a Pitt police lieutenant was knocked to the ground when protesters pulled down fencing.

A protester who cut their head was taken to a local hospital.

This is the second day that Pitts campus has seen the crowds. Protesters are calling for the university to sever any ties with Israel or companies promoting the Israel-Hamas War.

Sunday night, a man was arrested for reportedly preventing officers from doing their job.

This is about a whole world of people who are suffering and crying out for help and that is why we are here today, on the principle of standing together in solidarity with people the world over, Ilyas Khan, a Carnegie Mellon University student, said.

Pitt said protesters vandalized the exterior of the Cathedral of Learning on Sunday. A spokesperson said no damage was done to the inside of the building.

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39 Pittsburgh Public Schools facilities will switch to remote learning on Tuesday 1 person arrested at protest at the University of Pittsburgh; Cathedral of Learning closed Cranberry pizza shop closing permanently VIDEO: Healing Tree of Life mosaic mural unveiled at Frick Park DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
NEW YORK  Current Columbia students are finding some allies in their cause.

This weekend, hundreds of Columbia University alumni gathered to boycott their alma mater and stand up for pro-Palestinian student protesters who faced disciplinary action, suspension and arrest. The alumni events, dubbed Columbia Alternative Reunion, were meant to send a message to university administrators that the protest movement for Palestinian causes doesn't just begin and end with undergraduates.

Watching these events unfold has been heartbreaking. We stand in solidarity with the students, we think what theyre doing is a testament to Columbia, not the other way around," said alumna Gabby Beans, a Tony-nominated actor and writer.

Attendees designed the events as a boycott to coincide with Columbia's traditional, annual class reunions, which come with a fee.

I didnt feel comfortable engaging in something that was so pro-Columbia knowing that the administration did not protect the students," said Mychael Crafton, an engineer and member of Columbia's class of 2014.

Rather than pay money to attend normal reunion events, alternative reunion attendees raised more than $13,000 for Palestinian causes in less than two days.

During normal class reunions each year, thousands of alumni and their families descend on Columbias Morningside Heights campus after the spring semester to celebrate and reunite with their college community. The parties, dinners and receptions help alumni  and their wallets  stay connected to the university, said Michael Carter, an alternative reunion organizer.

"The endowment is the issue at hand," Carter said. "Columbia, like many private universities, operates as a big hedge fund with a little school attached to it."

University spokesperson Ben Chang told USA TODAY the school declined to comment on activities that took place outside Columbia University. Chang said the school was "pleased to welcome our alumni back on campus for Columbia Reunion 24 this past weekend."

The Columbia College Reunion Team did not respond to request for comment. The student coalition Columbia University Apartheid Divest, which helps organize pro-Palestinian protests, also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Jewish students at Columbia and Barnard College who, along with hundreds of others, signed a letter supporting Israel, said it's good that different groups affiliated with Columbia are able to organize about their shared beliefs.

The weekend's alternative reunions were "productive in terms of raising awareness for their cause" and money for aid, said Eliana Goldin, who is studying with the Columbia-Jewish Theological Seminary program.

Julie Slotnick, a 32-year-old clinical psychologist, first had the idea to organize an alternative reunion so that Columbia alumni could signal their support for pro-Palestinian student protesters and still celebrate the class of 2024's 10-year reunion in New York City.

SUSPENSIONS Colleges withhold degrees from students after pro-Palestinian protests

College nostalgia meets the current pro-Palestinian movement

On Friday and Saturday, about 500 smartly dressed thirtysomethings converged at trendy Manhattan bars to reunite with friends  and withdraw support for the university that initially brought them together as undergraduate students. Now working professionals in psychology, fashion, law, engineering and many other fields, the alumni said no one viewpoint defines them.

Its a wide swath of political orientations. Its not like a homogenous group of angry leftists, and Im proud to call them my classmates," Beans said.

Tony-nominated actor and writer Gabby Beans holds up a 'Columbia Alt Reunions' sticker at the Brass Monkey bar in Manhattan's Meatpacking District on May 31, 2024. Hundreds of Columbia University alumni raised more than $13,000 for Palestinian causes.

If people chose to attend the alternative reunion events instead of the normal ones, it's because they want to see an end to the violence in Palestine and Israel, Columbia Alternative Reunion lead organizer Julie Slotnick told USA TODAY.

The core thing that brings us here, aside from wanting to see one another, is being unable to accept this kind of wasted life, people being decimated," said Slotnick, who is Jewish. "It doesnt matter the affiliation or what team youre on. We are outraged to see this happening in Gaza.

The current war between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist Palestinian group, began on Oct. 7 when Hamas fighters rampaged into southern Israel from Gaza, killing more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing more than 250 as hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed.

Columbia response was 'antithetical' to university values

When Beans first learned Columbia students were occupying campus lawns with tents, she was proud and inspired. She immediately recalled Columbia students' 1968 protests for racial equality and an end to the Vietnam War. She also thought about how Columbia's famed Core Curriculum, which emphasizes literature and philosophy, has long aimed to foster moral reasoning among students, she added.

When I saw what the students were doing, I was reminded of that history and I felt pride as an alum that the students were acting as a moral authority," Beans said.

Mychael Crafton earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees, both in engineering, from Columbia University. He said school administrators need to do more to financially support pro-Palestinian student protesters.

But her feelings of pride shifted to shock and outrage when she learned university administrators were cracking down on student protesters by calling in the New York Police Department.

"I had believed Columbia valued the political activities of its students. To see them acting antithetically to that was really upsetting," Beans said.

Seeing police called to respond to on-campus protests was another tipping point for Slotnick, she said.

As soon as they called the NYPD, I knew I couldn't go to the reunion anymore," she said. "I cant support them with money."

Alumni call for divestment, support for students

Columbia alumni who attended alternative reunions said they want the university to divest endowment money from Israel, and they'd be open to other ideas as well, if the protest movement for divestment fails.

I know its hard to divest, I know its not easy to just meet demands," said Mychael Crafton, an engineer who grew up in St. Lucia.

Barnard College class of 2013 member Rachael Stein said her alma mater needs to support pro-Palestinian student protesters the same it would support any Barnard student who cares about voicing their political opinion on another topic. Stein works in children's book publishing and fashion in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Crafton said Columbia should fully divest, but if the university can't, it needs to start redirecting more of its funds to "anti-genocide" causes, financially support pro-Palestinian student groups and fund more spaces for pro-Palestinian students to gather.

Maybe we cant take a radical turn and make things the way you want it, but we can start something," Crafton said, adding that he's not seeing enough effort from the university to engage with pro-Palestinian students.

Multiple class years were represented at the reunion events, as well as students from Barnard College, a historically women's college affiliated with Columbia for more than a century. The college announced earlier this spring they'd be cancelling their own class reunions.

Rachael Stein, who graduated from Barnard in 2013, said she was attending Columbia Alternative Reunion to stand in solidarity with Barnard students who faced suspension for their participation in pro-Palestinian protests.

It makes no sense. How can we trust in the power of the Barnard community if the students are not getting that support? Stein said.

Luc Sanchez, who works in security software, travelled from Durham, North Carolina, to Manhattan to attend Columbia Alternative Reunion in support of pro-Palestinian student protesters.

Where are Columbia alumni donating?

On Friday and Saturday, alternative reunion attendees raised nearly $13,000 for direct aid to Palestine, as well as additional sums for individual GoFundMe fundraisers, according to Slotnick. In all, the alumni group hopes to raise $30,000, she said.

About half of funds raised went to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, and the rest went to World Central Kitchen, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and Freedom Bakeries, records show.

The pro-Palestinian student movement began when student asked the university to divest endowment funds from companies profiting from the war in Israel. Because alumni are such a significant contributor to the endowment, this weekend's fundraising efforts is a key step in the overall push for divestment, said Michael Carter, an organizer from the class of 2014.

"It's urgent, it's not something where you can just keep moving on with your normal life," Carter said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pro-Palestinian Columbia alums boycott reunions in New York
Publix to open third store in Northern Kentucky

A third Publix grocery store is coming to Northern Kentucky.

Florida-based Publix Super Markets, Inc. purchased land bordering Florence and Union on U.S. Highway 42 for $4 million in May, public records show. The space is part of the roughly 11-acre Farmview Commons, an upcoming shopping development that will also include two other smaller commercial spaces, Todd Morgan, senior zoning planner for Boone County, said.

Morgan said the Publix is planned to be roughly 56,000 square feet with an attached 3,200-square-foot liquor store and a drive-thru pharmacy.

Publix has purchased land in Boone County for its third Northern Kentucky store.

Publix did not have any plans to share for the location, media relations manager Jared Glover wrote in an email to The Enquirer.

Boone County's first Publix supermarket is expected to open in 2025 at Triple Crown Shopping Center. In April, the company announced it will also open a grocery store in Cold Spring.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Third Publix grocery store coming to Northern Kentucky
PULASKI COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  Pulaski County announced theyre opening their first career Fire-Rescue Department Monday in response to their growing population.

County Administrator Jonathan Sweet says the money comes from existing first-response funding.

Our 40 by 30 initiative is to grow the County to 40 thousand people by the year 2030 and this is going to require a greater level of emergency response, he said.

Pulaski County remembers firefighter who passed after battle with cancer

The County is hiring a new chief and three professional firefighters, plus pulling over four public safety members, to respond to calls from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. On nights and weekends though, all calls will still fall on volunteer crews. They will also be getting training, equipment, and a stipend from the same funding.

Dublin Volunteer Fire Chief Dean Russell says volunteer crews will still be the primary responders.

The volunteers are still going to be here running calls 24 hours, seven days a week. The career staff is going to help supplement the volunteers during the peak hours when most volunteers are working, he said. There may be a misconception that the career is going to take away from the volunteers. No, the careers are going to help supplement the volunteers.

Fallen Botetourt County Fire Captain honored at Virginia Fallen Firefighter and EMS Memorial

Consultant and CEO of Gannon Emergency Solutions Christopher Gannon says it could improve response times by 13 minutes.

During the daytime, particularly Monday to Friday, two independent studies confirmed that the existing volunteer fire system was having real challenges getting enough people to respond within those peak hours, he said.

The County is still deciding on a location, though Sweet says theyre eyeing a building in Dublin.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College education students now have funds to expand education opportunities.

The colleges early childhood development program announced Monday that it had received $261,250 from the Teacher Education and Compensation Helps Childhood Scholarship Program to pilot a program offering childcare college courses to high school juniors and seniors.

Arkansas expands Child Care Assistance Program, adds two additional groups

Students in the program interested in becoming teachers for children 5 and under will receive college credit for these courses. The intention is for the program to provide a workforce for ever-increasing childcare needs, officials said.

The program is currently enrolling for the fall semester, and the first 25 students are eligible to participate in the pilot program. Participating students will receive an annual incentive of $350 for completing coursework and a stipend of up to $1,440 each semester for completing required work experience hours.

Pulaski Tech manufacturing program awarded $1.7 million-plus Arkansas grant

Additional benefits available for students include $500 towards the purchase of a new laptop and the $425 assessment fee for those who choose to complete the Child Development Associate assessment.

The Teacher Education and Compensation Helps, or T.E.A.C.H., Early Childhood Scholarship Program is a national, evidence-based strategy that creates access to higher education for teachers, directors and family child-care providers working with young children. The T.E.A.C.H scholarship covers 100% of tuition and fees and 90% of books, with the school district covering the remaining 10%.

University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College receives two grants for nearly $6 million to expand, grow nursing program across campuses

Additional information on the program is available at UAPTC.edu/ECD.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JUBA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The World Food Program (WFP) said it requires 286 million U.S. dollars between June and November to scale up the humanitarian response in South Sudan.

The funding includes 53 million dollars for the crisis response in Sudan, where the lack of necessities, combined with violence and uncertainty, has forced many people to flee their homes, the WFP said in its latest report released Monday evening in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

"Given the severe funding gaps, WFP started scaling down its operations in January 2024, from over 7 million people targeted under its country strategic plan (2023-2025) to 4.2 million," it said.

The WFP said that it required 248,000 metric tonnes of food in 2024, of which it has allocated 156,000 metric tonnes or 63 percent of the annual requirements.

According to the WFP, 9 million people require humanitarian assistance in 2024.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an innovative multi-partner initiative for improving food security and nutrition analysis and decision-making, forecasts that 7.1 million people risk extreme food insecurity during the April to July lean season -- the period between harvests when households run out of stored food -- with over 2.3 million experiencing emergency and catastrophe food insecurity levels, respectively, including Sudanese returnees.

The IPC also estimates that 1.6 million children and 870,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls will be moderately or severely malnourished during this lean season.

According to the WFP, the ongoing Sudan conflict has exacerbated the dire situation, with 26,000 new arrivals entering the country in April, bringing the total number of people crossing into South Sudan since the conflict began to 656,000.

In April, the WFP reported that it had distributed 9,748 metric tonnes of food and 3.5 million dollars in cash-based transfers to 1.4 million people, accounting for 52 percent of those targeted that month. 
Louisianas edible hemp products industry survived a close call with state lawmakers who chose stricter regulations over a complete dismantling. (Canva image)

Louisianas edible hemp industry survived a close call with state lawmakers who chose stricter regulations over a complete dismantling. Also, the state has forced the two public universities with exclusive rights to medical cannabis farming in Louisiana to transfer their duopoly to two private companies.

The revamped hemp products proposal, House Bill 952, sponsored by Rep. Dustin Miller, D-Opelousas, passed the House in a 72-30 vote and cleared the Senate 26-11 in the final hour of the legislative session Monday.

Millers legislation will, among other things, lower the potency of recreational hemp edibles from 8 milligrams to 5 milligrams of THC per serving and ban them from convenience stores that sell fuel. THC is an acronym for tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.

Restaurants and bars that currently hold alcohol and hemp permits will be able to continue selling hemp products, but the bill will stop the state from issuing any new hemp permits for alcohol establishments.

Final passage came after a compromise that left both sides disappointed.

No one likes it, Miller told his colleagues as they peppered him questions and expressed frustration with the final version. He said he was backing the compromise proposal because that was the commitment he made with some lawmakers who supported a competing proposal that would have criminalized all recreational THC products and dismantled the entire hemp industry.

Rep. Jason DeWitt, R-Boyce, criticized the legislation for arbitrarily banning hemp only from convenience stores that sell fuel.

Were gonna discriminate against stores that sell fuel versus ones that do not? DeWitt asked.   We gave them a permit, and were basically gonna put them out of business?

Miller agreed the ban doesnt make much sense but said it was a way to appease the bills opponents who wanted hemp banned from all convenience stores.

Potency changes

The proposal will lower the potency of liquid THC tinctures from 80 milligrams to 30 milligrams, and it will limit THC beverages to a single 5 milligram serving per can or bottle. It effectively outlaws one popular drink with 50 milligrams of THC packed into a single can with 10 servings. The manufacturer recommends buyers drink only one serving at a time.

Also, Millers bill will require manufacturers to conduct potency tests on every batch of hemp edibles to ensure uniform amounts of THC in their products.

Still in its infancy but growing rapidly, Louisianas hemp industry was on a recent collision course with competing legislation that would have crippled some 2,000 businesses that have taken root in Louisiana since 2022 when the Legislature unwittingly legalized recreational hemp edibles with limited amounts of THC for adults 21 and older.

Some lawmakers have said they only voted for the 2022 law based on then-House Speaker Clay Schexnayders claim that it would take tractor-trailer loads of the stuff to get high. At the time, the Republican speaker was repeating a misleading, though perhaps technically accurate, statement a hemp farmer had made during a committee hearing. Just like with Millers legislation this year, lawmakers passed the late-amended Schexnayder bill at the close of the 2022 session.

Although it is the same species of plant as marijuana, hemp is a strain of cannabis with very low levels of THC. Manufacturers of consumable hemp products can extract those small amounts of THC and concentrate them into levels that can produce an intoxicating effect. They can also convert cannabidiol (CBD), a separate chemical in hemp that doesnt produce a high, into THC simply by cooking it in an acidic solution at a warm temperature.

This years legislative session saw Senate Bill 237 by Sen. Thomas Pressly, R-Shreveport, which would have made it illegal to manufacture or sell products that contain any amount of THC unless they are licensed medical marijuana products. Presslys bill picked up significant steam as it advanced through the Legislature, coming just shy of final passage last month, while Millers bill, which would keep the industry legal, appeared to be losing steam.

The divide was largely partisan as most Republicans had lined up in support of Presslys bill and against the recreational hemp industry while most Democrats had lined up in support of the industry.

The partisan lines began to crack as small business owners and residents began flooding legislators with emails, social media posts and phone calls, urging them to find less drastic measures.

On Friday, a bipartisan majority of House lawmakers sidelined Presslys bill, while the Senate approved Millers bill  with a catch. The Senate had added two amendments to Millers bill that would have banned the sale of THC edibles and drinks at all bars and convenience stores.

But House lawmakers rejected those Senate amendments on Sunday, sending the bill to a conference committee that would have less than 24 hours to work out a final compromise before the end of the session.

Working behind the scenes on the hemp issue were a contingent of beer and medical marijuana lobbyists pushing to restrict hemp products, particularly the THC seltzers they view as a competitive product.

Millers bill will head to Gov. Jeff Landry for executive approval. If signed into law, it will have a take-effect date of Jan. 1, 2025.

Farming rights

In a separate new law, the medical marijuana industry will see significant changes after legislators revoked the exclusive farming rights from two public universities and fully privatized marijuana growing in the state, giving a single company with close ties to lawmakers dominance over medical cannabis cultivation.

Senate Bill 228, sponsored by Sen. Patrick McMath, R-Covington, sailed through the Legislature with little opposition and was approved by the governor, taking immediate effect.

Since 2015, LSU and Southern University held the only two medical marijuana grower licenses issued in Louisiana. To get their cannabis farms up and running, the colleges partnered with private contractors Good Day Farm and Ilera Holistic Healthcare, respectively. McMaths new law transferred the cultivator licenses to those companies and allows them to keep them as long as they file for renewal each year.

The law has created a 100% privately-owned duopoly, though the two companies hardly compare in size or market share. No other companies will get a chance to apply for a growers license unless either Good Day Farm or Ilera relinquishes theirs.

Good Day Farm has close ties to the lawmakers who have given it a near-exclusive grip on a lucrative niche market. The companys primary shareholder is shipbuilding magnate Donald Boysie Bollinger, one of the wealthiest persons in Louisiana and a major Republican donor. The companys president is John Davis, husband of state Rep. Paula Davis, R-Baton Rouge.

Good Day Farm did not respond to a request for comment Monday.

The laws passage comes at an ideal time for the companies. Good Day Farm, which has produced far more product than Ilera, will be well-positioned to corner the market by the time the federal government loosens its restrictions on marijuana.

Following President Joe Bidens move to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently published the rescheduling plan, which is currently pending public review under a 60-day commenting period.

Easing federal regulations could reduce the heavy federal tax burden that the industry currently faces and blunt many of the criminal laws surrounding weed. The Internal Revenue Code currently renders marijuana businesses ineligible for certain federal tax deductions, and some federal courts have refused to grant bankruptcy judgments for businesses with income from marijuana-related activity. Bidens proposal could also make it easier to research cannabis and loosen workplace policies on recreational use and drug testing.

On the other hand, loosening the federal regulations could have some unintended consequences.

As a Schedule III drug, marijuana would remain regulated by the DEA. That means the roughly 15,000 cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. could be required to register with the DEA like regular pharmacies or fulfill strict reporting requirements.

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The post Pulling weeds: Legislators make big changes to Louisianas cannabis industries appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
Putin and Lukashenko at the 9 May Parade. Photo: Kremlin.ru

The Moscow Times writes that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin began wearing a bulletproof vest at public events in 2023 on the recommendation of the Federal Security Service.

Source: The Moscow Times, citing two Russian officials close to the Kremlin

Details: An unnamed Russian official has told the newspaper that Putin was wearing a concealed bulletproof vest on 9 May this year.

British security consultant Jade Miller has explained to journalists that judging by the fact that Putin walks rather stiffly and his coat does not show natural creases when he walks, it can be concluded that the Russian leader may be wearing a bulletproof vest.

Putin also visibly lifts and adjusts his shoulders, which indicates discomfort with the vest.

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US President Joe Biden attends the 48th G7 Summit. Biden has unveiled a new proposal put forward by Israel to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages. Biden said the new plan envisaged three phases of de-escalation, principally featuring a truce that would become permanent and Israel's withdrawal from the Palestinian territory. Peter Kneffel/dpa

Qatar said on Tuesday that neither the Israeli government nor the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement have yet made a clear statement on the plan announced by US President Joe Biden to end the Gaza war.

"We have not yet seen a very clear position from the Israeli government on the principles outlined by Biden," Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said at a press conference on Tuesday.

The contradictory statements from Israeli ministers did not make the Gulf state very confident about whether there was a unified position in Israel on the current proposal.

Qatar, the United States and Egypt have been mediating between Israel and Hamas for weeks to achieve a ceasefire and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

Al-Ansari emphasized that they have to see clear statements from both sides.

Hamas sources in the Lebanese capital Beirut said on Tuesday that Hamas would announce its response to the plan put forward by Biden "in the coming hours or days."

Our response will be either through the mediators or in an official statement, the source said.

On Friday, Biden surprisingly presented details of a draft deal in three phases.

Al-Ansari said that the principles contained in Bidens proposal provides a roadmap for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and ending the crisis.
Qatar said on Tuesday that neither the Israeli government nor the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement have yet made a clear statement on the plan announced by US President Joe Biden to end the Gaza war.

"We have not yet seen a very clear position from the Israeli government on the principles outlined by Biden," Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said at a press conference on Tuesday.

The contradictory statements from Israeli ministers did not make the Gulf state very confident about whether there was a unified position in Israel on the current proposal.

Qatar, the United States and Egypt have been mediating between Israel and Hamas for weeks to achieve a ceasefire and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas sources in the Lebanese capital Beirut said on Tuesday that Hamas would announce its response to the plan put forward by Biden "in the coming hours or days."

On Friday, Biden surprisingly presented details of a draft deal in three phases.

Al-Ansari said that the principles contained in Bidens proposal provides a roadmap for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and ending the crisis.

Biden refuses to be drawn on Netanyahu's position

Biden has declined to comment on speculation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be continuing the war in the Gaza Strip for his own political self-preservation.

Asked by a reporter on Tuesday whether Netanyahu was playing politics with the war Biden paused and answered: I dont think so. Hes trying to work out a serious problem he has.

In the interview with Time magazine, which was conducted on Tuesday last week but only published this Tuesday, Biden emphasized his support for Israel in the fight against the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement.

"My major disagreement with Netanyahu is ... what happens after Gazas over? What, what does it go back to? Do Israeli forces go back in?" Biden asked. Having consulted widely in the region, he said: "The answer is, if that's the case, it can't work."

Minister calls for war with Hezbollah

Israel's far-right police and security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has called for war with the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah.

"All Hezbollah strongholds must be burnt down and destroyed. War!" Ben-Gvir demanded in a video published on social media platform X on Tuesday.

It was unacceptable for parts of Israel to be attacked and people evacuated while peace prevailed in Lebanon, he said during a visit to Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel. The town has been particularly affected by shelling from the neighbouring country.

Ben-Gvir complained that Hezbollah was burning large areas of Israel, a reference to several fires in the north of the country caused by rocket fire from Lebanon in recent days.

He said that he had published the video after assessing the situation with the fire service and police in the region.

There have been daily military confrontations between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah militia in the border area between Israel and Lebanon since the beginning of the war in the Gaza Strip almost eight months ago. There have been casualties on both sides.

Around 150,000 people in both countries have been evacuated or have left the combat zone.

On the ground in the Gaza Strip

Eight Hamas policemen have been killed in an Israeli attack in the Gaza Strip, according to the Hamas-controlled media office in the Palestinian territory.

The airstrike on a police vehicle took place in Deir al-Balah in the centre of the coastal territory, the office said on Tuesday.

The information could not be independently verified.

Israel's army said that it was checking the reports.

New operation in al-Bureij in centre of Gaza Strip

The Israeli army has begun a new operation in the refugee neighbourhood of al-Bureij in the central part of the Gaza Strip, according to media reports from Tuesday evening.

In addition to the air force, ground troops are also involved, they said. The military had already been in the area at the beginning of the year, but withdrew again, the Jerusalem Post reported on Tuesday.

Hamas movement is still strong in the densely populated area. Israel has set itself the goal of crushing the terrorist organization militarily.

The army announced on Tuesday that a Hamas facility in a school belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in al-Bureij had been attacked with a drone the previous night. The Islamists had planned numerous attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers from there, it said.

The information could not be independently verified.

UN says desalination plants shut down

Vital desalination plants in the Gaza Strip have been shut down due to a lack of fuel for electricity generators, the UN has said.

"People dont have near enough water," UNRWA posted on the social media platform X. "Survival is a struggle. Families & children walk long distances in the heat for water. People need water to live - Israeli authorities must provide access NOW."

In April, Israel announced that a central water pipeline from Israel to the Gaza Strip had been repaired after it was damaged during the war against Hamas.

"Children in #Gaza are going through an endless nightmare," read another post from UNRWA on Tuesday. "Bombardments, forced displacement, lack of food & water and no access to education are traumatizing an entire generation."

Background to the Gaza war

The war was triggered by the unprecedented massacre carried out by militants from Hamas and other extremist Palestinian organizations in Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip on October 7.

The militants murdered more than 1,200 people and abducted more than 250 hostages to the Gaza Strip.

Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a ground offensive. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, 36,550 people have been killed so far and a further 82,959 injured.

These figures, which do not differentiate between fighters and civilians, cannot be independently verified at present.

Palestinians inspect a vest of one victims of an Israeli bombardment. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

Palestinians inspect a destroyed vehicle targeted in Israeli bombardment. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
EAST ELMHURST, Queens (PIX11)  After they were shot by a suspect who detectives say is an undocumented migrant, two NYPD officers are home recovering, following their release from the hospital.

Officer Richard Yarusso wheeled his partner, Officer Christopher Abreu, out of Elmhurst Hospital Monday morning after the two of them were given permission by doctors to go home. A long line of fellow officers from their precinct, the 115th, applauded as the two went from the hospital door to NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, who were waiting by vehicles standing by to get them home.

Hours earlier at the hospital, Mayor Eric Adams led a news conference, in which he held up the kevlar vest that Yarusso was wearing when he was shot in the torso.

This is what were fighting every day, Adams said, as he talked about the gun violence and gun seizures the police have done.

Child accused of fatally shooting teen cousin in Brooklyn: NYPD

Police identified the shooter as Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, 19. They said that hes a migrant who entered the U.S. illegally last July.

Its a point that was discussed by Ken Genalo, the field office director for New York for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. In an interview, he said that the fact that a migrant allegedly shot at cops is a sad aspect of the overall immigration situation in the country.

Its almost like a broken record, Genalo said, especially those that are targeting our law enforcement partners.

Genalo said that if the country adopted laws that allowed even more interaction between federal and local law enforcement on immigration issues it could help agents intercept more people like Mata sooner.

Video of NYC employee restraining girl prompts investigation

Prior to the shooting, Mata was already a suspect in a variety of crimes, including robbery, carried out using a motor scooter.

His motor scooter, investigators said, was unregistered. It was recovered at the shooting scene, after the two officers tried to pull him over for driving the wrong direction on a one-way street around 1:40 a.m. on Monday.

Police also said that Mata was staying at a migrant shelter less than a block away from the shooting scene, which was on 23rd Avenue, near 89th Street.

At the shelter, nobody there said they knew Mata.

In the neighborhood surrounding the shelter, residents said that crime in the area is real.

Carli Sinclair lives right next to the shelter.

Its definitely a change in the neighborhood, she said. I think there just has to be more police presence around the area.

Her neighbor, Francis Gomes, agreed. He said that more frequent patrols would be welcome.

Its getting worse, he said. And Im worried. We neighbors have been talking [about increased crime], since this hotel became an illegal migrant shelter.

NYPD crime statistics bear out the residents concerns.

The 115th Precincts data show that through May 26 incidents of rape are up 71.4%; burglary are up 44.8%; and robbery incidents are up 33.6%, compared to the same period last year.

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Senate Majority Whip Valarie Lawson, an East Providence Democrat, left, and Carly Iafrate, a private attorney representing Lawson, right, listen to proceedings during the Rhode Island Ethics Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current)

One-third of Rhode Island lawmakers collect, or could eventually receive, a state pension.

Yet only one, Sen. Majority Whip Valarie Lawson, consulted with the state ethics panel on whether her former teaching career and current job as president of one of the state teachers unions preclude her from voting on pension-related legislation.

The answer came swiftly and without discussion during a Rhode Island Ethics Commission meeting Tuesday morning: Go ahead.

The five-page advisory opinion, approved unanimously, points to a clause within the state ethics code letting public officials participate in actions that may benefit them personally, including financially, if enough other people also receive the same benefit. In other words, the proposed changes to the state pension system affect Lawson no more or less than the 68,000 retirees and active state workers and teachers, including 400 of her co-workers at the state teachers union.

Lawson, an East Providence Democrat, worked as an East Providence teacher for 32 years, leaving in December 2022 to take a job with the National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI). She is not formally retired, instead in deferred status within the Employees Retirement System of Rhode Island, according to the advisory opinion. She will be eligible to retire and begin collecting a pension without facing an early retirement penalty starting in August 2026.

Pension reform has taken center stage in the final weeks of the 2024 legislative session, with various proposals seeking to reverse or rollback some of the 2011 reforms led by then-Treasurer Gina Raimondo. Among the biggest changes enacted 12 years ago was suspending annual cost-of-living increases for retirees until the financially beleaguered pension system reached more stable funding levels.

The ethics opinion for Lawson relates specifically to five pieces of legislation described as imminent for votes in the Rhode Island Senate, including a proposal to provide an annual $2,000 benefit adjustment for retirees starting in 2025, and another to change how annual benefit allowances are calculated.

The ethics opinion does not apply to certain provisions of the updated fiscal 2025 budget proposal unveiled May 31 by House lawmakers, such as reducing the target funding ratio at which time cost-of-living adjustments would be reinstated for all retirees, from 80% funding to 75% funding. Nor does the opinion cover the latest budgets inclusion of cost-of-living adjustments for retirees who stopped working before 2012, though this addition would not expressly benefit Lawson.

Carly Iafrate, an lawyer representing Lawson, declined to comment when asked if her client will seek additional input on pension-related provisions of the fiscal 2025 budget.

However, the ethics panels decision specifies if any of the bills considered in its review are modified during legislative debate, Lawson must recuse herself or else seek additional input.

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission starts its meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current)

Lawson is hardly the only state lawmaker who stands to benefit from reinstating COLAs or decreasing pension funding ratios. Fourteen members of the Rhode Island General Assembly already collect a state pension; they are former state or municipal workers, teachers or beneficiaries of a deceased spouse or family member. Another 24 have credit toward a future pension payment, according to information obtained by the Rhode Island Current from the Office of the General Treasurer, which manages the state pension fund.

Of the 75 state representatives, 24, or 32%, are pensioners or have credit toward a future state pension. Fourteen state senators out of 38 have or could eventually collect a state pension.

Several of the pension reform measures under consideration are sponsored by lawmakers with direct connections to the state pension system. Sen. Frank Ciccone, a Providence Democrat and retired head of the state Judicial Records Center, has introduced five pension-related reforms, two of which would directly affect him.

Rep. Pat Serpa, a West Warwick Democrat and retired teacher, is also a vocal advocate for retirees at the State House, with four pension-related bills in play.

Yet no one besides Lawson has asked for the ethics commission to weigh in on a potential conflict of interest on pending legislation this year, according to information listed on the Rhode Island Ethics Commission website.

Thats not ideal, both for lawmakers own protection as well as the publics interest, said John Marion, executive director for Common Cause Rhode Island.

We think out of an abundance of caution, the best course of action is to seek an advisory opinion, Marion said in an interview on Tuesday. It provides a safe harbor. It also provides the public some solace that the legislator did their due diligence.

Yet, Marion also acknowledged that Lawson is in a unique position. Shes not only a prospective pension collector but an advocate for the 12,000 members of NEARI. And shes in a leadership position, having been tapped as the Senates majority whip following the Nov. 7 election.

Some lawmakers are very comfortable relying on their own understanding of what is and isnt a conflict, Marion said. Folks in leadership tend to be more risk-averse because they are more likely to get attacked.

The class exception of the state ethics code used to approve Lawsons participation on pension bill votes doesnt set a number for how many people in an affected group diminish the conflict of interest for a public official who also belongs to that group.

Yet generally speaking, its a necessary provision particularly for lawmakers whose duties include votes on wide-reaching tax and policy proposals that inherently affect them, along with many of their constituents, Marion said.

You cant really disqualify a third of the legislature from voting on something, he said. If its going to disproportionately affect one legislator, thats different. Where that line is is the whole debate.

These 14 lawmakers collect a state pension

Sen. John Burke, a West Warwick Democrat and retired University of Rhode Island worker Rep. Edward Cardillo, a Johnston Democrat and retired Johnston municipal worker (Johnston is one of the municipalities with a pension fund administered by the state) Sen. Frank Ciccone, a Providence Democrat and retired state government worker Sen. Anthony DeLuca, Warwick Republican, a former East Greenwich firefighter who retired with a disability pension Rep. Susan Donovan, a Bristol Democrat and retired teacher Sen. Hanna Gallo, Cranston Democrat and retired school speech language pathologist Rep. Arthur Handy, a Cranston Democrat, the widower of a former state government employee Rep. Charlene Lima, a Cranston Democrat and retired teacher Rep. Joseph McNamara, a Warwick Democrat and retired school administrator Rep. Mary Messier, a Pawtucket Democrat and retired teacher Rep. Patricia Morgan, a West Warwick Republican and retired teacher Rep. Sherry Roberts, a West Greenwich Republican, and former state government worker who retired on disability Rep. Pat Serpa, a West Warwick Democrat and retired teacher Sen. David Tikoian, a Smithfield Democrat and retired Rhode Island State Police trooper

Source: Office of the General Treasurer

This story was updated to correct Carly Iafrates role as attorney for Sen. Valarie Lawson.

The post R.I. ethics panel rules Sen. Lawson can vote on pension-related bills appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
By Will Dunham

(Reuters) - A rare fossil of an adolescent Tyrannosaurus rex has been excavated in North Dakota's badlands - a find noteworthy for the scientific insight it may offer into the life history of this famous dinosaur and for the tale of the kids who found it.

The discovery of the fossil, nicknamed "Teen Rex," was announced on Tuesday by the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where it will be studied and displayed.

In July 2022, brothers Liam and Jessin Fisher, 7 and 10 at the time, and their cousin, Kaiden Madsen, who was 9, were hiking and looking for fossils with Sam Fisher, father of Liam and Jessin, on land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management about 10 miles (16 km) from the town of Marmarth in southwestern North Dakota. Liam and his father noticed a large leg bone sticking out of the ground.

"My dad hollered for Jessin and Kaiden to come, and they came running," said Liam, now 9. "And dad asked, 'What is this?' And Jessin said, 'That's a dinosaur.'"

"I didn't know what type," said Jessin, now 12.

Sam Fisher texted a picture to paleontologist Tyler Lyson, a Marmarth native and his former high school classmate who now is curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Lyson obtained excavation permits, and in July 2023 everyone returned to the site.

Initially, it appeared that the leg belonged to a plant-eating duckbilled dinosaur.

"However, on day one of the excavation, Jessin and I uncovered the lower jaw with several big T. rex teeth sticking out of it," Lyson said.

"It still gives me goosebumps," Lyson added.

"I was completely, like, speechless," said Kaiden, now 11.

Tyrannosaurus, which roamed western North America, was one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs.

It appears this Tyrannosaurus was about 13-15 years old, two-thirds adult size, 25 feet (7.6 meters) long and 3,500 pounds (1,600 kg). T. rex was fully grown at around 18-21 years. Perhaps the largest-known Tyrannosaurus, a specimen named Sue at the Field Museum in Chicago, is 40-1/2 feet (12.3 meters) long.

This individual lived about 67 million years ago, near the Cretaceous Period's end. Tyrannosaurus and the rest of the dinosaurs, aside from their bird descendants, were wiped out 66 million years ago after an asteroid struck Earth.

The fossil comes from the Hell Creek Formation region that "preserves Earth's last dinosaur ecosystem" right before the mass extinction, Lyson said. Based on the soft sandstone in which it was found, the animal's body apparently ended up on a sandbar in an ancient river system.

The completeness of the skeleton remains unclear because a lot of the bones remain embedded inside a three-ton chunk of rock, now being studied at the museum. It appears there is a lot of the skull, the hipbone and some vertebrae in addition to the leg, Lyson said.

Tyrannosaurus had a massive head and tremendous bite force, walked on two legs, and had puny arms with just two fingers. A younger Tyrannosaurus had a different body type than an adult - more gracile and speedier, and with a skull that was more streamlined - and may have hunted different prey, reducing competition with its elders.

"Juvenile T. rexes were much more lightly built, with long gangly legs, but without the large mass of adult T. rexes," Lyson said.

Having juvenile specimens helps reveal the Tyrannosaurus growth rate and body changes during maturation, Lyson said. Only a handful of such fossils are available for study. It appears this one is slightly larger than another juvenile Tyrannosaurus fossil called "Jane" at the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois, Lyson said.

A minority of paleontologists think Tyrannosaurus lived alongside a smaller cousin called Nanotyrannus, based on fossils that most paleontologists believe represent Tyrannosaurus juveniles. Lyson said the new fossil could shed light on that issue.

A documentary crew was present during the excavation, with the film "T. REX" set to be released on June 21.

(Reporting by Will Dunham in Washington, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Editor's note: These letters reflect the opinions of readers across Middle Tennessee. They are critical of former President Donald Trump and Tennessee Republican politicians for the their reaction to the hush money trial verdict where Trump was found guilty on 34 charges. But we also want to hear from people whose opinions differ. Email a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennesean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification.

MAGAs position after Trump verdict confuse this reader

MAGAs response to Trumps multiple felony convictions has caused me great confusion. I am not sure which of the following theories MAGA is espousing:

Is MAGA claiming that Joe Biden tricked, cajoled or convinced Trump to have a sexual encounter with a porn star, persuaded him to pay her $130,000 to keep her mouth shut about it, convince Trumps fixer to mortgage his home so the payment could be hidden from the public until after the election and suggest to Trump a plan to disguise the repayment as legal fees for his business ventures? Is MAGA arguing that having an adulterous affair with a porn star at a golf tournament while your wife and newborn son stay at home, paying the porn star hush money through an independent lawyer and repaying the lawyer for unperformed legal work in order to hide the payment from election officials and the voters is all acceptable behavior? Is MAGA simply saying that accountability for immoral and illegal behavior should never be allowed by any Democrat  ever?

I am totally confused.

Chris Simpson, Franklin 37064

Trump supporters Maria Korynsel, left, and Debbie Macchia dance and sing near Mar-a-Lago on May 30, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida after former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all counts in his New York criminal hush money trial.

Would Trump supporters have celebrated a not guilty verdict?

So since the jury in the Trump trial voted guilty, the judge and the justice system are politically biased and corrupt. What if they had found him innocent?

Would the judge and system still be corrupt? Shame on Lee, Blackburn, Hagerty and other Republicans who continue the rhetoric to keep the voting public ignorant of the truth and divided.

If we follow the logic of the its politically motivated crowd, all court judges are biased and judge based not on the law but on liberal or conservative labels. Juries are corrupt. Witnesses are money-hungry and lie. Judges taint their juries.

If you can believe all of that then it shouldn't be a huge leap to believe that Donald Trump is indeed guilty as charged.

L. Barrett, Portland 37148

I once voted Republican, but I cant worship Trump

Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts by a jury of his peers. But according to Trump and the GOP the reason he was convicted was a crooked judge, a vengeful prosecutor, a lying witness in Michael Cohen, a misinformed or rigged jury, the Democrats, Joe Biden, New York City, etc.

Donald, look in the mirror. You were the one who committed these crimes and why you were indicted and convicted. You are responsible for all of these felony counts.

I grew up in a very Republican family. In high school I debated for Barry Goldwater. I even voted for Richard Nixon. Howard Baker was one of our best and most bipartisan senators. Bill Haslam, a Tennessee Republican governor, tried to do the right thing (Medicaid expansion), only to be denied by his own party. But the GOP is not the same political party of old.

I will never vote Republican because Ive changed for the better. However, I wish they would go back to their conservative values so we could have a two party system again. Instead we have one party worshipping Trump like he was the messiah. I dont get it. Trumps only concern is for himself and its very obvious.

Tom Zazzi, Franklin 37064

You dont have to vote for Biden, but do you have to back Trump?

Republicans I understand that you want to abide by your party, but you must see what has happened to the GOP. It is not what it was when I was young as I am 80 years old and have seen the many changes to the political scene.

You have a party leader who hasn't even tried to conform to the party and its leadership or its agenda. You are in a quandary as to what to do come this fall election. Think about what that man has done to the U.S. and what he has said he plans to do if elected again.

I know you feel you want to vote along with your party but have your doubts about what our country may end up being with poor leadership. So, I suggest instead write-in a candidate or just stay away from the polls.

Think about the country not the person and what will become of us, I ask this as an octogenarian veteran of the U.S. Army with experience in our great nations elections.

Richard Smith, Spring Hill 37174

Tennessee GOP should apologize for denouncing the rule of law

Elected Tennessee Republicans have clearly told all their fellow Tennesseans who they are, and they don't believe in our rule of law.

As soon as the Trump guilty verdict on 34 felony counts was announced, Gov. Bill Lee, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Sen. Bill Hagerty, the vast majority of the super majority of the Tennessee state legislature and the vast majority of Tennessee's congressional delegation publicly issued scathing attacks on our judicial system and the rule of law using terms such as witch hunt, sham, politicized justice system, and kangaroo court.

These are federal laws you and I must live by every day and laws they have all sworn to uphold. After hearing weeks of evidence and testimony, 12 average Americans, who were selected as jurors by Donald Trump's lawyers and lawyers representing the citizens of New York, these jurors returned a guilty verdict on all 34 felony counts against Donald Trump. Yet these elected Tennessee Republicans tell us clearly they don't believe in the verdict, and the same judicial system every other citizen must live by. Shame on them.

All these elected officials attacking our judicial system owe an apology to the citizens of our state and our nation. We are all a lot less safe as Americans because of their reckless statements attacking the rule of law.

Ken Maynard, Franklin 37064

Are Republicans bringing us their best people?

The Republican Party is about to give us the option to elect a convicted felon who cheated on his wife with a porn actress. When it comes to candidates for president of the United States, is this the best they can do?

Seriously, Senators Blackburn and Hagerty, Congressmen Burchett, DesJarlais, Fleischman, Green, Harshbarger, Kustoff, Ogles, and Rose.

Is this the best you can do?

John Borrowman, Gallatin 37066

What about the Supreme Court justices in hot water?

Has everyone ever noticed that whatever political party is in power and no matter what they do it angers the other party?

Yet if you were to look back when the other party was in power the same things were tried and it enraged the opposing party.

A prime example, last Sunday on three political news programs, the Republican guests complained that the judge in the Trump hush money trial should have recused himself because he donated a few dollars to the Biden campaign and his daughter was involved with the Democratic Party.

These three Republican politicians seem to have forgotten that two Supreme Court justices wives (at least that is what they claim) were involved in shady acts while these jurists were involved with cases. If you happen to forget, one was an issue over flags being hung upside down and another flag issue. The other involved a wife of Justice Thomas being involved with the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection.

Richard Barlow, Nashville 37217

Should we be surprised at the reaction to the verdict?

Tennessee lawmakers reaction to the Trump trial verdict would be funny if it werent so sad. Clearly, the rule of law means no more to them than it does to Trump.

It is perfectly permissible for Supreme Court judges to accept expensive gifts, and have their Republican wives act on their partisan politics, as the judges refuse to recuse themselves from certain cases.

It is apparently fine that Judge Aileen Cannon puts on hold indefinitely Trumps classified documents trial, and Trump continues to skirt any law he doesnt like, because we hear nary a word from his followers.

However, when Trump is convicted by a 12-person jury of ordinary citizens, and these same Tennessee politicians decry the verdict, I guess this isnt really sad after all: its typical and disgusting.

Robert Stackhouse, Nashville 37214

Our top politicians should avoid being legal commentators

To Gov. Lee, Senators Hagerty and Blackburn: This is what happens to people who think they are above the law. All of this whining about Trump being convicted is ridiculous and sickening coming from all of you. In case you all have forgotten there are other Tennesseans who do not agree with all the Republicans belly aching about Trumps conviction. He was found guilty and it has nothing to do with him running for president that the trial happened.

Gov. Bill Lee cant run again for governor so he has really showed his true colors this time around and they are disgraceful. A senator is running again for reelection she may want to watch her ps & qs. Many voters are still not happy with these politicians. Tennessee politicians need to worry about the state of Tennessee and not make comments about the trial.

Ruth Kindrat, White House 37188

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Trump trial verdict: Readers denounce Tennessee politicians' reaction
KHARTOUM, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Sudan on Tuesday urged the international community to provide more aid to those affected by the country's raging military conflict, according to a statement by Sudan's Foreign Ministry.

The Sudanese government appeals to the international community for more assistance, "particularly medicines, intravenous solutions, and medical consumables," said the statement.

Since May 10, fierce clashes have erupted in El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur State, and its surrounding areas between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which halted the passage of aid convoys through the Al-Tina crossing with Chad.

The clashes in El Fasher are the latest escalation of the conflict between the SAF and the RSF across the country since April 15, 2023.

The UN World Food Programme has warned that the ongoing war in Sudan "risks triggering the world's largest hunger crisis" in a country that is witnessing the world's largest displacement crisis.

According to the UN, half of Sudan's population -- some 25 million people -- need humanitarian assistance and protection, with nearly 18 million people facing acute food insecurity.

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. 
The News

Progressive and Hispanic Democrats vented their frustration Monday night as they prepared for President Biden to unveil a far-reaching executive action aimed at blocking off the Southern border to asylum-seekers.

I think its really disappointing, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal told Semafor, adding that shed been briefed on the new orders contents ahead of its Tuesday signing by the president. [It] just plays into the idea that somehow harsh enforcement is going to work. That was Trumps approach. We should be showing what the difference is.

The order is expected to let officials deny new asylum claims by migrants if daily border crossings reach 2,500 a day or higher, well below the average rate of 4,300 per day in April, the latest month that data is publicly available. The rules, which mirror a proposal from the bipartisan border deal that collapsed in Congress earlier this year, would include exceptions for unaccompanied children and in certain humanitarian situations. But they would still represent a dramatic crackdown by a Democratic president who once campaigned against Donald Trumps hardline approach to immigration.

California Sen. Alex Padilla, one of his chambers leading pro-immigration voices, suggested the order was unlikely to succeed as a deterrent. You can build a wall as high as you want. You can make it hard to receive asylum if you want. Its not going to sustainably reduce the number of people wanting to come to the United States for a number of reasons until you identify and address root causes, he told Semafor.

The mass influx of asylum seekers at the border has proven to be one of Bidens stickiest political challenges; polls by Gallup have found its now the issue Americans are most likely to cite as the most important problem facing the country, while a New York Times survey in March found that 49% of registered voters would back new asylum restrictions, versus 43% who would oppose them.

Still, left-leaning Democrats questioned whether Bidens move to the right on the issue would boost his fortunes.

We shouldnt fall into the trap that Republicans have set for us, Texas Rep. Greg Casar, a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, told Semafor. Its going to not help the President politically because I dont think Fox News is ever going to give him any credit.

Know More

Biden plans to issue the order under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the president to suspend the entry of foreigners that would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. Republicans have urged Biden to clamp down on asylum claims via the law, which former President Trump previously invoked to impose policies such as his so-called Muslim ban. Progressives are fretting about the legal precedent Biden may be setting for a successor by using the statute in such an aggressive manner.

God forbid Donald Trump ends up getting elected, said Rep. Delia Ramirez of Illinois. Every Republican president moving forward will do the same thing and more. It only gets worse from here.

Some noted that Biden is issuing the order at a moment that border crossings have been in decline. CBS News reported that border crossings in May dropped 54% from their record highs in December, when it reached a daily average of over 8,000 per day.

The drop in border crossings should be a lesson here to build on, Padilla told Semafor. The numbers are down because weve engaged with governmental leaders in Mexico. That needs to continue and we need to build on that by engaging additional countries in the hemisphere. That is a way forward.

The View From The ACLU

Both Biden and Trumps past efforts to slow the arrival of migrants via executive authority have often been tied up in court. By Monday, progressive legal groups were already hinting they were prepared to file suit again. We will need to review the executive order before making litigation decisions, but any policy that effectively shuts off asylum would raise obvious legal problems, just as we did when the Trump administration tried to end asylum, Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Unions immigrants rights project, said in a statement.

Room for Disagreement

Plenty of Democrats, including vulnerable moderates and the partys Senate campaign chief, appear to be welcoming the move by Biden.

Its great. We believe in being tough on the border, said Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, who helms the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. We just wish our Republican colleagues would actually take the votes necessary to secure the border.

Notable

After the collapse of the bipartisan border deal he helped negotiate, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut wrote a widely read memo urging his fellow Democrats to go on offense on the border.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he arrives to court for his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024 in New York City. (Steven Hirsch-Pool/Getty Images)

The background noise in my house is the television show, Law & Order. My wife and I both read more than we watch TV, so reruns that we arent paying much attention to mask the noise from the city streets but dont distract us. We both have already seen every episode. So, when its on, we race to declare, hes the one who did it, or they needed a search warrant for that. And after about the first fifteen minutes, its only noise.

Donald Trumps criminal trial in New York, that ended with his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records last week, was just as predictable as any other rerun. No prosecutor, of any political party, in any part of the country, would bring a case to trial that he or she didnt believe could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Add the complicating factors of this defendants unlimited financial resources and media reach, and the original reluctance can be multiplied by a thousand.

This is primarily why conviction rates are so high. Cases arent brought when the prosecution lacks a provable case. Either the government has the goods on the accused, or it doesnt. Its too much work, and too publicly embarrassing, to invest all of the time and resources necessary to obtain a conviction when the evidence is weak. Remember, prosecutors are elected in 47 states, and they never run on a platform of losing.

To listen to a podcast version of this column, go here.

Since Thursdays conviction, Trump world has gone bonkers in its attempt to try and make the world believe that their man has been mistreated. Dont confuse their mania with an attempt to show that he is innocent, that is almost never even part of any MAGA rant. In this case, Trumps defense team didnt even present a theory of his innocence. The defense was entirely about how Trumps enemies were liars, and how the process was unfair.

Was it unfair? Hell yes, it was. For example, it is unfair for a defendant to be found in contempt ten times during a trial and never revisit the jail. But the strategy of whining and victimhood is now the go-to mantra of every scrape the former president faces. Its never innocence.

In every legal proceeding or investigation Trump has faced since he was inaugurated in January of 2017, not once has he behaved as an innocent person. Not once. And now the legal defeats are piled so high, there is only one rational generic conclusion: hes guilty.

The post-truth era we live in outside of the courtroom is the only place any debate about his criminality and lack of morality continues. Trumps following has gone all-in on the post-truth thing, not just those in the back rows of his rallies, but the entire Republican party.

In Indiana, all three presumptive statewide GOP candidates are so wrapped up in Trumpism that they now have no platform of their own. Imagine Mike Braun, Jim Banks or Todd Rokita without Trump. They would all three become mimes in his absence.

Only Senator Todd Young has broken free from the madness here.

Innocence?

Imagine what America would have to endure to put Trump back in the White House. Peter Baker succinctly wrote for the New York times on Sunday: If he wins, it means he will have survived two impeachments, four criminal indictments, civil judgments for sexual abuse and business fraud, and a felony conviction.

In that horrific list, not a shred of innocence exists.

The irrelevant, unpersuasive noise Trumps team made in the New York trial should have been replaced with a plea agreement. On Law & Order, this case never gets to trial, not because it was a long shot, but because the evidence was so clear, any other defendant would have pled it out.

Admitting the obvious is not in Trumps wheelhouse, and therefore its not in his constituencys either. But juries dont often struggle with the truth like the MAGA world does. In New York, the truth was clear.

I was called for jury duty once. The defendant was being charged for possession of a handgun without a license, back when we used to think people needed licenses for killing machines. While I was waiting to be questioned in the box, I couldnt help but wonder why this was going to trial. Its the kind of crime that really could only have two questions to settle: Did he have the gun? Did he have a license for it?

Pundits and partisans tried to make the New York case complicated. It wasnt. None of his other criminal cases are either.

Donald Trump is a convicted felon, a criminal, and reasonable doubt about it no longer exists.

The post Reasonable doubt for Trump is elusive, even in the post-truth era appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle.
After a shark attack near the 17th Street lifeguard tower in Del Mar left one swimmer hospitalized Sunday, prompting a closure of waters along that stretch of beach. Now, officials are investigating what kind of shark was involved in the attack.

Officials say the 46-year-old victim bitten by the shark around 100 yards offshore from the Beach Safety Center at 17th Street in Del Mar, about 20 miles north of San Diego.

The man, who was with a dozen other ocean swimmers who regularly meet at the beach to train, was pulled from the water by several members of the group.

He had very little ability to help himself, Del Mar Lifeguard Chief Jon Edelbrock told KTLAs Chip Yost. There was a person on either side of him keeping him upright, kind of a modified carry. I think without those two assisting him that he wasnt going to be able to move himself.

Recent shark attack in SoCal prompts investigation

Now, the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach is looking into the attack to try and determine whether it involved a great white shark, which was initially reported by witnesses.

Were not a prey item for any species of shark, so in most cases the shark will either bite out of curiosity or mistaken identity and then immediately release the person, said Zach Merson, a field technician with the CSULB Shark Lab.

Merson added that they obtained DNA samples from swimmers wetsuit they plan to test to determine what type of shark was involved in the incident.

Unfortunately, they will not be able to tell if it is the same shark involved in attack in San Clemente on May 27. In that case, a surfer said he was knocked off his board by an aggressive shark.

Actor Jonathan Tucker rescues family during home invasion in Los Angeles: report

Still, Merson says the incident in Del Mar should be considered rare.

The number of people in the water and the number of sharks in the water have been rising dramatically over the past few decades, he explained. Theres been no real increase in bite rate, which says to us that the sharks and the people are learning to co-exist.

Officials said that if there are no other shark sightings, the waters off the Del Mar beach will be reopened Tuesday morning.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Recovery funds still available for Pulaski County residents affected by March 31 tornado

Recovery funds still available for Pulaski County residents affected by March 31 tornado

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- Pulaski County officials said residents who are still in the process of recovering from the March 31, 2023, tornado have extra funding available to them.

Leaders from the Arkansas Community Foundation said theyve been giving out recovery grants since August of 2023 and are hoping more families reach out for help.

Arkansas storm chaser reflects on March 31 tornado

Officials said only 10 families so far have been able to access the grants. Pulaski County Long Term Recovery Committee chair Lauren Morris said she knows there are more people in need.

There are plenty of individuals or households that are still recovering from the storm, Morris said.

Morris said not many know about the tornado recovery grants that are available. David Larson is a contractor for Creek Construction and said he has been working with several Arkansans who were impacted by tornadoes.

Once the insurance runs out, they have to go out of their own pocket, Larson said.

Little Rock business reflects on March 31 tornado, caught devastation on camera

Morris said theyre aiming to help take the load off peoples pockets.

Whether its purchasing furniture for that person or whether its helping them get a car replaced that they lost, whatever the need is, were there to respond to that need, Morris said.

Randy Ripley, a homeowner in Little Rock, said hes now looking to access the funding for his home.

Any funds you can get in addition to your insurance and the personal money that you have to spend would be a huge difference, Ripley said.

Purple Cow location damaged in March 31 tornado plans to rebuild, reopen

He said he and his wife spent thousands repairing their home and theyre hoping to use the grant for their backyard.

Since there were so many missing those trees, it would be a big benefit to access those funds, Ripley 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 KARK.
Regulators reject Berkeley plan that would have allowed 'excessively high' radiation at park

Berkeley's Cesar Chavez Park was built atop a former municipal landfill. (Paul Kuroda / For The Times)

Months after discovering that radioactive waste and toxic pesticides may be buried under two popular Bay Area parks, state regulators have rejected Berkeley's plan to test for contaminants as insufficient.

In January, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Board informed the cities of Albany and Berkeley that a former chemical plant had disposed of 11,100 tons of industrial waste at their municipal landfills decades ago. The revelation came after the Department of Toxic Substance Control shared a 1980 document detailing the disposal records of Stauffer Chemical Co.'s Richmond plant.

Berkeley's landfill has since been converted into 90-acre Cesar Chavez Park, while Albany's has evolved into a 40-acre recreational area called the Bulb.

The water board demanded the cities to submit plans by April to scan these areas for cancer-causing gamma radiation and sample for banned pesticides, including DDT.

Albany's plans for the Bulb were approved and testing is expected to begin this month. Berkeley's proposal for Cesar Chavez , however, was denied as the water board cited major concerns with the city's methodology.

Read more: Revelations of possible radioactive dumping around the Bay Area trigger new testing at parks

Berkeley's contractor, SCS Engineers, called for an inspector to walk in long, straight lines across Cesar Chavez with a radioactivity detector. But the plan allowed for spacing up to 100 feet between each walked path, meaning "it would result in a significant portion of the site not being surveyed," according to a May 16 letter from Eileen White, the executive officer of the regional water board.

"A comprehensive surface scan should cover 100 percent of the landfill surface, or as close to that as possible," White said in the letter to SCS Engineers.

SCS Engineers also recommended that the radioactivity measured at Cesar Chavez be compared to Blair Southern Pacific Landfill, a hazardous waste dump in Richmond that accepted Stauffer's waste and is fenced off to prevent public access. The Berkeley-hired firm proposed flagging areas for further evaluation if gamma radiation detectors reach 80,000 counts per minute or higher.

The typical background reading is 60 counts per minute.

The Albany Bulb will be tested for radioactivity, following regulators' approval of the city's plan. (Paul Kuroda / For The Times)

White, the water board executive, said Berkeley's proposed benchmarks for what warranted further investigation were "excessively high." She argued that if SCS was intent on comparing radiation at Cesar Chavez to background levels, it should find a nearby site that is unaffected by chemical waste.

The water board has given Berkeley until July 1 to submit a new plan.

Berkeley spokesperson Matthai Chakko said the city has complied with all regulatory requirements from the water board. Amending testing plans, he said, is commonly part of the process.

"It is standard practice for regulated entities to submit proposed work plans to regulators for guidance, review, and revision before the plans are ultimately approved," Chakko said.

Read more: Explosive levels of methane have been detected near a Berkeley landfill-turned-park

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
GHENT, WV (WVNS)  On June 3, 1861, the bloodiest war fought on American soil commenced with a bang: the Battle of Philippi, also known as the Philippi Races.

The battle is commonly considered the first land battle of the Civil War, though it is viewed as more of a skirmish than the like of Antietam or Bull Run. The name Philippi Races came from the swift and intense retreat on the Confederate side of the battle.

As it opened the conflict that would span the next four years, this clash between Union and Confederate forces was rather small in scale, especially because the number of men involved only totaled out to approximately 3,800.

Who created West Virginias state seal?

The Battle of Philippi, despite it taking place in the infancy of the Civil War, proved to be consequential. Although the casualty rate was low, 4 killed or injured on the Union side and 26 killed or injured on the Confederates behalf, there was one injured man who would influence the lives of amputees.

James Edward Hanger, only 18 years old, fought on the Confederate side of the conflict at Philippi. Hanger, who was struck by a cannonball below the knee, would be remembered as the first amputee of the American Civil War. Hanger was granted a patent for his prosthetic limb design, and founded Hanger, Inc., a company dedicated to the production and supply of prostheses. Over a century and a half later, the company is still in operation.

Old Bluestone Road historical marker dedication to take place at Wildwood House

Union General McClellan, also known as Young Napoleon, was promoted to the command post of the Army of the Potomac shortly after the battle. It also encouraged those in Western Virginia that wished to secede from Virginia and gain statehood.

It was not the largest skirmish in the area, only the first, as the battles of Carnifex Ferry, Rich Mountain, Corricks Ford, Droop Mountain, and more lingered on the horizon. The ferocious opening battle of the American Civil War foreshadowed the decimation to come.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD)  After 10 months of work, a 14-mile section of the Kal-Haven Trail between South Haven and Bloomingdale has reopened.

Tim Novak, the state trails coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division, says the upgrades were a long time coming.

This section of trail had not had any major maintenance or improvements since it was constructed over 30 years ago, Novak said in a statement.

Community says goodbye to Kal-Haven Trail bridge

Work started last July. Crews resurfaced parts of the trail, overhauled the trailhead parking area along County Road 687 and replaced three bridges, including the iconic Black River Bridge.

Many people, including members of Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail, pushed the DNR to preserve the Black River Bridge or at least use a design to honor it. But the agency instead went with an uncovered structure that would make it easier for trail grooming equipment and emergency vehicles to travel through.

Icon: Kal-Haven Trail group works to save covered bridge

We heard and appreciate the concerns expressed by the community members and we are committed to working together in the future on a cover for the bridge. However, it is necessary due to safety concerns and the need for upgrades, Novak said last summer.

A view from the Black River Bridge along the Kal-Haven Trail. (WOOD TV8 file)

The project was made possible by funding allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act, which allowed the DNR to tackle a backlog of infrastructure projects.

DNR forced to kill 31,000 salmon after bacterial outbreak at hatchery

Over the last two years, the Legislature has allocated $273 million in ARPA funds to DNR projects, including $30.2 million for a new state park in Flint and $23 million for upgrades at Belle Isle Park.

The Kal-Haven project cost an estimated $6 million.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
(KRON)  One neighborhood in East Oakland is so dangerous that construction workers apparently feel unsafe. A construction crew left a residential street unpaved and refused to return because the workers did not feel safe being in the neighborhood.

The situation has left Sobrante Park residents with their street torn up and reduced to gravel with gaping potholes. Resident Shari Angarano said the unfinished road work made bumpy driving conditions on Colorados Drive go from bad to worse.

The ground is uneven and a lot of the gravel used to fill pot holes is being kicked up, Angarano said.

The unfortunate situation began in March, when Sobrante Park residents received letters stating Colorados Drive would be repaved.

They put signs up, did some work, Angarano told KRON4. The street was prepped by crews for paving. The signage on the street barriers indicated that the crew would be back on 5/15-5/16 to complete the work, she said.

But workers abruptly left midway through the project  and never returned.

I called and the engineer with the City of Oakland said that contractor pulled out because the crews didnt feel safe, Angarano said.

KRON4 reached out to Oaklands Department of Transportation on Monday, they responded, saying the project will resume this week and is projected to be finished sometime this month.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Gilgo Beach killings suspect Rex Heuermann is expected to be indicted on a new murder charge this week in a New York court, according to CNN affiliate WCBS.

Heuermann is expected in court Thursday, according to a spokesperson with the Suffolk County district attorneys office.

There were a number of necessary investigative steps that were taken, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said Monday at a news conference on another matter. Thursday, you will see the fruits of that investigation.

Heuermann, who was arrested in July, currently is charged with murder in the deaths of four women whose remains were found buried near each other on Long Islands Gilgo Beach in 2010. Those four  who became known as the Gilgo Four  were among 11 sets of human remains found along Long Islands South Shore between 2010 and 2011. The discoveries launched what police have called one of the most consequential homicide investigations in the islands history.

The expected new murder charge would come after investigators searched an area of Long Island where the remains of two people were found more than two decades ago and only days after they searched Heuermanns home in New Yorks Massapequa Park again.

A search warrant was executed at Heuermanns home in May, CNN confirmed at the time with his estranged wifes attorney, Robert Macedonia.

Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to murder in the deaths of the Gilgo Four  Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

He was charged last year in three of the deaths, and then was charged in Brainard-Barnes death in January. When charged in the fourth case in January, Heuermann maintained his innocence, his attorney Michael Brown told reporters. He said, Im not guilty of these charges. Hes looking forward to fighting these charges, Brown said after the court hearing.

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By taking on this very responsible duty as the host of COP, we fully realized the advantages and complications, Azernews reports, citing President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the opening of the 29th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition - Caspian Oil & Gas and the 12th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition - Caspian Power as part of the Baku Energy Week at the Baku Expo Center.

Climate change here in Azerbaijan can be seen when you look at the Caspian Sea shore. Every year, we see the sea is going away. Because the Caspian Sea is supplied by the rivers, which come from beyond our borders. We have zero responsibility for this catastrophe if we don't take serious measures. We are doing everything in order to supply more water to the sea, building new dams and water storages to collect water, the President of Azerbaijan added.
ADDIS ABABA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government on Monday disclosed that coffee exports over the past 10 months had brought the country 1 billion U.S. dollars in revenue.

The East African country exported 210,000 tons of coffee to the international market during the first 10 months of the current Ethiopian 2023/2024 fiscal year that started on July 8, the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) said Monday.

The United States, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Japan and Belgium were among the top destinations of Ethiopia's coffee exports during the reported period, state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate quoted Adugna Debela, director-general of the ECTA, as saying.

According to Debela, the Ethiopian government has been able to create new markets in addition to the traditional Ethiopian coffee-importing countries.

In recent years, Ethiopia has seen growing potential in China's booming coffee market as China has become one of the top 10 importers of Ethiopian coffee.

During the previous Ethiopian 2022/2023 fiscal year, the East African country earned 1.3 billion dollars in revenue from the export of around 240,000 tons of coffee.

Ethiopia, regarded as the origin of Arabica coffee, is one of Africa's largest producers and exporters of the commodity. Coffee production is dubbed as the backbone of the country's agriculture-led economy. Widely recognized for its rich coffee quality and flavor, ranging from winy to fruity and chocolatey, the country's coffee is in great demand across the globe.

Experts often attribute the lack of value addition to Ethiopia's coffee sector as a major bottleneck that hinders the country from fully benefiting from its rich coffee resources, as the country mainly exports raw coffee beans to the international market. 
Homes in East Nashville. (Photo: John Partipilo)

From Jefferson to Davidson to Shelby Counties, Tennessee has a housing affordability problem as the demand for new homes has outpaced supply, a new report from the states intergovernmental agency details.

Since 2019, Tennessees median home price has risen by 44%, surpassing the national average of 34% as tracked by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The problem isnt isolated to fast-growing counties and cities, the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) said in its report approved by commission members last week, but across the state, adding more people are seeking to buy a limited supply of homes, driving up prices and putting the cost out of reach for many.

TACIR identified zoning, particularly single-family zoning, as one of the driving factors impacting the number of new homes that are built.

Single-family zoning is a type of land regulation that prevents homeowners from building more than one housing unit on a property. This type of regulation makes it harder for developers to build apartments or even split properties into multiple units. It ultimately restricts the number of people who can live in certain neighborhoods and communities, creating intense competition for fewer homes and driving up prices.

Zoning has become a bipartisan issue, with states like Democratic-controlled California and Republican-controlled Montana adopting laws requiring city and county governments to remove many of the regulations around building new homes.

Ron Shultis, a policy researcher with the conservative think tank Beacon Center of Tennessee, said the states single-family zoning creates a housing affordability crisis and that rents are increasing slower in cities like Minneapolis, which have abolished the policy.

You can see the results when you put in best practices and allow for essentially the market to do what it does best, which is to meet a demand, Shultis said.

Impact fees on housing costs

State and local lawmakers on the TACIR commission board received the housing draft report during its quarterly meeting in Nashville held at the end of May.

Republican State Rep. Mike Sparks of Murfreesboro initiated the report by asking the commission to study the potential effect of impact fees on housing prices.

I dont know if it will help us keep our property taxes down, Sparks said. But to solve the problem, we have to have a discussion.

State Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna (Photo: Tennessee General Assembly)

Lobbyists for the state associations for realtors and homebuilders have consistently blocked the implementation of impact fees by counties  which require a bill from state lawmakers to go into effect  over concerns that it would increase the prices of the homes those groups are building and selling.

Impact fees, a one-time charge to builders, would at least initially be paid for by developers but part of the cost would likely be passed on to new home buyers.

County and city governments in fast-growing communities have wanted to implement or increase impact fees, instead of raise property taxes, to pay for new roads, schools and public safety costs that come with larger populations.

The draft report found impact fees have a minimal impact on the cost of housing, but along with the urging of several other members of the commission, used the opportunity to study the growing issues statewide with the housing market.

Higher prices, larger tax bills

The increased price of new homes has allowed many counties, but not all, to reduce their overall property tax rates. But the amount of real dollars homeowners pay in those taxes has increased as home values grow faster than the value of real estate and property owned by businesses, leaving homeowners to shoulder more of the tax burden.

This comes as many property owners have seen the value of their homes, whether in good condition or not, rapidly increase for several years, sometimes even doubling in value because of housing supply shortages driving up demand.

Homeowners are then left in a dilemma, where on paper, they can sell their homes for more money but likely cant find a cheaper place to live.

This has particularly impacted older and retired homeowners living on fixed incomes. Those owners can apply for property tax freezes, but the income limits mean many dont qualify.

Other recommendations in the draft report include offering incentives to local governments to adopt zoning reforms, adding more money to the states housing trust fund and adopting policies to mitigate the impact of any reform an individuals property taxes.

The full draft report

TACIR 2024 Housing report

The post Report identifies single-family zoning as hurdle in making Tennessees housing market affordable appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
To reach Waverly B. Woodson, Jr.'s final resting place, you start on Eisenhower Drive. At the end of Marshall Drive, you make a half turn around Patton Circle, and there, tucked in the southeast corner, you'll find grave no. 1172, a simple marble headstone like 400,000 others at Arlington National Cemetery.

Not far away, along the same trajectory, lies the Pentagon, where the question of how to honor Woodson  the forgotten hero of D-Day  has bedeviled the Army in recent years. Woodson was nominated for the Medal of Honor in the summer of 1944. He did not receive it: no Black soldiers received our nation's highest military honor during World War II.

PHOTO: Joann Woodson prays over the grave of her late husband, Waverly Woodson, who was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in 2005. Woodson will be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for saving countless lives as a medic during the D-Day invasion. (Linda Hervieux)

While I was researching my book, "Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Day's Black Heroes," I learned about Woodson's nomination. I shared the story with Woodson's unstoppable wife, Joann, who, along with a battery of allies, began calling on the Army to reconsider Woodson's case.

Kevin Braafladt, a curious Illinois-based historian with the First Army, picked up the trail, investing two years of his own time hunting for more records that would prove that Woodson  who, along with others in his unit, was awarded the fourth-place Bronze Star  deserved far greater recognition. His report would prompt the Army to reopen the case.

MORE: Video -- Widow Pushes for Medal of Honor for African-American WWII Hero

PHOTO: Young medic Waverly Woodson of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion saved countless lives on June 6, 1944, before collapsing from his own injuries. (Courtesy of Joann Woodson)

On Monday, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who championed Woodson's case on Capitol Hill, announced that the Pentagon would posthumously award Woodson the Army's second-highest honor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Woodson "has never received the full recognition that his actions clearly merited  largely due to the color of his skin. That's why we've fought for years to secure the acknowledgement he deserved," Van Hollen said in a statement.

The Woodsons were VIP guests of the French government in 1994, for the 50th anniversary of D-Day. Motorcades swept them from plane to hotel to Omaha Beach. A palm-sized medal that Joann still treasures acknowledged her husband's service.

That occasion marked the first time Waverly Woodson told his story publicly. "There is no hero, it's just that you're there and you do what you can do," he told ABC News at the time.

PHOTO: Waverly Woodson and wife Joann traveled as guests of the French government for the 50th anniversary of D-Day in June 1994. France was the first country to honor Woodson for his service on Omaha Beach. (Courtesy of Joann Woodson)

Now 95, Joann Woodson waited three more decades for her own country to recognize her husband's heroics. "There's not enough words to say how thankful I am," she said from her home in Clarksburg, Maryland, about the Distinguished Service Cross. "This has been a long time coming."

Joann Woodson will be watching as her husband's story is featured in the docuseries "Erased: WW2's Heroes of Color," narrated by Idris Elba, which began airing Monday on National Geographic TV and streaming soon after on Disney+/Hulu.

MORE: 'Negro' D-Day Hero Overlooked for Medal of Honor

PHOTO: Combat Medic Waverly Woodson Jr., (played by Francesco Di Rauso) tends to the wounded in a scene of a WW2 historic reenactment production for 'Erased: WW2's Heroes of Color.' (Rekha Garton/National Geographic)

Woodson was a premedical student in Pennsylvania when he enlisted in the Army in December 1942. He passed officer training school but race-based quotas scrubbed his promotion, and he retrained as a medic with the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only Black combat unit that landed with the infantry on Omaha Beach on D-Day.

On the morning of June 6, 1944, Woodson, 21, was seriously wounded on the approach to Omaha Beach when shrapnel tore into his inner thigh and buttocks. "I am dying," Woodson thought, according to an account he wrote years after the war.

Another medic patched him up and, beneath a barrage of punishing enemy fire, Woodson set up a medical station and worked though his own pain for the next 30 hours, saving untold lives, until he collapsed. After he was treated on a hospital ship, he asked to go back to the beach.

Woodson returned home a star: his exploits made coast-to-coast news in the Black press. But like many other chapters in U.S. history, Woodson, and his battalion, were excluded from the story of D-Day. Most books do not mention them. Popular films about World War II largely do not show Black fighters.

PHOTO: In this rare close-up of a 320th Barrage Balloon crew in action, a man walks a barrage balloon toward a winch on Omaha Beach. (National Archives and Records Administration)

Yet by the end of that very long day, there would be some 2,000 African Americans on the beaches of Normandy. The 320th Barrage Balloon battalion went on to spend 140 days there while the allies pushed toward Berlin, and victory.

The men of the 320th raised a curtain of hydrogen-filled balloons, armed with small bombs, to protect the men and materiel on the beach from dive-bombing German planes. Other Black troops worked to recover vehicles that sank in the rising tide. Commendations from General Eisenhower lauded two Black units, including the 320th, for their exemplary service.

MORE: Honoring the women of Normandy on 80th anniversary of D-Day

PHOTO: Men from the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion pose for a picture in Normandy, France, in July 1944. (Courtesy of Bill Davison)

The Oscar-winning Hollywood director John Ford, who came ashore at Omaha Beach with a Coast Guard camera crew, watched from a position of safety as a Black soldier unloaded supplies from a ship, seemingly oblivious to the relentless machine-gun fire and shells exploding around him. "By God, if anybody deserves a medal, that man does," Ford wrote some twenty years later.

Odds were against "that man" ever receiving a medal. An independent study commissioned during the Clinton administration concluded that "the racial climate and practice" within the Army during World War II denied Black soldiers the opportunities  and honors  they deserved.

Near Woodson's grave at Arlington, a road is named after another storied general, Omar Bradley, who once said that every man on Omaha Beach was a hero. But clearly, not all heroes were treated equally. While some received medals and our collective thanks, others were forgotten.

PHOTO: Stephen Woodson holds a picture of his father, Waverly Woodson Jr., while standing on Omaha Beach in France. (Shianne Brown/National Geographic)

"There were no Black soldiers at D-Day," I was told throughout the five years I worked on my book. I still hear it today.

Joann Woodson is hoping the Distinguished Service Cross will ensure her husband's legacy is protected. She is hoping it may even be a stepping stone to the big one  the Medal of Honor. She is not alone. Braafladt, the enterprising historian, has more archives to explore on his to-do list, more records yet to uncover.

"So the search will go on," he said.

Linda Hervieux is a journalist and author of "Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Day's Black Heroes."

Reporter's notebook: A Black WWII hero is finally honored, 80 years after lifesaving D-Day courage originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
IDF fires artillery shells into Gaza. The Israeli army has begun a new operation in the refugee neighbourhood of al-Bureij in the central part of the Gaza Strip, according to media reports from Tuesday evening. Ilia yefimovich/dpa

The Israeli army has begun a new operation in the refugee neighbourhood of al-Bureij in the central part of the Gaza Strip, according to media reports from Tuesday evening.

In addition to the air force, ground troops are also involved, they said. The military had already been in the area at the beginning of the year, but withdrew again, the Jerusalem Post reported on Tuesday.

The Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement is still strong in the densely populated area. Israel has set itself the goal of crushing the terrorist organization militarily.

The army announced on Tuesday that a Hamas facility in a school belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in al-Bureij had been attacked with a drone the previous night. The Islamists had planned numerous attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers from there, it said.

The information could not be independently verified.

According to media reports, Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi had already complained last month about the lack of plans for the establishment of a civil administration in the embattled Gaza Strip.

Due to the lack of a political strategy for the post-war period, Israel's army has to repeatedly fight in places in the Gaza Strip that it had previously captured and from which it had withdrawn.
A screenshot of a Republican National Convention website section with a background photo of Ho Chi Minh City. It was quickly corrected to a photo of Milwaukee Tuesday morning.

A section on the Republican National Convention's website included a background picture of Ho Chi Minh City, rather than Milwaukee, an error that was quickly fixed after a screenshot went viral on Tuesday.

Each section on the website now includes a photo of the host city and state. But a background picture for a section labeled "News and Updates"  accessible only from a menu low on the main page  had been a photo of Ho Chi Minh City since at least February, according to the Internet Archive.

The mistake was pointed out by a Boston Globe reporter Tuesday morning on X, formerly Twitter, racking up more than 400,000 views.

Was on the 2024 GOP convention website and saw it used a background image that... does not look like Milwaukee. Which makes sense because it's actually a photo of Ho Chi Minh City. pic.twitter.com/EoC92NOTcd  Sam Brodey (@sambrodey) June 4, 2024

A Journal Sentinel reporter viewed the page and the image, which included the distinctive Bitexco Financial Tower in Vietnam's most populous city, before it was corrected. It was replaced later when refreshing the page.

Spokespeople for the RNC did not provide a comment for publication. Democrats jumped on the error, arguing Republicans have not focused enough on the ground game in Wisconsin.

"Maybe if Donald Trump and the RNC actually bothered to have a real campaign operation in Wisconsin, they could tell the difference between Milwaukee and Ho Chi Minh City," DNC Rapid Response Director Alex Floyd said.

Party officials in charge of planning the RNC have sung Milwaukee's praises, from its lakefront to its summer weather to its Democratic mayor. Former RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said Milwaukee "hit it on every single level" when considering the delegate experience.

The RNC will be held July 15 through 18 in Milwaukee.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: RNC fixes website after using photo of Ho Chi Minh City, not Milwaukee
House Republicans on Monday advanced legislation designed to punish the International Criminal Court (ICC) after its top prosecutor recommended war crimes charges against Israeli leaders amid their fight with Hamas.

The House Rules Committee voted 9-3, along strict partisan lines, to send to the floor legislation slapping sanctions on ICC officials. The full House is poised to pass the bill later this week and send it to the Senate, where its expected to be ignored by the Democratic leaders who control the upper chamber.

The effort was initially designed to be bipartisan, as congressional leaders in both parties have sought to demonstrate Washingtons support for Israel in the wake of Hamass Oct. 7 terrorist attacks.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) had been in talks with Democratic counterparts in both chambers and the White House about how to penalize the court, underscoring that he wanted legislation that had a strong chance of becoming law to serve as a deterrent while ICC judges weigh whether to grant the warrants.

The White House, however, threw a wrench in those plans last week: press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced that the administration, while in favor of some punitive response to the ICCs proposed charges, is not in favor of sanctioning the global court  an announcement that quickly deflated McCauls effort to enact a bipartisan penalty.

We fundamentally reject the ICC prosecutors application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, Jean-Pierre said. Sanctions on the ICC, however, we do not believe is an effective or an appropriate path forward.

The administration doubled-down on that stance in a statement of administrative policy Monday afternoon, writing that it strongly opposes the legislation. It stopped short, however, of explicitly threatening to veto the measure if it reaches President Bidens desk.

There are more effective ways to defend Israel, preserve U.S. positions on the ICC, and promote international justice and accountability, and the Administration stands ready to work with the Congress on those options, the statement reads.

Its unclear, however, what other punitive options the White House has in mind, since the United States has never ratified the ICCs charter, doesnt believe Americans are subject to its jurisdiction and provides no funding for its operations.

House GOP leaders arent waiting around for the administration to come up with alternatives, pushing ahead instead with a partisan sanctions bill that had been introduced last month by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) following reports that the ICC was considering a move to bring charges against Israeli leaders for their conduct in the Hamas war.

Roys bill  which has more than 60 GOP co-sponsors  would impose 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. Those sanctions include blocking U.S. property transactions, deeming individuals inadmissible to the U.S. and revoking any visas they may have.

The measure gives the president the unilateral authority to end the sanctions if the ICC stops engaging in efforts to investigate or arrest U.S. individuals or its allies, or if the court has permanently ended any investigation into protected individuals.

The legislation is expected to clear the House easily, with support from virtually all Republicans as well as a number of staunch pro-Israel defenders on the Democratic side. But Bidens rejection of the sanctions concept secured the opposition of Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill, and most Democrats are expected to vote against the measure when it hits the floor later in the week.

This is a bad bill, Rep. Jim McGovern (Mass.), the top Democrat on the Rules Committee, said Monday. The International Criminal Court is an important institution, and those who care about human rights would certainly agree with that assessment. And I think that it is not in Americas moral or strategic interest to attack the court for attempting to do its job.

This bill makes a mockery of the rules-based international order that America helped build, he added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Senators David Bullard, R-Durant, left, and Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, talk on the Senate floor during special session on Oct. 3. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Some lawmakers are calling an effort to strengthen the states ban on noncitizens from voting in Oklahoma elections a political stunt and fear mongering.

Supporters though say the measure is needed to preserve the integrity of elections.

On the last day of the legislative session, lawmakers passed Senate Joint Resolution 23 asking voters to amend the Oklahoma Constitution.

The amendment seeks to clarify that only citizens of the United States, over the age of 18 years and who are state residents are qualified electors.

The measure proposes changing the phrase all citizens of the United States to only citizens of the United States.

Prior to the measure being taken up, commercials urged residents to call lawmakers and tell them to vote on it. It had not made it out of the Senate Rules Committee.

What we are doing is safeguarding the intent of the constitutional language for the future to avoid confusion, said Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, on the Senate floor.

Bergstrom is the Senate author.

Critics argue its unnecessary.

I failed to see where the confusion might lie when it is currently a felony to register to vote in the state of Oklahoma if you are not a U.S. citizen, said Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, during debate.

Putting this measure on the ballot would create confusion and rile up people by making absurd claims that people are unlawfully voting in Oklahoma elections, she said.

Its a political game, Hicks said.

The bill highlights the extremism in politics, Hicks said.

While SJR 23 would not change the fact that noncitizens cannot currently register to vote or vote in our state, it could protect against future reinterpretations of our state Constitution that might allow it, said State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax.

Only 16 cities and towns in three states allow noncitizens to vote in some elections. None are in Oklahoma.

But political observers said the unfounded notion that noncitizens could be voting has become a Republican talking point in the current election cycle.

Immigration has been a hot button issue in Oklahoma and nationally.

Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, said during debate that creating irrational fear is a way for some people to make money.

It has led to expensive and extensive audits and investigations in other states, she said.

Allegations of fraud in other states have not panned out, she said.

But the click bait, money making narrative still has bills to pay, Boren said. So this bill is paying someones bills. Its paying for some political operative out there somewhere that stirs people up and sends out mailers.

The mailers encourage a vote for a candidate because the candidate is making sure only citizens vote, Boren said.

Lawmakers are asking voters to change the Oklahoma Constitution just to perpetuate a money making scheme orchestrated by political people who dont live in Oklahoma, Boren said.

They are making millions by creating ways to pit one side against another, she said.

Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, was instrumental in getting the measure passed.

He disagrees with Boren that it is a money making deal.

The organization pushing it, Americans for Citizen Voting, is proactively trying to make sure that they stop some cities and the trend of allowing the people floating across the border to be able to get into the election system, effectively controlling towns, cities and some legislative elections, Jett said.

Youve got millions of people coming across the border that can sway votes, he said.

Jack Tomczak is vice president of outreach for the Virginia-based Americans for Citizen Voting, which assists activists and lawmakers in passing state constitutional amendments that reserve the right to vote for only citizens of the United States.

It is not uncommon for outside organizations to educate legislators on those issues, he said.

Bergstrom had already authored the bill without contacting Americans for Citizen Voting, Tomczak said.

So, it is not like we brought him the idea, he said. He did it all on his own.

Twelve states currently have a citizen only voting in their constitutions, he said.

We are hoping to add seven, at least seven, to that this year, Tomczak said.

Polling by his group shows the public overwhelmingly supports the idea, he said.

When asked if only U.S. citizens should vote in Oklahoma, 90% of respondents said yes, he said.

When asked if the Oklahoma Constitution should be amended to make it so only U.S. citizens could vote, 83% agreed, he said.

Tomczak said he is not aware of any cities or municipalities in Oklahoma that allow noncitizens to vote.

Its not against the rules to fix the problem before it happens, he said.

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, is one of the authors.

Voting in Oklahoma elections should be a right reserved and protected only for those who are citizens of our great state, McCall said.

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Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sued the Nevada secretary of state Monday, pressuring him to declare the signatures on his ballot petitions legitimate, despite the official having already considered the signatures invalid.

Kennedy filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada against Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar, who is responsible for overseeing elections in the state and determining which candidates are eligible for the ballot.

The case stems from guidance that the secretary of states office had initially provided to Kennedys campaign in January that it was not required to have chosen a running mate in advance of collecting the roughly 10,000 signatures needed for him to appear on the ballot. Aguilars office later said in March that an office employee had given inaccurate guidance, and the office clarified with all independent campaigns that filed petitions that a running mate needed to be chosen in advance of collecting signatures.

This is a clear case for the federal court to apply the doctrine of equitable estoppel to prohibit the Secretary of State from changing his mind after providing binding statutory instruction upon which the campaign properly relied to our detriment, Kennedy campaign senior counsel Paul Rossi said in a release.

The court must prohibit what was either rank incompetence or partisan political gamesmanship by the Secretary from invalidating petition signatures afforded the highest First Amendment protection by the United States Supreme Court, Rossi added.

Aguilars office wrote in a statement that it sent the correct guidance to all independent candidates who submitted petitions well in advance of the submission deadline, which has not yet passed.

Nevada has a rich history of independent and third party candidates for office, Aguilar said. Each of those candidates managed to attain ballot access by following the law. We look forward to seeing Mr. Kennedys team in court.

Candidates have until July 5 to submit enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Kennedy ultimately did not name a running mate until late March, a few weeks after submitting his petition for ballot access in Nevada. He chose tech attorney and entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan as his running mate.

The long-shot candidate alleges in the lawsuit that the Nevada statutes concerning whether independent candidates need to name their running mate in advance are ambiguous and conflicting. He also argues that a requirement for independent presidential candidates to name their vice-presidential pick before the major party candidates are required to violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.

The case is part of Kennedys efforts to get on the ballot in as many states as he can for his independent run. His campaign has reported officially qualifying for the ballot in eight states and attaining enough signatures for ballot access in another nine states, including Nevada.

Kennedy is also attempting to qualify for the first presidential debate that CNN is hosting with President Biden and former President Trump later this month. Both Biden and Trumps campaigns have attacked Kennedy and argued that he would serve as a spoiler in their opponents favor.

Polling has been mixed on which candidate Kennedy is drawing more voters away from compared to a two-way head-to-head matchup.

Still, Kennedy would have a lot of ground to make up even if he is successful in getting on the ballot throughout the country. The national polling average from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ shows him in a distant third in single digits, with Trump and Biden well ahead.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jrs running mate has aligned herself with fired Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

Nicole Shanahan, a 38-year-old California-based lawyer and now RFK Jrs vice-president pick, mentioned the disgraced conservative media host at a campaign event last Thursday in Maine, where Carlson has a home.

Im sitting across from Tucker, and he and I are so on the same page in every single way, Shanahan beamed, according to the Daily Beast. We are on the same page because we have left establishment thinking once and for all.

Theres no doubt that Carlson has distanced himself from mainstream rhetoric.

The conservative pundit has pushed numerous conspiracy theories, including those about the January 6 Capitol riot, the Covid-19 vaccine, and even going so far as to suggest that fellow conspiracy theorist Alex Jones called 9/11.

But Carlson is also an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, the former president and current convicted felon. He recently condemned the historic New York jury verdict, which found Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records. He also predicted that the former president, and current convicted felon, will win the 2024 presidential election so long as hes not killed first.

The Kennedy-Shanahan campaign has walked a fine line between aligning too far with one side or the other.

Seemingly so as not to lean too far in the Carlson direction, later in Shanahans speech, according to News Center Maine, she drew a link between her campaign and Maine senator Angus King. Although he is an independent, Senator King caucuses with Democrats.

This is a state with independent-minded people, Shanahan said, seemingly alluding to King. This is a state that understands issues, not rhetoric.

The Kennedy campaign seems to be casting a wide net to attract voters who may not be taken with either major party candidate President Joe Biden or Trump. Even RFK Jrs own family has distanced themselves from him, throwing their support behind Biden.
Nicole Shanahan, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jrs running mate, firmly aligned herself with the views of right-wing former Fox News host and staunch Donald Trump defender, Tucker Carlson.

Speaking to an audience at a campaign event in Kittery, Maine last Thursday, Shanahan described a recent meeting she had with Carlson, who has a home in the state.

Im sitting across from Tucker, and he and I are so on the same page in every single way, Shanahan said proudly. We are on the same page because we have left establishment thinking once and for all.

Some of Carlsons contrarian thinking includes pushing conspiracies about the Jan. 6 insurrection and the COVID-19 vaccine, and hawking the racist great replacement theory that some white supremacist mass shooters have cited as inspiration for their crimes. Also, Carlsons affinity for Trumpin public, at leastwas evident in his breathless response to the felons conviction in New York for falsifying business records to help his 2016 campaign.

Import the Third World, become the Third World. Thats what we just saw. This wont stop Trump. Hell win the election if hes not killed first, Carlson wrote in a post on X. But it does mark the end of the fairest justice system in the world. Anyone who defends this verdict is a danger to you and your family.

Shanahan on Thursday also apparently made an effort to link the Kennedy campaign to Sen. Angus King. While formally a Maine independent, Kinglike Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)caucuses with Democrats.

This is a state with independent-minded people. This is a state that understands issues, not rhetoric, Shanahan said, according to NewsCenterMaine.

Shanahans comments arent the first instance of the Kennedy campaignwhich many of his family members denouncegarnering attention for anti-Democratic positions.

A New York campaign staffer was fired in April after she said the quiet part out loud: that preventing Joe Bidens re-election was her number one priority.

Kennedy himself has also suggested that Biden actually poses more of a threat to democracy than Trump, who remains indicted in two jurisdictions for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 election, as well as in a third for allegedly violating the Espionage Act and trying to cover it up.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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ALGIERS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday to discuss the recent ceasefire initiative announced by U.S. President Joe Biden, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The Algerian Foreign Ministry stated that the two senior diplomats exchanged views on the initiative, which seeks to end hostilities in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid, and prepare for the territory's reconstruction.

The two sides also discussed the conditions under which the United Nations Security Council could address the initiative, the ministry added.

Attaf emphasized the need to seize the opportunities offered by this initiative to ensure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and move towards a "final, just and lasting resolution" of the Palestinian issue.

Blinken, on his part, underscored that the proposal would allow a surge in humanitarian assistance, enable the return of displaced persons to areas throughout Gaza, and permit international reconstruction efforts to begin.

Since beginning its non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council in January, Algeria has been working towards achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.

Biden announced a three-phrase ceasefire proposal in late May, saying it was proposed by the Israeli side and has received positive response from mediators like Egypt and Qatar. 
The Republican National Committee (RNC) is planning for the possibility of former President Trump, the GOP presumptive nominee, being jailed during the convention, the partys chair said on Tuesday.

Yeah, were working on that right now, Michael Whatley, the RNC chair, said during his Tuesday appearance on Newsmaxs Wake Up America.

Im actually going up to Milwaukee this week, and were going to have a series of conversations, he said.

Trump was found guilty Thursday last week on all 34 felony counts in his hush-money case. The New York jury found him guilty of falsifying business records to hide alleged extramarital affairs during his 2016 presidential run. Judge Juan Merchan said his sentencing hearing was set for July 11, just four days before the RNC convention kicks off.

Trump has vowed to appeal the verdict, and seems unlikely to face a jail term during such an appeal. GOP senators and other Republicans up in arms over the verdict have warned that Trumps freedom of movement should not be compromised by a sentence.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has called for the Supreme Court to get involved.

Whatley stated that the RNC expects the former president to be officially nominated at the partys mid-July convention in Milwaukee.

We expect that Donald Trump is going to be in Milwaukee and hes going to be able to accept that nomination and if not, we will make whatever contingency planning we need to make for it, he said. But the fact is, hes going to be our nominee, and hes going to be the 47th president of the United States.

Whatley, who was elected as the chair of the committee in March, did not share more details about the plans, but added that everything is being thought about regarding Trumps options to still communicate to the base, regardless if he is behind bars or not.

Well cross that bridge but you sort of have to go into this stuff, as we certainly will be planning on it, Whatley said on Tuesday. Well be thinking about it, and were working on that right now. But what we want to do is we want to have a show that is going to roll out Donald Trump and his vision for America, which is going to set up this election cycle.

The North Carolina Republican added that the former president will communicate directly with the American voters the way that he always does.

RNCs co-chair Lara Trump similarly mentioned on Sunday that the RNC needs to be ready for anything in regards to Trump, but she stated the committee will have several plans in place to pivot to as the convention nears.

Its ironic to me you had to rush this case through, and now we have to wait over a month, of course, for sentencing, she said during her Sunday appearance on CNNs State of the Union. Everyone can read into the irony of that, of course.

But, yes, we have to make plans as they happen, and were going to have several contingency plans, she added. The truth is, it really doesnt matter whether its from Trump Tower in Manhattan, whether its from Mar-a-Lago, whether its from our convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We will nominate Donald Trump as our Republican nominee, and thats what ultimately matters.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The campaign for Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has filed a federal lawsuit against Nevada after he was denied ballot access.

Nevada Secretary of State Francisco V. Aguilar, named in the lawsuit, issued an interpretation of state law that would force Kennedys campaign to start over. Thats because the original petition to place Kennedy on the ballot did not include his choice of a running mate.

Circulation of Kennedys petition to appear on the ballot was approved on Jan. 9, 2024. Kennedy didnt even name his running mate  California lawyer and philanthropist Nicole Shanahan  until March 26. In fact, the apparent problem with the petition didnt even come up until the day before Shanahan was named as his running mate.

Aguilar ruled that the petition was invalid in March.

Kennedy-Filed-Nevada-ComplaintDownload

The Secretary of States Office confirmed that it gave Kennedys campaign bad information early in the process. The campaign was told a vice presidential candidate wouldnt be required to start the petition process.

Earlier today it was brought to the attention of our office that a Secretary of State employee had provided inaccurate guidance to an independent presidential campaign, according to a March 25 statement. This was an error, and will be handled appropriately. In no way was the initial error or subsequent statutory guidance made with intent to benefit or harm any political party or candidate for office.

The Secretary of States Office clarified the point: When a government agency communicates with a member of the public and gives an unclear or incorrect answer to a question, Nevada courts have been clear that the agency is not permitted to honor the employees statements if following those statement would be in conflict with the law. The Court has repeatedly held that governmental functions cant be prevented by the conduct of statements of employees.

While the political ramifications were downplayed by the state, they are very real.

An 8 News Now poll of Nevada voters at the end of April showed that Kennedy would draw significant support  7.7%. Many of those voters would support President Joe Biden in a head-to-head matchup against former President Donald Trump. But with Kennedy on the ballot, Trump gains an advantage over Biden.

Aguilar is a Democrat.

This is a clear case for the federal court to apply the doctrine of equitable estoppel to prohibit the Secretary of State from changing his mind after providing binding statutory instruction upon which the campaign properly relied to our detriment, Kennedy Campaign Senior Counsel Paul Rossi said in a statement released Monday. The lawsuit was filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Carson City.

Estoppel is a doctrine that prevents someone from asserting a claim or right that contradicts what one has said or done before, or what has been legally established as true, according to the Legal Information Institute.

The court must prohibit what was either rank incompetence or partisan political gamesmanship by the Secretary from invalidating petition signatures afforded the highest First Amendment protection by the United States Supreme Court, Rossi said.

The lawsuit seeks an emergency injunction to block Aguilars interpretation and demands that Nevada accept the Kennedy petition to appear on the ballot.

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The Caribbeans sandy beaches, clear turquoise water and vibrant coral reefs filled with an amazing variety of sea creatures have long been the pride of the islands.

The big three  sun, sea and sand  have made this tropical paradise the most tourism-reliant region in the world.

But now, all of that is under threat. The explosive growth of a type of seaweed called sargassum is wreaking havoc on economies, coastal environments and human health across the islands.

I study the intersection of critical infrastructure and disasters, particularly in the Caribbean. The sargassum invasion has worsened since it exploded in the region in 2011. Forecasts and the seaweed already washing up suggest that 2024 will be another alarming year.

Sargassum levels were already high around many eastern Caribbean islands in late May 2024. Forecasters expect increasing sargassum washing up in June on many of the islands and in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA and University of South Florida

The Sargasso Sea

The Sargasso Sea is often referred to as a golden, floating rainforest for its vast floating sargassum blooms and the wide variety of sea life that it supports.

It is the only sea in the world with no land borders. Instead, it is bounded by four Atlantic Ocean currents: the North Atlantic current, the Gulf Stream, the North Atlantic Equatorial Current and the Canary Current.

Without human interference, and under normal conditions, sargassum is a good thing. It has existed in the Caribbean for centuries, providing habitat and food for ocean wildlife, including threatened and endangered species such as the porbeagle shark and the anguillid eel.

Conditions over the past decade around the Caribbean Sea, North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, however, have been anything but normal.

Since 2011, vast mats of sargassum seaweed have been washing up on Caribbean islands. On shore, they pile up into a dead and stinky mass.

(1) Sargassum rafts from a vast bloom known as the sargassum belt are transported to shore by ocean currents. (2) Free-floating sargassum provides food and habitat. (3) But on shore, it rots and clogs water intakes and beaches. NOAA

These sargassum events have been occurring more frequently and are lasting longer, and the amount of algae is increasing.

The situation has gotten so bad that NOAA created a weekly sargassum inundation risk index in collaboration with the University of South Florida. They have predicted that 2024 will be another terrible year for the Caribbean.

Pollution fuels a hazardous algae bloom

So, what is causing the explosive growth of this algae? Studies have pointed to pollution that the Caribbean region itself has done little to contribute to.

Humans are altering the nutrient cycle by releasing fertilizer runoff and industrial wastewater into rivers, which sends phosphates and nitrates down river systems and out into the oceans. These are key nutrients for plant growth.

A diver swims below a sargassum mat. Dan Eidsmoe via Flickr, CC BY

A rapid increase in ranching, logging and agriculture along the Amazon River in South America is one source, sending huge amounts of nutrients washing into the river, which terminates in the Caribbean Sea.

Another culprit is the Mississippi River, which carries nutrient-rich effluent from farms and industries into the Gulf of Mexico.

The Congo River in Africa also carries pollutants into the ocean from deforestation, and burning forests can deliver nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and iron, that further fuel algae growth.

These pollutants are swept up by ocean currents. An increase in phosphate and nitrogen water pollution, combined with warming waters, is believed to have supercharged seaweed normally carried by currents from the Sargasso Sea and created the sargassum belt, which persists across the Caribbean today.

Coasts, fishing industries cant escape the harm

In small quantities, sargassum plays a role in beach nourishment. But when it inundates coastlines, the rotting seaweed smothers beaches and reduces the amount of oxygen in the water, killing fish and harming fragile coral reefs.

Sargassum can get into boat propellers and make it hard to approach shore. This was Puerto Rico in 2015. AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo

The massive influx of sargassum has also disrupted fishing operations. Fishers find themselves struggling to maintain their livelihoods as sargassum is diminishing their catch. The seaweed has damaged fishing gear and boat engines and blocked access to harbors and mooring sites.

In addition, sargassum can concentrate arsenic, which poses the risk of contaminating fish and harming people who may eat them.

Sargassum on land is a public health threat

Sargassum rots quickly when stranded. Within 48 hours, it begins to degrade, releasing hydrogen sulphide and ammonia. At certain concentrations, these gases become not only toxic to the marine environment but also to human health.

There have been a growing number of reported cases of neurological, digestive and respiratory disorders associated with the noxious gases being emitted. Guadeloupes air-quality monitoring institute GwadAir has issued red alerts in recent years because of dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide gas being emitted from rotting sargassum.

The most common symptoms experienced by people living within close proximity to sargassum are headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, cough, rashes, eye disorders and effects on mood. Sargassum odors have led to an increase in nausea and headaches among school-age children. Pregnant women in the region are also being affected, with increasing reported cases of preeclampsia.

Sargassum has also clogged water intake tubes for desalination plants and power plants that use seawater for cooling, causing these units to shut down.

In the British Virgin Islands, sargassum sucked into the main desalination plant in 2023 led to smelly tap water and sporadic water shut-offs. In Virgin Gorda and St. Croix, people have reported smells, a burning sensation and skin rashes from their tap water.

Sargassum blooms also damage economies

Millions of tons of dead and rotting seaweed washing ashore can have widespread economic consequences.

The odor of the rotting seaweed attracts insects, which has been a repellent for some tourists. Cleaning the beaches and disposing of tons of debris, typically in landfills, cost the Caribbean about US$120 million in 2018.

That doesnt include the economic losses for hotels, fisheries and other businesses.

Small businesses such as Jet Ski rentals that depend on the coast for revenue generation have at times been forced to shut down because of the odorous gases released from the decaying mass.

Is there a solution?

Research and entrepreneurial initiatives are underway to try to deal with the seaweed. Companies have tried turning it into fertilizer, cattle feed and concrete, but so far only at small scale.

Governments have made little progress beyond agreeing to some fisheries management rules to protect vulnerable species. A few countries have draft management strategies, but action is typically focused on protecting the tourism industry, with little attention given to fisherfolk and local communities.

The sargassum invasion is fueled by global pollution, and fixing that requires a global response.

The United Nations Environment Program has called for increased international cooperation to understand the causes and impact of sargassum invasions and to find ways to help the countries affected. But so far, the international community has done little to address the pollution at the root of the problem.

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: Farah Nibbs, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

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Farah Nibbs 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.
Royal Horses Injured in Bolt Through London Likely to Take Part in Trooping the Colour This Month

The two most injured horses were also discharged from veterinary care in London and are continuing their recovery in the country

Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images Two of the Household Cavalry horses that got loose in London on April 24, 2024

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment shared an encouraging update about the soldiers and horses that were injured during a scary incident in London.

After five horses were "spooked by construction rubble being dropped through a plastic tunnel from height close to them" during a morning ride with the Life Guards on April 24, photos of the injured animals  especially Cavalry Black Trojan and Cavalry Grey Vida covered in blood  bolting through the Belgravia neighborhood of the capital city circulated around the world. On June 4, the Household Cavalry revealed that the five soldiers and five horses involved in the incident "are continuing to make remarkable progress in their recovery."

Three of the horses  Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish  are expected to take part in Trooping the Colour, the annual public celebration of King Charles' birthday in London, on June 15, a development that the Household Cavalry called "against all expectations." Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish are all back on duty after spending time recuperating at The Horse Trust in Chiltern Hills, located about an hour's drive outside the city.

The two most injured horses, Vida and Quaker, underwent operations following the incident. However, the Household Cavalry revealed they were recently deemed fit to travel to The Horse Trust where they'll continue their recovery.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images Trooping the Colour on June 9, 2018

Related: Kate Middleton Will Not Attend Traditional Trooping the Colour Rehearsal Next Month, Palace Confirms

"Vida and Quaker have made a remarkable physical recovery and showed great enthusiasm and joy upon their arrival at The Horse Trust, galloping into fresh pastures," the Household Cavalry said. "Vida, the Cavalry Grey, wasted no time in turning from white to brown as he rolled in the grass. The horses appeared bright and in good spirits, clearly displaying a close bond with each other and the soldiers who accompanied them."

Vida and Quaker are expected to return to work "in due time."

Meanwhile, three of the injured soldiers are back on duty. An additional two soldiers are continuing their recovery but are expected to make a full return to service.

Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images Two of the Household Cavalry horses that got loose in London on April 24, 2024

Lieutenant Colonel Mathew Woodward, Commanding Officer HCMR, said in a statement, "All five of the horses injured during the incident on 24th April are recovering with remarkable speed, and it is very likely that Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish will participate in the King's Birthday Parade later this month. The remaining two, Vida and Quaker, are enjoying a summer holiday in the Chilterns thanks to The Horse Trust. They are expected to make a full recovery, and we look forward to seeing them back on duty in due course."

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Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive Officer at The Horse Trust, said, "It has been a privilege to provide these wonderful horses with the space and time needed to fully recover. Its been so lovely to see Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish enjoying such a relaxing break, and now we have Vida and Quaker already loving their time here."

"All five horses are much younger than our regular service residents, and seeing them running, rolling and generally having fun after such a challenging experience is a real joy," Allen added.

Chris Jackson/Getty From left: Prince William, King Charles and Princess Anne ride on horseback at Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023

Related: Why Does King Charles Have 2 Birthdays? All About the Long-Standing Tradition of Trooping the Colour

Trooping the Colour serves as the official birthday celebration of the British monarch. Each June  regardless of when the king or queen's birthday actually falls to take advantage of the summer weather  over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians process through London as part of the festivities, with members of the royal family participating in the parade on horseback or in carriages.

For the grand finale of the event, the royals gather on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch a flypast, an aerial display over the city, by the Royal Air Force.

The Ministry of Defense recently confirmed that Trooping the Colour will go on as planned this year despite the reduction in royal outings ahead of the U.K.'s election. It was also confirmed that King Charles will attend the event amid his cancer treatment, with a small change from previous years. Instead of riding on horseback, the 75-year-old monarch will ride in a horse-drawn carriage alongside Queen Camilla.



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Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) is joining the chorus of Republicans deriding President Bidens executive order to limit asylum at the southern border, calling the plan a joke that would do little to lower the number of crossings, even if it is fully implemented.

Biden new border plan is a joke, Rubio said in a Tuesday post on social media platform X.

Even if Biden actually enforced it fully (which he wont) it would still allow close to a million people a year to cross illegally ON TOP OF the 10 million he has already allowed in over the last 3 years, he said.

The order would prohibit seeking asylum who cross between ports of entry at times when the seven-day average of such migrants is more than 2,500, which is currently the case.

The administration has long been criticized by conservatives for not doing enough to quell the flow of migrants into the country. The order was unveiled after bipartisan border legislation was for a second time blocked by GOP members in the Senate.

There were 179,725 encounters by Border Patrol agents along the U.S.-Mexico border in April, according to Customs and Border Protection.

Bidens Tuesday move is taking fire from both side of the aisle.

Im disappointed that this is a direction that the president has decided to take, Rep. Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said ahead of its release.

The American Civil Liberties Union immediately threatened to challenge the action in court.

Rubio, seen as a potential 2024 running mate for former President Trump has been going after Biden more aggressively, calling the president a demented man.

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Who will run Gaza after the war? Israel? Hamas? The U.N.?

Palestinians wait for aid trucks to arrive in the central Gaza Strip on May 19. (Abdel Kareem Hana / Associated Press)

Pressure from numerous fronts, domestic and international, is building on Israel to end the war in Gaza.

The International Court of Justice, Arab and European leaders, angry Israeli citizens and segments of the Biden administration are calling for an urgent cease-fire as part of an initial step toward determining the future of the devastated, impoverished coastal enclave.

But what happens then?

Heres a rundown of some of the plans being floated for the endgame in Gaza and their prospects for success.

Israeli annexation or settlement?

Some of Israels most right-wing politicians are calling for the annexation of parts of the Gaza Strip.

They advocate building Jewish settlements in Gaza that would dot and break up contiguous Palestinian communities. In other words, Gaza would look like the West Bank , where around half a million Israeli Jews live in heavily guarded enclaves, using their own roadways and farmland in settlements most of the world considers illegal under international law.

This was the situation in Gaza before 2005.

A brief history: Under the 1947 United Nations partition plan, Gaza was to be part of a new Palestinian state that also included the West Bank. Israel accepted the plan and declared statehood in 1948. Arab nations rejected it. Jordan seized control of the West Bank. Egypt moved into Gaza.

Read more: Israel's religious right has a clear plan for Gaza: 'We are occupying, deporting and settling'

In the 1967 Middle East war, Israel captured Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel occupied and began settling all three areas.

In 2005, then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, a hard-liner, ordered the withdrawal of Israeli military troops from Gaza and the forcible relocation of around 8,500 Jewish settlers. Sharon characterized his move to the world as a concession to Palestinians, but critics noted that Gazas occupation had become particularly difficult and dangerous for Israel.

And Sharon withdrew on his own terms, maintaining Israels blockade of the strip, controlling all access by land, sea and air.

Proponents of resettlement argue expanded Israeli military and civilian presence is the only way to ensure security for Israelis and prevent the militant group Hamas from reemerging.

There are significant problems with this plan, not the least of which is it would be seen by most of the world as a blatant violation of international law.

Starting with its illegal, said Diana Buttu, a lawyer and former advisor to the Palestinian Authority.

Critics say settlement would also be a logistical nightmare, an enormous investment of military force to protect settlers.

Palestinians  particularly Gazans  Egypt and the rest of the Arab world would never accept the return of settlements in Gaza, potentially fueling political turmoil and violence.

And politically it would be extremely difficult to sell to the world.

President Biden has said Gaza must remain in the hands of Palestinians, a position that most of the international community shares.

Israeli (re)occupation of Gaza?

Theres debate about whether Israel ever actually stopped its occupation of Gaza. Some say the 2005 withdrawal in effect turned over control to Palestinians, but others say Israels continuing control over access to the strip essentially turned it into a vast, open-air prison.

That said, another postwar option frequently discussed would have Israel returning to a more traditional, direct military reoccupation of Gaza.

One plan calls for Israeli-controlled buffer zones that could encircle the Gaza population. Such zones might make it easier for Israel to prevent another Oct. 7-style attack, when militants swept into Israel, killed about 1,200 people and seized about 240 hostages.

Instead of settling the Palestinian land with Israelis, the zones would be vacant no-man areas and heavily guarded by the Israeli military.

Palestinians reject such a plan as de facto annexation of their land.

Because Gaza is only 7.5 miles wide at its east-west broadest, such zones would greatly shrink what is already a densely populated territory. As a result, this idea would face strong opposition from the international community.

The return of Hamas and status quo?

Hamas, which eight months into the conflict is still fighting Israel and launching attacks, has proposed its own plan for ending the war and retaining some control over Gaza.

It starts with a permanent cease-fire followed by Israels withdrawal of all troops, Israels release of hundreds of Palestinians detained in its jails, and Hamas release of all hostages it still holds from its Oct. 7 attack, which triggered the war.

Under the Hamas proposal, once a sustainable calm is maintained, a reconstruction plan would commence along with the establishment of a realistic path to establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Israel has flatly rejected such proposals. For Israel, any plan that leaves Hamas standing  much less in power over Gaza  is unacceptable. Israel has repeatedly rejected the notion of Hamas remaining in power and has vowed to destroy the militant group.

The atrocities committed by Hamas also eroded any lingering support with international powers. The U.S. has declared that there can be no more business as usual in tolerance for Hamas in parts of the Middle East.

Its unclear whether Palestinians would support such a plan. Among many Palestinians and other Arabs, Hamas has gained support for having inflicted such damage on Israel.

But in recent years, Hamas was not very popular among Palestinians and especially Gazans, who bristled under Hamas heavy-handed rule. Major regional powers such as Egypt do not trust Hamas.

An alternative Palestinian authority?

If not Hamas, is there some other Palestinian group that could step in?

The most obvious option would be the Palestinian Authority, which provides a measure of civil administration over Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, although still under the umbrella of Israels military. The authority helped run the Gaza Strip until it was driven out by Hamas in 2006.

Biden has floated the idea of a new, reformed Palestinian Authority, which could take over postwar administration of Gaza.

Reforms would include new, younger leadership. The authoritys current president, Mahmoud Abbas, 88, has overstayed his term by more than a decade and is refusing to hold new elections. Biden also speaks about financial transparency and improved law enforcement practices.

Others have suggested incorporating Gaza clans into a new leadership.

But theres opposition to this plan as well.

Israel, which secretly helped create Hamas decades ago as a rival to the Palestinian Authority, will probably be concerned over the prospect of Palestinian unity. The chaos and divisions among Palestinians have long been cited by Israel as reasons for not moving forward on a Palestinian state. Its highly doubtful Israel would agree at this point to give Palestinians any control over land, water or borders in Gaza.

That explains why the authority itself has resisted such proposals in the past. No one wants to be seen as riding into Gaza on the back of Israeli tanks, as a common refrain goes. Palestinians dont want to be seen as caretakers  or worse, collaborators  working under Israels occupation, with little real power.

Finally the authority may not want to be handed the keys to Gaza after Israel has inflicted such massive destruction to buildings and infrastructure, and left the population on the verge of starvation. The Palestinian death toll in Gaza is more than 36,700, according to Palestinian authorities. Rebuilding after the Israeli attacks will be a monumental task.

Any alternative Palestinian power would also have to contend with whatever remains of Hamas and other Islamist groups.

International authority?

For an international authority to take over  such as a U.N. peacekeeping force  a major obstacle would be Israels unwillingness to relinquish control over security for the Gaza Strip.

That complicates many of the international plans on the table.

One would involve an international authority, possibly with Palestinian components, to take over Gaza once the war ends, handling the food supply, medical care and schooling while negotiating broader security relationships.

Former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Benny Gantz this month proposed an American, European, Arab, and Palestinian administration to manage civilian affairs in Gaza until a new government can be formed, with Israel maintaining security control in the interim.

The Biden administration has already conducted outreach to regional allies such as the United Arab Emirates and Morocco regarding creating a peacekeeping force. Both Egypt and Jordan have rejected such an idea in the past for fear of being seen as interfering in Palestinian self-determination. And Palestinians have lost faith in the U.S. as a fair broker.

Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan shot down a proposal from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the UAE be involved in a postwar administration.

The UAE stresses that the Israeli prime minister does not have any legal capacity to take this step, and the UAE refuses to be drawn into any plan aimed at providing cover for the Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip, Al Nahyan wrote on the social media platform X.

On the other hand, wealthy outside powers such as Saudi Arabia could be tempted to assist a new Palestinian government if it were assured Israel was out of the picture and if it got something in return, such as the mutual defense pact that Riyadh has been seeking from Washington.

Wilkinson reported from Washington and Bulos from Beirut.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN)  A 10-year-old boy who was reported missing as a runaway on Monday has been found.

Dothan Police confirmed to WDHN that XZavier Newby was found sometime Tuesday. No other details were given.

Newby was reported missing after leaving his residence off North Lena and met up with his friend before traveling to Northside Walmart, 4310 Montgomery Highway in Dothan, Alabama, where he was last seen running from at approximately 6 p.m. on June 2.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
Russian forces struck seven communities in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy Oblast in 18 separate attacks throughout the day, the regional administration reported on June 3. At least 61 explosions were reported in Sumy Oblast over the past 24 hours.

Throughout the day, Russia assailed the border communities with mortar, artillery, and drone attacks. Several communities saw explosives and mines dropped. Overall, the communities of Yunakivka, Mykolaiv, Khotin, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Seredyna-Buda, and Velyka Pysarivka were targeted.

No casualties or damages to civilian infrastructure were reported.

The village of Khotin, with a pre-war population of about 2,290 people, and surrounding areas experienced the bulk of the attacks.

Russian strikes against Sumy Oblast have become increasingly destructive in recent months. A Russian rocket attack on May 29 on the village of Krasnopillia in Sumy Oblast killed two civilians and injured three others.

Amid intensified attacks, Ukrainian authorities ordered evacuations from the region. Sumy Oblastborders Russia's Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod oblasts.

Read also: Russian troop losses hit record high in May, Ukraine claims

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Russia claims to down 20 Ukrainian drones in Kursk

Russian air defense units on June 3 allegedly intercepted 20 Ukrainian drones in the southern Kursk region, which borders Ukraine, according to regional governor Alexei Smirnov.

Smirnov said via Telegram that Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted four villages in the region using attack drones and helicopters. No injuries were reported.

In the neighboring Belgorod Oblast to the southeast, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that air defense units had downed "several airborne targets," resulting in some damage to the roofs of several buildings.

Ukrainian authorities have not commented. The Kyiv Independent couldn't immediately verify the reports.

Russia has been reporting drone attacks against its border regions for several months.

Belgorod Oblast borders Ukraine's Sumy, Kharkiv, and Luhansk oblasts. Claims of rocket or drone attacks against the region have recently become a common occurrence after anti-Kremlin Russian militias' incursions into the border areas.

The U.S. gave Ukraine permission to use American weapons to strike targets in Russia across the border from both Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts, Michael Carpenter, senior director for Europe at the U.S. National Security Council, told the TSN news program on May 31.

Earlier in the day, Ukraine's president spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that Washington had lifted the ban on strikes with U.S.-supplied weapons inside Russia near the border with Kharkiv Oblast.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: US Vice President Kamala Harris will attend global peace summit in Bidens place

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SEOUL, June 4 (Xinhua) -- South Korea hosted its first-ever summit with African countries here on Tuesday in a bid to enhance cooperation in various fields, according to the South Korean presidential office.

The summit, which began with a welcome banquet on Monday night, was scheduled to end with a business summit on Wednesday, attended by heads of state and government and heads of delegation from 48 African nations along with representatives of the African Union and its institutions and representative of the African Development Bank.

Under the joint declaration, the two sides shared the view that there is a need to forge a new strategic cooperation between South Korea and Africa based on mutual trust, solidarity and similar historical experiences.

Amid the emergence of complex challenges including climate change, conflicts, food insecurity, health crises, energy crises and supply chain disruptions, the two sides are determined to build a strong and mutually beneficial partnership structured around three pillars: shared growth, sustainability and solidarity.

South Korea and African countries signed more than 40 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), such as Trade and Investment Promotion Frameworks and basic agreements on the Economic Development Cooperation Fund, as well as MoUs on key mineral, infrastructure, mobility, agricultural, fishery, medical and health cooperations. 
(Bloomberg) -- Russias four-week average crude exports fell for a fourth week, with shipments hitting the lowest level since mid-February before a meeting of the OPEC+ producer group that was held on Sunday.

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Russia had pledged to compensate for overproduction against its April output target, which it blamed on the technicalities of making significant output cuts. Falling crude exports may indicate that Moscow is following through on its promise, though production and exports are not perfectly correlated.

Exports in April were about 120,000 barrels a day above a target set for that month, but flows in May fell about 170,000 below a separate, less restrictive, goal. From this month, Russia no longer has an export target after it came into line with its OPEC+ colleagues and replaced a complicated combination of production and exports ceilings with simplified output-only limits that are preferred by the group.

Though weekly export volumes were stable, a small gain in prices saw the gross value of Russias shipments edge higher in the seven days to June 2.

The Kremlin continues to test US-led restrictions on its oil shipments.

Russia is developing closer relationships in the Middle East, most recently adding Oman to its growing list of partners in the region. Moscow already co-chairs a key committee of the OPEC+ group of oil producers with Saudi Arabia, while much of the trading of Russian oil moved to the United Arab Emirates after being shut out of Europe following Moscows 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

With ship-to-ship transfers off Greece hampered by naval exercises in the bay favored for such activities, switches are taking place elsewhere, with several cargoes moved from one vessel to another off the coast of Oman and, more recently, near Morocco.

Separately, two sanctioned Russian tankers have loaded cargoes of crude at Novorossiysk in recent weeks. The Bratsk, until recently named the NS Burgas, took on about 1 million barrels of Urals crude on May 23 and is now headed through the Red Sea, bound for Singapore. The first sanctioned vessel to load, the SCF Primorye, disappeared for about two weeks from AIS tracking east of Singapore, a popular location for hidden ship-to-ship oil transfers.

If the cargoes ultimately end up being delivered to oil refineries, it could pave the way for other sanctioned tankers owned by state-controlled Sovcomflot PJSC to return to work. The company has renamed and reflagged at least 10 of its 21 ships that were listed by the US Treasury Department for breaching a G7-led price cap on Russian oil.

Crude Shipments

A total of 29 tankers loaded 22.53 million barrels of Russian crude in the week to June 2, vessel-tracking data and port agent reports show. That was virtually unchanged from 22.54 million barrels the previous week.

Russias seaborne crude flows in the week to June 2 were steady at 3.22 million barrels a day. The less volatile four-week average fell, down by about 115,000 barrels a day to 3.27 million, for the fourth straight decline.

Fewer shipments from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk and the Pacific ports of Kozmino and De Kastri were partly offset by two more departures from the Arctic terminals at Murmansk.

Crude shipments so far this year are running about 5,000 barrels a day above the average for 2023.

Russia told OPEC+ that it would cut crude exports during May by 71,000 barrels a day from their average May-June level. Weekly shipments were about 290,000 barrels a day below the target, while the four-week average was about 245,000 barrels a day below. Seaborne shipments in the first three months of the year exceeded Russias target level for that period by just 16,000 barrels a day, while April flows were about 120,000 barrels a day above that months target. Russia has no oil export targets beyond the end of May.

OPEC+ oil ministers met on June 2 and agreed to stretch most output targets to the end of 2025. The group decided to extend the second round of voluntary reductions, to which Russia eventually contributed 471,000 barrels a day, only until the end of September. After that, they will be relaxed over the following 12 months, as long as market conditions allow.

Three cargoes of Kazakhstans KEBCO were loaded at Novorossiysk during the week.

Flows by Destination

Observed shipments to Russias Asian customers, including those showing no final destination, fell to an eleven-week low of 2.93 million barrels a day in the four weeks to June 2, from 2.99 million in the four-week period to May 26.

About 1.09 million barrels a day of crude was loaded onto tankers heading to China. The Asian nations seaborne imports are boosted by about 800,000 barrels a day of crude delivered from Russia by pipeline, either directly, or via Kazakhstan.

Flows on ships signaling destinations in India averaged about 1.53 million barrels a day.

Both the Chinese and Indian figures are likely to rise as the discharge ports become clear for vessels that are not currently showing final destinations.

The equivalent of about 180,000 barrels a day was on vessels signaling Port Said or Suez in Egypt. Those voyages typically end at ports in India or China and show up as Unknown Asia until a final destination becomes apparent.

The Other Unknown volumes, running at about 130,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to June 2, are those on tankers showing no clear destination. Most originate from Russias western ports and go on to transit the Suez Canal, but some could end up in Turkey. Others may be moved from one vessel to another, with most such transfers now taking place in the Mediterranean, or more recently off Morocco.

Russias oil flows continue to be complicated by the Greek navy carrying out exercises in an area thats become synonymous with the transfer of the nations crude. The activities, which briefly halted on May 19, resumed and ran until June 3.

Russias seaborne crude exports to European countries have ceased, with flows to Bulgaria halted at the end of last year. Moscow also lost about 500,000 barrels a day of pipeline exports to Poland and Germany at the start of 2023, when those countries stopped purchases.

Turkey is now the only short-haul market for shipments from Russias western ports, with flows in the 28 days to June 2 slipping to about 340,000 barrels a day.

Export Value

The gross value of Russias crude exports edged higher to $1.57 billion in the seven days to June 2 from about $1.56 billion in the period to May 26, aided by a small increase in prices. In contrast, four-week average income was down, dropping by about $72 million to $1.59 billion a week, the lowest its been since February. The four-week average peak of $2.17 billion a week was reached in the period to June 19, 2022.

During the first four weeks after the Group of Seven nations price cap on Russian crude exports came into effect in early December 2022, the value of seaborne flows fell to a low of $930 million a week, but soon recovered.

NOTES

This story forms part of a weekly series tracking shipments of crude from Russian export terminals and the gross value of those flows. The next update will be on Tuesday, June 11.

All figures exclude cargoes identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade. Those are shipments made by KazTransoil JSC that transit Russia for export through Novorossiysk and Ust-Luga and are not subject to European Union sanctions or a price cap. The Kazakh barrels are blended with crude of Russian origin to create a uniform export stream. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, Kazakhstan has rebranded its cargoes to distinguish them from those shipped by Russian companies.

Vessel-tracking data are cross-checked against port agent reports as well as flows and ship movements reported by other information providers including Kpler and Vortexa Ltd.

If you are reading this story on the Bloomberg terminal, click here for a link to a PDF file of four-week average flows from Russia to key destinations.

--With assistance from Sherry Su.

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Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal speaks at the International Expert Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine. Christophe Gateau/Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH/dpa

Ukraine says it last lost more than 9 gigawatts of power-plant capacity across the country due to missile and drone attacks following the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022.

"The situation is very serious," Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Tuesday. The grid operator Ukrenergo has been forced to carry out scheduled power cuts due to the energy shortage.

In Kiev, electricity was switched off in several city districts in the afternoon because the maximum permissible consumption had been exceeded.

The government's main tasks now are better air defence and repair work on the damaged plants, said Shmyhal. The energy system must become more decentralized and energy use more efficient, he added. "Our goal is to save at all levels: from large companies to small houses and flats," the prime minister said.

The import of generators, solar cells and smaller power plants is to be subsidized. Kiev is also counting on greater help from international partners. "We are working on expanding imports from Europe to 2.2 gigawatts," said Shmyhal.

The Russian military has been targeting thermal and hydroelectric power plants in Ukraine since March.

The base load of Ukraine's power generation is ensured by the three nuclear power plants that are still under government control.

Up to 1.7 gigawatts of additional power can currently be imported from neighbouring EU states and Moldova. For most Ukrainians, however, hours-long power cuts are now part of everyday life.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal speaks at the International Expert Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine. Christophe Gateau/Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH/dpa

Ukraine says it last lost more than 9 gigawatts of power-plant capacity across the country due to missile and drone attacks following the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022.

"The situation is very serious," Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Tuesday. The grid operator Ukrenergo has been forced to carry out scheduled power cuts due to the energy shortage.

In Kiev, electricity was switched off in several city districts in the afternoon because the maximum permissible consumption had been exceeded.

The government's main tasks now are better air defence and repair work on the damaged plants, said Shmyhal. The energy system must become more decentralized and energy use more efficient, he added. "Our goal is to save at all levels: from large companies to small houses and flats," the prime minister said.

The import of generators, solar cells and smaller power plants is to be subsidized. Kiev is also counting on greater help from international partners. "We are working on expanding imports from Europe to 2.2 gigawatts," said Shmyhal.

The Russian military has been targeting thermal and hydroelectric power plants in Ukraine since March.

The base load of Ukraine's power generation is ensured by the three nuclear power plants that are still under government control.

Up to 1.7 gigawatts of additional power can currently be imported from neighbouring EU states and Moldova. For most Ukrainians, however, hours-long power cuts are now part of everyday life.

Earlier, local officials said at least seven people were injured in a Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, including a baby and a 17-year-old boy.

"A boy aged 1 month is in satisfactory condition and is receiving outpatient treatment," governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lysak, wrote on his Telegram channel on Tuesday.

Several residential buildings and cars were damaged by the explosion and a subsequent fire, he added.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia fired two Iskander missiles and four drones from the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which Moscow annexed in violation of international law in 2014. These were shot down by the air defence system, it said.

According to Lysak, the missile debris crashed over the residential area and caused the damage.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The regular shelling of cities and civilian infrastructure - mostly energy supply facilities - has been part of the conflict since the start.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Guinea on June 3 as part of his ongoing visits to West Africa. These visits come amid a backdrop of coups and rising discontent with traditional allies such as France and the United States, prompting some countries to shift their alliances towards Moscow.

Lavrov's multiple visits to the African continent in recent years underscore Russia's efforts to garner support or at least neutrality from Africa's 54 countries amid its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

During his visit, Lavrov met with Guineas Foreign Minister Morissanda Kouyate, according to a statement from Russias foreign ministry. Guinea's government mentioned that the meeting aimed to discuss areas of mutual cooperation but did not provide further details.

Later on June 3, Lavrov was expected to arrive in the Republic of Congo, where he was scheduled to meet President Denis Sassou Nguesso in the city of Oyo, as per an official communique from Brazzaville. The rest of his itinerary was not disclosed.

Guinea has been under military rule since 2021, when Col. Mamadi Doumbouya seized power, citing the need to prevent chaos and accusing the previous government of failing to keep promises. In February, the military leaders dissolved the government without explanation and announced plans to appoint a new one.

Doumbouya has resisted attempts by Western and other developed countries to intervene in Africas political affairs, stating that Africans are "exhausted by the categorizations with which everyone wants to box us in," according to Associated Press.

Several West African nations, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, have experienced coups that resulted in military juntas taking control. These countries have reduced or ended longstanding military ties with Western powers in favor of seeking security support from Russia.

Read also: Opinion: Why South Africas election matters for Ukraine

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Russia has been forcibly sending men who refused to fight in Ukraine to the front instead of prosecuting them for refusing to participate in combat operations.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

ISW believes that Russian forces launched an offensive in northern Kharkiv Oblast when the Northern Grouping of Forces was understrength. Therefore, the Russian Defence Ministry has been sending servicemen awaiting trial to the front in Kharkiv Oblast to reinforce the limited forces in this area.

The Russian opposition media outlet Verstka stated on 3 June that Russian military officials had begun forcibly deploying hundreds of servicemen who had refused to engage in combat to the front in Ukraine, specifically to northern Kharkiv Oblast and Donetsk Oblast in May 2024.

Initially, these soldiers were held at military bases in Russia, awaiting trial for their refusal to fight. However, their trials were abruptly cancelled and they were sent directly to Ukraine.

Verstka reported that some soldiers had been coerced into volunteering for deployment through physical abuse. Others were forcibly taken from their cells at gunpoint and transported to the frontlines.

At least 170 servicemen have had their trials cancelled and have been deployed to Ukraine without the knowledge of the legal authorities, including investigators, prosecutors and lawyers.

Furthermore, several sources, including one from the Russian leaders administration, indicated that the Russian military is assigning conscripts and less skilled reservists to non-combat roles within Russia's border forces. They are doing this to free up experienced soldiers for the offensive in northern Kharkiv Oblast. However, deserters are also being sent to fight.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 3 June:

Ukrainian forces struck a Russian S-300/400 air defence battery in Belgorod Oblast likely with HIMARS on 1 or 2 June.

The People's Republic of China (PRC) and Russia are reportedly in disagreement about economic issues such as the proposed Power of Siberia 2 (PS-2) pipeline despite publicly portraying themselves as diplomatically aligned.

Putin also reportedly asked Xi in May 2024 to "snub" the upcoming Ukrainian peace conference in Switzerland amid continued Russian efforts to discredit and otherwise undermine the peace conference.

Russian forces continue to abuse Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in violation of the Geneva Convention on POWs.

Russian military and political leadership continues to pursue increased military, political, and economic cooperation with several African states.

The Russian military is reportedly forcibly sending Russian servicemembers who refused to fight to the front in Ukraine from Russia instead of standing trial for their refusal to participate in combat.

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili signed the Russian-style "foreign agents" bill into law on 3 June amid continued protests.

Ukrainian forces recently advanced within Vovchansk and Russian forces recently advanced near Lyptsi, Avdiivka and Velyka Novoslika and in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The family members of mobilised Russian personnel continue to protest for the demobilisation of their relatives.

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CONAKRY, Guinea  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 Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Lavrov met with Guineas foreign minister Morissanda Kouyate, according to Russias foreign ministry. Guineas 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 Nguesso in the city of Oyo, according to an official communique from Brazzaville. It wasnt clear which other countries were on his itinerary later this week.

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.
A criminal gang made up mostly of former Wagner mercenaries has been busted in Russias Oryol region for extorting local residents.

The regional branch of the Federal Security Service said Tuesday that four members of the gang obtained three apartments, five vehicles, and millions of rubles in cash by extorting residents at gunpoint. According to the well-connected Baza Telegram channel, three of the four members previously served in the Wagner Group. Baza also notes that the group was shaking down locals in the interests of drug dealers.

One of the men targeted back in November 2023 is said to have owed money to a drug dealer, so the gang showed up to make him hand it over. He wound up signing over ownership of his Audi A6 since he didnt have any money, authorities said. A 24-year-old resident then gave the group about $563 the next month when they threatened him with a hunting knife, an ax, and a homemade gun with a silencer, Baza reports.

Soon after, another man who is said to have owed money to a drug dealer was forced to talk his own mother into signing over the title of her apartment to the group after they showed up wielding weapons.

Another Prisoner Freed for Wagner Burns Two Women Alive

The gang, which reportedly formed in May 2023, appears to be the first one in Russia composed of ex-Wagnerites. But it joins a rapidly growing list of former Wagner fighters bringing violence and bloodshed to Russian soil after the mercenary group gained fame for its role in the war against Ukraine.

Another former member of the group, 41-year-old Alexander Kuzmin, was recently sentenced to eight years in prison for savagely murdering a woman last winter after hed returned from the battlefield, Verskta reports. Kuzmin, whod already been convicted of one murder prior to that one, was only free thanks to a pardon from Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlins deranged prison-recruitment scheme.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Russia has established filtration camps in the embattled town of Vovchansk, Kharkiv Oblast Governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said on June 4.

Speaking to national TV, Syniehubov said that although "few people remain" in the part of the town occupied by Russian forces, those that do "are used by the enemy as human shields."

"And, according to our information, filtration camps have been set up there," he added.

Filtration camps are used by Russian forces to identify and document Ukrainians in occupied territories.

Those who pass through them are often subject to torture, sexual violence and other violations, sometimes before being forcibly deported to Russia.

Russia launched a new offensive on May 10 in northern Kharkiv Oblast and Vovchansk became the scene of some of the heaviest fighting.

As of May 30, Russian forces continued to control a handful of settlements on two separate axes, one near the town of Vovchansk and the other towards the village of Lyptsi, where they have advanced a maximum of just 10 kilometers from the state border.

Ukrainian forces control about 70% of the town as of May 31, Nazar Voloshyn, the spokesperson of the Khortytsia group of forces, told Hromadske Radio.

Vovchansk is described by Ukrainian officials as almost destroyed, while Russia keeps attacking other neighboring settlements, inflicting civilian casualties.

Read also: With all eyes on Kharkiv, Russian troops take one Donbas village after another

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People visit the China Trade Fair Indonesia 2024 at the Jakarta International Expo in Jakarta, Indonesia, on June 4, 2024. The Seventh China Trade Fair Indonesia 2024 commenced at the Jakarta International Expo on Tuesday, attracting nearly 1,000 companies from 19 Chinese provinces and cities, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Shandong, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, along with local Indonesian businesses. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

JAKARTA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The Seventh China Trade Fair Indonesia 2024 commenced at the Jakarta International Expo on Tuesday, attracting nearly 1,000 companies from 19 Chinese provinces and cities, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Shandong, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, along with local Indonesian businesses.

Covering a total exhibition area of 40,000 square meters, the four-day trade fair features various sectors such as industrial equipment and components, plastic printing and packaging equipment, educational equipment, building materials, household appliances, and textiles and apparel. Notably, this year's trade fair introduced the education equipment industry for the first time, with 59 education equipment companies participating.

Li Feng, deputy chief representative of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade in Indonesia, emphasized that Chinese companies operating in Indonesia contribute to diverse fields such as mining, smelting, communications, digital economy, and new energy. Their presence positively impacts employment, tax revenue, and industrial chains in Indonesia.

"This trade fair serves as a high-quality platform for Chinese and Indonesian enterprises to connect, and it will undoubtedly help both sides fully explore the growth potential of bilateral trade and investment, creating distinctive trade and investment highlights while enhancing the scale and quality of two-way trade and investment," Li said.

Yahya Sutarya, deputy director administrative of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, expressed optimism about the trade fair.

Having witnessed the growing cooperation between China and Indonesia during his four years of work in China, he believed that China's development would significantly benefit Indonesia, especially in the education sector. "I hope that the education equipment exhibition during this trade fair will act as a catalyst for positive reforms in Indonesia's education sector," he said. 

People visit the China Trade Fair Indonesia 2024 at the Jakarta International Expo in Jakarta, Indonesia, on June 4, 2024. The Seventh China Trade Fair Indonesia 2024 commenced at the Jakarta International Expo on Tuesday, attracting nearly 1,000 companies from 19 Chinese provinces and cities, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Shandong, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, along with local Indonesian businesses. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

People visit the China Trade Fair Indonesia 2024 at the Jakarta International Expo in Jakarta, Indonesia, on June 4, 2024. The Seventh China Trade Fair Indonesia 2024 commenced at the Jakarta International Expo on Tuesday, attracting nearly 1,000 companies from 19 Chinese provinces and cities, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Shandong, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, along with local Indonesian businesses. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)
(Bloomberg) -- When a guard patrolling Polands eastern border was attacked by a migrant trying to illegally cross from Belarus last month, Prime Minister Donald Tusk rushed to the scene.

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Standing in front of camouflaged army vehicles next to servicemen in fatigues in the village of Dubicze Cerkiewne, Tusk promised to use all means necessary to seal the frontier and ward off what he described as a concerted attempt to destabilize Poland. There would be an exclusion zone along the border and equipment to stop tanks and drones.

The tough talk could have come from his nationalist predecessors or their political bedfellows in Hungary, Slovakia or even the US. But Tusk is putting security front and center before European Parliamentary elections on June 9 in an attempt to reinforce his grip on the country at a critical moment for the continents political landscape.

The war in Ukraine, now well into its third year, is sparking fears from the Baltic states down to Moldova that Russia will try to exploit Europes vulnerability. Pro-Kremlin disinformation campaigns sought to help the rise of the far-right, while the authorities in Poland say Russia and ally Belarus are weaponizing migrants.

By seizing on such warnings, Tusk, a former European Council president, is seeking to counter those forces and also outflank his nationalist adversaries in the Law & Justice Party who he ousted from power in October.

Its an attempt to effectively deprive populists of oxygen, said Anna Materska-Sosnowska, a political scientist at Warsaw University. Whats different is that Tusk, unlike Law & Justice, wants to build the sense of security on two legs, meaning a strong Poland in a strong European Union.

Before the October parliamentary election, Law & Justice portrayed Tusk as weak on defense and either in cahoots with Russia or Germany. But after a standoff with the EU that threatened Polands funding and an outcry over womens rights, Tusk and his coalition prevailed.

Tusk now wants to turn the tables before a European vote where turnout is typically much lower than in national elections and where fringe parties often make gains. After a judge linked to the Law & Justice government defected to Belarus, Tusks party pounced, disseminating a video alleging party links to Russia. It also claimed to have foiled Russian sabotage attempts.

In a post on social platform X, Tusk was blunt: If you dont want to go to war, go vote, he said. No one will dare to attack a strong and united Europe. A weak and divided Europe may fall victim to aggression.

The message holds particular resonance for people living along Polands 400 kilometer border with Belarus. For months since the end of 2021, the area of Europes last primeval forest and marshes became the scene of attempts by tens of thousands of undocumented migrants to cross into the EU. The previous government put up a steel fence to try and stop them.

Tusks rhetoric, though, is in stark contrast to when he was leader of the opposition. In late 2022, he was calling the way the army was repelling migrants inhumane, accusing the Law & Justice government of wickedness. Some in his Civic Platform party dispatched aid.

The Helsinki Committee for Human Rights noted the change of tone. It called the continuation of the previous governments policy by Tusks coalition terrifying. There are no longer any references to humanitarianism in these announcements, it said in a joint statement with NGOs working at the border.

In recent weeks, the number of attempts to breach the border have started to pick up again. Tusk said the migrants were predominantly from Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria and Iran and had visas issued by Russia.

Izabela Pajszczyk owns several wooden holiday houses for rent in Niemirow, a small village along Bug River less than a kilometer from the border with Belarus. She said army patrols help people feel secure, but recent attacks on border guards are disturbing. She wants to see real action from Tusk and is hoping for the EU to help improve security.

In the last months, our clients began to be less concerned about security issues and bookings started to look decent, said Pajszczyk, 61. But Im afraid that recent press conferences and events will derail our hopes.

Plans to strengthen the border with several layers of obstacles have become a focal point of the campaign before this weekends vote. Called Shield East and costing 10 billion zloty ($2.5 billion), it would cover 700 kilometers and include the border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Some 78% of Poles support the proposal, according to an IBRiS pollster survey for Rzeczpospolita newspaper.

At a gathering in May in a stronghold of his opponents, Tusk said Poland in coming years will depend on how the EU develops politically. Hungary, for example, is currently blocking a batch of military aid for Ukraine.

We are really one step away from overtly pro-Russian forces gaining the upper hand in Europe, he told the meeting at an open-air theater in Bialystok, the main city in the pro-Law & Justice eastern region of Podlasie. I wont lie to anyone that our priority must be safety.

Military trucks with soldiers changing shifts and border guards going to and from their posts are stark reminders that the situation remains tense. Part of the border investment plan is to repair and improve local roads and bridges to help logistics.

Owners of bars and apartments as well as souvenirs sellers are afraid that plans for new military installations will force them to relocate. The previous entry ban affected many villages, including Bialowieza, which is a base point for trips to the nearby national park.

I understand its a pre-election move to focus on security, said Slawomir Dron, 55, who runs a restaurant in the center of Bialowieza. But it would be good also if politicians go to local places for some lunch or even stay overnight  to show there is still life here and local people are still part of the EU and NATO as well.

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Russian forces launched attacks against Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy oblasts on June 4, killing a man and injuring another one, local authorities reported.

In Sumy Oblast, the Russian military struck the village of Seredyna-Buda with artillery, killing a 70-year-old man in the yard of his house, according to the local prosecutor's office.

In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Russian forces targeted the Kryvyi Rih district with a missile. A 69-year-old man was injured and hospitalized, and a house was damaged, Governor Serhii Lysak reported.

Russia attacked the regional center of Dnipro earlier in the day, injuring at least eight civilians, including a one-month-old baby and a 17-year-old boy.

In recent months, Russia has intensified its attacks against Ukraine's critical infrastructure and population centers.

Read also: Everyone says culture has nothing to do with it. It does  Ukrainian writer Volodymyr Rafeyenko on Russias war

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Russian forces launched an attack on the city of Konotop in Sumy Oblast on Tuesday, 4 June, damaging a manufacturing facility.

Source: Artem Semenikhin, Konotop Mayor, on Facebook

Quote: "The Russian Federation launched an attack on Konotop, another act of terror. Our citys manufacturing infrastructure was damaged."

Details: Semenikhin said there were no civilian casualties and the full aftermath of the Russian attack was still being assessed.

He added that the city tram service to the Zhytlomasyv district has been temporarily suspended.

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Russian forces attacked the villages of Veletenske and Bilozerka in Kherson Oblast on June 4, killing one person and injuring four, local authorities reported.

Kherson and other regional settlements west of the Dnipro River have been subjected to near-daily Russian strikes since Ukraine liberated the area in November 2022, and Russian troops were pushed to the river's east bank.

Russian troops carried out the strike in the morning, targeting the center of Bilozerka, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin.

A 55-year-old woman, who was in the building at the moment of the attack, suffered a blast injury and a shrapnel wound to the stomach. She was hospitalized and is in a condition of moderate severity.

An 81-year-old woman was injured while she was standing in the street. She suffered a concussion and blast and head injuries.

Three shops, a cafe, and a car were damaged.

The number of victims in the strike on Bilozerka has risen to three as of around 2 p.m. local time. A 65-year-old woman came to the hospital with a blast injury, according to the local military administration.

A 45-year-old woman was confirmed injured around half an hour later, raising the total number of victims to four. She was hospitalized with a blast injury.

Another Russian strike targeted Veletenske at around 12:30 p.m. local time, the governor said.

An elderly woman was killed in the attack. She was in the yard of her house when the strike happened.

Veletenske and Bilozerka lie north of the Dnipro River delta across from the Russian-occupied territories of Kherson Oblast.

On the previous day, a Russian attack against the village of Tomyna Balka injured a man aged around 70, the regional military administration said.

Read also: We took out so many of them: Ukraine stabilizes Kharkiv front after brutal Russian offensive

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Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Russia struck Ukraine's city of Dnipro with missiles overnight on June 4, causing fire, Governor Serhii Lysak said. At least eight civilians, including a one-month-old baby and a 17-year-old boy, were injured in the attack.

Air defense systems successfully intercepted and downed two missiles over the city, according to the governor.

The debris from missiles caused damage to civilian infrastructure. Over a dozen vehicles and dozens of buildings were affected.

More than 16 residential multi-story buildings have been damaged, as well as a hospital, a clinic, a school, and 31 houses, Mayor Borys Filatov said.

Russian forces also attacked the city of Nikopol with kamikaze drones, Lysak said. No casualties were reported there.

Air raid alerts were actived activated in a number of regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts overnight on June 4. Ukraine's Air Force warned about the threat of missile attack.

In recent months, Russia has intensified its attacks against Ukraine's critical infrastructure in a renewed assault against the country's civilian sites and energy grid.

Russia's massive aerial assault follows the deadly bombing of the busy Kharkiv hypermarket in the middle of the day on May 25. The attack killed at least 19 people and injured 44. Hours later, a second Russian attack injured 25 people.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: US Vice President Kamala Harris will attend global peace summit in Bidens place

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Russia's full-scale invasion has destroyed at least 210,000 buildings in Ukraine, NYT analysis reveals

At least 210,000 buildings in Ukraine have been destroyed since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, an analysis published on June 4 by The New York Times (NYT) has found.

An examination of satellite data reveals the destruction includes 106 hospitals, 109 churches, temples, mosques and monasteries and 708 schools, colleges and universities.

"The scale is hard to comprehend," the NYT writes in its interactive report. "More buildings have been destroyed in Ukraine than if every building in Manhattan were to be leveled four times over."

The authors note the numbers are "conservative" and don't include Crimea and parts of western Ukraine.

In recent months, Russia has once again ramped up attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, most recently in a mass-missile attack on June 1.

Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that energy infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kirovohrad, and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts came under fire by Russian forces.

DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, said that two of its thermal power plants were targeted in the attack, resulting in "serious damage" to the equipment.

Two hydroelectric power stations and nearby infrastructure were also hit, inflicting "critical damage," said Ukrhydronergo, the state-owned hydroelectric energy operator.

Even before the latest attack, Ukraine implemented rolling blackouts. Limitations were introduced on May 15 across the country as energy consumption increased after a temperature drop, according to Ukraine's state-owned energy operator Ukrenergo.

"The capacity of Ukrainian power plants is not enough due to the consequences of five missile and drone attacks carried out by Russia on Ukraine's energy system since March 22," Ukrenergo's statement read.

Russian strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure have cost the state over $1 billion in damage, Halushchenko said on May 5.

Read also: Opinion: Russias energy infrastructure attacks are depopulating Ukraine

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Living at the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States, has a college dorm-style feel to it, complete with group dinners and nights around a Nintendo Switch.

Thats according to Charlie Peachey, a Rye man employed as a weather observer and research and IT specialist with the Mount Washington Observatory. Since August 2023, Peachey has alternated weeks living in his familys home at the base of Pulpit Rock Tower in Rye and living at the observatory with his colleagues, giving him a front row seat to extreme weather atop the 6,288-foot-high Mount Washington.

Charlie Peachey, 24, alternates weeks living in Rye and working for the Mount Washington Observatory at the summit of the 6,288-foot-high peak.

When back at sea level, Peachey reminds friends he has the tallest work commute in all of New England for a job unlike any other in New Hampshire. On any given day, the 24-year-old and his colleagues could be blasted with triple-digit wind speeds, intense snow and rainfall, and have a front row view for the northern lights  a polar opposite lifestyle to lazy days beachside in Rye.

Ive grown to like every season and how its different at each location I live at, Peachey said.

Charlie Peachey, 24, alternates weeks living in Rye and working for the Mount Washington Observatory at the summit of the 6,288-foot-high peak.

Peachey is a Plymouth State University graduate with a bachelors degree in meteorology and a masters degree in applied meteorology. Within two weeks of completing his graduate thesis, he started his job last summer at the observatory, where he had previously interned as part of a grant-funded research program.

Peacheys family has owned their Rye residence for roughly 80 years and used it as a summer home before he moved in and became a full-time tenant. During his weeks in Rye, where hes visited and lived since he was 2 months old, hes out enjoying the waves crashing at Wallis Sands, paddleboarding, fishing and playing ultimate Frisbee in the Seacoast, and serving as a volunteer umpire for Portsmouth Little League.

Charlie Peachey, 24, calls his life in New Hampshire the best of both worlds, working and living at Mount Washington Observatory and in the seaside town of Rye.

What it's like working atop Mount Washington

For one week at a time, Peachey bunks at the Mount Washington summit with the other observers and staffers, beginning and ending on Wednesdays. Peachey and his fellow daytime weather observers generally work from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at the summit, filing a weather report with the National Weather Service every hour, creating forecasts and performing quality checks for data from the day prior. Peachey also speaks to local and regional media outlets when they call for weather updates at the mountain, forming relationships with other meteorologists and journalists.

Charlie Peachey, 24, alternates weeks living in Rye and working for the Mount Washington Observatory at the summit of the 6,288-foot-high peak.

As the summits resident information technology guru, Peachey is often charged with addressing any instrument breakdowns, ranging from simply plugging devices back in to releasing a foot of water from the observatorys WiFi box during inclement weather.

Its a whole variety of weird situations that we have going on up here that can disrupt the day, he said.

Peachey is also conducting a research project regarding rain on snow events at the summit, studying their frequency, long-term changes, subsequent flooding that can occur and impacts on the surrounding environment. The weather observer hopes to have his research published in the near future.

Charlie Peachey performs a number of roles at the Mount Washington Observatory.

During downtime amid good weather, Peachey and his team will hike around the summit and backcountry ski, sometimes meeting up with staff at the Appalachian Mountain Club at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. When the weather turns sour, the observatorys workers pass time with Nimbus, the observatory cat, have heated Mario Kart tournaments and share dinner together before retiring to their respective rooms.

Drew Bush, director of the observatory, noted there are two daytime weather observers on each shift and one nighttime observer, interns and two summit volunteers almost every week who cook for the staff and work the summit museum in the summertime. During the summer, staff size peaks at around eight employees at the summit.

We have quite a lot going on that Charlie's team has been handling, and its certainly not easy. Were a small nonprofit, so Im really proud of all the work that goes into that, Bush said.

Goal is to make Mount Washington Observatory more accessible

Bush was named the director of the observatory, the main office for which is in North Conway, in September 2022. Under his watch, the observatory has begun offering more educational programs, brought more than 1,000 students to the summit, conducted research with multiple universities and could partner with the Air Force and the Army Corps of Engineers on other research opportunities.

Charlie Peachey says he has come to love the varied weather conditions at the Mount Washington Observatory.

This spring, the observatory will also start holding public tours of the weather station at the Mount Washington summit.

Were really trying to make this unique place and this unique institution that we represent accessible and available to everybody, from young students all the way up to faculty, graduate and undergraduate students and the public, Bush said.

Nearing his one-year anniversary switching between living at the oft-frigid summit and the shores of Rye, Peachey has accrued many lifelong memories on the mountain.

In May, Peachey was working amid the northern lights, capturing the dazzling aurora borealis with his camera. One shift, he was the only observer on when major wind gusts topped out at 147 mph, which he recorded outside while attempting to keep balance. A few weeks afterward, lightning struck the summit and created a sound close to a muffled explosion, causing momentary panic among the staff.

Charlie Peachey captured images of the northern lights in early May 2024 while working at the summit of Mount Washington.

It was pretty harrowing. That was definitely a fun one when we realized after the fact how close we were to it all, Peachey said.

Last February, prior to Peacheys arrival, Mount Washington broke its record-low air temperature of -46.7 degrees Fahrenheit during a widespread Arctic freeze. Then, last summer, the mountain experienced heavy precipitation, going down as one of the wettest summers in Mount Washingtons history, according to Bush.

So it goes at what the Mount Washington Observatory bills as the home of the world's worst weather.

Its kind of the best of both worlds, Peachey said.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Rye NH man at Mt. Washington summit records 'world's worst weather
NEW DELHI, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday thanked the countrymen for placing trust in the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for a third consecutive term.

Taking to the social platform X, formerly Twitter, Modi said that it was an unprecedented moment in the history of India.

"The people of the country have expressed their trust in the NDA for the third consecutive time. This is an unprecedented moment in the history of India," Modi posted on X.

"I assure the countrymen that to fulfil their aspirations, we will move forward with new energy, new enthusiasm and new resolves," he wrote.

Even as the counting of votes was still in progress after the April 19-June 1 general elections held in the South Asian country, the NDA was expected to win around 290 parliamentary constituencies, while the opposition political parties' Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) was most likely to win 234 parliamentary constituencies, according to media reports.

There are a total of 543 parliamentary constituencies in India where people directly elect their representatives. The political party, or alliance of political parties, that wins at least 272 parliamentary constituencies forms the government. 
(Bloomberg) -- Saab ABs two-year stock rally may be fizzling out amid concerns over the Swedish defense companys lofty valuation and a recent reminder that some anticipated orders will fall through.

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Last week, Sweden paused plans to send the firms flagship Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, shelving a deal that would have stoked replacement orders. On Monday, UBS Group AG analysts wrote that Saabs bullish outlook is already priced in. The developments come as the companys shares trade at a premium compared to the average price target of stock analysts, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

With its automotive unit long gone, Saab has hugely benefited from a surge in European military spending since Russia invaded Ukraine, with its order backlog surging 50% from the end of 2021, according to the latest company data. While the rally has put the stock back on the map for many investors, some are questioning if the company will deliver.

I dont doubt that orders and revenue will develop very nicely, but Saab has a really bad track record of managing to extract a healthy profitability from its operations, said Henric Hintze, an analyst at ABG Sundal Collier AB in Stockholm, who has a sell recommendation on the stock.

Saab shares gained 70% this year and 385% since the start of the Ukraine war in early 2022. They are currently trading above the average analyst target price tracked by Bloomberg.

NATO Access

UBS analysts Kseniia Maslova and Ian Douglas-Pennant, who initiated Saab with a neutral rating, said the stock trades at about a 40% premium to peers. They said Swedens membership to the US-led NATO military alliance is helpful, but that associated orders will mainly come later this decade.

Shares could come under pressure if demand growth or pace of execution progress were to surprise negatively, UBS wrote. Nevertheless, Saab enjoys strong product reputation, reinforced by continued R&D efforts, and with Swedens accession to NATO, it should benefit from improved access to joint capabilities initiatives, the analysts said.

The Swedish governments decision to halt plans to donate Gripen jets  which would send some of its existing fighters to Ukraine and likely lead to new orders as the Nordic nation rebuilds its fleet  shows the countrys still limited clout within NATO. The plan fell through as Stockholms allies wanted to first introduce US-built F-16s to the war-torn nation.

Saabs Chief Executive Officer Micael Johansson played down the impact of the Gripen incident, which local media in Sweden decried as a major setback. Its stock declined 4.8% the day this news broke.

The Swedish jets may still be sent to Ukraine sometime down the line, and there is respect for the fact that its very complicated to implement two systems at the same time, he told Bloomberg by phone.

Looking wider at Europes defense industry, Johansson said that forecasts for spending over the next decade has increased by $500 billion from last years estimates. He noted that investor interest in his company is very, very high as Saab tries to both take market share here and now and ramp up its product line for the future.

I havent noticed any slowdown, if anything its the opposite, the CEO said in the interview. Its definitely full steam ahead, and thats what were talking about with investors.

Many remain positive on the stock, even if there are warning signs. Forsta AP-fonden, a Swedish pension fund which owns Saab shares, said current geopolitical instability will help the company increase its order intake.

The company is well positioned to take advantage of the growth opportunities that emerge in todays surrounding world, even if there are also challenges to deal with, among them the expansion of production capacity, Mats Larsson, head of equities at the fund, told Bloomberg.

Saabs stock currently has four buys, five holds and one sell rating on the Bloomberg system, with ABG Sundal Colliers Hintze noting that theres been a very strong optimistic trend in outlooks as the share price soared.

But considering Saabs track record, the valuation that the share is trading at is simply too high, he said. Thats the basis of my case.

--With assistance from Christian Wienberg and James Cone.

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Sacramento couple steals nearly $2k in Bath and Body Works retail scam with baby, police say

(FOX40.COM)  A man and woman were arrested for an alleged retail theft scam at Bath and Body Works in Sacramento.

On May 30, Sacramento County Sheriffs Office said three individuals entered the Bath and Body Works on Olson Drive in Rancho Cordova. The woman, who held her 18-month-old child in her arms, and one of the two men, selected $1,940.40 worth of merchandise and exited the business without paying, according to SCSO.

Vandals destroy over $10K worth of Meals on Wheels food in Northern California

A short time later, deputies said the man and woman went to the Bath and Body Works on Fair Oaks Boulevard in Sacramento and returned some of the stolen merchandise from the Rancho Cordova location in exchange for a gift card.

SCSO said it located them a short distance away and recovered stolen property from Bath and Body Works and another local business. They were arrested for several alleged felony charges and taken to Sacramento County Main Jail under a $75,000 bail.

Man arrested after stealing car with own child inside

The third man, who initially entered the Rancho Cordova store with the two arrestees, is suspected to also be involved in the crime, but has not been apprehended.

In addition, deputies said the child was unsecured in a car seat and did not appear to be cared for. Detectives purchased diapers for the child with their own personal money before the 18-month-old was placed into child protective custody.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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(FOX40.COM)  Employers from Sacramento International Airport are looking to hire for multiple positions this week.

SMF announced it will be hosting an airport-wide job fair on Friday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second floor in the Terminal A Media Room.

Employers are looking to hire for a variety of positions within the airport, including custodial staff, supervisors, and porters. Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines, Hertz, Sacramento Regional Transit, Sacramento County and USPS will also look to fill positions.

Terminals, gates and airlines: A guide to travelers heading to the Sacramento International Airport

Here are some of the positions that job seekers will find at the job fair, according to a Facebook post from SMF:

TMM Housekeeping

Supervisors

Porters

Custodians

Floor/Project Tech

Hawaiian Airlines

Airport guest service agent

Alaska Airlines

Ground service agent

Passenger service agent

Hertz

Drivers

Customer service sales associates

Customer experience associates

Sacramento Regional Transit

Light rail vehicle technicians

Safety specialist I

Click or tap here to view a full list of job openings within the Sacramento County Airport System, which includes SMF, Mather Airport, Executive Airport and Franklin Field.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sacramento restaurants are offering cheap food via this app. Which eateries are on it?

A number of Sacramento-area restaurants and bakeries are offering heavily discounted foods via a popular smartphone app.

Too Good To Go, which advertises itself as marketplace for surplus food, aims to help reduce food waste by giving eateries a chance to sell their extra items for less.

Reddit users recently raved about the deals theyve landed using the Too Good To Go app.

In a thread on Monday, Reddit user browniepoints5000 shared all the food they purchased from Posh Bakery in Sacramento for a total of $12: six blueberry muffins, a dozen maple donuts, an assortment of sweets, a loaf of bread, rolls ... and 1.5 dozen bagels!

Another Reddit user, Rick_Perrys_Ranch, said they tried out the app after learning about it on Reddit.

I reserved a $10 bag of food from 7-Eleven on Stockton Boulevard and Florin Road, they said. Pickup was easy; (I) was in and out in less than a minute. I ended up with a chicken salad sandwich, and two ham/turkey/bacon club sandwiches. All in all, not bad for $10!

Other Reddits reported using Too Good To Go to buy food from Donuts & Coffey, Bad Bakers, Roundhouse Deli and Ikea in Sacramento.

Ikea is a GREAT deal, Reddit user Hybrid_Johnny said, adding that they spent $7 for almost two full meals plus a few desserts.

It sells out super fast though, the poster added. If you dont have the app open and hit the button right when it goes live at 8:30 (a.m.), youre not getting anything.

How does Too Good To Go app work?

After downloading the Too Good To Go app and putting in your location, you can see which stores, coffee shops and restaurants have surplus food in your area.

Some places will indicate what items they are selling.

For example, Peets Coffee on 20th and J streets recently offered a bag of roasted whole-bean coffee for $5.67. It originally cost $17.

Other businesses only indicate that they have so-called surprise bags, filled with food items that were left over at the end of the day. Depending on the spot, there may be more details on the kinds of food you can expect.

Each business has its own designated pick-up times.

Once you find a place youd like to buy from, youll need to reserve a pick-up order and pay from the app.

Which Sacramento restaurants sell surplus food?

A variety of Sacramento-area bakeries and restaurants are on the Too Good To Go app.

As of Tuesday morning, these were some places offering deals on surplus food:

Bad Bakers, 2101 Natomas Crossing Drive, Suite No. 150, in Sacramento, was offering a surprise bag with donuts and/or bread for $6. The original price, according to the app, was $18.

Barrio, 1188 35th Ave. in Sacramento, had a surprise bag featuring an assortment of sweet and savory baked items and/or coffee for $5, compared to $15 before the discount.

Halal Corner Market & Restaurant, 3025 West Capitol Ave. in West Sacramento, had a surprise bag for $8. The original value was$24. Although Too Good To Go didnt offer details of what could be in the bag, the business generally sells Mediterranean food, according to Yelp.

He Brews Coffee & Tea Company, 1540 Jefferson Blvd. in West Sacramento, had a surprise bag for $9. It could include a sandwich, salad and other goodies prepared at the shop.

California Fish Grill, 2100 Arden Way in Sacramento, had a surprise bag that could include three side dishes or menu items, such as rice, kale slaw, clam chowder and roasted corn. Originally sold for $15, the bag cost $5 on the app.

Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters, 4749 Folsom Blvd. in East Sacramento coffee shop, was offering 12-ounce bags of natural-processed whole-bean specialty coffee. It was priced at $10.60 on the app. Originally, it cost $31.80.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
A long-awaited violence intervention pilot program based in four city schools finally could get off the ground.

The group violence reduction strategy paying dividends will continue its expansion across Baltimore police districts.

And Baltimores flagship anti-violence program, Safe Streets, is pushing to fill vacancies and boost its mediation efforts.

The agency tasked with coordinating city strategies to reduce violence is looking to expand and solidify programming in the upcoming year, amid a different backdrop in Baltimore.

The city has seen continued declines in shootings so far this year, after ending last year with fewer than 300 homicides for the first time in the better part of a decade. As a result, agency leaders faced a happier group of City Council members at its budget hearing Monday, which featured fewer clashes than years prior.

The fact that we just had our lowest homicide rate for any month of May since 1970 is something that we as a city should celebrate. And I dont think enough people know that or would ascribe that to GVRS  or to any of the strategies. But I think its really important, said Councilman Zeke Cohen, who recently won the Democratic primary for City Council president. Something that you all are doing in the anti-violence fight is clearly working.

The Mayors Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, or MONSE, is seeking more money from the general fund  $8.5 million in the upcoming fiscal year, compared to $7.8 million in the current fiscal year ending June 30  but a lower overall budget of $17.2 million. The drop in outside funding is reflective of a new citywide approach to budgeting for grants, city officials said.

That 9% increase in allocation would include the creation of two new positions to help manage the expansion of the Group Violence Reduction Strategy.

Still, there could be challenges ahead for the agency, as it and the rest of city government face spending deadlines for federal dollars doled out during the coronavirus pandemic.

Heres what to know:

Safe Streets makes hires, reopens site

The Safe Streets site in Belair-Edison, which had suspended operations after a law enforcement search, has reopened in a modified capacity, officials said Monday.

The states illegal ammunition charge against a site staff member was dropped earlier this year, though officials have said the investigation that brought police to the site last October is likely ongoing.

As of last week, the site has a new director, according to MONSE. The site is now open on a modified basis, as the city agency makes sure the site director has everything they need, MONSE Director Stefanie Mavronis said.

The new director is part of a hiring push made in recent months to fill vacancies. Crystal Miller, the agencys gun violence prevention associate director, said there are now 21 vacancies out of 77 total positions.

A September start for school-based intervention?

If all goes according to plan, four city high schools could be testing grounds for new violence intervention efforts come the start of next school year.

Digital Harbor, Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical, Carver Vocational-Technical and Edmondson-Westside high schools have been tapped as pilots for the $1.5 million project, partly funded by a grant from the National League of Cities. The pilot program, which has been delayed, is expected to include student ambassadors and anti-violence work for conflicts brewing in and out of school.

Mavronis said Monday that her agency is working on a memorandum of understanding with the city school system and has yet to hire members of a community-based organization to staff the pilots, which sparked some concern from council members.

September is like tomorrow, Councilwoman Odette Ramos said.

Mavronis agreed, responding that it is a priority and important to make sure we can get this across the finish line.

Council members seek strategies for drug corners

Council members at Mondays hearing appeared largely on board with the administrations Group Violence Reduction Strategy, which is expanding to additional police districts.

The strategy, known as focused deterrence, zeros in on the people driving violence and adopts a carrot and stick approach: We can connect you with services to help change your trajectory, or you could face criminal charges for your current activity.

One council member, Mark Conway, wondered whether that approach might be adopted for Baltimores open-air drug markets.

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What Im noticing and concerned about is how we deal with drug dealing in the city without mass incarceration again, Conway said. Its something that needs to be addressed, and I think were struggling with it a little bit.

Faith Leach, the citys chief administrative officer, signaled openness to working more closely with MONSE and other city agencies on a strategy, alongside existing work. Leach stressed that it would be important not to add to the Group Violence Reduction Strategys work, but agreed theres more that we could be doing.

Even outside of GVRS, we do the neighborhood stabilization work, where we provide jobs and other alternatives to the lifestyle, if you will, Leach said. I do think that theres a more formal way  where we could actually pilot and test some of our strategies to see if theyre working.

For the Group Violence Reduction Strategy, meanwhile, Mavronis told council members they are planning for the end of the COVID-era federal money, which has supported it and came from the American Rescue Plan Act. She said officials werent waiting for the cliff.

Social media

One councilman, Cohen, raised the issue of social media  noting that it can have consequences for young peoples body image or self-esteem, and help to exacerbate conflicts that can spill into gun violence.

How is the city trying to disrupt the negative aspects of social media?

Mavronis said the issue comes up in many community violence intervention conversations, calling it a real need.

LifeBridge Health, part of the citys community violence intervention ecosystem, is exploring a digital community violence intervention organizer position to take that work to the digital realm, Mavronis said. Others have raised the idea of working with social media companies to remove inflammatory posts.

Cohen encouraged the city to be proactive in solutions. In the same way, the city redefined credible messengers during the pandemic, when officials sought individuals to encourage community members to consider vaccination, he said, the city should consider the messengers on social media.

I think some of it will need to be young people themselves being those credible messengers, Cohen said. As we know, kids listen to their peers more than they listen to adults. Im glad youre starting to think about this, because I think its something we as a city, we as a country, weve got to get ahead of.
Saint Ignatius College Prep says priest shot at while attempting to stop possible catalytic converter theft

Saint Ignatius College Prep says priest shot at while attempting to stop possible catalytic converter theft

CHICAGO  A priest was reportedly shot at early Monday after confronting two people outside a Catholic high school.

Kristyn Hartman, communications director at Saint Ignatius College Prep said Father Jeremiah Lynch was not injured in the shooting that occurred around 6 a.m. at 1076 Roosevelt Road during what was possibly an attempted theft of a catalytic converter.

Good Samaritan shot while attempting to stop carjacking on West Side

He basically opened the door and saw what was happening and said, Hey, whats going on? And somebody fired three shots at him, Hartman said

The bullets hit the door of the school.

Lynch is also a chaplain at the Cook County Jail. Chicago police have not provided an update on the incident.

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Saline County Habitat for Humanity asking for donations as building supply costs soar

BENTON, Ark.- Saline County Habitat for Humanity is asking for donations as the cost of building supply prices soar.

The goal of Habitat is to build homes, communities, and hopes, but that goal is becoming harder to achieve as building supply prices continue to increase.

What used to cost $85,000 to build a house for Habitat now costs $100,000, Saline County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Stephanie Griffin said.

Dallas Habitat for Humanity helps staff purchase homes

Griffin said she noticed prices beginning to increase following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Were able to build a house and those who applied and qualified for our program will be able to purchase a house at zero percent interest, Griffin said.

These high costs now hinder the amount of homes Habitat for Humanity can build each year, homes that act as forever locations for many.

Arkansas man gets new home from Habitat for Humanity

The nonprofit asking for donations after home renovation or building projects to help combat the issues of high prices.

Habitat for Humanity homes currently have monthly payments of $600, with all the money going toward the principal of the home.

This gives stability and strength and reliance and self-sustainability for these homeowners, Griffin said.

The more it costs to build a home, the more a low-income applicant must pay, which is why leaders of the nonprofit organization stress donations.

Anybody who is remodeling their house, or they have built a house, and they do have leftover materials that they cant use, we will find a good use for those, Griffin said.

U.S. House approves renaming Kingsland post office after Johnny Cash

More information can be found at HabitatSalineCounty.com.

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U.S. Sens. J.D. Vance of Ohio and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama showed their support for former U.S. President Donald Trump by attending his his trial in New York City and standing behind him as he spoke to media. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Donald Trump was an extraordinary politician even before becoming the only former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime.

Trumps crime, however, is not extraordinary. Its basically the same thing that landed former Kentucky Democratic Party chair Jerry Lundergan in prison.

Both Lundergan and Trump concealed political spending that by law should have been disclosed in campaign finance reports.

Lundergan falsified documents to hide that his company had bankrolled services, including a bus, for his daughters 2014 campaign. Alison Lundergan Grimes, then Kentuckys secretary of state, was challenging Republican Mitch McConnell for his seat in the U.S. Senate.

Trump falsified documents to conceal that his company bankrolled payments to keep his tawdry trysts hidden from voters. If Stormy Daniels had gone public, his campaign likely would have tanked and the United States would have elected a woman president before Mexico did.

Heres where the similarities end: You did not hear Lundergan or other Democrats protest that the justice system had been weaponized or rigged against the family of a McConnell challenger, or that anyone was conflicted, even though the prosecutor and judge had connections to McConnell.

Nor did Democrats complain that the prosecution was partisan, a witch hunt or election interference  in sharp contrast to the outpourings of outrage from Republicans after Trumps conviction.

Rob Duncan

The U.S. attorney who won the guilty verdict against Lundergan, Robert M. Rob Duncan Jr., is the son of a prominent Republican fundraiser, Robert M. Mike Duncan, who has served on the Republican National Committee, including as its chairman. The elder Duncan is close to McConnell and has served as a director of McConnells super PAC. Rob Duncan is now deputy to Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman.

U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, who sentenced Lundergan to 21 months in prison and two years of supervised release, is a former McConnell staffer. While Lundergan was awaiting sentencing, it was reported that Van Tatenhoves wife had given $250,000 to the McConnell Center, cofounded by McConnell, at the University of Louisville.

At the time of the sentencing, Rob Duncan said, This case should underscore the fundamental principle that breaking the law has consequences.

Also, These are important laws that regulate the integrity of our elections.

The judge received 89 letters on behalf of Lundergan, including one from former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Van Tatenhove said he was convinced that Lundergan had done good in his life, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported, but said a loss of liberty was required to hold Lundergan accountable under the jurys verdict.

Lundergan appealed, as Trump will, but his appeals failed, and he served time in federal prison and a halfway house.

We dont know what sentence awaits Trump, but his conviction wont shake his MAGA supporters loyalty; theyve excused a mountain of sleaze to stand by their Trump.

Still, the zeal with which elected Republicans rushed to his defense, marching in rhetorical goose-step, er, I mean, lockstep is dismaying. They could have just remained silent like Kentucky Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams. It seemed as if they felt they had to make a display of loyalty to Trump. (And some are auditioning to be his running mate.)

Russell Coleman

Especially rich are the cries of election interference from people  like Appalachian imposter and U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio  who defend the Trump followers who interfered big time in an election by violently attacking the U.S. Capitol and Congress.

Even Kentuckys top law enforcement official, Rob Duncans boss, Attorney General Coleman, tweeted: Its politics  not the law  behind New Yorks prosecution of President Trump. The American people want to focus on the issues that matter and will render their own verdict on November 5th.

Im not a lawyer, but Colemans statement strikes me as odd coming from someone who has sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution.

I do have a feeling Coleman is correct when it comes to Nov. 5. The American people will have to be the ones who, in the words of Jerry Lundergans prosecutor, underscore the fundamental principle that breaking the law has consequences and uphold the integrity of our elections.

The party of law and order sure isnt doing it.

The post Same basic crime. Why such different reactions? appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
San Marcos city leaders to discuss how $1.3 million in grant funding should be spent

SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN)  At Tuesdays City Council meeting, San Marcos leaders will hold a public hearing to discuss funding for its grant program supporting community development.

According to the City of San Marcos, leaders will discuss the use of $766,063 for its Community Development Block Grant program. The city also plans to reallocate an additional $655,089 from previous years to the program, the total equaling $1.4 million.

On Friday, June 7 the city will also have a public comment period before the council votes on allocating grant funds on August 5.

Residents wishing to submit comments about how those funds should be granted can do so by emailing cdbg@sanmarcostx.gov. The city stresses that all messages must include the senders full name and contact information.

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The families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting asked a bankruptcy judge to liquidate Alex Joness media company over the weekend.

Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems, filed for bankruptcy protection after he was ordered in 2022 to pay nearly $1.5 billion to family members of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. Those families had sued Jones for promoting false conspiracy theories that the shooting that left 26 people dead was a hoax.

The families filed an emergency motion in the Southern District of Texas on Sunday to ask the bankruptcy court to convert the bankruptcy reorganization into a liquidation, according to court documents.

The Connecticut Families firmly believe that a supervised liquidation is critical at this time, and will bring the FSS Case to a much-needed conclusion in a manner that will allow creditors to realize immediate recovery, the motion states.

Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez said he will address the motion on June 14, according to The Associated Press (AP). The media company will be allowed to operate until at least that date, the judge ruled.

The motion cited comments that Jones made over the weekend on his podcast, claiming that his media company was going to be shut down by the federal government and the bankruptcy system. He also said at one point that his followers should surround the building and just make a big issue of this and expose this to protect the company, according to the court document.

The Associated Press noted that Jones appeared to cry at some points.

At the end of the day, were going to beat these people. Im not trying to be dramatic here, but its been a hard fight. These people hate our children, Jones said on his Saturday show, according to the AP.

The AP reported that Joness shows appeared to be in response to disagreements between Jones, a court-appointed restructuring officer and PQPR Holdings Limited. PQPR supplies nutritional supplements that Jones sells on his shows, but he also owns most of the company, according to AP.

An attorney of PQPR opposed allowing Free Speech Systems to operate until June 14, while attorneys for Jones wanted the company to be allowed to operate, according to the news service.

The Hill has reached out to lawyers representing Free Speech Systems in the case.

The Associated Press contributed.

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MOSCOW, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Russia welcomes Turkiye's interest in joining BRICS, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Turkiye would like to become a member of BRICS and will monitor the developments in the organization, according to media reports.

"We, of course, all welcome this increased interest in BRICS on the part of our neighboring states, including our important partners such as Turkiye," Peskov said, adding that the topic of Turkiye's membership will be on the agenda of the BRICS summit, which will be chaired by Russia.

BRICS is unlikely to fully satisfy expectations of all countries that show interest in it, but the organization is interested in contacts, the spokesperson said.

BRICS is the acronym for an emerging-market cooperative mechanism that initially includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. On Jan. 1, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia joined BRICS, doubling its members from five to 10. Russia holds the rotating chair of BRICS for 2024. 
Savannah Chrisley said the conviction of former President Donald was a somber day, not only for his supporters but for anyone who believes in the principles of fairness and justice.

The young Chrisley took to social media following the news that Trump had been found guilty last week on 34 counts of falsifying business records in New York in an attempt to cover up his dealings with porn star Stormy Daniels.

Regardless of ones political affiliation, the conviction of a former president is a poignant moment that underscores the gravity of our legal system. However, alongside my sadness, there is also a profound sense of concern regarding the perceived abuse of power within the Department of Justice, Chrisley said in her post.

The post also featured pictures of her with the former president as well as photos at Trump fundraisers.

Trumps Republican base has said the conviction shows the weaponization of the Justice Department to keep Trump from being reelected. Democrats said his conviction was just and shows that no one is above the law, even a president.

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In the wake of todays events, let us not lose sight of the values that underpin our democracy  transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. It is my sincere hope that we can come together as a nation to address the challenges before us, reaffirming our commitment to upholding the principles upon which our country was founded. I PRAY THAT GOD HAS HIS HAND ON OUR COUNTRY! Chrisley wrote.

She ended her post by urging people to go out and vote in November.

PLEASE VOTE THIS NOVEMBER!! And REMEMBER - REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL BELIEFS WE CAN STILL LOVE AND RESPECT ONE ANOTHER! she said.

Trump is currently under indictment here in Georgia, along with 14 others, accused of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. So far, four of the original 19 defendants in the case have pleaded guilty in the case.

RELATED NEWS:
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  President Joe Biden unveiled plans Tuesday, June 4 to enact immediate restrictions on migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The order will go into effect when the number of border encounters between ports of entry hits 2,500 per day, the Associated Press reported.

That means Bidens order should go into effect immediately, because that figure is higher than the daily averages now., also according to the Associated Press.

New border security rules go into effect immediately

The restrictions would be in effect until two weeks after the daily encounter numbers are at or below 1,500 per day between ports of entry, under a seven-day average.

Here are what El Paso region and Texas leaders and organizations are saying about the move.

Fernando Garcia, executive director of the Border Network for Human Rights

The BNHR is enormously disappointed to see President Biden revive draconian, xenophobic, and dangerous enforcement-only policies that are cruel, ineffective, and a complete disregard for the civil and human rights of asylum seekers. President Biden, instead of delivering a humane, effective, and inclusive border and immigration system to our communities, has continuously embraced the dangerous policies that further erode our already strained immigration and asylum system.

Under the current asylum restrictions, asylum seekers are being forced to take isolated, dangerous, and remote routes to reach the U.S. and submit their claims. Todays executive action would further push migrants, refugees, and entire families who are forced to flee their countries to rely on unsafe transportation methods and dangerous routes such as rivers, canals, deserts, and mountains to reach safety and refuge. A real, humane, and effective solution begins with applying asylum law as intended. The U.S. must accept those with asylum claims at our ports of entry and provide them with a legal, safe, and dignified process. What President Biden did today was solidify former President Trumps quest to dismantle our asylum system.

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas

President Biden and his administration have ignored the crisis at our borders for years. President Biden was nowhere to be found when thousands of illegal immigrants were stuck under a bridge in Del Rio for days. No executive order was signed into law to mitigate the influx of migrants who flooded into Eagle Pass in December, causing bridges and railways to cease operations right before the holidays. When our border communities needed help the most, this administration left us out to dry. Now that the election is a few months away, President Biden is using an executive order to score cheap political points. The time for action was years ago  well before we had over 9 million illegal crossings at our borders. President Biden once again has done too little, too late.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas

Irregular migration between ports of entry has been climbing over the last decade, well before President Biden was in the White House. The reality today is that many migrants arriving at our southern border are economic migrants  whom our country desperately needs  but are unlikely to ever qualify for asylum. As a result of the volume, our asylum system has become so overwhelmed that asylum seekers must now wait several years to have their claims heard, and this is unacceptable. The Republican majority in the House rejected the presidents request for the resources necessary to deal with this challenge and they have also refused to bring real and sustainable legislative solutions to the floor.

While I understand the administration is doing its best to navigate this challenge without adequate resources and appropriate legislation, I am disappointed that the focus today is only on enforcement, and it is my sincere hope that administrative actions on immigration relief, like parole in place for the spouses of US citizens and designations of Temporary Protected Status for vulnerable populations, will also happen.

My colleagues in Congress who want fewer administrative actions must also be willing to compromise and work on lasting, comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform, like my bipartisan Dignity Act. The Dignity Act would not only humanely reform outdated border processes, but it would open up badly needed legal pathways, something both Republicans and Democrats should seek to fix our broken immigration system.

El Paso Chamber

The El Paso Chamber supports the executive action President Biden has taken to address the influx of migrants to our borders. This action will mean fewer disruptions at the port, meaning businesses will not be as impacted as they have been in past years. President Bidens executive actions, while crucial, serve only as an interim measure, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive bipartisan reforms to secure the Southern border and address the broader immigration challenges facing the nation.

Congress must act. We call upon all concerned citizens and policymakers to reach out to their local representatives and urge them to support the continued push for bipartisan reform, including the extension of work permits for long-term immigrants. Extending work permits to long-term immigrants has the potential to ultimately generate $16 billion in economic activity, while also impacting 10.6 million U.S. citizen adults who live with an undocumented immigrant in the same household. This could impact around 33,000 El Pasoans, introducing around 10,000 new workers into our local labor force. This move would benefit workers nationwide by fostering better working conditions and shielding immigrants from exploitation. This initiative is overwhelmingly popular and has garnered support from numerous organizations and officials.

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time. Recent discussions and this recent executive action have shed light on the critical impact that current immigration policies have had on our local, state, and federal economies. The current state of our immigration system presents significant challenges, not only to individuals and families but also to our business ecosystem as a whole. The El Paso Chamber, along with many of our community partners, has supported this expansion through our advocacy efforts and by supporting the bipartisan reforms introduced in Congress.

We are at a crossroads where our actions can profoundly influence our economic future. This is why urging President Biden to expand work authorization and parole for immigrants. This is not just a call to action for our President, but one for businesses and organizations to unite in advocating for policies that not only support our local businesses but also strengthen the fabric of our community and nation. The call for reform is not just a moral imperative; its an economic necessity.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas

My question to [President Biden] is, why did you wait until now if you were serious about doing it? The simple answer is hes not serious about securing the border.

The simple fact of the matter is that the same laws that were in effect back when President Trump was in office are still in effect, but the difference is the unwillingness of this White

House and this administration simply to enforce the law.

It is a shell game. They are not serious about it. This is a conversion based on the

proximity of the next election and sinking poll numbers.

This executive order is just political cover, and the American people arent going to be fooled.

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Gov. Henry McMaster endorsed incumbent U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, calling her a fighter, and said she has stood firm for the first congressional district.

She has stood with me every time Ive asked, McMaster said in a video released to Maces campaign on June 4.

In the months to come, we must all stand firm against the illegal, unconstitutional excesses of the Biden administration and other corrupt officials, he said. For these reasons and more, I am today announcing my full support for Nancy Mace for congress.

Mace is supported by multiple other powerful Republican figures, including former President Donald Trump, who called her a strong conservative voice, for South Carolinas 1st District. She is also backed from U.S House Speaker Mike Johnson. Mace was one of eight hard-liners who voted to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October 2023.

The incumbent congresswoman is running against two other Republicans in the June 11 primary. Her opponents are Catherine Templeton, former leader of the DHEC, and Bill Young, a Marine veteran.

McMaster has endorsed only a few other candidates for congress, including incumbent William Timmons, who is running against State Rep. Adam Morgan, who chairs the House Freedom Caucus, in the fourth congressional district. McMaster also endorsed Sheri Biggs for the third congressional district, where Congressman Jeff Duncan is not seeking re-election.
SC man had 60 guns but wasnt allowed to have any, official says. Now hes going to prison

A South Carolina man is going to prison after pleading guilty to gun and drug charges, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Christopher Miles Huntington, a 33-year-old Lugoff resident, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office said Tuesday in a news release.

Huntington, also known as Crazy, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and distribution of methamphetamine, according to the release.

In 2023, from March through May, Huntington sold 37 guns to undercover agents ATF agents, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. The guns included stolen weapons, short-barreled rifles, and firearms with high-capacity magazines, according to the release.

Huntington also sold more than 2,400 grams of meth to undercover agents, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

On June 29, 2023, Huntington was arrested and was in possession of 23 additional guns, according to the release.

Huntington is a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Huntington has prior convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, burglary, grand theft of motor vehicle, and safecracking, according to the release.

U.S. District Court Judge Sherri Lydon sentenced Huntington to 168 months in prison to be followed by a term of court-ordered supervision, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. There is no parole in the federal system.

In addition to the ATF, Huntingtons case was also investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the West Columbia Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriffs Department, and the Richland County Sheriffs Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle Klein prosecuted the case, while records show Huntington was represented by Columbia attorney Mark Campbell McLawhorn.

The South Carolina Attorney Generals Office is handling the prosecution of additional defendants facing state charges related to this investigation, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

In December 2023, Huntington was one of 20 people charged in federal court in connection with firearms-trafficking, narcotics, conspiracy, or other firearms offenses after a targeted violent crime reduction initiative in West Columbia, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

This operation targeting gun and drug trafficking in South Carolina exemplifies the Justice Departments partnership-centered, community-tailored strategy to combat violent crime, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said of the December arrests.
A former high ranking and decorated South Carolina police officer has been accused of abusing his authority after he unlawfully entered a home, punched and then illegally arrested a victim, authorities said.

On Friday, Dozier Rhames  a former captain for the McColl Police Department in Marlboro County  was charged with misconduct in office and second-degree assault and battery after he entered the victims home and choked, punched and illegally arrested them, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. He was booked into the Marlboro County Detention Center Friday, but was released that same day on a $60,000 bond, according to WMBF News.

A news release from SLED identified Rhames as a former police captain. It was unclear when or why he left the McColl Police Department.

On April 26, 2024, Rhames unlawfully entered the victims home, following an altercation between Rhames and the victim that originated over the phone, according to SLED.

SLED did not reveal the victims identity and relationship to Rhames.

Once in the home, Rhames grabbed the victims left arm and throat before throwing them down on a couch, according to SLED. Once the victim was down, Rhames punched the victim twice in the face with a closed fist, before unlawfully arresting the victim for resisting arrest without an originating criminal offense, according to an arrest warrant.

After the assault, Rhames told the victim, I tried to knock your f------ head off.

The incident was captured on Rhames body cam footage, according to an arrest warrant.

Prior to joining the McColl Police Department, Dozier, 62, worked as a lieutenant for the Timmonsville Police Department, where he was named police officer of the year in 2016, according to an ABC News 15 news report.
(Bloomberg) -- Chancellor Olaf Scholzs Social Democrats overtook the Alternative for Germany in a new opinion poll, suggesting a string of controversies continues to erode support for the far-right party ahead of Sundays European Parliament elections.

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In the latest INSA survey for Bild newspaper published Tuesday, the AfD lost further ground, dropping one and a half percentage points to 15.5%, the lowest since March last year.

Backing for Scholzs party increased by one point to 16%, with the main opposition conservatives steady in first place on 30.5%. The two other members of Scholzs three-pronged ruling alliance  the Greens and the Free Democrats  held at 12% and 5% respectively.

The AfD has lost one in three voters compared to its peak in January 2024, Bild quoted INSA head Hermann Binkert as saying. The poll of 2,002 German citizens was conducted between May 31 and June 3 and has a margin of error of 2.5 points.

The AfD tapped into resentment with the government and mainstream parties to rise as high as 23% in the INSA poll late last year. The anti-immigrant partys fortunes have turned since then, in part due to a series of scandals around some of its most prominent lawmakers.

Last month, it was expelled from the Identity and Democracy Group in the European Parliament  which includes Italys League and Frances National Rally  over the behavior of Maximilian Krah, its lead candidate in the EU ballot.

Krah had been quoted by Italian newspaper la Repubblica as saying that not all members of the Nazi SS paramilitary organization were criminals. He was already under pressure after an assistant was detained suspected of spying for China.

The AfD is still the most-popular party in three eastern German regions that will hold elections in September.

--With assistance from Patrick Donahue.

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gives a keynote speech at the 75th anniversary celebration of the German School of Journalism (DJS) in the Prinzregenten theater. Sven Hoppe/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sees no danger in his latest change of course in Ukraine policy to allow Kiev to use German-supplied weapons to hit Russian territory.

"We are certain that it will not contribute to an escalation, because - as the US president has also described - it is only about being able to defend a major city like Kharkiv, for example," Scholz said in an interview with Bavarian radio station Antenne Bayern on Monday. "And I think it makes sense to everyone that this must be possible."

The decision had been made "carefully" with Germany's "friends and allies."

The German chancellor emphasized that prudence was required. "And the citizens of Germany can rely on that. I will not allow any pressure to persuade me to make a decision that is not right and that is not timely."

What needs to be done politically is "not based on the next talk show appearance, but on what can reasonably be done," Scholz said.

On Friday, government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit had announced the German chancellor's decision to allow Ukraine, which is under attack by Moscow, to fire weapons supplied by Germany against military targets in Russia.

The previous day, the US government had authorized Ukraine to use US weapons on a limited scale against targets on Russian territory.

Both Germany and the US justified the move with the recent Russian offensive against the north-eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gives a keynote speech at the 75th anniversary celebration of the German School of Journalism (DJS) in the Prinzregenten theater. Sven Hoppe/dpa
WARSAW, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Poland's President Andrzej Duda on Tuesday opposed the government's removal of Polish North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ambassador Tomasz Szatkowski amid partisan rows.

"I see no reason to recall the ambassador to NATO now and to surprise our allies. This is not a normal procedure, but an attempt at a forced dismissal," Duda told reporters in Warsaw, although he added that he is ready for dialogue with the government.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski, from Civic Platform (PO), recently dismissed and replaced Szatkowski. However, the president does not agree to this move just weeks before a key NATO summit in Washington.

"This is an attempt to nominate ambassadors without the consent of the president," said Duda. This procedure has remained unchanged for 30 years: the initial proposal of the candidate for ambassador is sent to the president by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for approval.

Szatkowski has been representing Warsaw in Brussels since 2019. Previously, he served as deputy defense minister in the Law and Justice (PiS) government.

Conflict between the PO and PiS has been a feature of Polish politics for years, and came to a head after the PO-led coalition won the elections last year. 
Schools across the country have denied students entry to prom, graduation ceremonies and other school activities because of dress code policies that advocates say disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ students and girls.

In May, 16-year-old Florida junior Sophie Savidge told NBC News that she wasnt allowed to go to prom because she wore a suit. In a statement at the time, the school pointed to its online guide to attire, which stipulates that ladies are required to wear dresses and one piece attire only to formal events.

A transgender student in Alabama reportedly wasnt allowed to go to her senior prom in April because she wore a dress. The schools student handbook said that it was up to administrators to deem appropriate clothing or appearance, according to AL.com.

And the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi filed a federal complaint with the Department of Education against Harrison County School District for barring a transgender girl from wearing a dress to her regional band concert this spring. The complaint detailed a two-year pattern of the district punishing girls  transgender and cisgender alike  for violating dress codes requiring students to dress in clothes that are consistent with their biological sex.

The school district added the provision of biological sex to its dress code after LGBTQ+ students complained that they couldnt wear clothes that expressed their gender identity, said Liza Davis, a fellow at the ACLUs Womens Rights Project.

School administrators have long used dress codes to enforce a rigid gender binary and uphold different standards based on assigned sex. This year, there has been a renewed effort in school districts across GOP-led states to enforce policies that are more explicitly restrictive to queer, trans and gender nonconforming students, as a record number of anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in statehouses across the country.

Requiring students to dress according to their biological sex  even if it seems to be neutral as a rule, and its not calling out any particular student  has a disproportionate impact on gender nonconforming, nonbinary and transgender students because it is tying gender expression to their sex assigned at birth, essentially, Davis said.

Students who are targeted over dress code infractions can lose out on class time or face punishments like suspension, and may face emotional distress from being pulled from class and told to change, she said.

Sex-based dress codes often force boys to wear pants and girls to wear skirts or dresses of a certain length. Advocates say these rules push rigid gender stereotypes and outdated, misogynistic ideas of how girls should dress in the presence of boys. And they leave no room for less traditional gender expression.

School dress codes that rely so heavily on biological sex are reminiscent of anti-LGBTQ bills and policies across the country.

The districts discriminatory dress code policies and enforcement are part of a wider sex-based hostile environment, which has impacted our clients and other students, Davis said, referring to the complaint in Mississippi.

Policies that purport to bring clarity to sex discrimination laws by codifying definitions of male and female in order to exclude trans people from those categories often use exceedingly specific language that also fails to account for intersex people. The language embedded in these policies, often called Womens Bill of Rights bills, was first proposed by Independent Womens Voice, a conservative organization that has argued its necessary to protect women-only spaces and activities from trans peoples inclusion.

So far this year, at least 10 stateshave introduced or passed similarly worded legislation to narrowly define biological sex based on a persons reproductive capacity or chromosomes. Oklahomas governor just signed the states own version of a Womens Bill of Rights into law on Monday. Last year, Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.) introduced a Womens Bill of Rights resolution to Congress, though its made no progress since.

Some state-level legislation now includes definitions of sex that explicitly bar trans people from updating their drivers licenses or state IDs, which makes it harder to vote, travel, and exist in public life.

Advocates say that an emphasis on biological sex has negative ramifications for all people, including cisgender women, because it encourages people to police one anothers gender  including kids. People have harassed child athletes who they suspect are transgender, and one state official in Utah came under fire for falsely suggesting that a student was transgender because of how she looked.

Sex and gender researchers previously told HuffPost that binary definitions of sex do not reflect how scientists currently understand human sex, which is determined by a variety of biological phenomena including hormones, genitals and otter secondary sex characteristics.

As more and more anti-LGBTQ legislation specifies how LGBTQ+ students can and cannot express themselves and participate in school activities, Davis said she would not be surprised if we see more schools across the country adopt policies that have explicit biological sex provisions.

Those kinds of provisions are likely to violate Title IX, a 1972 federal law that protects against discrimination on the basis of sex in public schools and colleges, Davis said.

The Biden administration released long-awaited final guidance for Title IX this spring, expanding the definition of sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Since then, more than a dozen red states have sued the Department of Education and vowed to not comply with this updated interpretation.

Many protections for LGBTQ students now hang in the balance. Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has vowed to overturn Title IX and restrict Title VII, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, on day one of his second term if elected.

The country has to decide. Do we want to live in a place that looks like some of the most regressive politics in the states where right wing elected officials have control over everything: the way you dress, how you identify, the name and pronoun you use, what bathroom youre able to access? Brandon Wolf, press secretary at the Human Rights Campaign, told HuffPost earlier this spring. Or do we want to live in a country... where we have the freedom to be ourselves, we have the freedom to make decisions about our own bodies?

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Schumer: Roberts has not lived up to his responsibility as chief justice

Schumer: Roberts has not lived up to his responsibility as chief justice

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) took a shot at Chief Justice John Roberts on Tuesday for not doing more to police the ethics of fellow justices and ignoring Democratic requests to crack down on forum shopping among the lower courts.

Justice Roberts has, in my opinion, not lived up to his responsibility as chief justice, on issue after issue. Hes supposed to be the guardian of the courts fairness and opinion.

Schumer said the chief justice has fallen short on something near and dear to me, which is forum shopping as well as on ethics and recusal.

So Sen. Durbin and I and the Judiciary Committee are discussing the best ways to move forward, Schumer announced, referring to Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

Durbin told The Hill last month that a Senate vote on Supreme Court ethics legislation must take place this year after The New York Times reported that conservative Justice Samuel Alito displayed two flags, an upside-down American flag and an Appeal to Heaven flag, both associated with the Jan. 6 protest movement, at his properties.

That is a must, he said. It should be called. We should at least establish an ethical standard and a standard for recusal.

Durbin and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) have sponsored the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal and Transparency Act, which would require the Supreme Court to adopt a code of conduct and create a mechanism to investigate alleged violations of the code of conduct and other laws.

The bill would also require full disclosure and transparency when a justice has a connection to a party with business before the court and to explain their recusal decisions to the public.

He said Thursday that the second Alito-related flag incident demands a response by Congress and insisted that Supreme Court ethics legislation should come to the Senate floor this year.

Schumer has also spoken out repeatedly against conservative activists who have used judge shopping to challenge gun safety and the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) approval of mifepristone, a progesterone blocker used to end pregnancies.

Speaking on the Senate floor last month, Schumer said extremists had stalled the implementation of background check reforms by taking their case to their favorite judge in the country in the Northern District of Texas to rubber-stamp a nationwide injunction.

Schumer has joined Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) to sponsor the End Judge Shopping Act, which would require random assignments for cases involving broad injunctions so that litigants wont keep on going to the same sympathetic judges to get favorable rulings.

Former President Trump and Leader McConnell stacked the courts with MAGA judges who are striking down laws, freedoms and regulation right and left, Schumer said in April, referring to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.). And now right-wing activists are exploiting the current makeup of the judicial system to circumvent the legislation process.

McConnell last month called on Senate Democrats to stop attacking the Supreme Court after they demanded Alito recuse himself from Trump-related cases in light of displaying a flag that has become a symbol of the Stop the Steal movement at his Virginia home.

We need to leave the Supreme Court alone, protect them from people who went into their neighborhoods and tried to do them harm, he 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.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Sea otters are on the edge of extinction. There are currently around 3,000 of them living off the coast of Californias Monterey Bay, according to Brett Long with the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.

New research from biologists currently with the University of Texas at Austin is shedding light on how these furry, cuddly creatures may survive.

Monterey Bay is just full of them. So I said, why not? Who doesnt want to work with a fuzzy teddy bear like animals? said Chris Law, a postdoctoral researcher currently at UT Austin. Law began his research while attending the University of California at Santa Cruz.

There are 13 species of otter, with southern sea otters being one of the largest. They are one of the few tool users in the animal kingdom, Law said. One species of river otter lives in Texas.

VIDEO: Otter spotted swimming near Luling Dam in San Marcos

Tools and survival

This ability to use tools could save their species. Hunters and fur traders once nearly wiped out the species. In the 1920s, the species was on the brink of extinction, with many assuming they had been wiped out until the 1930s.

Efforts to save the species brought them back from just 50 sea otters to the 3,000 we have today. Now, food scarcity is the biggest threat.

Urchins and abalone are both declining in populations, most likely due to just sea otters eating on them. So theyre forced to switch to alternative prey, Law said.

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Here is where the tools come in. The alternate prey includes clams and other hard shell creatures. Getting to the meat within the shells is challenging. It takes a mound of effort to break them open, Law said.

So otters have turned to tools. Theyll use rocks, or even other shells, even trash like bottles and, or things and even like peoples boats or docks, and theyll treat it as an anvil.

Law said that this behavior is essential to their survival. Without access to these hard shell food sources, they could die off. Without tools, they wouldnt be able to access these meats easily.

Taking a bite out of survival

Another advantage to using tools: tooth health. New research published by Law in the scientific journal Science shows the impact tool use has on sea otter teeth.

We were curious to see if individuals that use tools more frequently, are they actually showing a reduction in tooth damage, Law said.

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Southern sea otters have flat teeth. In order to break into them, they typically use their teeth, which have these more layer formed dentition. So very flat teeth similar to ours, theyre perfect for crushing.

The researchers found that the sea otters that used the tools had better, healthier teeth. We found that there is a pretty cool pattern between that in which individuals that use tools frequently actually do show reduce overall to damage compared to those non tool users, Law said.

Researchers gathered their data from a few sources. Many researchers, including people from the US Geological Survey, Fish and Wildlife, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and UC Santa Cruz, study sea otters in Monterey Bay, gathering data on their teeth during their work. Dead otters that washed up on shore were also dissected.

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Female sea otters were the most prominent tool users.

They are the ones that primarily raising the pups. So its super energetically costly to raise both pups and themselves in that cold Pacific environment. Tool use helps reduce the amount of energy they expend.

Sea otters arent the only species to use tools to prevent injury. Humans, of course, use tools constantly to prevent injury. Dolphins also do this. Some use sponges to protect their noses when digging for food in sand.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Lake Las Vegas. (istock/Getty Images)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

Henderson Councilman Jim Seebock violated Nevada ethics laws when he substituted a campaign pitch for an agendized presentation from the city manager at a Lake Las Vegas homeowners association meeting in April, according to an ethics complaint filed last month.

The complaint, submitted by Lake Las Vegas resident Jim McDonald, alleges the HOA president, Cody Winterton, stated that the Henderson City Manager was not able to make it, but that another City Official would be making the scheduled presentation in his place. That City Official was introduced as Jim Seebock, your City Councilman.

Seebock, according to the complaint, then gave an approximately 20 minute campaign speech that included who he was, his family, his history, his high positions at the LVMPD (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department), and his stellar successes on the City Council. He did not at any time discuss the presentation to be given by the City Manager.

City Manager Richard Derrick was not scheduled to appear or make a presentation at that meeting, said Henderson spokesperson Madeleine Skains.

The complaint alleges Seebock intentionally utilized his position as a Public Officer, and the power and prestige of the office he holds in furtherance of his pecuniary and personal interests to be re-elected to the Ward 1 Council seat, a violation of state ethics laws.

Its on the agenda every month, says Winterton, one of four representatives of the developer on the seven-member HOA board, who has contributed tens of thousands of dollars to Seebock via a variety of corporations. We typically invite a city representative, whether its a council member or the mayor or the city manager to come address the board.

I dont remember him being at the board meetings, says McDonald, who attends regularly.

Resident Greg Wieman commented during the meeting that Seebock was purchased by Winterton, who works for the Lake Las Vegas developer, Raintree Investments.

Winterton denies Seebock gave a campaign speech, but was unable to say what he discussed other than mentioning an effort to keep storm water debris from entering the lake.

Honestly, I dont remember paying that much attention, he said during a phone interview. Even if it was about his campaign, it doesnt matter.

Winterton declined to provide the Current with an audio recording of the meeting, which was later obtained by a homeowner. The audio reveals Seebock spoke about himself and his accomplishments, but also about issues such as traffic, homelessness and the clean up of toxic land at Three Kids Mine.

Liz Trosper, a consultant who manages communications for all three Henderson council members seeking re-election, says Seebock was unaware of the complaint, and laughed it off as a ploy by opponents in the late stages f the campaign. She says Seebock attends all the Lake Las Vegas HOA meetings.

Seebock is engaged in a heated primary race. He is one of three incumbents who are being targeted in a campaign to oust Henderson incumbents, who have been chastised for squandering millions on pet projects, and shifting the cost of a massive toxic land clean up from the developer who plans to build thousands of homes to taxpayers.

This is the second ethics complaint filed against Seebock. The first, filed last year, is for wearing his LVMPD uniform in campaign materials.

The Ethics Commission censured and fined Gov. Joe Lombardo, formerly Clark County Sheriff, for using the trappings of his law enforcement office in his campaign for governor.

Note: This story was updated to include a recording of Seebocks presentation.

The post Second ethics complaint filed against Henderson councilman appeared first on Nevada Current.
A second juror in the first federal Feeding Our Future trial was excused Tuesday after hearing about an attempted bribe of another jury member.

Deliberating with an alternate, the jury did not reach a verdict as members considered the case for a second day.

On Sunday, a woman dropped off a gift bag of $120,000 in cash to the home of a 23-year-old juror and said the juror would receive more cash if she voted to acquit the defendants. The juror, who reported the incident to police, was excused.

On Tuesday, a second juror  a 25-year-old woman from Savage  said she heard about the attempted bribery from a family member. An alternate  a 30-year-old Andover man  replaced her as the jury weighs 41 charges against seven people accused of stealing money meant to feed needy children.

The verdict will be widely watched because it's the first trial in a broader case that's led to charges against 70 people since 2022, when the FBI began investigating meal program fraud. With $250 million allegedly stolen, prosecutors called it one of the largest pandemic fraud cases in the country.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel sequestered the jury Monday night after the attempted bribery, citing their safety. Brasel also added security to the courtroom, detained defendants and had an FBI agent confiscate their phones. Authorities are investigating the leak of jurors' names, which hadn't been publicly disclosed to anyone besides the attorneys.

The seven defendants, all tied to a Shakopee restaurant, received more than $40 million for 18 million meals, part of U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that reimburse schools, nonprofits and day cares for feeding low-income children after school or during the summer.

Prosecutors allege defendants exploited the pandemic to get rich with phony invoices and rosters of made-up children's names. They called witnesses who saw no or few meals served, FBI agents and accountants who traced money to personal expenses.

"They saw the vulnerability of the program," Thompson said in his closing argument. "The money was being spent on anything but food."

Defense attorneys said they served real food to real kids, but said sloppy FBI investigators never searched some food sites. They argued prosecutors assumed criminal intent of Somali refugees who immigrated to the U.S., not understanding their culture of informal transactions based on trust and verbal agreements.

They blamed nonprofits that oversaw food sites  Partners in Nutrition and Feeding Our Future  and sought to discredit the prosecution's key witness who testified about a "booming" fraud scheme of rampant bribes.

"When you paint with a very broad brush, you're able to paint over ... some inadequacies," defense attorney Patrick Cotter said.

Defense attorneys said in closing arguments that defendants spent money renting warehouses and other business costs. Attorney Andrew Birrell said defendants rapidly increased the number of meals by doling out groceries, such as a $10 bag of rice, enough for 160 meals.

The seven defendants are:

Abdiaziz Shafii Farah: The Savage 35-year-old co-owned Empire Cuisine & Market in Shakopee. Prosecutors called him the ringleader and said he spent federal money on gold jewelry, $1 million Prior Lake property, four cars and kickbacks to others. Birrell, his attorney, argued his client spent millions of dollars on food and was allowed to make a profit.Mohamed Jama Ismail: The Savage 51-year-old co-owned Empire Cuisine. Cotter said he immigrated to the U.S. in 1998 and was focused on running the business, not meal programs.Said Shafii Farah: Prosecutors said the Minneapolis 41-year-old, Farah's brother, pocked more than $1 million and paid bribes. His attorney, Steve Schleicher, said Farah immigrated to the U.S. as a kid and started a wholesaler, but agents never searched the warehouse where they would've seen pallets of food.Abdiwahab Maalim Aftin: The 33-year-old co-owned the wholesaler. His attorney Andrew Garvis said he had a minor role distributing food and the FBI didn't search his home or accuse him of lavish expenses.Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff: The Burnsville 33-year-old was the only defendant to testify, saying he immigrated to the U.S. at 5 years old and was a Microsoft software engineer. His attorney Andrew Mohring said he didn't prepare any financial documents, just distributed food. Prosecutors say he pocketed more than $1 million and paid a bribe, which Mohring said was a legal loan.Abdimajid Mohamed Nur: Prosecutors say he created and submitted fake invoices and started a shell company that received $900,000, which he spent on an $11,000 Maldives honeymoon. The 23-year-old immigrated to the U.S. as a child, was a track star and is enlisted in the U.S. Army, and had a minor role in meal programs, his attorney Edward Sapone said.Hayat Mohamed Nur: Nur's 27-year-old sister also created and submitted fake invoices, prosecutors said. Her attorney, Nicole Kettwick, said she played a small clerical role, did what bosses asked and was swept up in allegations simply by association.

Deliberations are slated to continue Wednesday.
By Jessie Pang and Fabian Hamacher

HONG KONG/TAIPEI (Reuters) -Hong Kong police detained several people and Chinese authorities restricted access to Beijing's Tiananmen Square on Tuesday on the 35th anniversary of the crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, as cities in Taiwan and elsewhere marked the date.

Chinese tanks rolled into the square before dawn on June 4, 1989 to end weeks of pro-democracy demonstrations by students and workers. Television news images of a lone Chinese man in a white shirt standing in front of a column of tanks spread around the world and became the iconic image of the demonstrations.

Decades after the military crackdown, rights activists say the demonstrators' original goals including a free press and freedom of speech remain distant, and June 4 is still a taboo topic in China.

The ruling Communist Party has never released a death toll, though rights groups and witnesses say the figure could run into the thousands.

In China-ruled Hong Kong, police officers tightened security around downtown Victoria Park, where large June 4 candlelight vigils had been held annually before tougher new national security laws took effect in recent years.

Police took away several individuals in vans, including 68-year-old Alexandra Wong after she held up a bouquet of flowers and shouted, "The people will not forget!"

Others who lit up their mobile phones in the park at night were escorted away and searched by police.

Over the past week, eight people were arrested for sedition under a new national security law, including prominent activist Chow Hang-tung, stemming from what media said were online posts linked to June 4.

"There are still forces that attempt to undermine Hong Kong's stability and security," Hong Kong leader John Lee told reporters, without mentioning June 4 specifically.

In Taiwan, several hundred protesters held a vigil on Liberty Square in downtown Taipei, holding up small LED candles and laying flowers before an altar with the numbers 89 64.

"The more they try to hide this event, the more effort we should put in to remember it," said Juan Chung-hao, 33, a university researcher in the crowd.

Taiwan - a democratic island that China claims as its own - is the only part of the Chinese-speaking world where June 4 can now be remembered openly. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and his government reject Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future.

"The memory of June 4th will not disappear in the torrent of history," he said in a post on the anniversary.

In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters that Beijing "firmly opposes anyone smearing China and using this (June 4) as a pretext to interfere in China's internal affairs".

TIGHT SECURITY FOR TIANANMEN ANNIVERSARY

An official website for the Tiananmen Tower overlooking Tiananmen Square posted a notice earlier saying it would be closed for the entire day on June 4.

Time slots for visits to the square were also not available for June 4 on its official WeChat mini-app. Chang'an Avenue, a wide boulevard fringing the square where the "Tank Man" once stood, was closed to pedestrians and cyclists on Monday evening, a witness said.

Small groups of "stability maintenance" volunteers, or retirees with red armbands, have kept watch in central Beijing neighbourhoods since last week.

Guards have also been stationed on pedestrian bridges, a regular practice during politically sensitive periods.

On Chinese social media platforms, including WeChat and Douyin, users were unable to change their profile photographs, according to online posts and Reuters tests.

In the past, some online users have altered profile names and pictures with symbolic images such as candles around June 4.

"Thirty-five years have passed, and the authorities remain silent. All that can be seen on the internet is 'A Concise History of the Communist Party of China', which says that a tragic incident was caused by the student movement in 1989," wrote the Tiananmen Mothers.

"We cannot accept or tolerate such statements that ignore the facts," added the group of more than 100 mostly China-based survivors and families of victims of the Tiananmen crackdown.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement marking the anniversary of what he termed a "massacre" and in remembrance of the protesters he said were "brutally assaulted".

"As Beijing attempts to suppress the memory of June 4, the United States stands in solidarity with those who continue the struggle for human rights and individual freedom," Blinken said.

In the U.S. Congress, Republican Representative Chris Smith, chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, told a hearing that the events in 1989 "still matter for the Cold War competition that now shapes U.S.-China relations".

He called on Beijing to make a full, public accounting of those killed or missing.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong highlighted the "brutal force" used against student protesters 35 years ago, and expressed concern about China's curbs on human rights.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also called for the protection of human rights, while the U.S. consulate and European Union office in Hong Kong lit candles in their windows.

(Reporting by Jessie Pang, Joyce Zhou and Marcus Lum in Hong Kong; Yimou Lee and Fabian Hamacher in Taipei; Laurie Chen in Beijing; and Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom in Washington; writing by James Pomfret; editing by Lincoln Feast, Clarence Fernandez and Mark Heinrich)
Sen. Elizabeth Steiner steps down from committee to focus on Oregon treasurer campaign

Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, D-Portland, and Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, D-Portland, speak at the Oregon State Capitol on March 1. Lieber is stepping down from her leadership role to replace Steiner, who is running for treasurer, as co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee.

Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, D-Portland, is stepping down as co-chair of the Oregon Legislature's Joint Ways and Means Committee, effective July 15, to focus on her campaign for state treasurer.

Steiner won the May 21 primary election for the Democratic nomination for Oregon treasurer last month. She announced her resignation Monday so a new co-chair could "commit their full time and attention" to the position. She was appointed in 2018 as co-chair of the committee, which is charged with helping draft the state budget and appropriating state funds.

The committee has six to eight subcommittees and during the legislative session reviews budget requests and helps draft the state's budget every two years.

"It has been an honor to serve in this critical role to ensure that state revenues go toward the maximum benefit for all Oregonians," she said in prepared statement. "I've held this position through historic surpluses and historic deficits, times of extreme uncertainty and times when hard decisions needed to be made. 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, appointed Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, D-Portland, Monday to take over as co-chair, which means she will resign her leadership position.

"I have full confidence that Senator Lieber will deftly lead our budgeting process as Senate co-chair and ensure the state's resources are being responsibly invested to benefit all Oregonians," Wagner said.

Lieber described Steiner as "an incredible leader and a highly-effective steward of Oregonians tax dollars."

She said she had been interested "in taking on a bigger role with our states budget since" she was first elected in 2020.

"Throughout my time in the legislature, I have been part of some of the most complex funding negotiations for Oregons toughest problems, including securing $1.2 billion in new behavioral health funding during the 2021 session and most recently delivering hundreds of millions of dollars to start to holistically tackle the drug crisis in Oregon," Lieber said. "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."

She said Senate Democrats will soon elect a new majority leader.

Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on Twitter @DianneLugo

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Elizabeth Steiner resigns from Oregon legislative committee
Sen. Mike Lee speaks at a town hall for U.S. Senate candidate Carolyn Phippen at Kimber Academy in Lindon, Utah, on April 5, 2024. Republican figures, including Lee, attended El Salvador president's inauguration. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Several Republican lawmakers, including Utah Sen. Mike Lee, traveled to El Salvador Saturday to participate in President Nayib Bukeles inauguration. Bukele is now serving a second five-year term.

The ceremony came a day after Trump was convicted in New York City on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a criminal trial. Lee, who traveled to celebrate Bukeles second term, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, said, Im in El Salvador. To my knowledge, no public official here is trying to jail his political opponent.

In another post, Lee said Bukele defeated Manuel Flores, his primary opponent, in the February presidential election with more than 80% of the vote. To the best of my knowledge, Bukele made no attempt to imprison Flores, he said, pushing back on the verdict against Trump.

Lee and his wife, Sharon Lee, were photographed in El Salvador with Donald Trump Jr., Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson and others. Gaetz later said it was an honor to attend the ceremony, adding that Bukele is the most inspirational head of state in the Western Hemisphere by far.

It was an honor to attend the inauguration of President @nayibbukele in El Salvador with @DonaldJTrumpJr @TuckerCarlson and countless conservatives who support President Bukeles bold vision.



He is the most inspirational head of state in the Western Hemisphere by far. pic.twitter.com/rLAg1glReF  Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) June 1, 2024

At the event, Lee took a selfie with Fox News reporter Sara A. Carter and her husband Martin Bailey, a retired Army veteran. Carter posted the photo and said no one made her and her husband laugh more than Lee. Great senator and all around great guy, she added.

That wasnt the only selfie Lee took. In another photo post, capturing himself standing next to his wife and Bukele, Lee wrote, Thank you, President Bukele, for a delightful afternoon and an engaging conversation.

Sharon and I enjoyed every minute of our time with you, and of our visit to your beautiful country.

Thank you, President Bukele, for a delightful afternoon and an engaging conversation.



Sharon and I enjoyed every minute of our time with you, and of our visit to your beautiful country.@nayibbukele pic.twitter.com/YD5xou10aQ  Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) June 2, 2024

During his initial campaign for president, Bukele promised to end gang violence in a country considered one of the most dangerous in the world. He managed to crack down on criminal activity during his first term in office.

We conquered fear, and today are truly a free nation, Bukele said in a speech Saturday from the balcony of the National Palace after being sworn in.

The event, hosted in the capital city of San Salvador, included top foreign leaders like Spanish King Felipe VI and presidents Javier Milei of Argentina, Xiomara Castro of Honduras, Daniel Noboa of Ecuador, Santiago Pena of Paraguay and Rodrigo Chaves Robles of Costa Rica.

While former President Trump was not present, his son attended and posted a video of being escorted to the inauguration ceremony by the El Salvadorian police. Pretty solid way to travel, he said in the TikTok clip. Just promoting those who support freedom around the world.

Some journalists have compared Trumps governing style and rhetoric with Bukele. Foreign Policy referred to Bukele as El Salvadors Trump and the Jacobin called him the Donald Trump of Central America. While Trump had a formal meeting with the El Salvadorian president, President Joe Biden has so far not met with him.

As The Associated Press reported, the White House is trying to change this. Although Biden wasnt at the inauguration, he sent Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and a high-level delegation. Their talks focused on enhancing the rule-of-law to ensure sustainable security for Salvadorans, strengthening enforcement actions against narcotics trafficking, and advancing effective migration management, according to a press release. Bukele and Mayorkas said the two countries will continue to work on reducing irregular migration flows through increased enforcement and strengthened visa regimes.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  A U.S. Senate hearing highlighted Tuesday how abortion bans across the country have impacted families since the overturning of Roe v. Wade two years ago.

With reproductive rights set to be a key issue in Novembers elections, Republicans wanted to flip the script of the hearing, accusing Democrats of playing politics.

How can we dehumanize this? asked U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) as he pointed to pictures ranging from 10 to 41 weeks. At what point do my Democratic colleagues believe that a child deserves to live?

We can do better as a country, said U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.).

Senators Mullin and Cassidy support state restrictions on abortion as do some doctors who testified at the hearing.

Theres been a lot of false information being spread that laws limiting abortion will prevent these lifesaving treatments, but honestly, this is absurd, said Dr. Christina Francis, the CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Other doctors at the hearing pushed back, arguing restrictions dont just force patients to travel out of state but also force providers to question whether to move.

I have had thoughts about leaving even though I love my home and my community, said Dr. Nisha Verma, a Physicians for Reproductive Health fellow.

Verma stressed she faces threats of criminal prosecution if she violates Georgias six-week abortion ban. She said medical students are seeing that and going to states with no bans.

Thats just going to get worse and worse and make pregnancy riskier and more dangerous, Verma said.

Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) argue this will impact access to all types of reproductive care, from prenatal to IVF to contraception.

The American people want to know whats at stake here and what were fighting for, Murray said during a press conference before the hearing.

The Senate plans to vote Wednesday on a measure that would protect birth control access at the federal level.

The Senate will take action, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) vowed.

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BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  A statement was released by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin about the death of Dave Tolliver, President of the Raleigh County Commission.

Tolliver died on Monday, June 3, 2024, and he was a U.S. Army veteran as well as a retired Beckley firefighter.

President of the Raleigh County Commission Dave Tolliver passes away

Gayle and I are devastated to learn of the passing of our dear friend and longtime West Virginia public servant, Dave Tolliver. For more than a decade, Dave was devoted to serving the people of Raleigh County and the entire Mountain State. He was tirelessly dedicated to improving Raleigh Countys critical infrastructure, especially in helping to ensure all residents had access to clean, safe water. Dave was compassionate, honest, and widely respected by all and I am grateful to have known him. Our hearts and prayers are with his wife, Pat, their two children, Tammi and Kevin, and all of his loved ones as they mourn this tremendous loss. Senator Manchin

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (R) visits a booth of a China's company at Posidonia 2024 international shipping exhibition in Athens, Greece, June 3, 2024. Posidonia 2024 international shipping exhibition, the biggest in its 60-year history, kicked off on Monday in Athens. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

ATHENS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Posidonia 2024 international shipping exhibition, the biggest in its 60-year history, kicked off on Monday in Athens.

This year's event features a remarkable comeback from China, with 180 companies participating -- an almost 50 percent increase from previous years, according to the exhibition organizer.

At the opening ceremony, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized his support for Greek shipowners "in every aspect of the shipping industry, from the green transition to the safety of ports and shipyards."

Mitsotakis toured part of the exhibition, visiting the stand of Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA), a member of China's COSCO Shipping group.

The event, which runs until June 7, hosts 2,030 companies from 82 countries and regions, showcasing maritime products and services from Europe, North America, and Asia. It is expected to draw over 40,000 international and Greek visitors. 

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaks at the opening ceremony of Posidonia 2024 international shipping exhibition in Athens, Greece, June 3, 2024. Posidonia 2024 international shipping exhibition, the biggest in its 60-year history, kicked off on Monday in Athens. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

People visit a booth of a China's company at Posidonia 2024 international shipping exhibition in Athens, Greece, June 3, 2024. Posidonia 2024 international shipping exhibition, the biggest in its 60-year history, kicked off on Monday in Athens. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
Top Biden administration officials are traveling to the Middle East this week to engage in ongoing talks on a possible ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, as well as the dire situation in the Gazan city of Rafah, US officials told CNN.

CIA Director Bill Burns, who has served as the administrations primary interlocutor in ceasefire negotiations, is meeting Qatari leaders in Doha to receive an update on their conversations with Hamas leaders, according to national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Qatar is acting as an intermediary in talks between Israel and Hamas.

Sullivan also said that the US remains in hourly contact with the Qataris as they await a formal response from Hamas.

Now, we are waiting for a response from Hamas, Sullivan told reporters aboard Air Force One. We will regard a formal response as one that gets conveyed to the Qataris, who were the ones who transmitted the proposal from the Israeli negotiators to Hamas.

Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk is headed to Cairo this week, according to a source familiar. Egypt, alongside Qatar, has played a significant mediating role in the fraught negotiations.

McGurks visit comes as tensions have grown between Egypt and Israel in recent months, particularly as Egypt has repeatedly warned Israeli forces against moving forward with a military operation into Rafah.

Last month, an Egyptian security worker was killed on the border with Gaza in a shooting between Egyptian and Israeli soldiers. The situation at the Rafah border crossing, as well as post-war planning, are also on the agenda for McGurks meetings this week with regional leaders, the source said.

McGurk is currently not expected to travel to Israel during this trip.

Although both regularly travel to the Middle East, their visits come amid a furious diplomatic push by President Joe Biden and his administration to get Hamas and Israel to accept the latest ceasefire proposal.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made a flurry of calls since Biden outlined the proposal in a speech last Friday, discussing the ambitious deal with partners and urging them to pressure Hamas to support it.

The top US diplomat has spoken twice with the Saudi foreign minister, as well as with his counterparts from Jordan, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Algeria. He also spoke with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The United States on Monday circulated a draft UN Security Council resolution to support the proposal and calling for it to insist that Hamas accept the deal.

Biden on Friday laid out a three-phase proposal that would pair a release of hostages with a full and complete ceasefire, a plan he said presented the best hope to bring peace to Gaza. The president characterized it as an Israeli proposal.

But less than an hour after Biden detailed the proposal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Israel will not end the war in Gaza until it had achieved all of its goals, including the destruction of Hamas.

The United States has not seen any response yet from Hamas to the latest ceasefire proposal, a State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday.

We havent seen any response yet from Hamas, but we do think it is important that the international community and, I think quite importantly, countries in the Arab world have spoken out to call on this deal to be finalized and Hamas to accept it, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a press briefing.

Hamas released a statement last week saying that it viewed the proposal positively. Miller did not know if the proposal itself has reached Yahya Sinwar, Hamas leader in Gaza.

Miller also said that the Israeli government has communicated to the US that they are ready to implement the ceasefire deal should Hamas accept.

It doesnt mean there arent voices inside Israel, and voices even inside the Israeli government are opposed to it, but the government, speaking on behalf of the government, has said they support this proposal and are ready to stand behind that, Miller said.

This story has been updated with additional details.

CNNs Michael Conte and Sam Fossum contributed reporting.

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Senior Hamas official criticizes U.S., West's calls on group to accept Biden's Gaza proposal

Aftermath of an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced people, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip

CAIRO (Reuters) - Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri criticised Washington and the West's calls for it to accept a ceasefire proposal advanced by U.S. President Joe Biden, saying on Tuesday it was "as if it is Hamas who is hampering the deal".

In comments reported by Hamas media, Abu Zuhri said Israel was not serious about reaching a deal in Gaza and was still manoeuvring under U.S. cover.

Biden on Friday laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal from Israel to Hamas to end the war in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis.

The offer calls for a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Hamas said on Friday it had a positive view of the contents of the proposal.

The United States said on Sunday that if Hamas accepted the proposed plan it expected Israel to follow suit.

"This was an Israeli proposal. We have every expectation that if Hamas agrees to the proposal, as was transmitted to them, an Israeli proposal, that Israel would say yes," White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told ABC News.

Qatar, which has been mediating on Gaza between Israel and Hamas, stressed that there should be a clear position from both parties to reach a ceasefire deal.

"We are waiting for a clear Israeli position that represents the entire government in response to the U.S.'s Gaza proposal," Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said.

(Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Writing by Clauda Tanios; Editing by Michael Georgy and Alex Richardson)
John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House, has not ruled out the possibility of extending authorisation for Ukraine to use US-delivered weapons in the future and stressed that everything will depend on the situation on the battlefield.

Source: Kirby at a briefing, reported by Holos Ameryky (Voice of America)

Details: When asked what kind of extensions to the authorisation for the Ukrainian Armed Forces could be discussed, Kirby added that he did not want to get ahead of "decisions that havent been made."

Quote from Kirby: "As you well know, every step of this war  as the war has evolved, the battlefield conditions have changed, we have evolved and we have changed our support to Ukraine. And thats  I wouldnt expect that that general approach is going to be any different in coming weeks and months. Well see where things go and what the Ukrainians need.

I mean, look, who can blame President Zelenskyy for wanting more stuff and more ability to use that stuff as his country continues to come under attack and as they particularly face a concerted  a still-concerted effort by Russia to endanger Kharkiv, one of their most important cities in the north?

And so well have those talks, well have those conversations with the Ukrainians. Absolutely, we will. And whether it leads to any additional policy changes, I cant say at this point, but were not going to turn our back on what Ukraine needs. And were going to continue to try to, again, evolve our support to them as the battlefield evolves as well."

Background:

Over the weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked US President Biden but stressed that "this is not enough." Zelenskyy said that it was necessary to expand the part of the Russian territory where Ukraine was allowed to strike with US-supplied weapons.

For his part, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on the last day of his trip to Europe that the current authorisation might not be the last for Kyiv.

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When I first saw the headlines about the Prime Ministers national service plan, it made me nervous. I was concerned that it would place too much strain on our forces training capacity. Yet looking into the detail, it is clear this is not a return to conscription but rather a nuanced plan that has the potential to deliver real good for young people and our country more broadly.

I have had the privilege of serving with some of the finest soldiers in the world. I had the good fortune to command the 7th Armoured Brigade, the Desert Rats, when we helped liberate Kuwait from Saddam Husseins occupation. Time and again during over 37 years of service in the army, I saw how ordinary men and women can achieve extraordinary things with the right training, team spirit and self-discipline.

Military training brings with it essential skills that are invaluable to individuals after theyve left the service. These range from basic yet essential self-discipline to teamwork, logistics and communication. Those who enter civilian life from the military have a head start over their peers.

The Armed Forces are already the largest provider of apprenticeships in the country. This is where young people learn to work in a stimulating environment. They acquire valuable transferable skills, like team leadership, communication and coping with stressful situations.

I was therefore excited to see the Prime Ministers bold plan for a reimagined form of national service, comprising military service for a small proportion (1 in 20) of those who volunteer and pass rigorous tests, with the remainder undertaking 12 weekends volunteering in the year. From civil response and outreach to older, more isolated people, to serving with groups like the St John Ambulance and RNLI, the second part of the scheme offers something for both the participants and our community alike.

The opportunity for all young people to benefit from some form of service to their community will be so good for the life chances of those who participate. I served with countless young men and women for whom I knew the Army had been a vehicle for a better and more fulfilling life for them and their families. We should also not underestimate the huge benefits for social cohesion of people from different backgrounds mixing, working together and forming friendships.

National service, combined with the recent Government commitment to increase defence spending, show the Conservatives are taking the challenges of the future seriously. Sadly, for those of us concerned about the United Kingdoms defence, and its role in the world, it has been disappointing to see Labours failure to commit to the vital increase to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030. The rejection of the idea of helping young people by introducing a form of national service is also disappointing. Crucial for anyone committed to our national defence and ability to project power, the scheme is to be funded on top of the 2.5 per cent defence commitment.

It is the duty of our leaders, or would-be leaders, to prepare this country for the threats rising in an increasingly uncertain world. The lights are not so much going out, as flashing red. From attacks on British ships in the Red Sea to war in Europe, our country and our people must be prepared.

So national service has the potential to encourage more people into the Armed Forces. In other countries where there are similar schemes, like Norway, 25 per cent of those on military placements have stayed on in the military.

Organically growing the military, as well as creating a generation of young people with advanced skills in everything from engineering to cyber, is a wise strategic move. Indeed, the Covid pandemic showed us all the value of civic service to individuals and securing our country from another such threat. During that time, millions of people contributed as NHS responders, vaccinators, and volunteers. Without them, the UKs world-leading vaccine effort would never have happened.

Our country is only as strong as its people. And yet, despite a high number of job vacancies, I am told 750,000 young people are not in education, employment, or training. The best years of their lives are being wasted. By driving forward social mobility and boosting our security, national service as articulated by the Prime Minister is a clear plan for Britain to chart its way forward in this increasingly uncertain world.

Major General Patrick Cordingley is a retired British Army officer

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The study by political scientists from Stanford and Tufts universities appears just as a heated debate is flaring again in Congress over the partisan and racial impact of recent voting laws. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Last week, the Attorneys General of half a dozen states and the District of Columbia filed an amicus brief in a case challenging Ohio voting restrictions. The federal court challenge has to do with ballot access for people with disabilities. State lawmakers placed strict limits on who can return an absentee ballot as part of a 2022 law that requires Ohioans present a photo I.D. to vote.

Whats it to you?

The attorneys general from Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C. signed on to the amicus brief challenging Ohios law. The provisions make it a felony for anyone other than a postal worker or a specific list of relatives to return or possess another persons absentee ballot.

Every eligible voter who wants to vote should be able to do so  full stop, D.C.s Attorney General Brian Schwalb wrote in a press release.

Ohios law violates this fundamental democratic principle by creating unnecessary obstacles that will make it harder for millions of people to cast a ballot  and disproportionately harms voters with disabilities, he added. This law does nothing to improve election security and instead is simply un-democratic and un-American.

Coming from the District, which lacks full representation in Congress, laws limiting voter access hit particularly close to home.

The brief is quick to acknowledge Ohio isnt alone in restricting third party ballot assistance. A handful dont allow any outside help at all, and most states, like Ohio, place limits on who can return a persons ballot. But the AGs argue Ohio is an outlier because it doesnt provide flexibility for people who face legitimate barriers in accessing the ballot box.

The lawsuit challenging Ohios restrictions includes a plaintiff named Jennifer Kucera, whos living with muscular dystrophy. She relies on in-home caregivers for many aspects of her daily life, including her mail. But under Ohios strict law, those same caregivers cannot assist her with her ballot. Kuceras only relation included on Ohios list is her mother, who is elderly and lives half an hour away.

The Ohio Capital Journal reached out to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yosts office for comment but did not get a response. In the past, his team has declined to weigh in, citing a policy of not commenting on active litigation.

How the states stack up

There are three federal laws meant to protect the voting rights of disabled individuals. The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act shouldnt be excluded from participation because of their disability. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 holds that people who need assistance may choose whoever they want to assist them, so long as that person isnt a representative of their union or employer.

Taken together, those measures represent a substantial effort to safeguard ballot access. Still, the Attorneys General note states have significant authority over how exactly they manage elections.

(We) recognize that states have considerable discretion to decide how best to regulate ballot collection, they wrote in the court brief. But the Ohio law is out of step with most state laws, and out of line with federal law.

Ohios law allows the following relations to return an absentee ballot:

A spouse

A parent including an adoptive parent or stepparent

A parent-in-law

A grandparent

A sibling, including a half sibling

A child, including an adopted child or stepchild

An aunt or uncle

A niece or nephew

In all, eight states, as well as the District of Columbia, make no explicit restriction on who can return a ballot. Four states  Alabama, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin  require the voter him or herself to return their ballot and make no exception for people with disabilities.

But, like Ohio, the vast majority fall somewhere in between, allowing someone else to help a voter, but placing limits on who can provide that assistance. Many allow voters to select almost anyone to handle their ballot with various requirements on how they authorize of designate that individual. Similarly, seven restrict how many peoples ballots a person can assist with.

Exceptions

The problem, the attorneys general contend, is not so much those restrictions as the lack of exceptions for people with disabilities.

By substantially cabining who can help a voter exercise the franchise, they write, without providing notable carveouts for disabled voters, Ohios law could disenfranchise many of its most vulnerable residents.

Their brief points to states like Texas, Iowa and Connecticut that allow for broader access for disabled voters despite an otherwise restrictive list of eligible assistants. Texas and Iowa reiterate the Voting Rights Act provision allowing anyone to assist so long as they arent an agent of the voters employer or union. Iowa also caps the number of ballots a delivery agent can handle at two. Connecticut allows a disabled voter to select among their caretakers, a designated family member, a police officer or a local elections official.

In three other states, a disabled voter can have elections officials come to them. Ohio law carries a similar provision, but only for those who are completely unable to travel.

They note in addition to Ohio, five states restrict the list of eligible assistants to family members, but even there most provide greater flexibility. In Massachusetts, for instance, any family member can return a ballot in person, and in New Hampshire and Oklahoma blind and disabled voters living nursing homes have more options.

Only two  Missouri and North Carolina  have similar limits as Ohio, the brief notes, with agents constrained to a set of family members and without any additional flexibility for voters with disabilities.

But even in those states, the list of eligible relations includes grandchildren, while Ohios list does not.

Follow OCJ Reporter Nick Evans on Twitter.

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The post Seven AGs pen amicus brief in case challenging Ohio voting restrictions appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
The same storm system that drenched the northwestern United States from Sunday to Monday brought severe thunderstorms from the Upper Midwest to the southern Plains on Tuesday and from the Great Lakes and mid-Atlantic into portions of the Southeast on Wednesday. The threat of gusty to severe thunderstorms will shift into the East into Thursday, AccuWeather meteorologists foretell.

Severe storms from Mississippi to parts of the mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes Wednesday brought numerous reports of damaging wind gusts.

There were also multiple tornado reports across Michigan, West Virginia and Maryland. The storms in the mid-Atlantic were responsible for multiple injuries.

As the front crosses the Appalachians on Thursday, there will be enough daytime heating to allow showers and thunderstorms to rebound in the mid-Atlantic corridor from parts of the Carolinas to eastern New York, Connecticut and western Massachusetts. Some of the storms will become severe with hail and damaging wind gusts.

It is not out of the question that a couple of the strongest thunderstorms produce a brief tornado.

As the storms move into a major metro area, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may issue ground stops. Motorists should be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions where dry roads can become torrents of water in minutes.

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As a mass of cool air expands southeastward across the Great Lakes and into the Northeast from Friday to Saturday, a mosaic of showers will develop during the midday and afternoon hours. A few of these will evolve into thunderstorms that could produce localized small hail and gusty winds.

A couple of waterspouts may develop on the Great Lakes from Friday to Saturday.

The air behind the front will be cooler and less humid than the air in front and will offer a refreshing change, especially for some people in the South Central and Southeast states, which is uncommon during June.

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.
All Saints' Chapel at Sewanee: The University of Tennessee. (Photo: Getty Images)

Among the recent protests on Tennessee college campuses by students calling for divestment from industries supporting Israel in the ongoing conflict with Gaza was a three-day occupation of a school building at the Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn.  the first student-led protests since the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, according to student organizers.

Students occupied All Saints Chapel from April 30 to May 2 to support the libration of Gaza, to oppose civilian genocide and to ask the school administration to make changes to the schools endowment fund by divesting from weapons and arms manufacturers.

The protests at Sewanee come among a swath of demonstrations across Tennessee and the rest of the country. Earlier in May, University of Tennessee students in Knoxville gathered for a pro-Palestinian demonstration that resulted in the arrest of two students, and in April, Vanderbilt University students created the Vanderbilt Divestment Coalition camp on school property.

According to Sewanees website, Sewanees endowment is worth nearly $440 million. An email from Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigan to a student, obtained by the Lookout, said that about 1.3%, or around $5.72 million, is invested in the aerospace and defense industries.

Marcel Lettre, a member of Sewanees Board of Regents, is the Vice President of Space Programs at defense and weapons manufacturing giant Lockheed Martin. The University of the South is the only college governed by 28 dioceses of the Episcopal Church, which states in its ethical investing policy that prohibited, or no-buy stocks includes weapons manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and others.

We have a lot of privilege in the United States to speak freely. I think that college student movements are super influential because its a way we can put economic and political pressure on the government and in this case, Israel.

 Sparrow Womack, sophomore

In a statement made to the Sewanee campus community, Pearigan said a change in portfolio managers was already underway prior to protests. Students who organized the demonstration said they look forward to a meeting with school administration scheduled in June. A panel of student organizers will be invited, where they plan to advocate for divestment.

There is a song that Sewanee bases a lot of their education and philosophy around, graduating senior Arthur Hampton said. Psalm 133: Behold how good and pleasant it is to dwell together in unity. The [schools] honor code says we live with personal integrity and respect the dignity of all. We dont want our education writings built off dollars from weapons manufacturers, Hampton said.

Protestors said that local residents, a retired professor and other students made threatening comments and advances during the three-day occupation. On the last night of the protest, an estimated 300 counter-protestors and spectators gathered as Pearigen spoke to the crowd.

Sophomore Sparrow Womack said that it was important to speak up in spite of being confronted by counter-protesters.

We have a lot of privilege in the United States to speak freely, Womack said. I think that college student movements are super influential because its a way we can put economic and political pressure on the government and in this case, Israel.

In another statement sent to students, Pearigan said the university has made three commitments, which include an increase in transparency about endowment holdings, implementing an environmental, social, and governance framework as part of the new investment policy and showing solidarity with students, staff and alumni.

This has been a difficult but important and meaningful week in the life of the university, Pearigan said in a statement to the Lookout. Weve made commitments to one another that will help us in the future, and were in a better position to move forward as an institution and as individuals.

Officials did not respond to additional questions about endowment distribution.

Hampton praised consistent communication between students and administration and said they hope a culture of demonstration on campus will be reinvigorated.

Fifty years without any kind of student involvement or action, especially going through Apartheid, going through the Iraq war, the 2008 financial crisis  we need a forum and a way for students to express themselves, through civil disobedience if necessary. Were hoping to see the roots of student organizing here at Sewanee.

email _ Webview _ Update on the Student Protest_ A message from Vice-Chancellor Pearigen





The post Sewanee students protest for Gaza, seek continued action from school appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
Shangri-La: As generals made small talk and polite debate, both China and Trump loomed large

Any tourist wandering through the glitzy lobby of Singapores Shangri-La Hotel this weekend would have stumbled on a rather bizarre scene.

Military officers from around the world thronged the halls of the luxury hotel, their shoulders dripping with gold braids and epaulets, complicated colored bars lined up on the chests of their dress uniforms like some martial game of Tetris.

Every few minutes a defense minister strode purposely through the mix, surrounded by a phalanx of aides and escorts.

This gathering is an annual spectacle that to the uninitiated might seem surreal. But the topics being discussed here are deadly serious.

The annual Shangri-La Dialogue is one of the few places in the world where you can watch warriors who spend their careers preparing for armed conflict, engaged in polite, carefully-moderated debate.

The stakes this year could hardly be higher.

War rages in both the Middle East and Europe. Meanwhile Chinas increasingly assertive moves has much of the Asia-Pacific on edge.

The Singapore summit brought key players together.

Where else would you have the President of the Philippines, a nation whichdo has seen its vessels increasingly targeted by Chinese coast guard ships in the disputed South China Sea, deliver a keynote address on the same stage that, two days later, Beijings new Defense Minister makes his debut appearance?

There was even a surprise appearance from Ukraines embattled president Volodymyr Zelensky  and a first face-to-face meeting between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Adm Dong Jun.

Given its location in the city-state of Singapore, events in Asia  and in particular Chinas behavior in the region  stalked the conference.

In his keynote speech, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a stark warning about the ongoing confrontations between Philippine and China Coast Guard vessels in a contested part of the South China Sea.

If a Filipino citizen is killed by a willful act, he said, that is I think, very, very close to what we define as an act of war.

Two days later, Chinas Adm Dong fired back from the same stage, accusing the Philippines of blackmail in the maritime dispute.

There is a limit to our restraint, said Admiral Dong Jun.

I saw that as a threat, said Dewi Fortuna Anwar, a research professor at Indonesias National Research and Innovation Center who has been attending the Shangri-La Dialogue since its founding twenty-one years ago.

In decades past, the Chinese only came in a small number and they were extremely quiet, she said. Now theyre very self confidentthey intervene in all the sessions.

China's defense minister, Dong Jun (left) and Singapore's defense minister, Ng Eng Hen (center) on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1, 2024. - Ore Huiying/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The open nature of the Shangri-La Dialogue provides delegates with a unique opportunity to ask blunt questions of speakers.

After his speech on Sunday, Chinas Dong received many questions from audience members on Beijings increased threats towards self-governing Taiwan as well as its disputed claims in the South China Sea, and he replied in unapologetic terms.

The separatists in Taiwans newly-elected government would be nailed to the pillar of shame in history, he said.

But equally, Chinese military officers also used Q&A sessions at other key moments to make their views known.

Senior Colonel Yanzhong Cao of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army asked US Secretary of Defense asked US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin whether the US was trying to build a NATO-like alliance in the Asia-Pacific region, adding the claim the eastward expansion of NATO has led to the Ukraine crisis.

I respectfully disagree, Austin replied, the audience in the ballroom then erupting into a rare burst of applause.

The Ukraine crisis obviously was caused because Mr. Putin made a decision to unlawfully invade his neighbor, Austin continued. This was brought on because of a decision by Mr. Putin.

Later that day, Ukrainian leader Zelensky got a borderline rock star welcome when he made a surprise appearance at the conference, dressed in his trademark fatigues and black t-shirt.

We stand with you, Ng Eng Hen, Singapores minister of defense, later said to Zelensky.

But the large contingent of Chinese army officers present at other sessions was notably absent during Zelenskys speech and the Ukrainian leader said he failed to secure a one-on-one meeting with Chinese officials during his Singapore visit.

He also accused Beijing of aiding Ukraines mortal enemy.

With Chinas support to Russia, the war will last longer. That is bad for the whole world, and the policy of China  who declares that it supports territorial integrity and sovereignty and declares it officially. For them it is not good, Zelensky told journalists.

It was not clear whether Zelensky succeeded in securing new support for Kyiv from non-aligned south-east Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.

Instead, Indonesian president-elect and retired general Prabowo Subianto  the new leader of the worlds most populous Muslim majority nation  spent much of his speech calling for an end to the on-going carnage in Gaza and an investigation into recent Israeli attacks that killed dozens of displaced civilians in Rafah.

Another political elephant in the room was what direction might the United States be heading in.

The Singapore gathering began just hours after a 12-person jury in a court-room in New York City convicted former US President Donald Trump on of all 34 counts of falsifying business records in his hush money criminal trial.

Asia is watching very closely for whether Trump will return to office in November and what impact that might have on the worlds most populous continent and a region already fraught with very real geopolitical fault lines.

Republican Senator Dan Sullivan requested not to discuss Trump during a meeting with journalists, instead directing reporters to a press release.

This is a very sad day for American and the rule of law, Sullivans statement said, calling the verdict a gross abuse of our justice system.

But speaking to journalists, the Senator from Alaska also celebrated what he called Americas commitment to liberty and democracy, saying this marked a competitive advantage over authoritarian aggression led by China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Sullivan was part of a bi-partisan delegation seeking to demonstrate Congressional commitment to US allies in Asia.

The dictators we are allied againstare ally poor, Sullivan said.

But there are clearly concerns about US reliability.

An academic from Japan  Washingtons closest ally in Asia  asked defense chiefs from Singapore and Malaysia about Trumps possible re-election. He called it a nightmare scenario.

That triggered nervous laughter from the audience and on stage.

Singapores Dr. Ng Eng Hen gamely responded, we will work with any administration in any country if we can find common ground.

I vividly remember collective nervousness at the 2017 Shangri-La Dialogue, held just months after Trumps inauguration.

Trumps then secretary of defense James Mattis clearly sought to reassure American defense partners worried about the new mercurial president.

Bear with us, Mattis told the audience, after being asked whether the America First commander-in-chief would contribute to the destruction of the post-World War II order.

Once weve exhausted all possible alternatives, the Americans will do the right thing. We will still be there.

Seven years later, uncertainty over the political future of the US is just one of many challenges facing policy makers.

One by one, the leaders of armies and navies shared their fears about climate change, nuclear proliferation, wars in Europe and the Middle East and concerns that a miscalculation between the US and Chinese militaries could spiral out of control

The world cannot withstand a third geopolitical shock, Singaporean defense chief Dr. Ng warned, after invoking the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts.

In this tense geopolitical environment, its far better for commanders to put on their dress uniforms and rub shoulders in the halls of a five-star hotel, than aim at each other over gun barrels on the battlefield.

Correction: An earlier version of this article erroneously said Congressman Michael McCaul cancelled an interview with CNN. He did not.

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HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - November 6, 2023: Shark sighted water closed warning signs have been placed on Sunset Beach a beachfront community near lifeguard stand 22 in Huntington Beach, CA November 6, 2023. A section of Sunset Beach was closed today after an injured pygmy sperm whale became beached and people reported seeing aggressive shark activity. The animal was euthanized due to its injuries. (Francine Orr/ Los Angeles Times)

Cameron Whiting had just finished an easy 1.5-mile open-water swim and was bodysurfing Sunday morning off Del Mar Beach when a member of his swimming group began to scream.

At first, Whiting heard only the terror in her voice; then his mind processed that she was screaming, Shark!

One of the newer members of the swimming group  a 46-year-old man whose name has not been disclosed  had been attacked. The woman closest to him was yelling for help.

Since it was before 9 a.m. and lifeguards werent on duty, help would have to come from the swimmers nearest the man in distress. That was Whiting and another member of the group, Kevin Barrett. The pair were about 100 yards offshore, while most of the others were back on the beach and thinking of breakfast.

Barrett took off toward the man  and the shark  as quickly as he could. Whiting, 31, who had trained as an ocean lifeguard, quickly scanned the shore to make sure someone there was summoning help, then began to swim.

Read more: Three surfers on a dream trip to Mexico were brutally killed. Here's what we know

As he pumped his arms furiously, two fears battled in his mind.

The first was the realization that he was swimming directly toward an active shark attack. The second was his dread of what he might find when he got there. Would his fellow swimmer have all his limbs? Would he be alive?

That is what scared me the most, Whiting said. To get to him and realize ..."

But when he had completed the approximately 50-yard swim, just behind Barrett, they found the victim conscious, limbs intact. He was, however, bleeding profusely.

They were about 150 yards from shore; it was hard to imagine he could make it on his own. When they flipped him over, blood began to gush from his wet suit.

As they started to pull him toward the beach, a surfer paddled over and offered up his board.

They lifted him onto the surfboard, and Whiting climbed on behind to paddle. Barrett swam alongside, stabilizing the victim. The woman who had called for their aid followed behind.

Thats when I started to see the full extent of the blood, Whiting recalled. It was gushing off both sides of the board, leaving a big streak in the water.

Read more: Woman makes history with shark-infested swim to remote California islands

Whiting paddled as quickly as he could. It went through his head that he was surrounded by blood, and theres a shark still out there. The journey to shore felt like an eternity but was probably a few minutes.

Finally, they got to a place where they could stand. Rescuers hoisted the man and carried him, still prone on the board, up the beach.

By then, lifeguards  who had been nearby, waiting to go on duty  had come speeding to the scene.

They laid the victim on the back of the lifeguard truck to assess his injuries.

The victim said he had been bumped once by the shark, then bitten. Then the shark came toward him again. He tried to punch it, throwing his fist toward its nose and sustaining deep cuts to his arm in the process.

He also had lacerations to the torso, from where the shark had bitten him on its first pass.

Whiting said he tried to shield the man from seeing the deep cuts in his chest.

They tied a tourniquet around his arm, then applied as much gauze as they could to the lacerations on his chest.

An emergency room doctor who had been walking his dog on the beach joined them, looked at the wounds and advised the rescuers to keep applying pressure.

Finally, the ambulance arrived.

Read more: 'Aggressive shark behavior' closes ocean access in San Clemente

As paramedics hoisted the man in, Whiting tried to offer reassurance, telling him he was going to be OK.

The man thanked him so calmly that Whiting wondered if he was in shock.

He was rushed to a hospital and is expected to survive. On Monday, he was awake and smiling.

In the wake of the attack, lifeguards closed Del Mar Beach for 48 hours. Officials urged the public to remain calm.

The ocean is full of sharks, and they rarely hurt humans, said John Ugoretz, environmental program manager for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. When they do attack, it is probably because they mistake the human for prey such as a seal or sea lion, scientists theorize.

Since 1950, there have been 215 incidents in California with sharks, Ugoretz said. Thats less than three a year.

Among them were 16 fatalities.

It is incredibly rare to even encounter a shark, Ugoretz said. You are far, far, far more likely to be stung by a stingray.

Read more: Shark monitoring system pings California lifeguards, but lack of funds could end it

One thing is true, Ugoretz said: Reports of shark encounters that do not result in injuries are way up, but he doesnt blame the sharks for that.

Two decades ago, if someone got bumped and wasn't injured, they might tell their friends, he said. Now they tell the whole internet.

State data show that shark interactions that did not result in injuries began climbing around 2004. Facebook was founded the same year.

Jonathan Edelbrock, Del Mars chief lifeguard and community services director, said the conditions Sunday may have been confusing for sharks.

The light was low and the water was cloudy, he said, similar to the last time a shark attacked a human off Del Mar Beach, in November 2022. That swimmer also survived.

Whiting doesnt intend to let the incident keep him from the ocean. In fact, he said, some of the swimmers in his group are already planning to get back in the water, albeit at a different beach.

We're all passionate about being out in the ocean, he said.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
She didnt treat the wound of her Autistic daughter before a deadly infection. Now, she wont spend a day in prison

Rosa Hargrave, an Indiana woman who pleaded guilty to neglect resulting in serious bodily over the death of her daughter in March 2023, has avoided prison time for her crime. (Marion County Sheriffs Office)

An Indiana woman has avoided prison time in the 2023 death of her 12-year-old autistic daughter, who died from an infection while living in a filthy, vermin-covered home.

On Friday, Rosa Hargrave, 35, accepted a deal from prosecutors and pleaded guilty to one count of neglect resulting in serious bodily injured for the death of her daughter, who is also named Rosa Hargrave but went by the nickname May May.

Under the agreement, Hargrave will serve three years on home detention in a group home or approved residential placement, and has been ordered to take parenting classes. She will serve an additional four years on probation.

Hargrave brought May May to Riley Childrens Hospital on February 28, 2023, for a wound across her upper back.

Doctors examining the child observed the oozing wound was severely infected and dripping a yellowish-colored substance, according to police documents obtained by Law & Crime. In the ER, the child also began to vomit blood.

Rosa Hargrave, an Indiana woman who pleaded guilty to neglect resulting in serious bodily over the death of her daughter in March 2023, has avoided prison time for her crime. (Marion County Sheriffs Office)

The wound was from a skin graft, performed about two years earlier to treat necrotizing fasciitis, according to officials. It was supposed to be cleaned daily.

It was clear the wound was not cleaned or managed properly, police wrote, noting the cut appeared to be entirely untreated.

Hargrave told police investigating the case that her daughter was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, asthma and was nonverbal. Her wound became infected when she was brought to the hospital.

May May died on March 2, 2023, a death that coroners concluded was a homicide by neglect.

The mother also told officers the skin graft wound was from a gallbladder rupture, but an autopsy showed that May Mays gallbladder had never been removed, though her appendix had been, Fox 59 reports.

Officers searching Hargraves home found further cause for concern.

Inside, the house was in extremely poor and unsanitary condition, with numerous mice/rodents, cockroaches, bugs, feces, and half-eaten and rotten food throughout the entire house, police noted.

The vermin inside the house appeared accustomed to living with people and unafraid of any human interaction.

In May Mays bedroom, the room was covered with rodent feces and an attached bathroom lacked running water, authorities stated.

Officers also found four other children living in the home, who reportedly had rashes and matted dirt on their bodies. One child showed signs of bruising and was wearing a heavily soiled diaper. Two of the children belonged to Hargrave and her boyfriend, Charles Turner, and two others belonged to May Mays aunt, Felicia Hargrave.

Turner and Felicia Hargrave previously pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent in connection with May Mays death and also avoided prison sentences, instead both were ordered to spend over two years on probation.

The Independent has contacted the Marion County Prosecutors Office for comment on the plea agreements.

An online obituary describes May May as a girly girl who loved all things pink.

She was absolutely a Grandpas and Grandmas girl, according to the page. May May wore her heart on her sleeve, and you always knew what she was feeling.
ATHENS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Greece will launch a new AI-based "digital assistant" for visitors to the country on June 10, Greek officials said on Monday.

The application, dubbed "mAiGreece," which can be downloaded free of charge, has been developed with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide tourists with useful information in 31 languages, including Chinese, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou told a press conference.

The digital assistant offers general information about museums, archaeological sites, beaches with Blue Flags or hospitals and police stations. It can also provide more personalized services based on the information users share on their interests.

Moreover, tourists can "chat" with their personal digital travel consultant, ask questions and receive answers about travelling in the country.

In case of emergencies, like natural disasters, users will also be able to request immediate assistance and "mAiGreece" will notify authorities of their location, using geolocation technology.

"We are making the most of the tools that technology offers to upgrade the tourist experience in Greece," Kefalogianni said.

More than 32 million travelers from across the globe visited Greece in 2023, according to data released by the central Bank of Greece. Greek officials expect that the number will further increase this year. 
People Are Losing Their Minds After Marjorie Taylor Greene Refused To Call Dr. Anthony Fauci A Doctor

People Are Losing Their Minds After Marjorie Taylor Greene Refused To Call Dr. Anthony Fauci A Doctor

Yesterday, Dr. Anthony Fauci appeared before the House Select Subcommittee to speak about the coronavirus epidemic, and things quickly devolved into a volleyball match between various Republican lawmakers.

Allison Bailey / Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Honestly, Dr. Fauci was fielding ridiculous questions left and right, which left many viewers feeling like this:

Literally all this guy did was help save lives and now like once a year he has to go talk to the dumbest people on earth https://t.co/R4b0DzWHIX  Chase Mitchell (@ChaseMit) June 3, 2024

C-Span / Via Twitter: @ChaseMit

But one of the most viral moments to come out of the hearing came from none other than Georgia state representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Allison Bailey / Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Behold. This moment when MTG asked Dr. Fauci if the American public "deserves to be abused" by health officials recommending six-foot social distancing...

Marjorie Taylor Greene Greene disrespects Fauci: "Mr Fauci -- because you're not 'doctor' -- you're Mr. Fauci in my few minutes. No, I don't need your answer ... he belongs in prison" pic.twitter.com/vyBBc2N5zd  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 3, 2024

Fox News / Via Twitter: @atrupar

...and she doubled down on her point by referring to the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases as Mr. Fauci. "'Cause you're not doctor. You're Mr. Fauci in my few minutes." And before Dr. Fauci could respond, she added, "Nah, I don't need your answer."

Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

After hearing this, Representative Jamie Raskin kind of ate by asking: "In terms of the rules of decorum, are we allowed to deny that a doctor is a doctor just because we don't want him to be a doctor?"

Olivier Douliery / AFP via Getty Images

To which MTG said, "Yes, because in my time, that man does not deserve to have a license."

Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Meanwhile, Dr. Fauci just looked back and forth between the two, seemingly in disbelief.

Dr. Anthony Fauci testifies before Congress on Capitol Hill. He is flanked by other officials and press members. Breaking news banner is on the screen

Dr. Anthony Fauci in a blue suit testifies at a Capitol Hill hearing. Several other people are seated behind him. The image is captioned

Fox News

People online were equally appalled.

The disdain for intelligence, science is just absolutely stunning. https://t.co/oLVAc2ZznQ  Tanzina Vega (@tanzinavega) June 4, 2024

Fox News / Via Twitter: @tanzinavega

After viewing the clip, one person wrote, "I don't care how you feel about either party, in places like this we need to show decorum and proper etiquette when conducting business concerning our country. If you can't be respectful, you shouldn't serve. Republican or Democrat. She makes it look like a reality show on MTV."

I dont care how you feel about either party, in places like this we need to show decorum and proper etiquette when conducting business concerning our country. If you cant be respectful, you shouldnt serve. Republican or Democrat. She makes it look like a reality show on MTV.  Rickey Wax (@waxxdoll) June 3, 2024

Twitter: @waxxdoll

Can we all agree that Marjorie Taylor Greene is a national embarrassment and disgrace? pic.twitter.com/25WfECgJb9  X   (@realXanderXjork) June 3, 2024

C-Span / Via Twitter: @realXanderXjork

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
Bonnie Lou Gower married Richard Evonitz when she was 17 and he was 25, according to her new TikTok

FBI Richard Evonitz

The woman who was once married to Richard Evonitz  an American serial killer who murdered at least three teenage girls  is speaking out about her marriage on TikTok.

Bonnie Lou Gower married Evonitz when she was 17 years old, and the pair divorced when she was 25, according to her first TikTok, which has garnered more than 10 million views. She says that when she was married to her second husband, she learned through the FBI that Evonitz murdered three girls. Twenty years later, she allegedly learned he murdered multiple additional people before and during their marriage, she says.

In a follow-up TikTok about how she met Evonitz, Gower says the pair met through his younger sister, whom she was friends with. Gower did not provide many details about her marriage, yet  saying she plans to post another follow-up video to address more questions. She says she has written a book about her marriage and is currently looking for a publisher.

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.

In 2002, Evonitz abducted 15-year-old Kara Robinson (now Kara Robinson Chamberlain) from the front yard of her friend's home at gunpoint, PEOPLE previously reported. He put handcuffs on her and a gag in her mouth on the way to his apartment, but she made sure to pay close attention to her surroundings in his vehicle and apartment.

Related: All About Kara Robinson Chamberlain, Whose Daring Escape from Captivity Led to Her Predator's Capture

That evening, while Evonitz was asleep, she escaped from his apartment and told police everything she'd memorized. When police arrived at the apartment she described, Evonitz had already fled, but they found evidence linking him to the unsolved murders of Sofia Silva and sisters Kati and Kristin Lisk, according to PEOPLE's past reporting. The Herald-Tribune reported in 2002 that Evonitz's family said he idolized the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy.

In a new TikTok, Chamberlain recounted her escape.

"My ability to escape was part of my trauma response," Chamberlain said in the June 4 video. "So I was able to stay calm and collected and appease my captor so that I could make him feel safe enough to sleep. So when I escaped, it was when he was asleep the next morning. I was handcuffed. I had to actually use my teeth to kind of loosen the clip that connected the handcuffs to the bed and then slide out of the bed, get my things together. So I think the key for me was to stay calm, and that's not always an option for everyone."



Related: At 15, Kara Robinson Chamberlain Was Kidnapped by a Serial Killer. She Not Only Escaped  She Helped Catch Him

After Chamberlain's harrowing escape, police found Evonitz in Sarasota, Fla., where a high-speed chase occurred. Shortly after the chase, Evonitz died by suicide. He was 38 years old. Despite Gower's claims that Evonitz killed more than three people, police have not publicly linked him to any additional murders at this time.

However, according to a 2002 Washington Post story, in the moments before his death, Evonitz told family members her committed "more crimes than he can remember," a local sheriff said at the time.



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Read the original article on People.
BARTON, Wis. (WFRV)  After responding to citizens in distress three times over the past ten days, one Wisconsin sheriffs office advises against people traveling on the Milwaukee River.

The Washington County Sheriffs Office posted on its Facebook page about advising against traveling on the Milwaukee River in Washington County. On June 2 around 7 p.m., authorities were notified of an overturned canoe in the center of the Milwaukee River.

Officials say that it was determined that the canoe was wedged into a downed tree and appeared unoccupied. Following a lengthy search on June 2, authorities returned the next day to remove the canoe.

Fire department releases details of Aldo Leopold School fire, cause still under investigation

While the canoe was being removed, a neighbor reportedly said that two men who were in the canoe escaped after it overturned. It was mentioned that the neighbor said they were picked up.

The Sheriffs Office says it would like to return the canoe and the property inside to the rightful owners, and those with information on who the owners are to call 262-335-4378.

It was also mentioned that the Washington County Sheriffs Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are advising against traveling on the Milwaukee River in Washington County. This was reportedly the third time the Washington County Sheriffs Office responded to the Milwaukee River to help those in distress within the last ten days.

Heavy rainfall has reportedly caused dangerous and swift water conditions.

With the recent high amount of rainfall causing dangerous, high swift water conditions, and the large number of downed trees, the river has become unsafe for travel. This incident was the third time the Washington County Sheriffs Office has responded to the Milwaukee River to aid citizens in distress within the last 10 days. Washington County Sheriffs Office on Facebook

Wisconsin attorney general files felony charges against attorneys, aide who worked for Trump in 2020

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.
Shock as woman pronounced dead is found breathing at funeral home

Lancaster County Sheriff Chief Deputy Ben Houchin revealed details of the incident at a press conference on Monday (Lancaster County Sheriffs Office)

A funeral home employee had the surprise of their life this week when a woman believed to be dead was found to be very much alive.

Constance Glantz, a 74-year-old woman from Lincoln, Nebraska, was pronounced dead at around 9.45am local time on Monday by staff at The Mulberry nursing home in Waverly, where she had been receiving hospice care.

Lancaster County Sheriff Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said at a press conference on Monday that Glantzs body was then transported to the Butherus-Maser & Love Funeral Home to prepare her for her funeral.

But, in a sudden twist, two hours on from her apparent death, a funeral home worker noticed that the 74-year-old was still breathing.

Chief Deputy Houchin said that a 911 call was made at around 11.43am to report a medical emergency at the funeral home.

Lincoln Fire and Rescue responders arrived on the scene soon after to find staff members performing CPR on Glantz.

She was rushed to hospital where she is still alive.

This is a very unusual case, Chief Deputy Houchin said.

[Ive] been doing this 31 years, and nothing like this has ever gotten to this point before.

Glantzs family has been notified about the incident.

Lancaster County Sheriffs Office has now launched an investigation into the incident to find out what went wrong.

The chief deputy said that there is no sign of any criminal intent by the nursing home.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party has suffered a devastating blow.

Though Modi is claiming victory, his party is seeing major losses in the country's general election.

Some are touting his opposition's unexpected leads as a win for democracy.

For a decade, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held a decisive grip on his country's politics.

But as election results rolled in Tuesday, it appeared Modi's grip may be slipping.

Modi, who leads India's Bharatiya Janata Party, is claiming victory for a historic third term as the country's prime minister. But even though Modi will hold on to his position, his party didn't do as well as he'd predicted.

India wrapped up counting the votes in its general election, and Modi's party lost its majority in Parliament. That's a big blow to Modi, whose party was long expected to win a majority.

Now, he'll have to gather enough allies to form a government.

The BJP's main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, performed better than expected.

The Indian National Congress had set a goal to double its 52 seats in Parliament, and as of Tuesday evening Eastern Time, it had won 99 seats.

In an election that saw record voter turnout  with 642 million people voting, according to Al Jazeera, in the seven-phase process that began in April and ended Saturday  the surprise results indicate that voters' trust in the BJP is waning.

The BJP's Hindutva ideology promotes Hindu nationalism, which critics have accused of stoking anti-Muslim hate and right-wing extremism.

Modi has even accused the Congress party of plotting to redistribute India's wealth to the Muslim minority, Business Insider previously reported. Modi has denied targeting the Muslim minority to win the favor of the Hindu majority, Reuters reported.

Though Modi is still popular across India, some see him as an authoritarian leader, and his opponents on Tuesday called signs of his fading power a victory for democracy.

The president of the Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge, called the election a "moral and political loss" for Modi, PBS NewsHour reported. "This is public's victory and a win for democracy," he added.

Raghuram Rajan, a former governor of the Reserve Bank of India, echoed Kharge's sentiment in a LinkedIn post.

"The Indian voter has spoken," Rajan wrote. "And what a wise decision! This is a win for Indian democracy and a win for the Indian economy. Regardless of what happens over the next few days, we will have a strong opposition that forces the government to change course."

Update: June 4, 2024, 6:27 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to reflect the latest election result numbers.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Editors note: This story contains descriptions of human trafficking activity that may be uncomfortable for some readers.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Gabrielle Tripletts story starts at a time when she was sleeping on the streets and addicted to heroin.

She said thats when sex traffickers approached her.

They wanted me to do sexual things with them, she said. I am struggling with a severe addiction at the time.

I could see the drugs are there, the money, so I did what they wanted, Triplett said.

At that point, Triplett learned she could have the drugs, food and a safe place to sleep at night  if she did what they wanted.

Thats until she said her trafficker flipped a switch.

I had to go sell myself and give him the money or he would withhold the drugs, she said. If I didnt do what he wanted, he was very physically abusive.

He would hold knives to my throat, she said. He beat me so bad one time, I defecated myself.

In fear for her life, Triplett tried to escape.

But when her trafficker found out, she said he got a gun and shot her in the chest.

In the moment, Im like totally shocked because the gun went off and theres sparks and smoke, she said. Im like, What was that?'

Then I took a deep breathe, and I realized he shot me, she said. Then my instincts kicked in.

She eventually spent 30 days in jail where she got a spiritual awakening from a man who came to visit her.

He shared Jesus with me and he shared forgiveness with me and in that moment, I was just drastically changed, Triplett said.

She said in that moment, her chains of addiction were broken.

That helped her talk to law enforcement.

I thought, Im just a prostitute, I deserve everything that happened to me, I put myself in those situations,' she said. They were like no, no, you were being trafficked.

That is when Triplett found Selah Freedom, a faith-based nonprofit anti-human trafficking organization.

I know now, I am worth so much more, I am smart, I am capable, I can do whatever I set my mind to, she said, smiling ear to ear. I went back to college, I got my AA, I bought my first home, Im unified with my family, Im growing my family.

Its survivors like Triplett who are feeling the effects of Floridas property insurance crisis.

With the increase in the amount for flood insurance and homeowners insurance, it has impacted the number of people we can serve, said Stacey Efaw, executive director of Selah Freedom.

Efaw said last year, the nonprofit paid $33,000 for flood and homeowners insurance combined.

Their quote this year is almost double that.

Whats sad is, right now we have people waiting three months to get into our house, but we just dont have the funding, Efaw said. It makes it to where you have to make a choice, you only have so much money.

The Selah Freedoms Residential program accepts donations on its website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Shots fired at wind turbines in Schuylkill County

UNION TWP., SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  State police are investigating multiple incidents where shots were fired at a wind turbine in Schuylkill County.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on May 29 around 12:00 p.m., troopers were called for a report of criminal mischief.

PSP: Man kidnaps woman at McDonalds, leads troopers on chase

Troopers say they found over the past month, unknown people were trespassing on Avanerid Winf Farm and firing a gun into a wind turbine.

Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 570-874-5300.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Panelists respond to questions from Chris Williamson, Assistant Secretary for MSHA, during Mondays discussion. (Mine Health and Safety Administration livestream screenshot)

As a new federal rule to limit silica dust exposure for mine workers is set to go into effect later this month, advocates and industry experts are hoping to see the younger generation of coal miners learn more about  and use  the rights they have to ensure the updated industry standards are being met.

The rule  finalized and published by the Mine Health and Safety Administration in April  is the first of its kind to limit silica dust exposure for workers in mines, which is a leading cause of black lung disease among coal miners. Its implementation comes more than 50 years after other industries adopted similar standards to enforce exposure limits based on a wide body of evidence.

In addition to levying limits on exposure and implementing new action levels when a certain amount of silica dust is present in mines, the rule will also require mine operators and companies to offer free medical monitoring for their workers with the hope of detecting black lung and other respiratory diseases earlier.

Panelists from across the industry gathered at the Mine Health and Safety Administrations office in Beaver on Monday for a discussion on what the new rule could look like for the coal mining industry as well as what workers can do to increase oversight, and in turn better health outcomes for themselves, within the mines they work.

Between government representatives, health care workers, labor advocates and coal miners, the discussion touched on how to limit consequences for and fear held by miners who witness their employers potentially cheating the sampling system. The talk was reflective of points raised during a public hearing for the rule last year, where industry veterans who witnessed how coal mining operators would game oversight standards lamented the lack of enforcement in the then-proposed rule. As finalized, there are more enforcement mechanisms than initially proposed.

I said I wouldnt cry, but this is a passion to me. I dont want to see the young coal miners going through what Im going through, but I know the silica rule will help eventually, said Gary Hairston, a black lung patient from Fayette County who serves as president of the National Black Lung Association. I know its going to take a while and I know the companies are going to fight any kind of way they can fight it  Im going to tell you, if the young men dont start speaking up for themselves and start telling on the companies, we aint going to do it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, miners today are being diagnosed and affected by black lung at younger ages than their predecessors due to a lack of easily accessible coal and an increase in the amount of silica-rich sandstone they have to dig through to reach what remains.

About 20% of coal miners in Central Appalachia are suffering from black lung  the highest rate detected in more than 25 years. One in 20 of the regions coal miners are living with the most severe form of the condition.

Lisa Emery, a respiratory therapist who works as the director of the Black Lung Clinic at New River Health Association, in Oak Hill, said the rates of new complicated black lung X-rays shes seeing in her clinic are mind boggling.

Seeing these X-rays continue to come in [from younger patients] that are very alarming, I know that we havent peaked yet, Emery said. When this rule finally comes into place and is implemented, itll be exciting to watch it unfold and see everyones health improve, but I dont think thats going to happen right away.

While a majority of the rule will go into effect on June 17 with most compliance standards kicking in next year, Emery and others on the panel acknowledged that its going to be some time until they see the results reflected in coal miners lives.

In the meantime, they said, its pertinent to ensure that coal miners feel confident and comfortable enough to report any malfeasance by operators to MSHA and that MSHA responds appropriately.

Distrust of coal mining companies is nothing new. At Augusts public hearing, coal mining veterans shared stories of how theyve been pressured by operators over generations to change reporting practices to skirt laws and make it appear that health and safety risks are minimal when they are not. Such practices have, in the worst of circumstances, led to disasters that cost the lives of coal miners.

Josh Roberts, health and safety director for the United Mine Workers of America, said it doesnt matter how many laws are in place if there is not widespread and unquestioning support for coal miners to report when they see something wrong.

You can have all the laws you want, Roberts said. You can have the best roof control plan, the best ventilation plans in the country, but if those miners are not protected and they dont feel that they have the right to speak out, it doesnt do any good whatsoever.

MSHA takes compliance complaints from workers, but in order for workers to know that something is out of compliance they need to be educated on the rules they are meant to be following, said Sam Petsonk, a labor attorney. For themselves, they should also know what rights they have afforded to them if theyre diagnosed with black lung, which includes protection from discrimination, including a cut to hours or job termination.

I think there are two primary methods for achieving better prevention of silicosis, Petsonk said. Number one is education and number two is empowerment. Thats what weve heard from everybody here. We have an opportunity with this new rule to educate people about the contents of the rule, which is really important.

The post As silica dust rule goes into effect, experts advocate education for the industrys youngest appeared first on West Virginia Watch.
BERLIN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The shortage of skilled labor in Germany remained at a "very high level" in 2023, despite easing slightly, according to an annual report published by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) on Tuesday.

Around one in seven professions are facing a shortage of skilled labor, according to the report. Difficulties filling vacancies were recorded in 183 of around 1,200 professions that were assessed.

The decline in occupations with bottlenecks is "not surprising given the fall in job registrations," said Andrea Nahles, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of BA. "However, even with a recent rise in unemployment, companies are often unable to fill their vacancies due to a lack of skilled labor."

Also, Nahles warned "Due to demographic developments, many well-qualified and experienced skilled workers will continue to leave the labor market in the coming years."

The labor shortage is most pronounced in nursing and healthcare professions, skilled trades, road transport, childcare and social pedagogy. Technical occupations have been particularly affected in the IT sector and construction planning.

Without a shortage of skilled workers, German companies could generate an additional 49 billion euros (53.2 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 at full capacity, according to a study by the German Economic Institute (IW) from mid-May.

However, the gap is "likely to widen even further in the future," IW said. According to the study, the cost of lost production potential could rise to 74 billion euros by 2027.

With an ageing population, the Europe's largest economy is highly dependent on immigration. The government has therefore amended the Skilled Immigration Act to make it easier for qualified workers from non-EU countries to seek employment in Germany.

"We are ensuring that the labor and skilled workers that our economy has urgently needed for years can come to our country," said Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser when the last parts of the amended law came into force at the beginning of June. "This is crucial for the future viability of our country." 
Slovenian parliament approves the recognition of an independent Palestinian state, in Lubljana

Slovenian parliament approves the recognition of an independent Palestinian state, in Lubljana

LJUBLJANA (Reuters) - Slovenia became the latest European Union country to recognise an independent Palestinian state after its parliament approved the move with majority vote on Tuesday, dismissing a call for a referendum on the issue by the largest opposition party.

The government last week decided to recognise Palestine as an independent and sovereign state following in the steps of Spain, Ireland and Norway as part of a wider effort to coordinate pressure on Israel to end the conflict in Gaza.

"Today's recognition of Palestine as a sovereign and independent state sends hope to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and in Gaza," Prime Minister Robert Golob said on X.

The vote was scheduled for Tuesday and a parliamentary group for foreign affairs on Monday endorsed the government decision with majority vote.

The right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) of former premier Janez Jansa, however, then submitted a proposal on a consultative referendum on the recognition bid, which would have delayed the vote for at least a month.

The SDS, the largest opposition party, argued it was not the right time to recognise an independent Palestinian state and that the move would only award the "terrorist organisation Hamas".

After the ruling coalition, which holds a majority in Slovenias 90-member parliament, tried to find the way around the referendum demand and proceed with the vote, the SDS withdrew their proposal but submitted it again hours later.

The parliament committee for foreign affairs declared it inadequate and dismissed it at an extraordinary session.

The decision was approved with 52 votes, and nobody against it after the opposition SDS party had left the session.

Of the 27 members of the EU, Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria have already recognised a Palestinian state. Malta has said it could follow soon.

Israel has been fighting against Hamas, which rules Gaza, since the cross-border Oct. 7 attack by militants in which some 1,200 people were killed and over 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Nearly 130 hostages are believed to remain captive in Gaza.

Gaza health authorities say more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war over the past seven months.

(Reporting by Borut Zivulovic and Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Leslie Adler and Marguerita Choy)
Prime Minister of Slovenia Robert Golob speaks at a press conference at the Federal Chancellery. The news agency STA reported that the parliamentary vote planned for 04 June cannot take place because the right-wing opposition had tabled a motion for a national referendum on the recognition of Palestine. The coalition of Prime Minister Robert Golob, who backs the move, has a stable majority in parliament, and it can in theory reject the request for a referendum. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

The recognition of the state of Palestine by Slovenia has been delayed by at least 30 days, local media reported on Tuesday.

The news agency STA reported that the parliamentary vote planned for Tuesday cannot take place because the right-wing opposition had tabled a motion for a national referendum on the recognition of Palestine.

Opposition leader and former prime minister Janez Jansa justified the move by saying that recognizing Palestine would harm Slovenia's interests.

The coalition of Prime Minister Robert Golob, who backs the move, has a stable majority in parliament, and it can in theory reject the request for a referendum.

However, it cannot legally do this for at least 30 days.

On May 28, the Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognized Palestine in a move strongly condemned by Israel as an obstacle to piece in the region.
John Swinney had an uncertain start to the general election campaign. While his more sure-footed predecessors (well, perhaps not Humza Yousaf, then) would have pretended to welcome the news with a confident prediction of victory, Alex Salmond or Nicola Sturgeon would have expressed delight at the opportunity to rid Scotland of a Conservative government.

But not the new first minister. Looking worried and doleful, his first comment was that the choice of July 4 as polling day  after Scottish schools have broken up for the summer  showed disrespect for Scotland.

Unperturbed by polls showing that the SNP will lose significant ground to Scottish Labour, killing off any notion of the nationalists using the outcome in Scotland as a de facto referendum, Swinney has failed to inject his candidates with the optimism and energy they need to avoid the dole queue come July 5.

He did not perform well in last nights televised Scottish leaders debate, an event more notable for the fact that none of its participants are candidates at this election than by the quality of the discussion. The first minister got off on the wrong foot by acknowledging the SNPs recent challenges, then failed to convince the audience that he had an answer to criticism of his partys plans for North Sea oil and gas exploration.

Perhaps unexpectedly  some might say courageously  Swinney has decided to use his campaign visits to emphasise his partys continued support for the Gender Recognition Reform Bill, which, had it not been vetoed by the UK Government, would have allowed trans people, including children and sex offenders, to self-declare their legal gender whether or not they suffered from gender dysphoria. It has been named Islas Law by opponents, after the trans woman (biological male) Isla Bryson who, despite being a rapist, was initially sent to a womans prison to serve his sentence.

The issue and its unpopularity in Scotland has already contributed to the departure of the last two first ministers, but Swinney seemed unconcerned by this fact; Conservative plans to amend the Equality Act to defend womans spaces and services were nothing short of an attack on devolution, he said, because the plans involve reserving to Westminster the right to make gender laws.

Given the problems the issue has caused his party, you might have expected Swinney to welcome the opportunity to wash his hands of it. But instead he doubled down: I want the Scottish parliament to be a parliament that deals with all the issues that affect the people of Scotland. And Im certainly not going to stand idly by as the Conservatives erode the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

The truth, of course, is that Swinney does not expect the Conservatives  responsible, incidentally, for handing the biggest ever tranche of devolved powers to Holyrood since 2010  to erode its powers since he has explicitly accepted that Labour will form the next UK government.

This is also a problem for the SNP. It has thrived by constantly demonising the Conservatives at Westminster as evil Toaries and insisting that Labour was incapable of replacing them, thereby giving Scots only one way of avoiding continued Conservative rule: independence.

The strategy has worked in the past, just as constantly promising a second independence referendum has worked in motivating party supporters to get out and vote. But that was in the past, when Labour looked unelectable and before the Supreme Court ruled that Holyrood had no legal authority to hold a referendum on its own.

Now the SNPs prospects look distinctly shaky, and Swinneys insistence on talking about fringe issues  and his odd tendency to oppose a majority of Scots on gender reform  isnt helping. A party that was swept to office more than once on the back of voters appetite for radical constitutional change is going to the wire in 2024 over the right of men to legally declare theyre women.

More worrying for the nationalist movement: how does it persuade its current supporters, particularly those who deserted Labour for the SNP in the middle of the last decade, not to be part of the current effort to remove the Conservatives from office?

As the polls confirm, it cant. With no prospect of another referendum in the short or medium term, the SNP has nothing to offer its supporters. All it can do is watch, bereft, as they are wooed and won by its rival.

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Video above: TEA conservators speak at Socorro ISDs meeting

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Socorro Independent School District is asking for public input into their search for a new superintendent.

The SISD Board of Trustees has selected Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Executive Search Services to assist with the search for a new superintendent.

The Board has requested that school personnel and the public be involved in developing a profile of the leadership qualities desired of the person the Board should seek to become the new superintendent, according to the news release sent out by the district.

A link to the questionnaire can be accessed at 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 KTSM 9 News.
Soho Karen gets hate crime charge erased after accusing black teen of stealing cellphone in viral video

The notorious Soho Karen  who falsely accused a black teenager of stealing her cellphone at a Manhattan hotel  had a hate crime charge scrubbed from her record Monday after making good on a plea deal that kept her out of prison.

Miya Ponsetto, 26, entered a new plea to second-degree aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor, for attacking then 15-year-old Keyon Harrold Jr. after accusing him of snatching her iPhone in the infamous caught-on-camera incident at the Arlo Soho Hotel on Dec. 26, 2020.

Miya Ponsetto was allowed to enter a new guilty plea to a lesser charge after completing counseling and staying out of trouble. Steven Hirsch

Ponsetto attacked Keyon Harrold Jr. at the Arlo Hotel after falsely accusing him of stealing her cell phone, prosecutors said. Ben Crump Law

A shabbily-dressed Ponsetto, who wore checkered Vans sneakers, baggy pants and an oversize winter coat  in a drastic departure from her prior sleek court outfits  didnt comment after the Manhattan Supreme Court hearing.

The Californian had cut the deal with Manhattan prosecutors in April 2022 when she pleaded guilty to unlawful imprisonment as a hate crime, a felony that would be wiped from her record if she completed counseling and avoided trouble with the law for two years.



Prosecutors confirmed to Judge Laura Ward that Ponsetto had completed the terms of the deal Monday morning after they received the paperwork from her defense attorney, Paul DEmilia.

Miya Ponsetto previously told The Post I think I made a mistake. AP

She would have faced up to four years in prison had she failed to comply with the agreement.

Ponsetto was filmed by Harrolds dad, jazz trumpeter Keyon Harrold, in the hotel lobby frantically telling a manager that the teen had stolen her phone.

But Harrold Sr. said that Ponsettos phone had been returned to her by an Uber driver just minutes after the incident.

She has been sued by the Harrold family over the incident, and the case remains in litigation.

The Californian faced up to four years in prison if she failed to comply with the terms of the agreement. Steven Hirsch

Ponsetto infamously spoke with CBS This Morning anchor Gayle King  dressed in a black cap with the word Daddy on it  and downplayed the incident while claiming she couldnt be racist because she is a woman of color.

Ponsetto, who once told The Post that she wished shed apologized differently to the victim, left Mondays hearing wheeling a black suitcase and carrying a Trader Joes tote bag, as court officers held an elevator for her and her attorney.

Ponsetto pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment in the second degree Monday. Steven Hirsch

The judge extended an order of protection and ordered that Ponsetto have no communication with Harrold Jr. and his father.

I am pleased that Ms. Ponsetto will walk away from this incident with no criminal charges or conviction on her record, her attorney said in a statement after the hearing.

In spite of my opinion that this matter was deliberately mischaracterized and mislabeled, I am relieved that our firm successfully convinced the New York County DA to forego any lasting damage to Miya. Ms. Ponsetto was unfairly put through a public wringer stemming from this mishap, DEmilia said.

Miya was extremely relieved by this resolution and is looking forward to resuming her life in California with her family and loved ones.
The News

JOHANNESBURG  Leaders of South Africas ruling party are locked in intense talks over who to partner with in a coalition government after losing the parliamentary majority it held for 30 years.

Several senior figures in the African National Congress told Semafor Africa the talks were intense with no obvious, easy solutions following a poor performance in last weeks general election. The party won 40% of the vote  well short of the 50% required to govern alone.

The ANCs National Working Committee  which oversees the partys day to day operations  held a meeting on Monday as one of the first steps of reviewing the partys electoral performance and charting a way to a coalition government, according to one of the people close to the talks.

Options included forming a government with the main opposition Democratic Alliance, which is widely seen as market-friendly or, alternatively, working with populist political parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters and uMkhonto weSizwe, both of which are ANC offshoots.

President Cyril Ramaphosas future as head of state is a key part of the conversations because MK said his removal would be a condition of it joining the ANC in a coalition.

Know More

Ramaphosa, speaking after the results were declared by the electoral commission on Sunday, said all the parties share an overarching mandate to work in partnership with each other to build a country that is inclusive and prosperous.

Our people expect all parties to work together within the framework of our constitution and address whatever challenges we encounter peacefully, he said. Each party emerges from this election with a mandate based on the commitments they each made to the electorate.

The 14-day window to elect the next South African president started on Monday, after the Independent Electoral Commission officially declared the election results on Sunday evening.

The countrys parliament is scheduled to convene on June 17 for the election of the president and the speaker of the National Assembly.

Ramaphosas path back to power would be easier if the ANC chose the Democratic Alliance, which would support his candidacy when the countrys parliament meets to formally elect a president, several ANC insiders told Semafor Africa.

The ANC will insist on Ramaphosa continuing in his role as president of the country, the ANCs secretary general, Fikile Mbalula, told reporters on Sunday. If you come to us with the demand that Ramaphosa must step down as the President of ANC, that is not going to happen, he said.

Sams view

This is a battle for the soul of the ANC, as all the options are diametrically different and would ultimately redefine how the party approaches governing. In order to reach an agreement, different factions of the ANC must first find a common ground. And, beyond that, they must then strike a deal with members of a rival party, or different parties.

The choice made by the ANC will inevitably leave blood on the floor because there will be winners and losers.

There is no precedent for coalition governments at a national level in South Africa. Nobody knows if the decisions taken in the next two weeks will form a lasting pact.

Ultimately the coalition parties could decide to go their separate ways in the coming years, as sharing power with other parties limit their access to patronage levers and attractive government positions.

The View From financial markets

The markets are treading cautiously and eagerly awaiting the outcome of coalition talks, said Ronak Gopaldas, a director at Cape Town based risk management consultancy Signal Risk.

I think markets will be satisfied with any arrangement that keeps MKP and the EFF out of power at a national level, he said.

The business sector needed predictability and stability to thrive, said Stavros Nicolaou, a non-executive director at Business Unity South Africa, a non-profit organization that represents the countrys business community.

We are on the cusp of a completely different direction, away from fractious politics, said Nicolaou, adding that BUSA encourages political parties to put the country first by working together.

Coalitions in our cities tend to be driven by self interest and become fractions, he said. What we need now from our political parties and their leaders in particular, is to work for an environment that provides business and investors with certainty and predictability.

Notable

The ANC and DA would have to swallow policies they detest if they decided to pursue a centrist coalition, argues Ryan Coetzee in South Africas BusinessDay newspaper.
(Bloomberg) -- The leader of South Africas main opposition Democratic Alliance said that investor optimism about it reaching a coalition deal with the ANC to form the next government isnt misplaced and that it is open to talks that put the countrys interests first.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The African National Congress ceded its parliamentary majority in May 29 elections for the first time since it first took power under Nelson Mandela in 1994, winning just 40.2% of the votes cast and leaving the country in political flux.

Its binary choice is to ally with the business-friendly DA, its fiercest critic, or work with rivals whove demanded widespread nationalization  which would put the financial stability of Africas biggest economy at risk. Most investors are banking on the former option.

I think the optimism is right to be there, DA leader John Steenhuisen said in an interview in Johannesburg on Tuesday. I wouldnt be able to put a percentage on it now at this stage because, I dont know, the ANC could come to us in three or four days time and say sorry, theres no deal.

Investors are focused on the stability that such a pact would bring to the country, he said. The rand and domestic bonds have strengthened this week on hopes that the DA will strike a deal with the ANC.

There are many obstacles to a tie-up, even though both parties economic policies are largely centrist. They have key differences over the creation of a national health insurance system and economic-empowerment programs. The DA wants both policies reworked, though details can be ironed out down the line if an overarching accord can be agreed, according to Steenhuisen.

The ANC may battle to sell a deal to its members, many of whom have balked at the idea of working with a party that is opposed to how the government has implemented its Black economic empowerment programs. The state-health and empowerment measures are key policies aimed at redressing the economic inequality wrought by apartheid.

Bloomberg Terminal clients can click on ELEC ZA for more on South Africas elections

Both Steenhuisen and Helen Zille  the chairwoman of the DAs top decision-making body  are White and a number of its high-profile Black members have quit. Still, Steenhuisen said, the party increased its share of the Black vote in last weeks election.

There is also some opposition within the DA to working with the ANC, which it has criticized over a series of corruption scandals and its inept service provision. Still, support for the DA has been stuck at just over 20% of the vote since 2014, lessening its chance of playing a role in guiding the future of the country if it goes it alone.

Were not going to be petty and partisan, were not going to be churlish, were going to go into this thing in a mature way that looks at putting the countrys interests first, while the ANC has also signaled its open to talks, Steenhuisen said. I think had the DA come out and said well, thats it and the ANC is on their own, it would have been a different thing altogether.

The DA will draw the line against participating in a government that includes the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, or MKP, which is led by former ANC and national president, Jacob Zuma, or the Patriotic Alliance, a small party with extreme positions.

The EFF and MKP have demanded the nationalization of banks and mines and back land expropriation, and could be potential partners for the ANC should a deal with the DA not materialize.

Earlier Steenhuisen told Bloomberg TVs Jennifer Zabasajja that his party was prepared to help the ANC form a government if agreement can be reached on key principles, such as the need to uphold the constitution, and that it is open to President Cyril Ramaphosa being reappointed.

We know who he is, we know what he is, he is the ANCs president. He would be the presidential candidate, theres no doubt about that, he said. We are very keen to talk because we want that stable government that provides a bulwark against the anti-constitutionalists.

Among the options that could be considered are that the DA enter into a formal coalition with the ANC and take up some cabinet posts.

Alternatively a so-called supply-and-confidence arrangement could be agreed, whereby it would support the ANC to appoint a president and back it in crucial votes and in return it would expect to be given positions within parliament to allow it to hold the executive body of government to account. Other parties, such as the Inkatha Freedom Party and the Freedom Front Plus, may also be included in any arrangement.

Fitch Ratings said it sees a bigger likelihood of the DA supporting the ANC from outside the government than of the two parties entering into a formal coalition due to the strong divergences between their support bases. Support from the DA would likely result in the least significant changes to key credit metrics, such as South Africas debt trajectory, over the medium term, although fiscal tightening might be enhanced, it said in an emailed note.

The DA is not desperate to get into government for governments sake, Steenhuisen said. We will do it if it is the best way to prevent an anti-constitutional state, but were very comfortable sitting on the opposition benches and it is not off the table for it to continue doing so if an acceptable deal cant be reached, he said.

Sign up here for the twice-weekly Next Africa newsletter.

--With assistance from Arijit Ghosh, Paul Richardson, Jennifer Zabasajja, Ana Monteiro, Julius Domoney and Adelaide Changole.

(Updates with comment from Fitch Ratings in penultimate paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
By Nellie Peyton

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -The African National Congress was holding high-stakes internal talks on Tuesday about which parties it should approach to form South Africa's next government, with diametrically opposed Marxists and free-marketeers on the menu of options.

After 30 years of dominance since Nelson Mandela led it to power in the 1994 elections that marked the end of apartheid, the ANC lost its majority in last week's national vote. It remains the largest party but can no longer govern alone.

Voters punished the former liberation movement for high levels of poverty, joblessness and inequality, rampant crime, rolling power cuts and corruption - problems that have held South Africa back and will challenge the next government.

It will have 159 seats out of 400 in the new National Assembly, while the free-marketeer Democratic Alliance (DA) will have 87. The populist uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) will have 58 seats, the Marxist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) 39, the socially conservative Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) 17 and the far-right Patriotic Alliance (PA) nine.

"The ANC is still trying to make up its mind about what it wants to do," said Charles Cilliers, co-founder and head of strategy for the PA, which calls for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants and the return of the death penalty.

"Everyone is reliant on the ANC coming to a decision. There's a lot of pressure on them from big money, from big business in South Africa, to work with the DA," he told Reuters.

The DA presents itself as a champion of business and free-market economics and favours scrapping some of the ANC's flagship Black empowerment measures which it says have not worked.

Often accused of representing the interests of the privileged white minority, the DA rejects that label and says good governance benefits all South Africans.

The new parliament must convene by June 16 and one of its first acts will be to choose the nation's president. As things stand, that looks likely to be the incumbent, ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa, although he may come under pressure to quit or prepare for a succession given his party's poor showing.

A working committee of 27 ANC officials was due to meet on Tuesday to draw up a menu of options to present to the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday.

SCENARIOS

The Daily Maverick, a South African news website, published details from three internal ANC discussion documents it said it had obtained, outlining scenarios.

According to one of those documents, the preferred option was a confidence-and-supply agreement in which the ANC would hold executive power, with some positions for the IFP, while the DA would have the upper hand in parliament, holding the Speaker's seat and powerful committee positions.

Under that scenario, the DA and IFP would agree to support the ANC minority government on key votes such as the budget or any confidence motions, in exchange for policy concessions and involvement in the legislative process.

The second-best option, according to the document, was a coalition government incorporating the ANC, DA and IFP. The document said this would risk alienating some ANC supporters and that finding enough common ground on policy would be a challenge.

The least good option, according to the document, was a government of national unity bringing in a much wider array of parties. It said this would carry the risk of instability and collapse, or that one or more parties withdraw, leaving the ANC in effect in a coalition with the EFF and MK parties.

An ANC spokesperson declined to comment on the content of the Daily Maverick report.

An alliance between the ANC and either the EFF or MK has been described as the "doomsday scenario" by the DA, and would be seen as very alarming by financial markets and foreign investors.

The EFF, led by Julius Malema, a firebrand former leader of the ANC's youth wing who broke away from the party, advocates nationalising mines and banks and seizing land from white farmers to redistribute it to Black farmers.

MK, which performed surprisingly strongly especially in Zuma's home province of KwaZulu-Natal, also advocates land seizures and nationalisations, as well as scrapping the constitution and introducing a parliamentary chamber made up of traditional rulers.

The party is seen by many analysts as a vehicle for Zuma to seek revenge on the ANC, his former party, after he was forced to quit as president in 2018 following a string of corruption scandals. He has since become an implacable enemy of Ramaphosa.

All of the opposition parties have been vitriolic in their denunciations of the ANC during the election period and inter-party talks are expected to be very challenging.

(Writing by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
By Alimat Aliyeva

China is moving forward in its efforts to eliminate dependence on American technology in the manufacture of chips. This is reported by The Wall Street Journal newspaper, Azernews reports.

As an example, the publication cites the activities of one of the largest manufacturers of chips and microelectronics in China, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC). The newspaper notes that although SMIC's production processes may be "several generations late" compared to leaders in this field, such as Taiwan's Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) or South Korea's Samsung Electronics, the Chinese company is "intensively introducing domestic semiconductor manufacturing equipment."

At the same time, China's dependence on American instruments is decreasing, a source familiar with the matter told the newspaper. "By banning everything, you force the sleeping lion to wake up," a former TSMC employee said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, referring to export restrictions in the field of semiconductors from the United States.

As the publication emphasizes, the desire to produce chips using its own mechanisms will protect China from the sanctions of the United States, which, together with the Netherlands and Japan, have limited the supply of semiconductor manufacturing technologies to China. These measures, on the one hand, undermined China's production capabilities in this area, on the other hand, prompted it to invest more funds, develop and experiment, the newspaper writes.

To fully localize the production of chips, China will need not only to assemble the equipment itself. All its components, as well as the semiconductor wafers themselves, must also be Chinese, The Wall Street Journal points out. As a breakthrough on this path, the publication mentions the Huawei Mate 60 smartphone, which was introduced in August 2023. The mobile device is equipped with a 7-nanometer Kirin 9000S microprocessor, which was developed by Huawei's subsidiary HiSilicon and produced by SMIC. In September 2023, Bloomberg, citing data from its own investigation, stated that the chip inside the smartphone was "only a few years" behind advanced American developments.

On October 16, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the blacklisting of 13 Chinese companies, as well as the expansion of export restrictions on the supply of chips to China. At the end of January of the same year, it was reported that the Netherlands, the United States and Japan had reached an agreement to limit the supply of semiconductor manufacturing technologies to China. These countries fear that the chips could be used to create advanced military-technical equipment.
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff says Lewis Hamilton will join George Russell in using in Canada next weekend the updated front that was introduced in Monaco last time out.

In the Principality, only Russells W15 was fitted with the single example of the new aero component. Mercedes had opted for a coin toss to decide which driver would benefit from the exclusive use of the wing.

However, Hamilton took a pass on the chance of using the element as any damage sustained in qualifying in Monte-Carlo would have inevitably resulted in a pit lane start for the seven-time world champion on race day.

Russell, however, accepted the challenge, although it was hard to determine of the wing had been of any help in the processional race which he finished in fifth position, with Hamilton crossing the checkered flag P7.

Both drivers will have the updated front wing in Canada, plus some other development items for this event, commented Wolff in Mercedes Canadian Grand Prix preview.

It offered a small lap time gain around the tight streets of the Principality and should offer a greater benefit on upcoming circuits.

Read also:

Mercedes currently sits fourth in F1s Constructors standings, 88 points behind third-placed team McLaren.

But Wolff insists the Brackley squad is making solid progress, however imperceptible this may appear to be from the outside, and working hard to put itself "in the mix".

We had an encouraging weekend in Monaco, he said. We continued to make solid progress with our car, improving its overall balance and taking a step closer to those ahead.

That progress isn't yet showing in terms of positions but if we can continue to close the gap to the fastest cars, we know it will in due course.

The Austrian acknowledged the remarkably tight spread that currently exists between the front-runners, and also admitted that each step forward enjoyed by Mercedes in terms of raw pace is met by a similar improvement by its rivals.

The picture at the front of the field is incredibly competitive, he added. The field has compressed, and we are under no illusions that others will continue to improve.

We will have to continue to work hard and diligently to get ourselves into the mix.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a brilliant track. It offers a mix of low-speed corners and high-speed straights which makes for great racing.

We always enjoy returning to Montreal as the fans are incredibly passionate about F1. We've enjoyed many good moments there over the years and hopefully we can add to those this weekend.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
SOUTH BEND  The South Bend Police Department is investigating an early-morning shooting at Miami Hills Apartments that injured three people.

Police were called to the 3400 block of High Street about 12:20 a.m. on June 4 on a report of a shooting. On the scene, officers found three victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were taken to a local hospital for the treatment of what police described as non-life-threatening injuries.

Police reported that one person has been detained and that there is no ongoing threat to the community.

The South Bend police Violent Crimes Unit continues to investigate, according to police.

Email Tribune staff writer Camille Sarabia at csarabia@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Early morning shooting at Miami Hills Apartments injures three people
South Jordan Starbucks files for union election, along with 17 stores across the U.S.

A Starbucks store in Salt Lake City is pictured on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (McKenzie Romero/Utah News Dispatch)

Workers at a South Jordan Starbucks filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board on Tuesday, joining 17 other locations across the country in efforts to start collective bargaining.

The employees at the 1121 South Jordan Parkway location may also join five other Utah Starbucks stores that are unionized if the majority of voters chose to form a union.

Bee Nanase Barbera, a barista, said the workers who are pushing to organize are not anti-Starbucks, theyre just tired of being underpaid, overworked and ignored.

We exhausted all official routes before choosing this. Speaking to partners at union stores and hearing their success stories have given us hope for a brighter future, Barbera said in a news release. We want to keep our jobs, but not at our expense and for the sake of corporate profits.

The other locations who filed for a union election are in 14 states, including California, Florida, New York, Indiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Starbucks agreed to begin discussions with the union to achieve collective bargaining agreements, Sara Kelly, executive vice president and chief partner officer for Starbucks, said in a message in February.

There is a lot of work ahead, but this is an important, positive step. It is a clear demonstration of our intent to build a constructive relationship with Workers United in the interests of our partners, Kelly wrote. I want to acknowledge and appreciate the unions willingness to do the same.

Hundreds of Starbucks Workers United delegates met in late April and again last week for bargaining sessions, where, they said, there was significant progress.

Over the course of the two days, we discussed a broad range of topics, including a shared commitment to mutual respect, the process to resolve grievances, and details relating to the unions representation of partners as both sides worked on the foundational framework that will contribute to single-store contract negotiations and ratification, Starbucks and the union said in a joint statement in April.

More than 10,500 baristas representing more than 440 shops have joined the labor organization efforts in the country to ask for higher wagers, fair scheduling, improved benefits and a safe and dignified workplace, according to a news release.

So far, according to the release, Starbucks Workers United members have included just cause standards and education benefits for unionized workers.

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South Korea will resume military drills near the border in the wake of Kim Jong-un's poop balloon incursion.

The South Korean military will resume drills along the border with its hostile northern neighbor after Pyongyang sent about a thousand balloons filled with poop and garbage wafting south in waves last week. Amid increasing tensions on the peninsula, South Korea suspended a six-year-old pact with the North pausing such actions as a result, at least in part, of the balloon barrages.

Seoul announced Tuesday that the government will suspend the entire September 19 Military Agreement until mutual trust between South and North Korea is restored, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated. That 2018 agreement between two nations still technically at war included setting up buffer zones around the border to suspend large-scale military drills, as well as banning hostile acts between the two Koreas, which restricted loudspeaker broadcasts, according to the Yonhap News Agency .

Those broadcasts have included psychological warfare bashing Kim Jong-un's human rights abuses, news and K-pop songs. They have infuriated the North, whose citizens have been largely isolated from the rest of the world.

The agreement was already on shaky ground after North Korea itself declared the virtual complete abrogation of it on Nov. 23, 2023, the MND stated. Thats when Pyongyang successfully launched a military spy satellite, Yonhap reported . That removed the no-fly zones around the border to allow the South to resume reconnaissance and surveillance activities in the area, the publication wrote.

The full suspension of the pact will allow South Korea to resume military training near the border and restart loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts into the North, according to Yonhap. Thats certain to infuriate North Korea and may prompt it to take its own provocative countermeasures along the border, The Associated Press reported .

South Korean Army K-30 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun crosses a floating bridge during a South Korea-US joint river-crossing drill as part of the annual Hoguk military exercise in Yeoju. Photo by KIM Jae-Hwan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Though the balloons caused no serious damage, the volume and scope outraged South Korea and sparked the deployment of its military chemical, biological, radiological response teams and bomb disposal units to ensure they posed no threat. You can read more about that in our initial story here .

Kim Kang Il, a North Korean vice defense minister, said Sunday that the North was ending its balloon campaign because it already left the South Koreans with enough experience of how much unpleasant[ness] they feel, The Associated Press reported .

Still, for South Korea, the balloons were the final straw in a series of provocations by Kim Jong-un, the MND stated. That list includes coastal artillery fire, missile launches south of the Northern Limit Line, the maritime boundary between the two nations, Guard Post shooting provocations, and small drone infiltration .

After North Korea failed to launch a so-called military reconnaissance satellite on May 27, it seriously threatened the safety of our people and even caused property damage by disrupting GPS, launching missiles, and distributing large-scale waste balloons, the MND complained. Accordingly, the government decided to suspend the entire effect of the tension reduction pact so that our military is no longer restricted from military activities to protect the lives and property of the people.

North Korea sent about a thousand balloons, many filled with manure, into South Korea. Via Twitter

The South Korean final decision to fully suspend the 2018 agreement came just two days after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, Japan Defense Minister Kihara Minoru, and Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik convened a Trilateral Ministerial Meeting in Singapore .

There, the three leaders agreed to execute the "first iteration of the new, multi-domain trilateral exercise, Freedom Edge, this summer," according to the Pentagon. "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."

They also condemned North Koreas recent diversification of nuclear delivery systems, tests and launches of multiple ballistic missiles , the launches of what [North Korea] 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" United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

In addition, the U.S. 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.

Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a simulated amphibious assault during Ssang Young 23. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicolas Atehortua)

While it's always hard to gauge how the enigmatic North Korean despot will react to South Korea's actions, this latest move is yet another sign of a degrading security situation in an already very troubled region.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
South Korea's Prime Minster Han Duck-soo, second left, speaks during a cabinet meeting at the government complex in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. South Koreas government has approved the suspension of a contentious military agreement with North Korea, a step that would allow it to take tougher responses to North Korean provocations.(Choi Jae-gu/Yonhap via AP)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea said Tuesday it fully suspended a contentious military agreement with North Korea in order to resume front-line military activities, as tensions between the rivals are rising over the Norths recent launch of trash-carrying balloons.

North Korea didnt immediately respond, but South Koreas resumption of firing exercises or propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts will likely prompt North Korea to take similar or stronger steps along the rivals tense border.

In the past week, North Korea has used balloons to drop manure, cigarette butts, scraps of cloth and waste paper on South Korea. South Korea responded by promising "unbearable retaliation. North Korea said Sunday that it would halt its balloon campaign.

South Koreas Cabinet Council and President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday approved a proposal to suspend the 2018 inter-Korean agreement on lowering front-line military tensions.

Officials said the suspension took effect later Tuesday. Under a related South Korean law, the suspension of the deal requires a notification to North Korea. But defense officials said that since all communication channels between the Koreas remain cut, the announcement of the suspension would serve as a notification to North Korea.

Cho Chang-rae, South Koreas deputy defense minister for policy, told reporters that South Korea will use all available measures to protect the public from North Korean provocations.

The responsibility for this situation lies solely with North Korea. If North Korea launches additional provocations, our military, in conjunction with the solid the South Korea-U.S. defense posture, will punish North Korea swiftly, strongly and to the end, Cho said.

The military agreement  reached during a short-lived era of reconciliation between the Koreas  required the two countries to cease all hostile acts at border areas, such as live firing drills, aerial drills and psychological warfare.

During the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, South Koreas No. 2 official, said the 2018 deal has weakened South Korean military readiness at a time when the Norths provocations pose real threats to the public. Han cited North Koreas balloon campaign,tests of nuclear-capable weapons targeting South Korea, and alleged jamming of GPS navigation signals in the South.

South Korean officials said the suspension of the 2018 deal would allow it to stage frontline military drills but didnt publicly elaborate on other steps. Observers say South Korea was considering restarting frontline propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts, a Cold War-style psychological campaign that experts say has stung in rigidly controlled North Korea, whose 26 million people are mostly not allowed access to foreign news.

The 2018 deal was already in limbo after the two Koreas took some steps in breach of it amid tensions over North Koreas spy satellite launch last November. North Korea already said it wont abide by the 2018 deal any longer.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (C) speaks during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a meeting on the sidelines of their trilateral summit at the guest house of the former presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, in Seoul. -/YNA POOL/dpa

South Korea's government has approved the suspension of an agreement with North Korea on detente measures, clearing the way for the resumption of all military activities along the heavily fortified border between the two countries.

All activities of its armed forces along the military demarcation line and on the north-western islands, which were restricted by the 2018 military agreement, would resume, Vice Defence Minister Cho Chang Rae said in Seoul on Tuesday.

The Cabinet and President Yoon Suk Yeol previously approved a motion to temporarily lift 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.

There have been increasing tensions on the Korean peninsula over the past few months. South Korea recently warned North Korea of harsh countermeasures after balloons carrying refuse were sent over the border.

South Korea's military also accused its neighbour of jamming the GPS satellite navigation system in the border region.

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.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks at a reception dinner held in Shilla Hotel in central Seoul. South Korea's government has approved the suspension of an agreement with North Korea on detente measures, clearing the way for the resumption of all military activities along the heavily fortified border between the two countries. -/YNA/dpa

South Korea's government has approved the suspension of an agreement with North Korea on detente measures, clearing the way for the resumption of all military activities along the heavily fortified border between the two countries.

All activities of its armed forces along the military demarcation line and on the north-western islands, which were restricted by the 2018 military agreement, would resume, Vice Defence Minister Cho Chang Rae said in Seoul on Tuesday.

The Cabinet and President Yoon Suk Yeol previously approved a motion to temporarily lift 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.

There have been increasing tensions on the Korean peninsula over the past few months. South Korea recently warned North Korea of harsh countermeasures after balloons carrying refuse were sent over the border.

South Korea's military also accused its neighbour of jamming the GPS satellite navigation system in the border region.

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.

The 2018 agreement provided for no-fly zones in the border area and a ban on naval manoeuvres in a buffer zone in the Yellow Sea.

South Korea suspended parts of the agreement in November due to the launch of a spy satellite by North Korea. Pyongyang then announced that it would no longer honour any parts of the agreement.

Cho did not give any details about planned military activities on the border. However, the suspension of the agreement means that South Korea can once again hold military exercises close to the border line.
The 2024 race for the White House is heating up, and residents of Southern California could face a few headaches in the coming days because of it.

Vice President Kamala Harris is in Hollywood to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday, and the two major party nominees, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, are both expected to visit Southern California for fundraisers later this month.

On Friday, Trump will be in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach for campaign fundraising events, with Biden coming for a fundraiser in downtown Los Angeles the next weekend that will also include George Clooney, Julia Roberts and former President Barack Obama.

As the Los Angeles Daily News notes, the candidates will likely be greeted by vocal protests: Trump in connection with his recent criminal conviction and Biden and Harris for their administrations support of Israel during the war in Gaza.

Both presidential hopefuls will be seeking to sidestep this negative attention and play up their positive attributes as they pull in campaign cash from wealthy families, the Daily News added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A family is grieving the sudden loss of their 9-year-old daughter in what is being described as a freak accident at a Southern California motorsports park.

The girl, identified as Brooke Carlton, was riding her motocross bike at Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park, located in the 20700 block of Cereal Street in Lake Elsinore, on Sunday around 10 a.m. when she and another child on an electric motorbike collided, the Riverside County Sheriffs Office confirmed.

Good Samaritans quickly came to Brookes aid; responding deputies found several individuals performing life-saving measures on the unconscious 9-year-old, RCSO said.

Woman says her friends were bound with zip ties during home invasion robbery in L.A.

The young girl who, according to The Press-Enterprise, was from Vista in San Diego County, was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was eventually pronounced dead. The other child involved in the crash was treated at the scene for minor injuries, authorities added.

The park released a statement on Instagram mourning the tragic loss, saying that the incident was such a freak accident and that they are taking the time to remember Brooke and support her family.

A GoFundMe set up to help the Carlton family pay for funeral expenses described Brooke as a total spitfire that knew what she wanted.

One look at her glittering eyes and toothy smile and she could have you convinced that the sky was indeed pink and purple, and that you should buy her an ice cream because of it, the fundraisers organizer, Ally Giles, said. She was an absolute sweetheart that could brighten anyones day with her warm smile and bright blonde halo of curls.

Shohei Ohtanis former interpreter pleads guilty to stealing $17M from star

Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park announced on Tuesday that a tribute ride in Brookes honor was being scheduled; more details will be released later this week.

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A 44-year-old woman in San Bernardino County was arrested on child abuse charges just hours after investigators said she left her three young children alone for hours while she smoked cocaine at another location.

The ordeal began May 31 when deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department conducted a welfare check at a short-term rental in Big Bear City, a news release from SBSD stated.

At that time, deputies said the woman, identified as Marinda Montanez, had left her children, including her 8-year-old daughter, alone for some five hours.

An incident report was taken to document the situation and forwarded it to Child and Family Services, the release noted.

On June 1, deputies were called to the 44-year-olds home in the 39000 block of North Shore Drive in Fawnskin on reports of approximately 50 neglected dogs left in cages in the heat and without food.

Montanez told deputies that she was the caretaker for the animals.

Most of the dogs were confiscated by San Bernardino County Animal Control and Montanez was arrested. She was later released on a citation for animal cruelty.

Just hours later, investigators were called back out to her home in Fawnskin after allegations the 44-year-old was neglecting her 8-year-old daughter. The unidentified girl was taken to Big Bear Valley Community Hospital where she was treated for unspecified wounds and released from care, authorities said.

Actor Jonathan Tucker rescues family during home invasion in Los Angeles

However, Montanezs three kids were then removed from her home and placed with children and family services after detectives said the 44-year-old left the three kids on May 31 to smoke cocaine in Victorville.

Authorities did not reveal how they learned she had been smoking cocaine on that date and at that location.

Montanez was arrested for child abuse and neglect and booked at the Big Bear Jail. She is currently in custody at the West Valley Detention Center on $100,000 bail and is due to appear in court on June 4.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact SBSD Detective Casillas at 909-866-0105. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-782-7463 or leave tips online at www.wetip.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A boil water notice has been issued for Southern Utilities customers in Smith and Cherokee counties due to the recent storms and power outages.

3.9 million gallons of wastewater spill in Tyler after storms

The storms that hit East Texas on Monday caused loss of power to some water wells in their system, the company said. Southern Utilities Company is currently taking measures to resolve power issues.

According to a release, the public water system company notified customers in both counties to boil their water before consuming, washing their hands or face and brushing their teeth.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes, a release said.

Van Zandt County commissioner killed after tree falls onto car

Southern Utilities Company said once the notice is rescinded, another notice will be issued.

For more information, or any questions about the boil water notice, people can contact Scott Pope with Southern Utilities Company at 903-566-3511.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
anyaberkut / Getty Images/iStockphoto

According to a recent data study from Upgraded Points, the average one-way flight from Aspen, Colorado, to West Palm Beach, Florida, costs more than $770. Aspen to Miami will run you $669. Eagle, Colorado, to Miami; Nantucket, Massachusetts, to San Francisco; Los Angeles to Nantucket; Aspen to Fort Myers, Florida; and Miami to Sun Valley, Idaho, arent far behind. Theyre all between $645 and $662.

With those kinds of prices, you might as well fly internationally  seriously.

Learn More: Barbara Corcoran: Heres Why I Never Fly First Class

Find Out: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy

As a luxury travel expert with over 15 years in the industry, Im often surprised by how many travelers assume international flights are automatically pricier than domestic ones, said Aaron Sutherland, who runs Jetsetter Lifestyle, a travel company that curates customized experiences for leisure travelers, corporations, businesses and families. While thats often true, there are notable exceptions where venturing abroad can be more budget-friendly than staying stateside.

Here are some examples of international flights that can actually be cheaper than their domestic counterparts.

Flights to Mexico and the Caribbean

Sutherland said you can often find comparatively cheap flights from major U.S. cities to Mexico City; Cancun, Mexico; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and various Caribbean islands for less than youd pay to travel pricey domestic routes.

Low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier and Southwest often offer incredibly competitive fares, he said. Major airlines like American, Delta and United also have sales, especially during shoulder seasons in the spring and fall.

For example, Google Flights currently lists numerous sub-$500 flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Mexico City starting at $405  nearly half the price of the costliest average domestic flight. If youre flying from Houston, you can cut that price to $250.

And you dont necessarily have to suffer through inconvenience, aggravation and delays to snag a low price.

Direct flights are common, making these destinations even more appealing for quick getaways, Sutherland said.

Check Out: 8 Tips To Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy

Flights to Canada

Its not just destinations in the tropics and south of the border. Airlines also offer low fares from major U.S. cities to Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary in Canada.

Air Canada, WestJet and major U.S. carriers compete on these routes, often driving prices down, Sutherland said. Direct flights are abundant, and proximity makes Canada a convenient option for both short and extended trips.

Story continues

Multiple carriers are currently listing flights from Chicago to Montreal for less than $400. A ticket from Miami is less than $250  and even thats expensive compared with flying from Los Angeles to Vancouver, which you can do for less than $200.

Flights to Central America

Even if youre looking to travel farther south than the southernmost reaches of North America, you can still pay less than you might for a coast-to-coast domestic flight. Sutherland said that its often possible to fly from U.S. hubs to San Jose, Costa Rica; Panama City; and Belize City, Belize.

Copa Airlines, Avianca and various U.S. carriers offer flights to these destinations, he said. While some routes might involve layovers, the overall cost can still be lower than domestic flights, especially when considering the exotic appeal of these destinations.

Google Flights is listing fares from Atlanta to San Jose for as little as $281.

Flights to Europe (With Caveats)

Its even possible to cross the Atlantic Ocean for less than it might cost to cross the United States. Although scoring cheap airfare to Europe involves more skill, timing, patience and luck, it can be done.

East Coast U.S. cities to major European hubs like London, Dublin or Reykjavik, Iceland, can sometimes be cheaper than cross-country U.S. flights, Sutherland said. Low-cost carriers like Norwegian and PLAY often offer eye-catching deals. Traditional airlines also have competitive fares during sales. This is more common during off-peak seasons  fall, winter and early spring  and for flights with layovers.

You can fly from Boston to Reykjavik for around $550 or from New York to London for about $650.

Understand the Factors That Influence Lower Prices

If you want to snag international tickets for less than the price of a domestic flight, its important to understand what drives prices down for out-of-country airfare.

The first is the good, old free market. Increased competition among airlines on certain international routes drives down prices, Sutherland said.

Another is low operating costs abroad. Some international airports have lower fees than major U.S. hubs, which can be reflected in ticket prices, he said.

In other cases, countries artificially lower prices to attract business and guests. Certain governments offer subsidies or incentives to airlines flying to their countries, contributing to lower fares, Sutherland said.

But whether youre traveling internationally or flying a short haul to a neighboring city, remember that timing and research are the keys.

Booking in advance and being flexible with dates can significantly impact pricing, Sutherland said. Utilize online travel agencies and fare comparison tools to find the best deals or connect with travel companies to curate the best travel plans.

Finally, dont be blinded by low fares that come with hidden fees and add-ons.

Factor in additional expenses like baggage fees and ground transportation to get an accurate picture of the total cost, Sutherland said.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 International Flights That Are Cheaper Than Domestic Fares
This year's U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony was also a reunion of sorts, as the two honorees took to the stage under the spacecraft on which they once crossed paths.



NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida hosted the ceremony under its display of the retired space shuttle Atlantis on Saturday (June 1). A full house of former astronauts, space program officials and the public were there to see David Hilmers and Marsha Ivins be added to the hall's ranks.



"We're here to honor two distinguished space explorers, who each have outstanding careers and have made incredibly significant contributions to NASA and the world," said John Zarella, a former CNN space correspondent who served as the master of ceremonies. "Together they comprise the 25th class of astronauts to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, bringing the total number of astronauts in this prestigious society to 109."

Related: NASA's space shuttle program in pictures: A tribute

Although they did not fly together  Hilmers and Ivins were chosen four years apart to become astronauts  they were both at NASA when the agency's fourth winged orbiter made its maiden flight.



"It's particularly gratifying that I'm so honored below Atlantis. I was on board Atlantis when it blasted into the sky for the very first time on a beautiful October day in 1985," said Hilmers, who made the first of his four flights as an STS-51J mission specialist. "When we got out to the [launch] pad, the "Cape Crusaders" and Marsha was there and she helped strap us in and get into our survival vests, and get into our seats."



"It is a privilege, really, to share a stage with someone I consider one of the finest human beings on or off the planet," said Ivins, addressing Hilmers before turning her attention to Atlantis and the audience seated beneath it. "If you haven't, please look up and acknowledge this piece of of human history that you are sitting under."

a smiling man gets set to drape a medal around a woman's neck

Hilmers also paid tribute to Atlantis in his remarks.



"Although she's retired, she continues to be on duty, giving many thousands of visitors the opportunity to see what it was like to be on board," he said. "Like Atlantis, I too retired from active duty with NASA and started a new mission. My path took me down in an entirely different direction, and this is actually the first time I've returned to the Kennedy Space Center for over three decades."



Welcoming Hilmers and Ivins into the Hall of Fame was one of their crewmates: Norm Thagard, who flew with Hilmers on STS-42 in 1992 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004, and John Grunsfeld, who launched with Ivins on STS-81 in 1997 and was enshrined in 2015.



"My original thought was, this is going to be one of the most difficult things I ever did, because Colonel, Dr. David C. Hilmers is a pretty incredible individual," said Thagard. "My concern was no matter how convincing I might try to be, those of you who don't know Dave would say 'you're exaggerating.' The easy part is I don't have to exaggerate because what I'm going to tell you is pretty incredible in its own right."



Half of Hilmers' missions were flown in service to the Department of Defense. Both STS-51J and STS-36, the latter in 1990, launched on Atlantis with payloads that remain classified to this day. Hilmers' other two flights were on shuttle Discovery, including STS-26 in 1988, NASA's "return to flight" after the Challenger tragedy in 1986; and STS-42, which was focused on the effects of microgravity on a variety of types of life.



After leaving NASA in 1992, Hilmers received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree and a second Master's degree in public health. He is is currently a professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and, in addition to his volunteer work in disaster relief and low-resource countries, Hilmers has been helping NASA determine what the requirements for medical expertise will be on missions to the moon and Mars.

Related: Sending astronauts to Mars by 2040 is 'an audacious goal' but NASA is trying anyway

an older man drapes a medal around the neck of a man on a stage

Ivins left an equally impressive mark on NASA, said Grunsfeld, though she might be the last to acknowledge it.



"Marsha is not an attention seeker. In fact, when [the call came] to announce that she was selected into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, I think she had some reticence about this whole event," Grunsfeld said. "[Yet] Marsha, not wanting to be in in the limelight, still helped push NASA forward."



"All of us who flew on the space shuttle owe her a debt of gratitude for work that she did," he said.



Ivins' first flight into space was the first of her two on space shuttle Columbia. On STS-32 in 1990, she and her crewmates retrieved the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF), a school bus-sized free-floating materials science platform. Four years later on STS-62, she and her four crewmates continued to study the effects of microgravity on materials sciences and spaceflight technologies.



Ivins' three other missions were aboard Atlantis, making her one of the orbiter's three most frequent fliers. On STS-46 in 1992, she helped with the first attempted deploy of the Tethered Satellite System. On STS-81 in 1997, Ivins visited Mir on the fifth shuttle mission to dock with the Russian space station. Finally, on STS-98 in 2001, Ivins helped to install the U.S. "Destiny" laboratory for the International Space Station and brought supplies for the orbiting complex's first resident crew.



Since leaving the agency, Ivins served as a consultant on "A Beautiful Planet," the last IMAX documentary to be shot in space, and supported proposal work on a human lunar landing vehicle. Today she is the director of human systems integration at Sophic Synergistics, a Houston-based design consulting firm, which supports human space exploration endeavors.

a man and a woman stand next to displays honoring their accomplishments in a museum

RELATED STORIES:

 NASA's space shuttles: Where are they now?

 NASA's space shuttle: The first reusable spacecraft

 Veteran astronaut leaves NASA as end of space shuttle era looms

As with past inductee classes, Hilmers and Ivins were selected by a committee of Astronaut Hall of Fame members, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.



To be eligible for nomination, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 15 years before the induction. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and either a NASA trained space shuttle commander pilot, mission specialist, or an International Space Station commander or flight engineer who has orbited Earth at least once and whose last day eligible for a flight assignment as a NASA astronaut was at least five years ago.



Saturday's ceremony came to a close with the reveal of the glass-etchings that will represent Hilmers and Ivins.



The plaques, which bear Hilmers' and Ivins' likenesses, as well as mission patches from their respective spaceflights, will be displayed in the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, which since 2016 has been part of the Heroes & Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

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FILE - This combination of photos shows logos of X, formerly known as Twitter, top left; Snapchat, top right; Facebook, bottom left; and TikTok, bottom right. Spains government has proposed a wide-ranging law to protect children from on-line threats. It includes virtual restraining orders for felons as well as health screens for teenagers to detection emotional disorders derived from the ills of social media. (AP Photo, File)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP)  Spains government has proposed a law to protect children from online threats that includes virtual restraining orders for felons, a higher age for opening social media accounts and health screenings for teenagers to detect related emotional disorders.

The health, well-being and security of our children, as well as the tranquility of our families, are at stake, Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said Tuesday as he presented the proposal at a post-Cabinet press conference. Spains left-wing minority government will need the support of other parties to make it law.

Public concern has grown after a string of cases of sexual violence and abuse linked to the internet. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said Spain is facing an authentic epidemic of pornography targeted at minors. About 25% of children 12 and under and 50% of those 15 and under have been exposed to online pornography.

Spains government has banned the use of cellphones in elementary schools and required high schools to justify their use for educational purposes. The government says the average age for children to receive their first cellphone is 11.

The bill would modify the criminal code to create specific crimes for sharing pornographic material with minors and the creation of deepfake images using artificial intelligence, especially if they target victims with sexually abusive material. It also targets so-called grooming by sexual predators to try to win the trust of minors.

Convicted criminals who use the internet to perpetrate felonies would face virtual restraining orders prohibiting them from contacting victims online and a ban from certain online activities.

The minimum age for opening a social media account in Spain will increase from 14 to 16. Technological companies will be required to install age verification and parental controls on social media and video-sharing applications.

Teachers would be trained on how to instruct students on internet safety and launch public awareness campaigns on the dangers of digital addiction, abuse and privacy concerns.

This is about education, said Catalina Perazzo of Save The Children, a non-profit organization that Spain's government consulted to write the bill.

In the same way that sexual education with a focus on emotional health is critical to preventing sexual abuses  the responsible and ethical use of digital applications must be part (of the curriculum), Perazzo told Spanish state broadcaster RTVE.
(Bloomberg) -- A judge has summoned Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchezs wife, Begona Gomez, to testify as the target of a criminal investigation that has rocked the country for weeks.

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Gomez will have the opportunity to respond to questions on July 5 in Madrid as part of a broad inquest into alleged private-sector corruption and influence-peddling, according to an emailed statement from the court.

A press officer for the prime ministers office declined to comment. The government has said that the allegations against Gomez are unfounded and are part of a broad right-wing attack against the premier.

The investigation has been at the center of Spanish politics since April when Sanchez took five days off from work to think about his future after news broke that his wife was being named a suspect. He finally decided to stay in the job.

The probe was instigated by a complaint filed by an organization with far-right ties called Manos Limpias  or Clean Hands. The group dubs itself as an anti-corruption campaign and specializes in taking left-wing politics, and policies, to court.

The inquiry is focusing on two issues:

One is meetings Gomez had with the owners of an airline that was rescued by the government during the pandemic and which was also a sponsor of a African development center she ran at a private university.

The other issue is letters she signed endorsing an entrepreneur who was seeking government subsidies at the same time as he funded a masters program she ran at another university.

Sanchezs unusual decision to take time to think about his future because of what he dubbed as harassment against his wife came a few days before a crucial election in the region of Catalonia, where the premiers Socialist party ended up notching an important win.

Critics have said that he was playing the victim and that his anger over the probe was part of a political ploy.

Under Spanish law, a judge can open an investigation to decide whether there are grounds for a trial. its common for suspects, such as Gomez, to be called to testify.

(Updates with details on probe starting in fourth paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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The Foreign Affairs Committee of Spain has adopted a resolution urging the government to recognise the Holodomor of 1932-33 (man-made famine arranged by the Soviet authorities  ed.) as the genocide of the Ukrainian people.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the website of the Spanish Senate

Details: Twenty-nine members of the Committee voted for adoption of the resolution, two abstained, but there were no votes against it.

In its resolution, the committee urged the Spanish government to condemn Russias invasion of Ukraine clearly and decisively, demand immediate end of this military aggression, and support the supply of material resources, including military resources, logistic support and training that Spain can provide in coordination with Ukraines European and international partners for the legitimate protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Moreover, the decree demands that forcible displacement and deportation of Ukrainian children be recognised and condemned jointly with other international partners in order to bring the children back to Ukraine.

The senators also urged the government to recognise and condemn the Holodomor as an act of genocide of the Ukrainian people by the Soviet Union in the past.

"The invasion of Ukraine is an attack on the values of freedom, progress and peace European democracies are based on.

Spain must facilitate initiatives aimed at ending the conflict,", Teresa-Maria Belmonte, author of the statement, said.

Background: The Committee for Foreign Affairs of the Congress of the Lower Chamber of the Spanish Parliament supported the resolution regarding recognising Holodomor of 1932-1933 as the genocide of the Ukrainian people with a prevailing majority of votes at a meeting on 14 May.

As of now, Holodomor has been recognised as the genocide of the Ukrainian people by the parliaments of about 30 countries of the world, as well as by the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

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The 20th century saw no shortage of patriotic Americans stepping up to serve our nation. We both know this well: As young men, we served in the U.S. military  Mr. Leslie Begay as a combat Marine in Vietnam, and Rep. James Moylan as a veteran of the Army. As a country, it is our solemn responsibility to support those who have made sacrifices on our behalf.

We should also honor many thousands of Americans who did not enlist yet also sacrificed for our national security.

These patriots of the Manhattan Project and Cold War were unknowingly poisoned by their own government in the creation of our nuclear arsenal, and they deserve our support. The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which aims to address those harms, will expire Friday unless Congress acts immediately.

This is urgent: Congress has only a few working days left to act before RECA expires.

Leslie Begay was 21, had served in Vietnam as a Marine, when he started working in the U.S. uranium mines on the Navajo Nation in 1983. As the United States mined uranium and built and tested nuclear weapons, the government exposed countless service members and communities across the country to dangerous, often deadly levels of radiation without their knowledge or consent.

As we mined uranium and built and tested nuclear weapons that defended our country, we exposed countless service members and communities across the country to dangerous, often deadly levels of radiation without their knowledge or consent. In some cases, were only just learning the full extent of that harm, with impacted Americans succumbing to new cancers every day.

RECA was created in 1990 to provide an apology and a small reimbursement for critical medical care for some victims. It is a valuable program, but it has excluded far too many Americans who were harmed, and nearly 35 years later, it is still woefully inadequate despite years of studies and reports proving the need for improvement.

In Guam, for example, a 2005 report determined that residents during nuclear testing in the Pacific received substantial unwarranted radiation and should be eligible for RECA. Yet nearly 20 years later, they are still awaiting recognition and support.

Additionally, uranium workers are only eligible for RECA if they were employed through 1971, despite a flood of studies showing that they faced just as grave health impacts after that year. This means that patriotic Americans like Mr. Begay have been suffering for decades with no avenues for support.

Uranium miner lost both lungs due to radiation exposure

Mr. Leslie Begay, in wheelchair, and Republican Guam Rep. James Moylan, right, listen to Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., at a news conference about the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) on May 16, 2024, at the U.S. Capitol.

Mr. Begay was born and raised in the Navajo Nation. After serving in Vietnam, he came home and spent eight years mining the uranium that built our nuclear weapons. He was given a hard hat and no mask, was never told he was being poisoned, and he ended up losing both lungs due to radiation exposure. Given just a month to live, he received a double lung transplant. As he recovered, he decided to dedicate his remaining years to helping his people and improving RECA.

As lucky as he feels to have a new set of lungs, his health issues are far from over. With no cancer center or veterans hospital on the Navajo Nation, he had to move away from his wife and grandkids to live near a hospital in Mesa, Arizona, so that he could attend almost weekly medical appointments. He is on 22 medications that hell take for the rest of his life  and they dont come cheap.

He has had to sell all his cattle to pay for these expenses, and sometimes he and his wife dont know where the money will come from to cover his next medical bill. Even worse  hes just had a biopsy because of a possible new cancer diagnosis.

Oppenheimer nuclear fallout still kills: Time is running out for American victims of nuclear tests. Congress must do what's right.

The people of Guam and miners like Mr. Begay are far from alone.

Across the West, communities living downwind of nuclear testing  including those downwind of the very first nuclear test in New Mexico  were excluded from RECA seemingly arbitrarily.

Victims of illegally stored nuclear waste in Missouri have also suffered from devastating illnesses, with nowhere to turn.

US creation of nuclear arsenal sacrificed our own people

Rep. James Moylan, Guams delegate in the 118th Congress, is a lead sponsor of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2023.

The United States asked its people for a great deal of sacrifice to win the Cold War  some willingly as part of their service and many thousands unknowingly.

We have a duty now to take care of everyone sickened by their own government in the creation of our nuclear arsenal. Its long past time that Congress does its job and improves RECA so these patriotic Americans can get the recognition and help they so richly deserve.

Oscar honors 'Oppenheimer,' but what about Americans still suffering from nuke tests?

Some have called for a plain extension of RECA as is, but we know that would only be an extension of injustice. We must not blindly extend such an obviously flawed program, knowing that it would leave so many Americans behind.

On May 16, we stood together with dozens of advocates who had traveled to Washington, D.C., from across America to fight for RECA. They traveled on behalf of their loved ones  many of whom are sick and dying  and pleaded with Congress: Dont let us go home without good news; dont keep letting our people die.

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In March, armed with new information about the true scope of Americans harmed by our Cold War nuclear program, the Senate passed a bill with overwhelming bipartisan support to hugely improve RECA.

Now, that bill is sitting on House Speaker Mike Johnsons desk waiting to be brought to a vote.

Speaker Johnson: Please hear our prayers. Its time to finally support these patriots, harmed by their own government, and get them the justice they deserve.

Rep. James Moylan, Guams delegate in the 118th Congress, is a lead sponsor of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2023. He is an Army Veteran and a native of Guam from the village of Tumon.

Mr. Leslie Begay is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and a resident of Coyote Canyon, New Mexico. He is a post-1971 uranium miner, Vietnam War veteran and volunteer member of the Navajo Uranium Radiation Victims Committee. He previously worked at Fort Wingate Army Depot.

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: Congress can help Americans harmed by Cold War nukes. Will they?
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Tuesday refused to commit to staging a vote on impeaching President Biden over the situation at the southern border, after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) threatened to force a vote on the matter.

Im not making any commitment on that this morning, Johnson said when asked about Greenes comments the day before. We have to let the constitutional process and our constitutional responsibility play out.

Johnson said it is possible Biden committed impeachable offenses while president, but he emphasized the importance of Congresss impeachment authority and stressed the process must be respected.

The impeachment power is one that we wield very carefully here. As Ive said so many times, next to the declaration of war, its the heaviest power that Congress has. It needs to be very methodical, Johnson said.

I think President Bidens the worst president in the history of the country. And there may well be impeachable offenses, he added. Theres an investigation process thats gone about, that has been looked at, of our committees of jurisdiction, and the process continues.

The comments came less than 24 hours after Greene told reporters she was considering forcing a vote on her articles of impeachment against Biden for his handling of the situation at the southern border. The impeachment resolution accuses Biden of violating his oath of office and failing to follow immigration laws.

The Georgia Republican said she was going to trigger her resolution Monday night but decided to hold off until she spoke with Johnson. She made the threat the night before Biden was expected to roll out an executive order cracking down on the situation at the southern border.

Im mad, she told reporters. I didnt come up here to hang out with everybody and go oh, hey, guys. I mean, my people at home are mad. Everybody across this country are furious. We dont want a banana republic  we want an actual legitimate government. We want a real justice system. We dont have one right now.

Johnson and Greene spoke in the Capitol on Tuesday. The Speaker said the conversation was productive, a characterization the Georgia Republican rejected.

Its only productive to me when theres action taken, Greene said.

Asked when the congresswoman would force a vote on her impeachment resolution  on Monday, she said she would do so if Johnson refused to put it on the floor  she said she first wants to review Bidens executive order.

Im gonna continue talks on impeachment, Greene said. We need to see this executive order thats coming out.

But pressed on what she asked Johnson for during their meeting, Greene largely focused on former President Trumps conviction in the New York hush money case, demanding that the Speaker take action to respond to the guilty charges.

I am urging in the loudest, most possible way, that Republicans across the country and many Americans in general are sick and tired and fed up with a feckless, useless, Republican Party and conference that does nothing, she said. Theyre completely tired of the committee hearings, the interviews on television, these interviews here, they are so over it.

Honestly, how people feel is our country literally changed when 34 felony counts were turned into convictions against President Trump, she added.

The congresswoman said she brought Johnson a list of ideas, but did not specify what it includes.

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For years, the expanding restaurant empire of Brian and Sarah Ingram became well-known for giving cash and food to people in need, including families of slain police officers or victims of catastrophes abroad, through their charitable arm: Give Hope.

On Monday, Brian Ingram told the state Attorney General's Office he's dissolving Give Hope as a nonprofit. His email came after the office alerted him earlier this year that in addition to its federal nonprofit status, Give Hope was required to register as a Minnesota charity.

In an interview Tuesday, Ingram said Give Hope will continue to raise and give away money to those in need. But it's not worth the trouble to run it as a Minnesota nonprofit, he said.

"We wanted to get rid of all the red tape," Ingram said. "When I fly into Turkey for earthquake relief, we don't want to have to answer all these questions. And I don't have to hold a board vote."

Ingram said Give Hope will be reorganized as a C corporation, or a charitable corporate entity. He won't get the tax benefits of being a 501(c)(3), but "we didn't get into this for tax write offs, we just got into it to help our community."

The Ingrams' action came after they were sent two letters by the Attorney General's Office telling them that if they solicit charitable donations, they need to register under the state's Charitable Solicitation Act. The first letter, dated Feb. 20, noted that organizations that fail to register face civil penalties of up to $25,000 for each violation of the act. The second later, dated May 9, noted that the Ingrams had not responded and asked again that they register.

On Tuesday, Ingram said those letters and a subsequent news report about them on KSTP, were not the reason Give Hope is giving up its nonprofit status.

"We've been in the process of doing this for a year, year and a half," he said. "That was the plan all along."

Brian Evans, a spokesman for the Attorney General's Office, said Tuesday that he could not say why the office sent the letters to Give Hope, calling it "non-public data."

In a statement, Evans said: "The Attorney General is the chief supervisor of nonprofits and charities in Minnesota. He investigates potential violations of charities laws and brings civil enforcement actions to protect donors and charitable assets. Registration with the Attorney General's Office is an important tool because it allows the Attorney General to detect potential violations like misused assets in financial statements and other documents that charities are required to file with us."

However, Evans pointed out, that statement "should not be interpreted as a comment on the conduct of Give Hope or any specific charitable entity."

He added: "I wouldn't want folks to read the part about potential violations and the misuse of assets and think we're implying that Give Hope has done that, because that's certainly not the intent of my statement."

The Ingrams first opened Hope Breakfast Bar in an historic former fire station in St. Paul and soon began to use the restaurant as a way to help the community during the COVID pandemic. In 2020, the Ingrams launched Give Hope to serve as the charitable arm of restaurants that were now regularly donating 3% of their revenue to charitable causes as well as hosting special events to raise money for crime and disaster victims.

Brian Ingram said Give Hope has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and food to multiple causes. A recent event at Ingram's Apostle Supper Club in downtown St. Paul raised more than $32,000 for the family of slain Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell. Another fundraiser at the Hope restaurant in Eagan raised $23,000 for the two Burnsville police officers and paramedic killed in a shooting in February. Ingram said he flew to Turkey to provide relief to victims of a catastrophic earthquake and to Maui to help victims of wildfires.

The Ingrams recently donated money to help buy Christmas presents for the 30 people who live in the village of one of his cooks after he asked for help. Ingram said they are driven to give by their faith, not by tax breaks.

His accountants have refiled three years' taxes since they dropped their nonprofit status, Ingram said. "I believe we're past the finish line on this."
DENVER (KDVR)  One person was arrested for allegedly stabbing another person on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Denver Police Department.

The agency said the stabbing took place in the area of 17th Street and Chestnut Place, near Union Station.

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As of 12: 30 p.m., the extent of the victims injuries, where the stabbing took place and whether there was a suspect was unknown at this time. At about 3 p.m., the Denver Police Department shared that a suspect was being held for investigation of aggravated assault.

The department named the suspect as Mark Thomas, 28, and said investigators believe there was an altercation between the victim and suspect before the stabbing. The victims status was not updated by the agency, but in a posted response to another user, the department shared that the victim had not died from their injuries.

FOX31 is on the way to the scene. This story will be updated as more information is gathered.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
One arrested in connection with deputy-involved shooting in Acadia Parish

One arrested in connection with deputy-involved shooting in Acadia Parish

UPDATE: CROWLEY, La. (KLFY)  Authorities arrested 52-year-old Jacob Richard of Rayne in connection with the shooting.

Richard is being charged with two counts of attempted murder of police officer.

Louisiana State Police said Richard was wanted for multiple felonies, and after deputies saw and tried to arrest Richard on South Avenue H, a short foot pursuit took place.

During the arrest, Richard injured two deputies by stabbing them with a knife, resulting in one of the deputies using their service weapon and striking Richard, according to State Police. Richard was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The two deputies were also treated for their non-life-threatening injuries.

ORIGINAL: CROWLEY, La. (KLFY)  The Louisiana State Police are investigating a deputy-involved shooting with the Acadia Parish Sheriffs Office.

According to State Police, detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested by the Acadia Parish Sheriffs Office around 5 p.m. on Monday to investigate a deputy-involved shooting that happened near South Avenue H and Magnolia Street. Investigators are working to process the scene and gather further information.

One subject sustained non-life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound. Two deputies also sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

This is an active investigation and further information will be released when it becomes available.

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When it comes to buying a new car, its often true that you get what you pay for. However, not all high-end vehicles deliver on the promise of reliability for your money, particularly when it comes to their engines.

If youre investing a large chunk of money in a new car, value is as important as price. While expensive car brands offer desirable features, engine reliability shouldnt be overlooked. Whats the point of paying more for a prestigious car thats continually leaving you stranded by the side of the road or burdening you with expensive repair bills?

Check Out: 5 Luxury Cars Mechanics Do Not Recommend

Read Next: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)

When you buy an expensive brand, the vehicle will have higher-than-average maintenance costs. But when its an unreliable engine, these repair costs can skyrocket. Advanced auto technology is all fine and good when your car is running smooth, but engine repairs on luxury vehicles are markedly more expensive due to the complexity of the design, the cost of parts and the specialized labor required.

Car enthusiasts can wax endlessly on the near-perfect reliability of certain carmakers  Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda are particularly well-regarded  but all brands have made engine mistakes.

Lets look at five of the most respected car brands with reportedly less-than-reliable engines.

1. BMW

It wont take you long to search for BMW engine complaints online. BMWs may be Designed for the Driven, but its drivers know that models that house the N47 diesel and the N63 V8 turbocharged engines face serious reliability issues. These problems range from timing chain failures to excessive oil consumption, leading to costly repairs and maintenance.

BMWs are pricey to repair and theres a 45.89% chance that a BMW will require a major repair (anything that exceeds $500, including parts and labor) during their first 10 years of service, per CarEdge. This is 10.80% worse when compared to the other auto manufacturers in this segment that the site covered.

2. Jeep

Jeep is rarely considered a luxury brand, but it commands high prices in the new and used car markets. Built to conquer challenging terrains, Jeep engines havent always been as robust as their off-road capabilities.

No less than three Jeep models  the Wrangler, the Grand Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee L  made it onto Consumer Reports Least Reliable Cars for 2024 list with reliability ranking of 27, 26 and 23 out of 100, respectively. Common engine complaints include frequent oil and water leaks, clogged fuel injectors and what HotCars calls the death wobble.

Story continues

3. Mercedes-Benz

Once upon a time, Mercedes-Benz made vehicles that would last decades. Youll still see older M-Bs clocking hundreds of thousands of miles, especially in countries where cars are immune to rough winter conditions.

Youll get Mercedes die-hards who defend newer models, saying they arent unreliable, theyre just expensive to maintain. However, theres no denying the head bolt failures of M156 V8 engines used in AMG models and the balance shaft gear and idle gear issues associated with M272 and M273 engines.

4. Land Rover

Why did the two Land Rover owners not greet each other at work? They already had breakfast together at the repair shop earlier that morning. That joke comes courtesy of HotCars, who claims the Indian-owned company has changed gears by focusing on luxury rather than durability.

Owners have reported issues with the 5.0-liter V8 engines, including premature wear of timing chains and tensioners, leading to expensive engine rebuilds or replacements.

Learn More: 5 Japanese Cars To Stay Away From Buying

Then theres the price of repairs to consider too. According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for all models is $1,174 per year (compared to $652 across all models) and the average Land Rover visits a repair shop approximately 0.7 times a year for unscheduled repairs (compared to 0.4 visits across all models).

5. Audi

It might seem like were picking on German manufacturers here. Thats not the intent  Audis (and BMWs and Mercedes-Benzs) engineering excellence is simply not exempt from engine reliability concerns.

Volkswagen recently settled a class action lawsuit to resolve defective pistons in the 2.0T TFSI engine found in certain Audi models that caused excessive oil consumption and significant engine damage.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Expensive Car Brands with the Least Reliable Engines
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)  Two Alabama state senators are forever bonded after experiencing a life-threatening emergency during an overseas visit last July. Now, one is being recognized for his heroic actions.

Monday, State Senator Tim Melson of Florence told News 19, I feel great, you know, compared to where I was in August to today, its like night and day.

It literally is life or death: Alabama state Senator pushing for AED education in schools

Melson suffered a cardiac event last July while on an education and economic development trip to Korea and Vietnam. He experienced a cardiac event while touring the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.

It was an interesting situation, in a foreign country having the event I did, and nobody panicked, Melson said.

Thankfully, his colleague, Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr of Decatur sprung into action.

You act on instinct, Orr said. I knew if something didnt happen or somebody didnt do something quickly, we knew the outcome.

New mental health care facility opens in Madison County

Orr performed CPR and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) until local paramedics could arrive. Ultimately, Orr and the paramedics actions saved Sen. Melsons life.

In an interview with News 19 on Monday, Orr remained humble about his role in the situation.

Like I said, I believe it was divine providence, or the hand of God in what finally happened, Orr said. I played a small part in it, the Korean doctors were excellent in their care and treatment.

So a lot of people were used, in my opinion, by God, to bring Tim Melson back to where he is today, Sen. Orr said. So I was glad to be part of that process in this, what is a happy outcome Orr added.

Monday, Orr was honored by the Alabama Fire College in a ceremony at Decatur Fire & Rescue Station 5 for his heroic efforts.

Huntsville Hospital announces closure of one Wellness Center location

The ceremony fell during National CPR & AED Awareness Week. Matt Russell, Executive Director of the Alabama Fire College, said Melson & Orrs story is the perfect example of why knowing the basics of CPR can make a huge difference.

It shows that all of us should and could do that, and it also shows that even though they were in Korea, CPR was still available, Russell said. They used that and it made a significant impact in peoples lives he added.

The situation has also led to new legislation. The Senator Tim Melson Act was passed during the most recent legislative session. It goes into effect starting in the 2024-2025 school year.

Huntsville Hospital System rolls out new Mobile Medical Unit

The act will expand CPR and AED training in Alabama public schools. Sen. Arthur Orr sponsored the bill and said the whole situation has had a big impact on him.

I was glad to be part of that process, in what is a happy outcome, Orr said.

Melson said hes forever grateful to his fellow state senator. I really think the world of him [Orr].

Cardiac Solutions, a Birmingham-based medical device company donated two AEDs during Mondays ceremony. The AEDs will be placed in schools that fall within Sen. Orr and Sen. Melsons districts.

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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.

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The post States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA wont always keep it private. appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
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 Utah News Dispatch.
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 Atlanta-based 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.

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As a record number of school districts face bans on certain books and lawmakers enact measures that limit what can be taught about race and sexual identity in the classroom, some states are moving to counter the measures with laws that prohibit banning books.

Last month, Minnesota became the latest state to implement restrictions on banning books from public libraries, including those in K-12 public schools and colleges.

Minnesota joins Illinois and Maryland, which passed a similar measure in April. The laws also follow other efforts to push back on book bans in school districts in states such as Florida

There were more than 4,300 book bans across 23 states and 52 public school districts from July 2023 to December 2023, according to a report from PEN America, a nonprofit organization that fights to protect free speech and expression.

While efforts to censor books have persisted throughout history, the American Library Association has said the number of titles targeted for censorship reached the highest levels ever documented by the organization last year.

A new law creates uniformity in Minnesota

The uptick in book challenges across the US have been spearheaded by the so-called parental rights movement and by conservative groups who claim certain books about race and gender identity are being used to indoctrinate children.

Efforts to ban these books have permeated public libraries and school board meetings in various states, including in Minnesota where parents, students and free speech groups have clashed over what materials and books are deemed appropriate in K-12 public schools.

Although a small number of books have been banned in Minnesota, dozens of books were challenged across the state in 2023, according to the American Library Associations Office of Intellectual Freedom.

In Carver County, Minnesota, parents clashed over whether Gender Queer: A Memoir  a book that is frequently challenged and was the most banned book during a recent 18-month period, according to PEN America  should remain on the shelves.

The Carver County Library Board ultimately denied the request to remove the book, according to CNN affiliate WCCO.

Last month, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, signed into law a measure prohibiting the banning or removal of a book or other material based solely on its viewpoint or the messages, ideas, or opinions it conveys.

The law allows book challenges to continue, but mandates that trained and licensed librarians be part of the process.

The law also says none of the restrictions regarding book banning impairs or limits the rights of a parent, guardian, or an adult from reviewing or contesting books in schools, a provision that Minnesota Democratic state Rep. Cedrick Frazier, who authored the bill, said will continue to allow parents to have input on what their children read.

What we wanted to do was put a uniform practice and policy in place so that across the entire state, every school district, every public library, there would be a process for how they would take a look at these challenges if they came up, Frazier told CNN.

A 2023 Banned Books Week display at a branch of the New York Public Library. - Ted Shaffrey/AP

We were intentional about saying that it doesnt take away the rights of parents to have curriculums reviewed with challenged material. That can still be done. We just have a process in place that is uniform and transparent as to how you can do that.

But some parental rights groups, including the Minnesota Parents Alliance, have condemned the law. Cristine Trooien, executive director of the group, said the law is another disappointing example of Democrats and teacher unions not focusing on real issues in K-12 education that have real consequences for Minnesota students and our state.

Sadly, for students, its easier for the political left and teachers unions to use their power, influence and bottomless resources to saturate the K-12 conversation with straw man issues like book banning than it is to confront and solve the literacy and student achievement crisis, Trooien told CNN.

Legal clarity for librarians and educators

In some states, like Missouri, librarians can face a fine and jail time for distributing books deemed to be explicit sexual material or inappropriate in school.

Minnesotan librarians and educators told CNN they welcomed a law establishing legal criteria for how to address book challenges in their state. Marie Hydukovich, a middle school and high school librarian for Stillwater Area Public Schools in Minnesota, said the new law is a security blanket for her and other librarians.

I know some media specialists in some districts have been so scared to order very popular books because they dont have a policy or a procedure protecting them or a law protecting them from challenges and they could lose their job over it, Hydukovich told CNN.

I am hoping that this law protects us a little more from that and were able to be a little more logical in ordering an appropriate book.

Denise Specht, president of the union Education Minnesota, said the law also closes loopholes that would allow someone to ban books at the local level through a school board. Specht said many educators are also relieved.

The educators who have been at the center of some of these culture wars, in particular the book bans, they didnt get into teaching to be in the middle of a culture war. They want to teach and they want their students to learn, and they want to learn a complete history and they want their students to see themselves in books, she told CNN.

Most of them want to see their school boards spending time on figuring out how to support the students and how to support the educators rather than getting into things like this.

Peter Bromberg, associate director of EveryLibrary, a nonprofit supporting public and school libraries, said the group is working with 87 grassroots campaigns in 34 states and statewide coalitions to push back on book bans or prohibit the bans.

Bromberg said the organization is working with coalitions in Arkansas, Delaware, Utah, Georgia, Texas, and Florida.

The goal is (to) help these local groups do the vital work in their communities that will ensure that boards and elected officials are held accountable, books are not censored, diverse voices are not silenced, librarians are protected against attacks, and libraries remain fully funded and free from illegitimate political interference with their governance, he said.

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Status of Girls study: Ohios girls ahead in education, still behind in wages and mental health

Photo from Getty Images.

A new study of 160 indicators of health for Ohio girls showed strides in education, but pervasive struggles in mental health and food security.

The Center for Community Solutions used official sources from all 88 counties in Ohio and other state and federal data to dissect the economic status, societal shifts and health standards of girls living in Ohio.

Ohio girls 18 years and younger have weathered a global pandemic that interrupted several years of their schooling, were raised in the #metoo era and see social media as an integral part in their lives, the study researchers wrote. These unique experiences have led to many challenges that have defined who these girls are and the women they are becoming.

In terms of education, 47% of kindergarten girls are on-track with language and literacy, the research showed, and 90% of Ohios high school girls graduated in four years in 2022.

But that education can be hampered by bullying, whether it be online or on school property, CCS concluded.

In a youth behavioral risk study from 2021, 39% of middle school girls reported being bullied through electronic means, and 28% of high school girls reported the same bullying. In comparison, male middle schoolers only accounted for 21% of students bullied online, and high school boys represented only 10%.

Girls are more likely to be victims of bullying compared to boys, which can lead to an increase in mental distress and maladjustment anxiety, potentially affecting school attendance and school grades, the CCS study said.

The statistics studied by the Center for Community Solutions found what the group determined to be crisis levels for girls when it comes to mental health.

This included data about high school girls that found 32% of them seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months and almost 1 in 4 girls made a plan about how they would attempt suicide.

The Ohio Department of Health reported 216 deaths by suicide in Ohio women under the age of 24 since 2020. Of those, 185 were between age 14 and 24, and 31 were between 5 and 14.

The state saw a 34% decrease in teen births in girls between age 15 and 19, and the study found pregnancy rates decreased in all but one Ohio county.

But CCS also found that only 40% of Ohio high schools were teaching students all of the critical sexual health education topics required of the schools under the Ohio Revised Code. This can include HIV and STI instruction, but there is no standardized sexual education curriculum statewide.

That data combines with the 60% of high school girls reported to be sexually active but not using birth control methods, according to the study.

In terms of food access and nutrition, 86.2% of the states high school girls had not eaten breakfast over a seven-day period, according to the study, and 80% of middle school girls reported missing the same amount of breakfasts.

This statistic was highlighted in the reported as part of a recommendation that the state mine for further data into not just how many students arent eating, but the reasons as well.

Data can most often show us what is alarming, but we need to continue to seek the answer as to why, according to the study.

About 18% of girls were reported to have lived in households where the annual income is below 100% of the federal poverty line and 40% of them were in households receiving food or cash assistance in 2022, researchers found.

Though societal pressures can cause school-aged girls to struggle, the CCS study also said knowledge of those issues can help improve girls situations.

Through understanding the experiences of girls in Ohio, we can create programs and policies that uplift, promote and support the well-being and health of Ohios girls, who will become women with a strong foundation for success, according to the study.

Creating resources to establish schools primed to educate on physical, mental and sexual health would build upon a facility and staff that girls already trust to provide accurate information and more positive health outcomes, CCS argued.

Programs that recognize the unique stressors that todays girls are facing should be implements, to make health resources and treatment more accessible, the study stated.

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When a B-2 Spirit bomber lands at an airfield, it typically needs a crew of several maintainers who spring into action to ready it for takeoff again.

But on May 28, two stealth bombers assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, took on a unique mission: fly to Offutt AFB, Nebraska, where a single pilot from each aircraft would jump out and refuel the plane  alone.

B-2 stealth bombers to return to flight after 5-month delay

This is a new concept for pilots, generally speaking, to refuel their own aircraft, and do it in a timely manner, Maj. Bo Bateman, a B-2 instructor pilot with the squadron, told Air Force Times.

As the Air Force focuses on how it might win a protracted and widespread conflict in the Pacific, part of its strategy is learning to be leaner. Under the agile combat employment concept, a small team of multiskilled airmen should be able to quickly deploy to a new, potentially austere, airfield where theyd have to assemble their own operation with little to no additional support.

That flexibility can come in handy for the B-2 fleet, whose ability to carry conventional and nuclear weapons between continents make it a central piece of the Air Forces strategy to deter conflict with other nuclear powers.

This exercise is another fine example of bombers executing agile combat employment. It is the first time that the 393rd Bomb Squadron has executed B-2 cold-pit refueling operations without the help of our maintenance professionals on the ground, Col. Geoffrey Steeves, 509th Operations Group commander, which oversees the 393rd Bomb Squadron, told Air Force Times in a statement.

Cold-pit refueling is the Air Forces term for gassing up a plane with its engine turned off.

Ultimately, we are posturing the B-2 to meet the challenges of the great power competition head-on, Steeves added.

'Have bombs, will travel': How agile deployments are reshaping combat in the Middle East

To prepare for the trip to Offutt, the squadron compiled multiple checklists used by maintainers and pilots to create a comprehensive flight-prep to-do list from the cockpit to the ground.

The pilots also spent a couple of hours in the classroom at Whiteman  the Air Forces sole B-2 base  brushing up on how to service an aircraft. That training is already an annual requirement, Bateman said.

Then we had two specific trips to the aircraft to work with maintenance personnel to run through the checklist and actually practice flipping the switches for the fuels and running the checklist and hooking up the fuel receptacle to the aircraft, he added.

Planning for the operation meant the aircraft had to carry gear, like wheel chocks, a ladder, oil and hydraulic fluid, that it wouldnt typically need because maintainers already have those supplies on hand, said Capt. Andrew Dang, a B-2 pilot with the 393rd and an operational planner for the training run.

While a small recovery team was on hand at Offutt to resolve any maintenance issues that could have popped up, Bateman and Dang said the operation went off seamlessly.

Bateman, who previously flew the T-6 Texan II trainer as an instructor pilot, had never refueled his own plane before. After landing at Offutt, he jumped out of the bomber, secured the landing gear, chocked the wheels, and hooked himself up to the aircrafts communications system, with the fuel truck waiting far in the distance.

It was pretty surreal, hopping down from the cockpit, Bateman said.

Then he returned to the cockpit and continued down the checklist with his co-pilot, including shutting down the aircraft.

With the engines off, Bateman then turned to refueling, a multistep process that included pulling various circuit breakers and covering up the sharp edges around landing-gear doors. After the fuel truck arrived, Bateman climbed a ladder to connect the fuel hose and signaled to start the flow of gas.

That was challenging because it needs to be seated properly, Bateman said of connecting the hose. With one individual, you really have to get creative and maneuver the hose into the appropriate spot.

The team met its goal to complete the entire refueling, from landing to takeoff, within two hours.

Two hours was not easy, Bateman said. But going through the checklist smoothly allowed us to do it safely, and we showed that we can do it successfully.

While the 393rd was the first active duty B-2 squadron to complete such a mission, it built off of the work of the 110th Bomb Squadron, a Missouri Air National Guard unit at Whiteman that completed a similar operation with a larger maintenance footprint on a trip to Forbes Field Air National Guard Base, Kansas, in March. Those pilots also completed cold-pit refueling on their own; the squadron will keep working with the 393rd as they move forward with agile combat operations.

We iterated on [the Guard units work] and went from a crawl phase, where we had, essentially, handholding through the process, to now saying, Look, we developed this checklist we can do this, dont need help, Dang said.

Now that theyve shown it can be done, the goal is to streamline the operation and make it more efficient across the B-2 community, Bateman said. Their next steps include running the operation without maintainers standing by, adding the pilot-turned-maintainer option to the training curriculum, and perfecting a packing list so the aircraft can carry the right equipment to get the job done.

For instance, Bateman said he had to wrestle a 6-foot ladder in and out of the bomber when a step stool would have been sufficient.

The end goal, Dang said, is to reach the stage where pilots can land, refuel and take off again without shutting down the aircrafts engines  or hot-pit refueling.

In a contested or unfamiliar environment, I dont want to be on the ground any longer than I have to be, Dang said.
Stepdad admits 11-year-old girl is not going to be found after she vanished getting off school bus a year ago

Stepdad admits 11-year-old girl is not going to be found after she vanished getting off school bus a year ago

The stepfather of an 11-year-old girl who went missing in 2022 said he doesnt think the child will ever be found.

Stepdad Christopher Palmiter, 61, was sentenced to 30 days of supervised probation for failing to report Madalina Cojocari missing. He had previously served 200 days in jail for the crime. The child went missing in Cornelius, North Carolina, in November 2022, however it wasnt reported to police until Dec. 15, 2022. Her mother, Diana Cojocari, has also pleaded guilty to the same charge.

Last month, it took a jury 15 minutes to convict Palmiter.

Speaking during his five-day trial, Palmiter said he believes the childs mother, Diana Cojocari, 38, took the child to an unknown location.

I think Diana took her somewhere with her Moldovan family, I dont know, I think she tucked her away somewhere where no one would find her, he said.

Christopher Palmiter, 61, Madalina Cojocaris stepfather, said he believes the child wont be found (Cornelius Police)

The child was born in Moldova and was enrolled in the sixth-grade at Bailey Middle School before going missing.

Prosecutors suggested Madalinas mother and grandmother colluded to smuggle the child from the couples North Carolina home before she disappeared. Authorities said that the mother and stepfather got into an argument on November 23, 2022, and believed the child was in her bedroom around 10pm that night.

The next day, she was gone.

The child was last seen getting off a school bus and has not been seen since. Prosecutor Austin Butler said that Palmiters actions were part of the reason Madalina could be located.

He was the person in the role of supervising her, and he failed, he said during closing arguments, according to WCCB. Thats why hes sitting in this seat.

An FBI analyst presented phone and email evidence during the trial showing that Palmiter knew that the child was missing and where she might be. A prosecutor told the court the suggestion Palmiter had been home for three weeks and didnt know where the child had gone was laughable.
Stormy Daniels urged Melania Trump to ditch husband Donald Trump  after 19 years of marriage  following the former presidents hush money trial conviction.

Should she leave him? the porn actor was asked in an interview published by Britains Daily Mirror newspaper on Monday.

Yeah, replied Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.

On the grounds of? she was then asked.

That hes a convicted felon, Daniels answered.

That hes proven to be abusive. He was found liable for assault, she added, in reference to a civil jury last year finding Trump liable for sexual assault after writer E. Jean Carroll accused him of raping her in a New York department store in the 1990s.

"He's a convicted felon."



.@StormyDaniels has encouraged Melania to divorce Donald Trump after their 19-year marriage pic.twitter.com/UjLntSWrIt  The Mirror (@DailyMirror) June 4, 2024

Trump is an orange stain that is going to be on me for a very long time, Daniels lamented elsewhere in the lengthy sit-down.

Its like a scarlet letter but worse, she said.

Trump had been unchecked until now, but checkmate motherfucker, she added.

A jury last week found presumptive GOP presidential nominee Trump guilty on all 34 criminal charges of falsifying business documents in an attempt to cover up a hush money payment to Daniels before the 2016 election.

Trump sought to silence Daniels over an alleged sexual encounter between the pair in 2006, when Trump was married to Melania.

During the trial, Trumps onetime fixer and attorney Michael Cohen testified Trump was worried that the emergence of the Daniels news would be a disaster for his 2016 campaign.

But when Cohen asked the then-Republican candidate how his wife, Melania Trump, may respond, he reportedly replied: Dont worry. How long do you think Ill be on the market for? Not long.

Trump will be sentenced July 11, four days before the Republican National Convention.

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Heat can drive people to wild decisions.

On one blazing, stormy night, a family of Black women struggles with freedom, voodoo, and their fates in Plowshares Theatre Co.s production of Marcus Gardleys award-winning The House That Will Not Stand, running through June 16 at The Carr Center Performance Studio in Detroit.

Mycarra Whorton as Maude Lynn Albans, Shelby Bradley as Beartrice Albans, Shannon Dingles as Agnes Albans, and Layla Lyles as Odette Albans in Plowshares Theatre Company's "The House That Will Not Stand," running through June 16, 2024 in Detroit.

It is a sweltering summer in early 19th century New Orleans, where free Black citizens enjoy privileged lives, but it is the eve of the Louisiana Purchase; when New Orleans becomes American territory, Blacks risk losing their freedom. Worse still, Beartrice Albans, the wealthiest colored woman in the city, is in serious trouble when the father of her children, a white man, dies and U.S. law prevents him from leaving anything to a Black mistress, so she and her daughters may lose their house.

Headstrong eldest daughter Agnes (played with preening sass and verve to spare by Shannon Dingle), stressfully pious middle child Maude Lynn (a fitfully funny Mycarra Whorton) and youngest Odette (brought to vivid life by Layla Lyles) dream of bigger things and escaping the stifling heat and pressure of their family home. But their steely, grasping Disney villain of a mother is hellbent on keeping them locked inside with her in extended mourning.

The play follows a shattering 24-hour period that leaves their world forever changed.

The striking Sylvia Shelby Bradley commands the stage as Beartrice, bringing gravitas, grit, and more than a little Diahann Carroll to the role. Madelyn Porter, playing dual roles, brings great energy and warm, sometimes biting humor to the proceedings. Zahirah Muhammad walks a fine line with a winning performance as Makeda, the plucky family servant who yearns for her freedom, but stumbles in Act Two when called upon to portray a second character.

Director Gary Anderson chose a quality story and assembled a terrific cast but his production suffers from pacing issues; moving a bit too slowly means a nearly three-hour runtime (with intermission) and a lot of laughs left on the floor because the comedic moments arent always played.

This is a big part of why Porters energy and winking puckishness mean such a great deal to the show; the drama is riveting to watch, but this cast really excels with the lighter moments, such as the sisters squabbling. (Porter, in particular, achieves transcendence during an epic scene in the shows second half.)

Despite the length of Plowshares production, The House That Will Not Stand is a show worth seeing, for some very good acting and a kind of story that never gets told. Where else are you going to see a play with an all-female, all-Black cast that tells a story of free Black women in America in the 1800s?

Before the show, director Anderson mentions in his introductory speech that Plowshares exists to tell Black stories audiences wont find anywhere else. That mission is well accomplished here.

An interesting parallel with the shows plot is the fact that Plowshares itself does not have a home; the company utilizes performance spaces owned by other organizations around the region. That fact is significant in this case because its important that you know before seeing the show that the Carr Center Performance Studio is not being air-conditioned at this time. (Dress light and bring water and a fan. The show is still worth it.)

Its also important because Plowshares has begun the major fundraising efforts necessary to locate its own permanent home theater.

When you see the work they put into shows like The House That Will Not Stand, you will understand why they deserve it.

The House That Will Not Stand runs Thursdays through Sundays at The Carr Center Performance Studio, 15 E. Kirby St., Detroit, through Sunday, June 16. Tickets start at $15. Visit plowsharestheatre.org for more information.

Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Stormy stage play weaves tale of free Blacks in 1800s New Orleans
AES Ohio customers could soon be paying more for electricity after a rate increase was approved.

At its commission meeting last week, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) overruled an objection from the Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel (OCC ) to a 53 percent increase in what AES Ohio charges residential consumers for transmission.

This means a typical consumers bill will increase by more than $40 a year, according to the OCC.

>> Dayton leaders formally announce city will host NATO Parliamentary Assembly in 2025

The OCC said these transmission charges relate to supplemental transmission projects not reviewed by state or regional regulators, such as the PUCO, the Ohio Power Siting Board, or PJM Interconnection.

They said they have filed a complaint asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to step in and regulate these charges.

The OCC said it expects a ruling very soon.

PUCOs decision can be read here.

We will continue to follow this story.
If content is king, then the focus today is on how the king is expanding the empire: Print and traditional media first got augmented by websites, and now websites are being augmented by a fast-expanding landscape of apps, social media platforms and content created by artificial intelligence. Now a company thats building for that content horizon has raised a big round of funding to expand its business.

Storyblok, a startup out of Linz, Austria, that provides a content management system (CMS) for organizations built around the "headless" concept, has closed a Series C round of $80 million. The startup targets the middle ground between platforms that offer rigid templates, and those that facilitate a full-control approach that might involve building and maintaining different components of a content and front-end tech stack.

The startup plans to use the funds to continue expanding further into Europe and the U.S. and to bring new automation and AI tooling into the mix.

Some of that is already getting a boost: Alongside the funding announcement, Storyblok is launching the beta of Ideation Room. The company describes this as a collaborative space within Storyblok where [users] can develop new ideas together at the beginning of the creation process, using AI to help improve content and bring it to life.

Dominik Angerer, the CEO and founder of Storyblok, said that the company was working with OpenAI on that AI tooling, so expect to see some generative AI worked not only into making the platform more intuitive to use, but also potentially to populate the content on the platform.

The company now has a staff of 240, and it will be ramping up hiring.

Brighton Park Capital, a new investor in the company, is leading the Series C. This is a substantial raise for the startup, which last raised a $47 million Series B in 2022. As with that last round, its not disclosing its valuation, but it says its users have more than doubled since that last round to 200,000 from 74,000 in 2022, and we understand that this is definitely an up round.

Storyblok has raised $138 million to date.

Angerer told TechCrunch that he roughly expects the company to be profitable by the end of 2025.

Its a massive market, he said, estimating that the bigger opportunity for CMS players  which include others like Contentful, WordPress and Commercetools (focused on e-commerce)  is around $20 billion to $25 billion annually. People used to think that content was valuable for B2C brands that were connected with their consumers, but increasingly, it's core to the strategy for almost any company in any industry, he said. The mass market is still controlled by legacy companies, with modern headless players like us taking just a percentage.

Storybloks big selling point is that its services are used not just by the developers  typically the end customers of CMS services  but also by non-technical workers. Its customers include Adidas, T-Mobile, Renault, and the alt-milk brand Oatly. Altogether, its platform hosts some 250,000 active projects.

Creators have long grappled with the challenges of building an audience, and thus a business, off the back of content. These days, that set of challenges has burgeoned into something of an existential crisis thanks to the rise of AI. There has always been something sacrosanct about what a human brings to the equation when it comes to creativity, but with the rise and increasing sophistication of generative AI, is the human really going to be needed tomorrow?

Storyblok has so far been focused on putting the human creator front and center. But in making its tools easier to use with AI, the big question will be what role those humans play in the longer run.

For now, its a big enough proposition to back companies that are using AI for more immediate help, said Kevin Magan of Brighton Park. Almost all of our companies have AI as an important part of their product today or product roadmap, he said. We're not focusing a huge amount of time on a lot of the foundational models and things like that, but we do feel strongly that AI is going to be a component of most application-level software.

In addition to Brighton Park, previous backers HV Capital, Mubadala Capital, 3VC, and Firstminute Capital also participated in the Series C round.
(Photo illustration with Capitol photo by Iowa Capital Dispatch and background via Getty Images)

A study from an Iowa research institute found that the latest individual income tax cuts will result in $1.85 billion in tax savings for income tax payers in the next decade.

The Common Sense Institute Iowa, the Iowa chapter of a think tank with chapters in Colorado, Washington and Arizona focused on the future of free enterprise, released the study Monday. It was authored by the institutes Director of Policy and Research Ben Murrey  a former campaign and legislative staffer for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

The research looked the impact of Senate File 2442, a new law from the 2024 legislative session, that will lower Iowas individual income tax rate to a 3.9% single rate by 2026. This years individual income tax cuts will speed up the implementation of a 2022 measure, reducing the states individual income tax rate to a 3.9% single rate by 2026.

In addition to the reduced taxes, the study found that the income tax cuts will result in other economic growth for the state, including a $3 billion increase in after-tax income and $1.72 billion growth in Iowas gross domestic product. These figures were calculated using information from the state Legislative Services Agency analysis of the bill, Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) projections as well as modeling using REMI Tax-PI, a commercial tool analyzing dynamic macroeconomics and fiscal impacts of policies.

While the tax cut was praised by Republican lawmakers during the legislative session as providing taxpayers more than $1 billion in tax relief, members of the minority party expressed concerns that the cuts could put the state government in a difficult position for budgeting in future years.

The tax cut is paid for using excess tax revenue from this years budget as well as funding from the Taxpayer Relief Fund. In future years, if state revenues fall below the states spending for a fiscal year, part of funding the disparity would come from the Taxpayer Relief Fund until July 1, 2029.

Democrats argued that this system is unsustainable, as the relief fund is one-time money, and can not be used indefinitely to make up for funding deficits  especially in the case of an economic recession.

While the state REC projected a 2.2% decrease from revenue in the 2023 fiscal year in their March meeting, Iowa Department of Management director Kraig Paulsen said the state remains in a very strong financial position.

The study modeled three scenarios using the REC estimates and other data documenting the impact of tax cuts on the states finances. In one scenario, Iowa has good economic conditions through 2034. In another, the state faces revenue decreases due to a mild recession followed by a recovery. In the third, the state faces a major economic downturn similar to the 2008 recession.

In all three models, state spending is predicted to be higher than state revenue in fiscal year 2026. In the scenarios showing regular economic growth and a mild recession, revenues return above appropriations in fiscal years 2027 and 2028 respectively, but in the case of a severe recession, the analysis predicts revenues will only exceed spending in 2030.

In the study, Murrey argues the state could respond to a severe recession by slowing the rate of growth in state spending, allowing the state to avoid budget cuts or withdrawals from the Taxpayer Relief Fund.

Democrats have argued that the income tax cuts could result in budget constraints on spending priorities of the state government, including schools and public safety. But in the studys conclusion, Murrey argues that even in a recession, state lawmakers could avoid budget cuts.

Lawmakers have taken a measured and incremental approach to the recent tax reforms that make them sustainable over the long term, Murrey wrote. Forecasting three scenarios, including a mild and severe recession, CSI found that over at least the next decade, Iowa can maintain existing tax reforms without the need for budget cuts. Indeed, the state of Iowa could maintain its historic average 3% annual increase in spending under all three scenarios and adopt additional tax reductions if done thoughtfully.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds praised the study for showing that Republicans conservative budgeting practices are paying off for everyone, even those who dont pay income tax.

Despite challenging national headwinds, Iowas economy is steady and strong, Reynolds said in a statement.  Our commonsense policies are creating jobs and putting more money in the pockets of hard-working Iowans just as intended.

The post Study finds 2024 income tax cuts will result in $1.85 billion in tax savings over 10 years appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
A study says college grads cant find jobs. Heres what they should do

Its graduation season. Thousands of hopeful college graduates will take to the streets  and their screens  with resumes in hand, eager to find their place in the working world.

Despite the hard work and financial sacrifices involved with obtaining a bachelors degree, a recent study by the Burning Glass Institute has demonstrated that job hunting after college graduation can feel like a seemingly impossible task.

Here is what college graduates should know before taking their next step.

Why is it so hard for college graduates to find jobs?

There arent enough college-level jobs out there for all of you, according to The New York Times. Some of you will snag them. Others will have to settle for jobs that dont require a college education.

They continued, And history shows that many of those who start out in a job that doesnt require a college education are still toiling in that kind of job a decade later.

The New York Times asked Goldman Sachs economics team why the job market is so tough for new entrants and college grads. Some potential reasons include:

Employers might be becoming more selective in their hiring process due to the labor market moving into better balance.

The COVID-19 pandemic  and its accompanying remote work, may have affected their training, networking, and human and social capital accumulation.

The worker shortages in the United States are mainly for low-skilled jobs, or jobs that dont require a college education.

People who werent working  but who had student loan debt  might be forced back into the workplace to pay off their loans. This adds competition to the job market.

According to the report by the Burning Glass Institute, underemployment is both sticky and a financial burden.

A recent graduate employed in a college-level job typically earns about 88 percent more than a highschool diploma holder, said the report, while an underemployed graduate typically earns only about 25 percent more than someone with no education beyond high school.

So while college graduates do earn more than those who have earned only a high school diploma, underemployed college graduates dont fare as well.

Per the report, This leaves underemployed graduates on weaker financial footing as they start their careers, especially those with substantial student loan debt.

How can college graduates adapt?

While the outlook seems grim, there are a few things  to do during and after college  that will make a difference in job placement post-graduation. Here are a few things to consider:

According to the report by the Burning Glass Institute, an internship can make a substantial difference in college-level employment. The odds of underemployment for graduates who had at least one internship are 48.5 percent lower than those who had no internships.

The first job a college graduate takes after graduating is critical, according to the report. The graduates who start out in a college-level job are far more likely to retain that job level years later.

College majors (or the field of study) and internships matter more than geography, gender, ethnicity and institution type, according to the study. Underemployment rates vary by college major.
The mayors of Collierville, Bartlett and Germantown made an appeal to Memphis City Councilmembers to pass the ordinance putting a measure on the ballot to add two voting members who reside outside the city limits on the Memphis Light, Gas, and Water board to a vote.

There was no action on the matter taken at the Tuesday meeting as the agenda item was only a discussion.

Two board members from the MLGW board were also present, arguing that because of the population influx in the suburbs, the customer base deserves to have voting members who represent their areas. Mayor of Germantown Mike Palazzolo said the voting power for the two suburban members is a "natural progression," after the addition of non-voting members was made in 2017.

MLGW President Doug McGowen said regardless of how many members are on the board, he will do his job the same.

Councilwoman Pearl Eva Walker asked, if the two suburban members were added, would the city be able to add additional city-residing members, increasing the city-residing members from five to seven.

City councilmember Pearl Eva Walker looks on during the city council committee meeting at city hall in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

According to legal counsel from MLGW, the addition of the city-residing members would have to be done through a charter amendment. Walker said her concern would be a board that has a majority that is non-Memphian.

MLGW has said at multiple meetings regarding the referendum that currently, 32% of ratepayers reside outside city limits.

Councilwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington said she does not support the referendum whatsoever, and she needs a compelling reason for the suburban members to have voting power.

Not all City Council members were outright against the addition of the voting members. Councilman Jeff Warren said this is "taxation without representation," which should be considered when discussing this.

Warren also said he hopes adding the suburban voting members could mean a move to get more city inclusion in county boards.

Warren made the argument that letting suburban members on the board could help get more influence in the Tennessee General Assembly.

Memphis City Councilman Jeff Warren speaks to the media after taking part in a summit with other state and local officials and community organizers to talk about reducing crime in Memphis at the Urban Child Institute in Crosstown Concourse on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

Warren did say the real fight would have to be how to get the referendum passed.

Palazzolo said the vote will be the will of the people, and that the people will do the research and make the right decision.

Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas said she wanted to know how the county is investing in MLGW, and asked if they were willing to put in colleterial or one-time payments to MLGW. She said utility fees, like MLGW customer bills, would "not be enough."

"What can we look to you all for in the form of dollar signs?" Easter-Thomas asked.

Councilmembers got a briefing from McGowen during last month's meeting regarding the referendum. Currently, there are two board members who represent the suburbs, but they do not have voting power.

MLGW president and CEO Doug McGowen speaks with the press during a news conference at Sheahan Water Pumping Station at 3941 Grandview Ave. in East Memphis on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.

Palazzolo said the process of appointing the voting-right members would still be with the Memphis mayor.

A referendum would have to go on the November ballot to add the voting members.

If the Council were to pass an ordinance referendum, it would still be up to Memphis voters to vote on adding the two members.

Brooke Muckerman covers Shelby County Government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at brooke.muckerman@commercialappeal.com and followed on X, formerly known as Twitter @BrookeMuckerman.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville mayors advocate for MLGW voting rights
Summers County veteran laid to rest with full honors

HINTON, WV (WVNS)  A beloved Summers County veteran was laid to rest on the morning of Monday, June 3, 2024 with the military honors for his service to our country.

Honoring those lost: The meaning of Memorial Day

Curt Messer had a huge impact on the Hinton community according to residents. Senator Jack David Woodrum grew up knowing Curt and shared some of his memories of him.

Well, Curts been a fixture in this community my entire life, said Senator Woodrum. Hes a gentleman that cared about the kids, he was always doing things for kids, having activities when we were growing up.

Messer was also an avid photographer and could often be found at Bluestone Lake with his camera out, capturing cranes and bald eagles.

His photos are on display at Kirks of Hinton, a restaurant which Messers son, Bruce Messer, now owns. Messer could also be found at the restaurant in the first booth by the patio doors greeting everyone he knew.

Senator Woodrum said Messer was also extremely proud of his military service.

Hes a man that did more for veterans than any man Ive ever known. He never passed a veteran that had a ballcap on, something that identified them as a veteran, said Senator Woodrum. He always stopped to talk to them and thank them for their service.

Hospice of Southern WV hosting Camp Hope in June

Messers great nephew, Staff Sergeant Michael Wills, played TAPS in honor of his great uncle. An honor guard from Charleston presented the flag to Messers son at the end of the service.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
(Bloomberg) -- Rishi Sunak and opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer clashed over taxes in the first TV debate of the UK election campaign, with the prime minister under intense pressure to build some momentum after a slew of polls showed his Conservative Party facing a wipe out in the vote on July 4.

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Sunak accused Starmer of planning to raise taxes, a traditional Tory attack line, repeatedly saying that a Labour government would cost households an average 2,000. Starmer called that garbage based on made-up policies, and pointed out that the tax burden on Britons has soared under Sunak.

Hes the British expert on tax rises, Starmer said in a heated exchange at the ITV debate in Manchester on Tuesday. Labour will raise your taxes, its in their DNA, Sunak retorted. Your work, your car, your pension, the premier said.

It was the dominant theme of the first major set-piece of the campaign. Sunak tried to sow doubt about what a Starmer government would mean, while the Labour Party leader reminded voters of the various crises that have dogged the Tories in 14 years in office. A YouGov poll suggested neither had a real edge in the exchanges, with 51% saying Sunak had won compared with 49% for Starmer.

But for the prime minister, the missed opportunity to land a more significant blow on his opponent was arguably more significant  with the Tories trailing Labour by 20-plus points in most polls, he needed a boost that didnt come.

Sunak was at his strongest when doggedly repeating the line that Labour would hike taxes  Tory spinners later said Starmer declined 12 times to refute it  while also leaning heavily on his core campaign message that Starmer lacks clear plans on key issues such as immigration and security.

With Keir Starmer  apart from higher taxes  you dont know what youd get, and neither does he, Sunak said.

The problem for Sunak is that attack lines on tax that worked for the Tories in past eras carry less weight given the UKs recent economic turmoil. A recent survey by polling firm More in Common found that Britons see about the same risk of a Labour government raising taxes as a Conservative one.

Starmer had his best moments when criticizing the Conservatives 14-year record in government and pitching himself as the option for change. He won some laughs from the audience when he pointed out that National Health Service waiting lists are longer than at the point Sunak said hed cut them  and as the prime minister tried to argue they had actually come down.

Sunak, meanwhile, drew groans when he described as transformational his partys plan to re-introduce mandatory national service if it is re-elected.

The arsonists handed back the matches, Starmer said of the prospect of the Tories getting more time in office. Imagine how you would feel waking up on July 5 to five more years of the Conservatives.

Starmer also appeared more in tune with the audience during the early questions on the UKs ailing public services and the cost-of-living crisis. Both were asked if they would use private health care if they had a loved-one on a waiting list for surgery. Sunak said he would.

No, Starmer replied. I dont use private health. I use the NHS. Thats where my wife works, in one of the big hospitals; as I said it runs through my DNA.

Although YouGovs snap poll gave Sunak a slight edge overall, Starmer came across as more likable, trustworthy and in touch with ordinary people. The Labour leader also won on issues such as the NHS and the cost of living by wider margins than Sunak did on tax and immigration, the pollster found.

Sunak and Starmer were also asked whether they would work with Donald Trump should he win the US presidency. Both said they would, with Sunak saying the UK-US relationship is vital for security and Starmer saying the relationship is special and transcends the particular leaders in office.

Sunak came into the debate in crisis mode, after the latest YouGov deep-dive into the British electorate showed Labour on course for a landslide victory and the sudden announcement by Nigel Farage  the anti-immigration populist who was a major player in Britains decision to leave the European Union  that he was standing for his Reform UK party in the election.

Farages entry undermines Sunaks early campaign strategy, to retain or win back pro-Brexit voters who are leaning toward Reform UK and in doing so, to hold onto the seats in traditional Labour areas that swung to Boris Johnsons Tories in 2019. Farage stood aside in hundreds of districts that time, aiding the Conservative landslide. This time, he said he wants to punish the Tories for their record in office and what Farage calls their betrayal of Brexit.

The big fear among Conservative MPs even in so-called safe seats is that a resurgent Reform UK would split the right-wing vote, paving the way for Labour to make inroads in Tory heartlands. YouGov modeling put Labour on 422 seats and the Tories on just 140, which would be their worst defeat since 1906.

Sunak tacitly addressed the Reform threat in his closing statement on Tuesday night, saying that a vote for anyone other than the Tories would make it more likely that Labour would win.

People familiar with the matter have said Sunak may try to find a game-changer, such as taking tougher stance on the European Convention on Human Rights or cutting inheritance tax could be options.

Asked if he would pull out of the ECHR, Sunak ducked the question but said his governments plans  including the policy to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda  comply with the UKs international obligations.

Starmers answer was consistent with Labours appeal to more centrist voters, including on its approach to managing the economy and commitment to national security. If Im prime minister, we will not pull out of international agreements, he said. I want the UK to be a respected player on the global stage, not a pariah who doesnt agree with international law.

Tuesdays was the first of a series of televised clashes between now and polling day: Starmer and Sunak are also due to go head-to-head on June 26, and a seven-way debate involving senior party figures is on Friday.

Televised debates are a recent tradition in British politics. The first was in 2010, when Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown agreed to three with then Conservative leader David Cameron and the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg. Amid tight polling, a wave of Cleggmania saw the Liberal Democrats enter government in coalition with the Tories. But the more recent consensus is that they have only a limited impact on the final result.

--With assistance from Asad Zulfiqar.

(Updates with comments from seventh paragraph.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk participates in a rally organized by the Civic Coalition party to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Poland's 1989 election. Maciek Jazwiecki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

A few days before the European elections, supporters of Prime Minister Donald Tusk held a rally in Poland to commemorate the first partially free elections in 1989.

They gathered in Warsaw's Castle Square on Tuesday with Polish flags and banners reading "We are citizens of the EU."

"You are here because Poland has not yet grown tired of freedom," Tusk said.

June 4 is an important date in Poland: the first partially free elections were held on this day in 1989 - a triumph of the democracy movement and the Solidarity, or Solidarnosc, trade union, which also heralded the end of Communist rule.

"The history of 1989 was the expulsion of the Soviet system from our country. Today we are here to ensure that this system does not return," said Tusk, referring to the Russian war against neighbouring Ukraine.

The rally was intended to mobilize supporters of Tusk's liberal-conservative Citizens' Coalition ahead of the European elections on June 9.

However, it is also a reminder of a very successful protest on the same day last year. Back then, more than 100,000 people demonstrated against the policies of the then nationalist conservative Law and Justice party (PiS) government.

The large demonstration gave the camp led by Tusk new momentum. As a result, the PiS was voted out of office in the parliamentary elections in October 2023. Poland is now governed by a centre-left coalition under Tusk's leadership.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk participates in a rally organized by the Civic Coalition party to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Poland's 1989 election. Maciek Jazwiecki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Smoke and flames rise from a residential building hit by an Israeli airstrike in Bureij refugee camp. Omar Naaman/dpa

The majority of Germany's population is against Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip, according to a Forsa survey published in the magazine Stern on Monday.

The survey found that 61% of the population opposes Israel's military action in the sealed-off Palestinian territory.

Public support in Germany for Israel's military operations has dropped significantly, the survey shows.

In November, shortly after the October 7 attacks, 62% favoured the Israeli military actions in Gaza, compared to 33% in the most recent survey, indicating a recent shift in public opinion almost eight months into the conflict.

The Gaza war was triggered by an unprecedented massacre carried out by Palestinian extremist group Hamas and other militants in Israel on October 7. More than 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage in Gaza.

Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a ground offensive, in which more than 36,400 people have been killed so far, according to the Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza.

The survey, conducted from May 30 to 31 by phone, involved 1,003 people. The margin of error is a maximum of plus or minus 3%.

People watch as a residential building is hit by an Israeli airstrike in Bureij refugee camp. Omar Naaman/dpa

View of destroyed buildings after the Israeli army withdrew from the Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
Suspects sought in shooting of 2 girls, ages 9 and 11, caught in the crossfire on a New York City playground

Suspects sought in shooting of 2 girls, ages 9 and 11, caught in the crossfire on a New York City playground

A search continued on Tuesday for a pair of gunmen who opened fire on a man in a New York City playground, hitting two children in the line of fire, police said.

The shooting in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn erupted Monday night as the girls were playing on a field at the Hilltop Playground, according to New York City Police Department investigators.

PHOTO: New York City police officers investigate a shooting on June 3, 2024, that left two girls, ages 9 and 11, wounded at a Hilltop Playground in Brownsville, Brooklyn. (WABC)

The injured girls were identified by relatives as 9-year-old Ruanna Brown and her 11-year-old cousin, Empress Alexander Davis.

Empress' mother was sitting on a nearby park bench watching the girls play on the artificial grass of the playground's main field when the shooting occurred, relatives said.

"My heart fell out of my chest to hear my daughter was shot. First thing I thought was Lord take my life and not hers," Ruanna's mother, Melissa Alexander, told ABC New York City station WABC. "I'm lost for words. I'm devastated. I'm hurt. I cried all night, all morning. I just want my baby to be safe."

PHOTO: New York City police officers investigate a shooting on June 3, 2024, that left two girls, ages 9 and 11, wounded at a Hilltop Playground in Brownsville, Brooklyn. (WABC)

Alexander said her daughter was shot in her right knee while Empress, who remained hospitalized Tuesday, was hit in the back.

Ruanna told WABC Tuesday that she is "feeling OK."

"I was a little nervous so I didn't talk too much but the doctors were trying to make me talk a lot so I wouldn't fall asleep," said Ruanna, who was released from the hospital and is recovering at home. "So, I didn't really have a lot to say, but they were asking me questions about my summer."

Alexander said her daughter woke up all night because she was afraid she was alone.

In an interview from her hospital bed, Empress recalled details of the shooting.

"I could feel my shoulder, and then my cousin was screaming about a leg or a knee," Empress told WABC.

The shooting erupted around 9:05 p.m. as the girls were playing, Assistant Chief Scott Henderson, commanding officer of the Brooklyn North patrol division, said at a news conference at the playground where the girls were shot.

"Unfortunately, we're here on a nice spring evening to talk about yet another senseless act of gun violence directed toward our most vulnerable youth," Henderson said.

Henderson said the preliminary investigation indicates that two gunmen fired at least six rounds at an individual. While the gunshots missed the targeted individual, the children were hit by errant bullets. Henderson said there is no evidence that the gunfire was meant for the children.

"At this time, it is unknown who the intended target was," Henderson said.

NYPD Deputy Chief John Mastronardi, commanding officer of the Detective Borough Brooklyn North, said security video reviewed by detectives captured two gunmen entering the playground and both opening fire on the yet-to-be-identified individual, but ended up hitting the girls instead.

No arrests have been announced as of Tuesday afternoon and detectives asked for the public's help in identifying the gunmen.

Henderson said family members drove both girls to Brookdale Hospital.

MORE: 2 New York City police officers hurt in shootout with moped-riding robbery suspect: Officials

A motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

"At this time, we're exploring multiple avenues of possible motives for this type of incident, but we're not going to rule out gang-related incidents that are problematic to this particular area of Brooklyn," Mastronnardi said.

He pointed out several pairs of shoes scattered on the playground, including those worn by the young victims.

MORE: 2 handguns, 35 shell casings recovered in fatal overnight shooting in Akron, Ohio: Police

Henderson said investigators recovered shell casings at the scene from two different caliber guns.

"Our detectives will be working diligently to apprehend the individuals responsible for this horrendous act of violence," Henderson said.

PHOTO: Several pairs of Crocs were left behind on a field at the Hilltop Playground in Brownsville, Brooklyn, including those worn by two children, ages 9 and 11, who were shot there on June 3, 2024. (WABC)

Alexander had a message for the assailants who injured the children: "Get a life."

"There's so much more constructive things to do. You're putting children's lives at stake. Innocent children," Alexander said.

Parents and grandparents who frequent the park said the shooting left them worried for their children.

"I'm angry. I'm upset. I'm hurt because it's local children that are in this park all the time. I was in the park with my grandson, who is a year old," one resident told WABC, adding she knows one of the girls who was shot and saw her at the playground over the weekend.

The young victims are among 324 children 11 years old or younger who have been shot in incidents across the nation in the first five months of the year, including 94 who were killed, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a website that tracks all U.S. shootings.

Suspects sought in shooting of 2 girls, ages 9 and 11, caught in the crossfire on a New York City playground originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Africa Travellers Announces Milestone: Connecting Over 200 African Americans to Their Heritage Annually with Flexible Payment Plans

EUCLID, OH / ACCESSWIRE / June 4, 2024 / Africa Travellers, a proudly African-owned travel company and a subsidiary of Amandani Tours Africa, is excited to announce a significant milestone in its mission to connect African Americans with their ancestral roots. Over the past three years, the company has consistently facilitated journeys for over 200 people each year, offering them an authentic experience of the African continent, its diverse cultures, and rich heritage.

Founded by the Boadu family, Africa Travellers is dedicated to showing Africa in its purest form by connecting travelers to their tribes and local culture. The company's mission is to enable African Americans to rediscover their roots through immersive cultural experiences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their heritage.

"Our mission is to bridge the gap between African Americans and their ancestral roots," said Daniel Boadu, founder of Africa Travellers. "We believe that every traveler should experience the authentic spirit of Africa, rather than merely being a tourist. This milestone of guiding over 200 people each year is a testament to our commitment to this cause."

One of the main strategies that have enabled many to afford these transformative trips is the flexible payment plans offered by Africa Travellers. The company provides payment plans of up to two years, and sometimes even three years, ensuring that the financial aspect does not hinder anyone from experiencing these life-changing journeys.

Participants can choose from a variety of expertly curated tours, including a 10-day, 9-night excursion through Ghana, where they can delve into the country's deep-rooted history and vibrant culture. The journey traverses Ghana's prominent regions, highlighting its cultural richness, historical landmarks, and traditional practices. Similarly, the 12-day, 11-night tour of Senegal and Gambia offers an enriching exploration of the storied past and vibrant culture of these neighboring nations.

Africa Travellers takes pride in its team of highly trained and knowledgeable personnel who bring both technical expertise and a strong conservation and social perspective to every tour. The goal is not only to offer the best African tours but also to ensure that clients leave with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the continent. The company's commitment to education and reliability ensures that clients consistently return home with exceeded expectations and a wealth of new knowledge.

Story continues

For the past five years, Africa Travellers has maintained an excellent reputation by providing top-notch travel services and building strong relationships with its clients. This commitment to customer satisfaction has resulted in unforgettable travel experiences, making Africa Travellers a trusted name in the industry.

"We are dedicated to making every journey a truly unforgettable and meaningful experience," said Daniel Boadu. "Our clients often find that their experience was far more educational and enriching than they anticipated."

For more information about Africa Travellers and to explore upcoming tours, please visit www.africatravellers.com .

Contact:

Rachel Harris

Pulse Media

info@pulsemediapr.com

SOURCE: Africa Travellers





View the original press release on accesswire.com




ShoreRivers has brought back its annual Swimmable ShoreRivers bacteria testing program for this year's summer season to test the safety of swimming hotspots.

As part of the program, the organization deploys a team of community scientists to monitor bacteria levels at popular swimming and boating sites to assess human health risks. Their samples are then processed, according to standard scientific protocols, in ShoreRivers in-house labs.

It's our goal to make sure those individuals have available to them the information they need to know  namely, whether the water is safe for them to recreate in from a bacteria pollution standpoint," said Matt Pluta, director of Riverkeeper. "Swimmable ShoreRivers strives to enhance physical access to our local rivers, as well as access to data and information to help our community make informed decisions about how, when and where we choose to enjoy our incredible natural resources.

More on hurricane preparation $40.9 billion in hurricane damage? Company warns Salisbury residents to brace for worst

When, where to look for latest information on swimming spots

Every summer, ShoreRivers deploys a team of community scientists to monitor bacteria levels at popular swimming and boating sites to provide important human health risk information to the public.

The program follows the Environmental Protection Agencys standard protocols for collecting and analyzing samples and makes public the results of that testing in Maryland waterways. Results are posted every Friday, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, at shorerivers.org/swim and on the organizations social media pages.

A second page, shorerivers.org/swimmable-shorerivers-espanol, was set up last year to share this program with the Spanish-speaking community, and 14 signs can be found at public sites around the Eastern Shore that explain the goals of the Swimmable ShoreRivers program and show users where to find weekly results in both English and Spanish.

Weekly results are also shared on theswimguide.org, where descriptions of testing sites are available in both languages. In Total, 67 swim testers will monitor 50 sites on the Choptank, Miles, Wye, Chester and Sassafras rivers; Eastern Bay; and the Bayside Creeks.

Shorerivers group cites lag on Eastern Shore

In Maryland, if the state or local government designates an area as a swimming beach, then bacteria monitoring and reporting is required. The organization contends a major gap exists on the Eastern Shore as very few areas are designated swimming beaches, and the results from those that are, are rarely posted publicly or in a timely manner. Multiple spots along the beach in Ocean City are included in the weekly report.

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Funding for the program comes from the Cornell Douglas Foundation, and ShoreRivers Riverkeepers plan on working with local county officials to install more signage.

We work with our local community every day, and we know they're interacting with our rivers in dozens of locations from Dorchester to Cecil County, Pluta said.

Also returning for the 2024 season is ShoreRivers Pumpout Boat, which is a free service offered on the Miles and Wye rivers, that docks at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels and operates from May to mid-Nov. When in operation, the boat will prevent more than 20,000 gallons of concentrated marine waste from entering waterways annually.

Scheduling a pump-out begins with contacting Capt. Jim Freeman at 410-829-4352, on VHF Channel 9, email POBCaptJim@gmail.com, or by using the form at shorerivers.org/programs/pumpout-boat.

More on ECI investigations Death of Eastern Correctional Institution inmate being investigated as homicide

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Swimming hotspots are constantly tested for high bacteria levels
Former President Donald Trump appears at Manhattan criminal court early in his criminal hush money trial in New York, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Senatorial candidates in races across the country have responded to his conviction. | Yuki Iwamura

In the wake of the guilty verdict in former President Donald Trumps hush money trial, politicians in close Senate races across the country are reacting in notably different ways.

Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, a Montana Republican, released a TV ad criticizing the conviction.

The ad included pointed criticism of his opponent, incumbent Democratic Sen. John Tester. The Montana race is seen as one of the of the closest in the country, and could end up tipping the balance of power in the upper chamber.

After the verdict was announced, Sheehy said in a post on X, RIGGED! New York v. Donald Trump is state-sponsored political persecution led by the Party of Joe Biden and Jon Tester. WE THE PEOPLE stand with PRESIDENT TRUMP!

This message was accompanied by a graphic encouraging people to Rush in support now for Trump.

Sheehy is the leading Republican Senate candidate in Montana, where voters have supported Trump in past elections. Trump endorsed Sheehys campaign back in February.

Testers Senate office released a statement on the verdict: Sen. Tester 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, per KTVQ.

How have Arizona Senate candidates responded to Trumps conviction?

Kari Lake

Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake voiced her support for the former president.

Lake, a Republican and staunch Trump supporter, posted her full statement on X. It begins, We just witnessed the most egregious example of election interference and an outright mockery of the rule of law in the 246-year history of our Republic. This entire process right down to the verdict itself has been nothing but a shameful political stunt.

In a post to X on Sunday featuring a clip of her appearance on Fox News, Lake doubled down and called the trial bogus and a distraction from the real problems REAL Americans are facing because Democrats dont have a record to run on.

In an appearance on NewsMax last week, Lake said, Were living on planet crazy right now, and urged people to donate to Trumps campaign, per NBC News.

Like Sheehy, Lake has secured Trumps endorsement.

Rep. Ruben Gallego

Lake is running against Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego for the open Arizona U.S. Senate seat currently held by independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Before Sinemas March announcement that she would not seek reelection, Arizona was looking at a three-way race.

Gallego has historically opposed Trumps policies and has voted for President Joe Bidens legislative agenda. Like Tester, Gallego was muted in his response to Trumps conviction. He posted on X, I respect our justice system and the rule of law. The process played out, and we should always demand accountability from our elected leaders.

According to 538, a May 21 poll by Florida Atlantic University PolCom Lab/Mainstreet Research has Gallego leading the race by nearly 10 percentage points.

How have Nevada Senate candidates responded to Trumps conviction?

Sen. Jacky Rosen

Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, the incumbent, has a record of opposing Trumps policies.

Rosen was quiet on social media regarding the conviction, but said in a statement, per Fox News, 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.

Sam Brown

The leading Republican candidate in Nevadas Senate race is Sam Brown, a businessman and Afghanistan War veteran.

In a statement about the verdict, Brown said, First, they tried to keep Donald Trump off the ballot. Now, they are trying to keep him off the campaign trail, per the Nevada Current.

This has been a sham political trial from the beginning, all because D.C. Democrats are afraid of losing and answering for their failures this November, he continued.

Unlike Lake and Sheehy, though, Brown has not received an endorsement from Trump. A May 25 poll by the Tyson Group, according to 538, have Brown trailing Rosen by 14 percentage points in a head-to-head race.

Jeff Gunter

Jeff Gunter was Trumps appointee to serve as United States ambassador to Iceland from 2019 to 2021. The dermatologist also hopes to win the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate race, though he trails far behind Brown.

Gunter also hasnt received Trumps endorsement, despite having been the former presidents pick for an ambassador role. He echoed Browns sentiments about the trial and conviction.

The baseless and corruption (sic) conviction of President Trump marks a dark day for America, Gunter said in a statement per the Nevada Current.
Syria says no dialogue with Turkey before Ankara announces plans to withdraw its troops

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, right, arrives with Iranian interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani, center, for their press conference in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Mekdad said Tuesday that any dialogue between Syria and Turkey should be preceded by Ankara's announcement that it will withdraw its troops from all Syrian territories that it controls. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP)  Syrias foreign minister said Tuesday that any dialogue between Syria and Turkey should only take place after Ankara announces that it will withdraw its troops from all Syrian territories it controls.

Faisal Mekdad made the comments during a joint news conference with Irans acting foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, after Turkey threatened in recent days to act against Kurdish-led authorities in Syrias northeast as they prepare to hold municipal elections next week.

Turkey has launched three major cross-border operations into Syria since 2016 and controls some territories in the north. Ankara was a main backer of Syrian opposition fighters who have been trying to remove Syrian President Bashar Assad from power since the conflict began in March 2011.

Attempts at reconciliation between Syria and Turkey have failed to achieve progress since early 2023 despite meetings in Moscow between the countries' foreign ministers and defense ministers.

The main condition to any Syrian-Turkish dialogue is for Ankara to announce its readiness to withdraw from our lands that it occupies, Mekdad said. We do not negotiate with those who occupy our land.

Bagheri Kani said Tehran has always supported territorial integrity of all regional countries, particularly Syria. We have supported and will continue to support Syria in its battle against terrorism, he said, in reference to Syrian insurgent groups that Damascus and Tehran consider terrorist organizations.

Iran and Russia, main backers of Assad who took part in Syrias conflict that has killed half a million people, have tried to mediate between Turkey and Syria in the past. Over the years, Syrian government forces have taken control of most parts of Syria with their help.

On Turkeys support to Syrian insurgent groups in the north, Mekdad said: It is not permissible for the Turkish occupation of Syrian lands to continue to support terrorist organizations in northern Syria.

Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara wont hesitate to act against Kurdish-led groups in northern Syria that it accuses of links to outlawed Kurdish militants, if they proceed with plans to hold local elections in the region on June 11.

Pro-government Syrian media outlets said Bagheri Kani met earlier Tuesday at the Iranian embassy in Damascus with leaders of Syria-based Palestinian factions. They gave no further details.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah announced that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, met with Bagheri Kani and discussed the volatile situation in Gaza and along the Lebanon-Israel border. Bagheri Kani was in Lebanon before heading to Syria.

Bagheri Kani told reporters that he was in Syria to discuss an immediate end to the Zionists crimes in (the southern city of) Rafah and delivering urgent, immediate and unconditional aid to the oppressed residents of Gaza.
More than 1000 people gather in Taiwan's capital Taipei to commemorate the victims of China's violent suppression of the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protest in 1989, urging the Beijing regime to stop trampling on human rights. Yu-Tzu Chiu/dpa

More than 1,000 people gathered on Tuesday in Taiwans capital Taipei to commemorate the victims of China's violent suppression of the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protest in 1989, urging the Beijing regime to stop trampling on human rights.

The 35th anniversary candlelight vigil for the June 4, 1989, tragedy on Tuesday was held in central Taipei with the theme "Ideals are bulletproof."

Participants included ordinary Taiwanese residents, rights activists supporting Tibet and China's oppressed Uighur Muslim minority, exiled Chinese pro-democracy dissidents and Hong Kongers who have fled to Taiwan in recent years after Beijing tightened its control on the former British colony.

68-year-old Wu Renhua, who witnessed the 1989 bloodbath on Beijing's central Tiananmen Square and now lives in Taipei, told the crowd how he and students were forcibly driven out by tanks on that horrible day.

"When I returned to the campus and saw the bodies that had been run over by tanks ... I swore that I'll never forget it," Wu told the crowd.

From mid-April 1989, tens of thousands of student-led demonstrators had demanded democracy and government reforms on Tiananmen Square. The protest ended in a bloodbath, a subject that remains taboo in China, even decades on.

At the vigil in Taipei, participants held small electric candles and observed 64 seconds of silence at 8:09 pm (1209 GMT).

A woman and her children light candles during a vigil. More than 1,000 people gathered in Taiwan's capital Taipei on Tuesday to commemorate the victims of the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989 and to call on the regime in Beijing to stop trampling on human rights. Yu-Tzu Chiu/dpa

A man on a bicycle takes part in a demonstration. More than 1,000 people gathered in Taiwan's capital Taipei on Tuesday to commemorate the victims of the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989 and to call on the regime in Beijing to stop trampling on human rights. Yu-Tzu Chiu/dpa
A woman and her children light candles during a vigil. More than 1,000 people gathered in Taiwan's capital Taipei on Tuesday to commemorate the victims of the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989 and to call on the regime in Beijing to stop trampling on human rights. Yu-Tzu Chiu/dpa

More than 1,000 people gathered on Tuesday in Taiwans capital Taipei to commemorate the victims of China's violent suppression of the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protest in 1989, urging the Beijing regime to stop trampling on human rights.

The 35th anniversary candlelight vigil for the June 4, 1989, tragedy on Tuesday was held in central Taipei with the theme "Ideals are bulletproof."

Participants included ordinary Taiwanese residents, rights activists supporting Tibet and China's oppressed Uighur Muslim minority, exiled Chinese pro-democracy dissidents and Hong Kongers who have fled to Taiwan in recent years after Beijing tightened its control on the former British colony.

68-year-old Wu Renhua, who witnessed the 1989 bloodbath on Beijing's central Tiananmen Square and now lives in Taipei, told the crowd how he and students were forcibly driven out by tanks on that horrible day.

"When I returned to the campus and saw the bodies that had been run over by tanks ... I swore that I'll never forget it," Wu told the crowd.

From mid-April 1989, tens of thousands of student-led demonstrators had demanded democracy and government reforms on Tiananmen Square. The protest ended in a bloodbath, a subject that remains taboo in China, even decades on.

At the vigil in Taipei, participants held small electric candles and observed 64 seconds of silence at 8:09 pm (1209 GMT).

A 13-year-old student living in Taipei told dpa that he was very curious about the events when he saw the now historic photos of the Tank Man, the solitary figure standing in the path of the approaching tanks during the pro-democracy protests in 1989.

"It's absurd that I could not find any information about it if I go to websites set up in China. It shows that the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] has refused to face history," YM Liu told dpa.

"Back then, the CCP bureaucracy was moving towards the restoration of capitalism, so it cruelly suppressed workers and youth," Sam Hung, a 30-year-old Taiwanese man from the International Socialist Alternative, told dpa.

Earlier on Tuesday, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, posted on the social media platform X in English: "On the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Incident, we commemorate the students and citizens who bravely marched for change.

"As Taiwan deepens our commitment towards human rights, we firmly stand by the belief that the people only truly flourish with freedom and democracy."

On Facebook, Lai said in a post written in Chinese that a truly respectable country is one that allows its citizens to express their opinions.

Tseng Chien-yuan of the New School for Democracy, which co-organized the vigil, told dpa that it was a pity that Taiwan's leader only commented on the tragedy on personal social media platforms.

"Taiwan should continue to strengthen its democracy ... [it] will play a key role in sharing Taiwan's experience of promoting human rights and democracy to Chinese people inside China, enabling them to oppose the CCP's dictatorship," Tseng told dpa.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), the top body responsible for China affairs, called on the Beijing authorities late Monday to have the courage to face the historical facts of the June 4 incident and adopt a softer and more open attitude to accommodate different opinions.

Meanwhile, an art exhibition themed on the pursuit of human rights and democracy in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan was being held in Taipei to commemorate the violent crackdown in 1989. It is scheduled to run until June 13.

A man on a bicycle takes part in a demonstration. More than 1,000 people gathered in Taiwan's capital Taipei on Tuesday to commemorate the victims of the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989 and to call on the regime in Beijing to stop trampling on human rights. Yu-Tzu Chiu/dpa

More than 1000 people gather in Taiwan's capital Taipei to commemorate the victims of China's violent suppression of the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protest in 1989, urging the Beijing regime to stop trampling on human rights. Yu-Tzu Chiu/dpa
Attorney General Merrick Garland appeared defiant Tuesday as he spent hours fielding questions from lawmakers on a range of topics, occasionally sparring with Republican House members seeking to use his testimony to attack the Justice Department.

Over the course of a roughly five-hour-long hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, Garland defended the departments work and role in several high-profile criminal cases, including those brought against former President Donald Trump and Hunter Biden.

Garlands testimony comes as Republican lawmakers have argued that the Justice Department is being weaponized against conservatives and just a few weeks after the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee and Oversight Committee voted to advance contempt proceedings against the attorney general for his refusal to turn over audio recordings of President Joe Bidens interview with special counsel Robert Hur.

I view contempt as a serious matter, Garland said at one point on Tuesday. But I will not jeopardize the ability of our prosecutors and agents to do their jobs effectively in future investigations.

Here are five takeaways from Tuesdays hearing:

I will not be intimidated

Garland devoted a considerable part of his opening remarks to making clear that he was unmoved by the unprecedented attacks lobbed on his department in recent months.

These repeated attacks on the Justice Department are unprecedented, and they are unfounded, he told lawmakers. I will not be intimidated, and the Justice Department will not be intimidated. We will continue to do our jobs, free from political influence, and we will not back down from defending democracy.

Nothing will deter me from fulfilling my obligation to uphold the rule of law, he said. Fulfilling that obligation includes ensuring that the Justice Department respects Congress important role in our democracy.

Garland said that while the department will not provide the audio recordings sought by the GOP lawmakers, it has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that the committee gets responses to its legitimate requests for information, including providing transcripts of the interview with Biden.

The DOJ has argued that the specific privacy concerns related to an audio recording of an interview are distinct from those of a written transcript, and how the release of such an audio file could dissuade cooperation from future witnesses in criminal investigations.

CNN has sued for access to recordings of federal investigators interview with Biden in the now-closed probe over his handling of classified documents.

Hush money case looms large

Trumps conviction last week in the New York hush money case loomed large during Tuesdays hearing. Lawmakers repeatedly brought it up, and Garland emphasized that DOJ is completely independent from the Manhattan District Attorneys office.

House Republicans have continued to claim without evidence that Biden has used his DOJ to target Trump, including through the New York case.

The Manhattan District Attorney has jurisdiction over cases involving New York state law, completely independent of the Justice Department, which has jurisdiction over cases involving federal law, Garland said.

We do not control the Manhattan District Attorney, he continued. The Manhattan District Attorney does not report to us. The Manhattan District Attorney makes its own decisions about cases that he wants to bring under his state law.

A New York jury convicted Trump last week on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment scheme he helped facilitate ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Defending Jack Smiths appointment

During one particularly tense exchange on Tuesday, Committee Chairman Jim Jordan pressed Garland on his choice of Jack Smith to serve as special counsel in the Justice Departments probes into Trump. Those probes eventually led Smith to bring two criminal cases against the former president in Washington, DC, and Florida.

I appointed somebody who is not a political appointee. Somebody who was independent, nonpartisan with a record of career experience as a prosecutor. That seemed to me the perfect resume, Garland said during the testy back and forth Jordan.

Did he ask for the job? the Ohio Republican asked at one point. This is not a job  I dont think anybody asks for, Garland replied with a laugh.

Later, Jordan asked Garland if he regretted picking Smith.

No, I do not regret picking him, Garland shot back.

The Hunter Biden split screen

As the hearing unfolded on Capitol Hill, jurors in Hunter Bidens gun trial in Delaware heard opening statements in the case. Appearing to seize on the split screen moment, some lawmakers used their time to bring up the presidents son and his legal woes.

When GOP Rep. Ben Cline asked Garland if he spoke with the presidents son when they were both in attendance at a state dinner at the White House in May, Garland said, I have never spoken to Hunter Biden in my life as far as I know.

Garland also denied various accusations that Cline brought forward about DOJs handling of the case into the presidents son and maintained that he cannot discuss ongoing legal cases.

When asked if he attempted to obstruct the criminal investigation into Hunter Biden, Garland said, absolutely not.

Democratic push back

For their part, Democrats spent much of their time heaping praise on the Justice Department and defending its actions amid attacks on the DOJ from their Republican colleagues.

As House Republicans repeatedly accused DOJ of improperly targeting allies of Trump, Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu listed off people around Trump who were prosecuted under the previous Republican administration.

Those individuals included Trumps former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, former deputy campaign chairman Rick Gates, former campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos, former lawyer Michael Cohen, former advisor Roger Stone, fundraiser Elliott Broidy  all of whom were prosecuted under attorneys general nominated by Trump himself.

It is not the fault of the Department of Justice that Donald Trump has surrounded himself with criminals, Lieu said. Trump brought that upon himself.

Lieu also noted that President Bidens son Hunter is being prosecuted in federal court right now by Garlands Justice Department.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The call last Friday broke through Joey Rosatis iPhone spam filter while he was shopping at Costco with a 727 area code, a legitimate deputys name and badge number.

Sir, just wanted to let you know, this is a courtesy phone call from the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Department. I am a deputy here down at the office,' Rosati recalled the caller saying. And he reads off his address.

Rosati expected his parents or grandparents to be the one falling for a scheme  not him. He said a fake sheriffs deputy told him he missed jury duty and needed to come to the sheriffs office as soon as possible.

In the back of my mind Im thinking, Rosati said. Why would a scammer tell me to go to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office?'

The Tampa resident started asking questions  and his heart started racing.

They said I had two charges, Rosati remembered. Failure to appear and a contempt of court. So I asked for the judges name. Typed it in, local judge. Dang.

It wasnt until Rosati said he was five minutes away from the sheriffs office when the phony deputy transferred him to another man.

They said, Well, actually, you have to go to a different location to pay two fines for what youve done,' Rosati said. And thats when they lost me.

It was suddenly clear  he was the victim of a scheme.

Theres been a recent uptick in reports of this scheme, said Attorney General Ashley Moody. Ive heard personally from many Floridians whove received calls from imposters, posing as court officials, claiming they missed jury duty.

This was a scheme Moody warned Floridians about.

Payment will never be demanded over the phone, Moody said. A fine will never be imposed until after an individual has appeared in court to explain a failure to appear.

8 On Your Side tried calling the same number Rosati had, but it went straight to voicemail. However, as we were working on this story, we got a call from an Orlando number that had also called Rosati. The man on the other end of the phone claimed to be a sergeant. After explaining who we were and our reporting, the man quickly hung up.

Though Rosati didnt end up losing any money nor filing a police report, he fired off a series of now-viral posts on X, trying to get the word out.

I think thats the whole reason why it went viral, Rosati said. Everyones expecting your grandmother, maybe your mother to fall for this. Not you.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Murphy Pizza (not pictured) has a PhD but lives paycheck to paycheck and has nearly $250,000 of student loan debt. Boy_Anupong / Getty Images

Murphy Pizza, burdened by $250,000 in student loans, left academia due to low and inconsistent pay.

Pizza is an ALICE  asset-limited, income-constrained, and employed.

She now pays $40 monthly under Biden's repayment plan but still faces financial hardship.

Murphy Pizza has accepted that she may never pay off her student loans. But she's anxious about her other expenses, like credit card bills and rent.

The 51-year-old has about $250,000 in student loan debt. She completed her doctorate degree in 2009 and worked for over a decade as an adjunct professor at various colleges in the Twin Cities, where she lives. The cost of her education is something she has "learned to live with," she said.

"That's the least of my worries, the student loan debt," she said. "It's the other stuff from day to day that I have to negotiate: credit card debt, medical expenses, or just rent bills."

She is what economists call an ALICE  asset-limited, income-constrained, and employed. Like 29% of US households, Pizza lives paycheck to paycheck, but her income is too high for most government assistance, per Census Bureau data and cost-of-living estimates analyzed by the nonprofit United Way. This compares to 13% of Americans who live at or below the federal poverty line, which is $15,060 for an individual.

Teachers and adjunct professors are especially vulnerable to being ALICEs. Sixty percent of adjunct professors make less than $50,000 a year, despite most of them holding at least a master's degree, according to a 2022 report by The American Federation of Teachers that surveyed 1,900 adjunct professors across the US.

"There are many teaching college who are hungry and can't go to the doctor," Pizza said in an email to Business Insider.

Pizza could make about $45,000 a year when she taught classes, but she had no steady income over the summer or winter breaks. She also didn't have health insurance and "never went to the doctor," she said.

If there weren't enough students enrolled in her courses  which focused on history, anthropology, and religion  Pizza was often dropped from her fall or spring position with minimal notice. She had to work side hustles to support herself: teaching at three schools simultaneously, scoring exams online, and more. At one point, she was working five jobs to afford housing, food, healthcare, and her student loan payments. She once had to declare bankruptcy because she couldn't take on a sixth job.

Adjunct professors often feel like "over-educated gig workers," she said.

Story continues

And, after thirteen years, she quit teaching because it was unsustainable for her finances.

Pizza left her adjunct role for less pay, but it's worth the stability

When Pizza left academia, she took a customer service job at a tech nonprofit making $30,467 a year, according to documents reviewed by BI. She still lives on a tight budget, but she is grateful for the security of a 9-to-5.

Early in her academic career, she thought she could get her degrees, earn a full-time professor salary, and maybe join the steady tenure track. She's been trying to get a better-paying job for 15 years, but she said the positions aren't available  even with a Ph.D.

Her nonprofit job has offered some relief.

"I'm making less money, but I know when I show up at work now, five days a week, there will be a paycheck," she said. "That's done a lot for my own sense of self."

Shortly after starting the job, she needed surgery. She was relieved to have consistent health insurance for the first time in her adult life, but couldn't afford out-of-pocket medical expenses. Her best friend set up a GoFundMe to help with the costs not covered by insurance.

Pizza also lives alone in her St. Paul apartment and gets discounted rent because she's been in the building for about 20 years. She said her income is currently too high for SNAP, and her friends will help cover her groceries to make sure she eats.

She's still paying off her student loans, but has been able to enroll in SAVE, President Joe Biden's income-based repayment plan. Pizza pays around $40 a month right now. Still, because of interest, she said her debt total isn't getting any smaller.

Although Pizza is used to transitions, she's not sure what will happen next. Lately, she's been working on some grant-funded anthropological research and archiving, which allows her to continue dissertation work and earn some extra income.

The dream, she said, would be to make all the money she needs from just one job. She also wishes she could build savings.

Pizza said many people living paycheck to paycheck feel lonely and isolated. She is especially grateful for her friends, who have always made sure she has food in her fridge and is able to visit the doctor when she's sick.

Community is "gold," she said.

"If somebody's out there in the same situation that doesn't have friends or community, just figure out a way to reach out," Pizza said. "Because there will be people that will care about you."

Do you live paycheck to paycheck? Are you open to sharing how you afford food, housing, and other expenses? If so, reach out to this reporter at allisonkelly@businessinsider.com .

Read the original article on Business Insider
TANGIER ISLAND, Va. (WAVY)  Federal, state and local officials met together on Tangier Island last Thursday to discuss possible solutions for the shrinking fishing village.

Alongside Tangier community leaders and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), officials visited sites on the island where land is disappearing due to sea level rise and erosion, followed by a meeting to discuss challenges and solutions for the island.

In November 2023, WAVY produced a special report on Tangier Island. You can view it in the video player above.

Special Report: The fight to save Tangier Island, a cultural gem in the Chesapeake Bay

Research published by the National Library of Medicine states that the island, which has lost about two-thirds of its land since the 1850s, could be almost completely lost within 50 years.

During the meeting, partners spoke about working alongside the Tangier community and neighboring Port Isobel Island to develop a state-certified resilience plan, which would help secure funding for projects to protect the island.

Tangier Island receives $2.3 million grant for environmental protection projects

Nowhere is the ever-present threat of climate change felt more strongly than on Tangier Island, CBF President Hilary Harp Falk said. Now is the time to stand with Tangier and all the coastal communities along the Chesapeake Bay facing unimaginable change.

Representatives from Tangier, the Virginia state government, the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District and academic institutions and nonprofit organizations all came together to discuss the changes to the island.

Courtesy: Kenny Fletcher

Courtesy: Kenny Fletcher

Courtesy: Kenny Fletcher

Courtesy: Kenny Fletcher

Im very encouraged, Tangier Mayor James Eskridge said after the meeting. To accomplish something, its vital to get different groups working together on the same page.

Possible next steps discussed in the meeting include:

Working with the Tangier community to develop a certified resilience plan.

Identifying federal, state and private funding opportunities for projects to protect the island.

Investing in an engineering study for mitigation and resiliency strategies for Tangier Island.

Beginning implementation while community infrastructure on Tangier can still be saved.

Assessing the viability of using beneficial dredge spoils to protect the island.

Including nature-based coastal adaption strategies, including living shorelines of marsh grasses and oysters that protect shorelines from erosion while creating wildlife habitat and reducing pollution.

Sharing strategies and outcomes with other coastal communities throughout the watershed and across the country.

Officials hope that the work to be done on Tangier Island can serve as a model for future climate change mitigations and adaptions needed along the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.

With a clear plan and the right investment, we can preserve Tangier and neighboring Smith Island for at least another generation, Harp Falk said. These islands are a fantastic place to demonstrate solutions for what responsible climate adaptation can look like.

A CBF environmental education center on Port Isobel Island also hopes to provide the opportunity to educate future generations on how to protect the Bay.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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Target has limited the availability of its Pride merchandise after facing intense backlash from some customers and conservative commentators last year.

The merchandise will be available on Target.com and in select stores based on historical sales performance, Target said in a fact sheet.

For years, the retailer has carried Pride-themed merchandise in stores, but last year, it decided to remove some items from stores following backlash from some customers who confronted workers and tipped over displays, The Associated Press reported.

Will Walmart stores return to 24-hour operations?

At the time, Target declined to specify which items were removed, but merchandise like the tuck-friendly womens swimsuits, allowing trans women who have not had gender-affirming operations to conceal their private parts, were the focus of backlash among some customers.

Regardless, the company still said it will celebrate Pride Month in other ways in June and throughout the rest of the year.

The company said it will join local pride events near its Minneapolis headquarters, support related advocacy groups, and carry LGBTQ-owned brands.

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A school crossing guard from Taunton was fired on Monday after allegedly assaulting a mother and child with a stop sign stick. The man then confronted several news crews outside of his arraignment.

Louis Chaves, 68, of Taunton, is charged with three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (handheld stop sign stick).

According to a police report, a woman and her daughter drove through an intersection outside of Taunton High School around 7:30 a.m. when the woman had to sneeze and stopped her car.

She claims Chaves then walked up to her passenger side window and began yelling at her. The argument escalated when Chaves put his stop stick sign through the passenger window and started swinging it around, striking the woman and her juvenile daughter while yelling expletives, according to the Taunton Police report.

He [expletive] beat me with the stop sign stick! the victim reportedly told police.

Chaves then allegedly swung the sign at the victims vehicle. The victim then got out of her car where authorities say a physical confrontation occurred and Chaves allegedly kept attacking her with the sign before throwing her to the ground and kicking her.

Officials say they noticed several lacerations to the victims arms.

Taunton Public Schools says Chaves was fired immediately following the assault.

After his arraignment, he got into a confrontation with several news outlets, including our own.

Video shows Chaves shoving the camera away while crews attempt to get a comment from him about the assault charges.

Our photojournalist was uninjured during the encounter.

The Bristol County District Attorneys Office confirms Chaves was arrested Monday night for his alleged assault on media members. He will appear in court on Tuesday for those charges.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A teacher village is underway for SC educators. Could CMS teachers be next?

A teacher village is underway for SC educators. Could CMS teachers be next?

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  As Charlotte-Mecklenburg School district and city leaders discuss a proposal to construct an affordable housing development specifically for teachers, educators in another district are one step closer to moving into their new homes.

After years of planning and raising funds, construction of 17 new affordable homes is underway in Fairfield County. Soon a plot of land in the rural town of Winnsboro will be turned into what the districts superintendent calls a community of educators.

UPDATE: Charlotte leaders allocate $1M to go toward proposed CMS teacher housing

I need that by tomorrow morning, at 10 a.m., Fairfield Central High School educator Veronica Thomas said to a group of students.

For more than eight years, Thomas goal has been to change the lives of her students. Todays lesson is on time management.

Alright, tell me about prioritizing, she said.

But like her students, she too is constantly watching the clock.

And time is something that once its gone, you cant get back, Thomas said.

Despite working in Winnsboro, Thomas lives in Columbia, meaning her daily commute can add two more hours to her already long workday.

The Fairfield County School Districts superintendent J.R. Green says she is not the only one. The towns lack of available housing has turned a chunk of his workforce into long-haul commuters.

Although we may do a good job recruiting you and selling you on being a part of this system, the ability to keep you here over the long haul becomes much more difficult if you are always transporting in from somewhere else, Green said.

This SC city is due for a housing price drop, real estate analysts find

For years, Green says the district has been discussing ways to keep their staff on payroll. Eventually, the district realized the answer was in their backyard.

What was once acres of unused land directly behind the districts main offices, is now a construction zone.

This is just the beginning, Green said.

The 22-acre property, owned by the Fairfield County School District Education Foundation will soon become the Winnsboro Village. Teachers can apply to live in the community and can choose between a one-story house for $700 a month or a two-story home for $900.

I have spoken to people all over the country who are interested in pursuing a similar project from Pennsylvania to Florida to Michigan. You name it. This is a national issue that people are grappling with and if housing costs begin to rise all across the country, then our public sector employees find it much more difficult to be a part of communities, Green said.

After years of looking to shorten her commute, Thomas will soon be cutting her drive down from two hours to less than two minutes. She is part of the first wave of Fairfield County School District educators to call Winnsboro Village their future home.

I just think that this project will allow for that time to be redeemed and for me to get all that time back, so I dont have to use that time anymore, Thomas said.

Right now, Green says all 17 homes have been spoken for. He says the foundation is not only hoping to build more homes in the future, but they also want to open the application process up to other staff members like bus drivers and cafeteria workers.

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Donald Trumps foot soldiers are trying to set the stage to rig the 2024 election in his favor.



The America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump think tank, is backing the lawsuit of an election official in Fulton County, Georgia, who wants to be able to refuse to certify election results.



Julie Adams filed her lawsuit May 22, hoping to access voting records that she claims she was barred from seeing by Fulton Countys election director, Nadine Williams. Adams is also seeking a court ruling on whether her duty to certify election results is up to her discretion.



Adams has long been an election denier. She was a director for the Tea Party Patriots, which organized the Stop the Steal rally in Washington, D.C., that preceded the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, and also was southeast regional coordinator for the Election Integrity Network, according to Rolling Stone. The EIN was founded by a lawyer for the Trump campaign, Cleta Mitchell, who also is a prominent election denier.



Its an early attempt by Trumps allies to make sure he wins Georgia in November. In 2020, Trump lost Georgia by fewer than 12,000 votesa margin of just 0.23 percent. Fulton County is a Democratic stronghold in the state, home to the city of Atlanta.



As November nears, this lawsuit foreshadows dangerous actions by Trump and his allies to ensure that he returns to the White House. He is more desperate this time to exact revenge and escape legal consequences, and has yet to face any repercussions for attempting to overturn the results in 2020. Trump himself has warned that its gonna be a bloodbath if he loses in November (he later claimed he was talking about the automotive industry) and said that 2024 could be the last election we ever have.

Trump and 18 of his allies were indicted last year for attempting to overturn Georgias election results, and the convicted felon and presumptive Republican presidential nominee has fought the charges every step of the way, most notably trying to have Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis removed from the case. Trumps trial over the Capitol insurrection has also been held up by the Supreme Court, sending the message that his attempts to fix election results in his favor dont carry any real consequences.


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Two opposite types of faults, normal and reverse, help explain our undersea mountain ridges.

Scientists found that larger normal faults gave way to narrower ones caused by unfaulting.

This unfaulting explains why there are surprising reversal earthquakes under the oceans.

In newly published research, scientists from Paris, New York, and China try to explain a tectonic behavior deep under the ocean. Instead of things going with the flow of the simple convection patterns weve come to know and love, directional ridges filled with magma are triggering undersea earthquakes with reverse faultsappearing to go backward against convection.



Theres a lot to unpack here, but the research could open the door to a new understanding of why Earths crust looks the way it does, especially beneath our oceans.

The Earths surface is the outermost portion of its crust, and landmasses are like especially stacked crust. The Himalayan plateau is so thick and heavy that its actually sinking over time as part of the natural cycles that keep Earths shape. By having such a high concentration of extremely tall mountains and landmass, the Himalayan region is practically begging to be cut down to size.

In contrast, Earths crust is thinnest beneath the oceans, which explains why the oceans are the site of ridges that form as tectonic plates regularly pull apart and allow magma from beneath to peek through. There is, technically, new Earth-surface formed every day in these undersea hotspotsthats called tectonic extension. The magma pushes through, and the tectonic plates continue to slide toward the land masses like a conveyor belt. When plate mass reaches the edges of the continents, it is forced under and remelted to begin the process again. This conveyor belt circulation is called convection, and its a major part of plate tectonics.

But sometimes, something unexpected happens. There are small areas of tectonic contraction mixed in with the extension process, creating a kind of two-steps-forward, one-step-back situation. This is most noticeable in the thickest land masses, and its how mountain ranges are typically formed.

Caroline Delbert

Extension and contraction each have an associated type of fault. Normal faults describe where two plates are pulling apart, allowing the side resting above to slide down on an angle. Reverse faults are the opposite: plates push together, and the resting side is shoved up and over. There are other types and subtypes of faults represented around the world, with complicating additional forces and directions added depending on the landmass.

The seafloor generally keeps things simple with fault types, but the researchers explain that, in the 1970s, scientists noticed something interesting. Normal faults that are quite spread outwith the thinnest portion in the centerare found toward the middle of mid-oceanic ridges where new magma emerges. But faults get narrower and narrower as you move away from the ridge. Theyre still normal faults, but theyve been partly reversed or unfaulted back toward a smooth surface.

So, whats going on there?



In this paper, the team reports that magma is at least partly responsible for smushing these normal faults together. When magma punctuates the seafloor in certain places, it creates compressive forces, pushing the normal faults closer together and leading to small reversal incidents.

Those small reversal incidents are earthquakes showing reverse faultssomething that has long puzzled seismologists and those who study the ocean floor. Overall, the scientists estimate that the closure of these outer normal faults reduces the height of new abyssal hills by as much as 50 percent. Intuitively, this could help explain why the seafloor remains overall very flat despite the stark rises of the mid-oceanic ridges.

The ocean floor remains largely uncharted because of the challenges of studying it. By figuring out the cause of these puzzling reversal earthquakes, scientists can truly break new ground within the field.

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Teen Mom Told Family She Dropped Newborn at Hospital. Then Infant's Body Was Found in Dumpster

Jakayla Ashanti Williams, now 19, has entered an insanity plea in the capital murder case

Dothan Police Department Jakayla Ashanti Williams

In August, an Alabama police department received a call from a local hospital, saying a teenager was trying to reclaim her newborn son.

Jakayla Ashanti Williams, then 18, claimed that within hours of her August 13 home birth, she had left her infant in the care of a hospital employee, the Dothan Police Department said in a press release at the time.

But there were no records of Williams leaving the baby at the hospital, which under the states Safe Haven Law allow for mothers to leave their uninjured children without fearing legal implications.

And, according to police, authorities determined quickly that Williams had never gone to the hospital but had instead allegedly left her infant for dead in a dumpster outside a local apartment complex.

Almost a year later, Jakayla Ashanti Williams, now 19, has pleaded not guilty of capital murder by reason of mental disease or defect, AL.com reports.

PEOPLE contacted the Circuit Criminal clerks office, which confirmed an earlier not guilty plea but did not have a record of the reason.

Under state law, the insanity plea claims that as a result of severe mental disease or defect, she was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or wrongfulness of killing her child.

To be found not guilty under such a claim, the teens lawyers must prove by clear and convincing evidence that she was suffering from the mental impairment at the time of the offense and that she was either unable to appreciate the nature and quality of her acts or unable to appreciate the wrongfulness of them, according to the law.

PEOPLE called and emailed Williams two defense lawyers for comment on the case and her mental health. Clay Wadsworth and Aimee Cobb Smith did not respond in time for publication.

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The teenager allegedly said around the time of the investigation she did not want a child and caring for the baby would be too expensive, according to police.

Williamss family did not know the teenager was pregnant, per police, but had learned that she had given birth the day before they took the teen to Southeast Health Medical Center looking for the child August 24.

During a police interview that day, Williams eventually admitted that after giving birth eleven days earlier, she had not taken her son to the hospital but had instead put her baby  wrapped in a blanket  in the dumpster, police allege. She allegedly claimed the baby was alive when she threw him away.

Investigators sifted through the contents of the dumpster, finding the remains of a newborn wrapped in a mattress protector that was in a zipped-up duffel bag, per police, who noted that after recovering the infants remains on August 24, they were sent to a forensics lab to confirm his identity.

Williams was arrested at 4:21 p.m. August 24 and booked on the capital murder charge into Houston County Jail, where she is held without bond, per her online inmate roster.

This is a horrible case that was very difficult to work and had an impact on the mental health of everyone involved including her family and the officers that worked it, Police Chief Wiliam Benny tells PEOPLE.

Referencing the states no questions asked Safe Haven Law, Benny said the infants death could have easily been prevented.

She could have dropped the baby off at the hospital like she claimed to have done with no legal implications, Benny said, adding that since the case, Baby Boxes  which alert firefighters when a baby has been dropped off  have additionally been placed outside the Central Fire Station.

If convicted of capital murder in Alabama, the teenager faces up to the death penalty.

If found not guilty per her insanity plea, AL.com reports that the court would then determine if she should be sent to a mental health facility.

Williams is still awaiting trial and a new court date has not yet been set.



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Read the original article on People.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A 17-year-old boy was injured in a shooting at a Whitehaven apartment complex Tuesday morning, Memphis Police say.

According to reports, officers responded to the scene at the Mill Creek Apartments around 9:30 a.m. A man in a gray hoodie and shorts allegedly chased the teen up a stairwell, shot him, and fled the area.

Couple carjacked at East Memphis McDonalds by 10 armed men, police say

Police say the boy was taken to Le Bonheur in non-critical condition, but didnt give a motive for the shooting.

The Memphis Police Department provided a video of the alleged suspect walking through the gates of the apartment complex.

I just think its sad, a man said.

He asked to remain anonymous but told WREG that he saw the scene unfold.

He didnt know the victim was just a teenager.

Theyre getting younger and younger arent they, the man said. Its getting worse and worse (Im) afraid to say  over in here anyway. From what I see, its getting worse and worse.

Acknowledging that school is out and kids will have less supervision, city and county leaders have talked about various programs to help young people this summer.

But this man who lives near todays shooting still has questions.

What can we do? Thats the big question, isnt it, he asked. I dont know.

If you have any information regarding this incident, call Memphis CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
ST. PETERSBURG  A group of teens with gel pellet guns shot each other, diners, police officers and even the citys police horse along Beach Drive on Saturday night, police Chief Anthony Holloway said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

Three people were arrested that night in connection with the shootings and Holloway warned that others will be arrested if the shootings persist.

The shootings occurred as about 200 teens were gathered downtown, the chief said. Some of the shooting occurred as a 22-year-old drove a car up and down Beach Drive with a carload of young teens, according to a news release from the police department.

Police said a 14-year-old was shooting a pellet gun through the cars sunroof. Both that teen and the man driving the car were arrested.

According to police spokesperson Yolanda Fernandez, there was no particular formal gathering that drew the teenagers downtown besides it being a popular spot for youth.

Two police officers were hit, as were a couple eating outside a restaurant. The police horse, which is named Storm, was hit in the neck and eye. Storm is being treated for the eye injury, which isnt believed to be serious, police said.

Holloway said the shootings began at the Pier. Police recovered at least six pellet guns from the scene, he said. The St. Petersburg Police Department plans to increase the number of officers downtown this weekend, including bringing in school resource officers who know these kids, Holloway said.

Police said the gel pellet guns generally sting but dont cause permanent damage, though they can if someone is hit in the eye.

The youths that are using these toys should realize they could hurt someone, Holloway said. If we catch these kids out there using these toys the wrong way, we will arrest you.

Holloway said parents also could be held responsible for medical costs for injuries caused by teens who shoot the gel guns.

These are dangerous toys, Holloway added. Do not bring them back downtown, or to any community.
Tennessee congressmans son steals the show, mugs for the camera

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  An East Tennessee congressman was upstaged by his six-year-old son Guy on the House floor Monday.

While Rep. John Rose (R-Tennessee) was addressing former President Donald Trumps recent felony convictions, his son could be seen fidgeting, sticking out his tongue, and making funny faces toward the camera.

Rep. Rose had no idea what was happening behind him and later posted the five-minute video on X.

This is what I get for telling my son Guy to smile at the camera for his little brother, Rep. Rose joked.

U.S. Representative Rose is serving his third term in Congress. He represents Tennessees 6th Congressional District, which includes Nashville, Gallatin, Cookeville, and Crossville.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Anthem Whole Health Heroes Awards to recognize individuals and organizations committed to innovation and leadership.

NEW YORK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its mission to materially and measurably improve the health of all New Yorkers, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, in partnership with the custom division of Crain's New York Business, is pleased to launch the 2024 Anthem Whole Health Heroes Awards program.

Anthem and Crain's are continuing this program to recognize individuals and organizations that are committed to innovation and leadership. The recognition this year will specifically distinguish those excelling at innovating a medical treatment or a new procedure, implementing employee wellness strategies, advancing financial health in their community, and improving social and behavioral health in their organization and their broader community.

"The Whole Health Heroes awards give us the continued opportunity to recognize exceptional innovation and leadership and honor the incredible New Yorkers who are making a difference in the health and well-being of their communities by not only addressing physical health needs, but mental, emotional, and social with a focus on health equity," said Victor DeStefano, President of NY Commercial at Anthem. "Our previous honorees are a testament to how working together, we can address chronic conditions, strengthen social support and ensure better health outcomes for all. I'm excited to meet our next class of Whole Health Heroes in New York and learn from their accomplishments."

Frederick P. Gabriel, Publisher and Executive Editor of Crain's New York Business, concurred, "Crain's remains dedicated to not only covering the business community's news but also celebrating the achievements of those who enhance New York through exemplary leadership. We are thrilled to collaborate with Anthem again this year, and we eagerly anticipate recognizing New York executives from all sectors who have made significant contributions to their communities."

Twenty-five honorees will be recognized for:

Leading the innovation of a drug, medical treatment, or new testing procedure as it relates to asthma, cancer, diabetes, or heart health, making a difference in screening, preventing, and/or managing any of these diseases for the good of the New York City community.

Establishing and implementing employee wellness strategies within their organization to promote mental and overall health.

Demonstrating a passion in using their influence to advance their financial health within their community or for the benefit of New York's underserved communities. This could include offering financial wellness programs to help individuals take control of their finances, reduce financial anxiety and set them on the path to better health.

Using their influence to advance social health within their organization and broader community. This could include a nominee's charitable or philanthropic work, company sustainability efforts and the like.

Submit nominations from May 27 to midnight Eastern Standard Time July 12 at crainsnewyork.com. The online entry point (essay) is at crainsnewyork.com/Anthem2024.

The Crain's New York Business newsroom will not participate in the judging or selection of the honorees.

25 honorees will be celebrated and recognized at a New York Mets game, featured in a special print and online section in September, and presented an award at an event in October.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New York

Serving New Yorkers for 90 years, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) is on a mission to materially and measurably improve the health of New Yorkers. Anthem is the largest health insurer in New York, supporting more than 4 million members and more than 38,000 business, union, and small employers in New York. Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Anthem HealthChoice Assurance Inc., and Anthem HealthChoice HMO Inc., independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State. Additional information about Anthem is available at www.anthembluecross.com. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn

About Crain's New York Business

Crain's New York Business provides news, information, analysis and connections on all facets of New York through the prism of business. Through its daily news coverage on crainsnewyork.com, its weekly coverage in print, its newsmaker forums and topical events that bring together the city's diverse business communities, Crain's New York Business is the leading source of information on the New York economy, the companies, industries and institutions that operate in the city and the entrepreneurs and innovators who drive the city's growth.

Cision

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Is Tennessee water full of microplastics? Where researchers are looking for answers

Microplastics, tiny bits of plastic, are everywhere. They are in oceans, the soil and in the air. Microplastics have been found in foods like honey and salt and in the seafood we eat. Now researchers at Tennessee Tech University are investigating the presence of microplastics, which measure 5 millimeters or less, in the waters of Tennessee.

The research is some of the most in-depth work yet on microplastics in the state.

Most studies of microplastics have focused on oceans and estuaries. Caroline Hitchcock, a graduate student in environmental engineering at Tennessee Tech, and associate professor Tania Datta are looking at how many microplastics pass through wastewater treatment plants in the state.

Wastewater treatment plants are really a reflection of what we as humans are disposing, Datta said.

Tennessee has roughly 200 wastewater treatment plants. The majority of those, according to Datta, serve small, rural communities.

The researchers are looking at three plants of different sizes throughout the state. They want to understand better if the plants are removing microplastics or adding to the amount of microplastics in Tennessees waters.

A group of people float in their canoes and kayaks along the Harpeth River near the Harris Street boat launch at the Harpeth State Park on Saturday, May 7, 2016, in Kingston Springs, Tenn.

The dangers of microplastics

Microplastics, and even smaller nanoplastics, have been found in our livers, kidneys, blood, saliva and even brains. The effects on human health are still being investigated.

A study released last month found microplastics in the testes of both men and dogs indicating that these microplastic particles could affect human fertility.

Microplastics may also delay development in children and could cause cancer.

Fish and other marine life can also ingest microplastics in water. Researchers have found that microplastics can make aquatic animals swim slower, absorb fewer nutrients, reproduce less and even die. And when people eat seafood, they can absorb those microplastics into their bodies.

Tennessee has some of the most biodiverse rivers and streams in the entire United States, Datta said.

Some of those species in Tennessee's waters, such as more than 40 different varieties of freshwater mussels, are on the federal endangered list. Microplastics could further damage these animals.

How polluted are Tennessee waters?

In 2019, German professor Andreas Fath made news by swimming the full length of the Tennessee River. He made the swim to draw attention to water pollution, and his analysis of the samples taken along the 652-mile trip found high levels of microplastics.

This current research by Tennessee Tech will expand on that, as some of the first rigorous studies of microplastics in Tennessee wastewater treatment plants.

The study should be completed this year and the results will be released in the spring.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Tech investigates microplastic pollution in the state
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.

This story was originally published by the Kansas Reflector which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

The post Tester and Moran lead bipartisan group of senators denouncing improper payments to VA officials appeared first on Daily Montanan.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during the Texas GOP Convention on May 23 in San Antonio. Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a major data privacy and security initiative Tuesday, establishing a team that will focus on enforcing Texas privacy laws.

The initiative will ensure companies respect Texans privacy rights and safeguard their personal data, according to Paxtons office.

Any entity abusing or exploiting Texans sensitive data will be met with the full force of the law. Companies that collect and sell data in an unauthorized manner, harm consumers financially, or use artificial intelligence irresponsibly present risks to our citizens that we take very seriously, Paxton said in a Tuesday statement.

Paxton has filed several lawsuits against tech giants related to these issues in the last few years.

In 2022 he sued Meta, Facebooks parent company, for allegedly using unauthorized biometric data. Paxtons office accused Meta of storing millions of biometric identifiers contained in users photos and videos, often without consent, and illegally exploiting the personal information of users and non-users. The lawsuit could be settled with a deal in the next few weeks, according to Reuters.

Paxton also sued Google in 2022, accusing the company of illegally collecting and indefinitely storing information about Texans facial geometry and voiceprints without their consent, regardless of whether they are Google users.

Paxtons office said Tuesday the new data privacy team will focus on enforcing Texas privacy protection laws like the Data Privacy and Security Act, which was approved last year. The new law requires all businesses to obtain users consent before processing their sensitive personal data. The law also allows Texans to access any data a company has about them, delete it or ask the company to stop collecting it for targeted advertising or to sell it.

The new team will also seek to enforce other state laws related to biometric identifiers and deceptive practices as well as federal child online safety and health privacy laws.

Disclosure: Facebook and Google have been financial supporters 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.

Weve added new speakers to the stellar lineup of leaders, lawmakers and newsmakers hitting the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival, happening Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Get an up-close look at todays biggest issues at Texas breakout politics and policy event!
Democratic Rep. Greg Casar (Texas) slammed President Bidens new executive policy that will limit asylum seekers at the southern border, arguing it appeals to the GOP talking points on immigration and will not actually reduce illegal crossings.

The Republican Party here in Congress tries to cover up its own failures by scapegoating immigrations. Its the oldest trick in the book and they continue to advocate for closing legal pathways to migration, and pointing at chaos at the border, Casar said Tuesday in an interview with MSNBC.

Unfortunately, it created this poltiical pressure that has the President today responding by restricting asylum, which isnt going to work because it doesnt actually reduce the number of people being pushed out of their homes in Latin America, he added. It doesnt actually create new legal pathways for people to migrate here.

The White House on Tuesday announced the widely anticipated executive action that will turn away migrants seeking asylum who cross the southern border illegally at times where there is a high volume of daily encounters.

The order will go into effect when the seven-day average of daily border encounters exceeds 2,500 between ports of entry, meaning it will go into effect immediately. The last time average daily encounters fell below 2,500 was the first month of Biden presidency.

Casar, who is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the House Progressive Caucus, said legal pathways must be created to ensure migrants do not go through cartels or wait in line at the southern border.

If we want to address whats going on in our community on immigration, we should finally provide protections to our dreamers and to longtime families here. And then third, we need to do what folks in D.C. dont want to talk about which is how are U.S. policies actually contributing, especially in places like Latin America, to starvation and poverty and violence that is pushing people out of their homes in record numbers?

Casar is among a number of House liberals who have criticized President Bidens executive action, arguing it belies Americas historic place as a global refuge for persecuted people.

But the critics, like Biden, pin most of the blame on Republicans for sinking a bipartisan immigration reform package twice this year under the direction of former President Trump. The Democratic critics contended the Republicans prevent Biden from having the resources to address the border crisis in a more orderly and humane way.

The Congress needs to pass comprehensive immigration reform, but short of that, the President has options available, and the Congress should be talking about those options, Casar said, adding later, We need a clearer vision that isnt just Republican light. Right now, we have [former] President Trump saying hes going to solve the problem and hes just gonna crack down but we know that hes a con artist and a grifter.

The Texas Democrat, who represents Texass 35th Congressional District which stretches from East Austin to parts of San Antonio, said he is drafting legislation that would reduce the amount that the United States is contributing to forced migration.

We need a strategy that the American people believe will work, which means one, working in Latin America to reduce forced migration, two having legal pathways so that theres order at the border and three, protecting the folks here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The radio host said hes speaking out to let people know this really happens in the wake of Texas' abortion ban

CBS Ryan Hamilton on CBS Mornings.

Texas radio host Ryan Hamilton is sharing how his wife nearly died after she was denied medical treatment after a miscarriage

Although her fetus had no heartbeat, she was sent home from the hospital three times

Hamilton found her bloody and unconscious in the bathroom, and doctors said she could have died



Texas radio host Ryan Hamiton says that after his wife had a miscarriage at 13 weeks  and there was no fetal heartbeat  she was denied proper medical treatment.

On May 16, she called him and she said our baby has no heartbeat, and thats all that she could really get out, Hamilton told CBS Mornings on Tuesday.

She first visited an emergency center in North Texas, the outlet reported, where doctors confirmed the fetus didnt have a heartbeat.

His wife was prescribed misoprostol  commonly called an abortion drug although its used for both miscarriages and abortions  to finish the process of what had already started at home, Hamilton told CBS.

They dont send you home with real instructions. They give you a few things to look out for, but  you would think that would come with a thick book of what to do. No, Hamilton said.

They used terminology with us like terminate the pregnancy. Nobody uses the word abortion at this point.

His wife was sent home but after two days, she hadnt expelled the nonviable fetus. Since she had been told to return to the emergency center if she needed to repeat the medication, she went back.

Related: Beauty YouTuber Forced to Carry Dead Fetus for 2 Weeks After Miscarriage Due to Abortion Ban

However, this time, Hamilton says the doctor told them, Due to the current stance, I cannot prescribe this medicine for you.

Hamilton explained his frustration with the seemingly inconsistent medical practices. Theres no explanation from them, so you just assume the stance of the State of Texas, because of the law, he told CBS.

Texas currently has a ban on abortion that restricts all procedures after 6 weeks of pregnancy  before most women even know theyre pregnant.

SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Abortion rights rally in Austin, Texas.

Known as a "heartbeat ban," the law is based on when the fetal heartbeat can first be detected, the earliest being six weeks into pregnancy.

Hamilton said, All youre thinking is, Is she going to be okay? How do we make sure shes okay? he said of his wife. What are we gonna to do? Leave the baby inside her so she can get an infection? Get sepsis that can kill her?

The family drove to another hospital  with their nine-month-old daughter in the car, telling her they were going on an adventure  where he said his wife was treated for four hours and doctors again confirmed that there was no fetal heartbeat.

Hamilton said the inconsistency of treatment was upsetting and that he thinks doctors have confusion on what theyre allowed to do. It feels like theyre scared.



Although the law allows exceptions for medical emergencies, Hamilton says he was told it was not enough of an emergency to perform a D&C, short for dilation & curettage, a procedure where tissue inside the uterus is removed.

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He said his wife was given a higher dose of medication, and sent home.

Thats where she called him from the bathroom, and Hamilton said found her on the floor, unconscious, with a trail of blood leading from the toilet.

I picked her up, put her back on the toilet. I had to dress her, and my only goal in that moment was to get her to the emergency room.

He said when they returned to the hospital, he was told she could have died.

We were able to verify that the baby is no longer with her, Hamilton said. Then its just a matter of getting her to the point where shes able to go home.

He said shes still bleeding, nearly a month after their last hospital visit.

Related: Texas Woman Nearly Loses Her Life After Doctors Can't Legally Perform an Abortion: 'Their Hands Were Tied'

As for why hes speaking out, Hamilton said, I want people to know that this really happens. My fear is that stories like ours will continue to get told and not believed. I cant believe the number of people that have called me a liar and say this is political propaganda. This is about the health of my wife. Period.

He continued: Everything in her life right now that shes having to do to get better, its not just a reminder of the baby that we lost."

Its a reminder of what they put her through.



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The Texas Republican Party approved its new platform at its annual convention last week. It reflects the hard-right stances of its members, with reiterations of Texass right to secede, demands for bans on quarantines during future pandemics, calls to investigate unidentified aerial phenomena, and more. Tucked in between these more outlandish provisions is an ominous one that would effectively end representative democracy in Texasand keep the state firmly in GOP hands even as it becomes increasingly diverse and urban.

The platform calls for the establishment of what can best be described as an electoral college of sorts for Texas statewide races. The State Legislature shall cause to be enacted a State Constitutional Amendment to add the additional criteria for election to a statewide office to include the majority vote of the counties with each individual county being assigned one vote allocated to the popular majority vote winner of each individual county, the new plank declared.

The proposal is born from the partys fear that it will not rule Texas forever. Texas Republicans frequently tout their states economic growth in recent years and brag that residents in sapphire-blue states like California are fleeing there. But those migrations are turning statewide races in the Lone Star State more competitive, and right-wing leaders in Texas fear that Democrats might once again hold the governorship and other key offices.

It is hard to imagine that such a system as the Texas GOP has proposed would comply with the one-person, one-vote principle, to put it lightly. Texas has 254 counties, some of which are extremely sparsely populated. Loving County, which is on the states western border with New Mexico, counted only 64 residents during the 2020 census, making it the least populous county in the United States. Eight Texas counties are home to fewer than 1,000 people, and an additional 86 counties each have fewer than 10,000 inhabitants.

Adopting a county-majority requirement for statewide elections would obviously cement Republicans into perpetual power in statewide races. In modern American politics, Democratic voters tend to be concentrated in urban areas while Republican voters are overwhelmingly popular in rural counties. President Joe Biden received 1.9 million votes just from the three Texas counties in 2020 that cover Houston, Dallas, and Austin.

Beyond the partisan implications, a county-majority requirement would dramatically shift the states electoral power toward its rural residents in general. Roughly 3.9 million people live in the least-populated half of Texas counties. They would enjoy an effective veto in statewide elections over the other 26 million or so Texans who live in denser areas. That proportion is similar to Texass population within the United States. If that power disparity were similarly reflected in the Electoral College, Texas would have an additional 229 electoral votes.

The Supreme Court has never ruled on whether such a system would be constitutional. Only one other state has ever adopted something like it. During its 1890 constitutional convention, Mississippi implemented a dual-track system of its own. It required candidates for statewide office to win a majority of the popular vote and a majority of districts in the state House of Representatives. If no candidate met both thresholds, the state House would elect them instead.

A person who is casually familiar with American history will have already guessed based on the year and the state that Mississippis 1890 system wasnt created with good intentions. Those who participated in the convention openly declared that its purpose was to eliminate Black political power. There is no use to equivocate or lie about the matter, Mississippi Governor James Vardaman, an ardent white supremacist, recounted a few years later. Mississippis constitutional convention of 1890 was held for no other purpose than to eliminate the n from politics.

The two-tier system prevailed in Mississippi until 2020 when state voters approved a constitutional amendment that repealed it. A voting rights coalition had filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the state in 2019 to challenge the systems constitutionality, and a federal judge had suggested in court that the system might violate the equal protection clause and the one-person, one-vote principle. State lawmakers rushed to replace it before a ruling could be handed down.

It would be impossible to justify Texass system under existing legal precedent. So to whatever extent Texas Republicans are thinking strategically about the matter, they may be hoping that the Supreme Courts conservative supermajority will side with them. At least one of the justices is already willing to excise the one-person, one-vote principle from American constitutional law.

The Supreme Court first articulated the one-person, one-vote principle in a series of cases in the 1960s that addressed state malapportionment. In the 1962 case Baker v. Carr, the justices ruled that the apportionment of state legislative districts could be reviewed by federal courts. That led to landmark rulings over the next few years that required equally drawn districts for federal House races and for state legislative seats. The only legislative body in America today where that principle does not apply is the U.S. Senate.

In the 2016 case Evenwel v. Abbott, two voters went to the Supreme Court to challenge Texass state legislative districts. They argued that Texas had violated the equal protection clause by drawing those districts based on total population instead of voting population. By relying on total population, the plaintiffs claimed, the state had diluted their votes by using noncitizens and otherwise ineligible voters to apportion districts.

Their argument ran counter to more than two centuries of historical practice. State legislatures have always used total population to apportion state legislative districts, and the Constitution effectively requires it for congressional districts. The Supreme Court unanimously rejected their complaint and ruled that it was permissible for Texas to use total population to apportion its state legislature.

Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a concurring opinion to note that he agreed with the ultimate result, but not with the reasoning that the majority used to get there. In my view, the majority has failed to provide a sound basis for the one-person, one-vote principle because no such basis exists, he wrote. No other justices joined his opinion.

The Constitution does not prescribe any one basis for apportionment within States, Thomas claimed. It instead leaves States significant leeway in apportioning their own districts to equalize total population, to equalize eligible voters, or to promote any other principle consistent with a republican form of government. The majority should recognize the futility of choosing only one of these options. The Constitution leaves the choice to the people alonenot to this Court.

Thomass concurring opinion was focused on the unspoken question raised by the case. While the justices unanimously said that the Evenwel plaintiffs could not force Texas to use voting population for apportionment, they did not address whether Texas lawmakers could choose that method themselves. But his denunciation of one-person, one-vote and the precedents that established it would upend American political systems in other ways.

In a decision last month on a racial-gerrymandering case from South Carolina, Thomas once again called for those precedents to be overturned. He argued that the Constitution gave the federal courts no role to countermand how states draw their political divisions, even if they do so to weaken or eliminate Black electoral power. Thomas even expressed doubt about the validity of the high courts efforts to enforce Brown v. Board of Education in the face of widespread resistance to desegregation from Southern states.

By recognizing the one-person, one-vote principle in the 1960s, the Warren court effectively dragged the United States into liberal democracy. If the Texas Republican Party had its way, the country would be dragged right back out of it. And at least one justice on the Supreme Court would be sympathetic to their goals of perpetual one-party rule.
(Bloomberg) -- Former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra will stay in the country to fight a royal defamation charge, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin reassured on Tuesday, allaying any fears that he would flee as he did 16 years ago.

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Thaksin is ready to fight and wont go anywhere, Srettha told reporters on Tuesday when asked if he thinks the ex-premier who will be indicted in a decade-old lese majeste case on June 18 will stay this time. In 2008, Thaksin who faced corruption charges fled with his family. He lived in exile until he returned in August last year.

Prosecutors last month said they have enough evidence to indict the 74-year-old former leader under the countrys lese majeste law that protects the royal family from criticism. The charges stem from an interview Thaksin gave in Seoul in 2015 that prosecutors deemed had breached Article 112 of Thailands penal code, which carries a maximum jail term of 15 years for each offense of defaming the monarchy.

The case poses a fresh jail risk for Thaksin, who is currently on parole after being sentenced in corruption cases. Hes due to walk free after his royally commuted jail term ends in August. His sister Yingluck Shinawatra who was overthrown by a coup remains in exile after leaving Thailand in 2017 ahead of a verdict.

Thaksin returned to Thailand from a 15-year exile in what was seen as part of a deal with the then military establishment that ousted him and his sister.

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Rep. Brenda Landwehr, left, a Wichita Republican with 25 years of experience in the Kansas House, chose not to seek reelection and endorsed GOP candidate Jill Ward, a Republican from northwest Wichita, for her 105th District seat. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

Rep. Brenda Landwehr, left, a Wichita Republican with 25 years of experience in the Kansas House, chose not to seek reelection and endorsed GOP candidate Jill Ward, a Republican from northwest Wichita, for her 105th District seat. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Minutes from the deadline for candidates to file for the Kansas Legislature, Rep. Brenda Landwehr withdrew from the ballot after more than 25 years in the Kansas House to spend more time with family and make way for a Republican she was comfortable endorsing.

Landwehr, a Republican from northwest Wichita and the influential chair of the Houses public health committee, said the decision to retire was easier after getting to know Jill Ward, who filed to run in the 105th Districts two-person GOP primary in August and, if successful, against a Democratic nominee in November.

I love the people and the work, but it is time to devote more of myself to my husband, kids and grandkids, Landwehr said.

Ward successfully lobbied the Legislature this year to pass Levis Law to increase penalties for people found guilty of leaving the scene of a deadly collision. Her son was killed in a hit-and-run accident.

Drafting, introducing and shepherding the bill through to being signed by the governor taught me a lot about the process and the people that make policy affecting Kansas families and businesses, Ward said. It ignited a passion in me to make a difference for current and future Kansans.

On Monday, Landwehr was among 20 members of the House  twice the total in the Senate  who chose not to seek reelection in 2024. The list included moderate Republican Rep. Susan Concannon of Beloit, who was involved in policy initiatives on child welfare, public health and rural life. Concannon was a fervent supporter of Medicaid expansion, to the consternation of GOP leadership, and she looked forward to celebrating its passage someday.

Under tragic circumstances, McPherson Rep. Les Masons candidacy for reelection in the 73rd District was withdrawn after he suffered a brain aneurysm Friday. He was unresponsive at a Wichita hospital before passing away Monday, said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita.

McPherson Sen. Rick Wilborn, who serves as vice president of the Senate and had decided not to seek reelection, filed for Masons seat in the House.

Weve been friends for 40 years, Wilborn said. We have served in the Legislature together, both serving McPherson County. We have a lot of common interests. I felt compelled, on behalf of Les. I cannot fill his shoes, but I can sure run for a seat.

Secretary of State Scott Schwab, literally, brought a gavel down on new filings at noon Monday. Despite skepticism expressed by election-fraud conspiracy theorists in Kansas and elsewhere, the GOP secretary of state said he was convinced the 2024 elections would be fair, accurate and honest.

Yes, he said. Our clerks will make it so.

House Minority Leader Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat who is seeking election to the Kansas Senate, said a strong field of Democratic candidates were recruited in 2024 in a bid to end the Republicans' two-thirds majority in the chamber. The GOP supermajority makes it easier to override vetoes by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

Triumphs by default

Overall, more than 40 candidates for the House, which amounts to one-third of the chambers 125 seats, immediately won their 2024 campaigns because none attracted an opponent. Twenty-seven Republicans and 16 Democrats were among lucky victors on filing deadline day. There also were five senators who didnt draw a primary or general election opponent, and could only be defeated by a write-in or third party candidate.

Nine state representatives decided to leave the House to seek promotions to the Senate, and several former state legislators filed in an attempt to return to the Capitol.

Democrats fielded candidates in 92 of 125 House races, and placed a Democratic candidate in every House seat  except one  that was won by Gov. Laura Kelly in 2022. That fell in line with a quest of Democrats to break the Republicans two-thirds majority in the House, which has made it easier for the GOP to override vetoes by the Democratic governor. Kelly and other organizations have set up political-action committees for the purpose of ending the GOP supermajority in the House.

House Minority Leader Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat running for the Kansas Senate, said Democratic candidates also were motivated by GOP lawmakers intent on diminishing abortion rights in Kansas. He said that GOP agenda existed despite rejection by Kansas voters in 2022 of a state constitutional amendment designed to reverse a court decision declaring the right to abortion was embedded in the Kansas Constitutions Bill of Rights.

It is no accident that so many women filed this year. Women are sick and tired of being silenced, and theyre not holding back. Our candidates reflect Kansans. Theyre hard working, humble and diverse, Miller said.

In Senate District 19, Miller is involved in a five-candidate race for the open seat with two Republicans and two other Democrats. Candidate Patrick Schmidt, a Topeka Democrat who previously ran for the U.S. House, said it was clear GOP extremists in the Legislature were eager to trample reproductive rights of women in Kansas.

Schmidt said the district required a senator who would be a champion of womens rights and bring new blood to the Legislature.

In an intriguing move, Rep. Christina Haswood, D-Lawrence, filed to challenge incumbent Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, in the 2nd District. That political tangle became more interesting with the filing of Republican David Miller, 74. He served a dozen years in the Kansas House, was chairman of the Kansas Republican Party and in 1990 was a lieutenant governor running mate to GOP gubernatorial candidate Nestor Weigand.

Douglas County has become a one-party county and we are all paying dearly for it, David Miller said. We must have real tax relief. Our taxes have skyrocketed and the Legislature failed to override the governors tax cut veto. It seems that she and her party care more about the governments fat checkbook than they care about the taxpayers.

McPherson Sen. Rick Wilburn, left, signs papers at the Kansas secretary of state's office to be a candidate for the Kansas House seat vacated by a medical emergency forcing McPherson Rep. Les Mason to withdraw. To Wilburn's left is Eddied Martinez, a Lawrence Democrat, who filed to run in the 42nd District of the Kansas House. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

Baumgardners exit

In a maneuver comparable to that of Landwehr, Louisburg Republican Sen. Molly Baumgardner withdrew her candidacy for reelection in the final hour. She arrived at the secretary of states office to submit written notification of her decision at the same time Doug Shane, a Miami County Republican, showed up to file for her 37th District seat. Democrat Sherry Giebler of Olathe also filed in that Senate district.

In knowing the responsibilities facing me in the near future, Baumgardner said, this is an appropriate decision for the constituents Ive had the honor to serve these past 10 years.

Eleven senators opted not to run in 2024. Combined with three resignations and one death, it meant 15 of 40 senators elected in 2020 have or will have exited by January.

Sen. Dennis Pyle, the Hiawatha Republican who irritated some peers by running as an independent candidate for governor in 2022, decided to seek another four-year term. He said he didnt object to assertions he was a maverick who stands for the people and doesnt take orders from the establishment.

In the GOP primary in Senate District 1, he faces state Rep. John Eplee, R-Atchison, and Holton Republican Craig Bowser. No Democrat filed in that district.

I am the only candidate with Senate experience and a proven conservative record fighting for traditional family values, 2nd Amendment, life, limited government and fiscal conservatism, Pyle said.

Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat who didnt draw an opponent, said 34 of 40 Senate seats were contested by Democrats. Eighteen of 39 Democrats seeking Senate seats were women, she said. Currently, Republicans outnumber Democrats in the Senate 29 to 11.

A goal of Senate Democrats was to increase their caucus by recruiting candidates capable of mounting campaigns to defeat extremist Republicans trying to turn our state into a place that isnt welcoming and that doesnt respect or invest in its people, Sykes said.

Sen. David Haley, the longest-serving state senator and a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, wound up with a primary challenger. Ephren Taylor, who has worked as an organizer for the nonprofit organization Loud Light, said he entered the 4th District contest to support public schools, expand Medicaid, create a more fair tax system and bring about gun control laws.

Our people need someone in office that is accessible, who will listen to their needs and provide them a seat at the table, Taylor said.

The post Thirty-one Kansas legislators decline to seek reelection, dozens to win campaigns by default appeared first on Kansas Reflector.
Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of murder. Reader discretion is advised.

American serial killer Thomas Creech had already been serving a life sentence in 1981 when he beat a 22-year-old fellow inmate, David Jensen, to death. He is now 73 years old and has been in prison for over half a century. On February 28, 2024, the medical team tried to execute him by giving a lethal injection at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. However, AP News reported that the execution was halted after repeated attempts by the team to inject him.

Three of the medical team members reportedly attempted to establish IV about eight times. They reportedly tried to access his veins through the hands, arms, feet, and legs. However, they either failed because of inappropriate vein quality or because of a lack of clear access to the vein. Per the outlet, Thomas Creech was wheeled into the execution chamber at 10 a.m. The execution was called off by the warden at 10:58 a.m.

Each attempt to inject the IV included cleaning the skin with alcohol and injecting a numbing solution. It was followed by cleaning the skin once again and finally attempting to place the IV catheter. The attempts took several minutes each, and each of the medical experts palpated the skin to try and position the insertion of the needles. AP News reported that the convict repeatedly looked at his family and representative, who were seated in a separate witness room to spectate the execution.

Following this, Thomas Creechs attorneys filed for a stay at the U.S. District Court almost immediately after the execution was called off. His attorneys argued that the badly botched execution attempt by the medical team lacked the ability to carry out a humane execution. As such, the state of Idaho could not legally try to execute him again before his death warrant expired. In order to execute him, they will have to obtain another death warrant from the court.

The outlet further noted that it was Idahos first execution in 12 years. According to the corrections department, the execution team was only comprised of volunteers.

What was Thomas Creech convicted of?

Thomas Creech is one of the countrys longest-serving death row inmates. He was initially convicted of five murders in three states. Three of them were in Idaho. However, he claimed to have killed at least 40 people during his trial in 1975. Recently, he was connected to a decades-old case in San Bernardino County. It included the killing of Daniel Walker on the morning of October 1, 1974, when Walker was parked in his van. A killer allegedly opened fire on him and a passenger in the van, according to CBS News.

Although Walker was wounded, he soon managed to find help from another driver nearby. The victim was then rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The case went cold after investigators could not find any helpful leads relating to the murder. However, in November 2023, the SBCSD Cold Case Team claimed that they identified the killer as Thomas Creech, who was awaiting his execution on death row by then.

The five murders that he was initially convicted of led to Thomas Creech being sentenced to life in prison. In 1981, he bludgeoned David Jensen, who was disabled, with a sock full of batteries, leading to his death. At that time, he was serving two life terms for a double murder in Idaho and other murders in California and Oregon, ABC News reported. He then pleaded guilty to the murder of Jensen and was given the death penalty. The prison guards and nurses reportedly appealed to put a stay on Creechs sentence owing to his politeness and good behavior behind bars.

The post Thomas Creech: Why Was the Idaho Serial Killers Execution Delayed? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Moroccan-inspired heritage brand Bacha Coffee has expanded its international presence with the opening of its first store in Indonesia, World Coffee Portal has reported.

The 4,300ft venue in Jakarta's Plaza Senayan shopping centre includes a coffee bar and a takeaway counter.

The Jakarta store, operated by franchisee Erajaya Food and Nourishment, also features a retail coffee boutique offering 200 packaged coffee varieties.

Erajaya Food and Nourishment operates licensed Paris Baguette stores in Indonesia.

Founded in Marrakech in 1910, Bacha Coffee has a storied history. It ceased operations after the Second World War and was later revived by Singapore-based V3 Gourmet in 2019.

It sources its coffee from more than 35 coffee-producing countries.

In December 2022, V3 Gourmet opened a Bacha Coffee venue at Singapore's Changi Airport Terminal 3.

The outlet featured illuminated glass arches and a towering library of coffee canisters.

Bacha Coffee's expansion in Southeast Asia includes 16 stores across Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and now Indonesia.

The brand also maintains a presence in Morocco, France, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Qatar.

In March 2024, a Bacha Coffee outlet was opened in Doha's Villaggio Mall in Qatar, ZAWYA reported.

Bacha Coffee is set to continue its growth trajectory by entering the South Korean market with a store in Seoul opening in July, as reported by Korea Joongang Daily.

Its expansion is facilitated through a franchising agreement with the Lotte Department Store.

Erajaya Food & Nourishment CEO Gabrielle Halim said: Bacha Coffee is renowned for its one-of-a-kind concept and tantalising pure Arabica coffee varieties, and we are thrilled to bring the legendary Moroccan coffee brand to Jakarta.

Bacha Coffees exceptional hampers also complement the Indonesian culture of gifting perfectly.

"Bacha Coffee enters Indonesian market" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, 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.
Wayland Police Chief Ed Burman has a plea for residents.

"Please, please, please, make sure your vehicles are locked and do not leave your keys in the car," he said.

The plea is in response to a rash of vehicle break-ins and cars stolen early Sunday in Wayland, Natick and Sherborn. No one has been arrested.

The incidents occurred first in Wayland sometime early Sunday, around 1 a.m., Burman said. The unidentified suspects broke into seven vehicles in the Aqueduct Road area and took anything that was loose. They also stole two vehicles, the chief said.

"In all of the incidents, the owners left the doors unlocked and the two cars that were stolen had their keys in them," Burman said.

Wayland Police Chief Ed Burman is pleading with residents to lock up their vehicles after a rash of break-ins last weekend.

'Honored by this opportunity': Ed Burman is hired to become Wayland's police chief

Burman said the suspects then went into Natick and broke into vehicles there before heading to Sherborn.

No one from the Natick Police Department could be reached on Monday to give specifics about the car breaks there. But Sherborn Police Chief Thomas Galvin said the suspects then came to his town about 2:30 a.m. A Great Rock Road resident heard a noise outside and he appeared to spook three suspects who were inside an unlocked vehicle.

Three unidentified suspects got into three separate cars and drove away.

Two-car crash in Sherborn involved stolen vehicles from Wayland

Soon afterward, police learned that two of the vehicles  a Mazda 6 and a Honda CRV  had crashed into one another on Farm Road. The drivers fled into nearby woods, Galvin said, and the two vehicles were determined to be those that were stolen in Wayland.

The Holliston Police and Dover Police, along with search dogs and a drone, searched the area but could not find the suspects, Galvin said.

Sherborn Police Chief Thomas Galvin believes last weekend's rash of car break-ins are part of a suspected ring that has been hitting the area over the past couple of months.

Later on Sunday, a Great Rock Road resident called police and said their Subaru was stolen from their driveway. Galvin said. Police used a tracker to find the car, which was found abandoned in Framingham.

Galvin said they believe the car was stolen by the same people involved in the earlier incident. He also said authorities believe the break-ins are part of a suspected car break ring that has been hitting the area over the past couple of months.

'Technology so advanced now': Holliston moves its 9-1-1 services to a regional center

"It sounds like it," he said. "They hit several areas all in one night. This night it was Wayland, Natick and us. Unfortunately, the weather gets nice, and these things start to happen."

The break-ins are being investigated by the Natick, Sherborn and Wayland police, as well as the Massachusetts State Police.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Cars broken into, three stolen, in Natick, Sherborn, Wayland,
The Wisconsin attorney general on Tuesday filed charges against three allies of Donald Trump accused of taking part in the effort to put forth a slate of fake electors and usurp the 2020 presidential election, according to online court records.

The men  Kenneth Chesebro, a right-wing attorney who helped devise the fake elector plot; Jim Troupis, a former Trump lawyer; and Michael Roman, a former Trump campaign official  are each facing a single forgery charge.

Wisconsin is the latest state to bring charges against people connected to the former president involved in the broad effort to overturn the presidential election results. State prosecutors in Michigan, Arizona, Nevada and Georgia also have brought charges against a swath of Trumps allies.

An attorney for Chesebro declined to comment. CNN has reached out to attorneys for Troupis and Roman.

Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers issued a one word response to the charges Tuesday: Good.

CNN previously reported that Chesebro was helping investigators in at least four states, including Wisconsin, who were looking into the fake electors scheme. Chesebros lawyers had believed that his cooperation would be enough for him to stave off charges.

The criminal complaint, however, suggests that Chesebro made false statements to investigators about his use of social media, which may have played a role in prosecutors bringing charges against him despite his earlier cooperation. The charging document specifically points to an investigation by CNNs KFile revealing Chesebros secret Twitter account.

Last year, the 10 fake electors from Wisconsin disavowed their attempt to overturn Trumps defeat in 2020, recognized the legitimacy of President Joe Bidens victory, and pledged not to serve as real electors in 2024 or any election when Trump is on the ballot  or to act as sham electors in any future election, as part of a civil lawsuit settlement.

The 10 fake electors issued a statement acknowledging that the phony certificates they signed in December 2020 were used as part of an attempt to improperly overturn the lawful election results.

We hereby reaffirm that Joseph R. Biden, Jr. won the 2020 presidential election and that we were not the duly elected presidential electors for the State of Wisconsin for the 2020 presidential election, a portion of their statement said. We oppose any attempt to undermine the publics faith in the ultimate results of the 2020 presidential election.

Chesebro was previously charged, and pleaded guilty, in the Georgia probe. He has also been identified as an unindicted co-conspirator in the Arizona state-level criminal probe focused on efforts to overturn the 2020 election and in special counsel Jack Smiths federal election case against Trump.

Roman was charged in both the Georgia and Arizona cases.

Troupis has not been charged in any other criminal cases stemming from the 2020 election but evidence has emerged in connection with the fake electors plot in Wisconsin and other key battleground states.

A tranche of emails and text messages made public as the result of a lawsuit earlier this year offered additional evidence that Chesebro pushed for the electors plot to move forward regardless of whether Trump won any lawsuits challenging the election results. This undercut his testimony to state prosecutors in which he said the fake electors were contingent on winning the litigation.

Chesebro wrote a series of memos in 2020 spelling out what the pro-Trump electors should do in their respective states, including one memo in early December that Troupis claimed he sent directly to the White House, according to the newly released messages.

Charging documents released Tuesday lean heavily on the communications, which were previously reported by CNN and others.

Prosecutors cite text messages detailing how Chesebro, Troupis and Roman were involved in a last-minute scramble to fly the fake elector documents from Wisconsin and Michigan to Washington, DC, in the immediate lead-up to January 6, 2021.

The goal, according to those messages, was to hand deliver the fake elector certificates to then-Vice President Mike Pence, which is vaguely referenced in Smiths federal indictment.

Chesebro discussed the episode with Wisconsin investigators when he sat for an interview as part of the attorney generals probe into the fake electors plot.

Wisconsin prosecutors asked about the episode extensively, a source familiar with the matter said at the time, noting Chesebro discussed how a Wisconsin GOP staffer flew the certificate from Milwaukee to Washington and then handed it off to Chesebro.

This story has been updated with additional details.

CNNs Marshall Cohen, Katelyn Polantz and Alison Main contributed to this report.

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This is part of The Hills ongoing series looking at Donald Trumps possible vice-presidential picks.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has become a constant presence in Donald Trumps orbit since dropping his own presidential bid late last year.

He stumped for the former commander-in-chief in New Hampshire, when Trump was looking to fend off a primary challenge from former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. He praised Trump at a rally in Scotts home state of South Carolina in February. And he has become a key surrogate for the former president on national television.

Now, Scott is considered one of the top candidates to be Trumps vice-presidential pick in November; if that were to happen and they were to win, he would also become the first Black man nominated on a Republican ticket.

Tim Scott would be a great choice, said Brian Seitchik, a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign alum. He was certainly qualified to be President of the United States, he opens up the doors to the Black community, who President Trumps polling better in the Black community the cycle that he has previously, and Senator Scott certainly encourages African American voters to take sort of a fresh look at Donald Trump.

Republicans argue that Scott would be an excellent strategic choice for Trump, not only because he could appeal to Black voters, but because of his humble roots in general.

Hes not from an elitist background, hes the average American, said Charles Cogar, former legislative director for Scott. He struggled as a kid and he knows that it took hard work, determination and opportunity for him to get where he is and so he really wants to make sure that everybody else has that same access to the opportunity and to the education. Its part of who he is.

Scott, the descendants of enslaved Africans, grew up in a single-parent home in North Charleston, South Carolina. His mother often worked long hours, and the family moved often.

In his autobiography, he recalls the night his mother, Frances, left his father, a Vietnam Air Force veteran. Scott was only seven.

All I remember is the green shag carpet, the shouting, the sound of fists slamming into wallsand the conviction that everything bad that was happening was because of me, Scott wrote. I distinctly remember the feeling of pressure, as if some great weight were pressing in on my chest and squeezing down on my shoulders, making it impossible for me to find a deep breath.

Frances moved 7-year-old Scott and his older brother Ben to her parents home in South Carolina.

It wasnt the last time Scott faced struggle, who would grapple with challenges in school as well. As a freshman in high school, he failed four of his classes. Sometimes, he would find hate-filled notes in his locker, racial slurs scrawled on the paper.

But by the time he was a senior, he was elected student body president. After graduating high school, Scott attended Presbyterian College and earned his Bachelors from Charleston Southern University.

In 1994, Scott began a campaign for Charleston County Council. But when he expressed his interest in the council to the Democratic Party headquarters, Scott said, they told me to get in line.

So he ran as a Republican.

In 1995, he became the first Black Republican elected to any office in South Carolina since 1902. In 2010, Scott ran for the House of Representatives and became the first Black Republican from the Palmetto State to serve in the House since 1897.

When Sen. Jim DeMint resigned in 2012, Haley, then the states governor, appointed Scott to replace him. Scott became the first Black Republican senator since 1978 and the first Black Republican senator from the South since Reconstruction.

Scotts experience as a U.S. Senator and his positive, solutions-oriented approach to politics could significantly enhance Trumps campaign, said Whitley Yates, director of diversity and engagement for the Indiana Republican Party. Known for his focus on economic opportunity, education, and criminal justice reform, Scott brings a compassionate and optimistic narrative that resonates with many voters.

His appeal spans across various demographics, including Democrats, Republicans, independents, white voters, Black/African American voters and Latino voters, indicating his potential to help Trump attract a broader and more diverse voter base, Yates added.

Scott launched his own bid for the White House last May but suspended the campaign in November. Since then, hes been campaigning for Trump, who indicated earlier this year that Scott could be one of his top choices for a running mate.

Trump has been working to build support among Black voters, a critical voting base for Biden.

Though polling by Pew Research Center shows a majority of Black voters lean Democratic, 18 percent would vote for Trump if the election were held today  an increase from 12 percent who voted for the former president in 2020.

Seitchik warned that a Scott pick wont guarantee Trump will do better with Black voters on election day  but it could encourage them to take a second look.

But as Trump still hasnt announced who his running mate will be, Seitchik said the biggest questions will be how aggressive and loyal the senator will be on the campaign trail.

The job is twofold. Certainly the job is to be an attack dog-slash-counterpuncher, but theres also a loyalty component here, Seitchik said. Im assuming one of the questions Team Trump is going to be asking potential vice-presidential candidates is would this person do anything differently than Mike Pence did in January of 2021? I dont know the answer to that question from Sen. Scotts perspective, but the answer to that question, I assume, would be pretty important to Team Trump.

Just hours after a violent mob attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, Scott voted to certify President Bidens election. Then, during a primary debate in August, Scott said then-Vice President Mike Pence absolutely did the right thing that day.

But when asked earlier this month if he would accept Novembers results if Biden wins reelection, Scott declined to answer.

At the end of the day, the 47th president of the United States will be President Donald Trump, Scott said.

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Timber!!!! New York City is selling a massive amount of wood -- from the forest land it manages around the 2,000 square mile upstate reservoir system that provides tap water to 9 million Big Apple residents.

The Big Apple is making green off trees in the burbs.

New York City is selling a massive amount of wood chopped forest land it manages around the 2,000-square-mile upstate reservoir system that provides tap water to 9 million Big Apple residents.

The Department of Environmental Protection sells the wood from dead and diseased trees, and overgrowth from the more than 200,000 acres of property around the reservoirs in the Catskill region  a buffer zone that protects the citys water supply.

New York City is selling a massive amount of wood chopped forest land it manages around the 2,000-square-mile upstate reservoir system. Reid Dalland  stock.adobe.com

New York Citys Ashokan Reservoir provides tap water to 9 million Big Apple residents. AP

Timber companies are typically the buyers of wood from Gothams foresters.

The current sale includes an estimated 187,000 square feet of hardwood sawtimber and 89 cords of hardwood pulp, according to a notice for bidders published by DEP.

Each cord could weigh up to 5,000 pounds each  or 2.5 tons.

The wood products for the sale, part of the Carpenters Eddy East Forest Management Project, are located near state Highway 10 in Delaware County.

This sale is comprised of mostly mature red oak and white ash and will be the first entry to the area for management in nearly 80 years, DEP said.

Last year, DEP sold 901,289 feet of timber and 1,338 cords of firewood for $156,000.

The Department of Environmental Protection sells the wood from dead and diseased trees, and overgrowth from the more than 200,000 acres of property. AP

That makes the city of New York one of the states largest providers of wood products.

So far this fiscal year, DEP has sold 249,596 feet of timber and 310 cords of firewood.

The huge city reservoir system in and around the Catskills region is the size of the state of Delaware.

This sale is comprised of mostly mature red oak and white ash and will be the first entry to the area for management in nearly 80 years, DEP said. ALAN SOLOMON

It gives the Big Apple a huge presence upstate.

New York City is the top taxpayer in four upstate counties and the DEP maintains the longest water tunnel in the world  the Delaware Aqueduct at 85 miles.

Thousands of state residents are granted access to fish, hike, hunt and boat in the city watershed filled with pristine waterways and hiking trails.

The city last year issued 23,173 permits for hiking and hunting, 2,103 boating/fishing permits and 1,232 permits for recreational boating.
Rep. Henry Cuellar is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee. Tom Williams via Getty Images

Following weeks of deafening silence from congressional leaders, the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Rep. Henry Cuellar on Wednesday, after an indictment charged him with accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from Azerbaijani government-linked entities in exchange for political favors.

The Texas Democrat is seen by members of his own party as key to regaining control of the House and by Republicans as a reliable conservative vote on social issues, so leadership on both sides of the aisle have refused to publicly call for disciplinary action against Cuellar  placing politics before the imperative to confront attempts to subvert U.S. democracy.

While the House of Representatives has only moved six times in its history to expel a sitting member of Congress, it is hard to imagine a member more deserving of expulsion than Cuellar, whose actions have fundamentally undermined faith in the integrity of our democratic process. And given Azerbaijans track record of money laundering and caviar diplomacy, Cuellars scandal may be just the tip of the iceberg  warranting intense scrutiny of the extent of Azerbaijans foreign influence operations in Congress.

The magnitude of Azerbaijans global influence operations was first exposed by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project in its report on the Azerbaijani Laundromat  which found that, between 2012 and 2014, over $2.5 billion was laundered through slush funds into the accounts of European politicians and international organizations including UNESCO and the Council of Europe to suffocate criticism of the Azerbaijani regimes abuses at home and abroad and promote Azerbaijans image on the world stage.

While Europe has been the most notable target of Azerbaijans influence operations, the U.S. has not been immune. In 2013, reports revealed that a congressional delegation to Azerbaijan involving 10 members of Congress and over 30 staffers had been paid for without their knowledge by SOCAR, the state-owned oil company of Azerbaijan. The trip was the subject of an Ethics Committee investigation  and ultimately led to the indictment of the delegations organizer, Kemal Oksuz, who worked closely with Cuellar to connect Azerbaijani oil executives with U.S. business leaders and elected officials.

This collusion went beyond money laundering and bribery, however, as the indictment against Cuellar alleged that Azerbaijani embassy officials regularly directed the congressman to promote Azerbaijans interests in the U.S. Congress  and block congressional efforts to support Armenia amid Azerbaijans assault on the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The indictment alleges that text message exchanges show that embassy officials instructed Cuellar  whom they unironically referred to as boss and El Jefe  to block legislative initiatives led by the Congressional Armenian Caucus that sought to hold Azerbaijan accountable for war crimes and human rights abuses. And on at least one occasion, Cuellar was allegedly asked to block the allocation of critical humanitarian aid to The HALO Trusts efforts to remove land mines planted by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh that posed a threat to civilian lives  something the authors of this article have long fought to secure. Cuellar has denied the allegations.

Cuellar and his colleagues on the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus often sought to bolster Azerbaijans image as a strategic partner to the United States. As an oil-rich nation, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a solution to Europes energy crisis against the backdrop of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Bordering both Russia and Iran and maintaining close energy and military ties with Israel  which supplies Azerbaijan with 70% of its weapons  also contributed to the perception that Azerbaijan has a role to play in confronting threats to U.S. security interests in the region.

Ironically, despite the Wests efforts, Azerbaijan has deepened its cooperation with both Russia and Iran  serving as an energy conduit between the two authoritarian regimes, while purchasing significant volumes of Russian oil and gas in order to meet European energy demands. Not only have the U.S. and European Union closed their eyes to to Azerbaijans collusion in Russian sanctions evasion, they have rewarded Azerbaijan with lucrative energy contracts and military assistance, and even bestowed on the capital city of Baku the privilege of hosting the United Nations COP29 climate summit in a puerile attempt to placate its regime while ignoring the central role Azerbaijans energy industry plays in promulgating corruption and authoritarianism in the country.

It should be self-evident that the attempt to contain Russia and Iran by empowering an authoritarian regime in Azerbaijan  which has consistently been rated as less free than the very regimes it has been enlisted to contain  is a self-defeating premise. Yet this persistent belief continues to characterize U.S. policy toward Azerbaijan and has led Washington to neglect what Armenia says is Azerbaijans ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakhs entire Armenian population last year and ongoing occupation of sovereign Armenian territory. As a result, the United States has, counter to its own proclaimed foreign policy goals, abandoned Armenias fledgling democracy to the whims of Azerbaijans authoritarian regime. Ironically, in its misguided efforts to appease Bakus regime, the West has emboldened Azerbaijan with impunity  and counterintuitively undermined U.S. interests in the region.

As a matter of principle, Cuellars alleged transgressions should have warranted strong action regardless of which government he had scandalous dealings with. But the fact that Cuellar appears to have chosen to act on behalf of a regime engaged in the torture of prisoners of war, the execution of civilians, the systematic destruction of Armenian cultural heritage, and the blockade and forced displacement of 150,000 Armenian civilians last year demonstrates a contempt not only for our democratic process but for the principles of human rights and international law that supposedly underpin U.S. foreign policy.

In light of the gravity of the charges against Cuellar, both Republicans and Democrats must realize theres much more on the line than control of the House of Representatives. As the U.S. hemorrhages credibility on the world stage amid its abject failure to uphold the principles of democracy and human rights it proclaims to hold dear, the refusal to expel Cuellar will only signal to Azerbaijan  and other abusive regimes  that U.S. democracy is for sale.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco says he is tired of legislators and elected officials not caring about the rule of law.

Thats why he says hes endorsing former President Donald Trump, who was just convicted last week in the state of New York on 34 counts of falsifying business records, in the November election.

In a video posted to his personal Instagram account, Bianco, appearing in uniform and seemingly in a department vehicle, said he had spent his entire law enforcement career working to arrest criminals and put them behind bars. But he says he believes California policies have made that job harder and, as far as he sees it, criminals are not only being let off easy, but are being told they bear no responsibility for the crimes they commit.

This love affair that our governor and our state legislature have with criminals is based on the belief that criminals are not responsible for their own actions, that they are a victim of society, and really, its our fault, Bianco says in the video. Its societys fault. Its businesss fault. Its cops fault, it might be my fault.

In the video, which is sarcastic in tone, Bianco said politicians, California Gov. Gavin Newsom in particular have slashed law enforcement budgets, closed prisons and let criminals out of detention early. Newsom has spearheaded the closure of multiple California prisons, but the Riverside County Sheriffs Department budget has increased more than $270 million since 2019, when Bianco was sworn in, according to the Countys open budget tool.

Deputy caught with 100 pounds of fentanyl was working for El Chapos cartel

Bianco also challenged the idea of systemic racism or bias in law enforcement or the judicial system and instead said criminals were actually receiving preferential treatment.

And so they let them out, they give them food, they give them housing, they give them money, they give them drugs and alcohol now, and I gotta be honest, Im getting tired, Bianco said.

In a tongue-in-cheek delivery, Bianco implied he was done fighting against the tide and trying to enforce the laws and thus, switching teams and instead endorsing a convicted criminal in Trump.

I think its time that instead of letting them out of jail and and giving them alcohol and drugs and everything else, I think its time we put a felon in the White House, Bianco said.

It was unclear how his endorsement of Trump in 2024 would have an effect on the issues he has with with Gov. Newsom, the California legislature or the state laws that he said favor criminals.

Bianco, a Republican, has been considering running for the California Governors Office in 2026, according to reporting from The Press-Enterprise. After the video was posted, some social commenters floated his name as a possible Trump running mate.

The sheriff concluded his video by urging others to follow his lead.

Trump 2024, baby, Bianco said. Lets save this country and make America great again.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
With time short, veterans seize the chance to keep their D-Day memories alive for others

D-Day veteran and Ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial, Ken Hay, 98, who served with the 4th Dorset Regiment, speaks to children during a visit to Rush Green Primary School in Dagenham, England, Monday May 20, 2024, ahead of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP)

LONDON (AP)  Ken Hays part in the invasion of Normandy lasted just a few weeks, but he wants to make sure the experiences of those who fought and died to end the Nazi grip on Europe live forever.

The British Army veteran was captured a few weeks after the D-Day landings in northern France when his patrol was surrounded by German troops during the two-month battle for strategic high ground outside the city of Caen known simply as Hill 112. Nine members of his platoon were killed that night. Hay spent the next 10 months as a prisoner of war.

Now 98, Hay visits schools whenever he can to tell his story, so the battle to liberate France and defeat Nazi Germany doesnt become a dusty relic of history like the Greek and Roman wars he read about as a child.

While we are around, we vets  and were a diminishing crew, of course  we are a tangible interpretation of what they read in the books, what theyve heard from their parents, what their parents remember their grandparents saying, Hay said recently.

He said his outreach isn't to glorify war but to leave the message that "there must be a way, other than war, to resolve difficulties.

One hears that over and over from the veterans who are gathering in Normandy this week to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. With even the youngest of those men and women nearing their 100th birthdays and their ranks dwindling rapidly, they feel a special imperative to tell their stories.

They know this is likely to be the last major event to commemorate the sacrifices of those who fought and died to liberate France.

World leaders have recognized the significance of the event. U.S. President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose countries supplied most of the D-Day forces, will travel to Normandy for the ceremonies, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. King Charles III, whose mother and father served during World War II, will attend an event at the British Normandy Memorial.

D-Day began in the early hours of June 6, 1944, when almost 160,000 Allied troops landed on the Normandy beaches or parachuted behind enemy lines to open the long-awaited second front in the war against Nazi Germany. At least 4,414 troops were killed and another 5,900 were listed as missing or wounded as Allied forces broke through the Nazis heavily fortified Atlantic Wall to secure a foothold in Northern Europe.

By the end of August, more than 2 million forces from 12 Allied nations had crossed the English Channel, starting the march to Berlin that ended with Germanys surrender on May 8, 1945.

No one knows exactly how many of the men and women who saw those events firsthand are still living.

Less than 1% of the 16.4 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II were still alive at the end of last year, and 131 are dying every day, according to estimates from the U.S. Veterans Administration.

The actuarial tables tell us that pretty soon there wont be a generation, said Rob Citino, a senior historian at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. And I think this 80th is the last round year in which we will actually be able to celebrate in the presence, and with the wisdom of, the veteran generation that actually fought the war.

Whats being lost are the men and women who witnessed Adolf Hitlers rise to power in Germany, the fall of France and the persecution of Jews now known as the Holocaust, then fought their way across Europe to defeat the Nazis.

In the U.K., the passing of the World War II generation was highlighted by the death in 2022 of Queen Elizabeth II, who trained as a military mechanic and truck driver during the final months of the war.

D-Day was the biggest operation of the war and a moment of high drama because everyone knew the Allies would invade Europe, they just didnt know when or where, said Ian Johnson, a professor of war, diplomacy and technology at the University of Notre Dame.

But 80 years later, many peoples vision of D-Day is being shaped by Hollywood productions such as Saving Private Ryan, not the experiences of the veterans who were there.

You know, most of my students were not alive when that movie was made, Johnson said. Theyve almost all seen it. This is something that, when they think of the Second World War, this is what they picture, I think."

The success of D-Day wasnt guaranteed.

Allied commanders employed trickery, including a dummy army, to fool the Germans about where the invasion would take place and struggled to find a day with the right combination of weather, moon and tides to increase the chances of success.

They knew that failure would prolong the war, meaning more death and misery across Europe.

Its hundreds of thousands of military casualties, and we can only guess how many more civilian casualties of Hitlers racial policies, his murderous racial policy, Citino said. So you want to end this war and you want to end it quickly, and the path to do that is a successful landing in Western Europe.

Even with the success of D-Day, Jews continued to die in Nazi concentration camps.

Anne Frank, who spent more than two years hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam, listened to BBC reports of the D-Day landings and wrote in her famous diary that the news filled her with fresh courage. Her family was arrested in August 1944 and she died of typhus at Bergen-Belsen in February 1945.

Last month at a school in east London, Hay recounted his firsthand account of Nazi cruelty.

After he and four other members of his platoon were captured, they were shipped to Poland by train and put to work in a coal mine. As Russian forces closed in from the east in January 1945, the prisoners were marched back across the continent with little food or protection from the weather until they were freed by U.S. tank troops on April 22.

The two American soldiers who liberated him are the most important people in his life, Hay said, except of course for his late wife, Doris. They were married for 62 years.

The man the kids named Grandad Ken" talked about hunger and cold and pain. He held back on some details, though, afraid to tell the kiddies all the horrors he had seen.

But he was ready when Joey Howlett, 11, asked how to end war.

Love, Hay said.

If you love yourself, if you love your family, if you love your friends, if you love the people you met yesterday, and the people you meet today and the people youre going to meet tomorrow. If we could all do that, there would be no wars.
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat Indiana. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

The former CEO of an Indianapolis charter network is accused of defrauding its schools by working with two other individuals to bill for goods and services that were never provided.

Brian Metcalf, who served as CEO of Tindley Accelerated Schools from July 2019 to December 2022, was charged with nine counts of wire fraud as part of what a federal indictment describes as a scheme to defraud and to obtain money from an unidentified Indianapolis charter school system and another unidentified nonprofit corporation.

Tindleys board of directors confirmed to Chalkbeat that the charter network was one of two victims defrauded by the alleged criminal enterprise.

The indictment claims that two other defendants, Kimberly Maddox and James Darnell Campbell, billed false invoices to the charter network in collaboration with Metcalf. The two later sent money to Metcalf or made payments on his behalf, the indictment alleges  including payments for credit card, car loan, and mortgage expenses, as well as payments to a casino that hosted his family reunion and a construction company that repaired his roof.

The federal government seeks over $1 million from Metcalf through federal forfeiture laws.

Tindley Renaissance Academy was one of two schools the network consolidated with other schools amid financial struggles in 2019.

A grand jury in Illinois presented the indictment, which was under seal until December 2023. Maddox and Campbell were charged with four and five counts of wire fraud, respectively.

Attorneys for Metcalf declined to comment on the allegations, while attorneys for Maddox and Campbell did not respond to questions from Chalkbeat. Court documents indicate that all three have pleaded not guilty.

News of the indictment, first reported by Chalkbeat, follows the indictment of operators of two virtual charter schools in January  charges that raised questions about charter school oversight and accountability. Another former Tindley CEO also faced scrutiny in 2015 for incurring lavish travel expenses while the charter network struggled for cash.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Illinois did not respond to questions about how much money the alleged fraud involved, or what services the defendants allegedly billed to the school. But the indictment alleges that the fraud began occurring months after the Tindley network closed and consolidated two of its five Indianapolis schools, citing financial struggles and low enrollment. The network now operates three schools spanning grades K-12 and serves 975 students, according to state enrollment records.

In a statement to families, the school said it intends to seek restitution.

In addition to fully cooperating with federal authorities, we hired the law firm of Ice Miller and a forensic accounting firm to conduct an independent investigation to understand the facts of the situation, assess our internal processes and procedures, and implement additional safeguards, the board told parents in a message in December.

Metcalf helped invoices appear legitimate, court documents claim

Metcalf was selected to lead Tindley in late June 2019, according to a Facebook post from the school. He previously worked in Chicago Public Schools.

Court documents say that Metcalf and Maddox agreed that Maddox would submit fraudulent invoices to Metcalf, who would trigger payment from his employers  first, an unnamed nonprofit corporation from 2018 to 2019, then Tindley schools from October 2019 to August 2022.

After receiving the funds, Maddox would then pay Metcalf a portion of the funds through CashApp, or make payments for Metcalfs personal expenses such as credit card bills and the payment to the casino, the filings say.

Documents further say that Campbell, an accountant for Maddox, also submitted fraudulent invoices beginning in 2021 to Metcalf, who would trigger the payment from Tindley. After receiving the funds, Campbell would pay Metcalf through checks, or via payments to his mortgage and auto loan providers, the documents say.

Metcalf is accused of providing language to Maddox and Campbell that would make the invoices appear legitimate.

Through federal forfeiture laws, prosecutors are seeking just over $1 million from Metcalf, as well as a Chicago property. Theyre also seeking $365,700 from Maddox and $400,000 from Campbell.

Its unclear whether the charges could lead to jail time.

As the Tindley networks CEO, Metcalf made $190,726 in 2022, according to state public employment records.

Tindley families informed of indictment, charter network says

Metcalf is no longer affiliated with the school.

He resigned Dec. 14, 2022, after school officials attempted to serve with him a subpoena the school received on Dec. 6, according to Hilary Buttrick, chair of the Tindley board. The board appointed Sandra Tresselt as interim CEO, while cooperating with law enforcement and conducting an internal investigation, Buttrick said.

The school was asked not to disclose any information about the law enforcement investigation until it was complete, Buttrick said. The school shared information with Tindley families the day after the indictment was unsealed in December 2023.

The school hired a new president, Jonathan Harris, in June 2023.

A spokesperson for the schools authorizer, the Mayors Office of Education Innovation, said the Tindley board notified OEI of the allegations and has maintained communication throughout this process.

Two schools in the network were renewed before the office was made aware of the allegations: Tindley Summit Academy in 2021 and Tindley Genesis Academy in 2022.

Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School is set to go through the renewal process this fall.

The federal case has a status hearing set for July.

Amelia Pak-Harvey covers Indianapolis and Lawrence Township schools for Chalkbeat Indiana. Contact Amelia at apak-harvey@chalkbeat.org.

Aleksandra Appleton covers Indiana education policy and writes about K-12 schools across the state. Contact her at aappleton@chalkbeat.org.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tindley Accelerated Schools former CEO charged with defrauding school
Bitpanda, the fintech unicorn, has grown its cooperation with Deutsche Bank to offer real-time payment solutions for both incoming and outgoing transactions to users in Germany.

This API-based account service will give Bitpanda access to German IBANs, simplifying and boosting the user experience while ensuring confidence, speed, and efficiency.

This is the latest action made by Bitpanda in an effort to offer an individualised local solution and to assist the company's ongoing efforts to solidify its position as the primary digital asset trading platform in Europe.

Deutsche Bank has been assisting Bitpanda's operational needs in Austria and Spain as its European Hausbank for cross-currency solutions.

Moreover, Bitpanda is a regulated multi-asset broker platform that provides retail investors with access to over 2,800 carefully selected virtual assets and indices, as well as stocks, ETFs, and commodities.

Deutsche Bank is Bitpanda's newest large institutional partner as the company continues to expand rapidly.

Collaboration with traditional financial services providers is a primary objective for the unicorn in 2024, as it believes that integration will determine the industry's future.

Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad, deputy CEO of Bitpanda, said: Bringing the best parts of the industry together is where we can create real value for people. Deutsche Banks commitment to working with new and innovative players in the financial industry continues to make our partnership possible. From today, we can access a range of Deutsche Banks products, unlocking benefits for our team and our users.

Kilian Thalhammer, global head of Merchant Solutions, Deutsche Bank, added: We are always looking to partner with companies who share our commitment to user safety and security. With Bitpanda, a recognised and regulated fintech provider, we are confident to help build a secure and trusted environment for users in this innovative field of virtual asset investing. With our strategy to be the bank of choice for the high-potential platforms, the partnership with Bitpanda represents a key milestone as we shape this emerging ecosystem through active engagement with leading industry players.

"Bitpanda grows partnership with Deutsche Bank" was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand.







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NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio (WJW)  A woman suspected of stabbing and killing a 3-year-old boy outside a local grocery store is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon.

The child and his mother were attacked and stabbed outside a Giant Eagle in North Olmsted, Ohio.

FOX 8 Photo

FOX 8 Photo

FOX 8 Photo

FOX 8 Photo

FOX 8 Photo

FOX 8 Photo

Officials say around 3 p.m. Monday, June 3, a mother and her son had just finished grocery shopping and appeared to be headed back to their vehicle when a woman wearing all black charged at them with a kitchen knife, stabbing both of them.

Not about being a snitch: Mass shooting information wanted in Akron

Multiple shoppers called 911. Responding officers came to give first aid and quickly arrested Bionca Ellis, 32, of Cleveland, who was found walking toward Dover Center Road, reportedly still holding the weapon.

(North Olmsted Police Department)

Ellis was scheduled to be arraigned via video from jail Tuesday afternoon. She has been charged with aggravated murder, according to police.

The victims were rushed to St. John Medical Center in Westlake.

Tuesday morning the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner confirmed that 3-year-old Julian Wood of North Olmsted died at the hospital. The childs 38-year-old mother, Margot Wood, was treated for non-life threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery, police said.

Police said the attack appeared to be random and that they did not believe the victims had interacted prior to the incident.

Rarely-seen rattlesnake found in Ohio

North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones released an updated statement late Tuesday morning:

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of the three-year-old boy who unfortunately passed away yesterday after being stabbed in a random attack at the North Olmsted Giant Eagle supermarket. This was a terrible tragedy for our entire community. As North Olmsted Mayor, and a mother myself, I cannot fathom what this family must be going through. To lose their youngest child in such a violent and senseless manner is absolutely heartbreaking. I know that all the residents of North Olmsted join me in sharing their profound grief. We are all terribly sorry for their loss and I ask everyone to keep them in thought and prayer. Our police department continues its on-going investigation of the crime as we attempt to begin healing and moving forward. I commend all our safety forces for their compassion and swift response in the wake of this situation. The City will be offering grief counseling to all our employees who are in need of those services. The safety of all our residents continues to be a top priority of my administration.

Will Walmart stores return to 24-hour operations?

The police station is just across the street from the Giant Eagle.

This Giant Eagle is the same store where there was a murder-suicide less than a year ago. It involved a divorced couple. The store reopened Tuesday morning.

A Giant Eagle spokesperson released a statement to Nexstars WJW Tuesday:

We were heartbroken to learn of the passing of the young victim in yesterdays senseless act of violence. Our thoughts are with the child, his mother and their loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.

We thank the North Olmsted Mayors Office and the communitys first responders for their unwavering commitment. We are providing counseling services to our store teams and are ready to support our North Olmsted neighbors however we can.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Too Good To Go app debuts in Detroit, offers affordable surprise bags of surplus food

It's plain and simple: Any food waste is always a shame.

Nathan Hamood, the owner and founder of Dessert Oasis, with four metro Detroit locations, says his team puts a lot of care into the cheesecakes, cookies, pastries and other items they make.

"To see any amount of those (products) end up in the garbage is always a shame," Hamood says. But an app, Too Good To Go, is making its official Detroit launch this week and aims to help food businesses such as Hamood's avoid potential food waste.

Asher Van Sickle, left, and Evan Fay, right, are co-owners of Cafe Noir in Detroit's North End.

Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, Too Good To Go connects food businesses with surplus food to customers offering them "surprise bags" of various amounts of food items close to their prime that would otherwise end up in the trash and ultimately landfills.

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters has four locations in metro Detroit participating in a app that helps combat food waste.

More: Chick-fil-A slated to open Ann Arbor location without a drive-thru

Too Good To Go was founded in 2015 by a group of entrepreneurs seeking a solution to "food wasted by buffet restaurants in Denmark," its website says.

"Our goal is to save food and launch everywhere," says Sara Soteroff, spokeswoman for Too Good To Go. "Detroit has been on our eye after launching in Windsor two years ago. "

In Detroit, 70 businesses, Soteroff says, are signed up to participate.

More: Detroit native debuts new Food Gifts cookbook with 150+ recipes for perfect presents

"Surprise bags" cost about $6 to $7 each, or about half the retail cost. The amounts, specific items, and availability will vary.

"This helps you as a business owner recoup some of the costs of products that otherwise would just be thrown away," Hamood says.

How it works

With the Too Good To Go app, customers can search a city and see what restaurants, cafes, or other food businesses have available and what the price is. Surplus food is not always guaranteed, so not everyone will have items all the time or every day.

With each transaction, Too Good To Go takes a flat fee of $1.79 and food businesses participating pay a yearly fee to participate.

Some days, Hamood says, there are only a couple of bags available, and other days, it's as many as five.

More: Burger Battle competition in Detroit is back  and you can sample the entries

Once you choose the place and add your payment, you will get a time when the "surprise bag" is available for pickup.

From there, show up at the place, show the app, and claim your "surprise bag."

Hamood says things have been working well and the response is positive. "Another big motivation was what a shame it is not to give more people the opportunity to have some of those products," Hamood says.

It's good for business

Cafe Noir is one of the first businesses to sign on with Too Good to Go. So far, the owners of the French-inspired cafe in Detroit's North End, Evan Fay and Asher Van Sickle, like how the app works, its overall concept, and the results.

"People are paying $6 to $7 and getting a steep discount," Fay said. "It may be a piece of cake and a coffee. You don't know what you are going to get but that's the surprise part of it."

As a new business, Van Sickle says Too Good To Go allows them the opportunity and exposure to reach customers, letting people know they are open.

"When people don't know you're there, you have some food waste," Van Sickle says. "Too Good to Go gives us the opportunity to reach some potential and future customers who wouldnt have known about us otherwise and saves some of the food that we would be throwing away."

Before the owners signed up with Too Good To Go, Fay says items like coffee would be poured out at the end of the day and other items would not be available for sale and tossed. "You are constantly battling food waste," Van Sickle says. "There are unforeseen things you cant predict so there is constantly going to be food waste."

Van Sickle says those unforeseen things are as simple as a stormy day or winter storm, but they still have food wrapped and ready to go for that day. "For something like Too Good To Go to come about that can allow a cafe to cover their costs on that food, while also keeping that food either from being thrown away or going into the landfills is huge," Van Sickle says.

Fay called Too Good To Go a natural fit for the newly opened business and not wasting food is something both owners believe in. "It's very hard to see good product go to waste  go in the trash," Fay says. "I think (Too Good to Go) is a cool concept, especially with cafes or bakeries that kind of have daily turnover. There's that constant balance of trying to make sure that we have all of our offerings ready to go but at the same time not have food waste."

About 30% to 40% of the U.S. food supply in various ways goes to waste at the retail and consumer levels, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates. In 2010, that amount wasted equated to, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's research arm, an approximate staggering 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food.

The win-win is that consumers save money on food items, food businesses recoup some costs and food doesn't go to waste.

Detroit partners already participating with Too Good To Go include:

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters

Detroit Institute of Bagels

Baobab Fare

Yum Village

Cafe Noir

Touted as a social impact company, Too Good To Go's mission is to inspire and empower everyone to fight food waste together, its website says.

By the numbers, Too Good To Gos worldwide efforts boast:

More than 300 million meals saved

90 million registered users who have downloaded the app and made a purchase

155,000 partners who are actively saving good food from going to waste

We tried out the service last Friday, placing an order through the app at Cafe Noir in Detroit's North End. Cafe Noir was chosen because it was the closest to the office with an accommodating pickup time. The cost was $5.99 plus tax. Our "surprise bag" came with two pieces of chocolate cake with a thick fudgy frosting and thin layer of ganache plus an iced coffee. We were happy with the cake, coffee, and price.

Two pieces of chocolate cake from Cafe Noir were in an order placed through the Too Good To go app that combats food waste.

Companies wishing to participate can go to toogoodtogo.com.

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Too Good To Go app makes Detroit debut, fights food waste
Mr Biden addressed critics of the policy in a press conference on Tuesday - Gripas Yuri/ABACA

Top Democrats have turned on Joe Biden over his sweeping order to stop migrants at the United States border, likening the measure to the policies of Donald Trump.

The US president issued an executive order on Tuesday that bars migrants from seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border when illegal crossings exceed 2,500 per day for seven days.

The measure, the most restrictive border policy introduced by any modern Democrat, is intended to address the countrys immigration crisis, a key concern among voters ahead of the November election.

The move comes weeks before the first presidential debate in which Mr Biden will likely be attacked on the border crisis by his rival Trump.

Mr Biden had previously said he had done all he could on the border and called on Congress to pass new laws to address the situation.

The White House explored additional actions after a bipartisan border deal fell apart when Republicans blocked the bill at the behest of Trump.

But key players from within Mr Bidens own party denounced the move as a return to the same policies that were proven to fail in the Trump administration.

Addressing his critics in a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Biden said: For those who say the steps Ive taken are too strict, I say to you: be patient.

He said that goodwilled American people are... wearing thin right now, adding: Doing nothing is not an option.

Mr Biden also criticised Trump and the GOPs extremely cynical political move to get Republicans to vote against the bipartisan border bill, saying: The border is not a political issue to be weaponised.

He added that Republicans have left me no choice and he is seeking to do what I can on my own to address the border and gain control.

The new order allows border officers to return migrants across the Mexican border or to their home countries within hours or days when the number of border encounters between ports of entry hits a seven-day average of 2,500.

It means the measure should take effect immediately, because daily averages already exceed that figure. Border authorities encountered around 3,500 migrants crossing the border illegally on Monday, a Homeland Security official told CNN.

Migrants walk near the border wall near the US border, in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico - Luis Torres/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Alex Padilla, Democrat Senator, told the broadcaster it was disappointing to see an attempt to return to the same policies that were proven to fail in the Trump administration.

Bennie Thompson, a Democrat on the House Homeland Security committee, also criticised the policy.

While Mr Thompson said the president had been acting in the face of cynical Republicans who blocked legislation, he criticised the impact on vulnerable people coming to the United States for safety and protection.

He called on Republicans to work with Democrats to pass real, lasting solutions to strengthen border security.

Meanwhile, Pramila Jayapal, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair, said the move was very, very disappointing, adding: We should be distinguishing ourselves from Donald Trump on immigration.

Weak and pathetic

The Right of the GOP, led by Trump, was also quick to lambast Mr Bidens order.

The Republican nominee denounced the policy as weak and pathetic and said it would make the invasion worse.

He accused Mr Biden of pretending to finally do something about the border because he knows we have a debate coming up in three weeks.

In a joint statement, Mike Johnson, House Speaker; Steve Scalise, House Majority Leader; Tom Emmer, Majority Whip and Elise Stefanik, House Republican Conference Chair, called the move a desperate political stunt to try and stabilise his [Mr Bidens] plummeting poll numbers.

Under the order, border restrictions would remain in effect until two weeks after the daily encounter numbers are at or below 1,500 per day between ports of entry.

There are some exceptions to Mr Bidens block on asylum seekers, such as unaccompanied children, victims of a severe form of trafficking and those who present an acute medical emergency or an imminent and extreme threat to life and safety.

The Biden administration already has an agreement with Mexico in which the Central American country agrees to accept up to 30,000 citizens a month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela once they are denied entry from the United States.

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TAMPA  Mayor Jane Castor has lost two more top officials from her administration in an exodus hitting the city of Tampa in some of its most pressing areas of concern.

Alis Drumgo, deputy administrator for development and economic opportunity, and Erica Moody, community redevelopment agency director, are both resigning, according to records reviewed by the Tampa Bay Times.

Drumgo has been in his position for two years and Moody just one.

Their departures follow the April announcement that the citys top staffer overseeing economic development, Nicole Travis, would be leaving the administration this summer, too. A year ago, the city also witnessed a wave of resignations from the Mobility Department, another team central to the mayors top priorities.

The mayor is very sorry to see them leave but appreciates the great work they did, city spokesperson Adam Smith said in a statement.

A member of City Council says the mayors management style is part of the problem.

Until the chief of staff and mayor allow an enlightened agenda and give people with experience the room to implement, the city will not be able to keep top people and our city will continue to suffer, Council member Bill Carlson said in a statement to the Times.

Smith responded: Deflecting responsibility or politicizing the departure of two outstanding public servants does nothing to help us keep Tampas positive momentum moving forward.

Council member Gwen Henderson also pushed back on Carlsons sentiment.

That is his go-to statement, to just blame the mayor and the chief of staff, Henderson told the Times.

Both Drumgo and Moody, she added, are experts in their field. Their decision to leave does not need to be attributed to anything the mayor has done. Their work speaks for itself.

Now, we have to keep the forward momentum, she added.

Carlson said Smith and his City Council colleague need to look at reality instead of spinning for the mayor.

Neither Moody nor Drumgo returned calls from the Times Monday.

Moody is leaving her position with mixed emotions, she wrote in her resignation letter dated June 3 and reviewed by the Times.

I came with a passion to help locals stay in their homes, grow their businesses, and contribute to the rich history and culture that makes Tampa the best city in the country, she wrote.

She was hired in late May last year. During her one-year tenure, her team managed historic investment in affordable housing and multi-million dollar capital projects at institutions including the Tampa Museum of Art and the Florida Aquarium, and restructured the agency overseeing the citys eight community redevelopment areas, known as CRAs.

I believe that the teams dedication and hard work will continue to drive meaningful change and enhance the quality of life for all Tampa residents, Moody, a Tampa native, wrote.

Her last day is July 12.

She wrote her resignation letter to Drumgo.

He joined the city in May 2022 as the deputy administrator overseeing economic development.

He was among the core architects of the citys Housing Needs Assessment, which analyzed the citys affordability crisis. His departure is hitting Old City Hall as residents continue to feel the tight grip of rising rents and steep property prices, all while new construction continues to boom.

Drumgo also restructured the community redevelopment department and established the Small Business Navigator, a new position aimed at helping local businesses connect with the city.

He previously worked for the city of Tampa as an urban planner from 2015 to 2017.

Stopping to reflect on these and other accomplishments, over the last two years, I thank the Mayor for the opportunity to serve, he said in a statement provided via a city spokesperson. Im grateful for having led from the trenches next to those who continue to strive for excellence in public service.

The departures marked a tremendous loss, Council member Luis Viera said, calling Drumgo and Moody exemplary public servants of integrity who came here to serve everyone.

I always worked well with and respected both and will miss them, he added.

Drumgos last day is July 1, the same day as his boss, Nicole Travis.

In April, she announced she was leaving city government after a little more than two years with Castors administration. She was widely applauded inside and outside of Old City Hall as a straight talker and determined leader. She is starting her own Tampa-based consulting firm.

I am immensely grateful for the trust and support I have received from the City of Tampa team during my time as Administrator, Travis said in a statement, the Times previously reported.

Last summer, the citys Mobility Department, praised by Castor as a core component of her vision to unlock more of downtown for reinvestment, witnessed high-profile exits and allegations of a hostile workplace. Four senior female staff members left the department within a matter of weeks.
Toxic forever chemicals are on the rise in Lake Michigan and have been detected in all of the Great Lakes

Toxic forever chemicals are on the rise in Lake Michigan, an alarming finding that reflects how the Great Lakes act like sponges soaking up pollution from near and far.

Rain and contaminated air are major sources of the pollution detected by a team of researchers from Indiana University and Canadas top environmental agency. So are discharges from sewage treatment plants and industries.

The new study found airborne concentrations of PFAS  per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances  are much higher near Chicago and other urban areas than at rural monitoring stations in northern Michigan and upstate New York. Previous research recorded similar patterns for flame retardants and other toxic chemicals.

But unlike many other contaminants, PFAS in rain were consistent throughout the Great Lakes region, likely because the chemicals are so widespread in the environment.

Levels detected in rain were the same near Chicago and at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 223 miles northeast across Lake Michigan near Traverse City.

As the most comprehensive tracking of PFAS in the lakes to date, the study provides another example of how it is impossible to avoid exposure to the chemicals  some of which build up in human blood, cause cancer and other diseases and take years to leave the body.

We need to take a broader approach to control sources releasing PFAS into the atmosphere and into bodies of water, Marta Venier, an environmental chemist at Indiana University and co-author of the study, said in an interview. Eventually that pollution ends up in the lakes.

PFAS are called forever chemicals because their bonds of carbon and fluorine are nearly impossible to break  a quality that makes them attractive to manufacturers of products resistant to grease, heat, stains and water. But for decades 3M, DuPont and other PFAS makers hid from government regulators and the public what the corporations knew about the health risks.

In April, President Joe Bidens administration required every U.S. water utility to begin routinely testing for several PFAS in drinking water. Any utility that exceeds newly adopted federal limits will get five years to overhaul treatment plants to filter the compounds out of tap water.

Based on limited testing conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and some states, thousands of utilities face expensive upgrades to their treatment plants. For now, though, it appears Chicago and other Illinois communities that depend on Lake Michigan for drinking water will not be required to do anything other than test for the chemicals.

Testing by the Chicago Department of Water Management and the Illinois EPA detected forever chemicals in treated Lake Michigan water but at levels below the new federal standards.

Forever chemicals: Theyre in your drinking water and likely your food. Read the Tribune investigation

All told the Great Lakes provide drinking water to more than 40 million people in the United States and Canada, including 6.6 million in Illinois.

The new study found all of the lakes are contaminated with two PFAS that initially drew attention from scientists and regulators: perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), used by 3M for decades to make Scotchgard stain repellent, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), sold to DuPont by 3M to manufacture Teflon coatings for cookware, clothing and wiring.

PFOS and PFOA no longer are made in the United States. Chemical manufacturers claimed other versions containing fewer carbon-fluorine bonds would be safer, but their own studies found the alternatives are just as dangerous, if not more so.

Levels of two alternative PFAS, known as PFBA and PFBS, are increasing in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, the Indiana University and Canadian researchers found. PFOS, the original Scotchgard chemical, also is on the rise in the two lakes.

Lake Ontario had the highest PFAS concentrations, likely because it is downstream from the other Great Lakes. The chemicals also are flushing out of Lake Ontario more rapidly because it empties into the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Atlantic Ocean.

Venier said she welcomes the Biden administrations drinking water regulations for PFOA, PFOS and a handful of other forever chemicals. At the same time, she noted, industry has put some 15,000 PFAS into the marketplace during the past half-century and federal regulators have continued to approve new versions.

We know enough about these chemicals, Venier said. Its a matter of how much is enough to decide to stop putting more of them into our environment.
Tractors rumble in streets again ahead of EU polls. Farming is a big issue and the far right pounces

Farmers with their tractors gather around the Atomium in Brussels, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Farmers are protesting in Brussels to put pressure on the European Union, just days before European Parliament elections. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

BEERSEL, Belgium (AP)  The far-right Flemish Interest party had set up the demonstration in the picture-pretty rolling fields south of Brussels, ahead of the four-day European Union election starting Thursday. The goal was clear: Decrying how farmers would lose fertile land to what they see as overbearing environmentalists trying to turn it into a chain of woods, killing off a traditional way of life.

It was also another show how agriculture has been instrumentalized by the populist and hard right groups throughout the 27-nation bloc.

In a final push on Tuesday, militant agricultural groups from more than a half dozen nations were converging on Brussels in a show of force that they hoped would sweep the progressive Green Deal climate pact off the table and give farmers the leeway they had for so long in deciding how to till the land. There too, the impact of the far right was clear, with representatives from several EU nations attending the protest that drew hundreds of tractors.

At last week's small protest south of the capital, farmer Eduard Van Overstraeten was growling. As a farmer, you have just been turned into a number, he said. Of the 60 hectares (148 acres) he used to farm for wheat, corn and potatoes, he said he was forced to sell a quarter of it  including his farmhouse  to help make a string of distinct woods around Brussels to become one continuous nature zone to improve biodiversity and fight pollution.

Similar stories of discontent, centering on limiting use of manure and pesticides to forcing parts of farmland to be kept pristine nature zones for the benefit of birds and bees  and eventually the population at large  have driven this influential electoral base of conservative Christian Democrats further to the fringes of the right.

Nobody defends us, so others have to come to power, said Van Overstraeten.

And just as a wealthy think tank funded by the self-proclaimed illiberal Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has helped Tuesday's and previous demonstrations in Brussels, it is the surging Flemish Interest party that does so at a local level.

They are looking for another party that brings a credible story. And that is us, said Klaas Slootmans, a parliamentarian for the Flemish Interest. It is common sense that you need to protect farmers and food supplies.

It is the crux of the political issue that pits farmers against environmentalists, the greens and much of the left against the populist and far-right forces: do you protect farmers and food supplies by giving farmers free rein to work as they see best? Or by hemming them in and imposing strict regulations to cut pollution and promote a life closer to nature that would contain the excesses of climate change?

Over the past year though, scientific arguments have taken a second seat to the rumble of the street.

Crucially, the center parties, especially the Christian Democrats, have started to dither and waver toward the right following months of unrelenting demonstrations across the bloc, with hundreds of tractors often blocking essential economic lifelines or many of the Europe's great cities like Paris and Madrid.

As climate change, with droughts, heat waves, floods and fires, started to increasingly wreak havoc, the EU sought to bring tough laws as part of its Green Deal to make the bloc climate-neutral by 2050. Agriculture accounts for more than 10% of EU greenhouse gas emissions, from sources such as the nitrous oxide in fertilizers, carbon dioxide from vehicles and methane from cattle.

For years the EU became the globe's trendsetter which earned plenty of plaudits on the international stage, but lost its farming base, which was increasingly lost in myriad rules that sometimes pinpointed when could be sowed and reaped, and even had satellite surveillance to check on it. It was fodder for the extreme right, which railed in the European Parliament and in countless demonstrations about bureaucratic interference.

And at EU and national level, ambitious plans have already been curtailed. In the Netherlands, the new coalition plans are rife with measures that largely meet the demands of farmers and counter those of environmentalists. The coalition is dominated by the extreme right party of Geert Wilders.

The groundswell of defiance has driven many to a level of farming militancy not seen in decades. The Dutch Farmers Defense Force, which was behind Tuesday's match, often calls its members fighters, and some of the demonstrations have resulted in violence.

Tuesday's march was supposed to be the culminating point of the months of protests, with rumors of up to 100,000 protesters coming. It was a fraction of that.

Jos Ubels, the No. 2 of the FDF, blamed nature's intervention. Much of Western Europe is going through its wettest spring in living memory and even in early June, land is unsown and blights are ravaging it, he said. The weather has made it impossible.
ROSSVILLE (KSNT)  Eastbound traffic along Highway 24 is impacted after a Tuesday morning crash.

At 6:33 a.m., the Shawnee County Sheriffs Office was called to Highway 24 and Northwest Anthony Road. Authorities said the crash involved two vehicles and had no reported injuries. The Kansas Highway Patrol is assisting in the crash.

Kandrive.org is reporting traffic disruptions in the eastbound lane of Highway 24 at the scene of the crash.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

KSNT Pothole Map compared to early 2024

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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Members of an influential group on gender identity healthcare include vocal critics of the landmark Cass report - FINDLAY/ALAMY

Trans rights activists who have publicly trashed the Cass Review and promote puberty blockers are helping the SNP set up a new NHS child gender service in Scotland.

Members of an influential group on gender identity healthcare, established by the Scottish Government in 2022, include vocal critics of the landmark report which raised grave concerns about how children with gender issues have been treated.

The Telegraph has seen evidence that a member of the group, which includes activist organisations and academics as well as doctors, used their position to spread disinformation to other members which rubbish Hilary Casss findings.

Another member, a transgender academic, attended a protest in Glasgow after Scotland followed England by announcing a ban on puberty blockers, due to Dr Casss warnings of a lack of evidence they are safe.

Dr Ruth Pearce, a lecturer at the University of Glasgow, made a speech at the event in which she labelled the decision disgusting. She went on to suggest trans people including children should be able to do what we want with our own body.

A member of the group used their position to spread disinformation to other members which rubbish Hilary Cass's findings - YUI MOK/PA

The campaign group For Women Scotland demanded that the members were immediately removed from their positions, which sees them handed a remit of improving the provision of gender identity healthcare within NHS Scotland.

One of the National Gender Identity Healthcare Reference Groups tasks is also to oversee the creation of a nationally commissioned young persons gender service in Scotland.

Fears were raised that members would use their influence to attempt to have Dr Casss findings disregarded in Scotland, after she called for a cautious approach and said not all children with gender issues should receive medical interventions.

Members of this so-called healthcare group are being allowed to abuse their positions with attempts to rubbish the most comprehensive study of its kind ever carried out, Trina Budge, a director at For Women Scotland, said.

They should not have been let anywhere near positions of influence over the NHS in the first place. But given their behaviour, continued membership is clearly untenable and they must be removed immediately.

She added: Members of a group like this should have been seriously and dispassionately reviewing Dr Casss findings and working out how to implement them in Scotland as soon as possible.

Instead, they are spreading anti-scientific lies at extremist protest rallies and promoting disinformation to their colleagues.

An email sent on April 16 by a representative of the organisation TransparentSees, the day before a group meeting was due to take place, urged members to read about 10 potentially dangerous items in the Cass Review.

An online blog it referred to claimed the Cass Review was biased and prejudice-driven and that the findings would cause significant harms to trans children.

It added that the report recommendations were built on a foundation of prejudice, ignorance, cisnormativity and pathologisation of trans lives, and accused Dr Cass of promoting a form of conversion therapy.

Dr Cass, who has been clear that she does not support conversion therapy, called for caution in social transition, meaning to change names and pronouns.

She said it could make it more likely that a child goes on to receive potentially irreversible and damaging medical interventions, when gender distress may otherwise have resolved naturally.

Dr Pearce addressed a rally in April, claiming Dr Cass had 'intentionally ignored' evidence about the benefits of puberty blockers - JEFF J MITCHELL/GETTY

Meanwhile, Dr Pearce spoke at a rally in Glasgow on April 18, after the Scottish NHS implemented a ban on puberty blockers and hormone treatments for children.

She labelled the decision disgusting and claimed Dr Cass had intentionally ignored evidence about the benefits of puberty blockers, wrongly suggesting that she had only accepted double-blind studies.

Dr Pearce went on to claim that healthcare experts and trans people had been excluded from the report, when in fact they were consulted extensively.

Dr Cass has been forced to correct straight disinformation being spread by trans activists about her report, such as that she set an unreasonably high bar for what studies she considered.

Other members of the reference group are representatives of the charity LGBT Youth Scotland, which has described treatments such as puberty blockers as wonderful.

Medical representatives include members of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, a controversial American body which has also criticised the Cass Review findings.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The National Gender Identity Healthcare Reference Group includes NHS health board representation, clinicians, academics and the third sector.

Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, with a wide range of views, and including those that could be impacted by service or policy change, is standard practice in the public sector.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Travis County district attorneys office plans to take action against Gov. Greg Abbott in response to what it believes was an unlawful pardon of a man convicted of murder in the death of a Black Lives Matter protester in 2020.

Gov. Greg Abbott pardoned Daniel Perry May 16, one week after he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. The former Army sergeant was working for Uber when he drove into a crowd of protesters who started kicking and hitting his car, court testimony showed. He shot protester Garrett Foster, himself an Air Force veteran, who was armed with a rifle and approached the car.

In a statement to KXAN, Perrys attorney, Clint Broden, said Abbott used pardon powers similar to what is given to almost every other state governor in the U.S., as well as to the president. Another one of Perrys attorneys, Doug OConnell, called this a political move by the District Attorneys Office.

APD interim chief drafted letter in support of pardon for Daniel Perry

District Attorney Jose Garza said his office intended to file a writ of mandamus asking the court of criminal appeals to reverse the unlawful pardon on the grounds that a process to support an innocence finding wasnt followed and that Abbott violated Texas separation of powers clause.

Abbott posted on the social media platform X on Tuesday, formerly known as Twitter, about Garzas announcement, stating the reversal is not going to happen.

The Texas Constitution provides: In all criminal cases, the Governor shall have power, after conviction, on the written signed recommendation and advice of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, to grant pardons, the governors post read.

One day after a jury found Perry guilty in April of 2023, Abbott called for him to be pardoned. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles reviewed the case and voted unanimously to give Perry a full pardon and restore his gun rights.

We had justice for Garrett for 18 hours after waiting 3 years for a trial, his mother, Sheila, said at Tuesdays press conference. It was planned. It was premeditated, and the very next day the governor announced his plans to pardon. And now here we are and he has done it and I am not OK with this and nobody should be OK with this.

At the time he signed the pardon, Abbott noted the Board of Pardons and Paroles had conducted an exhaustive review of the case.

Texas has one of the strongest Stand Your Ground laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney, Abbott said at the time.

Indeed in the State of Texas, the Texas Governor, upon a recommendation of the Board of Pardon and Paroles, has the absolute power to pardon a person on any grounds including the grounds of actual innocence, Broden said in his statement. Here, that pardon was fully appropriate and consistent with the laws and Constitution of this States.

KXAN asked Garza what he believed the likelihood was of things moving forward with the writ of mandamus the way he wants it to.

We have faith in the rule of law and we have an obligation to pursue all our legal remedies under the law, he responded. What is the likelihood of the court of criminal appeals court, the justices, the men and women who serve in that body are going to follow the law? Were all going to find out soon.

Alan Bennett, a former Travis County assistant district attorney and current defense attorney who has experience working with the Board of Pardons and Paroles, said he applaud(s) Garza for his efforts to think outside the box in hopes of achieving what he truly believes is a just result. On the other hand, I do not believe he is standing on firm legal ground.

The District Attorneys Office said it believes the governor improperly interfered with the judicial process by pardoning Perry.

Here in Texas, it is up to our judicial system to determine whether a person is guilty or innocent and what the outcome should be, Garza said. And there is a lengthy appellate process that should be followed in every case. Here the executive, the governor, intervened in that process.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TRAVIS COUNTY  The Travis County District Attorney announced Tuesday that the county would be filing with the Court of Criminal Appeals to reverse a pardon for Daniel Perry.

On May 16, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pardoned Perry, an Army sergeant sentenced to 25 years in prison for shooting and killing Garrett Foster, a protester, in 2020. Abbott issued his pardon after a unanimous recommendation by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

In a press conference announcing the filing, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said the Board of Pardons and Paroles and the governor "put their politics over justice and made a mockery of our legal system."

"We had justice for Garrett for 18 hours," said Sheila Foster, Garrett's mother. "After waiting three years for a trial, we got justice for my son. It was planned. It was premeditated. And the very next day, the governor announced his plans to pardon. And now here we are. And he has done it. And I am not okay with this. And nobody should be okay with this."

"The premise of the writ is simple," said Holly Taylor, director of the Division of Public Integrity and Complex Crimes for the district attorney's office.

"Our democracy and our state works when each branch of government does not exceed their constitutional authority," Taylor said. "When Gov. Abbott issued the pardon, not only did he circumvent the process for pardons, he exceeded his authority and violated the separation of powers doctrine."

Texas law states that the governor can grant a pardon after a recommendation by the state's Board of Pardons and Paroles, whose members are appointed by the governor.

At the time of the initial recommendation, the Board of Pardons and Paroles also unanimously voted to recommend a full restoration of Perry's firearm rights.

"Texas has one of the strongest 'Stand Your Ground' laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive district attorney," Abbott said in a statement last month. "I thank the board for its thorough investigation, and I approve their pardon recommendation."

In an interview with CBS News Texas after Perry's release, Foster said, "I think they're using my dead child to make a political statement."

"We will continue to use the legal process to seek justice," said Garza. "We will continue to fight for Garrett Foster, for his family and for his friends ... We're hopeful that the Court of Criminal Appeals will do the right thing."

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Members of the executive leadership team at BJ's Wholesale Club break ground at the Jefferson Mall as they plan to expand into Louisville, Ky. on June 4, 2024. Kentucky will be th 21st state to have the store.

Attention shoppers: BJ's Wholesale Club will open its first Kentucky club in south Louisville in early 2025.

BJ's, which operates on a membership basis like Sam's Club and Costco, sells groceries, fresh produce, and a wide variety of merchandise. The location will also have a fuel center, according to plans filed with the citys Planning and Design Services department.

Matt Leitao, vice president of market development at BJ's Wholesale Club, said during a press conference Tuesday the company believes BJ's is "a great fit for Louisville and a great fit for their hardworking families," citing BJ's 25% off grocery prices policy, which claims "BJ's (is) consistently more than 25% cheaper, on average, in total," than other regional competitors, according to its website.

Here's what else to know about the BJ's Wholesale Club opening:

Where is the BJ's Wholesale Club opening?

BJ's Wholesale Club will open in the Jefferson Mall, 4807 Outer Loop, in south Louisville. It will take the place of the former Sears department store location.

When is the BJ's Wholesale Club opening?

The BJ's Wholesale Club has broken ground at the Jefferson Mall as they plan to expand into Louisville, Ky. on June 4, 2024. Kentucky will be th 21st state to have the store.

BJ's Wholesale Club will open in the spring of 2025, with a more specific date to come as development continues. The redevelopment plan for the Sam's Club and Costco competitor was approved by Louisville Metro Government in late 2023, according to the Courier Journal.

What is a BJ's Wholesale Club?

BJ's Wholesale Club, commonly referred to as BJ's, is an American membership-only warehouse club chain based in Marlborough, Massachusetts. BJ's sells groceries, fresh produce, and a wide variety of merchandise.

How big is the BJ's Wholesale Club?

The BJ's Wholesale Club will be 103,100 square feet, according to plans filed with the citys Planning and Design Services department.

How do you become a member of BJ's Wholesale Club?

Louisville residents looking to become members of BJ's Wholesale Club can do so through the BJ's website. BJ's has two membership options: the club card and the club card +. Businesses also have the opportunity to purchase membership cards.

Does BJ's Wholesale Club partner with any local organizations?

A 100,000-square-foot-plus warehouse store, the new-to-market BJ's Wholesale Club, is set to replace the shuttered Sears department store at Jefferson Mall in Louisville.

Yes. BJ's is partnering with Dare to Care, a Kentuckiana food bank that "feed the hungry and conquer the cycle of need," according to its website. Once it opens, BJs will donate unsold produce, meat, dairy, and more to the food bank every week in its efforts to support the community.

"BJ's is driven by a purpose of 'taking care of the families who depend on us' and is partnering with the Dare to Care Food Bank," a press release states.

Story continues

Cara Monaco, food procurement manager for Dare to Care, said Tuesday that BJ's reached out to them to collaborate and find how they could best serve the community of Kentuckiana. Dare to Care has partners across the areas, including schools, community centers, service kitchens, and church pantries.

"Retailers like this partnering with us and being able to get more food to eat is essential right now," Monaco said. "One in eight adults and one in five children face food insecurity in Kentucky."

Reach business intern Bailey Reed at breed1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: BJ's Wholesale Club to open first Kentucky store in Louisville in 2025
The Travis County district attorney's office is asking a state court of appeals to reverse Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to pardon Daniel Perry last month for the 2020 killing of a Black Lives Matter protester.

"We will continue to use the legal process to fight for Garrett Foster, for his family and for his friends," Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said during a Tuesday news conference. "We will be asking for the courts to intervene in order to restore the sanctity of the rule of law in this great state."

Garza said his office is filing a writ of mandamus with the Texas Criminal Court of Appeals, asking the court to overturn Abbott's decision. The news conference came almost three weeks after Abbott pardoned Perry for his conviction in Garrett Foster's murder.

Sheila Foster, Garrett Foster's mother, left, and Whitney Mitchell, Garrett Foster's fiancee, share a moment together during the Tuesday news conference where Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said his office is asking the state's top criminal appeals court to reverse Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to pardon Daniel Perry in the 2020 killing of Garrett Foster.

Abbott's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Garza's action Tuesday.

Perry was convicted by a Travis County jury last year. Less than 24 hours after his conviction, Abbott said he would pardon Perry if a recommendation came to him after conservative pundits urged him to do so.

In July 2020, Perry shot and killed Garrett Foster after Perry drove into the racial justice protest on Congress Avenue. Perry claimed that he had shot the protester, who was carrying an AK-47 rifle, in self-defense. During Perrys trial last year, prosecutors argued that Perry had sought out confrontation.

Last week, 14 Democratic state attorneys general signed a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland urging the Justice Department to investigate whether Perry violated federal criminal civil rights laws. Garza said on Tuesday he echoes the request to have a federal probe into the case.

Holly Taylor, director of public integrity and complex crimes for the district attorney's office, said the writ was filed on the grounds that Abbott, in pardoning Perry, had "exceeded his authority and violated the separation of powers doctrine," a principle established by the U.S. Constitution under which the three branches of government are kept separate.

Garza said he's uncertain how long the process will take, noting that his office is also asking to have an oral argument to make their case.

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the highest criminal court in the state and consists of nine elected judges, all of whom are Republicans.

Garza did not directly address whether he believes there's a chance to overturn the decision by the Republican-dominated court given the politics of the case. But he said his office has an "obligation and a responsibility to do everything we can to ensure that it is a legal system that operates as it should and with the best interests of the people who live in this state."

A writ of mandamus is an "extraordinary thing," Garza said, noting that it's asking a higher court to tell an elected official or lower court to "do the right thing." He added that he is not certain how successful they typically are in Texas.

"We will continue to use the legal process to fight for Garrett Foster, for his family and for his friends," Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said Tuesday. "We will be asking for the courts to intervene in order to restore the sanctity of the rule of law in this great state."

Doug O'Connell, an Austin-based attorney who represents Daniel Perry, said in a written statement that Tuesday's announcement was more "political theater" by Garza.

"The pardon power of the executive branch is a well-settled Constitutional authority," O'Connell said. "I'm skeptical that Ms. Taylor, who was recently sanctioned by a Travis County Court for violating the Michael Morton Act (hiding evidence), will persuade the Court of Criminal Appeals with a novel theory challenging the Texas Constitution."

In attendance on Tuesday was Sheila Foster, Garrett Foster's mother, who said the family will continue fighting "until we get justice for Garrett." Garrett Foster's fiancee, Whitney Mitchell, was also in attendance on Tuesday and could be seen crying throughout.

"My own child was killed on American soil for doing nothing but practicing his First and Second Amendment rights, and our governor just said that's OK," Sheila Foster said. "If we allow this, we are setting a precedent ... for any other governor who wants to overstep outside their role and undermine the justice system."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Travis County DA asks to overturn Gov. Abbott's pardon of Daniel Perry
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  Travis County is planning to look at how it provides and funds emergency medical services in areas outside city limits.

On Tuesday, Travis County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a midyear budget adjustment of $400,000 for a consultant to study funding for emergency medical responses in the county. The money is earmarked and might not cost the full amount.

RELATED: A look at EMS, AFD response times in Austin

Chuck Brotherton, the county executive for emergency services, said the county will look for a consultant to help guide the commissioners in decision-making to sustain high-quality emergency medical services in Travis County, outside the City of Austin and Pflugerville.

Brotherton added this follows rapid growth, cost increases and changes in service demand. These factors are challenging how the county can give equitable, effective, high-quality emergency medical services in the county outside city limits.

The last EMS delivery study was in 2011 and did not look at alternative funding options, Brotherton said.

Commissioner Brigid Shea said there are a lot of changes underway, and a deeper, more comprehensive look from a consultant is essential.

I think it makes a great deal of sense, and it would help us be able to manage this in a more complete way than reacting to issues as they come to us, Shea said.

Commissioner Ann Howard said its imperative that the study starts sooner rather than later in advance of next years budget and legislative session. She also said smaller cities in western Travis County have questions about how large their population should be before they independently contract ambulances.

Theres just a lot of questions, and we need help, Howard said.

Next, the county will solicit a contractor and a proposed contract will be brought to the commissioners court for approval, according to agenda documents. The entire process should take nine to 12 months in total.

Rising EMS costs

While EMS response is generally excellent, Brotherton said the cost of emergency medical services increases about 3.5% or more each year. However, there was an 11% increase between fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2024.

In total, emergency medical services are estimated to cost Travis County about $33 million in fiscal year 2025.

The county estimates it will have a roughly $18.3 million interlocal agreement with the City of Austin for EMS in the next fiscal budget. There will also be an estimated $868,000 agreement with Emergency Services District 2 for services in the extraterritorial jurisdictions of Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto.

The cost to operate STAR Flight is also estimated to cost $14 million in the next fiscal year, but this is offset by revenue, Brotherton 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.
By Susan Heavey

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Manufacturers and distributors need to step up compliance with Russia-related sanctions amid the war in Ukraine, U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told CNBC on Tuesday.

U.S. companies in particular need to pay more attention to their supply chains to ensure they are not complicit with Russia's evasion of sanctions over Ukraine, Adeyemo said in an interview.

Adeyemo said manufacturers of microelectronics and machine tools especially needed to step up compliance to help cut off supplies of "dual use" goods to Russia, including from Chinese producers. Freight forwarders and distributors need to do the same and financial institutions need to look at their relationships with small and medium-sized banks in "countries of concern" because Moscow is looking for ways around U.S. sanctions, Adeyemo said.

Asked whether U.S. manufacturers and banks are complicit in Russia's efforts to evade sanctions, Adeyemo said: "Every time I talk to a major CEO, they ask me what more can they do?

"And I want to deliver that message, not just the ones who are calling, but to all the CEOs across our coalition," Adeyemo said. "And what we need you to do is to pay more attention to supply chains and also to the banks that you're working with."

Adeyemo said that without supplies of goods from China, including machine tools and engine parts, Russia's military-industrial complex "would grind to a halt." China can have a robust economic relationship with Russia, but it cannot include goods that can be used in military production, he added.

(Reporting by David Lawder and Susan Heavey; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
The trial of Hadi Matar, the man accused of stabbing author Salman Rushdie, is scheduled to begin on September 9, according to the prosecutors office and Matars defense attorney.

In August 2022, Rushdie was stabbed several times onstage shortly before he was due to deliver a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. Matar, then 24, pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault, CNN previously reported.

Matars trial was initially set for January 8, 2024, but was delayed so his defense could try to obtain information connected to Rushdies new memoir Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder.

Rushdie and Henry Reese, the event moderator who was also injured in the attack, are both expected to testify in the upcoming trial, the Chautauqua County District Attorneys Office confirmed in an email.

Rushdie lost an eye in the incident, where he was stabbed 15 times in 27 seconds by his attacker, who only stopped when audience members pulled him away, he said.

The 76-year-old novelist  the son of a successful Muslim businessman in India  is widely regarded as one of his generations most important authors, but has received death threats ever since his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses.

In a phone call with CNN on Tuesday, Matars defense attorney Nathaniel Barone expressed concern about the ability to seat an impartial jury.

The scene of the incident is literally just five minutes away, its right down the road, he said, adding that he plans to request a change of venue for the trial.

Barone said federal officials have also been conducting a worldwide investigation into Matar, now 26, but there has not yet been a federal indictment.

Im getting ready for trial, Im getting ready to file every motion I have to make, and thats how were approaching it, he said.

Previously, Barone told CNN that Matar has maintained his innocence.

The one thing Ive stressed throughout this is, everyone is entitled to their day in court, and theres the presumption of innocence thats the most important constitutional right that we can have, any one of us, he said in October.

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Lawyers for Donald Trump asked the judge overseeing his criminal hush money case to terminate the gag order against the former president, saying its no longer justified since the trial is over.

Now that the trial is concluded, the concerns articulated by the government and the Court do not justify continued restrictions on the First Amendment rights of President Trump  who remains the leading candidate in the 2024 president election  and the American people, Trumps lawyers wrote in a letter to Judge Juan Merchan.

In the letter sent Monday and made public Tuesday, Trumps attorneys said the justification for the gag order was to protect the integrity of this criminal proceeding and avoid prejudice to the jury.

The argument to lift the gag order is even stronger since President Joe Biden has publicly commented on the guilty verdict against Trump, certain witnesses have commented and a presidential debate is scheduled for later this month, the letter states.

When asked about the status of the gag order, a court spokesman said, the order is part of the court record that has been made publicly available and it speaks for itself.

The Manhattan District Attorneys office opposed Trumps request in a letter filed Tuesday, stating that the court still has an obligation to protect the integrity of the proceedings at least until Trump is sentenced next month.

These interests have not abated, and the Court has an obligation to protect the integrity of these proceedings and the fair administration of justice at least through the sentencing hearing and the resolution of any post-trial motions. The Peoples opposition will address whether, if at all, it would be appropriate to tailor aspects of the Courts Orders given the conclusion of the trial, the letter states.

In March, just before the trial started Merchan granted prosecutors request for a gag order that precluded Trump from making public statements about any witnesses in the case, jurors, prosecutors, court staff, or members of their family. Trump was not restricted from commenting on Merchan or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

A representative for Bragg declined to comment.

In imposing the gag order Merchan wrote, Although this Court did not issue an order restricting defendants speech at the inception of this case, choosing instead to issue an admonition, given the nature and impact of the statements made against this Court and a family member thereof, the District Attorney and an assistant District Attorney, the witnesses in this case, as well as the nature and impact of the extrajudicial statements made by Defendant in the D.C. Circuit case (which resulted in the D.C Circuit issuing an order restricting his speech), and given that the eve of trial is upon us, it is without question that the imminency of the risk of harm is now paramount.

Merchan fined Trump $10,000 and found him in criminal contempt for violating the gag order 10 times early in the trial and raised the prospect that he might have to jail Trump if he continued to do so.

This story has been updated with additional details.

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While former President Donald Trump's conviction is injecting new uncertainty into this year's White House race, the verdict is also starting to roil potentially equally consequential races: those for key Senate seats.

Republican Senate candidates released ads Monday savaging Montana Sen. Jon Tester and Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, the chamber's two most vulnerable Democrats this cycle. And top GOP officials are even going after former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan who represents the GOP's best shot at winning a deep-blue Senate seat after he issued a statement calling for respect for the legal process rather than reflexive support for the former president.

The conviction hasn't meaningfully yet made its way into Senate races in purple states such as Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania and elsewhere, but the contests in Montana, Ohio and Maryland represent marquee opportunities for Republicans to eat away at Democrats' Senate majority.

MORE: GOP's 'law and order' message at odds with their defense of Trump: ANALYSIS

Businessman Tim Sheehy, Tester's opponent, fired the first shot Monday on the issue, releasing an ad dubbing the prosecution of Trump "lawfare" led by President Joe Biden and a radical left that wants to "throw Trump in jail."

"And Jon Tester is standing right by their side," a narrator says before highlighting a past clip of Tester on MSNBC saying someone needs "to go back and punch [Trump] in the face" and highlighting Tester's vote to convict Trump in each of his impeachment trials.

PHOTO: Maryland Governor Larry Hogan speaks to guests at the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Meeting on Nov. 18, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Scott Olson/Getty Images, FILE)

MORE: Majority of independents and 'double haters' think Trump should end 2024 campaign: POLL

Bernie Moreno, the Republican businessman challenging Brown, followed up with a digital ad of his own that features a past video of Brown saying that "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," a narrator says in the video. "Sen. Sherrod Brown stands by, refusing to condemn Biden's politically motivated witch hunt."

MORE: Half of Americans think Trump's guilty verdict was correct, should end campaign: POLL

A source familiar with the Moreno ad said it was backed by a five-figure buy on digital and texting platforms but that a 30-second version was also created that could be run on television in the future.

Sheehy's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on how much money went into its ad.

The videos underscored the dynamics of the two races in which Sheehy and Moreno are running in states Trump handily won and is expected to carry again this year, meaning holding onto all of the former president's voters is likely a ticket to the Senate -- and winning either race is expected to hand the GOP a Senate majority.

"This is a layup for Sheehy and Moreno," said a Republican strategist working on Senate races.

The Brown campaign had no comment on Moreno's ad, but the Tester campaign swatted away Sheehy's attack, noting his upbringing outside Montana and underscoring Tester's past bipartisan work.

"Tim Sheehy is trying to cover up the fact that he is 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. 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," said Tester campaign spokesperson Monica Robinson

One national Democratic operative working on Senate races also predicted the Trump conviction won't play a major role in the races once voters head to the polls in November -- five months from now.

"The outcome of Senate races will be driven by the poor quality and disqualifying flaws of the GOP's candidates," the person said.

The impact of the Trump conviction on Senate races also wasn't just confined to GOP attacks on Democrats.

Lara Trump, the former president's daughter-in-law and a Republican National Committee co-chair, and Chris LaCivita, a top official with both the Trump campaign and the RNC, savaged Hogan for saying that Americans "must not pour fuel on the fire with more toxic partisanship" and should "reaffirm what has made this nation great: the rule of law."

"You just ended your campaign," LaCivita wrote on X in response to Hogan's statement.

PHOTO: Split image featuring Bernie Moreno, Republican Senate candidate for Ohio, in Washington, DC, May 15, 2024, and Tim Sheehy, founder and chief executive officer of Bridger Aerospace and Republican Senate candidate for Montana on Jan. 18, 2024. (Al Drago and Louise Johns/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

MORE: Biden campaign slams Trump for warning of supporters' 'breaking point' if he's jailed, put under house arrest

Lara Trump also declined to say whether the RNC would support Hogan, saying during an appearance on CNN she'd have to circle back on the "specifics monetarily."

MORE: Trump's appeal hearing on Fani Willis set for October, likely pushing trial past election

"I think anybody who's 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, doesn't deserve the respect of anyone," Lara Trump said. "[Hogan] doesn't deserve the respect of anyone in the Republican Party at this point, and, quite frankly, anybody in America."

The comment raised eyebrows over how much the RNC will contest Maryland's open Senate seat -- a seat that hadn't been considered to be remotely in play until Hogan, a popular former two-term governor, threw his hat into the ring.

"Maybe I'm old school, but I always thought the RNC's focus should be on winning elections," Doug Heye, a former top RNC official, wrote on X.

Still, Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, the chair of Senate Republicans' campaign arm, said he still intends on supporting Hogan.

"I think that the trial was a complete sham. I'll be clear on that. Larry's got his opinion as well. One thing about America is we're entitled our own opinions, even when we vehemently disagree with each other," Daines said Sunday on Fox News.

"At the end of the day, an election is about two choices on a ballot. As somebody once said, 'don't compare me to the almighty, compare me to the alternative,'" Daines said, referencing one of Biden's favorite refrains. "Larry's running a great race, and he'll be running his campaign as he sees fit."

Trump conviction makes its way into top Senate races originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
(Bloomberg) -- Arguments on Donald Trumps appeal to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the Georgia election-interference case have been tentatively set for Oct. 4, making a trial before the US presidential election on Nov. 5 virtually impossible.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Georgia Court of Appeals set the date Monday in a one-page notice. A three-judge panel will review a March 15 decision by Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee that Willis romance with special prosecutor Nathan Wade created an appearance of impropriety. He said that required Willis or Wade to step aside. Wade resigned hours later.

McAfee is continuing to handle other matters in the racketeering case that accuses Trump and 14 remaining co-defendants of trying to overturn his Georgia loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 election. The Georgia indictment is one of three remaining criminal cases that the former president faces, along with federal trials in Washington and Florida. None have trial dates yet.

Trump was found guilty May 30 in the first criminal trial of a former US president, a verdict that could reshape the political landscape five months before Election Day. Jurors in New York convicted him of 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a hush-money payment to an adult-firm star in an effort to influence the 2016 election.

Keeping Up With Trump and His Trials: A Timeline of Court Dates

McAfee oversaw hearings to determine whether Willis should be disqualified for hiring Wade to run the Trump case, paying him $650,000 and taking vacations with him. Trump and several co-defendants sought to dismiss the indictment or remove Willis, Wade and the DAs office, arguing that she had a personal stake in the outcome of the case.

In his March 15 ruling, McAfee criticized Willis, saying an odor of mendacity hung over the case and an outsider could reasonably think that Willis was not exercising her independent professional judgment totally free of any compromising influences. He found the romance created an appearance of impropriety rather than a conflict of interest that required her removal.

A spokesperson for Willis declined to comment.

(Updates with Willis spokesperson declining to comment.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Trumps lawyers in lawsuits claiming he won in 2020 are getting punished for abusing courts and making unsupported claims and false statements

Over the past four years, U.S. courts and state bar associations have taken action to protect the integrity of the U.S. judicial system by penalizing attorneys who filed meritless lawsuits claiming  without evidence  that the 2020 presidential election results were invalid.

Despite aggressive litigation by attorneys denying wrongdoing, over time the U.S. legal community has exercised the oversight needed to hold most of them accountable for misusing U.S. courts.

Most lawsuits challenging the 2020 presidential election results were filed in federal courts. Federal judges not only dismissed the claims for lack of evidence, but some also penalized the attorneys who filed them.

Judge Linda Parker of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan acted first, ruling in August 2021 that a lawsuit filed by nine lawyers was a historic and profound abuse of the judicial process. In a 110-page opinion, she wrote that the abuses included:

proffering claims not backed by law; proffering claims not backed by evidence (but instead, speculation, conjecture, and unwarranted suspicion); proffering factual allegations and claims without engaging in the required prefiling inquiry; and dragging out these proceedings.

Print, television, and social media are where the attorneys could have made their protestations and conjecture, Parker wrote. But such expressions are neither permitted nor welcomed in a court of law.

The judge imposed three penalties on the attorneys: US$175,000 in defendant legal costs; 12 hours of mandatory instruction on pleading standards and election law; and referrals to the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission and their home state disciplinary authorities for possible suspension or disbarment.

Appeals to the 6th Circuit and Supreme Court to reverse the sanctions failed. After three years of litigation, the Michigan-ordered penalties still stand.

A federal court ordered Donald Trump, right, and his lawyer in a 2016 election-related lawsuit, Alina Habba, left, to pay defendants attorney fees totaling $938,000. Both are appealing. AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File

Fantastical claims

Courts in other states have taken similar action to hold accountable attorneys who filed abusive or frivolous lawsuits challenging presidential election results:

Colorado: A federal district court penalized two attorneys, Ernest Walker and Gary Fielder, for filing a complaint seeking $160 billion in damages from 19 defendants for alleged misconduct related to the 2020 presidential election. After finding its claims were fantastical and filed in bad faith, the court ordered Walker and Fielder to pay defendants attorney fees totaling $187,000. Appeals to the 10th Circuit and Supreme Court failed.

Arizona: A federal district court imposed similar sanctions on three attorneys  Andrew Parker, Kurt Olsen and Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz  who challenged the 2020 presidential election results in Arizona. The court found their complaint contained false, misleading, and unsupported factual assertions and did not have an adequate factual or legal basis. It ordered the attorneys to pay defendants attorney fees totaling $122,200. The attorneys have appealed.

Florida: One federal district court even confronted a 193-page lawsuit filed by Donald Trump in 2022, claiming 31 defendants disseminated false information about him to rig the 2016 presidential election. The court wrote: This case should never have been brought.  No reasonable lawyer would have filed it. The court ordered Trump and his lead counsel, Alina Habba, to pay defendants attorney fees totaling $938,000. Both are appealing.

These cases create a solid body of precedent for inflicting penalties on attorneys who file abusive pleadings challenging election results.

Suspension and disbarment

In addition to courts penalizing attorneys for inappropriate filings, bar association disciplinary authorities in multiple states have initiated proceedings to suspend or disbar those attorneys from practicing law in their jurisdictions. Despite lengthy procedures involving multiple steps met by aggressive litigation in opposition, those disciplinary proceedings are nearing final action.

In New York, the key disciplinary authority found uncontroverted evidence that Rudy Giuliani, who served as legal counsel to President Trump and his campaign, communicated demonstrably false and misleading statements to courts, lawmakers and the public. It ordered his immediate suspension from the practice of law in New York pending further proceedings. The D.C. Bar Association, relying on the New York action and without conducting its own fact-finding, did the same in the District of Columbia.

While no further proceedings occurred in New York to permanently disbar Giuliani, the D.C. Bars disciplinary authority issued a 2024 report recommending his disbarment in that jurisdiction..

Focused on his actions in Pennsylvania, the 2024 report states that he violated the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Responsibility by filing a lawsuit seeking to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania voters without the slightest factual basis for doing so. It concludes disbarment is the only sanction that will protect the public, the courts, and the integrity of the legal profession, and deter other lawyers from launching similarly baseless claims. The disbarment recommendation is now under review by the D.C. Bars final disciplinary authority.

In similar proceedings against another attorney, the D.C. Bars disciplinary authority issued a preliminary finding that Jeffrey Clark, former acting head of the Justice Departments Civil Division, also violated D.C. ethics rules and should be sanctioned. The move was in response to Clarks alleged efforts to help Trump overturn the 2020 election results.

Comparable disciplinary actions have taken place in other states.

The California Bars disciplinary authority recommended disbarment of John Eastman, a law professor who filed abusive pleadings and engaged in other unethical conduct while representing President Trump and the Trump campaign.

The California Bars disciplinary authority recommended disbarment of John Eastman, a law professor who filed abusive pleadings and engaged in other unethical conduct while representing President Trump and the Trump campaign. Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via AP, Pool

When the Georgia State Bars Disciplinary Board asked Trump campaign attorney Lin Wood to undergo a mental health evaluation, he sued to prevent it. A federal district court dismissed his suit, and his appeal failed. In 2023, Wood announced his permanent retirement from the practice of law.

The Michigan Attorney Disciplinary Board denied multiple motions by the attorneys who filed abusive suits there to dismiss pending disbarment proceedings.

Not all state disciplinary authorities prevailed. Sidney Powell, who represented Trump and his campaign, won dismissal of ethics charges brought against her in Texas. However, she still faces possible disbarment in Michigan and pled guilty to criminal charges in Georgia relating to the 2020 presidential election there.

Judicial system integrity

Many attorneys who filed abusive pleadings challenging the 2020 presidential election have paid a price, incurring litigation costs, judicial condemnation and reputational damage. Some no longer practice law.

The legal communitys tough oversight should make attorneys think twice before misusing U.S. courts, but still unknown is whether past disciplinary efforts will deter any potential misconduct following the 2024 presidential election.

What is known is that the integrity of the U.S. judicial system is only as strong as its commitment to the facts.

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: Elise J. Bean, Wayne State University

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Elise J. Bean 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.
BNSF Railway is suing the North Texas city of Gunter for blocking its plans to build a large industrial logicistics center.

The Fort Worth-based railroad filed its lawsuit in District Court in Grayson County on May 17. Gunter, which is about 70 miles northeast of Fort Worth, has roughly 2,060 residents.

In the filing, BNSF alleged city officials violated state laws when they denied the companys application for preliminary plat approval of its over 900-acre logistics facility in April. BNSF also said the city failed to act on the application in a timely manner.

The railroad is arguing that the hundreds of acres it owns in Gunter is zoned and vested for development that includes industrial uses. In court documents, BNSF said it owns over 519 acres within Gunters territorial limits, and 429 acres in the citys extraterritorial jurisdiction.

A BNSF spokesperson told the Star-Telegram on Tuesday that the company is not commenting on pending litigation.

Gunter Mayor Karen Souther told KXII that she wasnt surprised by the lawsuit and that the city is adhering to the law.

BNSF has tried to move forward with plans to build the logistics center in Gunter for over a year, but the project has been plagued by local opposition. The companys logistics centers are industrial business parks where multiple BNSF customers can get direct-rail service. BNSF has five logistics centers, two of which are in Texas  Sweetwater and Cleveland.

In July, BNSF withdrew its plans for the center after facing push back from residents. Still, BNSF intended to eventually move forward with the logistics center. Resistance to the project continued in the following months. In December, all five members of the city council resigned over the railroad project controversy.

BNSF operates in 28 states and has roughly 37,000 employees. In 2023, it shipped 9 million carloads of freight.
(Bloomberg) -- After Donald Trumps felony conviction last week, commentators in China and Russia wasted little time in trumpeting the failure of American democracy.

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Chinese social media users reacted with bemusement, urging Trump supporters to again storm the US Capitol and warning of a civil war. State-run CCTV called the upcoming election a farce. Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said the entire world could see Trump was being persecuted by all possible lawful and unlawful means.

Of course, Russia and China have long blasted the US system. But this time, their claims echoed those of Republican legislators following last weeks criminal trial that found Trump guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a hush-money payment to a porn star. Even high-ranking lawmakers from Trumps party described the process as weaponization of our justice system, and in some cases vowed to do turn judicial scrutiny on Democrats.

The global fallout from Trumps guilty verdict just months before he contests the next presidential election will test the USs already battered efforts to position itself as a beacon for democracy with illiberalism on the rise. While the conviction of a former  and possibly future  president is unprecedented in the US, other democracies like Brazil, Israel, South Korea, Italy and France have put their own former leaders on trial.

Over the past 15 years, the share of the worlds population living under autocratic regimes has surpassed those in democratizing countries, with stark declines in democratic governance particularly in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia, according to data by the V-Dem Institute.

A February report from the Pew Research Center in Washington found that the share of people who view representative democracy as a very good way to be governed has fallen since 2017 in half of the 22 countries surveyed.

But for governments in Ukraine, Taiwan, the Philippines and the Balkans, the concern is less with the strength of the USs own democracy and more the assurance that any American leader, including Trump, is committed to helping defend them against aggression from Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping, for the simple fact that there is no credible alternative.

No matter who is the president of the United States, whether he be a saint or a sinner, we have to deal with the president, said Kishore Mahbubani, a top bureaucrat in Singapores Foreign Ministry from 1993- 1998 and a former president of the UN Security Council.

I suspect that all the allies of the United States in this region, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, Philippines, all have to deal with a much more transactional president who will ask each one of them Whats in it for me, he added.

This question loomed over the weekend in Singapore, where global defense chiefs met for an annual summit. A bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers attended the summit and visited Taiwan to lend support to new President Lai Ching-te, after China last month conducted its largest military exercises in a year. The Republican in the group, Senator Dan Sullivan, echoed that message but also picked up his partys refrain on the Trump verdict, saying in a statement that the ruling pushes our great nation even further into banana republic territory.

The concerns about US reliability arent limited to Asia.

The economic emergence of middle powers  seen recently in the expansion of BRICS, a group that now includes nine countries including Brazil, India, China and Russia  has strengthened the hand of nationalists who score political points at home by standing up to lecturing by the US. India last month fired back at criticism from the US over the arrest of an opposition leader before the election, saying the remarks could set unhealthy precedents.

It is the relative decline of the US that makes it less and less able to push back, said Shahriman Lockman, a senior researcher at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies in Malaysia.

Analysts contend that US soft power has been eroding for decades, undercut by actions like the second Iraq war, the global financial crisis and continuing racial tensions  issues which China has cited to rebut US criticism of the Communist Party.

Democrats contend Trumps trial is an example of US institutions working as they should  holding even powerful people to account when they commit crimes. Republicans have argued that the charges werent serious enough to merit felony convictions. Trump will be allowed to appeal his verdict, and the New York state prosecutors who charged him have already been called to testify before Congress.

Dozens of senior US politicians from both parties have been convicted by the countrys independent judiciary since 2001, according to Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, interim president of Freedom House, a Washington-based organization dedicated to defending democracy.

We see this not as a political undertaking, but as a sign that a democratic system is working, Bibbins Sedaca said. Our hope is also that this can be seen as democracy in action and a way to strengthen the trust in our democracy and the trust in rule of law.

--With assistance from Jing Li, Ben Westcott, Josh Xiao and Tony Halpin.

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The Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee raised a combined $141 million in May for former President Donald Trumps reelection effort, the campaign said Monday  a dramatic boost in fundraising over the previous months haul as the Trump team works to erase President Joe Bidens longstanding financial advantage.

The campaign said a quarter of the donors in May were first-time contributors this cycle and pointed to Trumps criminal trial in New York and conviction on 34 felony counts as a driver of the donations. The campaign previously had announced bringing in $53 million online in the 24 hours after his conviction last week, and campaign officials on Monday said that one-day surge accounted for more than a third of the total May haul.

The campaign also said that organizations supporting Trump raised an additional $150 million in May.

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, Trump campaign managers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles said in a news release.

Trump has repeatedly and falsely accused Biden of engineering his criminal prosecution in New York, which was brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Some fundraising committees that are part of the presidential campaign orbit will not have to file fundraising reports until July.

Well see how the numbers actually shake out come July, but one things for certain: Trumps billionaire friends are propping up the campaign of a white collar crook because they know the deal  they cut him checks and he cuts their taxes while working people and the middle class pay the tab, Biden campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa said in a statement to CNN.

After trailing Biden earlier this year in fundraising, Trumps team reported outraising Bidens political operation for the first time in April, bringing in some $76 million with the GOP that month and surpassing the $51 million that the Biden campaign said it had raised with the Democratic National Committee.

The Trump campaign did not disclose how much cash on hand it had stockpiled at the end of May, and Bidens team has not yet released any fundraising figures for May. Presidential campaigns must report fundraising and spending details to federal regulators later this month.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.

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This story is being published in partnership with American Doom, a newsletter that focuses on right-wing extremism and other threats to democracy.

A Republican election official in Georgias largest county who has worked for prominent election denial groups is now suing for the discretion to refuse to certify election results with the help of Donald Trumps America First Policy Institute.

Julie Adams, a member of the Fulton County election board, filed her lawsuit on May 22 with the help of lawyers from America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump think tank. The lawsuit seeks access to voting records that Adams says she was denied by Fulton Countys election director, Nadine Williams, and also seeks the courts ruling on whether Adams duty to certify election results is up to her discretion.

Adams lawsuit specifically requests that the judge clarify that her duties are, in fact, discretionary, not ministerial.

In recent years, Republican election officials have refused or delayed certification of election results at least 15 times in eight states, as Rolling Stone previously reported  part of efforts to call elections into question based on Trumps election lies.

Adams lawsuit marks the first legal attempt by Trumpland to help sway Georgias election results in November, but not her first involvement with election denial tactics. While it has been reported that Adams served as a director for the Tea Party Patriots, a pro-Trump group that helped organize the Stop the Steal rally that preceded the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, Rolling Stone and American Doom have found she served with another prominent election denial group that was at the forefront of efforts to overturn the 2020 election and has continued that work into 2024.

In an undated biography at the Virginia Public Policy Institute, Adams is listed as the southeast regional coordinator for the Election Integrity Network (EIN), Rolling Stone and American Doom have found. EIN is the brainchild of Cleta Mitchell, seen as one of the most prominent leaders of the election denial movement and a lawyer who has advised the Trump campaign.

Its unclear when Adams served in the role  or whether she still does. She did not respond to questions about her work for EIN or Tea Party Patriots. An official at America First Policy Institute said the organization is providing pro bono representation to Adams in her capacity as a member of the Fulton County board of elections. Adams and AFPI first began discussing the issues at the center of the lawsuit in April, the AFPI official said  about a month before the lawsuit was filed.

The Adams lawsuit is an attempt to pave the way for Republican election officials to deny election results en masse  a fundamental part of Trumps strategy of baselessly questioning election results and making claims of widespread voter fraud. According to Axios, the Republican National Committee has been staffing up lawyers, legal observers, and poll watchers to gather string for lawsuits challenging the results of the Nov. 5 vote. The RNC plans to hire more people for the operation than for any other department it has, Axios reported.

Adams lawsuit stems from her request for election records from the May 21 primary that include voter check-in lists, poll tapes, ballot recap sheets, ballot removal forms, drop-box ballot information, provisional ballot information, and cast vote records. After requesting the records, Adams was told by Williams that the material was not required for certification. Still, Williams eventually handed over some of the records as Adams continued asking for more material heading into the May 21 primary.

When told that the materials Adams had already received would be all the election director would hand over before certification, Adams claimed she was unable to fulfill her oath of office, according to her lawsuit. Adams voted against certifying the results of the May 21 primary; she was outvoted by her fellow election board members, including Republican Michael Heekin.

Adams lawsuit could pave the way for Republican election officials to more broadly refuse to certify results based on suspect claims that widespread fraud exists, Georgia Democratic Party director Tolulope Kevin Olasanoye says in a statement.

Olasanoye says that Adams is not even one step removed from MAGA stop the steal ringleader Cleta Mitchell and her conspiracy-fueled mass voter challenge operation, adding that the party will continue to combat MAGA Republicans and Trump allies efforts to undermine our democracy and ensure local elections are certified, which is required by law.

Adams lawsuit could also backfire and prove that the certification process  a previously mundane and ministerial task that election deniers have hijacked in recent years  is not up to the discretion of officials like Adams, says Derek Muller, a professor at Notre Dame Law School who has written about the issue of local certification of elections.

[Adams] had no basis in law to refuse to certify the results, Muller tells Rolling Stone and American Doom. If anything, this lawsuit is likely to result in a legal decision that shuts down claims like hers well before the election in Georgia.

Still, Adams refusal to certify is just the latest iteration of an election denial tactic that has been employed across the country in recent years. Since November 2020, Republican election officials in eight states have refused or delayed certification of election results 15 times. Among the states where refusals to certify have occurred were the pivotal swing states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia  which remain crucial to Trumps chances of victory in November.

But like all election matters, Adams lawsuit is complicated. Marilyn Marks, a left-leaning plaintiff in the long-running Curling vs. Raffensberger lawsuit, which seeks transparency about Georgias voting machines and its broader election process, said that while Adams intentions are clearly based in election denialism, the records shes seeking should be released.

So long as they are working with public records and we demand full transparency, the press can oversee what they are doing, and call BS on their failure to certify, she said of Adams and other Republicans who have held up certification over records like those sought in the America First lawsuit.

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Screenshot of video of Donald Trump promoting RNC's "Swamp the Vote USA" campaign on June 3, 2024

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Former President Donald Trump announced the launch of Swamp the Vote USA on Tuesday, the latest attempt by the Republican National Committee to rally supporters behind voting early and by mail in the 2024 election.

Republicans must win, and we will use every appropriate tool to beat the Democrats because they are destroying our country, Trump said in a press release and accompanying video announcing the kick-off of the plan.

Whether you vote absentee, by mail, early in-person, or on election day, we are going to protect the vote. We make sure your ballot is secure and your voice is heard. We must swamp the radical Democrats with massive turnout. The way to win is to swamp them, if we swamp them with votes they cant cheat. You need to make a plan, register, and vote any way possible. We have got to get your vote.

Swamp the Vote USA succeeds the Republican National Committees Bank Your Vote program that former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel announced to great fanfare a year ago, which was to be led by Southwest Florida Republican Congressman Byron Donalds. (The Phoenix reached out to Donalds office to inquire whether he would lead Swamp the Vote but did not receive an immediate response).

Republicans who denounced vote-by-mail efforts when used by states in the 2020 election have sometimes failed to get the message that the national party now supports such efforts, beginning with the former president.

Mail in-ballots are a disaster, Trump said during the Republican Party of Floridas Freedom Summit in Kissimmee last November. California sends out 36 mail-ballots. They go all over the place. Some people get six. Some people get eight.

Trump went on to say in that speech that former President Jimmy Carter had at one point expressed security concerns about mail ballots, referring to a 2005 report by an organization co-chaired by Carter and James Baker, George H.W. Bushs former Secretary of State. The Carter-Baker report said that absentee voting was vulnerable in several ways, according to a PolitiFact analysis. (In 2020, Carter publicly expressed his support for absentee ballot in a statement).

And Republicans continue to fight in the courts against expanding vote-by-mail efforts.

An appellate court in New York state last month rejected a lawsuit filed on behalf of the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee, and several other GOP groups challenging the New York Early Mail Voter Act, the Empire States new mail-in voting law. The law allows voters to cast mail-in ballots without an excuse during a nine-day early voting period, but the lawsuit claims the law violates the New York Constitution.

Trump Force 47

According to the press release, Swamp the Vote USA is a project of Trump Force 47, the RNCs sponsored neighbor-to-neighbor grassroots organizing program that focuses on mobilizing highly targeted voters in critical precincts across the battleground states and districts.

The Republican Party of Florida, unlike many of its counterparts around the country, embraced the concept of vote-by-mail early on after the 2000 election cycle.

We previously launched our All-Republicans Vote initiative, which is the Florida GOP get-out-the-vote program, Chairman Evan Power said Tuesday. We are working hand in hand with the RNC and appreciate this updated effort and increased resources to make sure we turn out every single voter possible.

While Florida Republicans push for their supporter to vote by mail, GOP lawmakers in Tallahassee have worked to make it harder to do so. An election reform bill passed in 2021 (SB 90) now requires voters to request vote-by-mail ballots for each two-year election cycle, rather than every four years, as was previously the case.

The result? The number of voters who have requested mail-in-ballots has dropped more than 50% since the 2022 midterm elections, Politico reported last week, with more than 2 million voters requesting a VBM ballot so far, vs. 4.3 million in 2022.

The post Trump touts Swamp the Vote USA, RNC plan to rally behind vote-by-mail efforts appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Trump verdict and foreign policy take center stage in debate of 3rd Congressional District candidates

J.R. Bird speaks during Utahs 3rd Congressional District Debate against John Dougall, Mike Kennedy, Case Lawrence and Stewart Peay, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Candidates for Utahs 3rd Congressional District laid out their positions on the Trump verdict, aid for Ukraine and Americas support of Israel during a debate in Sandy on Tuesday.

Stewart Peay, Case Lawrence, John Dougall, J.R. Bird and Mike Kennedy are all vying for the Republican nomination  voters will decide which of them will become the GOP candidate during the June 25 primary. Its an open seat since Rep. John Curtis is making a bid for U.S. Senate.

Clint Betts, who moderated the debate hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, kicked off the debate by asking the candidates to respond to the verdict handed down by a Manhattan jury finding former President Donald Trump guilty of 34 felony counts.

Candidates were also asked about whether or not they support the former president in his 2024 presidential bid.

J.R. Bird, John Dougall, Mike Kennedy, Case Lawrence and Stewart Peay participate in Utahs 3rd Congressional District Debate, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Trump verdict and support of Trump

Referencing his background in the military and practicing law, Peay said he was disheartened to see a prosecutor campaign on prosecuting a specific individual.

With that being said, I think we have to look at the constitutional protections that are set up, said Peay. Borrowing the words of President John Adams, Peay said the jury is the last protection against a lawless representative government.

Peay said the jury looked at the evidence and handed down a verdict.

I believe we have to respect that verdict, said Peay, adding that tearing down institutions including the judicial system would be dangerous. He said Trump will have a decent appeals round.

Bird reiterated his support for Trump as the nominee and said the justice system was weaponized to eliminate a political competitor.

Now I agree somewhat with what Stewart Peay said, where we have to honor those decisions, and there are ways to fight both battles, and we need to make sure that we maintain the rule of law, said Bird.

Unless theres something that would eliminate Trump as the nominee, Bird said he would continue to support him.

From my perspective, the greater concern is what took place on Jan. 6, sad Dougall. You saw the assault on the constitutional process.

Dougall said he called Trump seditious on Jan. 6 because of his attempt to undercut our constitutional government.

The Republican Party used to be the party of big ideas. Unfortunately, today, were the party of opposition, said Dougall. He said he thinks too many people are swearing loyalty to one man instead of following their duty to the Constitution.

When Betts asked if any of the candidates do not support Trump, Dougall said he refuses to endorse a candidate.

Describing what went on in the Manhattan courtroom as shenanigans, Kennedy said he believes the case will be appealed a couple times over and make it up to the New York Supreme Court and eventually to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Kennedy said he endorses Trump and said some of his behavior isnt seen as acceptable in the state of Utah.

But when it comes to that, Donald Trump is the Republican nominee, and I stand with our Republican nominee, said Kennedy. He explained that he believes under Trump, the border and economy was better than it is now, and he wants to see him as president.

Every American, regardless of what you think about Trump, regardless of your political affiliation or your party, should be concerned about our legal system being manipulated and weaponized to go after political opponents, said Lawrence.

Lawrence explained he thinks the concern should be heightened because Trumps running against the sitting president.

The case lacks substance, said Lawrence and no one except Donald J. Trump would be convicted on this charge.

I dont endorse all of Donald Trumps behavior and his antics, but he is our Republican nominee and as such, I support him, said Lawrence. He added he thinks Republicans need to be smarter team players and unite more.

Aid for Ukraine

Candidates were asked about the Biden administrations decision to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia using U.S. provided weapons. They also discussed their positions on aid for Ukraine.

Lawrence said he thinks about Ukraine in terms of cause and cost.

We as Americans need to support their cause for freedom, said Lawrence. Now when it comes to cost, thats a different matter. I dont believe in foreign aid, I believe in foreign investment.

Lawrence said by any objective measure the investment made in Ukraine by America has paid off.

In the future, whether I support the future aid of Ukraine, thats going to depend on facts on the ground and how they affect American interests, said Lawrence.

Starting with the withdrawal from Afghanistan, Kennedy said the Biden administration has been weak and powerless.

Kennedy said he supports Ukraines efforts to fight the war, but he doesnt think its the job of America to fund every war.

If were going to help Ukraine, we can help them best with United States technology, said Kennedy, adding that it can be given to Ukraine on a loan or sold. He also said he believes the U.S. should seize Russian assets.

When we think about Ukraine, the key objective from the United States perspective is our own national security, said Dougall. He said this was about more than Ukraine and Russia, its about whether or not America is prepared for the next foreign threat.

Were not well-situated militarily, were flat-footed, said Dougall.

Think about what it takes to produce munitions, boats, planes, drones and so on, said Dougall. Were struggling. We are not well-situated.

Dougall said there needs to be a focus on strengthening our economy and our borders.

Saying he had a different outlook on Ukraine than others, Bird said he wouldnt vote for the omnibus bill that includes aid for Ukraine. He said the U.S. has allowed Russia to be funded on the backside and so it doesnt make sense to also fund Ukraine while allowing that.

Bird said there needs to be massive sanctions on Russia and also accountability for funds.

In addition to sanctions, Bird said the U.S. needs to look at whether each member of NATO is pulling their weight and be cautious moving forward.

How are we to continue to fund these conflicts when we dont even have our own house in order? questioned Bird.

Combat 101 is you have to hit them deep, you have to hit their supply centers, said Peay. He said when Ukraine has the ability to attack Russian vessels and hit behind heavy lines, he said theres been a visible impact on Russia.

Peay said we should continue to support Ukraine now and in the future.

Its time for America to be the leader that we are, said Peay. He said America can help Ukraine improve their efforts and its important that the country do so.

Support of Israel

The U.S. should continue to support Israel, said Peay. He thinks Americans need to understand Hamas was trained, funded and inspired by the Iranians.

Peay said Israels war has been imperfect and the country should stop doing some activities, but he believes Israel should continue the war.

Americans should support the elimination of Hamas because its in the interest of the Middle East and global security, said Lawrence.

We cannot allow distraction from that mission, said Lawrence. We also cant trust these forces and voices that are giving us information. A lot of the information about facts on the ground in Gaza is coming from the Gaza Health Ministry, which is Hamas.

Kennedy said he stands with Israel.

As a democracy, the only democracy of the Middle East, as a generational ally, Israel has the right to prosecute this war to its fullest extent for its very existence, said Kennedy. He called Hamas attack on Israel an atrocity that should be in the history books.

I stand firm with Israel to provide them with every resource necessary for them to fight for their existence, said Kennedy.

Comparing 9/11 to Oct. 7, Dougall asked, Would we just sit there and take it and get lectured by countries around the world?

Israel needs to prosecute Hamas. Hamas attacked them. Hamas still has hostages. In fact, Hamas still has American hostages, said Dougall. He added he thought it was reprehensible for the current administration to withhold support from Israel and sit on its hands.

We gain a lot from working with Israel, said Bird  both economically and militarily. They want to be able to protect themselves and we need to make sure that we are allowing that to happen and not getting too involved.

Bird said he supports a two-state solution and the U.S. needs to work toward that.

We also need to make sure that were talking to other countries in that area and helping them come to the table and talk about economic and military coordination in that area, said Bird.

Candidates final pitches

In the last few minutes of the debate, candidates were asked to give their closing statements.

Former chairman of the Utah County Republican Party and Iraq veteran Peay leaned on his military experience and lifelong residency in Utah to pitch himself as the person who understands the district best.

Trampoline tycoon and business entrepreneur Lawrence said the other candidates could go back and forth about how much political experience they have, but he is proud to be a businessman and thinks its what the area needs.

Entrepreneur and Roosevelt Mayor Bird pointed toward his experience as mayor and said since he understands local government (and when the state government steps on its toes), hes situated to follow constitutional law.

Family physician and business owner Kennedy touted his time in the state legislature weathering threats for passing legislation as giving him a unique set of skills and experiences.

State auditor and former state legislator Dougall positioned himself as the fiscally responsible candidate who all his friends call frugal.

One candidate will advance out of the June 25 GOP primary to the general election.

J.R. Bird, John Dougall, Mike Kennedy, Case Lawrence and Stewart Peay participate in Utahs 3rd Congressional District debate, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Case Lawrence participates in Utahs 3rd Congressional District Debate, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Dr. Mike Kennedy participates in Utahs 3rd Congressional District Debate, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

John Dougall participates in Utahs 3rd Congressional District Debate, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Stewart Peay participates in Utahs 3rd Congressional District Debate, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

J.R. Bird, John Dougall, Mike Kennedy, Case Lawrence, and Stewart Peay participate in Utahs 3rd Congressional District debate, moderated by Clint Betts and hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

J.R. Bird talks with an attendee after participating in Utahs 3rd Congressional District Debate, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Dr. Mike Kennedy shakes hands with an attendee after participating in Utahs 3rd Congressional District Debate, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Stewart Peay talks to attendees after participating in Utahs 3rd Congressional District Debate, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Case Lawrence shakes hands with an attendee after participating in Utahs 3rd Congressional District debate, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

John Dougall talks to attendees after participating in Utahs 3rd Congressional District debate, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

J.R. Bird, John Dougall, Mike Kennedy, Case Lawrence, and Stewart Peay participate in Utahs 3rd Congressional District Debate, hosted by Bad Bet Productions and Silicon Slopes, at The Summit Event Center in Sandy on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
One of the ironies of contemporary politics is that Donald Trump offers himself as the champion of American interests against China when Donald Trump personifies the Chinese ethos.

Consider the three most important parallels:

Both Trump and Beijing are, fundamentally, whiners. They complain endlessly about being singled out and treatedin Trumps favorite wordsvery unfairly, as though fairness and fair play were consistent with their own values rather than perfectly opposed to them. Both sanctimoniously claim the protection of laws, rules, and norms they hold in comprehensive contempt when they do not align with their own interests. Trump and his enablers complain that the case against the former president in New York was a legal stretch, but they simultaneously argue that Trumps risible attempts to find some legal pretext for nullifying the 2020 presidential election are to be understood as an entirely legitimate effort to work through the system. Beijing is simultaneously the worlds most aggressive systematic violator of WTO rules and principles and the top complainer about violations of these rules that do not accord with its interests. Both Beijing and Trump argue that economic success is an answer to all criticism. Trumps argument for himself always has been, in essence, Im very rich, so I must know what I am doing. That would make an equally compelling case for conferring the presidency upon Kim Kardashian or Taylor Swiftneither of whom has Trumps history of serial bankruptcies and idiotic business mismanagement, as in the fiascos of The Plaza hotel in New York or the Trump Taj Mahal casino. Chinas single-party police-state government achieved economic growth and a higher standard of living in basically the same way the Soviet Union did: the forcible conversion of a relatively low-yield agrarian economy into a relatively high-yield industrial one. Its the one cool trick of backward, authoritarian countries, and it generally worksonce. Deng Xiaoping chose a more auspicious moment for his countrys transformation than V.I. Lenin did: The years from the mid-1980s through the turn of the century constituted one of the most productive and innovative economic periods in human history, and while it would not be accurate to say that China made the most of them, China made a great deal of them.

The error of post-Cold War liberalism regarding China was the notion that increased wealth, trade, and contact with liberal-democratic societies would bring about political reform in China as a newly affluent Chinese bourgeoisie interested in protecting its property rights began to demand political power to fortify their fragile prosperity. It wasnt a preposterous notion, but it was mistaken.

The error of Republican post-liberalism was the notion that Trump could be integrated into the mainstream of conservative politics, that he would be surrounded by good people who could focus his energy and his bottomless rage into productive policy goals. Today, most of the good people who served the Trump administration spend their days trying to sanctify the attempted coup detat of 2021 and pretending that evangelical Americas favorite game-show host didnt pay hush money to cover up his adultery with a gamey pornographic performer. In the cases of both Trump and China, the optimists underestimated the corrupting influence of access to power and how cheaply so many leading figures of the ruling class can be bought with a few economic privileges or a happy sinecureand, more to the point, how powerful a weapon is the threat of losing those privileges and sinecures.

China tests the rules-based order at the geopolitical level, while Donald Trump tests the rule of law and civic norms at home on the national level. In both cases, the constant vacillation between disregarding the rules and demanding their protection is not so much a mark of hypocrisy as it is the display of two faces of the same underlying contempt for those rules, the conviction that rules are fundamentally for suckers. It is not for nothing that Trump has expressed admiration for Beijings brutal suppression of the Tiananmen Square movement and its libertarian demands or that even while insisting on his own innocence he prefers the company of habitual criminals such as corrupt former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik (a former felon whose record is today clean thanks to a Trump pardon) and former Hells Angels leader Chuck Zito. Trumps own links to organized-crime figures over the years speak as much to longingthe weak mans perverse attraction to the strong manas they do to ordinary opportunism.

Adolf Hitler once boasted that the strength of totalitarian systems is that they force their enemies to imitate them. And he was not entirely wrong about that, as attested to the regimentation and illiberalism of America at war under Franklin Roosevelt, champion of progressive democracy and builder of concentration camps. Trump would have the United States imitate Chinese economic policy when it comes to trade, cartelization, and industrial subsidies. He would have the United States imitate Russia, China, or even North Korea with a foreign policy based on blackmail and extortion and subordinate to personal political (and economic) calculation.

And, for their part, too many Trump opponents, too many would-be liberals and rule-of-law advocates, left and right, would (and do) imitate Trump when it comes to dealing with the threat he poses to our constitutional order: working from apocalyptic presumptions and ends-justify-the-means parameters. One might reasonably wonder whether anybody really has confidence in the American way of doing things anymore, or at least sufficient confidence to let the American way work through these challenges, digesting them in its usual messy, incompletely, and unsatisfying way.

The American way is unsatisfying because it is conservative, prioritizing procedure over outcomes. But if you wont have the American way, then make your peace with Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinpingthey are variations on a theme, and weve all heard the tune before.

Read more at The Dispatch

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What Trump's VP hopefuls have to say about accepting the 2024 election results

As former President Donald Trump continues to falsely claim the 2020 election was stolen from him, those rumored to be in the running to be his vice-presidential nominee have walked a tightrope when asked if they would accept the 2024 results and how they viewed the 2020 election.

On the question of whether one's views on the 2020 results and possibly the 2024 elections are a litmus test for potentially being picked as a vice president, Trump told Time magazine he "wouldn't feel good" hiring someone on his campaign who acknowledged President Joe Biden won the 2020 election.

Trump has applied this strategy at the Republican National Committee, where the former president has filled the organization with his allies, including his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. As ABC News reported, the RNC asked those seeking employment within the organization if they believed the 2020 election was stolen.

MORE: McDaniel resigns as RNC chair; new Trump-approved leaders voted in

Now, Trump's vice-presidential hopefuls are facing the same test.

While the former president hasn't yet indicated who he will pick to be his vice president, he has said he plans to make his announcement closer to the Republican National Convention, which is less than six weeks away.

PHOTO: Senator Tim Scott speaks to guests at the Republican Party of Iowa 2023 Lincoln Dinner on July 28, 2023 in Des Moines. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

On CNN in May, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott was asked if he would certify the 2024 election regardless of who wins. The senator, who also certified the 2020 election results, said he expects Trump to be declared the winner.

"Well, certainly, we expect a fair and honest election and as a result of that expectation, we will certify the election and certify President Donald Trump as our 47th President," Scott responded.

MORE: 'It's a disgrace': Trump's VP hopefuls come to his defense following conviction

Asked by Dana Bash on CNN in May if he would accept the 2024 election results, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance said he would as long as the elections were "free and fair" -- sharing thoughts similar to Scott's that the results would show Trump as the victor.

"I totally plan to accept the results of 2024, I think that Donald Trump will be the [victor] and if it's a free and fair election, Dana, I think every Republican will enthusiastically accept the results," Vance said. "And again, I think those results will show that Donald Trump has been elected president, reelected president."

PHOTO: Republican U.S. Senate candidate JD Vance speaks with supporters in his hometown at the Butler County GOP headquarters on October 19, 2022 in Middletown, Ohio. (Gaelen Morse/Getty Images)

Asked if he would accept the results if Biden were declared the winner, Vance said, "sure, if it's a free and fair election."

On NBC's Meet the Press in May, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio refused to say whether he would accept the 2024 election results.

"I think you're asking the wrong person. The Democrats are the ones that have opposed every Republican victory since 2000," Rubio said.

Unlike some of his colleagues in the Senate, Rubio did vote to certify the 2020 election.

PHOTO: Senator Marco Rubio appears at his midterm election night gathering after winning his race in Miami, Florida, Nov. 8, 2022. (Joe Skipper/Reuters)

MORE: VP hopefuls modify their stance on abortion to more closely align with Trump

During the 2024 GOP presidential primary debate in Milwaukee last August, North Dakota Gov. Doug Brugum said that former Vice President Mike Pence did the "right thing" on Jan. 6, 2021, when a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol as lawmakers sought to certify the 2020 election results. Pence rejected calls for him to either block or delay the certification.

In an interview with CNN in May, Burgum told Jake Tapper that he believes Biden won the 2020 election but that there were also "irregularities" in the voting process because of COVID.

"I believe that Joe Biden won the 2020 election but I also based on the number of votes in but I think that because of COVID there was a huge number of irregularities because we changed a bunch of rules in certain places and certain precincts in certain states," he said.

PHOTO: Rep. Elise Stefanik speaks at a House Education hearing on reports of antisemitism in K-12 schools in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC, May 8, 2024. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, who did not vote to certify the 2020 election results, didn't commit to accepting the 2024 election when asked earlier this year.

"We will see if this is a legal and valid election," Stefanik told NBC News.

Sen. Tom Cotton, who voted to certify the 2020 election, said last week that Americans should accept the 2024 results as long as they are "free and fair."

"What I won't do, and I don't think what any candidate should do is renounce, in advance, the ability to challenge any kind of fraud or unfairness in the elections," Cotton said to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

What Trump's VP hopefuls have to say about accepting the 2024 election results originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
You might assume that members of Congress, whose job it is to craft legislation, would be the preeminent obeyers of the rule of law. But youd be incorrect.

Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville made that abundantly clear Tuesday, telling Newsmax that Americans should prepare for a civil war following Donald Trumps conviction by a New York jury.

People in our caucus  to me, theyre not really taking this as serious as we should, Tuberville said. American people need to wake up. This is a war; this is a war on our constitutional rights, our constitutional republic. This is not as much about Donald Trump as it is about the people in this country.

"The American people need to take up. This is a war" -- Tommy Tuberville on Newsmax on Trump's conviction pic.twitter.com/V0y33jPPtc  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 4, 2024

Tuberville also claimed that Democrats were anti-American, insisting that the liberal party was looking to strip citizens of their privacy and censorship rights while conveniently forgetting that it was Republican leadership who pushed through the reauthorization of a domestic spy program in April and who are continuing to press for literary censorship in majority-conservative states such as Florida.



A jury found Trump guilty Thursday on 34 counts of falsifying business records with the intent to further an underlying crime in relation to hush-money payments dished out to porn star Stormy Daniels in an effort to hide information during the 2016 presidential election. It marked the first time in U.S. history that a former president had been convicted of a felony.

Trump is scheduled to be sentenced mere days before the Republican National Convention, which has already crafted a contingency plan for nominating the felon even if hes already behind bars.
"We miss her, cherish the happy memories we shared and are keeping her in our prayers," the former congresswoman tells PEOPLE of her aunt Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard. "Hold close the ones you love"

Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard/Facebook; Steven Ferdman/Getty Poet Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard and her niece Tulsi Gabbard

Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's aunt Caroline Sina Sinavaiana-Gabbard was killed last month following an alleged dispute with her protege, Papalii Sia Figiel, according to police.

The Daily Beast reports that Sinavaiana-Gabbard was found dead on May 25 at Figiel's GaluMoana Theater in Vaivase-uta area of Samoa. The writer, acclaimed poet, professor and environmentalist was 78 years old.

According to police, Sinavaiana-Gabbard was allegedly stabbed multiple times and beaten with a hammer by Figiel, 57, per the outlet. Spectrum News cites police as saying that following their alleged dispute, Figiel hid at a friend's house, and was subsequently arrested there. A possible motive for the killing is being investigated, as per Hawaii News Now.

Figiel was originally charged with manslaughter, but after an investigation, the charges were upgraded to murder, Samoa police commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said during a news conference. Figiel is expected to appear in court on June 10.

Courtesy of Tulsi Gabbard Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard with nieces Tulsi and Vrindavan

Tulsi, 43, tells PEOPLE in an email that her aunt Caroline was her dad's only sister, and "the only relative of ours who lived in Hawaii when I was growing up."

"I spent a lot of time with her as a kid at her cottage in the back of Manoa valley. She often shared her poetry with me, and encouraged me to pursue my own writing," Tulsi said. Sinavaiana-Gabbard published Alchemies of Distance, a collection of poetry, in 2002.

She continued: "The news of this horrific tragedy sent shockwaves through our family. We miss her, cherish the happy memories we shared, and are keeping her in our prayers. Life is short. Hold close the ones you love, and make the most of every day we are blessed with life."

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.

Sinavaiana-Gabbard, a former professor at the University of Hawaii, was the older sister of Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard, Tulsi's father. She was distinguished as the first scholar of Samoan ancestry to receive a professorship at an American university.

She has degrees from Sonoma State University, University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Hawaii.

Caroline was my best friend as a teenager, Mike, 76, said in a statement to Spectrum News. 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.



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Read the original article on People.
US aerospace giant Boeing has opened new engineering sites in the Polish capital of Warsaw, in Gdansk and in Rzeszow.

The sites are intended to support the company's strategic focus and will see work across its commercial aircraft portfolio, defence systems and R&D projects.

Boeing has said it plans to create several hundred new jobs at the sites, adding to the 1,100 employees it already has in Poland. Roles will focus on structural and production engineering, software and systems engineering, commercial support and defence and services programs.

The base in Rzeszow is Boeing's main engineering site in Poland and houses a wide range of engineering activities, as well as some customer support. The Gdansk site is focussed on systems and avionics engineering and the site in Warsaw is specialised in production engineering and materials testing.

Linda Hapgood, vice president of Boeing Engineering in Poland and Ukraine, said: "Boeing is committed to building a strong and long-term engineering presence in Poland. Opening a new engineering centre in Poland was a natural step for us since many of our customers, industrial partners, academic partners, and research partners are located here, including the esteemed Lukasiewicz - Institute of Aviation. Most significantly, we found the necessary skills required for our engineering projects here.

Boeing has operated in Poland for 35 years. In addition to engineering operations, it has offices for Boeing Defense, Space & Security in Warsaw; Boeing Digital Solutions & Analytics in Gdansk; and Parts & Distribution Services in Rzeszow.

"Boeing launches new engineering sites in Poland" was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Two men were shot Monday afternoon in Seattles Rainier Valley.

Police were called to the 7900 block of Rainier Avenue South around 1:30 p.m. to reports of shots fired.

On scene were two adult males with gunshot wounds. Officers gave the men medical attention until Seattle Fire medics arrived.

At last check one man was in critical condition, the other was in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center.

There have been no arrests in the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crime Tip Line at (206) 233-5000, or Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  An Austin-based attorney representing more than a dozen property owners displaced by the upcoming Interstate 35 expansion in downtown Austin confirmed the Texas Department of Transportation has filed lawsuits against several of his clients over property acquisitions.

More than 100 residences and businesses along the eight-mile project corridor  running along I-35 from U.S. Highway 290 East to State Highway 71 and Ben White Boulevard  were marked for displacement due to the planned expansions. Last June, KXAN first spoke with Luke Ellis, a partner at the law firm Marrs Ellis & Hodge who is representing several properties owners.

Properties earmarked for displacement sued by TxDOT

At that time, the project hadnt yet received final approval, but property owners had begun receiving initial offers from TxDOT as part of the early stages of condemnation. Since, Ellis said TxDOT has made both initial and final offers and has filed lawsuits against many of his clients.

These are, at their fundamental core, what we call takings lawsuits, Ellis said. These are condemnation and eminent domain-based lawsuits where the government uses its power of eminent domain to take private land from private landowners.

Austin Stitched Together: A Divisive Legacy Lingers as I-35 Expands

KXAN reached out to TxDOT regarding these lawsuits. TxDOT declined to comment on the matter as these are active litigation cases.

At issue with these lawsuits, Ellis said, is that he and his clients believe they are owed more for the value of their land than what TxDOT is offering.

TxDOT has previously told KXAN it works with an independent appraiser to assess the market value of properties its looking to buy as part of a planned project. Ellis confirmed independent appraisal teams have been utilized by TxDOT, but he said he doesnt believe they represent the true and fair market value of the individual properties.

In each of these instances where we are contesting the states taking, we are challenging to get our clients what we believe theyre constitutionally entitled to recover, which is the true, fair market value of the property, he said. And we dont think thats represented in many of the appraisals weve received from the government.

Why property value assessments might differ

From his perspective, Ellis said he feels several factors are driving differences in opinion between his team and TxDOTs. Those include not only the dramatic increase in Austin property values in recent years, but also changes with the City of Austins development code.

Some of those recent tweaks  including the removal of minimum parking requirements, additional zoning overlays and compatibility changes offering higher and more dense property development  have also been added factors, Ellis said.

But beyond that, he said at issue is his clients finding comparable areas to relocate. His clients displaced by I-35 including office buildings, restaurants, retail, medical and multifamily developments  finding similar locations to accommodate their individual needs has proven difficult, he said.

One of the challenges is when they are offered lower than fair market value by the government, they have to go off into the real market to go find a replacement site, he said. So when their site is undervalued by the government, it puts them in a terrible position to go out and try to find a comparable property because, frankly, they dont have the offer and the valuation by the government.

Whats next for these TxDOT lawsuits?

Currently, Ellis said his team is in the early stages of litigation with TxDOT following the state agencys filing of these lawsuits against many of his clients. Ellis confirmed he recently participated in the first special commissioners hearing related to these suits, which serves essentially as a one day mini trial as part of the administrative phase of the case.

He said he expects many of the jury trials related to the I-35 Capital Express Central project will come sometime in 2025 or later on.

PAST COVERAGE: What rights do Texas property owners have in eminent domain cases?

Outside of the specifics of this case, Ellis said its important for property owners to remember their Fifth Amendment constitutional right to just compensation in the event of a governmental condemnation and eminent domain-based property acquisition.

Just compensation, he said, can vary depending on both the property as well as some of the specific and unique characteristics it has that, in turn, could influence overall property value. He also stressed that when the government only takes a portion of a property owners land, they are still entitled to compensation for not only what the government takes but any reduction in value because of that property loss.

I always like to just reiterate the fundamental nature of a property owners Fifth Amendment right to just compensation. A lot of times, the government will look at a property owner and suggest that their offer is fair, he said. I strongly encourage those property owners to visit with an attorney who has experience in eminent domain, to visit with an independent appraiser that is not the governments appraiser to evaluate the fairness and reasonableness of the market value offer made by the government.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Congress is moving to block the Air Force from retiring or preparing to retire any U-2 spy planes in the next fiscal year.

Members of Congress are moving to prevent the U.S. Air Force from retiring its fleet of iconic U-2 Dragon Lady spy planes . The Pentagon approved a waiver last year that had cleared the way for the service to begin divesting the high-flying Cold War-era jets, which The War Zone was first to report. The Air Force's current plan is to divest the last of the U-2s in 2026 and supplant them with a mix of still largely undefined space-based and other capabilities, which is widely believed to include a classified stealthy high-altitude drone.

The House Appropriations Committee released a draft of the annual defense spending bill for the upcoming 2025 Fiscal Year earlier today. It includes a provision that, should the bill become law, would explicitly and without exception prevent "funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act" from being "used to divest or prepare to divest any U-2 aircraft."

As of the start of Fiscal Year 2024, the Air Force had 31 U-2s in its inventory, including a trio of two-seat TU-2S trainers .

One of the Air Force's two-seat TU-2S trainers. USAF

Until last year, the Air Force had been blocked from retiring any U-2s by provisions in annual defense policy bills, or National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA), enacted in previous fiscal years. However, the earlier legislation had included a path to proceeding with retiring the venerable spy planes if the Pentagon could certify that certain stipulations had been met. Chief among these was the insistence that the resulting capability gap would be filled in a cost-effective manner. You can read more about this here .

"On October 30, 2023, the Secretary of Defense [Lloyd Austin] signed a waiver to divest the U-2 Dragon Lady in accordance with language in the FY 2021 NDAA waiver requirement. In signing the waiver, Secretary of Defense certified combatant commands will continue to be able to accomplish their missions at acceptable levels of risk," an annual force structure report the Pentagon released in April further explains. "The ability to win future high-end conflicts requires accepting short-term risks by divesting legacy ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconniassance] assets that offer limited capability against peer and near-peer threats. The USAF will fleet-divest the remaining 31 U-2 aircraft starting October 1, 2026."

A U-2S Dragon Lady spy plane. Lockheed Martin

The increasing vulnerability of the aging U-2 to air defenses operated by even lower-tier potential adversaries, let alone near-peer competitions like China and Russia, has long been an argument in favor of retiring the jets. China, in particular, continues to expand its anti-access and area denial bubbles and push them further and further from the mainland.

At the same time, the Dragon Lady continues to be a uniquely high-flying ISR platform capable of carrying a wide array of different imaging, signals intelligence, and other sensors simultaneously. U-2s, which regularly operate from a variety of forward locations, therefore provide immense flexibility, especially compared to satellites that are constrained by their orbits and very short times over the collection target.

The U-2 can fly higher than any other non-orbital platform the U.S. military has, at least that we know about. A very public show of those capabilities came last year when a Dragon Lady flew over a Chinese spy balloon to gather intelligence about it as it soared through U.S. airspace before it was ultimately shot down . Perched in the stratosphere, which requires U-2 pilots to don what are effectively space suits , the jets can also peer obliquely into denied areas.

A picture of a Chinese spy balloon soaring over the United States in February 2023 taken from the cockpit of a U-2 spy plane. DOD

Still, as already noted, even with the long reach of their sensors, there have been significant and growing questions about the utility of the U-2s in a future high-end conflict given their inability to penetrate into areas where robust air defenses are present. The need for new penetrating ISR platforms has been a hot topic for Air Force officials for years now. This has long been viewed as, at least in part, a veiled reference to a stealthy long-range high-altitude spy drone commonly referred to as the RQ-180 . Other uncrewed ISR aircraft may be in development in the classified realm, or even already in limited service, to help meet this requirement. In addition to its primary role as a bomber, the forthcoming stealthy B-21 Raider will also have substantial ISR capabilities .

In addition, details are now starting to emerge about significant work, again largely in the classified realm, on new distributed ISR satellite constellations capable of providing much more flexibility and persistent coverage. You can read more about what is known about these emerging space-based capabilities in this past War Zone piece .

The April Pentagon force structure reports mention of "acceptable levels of risk" and "accepting short-term risks" does raise questions about exactly when these planned replacement capabilities will be available and in sufficient quantities to truly fill the gap left by the retirement of the U-2 fleet.

With all this in mind, it is worth noting that the Air Force has been exploring using the U-2s for non-ISR-related missions in recent years, including acting as powerful communications relay and data fusion gateway nodes . The service said last year that it expected to continue utilizing the jets "in unique and innovative ways" right up until their retirement.

A U-2 fitted with a communications gateway package participating in Exercise Northern Edge 2017. USAF

The U-2 also has a long history of being a valuable resource for use in non-combat missions, including in support of disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions . NASA operates a pair of ER-2 variants of the aircraft to support science research activities.

The new move by the House Appropriations Committee is the not first time Congress has blocked U-2 retirement plans, either, as evidenced by the Pentagon's waiver last year. The Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations Act still needs to be passed and signed into law, and is likely to evolve significantly in the process.

On top of all this, the Air Force looks to be waiting to the very end to shut down U-2 operations. Per the service's budget documents and the Pentagon force structure report released back in April, there are no plans now to divest any of the jets in Fiscal Year 2025. The language in the House's current draft of the Defense Appropriations Act would still prevent any acceleration of the Dragon Lady retirement schedule or preparations for the formal divestment of any U-2s.

Whether Congress will again move to prevent the retirement of the Dragon Lady fleet in Fiscal Year 2026 remains to be seen. In the next year or so, the Air Force could work to assuage any concerns legislators have about its plans to supplant the U-2 and about the schedule for getting the replacement capabilities into service.

USAF

The new draft defense spending bill for the upcoming fiscal year does point to yet another battle emerging between the Air Force and Congress over the future of the venerable U-2.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  U.S. House Republicans on Tuesday argued that migrants coming from the southern border and into K-12 schools have strained resources and teacher-student ratios while leaving a staggering financial impact throughout the United States.

The hearing in the U.S. House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education came the same day as President Joe Bidens executive order, which will shut down asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when the daily unauthorized crossings surpass 2,500 migrants.

The GOP has made immigration a central part of its platform, and former President Donald Trump  the presumptive Republican nominee  has committed to cracking down on immigration if he is reelected in November, including mass deportation.

President Biden has failed to secure the southern border, and the surge of migrants places an immense strain on cities, states and local school districts, said U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, chair of the subcommittee and a Republican from Florida.

If we assume that every (undocumented) immigrant child encountered by border patrol enters the school system, the cost nationwide is easily over $2 billion, he said. Though Bean did not cite a source, similar statistics appear in a February fact sheet from the Heritage Foundation.

The foundation is advising states to require school districts to collect enrollment data by immigration status, make that data publicly available and pass legislation that would require public schools to charge tuition for unaccompanied migrant children and children residing in the United States with undocumented parents.

Democrats questioned the intention of the GOP-led subcommittee hearing, pointing out that immigration policies are outside of the committees jurisdiction.

Subcommittee ranking member Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat from Oregon, said the committee should instead focus on the development and support of our nations public education system and uphold the fundamental right of all children within our borders to receive a free, quality public education.

Bonamici and other Democrats referenced the U.S. Supreme Courts 1982 landmark ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which entitles children in the U.S. to a public education, regardless of their immigration status.

Overcrowded schools

Bean said challenges for schools when educating children who are undocumented include strains on teacher-student ratios, overcrowded classrooms and the need for new facilities.

Bottom line  its wreaking havoc on our school systems across America  Teachings hard enough, but without the unknown factor of just massive numbers coming in, its almost an impossible task, Bean said in his closing remarks.

The hearing featured testimony from Danyela Souza Egorov, vice president of New York Citys District 2 Community Education Council; Amalia Chamorro, director of the Education Policy Project at UnidosUS; Sheena Rodriguez, president of Alliance for a Safe Texas; and Mari Barke, trustee for Californias Orange County Board of Education.

Chamorro said educating immigrant children is a smart economic investment. UnidosUS is the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.

Chamorro also said its up to Congress to ensure that schools have the resources they need to support all students and address our chronically underfunded public education system.

But Egorov, Rodriguez and Barke said local problems are mounting.

Rodriguez noted that the the grim negative impact of the border crisis on public schools reaches far beyond the quality of education and financial strain.

Barke said our educational systems in Orange County in California are undeniably strained, and the governor and legislature are preparing to cut billions of dollars in the state budget.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the broader House committee and a Republican from North Carolina, said it is difficult to find English as a Second Language, or ESL, teachers.

Twenty-six states projected a shortage of ESL teachers in the 2023-2024 school year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Im from North Carolina, and its already hard enough to find any teachers, let alone teachers who can speak other languages in addition to English, and we know that people are coming in from 160 different countries, so it is not just Spanish and English that we need, but its lots of different languages, Foxx said.

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The post U.S. House GOP spotlights immigration effects on schools as Biden issues asylum order appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
The U.S. Capitol is shown on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  U.S. House Republicans on Tuesday argued that migrants coming from the southern border and into K-12 schools have strained resources and teacher-student ratios while leaving a staggering financial impact throughout the United States.

The hearing in the U.S. House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education came the same day as President Joe Bidens executive order, which will shut down asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when the daily unauthorized crossings surpass 2,500 migrants.

The GOP has made immigration a central part of its platform, and former President Donald Trump  the presumptive Republican nominee  has committed to cracking down on immigration if he is reelected in November, including mass deportation.

President Biden has failed to secure the southern border, and the surge of migrants places an immense strain on cities, states and local school districts, said U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, chair of the subcommittee and a Republican from Florida.

If we assume that every (undocumented) immigrant child encountered by border patrol enters the school system, the cost nationwide is easily over $2 billion, he said. Though Bean did not cite a source, similar statistics appear in a February fact sheet from the Heritage Foundation.

The foundation is advising states to require school districts to collect enrollment data by immigration status, make that data publicly available and pass legislation that would require public schools to charge tuition for unaccompanied migrant children and children residing in the United States with undocumented parents.

Democrats questioned the intention of the GOP-led subcommittee hearing, pointing out that immigration policies are outside of the committees jurisdiction.

Subcommittee ranking member Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat from Oregon, said the committee should instead focus on the development and support of our nations public education system and uphold the fundamental right of all children within our borders to receive a free, quality public education.

Bonamici and other Democrats referenced the U.S. Supreme Courts 1982 landmark ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which entitles children in the United States to a public education, regardless of their immigration status.

Overcrowded schools

Bean said challenges for schools when educating children who are undocumented include strains on teacher-student ratios, overcrowded classrooms and the need for new facilities.

Bottom line  its wreaking havoc on our school systems across America. Teachings hard enough, but without the unknown factor of just massive numbers coming in, its almost an impossible task, Bean said in his closing remarks.

The hearing featured testimony from Danyela Souza Egorov, vice president of New York Citys District 2 Community Education Council; Amalia Chamorro, director of the Education Policy Project at UnidosUS; Sheena Rodriguez, president of Alliance for a Safe Texas; and Mari Barke, trustee for Californias Orange County Board of Education.

Chamorro said educating immigrant children is a smart economic investment. UnidosUS is the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.

Chamorro also said its up to Congress to ensure that schools have the resources they need to support all students and address our chronically underfunded public education system.

But Egorov, Rodriguez and Barke said local problems are mounting.

Rodriguez noted that the the grim negative impact of the border crisis on public schools reaches far beyond the quality of education and financial strain.

Barke said our educational systems in Orange County in California are undeniably strained, and the governor and legislature are preparing to cut billions of dollars in the state budget.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the broader House committee and a Republican from North Carolina, said it is difficult to find English as a Second Language, or ESL, teachers.

Twenty-six states projected a shortage of ESL teachers in the 2023-2024 school year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Im from North Carolina, and its already hard enough to find any teachers, let alone teachers who can speak other languages in addition to English, and we know that people are coming in from 160 different countries, so it is not just Spanish and English that we need, but its lots of different languages, Foxx said.

The post U.S. House GOP spotlights immigration effects on schools as Biden issues asylum order appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
The U.S. Capitol is shown on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt | States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  U.S. House Republicans on Tuesday argued that migrants coming from the southern border and into K-12 schools have strained resources and teacher-student ratios while leaving a staggering financial impact throughout the United States.

The hearing in the U.S. House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education came the same day as President Joe Bidens executive order, which will shut down asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when the daily unauthorized crossings surpass 2,500 migrants.

The GOP has made immigration a central part of its platform, and former President Donald Trump  the presumptive Republican nominee  has committed to cracking down on immigration if he is reelected in November, including mass deportation.

President Biden has failed to secure the southern border, and the surge of migrants places an immense strain on cities, states and local school districts, said U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, chair of the subcommittee and a Republican from Florida.

If we assume that every [undocumented] immigrant child encountered by border patrol enters the school system, the cost nationwide is easily over $2 billion, he said. Though Bean did not cite a source, similar statistics appear in a February fact sheet from the Heritage Foundation.

The foundation is advising states to require school districts to collect enrollment data by immigration status, make that data publicly available and pass legislation that would require public schools to charge tuition for unaccompanied migrant children and children residing in the United States with undocumented parents.

Democrats questioned the intention of the GOP-led subcommittee hearing, pointing out that immigration policies are outside of the committees jurisdiction.

Subcommittee ranking member Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat from Oregon, said the committee should instead focus on the development and support of our nations public education system and uphold the fundamental right of all children within our borders to receive a free, quality public education.

Bonamici and other Democrats referenced the U.S. Supreme Courts 1982 landmark ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which entitles children in the U.S. to a public education, regardless of their immigration status.

Overcrowded schools

Bean said challenges for schools when educating children who are undocumented include strains on teacher-student ratios, overcrowded classrooms and the need for new facilities.

Bottom line  its wreaking havoc on our school systems across America  Teachings hard enough, but without the unknown factor of just massive numbers coming in, its almost an impossible task, Bean said in his closing remarks.

The hearing featured testimony from Danyela Souza Egorov, vice president of New York Citys District 2 Community Education Council; Amalia Chamorro, director of the Education Policy Project at UnidosUS; Sheena Rodriguez, president of Alliance for a Safe Texas; and Mari Barke, trustee for Californias Orange County Board of Education.

Chamorro said educating immigrant children is a smart economic investment. UnidosUS is the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.

Chamorro also said its up to Congress to ensure that schools have the resources they need to support all students and address our chronically underfunded public education system.

But Egorov, Rodriguez and Barke said local problems are mounting.

Rodriguez noted that the the grim negative impact of the border crisis on public schools reaches far beyond the quality of education and financial strain.

Barke said our educational systems in Orange County in California are undeniably strained, and the governor and legislature are preparing to cut billions of dollars in the state budget.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the broader House committee and a Republican from North Carolina, said it is difficult to find English as a Second Language, or ESL, teachers.

Twenty-six states projected a shortage of ESL teachers in the 2023-2024 school year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Im from North Carolina, and its already hard enough to find any teachers, let alone teachers who can speak other languages in addition to English, and we know that people are coming in from 160 different countries, so it is not just Spanish and English that we need, but its lots of different languages, Foxx said.

The post U.S. House GOP spotlights immigration effects on schools as Biden issues asylum order appeared first on West Virginia Watch.
The U.S. Capitol is shown on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  U.S. House Republicans on Tuesday argued that migrants coming from the southern border and into K-12 schools have strained resources and teacher-student ratios while leaving a staggering financial impact throughout the United States.

The hearing in the U.S. House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education came the same day as President Joe Bidens executive order, which will shut down asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when the daily unauthorized crossings surpass 2,500 migrants.

The GOP has made immigration a central part of its platform, and former President Donald Trump  the presumptive Republican nominee  has committed to cracking down on immigration if he is reelected in November, including mass deportation.

President Biden has failed to secure the southern border, and the surge of migrants places an immense strain on cities, states and local school districts, said U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, chair of the subcommittee and a Republican from Florida.

If we assume that every (undocumented) immigrant child encountered by border patrol enters the school system, the cost nationwide is easily over $2 billion, he said. Though Bean did not cite a source, similar statistics appear in a February fact sheet from the Heritage Foundation.

The foundation is advising states to require school districts to collect enrollment data by immigration status, make that data publicly available and pass legislation that would require public schools to charge tuition for unaccompanied migrant children and children residing in the United States with undocumented parents.

Democrats questioned the intention of the GOP-led subcommittee hearing, pointing out that immigration policies are outside of the committees jurisdiction.

Subcommittee ranking member Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat from Oregon, said the committee should instead focus on the development and support of our nations public education system and uphold the fundamental right of all children within our borders to receive a free, quality public education.

Bonamici and other Democrats referenced the U.S. Supreme Courts 1982 landmark ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which entitles children in the U.S. to a public education, regardless of their immigration status.

Overcrowded schools

Bean said challenges for schools when educating children who are undocumented include strains on teacher-student ratios, overcrowded classrooms and the need for new facilities.

Bottom line  its wreaking havoc on our school systems across America  Teachings hard enough, but without the unknown factor of just massive numbers coming in, its almost an impossible task, Bean said in his closing remarks.

The hearing featured testimony from Danyela Souza Egorov, vice president of New York Citys District 2 Community Education Council; Amalia Chamorro, director of the Education Policy Project at UnidosUS; Sheena Rodriguez, president of Alliance for a Safe Texas; and Mari Barke, trustee for Californias Orange County Board of Education.

Chamorro said educating immigrant children is a smart economic investment. UnidosUS is the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.

Chamorro also said its up to Congress to ensure that schools have the resources they need to support all students and address our chronically underfunded public education system.

But Egorov, Rodriguez and Barke said local problems are mounting.

Rodriguez noted that the the grim negative impact of the border crisis on public schools reaches far beyond the quality of education and financial strain.

Barke said our educational systems in Orange County in California are undeniably strained, and the governor and legislature are preparing to cut billions of dollars in the state budget.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the broader House committee and a Republican from North Carolina, said it is difficult to find English as a Second Language, or ESL, teachers.

Twenty-six states projected a shortage of ESL teachers in the 2023-2024 school year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Im from North Carolina, and its already hard enough to find any teachers, let alone teachers who can speak other languages in addition to English, and we know that people are coming in from 160 different countries, so it is not just Spanish and English that we need, but its lots of different languages, Foxx said.

The post U.S. House GOP spotlights immigration effects on schools as Biden issues asylum order appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
The U.S. Capitol is shown on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  U.S. House Republicans on Tuesday argued that migrants coming from the southern border and into K-12 schools have strained resources and teacher-student ratios while leaving a staggering financial impact throughout the United States.

The hearing in the U.S. House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education came the same day as President Joe Bidens executive order, which will shut down asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when the daily unauthorized crossings surpass 2,500 migrants.

The GOP has made immigration a central part of its platform, and former President Donald Trump  the presumptive Republican nominee  has committed to cracking down on immigration if he is reelected in November, including mass deportation.

President Biden has failed to secure the southern border, and the surge of migrants places an immense strain on cities, states and local school districts, said U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, chair of the subcommittee and a Republican from Florida.

If we assume that every (undocumented) immigrant child encountered by border patrol enters the school system, the cost nationwide is easily over $2 billion, he said. Though Bean did not cite a source, similar statistics appear in a February fact sheet from the Heritage Foundation.

The foundation is advising states to require school districts to collect enrollment data by immigration status, make that data publicly available and pass legislation that would require public schools to charge tuition for unaccompanied migrant children and children residing in the United States with undocumented parents.

Democrats questioned the intention of the GOP-led subcommittee hearing, pointing out that immigration policies are outside of the committees jurisdiction.

Subcommittee ranking member Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat from Oregon, said the committee should instead focus on the development and support of our nations public education system and uphold the fundamental right of all children within our borders to receive a free, quality public education.

Bonamici and other Democrats referenced the U.S. Supreme Courts 1982 landmark ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which entitles children in the U.S. to a public education, regardless of their immigration status.

Overcrowded schools

Bean said challenges for schools when educating children who are undocumented include strains on teacher-student ratios, overcrowded classrooms and the need for new facilities.

Bottom line  its wreaking havoc on our school systems across America  Teachings hard enough, but without the unknown factor of just massive numbers coming in, its almost an impossible task, Bean said in his closing remarks.

The hearing featured testimony from Danyela Souza Egorov, vice president of New York Citys District 2 Community Education Council; Amalia Chamorro, director of the Education Policy Project at UnidosUS; Sheena Rodriguez, president of Alliance for a Safe Texas; and Mari Barke, trustee for Californias Orange County Board of Education.

Chamorro said educating immigrant children is a smart economic investment. UnidosUS is the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.

Chamorro also said its up to Congress to ensure that schools have the resources they need to support all students and address our chronically underfunded public education system.

But Egorov, Rodriguez and Barke said local problems are mounting.

Rodriguez noted that the the grim negative impact of the border crisis on public schools reaches far beyond the quality of education and financial strain.

Barke said our educational systems in Orange County in California are undeniably strained, and the governor and legislature are preparing to cut billions of dollars in the state budget.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the broader House committee and a Republican from North Carolina, said it is difficult to find English as a Second Language, or ESL, teachers.

Twenty-six states projected a shortage of ESL teachers in the 2023-2024 school year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Im from North Carolina, and its already hard enough to find any teachers, let alone teachers who can speak other languages in addition to English, and we know that people are coming in from 160 different countries, so it is not just Spanish and English that we need, but its lots of different languages, Foxx said.

The post U.S. House GOP spotlights immigration effects on schools as Biden issues asylum order appeared first on North Dakota Monitor.
A wine warehouse in Oakland, California. According to a report, the Federal Trade Commission is set to sue the countrys largest alcohol distributor over its pricing practices. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Antitrust regulators are preparing to sue the nations biggest alcohol distributor over allegedly anti-competitive pricing practices, according to reports.

Unnamed inside sources told Politico the Federal Trade Commission has been investigating Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits for potential violations of a rarely-enforced 1936 antitrust law.

The Robinson-Patman Act bans companies from discriminating against smaller suppliers by hiking their prices, but has not been the focus of an FTC case for more than two decades.

Now officials probing Southern are reported to have recommended a lawsuit as soon as this month, with company representatives set to lobby FTC chair Lina Khan and her fellow commissioners against the action.

Southern declined to comment to Politico on the report. The FTC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A wine warehouse in Oakland, California. According to a report, the Federal Trade Commission is set to sue the countrys largest alcohol distributor over its pricing practices. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The Florida-based company reportedly controls around 20 percent of the US wine and spirits wholesaling market, enjoying a near duopoly with its nearest rival in certain states.

Since 2021, the Biden administration has sought to crack down on market abuses by abandoning the narrow reading of US antitrust law that has been standard since the days of Ronald Reagan. Its part of the administrations efforts to crack down on pricing practices to help consumers.

An executive order issued in July 2021 specifically mentioned beer, wine, and spirits markets, telling the FTC to report back about any exclusionary, discriminatory, or anticompetitive distribution practices that hinder smaller and independent businesses or new entrants.

In March, the US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit seeking to break up the parent company of Ticketmaster, claiming it had driven up prices for consumers by operating an illegal monopoly.

Apple, Amazon, and Facebooks parent company Meta are also being sued on antitrust grounds, while Pepsi, Coca-Cola and Kraft-Heinz are all reported to be under investigation.
The U.S. Capitol is shown on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt)

WASHINGTON  U.S. House Republicans on Tuesday argued that migrants coming from the southern border and into K-12 schools have strained resources and teacher-student ratios while leaving a staggering financial impact throughout the United States.

The hearing in the U.S. House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education came the same day as President Joe Bidens executive order, which will shut down asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border when the daily unauthorized crossings surpass 2,500 migrants.

The GOP has made immigration a central part of its platform, and former President Donald Trump  the presumptive Republican nominee  has committed to cracking down on immigration if he is reelected in November, including mass deportation.

President Biden has failed to secure the southern border, and the surge of migrants places an immense strain on cities, states and local school districts, said U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, chair of the subcommittee and a Republican from Florida.

If we assume that every (undocumented) immigrant child encountered by border patrol enters the school system, the cost nationwide is easily over $2 billion, he said. Though Bean did not cite a source, similar statistics appear in a February fact sheet from the Heritage Foundation.

The foundation is advising states to require school districts to collect enrollment data by immigration status, make that data publicly available and pass legislation that would require public schools to charge tuition for unaccompanied migrant children and children residing in the United States with undocumented parents.

Democrats questioned the intention of the GOP-led subcommittee hearing, pointing out that immigration policies are outside of the committees jurisdiction.

Subcommittee ranking member Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat from Oregon, said the committee should instead focus on the development and support of our nations public education system and uphold the fundamental right of all children within our borders to receive a free, quality public education.

Bonamici and other Democrats referenced the U.S. Supreme Courts 1982 landmark ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which entitles children in the U.S. to a public education, regardless of their immigration status.

Overcrowded schools

Bean said challenges for schools when educating children who are undocumented include strains on teacher-student ratios, overcrowded classrooms and the need for new facilities.

Bottom line  its wreaking havoc on our school systems across America  Teachings hard enough, but without the unknown factor of just massive numbers coming in, its almost an impossible task, Bean said in his closing remarks.

The hearing featured testimony from Danyela Souza Egorov, vice president of New York Citys District 2 Community Education Council; Amalia Chamorro, director of the Education Policy Project at UnidosUS; Sheena Rodriguez, president of Alliance for a Safe Texas; and Mari Barke, trustee for Californias Orange County Board of Education.

Chamorro said educating immigrant children is a smart economic investment. UnidosUS is the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.

Chamorro also said its up to Congress to ensure that schools have the resources they need to support all students and address our chronically underfunded public education system.

But Egorov, Rodriguez and Barke said local problems are mounting.

Rodriguez noted that the the grim negative impact of the border crisis on public schools reaches far beyond the quality of education and financial strain.

Barke said our educational systems in Orange County in California are undeniably strained, and the governor and legislature are preparing to cut billions of dollars in the state budget.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the broader House committee and a Republican from North Carolina, said it is difficult to find English as a Second Language, or ESL, teachers.

Twenty-six states projected a shortage of ESL teachers in the 2023-2024 school year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Im from North Carolina, and its already hard enough to find any teachers, let alone teachers who can speak other languages in addition to English, and we know that people are coming in from 160 different countries, so it is not just Spanish and English that we need, but its lots of different languages, Foxx said.

The post U.S. House GOP spotlights immigration effects on schools as Biden issues asylum order appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
Workers fabricating metal in factory (Getty)

The Department of Labor Thursday filed a complaint against three companies in Alabama regarding the use of child labor.

The news release wrote that the action comes after an investigation that alleged a 13-year-old girl worked 50-60 hour weeks at a Luverne manufacturing facility over a period of six to seven months. The complaint said the case is about who bears the responsibility for the violations in the automotive supply chain.

Instead of attending middle school, she worked on an assembly line making parts, wrote attorneys for the Department. Those parts were shipped to Montgomery, Alabama, where they ended up on vehicles that were ultimately sold to consumers throughout the country. The Acting Secretary seeks the Courts intervention to enjoin future violations of the Act and to require Defendants to disgorge profits attributable to the oppressive child labor.

The defendants are Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC; SMART Alabama, LLC; and Best Practice Service, LLC. SMART declined to comment Monday. The Reflector could not find contact information for Best Practices.

In a statement Monday from spokesperson Ira Gabriel, Hyundai wrote that their facilities, including Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, are committed to following state, local and federal law, with policies, procedures and high standards for ethical conduct.

The use of child labor, and breach of any labor law, is not consistent with the standards and values we hold ourselves to as a company, the statement read. We worked over many months to thoroughly investigate this issue and took immediate and extensive remedial measures. We presented all of this information to the U.S. Department of Labor in an effort to resolve the matter, even while detailing the reasons why no legal basis existed to impose liability under the circumstances.

The statement went to say that the lawsuit is seeking to apply and unprecedented legal theory and that would hold the company liable for the actions of its suppliers, which sets a concerning precedent.

Hyundai wrote that the company took immediate action when they learned of the violations, with suppliers, at their request, terminating relationships with staffing agencies who said they had certified their staff to be of legal age.

The company also completed a review and investigation of their U.S. supplier network. They have also implemented new and more stringent workforce standards after the violation.

The Department of Labor alleges that the companies willfully and repeatedly violated child labor rules.

As a result of the forgoing illegal conduct, Defendants unfairly profited by their use of oppressive child labor, the complaint read. Consumers throughout the United States unknowingly purchased automobiles that were manufactured with oppressive child labor. Defendants profited by these sales, and financial transactions related to the same, and continue to retain those profits today.

The allegations include that a minor EC under the age of 14 worked on an assembly line in the manufacturing facility operated by SMART in Luverne for up to 50-60 hours per week.

The complaint is seeking a permanent restraining order against the defendants for violating child labor laws that are in the books. It also wants the companies to relinquish any profits gained violating the law as well as court costs stemming from the litigation.

In the accompanying news release, Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda wrote that Companies cannot escape liability by blaming suppliers or staffing companies for child labor violations when they are in fact also employers themselves.

In the 2024 Alabama Legislative Session, the Legislature approved a bill that eliminated certain school permission requirements for some minors.

The post U.S. Labor Department files child labor complaint against Alabama companies appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
The maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is bleak, and frankly, unacceptable, especially among Black women, who face increased risk of death due to medical racism. A new report is shedding light on just how bleak the statistics are, and why U.S. women are dying in pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum at much higher rates than women elsewhere. And yeah, it might make you want to scream into the abyss in anger.

According to a report released by the Commonwealth Fund, there were roughly 22 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in the United States in 2022, the most recent year with readily accessible data. Even more frustrating? The researchers note that as many as 80% of those deaths were likely preventable.

When it comes to maternal healthcare and support, the U.S. falls sharply behind other wealthy countries, many of whom report next to no deaths among women during the perinatal period. Researchers looked at data from a slew of countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Korea, Chile, Japan, and the United Kingdom, along with the many factors that contribute to the U.S. rate being so high. For comparison, our maternal mortality rate is 55% higher than Chile, which is the next-highest nation on the list.

Half of the other high-income countries had fewer than 5 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022, with Norway reporting zero. For Black women, the stats are even more grim, with the report citing a rate of nearly 50 deaths per 100,000 live births.

So how and why are we failing women every step of the way during pregnancy and the postpartum period? There are several factors, as Munira Gunja, lead author of the report and senior researcher at the International Program in Health Policy and Practice Innovations at the Commonwealth Fund, told CNN.

She cites the ongoing maternal care workforce shortage problem in the U.S., which she says is only supposed to get worse, as a global shortage of healthcare workers will mean a shortage of 4.5 million nurses and 0.31 million midwives by the year 2030, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

We have an under-supply of midwives, and midwives are underutilized, whereas in most other countries, midwives greatly outnumber OB-GYNs. Theyre part of their health care systems. Midwifery care is not integrated enough into our system, Gunja said.

In the United States, there are several barriers to getting midwifery care, and other countries just dont have that. Theyre able to make sure that every woman has access to care, whether it be in some cases an OB-GYN and in most cases a midwife, she said. In the U.S., were the only country in this analysis without a universal health system. Nearly eight million women of reproductive age are without health insurance.

According to a 2021 study published in The Lancet, a substantial increase in coverage of midwife-delivered interventions could avert 41% of maternal deaths, 39% of neonatal deaths, and 26% of stillbirths, equating to 22 million deaths averted per year by 2035.

The study found that strengthening the capacity of midwives to deliver high-quality maternal and newborn health services has been highlighted as a priority by global health organizations. To support low-income and middle-income countries in their decisions about investments in health, we aimed to estimate the potential impact of midwives on reducing maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths under several intervention coverage scenarios.

According to the 2021 State of the Worlds Midwifery report (published in Human Resources for Health), Europe has 2.5 times the amount of midwives compared to the Americas, and the new report from the Commonwealth Fund notes that in most other countries, midwife care is the standard. The U.S. and Canada have the lowest overall supply of midwives and OB-GYNs16 and 13 providers per thousand live births, respectively. Thats without mentioning that nearly 7 million women in the U.S. currently live in maternal care deserts, making access to any sort of healthcare challenging and/or cost-prohibitive.

In all the wealthy countries analyzed, universal healthcare covers the cost of midwife and/or OB-GYN visits, with the U.S. being the sole exception. Were also the only high-income country without a federally mandated paid leave policy, contributing to our increased maternal mortality rate. Paired with the racial inequities faced by Black women and other women of color, and its clear why we fall so short when it comes to protecting women during the pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Maternal deaths are a preventable problem, and this problem can be solved. A lot of countries have been able to figure out ways to make it so that all women are in safe hands when it comes to having a baby and after giving birth. We need to extend that to women in the U.S. as well, Gunja told CNN.

We know most deaths are during the postpartum periodso making sure we have federally mandated paid leave, making sure we make it easy for women to get postpartum care, which means having home visits and not making women go to the doctorall essential factors to lowering the mortality rate and keeping moms and babies healthy and safe.
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, U.S. Senate Democrats held a hearing on abortion access and House Democrats introduced legislation that would guarantee people throughout the country the right to contraception. Georgia Democratic U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams speaks about the legislation during the press conference in front of the Capitol. (Jennifer Shutt | States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  The national debate over whether laws or patients should determine abortion access dominated a U.S. Senate committee hearing Tuesday, when a panel of six experts testified about the complicated nature of treating pregnancies and miscarriages.

The two-hour hearing in the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee was at times genuine and heartfelt. At other times it centered around talking points that Democrats and Republicans have repeated since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion two years ago.

The hearing was just one piece of Democrats increasing focus on reproductive rights, including access to abortion, contraception and in vitro fertilization, ahead of the November elections. On Wednesday, senators will vote whether to advance legislation dealing with the right to contraception.

Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray said during the hearing restrictions and bans on abortion access in some states have deprived women of the chance to make private choices about their medical care as well as their familys size.

With these policies, they have told women in no uncertain terms: You dont control your body, we do. That is horrifying, Murray said.

Think about what it means, what it really means, to be told someone else can decide you have to stay pregnant, no matter the circumstances, Murray said. Think about how little power that gives a woman over her own life and her own health.

Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member on the committee, argued the hearing was about highlighting the differences between the GOP and Democrats during a presidential election year, and not about a genuine interest in the state of reproductive health care.

So lets table set: Its an election year in which a Democratic incumbent president is running behind. So a decision has been made to raise abortion to a high profile, to change the setting, to invite a lot of folks to put us on TV, he said. Its partisan politics being played out in a committee hearing.

Doctors or politicians?

Dr. Nisha Verma, a fellow with Physicians for Reproductive Health in Atlanta, testified that the complicated nature of pregnancies  including those that end in miscarriage, threaten the womans life or health, or come with a diagnosis of a fatal fetal abnormality  means they need to be treated by doctors, not politicians.

I myself have struggled with infertility and Ive experienced a first-trimester miscarriage that I found devastating, and so I am not at all saying that pregnancies dont have value, she testified.

That value is different for different people. And the way that people connect with their pregnancies is different, Verma said. And each person is capable of making these really important, sometimes complex, sometimes difficult decisions about their health care and their life  even if that sometimes means ending a pregnancy.

Verma sought to clear up misinformation about when and how abortions are performed within the United States, following comments from some in the hearing about abortions that are performed later in a pregnancy.

She noted that if a patient comes in at 40 weeks gestation, their only two options are a cesarean or a vaginal delivery, not an abortion.

I also just want to highlight that 90% of abortions in this country occur in the first trimester and less than 1% are occurring after 20 weeks, when in most cases something has gone terribly wrong with the patient or the pregnancy, Verma testified. And that person really needs that care.

When that happens, Verma said, patients need her support as their doctor, not to be told she cannot provide them with treatment options.

I have some patients that choose to continue that pregnancy and deliver on term and other patients who say Thats too traumatic, I cant do that, she said.

I think as doctors, we all recognize that providing life-saving care sometimes means ending a pregnancy, Verma said. And to call that care something besides an abortion is an issue of semantics and differing political agendas.

Dr. Christina Francis, chief executive officer at the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Fort Wayne, Indiana, had a much different answer to when and how doctors should perform abortions.

I think, certainly, beyond the point where a child can survive outside of his or her mother, there would never be a reason you would need to intentionally end that childs life, Francis said, referring to viability, which typically happens between 22 and 24 weeks into a pregnancy.

You would simply deliver that baby, Francis added. Youd take care of mom and youd take care of baby in an appropriate way. And I think that thats something that I would hope that all of us at this table could agree upon.

Francis didnt clarify her beliefs on abortion before viability during the hearing.

Access to abortion in Alaska

Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski reiterated her long-held position that decisions about abortion should be left up to women and their doctors, not the government.

I also believe its reasonable not to require those who are firmly opposed to abortion to support it with their tax dollars and that providers, who do not wish to be involved in abortions, should not be forced to do so, Murkowski said.

Women in Alaska, Murkowski said, continue to raise concerns with her about access to abortion, especially given how rural some areas of the state are.

I continue to hear from so many in my state, women in Alaska, who are concerned about access to abortion, access to reproductive services; even while we are a state where we have included in our states constitution the right to privacy that protects that access to abortion, Murkowski said. But what we have seen from decisions across the country, in the lower 48, is a ripple effect that has come all the way up to the north.

Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine rejected the idea that state legislatures are best positioned to decide access to abortion.

Your rights shouldnt depend on what ZIP code you live in, your rights shouldnt depend on who your state legislature is, Kaine said.

Dr. Allison Linton, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, said that one issue with lawmakers implementing restrictions or bans on abortion access is the complicated range of issues that someone can face during a pregnancy.

Linton then detailed patient stories, rhetorically asking the committee whether those people should have had access to abortion.

What about a patient with a newly diagnosed breast cancer at eight weeks of pregnancy, who cannot start chemotherapy or radiation while she is pregnant? Linton said. Is delaying her treatment until after delivery a risk to her life?

What about a patient with a blood clotting disorder, where pregnancy will further increase their risk of a pulmonary embolism or stroke? Linton continued. Is the risk of a blood clot enough, or do I have to wait until the actual stroke occurs?

What about a 13-year-old, who is the victim of incest? Linton asked. Is the psychological and physical trauma of carrying a child in her barely pubescent body enough to justify ending her pregnancy?

Vote coming on contraception

Members of Congress are also focused on access to contraception this week.

Senators are scheduled to vote Wednesday on legislation thats co-sponsored by 49 Democrats and independents. The 12-page bill is intended to ensure access to contraception, regardless of any future Supreme Court decisions.

A constitutional right to contraception is currently secured by two U.S. Supreme Court decisions  Griswold v. Connecticut, a 1965 case that said married couples had a right to privacy to make decisions about contraception, and the 1972 Eisenstadt v. Baird ruling, where the justices said that right extended to non-married people.

But Democrats and reproductive rights advocates are worried the Supreme Court could overturn those two cases in the same way it overturned Roe v. Wade.

Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst introduced her own four-page bill this week thats intended to protect access to contraception, rejecting the proposal from her Democratic colleagues.

In the face of Democrats radical abortion on demand, I am proud to provide women greater access to safe and effective birth control, Ernst wrote in a statement. My bill will increase over-the-counter contraception options while bringing much-needed transparency and accountability to ensure the government uses tax dollars to support families.

Nearly two years ago, Ernst blocked Democrats from passing their contraception access bill through a fast-track process known as unanimous consent, which allows any one senator to object to passage. It doesnt include a roll call vote.

House Democratic measure

House Democrats also introduced their version of Senate Democrats contraception access bill on Tuesday during a press conference.

North Carolina Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning urged House GOP leaders to put the bill on the floor for an up-or-down vote, a request that is very unlikely to be fulfilled.

This bill ensures that individuals have the right to obtain contraceptive services and health care providers have the corresponding right to provide them, Manning said. It also protects a full range of contraceptive methods, devices and medications, including birth control pills, IUDs, emergency contraception and Plan B.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said during a press conference that in the coming weeks Democrats will put reproductive freedoms and womens rights front and center in the Senate.

Part of that push, the New York Democrat said, will be holding a floor vote very soon on legislation that would shore up access to in vitro fertilization.

Millions of Americans have relied on IVF to have children, Schumer said. But after a stunningly radical decision by the Alabama Supreme Court that jeopardized access to IVF, families are rightfully worried that this option could be stripped away.

The post U.S. Senate Dems decry limits on abortion access, House Dems unveil contraception bill appeared first on West Virginia Watch.
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, U.S. Senate Democrats held a hearing on abortion access and House Democrats introduced legislation that would guarantee people throughout the country the right to contraception. Georgia Democratic U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams speaks about the legislation during the press conference in front of the Capitol. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  The national debate over whether laws or patients should determine abortion access dominated a U.S. Senate committee hearing Tuesday, when a panel of six experts testified about the complicated nature of treating pregnancies and miscarriages.

The two-hour hearing in the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee was at times genuine and heartfelt. At other times it centered around talking points that Democrats and Republicans have repeated since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion two years ago.

The hearing was just one piece of Democrats increasing focus on reproductive rights, including access to abortion, contraception and in vitro fertilization, ahead of the November elections. On Wednesday, senators will vote whether to advance legislation dealing with the right to contraception.

Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray said during the hearing restrictions and bans on abortion access in some states have deprived women of the chance to make private choices about their medical care as well as their familys size.

With these policies, they have told women in no uncertain terms: You dont control your body, we do. That is horrifying, Murray said.

Think about what it means, what it really means, to be told someone else can decide you have to stay pregnant, no matter the circumstances, Murray said. Think about how little power that gives a woman over her own life and her own health.

Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member on the committee, argued the hearing was about highlighting the differences between the GOP and Democrats during a presidential election year, and not about a genuine interest in the state of reproductive health care.

So lets table set: Its an election year in which a Democratic incumbent president is running behind. So a decision has been made to raise abortion to a high profile, to change the setting, to invite a lot of folks to put us on TV, he said. Its partisan politics being played out in a committee hearing.

Doctors or politicians?

Dr. Nisha Verma, a fellow with Physicians for Reproductive Health in Atlanta, testified that the complicated nature of pregnancies  including those that end in miscarriage, threaten the womans life or health, or come with a diagnosis of a fatal fetal abnormality  means they need to be treated by doctors, not politicians.

I myself have struggled with infertility and Ive experienced a first-trimester miscarriage that I found devastating, and so I am not at all saying that pregnancies dont have value, she testified.

That value is different for different people. And the way that people connect with their pregnancies is different, Verma said. And each person is capable of making these really important, sometimes complex, sometimes difficult decisions about their health care and their life  even if that sometimes means ending a pregnancy.

Verma sought to clear up misinformation about when and how abortions are performed within the United States, following comments from some in the hearing about abortions that are performed later in a pregnancy.

She noted that if a patient comes in at 40 weeks gestation, their only two options are a cesarean or a vaginal delivery, not an abortion.

I also just want to highlight that 90% of abortions in this country occur in the first trimester and less than 1% are occurring after 20 weeks, when in most cases something has gone terribly wrong with the patient or the pregnancy, Verma testified. And that person really needs that care.

When that happens, Verma said, patients need her support as their doctor, not to be told she cannot provide them with treatment options.

I have some patients that choose to continue that pregnancy and deliver on term and other patients who say Thats too traumatic, I cant do that, she said.

I think as doctors, we all recognize that providing life-saving care sometimes means ending a pregnancy, Verma said. And to call that care something besides an abortion is an issue of semantics and differing political agendas.

Dr. Christina Francis, chief executive officer at the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Fort Wayne, Indiana, had a much different answer to when and how doctors should perform abortions.

I think, certainly, beyond the point where a child can survive outside of his or her mother, there would never be a reason you would need to intentionally end that childs life, Francis said, referring to viability, which typically happens between 22 and 24 weeks into a pregnancy.

You would simply deliver that baby, Francis added. Youd take care of mom and youd take care of baby in an appropriate way. And I think that thats something that I would hope that all of us at this table could agree upon.

Francis didnt clarify her beliefs on abortion before viability during the hearing.

Access to abortion in Alaska

Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski reiterated her long-held position that decisions about abortion should be left up to women and their doctors, not the government.

I also believe its reasonable not to require those who are firmly opposed to abortion to support it with their tax dollars and that providers, who do not wish to be involved in abortions, should not be forced to do so, Murkowski said.

Women in Alaska, Murkowski said, continue to raise concerns with her about access to abortion, especially given how rural some areas of the state are.

I continue to hear from so many in my state, women in Alaska, who are concerned about access to abortion, access to reproductive services; even while we are a state where we have included in our states constitution the right to privacy that protects that access to abortion, Murkowski said. But what we have seen from decisions across the country, in the lower 48, is a ripple effect that has come all the way up to the north.

Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine rejected the idea that state legislatures are best positioned to decide access to abortion.

Your rights shouldnt depend on what ZIP code you live in, your rights shouldnt depend on who your state legislature is, Kaine said.

Dr. Allison Linton, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, said that one issue with lawmakers implementing restrictions or bans on abortion access is the complicated range of issues that someone can face during a pregnancy.

Linton then detailed patient stories, rhetorically asking the committee whether those people should have had access to abortion.

What about a patient with a newly diagnosed breast cancer at eight weeks of pregnancy, who cannot start chemotherapy or radiation while she is pregnant? Linton said. Is delaying her treatment until after delivery a risk to her life?

What about a patient with a blood clotting disorder, where pregnancy will further increase their risk of a pulmonary embolism or stroke? Linton continued. Is the risk of a blood clot enough, or do I have to wait until the actual stroke occurs?

What about a 13-year-old, who is the victim of incest? Linton asked. Is the psychological and physical trauma of carrying a child in her barely pubescent body enough to justify ending her pregnancy?

Vote coming on contraception

Members of Congress are also focused on access to contraception this week.

Senators are scheduled to vote Wednesday on legislation thats co-sponsored by 49 Democrats and independents. The 12-page bill is intended to ensure access to contraception, regardless of any future Supreme Court decisions.

A constitutional right to contraception is currently secured by two U.S. Supreme Court decisions  Griswold v. Connecticut, a 1965 case that said married couples had a right to privacy to make decisions about contraception, and the 1972 Eisenstadt v. Baird ruling, where the justices said that right extended to non-married people.

But Democrats and reproductive rights advocates are worried the Supreme Court could overturn those two cases in the same way it overturned Roe v. Wade.

Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst introduced her own four-page bill this week thats intended to protect access to contraception, rejecting the proposal from her Democratic colleagues.

In the face of Democrats radical abortion on demand, I am proud to provide women greater access to safe and effective birth control, Ernst wrote in a statement. My bill will increase over-the-counter contraception options while bringing much-needed transparency and accountability to ensure the government uses tax dollars to support families.

Nearly two years ago, Ernst blocked Democrats from passing their contraception access bill through a fast-track process known as unanimous consent, which allows any one senator to object to passage. It doesnt include a roll call vote.

House Democratic measure

House Democrats also introduced their version of Senate Democrats contraception access bill on Tuesday during a press conference.

North Carolina Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning urged House GOP leaders to put the bill on the floor for an up-or-down vote, a request that is very unlikely to be fulfilled.

This bill ensures that individuals have the right to obtain contraceptive services and health care providers have the corresponding right to provide them, Manning said. It also protects a full range of contraceptive methods, devices and medications, including birth control pills, IUDs, emergency contraception and Plan B.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said during a press conference that in the coming weeks Democrats will put reproductive freedoms and womens rights front and center in the Senate.

Part of that push, the New York Democrat said, will be holding a floor vote very soon on legislation that would shore up access to in vitro fertilization.

Millions of Americans have relied on IVF to have children, Schumer said. But after a stunningly radical decision by the Alabama Supreme Court that jeopardized access to IVF, families are rightfully worried that this option could be stripped away.

The post U.S. Senate Dems decry limits on abortion access, House Dems unveil contraception bill appeared first on North Dakota Monitor.
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, U.S. Senate Democrats held a hearing on abortion access and House Democrats introduced legislation that would guarantee people throughout the country the right to contraception. Georgia Democratic U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams speaks about the legislation during the press conference in front of the Capitol. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  The national debate over whether laws or patients should determine abortion access dominated a U.S. Senate committee hearing Tuesday, when a panel of six experts testified about the complicated nature of treating pregnancies and miscarriages.

The two-hour hearing in the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee was at times genuine and heartfelt. At other times it centered around talking points that Democrats and Republicans have repeated since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion two years ago.

The hearing was just one piece of Democrats increasing focus on reproductive rights, including access to abortion, contraception and in vitro fertilization, ahead of the November elections. On Wednesday, senators will vote whether to advance legislation dealing with the right to contraception.

Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray said during the hearing restrictions and bans on abortion access in some states have deprived women of the chance to make private choices about their medical care as well as their familys size.

With these policies, they have told women in no uncertain terms: You dont control your body, we do. That is horrifying, Murray said.

Think about what it means, what it really means, to be told someone else can decide you have to stay pregnant, no matter the circumstances, Murray said. Think about how little power that gives a woman over her own life and her own health.

Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, ranking member on the committee, argued the hearing was about highlighting the differences between the GOP and Democrats during a presidential election year, and not about a genuine interest in the state of reproductive health care.

So lets table set: Its an election year in which a Democratic incumbent president is running behind. So a decision has been made to raise abortion to a high profile, to change the setting, to invite a lot of folks to put us on TV, he said. Its partisan politics being played out in a committee hearing.

Doctors or politicians?

Dr. Nisha Verma, a fellow with Physicians for Reproductive Health in Atlanta, testified that the complicated nature of pregnancies  including those that end in miscarriage, threaten the womans life or health, or come with a diagnosis of a fatal fetal abnormality  means they need to be treated by doctors, not politicians.

I myself have struggled with infertility and Ive experienced a first-trimester miscarriage that I found devastating, and so I am not at all saying that pregnancies dont have value, she testified.

That value is different for different people. And the way that people connect with their pregnancies is different, Verma said. And each person is capable of making these really important, sometimes complex, sometimes difficult decisions about their health care and their life  even if that sometimes means ending a pregnancy.

Verma sought to clear up misinformation about when and how abortions are performed within the United States, following comments from some in the hearing about abortions that are performed later in a pregnancy.

She noted that if a patient comes in at 40 weeks gestation, their only two options are a cesarean or a vaginal delivery, not an abortion.

I also just want to highlight that 90% of abortions in this country occur in the first trimester and less than 1% are occurring after 20 weeks, when in most cases something has gone terribly wrong with the patient or the pregnancy, Verma testified. And that person really needs that care.

When that happens, Verma said, patients need her support as their doctor, not to be told she cannot provide them with treatment options.

I have some patients that choose to continue that pregnancy and deliver on term and other patients who say Thats too traumatic, I cant do that, she said.

I think as doctors, we all recognize that providing life-saving care sometimes means ending a pregnancy, Verma said. And to call that care something besides an abortion is an issue of semantics and differing political agendas.

Dr. Christina Francis, chief executive officer at the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Fort Wayne, Indiana, had a much different answer to when and how doctors should perform abortions.

I think, certainly, beyond the point where a child can survive outside of his or her mother, there would never be a reason you would need to intentionally end that childs life, Francis said, referring to viability, which typically happens between 22 and 24 weeks into a pregnancy.

You would simply deliver that baby, Francis added. Youd take care of mom and youd take care of baby in an appropriate way. And I think that thats something that I would hope that all of us at this table could agree upon.

Francis didnt clarify her beliefs on abortion before viability during the hearing.

Access to abortion in Alaska

Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski reiterated her long-held position that decisions about abortion should be left up to women and their doctors, not the government.

I also believe its reasonable not to require those who are firmly opposed to abortion to support it with their tax dollars and that providers, who do not wish to be involved in abortions, should not be forced to do so, Murkowski said.

Women in Alaska, Murkowski said, continue to raise concerns with her about access to abortion, especially given how rural some areas of the state are.

I continue to hear from so many in my state, women in Alaska, who are concerned about access to abortion, access to reproductive services; even while we are a state where we have included in our states constitution the right to privacy that protects that access to abortion, Murkowski said. But what we have seen from decisions across the country, in the lower 48, is a ripple effect that has come all the way up to the north.

Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine rejected the idea that state legislatures are best positioned to decide access to abortion.

Your rights shouldnt depend on what ZIP code you live in, your rights shouldnt depend on who your state legislature is, Kaine said.

Dr. Allison Linton, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, said that one issue with lawmakers implementing restrictions or bans on abortion access is the complicated range of issues that someone can face during a pregnancy.

Linton then detailed patient stories, rhetorically asking the committee whether those people should have had access to abortion.

What about a patient with a newly diagnosed breast cancer at eight weeks of pregnancy, who cannot start chemotherapy or radiation while she is pregnant? Linton said. Is delaying her treatment until after delivery a risk to her life?

What about a patient with a blood clotting disorder, where pregnancy will further increase their risk of a pulmonary embolism or stroke? Linton continued. Is the risk of a blood clot enough, or do I have to wait until the actual stroke occurs?

What about a 13-year-old, who is the victim of incest? Linton asked. Is the psychological and physical trauma of carrying a child in her barely pubescent body enough to justify ending her pregnancy?

Vote coming on contraception

Members of Congress are also focused on access to contraception this week.

Senators are scheduled to vote Wednesday on legislation thats co-sponsored by 49 Democrats and independents. The 12-page bill is intended to ensure access to contraception, regardless of any future Supreme Court decisions.

A constitutional right to contraception is currently secured by two U.S. Supreme Court decisions  Griswold v. Connecticut, a 1965 case that said married couples had a right to privacy to make decisions about contraception, and the 1972 Eisenstadt v. Baird ruling, where the justices said that right extended to non-married people.

But Democrats and reproductive rights advocates are worried the Supreme Court could overturn those two cases in the same way it overturned Roe v. Wade.

Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst introduced her own four-page bill this week thats intended to protect access to contraception, rejecting the proposal from her Democratic colleagues.

In the face of Democrats radical abortion on demand, I am proud to provide women greater access to safe and effective birth control, Ernst wrote in a statement. My bill will increase over-the-counter contraception options while bringing much-needed transparency and accountability to ensure the government uses tax dollars to support families.

Nearly two years ago, Ernst blocked Democrats from passing their contraception access bill through a fast-track process known as unanimous consent, which allows any one senator to object to passage. It doesnt include a roll call vote.

House Democratic measure

House Democrats also introduced their version of Senate Democrats contraception access bill on Tuesday during a press conference.

North Carolina Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning urged House GOP leaders to put the bill on the floor for an up-or-down vote, a request that is very unlikely to be fulfilled.

This bill ensures that individuals have the right to obtain contraceptive services and health care providers have the corresponding right to provide them, Manning said. It also protects a full range of contraceptive methods, devices and medications, including birth control pills, IUDs, emergency contraception and Plan B.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said during a press conference that in the coming weeks Democrats will put reproductive freedoms and womens rights front and center in the Senate.

Part of that push, the New York Democrat said, will be holding a floor vote very soon on legislation that would shore up access to in vitro fertilization.

Millions of Americans have relied on IVF to have children, Schumer said. But after a stunningly radical decision by the Alabama Supreme Court that jeopardized access to IVF, families are rightfully worried that this option could be stripped away.

The post U.S. Senate Dems decry limits on abortion access, House Dems unveil contraception bill appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
In our Reality Check stories, Herald-Leader journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com.

As the University of Kentucky expands its healthcare hold, UK HealthCare is looking at a past mistake to guide a successful future.

St. Claire HealthCare, a hospital system in Morehead, will officially become part of UK HealthCare later this year. It is the second hospital system to be acquired by UK in the past two years, following Kings Daughters based in Ashland which UK took control of in December 2022.

St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead, Kentucky.

UK HealthCares strategic plan focuses on expanding care throughout the commonwealth, which UK has done by acquiring hospital systems and smaller clinics.

With each new clinic, new partnership or in the rare case acquisition, weve learned from our successes and our occasional missteps, UK spokesperson Jay Blanton said.

We have demonstrated and are re-committed to ... successfully execute on our strategy to improve and expand access to patients of Kentucky.

Blanton said UK HealthCare has clinicians in every corner of Kentucky and works to share the latest clinical protocols with hospitals across the state.

He cited the success seen at Lexington-based Good Samaritan hospital, acquired in July 2007, as an example of UKs longstanding mission of improving access. That acquisition saved hundreds of jobs, similar to the Kings Daughters takeover.

But, a previous failed partnership in Hazard cost UK millions.

Heart clinic acquisition cost UK $5 million

In 2013, UK spent $440,000 to buy the office equipment of and rent space for the Appalachian Heart Center, a private practice based in Hazard. Practitioners bought back the practice three years later, and dissolved ties with UK.

The university paid $5 million to the federal government to remedy billing issues at the clinic.

The large price tag came after doctors didnt properly document the medical necessity of surgeries performed. The doctors in Hazard were unwilling to conform to UKs standards, according to a document obtained by the Herald-Leader in 2017.

Auditors with the university found that there were potential problems in the way the clinic billed Medicaid and Medicare for patient care, the Herald-Leader reported at the time.

The majority of St. Claires patients are also on government assistance.

Blanton said UK HealthCare has improved due diligence in the acquisition process to avoid another misstep and make sure both parties want to reach the same goals.

We are taking what we learned with Hazard and applying it to Kings daughters, and applying it now with respect to St. Claire, Blanton said.

UKs co-executive vice president for health affairs, Eric Monday, said UK will always focus on serving Kentuckians who need care the most  those on Medicaid.

UK HealthCare has served Medicaid and Medicare patients well, with evidence reflected in the success of Kings Daughters, with 81% of discharges on government assistance in 2023, he said.

Eric Monday

St. Claire President and CEO Don Lloyd called the Morehead hospital a safety net provider, with 81% of patients on Medicaid or Medicare.

Forty percent of our patients are low-income patients that are medicaid beneficiaries. Its extremely difficult to operate any institution with that kind of resource. Yet, their needs are greater than a typically healthy insured population, he said.

Lloyd said he hopes the acquisition in Morehead will bring economic growth and workforce expansion, like what has been seen in Ashland. Through the partnership with UK, Kings Daughters was able to employ around 500 people who lost their jobs after the closure of another local hospital.

If you look at the economic impact of what has happened in the previous demonstration and the investments that the university has made to the east of us, and you replicate that impact in our community and those areas that we serve, its absolutely transformative, he said.

Replicating success of Kings Daughters

UK outright bought the Appalachian Heart Center, but gained control of Kings Daughters through a member substitution agreement, foregoing an upfront payment. Ownership of St. Claire will also be transferred through member substitution.

Blanton said Hazard taught the university what needed to be done differently and the success of Kings daughters has shown the university how to successfully incorporate a new health system.

Culture and principles were at the forefront of conversation between St. Claire and UK, including a focus on workforce expansion and improving health access in Appalachia.

No disrespect to anybody in Hazard, that was an outstanding medical practice  but we learned you have to align things in terms of values, Blanton said.

Hazard was really the first time we had (acquired a practice) before. We learned a lot from that. It didnt go where we wanted it to go, but we learned a lot, and I think weve seen the result of what we learned in something like Kings Daughters.

Rob Edwards, UK HealthCares chief strategy and growth officer, said previous acquisitions taught UK it needs to better manage internal technology systems during and after an acquisition.

Currently, Kings Daughters and UK are on different versions of the same electronic patient management system. St. Claire is on a completely different system, and will change over to make the acquisition more seamless.

Weve been more upfront about having those conversations. We need to change systems, Edwards said. When we change systems, the physicians and other clinicians can collaborate better and faster and easier for the benefit of patients.

Back in 2017, a lawyer for the university, David Douglass, drew the same conclusions.

He said in the future, UK would work to have appropriate clinical, management, legal and compliance due diligence. He also said UK would put more of an emphasis on understanding the acquired hospital clinical, management and compliance infrastructure and culture.

Edwards alluded that the acquisition of Kings Daughters also saw issues with management systems. He said the university has been more proactive this time around to get ahead of the issue.

Those are the types of things we need to get better at, he said.

It has been apparent to us during the last year plus with Kings Daughters, that thats really where the hard work is.
UK Defence Intelligence notes that Russian forces are focusing their main efforts on the Avdiivka-Pokrovsk front at the line of contact in Ukraine, where they have achieved little success with heavy losses.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence review dated 4 June, as reported by European Pravda

UK Defence Intelligence notes that the Russians have been highly active on this front over the past 72 hours.

The Russians made little progress in the northern part of this sector toward the villages of Sokil and Yevhenivka. The intelligence service added that on a parallel axis about 3 km south, Russian troops are probably approaching the outskirts of the village of Novoselivka Persha.

Further south, the Russians did not make significant progress despite intense attacks on Ukrainian positions west of the village of Netailove along the E50 highway, the review says.

In addition, Russian attacks on the village of Nevelske were repelled, and the village likely remains under Ukrainian control.

"Over the next week this sector is likely to remain an area of significant operational focus as Russian forces attempt to maintain operational tempo in the face of heavy losses," the review says.

Background:

UK Defence Intelligence analysed information about Russian Major General Ivan Popov's detention on fraud and corruption charges.

One of last week's reviews by UK Defence Intelligence of a newly published magazine in Russia, Politruk, which is intended to help educate Russian soldiers.

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LONDON (Reuters) - Nigel Farage, new leader of Britain's right-wing Reform Party and thorn in the side of the governing Conservatives, was doused with a soft drink on Tuesday in his first full day of campaigning for a seat in parliament in the July 4 election.

On Monday, Farage produced the biggest shock of the campaign by announcing he would head Reform and run in the election, a major blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose Conservative Party trails Labour badly in surveys.

Farage is best known for helping to lead a successful campaign in 2016 for Britain to leave the European Union, and his popularity has put pressure on a succession of Conservative leaders to be tougher on immigration.

Shortly after he launched his campaign in the seat of Clacton-on-Sea, southeast England, a woman threw a large cup of soft drink over him as he left a pub, footage posted on social media showed.

He appeared unharmed as he was led away by security and later posed smiling in a video posted on X holding a McDonald's cup and joking: "My milkshake brings all the people to the rally."

Richard Tice, chairman of Reform, called the attacker a "juvenile moron", saying his party would not be intimidated and the incident would help it win hundreds of thousands more votes.

Police said they had arrested a 25-year-old woman on suspicion of assault.

Interior minister James Cleverly condemned the incident as unacceptable.

A former commodities trader who is often pictured with a cigarette and pint of beer in hand, Farage has for three decades been the figurehead of euroscepticism in Britain, and is no stranger to controversy.

Charismatic and divisive, he has in the past made comments that his opponents have called racist. During the Brexit campaign, Farage appeared in front of a poster showing lines of migrants under the slogan "Breaking Point"; last month he said Muslims did not share British values.

He was doused in milkshake in 2019 while campaigning for the Brexit Party, Reform's predecessor, in Newcastle before a European Parliament election.

Then, his attacker was ordered to pay for his suit to be cleaned after pleading guilty to common assault and criminal damage.

(Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by William James and Kevin Liffey)
Brightline has made the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2024 list, according to the company.

Brightline made the TIME list, which was released Thursday and spotlights companies like OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research organization that created ChatGPT.

Florida-based Brightline has made the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2024 list, an extension of the annual TIME100 list of the worlds most influential people.

Establishing a blueprint

To create the list, TIME editors evaluated nominations across various sectors based on key factors including impact, innovation, ambition, and success. The result is a diverse group of 100 businesses helping chart an essential path forward, Brightline officials stated.

High-speed rail in America is long overdue but with the success of our Florida system and the development of Brightline West, we are establishing a blueprint for how to build high-speed rail around the country and setting the foundation for a new industry, Brightline Founder Wes Edens stated.

Brightlines blueprint includes connecting city pairs that are too close to fly and too far to drive primarily within existing transportation corridors.

Brightline Florida currently provides intercity passenger train service between Orlando and Miami with additional stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach.

Nearly 50% of Floridas 21 million residents have access to a Brightline station. Since opening in Orlando in September 2023, ridership has continued to grow. Brightline has removed up to three million cars from area roadways since starting operations in South Florida in 2018, the company stated.

Brightline West officials and guests in April hammered yellow-colored rail spikes as part of a groundbreaking celebration for the nation's first high-speed rail system which will connect Las Vegas to Southern California.

Brightline West

Brightline West officials in April gathered in Nevada to mark the groundbreaking of the nations first high-speed rail system that will connect Las Vegas and Southern California.

The 218-mile high-speed rail system will be constructed in the middle of Interstate-15, with a flagship passenger station in Las Vegas and stops in Apple Valley, Hesperia and its final destination, Rancho Cucamonga.

The $12 billion high-speed rail project promises to carry passengers along the route at top speeds of 200 mph, Brightline officials stated.

The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Brightline West is a watershed project for high-speed rail in America and will establish the foundation for the creation of a new industry and supply chain, the company stated.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Brightline makes TIMEs list of most influential companies.
Ukraine appears to have used US weapons to take out targets on Russian soil, kicking off a new stage in the war

Ukraine appears to have used US weapons to take out targets on Russian soil, kicking off a new stage in the war

Ukraine appears to have struck a prized air-defense system on Russian soil using a US-supplied HIMARS.

The attack came amid a flurry of reports suggesting a major Ukrainian attack over the weekend.

It also came hours after Biden approved the limited use of US-supplied weapons on targets in Russia.

Ukraine appears to have used US-supplied weapons on Russian soil in a wave of reported attacks  signaling that a new phase of the war may well be underway.

Russian media outlets said on Monday that Ukraine fired M42 missiles from M270 and HIMARS rocket launchers  all of which are US-made  over the border into Russia, the Kyiv Post reported.

The paper added that Russian officials said that cross-border attacks took place, but gave no details as to what weapons were used.

If confirmed, the strikes would represent the first known instance in this war of US-supplied weapons being used on Russian territory  a red line that President Joe Biden only pulled back on late last week.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged on Sunday that his forces had fired HIMARS from the northern Kharkiv region, the Kyiv Post reported.

On Monday, Ukrainian government minister Iryna Vereshchuk shared an image of burning military equipment on Facebook, saying that a prized Russian S-300 air defense system had been struck, CNN reported.

She noted that it took place in the "first days after permission to use Western weapons on enemy territory," without giving further details, per CNN.

The image appeared to have been taken from the pro-Russian Telegram account Dosye Shpiona, which said that a HIMARS had been used.

BI was unable to find Vereshchuk's post on either her Facebook or Telegram accounts, suggesting it has since been deleted.

But the Institute for the Study of War, citing prominent pro-Russian military bloggers, also concluded that an S300 or S400 system had been struck in Russia's Belgorod region, some 60 miles from the border, on either June 1 or June 2, saying it was "likely" hit by a HIMARS.

The target was well within HIMARS range but exceeded the range of the systems Ukraine usually uses to strike over the border, the think tank said.

The Kyiv Post cited a flurry of other Russian media reports  both unofficial and state-sanctioned  detailing dozens of strikes aimed at artillery systems, troop concentrations, and a bridge as part of the attack.

The reports came shortly after Biden said that Ukraine could fire HIMARS against targets on Russian soil, in limited circumstances.

The change in policy came after several of Ukraine's Western allies  including the UK and France  gave similar go-aheads.

The Biden administration's decision came after months of appeals from Ukrainian officials.

One Ukrainian soldier complained of having to watch helplessly as Russia built up its forces over the border ahead of a renewed offensive in the Kharkiv region, held back by the US restrictions on the use of its weapons.

Depriving Russia of these "sanctuary zones" could be of "huge" assistance to Ukraine, Keir Giles, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia Programme, told Business Insider's Thibault Spirlet last week.

But the decision was long past due, he said.

And faced with other problems  including recruitment and ammunition shortages  the US decision is "clearly not a silver bullet to win the war," Alexander Libman, a professor of Russian and East European politics at the Free University of Berlin, told BI.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A strike by Ukrainian forces on a Russian air-defense missile battery inside Russian territory at the weekend was likely carried out using a U.S.-made HIMARS weapons system, like the one pictured here, a leading American think-tank said Tuesday. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI

June 4 (UPI) -- A strike by Ukrainian forces on a Russian air-defense missile battery inside Russian territory was likely carried out using a U.S.-made weapons system, a leading American think-tank said Tuesday.

The attack on the Russian S-300/400 battery north of Belogorod city about 25 miles from the Ukraine border over the weekend was probably conducted with a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, the Institute for the Study of War said in a post on X.

The Washington-based non-profit research group said the strike picked up on geolocation images of two destroyed launchers and a damaged air defense command post in a field near Kiselyovo village "was likely with HIMARS."

If confirmed, the strike would be the first time Ukraine has used U.S.-supplied weapons to strike at targets inside Russia since U.S. President Joe Biden cleared their use last week for limited strikes against military targets on Russian territory that pose an imminent threat amid Russia's offensive in Ukraine's northeast.

"Russian sources have increasingly claimed that Ukrainian forces are using HIMARS to strike Belgorod oblast since the United States partially lifted its restrictions on Ukraine's ability to use U.S.-provided weapons to strike military targets in Russian border areas with Kharkiv oblast," The Institute for the Study of War said.

"Russian sources will likely continue to characterise any successful strike in Belgorod Oblast as a HIMARS strike regardless of the system used."

The HIMARS launch system fires either Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System rockets or a single long-range Army Tactical Missile System missile making its use a potential breach of Biden administration's waiver which made it clear that its "policy with respect to prohibiting the use ATACMS or long-range strikes inside of Russia has not changed."

A Ukrainian government official alluded to the new permissions but did not explicitly state U.S. weapons were used.

"It burns beautifully. It's a Russian S-300. On Russian territory. The first days after permission to use Western weapons on enemy territory," read the caption to a photo posted on social media by government minister Iryna Vereshchuk.

ISW warned authorization to use Western-supplied weapons against Russia was "crucial for Ukraine to to repel Russian glide bomb and missile strikes against Kharkiv city," backing plans by Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to push Ukraine's Western partners harder to ease restrictions on how arms can be used and give the green light to hit targets inside Russia.

The call comes as Italy announced it would be providing Ukraine with a second Samp/T anti-ballistic missile air defense system -- Europe's answer to the U.S. Patriot Missile System -- which has the ability to track dozens of targets and intercept 10 simultaneously.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisted that firing German and other Western-supplied weapons at targets on Russian soil would not "contribute to escalation."

Germany, which has been highly cautious on the issue reversed its position last week in step with Washington, saying Ukraine could use weapons provided to it by Germany in the battle for Kharkiv province which has been raging for almost a month.

"We are certain that it will not contribute to an escalation because -- as (U.S. President Joe Biden) has also described -- it is only a matter of being able to defend a large city like Kharkiv," Scholz said Monday in comments to a German radio station.

The speculation about the HIMARS strike came a day after the Kremlin issued a stark warning about the risks of escalating the conflict and a ramping up of the threat to security posed by allowing Ukraine to fire U.S.-supplied weapons into Russia.

"I would like to warn American leaders against miscalculations that could have fatal consequences," said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada. The Ukrainian parliament has passed a new law to strengthen the status of the English language in the Eastern European country. -/Ukrainian Presidency/dpa

The Ukrainian parliament has passed a new law to strengthen the status of the English language in the Eastern European country.

In future, a good command of English will be a prerequisite for many Ukrainian civil servants, the parliament in Kiev decided on Tuesday.

A higher level of English is intended to make the country more attractive to tourists and more competitive internationally. The upgrading of English in Ukraine is "a necessity and a strategic step towards full membership of [the Ukrainian] state in the European Union," it was said in justification of the law.

For example, border and customs officials, public prosecutors and police officers in senior positions should be able to communicate in English. Emergency calls and the utilization of medical services should be possible in English.

When dealing with the authorities, translations of foreign documents such as passports from English into Ukrainian, which have been common up to now, are to become superfluous.

Museums are also to make their exhibitions accessible in English. Websites of state institutions and universities must offer up-to-date English versions.

In order to raise the level of English among Ukrainians, English lessons are already planned in pre-school centres.

The showing of films in the original English language with subtitles is also being promoted.

Ukrainian is the sole official language in Ukraine. Russian, which was widely spoken in Soviet times, has been increasingly banned from public life by law for years. The language has also lost popularity as a result of the Russian invasion.
(Bloomberg) -- A Swiss-hosted summit on Ukraine will aim to carve a path to involving Russian officials in future talks after establishing agreement on nuclear safety, food security and returning abducted children, a draft document shows.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The June 15-16 gathering in Lucerne, Switzerland, will focus on the three measures as a way to build trust in order to later engage with Moscow on a limited number of issues, according to a draft document seen by Bloomberg.

Although Russian officials have been excluded from the Kyiv-led format, the document says that an end to the war must involve all parties.

We, therefore, agreed to undertake concrete steps which can serve as confidence building measures in the above-mentioned areas with further engagement of the representatives of the Russian Federation, the document, which is subject to change in negotiations, says.

Before opening talks with Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had aimed to secure consensus from countries  particularly those of the so-called Global South  for a broader set of demands that included the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

But the aims of the Swiss summit, a culmination of rounds of talks by senior diplomats and national security advisers from dozens of nations, have narrowed from Ukraines 10-point blueprint in an effort to secure the participation of as many leaders as possible.

Ukraine and its allies have struggled to win full backing for the process, above all from China, which has signaled it may not attend the meeting. Zelenskiy last week accused Beijing, which has sought to portray itself as neutral even as it maintains close ties with Moscow, of working to undermine the summit.

The extent of the participation from other key nations, such as India, Brazil, South Africa and Saudi Arabia, remains unclear.

Biden No-Show

Still, over 100 countries and 75 heads of state have confirmed they will attend, according to the Ukrainian leader. Most Group of Seven leaders will attend, but not US President Joe Biden. Vice President Kamala Harris will make the trip, the White House said Monday. Bidens national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, will join her.

The draft document lays out three main principles:

Nuclear power facilities must be safe and any threat of using nuclear weapons is inadmissible. Nuclear installations, including the power plant in Zaporizhzhia, must operate under Ukrainian control and in line with principles set out by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Food security must not be weaponized  and be guaranteed by free navigation in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Ukraine must have access to third parties for its agriculture products.

All captives in the war must be released, including all deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children and civilians, who must be returned to Ukraine.

Russia has in the past sought to influence other international gatherings, such as meetings of the Financial Action Task Force  by pressuring governments and threatening to upend defense and energy deals  and looked to enroll allies such as China for help, Bloomberg has reported. Moscow has also made Africa a key focus of its disinformation efforts.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meanwhile said more than two dozen countries have expressed backing for Beijings initiative to resolve the war, which would involve both Ukraine and Russia.

The draft, which says a path to peace must align with the United Nations Charter, anticipates that a second summit will take place.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Key developments on June 4:

Biden: Peace in Ukraine doesn't mean NATO membership

NATO 'land corridors' will rush US troops to front lines of any future European war, Telegraph reports

Ukraine's use of German weapons to strike Russia will not 'contribute to escalation,' Scholz says

Russian missile attack on Dnipro leaves 8 injured, including 2 children

Peace in Ukraine means a guarantee that Russia will never occupy the country again, but Kyiv's membership in NATO is not necessary for this, U.S. President Joe Biden said in an interview with Time published on June 4.

Biden said that he had not been prepared to support the "NATOization of Ukraine before." A part of the condition for peace in Ukraine is the relations with Kyiv, like with other countries, "where we supply weapons so they can defend themselves in the future."

"Peace looks like making sure Russia never, never, never, never occupies Ukraine. That's what peace looks like. And it doesn't mean NATO, they are part of NATO," Biden said.

Kyiv did not receive the much-desired invitation nor a firm deadline to join the alliance during the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius, even though NATO took steps to tighten cooperation.

Ukrainian officials have voiced hope that the Washington meeting, scheduled for July 9-11, will bring a more definite signal.

Julianne Smith, U.S. Ambassador to NATO, said that Kyiv is unlikely to receive a membership invitation at the alliance's July summit, promising to offer a security package as a bridge to membership.

"The point is, though, that if we ever let Ukraine go down, mark my words: you will see Poland go, and you will see all those nations along the actual border of Russia, from the Balkans and Belarus, all those, they are going to make their own accommodations," Biden added.

Read also: With all eyes on Kharkiv, Russian troops take one Donbas village after another

NATO 'land corridors' will rush US troops to front lines of any future European war, Telegraph reports

NATO is creating a series of "land corridors" that would be used to rush U.S. troops across Europe to confront Russian forces in the event of a major conflict with Moscow, The Telegraph reported on June 4.

Warnings that the Kremlin could attack a NATO country in the near future have increased in urgency in recent months.

Eirik Kristoffersen, Norway's top general, said the military alliance only has two to three years to prepare, Bloomberg reported on June 3.

"At one point someone said it'll take 10 years (before Russia reconstitutes its offensive capacity), but I think we're back to less than 10 years because of the industrial base that is now running in Russia," Kristoffersen said.

At a NATO meeting in Vilnius last year, NATO leaders agreed to develop new plans to ensure the alliance could provide "300,000 troops at high readiness."

According to The Telegraph, U.S. troops and armor would land at one of five ports in the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Turkey or Norway from where they would travel through land corridors to NATO countries bordering Ukraine.

These land corridors would be free of bureaucratic local restrictions which in the past have held up the movement of troops and armor, leaving them stuck at borders.

Previous NATO plans only allowed for U.S. troops to land at Rotterdam in the Netherlands, but Ukraine's experience of long-range missile attacks since the launch of the full-scale invasion has prompted a rethink.

Expanding the number of ports and having multiple land corridors would mean if one was hit, others would still be available to use.

"Everything is created in a way so the necessary resilience exists  robustness, reserves and also redundancies," Lt Gen Alexander Sollfrank, the chief of NATOs Joint Support Enabling Command, told The Telegraph.

But concerns remain about NATO's air defense capabilities that would be needed to protect troops as they move across Europe.

More than two years into Russia's full-scale war on Ukraine, the air defense capabilities of NATO's eastern flank are only at 5% of the amount seen as necessary to deter an attack, the Financial Times (FT) reported on May 29, citing sources.

NATO members located in Central and Eastern Europe have publicized plans in recent weeks to improve their collective air defense in response to the Russian threat.

According to unnamed sources who spoke to the FT, the current air defense capabilities of NATO's eastern flank are far from sufficient.

Air defense is a "major part of the plan to defend eastern Europe from invasion," a NATO diplomat told the FT.

"And right now, we don't have that."

Read also: NATO has 2-3 years to prepare for reconstituted Russian army, top Norwegian general says

Ukraine's use of German weapons to strike Russia will not 'contribute to escalation,' Scholz says

Ukraine's use of German and other Western-supplied weapons to strike targets in Russia will not "contribute to escalation," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told the Antenne Bayern radio station on June 3.

Berlin has long opposed lifting the ban on Ukraine's use of Western weapons to target Russia, but reversed course at the end of May amid growing calls from Western leaders to lift the restrictions.

A German government spokesperson told Deutsche Welle on May 31 that Ukraine can use German-supplied weapons to hit legitimate targets in Russia. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius later clarified that the decision applied to the area around Kharkiv, which has been the center of a renewed Russian offensive in recent weeks.

The statement from Scholz was the first time the chancellor publicly commented on the government's decision.

"We are certain that it will not contribute to an escalation becauseas (U.S. President Joe Biden) has also describedit is only a matter of being able to defend a large city like Kharkiv," Scholz said.

In the past, Scholz has repeatedly cited a fear of escalation as among the principal reasons for limiting Germany's support for Ukraine.

"And I think it is clear to everyone that this must be possible. Under international law, this has always been possible anyway," Scholz said.

It is unclear what finally prompted the chancellor to change his mind, but Scholz said that he would not allow himself to be "pressured into making a decision that is not right and not timely."

After many months of hesitation, the White House partially lifted restrictions on Ukraine's ability to use U.S.-supplied weapons in Russia, but required that they only be used across the border from Kharkiv Oblast. Additional restrictions on the usage of U.S.-supplied long-range weapons remain in place.

Michael Carpenter, the senior director for Europe at the U.S. National Security Council, said later that the U.S. would allow Ukraine to strike targets in Russia across the border from both Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts with American-supplied weapons. He also said that the ban on ATACMS is still in effect.

Read also: Opinion: No quiet for Europe on the Eastern Front

Russian missile attack on Dnipro leaves 8 injured, including 2 children

Russia struck Ukraine's city of Dnipro with missiles overnight on June 4, causing fire, Governor Serhii Lysak said. At least eight civilians, including a one-month-old and a 17-year-old, were injured in the attack.

Air defense systems successfully intercepted and downed two missiles over the city, according to the governor.

The debris from missiles caused damage to civilian infrastructure. Over a dozen vehicles and dozens of buildings were affected.

More than 16 residential multi-story buildings have been damaged, as well as a hospital, a clinic, a school, and 31 houses, Mayor Borys Filatov said.

Russian forces also attacked the city of Nikopol with kamikaze drones, Lysak said. No casualties were reported there.

Air raid alerts were activated in a number of regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts overnight on June 4. Ukraine's Air Force warned about the threat of missile attack.

In recent months, Russia has intensified its attacks against Ukraine's critical infrastructure in a renewed assault against the country's civilian sites and energy grid.

Russia's massive aerial assault follows the deadly bombing of the busy Kharkiv hypermarket in the middle of the day on May 25. The attack killed at least 19 people and injured 44. Hours later, a second Russian attack injured 25 people.

Read also: Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy oblasts kill 1, injure 1

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine's use of German weapons to strike Russia will not 'contribute to escalation,' Scholz says

Ukraine's use of German and other Western-supplied weapons to strike targets in Russia will not "contribute to escalation," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told the Antenne Bayern radio station on June 3.

Berlin has long opposed lifting the ban on Ukraine's use of Western weapons to target Russia, but reversed course at the end of May amid growing calls from Western leaders to lift the restrictions.

A German government spokesperson told Deutsche Welle on May 31 that Ukraine can use German-supplied weapons to hit legitimate targets in Russia. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius later clarified that the decision applied to the area around Kharkiv, which has been the center of a renewed Russian offensive in recent weeks.

The statement from Scholz was the first time the chancellor publicly commented on the government's decision.

"We are certain that it will not contribute to an escalation becauseas (U.S. President Joe Biden) has also describedit is only a matter of being able to defend a large city like Kharkiv," Scholz said.

In the past, Scholz has repeatedly cited a fear of escalation as among the principal reasons for limiting Germany's support for Ukraine.

"And I think it is clear to everyone that this must be possible. Under international law, this has always been possible anyway," Scholz said.

It is unclear what finally prompted the chancellor to change his mind, but Scholz said that he would not allow himself to be "pressured into making a decision that is not right and not timely."

After many months of hesitation, the White House partially lifted restrictions on Ukraine's ability to use U.S.-supplied weapons in Russia, but required that they only be used across the border from Kharkiv Oblast. Additional restrictions on the usage of U.S.-supplied long-range weapons remain in place.

Michael Carpenter, the senior director for Europe at the U.S. National Security Council, said later that the U.S. would allow Ukraine to strike targets in Russia across the border from both Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts with American-supplied weapons. He also said that the ban on ATACMS is still in effect.

Read also: Ukraine urges allies to lift Western arms ban on hitting targets inside Russia. Will they?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The bank carried out thousands of transactions for funders of designated terrorist groups, US court papers allege - Peter Nicholls/REUTERS

Standard Chartered has been accused of funnelling billions of dollars to the funders of terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

Court papers submitted by a whistleblower in the US allege that the British banking giant carried out more than $100bn (78bn) of transactions between 2008 and 2013 with Iran-backed entities.

The alleged transactions form part of evidence provided by Julian Knight, a former Standard Chartered executive who wants the US government to bring a case against the bank.

Mr Knight alleges that previously undisclosed transactions reveal how Standard Chartered helped Iranian-linked terrorist groups on a larger scale than previously thought.

Standard Chartered, which is based in the UK but does most of its business abroad, was fined twice over its connections to Iran-linked transactions in 2012 and 2019  but was never prosecuted.

The latest legal filing said: Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) transacted with Iranian entities and foreign terrorist organisations for years after it claimed to have stopped.

It added: SCB facilitated many billions of dollars in banking transactions for Iran, numerous international terror groups, and the front companies for those groups.

The filing alleges that the terror groups include Hamas, Hezbollah, the Taliban, and al-Qaeda.

According to the claim, the whistleblowers uncovered around 20,000 Iranian-related FX undisclosed transactions between 2008 and 2013, with a notional value of $100bn.

This comes after Standard Chartered paid $1.7bn in fines for money laundering last decade, ultimately avoiding criminal prosecution by the US authorities.

The Department of Justice dropped its probe into the bank in 2012, which came months after former chancellor George Osborne intervened on its behalf.

The latest raft of allegations forms part of an attempt by whistleblowers to revive a claim against Standard Chartered in the US.

A Standard Chartered spokesman said: This filing is another attempt to use fabricated claims against the bank, following previous unsuccessful attempts.

The false allegations underpinning it have been thoroughly discredited by the US authorities who undertook a comprehensive investigation into the claims and said they were meritless and did not show any violations of US sanctions.

We are confident the courts will reject these claims, as they have already done repeatedly.

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.
Ukraine is attempting to match the remains received as part of exchanges with Russia to the soldiers who have been killed or gone missing during the war. For the most part, experts manage to identify the deceased, but 2-3% of the bodies cannot be identified.

Source: Ihor Kuzin, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine, in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda.Zhyttia

Details: "The remains are stored at the Bureau of Forensic Medicine until they are identified.

Identification attempts continue to the end, until we prove whose remains these are and are convinced that we have given the body to the family that was supposed to receive it for proper burial," said Kuzin.

The official said that the remains of 2-3% of the killed Ukrainians cannot be identified.

"And these 2-3% are the cases when we cannot get results of a DNA examination, or we have received the results from the deceased, but there are no matches. And this means that either there are no relatives or the relatives have not yet submitted their DNA," says Ihor Kuzin.

Unidentified bodies are stored until a match with a relative is made. The remains are stored in body fridges throughout the country. The identification process is a long process, sometimes lasting more than a year.

"After one year of storage, such bodies are sometimes buried, but at the same time, unidentified bodies are buried in such a way that a reburial permit can be issued promptly if the family is found.

These are not some kind of mass graves where it is impossible to tell one person from another. This is a cemetery, but specifically for unidentified persons, to whom we assign a number, and with the permission of the investigating authorities, we can then return the remains for proper burial," says Kuzin.

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Aftermath of an Israeli strike on a house in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip

Aftermath of an Israeli strike on a house in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk on Tuesday expressed his support for a U.S.-proposed ceasefire deal for the conflict in Gaza, describing the situation in the Palestinian territory as "beyond catastrophic".

Turk said norms and standards on the conduct of war had been brutally violated in Gaza, and any initiative that can lead to an end in hostilities was welcomed.

"We can only hope that is achieved because of the humanitarian situation ... we don't even know how to describe it anymore. It is beyond precarious. It is beyond catastrophic," Turk told a press conference at the end of a two-day visit to Malaysia.

The United States said on Monday it wants the nine-member U.N. Security Council to adopt a resolution backing the proposal outlined by President Joe Biden to end fighting between Israel forces and Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

A resolution needs at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the U.S., France, Britain, China or Russia to pass.

(Reporting by Danial Azhar; Writing by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Martin Petty)
By Emma Farge

GENEVA (Reuters) -The U.N. human rights office called on Tuesday for an end to violence in which it said Israeli security forces and Jewish settlers have killed more than 500 Palestinians in the West Bank since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

It said in a statement that Israel had used "unnecessary and disproportionate" force in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and condemned what it said was the systematic denial of medical aid.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the U.N. statement.

Israel's diplomatic mission in Geneva said its actions in the West Bank were in response to what it described as a drastic increase in attacks.

"Israel will continue to operate against Palestinian terrorism, from wherever it emanates, in line with international law, to protect and defend our population," it said.

Violence has surged in the West Bank since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct.7 last year that triggered Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip, which the Gaza health ministry says has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians.

Israeli security forces have in recent months cracked down in the West Bank, which Palestinians want as the core of a future independent state along with Gaza, and made thousands of arrests.

U.N. human rights monitors studied 80 cases in-depth among 506 documented deaths of Palestinians in the West Bank since the Oct. 7 attack, in which Israel said about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were abducted.

The cases studied showed "consistent violations of international human rights law on the use of force by the ISF (Israeli security forces) through unnecessary and disproportionate use of lethal force and an increase in apparently planned targeted killings," United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said.

In the same period, 24 Israelis were killed in clashes or reported attacks by Palestinians from the West Bank, the U.N. statement said.

'PERVASIVE IMPUNITY'

Some of the Palestinians killed in the West Bank were children armed with stones or firecrackers and "clearly did not represent an imminent threat to life," it added. Among the 506 Palestinians killed were 148 children, it said.

At least 490 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces and 10 people were killed by settlers, the U.N. rights office said in response to Reuters questions.

It could not determine responsibility for the remaining six deaths as both settlers and Israeli forces were shooting at the same time, it said.

The high number of those who died after being shot in the upper part of the body, along with the denial of medical assistance to the injured, suggested an intent to kill, it said.

"Pervasive impunity for such crimes has been commonplace for far too long in the occupied West Bank. Such impunity has created an enabling environment for more and more unlawful killings by the ISF," Turk said.

Hamas runs Gaza and is opposed to coexistence with Israel. The Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank.

Settler violence is a source of growing concern among Israel's Western allies. A number of countries, including the United States, have imposed sanctions on violent settlers and urged Israel to do more to stop the violence.

(Reporting by Emma Farge; Additional reporting by Dan Williams in Jerusalem, Editing by Timothy Heritage and Sriraj Kalluvila)
Things have improved for the Tories. Thats right, Im talking about Rishi Sunaks better-than-expected performance on ITVs sinister Death Star set this evening, during which he faced a Keir Starmer who seemed to default rather too frequently to muttering nonsense.

Campaigning is about communicating simple and memorable messages, but the challenge is to know when to stop. Boriss get Brexit done worked brilliantly; Theresa Mays strong and stable, not so much.

This evening, Sunak got it right. He might have told us one too many times that he had a clear plan, but he got away with it. If there was a single message that the public will take away from the first prime ministerial debate, however, it was that a Labour government would mean raising taxes by 2,000 per household.

Whether it was true or not almost didnt matter. Sunak drummed it home but didnt bash the audience over the head with it, successfully painting his opponent as the harbinger of higher taxes while the Prime Minister came across as relatively prudent  quite an achievement for the man who presided over the highest tax burden in living memory.

After a week like this, which was dominated by Nigel Farage, the first task for the Prime Minister is to energise his base. Above all else, he needs to win back support from Reform. For this to work, he needs to convince voters that a Tory government would resemble something approaching a Right wing-administration. That means one key message: Taxes are going to come down.

On other matters, too, Sunak held his own. On defence, he emphasised his unequivocal support for our nuclear deterrent, unlike certain deputy leaders of the Labour party. On immigration, he successfully drew clear water between his Rwanda plan  at least its a plan  and Sir Keirs promise to smash the criminal gangs without a clear idea about how to deal with the migrants themselves. He even did reasonably well on the NHS, matching his opponents claims to have the health system in his DNA with a backstory of his own.

On national service, the Prime Minister took a beating, having to face scoffing and laughter from the audience as he extolled the virtues of patriotism and self-sacrifice. But polling has shown that the idea has gone down surprisingly well with the country, particularly with Tory voters. So perhaps the mockery will sting some of Sunaks beleaguered base to vote Tory rather than Reform.

Aside from that moment of mirth at the Prime Ministers expense, the audience was oddly comatose. It clearly took some effort to rouse them to applause, but one of the few moments that succeeded was Sunaks zinger: If you think Labour are going to win, start saving. Was it scripted? Probably, but he carried it off. The cut-and-thrust that followed ended with another decisive statement from the Prime Minister: Hes going to put up your taxes, as surely as night follows day.

Ramming this message home worked.

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Going Subzero

The supply of renewable energy is soaring across Europe, to the point where the cost of electricity is dropping to zero  and even, in some rare instances, going negative.

On one hand, that's a boon for plenty of consumers, not to mention the environment. But businesses are now starting to worry that these upside-down economics could cause the demand for bigger and better renewable power projects to taper off, Bloomberg reports.

"Negative pricing is going to slow down the deployment of renewable capacity for most players," solar developer Sonnedix CEO Axel Thiemann told the outlet. "That affects your ability to invest at reasonable levels."

Free Lunch

It's a bizarre inversion of benefits and incentives. Negative power prices occur when high power generation coincides with low demand, something that tends to happen most often on public holidays. As a result, renewable energy providers offer up electricity for negative prices.

In short, they're essentially paying buyers to take on excess power. (In reality, though, taxes and transport costs usually mean that consumers will still have to pay.)

Negative prices first occurred in Germany in 2008 and initially remained rare. But according to EU market monitor ACER, those instances rose twelvefold  an "explosion"  in 2023 compared to the previous year.

So far, 2024 has continued the trend. In May, an unusually high number of sunny days saw power prices in Denmark plunging below zero for a record amount of time. In Germany, solar producers have been struggling with negative prices, throwing the energy market into chaos. In California, which gets a quarter of its electricity from solar, prices went negative during the day in April, indicating that plenty of energy is being wasted.

Add it all up and it highlights the growing need for energy storage that can redistribute power when demand is high and supply is low  a galling grid problem that's spurred a host of exotic potential solutions.

Investors are also growing wary of dropping revenues, which could ironically disincentivize them from investing in new renewable power sources.

In April, Spain's energy minister Teresa Ribera warned that negative power prices in the country could slow down investments, despite consumers benefiting greatly.

Experts predict the trend of increased negative energy prices could continue for another decade or so, per Bloomberg  so for now, get used to this strange new world.

More on renewable energy: California Now Has So Much Solar Power That Electricity Prices Are Going Negative During the Day
Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Carolyn Scruggs. File photo by Bryan P. Sears.

Union leaders representing state parole and probation agents are calling for the immediate firing of Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs and two others following the line-of-duty death of an agent last week.

Parole and Probation Agent Davis Martinez, 33, died Friday while conducting a home visit with a client in Chevy Chase. Martinez is the first parole and probation agent to die in the line of duty.

The incident launched an internal investigation and the temporary suspension of in-home visits by parole and probation agents.

Patrick Moran, president of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 3, and Rayneika Robinson, president of AFSCME Local 3661 which represents state parole and probation agents, said the death was foreseeable and preventable.

Im not going to stand idly by when people are put in harms way or, unfortunately, make the ultimate sacrifice, Moran said during a phone interview Monday. Someone has been murdered while doing their job. Thats what happened, and that is on the administration. That is on the agency. Thats not on us. Thats not on the agents or their coworkers. Thats on the agency that was told time and time again that there are problems, and you need to address them, and their response is: Were not discussing that, or we have no comment, or were not going to address something.

Moran, during the interview, said Gov. Wes Moore (D) should fire Scruggs as well as Parole and Probation Director Martha Danner and Deputy Director Walter E. Nolley.

Moran called for firings shortly after a brief meeting that included Robinson, Scruggs and other state officials that he said was cut short.

Patrick Moran, president of AFSCME Maryland Council 3. Photo by Bryan P. Sears.

Martinez died May 31 while visiting the home of Emanuel Edward Sewell, 54, a sex offender who was released from prison in 2021.

Martinez, a six-year veteran of the agency, failed to report in at work following the visit.

Montgomery County Police said they were asked to do a welfare check at Sewells address. Police found Martinezs body inside Sewells residence. Sewell was not there when officers arrived.

Martinez died as the result of multiple injuries, including blunt-force trauma.

Sewell was later arrested in West Virginia. He awaits extradition to Maryland to face second-degree murder charges.

Inquiries to a Moore spokesperson about the incident and safety issues raised by the union were forwarded to a spokesperson at the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Moores office did not directly respond to questions nor the unions call for firings.

Internal investigations and suspended home visits

In a statement, the department said it was deeply saddened by Martinezs death.

The safety and well-being of department staff are paramount concerns for Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, who has personally faced the challenges of handling justice-involved individuals during her 29-year career as a corrections professional, the department said in a statement Monday. Addressing staffing levels and reviewing safety protocols are critical to fulfilling the departments mission both to ensure public safety and promote restorative justice.

An internal review and investigation of the incident is ongoing. The department has suspended in-home visits. Agents will conduct both virtual home visits and in-office visits pending completion of the review, the agency said.

Moore on Saturday ordered that state flags be flown at half-staff until further notice in honor of Martinez.

Union officials expressed frustration over what they see as an ongoing lack of concern for the safety of agents.

Robinson, who is herself a parole and probation agent, said agents lack proper safety equipment. Many go on home visits in what she called loaner body armor that is not fitted to individual agents.

The lack of an individual fit makes the vests less safe, she said.

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The agency has this habit of having us wear vests that arent fitted to us. We asked them to stop doing that, but they refused to do it, Robinson said.

In other cases, the body armor is expired, she said.

Body armor technically has no shelf life. The National Institute for Justice recommends a minimum five-year warranty on body armor. Industry standards warn that products used daily face wear and tear that will require replacement outside the warranty period.

So, not having the resources that we need, because even the tools  the tools were provided and the tools that we have  arent enough, she said. Were going out in the community with a bulletproof vest and pepper spray.

When asked if she believed agents should carry firearms, Robinson said: thats a complex issue.

Robinson said increased staffing would allow for a pair of agents to conduct in-home visits where violence is a concern.

Thats the one of the best defenses that we have  just having someone else there who can make a call to get us to help, she said.

Caseloads a concern

Recommended caseloads for each agent vary and are based on the types of clients, according to the American Parole and Probation Association.

The group recommends a ratio of 20 cases per agent for clients that require intense supervision, 50-1 for moderate supervision clients and a 200-1 caseload for low-risk clients.

The average ratio statewide in Maryland was 67 clients per agent in 2023, according to a recent analysis by the Department of Legislative Services. The number is well below the 82 cases per agent using the American Parole and Probation Association standard, according to the analysis.

The capital region where Martinez worked reported a ratio of 87 clients per agent  the highest ratio in the state.

That same analysis showed that while the number of people requiring supervised release increased 7% in fiscal 2023, the total was still below pre-pandemic levels.

Currently, the agency has nearly 700 agents and 300 support staff and investigators supervising about 43,000 people statewide, according to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

Legislative budget analysts reported a job vacancy rate of about 8.5% as of January within Public Safety, a figure the analysts said was greatly improved from 16.6% in January 2023.

Analysts said similar improvements were seen when looking solely at the division that includes parole and probation agents and other monitors. In those cases, vacancies improved from 13.8% in January 2023 to 7.8% in January 2024, analysts wrote.

In its statement, the department noted efforts to fill vacant positions, saying it has continued to make improvements.

Under the secretarys leadership, the department has made substantial strides to improve staffing levels, the statement said. Upon taking office, the department faced a significant vacancy rate of 17%. Through strong efforts and strategic initiatives, the rate has fallen to 10.4% as of May 31. And among parole and probation agent positions specifically, the vacancy rate has fallen to five percent.

Moran said he and others are wary of statistics from the department.

The agencies have consistently played with the numbers in order to look good in front of the administration and in order to look good in front of the legislature, Moran said.

So, do I trust the numbers that the agency has put forward? Moran asked. No, not at all, because when we did a survey in the Department of Corrections at every single facility, the numbers were in the thousands when they were telling us the numbers were in the hundreds. So, their numbers are to be questioned.

No, we cant trust you.

Both Robinson and Moran said union officials met repeatedly with the department for more than a year on safety concerns. Those issues were restated in numerous emails, they said.

Those same concerns arose Monday when union officials said they briefly met with the initial intention of discussing Martinezs death.

Moran said agency officials during that meeting rebuffed attempts to discuss ongoing safety concerns. He said agency officials in the meeting complained that the meeting had become confrontational when those concerns were raised on Monday.

These are people that are running departments of an agency, a major agency, one of the largest departments in the state of Maryland, who have supposedly been working in corrections for over 30 years and cant handle a little confrontation  what they call in their words, not ours  some real talk about a tragedy that has occurred. Their way of handling it is dismissing it and walking out of the meeting, closing down the meeting. 

The agency, in its statement, did not respond to the unions characterization of the meeting Monday.

The department is committed to working in partnership with employees, leadership, our and all of our stakeholder partners as we continue to evaluate and improve upon vacancies and professional policies and procedures, the statement said.

Moran said union leaders are growing frustrated with what they see as a lack of cooperation.

You cant continuously go to people to say lets work together and then refuse to work with them. You just cant do that, Moran said. At some point youre just going to say, No, we cant trust you, and were going to take other measures.'

Rare union criticism of an ally

Comments from Moran represent a rare instance of public confrontation between the union and the governor.

The union endorsed Moore in the 2022 general election. Since Moores swearing-in as governor in January 2023, the union has enjoyed having what it saw as an ally in the governors office.

Prior to Moore, the union and then-Gov. Larry Hogan (R) were locked in a contentious, if not combative, relationship.

Moore campaigned on rebuilding state government. That promise included reducing state vacancies, improved pay and hiring more union workers.

The governor vowed to cut 10,000 state government vacancies  his own estimate  in half by the end of his first year in office.

That effort fell short.

Moran said the agency has to follow through on its promises.

Look, you can work with folks, but if they dont want to work with you, then you dont leave us much of a choice, Moran said when asked why he and Robinson were publicly calling for the firings.

The Department of Corrections  parole and probation show no willingness to work with us, he said. Theyll meet with us, but then theyve got to fulfill their obligations. They havent been willing to fulfill their obligations, whether thats dealing with things on the ground in the prisons or dealing with things on the ground out in the community where the agents are out there doing this work. The concerns have been largely ignored.

The post Union leaders demand firings following killing of parole agent appeared first on Maryland Matters.
Historically, barn raisings were when people in a farming community came together to collectively build a barn for one of its members. Tonight, that same spirit will be at play when members of the greater Savannah community gather to raise hope for Union Mission at its ninth annual gala.

The event represents one of the most critical fundraisers for Union Mission to fulfill its purpose of partnering with people to end their homelessness by meeting their emergent housing needs. Union Missions President and CEO Mike Traynor said the organization raises approximately $2 million annually through private donations to support its programs and 25%, or $500,000, of that amount comes through the Raising Hope event alone.

We hope people walk out with an understanding of what weve done over the last year, holding ourselves accountable for what were spending money on, what our results are, said Traynor. Were helping people into stable housing, into situations where they can be successful again.

Jason Howe recounts his struggle through homelessness in Unleashed: The Powerfully Simple Path to Overcome Trauma, Addiction and the Silent Battle with Mental Illness. Howe is the keynote speaker at Union Mission's 2024 Raising Hope gala.

This years program is slightly different in that in addition to an inspiring message from keynote speaker, Navy veteran and author Jason Howe, who recounted his own struggle through homelessness in Unleashed: The Powerfully Simple Path to Overcome Trauma, Addiction and the Silent Battle with Mental Illness, Union Mission will honor an inspiring member of the community.

Former assistant Chatham County manager and interim City of Savannah manager Patrick Monahan will be recognized for his long-time and often under-the-radar volunteer efforts to help end homelessness.

Hes probably one of the most humble people youll ever meet, said Traynor, who described Monahan as a godsend.

Patrick Monahan, retired County Manager and former Savannah City Manager, speaks after receiving the Oglethorpe Leadership award Thursday morning at the Savannah Area Business Breakfast. [Richard Burkhart for Savannah Morning News]

He helped with the tiny house project at the Cove at Dundee. Hes helped Family Promise in their housing over on Cummings Street. He worked with his church to help people that need to work on their houses. Hes gone on mission trips with his churchHe was asked to be the interim president of Union Mission after he left his position at the county. He wholeheartedly said yes and did that as a volunteer at a very critical time for Union Mission.

He cares about this community, and he puts sweat equity into this community.

This years presenting sponsors include long-time supporters Oliver Maner LLP and newcomer, the Georgia Ports Authority.

Amelia Stevens, an associate in Oliver Maners litigation department, explained the law firms longtime commitment to Union Mission. We want to more than just practice law. We want to support the community that were in. Weve been in Savannah since 1897. All of our employees pretty much call Savannah home, and we want it to thrive, and we want everyone who lives here to thrive and have safe and supportive housing.

During Homelessness Awareness Month in November, Oliver Maner holds a donation drive to gather toiletries, laundry supplies and other items for Parkers House, which is the only 90-day emergency housing facility for unaccompanied women along the I-95 corridor between Florida and South Carolina.

Stevens said that she and her associates did not know what to expect the first time they held the donation drive. They were overwhelmed by the communitys support. We have a mail room in the office and it became like impassable.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson checks out the slide in the new play area at the Union Mission Magdalene House on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Where does the money raised go?

Raising Hope will also feature a raffle where someone can win a trip to Croatia. The Fund the Mission auction, which is open on the organizations website and has raised more than $40,000, thus far, encourages individuals and organizations to give at life-changing levels, from $100 up to $10,000. To get an idea of what those levels help support:

$75 can provide three counseling sessions for an individual.

$500 provides free laundry and clothes for people coming off the street for a month.

$1,000 shelters and feeds 10 women and their children at Magdalene House for one month.

Through its emergency, transitional and rapid rehousing programs, day center, returning citizens programs and support services, Union Mission assisted 1,250 individuals with 180,800 nights of housing and served 260,337 meals in 2023. Through these efforts, more than 770 men, women and children transitioned from Savannahs streets to safe, stable housing.

The reason why Union Mission is successful is because we have holistic services, said Traynor. Were more than just a shelter. We have mental health counseling. We do job placement, job assistance. We work with folks to get the food, the transportation and all the other things, the clothing, they need. Mazlows Hierarchy of Needs  those first two levels [physiological and security] are extremely important to getting people back on their feet.

Guests gathered outside of Parker's House at Union Mission to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of it's opening.

Union Mission partners with other organizations and nonprofits throughout the coastal Georgia region to build on its core competencies. But Traynor said the secret sauce to Union Missions success is the organizations focus on mental health counseling. Whether its an unaccompanied woman seeking assistance after leaving an abusive situation at Parkers House or a formerly incarcerated individual getting back on his feet at Grace House, Union Mission clients can access psychiatrists, licensed therapists and counselors for mental health diagnoses and treatments as well as address emotional and behavioral issues, such as drug addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.

We have people here [who] can talk to them and maybe help them think of things differently, or let them express what's on their minds, said Traynor.

Another reason for Union Mission's impact?

According to Traynor, accountability. "I came from the [Savannah Morning News], so accountability is gonna be there, right? And telling the story is gonna be there. We bring business principle to the nonprofit. We have a great team of social service people here, but you also have to run it like a business to be successful, and that's what we do."

Amy Paige Condon is a content coach and editor with Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at ACondon@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah's Union Mission Raising Hope gala to raise funds to end homelessness
United Airlines Plane Removed From Service for Deep Cleaning After 25 Passengers Felt Sick During Flight

The ill passengers, who were flying from Vancouver to Houston, had been on the same cruse, the airline told PEOPLE

Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Getty Stock image of a United Airlines plane

A United Airlines flight from Vancouver to Houston was removed from service on Friday, May 31 and underwent a deep cleaning after multiple passengers experienced nausea.

A spokesperson for United told PEOPLE that the passengers on Flight 1528 who did not feel well had been on the same cruise.

United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation, the airline said in a statement. 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, the statement added.

The plane, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, was carrying a total of 163 passengers and six crew members.

Related: 7 People Taken to the Hospital Following 'Severe Turbulence' on United Flight from Tel Aviv to New Jersey

Martee Black, public information officer for the Houston Fire Department, told PEOPLE that out of 75 passengers whod been on a cruise in Vancouver, 25 were ill due to the cruise and complained of nausea.

Getty George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston

When the flight landed at Texas George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 6:20 p.m. Friday, the Houston Fire Department arrived and evaluated three patients.

No one was transported to the emergency room, Black added.

Related: United Airlines Flight Forced to Divert After Dog Poops in First Class Aisle

Neither the airline nor the fire department disclosed what cruise the ill passengers had taken.

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.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told USA Today in a statement, "Public health officers from CDCs Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board.

"Most of the ill passengers reported mild GI symptoms, the CDCs statement added. No passengers were noted to have a fever during the flight or upon public health assessment at landing. No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans.

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Read the original article on People.
FILE - Students walk to and from classes on the Indiana University campus, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in Bloomington, Ind.

Students walk to and from classes on the Indiana University campus, in Bloomington, Ind. The state just enacted a new law calling on all Indiana public universities to study how they would implement a three-year bachelors degree program, if accreditors agree, to save students money and get them into the workforce more quickly. (Darron Cummings | The Associated Press)

With college costs rising and some students and families questioning the return on investment of a four-year degree, a few pioneering state universities are exploring programs that would grant certain bachelors degrees in three years.

The programs, which also are being tried at some private schools, would require 90 credits instead of the traditional 120 for a bachelors degree, and wouldnt require summer classes or studying over breaks. In some cases, the degrees would be designed to fit industry needs.

Indiana recently enacted legislation calling for all state universities there to offer by next year at least one bachelors degree program that could be completed in three years, and to look into whether more could be implemented. The Utah System of Higher Education has tasked state universities with developing three-year programs under a new Bachelor of Applied Studies degree, which would still need approval by accreditation boards.

More than a dozen public and private universities are participating in a pilot collaboration called the College-in-3 Exchange, to begin considering how they could offer three-year programs. The public universities include the College of New Jersey, Portland State University, Southern Utah University, the Universities of Minnesota at Rochester and at Morris, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Utah Tech University.

Proponents of the three-year degree programs say they save students money and set them on a faster track to their working life. But detractors, including some faculty, say they shortchange students, particularly if they later change their minds on what career path they want to follow.

We think if we are partnering with industry and they help us develop it, I dont think it cheapens the degree. I think it creates a very specific degree.

 Geoff Landward, commissioner of the Utah System of Higher Education

The Utah Board of Higher Education in March approved the new three-year degree category. Various areas of study would be tied to specific industry needs, with fewer electives required. These degrees are broader than two-year associate degrees, but narrower than a full four-year bachelors.

We told the institutions to start working on them now and developing the curriculum, Geoff Landward, commissioner of the Utah System of Higher Education, said in an interview. Also, we want them to find industry partners that would be willing to hire people with bachelors degrees of this type.

He added: We created a sandbox for our institutions to play in.

Once created, individual programs would need both national accreditation and state Board of Higher Education approval.

Landward said he has taken note of criticism that the three-year programs might cheapen the bachelors degree by shortchanging students who wouldnt receive a broad college education. But he said students could save on tuition, get a head start in the workforce and meet the needs of industries that are looking for certain skilled workers to address shortages in the state.

That includes nursing, he said, where requiring a four-year degree means taking lots of electives that have nothing to do with the career.

Utah State Universitys current four-year nursing program, for example, suggests several electives along with the required anatomy, math and biology courses as prerequisites during freshman and sophomore years.

We think if we are partnering with industry and they help us develop it, I dont think it cheapens the degree, Landward said. I think it creates a very specific degree.

Robert Zemsky, a University of Pennsylvania professor and founding director of the universitys Institute for Research on Higher Education, began proselytizing for the three-year college movement about a dozen years ago.

He said the idea has gotten traction recently because we are wading in the deep waters of righteous anger at colleges and universities because of the perception that four-year degrees are not worth their high costs.

A Pew Research Center survey released last week found only 1 in 4 American adults said it is extremely or very important to have a four-year college degree as a means to getting a good-paying job. Only 22% of the respondents said the cost is worth getting a four-year degree even if the student or their family has to take out loans.

Zemsky suggested that a shorter time span also would lead to higher college completion rates. More than a third of students who began seeking a bachelors degree in fall 2014 at a four-year school failed to complete their education at the same institution in six years, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Zemsky said 27 colleges and universities have embarked on creating three-year pilot programs and predicted 100 would be doing so in another year.

Over the past 10 years, Zemsky said, schools have been ignoring the desires of students and instead creating their curricula around the preferences of faculty  which is where most of the opposition is coming from.

Last year, at a conference of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, a bargaining unit for professors, President Kenneth Mash said the overwhelming number of college faculty nationwide have a visceral disdain for the idea.

In an interview with Stateline, he said three-year programs would hurt students too, creating a two-tiered system under which wealthy students would get a full four-year education and lower-income students a cheapened three-year degree.

If its not going to be a four-year degree, they should name it something that indicates its not a B.A., said Mash, who also is a political science professor at East Stroudsburg University. We dont know that employers will treat them the same.

Im on board, as most faculty are, with the notion that people want to increase their job opportunities. But thats not all there is to a college degree, he said. Degrees prepare you to be a better citizen, a better parent, and on and on.

And he said a broad education is what makes it possible for students to change jobs and careers many times during their working lives. Its really that baking in liberal arts  that makes it possible for people to do different things in their lifetimes.

Indianas new law

Indiana enacted a law in March that requires each public institution that offers bachelors degrees to review all the four-year degrees with an eye toward making some of them three years. And the law requires that by July 1, 2025, each state university offer at least one bachelors degree that can be completed in three years.

Indiana state Sen. Jean Leising, a Republican who sponsored the measure, pointed out that every extra year of college costs the students, their parents and the state.

But she noted that not all degrees lend themselves to compressed curricula. If youve got a kid in pharmacy [studies], they are not going to be able to get through it in three years. Engineers arent going to be able to do it in three years. But some of the other kids will.

Chris Lowery, Indianas commissioner for higher education, said the law will encourage schools to think about how to create 90-credit-hour bachelors degrees: How feasible is this, would you still have the quality, would you still have the agency?

Three-year degrees allow for choice, he added. His daughter, for example, had enough AP credits after high school to make a college degree feasible in three years, but opted to go to school for four, because she wanted to have enough time to study so that she could get straight As as well as to have time for extracurricular activities.

But for a lot of students, the finances are tighter, he acknowledged.

Credentialing requirements

At both public and private universities, the new three-year degree programs that require fewer credits would need national accreditation.

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, a regional credentialing agency, accredited several three-year bachelors degrees at two private schools, Brigham Young University-Idaho and Ensign College, last year. The degrees are in applied business management, family and human services, software development, applied health and professional studies.

Sonny Ramaswamy, the commissions president, said in an interview that the three-year programs underwent two years of evaluation before being awarded accreditation.

He said the evaluation showed that competency in many professions could be attained in three years instead of four, and that graduate schools were willing to accept three-year bachelors as a credential for the pursuit of higher degrees. He noted that European college degrees often are completed in three years.

We said, We will approve you, but this is a pilot, Ramaswamy said. The schools will provide data to show their students have earned a good education, he added.

My intuition is that it will head in the right direction, he said. The public is calling for innovation.

Michael Poliakoff, president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, a nonprofit organization that says its mission is promoting academic freedom, excellence and accountability at colleges and universities, said fluff courses strengthen the case against a 120-credit hour bachelors degree.

Let people get a good foundation with a strong general education core, strong skills and some electives, Poliakoff said in an interview. Thats what a responsible university should be doing.

The council does an annual survey of higher education institutions and grades them A through F on what the group calls core curricula  the proportion of courses dedicated to mathematics, literature, composition, economics, laboratory science, American history and government, and foreign languages.

Poliakoff said the amount of debt students are accumulating over four years is sinful and unnecessary. Colleges and universities must meet the concerns of students and their families, he said.

A 90-credit baccalaureate degree is a pretty good way to tighten up the bolts, he said.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Universities try 3-year degrees to save students time, money appeared first on West Virginia Watch.
A Jewish University of Michigan regents law firm in Southfield, Michigan, was vandalized early Monday, spray painted with pro-Palestinian language in what the firm is calling an antisemitic attack.

Jordan Acker, who serves as a regent for the University of Michigan and partner for Goodman Acker, called the crime an enormously difficult moment for me personally and for this entire community. A regent is a state official elected to a board that oversees the universitys governance.

The incident is the second in a matter of weeks that Acker said he was targeted.

The law office was graffitied with phrases like, divest now, and free Palestine, on the building itself and on the sidewalk in front of the building, pictures from the firm show. One message apparently directed toward the attorney reads, F**k you Acker.

The Southfield Police Department is investigating the incident as a hate crime, Chief of Police Elvin Barren said at a Monday news conference, calling the vandalism horrific. The FBI, University of Michigan police and Huntington Woods police are assisting with the investigation, Barren added.

Make no mistake that targeting individual Jewish elected officials is antisemitism, Acker said at the news conference. This has nothing to do with Palestine, or the war in Gaza, or anything else. This is done as a message to scare Jews.

An attack on our values and our mission, founding partner says

In a prior incident, a masked intruder came to the door of Ackers home on May 15 at 4:30 a.m., he said on X, noting his three daughters were asleep at the time. He called that incident unacceptable and said he would not be intimidated.

Barry Goodman, a founding partner of the firm, said Mondays incident was not an attack on our office but an attack on our values and our mission.

Goodman went on to say the firm is not only owned by Jewish members, but also by Muslims and Christians.

We proudly serve all faiths, all races, and have been doing so for over 30 years, Goodman said. This is absolutely ridiculous; this is a crime.

Goodman said protesters are free to walk the sidewalk, hold signs, make statements, everything that the Constitution allows, but they cant do this.

Southfield police officers said a preliminary investigation revealed that four people were captured on surveillance video outside the law office Monday morning at 1:39 am, Barren said during the news conference.

The individuals were at the office for about seven minutes, Barren said. CNN has reached out to police for the surveillance video.

University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono called the incident unacceptable in a statement to CNN.

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. Such harassment and attempts to intimidate have no place in a civil society and certainly no place in our university community, Ono said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer described the vandalism as abhorrent in a statement.

Violence, vandalism, threats, and intimidation are unacceptable, and what we saw today in Southfield is abhorrent, Whitmer said. We must remain united in calling out hatred of any kind and continue working together toward peace in Michigan.

Acker on Monday said he was deeply grateful for the support from all walks of life hes received in the wake of the incident.

I was not targeted here today because I am a regent. I am a target of this because I am Jewish.

CNNs Jen ONeil and Taso Stefanidis contributed to this report.

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The University of Minnesota has spent about $1 million so far this school year on purchases from companies that have ties to Israel, money that largely went toward research projects and efforts to power the U's library systems.

The figures reflect purchases made during the first nine months of the fiscal year and together account for less than 1% of the U's $4.5 billion budget, according to information provided to the Star Tribune in response to a data request.

Like other colleges across the nation, the University of Minnesota is facing calls to reconsider its investments in response to the war between Israel and Hamas. On Oct. 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel that killed an estimated 1,200 people and resulted in hundreds being taken hostage. Israel responded by invading the Gaza Strip, where the Palestinian death toll is nearly 35,000, according to statistics released by the United Nations.

Pro-Palestinian activists have been encouraging the U and other colleges across the country to cut ties with Israel, in sometimes contentious protests, arguing that Israel's actions amount to a genocide. Some Jewish organizations have called boycotts discriminatory and instead encouraged campus leaders to invest in both Israelis and Palestinians.

The encampment at the U ended last month when university leaders agreed to release some details about their endowment investments and continue talks about whether divestment is appropriate.

The largest portion of the U's purchases tied to Israel  about $680,000  went to a company called Ex Libris that provides software that helps power the U's library systems. The company traces its roots to 1980, when the team that created it formed at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It was acquired three years ago by a British-American company called Clarivate.

Among other things, the software provided by Ex Libris helps students and researchers access materials and keep track of inventory. University spokesperson Jake Ricker said the U regularly reviews its library system and last did so in fall 2022, when library leaders determined there was no other company that could provide the same level of service for all five campuses.

"The libraries of the University of Minnesota could not function in even the most basic ways without this critical service platform," Ricker said, adding that 15 of the 19 schools in the Big Ten Academic Alliance use the company's services or plan to begin using them this year.

Many of the remaining purchases in Israel related to research projects and veterinary services, and in some instances, U employees said the materials they needed couldn't be found elsewhere. For example, some purchase records noted that a special type of syringe used in surgery to treat canine incontinence was only available from one company, which is based in Israel.

The Lieberman-Okinow Endowment provides funding to help support plant pathology research, with the goal of preventing disease and alleviating hunger. It supports a professor based at the U and a plant gene bank based at Tel Aviv University, which has one of the largest repositories of wild cereal specimens in the world.

"The genetic resources from TAU are shared with researchers around the world for the benefit of mankind," Ricker said.

The Star Tribune requested all active contracts involving the U and Israel, Palestine or Gaza. The resulting records did not include any contracts that mentioned Palestine or Gaza.

During the first nine months of the school year, the U made purchases from 2,680 suppliers in 102 countries outside the United States.

The U last month released some details about its endowment investments, making it one of the first colleges in the nation to open its books in response to pro-Palestinian protesters' demands. It agreed to the disclosures as part of a deal to end an encampment that set up on the Twin Cities campus for several days at the end of the spring semester.

The U has two endowments. Older donations are held in a $2.27 billion endowment overseen by the U, about $5 million of which is in stocks and bonds tied to companies based in Israel or U.S. defense contractors. Newer donations are placed in a $3.6 billion endowment overseen by the University of Minnesota Foundation, a nonprofit that coordinates fundraising efforts for the U and says its business information is private.

During a public board meeting last month, U regents heard from student groups on opposing sides of the divestment debate but offered few hints as to how they might respond, except to promise they would continue working on the issues. Representatives for groups that called for divestment didn't immediately respond on Monday.

Benjie Kaplan, executive director of Minnesota Hillel, a Jewish student organization, reiterated the group's calls for regents to resist divestment demands.

"The University of Minnesota divesting from anything Israel-related will do nothing more than create further divides between those most invested in a peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians," Kaplan said.
University of Northern Iowa physics faculty have received grants to study bioengineering, quantum information and computing, and more. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

University of Northern Iowa physics faculty have received national funding to support four projects focused on quantum information and computing, biomanufacturing and engineering.

The National Science Foundation has awarded the university three grants  the largest being a five-year, $20 million grant in which UNI will partner with the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Central College and Dordt University to use the states expertise in agriculture to strengthen the bioscience and advanced manufacturing industries.

According to a news release, UNI physics professor Tim Kidd will lead research efforts into fibers for flexible and rigid materials as principal investigator.

Kidd and fellow physics professor Andrew Stollenwerk received a three-year, $550,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to research how adding carbon to certain materials could impact their electrical and optical properties, the release stated. Texas Tech University professor Rui He will work with the UNI faculty on the project.

These funds are not only helping to make Iowa more technologically competitive, but through extensive undergraduate research opportunities, students will learn practical skills that cannot be replicated in the classroom, Stollenwerk said in the release.

ISU and UNI faculty will also work together to study materials involved in quantum information storage and processing, funded by a $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, of which UNI is among 20 universities in the country to receive. According to the release, Kidd will work as principal investigator with ISU associate professor Lin Zhou serving as co-principal investigator and UNI faculty members Pavel Lukashev, Paul Shand and Ali Tabei.

The U.S. Department of Energy also awarded Kidd, Stollenwerk, Lukashev and Shand a $500,000 grant to create two-dimensional materials to be used in quantum computing and future electronics. According to the release, UNI is the only undergraduate university to receive the funding with these goals.

Shand said in the release that the opportunities these projects create will be open for students studying physics or enrolling in the universitys new materials science and engineering program that launches in the fall.

These awards are a sign of the consistent high quality research from the UNI physics faculty over the last decade that resulted in numerous publications in premier scientific journals, Lukashev said in the release.

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University of California President Clark Kerr addresses 13,000 persons in the Greek Theater during a convocation called to seek the end of the demonstrations on the UC campus in 1964. Credit - Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

This year, around 2,000 students were arrested on college campuses at the behest of their own institutions leaders. And it was not one or two leaders. Presidents and chancellors approved arrests of student protesters at UCLA, Columbia University, Indiana University Bloomington, University of Texas at Austin, Pomona College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Emory University, City University of New York, Yale University, and Washington University in St. Louis, among dozens of other campuses. At the University of Southern California, there were two police sweeps to remove students' Gaza solidarity encampments from campus. Arrests during some commencement ceremonies occurred at institutions whose leaders did not cancel graduation exercises altogether.

Campuses may be quieting as summer sessions have arrived. But these recent actions should concern all Americans. Many of the institutions that lead knowledge production are led by college presidents who, in what was at best a misguided attempt to address what they framed as concerns about campus safety, suppressed dissent. How can we trust these universities to solve politically hostile problems like climate change? Why believe that the education on those campuses will teach students how to consider different viewpoints? What are we teaching this generation of students?

In contrast, we might look at another period of student unrest: the 1960s. During that tumultuous era, student protesters were frequently confronted by police and the National Guard; many faced arrest and violence, with some even shot or killed. Images from the arrests at Columbia University in 1968 and of the National Guard and local and state police shootings at Kent State and Jackson State in 1970 have recirculated in recent weeks, amid this years campus protest crackdowns.

But some presidents of that era actually engaged with students, even if begrudgingly, in extended dialogue to end demonstrations, and challenged politicians negative characterizations of student protests. Their approach was essential to academic freedom, stifling political interference, and modeling democracy.

Read More: What Todays University Presidents Can Learn From the First Modern Expulsion Over Hate Speech on Campus

On Feb. 1, 1960, four freshmen at North Carolina A&T, a public Black College in Greensboro, held a sit-in at the local F. W. Woolworths whites-only lunch counter. The Black students were denied service because of their race, and the demonstration sparked hundreds of other college students across the South to launch sit-ins at segregated lunch counters. In March 1960, UCLA students joined those efforts and launched the Los Angeles-area pickets at Woolworth stores in solidarity with Black students in the South. UCLA and Santa Monica City College students picketed the Santa Monica Woolworth. Los Angeles State College students demonstrated at the downtown L.A. store. Led by Jesse Morris, a UCLA senior and chair of the Southern California Boycott committee, California students called for help in our fight for universal equality.

Two months later, in May 1960, California students captured the nations attention for disrupting a U.S. House of Representatives Un-American Activities Committee meeting in downtown San Francisco.

At the state level, those activities motivated the California State Senate Un-American Activities Subcommittee to investigate student activity on the states college campuses. They were also responding to a shift in University of California policy. Whereas the university had previously denied recognition to student groups dedicated to specific causes, in fall 1960, UCLAs new chancellor Franklin D. Murphy granted the campus NAACP chapter recognition as an official student group.

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The subcommittee released a report regarding radical student groups in June 1961. It concluded that communist behavior would plague California campuses in the near future. Politicians often conflated students civil rights activism and other activities with communism, which they treated as threatening to the United States.

UC President Clark Kerr prepared a reply shortly afterward. Kerr noted that the subcommittee report found no specific evidence of successful infiltration by subversive groups of our faculties or of our representative student organizations.

But he did not just defend the students from that charge. He framed his reply in terms of the principles that guided university leadership, including that: Freedom to speak and to hear is maintained for students and faculty members.

These policies in their totality assure freedom without license, Kerr concluded. We cannot and will not neglect any one of them. While Kerr challenged politicians framing of students and professors off-campus activities, other administrators engaged students during on-campus protests.

Read More: Academic Freedom Is More Important Now Than Ever

Another example of a successful approach came at the University of Chicago in 1962, when student and community activists held a rally outside of the administration building, protesting how the universitys real estate investment practices perpetuated housing discrimination on Chicagos South Side. Chicagos rapid acquisition of land near campus meant property managers continued to discriminate, even after the university became the landlord.

Soon, student demonstrators entered the building and occupied University of Chicago President George Beadles office. The students demanded the university immediately end discriminatory rental practices in university-owned properties.

Beadle was not a fan of the students demands. He felt the sit-in in his office was emotional. Plus, he added, the university cannot negotiate with any group of students. But Beadle did not immediately call police on the students who occupied his office. Instead, over a two-week period, he and other university leaders regularly met with students to discuss demands.

The back-and-forth was contentious. University leaders felt it would be a burden to disrupt long-standing rental practices in the neighborhood. Some administrators felt white residents would leave if Black people were allowed to move into majority- or all-white buildings. But the students were diligent. Student pressure and negative media coverage of the protests led Beadle to form a faculty commission to evaluate university property and discrimination. The students suspended their occupation of the building as a result. One of the Chicago demonstrators went on to become U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders.

Two months later, Chicago trustees changed university policy: All housing properties of the university, whether operated as commercial properties, or specially for housing of students and faculty, are available for university students or faculty members regardless of race or creed.

The students considered the change in policy a victory, especially considering that the university had previously dedicated resources to protecting racially-restrictive housing covenants during the 1930s and 1940s, according to historian Arnold Hirsch.

Neither Beadle nor Kerr were perfect leaders, but their approach in these instances is instructive regarding the perils of outside pressure on how to handle campus unrest. Later in December 1964, hundreds of students occupied Sproul Hall on Berkeleys campus as part of the Free Speech Movement. As a result, Edwin Meese, deputy district attorney of Alameda County, called Governor Edmund Pat Brown to inform the governor that demonstrations were out of control. Kerr, Brown, and UC Board of Regent chair and businessman Edward W. Carter agreed by telephone to have police intervene. Similarly, at the infamous shooting at Kent State in May 1970, Ohio National Guardsmen were on campus at the directive of Ohio Governor James Rhodes, not Kent State President Robert I. White.

Read More: The Dangers of Curtailing Free Speech on Campus

But the successes that came when presidents protected student protesters from outside meddling are worth remembering as students return to campus next fall. We have seen all too often what happens when elected officials and institutional leaders move away from tolerance and dialogue. If anything, the harsh crackdowns on this years protests have brought disruption and distrust. Instead of calling in police and security forces to suppress protest, university leaders owe it to students to engage with them.

A president should never pass on a teaching moment. A recent Washington Post report noted that divesting endowment funds from entities doing business in Israel is likely more complex than South African divestment during apartheid. Students dont know the intricate details of endowment portfoliosbut why not teach them? Show students how divestment works, and do not leave a campus town hall early when students disagree, like they did at Rutgers University. Unfortunately, too many have forfeited their role as educator for that of an administrator.

There were leaders at Brown University, Northwestern University, and other campuses who agreed with students to add divestment to future board meeting agendas for consideration. Michael S. Roth, president of Wesleyan University, publicly explained why he did not call police on students. These approaches should be the norm.

Preparing students for engagement in a democratic society is a critical task for institutions of higher education. Past student activists were critiqued then but are often celebrated today for their democratic clarity as youthwith the Free Speech Movement Cafe on Berkeleys campus as an example. Todays students have faced similar critiques. But there is hope. Recent campus demonstrations show that future generations also care to have challenging conversations about war, human rights, the perils of capitalism, and democracy. Todays cohort of academic leaders should better demonstrate that theyre up to the challenge.

Eddie R. Cole, Ph.D., is Professor of Education and History at UCLA and a Harvard Radcliffe Fellow. He is also the author of The Campus Color Line: College Presidents and the Struggle for Black Freedom (Princeton University Press).

Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.

Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com.
In our Reality Check stories, Herald-Leader journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com.

Rep. James Comer has joined forces with a progressive California lawmaker in an attempt to increase transparency around the financial activity of would-be presidents.

The Kentucky Republican is co-sponsoring legislation with Democratic Rep. Katie Porter that would force future presidents and their running mates to disclose two years of tax returns as well as payments, gifts and loans from foreign entities before occupying the White House.

It comes at a time when Republicans have ratcheted up scrutiny around the business dealings of members of the Biden family and in the wake of Democratic complaints that former President Donald Trumps family members struck lucrative overseas deals after overseeing foreign policy.

Its a unique ideological pairing to shine light on opaque financial dealings  but its unlikely to gain any momentum in the months leading up to a presidential election.

Passing any bill in a presidential election year is a challenge, said Meredith McGehee, an independent expert on government ethics. It helps that it is bipartisan, but party folks are always wary of anything that would change the rules they know and might be used against their candidate.

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Comer has doggedly pursued the business dealings of the presidents son, Hunter Biden, but has failed to show any evidence that President Joe Biden did anything wrong.

Influence peddling is cottage industry in Washington and weve identified deficiencies in the current law that have led to a culture of corruption, Comer said.

In addition to the disclosure requirements, the Presidential Ethics Reform Act includes provisions to strengthen oversight mechanisms, ensuring that any potential conflicts of interest are probed.

The bill attracted a flood of media attention, including a thumbs up from billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, who said he was all for this.

But some Democrats have reacted coolly to the proposal, objecting to anything that would be seen as equating Trumps conflicts with Bidens.

A White House spokesman also expressed little interest in the bill, noting that Biden has already made public more than two decades of tax returns.

And some critics have noted that theres no penalty if candidates shun the requirements.

Right now, theres not even a hearing scheduled on the bill, the first step in getting it off the ground.

Comer and Porter have joked that if the bill could clear through the contentious Oversight Committee, it would sail through the full House, which Republicans control by a narrow margin.

But five months from Election Day, both of those scenarios look far-fetched.

Comer impeachment hearing comes as government shutdown prospects near
By Tatiana Bautzer

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Viswas Raghavan joined Citigroup as its new head of banking this week in New York, the lender said on Tuesday, after it hired the former head of investment banking from JPMorgan earlier this year.

Citi's CEO Jane Fraser has expressed high hopes for Raghavan, who climbed JPMorgan's ranks from capital markets, as she seeks to turn around the bank and revitalize its division catering to multinational corporations.

In a Linkedin post on Tuesday, Fraser welcomed the new executive and shared a photo with him at Citi's headquarters. "His decision to join Citi reflects our ability to attract the best talent," she wrote.

The CEO told shareholders in April she was delighted to welcome Raghavan and added, "we look forward to the added intensity he will no doubt bring."

Raghavan was described by two sources who worked with him as a demanding manager, with one noting his confident style. They declined to be identified discussing personnel matters. Citi declined to comment.

Raghavan previously served as JPMorgan's CEO in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, while also leading its investment and corporate banking and treasury services in the region. After joining JPMorgan in 2000, he held senior roles in debt and equity capital markets.

The executive grew up in India and has bachelors degrees in physics from the University of Bombay and electronic engineering and computer science from Aston University. He is also a chartered accountant.

Citi's investment banking revenue in the first quarter was $903 million, half of the $2 billion JPMorgan reaped in the same period.

The banking unit at Citi "can use a revamp," Wells Fargo analyst Mike Mayo wrote in a note in February when Raghavan's hire was announced. The executive "could be attracted to Citi given its large global footprint," taking sole responsibility over a business line, and facing easier performance comparisons relative to the company's history, Mayo wrote. The stock is his top pick.

Citigroup has been the fifth or sixth largest global bank in investment banking revenue over the last five years, according to Dealogic rankings. Its share in global revenue has been 4.8% this year so far, up from 4.1% in 2023. The other large U.S. rivals have investment banking market share above 6%.

Investors have rewarded Fraser with a 19% share price boost this year as she carried out a sweeping overhaul. The gains outpaced a 13% increase for an S&P 500 index of bank stocks in 2024.

(Reporting by Tatiana Bautzer in New York, additional reporting by Saeed Azhar in New York, Stefania Spezzati and Andres Gonzalez in London; editing by Lananh Nguyen, Josie Kao, William Maclean)
It is unlikely Trump case will go to trial in Georgia before November election

The Georgia Court of Appeals set a date Monday for former President Trumps appeal hearing on disqualifying Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the Georgia election interference case.

The hearing has been set for Oct. 4 and three judges are assigned to hear it.

So what impact does that have on the case against the former president?

Oct. 4 is a month before election day, so the importance would be the outcome of this proceeding, which is asking whether or not Fani Willis can continue as the prosecutor for the case. It punts forward when the case would start, either way, with potential that Appellate Court could say no, Fani Willis cannot proceed and then she has to appoint another special prosecutor, political analyst Bill Crane told Channel 2s Karyn Greer.

The date puts in doubt Willis ability to prosecute Trump before the November election.

But Crane said there are other ways of moving this case forward.

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Knowing how passionately this district attorney wants to prosecute this case on behalf of the people of Georgia, I dont think she has any choice but to take this controversy and conflict off the table, recuse herself and appoint another special prosecutor, which means this hearing would need to take place and then she could proceed to try to get this court case docketed, Crane said.

Crane said there are several people within Willis office who could take over the case or she can even go outside to find a new prosecutor.

Steve Sadow, the lead defense counsel for President Trump here in Georgia, issued a statement to Channel 2 Action News, writing:

President Trumps interlocutory appeal was docketed today in the Georgia Court of Appeals, and oral argument is tentatively scheduled for October 4, 2024. We look forward to presenting arguments before Judges Brown, Markle, and Land on why this case should be dismissed and Fulton County DA Willis should be disqualified for the trial courts acknowledged odor of mendacity misconduct in violation of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct.

The Oct. 4 date is tentative and could change.

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Ursula von der Leyen could be on the way out as EU heavyweights turn against her

Emmanuel Macron was behind the rise of Ursula von der Leyen, but is now believed to have cooled towards her

Ursula von der Leyens chances of a second term as president of the European Commission are in doubt amid claims EU heavyweights are turning against her, and a fresh outbreak of infighting among the Brussels institutions.

The European Parliament elections this weekend will be the prelude to an intense period of international horsetrading over the EUs top jobs for the next five years and how they are shared out among the blocs political families.

Until very recently, Mrs von der Leyens coronation for another five years was seen as a foregone conclusion. Leaders were expected to be reluctant to make big changes while Europe was still dealing with the cost of living crisis and the war in Ukraine.

But the Brussels rumour mill is now abuzz that she has lost the support of Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, and that other EU leaders are exasperated at what they see as her high-handed posing as the Queen of Europe.

The mutual antipathy between Mrs von der Leyen and Charles Michel, the European Council president, was no secret even before hostilities erupted again on Tuesday.

Israel support was controversial

With days to go to the crucial elections, Mr Michel attacked Mrs von der Leyens record, accusing her of turning the commission into an overtly political body with herself front and centre.

The impartiality of the commission should be an absolute priority, Mr Michel said.

Mrs von der Leyens early support of Israels war against Hamas left the EU open to accusations of double standards over its reaction to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, he said.

It certainly infuriated pro-Palestinian Spain and Ireland, while other member states saw it as a pattern of repeated overreach.

From the headquarters of the commission, there was a swift and tart reply to Mr Michel.

The commission acts in an impartial manner for the benefit of the general interests and we expect all other institutions to do so as well, the commissions chief spokesman said.

Mudslinging between Mrs von der Leyen and Mr Michels teams has been de rigueur since sofagate erupted during a joint visit to Turkey in 2021

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered Mr Michel a chair, before relegating Mrs von der Leyen to a distant sofa.

It happened because I am a woman, Mrs von der Leyen said at the time, as Mr Michel was forced to apologise for taking the seat.

June 17 meeting to discuss top jobs

Some see Mr Michels intervention as revenge, and he has been accused by diplomatic sources of trying to land the plum job of the EUs foreign affairs chief.

If there is anything EU foreign policy cant afford these days, its a chief diplomat who hates the commission president, one source said.

Mr Michels spokeswoman insisted: He is not a candidate and added that he is entirely focused on his current job.

The council president has calls scheduled with a string of EU leaders to discuss the allocation of top jobs this week, and has called a June 17 meeting on the issue, which he will chair.

Mrs von der Leyens European Peoples Party (EPP) is predicted to shrink after the elections. But it will remain the largest group in the parliament, which will strengthen her claim to a second term.

However, it is the 27 prime ministers and presidents sitting in the European Council who will decide who leads the commission.

It was Mr Macron, a leader with a track record and a taste for disruption, who severed the link between the results of the European elections and the presidency of the commission in 2019.

He rejected the EPPs victorious lead candidate and came up with the surprise nomination of Mrs von der Leyen, who was fresh from a failed stint as Germanys defence minister.

He also placed Mr Michel, the former Belgian prime minister, into his post. While Mr Michel remains a close Macron ally, the French president appears to have gone cold on Mrs von der Leyen.

Macron allies talk up possible rivals

Macron allies are talking up Mario Draghi, the former Italian prime minister and European Central Bank chief, as a replacement.

Opinion is divided over whether this is part of some 4D chess game by Mr Macron, a warning shot at Mrs von der Leyen or simple muscle-flexing to prove he is not a spent force in Brussels.

One EU diplomat scoffed at the idea of Mr Macron wielding the axe because it is predicted his party will be trounced by Marine Le Pens National Rally in the European elections.

His Renew group of European liberals is expected to shrink to 78 seats, further diminishing the influence of a man in his second and final term as president of France.

Sources said Mr Scholz, who knows Mr Draghi well, could consider getting rid of Mrs von der Leyen. Removing a compatriot as head of the commission would be a big step for the German chancellor, but Mrs von der Leyen is not popular in Germany and comes from the opposition centre-Right CDU.

Mr Draghi, an independent widely admired for his handling of the eurozone crisis, would need Italian premier Giorgia Melonis support, but that was not impossible, EU sources said.

Mrs von der Leyen has won praise for her staunch support for Ukraine and handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as, before farmers protests, her championing of Net Zero.

Im sure Ursula will be the candidate we present to the council, said Esteban Gonzalez Pons, a senior Spanish EPP MEP.

An unexpected candidate very likely

But sources said some EU leaders were angry over her taste for the limelight and found her insistence that they submit reports to the commission for coronavirus cash humiliating.

They also pointed to her uncollegial management style and discontent among her commissioners.

Roberta Metsola, the European Parliament president, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek prime minister, and Andrej Plenkovic, prime minister of Croatia, have been suggested as possible alternatives.

Mrs von der Leyens courting of the eurosceptic Ms Meloni has also cost her support in the European Parliament, and could lead to her reappointment being opposed by other pro-EU parties.

Karel Lannoo, the managing director of the Centre for European Policy Studies think tank, said,  Its very likely there will be another candidate who will come out unexpectedly, like five years ago with von der Leyen.

She was not expected until she was announced.

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On Tuesday, Joe Biden unveiled the most restrictive immigration policy of his presidency with an executive order enabling the mass rejection of asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border when crossings reach certain levels.

The order would allow the US government to temporarily shut down the border when the number of people seeking entry exceeds a daily threshold, empowering authorities to automatically block migrants from presenting their asylum cases. The policy, which would significantly erode the rights of asylum seekers, appears to be one of the harshest immigration crackdowns pushed by any modern Democrat and mirrors the Trump administrations efforts to broadly limit entries en masse.

Related: Biden issues order limiting asylum seekers from crossing US-Mexico border

The announcement, five months before election day, comes as polls suggest immigration is a top concern of voters and Republicans have sought to attack the president on the issue as cities across the US face an increase in the number of people arriving. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in migrants attempting to enter the US from the southern border, although officials have reported decreases since December. The US has seen similarly high levels of crossings in decades prior, but now the majority of people arent attempting to avoid capture and instead are presenting themselves to authorities in hopes of getting protection. Many request asylum, meant for those who have fled persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion.

There are a wide range of complex forces driving the high rates of people turning up at the border, including escalating violence, poverty, natural disasters and political insecurity in their home countries, and few options to legally migrate to the US.

Whats clear is that the US immigration system, which hasnt been updated in more than 30 years, is not built to process the volume of applications, leading to an extraordinary backlog in cases, forcing some asylum seekers to wait years for a resolution.

Democrats in Congress have for years tried to pass comprehensive immigration reforms, with Senate Republicans blocking bipartisan proposals.

The Guardian interviewed five asylum seekers  some with claims already approved and some who are still going through the process  about their journeys and the reality of the application process amid a broken system. The interviews have been translated and edited and condensed for clarity.

Alejandra Hernandez, 32, Guatemala: The only lawyer I could find was on Facebook

My dream is for a better life for my four daughters. I had no future in Guatemala. The father of my children caused me a lot of harm, abusing me and burning my skin. I had to leave. He had a gun, and I dont think I would have survived. I was scared about the journey and scared I wouldnt get asylum, because I know they send a lot of people back to Guatemala.

I came to California in 2018 with my nine-year-old daughter. The journey took about 30 days. We often didnt have food. We were locked inside trucks. My daughter just wanted it to be over. We were held for four days in the CBP ice boxes when we arrived. We didnt have good clothes or water.

In my first court hearing, the judge said I should have an attorney. CBP gives us a list of non-profits, but I called and they were all too busy. So I searched Facebook and the only lawyer who responded was a man who did not represent me well. He didnt tell me there was a deadline to file separate petitions for my three daughters still in Guatemala. He just wanted me to give him more money.

My daughter and I got asylum in 2020. I thank God for the judge. I showed her my scars. She looked at my papers and understood I needed to be here. The Oakland school district connected me to [Immigrant Legal Defense (ILD)] attorneys last year, who are helping me with asylum for my other daughters. I get very emotional, but I try to just be hopeful. I wish people could understand the happiness we have when were told we can stay here and have a better life and contribute and be a part of society. We come because weve suffered violence. The most beautiful thing for me is to be able to tell the truth about what Ive been through.

Andres Garcia, 30, El Salvador: I just wanted to be myself and not get hurt

I came out as gay when I was 17 years old. I come from a conservative Christian family, and my mom kicked me out. I was living on the streets for a year. I just wanted to be me and not get hurt in the process, but as a gay man in El Salvador, they look at you as a drug dealer, a rapist, everything bad. I wanted to prove to my family I could succeed, so I continued with studies and got a degree in public accounting. But I couldnt get a job. Im as gay as it gets  vocally and how I look  so I was always denied even though I had all the credentials. There was no place for me in El Salvador. The discrimination was in every corner  when youre walking in the streets, on public transportation. I knew and saw people who were murdered for being gay. Gang members were targeting my community and got away with it. I knew my government would not protect me, I would never be able to love whoever I wanted to love, and I could be killed.

I crossed through Texas in November 2016 and lived without status for years. In 2022, police in Virginia handed me over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement to face deportation. I was in custody for nearly a year as I fought for asylum. It takes so long to get to see a judge. So many people just give up, even though we all have an international right to seek asylum. We deserve the opportunity to ask, but they make it so hard on us. I almost gave up, but I met good lawyers from Capital Area Immigrants Rights Coalition and decided Im going to fight this until the end.

I was approved for asylum in July 2023. It has changed everything. I can work freely, get a drivers license, go to school, pursue my goal of being an interior designer. I can go into a federal building or attend a protest without fear of arrest. I can come out from the shadows.

I wish lawmakers would understand were not here to hurt anybody or steal jobs. They are trying to dehumanize us, calling us animals. Thats not right and shouldnt be allowed on social media or TV. We are not criminals. Were hard-working people who are here to make this country prosper.

Flor Fernandez Alvarado, 30, Mexico: Ive been waiting 10 years

I have been waiting for asylum for more than 10 years. I hope theres something good at the end of this wait, but its been very difficult.

I grew up in Michoacan, Mexico. We didnt have a lot of money, but we were happy. Then the cartel wanted to force my husband into their organization. He refused and we received death threats against me and my kids. In 2013, we had to flee. Our only option was to come here. My kids were six months and two years old.

When we arrived in San Diego, I felt really sad and wanted to return home. I didnt want my children to face racism in the US. But I had to find my strength because we needed to save our lives. After we crossed, we began the asylum process.

Our case is still pending. [Editors note: her next court date is scheduled for 2026.] In that time, Ive had to repeatedly renew my work permit; because there are often huge delays, I lose work. I live in Fresno, California, and work as a farmworker picking fruit. At times, I didnt know how I was going to pay rent or for food, but I always try to save for a little bit. Its very frustrating because theres nothing I can do to make this go faster. Theres a sadness I feel because I dont know what the future holds for me or my kids. My children are 11 and 13 now, and they dont know life in Mexico. We would never be safe there. Ive explained the asylum process to them, but I dont know if they really understand it.

The comments from people like Trump about asylum seekers make me feel afraid to go to the store or walk down the street. Those comments have led to violence against Mexicans here. In a store here, there was an attack on a Mexican man because he didnt speak English. I am Mexican and I am an asylum seeker, and I am not an animal.

The day we get approved for asylum, we will have finally left limbo.

Silvia Rodriguez-Orrego, 32, El Salvador: I was separated from my baby

My children and I suffered a lot of physical and emotional harm from gang violence in El Salvador. In 2019, our lives were in danger, so I traveled to the border with my children who were 11 and 10 years old and my 10-month-old baby. We crossed the Rio Grande in a boat in the middle of the night and it was crowded with people. When you get off in Texas, you just have to find your own way. Youre completely alone in the night.

When the border patrol apprehended us, they separated me from my baby daughter. That moment was the worst experience in my whole life. Ive never felt more fear. I didnt know what would happen to her or if they would return her to El Salvador. My two other kids were deeply affected by the separation from their baby sister. They were overcome with sadness. We were reunited with my baby a month later.

Applying for asylum has been difficult. Im a single mom and it was so hard to find an attorney. I had no money. Each time at court, the judge would say you have to bring an attorney or youll have to defend yourself. In reality, I thought we would just be deported, that my chances of succeeding were 0%. But we could not go back to my country. It has caused me anxiety, stress, depression. Im feeling a bit better now, because I have help from [ILD] lawyers. I got my work permit in January. My children are adjusted to life here in Richmond, California. But our future is still undecided.

Milagros, 36, from Mexico: I couldnt believe I had to apply through an app

In September 2022, I applied for an appointment to be seen at the border to request asylum. When a non-profit told me I had to apply through a CBP mobile app, I didnt believe them. I didnt understand. I wanted to just come through the line at the border like people have always done, but I didnt want to risk it for my five-year-old son.

The father of my child had abused me and was threatening to kill me. My son and I had fled to our own place in Mexico, but it was really dangerous. There were a lot of drug traffickers and fighting in the area. They would kidnap children. At one point bullets were shot outside our home and we had to hide under our bed. We couldnt leave the house, and I was scared my childs father would find us. I couldnt live somewhere where I was always afraid. I thought I might have to wait years for an appointment or Id never get one.

In June 2023, I got a notification that I had an appointment and had 24 hours to accept it. When we got to the border, we were locked in a room with other asylum seekers and there was no food. There was nowhere to sleep except in the chairs. The next morning, they took us to San Diego, and my brother had sent money for us to go to San Francisco. At that point, my son was just so happy to be on an airplane. I was really in shock. I had blocked off all of my feelings and wasnt processing what was happening.

Whats really great for me is just seeing how happy my son is at school in a dual immersion program [in Stanislaus county, California]. Hes doing much better. Im still always hypervigilant and afraid because of everything Ive been through. Even when I just go to the store with my son, I tell him he has to stay right with me, because Im always just scared.

I cant go back to where Im from.

The interviews with Alejandra Hernandez, Flor Fernandez Alvarado, Silvia Rodriguezo Orrego and Milagros were facilitated by translations from Kaitlin Kalna Darwal, their attorney and the founding managing attorney of non-profit Immigrant Legal Defense.
US on Beijing's refusal to attend peace summit: China could play a useful diplomatic role if it wanted to

China could play a useful diplomatic role in helping to stop Russia's war, but it continues to fuel the Russian defense industrial base, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on June 3.

Ukraine invited China to the peace summit back in January, but Beijing declined the invitation as the terms they required to attend were not met.

"We have always been clear that China could play a useful diplomatic role in helping resolve this conflict if it wanted to," Miller said during a press briefing in answer to a question on China's refusal to attend.

"But right now, it is hard to see how they could play that role given the actions that we have seen China take over recent months to rebuild and reconstitute Russia's defense industrial base."

China officially declares itself a neutral party to Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine and has denied providing lethal aid, but Beijing and Moscow continue to develop closer ties, most recently with Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting his counterpart Xi Jinping in May.

"We are going to continue to make clear to China that we object to those actions, that we will hold entities responsible for those actions, and we have heard our European counterparts say the same thing," the spokesperson added.

Miller said he has no information about U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's participation in the summit. He added that Washington would be "well represented" in Switzerland as Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to attend the event.

In the wake of the news of China's absence, President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Beijing of "working hard" to prevent countries from attending Ukraine's global peace summit.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning rejected the accusation, saying that China has never "fanned fire or fueled the flames" of Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine.

Read also: 107 countries, organizations confirm participation in Ukraines peace summit, Presidential Office says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, left, shakes hands with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Austin traveled to Cambodia on Tuesday to push for stronger military ties with Chinas closest ally in Southeast Asia. (AKP via AP)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Cambodian officials on Tuesday to discuss a possible resumption of joint military exercises, suggesting the beginning of a thaw in relations between the countries that have been strained over Cambodia's growing closeness with China.

Austin met with Defense Minister Tea Seiha, Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen, the Pentagon said. Hun Sen, the former prime minister, is Hun Manet's father.

The officials discussed ways to strengthen defense ties in support of regional peace and security, including through a resumption of military training exchanges, de-mining training, and Cambodian participation in U.S. military education programs, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement.

Hun Manet said on Telegram that he and Austin discussed ways to resume cooperation, including Cambodian access to U.S. military education programs and joint military exercises between the countries.

Cambodia, which is China's closest ally in Southeast Asia, halted joint military exercises with the U.S. in 2017.

U.S. relations with Cambodia have been frosty for years, in large part because of its close ties with China, and particularly Chinas military presence at a Cambodian navy base in the Gulf of Thailand that has been upgraded with Beijings assistance. Washington has also been vocal about Cambodias human rights record, including continuing clampdowns on political dissidents and critics.

Cambodian officials deny that China will have any special basing privileges and say their country maintains a neutral defense posture.

Austin arrived from Singapore, where he attended the Shangri-La defense forum and held talks with his Chinese counterpart, Adm. Dong Jun, as the U.S. and China gradually work to repair lines of communications between their militaries that could be critical as tensions continue to rise between them in the Indo-Pacific region.

The visit was Austins first visit to Cambodia since Hun Manet became prime minister last year, succeeding his father Hun Sen, who held office for 38 years. The handover has led to speculation of a reset in U.S.-Cambodia relations, though so far Hun Manet has maintained his fathers policies.

Hun Manet was Cambodias army commander before becoming prime minister last August. Both Austin and he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point  Austin in 1975 and Hun Manet in 1999, as Cambodias first cadet there.

Austin also met Tuesday with Cambodian alumni of U.S. military education programs.

From Cambodia, Austin will go to France to attend events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the World War II D-Day landing, the U.S. Defense Department said.
The United States continues to have a higher rate of women dying in pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum compared with all other high-income nations, even despite recent declines in the US maternal death rate, a new report shows.

There were about 22 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in the United States in 2022, the most recent year for which data was available. That rate was more than double, sometimes triple, those seen in most other high-income countries that year, according to the report released Tuesday by the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation focused on health care-related issues.

And the rate of maternal deaths among Black women in the United States remains even higher, at nearly 50 deaths per 100,000 live births, the new report shows.

Meanwhile, half of the high-income nations in the new report had fewer than 5 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, and one country recorded zero maternal deaths: Norway.

Unlike Norway and some other peer nations, the US has a maternal care workforce shortage problem, which is only supposed to get worse, said Munira Gunja, lead author of the report and senior researcher at the International Program in Health Policy and Practice Innovations at the Commonwealth Fund.

In the United States, she noted, there is limited access to midwives, who provide support to a patient from the prenatal period through postpartum.

We have an under-supply of midwives, and midwives are underutilized, whereas in most other countries, midwives greatly outnumber ob-gyns. Theyre part of their health care systems. Midwifery care is not integrated enough into our system, Gunja said.

In the United States, there are several barriers to getting midwifery care, and other countries just dont have that. Theyre able to make sure that every woman has access to care, whether it be in some cases an ob-gyn and in most cases a midwife, she said. In the US, were the only country in this analysis without a universal health system. Nearly 8 million women of reproductive age are without health insurance.

In Norway, which has universal health coverage, prenatal care is accessible free of charge, and high-risk pregnancies are effectively identified.

US is still such an outlier

Researchers at the Commonwealth Fund analyzed maternal mortality data from 14 high-income countries: Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US.

The data, which came from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, showed that the top three nations with the highest maternal death rate were the United States, Chile and New Zealand. Chile and New Zealand each recorded about 14 deaths per 100,000 live births.

The three nations with the lowest maternal death rate were Norway with zero, Switzerland with a rate of 1 death per 100,000 live births and Sweden with about 3 deaths per 100,000 live births.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, maternal death rates increased in Australia, Japan, the Netherlands and the US, according to the report, which notes that the increase may have been due to a rise in Covid-related infections, complications worsened by the virus or delays or decreased access to care at the time. More recently, maternal death rates have started to decline in Chile, Norway and the US.

The US maternal mortality rate fell from 32.9 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021 to 22.3 per 100,000 in 2022, according to data from the CDC.

It is encouraging to see fewer maternal deaths in the U.S. in 2022, however the U.S. is still such an outlier, and the racial disparities are profoundly disturbing, Dr. Laurie Zephyrin, senior vice president for advancing health equity at the Commonwealth Fund, said in a news release.

It is time to center equity by diversifying the workforce and addressing head on the racial inequities in health care quality and access, she said. Now is the time to prioritize what we know is already working well in other countries: expanded health insurance coverage, stronger workforce and support systems, and paid maternity leave.

The new report points to the US health care system, policy differences and maternity care deserts  where residents have limited or no access to maternity health care  as among the factors driving the high US maternal mortality rate.

The US and Canada have the lowest overall supply of midwives and ob-gyns to care for pregnant and postpartum mothers, with only 16 and 13 providers per 1,000 live births respectively, according to the new report. In Canada, the maternal death rate is estimated to be about 8 deaths per 100,000 live births.

More than 2.2 million US women of childbearing age  15 to 44  live in maternity care deserts, a report by the nonprofit March of Dimes found in 2022. And last year, a separate analysis found that hospitals in a 10th of US counties have lost their childbirth units in the past five years.

Midwives could help address maternity workforce shortages in the U.S., where nearly half of counties lack a single ob-gyn. An estimated 8,000 more ob-gyns are needed to meet demand  a number that may rise to 22,000 by 2050, according to the new report.

Additionally, nearly two-thirds of maternal deaths occur in the postpartum period, up to 42 days after giving birth, and US women are least likely to have postpartum home visits, according to the new report. All the countries in the report, apart from the US, guarantee at least one home visit within a week postpartum. On the state level, only some Medicaid programs in the US cover these visits.

The World Health Organization recommends at least four health contacts in the first six weeks following birth, yet two of five U.S. women  more often than not younger, low-income, and uninsured  skip their one postpartum check-up, according to the new report.

In the first week postpartum, the most common contributors to maternal deaths were severe bleeding, high blood pressure and infection, while cardiomyopathy  a heart muscle disease  was the leading cause of deaths later in the postpartum period, according to the new report.

The US also stands alone as the only high-income country where there is no federally mandated paid leave policy for postpartum mothers, according to the new report. US women are less likely to have guaranteed paid leave compared with women in other high-income nations, where at least 14 weeks of paid leave from work is mandated.

Maternal deaths are a preventable problem, and this problem can be solved. A lot of countries have been able to figure out ways to make it so that all women are in safe hands when it comes to having a baby and after giving birth. We need to extend that to women in the US as well, Gunja said. We know most deaths are during the postpartum period  so making sure we have federally mandated paid leave, making sure we make it easy for women to get postpartum care, which means having home visits and not making women go to the doctor.

A need for maternal health equity

Racial disparities in maternal death rates persist not only in the United States but in other parts of the world where some women have less access to postpartum support, according to the new report.

In the United Kingdom, for example, Black women are four times more likely to die than white women are. In Australia, Aboriginal women are about twice as likely as non-Aboriginal women to die from maternal complications, the researchers wrote.

Our findings suggest that an undersupply of maternity providers, especially midwives, and lack of access to comprehensive postpartum support, including maternity care coverage and mandated paid maternity leave, are contributing factors, they wrote. Because both these factors disproportionately affect women of color, centering equity in any future policy changes will be a key to addressing the crisis.

The Commonwealth Funds report highlights the need to have enhanced maternal health care and maternal health equity in the US, said Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize, a family physician in Long Island, New York, and board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians, who was not involved in the new report.

For us in family medicine, we know that we do play a crucial role in providing the obstetric care throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, which is needed, and maternal health care cannot stop after a patient gives birth, she said, calling on her US colleagues to watch out for maternal health complications  such as inflammation of the heart muscle or mental health conditions  in their postpartum patients, as the majority of maternal deaths occur during that time.

A postpartum patients body is still going through immense physical, hormonal and emotional changes that you really cannot overlook, she said. And our training as family physicians, it helps us to screen and address the full spectrum of physical, emotional and social needs during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Adding more birth workers to the maternal health care workforce remains an important component and major need, said Dr. Michelle Owens, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Jackson, Mississippi, who was not involved in the new report.

But we also need to ensure we have systems in place to facilitate escalation of care when needed so that each birthing person has access to the appropriate care in a timely manner. Timely diagnosis and treatment of complications are essential to ensuring the overall health and safety of our mothers and their children, Owens, a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, wrote in an email.

ACOG recommends that expectant mothers engage as active partners in their care, attend their scheduled appointments during and after pregnancy, and consider pregnancy planning in order to optimize pregnancy outcomes, she added. Finally, patients need to feel empowered to voice their concerns to their healthcare providers, and for their providers to listen to their concerns and work collaboratively with patients for resolution of their concerns.

The report joins several other studies that have highlighted the United States high maternal mortality rate, said Dr. Christopher Zahn, interim CEO and chief of clinical practice and health equity and quality for ACOG.

Despite capturing different time periods and using different methodologies, what we can confidently take away from these reports is that the number of maternal deaths in this country is still unacceptably high, Zahn, who was not involved in the Commonwealth Funds latest report, wrote in an email.

In 2016, the public was surprised to learn from a widely publicized study in The Lancet that the United States had the highest rate of maternal mortality compared to other developed countries. The Commonwealth Fund report shows that nearly a decade later this is still the case. This is obviously disheartening news, but we also must acknowledge that, despite the collective effort put toward improving maternal health outcomes, we have faced tremendous setbacks, Zahn said, referring to disruptions in access to care due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the overturning of Roe v. Wade and ongoing health inequities resulting in racial and ethnic disparities.

The areas of weakness in our policies and systems have been longstanding pain points and are clearly all contributors to the poor maternal health outcomes we are experiencing today, he added. ACOG will continue its work in improving quality and safety in maternal health care, educating its members on the necessity of eliminating racism and bias in medicine and advocating for policies that are supportive of both clinicians and patients in an effort to improve outcomes.

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FILE PHOTO: A view of the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court over its prosecutor's decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli officials related to the war in Gaza.

The vote was 247 to 155, with 42 Democrats joining Republicans in backing the measure. There were no Republican "nay" votes, although two voted "present."

The measure is not expected to become law, but reflects continuing support for Israel in Congress amid international criticism over the Middle East country's campaign in the Gaza Strip.

The White House last month criticized the ICC's decision to seek the warrants.

The bill is not expected to be brought up for a vote in the Senate, which is narrowly controlled by Biden's fellow Democrats.

The legislation would impose sanctions on people involved in ICC prosecutions of Americans or citizens of U.S. allies that are not ICC members, including Israel.

It also would block such ICC officials' entry to the United States, revoke any U.S. visas and restrict them from U.S. property transactions.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said last month - after more than seven months of war in Gaza - that he had reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu's defense chief and three Hamas leaders "bear criminal responsibility" for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Netanyahu said the ICC prosecutor's decision was absurd and that the move was meant to target all of Israel.

Israel launched an air and ground offensive in Gaza last October, vowing to destroy Hamas after militants attack southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 people hostage, according to Israeli tallies. About 120 hostages remain in Gaza.

The Israeli military campaign has killed more than 36,000 people in densely populated Gaza, according to its health authorities, who say thousands more bodies are buried under rubble.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL)  A property tax increase that would add $225 a year to property taxes for the owner of a $300,000 home is one step closer to approval in Washington County, Tennessee.

The countys budget committee voted 4-0 Monday to recommend a 30-cent increase to the countys property tax rate. The state just reset the rate to $1.4071 per $100 of assessed value after a countywide reappraisal, and the 30-cent hike  if approved by the full county commission  would represent a 21% increase.

For each $100,000 in a homes value, the proposed change would increase the taxes by $75. If the county doesnt change the rate, that tax would be $1,055 for a house valued at $300,000. The increase, if approved, would take that to $1,280.

RELATED: Washington County TN tax reappraisal: values jump 54%

The average homeowner, though, would see a slightly higher increase because residential values rose more than commercial ones in the 2023-24 reappraisal. The reappraisals 54% overall value increase was dragged down by a much smaller increase in commercial property values. Residential property jumped by an average of 68%.

That $300,000 house, if it was worth 68% more than pre-reappraisal, would have been appraised at about $178,500 last year and taxed at about $960. Even without a county tax increase, those taxes would increase $95 to $1,055 just due to appraisal growth higher than the county average. Thats nearly a 10% increase already, even before the extra 21% that would add another $225 to the tab.

Washington Countys general government spending would rise from $92.0 million in the fiscal year that ends June 30 to $102.4 million next year if the change is approved. The school systems budget would increase from $91.3 million to $105.6 million.

Even with the proposed increase, the school system would get no additional property tax revenue. Rather, its board has agreed to cover a projected $6.8 million revenue shortfall in recurring spending by using money from its fund balance.

The county last raised property taxes nine years ago, heading into the 2016 fiscal year.

DOJ: 17 indicted after stealing $300K in pandemic funds

From 2019 through 2023, according to county audits, general county expenditures increased 27% from $59.6 million to $75.8 million. School expenditures rose 34%, from $73.2 million to $98.4 million. The total increase combined was about $41 million.

Combined property tax and local sales tax revenues, meanwhile, increased by just $11.1 million during the same period, with property tax collections rising less than 5%.

Story continues

Per capita income in Washington County jumped 22% during that period, from $42,557 to $52,089, also according to the county audit.

Most of the people Ive talked to really in a way anticipate the need for an increase, Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy said after the budget committee meeting.

They see the populations increased, they know that creates more need for public safety in all sorts, whether its fire protection or whether its police protection or whether its ambulance service. These are the basic needs that county government provides and its just a cost to doing business.

The proposal adds funds for items from the current year that were paid for by one-time patches, increases salaries countywide, funds waterline projects and increases debt spending for the new Jonesborough K-8 school and the countys purchase of the former Citi building in Gray.

The 15-member county commission, which includes the four budget committee members, will consider the recommendation at a called meeting Tuesday night. Whatever tax rate the full commission lands on Tuesday will officially be an intent to set the new rate.

The county would then publish the proposed budget and tax rate, hold a budget committee meeting with a public comment period, then put the final proposal to the full commission. If no delays occur, the final budget meeting with public comment and the full commission meeting both would occur June 20.

Budget committee members made almost no changes to the staffs prepared budget, which Grandy said those committee members had been closely involved in putting together over the past month or two.

One change came as the committee approved $2 an hour employee raises for all employees except those in the Washington County Sheriffs Office (WCSO). Thats the second straight $2 raise for general government employees, while WCSO workers saw a $2.50 raise last year. The committee passed an increase of $1.50 for WCSO employees.

Committee member Ben Carden voted against the recommendation after recommending $1.50 for all employees, saying he was concerned about the impact on taxpayers. The raises are estimated to cost the county about $2.3 million total, which equates to a little over 4 cents of the proposed 30-cent increase.

I think even if were at 5% were playing catchup from past years trying to get our folks at a competitive wage, committee member Jim Wheeler said. For the countys median hourly rate of around $23, a $2 an hour raise is nearly 9%  on top of the same amount last year.

I think the Northeast is still behind the rest of the state of Tennessee, fellow committee member Richard Tucker said, citing a recent United Way study showing nearly half of Northeast Tennessee households struggle to make ends meet.

The budget would also fund new waterline projects in areas without utility water at $3 million next year and $4 million each of the three following years. Washington County has extended utility water, using crews working for Jonesborough, over the past couple years using federal pandemic funds.

Those are now gone, but Grandy said he believes a majority of commissioners support picking up the tab to continue the program, which he said has become super efficient and cost-effective. Doing so increases taxes by about 7 cents, nearly a quarter of the proposed increase.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
US and Its Partners Stand Together as China Exports Problems, Rahm Emanuel Says

(Bloomberg) -- China is taking its domestic economic problems and exporting them to the rest of the world, the US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said, adding this strengthens the resolve of America and its partners to stand together.

Most Read from Bloomberg

China is not going to win the good neighbor award, Emanuel said in a Bloomberg TV interview Tuesday. Theres nobody in the neighborhood that China is not having some type of either economic or strategic challenge with.

Emanuel condemned China for what he said was a problem with over-manufacturing at subsidized prices, echoing criticisms by Group of Seven countries that Beijing was hurting the economies of its trade partners.

President Joe Biden last month unveiled sweeping tariff hikes on a range of Chinese imports. He said the move was necessary to protect US workers and businesses from companies that he accused of stealing, cheating and dumping underpriced goods into international markets.

China has dismissed the overcapacity claims, with President Xi Jinping saying his countrys exports are helping to ease global inflation and support a clean energy transition. Chinese officials have also railed against the multitude of new security partnerships the US is forging in the region, and warned against the development of something Beijing sees as a potential Asian NATO.

The Biden administration has been looking to reverse Chinas attempts to isolate countries in Asia including the Philippines with help from Japan and other allies in the region, Emanuel has said. In the interview, the envoy said the US is a permanent presence in the Pacific and will work with its partners to maintain long-term strength in security and economic ties.

Theres a reason China says, we dont want the United States, he said, adding that was because all of a sudden allies are coming together, working together.

The competition between China and the US was highlighted at a meeting of global defense leaders in Singapore over the weekend that presented conflicting visions of the region. The US touted expanding military exercises and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, while China criticized outside forces for interfering with peace and stability.

Countries from Japan to South Korea, to Australia, to Singapore, to the Philippines, even Vietnam want Americas presence because they dont want an unmoored, untethered China that disregards their own sovereignty, Emanuel said. Countries prefer their sovereignty versus being told what they can and cant have.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular briefing in Beijing that she was not aware of Emanuels remarks.

China has friendly relations with nations around the world. I dont know why he said this, Mao said.

--With assistance from Joanne Wong and James Mayger.

(Updates with comments from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson in final paragraphs.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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BASCO, Philippines  A Philippine fishing vessel was traversing Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea when two Chinese Coast Guard ships fired water cannons at both sides of the boat.

The incident, which took place April 30 during the Balikatan exercise with American and Philippine armed forces, is just one example of what has become a commonplace occurrence  Chinese aggression in areas the Philippines considers its territory. Although, notably, the two Asian nations are among several others asserting sovereignty over local geographic features.

Still, Chinas military activities in the area are bringing the U.S. ever closer to the Philippines, Americas oldest ally in the Pacific region since 1951.

The U.S. is continuing to find ways to fortify defenses across the Pacific to deter China and counter its influence. The Philippines, a nation made up of more than 7,000 islands and islets, is situated in a prime location.

A Chinese Coast Guard ship fires a water cannon at the Philippine vessel Unaizah near the Second Thomas Shoal in March 2024. (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)

The U.S. and the Philippines have held Balikatan, a Tagalog word for shoulder to shoulder, almost annually for nearly 40 years. Yet the scope and size of the exercise has been relatively limited until the last few years. The exercises expansion is a direct reflection of the Philippines acknowledgment its territorial defenses are lacking.

Exercises are like a second language that, as you are performing the exercise, you are also sending a message to both your adversaries, your likeminded partners and other stakeholders, Col. Michael Logico, director of the joint and combined training center of the Philippines Armed Forces and the executive agent of Balikatan, told Defense News.

The exercise used to be confined to central military locations within the main island of Luzon, but now events are spread across the country from the most northern islands all the way to the southwestern island of Palawan.

The expansion of the exercise to places like Ilocos Norte, along the northwestern coast of Luzon island, sends a message of confidence in our ability to protect as north as possible. Its also a message of deterrence. So if any of our adversaries have any designs that involve the areas up north, we are saying that we are challenging your maritime and air presence in this area by our presence alone, or by our bilateral presence alone, Logico said.

The exercise series, which typically focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as well as counterterrorism mission sets, is now centered around complex operations across domains.

While Balikatan was previously a bilateral event, the exercise now includes over a dozen more countries as observers or direct participants, and that number is expected to grow.

Comfortable with the discomfort

Over the two weeks of Balikatan beginning in April and ending in May, 233 Chinese vessels were spotted in the West Philippine Sea  a term the Philippine government sometimes users in reference to its exclusive economic zone  according to a front-page story in the May 8 edition of The Manila Times.

The Philippines is getting their teeth kicked in once a month by the Chinese in the Spratly [Islands], Gregory Poling, an Asian maritime expert with the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, told Defense News.

Tension may be greatest in the Second Thomas Shoal, where there is a Philippine marine contingent aboard a World War II-era tank landing ship, the Sierra Madre. The ship has been on the reef since 1999, Poling said.

The Sierra Madre keeps Chinese forces off the strategic spot, but in the next storm, it could be gone, according to Mark Montgomery, an Asia-focused analyst with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank.

If that thing blows off, the Chinese will take over the Second Thomas Shoal. [It will] never have a Philippine footprint again, he told Defense News.

The dilapidated Sierra Madre ship of the Philippine Navy is seen anchored near Ayungin Shoal with Filipino soldiers aboard to secure the perimeter of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea in 2015. (Ritchie B. Tongo/AP)

China has been getting wildly reckless there in recent months, according to Poling, who said the country regularly sends at least 50 boats around the shoal every time the Philippines resupplies the Sierra Madre, harassing the crew with high-pressure water cannons, acoustic devices and military-grade lasers.

The previous president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, distanced his government from the U.S. and temporarily canceled a visiting forces agreement between the two nations. According to the Pentagon, the agreements activities range from expert exchanges to ship visits to component exercises and major joint/combined training exercises.

Duterte had also paused the Balikatan exercise in 2020 in an attempt to improve relations with China. However, the situation in the South China Sea did not improve.

The new president, Bongbong Marcos, has worked to rapidly strengthen relationships with the U.S. and some other countries in the Pacific since his election in 2022.

The Philippine military is now focused on territorial defense operations, and that shift from counterinsurgency is in support of our allies and in support of our treaty allies. That defense matters, Gen. Charles Flynn, the head of U.S. Army Pacific, said in May. We help defend terrain, we help defend people, and ... we help them protect and defend their territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

During Balikatan in 2023, the Philippine Army wanted to conduct a littoral live-fire drill in the Ilocos Norte province, but instead was instructed to move the event south to Zambales, where there is already a military installation, due to political reasons, Logico said.

At the start of the planning conference [for 2024], I made it my personal goal to bring the exercise back to Ilocos Norte, Logico said. Not only does it send a message that the Philippines can project military power, but it is a way for us to be comfortable with the discomfort of the area.

A Philippine soldier parachutes during the exercise Balikatan at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, on May 9, 2024. (Spc. Wyatt Moore/U.S. Army)

Previous instances of the exercise took place within military camps or naval training facilities, such as Fort Magsaysay located in central Luzon, Logico noted. Some of them are a little bit restrictive, he said. Its a controlled environment.

Logico also had two more goals previously prohibited by the Duterte administration: to conduct live-fire drills and other exercises at sea beyond 12 nautical miles of the Philippines; and to train in the West Philippine Sea. (An exclusive economic zone typically extends 200 nautical miles beyond a countrys territorial sea.)

The Philippine military, along with its American and Australian partners, held a large, live-fire exercise that sank a ship off the coast of Ilocos Norte on May 8. And this year, Balikatan extended 300 nautical miles into the West Philippine Sea, Logico said.

American-style deterrence

While the Philippines is focused on its own defense, America is trying to strengthen its Pacific partnerships. It sees the archipelago nation as key to building a network of land forces that can deter those who would threaten regional stability, according to Flynn, the chief of U.S. Army Pacific.

Not only is the Philippines the United States oldest ally in the region, but its also positioned closely to Taiwan, an island China considers a rogue province and has threatened to take back by force.

Part of the U.S. Armys strategy in the Pacific, Flynn said, is to build a strategic land power network. That network must get in position to defend our sovereignty, to protect our people and to uphold their rights under international law, he said in May at the Association of the U.S. Armys LANPAC conference in Honolulu, Hawaii.

U.S. troops watch as a Javelin missile hits a target at sea during a counter-landing drill as part of U.S.-Philippines joint military exercises on May 6, 2024, in the north province of Ilocos Norte. (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)

The Army does not have the same type of setup in the Pacific region as it does in Europe when it comes to pre-positioned stock, and there is no NATO member from Asia. As a result, the U.S. aims to establish relationships with individual island nations in the Pacific so it can assume a stronger regional posture.

Balikatan and the Salaknib exercise, which took place in April and May, are part of that. This year saw U.S. military presence push deeper into the Philippines northern islands.

For example, the U.S. Armys 1st Multi-Domain Task Force set up a company command post in Basco, a small island in the northern island chain, to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. On a clear day, Taiwan is visible from points on the remote island.

Also on Basco, Army divers helped dredge a harbor area and construct a new pier capable of accommodating larger ships.

On Itbayat, Bascos neighbor to the north, the services 8th Theater Sustainment Command was building a warehouse to support humanitarian assistance.

The Army also practiced the rapid deployment of its High Mobility Artillery Rocket System throughout the Philippines, from Palawan to La-Lo Airport on northern Luzon to Port Irene further north.

U.S. soldiers assigned to the Army's 1st Multi-Domain Task Force fire an M142 HIMARS during the exercise Balikatan at Rizal, Philippines, on May 2, 2024. (Cpl. Kyle Chan/U.S. Marine Corps)

Meanwhile, the multidomain task force for the first time deployed its nascent Mid-Range Capability missile launcher. The weapon traveled to Laoag on the northwest coast of Luzon from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.

Three of the four sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement were used in varying forms during Balikatan. The agreement allows the U.S. to fund infrastructure improvement and construction efforts at existing Philippine military bases, among other locations, and to rotationally deploy troops. The deal was signed in 2014 and originally established six sites. In 2023, four more sites were added.

One of the largest undertakings is the U.S. Armys deployment of an exportable version of its Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center. The Army brought the capability to Fort Magsaysay, one of the agreements sites, to conduct a training rotation with the Philippine military as the Pacific nation looks to establish its own high-level training capability akin to the center.

Shoulder to shoulder

In preparation for Balikatan, Maj. Gen. Leodevic Guinid, the Philippine Armys vice commander, said he told participating forces to focus on being able to fight side by side and to consider whether you think that we are ready, that we are interoperable.

Indeed, this effort to ensure the nations forces can work together seamlessly is fresh, Guinid said, and there is room for improvement on, for example, tactics, data sharing and the distribution of certain capabilities.

But theres been progress. For instance, during a live-fire drill as part of Salaknib, a U.S. fires team flew an unmanned aerial system that was taking full-motion video of targets on the range, while Filipino soldiers remained in a concealed position, according to Brig. Gen. David Zinn, the deputy commander of the U.S. Armys 25th Infantry Division.

American and Filipino soldiers monitor personnel actions on May 31, 2024, during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable exercise on Fort Magsaysay, Philippines. (Staff Sgt. Tommie Berry/U.S. Army National Guard)

That video was viewed from the U.S. battalion command post, and the Philippine company commander was at the U.S. command post looking at the video to see that intelligence, Zinn told Defense News. The Filipino commander then used a U.S. radio to communicate to his fires team using Philippine radios to move forward and destroy targets.

Watching the demonstration looks simple, Zinn said, because its a radio call. But having been part of working to gain technical interoperability with partners in the past, it was pretty significant what they did, and we only achieve that by working together and spending time doing it, he noted.

Beginning during last years Balikatan drills in the northern part of Luzon, the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force helped develop a Combined Information and Effects Fusion Cell that would allow the U.S. and the Philippines to see the same information and coordinate actions, which previous iterations of the exercise lacked.

One thing that we realized quickly was oftentimes we try to increase classification when we build these command-and-control nodes based off of sharing agreements, Brig. Gen. Bernard Harrington, who commands the task force, told Defense News in an interview at LANPAC.

We found that the best thing to do was to drive this down to an unclassified level, Harrington said. We have human interoperability by being in the same room together. We had technical interoperability to rebuild this network with the system, and then we have procedural interoperability.

Harrington said they continued to improve the capability during this years Balikatan events and now want to provide it to other regional allies and partners.

Logico said still more can be done to benefit interoperability at future exercises, adding that they ought to focus on information warfare, the cyber domain, and low-tech solutions to high-tech problems.

If we are slow to the learning curve, we would find ourselves being outmaneuvered, so this is something that we have to pay attention to now, he said.
People speak during a Security Council meeting about the war in Gaza at United Nations headquarters, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The United States urged the U.N. Security Council on Monday to support the three-phase plan announced by President Joe Biden aimed at ending the nearly eight-month war in Gaza, freeing all hostages and sending massive aid into the devastated territory.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the United States circulated a draft resolution to the 14 other council members to back the proposal for ending the conflict that began with Hamas surprise attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7 that killed some 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians.

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.

It 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 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.

Netanyahu told parliaments Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday that Biden gave an outline of the deal but not all the details, and he said there are gaps.

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 and the release of some 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. There would be a surge in humanitarian assistance, with 600 trucks a day entering Gaza.

In the second phase, all the rest of the 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.

About 250 people, mainly Israeli civilians, were abducted on Oct. 7, then more than 100 were freed in a short truce in late November and early December. Israel says about 80 hostages are believed to still be captive, alongside the remains of about 43 others.

Israeli bombardments and ground offensives in Gaza, which Hamas has ruled, have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The third phase of the plan announced by Biden calls for the start of a major reconstruction of Gaza, which faces decades of rebuilding from devastation caused by the war.

The draft resolution stresses the importance of Israel and Hamas adhering to the deal once it is agreed to, with the aim of bringing about a permanent cessation of hostilities, and calls upon all member states and the United Nations to support its implementation.

The draft would also reiterate the councils unwavering commitment to a two-state solution, and stress the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador, said Security Council members have consistently called for the steps outlined in this deal: bringing the hostages home, ensuring a complete ceasefire, enabling a surge of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and in the refurbishment of essential services, and setting the stage for a long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza.

Council members should not let this opportunity pass by, she said. We must speak with one voice in support of this deal."

On Monday, the foreign ministers of five key Arab nations  Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt  urged Israel and Hamas to consider Bidens proposal seriously and positively.

The group of seven major industrialized nations  the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Canada and Italy  also backed the cease-fire plan.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on Aug. 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa.

Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on Aug. 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (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 Kansas Reflector.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (Photo by 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 Kentucky Lantern.
59% of Australian SMEs have invested or plan to invest in AI in the next five years (25% and 34% respectively), according to CBA.

Younger business leader owners are more likely to report investment or intent to invest. CBA says that 75% of Gen Z and millennials are embracing AI. This compares to Gen X at 55% and baby boomers or older at 45.

Early investments are beginning to reap rewards. CBA research reveals that 87% of those who have introduced AI to their business operations report cost and time savings.

More than half (56%) of SMEs agree that investing in AI is important to achieve business growth. But despite the anticipated benefits, 80% also cite barriers or challenges faced by their business to start using or further invest in AI.

The main barriers to AI adoption

Main barriers include: concerns around data security such as data breaches (33%), a lack of comprehension and knowledge about AI (28%) and limited financial resources (26%),

Rebecca Warren, CBAs Executive General Manager Small Business Banking, said while small businesses are facing a challenging environment, AI is presenting new opportunities for businesses of all size and sectors.

In response to market challenges, Australian SMEs are innovating and investing in new technologies. Many already see the real-time benefits of integrating AI into their operations to help improve productivity and profitability, as well as enhance their competitive edge.

We know that AI itself is rapidly advancing, with its capabilities growing and expanding exponentially. There is also a need to provide more education and insights to help small business owners and workers understand how AI applies to them and how it can get their business working smarter and faster.

At CBA, AI is helping us protect our customers from scams, detect abuse in transaction descriptions and make it easier for our teams to navigate complex customer queries.

Misconception that AI only benefits certain industries

While the emergence of AI is widely recognised as critical technology shaping the way we work, there is a misconception that it only stands to benefit those in certain industries.

Challenging this theory, CBAs research shows that those working in professional services are more likely than those working in construction and trade to cite a lack of comprehension and knowledge about AI. Theyre also less familiar with which platforms are most appropriate to use (35% compared to 17%).

The most common reason driving the demand for AI is improving efficiency/productivity (66%). Spending less time on manual/routine activities and more time on value-adding activities is cited by 46%. Improving profitability ranks third, cited by 38%.

Story continues

"Commonwealth Bank launches new AI date-led insights" was originally created and published by Retail 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.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. Photo by 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 Minnesota Reformer.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (Photo by 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 Wisconsin Examiner.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (File/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 SC Daily Gazette.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay (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 Missouri Independent.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (Photo by 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 Source New Mexico.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

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.

There are roughly 260 farms in Maine that sell broilers and other meat chickens, according to USDA data from 2022, the vast majority of which are small producers, selling less than 2,000 birds each year.

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.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE

The post USDA aims to aid small farmers by barring pay deductions from poultry companies appeared first on Maine Morning Star.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (Photo by 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 Michigan Advance.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm in August 2014 in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (Photo by 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.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE

The post USDA aims to aid small farmers by barring pay deductions from poultry companies appeared first on Oklahoma Voice.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (Photo by 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 Rhode Island Current.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (Photo by 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 North Dakota Monitor.
Kruck20 / iStock.com

Population growth is usually a good indication that a city is desirable. People tend to move to areas offering more job opportunities, affordable housing and cost of living, good schools or other amenities. But is population growth a sign you should buy a house and put down some roots? Not always.

In a 2017 article published by Governing, Paul Gottlieb, an economist at Rutgers University, argued that metropolitan areas with stable or slow-growing populations are likely to have greater economic prosperity. According to Gottlieb, data suggests that mayors shouldnt use population increase as a guaranteed route to a better economy.

Check Out: 6 Best Florida Suburbs To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Real Estate Agents

Learn More: How To Get Rich in Real Estate Starting With Just $1,000

Population growth also leads to overcrowding and increased housing demand, infrastructure and services. In terms of real estate, population growth is a crucial factor in determining how home prices in a given market will perform, according to Business Insider.

If more people move to a city than leave, housing demand increases and drives up home prices. Home price appreciation is great news if youre a homeowner, but it makes buying a home slightly harder. In a recent report, Exploding Topics identified the fastest-growing U.S. metro areas using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and related sources.

Here are the top 10 on the list of where you shouldnt buy a home to avoid an overcrowded market.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

1. Austin, Texas

Current population (city): 961,855

Current population (metro): 2,173,804

Percentage growth (metro): 25.84%

Learn More: 6 Best Cities To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Real Estate Agents

2. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Current population (city): 467,665 / 174,762

Current population (metro):  1,362,997

Percentage growth (metro): 19.84%

3. Orlando, Florida

Current population (city): 307,573

Current population (metro): 2,560,260

Percentage growth (metro): 19.69%

4. Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina

Current population (city): 143,151

Current population (metro): 790,955

Percentage growth (metro): 18.5%

5. Houston, Texas

Current population (city): 2,304,580

Current population (metro): 6,979,613

Percentage growth (metro): 17.36%

6. Sarasota-Bradenton Metro Area, Florida

Current population (city): 434,006 / 50,698

Current population (metro): 821,613

Percentage growth (metro): 16.81%

7. San Antonio, Texas

Current population (city): 1,434,625

Current population (metro): 2,510,211

Percentage growth (metro): 16.59%

Story continues

8. Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas

Current population (city): 1,304,379 / 918,915

Current population (metro): 7,451,858

Percentage growth (metro): 16.58%

9. Phoenix, Arizona

Current population (city): 1,608,139

Current population (metro): 4,860,338

Percentage growth (metro): 15.61%

10. Nashville, Tennessee

Current population (city): 715,884

Current population (metro): 1,904,186

Percentage growth (metro): 15.35%

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Dont Buy a House in These 10 US Cities: Growing Populations and Overcrowding
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (Photo by 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. The rule is certain to be significant in Iowa, the nations largest producer of chickens.

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 Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on Aug. 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on Aug. 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. (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.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE

The post USDA aims to aid small farmers by barring pay deductions from poultry companies appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (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 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 Nebraska Examiner.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm on August 9, 2014, in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (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 West Virginia Watch.
Chickens gather around a feeder at a farm in Osage, Iowa. A new proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule would ban chicken companies from deducting farmers pay. (Photo by 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 Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
Utah-made flags to fly over Normandy to commemorate 80 years since D-Day landings

ABC4s Brien McElhatten will be reporting live during our 10 p.m. newscast from Normandy, France, every night this week as part of D-Day: The Jump coverage.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  At Colonial Flag, every stitch has a meaning. Every inch of thread, every swipe of the hand has a purpose.

It takes a lot of time to put 50 stars on one side, flip it over and put 50 stars on the other side, said Paul Swenson, the owner of Colonial Flag in Sandy.

Iconic symbol on Fremont Islands highest point receives national recognition

Hes the keeper of the faith, if you will, in what the patchwork of stars and stripes represents.

Theres 330 million Americans right now, he said. I like to think of a flag as having 330 million little stitches in it.

Paul Swenson, the owner of Colonial Flag in Sandy, Utah. (credit: KTVX)

Holding one of the flags produced by his business, Swenson pointed to the stars, which represent the 50 states.

He said that while a natural disaster could ravage one state or a riot disrupt another, the flag still maintains its integrity.

Its a timely thought as the world gathers this week to remember the Normandy Landings during World War II.

Its been 80 years since D-Day, June 6, 1944, when the Allied forces invaded Nazi-occupied France in Operation Overlord.

The invasion marked a turning point in the war. More than 4,400 Allied soldiers died in the fight on D-Day, and 2,501 of them were Americans.

Peter Roady, a history professor at the University of Utah, said that the American military at the time was arguably the greatest melting pot in history.

People of every religion, every color, everything you could imagine, it blended them into a force fighting for a clear purpose, he said. They accomplished amazing things together.

U.S. Army troops crowd into a navy landing craft infantry ship during the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, France, World War II. (credit: US Navy/Getty Images)

That brings us back to Sandy, from which Colonial sent American flags to Normandy  to honor those veterans whose experience on the battlefield stitched them together as one.

As they die off, I think they would like to know that what they sacrificed, what their friends who didnt make it back sacrificed, had meaning, Swenson said.

He added: One of the quickest ways to communicate meaning that is through the flag.



This week, ceremonies in France will honor the soldiers who fought to free Europe from Hitlers grasp. President Joe Biden and other foreign leaders are expcted to attend events, as will suriving WWII veterans, the youngest of whom are reported to be in their late 90s.



Parachute jumps from original C-47 transport planes will also mark the solemn occasion. ABC4s Brien McElhatten will report Tuesday on one of the jumps, which featured cast members from the TV series Band of Brothers.



With the jumpers was Kyle Daniels, an Army veteran who owns Firebrand Flag Company. The flags he parachuted with were manufactured by Colonial Flag in Utah.



Watch ABC4 News at 10 p.m. each night this week for stories commemorating D-Day.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Valedictorian lived in homeless shelter as he rose to top of his class

**Related Video Above: Blink and youll miss it  Ohio graduation video goes viral.**

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  From a New Orleans homeless shelter to the top of his high school class, Elijah Hogan has already conquered much in life.

Hogan recently graduated as one of two valedictorians at Walter L. Cohen charter high school, despite living in a homeless shelter for youth for more than a year.

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Its been tough and rough but hes alright, Hogan told Good Morning America.

Hogan, 19, was just 8 when his mother died. He had been living with his grandmother but he ended up in the Covenant House shelter before his senior year of high school.

In this photo provided by Kewe Ukpolo, Elijah Hogan, third left, shows his certificate during his graduation ceremony at Walter L. Cohen charter high school in New Orleans, Friday, May 24, 2024. Hogan graduated as one of two valedictorians at the charter high school. (Kewe Ukpolo via AP)

In this photo provided by Kewe Ukpolo, Elijah Hogan receives his graduation certificate from Principal Rhonda Dale at a graduation ceremony at Walter L. Cohen charter high school in New Orleans, Friday, May 24, 2024. Hogan graduated as one of two valedictorians at the charter high school. (Kewe Ukpolo via AP)

In this photo provided by Kewe Ukpolo, Elijah Hogan speaks during his graduation ceremony at Walter L. Cohen charter high school in New Orleans, Friday, May 24, 2024. Hogan graduated as one of two valedictorians at the charter high school. (Kewe Ukpolo via AP)

Despite the housing insecurity, Hogan pushed through to finish with a 3.93 GPA. In a speech at the schools graduation ceremony, Hogan applauded his classmates for pushing themselves to reach the pinnacle of success. The group started high school amid the pandemic.

Above all the trials, tests and hardships, what led us here is that we all set a goal to reach, Hogan said. Take pride in how far you have come. Have faith in how far you can go. But dont forget to enjoy your journey.

He also called the speech a thank-you note to the community who helped him.

Hogans character helped him succeed, Jerel Bryant, CEO of Collegiate Academies, which runs the high school, told The Associated Press.

Jarkayla Cobb, Hogans case worker at Covenant House, noted how shy Hogan was when he first arrived at the shelter.

Being in a homeless shelter is traumatic. Whatever you went through to get you here is traumatic, Cobb said.

Major movie production prompts local road closures

Hogan now plans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, where he said he will be receiving some tuition assistance while pursuing a degree in graphic design.

He encouraged any students who are struggling through hardship to remain focused on their education.

Because without your education, you will not be able to get through the hardships and meet the people that helped you along the way, Hogan said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Reality Check is a Fresno Bee series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email tips@fresnobee.com.

Valley Childrens Hospital, the largest pediatric hospital in Central California, reinvested the lowest amount of money into its region when compared to the nations other largest nonprofit childrens hospitals that have the same tax-exempt charitable status, a Fresno Bee analysis found.

The Bee examined the amount Valley Childrens reported spending on what the IRS considers community benefit, such as free medical care provided certain patients. Located in Madera County, Valley Childrens is the 16th largest childrens hospital in the U.S., with 358 beds. When compared to the nations 15 larger such hospitals, Valley Childrens came in last in how much it gives back to the community as a percentage of total expenses. And it wasnt close.

Looking at the hospitals tax returns from the 2021-22 tax year, the latest available, Valley Childrens total expenses were almost $775 million, and its supplemental Schedule H shows community benefit expenses of $15.4 million, or about 2% of its total expenses. Among Valley Childrens peer group, the next highest is about 6% at the 511-bed Rady Childrens Hospital in San Diego, and the highest was 23% at Texas Childrens Hospital, which has 860 beds.

Dr. Vikas Saini, president of the nonpartisan Lown Institute, a Massachusetts-based hospital industry policy think tank, told The Bee that Valley Childrens numbers demonstrate a big mismatch between what was spent for community benefit and the estimated value of the tax breaks.

The federal tax code calls for community benefit giving that justifies a hospitals tax breaks, yet there is no minimum requirement for charitable spending for a nonprofit hospital to maintain its tax-exempt status. The nonpartisan federal Government Accountability Office has recommended that Congress amend the tax code to specify services and activities that might represent sufficient community benefits and take additional steps to beef up IRS oversight.

The issue has been discussed on Capitol Hill as the subject last year of a congressional hearing by the oversight subcommittee of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

Congress has taken actions (in tax laws) that convey an expectation that hospitals, in exchange for a tax exemption, should provide services and activities that benefit the immediate communities in which they operate, Jessica Lucas-Judy, director of strategic issues for the federal GAO, said in testimony to Congress in 2023.

However, a broad range of activities fall within the Internal Revenue Codes requirements for a tax exemption for charitable organizations, making it challenging to ensure that the community benefits that hospitals provide justify their tax exemption, Lucas-Judy added.

Valley Childrens Hospital  the largest pediatric hospital between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area  has come under intense criticism this year for the high salaries of its CEO Todd Suntrapak and a cadre of senior vice presidents, especially when compared to the pay and perks for executives at other similar nonprofits across the state and nation.

Suntrapak was paid almost $5.2 million in the 2021-22 tax year. When combined with 22 other senior vice presidents and vice presidents, the senior executive compensation total balloons to more than $25.3 million that year.

The CEO compensation in 2022 in one year (at Valley Childrens) exceeds what the hospital spent on financial assistance to members of the community who needed care, said Saini, the president of the Lown Institute. Additionally, the combined compensation for Suntrapak and the squadron of vice presidents amounted to more than the total community benefit figures reported by the hospital on its tax return.

Valley Childrens is the nations 16th largest childrens hospital, according to Beckers Hospital Review, which ranks hospitals based on bed counts. It treats children from across a 45,000-square-mile region of Central California. More than 70% of those children are covered by or eligible for Medi-Cal, the state insurance program for low-income people.

Between October 2022 and September 2023, the hospital saw almost 173,000 individual patients, some of whom made multiple visits for care or treatment in specialties including neonatal care; diabetes and endocrinology; gastroenterology including surgery; kidney issues; neurology and neurosurgery; orthopedics; respiratory and lung surgery; pediatric cancer; urology and others.

IRS-defined community benefits include free or discounted care to patients, shortfalls in what the government pays for treating patients on Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) or other need-based government programs; health professions education; subsidized health services; research; contributions of cash or services to promote improved health; and community-building activities.

But the tax codes lack of a minimum threshold for charitable hospitals spending on community benefit has been described by critics as vague and a loophole. Valley Childrens says that most of its charitable spending falls outside the IRS definition.

Zara Arboleda, a spokesperson for Valley Childrens, told The Bee that IRS Schedule H, the form that details community benefit spending, is so narrowly focused that it does not accurately reflect the facilitys true benefits to the central San Joaquin Valley. Schedule H, she said, is not a full picture of how Valley Childrens has impacted the community.

But Schedule H is the instrument the IRS uses to evaluate community benefits toward the tax-exempt status of all charitable hospitals, including Valley Childrens.

An expectation to give back

Thanks to its tax-exempt status as a charitable nonprofit, Valley Childrens pays no federal or state income tax on its net income more than $354 million for the 2021-22 tax year, according to the hospitals tax return  nor does it pay property taxes to Madera County on the property owned by the hospital.

Valley Childrens tax-exempt status represents an estimated tax break of about $45 million for 2021-22, according to the Lown Institute. The organization bases that figure on a nationwide average estimate of tax benefits for nonprofit hospitals of 5.9% of total expenses.

Hospitals are big business, said Saini, the president of the Lown Institute. These arent the mom-and-pop nonprofit down the street anymore.

These hospitals are, in exchange for not paying certain taxes, making a commitment to their communities, said Joan Allen, a government-relations advocate for healthcare workers union SEIU-UHW, in a Lown Institute panel discussion in March. So, if they are not currently living up to their commitment, then we have every responsibility to ask them to do more.

Hospitals have to report community benefit spending to the IRS, but theres no minimum amount in almost any state that they have to spend,  said Judith Garber, a senior policy analyst with the Lown Institute, in a March discussion.

A March 2024 panel discussion on nonprofit charitable hospitals community benefit spending included, clockwise from top left, Lown Institute president Dr. Vikas Saini, Lown senior policy analyst Judith Garber, Health Access California executive director Anthony Wright, SEIU-UHW government relations advocate Joan Allen, and Michelle Burton, CEO of Rising Communities in Los Angeles.

Tax-exempt hospitals have to conduct a health needs assessment to identify the most important health needs in a community, Garber said. But theres no link to then say, OK, now you have to spend X dollars to help address those problems.

Closing a regulatory loophole

The federal GAO concurs that additional regulatory oversight would boost the accountability for tax-exempt hospitals.

The lack of clarity in the tax code creates challenges for IRS in administering tax law, Lucas-Judy said in her congressional testimony. Under the current rules, she said, a hospital could spend little to no money on charity care or community benefit activities but maintain its tax exemption so long as it operates an emergency room thats open to everyone and accepts Medicare and Medicaid patients.

In 2016, the agency identified 30 hospitals that reported no spending on community benefits, 48 others that provided no financial assistance, and 108 that spent less than 1% of their budgets on community benefits. Yet, Lucas-Judy said, IRS officials told us that the agency had not revoked a hospitals tax-exempt status for failing to provide sufficient community benefit in the previous 10 years.

Jessica Lucas Judy, director of strategic issues for the U.S. Government Accountability Office, testifies in April 2023 to the House Subcommittee on Ways and Means Oversight about tax-exempt hospitals and community-benefit standards.

The lack of a community-benefit minimum is a loophole that needs to be closed, said SEIU-UHWs Allen.

So long as we are asking them to do more in order to justify the revenue theyre receiving, the tax breaks theyre receiving, then I think its entirely fair  to ask for the transparency to make certain that what they are doing is actually benefiting the community in the ways that we expect, she said.

IRS return is not a full picture

Valley Childrens reported that in 2021-22, it spent less than $182,000 on financial assistance or charity care, and no money on subsidized health services.

Arboleda noted that figures for charity care at Valley Childrens and other childrens hospitals in California are lower than many similar hospitals nationwide because in California, every kid has access to some kind of insurance, whether its MediCal or California Childrens Services.

By virtue of that, our charity care is significantly lower when you compare to adult facilities, and even childrens hospitals from other states that dont have the robust insurance coverage that is provided to kids in California, she added.

Unlike other hospitals that report significant sums on health education or research among their community benefit expenses, Valley Childrens is neither an academic teaching hospital nor is it a traditional research institution, Arboleda told The Bee. We do what we can, but its another example that if you go just by the narrowly prescribed IRS definition of community benefit, its going to be lower.

Arboleda offered information showing that over the past 10 years, Valley Childrens has spent more than $850 million on facilities and programs improving access to care in its service footprint that ranges from southern San Joaquin County to Bakersfield and from the Central Coast to the Sierra Nevada.

These investment-supported operations, program expansions, new services, partnerships with other healthcare providers, a pediatric residency and hospitalist fellowship program, and staff education, to name a few, she added.

The hospital has numerous community partnerships and sponsorships, worked with schools to install drinking fountains for clean water, partner with food banks, provided books for childrens literacy programs, and sponsorship of fairs in the region to provide free tickets for children. Many of those types of activities are reported on a different IRS form, but they are not counted by the IRS toward community benefit on Schedule H. The hospital also produced an annual community benefits report and plan touting its efforts.

Less than other tax-exempt Valley hospitals

Valley Childrens reported the lowest percentage of its budget in the 2021-22 tax year going toward IRS-defined community benefits, among the nations 16 largest childrens hospitals, and its figure of just over 2% was also the lowest among other tax-exempt, nonprofit hospitals of all kinds in the central San Joaquin Valley:

Valley Childrens Hospital, Madera: $15.4 million claimed in community benefit spending, 2.02% of its budget.

Community Medical Centers, Fresno: $268.5 million, 12.5% of its budget.

Saint Agnes Medical Center, Fresno: $59.1 million, 9.6% of its budget.

Adventist Health - Hanford: $14.2 million, 3.8% of its budget.

Adventist Health - Tulare: $24.8 million, 27.7% of its budget.

Adventist Health - Reedley: $18.5 million, 9.8% of its budget.

Arboleda said general hospitals typically are going to have a higher share of expense for charity care because they treat adults who, unlike children in California, may be uninsured and experience greater shortfalls in reimbursements for treating MediCal patients.

Other hospitals may report much more spending on health education because they have larger residency programs and internships, she added.

Valley Childrens Hospital CEO Todd Suntrapak

Valley Childrens Hospital is perched on a bluff on the north side of the San Joaquin River off Highway 41 in Madera County.
(FOX40.COM)  Over $10,000 worth of Meals on Wheels food was lost after vandals broke into a Northern California facility and cut power to the charitys refrigeration system.

Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization that delivers meals to senior citizens who may not have the mobility to pick up their own food. There are over 5,000 offices throughout the United States.

Rubios Coastal Grill closes nearly 50 locations in California

For a week, weve been mourning the loss of an estimated $10,000+ worth of prepared frozen meals, perishable food inventory, and the labor required to clean-up and recover from this unanticipated incident, Yolo County Meals on Wheels Executive Director Joy Cohan said in a statement on Monday.

Cohan said when food services staff arrived at the Meals on Wheels  Sutter Health Senior Nutrition Center in Winters on May 28, the Tuesday following a holiday weekend, the electrical power was off. Winters Police Department determined that vandals accessed the panel at the rear of the building and deliberately switched off the power 24-48 hours prior.

Northern California prepares for consecutive days of soaring temperatures

Fortunately, no senior went without a meal thanks to our second kitchen facility in Woodland, Cohan said. However, 500 meals intended to advance our program over the past week, as well as raw ingredients to prepare another 2,100 meals, sadly were lost to the whims of a weekend prankster in Winters.

MOW said the organizations insurance is not covering 100% of the loss and asked donors for help with leftover expenses.

Cohan added, Your support today assists MOW Yolo with this unplanned expense, ensures that no senior will be at risk of a missed meal, and restores faith in the communitys fortitude and compassion to come together in the face of malicious mischief.

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ARLINGTON COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) said Monday that it appeared contract workers dumped the body of black bear which someone found on May 31.

AWLA said the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) contacted it around 3:30 p.m. to say that a company contracted by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) took responsiblity for dumping the bears body. The company said workers took the body from I-66 in Prince William County where the bear had been hit and dumped the body off of an overpass onto Custis Memorial Trail in Arlington.

Black bear found dead in plastic bag in Arlington

Sonia Nayar posted on Nextdoor on Friday that she and her son were walking along the trail when their dog got close to the trash bag. She wrote that she noticed an odor and flies. When she got closer to the bag, she saw hair and what looked like an ear. She noted that she contacted the health department, asking if she should reach out to anyone else. She updated her original post to say that she contacted police as well as the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.

Bears  we dont see here, Nayar said. We knew that it was one roaming around recently, but we dont expect that to happen. I mean, to to encounter that kind of scene.

AWLA said it is working with DWR to determine if charges would be filed for what it called egregious behavior.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Cross-border payments fintech, EBANX, has agreed an expanded strategic partnership with South Africa-based instant EFT payments provider, Ozow.

The collaboration will streamline transactions, support merchants of digital products and services, and cater to the country's young, tech-savvy population.

"Our enhanced collaboration with Ozow is a testament to our belief in the potential of the South African market," said Wiza Jalakasi, Director of Africa Market Development at EBANX. "By integrating these advanced payment solutions, we aim to deepen our service offerings and deliver a superior user experience. South Africa's digital economy is on a rapid growth trajectory, and we are excited to be a part of this evolution, creating access through technology."

Lyle Eckstein, Chief Product Officer and co-founder of Ozow, added: Ozow's mission has always been financial inclusivity. By joining forces with global powerhouse EBANX, we are taking a giant leap towards that goal. This groundbreaking partnership unlocks the doors to international e-commerce for South African shoppers, empowering them to securely access global brands using our trusted solutions."

S Africa: digital commerce to grow by 16% per year to 2026

South Africa's digital economy continues to expand, fuelled by increasing demand for digital services and the creative economy. The country boasts one of the highest digital commerce penetration rates in Africa at 47%. The market is expected to accelerate by 16% annually until 2026.

Global digital companies launching services across Africa are experiencing strong growth due to the continent's young, digital-savvy population. With 1.4 billion people and about 60% under the age of 25, Africa's median age is 18. This compares to 38 in North America and 42 in Europe.

Digital industries in Africa are outpacing global averages. In SaaS, for example, 25% annual growth by 2026, vs 21%. In delivery apps by 21% vs 9%, digital ads (17% vs 11%), and streaming (14% vs 11%).

"EBANX strengthens partnership with Ozow to empower South Africas digital economy" was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
One person was arrested and another was rushed to the hospital Tuesday afternoon following a stabbing investigation at an MBTA station.

Boston Police say around 4 p.m., an adult male victim sustained a serious stab wound inside Andrew Station and was transported to an area hospital. Although the victims injuries are considered serious, officials dont believe they are life-threatening.

According to transit authorities, the stabbing stemmed from a verbal confrontation between the victim and suspect which then turned physical. Transit officers were already on scene and arrested the suspect after the altercation.

The suspects name is not being released at this time.

A large emergency response and crime scene tape could be seen surrounding the entrance to the station.

The incident remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The Visalia City Council on Monday night shook off suggestions by residents to have a local art contest to develop a new logo and instead decided to resurrect the old logo and also try to improve the new minimalist logo that touched off a firestorm among residents.

The council unanimously approved two out of the six potential options presented by administrative staff. The approved options No. 3 and No. 5 directs staff to:

 Retain or modify current new logo to be used when its use is warranted.

 Retain the previous logo (adopted in 1998) as . legacy logo to be used where it can be appropriately displayed.

 Open the logo design process again and create a process where local artists and graphic designers can submit designs.

Those designs will be reviewed by a panel of local graphics and marketing professionals. A selection of final logos will go to the community for a vote, but the council will make the final decision.

After a public outcry on social media against the citys newly designed logo, the council moved meeting to the Visalia Convention Center to receive public input, have a logo discussion and to provide direction regarding the future of the logo.

And public input the council received.

After a public outcry on social media against the citys newly designed logo, the council moved its June 3 meeting to the Visalia Convention Center to receive public input, have a logo discussion and to provide direction regarding the future of the logo.

Even when the logo discussion was the last item scheduled on the meeting agenda, residents stayed past 10 p.m. to voice their concerns about the process, dislikes of the new logo, and provide suggestions.

Some said a common theme was criticism of miscommunication or no communication to the public. Others suggested a hurtful insinuation that Visalia lacks a pool of local talent when the city has its own arts consortium.

Others said the minimalistic logo, which was unveiled on May 7 as part of its larger rebranding campaign, lacks character, is geographically incorrect, and is slightly preschool and not representative of the city.

Others called out the city for not keeping the process local and said the city needs to make a call to local artists.

Amy Shuklian, Tulare County District 3 supervisor who spoke as a private citizen Monday night, backed the 1988 logo. She was on the council when she opposed any change.

That was me, and Im still very passionate about the logo. Call me nostalgic, old fashioned, or maybe I just dont like change, said Shuklian, who not only wore a hat with the 1998 logo but also several logo pins on her shirt.

Amy Shuklian, Tulare County District 3 supervisor who spoke as a private citizen Monday night, backed the 1988 logo. She was on the council when she opposed any change.

She added that the 1998 logo has bold colors; identifiable landmarks that are the foundation of what people identify as part of the community.

The new logo is was part of a $150,000 cost that included other items, such as recruitment strategy and a marketing campaign.

According to Visalia City Manager Leslie Caviglia, three proposals were received for the brand refresh and logo:

 A local one from Visalia, which was the most expensive.

 One submission from Fresno.

 The one the council approved from We The Creative of Irvine, whose cost was in between.

City communication manager Allison Mackey said the Irvine firm presented the city with 29 logo options that were narrowed down to three. That included the Breaking through the V minimalist logo.

Mackey said the logo had a soft rollout in February before it was unveiled in May.

At Mondays meeting, Mackey presented the councilmembers with logo samples including in other entities in Visalia and other cities including multiple different logos used by the City of Fresno, which Mackey said could be an approach for Visalia to use.

Councilmember Emmanuel Soto said, we missed the mark.

Soto said Visalia could follow the City of Fresnos footsteps of using multiple logos that would allow the city to keep both logos and also open the logo process to local artists and work with local talent to modify the new logo.

Councilmember Steve Nelsen said on one end the old logo is a 10, very cumbersome, very colorful while the new logo is very simplistic, and is a 1.

Nelsen said they need a logo that is in the middle, a 5, where the city took more time to figure out exactly where to showcase the iconic Fox Theatre correctly.

The public is here because youre passionate about Visalia, you are here because you care about your community, said vice mayor Brett Taylor to those people staying past 10 p.m. Thank you for being positive, good recommendations.

Taylor also favors the idea of multiple logos.

Mayor Brian Poochigian said while he is in favor of having a legacy logo, he would like to see all previous logos displayed on the walls at the Civic Center to honor all the logos the city has had in the past.

It shows where we came from, it shows where we are going, Poochigian said. I think we all said it, the new logo wasnt perfect, but we just need to adjust, try to find a happy medium and I think thats what we can do.

After a public outcry on social media against the citys newly designed logo, the council moved its June 3 meeting to the Visalia Convention Center to receive public input, have a logo discussion and to provide direction regarding the future of the logo.
This grab taken from video footage recorded with a thermal camera on June 3, 2024, and provided by DOST-PHIVOLCS, shows the Kanlaon volcano erupting in Canlaon City, Negros, Philippines. (Joeal Calupitan/DOST-PHIVOLCS via AP)

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  A volcano belched a plume of ash and steam into the night sky in the central Philippines in a powerful explosion that sent more than 700 people fleeing to evacuation camps.

The explosion of Mount Kanlaon Monday night on Negros Island triggered sirens across Canlaon, a city of nearly 60,000 people south of the volcano.

Hundreds fled in government trucks to safety, Canlaon Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas said, adding more than 150 people were in two evacuation centers while others moved to relatives homes away from the volcano. No casualties were reported.

The eruption prompted authorities to raise an alert level to two in a five-step warning system, indicating a moderate level of volcanic unrest." Kanlaon is one of the countrys 24 most-active volcanoes.

The explosion was very strong according to villagers, some of whom were screaming in fear, Cardenas told The Associated Press by telephone. They felt like they were in a war zone because they could hear the sound of the ashfall hitting their roofs.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said at least 796 people from 170 families were moved to evacuation centers in Canlaon and other cities and towns around the volcano and gave assurances that government aircraft were on standby if needed.

Similar volcanic eruptions elsewhere in the Philippines have drawn tourists, but Cardenas said he ordered the temporary closure of resorts in the city, including those that offer mountain-viewing and trail-hiking, to minimize the chances of injuries in case Kanlaon erupts again.

He said police will strictly enforce a no-entry regulation in a 4 -kilometer (2.4-mile) permanent danger zone around the 2,435-meter (7,988-foot) Kanlaon, the highest peak in the central Philippines.

Teresito Bacolcol, who heads the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, told AP that Monday nights eruption scattered ash as far as 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). It was difficult to say if Kanlaons restiveness would worsen or the volcano, which has erupted several times in recent decades, would settle down, he said.

Located in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the Philippines is also lashed by about 20 typhoons and storms a year, making the Southeast Asian nation one of the worlds most disaster-prone.
From left, Patricia Campos-Medina, Larry Hamm, and Rep. Andy Kim participate in a debate at the South Orange Performing Arts Center on May 13, 2024. (Photo courtesy of ACLU of New Jersey)

Polls are open in New Jersey, and for the first time in decades, no Democratic primary voter will see a ballot with the county line.

Though few of the primaries are competitive, Tuesdays elections will present a study of how New Jersey elections work without its longtime, unique ballot design, one that grouped candidates based on whether they received the support of party leaders. Courts have found that ballot design, which critics say allows party leaders to pick primary winners, is likely unconstitutional and have barred its use in Democratic contests this June.

Democratic primaries will instead use whats called office-block ballots, which group candidates by the office theyre seeking.

With the county line paused and first lady Tammy Murphy gone from the race to succeed Sen. Bob Menendez, Rep. Andy Kim (D-03) appears a clear favorite in that contests Democratic primary.

Kims opponents are labor activist Patricia Campos-Medina and activist Larry Hamm. Menendez, facing corruption charges in federal court, is not seeking reelection as a Democrat (he filed paperwork Monday to run as an independent in November).

The Republican Senate contest is likely to be a little closer. There, hotelier Curtis Bashaw and Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner are vying for the chance to run for a seat their party last won in 1972.

Bashaw has outraised his opponent nearly three-to-one and has won a majority of the states Republican county lines, including in the GOP stronghold of Ocean County, the largest single source of Republican primary votes in the state.

But those advantages arent enough to foreclose the contest in his favor. Serrano Glassner has one major one: an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.

While that endorsement may well be an albatross in November in Trump-wary New Jersey  Trump hasnt crossed 42% of the vote in New Jersey during his two runs for the White House  it is likely to prove a boon for Serrano Glassner in the primary.

Menendez v. Bhalla

In the Hudson County-centered 8th District, Rep. Rob Menendez faces challenges in the Democratic primary from Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Kyle Jasey, a real estate lender and son of former Assemblywoman Mila Jasey.

Though Democratic leaders in Hudson County quickly shed support for New Jerseys senior senator after he was charged with bribery and other crimes, theyve stood by his son as he seeks a second term in Congress. The strength of that support remains untested absent a county line.

Bhalla has made the elder Menendezs legal woes a cornerstone of his campaign  there is no suggestion the younger Menendez has any connection to the allegations facing his father  also raising nepotism accusations that have dogged the congressman since he began his first congressional campaign two years ago.

Rep. Menendez has responded by rolling out wave after wave of endorsements from prominent Democratic groups and officials, including Gov. Phil Murphy and Sen. Cory Booker, among numerous others.

Last week, Menendez launched an ad that touted his congressional record while charging that Bhallas attacks on his father are motivated by fear of a loss on Tuesday.

Jasey has lagged in fundraising and garnered little of the public support enjoyed by his two opponents, though luck left him with at least one advantage  his name appears first on the ballot.

The district is overwhelmingly Democratic. Whoever wins the Democratic nomination is all but assured to win in November.

3rd District

Two former running mates will face off in the Democratic contest to run for Kims House seat in November.

In the 3rd District, Assemblyman Herb Conaway and Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, both Burlington County Democrats, will face each other as well as civil rights attorney Joe Cohn, small business owner Sarah Schoengood, and teacher Brian Schkeeper.

Conaway leads the race in fundraising  though its still a low-dollar race when compared to the 8th District  and has the backing of Burlington County Democrats.

Cohn and Murphy have each reported raising about one-third as much as Conaway, while Schoengood and Schkeeper have struggled to resource their campaigns.

Though the party organization itself is staying out of the contest in deference to the two sitting Burlington County lawmakers, the majority of the Burlington County Democratic Committee voted to endorse Conaway, and individual members are not bound by the organizations neutrality.

Theres little difference in the Democratic candidates policy priorities  health care or drug affordability is a priority for each of them  and the nominees victory in November is far from assured.

While the 3rd District grew slightly more Democratic when its boundaries were last redrawn, the district has seen partisan control shift more than any other in the state over the last decade.

On the Republican side, physician Rajesh Mohan faces immigration consultant Shirley Maia-Cusick.

Mohan has key support from some of the districts GOP leaders, though Maia-Cusick has a cash advantage, having outraised Mohan nearly 3-to-1. Both candidates fundraising figures come with a caveat: Much of their money came from their own pockets. Maia Cusick loaned her campaign $273,000, or about 80% of all her fundraising through May 15. At $60,000, Mohans loans are smaller, but they still account for 48% of his fundraising.

Republicans Gregory Sobocinski and Michael Francis Faccone are also running.

Other races

The winners of the states two presidential primaries are assured to be President Biden and Donald Trump, but progressive activists are hoping voters will send Biden a message on the war in Gaza by voting uncommitted.

Unease in the Democratic Party over Bidens support of Israel has led to nearly half a million nationwide heading to the polls and pointedly not voting for Biden, winning at least 25 delegates for the Democratic Partys national convention in August. Organizers of the vote uncommitted effort in New Jersey say they reject the idea that they must vote for the lesser of two evils.

Gaza is a focal point in the 8th District Democratic primary, too, where Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah is challenging Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. Khairullah says Pascrell has turned his back on his Muslim constituents by supporting Israel. Pascrells calls for a cease-fire in Gaza were late and insufficient, Khairullah says.

The late Rep. Donald Payne Jr. remains on the ballot in the states overwhelmingly Democratic 10th District (he is unopposed). The districts Democratic committee people will meet to elect a replacement and must do so by Aug. 29. Campaigns for a Sept. 18 special election to fill the remainder of Paynes unexpired term are already underway (that primary is July 16.)

The post Voters head to polls for 2024 New Jersey primary appeared first on New Jersey Monitor.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Vice President Kamala Harris will return to Charlotte for the fourth stop on her nationwide Economic Opportunity tour on June 12.

During her visit, she will be highlighting how the Biden-Harris Administration has built economic opportunities, supported communities and delivered historic investments for the American people, according to press release.

VP Harris launched her tour in April with a moderated conversation in Atlanta, Georgia.

She was last in Charlotte to announce the $20 billion in Greenhouse Gas Reduction grants to mobilize private capital and deliver clean energy and climate solutions.

This is the VPs fifth visit to the state this year and 13th since being sworn in.

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CARROLL COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  Virginia State Police reports a North Carolina woman was killed in a single-vehicle accident that occurred on Route 97 in Carroll County on June 4.

VSP says around 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, 40-year-old Martha D. Crocket of Pilot Mountain, N.C. was driving west in a 2010 Hyundai Elantra on Pipers Gap Road near Crooked Creek Road.

Henry Co. Sheriff assists with NC armed robbery investigation, suspect arrested

Police say Crocket allegedly crossed the centerline, went off the left side of the road, and then collided with a tree.

Crocket was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation. She was not wearing a seatbelt.

WFXR News will update you with any further information if it is released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Wake wants free school meals for all students in NC. Heres what its doing locally.

Wake County leaders want to expand free school meals to as many students as possible, regardless of their familys income.

Administrators briefed the school board Tuesday on a plan to potentially add 28 more schools to the federal governments universal school meals program. That would triple the number of schools now offering free universal meals but still represent a fraction of the schools in the district.

The expansion is being promoted as a way to improve student health, attendance and academic performance by ensuring access to nutritious meals.

Quality nutrition for children has a direct impact on student achievement, Superintendent Robert Taylor said at a news conference Tuesday. What we know is that a well-fed body and a well-hydrated brain makes it that much more conducive to learning.

Taylor and other school leaders met Tuesday with Cindy Long, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food and Nutrition Service, to share their concerns about child nutrition. Long and Taylor later had lunch with students at Kingswood Elementary School in Cary.

Cindy Long, Administrator of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, left, and Robert Taylor, Wake County Schools Superintendent, eat lunch with students at Kingswood Elementary in Cary on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Wake County school administrators briefed the school board Tuesday on a plan to potentially add 28 more schools to the federal governments universal school meals program.

Free meal waiver has ended

Under the traditional federal school lunch program, students can qualify for a free or reduced-price meal if their family income is low enough. Other students pay the full meal price set by the school.

During the pandemic, the federal government waived rules to provide free meals to all students in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years.

But that waiver ended last school year.

School lunches sit on a cart at Kingswood Elementary in Cary on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Wake County school administrators briefed the school board Tuesday on a plan to potentially add 28 more schools to the federal governments universal school meals program.

Since then, school meal prices have continued to rise. Wake and schools across the country also have to had to deal with complaints about students being given alternative meals of fruit and vegetables when they dont have enough money on their accounts.

Theres a federal program called Community Eligibility Provision where all students at a qualifying school would be eligible for a free breakfast and lunch.

The Biden Administration lowered the eligibility requirements to allow more school districts to qualify. Durham Public Schools is using the new rules to try to have all of its schools qualify for free meals, The News & Observer previously reported.

Academic benefits of free meals

Currently 12 Wake schools are in the CEP program. The additional 28 schools this fall would mean 40 of Wakes 198 schools would be offering universal meals.

The federal government reimburses schools at a higher rate if they participate in the CEP program.

Students prepare to eat lunch at Kingswood Elementary in Cary on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Wake County school administrators briefed the school board Tuesday on a plan to potentially add 28 more schools to the federal governments universal school meals program.

Its not just a financial benefit for school systems, according to Paula De Lucca, Wakes senior director for Child Nutrition Services.

Research shows students in North Carolina schools participating in CEP perform better academically, according to the Education Policy Initiative at Carolina.

The universal meals also eliminate the meal charges for students and addresses concerns of parents who dont want to fill out the paperwork to request a subsidized meal.

Universal meals for all NC students

Universal meals also make schools more equitable, according to De Lucca. She said the CEP program can eliminate the stigma that causes some people to think school meal programs are only for students who need financial support.

Cindy Long, Administrator of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, eats lunch with students at Kingswood Elementary in Cary on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Wake County school administrators briefed the school board Tuesday on a plan to potentially add 28 more schools to the federal governments universal school meals program.

When its no-cost meals for everybody at the school then it does give the opportunity to increase participation by all kids, Taylor told school board members. Now you dont have the stigma of free versus who is not.

Taylor and a coalition of groups are supporting an effort to ask state lawmakers to fund universal free meals for all North Carolina public school students.

The total cost that was said to cover the entire state of North Carolina for free breakfast and lunch was $125 million ( a year), said school board member Sam Hershey. I just want to highlight that number, which is a very small number compared to the budget and the surplus we have currently.
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended approving AstraZeneca's Tagrisso, in combination with chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The Tagrisso regimen is intended for treating patients with locally advanced or metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated (EGFRm) NSCLC whose tumours exhibit exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) mutations.

The committees positive opinion is based on results from the open-label, randomised, multicentre, international Phase III FLAURA2 clinical trial.

This study assessed Tagrisso in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy in 557 patients across 150 centres in 20 countries.

Patients in the trial received 80mg of Tagrisso once daily, along with pemetrexed and a choice of cisplatin or carboplatin every three weeks for four cycles, followed by maintenance therapy with Tagrisso and pemetrexed.

Progression-free survival (PFS) was the trials primary endpoint while overall survival (OS) is being evaluated as a secondary endpoint.

The interim trial results demonstrated that the Tagrisso regimen lowered the disease progression or death risk by 38% versus Tagrisso monotherapy.

The median PFS was 25.5 months for the combination therapy, showing an improvement of 8.8 months over the monotherapy, which had a median PFS of 16.7 months.

Although the overall survival data remained immature, with only 41% maturity at the second interim analysis, there is an encouraging trend towards an OS benefit with the combination therapy compared to Tagrisso alone.

The safety profile of the combination therapy was found to be manageable and in line with the known profiles of the individual treatments.

Commenting on the EMA CHMP recommendation, AstraZeneca oncology research and development executive vice-president Susan Galbraith stated: The 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.

Tagrisso is already approved in more than 100 countries, including the US, EU, China and Japan, for indications including first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFRm NSCLC, locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC and adjuvant treatment of early-stage EGFRm NSCLC.

Story continues

In May 2024, AstraZeneca signed a global licence and option agreement with Nona Biosciences for a preclinical monoclonal antibody.

"EMA CHMP recommends AstraZenecas Tagrisso for lung cancer" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical 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.
Gov. Tim Walz spoke at a ceremonial bill signing at the St. Paul Police Department for legislation banning binary triggers on guns and increasing penalties for straw purchases on June 3, 2024. Photo by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty attacked DFL Gov. Tim Walz Monday, accusing him of meddling in her prosecution of State Patrol Officer Ryan Londregan  who shot and killed Ricky Cobb II during a traffic stop on I-94 in Minneapolis last summer  because Im a queer woman in this role, she said.

Moriartys comments to the Star Tribune  which came amid a whirlwind media tour as she explained why she decided to drop murder and manslaughter charges against Londregan  threatened to fracture the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, especially on criminal justice issues.

Walz in the past said he was concerned about Moriartys handling of the case, and Londregans attorney said Monday that Walzs general counsel reached out to him last week to discuss having the case reassigned to another prosecutor.

When a reporter read Moriartys quote accusing Walz of sexism and homophobia, the second term governor  after a pregnant pause  said Well, thats false. Next question.

Democrats rose to defend Walz, whose progressive record on LGBTQ issues goes back to favoring marriage equality during his 2006 campaign for Congress in the culturally conservative 1st Congressional District.

The quote  from the Hennepin County Attorney is ridiculous. (Walz) was a steadfast champion for the LGBTQ+ community way before many politicians would take the risk, tweeted U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, who is the first out lesbian to represent Minnesota in Congress but has also been an outspoken opponent of Moriartys prosecution of the Londregan case.

Moriarty also accused Walz of making decisions based on political considerations rather than legal or criminal justice concerns.

I think its because he looks at the political winds and which way theyre blowing and I think thats what he reacts to. Which is horrible. You know, if we want people to trust the system, thats not the way to do it.

Moriarty said she was dismissing the charges because of new evidence that would have raised ethical concerns if she proceeded with the case.

In a statement, Moriarty said two new pieces of evidence would have made prosecution difficult, the first that Londregans attorney said the trooper during the trial would testify that he believed Cobb was reaching for his gun.

We would have to disprove this claim beyond a reasonable doubt. The video doesnt clearly refute that claim (nor does it support it), Moriarty said.

She also said that Londregans State Patrol trainer recently provided a declaration stating that he did not train Trooper Londregan to refrain from physically extracting people from a running car, which is what set these events in motion.

Walz acknowledged Monday he had all but decided to yank the case from Moriarty.

It was my hope that the county attorney would get to this position, that was very clear, Walz said about Moriarty announcing she would drop the charges. At some point  had this decision not been made  yes, we would have done that  Theres a safety net in there to allow for an egregious situation like this could be corrected and yes, we would have used that.

After Walzs media availability, Moriarty released a statement denying that Walzs potential involvement in the case influenced her decision to drop the charges.

The county attorney became aware of credible rumors about the governor potentially intervening in the case, Moriartys office said in a statement. These rumors did not impact the decision to dismiss this case. Rather, given the offices decision to dismiss this case, the county attorney felt compelled to notify the Cobb family and the community as soon as the work was completed.

Chris Madel, Londregans attorney, on Monday told reporters that Moriarty should resign over her handling of the case and said Londregan doesnt regret fatally shooting Cobb.

Does he regret with respect to any of the actions with respect to Mr. Cobb? 100% zero. None, Madel said.

The post Walz, Moriarty clash over case against state trooper Ryan Londregan appeared first on Minnesota Reformer.
Recorded earlier

President Biden spoke Tuesday afternoon to announce a new policy to limit migrant crossings at the southern U.S. border.

Biden announces order limiting asylum at the southern border: Heres what it will do

The executive order follows unsuccessful efforts by the White House to push Congress toward a bipartisan compromise, as well as continued criticism of Bidens record on immigration from many Republicans. Conversely, some Democrats are displeased with the measures Biden just announced.

Under the new standards for enforcement, granting asylum to migrants will be halted based on the volume of encounters between immigration officials and people crossing the border. Specifically, entry to migrants is paused if 2,500 such encounters take place within 24 hours. Processing of asylum claims would restart if incidents are brought below 1,500 in a single day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Oliver White, pictured with Alana, his girlfriend, was working at 247 Kettles in Richmond when the robbery took place - Instagram

A watch dealer who was the victim of a 2.8 million robbery died in a woodland area the next day, an inquest heard.

Oliver White, 27, was working at 247 Kettles, in affluent Richmond, south west London, on May 25 when two men posing as customers raided the store.

CCTV appeared to show Mr White being placed in a headlock by one of the two unarmed assailants before the pair made off with several expensive watches.

Mr White was later found dead by police who attended Sheep Walk, just over a mile from his family home in Shepperton, Surrey, at around 8.15pm the next day.

In a statement, his parents said it was their belief that their son took his own life due to the anguish and distress of this terrible incident.

At Surrey Coroners Court on Tuesday morning, it was heard that a post mortem examination found Mr White, from Shepperton, died from suspension.

The brief hearing in Woking was told Mr White was pronounced dead at 9.59pm on May 26 in a wooded area adjacent to Sheep Walk.

Simon Wickens, the area coroner, said Mr White, whose job title was given as jewellery shop sales manager, was identified by his stepfather, Mark.

Adam Stewart, the coroners officer, said: He confirms he had known Oliver for 19 years and saw him after he had died at the aforementioned woodland area on May 26.

Mr Wickens said: An inquest is requested due to the unnatural nature of the death.

I have previously released Olivers body back to the family. The matter is subject to evidence gathering and a coroners review. This inquest stands as open and adjourned.

Oliver White with Alana, his girlfriend

The coroner has not yet set a date for the full inquest to take place.

A day after Mr Whites death, a balloon and flower tribute was set up against a gate at the bottom of Sheep Walk.

One note read: We promise to always look after Alana and help keep your memory alive.

Police previously said they had made two arrests in connection with the robbery.

A woman in her 30s and a man in his 30s were both arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob on May 29.

Police have asked anyone who recognises the suspects in the CCTV images to come forward - Fisher Simon - Communication & Engagement

They have both since been bailed pending further inquiries, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said.

A spokesman for 247 Kettles posted a statement on Instagram in which they claimed Mr White should have never been alone at the premises on May 25 and that such a large number of watches shouldve never been on display.

The shop disclosed that a series of safety measures were in place including panic buttons, alarms, smokescreens and security doors, but the company said that through no fault of anyones they were not used during the tragic event.

Last week, police repeated calls for anyone who recognised the two suspects pictured in the CCTV images to come forward.
Is Nigel Farage like Donald Trump? Or is Donald Trump like Nigel Farage? Either way, the two are personally close and Farages performance at Mondays press conference announcing his formal candidacy showed both could easily be drawing reference from a common campaign playbook.

Shortly after the announcement, Clacton voters told The Telegraph they did not like most ordinary politicians such as Starmer and Sunak  but they very much did like Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage. Many people in the US clearly say the same about Trump.

It is easy to see why: Farage and Trump really are different communicators. The way they talk about politics is like the way people talk about politics in pubs and bars across their respective countries. They are highly opinionated; they are irreverent, even profane; and they talk about the most sensitive topics without any sensitivity  which is a breath of fresh air for many at this point in time. But there is more to it.

1. Eviscerate the political class

If there is such a playbook, chapter one will be titled: eviscerate the political class. For Farage began, as Trump invariably does, with a brutal attack on the political system as it stands. Farage eviscerated modern politicians for endlessly letting the public down, for betraying promises, for offering the same tired solutions, and for being essentially the same. Many voters are right to believe that nobody in Westminster is on their side, nobody in Westminster even understands what they do, he said. He claimed he was cheated against in the 2015 by-election in South Thanet, after which a Tory staffer was found to have created false spending returns, without the knowledge of others.

Both Farage and Trump position themselves as the antithesis of modern politics; they offer themselves as the embodiment of political change. Both men push this because they truly believe they are different. But the potency of their message has been helped by their opponents. Farage did not stand against Boris Johnson because Johnson himself was a very different sort of politician; Farage could not make his usual criticisms stick. But against Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak, he can position himself as a genuine alternative to the tired old politics of Westminster.

2. Claim popular support

Crucially, both Farage and Trump talk as if they represent the mass of voters in their own countries. They talk as if they are the authentic voices of ordinary British and ordinary American people. To Farage, Sunak and Starmer represent the elites, just like Biden does in the US to Trump, while they represent the forgotten masses. Many political commentators get Farage and Trump wrong here. While there is no question that both men are divisive and actively seek to draw dividing lines, they do talk as if most of the public are on their side.

Furthermore, and this should never be overlooked, they both actively seem to like most of the voters they are speaking to. This sounds like an obvious point: surely all politicians do this? On the contrary, look at politicians like Kemi Badenoch, widely touted as a future Conservative leader  and someone whose position is theoretically strengthened by a Farage surge. Badenoch talks like a revolutionary; as if the world is against her and she is a lonely voice in the wilderness for change. Farage never, ever does this and neither does Trump. While they channel anger, they claim to be channelling the anger of those people they profess to hold affection for.

3. Champion patriotism

Their common playbook will also naturally include a chapter on patriotism and a vision of a better country that has been lost. Britain and America are radically different countries with distinct histories and cultures that both men use to their advantage. On Monday, Farage talked about the loss of a safe London. He also talked passionately about a loss of national pride  on this occasion asking, Can you believe that a poll out last week showed that 52 per cent of 18- to 34-year-olds dont even know what D-Day is? In effect, he is trying to evoke the loss of a time when there were common standards and common belief in the decency and morality of Britain. Expect a lot more on this if he is elected.

Trump, on the other hand, is more likely to talk about the loss of Americas industrial power and its respect on the world stage. This gets to the heart of his calls to Make America Great Again.

4. Belittle your ideological enemies

While Farage could reasonably claim to be a co-author of a Farage-Trump playbook, there is one chapter that surely relies on the former presidents style: belittling ideological enemies  those you will never convert. There was a moment at Farages press conference that was entirely characteristic of Trump. He gave an exaggerated yawn during a question from a Guardian journalist, who was beginning to ask about his attitude to democracy. Farage mock apologised for nearly dropping off. The message was hardly subtle: You dont like me, I dont like you  and I dont care what you think. The scene could have been at a Trump rally in West Virginia, with a reporter from The New York Times. We will see a lot more of this; Farage has clearly been emboldened by Trumps behaviour on the campaign trail.

5. Focus on voters core priorities

While their content is different, Farage and Trump unashamedly tap into the past, attempting to show a nostalgic view of what their countries were once like. While there is an approach to campaigning common to both  and a shared style  you cannot ignore the importance of issues to both men. They are not popular purely because of the way they speak, or the nostalgia they evoke; they are popular because of the issues they talk about. For such different countries, the issues they talk about are remarkably similar: immigration is top of the list, but they also regularly talk about tax and crime. On Monday, Farage declared that this was the immigration election, adding: We have to build a new house every two minutes just to accommodate those that are legally coming into Britain.

Particularly in Britain, it is inconceivable that Farage would have secured anything like the traction he has without his focus on these issues. Yes, he is a different sort of politician and a very good communicator. But Farage surged because people felt Labour wasnt listening on immigration in their latter period in office in the 2000s, and then more recently because Sunak did not appear to be listening either.

In reality, there will be no physical playbook Farage and Trump share. But, borne of a close personal relationship and shared respect, there will be a virtual common playbook that exists in both mens minds. Both are likely to ask themselves what the other would do in a particular situation. Notably, Trump joined TikTok earlier this week, following Farages success on the platform. As he became Reform leader, Farage had more than 600,000 TikTok followers, compared with 50,000 following the Conservatives account.

But, if anything, Farage has the easier task. Trump needs to win a national election; for Farage, success looks like something very different. Yes, winning a single constituency, but also winning a national vote share that justifies Reforms position as the political classs moral opposition and to the status quo of modern British politics. At this point, it is a reasonable bet that their common playbook will help Farage achieve this. For Trump, it is too early to tell.

James Frayne is a leading pollster and founding partner of research agency Public First

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How do Republicans in Congress feel about their presidential nominee being a convicted felon? Quite dismissive, according to interviews conducted by CNNs Manu Raju.



On the networks OutFront show Monday, Raju spoke to several House Republicans in districts that supported Joe Biden for president in 2020 about whether they had misgivings about Donald Trumps conviction on 34 felony counts during his hush-money trial, and how that would affect their electoral chances.

My district is full of very smart people with a firm grasp on reality. They can smell bullshit, said Representative John Duarte of California.



Some shot down the question outright.



I have no issues in supporting Donald Trump for president of the United States, said Representative Anthony Esposito, despite the fact that the New York 4th congressional district that he represents was won by Joe Biden by 14 points in 2020.



Representative Mike Garcia from California also blew off any possibly negative effects on him from Trumps conviction.



I think the American people saw what happened in New York, Garcia said. They saw two, what were typically misdemeanors, being elevated to 34 felonies.

New Yorks Representative Nick LaLota said his constituents saw a tainted process.

A lot of my constituents were focused on the trial not being fair, the process not being fair. And theyre upset, and theyre angry, LaLota said.



The question was too controversial for at least two members of Congress, though. Representatives Mike Lawler of New York and Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey refused to speak to Raju, either out of fear of alienating constituents or getting on Trumps bad side.

These reactions are not surprising. The entire Republican Party has effectively been taken over by Trump and his acolytes, so were likely to continue to see prominent members of the party either offering full-throated defenses of the convicted felon and presidential nominee Trump or trying to avoid critical journalists altogether. This is despite the fact that having taken over the Republican National Committee, Trump is keeping party funds for himself and refusing to help their reelection campaigns, no matter how close their races may be.



Watch part of the segment here:



A number of swing-district Republicans from Biden districts shrug off Trumps felony conviction and say they back him still.



Q: Does having a convicted felon in a district like yours hurt Republicans?



John Duarte of CA: My district is full of very smart people with a firm pic.twitter.com/AHMr1IkoCM  Manu Raju (@mkraju) June 4, 2024
President Biden will deliver opening remarks Tuesday evening at this years White House congressional picnic.

The tradition brings the members of the executive and legislative branches and their families together for an atmosphere of celebration across party lines.

This is the third time hosting the informal get-together on the South Lawn for the president and first lady Jill Biden.

The president is slated to speak at 6:15 p.m. EDT.

Watch the live video above.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Tennessee Rep. John Rose, R-Cookeville, and his son, Guy

Tennessee Rep. John Rose, R-Cookeville, recently gave a 5-minute speech on the U.S. House floorbut few remember what he said because they were too busy watching his son make silly faces in the background.

On Monday, June 3, Rep. Rose addressed Donald Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts, per USA Today, when his 6-year-old son, Guy, decidedly stole the show.

Clips of the now-viral moment show the young boy sitting behind his father while staring directly at C-SPAN cameras and cheesing wildly, sticking out his tongue and exaggeratedly bulging his eyes.

Although someone gently pulled him mostly out of the frame partway through the speech, folks on social media couldn't get enough of the child's on-camera antics.

I suppose we'd better have a gif too while we're at it pic.twitter.com/ugti2hC9yg  Aaron Fritschner (@Fritschner) June 3, 2024

One X (formerly Twitter) user joked, "So sorry I was slow responding to your email, I was tied up watching this over and over again."

Another X user commented, "The child speaks for all of us," while someone else wrote, "I dont care what anyones politics are that kid is AWESOME."

Instagram users made similar quips in the comments of an Instagram post by The Tennessean. One declared, "Kid would have made a zillion times better decisions to help people than any of the adults ever will."

View the original article to see embedded media.

Someone else shared, "Most productive thing to happen in that room," while another echoed, "Best thing to come out of TN government in years."

"The kid gets it ," yet another Instagram user declared.

Afterward, Rep. Rose joked, "This is what I get for telling my son Guy to smile at the camera for his little brother," per The Tennessean.

Next: Fans Call Travis Kelces Interview with Kid Reporter Cutest Thing Ever
BEACON, N.Y. (WETM)  The man who was convicted of murdering a 15-year-old girl in Watkins Glen in 2000 was denied parole again and is eligible for another hearing soon.

According to the Schuyler County District Attorneys Office, Joshua Horein appeared before the New York State Parole Board at the Fishkill Correctional Facility in Dutchess County, New York, on April 11. The board denied Horeins application for parole.

Horein murdered 15-year-old Amber Brockway in the Village of Watkins Glen on Aug. 5, 2000. Horein, who was 16 years old at the time of the murder, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on March 9, 2001, and was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. He first became eligible for parole in 2019 and has been denied multiple times.

Watkins Glen 2000 teen killer denied parole again; where he belongs says DA

The parole commissioners said that during his most recent attempt for parole, Horein was still blaming the victim. Additionally, the now 39-year-old Horein wrote Brockways mother an apology letter that could have been construed as intimidation. Horein also wrote a letter to Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary that blamed Fazzary and the legal system for putting a 16-year-old in prison for life. The commissioners were concerned about Horeins lack of truthfulness during the hearing and said that they did not believe his rehabilitation was complete.

Horein is eligible for another parole hearing this month. The District Attorneys Office and Amber Brockways family will oppose his parole attempt.

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A 21-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to three years in prison for making hoax phone calls in more than a dozen states, terrorizing people by sending police rushing to their homes for fake emergencies.

Ashton Connor Garcia of Bremerton pleaded guilty earlier this year to two counts of threats and hoaxes regarding explosives and two counts of extortion. Federal prosecutors said Garcia made at least 20 swatting calls between June and September 2022 in the United States and Canada, falsely reporting bomb and shooting threats and at times extorting his victims for money.

Assistant U.S. attorney Jessica Manca said in court Tuesday that Garcia called himself a terrorist for the online harassment he engaged in and bragged about it to others in chat rooms he created that were devoted to swatting. He recruited others, she said, in an attempt to form a group of cyber criminals that would harass people for money.

Manca acknowledged that the online communities Garcia was steeped in are toxic, but few others harass people at the level the defendant did, and she said some tried to convince him to stop what he was doing.

Not everyone is calling across the United States, sometimes multiple times a day, live streaming their illegal activities to an audience, extorting people, including minors, and going out of their way to openly taunt police as Mr. Garcia did, Manca said. And the few who are doing that absolutely need to be held accountable.

The sentence Judge Benjamin H. Settle imposed was below the sentencing guideline range of 41 to 51 months in prison. Prosecutors recommended 48 months. Garcias extortion charge carried a maximum sentence of two years, and the threats and hoaxes charge had a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

The prosecutor asked Settle to consider audio clips submitted to the court of some of Garcias calls in Ohio, New Jersey and Canada. She said she thought it was important for him to hear the urgency and distress the defendant intentionally put in his voice, his fake crying and fake circumstances of murder and rape that were designed to convince law enforcement they had to rush to a life-or-death emergency.

Daniel Grispino, a police commander from Shaker Heights, Ohio, described for the court one of Garcias calls from June 2022 when he said his officers were dispatched for a call from a young man who reported that his father was raping his mother and that he was armed with a firearm and an explosive device.

Grispino said he felt something wasnt right about the call, and he asked the caller numerous times if the report was a hoax, but it wasnt until they determined there was only a 12-year-old girl alone in the home that police knew it was fake. The police commander said he would never forget the terrified look on the young girls face.

I told you on the phone that day, Mr. Garcia, that you would be held accountable, Grispino said, turning to face the defendant directly. You laughed at me, you mocked me, and you said we would never find you behind several VPNs.

Grispino said Garcia put his officers and their community at risk, wasted countless hours when officers could have been responding to real emergencies and used up thousands of dollars of taxpayer money.

Settle then heard from one of Garcias federal public defenders. Attorney Heather Carroll said it was hard to reconcile the smart, inquisitive and endearing young man shed come to know with the person portrayed in his actions.

What Ashton did was awful, Carroll said. It was dangerous. It hurt a lot of people although thankfully no one was physically injured.

Carroll said there were mitigating factors that made Garcia deserving of a shorter, 18-month sentence. His early life was marked by abandonment, she said. Garcia was given up by his birth mother and went through several homes before he came to the people he calls Mom and Dad. In fourth grade, he was taken out of public school and continued his education online. Carroll said she was sure Garcias parents were doing what they thought was best, but she thought it fed into a perfect storm that led to his conduct in this case.

Garcia was socially isolated, Carroll said, and coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic he didnt have any friends outside of those he knew online.

He had a strong need for acceptance and affirmation, Carroll said. And he found an online community, or formed an online community with other people who praised him, encouraged him for engaging in behavior like this.

Before Settle handed down Garcias sentence, the young man stood to address the court. He was in a beige uniform and wore his brown hair in a bowl cut, occasionally looking down at a document in front of him as he spoke.

He said hed watched some of the videos of police responding to his calls and watched as a familys door was broken down with an infant inside. It would be false to say he didnt know right from wrong at the time, Garcia said, but he didnt realize the full gravity of his actions.

Looking back, I can see how disconnected from reality I actually was, Garcia said. I was in an environment where toxicity was key. The more toxic that I was, the more praise, the more friends I had.

Garcia said at one point he got a call from a Pennsylvania detective who told him he was being investigated for making threats and false reporting, but he continued what hed been doing.

I was so entwined in my online persona that I couldnt let go of it, he said. In a way I was famous  and for the wrong reason.

Garcia said he was remorseful for what hed done, and he extended an apology to all of the law enforcement agencies that he taunted and for the time that hed wasted.

Settle said the hours of police response Garcia created could add up to tens of thousands of dollars, but that was the least of the courts concerns compared to the human harm and terror that had been caused.

The fact that no one was physically injured doesnt change the reality that such violence can and does occur in swatting incidents, the judge said.

There is in this case a great need to send a clear message throughout the country that engaging in swatting will not go simply punished with a slap on the hand, Settle said.
Infinite Advancement Properties LLC promoted itself as a go-to business for home repairs in Erie.

"Your one stop shop for home improvement," it declared on Facebook in November 2021. Its posts featured photos of newly patched drywall.

Infinite Advancement's business turned out to include something other than home improvement.

It was a conduit for laundering proceeds from the sale of crystal methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and the opioid painkiller hydrocodone in Erie from March 2019 to September 2022, according to records in U.S. District Court in Erie.

Infinite Advancement's owner, Erie resident Larry Tremel Alexander, who "has a background in property management," according to the court records, was charged with using the business and the bank account of his girlfriend to hide his drug profits and to fund his drug operation.

A Millcreek township police detective shows a 100-gram bag of crystal methamphetamine that police seized in 2019. The trafficking in crystal meth is at the center of a six-defendant case being prosecuted in U.S. District Court in Erie.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said investigators suspected some of the money paid for Alexander's trips to and from Benton Harbor, Michigan, west of Kalamazoo on Lake Michigan.

Benton Harbor, the U.S. Attorneys' Office said in court records, was Alexander's "drug source city."

And Alexander, the U.S. Attorney's Office said, was one of the dealers responsible for "the rampant distribution" in Erie of crystal meth  a rock-like form of meth, known as "ice" or "glass," that is smoked or injected. It is produced using industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals and is more powerful than powdered meth.

Alexander's career as an illicit businessman has ended.

He has been sentenced to six years in federal prison and four years of supervised release. He must also forfeit $22,603 in cash.

Alexander, others indicted in Operation Ice Age

U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on May 29.

The sentence came after Alexander, 47, known as Mel, pleaded guilty in March to both charges against him. They are a felony count of conspiracy to traffic in more than 50 grams of meth as well as quantities of heroin, cocaine and hydrocodone; and a felony count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The six-year sentence was recommended in the plea deal between the defense and the prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Sellers, according to court records. The sentence was within the recommended range under the federal sentencing guidelines for Alexander's case.

Alexander and five of his accused associates, including his girlfriend, were indicted in March 2023. The indictment marked another example of federal, state and local enforcement agencies working to dismantle a large-scale drug operation in Erie.

Investigators dubbed the probe Operation Ice Age. It was a federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation. The task forces target "transnational organized crime, money laundering and major drug trafficking networks," according to the Justice Department.

Story continues

Wiretaps offer critical evidence in meth probe

The authorities built the investigation partly by tapping the cellphones of Alexander and his accused second-in-command, Erie resident Dennis L. Jones, according to court records.

Jones is the only other defendant in the case to plead guilty and get sentenced.

Baxter on April 30 ordered Jones, 45, to serve a federal prison term of three years and one month and three years of supervised release. The sentence, which the U.S. Attorney's Office and the defense agreed upon, was for Jones' guilty plea to a conspiracy count related to trafficking in meth and and cocaine, according to court records.

A six-defendant drug case involving crystal methamphetamine is being prosecuted in U.S. District Court in Erie.

The next defendant scheduled to change a not-guilty plea is Alexander's girlfriend, Malissa Mae Perry. Baxter on May 17 set her plea hearing for July 31.

Perry, 44, is accused of one count each of conspiracy related to trafficking in hydrocodone and conspiracy to commit money laundering. She is free on an unsecured bond of $10,000.

Money laundering and an 'entrepreneurial' defendant

Alexander and Perry are the only two of the six defendants indicted on money-laundering charge. The IRS developed both of them as suspects by analyzing their bank accounts and the accounts for Alexander's Infinite Advancement Properties, according to a sentencing memorandum that Sellers, the prosecutor, filed in Alexander's case.

Over the course of the drug conspiracy, from March 2019 to September 2022, according to the memo, Alexander reported $2,555.55 in income but deposited $51,146.25 in the account for Infinite Advancement Properties. Perry reported income of $95,443.89 but made bank deposits totaling $171,527 during the same time period, according to the memo.

"Investigators were able to uncover a readily discernible pattern where cash deposits by Perry and Alexander were then repurposed for withdrawals and payments in furtherance of Alexander's drug enterprise," according to the memo. It states that "Perry's bank account also appears to have funded Alexander's trips" to Benton Harbor.

Once he leaves prison, Alexander intends to be a legitimate businessman.

In the defense's sentencing memo, Alexander's court-appointed lawyer, Robert S. Carey Jr., of Pittsburgh, said Alexander wants to get drug treatment while incarcerated. Also, according to the memo, "with his background in property management, Mr. Alexander is interested in construction and desires to earn certifications in HVAC, electrical and plumbing."

"Mr. Alexander is entrepreneurial," according to the memo. "He has started and managed several businesses."

Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com or 814-870-1813. Follow him on X @ETNpalattella.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie crystal meth dealer sentenced for drug ring, money laundering
WCSO: Man charged with assault after hitting, threatening to kill victim

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  A Jonesborough man was arrested on Sunday after allegedly assaulting and threatening to kill a victim with a gun.

The Washington County, Tennessee Sheriffs Office (WCSO) reports a victim came to authorities to report an assault that occurred on Saturday.

The victim reportedly told police that Joseph Vengchiem, 21, punched her in the face several times and attempted to strangle her. He allegedly held a gun to himself and the victim, threatening to kill them both, the WCSO stated.

JCPD sees fewer fatalities, increased citations through I-26 initiative

The WCSO said the victim had visible swelling and bruising to the face and arms consistent with their version of the assault.

Deputies arrived at the residence where the assault occurred and a resident of the home stated the handgun used in the assault was secured, the report stated.

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Vengchiem was arrested and charged with aggravated domestic assault.

He was taken to the Washington County Detention Center and held on a $50,000 bond.

Vengchiem made his $50,000 bond, according to the WCSO. His next court appearance is pending.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
"Brendan just sat there motionless and unresponsive," recalled fellow wedding guest John Murphy

RIP.ie Brendan Glynn

Five months after his death, a coroner has determined that a man in Ireland died after a piece of steak got lodged in his throat during a wedding reception.

Coroner Isobel O'Dea confirmed to PEOPLE that 67-year-old Brendan Glynn died as a result of impaction of the larynx.

According to the Daily Mirror, the steak was a part of the main course served at a reception held at the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point, Ireland, on Friday, Dec. 22.

Getty stock image of steak

The outlet reported that Glynn had three pints before the meal with fellow guest John Murphy, who said he "seemed fine" afterward.

Murphy recalled seeing Glynn "in good form" and "chatting away" before the incident. He noted that Glynn "had been having beef" before the main course and "did not give any impression that he had been in any difficulty in any way," per the Daily Mirror.

According to the outlet, Murphy said that the people sitting at their table knew something was wrong with Glynn after he wasn't moving, and there "appeared to be a liquid coming from the side of his mouth."

Related: Nurse Who Slept in Her Car Accidentally Drove Off Top Floor of Hospital Parking Garage

Getty Stock image of a wedding reception table

"His eyes were open - I used a cloth to clean the side of Brendans mouth. The whole table at the wedding knew something was wrong at this stage. Brendan just sat there motionless and unresponsive," recalled Murphy, per the outlet.

After off-duty nurses and paramedics attending the wedding attempted CPR, Glynn continued to have "no pulse and wasn't breathing."

According to the Daily Mirror, while Pat McCarthy, an emergency physician, arrived at 8:05 p.m and managed to remove "a large chunk of beef" from Glynn's airway, he was later pronounced dead at 8.45 pm.

Related: Marine Veteran 'Critically' Injured After North Carolina Plane Crash

Getty Stock image of an ambulance

The outlet reported that Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster noted in her post-mortem findings that a number of large chunks of steak obstructing the larynx were removed by medical personnel from the airways" of Glynn.

Bolster said that Glynn "had been eating steak, his face went blue, and he slumped over," per the outlet.

The Mayo Clinic states on its website that choking symptoms include a look of "panic, shock or confusion," "strained or noisy" breathing, and "squeaky sounds" when trying to breathe.

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.

"If you're the only rescuer, give back blows and abdominal thrusts first. Then call 911 or your local emergency number for help. If another person is there, have that person call for help while you give first aid," the medical center advises.



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Read the original article on People.
Week-long military exercises to be held in Kyiv Oblast, commander says

Oleksandr Pavliuk, Ukraine's Ground Forces commander, said on June 4 that command and staff exercises involving military personnel and heavy equipment will be held in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast.

Such trainings take place in Ukraine's capital from time to time in order to increase combat readiness for defense operations. The Ukrainian military said that currently there is no threat of a renewed Russian offensive on Kyiv.

The exercises, which will be held from June 5 to 13, will involve a variety of military equipment, including infantry, air defense and anti-sabotage units, Pavliuk said.

They are reportedly aimed at practicing combat and special tasks of a defense operation "in the face of the enemy's active use of the full range of offensive weapons" and its reconnaissance groups.

The commander urged residents to keep calm and not to take photos or videos of the troops' movement.

The Ukrainian military aims to form 10 new brigades to defend against further Russian offensives, which could potentially target Kyiv, Pavliuk said in early May following Moscow's offensive in Kharkiv Oblast.

During the Russian spring offensive of 2022, Kyiv Oblast was partially occupied, but the Ukrainian forces successfully forced the Russian army to withdraw, preventing further advances toward the capital.

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.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said despite it only being the beginning of June, the coming weeks could determine the fate of the war in Ukraine for the rest of the year.

Speaking during his daily address on June 4, Zelensky said Russia's main and strongest attacks were currently in the Donetsk Oblast, where Moscow's forces are steadily advancing and which remains the Kremlin's primary target.

As Kyiv Independent has reported, Russian troops moving west from the ruins of Bakhmut and Avdiivka have been able to overrun a dozen small villages and come close to Chasiv Yar.

Elsewhere on the battlefield, Zelensky reiterated that the situation in Kharkiv Oblast had been "stabilized" and thanked "each commander and soldier" involved in the effort.

I am grateful to every unit, commander, and soldier who helped stabilize the Kharkiv direction.



We make every effort, step by step, to ensure that Russia sees that we have the ability to respond to its every attempt to expand the war and increase pressure on Ukraine. And we pic.twitter.com/VKsg0DjgKq  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) June 4, 2024

He also said he had received reports from ministries about the production and procurement of drones which he added had played a critical role on the battlefield in recent weeks in the face of delays of Western weaponry.

"At a time when we were expecting artillery supplies from our partners, FPV drones actually saved the front," he said.

Alluding to the wider difficulties currently facing Ukraine, Zelensky said the coming weeks "will define the entire summer and, in many ways, the entire year."

"Both in terms of the peace summit, rallying the world around Ukraine, our relations with the EU, front line positions, and domestic production," he added.

While some 107 states and international organizations have confirmed their participation in Ukraine's global peace summit, there have been some notable snubs.

Saudi Arabia does not plan to be present due to the fact that Russia has not been invited, it was reported on June 2.

And on June 3, the White House said U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will attend, confirming that President Joe Biden would 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.

Read also: With all eyes on Kharkiv, Russian troops take one Donbas village after another

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Weight-loss jabs like Ozempic could cut the risk of cancer by up to half, according to breakthrough research.

The GLP-1 agonist drugs, which are licensed to treat obesity and diabetes, could revolutionise cancer care after studies found they reduced the risk of obesity-related cancers, such as breast, pancreatic and liver cancers, by a fifth, and bowel cancer by half.

Experts say the injections, which include semaglutide used in brands Ozempic and Wegovy, could delay or prevent cancer.

Scientists believe there are additional mechanisms at play beyond the weight loss such as reducing a patients desire to smoke or drink alcohol, as well as provoking an immune response and preventing inflammation.

A landmark trial presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual conference by researchers from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in the US analysed more than 34,000 obese patients whose body mass index was over 35 and found the pioneering injections reduced the risk of developing 13 types of obesity-related cancers.

It compared cancer rates among patients who had used a weight-loss jab for at least a year to those who had undergone bariatric surgery, and those who had no treatment, over a 15-year period.

The researchers found that the risk of cancer fell by 19 per cent in both those who used weight-loss jabs and those who had undergone bariatric surgery, despite the latter losing significantly more weight.

The authors also found patients on the weight-loss jabs were half as likely to die over the 15 years, while those who had bariatric surgery were 14 per cent less likely to die.

They said the findings suggest the class of drugs act in a way that directly prevents cancer.

Ozempic is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes but can also help weight loss - Hollie Adams/Reuters

Dr Cindy Lin and Dr Benjamin Liu, co-authors from CRWU in Ohio, said: Our findings are significant in that they could change the paradigm of obesity management by suggesting early intervention with GLP-1 RAs could delay or prevent obesity-related cancer development.

They said there are multiple ways the drugs could reduce the risk of cancer and that laboratory and mice research has shown that GLP-1s cause the death of cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying, while other studies have suggested that they reduce inflammation.

Dr Julie Gralow, Americas top cancer doctor and chief medical officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), said it would be the icing on the cake if they could be used in cancer care.

People are very interested in these drugs. They are interested in studying, are there other metabolic effects besides the weight that have benefits? Weve talked for a long time about metabolic syndrome and its impact on cancer risk, recurrence and cancer survivors. It will be studied, I am sure of that, she said.

I do think that there are so many potential and already proven health benefits to these drugs, that it would be the icing on the cake if we saw that they were also reducing cancers. I am very hopeful about overall improvements in health from this class of drugs, she added.

It comes as a separate study by scientists at CWRU found the drugs cut the risk of bowel cancer by up to half in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Researchers looked at more than 1.2 million patients starting diabetes treatment and found those who were overweight or obese and used the GLP-1 injections, which were initially licensed to treat diabetes, were 50 per cent less likely to develop bowel cancer than patients on insulin.

While losing weight is known to help cut the risk of cancer, the scientists also observed a 44 per cent risk reduction across all diabetes patients using the jabs regardless of weight.

The authors also compared patients on other common diabetes medications such as metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones, over a 15-year period, and found that cancer rates were lowest in weight-loss jab users.

A semaglutide injection pen or cartridge pen for diabetics - Iuliia Burmistrova/Moment RF

Prof Rong Xu, professor of biomedical informatics and director of CWRUs centre for artificial intelligence in drug discovery said it was an observational study and could not characterise the mechanisms underlying the observed 50 per cent reduction in colorectal cancer risk.

We speculate that it may involve both weight loss  since we observed more profound effects in patients with obesity  and additional mechanisms other than weight loss, such as immune modulation, and reduced desire for alcohol drinking or smoking, he said.

The drugs, which have also been found to slash the risk of death from heart attacks or strokes by a fifth, are now being tipped as the next potential breakthrough in cancer care.

Separate research presented at the ASCO conference found the weight-loss drugs could reduce the risk of relapse and improve long-term survival in breast cancer patients.

A study of 75 women with breast cancer by researchers from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York found that more than half were taking long-term hormonal therapy drugs to control the disease which can cause weight-gain that subsequently increases the risk of relapse.

They found that after 12 months of treatment with a jab, the breast cancer patients lost 5 per cent of their weight, suggesting the injections could become another tool in treating the disease and reducing the risk it returns.

Dr Sherry Shen, the lead author, said: We know that weight gain is associated with worse survival rates after breast cancer diagnosis. Obesity can also make some cancer therapies less effective.

GLP drugs are very promising and we hope someday they will be a tool in cancer treatment.

Co-author Dr Neil Iyengar added: Reversing weight gain is important from a risk-reduction perspective to reduce the risk of recurrence or cancer spreading.

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.
There were so many complaints against the judge in Trumps Mar-a-Lago case that the court quit taking them

A Florida appeals court received more than 1,000 complaints about the federal judge presiding over Donald Trumps classified documents case within just a week last month.

Many of the complaints have demanded Trump-appointed US District Judge Aileen Cannon remove herself from the Mar-a-Lago case and reassign it to a different judge, according to a notice filed with the 11th Circuit US Court of Appeals.

Other complaints also question the correctness of her rulings or her delays in issuing rulings in the case, according to the notice from Chief Judge William Pryor.

More than 1,000 complaints were submitted to the court from May 16 through May 22, the date of Judge Pryors notice.

He ordered that the court clerk not accept any more complaints to the extent they are similar to previously filed complaints, according to the filing, which was first reported by CNBC.

The complaints follow accusations from Trump critics and legal observers that Judge Cannon is slow-walking the case to avoid a trial before the 2024 presidential election, including in a recent decision to indefinitely postpone proceedings by taking the May trial date off the calendar.

US District Judge Aileen Cannon during her virtual Senate nomination hearing in 2020. (via REUTERS)

The complaints appear to be part of an orchestrated campaign, and officials have considered and dismissed four of those orchestrated complaints as merits-related and as based on allegations lacking sufficient evidence to raise an inference that misconduct has occurred, according to the judge.

Some of the complaints received by the court before May 16 have been acted upon, and others will be acted upon in due course, Judge Pryor wrote.

Neither the chief circuit judge nor judicial council have the authority to remove Judge Cannon.

On May 7, Judge Cannon scuttled the original May 20 trial date, writing that a host of issues around evidence and how to handle classified information still need to be determined before the trial can begin.

The former federal prosecutor  who was nominated to the bench by Trump in 2020  argued that a pre-trial process through the end of July would outweigh the best interest of the public and Defendants in a speedy trial.

Walt Nauta, one of Donald Trumps co-defendants in the Mar-a-Lgo case, leaves federal court in Florida on May 22 . (Getty Images)

The former president faces 40 separate charges stemming from allegations that he withheld hundreds of classified documents after leaving the White House for his private Mar-a-Lago compound in Florida, then conspired to obstruct government attempts to retrieve the materials.

He has pleaded not guilty.

His co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, who are accused of helping Trump mishandle documents at the Florida property, have also pleaded not guilty.

After a jury in New York convicted him on 34 felony charges of falsifying records in connection with a hush money scheme to boost his chances of winning the 2016 election, Trump is set to face 53 other criminal charges in three separate jurisdictions.

But a series of appeals and delays have all but ensured that none of those cases will go to trial before Election Day.

On Monday, a Georgia appeals court agreed to hear Trumps argument that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be disqualified from trying his state-level election interference case. That appeals hearing is set for October 4, making it unlikely that a trial could commence before Election Day on November 5.

A decision from the US Supreme Court on whether Trump has immunity from charges in his federal election interference case could be imminent, but even if a decision is reached that allows the case to proceed, pretrial preparations are not expected to conclude until the fall.
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.

History is not only written by the victors. It is written by the best storytellers.

Early in Victor Hugos Les Miserables, in 1832, a privileged young revolutionary celebrates Napoleons enlightened rule compared to his own inglorious time  an age in which, for all its claims of liberty, hes unable to find a job or a home.

Ideologies may change, but humanitys thirst for great, transformational figures endures in times of crisis. Mussolini, Hitler, and Lenin, too, rose to power following the failures of young democratic systems to deal with economic and political catastrophes.

The same was true of Putin. The failure of fledgling democracy and capitalism to swiftly lift millions of Russian citizens out of poverty following the collapse of the Soviet Union allowed a Machiavellian ex-KGB officer to dismantle the virginal institutions of freedom over his 25 years in power.

The changes ordinary Russians have experienced under his rule  greater prosperity, higher life expectancy, their countrys dignity restored  is a powerful story: a story which, whilst flying in the face of Western assumptions of its own innate ideological superiority, shows that all political systems  even democratic ones  can be suffocated.

It is Western arrogance  epitomised by Fukuyamas theory in The End of History in 1992 that liberal democracy had definitively won the battle of ideas  that we fail to see that the values of freedom will always be imperilled if, or when, our system stalls.

When a system doesnt fix deep problems  whether due to political obstructionism or ineptitude  people always look to extreme solutions, regardless of how much they may say they love liberty.

One need only consider the enduring fetishisation of Marx among the far-Left to see the appeal of easy answers to complex problems. If one were just to overthrow the system  the elites  everything would be solved, argue some.

The existential threat of climate change has given new life to this tired ideology, with many student radicals  like those in Hugos novel  believing the only way to save the planet is through extreme methods. Many  maybe even a majority  of 18 to 35 year olds globally believe democracy is not preferable to any other form of government. Last year only 57 per cent thought otherwise.

On the Right, the apparent desecration of traditional values  whether by woke ideology, mass migration, or economic imbalance  is leading to a similar disenfranchisement. In America, Donald Trump spoke and speaks to this anger. It is telling how many young people are his most impassioned supporters.

Trump speaks for disenfranchised voters

It is noteworthy too that, here in Britain, a large proportion of those few young people who are on the Right openly despise the Conservative Party. They look to more zealous champions for answers.

But what does this have to do with Ukraine, and if Putin wins there?

Fundamentally, if Western democracy is seen to fail, it will become increasingly vulnerable. Vulnerable to more radical ideologies, systems of government, and, ultimately, to dictators outside and in. If Putin is successful in Ukraine, in this new battle of ideas  this Cold War II  then the appeal of more collective authoritarian systems, and leaders, will gradually begin to spread not by force, but by imitation.

For too long the West has believed its values proliferated after World War Two because of an inherent goodness, rather than because those values had been tested and won. In the Darwinian struggle of political systems and beliefs, that success was all-important. It allowed the United States and its non-Soviet allies to create the United Nations and the many other international bodies which seek to maintain global order on Western, democratic, legal principles.

But if those values begin to lose, then that will start to change. While in some ways we Westerners live in a hyper-individualistic age  think TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram  we forget these platforms are, paradoxically, more about promoting idols than enfranchisement. The vast majority of users have only a handful of followers. The celebrities, the politicians, and rabble rousers have millions.

Democratic capitalism may once have been the only philosophy that can expand globally without tyranny, preserving national sovereignty as it expands, cherishing a tradition of liberty. But in recent decades we have forgotten the democratic element, leaving it only to capitalism. Finance is now seen as the Wests central conduit for spreading its values, despite the fact that both Russia and China have been able to embrace capitalism whilst maintaining autocracy.

Putin and Xi

The creation of a new multipolar world  the stated objective of Putin and Xi  would truly begin with defeat for Ukraine. If Russia and China are able to prove themselves successful in war and economics, first by military victories in Ukraine and Taiwan, then by financial expansion into the Global South, this would gradually offer an alternative model for anxious Western democracies to follow.

Successful ideologies, like civilisations, ultimately have confidence in their values and want them to proliferate. Western democracy and capitalism once proved itself to be by far the most successful and adaptive at lifting people from poverty and preserving certain standards of freedom, regardless of nationality.

Unlike during the Cold War, when communist ideology was overtly transnational, China and Russias alternative models today, on the surface, are not. They are too tied to their respective national histories whenever their ideologies are extended beyond their borders. They have to rely on violence rather than persuasion  but that could change over time, especially if Putin and Xi destabilise the West through hybrid warfare rooted in disinformation and propaganda, exploiting how the internet divides, rather than unites, our societies.

Their narrative has already explained why so many conservatives appear secretly sympathetic to the ideals of Putin, thanks to his domestic war against liberal decadence. Despite the fact that Russia has a higher rate of abortions and drug and alcohol-related deaths than most Western countries.

If we lose our freedoms, in short, it will be because we were careless with them.

The war in Ukraine, therefore, is symbolic: a battleground for Western values, for its principles, and for the emerging economies trying to decide between autocracy and democracy. Defeat for Kyiv, a country which freely chose the latter, could spark a process of civilisational decline over decades.

At the end of the young radicals speech in Les Miserables, he asks the room what greater thing is there than to belong to a prosperous nation steered by someone who can get things done. Only one voice speaks up: To be free, it says.

The values of the 21st century  earned by sacrifice  are now at war with the values of the 19th. If we want to preserve the former, along with our own prosperity and freedoms, we must not romanticise the latter, allowing its might is right ideology to succeed.

It has been a bad few years for freedom. Victory for Putin could start a process of snuffing out libertys flame for good.

Francis Dearnley is Assistant Comment Editor at The Telegraph and one of the presenters of our daily podcast Ukraine: The Latest.

Other essays in the What If Putin Wins? series:

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.
Disclaimer: The article contains mentions of murder. Reader discretion is advised.

Between the 1980s and 90s, a serial killer named Herb Baumeister murdered at least 25 people in Indianapolis. Reports indicate that he killed almost all of his victims at his residence in Westfield, Indianapolis. The serial killer used to pick up young men from gay bars and kill them in his house. However, the magnitude of his crimes came to light when his son found thousands of charred bones from Baumeisters property, popularly known as Fox Hollow Farm.

According to WRTV, Herb Baumeister used to talk to men in gay bars and tell them that his name was Brian Smart. Additionally, he committed these slayings when his wife and children used to leave for vacations. The murderer used his 18-acre property to burn the bodies and dispose of the remains. Per a report by IndyStar, several people bought the infamous property and claimed to have seen apparitions and heard noises.

As far as Herb Baumeisters crimes are concerned, he refused to talk to police after they discovered remains at his property. WRTV reported that the investigators spoke to the killers wife, who told them that their son found a human skull in December 1994. Even though authorities got to know about Baumeisters involvement in killings, they could never catch him. Baumeister committed suicide after shooting himself in the head near a park in Canada.

How many remains were found in Herb Baumeisters Fox Hollow Farm?

According to a report in CBS News, investigators discovered 10,000 charred bones and fragments at Herb Baumeisters Fox Hollow Farm. The investigation against Baumeister started when his son found a skull just 60 yards away from their home. At the time, the killer clarified that the skull belonged to his fathers medical practice. However, three days later, firefighters found more remains, which prompted police to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Over the years, authorities identified several of Herb Baumeisters victims. In June 2024, officers discovered the identity of one of Herb Baumeisters victims. However, some of the DNA profiles discovered at Herb Baumeisters house have still not been identified. According to the New York Post, authorities are still working to get clear answers.

A documentary on Herb Baumeisters killings, titled The Haunting of Fox Hollow Farm, is available for streaming on TUBI.

The post Where Is Herb Baumeisters House, the Fox Hollow Farm? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Where kids can get free summer meals in Akron

AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Akron Public Schools will continue to provide free meals for kids this summer in conjunction with the city.

Beginning Monday, June 10, free meals will be available to kids 18 and younger who qualify for reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program.

Will Walmart stores return to 24-hour operations?

The meals will be passed out at several city locations.

The program runs from June 10  August 2, excluding holidays.

Akron is proud to once again offer the summer food service program for our youth, said Mayor Shammas Malik. Kids deserve to just be kids and not have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. The summer food service program allows them to do that. Im grateful to Akron Public Schools and to all of our community center staff for making this program possible.

Ohio driver clocked at 60 mph over speed limit

The meal program is available at the below locations at the listed times:

SITE NAME Address Zip Breakfast Lunch Cascade Village 285 N. Howard St. Akron 44310 9:00am 11:30am Dreams Academy Program dates 6/17  7/25 2199 Fifth Street SW Akron 44314 8:30am 12:00pm Ellet Community Center 2449 Wedgewood Drive Akron 44312 9:00am 11:00am Firestone Park Community Center 1480 Girard Street Akron 44301 9:00am 11:30am Joy Park Community Center 825 Fuller Street Akron 44306 9:00am 11:30am Kenmore Community Center 880 Kenmore Boulevard Akron 44314 10:00am 12:00pm Lane Field (Outside) 630 Vernon Odom Blvd. Akron 44307 N/A 11:30am Lawton Street Community Center 1225 Lawton Street Akron 44320 9:00am 12:00pm Mason Park Community Center 700 E. Exchange Street Akron 44306 9:00am 12:00pm Northwest Community Center 1730 Shatto Avenue Akron 44313 9:30am 11:30am Summit Lake Community Center 380 W. Crosier Street Akron 44311 9:00am 11:30am Vincent House 838 E. Exchange Street Akron 44306 9:00am 11:30am Wilbeth Homes 888 Eller Ave. Akron 44306 9:00am 11:30am

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Where is the money? People lash out at City Council over water crisis, failing infrastructure

Many people are lashing out at Atlanta City Council members after this weekends water crisis affected thousands.

Channel 2s Elizabeth Rawlins has been speaking with neighbors all weekend who have been complaining about not knowing enough information about this crisis.

Many people brought those very concerns to city council members during their meeting on Monday. The regularly scheduled meeting happened on the fourth day of the water crisis.

Those who showed up to speak before the council addressed health and safety concerns about the citys infrastructure and overall response to the crisis.

Residents say the mayor and city leaders should have been doing more to minimize the impact to so many families and businesses across the metro.

RELATED STORIES:

As of Monday evening, some of the areas that were under a boil water advisory had been lifted.

Watershed Management continues to report outages as they continue to make repairs to several pipes.

For a council that is about to vote on a budget, where is the money? You should have learned from Flint, Michigan, from Jackson, Mississippi, from Newark, New Jersey about replacing 100-year-old pipes. Atlanta is the land of make-believe because you want to make people believe that Atlanta is this great place to live, one woman told the council.

RELATED NEWS:




By Joanna Plucinska and Thomas Seythal

BERLIN (Reuters) -Europe's aviation regulator will propose next week that its U.S. counterpart, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), acts as an observer on safety audits including those of Airbus planes, its chief told Reuters on Tuesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Berlin Aviation Summit, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's (EASA) new director, Florian Guillermet, said he will be in Washington next week for talks with the FAA.

The aim of the proposal is to be granted reciprocal arrangements with FAA audits of Boeing planes and to increase information sharing more broadly. The two regulators will not go as far as performing joint audits of aircraft.

The plans show how the recent safety crisis at U.S. planemaker Boeing is changing the way aircraft production is regulated.

In March the EU watchdog threatened to suspend its indirect approval of Boeing jet production.

Guillermet said on Tuesday that he was aware of the steps being taken by the FAA to ensure that Boeing improves safety and quality after a door panel blew out during a Jan. 5 flight on a new 737 MAX 9 operated by Alaska Airlines.

"We have visibility on how this action plan is being rolled out. From our expert standpoint, this goes in the right direction," he said.

(Reporting by Joana Plucinska and Thomas SeythalWriting by Josephine MasonEditing by Kirsten Donovan and David Goodman)
"White collar crook": Biden says Trump is not just a "convicted felon" but a "diminished man"

President Joe Biden had some choice words for Donald Trump during his Monday remarks at a campaign event, leaning into the verdict in Trumps hush money trials and calling the former president a diminished man, convicted felon and white collar crook, NBC News reported.

Folks, the campaign entered uncharted territory last week, Biden said at a fundraiser in Greenwich, Connecticut, according to a White House pool reporter. For the first time in American history, a former president that is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the presidency.

Biden added: "But as disturbing as that is, more damaging is the all-out assault Donald Trump is making on the American system of justice.

He is not wrong. Trump confirmed during a Fox News interview Sunday that his revenge will be success.

Since his verdict, Trump has conveyed his purported shock at the jurys decision and maintained that the whole trial is a political ploy to slow him down on the campaign trial. Despite an utter lack of evidence, he has falsely claimed that the case was all done by Biden and his people, CNN reported. (I didnt know I was that powerful," Biden told reporters.)

Bidens remarks on Monday were the first time he brought up Trump's conviction in a campaign setting. He noted that Trump is claiming the justice system is "rigged," mirroring his rhetoric about elections.

Now, he will be given an opportunity to appeal, the president said, arguing that it is reckless and dangerous for anyone to say that [a trial] is rigged just because they dont like the verdict.

"Nothing could be more dangerous for the country, more dangerous for American democracy, Biden added.

Reacting to the remarks, a Trump spokesperson on Fox News said it was "shameful" for Biden to describe Trump as a "convicted felon." Noted the Biden campaign: "Trump is, in fact, a convicted felon."

Trump's press secretary called it shameful for the Biden campaign to call Trump a convicted felon, true or not.
One of the hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the alt-right who marched during the Unite the Right rally Aug. 12, 2017, in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Southern Poverty Law Center reported Tuesday that the number of white nationalist groups in the U.S. rose to a record high in 2023. (Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Emboldened by the mainstreaming of hard-right politics ahead of a presidential election cycle, white nationalist and anti-LGBTQ+ groups increased to record levels in the United States last year, according to the Southern Poverty Law Centers latest annual report on hate and extremism released Tuesday.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, which has published the annual report since 1990, documented 835 active anti-government groups, up 133 from 2022s count, and 595 hate groups, an increase of 72 over the previous years figure.

Accounting for a large portion of the increase was a 50% surge in white supremacy hate groups in 2023, the highest jump ever recorded by the SPLC, growing to 165 over 109 in 2022. White power and neo-Nazi rallies across the U.S. totaled 143 in 2023, down from 191 in 2022.

SPLC saw a 33% rise in anti-LGBTQ+ organizations over last year, bringing the total to 86. The group said the growth was largely attributable to the anti-trans movement on the far-right.

What were seeing now should be a wake-up call for all of us, Margaret Huang, SPLCs president and CEO, said on a call with reporters. Our 2023 report documented more hate and anti-government extremist groups than ever before. With a historic election just months away, these groups are multiplying, mobilizing and making, and in some cases already implementing, plans to undo democracy.

Hate groups have increased in-person events and leafleting, according to the report. The SPLC tracked nearly 7,000 flyering incidents last year, many including language derived from racist and antisemitic conspiracies.

The groups also launched campaigns to gain influence in mainstream politics, according to the report, namely through the conservative Heritage Foundations Project 2025 manifesto that outlines aspirations for anti-abortion, anti-free press and anti-LGBTQ+ priorities should presumed GOP presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump win in November.

Nine of the anti-government and hate groups tracked by the SPLC are part of the coalition that supports Project 2025, the organization reports.

Florida a leader in anti-government, hate groups

Among the states leading in numbers of anti-government and hate groups are California, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, Washington and Ohio.

California topped the list with 51 hate and 66 anti-government groups.

The SPLC recorded the second-most groups in Florida, which has become a leader in book-banning incidents and restrictive policies on teachers. The Sunshine State is home to 43 hate and 71 anti-government organizations, according to the report, and is the birthplace of recently influential parental rights group Moms for Liberty.

Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice was invited in March 2023 to testify before a U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary subcommittee then chaired by Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who is now House speaker.

The annual survey of hate groups tracked 116 hate-leafleting incidents in Florida, where the antisemitic groups rallied and flyered on multiple occasions, including over Labor Day when groups named the Goyim Defense League, The Order of the Black Sun and the Maine-based Blood Tribe marched in Orlando wielding flags with swastikas and making Nazi salutes.

Antisemitism, already on the rise, became more pronounced following Israels continuing offensive on the Gaza Strip following the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Antisemitic conspiracies seeped into mainstream narratives at an alarming pace and 2023. Specifically after Hamass October 7 terrorist attack, the far right blurred the lines between legitimate criticism of the Israeli governments actions and outright antisemitism, R.G. Cravens, SPLCs senior research analyst for its Intelligence Project, said during Tuesdays call with reporters.

Following the Hamas attack, the so-called Goyim Defense League distributed a flyer online and in person that read FREE PALESTINE, as a not-so-thinly-veiled attempt at stoking more antisemitism and using Palestinian people to further their own aims, according to the report.

Christian dominionism

The SPLC report also cited the expanding influence of extreme Christian nationalism as a driver for the growing number of anti-government organizations.

The report expresses concern over the rise in the Republican ranks of Johnson, a former senior lawyer for the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal advocacy group behind the U.S. Supreme Court case that precipitated the overturning of the federal right to abortion.

Johnsons far-right politics, including his anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ positions and his advocacy to blur Christianity and the state, are well documented.

Spokespeople for Johnson did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

The Alliance for Defending Freedom describes SPLC as a discredited and scandal-ridden group, and denounces the organizations hate map. The SPLC currently has an interactive U.S. map pinpointing locations of anti-government and hate groups.

Eventually, their definition of hate included huge swaths of well-respected, mainstream, conservative America, according to a post on the Alliance for Defending Freedom website.

The SPLC report specifically warns about the rise of the National Apostolic Reformation, a Christian movement made up of dominionist leaders that aim to seize control of seven areas of society, including government, education and business.

Decline in militias

One area in which the report documented a decline is in the militia movement, which suffered after the hundreds of Department of Justice prosecutions following the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The numbers of militias dropped to 52 in 2023, from 61 in 2022.

One of the most prominent militias, the Oath Keepers, significantly diminished its presence following the 2023 conviction and sentencing of its leader Stewart Rhodes for seditious conspiracy leading up to and during the Jan. 6 attack.

The Oath Keepers active militia chapters dropped to 10 in 2023 from 79 in 2022.

The post White nationalist, anti-LGBTQ activity on the rise, annual hate report shows appeared first on West Virginia Watch.
One of the hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the alt-right who marched during the Unite the Right rally Aug. 12, 2017, in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Southern Poverty Law Center reported Tuesday that the number of white nationalist groups in the U.S. rose to a record high in 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Emboldened by the mainstreaming of hard-right politics ahead of a presidential election cycle, white nationalist and anti-LGBTQ+ groups increased to record levels in the United States last year, according to the Southern Poverty Law Centers latest annual report on hate and extremism released Tuesday.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, which has published the annual report since 1990, documented 835 active anti-government groups, up 133 from 2022s count, and 595 hate groups, an increase of 72 over the previous years figure.

Accounting for a large portion of the increase was a 50% surge in white supremacy hate groups in 2023, the highest jump ever recorded by the SPLC, growing to 165 over 109 in 2022. White power and neo-Nazi rallies across the U.S. totaled 143 in 2023, down from 191 in 2022.

SPLC saw a 33% rise in anti-LGBTQ+ organizations over last year, bringing the total to 86. The group said the growth was largely attributable to the anti-trans movement on the far-right.

What were seeing now should be a wake-up call for all of us, Margaret Huang, SPLCs president and CEO, said on a call with reporters. Our 2023 report documented more hate and anti-government extremist groups than ever before. With a historic election just months away, these groups are multiplying, mobilizing and making, and in some cases already implementing, plans to undo democracy.

Hate groups have increased in-person events and leafleting, according to the report. The SPLC tracked nearly 7,000 flyering incidents last year, many including language derived from racist and antisemitic conspiracies.

The groups also launched campaigns to gain influence in mainstream politics, according to the report, namely through the conservative Heritage Foundations Project 2025 manifesto that outlines aspirations for anti-abortion, anti-free press and anti-LGBTQ+ priorities should presumed GOP presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump win in November.

Nine of the anti-government and hate groups tracked by the SPLC are part of the coalition that supports Project 2025, the organization reports.

Florida a leader in anti-government, hate groups

Among the states leading in numbers of anti-government and hate groups are California, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, Washington and Ohio.

California topped the list with 51 hate and 66 anti-government groups.

The SPLC recorded the second-most groups in Florida, which has become a leader in book-banning incidents and restrictive policies on teachers. The Sunshine State is home to 43 hate and 71 anti-government organizations, according to the report, and is the birthplace of recently influential parental rights group Moms for Liberty.

Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice was invited in March 2023 to testify before a U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary subcommittee then chaired by Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who is now House speaker.

The annual survey of hate groups tracked 116 hate-leafleting incidents in Florida, where the antisemitic groups rallied and flyered on multiple occasions, including over Labor Day when groups named the Goyim Defense League, The Order of the Black Sun and the Maine-based Blood Tribe marched in Orlando wielding flags with swastikas and making Nazi salutes.

In addition to the Blood Tribe, the report found 11 other hate and anti-government groups in Maine, up from nine in 2022, including a regional branch of Moms for Liberty and other parents rights groups. The report also identifies several white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups operating in Maine, as well as the Asatru Folk Assembly, which described as the largest neo-Volkisch hate organization in the United States.

Antisemitism, already on the rise, became more pronounced in the U.S. following Israels continuing offensive on the Gaza Strip following the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Antisemitic conspiracies seeped into mainstream narratives at an alarming pace and 2023. Specifically after Hamass October 7 terrorist attack, the far right blurred the lines between legitimate criticism of the Israeli governments actions and outright antisemitism, R.G. Cravens, SPLCs senior research analyst for its Intelligence Project, said during Tuesdays call with reporters.

Following the Hamas attack, the so-called Goyim Defense League distributed a flyer online and in person that read FREE PALESTINE, as a not-so-thinly-veiled attempt at stoking more antisemitism and using Palestinian people to further their own aims, according to the report.

Christian dominionism

The SPLC report also cited the expanding influence of extreme Christian nationalism as a driver for the growing number of anti-government organizations.

The report expresses concern over the rise in the Republican ranks of Johnson, a former senior lawyer for the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal advocacy group behind the U.S. Supreme Court case that precipitated the overturning of the federal right to abortion.

Johnsons far-right politics, including his anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ positions and his advocacy to blur Christianity and the state, are well documented.

Spokespeople for Johnson did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

The Alliance for Defending Freedom describes SPLC as a discredited and scandal-ridden group, and denounces the organizations hate map. The SPLC currently has an interactive U.S. map pinpointing locations of anti-government and hate groups.

Eventually, their definition of hate included huge swaths of well-respected, mainstream, conservative America, according to a post on the Alliance for Defending Freedom website.

The SPLC report specifically warns about the rise of the National Apostolic Reformation, a Christian movement made up of dominionist leaders that aim to seize control of seven areas of society, including government, education and business.

Decline in militias

One area in which the report documented a decline is in the militia movement, which suffered after the hundreds of Department of Justice prosecutions following the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The numbers of militias dropped to 52 in 2023, from 61 in 2022.

One of the most prominent militias, the Oath Keepers, significantly diminished its presence following the 2023 conviction and sentencing of its leader Stewart Rhodes for seditious conspiracy leading up to and during the Jan. 6 attack.

The Oath Keepers active militia chapters dropped to 10 in 2023 from 79 in 2022.

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The post White nationalist, anti-LGBTQ activity on the rise, annual hate report shows appeared first on Maine Morning Star.
One of the hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the alt-right who marched during the Unite the Right rally Aug. 12, 2017, in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Southern Poverty Law Center reported Tuesday that the number of white nationalist groups in the U.S. rose to a record high in 2023. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Emboldened by the mainstreaming of hard-right politics ahead of a presidential election cycle, white nationalist and anti-LGBTQ+ groups increased to record levels in the United States last year, according to the Southern Poverty Law Centers latest annual report on hate and extremism released Tuesday.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, which has published the annual report since 1990, documented 835 active anti-government groups, up 133 from 2022s count, and 595 hate groups, an increase of 72 over the previous years figure.

Accounting for a large portion of the increase was a 50% surge in white supremacy hate groups in 2023, the highest jump ever recorded by the SPLC, growing to 165 over 109 in 2022. White power and neo-Nazi rallies across the U.S. totaled 143 in 2023, down from 191 in 2022.

SPLC saw a 33% rise in anti-LGBTQ+ organizations over last year, bringing the total to 86. The group said the growth was largely attributable to the anti-trans movement on the far-right.

What were seeing now should be a wake-up call for all of us, Margaret Huang, SPLCs president and CEO, said on a call with reporters. Our 2023 report documented more hate and anti-government extremist groups than ever before. With a historic election just months away, these groups are multiplying, mobilizing and making, and in some cases already implementing, plans to undo democracy.

Hate groups have increased in-person events and leafleting, according to the report. The SPLC tracked nearly 7,000 flyering incidents last year, many including language derived from racist and antisemitic conspiracies.

The groups also launched campaigns to gain influence in mainstream politics, according to the report, namely through the conservative Heritage Foundations Project 2025 manifesto that outlines aspirations for anti-abortion, anti-free press and anti-LGBTQ+ priorities should presumed GOP presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump win in November.

Nine of the anti-government and hate groups tracked by the SPLC are part of the coalition that supports Project 2025, the organization reports.

Florida a leader in anti-government, hate groups

Among the states leading in numbers of anti-government and hate groups are California, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, Washington and Ohio.

California topped the list with 51 hate and 66 anti-government groups.

The SPLC recorded the second-most groups in Florida, which has become a leader in book-banning incidents and restrictive policies on teachers. The Sunshine State is home to 43 hate and 71 anti-government organizations, according to the report, and is the birthplace of recently influential parental rights group Moms for Liberty.

Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice was invited in March 2023 to testify before a U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary subcommittee then chaired by Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who is now House speaker.

The annual survey of hate groups tracked 116 hate-leafleting incidents in Florida, where the antisemitic groups rallied and flyered on multiple occasions, including over Labor Day when groups named the Goyim Defense League, The Order of the Black Sun and the Maine-based Blood Tribe marched in Orlando wielding flags with swastikas and making Nazi salutes.

Antisemitism, already on the rise, became more pronounced following Israels continuing offensive on the Gaza Strip following the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Antisemitic conspiracies seeped into mainstream narratives at an alarming pace in 2023. Specifically after Hamass October 7 terrorist attack, the far right blurred the lines between legitimate criticism of the Israeli governments actions and outright antisemitism, R.G. Cravens, SPLCs senior research analyst for its Intelligence Project, said during Tuesdays call with reporters.

Following the Hamas attack, the so-called Goyim Defense League distributed a flyer online and in person that read FREE PALESTINE, as a not-so-thinly-veiled attempt at stoking more antisemitism and using Palestinian people to further their own aims, according to the report.

Christian dominionism

The SPLC report also cited the expanding influence of extreme Christian nationalism as a driver for the growing number of anti-government organizations.

The report expresses concern over the rise in the Republican ranks of Johnson, a former senior lawyer for the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal advocacy group behind the U.S. Supreme Court case that precipitated the overturning of the federal right to abortion.

Johnsons far-right politics, including his anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ positions and his advocacy to blur Christianity and the state, are well documented.

Spokespeople for Johnson did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

The Alliance for Defending Freedom describes SPLC as a discredited and scandal-ridden group, and denounces the organizations hate map. The SPLC currently has an interactive U.S. map pinpointing locations of anti-government and hate groups.

Eventually, their definition of hate included huge swaths of well-respected, mainstream, conservative America, according to a post on the Alliance for Defending Freedom website.

The SPLC report specifically warns about the rise of the National Apostolic Reformation, a Christian movement made up of dominionist leaders that aim to seize control of seven areas of society, including government, education and business.

Decline in militias

One area in which the report documented a decline is in the militia movement, which suffered after the hundreds of Department of Justice prosecutions following the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The numbers of militias dropped to 52 in 2023, from 61 in 2022.

One of the most prominent militias, the Oath Keepers, significantly diminished its presence following the 2023 conviction and sentencing of its leader Stewart Rhodes for seditious conspiracy leading up to and during the Jan. 6 attack.

The Oath Keepers active militia chapters dropped to 10 in 2023 from 79 in 2022.

The post White nationalist, anti-LGBTQ activity on the rise, annual hate report shows appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV (WVNS)  A group of White Sulphur Springs residents celebrated at City Hall on Monday morning, moments after the White Sulphur Springs Zoning and Planning Committee ruled the Mountain Steer Meat Company could not operate a slaughterhouse inside town limits.

M.J. Oref, a White Sulphur Springs resident who opposed the slaughterhouse, led a protest at city hall just moments before the hearing on Monday, June 3, 2024.

We wish the boys well. Were not against their business, Oref, a businesswoman, said after the hearing. Were just against their business as it stands with cattle and sheep and pigs and lambs or whatever they were going to slaughter there in city limits. Its just a good idea to put it somewhere else and be successful there.

New 7 Brew drive-thru coffee stand in Beckley

The towns zoning officer had originally denied the request, citing a city ordinance which bans slaughterhouses, but owners of the Mountain Steer Meat Company had appealed the decision, saying they would follow strict rules at the slaughterhouse if town officials would grant a conditional use permit.

This never, in my opinion, shouldve gone before the board of zoning appeals, said resident Marie Lewis, after the Monday hearing. It was denied by the zoning officer. He was perfectly correct. That shouldve been the end of it. they appealed for a conditional use which is plainly not allowed.

The city attorney had weighed in to committee members last week, and on Monday morning, four of the five committee members voted against the slaughterhouse, while the fifth abstained from voting.

Outside city hall after the vote, town residents were satisfied, with Mac McEntire giving a thumbs up and saying, We did it!

New Goodwill location set to open in Beckley

Resident Robert Cane applauded the outcome.

What happened is what shouldve happened, said Cane. I think they followed the code in detail and came up with the only conclusion they couldve come up with.

Mountain Steer Meat Company officials did not offer an immediate comment on Monday evening.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Why Biden's action on border security is getting panned on the right and left in Arizona

President Joe Biden's announcement on Tuesday that he is taking action to restrict access to asylum along the U.S.-Mexico border was met mostly with contempt  and some support  from Democrats, Republicans and migrants advocates.

The executive action allows the U.S. Border Patrol to shut down all asylum processing under sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, when the number of migrant crossings in between the ports of entry exceeds 2,500 per day over a seven-day period.

Processing would resume when the number of migrant crossings falls below 1,500 per day over a seven-day period. The order would not impact asylum processing at legal border crossings.

"Frankly, I would've preferred to address this issue through bipartisan legislation because that's the only way to have the kind of system that we have now that is broken fixed," Biden said from the White House, blaming Republicans for backing away in February from a bipartisan border agreement.

The language in Biden's action essentially guarantees an immediate shutdown of all asylum processing between border crossings seven days from when the order takes effect in Arizona at 9:01 p.m. on Tuesday. Already, legal and migrant advocacy groups have vowed to sue, claiming this policy is a rehash of a previous Trump-era asylum ban struck down by U.S. courts.

We intend to challenge this order in court. It was illegal when (former President Donald) Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now, said Lee Gelernt, the deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Unions Immigrants Rights Project.

Biden was flanked by the mayors and commissioners of border communities on Tuesday as he issued his proclamation. The attendees included Manuel Ruiz, chair of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. Other Arizona border mayors, including those from Yuma and San Luis, declined to attend.

Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. Greg Stanton joined Biden from White House

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. and Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., were also at Tuesday's announcement from the White House.

They welcomed Biden's executive action at the border.

Kelly called the order a step forward to address urgent needs at the border, adding that it would help relieve the work of overwhelmed Border Patrol agents and nonprofits in southern Arizona providing humanitarian assistance to migrants.

"But make no mistake, this is only necessary because Congress has failed to do its duty to help fix the border and there is no substitute for that," Kelly said in a written statement. "The Senate has twice had the opportunity to take up an agreement negotiated by Republicans and Democrats to invest in more Border Patrol agents, technology and personnel to stop fentanyl, officers to quickly screen asylum claims, and other lasting solutions, but both times my Republican colleagues walked away."

The agreement Kelly mentioned included a similar provision to Tuesday's executive action. But the border deal, negotiated in part by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., set the threshold to shut down asylum processing between ports of entry to at least 4,500 migrant crossing per day.

On the ballot: Arizona voters to decide fate of Texas-style immigration bill after GOP lawmakers' approval

Sinema expressed some skepticism about what Biden's proclamation would achieve along the U.S.-Mexico border.

"While it remains to be seen if this attempt will successfully address the crisis Arizona faces every day, its important to remember that executive actions are not substitutes for legislation. Congress must realistically solve the border crisis," she said Tuesday.

This executive order will take immediate steps to reduce the burden on law enforcement, our under-resourced immigration system, nonprofits and border communities in Arizona," Stanton added.

While the proclamation had been expected for several days, Tuesday's unveiling of the details were nevertheless panned in Arizona by migrant advocacy groups, Republicans who are uniformly skeptical of Biden's border policies, and some Democrats who say Biden has gone too far.

Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., a U.S. Senate candidate whose positions on border security have gotten harder over the past couple of years, was among the few additional voices backing Biden's proclamation.

But he said more still needed to be done.

"We also need to hire more Border Patrol agents, fix our broken asylum system, and keep our communities safe  solutions put forward in the legislation I introduced just weeks ago. Thats what Arizonans deserve," Gallego's statement read.

U.S. President Joe Biden announces an executive order on enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border during remarks from the East Room of the White House in Washington, U.S., June 4, 2024. REUTERS/Leah Millis

Republicans question timing of Biden's proclamation

Republican Kari Lake, Gallego's expected challenger in the Arizona Senate race, slammed both Gallego and Biden over Tuesday's announcement. Her campaign released a statement saying the order is years too late and politically motivated to boost Democrats during an election year.

"Arizonans will remember that Biden and Gallego are the ones who created this humanitarian and national security crisis in the first place," the Lake statement said. "We had the safest border in decades under President Trump and the only way we can return to that is by returning President Trump to the White House and gaining a majority in the U.S. Senate by electing Kari Lake."

Other Republicans in Arizona were equally critical of Biden's executive action. Freshman Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., cited nativist rhetoric of an ongoing "invasion" in questioning the timing of the proclamation, five months before the presidential elections.

"This just proves the Biden Admin has been lying all along by saying that they cant take executive action to secure the border. Funny how things change with an election right around the corner," Crane said on X, formerly Twitter.

Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., said on X that Tuesday's announcement was politically motivated and was "too little, too late & do nothing 2 stop the asylum abuse, do not end catch-and-release."

Outgoing Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., said she was happy to see Biden recognize the seriousness of the situation at the border, but warned that it was too early to see what impact the order would have.

"Talk is cheap and we have seen that this president has been continually unwilling to fix the critical problems he created. In fact, far from taking steps to secure the border, President Biden has empowered the cartels and encouraged lawlessness at every level throughout his term in office," she said in a statement.

Widespread opposition from advocates, progressive Dems

Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., the dean of Arizona's congressional delegation, also criticized Biden's proclamation restricting access to asylum. He joined other progressive voices who felt Biden was appeasing the Republicans who refused to work on bipartisan solutions and turning his back on past promises to restore humanity to the immigration system.

This executive action represents a significant departure from President Bidens promise of a more humane and just approach to immigration," Grijalva said. "It tramples on the universal right to claim asylum and prevents migrants from attempting to legally access safety and security in the United States. It is ripe for legal challenges and antithetical to our values."

Why isnt the government listening? Families demand justice for loved ones killed by the Border Patrol as agency turns 100

The proclamation received near-total opposition from migrant and legal advocacy groups around the United States and in Arizona. They accused Biden of ignoring the lessons from previous asylum bans and restrictions, including the harm that it could cause people who are legitimately seeking protection in the country.

Laura St. John, the legal director for the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project in Arizona, said the announcement was "disgraceful" and would result in more families getting separated or putting the lives of asylum seekers in danger.

Enacting an on-off expulsion policy like this will do nothing to address the significant challenges we face at the border," she said. "Generally, deterrence policies do not work because people seeking asylum dont have any other options when seeking protection from life-threatening persecution, but this so-called solution will be particularly ineffective because the status of asylum processing at the border will change with little-to-no notice."

St. John argued the move would instead benefit cartels and smuggling organizations who would thrive under arbitrary restrictions that will create confusion and instability at the border.

Have any news tips or story ideas about immigration in the Southwest? Reach the reporter at rafael.carranza@arizonarepublic.com, or follow him on X (formerly Twitter): @RafaelCarranza.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Biden's executive action on the border draws mixed response in Arizona
View video from the 2020 George Floyd protests in Columbus in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A $50,000 settlement has been reached in a lawsuit accusing Columbus police of excessive force during an arrest in the citys 2020 George Floyd protests.

On March 30, 2022, Alexandra Davis and Austin Williams filed a complaint against the City of Columbus claiming excessive force during the 2020 protests. Williams later voluntarily dropped his claims, despite both alleging officers used excessive force against them. Williams was detained but only Davis was arrested and charged, according to court documents.

Columbus City Council approved a $50,000 settlement agreement on Monday night. According to details from the council agenda, a potential trial would have consisted of an excessive force claim against the City of Columbus, with Davis attorneys arguing officers had inadequate training or supervision. Davis claimed her constitutional rights were violated during the protest.

The council agenda named Columbus police officers Robert Davis and Rodney Hall. The City of Columbus, former CPD Chief Thomas Quinlan and at least 15 unnamed law enforcement personnel were also listed as defendants in lawsuit documents.

The defendants filed a motion for summary judgment on January 10, in which their objections to certain findings from the case were sustained. The motion was granted in part and denied in part. In early March, court records show a settlement conference was held.

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Davis and Williams, a couple, were in the downtown area with no intention of protesting on June 29, 2020. There, they witnessed someone having a medical emergency and waited for an ambulance to arrive. They then decided to join the George Floyd protests taking place downtown.

During the protest, Davis did not dispute repeatedly spitting, claiming it was a life-long habit. Court documents said that officers told her to stop spitting or be arrested, but the plaintiff claimed the command was to not spit on the officer involved.

After Davis was told she could not cross the street, she sat down on the sidewalk, near the curb, with her feet in the street. She continued to spit while seated, and was at one point accused of spitting in the direction of an officer. Davis asserted she did not spit on the officer, but on the ground in between her legs. The defendants said it made contact with an officers boot.

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The officer then confronted Davis about spitting on his boot, she claimed. Davis responded that she did not spit on his boot, and that it was on her phone because she was livestreaming the protest. She was then told she was under arrest.

From there, Davis and officers recollection of what took place during the arrest differs. Davis claimed an officer grabbed her by the neck and dragged her into the street. The defendants claim Davis refused to stand up, so the officer took hold of her wrist before she used dead weight to resist being placed in handcuffs.

Both sides recounted a scene that an officer described as chaotic. After Davis was removed from the sidewalk, she depicted being attacked and jumped by grown men, claiming she was ignored by officers when she said they were hurting her, and that she was in pain and couldnt breathe. Officers said Davis continued to resist arrest by pulling her arms away and kicking at them.

Davis claimed she was not told she was under arrest until officers had their hands on her.

While in the street, Davis told officers she could not comply with orders to stand up and walk into the police van because of an ankle injury. She alleged the officers ignored her concerns and demanded she walk. According to Davis, her ankle buckled and officers dragged her to the van.

Williams allegedly attempted to intervene during Davis arrest, grabbing and charging at an officer. Defendants claimed to respond with a level 1 modified hip toss, but Williams claimed he was body-slammed, rolled over, and maced after already being detained. Williams voluntarily dropped his claims in the lawsuit.

Two people dead after shooting in east Columbus park during candlelight vigil

In the police van, Davis claimed to have a panic attack, to which officers allegedly did not respond. She then claimed to have briefly passed out at the police station, before having another panic attack and being evaluated by a medic.

Davis claimed to have suffered physical and emotional injuries stemming from the incident. She said she had bruising all over her body, as well as continuing problems with her ankle, knee, back, headaches, blood pressure, and anxiety being exacerbated by the incident.

Three officers  who werent involved in the civil lawsuit  later saw criminal charges from the George Floyd protests. However, special prosecutors appointed to their cases eventually dropped charges against two of them. The only officer to face trial, Sergeant Holly Kanode, was acquitted by a judge.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Politics is suffering from an overabundance of memes. Not organic in-jokes, the ones that defy all logic, materialising purely from the gleeful minds of those who spend too much time on the internet. Instead, we have foisted upon us painfully earnest attempts at humour, resurrected from moments better left unremembered, zombified cries for attention that we should simply lay to rest.

Think nevertheless, she persisted, which became a mid-2010s feminist rallying cry after Sen. Elizabeth Warren appeared to violate a Senate rule during a confirmation hearing. Hardly riveting stuff, but that didnt stop Warren from adopting the disapproving words of Sen. Mitch McConnell as part of her brand. (Chelsea Clinton even borrowed the phrase for a set of childrens books.) Of course, the slogan also landed on Warrens campaign merchandise.

After former President Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts on Thursday, erstwhile rival Hillary Clinton wasted no time in releasing a mug bearing the words, Turns out she was right about everything. The image on the mug of Clinton holding a teacup and the text-to-image spacing screams, this is my first day as a graphic designer! Clinton has past form for such gaffes, this coming from the same woman who once tried to pander to young voters by telling them to Pokemon go to the polls.

We on the Right like to point out the failure of Left-wing comedy. In truth, blatant partisanship never makes for worthwhile content. Still, that wont stop it from going viral.

Last month, Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett entered the contest for song of the summer, at least according to sympathetic media figures. When Crockett accused Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene during a House of Representatives committee hearing of having a bleach blonde, bad-built, butch body, the phrase was suddenly everywhere. Crockett embraced the musical remixes and accolades and even decided to trademark the phrase, plastering it on T-shirts in A Crockett Clapback Collection.

It seems like nearly every member of Congress during any committee hearing is looking for a soundbite to add to their own clapback collection. At least Crockett is being upfront about it.

To be sure, its not just Democrats who are looking for accolades for their snappy remarks. The bleach blonde moment only happened in the first place because Greene told Crockett, I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what youre reading  hardly the sort of comment one would expect during an official political hearing. Student of the Trump school of politics that she is, Greene likely thought she was setting herself up to be the winner of her own viral moment.

Obama era-Democrats liked to repeat First Lady Michelles phrase, When they go low, we go high. If they always go low and we always go high, then we are going to end up with busted ankles, wrote one self-proclaimed progressive voter in Esquire. Now, Leftist Democrats seem to think Mrs Obamas statement was a mantra for losers.

Theres a grain of truth to this argument: theres no use in quietly accepting insults and cowering in the face of conflict. But theres a difference between lobbing an insult in the heat of the moment and choosing to trademark that attack on another womans appearance, slapping it on T-shirts and basking in praise for all of this among sympathetic media.

Crockett has, so far, appeared on Good Morning America, MSNBC, The View and numerous print publications attempting to extend her five minutes of fame. When a host on The View asked Crockett how she responds to critics who see her as degrading the institution of Congress by fundraising off an insult, she laughed along with the audience as they looked at the T-shirts on screen. Kind of like the audience just did, she said.

Sure, shes engaging in the same kind of grifting as Trump, with his Bibles and his shoes, but shes doing it to save our democracy.

I guess I have to take away Crocketts points for transparency. Democracy conveniently seems to be on the line whenever Democrats need to fundraise, and Crockett certainly isnt hurting from all the free media attention. Whether or not the girlboss shtick plays with voters, its a quick path to money and fame.

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A child touches the razor wire at the border wall between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on June 19, 2021. Credit: Justin Hamel for The Texas Tribune

EAGLE PASS  A new plan from President Joe Biden to temporarily stop granting asylum to migrants if illegal crossings pass a certain threshold was met Tuesday with condemnation in Texas from elected officials of both parties, while concern spread among groups that advocate for migrant's rights about the immediate danger it will present to an already vulnerable population.

The proclamation signed Tuesday by Biden will largely suspend entry of noncitizens into the country beginning 12:01 a.m. Eastern Wednesday, according to the order. Exceptions include permanent U.S. residents and unaccompanied children.

The limitations are to be discontinued two weeks after there has been an average of less than 1,500 migrant encounters between official ports of entry for seven consecutive days. The restrictions would resume when there has been an average of 2,500 encounters or more for seven consecutive days.

Biden said he did what I can on my own to address the border because Republicans in Congress failed to take up a bipartisan border security deal brokered in the Senate earlier this year. That deal fell apart after former President Donald Trump denounced it as not going far enough. Democrats said Trump was cynically killing the legislation to keep migration a problem Trump could campaign on.

"The border is not a political issue to be weaponized. It's a responsibility we have to share and do something about," Biden said from the White House. "Today I'm announcing actions to bar migrants who cross our southern border unlawfully from seeking asylum."

In Texas, migrant advocacy and civil rights groups blasted the order, which they said resembles failed policies of past administrations and will put many migrants at risk of violence as they wait on the Mexican side of the southern border to secure an asylum appointment with U.S. officials following already-treacherous journeys north.

Those who have such appointments will also be excluded from the proclamation. However, advocates say scheduling an appointment requires navigating a technical web of processes that even lawyers sometimes struggle with and that a phone application used to make appointments is flawed and already overwhelmed. For instance, asylum-seekers in Reynosa and Matamoros are currently waiting eight to ten months for their appointments, one nonprofit noted.

"You're really seeing incredible dismantling and restrictions imposed on accessing asylum," said Karla Marisol Vargas, a senior lawyer for the Beyond Borders Program at the Texas Civil Rights Project. "In practice what this means is trying to even ask for asylum or ask for any of these protections is going to be well-near impossible."

Joining Biden in the East Room of the White House for an announcement of the order was a coalition of Texas Democrats that included the mayors of San Antonio and some border cities like Brownsville, as well as Texas U.S. Reps. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, and Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen.

El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser defended the timing of Biden's order, saying his city was at a breaking point last year trying to shelter record numbers of migrants. He said Biden was right to first pursue legislative fixes through Congress, which is the only body that can allocate the funds needed to address the issue.

That executive order right now, it's only the beginning to help us be able to cope, Leeser said following Biden's remarks. This isn't going to fix it all  We still need to have a bipartisan agreement.

Separately, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, a Dallas Democrat running for Senate, issued a statement of support for the measure.

Our border communities need more than talking points and photo ops, they need action, Allred said in the statement. And while I have been critical of this administrations approach to the border, if it is implemented correctly this executive order could bring long overdue relief to our border communities."

But approval of the policy was not widespread among Texas Democrats, some of whom denounced it.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat, said the order's threshold would "amount to a functional ban on asylum" for many who are fleeing persecution and violence.

"The United States of America became the strongest, most prosperous nation on earth because of  not despite  immigration," Castro said in a statement. "President Biden has worked hard to build a better future for America and has succeeded remarkably across many areas of public policy  making historic progress to lower health care costs, launch a new age of American manufacturing and create millions of well-paying jobs. But this executive order is the wrong approach and goes too far."

In Eagle Pass, Mayor Rolando Salinas, who wasn't invited to join Biden for the announcement Tuesday, questioned why the president did not take executive action last year amid record migration in the city or in response to Salinas pleas to the federal government for help.

If he could have done this all along why didnt he do this last year when our city got slammed  they closed the bridge, businesses were hurting, our first responders were struggling, Salinas said Tuesday morning. Why now?

Gov. Greg Abbott said the president took action now because he's in a heated reelection battle against Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee.

"Since his first day in office, President Biden dismantled all of his predecessors successful border policies, encouraging millions of illegal immigrants  including dangerous criminals and terrorists  into our country," Abbott said in a statement. "For three years, the President has lied about the existence of the border crisis, deflected blame to Congress, and now contradicts himself by issuing a feckless executive order months before Election Day."

Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz, both Republicans, also rebuked the executive order as a political move during an election year. They both voted against a bill earlier this year that included similar measures, saying it would not have done enough.

Its a fig leaf. He has absolutely no intention of actually enforcing any of this. If he did, he would have enforced the law  as weve heard time and time again  at the beginning of his administration, Cornyn said. This is not an improvement. This is a fig leaf and I think the American people are not going to be fooled.

Biden's proclamation leans on Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act that lets a president limit entry of specific migrants if it is "detrimental" to national interest. Trump used the same provisions with his 2017 banning of people from Muslim-majority countries and a later policy barring asylum seekers that was ultimately struck down by courts.

Biden administration officials insist the new proposal is very different, but that will likely do little to prevent expected lawsuits to stop it. The American Civil Liberties Union vowed to challenge the order in court. "It was illegal when Trump did it, and it is no less illegal now," said Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the organization's Immigrants Rights Project.

By accelerating the criminalization of individuals pursuing the long-established legal and human right to seek asylum in the U.S., President Biden is fueling a sociopolitical climate aggressively hostile towards all immigrant, refugee and asylum-seeking people and families," said Faisal Al-Juburi of RAICES, a San Antonio nonprofit that provides free and low-cost legal services for migrants. "I wish I could say that the humanitarian consequences would be unfathomable, but we can in fact fathom them  because weve seen them time and again."

To others, the order was the latest manifestation of high-tension politics during a presidential election year  one that could bring severe ramifications.

"It shows that political tactics in a pivotal election year supersede fair, compassionate and effective immigration reform," said Christine Bolanos of Workers Defense Project, an Austin organization that advocates for the state's low-wage, immigrant workers in the construction industry. "At a time when migrants in Texas face a constant barrage of anti-immigrant legislation and narrative meant to position them as political scapegoats and distract from the attacks on our freedom, we need a president who is willing to work with the immigrant movement to address this humanitarian crisis in a dignified and fair way."

Jennifer Babaie of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, a nonprofit that provides legal services to migrants in West Texas and Mexico, said she was concerned about what the order could portend for migrants while not creating safer, legal options for migrating.

Theres going to be a lot of confusion among people about how to enter. I think were going to see more people forced into trafficking routes, Babaie said. Its just danger to women, children and the LGBTQ community that we serve. I mean those are the number one groups of people that were screening in [Ciudad] Juarez, many have been waiting for months [to enter the U.S.].

Berenice Garcia contributed to this story.

Weve added new speakers to the stellar lineup of leaders, lawmakers and newsmakers hitting the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival, happening Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Get an up-close look at todays biggest issues at Texas breakout politics and policy event!
Two industry heavyweights have teamed up to acquire Totes Isotoner Corp.

Marquee Brands, a leading brand management firm that owns Ben Sherman, BCBG and Martha Stewart among others, has teamed with Randa Apparel & Accessories, the countrys largest accessories manufacturer, to make the purchase.

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Financial terms were not disclosed but Marquee has acquired the intellectual property of the company and Randa has acquired the operating assets, including inventory and facilities, and will license the IP from Marquee to design, manufacture and distribute the products.

Totes Isotoner, which is based in Cincinnati, is the leader in weather-related accessories such as umbrellas, gloves and seasonal footwear.

We are thrilled to bring two industry-leading global brands onto the Marquee platform, said Heath Golden, chief executive officer of Marquee Brands. Doing this in partnership with RAA, known globally for their operational and product excellence, makes this even more exciting. Totes and Isotoner, in their core categories, are clear market leaders across geographies, sales channels and tiers of distribution. Looking ahead, we are confident that together we will propel these brands to ever greater heights.

Golden spent more than six years at Randa before joining Marquee in 2022 and has a thorough understanding of the company. Randa has always been about innovation and with their brand building prowess and globalization capabilities, theyre the perfect partner, he said.

For Randa, the deal allows the company to expand its portfolio even further. Its a great opportunity for us, said Justin Spiegel, executive vice president and chief legal officer of Randa. Were the leader in the accessories category in North America, especially in belts, wallets and neckwear. This allows us to get into new categories such as umbrellas, and expand gloves. The deal also allows Randa to expand its retail relationships since Totes and Isotoner have a big presence in the drug and grocery channel, which Randa has not historically serviced, he added.

Golden added that Totes and Isotoner stand for all things comfort, especially when it comes to weather-related events and were seeing a big upswing in that. It also allows the companies to expand their footprint outside the U.S. since Totes and Isotoner have a strong presence in Europe and other countries.

Story continues

Totes traces its history to 1924 in Oakley, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati, and is best known for its rubber rain boots that it called totes to emphasize how portable they were. The company introduced the first foldable, collapsible umbrella in 1970, and expanded its offerings to rain scarves, hats, bags and slipper socks.

Isotoner is even older  it was founded in 1918 when French glovemaker Paul Chanut and American glove reseller Larry Stanton partnered to create the Aris Glove Co. The company developed the first stretchable glove from nylon/elastane with leather straps and named it Isotoner, a blending of the terms isometric and toning. It was purchased by Sara Lee and its name was changed to Aris-Isotoner. It merged with Totes, which by then had been purchased by Bain Capital, in 1997. It changed hands a couple of times before being purchased by Investcorp and Freeman Spogli in 2014. Five years later, a number of its lenders acquired the company.

We are thrilled to partner with Marquee in advancing our long-term strategy of being a market leader by way of acquiring the Totes and Isotoner brands, Spiegel said. By reaching new customers in new markets and expanding our offering to existing customers, we broaden our presence as the trusted experts in apparel and accessories. Marquee and RAA have highly complementary skillsets, which we will deploy to grow these brands in a manner that delights customers and makes our existing and new retail partners more successful.

Totes is believed to have invented the collapsible umbrella.

Rachel Terrace, chief brand officer for Marquee, said the acquisition also serves to bolster the companys fashion and lifestyle offerings. Marquee operates three verticals: culinary and home, fashion and lifestyle, and active and outdoor.

Golden added that as a result of Marquees appetite for acquisitions, it will be accessing the capital markets and various sources of equity for its next phase of growth. Marquee was created in 2014 by Neuberger Berman and today it manages a portfolio worth in excess of $3 billion in retail sales. Its last acquisition was Americas Test Kitchen and its associated brand in February 2023.

Randa was established over 100 years ago and operates a portfolio of more than 30 brands including Haggar Clothing Co. and Tribal Sportswear, which it acquired in 2019.

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Why Poland says Russia and Belarus are weaponizing migration to benefit Europes far-right

A view of migrants behind the metal barrier border that Poland has erected along the border with Belarus, in Bialowieza Forest, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Poland says neighboring Belarus and its main supporter Russia are behind a surging push by migrants in Belarus toward the European Union. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

POLAND-BELARUS BORDER, Poland (AP)  A Somali woman pushes her bandaged hand between two vertical bars of a thick metal barrier separating Belarus from Poland as she and four other women gaze toward the European Union.

They nod gratefully as a Polish humanitarian aid worker calls to them across a stretch of land as wide as a one-lane road and promises to help. Polish soldiers patrol nearby.

The verdant patch of Bialowieza Forest that spans the border is among the flashpoints of a monthslong standoff between Belarus and its main backer and ally Russia, and the 27-member European bloc, which has seen a surge in migrant flows toward the frontier ahead of EU parliamentary elections that start on Thursday.

WHAT HAPPENED ON THE BORDER?

The number of attempted illegal border crossings from Belarus into EU-member Poland has shot up in recent months to almost 400 a day  from only a handful a day earlier this year, Polish officials say.

Polands border guards have also decried increasingly aggressive behavior by some migrants on the Belarus side of the border. They have posted online videos of some throwing rocks, logs and even burning wood at the Polish troops from behind the fence.

There have been cases of soldiers and guards being hospitalized and some have needed stitches after being stabbed or cut by knife-wielding assailants. Last Tuesday near the village of Dubicze Cerkiewne, officials said a migrant reached between the bars of the more than 5-meter (16-foot) -high barrier and stabbed a soldier in the ribs.

For the past few years, EU authorities have accused authoritarian Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of weaponizing migration by luring people to his country to find an easier entry point into the bloc than the more dangerous routes across the Mediterranean Sea.

Still, migrants have died, with some buried in Muslim and Christian cemeteries in Poland.

WHAT DOES POLAND SAY?

Poland sees the new push at the border as an orchestrated attempt by Russia and Belarus to fuel anti-migrant sentiment, which could in turn boost far-right parties in the European vote.

Poland and the EU say migrants  who have trekked to former Soviet countries from as far away as the Middle East and Africa  have become pawns in an effort by Russia and Belarus to destabilize Europe, which has backed Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion more than two years ago.

The $405 million (374 million euro) metal barrier was put up along a 180-kilometer (110-mile) stretch of border under Polands previous conservative government in 2022, part of efforts to curb large inflows of migrants that many in the EU want to reduce.

The barrier has been a winning point for anti-immigrant parties that often support or are supported by Russia.

Now the government of Polish entrist Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who took over in December pledging a new pro-EU administration following eight years of stormy conservative rule, has vowed to step up security measures and says it must protect the EU border.

We are not dealing with (just) any asylum seekers here, we are dealing with a coordinated, very efficient  on many levels  operation to break the Polish border and attempts to destabilize the country, Tusk said last week while visiting border troops.

WHAT IS THE POLITICAL ENDGAME?

According to Poland, Moscow's scenario of purportedly seeking to flood the EU with a surge in migrants would provide political ammunition for anti-migrant, far-right parties in countries such as France, Germany and Italy.

Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski alleged at a meeting in Bialystok, eastern Poland, on Monday that many of the migrants who try to break through the Polish border are people with Russian visas  meaning they were at some point allowed to enter Russia before heading to Belarus and toward the West.

They were at least encouraged and maybe even recruited for this operation, so we know who is behind this operation, he said. "This is intended to have a political effect  to strengthen the far right, which promises to destroy the European Union from the inside."

The Interior Ministry in neighboring Germany, the key destination for many migrants, has cited an increasing trend in unauthorized migration related to Russia and Belarus. It attributed the rise in part to intensified action taken by Russian security officials against unauthorized migrants following a deadly terrorist attack on a Moscow concert hall in March.

Critics have accused President Vladimir Putins Russia of all sorts of malfeasance against the West in recent years, including election meddling, disinformation and fake news campaign s, computer hacking, and alleged poisoning abroad of foes of the Kremlin chief  all allegations that Moscow has denied.

Sviatlana Tsikhnaouskaya, Belarusian opposition leader living in exile, told The Associated Press that Lukashenko's government is trying to blackmail the EU and scare it with waves of uncontrollable migrants.

"In this, the interests of Lukashenko and Putin align, she said.

WHAT ABOUT THE MIGRANTS?

Caught in the middle are the migrants themselves, including many women and children stuck in hostile marshes and forests along the border. In late May on the Polish side of the border, volunteers were seen giving water to an exhausted Algerian man.

Aid activists have criticized Tusks government for tough border policies. He has acknowledged that many soldiers feel conflicted between the need to protect the border and sympathy for humanitarian workers who want to help others in distress.

Migrants who do get through can apply for international protection within the EU, which is granted in exceptional cases. Some also get deported to their home countries.

Olga Cielemencka, an activist with Podlaskie Volunteer Humanitarian Emergency Service who promised to help to the Somali woman with the bandaged hand, said her group is trying to offer advice and assistance to the migrants.

But our abilities to act are very limited, she said. There isnt much that we can do.

___

Associated Press writers Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin, Dasha Litvinova and Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, and Monika Scislowska in Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs global migration coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/migration
Why this (proposed) LDS temple in Texas is at the center of controversy

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A proposed Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in a northeastern Texas town is facing some opposition from residents, and it seems like its no closer to being built now than it was when it was first announced.

In October 2022, the churchs president announced that a temple would be built in the town of Prosper, Texas  a suburb of northern Dallas.

By June 2024, the location had changed and construction on the temple had not yet begun  but local residents and church members have been writing letters and signing petitions to voice their opinions and concerns.

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In December 2023, the church announced that the location where the temple would be built had been changed, and said that the name was changed to the McKinney Texas Temple. The proposed site for the new building was moved one town over to the east  in Fairview, Texas.

A rendering for the McKinney Texas Temple was released by the church in February 2024. According to the church, the McKinney Texas Temple is slated to be the first Latter-day Saint temple in the town of Fairview.

A rendering of the proposed McKinney Texas Temple. The temple has faced opposition in recent months after residents brought up concerns of the steeple height and the lighting of the temple. (Courtesy: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

The new temple is expected to be several stories tall and take up approximately 44,000 square feet on a lot spanning more than 8 acres, according to the church.

In April 2024, a petition was started online for members of the church and supporters of the temple to explain why they felt the temple should be built in the town after opposition began circulating online.

The main point of concern for both parties appears to be the steeple for the proposed temple. Neighbors and the towns mayor told ABCs WFAA that the spire of the temple is expected to be 173 feet tall  a height that some residents said would make it the tallest structure in the town.

According to a memorandum in the agenda for an upcoming town council meeting, the proposed height of the spire is 173 feet and eight inches.

Buildings within the district are limited to a building height of 35 feet, but some exceptions have been made for religious buildings. One such exception that was made in the past was for a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse, with a spire measuring 68 feet tall, according to the memorandum.

In an email from local church leaders (as shown in a screenshot posted online), members have been asked to email the planning manager for the town of Fairview. Leaders said, in part, that the height of the steeple is part of our Religious Observance.

People have taken to several social media platforms in support of the temple, posting on Twitter/X to solicit signatures for the petition.

People have also posted on Reddit, saying local church leaders have reached out to members outside of Fairview asking them to send letters and emails explaining why they support the temple and why it would be important to them.

In response, those who oppose the temple have asked others to send messages to the same email address where people were sending their messages of support.

Neighbors also told WFAA that they are concerned about the temple being lit up through the night because of Fairviews dark sky ordinance, but that issue has been reportedly been addressed by the church.

Upcoming meetings in Fairview are slated to discuss the temple further. According to the agenda, more than 1,160 items of correspondence have been sent in to the town regarding the situation.

The town also reportedly received a digital petition with about 1,160 signatures opposing the proposal. At a May 2024 meeting, the towns Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the request be denied, but the project will be discussed further on June 4.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Attorney General Josh Kaul speaks with reporters outside the Wisconsin Supreme Court in February 2023. (Wisconsin Examiner photo)

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul filed felony forgery charges against three people involved in the scheme to cast false Electoral College votes for former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election.

The charges filed on Tuesday are the first time anyone involved in the plan in Wisconsin has faced criminal consequences. In other states where false electoral votes have been cast, many of the figures involved have been charged with crimes. In Wisconsin, Kaul had so far held off filing charges against the attorneys and state Republicans involved in developing the plan.

The 10 Republicans who cast the votes and the attorneys involved in making the plan have previously settled civil lawsuits against them.

In December of 2020, the 10 Republicans followed the plan created by former Trump attorneys Kenneth Chesebro and Jim Troupis to meet in the state Capitol to secretly cast votes for Trump even though the former president had lost the state. After the fact, those involved said they were just trying to keep Trumps chances alive in the hopes that the state Supreme Court would overturn the results. However earlier on the same day they cast their fraudulent electoral ballots the Wisconsin Supreme Court had voted against taking that drastic step.

The false votes from Wisconsin and other states played a major role in the series of events that led to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

On Tuesday, Kaul filed charges against Chesebro, a Wisconsin native who was the architect of the plan, Troupis, a former Dane County judge who represented Trump in court following the election, and Mike Roman, a former Trump aide who is alleged to have delivered Wisconsins false Electoral College paperwork to a Pennsylvania congressman in order to get them to former Vice President Mike Pence on Jan. 6.

The 10 Republicans who cast the false votes included then-Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Andrew Hitt and Wisconsin Elections Commissioner Robert Spindell.

At a news conference outside the state Capitol Tuesday afternoon, Kaul refused to provide much detail on why the charges were only filed against the trio and not the full slate of electors or Trump himself. He repeatedly said that there was still an ongoing investigation into the scheme.

Kaul also said that now is an appropriate time to bring the charges  even though the next presidential election is just months away  because his office was focused on getting the facts and law right and not on speed.

We feel confidence in the charges weve brought, he said, while referring any questions about the details of the Department of Justices investigation to the criminal complaint.

The complaint alleges that Chesebro, Troupis and Roman were instrumental in coming up with the plan to have false slates of electors vote for Trump. According to the complaint, the trio worked together on drafting the exact language electors would use on the certificates filed with state and federal officials in multiple states and on getting state party and Trump campaign officials on board with the plan.

The complaint quotes emails that show Chesebro was telling people at the Trump campaign and Republican National Committee that Troupis was responsible for coming up with the idea.

According to the complaint, the group discussed adding contingent language to the false electoral certificates that the electors might later be determined as the duly elected and qualified electors. That language was added in other states, but the complaint notes it wasnt added to the documents signed and transmitted to Wisconsins 10 false electors.

Chesebro, Troupis and Roman were then further involved in the planning between White House, Trump campaign and Republican officials over how to use the slates of false electors on Jan. 6, with Troupis and Chesebro attending a meeting in the Oval Office. In an email about that meeting, Troupis told Chesebro nothing about our meeting with the President can be shared with anyone, according to the complaint.

The complaint also states that a number of individuals involved in the scheme, including Republican Party of Wisconsin leadership, said they were told the votes would only be used if a court ruled in Trumps favor  even as Chesebro, Troupis and Roman were discussing ways to have the votes interrupt the joint session of Congress on Jan. 6 the entire time.

Following the announcement of the charges, Gov. Tony Evers said, in a one word statement, good.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, celebrated the charges, noting that Trump and his presidency have been surrounded with criminal prosecutions.

At what point are we going to ask, Is there anyone associated with Donald Trump who isnt a criminal? Pocan said in a statement. I applaud AG Kaul for bringing these three democracy lawbreakers to justice.

Law Forward, a progressive voting rights-based legal organization, had regularly called for the people involved in the scheme to be held criminally liable. The firm brought the civil lawsuit that resulted in the 10 false electors agreeing to not serve as electors for Trump ever again and making a public statement that Trump had lost the 2020 election to President Joe Biden.

In a statement on Tuesday, Law Forward President Jeff Mandell said the charges were an important step in protecting Wisconsins democracy.

In America, most of us share a belief in our democracy and the importance of ensuring that those who attempt to undermine the will of the people are held accountable, Mandell said. The fake elector scheme was conceived in Wisconsin and was then deliberately spread across the country. Wisconsin voters have been waiting for accountability for more than three years, seeking to hold responsible for their actions both the fake electors and those who helped them perpetrate this scheme. This coordinated and deliberate effort to subvert democratic votes must not happen again. Today is a good step towards protecting our democracy and ensuring accountability.

In Wisconsin, forgery is a class H felony, which is the least serious felony classification in state law. The charge carries a maximum sentence of six years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

Court records show Chesebro, Troupis and Roman are set to make their first appearance in court on Sept. 19.

This story has been updated

The post Wisconsin AG Kaul files felony charges against Trump associates in fake elector scheme appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
Wisconsin attorney general files felony charges against attorneys, aide who worked for Trump in 2020

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul holds a news conference outside the Wisconsin State Capitol building in Madison, Wis. Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Kaul filed felony forgery charges Tuesday against two attorneys and an aide who helped submit paperwork falsely saying that former President Donald Trump had won the battleground state in 2020. (John Hart/Wisconsin State Journal via AP)

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Felony forgery charges were filed in Wisconsin on Tuesday against two attorneys and an aide who helped submit paperwork falsely saying that former President Donald Trump had won the battleground state in 2020.

The state charges are the first to come in Wisconsin and follow separate charges brought in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada and Georgia related to the fake electors scheme.

The Wisconsin charges were brought against Trump's attorney in the state, Jim Troupis, 62, attorney Kenneth Chesebro, 62, who was advising the campaign and Mike Roman, 51, who was Trumps director of Election Day operations. Roman allegedly delivered Wisconsins fake elector paperwork to a Pennsylvania congressmans staffer in order to get them to then-Vice President Mike Pence on Jan. 6, 2021.

All three are due in Dane County Circuit Court on Sept. 19, according to court records. They each face one felony count punishable by up to six years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

Troupis and Chesebro did not return voicemail messages left Tuesday. Roman's attorney, Kurt Altman, said he just learned of the charges Tuesday morning and was in the process of reviewing them.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, didn't rule out filing more charges, including against the 10 fake electors, saying that the investigation is ongoing.

Our approach has been focused on following the facts where they lead, he said at a news conference.

Wisconsin Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson called the charges outrageous.

Now Democrats are weaponizing Wisconsins judiciary, Johnson posted on X. Apparently conservative lawyers advising clients is illegal under Democrat tyranny. Democrats are turning America into a banana republic.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers offered a one-word response to news of the charges being filed: Good.

Electors are people appointed to represent voters in presidential elections. The winner of the popular vote in each state determines which partys electors are sent to the Electoral College, which meets in December after the election to certify the outcome.

The fake elector efforts are central to an August federal indictment filed against Trump alleging he tried to overturn results of the 2020 election. Federal prosecutors, investigating his conduct related to the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, have also said the scheme originated in Wisconsin. Trump also faces charges in Georgia and has denied wrongdoing.

Chesebro and Roman were among the 18 people indicted along with Trump in August in a sprawling racketeering indictment in Georgia. Theyre accused of participating in a wide-ranging scheme to illegally overturn the 2020 election in that state.

Chesebro in October pleaded guilty to one felony charge of conspiracy to commit filing false documents after reaching a deal with Georgia prosecutors. Roman has pleaded not guilty to racketeering and conspiracy charges related to a plan to have Republican electors meet and cast Electoral College votes for Trump even though Biden had won Georgia.

Roman also faces nine felony charges in Arizona related to the fake electors scheme there, including conspiracy, fraud and forgery.

The 10 Wisconsin electors, Chesebro and Troupis, who was Trump's attorney in Wisconsin, all settled a civil lawsuit that was brought against them last year.

Documents released as part of those settlements showed that the strategy in Wisconsin replicated moves in six other swing states.

The complaint goes into detail largely citing those documents, interviews and testimony given to Congress about how the fake elector scheme was hatched.

The complaint details how Chesebro emailed a memo on Nov. 18, 2020, to Troupis and others arguing that electors representing Trump should meet on Dec. 14, 2020, to preserve the Trump-Pence electoral slate in case a court or Legislature would determine them to be the winners.

Chesebro argued in a subsequent memo that the Trump electors could be counted by Congress if court challenges to his loss were still pending. Troupis sent both memos to the Trump White House, according to the complaint.

On Dec. 9, 2020, Chesebro emailed Troupis a memo with instructions for the Dec. 14, 2020, elector meetings. Two days later, Chesebro emailed Trump aide Roman details of the plan, the complaint said.

During or around the time of the Dec. 14, 2020, meeting, Chesebro sent a message to Troupis and Roman that said, WI meeting of the real electors is a go!!!, the complaint said. Troupis responded with a thumbs up emoji, the complaint said.

The complaint also details how the fake elector slate was delivered to Chesebro from Wisconsin to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021, by Alesha Guenther, a law student working part-time at the Republican Party of Wisconsin. Roman told Guenther to deliver the paperwork only to Chesebro.

5 mins until I make the drop, Guenther texted at one point, according to the complaint. I feel like a drug dealer.

Once Chesebro was given the documents, he emailed Roman to let him know he had them.

Roman then arranged for a congressional staff member to meet Chesebro and take the document. Chesebro sent Roman a message confirming that it had been done, the complaint said.

Trump lost Wisconsin to Biden, a Democrat, by fewer than 21,000 votes. Trump carried Wisconsin by a similar margin in 2016.

Government and outside investigationshave uniformly found there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could have swung the 2020 election. But Trump has continued to spread falsehoods about the election, particularly in Wisconsin.

___

Associated Press writer Kate Brumback in Atlanta contributed to this report.
Wisconsin man accused of stabbing another at a produce facility remains at large

RANDOLPH, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in Columbia County are searching for a wanted suspect who allegedly stabbed an individual at the Alsum Produce facility.

According to a release, deputies were sent to the facility on County Highway EF in Randolph shortly before 11:15 p.m. on Monday, June 3, for a reported stabbing.

Fire department releases details of Aldo Leopold School fire, cause still under investigation

As several deputies were responding, they received information that the suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Oscar Danilo Peralta Rivera, had fled the scene.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital by emergency medical services with life-threatening injuries.

The Columbia County Sheriffs Office says the vehicle believed to be used by Rivera to flee the scene was recovered abandoned on the side of Highway 151 in the town of Columbus.

Deputies searched the area for the Rivera using a K-9 and thermal drones but were unsuccessful.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Rivera was acquainted with the victim through a mutually known woman. The initial investigation shows that this was a targeted attack, and there is believed to be no ongoing danger to the public.

Sheriffs office advises against traveling on a river in Wisconsin after overturned canoe incident, 3rd response in past 10 days

Deputies say that Rivera is known to have ties to the DeForest, Sun Prairie, and Marshall areas. This investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are expected.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Columbia 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  Braylyn Davis has undergone more in his short four years of life than many of us will ever experience. Now, Make-A-Wish Alabama wants to help his family celebrate his being cancer-free.

I sat down with his family to learn more about the energetic, sweet boy ahead of News 19s telethon with Make-A-Wish Alabama on June 27.

News 19 and Make-A-Wish Alabama partner up for Wake up for Wishes telethon!

He loves to love; to be loved on and love on you, Braylyns grandmother, Tara Witchard said as Braylyn kissed her cheek.

Along with all that affection, is a spirited attitude. Braylyn is always on the move, looking for his next adventure.

Hes always been able to get up and run all day, his grandfather Jeffrey Witchard said.

This quality is what tipped the childs family off to realizing in 2021, something was not right.

His energy level  its like it was zapped from him, Jeffrey said. He would want to sit in my lap all day. He wouldnt want to play with the kids, he wouldnt want to get down to play with his toys.

After multiple doctors appointments, a specialist diagnosed Braylyn with Hepatoblastoma, which is liver cancer.

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We were really shocked because he was just one year old, Jeffrey said. My mind went to the worst scenario. He was my first grandbaby, my only grandbaby at the time.

Braylyn would need nine rounds of chemo and a total liver transplant.

We got the call in the middle of the night [about a liver] and once you get the call you have to get up and go, Tara said.

Braylyns surgery lasted eight hours. Chemo left him with some hearing loss. He is going to therapy and wearing hearing aids.

His grandparents say he does not let anything hes been through get him down.

Local foundation walks for warriors fighting Sickle Cell

Hes a totally different person. Hes full of life, full of energy. Theres no sitting still with Braylyn. Once his feet hit the floor in the morning until he lays down for a nap or goes to bed at night, its nonstop energy all day, Jeffrey said.

No matter what the adventure is, the tiny tot has his favorite Mickey Mouse toy in-toe. Now that he is feeling better, his family is asking Make-A-Wish for a trip to Disney World, so Braylyn can see Mickey in real life!

He loves Mickey Mouse and he loves a lot of the Marvel characters I think once he sees everything hes just going to be so excited about all that, Tara said.

Tara and Jeffrey said this trip would be an incredible way to celebrate Braylyn in a way he has never gotten to experience since so much of his life has been caught up in doctors offices.

Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go.

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Its going to be a great memory. To have my family there, and to see the kids enjoy themselves, really is just a dream come true for me too, Jeffrey said.

News 19 is thrilled to partner with Make-A-Wish Alabama to help raise money for wishes just like Braylyns. Every dollar donated through our Wake Up for Wishes telethon stays right here in Alabama. It takes about $10,000 to grant just one wish, so it will truly take a village to help the nearly 100 children waiting for their wishes to be granted right here in North Alabama.

You can be the reason children like Braylyn make lifelong memories with those they hold dearest. For more information about the fundraiser and to donate, click here or text WISHES to 243725.

Thank you for your support of children in the Make-A-Wish program here in Alabama.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
A woman allegedly stabbed a 3-year-old boy to death outside an Ohio grocery store in a random attack, according to police.

The boy, Julian, and his mother, Margot Wood, were both stabbed around 3 p.m. Monday in the parking lot of a Giant Eagle in North Olmsted, about 15 miles outside of Cleveland, according to North Olmsted police.

MORE: New Jersey man stabs mother to death while she was sleeping: Police

Bionca Ellis allegedly stabbed Julian multiple times as he sat in the shopping cart, and when Julian's mom tried to pull him out, Ellis also stabbed her, according to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalley.

Julian suffered stab wounds to the back and cheek, police said. Wood, 37, survived with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

PHOTO: 3-year-old dies after stabbing at North Olmsted Giant Eagle parking lot, North Olmsted Cleaveland Ohio, June 3, 2024. (WEWS)

Ellis, 32, was taken into custody, police said.

Ellis and the victims didn't know each other, North Olmsted police Det. Sgt. Matt Beck said at a news conference Tuesday, calling it a "random act of violence."

Ellis first allegedly stole two knives from the Volunteers of America Thrift Store next to the grocery store, and then walked to the Giant Eagle where she saw Wood and her son, prosecutors said. She allegedly followed them and immediately attacked the 3-year-old, prosecutors said.

PHOTO: 3-year-old dies after stabbing at North Olmsted Giant Eagle parking lot, North Olmsted Cleaveland Ohio, June 3, 2024. (WEWS)

"As a mother, I cannot even begin to fathom this sense of loss that this family is going through," North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones said at Tuesday's news conference. "The city and I all share in your loss."

"This case is truly devastating," OMalley said in a statement. "We will do everything in our power to bring justice for Julian Wood and the Wood family.

Prosecutors said Ellis is charged with one count of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault, one count of endangering children, one count of tampering with evidence and one count of misdemeanor theft. She has not yet been arraigned, prosecutors said.

Woman allegedly stabs 3-year-old boy to death in random attack at grocery store parking lot originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The mayor of a town in western Mexico was killed on Monday, the regional government said, barely 24 hours after Claudia Sheinbaum was elected the Latin American country's first woman president. Officials said the mayor's bodyguard was also killed in the attack.

The Michoacan state government condemned "the murder of the municipal president (mayor) of Cotija, Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa," the regional interior ministry said in a post on social media.

The murder of the woman mayor comes after Sheinbaum's landslide victory injected hope for change in a country riven by rampant gender-based violence.

Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa / Credit: facebook.com/LicYolandaSanchezF

Sanchez, who was elected mayor in 2021 elections, was gunned down on a public road, according to local media, with one outlet reporting she was shot 19 times outside of a gym.

According to a statement from the Michoacan attorney general's office, Sanchez's bodyguard, identified as Jesus V., was also hit by the gunfire and died. The office said that they were attacked by gunmen inside a white truck who opened fire "from the moving vehicle and then escaped."

Her Facebook profile says she is "defined by my preparation and the desire to make Cotija a better place to live."

Authorities have not given details on the murder, but said a security operation had been launched to arrest the killers.

The politician was previously kidnapped in September last year while leaving a shopping mall in the city of Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, which neighbors Michoacan.

Three days later the federal government said she had been found alive.

According to local media reports at the time, the kidnappers belonged to the powerful Jalisco Cartel - New Generation (CJNG), who allegedly threatened the mayor for opposing the criminal group's takeover of her municipality's police force.

Michoacan is renowned for its tourist destinations and a thriving agro-export industry, but is also one of the most violent states in the country due to the presence of extortion and drug trafficking gangs. In March, three farmers were killed by a bomb apparently planted in a dirt road in Michoacan -- just days after Mexico's outgoing president acknowledged that an improvised explosive device killed at least four soldiers in what he called a "trap" likely set by a cartel.

Election marked by bloodshed

At least 23 political candidates were killed while campaigning before the elections -- including one mayoral hopeful whose murder was captured on camera last week. Alfredo Cabrera's death came just one day after a mayoral candidate in the central Mexican state of Morelos was murdered.

The week before that, nine people were killed in two attacks against mayoral candidates in the southern state of Chiapas. The two candidates survived.

Last month, six people, including a minor and mayoral candidate Lucero Lopez, were killed in an ambush after a campaign rally in the municipality of La Concordia, neighboring Villa Corzo.

One mayoral hopeful was shot dead last month just as she began campaigning.

Around 27,000 soldiers and National Guard members were deployed to reinforce security on election day.

Trump fake elector in Wisconsin describes how he says he was tricked | 60 Minutes

Sneak peek: Who Wanted Nicki Lenway Dead?

World War II veterans arrive in Normandy to mark 80 years since D-Day
As global financial markets navigate through uncertainties, such as the recent disruptions caused by the collapse of a major Banking-as-a-Service platform, investors are increasingly looking for stability and reliability in their investment choices. In this context, dividend stocks listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) offer an appealing option for those seeking potential income generation and lower volatility in their portfolios.

Top 10 Dividend Stocks In Singapore

Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Civmec (SGX:P9D) 6.06%  Singapore Exchange (SGX:S68) 3.52%  Multi-Chem (SGX:AWZ) 9.64%  UOB-Kay Hian Holdings (SGX:U10) 6.97%  UOL Group (SGX:U14) 3.70%  BRC Asia (SGX:BEC) 7.73%  Bumitama Agri (SGX:P8Z) 6.84%  Singapore Airlines (SGX:C6L) 7.09%  YHI International (SGX:BPF) 6.56%  Sing Investments & Finance (SGX:S35) 5.88% 

Click here to see the full list of 18 stocks from our Top SGX Dividend Stocks screener.

Let's explore several standout options from the results in the screener.

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Multi-Chem Limited is an investment holding company that distributes information technology products across regions including Singapore, Greater China, Australia, and India, with a market capitalization of SGD 227.04 million.

Operations: Multi-Chem Limited generates revenue primarily through its IT business in Singapore (SGD 372.78 million), followed by other regions (SGD 153.93 million), Australia (SGD 54.60 million), India (SGD 40.56 million), and Greater China (SGD 34.96 million).

Dividend Yield: 9.6%

Multi-Chem Limited, a dividend-paying entity in Singapore, has shown a mixed track record with its dividends. The companys payout ratio stands at 80.7%, indicating that earnings sufficiently cover the dividend payments. However, dividends have been volatile over the past decade, with some annual drops exceeding 20%. Despite this instability, Multi-Chem's dividend yield is competitive at 9.64%, positioning it in the top quartile of Singaporean dividend payers. Recent board changes could influence future governance and stability, potentially impacting dividend policies moving forward.

SGX:AWZ Dividend History as at Jun 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: BRC Asia Limited operates in the prefabrication of steel reinforcement for use in concrete across multiple regions including Singapore, Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and India, with a market capitalization of approximately SGD 567.90 million.

Story continues

Operations: BRC Asia Limited generates revenue primarily through two segments: Trading, which brought in SGD 413.27 million, and Fabrication and Manufacturing, contributing SGD 1.21 billion.

Dividend Yield: 7.7%

BRC Asia has exhibited inconsistent dividend reliability over the past decade, with payments showing significant volatility. Despite this, the dividends are reasonably supported by both earnings and cash flows, with payout ratios of 38% and 28.1% respectively. Additionally, BRC Asia's dividend yield of 7.73% ranks well above the Singapore market average of 6.19%. However, concerns persist due to its high debt levels and unstable dividend history.

SGX:BEC Dividend History as at Jun 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited operates globally, providing financial services across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Greater China, and other Asia Pacific regions with a market capitalization of SGD 65.46 billion.

Operations: Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited generates its revenue through financial services across various regions including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Greater China, and the broader Asia Pacific area.

Dividend Yield: 5.8%

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation has shown a mixed performance in dividend reliability, with a history of volatility over the past decade. Despite this, dividends are currently and forecast to be covered by earnings with payout ratios of 52.9% and 54.1%, respectively. Recent financial activities include a $500 million fixed-income offering and initiating share repurchases, which may influence future dividend sustainability. However, its current dividend yield of 5.77% remains below the top tier in Singapore's market.

SGX:O39 Dividend History as at Jun 2024

Where To Now?

Click through to start exploring the rest of the 15 Top SGX Dividend Stocks now.

Invested in any of these stocks? Simplify your portfolio management with Simply Wall St and stay ahead with our alerts for any critical updates on your stocks.

Enhance your investing ability with the Simply Wall St app and enjoy free access to essential market intelligence spanning every continent.

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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 SGX:AWZ SGX:BEC and SGX:O39.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
U.S. veterans and families are traveling to Normandy on the northwest coast of France to pay their respects and commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when the U.S. and Allied forces invaded Europe during World War II back on June 6, 1944.

American Airlines tracked down the last living World War II veterans and offered to fly them to Normandy, and when the day came earlier this week, there were just 68 heroes who could travel on that flight.

The World War II veterans are now between the ages of 96 and 107. Many were headed back to that fateful place for the first time since they first saw the horrors of war as young adults. They were all celebrated before they boarded the American Airlines charter, adorned with American flags, at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

PHOTO: A group of U.S. World War II veterans, including three women, traveled to the Normandy region of France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. (ABC News)

Americans who helped win WWII receive heroes' welcome in France

Only three women veterans were able to make it on the momentous trip, including Jeanne Gibson, a 98-year-old who was part of the group of women who became known as "Rosie the Riveters," who played a critical role during World War II and were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in April.

PHOTO: Jeanne Gibson, now 98, was 18 when she joined as a Rosie the Riveter and worked as a welder at a Seattle shipyard during World War II. (ABC News)

Gibson was only 18 years old when she became a "Rosie" and left college to go work as a welder in a Seattle shipyard, one of 6 million women who put their lives on hold to take essential jobs for the war effort, such as building war planes and battleships.

"It takes somebody who can say 'I can do it' to do it," Gibson said of the war effort at the time.

Gibson still works at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California, giving tours. She says she especially loves reminding young girls that "they can do it."

The 80th-Anniversary of D-Day

Connie Palacioz, 99, is another "Rosie" who joined the special journey to Normandy. Like Gibson, Palacioz joined at 18 and served as a "Rosie" for four years, working on B-17 planes.

PHOTO: Connie Palacioz, 99, served as a Rosie the Riveter for four years and worked on B-17 planes. (ABC News)

At 100, Marjorie Stone from Amherst, Massachusetts, is the oldest of the three women on the trip.

PHOTO: Marjorie Stone, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, is one of dozens of U.S. veterans being honored in France ahead of the 80th D-Day anniversary. (ABC News)

"You wanted to be doing something. It meant a lot to do that," Stone recalled of her decision to join the war effort.

When all three women joined, it was the first time in the nation's history that all U.S. military branches allowed women to enlist. More than 350,000 women answered the call at the time.

The Rosie the Riveters were among the many Women Ordnance Workers -- government-contracted civilians -- who worked alongside their uniformed counterparts in the Navy's Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service arm, or WAVES, and the Womens Army Corps, or WAC, to assist with the war effort. The Ordnance Department workers, known as WOWs, "wore WOW bandannas, designed in accordance with U.S. Army specification, to be easily identified," according to the U.S. Army website.

While a total of 85,000 women "worked directly for the Ordnance Department," the Army states, "the Rosie the Riveter movement helped push the number of working women to 20 million during the four years of World War II."

"I feel like we started something. There were no women in at that point and we started it, and look where women are now. So, we started something," Stone said.

American Airlines Captain Timothy Raynor told "GMA" ahead of the flight, "The amount of history that's going to be in the back of this plane, it's just unparalleled. Probably like nothing we will ever see in our careers again."

After the flight landed in Paris, the veterans visited one of several American cemeteries in France, and 107-year-old Reynolds L. Tomter, who served as an aerial gunner during World War II, was given the honor of laying a wreath.

"Believe in America, for sure. There is no greater place," Tomter said.

In Normandy, the veterans were greeted by local French residents, who were excited to see the men and women who helped liberate their country in the 1940s. The veterans were also escorted to the World War II Memorial Museum, where local children greeted them and they were treated to special music, including "The U.S. Air Force."

Women veterans return to Normandy for 80th D-Day anniversary originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Andrei Marek, a woodworker from Romania, used his life savings to buy a plane ticket to America after he lost his job. He waited five years for his wife and daughter to join him.

Highly educated in all forms of design and architecture, Marek had been employed at the palace when Romanian head of state Nicolae Ceausescu was overthrown and executed by firing squad during an anti-communist uprising in 1989.

Marek would end up in Holland, Michigan. And all these years later, at age 75, he finds himself talking about the drawings and craftsmanship involved with re-creating the famous ticket lobby clock in Michigan Central Station in Detroit. The six-year, multimillion dollar restoration of the depot was led by Ford Motor Co., Executive Chair Bill Ford and thousands of workers who turned a shell of a 1913 Beaux Arts-style structure into a masterpiece.

A clock piece from the ticket lobby was returned and used to recreate the original clock, which now hangs at Michigan Central Station in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit.

The clock is prominently featured for visitors walking through the train station, just as it was back in the day.

But getting it up there wasn't easy.

In January 2021, the first relic of the missing  assumed lost  historic ticket lobby clock surfaced, said Austin Giesey, project manager responsible for the interior historic finishes for the Christman/Brinker Corktown Joint Venture.

Bits and pieces used to guide re-creation

"A local collector and antique dealer arrived on-site with a van full of parts and pieces he thought were interesting. Wrapped in a moving blanket was a shard of the cast-iron clock face," Giesey told the Free Press. "Having only a grainy historic black and white photo of the clock, exacting detail was not discernible. This shard was the first item to begin filling in missing details about the original appearance of the clock. This led to finding a larger broken piece in a local antique shop. From that meeting, another contact was made. Construction management staff, with cash in hand, were able to procure other important missing pieces of ornamentation in southwest Detroit."

An original piece of the ticket lobby clock that hung in Michigan Central Station, which opened in 1913.

These pieces were given to Marek as patterns.

The original clock is thought to have been broken apart and sold as scrap, Giesey said. "But luckily, pieces had been saved and were used to re-create this monumental timepiece faithfully and accurately."

The clock is 6 feet tall, 8 feet wide and weighs approximately 1,000 pounds.

The clock mechanism, control system and replication of numerals and clock hands were made by Electric Time Co. of Medfield, Massachusetts. The ornamental clock face overlay was created by laser scanning the found piece of cast iron. Then, using 3D technology, a complete model of the overlay was created. From this, a mold was made to re-create it in a resin-based final product, Giesey said.

The white clock face is Italian statuary marble for the 68-inch diameter, half-inch thick face.

It took nearly a year to build the clock.

Andrei Marek, a woodworker from Romania who used his life savings for a ticket to America, carved the ticket lobby clock that hangs in Michigan Central Station. He is seen here starting the project on Dec. 30, 2021. He worked for Zeeland Architectural Components.

"Restoration is kind of a complex job. We had a copy of original drawings. In woodworking, we have to make a full-scale drawing," Marek told the Detroit Free Press. "So I redrew the clock going to full scale and then I started work on that clock. I did the drawing and carving the parts they needed. It took a few months, back and forth, to do the drawings and get approval and make the changes and wait for approval. ... It's not like you start work at 6 and finish at 5. There's research and trial and error and we reach a final conclusion and agree and then start working."

'Imagining, dreaming and thinking'

Everything is preparation, Marek said. That includes selecting the wood and its color, thickness and grain.

Woodworkers, including Marek, still use hand chisels.

"The people who carved pyramids 5,000 to 10,000 years ago, they use chisels. I use similar chisels today," he said. "I'm an old man. I did work on any wood that grows on the surface of the earth. But this wood they used to build this case for this clock was mahogany. It wasn't genuine mahogany, but it was the family of mahogany. That species of wood is one of the best for a wood carver. It's relatively soft and strong enough to keep the geometry and form. The result is already, shall I say, beautiful. It doesn't need to be that much stained or finished because the color is already there."

The clock consumed his thoughts for months, Marek said. "I am imagining, dreaming and thinking about all the work I did."

Research included looking at old, blurry photos and trying to make out detail, said John Van Dyke, 70, of Holland, retired operations manager for Zeeland Architectural Components, which is an adviser on special projects such as the train station. His company employed Marek, who recently retired and moved to North Carolina to be near his daughter.

Marek knows history so well that he understands all the architectural and period touches.

Andrei Marek, a woodworker, spent nearly a year designing and re-creating the ticket lobby clock that hangs in Michigan Central Station. He is seen here on Feb. 8, 2022. He worked for Zeeland Architectural Components.

"I don't believe anybody can do what Andre can do anymore," Van Dyke said. "There are people who can execute the actual chisel work with the carving, but I don't know of anyone else who has that, coupled with architectural knowledge and the ability to draw everything in a very artistic way."

Marek worked on other fine woodworking elements throughout the train station, but the clock is his greatest work. Again and again, Marek talks about being thankful for his role in the project.

"You can hear my accent," he said. "I wasn't able to master the English language. Because I'm an immigrant, to be able to get that kind of job is a tremendous honor."

A life of perseverance

Marek, who was born in Transylvania, calls himself a hillbilly because he grew up in the mountains. His ancestors were coal miners. Marek was sponsored by a cousin in Michigan and worked with a furniture company at the time to get the immigration paperwork done.

"It's a wonderful story that he just persevered," Van Dyke said.

Then, and with the Michigan Central clock, now.

Re-creating a cast iron clock with wood took skill, Van Dyke said. "The finishing would make it look like it was that cast metal. we did it in mahogany because it's the most stable wood. Its expansion and contraction are minimal and it's pretty rot-resistant. It's easily machined and carved, yet it's a tough enough wood that it won't crush if you bump it too hard. It's not inexpensive, but it's good for something you want to last 50 years."

A plaster carving of the ticket lobby clock under construction, before being hung in Michigan Central Station.

Hanging the clock took skill because of its weight. So there's a French cleat method of hanging that involves an internal metal frame that hangs on another metal frame that's mounted to the wall. For the clock mechanisms to work properly, everything must be stable. And it's made with marble behind the clock face.

Electric Time Co., the supplier of the clock mechanism that moves the clock arms, met to discuss the physics of weight displacement and balance, Van Dyke said.

At least a dozen people worked to create the clock by the time it was all said and done.

'Bringing history alive'

James Sprague, managing editor of Horological Times, a magazine for the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute, based in Harrison, Ohio, near Cincinnati, said clockmakers are known to roll up their sleeves and pursue restoration with passion.

"For them, its not just about 'lets get this clock running again,' " Sprague told the Free Press. "In my experience, clockmakers are mathematicians, scientists, historians and, most importantly, artisans."

The Michigan Central Station clock sits above the ticket lobby.

While many people have cellphones and smartwatches, analog timepieces provide beauty, he said. "The skill, the finesse and the techniques that are needed to create a clock are just absolutely mind-blowing and amazing. When someone makes the effort and has funds to restore something like that clock in that station, it's s bringing history alive. That clock meant something, or had an impact on all those people that went through that station."

More: Michigan Central Station: How secret basement, flooding nightmare led to renovation delays

More: Ford reopened quarry to get exact limestone match for Michigan Central Station renovation

More: Michigan Central Station restoration: Surprising technology used to save historic pieces

Editor's Note: The reporter's husband worked on the train station as an electrician. And her great-great grandfather founded T.J. Wall & Sons paint company in Corktown in the 1800s.

Contact Phoebe Wall Howard: 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter @phoebesaid. Read more on Ford and sign up for our autos newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Central Station's recreated lobby clock brings back history
WORCESTER  Fire officials credit quick thinking by first-arriving firefighters for the rescue of two people trapped on the third floor in a burning building at the Washington Heights apartment complex early Tuesday.

"Worcester firefighters saved two lives today," Assistant Fire Chief Adam Roche said.

Fire Chief Martin Dyer added, They did an absolutely fantastic job. They applied their training, made the really good decisions and we have a really good outcome because of it.

The fire went to three alarms.

The fire, at 52 Outlook Drive, was reported about 2:30 a.m. Soon, flames filled at least one of the buildings in the multi-structure complex and quickly spread to two others.

On arrival, there was heavy fire in the back of No. 52 Outlook (Drive) on all floors but the fire had gotten into the attic on the third floor, Roche said.

The two people who were trapped on the third floor were rescued using ground ladders.

"Firefighters took two people over a ladder out of the third floor while protecting them with hose lines," Roche said. "So they really did an incredible job, protecting with hose lines and taking them over ground ladders. We couldnt use aerial devices back there, due to the way its set up. So we had to use ground ladders.

Roche said it was extremely difficult to get the two people trapped in the burning building out.

Its very labor intensive to bring ground ladders to the backside of a building and rescue people from a third floor with fire rolling over their heads, Roche said. Extremely hard work that they performed this morning.

Dyer gave special praise to Chief Thomas Harding, the incident commander, at the scene. Thirty more seconds and the two people trapped inside the burning building might not have survived, Dyer said.

Those two, along with one other resident, were transported to a hospital.

Roach said 36 units in three buildings were damaged by the fire. He said it will be a total loss for at least 24 of the units, maybe more.

Fire ran through the attic and spread very quickly, Roche said. Number 50 (Outlook Drive) is least affected but there is still smoke and water damage.

Its scary, scary, totally scary, said Danielle Poirier, as she tightly clenched her 3-year-old son, Xhaydan, and fought to hold back tears. I never had to deal with something like this ever in my life.

Poirier, who has lived in the basement at 54 Outlook Drive for 15 years, was staying overnight at her mothers when she received a call in the middle of the night that her apartment complex was on fire.

If I was home, I would have been sleeping in the basement in my apartment, which is all flooded out right now, Poirier said. I lost everything. Everything.

Displaced residents wait outside the fire-damaged apartment building at Washington Heghts Tuesday morning.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army were on scene Tuesday morning, aiding the people who were driven from their homes. The fire displaced 35 people, many of them young children, according to the Salvation Army.

The Red Cross set up a temporary shelter at the Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence St. The Salvation Army distributed baby supplies.

The devastating impact is going to remain. We have dozens of people who are displaced, Dyer said. We dont have a lot of housing out there so were really going have to work with emergency management and the Red Cross to make sure theyre OK.

Wearing her pajamas that she went to sleep in the night before and her bedroom slippers, Jeanne Moreno tried to recline comfortably in a cushioned chair at the Worcester Senior Center, where she will be staying there for the next three days, she said.

Moreno, who lives on the first floor of 52 Outlook Drive, said she was awoken by the fire alarms a little after 2 a.m., unbeknownst that the fire was raging two stories above her.

I went to the front door because the alarms go off semifrequently, and to see if I could detect any smoke and I didnt, Moreno said. So I closed the door, turned around. I was heading back to my bedroom and then I saw over my balcony through the curtains a red glow. And I was like, Oh, no. This cant be.

Then Moreno said she started seeing what she describes as fireballs falling onto her balcony.

I was like, how could this be? she said. The alarms just went off.

Moreno momentarily froze. Then, she realized she had to act fast, leave the premises and quickly grab anything she thought was truly important.

Ive talked to my kids when they were younger. And you say, If your house ever catches on what would you save? What is really important? But Ill tell you when that happens, all of that goes out the window. Nothing. You cant think of anything, Moreno said. My kids are grown now, so there were no kids to save, because of course that would have been the first. So really, all there was was Tachi, my little dog.

Moreno found her dogs collar and lease and put it on her Yorkshire terrier. What she saw and heard next horrified her.

There were people trapped in the apartment upstairs. I could hear neighbors downstairs yelling, Come on! Get out! Get out! You can get out! And some animals were trapped, Moreno said. It was horrible. Everybodys yelling for people to get out! Get out! And then, smoke was just everywhere.

When she opened the front door, heavy black smoke poured into her apartment.

Stuff was falling. One of the embers hit my dog and her fur got singed. So I cleaned it off so she wouldnt get burned. It was hitting me and then we just ran out, Moreno said. I turned around and it was a blaze. All you could see in the apartment of my upstairs neighbor, Jenny, was that her whole living room was burning right up to the roof.

Suffering with a share of health issues and the recent loss of her mother a few months ago, Moreno, 61, said she glad to be alive but cant even fathom starting over again.

I just, just, from Amazon, bought a dining room set. It was still in the box, waiting to be put together. And I bought a nice wooden coffee table. And my son just put it together for me, the day of the fire, Moreno said. And over the last few months, I have slowly been changing over my wardrobe. I finally lost the 20 pounds that I gained over the pandemic. I got rid of all my clothes that I had been wearing and I have been buying online clothesAnd I had just replaced almost my whole wardrobe. And then this.

A couple of months ago, Moreno got a makeup vanity, something she said she wanted her whole life. And on her vanity was two $50 bills that her son gave her for a set of pots and pans set that she has been eyeing at for months. She put the money there for safekeeping but didnt think to grab it when she ran out of the house.

Not only did she lose all her belongings, Moreno only has the bedtime clothes on her back and what little was in her purse.

I dont even have a toothbrush, Moreno said. I just left. And its overwhelming, because Im only human. And its hard.

The fire appears to have started in the apartment building at 52 Outlook Drive, but the cause remains under investigation, Roche said.

The Worcester Fire Department, the state fire marshal's office and the state police are involved in the investigation.

A week ago, two people were killed in a late-night house fire on Hancock Street in Worcester.

Flames broke through the roof of the apartment building on Outlook Drive.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester firefighters battle apartment blaze at Washington Heights
This photo, from Aug. 17, 2010, shows Judge Janet Kenton-Walker being congratulated by Gov. Deval L. Patrick during a swearing-in ceremony in Worcester Superior Court.

Worcester Superior Court Judge Janet Kenton-Walker, who has presided over some of the most serious cases in Worcester County since her appointment in 2009, served her last day on the bench Monday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Its been a true privilege and an honor to have served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a judge of the Superior Court, Kenton-Walker said during a retirement event in courtroom 18, according to official court audio.

Appointed to the Superior Court in 2009 by then-Gov. Deval L. Patrick, Kenton-Walker presided over cases involving the woman charged in the Blackstone House of Horrors case, and the man who murdered Vanessa Marcotte in Princeton, among other high-profile cases.

She has taken on some of the most difficult cases and made some of the most difficult rulings to come out of this court, fellow Worcester Superior Court Judge James Gavin Reardon Jr., without mentioning any cases by name, told a crowd that packed her courtroom Monday around noon. Her decisions have been firmly rooted in the rule of law and were made with wisdom, compassion and understanding.

Judge Janet Kenton-Walker talks with attorneys during a pretrial hearing in April.

She has been a mentor and colleague to every judge who has come through the Worcester Superior Court.

Attendees of Mondays event included the chief justice of the Massachusetts Trial Court, Heidi E. Brieger, and the chief justice of the Superior Court, Michael D. Ricciuti, along with many family members, friends and lawyers, both practicing and retired.

I think shes done a very commendable job and I think shes going to be missed, Peter L. Ettenberg, a retired Worcester defense lawyer who attended the ceremony, told the Telegram & Gazette Monday afternoon.

Ettenberg said he appreciated Kenton-Walkers remarks, during which she offered heartfelt thanks to not only colleagues and lawyers but also staff in the building from clerks, to court officers, to custodial staff.

Kenton-Walker had ample time to coalesce with those who kept up the building, since she, as Reardon remarked, routinely arrived to work before colleagues.

I dont think anyones ever been in the garage before she has in the morning, Reardon said. It is a reflection of her commitment that she has freely devoted many extra hours to her judicial work.

Reardon praised Kenton-Walker as serving with intelligence, integrity and courage.

Shes willing to make decisions that are going to upset some people, but that doesnt mean theyre not the right decisions, Ettenberg said.

In the House of Horrors case, Kenton-Walker ruled that Erika Murray wasnt guilty of murder in the deaths of her children.

"Regardless of how disturbing the facts surrounding this case are to the community at large and to me as a parent, I cannot take into account those feelings," Kenton-Walker said from the bench at the time.

In the 2016 murder of Marcotte, Kenton-Walker denied an attempt by the defense to throw out DNA evidence  a critical ruling for the prosecution that preceded the killer, Angelo Colon-Ortiz, electing to plead guilty.

Because shes taken on difficult cases, shes been criticized on some of her rulings, Ettenberg said, speaking of her work in general. But it takes courage to make those decisions.

Ettenberg said Kenton-Walker was always well prepared  and expected lawyers to be, too.

(Her retirement) takes a lot of experience away from that court, he said.

Kenton-Walker did not refer to any specific cases in her remarks Monday but alluded to the difficulty of the job.

She thanked her twin sister for the involuntary burden imposed by looking just like her, recalling that at one point, she had to inform her of a threat she had received.

The courts are there to protect the rights of everyone including unpopular individuals, Kenton-Walker said, adding that the political world can undermine judicial independence.

Therefore all of us in the legal community must explain to everyone else why judicial independence is not just important to us, but important to them, as well, she said.

Kenton-Walker said judicial independence offers the only meaningful protection for the fundamental rights (we) enjoy. Simply, she said, while people might not agree with a ruling in a particular case, we all must defend the judges independence to make it, because it offers the best hope for our democracy.

Kenton-Walker went on to add that she used the word hope deliberately.

Let me be very clear  hope does not mean faith, she said. Hope is what we desire to happen as long as we are prepared to work hard to make it occur.

Hope is what enables us to keep going in the face of adversity, she continued, adding, Have hope, as I do, that there will always be an independent judiciary in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Reardon Monday noted that retirement will free Kenton-Walker up for more time with family  she recently welcomed grandchildren and thanked her husband amply during her remarks  as well as, Reardon revealed, her hobby of competitive horse riding.

You might not think that horses and justice have a lot in common, but you would be mistaken, Reardon said as he joked that much of Kenton-Walkers advice in chambers was framed as allusions to the equestrian world.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester Superior Court Judge Janet Kenton-Walker retires
(Bloomberg) -- Each day, Bloomberg journalists take you across a selection of towns and cities as they gear up for the big vote.

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Were firmly in New Delhi today, where Indias voters have once again thrown up an election surprise. Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party  which was widely expected to come roaring back to power  is poised to fall short of a parliamentary majority. That means Modi is at the mercy of fickle alliance partners if he wants a historic third term as premier. The main opposition Congress party has just met the press and said it will meet its alliance partners on Wednesday to strategize, including on whether to bid to form the new government. Modi himself is due to speak to BJP workers later Tuesday and might address the media. Stay tuned.

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Indias election result is a stunning blow to a leader who has dominated Indian politics since he first took power a decade ago. The NSE Nifty 50 Index tumbled 5.9%, its worst day in more than four years, as it became clear the election outcome would be much closer than expected.

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The Congress party said it will talk to potential partners after discussing with its allies. The partys chief Mallikarjun Kharge said no political party has won a clear majority in Indias elections and described the results as a mandate against Modi.

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Indias mammoth election runs through June 1, with counting scheduled for June 4. This map from the Election Commission of India shows which constituencies vote when.

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Last year, federal courts in Washington, D.C. forced Elon Musks X Corp. to fork over reams of data from Donald Trumps account to special counsel Jack Smith without telling Trump and giving him a chance to intervene.

Now the company is urging the Supreme Court to prevent such a scenario from unfolding again, a demand that could radically alter the way criminal investigators deploy secret search warrants and subpoenas for sensitive information.

X Corp. is asking the justices to consider whether social media services can be forced to share data about their users with government investigators while being barred from informing those users about the requests.

Trumps material, the company noted, might have been subject to claims of executive privilege. But other users might have their own privileges to invoke, from attorneys to journalists to spouses.

In the case of Trumps account, a federal district judge in Washington D.C., Beryl Howell, rejected X Corp.s protestations and endorsed a so-called nondisclosure order that barred the company from informing Trump about Smiths subpoena. She reasoned that prosecutors had presented evidence that informing Trump could endanger the information and cause risks to Smiths probe.

In February 2023, Howell held the company, which Musk had recently purchased, in contempt for dragging its feet on producing the material. The judge fined the company $350,000. And she wondered aloud whether Musk was impeding Smiths investigation to ingratiate himself to the former president.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals supported Howells decision, but the courts four conservatives wrote a blistering opinion criticizing the ruling for permitting prosecutors to evade a potential executive privilege fight.

X Corp., represented by prominent attorneys from WilmerHale, contended that the D.C. courts decisions failed to protect the companys First Amendment right to communicate with its customers.

Smith has already obtained voluminous data from Trumps account, a component of his effort to pinpoint Trumps actions in the key weeks leading up to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. But X Corp. says the legal issue at the heart of its Supreme Court petition is likely to recur. In fact, the company is mounting a similar battle against nondisclosure orders in an investigation that was made public earlier this year by Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who similarly ruled against the company.
In August 1995, Jennifer Myers was tied up, robbed and sexually assaulted in the art gallery she owned in West Manchester Township.

She didnt know her assailant, who robbed her of $40 after sexually assaulting her, but a few days later, she spotted the man working at a Sheetz convenience store not far from her gallery.

She called the police and when the officers searched his car, they found a loaded gun, rope and a newspaper article about the robbery. They also found a pair of sunglasses that resembled the ones Myers told police her assailant was wearing.

Jennifer Myers was murdered 27 years ago. Her convicted killer, Kevin Dowling, had won a new trial in 2022, but now the state Supreme Court had reinstated his conviction.

Kevin Dowling, then 39, was charged with robbery, indecent assault and attempted rape.

On Oct. 20, 1997, two days before Dowling was to go to trial on those charges, Myers, a 44-year-old mother of two, was found dead in her new art gallery, The Gray Fox Gallery in Spring Groves Spring Forge Plaza, shot three times, once in the chest, once in the shoulder and once in one of her eyes. Witnesses told police that they had heard three loud bangs at about 1 p.m. that day.

Dowling was charged with her murder a short time later. He had tried to concoct an alibi, according to prosecutors, by staging a video of a solo fishing trip in Lancaster County. He also claimed he was at a strip joint in Harrisburg at the time of Myers murder.

The jury didnt buy it and convicted Dowling of first-degree murder and sentenced him to death.

Dowling appealed the conviction and in February 2022, Lebanon County Senior Judge Robert Eby ruled that Dowlings defense lawyer was ineffective and that prosecutors did not turn over evidence that may have pointed to his innocence. Further, the judge ruled that prosecutors presented evidence that it knew or should have known to be materially false, the judge wrote in his 31-page ruling.

Eby ruled that Dowling should receive a new trial.

Now, two years later, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, reviewing the case, overturned Ebys ruling, sending Dowling back to death row from York County Prison, where he had been held since being granted a new trial.

At issue in the appeal was a register tape from Kennies Market in the shopping center. A witness told police, and later testified, that she had seen Dowling in the parking lot at about 11:30 a.m. the day Myers was murdered. However, the time printed in her receipt showed it was earlier. A state police trooper testified that the clock on the register was slow by 20 minutes and that the receipt could have collaborated the witnesss statement.

Coverage of the trial: Fish, lies and videotape: Read YDR's complete 1998 coverage of Kevin Dowling's murder trial

Previously Kevin Dowling, sentenced to death in infamous 1997 Spring Grove murder, awarded new trial

Dowling also claimed that weight given to the testimony of his daughter and a fellow inmate should be discounted, that the inmate could have gleaned details of the crime from news reports and that his daughter was mentally ill and had a poor memory and suffered from blackouts. His daughter had testified that Dowling told her, when she was 13, that the (sexual assault) case is too much for him to handle; that, you know, it cant go on any longer and that (Myers) was going to die for it.

Supreme Court Justice David Wecht reviewed Dowlings claims, along with the claim raised by Dowling that his trial attorney, Gerald Lord, had failed to investigate the matter and also failed to call an expert witness to testify about the time stamped on the register tape, and found them wanting.

Dismissing Dowlings assertions, Wecht wrote in a decision dated May 31 that the evidence established there was no reasonable probability that ... the result of the proceeding would have been different.

Wecht concluded that the totality of the evidence supported Dowlings conviction and the lower court erred in granting Dowling relief.

Dowling, now 65, will return to death row to wait execution. It may not happen any time soon, if ever. Former Gov. Tom Wolf, citing the cost, placed a moratorium on executions in 2015 and current Gov. Josh Shapiro has said he will not sign any death warrants while in office and has asked the state Legislature to abolish the death penalty in the commonwealth.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: York County PA killer Kevin Dowling heads back to death row
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A York County man pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a New York teenage girl who was reported missing, officials said.

Dale Kumler, 25, of Glen Rock, pleaded guilty Thursday to charges of statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors, and unlawful contact with minor  sexual offenses, the York County District Attorneys office said.

Other charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person less than 16 years age, indecent assault and an additional statutory sexual assault charge were dismissed, court documents show.

Police: Shooting leads to crash on Route 30 in York County

Sentencing for Kumler is scheduled to be on Sept. 5.

The Erie County, New York Sheriffs Office began looking for the missing teen from Grand Island, NY.

Investigators thought she was in Pennsylvania after finding an online conversation between her and Kumler. She was found at Kumlers home by State Police the same day she was reported missing.

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Kumler admitted to investigators he had sexual relations with the girl and was taken into custody. He was lodged in York County Prison and denied bail.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WEST MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM)  Police in York County are looking for a man who allegedly attempted to sexually assault an individual.

West Manchester Township Police say on June 3 around 7:30 p.m. officers responded to the attempted assault but were unable to locate the suspect near the 2800 block of Roosevelt Ave.

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Police identified the man as a white male, over 56 tall, in his 50s, with blue eyes, shoulder-length straight white hair, a white beard, and with a tattoo of a blue star on the back of his hand.

The suspect, who police say may be homeless or transient, was wearing a gray shirt with holes in it, tan cargo shorts, and flip-flops.

Anyone who can help identify the suspect is asked to contact West Manchester Township Police.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
A long-shot MAGA political stunt to personally interfere with the judge who ultimately found Donald Trump liable for bank fraud fizzled out quietly months ago, according to a state document marked confidential obtained by The Daily Beast.

New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur F. Engoron and his law clerk, Allison Greenfield, were cleared by a state commission of allegations of inappropriate bias and judicial intemperance.

The decision appears to have surprised the Republican congresswoman who filed the complaint. Asked on Monday about its dismissal, staff for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) responded by demanding to know on what basis The Daily Beast could assert the complaint went nowhere. Stefaniks executive director, Alex DeGrasse, did not say whether the congresswoman had received a copy of the decision. After this story was published, DeGrasse told The Daily Beast in a statement, New Yorks court system is partisan, corrupt, and rigged. Chairwoman Elise Stefanik and House Republicans will continue to expose the blatant illegal lawfare and weaponization of the government and courts against President Trump.

During Trumps bank fraud trial last year, the former president employed allies to engage in bad-faith attacks on Engoron and Greenfield. The most prominent was an ethics complaint filed by Stefanik to the states judicial commission, describing serious concerns about  inappropriate bias and judicial intemperance shown.

Although nearly all such complaints are filed and processed in secret, Stefanik announced the accusation on X in November, in what was largely seen as an attempt to get in Trumps good graces and elevate her profile while the presumptive Republican presidential nominee narrows down his list of candidates for vice president.

Judge Arthur F. Engoron presides over Donald Trump's civil fraud case at New York State Supreme Court on Oct. 17, 2023 in New York City. Andrew Kelly-Pool/Getty Images

Americans are sick and tired of the blatant corruption by radical Leftist judges in NY, Stefanik wrote in a 1,800-word post. All New Yorkers must speak out against the dangerous weaponized lawfare against President Trump.

In her letter, Stefanik breathlessly claimed the judge illegally gagged Trumpwhen in fact the judge merely barred the former president from launching unprecedented attacks against court staff. Stefanik also alleged that Engoron and his law clerk were partisan Democrat donors, drawing attention to Greenfields political spending but conveniently ignoring the fact she was legitimately running for local public office, to become a judge herself.

Judge Engorons bizarre and biased behavior is making New Yorks judicial system a laughingstock, Stefanik wrote to the commission on Nov. 10, 2023.

But Engoron and Greenfield got the last laugh.

On March 14, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct chucked out Stefaniks accusation. The legal process typically takes place behind closed doors, but The Daily Beast acquired a copy of the decision.

The commission dismissed the complaint, having found no basis on the facts presented to commence an investigation, wrote Robert H. Tembeckjian, the commission administrator and counsel.

As a result, Trump wont have some of the ammunition he was hoping for as he seeks to appeal the half-billion-dollar judgment hanging over his real estate portfolio in New York and beyond.

Donald Trump sits in the courtroom during his civil fraud trial at New York Supreme Court on Jan. 11, 2024 in New York City. Jefferson Siegel-Pool/Getty Images

In February, Engoron issued a $364 million judgment that has ballooned with interest. After struggling to find a lender willing to help him post the massive bond, Trump eventually settled on a little-known insurance company that isnt even licensed in New York. The Daily Beast quickly discovered that the insurer is playing a corporate shell game in the Cayman Islands that fraud experts said stinks to high heaven.

Next to such sums, Stefaniks doomed judicial ethics complaint might seem inconsequentialwere it not for what it represented: one part of Trumps assault on the judiciary as he faces criminal indictments and costly lawsuits.

Every time a judge hits Trump with a gag order limiting his ability to direct his loyalist MAGA brigades rage against the courts, prosecutors, and witnesses, the former president relies on other politicians to pick up the baton.

When Trump was indicted in Atlanta for attempting to corrupt the 2020 election in Georgia, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) used his leadership position in Congress to legally demand information about the local prosecutors actions. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis responded in a letter accusing Jordan of abusing your authority as Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary to attempt to obstruct and interfere with a Georgia criminal prosecution.

The pattern repeated itself in New York, where Jordan tried to meddle with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs criminal prosecution of Trump by convening a show hearing to discuss Braggs pro-crime, anti-victim policies. Bragg sued Jordan, to stop his intimidation.

In Stefaniks case, the congresswomans empty judicial ethics complaint picked up on allegations initially made in a Twitter screed posted by a MAGA troll in Wisconsinone who later sued Greenfield, dropped the case, then sued her again.

These attempts to disrupt the bank fraud trial occurred while Engorons chambers were flooded with death threats aimed at him and Greenfield. At one point, the situation grew so severe that the U.S. Department of Justice pointed to it to support its calls for a federal gag order on Trump in his Washington-based election interference case.

In the end, Stefaniks complaint proved to be nothing more than a distractionlike so much of Trumps legal strategy.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Chinese insurance company Fanhua has entered into a partnership with Baidu AI Cloud to create Du Xiaobao, an AI-powered insurance sales assistant.

The collaboration aims to support insurance agents with advanced digital tools, facilitating a smarter and efficient sales experience.

Under the agreement, Fanhua and Baidu will pool their resources to develop and manage Du Xiaobao.

Fanhua will contribute servers, insurance knowledge data, a product development team and an expert team.

Meanwhile, Baidu will provide large model dialogue, model refining capabilities and financial model middleware technical support.

Baidu's contribution will also involve upgrading traditional insurance marketing support tools to improve language processing, emotional expression and logical reasoning.

This partnership is expected to empower insurance agents to adapt to market changes and customer needs more effectively, ultimately boosting sales efficiency and service quality.

Du Xiaobao is due to begin beta testing with seed users in June 2024, with the official launch of version 1.0 scheduled for July 2024.

The first version will utilise intelligent dialogue to offer support to insurance sales agents in various scenarios, including insurance knowledge Q&A, product consultation, professional development, marketing and intelligent customer management.

Fanhua co-founder, vice-chairman and CEO Yinan Hu said: Envisioning the future insurance market, we firmly believe that AI robots will become the most proficient independent brokers. It will introduce a next-generation production method, revolutionising the operational systems and models currently used in the insurance industry.

With the application of AI large models, customers can enjoy a more professional and convenient insurance purchasing and claims service experience. Fanhua and Baidu will join hands to usher the insurance industry into a new era, achieving leaps in productivity and efficiency.

Baidu executive vice-president and Baidu AI cloud business group chief Dou Shen said: We believe that with our combined efforts, AI robots will become the new driving force in insurance distribution, and our large model technology will see broader application and sustained development on Fanhuas platform.

Earlier in the year, Fanhua announced a $500m (3.62bn yuan) investment agreement with the Singapore-based investment company White Group and its partners.

"Fanhua partners with Baidu to develop AI insurance assistant " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.

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A New Yorker turned her one-bedroom apartment into a colorful dream space with 'dopamine decor'

A New Yorker turned her one-bedroom apartment into a colorful dream space with 'dopamine decor'

Maitri Mody moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, New York, in February.

She decorated the apartment with "dopamine decor," filling it with things that make her happy.

Paint, stick-and-peel wallpaper, and light fixtures made all the difference in her rental space.

As Maitri Mody settled into her new apartment, she knew she needed to put her stamp on it.

Mody is a content creator and interior decorator based in New York City.

In February, she moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood with her pug, Ari.

As a maximalist and fan of bright decor, Mody wanted to fill her apartment with color, even though she was only renting.

Take a look at how Mody transformed her space using renter-friendly "dopamine decor," as she described her style to Business Insider.

Maitri Mody used "dopamine decor" to decorate her apartment.

The apartment is full of color. Maitri Mody

Recently, personalization has become a bigger priority than ever to many millennial homeowners and renters, with resale value and security deposits being overshadowed by the need to make a space their own.

For some, that means ditching the "sad beige" aesthetic in favor of colorful, one-of-a-kind spaces. Mody took things a step further by embracing "dopamine decor," a trend revolving around filling your home with things that make you feel happy when you're in it, much like "dopamine dressing."

"It gives you an instant serotonin boost when you walk into a space because it's all the things that make you happy," Mody told Business Insider of the style.

Mody's happy home is full of "colorful, joyful, and maximalist" decor, as well as some influence from Danish pastels.

It can be difficult for some people to add that kind of color to a rental property, but Mody made it work.

Her one-bedroom apartment was a blank canvas when she moved in.

The apartment came with neutral colors. Maitri Mody

Like many modern apartments, Mody's space was full of neutral tones when she moved in, including the white walls and countertops.

Because she preferred bright colors, Mody decided to paint areas of the apartment, even though she knew she would have to make the walls white again when she moved someday.

"Usually painting, it's easy to get permission from a landlord," Mody said. "I've got it in my last three apartments, and it was always that, 'Oh, if you paint, as long as you paint it back to the original color, we are OK with you painting.'"

"I think it's one of the easiest and most economical ways to add color to your space," Mody added.

"The first thing I did when I moved in was paint the ceiling in my living room pink," Mody said.

The ceiling is pink. Maitri Mody

Mody told BI she got input from her followers on whether she should paint her ceiling.

"It just adds a nice pop of color as opposed to plain white walls, and it doesn't even need to be paint and wallpaper," Mody said of bringing color to the walls or ceiling of a space, adding that artwork can also make a huge impact.

Mody made the pink on her ceiling pop even more by replacing the light fixtures that came with the apartment. In the living room, that meant more pink.

"I love spring, so I wanted something with flowers," she said of her vision for the living room's lights. Mody ended up finding pink, floral light fixtures. The flowers matched the ceiling, while the gold hardware offered contrast.

The space also features a multicolored rug, a pink couch, and colorful tables Mody painted herself.

Mody swapped the lights in her kitchen, too.

The kitchen came with modern lights. Maitri Mody

Mody is a big advocate of using light to personalize a space.

"If you don't want to swap out the fixtures or just cover it in some way, lamps like floor lamps, table lamps, all of those little touches make such a difference," Mody said.

Mody also said she swaps out her lightbulbs to create the aesthetic she wants in her home.

"I always remove the original bulbs and like the ambient ones," she said. "It's so easy to find on Amazon."

She ended up making DIY disco-ball lights to brighten the space.

She used reflective mirrors to create a disco look. Maitri Mody

In addition to the disco-ball lights, Mody applied small mirror tiles to rounded ceiling lamps so they sparkle when the sun hits them.

"I get so much direct sun that the mirrors reflect on the ceiling, especially during sunset and during golden hour," she said. "It creates a really nice vibe in the apartment when the sun hits directly."

Mody brought color to the kitchen by painting a column in the corner pink and creating a checked pattern on another using green contact paper.

"I just placed the squares next to each other," she said. "It was very quick and didn't really take that much time."

"I love how it looks, and it's super renter-friendly," Mody added.

Mody also incorporated color in her kitchen with her appliances.

The kitchen needed some color. Maitri Mody

Although design elements like paint and light fixtures help to create the maximalist and bright feel Mody likes, she also uses colorful appliances to brighten her space.

She found pieces she uses daily that boost her happiness.

The appliances themselves are bright. Maitri Mody

For instance, Mody has a red retro coffee maker, a pink toaster, and colorful canisters, to which she added googly eyes as a source of dopamine decor.

"It's just funny when you look at it," she said of the eyes.

She also has a vintage lamp shaped like a toucan that serves the same purpose, making it a priority to find things that make her smile.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper transformed the apartment, too.

The wallpaper covers the door. Maitri Mody

Mody brightened the apartment's entryway by covering her front door and the wall surrounding it with a curved, stick-and-peel wallpaper pattern in purple and white from Rebel Walls.

Mody told BI that stick-and-peel wallpaper is one of her favorite ways to bring color to a rental apartment, whether she uses it on a wall, a door, or inside a cabinet.

"I've also removed wallpapers, and they always come off easily," she said. "They don't really damage the paint unless the wall is already damaged."

"I've always gotten my deposits back with no deduction,'" Mody added.

Mody also wanted to use a fun wallpaper in her bedroom.

The bedroom needed color. Maitri Mody

Mody said she wanted to take inspiration from the floor-to-ceiling windows throughout her apartment for her bedroom decor.

"Because my space is so open, and you can see the whole outside from pretty much everywhere in my apartment, I wanted to bring that whole indoor-outdoor vibe and take it a notch further," she said.

A sky-patterned wallpaper became a focal point of the room.

Wallpaper transformed the space. Maitri Mody

Mody complemented the sky wallpaper from Rebel Wall with a curved, white bedframe that resembled a cloud and a nightstand covered in a cloud pattern that she painted herself.

"I've worked with a lot of different wallpaper prints, but this has to be one of my favorites," Mody said.

She also swapped the ceiling light for a rounded, white fixture, adding to the sky effect.

She even made color a priority in the bathroom.

The bathroom has several different colors. Maitri Mody

Mody didn't just get a colorful shower curtain and bath mat. Instead, she painted the walls a soft blue and filled the space with fun pieces like candles, a side table, and even a cherry-shaped toilet cleaner.

Mody said that maximalism often comes down to "paying attention to a lot of small details and making it all work together."

One of Mody's favorite ways to incorporate those dopamine-inducing details is with functional and colorful pieces, like the curved, green shelves she put up in her bathroom.

"The more color I can add in some way, the better it is, but it's also super easy to do," she said.

Mody also said that she incorporates color with light-switch plates in her home.

"I didn't realize how easy it was to do it," she said. "And now, on Etsy and so many places, you can get these fun light-switch plates. You can also get them custom-made."

Mody used plants and lights to brighten her patio.

The patio has a comfortable feel too. Maitri Mody

Rather than thinking of her balcony as an outdoor space, Mody conceptualized it as a second living room, filling it with cozy pieces like rounded chairs and twinkling lights that would make her want to spend time outside.

She also gave her balcony a more boho look than the rest of her apartment, telling BI that embracing different styles can be key to dopamine decor.

"All your rooms don't have to belong to one specific style," she said. "My balcony is very boho. It doesn't go with any of the stuff in the rest of my apartment, but I love that."

"You can love different design styles and incorporate all of them in your apartment," she added.

Mody hopes other renters know they can embrace dopamine decor.

Renting doesn't mean you can't decorate your home. Maitri Mody

Mody knows many people are hesitant to personalize rental spaces too much, but she thinks that's a mistake, especially for people who live in big cities that might be renting for years.

"You can always take your things with you and use them in the next apartment," she added. "Some things you can't, like paint and wallpaper, but it's still a good investment to personalize your space."

"Why not enjoy your space while you're renting and personalize it instead of wasting years?" she said. "Just because you're renting doesn't mean you're not living your life there."

Read the original article on Business Insider
President of France Emmanuel Macron (L) and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky attend the European Political Community (EPG) summit in Bulboaca. Zelensky is expected in France for an official visit on Thursday and Friday. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected in France for an official visit on Thursday and Friday.

President Emmanuel Macron will receive Zelensky at the Elysee Palace on Friday, the Elysee told dpa on Tuesday. The two planned to discuss the situation in the defence against the Russian invasion and the needs of Ukraine, it said.

It was already known that Zelensky would take part in the commemoration on Thursday of the Allied landings in Normandy 80 years ago in World War II.

Macron had announced that he wanted to comment on the issue of a possible deployment of French military trainers to Ukraine at this time.

The possibility of sending Western military trainers to the war zone in order to provide more effective support to the Ukrainian army, which has come under pressure, has been repeatedly discussed recently. Officially, there have been no such training programmes to date.

The fourth visit by the Ukrainian president since Russia launched its invasion just over two years ago offers Macron the opportunity to reaffirm France's determination to support Ukraine and its people in the long term and with all its partners, the Elysee Palace announced.

Back in February, Macron had already brought up the possibility of sending ground troops to Ukraine, which he did not want to rule out, sparking a lively debate among the Western NATO allies.

Zelensky will be received with military honours by French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Friday morning, the Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday, adding that Zelensky will then visit the defence company KNDS in Versailles and meet other representatives of the French defence industry.

US President Joe Biden, who is also attending the D-Day commemoration in Normandy, is also expected to be in France during Zelensky's visit. It is not yet known if and when the two will meet with Macron to discuss the situation in Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: the Office of the President of Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has held the session of Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. The agenda included countering Russian drones, specific fronts where the newly supplied air defence systems will be located, and building the fortifications.

Source: Zelenskyy on social media

Quote: "I have heard the report of Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, about the situation on the main fronts.

Rustem Umierov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine, and Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister for Strategic Industries, delivered their reports on countering Russian Orlan, Lantset and other drones, as well as the development of Ukrainian UAV and radio-electronic warfare technologies. We also have determined priority fronts for deployment of air defence systems that we've been expecting."

Details: Anatolii Barhylevych, Head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported on the level of training and equipping brigades and reserves with armament and personnel.

Heads of military administrations of Kharkiv, Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts reported about the further building of fortifications, protection of important facilities, mainly power generating ones, and current situation with power supply to households.

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The 3rd human case of bird flu in the US has 2 new and troubling symptoms

The H5N1 bird-flu virus has infected a third person in the US, this time with respiratory symptoms.

The new patient's cough and sore throat could help the virus get better at infecting humans.

Scientists fear the US is missing critical opportunities to check the virus's genome for new mutations.

The H5N1 bird-flu virus has once again infected a human. But this time, the unlucky patient had a cough and a sore throat, which is a new milestone for the virus's spread in the US.

The H5N1 virus has become a pandemic among animals, raging through worldwide bird populations and now through US cattle herds.

This latest human case, which the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed on Thursday, is the third known human case in the US, following one in Texas and another in Michigan.

All three people are dairy-farm workers who were exposed to infected cows, according to the CDC.

The first two cases, however, involved only eye symptoms, including conjunctivitis or pink eye. That means the infection was probably limited to their eyes. Now, it has hit someone's lungs.

The risk to the general public is still low, the CDC says, but these new symptoms suggest the virus may have entered a new phase of its flirtation with human infection.

Lungs give the virus more opportunity to adapt to humans

The St. Jude virologist Richard Webby is a leading researcher on an H5 group of influenza viruses, which have been circulating in bird populations for about 25 years.

Since 2021, the H5N1 virus has branched out to new frontiers of sustained spread, infecting dolphins and porpoises, migrating to the Americas, culling sea lions and seals, and now spreading through US cattle herds.

Scientists collecting organic material from a dead porpoise on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean during a bird-flu outbreak in Sao Jose do Norte, Brazil. Diego Vara/Reuters

"This virus keeps on turning up surprises," Webby, who directs the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals and Birds, told Business Insider. "Had you asked me, beginning of the year, what the chances are of H5 turning up in cows, I would have said exceedingly low."

Still, he said, H5N1 is still more of a bird virus than a mammalian virus. That's mainly because of the receptors it binds to in order to enter its hosts' cells and replicate itself.

"Avian viruses bind to one form of this receptor on the host cell. Mammalian viruses bind to a different form," Webby said.

The mucus lining the human eye (where the first farmworker got conjunctivitis) is rich in the receptors that avian viruses grab, he said. There, the H5N1 virus can continue operating as an avian virus, grabbing avian receptors with no need to adapt to human receptors.

But our respiratory tracts are full of both forms of this receptor  the form preferred by avian viruses and the one preferred by mammalian viruses. Therefore, being in the lungs gives H5N1 more exposure to the receptors that mammalian viruses use, Webby said.

That gives H5N1 more opportunity to sustain a mutation that would allow it to bind to those mammalian receptors, adapting better to human bodies.

That's the concern, but it's not clear whether that has actually happened inside this patient's lungs. For such a mutation to be significant, it would then have to spread to other people as well. So far, based on all known cases, the virus has been unable to spread from one person to another.

Sequencing the virus tests for mutations

In a New York Times opinion piece on Sunday, the virologist Rick Bright argued that the emergence of respiratory symptoms indicated "a dangerous inflection point" for the virus.

After all, he wrote, "coughing can spread viruses more easily than eye irritation can."

Coughing can spread respiratory infections such as the common cold or COVID-19. Stock Photo/Getty Images

But for Webby, the Michigan patient's cough "doesn't change a whole lot."

Two previous one-off human cases of H5N1  one in Chile and one in Ecuador  featured respiratory symptoms.

The virus didn't necessarily have to mutate to infect the Michigan farmworker's respiratory system, Webby said. The person could have simply encountered a large amount of virus, maybe an especially ill cow.

"That's me sort of looking at the crystal ball a little," he said, adding that it was "the most likely explanation for what we're seeing, rather than the other one, which is of course much more scary, that this virus has already changed."

Either way, scientists won't know if any scary mutations have occurred until they can examine the virus's genomic RNA sequence from this new case. But Webby said the patient carried such small amounts of the virus that it was possible the CDC wouldn't have enough to get the sequence.

Genome sequences are critical. By checking the virus's genes in each new human case, no matter how mild the symptoms, scientists can identify any fresh mutations that help it adapt to humans. If H5N1 becomes a bona fide mammalian virus, they could watch its transformation in real time.

A federal agricultural inspector working on a sample to test for avian influenza virus in Campinas, Brazil. Amanda Perobelli/Reuters

"The very first signals we're going to get that this virus is changing are probably going to come from human infections," Webby said.

So far, though, the government's monitoring may not be robust enough to spot those mutations early.

Scientists call for more testing so they won't miss mutations

The Food and Drug Administration has detected fragments of the virus in commercial milk and beef. Public-health experts have told BI that though it's unlikely food will infect you, cautious people can cook their eggs and meats all the way. They said nobody should drink unpasteurized milk, aka raw milk.

US government agencies are monitoring cattle herds for H5N1, but scientists want to see more genomic sequences. John Harper/Getty Images

The real risk is to people who work directly with sick animals, especially farmworkers such as the three who have been infected so far.

The CDC's principal deputy director, Nirav Shah, told the press in a briefing on Thursday that the government was monitoring about 350 people nationwide who might have been exposed to H5N1, most of them in Michigan. But The New York Times reported that only about 40 farmworkers had been tested for the virus.

"We would like to be doing more testing," Shah said, according to STAT News.

Bright argues that the government's weak testing regime could be allowing farmworker infections to fly under the radar.

Bill Powers with his flock of white turkeys, kept under shelter to prevent exposure to bird flu, on November 14, 2022 in Townsend, Delaware. Nathan Howard/Getty Images

But undetected cases aren't the same thing as undetected spread.

Bright's essay rings alarm bells about unknown human-to-human transmission, but Webby finds that unlikely. Even with its current monitoring, the CDC would probably detect sustained human spread, he said.

Rather, the problem with undetected cases is that nobody can sequence their samples. Those are windows into the virus's genome (and possible mutations) that nobody is peeking through.

Webby and Bright agree that scientists need more sequences of the virus more quickly. For example, Bright said that despite the ongoing herd spread, the Department of Agriculture hadn't shared a new sequence from a cow infection sample in weeks.

"Bottom line is we need to have more information from exactly what this virus is doing," Webby said. "The more we can understand about it, I do believe we can properly control it, or at least control it way better than we are."

Correction  June 4, 2024: An earlier version of this story misstated the nature of genomic sequencing of the H5N1 virus. They are RNA sequences, not DNA.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The F-15 Eagle is one of the worlds most prolific fighter aircraft, having been in production for 50 years and accrued an impressive service record that includes over 100 aerial victories. Today, an all-new variant is rolling off the Boeing manufacturing line in St. Louis, Missouri, which is where we begin Eagle Month  a deep dive into the Advanced F-15.

The F-15EX Eagle II that we are building for the U.S. Air Force is one of Boeings most important aircraft right now. The proven platform, the speed, the payload, and the range. I'm partial because I'm an F-15 guy and I sell fighters for the company, but the things we're doing [right now] are going to set conditions moving forward for the rest of our military portfolio, says Rob Novotny, former USAF Brig. Gen., career F-15 pilot, and now Boeing director of Fighters Business Development.

The Advanced F-15 provides capability that a lot of the other platforms do not, Novotny explains. The physical size of this airplane means we're able to expand computing power, plus we're going to be able to bring new sensors on board, new pods, and new weapons. So as the pace of technology continues to accelerate, as the adversary continues to evolve, the F-15 will stay at or ahead of that pace for the USAF.

The seventh production Boeing F-15EX at the St. Louis, Missouri, manufacturing plant. Jamie Hunter

We're going to use [the F-15] as one of our testbeds as we work towards an open mission system and its integration with the cockpit, with the aircrew, and the sensors. A lot of that groundwork has been done with the F-15EX and some of our advanced manufacturing capabilities have also been proven on this technology moving forward. So this is a critical component, as is the workforce that's building this [jet].

50 years of the Eagle

Its 50 years since the first production F-15A rolled off the McDonnell Douglas manufacturing line in St. Louis, Missouri, before being delivered to the 555th Tactical Training Squadron at Luke Air Force Base , Arizona, in November 1974. The original F-15A-to-D variants of the Eagle earned a fearsome reputation in air-to-air combat  famously notching up a kill ratio of 104-to-0, with the F-15s very first aerial victories being recorded by Israeli pilots against Syrian MiGs in 1979.

The Eagles prowess for air superiority truly came to fame during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, when USAF and Royal Saudi Air Force Eagle pilots employed AIM-7 Sparrows to devastating effect to decimate the Iraqi Air Force. That domination of the air-to-air mission has been proven in other major air campaigns, including Operation Allied Force in 1999.

An F-15C Eagle fires an AIM-7 Sparrow missile during a Weapons System Evaluation Program mission in 1988. USAF

The Eagles air-to-air prowess was again underscored more recently on April 13, 2024, during Iran's reprisal attack on Israel that included a barrage of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as throngs of long-range kamikaze drones, the combined likes of which have never been seen before. Forward-deployed USAF F-15E Strike Eagles  the dual-role variant of the F-15  from units based at RAF Lakenheath in England and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina played an outsized role in shooting down more than 70 of the Iranian drones . The actions once again highlighted and underlined the continuing importance of the F-15 in USAF service, and the case for the F-15EXs .

F-15A-to-Ds were procured not only by the USAF, but also by Israel, Japan (F-15J/DJ), and Saudi Arabia. Development of the air-to-air and air-to-ground-capable F-15E Strike Eagle saw the type effectively replacing the F-111 Aardvark in USAF service. It also led to bespoke versions of the Strike Eagle subsequently being built for Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Singapore.

Boeing, which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, was eyeing the potential to radically enhance the F-15 in order to generate new customer interest and upgrade versions already in service. It developed a plan for export customers to play key roles in realizing improved, new-build versions.

The semi-stealthy F-15SE Silent Eagle was unveiled in 2009, and was aimed squarely at South Korea, featuring new conformal weapons bays, and canted vertical stabilizers, among other tweaks, to help reduce the Eagles radar signature. Despite a flight trial with the new weapons bays, which included an AIM-120 AMRAAMs (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles) firing, the Silent Eagle wasnt selected by Korea. However, the Eagles progress was not impaired.

The F-15SE demonstrator flying in 2010 fitted with Conformal Weapons Bays. Boeing

Saudi Arabias order for 84 F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) variants in 2011 was a major leap forward. The SA was to be the first of the Advanced F-15s, and critically it included a brand new digital fly-by-wire flight control system. This change heralded an expansive six-year flight-test program for the F-15 team at Boeing, which had to explore and recertify the entire flight envelope of the new version of the Eagle. The fly-by-wire flight controls enabled carefree handling, as well as facilitating the opening up of two additional weapons stations, amongst other improvements.

Orders for more Advanced F-15s from Qatar followed in the F-15QA program, as did a hugely important order from the USAF, which selected the F-15EX to recapitalize some of its Air National Guard F-15C/D squadrons, instead of a costly upgrade for these aging fighters.

An F-15SA of the Royal Saudi Air Force. Jamie Hunter

Initially referred to as the F-15X , the USAF briefly looked at a F-15CX single-seat Advanced F-15 before settling on the F-15EX, which is based on the now-standard two-seat Advanced F-15 configuration. The procurement decision enabled the USAF to take what was essentially an off-the-shelf version of the Eagle, closely based on the F-15QA, rather than a costly and time-consuming re-packaging of the Advanced F-15 into a single-seat configuration. Keeping that extra seat would prove a wise decision for myriad reasons as air combat quickly evolves in a new era of great power competition.

The F-15EX Eagle II

The USAF F-15EX configuration features a two-place large area flat-panel display in the cockpit; Digital Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System ( DJHMCS ) helmet-mounted display (HMD); low-profile head-up display; revised internal wing structure ; fly-by-wire controls; Raytheon AN/APG-82 AESA radar ; activation of outer wing stations one and nine facilitated by the fly-by-wire system; an advanced ADCP II mission computer; updated radio and satellite communications; the highly advanced Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System ( EPAWSS ) electronic warfare and surveillance suite; Legion Pod -mounted infrared search and track system (IRST); and General Electric F110-GE-129 engines. The list goes on.

This production line image was issued in July 2020 upon the award of a contract for the first lot of eight F-15EXs. USAF

The F-15EX behind me, first of all, is a completely new airplane, comments Rob Novotny. While it looks like how an F-15 has looked over the 50 years, what you don't see are the manufacturing improvements on the inside. The design that was nearly perfected in the 1960s and 70s, the genetic culture that runs through this platform, the operators, the warfighters, the maintainers, we have taken all of those lessons, and poured them into the developments to what is the F-15EX behind me. This jet is built on a foundation of combat excellence, of maintainability, and of low sustainment costs.

The Eagles proven ability to haul a big payload fast and far is also key to the F-15EXs business case.

I think one of the strongest selling points of any F-15 has always been its carriage capability. When the original variants of the F-15 were fielded they carried the largest air-to-air loadout for a long time. The Strike Eagle came along and those capabilities expanded dramatically over the decades, including precision-guided weapons. The F-15EX is no different, giving the ability to carry heavier weapons and with [added] stations to carry more weapons.

From an air-to-air perspective, thats 12 weapons in the loadout. From an air-to-ground perspective almost 30,000 pounds of ordnance. That also opens the door for carrying hypersonic weapons or attritable drones  the world is your oyster when you have the options to do that. We're not restricted by internal carriage, so we're able to bring an entire portfolio of weapons to a country that may want to do anything from quick alert homeland defense to long-range strike into a highly-contested environment. This platform can carry all of it.

The F-15EX was officially named the Eagle II during a ceremony on April 7, 2021, at Eglin AFB, Florida. USAF/Samuel King Jr.

One of the Eagles strongest attributes is pure performance, most notably its high-speed , which has a tremendous impact on the ability to impart inertia into weapons upon firing for extremely long-range missile shots .

Yes, the F-15EX can supercruise [fly over Mach 1.0+ in a sustained manner without gas-guzzling and infrared signature ballooning afterburners] but this warrants some context, explains Novotny. Ive supercruised in a clean F-15C with Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 motors right out of the depot. Ive done the same in an Eagle with the -220 motors. I know guys who have supercruised in F-15Es with -220 motors and with CFTs [Conformal Fuel Tanks] on. The F-15EX can also supercruise, but once we start hanging combat-relevant items on, the ability decreases.

I believe our really exciting move is into the electronic warfare space with our EPAWSS system. This cognitive system passed Initial Operational Test & Evaluation [IOT&E] just a few weeks ago and it is going to allow this [jet] to operate in those highly-contested environments. Using electronic warfare is an extra way of keeping pace with a threat that is evolving more rapidly. This is the way that the F-15 has gone as opposed to stealth. There's always going to be a place for stealth and the complementary nature of stealth using LO [low observable] and non-LO platforms.

Accompanied by an F-15C and F-15E, the first F-15EX arrived at Eglin AFB, Florida, 11 March, 2021. USAF/TSgt John Raven

Stealth is all about survivability and breaking the kill chain, adds Boeing F-15 Chief Pilot Matt Phat Giese. With EPAWSS we're going to be able to generate some of those exact same effects. The enemy has made rapid advancements in counter-air technology, and rapid advancements in all kinds of infra-red technology. Its difficult to hide this aircraft without help, and that help is coming from the electronic warfare system. This allows us to break the kill chain.

Building the Eagle II

All F-15s have been built in the same production building in St. Louis, except the 199 F-15J/DJs manufactured under license by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Today, the production line is building F-15QAs and F-15EXs at a rate of one-and-a-half aircraft per month. Boeing is implementing a number of projects to reduce time and costs, while improving build accuracy on the F-15 line.

The F-15EX utilizes a modern design and manufacturing methodology called Full Size Determinant Assembly [FSDA], explains Novotny. This improves quality and assembly time, while reducing drilling on the aircraft and the number of tools required for assembly. These qualitative and efficiency improvements have also come about via constructing the modern F-15 as a digital airplane. This has included leveraging 3D digital modeling and robots to drill the thousands of holes needed in major components. Production of the forward fuselage, which was being undertaken in South Korea, returned to St. Louis with the advent of the F-15EX program. The nose barrel, forward fuselage, and wings are all now built using these techniques, with the aft fuselage and aft-center fuselage planned to follow.

An F-15EX forward fuselage in the Boeing St. Louis production line. Jamie Hunter

Wings being mated to the F-15EX fuselage. Jamie Hunter

We have updated our design in bringing the forward fuselage back here to St. Louis, explains Jake Reichenberg, an F-15 production manager. We are making continuous improvements and we are now down to only two hand splices [on the forward fuselage]. This is now something that's prebuilt and it's as simple as just clicking it together  so we're talking about build efficiency and build quality. Other upgrades include things like fiber optics, and we continue to add more, which helps with the data coming in from the radar for example.

The first two EX forward fuselages were built in Korea, but aircraft EX3 for the USAF was the first one built here, explains Anthony White, a third-generation Boeing production engineer in St. Louis. My grandfather started here in 1966 building the F-4, and then the F-15 line started up. My role was to start up the forward fuselage line, get EX3 moving down the line, get the team set up and get the process set up  we are driving a lean, continuous improvement culture and mindset here.

The F-15EX has a 20,000-hour economic service life, says Rob Novotny. This has been enabled by running a full-scale fatigue test long enough to show structure that is good beyond 20,000 hours, and structural redesigns purposely implemented by Boeing have addressed known fatigue-critical locations.

A banner that hangs in the F-15 production line at St. Louis. Jamie Hunter

F-15EX in the USAF

The expected size of the F-15EX fleet for the USAF has fluctuated significantly over the years, but a clearer picture of the service's plans has been steadily coming into focus .

The USAFs initial intention was to procure 144 of the fighters. In its budget request for Fiscal Year 2023, the Air Force reduced that expected overall F-15EX purchase to 80 aircraft. The proposed budget for the 2024 Fiscal Year included a request for funds to buy 24 more F-15EXs, to bring the total planned fleet size up to 104 aircraft. The latest USAF plan reduces its total planned purchases of F-15EXs from 104 to 98 jets as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

The USAF is also looking to buy fewer F-35As than previously expected in the fiscal cycle, but the service says that there is no change to how many Joint Strike Fighters it ultimately plans to acquire in total.

The latest revision in F-15EX procurement numbers comes despite senior service officials regularly touting the F-15EX's capabilities and expressing their desire to have more of these aircraft if possible.

The first F-15EX is known as EX1 and it is assigned to the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin AFB. USAF/TSgt John McRell

When I talk to the customer, I believe they want more aircraft  both F-35 and F-15EX, notes Rob Novotny, adding that his understanding is that the USAF had to cut six F-15EXs and six F-35s not because they wanted to, but because of funding restrictions brought on by the Fiscal Responsibility Act , or FRA. The USAFs desire to purchase the F-15EX remains strong, he adds. The Air Combat Command documented requirement remains at 144 aircraft, the NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] Congressionally passed program of record is 104, while the FY25 Presidents Budget request is for 98. Well see this fall if Congress makes any changes to that requested quantity during the annual budget process.

Novotny added that Boeing will deliver the last two Lot 1 jets in the coming weeks, Lot 2 is in production in St. Louis now, and Lots 3 and 4 are on contract which will deliver through the 56th fighter. Negotiations are underway now for a quantity of 24 in Lot 5, and a quantity of 18 in Lot 6. The six aircraft reduced from Lot 6 in the FY25 budget request have been added to the Air National Guards unfunded priority list which is under review by Congress. Boeing is working with the USAF, the Air National Guard, and our Legislators on possible options for Lot 7 and beyond.

https://youtu.be/ga4BpQcZSQE

Novotny also cites strong demand signals from the Air National Guard for more fighters over and above the budgeted plan. One of the critical factors in the USAF coming back to Boeing for new Eagles was the ability to quickly and efficiently recapitalize Air National Guard F-15C/D units.

Downtime for squadrons to train maintenance and aviators doesn't have to happen with this airplane. They can pick it up and start flying right away, he explains. Our air forces, which are smaller than they've ever been before, can spend more time flying and protecting our nation. So having this platform as a ready replacement is really an important opportunity.

Aircraft EX3 and EX4 arrived at Eglin AFB on December 20, 2023. USAF/SSgt Blake Wiles

The Air National Guard is going to fly the F-15EX as a single-seater for the most part, although you may have seen what the first EX unit  the 142nd Fighter Wing in Portland  announced recently about training up to use new weapons. The inaugural F-15EX unit recently said it is training maintainers to load both air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons on the forthcoming F-15EXs, which could indicate possible multi-role use of the new jets. The wing previously only operated in the air-to-air role with its F-15C/Ds. A move towards multi-role use of the F-15EX could be a signal from the Air National Guard that it might use Weapons Systems Officers (WSOs) in the back seat for more complex multi-role missions, as seen with the F-15E Strike Eagle.

I believe the Weapons School at Nellis [Air Force Base, Nevada] is building the F-15EX syllabus right now as a two-seater operation with a WSO in the back, notes Novotny. I think you'll eventually see some WSOs in the Guard units. I think having one or two WSOs in a formation of four F-15EXs could be very enhancing to the mission set.

International customers

Our foreign partners really brought together the next level performance for the F-15. The digital engineering, digital flight controls, new cockpit  a generational leap in capability, says Rob Novotny. All 84 F-15SAs for Saudi Arabia have now been delivered, except two jets that are retained in St. Louis for ongoing test work. A total of 33 out of an order for 48 F-15QAs have now been delivered to Qatar.

Three F-15QAs of the Qatar Emiri Air Force. Boeing

As we look across the globe, every single operator flying the F-15 today wants more of that capability, either from new-build jets or from upgrades, like an EX-lite with those types of capabilities brought forward into their platforms. We're in great conversations with our Korean friends regarding a big modification for their F-15Ks. The Republic of Korea Air Force is looking to retrofit its F-15Ks with the AN/APG-82 radar, the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), and the large area display cockpit.

Japan is on contract now for the F-15J Super Interceptor upgrade. They have taken exceptional care of their aircraft and they have a lot of life left on their platforms. The Japanese upgrade for its F-15Js also includes the addition of the APG-82. You can read more about this upgrade here .

We get a lot of customers that are interested in nationally unique weapon systems that we help integrate with them. It's one of our great selling points that we work so closely with our customers and offer them their own national sovereignty as well, whether that's in software development or in weapons integration.

Poland has expressed interest in a heavyweight fighter to complement its F-16s and F-35s, and they are looking at 32 airplanes for two fighter squadrons. Indonesia is an exciting new market and were exploring an opportunity of potentially 24 jets. Indonesia signed a Memorandum Of Understanding in August 2023 for the F-15EX. Israel is another potential F-15EX customer with a requirement for as many as 50 aircraft. These would be built to a bespoke standard, however, the deal is subject to current political sensitivities, which you can read more about here .

An Indonesian Ministry of Defense Visit to St. Louis to visit the F-15 production line. Boeing

Saudi Arabia could be a returning Advanced F-15 customer, as it has a pressing requirement to recapitalize both its Panavia Tornado and F-15C/D fleets. Having ordered 84 F-15SAs, it is also upgrading its existing F-15S Strike Eagles to the same standard. Additional Advanced F-15s, possibly based on the F-15EX, could provide a solution to replacing its old F-15C/Ds, as well as the strike-attack Tornados.

Future roles

With much talk and budget allocation around Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) and artificial iIntelligence pilots , crewed fighter aircraft are likely to be employed in dramatically changing operational circumstances over the coming years. In future wars, fighter aircraft may be required to hold targets at risk at great ranges, coordinating and communicating with huge packages of both crewed and uncrewed assets.

I could really see the F-15EX being an armed, forward, command and control platform, working with either manned or unmanned fighters, working with our holistic air forces across that portfolio, says Novotny. I think a WiFi hotspot in the midst of this highly contested environment, where we were able to communicate, produce data, and share information across nodes.

When it comes to the F-15EX, we are looking into the art of whats possible. Maybe that is about turning the rear cockpit into a giant computer lab  ensuring we have the cooling, the power, and the space, to do so.

With the F-15EX, I can fight my way in, I can survive when I'm there, then I can create this hotspot of command and control capability through data links. I dont see the backseat WSO in the traditional role using the laser designator pod [to guide] a GBU-12 bomb. This is more about the future long-range kill chain, and a collaborative command and control agent. On top of that, in the F-15EX I'm bringing the weapons I need to strike targets that are 2,000 miles away!

An F-15EX Eagle II takes off from Nellis AFB, Nevada, during testing in operationally realistic scenarios to determine its effectiveness in air-to-air roles. USAF/William R. Lewis

Boeing sees the F-15EX filling unique roles in the future USAF combat air forces. This could include the use of larger, long-range hypersonic missiles, as well as working as a command and control node for CCAs, for example. The ability for the two-seat F-15EX to be operated solely from the front seat does appear to offer a useful ability for a backseater to concentrate on complex and specialized mission sets, such as those explained above. In addition, the Advanced F-15s EPAWSS electronic warfare system could act as a critical disruptive capability in future conflicts.

All told, Boeing says the F-15EX would be a powerful complement to low-observable crewed platforms and unmanned wingmen in the battlespace of the future. It also gives the USAF options and lowers force structure risk.

As an American, as a former airman, I think it's important to have multiple fighter lines going for our nation, adds Rob Novotny. It allows for competition, allows for development in that space. And it also keeps both of those developing industries honest with each other. So it helps drive price so that we can get the right capability to the warfighter at a reasonable price.

Contact the editor: tyler@twz.com
This week we revisited a piece we did on the AN/DRC-8 Emergency Rocket Communications System, better known as ERCS, and expanded on it for a feature video. This somewhat obscure component of America's Cold War-era strategic command and control enterprise was designed as a last resort for making sure the missiles and bombers would fly, even if all other forms of communications were knocked out. It's a fascinating piece of ingenuity born out of the darkest era of nuclear brinksmanship.

Here's the fascinating ERCS story:

https://youtu.be/G_ZRCWZqT6Q?feature=shared

Transcript:

AMERICAS DOOMSDAY SATELLITE: THE AN/DRC-8 EMERGENCY ROCKET COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

When most people think about drama surrounding the launch of a nuclear weapon, they usually think about some sort of tense face-off between two officers who dont agree on whether or not to launch, often spurred by some sort of garbled message or unforeseen circumstance that leaves those orders in doubt. But in reality, this is actually the least dramatic portion of the entire exercise. American nuclear missile crews, regardless of which leg of the nuclear triad they fall under, train ceaselessly to execute the orders to launch under any circumstances. If the codes matchmissiles fly. What *does* keep nuclear planners up at night is how to make sure the shooters end up getting the orders to fire in the first place.

Early in the Cold War, new and maturing technologies in warfare and communications led to some interesting ideas about how to get launch orders to alert crews no matter what. Simply put, communications underpinned the entire credibility of the nuclear deterrent. The Pentagon needed a way to make absolutely sure that no matter what happened to its command and control infrastructure during the opening of a nuclear exchange, the presidents orders would be delivered. In the end, they decided that the best way to launch a bunch of missiles and set bombers flying was to launch a missile capable of delivering those commands. That missile was the AN/DRC 8 Emergency Rocket Communications System or ERCS.

WHO DELIVERS ORDER WHEN NOTHING ELSE CAN?

In America, the only person who can give the go-ahead to employ a nuclear weapon in any circumstance is the president of the United States. Once the president gives the order to launch nuclear weapons, that message passes through the National Military Command Center (NMCC) to forces in the field in the form of an Emergency Action Message (EAM). The EAM details what options under the nations war plans are being executed, and once crews get an EAM and validate it, there is no going back. Keys are turned, and weapons are launched.

During the Cold War, U.S. war planners were obsessed with making sure an EAM could be passed to crews, often devising backups, to backups, to backups to ensure the Soviet Union knew America had a reliable nuclear deterrent. One of the backups designed in the early 1960s was the Emergency Rocket Communications System, to be used in the event that land and air-based command and control methods for relaying an EAM were unavailable. ERCS was essentially an automatic EAM transmitter that would be launched via rocket into a high-trajectory, sub-orbital launch path. It would then broadcast a U-H-F radio message containing the EAM to any ground or air receiver within line-of-sight. Once it was launched, it couldnt be recalled. Even if all other communications were destroyed, ERCS would deliver the orders for Armageddon.

DEVELOPING THE LAST CHANCE SOLUTION

Development of ERCS began in September of 1961 when Strategic Air Command, also known as SAC, issued a specific operational requirement during heightened tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, particularly over the threat of deploying nuclear weapons. Allied Signal Aerospace Communications Systems won the contract for ERCS, developed the AN/DRC-8 system, and integrated it with a Blue Scout Junior rocket for delivery into sub-orbital space. Up until this point, Blue Scout Juniors were used for launching scientific payloads for research projects and had no combat applications. Four months after the contract award, the initial version of ERCS, known as Project 279, was finalized, and the first successful test launch of the system took place in May of 1962 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

However, during this testing phase of ERCS, SAC was already preparing for the Blue Scout Juniors portion of the programs demise. In June of 1962, SAC proposed that ERCS be mounted on six Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles, as opposed to the Blue Scout Junior rocket which was considered a system that could be vulnerable to attack. The Blue Scout Junior ERCS combination was technically a 'road mobile' system with one rocket launched from a trailer and a separate manned command trailer that actually fired the rocket.

One of the advantages of any road-mobile missile system is it is comparatively easy to hide, and being able to relocate them makes them difficult to target. However, once you do find them, they can be easily destroyed. Things like missile fields, on the other hand, are very easy to find, but attacking them and taking them out of play can take a lot of doing. SAC did not want such an important fail-safe system to be easily eliminated, so they decided the best option was to harden ERCS by mating it with a silo-launched ICBM.

This kind of concurrent development and shifting priorities was not uncommon during the Cold War, as requirements changed constantly due to a combination of technical advancement and reactions to what the Soviet Union was doing with their strategic forces. So, while all of this wrangling was going on behind the scenes at SAC, in July of 1962, Project 279 reached initial operating capability with the deployment of three Blue Scout Junior rockets at sites around Omaha, Nebraska. The system became fully operational as a stop-gap measure in July of 1963 while SAC awaited development and testing of the Minuteman-mounted ERCS. Its important to note that SAC recommended Project 279 should be eliminated in September of 1962, but still wanted to ensure it had the ability to launch ERCS while the Minuteman matured.

This turned out to be a wise decision on the part of SAC, as the first successful test of the ERCS with a Minuteman missile wasnt until mid-December of 1966. During this test, a Minuteman II missile took an ERCS payload into space, transmitted its message along its pre-planned suborbital path, and then fell back to Earth. After further testing, SAC certified ERCS as fully operational in late 1967, with six Minuteman II missiles on alert at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

ERCS CAPABILITIES AND THE MINUTEMAN II

The ERCS version that eventually made it onto the tip of the Minuteman II weighed in at 875 pounds and was around eight feet long. Any ERCS-capable Launch Control Center could program cassettes inside the payload with the specific messages to be broadcast via the ERCS Control-Monitor console. Once the ERCS comms payload separated from the launching missile and began transmitting, it beamed messages via multi-directional UHF antennas to stations on the ground via the previously programmed message. By 1967, ERCS was able to communicate with EC-135 Looking Glass airborne command post aircraft and later with E-6B Mercury planes that took up the Looking Glass mission. Both of these planes are equipped with the Airborne Launch Control System, or ALCS. The ALCS can be used to send EAMs to missile control centers or even remotely trigger a launch under certain circumstances. In an interesting twist, ALCS can *also* initiate the launch of ERCS missiles in the event the controllers on the aircraft detect that communications have been disrupted. In 1967, SAC tested this capability when an ALCS-equipped EC-135 launched an ERCS-configured Minuteman II from Vandenburg.

The Minuteman II was the only ICBM to be mounted with the ERCS payload, and testing of the system continued through the late 1970s. In 1974, the Air Force lofted an ERCS into space, and Pacific Command was able to read a clear message signal for 22 minutes. By the mid-1980s the ERCS fleet consisted of 12 missiles, with eight to 10 of them on alert at any one time. However, all 12 missiles were powered down and removed in 1991 following President George H. W. Bushs decision at the end of the Cold War to remove American strategic forces from their high-alert status.

Of course, any discussion about American strategic posture during the Cold War isnt complete without discussing what the Soviet Union was doing at the same time. The USSR developed a similar system as ERCS, referred to as the Perimeter. While specifics are a bit sparse, during the Cold War, Perimeter was considered to be a dead hand system that could automatically launch a retaliatory ICBM strike without any human interaction even if the Soviet leadership was wiped out. We know now that Perimeter operated somewhat similar to ERCS and was used to transmit launch commands via rockets with communications payloads to strategic forces awaiting orders to fire. Like ERCS, it also required a human to initiate the launch of the system.

THE FUTURE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

While ERCS is no longer functional and the Cold War is over, the need to communicate with strategic nuclear forces under pretty much any conditions imaginable still exists. The U.S. still retains the ability to remotely send launch orders to control centers in charge of Minuteman III silos via the ALCS on the E-6B Mercury , which can also transmit orders to the Navys Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines.

As for the future of the ALCS remote launch concept that is still up in the air. As the E-6B Mercury enters the twilight of its career, the U.S. Navy is looking to field a new system based around the C-130 Hercules to take over its share of its mission, giving orders to nuclear ballistic missile submarines. However, those C-130s will not have A-CS or be configured to support the Air Force's strategic "Looking Glass" airborne command post mission that works with the forces ICBMs. As for the Air Force's part of the solution, the replacement program for the E-4B Nightwatch airborne command post, better known as the doomsday plane, is underway now. This new aircraft will be based on the 747-8i platform. E-4Bs once had an ALCS capability and the Nightwatch community could regain that with this new aircraft. Replacing the four E-4Bs with a larger fleet could allow the type to take over the Looking Glass mission in full. A greater focus on space-based communications will also likely be part of the solution, which could see the ALCS component eliminated altogether.

Although the ERCS thankfully never needed to be used operationally, it constituted a fascinating piece of engineering and stood as a small but unique solution to the darkest of communications and command and control challenges.

Contact the author: tyler@twz.com
Red and Yellow

China's latest visit to the Moon is already proving a huge success.

On Sunday, the country's Chang'e-6 lunar lander touched down on the far side of the Moon in the South Pole-Aitken basin, where it scooped up samples shortly thereafter.

And then, earlier today, the probe lifted off to make its long return to the Earth.

But not before planting China's flag on the Moon's far-less-studied hemisphere that always faces away from Earth  a symbolic move that underlines just how far the country's space program has come since its first uncrewed Moon mission a mere 17 years ago.

https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1797819743162061139

Big Star, Small Stars

The squat lander can be seen lifting the red Chinese flag with its robotic arm in an image taken by a mini rover that the lander deployed shortly after touching down on the Moon's surface.

It's China's second sample return mission to the Moon, and the fourth to its surface, including two rovers.

The flag itself differs greatly from the ones we fly back on Earth. It's made from volcanic rock basalt, which was crushed into filaments that measure only a third of the diameter of a human hair, to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations on the far side of the Moon.

China is already looking far ahead and planning to set up a more permanent presence on the Moon.

"The lunar surface is rich in basalt," Chang'e-6 engineer Zhou Changyi told state-owned broadcaster CCTV. "Since were building a lunar base in the future, we will most likely have to make basalt into fibers and use it as building materials."

It'll take the spacecraft roughly three weeks to make its return to Earth. The plan is for it to drop off its loot in Mongolia around June 25.

By literally planting its flag on the far side of the Moon  the second time it's visited its heavily cratered hemisphere so far  China is quickly establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with. While NASA is still laying the groundwork for its long-awaited return to the lunar surface, China is forging ahead, running laps around its international competition.

More on China's Moon missions: China Lands on Dark Side of the Moon, Prepares to Gather Loot and Return to Earth
China's reusable space plane has released another unknown object into Earth's orbit.

The experimental orbital plane , named Shenlong, which means "divine dragon" in Chinese, has been in orbit for 168 days. Space activity tracker Jonathan McDowell first spotted the spacecraft's recent activity on May 24. The new object has since been cataloged as 59884 (International designator 2023-195G) by the U.S. Space Force space domain awareness teams, SpaceNews reported .

"This object could be a subsatellite deployment, or it could be a piece of hardware ejected prior to end of mission and deorbit (the space plane's first flight did something similar)," McDowell, who is an astronomer from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, said in a post on X (formally Twitter). "Will be interesting to see if the plane maneuvers or lands soon."

Related: China launches secret space plane on 3rd-ever mission

Another possible explanation is the space plane released the object for proximity and recapture maneuver tests, similar to those completed during its second flight , which launched in 2022 and spanned 276 days in Earth's orbit.

The reusable space plane is currently conducting its third mission , which launched aboard a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Dec. 14, 2023. While China has maintained strict secrecy surrounding the spacecraft, a launch report suggested the mission would conduct reusable technology verification and space science experiments to provide technical support for the peaceful use of space, according to SpaceNews.

Related Stories:

 China's space plane apparently deployed 6 'mysterious wingmen' in orbit

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This is not the first object ejected from Shenlong during this mission. Only four days after its December launch, the robotic spaceplane placed six mysterious objects into Earth's orbit that appeared to emit signals. The spacecraft has also performed maneuvers to alter its orbit during this third flight.

Despite the lack of images or descriptions of the spacecraft, it has been suggested that Shenlong could be similar in size and function to the U.S. Air Force's X-37B spaceplane . Both reusable spacecraft offer the potential for reduced costs and increased frequency of future missions.
Chinese battery developer announces latest cell technology capable of reaching almost full charge in under 10 minutes: 'Ready for immediate mass production'

A Chinese battery manufacturer has developed superfast charging cells  and it's not industry leader CATL.

Gotion High-Tech, a rival of China's best-known and most successful developer of electric vehicle and other batteries, announced two batteries that can be rapidly charged plus new solid-state technology at its annual conference, Emerging Technology News reported.

One of the batteries, a 5C called G-Current, can be replenished to 80% in 9.8 minutes and 90% in 15 minutes, according to ETN. It can be used in EVs and hybrids and with lithium iron phosphate, lithium manganese iron phosphate, and lithium nickel cobalt manganese chemistries.

The company said the G-Current was "ready for immediate mass production," per ETN.

The other fast charger, named Stellary, is made of second-generation silicon-carbon and a fast-charging electrolyte. It goes from a 10% charge to 70% in nine minutes and enables battery packs to offer a 350-kilometer (217-mile) range after five minutes and a 600-kilometer (372-mile) range after 10 minutes, ETN reported.

A Gotion news release stated Stellary was uniquely designed to dissipate 70% of its heat outside the pack within three seconds, an important safety feature. A wireless battery management system helps ensure its reliability.

This battery will be made at Gotion's m-level Gen7 facility, which will reduce manufacturing costs by 50%.

The other development was the Gemstone battery, which features all-solid-state technology. Its 350-watt-hour per kilogram energy density is 40% more than that of most NCM batteries, which will help EVs increase their ranges and use energy more efficiently.

It is planned for rollout in 2027 and commercial availability in 2030, offering a driving range of 1,000 kilometers, or 621 miles, on a single charge.

Should American companies be doing more to compete with China on clean energy?

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Those stats and the charging times of the G-Current and Stellary should help make EVs more enticing to buyers. A $7,500 federal tax credit plus savings on gas and maintenance are other perks that come with switching from a gas-guzzler, and you can also remove 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide pollution from entering our atmosphere each year.

The Biden-Harris administration is also working toward widespread EV charger availability by funding the infrastructure as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. On May 30, $1.3 billion in grants became available to states, local governments, Indigenous tribes, and more.

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A new method of dealing with disease-spreading mosquitoes without using toxic chemicals is gaining traction: releasing genetically modified mosquitoes that kill the ones that spread disease. Though it may sound extreme, the method has now been deployed in yet another country in an attempt to curb malaria, Precision Vaccinations reported.

The trademarked Friendly mosquitoes, a product of British biotechnology company Oxitec, have now been deployed in Djibouti. They were previously deployed in Brazil to fight the spread of dengue fever, and in Florida in the United States.

"This new solution may be controversial, but it is the future," Dr. Abdoulilah Ahmed Abdi, a health advisor to Djibouti's president, told BBC News.

The Oxitec Friendly mosquitoes are male, which means they do not bite humans. They are genetically engineered to carry a gene that kills the offspring of the human-biting, disease-spreading female mosquitoes before they reach maturity.

"We have built good mosquitoes that do not bite, that do not transmit disease. And when we release these friendly mosquitoes, they seek out and mate with wild type female mosquitoes," head of Oxitec Grey Frandsen explained to the BBC.

The major benefit to this approach is that it does not involve the use of toxic pesticides, which often have downstream environmental consequences when they find their way into waterways and kill other types of insects and wildlife that they were not intended to target.

Mosquito-borne diseases have been on the rise recently, as rising global temperatures have expanded their ranges. If the pilot program in Djibouti is successful, it could pave the way for more genetically modified mosquitoes to help curb the spread of these deadly diseases.

Other outside-the-box methods of dealing with mosquitoes without the use of pesticides include the Guardian Toad, a toad-shaped plastic device powered by the sun that disturbs the surface of standing water reservoirs, preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs.

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COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -The Danish Centre for Cyber Security (CFCS) has raised its threat level assessment for destructive cyber attacks against Denmark to "middle" from "low" due to increasing threats from Russia, the defence minister said on Tuesday.

The "middle" level, or three on a five-level scale, implies that there are one or more actors with intention and capacity for attacks or harmful activity, but no indications of any specific plans for such activity, according to the CFCS.

"Increasingly, we see a Russia that is willing to challenge NATO countries through sabotage, influencing campaigns and cyber attacks," Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told a press conference.

Poulsen said there is no direct military threat to Denmark, citing the Danish Defence Intelligence Service.

(Reporting by Louise Breusch Rasmussen, editing by Anna Ringstrom)
What you need to know

Huawei was the leader in global folding phone shipments for the first time in the first quarter of 2024.

The company overtook Samsung, which was the previous shipment leader, amid concerns that Samsung is becoming complacent with its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip brands.

Honor and Motorola found success outside of China, signaling that North American brands are struggling to attract buyers.

According to the latest reports from analyst firms Counterpoint Research and IDC, the smartphone industry appears to have fully recovered following a down period. The overall market is expected to grow by four percent year-over-year, and foldable phones are particularly seeing widespread shipment growth. The interesting part of the data, which is based on the shipment results of Q1 2024, is that the biggest foldable players in North America aren't the ones growing.

If you've been following the folding phone market in the U.S., that probably isn't all that surprising. Samsung was the only major manufacturer making folding phones widely available in North America for years, and that only recently changed with the emergence of Google and OnePlus last year. To call the sector competitive might not be entirely true. OnePlus reportedly has no plans to release a OnePlus Open successor any time soon, and the Google Pixel Fold is still a flawed device. Then you have Samsung, a company that seems to be resting on its laurels with the Z Fold and Z Flip brands.

With that context in mind, it makes sense that other brands are overtaking Samsung in terms of foldable shipments and growth. For the first time, Huawei is the leader, which may be shocking to North American users. Foreign brands aren't just winning in China, either. Companies like Honor and Motorola are finding success in other regions. All of this will put a lot of pressure on brands working in the North American market to improve, specifically Samsung with the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 series.

What the numbers say

Porsche Design Honor Magic V2 RSR review

The figures for foldable shipments in Q1 2023 and Q1 2024, provided by Counterpoint, paint two completely different pictures. Last year, Samsung dominated the first quarter, representing 58% of all folding phone shipments worldwide. This is important to remember because Samsung's downturn in Q1 2024 can't be attributed to the Z Fold and Z Flip release cycles. Even though Samsung will likely see success following the launch of the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, the company performed far better under the same conditions last year.

Flash forward to the first quarter of this year, and the situation is completely flipped. Foldable phone shipments from Samsung decreased 42% year-over-year, and the company represented just 23% of global shipments in Q1 2024. By comparison, Huawei's shipments grew a whopping 257% year-over-year, allowing the company to claim the spot with a 35% share of global shipments.

Aside from the movement among manufacturers, the type of foldable phones being purchased is also shifting. In Q1 2024, book-style foldables represented 55% of all folding phones shipped. It's the first time since 2021 that book-style foldables accounted for more sales than clamshell foldables. Put together, all the data points to consumers worldwide buying foldables other than those sold in North America.

Honor and Motorola are winning outside of China

Porsche Design Honor Magic V2 RSR review

Huawei is an interesting case because while we can't discredit the company's success, it's impossible to talk about it without considering government sanctions. Tensions between the U.S. and China have made it difficult or impossible to buy and use Huawei devices outside of China. In some ways, it's more impressive that Huawei is succeeding in spite of trade restrictions. However, in this context, Huawei isn't really competing with North American brands.

Honor and Motorola, on the other hand, are finding success outside of China. Both companies have seen expansive growth between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024. Motorola's folding phone shipments are up a staggering 1,473% year-over-year, driven by last year's Razr Plus and Razr 2023 devices. Honor's shipments are 460% year-over-year, which is still a wildly impressive figure. According to Counterpoint, Honor's Magic V2 foldable was the best-selling foldable phone in Western Europe in Q1 2024.

Samsung's Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 are both natural competitors to the Honor Magic V2 and the Motorola Razr, respectively. The fact that consumers are shifting to Honor and Motorola phones instead just goes to show how Samsung is falling behind.

This isn't surprising, considering the state of North American foldables

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 stacked on top of OnePlus Open with S Pen and Oppo Pen

Samsung was the first to really make folding phones mainstream, and it has been the market leader in foldables from the beginning. However, it's clear that Samsung foldables don't offer the most cutting-edge technologies anymore. The last time we really saw an upgrade from a Z Fold device was with the Z Fold 3, as the Z Fold 4 and Z Fold 5 were both iterative improvements. Other phones have completely caught up, with the Honor Magic V2 offering a form factor about as thin as a slab-style phone.

There's no better example of this than the OnePlus Open, which entered the U.S. market as basically a carbon copy of the OPPO Find N3. The OnePlus Open is widely considered the best folding phone in the U.S., and that's thanks to OPPO's tech. If Samsungthe South Korean electronics giant that has dominated the North American foldable marketwants to return to the top, it'll need to make future foldables competitive with those from Chinese brands.
Ford Europe launches production of its first electric car in Cologne

A Ford Explorer can be seen in the assembly line at the pre-opening ceremony of the Ford Cologne Electric Vehicle Center. Marius Becker/dpa

Ford Europe began mass production of its electric car at its large plant in the western German city of Cologne on Tuesday.

The launch had been planned for September last year but was delayed on account of a new standard for the crucial vehicle batteries.

Now, the first vehicle is set to be handed over to customers on Tuesday afternoon. The plant will produce the Ford Explorer and a second electric model.

Ford has been assembling cars in Cologne since 1930 and produced its classic compact Ford Fiesta there. Fiesta production came to an end last year amid preparations for the electric model.

From 2013 to 2018, Ford produced an electric version of the Focus in Saarland, but only in small numbers and without great success.

The company has invested almost 2 billion ($2.2 billion) in the Cologne plant for the switch to electric. It plans to make up to 250,000 electric cars a year there, including a compact SUV, production of which is starting on Tuesday.

Ford has been slow making the switch to electric, but is hoping for high sales from the new car, even though demand for electric vehicles has slowed overall.
LaPorte Mayor Tom Dermody, right, and Mike Stockwell, land development and permit program manager for Microsoft, celebrate a deal finalized Monday, June 3, 2024, at the LaPorte City Council's meeting for Microsoft to invest $1 billion to build a data center in the city.

LAPORTE  Microsoft Corp. plans to build two data centers within 30 miles to the west and east of South Bend.

A deal struck Monday night calls for Microsoft to invest $1 billion to build a data center in LaPorte in what Mayor Tom Dermody described as the largest economic development project in the citys history and one that will have a noticeably lasting impact on the community of about 23,000 citizens.

Wow," he said. "Changing our future direction. This is amazing.

This comes after Microsoft purchased more than 900 acres of farmland from the historic St. Joe Farm in Granger on May 23 to position itself for the planned construction of a data center.

Microsoft will invest $1 billion into what will be a 245,000-square-foot facility on Boyd Boulevard just east of U.S 35 on the far south side of LaPorte.

Mike Stockwell, Land Development and Permit Program Manager for Microsoft, said adding data centers is in response to growing demand for online services ranging from virtual classrooms to opening apps on phones and playing a game online with your friends.

Stockwell said data centers provide the infrastructure that makes the use of such technology possible.

As customer demand grows for cloud services, Microsoft is expanding our data center footprint, driving the need for new data centers like well build in LaPorte, he said.

The data center will be constructed on about 500 acres of farmland Microsoft purchased in two separate transactions in 2023 and early this year after the property was annexed into the city at the request of the now-former property owners, who expressed a desire for the land to be redeveloped, LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership Executive Director Bert Cook said.

Up to 200 people will be employed there by the end of 2032 in what were described as high-wage, high-tech positions.

LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership Executive Director Bert Cook outlines an agreement for Microsoft to build a data center before the LaPorte City Council granted approval of the $1 billion investment on Monday, June 3, 2024.

The deal was struck when the LaPorte City Council unanimously approved a 40-year data center tax exemption strictly on the high-tech equipment to be contained inside the facility.

In exchange, Microsoft will refund as much as $2.5 million or 30% of its tax savings a year under the lifetime of the agreement.

The money will be split by the citys Redevelopment Commission and the LaPorte Community School Corporation.

Its massive for the city of LaPorte," LaPorte City Councilman Tim Franke said. "The jobs are all going to be quality, high-paying jobs, which is something we cant have enough of.

He also said what the redevelopment commission and school corporation can do with the revenue is also a game-changer for us.

Unlike tax abatements, which forgive a percentage of property taxes over, typically, a 10-year period, there will be no property taxes assessed on the equipment at any time under the exemption, Cook said.

The exemption was made possible under a law designed to attract data centers and other high-tech companies to the state.

State Rep. Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie said he helped draft the tax exemption legislation signed by the governor about three years ago.

Since we passed that, Indiana is becoming the data hub of the country," he said. "Its working out very well.

Cook said property taxes will be assessed in full, though, on the value of the building and property.

Mike Stockwell, left, with Microsoft, and LaPorte Mayor Tom Dermody talk after the city council approved an agreement Monday, June 3, 2024, in which Microsoft will invest $1 billion to build a data center to be constructed on Boyd Boulevard.

Gov. Eric Holcomb said the LaPorte data center will accelerate cloud computing infrastructure to support growth in technology and artificial intelligence worldwide.

As a state, weve built a pro-growth business climate and implemented a future-focused framework to attract major investments in high-tech, high-growth sectors," he said in a press release Tuesday morning in which he announced the LaPorte development. "Were excited to welcome Microsofts new data center to Indiana and look forward to the incredible value add impact this will have on our statewide data driven ecosystem, new career opportunities, specifically the greater northwest Indiana community.

Cook said landing Microsoft definitely furthers the steps into a more modern era the city has been aggressively striving for since Dermody became mayor in 2020.

He believes other companies and residents will be attracted to LaPorte just from having a world-renowned company like Microsoft in the community.

It really signals that LaPorte is a community thats growing and it is a place where people want to be," Cook said. "For any of those other businesses or residents who are looking for a community to locate in, they should be looking in LaPorte and were excited about that.

Holcomb said the timetable for construction of the data center hinges on how fast it takes to go through the building design, planning and permitting process that will begin with the city later this year.

Well see construction in the very near term," Cook said. "Its not something thats 10 years out.

Microsoft in St. Joseph County

According to the St. Joseph County Assessors Office, Microsoft paid $77.5 million for farm land east of Capital Avenue and Cleveland Road.

On May 14, the St. Joseph County Council voted 6 to 3 to rezone the property for industrial use over the objections of neighbors concerned about damage to their rural lifestyle and potential impact on Juday Creek, which is a cold-water trout stream.

Since 1867, St. Joe Farm had been used by Holy Cross brothers to feed staff and students at the University of Notre Dame, which sold it in 2008.

The most recent owner, Paul Blum, told the St. Joseph County Plan Commission in April that he and his wife struggled with mud and silt issues in the soil that caused a 40-percent loss of their income.

Blum also reported spending millions of dollars on irrigation and other improvements at St. Joe Farm, which includes a portion of Juday Creek running through it.

Tribune staff writer Ed Semmler contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Microsoft to invest $1 billion in LaPorte data center
BluShift Aerospace prepares a test launch, Jan. 31, 2021, at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine. Currently the company is working toward its next suborbital launch and plans to expand into the orbital and small satellite services markets in the future. (Lindsay Becker/bluShift Aerospace via AP)

PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  Representatives for a Maine company that plans to send small satellites into space from the Northeast's most rural state said they will start launches next year.

Brunswick-based bluShift Aerospace hopes to turn Maine into a hub for the launching of commercial nanosatellites and has been making progress toward that goal for more than three years. A successful recent round of fundraising means commercial suborbital launch is on track to start in 2025, company officials said Tuesday.

The small satellite market currently relies on large companies, such as Elon Musk's SpaceX, for deployment of satellites, and that leads to long wait times, said bluShift CEO and founder Sascha Deri. Launching small satellites from Maine can change that, Deri said.

We see an enormous need for dedicated, small-lift satellite deliveries to space, Deri said, adding that customers are seeking rapid, affordable access to space and direct delivery to their desired orbit.

The company's progress on launching small satellites is happening during a time of tremendous growth in the industry, company representatives said.

The concept of small satellites was essentially an academic exercise two decades ago and the technology has since become one of the fastest growing in the satellite industry, bluShift representatives said. The worldwide market for a class of small satellites called CubeSats was valued at $210 million in 2021 and is expected to be worth more than four times that by 2030, the company said.

BluShift plans to use an existing spaceport for initial launches and begin using Maine's rural, remote Downeast coastline as a headquarters for launches as soon as 2026, company officials said. The company said it thinks the rural coast is a good location because it provides launch opportunities over the Atlantic Ocean directly into polar orbit with little interference.

The company launched a 20-foot (6-meter) prototype rocket to an altitude of more than 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) in its first test run in 2021. The rocket simulated a small payload by carrying stroopwafels, Dutch cookies.

BluShift also said Tuesday that Brady Brim-DeForest, managing partner at Late Stage Capital of Houston, will become chairman of the board of directors. Brim-DeForest said the company's use of nontoxic biofuel and reusable rockets will help with its mission of democratizing access to orbit.
Musk asks Nvidia to ship AI chips booked for Tesla to X and xAI, CNBC reports

(Reuters) -Tesla CEO Elon Musk has told Nvidia to prioritize shipments of AI processors to his companies X and xAI over the electric-vehicle maker, CNBC reported on Tuesday.

The news signals Musk is giving precedence to artificial intelligence-related development outside Tesla and fanned concerns some shareholders have raised over his commitment to the EV firm while running a number of other companies.

The development also comes ahead of a crucial shareholder vote on his pay package at Tesla.

"Elon prioritizing X H100 GPU cluster deployment at X versus Tesla by redirecting 12K of shipped H100 GPUs originally slated for Tesla to X instead," an internal Nvidia memo from December showed, according to the CNBC report.

"In exchange, original X orders of 12K H100 slated for Jan and June to be redirected to Tesla," the memo said.

The change delays Tesla's receipt of more than $500 million in processors by months, according to CNBC.

In a post on X, Musk said Tesla had no place to store and turn on the Nvidia processors, adding that a planned expansion of its Giga factory in Texas was almost complete. "This will house 50k H100s for FSD (full self-driving) training."

He announced earlier this year Tesla was increasing the number of Nvidia's most advanced chips it has deployed and will spend $10 billion on AI this year, as part of initiatives to advance the development of FSD software and robotics.

The billionaire is also pursuing AI development at X, and xAI, for chatbot Grok, among other applications. XAI, which Musk launched in 2023 to challenge ChatGPT-creator OpenAI, raised $6 billion in funding last month.

Tesla shareholders will vote on June 13 on a pay package for Musk that is considered to be the largest for a CEO in corporate America.

In a discussion on X related to his pay in January, Musk said: "I am uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI & robotics without having ~25% voting control... Unless that is the case, I would prefer to build products outside of Tesla."

The company, which did not respond to a request for comment, has been battling a slowdown in the EV market and announced layoffs of more than 10% globally in April.

Nvidia declined to comment.

(Reporting by Yuvraj Malik in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath)
Two disks with bright centers are perpendicular to one another in the center of the image. A rogue planet appears to be zooming away from that scene, leaving behind a hazy trail.

Star Wars fans will definitely get a kick out of binary star systems nicknamed "Tatooine" systems  a reference to the planet Luke Skywalker stands on to gaze up at twin suns in Star Wars: A New Hope. As it turns out, some of the planets in the real-life versions of these systems may have been getting a much more literal kick out of them, too.

New research suggests "rogue planets" that wander the Milky Way  aka, planets that are isolated from parent stars and live as cosmic orphans  may be getting kicked out of double, or binary, star systems. But there's a twist (literally)!

The team found that rogue planets are more likely to be ejected from "twisted Tatooine" systems specifically. These are systems in which the stars and the planets that orbit those are misaligned, thus existing at tilted angles from one another.

As telescopes have improved, the detection of these rogue planets has burgeoned to the point that astronomers think free-floating planetary bodies vastly outnumber stars in cozy arrangements, like the solar system, in the Milky Way. Recent projects put the number of rogue planets ejected from their home systems in our galaxy as high as a quadrillion (10 followed by 14 zeroes). These new twisted-Tatooine findings could help explain why rogue planets are so common.

Related: NASA's TESS exoplanet hunter may have spotted its 1st rogue planet

"A normal planetary system, like our solar system, is comprised of multiple planets orbiting a single star. On the other hand, binary stars are also common, accounting for more than 50% of star systems," Cheng Chen, team leader and an astrophysicist at the University of Leeds, told Space.com. "If there are planets orbiting around a binary, we call it a 'circumbinary planetary system.'"

While we know that planet formation is a byproduct of star formation, we still dont know the production rates of planets. That's because we can't be sure how many are being ejected from their systems and wandering the galaxy as tough-to-spot, icy bodies. These would be bodies that aren't illuminated nor heated by a parent star.

"More precise rogue planet demographic determinations can help us complete the last piece of the planet formation puzzle," Chen said.

He continued by explaining that some of these planets' orbital planes may not be aligned with the orbital planes of their host binary stars. Astronomers call these "tilted circumbinary planets," and investigating them could reveal the dominant mechanism for generating free-floating planets.

Kicked from their cosmic homes

Scientists think believe orphan planets form around infant stars just like planets that remain "bound" to their stellar parent do. Stars are basically born from a collapsing cloud of gas and dust, but this process doesn't consume all of the material in that cloud, thus leaving stars surrounded by "protoplanetary disks." Overly dense regions of these disks collapse and give rise to planets. Around 4.6 billion years ago, that's what gave rise to the solar system and its planets, including Earth.

The period following planet formation is believed to be especially chaotic for these fledgling systems, leading to "messy" gravitational interactions that can eject planets.

In fact, researchers theorize our solar system may once have had a fifth giant planet alongside Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune during a chaotic period called "late instability." The idea is that this "extra" planet was shifted from its orbit, then gravitational interactions with the other giant planets would have caused the unfortunate planet to be exiled from the solar system altogether.

Chen and his team didn't focus on a relatively simple, single-star system like the solar system to investigate rogue planet origins, however. Instead, they focused on more complex binary star systems, like the one seen in that iconic sunset over Tatooine.

A diagram showing two stars at the bottom, a line depicting the system's planetary orbital plane, and two worlds in orbit around the binary system toward the top.

"Three or more body problems are much more complicated than two-body problems. The inner stellar binary can disturb the planet due to dynamical effects," Chen said. "On the other hand, planet-planet interactions can also disturb planetary orbits."

The team simulated planetary systems in which two planets are separated by some distance from their stars and trace out orbits that are inclined in relation to the orbit of the central binary stars.

Chen and colleagues experimented with a variety of systems featuring a differing range of orbital inclinations and a spread of planetary separations. They also tinkered with the masses of the planets involved while still keeping one planet more massive than the other.

"We found that a massive planet like Jupiter could disturb other smaller planets around the binary and eject them from the system. This can occur when two planets are close or when they are located around orbital resonance regions," Chen said.

An icy looking planet alone in space.

The Leeds University researcher further explained that the team's previous study found that two Jupiter-sized planets around a single star can become unstable when their separation is very small, less than two times the distance between Earth and the sun. In this study, however, they found that one tilted massive planet around a binary can cause small planet ejections even when their separations are wider.

This surprised Chen and colleagues, as it revealed a more diverse range of planets could be ejected from twisted Tatooine systems than previously predicted.

"Initially, we thought only two massive planets around the binary could be ejected due to the strong dynamic effects between the two planets and the planet-binary interactions," Chen said. "We didnt expect that small planets could be ejected so efficiently. As a result, circumbinary systems could produce rogue planets ranging from small to large."

"Small planets are more common than high-mass planets," he continued. "Consequently, these systems may contribute to the population of rogue planets in the universe."

This means the systems the team investigated could account for the predicted wealth of Earth-sized rogue planets.

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Chen explained that the team is currently looking for other mechanisms that could also produce rogue planets. This includes the possibility that other stars could fly by planetary systems and cause a gravitational disturbance that leads to a planet being exiled. This could be a rather efficient way to produce rogue planets, whether from around a single star or from a binary system.

Chen is unlikely to give up his investigation into rogue planets. This means the Taiwanese astronomer's efforts could help to bring these cosmic orphans unbound from their stars "in from the cold"  at least figuratively.

"I like planets! When I was 8 years old, I decided to become an astronomer and studied the nine planets in our solar system before Mike Brown changed that by reclassifying Pluto," Chen joked. "However, nowadays, more than 10,000 exoplanets have been found, displaying unexpected characteristics for us to study. Rogue planets are not alone; we should not let them be orphans but consider them members of our planetary family."

The team's research is published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring has yet to be released. However, Samsung has already taken legal action against the maker of the top-selling Oura Ring and accidentally revealed its release date in the process.

Samsung is boldly seeking a declaratory judgment in a U.S. district court to preempt any potential patent claims against the Galaxy Ring. In its petition, Samsung asserts that the Galaxy Ring incorporates features common to virtually all smart rings.

That same filing says Samsung plans to release the highly anticipated smart ring in the U.S. in or around August.

An August release date seems likely, especially considering when Samsung is expected to unveil the new product. Several rumors now indicate that Samsung will introduce the Galaxy Ring alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 at an Unpacked event in Paris on Wednesday, July 10. Samsung could also use that event to reveal the Galaxy Watch 7.

The Galaxy Ring has been the subject of long-standing rumors. It was teased at Samsungs last Unpacked event in January and it revealed the ring in person at Mobile World Congress (MWC) a month later.

Like the Oura Ring, the Galaxy Ring is expected to feature various health sensors to help users track their physical fitness and daily activities. The Samsung Ring is anticipated to be priced at around $300, similar to the Oura Ring. It may also take a page out of Ouras book with a subscription model.

The Oura Ring isnt the only smart ring on the market. Others include the Ultrahuman Ring Air and RingConn Smart Ring. However, the Oura Ring has generated the most attention over the years. It would make sense for Oura to fight Samsung in any way to protect its market share. Of course, its also within Samsungs right to make moves of its own. Stay tuned.
Airbus has unveiled a new fighter-like stealthy loyal wingman drone concept. The European aviation consortium is pitching the design heavily to the German Air Force, or Luftwaffe, which has previously expressed interest in an uncrewed companion specifically for its forthcoming Typhoon EK electronic warfare jets . The pilotless wingman is also being presented as a more near-term project that will precede its larger Future Combat Air System (FCAS) plans for the 2040s.

Details about the new drone design, currently simply called "Wingman," came in a press release from Airbus earlier today. A full-scale "show car"-like model of the uncrewed aircraft will be on display at the ILA International Aerospace Exhibition in Germany's capital Berlin, which opens on Wednesday.

"In military aviation, a 'Wingman' is a pilot in another aircraft that protects and supports the flight lead, delivers more tactical options and thus contributes to mission success. In the Airbus concept, the Wingman is going to operate very much in the same way - only that it is neither a pilot nor a fighter jet flown by one," according to Airbus' release. "It is a fighter-type drone that will be commanded by a pilot in a current combat aircraft such as the Eurofighter and can take on high-risk mission tasks that would pose a bigger threat to manned-only aircraft."

The rendering Airbus has now released shows a stealthy tailless drone design with a modified clipped delta wing with some lambda-wing attributes. Overall, the wings are highly swept with prominent leading-edge root extensions (LERX). There is a chine line that runs around the forward fuselage as well.

A crop of the Airbus rendering focusing on the main wing and forward canards. A row of conformal antennas are also visible along the dorsal spin, along with other outlined sections along the side of the fuselage. Airbus

There are also canards on either side of the forward end of the fuselage, which could point to a high degree of maneuverability at the cost of some low observability (stealthiness).

In addition, the drone has a forward-swept angular engine intake under the nose and what looks like an upper-splayed exhaust at the rear. The chin-mounted intake looks to be a Diverterless Supersonic Inlet (DSI) design, as also seen on the F-16 DSI testbed and Russia's Checkmate light-to-medium-weight fighter concept. This might point to plans for the Wingman drone to be capable of supersonic speed.

The Wingman rendering shows an optical/infrared aperture atop the nose, which might reflect the presence of an infrared search and track (IRST) system . IRST sensors are an increasingly common component of uncrewed aircraft of this general type, as has been seen in testing related to the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone programs.

Along the dorsal spine of Airbus' new drone concept, there is a row of familiar-looking low observable (LO; stealthy) apertures. There are other outlined sections along the side of the fuselage, some of which could be additional sensor apertures or antennas.

A close-up of the nose-end of the rendering showing what looks to be an aperture at the front, as well as the forward-swept engine intake. Airbus

"The Wingmans tasks can range from reconnaissance to jamming targets and engaging targets on the ground or in the air with precision guided munitions or missiles," Airbus' press release says. "Based on the current concept, the Wingman is intended to augment the capabilities of current manned combat aircraft with uncrewed platforms that can carry weapons and other effectors."

It's not immediately clear where Airbus' Wingman drone might carry munitions, but there could be plans for one or more ventral payload bays that are not seen in the rendering available now. The drone could carry stores externally under its wings, but this would negatively impact its stealthy characteristics and performance.

"Pilots in manned aircraft acting as 'command fighters' will always have control of the mission. They are always the final decision-making authority, while benefiting from the protection and smaller risk exposure that the delegation of tactical taskings to unmanned systems offers," Airbus also stresses in its release. "An additional focus is on increasing the overall combat mass in an affordable manner so that air forces can match the number of opposing forces in peers or near-peers in conflicts."

There are reports that Airbus' new Wingman concept leverages prior work done under the Low Observable UAV Testbed (LOUT) program. You can read more about what is known about LOUT, which was only publicly disclosed in 2019, here . We have reached out to Airbus for additional details about Wingman and its design.

A four-ton LOUT model used for aerodynamic and anechoic chamber testing. Airbus

As already noted, Airbus is now actively pitching Wingman to Germany.

"The German Air Force has expressed a clear need for an unmanned aircraft flying with and supporting missions of its manned fighter jets before the Future Combat Air System [FCAS] will be operational in 2040," Michael Schoellhorn, the CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said in a statement accompanying the release. "Our Wingman concept is the answer. We will further drive and fine-tune this innovation made in Germany so that ultimately we can offer the German Air Force an affordable solution with the performance it needs to maximize the effects and multiply the power of its fighter fleet for the 2030s."

Authorities in Germany have previously described plans for a pilotless Electronic Combat Wingman (ECW) to work together with the crewed Typhoon EK. Last year, the German government formally decided to acquire 15 of these electronic warfare jets, which will be converted from existing Typhoon fighters. These aircraft will supplant the country's aging Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance) swing-wing jets, which are currently tasked to perform electronic warfare and suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) missions.

A rendering of a Typhoon EK for the German Air Force. Airbus

A German Air Force briefing last year included a very basic top-down silhouette, seen below, of the planned ECW showing what looked to be a fighter-sized drone.

Questions have been raised about the practicality of using the single-seat Typhoon EK in the drone controller role on top of its other mission sets. Especially with Airbus' insistence that a human will always be in the loop when it comes to operating the Wingman drones, this would seem to be an increase in the workload for future EK pilots. A high degree of autonomy for the uncrewed aircraft, as well as limiting the total number of drones a single pilot is expected to oversee, could help mitigate this issue.

A similar debate has already come up regarding the use of a single-seat jet for the electronic warfare role. Airbus originally pitched a two-seat Typhoon version to meet the requirement now set to be filled by the Typhoon EK, and the existing Tornado ECR also has a second crew member in the back to help.

It is also worth noting that Airbus has also pitched its heavy "remote carrier" drone concept, a smaller and less advanced design than the newly unveiled Wingman, as a potential uncrewed wingman for the Typhoon EK and other versions of that jet . Heavy and light remote carriers are being developed as part of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program.

A graphic depicting Typhoon fighters working together with heavy and light "remote carrier" drones. One of the heavy remote carriers is seen at the left releasing examples of the light type. Airbus

As it exists now, FCAS, also known as Systeme de Combat Aerien Futur (SCAF) in French, includes plans for heavy and light remote carriers . The Franco-German-Spanish program is a 'system of systems' that also includes the development of a stealthy crewed Next Generation Fighter (NGF). FCAS involves the development of various complementary systems, including new weapons, sensors, engines, data-sharing capabilities, communications architectures, and more, as well. This all very much mirrors the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative and, to a lesser extent, the U.S. Navy's own separate, but heavily intertwined NGAD effort , as well as the Tempest program that the United Kingdom is leading.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHaQOXv6sI4

With Wingman, Airbus now looks to be aiming for a higher-performance fighter-like drone capability in the near term that could be among various capabilities that lead into FCAS. The consortium has also alluded to this being just one of several related loyal wingman designs that could be coming in the future, or even be in development now, and that could all have some degree of commonality.

"The model on display at ILA Berlin will serve as a foundation and catalyst to drive the design requirements for each generation of the Wingman," according to today's press release.

Despite Airbus' current focus on Germany with regard to Wingman, there's no reason why the consortium couldn't pitch the drone, or related variants or derivatives, to other customers, including the other FCAS partner nations.

With Airbus now set to show off the full-size Wingman model at the ILA show in Berlin later this week, more details about this new drone concept may emerge soon.

UPDATE: 6/4/2024 

Some additional details about Wingman have now emerged from the setup for the upcoming ILA exhibition in Berlin. A placard accompanying the full-scale model, seen in the social media post below, describes the drone as having a 39.37 foot (12 meter) wingspan, 50.98 foot (15.54 meter) overall length, and a height of 8.3 feet (2.53 meters). The design's total wing area is also said to be 659 square feet (61.22 square meters).

Airbus has also now shown a rendering of Wingman with twin vertical tails, as well as Paveway-series precision-guided bombs and Brimstone air-to-ground missiles carried externally under its wings. As already noted, this would negatively impact the drone's stealthy characteristics.

Contact the authors: joe@twz.com , oliver@thewarzone.com
Photos have emerged showing a U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet carrying what appears to be an air-launched version of the RIM-174 SM-6 missile, a weapon that can counter aerial threats at long ranges, as well as ground and surface targets.

Photos have emerged showing a U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet carrying what appears to be an air-launched version of the hugely versatile SM-6 missile , also known as the RIM-174. The SM-6 was originally designed as a surface-launched weapon that can counter air-breathing aerial threats at long ranges, ballistic missiles in their terminal stages of flight, and now even hypersonic weapons under specific circumstances . The SM-6 can also be used to strike high-priority ground targets, such as air defense sites, and warships , acting as a quasi-ballistic missile. The U.S. Army has also adopted it as a ground-launched weapon for use in the land attack role. SM-6 traditionally uses Mk 41 Vertical Launch System architecture for deployment.

The Super Hornet and SM-6 combination was spotted before  three years ago  but has never been officially acknowledged by the Navy. It is possible that what we are seeing is a Super Hornet being used as a launch platform for an SM-6 that's intended to be used as a surrogate for a test, such as mimicking an air-launched ballistic missile. The missile could also be carried aloft by the fighter for prolonged aerial testing of an onboard system, such as its datalink or active radar seeker. It also may well be the case that the Navy is working to add this powerful capability to the fighter  or possibly already has.

The photos were shared with TWZ by a photographer who uses the handle Stinkjet and whose captures are well worth taking a look at on his Instagram account, which you can find here .

Three more views of the Super Hornet with an SM-6 missile under its starboard wing. Stinkjet

Stinkjet

Stinkjet

Stinkjet told us that the four photos were taken around 60 miles north of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, on April 17. I was photographing other aircraft in the R-2508 and happened to look up and see this Rhino with what I thought was an unusually large missile, they explained. Stinkjet was unsure what the missile was until he posted the photos yesterday.

The photographer is fairly confident that the aircraft belongs to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9, based on radio communications heard around the same time, although it could possibly be assigned to VX-31. It was a VX-31 aircraft that was carrying an SM-6 when the missile was first noted aboard a Super Hornet.

The jet did three orbits above us and then left, Stinkjet says. It was taken on my Canon R6 MK2 at 800mm. The photographer estimates the jet was flying at around 18,000 feet when captured.

https://www.twitter.com/StinkJet/status/1797728633639108651

If indeed this is an air-launched SM-6, the missile would drastically expand the Super Hornets capabilities. When the previous photo of an SM-6-toting F/A-18F came to light, back in 2021, TWZ approached the Navy for more details about this possibility but received no definitive answer. Once again, we have approached the service for comment about these latest photos.

Clearly, however, there has been a significant gap between the first appearance of the Super Hornet/SM-6 combination and this latest one, suggesting that whatever testing is involved has been going on for a while now. In both instances, the missiles also had the same orange-colored fins and strakes.

An SM-6 round is loaded into a specialized container at the Raytheon Redstone Missile Integration Facility for delivery to the U.S. Navy. Raytheon

Whatever the case, integration of the SM-6 on the Super Hornet would offer some very intriguing benefits for the U.S. military as a whole.

Above all, the SM-6 offers a compelling combination of extended range and versatility, as well as being part of a powerful and existing combat communications network.

Its adaptability means it can be used to engage a wide variety of aerial threats  its primary role. This would give the Super Hornet the ability to hit aircraft and missiles drastically farther away  over hundreds of miles  than what it currently is capable of. The forthcoming AIM-260 air-to-air missile should close part of this gap, but it's doubtful it will approach the reach of an SM-6.

The ability to strike targets on land and at sea, and also do so over great distances, with a hard-to-intercept weapon that travels at near or over hypersonic speed during the terminal stage of its flight, is also unlike anything the F/A-18E/F has in its weapons portfolio today.

The destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) launches an SM-6 during a live-fire test of its Aegis weapons system. U.S. Navy

The challenges of a future potential conflict with China in the Pacific have seen the Pentagon become more and more concerned with long-range kill chains, especially as Beijing pursues increasingly long-legged air-to-air missiles of its own. This is in addition to the anti-access/area-denial capabilities China has invested in heavily that aim, in part, to keep enemies from getting within striking distance of key targets during a conflict.

Launched via booster from a warship, the 3,300-pound SM-6 has an estimated range of around 230 miles, although this figure depends on a wide array of factors, and usually real effective ranges are discounted for public consumption. Regardless, firing an SM-6 from a high-flying and fast-moving fighter would extend this number significantly further. Combined with the fighter's ability to deploy far forward, with its effective combat range only really limited by proximity to aerial refueling and the enemy's defenses, air launch could make the SM-6 an effective weapon positioned many hundreds of miles forward in the battlespace from any ship or ground-launcher.

Launched from a warship, an SM-6 intercepts a medium-range ballistic missile target off the coast of Hawaii in August 2017:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqYaQlwOKYQ

While giving Super Hornets the ability to counter aerial threats at very long distances via an off-the-shelf missile would be a big capability boost, the standoff attack capability that the SM-6 could provide the Super Hornet is arguably just as important. Again, with future Pacific contingencies in mind, this could be of huge relevance, both for striking maritime targets and ones on land.

Launching the SM-6 from any kind of platform in an anti-surface warfare role is becoming increasingly critical. Currently, Super Hornets can employ the Harpoon for this mission. Harpoon Block II variants can hit targets at a range of around 75 miles, the SM-6 offers triple the range, and possibly even more. It's also a much harder weapon to defend against than a subsonic anti-ship cruise missile. Layering in SM-6s with anti-ship cruise missiles would drastically complicate the defense of a targeted vessel or flotilla, increasing the chances of successfully taking it off the board. The fact that aircraft can launch from less predictable vectors compared to warships, makes defending against such an attack even more challenging.

Armed with Harpoon anti-ship missiles, a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet prepares to take off from Andersen Air Force Base Guam, in June 2022, to participate in Exercise Valiant Shield 22. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Harmon

The ability to have Super Hornets extend the defensive (and offensive) umbrella of a naval task force beyond the range offered by the regular, surface-launched SM-6 would be a key advantage. The fact that the SM-6 is already a 'networked' weapon, with the ability to receive targeting information from third-party sources, drastically opens up the ways in which it can be used.

A Super Hornet armed with SM-6 would be able to exploit the multiple benefits of the Navys still-evolving kill web architecture. This is the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air concept, or NIFC-CA , designed to bring together the complementary attributes of platforms such as the F-35 stealth fighter, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye radar plane, Aegis-equipped warships , and weapons like the SM-6.

An older but still relevant graphic showing SM-6 being used as a surface-launched, networked weapon to engage targets beyond the detection range of the ship it is launched from, using another platforms sensor data (for example, an F-35 or E-2D) to provide targeting information from a forward position. DoD

NIFC-CA means that high-fidelity targeting data can be shared across disparate warships and aircraft, creating a robust network of sensors and shooters that are better able to defend the carrier strike group, or be used to achieve other key objectives. At the same time, since the SM-6 could outrange the Super Hornets own sensors, the use of offboard cueing via NIFC-CA could be the key to exploiting the weapon's capabilities to the full extent possible.

The use of NIFC-CA targeting, which leverages the whole of a strike group's sensor capabilities, and even fuzes them with data from space-based assets, could open up the potential for a Super Hornet to engage targets it is not capable of doing on its own. This could include ballistic missiles in their terminal phases of flight or even incoming hypersonic weapons. Similarly, surface targets or even those on land can be sent to the Super Hornet via datalink for SM-6 tasking.

If the Navy is really adapting SM-6 as an air-launched weapon, we could see other services follow suit. USAF fighters, such as the F-15EX, could also host the weapon. Bombers such as the B-52 and B-21 could also leverage its unique attributes, both in an air-to-air and air-to-surface role.

While we dont know for sure whether SM-6-armed Super Hornets are going to become an operational reality, it seems clear that arming the fighter, and potentially other combat aircraft, with this weapon would make a lot of sense. Whatever the story behind last months test out of China Lake, it points to the versatility of the SM-6 and its growing importance to the Pentagon at large.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
A former stay-at-home dad who was pushed back into the job market after a divorce says he's struggling to find roles he's qualified for. The man in the story is not pictured. VioletaStoimenova/Getty Images

A Gen Xer became a stay-at-home dad in the mid-2000s after being laid off from his job.

After getting divorced a few years ago, he realized he'd eventually need to return to the workforce.

But he's struggled to find jobs he's qualified for and may have to delay his return to work.

In the mid-2000s, Dan was let go from his job at a financial firm. He's been out of the workforce ever since.

At first, he was OK with the change, the New Yorker who's in his 40s told Business Insider via email. He and his wife decided that he would care for their children full-time while she pursued her career.

But after being a stay-at-home dad for over a decade, Dan and his wife got divorced a few years ago. While he received an "enviable" settlement that's helped him pay the bills, he said this money will eventually begin to run dry.

"I'm hoping my cash lasts three more years at least," said Dan, whose identity is known to BI, but he asked to use a pseudonym to maintain privacy for his family. He said he could try to stretch the money out as long as possible, but that this would require a steady reduction in his "quality of life."

So after nearly 20 years out of the workforce, Dan has started to dip his toe into the job market. But it's been quite discouraging so far.

"When I review job sites, I'm underqualified for jobs that I used to do, and I most likely present as too old for entry-level positions," he said. "I'm embarrassed to even attempt to update my resume or even bother applying to a job with my gap in work history and skills."

While the male unemployment rate is low compared to past decades, Dan is among the American men who are struggling to find a job  or have stopped looking entirely. In 1950, roughly 97% of American men ages 25 to 54 had a job or were actively looking for work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of April, this figure had fallen to about 89%.

There are several potential explanations for this decline, including the rising number of men with disabilities, higher incarceration rates, and worsening employment and earnings prospects for people without a college degree. The rising number of stay-at-home dads is arguably a more positive explanation, but in Dan's case, this created an employment gap that could make his return to the workforce more challenging. The career consequences of childcare-related resume gaps are something women have dealt with for decades.

Dan shared how he's going about his job search, what opportunities he's considering, and why it might be a while before he's able to return to work.

Story continues

Taking an entry-level job and moving to a less expensive area might be his best option

While he's not actively applying for jobs, Dan said he's been consistently reviewing job listings to figure out whether he's a good fit anywhere.

"I will absolutely reenter the workforce  it's just a question of whether it's something close to what I aspired to post-graduation in my early 20s or like a Walmart greeter or janitor or something in between," he said.

He's not sure how helpful his college degree from over 20 years ago  which was "in the arts"  will be in his search, and he has little desire to pursue graduate school. He said he'd be open to teaching and hospitality jobs, working at a national park, or any type of office role.

"I'm not committed to any direction yet, but I'm not getting any younger," he said. "I'm resigned to ultimately taking an entry-level job if they'll have me."

Dan said he'd been advised to pursue an entry-level job at Home Depot or Costco, in part so he could receive health benefits. He also thinks it would be wise for him to move to a more affordable region of the country to reduce his living expenses.

A path that checks both these boxes might end up being the most practical, he said. But there's another obstacle in his job search, one that might make it difficult for him to move or commit to a significant work schedule for at least a few years.

Even though his ex-wife has custody of the children, Dan said he's the "full-time dad" when she has work commitments like a business trip. He also helps with day-to-day responsibilities like school drop-off and pickup.

"I will probably wait until my kids graduate from high school and then I will move to somewhere cheaper to live and take the best job available to me," he said, adding that this is expected to happen over the next few years.

In the meantime, Dan's trying not to get too pessimistic about his future career outlook.

"Most people identify you by your job," he said. "I don't want to be identified as someone who hasn't had a career during his adult life."

Are you a man who's not looking for work or has struggled to find a job? Are you willing to share your story? If so, reach out to this reporter at jzinkula@businessinsider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Gas prices in Florida have fallen for the past 10 days, AAA announced in a news release Monday.

The state average has dropped 11 cents in that time. Sundays average was $3.45 per gallon.

The summer travel season is beginning with gasoline prices that are 20 cents less than the highest price this year, AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a news release. While gasoline prices are usually volatile through the summer months, recent futures prices suggest the state average could move lower this week.

Gas is most expensive in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Naples, and Fort Lauderdale.

Its cheapest in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, and Pensacola.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

AAA offers this advice to save money:

Combine errands to limit driving time.

Shop around for the best gas prices in your community.

Pay with cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.

Remove excess weight in your vehicle. Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1-2 percent.

Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduce fuel economy.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Find the lowest prices in Jacksonville by clicking here.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Globe Metals and Mining, an African-focused resources company, has reached an at-the-market (ATM) equity facility with New York-based company Long State Investments, providing up to $20m over two years.

The company maintains complete control over the use of the ATM facility, including the number of shares to be issued, the minimum share price and the timing of each subscription.

This ATM facility does not obligate Globe to draw on the funds, nor does it restrict the company from seeking additional capital through other means.

As collateral, Globe intends to allocate 14 million shares to Long State at no cost, utilising its 15% placement capacity under Listing Rule 7.1.

If the company plans to use the ATM facility, it can dictate the terms of share sales to Long State, including setting a minimum issue price and specifying the number of shares Long State is allowed to sell within a certain time frame.

For this, the New York-based company will receive an $80,000 implementation fee and a 6% commission on all funds raised through the ATM facility.

Additionally, Long State will provide Globe with strategic advisory services, which include facilitating connections with potential off-takers and strategic partners.

The partnership is said to be important for Globe's Kanyika Niobium Project in Malawi, which holds a Large-Scale Mining Licence and has undergone extensive drilling and engineering studies to define mineralisation and improve the mining process.

Globes Kanyika Niobium Project will produce high-purity niobium pentoxide and tantalum pentoxide powders.

Globe CEO Paul Smith said: The establishment of the ATM facility diversifies Globe's funding base for the development of the Kanyika Project.

This marks the initial step in our recently announced funding strategy, aimed at best supporting the project while minimising shareholder dilution.

We further look forward to working with Long State on the development of key relationships associated with the project.

"Globe Metals secures $20m in ATM facility from Long State" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Opposition LMP activists have shut off the entrances to the Samsung battery plant in God, north of Budapest.

Antal Csardi, the green partys deputy group leader, at a press conference held at the factory on Monday, called on the government to force compliance with the court ruling in respect of the validity of Samsung SDIs environmental permit and reduce capacity by more than 98%.



Neither the environmental protection office nor the local government office had shown willingness to take action, he said.



He said LMP would persevere with its action with the goal of forcing the plant to abide by the courts ruling that the company was in breach of environmental regulations.



He said it was obvious that the government was only concerned with falling in line with the interests of multinational companies rather than protecting the health of the Hungarian public.



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Prime Minister Viktor Orban held talks with Toshihiro Suzuki, the CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation, in Budapest, his press chief said.

They reviewed the situation of the automotive industry in Europe and Hungary and the challenges posed by the industrys technological transformation, Bertalan Havasi said.



Orban said Hungary had an interest in Suzukis success, adding that the ties between Hungary and the company is more than just business; it is a friendship.



Speaking about Hungarys economy, Orban told his partner that it was expected to grow this year and in 2025 as well, adding that credit ratings agencies, investors, Hungarian entrepreneurs and the Hungarian people had trust in the country.



We are optimistic, Orban said, adding however that the war in Ukraine posed a big threat.



The situation is in that regard very difficult, because the war destroys not only human lives, families and the assets of people, but entire economies, the prime minister said.



Photo: PM's Press Office Vivien Cher Benko



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Candidates of five political parties in the Budapest municipal election set for June 9 participated in a debate hosted by commercial television channel ATV late on Sunday and presented their proposals for the capitals development.

Alexandra Szentkiralyi, list leader of the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrat alliance and Peter Magyar of the Tisza Party had declined to attend, ATV said.



David Vitezy, a candidate backed by the green LMP party, said he did not want to be a party politician  using Budapest as a springboard. He said his focus was Budapests development.



He said public transport services between central Budapest and its greater area must be improved and called for a fight for government support to an upgrade of suburban train services and railway developments, developing the tram network and speeding up road renovations.



He criticised the incumbent mayor, Gergely Karacsony, for getting involving in national politics rather than promoting the interests of Budapest residents.



Karacsony said he would work for an even greener Budapest with more solidarity for needy residents.



He said the city called for cleaner air and affordable rental housing. In the next cycle, he said, the city would spend a total 56 billion forints in EU funding for increasing green areas under his leadership.



Karacsony noted that life expectancy in Budapest was 5 years lower than in other capitals of Europe. He insisted that in the past five years Budapest had seen the largest outpatient service development in its history, and said he wanted to continue in that spirit.



He also stressed that health institutions should be kept under the control of district governments rather than centralised. Budapest is a free, loyal and diverse European city  while the government represents the opposite of all that, which does not make cooperation easy.



He added, however, that he was willing to cooperate with anyone, but he would not give up his principles.



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FirstMed Budapest is dedicated to supporting the English-speaking community in Budapest by providing child safety and emergency preparedness training.

After a short break, their highly demanded English-language Pediatric First Aid Course will return on June 12, 2024.



The course features new and improved content and is specifically designed to equip parents, caregivers, and anyone working with children with the skills necessary to respond to a medical emergency.



Get Essential Pediatric First Aid Skills

On this thorough Pediatric First Aid training, you can learn how to recognize and respond to common childhood illnesses and injuries, like

Administering CPR to infants and children;

Steps to take when a child is choking;

How to lower a sudden fever, and more.

The course is designed to be hands-on and engaging, to equip participants to handle typical medical emergencies.



Meet the Trainer

Negin Azodi, an exceptionally skilled and qualified nurse at FirstMed, is fluent in English and will provide unwavering guidance throughout the sessions.



Negin's profound passion for pediatric care and first-aid education, coupled with her extensive knowledge and experience in nursing, ensures an engaging and informative learning experience for all participants, owing to her multicultural background, practical insights, and compassionate teaching approach.



Location & Registration

The 3-hour comprehensive training will be held at FirstMed's facilities with a limited number of participants to ensure a hands-on learning environment. The small group size guarantees that each participant will receive individual attention from the instructor.



Equip yourself with the skills to be a calm force when your child needs you the most. Register for the next available date on FirstMed's website, where you will also find comprehensive information about the Pediatric First Aid Course.



FirstMed has been at the forefront of providing exceptional healthcare services to the expat community in Hungary for over 25 years. Offering a wide range of medical services, from routine checkups to specialized procedures, FirstMed is committed to delivering excellence in healthcare with a personal touch.



This Pediatric First Aid Course is specifically designed for English-speaking parents and caregivers in Budapest who want to learn essential first aid skills for babies and little children.



Click here to virtually visit FirstMed

1015 Budapest, Hattyu utca 14

Hattyuhaz, 5th floor
From Hacienda Saruro to Global Acclaim - The legacy of Diplomatico Rum began over a century ago on the lush landscapes of Venezuela. In 1908, Hacienda Saruro was established for cultivating sugar cane and producing liquor.

This site, rich with tradition and fertile soil, is where Diplomatico is crafted today.



Fast forward to 1959, when local family entrepreneurs joined forces with Seagrams to create Licorerias Unidas S.A (LUSA), marking a significant step in the region's rum-making heritage.



Three decades later, in 1989, Diplomatico rum was first created and launched in the local market, quickly becoming a beloved staple.



In 2002, four local families with a shared passion for rum acquired the distillery, renaming it Destilerias Unidas S.A. (DUSA).



This marked a pivotal moment for Diplomatico, as the new ownership infused fresh energy and vision into the brand. Just two years later, in 2004, Diplomatico began its journey beyond Venezuelan borders, exporting its exquisite rums to international markets.



The brand's exceptional quality and craftsmanship were soon recognized globally. In 2018, Diplomatico was awarded Spirit Brand of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and was enjoyed in more than 100 markets worldwide.



By 2022, Diplomatico had become the number one rum in the super premium and above segment globally, according to the IWSR (Total Rum Super Premium segment. Volume Sales 2021).



In 2023, the brand's growth trajectory continued as Diplomatico Rum was acquired by Brown-Forman, a testament to its enduring appeal and quality.

Understanding Rum: A Brief Guide

In 2019, the European Union established regulations defining what constitutes rum within its borders. According to these guidelines, rum is a spirit drink produced exclusively by distillation of the product obtained by alcoholic fermentation of molasses, syrup, or sugar-cane juice.



Distilled at less than 96% vol., rum must have discernible specific organoleptic characteristics and an alcoholic strength by volume of at least 37.5%.



Additions of alcohol, flavors, or excessive sweetening are not permitted. Rum may only contain added caramel as a means of adjusting the colour.



Rum may be sweetened in order to round off the final taste. However, the final product may not contain more than 20 grams of sweetening products per litre, expressed as invert sugar.



Born in Venezuela, Finished in Panama

Commitment to Quality and Craftsmanship

Every drop of Diplomatico rum originates in Venezuela, a country known for its ideal climate for growing sugar cane.



Nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Caribbean Sea, Venezuela's high humidity and consistent weather conditions provide the perfect environment for cultivating sugar cane and accelerating the aging process of rum.



Diplomatico's rum-making process is a blend of traditional and modern techniques, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and aromas. The process begins with the finest locally sourced sugar cane, which is fermented using proprietary yeast to create rich and fruity aromatic compounds.



Distillation follows, using unique methods to produce a variety of spirit types.



To support its expansion, Diplomatico has established a further aging, blending, and bottling facility in Panama.



This location mirrors Venezuelas tropical conditions, ensuring the rum maintains its quality and character as it matures and is prepared for global distribution.



Aging takes place in tropical warehouses, where the rum absorbs flavors from oak casks that previously held spirits like bourbon, whisky, and sherry. This accelerated aging process, coupled with expert blending, creates the complex and rich flavors Diplomatico is known for.

Don Juancho: The Face of Diplomatico

The visual representation of Diplomatico is Don Juancho, an icon inspired by the Mantuanos, Venezuelan noblemen of the 19th century known for their good taste and discernment.



These local ambassadors traveled widely, trading artisanal goods and championing their region, embodying the spirit of Diplomatico.



Sustainability and Responsibility

Diplomatico is deeply committed to sustainability. The distillery was the first in Latin America to receive the ISO 14001 certification in 2009, recognizing its environmental management efforts.



The brands sustainability program, "Distilled Consciously," focuses on protecting the environment and reducing food waste through collaborations with NGOs and community support programs.

The Diplomatico Portfolio



Tradition Range:

Reserva Exclusiva: A world-renowned super premium sipping rum, known for its smoothness and balance. It features aromas of fruit cake, cocoa, and spices, with flavours of chocolate, toffee, and tropical fruits.

Seleccion de Familia: An elegant blend of distinctive family rum reserves, crafted for the discerning drinker.

Planas: An aged white rum with a fresh, smooth taste, ideal for classic cocktails.

Mantuano: A versatile blend perfect for mixing in flavourful long drinks or cocktails.



Prestige Range:

Ambassador: Crafted from the finest reserves and finished in sherry casks, this rum offers a luxurious sensory experience.

Single Vintage: Produced only during exceptional years, this ultra-premium rum is aged in ex-bourbon and ex-whiskey casks for at least 12 years.



Diplomaticos journey from a local Venezuelan distillery to a globally recognized brand is a testament to its quality, craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainability.



Each bottle reflects the rich heritage and dedication of its makers, offering a true taste of Venezuelan excellence to rum enthusiasts around the world.



Diplomatico products can be purchased in the webshop of WhiskyNet.
She is a passionate entrepreneur and creative mind with a neurodivergent perspective.

She founded Stuck Lollipop, a social media and content creation business that empowers businesses and individuals to build their online presence and engage with audiences.



Bara is driven by the power of storytelling and building meaningful connections through social media.



1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

I arrived in Hungary in 2019, and I came here to pursue masters in Film Studies.



2. What made you stay?

I liked the city, I've built a life here and decided to stay, I worked in a post production company for two years.



3. What do you do now?

I started my own business "Stuck Lollipop", not too long ago, which is a Social Media Business, around the same time my partner, Brian Grant who is a ghost writer, opened his Bar "Beer People" and we ended up collaborating together.



4. What surprised you most about Hungary?

There are no bum guns.



5. Friends are in Budapest for the weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

Visit Buda castle, and soak in the thermal baths.



6. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Deer Stew - szarvasporkolt



7. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Eggs & milk.



8. What is your favourite Hungarian phrase?

Te kis cukorfalat.



9. What do you miss most from home?

The desert.



10. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Actress or a private investigator (I grew up watching Detective Conan which is Japanese Sherlock Holmes anime).



11. What's a job you would definitely never want?

Surgeon or swimming lifeguard.



12. Where did you spend your last vacation and where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

I spent my last vacation in Greece, and I would love to visit Portugal for my next vacation.



13. Apart from temptation what can't you resist?

Desserts, candy, chocolate, or anything sweet you name it. (I have a sweet tooth).



14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Resident Evil

Singing



15. Red or white?

White

16. Books or films?

Films



17. Morning person or night person?

Neither, I'm something in the middle.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Wars, human trafficking, unhoused individuals issue, environment, humans right...and I could go on and on.



19. Buda or Pest?

Buda



20. What would you say is your personal motto?

Meow
New Delhi: Congress party conducted a press conference on Tuesday, the day of Lok Sabha election results. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh and Party President Kharge were present at the meeting which was held in Delhi. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi thanked their voters after receiving enormous support. Party president Kharge said that this is a moral and political defeat for BJP.

After receiving an enormous amount of support from Rae Bareli and Wayanad Lok Sabha seats, Rahul Gandhi thanked the voters of his constituency and said, "I have won from Rae Bareli and Wayanad and I thank the voters. I need to decide which seat I will retain. I haven't decided yet."

While addressing a press conference, Gandhi said that the INDIA alliance is going to have a meeting tomorrow and decide the further plans.

" We are going to have a meeting with our INDIA alliance partners tomorrow...we respect our alliance partners and we won't make statements to the press without asking them," he said.

Reacting to the chances of govt formation by the INDIA alliance, Rahul Gandhi said, "We won't make any statements without asking our alliance partners."

Meanwhile, the party president said that this is a 'Janta ka result' and this is just a moral and political defeat of Modi. "This election results are 'janta ka result'...It is clear this mandate is against Modi ji. This is his moral and political defeat," he said.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that the Congress is leading on 83 seats while already won 15 seats in the Lok Sabha election 2024. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi won from both constituencies. He is leading the seat from a 3.8 lakh margin in Rae Bareli. In the 2024 election, Congress leader Kishori Lal won from Amethi Lok Sabha against BJP's Smriti Irani, this one of the highly profiled seats. The grand old party secured a victory from seats like Bellary, Alappuzha, Bidar, Raichur, Sirsa, Gulbarga etc.
Himachal Pradesh has sent a clear message to the BJP, highlighting the need for introspection despite their victory in the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP's primary focus was on securing parliamentary seats, while the state Congress concentrated on the assembly by-elections. This divergence in priorities led to new political dynamics in the state.

Diverging Priorities and Electoral Outcomes

While the BJP has won four parliamentary seats in Himachal, the reduced vote margins indicate underlying issues. In Mandi, where the BJP previously enjoyed leads of up to four lakh votes, actress Kangana Ranaut faced stiff competition from Vikramaditya Singh, with the margin shrinking to around 75,000 votes. This was despite former CM Jairam Thakur's relentless campaigning, alongside efforts from Prime Minister Modi, Nitin Gadkari, and Yogi Adityanath.

Jairam Thakur's focus on securing Mandi for Kangana led to setbacks in the by-elections. The BJP's machinery, including its workers and MLAs, prioritized Kanganas campaign, which resulted in losses in Dharamshala, Lahaul-Spiti, Sujjanpur, Badsar, Gagret, and Kutlehar assembly seats. Congress won four of these seats, while the BJP secured only two.

Parliamentary Results and Comparisons

The BJP's candidatesKangana Ranaut in Mandi, Anurag Thakur in Hamirpur, Rajiv Bhardwaj in Kangra, and Suresh Kashyap in Shimlawon their respective parliamentary seats. However, the margins were significantly lower compared to 2019. Kangana won Mandi by 73,256 votes, Suresh Kashyap won Shimla by 90,000 votes, Anurag Thakur won Hamirpur by 168,784 votes, and Dr. Rajiv Bhardwaj won Kangra by 244,728 votes. In contrast, the 2019 elections saw BJP winning Mandi by 405,459 votes, Kangra by 477,623 votes, Hamirpur by 399,572 votes, and Shimla by 327,514 votes.

Need for Introspection

Despite winning, the BJP's reduced margins and losses in assembly by-elections indicate the need for self-assessment. The party must address the potential adverse effects of sidelining workers and senior leaders. Additionally, the excessive interference from Delhi has had noticeable impacts. Local issues such as jobs, pensions, and employee welfare dominated these elections and should be prioritized in future strategies.

The Himachal Pradesh elections have underscored the complexity of the political landscape, suggesting that the BJP needs to recalibrate its approach to maintain its stronghold in the region.
As the results for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections unfold, a clear picture emerges with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leading in 242 seats and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead in approximately 290 seats. However, the mood is jubilant in the opposition camp as the Congress party crosses the 100-seat mark for the first time in a decade. The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is currently leading in 232 seats, and although they have not reached the majority mark, they are content with their performance.

The BJP's biggest setback comes from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra. In Uttar Pradesh, which the BJP considered its stronghold, the party is trailing behind in more than half of the seats. This has left the BJP's state headquarters in a state of despair.

Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress offices are buzzing with activity as celebrations have begun. Party workers gathered at the SP office to celebrate the party's impressive performance in the elections, distributing sweets and playing drums and trumpets.

Senior SP leader Uday Veer Singh, who arrived at the party office, declared, "We are winning the election." The party leader has advised leaders to remain at the counting center as a precautionary measure. Similar celebrations were held at the Congress office in Lucknow, where senior leaders and party workers gathered to celebrate the party's performance in the Lok Sabha elections.

Silence at BJP Office

On the day of counting, the BJP office in Lucknow was prepared for grand celebrations. However, as the results started pouring in, a tense battle was seen on TV screens between the NDA and the India Block. No senior BJP leader arrived at the party office. As the day progressed, people began to gather at the BJP office, but the atmosphere was subdued. The number of seats won by the BJP was lower than expected, leaving the office in silence.
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.

Story continues

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.
The 2024 Lok Sabha election results have brought a surprising twist in the tale. The BJP-led NDA has crossed the majority mark, but the INDIA coalition has defied all exit polls by securing 229 seats. The BJP has faced significant losses in key states like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. In Bengal, the TMC has performed exceptionally well, while in UP, the duo of Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi has made a significant impact.

From Allegations to Strategy

Up until recently, the opposition parties were busy accusing the BJP of tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and coercing District Magistrates (DMs). However, with the current trend favouring the opposition, they are now focused on formulating a government. The allegations of EVM tampering have been a constant feature in recent elections. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recently accused Home Minister Amit Shah of pressuring district officials, which the Election Commission found hard to believe, challenging the feasibility of such widespread influence.

EVMs: A Clean Chit?

As the counting began and trends started favouring the INDIA coalition, the accusations of EVM tampering quickly vanished. It seemed as if democracy had been vindicated. Just a day before counting, Congress leader Digvijay Singh had claimed that if the BJP won 300 seats, it would be the victory of EVMs, not the people. However, as results unfolded, this narrative changed.

The INDIA coalition has given a tough fight to the NDA, with the latter currently winning 295 seats, of which the BJP alone has secured 240 seats. Congress has managed to win 100 seats, marking a significant resurgence.

Congress Takes on BJP

Congress leaders assert that the people have rejected the BJP and that the INDIA coalition is on the brink of forming the government with a clear majority. Ragini Nayak stated that the mandate was against the authoritarian, arrogant, and communal politics of Prime Minister Modi, which has been prevalent for the past decade. She argued that the electorate has spoken against Modi's focus on divisive issues throughout the campaign.

Rahul Gandhi's extensive 4,000-kilometer padyatra and emphasis on social justice appear to have resonated with the public, resulting in a significant shift. In Uttar Pradesh, many BJP leaders are trailing or losing their seats, highlighting the extent of this electoral upheaval.

Election Commission's Recent Response

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar acknowledged that the poll panel had anticipated false narratives and potential attacks from outside India during the election process. However, he noted that the attacks actually came from within the country. The Election Commissioner referred to a Supreme Court ruling that dismissed allegations of duplicate names in electoral rolls, ensuring that voters had adequate measures to address any discrepancies.

Kumar also mentioned a recent plea in the Supreme Court seeking the tallying of all Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips to verify votes cast through EVMs. The petitioners alleged malfunctioning of the EVMs, but the Chief Election Commissioner argued that such allegations could have led to chaos by undermining trust in the voting process.
Karnataka Election Result 2024: The BJP yielded ground to the Congress, as the ruling party in Karnataka is on course to boost its Lok Sabha seats tally to 10, as per the latest counting trends on Tuesday. The BJP was ahead in 16 seats -- down from 25 in 2019 Lok Sabha elections -- while its NDA partner JD(S) is projected to win in two constituencies, according to Election Commission officials. Having scored a thumping victory in the assembly elections, which witnessed a triangular fight between the Congress, the BJP and the JD(S) in May last year, the ruling party was determined to put up a strong show but seems to have fallen short of its expectations in the polls, in which the party was hoping to get at least 15 seats.

The Congress had banked heavily on the five guarantee schemes it had launched in the state. The grand old party had won a mere one seat out of the total 28 in the state in the 2019 general elections. Karnataka is the most important State for the BJP in South India as it's only here that it had held power in the past. After the loss in the assembly election last year, BJP had strived to improve its prospects in the Lok Sabha polls, leveraging the Modi factor and had set an ambitious task of repeating its 2019 Lok Sabha performance, when it had swept the polls.

The saffron party had then won 25 seats, and also had managed to ensure the victory of an independent backed by it. Many BJP leaders had even repeatedly claimed that the party would win all 28 seats. For JD(S), this Lok Sabha election was considered to be crucial, after it registered its worst performance in over two decades in the 2023 Assembly polls in Karnataka, bagging only 19 seats. So, in what is largely being seen as an "alliance of compulsion", the JD(S) with a hope to better its prospects had forged an alliance with BJP in the backdrop of the ruling Congress's alleged "onslaught" and attempts to weaken the party by wooing its leaders and legislators. It was a role reversal of sorts for former prime minister H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S) in this election compared to 2019, as the party was running a coalition government with Congress back then and had fought the election together. It had then emerged victorious in one constituency -- Hassan. Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, who is facing allegations of sexually abusing several women and also recording them, was trailing. He has already been suspended by the JD(S).

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's son-in-law Radhakrishna Doddamani was leading in Gulbarga, after trailing earlier.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's brother and MP D K Suresh was also trailing against eminent cardiologist and former PM H D Deve Gowda's son-in-law Dr C N Manjunath of BJP from Bangalore Rural. Interestingly, this was the only seat Congress had won in 2019. Three former chief ministers -- H D Kumaraswamy of JD(S), and Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar (both BJP) -- are leading in their Lok Sabha segments of Mandya, Haveri and Belgaum respectively.

Union ministers Pralhad Joshi and Shobha Karandlaje (BJP) were ahead in Dharwad and Bangalore North Lok Sabha segments, respectively, according to official sources, while another Union Minister Bhagwanth Khuba was trailing in Bidar.

Also leading were erstwhile Mysuru royal family scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar of BJP in Mysore, party veteran B S Yediyurappa's son B Y Raghavendra in Shimoga, and saffron party's youth wing chief Tejasvi Surya (Bangalore South).

Among those trailing are expelled BJP leader K S Eshwarappa and film star Shivrajkumar's wife Geetha Shivrajkumar of Congress in Shimoga.

Former Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri and Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Kota Srinivas Poojary (BJP) have taken leads in Uttara Kannada and Udupi-Chikmagalur segments, respectively. The Congress's performance in this election is being seen as a key test of sorts for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and its state unit chief Shivakumar, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister. The opposition BJP and JD(S) leaders in the state have several times predicted the collapse of the government, hinting at a possible power tussle within the Congress, amid persistent rumours about leadership change in the ruling party in the state after Lok Sabha polls or mid-way of the current Assembly's tenure. There was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister's post after the declaration of assembly election results in May last year, but the Congress leadership had managed to convince the latter and made him the deputy chief minister.

There were some reports at the time that a compromise had been reached based on a "rotational chief minister formula" according to which Shivakumar will become CM after two-and-half years but they have not been officially confirmed by the party.

Shivakumar has made no secret of his ambition to become chief minister, while Siddaramaiah had sought public support during the Lok Sabha polls so that the Congress wins maximum number of seats in the state, which would strengthen his position. This election is also seen as a "litmus test" for BJP veteran B S Yediyurappa's son B Y Vijayendra, who was appointed president of the party's state unit in November last year. Ensuring a BJP sweep would have been key to consolidating his position and silencing critics who have questioned his selection for the post.
The Lok Sabha 2024 election results have thrown a quite a few surprises and the INDIA bloc alliance defied most exit poll predictions to bag over 230 seats, as of 6 pm on January 4. However, in the Hindi heartland of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, BJP has steamrolled the Opposition, with an almost clean sweep.

Madhya Pradesh elects 29 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats. It saw an overall voter turnout of 66.87% in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with key constituencies like Bhopal, Indore, and Gwalior witnessing fierce contests. Interestingly, after Shankar Lalwani, who has secured 11,60,627 votes, Indore saw the maximum votes for NOTA - more than 2 lakh voters chose NOTA.

Akshya Kanti Bam, who was supposed to be the Congress leader from Indore, went to the Indore district collectors office along with BJP minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and lawmaker Ramesh Mendola on April 29 and withdrew his nomination. After this last-minute withdrawal, Congress had appealed to their voters to opt for NOTA.

Meanwhile, Chhindwara, a Congress bastion for many decades, seems to be going to BJP. Nakul Nath, son of veteran leader Kamal Nath, who won his first election in 2019, is trailing BJP's Bunty Sahu. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia from the BJP has won the Guna Seat by margin of 5,40,929 while former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has secured a comfortable win in Vidisha.

In Chhattisgarh, the BJP has maintained an impressive lead in 10 out of 11 Lok Sabha seats, as per trends available so far. The Congress has managed a lead only in the Korba seat where its sitting MP Jyotsna Mahant, wife of the incumbent leader of opposition Charandas Mahant, was leading. In the high-profile Rajnandgaon seat, Congress leader and former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, who was initially leading, was trailing by a margin of 33,512 votes against the BJP's sitting MP Santosh Pandey.

(With Agency inputs)
Bihar Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: With Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) putting on a stronger-than-anticipated performance, the ruling NDA appears to set hold onto power in the state, with its candidates leading in 34 of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats.

With Nitish Kumars JD (U) becoming the largest party in the state, the party is leading on 14 seats, as per trends on the Election Commissions website by 4.30pm the Bihar CM is likely to play the kingmaker to claim the throne at the Centre.

If the trends were translated into results, the outcome would be a strong rebuff to those who felt the longest-serving CM was the "weak link" in the NDA.

The BJP, which had kept for itself the lion's share of 17 seats, was leading in 13 of these, with Union ministers RK Singh and Nityanand Rai among the trailing candidates.

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) appeared to have struck gold with all five candidates, including its president Chirag Paswan, leading in respective seats by comfortable margins.

Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who heads the Hindustani Awam Morcha, won the Gaya Lok Sabha seat. Similarily, LJPs Chirag Paswan clinched the Hajipur constituency by a huge vote margin of 1.5 lakh votes.

The RJD, one of the partners in the INDIA alliance and the largest party in the assembly for ten years, was putting up again another poor showing in legislative polls.

It was leading in three seats, including Patliputra, where party chief Lalu Prasad's daughter Misa Bharti had built a sizable lead over BJP MP Ram Kripal Yadav, in contrast to the 2019 elections, when it was drawing a blank.

In Saran, Rohini Acharya, the younger sister of Bharti, was lagging Rajiv Pratap Rudy, the BJP veteran, by a narrow margin of almost 15,000 votes.

After contesting nine seats, the Congress was leading in two of them, namely the reserved seat of Sasaram and the Muslim-majority Kishanganj, which it had been winning consistently since 2009.

In two of the three seats it fought, the CPI(ML) Liberation was starting to look like the electoral equivalent of the proverbial dark horse.

Raja Ram Kushwaha led in Karakat by more than fifty thousand votes, while Sudama Prasad led Union minister RK Singh by more than thirty thousand in Arrah.

Upendra Kushwaha, the president of Rashtriya Lok Morcha and a former Union minister, was trailing the Left party candidate in the 2014 election. Pawan Singh, the popular Bhojpuri actor, ran as an Independent and finished well behind.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Tuesday said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is an important ally of the NDA and people want to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the JD(U) leader together.

"Nitish Kumar is an important ally of the NDA and the people of the country have said that they want to see Modi and Kumar together. The NDA will form the government under the leadership of Modi, and Kumar has a big role in it, Tiwari, who is contesting from the northeast Delhi constituency, told PTI.

The BJP leader thanked all voters of his constituency.

"It is a very good feeling that the party has shown trust in us and the people of our area gave a lot of confidence, especially in the situation when I was attacked by the candidate, and AAP leader and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal saying that they need to defeat Rinkiya's father, they were saying to defeat the father of a daughter. All these things are in my mind, but my character is different," Tiwari said.

"I do not attack or talk below the belt. I want to remain very moderate in my life and may be that is the return of whatever decision is coming. I will serve the people of my area with this character," he added.

Tiwari further said that they were asking over 400 seats for the NDA and 370 for the BJP.

"It is true that we did not get 400 plus, but the NDA is getting a clear majority," he said.

Early trends of the Lok Sabha poll results on Tuesday threw up disappointing results for the BJP-led NDA, which appears to be losing big in its strongholds of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, although it is expected to form the government with about 290 seats.

However, the BJP is leading in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, with three of its candidates leading by a margin of over one lakh votes.
Avenix Fzco , a pioneering force in algorithmic forex trading, today announced the launch of Litepips, its new AI-driven trading technology for the XAUUSD (gold) market on the widely-used MetaTrader 4 platform. This innovative forex robot harnesses the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance trading accuracy and efficiency, catering specifically to the needs of gold traders worldwide.

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New Delhi: In West Bengal Lok Sabha Election 2024, TMC again led in the state as the Election Commission of India (ECI) conducted the counting for the 2024 general election. All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) won the 29 Lok Sabha seats and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 12 parliamentary constituencies. On the other hand, Congress won one Maldaha Dakshin Lok Sabah seat.

West Bengal consists of some high-profile seats out of its 42 Lok Sabha seats. Krishnanagar constituency secured by Mahua Moitra against BJP Amrita Ray, Asansol constituency secured by Shatrughan Sinha against BJP Surengrajeet Singh Ahluwalia, TMC candidate Abhishek Banerjee won by 7.1 lakh margin against BJP's Abhijit Das.

Exit Polls Prediction

Earlier, exit polls predicted a gain of seats for the BJP in West Bengal but the Result turned out differently. As per CNX, the BJP was expected to secure 22-26 seats in Bengal while the TMC was expected around 14-18 seats.

2019 Lok Sabha Election Results Recap

In the 2019 election, BJP secured 18 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal. While the BJP-led NDA coalition was voted to get power with an overwhelming majority. NDA secured a total of 353 seats, whereas the UPA won 93 seats in the 2019 general election.
Monday saw a 9% drop in GlaxoSmithKlines (GSK) share price on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), following a Delaware judges ruling on 31 May that more than 72,000 lawsuits over discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, known generically as ranitidine, could go ahead.

Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Sanofi, and Patheon are also implicated in the cases.

In 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered the immediate removal of all raniditine drugs from the market following the initiation of a 2019 investigation in which the agency detected low levels of contamination of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine, an impurity linked to some cancers.

At the time, companies such as Teva recalled certain reniditine medicines batches over contamination concerns at the request of the UKs Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Judge Medinillas 102-page order found the opinions of plaintiffs experts to be reliable and admissible and will permit expert medical witnesses to testify that scientific evidence shows a link between the cancer of more than 72,000 individuals and their exposure to NDMA through the use of Zantac.

In a responding statement, GSK said the ruling by the Delaware State Court contradicts the federal courts multidistrict litigation (MDL) ruling under the same legal standard, which dismissed all cases alleging five cancer types, in December 2022.

It also highlighted that following 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 the impurity increases the risk of any cancer.

Pfizer and Sanofi have also said that they plan to appeal the ruling, with Sanofi stating that it remains committed to its defence and to the safety of Zantac.

Various legal challenges have been underway against Zantac manufacturers in the years since the FDA ordered its removal from the market. Not all cases have gone in favour of the plaintiffs.

Recently, jurors in a Chicago court found that GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim were not liable for a womans cancer and that the companies had properly marketed Zantac without its alleged cancer risk.

In 2022, the judge in the MDL case referenced by GSK, which also implicated Pfizer, Sanofi and Boehringer Ingleheim, rejected the prospect of a full trial, stating that the plaintiffs lawyers failed to offer credible scientific evidence that Zantac causes liver, bladder, pancreatic, oesophageal or stomach cancer.

Zantac was launched in 1988 and became one of the first-ever drugs to reach over $1bn in yearly sales. It was one of GSKs top products and was later sold to other companies, including Pfizer.

Story continues

"GSK shares fall 9% in wake of Zantac court ruling" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







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On May 31, 2024, Julie Loeger, Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer of eBay Inc (NASDAQ:EBAY), executed a sale of 7,419 shares of the company. The transaction was documented in a recent SEC Filing. Following this sale, the insider now owns 70,797 shares of eBay Inc.

eBay Inc operates as a global commerce leader that connects millions of buyers and sellers around the world. The platform includes eBay's Marketplace and Classifieds platforms, through which people can discover great value and unique selection.

The shares were sold at a price of $54.20 each, valuing the transaction at approximately $402,058.80. This sale contributes to a pattern observed over the past year, where eBay Inc insiders have made a total of 12 sales, with no recorded insider purchases.

The market cap of eBay Inc is currently $26.91 billion. The stock's price-earnings ratio stands at 10.68, which is below both the industry median of 18.035 and the historical median for the company. This valuation suggests a relatively lower price compared to earnings than typically seen in the industry and in the company's own trading history.

According to the GF Value, the intrinsic value estimate for eBay Inc is $52.14 per share, making the current price-to-GF-Value ratio 1.04. This indicates that the stock is Fairly Valued.

Insider Sale: SVP, Chief Growth Officer Julie Loeger Sells 7,419 Shares of eBay Inc (EBAY)

The insider transaction trend for eBay Inc is illustrated above, showing a predominance of selling activities over purchasing among insiders, which could be a point of interest for investors monitoring insider behaviors.

Insider Sale: SVP, Chief Growth Officer Julie Loeger Sells 7,419 Shares of eBay Inc (EBAY)

The GF Value is calculated based on historical trading multiples such as the price-earnings ratio, price-sales ratio, price-book ratio, and price-to-free cash flow, adjusted for the company's past performance and estimated future business outcomes.

This sale by the insider might be of interest to current and potential investors, as it provides insight into the perspectives of high-level executives on the value and future prospects of eBay Inc.

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.


By Steven Scheer

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel's high-tech sector now accounts for 20% of the country's economic output, the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) said on Tuesday as it urged the government to invest more to allow tech to grow faster.

In its 2024 State of the High Tech Sector in Israel report, the state-funded authority said that despite the eight-month-old war against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza, the tech sector continues to grow - albeit slower than in 2021 and 2022 - and remains Israel's main growth driver. It accounts for 53% of total exports.

Some 600 new startups were created last year while tech firms raised $8 billion in 2023, down 55% from 2022. In all, Israel has around 9,200 tech firms with a workforce of 400,000.

Dror Bin, the IAA's chief executive, said that while his budget has grown to help fund initiatives totalling $250 million to help startups having trouble raising money due to the war and a tough global funding environment, the state needs to "double down" on tech investments.

"Israel does not have a lot of natural resources - we are not an oil and gas superpower," Bin told Reuters.

"We are a country on the verge of a desert so we don't have a lot of water. The only natural resource we have is the grey cells in the brains of people here and we need to make sure this continues to prosper and grow."

Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Gamliel agreed that innovation is Israel's most important resource and that the government "must continue to support companies and develop the necessary infrastructure".

A separate survey by the Israel Advanced Technology Industries on the influence of the Israel-Hamas war on the tech sector showed that 65% of venture capital funds reported difficulties operating due to identifying as Israeli, and more than 30% of Israeli companies and startups have moved significant activity abroad - and that may worsen in the coming year.

Bin anticipates a similar year in 2024 as last year due to the anxiety over funding rounds but foreigners are still active investors since they know how to assess the risks of investing in Israel and want to invest while valuations remain attractive. He said he would like to see more Israelis invest.

Cyber and fintech remain the hottest sectors for investors, but climate tech accounted for one in six new startups as entrepreneurs seek to solve challenges facing a planet "that is getting warmer, and how to provide food, water, good health care services in an aging population," he said.

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Around 8% of tech workers were called into army reserve duty, while others were also pulled from their comfort zones to volunteer, he noted.

As a result, they met new people and saw a host of civilian and defence needs.

"Following the war," Bin said, "we will see a baby boom of startups in Israel because of all these crazy things that happened here since Oct. 7."

(Reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
By Brendan Pierson

(Reuters) -Johnson & Johnson must pay $260 million to an Oregon woman who said she got mesothelioma, a deadly cancer linked to asbestos exposure, from inhaling the company's talc powder, a jury found on Monday.

The verdict in the 4th Judicial District Circuit Court in Portland comes as the company continues to pursue a proposed $6.48 billion settlement of most talc-related lawsuits against it through a prepackaged bankruptcy. The jury's award includes $60 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages, and includes damages for both the plaintiff and her husband.

Erik Haas, J&J's worldwide vice president of litigation, said in a statement that the verdict "is irreconcilable with the decades of independent scientific evaluations confirming talc is safe, does not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer." He said the company would appeal and was confident it would get the verdict reversed.

The plaintiff in the case, Kyung Lee, was diagnosed last year with mesothelioma at age 48.

Lee alleged that she inhaled asbestos-tainted talc over more than 30 years, beginning when her mother used it on her when she was a baby and later when she used it herself as a deodorant.

J&J maintains that its talc products do not contain asbestos and do not cause cancer, and that decades of scientific studies support their safety.

A lawyer for J&J said at trial that Lee's illness was likely caused by exposure to asbestos used at a factory near where she grew up.

Reuters watched the trial through Courtroom View Network.

J&J faces lawsuits from more than 61,000 plaintiffs over talc. The vast majority are by women with ovarian cancer, with only a small minority involving people with mesothelioma. The company has settled most of the mesothelioma cases.

J&J needs the support of 75% of remaining plaintiffs to get approval for a bankruptcy settlement that would end the litigation, shutting off future cases and preventing people from opting out of the deal.

Courts rejected two previous efforts by the company to resolve the talc cases in bankruptcy. J&J has said it is confident that support from plaintiffs will allow the latest attempt to succeed.

A group of plaintiffs opposed to the deal on May 22 filed a class action lawsuit aiming to stop it, calling it a "fraudulent" abuse of the bankruptcy system.

Trials in the talc cases have had a mixed record, with major plaintiff wins including a $2.1 billion judgment in 2021 awarded to 22 women with ovarian cancer. In April, J&J won an ovarian cancer case and was hit with a $45 million verdict in a mesothelioma case.

(Reporting by Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Leslie Adler)
Millions of higher and top-rate pension savers could see five-figure losses if Rachel Reeves cuts tax relief - Maja Smiejkowska/Reuters

Have you accessed your pension by taking a tax-free lump sum? Were looking for readers to tell us how they spent it for a new regular feature. Email rob.white@telegraph.co.uk if youre interested in taking part.

A feared Labour raid on pensions tax relief would cost higher-rate taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds in their retirement savings, new analysis has revealed.

If tax relief was cut to a flat rate, millions of higher and top-rate pension savers could see five-figure losses, calculations from Hargreaves Lansdown show.

Labour has said changes to how relief on pensions contribution works is not party policy  but shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said in 2016 that she supported calls for a flat rate of relief. In 2016 former chancellor George Osborne was believed to be on the brink of announcing a similar move, which would save huge sums for the Treasury, but changed his mind at the eleventh hour.

Pension savers currently receive tax relief on contributions at their marginal or highest rate of income tax. It means everyone receives 20pc relief, but higher rate taxpayers are entitled to 40pc and additional rate payers get 45pc.

HMRC figures for the last financial year projected there were 5.6 million higher rate and 862,000 additional rate taxpayers. Saving into a pension would become far less lucrative for these groups, particularly if they were higher or top-rate payers in retirement.

A worker earning 100,000 a year and contributing 10pc of their salary into a pension would lose 700 a year, according to Hargreaves Lansdown.

Someone earning 200,000 a year would lose 2,400, while someone on 300,000 would lose 3,600.

Over a 30-year career, the same people would lose at least 21,000, 72,000 and 108,000 respectively. Once you factor in salary increases and investment returns, the total lost would be far higher over decades of savings.

When asked by the Telegraph to rule out attacks on pension tax relief, Labour did not respond. Retirement experts warned how uncertainty can affect workers ability to plan for their future.

Helen Morrissey, of Hargreaves Lansdown, said: Governments looking to raise money are all too often tempted to tuck into pension tax relief as the gift that keeps on giving, resulting in years of fiddling at the edges without considering the full impacts on saving behaviours.

Constant speculation about changes undermines the predictability people need in order to make informed long-term retirement decisions.

Rob Morgan, of Charles Stanley, a wealth manager, said: A higher-rate taxpayer could end up obtaining relief at the flat rate and then paying a higher rate of income tax when they withdraw money. This potentially creates a disincentive to make pension contributions, especially if the future rules surrounding tax-free cash are uncertain.

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Another problem is many individuals only pay higher rate tax towards the end of their careers, when pension saving is often highest. This creates problems for those playing pension catch-up in their peak earnings years, who in good faith expected pension tax relief at their highest marginal rate.

People that planned with the current rules in mind, especially the self-employed, could lose out, and the net result is likely to be smaller pension pots across society as a whole.

Its imperative that people have confidence in the pension system and that there are no knee-jerk changes that undermine the plans of those prudently trying to provide for their later years.

Labour says a flat rate of pension tax relief is not current policy and its understood to no longer be Ms Reevess view.

However, the party still hasnt ruled it out, despite Ms Reeves saying there will be no increases to income tax, National Insurance and VAT if it wins power.

Previously, a Labour spokesman said: This is not Labour policy and this is a reference to remarks made almost 10 years ago.

Labour will always protect pensioners who have worked hard and paid into the system. We will guarantee the triple lock and we wont stand by as the Tories rip apart National Insurance contributions and risk the state pension or the NHS.

Speaking in The Telegraph at the weekend, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt expressed concerns that Labour will go for back-door taxes on pensions.

He also said that people will never forget Gordon Browns 118bn raid on pension funds shortly after Labour won a landslide victory in 1997, which was not in the partys election manifesto.

Mr Hunt added: Labour betrayed pensioners before. We will never allow it to happen again.

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.
In the midst of dismal times for office buildings in the Twin Cities, Shorenstein Properties surrendered ownership of Capella Tower to its lender, New York-based Metropolitan Life Insurance, last week after a failed attempt at finding a buyer for the second-tallest building in downtown Minneapolis.

While the terms of the transfer aren't public, such transactions are often a deed in lieu of foreclosure, which happens when a borrower relinquishes ownership in an effort to avoid lawsuits and other legal actions associated with a mortgage default or repossession. MetLife also avoided what's known as a short sale, which occurs when the lender agrees to a sale that results in a loss.

In 2018, San Francisco-based Shorenstein paid $255 million for the 58-story tower on Third Avenue South and South Sixth Street, which now has an assessed value of $196.5 million. Shorenstein had recently been working with New York-based Eastdil to find a buyer, and though there were several interested suitors, none were willing to pay as much as Shorenstein wanted. Because Shorenstein didn't openly market the tower, it never made its bottom line public.

"[Shorenstein] had an option to sell it if they wanted to, but they felt like the building and long-term potential was worth more than dumping it right now," said Ryan Watts, executive vice president at CBRE. "MetLife looked at it and and said, 'We believe in the building, and we believe in downtown.'"

MetLife said in a statement it could not comment on the specifics of the transaction, but "Capella Tower is a high-quality real estate asset that is well-positioned in the Minneapolis market."

"MetLife Investment Management has a proven track record in institutional real estate and a team with experience in the market," MetLife said in the statement.

Capella is one of at least a dozen of the tallest office buildings downtown with plummeting values as demand for office space remains at historic lows. Earlier this year, Capella University significantly cut its space in the tower giving up 167,000 square feet of space. That leaves Capella with 111,714 square feet in the building. The Star Tribune is a tenant in Capella Tower, which CBRE now manages.

Co-working operator WeWork, which just emerged from bankruptcy, announced in May it would retain a smaller location under a shorter lease term in Capella Tower, where it initially opened its first Twin Cities location of 53,000 square feet in 2017. According to a plan filed with the bankruptcy court, WeWork owes $260,899.54 at Capella Tower, which it will pay at a later date.

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Nearly a third of all downtown offices are vacant, though those declines have recently stabilized. Still, office vacancy rates are hovering near record highs, and the total value of downtown's commercial buildings, including offices, has fallen 13% since last year, according to a report from the city assessor's office.

Capella's estimated market value for tax purposes peaked at nearly $268 million in 2020, according to Hennepin County. The 2024 market value for taxes payable next year is about $196 million, up slightly from the previous year but still well below Shorenstein's total investment in the tower, which has recently received several multi-million-dollar upgrades.

Given the rout in office building values, the uncertainty about the long-term prospects for office space and the reluctance of lenders to offer debt, few investors are in a buying mode. And those that are willing are looking for a fire sale, commercial brokers said.

"This is the most challenging market in history. It's very difficult for investors to get financing to buy a building of this magnitude," said Erin Fitzgerald, senior director at JLL. "It's really unfortunate because Shorenstein did such a good job renovating the building and leasing it up. Shorenstein did nothing wrong: It's a function of the market."

Because Shorenstein and other building owners have mortgages that are far higher than the value of the buildings, few of them are marketing and selling their buildings. Instead, many building owners, including Shorenstein, have shopped their buildings to select groups of investors in hopes of discreetly landing a deal that minimizes their losses while avoiding a deeply discounted distress sale that causes a more dramatic reset in value throughout the city.

Generally, that strategy hasn't worked, leaving building owners with few options. Those include renegotiating their debt or, as in the case of Capella, handing the keys back to the lender, which is then left with the challenging task of managing a complex building that's often far from their primary operations.

In December, after months of negotiations and missing a balloon payment on the $151.7 million loan, the owners of IDS Center, the tallest and most valuable office building in downtown Minneapolis, negotiated a three-year extension of its loan. And last summer, downtown scored a win when sixteen floors of upscale office space in RBC Gateway sold for $225 million in what was one of the biggest office sales in the nation.

That, however, followed the sale of LaSalle Plaza, a 30-story office tower, which fetched a fire-sale price of $46 million. Hempel, the local investor who bought that building, is in the process of renovating the space and adding new amenities.

Watts said those sale prices reflected the condition and occupancy of the buildings. RBC was nearly new and fully occupied, while LaSalle Plaza had a higher vacancy rate and needed updates.

"This flight to quality is real," he said.
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Fraport fair value estimate is 51.13

With 53.70 share price, Fraport appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value

The 59.53 analyst price target for FRA is 16% more than our estimate of fair value

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Fraport AG (ETR:FRA) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for Fraport

The Method

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) -528.5m 62.9m 378.9m 456.0m 511.2m 555.5m 590.4m 617.6m 638.7m 655.3m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x8 Analyst x8 Analyst x8 Analyst x1 Est @ 12.10% Est @ 8.68% Est @ 6.28% Est @ 4.60% Est @ 3.42% Est @ 2.60% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 9.9% -481 52.1 286 313 319 316 305 291 274 255

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 1.9b

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 0.7%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.9%.

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Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 655m (1 + 0.7%)  (9.9% 0.7%) = 7.2b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 7.2b ( 1 + 9.9%)10= 2.8b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is 4.7b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 53.7, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

The Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Fraport as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 2.000. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Fraport

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

No major weaknesses identified for FRA.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years.

Good value based on P/E ratio compared to estimated Fair P/E ratio.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the German market.

Looking Ahead:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Fraport, there are three important items you should look at:

Risks: As an example, we've found 1 warning sign for Fraport that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does FRA's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Scams alone account for 39% of all UK consumer fraud losses in financial services, 459.7m per year. Malverde describes itself as experts in the technology required to detect and prevent fraud and financial crime. This includes using AI and machine learning models to reduce scams and money laundering.

35bn: UK financial institutions spend on financial crime compliance

Financial institutions in the UK spend over 35bn per year on financial crime compliance. Malverde are firm believers that a substantial proportion of this is waste. They argue that the industry spends far too much effort on attempting to demonstrate compliance to the regulators, rather than on understanding how fraud and financial crime is carried out. By focusing on the latter, they contend, the financial sector would be much more effective and efficient at reducing financial crime and still achieve compliance as a by-product.

Malverde says that its founding team, Richard Elliot-Cooke, Simon McMahon and Spaden Elmhirst, have an exceptional track record of helping financial institutions, including fintechs and global banks, to detect more cases of fraud and organised crime whilst reducing the operational cost of doing so.

Elliot-Cooke, co-founder said: The crux of the problem is that the software vendors and the consultancies who advise the banks are too far removed from the people who understand the risks. [That is] the people who work on criminal cases on a day-to-day basis. This means that the technology in place, and the advice provided to financial institutions, is too generic. It leads to very sub-optimal financial crime detection programmes.

The only way to mitigate fraud and financial crime effectively is to get into the nitty-gritty of the cases, understand how it is carried out, and train your detection models to tackle it head on. Only then will the right cases be identified and without creating excessive waste. A significant amount of the remaining manual processes can then also be automated using generative AI.

"Malverde launches to combat scams and broader financial crime" was originally created and published by Retail 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.
John Robbins win $100,000 from the North Carolina Education Lottery two years after collecting a $2 million prize. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

June 4 (UPI) -- A North Carolina man who scored a $2 million lottery prize in 2022 said he will give back to his community after winning another $100,000 from a scratch-off ticket.

John Robbins of Wilmington told North Carolina Education Lottery officials that winning $2 million from an Ultimate 7's ticket in May 2022 didn't stop him from buying scratch-off tickets.

"I was told lightning can't strike twice but I guess it can," Robbins said.

Robbins bought a $30 Black Titanium ticket from the Han-Dee Hugo's on North College Road in Wilmington, the same store where he won his previous big prize.

The new ticket was a $100,000 winner.

He said his latest winnings will go toward helping his community.

"My dream is to make a difference in Wilmington," Robbins said. "I want to give back to people here who are less fortunate. I want to do something to help change that."
Shown Monday, May 6, 2024, this shows some of the land north of Cleveland Road and east of Currant Road in a proposal for industrial rezoning of 914 acres at the historic St. Joe Farm, specifically for a computer data center and other possible uses.

LAPORTE  On the heels of purchasing land for a data center complex in St. Joseph County, Microsoft announced plans Tuesday to invest $1 billion to establish another in LaPorte, creating up to 200 new jobs by the end of 2032.

Microsoft will construct a new 245,000-square-foot data center on 489 acres at the Radius Industrial Park in LaPorte. The campus will help power widespread adoption of cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

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.

"Were excited to welcome Microsofts new data center to Indiana and look forward to the incredible value add impact this will have on our statewide data driven ecosystem, new career opportunities, specifically the greater northwest Indiana community, Holcomb added.

This map shows the 914 acres of the St. Joe Farm that Microsoft recently purchased for a data center. The company announced a $1 billion data center in LaPorte on Tuesday.

To support its growth in Indiana, Microsoft plans to hire a variety of positions, including environment engineers, IT technicians and managers, inventory and asset technicians and managers, security personnel, and site managers, according to the release.

The timeline for construction and operations of the new datacenter is dependent on the design, planning and permitting process, which will start in cooperation with the city of LaPorte later this year. The facility will be Microsofts first data center in the state.

But it also recently purchased 929 acres of the old St. Joe Farm for $77.5 million on the east side of St. Joseph County for another data center complex while Amazon Web Services plans to spend about $11 billion on another such complex between South Bend and New Carlisle.

Surprise no more: Microsoft buys 900-plus acres of St. Joe Farm for data center for $77.5M

The company indicated it is committed to the responsible operations of their datacenters, with its environmental impact on local communities firmly in mind. The company has goals of being carbon negative and removing its historical carbon emissions by 2050, being water positive and replenishing more water than it uses, being zero waste across its direct operations and protecting more land than it uses by 2025, according to the release from the governors office.

LaPorte Mayor Tom Dermody

Projects like this happen once in a lifetime, and their effects are felt forever, LaPorte Mayor Tom Dermody said. What makes this even better is that we get to work with the talented and community-minded team at Microsoft. From the very beginning of this project, they have been committed and attentive to the needs of our community. We are incredibly excited to welcome them here and look forward to a strong collaboration long into the future.

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The city of La Porte approved additional incentives to support the project. NIPSCO offered additional incentives and the state offered tax credits as investments are made.

Construction work taking 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 is photographed using a drone on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in New Carlisle.

The Microsoft announcement marks Indianas fourth strategically located major planned data center announcement in 2024. Together, these Fortune 500 businesses have made plans to invest $14.8 billion in cloud computing and storage infrastructure in communities and regions across Indiana, creating 1,500 new jobs in Fort Wayne, Jeffersonville, LaPorte and St. Joseph County.

Email Tribune staff writer Ed Semmler at esemmler@sbtinfo.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Microsoft plans $1 billion data center in LaPorte
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.

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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
Indian stocks fell the most in over four years (per Reuters), as the vote counting is underway, with initial trends suggesting that the Modi-magic seems to be fading. The opposition INDIA gaining ground in the Lok Sabha elections over its 2019 tally, way higher than Street expectations.

While Modis party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA was leading with 297 seat counts (at the time of writing), INDIA was catching up with 227 seats in early trends, up 82 seats over its 2019 tally. In contrast, in 2019, the NDA won 353 seats. And 272 seats are required to form the government.

The biggest disappointment for the market is the fact that BJP alone does not have a majority, which could cause some disorder into governance. And the overall NDA alliance numbers are well short of the landslide victory predicted in exit polls.

Analyst Perspectives

Before the election counting, the polls suggested the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance will grab substantially more seats. And analysts expected the continuation of reform-driven policies, contributing to a higher trend growth path for the Indian economy.

Elara Securities said empirical evidence suggests election years are positive for the equity markets. In each of the past four election years, the Nifty 50 has given an average return of 32%, with significant contribution coming from post-election returns, as quoted on Business Today.

Per Elara Securities, pre-election performance may be varied, post-election rallies have historically been broad-based, resulting in positive returns across sectors. With the Nifty yielding 4% so far this year, there is upside potential left.

Foreign Investor Outlook May Not be Changed

Per Societe Generale SAs Asia strategist, foreign investors have been concerned about Indian valuations, as quoted on Bloomberg. Even if the Modi forms the government, the predicted election results align with the outcome, potentially not altering foreign investment behavior significantly.

Bottom Line & ETFs in Focus

Overall, we expect a third term for the Modi government but with a strengthened opposition. From here, investors focus should be more on the economic growth and less on the politics. Many analysts view todays pullback as a buying opportunity.

The India economy will continue to benefit from longer term tailwinds of favorable demographics and the ongoing geopolitical tensions between China and the US, which could turn India into a new manufacturing hub.

"The only thing that a lower number than 300 for NDA will do is compel a rethink for the main party on policy approach so far and could mean policies to address K shaped recovery and hence positive for consumption sector," said Garima Kapoor, economist, Elara Capital, as quoted on Reuters.

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ETFs like Columbia India Consumer ETF INCO and WisdomTree India Earnings Fund EPI have added 11.3% and 11.9% this year. However, ETFs like Nifty India Financials ETF INDF and VanEck India Growth Leaders ETF GLIN and EPI have lowest P/Es in India ETF group.

While EPI has returned handsomely this year, other undervalued ETFs like INQQ, INDF and GLIN have gained 3.5%, 3.6% and 8.9% this year. iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF SMIN is also good pick here as it has returned 7.9% this year and has a moderately high P/E in the pack.





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WisdomTree India Earnings ETF (EPI): ETF Research Reports

Nifty India Financials ETF (INDF): ETF Research Reports

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VanEck India Growth Leaders ETF (GLIN): ETF Research Reports

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NEWBERG, Ore. (KOIN)  As the Newberg-Dundee School District races the clock to figure out their nearly $14 million two-year budget deficit, a critical budget meeting set for Monday night was canceled when the superintendent and the head of Human Resources could not attend.

That left parents frustrated with more questions than answers.

It wasnt till the end of May that the magnitude of the problem even sort of came to light, parent Irene Dunlop told KOIN 6 News on Monday. My perspective on the problem is that the superintendent and deputy superintendent and chief financial officer are all incompetent.

Newberg parent Irene Dunlop, June 3, 2024 (KOIN)

Newberg-Dundee schools face monumental budget shortfall

On May 20, Jackie Olson, the executive director of the Oregon Association of School Business Officials, told the school board the district anticipated a negative fund balance topping $3.77 million, which was expected to grow if action wasnt taken soon.

State leadership is stepping in to try and fix the districts books, but so far estimates show the district will need to cut around $10 million from next years budget, too.

As the Newberg Graphic (a media partner with KOIN 6 News) reported, Heather Bixby, the districts finance director, said that five accounts are over budget this year.

We are overextended in the budgeted funds in multiple areas, she said, adding that at the top of list is $1.36 million for programs for students with severe disabilities, $871,000 for instruction and $2.1 million for support services, which includes everything from staff development to vehicle maintenance.

The growth in the cost of transportation services has impacted the district more than $1.5 million this year over last. Bixby explained that the increase came in part due to a wrong assumption on her part that didnt account for the $1.3 million necessary to pay for the last two months of service, the Newberg Graphic reported.

I shouldnt have made that assumption, she said during a special session held May 20. I should have doublechecked that it was encumbered for the entire year.

Why are we having all these shortcomings? said Newberg parent Carly Barnett. Wheres the money? Why arent schools being taken care of?

Newberg parent Carly Bennett, June 3, 2024 (KOIN)

The Newberg School Board is considering various recommendations to correct their mistakes. Parents said they are now concerned about steep cuts, plus possible furlough days, which means unexpected cuts in teacher pay and last minute needs for childcare.

Its more than a 20% cut, Dunlop said. Its huge.

Barnett added it just seems like the rug is getting pulled out from underneath teachers, staff, parents and students.

The fiscal year wraps up at the end of June. Time to address this is of the essence.

School board members approached by KOIN 6 News Monday night declined an interview and said they were not in a position to talk because they dont yet have all the facts.

The next budget meeting was moved to June 10.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow 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 KOIN.com.
Students receive offers to top QS ranked universities

LONDON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading international schools provider Nord Anglia Education is celebrating university offers for its class of 2024. Across Nord Anglia's 80+ schools in 30+ countries, graduates have received offers to top 100 QS ranked universities, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Harvard University, and Stanford University.

Nord Anglia Education Logo

THE AMERICAS HIGHLIGHTS

British International School of Boston: Ava has been accepted into Harvard University, Alejandro is headed to Stanford University, Gwen is headed to the University of Oxford, and Eva was accepted into Boston College  Nord Anglia's university partner for its global metacognition research.

North Broward Preparatory School: Jayden is another Harvard-bound graduate and plans to study business. He chose Harvard University from three Ivy League offers.

Colegio Menor Quito: In Ecuador, graduates have accepted places to study in the US and Canada, such as Martin headed to Cornell University and Isabella and George headed to the University of Toronto.

Country Day School: In Costa Rica, Mariano is headed to Purdue University to study Industrial Engineering, Cristina is headed to the University of Toronto to study International Business and Management, and Beatriz will go to the University of Southern California to study International Relations.

Greengates School Mexico: Graduates from Greengates received 80+ offers worldwide, including to the London School of Economics, King's College London, Trinity College Dublin, and Brown University.

Metropolitan School of Panama: Graduates from Panama will go on to study a wide range of subjects at university, such as engineering, design, music, science, psychology, culinary arts, and aerospace engineering.

EUROPE HIGHLIGHTS

The British International School Budapest: From Nord Anglia's Budapest school, students are going to top destinations including the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics.

The British International School Bratislava: Michelle received an offer to study Business Management at the University of St Andrews.

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST HIGHLIGHTS

British International School, Ho Chi Minh City: Graduates have nearly 400 offers, averaging four per student, with 12 offers from top 10 destinations like the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London. Michelle has secured a place at Harvard University alongside offers from seven other US universities.

British International School, Hanoi: Students have 114+ offers to universities such as New York University, the University of Queensland, the University of Manchester, and the University of Amsterdam.

The British International School Kuala Lumpur: Shyen Yii Loh has offers to study at the Royal Northern College of Music as well as the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.

Dover Court International School: Nord Anglia's Singapore students are headed to leading schools in the United Kingdom and Canada, including the University of Edinburgh, King's College London, and the London School of Economics.

Northbridge International School Cambodia: With 78 students, it was Northbridge's biggest graduating cohort ever. Jiwoo has eight offers, including to Columbia University, University College London, the London School of Economics, and King's College London.

The British School of Kuwait: Head Boy Omar has an offer to read Computing at Imperial College London, and Head Girl Navika has an offer to read Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham.

Story continues

CHINA HIGHLIGHTS

The British School of Guangzhou: Graduate Vicky received nine offers from universities in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Canada, and Australia.

The British School of Beijing, Shunyi: Batu has multiple offers and a scholarship from Queen Mary University of London to study Computer Science, Anson has an offer to the University of Birmingham to read Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering, and Atay has received multiple offers from European universities to read Business Information Technology.

Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong: From Hong Kong, Jorge will study zoology at the University of Bristol, Isabelle has offers to the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow and plans to become a human rights lawyer, and Natalie is headed to the Berklee College of Music.

INDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Oakridge International School Gachibowli: Rohan will be attending Yale University, while Arya has an offer to the University of Cambridge.

Oakridge International School Bengaluru: Arjun has seven offers, including to Boston University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Massachusetts, with plans to pursue aeronautics.

Nord Anglia is proud to be the largest provider of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Global academic results for the group, including IBDP, A level, and IGCSE scores, will be published later in the year.

For media enquiries please contact:

David Bates

Communications Manager

+44 (0) 7787 135223

David.bates@nordanglia.com

About Nord Anglia Education:

As a leading international schools organisation, we're shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.

Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world's top universities.

To learn more or apply for a place for your child, go to www.nordangliaeducation.com.

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(Bloomberg) -- Nvidia Corp. is still working on the certification process for Samsung Electronics Co.s high-bandwidth memory chips, a final required step before the Korean company can begin supplying a component essential to training AI platforms.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang told reporters Tuesday his company was examining the so-called HBM chips that Samsung and Micron Technology Inc. offer. Nvidias endorsement is needed before either can directly compete with SK Hynix Inc., whose share price has soared since it began supplying Nvidia with HBM3 and more advanced HBM3e chips.

Samsung has fallen well behind its smaller rival in that market, which has experienced explosive growth because the chips are used for training artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT. While Samsung hasnt failed any qualification tests, its HBM product needed more engineering work, Huang told reporters.

We just have to do the engineering. Its just not done, Huang said during a briefing at Computex in Taipei. I want it to be done by yesterday. But its not done yet. We have to be patient.

Samsungs shares climbed as much as 4.1% in after-hours trading in Seoul, according to local financial data provider Koscom. Huangs comments came after Reuters reported that Samsung was grappling with heat and power consumption issues in its HBMs, which are designed to work in tandem with Nvidias AI accelerators.

Theres no story there, Huang said when asked directly about that article.

Investors have become increasingly concerned about Samsungs response to SK Hynix, which recently reported its fastest pace of revenue growth since at least 2010. The growing rift is considered one of the key factors behind Samsungs recent decision to replace the head of its semiconductor division  an unusual step that signaled to investors the companys resolve to make up lost ground.

In contrast, SK Hynixs production capacity for such chips is almost fully booked through next year. Given the capacity constraints, Nvidia could benefit from having a strong alternative supplier.

Samsung  the worlds largest producer of memory chips overall  says it has already begun mass production of its latest HBM product, eight-layer HBM3E, and plans to mass produce 12-layer versions in the second quarter. The company expects its supply of HBM to increase by at least three times in 2024 compared with last year.

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But SK Hynix is also expanding. It plans to spend about $14.6 billion building a new complex in South Korea to meet demand for HBM chips. Its also erecting a $4 billion packaging facility in Indiana  its first in the US.

--With assistance from Yoolim Lee and Mayumi Negishi.

(Updates with Huangs comments from the third paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
(Reuters) - Regional lender New York Community Bancorp said on Tuesday it had expanded the role of its President and CEO Joseph Otting to include the title of executive chairman.

The bank also said Alessandro DiNello will step down as the non-executive chairman, at the close of business on June 5. He will continue to serve as a director on its board and as senior adviser to the CEO.

Shares of NYCB were last up 1.2% in extended trading.

A stock rout wiped billions off NYCB's market value since January, roughly a year after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank ignited widespread concerns over the health of the sector.

NYCB has shuffled top executives multiple times this year to steer it through the crisis.

Otting, former comptroller of the currency, was named CEO in March, when the bank received a $1 billion lifeline from an investor consortium led by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's Liberty Strategic Capital.

NYCB has since laid out a turnaround plan to return to profitability over the next two years and vowed to shrink its balance sheet by reducing non-core assets.

Concerns stemming from the bank's exposure to the under-pressure commercial real estate (CRE) sector have persisted. Though NYCB has pledged to cut its CRE lending footprint.

CRE loans made up 16% of the bank's total as of March 31. The lender also reported a loss in the first quarter as it set aside larger provisions of credit losses to cover potential defaults on loans.

Later that month, the embattled lender also made a deal to sell $5 billion of mortgage warehouse loans to Wall Street titan JPMorgan Chase to bolster its liquidity.

The bank has sought to settle investor jitters and revive its battered stock, which is down roughly 69% so far this year.

(Reporting by Manya Saini in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Alan Barona)
Maps show temperature ranges of California's average hottest day of the year from 1950 to 2010, left, compared to projections for the rest of this century under different scenarios, center and right. (Scripps Institution of Oceanography)

Oil and gas companies are asking the Supreme Court to block dozens of high-powered lawsuits from California to Massachusetts seeking to hold the industry liable for billions of dollars in costs related to climate change.

They are urging the justices to intervene now and rule that climate change is a global phenomenon and a matter for federal law, not one suited to state-by-state claims.

"The stakes could not be higher," companies said in an appeal that comes before the court on Thursday. "Over two dozen cases have been filed by various states and municipalities across the country seeking to impose untold damages on energy companies ... and attempting to assert control over the nations energy policies .... This court should put a stop to it."

The climate change lawsuits at issue are patterned after the successful mass lawsuits filed by states and others against the tobacco industry over cigarettes and the pharmaceutical industry over opioids.

Cigarettes and opioids were sold legally, but the suits alleged that industry officials conspired to deceive the public and hide the true dangers of their highly profitable products.

Last September, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta sounded the same theme when they filed a lawsuit in San Francisco County Superior Court against five of the largest oil and gas companies  Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and BP  and the American Petroleum Institute for what they described as a "decades-long campaign of deception" that created climate-related harms in California.

"For more than 50 years, Big Oil has been lying to us  covering up the fact that theyve long known how dangerous the fossil fuels they produce are for our planet, Newsom said in announcing the suit.

Bonta said the oil and gas companies "have privately known the truth for decades  that the burning of fossil fuels leads to climate change  but have fed us lies and mistruths to further their record-breaking profits at the expense of our environment .... It is time they pay to abate the harm they have caused."

Under state law, plaintiffs can seek damages for broad and open-ended claims like a failure to warn of a danger, false advertising or creating a public nuisance. All three claims are cited in California's lawsuit. Federal law, by contrast, is usually limited to damage claims that arise from a federal law.

The city and state officials suing the energy industry are determined to keep the climate change cases in state courts, while industry lawyers have fought hard  but so far unsuccessfully  to move them to federal jurisdiction.

Story continues

Over the last four years, the justices have turned away procedural appeals from the energy industry seeking to transfer these cases from state to federal courts.

This week, however, the industry's lawyers are asking the justices to decide the underlying question that affects all of them: Does federal law and the Clean Air Act override or preempt states and their courts from punishing the oil industry for the harm caused by greenhouse gases?

"This is the end game for the oil companies," said Pat Parenteau, an environmental law expert at the Vermont Law School. "They want to get this in front of the conservative Supreme Court. It's an attempt to knock out all of these cases."

Los Angeles lawyer Theodore J. Boutrous Jr., who represents Chevron, said the pending lawsuits are based on an "outlandish" legal theory rooted in false advertising claims, rather than on the underlying greenhouse gas emissions.

It is extremely important for the Supreme Court to grant review now," he said. "Global climate change requires a coordinated international policy response, not the unleashing of dozens of baseless local lawsuits that could wreak havoc on federal energy policy and go on for years, even if they are ultimately doomed to failure.

If the court votes to hear the cases, Sunoco vs. City of Honolulu and Shell vs. Honolulu, it will be a victory for the energy industry and a sign that the justices are likely to block the climate change lawsuits. The justices would hear arguments in the fall.

If the appeals are turned down, however, even more cities and states will be encouraged to file claims of their own and seek billions in damages from the fossil fuel industries.

The case under appeal began four years ago when the city and county of Honolulu sued Sunoco and 14 other major oil and gas producers alleging a failure to warn and creating a nuisance.

The Hawaii Supreme Court last year refused to dismiss the case.

"Simply put, the plaintiffs say the issue is whether defendants misled the public about fossil fuels dangers and environmental impact. We agree .... This suit does not seek to regulate emissions and does not seek damages for interstate emissions," the state court said in a unanimous opinion. "Rather, plaintiffs complaint clearly seeks to challenge the promotion and sale of fossil-fuel products without warning and abetted by a sophisticated disinformation campaign."

The issue has divided the red and blue states.

At an early of stage of the Sunoco case, California joined with 12 other Democratic-leaning states in urging the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to keep the suit in Hawaii state court. They argued the case was about protecting consumers from "deceptive conduct," which is "an area traditionally regulated by the states."

When the case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, Alabama and 19 other Republican-led states filed a friend-of-the court brief on the side of the oil companies.

They argued that Hawaii and its courts do not have "power to enact disastrous global energy policies via state tort law ... and imperil access to affordable energy."

Separately, Alabama filed an unusual motion in May asking the Supreme Court to allow an "original" claim to raise the same issue. Typically, original claims arise from state disputes over boundaries or river water. Legal experts doubted the court would grant such a claim.

Lawyers for Honolulu urged the court to stand aside for now and wait, likely for several years, until there is a final verdict in its lawsuit.

The justices could announce by mid-June whether they will take up the climate change cases.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Bangladesh eyes mutual benefit from FTA with China

Xinhua) 09:49, June 04, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
By Erwin Seba

HOUSTON (Reuters) -Oil prices fell more than $1 a barrel on Tuesday on scepticism about an OPEC+ decision to boost supply later this year into a global market where demand has already shown signs of weakness.

Extending losses from a four-month low reached on Monday, Brent crude futures settled down 84 cents, or 1.07%, at $77.52 a barrel. Brent's closing price on Monday was below $80 for the first time since Feb. 7 after falling more than 3%.

At its lowest on Tuesday, Brent traded at $76.76, less than $2 shy of this year's nadir of $74.79 at the beginning of January.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures finished down 97 cents, or 1.31%, at $73.25. WTI had fallen by 3.6% on Monday to settle near a four-month low.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, together known as OPEC+, agreed on Sunday to extend most of their oil output cuts into 2025 but left room for voluntary cuts from eight members to be unwound gradually, beginning in October.

"My base case is that the market is over-reacting to the OPEC announcement," said Phil Flynn with Price Futures Group.

The planned October unwinding adds jitters about oversupply in an environment where traders are already spooked about high interest rates hampering global economic activity. A steady flow of dim signals from major economies such as the U.S., China and Europe suggest that their appetite for oil may not be as healthy as hoped through the rest of the year.

"If we do see a significant drop in oil prices, then you will have to question the soundness of global economy," Flynn said. "Then it will look like the Federal Reserve has done too much."

On top of this, supply is rising from non-OPEC producers such as the U.S.

Meanwhile on the demand side in the world's top oil consumer, weekly U.S. oil data will show how much gasoline was consumed around last week's Memorial Day weekend, the start to the U.S. summer driving season.

The American Petroleum Institute will release inventory data on Tuesday afternoon. The U.S. government will release inventory and product supplied data on Wednesday. [EIA/S]

(Reporting by Erwin Seba in Houston; additional reporting by Paul Carsten in London, Arathy Somasekhar in Houston and Trixie Yap in SingaporeEditing by Marguerita Choy, Jason Neely, David Goodman and Lisa Shumaker)
A Christmas star lights up Don Stuart's property that was destroyed during the Echo Mountain Fire on North Pony Trail Lane in Otis. The display became a symbol of hope for many community members.

PacifiCorp reached a $178 million settlement with 403 victims of the 2020 Labor Day fires, the company announced Monday, while hitting an impasse with thousands of others.

Oregons second-largest utility will pay an average of $442,000 per person to a group that mostly includes victims of the Echo Mountain Fire, which burned outside Lincoln City, along with a few impacted by the Santiam Canyon Fire.

We are pleased to resolve these claims to provide plaintiffs with some closure, said Ryan Flynn, PacifiCorp's president. The process that led to this settlement represents the fairest and most efficient way to resolve wildfire litigation.

PacifiCorp has settled cases for hundreds of millions of dollars over its power lines igniting some of the largest and most damaging of the Labor Day fires. It settled for $299 million with victims of southern Oregon's Archie Creek Fire, along with timber companies, including Freres Timber Co. in the Santiam Canyon for an undisclosed sum. It also has settled lawsuits brought by insurance companies and growers of wine grapes.

It remains in a protracted battle with the largest block of wildfire victims in a class action lawsuit.

Group in PacifiCorp settlement opted out of class action trial

The settlement covers a group that largely chose to opt-out of a larger class action lawsuit.

After the Labor Day fires in 2020, a flurry of lawsuits were filed against PacifiCorp over claims its power lines ignited blazes that burned thousands of acres of forest and destroyed hundreds of homes.

Many of the lawsuits were eventually consolidated into one  James v. PacifiCorp. It includes an estimated 2,500 properties and 5,000 victims impacted by the South Obenchain, Echo Mountain, 242 and Santiam Canyon fires.

Before the trial started, fire victims were given the chance to opt out of the class action trial and proceed with a different lawsuit. Many of those were the 403 included in the settlement announced Monday.

Group fighting PacifiCorp has gotten far higher awards

While the settlement group is being paid now, the group fighting PacifiCorp in court has received far larger awards from juries in multiple trials.

Juries have found PacifiCorp negligent and grossly negligent in a primary trial  that finished last June  and in multiple mini trials that have taken place since.

Juries have awarded fire victims $6 million to $7 million per person, among 36 fire victims in the trials, for a total of around $220 million.

PacifiCorp has promised to appeal the jury verdicts and the lawsuit itself shows little signs of wrapping up.

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Most recently, the two sides engaged in forced mediation and were unable to come up with a settlement.

That has left thousands of fire victims in legal limbo and potentially years before they see any award.

PacifiCorp, James lawyers exchange barbs

PacifiCorp has done little to hide its frustration with the class action trial and verdicts. In a Monday statement, Flynn reenforced the company's displeasure with the ongoing trial.

Class litigation is costly, complex, takes several years to run its course through the legal system, Flynn said, adding trials like James are a barrier to reasonable outcomes for impacted individuals whose personal experiences vary dramatically.

Meanwhile, lawyers for the plaintiffs in James condemned PacifiCorp for seeking to avoid paying what juries have awarded.

Many (fire victims) remain displaced, after having lost everything, plaintiffs lawyers wrote. Others are elderly or are facing life-threatening ailments. Still others have died since the fires, leaving only their estate to pursue justice against PacifiCorp.

What happens next in the PacifiCorp wildfire trial?

After the main trial last June, and the series of mini trials earlier this year, lawyers for PacifiCorp and plaintiffs engaged in mandatory mediation in hopes reaching a settlement. Those talks failed, leaving it unclear what happens next in the James trial.

Plaintiffs lawyers recently filed more than 1,350 complaints from additional fire victims asking for more than $30 billion from PacifiCorp.

The lawyers said the court needs to move swiftly to resolve those claims and offered a few ideas for how to proceed. They said that a faster process wasnt possible because PacifiCorp continues to assert its right to trial by jury for the determination of each class members damages, the motion said.

Special purpose wildfire docket

Plaintiffs lawyers proposed creating a process for damages trials for 50 class members each month, presided over by a rotation of judges within the Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Through this process, this Court can adjudicate up to 600 claims per year  and resolve all absent class members claims for damages in a few years, the motion said.

It also proposed a specialized docket to move through the claims quickly.

It is time to chart a course for the future of this litigation, plaintiffs lawyers said.

As for what comes next, PacifiCorps lawyers said they would respond in 15 days.

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 16 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. To support his work, subscribe to the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: PacifiCorp reaches $178M settlement with 400 fire victims
Sam Mitchell lives in a tiny home in upstate New York and a trailer home in Florida. Sam Mitchell

Sam Mitchell lives comfortably in a tiny New York home on less than $30,000 a year from Social Security.

He left a high-paying real estate career in 2008 before moving to Peru and road-tripping across the US.

He said his fellow peak boomers should be more creative about approaching retirement.

Sam Mitchell, 64, has a yearly income of below $30,000 a year from Social Security. But he said he lives "perfectly comfortably."

He bought a 384-square-foot "little shack" on the side of a road in upstate New York, where he stays for half the year. He stays in a mobile home at the end of a dirt road in Florida the other half. It's a very different way of life from the corporate real estate job he had 15 years ago in Austin making six figures and owning five homes.

Last year, he made a "whopping" $15,000 from his Airbnb operation in the Finger Lakes region, all of which he reinvested in the business.

He thinks his way of life isn't that far out of reach for other people around his age.

"I have friends who are 80 years old who are still working because they're so terrified not having enough money, and I'm going, guys, look at me," he said. "I am making a fourth of the money I was making in 2008, but nobody is going to do it."

Sam Mitchell built a number of tiny homes in Ithaca, New York. Sam Mitchell

Across the country, many peak boomers  or those set to hit the traditional retirement age of 65 between now and 2030  are worried they won't have enough saved for retirement. Some have told Business Insider they won't be able to retire ever, while others are concerned that with rising rent and food costs, Social Security payments won't be enough to cover basic expenses.

Mitchell, though, said people's definition of "comfort" may be too idealistic.

"I call it the 'C-word,'" he said. "A peak boomer's definition of comfort is the reason they're so freaked out and feeling FOMO. It's called stepping out of your comfort zone, but people are so terrified and can't do it. They have nobody but themselves to blame."

Leaving luxury behind

Mitchell was born and raised in Atlanta and went to college at the University of Florida. He worked as a journalist in Santa Cruz, California, for a few years, then switched to being a real estate agent, a transition he described as "absolutely absurd."

For two decades, he worked on and off at Keller Williams in the Austin market. He said he would "run up a bunch of money" one year, then take a few months off in countries like Costa Rica, before starting the whole process again. He also was a landlord and bought up rental properties across the state.

Story continues

He recalled attending lavish parties with musicians performing at South by Southwest and Austin City Limits. He also had a nice car and truck, and he anticipated that by the mid-2000s, he was spending about $80,000 a year on expenses.

"The life I was leading in South Austin in 2008 was the life that 95% of this planet probably would have traded for," Mitchell said. "I had a beautiful four-bedroom, three-bath on the South Austin Greenbelt. I was up to five houses."

Around that time, he had a goal of wanting to own 40 houses in Austin by the time he turned 65, then sell one every six months until he was 85. He wanted to follow the path of one of his real estate investor friends.

But that year, he walked away from all of it.

"I made the decision to disentangle myself, this whole career hamster wheel," he said, noting he began liquidating his assets in April of that year. "The pressure just popped in 2008, even before the market crashed."

He sold his primary residence and three other homes, and his license expired at the end of that year. He paid off all his credit cards, got rid of many of his belongings, and left behind the luxurious life, knowing he could always go back to it and make $100,000 "without getting out of my chair."

Moving to New York and Florida

To start life anew, he bought a farm in Peru and built a small house. He lived in Peru and Ecuador for four years, mostly off the grid, before coming back to the US in 2012. He kept one Austin home that he rented to a tenant, who paid him $650 a month.

Upon moving back, he decided to live out of his pickup truck and drive through California, Oregon, and Washington at first. He had a bedroom in the Austin home he could resort to, but he spent 10 months of the year traveling with his dog, Sancho Panza. He did this for about seven years, getting to see much of the US.

He eventually found a home outside of Ithaca, New York, for $35,000 on 14 acres of land. He had almost no money left and was still three years from getting Social Security, but his sister helped him cover the cost with the promise that he would sell the Austin home to pay back his debt.

He put the Austin home on the market on March 9, 2020, perhaps the "single worst day to put a house up for sale in the 21st century," he said, coming just days before the COVID-19 pandemic would lead to lockdowns across the country. With the money, he bought a "new" 2013 truck that had 200,000 miles on it and been wrecked previously.

Once Social Security payments kicked in, he relied on the $900 a month to get by. He didn't have many expenses, as he had no children to support, no mortgage, and no health insurance. Though the $900 a month could not compare to his salary 15 years ago, he said it's enough to get by and live comfortably.

He started an Airbnb business on his property after constructing his first tiny house from an eight-foot by eight-foot toolshed. He moved into this property and rented out the 384-square-foot house to tenants who take care of the home during the winter.

He worked with a local Amish family to build two other tiny houses on the property. He also built a little community kitchen measuring eight feet by 20 feet. When all homes are rented, he lives in a 96-square-foot camper.

He said he's still on the red on this business, as he's only open five months a year, but he's hopeful it will soon be profitable. He has a small side hustle buying vacant lots in Florida with two friends, sometimes doubling the money on their initial investments and using their returns to purchase more real estate. Still, it's zero annual income as none of it lands in his pocket.

He also goes to Florida each November for a few months, living near a swamp in a 600-square-foot mobile home.

"If you are willing to do this, then you can easily live comfortably in these beautiful surroundings making less than $30,000 a year," he said. "I'm living proof of it. I have other friends who have made similar decisions, and we're all getting a little sick and tired of the whining."

He said many of his fellow peak boomers need to reconsider what they need to live comfortably, arguing that they need to get more creative with income streams.

"I'm not living under a bridge  I'm running a business," he said. "I live in these absolutely beautiful surroundings, but you just have to trim down on all your gadgets. I just traded in my beautiful i7 computer that was going haywire for a Pentium processor. The guy at BestBuy was absolutely horrified that I was making this decision."

Have you recently moved to a new state? Are you worried about retirement? Reach out to this reporter at nsheidlower@businessinsider.com .

Read the original article on Business Insider
BANGKOK, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Central Pattana proudly launches 'Pride for All,' a nationwide campaign celebrating Pride Month at Central shopping centers. Aligning with recent government policies advocating for diversity and equality, this initiative aims to position Thailand as a top LGBTQ+ friendly destination, potentially hosting World Pride 2030. The campaign is expected to attract half a million people at Central shopping centers nationwide in June, stimulating tourism and the economy.

Highlighted by colorful Pride events nationwide in June

City Pride - Central World's "Rhythm of Pride 2024" kicked off Thailand's Pride events after a 4-year hiatus. The event, led by Lukkade-Metinee and supported by various organizations, celebrated diversity with over 500 LGBTQIAN+ community members. Highlights included a fashion show parade on the 80-meter Rainbow Runway, featuring Victoria's Secret, Drag Queens, and the launch of the Crybaby Pride Parade Figure Limited Edition in rainbow design, along with the Special Giant Pride Wings Show featuring the 3.5-meter Crybaby Let Your Colors Pop Giant Figure.

The 'Bangkok Pride Festival 2024' celebrated the LGBTQIAN+ community's strength and marriage equality on Rainbow Road. The event featured 5 main processions representing different forms of love, covering over 2.5 kilometers and culminating at Central World. Participants waved a giant flag to celebrate Pride month, with over 200,000 LGBTQIAN+ attendees uniting alongside a 200-meter-long rainbow flag.

Pride Across the Nation - Celebrations at Pride Landmarks nationwide, including Central Chiang Mai, Samui, Phuket, Hat Yai, Pattaya, Rayong, Korat, Khon Kaen, and more, will be packed with events throughout the month.
GameStop's stock surged Monday after Keith Gill's Reddit account posted a screenshot that appeared to show he held a $116 million position in the retailer. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Keith Gill may face an E-Trade ban, sources told The Wall Street Journal.

A post to Gill's Reddit account seemed to show he had a $116 million position in GameStop.

E-Trade, owned by Morgan Stanley, is said to be worried about the prospect of stock manipulation.

Keith Gill, also known on social media as "Roaring Kitty" or "DeepFuckingValue," could get barred from E-Trade after his apparent disclosure of a huge stake in GameStop caused the stock price to soar.

That's according to a Monday report in The Wall Street Journal, which cited unnamed people familiar with the situation at E-Trade, a trading platform owned by Morgan Stanley.

The unnamed sources said the prominent meme-stock trader sparked concern about the possibility of stock manipulation after he bought a bunch of GameStop options shortly before breaking his three-year social-media silence last month.

Prior to last month, Gill had not posted to his social-media accounts since 2021. Then, on May 12, he began making cryptic posts on X. After he reemerged, GameStop surged yet again.

Then, on Sunday night, a Reddit account of Gill's shared a screenshot of an E-Trade account that appeared to show he had a $116 million position in GameStop, triggering another frenzy that caused the meme stock to soar.

The Journal reported no decision had been made yet on whether to stop Gill from trading on the platform. People familiar with internal discussions told the outlet that they were still weighing whether Gill engaged in manipulation and that the platform was concerned about losing customers  and the reaction of Gill's fans  if he were to be barred.

Morgan Stanley declined to comment when reached by Business Insider. Gill didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.

The Journal also reported that the Massachusetts Securities Division was examining Gill's actions. The securities division confirmed to BI it was investigating Gill.

"The Division reviews all activities by both registered and unregistered individuals that could negatively impact the market," a spokesperson said in an email.

Shortly after the Journal reported on the possibility Gill might be barred from E-Trade, one of Gill's Reddit accounts posted another screenshot suggesting he had maintained his position in GameStop on Monday, even as the value of his stake seemingly jumped from $116 million to $140 million in less than a day.

June 4, 2024: This story has been updated to include comment from the Massachusetts securities division.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Scammers took billions in taxpayer money through biggest fraud in Arizona history. Heres how

A SOBERING SCANDAL

The victims | Timeline | Inside the scam | Arizona's failure | Rebuilding trust

The massive scandal that hit Arizonas Medicaid program  the largest financial swindle in the states history  often is described with broad brushstrokes: Rehab clinics that promised addiction treatment manufactured phony bills. The state paid out, with the fraud soaring past $2.5 billion.

But what the public hasnt heard is an explanation of exactly how the scheme, which mainly targeted Native Americans, grew so large so fast.

The case against a Las Vegas company called L&L Investments, charged in the first case brought in the overall fraud, offers a road map.

Trial and court records include voluminous documents like spreadsheets, emails and text messages that chronicle how billing requests were created.

One man who created some of those bills was asked on the witness stand how the company defined success.

The answer didnt involve patients achieving sobriety. Instead, he said, the goal was money in the bank.

L&L Investments acted as a consultant for rehab clinics. The spare words of a contract the parties signed said the company would help with administrative duties.

But prosecutors said that masked the true aim: The company peppered Arizonas system with fraudulent requests for money. When the checks came in, L&L Investments would get a 20% cut, records show.

Those checks siphoned money out of the states Medicaid program, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS (pronounced access), in ever-increasing amounts over two years. Prosecutors said the total of the fraudulent billings was at least $40 million.

It was just the tip of the iceberg.

In 2021, the Arizona Attorney General's office brought charges against those involved in the L&L Investments scheme. At the time, the indictment was a one-off. Authorities would not grasp the magnitude of the problem for years.

Other investigations  and criminal cases  would follow. Some are still in the works.

Hundreds of entities ultimately were suspended from billing AHCCCS because of suspected fraud; most of those suspensions came in 2023.

The scope of the fraud is breathtaking. It unleashed a humanitarian crisis that targeted people at their most vulnerable, many of them Native Americans far from home.

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 plied with alcohol and drugs at their weakest moments.

How many people fell victim is difficult to measure because many fled or found their way home, but the stories people tell suggest that thousands were taken in, and some never made it out.

The price of the disaster is borne by taxpayers who must rely on the government to root out fraud and abuse. They were failed on a massive scale.

The ease at which scammers took millions out of Arizonas Medicaid system attracted hundreds of individuals who authorities say wanted to cash in. They did so partly because Arizonas system had no guardrails in place to either prevent or, at least, flag the fraudulent billings.

The scheme attracted people suspected of or convicted of fraud in other states, most notably Nevada.

At least 20 entities targeted by Arizona officials were operated by someone who Nevada authorities had drummed out of the health care system there, a review of records by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com shows.

Among them were Lawrence and Leasa Carter, the husband-and-wife owners and the Ls of L&L Investments.

That company was set up to defraud Arizonas health care system on an industrial scale, prosecutors said in a court filing.

A September 2021 indictment listed 13 individuals and 14 entities. All parties reached plea deals in the case  except for L&L Investments.

The case against the company pressed ahead to a jury trial in Maricopa County Superior Court.

The Carters themselves were not criminally charged along with their company in 2021. Their indictments came in March 2023 in another suspected scheme. They have pleaded not guilty. Through their attorney, both declined to comment.

Of the emails and text messages presented in court documents and testimony, not one was about the type of care that should be given to a Native American client. Nor did any celebrate the successful sobriety of a patient.

There were, however, plenty of messages about money.

Promises, bribes, threats: How victims of Arizona substance abuse treatment scams were targeted

Scheme moves from Nevada to Arizona

Before starting L&L Investments, Lawrence Carter ran care homes in Reno. In March 2016, Nevada officials raided one of those homes, following up on reports of bed bugs and overall filth.

Carter told the Reno Gazette Journal at the time that he charged his clients, most of whom came from the citys homeless shelter, $500 a month in rent. He then billed Medicaid for wrap around" services.

The Reno newspaper reported that from 2014 to 2016 Carter billed Medicaid for $514,000.

Six days after the raid, Nevada officials terminated Carters ability to bill Medicaid for mental health services for seven years.

Officials said that, outside of the concerns over patients, Carter had failed to disclose on his application to Nevada that he was convicted of felonies in both California and Nevada.

But when Nevada blocked Carter from billing Medicaid, he figured out a novel way to make money, according to testimony from a former employee.

Instead of running clinics, he would offer his services as a consultant. A contract, a copy of which was included in court records, promised that his business  L&L Investments  would handle a clinics billing records. The contract promised it would maximize efficiency and ensure comportment with regulations.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

L&Ls real goal was maximizing profit, prosecutors said. It would bill Nevadas system for hours of treatment that were not actually provided.

That scheme was outlined in court testimony by Dale Henson, who started working for Carter in Nevada before becoming one of his first employees deployed to the Phoenix area.

Henson said in court that he was selling real estate and health insurance in Reno. A woman came in needing a house and when it came time to close the deal, she said she could produce $500,000 in cash within days.

Intrigued, Henson asked what she did for a living.

The woman, Ariell Dix, told him. And subsequently showed him.

She led us by the hand, Henson said.

Dix worked for L&L Investments. Her role involved helping clinics set up shop under the L&L umbrella, then compiling lists of patients and their insurance information, according to court records.

Following Dixs direction, Hensons wife opened a residential treatment facility in summer 2017. Dix ensured it was filled with an initial batch of patients.

Henson said he met Leasa Carter in August 2017. His company, Henson Family Services, signed a contract agreeing to pay a portion of its revenue to what was termed the umbrella organization, L&L Investments.

Soon afterward, Henson became an employee of L&L Investments. His job, according to his court testimony, was taking lists of sign-in sheets from clinics and converting them to the bureaucratic code used in billing forms.

But by 2018, Nevada authorities noticed a suspicious pattern of billing and started investigating.

In December 2018, Nevada announced it had found $73 million in fraudulently paid claims that year across its system.

Among those the state investigated was Dix.

Dix would plead guilty in March 2020 to three misdemeanors, admitting to inadequate record keeping. She was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay restitution of more than $400,000, some for the fraudulent billings and some for the cost of the investigation.

By the time of her sentence, her attorney told the court, she had moved to Arizona.

So had the L&L Investment scheme. To escape the crackdown in Nevada, L&L's founders took a road trip to Texas to see what the atmosphere was like there. On their way back to Nevada, the Carters stopped in Arizona. They found the regulatory climate they were looking for.

They told Henson, according to his testimony, that Arizona was like the "old Nevada" before that state started getting stingy with dollars.

The one difference: in Arizona, there was more money to be made by exploiting a vulnerability involving the American Indian Health Program.

That system was intentionally designed to have fewer barriers than traditional private insurance. It served a historically underserved population in rural areas that had financial and geographic obstacles to medical help.

Arizona would pay bills with few questions, and with no preset dollar limits. The patient just needed to be Native American. Or at least enrolled as one.

And L&L Investments would soon find a man, freshly released from prison after a fraud conviction, who was willing to shepherd fellow Native Americans into the scheme.

Kevin Maulson (from left), Jed Maulson and Orlando Poleviyuma attend a rally outside the Arizona Department of Health Services in Phoenix on Sept. 26, 2023.

Arizona contract creates connection to Native Americans

Kevin Maulson, 62, was raised in northern Wisconsin as part of the Lac du Flambeau Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa tribe. His father, Tom Maulson, was among the bands leaders, eventually becoming president.

Maulsons path was not as illustrious.

He went to prison for fraud in Wisconsin in 2015. There, he found Jesus and began leading Bible study classes. In the weeks before his release, Maulson met with a man named Tim Young Eagle, who headed a non-profit in Wisconsin called Lutheran Indian Ministries.

Young Eagle hired Maulson to go to Phoenix, where Maulsons fiance lived, and assess the spiritual needs of Native Americans there.

Maulson, upon his release in October 2017, made inroads among Native American women who had experienced homelessness and were trying to recover from alcoholism. Maulson arranged to pick them up from the facilities where they lived and bring them to Sunday church services.

It was during this time that Maulson met a person who would inch him under the L&L Investments umbrella.

Maulson, in a sentencing memo filed with the court, said he was told he could make money through the Native American women he was serving. Maulson, in turn, told that to his boss in Wisconsin.

Before long, he was directed to partake in a series of meetings and allow a biller from L&L Investments access to Lutheran Indian Ministries paperwork. In September 2019 the entities signed a contract for work in Arizona.

Timeline: How Arizona's Medicaid program became a vehicle for fraud

'Get me 10 more clients by 12:00'

Text messages and emails show that L&L Investments was building up its billing scheme in the summer of 2019.

Authorities said Henson handled billing while Dix tracked patients, especially the insurance numbers and dates of birth needed for payment. Dix sent a text to an employee in June 2019 that was included in court filings, just as the scheme was getting started. It read: "Lets get this done now so we can get paid Friday.

As the scheme continued into 2020, L&L Investments signed consulting contracts with more businesses and, prosecutors said, became more aggressive in its billing practices.

An example: On Jan. 31, 2020, an employee named Charles Temple  who served as a go-between for entities under the schemes umbrella  sent a text to Henson. Temple asked how that weeks numbers looked.

Not good, Henson replied in a text, $82k.

Henson had an idea to boost it. If you can get me 10 more clients by 12:00, I can bill them this week. Temple replied that he would check. A few minutes later, he sent this: I have some on the wayBrand new

On that day, prosecutors say, one of those brand-new patients was listed as receiving 165 hours of treatment at Sun Valley Services going back nearly three months.

Another example: On April 1, 2020, Henson sent a text to Temple telling him that he needed the list by the end of the day, otherwise Sun Valley Services couldnt bill that week.

The sign-in sheets Temple would send ended up in a court filing.

The sheets, ostensibly for March 23 through March 27, 2020, were exact duplicates of each other. The only difference was the date written in the upper right-hand corner.

The order of names was the same. So was the handwriting. Each sheet had the same smudges and scratch-outs.

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And one mans name appeared twice on the same sign-up sheet.

With that documentation of services rendered, Sun Valley Services sent in its reimbursement request.

In response, the state of Arizona sent a payment for nearly $37,000.

Schemes expand even as indictments land

An agent from the state Attorney Generals Office started looking into suspicious billing patterns at behavioral health facilities in April 2020. One of the people he interviewed during those first weeks of the investigation was Maulson, court records show.

Jed Maulson (from left), Henry Klain, Kevin Maulson, Orland Poleviyuma and Ivan Pena Jr. De Xango attend a rally outside the Arizona Department of Health Services in Phoenix on Sept. 26, 2023.

Months later, in October 2020, investigators raided the offices of Lutheran Indian Ministries. Authorities also filed a forfeiture action asking the court to allow it to seize money, cars and property belonging to those it said were involved.

In November 2020, Arizona Medicaids system stopped the providers suspected to be involved from being able to submit requests for money.

The indictments would come nearly a year later, in September 2021, naming a host of people and entities suspected of being under the L&L Investments umbrella.

While L&L Investments was charged with fraud, an indictment was not brought against either Lawrence or Leasa Carter in that case. Court documents do not explain why.

But even as the state was dismantling the organization that L&L Investments built, the Carters were busy with a major new client.

L&L Investments contracted its services to a company called Arizona WellCare. That company was approved as an AHCCCS provider, though its application failed to mention felony convictions for aggravated assault in Georgia of one of its operators, Curtis Smith.

Prosecutors said that between May 2020 and September 2021, Arizona WellCare filed fraudulent claims totaling more than $10 million. Court records mention bank transactions that show transfers to companies controlled by the Carters totaling $2 million, or 20%, just as the contract specified.

After Arizona suspended Arizona WellCare, its operators, Curtis Smith and Rhonda Russell, struck out on their own, court records show, starting another entity under the name of a relative. Authorities said the two learned the ropes from the Carters.

In two weeks, it racked up nearly $500,000 in billing before it, too, was suspended. According to court records, Curtis Smith, Rhonda Russell and the relative were seen on surveillance footage in an Atlanta bank unsuccessfully attempting to cash the checks from Arizona.

Both Curtis Smith and Rhonda Russell have pleaded not guilty. Their attorneys did not respond to a request for an interview.

Dix also was charged in the Arizona WellCare case. In May, she was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after pleading no contest to two felony charges. She became the first person incarcerated in Arizona in the massive fraud scheme.

Ahead of sentencing, she told the judge she sincerely aimed to help people through her work with L&L Investments. It was all about the treatment model," she said, "and not the billing model.

Key player testifies against former employer

Dale Henson was the chief witness when L&L Investments went on criminal trial in May.

During days on the stand, Henson walked jurors through the billing practices he employed in Nevada  and how they were amplified in Arizona.

He told the jury about his plea deal and how he agreed to pay $1.2 million in restitution.

At the time he was sending in the billing requests, Henson didnt think he was doing anything wrong. Now I do, he told jurors. It looks ridiculous.

Henson said his testimony against L&L Investments was not only part of his plea deal, but a way to soothe his conscience.

This is the only way I can fix it, he told jurors, is coming up here and telling the truth.

The jury deliberated less than three hours before returning with its verdict: guilty on all counts.

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

Reach Richard Ruelas at richard.ruelas@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8473.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How Arizona's rehab center Medicaid fraud was spread by scammers
This Sleepy Hamlet In North Carolina Holds The #1 Secret To Stretching Retirement Funds

Choosing where to settle down in your golden years is a significant decision that a jaw-dropping 4.1 million Americans will make in the coming years. The USA is certainly not lacking when it comes to desirable retirement locations but a sleepy hamlet in North Carolina presents itself as an ideal location for retirees who are not interested in hot summers at the beach and are looking to stretch their retirement funds.

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According to a report from the Retirement Income Institute at the Alliance for Lifetime Income, more than 11,200 Americans will turn 65 every day between 2024 and 2027. Affectionately nicknamed the Silver Tsunami,' many retired and soon-to-be-retired Americans will seek a place to live during their golden years.

Florida has long been the number-one retirement destination for many retirees, thanks to its warm weather. Gov. Ron DeSantis states, "Florida's strong economy and low taxes create opportunities for families, which is why Florida continues to lead the nation in net in-migration."

However, the Sunshine State has some competition in the form of a small, sleepy hamlet in North Carolina's wine country.

The U.S. News & World Report has released its findings on the best cities in North Carolina to retire in, and Winston-Salem has come out on top. Located in the stunning Yadkin Valley, this slow-paced hamlet is not just a great choice for retired Americans looking to stretch their retirement savings, but also a place that offers a sense of security and comfort. U.S. News & World Report describes Winston-Salem as a region on an upward trajectory that still maintains its Southern roots.'

Trending: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." These high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5%  9% make earning passive income easier than ever.

Considering Winston-Salem's statistics, it's clear why retirees are trading their big-city lives for a slower pace.

The city has a population of 252,907, with 15% of the population in their retirement age. The city offers retirees a lower cost of living, lower taxes, and a vibrant cultural scene. The state has a flat income tax rate of 4.75%, and property tax rates are 0.70%, which is lower than the 0.99% national average. While North Carolina imposes state income tax on 401(k) distributions and pensions, which may deter some retirees, the state does not tax Social Security benefits. The lower cost of living and affordable housing certainly compensate for the state income tax.

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Data released by the U.S. News and World Report showed that the median monthly mortgage cost is a desirable $841, and the median monthly rent is $834. This is much lower than popular retiree cities in Florida like Daytona Beach, where the median monthly rent is $1,274. While the median household income is $64,493, which is lower than the national average, the lower cost of living makes up for this and helps retirees save their retirement funds. A Missouri Economic Research and Information Center report found North Carolina ranks 22nd nationally in cost of living.

Trending: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg?  How does it compare to the average?

Still not convinced?

The Tax Foundation reveals that in North Carolina, $100 equates to $109.53 in spending power. This means your money goes further than it would in other states, which is why this small town is a great retirement haven.

In addition to affordable living and lower taxes, this North Carolina city is the perfect city for wine lovers, as it is home to plenty of scenic vineyards and a rich art scene. Kim Myers, the proud owner of Laurel Gray Vineyards and Yadkin Valley Wine Company, expresses her love for the city: "The lifestyle in the Yadkin Valley is still rural and slow-paced but studded with small towns and beautiful vineyards."

Outdoor lovers will enjoy the scenic hiking trails and state parks while getting to know the local community at one of the many cultural events hosted in this North Carolina hamlet. If a sleepy, slow-paced lifestyle does not appeal to you, North Carolina has some great retirement-friendly cities to consider, like Charlotte and Raleigh.

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This article This Sleepy Hamlet In North Carolina Holds The #1 Secret To Stretching Retirement Funds originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Solstice Gold has announced the acquisition of the Strathy Gold Project (SGP) in Ontario, Canada.

The company reached an option agreement with 1544230 Ontario and Gravel Ridge Resources, securing the option to purchase a 100% interest in the SGP.

Under the agreement, Solstice is required to pay $20,000 (C$27,356) within ten days post the effective date and issue 750,000 common shares following approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV).

To fully exercise the option, Solstice must make additional cash payments totalling $85,000 across three anniversaries of the agreement.

Upon exercising the option, the Optionors will retain a 1% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on six claims, half of which can be bought out for $600,000.

Additionally, a third party holds a separate 1% NSR on the Youngs claims, with buyout options of $500,000 for half and $800,000 for the remaining half.

For the other claims, the optionors will hold a 2% NSR, with 1% buyable for $1m. No finders fees are associated with this agreement, which is still pending TSXV approval.

The SGP spans 45 claims in a region known for its gold prospectivity, underlain by the Archean-age Temagami Greenstone Belt, the southernmost extension of the Abitibi Subprovince in Ontario.

The project area includes parts of the Net-Vermilion and Link Lake Deformation Zones, both of which have yielded significant gold values in surface sampling and drilling, indicative of the gold-bearing potential typical of Abitibi gold systems.

Solstice CEO Pablo McDonald said: 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 mineralisation is documented over a wide area on Solstice claims, which we believe may be evidence of a larger mineralising 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.

"Solstice Gold options Strathy Gold Project in Canada" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Out-of-state dollars are funding Virginia's U.S. Senate primary campaigns.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions are flowing into the five commonwealth candidate's coffers from all corners of the country. That includes at least $265,631 from Florida, $206,270 from Texas and $167,709 from California, to name a few of the states where contributors live.

Not much is done on the trail by candidates to explain to voters exactly how and where their campaign money is coming from, aside from brief mentions of small dollar donations collected through grassroots initiatives across the commonwealth when applicable.

So, how much of the money raised in the Senate primary is actually coming from Virginians? That answer is difficult to find.

The Federal Elections Commission requires candidates to break down contributions through quarterly reports. Individual contributions of less than $200, however, aren't always itemized and can be difficult to track. And that means, the amount of money flowing into the commonwealth from out of state donors could be significantly higher than what FEC data has shown. The creation of campaign donation platforms like WinRed or ActBlue  conduits that funnel money from donors to the candidate of their choice  make parsing out that data even more difficult.

So here's what we were able to find through data provided by the FEC, along with a look at each candidate's personal finance disclosure.

A look at Virginia U.S. Senate candidate funds

Hung Cao

A retired Navy Captain, Hung Cao ran an unsuccessful campaign to unseat Rep. Jennifer Wexton in the 2022 race for Virginias 10th Congressional District.

Caos Senate campaign has come under scrutiny recently after an article outlined the misuse of funds by a super PAC that he helped to launch in early 2023. That super PAC, Unleash America, was meant to support Republican state-level candidates in Virginias 2023 election, according to radio and news interviews Cao took part in, early that year. Money raised by the PAC instead went to people and companies associated with Caos current U.S. Senate campaign.

Cao has repeatedly attacked the news outlet that published the story instead of answering questions about super PAC spending.

Hung Cao

Super PAC spending aside, Caos campaign is the current fundraising leader among the swath of Republican hopefuls. His primary Senate campaign committee, Hung Cao for Virginia, has raised over $2 million since January 2023.

Heres a breakdown of those dollars:

Individual campaign contributions, itemized by the FEC: $1,044,589 Most of that money came from out-of-state contributions. About $377,546, or 36%, came from individual donors in Virginia, according to FEC data.

Individual campaign contributions less than $200, not itemized by the FEC: $981,374

Contributions from other campaign committees or PACs: $9,752

Other receipts: $707

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As far as his personal finances, Cao was paid $478,254 over the last 16 months by CACI Inc., his employer and a contractor with the U.S. government. He made an additional $7,731 from Six3 Advance Systems, Inc., also a government contractor, during that period as well. Cao also owns stock in CACI, according to his personal financial disclosure.

Scott Parkinson

Parkinson is the Vice President for Government Affairs at the conservative non-profit, Club For Growth. He worked as Chief of Staff in 2018 for Gov. Ron DeSantis, when he was a U.S. House Representative and before he was elected governor of Florida.

Scott Parkinson speaks to the audience during a U.S. Senate candidate forum in Staunton on May 17. Four out of the five Republican candidates in the primary attended the forum which was held at the Victory Worship Center. The fifth candidate, Hung Cao, did not attend.

Claiming second place in the money race so far, he has raised $841,133 between April 2023 and March 2024 for his Senate campaign through Parkinson For Senate, his primary campaign committee.

Heres a breakdown of those dollars:

Individual campaign contributions, itemized by the FEC: $555,085 Most of that money came from out-of-state contributions. About $155,770, or 28%, came from individual donors in Virginia, according to FEC data.

Individual campaign contributions less than $200, not itemized by the FEC: $173,822

Contributions from other campaign committees or PACs: $105,625

Parkinson contribution to his own campaign: $6,600

Regarding his personal finances, Parkinson was paid a salary of $476,000 by Club For Growth. He made an additional $3,437 from Ebay. He has also invested in cryptocurrency, according to his personal financial disclosure.

Jonathan Emord

Emord is a constitutional lawyer who owns his own practice. He served as an attorney for the Federal Communications Commission during the Reagan Administration and has authored several books about politics.

Jonathan Emord speaks to the audience during a U.S. Senate candidate forum in Staunton on May 17. Four out of the five Republican candidates in the primary attended the forum which was held at the Victory Worship Center. The fifth candidate, Hung Cao, did not attend.

He raised $808,722 between September 2022 and March 2024 through his campaigns primary committee, Emord For Senate Inc., according to FEC filings.

Heres a breakdown of those dollars:

Individual campaign contributions, itemized by the FEC: $188,651 Most of that money came from out-of-state contributions. About $39,440, or 20%, came from individual donors in Virginia, according to FEC data.

Individual campaign contributions less than $200, not itemized by the FEC: $49,083

Contributions from other campaign committees or PACs: $1,000

Emord contributed or loaned his own campaign: $568,988

Offsets to operating expenditures: $1,000

According to his personal financial disclosure, Emord made over $1.2 million during the annual reporting period through his law practice. He also made $1,949 in publishing royalties.

Chuck Smith

Smith is a former Marine and current lawyer. He narrowly lost the Republican nomination for Virginia Attorney General in 2021.

Chuck Smith speaks to the audience during a U.S. Senate candidate forum in Staunton on May 17. Four out of the five Republican candidates in the primary attended the forum which was held at the Victory Worship Center. The fifth candidate, Hung Cao, did not attend.

He raised $509,949 between January 2022 and March 2024 for his campaigns primary committee, Chuck Smith for US Senate, according to FEC filings.

Heres a breakdown of those dollars:

Individual campaign contributions, itemized by the FEC: $170,921 Most of that money came from out-of-state contributions. About $53,768, or 31%, came from individual donors in Virginia, according to FEC data.

Individual campaign contributions less than $200, not itemized by the FEC: $330,433

Contributions from other campaign committees or PACs: $0

Smith contributed to his own campaign: $8,000

Offsets to operating expenditures and other receipts: $594

Smith said he had filed his personal financial disclosure on May 31, but it was not available on the U.S. Senate financial disclosure site as of Monday.

Edward Eddie Garcia, Jr.

A newcomer to campaign politics and self-proclaimed underdog in the race, Garcia retired out of the Pentagon in 2022. A 22-year Army veteran and former ranger with 6 combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Garcia spent a cumulative three years in combat zones.

Eddie Garcia speaks to the audience during a U.S. Senate candidate forum in Staunton on May 17. Four out of the five Republican candidates in the primary attended the forum which was held at the Victory Worship Center. The fifth candidate, Hung Cao, did not attend.

He raised $300,773 between October 2022 and March 2024 through his campaigns primary committee, Garcia for Virginia, according to FEC filings.

Heres a breakdown of those dollars:

Individual campaign contributions, itemized by the FEC: $120,234 Less than half of that money came from out-of-state contributions. About $63,002, or 52%, came from individual donors in Virginia, according to FEC data.

Individual campaign contributions less than $200, not itemized by the FEC: $92,233

Contributions from other campaign committees or PACs: $1,305

Garcia contributed or loaned his own campaign: $82,000

Offsets to operating expenses: $5,000

Garcia made about $20,000 through commissions from Primerica and Catai Solutions during the annual reporting period. He has also invested in cryptocurrency, according to his personal financial disclosure. Garcia said that the $82,000 he loaned and contributed to his own campaign came from savings he built up while serving in the military, when asked by USA Today.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Out-of-state donors funding Virginia's U.S. Senate primary candidates
ETF Investing Tools

State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) is set to close its China government bond ETF as persistent low yields has impacted investor demand.

In a shareholder notice, the Boston-based firm, whose SPDR unit is the third-largest U.S. exchange-traded fund issuer, said the SPDR Bloomberg China Treasury Bond UCITS ETF (CHNT) will close on 5 July.

CHNT launched in 2021 and houses $12m assets under management (AUM).

In the U.S., State Street's largest China ETF is SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC), an equity fund which holds $493.6 million and launched in 2007. It's gained 11% so far this year, while adding 1.9% over the past decade. Investors have pulled $225.6 million from the fund so far this year.

Antoine Lesne, head of ETF investment strategy for EMEA at SSGA, said investor demand for Chinese government bonds has decreased after they were included in global indices, adding allocations now being made through segregated mandates or mutual funds.

The largest China bond ETF is the $2.6 billion iShares China CNY Bond UCITS ETF (CNYB) which launched in July 2019, around the time Chinese bonds were first included in global indices.

CNYB grew to $13.1 billion by the start of 2022 but investors were soon shunning the asset class due to the lack of relative yield in the market versus U.S. Treasuries.

The yield differential compared to the US has shifted from being a tailwind to a headwind, Lesne said.

10-year US Treasury yields increased from below 1% in 2020 to 4.5%, while Chinese bond yields dropped from 3.2% to 2.3%. This change partly explains the low inflows in this category.

In the shareholder notice, SSGA said: The board do not believe that it will increase materially in the near future and the fund is uneconomic to operate.

The board are of the opinion that the proposed termination is in the best interests of the fund's shareholders.

In April, KraneShares closed its China bond ETF amid low assets under management, alongside its China A-Share ETF.

Despite China ETFs experiencing a 12-month slump, they have led the gains for monthly returns in May after investors reapproached the region on low valuations and strong financials from key stocks.

China government bonds have seen $437 million of outflows over the last 12 months, according to data from Bloomberg.

This article originally appeared in etf.com sister publication ETF Stream.





Permalink |  Copyright 2024 etf.com. All rights reserved
State workers can earn recognition and up to $10,000 from the Productivity Board through a state employee incentive program the Secretary of States Office has relaunched. The program rewards employee proposals that increase government efficiency and save the state money, according to a news release.

Individual state workers submit proposals through the Secretary of States Employee Suggestion Program. Two or more state workers submit proposals for larger process improvements through the Offices Teamwork Incentive Program.

I encourage all state employees to submit proposals, said Secretary of State Steve Hobbs in a statement. Your ideas could increase state productivity, improve service and working conditions, generate revenue, conserve energy or save money.

The Productivity Board voted unanimously on Thursday to recognize and award two state workers up to $200 each for their proposals to save Washington money.

Nathan Wilson, a state Department of Corrections psychology associate, developed diagnostic support tools for expediting the mental health assessment process in JavaScript and Phase Express. The DOC estimates Wilsons tools to be implemented in June.

David Halpern, a retired state Parks and Recreation park ranger, discovered the retirement process could involve fewer requirements and paperwork by providing a single packet of instructions. The Commission implemented Halperns discovery in early May.

The Secretary of States Office has received over 65 proposals since the programs relaunch.

I am thrilled so many of Washingtons public employees have been encouraged to submit their innovative, cost-saving ideas, Hobbs said in a statement.

The Washington State Legislature created the Productivity Board in 1982, according to a news release. The program saved Washington millions of dollars before it shut down in 2011 because of budget constraints.
By Gwladys Fouche

OSLO (Reuters) - Tesla investor KLP, Norway's largest pension fund, will vote in favour of a shareholder proposal urging the U.S. electric vehicle maker to engage in wage and other labour negotiations as it continues to face industrial action in Sweden.

A strike by Tesla mechanics in Sweden, among the country's longest labour disputes, has since Oct. 27 disrupted operations, spurring the concern of Nordic institutional investors and sympathy strikes in the Nordic region.

Tesla will hold its annual general meeting on June 13.

On the agenda is a proposal by four institutional investors calling on Tesla "to adopt a policy explicitly committing to non-interference and good faith bargaining ... with respect to freedom of association and collective bargaining".

"We will support the proposal," Kiran Aziz, KLP's head of responsible investments, told Reuters. "We hope (it) will gain significant support from other shareholders too."

KLP holds 900,000 Tesla shares worth some 1.7 billion crowns ($162 million), a stake of about 0.02% as of late February, according to LSEG Workspace data. Last summer, it removed Tesla shares from its sustainable funds.

STANCE ON UNIONS COULD BE UNDERMINED

Sweden's AMF pension fund will back the motion as well, and was "actively working" to get other investors to support it.

"The freedom of association ... and the right to bargain collectively are fundamental human rights that are protected by international norms," it said in a May 17 statement.

The conflict could have wider repercussions for Tesla, whose tough stance globally on unions could be undermined if it buckles in Sweden.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

KLP will also vote against a proposed plan to relocate Tesla to Texas from Delaware, and against ratifying a $56-billion pay package for CEO Elon Musk.

"We do not find the rationale (for the move to Texas) sufficiently strong and convincing," Aziz said, referring to Tesla describing Texas as its "home" and the state where one of its top factories is located.

"It is not clear what tangible benefits the relocation would bring, whereas there is clearly additional costs and potential risks that may come with it," she said, without elaborating on those risks.

As for Musk's pay package, "We have voted against it back in 2018 when it was introduced, and we continue to see it as being both excessive and leading to extensive dilutive effects to current shareholders," Aziz said.

Story continues

In April, Tesla reported its first fall in quarterly revenue since 2020 to $21.3 billion in the three months through March, compared with $23.33 billion a year earlier. Analysts on average had estimated $22.15 billion, according to LSEG data.

($1 = 10.4875 Norwegian crowns)

(Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Amid a backdrop of global economic uncertainties and fluctuating markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index recently reflected a downturn, shedding 2.84% as noted in recent data. In such times, dividend stocks like Tian An China Investments can offer investors potential stability and regular income streams, making them worthy of consideration for those looking to mitigate risk while maintaining exposure to market opportunities.

Top 10 Dividend Stocks In Hong Kong

Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating China Construction Bank (SEHK:939) 7.68%  Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank (SEHK:3618) 8.72%  CITIC Telecom International Holdings (SEHK:1883) 9.81%  Consun Pharmaceutical Group (SEHK:1681) 8.96%  S.A.S. Dragon Holdings (SEHK:1184) 9.02%  Playmates Toys (SEHK:869) 8.57%  Bank of China (SEHK:3988) 6.84%  China Mobile (SEHK:941) 6.30%  Sinopharm Group (SEHK:1099) 4.18%  International Housewares Retail (SEHK:1373) 8.62% 

Click here to see the full list of 92 stocks from our Top Dividend Stocks screener.

Let's explore several standout options from the results in the screener.

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Tian An China Investments Company Limited operates as an investment holding company, focusing on property investment, development, and management in the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and Australia, with a market cap of approximately HK$5.78 billion.

Operations: Tian An China Investments Company Limited generates revenue primarily through property development at HK$1.53 billion, followed by property investment at HK$591.38 million, and healthcare services contributing HK$394.15 million.

Dividend Yield: 5.1%

Tian An China Investments has maintained a stable dividend over the past decade, with recent increases reflecting a commitment to shareholder returns. Despite a lower yield of 5.08% compared to Hong Kong's top dividend payers, its dividends are well-supported by both earnings and cash flows, with payout ratios of 24.1% and 16.9%, respectively. The company's P/E ratio stands at an attractive 4.7x, below the market average of 9.7x, indicating potential undervaluation relative to peers. Recent board changes could signal strategic shifts but aren't directly impacting dividend policies as yet.

SEHK:28 Dividend History as at Jun 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Story continues

Overview: China Overseas Grand Oceans Group Ltd. operates as an investment holding company, focusing on the investment, development, and leasing of real estate properties in the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong, with a market capitalization of approximately HK$7.94 billion.

Operations: China Overseas Grand Oceans Group Ltd. generates revenue primarily through property investment and development, amounting to CN56.08 billion, and property leasing, contributing CN0.24 billion.

Dividend Yield: 7.1%

China Overseas Grand Oceans Group Limited faces challenges with declining property sales and earnings, as evidenced by a significant drop in contracted sales and GFA year-on-year for early 2024. Despite these pressures, the company maintains a low P/E ratio of 3.2x, suggesting valuation below Hong Kong market norms. Dividend reliability is questionable due to volatility over the past decade and recent cuts; however, dividends are well-covered by earnings with a payout ratio of 22.5% and cash flows (cash payout ratio at 5.8%). Recent executive changes and auditor switch may influence future strategic directions but have yet to impact dividend policies directly.

SEHK:81 Dividend History as at Jun 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: China Mobile Limited operates as a telecommunications and information services provider in Mainland China and Hong Kong, with a market capitalization of approximately HK$1.66 trillion.

Operations: China Mobile Limited generates approximately CN1.02 billion in revenue from its telecommunications and information related businesses.

Dividend Yield: 6.3%

China Mobile offers a stable dividend yield of 6.3%, consistently paid over the past decade, with growth in dividend payments during this period. Despite a lower yield compared to the top quartile of Hong Kong dividend stocks at 7.64%, its dividends are well-supported by earnings and cash flows, with payout ratios at 70.3% and 89% respectively. Recent leadership changes with Mr. He Biao's appointment as CEO could signal strategic shifts but have not yet impacted its solid dividend distribution framework, evidenced by recent financial performance showing steady revenue and net income growth in Q1 2024.

SEHK:941 Dividend History as at Jun 2024

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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 SEHK:28SEHK:81SEHK:941 and

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Donald Trump's campaign said it raised nearly $300 million in May as it benefited from a new surge of support among small-dollar donors on top of an existing strength with billionaires.

The potent combination is clearly helpful for Trump as he tries to close a fundraising gap with President Joe Biden ahead of a final campaign sprint this summer and fall.

Though the full picture isn't yet available of how each candidate did in May, Trump's incoming money appears to be roughly split between groups catering to small and larger donors.

Of the total, $141 million went to Trump's formal campaign and the Republican National Committee, where maximum donations are capped.

The remaining millions went to "Trump-supporting organizations" that include SuperPACs, where the wealthy can give as much as they want.

Other data will be released in the coming days and weeks  from how much Biden raised in May to how much Trump now has in the bank  but the former president's campaign is already calling it the best month ever recorded for any campaign in history.

Former President Donald Trump walks out to speak from the lobby of Trump Tower the day after being found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in New York on May 31. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) (The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The surge in small-dollar contributions may level off in June, but Trump is set to continue raising large amounts of billionaire cash. The former president is set to travel to California on Thursday for a fundraiser with tech billionaires.

One of the co-hosts of this week's event is investor David O. Sacks, who has been an outspoken Trump evangelist in Silicon Valley.

He said on a recent episode of his podcast that he hopes this week's event will "break the ice" and allow more business leaders to openly donate. It "could really cascade on itself," he added.

Thursday's event will be co-hosted by Sacks and venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya.

For his part, President Biden traveled to the Connecticut town of Greenwich Monday night for his own fundraiser hosted by former HBO CEO Richard Plepler. In his remarks, Biden again accused Trump of "selling his presidency to the higher bidder."

Why they give

The surge in small donors was clearly driven by the outcome of Trump's hush money trial, with the campaign saying it raised $53 million online in the 24 hours after Trump's conviction on May 30.

The surge in donations was so intense that WinRed  an online platform for giving to Republicans  even temporarily crashed.

"We are moved by the outpouring of support for President Donald J. Trump," Trump senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles said in a statement, adding it "sent Biden and Democrats a powerful message."

Story continues

But the equally sizable big-money tally was a reflection of a host of wealthy Americans  Blackstone (BX) CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman and oil executive Harold Hamm, to name just two  offering new support for Trump recently.

Stephen A. Schwarzman speaks at an awards ceremony in May in New York City. (Michael Ostuni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) (Michael Ostuni via Getty Images)

These big-dollar donors have tended to cite an array of issues from taxes to Israel. Schwarzman himself cited "the dramatic rise of antisemitism" as a key reason for his decision to support Trump in a recent statement.

The verdict last week also pushed at least some business elites to donate. Sequoia partner Shaun Maguire announced a $300,000 donation on social media immediately after the verdict.

"I'm prepared to lose friends," he wrote in an extended post about how he moved from being a Hillary Clinton supporter in 2016 to backing Trump today.

And Trump himself is making the case to these billionaires and their financial interests. Report after report  many from the Washington Post's Josh Dawsey  have documented a slew of promises that Trump is reportedly making to wealthy executives, both for their bottom lines and their businesses.

Under Biden "you're going to have the biggest tax increase in history," Trump reportedly told one gathering, massively exaggerating the expiration of provisions in the 2017 Trump tax cut that are set to transpire next year.

Potentially untapped billionaire money

The wave of support also comes as Trump draws closer and closer to other billionaire donors who haven't yet announced plans to donate but are already lending their influence in support of his campaign.

Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk has forged a relationship with Trump and often touts the former president's ideas  and slams Biden  on his X account.

Then-president Donald Trump greets Elon Musk before a forum at the White House in 2017. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images)

A recent Wall Street Journal investigation also found that Trump and Musk talk regularly and were even discussing a possible formal advisory role if Trump wins. Musk has denied that any discussions around a role have taken place.

Pershing Square Capital CEO Bill Ackman is another traditional GOP megadonor who appears to be inching closer to Trump. He has signaled he is likely to support Trump after helping Nikki Haley and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in recent months.

Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

Click here for politics news related to business and money

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Flush with a torrent of small campaign donations following Thursdays 34-count guilty verdict, former President Donald Trump is heading westward in a bid to continue the fundraising spree, to the land of sunshine, palm trees and tech billionaires.

A multiday trip to California this week is expected to rake in millions as he hopscotches from events in San Francisco, Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, where attendance costs as much as $300,000 per person.

California is home to many mega-donors supporting the presumptive Republican nominee Trump and President Joe Bidens campaigns, making it both an inevitable stop for candidates during election years and an arena in the fight for billionaire backing. Though the fundraisers were announced before the verdict, efforts by the GOP to bridge the gap between Trumps and Bidens coffers will now broadcast a new message: Trump as political prisoner.

The Trump National Committees official fundraising page features the term in highlighted, bold text.

I was just convicted in a RIGGED political Witch Hunt trial: I DID NOTHING WRONG!, the fundraising website, hosted by WinRed, quotes Trump. YOUR SUPPORT IS THE ONLY THING STANDING BETWEEN US AND TOTAL TYRANNY!

Former President Donald Trump holds a news conference at Trump Tower in New York City Thursday following the verdict in his hush-money trial. A New York jury found Trump guilty of all 34 charges of covering up a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Its the first fundraising blitz in the state this year for Trump, kicking off less than a week after a Manhattan jury convicted the former president of falsifying business records in an attempt to hide hush money payments to an adult film star.

Former Paypal executive David Sacks and his wife, Jacqueline Sacks, are co-hosting a Thursday fundraiser with former Facebook executive Chamath Palihapitiya in San Francisco. Tickets range from $5,000 to $300,000 per person and $500,000 for couples. David Sacks and Palihapitiya, co-hosts of the "All-In" podcast, have hosted political fundraisers in the past, including for Trump.

A similar reception and dinner event is scheduled the following day in Beverley Hills, ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 to attend. Saturday, the former president will head to Newport Beach, where attendees will shell out up to $100,000. Oculus founder Palmer Luckey, the co-founder of a health insurance company John Word, and his wife, Kimberly, are hosting the event.

Related: Trump says he raised nearly $53 million a day after his conviction

But Trump and the GOP arent the only ones pointing to Trump's criminal charges in attempts to drum up support  or appeal to owners of some of the Golden State's heaviest pocketbooks.

Gov. Gavin Newsom's political action committee sent an email Friday in a bid for donations, calling the verdict's funding haul a "dangerous moment for Joe Biden," the Sacramento Bee reported.

Story continues

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.

California Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Santa Clara, has also been making entreaties to the tech world recently, hosting a retreat in Napa Valley, bringing together Democratic party leaders with billionaire leaders in venture capital and technology.

Kathryn Palmer is an elections fellow for USA TODAY. Reach her at kapalmer@gannett.com and follow her on X @KathrynPlmr.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Trump in California for fundraisers following guilty verdict
Lumeimages / iStock.com

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk are reportedly in talks about a potential advisory role for Musk. Both men have been talking on the phone several times a month and discussed policies regarding immigration, the economy, technology and science (including the U.S. Space Force) The Wall Street Journal reported.

Check Out: How Much Is President Joe Biden Worth As He Seeks Reelection?

Read Next: 4 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

While Musks potential role isnt fully hammered out and might not happen, Trump told Musk he would like the Tesla CEOs involvement in his presidency if he were to be re-elected in November.

Following the report, Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter, which he acquired for $44 billion in April 2022): There have not been any discussions of a role for me in a potential Trump Presidency.

Musk previously served on two White House advisory groups under Trumps first term  roles he left due to disagreements over the former presidents backing out of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Im [sic] departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world, Musk posted on X on June 1, 2017.

In turn, Thomas Savidge, economist at the American Institute for Economic Research, noted that Musk may serve a similar capacity in a future Trump administration.

If it were to happen, what would Musks involvement in a second Trump administration mean for your wallet?

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

According to Peter Cohan, associate professor of Management Practice at Babson College, an area where Musks role could affect consumers is in the pricing and convenience of electric vehicles.

Since Trump has said he is against EVs and Musk has said he is against subsidies for EVs, either Musk does not care about Teslas future or both Musk and Trump are talking to appeal to their followers and wont follow through with actions consistent with those statements, he said.

Simply put, said Cohan, given the conflict between what Musk and Trump are saying about EVs and Musks role as Tesla CEO, it is hard to predict how EV consumers would be affected by his potential role in a hypothetical Trump administration.

Energy and Transportation

Other experts, such Michael Collins, CFA, founder and CEO, WinCap Financial, argued that if Trump and Musk were to join forces, the impact on consumers wallets could be significant.

As a successful businessman and innovator, Musk could potentially be appointed to a high-level position in the administration such as Secretary of Energy or Commerce, said Collins. This would give him a platform to influence policies and regulations related to industries such as energy, transportation and technology.

Story continues

In turn, Collins argued that depending on their shared goals, this collaboration could lead to changes in prices and availability of products in these sectors, ultimately affecting the wallets of American consumers.

For example, if they prioritize promoting renewable energy sources like solar power, it could lead to increased investment in that sector but also potentially higher costs for consumers, Collins noted.

Matt Willer, managing director of capital markets, partner, Phoenix Capital Group Holdings, also argued that with Musks existing commitments, it would be surprising if he could take any full time role.

Advisory capacity is more likely and the logical category is energy, said Willer. The attribute that an eccentric Musk brings is levity  a material part of his net worth is contingent on green energy and electrification  however he is a realist, understanding we need to produce more oil and gas domestically to fuel a more realistic multi-decade energy transition.

Deregulation

On the other hand, Collins noted that if they focus on deregulation and cutting costs for businesses, it could result in lower prices for certain products but potentially at the expense of consumer safety and protection.

The partnership between Trump and Musk has the potential to greatly impact American consumers wallets in various ways depending on their agendas, added Collins.

Savidge also noted that how this potential partnership could impact consumers  regardless of the sector  hinges on one question: Will a Trump/Musk team up result in more or less government intervention in the economy?

If there are greater taxes and regulations, consumers will be negatively impacted. If they are able to reduce taxes and regulations, it will be a win for consumers, he added.

More Access to Tech and Innovation

According to Joe Camberato, CEO, National Business Capital, Musks involvement in government could have a major positive impact across a variety of sectors.

Given his track record with PayPal, Tesla, SpaceX and Neuralink, Musks expertise spans fintech, electric vehicles, space exploration and medical tech, he said. Its rare to find someone with his breadth of knowledge and experience, and his involvement could help the U.S. maintain its position as a leader in innovation.

Camberato said he was surprised that Musk could potentially get involved, given the potential for intense scrutiny.

Learn More: How Big Is Senator Lindsey Grahams Social Security Check?

Despite this, Musks potential support could greatly benefit the country, enhancing technological growth and accessibility for all Americans, he added.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Trump and Musk Joining Forces Could Impact Your Wallet
By Faith Hung, Max A. Cherney and Ben Blanchard

HSINCHU/TAIPEI, Taiwan (Reuters) -Taiwanese contract chipmaker TSMC, whose major clients include Nvidia and Apple, said on Tuesday it had held talks with some customers about moving its chip plants off the island as tensions mounted with China but such a move would be impossible.

Tensions between China and Taiwan have increased sharply since Beijing launched war games around the democratically governed island last month following inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who Beijing denounces as a "separatist".

"Instability across the Taiwan Straits is indeed a consideration for supply chain, but I want to say that we certainly do not want wars to happen," Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) Chairman C.C. Wei told reporters after the company's annual general meeting.

He said it would be impossible to move chip factories out of the island, given that 80-90% of its production capacity is in Taiwan.

Wei did not name the customers with whom TSMC had held talks on the potential shift out of Taiwan.

TSMC, which is grappling with surging orders for high-end chips used to offer generative artificial intelligence tools and services, had discussions with ChatGPT creator OpenAI over AI chip supplies, which the Taiwanese firm considered "too aggressive", Wei said, without elaborating.

"He is very aggressive, too aggressive for me to believe," Wei said, referring to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

Altman held talks with TSMC last year to discuss a potential partnership to build roughly three dozen factories in order to ensure that the company would be able to acquire enough silicon to meet their steadily growing need, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The talks were cordial, but TSMC officials made clear that the number of fabs Altman was proposing was too many, and TSMC feared it would not be able to operate the factories at the needed 80% or greater capacity, the source said.

TSMC's projections at the time did not forecast enough demand for more than 30 new fabs.

It was not clear if TSMC and Altman talked about building its fabs outside of Taiwan.

"NOBODY IS WORRIED"

Despite the China tensions, the topic of a possible war and its impact on chip supply chains has barely featured at the annual Computex technology trade show this week in Taipei, unless brought up by reporters to executives on the sidelines.

"Nobody is worried about this yet," Frank Huang, chairman of Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing, told reporters at the event, when asked whether foreign customers were putting pressure on Taiwan firms not to produce there given the tensions.

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"I think of course always there is military activity, or showdowns, but again Taiwan is so important to AI - even the Chinese know that. We are OK, no problem," he said.

Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su also reiterated the importance of Taiwan in the global chip supply chain, when asked about how tensions with China and its war games could affect the industry.

"We do a lot of our manufacturing here with key suppliers like TSMC... And then we also have a number of partners that help us build out the ecosystem here in Taiwan," she had told reporters at the show on Monday.

"The bottom line from our perspective is it's really important to have a global ecosystem."

(Reporting by Faith Hung, Max Cherney and Ben Blanchard; Writing by Miyoung Kim; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Rashmi Aich)
China is ready to strengthen strategic alignment with Turkey to counter "power politics" on the international stage, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in Beijing on Tuesday.

"The two sides agreed on the need for close strategic communication ... to safeguard the common interests of developing countries," Wang said, according to a Chinese statement.

Wang said Beijing was willing to continuously expand cooperation with Ankara in economics, trade, energy, infrastructure, and the hi-tech and digital economy.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

"China is willing to continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Turkish side within the framework of the United Nations and the Group of 20, to oppose all forms of hegemony and power politics, and to maintain the stability of the global supply chain," he was quoted as saying.

The talks came on the second day of Fidan's three-day trip to China.

Earlier on Tuesday, Fidan met Vice-President Han Zheng, telling him that Ankara was ready to have close high-level exchanges with Beijing.

According to a Chinese statement, Fidan told Han that Turkey adhered to the one-China principle and "will not allow activities in Turkey that undermine China's territorial integrity".

Fidan is expected to visit the cities of Urumqi and Kashgar in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region before wrapping up his trip on Wednesday, according to Turkish broadcaster TRT.

If the trip is confirmed, Fidan would be the most senior Turkish official to visit the region since Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was there as prime minister in April 2012.

Fidan began the trip with talks with security chief Chen Wenqing and by attending a dialogue organised by the Centre for China and Globalisation (CCG), a Beijing think tank.

During the dialogue, Fidan said the China-backed Brics grouping could offer Turkey a "good alternative" to the European Union to boost its economic prospects.

He said that while Turkey was in a customs union with Brussels, it was also exploring new opportunities for cooperation with several partners in different platforms such as Brics, an association of 10 emerging economies.

"Certainly, we would like to become a member of Brics. So we'll see how it goes this year," he said.

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He said he looked forward to attending a meeting of the mechanism in Russia next week when foreign ministers from Brics countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - will meet in the western Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod as part of the lead-up to the October summit in Kazan.

One of the topics on the agenda is expected to be the possibility of Turkey, a Nato ally, joining the Brics grouping.

Erdogan declared his country's intention to join six years ago at the Brics summit in Johannesburg but there has been little progress since then.

Speaking at the CCG event, Fidan said that one of the important pillars of Turkey's foreign policy was to form strong economic ties in an institutional form.

He said that due to "identity politics", Turkey has never been allowed in by some major EU nations to become a full member of the European bloc though it had been trying to join for a long time.

"So you have to look for other alternatives," Fidan said.

Although noting that Brics still "has a long way to go", "we cannot ignore the fact that Brics, as an important cooperation platform, offers some other countries a good alternative," he said.

"We see potential in Brics," he added.

Nearly four decades ago, Turkey applied to join what was then the European Economic Community, and in 1999 it was officially recognised as a candidate for full membership in the EU.

The negotiation on Ankara's accession bid began in 2005 but has long been stalled over a range of issues - from human rights to foreign policy - with several European capitals.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared his country's intention to join six years ago but there has been little progress. Photo: dpa alt=Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared his country's intention to join six years ago but there has been little progress. Photo: dpa>

In Moscow on Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the doors of Brics were "open to representatives of the most diverse economic and political systems and macro-regions".

"The only condition is that you must agree to work on the basis of the key principle of the sovereign equality of states," he said.

Fidan said investment and trade issues were parts of his agenda during his China trip, noting that the two countries were still "far behind" in making the most of their economic potential.

He said Turkey welcomed Chinese investment in the country, especially in key infrastructure projects, but in recent years, there had been a slowdown in joint investment projects.

"This is one of the things that I want to raise while I'm here in China, to really fix this slowdown, to try to speed it up, to identify what are the obstacles, what are the reasons that we are experiencing this slowdown," he said, adding that he would also discuss ways to balance bilateral trade.

In the first four months of this year, China's exports to Turkey fell 5.1 per cent from a year earlier in US dollar terms while imports were down 4.4 per cent, according to Chinese customs data.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a federal agency under the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has earmarked $15m to enhance maternal health services in rural communities.

This funding, allocated over the next four years, is part of the Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (Rural MOMS) Programme, which aims to improve access to maternal care, including obstetric services, specifically in rural areas.

The Rural MOMS Programme will provide start-up funding to awardees, each receiving nearly $4m over four years to pilot new approaches for supporting and expanding maternal care in rural communities.

The initiative adopts a network model to ensure coordinated care across rural hospitals, medical centres, rural health clinics, and community health centres.

Additionally, HRSAs investment will support the Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Programme, which aims to bolster maternal care, before, during and post-pregnancy, and reduce disparities in the Delta region of the South and Midwest.

This region encompasses states such as Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

This programme aims to tackle the high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality across the region. HRSA expects to award up to four cooperative agreements totalling around $7m over four years.

Recent funding recipients include Mariposa Community Health Center in Arizona and the University of Kansas Medical Center Research Institute, receiving $4m and $3.836m respectively.

HHS highlighted that the Enhancing Maternal Health Initiative by HRSA is dedicated to accelerating efforts to address maternal mortality and health disparities in partnership with various stakeholders, including women, grantees, and health officials nationwide.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said: Addressing the unacceptable rate of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States is one of the Biden-Harris Administrations top priorities.

These investments in expanding access to maternal care in high-need rural communities are essential to helping mothers and their babies thrive.

The latest investment is part of HRSA's broader goal to improve maternal health in rural and underserved communities, which includes recent Healthy Start awards of $105m.

It also includes $65m awarded to health centres for addressing maternal health crisis and $8m to support nurse-midwifery programmes at ten universities through the MatCare programme.

"US HRSA allocates $15m to improve maternal health in rural areas " was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.

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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's research park has brought high-income jobs to Daytona Beach, but the area still lags behind the nation in annual household income.

All but three Volusia and Flagler county cities and towns trail the U.S. annual median household income, as does Florida, the most recent census data show.

The American Community Survey uses one-year data from 2022 and is compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau every year.

It shows the U.S. median household income is $74,755, with Florida trailing at $69,303. If you go by county, Flagler tops the state with $71,211, but Volusia lagged, at $64,857. Here's a look at the cities and towns with the highest and lowest median incomes the region.

A small child carries a stuffed sea turtle at the Marine Science Center's annual Turtle Day in Ponce Inlet, which boasts the Volusia-Flagler area's highest median income.

Highest income: Ponce Inlet

This enclave, at the end of a peninsula straddling the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, has long been home to some of Volusia County's wealthiest residents. The 2022 ACS puts Ponce Inlet's median household income at $98,125, highest in the two-county area. With a population of just under 3,400, Ponce Inlet has a well-kept, historic lighthouse and museum, Lighthouse Point Park with its 1,000-foot paved fishing jetty, waterfront restaurants, and the Marine Science Center.

Lake Helen, with open spaces and its namesake lake, has attracted new homeowners who have boosted the city's median household income.

Next highest: Lake Helen

Surprisingly, Lake Helen's median household income was $91,861. This was a 57% jump from the previous year in this historic, rural enclave between Deltona and DeLand with no stoplights. The city's population, 2,836, added only nine people from the previous year. So why the huge boost?

Mayor Vernon Burton said the city had a subdivision, Woods of Lake Helen, which sat largely dormant for about 10 years. "It's only been within the last three years when the better market came out and we built almost 100 houses," he said. "We always prided ourselves on keeping the charm of Lake Helen. That's why a lot of people like to come to Lake Helen, the open spaces, the parks, the lake. It's a good place to live with nice schools."

This conceptual image shows what the northern part of the Main Street development in DeBary could look like.

DeBary, with its SunRail stop and future Main Street, is No. 3

The only other area city above the U.S. median income is DeBary, at $83,678. Volusia County's southwestern-most city is developing a downtown near its SunRail station, where commuters can ride by train to work in Orlando and other points south.

And the rest...

Here's a list of other cities and household median incomes, all below the national average: Oak Hill, $73,350; Deltona, $73,115; New Smyrna Beach, $73,096; DeLand, $71,439; Palm Coast, $68,434; Daytona Beach Shores, $65,334; Ormond Beach $65,238; Port Orange, $65,026; Flagler Beach, $64,242; Edgewater, $56,886; South Daytona, $54,878; Pierson, $50,179; Daytona Beach, $51,880; Orange City, $49,681; and Bunnell, $42,831.

Holly Hill City Hall, which is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, was built using Works Progress Administration Labor in the early 1940s.

Lowest income levels in Holly Hill

Holly Hill, a city of about 6,000 centered along U.S. 1 and tucked between Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach qualifies as having the lowest median income in the Volusia-Flagler area at $40,908 in the 2022 estimate. Still, it was a nearly 10% jump from 2021.

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While Pictona, the pickleball complex across the street from City Hall, has perked up the community, Holly Hill was hurt in 2021 when Florida Health Care Plans moved its headquarters from Ridgewood Avenue to Daytona Beach. The building is being razed to make way for a new three-story, self-storage structure.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Median household incomes: Where do Daytona, Palm Coast, Deltona rank?
The W president speaks on 2024 funding by the MS leg and current projects being worked on

The Mississippi University for Women didn't receive a dime from one state bill that sent a total of $110 million in funds for capital projects to the state's other seven public universities. But Nora Miller, The W's president, wants everyone to know her school received all the money they requested this year.

A part of Senate Bill 2468, an annual appropriations bill that was signed into law by Gov. Tate Reeves in May, transfers money to a capital improvements fund within the Mississippi Institution for Higher Learning. This year's bill sent a total of $110 million in funds, distributed through the IHL, to seven universities and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Noticeably absent from SB 2468 was The W, receiving zero funds from the bill. Delta State University received the least amount, but it was still more than $4 million.

The W, located in Columbus, may not have received any funds in SB 2468, but the school did receive $3.4 million in another appropriations bill: Senate Bill 3006. Miller said this was the full amount her school requested from the Mississippi legislature's 2024 session.

Nora Miller, the president of the Mississippi University for Women, told the Clarion Ledger that her university received all the funds they requested from the Mississippi legislature's 2024 session.

"Our request this year was fully funded. $300,000 for pre-planning the renovation of Painter Hall and $3,140,000 to be used for general repairs and renovations," Miller said in a May 31 interview. "We are reviewing all of the projects, we've got a lot of things going and we are hopeful and excited about our future."

The W will be requesting more funds in the coming years

Miller explained that each university has a 4-year plan for capital funding requests.

"The IHL works out a four-year bond request plan (for each school)," Miller said. "Over this current four-year period, Alcorn, Delta State, Mississippi Valley State and The W will all be requesting $35.4 million."

Schools with a larger enrollment will receive more funds. Jackson State University is requesting $40.9 million over four years for capital projects, while Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi are requesting $58.4 million over four years.

Nora Miller, president of the Mississippi University for Women, seen here in this March 12, 2024 file photo, said The W has funded about $20 million worth of capital projects that are in various stages at the university.

The four-year-plan works well, Miller said, because though some years universities will receive much smaller funds, other years they will receive "a big chunk of funding in a given year that you can actually do something with."

"If it's just doled out 1/4th over each of the four years, you are going to be sitting around waiting for next year's money to drop before you can do anything," she said. "It's an agreement with everybody that we'll agree to ask for less this year, but we're going to need a bigger amount next year ... So it's just some years schools are asking for more, some years they'll get less."

Next year, The W is requesting $15 million, Miller said.

"We're thankful that we got what we need to do the projects," Miller said. "Right now we have funded about $20 million worth of projects that are in various stages and taking place, so we can wait until the next year to get the funding for the next big project. We've got enough going on right now."

Current projects underway

Here is a list of the capital projects The W currently has in the works, according to Miller:

The Orr Chapel is being rehabilitated, including structural repairs, stabilization to the multi-level front porch and the replacement of rotten or damaged wood and paint.

The W is repairing the roofing of multiple buildings such as Painter Hall, Reneau Hall, Grossnickle Hall, Stark Natatorium and Pohl Gymnasium, among others. The project will also include repairs to the roof of The W's famous clock tower.

MUW's Exterior Building Renovations project includes exterior restorations of all painted surfaces. The buildings and areas included in this project are the Orr Chapel's front porch, the Stovall House, Painter Hall, McDevitt Hall and the Mary Wilson Home.

MUW's Cafeteria Steam Kettle Replacement project includes replacing the existing steam kettles with new individual self-contained kettles. This replacement will allow the deactivation of the large Duffner steam boiler currently providing steam to the original kettles. The result will be increased efficiencies and a substantial reduction in natural gas consumption.

Waste Collection & Conveying and Stormwater Detention: This project will identify cross-connections between the sanitary sewer and stormwater sewer systems. It will include the construction of an underground detention system to help alleviate flooding on campus.

Jones Hall Interior and Exterior Renovations: Planning and construction of renovations is planned for Jones Hall. The 47,000 square foot facility has only received minor improvements since it was first built in 1964. The project will include asbestos abatement, restoration of interior and exterior elements, interior reconfiguration, ADA improvements and major renovations of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life safety systems.

South Campus Mechanical Plant Improvements: A new chiller plant is planned for construction to provide cooling for Jones, Kincannon, Goen and Frazer halls. This new plant will provide chilled water delivery with improved efficiencies and backup cooling.

Bathroom Renovations in South Campus Residence Halls: This project will renovate the bathrooms in Goen Hall, Frazer Hall and Kincannon Hall.

Culinary Arts Landscape and Irrigation project will add new landscaping and irrigation around the new Culinary Arts building.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MUW president says her school received all requested funding from MS leg
Diamond Hill Capital, an investment management company, released its Large Cap Strategy first-quarter 2024 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Markets rose significantly in the first quarter of 2024, providing positive returns across most regions and countries. The strategy outperformed the Russell 1000 Index in Q1 and returned 10.64% (net) vs 10.30% for the index. In addition, you can check the top 5 holdings of the strategy to know its best picks in 2024.

Diamond Hill Large Cap Strategy highlighted stocks like BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) in the first quarter 2024 investor letter. BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) offers solutions for combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles. BorgWarner Inc.'s (NYSE:BWA) one-month return was -2.42%, and its shares lost 13.10% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On June 3, 2024, BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) stock closed at $35.91 per share with a market capitalization of $8.182 billion.

Diamond Hill Large Cap Strategy stated the following regarding BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) in its first quarter 2024 investor letter:

"Other bottom Q1 contributors included BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) and Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp). Global automotive supplier BorgWarner has faced near-term volatility in the ongoing shift to electric vehicles and hybrids, which has, in turn, impacted results and weighed on shares. Given our expectation this volatility will continue for the foreseeable future, we exited our position in the quarter to upgrade our capital into more compelling opportunities."

Workers assembling a state-of-the-art engine in a modern auto factory.

BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) is not on our list of 31 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 32 hedge fund portfolios held BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) at the end of the first quarter which was 25 in the previous quarter. Despite a slight industry decline, BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) reported approximately $3 million in sales, close to 7% organic growth in the quarter.

In another article, we discussed BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) and shared Artisan Mid Cap Value Fund's views on the company in the previous quarter. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2024 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors.

If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as Microsoft but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Michael Burry Is Selling These Stocks and A New Dawn Is Coming to US Stocks.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Furniture retailer Wayfair (NYSE: W) stock gained 19% in May according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Wall Street celebrated progress in its turnaround despite a harsh operating climate for the home improvement industry.

Wayfair is trying to stage a comeback

Wayfair was a pandemic darling whose star plunged when people stopped focusing on home improvement. Wayfair's sales declined for nine straight quarters before finally breaking that trend in the 2023 third quarter.

But the way the business nearly collapsed revealed ongoing internal issues in Wayfair's operations. Notably, as it scaled, its expenses continued to increase -- it was working too hard to generate growth. It became a large, clunky organization despite its asset-light model that lends itself to wide margins and profitability. It works with a dropship model and doesn't hold inventory on its books, and it invests heavily in its platform through technology and marketing. Instead of profitability through scale, Wayfair became bogged down in bureaucracy, and things fell apart when it no longer had the money coming in to fund its grand ambitions.

Since then, though, management has made the commitment to get its act together and has taken deliberate steps to cut costs and become a leaner operation. It slashed employee count and identified actions throughout the organization to improve cost efficiencies.

Wall Street cheered Wayfair's first-quarter earnings results. Adjusted loss per share of $0.32 came in a penny below Wall Street expectations, and revenue was down 1.6% year over year but exceeded analyst expectations. Active customers increased 2.8%. This is a solid performance considering the overall pressured home improvement industry.

Wayfair gave investors another important update in May, and that is the opening if its first superstore in the Chicago area. It's meant to be an immersive experience, with a full line of home furnishings and appliances and design experts on hand, plus an on-site restaurant. This is a departure from its asset-light, online-only model, but a small one, at least for now.

Should you take a chance on the recovery?

Wayfair stock is still down about 80% from its 2021 highs. Its first-quarter earnings had some positive moments but were overall a mixed bag, and Wayfair is operating in a hostile environment right now. In one sense the report does illustrate resilience, but at the same time, it may not be the ideal circumstances for investors to decide it's turned a corner.

Buying Wayfair stock right now is risky, and most investors should wait for more steady progress before jumping in.

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Why Wayfair Stock Jumped 19% in May was originally published by The Motley Fool
Yellow prevails at a Monday hearing in a Delaware bankruptcy court. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

A Delaware bankruptcy court ruled Monday to give Yellow Corp. more time to exclusively oversee its liquidation. A 90-day extension keeps other financial firms from putting forward competing plans for unwinding the estate. Counsel for Yellow argued that other interested parties may have sought an expedited disposal of its remaining assets, resulting in lower proceeds and severely diminishing the chances of any monetary recovery for equity holders.

Testimony from Matt Doheny, former Yellow chairman and the companys current chief restructuring officer, said the group in place represents the best option for maximizing value on the remaining properties, rolling stock and other assets that are being sold.

The committee of unsecured creditors to the estate argued the liquidation has slowed significantly in recent months and that the cash burn from professional fees to attorneys and advisers has become detrimental to the remaining stakeholders, which includes pension funds. It asserted the process is running the estates into the ground.

Court filings showed more than $100 million in professional fees have been billed to the estate as of May 10. Cash burn totaled $30 million in April, $16.9 million of which was tied to professional fees.





The filings also showed that Yellow currently has 272 employees (including 41 part-timers). Its four-person executive team is being paid $325,000 a month in salary. The group includes Doheny, CEO Darren Hawkins, Chief Financial Officer Dan Olivier and Tony Carreno, senior vice president of investor relations. The filing listed annual salaries and bonuses totaling $2.8 million for Doheny and $1.9 million for Hawkins.

The company is spending a total of $2.5 million in wages per month.

Yellow contended that the high fees are partly due to litigation of numerous duplicate, overstated and invalid claims, and that its required as a fiduciary to litigate the claims on behalf of all stakeholders, including shareholders. Also, it said that the unsecured creditors committee has racked up $21 million in fees against the estate.

Yellow said most of the individuals still on the payroll are tasked with looking after the companys terminals and rolling stock, and performing due diligence and claims management. It said keeping the current individuals in place, versus the committees suggestion of outsourcing the duties, is the most efficient and least expensive option as they possess institutional knowledge that cant be replicated.





The estate has liquidated more than 160 of the defunct less-than-truckload carriers terminals, generating roughly $2 billion in proceeds. It has also moved more than 30,000 units of rolling stock, primarily through auction. It has repaid more than $1.6 billion in funded debt and bankruptcy financing and currently has a cash balance of $327 million.

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Yellow is in the process of selling 47 owned properties and 49 leased properties, and will soon make a decision on the disposal of an additional 17 properties. It also has roughly 27,000 pieces of equipment left to sell.

However, there are more than $10 billion in unsecured claims against the estate currently. The biggest claimants are the pension funds it contributed to, which say the company is on the hook for more than $7 billion in withdrawal liabilities (although some of these claims appear to be duplicates). Yellow also faces as much as $244 million in claims from former employees who say they werent given proper notification ahead of mass layoffs last summer.

There is another complaint from the Department of Justice over environmental matters that are expected to be remedied. The potential amount of that claim hasnt been disclosed.

The committee said Yellow is incurring huge legal bills fighting the claims and that it would most likely need to win litigation on all fronts for shareholders to see any payout. It said Yellows handlers have implemented a scorched earth approach in commencing and/or defending the Active Litigation, including the resurrection of a breach-of-contract lawsuit against the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which it blames for its July 2023 shutdown.

The original suit sought $137.3 million in damages and $1.5 billion for lost enterprise value but was dismissed in a federal court in Kansas.

The committee said the best path forward for Yellow is to work diligently to settle the claims and limit its cash burn. It said it recently presented a settlement proposal to Yellow but the request was denied.

Counsel for Yellow said the liquidation has been extremely successful and that it deserves to maintain exclusivity for delivering the companys ultimate restructuring plan. Its working plan includes the potential formation of a separate entity, possibly a real estate investment trust, to liquidate the remaining properties.





Any reorganization of Yellow, however, would not include the resumption of LTL activities. Thats unfortunately never going to happen, Doheny said.

Yellow also said the committees offer was conditioned on a 30-day pause on litigating the claims against it. It said it is capable of pursuing both the settlement of the claims alongside litigation, and that the pause was unlikely to produce any global resolution. It said the litigation costs for the suit against the IBT have largely been incurred already and that moving forward with the action presents de minimis expenses compared to the potential upside.

The committee criticized the plan for forming a new company as no details have been provided yet. Theyre doing the right thing; its several months too late and its not quick enough, said Meredith Lahaie, partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld, counsel to the committee.

Yellow said losing exclusivity and allowing other competing Chapter 11 plans would ultimately increase costs to the estate in the form of multiple solicitations and disclosure statements. Further, opening the process would likely result in the formation of an equity committee, representing the interests of shareholders, which would present another tranche of professional fees.

Both Yellow and the committee accused each other of operating with conflicting interests.

The committee said Yellow is acting in concert with its largest equity holder, MFN Partners, in its decision-making. Yellow said five of the eight members of the committee are affiliated with either the IBT, the pension funds, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. or claimants of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act violations, and that the collective group isnt looking out for the interests of all stakeholders.

Yellows counsel said there is nothing in the record that shows Yellow is in the pocket of MFN. The committee also rebutted the claim that its conflicted.

But what is clear is that the Debtors have earned and certainly deserve the protections provided by the Bankruptcy Code to ensure that allowed claims receive the highest recovery possible, counsel for Yellow stated in a filing.

Judge Craig Goldblatt said Monday that Yellow has earned the right to exclusively pursue hundreds of millions of dollars in future recoveries.

My overall conclusion is that the debtor has accomplished a great deal in this case and Im persuaded that the debtors actions are consistent with an effort to maximize value for the benefit of all constituencies, Goldblatt ruled.

The decision was not conditioned on future mediation as the court sees no need to micromanage the process at this juncture. It also reminded the parties, which are acting as fiduciaries, to be mindful of professional fees, but didnt implement any oversight procedures for the expenses.

Shares of Yellow (OTC: YELLQ) closed Monday down 2.7% at $7.30 per share.

More FreightWaves articles by Todd Maiden

The post Yellows shareholders get desired ruling in Delaware bankruptcy court appeared first on FreightWaves.
(Reuters) - New York is planning to prohibit social media companies from using algorithms to control content to youth without parental consent under a tentative agreement reached by state lawmakers, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Social media platforms have in recent years come under scrutiny for its addictive nature and impact on the youth.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in February that his administration has filed a lawsuit against social media companies including Meta Platforms' Facebook and Instagram for fueling mental health crisis among the youth.

The legislation is aimed at preventing social media companies from serving automated feeds to minors, the report said.

The bill, which is still being finalized but expected to be voted on this week, would also prohibit platforms from sending minors notifications during overnight hours without parental consent, the WSJ said.

In March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that bans children aged under 14 from social media platforms and requires 14- and 15-year-olds to get parental consent, a measure supporters say will protect them from online risks to their mental health.

Utah became the first U.S. state to adopt laws regulating children's access to social media, in March last year, followed by others including Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio and Texas.

Shares of Meta and Snap were down about 1% in extended trading.

(Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese; Editing by Maju Samuel)
The JetBlue Card is a rare airline credit card that doesn't charge an annual fee. But while the card does offer some solid value potential for big spenders, most people will find its benefits underwhelming.

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Additional benefits

With no annual fee, there are few perks. However, cardholders will get a 50% discount on eligible inflight purchases on JetBlue-operated flights, which is higher than what most airline credit cards offer.

Additionally, your card spending can help you earn Mosaic elite status. More specifically, you'll earn 1 tile for every $1,000 you spend on the card. You'll achieve the first tier of Mosaic status with 50 tiles or $50,000 in annual spending. You can also earn 1 tile for every $100 you spend on eligible spending with JetBlue, so depending on how frequently you fly with JetBlue, you could earn status with less than $50,000 in spending.

The first tier of Mosaic status includes several perks, such as priority boarding, two free checked bags, complimentary alcoholic beverages in flight, complimentary seat upgrades and a status match with Avis.

How to earn rewards

The JetBlue Card offers solid rewards on JetBlue purchases. Some annual-fee airline cards may only give double points or miles on purchases with the co-branded airline.

You'll also earn double points on restaurant and eligible grocery store purchases, giving you a chance to rack up more rewards on some common household spending categories.

That said, the vast majority of your spending will earn just 1 point per dollar. While that's standard for airline credit cards, you may wish to pair the JetBlue Card with another travel credit card that offers a higher base rewards rate to ensure you maximize the value of all of your purchases.

How to redeem rewards

As a frequent flyer program, the best way to use JetBlue TrueBlue points is to book award flights. The airline allows you to use rewards to cover the full fare  though you're on the hook for taxes and fees  or to use a mix of points and cash.

JetBlue offers flights throughout the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and a few countries in South America and Europe. You can also redeem points for flights with Hawaiian Airlines and Qatar Airways, but international flights are limited beyond that.

You can also use your rewards to book JetBlue Vacations packages or donate them to a charitable cause.

Who is the JetBlue Card best for?

The JetBlue Card may be worth considering if you spend a lot and want to earn Mosaic status with no annual fee. But even casual travelers can get more value with another card.

JetBlue Card pros

Path toward elite status: Very few airline credit cards allow you to earn elite status just with your everyday spending.

No annual fee: If you're fee-averse, the JetBlue Card could be a good way to earn airline rewards without worrying about a yearly charge.

Solid bonus rewards rates: The card offers a high rewards rate on eligible purchases with the airline, as well as bonus rewards on some everyday spending categories. Compared to other airline credit cards  even some that charge annual fees  these rewards rates are solid.

JetBlue Card potential cons

Low welcome offer: Even compared to other no-annual-fee credit cards, the JetBlue Card's welcome bonus is low.

Low base rewards rate: You'll likely earn just 1 point per dollar on the vast majority of your spending. If you want more than that, consider a card that offers 1.5% or 2% back as a base rewards rate.

Few benefits: With no annual fee, you generally can't expect much from an airline credit card, and the JetBlue Card is no exception. While some cardholders may be able to use the card to earn Mosaic status, it takes a lot of spending to get there, and the card doesn't offer any other standout perks.

Where can you use the JetBlue Card?

The JetBlue Card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, which is just about anywhere that accepts credit cards in the U.S. and abroad. Additionally, the card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee on international purchases.

How to make a JetBlue Card payment

Barclays, which issues the JetBlue Card, offers a few different options for making credit card payments, including:

Online: You can log in to your online account or the Barclays US mobile app to pay your bill using a linked bank account.

Phone: Call 866-383-8192 to make a payment using your linked bank account.

Mail: You can mail a check or money order to the address listed on your statement.

JetBlue Card customer service info

Customer service availability: Phone 24/7

Phone number: 866-928-3104

Customer service email: Barclays doesn't offer email support, but you can reach out to a representative on X (formerly Twitter) @AskBarclaysUS.

JetBlue Card login page

Alternative cards to consider

If you're looking for an airline credit card that offers more value, consider the JetBlue Plus Card, which offers a much bigger welcome bonus, a variety of flight perks and bonus points each year to help offset the card's $99 annual fee.

Alternatively, if you're looking for more flexibility, here are a few other cards to compare with the JetBlue Card.

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

Learn more

Why we like it: If you want more flexibility and great rewards on every purchase, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great choice. It offers an impressive welcome bonus and a base rewards rate of 2 miles per dollar on all of your purchases.

You can redeem your miles for travel by booking directly with the Capital One Travel portal or by using the card to book travel on your own with an eligible merchant and then request a statement credit within 90 days. You can also transfer your miles to several airline and hotel loyalty program partners.

While the card charges a $95 annual fee, you'll get an application fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, elite status with Hertz, and no foreign transaction fees.

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

Learn more

Why we like it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a rewards powerhouse, with a sizable welcome offer, bonus points on several everyday spending categories, and flexibility with redemptions. You'll also earn a 10% points bonus each year based on your spending.

When redeeming points, you'll get 25% more value if you use rewards to book travel through Chase. You can also get cash back, buy gift cards, shop online, and transfer your points to several airline and hotel loyalty programs. The card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.

You'll also get up to $50 in statement credits each year toward hotel bookings made through Chase, which helps reduce the sting of the card's $95 annual fee.

United Explorer Card Annual fee $0 Intro for First Year, then $95.

Welcome offer Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months

Card type(s) Travel, Airline

Ongoing Purchases APR 21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Recommended credit score Good, Excellent Rewards rate 2x miles on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases 1x miles on all other purchases

Benefits $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 Free first checked bag 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases on United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks

Learn more

Why we like it: If you want an airline credit card that offers robust options for both domestic and international destinations, consider the United Explorer Card.

The card offers a solid welcome bonus plus bonus miles on several different spending categories. What's more, you'll get some great benefits, including two one-time passes to the United Club airport lounge each year, priority boarding, your first checked bag free, premier upgrades on award tickets, a 25% discount on inflight and Club drink purchases, and an application fee credit toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS.

The card charges a $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95 after that.

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.
No matter what financial goals you set for yourself, the right tool has the potential to help you reach them faster. Money-saving apps can help you manage your finances and save money more effectively.

Yet, with so many money-saving apps to choose from, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out the right solution for your needs.

Keep in mind that the best money-saving apps for you might not be the right fit for everyone. So, when you consider different financial technologies, its wise to evaluate costs, features, and how different apps align with your goals before you make any final selections.

Here are four money-saving apps you may want to consider.

Acorns

Acorns is an app designed to help put saving and investing on autopilot. Once you set up your account, you can link credit cards and debit cards to the app and have Acorns round up your purchases to the next dollar. From there, Acorns can save or invest your spare change on your behalf.

The Acorns app offers users several different options to simplify the money-saving process. You can automate savings goals for an emergency fund (in a Mighty Oak Bank high-yield savings account), investment accounts, and retirement accounts based on your personal preferences or according to the advice of a robo-adviser.

Cost

Monthly fees for Acorns vary depending on the membership level you choose:

Acorns Personal: $3 per month

Acorns Personal Plus: $5 per month

Acorns Premium: $9 per month

All three plans include the spare change Round-Ups feature. However, the lowest-price plan  Acorns Personal plan  doesnt include a high-yield savings account option to help you grow your emergency fund. Also, if youre interested in investment or bank account options for kids, youll want to consider the Acorns Premium option.

Best for

Acorns may be best for new investors and savers who appreciate an automated savings process and access to a robo-adviser.

Quicken Simplifi

Quicken Simplifi is a money management app that allows you to see all your financial data, monitor cash flow, and link bank accounts in one concise dashboard. Once you import data like your bank account and billing information, you'll be able to track your income and net worth, monitor your savings levels and goals, and keep an eye on your bills.

Simplifi is great for personalization. It will create spending plans and financial reports using your data, which you can share with a partner or financial adviser to help stay on track for your goals.

Cost

A subscription costs $3.99 a month, billed annually.

There is no free version, but Quicken offers a 30-day risk-free trial of the Simplifi web app for Microsoft Windows as well as promotional discounts throughout the year.

Best for

Simplifi may be the best value for budgeting beginners trying to stick to spending limits or track monthly expenses. It's also good for anyone who wants to see and analyze their financial data and use it as a springboard to set goals and monitor progress.

Hot tip: Yahoo Finance readers can try Simplifi free for 90 days. Act now!

Qapital

Qapital is another personal finance app that can help users save small amounts of money and automate the process. Plus, with Qaptial, you can set the rules when it comes to saving money toward your automatic saving and investing goals  and there are 15 available options.

For example, you could direct the app to round up transactions and deposit money into a specific savings or investment account whenever you use your debit or credit card. Theres also a Guilty Pleasure rule; every time you splurge on carryout, for instance, you could direct the app to set aside a certain amount of savings in response.

Qapital also offers users several other useful personal finance tools. The app includes budgeting features, a debt tracker, and the option to manage money with a partner.

Cost

Qapital offers three different membership tiers:

Basic: $3 per month

Complete: $6 per month

Premier: $12 per month

All three membership options include unlimited savings goals and the option to share goals with a partner. Complete and Premier members have access to a Visa debit card and an automated investment account as well. Qapital Premier offers access to all features, including personalized challenges (called Money Missions) to help users save more.

Best for

Qapital may be best for people who respond well to visual goals and an automated savings process. The personal finance app could also work well for those who need a budgeting tool or tracker to help pay down debt  individually or with a partner.

Read more: How much money should I have saved by 40?

Rocket Money

Rocket Money is another money-saving app you may want to consider. It offers a wide range of features, including budgeting tools, net worth tracking, subscription management, bill negotiation, smart savings accounts, and credit monitoring (among others). You can also link your bank and investment accounts to automate savings goals.

Unlike some other money-saving apps, Rocket Money offers users a free version and a premium version to choose between. Of course, the premium version of the app offers more features. But the fact that a free version is available at all is more than what many competitors have to offer.

Cost

Rocket Money offers users two different membership options.

Free: $0 per month

Premium: $6-$12 per month (Member choosing price during the sign-up process)

If you choose to become a Rocket Money Premium member, the service starts with a 7-day free trial. Afterward, membership is $6-$12 per month, based on the price you choose at the time of sign-up.

Rocket Money also offers a bill negotiation service. The fees for this service are 35%-60% of the amount Rocket Money saves you (first-year savings only). Again, you choose the percentage to pay the company within this range.

Best for

You may want to consider Rocket Money if youre looking for a subscription management tool or a bill negotiation service to save money on your monthly budget. People who could benefit from the free version of the app may also want to consider this service.

Goodbudget

Goodbudget is a money-saving app that puts a digital spin on the traditional envelope budgeting strategy. You can use this personal finance app to create a budget and set savings goals, dividing your income into different categories or envelopes each month according to how youd like to spend and save the money you earn. This type of strategy is called a zero-based budget, and Goodbudget gives you the digital tools to make it easier to stick to it.

Its important to keep in mind that Goodbudget doesnt include automatic savings features like some other money-saving apps. But if you upgrade to the premium version of the app, you can take advantage of unlimited budget categories and share your budget with multiple users.

Cost

If youre interested in using GoodBudget to manage your money, there are two membership options available:

Free: $0 per month

Premium: $10 per month or $80 per year (billed annually)

Free accounts come with up to 20 budget categories (aka digital envelopes). Meanwhile, premium users can set up unlimited envelopes and can share the budget with a partner or a group.

Best for

Goodbudget may be a good fit for fans of envelope budgeting and people who want a digital tool to track a zero-based budget. Partners and families who want a tool to help them budget together may also want to consider the app.

Tips for choosing the best money-saving app for you

With so many available options, it might be difficult to choose a money-saving app to help manage your finances. Below are some tips to help you sort through the available options and select the best money-saving app for your situation.

Identify your financial goals. Before you start to review apps, its a good idea to understand the financial goals youre trying to achieve. If your priority is to pay down debt, for example, you should start by searching for digital tools to help you accomplish that task. However, if youre already debt-free and have a well-established emergency fund, you might be ready for more advanced money-saving tools that automate investment and retirement savings instead.

Review features and fees. Next, you can start to review the features and costs that different apps have to offer. Keep in mind that you might want to sign up for more than one money-saving app to accomplish different financial goals. Just be sure not to put a strain on your budget by committing to more monthly fees than you can afford.

Bottom line

Money-saving apps have the ability to simplify difficult or tedious financial tasks. And if they help you save money or stay on track with important financial goals, they could be well worth the cost of any associated membership fees.

However, before you sign up for this type of service, its important to do your research. You should make sure to compare options and choose a digital tool that you believe will benefit you  especially if theres a fee involved. Its also important to frequently assess the value of any service that charges a recurring monthly fee to make sure it continues to be worth the cost.
Princess Cruises, part of the Carnival Corporation, is a leading cruise line with 15 ships visiting destinations, including Hawaii and New Zealand. If Princess is your cruise line of choice, the Princess Rewards Visa Card could be a worthwhile addition to your travel credit card lineup. It has no annual fee, but it has a valuable bonus offer for new cardmembers and extra perks.

Although it may be a useful card for some, its rewards structure provides limited value. Learn about the Princess Rewards Visa Card's rates, terms and fees to decide whether it's a good fit for you.

Princess Rewards Visa Card at a glance

Annual fee : $0

Welcome offer : Earn 10,000 bonus points by spending $500 within the first 90 days of account opening

Rewards : 2x points per $1 spent on all Princess purchases 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases



Annual fee

The Princess Rewards Visa Card has no annual fee. Without an annual fee, you can earn rewards at no cost as long as you pay off your statement balance in full every month by the due date.

Welcome offer

New cardmembers who spend $500 or more within 90 days of opening an account can qualify for 10,000 bonus points  a value of about $76 when redeemed for Princess cruise purchases.

Intro offer

The card has an introductory APR offer for balance transfers. You can take advantage of 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on balance transfers completed within 45 days of account opening, giving you more than a year to pay down your debt without interest charges. After the promotional period ends, a variable APR of 20.24% to 29.99% will apply. Keep in mind that a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the transfer amount  whichever is greater  will apply.

Rewards rate

Unlike some credit cards that have complex rewards structures, the Princess Rewards Visa's rewards program is simple. You'll earn two points per $1 spent on all Princess purchases, and one point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

How to earn rewards

With the Princess Rewards Visa, you can maximize your rewards by using the card to book upcoming cruises, cruise activities and onboard purchases. You'll earn two points per $1 spent on Princess purchases.

For example, let's say you book a Caribbean cruise on Princess for two. Here is how much you could earn in rewards:

Spending Rewards Rate Miles Earned $1,700 for a stateroom for a 6-day Caribbean cruise 2x points per $1 spent 3400 $600 for a hotel stay for the nights before and after the cruise One point per $1 spent 600 $500 on flights to the cruise port One point per $1 spent 500 TOTAL 4,500

If you redeem those rewards for Princess purchases or statement credits, your points would be worth about $34.

How to redeem rewards

You can redeem Princess Rewards Visa points for the following:

Statement credits

Onboard amenities, such as spa treatments or drinks

Gift cards

Merchandise

Travel

Redemptions start at 3,300 points for $25, giving you a value of about $0.0076 per point.

Your points never expire as long as the account is open and in good standing.

Additional benefits

When you apply for the Princess Rewards Visa, you are automatically considered for the Visa Signature and the Visa Platinum card. The Visa Signature is for those with stronger credit profiles, and it offers more benefits. If you qualify, the card's benefits include:

Extended warranty: This perk doubles the warranty on eligible purchases with warranties of three years or less.

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to an unexpected emergency, this coverage reimburses you for non-refundable trip costs, up to a maximum of $1,500 per covered person.

Baggage delay insurance: Use your card to pay for your fare on a common carrier, and you automatically receive baggage delay insurance. If your trip is delayed by four hours or more, the card will reimburse you for essential purchases, up to a maximum of $100 per day for up to three days.

Travel accident insurance: If you're traveling and are injured or killed in an accident, this benefit will provide up to $250,000 in compensation.

Auto rental collision damage waiver: If you're renting a car during your trip, use your card to cover the cost and decline the rental company's coverage to get coverage against theft or collision damage through your credit card.

Roadside dispatch: Roadside dispatch is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need fuel delivery, a tire change or a battery jumpstart. There's no membership fee required, but you may need to pay for services provided.

Cell phone protection: Pay your cell phone bill with the Princess Rewards Visa and you'll be covered against damages or theft, up to a maximum of $600 per claim and $1,000 per 12-month period. Each claim is subject to a $25 deductible.

Who is the Princess Rewards Visa Card best for?

The Princess Rewards Visa is best for cruise enthusiasts who are devotees of Princess cruises. You'll earn a higher rewards rate on Princess purchases when you use your card, and you can enjoy perks like cell phone protection, car rental insurance and concierge service.

However, the card provides limited rewards on non-Princess cruise purchases; you'll earn just one point per $1 spent on all other purchases, and each point is worth about $0.0076  a lower-than-usual rate.

You can likely earn more rewards on other purchases with a more general rewards card. For example, you'll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make with the Quicksilver Card from Capital One. If you used that card to pay for your cruise, airfare and hotel accommodations from the example above  a $2,800 total  you'd earn $42 in rewards, about $8 more than you'd get with the Princess Rewards Visa.

Princess Rewards Visa Card pros

No foreign transaction fees: There are no foreign transaction fees on this card, so you don't have to worry about paying added fees at ports of call during your cruise.

Low spend requirement for the bonus offer: While some new cardmember offers require customers to spend thousands, you can qualify for the bonus by spending just $500 within three months  a relatively low requirement.

Valuable perks: For a card without an annual fee, the Princess Rewards Visa has a surprising number of perks, including cell phone protection and travel accident insurance.

Princess Rewards Visa Card cons

No promotional APR on cruises: Some cruise line cards offer special financing rates on new cruise reservations. But with the Princess Rewards Visa, the promotional APR only applies to balance transfers.

Limited rewards: The Princess Rewards Visa has a limited rewards program; on non-Princess purchases, you'll earn just one point per $1 spent.

Low rewards value: Redemptions start at 3,300 points for $25, so your points are worth less than one cent each. You may find that other rewards credit cards give you more value for your routine purchases, such as gas or groceries.

How to make a Princess Rewards Visa Card payment

The Princess Rewards Visa is issued by Barclays. Barclays allows you to make payments online, through its mobile app, over the phone or by mailing a check:

Credit Card payments

P.O. Box 13337

Philadelphia, PA 19191

Princess Rewards Visa Card customer service info

Customer service availability info: Customer support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Phone number: 877-523-0478

Princess Rewards Visa login page

Alternative cards to consider

If you're looking for a rewards credit card that offers more value for your everyday spending, consider these options:

Why we like it: Like the Princess Rewards Visa, the Quicksilver card has no annual fee. But its rewards structure may be more useful if you don't go on cruises often; the Quicksilver card allows you to earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no limit on how much you can earn in rewards.

Why we like it: The VentureOne Rewards card doesn't have an annual fee, but it may be a better travel rewards card for you than the Princess Rewards Visa. You can earn 1.25 miles per $1 spent on every purchase, and you'll earn 5 miles per $1 spent on hotel stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Plus, the card offers a generous introductory APR for balance transfers and purchases.

Why we like it: If you're more of a homebody, the Blue Cash Everyday Card is likely a better option than the Princess Rewards Visa. It has no annual fee, and you can earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000 at U.S. supermarkets per year (then 1%); 3% cash back on up to $6,000 at U.S. online retailers per year (then 1%); 3% on up to $6,000 at U.S. gas stations per year (then 1%); and 1% cash back on all other purchases (Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit on Amazon.com at checkout; see rates and fees; terms apply).

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.
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."
The state Senate Judiciary Committee is expected in the coming weeks to take its first look at a bill that has divided the usually united county clerks in Colorado over allowing people in jail to vote on election day. This could cost the state between $200,000 and $1 million.
The only police officer convicted in Elijah McClain's death wants to convert the final 10 months of his work release jail sentence to in-home detention because he has a constant fear of being attacked" while in jail.

In a court filing, Randy Roedema said that as a former law enforcement officer, he is the target of inmates. One in particular was an inmate while Roedema was a corrections officer in the Denver jail, according to his motion.

Roedema was the most senior of three Aurora officers who stopped Elijah McClain in August 2019 after a 911 caller referred to the 23-year-old as "sketchy." Body camera footage showed he kept McClain face down while pinned on the ground instead of making sure he was on his side to breathe and, at one point, yanking on his arm. Footage also shows him slamming McClains torso into the ground after McClain said I cant fix myself.

Roedema was sentenced to 14 months of work release for a third-degree assault conviction. The sentence, which was handed down in January of this year, stipulated that he could work outside of the county jail during the day but must sleep there at night.

His attorneys state that in the two months that he has been sleeping in jail at night on work release, he has lost almost 30 pounds

The former Aurora Police officers attorneys filed a motion to transfer him to In Home Detention (IHD) because the stress over worrying about being injured in jail has caused him to lose his appetite.

Because of his night-time incarceration, the document states, Roedema cannot attend in-person counseling sessions nor attend church services.

Further, Roedema was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after he was injured while serving as a Marine in Iraq in 2007, therefore his attorneys claim that his mental health and psychological condition is not conducive for Work Release, according to the motion filed Wednesday, May 29.

Roedema started serving his sentence on March 22.

During January's sentencing hearing, Roedema's attorney warned 17th Judicial District Judge Mark Warner that Roedema would likely become a target in jail. Reid Elkus reminded the court that George Floyd's convicted killer, Derek Chauvin, was stabbed while behind bars.

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Roedema has already served two months, but will get credit for twice that amount of time because he receives one day for "good time served" for each day he is on work release. If he stays on work release, he is due to get out of jail after 7 months served on Oct. 22, 2024.

Prosecutors with the Attorney Generals office, which tried the case, filed a motion Monday opposing Roedemas request for IHD stating that the the court did not have the authority to respond to it. Roedemas work release was a separate sentence on the third-degree assault charge, Phil Weisers office argued in court documents obtained by The Denver Gazette.

Roedemas attorneys said that if he were given IHD, he would be required to serve the entire 14-month sentence because it does not allow for good time.

Warner, who oversaw Roedema's trial, has yet to rule on the defense request.

Besides 14-months of work release, Warner also sentenced the former cop to four years probation for a criminally negligent homicide conviction  for which he could have been sentenced up to three years in prison.

Roedema was also ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.

Jurors acquitted former officers Nathan Woodyard and Jason Rosenblatt of all charges in McClain's death.

Warner sentenced Jeremy Cooper, a former Aurora Fire Rescue paramedic, to 14 months in a work release program, four years of probation and 100 hours of public service earlier this year.. A jury had convicted him of criminally negligent homicide.

A jury found Peter Cichuniec guilty of second-degree assault for administering drugs to McClain without consent and acquitted him of second-degree assault with intent to cause bodily harm. He was sentenced to five years in prison in March.
Tourists visit Jinci Temple, a historical site known for its ancient buildings, in Taiyuan, Shanxi province. [Wang Xuetao/Xinhua]



Lin Guodong's trip from Shanghai to Yuncheng, Shanxi province, over the May Day holiday this year was his third visit to the region known for ancient buildings.

"I have loved history since I was a child. Compared to reading books, a study trip offers a multidimensional experience. It allows me to feel history up close and systematically enrich my knowledge," said Lin, 29.

There are some 28,000 ancient buildings in Shanxi, including three Tang Dynasty (618-907) wooden structures and the world's tallest wooden pagoda.

The province also boasts 509 Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) wooden structures, accounting for over 80 percent of such buildings in China. It has more colored sculptures, murals and ancient stages than anywhere else nationwide.

In recent years, an increasing number of young people like Lin have flocked to Shanxi to explore its treasure of ancient buildings, sharing their experiences and travel tips on social media platforms such as Weibo and Xiaohongshu.

"Although my itinerary was already packed, there were still many places I didn't visit. Shanxi is worth multiple visits," wrote Zhou Zhiyu, a 21-year-old student at Beijing Institute of Technology, on Xiaohongshu.

Zhou, who grew up in Zhejiang province, has been to Shanxi twice to explore its ancient buildings. She fondly recalls watching a flock of birds fly over the colorful glazed pagoda at Guangsheng Temple in Hongtong county.

"The ancient buildings in Shanxi, with their earthy colors, exude history. I prefer this kind of atmosphere," she said.

Yang Jie, an ancient building enthusiast born in the 1980s, shares Zhou's passion. In 2016, he left his job to pursue his love for history. The following year, he founded Jinxingji research and study center, which specializes in in-depth educational tours focused on history and culture.

"Starting with no participants on our first tour, we now receive nearly 5,000 visitors a year, 31 percent of whom are under 30. It indicates that an increasing number of young people are interested in ancient buildings, and the demand for professional guides is growing," Yang said.

Yang and his team are devoted to selecting the iconic ancient buildings from across the country and hiring professionals to explain their structures, murals and sculptures, in an effort to perfectly blend tangible heritage with expert knowledge.

The growing enthusiasm for ancient buildings is fueled by the revival of traditional Chinese culture. As more people seek to understand Chinese history and civilization through these historical sites, the movement for ancient building conservation is also gaining strength.

Wang Kai, an ancient building enthusiast working at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is dedicated to ancient building protection. Inspired by the works of renowned late architect Liang Sicheng, he followed in Liang's footsteps and began to visit ancient buildings in 2015.

"There are many old photos in the books, and I wanted to see what these ancient buildings look like now. It quickly became an unstoppable passion, and I've since visited hundreds of them," Wang said.

He believes ancient buildings are crucial carriers of traditional Chinese culture, with their sculptures, murals and inscriptions being significant elements.

After visiting many buildings, Wang and other enthusiasts such as He Yanjun from Changzhi city, Shanxi, established a volunteer service center for cultural heritage protection, where they plan to organize voluntary patrols and introductions at ancient buildings.

As an overseas returnee, Wang decided to print his photos into books with English captions to introduce the materials and aesthetics of Chinese traditional architecture to foreign visitors.
Officials with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and Colorado Springs Police Department are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting incident Tuesday, according to a social media announcement.

Shortly after 11 a.m., the Sheriff's Office notified the public through social media that deputies were responding to an "incident" near B Street in the unincorporated Stratmoor Hills area south of Colorado Springs, but that there was no threat to the public.

At about 12:30 p.m., the Sheriff's Office announced on social media that Colorado Springs police would be joining to hold a press conference at the Sienna Place Apartments in south Colorado Springs regarding an officer-involved shooting.

Sheriff's Office spokesman Kurt Smith said at 10 a.m., a 911 call was received reporting an altercation ongoing between multiple adults near the 4300 block of Chamberlain South in the area of B Street in unincorporated El Paso County.

The initial report stated that a man was thought to have a firearm and a warrant out for his arrest.

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Smith said two deputies on the scene fired at least one shot at the suspect, who fled in a stolen, unmarked EPCSO vehicle.

According to officials, deputies were able to track the suspect utilizing the vehicle's GPS technology to the Sienna Place Apartments in south Colorado Springs.

The suspect was located at the apartment complex and was transported to a nearby hospital without further incident.

Smith said one woman received minor injuries at the initial scene near B Street and was treated for her injuries. Smith confirmed with The Gazette that her injuries were "not consistent with a gunshot wound."

The investigation into the shooting will be led by Colorado Springs police, which is standard protocol. Details about the suspect's identity, and what led to the altercation between law enforcement and the suspect, have not been released.
Colorado Springs officials have launched a new webpage they say will provide more transparency and clearer communication about proposed development projects across town.

The new development tracker webpage includes an interactive map that shows land use applications either under review or recently approved by the city. On the map, users can find "clear direction" to locate additional project information. The webpage also consolidates information about how residents can participate in public hearings and whether there are upcoming neighborhood meetings for a proposed development, according to a recent news release from the city.

In the future, the webpage will include tutorials outlining the review process and how people can engage in it.

"A key part of our review process for a development application is receiving comments from residents, and we want to ensure that process is as transparent and clear as possible," acting Assistant Planning Director Katie Carleo said in the release.

Over the last year, some residents have criticized at public Planning Commission and City Council meetings the city's notification process for proposed land development projects.

As part of that process, city officials send mailers to property owners within a 1,000-foot radius of a proposed project, erect informational posters on the subject property, publicize public hearings on the city website and calendar, and notify homeowners associations and neighborhood associations about proposed projects.

For example, some Pine Creek neighbors who objected to the Royal Pines Apartments being built near their neighborhood at the intersection of North Powers and North Union boulevards said last summer many of them did not receive postcard notifications about the apartment project because they lived further than 1,000 feet of the subject property.

The postcards for the Royal Pines Apartments also first listed the wrong project address and so the city sent another; neither postcard mentioned an apartment complex, but described it as a "concept plan to allow for commercial or residential uses," The Gazette previously reported.

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The city will continue posting and mailing notifications. The new development tracker website will provide more opportunities for residents to stay informed about proposed projects and provide their feedback, city spokesman Max D'Onofrio said in an email.

The city launched the new webpage after Mayor Yemi Mobolade's staff worked with the City Council to review land use processes and make changes to improve them, D'Onofrio said. This update is one part of that review, he said.

Steve Parrish, a Pine Creek resident who led the opposition against the Royal Pines Apartments, said the new development tracker is a "positive step in the right direction" for residents. He thinks it will be easier for people to share their feedback on projects as they are reviewed.

"I think any time (the city) can increase transparency, that's a good thing. Any time residents are more aware of what the city's doing or what the city's approving, that's a plus for citizens," he said.

Such a webpage could have provided information on the Royal Pines Apartments project ahead of its approval by the Planning Commission and the City Council may have helped better inform Pine Creek neighbors of that project, Parrish said.

The city also redesigned its notification posters and postcards, making them more engaging and providing clear information about each project, officials said in the release.

The new designs also include QR codes so users can go directly to the development tracker webpage, with information about how to comment on the development application or participate in a public hearing or neighborhood meetings.
Yantai in East China's Shandong province witnessed a grand gathering of more than 400 film directors, actors and industry luminaries on June 1 for the prestigious 2024 Chinese Film Directors' Night.

After a four-year hiatus, the event marked a significant convergence in the Chinese film director community, aiming to uplift industry morale, foster the growth of Chinese film directors, and recognize outstanding Chinese-language films and industry professionals.

The star-studded red carpet segment featured esteemed directors such as Zhang Yimou, Han Sanping and Guo Fan, as well as film crews from acclaimed movies like The Eight Hundred, Impasse, and Home Coming.

During the event, the China Film Directors' Guild unveiled 10 distinguished awards to honor outstanding directors, actors, screenwriters and films.

The China Film Directors' Guild, a professional body with members from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, hosted the event outside Beijing for the first time, upgrading from its annual awards ceremony.

As one of the oldest trading ports in northern China, Yantai has a deep-rooted connection with the evolution of Chinese cinema. In 1898, a US missionary introduced films to Yantai, marking the city's first encounter with the cinematic world.

In recent years, Yantai has emerged as a favored destination for film and television productions due to its pleasant climate, scenic coastal vistas and captivating cultural heritage. The successful hosting of this event will further boost Yantai's appeal as a shooting locale.
China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao said that Europe's anti-subsidy investigation into China's electric vehicles (EVs) on the grounds of "excessive industrial capacity" is typical trade protectionism. Furthermore, China hopes the two sides will address each other's concerns through dialogue and communication.

Noting that the so-called excessive industrial capacity was misplaced, Wang said that it was not industrial production capacity that was excessive, but anxiety. He also noted that the accusation of market distortion against China was a result of a "distorted mentality."

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Wang made the remarks on Monday during the 29th meeting of the China-Spain Joint Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee held in Madrid, which he co-chaired with Spanish Minister for Economy, Commerce and Business Carlos Cuerpo.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged in-depth views on matters including the promotion of high-quality development in bilateral economic and trade relations, the EU's anti-subsidy investigation of Chinese EVs, facilitating bilateral personnel exchanges, government procurement, and market access for agricultural and food products, among others.

Wang said that China will work with Spain to continue to enhance the level of trade between the two countries, promote two-way investments, strengthen cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises and third-party market cooperation, and expand areas of cooperation for win-win results.

He expressed the hope that Spain will play a positive role in persuading the EU to remain rational and open in the field of green and new-energy industry.

Cuerpo said that Spain attaches great importance to its economic and trade relations with China, and is willing to continue to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries, maintain dialogue and cooperation with China, promote the balanced development of economic and trade cooperation, and promote the exploration of more cooperation opportunities by enterprises from the two countries in areas such as automobiles, renewable energy, industrial machine tools and medical equipment.
Republican candidates and elected officials reacted with outrage Tuesday after the Colorado GOP called to "burn all the Pride flags" in a social media post and evoked a notorious anti-gay slur in a mass email.
Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and longtime local talk-radio host. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @SengCenter.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Rocky Mountain Field Division is on pace to break its Colorado fentanyl seizure record of 2.61 million pills from the 2023 fiscal year. (Gazette file photo)
Polls open Tuesday in Iowa's June primary to determine which candidates will be on the Nov. 5 ballot for Democrats and Republicans in federal, legislative and local races.

Iowa has a closed primary election, which means voters must be registered with the Democratic or Republican 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 DO 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.

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?

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, a former intelligence officer and Army Ranger.

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 supervisors and sheriffs.

In Iowa state primaries, a candidate must receive at least 35 percent 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.

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.
You are here: Business

Posidonia 2024 international shipping exhibition, the biggest in its 60-year history, kicked off on Monday in Athens.

This year's event features a remarkable comeback from China, with 180 companies participating -- an almost 50 percent increase from previous years, according to the exhibition organizer.

At the opening ceremony, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized his support for Greek shipowners "in every aspect of the shipping industry, from the green transition to the safety of ports and shipyards."

Mitsotakis toured part of the exhibition, visiting the stand of Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA), a member of China's COSCO Shipping group.

The event, which runs until June 7, hosts 2,030 companies from 82 countries and regions, showcasing maritime products and services from Europe, North America, and Asia. It is expected to draw over 40,000 international and Greek visitors.
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.

This aerial photo taken on May 16, 2023 shows a view of the desert poplar (populus euphratica) forest in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Bei He)

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.
KANNAPOLIS - A Kannapolis man is charged with soliciting a teenager for sex through a social media app, accord to the Rowan County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office said that on Sunday, June 2, deputies received information about an adult male who was soliciting a 14-year-old female for sex, using the popular Snapchat app. In speaking with the complainant in this case, deputies learned that the 14-year-old juvenile had been solicited by a male subject who went by the name of Moe. He was known by the snapchat group as the owner of the Cannon Tobacco and Vape Shop in Kannapolis.

The Snapchat conversation between Moe and the juvenile had been recorded and showed that Moe had solicited the juvenile for sex and had even offered vapes in exchange for sex. Deputies requested the assistance of Kannapolis Police, who sent an officer to that location, but he was unable to locate the suspect.

Deputies with the Rowan County Sheriffs Office then communicated with Moe through the app. During this interaction, Moe made comments of his intentions to perform sex acts with the juvenile. Deputies advised that the vape store could be clearly seen in the background of the photos that were sent.

Deputies traveled to the Cannon Tobacco and Vape shop in Kannapolis where they were able to identify the suspect from the Snapchat photos. They identified Moe as Mohamed Mosed Ahmed Al-Hareurey by his NC drivers license. Al-Hareurey was arrested and charged with Solicit a Child by Computer and Solicit Child Prostitution. He was eventually placed in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $250,000.00 secured bond.

Detectives are working to see if there were any other juveniles that may have been victims of Al-Hareurey.
Telehouse America has tapped Finnish telco vendor Nokia to update its NYIIX Peering Exchange production network in eight POPs in the northeastern United States.

The NYIIX Peering Exchange aims to provide the internet community with a neutral and scalable peering infrastructure to assure reliability and stable internet connectivity.

To maintain this quality, and to prepare for future growth, Telehouse America needed a network upgrade to allow customers to benefit from a new, massively scalable and future proof network platform that could handle the unpredictable demands from major life events, including large sporting matches with international appeal.

Nokia has deployed a complete solution for Telehouse America that includes the Service Router Operating Systems (SR OS), 7750 Service Routers, 7250 Interconnect Router, and QSFP-DD 400G coherent optics.

Nokia will also provide related professional services, such as network operator training and certification.

Once deployed, Nokias IP and optical interconnection solution will allow NYIIX to launch up to 400 Gigabit Ethernet (GE) interconnection services, which will target OTTs, CDNs, eyeball networks, cloud service providers, online gaming providers, the education sector as well as enterprises in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia metropolitan areas beginning in November 2024.

With Nokia, we can deploy the brand-new NYIIX Astron architecture, which is based on EVPN technologies and will allow us to offer 10, 100 and 400 Gigabit ports for peers. This will be a complete departure from the previous architecture, which was MPLS/VPLS based, said Telehouse America vice president internet engineering and business development Akio Sugeno.

This is a very important deployment for NYIIX because it will enable us to offer our customers faster, more reliable, and more secure connectivity across our locations in the US. We are delighted to partner with Nokia and leverage their innovative technology and services.
GUEST OPINION: In an effort to address persistent challenges within the construction industry, veteran developer Elie Douna is launching HomeBuildersReviews, a groundbreaking platform designed to introduce transparency and accountability to the Australian building market.

The site, scheduled to launch in August, will provide a comprehensive directory of quality developers, builders, and suppliers, complete with verified reviews and ratings from real clients. The service will be available both as a website and a mobile app, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all users.

For many Australians, purchasing a home is the largest investment they will ever make. Yet, according to Elie Douna, there is a striking lack of transparency in the building industry, leaving homebuyers with little insight into the quality of the builders and suppliers they choose. "Its astonishing how much time people spend testing cars or televisions, which are worth just a fraction of a home, yet they often take a leap of faith when it comes to choosing a builder," Douna remarked.

With over 20 years of experience in the development industry, Elie Douna has encountered numerous subpar builders and suppliers, leading to significant financial and emotional distress for homebuyers. "Throughout my career, I've seen too many projects derailed by poor workmanship, missed deadlines, and budget overruns," he said. "Its disheartening to see homeowners invest their hard-earned money and dreams into projects only to be met with disappointment. Unfortunately, there is very little recourse for buyers when things go wrong."

Dounas idea for HomeBuildersReviews has been in the making for years, driven by his frustration with the lack of accountability in the industry. However, it is only now that he is taking the steps to build the site and app. "I've had this idea for a long time, but the need for such a platform has never been more urgent," Douna explained. "News headlines constantly feature poor quality builds that leave home buyers in the lurch with no home and no way to recover their losses."

Douna shared some of the troubling experiences he has witnessed in his career, emphasizing the urgent need for a platform like HomeBuildersReviews. "I remember one project where a family was left with a partially completed home because the builder simply walked off the job," he recounted. "They had poured their life savings into the house, and seeing their dreams shattered was heartbreaking."

"In another case," Douna continued, "a developer I knew had to deal with a supplier who provided substandard materials. The quality of the construction suffered, and the project faced significant delays and additional costs. Situations like these are far too common, and they highlight the necessity for greater transparency and accountability in our industry."

HomeBuildersReviews aims to bridge this gap by providing a platform where builders, developers, and suppliers are publicly reviewed and rated, creating a higher standard of accountability. The site will empower homeowners, renovators, and property developers to make informed decisions based on real, verified feedback rather than marketing claims. This level of transparency is expected to highlight reputable professionals while exposing those who consistently underperform.

Douna emphasized the need for such a resource, sharing that his own experience in building a network of trusted professionals was a painstaking process of trial and error, recommendations, and personal inspections. "I created HomeBuildersReviews because I know the struggle of finding good quality builders. Building or renovating a home is a deeply personal journey, and everyone deserves to work with professionals who respect that and deliver on their promises," he explained.

One of the core goals of HomeBuildersReviews is to address the issue of accountability within the industry. "Too often, builders who provide poor service continue operating without consequence," Douna noted. "By creating a platform where their work is publicly reviewed, were holding these professionals to a higher standard. Builders who consistently deliver quality work will be rewarded with positive reviews and more business, while those who dont will find it harder to secure new clients. This raises the overall standard of work in the industry."

In addition to builders and developers, HomeBuildersReviews will also feature suppliers, ensuring that builders and renovators have access to the best materials available. Quality materials are the foundation of any successful construction project, and including suppliers in the directory enhances the final product's quality and durability.

Elie Douna is optimistic about the potential of HomeBuildersReviews to transform the construction industry in Australia. The website and mobile app are designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to navigate and find the necessary information. A stringent review verification process ensures that all feedback is genuine and trustworthy, maintaining the platforms integrity.

Douna hopes that HomeBuildersReviews will highlight quality builders and those who fall short of industry standards, giving future homebuyers the tools they need to avoid potential pitfalls. "We want to showcase the best in the industry while also shedding light on those who aren't meeting expectations," Douna said. "This dual approach will help elevate the overall quality of work and give consumers the peace of mind they deserve."

Douna also expressed his frustration with the current state of the industry, where many homebuyers are left without any recourse when things go wrong. "It's incredibly frustrating to see homeowners left in the lurch with no home and no way to recover their losses. This platform is designed to change that dynamic by giving power back to the consumers and holding builders and suppliers accountable for their work."

Future homebuyers can register their interest today on the HomeBuildersReviews website to be notified when the platform goes live in August. "HomeBuildersReviews is more than just a directory; its a community of builders, developers, and suppliers committed to excellence," Douna stated. "It empowers homeowners and developers to make informed decisions, saving them time, money, and heartache."

For more information and to register your interest, visit HomeBuildersReviews.com.au.
GUEST RESEARCH: Mandiant has reported a notable resurgence in ransomware activity in 2023, reversing the slight decline observed in 2022. The surge includes a 75% increase in posts on data leak sites and a more than 20% rise in Mandiant-led ransomware investigations.

Key findings:

Increased ransomware activity: Over 50 new ransomware families and variants were detected, with one-third being variants of existing families.

Tools and tactics: Attackers predominantly used commercially available and legitimate tools for intrusions, with a noted decline in the use of Cobalt Strike Beacon and an increase in legitimate remote access tools.

Rapid deployment: Ransomware was deployed within 48 hours of initial access in almost one-third of incidents, with 76% of deployments occurring outside of work hours, primarily in the early morning.

Global impact: Victims spanned over 110 countries across various sectors, demonstrating the widespread impact of ransomware.

New tactics: Innovative methods were observed, including ALPHV operators creating a searchable victim data website and filing a complaint with the SEC against a victim.

The profitability of ransomware continues to drive threat actors, with 2023 seeing over US$1 billion paid to attackers. The resurgence follows a tumultuous 2022 marked by geopolitical events and internal disruptions among cybercriminals.

2023 marked the year with the highest volume of posts on shaming sites since we began tracking these sites in Q1 2020, with Q3 2023 breaking the quarter record with more than 1,300 posts (Figure 2). Other indicators also support an increase in overall ransomware activity, including a 15% increase in unique sites with at least one post and an over 30% increase in new DLS in 2023 compared to 2022.

Approximately 30% of posts in 2023 were on newly identified DLS associated with various ransomware families, including Royallocker.Blacksuit, Rhysida, and Redbike (aka Akira). Notably, we identified limited overlaps with several of the top new DLS and tracked threat actors and/or previously observed ransomware families. It is plausible that at least some portion of the newly identified DLS activity is the result of previously established actors forming new alliances or rebrands rather than creating completely new offerings.

Mandiant directly observed more than 50 new ransomware families and variants in 2023, approximately the same as in 2021 and 2022. However, the proportion of new variants compared to families increased, with around one third of new families observed in 2023 being variants of previously identified ransomware families. This could suggest that threat actors are using their time and resources to update pre-existing ransomware families rather than creating new families from scratch.

While Mandiant has historically identified clear patterns in the most prominent day of the week for ransomware execution and a high volume of activity occurring outside of work hours, ransomware operators appeared to be less deliberate in their timing in 2023. About 75% of ransomware deployments appeared to occur outside of standard business hours, a slight reduction from 2021 and 2022, and ransomware execution was more evenly distributed across days of the week than in prior years.

In 2023, the number of days elapsed between the first evidence of malicious access and the deployment of ransomware varied widely, ranging from zero to 116 days.

In approximately 15% of incidents, ransomware was deployed within one day of initial attacker access and almost one third of incidents involved ransomware execution within the first 48 hours of initial access.

The most common initial access vectors in 2023 involved stolen credentials or the exploitation of vulnerabilities in public-facing infrastructure.
China's civil aviation sector recorded substantial recovery in 2023, with the air passenger trips more than double that of 2022, according to an official statistical communique.

A C919 jetliner of the China Eastern Airlines arrives at the Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong, south China, June 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

The country reported about 619.58 million air passenger trips last year, a spike of 146.1 percent year on year, according to a communique released on the Civil Aviation Administration of China's website.

The sector's total transport volume of cargo and mail topped 7.35 million tonnes in 2023, up 21 percent from the previous year.

In 2023, China had 5,206 regular domestic air routes, linking 255 mainland cities or regions. The country's international airlines linked China with 127 cities in 57 countries, according to the communique.

By the end of 2023, there were 259 domestic transport airports, up 5 from the end of 2022. Among them, 38 airports had an annual passenger throughput of 10 million or above, the report noted.

China's civil aviation authorities have committed to boosting the frequency of international passenger flights as a primary goal for this year, aiming to revive international air travel further.

Several airlines have recently launched new international routes to facilitate travel between China and other countries. For example, Air China inaugurated the Beijing-Madrid-Sao Paulo route on April 27, while China Southern Airlines began operating the Shenzhen-Mexico City route on May 11. In addition, Hainan Airlines is set to launch the Shenzhen-Budapest route, and China Southern Airlines will also open the Guangzhou-Budapest route soon.
[Provisional translation]

I am pleased to announce that Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.



Japan has long enjoyed the close relations with the United Kingdom, and there has been traditional intimate relationship between the Imperial Family and the British Royal Family. The United Kingdom has long extended its invitation for Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress to visit the United Kingdom, and recently, His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom kindly renewed the invitation for Their Majesties.



I am convinced that the visit will reconfirm the friendship and goodwill of both countries through the exchanges between the Imperial Family and the British Royal Family and further strengthen the excellent relations of both countries, and I feel immense pleasure together with the people of Japan.



I would like to express my wholehearted wish for Their Majesties pleasant journey and safe return home.
A Virginia man has been charged with murder in the death of a Winston-Salem man who was found severely beaten March 21 at Salem Lake Park, authorities said Monday.

On April 18, Winston-Salem police detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Jerry Christopher Howard, 40, of Patrick Springs, Va., for common law robbery, police said.

Four days later on April 22, the Patrick County, Va. Sheriffs Office and Virginia State police arrested Howard, police said.

Winston-Salem investigators then charged Howard with murder in the death of Rodney Dwight Adams Jr., police said.

Adams, 27, of Ludwig Street died April 5 at a Winston-Salem hospital, where he was treated for injuries he sustained in the attack at Salem Park, police said.

The assault happened near the park's entrance and restrooms at 901 Salem Park Road, a police spokeswoman said. That location is near a parking lot and playground.

Officers responded about 7:50 a.m. March 21 to a report of an assault victim lying on the sidewalk at the park, police said. When officers found Adams, he was unresponsive and had severe head injuries.

"This was not a random act of violence," police said after Adams' death. "There was no danger to the community."

Howard is being held in the Patrick County Jail in Stuart, Va., awaiting extradition to Winston-Salem, police said.

Howard also is facing additional charges in Patrick County, Va., related to his arrest on April 22.

After Patrick County sheriffs deputies learned that Howard was wanted in Winston-Salem on the robbery charge, a Patrick County deputy saw Howard driving a Ford pickup on Pleasant View Drive in Patrick Springs and attempted to stop Howards vehicle, the Patrick County Sheriffs Office said.

Howard evaded that deputy, but Howards vehicle was seen a short time later by Virginia State police officer, the sheriffs office said.

The officer stopped Howards vehicle and arrested Howard.

Investigators later executed a search warrant at Howards house in Patrick Spring and found about 1 pound of methamphetamines, the sheriffs office said.

This is enough meth to infect more than 400 people when broken down into typically sold quantities, Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith said.
The PACE of the Triad nonprofit group has acquired five acres in Winston-Salem to build a center for elderly care services for Forsyth, Stokes and Surry counties.

PACE is an acronym for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

PACE of the Triad is a not-for-profit agency that is supported by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Triad chapter is based in Greensboro and serves Guilford and Rockingham counties. Among its partners are Cone Health, Lutheran Services of the Carolinas and WellSpring Retirement Community.

The nonprofit paid the city of Winston-Salem $250,000 for the five acres. According to a Forsyth County Register of Deeds filing, the appraised value of the property is $330,000.

PACE said preliminary plans include the construction of a 32,087-square-foot, one-level building on 1741 Motor Road.

The new facility will house a PACE program that includes a medical and dental clinic, an interactive social day program, therapy gym and social services support to eligible seniors in the three counties.

The projected construction cost is $15 million with the building to be completed by the end of 2025. The developer is Landmark Builders of Winston-Salem.

Our mission is for older adults to stay independent in the home they love today, according to the PACE website.

PACE said on its Triad website that it provides for all the medical needs an older adult could have.

Instead of piecing together services offered by different providers  for example, senior centers, health care plans, home care and transportation companies  PACE provides it all.

Well drive you to all your medical appointments. Our drivers can also pick you up and bring you to our social center, if you like.

Nationwide, there are 163 PACE programs across the country. Of those, 12 serve North Carolina residents in 35 counties.

PACE said current participants have a 24% lower hospitalization rate and 16% lower re-admission rate, both compared with Medicaid/Medicare enrollees in nursing homes.

Our team is so coordinated, they meet several times a week to review our participants care plans, and make any needed adjustments and changes, according to the website.

It is this coordination of many different professionals  called the Inter-Disciplinary Team  that is the key to PACEs success.

Ben Rowe, an assistant city manager, said city officials are excited about PACEs decision to build a new facility to serve seniors in Winston-Salem, as well as Forsyth, Stokes, and Surry counties.

This investment will provide critical medical, dental and support services to eligible seniors in the community.

City officials will work closely with PACE leadership to ensure Winston-Salem seniors are aware of and benefit from these services.
Discovery of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 and How It Led to a Complex Terminology

The discovery of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) began with the search for the cellular receptor for hepatitis A virus (HAV), a hepatotropic picornavirus that causes acute liver failure in humans. Kaplan et al. identified a monoclonal antibody that was able to block HAV infection of African green monkey kidney cells.1 Expression cloning identified a novel type 1 glycoprotein they named HAV cellular receptor-1 (HAVcr-1 now termed HAVCR1). Using monkey HAVcr-1 sequence-specific primers, Feigelstock et al. then cloned human HAVcr-1 from human liver and kidney mRNA, which encoded for a 359-amino acid glycoprotein, which was approximately 79% identical to monkey HAVcr-1 and supported its role in HAV entry.1 While studying kidney injury and repair in rats, Sanicola's group identified a novel protein that they called KIM-1 that was specifically upregulated in injured renal proximal tubule epithelial cells with structural similarities to mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1.2 Cloning and sequence comparison revealed remarkable (59%) homology between rat (and human) and monkey HAVcr-1 (HAVCR1) genes.2,3

While investigating novel asthma susceptibility genes in mice, DeKruyff and colleagues identified a unique locus, T-cell, and airway phenotype regulator and positionally a gene family, T-cell Ig and mucin domain (TIM) that encodes T-cell membrane glycoproteins, the first of which was called TIM.46 Mouse T-cell Ig and mucin domain-1 (Tim-1 or TIM-1 in humans) encoded a 305-amino acid membrane protein that had 78% identity with rat KIM-1 and 42% identity with human HAVCR1.4 In summary, the terms KIM-1, TIM-1, and HAVCR1 refer to the same protein encoded by the human HAVCR1 gene by those in the kidney, immunology, and virology fields, respectively.7

Genomic and Structural Properties of KIM-1

HAVCR1 is a highly polymorphic gene located on human chromosome 5q33.2 and chromosome 11B.1 in mice.3,4,813 Most of the genetic variation in HAVCR1 is localized within exon 4 (exon 3 in mice), which encodes for the extracellular mucin domain, which is required for virus uncoating and is likely a target for natural selection.12,14 Human HAVCR1 gene consists of 1095 base pairs and 11 exons, but many splice variants exist.2,15 Updated sequencing information suggests that HAVCR1/KIM-1/TIM-1 consists of a 364-amino acid protein (National Center for Biotechnology Information ID 26762). Although KIM-1/TIM-1 mRNA can be amplified from many tissues, including the kidney, urinary bladder, bone marrow, lymphoid tissues, spleen, liver, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal tract, expression of the protein might be more tissue-restricted. In the kidney, KIM-1 expression is likely regulated by both transcriptional activators (e.g., signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 or STAT3) and repressors (i.e., Yin Yang 1 or YY1).16,17

KIM-1 is a type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein composed of a six-cysteine Ig-like variable domain (IgV), a highly glycosylated mucin domain, a stalk domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain (Figure 1).2,30,31 KIM-1 contains multiple O-linked glycosylation sites but only three putative N-linked glycosylation sites.32 The IgV domain is made up of two antiparallel -sheets bridged by the first and last of six conserved Cys residues and contains a putative N-linked glycosylation site.32,33 Four of the conserved Cys residues in the IgV domain link two loops, the FG loop and the CC loop, forming a cleft termed the metalion ligand-binding site. The conserved structure of the IgV domain is crucial for ligand binding and KIM-1 function in all cell types.3236 The IgV domain of human KIM-1 contains a putative N-linked glycosylation site but mouse KIM-1 does not.37

Figure 1: KIM-1 signaling pathways in renal proximal tubule cells. aAnti-inflammatory pathway18 , 19: KIM-1 binding to PS on apoptotic cells leads to recruitment of the p85 subunit of the PI3K and subsequent PI3K-dependent downregulation of NF-B activation by TNFR and TLR4. LPS and TNF- are known TLR4 and TNFR ligands, respectively. AIM is an opsonin that enhances the phagocytic clearance of necrotic cells by KIM-1 and thereby reduces necroinflammation.20 , 21 bAutophagy22: phosphorylation of the cytosolic domain of KIM-1 and subsequent engagement of p85 enables activation of ULK1, which are necessary for localization of LC3, the phagosome, and lipidation of LC3 I to LC3 II (a hallmark of autophagy). KIM-1positive phagosomes then fuse with the lysosome, and antigens derived from apoptotic cells are presented on class I and II MHC molecules. cCell survival23 , 24: the nuclear orphan receptor NUR77 is a potent inducer of apoptosis. KIM-1 constitutively binds to NUR77 via its cytosolic tail and mediates its lysosomal degradation in a PI3K-dependent manner. dEfferocytosis19 , 25 , 26: coordinated rearrangement of the actin (F-actin polymerization) and microtubule cytoskeleton is crucial for engulfment of apoptotic cells.26 KIM-1mediated inhibition of the G 12 -RhoA axis and engagement of the dynein light chain Tctex-1 are required for efficient efferocytosis.27 , 28 RhoA can impair corpse ingestion by promoting actin stress fibers.27 eDisruption of tight junctions: overactivation of G 12 by ROS can disrupt tight junctions and promote tubular cell injury.29 fKIM-1 binding to DR5 promotes its multimerization and downstream caspase activation, leading to apoptosis of tubular cells. AC, apoptotic cell; AIM, apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage; DR5, death receptor 5; KIM-1, kidney injury molecule-1; MHC, major histocompatibility complex; NC, necrotic cell; NF-B, nuclear factor-kappa B; PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PS, phosphatidylserine; RhoA, ras homolog family member A; ROS, reactive oxygen species; Tctex-1, Tctex-type 1; TLR4, toll-like receptor 4; TNFR, TNF receptor; ULK1, Unc-51-like kinase. Created with BioRender.com Anti-inflammatory pathway: KIM-1 binding to PS on apoptotic cells leads to recruitment of the p85 subunit of the PI3K and subsequent PI3K-dependent downregulation of NF-B activation by TNFR and TLR4. LPS and TNF- are known TLR4 and TNFR ligands, respectively. AIM is an opsonin that enhances the phagocytic clearance of necrotic cells by KIM-1 and thereby reduces necroinflammation.Autophagy: phosphorylation of the cytosolic domain of KIM-1 and subsequent engagement of p85 enables activation of ULK1, which are necessary for localization of LC3, the phagosome, and lipidation of LC3 I to LC3 II (a hallmark of autophagy). KIM-1positive phagosomes then fuse with the lysosome, and antigens derived from apoptotic cells are presented on class I and II MHC molecules.Cell survival: the nuclear orphan receptor NUR77 is a potent inducer of apoptosis. KIM-1 constitutively binds to NUR77 via its cytosolic tail and mediates its lysosomal degradation in a PI3K-dependent manner.Efferocytosis: coordinated rearrangement of the actin (F-actin polymerization) and microtubule cytoskeleton is crucial for engulfment of apoptotic cells.KIM-1mediated inhibition of the G-RhoA axis and engagement of the dynein light chain Tctex-1 are required for efficient efferocytosis.RhoA can impair corpse ingestion by promoting actin stress fibers.Disruption of tight junctions: overactivation of Gby ROS can disrupt tight junctions and promote tubular cell injury.KIM-1 binding to DR5 promotes its multimerization and downstream caspase activation, leading to apoptosis of tubular cells. AC, apoptotic cell; AIM, apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage; DR5, death receptor 5; KIM-1, kidney injury molecule-1; MHC, major histocompatibility complex; NC, necrotic cell; NF-B, nuclear factor-kappa B; PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PS, phosphatidylserine; RhoA, ras homolog family member A; ROS, reactive oxygen species; Tctex-1, Tctex-type 1; TLR4, toll-like receptor 4; TNFR, TNF receptor; ULK1, Unc-51-like kinase. Created with

Both murine (Kim-1) and human KIM-1 proteins contain a highly conserved tyrosine kinase phosphorylation motif (RAEDNIY) within their respective cytosolic domains that regulate downstream cell signaling.15,18,19,22,3739 Alternative splicing results in at least two major splice variants of KIM-1.2 KIM-1a is mainly expressed by human liver and lacks the tyrosine kinase phosphorylation motif15 KIM-1b, encoding for the full-length protein, and was first identified in human kidney tissue but is expressed more broadly in other tissues.15,37

The stalk domain of KIM-1 contains two N-linked glycosylation sites and is highly sensitive to metalloproteinase-mediated ectodomain cleavage.15,4044 Human KIM-1 undergoes both constitutive and accelerated (e.g., cell injury) shedding by a disintegrin and metalloprotease protein 17 (ADAM17) and to a lesser extent by ADAM10, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), and MMP14.40,41,44 In mice, Kim-1 shedding is predominantly mediated by ADAM10, though other sheddases may be involved.43 Cleavage of human KIM-1 generates a 90 kDa soluble extracellular fragment (containing the IgV binding domain and the mucin domain) and a 14 kDa insoluble (retained) fragment consisting of the transmembrane and cytosolic domains.15,45 Shed KIM-1 can be found in the urine and blood.46,47 Although the physiologic role of KIM-1 shedding in vivo remains unknown, in vitro, it competitively inhibits ligand binding by cell surface KIM-1.40

KIM-1 Expression and Function in the Kidney

Clearance of Dying Cells during AKI

The discovery of KIM-1 led to an explosion of new research aimed at uncovering its clinical utility as a sensitive and specific48 biomarker of AKI, but its biological function in the kidney remained elusive for almost a decade.2,46,4952 This changed when Nagata and Freeman independently identified KIM-1 as a cell surface receptor for the apoptotic cell eat-me signal, phosphatidylserine (PS).25,53 The Bonventre group uncovered that KIM-1 transformed proximal tubule epithelial cells into semiprofessional phagocytes for clearance of apoptotic cells during AKI, a process termed efferocytosis (Figure 1).26 Both Kim-1 null mice and mice expressing a mutant form of Kim-1 lacking its mucin domain (KIM-1mucin) required for efferocytosis were highly susceptible to AKI compared with controls, suggesting that KIM-1 mitigated tissue damage and/or promoted kidney repair after acute injury.19,27 KIM-1 engages a number of intracellular signaling proteins, including Tctex-type 1 (t-Complex testis-expressed-1), a microtubule-associated motor protein; G 12 , a member of heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein) family; and the p85 adapter subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) dependent, which regulate phagocytic signaling (Figure 1).27,29

It is increasingly recognized that regulated necrosis (e.g., necroptosis or ferroptosis), rather than apoptosis, is the major form of cell death triggered by ischemic or toxic insults to the kidney.28,54,55 With Miyazaki, we uncovered that an opsonin, apoptosis inhibitor of macrophages (AIMs), enables KIM-1expressing proximal tubule epithelial cells to indirectly recognize and promote engulfment of necrotic cells.20 Human AIM is a 37 kDa (42 kDa in mice) soluble protein (also known as CD5 ligand) that is usually bound to IgM pentamers in the serum preventing it from being filtered at the glomerulus.20,5658 During AKI, AIM dissociates from IgM, crosses the glomerulus, and coats intraluminal necrotic debris within the tubular lumen enabling KIM-mediated uptake of necrotic cells.20,57 Indeed, AIM-deficient mice are highly prone to AKI akin to Kim-1-deficient mice.20

How does renal KIM-1 protect against AKI? Several mechanisms have been proposed. One mechanism involves preventing the passive release of damage-associated molecular pattern proteins (DAMPs) from apoptotic cells undergoing secondary necrosis and necrotic cells via KIM-1mediated efferocytosis. This would prevent activation of the innate immune system by DAMPs that would contribute to further tissue damage through a process termed necroinflammation.54,5965 This mechanism may be particularly important in kidney transplantassociated ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) where KIM-1 may dampen alloimmune responses triggered by DAMPs released from the injured graft.21,66 Recognition and/or phagocytosis of apoptotic cells induces active anti-inflammatory properties in macrophages.67 A second mechanism proposed by the Bonventre group is that KIM-1 recognition of apoptotic cells inhibits intracellular activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-B) in proximal tubule epithelial cells (Figure 1, see a).19 Recognition of apoptotic bodies leads to phosphorylation of KIM-1 and recruitment of p85 and the subsequent PI3K-dependent downmodulation of NF-B signaling.18,19 The same group suggested another mechanism whereby engagement of p85 enables KIM-1 to direct the phagocytic cargo to autophagosomes, enabling autoantigen presentation to tolerogenic T regulatory (Treg) cells capable of further regulating immune responses during AKI (Figure 1, see b).22 Though the PS-binding domain resides within its IgV domain, the mucin domain is also indispensable for apoptotic cell binding.19 KIM-1mucin mice are also highly susceptible to AKI like KIM-1 knockout mice. A fourth potential mechanism proposed by the late Terry Strom states that KIM-1 interacts with and mediates the lysosomal degradation of the proapoptotic nuclear receptor, NUR77, to protect against injury-induced cell death.23,24 KIM-1mediated degradation of NUR77 was dependent on PS binding and downstream activation of PI3K (Figure 1, see c). Activation of G2 by reactive oxygen species is a major cause of tissue damage during renal IRI and delays kidney recovery.27,29 We provided evidence for a fourth mechanism whereby KIM-1 inhibits harmful G 12 activation and protects mice against renal IRI (Figure 1, see e). Finally, work from the Humphreys group suggests that KIM-1 is expressed by a subpopulation of (CD133+CD24+VCAM1+) progenitor-like proximal tubule cells that might directly contribute to repair after AKI.68 All of these proposed mechanisms suggested that upregulation of KIM-1 on proximal tubule epithelial cells during AKI helps to limit inflammation and secondary tissue damage and promote repair. It has been difficult to decipher which of the mechanism(s) dominates in vivo because all of them require ligand-binding and signaling via the cytosolic domain.

Opposing views regarding the role of KIM-1 in the pathogenesis of AKI also exist. Yamanishi et al. have proposed that upregulation of KIM-1 on proximal tubule epithelial cells promotes tubular damage by serving as a ligand for the leukocyte mono-Iglike receptor 5 (LMIR5) on myeloid cells and recruiting neutrophils to the injured kidney.52 Chen and colleagues proposed that KIM-1expressing tubular cells can amplify hypoxia-induced tubulointerstitial inflammation during AKI by mediating the uptake of harmful PS-rich small extracellular vesicles released by injured tubular cells.69 Most recently, Yang et al. reported that renal tubulespecific KIM-1 knockout mice are protected from ischemic and cisplatin-induced AKI via engagement, and activation, of death receptor 5.17 A small peptide that blocked the KIM-1 death receptor 5 binding protected mice from cisplatin-induced tubule cell apoptosis and ameliorated AKI. Table 1 summarizes the proposed protective and harmful roles renal KIM-1 might play during AKI. The above studies may point to a biological context-dependent function for KIM-1 in tissue injury.

Table 1 - Summary of the proposed functional roles of kidney injury molecule-1/T-cell Ig and mucin domain-1 Summary of the proposed functional roles of kidney injury molecule-1/T-cell Ig and mucin domain-1 Cell Type Kidney proximal tubule cells Protective role in AKI  Aids in the clearance of apoptotic and necrotic cell debris by converting proximal tubule epithelial cells into semiprofessional phagocytes19,20,2527  Binding to apoptotic cells activates an anti-inflammatory pathway in proximal tubule epithelial cells by recruiting p85 and downmodulating NF-B in a PI3K-dependent manner18,19  Mitigates tissue damage and promotes kidney repair by inhibiting harmful G 12 activation29  Mitigates necroinflammation and secondary tissue damage20,21  Promotes the lysosomal degradation of the nuclear orphan receptor NUR77, which is a proapoptotic molecule, i.e., strongly induced in proximal tubule epithelial cells during AKI23,24  Biomarker of kidney injury46,47,51 Harmful role in AKI  Enhances neutrophil recruitment by binding to LMIR5 on myeloid cells52  Binds to and activates DR5 to trigger tubular cell apoptosis17  Amplifies hypoxia-induced tubulointerstitial inflammation by mediating the uptake of small proinflammatory extracellular vesicles69 Profibrotic role in CKD  Spontaneously promotes interstitial renal inflammation and fibrosis70  Mediates the uptake of palmitic acidbound albumin by proximal tubule epithelial cells leading to enhanced kidney injury, interstitial inflammation, and progression of diabetic kidney disease71 T cells Response to high-affinity antiTim-1 antibody 3B3  Provides costimulatory signal for CD4+ T-cell activation and production of IL-4 and IFN- 72  Inhibits airway hyperactivity and inflammation72  Induces proliferation of Th1 and Th17 cells, deprograms Treg cells, and prevents transplant tolerance73  Enhances survival and expansion of alloreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells73  Increases the frequency of antigen-specific T cells, the production of the proinflammatory cytokines IFN- and IL-17, and severity of EAE34 Response to low-affinity antiTim-1 antibody RMT1-10  Reduces antigen-specific T cells proliferation and suppresses IFN- and IL-17 production34,74  Inhibits Th1/Th17 responses and severity of EAE and induces a strong Th2 response34,74  Prolongs cardiac allograft survival via downregulation of Th1 and promotion of Th2 and Treg responses74 B cells Immune regulatory functions  Required for the generation and maintenance of regulatory B cells (Breg)7579  Increases graft survival after islet transplantation77,80  Negatively regulates antitumor T-cell responses81 NKT cells Response to low-affinity antibody RMT1-10  Enhances IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 production and suppresses IFN- production, which aggravates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis82 Response to high-affinity antibody 3B3  Induces NKT cell proliferation and enhances production of IL-4, TNF, and IFN- 82,83 Other cells Viral entry and egress  Entry coreceptor for HAV1,3,84  Enhances entry of enveloped viruses, such as filoviruses and flaviviruses35,8587  Decreases HIV-1, Ebola, and Moloney murine leukemia virus replication and production of viral particles85,88  Restricts viral egress88 DR5, death receptor 5; EAE, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis; HAV, hepatitis A virus; LMIR5, leukocyte mono-Iglike receptor 5; NF-B, nuclear factor-kappa B; NKT, natural killer T; PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase; TIM-1, T-cell Ig and mucin domain-1; Treg, T regulatory.

Profibrotic Role in CKD

Progressive renal fibrosis is the common histological manifestation of CKD. Although KIM-1 expression is self-limited during AKI that results in complete repair,16 its expression can persist under conditions of persistent injury or inflammation (Table 1).70,89 Indeed, KIM-1 expression is evident within areas of fibrosis and inflammation on biopsies from patients with CKD.9094 To decipher if chronic KIM-1 directly contributes to CKD or is merely a biomarker of ongoing tubular injury, Humphreys et al. conditionally overexpressed KIM-1 in tubular epithelial cells in mice.70 By age 4 weeks, the KIM-1 transgenic mice developed spontaneous and progressive interstitial renal inflammation with fibrosis, along with all the manifestations of human CKD.70,95 At a median of 11 weeks, all mice died of progressive kidney failure, suggesting that chronic (albeit artificial) KIM-1 expression promotes renal fibrosis.70

Renal KIM-1 has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease where urinary fatty acid-bound albumin taken up by proximal tubule epithelial cells can instigate chronic tubulointerstitial damage.96,97 KIM-1 is expressed in the proximal tubules of patients and mice with histological evidence of diabetic kidney disease.98 Elevated baseline blood KIM-1 levels can independently predict the progression of CKD to kidney failure in patients with type 1 diabetes and proteinuria.47 In animal models, KIM-1mediated uptake of palmitic acidbound albumin results in lipid accumulation in proximal tubule epithelial cells and mitochondrial generation of harmful intracellular reactive oxygen species, which subsequently causes both DNA damage and activation of the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-richcontaining family, pyrin domaincontaining-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome.98 Proximal tubule epithelial cells exposed to palmitic acid take on a senescent phenotype directly contributing to interstitial inflammation and glomerulosclerosis. Inhibition of KIM-1mediated uptake of palmitic acidbound albumin protected mice from renal inflammation and fibrosis.98 Taken together, the above findings argue for a key role for KIM-1 in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease.

Aberrant Expression of KIM-1 in Cancer and Its Clinical Relevance

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy affecting the genitourinary system.99 Clear cell and papillary histological subtypes account for more than 90% of RCC cases.100 More than 30% of patients present with metastatic disease, with 5-year survival rates of <18% despite therapeutic advances,101,102 highlighting the need to develop sensitive biomarker(s) for earlier detection and treatment.101 Both clear cell and papillary RCC tumors arise from the proximal tubule and stain positively for KIM-1 along the cell membrane and cytoplasm.103,104 Chromophobe and oncocytoma RCC tumors (both of which are derived from the distal nephron tubules) do not stain for KIM-1.103,104 As such, KIM-1 has now become a useful tissue biomarker for differentiating clear cell and papillary RCC from the other histological subtypes.103 Healthy proximal tubule epithelial cells do not express KIM-1.2,46,105

KIM-1 is spontaneously shed from RCC cells in vitro and is detectable in the urine and plasma of affected patients.15,104,106109 The level of KIM-1 in the urine (urinary KIM-1 [uKIM-1]) seems to correlate with tumor size and grade and becomes markedly reduced in patients with localized RCC who have undergone nephrectomy.108 Higher postnephrectomy plasma KIM-1 levels were associated with disease recurrence.110 uKIM-1 is quite specific for RCC given the absence of any concomitant kidney disease(s).106 In a nested casecontrol study, Scelo and colleagues found that plasma KIM-1 concentration above 200 pg/ml could predict incident RCC up to 5 years before its diagnosis using conventional strategies.109 High plasma KIM-1 concentrations were associated with poorer overall survival in this study.109 Despite several studies linking higher levels of shed KIM-1 with poorer prognosis, the biological role of KIM-1 in tumor progression remains unclear.111 We found that KIM-1 mRNA in RCC tumors negatively correlated with survival and impaired metastasis in vivo.112 Nonetheless, there is emerging interest in using KIM-1 as a therapeutic target using antibodydrug conjugates.113,114 This may be of particular interest as KIM-1 is also expressed in ovarian clear cell carcinomas.103,115

Clinical and Therapeutic Implications of KIM-1 in Kidney Disease

AKI

AKI is a serious condition that occurs in approximately one in five hospitalized children and adults worldwide116,117 and is associated with high mortality.94,118,119 Even mild-to-moderate AKI confers worse long-term outcomes, including the propensity to develop CKD and kidney failure.116,120126 Treatment remains largely supportive, but accurate and timely diagnosis may enable clinicians to prevent more severe tissue damage and/or prolonged kidney dysfunction. KIM-1 emerged as one of the first biomarkers of AKI owing to its biochemical properties inducing its (1) rapid upregulation and accelerated shedding into the urine, (2) lack of expression in the healthy kidney, (3) presence in the blood, (4) downregulation after repair, (5) high ex vivo stability, and (6) easy detection.2,40,46,49,127129 It is a sensitive and reliable biomarker of various types of AKI and has been qualified for preclinical drug development by the US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency.51,130 KIM-1 expression was found to be significantly upregulated on the apical membrane of proximal tubule epithelial cells after both ischemic and nephrotoxic AKI in both animals and humans.46,49,119,131 uKIM-1 levels peak at about 48 hours postinjury, and levels highly correlate with the histopathologic grade of kidney damage.46,132,133 Irrespective of whether the injury is subtle or severe (with altered kidney function), uKIM-1 seems to outperform conventional markers with the highest area under the receiver operator characteristic curve.134137 A number of clinical variables significantly influence the performance of uKIM-1, including age, comorbidity, and criteria used to define AKI.137,138 uKIM-1 is also a potential biomarker for the early detection of AKI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.139

CKD

The observation that KIM-1 expression correlated with tubular inflammation and fibrosis in both proteinuric rats and patients with IgA nephropathy was an early indication that KIM-1 might be involved in the pathogenesis of CKD.90,140 Using a murine model of severe ischemic AKI, Hamid Rabb's group proposed that KIM-1 might be a biomarker for AKI to CKD transition.141 However, it was a key observation from the Bonventre laboratory that first suggested that blood or uKIM-1 could be used to predict CKD progression in humans.47,142 They also found that baseline uKIM-1 levels may be indicative of regression of microalbuminuria in patients with type 1 diabetes consistent with the importance of early proximal tubule injury in the progression of diabetic kidney disease.71 This is pertinent given that albuminuria is one of the most important predictors of prognosis of kidney disease in this population.140,143 Through the predictive value of KIM-1 in progression to diabetic CKD, independent of albumin excretion rate has been challenged, and increased KIM-1 levels were shown to be associated with lower kidney function independent of diabetes duration.144 Recent findings by Parikh and colleagues suggest that sustained tissue injury (e.g., KIM-1 expression) and inflammation are associated with a higher risk of kidney disease progression in humans.145

Therapeutics

To date, no effective therapies exist for AKI. Given that AIM/CD5L acts as an opsonin for the phagocytic clearance of necrotic by KIM-1positive proximal tubule epithelial cells during AKI,20,29 we inquired whether recombinant AIM could be used as a therapeutic strategy to ameliorate renal IRI in vivo. Administration of recombinant AIM 3 days after renal pedicle clamping (warm IRI), resulted in enhanced debris clearance and marked improvement in kidney function and survival compared with vehicle-treated mice.20 Delayed graft function after kidney transplantation (often called the AKI of transplantation) is a major clinical complication that prolongs hospital stay and negatively affects graft outcomes.146148 Using a murine model of kidney transplantation, we showed that administration of a single dose of recombinant AIM immediately after kidney transplantation dramatically improved tissue damage and graft recovery compared with administration of vehicle alone.149 These data suggested that AIM-KIM-1 axis is an endogenous mechanism that may be exploited therapeutically in AKI. Given the emerging role of KIM-1 in renal fibrosis and CKD, more detailed studies will be required before recombinant AIM is ready for the clinic.

Using a high-throughput screen, the Bonventre group identified a small molecule inhibitor of KIM-1 (TW-37) mediated uptake of fluorescently labeled oxidized LDL particles.98 TW-37 was effective at blocking uptake of palmitic acid-bound albumin by proximal tubule epithelial cells and ameliorated renal inflammation and fibrosis in an albumin-overload model of CKD.

Because it is specifically expressed by injured proximal tubule epithelial cells critical to the pathogenesis of AKI, KIM-1 has been exploited to deliver therapeutic agents to these cells.46,150,151 Tang et al. elegantly showed that small interfering RNA targeting P65 (belonging to the NF-B family) and Snai1 drive inflammation and fibrosis in AKI and can be delivered to KIM-1expressing cells using extracellular vesicles conjugated to novel KIM-1binding peptides.152 Dual inhibition of P65 and Snai1 (via small interfering RNA) significantly improved ischemia reperfusion and unilateral ureter obstruction-induced AKI by alleviating tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis after AKI. Clinical trials are needed before KIM-1based therapeutics can be used in patients with AKI.

TIM-1 Expression and Function in the Immune Cells

Costimulatory and Tariffing Roles of TIM-1 in T Cells

When expressed by cells of the immune system, KIM-1 is referred to as TIM-1 on the basis of the discovery of the TIM gene family.5,37 TIM-1 is expressed on activated T cells,4,72 B cells,75,80,153 natural killer T (NKT) cells,82,83 and mast cells.154,155 It is important to note that TIM-1expressing lymphocytes recognize apoptotic cells but failed to engulf them.25,72,76,77,83

Initially, studies aimed at uncovering the function of TIM-1 on T cells relied heavily on an agonist antiTIM-1 monoclonal antibody, clone 3B3 (Figure 2A and Table 1).31,72 Stimulation of CD4+ T cells with 3B3 was sufficient to provide a costimulatory signal required for activation and production of IL-4.72 Overexpression of TIM-1 in purified murine T cells was sufficient to enhance IL-4 and IFN- production.18,157 Costimulation requires tyrosine phosphorylation of the cytosolic tail of TIM-1 and its recruitment to the T-cell receptor signaling complex.157 In conjunction with antigen stimulation, TIM-1 stimulation increased production of both IL4 and IFN- in unpolarized CD4+ T cells and prevented development of respiratory tolerance.72 In addition, 3B3 administration promoted airway hyperreactivity and inflammation by inhibiting T-cell tolerance to allergens in mice.72 Another antiTIM-1 antibody, 1H8.2, recognizing the mucin/stalk domain also exacerbated airway inflammation and pathology in murine model of antigen-induced asthma by promoting T-helper 2 (Th2) responses.156 While Umetsu et al. reported that TIM-1 expression was predominantly sustained on Th2 cells over Th1 cells, Xiao et al. and Degauque et al. showed that treatment of 3B3 induces the proliferation of Th1 and Th17 cells.34,72,73 In an allograft model, Degauque et al. observed that the administration of 3B3 enhanced survival and expansion of alloreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, whereas the induction and function of alloreactive Treg cells were inhibited.73 3B3 also negated the anti-CD154induced tolerance of islet allografts in mice.73 In a murine model of experimental multiple sclerosis known as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), 3B3 proved to enhance the responses of proinflammatory Th1 and Th17 cells, which are crucial for the progression of EAE. In turn, this enhanced leukocyte infiltration and tissue damage in the central nervous system.34 Despite recognizing the IgV domain, a lower-affinity monoclonal antiTIM-1 antibody, RMT1-10, in contrast, reduced T-cell proliferation in vitro and suppressed Th1 cytokine production.34 RMT1-10 treatment ameliorated autoimmune Th1 and Th17 responses and EAE and promoted a Th2 response. Using a major histocompatibility complexmismatched mouse cardiac allografts model, Sayegh and colleagues demonstrated that RMT1-10 prolonged allograft survival by downregulating alloreactive Th1 responses and promoting CD4+CD25+ Treg responses.74

Figure 2: The multifaceted role of TIM-1 in the immune system. (A) The role of TIM-1 T-cell responses in immunity and tolerance was largely based on studies whereby cell surface TIM-1 was ligated using activating (high-affinity 3B3) or inhibitory (low-affinity RMT1-0) antiTIM-1 antibodies.34 , 72 The effect of TIM-1 engagement on T-cell responses seems to be dependent on the affinity and/or avidity of the corresponding antibody.156 For instance, 3B3 can costimulate CD4+ T-cell activation in vitro and block the development of tolerance when administered in vivo in mice.72 , 157 Thereby, 3B3 can promote airway inflammation and EAE, in mouse models of asthma and multiple sclerosis, especially.34 , 72 In transplant models, 3B3 inhibited allograft tolerance by promoting the expansion of Th1 and Th17 cells and deprogramming of Tregs cells.73 By contrast, RTM1-10 reduces antigen-specific CD4+ T (Th1 and Th17) responses, promotes Th2 responses, and prolongs the survival of heart allografts in vivo.34 , 74 TIM-1 also binds to P-selectin and mediates the trafficking of Th1 and Th2 cells during inflammation and autoimmune disease.158 (B) TIM-1 signaling is required for B regulatory cell (Breg) induction and maintenance and is an inclusive marker for IL-10positive Bregs.7580 In addition, TIM-1 ligation with RTM110 induces expansion of Bregs that express many checkpoint receptors (e.g., TIGIT) and produce IL-10.78 , 80 , 159 TIM-1+ Bregs are required for maintenance of tolerancemice that express TIM-1 lacking the mucin domain (TIM-1mucin) or lacking TIM-1+ B cells develop age-related autoimmunity and harbor hyperactive T cells.74 , 75 , 77 , 78 Accordingly, treatment with RMT1-10 or adoptive transfer of TIM-1+ Bregs can prolong islet and heart allografts, respectively.77 , 80 TIM-1 reduces type 1 interferon responses in B cells, which in turn impacts B cell activation and inhibits antigen presentation and costimulation. (C) NKT cells constitutively express TIM-1 and can be activated via stimulation with 3B3 (but not RMT1-10) or apoptotic cells.8284 Activated NKT cells can contribute to lung inflammation and liver injury in experimental models.84 CD4, cluster of differentiation 4; CD8, cluster of differentiation 8; EAE, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis; IFN, interferon gamma; Il-4, interleukin 4; Il-10, interleukin 10; Il-13, interleukin 13; iNKT, invariant NKT cells; NKT, natural killer T; Th1, T-helper 1; Th2, T-helper 2; Th17, T-helper 17; TIGIT, T-cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain; TIM-1, T-cell Ig and mucin domain-1; TNF-, tumor necrosis factor alpha; Treg, T regulatory. Created with BioRender.com (A) The role of TIM-1 T-cell responses in immunity and tolerance was largely based on studies whereby cell surface TIM-1 was ligated using activating (high-affinity 3B3) or inhibitory (low-affinity RMT1-0) antiTIM-1 antibodies.The effect of TIM-1 engagement on T-cell responses seems to be dependent on the affinity and/or avidity of the corresponding antibody.For instance, 3B3 can costimulate CD4T-cell activation in vitro and block the development of tolerance when administered in vivo in mice.Thereby, 3B3 can promote airway inflammation and EAE, in mouse models of asthma and multiple sclerosis, especially.In transplant models, 3B3 inhibited allograft tolerance by promoting the expansion of Th1 and Th17 cells and deprogramming of Tregs cells.By contrast, RTM1-10 reduces antigen-specific CD4T (Th1 and Th17) responses, promotes Th2 responses, and prolongs the survival of heart allografts in vivo.TIM-1 also binds to P-selectin and mediates the trafficking of Th1 and Th2 cells during inflammation and autoimmune disease.(B) TIM-1 signaling is required for B regulatory cell (Breg) induction and maintenance and is an inclusive marker for IL-10positive Bregs.In addition, TIM-1 ligation with RTM110 induces expansion of Bregs that express many checkpoint receptors (e.g., TIGIT) and produce IL-10.TIM-1Bregs are required for maintenance of tolerancemice that express TIM-1 lacking the mucin domain (TIM-1) or lacking TIM-1B cells develop age-related autoimmunity and harbor hyperactive T cells.Accordingly, treatment with RMT1-10 or adoptive transfer of TIM-1Bregs can prolong islet and heart allografts, respectively.TIM-1 reduces type 1 interferon responses in B cells, which in turn impacts B cell activation and inhibits antigen presentation and costimulation. (C) NKT cells constitutively express TIM-1 and can be activated via stimulation with 3B3 (but not RMT1-10) or apoptotic cells.Activated NKT cells can contribute to lung inflammation and liver injury in experimental models.CD4, cluster of differentiation 4; CD8, cluster of differentiation 8; EAE, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis; IFN, interferon gamma; Il-4, interleukin 4; Il-10, interleukin 10; Il-13, interleukin 13; iNKT, invariant NKT cells; NKT, natural killer T; Th1, T-helper 1; Th2, T-helper 2; Th17, T-helper 17; TIGIT, T-cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain; TIM-1, T-cell Ig and mucin domain-1; TNF-, tumor necrosis factor alpha; Treg, T regulatory. Created with

Given the broad impact of TIM-1 on T-cell function, there was an intense search for its ligand. Work by Meyers and colleagues suggested that TIM-4 might be the natural ligand for TIM-1 and that the TIM-1-TIM-4 interaction may regulate T-cell proliferation in vivo.160 However, it is now believed that these PS receptors may interact indirectly through an exosome bridge.10,80 Overall, these data suggested that engagement of TIM-1 can positively and negatively costimulate T-cell responses depending on the avidity with which the receptor is engaged.34

Angiari and colleagues have proposed that TIM-1 can mediate the trafficking of CD4+ (Th1 and Th17) T cells during inflammation and autoimmune responses (Figure 2A).158 Selectins are adhesion molecules that are upregulated on activated endothelial cells and are integral in mediating the rolling and tethering of lymphocytes for extravasation. The family consists of L-selectin (CD62L), E-selectin (CD62E), and P-selectin (CD62P). P-selectin is rapidly expressed by activated endothelium and platelets and by platelet-derived microparticles.161,162 Using intricate in vitro (cellfree) and in vivo studies, including intravital imaging, Angiari et al. showed that TIM-1 is a P-selectin ligand and pivotal trafficking of activated Th1 and Th17 cells.158 Both the IgV and mucin domains were required for selectin-binding and rolling of TIM-1expressing leukocytes. TIM-1 was important for the trafficking of pathogenic T cells into the central nervous system during experimental EAE in mice.158 It remains to be seen whether TIM-1 plays a more broader role in T-cell trafficking in other immunopathogenic conditions.73

B Cells Expressing TIM-1 Regulate Immune Responses

To assess TIM-1 expression and function more directly in lymphocytes, Wong et al. generated Tim-1deficient mice.153 Surprisingly, they failed to detect any Tim-1 on activated T cells but observed Tim-1 induction on anti-IgMstimulated B cells. Rothstein and Kuchroo have confirmed this finding and suggest that TIM-1 is an inclusive marker of IL-10 producing B regulatory cells (Bregs) that is also required for their generation and maintenance in vivo (Figure 2B).75,77,80 Bregs are a subtype of B cells that attenuate inflammation and contribute to the maintenance of immune tolerance.163165 Engagement of Tim-1 by PS on apoptotic cells or RMT1-10 induced TIM-1 signaling is required for Breg induction and function.76,78 Indeed, mice harboring the loss-of-function Tim-1 (Kim-1mucin) exhibited progressive loss of IL-10+ B cells and developed severe multiorgan tissue inflammation with advanced age.76,78 These studies highlighted the importance of the mucin domain for TIM-1-mediated signaling and immunomodulatory function.77,78 The adoptive transfer of Tim-1expressing Bregs into islet allograft recipients resulted in prolonged graft survival.80 Recently, the Kuchroo laboratory discovered that TIM-1+ B cells play a fundamental role in negatively regulating antitumor T-cells responses in mice and suggests that targeting TIM-1+ B cells might serve as a therapeutic strategy.81

In a murine cardiac transplant model, treatment with RMT1-10 in combination with rapamycin led to long-term allograft tolerance because of enhanced regulatory Treg and Th2 cell responses.77 It was previously thought that the 3B3 enhanced T-cell activity and RMT1-10 inhibited T-cell activity159,166; however, current evidence suggests that RMT1-10 likely directly induces IL-10+ Bregs that indirectly dampen T-cell activity and induces Treg expansion.77,80 In summary, TIM-1 may be a useful marker for identifying IL-10producing Bregs that are both required for their development and enable them to engage apoptotic cells.159 Given the importance of TIM-1+ B cells in immune-mediated disease and cancer, we are likely to see several TIM-1based therapeutics in the near future.

TIM-1 Regulates NKT Cell Function

NKT cells are a distinct subset of T cells that simultaneously express the T-cell receptor complex and NKT cell markers that uniquely recognize nonpolymorphic major histocompatibility complex class I-like glycoprotein (CD1d) that presents glycolipid molecules to NKT cells.167,168 A subset of NKT cells express an invariant T-cell receptor- chain exhibiting the characteristic V14-J18 and V24-J18 gene rearrangements in mice and humans, respectively, and are termed invariant NKT cells (iNKT).167 Two studies independently identified that TIM-1 is constitutively expressed on NKT cells and functions as a costimulatory molecule (Figure 2C).82,83 However, some discrepancies exist between these studies. Kim et al. found that stimulation of NKT hybridoma (DN32.D3) cells with alpha-glucosylceramide (-GalCer) and antiTim-1 (RMT1-4 or RMT1-10) resulted in enhanced IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 production and suppressed IFN- production.82 The adoptive transfer of antiTIM-1stimulated NKT cells aggravated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing IFN- production in mice.82 Conversely, Lee et al. reported that stimulation of iNKT cells (generated from primary NKT cells) with -GalCer and antiTim-1 (3B3 clone) or antiTim-1 (3B3) alone induced NTK cell proliferation and enhanced production of various cytokines, including IL4, TNF, and IFN.83 Immunization of Balb/c mice with ovalbumin and antiTim-1 antibody enhanced antigen-specific T-cell responses in a CD1d-dependent fashion.83In vivo, induction of lung epithelial apoptosis led to iNKT cell activation (via TIM-1) and promoted airway hyperreactivity, a critical feature of asthma.83 Taken together, these studies suggest that TIM-1 enables NKT cells to sense PS on apoptotic cells and modulate innate immunity during tissue injury or asthma.

Patients carrying a polymorphism in HAVCR1 (resulting in six amino acid insertion in the mucin domain) who were exposed to HAV may be protected against atopy.5 Given that TIM-1 was also the receptor for HAV, Rosenzweig's group hypothesized that NKT cells might become activated by HAV and contribute to HAV-associated liver injury.84 In an Argentinian population, they showed that having one or two copies of the long form of TIM-1 (157insMTTTVP) was associated with a greater risk of developing severe HAV-induced liver failure. In vitro, TIM-1 protein containing the 157insMTTTVP insertion bound HAV particles more efficiently.84 When expressed by human NKT cells, this long form of TIM-1 resulted in greater NKT cell cytolytic activity against HAV-infected liver cells compared with the shorter TIM-1 protein without the polymorphism.

Role of KIM-1/TIM-1 in Viral Pathogenesis

Kaplan et al.3 and Feigelstock et al.1 discovered that HAVCR1 is the cellular receptor for HAV. Recent studies have questioned the role of HAVCR1 as a classical viral entry receptor, suggesting that HAVCR1/TIM-1 enhances, but is not necessary for, the entry of naked or quasi-enveloped HAV particles.169,170 Current evidence supports the notion that HAVCR1 acts as an entry cofactor for HAV. Moreover, Das et al. reported that HAVCR1 was required for HAV infection of liver cells in vitro or liver in vivo.169 In addition to HAV, HAVCR1 also enhances the entry of certain enveloped viruses, including HIV-1, specific flaviviruses (e.g., Dengue virus), and certain filoviruses, including Ebola virus.35,85,86 In the case of Dengue virus, binding to KIM-1 and ubiquitination of its cytosolic domain was shown to be crucial for virus endocytosis in skin cells.87 Recent findings suggest that TIM-1 is also a potential cell surface receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 infection.171174 In all cases, HAVCR1 enhanced viral entry primarily by binding host-derived PS present on viral envelopes that are acquired during the budding process.35 It is perhaps counterintuitive to understand how HAVCR1 decreases HIV-1 replication in Jurkat T cells although it enhances HIV-1 entry.85 In HEK-293T cells, HAVCR1 decreased the release of viral particles.85 Indeed, expression of HAVCR1 induces the accumulation of HIV-1 virions on the surface of infected cells.

The (replication) restrictive role of TIM-family proteins extends beyond HIV-1 to Ebola virus and Moloney murine leukemia virus.85 Although not induced by IFNs and therefore not a classical restriction factor, it has become clear that TIM-family proteins also have antiviral functions, suggesting a dual function of these proteins in viral infections.85 Similar to how they enhance viral entry of some enveloped viruses, the ability of TIM proteins to restrict viral egress is dependent on their PS-binding activity. TIM-1 mutants deficient in PS binding are unable to restrict HIV-1 egress from HEK-293T cells compared with their wild-type counterparts.85 Prevost et al. demonstrated that TIM-3 restricts HIV-1 replication in primary CD4+ cells less efficiently on administration of antibodies that block the PS binding site of TIM-3 compared with a control antibody.174,175 Although it is unclear if these mutations or antibody blockades affect PS-dependent TIM functions exclusively, it is logical that restriction of viral egress by TIM-family proteins also involves PS binding. Thus, humans expressing genetic variants of TIM-1 that influence binding to PS might exhibit differential susceptibility to infection and disease caused by enveloped viruses.86

Critically, HIV-1, murine leukemia virus, and equine infectious anemia virus all encode viral proteins that antagonize the antiviral effects of TIM-family proteins, underscoring the importance of these TIM-family proteins as atypical viral restriction factors.174,176 By encoding TIM-antagonizing proteins, viruses can exploit the proviral effects of TIM-family proteins on viral entry while inhibiting the restrictions these proteins place on viral egress.

Future Directions

Significant gaps remain on the biology of KIM-1/TIM-1 in vivo, so far limiting the use of KIM-1based biomarker and/or therapeutics in clinical medicine.79,88,177181 This is particularly true in the kidney where the prevailing renoprotective role of KIM-1 in AKI has been put into question.17,69 Although a majority of studies have investigated the tissue-specific roles of KIM-1/TIM-1, more work is needed to better understand the interaction between KIM-1/TIM-1 in the parenchyma and the immune system. Prospective studies of large populations are needed before KIM-1 can be used in clinical oncology for early detection of RCC. Ultimately, a more detailed understanding of the multifaceted role of KIM-1/TIM-1 in the body will be required to safely deliver targeted therapies for AKI, immune-mediated disease, and kidney cancer.

Concluding Remarks

Owing to its unique structure, KIM-1/TIM-1 serves as a crucial cellular sensory receptor for dying cells in a variety of cells in the human body. In the kidney, KIM-1 enables the efficient removal of apoptotic and necrotic cells while triggering signaling that helps to dampen inflammation after acute injury, although other studies show that KIM-1 may be harmful in AKI. During chronic injury, KIM-1 seems to promote fibrosis. In immune cells, TIM-1 expression confers on them the ability to regulate inflammation and promote tolerance but impairs antitumor immunity. Its aberrant expression in RCC tumors has fortuitously become useful for its early diagnosis and prognostication. Certain enveloped viruses have taken advantage of this PS receptor to help self-propagation. Understanding the functional role of KIM-1/TIM-1 in health and disease may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for a variety of conditions, such as asthma, autoimmunity, AKI, and cancer.
China's Macao honored as Culture City of East Asia 2025

Xinhua) 09:51, June 04, 2024

MACAO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has been awarded the title of "Culture City of East Asia 2025," the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR government announced on Monday.

The office noted that the designation will serve as an opportunity to further enrich Macao's cultural content, improve the public cultural service system and infrastructure, and promote exchanges among civilizations.

The final evaluation of the title was held in May this year, according to the office.

The Culture City of East Asia program is an art and culture event launched by China, Japan, and South Korea. Each year, the three nations will name one or two cities from each country as the Culture Cities of East Asia to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
You are here: China

China has achieved remarkable progress on ecological conservation and restoration in recent years, contributing significantly to global efforts to build an ecological civilization, an official with the Ministry of Natural Resources said Monday.

While applying a red line system to demarcate delicate ecological areas, China has restored over 100 million mu (about 6.7 million hectares) of ecosystems that include mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts, said Lu Lihua during a themed activity held by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) China Office.

Tu Ruihe, head of the office, said China has been highly praised by the international community for launching and advancing the world's largest ecological restoration project. He expressed hope that the country would share its experience with the rest of the world.

The themed activity took place two days ahead of World Environment Day, bringing together representatives from the UN, government bodies, research institutions, businesses, universities and non-governmental organizations.

This year's World Environment Day focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.
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.

Vote

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HOLDREGE  Pop-up art, a mural, and a new all-day art and music festival will bring downtown Holdrege to life this summer as part of the new Iron Horse Arts District.

Cassie Ehrenberg, project manager for the district, said one of the long-term goals of the arts district is to operate a permanent art gallery or center. But for now, the Iron Horse team will highlight area artists through pop-up displays.

In June, Bertrand Native Taylor (Nation) Majerus will lead ESU 11 Summer Honors students in chalk art drawings in front of the Holdrege Public Library and other downtown locations.

Majerus will be teaching 14 students in her summer honors class June 10-21. Her students will learn about illusions in art and focus on anamorphic chalk art.

These chalk images are illustrated in a way that they appear to be popping out, caving in, or standing on the sidewalk right in front of you, when viewed through a camera lens, Majerus said. Soft pastels are used to create the artwork, which gives it a bright high-contrast color and allows us to create more realistic fine details.

Majerus said this type of artwork is sometimes referred to as street painting and has roots that date back to 15th-century Italy.

She said the students will create their own designs for the chalk art around town, but they will be encouraged to plan designs for the library that relate to book characters and the importance of reading.

Majerus hopes to have the library drawings done in time for Swedish Days, but it will depend on the weather. With no rain, the drawings will remain crisp and bright for several days. A heavy rain will wash away a lot of the color, but faded images could remain on the sidewalk for several weeks.

Businesses interested in hosting chalk art creations in front of their business should contact Majerus at taylorspalette@gmail.com.

The second pop-up will be in July when the artwork of 2023 Holdrege High School graduate Jillian Bailey and the late Brad Pearson will be displayed at the Spirit of Grace Church, 413 West Ave. The church will be open for viewing the art from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays in July. A Meet and Greet reception is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 11.

Bailey is pursuing a career in digital illustration through the CG Spectrum Art Academy. She has loved art since she was a young child and fostered that talent through high school where she was a member of the National Art Honor Society. The art on display is part of the portfolio she is developing through her classes.

Pearson was a 1963 HHS graduate who started loving art from an early age. He practiced his skills on classmates papers and notebooks and then on ivory soap as a Boy Scout. In 1983, he moved on to bronze sculptures. One of his sculptures is displayed at St. Andrews Museum in Scotland. In 1984, Pearson drew 11 pictures for the First National Banks Calendar for their 100th anniversary. Besides bronze, he also created art with watercolors and pastels. Pearson died in 2019.

In August, Iron Horse Arts District volunteers are planning a Community Talent Show at the Holdrege Public Library. The event will be from 5-7:45 p.m. on Aug. 8.

The deadline to register for the talent show is July 30. Register to participate in the talent show at www.ironhorsedistrict.org/events/community-talent-show. A piano and music stand will be available.

Contact Chelsea Feusner (feusner@gmail.com) or Ashley Brock (ashley.brock@dusters.org) with questions about the talent show.

The Iron Horse Art Districts first mural will be painted on the east wall of the Riteway Milk building at 815 Fourth Ave. A Wyoming artist was selected from an applicant pool of more than 130 muralists from around the country and world to paint the mural.

More details will be announced soon on the timing and content of the mural.

The district will host its first Iron Horse Festival on Sept. 14. The all-day event will include artisans and vendors from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Some of the artists/demonstrators already signed up are current Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason, a pop-up gallery from the Museum of Nebraska Art, Artistic Innovations (barn quilt demonstration), and MomenTum Dance Academy.

The event will culminate with a concert in front of the Iron Horse Station featuring Logan Mize, Luke Mills and Savanna Chestnut.

The day portion of the event is free. Tickets are available for the evening concert at ironhorseartsdistrict/iron-horse-festival-info.

For more information about the Iron Horse Arts District or to be involved, please contact project manager Cassie Ehrenberg at info@ironhorsedistrict.org.
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With summer approaching, those looking for domestic travel recommendations around southeastern Korea are spoiled with choices to enjoy the outdoors.

Here are 15 recommended local places to visit this summer:

Marine City, Busan  The first time to make the recommended list, spectacular day and night views, massive high-rise buildings, and fine dining are what make a worthwhile trip just down the road from Haeundae Beach.

Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan  The site of the residence of refugees during the Korean War began to call attention when the students of Dong-A University drew murals in the Village as a part of their voluntary service activities in 2008 which has now become bustling with cafes and small museums.

Taejongdae, Busan  The spectacular views of the sea, local seafood, and the suicide rocks are just a few of the reasons to head to this landmark park.

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Haeundae Beach, Busan  The tourist mecca of the city for its long swaths of sand, theres always something happening along arguably the countrys most famous beach.

Jagalchi Market, Busan  Three words  Oiso (Come), Boiso (See), Saiso (Enjoy) are the trademark of the fish market formed in the late 19th century which distributes almost half of the total seafood (both dried and fresh) sold in all of Korea.

Songdo Beach, Busan  Songdos revitalization continues, and a visit on the cable car to see the views of the western part of the city is a definite must.

Changnyeong Upo Swamp, Changnyeong County  Located near the Nakdong River, Upo wetlands are the largest in the region and are great for eco-tourism.

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Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province  Historical Jinju is a beautiful city with vibrant festivals and lovely natural surroundings.

Hapcheon Haeinsa, Gayasan National Park, South Gyeongsang Province  Located on Gayasan, Haeinsa Temple is home to the famed Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, which was engraved on 80,000 woodblocks between 1237 and 1248.

Namhae German Village, Namhae  A small piece of Germany in Korea, the small village is home to former Korean residents who lived in Germany in the 1960s. An additional bonus is the nearby Windbreak forest, and Mulmi Coastal Road, arguably the most beautiful coastal drive in the country.

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Windy Hill, Geoje  A popular shooting location for Korean dramas, it became a popular tourist site for its views of the sea and the nearby Hakdong village.

Oedo, Geoje  Dubbed Koreas Paradise, Oedo Botania is an island treasure that is an absolute must-visit on any itinerary to the country.

Tongyeong Skyline Luge, Tongyeong  Skyline Luge Tongyeong sits directly below the Hallyeosudo Cable Car which takes visitors to Mt Mireuksan and offers stunning views across Tongyeong City, the sea and surrounding islands.

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Taehwagang Bamboo Forest, Ulsan  Only an hour out of Busan, the stunning scenery of the ecological park alongside the Taehwa River is a perfect place to take a respite in the city as well as a destination for those in need of natures healing hands.

Yeongnam Alps, Ulsan  Stretching from Ulsan to Milyang, the mountainous region of the Yeongnam Alps includes Tongdosa and Pyochungsa Temples, various hot springs and waterfalls, and beautiful nature.
 Flash

People mourn Iran's late President Ebrahim Raisi at the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, northeastern Iran, on May 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Registration for Iran's 14th presidential election concluded on Monday, with 80 candidates entering the race for the country's top executive position.

The five-day registration process kicked off on Thursday at the Interior Ministry in the Iranian capital Tehran. After the registration, the vetting of candidates will begin on Tuesday and continue until June 10, with the final nominees to be announced on June 11, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

Qualified candidates will then have 15 days, from June 12 to June 26, to conduct their electoral campaigns. The election is scheduled to take place on June 28, according to the report.

Among the prominent candidates are Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani, member of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council Saeed Jalili, Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, Culture Minister Mohammad-Mehdi Esmaeili, Labor Minister Solat Mortazavi, President of the Plan and Budget Organization Davoud Manzour, second Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Nikzad and Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, vice-president and head of the Martyrs and Veterans Affairs Foundation.

Other registered candidates include former First Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri, ex-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, former Central Bank Governor Abdolnasser Hemmati, as well as a number of other high-ranking officials.

Four former female MPs, namely Zohreh Elahian, Hamideh Zarabadi, Hajar Chenarani, and Rafat Bayat, have also registered their candidacy, according to the official news agency IRNA.

Despite initial speculation, Iran's Interim President Mohammad Mokhber did not enter the presidential race.

At a ceremony in southern Tehran on Monday commemorating the 35th anniversary of the passing of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said the Iranian nation would need an "active, hardworking and cognizant president, who is committed to the basics of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution."

The 14th presidential election, originally scheduled for 2025, was brought forward due to the unexpected death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19 in the northwestern province of East Azarbaijan.

According to Iran's Constitution, the first vice president assumes the executive duties in such circumstances, with the interim president required to organize a new presidential election within a maximum of 50 days.
On 3 June Bolivias Public Works Ministersaid that the blocking of highways by protesters constitutes the beginning of a coup against Presidents government.

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On 3 June the leader of a radical Mapuche militant group,, went on hunger strike in his cell in Chiles southern city of Concepcion, the capital of the region of Biobio.

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Election officials in Mexico say Claudia Sheinbaum will become the country's first female president.

Sheinbaum won a large victory in Sundays election after promising to continue the policies of outgoing leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

In early results, Sheinbaum received between 58 percent and 61 percent of votes. It is the most support won by a candidate in a Mexican presidential election since the end of one-party rule in 2000.

Sheinbaum thanked Lopez Obrador in a speech she gave after the results became clear. She called him "an exceptional, unique man who has transformed Mexico for the better."

Lopez Obrador doubled the minimum wage, reduced poverty, and oversaw a strengthening peso and low levels of unemployment. His popularity helped Sheinbaum to victory in the election. But experts believe Sheinbaum will find it difficult to follow in his footsteps.

Her victory is a big change for Mexico, a country known for its masculine culture. Also, the country is home to the world's second biggest Roman Catholic population, which has supported traditional values and roles for women. In addition to that, Sheinbaum will be the first Jewish person to lead the country.

Her main opponent, Xochitl Galvez, admitted defeat after receiving 27 to 29 percent of the vote.

The 61-year-old Sheinbaum will take office on October 1. The politician is the first woman to win a general election in the United States, Mexico or Canada. Mexico joins Latin American countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama that all voted women to the highest office.

Sheinbaum has promised to expand the welfare policies that helped make Lopez Obrador popular and that aided her victory. However, Mexico now has a large budget deficit and low economic growth.

Her policy goals will be helped by strong support in Congress. Early results show her ruling party called Morena and its allies might gain a supermajority in both houses of Congress.

Mexicos high levels of violence will be one of her most immediate difficulties after she takes office. She has promised to improve security but has given few details.

The 2024 election was the most violent in Mexico's modern history. Thirty-eight candidates were murdered. Many experts say organized crime groups expanded and deepened their power during Lopez Obrador's term.

More people have been killed during Lopez Obradors term in office than during any other administration in Mexico's modern history. The number is over 185,000. Supporters say the rate has been slowly decreasing.

Sheinbaums training is in science. She has a doctoral degree in energy engineering. She was among the members of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. In 2023, Sheinbaum told The Associated Press, I believe in science.

Observers said that belief showed itself when Sheinbaum was mayor of Mexico City during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city of 9 million people did not follow what Lopez Obrador did at the national level.

While the federal government did not place importance on coronavirus testing, Mexico City expanded testing. Sheinbaum set limits on businesses' hours and capacity when the virus was rapidly spreading. Lopez Obrador wanted to avoid any measures that would hurt the economy. She also publicly wore face coverings and urged social distancing while the president was still appearing in crowds.

Sheinbaum has praised Lopez Obrador and said little that the president has not said himself. She blamed what some call neoliberal economic policies for ensuring that millions of people remain poor. She promised a strong welfare state. She also praised Mexicos large state-owned oil company, Pemex, while also promising to push clean energy.

Sheinbaum has rejected opposition claims that she would be a "puppet" of Lopez Obrador. But she has promised to continue his policies including those that target Mexico's poor.

Jason Marczak is with the Atlantic Council's Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center. He said: "There is an expectation that she will continue the policies of Lopez Obrador, but also become her own president at the same time.

Im Dan Novak.

Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by The Associated Press and Reuters.

_____________________________________________

Words in This Story

exceptional  adj. unusual, getting attention

unique  adj. one-of-a-kind; unlike any other

masculine  adj. relating to the qualities that men have

role  n. the part that a person plays in an activity or organization

welfare  n. a set of government policies that spend money to provide the poor, the old, and children with things like food, health care and money

doctoral degree (Ph.D.) n. the highest degree given at a university

capacity  n. relating to the ability to hold or contain something; for example, the number of people that a building can safely hold in a certain situation

puppet n. a toy that is controlled by its operator; a person who is controlled by someone else
NASA's Lucy spacecraft visited a little asteroid called Dinkinesh last November. The visit, scientists say, unlocks a surprisingly interesting history of the asteroid along with its companion, Selam.

Asteroids are ancient objects from the beginning of the solar system. They offer clues about how Earth and other planets formed about 4.5 billion years ago.

The U.S. space agency launched Lucy in 2021 on a 12-year mission to study asteroids. The mission is especially interested in Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, two groups of space rocks that lead and follow the giant planet as it orbits the sun.

On the way, Lucy flew past Dinkinesh and Selam in the inner edge of the main asteroid belt. The spacecraft observed ridges, trough structures and other features on Dinkinesh.

Dinkinesh has a diameter of nearly 720 meters. Selam is made up of two similarly sized lobes, one about 230 meters wide and the other about 210 meters. Selam orbits Dinkinesh once about every 53 hours at a distance of about 3.1 kilometers.

It appears, the researchers said, that a big piece of rock broke free sometime in the past from Dinkinesh. The rock was about a quarter its total size, creating a trough on its surface and sending debris into space. Some of this debris, they said, fell back onto Dinkinesh's surface to form a ridge structure.

Other materials came together to form Selam, becoming what is called a contact-binary moonlet.

Katherine Kretke, from the Southwest Research Institute in Colorado, is a co-writer of the study published in Nature. She said that a contact-binary is when it appears that a single body is composed of two objects that collided gently enough not to become disrupted.

Kretke said they are common in the solar system, but Selam was the first time a contact-binary has been observed orbiting another asteroid.

Simone Marchi is another co-writer of the study. He said, "A planet like Earth formed by the accumulation of countless small bodies. Understanding the properties of small asteroids such as Dinkinesh and Selam helps us to have a better picture of the earliest phases of planet formation.

NASA's spacecraft was named for the Ethiopian fossil of the extinct human relative Australopithecus called Lucy. That fossil has provided information about early human beings, much like asteroids provide knowledge of planetary formation.

Dinkinesh is the Ethiopian name for the Lucy fossil, meaning "you are marvelous" in the Amharic language. Selam, the Ethiopian name for another Australopithecus fossil, means "peace" in Amharic.

Lucy will next visit the asteroid Donaldjohanson in 2025 in the main asteroid belt. The spacecraft is expected to visit 11 asteroids in total.

Im Dan Novak.

Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by Reuters.

____________________________________________

Words in This Story

belt  n. a band of material that is worn around a person's waist

ridge  n. a long area of land that is on top of a mountain or hill

trough  n. a long, low area between waves or hills

lobe  n. a curved or rounded part of something

debris  n. the pieces that are left after something has been destroyed

collide  v. to hit something or each other with strong force

accumulate  v. to gather or acquire gradually as time passes

fossil  n. something that is from a plant or animal which lived in ancient times and that you can see in some rocks

marvelous  adj. extremely good or enjoyable
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Yemen's Houthi group on Monday said they launched a ballistic missile attack on southern Israel's port city of Eilat, the group's Military Spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement.

The missile forces of the Houthi group targeted a military site in Eilat with a new self-made missile called "Palestine," said the Houthi official, claiming that "the operation achieved its goal successfully."

He also pledged continued military operations "in support of the Palestinian people" until Israel stops its attacks on the Palestinian enclave.

Earlier on Monday, Israeli media outlets reported that the Israeli forces in Eilat intercepted a ballistic missile coming from the direction of the Red Sea.

The Houthi rebel group, which controls much of northern Yemen, began last November to launch ballistic missiles and drones targeting southern Israel and what they said were Israeli-linked ships transiting the Red Sea, to show solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Several ships had been reportedly damaged by Houthi attacks.
The East African country of Uganda has begun a nationwide yellow fever vaccination campaign.

The aim is for the country to protect its population against the viral disease. Yellow fever is spread by insects called mosquitoes.

Dr. Michael Baganizi is an official in charge of immunization at the health ministry. By the end of April, Ugandan officials had vaccinated 12.2 of the 14 million people targeted, he said.

Baganizi added that Uganda will now require everyone traveling to and from the country to have a yellow fever vaccination card.

Ugandan officials hope the requirement will push more people to get the yellow fever shot. Many people in Uganda have concerns about getting the vaccine. That worries health care providers.

The vaccine involves one injection. It is available at no cost to Ugandans between the ages of one and 60. There are vaccination centers in the capital, Kampala. Places offering the vaccine include schools, universities, hospitals, and local government buildings.

The Associated Press (AP) reports that, before the current campaign, Ugandans usually paid $27 to get the yellow fever vaccination at private health centers.

Uganda has more than 45 million people. It is one of 27 countries in Africa that is considered at high risk for yellow fever outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO) says there are about 200,000 cases and 30,000 deaths around the world from the disease.

Ugandas most recent outbreak was reported earlier this year in the central areas of Buikwe and Buvuma.

Yellow fever is caused by a virus spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Most infections do not have symptoms. The WHO says symptoms can include a high body temperature, muscle pain, head pain, loss of willingness to eat, upset stomach, and vomiting.

Ugandas vaccination program is part of a worldwide effort launched in 2017 to eliminate yellow fever by 2026. That goal was set by the WHO and its partners such as the U.N. childrens agency. The aim is to protect almost one billion people in Africa and in North and South America.

Last year, a study said that 185 million people in high-risk African countries had been vaccinated by August 2022.

In Uganda, most people get the yellow fever vaccination when they are traveling to countries such as South Africa. South Africa requires proof of vaccination upon arrival in the country.

James Odite is a nurse working at a private hospital, which also is a vaccination center in an area of Kampala. He told the AP that hundreds of shots remained unused after the yellow fever vaccination campaign closed. They might be used in a future mass campaign.

Some people wonder if the government wants to give them expired vaccines, Odite said.

Baganizi said Ugandas government has spent money on community sensitization programs. In these programs, officials tell people that vaccines save lives.

Im Gregory Stachel.

Risdel Kasasira reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English.

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

immunization  v. to give (someone) a vaccine to prevent infection by a disease

symptoms  n. a change in the body or mind which indicates that a disease is present

vomit  v. to have the food or liquid that is in your stomach come out through your mouth because you are sick

eliminate  v. to get rid of (something)

expired  v. to no longer be valid after a period of time
From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report.

You may have heard of white noise being used to cover or hide background sounds. But now white noise has some colorful competition.

There is a growing interest around different kinds of noises. Pink noise, brown noise, and green noise make up a rainbow of calming sounds. And there is a growing interest in their theoretical effects on sleep, concentration, and relaxation.

The science is new. There have only been a few small studies that look at the effects of the noises. But the lack of research has not stopped thousands of people from listening to hours of these noises on YouTube and on meditation apps.

What is pink noise?

Before we look at pink noise, lets talk about the most common of colored noises -- white.

White noise is similar to static on a radio or television. Sound engineers describe it as having equal volume across all the frequencies that humans can hear. It gets its name from white light, which contains all the visible color wavelengths.

However, the high frequencies of white noise can sound severe. Pink noise reduces the sound on those higher frequencies. It sounds lower in pitch, more like the natural sound of rain or the ocean.

Lets listen to an example of white noise.

[AUDIO EXAMPLE: WHITE NOISE]

And this is an example of pink noise.

[AUDIO EXAMPLE: PINK NOISE]

Brown noise is even lower in pitch. This makes a pleasing sound.

[AUDIO EXAMPLE: BROWN NOISE]

Pink and brown have standard definitions to audio experts. Other colored noises, such as green, are more recent creations. So, their definitions are not as strict.

How are colored noises used to help?

Some research has found that white noise and pink noise may provide help for people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. These people have difficulty staying on a task or finishing it. This claim comes from a review of limited ADHD studies.

In theory, white and pink noises wake up the brain, said ADHD researcher Joel Nigg. He is with Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

He is a co-writer of the report Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Do White Noise or Pink Noise Help With Task Performance in Youth With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or With Elevated Attention Problems? It appeared in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

The noise provides stimulation to the brain without providing information, and so it doesnt distract, Nigg said.

White noise has been used to treat ringing or buzzing in the ear, called tinnitus.

Scientists at Northwestern University in Illinois are studying how short pulses of pink noise can increase the slow brain waves of deep sleep. In small studies, these pink-noise pulses have shown promise in improving memory and the relaxation response.

Dr. Roneil Malkani is a professor of brain science at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine. He said the frequency characteristics of pink noise are similar to brain wave frequencies we see in slow-wave sleep because these are large, slow waves.

If the research on pink noise at Northwestern University holds up under testing, it could lead to a medical device aimed at improving sleep or memory through pulses of pink noise. These pulses would be made to fit an individual.

But many scientific questions remain unanswered, Malkani said. Theres still a lot of work we have to do.

Is there any harm in trying colored noises?

If colored noises feel calming and help you focus, it makes sense to use them. But Nigg offers a few pieces of advice. He suggests keeping them at a quiet level to prevent hearing loss and to take plenty of breaks for the ears to rest.

And thats the Health & Lifestyle report. Im Anna Matteo.

Carla K. Johnson reported this story for the Associated Press. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English.

Quiz - What Is the Color of Noise? Can It Help Sleep, Memory? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

_____________________________________________

Words in This Story

static -n. noise produced in a radio or television receiver by atmospheric or electrical disturbances frequency -n.

wavelength -n. the distance (as from crest to crest) in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next corresponding point

pitch -n. the property of a sound and especially a musical tone that is determined by the frequency of the waves producing it : highness or lowness of sound

stimulate -v. to excite to activity or growth or to greater activity : stimulation -n.

distract -v. to draw the attention or mind to something else

pulse -n. an electromagnetic wave or a sound wave lasting only a short length of time
Macau is on course for an expected gross gaming revenue (GGR) pull-back this month after a record high mass GGR in May, analysts at JP Morgan Securities Asia Pacific predicted.

Last months mass-market gross gaming revenue (GGR) recovered to around 115% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the institutions estimates.

Not only was it better than the (already elevated) consensus of MOP19.5-20B, the month also saw the best GGR in more than 50 months, as well as the highest mass GGR in Macaus history, said analysts DS Kim, Mufan Shi, and Selina Li, as cited in a GGRAsia report.

Macaus overall May GGR was nearly MOP20.19 billion, up 8.9% on Aprils circa MOP18.55 billion, according to official data. This was the best monthly performance since January 2020, when the citys GGR stood at MOP22.13 billion.

The continued strength in GGR growth remains clear, said analyst Vitaly Umansky of Seaport Research Partners. However, he cautioned that base mass recovery remains subdued offset partially by strong premium mass.

Looking ahead, JP Morgan analysts forecast a pullback in June, predicting monthly GGR to reach MOP18 billion, or MOP600 million per day. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc expects a sequential per day decline of 9.0 percent for the month.

Weather often plays a role in June results as typhoon season has already begun, noted Umansky. Any major weather event in the region could have a negative impact on revenue and visitation during the summer months.

Overall, Macaus second quarter GGR could reach US$7.07 billion, an increase of 24 percent year-on-year, but still down by 23 percent versus the same period in 2019, according to Deutsche Bank Securities.
A local female student is suspected of being a victim of sexual assault. Her attacker is suspected to be a mainland man with a history of sexual assault crimes.

In a press announcement yesterday, the Judiciary Police (PJ) said that they have teamed up with their mainland counterparts in Dongguan to investigate the suspected rape case involving the middle school student.

They have arrested the 31-year-old man who is accused of posing as multiple online personas to trick the female student into sending nude photos to him, then using those photos to extort about RMB8,000 from her.

He is also suspected of coercing the student to meet him at hotels in Zhuhai three times between April 18 and May 20, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.

After learning of the incident, the authorities immediately coordinated with the school and counseling agencies to reach out and provide support to the students and parents involved. The victim is currently reported to be emotionally stable and continues to receive guidance and care from the school and counseling services.

The victims parents reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of the mainland suspect in Dongguan. The Macau police are in further communication with their mainland counterparts, including the potential extradition of the suspect to Macau for prosecution.

The Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) has expressed deep concern over the sexual assault case and has called on parents to be more attentive to their childrens daily social activities, money usage, and emotional well-being. They urge parents to take the initiative in caring for their children if they notice any abnormalities.

The bureau also reminds students to be cautious when making friends, to handle personal information carefully, and to be wary of blindly trusting online contacts. Students are encouraged to telephone to the Educational Psychological Counseling and Special Education Center on 2840 1010 if they need help. Howard Tong
A local man in his 30s who crashed his car into a pole was found to be suspected of drunk driving with a suspended license. The incident occurred yesterday about 7 a.m. when the police received a report of a private car stopped in the middle of the road. The police found the driver lying down in the car, asleep in the drivers seat. The front and body of the car displayed fresh damage and green paint, and there were signs of damage on the metal pillars next to the car.

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As the 35th anniversary of Beijings Tiananmen Square crackdown neared, Rowena He, a prominent scholar of that chapter of modern Chinas 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, 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 that started peacefully and became violent at later stages, paralizing the financial hub.

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 Tiananmen . 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.

Today, 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.

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. MDT/AP
Madison-area students are getting a glimpse into the trades  and possibly a look into their future careers  through a few summer programming opportunities.

Courses and hands-on experience in trade areas such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing and many other paths allow students to explore post-high school options and learn skills necessary for employment.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County is hosting its second year of summer programming through the initiative Careerforce Build UP!, the organizations skilled trades program for middle school students. The camps offered through the organization are weeklong, free opportunities for students to learn skills that may be necessary for future employment. Students who complete the programs can earn up to $100.

Our intention is to serve students who may not have access to programs and opportunities like this, said Stephanie Johnson, assistant vice president for workforce development at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. A lot of times its a better fit for our students than some other career pathways.

The organization also offers camps for high school students, which take place over three to five days and specialize in more advanced topics such as auto mechanics and electrical work.

Its part of a larger effort by Dane Countys Boys & Girls Clubs to expand the trade workforce by providing extracurricular and young adult apprenticeship programs, an effort marked by the opening last year of the $35 million McKenzie Regional Workforce Center.

Trades programs allow students to explore career paths that may not necessarily be widely represented in high schools, Johnson said.

MATC camps

Madison Area Technical College, also known as Madison College, also offers summer programs for students interested in learning trade skills. The camps are each a week long, with the cost ranging from $100 to $250.

Were trying to expand the opportunity to have some form of education in these fields, said Peter Dettmer, the industrial technology department chair at Madison College. We always try to expose students at the youngest age possible to whats out there and what manufacturing looks like today.

Korianne Kerkenbush, the mother of a former attendee at Madison Colleges trade camps, said the programs helped open her sons eyes to what it would mean to explore a career path in trades.

I know that Madison College uses it for marketing purposes, Kerkenbush said. And thats great. If thats the way that it gets kids in there to understand what that job would entail for the future, Im all for that.

Trades are sometimes viewed as a backup for students who cant go to college, said Linda Nellen, professional and continuing education manager at Madison College, but the camps allow students to see they are a viable option for anyone, with continuing education available at Madison College.

I think its turned a lot of kids to these kinds of trades, Nellen said. We have quite a few that come through our camps and then transition into our programs when theyre old enough.

Kerkenbush said her sons experience demonstrates the potency of the summer programs, exposing him to aspects of his interests that would otherwise be unavailable to him.

In Madison Colleges Auto Mechanic summer camp, Kerkenbush said, her son was able to tour an auto body shop, which allowed him to see the various roles that go into designing and manufacturing vehicles.

By showing all of the different areas available to work in, the program allowed her son to think beyond being a mechanic and realize, no, its more than being a mechanic.

A path for everyone

Trades programs also give students a motivator to continue to work in school, Johnson said. Many students who think higher education is not the path for them do not see a point in trying or at times even attending school, particularly among minority student populations.

When students are exposed to trades that may better connect with their learning, they can see links between that trade and academics. For instance, if a student is interested in carpentry, they need a background in math, Johnson said.

Knowing that their future careers could be facilitated by what they are learning in school gives students a reason to continue.

They need that kind of, Why? Johnson said. We give them intentionality.

Johnson said another goal of the Boys & Girls Clubs summer programming is to create a space that is inclusive to everyone. While careers in trades are often underrepresented to middle and high school students, they are particularly undersold to non-male students.

BLAZE: Girl Trailblazers in the Trades, is a summer program offered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County open to female and nonbinary students, groups who are often excluded from trades programs.

The biggest impact is creating a safe space for all students, Johnson said. Being a female born and raised here in Madison, I never really felt comfortable with tools.

Many male students come into the programs with a degree of prior experience in tools and trades, Johnson said, but non-male students often start from the beginning. Programs such as BLAZE are meant to level that out.

The programs, Nellen said, are excellent opportunities for students to continue to learn.

We just want to get kids exposed to as much learning as they can have, she said. Were giving them a chance to get some hands-on experience to see if its for them.
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Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during a celebration event in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on June 3, 2024. [Photo/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.
The Department of National Defense (DND) reaffirmed its commitment to strong defense cooperation with Bangladesh during a courtesy call by Commodore Md Hasan Tarique Mondal, Bangladesh Non-Resident Defense Adviser to the Philippines, on May 30.

During the meeting with Assistant Secretary Gavin D. Edjawan, Officer-in-Charge of the Office for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs/Assistant Secretary Financial Management, both sides highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

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Edjawan conveyed the DNDs intention to explore cooperation on maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and peacekeeping operations, recognizing the Bangladeshs extensive experience on peacekeeping operations, as one of the largest contributors to the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Missions.

Tarique welcomed this manifestation and conveyed Bangladeshs willingness to share its experience and best practices with the Philippines.

The courtesy call provided an opportunity for both countries to exchange views on various regional and global humanitarian and security issues.

The two officials reaffirmed support for a rules-based international order, peaceful resolution of all conflicts, and respect for national sovereignty of all countries.

Tarique also underscored the Bangladeshi governments efforst in balancing its relations with all countries.

On multilateral cooperation, the two officials discussed the developments in their respective regional organizations, namely the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and ASEAN.

Tarique also emphasized Bangladeshs efforts to enhance cooperation with the ASEAN Member States in all aspects, including defense relations.

On the other hand, Edjawan sought the support of Bangladesh for the Philippines candidature as a Non-Permanent Member to the UN Security Council.

Both officials looked forward to fostering a deeper bilateral defense relations between the two countries.

Edjawan also conveyed his appreciation to Tarique for visiting the DND and for a very substantive discussion.
Several statesincluding the United States, Russia, China and Israel are not party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Courtwhich prosecutes individual people for committing crimes

UNITED NATIONS, New York  Ignored by Russia and Israel, the International Court of Justice is hamstrung by a dysfunctional global system that sees countries comply with its rulings  or not  based on their own double standards, experts say.

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In 2022, the UNs highest court ordered Russia to halt its invasion of Ukraine, still underway two years later.

In May, it ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which is ongoing.

Do these refusals to comply with legally binding decisions testify to a lack of credibility and legitimacy on the part of the ICJ? Not really, according to analysts interviewed by AFP, who point instead to the responsibilities of nations within the global system.

Without an international police or armed force, the ICJ depends on the will and cooperation of states to implement its decisions, says Raphaelle Nollez-Goldbach, a researcher at Frances National Center for Scientific Research.

Obviously, this has certain limits, she continues.

The court says almost all of its decisions are complied with by states, but the few instances of non-compliance  which remain the exception  weigh heavily in international relations, according to a statement from its press office to AFP.

This is not the courts fault, the experts insist.

The credibility problem is with those governments that basically have double standards, Louis Charbonneau of Human Rights Watch told AFP.

Some Western countries cheered the decision on Ukraine, but are seriously concerned when it comes to Israel, he explained.

Conversely, countries such as South Africa  which instigated the proceedings against Israel over accusations of genocide  have not been terribly outspoken when it comes to Russian atrocities in Ukraine, he said.

To have credibility, they need to enforce (standards) across the board  for their friends and allies, as well as their rivals and countries theyre competing with. Otherwise, theyre giving other governments arguments and opportunities to do the same, Charbonneau says.

The ICJs primary role is to mediate disputes between states, with the majority of its rulings on mundane issues such as border delineations or treaty interpretation.

It is important to distinguish between those and the few flashpoint cases focusing on core international crimes, says Gissou Nia of the Atlantic Council think tank.

She points in particular to proceedings brought by third parties  such as South Africa against Israel over its war with Hamas, or Gambia, which accuses Myanmar of genocide against the Muslim Rohingya minority.

An increase in such disputes could make states want to abandon existing treaties which give such countries the power to wade into disputes in which they are not directly involved.

Moreover, several statesincluding the United States, Russia, China and Israel are not party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the other court at The Hague, which prosecutes individual people for committing crimes.

The arrest warrant issued against Russias President Vladimir Putin, and the ICC prosecutors request for arrest warrants against Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, have provoked an outcry from those concerned.

At times, that has been accompanied by pressure and threats of reprisals.

Thats a reflection of how serious theyre taking the court, even those who reject its rulings, says Nia.

For Romuald Sciora, a researcher at the French Institute of International and Strategic Relations, its not just the ICC and the ICJ where the question of credibility is at stake.

All the institutions of todays multilateral system have lost credibility exponentially in recent years, he says, citing in particular the deeply divided Security Council at the United Nations.

That in turn affects the ICJs credibility  according to the UN Charter, if one party does not comply with an ICJ ruling, the other may try to seek recourse with the Security Council.

As the Israeli offensive on Rafah continues, South Africa this week called on the Council to enforce the ICJ order.

In practice, however, the Security Councils paralysis is preventing it from enforcing its own resolutions, let alone the ICJs judgments, notes Said Benarbia of the International Commission of Jurists.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Guinea on Monday, continuing his recent tour of West Africa. His visits come as some African nations grow discontented with traditional Western allies like France and the United States, contributing to a shift toward closer ties with Moscow instead. Over the past couple of years, Lavrov has visited the African continent multiple times as Russia seeks support, or at least neutrality, from many of its 54 countries regarding the invasion of Ukraine.

After meeting Guineas foreign minister to discuss cooperation areas, Lavrov was expected to travel to the Republic of Congo to meet President Denis Sassou NGuesso. Since seizing power in a 2021 coup, Guineas military junta under Col. Mamadi Doumbouya has rebuffed Western intervention in African political affairs.

Several other West African nations including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have also experienced military juntas taking power through coups. These juntas have severed or scaled back long standing military partnerships with Western powers in favor of new security cooperation with Russia. Last year, Lavrov visited Mali promising military support, and South Africa which has remained neutral on Ukraine. He also toured North Africa, where Russia seeks to boost its influence amid declining Western popularity.

The military juntas governing Burkina Faso and Niger have ousted French forces and turned to Russian military trainers and aid instead. Lavrovs West African tour reflects Moscows broader strategy of increasing influence and partnerships across Africa by positioning itself as an alternative to Western involvement on the continent.
Kenyan authorities have apprehended a 19-year-old driver who was caught on video viciously assaulting a traffic police officer on a road in Nairobi. The widely circulated footage shows the young man repeatedly punching and kicking the officer in the head, even after he had fallen to the ground. The motorist managed to flee the scene after bystanders intervened to aid the policeman.

This shocking attack has sparked an unusual outpouring of public sympathy towards the police, who are often criticized for brutality and corruption. According to a police report, the incident began when the officer, Patrick Ogendo, attempted to issue a citation after the driver made an illegal U-turn obstructing traffic. Ogendo instructed the motorist to drive to a nearby station, but the situation escalated with the driver allegedly pulling a sword and forcing Ogendo out of the vehicle before brutally attacking him.

The assault was widely condemned, with officials labeling it unacceptable for a police officer to be humiliated in such a manner. An alleged accomplice was also arrested at the scene. After a search, the 19-year-old suspect was eventually apprehended at his Nairobi residence later that evening. Traffic authorities stated he would face charges including attempted murder for the vicious attack on the officer, who required hospital treatment.

While Kenyan police face criticism over excessive force, this instance of a citizen carrying out an unprovoked and severe beating of an officer in uniform has sparked public outrage and sympathy.
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Study design. Credit: eBioMedicine (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105061

Researchers at QIMR Berghofer have developed a computer-based "growth chart" that could potentially transform the way pediatricians monitor child brain health and allow for earlier identification of neurodevelopmental delays.

Dr. Nathan Stevenson and Dr. Kartik Iyer, in collaboration with researchers and clinicians from Australia and Finland, designed a non-invasive AI application to chart a child's brain age by monitoring their brain signals while asleep. The research is published in the journal eBioMedicine.

Using an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity in the brain, the QIMR Berghofer team developed the "growth chart" by applying machine learning algorithms to data from 2,000 children from Finland and Australia.

Dr. Stevenson said the tool could help clinicians identify neurological problems earlier, allowing for more effective therapeutic interventions and personalized management.

"Developmental delays affect the health of children and hinder their ability to reach their full potential," he said.

"The European Brain Council and World Health Organization acknowledge the need for better measures of early brain development. Our brain 'growth chart' is one such measure.

"We have mirrored the widespread use of physical growth charts, to create a neurodevelopmental growth chart which facilitates rapid and easy clinical assessment of early-life brain maturation and health."

Credit: QIMR Berghofer

More than 10% of children worldwide have a clinically relevant neurodevelopmental delay. Major contributors include prematurity, acquired brain injury, structural brain abnormalities, exposure to toxins, and childhood epilepsies.

Dr. Iyer said their tool charts a child's neurodevelopmental age against their true birth age, to track brain health. The team last year applied similar AI technology to the electrocardiogram (ECG) heart monitoring data of pre-term babies to give pediatricians better information about development, but the brain age tool takes the technology to a new level.

"By extracting precise information from the EEG signal, we can predict brain age and measure how this differs from a child's actual age. If brain age is lagging for example, this can help facilitate a conversation between a clinician and a child's caregiver on their neurodevelopmental progress," he said.

Dr. Jasneek Chawla, Pediatric Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Physician at the Queensland Children's Hospital, collaborated with the QIMR Berghofer team on the project and said the new tool is an exciting development.

"Brain age is one of the most important measures we have for children. This brain growth chart is an easy to use tool which has the potential to advance clinicians' understanding incredibly, helping to inform early intervention strategies and predict future cognitive status," said Dr. Chawla.

The brain "growth chart" is applicable for children from infancy through adolescence.

More information: Kartik K. Iyer et al, A growth chart of brain function from infancy to adolescence based on EEG, eBioMedicine (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105061 Journal information: EBioMedicine

Provided by QIMR Berghofer
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When NLRP3 and ASC are present in mast cells, the microtubules within the activated mast cells become highly organised within 10 mins of activation with several strands emanating from the microtubule-organizing center and radiating towards the cell surface providing "railtracks" on which granules are conveyed (top row). In contrast, within 10 min of activation, limited organized microtubules were observed in mast cells deficient in either NLRP3 ( Nlrp3-/- ) (middle row) or ASC (Asc-/-) (bottom row). Credit: Andrea Mencarelli

Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified how the first domino falls after a person encounters an allergen, such as peanuts, shellfish, pollen or dust mites. Their discovery, published in the journal Nature Immunology, could herald the development of drugs to prevent these severe reactions.

It is well established that when mast cells, a type of immune cell, mistake a harmless substance, such as peanuts or dust mites, as a threat, they release an immediate first wave of bioactive chemicals against the perceived threat. When mast cells, which reside under the skin, around blood vessels and in the linings of the airways and the gastrointestinal tract, simultaneously release their pre-stored load of bioactive chemicals into the blood, instant and systemic shock can result, which can be lethal without quick intervention.

More than 10% of the global population suffers from food allergies, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As allergy rates continue to climb, so does the incidence of food-triggered anaphylaxis and asthma worldwide. In Singapore, asthma affects one in five children while food allergies are already the leading cause of anaphylactic shock.

What the team at Duke-NUS has now discovered is that the release of particulate mast cell granules, which contain these bioactive chemicals, is controlled by two members of an intracellular multiprotein complex called inflammasome. Until now, these inflammasome proteins were only known to spontaneously assemble within immune cells to secrete soluble chemicals to alert other parts of the immune system upon detection of an infection.

Professor Soman Abraham, Grace Kerby Distinguished Professor of Pathology at Duke University, who led this research when working in Duke-NUS' Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme, said, "We discovered that the inflammasome components played a surprisingly crucial role in transporting particulate mast cell granules which are typically packed in the cell center to the cell surface where they are released. This surprising discovery gives us a precise target where we can intervene to prevent the cascade of events initiated in mast cells that leads to anaphylactic shock."

Prof Abraham and his team's eureka moment came while observing mice whose mast cells lacked either of the two inflammasome proteins, NLRP3 or ASC. When these animals were exposed to allergens, they failed to experience anaphylactic shock.

However, anaphylactic shock was observed when mast cell NLRP3 and ASC proteins assembled and bound to individual intracellular granules, forming a complex the researchers call granulosum, facilitating the granules' movement along tracks formed by the cytoskeleton within the mast cellakin to hooking them onto a set of "rail tracks."

Inflammasome components mediate MC degranulation following IgEAg stimulation. Credit: Nature Immunology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01788-y

Dr. Pradeep Bist, co-first author of the paper and a principal research scientist with Duke-NUS' Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme, said, "Upon mast cell activation, we observed rapid granule movement on dynamic tracks known as microtubules to the cell membrane, where these granules were promptly released from the cell. However, in mast cells deficient in either NLRP3 or ASC proteins, we found no sign of intracellular granule movement and none of these granules were released."

Having demonstrated the trafficking role of NLRP3 and ASC, the team then turned to known inflammasome inhibitors to test whether they could prevent this event from taking place.

Using an inflammasome-blocking drug very similar to those undergoing clinical trials for chronic inflammatory diseases, called CY-09, they administered the therapy to mice before introducing an allergen. They found that in their preclinical model, they were able to effectively prevent anaphylactic shock with this drug.

Dr. Andrea Mencarelli, from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine's Immune Therapy Institute, Shanghai China, and who co-first authored the paper while working at Duke-NUS' Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme, said, "It was noteworthy that by employing a drug that specifically blocked inflammasome protein activity, we were able to selectively block the release of mast cells' pre-stored chemicals without impacting other potentially beneficial activities of mast cells."

While not a cure, this could offer people living with severe allergies a new tool to prevent the onset of a potentially traumatic reaction. Currently, emergency treatments are taken in the immediate aftermath of the first symptoms developing. These treatments need to be administered within a narrow window of time to be effective and they also have severe side effects.

"I could see this bringing peace of mind to parents of children with severe food allergies when they encounter situations where they can't be sure whether there's an exposure risk. While we don't want to deactivate this part of the immune system for prolonged periods, this could potentially provide short-term protection," said Prof Abraham, whose team is now working on optimizing the dosage and frequency of use of this drug to achieve the best protective effects against anaphylactic shock.

"After this, we hope to do the same for asthma and allergic skin reactions."

Professor Patrick Tan, Senior Vice-Dean for Research at Duke-NUS, said, "This breakthrough has tremendous translational potential and represents a paradigm shift not only for further research but more importantly by enhancing the quality of life for those at risk of severe allergic reactions. It's a beacon of hope, especially for parents of young children who live with this constant concern."

More information: Andrea Mencarelli et al, Anaphylactic degranulation by mast cells requires the mobilization of inflammasome components, Nature Immunology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01788-y Journal information: Nature Immunology
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The venom of a West African carpet viper (Echis ocellatus) is one of the four venoms used to test the effect of the new 3D blood vessel model. Credit: Wolfgang Wuster

A 3D model of imitation blood vessels will make it possible to see exactly how snake venom attacks blood vessels, without having to use laboratory animals. This new research model, called an organ-on-a-chip, was developed by a research team from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MIMETAS and Naturalis Biodiversity Center.

The article called "Using organ-on-a-chip technology to study haemorrhagic activities of snake venoms on endothelial tubules" appears in Scientific Reports.

Roughly one hundred thousand people die annually from the effects of a snake bite and four times as many sustain chronic injuries. Research into how snake venom works is needed to arrive at a solution, but remains difficult to implement. A research team from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), MIMETAS and Naturalis Biodiversity Center, has now proven for the first time that snake venom can be examined on 3D imitation blood vessels.

Organ-on-a-chip

This new approach to 3D imitation blood vessels improves on traditional research methods, such as using laboratory animals or cell cultures, by mimicking human blood vessels. "The advantage of such a blood vessel model for venom research is that it takes into account several important influences that the body faces, like the flow of blood, or the construction and shape of a blood vessel," explains venom expert and first author of the study, Matyas Bittenbinder of VU and Naturalis.

The 3D blood vessel model, called MIMETAS' OrganoReady Blood Vessel HUVEC, thus contributes to better understanding the damaging effects of snake venom on blood vessels and the rest of the body.

"The model provides accurate insight into how toxins attack blood vessels. This knowledge will help us develop better methods to treat snake bites, while also reducing the need to do studies on mice," says Bittenbinder.

3D reconstruction of a blood vessel attacked by snake venom. Credit: Matyas Bittenbinder

Effect of venom

The functioning of the blood vessel model was tested with the venom of an Indian cobra (Naja naja), West-African carpet viper (Echis ocellatus), many-banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus) and Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica).

A bite from a venomous snake often causes severe (internal) bleeding. This is because the venom attacks the circulatory system, destroying blood vessels and creating blood clots. Worldwide, scientists are searching for a solution. "If we better understand which substances are in snake venom, we will also know better how to neutralize the toxins," Bittenbinder explains.

Snake bites are a humanitarian crisis that affects millions of people each year but rarely makes the news. It is estimated that between 80,000 and 140,000 people die each year from poisonous snake bites. Another 400,000 survive but become blind or lose a hand, foot, or leg as a result of a bite.

More information: Matyas A. Bittenbinder et al, Using organ-on-a-chip technology to study haemorrhagic activities of snake venoms on endothelial tubules, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60282-5 Journal information: Nature

Provided by Naturalis Biodiversity Center
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Shrinking a massive clot: In the world's first case, which led to a worldwide study, doctors in New York eliminated a large clot (arrows, left scan) without surgery. Patient diagnosed with chronic subdural hematoma, a mass that increases in size. Second image on (right scan) shows the total disappearance of the mass after treatment with an embolic agent that blocked leaky vessels, which fed the growth. Credit: Stony Brook Medicine

In 2018, a New York surgeon-scientist and his team demonstrated in a proof-of-concept study that a minimally invasive procedure could effectively treat one of the world's most common conditions requiring neurosurgical intervention.

The condition is called chronic subdural hematoma, an accumulation of blood and blood breakdown products on the brain's surface just beneath the dura, the brain's protective covering. The mass is caused by damaged vessels that chronically leak blood between the brain and the dura. Risk factors for the abnormality, which can reach significant size, include older age; untreated head trauma; long-term use of blood thinning agents, such as warfarin, or extensive time on anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen.

Now, doctors at Stony Brook Medicine, a division of Stony University on Long Island, report that not only is the new method of alleviating chronic subdural hematoma effective, it's destined to replace the invasive old-school surgery to remove the accumulation of blood.

The new method of treatment is called middle meningeal artery embolizationMMAEwhich relies on an injectable fluid to plug the leakage. Studies conducted around the world show that it's safe, effective and eliminates the risks of surgery. Research at Stony Brook led to a global study of the procedure, and doctors have now demonstrated that the new method not only stops the leakage, it forces the hematoma into permanent retreat.

"This is a procedure that will literally change how patients are managed for the most common cranial disease that we treat," Dr. David Fiorella, Global Principal Investigator of the multi-center clinical trial, told Medical Xpress.

Writing in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery, Fiorella and co-author Dr. Adam S. Arthur of the University of Tennessee, emphasized that MMAE "could fundamentally change the treatment paradigm for chronic subdural hematoma, establishing MMAE as a superior alternative therapy."

The standard of care for decades has been surgery, which was designed to provide drainage by drilling a burr hole into the skull or performing a craniotomy, the surgical removal of a portion of the skull to release accumulated blood. While these procedures can alleviate the mass, a chronic subdural hematoma can recur despite the highly invasive attempt to eliminate it. The recurrence rate runs as high as 20%, studies have shown.

Worse, surgery is often poorly tolerated by a broad population of patients: people with heart and pulmonary conditions as well as older people, particularly those on blood thinning agents. One-year mortality rates post-surgery can be as high as 30% for high-risk patients, data show.

Fiorella, a pioneer in neuro-interventional procedures, describes chronic subdural hematoma as an insidious condition, developing slowly, often over weeks to months. The mass can put pressure on the brain causing a range of symptoms: slurred speech, forgetfulness, impaired motor function, even coma.

He said the condition is "probably an underdiagnosed cause of dementia." But the good news is that dementia stemming from a chronic subdural hematoma is usually reversible.

A classic portrait of a patient with chronic subdural hematoma tends to be of an older person. As the mass increases in size, patients begin experiencing the devastating effects. "These patients usually present with headache and pressure and may not be as talkative as they had been," Fiorella said, referring to diminishing speech capacity.

The new approach uses a specialized fluid that is injected into the middle meningeal arteries through a micro-catheter. The liquid embolic agent blocksembolizesthe abnormal blood vessels that are responsible for the chronic leakage of blood onto the brain's surface. The liquid embolic agent solidifies once it enters the vasculature. Doctors view each step of the procedure via imaging technology.

Fiorella's research led to the international clinical trial called STEM (Squid Trial for the Embolization of the Middle Meningeal Artery for Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma). The agent that blocks the leakage is known as Squid (and has nothing to do with the sea creatures).

The enormous potential of a minimally invasive procedure that is safe and effective has captured the attention of neurosurgeons around the world. In research not connected with the Stony Brook analysis, physicians at Hospital Clinico San Carlos in Madrid wrote in the journal RadioGraphics that MMAE is a promising approach.

The Madrid team collaborated with colleagues in Thailand to assess the effectiveness of the minimally invasive procedure and concluded that MMAE is the way chronic subdural hematoma will eventually be treated worldwide.

"Chronic subdural hematoma is a prevalent medical condition with potentially severe consequences if left untreated," Perez-Garcia and Dr. Angela H. Schmolling wrote in RadioGraphics.

"While surgical removal has traditionally been the standard approach for treatment, middle meningeal artery embolization has emerged as a promising minimally invasive alternative to reduce recurrences," Perez-Garcia and Schmolling added.

Fiorella's STEM trial, which began in November 2020, enrolled 310 patients and was completed in May 2023. Results from the clinical trial were announced at the International Stroke Conference in February 2024.

"I believe these results are potentially a game-changer for the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma," Fiorella concluded. "This new minimally invasive procedure may ultimately save and improve the lives of many thousands of patients worldwide."

More information: David Fiorella et al, Middle meningeal artery embolization for the management of chronic subdural hematoma: what a difference a few years make, Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery (2023). DOI: 10.1136/jnis-2023-020498 Arindam Rano Chatterjee, Invited Commentary: A New Era in the Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematomas, RadioGraphics (2024). DOI: 10.1148/rg.240038 Journal information: Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

New research has found that the stigma of COVID-19, racism, and discrimination in health care have impacted the ability of ethnic minority patients to access health care for long COVID symptoms.

The study, by researchers at the University of Southampton and collaborators across the country, found additional barriers included feeling unworthy of receiving care, not having enough information about long COVID, and a lack of awareness of health care options for coping with the chronic condition.

The research is published in the British Journal of General Practice.

There are an estimated 1.9 million people living with long COVID in the U.K., according to the Office for National Statistics. The prevalence of long COVID in minority ethnic groups is mixed, though research suggests people from these groups are less likely to seek health care.

People from ethnic minority backgrounds living with long COVID symptoms frequently have poor experiences of health care, the research has found. This is despite minorities being one of the groups in the U.K. most exposed to acute COVID-19 infection.

Previous negative experiences of health care can lead to a loss of trust in the NHS, which negatively affects access to long COVID support, and deepens health inequalities.

The studyby researchers from the University of Westminster, the University of Southampton, Keele University and Queen Mary University of Londonreveals that empathy, validation and fairness from health care professionals in recognition of symptoms are key to gaining the trust of minority ethnic patients.

Study co-author Nisreen Alwan, Professor of Public Health from the University of Southampton who was made an MBE in 2021 for services to medicine and public health during the pandemics, said, "Clinicians and service providers must become aware of the complex nature of long COVID including patient feelings of self-doubt, experiences of stigma, dismissal and isolation that can add to the health inequalities that affect minority ethnic groups in the U.K."

Dr. Nina Smyth from the University of Westminster, which led the study, said, "Our study sheds light on the lack of trust in health care that people from ethnic minority backgrounds endure, even in 2024. Acknowledging long COVID suffering with empathy while validating symptoms will go a long way to restoring trust in health care."

Professor Damien Ridge from the University of Westminster said, "We were struck by the lack of warmth and understanding minority ethnic patients were reporting. Professionals could improve things by consciously being alert to the need to be more welcoming and open to long COVID patients."

Professor Carolyn Chew-Graham from Keele University said, "Our work has important messages for clinicians in primary and specialist care, highlighting the need to recognize the impact consultations can have on future consulting behavior, particularly in some ethnic groups.

"This work follows our contribution to the development of the Supporting Long COVID Care tool which encourages people to consider long COVID as a cause for their symptoms and to seek help."

Dr. Dipesh Gopal of Queen Mary University of London said, "This research shines a spotlight on the need for clinicians to validate patient experiences, even if illnesses are not completely understood in the case of long COVID. Having the time to care during a consultation to validate an experience can shape a person's life experience with health and health care services. Policymakers should note that this is challenging during current NHS pressures."

A patient advisor group was involved in all stages of the research. One patient advisor and GP, Ashish Chaudhry, from Lower Broughton Health Center, Salford, said, "It is key that voices from those affected by the pandemic are heard. While the pandemic is over, the suffering and the legacy of patient interactions with health care remain. Hopefully this study will raise awareness among health care professionals of some of the challenges patients face and enable compassionate care."

More information: Nina Smyth et al, People from ethnic minorities seeking help for Long Covid: a qualitative study., British Journal of General Practice (2024). DOI: 10.3399/BJGP.2023.0631 Journal information: British Journal of General Practice
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Network of available comparisons between GLP-1RAs and placebo for weight loss. The size of the nodes is proportional to the number of trial participants, and the thickness of the line connecting the nodes is proportional to the randomized number of trial participants directly comparing the two treatments. Numbers represent the number of trials contributing to each treatment comparison. Credit: BMJ (2024). DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076410

Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have been around for years, but they've recently been making headlines due to a rise in popularity as weight loss agents. They all belong to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), which mimic a hormone (GLP-1) in the body that helps control insulin and blood glucose levels and promotes feelings of satiety.

These drugs are extremely effective for blood glucose control and weight management, which, combined with their relatively limited side effect profile, makes them very appealing for diabetes treatmentthe purpose for which they originally received FDA approval.

However, off-label use fueled by celebrities and social media is a growing concern. And even when physicians are prescribing GLP-1RAs for their intended uses, it's not a magic formulathere are complex considerations such as dosages, costs, side effects and comparisons between specific drugs.

"The current fervor for GLP-1RAs in the capital markets as well as in the general public, especially in terms of weight reduction, is probably going to result in overuse," said Chun-Su Yuan, MD, Ph.D., the Cyrus Tang Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care at the University of Chicago. "This should raise a red flag."

Living up to the hype

While experts caution against overusing GLP-1RAs or viewing them as a universal cure-all for obesity, physicians and researchers agree that the drugs are highly effective for weight management and Type 2 diabetes treatment.

"Some other treatments for Type 2 diabetes can actually cause weight gain, whereas GLP-1RA drugs effectively control blood glucose levels while also reducing body weight," Yuan said.

Yuan and a group of other researchers recently published a paper in BMJ comparing the effectiveness of different GLP-1RAs. Different drugs performed better in different areas, but all 15 GLP-1RAs they analyzed were very successful in lowering blood glucose and achieving weight loss. They also identified some secondary benefits, such as lowering cholesterol.

Similarly, Eric Polley, Ph.D., a UChicago data science and public health expert, recently led a study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research that used statistical modeling to simulate a clinical trial comparing the effects of four different classes of diabetes medication in patients with moderate cardiovascular risk. GLP-1RA drugs came out on top, not only controlling blood glucose and weight but also reducing the risk of major heart-related events and the risk of death overall.

Not a silver bullet: Making nuanced decisions for each patient

However, GLP-1RAs are not universally effective for all patients, and Yuan said that even after deciding to prescribe this drug class, physicians should consider multiple factors when selecting a specific drug and dosage. For example, co-morbid conditions like hyperlipidemia could tip the scale and make one drug more suitable for a specific patient.

Polley pointed out that even patients with similar clinical profiles might prioritize different aspects of their health or quality of life.

"If cardiovascular health is what you think is important for deciding between these drug classes, I think our most recent study provides some strong evidence. But if there are other outcomes that your patient is concerned about, then you have to consider the effect size for those other outcomes," Polley said.

He and other experts are working on subsequent research examining the effects of different diabetes treatments on other health outcomes and concerns, including a patient's risk of cancer, blindness or amputation.

Another key consideration is side effects, which can vary significantly from patient to patient. While Yuan's recent study confirmed the efficacy of GLP-1RAs, the researchers also found that some patients did experience adverse side effects, especially related to gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting. They highlighted the need to consider potential tradeoffs between efficacy and side effects, finding that higher doses can have stronger efficacy but also induce more severe side effects.

"It's also important to note that the long-term side effects of these drugs are not yet well-studied," Yuan said. "If large swathes of the general public start taking them off-label for weight loss and then we find out years later that there are bad side effects, it could be a real issue."

Rethinking long-term weight management strategies to overcome cost barriers

Yet another dimension affecting the use of GLP-1RAs is cost. The drugs are expensive, and experts say the recent spike in popularity has already led to shortages and increased hesitancy among insurance providers to cover these drugs.

"We know these drugs represent a massive breakthrough in our long fight against obesity-related clinical conditions, but their high cost has been the subject of substantial debate," said David Kim, Ph.D., a UChicago health economist and lead author of a study published in Health Affairs Scholar. "It presents a key barrier to equitable access to this great innovation."

In pursuit of more equitable and cost-effective approaches to leveraging GLP-1RAs, Kim and a group of other researchers analyzed the potential impact of alternative weight loss programs. Specifically, they proposed an approach in which GLP-1RAs could be prescribed for an initial period of weight loss before patients transitioned to cheaper alternative interventions for weight maintenance such as lower-cost medications, behavioral health programs and support from nutritionists.

"We wanted to challenge the assumption that once you're on a GLP-1RA drug, you have to keep taking it forever," Kim said. "That's where some of the affordability concerns are coming from: large populations are potentially eligible to take these drugs, and we can't pay for a lifetime supply for everyone."

The researchers' model suggested that even though the alternative weight-maintenance programs might be slightly less effective than long-term, full-dosage GLP-1RA use, the clinical benefits would only decrease slightly, while lifetime health care spending would decrease substantially.

"We argue that this alternative framework is a viable solution that provides greater flexibility for managing a limited drug supply and giving health care payers financial headroom to support more patients accessing effective weight management treatment," Kim said.

More information: Haiqiang Yao et al, Comparative effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists on glycaemic control, body weight, and lipid profile for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and network meta-analysis, BMJ (2024). DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076410 Rozalina G. McCoy et al, Effectiveness of glucose-lowering medications on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes at moderate cardiovascular risk, Nature Cardiovascular Research (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44161-024-00453-9 David D Kim et al, Balancing innovation and affordability in anti-obesity medications: the role of an alternative weight-maintenance program, Health Affairs Scholar (2024). DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxae055 Journal information: Nature Cardiovascular Research , British Medical Journal (BMJ)
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A new study to be presented at the SLEEP 2024 annual meeting, held in Houston, Texas, June 15, found that healthy sleep has a positive impact on gratitude, resilience and flourishing in adults.

Results show that subjective sleepiness and mood disturbances improved with earlier bedtimes that extended sleep by an average of 46 minutes per night and worsened with later bedtimes that reduced nightly sleep by an average of 37 minutes.

Measures of flourishing, resilience and gratitude significantly improved across the week with sleep extension and significantly worsened with sleep restriction. Sleep-extended participants also wrote twice as much on their gratitude list as the other participants in the study.

"Polling data indicates that happiness has declined in the U.S. in recent years, and during the same time period, sleep problems have been widespread," said principal investigator Michael Scullin, who has a doctorate in psychology and is an associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

"While it's recognized that sleep loss worsens mental health symptoms, there have not been experimental studies to test whether increasing sleep improves the positive aspects of life like feelings of purpose, hope and gratitude."

The study involved 90 adults who were randomly assigned to late bedtimes, early bedtimes or to sleep normally across a single workweek and were monitored by actigraphy. The primary outcomes were changes in state and trait feelings of flourishing, resilience, and gratitude, as well as behavioral expressions of gratitude.

The impacts of poor sleep health are well-documented. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommend that adults should sleep seven hours per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health, productivity and daytime alertness.

Scullin noted that experimentally increasing sleep improved these positive attributes, which are at the core of well-being and among the underpinnings of prosocial behaviors.

"Subtly increasing sleep increased people's gratitude, resilience and feelings of flourishing in life," Scullin said.

The research abstract was published recently in an online supplement of the journal SLEEP and will be presented Wednesday, June 5, during SLEEP 2024 in Houston.

More information: Alexander Do et al, 0184 Gratitude, Flourishing, and Prosocial Behaviors Following Experimental Sleep Restriction and Sleep Extension, SLEEP (2024). DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsae067.0184 Journal information: Sleep
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A recent study from the University of Toronto has revealed critical insights into the use of muscle-building supplements (such as whey protein and creatine) among adolescents and young adults in Canada. The research, published today, provides a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence, influences, and associated risks of muscle-building supplement use, highlighting important implications for health care, public health, and policy-making professionals.

The work is published in the journal Performance Enhancement & Health.

Analyzing data of 912 participants from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors, a national study focused on the mental, social, and behavioral health of individuals 16 to 30 years old found that close to 60% of the respondents reported using protein bars and just over half reported using whey protein powders or protein shakes, which were the most commonly used muscle-building supplement. Boys and men reported higher usage rates compared to girls, women, and transgender/gender expansive (TGE) participants.

"The boys and men in our study reported using an average of three muscle-building supplements in the past 12 months," says Kyle T. Ganson, Ph.D., MSW, the lead author on the study. "This figure truly exemplifies the pervasiveness of boys and men attempting to adhere to the muscular body ideal."

Nearly half of the participants cited social media influencers as the primary influence on their supplement use, while fitness communities and friends also played significant roles. Over two-thirds of the participants reported seeking information from online websites, with notable gender differences in the sources of information. Girls and women were more likely to consult health care professionals, whereas boys and men predominantly used online forums like Reddit and YouTube.

"It is critical for health care, public health, and policymaking professionals to understand where young people are accessing information on muscle-building supplements to inform harm reduction approaches," says Ganson. "We know that in Canada, regulations of muscle-building supplements are weak and social media companies do not restrict content on muscle-building supplements, which may negatively impact young people's perceptions of the safety and efficacy of muscle-building supplements."

Only 9.8% of participants perceived their use of muscle-building supplements as problematic, with TGE individuals reporting a higher perception of problematic use compared to cisgender participants.

Alarmingly, the study found that nearly two-thirds of participants experienced at least one symptom while using muscle-building supplements, with common symptoms including fatigue, digestive issues, and cardiovascular problems. Despite these symptoms, a staggering 87.8% of those affected did not seek medical attention.

"While we did not specifically assess whether use of muscle-building supplements caused the symptoms experienced by users, it is clear that their physical health symptoms may be relevant for young people to be aware of prior to using muscle-building supplements, and health care professionals should be alerted to these concerning findings," says Ganson.

The findings underscore the need for health care providers to be knowledgeable about muscle-building supplements and to routinely assess their use among adolescents and young adults.

"This is particularly important for TGE and sexual minority individuals, who reported higher symptom rates," says Ganson. "Public health programs should focus on harm reduction education, emphasizing the potential risks of muscle-building supplements and promoting the use of reputable information sources."

Additionally, the study's authors advocate for stronger regulations on the sale and advertisement of muscle-building supplements, particularly on social media platforms.

More information: Kyle T. Ganson et al, Describing use of muscle-building supplements among adolescents and young adults in Canada, Performance Enhancement & Health (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2024.100284
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The boom in aging around the world, including China where traditional family-based care is common, is underpinning a tech revolution in elder care, say Flinders University health and aged care experts.

In a new article published in Frontiers in Public Health, the authors outline the potential for user-friendly, customized wearable devices, robotic assistants and sensors to enhance the independence and well-being of many more elderly people who want to "grow old gracefully" in their own home.

"In extensive collaboration throughout the region, we have looked at older adult care and health service management," says Flinders University Dean of Business, Associate Professor Angie Shafei.

"As the traditional family-based care models become unsustainable, China is pioneering new strategies in health and aged-care managementincluding to suit the cultural and accessibility needs of dozens of distinct ethnic groups in the country."

Innovative technologies for older adult care can also include virtual support groups and video-conferencing, telehealth and electronic health records and other technologies for mobility and cognitive support such as rehabilitation or service robots.

Flinders University co-author Dr. Madhan Balasubramanian, Senior Lecturer in Health and Aged Care Management, says the key to more rapid uptake of these user-friendly and potentially life-changing technologies is to focus on creating solutions that resonate with older adult preferencesincluding comprehensive training to ease the transition.

"The potential for innovation is immense, with the need to address significant demographic changes in China, which has more than 260 million people aged 60 and above," says Dr. Balasubramanian, from the College of Business, Government and Law.

"For smart homes and so-called 'gerontechnologies' to truly revolutionize elder care, we need more than just gadgets. We need strong policies, robust infrastructure and research that bridges the digital divide."

Across the Asia and Pacific regions, about 1 in 7 people are aged 60 years or older, and projections indicate that by 2050, 1 in 4 people will fall within this age group.

A report by the Asian Development Bank has reported that the demographic transition to old age will happen even more rapidlyin countries such as the People's Republic of China, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnamwhich will have significant implications for health systems, as well as social and economic consequences.

The World Health Organization defines healthy aging as "developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age."

While improvements in public health and rapid medical advancements are contributing to increased life expectancy, a rapidly aging population presents profound challenges and complex consequences to health systems. Older adults often present with multiple chronic conditions, accompanied by an increased demand for health care services, which in turn contributes to increased health system costs.

For example, in Australia, the projected health expenditure per person (older adults) is expected to rise from A$3250 in 202819 to $3970 in 203132 and reach $8700 in 206061.

More information: Ingy Shafei et al, Smart homes: pioneering age-friendly environments in China for enhanced health and quality of life, Frontiers in Public Health (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1346963 Journal information: Frontiers in Public Health
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Dr. Shizuka Shimabukuro, lead author of the study, explains a game that is included in the program, which mothers can play with their children to improve their visual memory while having fun. Credit: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by elevated levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that can impair academic and social functioning. ADHD is also associated with increased levels of parenting stress, less effective parenting practices, and can disrupt the parent-child relationship. The importance of support for parents of children with ADHD is widely acknowledged in Japan, but specialized parent training programs targeting ADHD have not been available.

However, a new program developed at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) aims to reduce the strain on families of children with ADHD by helping mothers improve their ADHD-specific parenting skills, as well as developing confidence in their own parenting. Dr. Shizuka Shimabukuro, a researcher in the Human Developmental Neurobiology Unit at OIST, has worked to develop and evaluate Well Parent Japan (WPJ).

WPJ is a 13-week group-based parent training program that focuses on enhancing mothers' psychological well-being and teaching culturally tailored parenting skills for ADHD. Dr. Shimabukuro was recently recognized with an award from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for her long-standing work with the program. She is the lead author on a recently-published paper in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry that evaluates the efficacy and cost effectiveness of WPJ compared with treatment as usual for Japanese mothers of children with ADHD.

"We implemented WPJ across three sites in Japan and found that the program was more effective than treatment as usual in these settings, as well as being moderate in cost to deliver," explains Dr. Shimabukuro, and adds that importantly, "the study was conducted in regular hospitals and a developmental support center, not the research lab, as we wanted to test if it worked when delivered in the community."

Finding solace in community

The group-based approach was found to be very effective in providing social support and encouraging shared learning among the participating mothers, who might otherwise feel isolated or hesitate to seek help in dealing with their children's difficulties.

"The primary caregiver in Japan is usually the mother, and because they hesitate to put their own needs ahead of others, they often feel alone with their problems. We wanted to invite them to a comfortable, shared space where everyone is dealing with similar issues and can safely share their struggles and concerns, as well as learn from and support one another," explains Dr. Shimabukuro.

Just as the mothers came together to share and address their parenting difficulties, WPJ is the product of ten years of co-production and collaboration between researchers, clinicians, parents, and children with ADHD, drawing on international literature and the voices of Japanese parents who participated in the studies.

Professor Gail Tripp, head of the unit and another author on the paper, describes the present study as an exercise in crossing divides. "We worked closely with a local hospital here in Okinawa, two university hospitals in other parts of Japan, an economist in Tokyo, and a research colleague in the UK... It's a highly collaborative effort, and I'm glad to see it coming to fruition."

From lockdown to the future

The process of testing the efficacy of WPJ was not without its challenges. The clinical trials began just before the onset of the unexpected coronavirus pandemic, which meant they had to adapt the original research design to the changing social conditions.

"We were trying to coordinate the trials across three sites, with the regulations constantly changing with the nature of the pandemic," says Dr. Shimabukuro. "I'm very grateful and proud of the work that the research group leaders put into first and foremost ensuring the health and safety of our research participants, while also ensuring robust data."

Despite the difficulties faced, the researchers were pleased to see that WPJ was effective in "the real world," with the program outperforming treatment as usual in reducing parenting-specific stress, improving parenting efficacy and reducing family strain.

"Considering the disruptions brought by COVID, we had an extraordinarily high participant retention," explains Prof. Tripp, adding that "comparable studies from abroad in non-pandemic conditions usually report a participant attrition ratethe rate of participants dropping off during the studyof about 15%, but ours was just around 7%."

Dr. Shimabukuro suggests that "our results show how much parents engaged with the program and valued the time and space to talk about their children, even during the height of the COVID crisis."

The high participant retention and the positive results confirm the value of programs like the WPJ in Japan. Dr. Shimabukuro says, "As parents are agents of change for their children, it is very important to take care of them before they can take care of others."

Dr. Shimabukuro is now turning her focus to another environment where children with ADHD spend much of their timeschools. "Teachers are also important agents of change for children, and the children spend so much of their time with thembut like parents, they often face the challenges that ADHD can bring alone. It would be much easier for children with ADHD to establish good behavioral habits if parents and teachers dealt with any problems that arise consistently," explains Dr. Shimabukuro.

The team is now running a feasibility study for implementing an educational video series, a modified version of WPJ, for teachers in schools. Both to educate the teachers about what it means for a child to have ADHD and how to adjust their teaching techniques to accommodate this, but also toas with the mothersprovide a space for the teachers to share their professional insights and experiences of accommodating children with ADHD, with one another.

As licensed clinical psychologists, Dr. Shimabukuro and Prof. Tripp are working to combine their clinical experience with their research in the lab for the good of the children, their families, and their communities.

Dr. Shimabukuro says, "We are ultimately hoping to help enhance people's understanding of ADHD, improve the quality of support and increase the number of places to receive help in the communitywe want to help these families under strain."

More information: A pragmatic randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness and cost effectiveness trial of Well Parent Japan (WPJ) in routine care in Japan: The TRaining And Nurturing Support FOR Mothers (TRANSFORM) study, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (2024). DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.14007 Journal information: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
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An analysis of data from more than 16,700 patients reveals that ethnic minority patients with heart failure are at much higher risk of death than white patients.

According to the study, carried out at the University of Birmingham, and presented yesterday at the British Cardiovascular Society conference (BCS 2024) in Manchester, there are sizable inequalities in heart failure treatment and outcomes.

The risk of death in ethnic minority heart failure patients was calculated to be 36% higher than that of white patients after an average of 17 months

The research also showed that the disparity was greater if patients also had atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm problem. When the researchers looked at people who also had atrial fibrillation, and controlled for factors like age, they calculated that ethnic minority patients were over twice as likely to die as white patients were during the 17-month follow-up period.

The analysis of the data from the 12 clinical trials included also showed beta blockers, a commonly prescribed treatment for heart failure and atrial fibrillation, were able to reduce deaths in white patients by 30% but were not able to show a protective effect in the ethnic minority heart failure patients. This could be due to too few people with ethnic minority backgrounds being included in the analysis to be able to detect a difference.

Sebastian Fox and Dr. Asgher Champsi, the researchers who led the study as part of Professor Dipak Kotecha's team at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, suggested several likely causes for the disparity.

They highlighted evidence from other studies suggesting ethnic minority patients present to doctors later, when the condition is more advanced and harder to treat. They also pointed to variation in the effectiveness and use of treatments across different ethnicities as possible causes.

The researchers underscored that across the trials analyzed, 89% of patients were white, saying that under-representation of ethnic minority patients in trials needs to be addressed as a priority.

Sebastian Fox, final year medical student and co-lead author of the study, said, "It is crucial that steps are taken to close this worrying gap in heart failure treatment and outcomes. The most important thing we can do going forward is include more ethnic minority patients in trials of heart failure treatments. We otherwise risk drawing inappropriate conclusions that treatments are equally effective across different ethnicities.

"Another important factor to address is the combination of barriers to health care facing ethnic minority patients, resulting in later presentation to a doctor with a more advanced form of heart failure. This in turn is likely to lead to poorer outcomes for these patients. We need to investigate the root causes of these differences and find solutions to potential barriers these groups experience when seeking health care."

Death rates and treatment effectiveness were not the only points of difference between the two groups. Hospitalization was also much higher in ethnic minority patients. Nearly a third of ethnic minority heart failure patients were hospitalized for cardiovascular problems compared to a quarter of white patients.

If patients had atrial fibrillation too, the difference was even more stark, with around 40% of ethnic minority patients hospitalized versus 30% of white patients.

The researchers explained that, although the average time period covered by the study was 17 months, there is nothing to suggest the differences in deaths and hospitalizations would be less dramatic over longer time periods.

Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, Associate Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist, said, "This study highlights stark health inequalities in how heart failure outcomes may vary depending on a patient's ethnicity.

"While this study was observational and cannot tell us about cause and effect, it found that patients with an ethnic minority background were sicker and more likely to die from their heart failure than others.

"If we are to close this gap, it is vital we gain a better understanding of barriers in accessing care that face those from minority ethnicity backgrounds. It is also important that research is representative of those affected by cardiovascular disease, to ensure that tests and treatments can benefit those who need them.

"If you have been prescribed medications for heart failure, it is important to take them as recommended by your doctor."
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Capoeira game played at the "Roda da Purificacao 2023" by members of the "Grupo Cultural de Capoeira Angola Cativeiro", supervised by Master Ado. Credit: Maria Buzanovsky, CC-BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Clinicians often default to treating mental health conditions with a variety of medication. This approach, however, largely ignores the role of environment, lifestyle, and social factors. Mental Health professionals must work toward a more holistic management picture, Sidarta Ribeiro, Ana Paula Pimentel, Paulo Amarante and colleagues at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and FIOCRUZ in Brazil argue in the open-access journal PLOS Mental Health on June 4.

More people than ever are being diagnosed with mental health conditionsparticularly children and young adults. The World Health Organization estimates that mental health conditions affect at least one in eight people around the world.

While pharmaceutical treatments are improving, Ribeiro and colleagues argue that psychiatry has become overmedicalized, focusing on using medicines to manage mental health. A better path, they say, involves integrating medication with a deeper understanding of all mental and physical factors that can affect mental health.

More holistic treatment, Ribeiro and colleagues note, starts with the rights and dignity of the individual. They note that peer support models and strengthening community can improve outcomes for people in acute mental crisis. In addition, they suggest that psychiatric treatment could integrate lifestyle changes to improve sleep, nutrition, and exercise (such as yoga and Capoeira).

Finally, holistic mental health management involves engaging with "inner dialogs," using approaches such as psychotherapy, art therapy and nature exposure. Psychiatry, the scientists argue, must engage not just with the individual's biology, but also with their social settings, their environments, and their lives as a whole.

The authors add, "Deficits in sleep, nutrition, exercise, introspection, and other pillars of good mental health do not occur in the vacuum, they are produced by how we live (...) It is time to strive towards a more naturalistic and benign approach to promoting mental well-being, by strengthening the connections to one's own body, nature, and community."

More information: Ribeiro S, Pimentel AP, Fernandes VR, Deslandes AC, Amarante P (2024) It is time for more holistic practices in mental health. PLOS Mental Health (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000028
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While mentally stimulating activities and life experiences can improve cognition in memory clinic patients, stress undermines this beneficial relationship. This is according to a study, titled "Cognitive reserve, cortisol, and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers: A memory clinic study", from the Karolinska Institutet published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia.

Researchers in the late 1980s found that some individuals who showed no apparent symptoms of dementia during their lifetime had brain changes consistent with an advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease. It has since been postulated that so-called cognitive reserve might account for this differential protective effect in individuals.

Cognitively stimulating and enriching life experiences and behaviors such as higher educational attainment, complex jobs, continued physical and leisure activities, and healthy social interactions help build cognitive reserve. However, high or persistent stress levels are associated with reduced social interactions, impaired ability to engage in leisure and physical activities, and an increased risk of dementia.

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have now examined the association between cognitive reserve, cognition, and biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease in 113 participants from the memory clinic at the Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden. They also examined how this association is modified by physiological stress (cortisol levels in saliva) and psychological (perceived) stress.

Greater cognitive reserve was found to improve cognition, but interestingly, physiological stress appeared to weaken the association.

"These results might have clinical implications as an expanding body of research suggests that mindfulness exercises and meditation may reduce cortisol levels and improve cognition," says the study's lead author Manasa Shanta Yerramalla, researcher at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet.

"Different stress management strategies could be a good complement to existing lifestyle interventions in Alzheimer's prevention."

The relatively small sample of participants reduces the possibility of drawing robust conclusions, but the results are generalizable to similar patient groups. Moreover, since stress disrupts sleep, which in turn disrupts cognition, the researchers controlled for sleeping medications; they did not, however, consider other aspects of sleep that might impair cognition.

"We will continue to study the association between stress and sleeping disorders and how it affects the cognitive reserve in memory clinic patients," says Dr. Yerramalla.
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As social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have risen in popularity, so have direct-to-consumer advertisements for drugs like Ozempic, whether it be pop-up advertisements or social media influencers promoting products to their followers. Now, more and more people are asking their doctors to prescribe them drugs they have seen in advertisements, prompting three chief medical residentsLynne Rosenberg, MD, Samantha Thielen, MD, and Evan Zehr, MDin the University of Colorado Internal Medicine Residency Program to deliberate: Is this a beneficial or harmful occurrence?

The answer, they discovered, is complex and evolving. For some patients, research has found they feel more empowered to have conversations with the medical providers and advocate for what they want. On the other hand, some physicians have reported negative effects, such as increased pressure to prescribe medication they may not think their patient needs.

"Direct-to-consumer advertising differentially impacts all facets of health carethe provider experience, the patient experience, population health, and cost," Thielen said during a recent Medical Grand Rounds presentation. "Despite government efforts to protect consumers, regulations have not yet addressed the expansion of direct-to-consumer advertising beyond classic avenues in the digital age."

Although the rise of social media brings unprecedented challenges, the chief medical residents emphasized that the digital landscape also serves as a platform that health care providers canand shoulduse to their advantage.

How advertising impacts patients, physicians

Research has found that direct-to-consumer advertising impacts the health care system in a multitude of ways, including some opposing effects on patients versus health care providers.

For many patients, they will seek additional health-related information in response to advertisements, whether it be about a new symptom or condition. Studies show that 733% of patients have asked their provider for a prescription in response to an advertisement. Research also suggests the more patients are exposed to advertisements, the more likely they are to request the medication from their provider.

"Not only does advertising impact patient behaviorit also impacts patient perception of their health care delivery. Patients feel empowered in response to advertisements," Thielen said. "They like coming to their doctor armed with knowledge and thoughtful questions."

For physicians, however, many have reported more negative effects of direct-to-consumer advertising. Physicians consistently indicate that they feel an increased pressure to prescribe and respond to requests from patients.

Advertisements also affect physicians' perceptions of their patients, as surveys of physicians have consistently shown that they believe their patients have an incomplete understanding of the medications that they see in advertisements, as well as lack knowledge about the side effects, limitations, or cost of the drugs. Many physicians also reported they feel their patients overestimate the benefit of the drug.

Additionally, physicians perceive a negative impact on their patient relationships because of advertising for a variety of other reasons. Physicians report that it can be challenging when patients gain a false sense of autonomy based on misinterpreting advertisements. They also say that conflict can arise when they don't prescribe a requested medication. Others say that advertisements result in medical encounters being more transactional rather than based on trust.

The rise of direct-to-consumer advertising

In the current digital age, many people encounter drug advertisements every day, whether it be a TV commercial, a pop-up advertisement on a website, or sponsored content on social media platforms. This was not always the case. In fact, prior to 1980, most drug advertisements in the U.S. were targeted toward physiciansnot consumers. That changed in 1983 when the first commercial for a drug aired on TV.

With the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, the marketing of drugs to consumers has only expanded, prompting the need for federal regulations around direct-to-consumer advertising on social media.

In 2014, the FDA released its first draft guidance for drug advertising on social media platforms, stating that if a company makes a benefit claim, then it must also include the risks and direct access to more information. This draft was made final in 2023, requiring advertisements to be presented in a clear, conspicuous, and neutral manner.

"But it's not always the company making the claims. Some folks making claims about drugs online are people who have used the medicine, had a family member use it, or just read about it. They are by no means experts in the risks and benefits of these medications, and they have no regulations on their statements," Rosenberg said.

Although the FDA has drafted guidance on correcting third-party misinformation, it cannot require companies to correct misinformation.

"Today, we're living in a country in which direct-to-consumer advertising is legal, online platforms are growing rapidly, and the FDA is trying to keep up with the ever-growing world of social media," Rosenberg said.

Unprecedented challengesand opportunities

Social media allows patients to have unprecedented access to medication and information about it, leaving many physicians to wonder how they can best advocate for their patients. For Thielen, Rosenberg, and Zehr, the answer is not to push against social media, but rather to embrace it.

For example, physicians can create their own content on social media as a way to discuss medical topics and dispel misinformation. For those who are not comfortable creating their own content, they can still use social media platforms to re-share the work of their colleagues and other credible sources.

Physicians can also recommend to their patients that they follow the social media accounts of official institutions like the FDA or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By connecting patients to these accounts, it helps increase the likelihood that patients will see more credible content on their social media feeds.

"Rather than shying away from an expansion of direct-to-consumer advertising in the digital age, we urge providers to embrace this as an opportunity to advance patient education," Thielen said.
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The state of Illinois has emerged as a leader in passing legislation focused on the detection and treatment of perinatal mental health issues, yet more work is needed to improve outcomes for women and their children, researchers suggested in a recent review of Illinois's policies.

Among the six Illinois policies on these issues enacted since 2008, "there are exceptional examples that capture Illinois's efforts to address perinatal mental health," the team wrote.

Currently, Illinois is one of only five statesalong with California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and West Virginiato require or mandate screening for maternal mental health conditions, according to the study.

"Illinois has sought to address perinatal mental health at the population level using policy as a tool to expand awareness of and develop systems to identify those in need of careand there are examples that can extend to other states in the nation." said Karen M. Tabb, a social work professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the senior and corresponding author of the paper. Her co-authors were U. of I. social work professor Sandra Kopels; Wan-Jung Hsieh, a professor of social work at National Taiwan University; and U. of I. alumnus Xavier Ramirez.

Illinois had the second lowest rate8.1%of postpartum depressive symptoms among the 27 states that collected Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data in 2012, according to the study, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry.

An initiative of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PRAMS collects data on maternal attitudes and experiences before, during and shortly after pregnancy.

Yet, even when depressive symptoms are detected, they often go untreated, as only 22% of the women who screen positive receive mental health treatment, the researchers wrote.

Suicide is a leading cause of death for women up to one year post-delivery. Early detection and treatment could prevent women harming themselves, their children or others, the team wrote.

Illinois was the first state to enact a law that allows untreated or undiagnosed postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis and anxiety disorders related to pregnancy or childbirth to be used as a defense in criminal cases and as a factor in withholding or minimizing women's sentences after conviction. For these conditions to be used as a mitigating factor, the disorder must have been undiagnosed when the criminal act occurred but been diagnosed since by a qualified health care professional.

Illinois's second Perinatal Mental Health Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act, enacted in 2008 and amended in 2015 and 2018, strives to create a safety net by requiring several state agencies to develop educational materials for women and their families and conduct assessments for perinatal mental health conditions during prenatal and postnatal visits.

Under the law, health professionals that provide prenatal services as well as hospitals that provide labor and delivery services are required to inform women and their family members about the symptoms of perinatal mental health disorders. Likewise, clinicians are required to invite women to undergo screenings during prenatal and postnatal visits and at well-baby checkups.

When these screenings indicate that patients may be experiencing mental health problems, based on clinicians' medical judgment, they are required to administer further assessments.

Illinois's other notable policy effort in this area is the Maternal Mental Health Conditions Education, Early Diagnosis and Treatment Act, enacted in 2020 to raise awareness about the risk factors, signs, symptoms and treatment options. Under this law, the Illinois Department of Human Services is required to develop educational materials for health professionals and patients, and hospitals are required to use them in employee training.

Likewise, a 2023 legislative directive requires the Illinois Department of Public Health to work with the state chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to encourage physicians to conduct postpartum mental health screenings at well-baby visits.

Prior studies of Illinois residents found significant disparities among racial minorities and low-income populations, with higher rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideations in these groups.

In April 2021, Illinois became the first state to expand Medicaid coverage from 60 days to the first year postpartum. Governor J.B. Pritzker hailed the expansion as part of his administration's efforts to "reduce health disparities in communities across the state and improve maternal health outcomes for women of color."

Illinois legislators have been instrumental in advancing federal policies focused on maternal mental health, according to the study. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and U.S. Representative Bobby Rush co-sponsored a billlanguage from which was incorporated into the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Actthat increased funding for research and programs on perinatal depression and psychosis.

"These legislative efforts are great strides forward in raising awareness of perinatal mental health problems and helping women who are experiencing them access treatment," Tabb said. "However, far too many of these conditions are still going undetected and untreated. And that has long-term negative implications not only for women, but their infants, partners and other family members as well."

More information: Karen M. Tabb et al, State legislation and policies to improve perinatal mental health: a policy review and analysis of the state of Illinois, Frontiers in Psychiatry (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1347382 Journal information: Frontiers in Psychiatry
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In 2021, 9.6 percent of medical visits took place via telehealth, with a higher percentage seen for mental health visits, according to a research letter published online June 4 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Sandra L. Decker, Ph.D., from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in Rockville, Maryland, and colleagues describe telehealth use using the 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Respondents were asked about health care received in-person or in real-time telehealth interactions.

The researchers found that 9.6 percent of the 232,024 visits took place via telehealth. The percentage of telehealth visits for mental health was higher than for other clinicians; for example, 43.2 versus 4.5 percent of visits to psychiatrists versus other physicians occurred via telehealth. For all clinician categories, the percentage of telehealth visits decreased throughout most of 2021.

From January to December, the percentage of telehealth visits to nonphysician mental health clinicians decreased from 55.3 to 44.8 percent, while the decline for psychiatrists was similar for the year (18 percent), despite a small uptick at the end of the year. For nonpsychiatric physicians, the percentage decline in telehealth visits was 3.9 percentage points, and the decline for nonphysician, non-mental health clinicians was 2.1 percent.

"The percentage of telehealth visits declined 44 to 49 percent for non-mental health visits and 18 to 19 percent for mental health visits, suggesting that use of telehealth after the PHE [COVID-19 Public Health Emergency] peak has returned closer to pre-PHE levels for non-mental health clinicians," the authors write.

More information: Sandra L. Decker et al, Use of Telehealth Among Medical Visits in the United States: Results From the 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, Annals of Internal Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.7326/M24-0137 Journal information: Annals of Internal Medicine

Copyright  2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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A Tennessee agency that is supposed to hold accountable and grade the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly awards full credit on dozens of quality-of-care measurements as long as it reports any valueregardless of how its hospitals actually perform.

Ballad Health, a 20-hospital system in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia, has received A grades and an annual stamp of approval from the Tennessee Department of Health. This has occurred as Ballad hospitals consistently fall short of performance targets established by the state, according to health department documents.

Because the state's scoring rubric largely ignores the hospitals' performance, only 5% of Ballad's final score is based on actual quality of care, and Ballad has suffered no penalty for failing to meet the state's goals in about 50 areasincluding surgery complications, emergency room speed, and patient satisfaction.

"It doesn't make any sense," said Ron Allgood, 75, of Kingsport, Tennessee, who said he had a heart attack in a Ballad ER in 2022 after waiting for three hours with chest pains. "It seems that nobody listens to the patients."

Ballad Health was created six years ago after Tennessee and Virginia lawmakers waived federal anti-monopoly laws so two competing hospital companies could merge.

The monopoly agreement established two quality measures to compare Ballad's care against the state's baseline expectations: about 17 "target" measures, on which hospitals are expected to improve and their performance factors into their grade; and more than 50 "monitoring" measures, which Ballad must report, but how the hospitals perform on them is not factored into Ballad's grade.

Ballad has failed to meet the baseline values on 75% or more of all quality measures in recent yearsand some are not even closeaccording to reports the company has submitted to the health department.

Since the merger, Ballad has become the only option for hospital care for most of about 1.1 million residents in a 29-county region at the nexus of Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Critics are vocal. Protesters rallied outside a Ballad hospital for months. For years, longtime residents like Allgood have alleged Ballad's leadership has diminished the hospitals they've relied on their entire lives.

"It's a shadow of the hospital we used to have," Allgood said.

And yet, every year since the merger, the Tennessee health department has reported that the benefits of the hospital merger outweigh the risks of a monopoly, and that Ballad "continues to provide a Public Advantage." Tennessee has also given Ballad an A grade in every year but two, when the scoring system was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and no grade issued.

The department's latest report, released in May, awarded Ballad 93.6 of 100 possible points, including 15 points just for reporting the monitoring measures. If Tennessee re-scored Ballad based on its performance, its score would drop from 93.6 to about 79.7, based on the scoring rubric described in health department documents. Tennessee considers scores of 85 or higher to be "satisfactory," the documents state.

Larry Fitzgerald, who monitored Ballad for the Tennessee government before retiring this year, said it was obvious the state's scoring rubric should be changed.

Fitzgerald likened Ballad to a student getting 15 free points on a test for writing any answer.

"Do I think Ballad should be required to show improvement on those measures? Yes, absolutely," Fitzgerald said. "I think any human being you spoke with would give the same answer."

Ballad Health declined to comment. Tennessee Department of Health spokesperson Dean Flener declined an interview request and directed all questions about Ballad to the Tennessee Attorney General's Office, which also has a role in regulating the monopoly. Amy Wilhite, a spokesperson for the AG's office, directed those questions back to the health department and provided documents showing it is the agency responsible for how Ballad is scored.

The Virginia Department of Health, which is also supposed to perform "active supervision" of Ballad as part of the monopoly agreement, has fallen several years behind schedule. Its most recent assessment of the company was for fiscal year 2020, when it found that the benefits of the monopoly "outweigh the disadvantages." Erik Bodin, a Virginia official who oversees the agreement, said more recent reports are not yet ready to be released.

Ballad Health was formed in 2018 after state officials approved the nation's biggest so-called Certificate of Public Advantage, or COPA, agreement, allowing a merger of the Tri-Cities region's only two hospital systemsMountain States Health Alliance and Wellmont Health System. Nationwide, COPAs have been used in about 10 hospital mergers over the past three decades, but none has involved as many hospitals as Ballad's.

The Federal Trade Commission has warned that hospital monopolies lead to increased prices and decreased quality of care. To offset the perils of Ballad's monopoly, officials required the new company to agree to more robust regulation by state health officials and a long list of special conditions, including the state's quality-of-care measurements.

Ballad failed to meet the baseline on about 80% of those quality measures from July 2021 to June 2022, according to a report the company submitted to the health department. The following year, Ballad fell short on about 75% of the quality measures, and some got dramatically worse, another company report shows.

For example, the median time Ballad patients spend in the ER before being admitted to the hospital has risen each year and is now nearly 11 hours, according to the latest Ballad report. That's more than three times what it was when the monopoly began, and more than 2.5 times the state baseline.

And yet Ballad's grade is not lowered by the lack of speed in its ERs.

Fitzgerald, Tennessee's former Ballad monitor, who previously served as an executive in the University of Virginia Health System, said a hospital company with competitors would have more reason than Ballad to improve its ER speeds.

"When I was at UVA, we monitored this stuff passionately becauseand I think this is the key point herewe had competition," Fitzgerald said. "And if we didn't score well, the competition took advantage."

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Black patients with early-stage breast cancer who were treated with docetaxel chemotherapy every 3 weeks had less drug-induced peripheral neuropathy and significantly fewer dose reductions compared to those who received weekly paclitaxel, according to a trial by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (ECOG-ACRIN). Study EAZ171 is the first National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored trial to focus specifically on enrolling a minority or underserved population to assess drug-induced toxicity (rather than drug efficacy) where there are known disparate outcomes.

Results were presented today at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

"To date, clinical trials in the US have suffered from a disproportionate lack of Black patients. Lack of representation is problematic, given significant disparities in cancer outcomes by race. Here, we sought to not just describe disparities but to begin to understand and address them to improve equity in breast cancer care," said presenter Tarah J. Ballinger, MD, medical director of breast cancer prevention at Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vera Bradley Foundation Scholar in Breast Cancer Research, and Associate Professor at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Despite Black patients having a 4% lower incidence of breast cancer than white patients across the United States, they have a 40% higher death rate from breast cancer. The difference in the death rate is not explained by Black patients having more aggressive cancers.

Previous research has found that Black people or those of genetically determined African ancestry with breast cancer experience significantly more peripheral neuropathy compared to people of other ancestries. Peripheral neuropathy is painful nerve damage that usually starts in the hands and feet and gets worse over time.

Specific genetic differences could be a factor. Higher rates of neuropathy are associated with dose reductions of chemotherapy and lower cure rates.

Study EAZ171 was designed to validate genetic predictors of taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) and to determine the optimal taxane-based chemotherapy to lessen TIPN for Black patients with early-stage breast cancer. The trial enrolled 249 participants, all of whom received a guideline-recommended taxane-based chemotherapy treatment as recommended by their physician: docetaxel every 3 weeks (n=123) or weekly paclitaxel (n=126).

Researchers observed elevated rates of moderate or severe TIPN with paclitaxel versus docetaxel as recorded by physicians (44% vs. 25%) and reported by patients (40% vs. 24%). Participants on paclitaxel experienced significantly more TIPN-related dose reductions than those on docetaxel (28.1% vs. 8.5%). All-cause dose reduction rates were 38.8% for paclitaxel vs. 24.6% for docetaxel.

"This study confirmed that Black patients with breast cancer have a very high risk of drug-induced peripheral neuropathy," said Dr. Ballinger. "Further, we found that one taxanedocetaxelwas associated with significantly less neuropathy and dose reduction of chemotherapy than paclitaxel, suggesting this drug may be a better choice for many Black patients."

Although Black patients or those of genetically determined African ancestry are at higher risk for TIPN as a group, there is variation across individuals. Therefore, the trial's primary endpoint was to evaluate inherited germline predictors of TIPN found in DNA. The trial did not meet its primary endpoint.

Nearly three-fourths of the women in each treatment arm were classified as high risk for TIPN based on genetic alterations. Yet there were no differences in the occurrence of neuropathy in high- versus low-risk women, regardless of which taxane they received.

"We studied two specific genesSBF2 and FCAMR. It is likely that these genes do matter, but that TIPN is multigenic and multifactorial, so these genes alone are not enough to predict risk of TIPIN. We have more work to do to understand and predict TIPN in this population," said Dr. Ballinger.

For the next steps, ECOG-ACRIN researchers are planning another trial to determine how to further optimize taxane therapy for Black patients with breast cancer. They will also build on the current study's unique and successful approach to enrollment for future oncology trials.

"While the trial focused specifically on Black people, the results highlight the need to personalize therapy to minimize toxicity," said Dr. Ballinger. "Importantly, this study offers a blueprint for how to design and recruit for a study focusing on a minority or underserved patient population."

The study was designed and implemented in collaboration with Black cancer patient advocacy groups. For instance, Pink-4-Ever Ending Disparities, an Indiana non-profit launched to help close inequities in breast cancer care for Black women, assisted with trial recruitment via social media, such as YouTube.

Further, many enrolled patients came from sites in the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) rather than solely from academic settings. Not only did investigators overcome challenges in recruiting a heavily under-represented population, but they did so during the COVID-19 pandemic and in a relatively short time.

"Tailoring research to the needs of underserved populations is effective. This trial succeeded because of the partnership with Black patients," said Dr. Ballinger.

More information: Bryan P. Schneider et al, ECOG-ACRIN EAZ171: Prospective Validation Trial of Germline Predictors of Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Black Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer, Journal of Clinical Oncology (2024). DOI: 10.1200/JCO.24.00526 Journal information: Journal of Clinical Oncology

Provided by ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group
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In this micrograph, fibrotic collagen (white) encapsulates a mammary tumor. Cells with nuclei are stained blue. Credit: Kevin Tharp, Sanford Burnham Prebys

Immunotherapy is based on harnessing a person's own immune system to attack cancer cells. However, patients with certain tumors do not respond to these therapies and it remains unclear why.

"The full impact of anti-cancer immunotherapy has not been realized, especially for some solid tumors," says Kevin Tharp, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys.

Researchers presume that part of the reason why these therapies fail is due to tumor-associated fibrosis, the creation of a thick layer of fibrous collagen (like scar tissue) that acts as a barrier to infiltrating anti-tumor immune cells such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs).

In a new paper, published in Nature Cancer, first author Tharp and colleagues illuminate how the fibrotic tumor microenvironment creates an inhospitable milieu for anti-tumor immunity.

Kelly Kersten, Ph.D., an assistant professor who is also a member of the Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment at Sanford Burnham Prebys, is a co-author on the paper. The senior author is Valerie M. Weaver, Ph.D., professor of surgery at University of California San Francisco where the research was primarily conducted.

In the new study, which focused on breast cancer, the authors report that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), a type of immune cell found abundantly in the tumor microenvironment, respond to the physical properties of fibrosis by synthesizing injury-associated collagens that facilitate wound closure and "re-epithelialization."

The resulting metabolic changes in TAMs result in metabolic byproducts that suppress the anti-tumor function of CTLs.

Tharp said the metabolic changes in the microenvironment present more of a challenge to anti-tumor responses than the physical barrier.

"CTLs normally migrate through spaces much smaller than the gaps in collagen networks that form around tumors," Tharp says. "Our study provides an alternative explanation for why anti-tumor immunity is impaired in fibrotic solid tumors."

Kersten said the findings underscore that the phenotype and function of immune cells in the context of cancer are heavily regulated by environmental factors, such as tissue stiffness and metabolic challenges.

"Our findings help improve understanding of the mechanisms that regulate anti-tumor immune responses in fibrotic tumors and will aid the development of novel strategies to work in conjunction with immunotherapies to treat cancer patients."

Additional authors on the study include Ori Maller, Greg A. Timblin, Stashko Connor, Mary-Kate Hayward, Ilona Berestjuk, Bushra Samad and Alexis J. Combes, all at UCSF; Fernando P. Canale and Roger Geiger, Universita della Svizzera italiana, Switzerland; Rosa E. Menjivar and Marina Pasca di Magliano, University of Michigan; Johanna ten Hoeve and Alastair J. Ironside, UCLA; and Alexander Muir, University of Chicago.

More information: Kevin M. Tharp et al, Tumor-associated macrophages restrict CD8+ T cell function through collagen deposition and metabolic reprogramming of the breast cancer microenvironment, Nature Cancer (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00775-4 Journal information: Nature Cancer
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.
Missoula County residents must return their ballots to the county's election center or a polling place by 8 p.m. on Tuesday for their vote to count in the primary.

As of May 30, roughly 32% of absentee ballots had been returned to the Missoula County Election Center, according to a social media post from the county. The county mailed ballots to more than 63,000 registered absentee voters on May 10.

Many primary races are non-competitive, including several local positions. One of Missoula County's Commissioner jobs held by Josh Slotnick, a Democrat, will be up for grabs this fall.

While no candidate is running against Slotnick in the primary, Kris Culdice has filed as a Republican in the race and Mike Nonemacher has filed as an independent. All three are set to appear on the ballot this November.

Within Missoula County, voters will advance candidates to the November general election in 12 state House races and three state Senate races.

There are also three ballot measures up for vote: the city of Missoula Fire Department Levy for $7 million a year, and local government reviews for the county and city.

Roughly 17,000 residents in the northeastern side of the county will be affected, but the county election office said the error will not affect the race, as election judges will weed out the incorrect ballots for that specific race.

People who have not returned their ballot can still drop their mailed ballot off at several locations, including the election center at 140 N. Russell St.

On election day, drive-thru locations are available at the county fairgrounds and McCormick Park, or voters can drop ballots at their local polling location from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

People can register to vote on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Polling Locations

Bonner School - 9045 Highway 200 E, Bonner 59823

Clinton Elementary School - 20397 E Mullan Rd, Clinton 59825

Former Cold Springs School - 2625 Briggs St, Missoula 59803

CS Porter School - 2510 Central Ave, Missoula 59804

East Missoula Community Center - 314 Montana Ave, Missoula 59802

Frenchtown Fire Station - 16875 Marion, Frenchtown 59834

Gray Wolf Satellite Office - 20750 US-93, Missoula 59808

Hellgate Elementary School - 2385 Flynn Ln, Missoula 59808

Lifelong Learning Center - 310 S Curtis, Missoula 59801

Lolo School - 5305 Farm Ln, Lolo 59847

Lowell School - 1200 Sherwood St, Missoula 59802

MCPS Admin Building - 909 South Ave. West, Missoula 59801

Missoula Library - 455 E Main, Missoula 59802

Petty Creek Fire Station - 995 Terrace View Dr, Alberton 59820

Potomac Greenough Community Center - 29827 Potomac Rd, Bonner 59823

Seeley Lake Elementary School - 200 School Lane, Seeley Lake 59868

Spring Meadows Fire Station - 9350 Ladyslipper, Missoula 59808

Swan Valley School - 6423 Highway 83 N, Condon 59826

Target Range School - 4095 South Ave West, Missoula 59804

James E. Todd Building - 32 Campus Dr / University Center, Missoula 59812
The fifth night was the coldest, and Thomas Gray worried he might freeze to death if he stopped moving.

The 73-year-old boater from North Fork, Idaho, was huddled inside a pitch-black trailer at 6,400 feet elevation just outside the remote Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness northwest of Stanley on May 21. He was near an empty campground and silent airstrip; the only road there was snowed in. Even if the road was open, the highway was still miles away to the south and over a mountain pass.

His raft, from which he was ejected days earlier on Dagger Falls, was somewhere down the Middle Fork Salmon River, miles away to the north, damaged and hung up on an inaccessible riverbank flanked by sheer cliffs. All his belongings were there, too  not just phone and wallet, but camping equipment, food and water.

Crucially, the drybox on his raft also held matches. But that didn't help him now, as he paced around the trailer's inky darkness next to a cold stove and ready firewood.

The deeply experienced and capable boater was supposed to be at the Gray family reunion back in Illinois after what he'd intended to be a three-day trip from Marsh Creek, a Middle Fork tributary near Stanley, to the confluence of the Middle Fork and main Salmon, near where he lives.

Instead he was trying not to die in the backcountry. No one knew where he was or what happened to him  not his wife and daughter waiting and worrying at home; not the pilots, kayakers, cops and rangers who were searching for him; and certainly not the Gray family more than 1,000 miles east in Illinois.

All they knew was that he wasn't with the damaged boat searchers found.

"I know Tom: weve gone through different scenarios before, but nothing this serious," his wife, Lori, recounted. "Im starting to think this doesnt look too good. It wasnt hitting us because weve gone through this year after year after year, wondering, if he doesnt come out on time, how far is this going to go?"

John Haugh, a marine deputy with the Custer County Sheriff's Office, had a grimmer assessment.

"Several days into the search and rescue, we had impending severe weather, high winds and such, it was going to shut down the searching," he said. "It was not looking good after three or four days."

In Illinois, Gray said, "theyre getting all this, 'Oh, we thought maybe you died.'"

The family was especially worried because they'd been through almost the same ordeal before, two years prior, nearly to the day. They feared a repeat of the same grim outcome.

Small town boys

The Boundary Creek campground and boat launch on the upper Middle Fork sit at the north end of a long, winding dirt road cherry-stemmed into the southern flank of the massive wilderness area that envelopes the legendary National Wild and Scenic River  one of the first rivers designated as such in the country.

It's inaccessible to vehicles until about late May or early June, when outfitters who guide clients on the river during summer months punch through snow drifts at Cape Horn Summit, which the road traverses as it meanders north into the wilderness from State Highway 21. Once the road is open, the permitted float season soon begins, and only those who scored a lottery-awarded permit can hit the water.

Gray grew up in a small Mississippi River town about 30 miles northeast of the Quad Cities area. He was a "small town boy" who hadn't seen mountains until he was 16, when a friend's dad took them on a fishing trip to Estes Park, Colorado. Towering peaks emerged from fog as their Cadillac ate up high-plains highway toward the Rockies. Gray decided then that he would move to the mountains.

He made good on the promise to himself, passing up a nearly guaranteed job at home and moving to Moscow, Idaho, right after law school. He passed the state bar exam and began working in the district attorney's office in Gooding for $1,000 a month. His law career took him to Boise's DA office, mostly handling a crush of DUI charges that kept more than a dozen attorneys busy. He did the same in Coeur D'Alene. Then he was a public defender in Bend, Oregon, and eventually went on to lead the public defender office in Pendleton  a job he maintains today.

And all that time he was boating, first in kayaks and then in catarafts  larger but light boats with two long pontoons bridged by an aluminum-tube frame. He was a full-time river guide in the 1970s and guided part-time for years after. He also worked for years as a ski patroller.

In 46 years he floated the Middle Fork more than 50 times, running Dagger Falls thrice instead of portaging around it, and he completed more than a dozen early-season trips down Marsh Creek to access the Middle Fork.

For 14 years, Gray ran the Middle Fork when the water was low before the height of spring runoff and permits weren't yet required. But that meant putting in at Marsh Creek because Boundary, located next to Dagger Falls, wasn't open yet.

'Lord, don't let this happen'

On May 24, 2022, Thomas was floating Marsh Creek to the Middle Fork with his younger brother, Robert.

Robert, a father of four who lived in the Seattle area, was 63 and had just retired from Boeing. He'd been Gray's rafting partner for years and was ready for longer floats and wanted to ease into bigger water.

Gray, then 71, had just retired from Pendleton and he and Lori moved to their dream cabin near North Fork, Idaho. (He returned to the job last summer to help pay medical bills associated with Lori's cancer treatments.)

The brothers planned a retirement trip: Robert would accompany his older sibling on the annual May float of Marsh Creek to the Middle Fork.

The run down Marsh Creek was uneventful. The brothers then camped at Boundary Creek after Gray ran both their unladen boats down Dagger Falls, one after the other, as Robert portaged the gear around.

The next morning, Thomas warned Robert of "a perpetual logjam" they'd encounter soon after pushing off into the water. They'd need to row hard to the left to clear it, and in doing so roll over a small rapid.

Thomas went first, clearing the squeeze without issue and tucking into a small eddy before another logjam and a 3-mile series of rapids and rocks. He turned around to see his brother hadn't gotten far enough left. The right pontoon of his boat caught a log, spun the boat around and sent it into the rapid backward. The boat flipped and ejected Robert.

"I went right to him and I backed up to him and I grabbed a hold of his life jacket," Gray recounted, "and he was totally unconscious but I could tell he was still breathing."

Gray couldn't pull his 275-pound brother into the boat, so he tried to tie him to the back, head above water, before the boat floated through the rapids.

"Just as I started to put the rope through there and I hadnt cinched it yet, my boat hit the logjam. I didnt have him yet and I watched him float the deadmans float down the river," he said. "It took me about five minutes to get unstuck and I thought, 'Lord, dont let this happen.'"

Gray searched the river 26 miles down to the Indian Creek Ranger Station, searching in vain for his brother. He alerted the ranger, and a helicopter search the following day spotted Robert's body stuck on a logjam 3 feet under the water. It was almost a month before rescuers recovered his body.

Gray reflected on the night before the accident, when the two camped at Boundary Creek.

"He was the best man in my wedding, my younger brother," Gray said. "He was just ready, he was unbelievable. He was ready to travel the world with his wife. I didnt realize it was the last night of his life. He cooked a steak dinner. He always liked to cook steak."

The icebox

Five days short of the two-year anniversary of their last night together, Gray found himself back at Boundary Creek Campground. But this time he was cold and alone and without his boat. He was wearing his drysuit and had his helmet and life-preserver jacket, but personal flotation devices don't do much for thirst or hunger.

Unlike two years before, Gray was floating solo and Marsh Creek had been a nightmare. He planned to zip down the tributary in less than a day, on a Friday, en route to finishing the full float to the confluence by midday Sunday.

Instead, he blew the whole day, May 17, fighting through new logjams on the creek, at one point becoming pinned and needing the assistance of passing kayakers to free his boat. He didn't even make it to the Middle Fork, instead camping along the creek.

On Saturday, May 18, he zipped around the last logjam on Marsh Creek and hit the Middle Fork just above Dagger Falls and the Boundary Creek Campground. He was dozens of miles and a day behind schedule. He had planned to complete the arduous portage around Dagger because the water was higher than when he'd run it before. But he had no way to tell Lori, or the family reunion, he wouldn't be back on time.

"My wifes going to be down there the next day with a truck waiting for me, I thought, 'Well, it is a little higher than I normally run it, but lets do it,'" he recalled. "The next thing I knew Im out of my boat. And when I went over I hit the side of the oar stand, hit me right above the knee and hit me in the shoulder. I didnt think anything was wrong with the shoulder; I later learned it cut the tendon."

He got to shore just in time to see his boat float downriver and out of sight. He decided to stick around the campground for the night, knowing that searchers would scan the course of the river for him. But he had nowhere to sleep and a frigid mountain night loomed. A Forest Service pit toilet was the only shelter around.

"Its like an icebox in there. After about an hour I became frozen, I just became frozen," he said. "That was the first of four nights I spent in outhouses. I just walked all night, because I was afraid if I laid down I would freeze up."

He stayed around the riverside campground all day Sunday. No one came by. And no one back home had any reason to think things were amiss.

Another sleepless, numbing night in the outhouse.

On Monday, May 20, he decided to embark on the 20-mile hike to Highway 21, a common route for travelers between Boise and the Stanley area. He never really regained his body temperature except during the height of day while walking, he said.

A few hours and miles into the hike, a soft thrumming noise punctuated the wild silence: A helicopter was coursing along the Middle Fork, looking for a 73-year-old boater reported overdue. But Gray had already set out for the highway and he wasn't near the river. He waved and jumped, but the helicopter wasn't looking for him there. The noise of its engine slowly disappeared.

"Had I stayed there six more hours, he probably would've spotted me," he realized. So he backtracked and returned to the Boundary Creek outhouse for a third sleepless and hungry night.

He waited for hours on the morning of Tuesday, May 21, for more searchers to come down the river, either by air or water. No such luck.

He hadn't eaten for days and his only source of water was creeks and snowbanks. He figured searchers weren't coming by again (he guessed correctly) and set out with conviction to reach the highway.

Almost 12 miles later he hit the Bruce Meadows airstrip and another nightfall alone. A local snowmobile club trailer was there, door unlocked.

"I walked in, theres a wood stove and guess what, theres a pile of wood," he said. "But guess what I didnt have? Matches. Once again, just staying on my feet all night. I dont know if I wouldve froze or not, but I was afraid if I went down I might freeze up. That was a long night."

Long indeed. A nearby weather station recorded a low of 19 degrees that night, and temps hit the low 20s each of the previous nights Gray spent in the outhouse.

"Those nights are long. You dont want to take another step," he said. "That was about the coldest I've ever been in my entire life."

Six days later, over lunch in Lolo on Memorial Day, he said he couldn't really remember much about that night other than the cold and his want for matches. Even days later, he said, he still felt woozy from the experience, which remained somewhat hazy.

'Testimony to the human spirit'

A line of burly four-wheel-drive vehicles led by a lifted Jeep Wrangler crawled up the dirt road toward Cape Horn Summit the morning of Wednesday, May 22. The first two were from Far & Away Adventures, a Sun Valley-based outfitter in its 49th year of guiding, 44 of which have been on the Middle Fork. Co-owner Steve Lentz was at the wheel of the Jeep. Behind were two trucks from Salmon-based Wilderness River Outfitters.

The crews of outfitters and guides aimed to dig through the drifts blocking the pass and put boats in at Boundary Creek to assess the off-season's damage to the Middle Fork with things like landslides and logjams.

With guides digging and oversized, chained-up tires spinning through dense spring snowpack, the vehicles finally pushed through and began their descent toward Bruce Meadows.

"We rounded a corner or two and heres Tom with a big smile on his face," Lentz said. "He was standing up with a big smile."

Lentz and Gray both stressed that, contrary to earlier news stories, Gray was not collapsed in a snowbank when the outfitters found him. He had hiked nearly to the top of the pass Wednesday morning and sat to rest on a snowbank, but the sound of revving engines alerted him that someone was coming, so he stood up and continued up the road.

And when the Jeep rounded the corner, Lentz said, they immediately knew who they'd found.

"Without a doubt, we knew his story, we knew his brothers story," he said. "We were just so ecstatic to find a live person. We had launched early two years ago and we were looking for his brother. It was Nate that found him in a logjam."

Nate is Nate Ostis, renown kayaker, founder of Wilderness Rescue International and member of Valley County Search and Rescue, which dispatched him to look for Gray by floating the Middle Fork while aircraft searched above. Two years earlier, Ostis recovered Robert's body.

The guides, who have first-responder training, immediately began caring for Gray. Jake Miczulski, who is a Brundage Mountain Resort ski patroller in winter, was the most qualified and led care, Lentz said.

Meanwhile, before driving Gray down to Stanley, someone used a Garmin InReach satellite communication device to let authorities know Gray had been found alive and mostly healthy, although he was malnourished and dehydrated, and banged up from flipping his raft. Gray said he lost 17 pounds during the ordeal. They also messaged Lori.

In Challis, Haugh, the marine deputy, had been fearing the worst for Gray, and his concern was personal. He first met Gray during the search and recovery of Robert two years prior.

"It was pretty sad news, because when I was notified he was missing I was like, oh no, I know this man  I talked to him two years ago," he said. "It was a kick in the chest. Typically when youre missing two or three days, its most likely not going to be a good outcome. Its going to be a bad outcome."

By May 22 he was working up more search plans for when weather improved, but he worried the operation would simply be a body recovery.

"I was in a meeting with the sheriff when he took a phone call and said, 'John, hes alive,' and I was overjoyed," he said. "I got to Stanley as quick as I could. It was a pretty heartfelt reunion to see Tom and just be so thankful that he was alive."

Haugh gave Gray a lift down to Challis, interviewing him along the way about what happened. He knew Gray was a veteran boater, capable and experienced, but yet he probed: "When I asked him why he ran it by himself, he said, 'Well, my partner died two years ago.'"

"Hes got 46 years of running whitewater, so he was highly experienced, highly skilled," Haugh said. "But from the marine deputy standpoint and a fellow boater, I was just happy he was wearing a drysuit, happy he was wearing a high-quality floatation device, wearing a helmet. But I was just like, 'Gee, Tom, why didnt you go with somebody else?'"

But Haugh also marveled at Gray's fortitude and tenacity to survive five days in the wilderness, injured and without any resources.

"For a 73-year-old man to do that in a drysuit in freezing temperatures  and he carried his PFD and helmet the whole way  its just incredible," he said. "Testimony to the human spirit."

Gray said he pushed through the ordeal with prayer, and concern for his family, particularly with Lori depending on him through cancer treatments and recovery from a broken leg.

"This would not be a good time for me to die, so I just toughed it up," he said. "The thing that troubles me the most is that I worried my wife and my daughter so much, just with one wrong decision. The one bad mistake was going ahead and floating Dagger Falls."

Lori had a similar take: "Tom is experienced. His problem was the bad decision to float Dagger Falls.

"Tom is a unique person," she continued. "Hes just Tom, and theres nothing you can do change any of that, nor would you want to. Hes just Tom  Tom and the river."

After all, she said, he set a precedent early: "Before I met him, he missed our first date because he had been in a car accident and was in a coma for seven days."

This time, though, she and their daughter really thought he was dead. And that, to Gray, crossed a line that he hadn't before. He's going to buy a satellite communication device, he said. And he's finished with the early-season floats.

"I promised my wife Im never going to run Marsh Creek again in May," he said. "She said, 'Yeah, 'cause we were preparing your burial.' My daughter, it was funny, she said, 'Dad, youve always come back, I only thought you were 95% dead.'"
The bear stood in the grass, some 60 feet from us. It was a grizzly.

My wife, Cassandra, pulled back the safety clip on the red canister of Counter Assault bear spray in her hands, bent her knees, made a shout, and sprayed into the air.

Too high.

Quote If youre going to live in this Last Best Place, youd better be bear aware  especially as the weather warms up through the spring and into the summer and early fall.

That was the immediate feedback from Chuck Bartlebaugh, who knows a thing or two (or three or four) about bears and their behavior and how to stay safe around them in the Montana wild.

If that grizzly had been alive and not a taxidermy mount, well, I wouldnt be writing these words. Id be gone. So would my wife. Our daughter, Taidyn, who is home following her freshman year at college and tagged along with us to learn from Bartlebaugh and his buddies from the Be Bear Aware Campaign, might have had a chance to get away.

If youre going to live in this Last Best Place, youd better be bear aware  especially as the weather warms up through the spring and into the summer and early fall. The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks billboards along the interstates say it all with big letters: Montana is Grizzly Bear Country. Only Alaska has more of them, according to the state agency tasked with protecting Montanas natural resources.

The mascot of the states flagship university is a grizzly, after all  though Monte has clipped his claws and wont hurt you. Unless youre a bobcat, that is.

While weve been looking forward to exploring the trails around Missoula for months, Cassandra was adamant that we wouldnt be venturing anywhere until we not only had bear spray but that we also knew what to do with it  if necessary.

Were soon to be married for 20 years. I know by now to listen.

I was delighted, then, when I met Bartlebaugh while speaking to a good group of retired conservationists last month at Morning Birds Bakery in downtown Missoula. He was equally delighted to coordinate a training demonstration through the Be Bear Aware Campaign, which uses its bear avoidance educational trailer to teach safety at community events, for youth groups and schools, or at campgrounds and trailheads.

Or for the local editor and his family who could easily get themselves in a lot of trouble by wandering unprepared down a trail at the wrong time.

The one thing you need to do is spray the bear, Bartlebaugh told us.

Not up and down. Not in any sort of zigzag pattern. Not a burst. Dont try to aim.

Just spray spontaneously and downward at the front of the bear while loudly yelling no! and thrusting your other arm in its direction. Bears, like many animals, can understand facial expressions and body language.

Theres only a few seconds of deterrent spray in each canister. Dont stop until the bear sucks in enough of the billowing cloud to change its mind.

Or, as Bartlebaugh put it, I spray until I see its butt.

We left our day of training with two other especially important takeaways:

Make sure your bear spray is quickly and easily accessible  in a chest holster, on your hip or in an outside pocket. When you need it, you need it. There wont be time to retrieve it from a backpack or elsewhere.

Practice removing the safety clip, which is done by placing your thumb in front of the curled lip and pulling back. The canister packed with Capsaicin and related Capsaicinoids, the active ingredients in bear spray that cause an inflammatory response in the bears mouth, nose, throat, lungs, eyes and ears, isnt any help unless you use whats inside.

If youre like us and need an education, Bartlebaugh and the Be Bear Aware Campaign crew stands ready to help: Call 406-239-2315, email bearinfo@cfwi.org or go online to bebearaware.org.

Its free. It just might save your life, too.

With our bear spray canisters in hip holsters and our training behind us, were ready to get out on the trail. Recommendations, anyone?
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the government is in the final stages of securing land for the construction of an airport in Kericho County, which will serve the South Rift region.

The CS stated that multinational tea companies have agreed to surrender part of the land they have leased for the upgrade of Kerenga Airstrip to an airport as directed by President William Ruto.

Mr. Murkomen emphasized that building an airport is part of the governments grand plan to expand Kericho by carving out 1,600 acres from land occupied by the tea firms, as it seeks to upgrade the town to a city in the future.

Following the directive by the President to construct an airport in Kericho, we are engaged in talks with the multinational companies, the National Land Commission (NLC), and the county government to secure land for the project, CS Murkomen said.

The CS highlighted that the airport will be a major cog in boosting tourism in the larger Western and Rift Valley regions that are endowed with natural resources, beautiful sceneries, and communities with diverse traditions and cultures.

Kericho, Kisii, Narok, Nyamira, and Bomet, as well as parts of Nandi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Baringo counties, are expected to benefit from the upgrade of the facility that will ease the transport of passengers and perishable farm produce to the market.

Dr. Ruto announced on March 14 while on a tour of Kericho County that the tea companies had agreed to give out land to the government for the construction of the airport.

We have secured enough land to expand Kerenga Airstrip to a fully-fledged airport. I have instructed Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to work with his technical team to plan the expansion of the facility, President Ruto said.

The President mentioned he was aware that the airstrips dusty runway had sparked debate on social media over its poor status.

The process to curve out an initial 600 acres for expansion of Kericho town is now complete and we are working on another 1,000 acres as we plan to upgrade the town to a city status and open the space for development, Ruto said.

The land will be used for industries, businesses, infrastructure, and social amenities.

Murkomen recently said that in the interim, Kerenga Airstrip, with a runway of 1.2 kilometers, will accommodate light planes with a maximum of 37 passengers, as plans are being made to expand it to 2.0 kilometers.

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai said the county was working with the national government to fast-track development projects that will open up the region for investment.

The expected upgrade of Kerenga Airstrip to an airport is in line with the planned setting aside of 500 acres in Chelimo for the establishment of the Economic Zones and the establishment of the aggregated processing zones at Kapsorok in Soin Sigowet Constituency, Dr. Mutai said.

Mr. Robinson Bett, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Kericho branch chairman, said the fresh farm produce including flowers and avocados along with processed tea and coffee will be directly exported from the region to various global market destinations.

The airport, once constructed, will play a pivotal role in boosting tourism in Rift Valley, Western, and Nyanza circuits with ease of transport both for passengers and fresh farm produce, Mr. Bett said.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for the fight against the use of Muguka by classifying it as a drug.

Speaking in Eastleigh during the opening of a business centre on Sunday, CS Duale said the fight against drug and substance abuse calls for a collective, whole-of-society approach.

He called on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to champion the fight against Muguka as he did against illicit alcohol and drugs.

If we are fighting alcohol in Central Kenya, Rift Valley and every part of Kenya we must also fight Muguka, Duale said.

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.

CS Duale insisted that Muguka is harmful and is destroying Kenyan youth.

As we fight the production, distribution and consumption of illicit brew, with the same emphasis, we must combat other substances, Muguka included, he tweeted.

We believe muguka is a drug and is destroying a lot of young people. If we are fighting alcohol then we should fight muguka. Duale added.

Duales stance comes days after State House declared that recent county-level bans on Muguka were null and void.

A State House dispatch clarified that Muguka is classified as a scheduled crop under the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023. The National Assembly and the Council of Governors have both approved these regulations.

With Muguka recognized by national legislation, any conflicting laws or orders are null and void, stated State House.

The regulations require the government to support various aspects of Muguka farming, including licensing, promotion, regulation, transportation, aggregation, selling, marketing, and export.
Former Nairobi County chief finance officer Jimmy Kiamba has filed a court petition seeking to exclude his matrimonial home from the list of properties ordered to be forfeited to the State by the Court of Appeal.

Mr. Kiamba, along with his spouse Tracy Musau, has filed a petition at the High Court in Mombasa requesting an order allowing them to liquidate their property to settle the claim with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

In the petition, Mr. Kiamba argues that during his employment, he managed to build the matrimonial home income through saving.

He states that he used the savings and loans from banks for wheat and livestock farming, subsequently expanding into the hotel industry with establishments in Mombasa and Machakos.

According to the petitioners, Ms. Musau, a career interior designer, built her business from the ground up by establishing an interior design company.

She later ventured into a beauty parlor, enabling her to acquire a property that was leased out to supplement her income from the core business.

The couple argues that in 2014, without their knowledge, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) commenced investigations into their affairs, including the registered companies they had interests in, forming an opinion that they possessed unexplained assets.

They also claim that EACC filed a case at the High Court to forfeit the unexplained assets, a move that was eventually granted.

Kiamba and Musau argue that they presented evidence demonstrating that their young family was entitled to the protection of the Constitution concerning rights attributable to family, children, and their presumptive right to own property.

RELATED  Ex-Nairobi Finance Chief Jimmy Kiamba Loses Kes.500m Assets and Kes.114m Cash

They contend that the attachment and forfeiture of their matrimonial home would render them homeless and deprive their children of their rights.

Part of the so-called unexplained assets, including the matrimonial home, were aptly explained to the extent they were acquired through pooling of resources of the petitioners and loans advanced by financial institutions, the petition states.

The petitioners challenge the constitutionality of certain sections of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.

They argue that some sections of the law are in direct conflict with and contravene the Constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights, as they prescribe a procedure by which an individual is adjudged and instantly presumed guilty until proven otherwise.

Kiamba and his spouse claim the procedure laid down presupposes a mini-trial conducted by the EACC, which, after investigations, is incumbent upon the anti-graft agency to invite rebuttal evidence before it can recommend either prosecution or acquittal of anticipated charges against the suspect.

It is imperative that the court invokes its interrogative constitutional mandate to interpret the Constitution as invited by the petitioners relating to conflict of laws to safeguard the dictates and gains in criminal and quasi-criminal proceedings for furtherance and protection of the rule of law, the petition states.

The petitioners seek a declaration that Sections 55 (1), 55 (2) (b), 55 (6), 55 (9), 56 (1), and 56 (2) of Aceca are inconsistent and contravene Articles 50 (2) (a), 50 (2) (K), 50 (2) (n), 159 (2) (e), and 160 (1) of the Constitution and are thus unconstitutional and null and void.

Upon the declaration of the unconstitutionality of the sections, the petitioners want a declaration that the orders of the High Court and the Court of Appeal have no force in law. Alternatively, the petitioners seek the exclusion of their matrimonial home situated in Runda Water Estate, Nairobi, from forfeiture by the state.

The petitioners also seek conservatory orders, including staying the implementation or execution of the judgment and orders of the Court of Appeal pending the hearing and determination of their petition.

The court will mention the matter on Thursday for directions.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah is calling for the public disclosure of the agreements President William Ruto made with the U.S.

Omtatah criticized Ruto for allegedly signing agreements with another country without following the law.

Let Kenya be free. We did not fight for independence to be colonized again. Can you make public the contracts you signed with the Americans? Omtatah said in Busia, emphasizing that the law does not allow the president to commit to a treaty without involving parliament.

Omtatah added, What is informing these contracts and where do you get the capacity to commit to the treaties without going through the people of Kenya? The constitution is very clear, any treaty must be a treaty between Kenya and a third party. There is nowhere in our laws where an individual can make a treaty with another country, and when you make this treaty, we want it to go through the national assembly.

The Busia Senator at the same time questioned the nature of President Rutos business dealings with his friends in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who provided him with a private jet for his travel to the USA.

Ruto has told us that Arabs paid for his plane. What business is he doing with them? Why would they pay for his plane? he asked.

Regarding the contentious 2024 Finance Bill, Omtatah warned President Ruto against overtaxing Kenyans and vowed to challenge the bill in court.

You cannot keep increasing taxes without explaining how you will use them. You must clearly outline your plans for those taxes. We will not allow you to steal from Kenyans through taxes, he stated.
A California-based engineering firm has opened its first office in Napa Valley right next to some of the best coffee in downtown Napa.

Located between Bookmine and Signum Architecture, Sherwood Design Engineers is the newest tenant at the 1600 block of Second Street.

It is the eighth office of the company, which has 130 employees. Sherwood's other offices are located in San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, Petaluma and Costa Rica, said Christina Nicholson. Shes the lead civil engineer at the new Napa office.

Sherwood Design Engineers is an award-winning civil engineering firm known for its innovative design and implementation of sustainable infrastructure, said a news release.

The California-based civil engineering firm with global reach is expanding its North Bay presence to better serve its growing roster of clients in the region.

The Napa office was established by Nicholson, Drew Norton and Cody Anderson.

Why Napa?

Weve been working here for a long time in the valley (and) in Napa County, said Nicholson. We wanted to be part of the community, she added. We wanted to make a commitment to the area that we're working in.

Choosing an office downtown  and notably, next to Signum Architecture  It just fit what we were looking to do.

In fact, Signum Architecture is their landlord in the commercial condo, said Nicholson. The Sherwood office is 1,293 square feet in size. Its official address is 1665 Second St. Locals may recall that block as the longtime home of the Napa Valley Register.

The new location solidifies the firms presence in Napa Valley and the North Bay at large, where Sherwood has been actively engaged in numerous engineering projects for a combination of public and private clients throughout its 20+ year history, said the news release.

Those local projects include Farmstead Lodging, Long Meadow Ranch, the city of Napa downtown specific plan, Meadowood, Theorem Winery, Sonoma Farm, Ladera Winery, and Knoll House, a boutique hotel currently in development at the original Ren Hen Cantina site on Solano Avenue.

We live and work within our clients communities, giving us a first-hand understanding of whats going on, said Drew Norton of Sherwoods long tenure in Napa Valley.

Opening the Napa office now builds on the strong foundation of our local relationships and experience, and enables us to better serve our regional clients and engage with the community more officially through local events, activities and volunteer initiatives.

We knew we wanted to be in downtown, said Nicholson. We wanted to have a storefront for people to walk by and see our sign. The goal is to be present in the area  and feel like part of something as well.

Nicholson has deep personal roots in the region as well as an extensive portfolio of design engineering work with clients ranging from hotels, restaurants and wineries to schools and private residences, said the release.

With a goal to recruit and hire local engineering talent, three new Napa-based positions are included among the firms current job openings.

Salary ranges at Sherwood are variable based on experience, said the company. For the Napa-specific job openings, the Design Engineer II salaries range from $81,000 to $99,000 a year, Project Engineer/Civil Engineering salaries range from $109,000 to $121,000 and Project Engineer salaries range from $116,000 to $142,000.

Phase one of the new office would include increasing the staff to as many as five employees, she said. Ultimately, the Sherwood Napa office could be home to as many as 12 staffers.

The cost of living in Napa Valley, is something you always have to factor in, acknowledged Nicholson. But so far, that hasnt impacted recruiting, she said.

In addition to hiring locals, the company also hopes to appeal to workers who live in the greater North Bay area, such as Fairfield or Walnut Creek.

According to the news release, Sherwoods engineering practice follows a design process that emphasizes the important connections between project sites and their natural ecologies, optimizing land use and environmental resilience as well as community access and connection to nature.

In the Napa Valley region, the firm specializes in water and wastewater infrastructure design, site development and entitlements, and fire rebuilds and resilience, frequently helping clients, civic agencies and other consultants navigate complicated regulatory systems, said the release.

The new office draws on Sherwoods deep experience to serve diverse clients of all types, while typical clients in Napa include hospitality developers, wineries and private residential landowners, the release said.

In April the company held a leadership meeting at the new Napa site. The office officially opened on May 1.

How does Nicholson like being next to a Bookmine bookstore and cafe?

Its great, she said. I went over today and got a coffee.

Info: sherwoodengineers.com; 1665 Second St., Napa; 415-677-7300.

Which common college majors have the highest earning potential? Which common college majors have the highest earning potential? What are the most common degrees? Who earns the most? Which common college majors have the highest earning potential?
Preparations underway to ensure smooth, fair gaokao

09:54, June 04, 2024 By Zhao Yimeng ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Multiple ministries in China are ramping up efforts to ensure the safety and fairness of the national college entrance examinations, or gaokao, which will kick off on Friday.

Data from the Ministry of Education shows that 13.42 million students have registered for this year's gaokao, an increase of 510,000 compared with last year. Local education authorities have been urged to strictly regulate management to ensure that the exams are conducted safely.

The gaokao is one of the most important exams for Chinese students and is widely viewed as a key factor in determining a student's future prospects.

Supervision should be strengthened over the entire exam process including question setting, printing and transportation of the exam papers and grading, the ministry said, adding that higher education institutions should ensure fairness and transparency during admission as well.

Meteorological, earthquake and other relevant departments have been asked to release timely information about any natural disasters before and after the exams, guiding local authorities to enhance their response in the event of exam-related emergencies.

The Education Ministry emphasized the importance of combating exam fraud to ensure justice. Special measures will be launched, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security, to crack down on the sale of cheating devices and to eliminate proxy test-takers, it said.

Security check protocols for candidates entering exam venues should be strictly enforced, while testing centers should be fully equipped with intelligent security gates, and wireless signals should be effectively blocked in exam halls, the Education Ministry said.

Smart monitoring and inspection of exam venues will be tightened to prevent high-tech cheating, it added.

Many higher education institutions also issued notices recently to strengthen student management and prevent proxies or other forms of exam assistance.

Yantai University in Shandong province said in a circular late last month that it will resolutely prevent its students from acting as proxies in gaokao.

It is essential for students to understand the severe consequences of getting involved in cheating, and they should be educated to refuse any form of fraud, whether online or offline, the university said.

As this year's gaokao overlaps with the three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, which starts on Saturday, some university students will not be present on campus, posing threats to student management and increasing the possibilities of cheating.

Local authorities have been urged to regulate exam-related training institutions and strictly combat illegal activities such as false advertising and charging expensive consultation fees.

Meanwhile, candidates will be provided with personalized services in terms of transportation, accommodations and medical care, the Education Ministry said.

Customized Braille exam papers will be prepared for 15 visually challenged candidates nationwide, and over 11,000 candidates with disabilities will be provided with convenient accommodations, it added.

Ren Yanhong, a mental health teacher at Beijing Academy, said that gaokao takers should turn their anxiety into motivation to do well on the exams. "When anxiety occurs, students should be aware of what happened instead of being trapped in the feelings. The biggest enemy of anxiety is action," Ren said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
John Lysaker , the William R. Kenan University Professor and a noted philosopher, assumed the directorship of the Emory Center for Ethics on June 1. He takes the helm of the internationally recognized center from Paul Root Wolpe , who stepped down last month to launch a new center for conflict resolution, mediation and peacebuilding.

An interdisciplinary endeavor founded more than three decades ago, Emorys Center for Ethics is dedicated to exploring how ethical issues underlie the decisions that shape our minds, lives and society. As director, Lysaker will lead the centers staff and 10 core faculty, as well as 50 additional affiliated faculty members across Emory, on a wide range of programming, events and resources for faculty, students and public and private organizations.

John is a broadly-based scholar deeply committed to expanding our ethical horizons and engaging our schools and community in discussions around ethical life, says Ravi V. Bellamkonda, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, who announced Lysakers appointment last fall. His leadership will be pivotal in strengthening our commitment to exploring what it means to live an ethical, meaningful and purposeful life.

Since joining Emory in 2009, Lysaker has established himself as a collaborator across disciplines, with experience as a department chair, an innovator of undergraduate and graduate programs and a caring and dynamic teacher.

Following his announcement as the centers new director, he has spent several months meeting with faculty across the university, engaging in conversations regarding ethics and the future of the center. As he begins his tenure as director, Lysaker shares more about his approach to ethics and his vision for the center.

Q: How has your research as a professor of philosophy prepared you for your new role as director of the Center for Ethics?

A: Philosophy lives and dies in its ability to raise and address vexing questions, and at its best, it is something like an art of conversation. Having written about this in various ways, Im anxious to intensify and expand the kind of conversations taking place at Emory, which will intensify and expand my own as well. Also, the central question animating my research and teaching remains, What does human flourishing involve, and what forces enable and/or undermine flourishing? This has led me to questions of character, the intricacies of trust and forgiveness, and the good and moral potential of friendship. It also has led me to explore how the arts can enable human flourishing and what flourishing entails under conditions of severe mental illness. We all want a good life. My job has always been thinking carefully about what that entails and requires.

Q: How will you build on the success and growth of the center in recent years?

A: I am honored to be succeeding Paul and building upon all he and [associate director] Kathy Kinlaw have done for the center and its constituencies  from the robust ethics education the center provides to students in the School of Medicine to the D. Abbot Turner Program in Ethics and Servant Leadership, which, among things, pairs Emory College students with community partners who are agents of change. Those efforts not only will continue, but I am looking to enrich them for the next generation of students who benefit from the care and expertise housed in the center.

Q: What are your priorities for the centers work and programming?

A: In addition to maintaining its current strengths in health care ethics, the center will increase its research and programming around questions concerning moral excellence and the good life. An ethical life should be the aspiration of everyone, one that quickly comes to mind when we ask ourselves Who do I want to be? or For what do I want to be remembered? To enrich our efforts in this area, the Emory Purpose Project will now be housed in the center, where it will remain under the leadership of Ira Bedzow, who is a member of the centers core faculty. The center is now really poised to address questions of the good life across its research, teaching and public-facing mission. I hope other faculty and students will want to join this essential stream of inquiry and reflection.

Q: What are the future plans for enhancing research and teaching at the center?

A: Starting next year, the center will host a biweekly research seminar, where Emory faculty and students can present work in ethics and receive valuable feedback. We also hope to multiply the number of student interest groups that we host, such as the Bioethics Society, which includes 51 members. The most ambitious plan is to develop a residential fellows program, which will include Emory faculty from every school as well as external scholars and professionals working in ethics. A strong center stimulates research locally, nationally and internationally. A residential fellows program will only intensify the already rich research and teaching environment of the center.

Q: How do you plan to engage with the Emory community on conversations of ethics?

A: Next year will involve something of a listening tour. What ethical questions are animating our students and faculty, and what is the best way to join people in addressing them? For example, Emory is building a community in AI Ethics as part of its AI.Humanity initiative. Come August, I, along with Joe Sutherland, director of Emorys Center for AI Learning, plan to convene those scholars to explore how best to support them and to think strategically about what growth in that area should involve. More generally, the center has beautiful spaces for focused, potentially transformative discussions, and webinars are always an option. But we also are exploring programming at different points across and beyond campus such as art galleries, public libraries and other area institutions. I invite any and every campus organization to schedule time with me to discuss opportunities for collaboration. All spaces are ethics spaces. We'll come to you.

For more information, please visit the Emory Center for Ethics website.
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Sharma, who emerged as a giant slayer by defeating sitting BJP MP and Union minister Smriti Irani by a margin of over 1.67 lakh votes, does not see his victory in terms of a "revenge" of the defeat inflicted on Gandhi by Irani in 2019 in the constituency.





"There is no revenge in politics. It is like sportsmanship, one has to win and the other loses. We don't see things in terms of revenge and all," Sharma told PTI in an interview.





He said Gandhi has to decide which constituency he will represent in Lok Sabha though he would want the former Congress chief to keep the Rae Bareli seat.





Talking about his win from Amethi, Sharma said it is a victory of the people of Amethi and the Gandhi family. Sharma said the Amethi constituency is the 'amanat' of the Gandhi family and he would ensure that there is no "amanat mein khayanat (breach of trust)". This time, Rahul Gandhi contested the Lok Sabha election from the Rae Bareli seat, while Sharma, a close aide of the Gandhi family, was fielded from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat to take on Irani. Sharma had been an MP representative for both Rae Bareli and Amethi, looking after the two Gandhi family bastions. Gandhi won the Wayanad seat by a margin of more than 3.6 lakh votes and Rae Bareli by a margin of over 3.9 lakh votes.





Sharma said he handed over Gandhi's certificate of election from Rae Bareli to him this morning.





"He then gave me the guidance that I have to perform well in Parliament. So I told him that I will learn from him as he is a senior MP, I am only a first-timer," Sharma told PTI.





Asked if he gave any advice to Rahul Gandhi being his pointsman earlier on the Rae Bareli constituency on which seat he should represent, Sharma said, "I did not give him any advice, it is not my stature to give him advice. It is up to Rahul Gandhi (to decide)," he said. "Personally, I want him to keep Rae Bareli," he added.





On the BJP's jibes against him during the polls calling him Gandhi family's "peon" and "clerk", Sharma said Rahul Gandhi had given an answer to that in the press conference on Tuesday and he would not like to comment on the matter now. "Rahul ji has answered all this, he is my leader and has replied on it. I don't want to comment on it," Sharma said.





Asked about the BJP's jibes at Sharma, Gandhi had said, "BJP does not talk respectfully. Kishori Lal Sharma had been working in Amethi for last 40 years. Probably the BJP people did not understand that Kishori Lal Sarma was closely connected with Amethi and therefore his victory was certain."





On his role in the party going forward, Sharma said the high command will decide his role and whatever the party decides, he will abide by that.





"I never thought about any role in the last 40 years so what would I think now. Whatever the party decides, whichever role the party will give me, is acceptable to me," he said.





Talking about the margin of his victory in the hard-fought election, Sharma said he was not thinking in terms of victory and defeat but had the belief that his workers were ready.





"It was about the margin, we were thinking of a margin between 1.25 lakh and 1.5 lakh. I have worked for 40 years so I can read the mood of the workers. When we used to do public meetings, people used to listen to it and I got the belief that we will do it (emerge victorious) and it was done," he said.

Congress' newly-elected Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma on Wednesday said the constituency for him was like an "amanat" of the Gandhi family and he would ensure there is no "amanat mein khayanat (breach of trust)".
Family members of forcibly disappeared Baloch students Shayhaq and Farooq Dad staged a sit-in protest at the Commissioner House Quetta and urged people from all walks of life to join the struggle to reunite disappeared ones with their families, said the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. The protests were organized to raise voices against the rapidly rising incidents of enforced disappearance in the Balochistan Province, according to a statement by the BYC. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1797592614428102877 The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a Baloch rights organization stated on X, "Family members of Forcibly Disappeared Baloch Students Shayhaq and Farooq Dad have staged a Sit-In protest at Commissioner House Quetta." Further, the post added that the residents are facing serious human rights abuses, including the abduction and killing of their people without legal process. Baloch rights organization urges people to join their Sit-In protest to help bring back those who have disappeared and reunite them with their families. "Baloch Nation is enduring severe Human Rights Violations and struggles to protect their children and loved ones from being extrajudicially abducted and killed. We urge people from all walks of life to join the Sit-In and struggle to reunite the disappeared ones with their families. said Baloch Yakjehti Committee on X, Previously, the Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) had submitted a written statement to the UN Human Rights Council for its upcoming 56th Session, highlighting the enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Baloch people in Balochistan by Pakistani state authorities. The statement, which falls under Agenda Item 3, was submitted through the Centre for Gender Justice and Women Empowerment, a non-governmental organisation with special consultative status at the UN. Citing data collected by various human rights organizations and verified by the BHRC, the statement reports that 65 individuals were subjected to enforced disappearances in the first quarter of 2024, and 11 individuals were extrajudicially killed by Pakistani security forces. The statement asserts that these practices not only violate fundamental human rights but also perpetuate a climate of fear and oppression among the Baloch people. Families of the disappeared live in constant agony, uncertain of the fate of their loved ones, and are often denied justice and accountability. Extrajudicial killings, where individuals are executed without due process, exacerbate the situation, undermining the rule of law and eroding trust in state institutions. (ANI)
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has transferred former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi''s nikah case to the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, Pakistan-based ARY News reported. Session Judge Shahrukh Arjumand had written a letter to the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court requesting the transfer of the case after Bushra Bibi''s former husband Khawar Manika had voiced objections to Session Judge Shahrukh Arjumand. Following the approval of the transfer plea, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka will now hear the appeals against the sentence in the nikah case, ARY News reported. During the hearing on May 29, Khawar Maneka''s lawyer requested Session Judge Shahrukh Arjumand to transfer the case to another judge as Maneka "don''t want the case verdict from you." Later, Session Judge Shahrukh Arjumand wrote a letter to the High Court in a case related to the marriage of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. In the letter, the judge stated that Khawar Manika expressed no confidence against him in the court hearing. The judge also said that Khawar Maneka''s plea was previously dismissed on April 30, 2024. He said that the complainant''s lawyer has always tried to delay the proceedings by giving excuses. However, the judge believes that it is not right to raise specific objections against the presiding officer. Arjumand said that arguments from both sides were heard in this case. He urged the High Court that these appeals be transferred to any other court that holds the authority to hear this case and a timeframe could also be set for the disposal of these pleas. Imran Khan married Bushra Bibi in Lahore in February 2018. Close relatives, including the bride''s mother, and friends attended the wedding. However, Imran Khan''s sisters were not in attendance. Mufti Saeed had performed the nikah in the presence of former PTI leader Awn Chaudhary and former SAPM Zulfi Bukhari who appeared as witnesses, ARY News reported. Earlier in 2023, Khawar Maneka approached the court and called the marriage illegal and against the laws of Sharia. PTI founder and his wife were accused of marrying within the three-month "iddat period" that follows a divorce. In addition, Bushra Bibi''s former husband Khawar Maneka has accused the couple of fornication. Pakistan''s former first couple were given 7 years imprisonment in the ''un-Islamic'' iddat case, according to ARY News report. Judge Qudratullah announced the reserved verdict in the ''un-Islamic'' marriage case against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The judge sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 7 years imprisonment and Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 500,000 fine against each. Earlier in May, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyers were booked following an alleged attack on Khawar Maneka, the former husband of Bushra Bibi, outside a courthouse, as per an ARY News report. According to the FIR, a group of 20-25 individuals, including Advocate Usman Riaz, Mirza Asim, Zahid Bashir, and Ansar Kiani, are accused of assaulting Khawar Maneka, leading to his injuries. The lawyers are purportedly charged with attempting to intimidate and manipulate judicial proceedings, facing accusations of terrorism and nine additional counts. Reportedly, Fatehullah, accompanied by Naeem Panjotha and Advocate Ejaz Bhatti, purportedly physically assaulted Khawar Maneka, while officials Irshad and Waheed''s attempts to intervene were thwarted by the lawyers, ARY News reported. Allegations include Fatehullah engaging in a dispute with Constable Khalid and damaging his uniform. The incident occurred during a court session presided over by Judge Shahrukh Arjumand, where Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi''s legal plea against their Nikah Case conviction was under consideration. (ANI)
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Monday sharply reacted to Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's remark on the exit polls, saying Shashi Tharoor should start an English training institute and Rahul Gandhi should start a career in a gym. Speaking to ANI, Chandrasekhar said, "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 people of India want their political leaders who serve them and who can improve their lives, and certainly, this group of people, whether that is Rahul Gandhi or anybody else in the Congress party, certainly does not fit the bill," Chandrasekhar further said. BJP leader Chandrasekhar is the NDA candidate from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency and faces a stiff challenge from the former diplomat and senior Congress leader Tharoor, who is seeking a third term in this Lok Sabha seat. While the BJP has never won a Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, the party registered a victory in the Thiruvananthapuram district just once, with O Rajagopal winning the Nemom assembly seat in 2016. Meanwhile, commenting on exit poll results that predicted a third straight win for the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections, the Union Minister said, "The people of India are very happy that the exit polls are showing a stronger mandate for our Prime Minister for his third term. It is historic in many ways that he is getting a third term and more importantly, it is the third term where each successive mandate has improved and shows how people are responding to his governance, his development, and how he is taking India forward." "I am looking forward to what the people of Thiruvananthapuram have decided and I look forward to the result tomorrow. I have been saying that at the end of the 2024 polls, you will find that the BJP is the largest national party in the South, especially when the INDIA alliance and the Congress partners kept trying to pretend that somehow Southern India is a region where voters do not want the BJP," he added. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said that the exit polls are laughable, asserting that the INDIA bloc will get 295 seats. "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 don't 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. "If any exit poll can say that the BJP will win up to 7 seats in Kerala - either they are suffering from heatstroke or they don't understand Kerala. Some of these exit polls are also laughable for other reasons. I don't think we should take them seriously," he added. He further exuded confidence that the numbers the people have seen in the exit Polls will be proved wrong tomorrow. "Not just Thiruvananthapuram, I am also 100 per cent confident that the numbers you have all seen in the exit polls for the nationwide picture will also be belied tomorrow," he said. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is poised for a hat-trick win in Lok Sabha polls with a massive majority, exit polls predicted on Saturday and indicated that the ruling party at the Centre would improve its performance in several states ruled by other parties. A few exit polls predicted that the BJP-led NDA could reach the goal of "400 paar" stated by BJP leaders in the run-up to the Lok Sabha 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 would also improve its numbers from the 303 seats it won in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The exit poll predicted a marked rise in the NDA's vote share in Tamil Nadu, which is expected to go to 22 per cent. According to the Axis My India exit poll, the BJP-led NDA is expected to win 2-4 seats in Tamil Nadu. The INDIA bloc, which has both DMK and Congress in it, is set to win 33-37 seats out of 39 Lok Sabha seats. The Narendra Modi-led BJP is seeking a third term in power, while the opposition INDIA bloc is aiming to wrest power by stopping the juggernaut. (ANI)
The accused was identified as Chirag Attri, alias Chetan, a resident of Chak Jaralan village in Bishnah Tehsil of district Jammu.

The said drug smuggler is a habitual, repeated offender and several NDPS cases have been registered against him in the past. He has been recently detained under PIT NDPS. The seized properties include two houses and a car.

The properties were identified as illegally acquired properties during the course of investigation conducted by the police. The properties were, prima facie, acquired from the proceeds of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances by the drug peddler.

Presently, the said notorious drug peddler is detained under PIT NDPS Act issued by the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu.

Police have urged people to come forward with any information regarding drug peddling in their neighbourhood and warned that any person found indulging in drug peddling will be dealt with strictly as per law. (ANI)
Buoyed by the exit polls results which have predicted a landslide victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha elections, the Raipur unit of the ruling party has prepared 201 kilograms of laddus of 11 different types for their leaders and workers to celebrate their victory. "We have set the target to distribute 201 kg of laddus and we have ordered 11 types of laddus. We will distribute laddus from noon till 11 at night," BJP district vice president Lalit Jai Singh said speaking to ANI on Sunday day ahead of the counting of votes. Speaking about the various types of laddus prepared to celebrate their victory for the third consecutive time, Singh said, "There are laddus made of besan, atta, coconut, chocolate, boondi...We have ordered eleven types of laddus." Exuding confidence in the BJP winning more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, Singh said, "There is a wave of Bharatiya Janata Party in the whole country. PM Modi has set a target of winning more than 400 seats. We expect the BJP to win more than 400 seats and will be winning with a comfortable majority." Meanwhile, the BJP headquarters in Jaipur was decorated ahead of the Lok Sabha results on Tuesday. The BJP headquarters in Bengaluru was also illuminated ahead of counting day. The counting of votes will kick off in a few hours on Tuesday. The BJP won nine out of 11 seats in Chhattisgarh in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls while the Congress won two seats. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is poised for a hat-trick win in Lok Sabha polls with a massive majority, exit polls predicted on Saturday and indicated that the ruling party at the Centre would improve its performance in several states ruled by other parties. A few exit polls predicted that the BJP-led NDA could reach the goal of "400 paar" stated by BJP leaders in the run-up to the Lok Sabha 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. The Narendra Modi-led BJP is seeking a third term in power, while the opposition INDIA bloc is aiming to wrest power by stopping the juggernaut. (ANI)
Janata Dal-United (JDU) MLC Dr Khalid Anwar hailed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and said that he is a seasoned politician who understands the country and there is nobody who can be a better Prime Minister than Nitish Kumar. "Who can be a better PM than Nitish Kumar?... Nitish Kumar is a seasoned politician who understands the society and the country. And he respects all the democratic institutions... We are a part of the NDA Alliance as of now, but earlier and today, people wanted Nitish Kumar to be the PM. The expectations of the people have increased after today's result..." said Khalid Anwar. "The way he has taken the state of Bihar ahead. The agriculture roadmap he made for the country when he was agriculture minister is followed till today. He is also remembered for the work he has done for the railway sector of the country," he added. Notably, the NDA alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and Janta Dal (United), are leading in Bihar, according to the latest trends issued by the Election Commission of India. Janata Dal (United) is ahead on 14 seats in Bihar, while Bharatiya Janata Party is leading on 11 seats, as per the Election Commission of India. With 40 Lok Sabha constituencies, the fourth highest among all States and Union Territories, Bihar holds a crucial position in shaping Indian politics. Meanwhile, Lok Janshakti Party(Ram Vilas) is leading on 5 seats, Rashtriya Janata Dal on five seats, Congress on two seats, Communist Party of India on 1 seat and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) on 1 seat. Under the INDIA alliance agreement in Bihar, the RJD contested 26 seats, the Congress nine, and the Left parties contested five out of the state's 40 Lok Sabha constituencies. While, in the NDA, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) contested on 17 seats, Janata Dal-United (JDU) on 16 seats, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) (Ram Vilas) on 5 seats, Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha on one seat each in 2024 Lok Sabha elections. (ANI)
The Bhartiya Janata party is leading in all four seats in Himachal Pradesh, according to the latest trends by the Election Commission of India. In the most watched seat of Himachal Pradesh, Mandi, actor turned politician, Kangana Ranaut is leading with 72088 seats while Congress party's Vikramaditya Singh is trailing. The Mandi constituency holds symbolic significance for the Congress, as it is considered a bastion of the Virbhadra family. The seat is currently held by Pratibha Devi Singh, the late leader's widow. She wrested the seat for the Congress in the by-election that was held following the demise of then-BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma. Speaking with ANI, Kangana said, "They will have to suffer the consequences of talking so low about a woman... And that is becoming clear today with the way we have got the lead. Mandi has not taken kindly to the insults for daughters. "She further said, "As far as my departure to Mumbai is concerned, this (Himachal Pradesh) is my 'janmabhoomi' and I will continue to serve people here. I have always said that I will work as a soldier in PM Narendra Modi's goal of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas.' So, I am not going anywhere. Perhaps, someone else will have to pack their bags and leave. I am not going anywhere." Meanwhile, Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh dismissed Exit Poll predictions and said that it was "manufactured by media. "Today's verdict will be of India, of Himachal Pradesh...We will match the numbers stated by the leaders of INDIA Alliance," Singh said. In the Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency, Union Minister Anurag Thakur is leading with 175457 seats against Congress party's Satpal Raizada, as per the latest trends of ECI. Union Minister Anurag Thakur while thanking the public of Himachal Pradesh for making the BJP lead, said, "Under the leadership of PM Modi, NDA-BJP will form the government again...Congress party is not even close to winning 100 Lok Sabha seats...I am thankful to the public of Hamirpur who has given me a strong lead. The results in Himachal Pradesh and BJP are in favour of BJP..." In Kangra Lok Sabha constituency, Rajeev Bhardwaj is leading with 247103 seats against Congress party's Anand Sharma while Suresh Kumar Kashyap of BJP is leading against Vinod Sultanpuri in Shimla with 89714 seats. Around 642 million people voted in Lok Sabha elections held over seven phases in a mammoth six-week period. The counting of votes began starting with postal ballot papers amid tight security. The counting for State Legislative Assemblies of 175 Assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh and 147 Assembly constituencies in Odisha and results of by-polls in 25 Assembly constituencies also began. (ANI)
As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to form the government at the Centre as per the trends, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that it is the result of the hard work of party workers. In a post on X, Shah said, "This victory of BJP for the third time is the result of the tireless hard work of our workers. For this victory, I congratulate the National President of BJP JP Nadda ji and all the BJP workers working hard in every part of the country." "For BJP, its workers are its biggest asset. The hard work with which all of you have sought blessings of the people for Modi Ji by going door to door, street to street from North to South and East to West is truly commendable. I heartily congratulate all of you for this effort," Shah added. Amit Shah won Gujarat's Gandhinagar seat by a huge margin of 7,44,716 votes. Shah gathered 10,10,972 votes beating Congress' Sonal Patel who got 2,66,256. According to ECI data, the BJP has won 130 seats while the Congress has won 55 seats so far. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP is ahead in 293 seats, while the INDIA bloc is leading in 232 seats, indicating significant gains for the latter, according to the latest trends. The Congress, which secured only 52 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, is currently leading in 99 seat. The BJP had won a majority on its own in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls, securing 282 seats in 2014 and improving its tally to 303 seats in the 2019 elections. Setting a target of winning 370 seats in the 2024 general elections, the BJP-led NDA, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, contested the Lok Sabha elections for a third consecutive term in office. The polls were held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people of Odisha after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) registered a historic win in the state stopping the over two-decade juggernaut of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. PM Modi said the BJP will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the dreams of the people and taking Odisha to new heights of progress. "Thank you Odisha! It's a resounding victory for good governance and celebrating Odisha's unique culture. BJP will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the dreams of people and taking Odisha to new heights of progress. I am very proud of all our hardworking Party Karyakartas for their efforts," PM Modi said in a post on X. BJP won the assembly polls in Odisha for the first time. It won 78 out of 147 seats in the assembly against Biju Janata Dal's 51. He also thanked the people of Andhra Pradesh, where NDA registered a huge victory uprooting the rule of Jagan Mohan Reddy in the state. Prime Minister Modi said the government will work for the all-round progress of the state. "Andhra Pradesh has given an exceptional mandate to NDA! I thank the people of the state for their blessings. I congratulate @ncbn Garu, @PawanKalyan Garu and the Karyakartas of @JaiTDP, @JanaSenaParty and @BJP4Andhra for this emphatic victory. We will work for the all-round progress of AP and ensure the state prospers in the times to come," the Prime Minister stated on X. BJP contested Andhra Pradesh along with Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party and Pawan Kalyan's JanaSena Party. The NDA registered a massive victory winning 163 out of the 175 seats in the Andhra Pradesh assembly. TDP won 134 seats, JanaSena party won 21 seats, while the BJP won 8 seats. Meanwhile, as the counting of Lok Sabha elections is coming to an end, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is leading on around 300 seats, while the INDIA bloc, defying all predictions is leading on over 230 seats. Most exit polls predicted a straight term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with quite a few of them projecting a two-thirds majority for the ruling BJP-led NDA. (ANI)
The Chinese law enforcement agencies on Monday detained a street artist from Causeway Bay in Hong Kong merely hours before the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, Voice of America (VOA) reported on Tuesday. The street artist Sanmu Chen was arrested from the area that is close to Victoria Park, where the annual commemoration of the Tiananmen Square incident in 1989 took place. However, after the introduction of new security laws imposed by Beijing in 2020, the events and the crowds have disappeared. According to the VOA, Chen was arrested for the second time. Last year the artist was arrested at the same time for reportedly chanting slogans "Hong Kongers, do not be afraid. Don't forget tomorrow is June 4." This time the artist has been arrested for mimeing the action of drinking in front of a police van. Additionally, he also appeared to write or draw in the air. The same report claimed, that for over a week now, the Chinese police have put a clampdown on individuals accused of making "seditious" social media posts. One of the arrested individuals is Chow Hang-tung an activist a pro-democracy activist and an organizer of the annual Victoria Park event. As of now, Chow has served a 30-month sentence since 2021. According to the historical record claimed in the VOA report, The Tiananmen Square crackdown occurred when government troops fired on student-led pro-democracy protestors on June 4. Hundreds, possibly thousands, died. And now the annual event observed for showing solidarity for the 1989 incident is no longer observed, the event's organisers have disbanded and three of its leaders have been charged. According to the VOA report, 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. Stephen Chow, Hong Kong's Roman Catholic cardinal in an article published last week stated "Perhaps it is through forgiveness that all parties can escape the finger-pointing and the painful mindset of 'I will never forgive,'" referencing to the same event of commemoration of the event. Several others have communicated the same using coded and hidden 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 the same VOA report claimed. (ANI)
The 70-year-old had been fighting for his life for eight days at a hospital after sustaining severe head injuries in the assault.

The incident unfolded on May 25 in Sargodha's Mujahid Colony, where Nazir and other Christians were accused of blasphemy, sparking violent outrage among locals. Police intervened to rescue Nazir and two Christian families from the enraged mob, who were bent on lynching them and storming the homes of other minority community members in the area.

Despite police intervention, Nazir suffered critical injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Rawalpindi. Despite undergoing two surgeries, he tragically passed away on Sunday night, as reported by Dawn.

Nazir's funeral prayers were held on Monday in the same street where the attack occurred. Family members, grieving the loss, gathered at their residence in Mujahid Colony, where heavy police presence ensured security during the sombre ceremony.

According to Nazir's relative Irfan, the funeral prayers took place amidst an atmosphere of sorrow and tension, with police deployed to safeguard the family and their home. Later, Nazir was laid to rest in the Gillwala graveyard.

DPO Assad Malhi disclosed that Nazir's body underwent a post-mortem examination at Sargodha District Hospital before being transferred to Rawalpindi. Security measures were implemented during the funeral to prevent any potential disturbances.

In light of Nazir's death, murder charges were added to the case, alongside existing terrorism charges and other offences related to the violent incident.

Following the initial outbreak of violence, police detained numerous suspects and filed charges against hundreds in connection with the allegations of blasphemy, stemming from claims of burnt pages of the Holy Quran discovered outside Nazir Masih's residence, Dawn reported. (ANI)
Ukrainian forces claimed on Monday that they had achieved a significant victory by targeting a Russian S-300 missile system using Western-supplied weaponry within Russian territory, CNN reported. Government minister Iryna Vereshchuk took to Facebook to share the news, accompanied by a striking image purportedly capturing the aftermath of the strike. "It burns beautifully. It's a Russian S-300. On Russian territory. The first days after permission to use Western weapons on enemy territory," Vereshchuk's post read, reflecting the gravity of the accomplishment, as reported by CNN. This follows closely on the heels of US President Joe Biden's recent authorisation for Ukraine to conduct limited strikes employing US armaments within Russian territory surrounding Kharkiv. Notably, this authorisation came subsequent to the lifting of restrictions by several European nations regarding the utilisation of these weapons. The precise origin of the weaponry deployed in the strike highlighted by Vereshchuk remains unclear, raising questions about its potential linkage to US-supplied arms. For months, Ukraine had fervently appealed to Washington for the authorisation to target Russian soil with US weaponry. This plea stemmed from Moscow's relentless onslaught on Kharkiv, during which Russian forces took advantage of the ability to retreat to their own territory for respite, shielded from Western retaliation, according to CNN. The approval granted by the US, while groundbreaking, is subject to stringent conditions. Ukraine is limited to targeting areas surrounding Kharkiv, with the US staunchly refusing permission for the deployment of its most formidable munition, the long-range ATACMS missiles, into Russian territory. Instead, Ukraine is restricted to employing shorter-range GMLRS missiles, with a range of approximately 70 kilometers. Military experts have lauded the decision while exercising caution about its scope. Franz-Stefan Gady of the International Institute for Strategic Studies emphasised that GMLRS strikes would complicate Russian military operations around Kharkiv but wouldn't halt them entirely. Similarly, Mathieu Boulegue from Chatham House described the policy change as an enhancement rather than a game-changer, likening it to a supplementary tool for Ukraine's defence. While this development signifies a significant departure in the conflict, Ukraine has previously conducted strikes with Western weapons on territories claimed by Russia. Notably, Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, has been a frequent target, with Ukraine employing "Storm Shadow" missiles provided by the UK. Furthermore, in late 2022, Ukrainian strikes targeted Kharkiv and Kherson in efforts to reclaim regions occupied by Russia in the war's early stages. Throughout these actions, Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have brandished nuclear threats in an attempt to dissuade Western support. The decision by the US, along with several European allies, to remove restrictions on Ukrainian weapon use underscores a unified stance in support of Ukraine's defence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed Biden's authorisation as a pivotal advancement in bolstering the besieged Kharkiv region's defences, CNN reported. (ANI)
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
The Feeding Our Future trial is being held at the Diane E. Murphy United States Courthouse in downtown Minneapolis. Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer.

After 24 days of testimony and arguments, jurors began deliberations Monday in the first Feeding Our Future trial, unaware that the reason one juror disappeared from their ranks was because shed been offered a $120,000 bribe Sunday night to acquit the defendants.

The jurors also had no idea  assuming they followed the judges instruction not to follow media reports  that after they left the courtroom to begin debating, the defendants lawyers argued over whether all seven defendants should be jailed until a verdict was reached, given the attempted bribery.

The bribery attempt led the presiding judge to tighten security in the courtroom, sequester the jury, allow federal agents to seize the defendants cell phones and get a warrant to search them, and imprison the defendants until a verdict is reached.

The shocking turn of events came just before defense attorneys were scheduled to wrap up their closing arguments Monday. The seven defendants are accused of fraudulently getting $49 million in federal funds intended to feed children by vastly inflating the number of meals given away at 50 locations across Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors say they used the money to buy luxury cars, houses, jewelry and property overseas  and very little food.

More than five dozen other defendants have been similarly charged and have either pleaded guilty or await trial in whats become known as the Feeding Our Future trial, named after a nonprofit that was an alleged ringleader.

Before the last three defense attorneys began their closing arguments, and before the jury entered the courtroom, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson told U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel that on Sunday night, a woman driving a Mazda left a bag with $120,000 in cash with a jurors father-in-law and promised to bring another bag if she voted to acquit the defendants.

The juror wasnt home at the time, and immediately notified the Spring Lake Park Police Department when she arrived to find a white Hallmark gift bag adorned with flowers and butterflies on the outside, and 20-, 50- and 100-dollar bills on the inside.

This is outrageous behavior, Thompson said of the bribery attempt, which has a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. This is stuff that happens in mob movies.

As he explained what happened, the prosecutor noticed defendant Said Shafii Farah immediately begin typing on his phone, so Thompson asked the judge to freeze and let agents seize the phones as possible evidence. Brasel ordered the defendants to put their cell phones in airplane mode, and federal agents later took custody of them to freeze the scene, while prosecutors sought a warrant to search their contents.

According to the search warrant request, at about 8:50 p.m. Sunday, a possibly Somali woman with an accent wearing a long black dress went to the jurors house and, using the jurors first name, left what she called a present and said there would be more if the juror said not guilty tomorrow.

The juror, Brasel said later, was terrified, and excused from the jury, throwing the trial into logistical chaos. The judge had to keep the remaining 12 jurors and five alternates from hearing about the attempted bribe while also ensuring no other juror had been tampered with.

The excused juror was the only person of color on the jury (Asian-American) and at 23, the youngest.

One by one, the other jurors were brought into the courtroom, put on the stand and asked by the judge whether anyone had contacted them during the trial. Each of them said no.

After reading the jury lengthy instructions, Brasel told them she would be sequestering them during deliberations, meaning theyre not allowed to go home. She didnt tell them why, except to say she didnt want them to be influenced by any outside sources. They were allowed to call their family members to explain they wouldnt be coming home, but were warned not to discuss the case with them. (By this time, media outlets were already reporting the bribery attempt.)

Brasel also had to deal with the possibility that someone in the courtroom was involved, because the only people who knew the jurors names were the lawyers and defendants, Thompson argued. For that reason, he argued the defendants should be jailed until a verdict is reached.

After the jury left to begin deliberations, the judge held a detention hearing in which each defendants attorney argued against jailing them. The defense attorneys expressed dismay at the bribe attempt, but argued the defendants shouldnt be jailed.

Edward Sapone, attorney for defendant Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, said someone did something reprehensible and whoever approached that juror with a bag of cash is not only stupid but belongs in prison. But he said theres no evidence his client had any connection and should be jailed, noting that his client couldnt go anywhere if he wanted to, because he has $100 in the bank and cant even afford to pay Sapone.

And, Sapone noted, 70 people were charged in the overall case, and so there are lots of motives at play.

Andrew Birrell, attorney for Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, said the bribe attempt strikes at the heart of the justice system.

Im horrified and shocked, he told the judge. But, he said, Were Americans and we follow the law and he saw no reason to detain the defendants.

The prosecutor emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial integrity.

This is not a game, your honor, he said, arguing that the incident would erode trust in the justice system. He said he hoped no other juror was approached but, Well never know for sure. He said the defendants should be jailed because A juror was bribed. The integrity of this process is in doubt. This is the least we can do here.

While Brasel took a break to decide what to do, a different judge had signed a search warrant allowing the defendants cell phones to be searched for evidence related to the bribery attempt.

So while Brasel was gone, the defendants and their attorneys crowded around the FBI agent  who has sat by prosecutors during the trial  as he ripped open evidence bags containing their seized cell phones. One by one, their attorneys gave him notes with their passwords or extended their hand to give fingerprints to allow access to the phones.

Then Brasel returned and announced that she decided to jail them all until a verdict is reached, saying she was disturbed by the fact that there are only seven people other than attorneys who had the information to get to a juror and attempt to bribe that juror.

This juror was terrified, Brasel said. This juror remains at risk for retaliation.

And, she added, the remaining jurors know how unusual it is that they were suddenly sequestered without warning.

They are very concerned for themselves and their families, Brasel said. She said if investigators narrow in on a suspect, she will revisit the decision.

Closing arguments

With that, the remaining three defense attorneys gave their closing arguments, and Thompson his final rebuttal.

Their attorneys argued the defendants did serve food and were allowed to make a profit off the program, whose rules were loosened during the pandemic. They said East Africans do business more informally, and often send money overseas. They accused state Department of Education officials and nonprofits that were supposed to oversee various vendors and nonprofits of dereliction in providing guidance to those in the program.

Andrew Garvis, a lawyer representing Aftin, said the feds didnt stop payments until after FBI raids in January 2022, and didnt do physical or electronic surveillance at the food distribution sites to see whether food was being distributed.

Shariffs attorney, Andrew Mohring, also slammed federal investigators for not surveilling the food sites aside from one drive-by at a park and called the state education department an administrative nightmare. Prosecutors said they avoided surveilling a mosque where food was distributed because its a religious site, but Mohring said the food was distributed in the parking lot.

They did not look, he said.

Mohring said Shariff (unlike other defendants) didnt spend money lavishly by buying a house, wiring money or buying a Porsche, but was largely focused on working to create an East African cultural center, Afrique, while helping distribute meals. A portion of the center was financed with federal child nutrition funds, but Shariff testified in his own defense last week that as Afrique CEO, he was not in charge of the money  deflecting to the CFO, who is not on trial yet.

Its OK to make money for hard work, and he worked hard, Mohring said.

Nicole Kettwick, attorney for Hayat Mohmed Nur, said prosecutors unfairly lumped all the defendants together, even though Hayat Nur merely did clerical work for defendants, chiefly her brother, and was swept into a whirlwind.

She was a data entry clerical person doing her job, Kettwick said. Hayat never became a millionaire; not even close.

In his rebuttal, Thompson said you didnt have to get rich to participate in the conspiracy: People have different roles and not everybody is involved in every part. Hayat Nur sent in fake rosters of children getting meals, created fake invoices and lied about meal counts, he said.

The case isnt about whether any children were fed, but about the defendants falsely claiming they gave away 18.8 million meals in order to get $49 million in federal reimbursement.

The defendants pointed the finger at everyone else, Thompson said.

These seven defendants were involved in 50 food sites, but the overall 70 defendants had over 800 sites, which moved around all the time, Thompson said.

What was going to be surveilled? he asked, suggesting they wouldve had to surveil the whole world.

After the trial adjourned for the day, four U.S. marshals entered the courtroom and began cuffing the defendants, as their family and friends broke out in tears and disbelief. Some of the defendants were allowed to walk into the spectator section to hug family members before being taken away.

Thompson  whose parents just so happened to attend the trial, with U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger briefly sitting beside them  said after the hearing, This never happens.

The post Feeding Our Future trial: Closing arguments overshadowed by bag of cash given to juror appeared first on Minnesota Reformer.
ISLAMABAD, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The Commerce Ministries of Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to implement the mechanism of Temporary Admission Document (TAD) to streamline and regulate the movement of cargo vehicles carrying bilateral trade between the two countries.

The two countries agreed on the implementation of TAD with effect from the beginning of the last month, the Pakistani commerce ministry said in a statement on Monday.

On Monday, the first vehicle from Afghanistan carrying a consignment of coal crossed over to Islamabad while three vehicles with TAD crossed the Torkham border crossing point, it added.

Applications for TAD for Afghanistan-registered vehicles would be collected on all working days at Pakistan's Embassy in Kabul and its consulate in southern Afghan city of Kandahar, said the statement.

Applications for TAD for Pakistan-registered vehicles would be collected on all working days at Afghanistan Consulate Generals in southwest Quetta and northwest Peshawar city, it added.

Both sides have ensured the availability of application forms from the embassies and consulates and on websites that are freely downloadable, according to the ministry. 
Jasper Health, a cancer care platform startup, laid off a substantial part of its workforce, TechCrunch has learned. Engineering and product design were among the departments impacted by the cuts, according to posts on LinkedIn from impacted employees.

TechCrunch was unable to independently verify the exact number of people who were cut, but an industry source who knew impacted people believes it was approximately half of Jasper Health's small team. According to PitchBook data, Jasper Health had about 48 employees before the cuts.

The company's co-founder and CEO, Adam Pellegrini, didn't respond to TechCrunch's request for comment. TechCrunch's attempts to reach Jasper Health's chief operating officer, chief growth officer, and head of marketing via email were unsuccessful, with messages bouncing back.

A little over two years ago, in February 2022, Jasper Health raised a $25 million Series A led by General Catalyst, with participation from Human Capital, W Health Ventures, Redesign Health and 7wireVentures. At that time, the company said it raised a total of $31 million in venture capital.

Most significantly, Jasper is a General Catalyst portfolio company. The VC firm is one of the most active healthcare investors. It is so serious about bringing new startup-led technology into the US healthcare system that earlier this year, the VC firm purchased an Ohio-based health system called Suma Health, an unprecedented move in venture capital. But clearly, that doesn't mean that all GC-backed health tech startups will flourish up-and-to-the-right without setbacks.

Jasper is also notable because it was conceived and launched in 2018 by Redesign Health, a venture firm and studio that creates new healthcare companies. Run by CEO Brett Shaheen (previously at Lone Pine Capital and Carlyle Group), Redesign says it's built 50 healthcare startups that have collectively raised $1.3 billion. Redesign, which is itself backed by LPs like General Catalyst, CVS Health Ventures, and Samsung Next, also had its own layoffs earlier this year, Fierce Healthcare reported.

Jasper's digital but human-led platform offers care navigation, patient support and remote patient monitoring. The company also provides psychosocial care. It says that approximately 12% of its users are in remission from cancer.

Pelligrini, the company's founder, started his career as a surgical specialist in the US Army. He also helped build the American Cancer Society's website, which provides information to patients and caregivers about the disease. Before founding Jasper, he was the senior vice president of virtual care and consumer health innovation at CVS Health.

Jasper Health's competitors include Thyme Care and Reimagine Care.
Gov. Pillen explains willingness to accept more than Nebraskas fair share in federal funds

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen. April 18, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

PLATTSMOUTH, Nebraska  Nearly half a year after saying he didnt believe in welfare, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen says the state will accept as many federal dollars as possible.

Pillens latest directive to his cabinet members has been to find federal funds that have no strings attached so the Cornhusker State gets more than our fair share. Doing so, he has said, could increase investments into state services, promote growth or reduce property taxes.

Green light, pedal to the metal, Pillen recalled telling his cabinet.

In December, explaining his then-rejection of federal funding for Summer Electronic Benefits Transfers funds for low-income Nebraska families, Pillen said similar programs already existed, and he criticized a lack of touch points.

Months later, the governor, alongside the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education and many Republican state senators, announced they had found a Nebraska way and would move forward with the summer food program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture praised the Nebraska proposal and the addition of touch points that Pillen desired be added.

About 175,000 students, or 80,000 households that meet certain criteria, such as free or reduced lunch eligibility, are expected to benefit from a card loaded with $120 in grocery-buying benefits for the summer.

Oklahoma origins to philosophy

Pillen told the Nebraska Examiner his response was not a shift at all from his December stance because his initial opposition came over the programs execution, not its goals. He said touch points could increase participation in other programs and better support families.

EBT food aid

During various town halls, Pillen has continued to pitch his desire to provide another $1 billion in property tax relief, shaving off a total 40% of the states approximately $5.3 billion collected each year by this years end.

Pillen said he plans to call a special session this summer and add to the first $1 billion in reduced property taxes through credits on income taxes and community colleges.

Three weeks into becoming governor in January 2023, Pillen said, he talked with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and learned that Stitt had a personal lobbyist in Washington, D.C., who helped the state draw in more federal dollars.

Nebraska, Stitt told the states freshman governor, was second to last nationwide in getting its share of federal funds, while Oklahoma was in the top 10.

Pillen recalled finding that fact appalling and told attendees at a town hall in Plattsmouth that if Nebraska didnt accept the funds, they could go to California.

Were working incredibly hard to get more than our fair share of federal dollars back home, Pillen said. Vastly different than whats gone on for a lot of years.

Past governors rejected federal help

Nebraskas previous governor, now-U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., rejected federal funds for emergency rental aid related to the COVID-19 pandemic. State lawmakers tried to force the state to accept the funds, a move Ricketts vetoed, and the Legislature fell short of a veto override.

The amount of relief started at $120 million for Nebraska, with many of those funds being distributed to other states, before Pillen eventually accepted a remaining $48 million for Nebraskas 91 smaller counties after he took office, in July 2023.

Thats $70 million that was left on the table that could have gone to helping people remain housed, and then that money goes into our communities, State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha said last week.

Ricketts and former Gov. Dave Heineman similarly opposed Medicaid expansion before voters approved the expansion. Both governors argued the change would be too costly.

Welcome to the party

Cavanaugh, who supported Summer EBT and the rental aid, has long been an advocate of drawing down more federal funds and said he was happy with Pillens position.

Welcome to the party, Cavanaugh said.

In the most recent legislative biennium, lawmakers embraced federal funding for nursing homes, hospitals and Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers, which Pillen celebrated.

State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward joined a letter, led by State Sen. Jen Day, with 14 other senators to ask Nebraska DHHS to reconsider accepting the summer food program last December.

Hughes said urban school districts might be better positioned than more rural districts like hers to have schools open throughout the summer to offer programs or food to families.

I think as he got more aware of how it really went down, thats what helped change his tune, Hughes said of Pillen.

She added that the Nebraska way changes were helpful. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also praised the proposal.

A very unsteady dock

State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar said the state must be careful and look very closely at any federal dollars on the table.

While the state has a strong congressional delegation, she argued, the Biden administration doesnt share those same beliefs, so no strings might not actually be the case.

I dont trust the Biden administration to just be giving away free money, because thats not free money, thats taxpayer money, Slama said.

Slama said leaders must weigh benefits and risks and not get addicted to the federal draw. She added that Nebraska has a very stable economy partially because it isnt dependent on the federal government, and state officials find funds for their own programs.

Instead of attaching our boat to a very unsteady dock, I like the thought of being out on our own as much as we can, Slama said.

State funds wont pick up slack

State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, who represents Plattsmouth and chairs the Legislatures Appropriations Committee, said the state already has a policy that if federal funds go down, state funds wont fill in behind them.

While its available, I think we should go for it, Clements said.

State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth echoed his colleagues sentiments and said he would be interested in Pillen establishing a satellite office in Washington to help Nebraska get more than its fair share.

We all pay our federal tax dollars to D.C., Brandt said. We need to get those back for the benefit of the people of the state.

The post Gov. Pillen explains willingness to accept more than Nebraskas fair share in federal funds appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
Microsoft's education-focused flavor of its cloud productivity suite, Microsoft 365 Education, is facing investigation in the European Union. Privacy rights nonprofit noyb has just lodged two complaints with Austria's data protection authority.

The complaints examine the use of Microsoft's cloud software by schools. The first one focuses on transparency and legal basis issues. noyb says it's concerned minors' data is being processed unlawfully -- and its press release hits out at what it dubs "consistently vague" information provided by the tech giant about how children's information is used.

The bloc's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets out a high expectation of protection for children's data. Transparency and accountability must be keystones whenever minors' information is processed. A lawful basis is also required. Confirmed breaches of the regime can attract fines of up to 4% of global annual turnover, which could scale to billions of dollars in Microsoft's case.

The privacy rights group's complaint accuses Microsoft of trying to evade its legal responsibilities as a data controller of children's information by using the contracts that schools have to sign to access its software to shift compliance onto them. noyb argues schools are not in a position to comply with the EU law's transparency requirements or data access rights, as they cannot know what Microsoft is doing with kids' data.

Microsoft 365 Education's price point varies but the software package can be offered for free for schools that meet certain eligibility criteria.

"Microsoft provides such vague information that even a qualified lawyer cant fully understand how the company processes personal data in Microsoft 365 Education. It is almost impossible for children or their parents to uncover the extent of Microsofts data collection, said Maartje de Graaf, data protection lawyer at noyb, in a statement.

This take-it-or-leave-it approach by software vendors such as Microsoft is shifting all GDPR responsibilities to schools. Microsoft holds all the key information about data processing in its software, but is pointing the finger at schools when it comes to exercising rights. Schools have no way of complying with the transparency and information obligations," she added.

"Under the current system that Microsoft is imposing on schools, your school would have to audit Microsoft or give them instructions on how to process pupils data. Everyone knows that such contractual arrangements are out of touch with reality. This is nothing more but an attempt to shift the responsibility for children's data as far away from Microsoft as possible.

A second complaint filed by noyb Tuesday also accuses Microsoft of secretly tracking children. noyb says it found tracking cookies that were installed by Microsoft 365 Education despite the complainant not consenting to tracking. Per Microsofts documentation, these cookies analyze user behavior, collect browser data and are used for advertising, it added.

"Such tracking, which is commonly used for highly invasive profiling, is apparently carried out without the complainants school even knowing," noyb wrote. "As Microsoft 365 Education is widely used, the company is likely to track all minors using their educational products. The company has no valid legal basis for this processing."

Again, the GDPR sets a high bar for lawful use of children's data for marketing purposes -- requiring data controllers take special care to protect minors' information and ensure any uses of minors' information are fair, lawful and clearly conveyed.

noyb contends that Microsoft's contracts, T&Cs and data flows do not live up to this bar.

Our analysis of the data flows is very worrying," said Felix Mikolasch, another data protection lawyer at noyb, in a statement. "Microsoft 365 Education appears to track users regardless of their age. This practice is likely to affect hundreds of thousands of pupils and students in the EU and EEA [European Economic Area]. Authorities should finally step up and effectively enforce the rights of minors.

noyb is asking the Austrian DPA to investigate the complaints and determine what data is being processed by Microsoft 365 Education. It also urges the authority to impose a fine if it confirms the GDPR has been breached.

Microsoft was contacted for comment on noyb's complaint. A company spokesperson emailed this statement: M365 for Education complies with GDPR and other applicable privacy laws and we thoroughly protect the privacy of our young users. We are happy to answer any questions data protection agencies might have about todays announcement.

While the tech giant has a regional base in Ireland, which typically means cross-border GDPR complaints would end up being referred back to the Irish Data Protection Commission to look at, a spokesperson for noyb emphasized the "locally relevant" nature of the two Microsoft 365 Education complaints -- saying they believe the Austrian DPA is competent to investigate.

"The complaints could actually stay in Austria," the spokesperson told TechCrunch. "The case is very locally relevant because it concerns Austrian schools and Austrian pupils, so we hope the [Austrian DPA] will take matters into its own hands. Also, we have filed the complaints against Microsoft's US entity instead of the EU branch."

This is important as it could lead to swifter decision-making -- and potential enforcement -- on the complaints against Microsoft.

GDPR complaints focused on children's data have led to some of the largest penalties to date, such as the 405 million fine Ireland imposed on Meta, back in the summer of 2022, for Instagram-related minor protection failures. Last year the video-sharing social network TikTok was also found in breach of legal requirements to keep kids' data safe -- receiving a 345 million fine.

Meanwhile, Microsoft's cloud productivity suite remains under a broader legal cloud in the EU. Back in March the bloc's own use of 365 was found in breach of the GDPR by the European Data Protection Supervisor -- which imposed corrective measures, giving EU institutions until early December to fix the compliance issues identified.

A lengthy investigation of Microsoft 365 by German data protection authorities also identified a raft of problems back in the fall of 2022 -- with the working group concluding at the time there was no way to use the software suite in a way that was compliant with the GDPR.

This report was updated with a comment from Microsoft

https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/11/edps-microsoft-365
When state 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.

New Hampshire has enough current landfill capacity to last until 2034.

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.

This story was originally published by the New Hampshire Bulletin.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH Senate kills landfill action to reduce waste from other states
One of the top priorities for RI environment advocates may be on hold this session. Here's why.

PROVIDENCE  Legislation that will put Rhode Island on the path to reducing carbon emissions from heating buildings is set to move forward in the Senate, but is still on hold in the House.

The Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture is scheduled to vote Tuesday on legislation that would require new buildings to be constructed so that theyre ready to switch from furnaces that burn fossil fuels to electric heat pumps. If the bill clears the committee, it would go to a floor vote before the full Senate.

Heating homes, businesses and industrial buildings is responsible for more than a third of Rhode Islands planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, yet, unlike with transportation or electric consumption, the state hasnt taken action on regulations that would support a transition to cleaner alternatives.

Electric heat pumps produce less greenhouse gas emissions than furnaces that burn fossil fuels.

Sen. Meghan Kallman, the Pawtucket Democrat who is one of the lead sponsors of the bill, said that without a plan to decarbonize buildings, the state would fail to meet the mandates of the Act on Climate, the landmark state law that requires Rhode Island to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

This is one of the biggest levers we have when it comes to meeting our climate goals, she said.

More: Where can you charge your electric vehicle in Rhode Island? Here's a map.

Bill still in the works in the House

Rep. Rebecca Kislak, the Providence Democrat who introduced the bill in the House, said shes hoping it will be scheduled for a committee vote in her chamber sometime next week.

She said that she and Kallman have been busy trying to address some 11th-hour concerns that hadnt been raised earlier about what the legislation would require.

The amended version going before the Senate environment committee omits mandates for the construction of all-electric buildings that were in the original bill.

Instead, it requires buildings only to have systems in place to facilitate a future retrofit to electric heat pumps.

The bill doesnt provide the solutions, but it creates a roadmap to get us there, Kislak said of the new language.

A spokesman for Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi said the bill is still under consideration in the House.

Speaker Shekarchi has been speaking with legislators, stakeholders and impacted parties on all sides of the issue and is listening to their concerns before taking a position, Larry Berman said.

A priority of environmental groups

The Environment Council of Rhode Island, which represents more than 60 organizations in the state, including Save The Bay, The Nature Conservancy and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, listed the bill among its three legislative priorities this year.

The state Department of Environmental Management and the Office of Energy Resources have said they are willing to work with the bill sponsors on decarbonizing the heating sector.

The vast majority of homes in Rhode Island rely on fossil fuels for heating, with about half using natural gas, a quarter using heating oil and 5% using propane.

Switching buildings from those heating systems has been difficult because it requires owners to purchase heat pumps in place of their furnaces. Costs can range from a few thousand dollars to more than $20,000 if new ductwork or other improvements are needed.

The state has gotten millions of federal dollars so far to help defray those costs and is expected to get more money from Washington in the future.

Kallman said the state cant afford to wait another year on the legislation.

All the evidence we have shows that if we do it now, it will be much easier than doing it later, she said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI bill would pave the way for new buildings to switch to electric heat
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
TOKYO, Jun 04 (News On Japan) - Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism conducted a raid on Toyota Motor Corporation's headquarters on Tuesday morning after discovering fraudulent activities related to the certification of 'type approval,' which is necessary for mass production of vehicles.

The Ministry inspectors began their investigation by examining documents, servers, and other data at the headquarters to verify whether the affected vehicle models actually meet the national standards and to ascertain the detailed facts of the case.

Toyota Motor Corporation confirmed that fraudulent activities occurred in the certification tests for "type approval" for seven models, totaling approximately 1.7 million units shipped between 2014 and the end of April this year.

In response, Toyota halted shipments and sales of three models currently in production, including the Yaris Cross.

The Ministry plans to investigate other manufacturers in turn and has requested Toyota to promptly submit the final investigation results.

Source: ANN
DHAKA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) here to strengthen cooperation.

The signing of the MoU on Monday marks closer cooperation between Chinese enterprises and Bangladeshi university in the fields of technical training, scientific research and personnel exchange.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Vice Chancellor of the BUET Satya Prasad Majumder, President of the CEAB Ke Changliang, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the BUET Abdul Jabbar Khan, as well as representatives of Chinese enterprises in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi engineering enterprises and Chinese and Bangladeshi media attended the signing ceremony.

Under the MoU, the CEAB and the BUET are expected to build a cooperation platform to strengthen industrial and research cooperation in new technologies, new materials, and innovation schemes, among others, further enhancing the core competitiveness of Chinese enterprises and contributing to Bangladesh's industrial innovation and sustainable development.

The program has unveiled 11 proposed research topics from nine Chinese enterprises in Bangladesh, covering civil engineering, communications, water, electricity, language learning and other fields.

Yao emphasized in his speech that China and Bangladesh are both at critical stages of development and rejuvenation. China is Bangladesh's most reliable partner and trustworthy friend on its path to modernization. Chinese enterprises have been engaged in multiple major and complex infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, introducing advanced and energy-saving technologies.

He encouraged the CEAB and the BUET to further enhance industry-research cooperation and launch more advanced energy-saving technologies, so as to benefit the people of Bangladesh.

For his part, Majumder said science and technology is a key driver for Bangladesh to achieve its goal of Smart Bangladesh. The south Asian country urgently needs to inject vitality into the economy through industrial upgrading, attract talents, and provide human resources support for building Smart Bangladesh. 
TOKYO, Jun 04 (News On Japan) - The Japanese government has confirmed that the Emperor and Empress will visit the UK as state guests from June 22 to 29. The decision was made at Tuesday morning's cabinet meeting.

The visit comes in response to an invitation from the British monarch, aiming to foster international goodwill. The Emperor and Empress will depart from Haneda Airport on a government plane on June 22, arriving in the UK later that afternoon local time.

On June 23, the Emperor will visit Japan House London, a cultural hub in the city. On June 24, he will tour the Thames Barrier, a facility addressing flood control, reflecting his lifelong commitment to water issues. During these two days, the Empress will rest to maintain her health.

On June 25, the Emperor and Empress will attend a welcoming ceremony hosted by King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey, and join a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

The Emperor will visit the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research facility, on June 26, and attend a dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor of London.

On June 27, he will visit Windsor Castle to lay flowers at the graves of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Both the Emperor and Empress have studied at Oxford University and will visit the university on June 28 before returning to Japan on June 29.

Previous state visits to the UK by Japanese emperors include Emperor Showa in 1971 and Emperor Emeritus Akihito in 1998.

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Jun 04 (News On Japan) - Japan will introduce new banknotes in July for the first time in 20 years, featuring Shibusawa Eiichi on the 10,000 yen note, Tsuda Umeko on the 5,000 yen note, and Kitasato Shibasaburo on the 1,000 yen note. However, the change poses challenges for vending machine replacements.

The new 5,000 yen note features Tsuda Umeko: 'We will soon be the faces on the banknotes.'

The new 1,000 yen note features Kitasato Shibasaburo: 'It's exciting to see a new design after 20 years.'

The new 10,000 yen note features Shibusawa Eiichi: 'The new notes will be issued starting from the 3rd of next month.'

The 1,000 yen note honors Kitasato Shibasaburo for his contributions to medical science. The 5,000 yen note commemorates Tsuda Umeko, a pioneer in women's education. The 10,000 yen note celebrates Shibusawa Eiichi, the father of modern Japanese economics.

NTV reporter Hiroshiba Manabu demonstrated the new 1,000 yen note: 'When you tilt this part, the design changes.'

The new banknotes incorporate advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies, including designs that change when viewed from different angles. The transition to these new banknotes is imminent.

After five years of preparation, the new banknotes are ready to be issued. However, a recently opened ramen shop faces challenges with its ticket vending machine.

Miura Shuhei, owner of Menya Bukotsu, said, '(Replacing the vending machine) won't be done in time, so I might just go with it as it is. We can temporarily accept the new banknotes and exchange them for old ones at the store.'

The cost of a new vending machine is at least 600,000 yen, posing a significant burden for businesses.

Miura added, 'I thought, "Here we go with more expenses." Changing the machines doesn't directly impact the business or the store, so it feels like we're spending money on something unnecessary.'

Can the new banknotes be used immediately in the numerous vending machines around the city? A major beverage manufacturer commented, 'We started preparing for the replacement of vending machines in January this year, but it will take two years to replace all of them.'

With just one month left until the new banknotes are issued, we are now in the era of cashless transactions. What does the future hold for our evolving relationship with money?

Source: YOMIURI
KYOTO, Jun 04 (News On Japan) - Kyoto City, facing the issue of overcrowded city buses due to overtourism, has launched a new initiative in June. What are the goals and challenges of this new measure?

On June 1st, the 'Tourist Express Bus' began operations at Kyoto Station. Separate from the regular city buses, these buses run only on weekends and holidays, stopping only near tourist sites. The aim is to segregate 'residents' from 'tourists.'

Overtourism in Kyoto has led to severe congestion, particularly on city buses that residents use daily.

Reporter Nozomi Fujieda: 'Passengers keep boarding, but the bus is already full.'

Both residents and tourists have been troubled by the overlap of routes serving daily commutes and tourist destinations.

'I worry if I can even get on the bus. Maybe I'll walk or take a taxi.'

In response, Kyoto City has introduced the 'Tourist Express Bus,' which stops only at certain designated stops. The new schedule includes direct buses to Gojozaka near the UNESCO World Heritage site Kiyomizudera, and routes to bus stops near Ginkakuji, passing through Gojozaka and Gion.

The fare is 500 yen for adults, more than double the regular fare, but the travel time from Kyoto Station to Gojozaka is reduced to about 10 minutes, and to Ginkakuji, from 44 minutes to about 24 minutes.

A user commented, 'When I first heard it was 500 yen, I thought it was quite expensive, but it was very convenient as it arrived in no time.'

The pricing seems reasonable for tourists, but expanding the routes has introduced new challenges.

Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui: 'Both city buses and private buses face the same issue: a shortage of drivers...'

There is a shortage of both drivers and vehicles. Even on weekdays, many people were seen waiting in line for buses on the 3rd.

Another user said, 'If the Tourist Express Bus was available on weekdays, we wouldn't have to wait in line so long.' 'The express bus is not effective at all. We need more of them.'

While Kyoto City hopes to operate the Tourist Express Bus on busy weekdays, the shortage of drivers and vehicles restricts it to weekends and holidays only.

Source: YOMIURI
A classroom in the summertime at Thomas Jefferson High School is focused on steering teenagers and young adults onto the path of responsible driving.

A drivers permit camp running at the school is sponsored by the Council Bluffs Community School District's Transition Alliance Program.

It enhances their knowledge, said Adam Manz, a TAP staff member.

The two-week camp, which began last Tuesday, includes guest speakers, plus access to resources for the students to learn about and practice for a permit test. It is an invite-only event for high schoolers in the district.

Its to help remove barriers to obtain a drivers permit, said Casey Moran, the districts assistant director of special education.

This is a free service that the school district pays for, Manz added.

About 20 students attend this camp each year, Moran said.

Speakers have included officers from the Council Bluffs Police Department, an insurance agent, and a professional mechanic, in addition to TAP staff providing tips from their own experiences as drivers.

Students also learn the rules of the road while in the classroom, and they take the written test for a permit during the camp.

While the outcome is that students meet the requirements to obtain their driver's permit, the camp provides them with an engaging opportunity in preparation to drive in the community, Manz said.

The students are engaged and they want to learn more, he said at last Fridays camp. You can see that excitement building within them.

Teens can get a permit at age 14 by passing written and vision tests.

Manz and another TAP official, JoAnn Ebersold, began this camp four years ago, he said. They noticed many young people at that age didnt seem as excited or eager in getting permits as kids once were for whatever reason.

We thought it would be beneficial, Manz said.

There has been some changes in the format, including talks by professional mechanics with vehicles the last two years.

The students who attended last Fridays session learned some basic engine maintenance tips from Brad Krause, a co-owner of Grease Monkey, who brought in a truck to better point out necessary engine components.

When asked about the need for those openings in a vehicles grill, Krause told the students that is so that air can get through, the air flow keeps the radiator cool.

The maintenance of batteries came up.

Believe it or not, the middle of winter may be hard on batteries, but those 105-degree days that are harder on the batteries, Krause said. The heat is harder than the cold.

An insurance official previously discussed the importance of having motor vehicle insurance and the risks for not having it, Manz said.

Police officers have also visited, telling the teens how to react if they are pulled over.

You want to be able to handle the situation appropriately, Manz said. We want the kids to understand that the police are here to help them.

We value our relationship with the police, Moran added.

Upon passing the test, the students can then receive their permit at the local Iowa Department of Transportation office. They just have to pay their fee, show proof of residence and have a photo taken, Manz said.

It frees them (DOT staff) up to serve other people, he said. Almost all students obtain their permits at the end of the camp."

It's so successful that other Iowa school districts have developed similar camps.

There is so much to learn there, Moran said.
Morocco has stressed the importance of the proposals put forward by US President Joseph R. Biden, aimed at, among others, promoting a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, and expressed hope that the various parties concerned will commit to implementing the roadmap proposed.

The Moroccan Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement that Morocco, whose Sovereign is the Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, stresses the importance of the proposals put forward by US President Joseph R. Biden, aimed at promoting a lasting ceasefire in Gaza; the access of humanitarian aid; the protection of civilians; the return of displaced people; as well as the reconstruction of destroyed areas.

The Kingdom hopes that the various parties concerned will adhere to this initiative and commit to implementing its different stages, the ministry underlined in the statement.

Morocco continues to believe that a lasting peace in the Middle East inevitably depends on a two-State solution: a Palestinian State, on the borders of June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with an Israeli State, the statement added.

The roadmap to an enduring ceasefire was detailed by President Biden in remarks he made end of last week at the White House. He pointed out that the new proposal provides for a full and complete ceasefire; a withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza; a release of a number of (Israeli) hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Also, Palestinians would return to their homes and neighborhoods in all areas of Gaza, including in the north, and humanitarian assistance would surge with 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza every single day, President Biden said, explaining that with a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it. Besides, hundreds of thousands of temporary shelters, including housing units, would be delivered by the international community.

A major reconstruction plan for Gaza constitutes another phase of the roadmap. In this connection, President biden said that under the deal, a rebuilding of Gaza will begin [with] Arab nations and the international community, along with Palestinian and Israeli leadersAnd 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, the US President said.
Morocco and south Korea are heading towards the establishment of a legal framework on trade and investment, with the aim to conclude an Enhanced Partnership Agreement (EPA).

This was stated in a joint communique that was signed in Seoul by the Korean Minister of Trade Inkyo Cheong and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, who participated in the ministerial meeting that preceded the first Korea-Africa Summit, held this week in Seoul.

This announcement paves the way for discussions on promoting investment and strengthening economic exchanges, and sends a strong signal to economic operators in both countries.

The Economic Partnership Agreement, which will strengthen the existing partnership framework between the two countries, will play a significant role in promoting trade and investment, and will also provide a foundation for boosting their respective economic development.

The two ministers agreed to pursue high-level economic cooperation, and to launch and finalize exploratory talks as soon as possible, so that negotiations can begin.

Nasser Bourita also held a meeting with his Korean peer Cho Tae Yul during which, the two officials agreed to optimize existing bilateral consultation mechanisms, by holding the 8th session of the Joint Commission and the 6th session of the Political Consultations.

They also agreed to intensify visits on both sides, with the aim of breathing new life into bilateral cooperation relations and discussed ways and means of boosting investment and economic and trade exchanges, banking on the assets represented by the Kingdom as a gateway to Africa, and through the potential of the free trade agreements concluded by Morocco.

The two officials also reviewed the legal framework governing bilateral cooperation, and decided to strengthen it in the light of the new dynamic desired by both sides.

To this end, they signed three agreements. The first is a social security agreement, meant to start close cooperation between Morocco and Korea by approximating their legislation in this field, with a view to resolving the specific difficulties encountered by their respective nationals and enabling them to benefit from comprehensive protection, based in particular on equal treatment, reciprocity and the maintenance of rights acquired or in the process of being acquired, as well as the transfer of rights.

The second framework agreement provides for cooperation in the field of climate change. It aims to strengthen both countries capacity to reduce/eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, address the impacts of climate change, and facilitate their transition to low-carbon economies.

The third agreement concerns loans from the Korea Fund for Economic Development Cooperation. Its aim is to promote cooperation between Morocco and Korea, through granting loans in order to implement projects defined by mutual agreement between the two parties.
The Algerian regime has announced big plans to attract 12 million tourists by 2030. Yet, on the ground, everything needs to be done from relaxing visa procedures, training skilled staff to ensuring security in a country that is notorious as one of the hardest countries to access in North Africa.

With over 1600 km of Mediterranean coastline, important cultural and historical sites, and the vast desert, Algeria is endowed with a potential that could enable it to be a leading tourist destination. Nevertheless, the country is falling short of establishing a reputation as a tourist friendly state as it continues to be perceived as lacking tourist infrastructure, coupled with serious security concerns.

While Algerian officials are on a charm offensive in western media speaking of tourism as a lever of economic diversification, on the ground most of the 3.3 million tourists are mostly Algerians living abroad.

Cited in the book le Mal Algerien- by Jean Louis Levet and Paula Tolila- the tourism sector could only attract 4000 people annually through travel agencies.

Despite its diversified landscape, monuments and vast desert, Algeria failed to attract tourists, partly because of a rigid visa policy that thwarts visitors.

Insecurity is another factor that has been discouraging tourists from visiting the country, where a constellation of terrorist groups operate in the countrys south.

The Covid-19 pandemic has decimated 50% of the countrys 4000 travel agencies, which translates into a loss of 15,000 jobs.

In the hotel sector, 50,000 jobs have been lost to the pandemic, in a country that already lacks in bed capacity.

Most of Algerias 115,000 beds are on the coastline, while tourism activity represents only 2% in the south, mostly by international tourists.

We have received less than 500,000 tourists since 1970, as part of tour operating via travel agenciesthis makes Algeria a semi-virgin destination compared to neighbors, Said Boukhelifa, head of the travel agencies union told DZ entreprises in April 2022.

The lack of incentives for private foreign and local investors is another impediment. In a country where foreign investors are only allowed to own 49% of shares, it is hard to lure global tourism operators to the Algerian market.

Algerias visa regime has long been an obstacle to attracting foreigners to the country. Algiers imposes nearly visas on all foreigners. This burdensome process further undermines Algerias competitiveness globally.

By imposing strict visa processes, Algeria is sending the world a message that it does not want tourists. Some analysts deem that Algeria is only interested in domestic tourism since it cannot protect foreign tourists.

This raises the issue of latent terrorism. In Algeria, tourists cannot leave big cities without heavy police presence. A trip to the desert would require a special permission and escort by security forces. The Algerian breathtaking desert is awash with terrorist groups that engage in kidnapping and ransom taking.

In 2014 a French tourist, Herve Gourdel, was beheaded by a terrorist group linked to IS after being kidnapped in the mountains of Kabylie east of Algiers.

The UK travel advice for instance advises to avoid traveling to Algerias insecure south. The US for its part advises visitors to Algeria to be aware as terrorist groups remain active in some parts of the country.

The US warns its citizens visiting Algeria to avoid travel to rural areas within 50 km (31 miles) of the border with Tunisia and within 250 km (155 miles) of the borders with Libya, Niger, Mali, and Mauritania due to terrorist and criminal activities and to avoid overland travel across the Sahara.

While Algeria has natural and cultural assets that enable it to be a leading tourist destination, the successive governments have done little to build a strong tourism infrastructure, enhance the countrys image globally and lure investors and foreign tourists alike to the country. While security conditions have improved since 1990s, Algeria still struggles to put an end to residual terrorism, which further undermines its efforts to promote tourism.
HANOI, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The price of gold bullion sold to four state-owned lenders and Saigon Jewelery Company Limited (SJC) has been set at 77.98 million Vietnamese dong (3,069 U.S. dollars) per tael on Tuesday, said the State Bank of Vietnam.

The gold bar price fell 1 million dong (39.3 dollars) from the previous day, local media reported.

Earlier, the central bank said the four banks and the SJC are solely authorized to purchase SJC gold bars from the central bank and sell to the public. This strategic move aims to promote market stability and ensure a balanced gold market, according to Vietnam News Agency.

On Tuesday morning, SJC gold prices are quoted at 77.98 million dong (3,068.26 dollars) per tael for sellers and 79.98 million dong (3,146.96 dollars) for buyers, which was a three-month low.

A tael equals 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces. 
Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance, Abdellatif Hammouchi, and visiting Director General of Italian Public Security, Vittorio Pisani, discussed at a meeting in Rabat Monday security threats and current international crises and their potential repercussions on the security of Morocco and Italy.

The two sides also discussed the dangers of cross-border crime, including human trafficking, irregular migration, drug trafficking, money laundering and proceeds from criminal activities.

This meeting between Hammouchi and Vittorio Pisani, who is on a visit to the Kingdom at the head of a large security delegation, was an opportunity to assess the results of cooperation between the two countries in different security areas and to discuss various issues of common interest.

Based on their joint willingness to strengthen cooperation in the security field, both parties examined the means and tools to strengthen bilateral coordination both in terms of operational cooperation as well as in the area of exchange of expertise and technical assistance.

This meeting is part of the consolidation of Moroccos international security cooperation mechanisms with the security organs of brotherly and friendly countries, and the revitalization of bilateral and multilateral cooperation channels to neutralize terrorist threats and fight different forms of cross-border crime.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has kicked off his three-country African tour in junta-led Guinea, part of a fresh push to bolster support for Moscow from countries on the continent, amidst Russian isolation on the world stage.

Russias top diplomat arrived Monday (3 June) in the capital Conakry on his latest visit to West Africa, which has seen some countries shift their allegiance toward Moscow amid a string of coups, growing insecurity and discontent with traditional allies like France and the United States. Lavrov reportedly met with his Guinean counterpart Morissanda Kouyate to discuss areas of mutual cooperation. Guinea remains poor despite considerable mineral and natural resources and has endured decades of dictatorial rule. Guinea has been ruled by a military junta since 2021 when Col. Mamadi Doumbouya seized power saying he was preventing from slipping into chaos and accusing the previous government of broken promises.

While Russia saw its relations with the West plummet after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than half of African countries, including Guinea, abstained from UN resolutions calling for a withdrawal of Russian troops. It wasnt immediately clear which other countries were on his itinerary later this week. Some news say that Lavrov was expected to arrive in the Republic of Congo late on Monday evening, but according to other sources, he is expected to continue his tour in Chad and Burkina Faso. In July last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a number of African heads of government at the second Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg where he said they agreed to promote a multipolar world order and to fight neo-colonialism.
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, expressed the gratitude of the United States to King Mohammed VI for Moroccos humanitarian contributions to Gaza, and stressed the importance of Moroccos support for President Bidens proposal regarding an enduring ceasefire in Gaza.

The Secretary conveyed his gratitude to King Mohammed VI for Moroccos humanitarian contributions to Gaza, said the Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, Matthew Miller, in a statement issued in Washington on Monday, following a phone conversation between the Secretary of State and Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita.

The US secretary of State also stressed the importance of Moroccos support for President Bidens proposal as a means of building a more integrated, peaceful and stable Middle East region, the Spokesman noted.

The Secretary underscored that the proposal would greatly benefit both Palestinians and Israelis, allow a surge in humanitarian assistance into Gaza, enable the return of displaced persons to areas throughout Gaza, and permit international reconstruction efforts to begin, the statement added.

During this conversation, the two officials agreed on the importance of continuing to coordinate closely to advance peace and security in the region, the Spokesperson said.

King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, had given his instructions last March to deploy a humanitarian food aid operation, by land, for the Palestinian population of Gaza and the Holy City of Al Quds.

Morocco was the first country to use this unprecedented overland route to deliver humanitarian aid directly to the beneficiaries since the outbreak of armed hostilities in the Gaza Strip in October 2023.

This large-scale humanitarian operation benefiting the Palestinian population confirmed the efficient commitment and ongoing concern of King Mohammed VI for the Palestinian cause.

On Monday, the Kingdom stressed the importance of the proposals put forward by President Biden, aimed at promoting a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, access for humanitarian aid, the protection of civilians, the return of displaced persons, and the reconstruction of destroyed areas.

Morocco hopes that the various parties concerned will adhere to this initiative and commit to implementing its various phases, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement.
Wendy Davis beginning her filibuster of an anti-abortion bill in Texas in 2013. Photo: Robert Daemmrich/Corbis via Getty Images

Remember Wendy Davis? For a brief moment in 2013, Davis, then a Texas state senator, captured the nations attention with a dramatic gambit. The Democrat filibustered an anti-abortion bill, spending 13 hours on her feet while reading research and testimonies from women who opposed the legislation. (A doctor had inserted a catheter into her bladder so she could accomplish the feat.) Images of Davis in her pink sneakers spread across the internet. Writer Sally Kohn would later call the shoes a talisman of feminism and political voice and literally standing up for whats right. By the end of the evening, pro-choice activists had crowded into the rotunda of the state capitol, and prominent Democrats had signaled their support for Davis in public. Thanks to her efforts, the bill died.

As New York Times reporters Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer document in their new book, The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America, liberals thought that with Davis on their side, they were watching democracy at work. Shed given them reason to hope, and they believed that she would ultimately triumph over their Republican foes. A new Texas and a new America were here, write Dias and Lerer, and for a handful of weeks that seemed true. Davis became a meme: In one, she was Americas very own Daenerys Targaryen. At the Newseum in Washington, thenPlanned Parenthood president Cecile Richards hosted a cocktail party for supporters with condoms as party favors. Then the hammer fell. Just under three weeks after Davis finished her filibuster, Republicans called a special session. This time, the bill passed. Dias and Lerer write that Planned Parenthood announced that it would close three clinics on the day Governor Rick Perry signed the bill.

Even after S.B. 5 passed, Richards believed their fight had woken up a sleeping giant in the form of pro-choice voters in Texas. It was a somewhat reasonable conclusion at the time. Barack Obama had just won reelection, Davis had generated intense public interest, and in national polling, the public supported the right to legal abortion. But look closely at this facade, as Dias and Lerer have, and the cracks are evident. The Obama presidency gave way to four years of Donald Trump, who appointed three conservative jurists to the Supreme Court, who in short order overturned Roe v. Wade. A Democrat is president again, but he faces a difficult race against Trump. Will the fall of Roe awaken the sleeping giant at last?

Voters say overwhelmingly that the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe was wrongly decided, and public outrage has helped Democrats outperform expectations in the elections since that ruling. This year, Democrats are counting on abortion to help Biden win a second term. But then as now, overconfidence can be fatal.

The Fall of Roe unfolds like a horror story. Danger lurked outside the cabin door, but the threat was never fully perceived by those who lived within. Dias and Lerer depict a liberal Establishment that behaved as though it had permanently won. Roe loomed so large in American life that it was almost impossible to imagine that it could disappear, they write. Every election Democrats and their allies in the abortion rights movement warned voters about the potential consequences to abortion rights, should they vote Republican, but they didnt really believe that Roe would one day fall. Yet as institutions like Planned Parenthood grew flush with cash, activists closer to the ground and who were more exposed to danger warned of trouble. A constellation of smaller, largely Black and Hispanic abortion-rights organizations knew that restrictions had already eroded the right to abortion. Though the big abortion-rights groups considered the Affordable Care Act a major success, the law reaffirmed the Hyde Amendment, which banned federal funding for abortion care and mostly affected poor women.

To the Black and Hispanic reproductive justice activists, the new health care law, which left the Hyde Amendment intact, was a sign that the biggest organization in their world was willing to trade away their rights, write Dias and Lerer. Democrats didnt have the votes to end Hyde, as Dias and Lerer point out; the partys big-tent approach to abortion had seen to that. As a result, activists who worked outside the rarefied environment occupied by Planned Parenthood and its peer organizations often scrambled for resources in order to provide care. Three years after the passage of the ACA, when Planned Parenthood introduced a new messaging campaign which dumped the decades-old terminology of pro-choice for a broader approach, tensions deepened. The new messaging frustrated reproductive justice movement activists who had always believed that the fight for abortion rights couldnt be severed from the economic, justice, housing, and maternal health care struggles that disproportionately affected the reproductive lives of women of color, they report. Now, it felt like Planned Parenthood was stealing their approach and acting like it was its own.

Photo: Flatiron Books

Meanwhile, powerful liberals still didnt quite understand what threatened them. Not only did the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg refuse to retire in time for Obama to appoint her replacement, she told Elle that on abortion, the national pendulum had swung about as conservative as it will get. Ginsburg wasnt totally wrong: Roe was the victim of a far-right minoritarian movement that succeeded not by capturing the vote, but by capturing the Supreme Court. But her observation, which is repeated by Dias and Lerer, combined with her decision to die on the court, suggests that Ginsburg was perhaps as out of touch as the liberal Establishment that lionized her.

Ginsburg wasnt alone. We didnt take it seriously and we didnt understand the threat, Hillary Clinton said in an interview exclusive to the book. Most Democrats, most Americans, did not realize we are in an existential struggle for the future of this country. That may well be true, but its an infuriating admission from Clinton, whose defeat in 2016 helped cost liberals the court. She continues to attribute her loss to her gender, according to Dias and Lerer, and while thats at least partially right, she is eager to blame everyone but herself. Once James Comey announced the reopening of the Clinton email investigation toward the end of the campaign, the people, the voters who left me were women, she said. They left me because they just couldnt take a risk on me, because as a woman, Im supposed to be perfect. They were willing to take a risk on Trump, who had a long list of, lets call them flaws, to illustrate his imperfection, because he was a man, and they could envision a man as president and commander in chief. Women in politics face unfair standards, but Clintons habitual refusal to look inward grows tiresome. If shes going to speak, she could at least say something new.

Still, Dias and Lerer were right to interview her. We benefit from seeing our leaders as they truly are. In The Fall of Roe, liberalisms most iconic women are critical failures too. Pantsuit Nation feels like a collective hallucination now. So does the Notorious RBG. I wonder what so many of us once saw in an unelected cleric who was friends with Justice Antonin Scalia. Her accomplishments were real; her dissents made her beloved. But in judicial terms, what is a dissent but an admission of defeat?

Anti-abortion activists faced their own challenges. Their views were unpopular and they had allied themselves with the GOP, a party that struggled, often, to explain its opposition to abortion in a way that activists found to be persuasive or meaningful. In 2013, the Susan B. Anthony List (since renamed Susan B. Anthony Pro-life America) was a minnow in a city of sharks, Dias and Lerer write, with an annual budget of $7 million compared to Planned Parenthoods billion. Under the leadership of Marjorie Dannenfelser, though, SBA would become a powerhouse. Dannenfelser and her allies had conviction, and they had plans. While liberals arguably slept, the most radical adherents of the anti-abortion cause carefully strategized a multipronged assault on the right to end a pregnancy.

One was David Daleiden, who, with his six-foot black-throated monitor lizard in tow, crossed the country speaking with anti-abortion extremists like Troy Newman, the president of Operation Rescue. Daleiden would later release a series of misleadingly edited videos that falsely implied that Planned Parenthood trafficked baby body parts for profit. Daleiden belonged to a new generation of activists who had more in common with Newman than with mainstream anti-abortion Christians and their incremental tactics. Yet the mainstream needed them in order to continue its work, and Daleidens videos allowed them to mount a spectacular attack on Planned Parenthood. A House hearing followed, and conservatives called on Congress to defund the organization. The false notion that Planned Parenthood traffics fetal remains has become an article of faith within the anti-abortion right. In the anti-abortion movement, there has never been much daylight between the mainstream and the fringe. The idea that abortion is murder is extreme by default. Now, though, the mainstream has given way entirely to the Daleidens in the movement, a shift that is visible also in the Republican Party and the broader conservative project. In an email at the time, Dannenfelser praised Daleidens work. Just expressing gratitude again. God is good and you guys planned this masterfully, she said.

Shed soon have other reasons to be grateful. As the movement shifted to the right, a sophisticated legal strategy was taking shape. The end of Roe was in sight. Dias and Lerer provide a great public service by documenting this legal initiative at length, identifying key players like lawyer Misha Tseytlin, the former Wisconsin solicitor general who clerked for then-Justice Anthony Kennedy. Nevertheless, they overstate the degree to which this is untold history. Though Tseytlin isnt a celebrity, his anti-abortion views are known, and close observers of the Christian right had long warned of rising extremism and the influence of groups like SBA and the Alliance Defending Freedom, or ADF.

Roe may be gone, but the movement that killed it will not rest. As Dias and Lerer write, the fight against legal abortion is tied inextricably to the fight for Americas soul. Dannenfelser and Leonard Leo, who leads the Federalist Society and who orchestrated much of the rights judicial successes, are united by more than their opposition to abortion. They believe in a vision of American womanhood that is at odds with the liberal feminism which raised up Davis and Ginsburg and Clinton. The goals of the Christian right are even further afield from the socialist feminism I now embrace, which strives for reproductive justice: the right to abortion, free and on demand, alongside the right to housing, to healthcare, to food. To be a socialist feminist is to fight a war on all fronts. The right is no less proactive, as Dias and Lerer make clear.

Not long after Dobbs put an end to Roe, Justice Samuel Alito delivered a fiery talk in Rome. There, as Dias and Lerer recount, he told audience members that there was a growing hostility to religion, or at least the traditional religious beliefs that are contrary to the new moral code that is ascendant. Alito urged them to action. People with deep religious convictions may be less likely to succumb to dominating ideologies or trends, and more prone to act in accordance with what they see as true and right, he told them. Civil society can count on them as engines of reform. In the first months after Roe, when Leonard Leo accepted an award from the Catholic Information Center, he warned onlookers that the fight continued. He called his opponents a progressive Ku Klux Klan for their alleged anti-Catholicism and added, They are conducting a coordinated and large-scale campaign to drive us from the communities they want to dominate  They control and use many levers of power. Dias and Lerer write that Leos progressive foes could easily apply the same description to his own work. Regardless, Leo is right about one thing. The fight does go on.

Two years before the fall of Roe, Wendy Davis told Elle that she still has her old pink sneakers. She was running for office again that year, this time for Congress. She lost to incumbent Chip Roy, a Republican who currently boasts an A+ rating from SBA, Dannenfelsers group. Davis is out of politics now; Roy is ascendant. A November victory for Joe Biden is far from assured, and he is not the standard-bearer that many abortion rights supporters had hoped to elect. Dias and Lerer write that in 2023, as he headed into his reelection campaign, Biden still had not held a formal White House meeting with the heads of the abortion-rights organizations. Democrats still speak of codifying Roe, though it should be clear by now that Roe on its own was never enough. And while liberals recover from their shock, the Christian right plans for a national abortion ban. If women are to secure their fates, they need more than liberalism can offer. Icons are no replacement for conviction and strategy. Dobbs was now the guiding force for the countrys laws, write Dias and Lerer. But the mass outrage that met the ruling showed that the country had not resolved the essential question intertwined with the long national battle over abortion: What rights is a woman owed? The Christian right has an answer ready. Its opponents must have one too.
Texas National Guard disperses migrants in Ciudad Juarez in April. Photo: David Peinado/Anadolu via Getty Images

In a policy move that the White House has been telegraphing for a good while, on Tuesday President Biden signed an executive order that will temporarily cap asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to reduce the number of border crossings and neutralize a big 2024 campaign issue. As the Washington Post explains, its a simple idea that could become pretty complex in practice:

Bidens executive actions, effective at the end of the day Tuesday, impose broad restrictions on asylum as long as illegal border crossings remain above an average of 2,500 per day, according to administration officials.

Migrants ineligible for protection will be returned to their home countries or Mexico unless they express a convincing fear of persecution that would qualify them for an exemption under tougher screening procedures, administration officials said.

A similar cap, accompanied by a major boost in border-security funding, was the centerpiece of a bipartisan legislative deal that Republicans (first in the House, then in the Senate) repudiated earlier this year, reportedly on orders from Donald Trump, who didnt want to give Biden a victory on his own signature issue. Because the executive order is admittedly a stopgap, its effectiveness is far from assured, the Post notes:

Since Biden took office, Mexican authorities have agreed for the first time to take back large numbers of non-Mexican border crossers deemed ineligible for U.S. asylum. But Mexico generally limits returns to Central Americans, Cubans, Venezuelans and some Haitians.

That leaves U.S. authorities still facing significant challenges to carrying out quick deportations for the record numbers of migrants arriving from other nations in South America, Africa and Asia, including China. Border authorities have limited detention space and available aircraft for deportation flights, and migrants  even those deemed ineligible for asylum  are often released into the United States pending a court hearing when there is nowhere to hold them and too many obstacles to sending them home.

Despite significant recent drops in border crossings, the cap is below what weve seen lately (about 3,700 per day). But the reaction to this new policy indicates that Biden may be in danger of falling between two stools, as has arguably been the case with his policies toward Israels war in Gaza. As Semafor reports, progressive Democrats and some Latino activists are very unhappy:

Progressive and Hispanic Democrats vented their frustration Monday night as they prepared for President Biden to unveil a far-reaching executive action aimed at blocking off the Southern border to asylum-seekers.

I think its really disappointing, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal told Semafor, adding that shed been briefed on the new orders contents ahead of its Tuesday signing by the president. [It] just plays into the idea that somehow harsh enforcement is going to work. That was Trumps approach. We should be showing what the difference is 

We shouldnt fall into the trap that Republicans have set for us, Texas Rep. Greg Casar, a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, told Semafor. Its going to not help the President politically because I dont think Fox News is ever going to give him any credit.

That last part is probably true since the immediate reaction of House Republicans to Bidens action was that it represented the acceptance of far too many migrants. Indeed, Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced she will introduce articles of impeachment against the president for allowing any border crossings.

So is Bidens action simultaneously draconian but too tardy to matter? Is it too much, too late?

Thats hard to say. Twenty-seven percent of the electorate called immigration the most important problem facing the country, according to a Gallup survey at the end of April. Its unlikely that voters for whom immigration is a decisive issue are going to be satisfied with a cap on migrant border crossings unaccompanied by more general restrictions on immigration and/or deportation of undocumented people. No matter what Biden does, he will never be able to compete with Trump as a professed border guardian, unless hes willing to take steps that really would create a revolt among Democrats. But what this step and others might do is reduce the saliency of the border crisis and thus allow voters to focus on subjects more congenial to the president.

If the administration can strike the right balance, its possible it could turn down the temperature on border security and leave progressive dissenters in the familiar position of having to swallow policies they dont like because the alternative is a second Trump presidency. Making the best of a bad situation may be the most Democrats can hope for on immigration, an issue that in living memory used to help them more than it hurt them.
A certain species of Republican has seized on Donald Trumps first criminal conviction as a rationale to vote for the former president. Many Republicans we talk to are now more likely to vote for Mr. Trump after watching how Democrats have politicized the law to target a presidential opponent, asserts the Wall Street Journal editorial page. They worry that a vote for Mr. Biden would vindicate this Democratic campaign by lawfare. The neoconservative Free Press has a puffy feature on people Voting for Trump to Save Democracy.

Both these pieces fall just short of direct advocacy. They are not directly calling for Trumps election to save democracy, merely pointing suggestively toward their friends who believe this. It betrays a hint of embarrassment, which is fully warranted.

While there are no reasons to support Trump that I would call good, there are plenty I would concede are fully rational. If you want to ban abortion, slow down the green-energy transition, or reduce taxes on the wealthy and spending on health care for the poor, Trump is definitely your candidate. If your priority is to make liberals upset, electing Trump will accomplish that. If you believe Trump legitimately won the 2020 election and/or is entitled to rule regardless of election outcomes, well, at least its an ethos.

Voting for Trump in order to oppose politicized prosecutions is not like those reasons. While I share those qualms about the charges that led to Trumps hush-money conviction, voting for him to stop politicized criminal prosecutions would be totally insane. This is not a reason to vote for Trump, it is a cry for help.

First, there is no evidence President Biden or any national Democratic figures directed Manhattan district attorney Alvin Braggs prosecution. Conservatives have insisted that the Democrats are behind this prosecution, but they have no basis for this claim whatsoever. The best attempt Ive seen to support it comes from a wild Federalist article seizing upon the fact that one of Braggs prosecutors worked at a law firm that has a lot of Democrats in it (which, of course, is true of most big New York law firms). Blaming Biden for Braggs charges is a conspiracy theory.

Second, Biden has clearly upheld the independence of the Justice Department. Bidens DOJ has indicted two Democrats in Congress, is investigating a third, and is currently going to court to send the presidents last surviving son to prison.

The main reason Trump is not already on trial in federal court for his attempt to seize an unelected second term is that Attorney General Merrick Garland bent over backwards to avoid even a hint of singling out the presidents political enemy, causing a delay that Trump has shrewdly exploited.

Garland appointed a special counsel who is a Trump-appointed Republican to investigate Biden himself. That special counsel produced a report that pushed the boundaries of precedent by editorializing about Bidens age, creating one of the worst moments of the campaign. As The Wall Street Journal reports today, Bidens lawyers objected to the special counsel pejoratively characterizing uncharged conduct. Despite the validity of the complaint, Garland decided he wasnt going to step in to protect his boss.

Third, and most obviously, Trump is openly threatening to weaponize the Justice Department. Trump more or less introduced the idea of using the presidency to jail your opponent by making Lock her up a signature catchphrase of his 2016 campaign. In office, he pursued this goal. According to [Attorney General Jeff] 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 found. Sessions dutifully appointed an attorney to probe Clinton but failed to come up with anything.

Frustrated by this, Trump fired Sessions, replaced him with a more pliable successor, alienated that successor with ceaseless demands to harass Trumps enemies, eventually prevailed by appointing a special counsel to investigate Trumps enemies, and brought criminal charges so flimsy they were laughed out of court.

Trump is responding to this failure by planning to find even more pliable figures to run his Justice Department. His own public account is that he held back from locking up Clinton but might have to do it next time because they did it to him. 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 told Fox News recently. And then this happened to me, and so I may feel differently about it.

I am not here to tell you what moral positions to hold. If you want a president who will bring criminal charges against politicians that Trump hates, then a second Trump term will advance that goal. If you worry about politicizing the justice system, then voting for Trump is preposterous. It is the injecting bleach of Trump-voting rationales.
President Biden speaking in the White Houses Diplomatic Reception Room in February. Photo: Samuel Corum/Bloomberg via Getty Images

On Tuesday, Time magazine published a long interview with President Biden almost two months after the publication spoke with Donald Trump. Its part of a spate of recent interviews the president has granted in the wake of criticism that he has shunned traditional sit-down interviews with mainstream outlets. In addition to Time, the president recently sat down with Yahoo Finance and CNNs Erin Burnett while continuing to speak with less conventional interlocutors like Howard Stern. (He continues to snub the New York Times.) The Time conversation, which took place last month, touched on the conflict in Gaza, January 6, and Bidens age. Here, some of the notable moments.

Biden suggested Netanyahu might be prolonging the war for his own benefit

Asked about Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus motivations around the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Biden demurred at first. But Biden appeared to suggest that a common view of Netanyahu  that he wants the war to drag on to ensure his political survival  wasnt unfounded. Im not going to comment on that. There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion, he said.

Biden said he and Netanyahu disagree on what will happen with Gaza after the war. There needs to be a two-state solution, a transition to a two-state solution. And thats my biggest disagreement with Bibi Netanyahu, he said.

Biden also said he doesnt believe that Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war, as suggested by the International Criminal Court, which is seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu alongside other top officials of Israel and Hamas. Biden did say he thinks some of Israels actions are inappropriate. He compared the situation to Americas extended occupation of Afghanistan, advising Israel to learn from that example. Dont make the mistakes we made. And theyre making that mistake, I think, he said.

Q: "You mentioned the hunger in Gaza. Some have alleged that Israel is intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare. Do you think that's the case?"



Biden: "No, I don't think that. I think they've engaged in activity that is inappropriate." pic.twitter.com/959zWlE6tR  Sabrina Siddiqui (@SabrinaSiddiqui) June 4, 2024

U.S. military involvement in Taiwan would depend on the circumstances

Time attempted to get Biden on the record about what his administration would do if China were to follow through on its threats to invade Taiwan. When asked how U.S. forces might be used in such a situation, the president said, It would depend on the circumstances.

The magazine followed up, pressing Biden on whether he would deploy troops if necessary. Not ruling out using U.S. military force. Theres a distinction between deploying on the ground, air power and naval power, etc., Biden responded.

Biden was then asked if that would entail firing from bases in Japan or in the Philippines, but he declined to go into further specifics. I cant get into that. You would then criticize me with good reason if I were to tell you, he said.

Biden never reconsidered running owing to his age

The conversation then turned to one of Bidens biggest weaknesses: his age. The president, who turned 81 in November, would be 86 by the end of a potential second term. (Trump turns 78 later this month.) Biden said he hadnt considered not running for a second term and expressed his confidence that he can do the job in a rather aggressive way. I can do it better than anybody you know. Youre looking at me  I can take you, too, he said.

Asked if he can do the job at 85 years old (which he would be in a second term), Biden tells TIME:



I can do it better than anybody you know. Youre looking at me, I can take you too.https://t.co/4cklIYuak9 pic.twitter.com/9SrdASoaMD  Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) June 4, 2024

When asked what he would tell American voters who are concerned about his age, Biden said, Watch me. Look, name me a president thats gotten as much done as Ive gotten done in my first three and a half years.

Allies are very worried over a second Trump term

Biden relayed a familiar anecdote about attending the 2021 G7 meeting in England, where he told the assembled leaders that Americas back only for French president Emmanuel Macron to quip, For how long? He said the worlds leaders have expressed concerns to him about the possibility of Trump winning in 2024.

Theres not a major international meeting I attend that, before its over  and Ive attended many, more than most presidents have in three and a half years  that a world leader doesnt pull me aside as Im leaving and say, He cant win. You cant let him win, Biden said.

He continued, My democracy and their democracy is at stake. My democracy is at stake. And so name me a world leader other than Orban and Putin who think that Trump should be the world leader in the United States of America.
Photo: Intelligencer; Photo: Getty Images

For a few years now, lots of people have been wondering what Sam Altman thinks about the future  or perhaps what he knows about it as the CEO of OpenAI, the company that kicked off the recent AI boom. Hes been happy to tell them about the end of the world. If this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong, he told a Senate committee in May 2023. What I lose the most sleep over is the hypothetical idea that we already have done something really bad by launching ChatGPT, he said last June. A misaligned superintelligent AGI could cause grievous harm to the world, he wrote in a blog post on OpenAIs website that year.

Before the success of ChatGPT thrust him into the spotlight, he was even less circumspect. AI will probably, like, most likely lead to the end of the world, but in the meantime, therell be great companies, he cracked during an interview in 2015. Probably AI will kill us all, he joked at an event in New Zealand around the same time; soon thereafter, he would tell a New Yorker reporter about his plans to flee there with friend Peter Thiel in the event of an apocalyptic event (either there or a big patch of land in Big Sur he could fly to). Then Altman wrote on his personal blog that superhuman machine intelligence is probably the greatest threat to the continued existence of humanity. Returning, again, to last year: The bad case  and I think this is important to say  is like lights out for all of us. He wasnt alone in expressing such sentiments. In his capacity as CEO of OpenAI, he signed his name to a group statement arguing that Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war, alongside a range of people in  and interested in  AI, including notable figures at Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and xAI.

The tech industrys next big thing might be a doomsday machine, according to the tech industry, and the race is on to summon a technology that might end the world. Its a strange mixed message, to say the least, but its hard to overstate how thoroughly the apocalypse  invoked as a serious worry or a reflexive aside  has permeated the mainstream discourse around AI. Unorthodox thinkers and philosophers have seen longstanding theories and concerns about superintelligence get mainstream consideration. But the end of the world has also become product-event material, fundraising fodder. In discussions about artificial intelligence, acknowledging the outside chance of ending human civilization has come to resemble a tic. On AI-startup websites, the prospect of human annihilation appears as boilerplate.

In the last few months, though, companies including OpenAI have started telling a slightly different story. After years of warning about infinite downside risk  and acting as though they had no choice but to take it  theyre focusing on the positive. The doomsday machine were working on? Actually, its a powerful enterprise software platform. From the Financial Times:

The San Francisco-based company said on Tuesday that it had started producing a new AI system to bring us to the next level of capabilities and that its development would be overseen by a new safety and security committee.

But while OpenAI is racing ahead with AI development, a senior OpenAI executive seemed to backtrack on previous comments by its chief executive Sam Altman that it was ultimately aiming to build a superintelligence far more advanced than humans.

Anna Makanju, OpenAIs vice-president of global affairs, told the Financial Times in an interview that its mission was to build artificial general intelligence capable of cognitive tasks that are what a human could do today.

Our mission is to build AGI; I would not say our mission is to build superintelligence, Makanju said.

The story also notes that in November, in the context of seeking more money from OpenAI partner Microsoft, Altman said he was spending a lot of time thinking about how to build superintelligence, but also, more gently, that his companys core product was, rather than a fearsome self-replicating software organism with unpredictable emergent traits, a form of magic intelligence in the sky.

Shortly after that statement, Altman would be temporarily ousted from OpenAI by a board that deemed him not sufficiently candid, a move that triggered external speculation that a major AI breakthrough had spooked safety-minded members. (More recent public statements from former board members were forceful but personal, accusing Altman of a pattern of lying and manipulation.)

After his return, Altman consolidated his control of the company, and some of his internal antagonists left or were pushed out. OpenAI then dissolved the team charged with achieving superalignment  in the companys words, managing risks that could lead to the disempowerment of humanity or even human extinction  and replaced it with a new safety team run by Altman himself, who also stood accused of voice theft by Scarlett Johansson. Its safety announcement was terse and notably lacking in evocative doomsaying. This committee will be responsible for making recommendations to the full Board on critical safety and security decisions for OpenAI projects and operations, the company said. While we are proud to build and release models that are industry-leading on both capabilities and safety, we welcome a robust debate at this important moment. Its the sort of careful, vague corporate language you might expect from a company thats comprehensively dependent on one tech giant (Microsoft) and is closing in on a massive licensing deal with its competitor (Apple).

In other news, longtime AI doomsayer Elon Musk, who co-founded OpenAI but split with the firm and later (incoherently and perhaps disingenuously) sued it for abandoning its nonprofit mission in pursuit of profit, raised $6 billion for his unapologetically for-profit competitor xAI. His grave public warnings about superintelligence now take the form of occasional X posts about memes:

There are a few different ways to process this shift. If youre deeply worried about runaway AI, this is just a short horror story in which a superintelligence is manifesting itself right in front of our eyes, helped along by the few who both knew better and were in any sort of position to stop it, in some sort of short-sighted exchange for wealth. Whats happened so far is basically compatible with your broad prediction and well-articulated warnings that far predated the current AI boom: All it took for mankind to summon a vengeful machine god was the promise of ungodly sums of money.

Similarly, if you believe in and are excited about runaway AI, this is all basically great. The system is working, the singularity is effectively already here, and failed attempts to alter or slow AI development were, in fact, near misses with another sort of disaster (this perspective exists among at least a few people at OpenAI).

If youre more skeptical of AI-doomsday predictions, you might generously credit this shift to a gradual realization among industry leaders that current generative-AI technologynow receiving hundreds of billions of dollars of investment and deployed in the wild at scaleis not careening toward superintelligence, consciousness, or rogue malice. Theyre simply adjusting their story to fit the facts of what theyre seeing.

Or maybe, for at least some in the industry, apocalyptic stories were plausible in the abstract, compelling, attention-grabbing, and interesting to talk about, and turned out to be useful marketing devices. They were stories that dovetailed nicely with the concerns of some of the domain experts they needed to work at the companies, but which seemed like harmless and ultimately cautious intellectual exercises to domain experts who didnt share them (Altman, it should be noted, is an investor and executive, not a machine-learning engineer or AI researcher). Apocalyptic warnings were an incredible framing device for a class of companies that needed to raise enormous amounts of money to function, a clever and effective way to make an almost cartoonishly brazen proposal to investors  we are the best investment of all time, with infinite upside  in the disarming passive voice, as concerned observers with inside knowledge of an unstoppable trend and an ability to accept capital. Routine acknowledgments of abstract danger were also useful for feigning openness to theoretical regulation  help us help you avoid the end of the world!  while fighting material regulation in private. They raised the stakes to intoxicating heights.

As soon as AI companies made actual contact with users, clients, and the general public, though, this apocalyptic framing flipped into a liability. It suggested risk where risk wasnt immediately evident. In a world where millions of people engage casually with chatbots, where every piece of software suddenly contains an awkward AI assistant, and where Google is pumping AI content into search pages for hundreds of millions of users to see and occasionally laugh at, the AI apocalypse can, somewhat counterintuitively, feel a bit like a non sequitur. Encounters with modern chatbots and LLM-powered software might cause users to wonder about their jobs, or trigger a general sense of wonder or unease about the future; they do not, in their current state, seem to strike fear in users hearts. Mostly, theyre showing up as new features in old software used at work.

The AI industrys sudden disinterest in the end of the world might also be understood as an exaggerated version of corporate Americas broader turn away from talking about ESG and DEI: as profit-driven, sure, but also as evidence that initial commitments to mitigating harmful externalities were themselves disingenuous and profit motivated at the time, and simply outlived their usefulness as marketing stories. It signals a loss of narrative control. In 2022, OpenAI could frame the future however it wanted. In 2024, its dealing with external expectations about the present, from partners and investors that are less interested in speculating about the future of mankind, or conceptualizing intelligence, than they are getting returns on their considerable investments, preferably within the fiscal year.

Again, none of this is particularly comforting if you think that Altman and Musk were right to warn about ending the world, even by accident, even out of craven self-interest, or if youre concerned about the merely very bad externalities  the many small apocalypses  that AI deployment is already producing and is likely to produce.

But AIs sudden rhetorical downgrade might be clarifying, too, at least about the behaviors of the largest firms and their leaders. If OpenAI starts communicating more like a company, it will be less tempting to mistake it for something else, as it argues for the imminence of benign but barely less speculative variation of AGI, with its softer implication of infinite returns by way of semi-apocalyptic workplace automation. If its current leadership ever believed what they were saying, theyre certainly not acting like it, and in hindsight, they never really were. The apocalypse was just another pitch. Let it be a warning about the next one.
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I haven't even heard of the original and went to look it up. It's literally just Saw with a different name.

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Noo its different then Saw!

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Saw has some good one-liners/quotables whereas Hostel... 

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for me saw was way more original and actually fun (the first few movies, before they were so heavily focused on hoffman) where as i feel hostel is just eli roth seeing how much shit he can get away with.

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welcome to the era of torture porn

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If were comparing the first Saw film. No imo. The ending in Saw is one of the best twist horror endings ever. Hostel is not regarded as anything other than torture porn.

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my country wasn't very happy about the franchise with the pr it gave us

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You actually don't see much violence in the first Saw, it's more psychological and watching other people react. I can't speak for any of the sequels, though. Hostel was just a vile, pointless parade of gore.

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God dont remind me

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via GIPHY



meant that one lol



Edited at 2024-06-04 10:11 pm (UTC) meant that one lol

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I was just thinking if there would be a time when no one remembered this.

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i had to explain this to a friend recently. idek where she saw it referenced but asked me and i was just oh girl sit down for this cause it's A LOT lmfao.

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i was gonna say... i can't look at that man's face. ever.

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Don't need that in the memory

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Ew.



Reinvention makes me think hell play the final girl, like he gets snapped up during a post-divorce solo vacation.

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if by reinvention they mean torturing billionaires instead of dumb, unlucky tourists, I might be here for this.

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if that's the case i'll happily  it lol

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Monk 

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Eli Roth, vomitrocious.

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nobody wants this

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Why Paul 

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Lmaooooooo

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I think Hostel was one of the first movies for me that I had to start clarifying to people what I meant when I said I liked horror movies. I like horror, I dont like gore.

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yeah this is when i started figuring out what i do and do not like in horror. it was a rough time!

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Turkmenistan occupies a unique position in Central Asia as the lone state in the region enjoying a trade surplus with China. Nevertheless, Beijings diplomatic signals suggest that Turkmenistan isnt a high priority for Chinese diplomats.

According to a report published by the Turkmen government-connected website, Business Turkmenistan, first quarter trade turnover in 2024 between Ashgabat and China totaled almost $2.6 billion. Turkmenistan accounted for almost 92 percent of that figure, or $2.39 billion, via sales of natural gas to Beijing.

All other Central Asian states are running huge deficits in their bilateral trade with China. Meanwhile, the value of Chinese-Turkmen trade appears to dwarf that between Turkmenistan and Russia. In comments published by Azerbaijans Trend news agency, Russias envoy in Ashgabat, Ivan Volynkin, revealed that annual bilateral trade turnover in 2023 was just over $1.6 billion, far less than just the first quarter Turkmen-Chinese figures.

Despite Turkmenistans surplus, the country doesnt seem to receive due diplomatic respect from Beijing. For example, China sent a noticeably low-level delegation to Ashgabat in mid-May, headed by a Chinese parliamentary functionary, for a Turkmen state celebration marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of the nations national poet, Magtymguly Fragi. Despite the apparent snub, the Chinese delegation received red-carpet treatment from Turkmen leaders, including a meeting with President Serdar Berdymuhamedov.

In late May, Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, speaking at a governmental meeting, characterized China as a key strategic partner. Without delving into specifics, Meredov said relations with China are effectively developing in all spheres  political, commercial, cultural and humanitarian.

By Eurasianet.org

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Chinas sovereign wealth fund and a number of banks and hedge funds have boosted their presence in the Middle East, aiming to get a larger slice of the oil-wealth pie and raising concerns in the United States over closer cooperation between China and the U.S. allies in the Gulf region.

This year, several state-held Chinese banks, the Chinese $1.35-trillion sovereign wealth fund, and a number of asset managers from the worlds second-largest economy have established offices and businesses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other financial centers in the Middle East, where the revenues from oil are expected to be used in high-tech and AI sectors.

The Chinese financial institutions are set to compete with the established presence of the top Wall Street banks in the Middle East.

The countries in the Gulf, for their part, are looking at China for investments and are welcoming banks and asset managers with knowledge of the Chinese market.

Chinese Wealth Managers Seek Strategic Presence in the Middle East

This year alone, Infini Capital Management, a Hong Kong-based alternative investment firm, announced the opening of an Abu Dhabi office. Infini became the first Asian hedge fund to set up business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as it looks to tap into deepening ties between Asia and the Middle East, Emirates news agency WAM reported in March. Related: U.S. Shale Mergers Could Bring Steadier Oil Prices

We believe in the tremendous potential of the region as an alternative investment hub, said Tony Chin, founder, CEO and CIO of Infini Capital.

China Merchants Bank International launched operations in Dubais financial center in April, while Chinas sovereign wealth fund has partnered with Bahrains Investcorp to establish a $1 billion investment pot in the Middle East.

Investcorp and China Investment Corporation (CIC), one of the worlds largest sovereign wealth funds, launched Investcorp Golden Horizon in April to invest in high-growth companies across Saudi Arabia, the rest of the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China. The investment platform has a target size of $1 billion and will be anchored by reputable institutional and private investors from the GCC, as well as CIC.

During the past couple of years, we have built several bilateral funds with leading financial institutions to facilitate industrial cooperation between China and major economies in the world, said Bin Qi, Executive Vice President and Deputy CIO of CIC.

Currently we are working closely with Investcorp to build a similar bilateral fund to strengthen financial and industrial ties between China and GCC countries.

State-owned China International Capital Corp, which has also boosted its presence in the Middle East, hopes to attract funds from the Gulf to the Chinese economy.

We know that understanding China in a granular way is not easy to achieve without a presence in China or access to true China specialist institutions, Richad Soundardjee, regional managing director at CICC, told Bloomberg.

This has kept a number of investors in this region on the fence about adding China to their geographical mix, Soundardjee added.

China-Middle East Trade to Surge Beyond Energy

With closer investment ties, China and the Middle East are looking beyond oil and gas for their future relations.

UK-based banking giant HSBC, which has a huge presence in Asia, said last month that the AsiaMiddle East trade, investment, and travel corridor is set to thrive in the coming years.

Two-way investment, led by the China-Saudi Arabia and India-UAE corridors, could surge to $36 billion annually by 2035, said HSBCs Simon Williams, Chief CEEMEA Economist, and Frederic Neumann, Chief Asia Economist.

AsiaMiddle East trade in goods totaled $954 billion in 2022. Per HSBCs projections, this figure could surge to $1.9 trillion by 2035. For reference, US-China trade in 2022 only totaled around $750 billion.

In addition, Northeast Asian investors are increasingly pouring funds into the Middle East, with flows in the opposite direction also rising, HSBCs economists wrote.

The U.S. could find some China-Middle East investments particularly sensitive, especially in technology and AI, considering the fact that the U.S. has the UAE and Saudi Arabia as key defense partners in the Middle East region.

China-Middle East Energy Ties Grow Stronger

Even as China, and Asia as a whole, seek ties beyond energy imports from the Middle East, the worlds second-biggest economy is bolstering oil and gas ties with the major energy exporters in the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.

Saudi Arabia, while looking to diversify its economy away from oil, continues to bet big on China for its future oil sales and is ramping up its presence in the Chinese downstream sector.

Earlier this year, Saudi state oil giant Aramco proceeded with plans to boost its downstream presence in its most important export market, China, with discussions to buy a minority stake in a Chinese petrochemical company.

Aramco has entered into discussions with Hengli Group Co., Ltd. regarding the potential acquisition of a 10% stake in Hengli Petrochemical Co., subject to due diligence and required regulatory clearances. A preliminary agreement on the talks aligns with Aramcos strategy to expand its downstream presence in key high-value markets, advance its liquids-to-chemicals program, and secure long-term crude oil supply agreements, the Saudi oil giant said in April.

The potential deal would not be the first transaction in the petrochemicals sector for Aramco in China.

Last year, Saudi Aramco completed the purchase of a 10% stake in Rongsheng Petrochemical for the equivalent of $3.4 billion. Earlier in 2023, Aramco announced two major refinery and petrochemical deals in China, which not only give the worlds largest oil firm a share of the Chinese downstream market but also an additional export outlet for 690,000 bpd of Saudi crude in China.

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The U.S. battery storage sector has been growing rapidly since 2021, with storage capacity projected to increase by almost 90% by the end of 2024. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), developers are on track to expand U.S. battery capacity to more than 30 gigawatts (GW) by the end of 2024, surpassing those of petroleum liquids, geothermal, wood and wood waste, or landfill gas. To wit, Calpines California battery plant will bring online 620 MW in two phases this year starting in the summer, making it one of the worlds largest battery storage plants. However, as encouraging as these trends are for the clean energy sector, lithium-ion batteries still pale in comparison to a much older technology: Pumped Storage Hydropower or PSH. According to the Department of Energy, the U.S. is home to 43 PSH systems, accounting for 96% of the countrys utility-scale energy storage.

And now one little-known company is developing dry pumped hydro storage facilities comparable to PSH but using massive blocks instead of water. Westlake Village, California-based Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:NRGV) has just completed the worlds first GESS (Gravity Energy Storage System) facility near Shanghai. The facility is sited adjacent to a wind farm and has a 25 MW / 100 MWh capacity, meaning its capable of supplying 25 MW of electricity to the grid for 4 hours at a time. This maiden facility has been built using Energy Vaults EVx system which uses excess renewable energy to lift massive composite blocks then lower them when needed to spin generators to supply electricity to the grid. The company says its EVx design can achieve a respectable round-trip efficiency (RTE) of over 80%. According to Energy Vaults CEO Robert Piconi, the companys current systems can provide energy for about five to 10 cents a kilowatt-hour, considerably cheaper than lithium-ion batteries, which come in at about 13.5 cents, according to BloombergNEF. Piconi says that the company is aiming for a Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) lower than 5 cents per kWh. Related: Oil Prices Shed Over 3% As Market Digests OPEC+ Move

Instead of buildings being carbon emitters, think about a carbon payback, Piconi said.

And, more could be on the way. Last year, the company revealed that it has licensed six additional EVx gravity energy storage systems in China. These include a massive 2GWh facility in Inner Mongolia, with the other five ranging in capacity from 100 MWh to 660 MWhin the provinces of Hebei, Shanxi, Gansu, Jilin, and Xinjiang. Energy Vault could end up doing plenty of business in China thanks to Beijings mandate that all renewable energy facilities (i.e., solar and wind farms) must integrate 20% of the nameplate generation capacitys worth of storage. In contrast, in the U.S., only California has a comparable mandate that requires the state's three major power companies to have electricity storage capacity that can output 200 MW. California is projected to need 52,000 MW of energy storage capacity by 2045 to meet electricity demand.

Energy Vaults new storage system is garnering more attention. Last month, the company announced that it will deploy two battery energy storage systems totaling 400 MWh in Australia. Energy Vault revealed it will deploy both a 50 MW/100 MWh BESS and a 150 MW/300 MWh BESS at ACEN Australia's 720 MW New England Solar, one of the largest solar projects to participate in Australia's National Electricity Market. Construction on both projects is expected to begin in H2 2024, with commercial operations anticipated in 2025 and 2026.

Further, this esoteric energy storage concept could soon start making American buildings greener, too. Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill--an architecture firm that has designed some of the worlds tallest buildings--has developed a series of prototype designs using Energy Vaults EVx system that it hopes to incorporate into U.S. buildings. Whereas Energy Vaults Shanghai project is about 150 meters (490 feet) high, SOMs skyscraper batteries may be much higher, starting at 300 meters. SOM estimates that gravity-storage system could supply more than enough power to cover all operations for buildings 200 meters or taller, with some of the companys designs expected to see that payback in two to four years.

That said, only time will tell whether GESS will become an investable space in the future. Energy Vault has faced numerous hurdles since being incorporated in 2017, including being forced to fundamentally redesign its gravity system and also sell chemical battery storage systems to customers to stay afloat before its GESS products gain traction. Energy Vaults shares have tumbled more than 85% since it went public in 2022 in a deal with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), and it will be interesting to see whether its Chinese projects will offer a much-needed lifeline.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Occidental Petroleum has entered into a joint venture with Berkshire Hathaways BHE Renewables in a tie-up to extract and produce lithium compounds, Occidental said in a news release on Tuesday.

The merger isnt out of left field. Occidentals wholly-owned subsidiary TerraLithium has patented DLE technologies that can process any lithium-containing brine into a responsibly sourced supply of high-purity lithium, Oxy said. As for BHE, it operates 10 geothermal power plants in California that process 50,000 gallons of lithium-rich bring every minute, producing 345 MW of clean energy.

The JV has already started a project at BHE facilities in Californias Imperial Valley to demonstrate the feasibility of using the TerraLithium DLE technology to produce lithium in an environmentally safe manner.

This joint venture with TerraLithium represents a significant advancement in BHE Renewables commitment to pursuing commercial lithium production that is environmentally safe, commercially viable and leads to good outcomes for the Imperial Valley community, said Alicia Knapp, President and CEO of BHE Renewables. We are excited to be working with Occidental on this incredible opportunity to make the Imperial Valley a global leader in lithium production.

If all goes well, BHE has plans to build, own, and operate commercial lithium production facilities in Imperial Valley. It also plans to license the tech and eventually produce lithium beyond the borders of Imperial Valley.

By leveraging Occidentals expertise in managing and processing brine in our oil and gas and chemicals businesses, combined with BHE Renewables deep knowledge in geothermal operations, we are uniquely positioned to advance a more sustainable form of lithium production, said Richard Jackson, President, U.S. Onshore Resources and Carbon Management, Operations at Occidental. We look forward to working with BHE Renewables to demonstrate how DLE technology can produce a critical mineral that society needs to further net zero goals.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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The decline in personal computer sales may end as soon as next year as consumers will be enticed to upgrade their legacy Covid-era PCs. The introduction of PCs equipped with fancy new AI chips, capable of running as digital assistants in the background and faster computing power, could boost sales that have been sagging since the upgrade cycle boosted by remote workers during Covid peaked in late 2021.

On Sunday, comments from AI chip leader Nvidia, whose CEO, Jensen Huang, told the audience at the 2024 Taipei International Information Technology Show, better known as Computex, about exciting new deals with two PC makers, Asus and MSI, to include AI chips in desktops and laptops.

"Your future laptop will be constantly helping you in the background," Huang said, adding, "The PC will run apps that are enhanced by AI, from writing, photo editing, to digital humans that are AIs."

Asus and MSI did not provide timelines for when these new laptops will hit e-commerce websites or brick-and-mortar shelves of electronic retailers. But when they do, they're expected to unleash an AI PC upgrade wave, thus boosting sales for technology hardware stocks.

That's precisely what Goldman analysts believe in a recent note titled "The Next AI Trade: PC AI Upgrades."

Analysts led by GS' Faris Mourad believe the tech hardware industry, which peaked during the Covid upgrade cycle, is primed for another liftoff.

"During the pandemic, the tech hardware industry peaked as the majority of work-from-home employees purchased equipment. The space currently has fully unwind this cycle and we notice stocks like HPQ trading at 9x their 2025 earnings estimates.

"Most PCs purchased during the pandemic are expected to be replaced soon. We expect discernable new features of AI, enhanced security, and stronger computational power in upcoming PC and mobile device models, incentivizing the US consumer to spend more on newer equipment than historically, creating an unusually stronger cycle."

Mourad revealed that GS clients can capitalize on the AI PC upgrade cycle through the new PC & Mobile Device AI Upgrades basket (GSXUPCAI).

"The basket is composed of technology hardware stocks that may benefit from PC and mobile device renovations that could include AI features. The basket can trade up to $250m in one day with no name exceeding 10% of ADV," the analyst said.

GSXUPCAI is catching up to the AI Software & Hardware index (GSTMTAIP).

Valuations for this sector remain the lowest compared to NDX and AI software and hardware, but the gap is narrowing.

Here are the individual weightings of the new index:

This new theme builds on the previous notes "The Next AI Trade" and "The Next AI Trade... In Europe", which outline power grid upgrades will be needed to power AI.

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As global attention focused on the Georgian parliaments attempts to pass a controversial foreign agent law, the government made another move that could strain ties with the West when it announced that a Chinese consortium would build a strategic port on Georgias Black Sea coast.

The decision to make this announcement the day after the 'foreign agent' vote doesnt look to be an accident, Tinatin Khidasheli, the Georgian defense minister from 2015-16, told RFE/RL. Its been an open secret that the government has wanted to award this to the Chinese, but this choice of companies is very concerning, and the timing sends something of a message.

The move came one day after the ruling Georgian Dream partys May 28 override of a presidential veto that blocked the "foreign agent" bill.

The companies involved in the new port deal are all state-owned Chinese firms. While they have extensive global experience, theyve also courted international controversy and scandal, from fraud accusations in the Philippines to bribery in Bangladesh. Two companies in the consortium have also been banned from participating in World Bank-financed construction projects.

The selection of Chinese companies with a track record of corruption accusations could also further inflame the countrys ties with the West and reshape the so-called Middle Corridor, a global trade network that ships goods between Europe and Asia in which Georgia serves as a strategic node.

Anaklia is the crown jewel of the Middle Corridor, Romana Vlahutin, a distinguished fellow at the German Marshall Fund and former European Union ambassador-at-large for connectivity, told RFE/RL. If you have China building such a key point, then you are giving them the capacity and opportunity to control a very important route for trade between Europe and Asia.

Few details have emerged about the deal so far, but Georgian Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Levan Davitashvili said on May 29 that the China Communications Construction Company and Singapore-based China Harbor Investment were the only bidders in a tender to build and operate a deep-sea port in Anaklia, a Black Sea resort town of some 1,500 people. He added that two other Chinese companies -- China Road and Bridge Corporation and Qingdao Port International -- would serve as subcontractors for the project.

A deep-sea port in Georgia -- which would allow larger ships to transport increased volumes at a more efficient rate -- would raise the Middle Corridors prospects as an alternative trade route that bypasses Russia, but Chinas 49 percent stake in the project could also be a blow to Brussels strategy of looking to grow the corridor following Moscows 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This is not good news for the EU, and I think the fact that [China is now building] the port shows a lack of strategic thinking in Brussels, Vlahutin said.

Who Are The Companies?

During a recent press conference, Davitashvili said that over months of consultations, a Swiss-Luxembourg consortium led by Terminal Investment Limited Holding, which operates shipping ports across Europe and Asia, was also involved.

But the minister said that only the Chinese-state companies submitted a final proposal and that while some technical formalities must still be carried out, the application is complete [and] the relevant bank guarantees have been presented by the Chinese consortium.

Terminal Investment Limited Holding did not reply to RFE/RLs request for comment about why it didnt submit a final offer.

China Communications Construction Company, which headlines the Chinese proposal, is a key player in Chinese leader Xi Jinpings signature foreign policy project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China's ambassador to Georgia, Chou Qian, told journalists on May 30 that the company is one of the most famous and one of the strongest construction companies in the world and has carried out projects in more than 153 countries.

But the company has also faced scrutiny for how it has conducted business overseas, in areas ranging from Malaysia to Equatorial Guinea.

From 2011 to 2017, the World Bank banned the firm and its affiliates from participating in World Bank-funded construction projects due to a fraud scandal in a road project in the Philippines in 2009. China Communications Construction Company is also the legal successor of the China Road and Bridge Corporation, which will work as a subcontractor on the Anaklia port and was also banned by the World Bank for the same incident in the Philippines.

China Communications Construction Company also had a contract to build a port in Tanzania terminated in 2014 after allegations surfaced that Tanzanian officials had inflated project costs to accommodate the demands of the Chinese firm.

In 2020, the United States also sanctioned the company for its involvement in constructing artificial islands and promoting militarization in disputed parts of the South China Sea.

China Harbor Investment is based in Singapore and is the overseas investment arm of China Harbor Engineering Company, which is an engineering contractor and subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company.

China Harbor Engineering Company was ensnared in a high-profile corruption case in 2018 where the company was blacklisted by the Bangladeshi government for attempting to bribe a senior official over a large contract to expand a major highway.

A Strategic Port On The Black Sea

Reaction to the Georgian governments announcement about Anaklia has been limited, but a NATO official who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to speak freely raised concerns about Chinas role in the deal.

Its well known that China has long sought influence in major overseas infrastructure projects. The Black Sea remains an area of strategic importance to NATO, the official told RFE/RL.

A State Department spokesperson told RFE/RL that the United States respects countries' sovereign decisions regarding who they want to engage or do business with, but added that when doing business with Chinese entities that its important to [exercise] due diligence, understand the potential impacts on critical infrastructure and sovereignty, and ensure the economic relationship is fair, transparent, and benefits Georgia.

Georgia is no stranger to awarding high-profile infrastructure deals to Chinese firms.

In addition to the deep-sea port in Anaklia, Chinese companies are building infrastructure across the country, including a large section of highway through Georgias mountainous countryside, a project whose growing price tag is approaching $1 billion.

Looking more closely at Anaklia, the government will retain 51 percent ownership of the port project, with 49 percent going to the other partners.

This deal marks the second attempt to build a deep-sea port in Anaklia.

Previously, a consortium formed between Georgia's TBC Bank and the U.S.-based Conti International was canceled by the government in 2020 after years of political controversy that saw TBC co-founders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze facing money-laundering charges.

The pair were charged but released without jail terms, and Khazaradze has claimed the authorities were trying to sabotage the project. The contract for that deal was worth $2.5 billion.

Davitashvili said that more details would be unveiled in the coming days when he spoke to reporters. Khidasheli, the former defense minister who now chairs the Civic Initiative for Democratic and Euro-Atlantic Choice, a Tbilisi-based NGO, said she will be watching events closely.

To understand things deeper, we will need to see the actual contract, she said. Legally, the document is supposed to be made public, but you never know what will be made confidential by this government.

By RFE/RL

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Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are discussing the use of the Baku-Supsa pipeline to carry Kazakh crude, media reported, citing a statement by the Kazakh embassy in Baku.

"Currently, the parties are exploring the possibilities of further increasing volumes. Kazakhstan is also studying Azerbaijan's proposal to use the Baku-Supsa oil pipeline. Supplies in this direction will depend on commercial conditions," the embassy said, as quoted by Interfax.

Kazakhstan currently ships its crude via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline that terminates in Turkey. The oil comes on tankers across the Caspian Sea and gets loaded into the BTC pipeline in Baku. The shipments began last year and the total shipped stood at 2.057 million tons.

The Baku-Supsa pipeline, on the other hand, terminates in Georgia and so far has transported only Azeri crude from the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli offshore field in the Caspian Sea. The infrastructure is operated by BP.

Kazakhstan said earlier this year it planned to expand its crude oil production to make up for lower revenues resulting from lower benchmark prices. As part of these plans, the Kazakh government eyed boosting shipments via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline to 1.5 million tons.

Another 1.2 million tons of Kazakh oil have been approved for transit through Russia for this year as well, and there are shipments to China, too. Last year, Kazakhstan exported some 1.2 million tons of crude to China, per energy ministry data. Kazakhstans total oil exports last year came in at over 70 million tons, which was a 10% increase in 2022.

This year, Germany has emerged as a big buyer of Kazakh oil after it took over Rosnefts Schwedt refinery. Over the first four months of the year, Kazakhstan exported 420,000 tons of crude to Germany, using the Russian Druzhba pipeline. Last month, the deal between the Kazakh state oil and gas company, KazMunayGaz, and the Schwedt refinery was extended until the end of the year.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Sales of China-made electric cars in Europe went up by 23% over the first four months of the year despite efforts by EU authorities to set up barriers for these imports in a bid to protect local manufacturers.

Some 119,300 electric cars manufactured in China were registered in Western Europe, including the UK, between January and April this year, the Financial Times reported, citing data compiled by Schmidt Automotive Research. Over half of these, or 54%, were vehicles of Western European brands as well as Teslas and Japanese-brand EVs. The rest were Chinese EV brands.

[Carmakers] keep churning out vehicles from China as it gives the best opportunity to make a profit on an electrical vehicle at the moment, Matthias Schmidt, the founder of the firm, told the FT.

The surge in Chinese EV exports to Europe had local authorities worried about the competitiveness of local carmakers who have yet to figure out how to make their EVs both reliable and cheap.

To prevent any adverse effects from the Chinese imports, Brussels launched an investigation into the Chinese EV industry alleging unfair subsidies. That investigation led to a 19% decline in Chinese EV exports to the EU over the first two months of the year, data showed in March.

The findings of the investigation, which is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2024, will establish whether it is in the EU's interest to remedy the effects of the unfair trade practices found by imposing anti-subsidy duties on imports of battery electric vehicles from China, the European Commission said at the time.

In addition to the investigation, the EU is considering slapping a 20% tariff on Chinese EVs, which would cost China close to $4 billion in lost sales. However, it would also cost European EV buyers, the Kiel Institute for World Economy warned in late May. Currently, the import tariff on Chinese EVs is 10%.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Turkmenistan could soon begin exporting natural gas to Turkey and then Europe via the expanded Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline Project (TANAP), Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Tuesday.

Turkmenistan, rich in natural gas, has been vying for an export route of its gas to Europe, after Russian pipeline flows to the EU slumped in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Turkmenistan has been negotiating gas exports to Turkey and global markets through swap deals, with a focus on electricity supply to Afghanistan.

In March this year, Turkmenistan and Turkey reached an agreement for the transportation of Turkmen natural gas through Azerbaijan and Georgia to Turkey, and subsequently to the European market, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.

At a speech read out at an oil and gas industry event in Baku, Azerbaijan, Turkeys president Erdogan said, as carried by Anadolu Agency,

Our long-standing cooperation, crowned with infrastructure investments such as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipelines, and TANAP, has not only benefited Turkiye and Azerbaijan but has also made significant contributions to the energy security of the region and Europe.

The TANAP project is considered to be the most important section of the Gas Corridor linking to the South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP) and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). TANAP can claim to be the longest natural gas pipeline and to have the largest diameter in Turkey, the Middle East, and Europe, and was built to transport natural gas extracted in Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Region first to Turkey and then to Europe.

Earlier this year, Turkeys Energy Minister Bayraktar said that his country was set to receive up to 2 billion cubic meters of Turkmen gas in the initial stage under the memorandum of understanding signed in March.

Turkey is primarily interested in Turkmen gas because it has to diversify its sources of gas imports, analysts at the Poland-based Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) said in March.

For Ankara this is particularly important as the ability to procure gas from various suppliers, coupled with reducing its own gas consumption, would bring the country closer to its goal of establishing a hub for trading this resource.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Republicans in Michigans Congress have pushed back against Attorney General Dana Nessels plan to go after oil and gas companies for alleged climate damages.

The plan involves deputizing private law practices to act as agents of the Attorney Generals office and take up the actual litigation process.

The fossil fuel industry, despite knowing about these consequences [of using hydrocarbons], prioritized profits over people and the environment. Pursuing this litigation will allow us to recoup our costs and hold those responsible for jeopardizing Michigans economic future and way of life accountable, Dana Nessel said in May when she first announced the plan.

Its certainly a new strategy in Dana Nessels attempts to harass industries she doesnt like, to try to find private parties to go after other private parties that she doesnt hold in high regard, Michigan House Republican spokesman Jeremiah Ward told Michigan Public. Its political prosecution and shes just trying to recruit other people to help her do it.

The pushback against anti-oil litigation from Michigan Republicans comes on the heels of the news that Vermont will sue the industry for perceived climate change damages, too. Last week, the states legislature passed a bill that would demand compensation for climate damage from oil companies. Vermonts Republican Governor did not sign the law, which is bound to be appealed by the industry.

Taking on Big Oil should not be taken lightly. And with just $600,000 appropriated by the Legislature to complete an analysis that will need to withstand intense legal scrutiny from a well-funded defense, we are not positioning ourselves for success, Governor Phillip Scott said.

Im deeply concerned about both short- and long-term costs and outcomes. Just look at our unsuccessful nationally focused cases on GMOs, campaign finance, and pharmaceutical marketing practices. Im also fearful that if we fail in this legal challenge, it will set a precedent and hamper other states ability to recover damages.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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One of the largest trade unions in Nigerias oil and gas sector is ready to join the ongoing nationwide strike over minimum wage but is awaiting the outcome of a Tuesday meeting before ordering offshore oil workers off platforms, the head of the union told Reuters.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) said this weekend it would comply with the call of one of the countrys largest trade unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress, to join the indefinite nationwide strike.

In a notice on Saturday, NUPENG notified all its members and Branches in all Oil and Gas installations, operations and services including distribution and marketing of Petroleum products, that our great Union is fully committed to ensuring total compliance with the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

However, the union has not recalled yet workers from offshore oil rigs.

NUPENG is holding off on recalling members from offshore oil platforms until the meeting with government today, the unions president Williams Akporeha told Reuters on Tuesday.

The government and unions are in ongoing talks over the minimum wage after the largest trade unions in Nigeria shut down on Monday the countrys power grid.

The unions initiated the strike in response to the governments refusal to agree to their proposed minimum wage. They also demand that an electricity tariff hike for better-off consumers be reversed. The government hiked last month the tariff for consumers using more electricity as it seeks to reduce subsidies in the economy.

Nigerias foreign exchange and government revenues continue to be heavily dependent on energy exports.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and the national oil and gas firm NNPC have vowed to ramp up production of oil and gas to boost revenues for the country.

Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long plagued Nigerias upstream oil and gas industry, driving majors out of the country and often resulting in force majeure at the key crude oil export terminals.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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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.

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.

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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.



Originally published by The Christian Post
OPECs crude oil production rose by 145,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May compared to April, as Iraq continues to pump above its quota and boosted output alongside African producer Nigeria, the monthly Reuters survey showed on Tuesday.

OPEC produced a total of 26.63 million bpd in May, an increase of 145,000 bpd compared to April, according to the Reuters survey, which tracks supply to the market and is based on information provided by industry sources and shipping data.

Iraq, OPECs second-biggest producer behind Saudi Arabia, has been consistently pumping crude above its OPEC+ quota, and has also consistently promised it would compensate for said overproduction.

Last month, Iraq and non-OPEC producer Kazakhstan presented to OPEC plans that would ensure full compensation of overproduced volumes by the end of the year. Additionally, any excess production in April 2024 will be accommodated within the respective compensation frameworks throughout the remainder of the year.

Despite the pledges made in early May, Iraq raised its production by about 50,000 bpd last month, per the Reuters survey.

Nigeria also boosted its output by 50,000 bpd, as it looks to raise production after years of underperforming in the OPEC+ deal, which led to the OPEC+ group cutting its quota at the end of last year.

Overall, the nine OPEC members bound by the OPEC+ pact produced around 250,000 bpd more than their combined implied target in the deal, according to the Reuters survey. Iraq accounted for a large part of OPECs overproduction versus the implied quota.

The observed increase in OPECs oil production isnt contributing to any bullish sentiment at all, as one part of the market was largely left disappointed by the OPEC group's decisions this weekend, while the other part of market participants are fretting about slowing economies that could hit global oil demand.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Singapore is seeking proposals from companies to build and operate two new natural gas-fired power plants by the end of the decade as it looks to have more generation capacity to meet soaring electricity demand.

Singapores Energy Market Authority (EMA) launched on Tuesday a second Request for Proposal for new electricity generation capacity, inviting companies to build, own, and operate two new hydrogen-ready Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) generating units to be ready in 2029 and 2030 respectively. Each generating unit is expected to be at least 600 megawatts (MW) in generation capacity, EMA said.

The authoritys proposal comes on the heels of data that Singapores electricity demand has been steadily increasing over the years, driven largely by electricity-intensive sectors such as the advanced manufacturing, digital economy, and transport sectors.

Based on EMAs projections, Singapores power system peak demand is expected to grow by at least 3.7% over the next six years, reaching between 10.1 gigawatts (GW) and 11.8 GW by 2030.

As Singapores electricity demand continues to grow, it is crucial that we ensure we have sufficient generation capacity to power our homes, workplaces, and communities, said Ngiam Shih Chun, Chief Executive of EMA.

Last week, Singapore unveiled a Green Data Centre (DC) Roadmap that charts a sustainable pathway for the continued growth of data centers in the Asian country. The Roadmap aims to provide at least 300 MW of additional capacity in the near term, with much more through green energy deployments. The higher capacity is aimed at supporting Singapores ambitions for the digital economy, the authorities said.

Currently, Singapore has over 1.4 GW of data center capacity, and is home to more than 70 cloud, enterprise, and co-location data centers, which host cloud platforms, digital services, and higher-intensity workloads for AI.

Yet, the roadmap is unlikely to preserve Singapores leadership in data centers, considering that neighboring emerging markets are expecting over 2,500 MW of data center capacity in the near term, said BMI, a Fitch Solutions company.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Via Metal Miner

Steel manufacturing giant Liberty Steel recently signed a contract with Chinese engineering company CISDI, finalizing a feasibility study to build an electric arc furnace at the Dunaujvaros plant in Hungary. Steel production estimates state that the facility would have an annual crude capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes.

According to a May 16 announcement by the formers parent company, GFG Alliance, Liberty Steel executive chairman Sanjeev Gupta and CISDI chairman Xiao Peng signed the agreement on the new equipment in Shanghai.

The contract is essential for Liberty Dunaujvaros green steel transformation, which includes the installation of a modern EAF as well as the secondary metallurgy and hot strip mill upgrade required to allow the business to deliver high-value products for the automotive sector in Hungary, GFG noted in its statement.

Can a New Furnace Cut Emissions by 80%?

GFG Alliance also stated that the new furnace would cut carbon emissions from the site by up to 80%. The move comes as part of Libertys CN30 steel manufacturing plan, which would have the company producing carbon-neutral steel by 2030. A source within GFG Alliance declined to indicate a tentative start-up date and added that the feasibility study would help to determine a timeframe for the first pour. The study will also determine the projects cost, though the source declined to indicate from funding would be sourced.

However, one industry watcher expressed his skepticism over the plan. Such a study can cost anywhere from 500,000 up to 5 million, and the public effect is already self-sufficient, the source said, adding that it was irrelevant whether the sums were in euros or dollars. Plus, if they decide to eventually do something (i.e. they find money), then thats also useful, the source remarked.

Libertys UK operations have received up to 210 million ($267 million) of loss funding from its shareholder since October 2021, the company noted in March. So, the group cant be flush with funds, a second source told MetalMiner.

Dunaujvaros Steel Manufacturing Struggled in Recent Years

As GFG Alliance noted in its announcement, the studys goal is to define technical requirements for the planned EAF and investigate how it would interface with existing production lines, raw material supplies, and environmental impact. The Dunaujvaros plant, which is about 85 kilometers south of the Hungarian capital of Budapest, currently has two blast furnaces capable of producing about 1.4 million metric tons per year of pig iron. Meanwhile, two 135-ton basic oxygen furnaces at the site can produce about 1.6 million metric tons of crude steel annually.

The two blast furnaces went off-stream in early 2022 due to a loss of raw coke supplies from its Austrian provider as well as debts which, by then, exceeded Ft500 billion (almost $1.4 billion). This prompted a Budapest court to put the plan into liquidation in late 2022. One of the blast furnaces resumed operation in early 2023 after Liberty Steel started to provide coking coal.

However, financial viability issues reportedly prompted the plant to idle it in Q4 of that year. Changes like these in the global steel industry hold the potential to impact steel sourcing companies, so its important to learn what executive teams expect steel procurement managers to do in situations like these.

GFG Alliance Adapts to Demand

The source within GFG Alliance noted that the plant is now operating in campaigns, depending on end users requirements. However, they declined to give any further information. The companys website notes that a twin-stand vertical caster can produce 1.7 million metric tons of slab in 230mm gauge and in 860-1550mm widths, while Dunaujvaross hot rolling mill can produce hot rolled coil with a maximum width of 1,540mm and in 1.2-18mm gauges. Further downstream, Dunaujvaros can produce cold rolled coil in 0.4-2.5mm gauge and a 550-1,540mm width.

The Hungarian Plant Remains a Major Liberty Steel Acquisition

Liberty completed its acquisition of the Hungarian steelmaker, then called Dunaferr, in October 2023. London-headquartered Liberty offered 65 million ($70.5 million) for the plant, beating out several contenders, including Ukrainian group Metinvest, Indias Vulcan Steel, Swiss-based Trasteel Trading, and local company Trinec Property for the asset.

Ukrainian group Industrial Union of Donbass (ISD) originally acquired the plant in 2004. However, Russias VEB.RF, previously known as Vnesheconombank, ended its funding in about 2008 as a result of the global financial crisis at that time.

By Christopher Rivituso

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LINCOLN  Nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn challenged Republican incumbent Sen. Deb Fischer to four debates this year in their expected general election contest.

According to a campaign press release Tuesday, Osborn is hoping to have one debate with Fischer in each of Nebraskas three congressional districts, plus one debate at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island, a traditional debate spot for candidates.

Nebraskans deserve a conversation about the future of our state and nation. I look forward to vigorous and lively debates with Sen. Fischer, Osborn said in the press release.

Unlike other congressional races in Nebraska that pit Republican incumbents against Democratic challengers, Osborn is challenging Fischer as a nonpartisan candidate. In order to qualify for the ballot, Osborns campaign needs to collect at least 4,000 signatures from registered Nebraska voters by Sept. 1. Osborn has said he is confident he will meet that requirement.

Last month, Osborn announced he wouldnt accept endorsements from any party. The news prompted a pledge from Nebraska Democrats to propose a write-in candidate, but party officials have since softened on that promise.

Fischers campaign team did not respond to a request for comment about Osborns call for debates. Fischer did participate in debates during her two previous Senate campaigns in 2012 and 2018.

However, just two years ago, now-Gov. Jim Pillen refused to participate in multiple debates during the primary and general election cycle.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of May 2024
Russian authorities want an elderly archbishop to pay for the demolition of his own church building for repeated crimes after he criticized the invasion of Ukraine.

Officials charged the Rev. Viktor Pivovarov, 87-year-old leader of the Holy Intercession and Tikhon Church in Slavyansk-on-Kuban, in southern Krasnodar Region, with discrediting Russian armed forces after he labeled the invasion as satanic. His assistant, the Rev. Hieromonk Iona Sigida, suffered a beating by armed military figures in October.

Rights watchdog Forum 18 stated that the Slavyansk-na-Kubani city administration has filed a civil lawsuit against the archbishop, apparently in response to his stance against the invasion. Officials claim the independent Orthodox church built 25 years ago is an unauthorized structure and must be demolished at Pivovarovs own expense, according to Forum 18.

These allegations first surfaced in December, when authorities began a criminal investigation of Pivovarov over his anti-war stance. The Slavyansk Inter-District Investigative Department told the city administration that the church building was a public place where a crime has been repeatedly committed against the basis of the constitutional order and security of the Russian Federation.

The department also alleged the building did not comply with planning regulations, and that therefore the administration had to take measures to eliminate violations.

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The lawsuit claims that unauthorized structures on land plots are defined as not designated for these purposes in the manner established by law, or without receiving the necessary permissions, or with significant violations of town-planning and building norms and rules. Anyone constructing or allowing such a building has no ownership rights, and the structure must be demolished at the persons own expense.

A court hearing for the civil suit is scheduled at Slavyansk City Court in Krasnodar Region on June 18, following an initial hearing before Judge Natalya Kovalchuk on May 23.

Forum 18 quoted the city administration saying the church was a public place, with a large number of visitors, where a crime has been repeatedly committed against the basis of the constitutional order and security of the Russian Federation.

If the court concurs with the administrations suit, Pivovarov has 30 days to demolish the church structure after receiving written notice, not counting the outcome of any appeal allowed within one month.

The administration claims that holding any worship service within the building is misusing land intended only for individual residential construction.

Pivovarov has publicly accepted the risk of being killed or imprisoned for his public opposition to the invasion of Ukraine, saying it was cursed by both God and man. For lambasting Russias actions in the war he was ordered on April 8 to pay a fine of 150,000 Roubles ($1,679 USD) under Criminal Code Article 280.3, Part 1 (repeated discreditation of the Russian Armed Forces).

Forum 18s questions to Russian authorities about the beating of Iona remain unanswered. Questions to the Administration of Slavyansk Urban Settlement about the demand for Pivovarov to pay for the demolition of the church building also drew no response.

The parish church website published a notice on May 27 saying the building had been inspected many times with no claims made against us. Church leaders called the allegations ridiculous and godless.

It is clear that the reason for the decision to demolish our church is not formal violations, but only anger and revenge for the sermons and articles of Archbishop Viktor, for his confession of the truth of Christ, which they hate so much, the statement read.

The investigative department first alerted the administration to elimination of causes and conditions conducive to the commission of crimes on Dec. 20. Senior Investigator Aleksey Ishchenko of the Investigative Department told administration head Aleksandr Bersenev about the archbishop being criminally charged for discrediting Russian forces, according to Forum 18.

Ishchenko said alleged offenses by Pivovarov happened in a public place, namely, in the building of the Holy Intercession Tikhonite Church...foreseeing the inevitability of socially dangerous consequences in the form of destabilization of the socio-political situation, the exertion of influence on public opinion, the formation in society of a negative mood and disruption of trust in decisions taken by the Supreme Commander in Chief [and] state bodies of the Russian Federation.

The investigative committee further noted that the church building, rather than being an individual residential construction, is actually a public place, with a large number of visitors, where a crime has been repeatedly committed against the basis of the constitutional order and security of the Russian Federation.

This speaks of the improper execution of their professional obligations by employees of the department for municipal land control of the administration of Slavyansk-na-Kubani, the committee added.

The city administration obeyed the investigators directive to inspect the site for compliance and take immediate measures to eliminate violations and take disciplinary action against the perpetrators.

Two members of the administration inspected the church building on March 29. The parish church in its May 27 statement expressed concern that the inspections were secret, reporting, No one informed us of this or issued any warnings about violations or asked any questions.

Pivovarov owns a private, red brick, two-story house and land at 130 Yunykh Kommunarov St. He also owns a second building of white brick on the plot used for worship meetings, which has an Orthodox cross on the roof.

Church members funded the site, and the first worship service took place in January 2000. Forum 18 stated that the church is not a religious organization registered with Russian authorities.




Fidelity Bank, Ghana's largest privately-owned indigenous bank, held its virtual annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday, May 31, 2024, showcasing a year of remarkable recovery and record profits.



The meeting, streamed live from the Bank's Head Office, provided Shareholders with an opportunity to review the Bank's performance for the year ended December 31, 2023, and receive updates on strategic initiatives.



Strong Financial Performance



James Reynolds Baiden, Board Chairman of Fidelity Bank, addressed Shareholders, highlighting the Bank's resilience in a challenging economic climate. "Notwithstanding the macro-economic challenges, 2023 was a year of strong performance and significant recovery for Fidelity Bank, evident in our record revenues and profits," Mr. Baiden stated.



He announced a significant turnaround, with operating income rising 40% year-on-year, from GHS1.43 billion in 2022 to GH2.03 billion in 2023. Profitability also saw a dramatic shift, reversing a recorded loss of GH518 million in 2022 to a profit of GH1.17 billion in 2023. Mr. Baiden attributed this growth to the Bank's strong performance across all business segments including Retail Banking, Corporate and Institutional Banking, and Financial and Capital Markets.



Balance Sheet Expansion and Growth



Mr. Baiden reported that the Bank's Total Assets grew by 25% to reach GHS 17.22 billion at the end of 2023, driven by a 28% increase in Customer Deposits, which closed the year at GHS 12.65 billion.



The incremental funding enabled the Bank to grow its Loans and Advances Portfolio by 17% to GHS 3.21 billion, and its Investment Securities book by 28% to GHS 7.70 billion in 2023.



The Bank witnessed a notable 119% increase in Shareholder Funds, reaching GHS 1.44 billion at the end of the year. This growth followed a sharp decline to GHS 0.66 billion in 2022, attributable to the Bank's provisioning for expected credit losses occasioned by the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). The strong financial performance of the Bank improved its year-end Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), with regulatory reliefs, from 16.8% in 2022 to 20.9% in 2023, indicating that the Bank remains adequately capitalized. The Banks Balance Sheet performance places it as the 5th largest bank in Ghana by Total Assets.



Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability



Mr. Baiden emphasized Fidelity Bank's focus on innovation. "We continue to invest in technology-driven solutions to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction in this digital era," he said. "The Bank is also forging partnerships with FinTech (financial technology) firms and sustainable development organizations to align our strategies with emerging growth areas in financial services and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) propositions for greater value creation," Mr. Baiden added.



Supporting Local Businesses and Agriculture



The AGM also highlighted Fidelity Bank's commitment to supporting the Ghanaian economy. Julian Opuni, Managing Director, stated, "Fidelity Bank is committed to empowering local businesses and fostering economic growth. In 2023, we provided over GH2 billion in credit to businesses across key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, services, and commerce."



Recognizing the importance of agriculture, Mr. Opuni further stated, "Over 10% of our loan portfolio is dedicated to supporting agricultural businesses, from established enterprises to small-scale entrepreneurs. Leveraging partnerships with the major like-minded players in the agribusiness space such as Development Bank, Ghana and the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL), we extended credit combined with capacity-building services to agricultural entrepreneurs."



Looking ahead, Mr. Opuni announced plans to expand support for early-stage agribusinesses, particularly those led by female entrepreneurs. He highlighted the Mastercard BRIDGE-in Agriculture program, which aims to support 200,100 smallholder farmers, impacting over 280,000 women and youth, and creating over 20,000 new jobs in the next five years.



AGM Outcomes and Recognition



At the AGM, Shareholders of the Bank adopted the reports of the Directors, Auditors, and the Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Shareholders also passed a resolution to declare a final dividend per share of GHS 3.41 for the same period; ratified the appointment of a Non-Executive Director; re-elected three (3) Directors retiring by rotation; and authorized the Directors to fix the remuneration of the Auditors.



Additionally, the AGM showcased Fidelity Bank's achievements and numerous awards received throughout the year, including Best Bank for Financial Inclusion Ghana 2023, CSR Bank of the Year, Best Commercial Lending Firm Ghana 2023, and Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Ghana.



Fidelity Bank's strong 2023 performance positions the bank for continued growth and leadership in the Ghanaian financial sector. The bank's commitment to innovation, customer service, and supporting local businesses highlights its distinctive role as

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Reflecting on the success of the recent Personal Finance Workshop organized in collaboration with Bamboo at Quality Control Company (QCC) COCOBOD, Jacinth Consultancy Services expresses gratitude for the opportunity to empower individuals with essential financial knowledge and skills.



The workshop, which took place from May 20th to 24th, 2024, brought together employees from QCC COCOBOD to participate in a series of engaging sessions focused on personal finance management.



Led by industry experts and seasoned financial professionals, the workshop covered a wide range of topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and retirement planning.



"We are incredibly pleased with the positive feedback we've received from participants," said Akua Boatemah Danso, CEO of Jacinth Consultancy Services.



"The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for individuals to enhance their financial literacy and make informed decisions about their financial futures."



Throughout the week-long workshop, participants actively engaged in discussions, practical exercises, and hands-on activities designed to reinforce key concepts and strategies for financial success. Many expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of Jacinth Consultancy Services and Bamboo in organizing the workshop and providing valuable resources for their financial education.



"We are proud to have been part of this initiative to promote financial literacy," remarked a spokesperson from Bamboo Investments.



"At Bamboo, we recognize the importance of equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to achieve financial wellness, and we are committed to supporting initiatives that advance this cause."



As the workshop concludes, Jacinth Consultancy Services and Bamboo look forward to building on this success and continuing their efforts to promote financial literacy and empowerment across Ghana. Plans are already underway for future workshops and initiatives aimed at reaching even more individuals and communities with essential financial education.



Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events and opportunities to join us in our mission to promote financial literacy and empowerment nationwide.









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On Tuesday 4th June 2024, Lawyer Ralph Poku-Adusei, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Bekwai, joined forces with Kwaku Keith Baffour, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bekwai to perform a momentous educational ceremony at Kwamang/Abesewa.



The two prominent figures commissioned a state-of-the-art 3-unit JHS classroom block with ancillary facilities in Kwamang/Abesewa.



The new classroom block is poised to make a significant impact on the educational outcomes of students in the community, setting them on a path towards a brighter future.



This new infrastructure aims to provide a conducive learning environment for students in the area.



The commissioning brought together a host of stakeholders, including Nananom, Heads of Department from the Municipal Assembly, Assembly members, teachers, students, and community leaders.



It was a pioneering occasion that showcased the community's dedication to education and its future.



The ceremony was filled with celebration and excitement as the new infrastructure symbolized a significant step towards improving the learning environment for students in the community.



The project further highlighted the government's dedication to enhancing the quality of education in the area.



Lawyer Ralph Poku-Adusei, renowned for his philanthropic work in the education sector, expressed his joy at being involved in such a meaningful project.



He stressed the importance of quality education and urged the students to take full advantage of the new facility.



The MCE, on his part emphasized the government's commitment to prioritizing education and ensuring that students have access to comfortable learning spaces.



He called on the community to show their support for the teachers and staff who work tirelessly to provide a high standard of education.



In addition to the commissioning of the new classroom block, the event also served as a platform to raise awareness about the ongoing activities of the Electoral Commission.



The dignitaries encouraged the community to participate in the Voter Registration, Voter Transfer, and Replacement of Voter ID cards, emphasizing the importance of voting for the NPP PC and Flagbearer in the upcoming December 7th general elections.



Overall, the event day recorded a resounding success, demonstrating the power of collaboration and dedication to improving education in Bekwai.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Stanbic Bank Ghana has led a dialogue on the significance of mental health support for entrepreneurs through an X Space discussion themed "Mind Matters: Nurturing Mental Health in Entrepreneurship."



The discussion aimed to offer guidance on recognizing and addressing mental health challenges among entrepreneurs.



Hosted by Casandra Dapaah, Manager of Oil and Gas - Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana, the event highlighted the bank's holistic commitment to bolstering entrepreneurship and growth. She mentioned, "While we provide substantial support to SMEs, mental health remains an overlooked area."



Dr. Yennusom Maalug, a Specialist Psychiatrist affiliated with the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GPS), contributed to the discussion by sharing practical strategies to empower entrepreneurs in managing their mental well-being.



Dr. Maalug addressed the stigma surrounding mental health and advocated for its normalization through awareness campaigns, workplace discussions, media portrayal, and individual engagement.



Highlighting preventive measures, Dr. Maalug stressed the need for early intervention to mitigate the impact on various life domains. He advised, Entrepreneurs need to seek assistance promptly and engage in self-care practices like physical activities, adequate sleep, setting boundaries, and mindfulness.



The conversation forms part of Stanbic Banks SB Incubator X Space discussion aimed at having open conversations with industry players and thought leaders to empower entrepreneurs across the country.



















Source: Peacefmonline.com









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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]









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Nigerias trade unions have suspended a general strike by workers that has brought economic activity to a halt this week.



The decision comes after the government promised to increase the national minimum wage to at least 60,000 naira ($40, 32) a month.



This falls below the $330 that unions have been demanding but is double the current monthly wage.



The strike began on Monday and led to the shutdown of the country's power grid, leaving millions without electricity.

Government and union representatives say they will now meet every day for a week for further negotiations.



A civil servant in the northern city of Kano told the BBC he was disappointed by the offer, and wanted at least 100,000 naira ($67) a month.



"Even 100,000 naira wont be enough as prices in the market have gone up but it will be better than what we have now, said Shittu Lawal, who works in the information ministry in Kano.



"I spend 500 naira to get to work every day which is not easy, we will return to work now and continue to push for more," he added.



Early on Monday, the country was plunged into darkness shortly after 02:00 local time (01:00 GMT) when union members prevented operators at the country's power control rooms from working and closed electricity substations.



Many flights were also cancelled in the country's busiest airport in Lagos, and in the capital, Abuja, with passengers left stranded.



Schools, offices and hospitals across the country have also been closed.



This strike is the fourth since President Bola Tinubu came to power a year ago.

Source: BBC









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Two Ghanaian fishermen are still missing after a fishing boat capsized at sea near Ada in the Greater Accra Region, DGN Online can report.



The boat, named Seafearer, owned by the Obuorwe Company, left Tema on Wednesday with ten sailors on board, including two Chinese nationals.



They had been fishing around We, waters in the Volta Region.



Around 7pm on Thursday, the boat encountered turbulence on its return journey towards Tema. One of the sailors attempted to relieve the Chinese captain, who was reportedly speeding excessively.



However, the captain declined, and the boat sustained a perforation beneath.



The Chinese captain continued to speed towards Tema, ignoring the need to seek safety at nearby coastal communities.



The sailors attempted to pump out water from the boat but were eventually overwhelmed and the vessel submerged around Kablevu waters in the Ada West District at around midnight.



Six of the sailors, including the two Chinese, managed to swim ashore with the aid of wooden slaps. They were found by local fishermen at around 5:20 am and brought to Goi. The Goi Chief Fisherman, Nene Joseph Tetteh Agamah lV, appealed to his colleagues and all fishers to help locate the two missing fishermen.



The names of the missing fishermen are yet to be disclosed.



Staff members of the Anyamam Zone of Ada West NADMO have taken detailed accounts of the incident.



The Ada West District Commander of Police, Superintendent Daniel Yaro, arranged with the Tema Regional Police Command to assist in the safe return of the rescued sailors to Tema.



However, the two Chinese nationals left soon after the rescue without informing the police.



Search and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate the two missing fishermen.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









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FEMTECH Africa Foundation in collaboration with Digital Transformation Hub in partnership with the Telecommunication Union has organized a days activity to launch 'The Girls in ICT and Impact Project 2024'.



This years event themed "Leadership", took place on Saturday, 1st June, 2024, at the Kofi Annan ICT Auditorium, Accra. It aimed to expand public awareness on the value of digital technology and problem-solving skills among young girls and how developing such skill sets can benefit these young ones develop a career in ICT.



Again, the event was seeking to unearth the opportunities in E-jobs, especially for girls in ICT and how they can harness their talents and abilities to become entrepreneurial in creating jobs for themselves and others and how it impacts society.



The event was also meant to empower young girls with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the digital age. The organizers believe that each of the young girls has the potential to be a leader in the tech world, and that is why the project was occasioned to support them every step of the way.



FEMTECH Africa Foundation programme provided training and mentorship for 300 girls in ICT, E-Sports, STEM, AI and Robotics. This was achieved through series of workshops, mentorships and inter-school competitions to engage these young girls from the selected 2nd cycle schools across three regions, namely, Greater Accra, Volta, and Oti regions respectively.



The facilitators covered topics on Leadership in the digital Era, believing that giving young girls the chance to know and learn about STEM, ICT, E-sports, and Robotics, will inspire and motivate young girls in Ghana to pursue studies and careers in various science disciplines and also to close the gender digital gap.



H.E. Amb Dr. Rejoice W. Foli, CEO of FEMTECH Africa Foundation in her speech encouraged the student participants to consistently upgrade their skill

themselves, focusing on impact and value addition. She admonished them "to grow through learning and set targets that are SMART, based on your skills and capabilities", emphasised Dr. Foli.



She inspired the girls to move out of their comfort and fear zones and upskill their knowledge base to be able to venture into other emerging areas of ICT with a sustainability mindset. She adds, "Digital Transformation and Agility is an individual responsibility", she stated, encouraging the students to do more to guarantee their survival in the competitive and fast growing AI and Technology climate.



"Have a vision and purpose, take up challenges and look for opportunities that will make you problem-solving oriented for global value and impact", she noted.

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